bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-expression of V-domain Imuunoglobulin Suppressor of T-cell Activation (VISTA) Is Correlated with Advanced Pathological Features in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nickho Hamid , Falak Reza , Rezagholizadeh Fereshteh , Khoshmirsafa Majid , Joghataei Mohammad Taghi , Ghomi Shabnam Mollazadeh , Safari Elahe 
Published: June 2024

V-domain Imuunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) seems a promising immune checkpoint target in cancer treatment; however, its prognostic significance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unknown.
Herein, 29 fresh PDAC tissue samples were used to evaluate the mRNA expression level of VISTA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Besides, 40 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded PDAC tissues were collected to evaluate VISTA protein expression by immunohistochemistry.
Real-time PCR indicated that high expression of VISTA was significantly correlated with advanced stages of the cancer, based on the tumor/node/metastasis (TNM) stagingand tumor cell differentiation. Immunohistochemistry results also showed significant correlation of the elevated cytoplasmic expression of VISTA with advanced TNM stages, older age of the patients and was a worsening indicator, regarding the disease-specific survival.
In conclusion, we found that the expression levels of VISTA can be a potential prognostic biomarker in PDAC patients and its elevated levels are correlated with poor prognostic outcomes.
Nebulized Dexmedetomidine Alleviates Oxidative Stress in Ventilator-induced Lung Injury via Keap1-Nrf2-ARE Pathway
Authors: Zha Jun , Yu Youjia , Zhu Ji , Li Guiru , Deng Xiaolin , Xie Hong 
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of nebulized dexmedetomidine (DEX) in ameliorating ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI)-induced oxidative stress in rats.
Forty 7 to 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats at the specific pathogen-free level were randomized into the control group, model group, nebulized dexmedetomidine (WH-YM) group, and dexmedetomidine intravenous infusion (JM-YM) group, each containing 10 rats. Except for the control group, rats in the other groups underwent mechanical ventilation (tidal volume, 40 mL/kg; respiratory rate, 70 breaths per minute; inspiratory-to-expiratory ratio, 1:2; fraction of inspired oxygen, 21%; positive end-expiratory pressure, 0 cmH2O). Nebulized DEX (6.3 µg/kg), and isodose intravenous DEX were given to rats of WH-YM and JM-YM groups prior to ventilation. Post 4-hour ventilation, rats were euthanized. Lung tissue wet-to-dry weight ratio, H&E staining for assessing diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), and expression levels of Nrf2 and Keap1 detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot were compared. Inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-6, and oxidative stress indices malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were quantified in lung tissues and serum samples using commercial kits.
Rats in the WH-YM and JM-YM groups demonstrated significant ameliorations in the wet-to-dry weight ratio and DAD score, decreased Keap1, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-6 levels in lung tissues and serum samples, but increased Nrf2 and SOD level than those of controls. These changes were more pronounced in the WH-YM group than in the JM-YM group.
DEX effectively alleviates VILI-induced oxidative stress and inflammation via the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway., especially in the nebulized administration.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Reliability and Validity of the Persian Version of COVID-19 Preventive Measures Questionnaire in Radiation Therapy Center, Yazd, Iran
Authors: Madadizadeh Farzan , Abdollahi-Dehkordi Sepideh , Hamzian Nima , Saber Korosh 
Published: June 2024

Background: Due to the overflow of people in radiation therapy centers and the importance of not interrupting the treatment process, preventive measures is one of the most important measures to deal with COVID-19; therefore, this study aims to evaluate intercultural compatibility, reliability, and validity of COVID-19 prevention measures in a radiation therapy center.
Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was performed with 20 personnel at radiation therapy center of Yazd, Iran using a census method in September 2021. A COVID-19 prevention scale with 29 items was used as measurement tool. First, cultural adaptation was assessed, and then, face validity was determined by calculating the impact score (IS). Content validity was evaluated by calculating the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI), and reliability was determined using the test-retest method, and Kuder–Richardson (KR20) alpha coefficient, and calculating intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). All the analyses were performed in SPSS software version 24 with a significance level of 5%.
Results: 30% (6 people) of the subjects were, 70% (40 people) of whom had less than 15 years of work experience. Four items of the questionnaire were removed based on the minimum Lawshe's CVR values, as their CVR was less than 0.62. Finally, the (KR20) coefficient, scale-level CVI, and ICC were estimated at 0.827, 0.98, and 0.52, respectively.
