bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between arachidonate lipoxygenase 15,c.-292 C > T gene polymorphism and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children: a pilot study on the effects on airway lipoxin A4 and disease phenotype
Authors: Hussein Mahitab Morsy , Fouda Eman Mahmoud , Shehab Yasmine , Nabih Enas Samir , Osman Ahmed Mohamed , Ishak Sally Raafat 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Persistent airway inflammation is a central feature of bronchiectasis. Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX-15) controls production of endogenous lipid mediators, including lipoxins that regulate airway inflammation. Mutations at various positions in ALOX-15 gene can influence airway disease development. We investigated association between ALOX-15,c.-292 C > T gene polymorphism and bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis in Egyptian children. Also, lipoxin A4 (LXA4) level in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was studied in relation to polymorphism genotypes and disease phenotypes determined by clinical, pulmonary functions, and radiological severity parameters.

Methods
This was an exploratory study that included 60 participants. Thirty children with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) were compared with 30 age and sex-matched controls. ALOX-15,c.-292 C > T polymorphism was genotyped using TaqMan-based Real-time PCR. LXA4 was measured in BAL using ELISA method.

Results
There was no significant difference between patients and controls regarding ALOX-15,c.-292 C > T polymorphism genotypes and alleles (OR = 1.75; 95% CI (0.53–5.7), P = 0.35) (OR = 1; 95% CI (0.48-2), p = 1). BAL LXA4 level was significantly lower in patients, median (IQR) of 576.9 (147.6–1510) ng/ml compared to controls, median (IQR) of 1675 (536.8–2542) (p = 0.002). Patients with severe bronchiectasis had a significantly lower LXA4 level (p < 0.001). There were significant correlations with exacerbations frequency (r=-0.54, p = 0.002) and FEV1% predicted (r = 0.64, p = 0.001). Heterozygous CT genotype carriers showed higher LXA4 levels compared to other genotypes(p = 0.005).

Conclusions
Low airway LXA4 in children with NCFB is associated with severe disease phenotype and lung function deterioration. CT genotype of ALOX-15,c.-292 C > T polymorphism might be a protective genetic factor against bronchiectasis development and/or progression due to enhanced LXA4 production.
Anterior chamber proliferative membrane interception (AC-PMI)-enhanced trabeculectomy versus trabeculectomy for treating neovascular glaucoma: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhu Shuqing , Zhou Mengtian , Li Haoyu , Zhang Shaodan , Xu Shuxia , Lin Haishuang , Xie Yanqie , Le Rongrong , Liang Yuanbo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is an irreversible blinding eye disease worldwide and is classified as one of the refractory glaucoma conditions, severely impacting visual function and vision. Unfortunately, effective surgical interventions to improve the prognosis of NVG patients are currently lacking. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anterior chamber proliferative membrane interception (AC-PMI)-enhanced trabeculectomy compared to the traditional trabeculectomy.

Methods
AC-PMI enhanced trabeculectomy versus trabeculectomy for the treatment of NVG is a single-center, prospective, double-arms, and randomized controlled trial of superior efficacy, which will involve 100 NVG inpatients. Patients will be randomly assigned into two groups using the random number table method. One group will undergo trabeculectomy using anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (Anti-VEGF) preoperatively and mitomycin C intraoperatively, while the other group will undergo AC-PMI enhanced trabeculectomy with the same medications (Anti-VEGF and mitomycin C). The patients will be followed up at the baseline and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months postoperatively. Meanwhile, we will collect the demographics, characteristics, and examination results and monitor any occurrences of adverse events at each follow-up time.

Discussion
This is an efficacy study of a novel surgical approach for treating neovascular glaucoma. Building upon conventional filtering surgeries, this approach introduces an additional step involving the interception of the proliferative membrane to effectively halt the growth of fibrovascular tissue. This study aims to explore a promising new surgical approach for managing NVG and contribute to the advancement of glaucoma treatment strategies.

