bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Evaluation Of Pregnancy Outcomes In Patients With a History Of Bariatric Surgery
Authors: ATLIHAN UFUK , Ata Can , AVSAR HUSEYIN AYTUG , YAVUZ ONUR 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity and overweight are significant risk factors for prenatal morbidity and death, and more females in reproductive age must have obesity surgery. The present study investigated the outcomes of pregnancies and births after bariatric surgeries.
Materials and Materials and Methods: All patients who gavexbirth from 2018 to 2023 in our clinic were included in this present study. The participants who had Bariatric Surgery (BS) previously were determined from the hospital database and their medicalxbirth records were obtained for data on pregnancy, birth, and perinatalxresults. The results of females who had bariatric surgeries previously were analyzed by comparing them with other pregnancies.
Results: A total of 298 females who had bariatricxsurgeries previously and 4374 women who had not undergone surgeries were included in the study. The group that underwent BS had a greater ratio of abortion (p:0.009) and IVF history (<.001). Pregnancy-inducedxhypertension (p<.001), preeclampsia (p:0.04), Gestational Diabetes (GDM) (p<i.001), premature birth (p<i.001), cesareanxdelivery (p<i.001) and small gestational age (p<i.001) rates were significantly higher in the bariatricxgroup.
Conclusion: Given the potential hazards for obese women who are of reproductive age, BS may be seen a prudent course of therapy. AfterxBS, there is a correlation between weight and pregnancy outcomes. Previous research revealed similar findings between groups in terms of pregnancy prognosis and pregnancy complications in obese and extremely obese patient groups.
The use of water retention agent in saline-alkali soil promotes the expression of nutrient transporter genes in wheat and increases grain yield.
Authors: Ji Cexun , Xu Yunshuo , Yang Min , Shi Yan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Salinity stress is a limiting factor for wheat production and food security. Water retention agent has been established as one soil conditioner to reduce soil water loss and improve crop yield. In this study, we designed a new compound water retention agent (CWRA) and tried to explore the response of the wheat after application in saline-alkali soil. In this two-year field and pot experiments, we set up a gradient dosage (15 kg ha-1, 30 kg ha-1, 45 kg ha-1) of CWRA, and a quantitative dosage (30 kg ha-1) of attapulgite water retention agent (AWRA), to investigate their effects on the nutrient accumulation, nutrient transport-related genes and yield of winter wheat in saline-alkali soil. Based on the results of our experiments, we found that: the treatments with water retention agent significantly increased the expression levels of the TaAMT1.1, TaGS1, and TaPHT2;1 genes, prolonged the growth period and increase grain yield, and improves water-use efficiency. It provided a theoretical and practical basis for the application of CWRA to saline-alkali soil planting.
On-treatment biopsies to predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer
Authors: Sinn Bruno Valentin , Sychra Katharina , Untch Michael , Karn Thomas , Mackelenbergh Marion van , Huober Jens , Schmitt Wolfgang , Marmé Frederik , Schem Christian , Solbach Christine , Stickeler Elmar , Tesch Hans , Fasching Peter A. , Schneeweiss Andreas , Müller Volkmar , Holtschmidt Johannes , Nekljudova Valentina , Loibl Sibylle , Denkert Carsten 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients with pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for invasive breast cancer (BC) have better outcomes, potentially warranting less extensive surgical and systemic treatments. Early prediction of treatment response could aid in adapting therapies.
Methods
On-treatment biopsies from 297 patients with invasive BC in three randomized, prospective neoadjuvant trials were assessed. BC quantity, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and the proliferation marker Ki-67 were compared to pre-treatment samples. The study investigated the correlation between residual cancer, changes in Ki-67 and TILs, and their impact on pathologic complete response (pCR) and disease-free survival (DFS).
