bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unusual cases of crescentic glomerulonephritis with normal renal function at diagnosis: a retrospective case series from a single center in Western China
Authors: Wu Xin , Zhang Ping , Wang Wei , Chen Shasha 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment and prognosis of crescentic glomerulonephritis (Crescentic GN) in patients with normal renal function at diagnosis, and compare to those with impaired renal function.
Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of patients with renal biopsy proven Crescentic GN at our center and divided them into normal eGFR group (eGFR≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2) and low eGFR group (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2). Clinical and renal pathological findings at diagnosis and renal outcomes were compared between the two groups using t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test or Kruskal-Wallis H test. Comparison of cumulative renal survival rates for ESRD was done by Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test.
Results. From Jan 2010 to Dec 2021, 98 Crescentic GN patients with normal eGFR were included, in which clinicopathological diagnoses were LN(lupus nephritis) (60 cases, 66.77%), IgAN (IgA nephropathy) (9 cases, 10 %), HSPN (Henoch-Schnlein purpura nephritis) (4 cases, 15.6%) and AAV(ANCA-associated GN) (7 cases, 7.8%). Compared with the low eGFR group (n=300), the following characteristics were observed in the normal eGFR group: younger age (p<0.001), female predominance (p<0.001), longer time from onset to biopsy (p<0.001), lower hypertension rate (p<0.001), lower rate of oliguria(p<0.001), and anemia (p<0.001), lower levels of C3 (p<0.001), C4 (p<0.001) and Urine RBC (p<0.001), higher titers of ANA(p<0.001) and ds-DNA(p=0.002), lower positive rate of ANCA (<0.001) and GBM (p=0.02), less extra-renal involvement (p<0.05), lower proportions of crescents (56.3(51.8-62.7) vs 66.7 (56.3-81.3),p<0.001) and glomerular sclerosis(p<0.001), less severe tubulointerstitial lesion (p<0.001) and interstitial inflammation (p<0.001), higher degree of immune complex deposition of IgA, IgM, C3, C4 and C1q by Immunofluorescence. Normal eGFR group received lower frequency of intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy (71.2% vs 89%, p=0.044) and dialysis treatment (0% vs 53.7%, p<0.001). The 5- and 10-year cumulative renal survival rates from ESRD were 90.7% vs 45.5% and 58.3% vs 43.7%, respectively in normal and low eGFR group.
Conclusion. Crescentic GN may present with normal renal function, which have poor renal outcomes and may benefit from intensive immunosuppressive treatment. This often occurs in patients with abnormal immunological indicators and systemic autoimmune disease. Shorter time from onset to biopsy may help better management and improve long-term outcomes in these cases. Renal biopsy remains the diagnostic gold standard when urinary abnormalities are present in nephritis.
Identifying the Land Use Land Cover (LULC) Classifications and Change Using Google Earth Engine (GEE): A Case Study of Narayanganj District, Bangladesh
Authors: Haque S. M. Nazmul , Uddin A S M Shanawaz 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Natural landscape has been changing day by day in the cities of developing countries like Bangladesh due to rapid urbanization, industrial development and population growth. The current research focuses on LULC classification and changes of a fastest growing district Narayanganj, Bangladesh over the past twenty years. A soft computing supervised machine learning algorithm have been developed using cloud-based computing platform Google Earth Engine to perform the LULC classification and change detection analysis. Landsat-7 TOA imageries are used with Random Forest classifier to classify the LULC for the five different years (2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020). LULC change detection analysis between 2000 and 2020 has shown that 88.06% increase in urban area, 70.77% decrease in bare area and 36.72% decrease in water area.
