bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Rare Case of Pulmonary Cryptococcosis in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Gbadamosi Hafisatu , Afriyie-Mensah Jane Sandra , Ansah Emmanuel Nyamekye , Dadzie Samuel Kwame , Kumordji Robert , Puplampu Peter 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Pulmonary cryptococcosis is an uncommon invasive fungal infection of the lungs seen in immunocompromised individuals but increasingly reported among the immunocompetent. We report on a rare case of pulmonary cryptococcosis in the immune component host highlighting the unique clinical and radiological presentation.
Glyphosate is a transformation product of a widely used aminopolyphosphonate complexing agent
Authors: Röhnelt Anna , Martin Philipp , Athmer Mathis , Bieger Sarah , Buchner Daniel , Karst Uwe , Huhn Carolin , Schmidt Torsten , Haderlein Stefan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We demonstrate for the first time that the broad-spectrum herbicide glyphosate is a stable transformation product during manganese-driven oxidation of diethylenetriamine penta(methylenephosphonate) (DTPMP), a complexing agent widely used in household and industry applications. Glyphosate formation was observed at circumneutral pH (i) in the presence of MnO2 (with and without dissolved O2) as well as (ii) in the presence of Mn2+ and O2. Maximum glyphosate yields varied with reaction conditions and ranged from 0.06 to 0.16 mol-%. Given the ubiquitous presence of manganese in the environment and wastewater treatment systems, Mn-driven transformation of DTPMP likely contributes to glyphosate formation under environmentally relevant conditions. Our results support recent reports of municipal wastewater as a previously neglected source of glyphosate in European surface waters with aminopolyphosphonates as suspected precursors. Therefore, the current approach to protecting water resources from glyphosate contamination needs to be revised, which has significant environmental, legal and economic implications.
Schizophrenia Knowledge Among Primary Family Caregivers Compared to Other Family Members of Individuals with Schizophrenia
Authors: Kurnianingsih Tuti , Young Chang Jin , Afriandi Irvan , Pandia Veranita , Dhamayanti Meita 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Schizophrenia, a profound and chronic mental disorder, is predominantly managed by family caregivers in Indonesia. Although psychoeducation about schizophrenia is usually provided to primary caregivers, insufficient comprehension of other family members can cause a negative consequence. The lack of knowledge may also cause inadequate support for relatives affected by the disorder, including medical treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the level of knowledge between primary caregivers and other family members of individuals with schizophrenia.
Method
A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate the level of knowledge among ninety-four primary family caregivers and ninety-four other family members of individuals with schizophrenia. Knowledge was assessed through Indonesian version of Knowledge About Schizophrenia Test (KAST), while data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney test.
Results
The results showed that primary caregivers had superior knowledge about schizophrenia compared to other family members across various domains, including overall scores (p = 0.0001), diagnosis (p = 0.0001), symptoms (p = 0.005), etiology (p = 0.002), medication (p = 0.001), and management (p = 0.0001). Nevertheless, no significant differences were identified between the two groups about their understanding of the course and prognosis of the illness (p = 0.222).
Conclusion
Other family members were found to have significantly lower knowledge about schizophrenia compared to primary caregivers. Therefore, mental health professionals should prioritize addressing knowledge gaps about schizophrenia and providing psychoeducation not only for primary caregivers but also other family members of individuals with schizophrenia.
Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on all-cause mortality in patients with chronic respiratory disease: A retrospective cohort study in an Australian teaching hospital.
Authors: SHARIFI Vahid , Brazzale Danny J , McDonald Christine F , Hill Catherine J , Michael Chris , Ruehland Warren R , Berlowitz David J 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is widely recommended for short-term benefits in chronic respiratory diseases, yet long-term outcomes remain uncertain. This retrospective cohort study addresses this gap, comparing 20-year mortality rates between PR participants and matched controls.
