bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Protective Effect of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning on Acute Kidney Injury Following Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cheng Peiwen , Wang Guozhen , An Yong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
To determine whether remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) improves renal outcomes in children undergoing pediatric cardiac surgery.
Method
A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of RIPC on the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and ICU length of stay.
Results
Six RCTs with 1098 patients were included.RIPC significantly reduced the incidence of AKI (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.25–0.60, P < 0.00001, I²=38%). There was no significant effect on postoperative sCr, TNF-α levels and ICU length of stay (all P values > 0.05, I² >80%). Sensitivity analyses showed a large impact of some studies on the results.
Conclusion
RIPC significantly reduced the incidence of AKI after pediatric cardiac surgery, showing its potential renoprotective effect. Although the effect on other postoperative indicators was not significant, high heterogeneity limits the certainty of the conclusions. Future studies should focus on multicenter, large-scale trials with detailed subgroup analyses to explore the mechanism of action and effects of RIPC in different patient populations.
Root characteristics, microbial population, yield and uptake by wheat crop influenced by priming and plant geometry under modified system of wheat intensification
Authors: Sharma Jyoti , Sharma B.C , Puniya R. , Kumar Anil , Majajan Amit , Verma Akhil 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The two year experiment was conducted in the form of a randomized block design with 10 treatments and 3 replications in order to investigate the influence of suitable plant geometry in conjunction with seed priming on root characteristics, microbial population, yield and uptake by wheat crop. The experiment constitutes ten treatments which involves 4 different primed and unprimed wheat crop sown at four different plant geometries along with conventional sown wheat. In context to organic seed priming formulation which comprised of vermi-compost, water, cow urine and Jaggery in the ratio of 1.0: 1.0: 0.5: 0.1. The two years of experimental findings revealed that primed seed sown at plant geometry of 20 cm × 5 cm recorded significantly highest grain yield (5244.7 kgha-1). This treatment is statistically at par in yield with primed seed sown at plant geometry of 20 cm × 10 cm and conventional sown primed wheat. Further, Primed seed sown at plant geometry of 20 cm × 5 cm recorded the significantly higher grain yield, microbial population and uptake of N, P, K in grain and straw as compared to other treatments. Root characteristics of wheat crop in terms of root length, root weight and root volume were recorded significantly higher under primed seed sown at plant geometry of 20 cm × 20 cm during 2018–19 and 2019–20, respectively. However, primed seed sown at plant geometry of 20 cm × 20 cm took lesser number of days to attain initial and complete plant emergence with 4 days and 8.67 days. Significantly (P <0.05) highest available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was recorded in plots of un-primed seed sown at plant geometry of 20 cm × 20 cm. Thus, Primed seed sown at plant geometry of 20 cm × 5 cm proved to be the most remunerative as it recorded highest grain yield during both the years of research study.
Study of Thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence properties of synthesised CaB2O4 nanoparticles doped with copper
Authors: Hemam Ritesh , Singh L Robindro , Singh Sh Dorendrajit 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

CaB2O4 nanorods doped with different concentrations of Cu were prepared by using co-precipitation method. The recorded Thermoluminescence (TL) and Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of CaB2O4:Cu samples for different concentrations of Cu irradiated with 6 Gy of X-Ray shows that 0.05 at.wt% of Cu concentrations have higher sensitivity. The TL and OSL kinetic parameters of glow curves were evaluated using “tgcd” and conventional fitting methods. The TL glow curve of the CaB2O4:Cu have three individual glow peaks with maximum peak temperatures at 404.50, 453.04 and 484.02 K respectively. The OSL glow curves of the CaB2O4:Cu nanoparticles follow non-first order kinetics which can be fitted with the sum of two first order decay curves.
Phase Angle as a predictor of motor function decline in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Hu Qin , Chen Xiaoyong , Luo Shaojie , Wang Yanhong , Fan Peicong , Wu Xiaona , Zhou Hui , Xu Huayan , Li Na , Cai Xiaotang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a prevalent X-linked recessive muscle degeneration disorder that involves the gradual loss of functional muscle mass. The Phase Angle (PhA) can indicate changes in cell membrane integrity and intercellular space. It has been recognized as a valuable tool for assessing disease severity and predicting patient outcomes. However, there is limited research on the application of PhA in children with neuromuscular diseases, including DMD.
Objective: More biological indicators are needed to reflect clinical progress in DMD children. We specifically examined the correlation between segmental PhAs and motor function and evaluated the effectiveness of segmental PhAs as a measure for assessing motor function in DMD children
Methods:A retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 399 boys with DMD in West China Second University Hospital (2016-2023) was performed. The correlation between PhA and motor function were analyzed through spearman correlation analysis. The predictive value of PhA and PhA combining age for lower limb motor function loss was analyzed by ROC curve.
