bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary methionine supplementation improves cognitive dysfunction associated with transsulfuration pathway upregulation in mouse models of subacute aging
Authors: Yang Yuhui , Xu Yuncong , Shi Yonghui , Li Bowen , Xie Yanli , Le Guowei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Methionine (Met), an important substrate for protein synthesis and methyl donors, has also been shown to improve redox homeostasis in the body. However, its ability to ameliorate aging-induced cognitive dysfunction and the underlying mechanisms involved are still unknown. This study aimed to explore the effects of dietary Met supplementation on D-galactose-induced cognitive dysfunction and the associated mechanisms in mouse models of subacute aging. The mice were administrated 0.15 g/kg/day D-galactose subcutaneously and fed a normal (0.86% Met) or a Met-supplemented diet (1.72% Met) for 11 weeks. Various behavioral experiments were conducted, and we measured the plasma metabolite levels, hippocampal and plasma redox and inflammatory states, and hippocampal transsulfuration pathway-related parameters. We observed that dietary Met supplementation prevented aging-induced anxiety and cognitive deficiencies in subacute aging mice. Moreover, dietary Met supplementation normalized the plasma levels of multiple systemic metabolites involved in cognitive function as well as the redox and inflammatory states (e.g., betaine, taurine, and choline). Furthermore, dietary Met supplementation abolished oxidative stress and inflammation, selectively modulated the expression of multiple cognition-related genes, and increased flux via the transsulfuration pathway in the hippocampi of subacute aging mice, with significant increase in H2S and glutathione production. Our findings suggest that dietary Met supplementation prevented cognitive deficiencies in subacute aging mice, probably as a result of increased flux via the transsulfuration pathway.
Femoral Neck System versus Cannulated Compression Screws in the treatment of Unstable Femoral Neck Fractures：A retrospective study
Authors: Zong Xiangyu , Hu Yanling , Gong Haifeng , Zhang Chengdong , Huang Zhenchao , Zhao Qian , Zhang Yingze , Wang Tianrui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
To compare the clinical effects of the Femoral neck system (FNS) and Cannulated compression screws (CCS) for the treatment of patients with unstable femoral neck fractures.
Methods
A retrospective analysis with pair matching of 98 patients who received FNS or CCS for unstable femoral neck fracture in our hospital from January 2019 to March 2023 was conducted. The patients who received FNS were in the test group, while those who received CCS were in the control group. General patient data and joint function were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) at 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. And surgical complications such as femoral head necrosis, nonunion, femoral neck shaft angle loss, and femoral neck shortening were recorded.
Results
There were no significant differences in age, sex, or the affected side between the two patient groups. Additionally, there were no statistically significant variances in surgery time, Garden Classification, and Garden alignment index. Analysis of the data revealed that more intraoperative bleeding in the FNS group than in the CCS group (\(85.45 \pm 51.24{\text{ mL vs}}.{\text{ }}63.02 \pm 32.4{\text{ mL}},{\text{ P}}<0.05\)). However, the FNS group have better postoperative Harris Score at 3, 6, and 12 months (\({\text{P}}<{\text{0}}{\text{.05}}\)), less postoperative femoral neck shortening at 6 and 12 months (\({\text{P}}<{\text{0}}{\text{.05}}\)), and fewer postoperative neck shaft angle losses at 6 and 12 months compared to the CCS group (\({\text{P}}<{\text{0}}{\text{.05}}\)). Furthermore, the incidence of femoral head necrosis was lower in the FNS group. The clinical efficacy and hip joint function of FNS internal fixation surgery for the treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures were superior to CCS internal fixation surgery during the follow-up period.
Conclusion
These findings indicate that FNS is a favorable internal fixation method for preserving the femoral head and achieving satisfactory clinical outcomes in patients with unstable femoral neck fractures. FNS internal fixation surgery is a better choice for the treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures.
