bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined treatment with umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells and irbesartan protects against renal podocyte damage in diabetic rats
Authors: Meng Jing , Gao Xiao , Liu Xiaojuan , Zheng Wen , Wang Yang , Wang Yinghao , Sun Zhenquan , Yin Xiaoxing , Zhou Xueyan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background The leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is diabetic nephropathy (DN). Podocyte damage is an early event in the development of DN. Currently, there is no effective treatment strategy that can slow the progression of DN or reverse its onset. The role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation in diabetes and its complications has been extensively studied, and diabetic nephropathy has been a major focus. Irbesartan exerts reno-protective effects independent of lowering blood pressure, can reduce the incidence of proteinuria in rats, and is widely used clinically. Therefore, whether combined treatment with MSCs and irbesartan could protect the kidneys of rats with diabetic nephropathy by protecting against podocyte damage is being investigated.
Methods A model of type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) was established using a high-fat diet and a single low-dose injection of STZ (35 mg/kg). The animals were divided into the following 5 groups: (1) the control group (CON), (2) the diabetic nephropathy group (DN), (3) the mesenchymal stem cells treatment group (MSCs), (4) the irbesartan treatment group (Irb), and (5) the combined administration group (MSC+Irb). MSCs (2×106 cells/rat) were injected every 10 days through the tail vein for a total of three injections; irbesartan (27 mg/kg/d) was administered by gavage. Additionally, the safety and homing of mesenchymal stem cells were verified using PET imaging.
Results The combination treatment significantly reduced the UACR, kidney index, IGPTT, HOMA-IR, BUN, serum creatine, and related inflammatory factor levels and significantly improved renal function parameters and the expression of proteins related to glomerular podocyte injury in rats. Moreover, MSCs can homing target to damaged kidneys.
Conclusions Compared to the administration of MSCs or irbesartan alone, the combination of MSCs and irbesartan exerted better protective effects on glomerular podocyte injury, providing new ideas for the clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells.
A comparative study between support vector regression and relevance vector regression for estimating the ore grade in a rare metal deposit, DPR Korea
Authors: Jong Pok Yon , Han Chang Ik , Jang Jong Hyok , Pak Chol Un 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A critical step for mineral resource exploration and evaluation is estimation of ore grade. Many traditional ore grade estimators except for artificial intelligence (AI) methods only utilize location information of measured value as the input to predict without consideration for other factors related to target, which result in decreasing prediction accuracy. This paper uses a support vector regression (SVR) and relevance vector regression (RVR) to predict the ore grade in a rare metal deposit. The main goal of this study is to examine the applicability and capability of SVR and RVR methods for estimating ore grade and to find a way to predict the ore grade of rare metals as accurately as possible, considering its unique characteristics such as symbiotic relationship between rare metal components, as well as location information. Results illustrate both methods of SVR and RVR could successfully predict the grade of target metal using the location information and grades of non-target metals associated with target one. Furthermore, RVR shows reliability more than SVR with considerable estimating and generalizing capability.
Association between organophosphate esters individual and mixed exposure with the risk of hyperlipidemia and serum lipid levels among Chinese adults
Authors: Xu Qitong , Xie Chang , Yang Sijie , Li Yaping , Zhang Mingye , Wan Zhengce , Song Lulu , Lv Yongman , Chen Hui , Wang Youjie , Mei Surong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Toxicologic studies reported that organophosphate esters (OPEs) may disrupt lipid metabolism, thus affecting serum lipid levels. However, epidemiological evidences regarding the association between OPEs and the risk of hyperlipidemia (HPL) as well as serum lipid levels are scarce. In the present study, our aim was to investigate the impact of individual and mixed OPEs exposure on HPL. A total of 1981 Chinese adults were involved based on a cross-sectional design. Overall, we found a positive association between bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP) and the risk of HPL. Bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPHIPP) showed a positive association with total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). BDCIPP, diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), di-ocresyl phosphate and di-p-cresyl phosphate (Docp&Dpcp) as well as 4-hydroxyphenyl-diphenyl phosphate (4-OH-DPHP) exhibited a negative association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In stratified analyses, BDCIPP and BCIPHIPP were significantly correlated with the increase risk of HPL in age ≤45 group. Bis (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEP) was in relationship with an elevated risk of HPL in the subgroup of BMI < 24 kg/m2. BDCIPP was also positively associated with HPL in men. Quantile-based g computation (qgcomp) and generalized Weighted Quantile Sum Regression (gWQS) models demonstrated a negative association between OPEs mixed exposure and HDL-c in total population, as well as a positive effect of them on HPL in the subgroup of age ≤45 year, which is consistent with the individual analyses. Furthermore, joint effect analyses of revealed that participants with detected BDCIPP urinary levels and unhealthy lifestyle had the highest risk of HPL. Our findings offer evidence supporting the correlation between exposure to OPE and the risk of HPL, necessitating further prospective studies for validation.