Results
Among the 297 samples, 138 (46%) were hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor 2-negative (HER2-), 87 (29%) were triple-negative (TNBC), and 72 (24%) were HER2+. Invasive tumor cells were found in 70% of on-treatment biopsies, with varying rates across subtypes (HR+/HER2-: 84%, TNBC: 62%, HER2+: 51%; p < 0.001). Patients with residual tumor on-treatment had an 8% pCR rate post-treatment (HR+/HER2-: 3%, TNBC: 19%, HER2+: 11%), while those without any invasive tumor had a 50% pCR rate (HR+/HER2-: 27%; TNBC: 48%, HER2+: 66%). Sensitivity for predicting residual disease was 0.81, with positive and negative predictive values of 0.92 and 0.50, respectively. Increasing TILs from baseline to on-treatment biopsy (if residual tumor was present) were linked to higher pCR likelihood in the overall cohort (OR 1.034, 95% CI 1.013–1.056 per % increase; p = 0.001) and with a longer DFS in TNBC (HR 0.980, 95% CI 0.963–0.997 per % increase; p = 0.026). Persisting or increased Ki-67 was associated with lower pCR probability in the overall cohort (OR 0.957, 95% CI 0.928–0.986; p = 0.004) and shorter DFS in TNBC (HR 1.023, 95% CI 1.001–1.047; p = 0.04).
Conclusion
On-treatment biopsies can predict patients unlikely to achieve pCR post-therapy. This could facilitate therapy adjustments for TNBC or HER2 + BC. They also might offer insights into therapy resistance mechanisms. Future research should explore whether standardized or expanded sampling enhances the accuracy of on-treatment biopsy procedures.
Trial Registration
GeparQuattro (EudraCT 2005-001546-17; Start date: 28.06.2005), GeparQuinto (EudraCT 2006-005834-19; Start date: 27.10.2007) and GeparSixto (EudraCT 2011-000553-23; Start date: 29.09.2011).
Enhancing Phytoremediation of Bauxite Mine Subsoil by Jatropha curcas L. using Sewage Sludge and Poultry Sludge
Authors: Lim Mingyuan , Wahid Samsuri Abd. , Shukor Mohd Yunus Abd , Phang Lai-Yee 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Phytoremediation is a sustainable technology for cleaning up heavy metal contamination at mining sites. However, degraded soils at these sites create a harsh environment for plants to survive and properly yield biomass. In this study, sewage sludge and poultry sludge were applied as soil amendments in bauxite mine subsoil to determine their impact on the growth and heavy metal uptake of Jatropha curcas L. Both sewage sludge and poultry sludge were applied at 25% and 50%. J. curcas was grown in the amended soils for 120 days under greenhouse conditions. Changes in soil physico-chemical properties, plant growth and heavy metal uptake of J. curcas were determined after that. An increase in EC, CEC, total C, total N, total available P and total extractable K was detected in the amended soils. These improvements enhanced the growth of J. curcas, particularly in the development of above-ground plant biomass. Increased plant biomass subsequently led to higher bioaccumulation and translocation efficiency of Al, Fe, Pb and Zn. As a result, higher heavy metal removal of up to 98.03% was detected in the amended treatments. The findings indicated that the application of sewage sludge and poultry sludge improves soil conditions for plant development.
Differential transcriptomic host responses in the early phase of viral and bacterial infections in human lung tissue explants ex vivo
Authors: Sohail Aaqib , Waqas Fakhar , Braubach Peter , Czichon Laurien , Samir Mohamed , Iqbal Azeem , de Araujo Leonardo , Pleschka Stephan , Steinert Michael , Geffers Robert , Pessler Frank 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
. The first 24 hours of infection represent a critical time window in interactions between pathogens and host tissue. However, it is not possible to study such early events in human lung during natural infection due to lack of clinical access to tissue this early in infection. We, therefore, applied RNA sequencing to ex vivo cultured human lung tissue explants (HLTE) from patients with emphysema to study global changes in small noncoding RNA, mRNA, and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA, lincRNA) populations during the first 24 hours of infection with influenza A virus (IAV), Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Results.