Conclusion: The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed; therefore, this Persian version of 25-item scale is proposed as a suitable and effective tool for COVID-19 prevention measures in Persian language
Wpływ mieszaniny biosurfaktantów na efektywność bioremediacji gruntu zanieczyszczonego węglowodorami ropopochodnymi
Authors:   Instytut Nafty i Gazu – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Wojtowicz Katarzyna , Steliga Teresa ,   Instytut Nafty i Gazu – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy
Published: June 2024

W artykule przedstawiono zagadnienia związane z wykorzystaniem biosurfaktantów (związki powierzchniowo czynne pochodzenia naturalnego) w procesie bioremediacji gleb skażonych węglowodorami ropopochodnymi. Badania bioremediacji gleby zanieczyszczonej TPH (suma węglowodorów ropopochodnych) i WWA (wielopierścieniowe węglowodory aromatyczne) prowadzono metodą pryzmowania ex situ (skala półtechniczna) w dwóch układach badawczych (układ 1 – badania biodegradacji węglowodorów ropopochodnych na drodze inokulacji biopreparatem, układ 2 – badania biodegradacji węglowodorów ropopochodnych w glebach na drodze inokulacji biopreparatem zawierającym domieszkę biosurfaktantów). Wykorzystany w badaniach biopreparat opracowano na bazie autochtonicznych bakterii i grzybów, zdolnych do rozkładu węglowodorów ropopochodnych, natomiast roztwór biosurfaktantów składał się z mieszaniny ƴ-PGA (kwasu ƴ-poliglutaminowego), ramnolipidów i surfaktyny. Badania bioremediacji prowadzono przez okres 6 miesięcy, monitorując zmiany stężenia TPH i WWA w glebie oraz jej toksyczność co 2 miesiące. W wyniku sześciomiesięcznego procesu oczyszczania uzyskano obniżenie stężenia TPH z 6062,59 mg/kg s.m. do 1774,72 mg/kg s.m. (w układzie 1) i do 768,92 mg/kg s.m. (w układzie 2) oraz WWA z 12,05 mg/kg s.m. do 4,27 mg/kg s.m. (w układzie 1) i do 2,20 mg/kg s.m. (w układzie 2). Zastosowanie domieszki biosurfaktantów w biopreparacie pozwoliło na zwiększenie efektywności biodegradacji TPH o 16,59% oraz WWA o 17,17%. Przeprowadzone analizy toksykologiczne z wykorzystaniem testów Phytotoxkit™, Ostracodtoxkit™ oraz Microtox®STP wykazały poprawę jakości gleby w wyniku prowadzonej bioremediacji oraz potwierdziły, że wraz ze spadkiem stężenia węglowodorów ropopochodnych maleje negatywny wpływ gleby poddanej biooczyszczaniu na organizmy testowe. Badania prowadzone w dwóch układach pozwoliły na ocenę wpływu biosurfaktantu na efektywność procesu bioremediacji gleby zanieczyszczonej TPH i WWA oraz umożliwiły udoskonalenie stosowanych metod rekultywacji gruntów skażonych ropą naftową.
Transcriptional dynamics in type 2 diabetes progression is linked with circadian, thermogenic, and cellular stress in human adipose tissue
Authors: Orozco-Solis Ricardo , Rivera-Alvarez Irais , Mendoza-Viveros Lucía , Vázquez-Lizárraga Rosa , Sotelo-Rivera Israim , Viveros-Ruiz Tannia , Morales-Maza Jesús , Orozco Lorena , Romano Marta , Noriega Lilia , Tovar Armando , Aguilar-Arnal Lorena , Cruz-Bautista Ivette , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has increased significantly over the past three decades, with an estimated 30-40% of cases remaining undiagnosed. Brown and beige adipose tissues, known for their remarkable catabolic capacity, can lower blood glucose levels. Beige adipose tissue can be differentiated from adipose stem cells or through transdifferentiation from white adipose tissue. However, the impact of T2D progression on beige adipocyte functional capacity remains unclear. Transcriptomic profiling of subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies from healthy normal-weight, healthy obese, prediabetic obese, and obese T2D patients revealed a progressive alteration in cellular processes associated with catabolic metabolism, circadian rhythms, thermogenesis-related signaling pathways, cellular stress, and inflammation. MAX was identified as a potential transcription factor linking inflammation with the circadian clock and thermogenesis during T2D progression. This study unveils a previously unrecognized transcriptional circuit that increasingly disrupts subcutaneous adipose tissue oxidative capacity during T2D progression. These findings could open new research avenues for developing chronopharmaceutical strategies to treat and prevent T2D.