Spatial analysis of the bone microenvironment reveals a novel osteoblast-CD4+ CTL crosstalk mediated by the SIRT1/DAAM2 axis
Authors: wang yong-xiang , wang lei , Chen Hao , yang bin , zhang guo-fu , Wang Jing-Cheng , fei wen-yong , cai jun , ruan bin-jia , Liu Zheng-Wei , jin yue , Wei Fan-Hao , feng xin-min 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

During ageing, the dynamic balance between the production and clearance of senescent osteoblasts affects bone homeostasis and health. However, the relationship between senescent osteoblasts and the immune system remains unclear. Here, we provide evidence that SIRT1, known as a longevity gene, could orchestrate bone mass maintenance through a novel mechanism involving osteoblast- CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) crosstalk. In the osteoblastic niche, SIRT1 promotes the secretion of key chemokines (e.g. CCL3, CCL5, and CXCL10) by upregulating DAAM2 through acetylation of EZH2 protein, thereby activating and recruiting CD4+ CTLs. Then, CD4+ CTLs eliminate senescent osteoblasts in an MHC-II-dependent manner, slowing the bone ageing process and effectively alleviating osteoporosis. This mechanism shows that DAAM2 is a pivotal downstream effector for SIRT1 to exert immune-regulatory effects in the bone microenvironment, and that targeting DAAM2 could accurately treat osteoporosis by increasing CD4+ CTL responses. This work enables a multi-perspective assessment of physiological bone senescence, paving the way for customised therapies targeting senescent osteoblasts to maintain bone health.
Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in paediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures – retrospective analysis of 201 cases
Authors: Kwas Katarzyna , Mostowy Marcin , Szatanik Klaudia , Małecki Krzysztof 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Forearm shaft fractures are common injuries, often caused by falling from a fully upright standing position or falling off while riding a bike. These injuries can be treated nonoperatively or surgically with intramedullary nailing or plates. According to the literature, the method of choice for treating pediatric forearm shaft fractures is the application of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN)|. The study aimed to carry out a radiological assessment of ESIN use in pediatric patients with forearm shaft fractures, as well as an analysis of the etiology of the injury and the complication rate.
Patients aged 1 to 17 years, diagnosed with a fracture of the forearm shaft treated surgically with ESIN, with a set of X-ray pictures and a minimum 6-month follow-up qualified for the study. The evaluation of the axial alignment was carried out retrospectively in anatomical (AP) and lateral (LAT) positions. 402 radiographs of 201 patients (30,5% women, 69,5% men) with a mean age of 9.1 years (SD = 3.2) were analyzed. 68% of fractures occurred during sports activity. 75% of fractures involved both the radius and the ulna. The union was observed in 100% of cases. Mean axial alignment values in AP and LAT X-ray or both the ulna and radius were proper according to the literature.
Axial alignment values were not influenced significantly by the age, type of surgery carried out or the type of fracture. Plaster cast application (9,8% of cases) significantly influenced the values of radius axial alignment. Complications rate equaled 11.4% (n=23). The etiology of the injury did not affect axial alignment values. Significantly more complications were observed in the ORIF group (p = 0,0025).
