bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of irradiated and un-irradiated alginate as edible coating in physicochemical and nutritional quality of cherry tomato
Authors: Aly Amina A. , Maraei Rabab W. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Fresh vegetables are commodities that have a high tendency to deteriorate after harvest, causing significant losses in economic and environmental costs associated with plant food loss. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effects of both un-irradiated (UISA) and irradiated sodium alginate (ISA) as an edible coating for preserving cherry tomato fruits under storage conditions. The FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and TEM were used to characterize the UISA and ISA (25, 50, 75, and 100 kGy), which demonstrated that the alginate polymer was degraded and low molecular-weight polysaccharides were formed as a result of irradiation, particularly with the 100 kGy dose level. Sodium alginate irradiated at 100 kGy was used for the coating process, and the physico-chemical and nutritional quality of cherry tomatoes were analyzed.

Results
The results demonstrated that UISA and ISA treatments delayed changes in most of the ripening characteristics; weight and acidity losses, decay, and softening. The weight loss of the control was observed to be greater at the two keeping temperatures (4 and 25 °C) comparison with tomatoes coated with UISA. The ISA coatings gave the least weight loss at the two keeping temperatures (4 and 25 °C) (5.46 and 14.72%), respectively compared to the control (8.77 and 18.93%), respectively at the end of the storage period. In terms of antioxidant properties, significant results were obtained with the use of the alginate coating, specially irradiated sodium alginate. Over time, the majority of water-soluble vitamins in cherry tomatoes decreased, especially vitamin C, and the alginate-coated tomatoes showed the least decrease in vitamin C content, especially ISA.

Conclusions
The current findings suggest that ISA treatment efficiently extends the storage period of tomato fruits and maintains their quality through preservation and offers promising potential for successful commercialization of this eco-friendly eatable coating for fruit and vegetable growers and industries.
Comparative analysis of the LEA gene family in seven Ipomoea species, focuses on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.)
Authors: Hu Mengqin , Li Zhenqin , Lin Xiongjian , Tang Binquan , Xing Meng , Zhu Hongbo 
Published: December 2024

AbstractLate Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins are extensively distributed among higher plants and are crucial for regulating growth, development, and abiotic stress resistance. However, comprehensive data regarding the LEA gene family in Ipomoea species remains limited. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide comparative analysis across seven Ipomoea species, including sweet potato (I. batatas), I. trifida, I. triloba, I. nil, I. purpurea, I. cairica, and I. aquatica, identifying 73, 64, 77, 62, 70, 70, and 74 LEA genes, respectively. The LEA genes were divided into eight subgroups: LEA_1, LEA_2, LEA_3, LEA_4, LEA_5, LEA_6, SMP, and Dehydrin according to the classification of the LEA family in Arabidopsis. Gene structure and protein motif analyses revealed that genes within the same phylogenetic group exhibited comparable exon/intron structures and motif patterns. The distribution of LEA genes across chromosomes varied among the different Ipomoea species. Duplication analysis indicated that segmental and tandem duplications significantly contributed to the expansion of the LEA gene family, with segmental duplications being the predominant mechanism. The analysis of the non-synonymous (Ka) to synonymous (Ks) ratio (Ka/Ks) indicated that the duplicated Ipomoea LEA genes predominantly underwent purifying selection. Extensive cis-regulatory elements associated with stress responses were identified in the promoters of LEA genes. Expression analysis revealed that the LEA gene exhibited widespread expression across diverse tissues and showed responsive modulation to various abiotic stressors. Furthermore, we selected 15 LEA genes from sweet potatoes for RT-qPCR analysis, demonstrating that five genes responded to salt stress in roots, while three genes were responsive to drought stress in leaves. Additionally, expression changes of seven genes varied at different stages of sweet potato tuber development. These findings enhanced our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of LEA genes within the Ipomoea genome and may inform future molecular breeding strategies for sweet potatoes.
Differences in the palliative care phase between patients with nonmalignant pulmonary disease and lung cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Pihlaja Hanna , Rantala Heidi A. , Soikkeli Silja , Arminen Milja , Aho Sonja , Leivo-Korpela Sirpa , Lehto Juho T. , Piili Reetta P. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Patients with chronic nonmalignant pulmonary disease and lung cancer both need palliative care, but palliative care services may be better adjusted to serve cancer patients. We compared the timing and clinical practice of palliative care and acute hospital usage during the last year of life in patients with nonmalignant pulmonary disease or lung cancer.

Methods
This was a retrospective study of all patients in a palliative care phase (palliative goal of care) with nonmalignant pulmonary disease or lung cancer who were treated at Tampere University Hospital, Finland, during the years 2018–2020. The data were collected from the hospital’s medical records. Comparisons between the groups were performed by using the Pearson chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, or Mann‒Whitney U test when appropriate. Survival was estimated by using the Kaplan‒Meier method.