Tuberculosis disease characteristics associated with mortality, severe morbidity and unsuccessful treatment in people living with HIV treated for tuberculosis – a secondary analysis of the ANRS 12300 Reflate TB2 trial
Authors: AKPATA Robert , N'Takpe Jean-Baptiste , MESSOU Eugène , DE CASTRO Nathalie , Chazallon Corine , Timana Isabel , Escada Rodrigo , Cardoso Sandra Wagner , Bhatt Nilesh , Khosa Celso , LAUREILLARD Didier , Chau Giang Do , Nogbou Frédéric Ello , Glao Donald Diomande , Veloso Valdiléa , Molina Jean-Michel , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Zannou Djimon Marcel , Eholie Serge , Marcy Olivier ,   ANRS 12300 Reflate TB2 study Consortium
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Tuberculosis is a severe disease, not only due to its lethality but also to a significant morbidity occurring in people living with HIV (PLWH). If factors associated to mortality, severe morbidity and unsuccessful treatment related to the host are well identified in PLWH, there is scarce knowledge on factors related to the disease itself such as bacillary load, extent of lung involvement and disease dissemination to other organs. We sought to assess whether tuberculosis-related factors were associated with key patient outcomes in PLWH using data from an international clinical trial.
Methods
We conducted a secondary analysis of the ANRS 12300 Reflate TB2 international phase III open-label randomized trial that assessed different antiretroviral regimens in PLWH treated for tuberculosis. We evaluated whether bacillary load (smear positivity grade), extent of lung involvement (cavitation on chest x-ray) and disease dissemination (urine LAM positivity) were associated with mortality using Cox proportional hazard models and to severe morbidity and unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment using logistic regressions.
Results
Of 457 participants included in this study, 90 (20.4%) had grade 2 + or 3 + smear positivity, 39 (10.8%) had cavitation on chest X-ray, and 147 (32.2%) had a positive urinary LAM. Overall, 19 (4.2%) participants died, 113 (24.7%) presented severe morbidity, and 33 (7.2%) had unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment. Factors that remained independently associated with mortality were cavitation on chest x-ray (aHR = 7.92, 95% CI, 1.74–35.94, p = .0073) and LAM positivity (aHR = 5.53, 95% CI, 1.09–28.06, p = .0389). The only factor that remained significantly associated with severe morbidity was LAM positivity (aOR = 2.04, 95% CI, 1.06–3.92, p = .0323). No factor remained significantly associated with unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment.
Conclusions
In PLWH with tuberculosis enrolled in a trial, tuberculosis disease characteristics related to disease severity were cavitation on chest x-ray and urine LAM positivity. Early identification of these factors could help improve the management of PLWH with tuberculosis and improve their survival.
Production of Alkaline protease from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TAS-2 and Optimizing fermentation conditions
Authors: SHAH TAWAF ALI , Li Zhihe , Zhang Andong , Akhtar Hafiz Muhammad Saleem , Salamatullah Ahmad Mohammad Mohammad , Bourhia Mohammed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to standardize the conditions of batch fermentation for the production of a commercially significant alkaline protease from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TAS-2. The B. amyloliquefaciens TAS-2 exhibited a distinct zone of clearance on the skim milk agar medium and demonstrated an enzyme activity of 38.6 U/mL after 24 hours of incubation at a pH of 7 and a temperature of 37°C. B. amyloliquefaciens TAS-2 was identified through genotypic analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing. The highest protease activity was obtained after 24 hours of incubation time, at pH 9, and temperature of 40°C. Similarly, maximum activity was observed with an agitation speed of 150 rpm, an inoculum age of 24 hours, an inoculum volume of 3% v/v, a substrate concentration of 3%, and a flask capacity of 250 mL. The activity was positively enhanced with addition of various nitrogen and carbon sources. Similarly, the presence of amino acids and metal ions induced protease production. However, the addition of Fe2 + and Zn2 + ions at specific concentrations in the medium was found to be inhibitory. Conversely, the addition of Mg2 + and Ca2 + ions had a stimulating effect on protease production. All the optimized parameters were incorporated into the basal medium, and fermentation was conducted under optimal conditions. The precipitation of the maximum amount of protein was achieved at 70–80% saturation of ammonium sulfate. The protease activity was 1.56 time higher for the partially purified protease compared to the crude supernatant. The partially purified protease exhibited optimum activity at a temperature of 55°C and a pH of 9. At 5 mM, PMSF significantly suppressed enzyme activity, whereas Triton X-100 and CTAB increased enzyme activity. Among the different metal ions tested, Ca2+ (5 mM), Mg2+ (5 mM), and Mn2+ (5 mM) stimulated enzyme activity, while Zn2 + and Fe2 + decreased protease activity. The enzyme demonstrated remarkable stability, retaining its activity even after being heated to 60°C for 60 minutes and remaining stable within a pH range of 8 to 11. The study suggests that the alkaline protease of B. amyloliquefaciens TAS-2 that is thermotolerant and surfactant stable can have potential applications across different industries due to its ability to improve yield and properties.
