bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obinutuzumab versus rituximab for the treatment of refractory primary membranous nephropathy
Authors: Xu Mingyue , Wang Yifeng , Wu Meihe , Chen Ruiying , Zhao Wenqian , Li Mingxin , Hao Chuan-Ming , Xie Qionghong 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Rituximab has been shown effective in patients with primary membranous nephropathy refractory to glucocorticoids plus cyclophosphamide (GC + CTX) or calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), but the response rates remain limited. Compared with rituximab, obinutuzumab is a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody with greater B-cell depletion capacity. This study was performed to investigate the effectiveness of obinutuzumab compared with rituximab in treating patients with refractory primary membranous nephropathy.

Methods
A retrospective study was conducted at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University between 1 January 2015 and 31 July 2024, and included adult patients with primary membranous nephropathy who met the following criteria: (i) resistance to GC + CTX and/or CNI regimens, (ii) dependence on CNIs or (iii) relapse within 1 year after CTX discontinuation. The patients subsequently received either obinutuzumab or rituximab. The primary endpoint was treatment response, which was defined as overall remission of nephrotic syndrome with no need for rescue therapy after obinutuzumab versus rituximab treatment. The secondary measures included immunological remission and safety profiles.

Results
Among the 51 participants, 20 received obinutuzumab and 31 received rituximab. The response rate was significantly greater in patients receiving obinutuzumab than in those receiving rituximab (90.0% vs 38.7%, P &lt; .001) during a follow-up period of 24 [interquartile range (IQR) 10–34] months. Cox proportional hazards survival regression analysis also revealed the superior effectiveness of obinutuzumab (P &lt; .001). Immunological remission rates were higher in patients receiving obinutuzumab at both 3 months (75.0% vs 20.0%, P &lt; .001) and 6 months (87.5% vs 21.4%, P &lt; .001). The safety profiles of the two treatments were comparable. Among the 19 non-responders treated with rituximab, 10 subsequently received obinutuzumab, and 8 achieved remission during a follow-up period of 20.0 (IQR 18.5–22.3) months.

Conclusion
This retrospective study suggests that obinutuzumab is an effective treatment option for patients with primary membranous nephropathy refractory to GC + CTX, CNI and rituximab regimens.
Combined transcranial direct current stimulation and pain neuroscience education for chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alcon Cory , Zoch Christopher , Luetkenhaus Riley , Lyman Emily , Brizzolara Kelli , Goh Hui-Ting , Wang-Price Sharon 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
Priming the neural circuity likely targeted by pain neuroscience education (PNE), using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may enhance the efficacy of PNE. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of active tDCS + PNE to sham tDCS + PNE on measures of pain, pain behaviors, and cognitive function in participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and high pain catastrophizing.

Methods
20 participants were recruited and randomly allocated into the active tDCS + PNE (n = 10) or sham tDCS + PNE (n = 10) groups. All participants received five sessions of their assigned interventions over a 2-week period. The active tDCS + PNE group received 20 min of 2 mA, anodal current applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

Results
Within groups, both interventions demonstrated significant improvement in NPRS, PCS, and TSK. The active tDCS + PNE group also demonstrated significant improvement in the SCWT, CTMT2—Inhibitory, and CTMT2—Set Shifting. Between groups, the active tDCS + PNE group showed significantly greater improvement on the PCS, SCWT, and CTMT2—Inhibitory.

Conclusions
The results of this pilot study suggest that active tDCS + PNE appeared to provide greater improvement than sham tDCS + PNE on levels of pain catastrophizing and attentional interference in participants with CLBP and high pain catastrophizing, consistent with both interventions targeting brain regions involved in those processes. Considering the differences between groups, tDCS appears to provide a priming effect on PNE.

Perspective
This article presents evidence of a priming effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on pain neuroscience education in participants with chronic low back pain and high pain catastrophizing. The findings support that the combination of interventions improves pain behavior and cognitive function greater than pain neuroscience education alone.

