bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing dietary choline attenuates spatial memory deficits resulting from exposure to the chemotherapeutic agents cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin
Authors: Johns Bethany E , Ficken Melissa , Engberg Melanie E , Wecker Lynn , Philpot Rex M 
Published: July 2021

Background: Choline supplementation (+Ch) improves cognitive function in impaired animals and humans. Chemotherapy-related cognitive deficits (CRCDs) occur in cancer patients, and these deficits persist following treatment, adversely impacting quality of life. To date, there are no approved treatments for this condition. Aim: Because +Ch improves impaired memory, it was of interest to determine whether +Ch can attenuate spatial memory deficits induced by the chemotherapeutic agents doxorubicin (DOX) and cyclophosphamide (CYP). Methods: Female BALB/C mice, 64 days of age, were trained in the Morris water maze and baseline performance determined on day 15. Following baseline assessment, mice were placed on +Ch diet (2.0% Ch) or remained on standard diet (0.12% Ch). Mice received intravenous injections of DOX (2.5 mg/kg) and CYP (25 mg/kg), or equivalent volumes of saline (0.9% NaCl), on days 16, 23, 30, and 37, and spatial memory was assessed weekly from day 22 to 71. Results: DOX and CYP produced a prolonged impairment in spatial memory as indicated by an increased latency to the correct zone ( p < 0.05), and a decrease in time in the correct zone ( p < 0.05), % of total swim distance in the correct zone ( p < 0.05) and % entries to the correct zone ( p < 0.05). These effects were attenuated by +Ch. Conclusion: Although it remains to be determined whether this effect extends to other cognitive domains and whether +Ch is prophylactic or therapeutic, these findings suggest that +Ch may be an effective intervention for CRCDs.
Evaluation of various nephrometric scoring system for nephrolithiasis to predict stone free status after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A comparative study
Authors: Chatterjee Souvik , Abhishek Anand , Samanta Kaniska , Ghosh Anupama , Mandal Soumendra Nath , Karmakar Dilip 
Published: July 2021

Background: The CROES Nephrolithometry nomogram, S.T.O.N.E. Nephrolithometry Score and Guy’s stone score were introduced for stratification of kidney stones disease on the basis of quantitative stone burden and its distribution. Till date there has been very limited data on head to head comparison of the existing scoring systems. Comparison and analyses among the scoring system helps in further refinement of these systems along with development of new more effective and broadly acceptable nomogram. Objective: Predictability of the stone-free status (SFS) and post-operative complication after PCNL by various scoring systems (The CROES nomogram, S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry score and Guy’s stone score). Materials and Methods: Total 100 adult patients underwent PCNL after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients underwent Preoperative NCCT scan, investigations of blood (Hb%, PCV, bleeding and coagulation profile, urea, and creatinine), and urine (RE/ME and C/S), Postoperative X ray KUB/NCCT. Results: ROC curves were developed for each scoring system to determine the accuracy to predict stone free status. We found CS had significantly higher AUC than other scoring systems [ p-value for CS vs GSS = 0.0091 & CS vs SS = 0.000]. So CS has higher accuracy to predict stone free status. None of the scoring system had shown significantly higher AUC than other scoring system in predicting complication. Conclusion: CROES Nephrolithometry nomogram is most accurate to predict preoperative stone-free rate. All scoring systems can equally predict perioperative complications and other variables.
Impact of legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying on the Use of Palliative Sedation in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Nolen Amy , Olwi Rawaa , Debbie Selby 
Published: July 2021