Trial registration
ChiCTR ChiCTR2200055138. Registered on 01 January 2022. https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=145255.
Improved consolidated bioprocessing for itaconic acid production by simultaneous optimization of cellulase and metabolic pathway of Neurospora crassa
Authors: Zhao Chen , Zhao Jiajia , Han Jingjing , Mei Yaojie , Fang Hao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLignocellulose was directly used in itaconic acid production by a model filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. The promoters of two clock control genes and cellobiohydrolase 1 gene were selected for heterologous genes expression by evaluating different types of promoters. The effect of overexpression of different cellulase was compared, and it was found that expression of cellobiohydrolase 2 from Trichoderma reesei increased the filter paper activity by 2 times, the cellobiohydrolase activity by 4.5 times, and that the itaconic acid titer was also significantly improved. A bidirectional cis-aconitic acid accumulation strategy was established by constructing the reverse glyoxylate shunt and expressing the transporter MTTA, which increased itaconic acid production to 637.2 mg/L. The simultaneous optimization of cellulase and metabolic pathway was more conducive to the improvement of cellulase activity than that of cellulase alone, so as to further increase itaconic acid production. Finally, through the combination of fermentation by optimized strains and medium optimization, the titers of itaconic acid using Avicel and corn stover as substrate were 1165.1 mg/L and 871.3 mg/L, respectively. The results prove the potential of the consolidated bioprocessing that directly converts lignocellulose to itaconic acid by a model cellulase synthesizing strain.
Predicting epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in non-small cell lung cancer through dual-layer spectral CT: a prospective study
Authors: Li Fenglan , Qi Linlin , Cheng Sainan , Liu Jianing , Chen Jiaqi , Cui Shulei , Dong Shushan , Wang Jianwei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
To determine whether quantitative parameters of detector-derived dual-layer spectral computed tomography (DLCT) can reliably identify epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods
Patients with NSCLC who underwent arterial phase (AP) and venous phase (VP) DLCT between December 2021 and November 2022 were subdivided into the mutated and wild-type EGFR groups following EGFR mutation testing. Their baseline clinical data, conventional CT images, and spectral images were obtained. Iodine concentration (IC), iodine no water (INW), effective atomic number (Zeff), virtual monoenergetic images, the slope of the spectral attenuation curve (λHU), enhancement degree (ED), arterial enhancement fraction (AEF), and normalized AEF (NAEF) were measured for each lesion.

Results
Ninety-two patients (median age, 61 years, interquartile range [51, 67]; 33 men) were evaluated. The univariate analysis indicated that IC, normalized IC (NIC), INW and ED for the AP and VP, as well as Zeff and λHU for the VP were significantly associated with EGFR mutation status (all p < 0.05). INW(VP) showed the best diagnostic performance (AUC, 0.892 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.823, 0.960]). However, neither AEF (p = 0.156) nor NAEF (p = 0.567) showed significant differences between the two groups. The multivariate analysis showed that INW(AP) and NIC(VP) were significant predictors of EGFR mutation status, with the latter showing better performance (p = 0.029; AUC, 0.897 [95% CI: 0.816, 0.951] vs. 0.774 [95% CI: 0.675, 0.855]).

Conclusion
Quantitative parameters of DLCT can help predict EGFR mutation status in patients with NSCLC.

Critical relevance statement
Quantitative parameters of DLCT, especially NIC(VP), can help predict EGFR mutation status in patients with NSCLC, facilitating appropriate and individualized treatment for them.

Key Points

Determining EGFR mutation status in patients with NSCLC before starting therapy is essential.

Quantitative parameters of DLCT can predict EGFR mutation status in NSCLC patients.

NIC in venous phase is an important parameter to guide individualized treatment selection for NSCLC patients.

Graphical Abstract
Does the introduction of an infliximab biosimilar always result in savings for hospitals? A descriptive study using real-world data
Authors: Krstic Marko , Devaud Jean-Christophe , Sadeghipour Farshid , Marti Joachim 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Biosimilars are biologic drugs that have the potential to increase the efficiency of healthcare spending and curb drug-related cost increases. However, their introduction into hospital formularies through initiatives such as non-medical switching must be carefully orchestrated so as not to cause treatment discontinuation or result in increased health resource utilization, such as additional visits or laboratory tests, among others. This retrospective cohort study aims to assess the impact of the introduction of CT-P13 on the healthcare expenditures of patients who were treated with originator infliximab or CT-P13.