Methods: The 20-year mortality of stable chronic respiratory patients who participated in an outpatient PR program was compared with a matched control group based on the type of lung disease. Demographic and clinical variables, and the dates of deaths, were extracted and compared between two groups with two sample t-test and chi-square tests. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regression analyses were employed to evaluate survival differences.
Results: Between 2000 and 2002, 238 individuals enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program (58% male, mean age ±SD: 69±8 years, mean FEV1 % predicted ± SD: 46±21%). An equal number of people with comparable lung disease were selected as controls (88% COPD, 5% ILD). Controls had lower FEV1 % predicted values (mean±SD: 39±17%, P<0.001), smoked more (mean±SD: 48±35 pack-years, P = 0.032), and no differences in age, BMI, sex, and Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD). Median (IQR) follow-up time was 68 months (34-123), with 371 (78%) deaths. Univariable (HR = 1.71, p < 0.001) and multivariable (HR = 1.64, p < 0.001) Cox regression found higher mortality risk in controls. Subgroup analysis for COPD replicated these findings (HR = 1.70, P < 0.001).
Discussion: Our study suggests that clinically stable patients with chronic respiratory disease who undertake PR exhibit lower mortality than matched controls.
Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Comparison between Community-Acquired Pneumonia and Post-Obstructive Pneumonia Associated with Endobronchial Tumors
Authors: Yu Wenwen , Shi Yubo , Zheng Qingsong , Chen Jianwu , Zhang Xie , Chen Ali , Yu Zhiyang , Zhou Weilong , Lin Li , Zheng Legui , Ye Hua , Li Yunlei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Endobronchial tumors can infiltrate the bronchial wall or protrude into the bronchial lumen, causing post-obstructive pneumonia (POP). Differentiating between POP and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is challenging due to similar clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, which can delay the diagnosis and treatment of endobronchial tumors.
Methods We compared general demographic information, laboratory test results, lung CT images, bronchoscopic observations, pathological findings between the POP group and the CAP group.
Results 1. The POP group consisted mainly of older individuals (mean age 69 vs. 56 years; P < 0.05), males (93.4% vs. 47.1%; P < 0.05), and smokers (67.2% vs. 14.7%; P < 0.05). Clinical symptoms varied, with chest pain (23.0% vs. 11.8%; P < 0.05) and hemoptysis (26.2% vs. 10.8%; P < 0.05) more prevalent in the POP group. MSCT showed that bronchial wall thickening, bronchial stenosis, occlusion, obstructive emphysema, mucoid impaction, and endobronchial shadows occurred more frequently in POP, while consolidation and exudation shadows were predominant in CAP (P < 0.05). 2. In the POP group, neoplasms were the most frequent bronchoscopic findings (57 cases, 93.44%), especially in the upper lungs. Squamous cell carcinoma was the primary pathological type (52 cases, 85.25%). The average delay in diagnosing endobronchial tumors was 214.8 days. In the POP group, 34 cases (55.74%) had abnormal CT images in the past and did not undergo bronchoscopy, resulting in delayed diagnosis. 3. Factors such as gender, age, bronchial occlusion, stenosis, mucus embolism, and intraluminal shadow were determined to be independent risk factors for endobronchial tumors (P < 0.05 and OR > 1).
Conclusions Endobronchial tumors combined with POP are easily misdiagnosed as CAP in the early stage. Factors like bronchial occlusion, stenosis, mucus embolism, and intraluminal shadows on MSCT are significant independent risk factors for these tumors, indicating the need for early bronchoscopy.