Results
The study population consisted of 107 patients with nonmalignant pulmonary disease and 429 patients with lung cancer. Patients with nonmalignant pulmonary disease survived longer in the palliative care phase than patients with lung cancer (115 vs. 59 days, p < 0.001). Compared to lung cancer patients, patients with nonmalignant disease received a palliative care specialist consultation more often during hospitalization (66% vs. 45%, p < 0.001) than during a preplanned outpatient visit (6% vs. 52%, p < 0.001), were less likely to be referred to palliative care pathway (79% vs. 87%, p = 0.033), and spent more days in an acute care hospital during the last year of life (median of 10 vs. 6 days, p = 0.023). Contrary to lung cancer patients, referral to the palliative care pathway was not significantly associated with decreased acute hospital resource usage during the last month of life among patients with nonmalignant pulmonary disease.

Conclusions
Compared to lung cancer patients, patients with nonmalignant pulmonary disease had longer palliative care phases but fewer visits to the palliative care outpatient clinic and fewer referrals to the palliative care pathways. Palliative care arrangements seemed to have more influence on the end-of-life care of lung cancer patients. There is a need for long-term palliative care services with better abilities to meet the special needs of patients with nonmalignant pulmonary disease.
“I have never felt so alone and vulnerable” – A qualitative study of bereaved people’s experiences of end-of-life cancer care during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Burton Lara , Goss Silvia , Sivell Stephanie , Selman Lucy E. , Harrop Emily 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 drastically affected healthcare services world-wide. In the UK, many cancer services were overwhelmed as oncology staff were reassigned, and cancer diagnoses and treatments were delayed. The impact of these pressures on end-of-life care for patients with advanced cancer and their relatives is not well understood.

Methods
Secondary thematic analysis of qualitative survey and interview data, collected from family members and close friends bereaved by cancer, as part of a national COVID-19 bereavement study (Survey N = 156; Interview N = 10).

Results
Four key themes were identified: The impact of COVID-19 on contact with patients towards the end of life; Mixed experiences of support for family members; Variable communication quality from health and social care professionals; Prioritisation of COVID-19 and its impact on patient care. Hospital care was perceived more negatively than community care in almost all areas, while support from cancer charities and district nurses was appreciated the most. Almost all participants felt that COVID-19 was detrimentally prioritised over care for their relative/friend.

Conclusions
People bereaved by cancer were uniquely affected by pandemic-restrictions and disruptions to services. As services re-build post-pandemic, improvements in palliative care in hospitals, investment into community care, and ensuring compassionate communication with patients and families must be prioritised, alongside preparedness for future pandemics or similar events.
Psychotherapy with somatosensory stimulation as a complementary treatment for women with endometriosis-associated pain – a qualitative study
Authors: Limmer Anna , Weber Annemarie , Olliges Elisabeth , Kraft Jana , Beissner Florian , Preibisch Christine , Meissner Karin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Objective
This qualitative study aimed to explore patients’ experiences with a novel treatment approach for endometriosis-associated pain, termed ‘sinosomatics’. Specifically, it sought to understand women’s experiences of the treatment and its components, the effects of the treatment on biological, psychological, and social levels, and how the women interpreted the changes they experienced.

Methods
We conducted ten semi-structured interviews with patients, who had undergone the complementary treatment for endometriosis-associated pain. These interview sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Mayring’s content analysis method with the aid of MAXQDA software.

Results
Three key categories emerged: ‘treatment experience,’ ‘treatment effects,’ and ‘explanation for effects’. The treatment was described as a “turning point” in patients’ lives, offering new insights into the involvement of psychosocial factors in endometriosis-associated pain and paving the way for overcoming adverse life events. The therapy strengthened women’s empowerment, inspired hope, fostered coping strategies, and promoted personal growth. Both the holistic view of body and mind and the psychological approach to treatment led to a change in the way how women perceived the disease.

Conclusions
Patients recognized the innovative combination of psychotherapy and acupuncture point stimulation as a significant advancement in managing their disease. The treatment has helped them to acquire a more holistic understanding of their bodily complaints and to cope more effectively with their symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of a patient-centered and empathetic treatment approach that empowers women to take an active role in managing their condition.
Is perioperative use of a combination of pregabalin and naproxen superior to naproxen only in reducing pain in ankle fractures? A prospective, randomized, multicenter study
Authors: Choi Gi Won , Park Kwang Hwan , Yoon Yeo Kwon , Lee Jin Woo , Shim Dong Woo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To compare the analgesic efficacy, adverse effects, and long-term functional outcomes of perioperative naproxen alone versus naproxen with pregabalin for treating pain in ankle fractures.