Cryptococcus neoformans and the EGFR Puzzle: Uncovering a Novel Mechanism for Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing
Authors: Zhao Jingyu , Fang Wei , Gao Yangjie , Fa Zhenzong , Wang Guizhen , Gu Julin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans, a significant fungal pathogen, causes cryptococcal meningitis with high mortality. The mechanisms facilitating its invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) remain inadequately elucidated. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) assumes a pivotal role in pathogen-host interactions, yet its role in cryptococcal traversal of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains insufficiently characterized. Using an in vitro model of the BBB constructed from mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (MBMECs), it has been observed that EGFR expression significantly increases during the invasion of C. neoformans. The silencing of EGFR markedly diminishes the pathogen’s capacity to penetrate the BBB. Further research has identified that the conversion of pro-HB-EGF to HB-EGF, mediated by Mpr1/ADAM, triggers the activation of EGFR, a key event in the translocation process. The inhibition of this pathway using ADAM inhibitors, such as TAPI-1, not only prevents the upregulation of HB-EGF but also strengthens the integrity of the BBB and reduces the efficiency of cryptococcal translocation. These findings suggest that targeting the EGFR signaling pathway and metalloproteinase activity could be a promising strategy in developing treatments for cryptococcal meningitis.
Hydrogen-Rich Gas Enhanced Sprint-Interval Performance: Metabolomic Insights into Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Dong Gengxin , Liu Haiyan , Chen Yunji , bao dapeng , Xu Wentao , Zhou Junhong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Hydrogen gas has been posited to alleviate fatigue and mitigate declines in exercise performance through the reduction of oxidative stress induced by high-intensity exercise. However, the diversity of blood markers employed to evaluate hydrogen gas's antioxidant capabilities limits a comprehensive understanding of its mechanistic effects. This study evaluated the impact of hydrogen-rich gas (HRG) on metabolites following sprint interval exercise using metabolomics approaches, aiming to elucidate its underlying mechanisms of action. Results: Compared with placebo (air), HRG inhalation significantly improved mean power, fatigue index and time to peak for the fourth sprint and significantly reduced the attenuation values of peak power, mean power and time to peak between the first and fourth. Metabolomic analysis highlighted significant upregulation of Acetylcarnitine, Propionyl-L-carnitine, Hypoxanthine, and Xanthine upon HRG inhalation, with enrichment pathway analysis suggesting that HRG may foster fat mobilization by enhancing coenzyme A synthesis, promoting glycerophospholipid metabolism, and suppressing insulin levels. Conclusion: Inhaling HRG before sprint-interval test enhances end-stage anaerobic sprint capabilities and mitigates fatigue. Metabolomics analysis suggests HRG potentially accelerates fat oxidation during rest periods and facilitates greater ATP replenishment for later sprints, by mitigating mitochondrial oxidative damage, enhancing aerobic efficiency, and stimulating fat mobilization.
Vulvar reconstruction with pedicled ALT and pudendal flaps, secondary to a mammary-like adenocarcinoma of the vulva associated to Paget´s disease.
Authors: Márquez Miguel Leonardo De La Parra , Mora Hugo Enrique Beyuma , González Juan Carlos Morales 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Vulvar Paget's disease is the most common extra-mammary form, representing 1-2% of vaginal neoplasms.1 Is included within the primary adenocarcinomas of the vulva, which are rare malignancies, along with sweat gland carcinomas and mammary-like vulvar glands.2
Treatment is multidisciplinary, being necessary in advanced cases, a surgical resection with wide margins and subsequent reconstruction. In this paper, we present the case of a 51-year-old patient, who presented a mammary-like adenocarcinoma associated to an extensive vulvar "extramammary Paget" case, not a candidate for conservative management, being initially approached by the onco-surgery service, performing a wide resection of the neoplasm associated with bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection. Subsequently the reconstruction was completed using an anterolateral pedicled thigh flap associated with a double pudendal flap (Singapore) for vulvo-perineal reconstruction. Immediate postoperative surveillance of the flap and follow-up at 1 and 6 months were performed with an adequate aesthetic and functional result.
