bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pla2r-associated Mebranous Nephropathy . Cause or Coincidence?
Authors: Perea-Ortega Lara , Muñoz-Sánchez Ana , León-Fradejas Myriam , Toledo-Rojas Remedios , López-Jiménez Verónica 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis affects 0.5% of adults in our country. It is an inflammatory disease that predominantly affects the joints causing destruction of the articular cartilage. Approximately 50% of patients present with extra-articular manifestations. Renal involvement is relatively frequent and clinically significant because it worsens the course and mortality of the primary disease. The histological renal damage observed in such patients includes a wide variety of entities and histological patterns with both glomerular and tubulointerstitial involvement, with secondary membranous nephropathy being one of the most common. Coexistence with primary membranous nephropathy is rare.
Case Presentation: A 46-year-old man recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis was referred to the nephrology department for deterioration of renal function and subnephrotic proteinuria. The autoimmune study showed positive anti-PLA2R. Due to the unusual association between both entities, it was decided to perform a renal biopsy which showed abundant spikes. The immunofluorescence study showed contiguous parietal IgG positivity (3+). Immunohistochemistry showed positive granular IgG4, confirming the diagnosis of PLA2R-associated membranous nephropathy.
Conclusions: Membranous nephropathy is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults. The determination of anti-PLA2R has been a great advance in the rapid differential diagnosis of MN. In recent years, new target antigens associated with certain underlying pathologies have been discovered. However, PLA2R is not associated with any disease or exposure and therefore remains the antigen responsible for 80% of primary NMs. Anti-PLA2R antibodies can be produced by loss of central or peripheral tolerance. Whether these mechanisms are triggered by rheumatoid arthritis itself is difficult to prove. The cytokine TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) has been associated with rheumatoid arthritis. This proinflammatory molecule increases the expression of PLA2R in podocytes, sensitising them to the damaging action of anti-PLA2Rs, which could justify a causal relationship between the two pathologies. Treatment should be tailored to the individual risk profile for progression. Rituximab could be an optimal option for both entities.
CryoCycle your grids: Plunge vitrifying and reusing clipped grids to advance cryoEM democratization
Authors: Noble Alex , Serbynovskyi Viacheslav , Wang Jing , Chua Eugene , Ishemgulova Aygul , Alink Lambertus , Budell William , Johnston Jake , Dubbeldam Charlie , Gonzalez Fabio , Rozovsky Sharon , Eng Edward , de Marco Alex 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

CryoEM democratization is hampered by access to costly plunge-freezing supplies. We introduce methods, called CryoCycle, for reliably blotting, vitrifying, and reusing clipped cryoEM grids. We demonstrate that vitreous ice may be produced by plunging clipped grids with purified proteins into liquid ethane and that clipped grids may be reused several times for different protein samples. Furthermore, we demonstrate the vitrification of thin areas of cells prepared on gold-coated, pre-clipped grids.
RILEM TC-275 (HDB): Presentation of TC HDB and mechanical performances of hemp concrete of the specimen of the round robin test
Authors: Amziane Sofiane , Toussaint Evelyne , Collet Florence 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study delves into the mechanical performance of hemp concrete – a sustainable construction material – with a focus on how the orientation of the hemp shiv affects its mechanical properties. Employing uniaxial compression testing and advanced Digital Image Correlation (DIC) techniques for surface deformation analysis, the research examines specimens in which the shiv particles are aligned perpendicular and parallel to the load direction. Results indicate significant variability in mechanical behavior – perpendicular specimens demonstrate a clear stiffening phase up to 3% strain before deterioration, whereas parallel specimens lack distinct phases. Moreover, DIC measurements suggest hemp concrete has higher Young's moduli and Poisson's ratios compared to traditional materials, and they underline considerable strain localization, especially at aggregate boundaries in parallel specimens. The DIC analysis provides a deeper understanding of the heterogeneous strain distribution, highlighting the interfacial transition zone's influence on the material's mechanical characteristics. These insights are pivotal for optimizing the use of hemp concrete in sustainable building design.