Exploring the Programmability of Autocatalytic Chemical Reaction Networks
Authors: Wong Albert , Kriukov Dmitrii , Huskens Jurriaan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Chemical reaction networks (CRNs) could offer chemical complexity1 to contribute to future intelligent material design2 or neuromorphic computing technologies3,4. Recent advances in systems chemistry use the complex Belousov–Zhabotinsky5-7 and Formose reactions8,9, or simpler chemical systems with fewer feedback loops10-12, to demonstrate that (spatio)temporal patterns can be harnessed to emulate properties important for intelligent behavior (i.e., the ability to perceive information and retain it as knowledge to execute complex tasks13). In all examples, autocatalysis appears an essential element for facilitating a nonlinear response. How this chemical analogue of a positive feedback mechanism14,15 can be reconfigured in a programmable manner is, however, unknown. Here, we developed a strategy that uses metal ions (Ca2+, La3+, and Nd3+) to control the rate of a trypsin-catalysed autocatalytic reaction network. A flow setup is employed to sustain the reaction network under out-of-equilibrium conditions and demonstrate that various kinetically controllable responses can be mapped onto polynomial and Boolean functions. Remarkably, these functions cannot only be programmed but their temporal and history-dependent nature bestows them with neuromorphic properties, promising novel strategies in designing intelligent chemical systems. Beyond, the easy-to-use method to control autocatalysis will impact future development focusing on biocatalysis, nanobiotechnology, and the chemical origin of life.
Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM)-Targeted CAR-T Cells (IMC001) in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Phase I Dose-Escalation Trial
Authors: Luo Tianhang , Fang Weijia , Lu Zhengmao , Zheng Rui , Yin Weiwei , Wang Suqiong , Ai Guojiang , Zhong Yunpeng , Zhang Shuangshuang , Hao Ruidong , Sun Minmin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of IMC001, an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-targeted CAR-T cell therapy, in patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC).
Design
This was a phase I, open-label, single or multiple infusion, dose escalation study utilizing a classic 3+3 design that included adults (aged ≥18 years) with locally advanced or metastatic GC with positive EpCAM histological staining of a biopsy tumor tissue sample who had failed at least two lines of treatment and were ineligible for a standard treatment. Eligible patients received IMC001 at doses of 3×105 (low), 1×106 (middle) or 3×106 (high) CAR-T cells/kg after lymphodepletion. The primary objective was evaluation of the safety and tolerability of IMC001. Secondary objectives included determination of the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) based on dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), preliminary evaluation of efficacy and characterization of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Results
From August 18, 2021 to May 8, 2023, 11 patients with advanced GC received IMC001, the median age was 53 (36-70) years and 63.6% (7/11) were male. Most patients 91.9% (10/11) had failed ≥2 lines of chemotherapy and 27.3% (3/11) had received prior immunotherapy. By the cutoff date (March 31st, 2024), low- and middle-dose IMC001 infusion was associated with a favorable safety profile. The disease control rate was 90% in 10 evaluable patients; 1 patient in the low-dose group (1/3, 33.3%) and 2 in the middle-dose group (2/5, 40%) achieved a partial response (PR). The median PFS was 18.1 weeks (95% CI 7.97, --) and the OS was 55.1 weeks (95% CI 23.78, --) for the middle dose group; 3/5 patients in the middle dose group had survived more than 10 months. One patient in the middle-dose group achieved a confirmed PR by Week 24, culminating in a radical gastrectomy at Week 27 and had survived for more than 22 months by the cutoff date. Tumor immune microenvironment analysis suggested that an inflamed tumor environment may enhance the anti-tumor effects of IMC001. The 1×106 CAR-T cells/kg dose was selected as the recommended dose for future study.
Conclusion
In this phase I dose-escalation trial, IMC001 demonstrated a favorable safety profile and encouraging efficacy in patients with advanced, pre-treated GC. Further investigation is warranted to further evaluate the use of IMC001 for patients with advanced GC.