Methods
Gastroenterology, immunoallergology and rheumatology patients treated between September 2017 and December 2020 at a university hospital in Western Switzerland were included and divided into seven cohorts, based on their treatment pathway (i.e., use and discontinuation of CT-P13 and/or originator infliximab). Costs in Swiss francs were obtained from the hospital's cost accounting department and length of stay was extracted from inpatient records. Comparisons of costs and length of stay between cohorts were calculated by bootstrapping.

Results
Sixty immunoallergology, 84 rheumatology and 114 gastroenterology patients were included. Inpatient and outpatient costs averaged (sd) CHF 1,611 (1,020) per hospital day and CHF 4,991 (6,931) per infusion, respectively. The mean (sd) length of stay was 20 (28) days. Although immunoallergology and rheumatology patients had higher average costs than gastroenterology patients, differences in costs and length of stay were not formally explained by treatment pathway. Differences in health resource utilization were marginal.

Conclusions
The introduction of CT-P13 and the disruption of patient treatment management were not associated with differences in average outpatient and inpatient costs and length of stay, in contrast to the results reported in the rest of the literature. Future research should focus on the cost-effectiveness of non-medical switching policies and the potential benefits for patients.
Epidemiology of hyperglycemia during pregnancy in Ethiopia: prevalence, associated factors, and feto-maternal outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tola Assefa , Assefa Nega , Dessie Yadeta , Oljira Lemessa , Regassa Lemma Demissie , Gure Tadesse , Gobena Tesfaye 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundHyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP) is a significant medical complication affecting pregnant women globally and is considered a public health burden due to the negative outcomes it can cause for both mother and infant. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the prevalence, risk factors, and feto-maternal outcomes of HIP in Ethiopia.MethodsTo gather relevant information for this study, both published and unpublished studies were searched for in several major databases, including PubMed, Embase, HINARI, Web of Science direct, and Google Scholar, as well as other sources. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the findings from these studies. Data was then extracted and summarized using a template in Microsoft Excel software, and the extracted data was analyzed using Stata software version 16.0. If significant heterogeneity was found between studies, subgroup analyses were conducted to further examine the data.ResultEighteen studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, involving a total sample size of 50,816 pregnant women in Ethiopia. The prevalence of HIP among pregnant women varied considerably across the primary studies, ranging from 0.4 to 26.2%. The pooled prevalence of HIP among pregnant women in Ethiopia was found to be 6.9% (95% C 2.2–11.6). Pregnant women with a family history of diabetes had 2.5 times higher odds of developing HIP compared to those without a family history of diabetes (OR = 2.49; 95% CI = 2.02, 2.96). However, there was no significant association found between HIP and maternal obesity (OR 2.31, 95% CI = 0.85, 3.78) or previous history of abortion (OR 3.89; 95% CI 0.85, 6.94). The common fetal outcomes associated with HIP were admission to the intensive care unit (46.2; 95% CI 27.4, 65.1), macrosomia (27.3%; 95% CI 9.4%, 45.1%), and preterm birth (16.9; 95% CI 12.5, 21.3). Additionally, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (28.0%; 95% CI 15.2, 40.8) and operative delivery (51.4%; 95% CI 35.9, 66.8) were more common among women with HIP in Ethiopia.ConclusionAlthough there was some variation between studies, the meta-analysis revealed that approximately seven out of 100 pregnant women in Ethiopia had HIP. A family history of diabetes was found to be a significant predictor of HIP in Ethiopia. Additionally, HIP was associated with various serious adverse outcomes for both mothers and infants in Ethiopia. These findings highlight the need for national guidelines to ensure that pregnant women are uniformly screened for HIP.
Mathematical analysis and optimal control of Dengue fever epidemic model
Authors: Yoda Yacouba , Ouedraogo Harouna , Ouedraogo Dramane , Guiro Aboudramane 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this article, we are working on an SEIR-SI type model for dengue disease in order to better observe the dynamics of infection in human beings. We calculate the basic reproduction number $\mathcal{R}_{0}$