P. aeruginosa caused the strongest expression changes and was the only pathogen that notably affected expression of microRNA and PIWI-associated RNA. The major classes of long RNAs (> 100 nt) were represented similarly among the RNAs that were differentially expressed upon infection with the three pathogens (mRNA 77–82%; lncRNA 15–17%; pseudogenes 4–5%), but lnc-DDX60-1, RP11-202G18.1, and lnc-THOC3-2 were part of an RNA signature (additionally containing SNX10 and SLC8A1) specifically associated with IAV infection. IAV infection induced brisk interferon responses, CCL8 being the most strongly upregulated mRNA. Single-cell RNAseq identified airway epithelial cells and macrophages as the predominant IAV host cells, but inflammatory responses were also detected in cell types expressing few or no IAV transcripts. Combined analysis of bulk and single-cell RNAseq data identified a set of 6 mRNAs (IFI6, IFI44L, IRF7, ISG15, MX1, MX2) as the core transcriptomic response to IAV infection. The two bacterial pathogens induced qualitatively very similar changes in mRNA expression and predicted signaling pathways, but the magnitude of change was greater in P. aeruginosa infection. Upregulation of GJB2, VNN1, DUSP4, SerpinB7, and IL10, and downregulation of PKMYT1, S100A4, GGTA1P, and SLC22A31 were most strongly associated with bacterial infection.
Conclusions.
Human lung tissue mounted substantially different transcriptomic responses to infection by IAV than by BCG and P. aeruginosa, whereas responses to these two divergent bacterial pathogens were surprisingly similar. This HLTE model should prove useful for RNA-directed pathogenesis research and biomarker discovery during the early phase of infections, both at the tissue and single-cell level.
The way “urbanization” is defined has strong implications for its effects on mammal abundance
Authors: Poisson Mairi K.P. , Gebresenbet Fikirte , Butler Andrew R. , Tate Patrick , Bergeron Daniel H. , Moll Remington J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

It is now well-recognized that urbanization strongly impacts wildlife communities and populations. However, we typically do not know which feature(s) affect individual species most strongly, and this lack of understanding impedes theory development and effective planning for conservation and management goals. To address this knowledge gap, we evaluated how the abundance of ten mammal species responded to six different features of urbanization quantified at five spatial scales using data from 112 camera traps deployed for two years across a gradient of urbanization in New Hampshire, USA. We fit Bayesian abundance models to measure response to each feature and scale. There was no singular urban feature or spatial scale in the best model for all species. Rather, species responded uniquely to features across scales, and the scale of urban features in the best model also varied. Within a species, the magnitude and direction of response varied across features and scales, with only black bear (Ursus americanus), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) exhibiting a consistently significant unidirectional relationship with a single feature across all scales. Our results emphasize that species respond to specific urban features, thus a failure to include certain features can cause misleading inference about wildlife response to “urbanization”. Therefore, researchers must carefully justify the choice of urban feature and spatial scale at which it is represented for each species of interest. An expanded inclusion of multiple urban features in wildlife research will inform management decisions and help attain conservation goals for species impacted by urbanization.
Predictive factors of progression in fibrosing interstitial lung disease patients with gender-age-physiology stage 0 or I
Authors: Okamoto Masaki , Fujimoto Kiminori , Chikasue Tomonori , Yanagihara Toyoshi , Tabata Kazuhiro , Zaizen Yoshiaki , Tominaga Masaki , Sumi Akiko , Takeoka Hiroaki , Matsuo Norikazu , Nouno Takashi , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Hoshino Tomoaki 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The prognostic factors in mild fibrosing interstitial lung disease (FILD) have not been established. We retrospectively attempted to identify predictive factors of annual progression in mild FILD with gender-age-physiology (GAP) stage 0 or I using logistic regression analysis, adjusting for confounding factors associated with prognosis. Annual progression was defined as more than 10% decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC) or 15% decrease in diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), developing acute exacerbation, or death due to FILD. Univariate analysis showed that higher age, diagnosis of fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonia (HP), definite usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern on CT, GAP stage I, lowest SpO2 and decrease in SpO2, and shorter walk distance in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were significantly associated with a higher incidence of annual progression. Multivariate analysis showed that independent predictive factors of higher annual progression were diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and fibrotic HP, definite UIP pattern on CT, GAP stage I, lower DLCO, lowest SpO2 and decrease in SpO2 in the 6MWT, and higher chronic pulmonary emphysema assessment test. Evaluating prognostic factors in patients with mild FILD has potential to identify patients who are suitable for early intervention with antifibrotic therapy.