The Efficacy of the Spaced Learning Teaching Method on Student Engagement and Learning Anxiety
Authors: Kamali Mohsen , Singh Mandeep , Pallathadka Harikumar , Petkov Iliya , Prasad KDV , Jahlan Ibtesam , Ismail Sayed M. , Esanmurodova Nilufar , Dudnik Olesya 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Spaced learning is a relatively new teaching method to enhance learning and memory retention. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of spaced learning on student engagement and learning anxiety in the principles and techniques of nursing practical course.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 51 first-semester nursing students selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Data were gathered using three standardized questionnaires: demographic characteristics, Learning anxiety, and the Student Engagement in School Questionnaire (SESQ). During the implementation phase, after obtaining consent and completing the demographic characteristics form, the experimental group was taught using the spaced learning method, while the control group received traditional instruction. After completing the classes, students from both groups filled out the learning anxiety and student engagement questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26) and descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The mean age of participants was 19.46 years, with females comprising the majority (58.9%). The main findings indicated that the experimental group had significantly lower learning anxiety compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the total SESQ mean score was significantly higher in the experimental group (P<0.05). The spaced learning group students also had higher mean scores in all three SESQ dimensions (Affective, Behavioral, and Cognitive), with statistically significant differences observed only in the cognitive and behavioral dimensions (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Spaced learning is a fun, enjoyable, cost-effective, and flexible teaching method that can improve the learning level of students through the management of learning anxiety. It also enhances student engagement, especially in the two crucial and influential cognitive and behavioral dimensions of academic success.
Preparing to deliver a stepped wedge cluster-randomised trial to test the effectiveness of daily symptom tracking integrated into electronic health records for managing rheumatoid arthritis: a mixed- methods feasibility trial
Authors: Druce Katie L , Masood Yumna , Chadwick Helen , Skyrme Sarah , Griffiths-Jones Deb , Santisteban Ramiro D. Bravo , Bower Peter , Firth Jill , Sharp Charlotte A , Armitage Christopher J. , Dowding Dawn , McBeth John , Sanders Caroline , Dixon William G , Veer Sabine N van der 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
We sought to assess the feasibility of a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial testing the effectiveness of a complex mHealth intervention called REMORA: a co-designed smartphone app enabling daily symptom tracking integrated into electronic health records (EHR) for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods:
We recruited patients aged ≥ 18 years with RA or inflammatory arthritis who consented to track their symptoms for up to six months using REMORA, from two outpatient departments. We analysed quantitative app and EHR data descriptively. Qualitative data from interviews and clinic observations was analysed thematically. We assessed four feasibility domains: recruitment and consent (target: 15 patients per site), intervention uptake (≥ 70% of recruited participants completed on-boarding), intervention adherence (> 50% daily symptom reports provided) and measuring disease activity as the primary outcome (scores available for ≥ 80% of people with a follow-up clinic visit).
Results:
Of 52 people consented, 32 (62%) completed on-boarding. Participants provided symptom data on 62% of study days. Among 48 people who had ≥ 1 follow-up appointment, at least one disease activity scored was obtained for 46 (96%) of them. Factors related to intervention uptake formed the biggest threat to trial feasibility, including lack of clarity of communication and guidance, access to technology, and personal challenges (e.g., being busy or unwell).
Conclusion:
We found that delivering a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial to test the effectiveness of REMORA would be feasible. This trial will contribute to the much-needed evidence base for the impact of integrated symptom tracking on care delivery and patient outcomes, including decision-making, patient experience, disease activity, and symptom burden.
Trial registration:
This feasibility trial was registered at https://www.isrctn.com/ on 23-Jan-2023 (ISRCTN21226438).