Background: Patients approaching end of life may experience intractable symptoms managed with palliative sedation. The legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Canada in 2016 offers a new option for relief of intolerable suffering, and there is limited evidence examining how the use of palliative sedation has evolved with the introduction of MAiD. Objectives: To compare rates of palliative sedation at a tertiary care hospital before and after the legalization of MAiD. Methods: This study is a retrospective chart analysis of all deaths of patients followed by the palliative care consult team in acute care, or admitted to the palliative care unit. We compared the use of palliative sedation during 1-year periods before and after the legalization of MAiD, and screened charts for MAiD requests during the second time period. Results: 4.7% (n = 25) of patients who died in the palliative care unit pre-legalization of MAiD received palliative sedation compared to 14.6% (n = 82) post-MAiD, with no change in acute care. Post-MAiD, 4.1% of deaths were medically-assisted deaths in the palliative care unit (n = 23) and acute care (n = 14). For patients who requested MAiD but instead received palliative sedation, the primary reason was loss of decisional capacity to consent for MAiD. Conclusion: We believe that the mainstream presence of MAiD has resulted in an increased recognition of MAiD and palliative sedation as distinct entities, and rates of palliative sedation increased post-MAiD due to greater awareness about patient choice and increased comfort with end-of-life options.
18F-FDG PET/CT Parameters for Predicting Prognosis in Esophageal Cancer Patients Treated With Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Lee Seokmo , Choi Yunseon , Park Geumju , Jo Sunmi , Lee Sun Seong , Park Jisun , Shim Hye-Kyung 
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims: This study evaluated the prognostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with integrated computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) performed before and after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in esophageal cancer. Methods: We analyzed the prognosis of 50 non-metastatic squamous cell esophageal cancer (T1-4N0-2) patients who underwent CCRT with curative intent at Inje University Busan Paik Hospital and Haeundae Paik Hospital from 2009 to 2019. Median total radiation dose was 54 Gy (range 34-66 Gy). Our aim was to investigate the relationship between PET/CT values and prognosis. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: The median follow-up period was 9.9 months (range 1.7-85.7). Median baseline maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) was 14.2 (range 3.2-27.7). After treatment, 29 patients (58%) showed disease progression. The 3-year PFS and overall survival (OS) were 24.2% and 54.5%, respectively. PFS was significantly lower ( P = 0.015) when SUVmax of initial PET/CT exceeded 10 (n = 22). However, OS did not reach a significant difference based on maximum SUV ( P = 0.282). Small metabolic tumor volume (≤14.1) was related with good PFS ( P = 0.002) and OS ( P = 0.001). Small total lesion of glycolysis (≤107.3) also had a significant good prognostic effect on PFS ( P = 0.009) and OS ( P = 0.025). In a subgroup analysis of 18 patients with follow-up PET/CT, the patients with SUV max ≤3.5 in follow-up PET/CT showed longer PFS ( P = 0.028) than those with a maximum SUV >3.5. Conclusion: Maximum SUV of PET/CT is useful in predicting prognosis of esophageal cancer patients treated with CCRT. Efforts to find more effective treatments for patients at high risk of progression are still warranted.
Lifestyle factors and prostate-specific antigen
Authors: Wignall Daniel , Gkentzis Agapios 
Published: July 2021