Results: The time of peak of PhAs are earlier than NNSA score (peak at 6-7years old). TR-PhA reaches its peak at 6 years old, while other PhAs reaches its peak at 5-6 years old and subsequently declines over time. There was a significant correlation between PhAs and the NSAA score, with the strongest correlation observed in leg PhA (r=0.753, P<0.001). PhAs in legs demonstrate the strongest correlation and highest predictive value for lower limb motor function loss(AUC from 0.725 to 0.863). Additionally, PhAs combined with age had more excellent predictive ability for lower limb function loss than PhAs((AUC from 0.929 to 0.951).
Conclusion: 1）The phase Angle increases first and then decreases with the progression of DMD disease; the phase Angle changes earlier than motor function and presents a good correlation, which is a sensitive index to predict the progression of DMD disease. PhA could serve as a simple, fast, and non-invasive marker to predict the loss of lower limb motor function in DMD children.
ZIP8 modulates ferroptosis to drive esophageal carcinoma progression
Authors: Yang Zhaojie , Zhao Kexin , Li Xiangping , Yanzhang Ruoping , Zhang Huijun , Yu Yin , Yan Mingyang , Fang Shaobo , Li Tao , Li Hao , Chu Xiao , Han Siyuan , Zhang Ziliang , Teng Junyan , Jin Guoguo , Guo Zhiping 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive malignancy, and a better understanding of its molecular drivers is crucial for developing targeted therapies. Through bioinformatic analyses of gene expression data and immunohistochemistry, we identified the zinc transporter ZIP8 as being overexpressed in ESCC tumors compared to normal esophageal tissue. Functional studies revealed that ZIP8 knockdown impaired ESCC cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth. Mechanistically, elevated ZIP8 expression enhanced zinc-dependent phosphorylation of CREB, leading to upregulation of the ferroptosis suppressor GPX4 and inhibition of this iron-dependent cell death modality. Significantly, we discovered that the natural compound nobiletin targeted ZIP8, inhibiting ESCC cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Our findings demonstrate ZIP8 as a potential therapeutic target in ESCC and suggest that promoting ferroptosis through ZIP8 inhibition may represent a novel anti-cancer strategy for ESCC therapy.
Aliens on the Menu: High Prevalence of Introduced Ants in the Diet of Galápagos Lava
Lizards, Microlophus spp.
Authors: Moreno-Buitrón Ignacio J. , Boada-Viteri Estefanía , Guayasamin Juan Manuel , Guerra-Correa Estefany S. , Becdach-Mesia Isabel , Betancourt-Cargua Lenyn , Román Andrea C. , Ramón-Cabrera Giovani Marcelo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The Galápagos Archipelago, a unique and ever-changing natural experiment, has seen an increase in introduced species due to increased human mobility. Among these, introduced ants represent a significant concern given their potential to reach high densities and displace native fauna. This study analyzed the diet of six Galápagos lava lizard species (Microlophus spp.) through the examination of 177 fecal pellets collected over two seasons. We identified 7084 food items across 39 categories, with ants predominating, making up 65% of occurrences and 90% of the total abundance. Notably, introduced ants constituted 57.1% of these occurrences and 79.4% of the total abundance, indicating a significant prevalence of non-native prey. This finding
suggests a substantial shift in the islands’ ecological dynamics away from their natural state (i.e., without introduced ants). We also explore the dietary breadth of each lizard species and their similarity. Finally, we discuss the possible direct and indirect effects of the high prevalence of ants in the diet of Galápagos lava lizards, report interesting findings in their diet, and advocate for the use of feces as a non-invasive method to monitor for invasive ants. Our study highlights the ecological changes underway on these islands, underscoring the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate the impact of invasive species and preserve Galápagos biodiversity.
Effect of Iron and Cobalt Substitution on the electrical properties of Praseodymium based perovskites
Authors: SrinivasRe Padigela , Srip Suresh , Prakash Antham Chendra , .S Rajesh , Vaidya Prashanth Kumar , Mallikarjun A , Reddy M Ravindar , Mettu Maheshwar Reddy , Mahendrakar Sangeetha 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Praseodymium-based perovskite samples of Pr0.8Sr0.2FexCo1−xO3 (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) (PSFCO) manufactured by sol-gel technique. TEM images established particles size and cluster of particles as per morphology. The thermal behavior and electrical properties of prepared samples were characterized by a dilatometer and LCR impedance meter which are necessary for the development of the solid oxide fuel cells. The variations in dielectric loss and dielectric constant concerning frequency temperature and also thermal expansion of all samples were studied. The substitution of Iron and Cobalt content shows a great variation in the dielectric behavior and thermal expansion coefficient, which explains chemical compatibility of the cathode materials using electrolyte and shows higher ionic conductivity with lower values of thermal expansion, which plays a key part in SOFC applications.