Air pollution and mortality in Portugal: AirQ+ analysis and COVID-19 impact
Authors: Simões João , Bernardo Alexandra , Gonçalves Luísa , Brito José 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study uses the World Health Organization's AirQ + model to assess the relationship between air pollution and mortality in Portugal from 2010 to 2021, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. By integrating AirQ + with Linear Mixed Models, we analyzed long-term air pollution data and its health effects. Results indicate a significant decrease in \(\:{\text{N}\text{O}}_{2}\) and \(\:{\text{P}\text{M}}_{2.5}\) concentrations from 2017–2019 to 2020–2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions and reduced transportation emissions. Conversely, \(\:{\text{O}}_{3}\) exposure slightly increased. The model estimates over 5,000 annual deaths from \(\:{\text{N}\text{O}}_{2}\) and \(\:{\text{P}\text{M}}_{2.5}\) exposure and over 139 annual deaths from \(\:{\text{O}}_{3}\)-related respiratory diseases for 2010–2021. Despite limitations like the need for better assessment of pollutant mixtures and climatic variables, the study shows a decrease in \(\:{\text{N}\text{O}}_{2}\)-related disease burden during the pandemic. These trends reflect anomalies in mortality and pollution data rather than policy improvements. The study underscores the utility of AirQ + in guiding public health strategies and tracking progress towards the 2030 Agenda, offering insights into reducing mortality and morbidity through decreased air pollutant exposure and highlighting the need for sustained, multi-dimensional pollution reduction efforts.
The causal relationship between metformin and bone mineral density: A Two- Sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Jiahao , Zhao Lu , Miao Xin , Yang Ye , Yangb Jiafu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

[Background] Metformin is a widely used hypoglycemic agent with Excellent hypoglycemic capacity. Many studies have shown that bone metabolism is altered in diabetes. Therefore, understanding the effect of metformin, a commonly used hypoglycemic agent, on bone mineral density has positive implications for advising diabetic patients about exercise and nutritional intake.
[Method] The Bone mineral density (BMD) dataset was derived from the GEFOS Consortium and the UK Biobank's GWAS meta-analysis study and categorized for classification according to the site (heel, forearm (F), femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS)) and age (15–30,30–45,45–60 and over 60). Data for metformin were obtained from the MRC-IEU consortium and included people of European ancestry (11,552 cases and 451,381 controls). We investigated the causal relationship between metformin and BMD by two-sample Mendelian randomization. Metformin was the exposure factor, and BMD was the outcome variable. Mendelian randomization was performed using inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median (WM), simple mode, and weighted mode methods, and tests for heterogeneity, horizontal multivariate analysis, and sensitivity analyses were performed.
[Results]In terms of results, no significant data suggested that oral metformin improved BMD. However, conclusions of the data on heel bone mineral density (Heel-BMD: Beta = 1.178, 95%CI = 0.3579–1.9974, P = 0.0049)) and bone mineral density in patients over 60 years (Over 60 BMD: (Beta = 1.980, 95%CI = 0.6759–3.2848, P = 0.0029)) suggest there is an association between metformin use and elevated levels of bone mineral density.
[Conclusion] This MR study found that in a European population, while oral metformin had a beneficial effect on whole-body BMD in the 60 + age group and heel BMD, there was no causal effect on the rest of the age group and the rest of the site. The potential exists for metformin to improve BMD, but more extensive clinical trials are still needed to validate this. It can be recommended in elderly patients with diabetes combined with osteoporosis.
Unusual free trisaccharides in caprine colostrum discovered by logically derived sequence tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Weng Wei-Chien , Liao Hung-En , Chang Cheng-Hsiu , Hung Shang-Cheng , Du Kai , Tu Zhijay , Lin Chun-Hung , Ni Chi-Kung 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Free oligosaccharides in human milk have many biological functions for infant health. The reducing end of most human milk oligosaccharides is lactose, and caprine milk was reported to contain oligosaccharides structurally similar to those present in human milk. The structures of oligosaccharides were traditionally determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy or enzyme digestion. Mass spectrometry has much higher sensitivity than nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and enzyme digestion. However, conventional mass spectrometry methods only determine part of the structures of oligosaccharides, i.e., compositions and linkage positions. In this study, we used the latest developed mass spectrometry method, namely logically derived sequence tandem mass spectrometry, to determine the complete structures (i.e., composition, linkage positions, anomericities, and stereoisomers) of free neutral trisaccharides in caprine colostrum and mature milk. The high sensitivity of mass spectrometry enables us to discover oligosaccharides of low abundance. Isomers of (Hex)2HexNAc, (Hex)3, and (Hex)2Fuc which have not been reported before were identified. Many of them do not have lactose at the reducing end. Instead, the reducing end is either Glcb-(1–4)-Glc or Glcb-(1–4)-GlcNAc. These unusual oligosaccharides are higher in concentration and more structurally diverse in caprine colostrum than that in caprine mature milk and human milk. The structural diversity indicates more complicated biosynthetic pathways of caprine milk compared to that of human milk.