Background: Increasing prostate cancer awareness has meant that more men are seeking out prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing than ever before. Prostate cancer is now the most common malignancy in men, affecting one in eight. This article addresses lifestyle factors that may elevate PSA readings. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using Medline for studies examining the association of PSA and lifestyle factors, including exercise, diet, sexual function as well as medication use. Further resources were identified from the reference list of retrieved articles. Results: Minimal level 1 evidence on the association of PSA with lifestyle factors was identified. Weak and generally inconsistent evidence was found on the effect of cycling and sexual activity. Diabetes and obesity did have inversely proportional effects on PSA values in large cohort studies. There was no evidence for an independent effect of different types of food to PSA. With regard to medications, the greatest impact is from 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and these are used as a hair-loss treatment. Statins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and thiazide diuretics can also have a clinically significant impact on PSA levels but unlikely to alter management. Discussion: For a small group of patients, cautious counselling on the factors summarised here before they have their blood tests may prevent undue stress and anxiety, particularly in those with borderline PSA results. Due to the inconsistency of results and lack of level 1a evidence, if there is reasonable suspicion for prostate cancer, a patient should still always be referred to a specialist. Level of evidence: Level 4.
High-Performance Anodic Vulcanization-Pretreated Gated P+–π–M–N+ InAs/GaSb Superlattice Long-Wavelength Infrared Detector
Authors: Sun Ju , Li Nong , Jia Qing-Xuan , Zhang Xuan , Jiang Dong-Wei , Wang Guo-Wei , Niu Zhi-Chuan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe InAs/GaSb superlattice infrared detector has been developed with tremendous effort. However, the performance of it, especially long-wavelength infrared detectors (LWIR), is still limited by the electrical performance and optical quantum efficiency (QE). Forcing the active region to be p-type through proper doping can highly improve QE, and the gating technique can be employed to greatly enhance electrical performance. However, the saturation bias voltage is too high. Reducing the saturation bias voltage has broad prospects for the future application of gate voltage control devices. In this paper, we report that the gated P+–π–M–N+ InAs/GaSb superlattice long-wavelength infrared detectors exhibit different π region doping levels that have a reduced minimum saturation bias at − 10 V with a 200-nm SiO2 layer after a simple and effective anodic vulcanization pretreatment. The saturation gate bias voltage is much lower than − 40 V that reported with the same thickness of a 200-nm SiO2 passivation layer and similar structure. The optical and electrical characterization indicates that the electrical and optical performance of the device would be weakened by excessive doping concentration. At 77 K, the 50% cutoff wavelength of the device is about 8 µm, the 100% cutoff wavelength is 10 µm, the maximum quantum efficiency is 62.4%, the maximum of responsivity is 2.26 A/W at 5 µm, and the maximum RA of the device is 1259.4 Ω cm2. Besides, the specific detectivity of Be 780 °C-doped detector without gate electrode exhibits a peak of 5.6 × 1010 cm Hz1/2/W at 5 µm with a 70-mv reverse bias voltage, which is more than three times that of Be 820 °C-doped detector. Moreover, the peak specific detectivity could be further increased to 1.3 × 1011 cm Hz1/2/W at 5 µm with a 10-mv reserve bias voltage that has the bias of − 10 V at the gate electrode.
Using carrot centromeric repeats to study karyotype relationships in the genus Daucus (Apiaceae)
Authors: Kadluczka Dariusz , Grzebelus Ewa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn the course of evolution, chromosomes undergo evolutionary changes; thus, karyotypes may differ considerably among groups of organisms, even within closely related taxa. The genusDaucusseems to be a promising model for exploring the dynamics of karyotype evolution. It comprises some 40 wild species and the cultivated carrot, a crop of great economic significance. However,Daucusspecies are very diverse morphologically and genetically, and despite extensive research, the taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships between them have still not been fully resolved. Although several molecular cytogenetic studies have been conducted to investigate the chromosomal structure and karyotype evolution of carrot and otherDaucusspecies, detailed karyomorphological research has been limited to carrot and only a few wild species. Therefore, to better understand the karyotype relationships withinDaucus, we (1) explored the chromosomal distribution of carrot centromeric repeats (CentDc) in 34 accessions ofDaucusand related species by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and (2) performed detailed karyomorphological analysis in 16 of them.ResultsWe determined the genomic organization of CentDc in 26 accessions ofDaucus(belonging to bothDaucusI and II subclades) and one accession of closely related species. The CentDc repeats were present in the centromeric regions of all chromosomes of 20 accessions (representing 11 taxa). In the otherDaucustaxa, the number of chromosome pairs with CentDc signals varied depending on the species, yet their centromeric localization was conserved. In addition, precise chromosome measurements performed in 16 accessions showed the inter- and intraspecific karyological relationships among them.ConclusionsThe presence of the CentDc repeats in the genomes of taxa belonging to bothDaucussubclades and one outgroup species indicated the ancestral status of the repeat. The results of our study provide useful information for further evolutionary, cytotaxonomic, and phylogenetic research on the genusDaucusand may contribute to a better understanding of the dynamic evolution of centromeric satellites in plants.
Optimisation of sample storage and DNA extraction for human gut microbiota studies​
Authors: Kazantseva Jekaterina , Malv Esther , Kaleda Aleksei , Kallastu Aili , Meikas Anne 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
New developments in next-generation sequencing technologies and massive data received from this approach open wide prospects for personalised medicine and nutrition studies. Metagenomic analysis of the gut microbiota is paramount for the characterization of human health and wellbeing. Despite the intensive research, there is a huge gap and inconsistency between different studies due to the non-standardised and biased pipeline. Methodical and systemic understanding of every stage in the process is necessary to overcome all bottlenecks and grey zones of gut microbiota studies, where all details and interactions between processes are important.