The ESIN technique is an effective treatment for forearm diaphyseal fractures in children, with good radiological results regarding reduction and bone healing.
Prevalence of endometriosis in diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy among women with chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Siivonen Saima , Suvitie Pia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: When peritoneal endometriosis is clinically suspected, empirical medical therapy should be the first-line treatment. Diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy may be offered after failed or unsuitable medical therapy in women with severe pelvic pain and no imaging findings. Our objective was to determine how often endometriosis is verified among these women via laparoscopy.
Methods: In our registry-based historical cohort we identified 296 women aged 15–49 undergoing laparoscopy due to chronic pelvic pain, between 2009 and 2020 at Turku University Hospital. Women without preoperative ultrasound findings and no history of endometriosis were included in the study. We collected preoperative characteristics and intraoperative findings from the hospital patient records. The prevalence of endometriosis in laparoscopy was the primary outcome.
Results: Macroscopic endometriosis was detected in 52.4% of laparoscopies, and the rate was similar throughout the study period. Peritoneal endometriosis was found in 52% of participants, deep endometriosis in 4.7% and a small endometrioma in 2%. Women with and without endometriosis reported similar preoperative rates of acyclic abdominal pain (91.8% vs 93.9%, P=0.64) and dyspareunia (84.6% vs 78.9%, P =0.32), while dyschezia was significantly more common among women with endometriosis (44.4% vs 26.9%, P =0.006). The prevalence of dysmenorrhea is not reported, as 62.5% of patients used hormonal therapy commonly aiming to amenorrhea. The median age at the onset of symptoms was significantly lower in women with endometriosis (14 vs 19, P =0.048).
Conclusions: Endometriosis was confirmed in 52.4% of the women undergoing laparoscopy due to chronic pelvic pain, and in most women, peritoneal endometriosis was the only finding. However, the other half of the women did not have endometriosis despite having similar pain symptoms. Two preoperative characteristics differed significantly between the groups; women with endometriosis had earlier onset of pain symptoms and they reported dyschezia more commonly. It remains unknown whether patients benefit long-term from undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy.
Implementing a rapid-learning health system in early intervention services for psychosis: Qualitative evaluation of its feasibility and acceptability
Authors: Ferrari Manuela , Saulnier Marianne-Sarah , Iyer Srividya N. , Roy Marc-André , Abdel-Baki Amal 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: The early intervention service for psychosis (EIS) model is increasingly implemented. Yet, despite the development of guidelines and standards for EIS in several countries, heterogeneity persists in implementing the essential evidence-based practices. One remedy to these implementation challenges entails the use of a rapid-learning health system (RLHS), an approach that involves ongoing, systematic data collection, analysis and visualization using an electronic platform to design capacity-building activities and promote learning. In 2019, our team implemented SARPEP (Système Apprenant Rapide pour les Programmes de Premiers Épisodes Psychotiques), the first Canadian RLHS in EIS. This paper presents findings from the qualitative phase of the mixed-method study that evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a RLHS in EIS, which was the primary objective of the SARPEP research project.
Methods: We conducted six focus groups, two with service users, and one each with family members, psychiatrists, managers, and team leaders to ensure multistakeholder perspectives. Participants (n=24) were asked to share their experiences with implementation of the RLHS over three years. Focus groups drew on the five dimensions of the RE-AIM framework, as did the quantitative study phase, while Lessard’s five dimensions for a learning health system guided development of the focus group questions.
Results: Reach: invited members from all five stakeholder groups of the RLHS attended focus group meetings and shared their experiences: service users (n=5), family members (n=2), psychiatrists (n=4), managers (n=6), and team leaders (n=7). Effectiveness: all stakeholder groups confirmed the ability of the RLHS to improve the capacity of programs to collect data on core indicators and to promote evidence-based practices. Adoption: stakeholders acknowledged the value of selecting specific indicators for a RLHS and the need to improve technologies for data gathering. They also recognized challenges in deploying and integrating digital platforms into routine care. Implementation and maintenance: all stakeholders elaborated on how the RLHS enabled mutual learning, self-reflection, and shared practices among EIS in Québec.