Clinical trial registry
NCT05571215, The Effect of Combining Pain Neuroscience Education and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Pain Catastrophizing, Kinesiophobia, and Pain in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05571215.
Croatian immigrants’ trust in the police in Croatia and abroad: The roles of police integrity and transnational migration factors
Authors: Liu Yang Vincent , Kutnjak Ivković Sanja , Pavlović Vinogradac Valentina 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Research posits that immigrants view the police in the host countries more positively, especially when their experiences with the homeland police are unpleasant. However, empirical research often focuses on immigrants of color in White-dominant countries with drastically different cultures from their own. Using survey data of the first-generation Croatian immigrants in Germany (N = 274) and Ireland (N = 219), our research looks at how Croatian immigrants in two geopolitically adjacent countries perceive the police in both their homeland and current countries of residence. We find that police integrity factors have the greatest impact on immigrants’ trust in the police; namely, perceived corruption with the police consistently erodes Croatian immigrants’ trust in the police across contexts. The nature of immigrants’ previous contact with the police also helps determine their trust in the police in their host countries. Finally, transnational migration factors only have a conditional effect on the outcome.
Unravelling the neuroimmune nexus: insights into epilepsy pathology and the role of S100b protein in brain-gut axis modulation: a literature review
Authors: He Jianxun , Meng Qianling , Miao Chuhan , Hao Jing , Dai Mengliang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition marked by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms. Recent advancements have expanded our understanding from traditional neuronal dysfunction to include neuroimmune interactions and the influence of the brain-gut-bio-axis. This review explores the role of the S100b protein within these contexts, noted for its involvement in neuroinflammatory processes and as a potential biomarker. Furthermore, it discusses the emerging significance of the gut microbiome in modulating neuroimmune responses and seizure activity. The review integrates findings from recent studies, emphasizing the critical role of the S100b signalling pathway and the gut-brain axis in epilepsy pathology. The interplay between neuroimmune mechanisms and gut microbiota offers novel insights and potential therapeutic targets, underlining the need for further research to exploit these connections for clinical benefit.
Self-reported skin severity and quality of life in systemic sclerosis: multicentre validation of PASTUL
Authors: Spierings Julia , Welsing Paco M J , Colak Seda , Quah Helen , Del Galdo Francesco , Herrick Ariane L , Hughes Michael , Pauling John D , Ong Voon H , Denton Christopher P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to validate the Patient self-Assessment of Skin Thickness in Upper Limb (PASTUL) questionnaire in SSc and assess impact of skin involvement on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods
Participants were included in four UK centres. PASTUL specifies a grading of skin at eight sites corresponding to the modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS). Construct validity was assessed by comparing PASTUL scores with mRSS. HRQoL was evaluated with EuroQoL 5 dimension 5 levels (EQ5D5L) and Leeds SSc QoL questionnaires. Additionally, correlation between PASTUL and Scleroderma Skin Patient-Reported Outcome (SSPRO) was explored. Follow-up was 12 months.

Results
In total, 196 participants were included, mean age was 56.4 years (s.d. 13.9), 80.6% female (n = 158), mean disease duration 11.9 years (s.d. 9.9), 110 (56.1%) had lcSSc and 81 (41.3%) dcSSc. PASTUL and upper limb mRSS were well correlated at baseline, 6 and 12 months [intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) = 0.67, 0.78 and 0.62, P &lt; 0.001]. Test–retest reliability was good (ICC = 0.83, P &lt; 0.001). There was a stronger correlation between PASTUL and upper limb mRSS in dcSSc compared with lcSSc (0.69 vs 0.51, P &lt; 0.001). In participants with early disease (&lt;4 years) PASTUL was moderately correlated with HRQoL (r = 0.53, P &lt; 0.001); correlations were weaker in the whole group. Mean time to do the PASTUL self-assessment was 5.0 min (s.d. 3.7).