General structured light generation based on programmable linearly-polarized mode synthesizer
Authors: Li Juhao , Chen Wei , Gao Yuyang , Li Xiaofeng , Ge Dawei , Chen Zhangyuan , he yongqi , Ren Fang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Fiber-based structured light including cylindrical vector beams (CVBs) and orbital angular momentum (OAM) has gained significant interest in various areas of study for the unique properties of spatial intensity, phase, and polarization distributions. Different approaches have been proposed for the generation of these spatially structured beams such as beam reshaping or directly lasing from specific cavities. In this work, we propose the concept of programmable linearly-polarized (LP) -mode Synthesizer for general structured light generation, in which an LP-mode Pool supporting independent and selectable LP-mode output is first established, and then different CVB/OAM modes could be generated in general way through polarization and phase control according to their conversion relation with LP modes. We demonstrate a proof-of-concept LP-mode Synthesizer based on a fiber ring laser characterized by partial 5-LP mode weakly-coupled few-mode fiber (FMF) cavity and arbitrary LP-mode switch array. Various CVB/OAM beams including TE01, TM01, OAM+1, OAM-1, OAM+2, and OAM-2 modes are successfully generated. This approach provides new insights into mode manipulation methods and could enhance the performance of various structured light applications such as optical and quantum communications, optical fiber sensing, microscopy, and optical trapping.
Herbal Extracts in Orofacial Pain: Systematic Review, Direct and Indirect Meta-analysis
Authors: Barrera Sara Delgadillo , Cepeda Lilia Jadith Bernal , Báez David Augusto Díaz , Kwon Jennifer , Siddiq Abdelmonem , Parra Jaime Eduardo Castellanos , Chaurasia Akhilanand , Marya Anand 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

There is limited knowledge regarding the efficacy of the use of herbal extracts in orofacial pain. A systematic review and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, to assess the analgesic effect of herbal extracts on pain intensity in various painful orofacial conditions was conducted. Sixty-two studies were included. The intervention treatment consisted in the use of herbal extracts compared with placebo and/or standard treatment. The primary outcome was pain intensity assessed before and after the intervention, using any pain scale from 0 to 10. Pain scores were compared with baseline scores in each treatment. When compared with standard therapy, the pooled results of the patients who received herbal extracts reported lower pain intensity; in periodontal pain (mean difference [MD] = -0.92, 95% confidence interval [-6.69, 4.85]), oral surgery pain (MD = 18.80 [8.80, 28.79]), oral neuropathic pain (MD = 20.34 [6.16, 34.52]), endodontic pain (MD = -8.04 [-11.72, -4.37]), oral mucosal pain (MD = 8.74 [2.76, 14.73]), and temporomandibular pain (MD = 30.94 [6.04, 55.83]). The findings indicate a pain-attenuating effect of herbal extracts such as Cannabis, Turmeric, Capsaicin, Licorice, Ginger, Chamomile, Clove, Hypericum perforatum, Arnica montana, Aloe vera and Calendula use in oral surgery pain, oral neuropathic pain, oral mucosal pain, and temporomandibular pain. The findings of this study indicate that herbal extracts may provide a valuable alternative to traditional pain medication. Additionally, it may also be a promising source for developing new active ingredients for pharmaceuticals.
