bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary determinants of renal stone among patients treated at the urology department of Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Feyissa Gemechu Dereje , Bidu Melkamu Negassa 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Kidney stones are solid crystals that form from dissolved minerals in the nephrons of the kidney. Next to urinary tract infections and prostate disorders, kidney stones are the third most common urinary tract problem. Despite the availability of a large number of studies investigating the correlation between kidney stone formation and several risk factors, data regarding the association between dietary practices and renal stone disease is not available in the study area.
Objective:To identify the dietary determinants of renal stones among patients treated at Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia, 2023.
Methods: An institution-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among a total of 243 patients (81 cases and 162 controls). Cases were recruited consecutively while systematic sampling technique was used to select controls. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaires and patient chart reviews. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software 22. The association between independent and dependent variables was done by using a binary logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to evaluate the strength of association between independent variables and the outcome variable. Variables having p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant.
Result:From the total, 59 (72.8%) cases and 85 (52.5%) controls were male. In the adjusted model, water intake < 2 liters per day [AOR=16.79, 95% CI: (5.22, 53.97)], consumption of salted nut [AOR=4.96, 95% CI: (2.00, 12.28)], frequent meat consumption [AOR=2.31, 95% CI: (1.04, 5.12)] were independent dietary determinantsof renal stone. On the other hand, being male [AOR=7.79, 95% CI: (3.07, 19.76)], age category 20-39 years [AOR= 4.18, 95% CI: (1.50, 11.67)] and 40-59 years [AOR=11.69, 95% CI: (4.19, 32.59)], reside in low land areas [AOR= 3.66, 95% CI: 1.18, 11.36)], and family history of renal stones [AOR= 7.50, 95% CI: 2.60, 21.71)] were independent socio-demographic determinants of renal stone.
Conclusion: Volume of water intake, meat, and salted nut consumption patterns were independent dietary determinants of renal stone. Therefore, a dietary intervention like drinking water above 2 liters per day, minimizing salt nut, and meat consumption, and providing health education targeting the risk groups may help to prevent renal stones. We recommend future researchers conduct studies that focus on identifying the types of stones and associated risk factors.
Descriptive Study for Mobility Device Use and Two-Year Disability Occurrence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Morikawa Masasnori , Harada Kenji , Kurita Satoshi , Nishijima Chiharu , Fujii Kazuya , Kakita Daisuke , Shimada Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Users of mobility devices should be at high risk for disability, as using their devices reflects vulnerability in health-related backgrounds. This study aims to describe the prevalence of mobility device use among community-dwelling older.
Methods
This descriptive study enrolled Japanese community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and older from the NCGG-SGS sub-cohort. Baseline assessments were held during on-site health checkups, and disability occurrence over 24 months was tracked using Japan’s Long-Term Care Insurance System.
Results
A total of 764 participants out of 19,787 (3.9%) were users of mobility devices. Disability occurred in 4.8% nonusers and 25% users. Physical frailty was observed in 8.8% nonusers and 37% users. Cognitive impairment was present in 25% nonusers and 47% users.
Conclusion
In spite of representing only about 4% of the population, mobility device users could serve as a visible marker of declining health and inform targeted interventions for disability prevention.
EGFR/APOC1/CPT1A Axis: A Novel Pathway in Gastric Cancer Metabolism and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target
Authors: Ji Xu , Yang Shuyue , Su Jiayi , Liu Sifan , Zhao Zheng , Zhang Zheng , Zhou Anni , Zhao Guiping , Zhu Shengtao , Wu Jing , Zhang Shutian , Chen Guangyong , Li Peng , Du Feng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Gastric cancer (GC) significantly reprograms lipid metabolism for its energy demands, growth, and survival, yet the role of Apolipoprotein C-I (APOC1) in this metabolic reprogramming and its profound implications for GC progression remains unclear.
Methods
GC cell lines, microarrays and animal models were utilized to examine APOC1 function. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were done to understand the effect of APOC1 overexpressing. The interactions among epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), APOC1 and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) were validated using Co-IP, reactive oxygen species, lipid acid oxidation and dual luciferase reporter assay. The combination of EGFR inhibitor and CPT1A inhibitor was tested using a cell-based xenograft model of GC.
Results
APOC1 is markedly upregulated in GC tissues and cells, correlating with poor patient prognosis. Notably, APOC1 overexpression enhances cancer cell proliferation and migration, while its silencing impairs tumor growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, APOC1 promotes fatty acid oxidation by regulating CPT1A, connecting lipid metabolism directly to tumor dynamics. Disruption of APOC1 leads to metabolic dysregulation and mitochondrial oxidative stress, indicating its critical involvement in cellular homeostasis. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of EGFR was identified as a regulator of APOC1 expression through AP-2α transcription factor binding to its promoter. Targeting the EGFR/APOC1/CPT1A axis inhibits GC progression significantly in vivo.