Methods
This study included 70 patients who underwent operative fixation of rotatory ankle fractures. Group A received naproxen 500 mg only, and Group B received naproxen 500 mg with pregabalin 75 mg 2-hour before surgery and 12 hourly for 14 days thereafter. The minimal clinically important difference of the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain was set at 1.8 out of 10. VAS for pain, opioid consumption, and any adverse effects were recorded for 3 days postoperatively. VAS for pain was checked at 2- and 6-weeks and 3- and 6-months, and functional outcomes were measured at 3- and 6-months postoperatively.

Results
Sixty-three patients (33 and 30 in groups A and B, respectively) completed the 6-month follow-up. Demographic data were similar between groups. VAS for pain did not significantly differ between the groups at any timepoint up to 6 months (P ≥ 0.520), with 95% confidence intervals consistently within 1.8. No significant differences were observed between groups in opioid consumption and functional outcomes (P ≥ 0.211). In group B, dizziness at 48-hour and somnolence at 72-hour were significantly predominant (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion
Our study demonstrated comparable pain reduction between two groups following operative fixation of rotatory ankle fractures. However, side effects, including dizziness and somnolence, were predominant in Group B between 48 and 72 h.
Effect of individualized versus conventional perioperative blood pressure management on postoperative major complications in high-risk patients undergoing noncardiac surgery: study protocol for the SPROUT-4 multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chung Jaeyeon , Koo Chang-Hoon , Park Jungchan , Kim Hye-Bin , Bae Jinyoung , Ju Jae-Woo , Lee Soowon , Oh Ah Ran , Kim Hyo Sung , Park Soo Jung , Jeon Yunseok , Nam Karam ,   for the Seoul PeRioperative OUTcome research-4 (SPROUT-4) Investigators
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Intraoperative hypotension is very common during surgery and is linked to major organ dysfunction and mortality. Current perioperative blood pressure management is largely based on universal blood pressure thresholds ranging from a mean arterial pressure of 60–70 mmHg. However, the effectiveness of this conventional management remains unproven in prospective randomized trials. Therefore, we will conduct this study to test if individualized perioperative blood pressure management decreases the incidence of postoperative major adverse outcomes.

Methods
This multicenter, randomized controlled superiority trial will enroll 1896 high-risk patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery from five tertiary university hospitals in South Korea. In the control group, mean arterial pressure will be maintained at ≥ 65 mmHg and systolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg during surgery. In the intervention group, mean arterial pressure and systolic blood pressure will be maintained at no less than 20% of their baseline values. The baseline values are calculated as the average of all values measured from the day before surgery until the morning of surgery. These targets will be maintained until the patient is discharged from the post-anesthesia care unit or, for those who are transferred to the intensive care unit after surgery, until the end of the surgery. No specific restrictions, except for these blood pressure targets, will be applied to perioperative management. The primary composite outcome consists of all-cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction, new or worsening congestive heart failure, unplanned coronary revascularization, and acute kidney injury within 7 days after noncardiac surgery or until hospital discharge, whichever occurs first.

Discussion
This study will reveal if individualized perioperative blood pressure management decreases the risk of major adverse outcomes in patients at high-risk undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06225453. Registered on January 26, 2024.
Cholecystectomy-induced thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in a postpartum patient successfully treated with eculizumab: a case report
Authors: Meyer Ashley , Uchida Kathryn , Nguyen Matthew , Vongbunyong Kenny , Ren Dong , Hanna Ramy , Tran Minh-Ha , Darwish Omar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare, life-threatening disorder characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and end-organ damage. Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is even less common, comprising less than 10% of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) cases. aHUS in postpartum is associated with poor maternal outcomes, with the majority of cases resulting in end-stage renal disease. aHUS, unlike other types of TMA, is related to complement dysregulation. Thus, the current treatment of choice for aHUS is complement blockade, which limits unregulated activation of complement and complement-mediated end organ damage.

Case presentation
We present a rare case of a previously healthy, postpartum, 20-year-old Hispanic female patient who underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and subsequently developed complement-mediated TMA, successfully treated with eculizumab. Unique to our case was renal failure owing to multiple insults and partial resolution of hematologic TMA findings prior to initiation of eculizumab.