Cyclophosphamide: Potential Hepatorenal Toxicity and the Possible Therapeutic Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in Wistar Rats
Authors: Abdallah Ahmed Nour Eldine , Effat Heba , Mousbah Ahmed M. , Ahmed Hanaa H. , Abohashem Rehab S. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background:Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is an alkylating agent widely described in management of several non-neoplastic and neoplastic disorders. The most observed adverse consequence of CTX is organ damage. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs-Exos) have been shown to exhibit therapeutic effects in various tissue-injury models. Aim: The aim of this work was to examine impact of AD-MSCs-Exos in a rat model of hepatorenal toxicity.Methods:32 rats were grouped into 4 groups (n=8): Control group: rats received intraperitoneally (i.p.) PBS (phosphate buffered saline), CTX group: rats injected i.p. with a single dose of CTX (50 mg/kg) followed by rotating doses of 8 mg/kg of CTX daily for 2 weeks, CTX+AD-MSCs group: rats infused with (1×106AD-MSCs cells/rat) dissolved in PBS intravenously (i.v.) day after day for one week starting from second day of CTX last dose, and CTX+AD-MSCs-Exos group: rats injected with 100 μg of Exos derived from AD-MSCs in 1 ml PBS by i.v. injection for one week starting from second day of CTX last dose. 5 weeks following initial CTX dose, blood, liver, and kidneys were extracted. Serum ALT, AST, creatinine and urea levels; hepatic malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH); renal kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and clusterin were measured. The inflammatory molecule (TNF-α) and malonialdehyde (MDA); lipid peroxidation one were estimated in hepatic and renal tissues. Furthermore, NF-κB/TLR-4, Nrf-2/HO-1 and Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathways were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Immunohistochemical staining for cyclooxygenase-2 "COX-2" and inducible nitric oxide synthase "iNOS" were also performed in hepatic and renal tissues. Finally, histopathological investigation of both liver and kidney tissue was carried out.Results:treatment with AD-MSCs-Exos improved liver and kidney functions, diminished oxidative stress (MDA) and enhanced antioxidative Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway; inhibited inflammatory response (TNF-α) and NF-κB/TLR-4 pathway; and downregulated apoptotic Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway compared to CTX and CTX+AD-MSCs treated groups. Also, immunological and histopathological investigation verified curative effect of AD-MSCs-Exos against CTX-induced hepatorenal toxicity.Conclusion:these findings uncovered therapeutic impact of AD-MSCs-Exos against hepatorenal insult from holistic perspective. The mechanisms behind this action included restoration of oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium, inhibition of inflammatory reaction and suppression of apoptotic machinery.
Inertia or unanticipated bottlenecks? Exploring the implementation determinants of the national alcohol policy five years post-enactment in Zambia
Authors: Silumbwe Adam , Sebastian Miguel San , Zulu Joseph Mumba , Michelo Charles , Johansson Klara 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Alcohol use accounts for a huge proportion of the global burden of disease, and many countries grapple with its severe negative social and health consequences. In 2018, Zambia adopted a national alcohol policy with the aim to reduce the prevalence and impact of harmful alcohol use. However, five years post-adoption, the policy implementation has been slow. This study sought to explore the implementation determinants of the national alcohol policy five years post-enactment.
Methods
We employed an exploratory qualitative case study using data collected from 25 in-depth interviews targeting government ministries, civil society, and agencies responsible for enforcing the alcohol policy. We applied both inductive and deductive manifest thematic analysis using Bullock’s analytical framework for understanding the determinants of implementing evidence-based policies.
Results
The alcohol policy provided a comprehensive framework for action, yet its policy directives remained unclear. A restructured policy coordination committee rejuvenated the momentum to implement the policy. However, weak collaboration between the council and state police hampered the enforcement of alcohol laws. Implementing agencies faced obstacles such as lack of financial and human resources, absence of rehabilitation services, and misapplication of alcohol selling licences. Further, community indifference, inaction, and resistance to alcohol control laws affected the policy implementation. The socio-political environment contributed to implementation challenges through framing alcohol as an economic development issue and culturally tolerating harmful alcohol use. Additionally, changes in government affected policy ownership while unregulated illicit alcohol production and the sale of traditional and imported spirits further hampered the implementation of the policy.
Conclusion
Overcoming implementation hurdles for contentious health policies demands comprehensive strategies such as engaging communities, challenging cultural norms, strategically assigning funding, and fostering collaboration among implementing agencies. In the case of Zambia's national alcohol policy, this may take the form of leveraging enablers such as stakeholder recognition of the policy framework and the restructured committee for the coordination of policy implementation, now under local government oversight. Key actions should include empowering local government to enforce measures to reduce unregulated alcohol availability and ensure adequate resource allocation for alcohol control activities among implementation agents, including those providing treatment and rehabilitation services.