Conclusions
This study not only elucidates the intricate EGFR/APOC1/CPT1A signaling axis but also positions APOC1 as a vital target for therapeutic intervention, underscoring its significance in the metabolic landscape of GC. Our findings pave the way for novel strategies aimed at disrupting lipid metabolic pathways in GC treatment.
Ambulance transport times for children and adult patients with anaphylaxis: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Takeuchi Aina , Takeuchi Shinya , Minami Marina , Oishi Taku , Nishiyama Kingo , Fujieda Mikiya 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Anaphylaxis is a fatal condition that can cause respiratory or cardiac arrest within 30 min. Therefore, it is important to shorten the time from the emergency call to hospital arrival as much as possible. However, children with anaphylaxis in rural areas may require more time for ambulance transport than do adults because of the lack of nearby pediatric medical facilities. Thus, we aimed to compare ambulance transport times between children and adults with anaphylaxis.
Methods
This retrospective observational study used data from the Kochi-Iryo-Net database. We included patients with anaphylaxis who were transported to the emergency department between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2021. Children were defined as those aged < 15 years. The primary outcome measure was the total time required for ambulance transportation. To adjust for patient background, we performed multiple linear regression analyses of the outcomes.
Results
During the study period, 797 patients with anaphylaxis were transported to the emergency department, among whom 155 (19.4%) were children. There was no significant difference in the total ambulance transport time (children: 31 min vs. adults: 32 min, p = 0.41). However, the time from site departure to hospital arrival was 5 min longer for children (16 min vs. adults: 11 min, p < 0.01).
Conclusions
While no significant difference was observed in the total transport time between children and adult patients with anaphylaxis, there may be potential to optimize the time from site departure to hospital arrival for pediatric cases.
Trial registration:
not applicable.
The Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Autism Spectrum Disorder among Children in Harbin, China
Authors: Zou Mingyang , Cui Yu , Wang Haoran , Han Yujiao , Jin Meiyu , Sun Caihong , Wang Jia , Sun Xiaoyi , Xia Wei , Wu Lijie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The policies to support families with children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Harbin, China are inadequate due to the constraint of the lack of a timely surveillance.
Methods
This study investigated the prevalence of ASD and risk factors related to ASD. This cross-sectional, two-step screening survey was administered to children (N = 22942) 6–12 years of age. The first stage involved questionnaire screening using Autism Spectrum Rating Scale. The second stage was interview screening at school. Finally, the diagnoses were made by two independent specialized clinicians based on DSM-5 criteria. The self-designed Autism Clinical Data Questionnaire was to collect pregnancy- and family-associated variables.
Results
One hundred thirteen children were diagnosed with ASD, yielding an observed prevalence of 0.49% (95% CI: 0.40–0.58%) among children 6–12 years of age. The estimated ASD prevalence using the multiple imputation approach was 0.63% (95% CI: 0.53–0.73%), and the male-to-female ratio was 4.37:1. The severe nausea and vomiting, and infections during pregnancy were linked to a higher risk of ASD. In addition, family factors, such as family type, parenting style, and annual household income, were also associated to ASD.
Conclusions
These results provide a reference to assess the demand for health care services and improve public welfare policies in Harbin.
Neoadjuvant Imatinib in recurrent/metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of proportions
Authors: Stavrou Niki , Memos Nikolaos , Filippatos Charalampos , Zagouri Flora , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Stathopoulos Ioannis Ntanasis- 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Metastatic and recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) present challenging clinical management. Imatinib is the standard first-line therapy, improving survival and reducing tumor burden, in the neoadjuvant use, facilitating surgical intervention. This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant imatinib in metastatic/recurrent GISTs, highlighting its potential to enhance surgical outcomes and overall patient management.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed (end-of-search: 8 October 2024) for records on neoadjuvant imatinib therapy in recurrent/metastatic GISTs. Pooled proportions and 95% confidence intervals were calculated with common-effect and random-effects models. Subgroup and meta-regression analysis were performed, addressing heterogeneity and examining any potential association between the factors that varied, and the outcomes reported. This meta-analysis was performed following PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
The search identified 397 articles, and 13 were analyzed. The meta-analysis of proportions indicated that 2-year and 5-year PFS were 72% (95% CI:53%-86%) and 43% (95% CI:17%-74%), respectively while 2-year and 5-year OS were 85% (95% CI:78%-90%) and 60% (95% CI:51%-68%), respectively. The pooled R0 resection rate was 80% (95% CI:62%-91%), associated positively with that of radiological partial response (β = 3.92,p < 0.001). Further meta-regression analysis yielded no significant association with preoperative imatinib duration.