Colesevelam for Lenalidomide Associated Diarrhea in Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Hultcrantz Malin , Hassoun Hani , Korde Neha , Maclachlan Kylee , Mailankody Sham , Patel Dhwani , Shah Urvi , Tan Carlyn Rose , Chung David , Landau Heather , Scordo Michael , Shah Gunjan , Giralt Sergio , Lahoud Oscar , Pianko Matthew , Burge Mirande , Barnett Kelly , Shekarkhand Tala , Caple Julia , Blaslov Jenna , Tran Linh , Salcedo Meghan , Hamid Selena , Nemirovsky David , Derkach Andriy , Arisa Oluwatobi , Peer Cody , Figg William , Usmani Saad , Landgren Ola , Lesokhin Alexander 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Lenalidomide maintenance is associated with a significantly improved progression-free in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Maintenance with lenalidomide is generally well tolerated; however, lenalidomide associated diarrhea is a common side effect and bile acid malabsorption has been suggested as an underlying mechanism. We conducted a single arm phase 2 trial of colesevelam, a bile acid binder, for lenalidomide-associated diarrhea in multiple myeloma. Patients were treated with colesevelam daily starting at 1250 mg (2 tablets 625 mg) for 12 weeks. The trial included 25 patients, 1 patient with grade 3 diarrhea, 14 with grade 2, and 10 with grade 1 diarrhea. All patients were on treatment with single agent lenalidomide maintenance and no patient progressed during the trial.
Colesevelam treatment was highly effective for treatment of lenalidomide-associated diarrhea; 22 (88%) of the 25 patients responded where 17 patients (68%) had complete resolution of diarrhea, and 5 patients (20%) had improvement by 1 grade of diarrhea. The responses to colesevelam were seen within the first two weeks of treatment. These findings support the conclusion that lenalidomide-associated diarrhea is driven by bile acid malabsorption. Five patients reported mild gastrointestinal side effects including constipation. Importantly, the pharmacokinetics of lenalidomide were not affected by concomitant colesevelam treatment. The stool microbiome composition was not significantly different before and after colesevelam treatment. Patients reported improved diarrhea, fewer gastrointestinal symptoms, and less interference with their daily life after starting colesevelam. In summary, colesevelam was safe and highly effective for treatment of lenalidomide-associated diarrhea in multiple myeloma and does not reduce the clinical effect of lenalidomide.
Anatomical study to avoid femoral nerve palsy in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Koura Takashi , Tetsunaga Tomonori , Yamada Kazuki , Inoue Tomohiro , Okuda Ryuichiro , Masada Yasutaka , Ozaki Toshifumi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Improper placement of the anterior retractor in total hip arthroplasty (THA) can cause femoral nerve palsy. We aimed to determine whether the femoral nerve distance on computed tomography can be predicted from radiographs. This study included 145 patients with hip dysplasia who underwent THA for hip osteoarthritis in one institution. The distance between the femoral nerve and anterior margin of the acetabulum (dFN) was measured in the horizontal section. Patients were divided into the short- and long-dFN groups. Age, sex, body height, body weight, and Crowe classification were compared between both groups using univariate analyses. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of dFN. Significance was set at p < 0.05. The mean dFN at each site of the femoral head was shorter proximally. The differences in body height and Crowe classification between both groups were significant. dFN (y) was positively correlated with body height (x1), Crowe classification (x2), and body weight (x3). The derived predictive formula was y = 9.24 + 9.74x1–3.55x2 + 0.065x3, with an adjusted coefficient of determination of 0.658 and p < 0.05 for all measurements. Patients with smaller body height, lower body weight, and severe hip deformity have a shorter dFN and a risk for femoral nerve palsy after THA; these require special attention.