Prevalence and influence factor of drug-related problems in inpatients with kidney disease: A prospective single central study
Authors: Guo-guang Gu , Yan-ping Li , Yun-yun Hu , Heng-yi Zhao , Xing-dong Wang , Xiao-min Li , Xin-ran Zhang , Hong Zhu , Xiao-hua Dai , Xing-xing Liu , Li-yan Miao , jian-guo Zhu , Yong-fu Hang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of drug-related problems (DRPs) in inpatients with kidney disease to provide a reference data forpharmaceutical care.
Methods: The basic information, diagnoses, and medicationreconciliation (MR) of inpatients in the Department of Nephrology at our hospital between October 2020 and September 2021 were collected. The Chinese-modified DRP version based on the PCNE classification (Version 9.1) was used to assess, intervene and statistically analyze the results of the patients’ DRPs .
Results: Out of 623 patients included in this study, 132 (21.80%) were found to have DRPs. The prevalence of anemia was significantly higher in patients with DRPs than those without DRPs (43.18% vs. 28.72%, P < 0.05), the mean number of drug types consumed (7.25 ± 3.44 vs. 5.93 ± 3.58, P < 0.05) and the proportion of ≥ 5 drugs (%) (79.55% vs. 58.04%, P < 0.05) were significantly increased. In addition, the incidence of hypertension (76.52% vs 68.64%), diabetes (27.27% vs 22.20%) and hyperuricemia (16.67% vs 13.65%) in DRPs patients were higher than those without DRPs, but there was no statistical difference (P>0.05). The distribution of harm levels was as follows: 78 problems (59.09%) were level C, 29 (21.97%) were level B, 10 (7.58%) were level D, 7（5.30%）were level A, 7(5.30%) were level E, and 1(0.76%) were level F. All DRPs were resolved after 128 interventions.
Conclusion: Renal anemia, the average number of drug varieties consumed, and the proportion of ≥ 5 drugs are associated with the occurrence of DRPs. Pharmacists conducting MR services can reduce DRPs of inpatients in the department of nephrology and ensure patient's drug safety.
Analysis of clinical characteristics and risk factors for patients with heatstroke in western China in 2022: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Zheng Xin , Chen Qiulan , Guo Chuan , Dong Qionglan , Tang Jin , Luo Jun , Ge Ying , He Jian , Hou Xiaolin , Zhou Guanghong , Chen Yuan , Cao Haiquan , Xiao Jiujia , Lan An , Chen Qiu , Huang Jing , Yuchun Gao , Zeng Yonghong , Long Huaicong , Xie Qinli 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To analyzed the clinical characteristics and treatment modalities of HS and to identify risk factors for a poor prognosis of heat stroke and provide reference suggestions for its treatment and prevention.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
We collected a total of 247 patients, and the first three comorbidities of HS were hypertension, diabetes, psychosis. Men and older adults had a high incidence of HS. The poor prognosis group had higher temperature, higher incidence of cerebral edema and gastrointestinal bleeding than in the control group (all P < 0.05). Blood pH, HCO3−, Lac, Scr, AST, ALT, DBIL, CKMB, PT, DD, PLT were significantly higher in the poor prognosis group (all P < 0.05), and logistic regression analysis suggested that APACHE II, Lac, and Scr were poor prognosis risk factors (P < 0.05). The AUC values for Combined diagnostic were 0.848 (95% CI 0.781–0.914). We found that in the CHS group, male morbidity was higher, more patients with combined hypertension, worse prognosis, and higher APACHE II score and ALT level (P < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed higher mortality in the CHS group than in the EHS group.