Conclusions: Stakeholders agreed that a RLHS can promote evidence-based care in EIS. The RLHS created a sense of belonging in a community aiming to learn and improve.
Trial registration: N/A
Efficacy and Safety of AKT Inhibitors in HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer or Metastatic TNBC: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Zhong Wuzhi , Yan Tao , Li Lehui , Zhang Xinguang , Zhang Ru , Li Dijia , Ma Lijie , Yan Jinli , Zhang Chunfa , Wang Ya , Cao Xiaodong , Zhang Nan , Zhang Ziying 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of AKT inhibitors (Capivasertib and Ipatasertib) on the efficacy and safety of patients with HR+/HER2- breast cancer or metastatic TNBC.
Methods A comprehensive search for relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of AKT inhibitors were conducted through PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The meta-analysis included five studies with a total of 1304 patients. Outcome indicators such as progression-free survival (PFS), adverse events (AEs), overall survival (OS), duration of response (DOR), objective response rate (ORR), and clinical benefit rate (CBR) were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4.1.
Results Patients treated with AKT inhibitors showed a significant improvement in PFS compared to those without (MD = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.06, 3.73; p = 0.0005; I2 = 55%). However, the incidence of some dangerous AEs increased, including infection (OR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.72; p = 0.02; I2 = 0%) and hyperglycemia (OR = 3.07; 95% CI: 1.36, 6.93; p = 0.007; I2 = 63%).
Conclusions AKT inhibitors significantly prolonged the survival of patients with metastatic TNBC and HR+/HER2- breast cancer. Nevertheless, the occurrence of AEs, such as infection and hyperglycemia, during AKT inhibitor treatment suggests the need for careful and rational drug usage based on specific patient conditions.
Level of maternal satisfaction with post-operative pain management after caesarian section delivery at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Debre Markos, Ethiopia, 2022. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ashebir Yitayal , Demelash Getamesay 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Patient satisfaction is the individual’s positive evaluation of distinct dimensions of health care. The rate of cesarean sections is on the rise and being performed more frequently in recent times. Assessment of maternal satisfaction with postoperative pain management is a vital tool for measuring the quality of care in the health center. There is a paucity of data regarding this topic, as it has not previously been studied yet in the study area.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of maternal satisfaction with post-operative pain management after c/s among mothers who deliver at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest, Debre Markos Ethiopia, 2022
Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 337 mothers who had undergone c/s delivery in Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, in 2022. All consecutive mothers who had undergone cesarean delivery were included in the study time and data was collected using a questionnaire distributed. The collected data were coded and analyzed. Orientation was given for data collectors and entered by using SPSS version 25.
Result: Among the total of 337 mothers, 244(72.4%) were satisfied with pain management the rest 93(27.6%) were dissatisfied. A total of 337 parturients who delivered with cesarean section were involved in this study with a 100% response rate. The majority of parturient 197(58.8%) &112(33.2 %) were aged 20-30 years and 31-40 respectively.
Conclusion: The level of maternal satisfaction with post-operative pain management among C/S was high (72.4%).
Integrated multi-omics unveils novel immune signature for predicting prognosis in colon cancer patients
Authors: Guo Jing , Zhang Zili 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Colon cancer, a prevalent malignancy, is subject to intricate immune modulation, which substantially affects both treatment efficacy and prognostic outcomes. Furthermore, colon cancer is highly heterogeneous, and our comprehensive understanding of its immune microenvironment has not yet been fully realized. There is still ample opportunity for in-depth investigation into the composition and interactions of immune cells within colon cancer, as well as their implications for disease prognosis.