Culture failure and suboptimal analysis in cytogenetics: A data review as a quality improvement metric from a resource-limited country
Authors: Mansoor Neelum , Meraj Fatima , Zehra Syeda Ambareen , Akhter Bushra , Jamal Saba 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Conventional cytogenetic failures can affect hematological cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Resource-constrained regions without contemporary genetic testing facilities may experience this impact more. Cultural failure (CF) and suboptimal analysis (SOA) data can identify problems and set standards. Thus, a cohort was created to find areas for improvement and reduce negative contributing factors, making this cytogenetic technique more accessible and cost-effective. A retrospective study at the Cytogenetics lab of Indus Hospital, Karachi, analyzed 1234 blood and bone marrow samples from Jan 2021 to Mar 2023. CF meant no growth, while < 20 metaphases were labeled suboptimal. IBM SPSS 24.0 was used for analysis, employing chi-square to confirm factor-karyotyping associations, with p < 0.05 indicating significance.
Results
Of 1234 samples, 1110 (90%) were bone marrow and 124 (10%) were peripheral blood. There were 32/1234 (2.6%) CF cases; all found in bone marrow samples, making the true incidence 32/1110 (2.9%). No CF observed in peripheral blood samples tested for constitutional disorders. Additionally, chromosomal analysis quality was assessed. SOA occurred in 105/1234 (8.5%) instances, with 58% having poor morphology and 31% having a low mitotic index. Among 137 CF and SOA patients, 134/1110 (12%) were found in marrow and 3/124 (2.4%) in blood.
Conclusion
Lower CF rates suggest that appropriate standards and implementation of quality management protocols can reduce cytogenetic failure rates despite newly established services in a resource-constrained setting.
Multidrug-resistant high-risk clonal Escherichia coli lineages occur along an antibiotic residue gradient in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Schaufler Katharina , Lübcke Phillip , Heiden Stefan , Homeier-Bachmann Timo , Bohnert Jürgen , Schulze Christian , Eger Elias , Schwabe Michael , Guenther Sebastian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The global spread of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli threatens human, animal, and environmental health. Despite the recognition of water bodies as potential reservoirs, research on AMR in the Baltic Sea is limited. In this study, we examined the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli in surface water in northeastern Germany. We then conducted phenotypic and genotypic analyses of the strains, which encompassed AMR and heavy metal/metalloid tolerance, biofilm formation, and detailed plasmid examination. In addition, we used solid-phase extraction with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to quantify antibiotic residues. Our analysis identified 30 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates, some of which were associated with clinically relevant high-risk clonal lineages. We detected antibiotic residues in the environmental samples, but the antibiotic concentrations were significantly lower compared to the wastewater samples. These results highlight the Baltic Sea surface water as a potential reservoir for ESBL-producing E. coli and clinically relevant antibiotics.
Quality of Life after Myocardial infarction in the Pakistani Population – Insights from a Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Hassan Javerya , Abbas Manzar , Arshad Hajra , Jessani Angelina , Tahir Izza , Qazi Shiza , Shah Jasmit , Merali Zul , Samad Zainab 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QoL) assessment is essential for optimizing patient care, treatment adjustments, and medical decision-making, particularly in post-Myocardial Infarction (MI) patients, but limited data exists on QOL post MI from Pakistan. This study aimed to assess Quality of Life (QoL and its determinants in the Pakistani population.
Methods: A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Patients ≥ 18 years with a primary diagnosis of acute MI (ICD 9 codes: 410.0-410.9 and ICD-10 codes: 121.0-121.9) discharged from the Cardiology Service from January 2019 to December 2020 who could be contacted and consented to participate were included. Data was collected from electronic records, and patients were interviewed via phone calls using a validated Urdu version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric tests via RStudio (Version 1.4.1717).
Results: The final study cohort was 440 patients with a median age of 63 (IQR: 56,72) years, with a male predominance (68.2%). Physical health was the most affected domain. Females, lower income individuals, and those with lower level of education had lower QoL scores in all domains. Diabetes and presence of multiple co-morbidities were associated with lower QoL.
Marital and socioeconomic status, along with psychosocial factors were significantly associated with QoL scores. Notably, 62.0% of post-MI patients rated their overall QoL as good (scores of 4-5 on a Likert scale of 1-5). Cronbach's alpha values indicated good internal consistency, with an overall Cronbach's alpha of 0.902.
Conclusion:
Although a significant proportion of patients post MI in our cohort reported good QoL, several social factors were associated with lower QoL. These factors must be investigated further in discharge planning and post-discharge of patients with MI.