CONCLUSIONS
Men, older adults, hypertension, diabetes, and psychosis patients may have a high incidence of HS. HS patients with high blood cell counts, liver and kidney dysfunction, abnormal coagulation and CHS type may have a poor prognosis. APACHE II, Lac and Scr were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in HS patients.
Lifespan extension of Caenorhabditis elegans by sulforafane: Sulforafane induces Nrf2 (cSKN-1) via WDR23, but not keap1
Authors: Hirayama Moe , Oguro Ami , Tanaka Masako , Imaoka Susumu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Sulforaphane (SFN) derived from broccoli sprouts reduces oxidative stress by activating Nrf2, a key factor in cellular defenses against oxidative stress. In the present study, the lifespan-extending effects of SFN were investigated using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. SFN induces SKN-1 (Nrf2 homolog) in C. elegans. SFN is also considered to induce Nrf2 by inactivating Keap1, a regulator of Nrf2; however, C. elegans has no Keap1 homolog. We previously showed that WDR23 regulated Nrf2 expression in mammals through a pathway independent of Keap1, which is also present in C. elegans. We herein focused on the Akt-FOXO-WDR23 ubiquitin ligase complex. We used Hep3B and A549 cells, which have wild-type and mutated Keap1, respectively. In both cells, SFN induced Nrf2 by reducing DDB1, a component of the WDR complex. DDB1 expression is regulated by the transcription factor FOXO3, and FOXO3 was phosphorylated and exported from the nucleus when SFN was added to both cells. In addition, we found that SFN did not expand the lifespan of skn-1 or daf-16 (FOXO3 homolog) mutant C. elegans, indicating that SFN induced Nrf2 in a Keap1-independent manner and that a novel mechanism is responsible for the lifespan extension of C. elegans.
The Perioperative Management of Patients Presenting for Whipple’s Procedure at an Academic Institution
Authors: Mohatla Ofentse , Marumo Thomas , Dingezweni Sithandiwe 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The Whipple’s procedure or pancreaticoduodenectomy is the primary treatment method of pancreatic cancer and more recently for other benign and cancerous lesions of the periampullary region. The procedure has associated with high mortality and morbidity rates since its inception but with improving surgical techniques and peri-operative care, these have improved over the decades. Our aims were to describe perioperative patient demographic profile, surgical indications, intra-operative surgical and anaesthetic techniques for Whipple’s procedure and their impact on patient outcomes in our centre.
Methods
A review of patients database over a 10-year period (01 January 2012 to 31 December 2022) at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital was performed. The data was collected using a RedCap® collection tool developed by the researchers based on previous studies. The patient profile, preoperative clinical presentations, surgical indications, intra-operative surgical findings and intraoperative anaesthetic techniques were collected. Post operative data on length of intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, morbidity and mortality were also collected. Data was analysed using the Statistical Product and Services Solutionsystem.
Results
A total of 50 Whipple’s procedures were performed over the 10-year period, with the male gender at 58% and overall median patient age of 53 years. The main presenting symptom was jaundice with major surgical indication in this cohort being head of pancreas mass. Open procedure dominated surgical technique with an average surgical time of 552 minutes. All procedures were done under general anaesthesia and neuraxial analgesic technique favoured in addition to intravenous analgesics. Post-operatively, average length of ICU stay was 5.4 days and average length of hospital stay was 17 days. Intra-abdominal collection was the most observed complication. Liberal crystalloids use was associated with significantly longer ICU stays (p-value = 0.009) and bile leak. Blood transfusions were associated with wound sepsis and development of acute kidney injury. Mortality rate was 26%.