Methods and Results
In this study, we employed single-cell data from colon cancer to distinguish immune cells from non-immune cells through cluster analysis. Furthermore, we conducted an in-depth analysis of myeloid and T cells, which were categorized into 20 distinct cell subpopulations. Functional enrichment analysis revealed T cells' active involvement in the Fatty Acid Metabolism and Adipogenesis pathways, while immune checkpoint-associated genes (ICGs) were notably upregulated in CD8+ T cells. Subsequent analysis involved calculating gene scores to characterize cell subpopulations, which, when combined with patient survival time analysis, revealed a significant association between the gene characterization score (referred to as "imm-score") and the survival of colon cancer patients. Specifically, the presence of CD8+-ANXA1hi-T cells was linked to shortened overall survival in the high imm-score subgroup. Subsequently, combined with genomic analysis, patients in the high imm-score subgroup exhibited elevated tumor mutation burden (TMB) and heightened activity in both the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Notch signaling pathway. Finally, according to our new algorithm, scores calculated predicted the effectiveness of immunotherapy for patients. The results revealed that patients with lower scores could achieve better therapeutic outcomes with immunotherapy.
Conclusion
This study offers an extensive analysis of the interplay between T cells and myeloid cells within colon cancer tissues, exploring their impact on the survival and prognosis of colon cancer patients. Additionally, it unveils the potential significance of the imm-score in colon cancer, potentially indicating a poor prognosis and providing novel insights into the immune-regulatory mechanisms underlying the disease.
A case of nephrotic syndrome diagnosed as AL amyloidosis treated by daratumumab: a case report
Authors: Fukumitsu Kento , Fujisaki Kiichiro , Matsumoto Hidenori , Takeuchi Miyosi , Nakamata Yusuke , Muta Takanori , Yufu Yuji , Shiratsuchi Motoaki , Tsuchimoto Akihiro , Nakano Toshiaki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Nephrotic syndrome caused by immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis has a poor prognosis with conventional treatment. Daratumumab has been shown to kidney and cardiac prognoses in amyloidosis. However, few studies have reported treatments for AL amyloidosis followed by nephrotic syndrome. We report a case of nephrotic syndrome caused by AL amyloidosis, who had resistance against conventional treatment, and whose disease was significantly improved after the administration of daratumumab.
Case presentation: A 71-year-old woman developed acute leg edema, and 6 months later, she was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome (The urine protein-creatinine ratio (UPCR) 5.98 g/g Cr, albumin 2.6 g/dL) and acute kidney injury at our hospital. She was diagnosed with renal amyloidosis by renal biopsy and bone marrow puncture revealed monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. She was treated with a combination of cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone. However, her proteinuria had not improved 1 year later, and she developed liver amyloidosis, which led to gradual weakness. She was readmitted to hospital and started a combination of daratumumab plus conventional therapy. UPCR was decreased to 1–2 g/gCr, and liver amyloidosis improved significantly. Moreover, she had a hematologic complete response.
Conclusions: Daratumumab combined with conventional therapy might improve nephrotic syndrome with AL amyloidosis.
Comparison of visual function analysis of people with low vision using three different models of augmented reality devices
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Sarika , Kartha Arathy , Schuchard Ron , Fletcher Donald 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this study we compare visual function in individuals with low vision using three different models of augmented reality (AR) devices. Three models of AR devices were used: Ziru, IrisVision, and NuEyes-Pro3. 27 individuals with low vision (< 20/60) were recruited. The distance visual acuity (VA) was measured in High luminance high contrast (HLHC), High luminance low contrast (HLLC), Low luminance high contrast (LLHC), and Low luminance low contrast (LLLC) settings. The other tests were near VA, distance CS, and near CS. The change in visual function without and with AR devices was analyzed. Out of 27 participants, 17 were female. The mean age was 66.7 ± 18.2 years. The mean baseline VA was 0.79 logMAR in HLHC, 0.92 in HLLC, 0.92 in LLHC and 1.11 in LLLC. The baseline near VA was 2.09M, distance CS was 1.08 logCS, and near CS was 1.12 logCS. Distance and near vision showed significant differences with both Ziru and IrisVision (p < 0.01), but not with NuEyes. There was a significant change in CS using Ziru and IrisVision for both distance and near (p < 0.05) but both reduced significantly with NuEyes (p < 0.01). Majority of the visual functions had improvement with Ziru and IrisVision, whereas the improvement was limited with NuEyes.