Identification of Hub Genes Associated with the Progression and Prognosis of Gastric Cancer through Systematic Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Xu Wei , Gong Dandan , Man Changfeng , Zhang Shiqi , Wang Xiaoyan , Fan Yu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective: Gastric cancer (GC) is recognized as one of the prevailing solid malignant tumors globally, with a notable rate of recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, this study utilized database mining to analyze potential key genes (hub genes) that are associated with the progression and prognosis of GC, aiming to offer new clues for the prognosis and targeted treatment for GC.
Methods: This study utilized the GSE79973 dataset from the GEO to conduct DEGs in conjunction with the WGCNA. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was performed on disease-characteristic differentially expressed genes. In addition, a PPI network through the STRING database to screen for characteristic genes involved in the molecular mechanisms of GC. The diagnostic capabilities of these characteristic genes were ascertained through ROC curve analysis, integrating the clinical data of GC from TCGA.
Results: Systematic bioinformatics analysis pinpointed four genes—COL1A1, COL1A2, COL4A1, and TLR2—as closely related to the onset and progression of GC. ROC curve revealed their robust diagnostic and prognostic capabilities for GC (AUC(COL1A1)=0.9478, AUC(COL1A2)=0.8768, AUC(COL4A1)=0.8482, AUC(TLR2)=0.8452, all P < 0.0001), presenting significant clinical translational application value.
Conclusion: As newly discovered functional genes closely related to the onset and progression of GC, COL1A1, COL1A2, COL4A1, and TLR2, can be deemed as novel biomarkers for clinical diagnosis of GC, paving the way for new effective targets in the treatment of GC.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: a retrospective cohort study of 90 patients in Colombia.
Authors: Silva Camilo Ortiz , Mosquera Maria Pamela Delgado , Barney Valeria Atenea Acosta 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive weight-loss procedure that reduces the stomach volume using an endoscope and suturing device, creating a sleeve-like shape to limit food intake and promote weight loss. ESG has proven more effective in promoting weight loss than dietary and lifestyle changes, with a low incidence of complications. In Colombia, data on the effectiveness and safety of this procedure are lacking.
Methods: This descriptive retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent ESG between January 2022 and July 2023. Demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed descriptively. Changes in weight, BMI, and weight loss percentages at 1, 3, and 6 months were assessed.
Results: 90 patients were included. The median baseline weight was 85.5 kg, and the median BMI was 33 kg/m2. Weight reductions were observed after 3 and 6 months, with weights of 73 kg and 69.5 kg, respectively (p < 0.001). Weight loss percentage increased to 8.3%, 15.5%, and 20.0% at 1, 3, and 6 months (p < 0.001). BMI decreased to 27.4 kg/m2 in the third month and 25.9 kg/m2 in the sixth month (p < 0.001). Complications were mostly minor, occurred within the first month of follow-up, and included abdominal pain (21.1%), nausea (28.9%), and vomiting (14.4%). Gastrointestinal bleeding (3.3), heartburn (4.4%), and regurgitation (5.6%) were less common.
Conclusion: ESG is a safe and effective adjuvant treatment for obesity. This study showed significant weight loss and BMI reduction at 3- and 6-months post-procedure follow-ups, with a low incidence of minor complications.
DnaK of Parvimonas micra OMVs interacted with the host fibroblast Bag3-IKK-γ axis to accelerate TNF-α secretion in oral lichen planus
Authors: Ji Xiaoli , Zhi Mengfan , Gu Xiufeng , Han Ying , Lan Xiang , Song lixiang , Sun Peipei , Li Jingyuan , Qi XiangMin , Feng Qiang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the most frequent oral mucosal diseases associated with chronic inflammation despite extremely insufficient knowledge of its pathogenic mechanism.Results Here, the microbiome of buccal and lip mucosae, tongue dorsum and saliva among OLP patients and healthy individuals was analyzed. It was found that the oral microbiome, especially the buccal mucosa, varied significantly in OLP patients. Network, random forest and Netshift analyses simultaneously showed that Parvimonas micra (P. micra) was an important bacterium of OLP disease. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and single-cell ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing profiling suggested that fibroblasts were the candidate target with the characteristic of up-regulating the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-қB) signaling pathway related to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and communicating with multiple immune cell types. Mechanism analysis showed that P. micra, P. micra-derived conditional medium (CM) and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) could induce the activity of NF-қB signaling pathway and inhibit autophagy in buccal mucosal fibroblasts. As one of the main pathogenic effectors, the DnaK of P. micra-derived OMVs could inhibit autophagy and promote TNF-α secretion via the DnaK-Bcl-2 associated athanogene 3 (Bag3)-inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit gamma (IKK-γ) signaling axis.Conclusions Here we demonstrate that P. micra’s OMV drives OLP via DnaK -Bag3-IKK-γ/NF-қB signaling axis in the fibroblasts as new insights into the pathogenic mechanism of OLP.