Conclusions
The lower volume of Whipple’s procedures performed yearly at CMJAH may be the reason for the observed higher mortality and morbidity rates than those seen in developed countries. In keeping with current literature, liberal crystalloids and blood transfusions were associated with post-operative complications.
Effect of low temperature plasma on the transcriptome of breast cancer cells
Authors: Liu Lei , Yan Zhuna , Liu Fang , Wang Hongzhi , Song Wencheng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women, and due to the limitations of its therapeutic methods, new therapeutic method need to be developed. More and more evidences had shown the potential of low-temperature plasma (LTP) in cancer treatment. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of LTP on the in vitro toxicity of breast cancer cells through the MTT assay, extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and transcriptomics analysis. The results showed that under a certain treatment time, the cell viability was gradually decreased, and the extracellular ROS was gradually increased. In addition, the results of transcriptomics analysis showed that 1272 DEGs, 1573 DEGs, and 1272 DEGs were obtained in the 15s, 30s, and 45s treatment groups, respectively. DEGs were involved in MAPK signaling pathway, Fox O signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, TGF-beta signaling pathway, chemical carcinogenesis-reactive oxygen species and mTOR Signaling pathway. In summary, our data suggested that LTP inhibited cell viability while inducing the activation of differentially expressed genes, representing a potential new therapy for breast cancer.
A Decentralized Application for Managing Organ Donation, Transportation, and Transplantation Processes through Blockchain, Smart Contracts, and Internet of Things Integration
Authors: Bawa Geet , Singh Harmeet 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Currently organ donation and transplantation management systems are designed using either centralized architecture or decentralized architecture. The centralized architectures lack transparency for the stakeholders thereby causing unethical allocation of organs and unauthorized alterations to organ waiting lists. Additionally, centralized models are susceptible to data vulnerability through third-party interference, ultimately eroding trust in the system. On the other hand, the existing blockchain-based decentralized models suffer from high Ether consumption during deployment. Furthermore, both models fail to provide stakeholders with access to vital information regarding the condition of organs during their transportation from the donor to the recipient. This includes factors like temperature, humidity level, and light exposure inside the organ container, and orientation and vibration of the container. This absence of supervision increases the risk of contamination of organs during transit, highlighting a crucial gap in safe organ transportation. The paper presents a decentralized application powered by blockchain and Internet of Things technologies for managing stakeholder registration, efficient patient-donor matching, organ retrieval, transportation, and transplantation. The proposed application ensures complete data security, process transparency, and a trustful environment for stakeholders. Furthermore, the application ensures safe organ transportation and a reduction in the risk of organ contamination. A comparative analysis with existing blockchain-based organ management applications has been presented. Notable improvements in Ether consumption with a deployment cost of approximately 0.00582850 Ether, reduced gas utilization of 446104.333 units, process transparency, organ monitoring, and the assurance of safe transportation within the proposed application have been observed.
Retinopathy of prematurity and neurodevelopmental outcome and quality of life at 10 years of age
Authors: Sri Sudhir , Jensen Elizabeth , Msall Michael , Yi Joe , Zhabotynsky Vasyl , Joseph Robert , Kuban Karl , Frazier Jean , Hooper Stephen , Santos Hudson , Gogcu Semsa , Shenberger Jeffrey , Fry Rebecca , O'Shea Thomas 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
In a cohort of 10-year-old children born extremely preterm, we evaluated the hypothesis that increasing severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is associated with increasing frequency of unfavorable neurodevelopmental and quality of life outcomes.
Study Design
Study participants were classified according to the severity of ROP. At 10 years of age, their neurocognitive abilities, academic achievement, and gross motor function were assessed, and they were evaluated for autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
Results
After adjustment for sample attrition and confounders, only the association with lower quality of life persisted. Increasing severity of visual impairment was associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes and lower quality of life.
Conclusion
Among extremely preterm children, severity of visual impairment, but not severity of ROP, was associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 10 years of age. Both severe ROP and more severe visual impairment were associated with lower quality of life.