Stable pH-responsive superhydrophobic fabric based on AgNPs/copolymer composites for controllable oil-water separation
Authors: Li Xuanjun , Su Xiaojing , Deng Pingping , Chen Shengye , Chen Zhuohan , Li Kunquan , Wu Wenjian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In recent years, intelligent response membrane materials have aroused considerable interest in controllable oil-water separation. However, challenges such as unstable response repeatability and easy bacterial contamination continue to hinder their effective use. Herein, a superhydrophobic fabric with pH responsiveness and antibacterial property were synthesized by combing (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) with AgNPs and pH-responsive polymer (DVM) on a fabric substrate. The fabric persisted superhydrophobicity with a WCA of 156o under natural conditions, while underwent a controlled transition of surface wettability in acidic environments. Heavy oil-water mixtures and light oil-water mixtures achieved controllable separation both before and after pH response. The fabric exhibited outstanding oil-water separation capability, achieving a separation efficiency of 98.0% and a separation flux of up to 11025.0 L·m-2·h-1. The pH response and oil-water separation demonstrated excellent repeatability. Specially, the pH responsiveness was maintained for up to 10 cycles, and the oil-water separation remained repeatable for up to 15 cycles. Even when tested under various environmental conditions, the superhydrophobicity was retained. Additionally, the fabric possessed remarkable antibacterial property with an efficiency reaching 90.4%. The preparation of the superhydrophobic fabric serves as a valuable reference for developing multifunctional and stable intelligent materials for oil-water separation.
Comprehensive analysis identifies YKT6 as a potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarker in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Liming , Wang Shaoqiang , Wang Lina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The most prevalent histological subtype of lung cancer is lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), with incidence rising each year. Treating LUAD remains a significant issue due to a lack of early diagnosis and poor therapy outcomes. YKT6 is a member of the SNARE protein family, whose clinical value and biological function in LUAD has yet to be established.
Methods
TCGA, HPA and UALCAN were used to analyze YKT6 mRNA and protein levels, the correlation between YKT6 expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis. YKT6 mRNA and protein expression were verified by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and tissue microarrays (TMA). Additionally, lung cancer cell lines were chosen for YKT6 silencing to explore the effects on cell proliferation and migration. The cBioPortal was used to select YKT6-related genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was created based on STRING database and hub genes were screened, with their expression levels and prognosis values in LUAD analyzed accordingly. YKT6-related genes were enriched by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analyses.
Results
In LUAD, YKT6 was distinctly highly expressed with relation to clinical features of staging, smoking, lymph node metastasis, and TP53 mutation. Elevated YKT6 expression was linked to adverse prognosis, serving as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor. Moreover, YKT6 presented high diagnostic value in LUAD patients (AUC = 0.856). Experimental validation indicated that freshly collected LUAD tissues showed significantly high mRNA expression of YKT6. IHC and TMA verified increased YKT6 protein level in LUAD. Knockdown of YKT6 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis, with mitigated capability of migration and invasion. The top ten hub genes screened by PPI network were highly expressed in LUAD, and significantly associated with poor prognosis. GO and KEGG analyses showed that YKT6-related genes were mainly involved in cell cycle.
Conclusion
Elevated YKT6 expression is related to poor prognosis of LUAD patients. YKT6 can serve as a novel biomarker for LUAD diagnosis and prognosis. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion was impaired with increased apoptosis upon YKT6 silencing in lung cancer cells. In summary, this study comprehensively uncovered that YKT6 could be identified as a potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarker in LUAD.