Mitral annular calcification in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: risk factors and prognosis
Authors: Guo Bowen , Song Bangrong , Xu Xiaoyu , Dang Haiming , Dong Ran 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
This research aimed to ascertain the risk factors for the development of mitral annular calcification (MAC) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and the impact of MAC on prognosis.
Methods
HOCM patients underwent interventricular diaphragmatic myectomy were collected and examined by echocardiography and CT to test whether MAC occurred or not. General data and risk factors affecting MAC development in HOCM patients were observed. Differences in cardiac function indicators and perioperative clinical data were compared between patients with MAC and those without MAC. After surgery, patients were followed up until December 2022, with the primary endpoint being postoperative all-cause mortality and the secondary endpoint being major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Prognosis and MACCE occurrence were analyzed, and differences in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), Apelin, and Galectin-3 levels were assessed between patients with MAC and patients without MAC, and the correlation between factor levels and cardiac function indicators were explored.
Results
There were 24 patients with MAC (7.74%) and 286 patients without MAC (92.26%). Female and older patients were more common in the MAC group. The MAC group had a higher incidence of SAM sign, aortic annular calcification, aortic calcification, coronary artery calcification, mitral leaflet thickening, and moderate and severe tricuspid regurgitation. Gender, age, aortic calcification, aortic annular calcification, SAM sign, and mitral leaflet thickening were independent risk factors for MAC development. The MAC group had higher LVEDD, lower LVEF and heavier LVMM than the no-MAC group. Patients in the no-MAC group had a better prognosis and better MACCE incidence than patients in the MAC group.
Conclusion
Independent risk factors affecting MAC development in HOCM patients are gender, age, aortic calcification, aortic annular calcification, SAM sign, and mitral leaflet thickening. MAC development may lead to a poor prognosis in HOCM patients.
Exploring the perception and the needs of pharmaceutical care perceived by family caregivers of pediatric asthma patients in Guangdong Province, China: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Lin Guohua , Chen Dehui , Hu Hao , Ung Carolina Oi Lam 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Asthma brings a huge burden to children and their families. The aim of this study is to investigate the level of understanding of asthma among family caregivers, the burden they facing in caring for children with asthma, and their needs of pharmaceutical care.Methods: A questionnaireinformed by recent literature was distributed to family caregivers of children (<18 years old) diagnosed with asthma from Guangdong Province, China. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with the caregivers’ need of pharmaceutical care.Results: A total of 610 valid questionnaires were collected. Most of the participants were women (60%) or aged between 35 and 44 years (48%). Only 38.9% of participants believed that they had good asthma related knowledge. There were 59.2%of participants bearing high burden due to pediatric asthma, and 54.9% of the participants indicated great need for pharmaceutical intervention. The results of multiple linear regression showed that pharmaceutical care needs were significantly associated with their gender, age, duration of taking care of pediatric asthma patients, and overall burden (allp<0.05).Conclusions: Caregivers of pediatric asthma patients self-reported inadequate levels of asthma knowledge, high level of burden, and unmet needs for pharmaceutical care, all of which presented great opportunities for pharmacists to contribute to pediatric asthma management at the community level.
Heresy in ENSO teleconnections: Atmospheric Rivers as disruptors of canonical seasonal precipitation anomalies in the Southwestern US
Authors: Luna-Niño Rosa , Gershunov Alexander , Ralph F. Martin , Weyant Alexander , Guirguis Kristen , DeFlorio Michael J. , Cayan Daniel R. , Williams A. Park 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In spite of forecasts for anomalous dryness based on the canonical La Niña signal, Water Years 2011, 2017, and 2023 brought copious precipitation to California and the Southwestern United States (SWUS). Although El Niño—Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the main source of seasonal precipitation predictability for the region, outstanding Atmospheric River (AR) activity produced the unexpected regional wetness in each of these heretical water years (WYs). We define heretical WYs as those that result in precipitation anomalies that oppose those expected based on ENSO alone. We assess the contribution of ARs and other storms to these WYs, finding that heretical La Niña/El Niño WYs were characterized by anomalously robust/deficient AR activity. In California, precipitation accumulation during the heretical La Niña WYs was comparable to or even exceeded that observed during the exceedingly wet WY1998 — the textbook canonical El Niño year. Our findings indicate a weaker/stronger relationship between ENSO and AR/non-AR precipitation, primarily driven by storm frequency. Although ARs can disrupt the ENSO-precipitation signal, ENSO still influences the frequency of AR precipitation in the southwestern U.S. desert, the region influenced by ARs that make landfall in Baja California, Mexico. These results highlight the complexity of ENSO's impact on precipitation in the Western US and underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of ENSO’s influence on ARs to improve seasonal precipitation prediction.