Conclusion
PASTUL is a feasible outcome tool that adds to assessments such as SSPRO. Skin thickening is correlated with HRQoL, particularly in early disease.
Determination of natural radioactivity levels in soil samples from irrigated vegetable farming land in and around Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Hundie Tamiru Bayissa , Deressu Tilahun Tesfaye 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Soil samples were collected from vegetable agricultural areas in and around Addis Ababa, and their levels of radioactivity were measured. Gamma spectrometry with high-purity germanium detector was used to quantify radioactivity level. The average concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 32.8 ± 2.1, 62.4 ± 4.4, and 544.3 ± 23.3 Bq kg−1 respectively. The mean values of 232Th and 40K are higher, whereas the value of 226Ra is comparable with world average values. Radiological hazard indices, including radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rate (Dr), outdoor annual effective dose equivalent (Deff), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), and gamma radiation representative level index (Iγ), were calculated based on the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K. The mean values were 163.9 Bq kg−1, 78.7 nGy h−1, 0.10 mSv y−1, 0.44, 0.53, and 0.60 respectively. All indices are lower than global recommended limit values. These results revealed that radiation hazard due to radionuclides in the soil of the study area is insignificant.
Physiological liver microtissue 384-well microplate system for preclinical hepatotoxicity assessment of therapeutic small molecule drugs
Authors: Fäs Lola , Chen Minjun , Tong Weida , Wenz Friederike , Hewitt Nicola J , Tu Monika , Sanchez Katarzyna , Zapiórkowska-Blumer Natalia , Varga Hajnalka , Kaczmarska Karolina , Colombo Maria Vittoria , Filippi Bruno G H 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Hepatotoxicity can lead to the discontinuation of approved or investigational drugs. The evaluation of the potential hepatoxicity of drugs in development is challenging because current models assessing this adverse effect are not always predictive of the outcome in human beings. Cell lines are routinely used for early hepatotoxicity screening, but to improve the detection of potential hepatotoxicity, in vitro models that better reflect liver morphology and function are needed. One such promising model is human liver microtissues. These are spheroids made of primary human parenchymal and nonparenchymal liver cells, which are amenable to high throughput screening. To test the predictivity of this model, the cytotoxicity of 152 FDA (US Food & Drug Administration)-approved small molecule drugs was measured as per changes in ATP content in human liver microtissues incubated in 384-well microplates. The results were analyzed with respect to drug label information, drug-induced liver injury (DILI) concern class, and drug class. The threshold IC50ATP-to-Cmax ratio of 176 was used to discriminate between safe and hepatotoxic drugs. “vMost-DILI-concern” drugs were detected with a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 89%, and “vMost-DILI-concern” drugs affecting the nervous system were detected with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 91%. The robustness and relevance of this evaluation were assessed using a 5-fold cross-validation. The good predictivity, together with the in vivo-like morphology of the liver microtissues and scalability to a 384-well microplate, makes this method a promising and practical in vitro alternative to 2D cell line cultures for the early hepatotoxicity screening of drug candidates.
Genome Sequence Resources from Three Isolates of the Apple Canker Pathogen Neonectria ditissima Infecting Forest Trees
Authors: Bourras Salim , Vélëz Heriberto , Ihrmark Katarina , Corrales Gutiérrez Miguel Ángel , Elfstrand Malin , Garkava-Gustavsson Larisa , Falk Kerstin Dalman 
Published: October 2024

Neonectria ditissima is a generalist ascomycete plant pathogen causing canker diseases on a variety of hardwood tree species and can cross-infect many of them. The fungus enters the plants through wounds throughout the year. N. ditissima is considered a major threat to apple production responsible for the fruit tree canker disease, which damages trees and causes rotting of fruits in storage. Nearby forests and shelter belts can serve as sources of inoculum for well-managed apple orchards. Thus, knowledge about the N. ditissima isolates infecting different host species is essential for designing integrated pest management strategies. Here, we describe the genomes of three N. ditissima isolates, Nd_iso34, Nd_iso35, and Nd_iso36, infecting European beech, American tulip tree, and American beech, respectively. We obtained genome assemblies of approximately 45 megabases for all isolates, covering 94% of the N. ditissima reference annotation, and 97% of the universal single-copy orthologs (BUSCOs). We conclude that these genome assemblies are a highly relevant resource considering the scarcity of genomic data available for N. ditissima. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
A New Pilot Hole Preparation System for Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Placement
Authors: Feng Chaobo , Wang Longfei , Yang Sheng , Wu Xinbo , Fan Yunshan , Yan Huang , Chen Fangjing , Chen Jia , Wang Xiang , Guo Qishuai , Yao Longxiang , Zhao Yingchuan , He Shisheng , Ni Haijian 
Published: October 2024

Study Design.
A randomized controlled study.