E-pro Within a Comprehensive Companion Program (Ccp) to Reduce Emergency Visits (Erv) and Inpatient Admission (Nia) in a Peruvian Institution
Authors: Rioja Patricia , Ruiz Rossana , Araujo Jhajaira , Macetas Jackeline , Acevedo Sandra , Guevara Tania , Quesquen Mercedes , Young Frank , Montenegro Paola 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe the implementation process of the CCP and demonstrate their impact in terms of ERV and NIA. METHODS: The CCP was designed as a remote web-based where patients could find information about their diagnosis, treatment and adverse symptoms. An e-PRO questionnaire was developed. The impact was examined for: ERV and NIA through a cohort analysis of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer receiving systemic treatment at Oncosalud-AUNA between June 2021- July 2022. The cohorts were: 1) patients who enrolled into the CCP and 2) otherwise eligible patients not enrolled into CCP. Incidence rate (IR), IR ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Time to first ERV and NIA curves were constructed using the Kaplan Meier method and log rank test.
RESULTS: 199 participants, 97 enrolled into CCP. Median age was 61 years (30 - 92 years). 51.5% of patients was EGOG 0-1. Chemotherapy was the most common treatment (88.4%). The mean follow time was of 8.3 and 6.7 months, for patients in CCP and not, respectively. ERV IR was 15.1 per month for patients enrolled into the CCP (95%CI: 12.6-18.0) vs. 20.3 per month for patients not enrolled (95% CI: 17.0-24.0) which translated into a 25% decrease in ERV (IRR: 0.75 (95%CI: 0.58-0.96; p=0.02)). NIA IR was 5.9 per month for patients enrolled into the CCP (95%CI: 4.4-7.8) vs. 9.2 per month for patients not enrolled (95%CI: 7.0-11.8) which translated into a 35% decrease in NIA (IRR: 0.65 (95%CI: 0.44-0.96; p=0.02)).
CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the feasibility of the CCP in our reality and the impact that it has reducing the utilization of other healthcare services.
ATG5 gene delivery by rAAV9 promotes doxorubicin-induced atrial fibrillation and structural remodeling
Authors: Xie Xin , Li Ya-Nuo , Wang Shi-Hao , Xu Yong , Kang Ze-Chun , Luan Hai-Yun , Liu Jie , Xu Nuo , Shen Zheng , Bian Wei-Hua 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Doxorubicin (DOX) is used as first-line chemotherapeutic drug in treating various cancers. However, patients with DOX administration are susceptible to atrial fibrillation (AF) with unknown mechanisms. Numerous previous studies have shown that autophagy plays an important role in the development of AF, but autophagy protein 5 (ATG5) in DOX-induced AF has still not been studied. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with DOX (5mg/kg) for 4 weeks to establish AF model. AF was documented by telemetry in vivo, the atria were assessed for molecular biological and morphological analyses. HL-1 cells were treated with DOX, then autophagy flux and oxidative stress were detected by confocal microscopy and DCF-DA staining. Here, we found that autophagy related genes including ATG5, Beclin-1, ATG12 and LC3B were upregulated in DOX-treated HL-1 cells. DOX treatment resulted in AF, atrial fibrosis and oxidative stress in mice, which were mitigated by rAAV9 expressing shRNA-ATG5 and aggravated by rAAV9 expressing ATG5. In addition, DOX treatment increased autophagosome but blocked autophagic flux, increased ROS generation and induced oxidative stress in HL-1 cells. These effects were markedly attenuated by siRNA-ATG5, whereas aggravated by adenovirus expressing ATG5 in HL-1 cells. Mechanically, we found DOX caused AF through ATG5-mediated autophagy which further regulated oxidative stress and atrial fibrosis. Overall, our study demonstrated that ATG5-mediated autophagy aggravated DOX–induced AF.
Characteristics and Trends in Adverse Drug Reactions in Ghana- Evidence of Spontaneous Reports, 2005-2021
Authors: Nyame Linda , Xue Hui , Yu Jinxia , Fiagbey Emmanuel D.K , Thomford Kwesi Prah , Du Wei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose Adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring is crucial in ensuring patient and pharmaceutical safety. However, there is lack of evidence regarding the trend pattern of ADR reports in Ghana. We therefore, aimed to analyse and characterize trends in ADRs reported in Ghana over 16 years.