Malaria treatment for prevention: a modelling study of the impact of routine case management on malaria prevalence and burden
Authors: Camponovo Flavia , Jeandron Aurélie , Skrip Laura A. , Golumbeanu Monica , Champagne Clara , Symons Tasmin L. , Connell Mark , Gething Peter , Visser Theodoor , Menach Arnaud Le , Cohen Justin M. , Pothin Emilie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Testing and treating symptomatic malaria cases is crucial for case management, but it may also prevent future illness by reducing mean infection duration. Measuring the impact of effective treatment on burden and transmission via field studies or routine surveillance systems is difficult and potentially unethical. This project uses mathematical modeling to explore how increasing treatment of symptomatic cases impacts malaria prevalence and incidence.Methods Leveraging the OpenMalaria stochastic agent-based transmission model, we first simulated an array of transmission intensities with baseline effective treatment coverages of 28%, 44%, and 54% incorporated to reflect the 2023 coverage distribution across Africa, as estimated by the Malaria Atlas Project. We assessed the impact of increasing coverage as high as 60%, the highest 2023 estimate on the continent. Subsequently, we performed simulations resembling the specific subnational endemicities of Kenya, Mozambique, and Benin, using publicly available estimates of intervention coverages to reproduce historical subnational prevalence. We estimated the impact of increasing effective treatment coverage in these example settings in terms of prevalence reduction and clinical cases averted in children under 5 and the total population.Results The most significant prevalence reduction – up to 50% – was observed in young children from lower transmission settings (prevalence below 0.2), alongside a 35% reduction in incidence, when increasing effective treatment from 28–60%. A nonlinear relationship between baseline transmission intensity and the impact of treatment was observed. Increasing effective treatment coverage to 60% led to an estimated 39% of young children in Benin and 20% in Mozambique that would no longer live in high-risk areas (prevalence in children under 5 years old > 0.3). In Kenya where most of the population lives in areas with prevalence below 0.15, and case management is high (53.9%), 0.39% of children were estimated to transition to lower-risk areas.Conclusion Improving case management directly reduces the burden of illness, but these results suggest it also reduces transmission, especially for young children. In synergy with vector control interventions, enhancing case management can be an important tool for reducing transmission intensity over time.
Optimization of Distillation of Water-acetone Mixture in the Production Process of Cellulose Acetate Fibers
Authors: RUAS CAMILA VIEIRA , Tovar Laura Plazas , Falleiro Rafael Mauricio Matricarde 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In certain textile industries, acetone is used as a solvent in the production of cellulose acetate fibers. Since it is not added to the final product, its recovery at the end of the process is necessary, mainly due to economic and environmental factors. This study examined the pressure modulation distillation process of acetone/water in a cellulose acetate fiber production plant and performed a sensitivity analysis of the main process parameters (steam flow rate, reflux ratio, and column pressure) to evaluate the best operating point concerning energy consumption and process specifications. Using the NRTL-RK parameter set in the ASPEN Plus® computational environment, the proposed model satisfactorily represented the system's operation, achieving a 98.9% acetone recovery. The sensitivity analysis of the pressure modulation distillation system defined the best process operating point (pressure, reflux ratio, and steam flow rate), reaching a 97.0% purity and a flow rate of 3964 kg/h. The studied pressure modulation distillation system operated with a 15.6% reduction in steam consumption when operated at 4.4 bar and a 1.75 reflux ratio in the higher-pressure column, 1.03 bar, and a 1.8 reflux ratio in the lower pressure column, adjusting the reflux ratios to 1.75 in the higher-pressure column and 1.8 in the lower pressure column. This steam reduction, in addition to reducing operating costs, also makes the process safer by lowering pressure. Another significant factor is the potential for reduced pollutant generation caused by fossil fuel combustion and the generation of carbon credits.