Conclusion
Our case emphasizes the importance of clinicians possessing a high degree of clinical awareness and judgement surrounding complement-mediated TMA, aHUS and its subsets, and surgery as a precipitator, regardless of safety, particularly during the postpartum period.
Atorvastatin inhibits glioma glycolysis and immune escape by modulating the miR-125a-5p/TXLNA axis
Authors: Gao Kang , Zhou Tao , Yin YingChun , Sun XiaoJie , Jiang HePing , Li TangYue 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Conventional treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, have many limitations in the prognosis of glioma patients. Atorvastatin (ATOR) has a significant inhibitory effect on glioma malignancy. Thus, ATOR may play a key role in the search for new drugs for the effective treatment of gliomas.

Methods
U87 cells were treated with different doses of ATOR and transfected. Viability was assessed using MTT, proliferative ability was determined using the colony formation test, Bax and Bcl-2 were identified using Western blot, apoptosis was identified using flow cytometry, and U87 cell migration and invasion were detected using the Transwell assay. Glucose uptake, lactate secretion, and ATP production in U87 cell culture medium were quantified. The positive rates of IFN-γ and TNF-α in CD8T were measured through flow cytometry. Subcutaneous injection of U87 cells was carried out to construct an in vivo mouse model of gliom, followed by HE staining to assess the effects of ATOR and miR-125a-5p on tumor development.

Results
ATOR blocked the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of U87 cells through the miR-125a-5p/TXLNA axis, and suppressed glycolysis and immune escape of glioma cells. Furthermore, overexpressing miR-125a-5p enhanced the anti-tumor effect of ATOR in vivo.

Conclusion
ATOR blocks glioma progression by modulating the miR-125a-5p/TXLNA axis, further demonstrating that ATOR provides an effective therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma.
Economic and legal impacts of delayed containers
Authors: Kołacz Marta K. , Storms Katrien , Sys Christa , Verheyen Wouter 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUsage of containers beyond the predetermined period results in container demurrage and detention (D&D) that is charged by the carriers. The D&D charges are often perceived as a profit-making revenue stream for carriers, which raises the question of whether D&D charges adequately balance the ecosystem actor's interests. D&D charges in the maritime ecosystem have not received wider attention, the focus so far being mainly on some operational aspects of container delays. This paper contributes to the literature by mapping the ecosystem members' interests and proposing how to make these interests more balanced as far as D&D charges are concerned. For that purpose, economic (cost analysis) and legal (doctrinal and comparative) perspectives are employed. The conducted analysis presents the carrier’s opportunity costs and confirms that there might be a notion of the profit-making nature of D&D, which is not sufficiently mitigated under the existing legal framework. The legal framework provides mainly ex-ante mitigation strategies for which a party burdened with a D&D invoice would need to file a court claim. Nevertheless, the correction standards to prevent exaggerated D&D charges are largely missing. The paper suggests contractual and regulatory solutions that could help balance the ecosystem actors’ interests as far as D&D charges are concerned.
Does going against the norm on women’s economic participation increase intimate partner violence risk? A cross-sectional, multi-national study
Authors: Williams Anaise , Heise Lori , Perrin Nancy , Stuart Colleen , Decker Michele R. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Women’s economic empowerment (WEE) is believed to reduce the risk of intimate partner violence (IPV), yet the relationship between WEE and IPV has proven to be highly variable. Little attention has been given to how the normative WEE environment may influence this relationship across different settings. This study tests whether IPV is associated with Vanguard WEE, defined as individual economic participation that deviates from community norms.

Methods
This cross-sectional study draws on Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 44 low- and middle-income countries. The analytic sample was partnered women who participated in the domestic violence module, living in communities with sufficient data to construct WEE norms (n = 186,968). The relationship between Vanguard WEE—measured by the number of WEE activities a woman engaged in that were non-normative in her community—and the incidence of past-year physical IPV, sexual IPV, and partner control was evaluated using a mixed-effects multilevel logistic model. The study also explored interactions between Vanguard WEE and household wealth.

Results
Women who did not deviate from the community norm had an adjusted probability of 0.15 for experiencing physical IPV in the past year. However, this probability increased to 0.17 (marginal effect (ME): 0.014; 95% CI 0.007,0.021), 0.17 (ME: 0.020; 95% CI 0.010,0.030), and 0.19 (ME: 0.037; 95% CI 0.022,0.051) for women with one, two, and three or more vanguard WEE items, respectively. Physical IPV associated with vanguard WEE was higher among poorer women (p = 0.021). Additionally, the probability of past-year sexual IPV and current partner control increased from 0.05 to 0.08 (p < 0.001) and from 0.38 to 0.44 (p < 0.001), respectively, for women with three or more vanguard WEE items.

Conclusions
The study provides evidence of partner backlash in the form of IPV among vanguard women—those whose economic activities contradicted local norms. Programs designed to economically empower women in contexts where such participation is non-normative should include mechanisms to monitor and mitigate potential backlash.