Methods We retrospectively analysed ADR reports received by the Ghana National Pharmacovigilance Centre from 2005 to 2021. Jointpoint regression was used to estimate age-adjusted ADR rates, stratified by sex and patient characteristics, suspected medication groups, clinical indications and the manifestation of ADRs. To evaluate trends over time, the percentage annualised estimator was used.
Results We identified a total of 6,189 ADR reports from 2005 to 2021. The age-adjusted ADR report rates increased significantly from 2005–2019, with an annual increase of 18.6%, however, there was a downward trend from 2019–2021, although not statistically significant. Males accounted for the majority (64.3%) of ADR reports compared to females (35.7%). The medication group most frequently associated with ADRs were antiprotozoals accounting for 35.6% of all ADR reports while vascular disorders (21.0%) were the most commonly observed clinical indication in relation to ADRs. An increase in ADR report rates was noted for infections and infestation with an annual increase of 22.4% (95% CI: 9.7–36.7%; p < 0.001).
Conclusion ADRs significantly contribute to health problems in Ghana, with an increasing trend of ADR-related medication use. The findings of this study call for multifaceted strategies aimed at reducing the risks associated with drug use, thus improving patient safety.
Preparation and characterization of plant protein-mushroom hybrids: Toward more healthy and sustainable foods
Authors: Jayakumar Disha , Santhapur Ramdattu , McClements David Julian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

There is growing interest in finding more sustainable alternatives to animal-derived foods, like meat, fish, egg, and dairy products. This study focusses on the formation and properties of hybrid protein-rich foods consisting of potato protein and mushroom, specifically Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) and Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushrooms. Hybrid products with the same total solids content (20% w/w) were formed by combining potato protein (10% or 15% w/w) with powdered mushroom (10% or 5% w/w) in aqueous solutions (100 mM NaCl). Measurements of the z-potential versus pH profile showed that the electrical charge of both the proteins and mushrooms went from positive at pH 3 to negative at pH 8, but the point of zero charge was around pH 5.0, 4.0, and 3.5 for potato protein, Oyster mushroom, and Shitake mushroom, respectively. Consequently, there were intermediate pH conditions where there should be an electrostatic attraction between the proteins and mushrooms. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the potato proteins were originally in their native state but underwent irreversible thermal denaturation around 66 oC, whereas the mushroom dispersions exhibited no thermal transitions. Thermal denaturation of the potato proteins was still observed in the presence of mushrooms. The potato protein was soluble at low and high pH values, but insoluble around its isoelectric point (pI 5). In contrast, the mushroom dispersions contained insoluble particles across the entire pH range. The protein-mushroom hybrids were heated at 90°C for 30 minutes to promote thermal denaturation and gelation of the proteins. Texture profile analysis showed that the hybrids were harder and chewier than protein alone, especially when shiitake mushrooms were added, making them more meat-like. Dynamic shear rheology showed that strong irreversible heat-set gels were formed when the proteins were thermally denatured. Tristimulus color analysis showed that the L*, a*, and b* values changed upon adding the mushrooms, leading to a browner appearance. Microscopy analysis showed that the hybrids had a heterogeneous microstructure, which was attributed to the dispersion of insoluble mushroom particles in a potato protein matrix. These results suggest that potato protein and mushroom hybrids could be healthy, eco-friendly, and tasty substitutes for meat, but further research is required on their nutritional and sensory attributes.
The prevalence and determinants of unplanned pregnancy among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in the primary health care centers at KAMC- Jeddah
Authors: Wali Razaz Mohammed 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Unplanned or unintended pregnancy is one of the major health issues globally and regionally. It poses many health, psychological, and financial impacts on the individual and the health care system. Some determinants can affect women's decision to become pregnant; tackling these determinants can give policymakers a better understanding of the current health issue and help them develop recommendations accordingly.
This study aimed to identify the prevalence and determinants of unplanned pregnancy in pregnant women visiting antenatal clinics in primary health care centers in the western region of Saudi Arabia from September 2022 to July 2023.