R
0

and determine the equilibrium points. We then show the existence of global stability in each of the different states depending on the value of $\mathcal{R}_{0}$

R
0

. Moreover, to support the theoretical work, we present numerical simulations obtained using Python. We also study the sensitivity of the parameters included in the expression of $\mathcal{R}_{0}$

R
0

with the aim of identifying the most influential parameters in the dynamics of dengue disease spread. Finally, we introduce two functions u and v, respectively indicating the treatment of the infected people and any prevention system minimizing contact between humans and the disease causing vectors. We present the curves of the controlled system after calculating the optimal pair of controls capable of reducing the dynamics of the disease spread, still using Python.
Influence of pain duration and severity on oral health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction during adult treatment with clear aligners
Authors: Caldas Waleska , Bonin Fabiana Aparecida , Vianna Camila Pereira , Shimizu Roberto Hideo , Trojan Larissa Carvalho 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aims to compare the impact of pain on quality of life and patient satisfaction during treatment with aligners.

Methods
Ninety-four subjects in active treatment were invited to answer self-reported questions concerning pain severity and duration, occurrence of other signs and symptoms, and level of satisfaction with their treatment. Also, the OHIP-14 questionnaire was applied to assess patients’ OHRQoL.

Results
Ninety-four patients (49 women and 45 men) answered the survey. Pain duration of 1–3 days was reported by 69.1% of patients (n = 60). For those who reported pain (n = 84), it was considered mild severity by 42.9% and moderate by 52.4%. Almost sixty-four percent of the sample were very satisfied with the aligner’s aesthetics (n = 60) and forty-nine percent were satisfied with treatment in general (n = 46). Mean OHIP-14 score was 3.36 ± 2.54. OHRQoL was significantly associated with pain severity, whereas patients who reported having experienced moderate pain presented a significantly higher mean OHIP-14 score than those who reported having experienced mild pain (3.92 ± 1.93 and 2.69 ± 2.83, respectively; p = 0.036). The “psychological discomfort” OHIP-14’s domain was the most influenced by the level of pain.

Conclusion
Pain severity significantly influenced OHRQoL, in adult patients under treatment with clear aligners. However, high levels of patient satisfaction were reported, regardless of pain duration or severity.
Zebrafish nampt-a mutants are viable despite perturbed primitive hematopoiesis
Authors: Pomreinke Autumn Penecilla , Müller Patrick 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) is required for recycling NAD+ in numerous cellular contexts. Morpholino-based knockdown of zebrafish nampt-a has been shown to cause abnormal development and defective hematopoiesis concomitant with decreased NAD+ levels. However, surprisingly, nampt-a mutant zebrafish were recently found to be viable, suggesting a discrepancy between the phenotypes in knockdown and knockout conditions. Here, we address this discrepancy by directly comparing loss-of-function approaches that result in identical defective transcripts in morphants and mutants.

Results
Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis, we generated nampt-a mutant lines that carry the same mis-spliced mRNA as nampt-a morphants. Despite reduced NAD+ levels and perturbed expression of specific blood markers, nampt-a mutants did not display obvious developmental defects and were found to be viable. In contrast, injection of nampt-a morpholinos into wild-type or mutant nampt-a embryos caused aberrant phenotypes. Moreover, nampt-a morpholinos caused additional reduction of blood-related markers in nampt-a mutants, suggesting that the defects observed in nampt-a morphants can be partially attributed to off-target effects of the morpholinos.

Conclusions
Our findings show that zebrafish nampt-a mutants are viable despite reduced NAD+ levels and a perturbed hematopoietic gene expression program, indicating strong robustness of primitive hematopoiesis during early embryogenesis.
Effectiveness of secukinumab in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in a Saudi real-world setting
Authors: Al-Homood Ibrahim A. , Alajlan Mohammed , Alberdisi Majid , Alturki Mohammad , Ahmed Ahmed Ali , Zakaria Nancy 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Psoriasis (PsO) is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease that results in severe outcomes that impact the patient’s quality of life and work productivity. We investigated the effectiveness of secukinumab in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) over a 12-month period.