Results
Here we show that an inexpensive, but reliable iSeq 100 platform is an excellent tool to perform the analysis of the human gut microbiota by amplicon sequencing of the 16 S rRNA gene. Two commercial DNA extraction kits and different starting materials performed similarly regarding the taxonomic distribution of identified bacteria. DNA/RNA Shield reagent proved to be a reliable solution for stool samples collection, preservation, and storage, as the storage of faecal material in DNA/RNA Shield for three weeks at different temperatures and thawing cycles had a low impact on the bacterial distribution.

Conclusions
Altogether, a thoroughly elaborated pipeline with close attention to details ensures high reproducibility with significant biological but not technical variations.
Cytotype distribution and chloroplast phylogeography of the Actinidia chinensis complex
Authors: Wang Zhi , Zhong Caihong , Li Dawei , Yan Chunlin , Yao Xiaohong , Li Zuozhou 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundPlant phylogeographic studies of species in subtropical China have mainly focused on rare and endangered species, whereas few studies have been conducted on taxa with relatively wide distribution, especially polyploid species. We investigated the cytotype and haplotype distribution pattern of theActinidia chinensiscomplex, a widespread geographically woody liana with variable ploidy in subtropical China comprising two varieties, with three chloroplast fragments DNA (ndhF-rpl132,rps16-trnQ andtrnE-trnT). Macroevolutionary, microevolutionary and niche modeling tools were also combined to disentangle the origin and the demographic history of the species or cytotypes.ResultsThe ploidy levels of 3338 individuals from 128 populations sampled throughout the species distribution range were estimated with flow cytometry. The widespread cytotypes were diploids followed by tetraploids and hexaploids, whereas triploids and octoploids occurred in a few populations. Thirty-one chloroplast haplotypes were detected. The genetic diversity and genetic structure were found to be high between varieties (or ploidy races)chinensisanddeliciosa. Our results revealed that these two varieties inhabit significantly different climatic niche spaces. Ecological niche models (ENMs) indicate that all varieties’ ranges contracted during the Last Inter Glacial (LIG), and expanded eastward or northward during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).ConclusionsPliocene and Plio-Pleistocene climatic fluctuations and vicariance appear to have played key roles in shaping current population structure and historical demography in theA. chinensiscomplex. The polyploidization process also appears to have played an important role in the historical demography of the complex through improving their adaptability to environmental changes.
High-fat diet attenuates the improvement of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in mice during reoxygenation
Authors: Sugimoto Koichi , Yokokawa Tetsuro , Misaka Tomofumi , Kaneshiro Takashi , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Nakazato Kazuhiko , Takeishi Yasuchika 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundIt is widely recognized that metabolic disorder is associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH). It is known that hypoxia-induced elevated pulmonary artery pressure in mice returns to normal pressure during reoxygenation. However, it is still unclear how metabolic disorder affects the reverse remodeling of pulmonary arteries. In this study, we investigated the effects of high-fat diet (HFD) on the decrease in pulmonary artery pressure and reverse remodeling of pulmonary arteries in mice with hypoxia-induced PH.MethodsWe used female C57BL/6 mice aged 8 weeks. After being exposed to hypoxia (10% oxygen for four weeks) to induce PH, the mice were returned to normoxic conditions and randomized into a normal diet (ND) group and HFD group. Both groups were fed with their respective diets for 12 weeks.ResultsThe Fulton index and right ventricular systolic pressure measured by a micro-manometer catheter were significantly higher in the HFD group than in the ND group at 12 weeks after reoxygenation. The medial smooth muscle area was larger in the HFD group. Caspase-3 activity in the lung tissue of the HFD group was decreased, and the apoptosis of pulmonary smooth muscle cells was suppressed after reoxygenation. Moreover, the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and apelin were lower in the HFD group than in the ND group.ConclusionsThe results suggest that metabolic disorder may suppress pulmonary artery reverse remodeling in mice with hypoxia-induced PH during reoxygenation.
Factors associated to functioning and health in relation to home rehabilitation in Sweden: a non-randomized pre-post intervention study
Authors: Johansson Anette , Ernsth Bravell Marie , Fransson Eleonor I. , Fristedt Sofi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Home rehabilitation is a growing rehabilitation service in many countries, but scientific knowledge of its components and outcomes is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate; 1) which changes in functioning and self-rated health could be identified in relation to a home rehabilitation program in a population of community-dwelling citizens, and 2) how socio-demographic factors, health conditions and home rehabilitation interventions were associated to change in functioning and self-rated health after the home rehabilitation program.