CONCLUSION
In this meta-analysis, involving 316 patients included in 13 studies, significant outcomes for the neoadjuvant imatinib therapy of recurrent/metastatic GISTs were observed, as it yielded favorable overall survival rates and high rates of microscopically complete resections. R0 rate was significantly associated with that of radiological partial response, however, it was not associated with the preoperative imatinib duration.
Association between sleep traits and epilepsy risk: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Xun , Yue Wei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Sleep and epilepsy have been reported to have a possible interaction. This study intended to assess the causal relationship between sleep traits and epilepsy risk through a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study.
Methods
Exposure- [sleep traits: getting up in morning, sleeplessness/insomnia, sleep duration, nap during day, morning/evening person (chronotype), daytime dozing/sleeping (narcolepsy).] and outcome- [Europeans: epilepsy, focal epilepsy, generalized epilepsy; East Asians: epilepsy] related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) databases were used as instrumental variables for analysis. The main analyses used inverse variance weighted (IVW) to derive causality estimates, which were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the reliability of the results.
Results
For Europeans, genetically predicted getting up in morning decreased the risk of epilepsy (OR = 0.354, 95%CI: 0.212–0.589) and generalized epilepsy (OR = 0.256, 95%CI: 0.101–0.651), whereas genetically predicted evening person (chronotype) increased the risk of epilepsy (OR = 1.371, 95%CI: 1.082–1.739) and generalized epilepsy (OR = 1.618, 95%CI: 1.061–2.467). No significant associations were found between genetically predicted sleeplessness/insomnia, sleep duration, nap during day, and daytime dozing/sleeping (narcolepsy) and the risk of epilepsy, focal epilepsy, and generalized epilepsy in Europeans. For East Asians, only genetically predicted sleeplessness/insomnia was found to increase the risk of epilepsy (OR = 1.381, 95%CI: 1.039–1.837).
Conclusion
There was a causal relationship between getting up in morning and evening person (chronotype) and epilepsy risk in Europeans, and between sleeplessness/insomnia and epilepsy in East Asians.
Experimental study on evaporation characteristics of micro droplets affected by irregular surface: Ugli case
Authors: SONG Jianfei , WANG Zixu , NIU Kaifeng , SUN Hongyu , CHEN Aiqiang , LIANG Zhuangjie , LIU Bin , BENNACER Rachid , ZHAO Hanxiao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Droplet evaporation can be commonly found on the fruits’ surface, which is critically related to the efficiency of pesticide spraying, storage quality with temperature fluctuations and so on. Numerous works have demonstrated the coupling effects between the droplet behavior and the substrate characteristics. However, the droplet performance on fruits surface have been less focused on compared to the substrate of metal, concrete and chemical materials. Therefore, the present works aim to investigate the droplet behaviors affected by the biological substrate experimentally. The deionized water and Ugli skin have been selected as droplet and substrate, respectively. 3D video microscope, Drop shape analyzer and infrared camera have been employed to measure and observe the micro-structure, evaporation performance and thermal effects of droplet with constant initial volume of 2ul. The results show that Ugli skin features strongly irregular roughness and hydrophilic properties as the initial contact angle is below 90o. Linearly decreased variation of contact angle and volume versus time has been observed, even though the irregular surface roughness and outflow components from the Ugli skin can bring difficulties to the accurate measurement. Meanwhile, three phases have been observed during the whole evaporation process, including spreading, constant area and shrinkage. Moreover, lower values of temperature near the top center of droplet can be always found during the whole evaporating process with peak values of temperature gradient near the triple-phase region.