Objective.
To introduce a new pilot hole preparation system for percutaneous pedicle screw placement and investigate its efficiency and safety in comparison with the conventional method.

Summary of Background Data.
Placing screws accurately, rapidly, and safely with less radiation exposure is critical for minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion (LIF). Optimizing pilot hole preparation instruments has important clinical implications.

Materials and Methods.
A total of 60 patients (180 screws) were included in this study. All patients were randomized into two groups (new system vs. conventional method) and performed single-level minimally invasive percutaneous fixation, interbody fusion, and unilateral decompression. Basic information, time of pilot hole preparation, time of screw placement, and fluoroscopy time were recorded. Screw placement accuracy was graded based on the Gertzbein-Robbins scale, and the angle between the screw axis and the pedicle axis was collected in postoperative CT.

Results.
There was no statistical difference in basic information between the 2 groups. The mean time of single pilot hole preparation was 4.08±1.01 minutes in the new system group and 5.34±1.30 minutes in the conventional method group (P<0.001). The time of single screw placement was significantly shorter in the new system group (0.82±0.20 vs. 1.72±0.33 min), and the fluoroscopy time was also less in the new system group (13.70±3.42 vs. 19.95±5.50 s) (P<0.001). Screw placement accuracy assessment showed that there were 85 (94.45%) A-grade screws in the new system group while 76 (84.44%) A-grade screws in the conventional method group (P=0.027).

Conclusions.
The new pilot hole preparation system has shown significant reductions in the time of pilot hole preparation, time of screw placement, and radiation exposure, and has good clinical application value.
Platelet-sparing properties of aprotinin
Authors: Vanglabeke Lennart L.W. , Rex Steffen , Van den Eynde Raf 
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND
Cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with the risk of acquired coagulopathy, including dysregulated fibrinolysis, which can result in life-threatening bleeding complications. Aprotinin, an antifibrinolytic agent, has been recommended for the prevention of these complications. Its effectiveness has been attributed to its ability to nonspecifically inhibit various serine proteases involved in the coagulation and fibrinolysis cascade. Additionally, aprotinin may protect platelets from CPB-induced dysfunction through a platelet-sparing effect, further enhancing its efficacy.

OBJECTIVES
The biochemical pathways underlying aprotinin's platelet-sparing effect remain unclear. Furthermore, it is uncertain to what extent this effect contributes to reducing blood loss and need for transfusion.

DESIGN
A scoping review

DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane were searched from inception until 21 December 2023.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Studies in which a platelet-sparing effect of aprotinin was investigated. These included systematic reviews; experimental, and observational studies describing healthy humans, patients, or animals undergoing any type of surgery; studies in which donated blood was used for in-vitro studies.

RESULTS
Sixty-four studies were deemed eligible, the majority of which observed a platelet-sparing effect, attributing it to the inhibition of platelet aggregation (via protection of glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptors), platelet adhesion (by protection of GP Ib receptors), both aggregation and adhesion receptors, proteolysis of protease-activated receptor 1 receptors, platelet activation (by inhibition of plasmin) and platelet activation (by inhibition of thrombin). A dose-dependency of the platelet-sparing effect was investigated in both in-vitro studies and randomised controlled trials, yielding mixed results. No studies have explored the relative contribution of aprotinin's platelet-sparing effect and its antifibrinolytic effect in reducing blood loss and need for transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS
This review elucidated current knowledge on how aprotinin influences platelets and exerts its platelet-sparing effect, while highlighting gaps in the existing literature.
Injectable Intravitreal Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant for Chronic Postoperative CME in the Presence of Silicone Oil Tamponade
Authors: Patel Kishan G. , Flores Jessica , Abbey Ashkan M. 
Published: October 2024

Purpose:
This report describes the use of the injectable intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide 0.18mg implant (FAI) for chronic postoperative cystoid macular edema (CME) in an eye with a silicone oil-filled vitreous cavity.