Cell growth and mitochondrial anomalies in induced pluripotent stem cells with Presenilin 1 mutation
Authors: Hamam Rimi , Hanna Roy , Barabino Andrea , Serhani Dounya , Tavares Erika , Élise Héon , Bernier Gilbert 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Presenilin 1 (PSEN1) is the most frequently mutated gene in early-onset sporadic and familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD). The PSEN1 complex displays gamma-secretase activity and promotes cleavage of the C99-terminal fragment of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) into the Aβ42 peptide. PSEN1 is also involved in vesicle transport across ER and mitochondria in so called mitochondria associated membranes. We generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from 4 controls and 5 FAD cases carrying the PSEN1 A246E and L286V mutations. Unexpectedly, global gene expression profile analysis of FAD iPSCs revealed profound perturbation of mitochondrial, Golgi apparatus and ER pathways. FAD iPSCs grown slower and showed elevated cell death together with abnormally high Aβ42 secretion. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were elevated in FAD iPSCs and treatment with a ROS scavenger significantly improved cell death and proliferation. However, it could not improve the severe ATP deficit. Inhibition of gamma-secretase activity further exacerbated the overall FAD iPSC phenotype. Consistently, PSEN1, APP and Nicastrin were highly expressed in iPSCs and where PSEN1 localized to the cell’s membrane. Cortical neurons produced from the differentiation of FAD iPSCs showed Alzheimer’s pathology and TGFβ pathway hyper-activation. PSEN1-mutant iPSCs may serve as a new model to perform genome-wide genetic screens and to study FAD pathophysiology and PSEN1 cellular function.
A Systematic Literature Review on Transparencyand Interpretability of AI models in Healthcare:Taxonomies, Tools, Techniques, Datasets, OpenResearch Challenges, and Future Trends
Authors: Shafik Wasswa , Hidayatullah Ahmad Fathan , Kalinaki Kassim , Gul Haji , Zakari Rufai Yusuf , Tufail Ali 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The increased utilization of disruptive health and biomedical informatics technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), has accelerated medical operations from patient-centered medical experience data management to simplified medical procedures in this generative era. As these technologies integrate into traditional approaches, they raise critical medical concerns, entailing transparency and interpretability of these AI models. This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) and presents an exhaustive review of the studies using data collection procedures and publicly available academic databases. 1837 articles published between 2014 and 2024 were obtained from eight popular academic databases: PubMed, ACM Library, Springer, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. A comprehensive screening process was used, and 148 articles were considered based on the relevance of the AI method to healthcare and biomedical. The studied studies demonstrate that the majority of medical people still find it complex to effectively explain the reasoning behind the decisions AI models make during biomedical experiments, leading to limited trust, biased decision-making, and unknown patient data safety. Model-agnostic strategies and explainable AI (XAI) frameworks are inspected, together with crucial datasets for training and assessment. The main challenges are AI model intricacy and regulatory compliance, while future trends highlight fairness and predisposition mitigation. Limited studies are focusing on improving AI openness, trust, and interpretability. Towards the end, it reveals that there is still a big research gap in descriptive explainable AI models in healthcare when integrating AI into clinical practice while maintaining ethical standards and patient-centric care.
Evaluation of the compressive strength, solubility, radiopacity, and flow of bromelain-modified biodentine for direct pulp capping
Authors: Agrawal Paridhi , Chandak Manoj , Patel Aditya , Bhopatkar Jay 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aims to evaluate the compressive strength, solubility, radiopacity, and flow of bromelain (BR)-modified biodentine (BD) for direct pulp capping (DPC). This is suggested to find out the impact of BR on the physical properties of BD.
Methods
A total of 80 samples were prepared according to ISO and ADA specifications and evaluated for compressive strength, solubility, radiopacity, and flow. Independent sample t-tests were used to assess the data statistically and then compare the means with p-value ≤ 0.05.
Results
The results revealed that BR-modified BD showed a significantly higher mean value of flow and similar mean values of compressive strength, solubility, and radiopacity as that of BD (P ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion
BR-modified BD maintains BD's physical properties, with improved flow, making it a promising DPC agent warranting further study.