Methods An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah from September 2022 to July 2023. A convenient nonprobability sampling method was used to recruit 346 pregnant women who were booked in primary health care antenatal clinics; the data were collected using the modified Arabic version of the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP). The questionnaire data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22.
Results The prevalence of unplanned pregnancy among the study population was 17.6%. There was a significant association between unplanned pregnancy and the duration between the last two pregnancies, having thoughts and actions to terminate the pregnancy, and meeting the women's contraceptive needs.
Conclusion Unplanned pregnancy is prevalent among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in primary health care centers at KAMC in the western province of Saudi Arabia but is less common in this region than in other parts of the world. Multiple risk factors can determine the risk of unplanned pregnancy, including women's education, family income, and ability to meet contraceptive needs. Public health personnel can use these indicators to understand population fertility and women's health services and reduce the rate of unplanned pregnancies, a key objective for the health care system in Saudi Arabia.
Chromium-methionine chelate can reduce protein content in Nile tilapia diets: an analysis of growth, carcass, biochemical and hematological parameters, and economic return
Authors: Oliveira Crislaine Palmeira Barbosa , Copatti Carlos Eduardo , Lemos Carlos Henrique Paixão , Couto Ricardo David , Figueiredo-Silva Claudia , Silva Janilson Felix , Vidal Luiz Vitor Oliveira 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding chromium-methionine (Cr-meth) chelate in extruded diets containing reduced protein content on growth performance, carcass composition, nutrient retention, and hematobiochemical responses in Nile tilapia juveniles. The fish were fed with two control diets (no Cr-meth): positive control (311 g kg-1 of crude protein, estimated 258 g kg-1 of digestible protein) and negative control (255 g kg-1 of crude protein, estimated 207 g kg-1 of digestible protein). Another five experimental diets (mean 251 g kg-1 of crude protein, mean estimated 204 g kg-1 of digestible protein) were supplemented with 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 mg Cr-meth kg diet−1. Juveniles (34.31 g) were organized in a randomized design (seven treatments in triplicate) in 21 tanks (250 L) and fed until apparent satiety. The experiment lasted nine weeks. Fish fed 0.8 and 1.0 mg Cr-meth kg diet−1 showed zootechnical variables similar to the positive control. The reduced protein diets showed lower costs, and supplementation with 0.91 mg kg-1 of chromium matched the profitability observed in the positive control diet. Carcass gross energy and energy retention, plasma cholesterol (total and LDL), and triglycerides values were higher in fish fed 0.6 mg Cr-meth kg diet−1 than in the positive control. Treatments with dietary Cr-meth (mainly between 0.4 and 0.8 mg kg−1) decreased carcass Cr, selenium, and copper retention and increased carcass nitrogen retention and muscle glycogen levels compared to the positive control. This treatment (positive control) also had lower values for total leukocytes and monocytes, respectively, than fish fed 0.2 and 0.4 mg Cr-meth kg diet−1 and for eosinophils and lymphocytes than fish fed 0.8 mg Cr-meth kg diet−1. In conclusion, we recommend supplementation with 0.8 mg Cr-meth kg diet−1 for diets with low protein content, as it produces a dietary protein-sparing effect, reducing costs, improving immune defense, muscle glycogen, and nitrogen retention without compromising growth performance, physiology, and fish metabolism.
The Effect of Testing Rate on Biomechanical Measurements Related to Stalk Lodging
Authors: Tabaraccci Kaitlin , Vos Jacques , Robertson Daniel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Stalk lodging (the premature breaking of plant stalks or stems prior to harvest) is a persistent agricultural problem that causes billions of dollars in lost yield every year. Three-point bending tests, and rind puncture tests are common biomechanical measurements utilized to investigate crops susceptibility to lodging. However, the effect of testing rate on these biomechanical measurements is not well understood. In general, biological specimens (including plant stems) are well known to exhibit viscoelastic mechanical properties, thus their mechanical response is dependent upon the rate at which they are deflected. However, there is very little information in the literature regarding the effect of testing rate (aka displacement rate) on flexural stiffness, bending strength and rind puncture measurements of plant stems.