Methods:
A retrospective chart review was performed including surgical, clinical, and imaging data.

Results:
The patient had multiple complicated vitreoretinal surgical procedures including long-term silicone oil tamponade. The eye developed chronic CME, which responded to intravitreal steroid therapies and subsequently received FAI for longer-term control. The eye had no complications related to FAI.

Conclusion:
FAI is a long-acting steroid that may be beneficial in controlling chronic CME. It can be considered for use in eyes with silicone oil tamponade, but further studies are required to better understand the pharmacokinetics and utility of the FAI when injected into silicone oil-filled vitreous cavities.
Work Trajectories of Patients With Persistent Complaints After a COVID-19 Infection Receiving Allied Healthcare in the Netherlands
Authors: Ben Ângela Jornada , Verburg Arie Cornelis , Maas Esther T. , Hoogeboom Thomas J. , Gerards Marissa H. G. , Slotegraaf Anne I. , Cup Edith H. C. , Schaafsma Frederieke , W.J.G. Ostelo Raymond , van Dongen Johanna Maria ,   on behalf of the Dutch Consortium Allied Healthcare COVID-19, ParaCOV cohort study
Published: October 2024

Objectives
This study identifies work trajectories of patients with persistent complaints after a COVID-19 infection receiving allied healthcare and predictors of return work.

Methods
A prospective cohort of 1333 Dutch working-age patients with persistent complaints after a COVID-19 infection receiving allied healthcare between 2021 and 2022 were used. Sequence analysis was conducted to identify work trajectories over time and logistic regression to investigate predictors of return to work.

Results
Five hundred fifty-two unique work trajectories were identified. The proportion of return to work was 31.4% (n = 419). High health-related quality of life was associated with higher odds of return to work (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.04).

Conclusions
Only one-third of patients returned to work 9 months after receiving allied healthcare. Return to work was best predicted by health-related quality of life although the model’s accuracy was poor.
Relationship of body mass index and kidney outcomes in patients with primary glomerulonephritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Qinling , Yao Tianhua , Chen Yan , Xiao Fei , Wu Yazhou , Dai Huanzi 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Primary glomerulonephritis, is a major contributor to the development of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Previous studies on the relationship between overweight/obesity with primary glomerulonephritis in the chronic kidney disease was inconsistent. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the relationship between body mass index and adverse kidney outcomes in patients with primary glomerulonephritis.

Methods:
PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched. Patients were divided into an overweight/obesity group (group O) and a non-overweight/obesity group (group N) according to their body mass index values.

Results:
Twenty-six studies with 11,038 patients were selected. Patients in group O had deteriorated baseline characteristics, including worse baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (weighted mean differences [WMD] = ‐5.99), higher Scr (WMD = 7.34), uric acid (WMD = 47.53), 24-hour proteinuria (WMD = 0.40), and a higher prevalence rate of hypertension (odds ratio, OR = 2.70) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.644). On the histopathologic level, patients in group O had a significantly lower total glomerular number (WMD = ‐2.30); however, no difference was observed in mesangial cell proliferation, endocapillary hypercellularity, crescents, sclerosis, and tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis between the 2 groups. The incidence of adverse renal outcomes in the 2 groups was similar (OR = 0.96). The meta-analysis of hazard ratios from Cox regressions indicated a strong association between overweight/obesity and poor renal outcomes in glomerulonephritis (HR = 1.17).

Conclusion:
Overweight/obesity glomerulonephritis patients had remarkably poor baseline clinicopathological characteristics. Being overweight or obesity would likely impact the progression of primary glomerulonephritis but not serious enough to contribute to significant poor renal outcomes, which could be prevented by aggressive therapy.