Method
The sample consisted of participants in a municipal home rehabilitation project in Sweden and consisted of 165 community-dwelling citizens. General Linear Models (ANOVA repeated measures) was used for identifying changes in rehabilitation outcomes. Logistic regressions analysis was used to investigate associations between rehabilitation outcomes and potential factors associated to outcome.

Result
Overall improvements in functioning and self-rated health were found after the home rehabilitation program. Higher frequencies of training sessions with occupational therapists, length of home rehabilitation, and orthopaedic conditions of upper extremities and spine as the main health condition, were associated with rehabilitation outcomes.

Conclusion
The result indicates that the duration of home rehabilitation interventions and intensity of occupational therapy, as well as the main medical condition may have an impact on the outcomes of home rehabilitation and needs to be considered when planning such programs. However, more research is needed to guide practice and policymaking.
Disseminated nontuberculous mycobacteriosis and fungemia after second delivery in a patient with MonoMAC syndrome/GATA2 mutation: a case report
Authors: Haraguchi Mizuki , Harada Norihiro , Watanabe Junko , Yoshikawa Hitomi , Shirai Yukina , Komura Moegi , Koyama Mika , Ito Jun , Tsukune Yutaka , Horimoto Yoshiya , Hayashi Takuo , Nagaoka Tetsutaro , Uekusa Toshimasa , Takahashi Kazuhisa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundHeterozygous mutations in the transcription factor GATA2 result in a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes, including monocytopenia andMycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC) infection (MonoMAC) syndrome. Patients with MonoMAC syndrome typically are infected by disseminated nontuberculous mycobacteria, fungi, and human papillomavirus, exhibit pulmonary alveolar proteinosis during late adolescence or early adulthood, and manifest with decreased content of dendritic cells (DCs), monocytes, and B and natural killer (NK) cells.Case presentationA 39-year-old woman was diagnosed with MonoMAC syndrome postmortem. Although she was followed up based on the symptoms associated with leukocytopenia that was disguised as sarcoidosis with bone marrow involvement, she developed disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial infection, fungemia, and MonoMAC syndrome after childbirth. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous missense mutation in GATA2 (c.1114G > A, p.A372T). Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry showed the disappearance of DCs and decreased frequency of NK cells in the bone marrow, respectively, after childbirth.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting that MonoMAC syndrome can be exacerbated after childbirth, and that immunohistochemistry of bone marrow sections to detect decreased DC content is useful to suspect MonoMAC syndrome.