Methods
This was a longitudinal, retrospective study of the medical records of 81 patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis who had been treated with secukinumab for at least 12 weeks.

Results
The Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), Body Surface Area (BSA) percentage, and Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) among patients with PsO and PsO-PsA showed a statistically significant decrease from baseline over 12 months by approximately 9.86, 19.3%, and 9.7, respectively (p values < 0.001 for each). Moreover, there was a statistically significant decrease in the overall Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis score (DAPSA) by approximately 22.35 from baseline over 12 months of treatment (p < 0.001). Considering the patients who started secukinumab 12 months or more prior to the study cutoff date, the 12-month retention rate was 85%.

Conclusion
In a Saudi real-world setting, secukinumab proved to be an efficient medication with high efficacy and retention rates.
A preliminary study on the impact of nutrient stress induction on drug cytotoxicity in glioblastoma cells and fibroblasts
Authors: Hassan Siti Nazihahasma , Yusoff Abdul Aziz Mohamed , Idris Zamzuri , Redzwan Norhanani Mohd , Ahmad Farizan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Nutrient stress (NS), one of the hallmarks of the tumour microenvironment, can render cancer cells tolerant to cytotoxicity. Fibroblasts, on the other hand, have cancer cell-like traits, such as plasticity and resiliency. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the drug on reseeded human U87 glioblastoma (GBM) cells as well as on mouse L929 fibroblasts in the form of monolayer and colonies that grew after NS induction.

Results
No treatment for 48 h showed a statistically significant difference in U87 cell viability when compared to the 50% hypothetical value. However, temozolomide (TMZ) (151.0 µg/ml) and azithromycin (AZI) (92.0 µg/ml) significantly diminished the number of U87 cell colonies compared to the untreated control, and AZI also outperformed doxycycline (DOXY) (147.0 µg/ml). L929 fibroblasts survived NS, but the cytotoxicity of AZI, DOXY, and AZI + DOXY (92.0 + 147.0 µg/ml) substantially increased than in L929 fibroblasts without NS induction.

Conclusions
The present findings suggest that NS does not inevitably contribute to cytotoxic drug tolerance in GBM cells. In addition, although fibroblasts can withstand NS, they can also become susceptible to cytotoxic drug-induced death; nevertheless, the type of drug may play a role.

Graphical Abstract
The effects of contour-based rainwater harvesting and integrated nutrient management on maize yields in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe
Authors: Chiturike Pasipanodya , Gotosa Jephta , Nyakudya Innocent Wadzanai , Madamombe Sandra M. , Mandumbu Ronald , Chirinda Ngonidzashe , Kugedera Andrew Tapiwa , Nyamadzawo George 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In the smallholder farming areas located in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe, low and unreliable rainfall distribution and poor soil fertility are the major factors limiting crop production. The negative effects of these biophysical factors have been worsened by climate change. However, the major challenges have been the lack of sustainable, low-cost water and nutrient management technologies for these semi-arid regions. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of contour-based rainwater harvesting (RWH) namely tied contours (TC), infiltration pits (IP) which were compared with the standard contour (STDC), and intergrated nutrient management (INM) where cattle manure was used as basal fertiliser and Ammonium Nitrate (AN) as top dressing, on maize yields. Results showed that fields with RWH had higher yields compared to STDC. Average maize yields were 2210 and 1792 kg ha
−1
for TC and IP which were 88% and 52% above STDC (1176 kg ha
−1
) respectively. Increasing nitrogen (N) levels resulted in a further increase in maize yields. Return on investment was negative during drier years and was significantly higher in RWH systems compared with STDC during wet seasons. Farmers need to reduce mineral fertiliser application during dry seasons since little rainwater is captured. We conclude that contour based RWH and INM can be used as sustainable low cost methods of crop production. Higher fertiliser application rates when rainfall is limiting, do not result in increased return on investiment.