Biofilm characterization of Mycoplasma bovis co-cultured with Trueperella pyogenes
Authors: Nishi Koji , Gondaira Satoshi , Hirano Yuki , Ohashi Masahide , Sato Ayano , Matsuda Kazuya , Iwasaki Tomohito , Kanda Takuya , Uemura Ryoko , Higuchi Hidetoshi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is associated with severe inflammatory reactions in the trachea and lungs and can be difficult to treat with antibiotics. Biofilms play a significant role in the persistence of bacteria and contribute to chronic lesions. A recent study showed that polymicrobial interactions of species are an important factor in biofilm formation, but the detailed mechanism of biofilm formation of M. bovis remains unknown. Assuming multiple pathogen infections in bovine respiratory disease complex, this study examined the characterization of the polymicrobial relationship between M. bovis and Trueperella pyogenes (T. pyogenes) during biofilm formation. Bacterium-like aggregation structures (> 10 µm), which were assumed to be biofilms of M. bovis in vivo, were observed adhering to the cilia in calves with Mycoplasma pneumonia. M. bovis released extracellular matrix to connect with neighboring bacteria and form a mature biofilm on the plate. Biofilm formation in co-culture of M. bovis and T. pyogenes tended to increase compared to that in single culture of these bacteria. Additionally, some large aggregates (> 40 µm) composed of M. bovis and T. pyogenes were observed. The morphological characteristics of this biofilm were similar to those observed in vivo compared to a single culture. In conclusion, the polymicrobial interaction between M. bovis and T. pyogenes induced biofilm formation, which was associated with increased resistance to antimicrobial agents, thereby exacerbating the progression of chronic Mycoplasma pneumonia.
Association of blood cadmium levels with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among adults with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Xu Congxi , Li Zhi , Hao Shirui , Zhang Jian , Li Jinlong , Liang Kuopeng , Wang Xiaojuan , Zhang Yi , Zhao Guangyuan , Bai Mengyun , Liu Dengxiang , Wang Jitao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Cadmium (Cd) accumulates in the body over time, damaging organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain. Some researchers have suggested that elevated blood Cd levels may contribute to the onset and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, only a few studies have investigated the association between Cd exposure and long-term health outcomes in patients with NAFLD. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of blood cadmium levels for mortality risk in patients with NAFLD.
Methods
This study analyzed data from 13,790 patients with NAFLD in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database, covering the years 1999 to 2018. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their blood Cd levels. The relationship between blood cadmium concentrations and all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality in NAFLD patients was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression while accounting for potential confounders. Results were visualised using Kaplan-Meier and restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves. Stratified analyses were performed for validation of the robustness of the results.
Results
The study included 13,790 individuals. After adjusting for all covariates, blood Cd levels were positively associated with all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality in patients with NAFLD, showing a significant linear dose-response relationship. Specifically, for each unit increase in Log-transformed blood cadmium concentration, the risk of all-cause mortality increased by 195% (HR = 2.95, 95% CI: 2.43–3.58); cardiovascular mortality risk increased by 173% (HR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.90–3.93); and cancer mortality risk increased by 277% (HR = 3.77, 95% CI: 2.54–5.59). Stratified analysis confirmed the robustness of these findings, indicating that female patients and those under 60 were more susceptible to the effects of blood cadmium on all-cause mortality. Additionally, patients with hypertension and those under 60 years of age were more vulnerable to cardiovascular mortality.
Conclusions
Our study suggests that high Blood Cd levels adversely affect the prognosis of patients with NAFLD. Individuals with NAFLD should be aware of Cd exposure and take preventive measures. Moreover, stricter environmental protection policies may be necessary to reduce Cd exposure.