sFRP3 inhibits WNT/β-catenin/PPAR δ pathway, triggers mitochondrial damage and pyroptosis in ischemia-reperfusion injury in senile hearts
Authors: Wang Xiang , Li Yi , Meng Xuyang , Guo Ying , Xia Chenxi , Yang Chenguang , Wang Fang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background Cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in elderly patients leads to severe secondary heart injury after reperfusion treatment of acute myocardial infarction. However, the mechanisms underlying such injury remain elusive.Method The model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in mice was established by operation. The HL-1 cells were used to create the hypoxia/ reoxygenation cardiomyocyte model, which were treated with over-expression of TXNIP, inhibition of TXNIP, inhibition of sFRP3, or inhibitor of β-catenin or PPAR δ. Mice in each group were injected with various adenoviruses through the tail vein. Then, cardiac function, myocardial infarction volume, cardiomyocyte pyroptosis, mitochondrial structure, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and the expression of related proteins were detected. Finally, the concentration of sFRP3, β -cantenin, PPAR δ, GSDMD, actived-Caspase-1, TXNIP, TRX 1, TRX 2, IL-1 β, and TNF- α in serum of the healthy elderly people, the elderly people with coronary atherosclerosis or the elderly patients who underwent emergency PCI for acute myocardial infarction were detected by ELISA.Result After cardiac ischemia/reperfusion, cardiac function was impaired, serum reactive oxygen species, inflammatory factors, and myocardial injury markers were significantly increased, myocardial pyroptosis cell and infarct volume were significantly increased, and mitochondrial structure and function were significantly impaired. Inhibition of sFRP3 can reverse these changes. However, the cardio- protective effect caused by sFRP3 inhibition was lost, when β-catenin/PPAR δ was inhibited or TXNIP was overexpressed. In contrast, the cardio-protective benefit caused by sFRP3 inhibition can be duplicated when TXNIP is inhibited. However, inhibition of β-catenin、PPAR δ or over-expression of TXNIP can reverse the cardio-protective effect caused by inhibition of sFRP3, and inhibition of TXNIP can reproduce the cardio-protective effect caused by inhibition of sFRP3.Conclusion Cardiac ischemia-reperfusion upregulates sFRP3, inhibits WNT/ β-catenin /PPAR δ pathway, and damages the structure and function of mitochondria, leading to the increase of ROS. Thus TXNIP is up-regulated, and pyroptosis is activated.
Exploring multiphase conversion pathways in Li-S batteries through cryo-TEM and ML-assisted operando neutron scattering
Authors: von Mentlen Jean-Marc , Güngör Ayça Senol , Demuth Thomas , Belz Jürgen , Plodinec Milivoj , Dutta Pronoy , Vižintin Alen , Porcar Lionel , Volz Kerstin , Wood Vanessa , Prehal Christian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Understanding the complex physicochemical processes in conversion-type batteries requires investigations across multiple length scales. Here, we present a novel approach to examine Li-S batteries at the nanoscale by combining cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryoTEM) with operando small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). CryoTEM revealed discharge products with a biphasic structure, consisting of nanocrystalline Li2S within an amorphous Li2Sx matrix. Data analysis of complementary operando SANS measurements was accelerated by a convolutional neural network trained to predict scattering curves based on plurigaussian random fields, enabling comprehensive parameter space exploration for model fitting. Our findings are in line with disproportionation-driven deposition of Li2S2 particles that agglomerate and partially reduce to Li2S via solid-state conversion. This challenges the conventional view of direct, step-wise electroreduction of polysulfides at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Overall, our multi-technique approach demonstrates the value of combining localized high-resolution imaging with time-resolved operando scattering measurements to understand complex electrochemical conversion pathways in next-generation energy storage systems.
High Glucose-Induced Transcriptomic Changes in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells
Authors: Singh Shivendra , Patel Niketa A , Soundararajan Avinash , Pattabiraman Padmanabhan P. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) due to trabecular meshwork (TM) dysfunction. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is recognized as a significant risk factor for glaucoma; however, the molecular mechanisms through which hyperglycemia affects TM function remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of high glucose on gene expression in human TM (HTM) cells to uncover pathways that contribute to TM dysfunction and glaucoma pathogenesis under diabetic conditions. Primary HTM cells were cultured under normoglycemic (5.5 mM) and hyperglycemic (30 mM) conditions for seven days, followed by mRNA sequencing (mRNA-seq) to identify differentially expressed genes, with quantitative PCR (qPCR) used for confirmatory analysis. STRING network analysis was performed to predict interactions among upregulated and downregulated proteins. mRNA-seq analysis revealed 25 significantly differentially expressed genes in high glucose conditions, including upregulated genes associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, immune response, and fibrosis. Notably, TXNIP was significantly upregulated, indicating increased oxidative stress and apoptosis in TM cells, while downregulation of autophagy-related genes, such as HSPA6 and LAMP3, suggests compromised protein quality control. Immune response genes, including CCL7 and CHI3L1, were upregulated, suggesting an inflammatory response to oxidative stress. Increased expression of fibrosis-related genes, such as SNAI1, FGF7, and KRT19, supports the hypothesis of ECM accumulation in diabetic conditions, potentially elevating IOP. Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetic patients could therefore lead to TM dysfunction, impair aqueous humor outflow, and elevate IOP, thereby increasing glaucoma risk. Targeting oxidative stress and fibrosis pathways offers therapeutic strategies to mitigate glaucoma progression in diabetic populations.