Results
Fully mature and senesced maize stems and wheat stems were tested in three-point bending at various rates. Maize stems were also subjected to rind penetration tests at various rates. Testing rate had a small effect on flexural stiffness and bending strength calculations obtained from three-point bending tests. Rind puncture measurements exhibited strong rate dependent effects. As puncture rate increased, puncture force decreased. This was unexpected as viscoelastic materials typically show an increase in resistive force when rate is increased.
Conclusions
Testing rate influenced three-point bending test results and rind puncture measurements of fully mature and dry plant stems. In green stems these effects are expected to be even larger. When conducting biomechanical tests of plant stems it is important to utilize consistent span lengths and displacement rates within a study. Ideally samples should be tested at a rate similar to what they would experience in-vivo.
A Novel Peptide HIF9-nano Complex Targeting Apoptosis
Authors: Manimaran Dharmar , Palanisamy Vasan , Rangasamy Kowsalya , Elangovan Namasivayam 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In cancer therapy, cell proliferation can activate apoptotic machinery in the cell to suppress tumor growth. Though, the number of malignant cells does not effectively regulate the expression of vital genes that play a crucial role in the process of apoptosis in order to control. However, many malignant cells cannot regulate the genes that control apoptosis. Various intracellular and extracellular signals activate the process of apoptosis. The present investigation evaluated the anticancer effect of Peptide Chitosan Nanoparticles - M04 (PCN-M04) in the breast cancer cell line. PCN-M04 has a strong antiproliferative impact on breast cancer cells (MCF-7), indicating that it suppresses cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. In order to assess the mode of cell death after treatment of PCN-M04 on breast cancer cells, various assays such as intracellular ROS formation, DNA fragmentation assay, Comet Assay and Mitochondrial membrane potential were performed. In addition, both gene and protein expression analyses were carried out by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The results suggested that PCN-M04 inhibits cell proliferation in MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. After 24 hrs treatment, PCN-M04 significantly elevates the ROS generation and effectively alters the mitochondrial membrane potential. The DNA fragment assay and comet assay results clearly depicted the DNA damage and nuclear fragmentation. Further, PCN-M04 significantly controls the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, increased Bax and subsequently leads to the elevation of apoptotic inducing protein p53 that releases from mitochondria and activates the other apoptotic inducing proteins such as Caspase-9 and 3. The overall results of the current study clearly indicated that PCN-M04 effectively induced the oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial signaling mechanism by which it induces cell death. Hence, the novel peptide-based nanoformulation (PCN-M04) could be a potent therapeutic agent to inhibit or treat breast cancer.
Enhancing Semantic Scene Segmentation for Indoor Autonomous Systems Using Advanced Attention-Supported Improved UNet
Authors: Ngoc Hoang Tran , Vinh Nghi Nguyen , Le Nhi Quynh Phan , Nguyen Nam Nhat Ngo , Le Thu Anh Nguyen , Dinh Vinh Nguyen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This paper introduces EFFB7-UNet, an advanced semantic segmentation framework tailored for Indoor Autonomous Vision Systems (IAVSs) utilizing the U-Net architecture. The framework employs EfficientNetB4 as its encoder, significantly enhancing feature extraction. It integrates a spatial and channel Squeeze-and-Excitation (scSE) attention block, emphasizing critical areas and features to refine segmentation outcomes. Comprehensive evaluations using the NYUv2 Dataset and various augmented datasets were conducted. This study systematically compares EFFB7-UNet's performance with multiple U-Net encoders, including ResNet50, ResNet101, MobileNet V2, VGG16, VGG19, and EfficientNets B0-B6. The findings reveal that EFFB7-UNet not only surpasses these configurations in terms of accuracy but also highlights the effectiveness of the scSE attention block in achieving superior segmentation results. Without utilizing depth information, EFFB7-UNet achieves a 12\% improvement in mean Intersection over Union (mIOU). This notable enhancement highlights EFFB7-UNet's adaptability across different domains, implying substantial progress in enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of Intelligent Autonomous Vision Systems (IAVS) technologies.