bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring biodegradative efficiency: a systematic review on the main microplastic-degrading bacteria
Authors: da Silva Milena Roberta Freire , Souza Karolayne Silva , Motteran Fabricio , de Araújo Lívia Caroline Alexandre , Singh Rishikesh , Bhadouria Rahul , de Oliveira Maria Betânia Melo 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionMicroplastics (MPs) are widely distributed in the environment, causing damage to biota and human health. Due to their physicochemical characteristics, they become resistant particles to environmental degradation, leading to their accumulation in large quantities in the terrestrial ecosystem. Thus, there is an urgent need for measures to mitigate such pollution, with biological degradation being a viable alternative, where bacteria play a crucial role, demonstrating high efficiency in degrading various types of MPs. Therefore, the study aimed to identify bacteria with the potential for MP biodegradation and the enzymes produced during the process.MethodsThe methodology used followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol.Results and DiscussionThe research yielded 68 eligible studies, highlighting bacteria from the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, and Rhodococcus as the main organisms involved in MP biodegradation. Additionally, enzymes such as hydrolases and alkane hydroxylases were emphasized for their involvement in this process. Thus, the potential of bacterial biodegradation is emphasized as a promising pathway to mitigate the environmental impact of MPs, highlighting the relevance of identifying bacteria with biotechnological potential for large-scale applications in reducing MP pollution.
Short-term reduction of ankle spasticity after surgical lengthening of the triceps surae in chronic post-stroke patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Galletti Martina , Mazzoli Davide , Zerbinati Paolo , Rambelli Chiara , Basini Giacomo , Prati Paolo , Mascioli Francesca , Masiero Stefano , Merlo Andrea 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionIn post-stroke patients with equinovarus foot deformity (EVFD), soft tissue rearrangements may contribute to muscle overactivity when a muscle is stretched or tension is applied. Therefore, we investigated the effects of surgically restoring the triceps surae (TS) length and lengthening ability on TS spasticity.MethodsThis retrospective study included chronic post-stroke patients who underwent neuro-orthopedic surgery inclusive of TS lengthening. TS spasticity was measured using the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) before and 1 month after surgery, both with the knee extended (KE) and flexed (KF). MTS variations were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. The time from stroke onset was compared between patients with and without post-surgical spasticity using the t-test. Statistical significance was set at 5%.ResultsA total of 120 patients with EVFD, aged 57 (12) years, ranging from 1 to 36 years from stroke, were included in the study. The median MTS_KE score significantly decreased from 3 (range 0–4) to 2 (0–4) (p &lt; 0.001) after surgery. The MTS score decreased by ≥1 point in more than half of the sample. Notably, 19 and 32 patients were completely relieved from spasticity (MTS = 0) in the KE and KF conditions, respectively. Post-surgical spasticity did not depend on the time since stroke onset (p = 0.560).DiscussionTS lengthening led to a short-term reduction of spasticity in 41% and 63% of chronic post-stroke patients in the gastro-soleus complex and soleus, respectively, with complete relief observed in 21% and 30% of the sample. Surgical lengthening can be considered an effective treatment that not only restores joint range of motion but also may reduce spasticity, even in chronic patients.
An assessment tool for the international healthy eating report card for preschool-aged children: a cross-cultural validation across Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States
Authors: Wan Alison Wing Lam , Chung Kevin Kien Hoa , Li Jian-Bin , Xu Shebe Siwei , Chan Derwin King Chung 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop and validate a globally applicable assessment tool of the 43-item International Healthy Eating Report Card Scale (IHERCS) which was designed to assess preschool-aged children’s eating behaviours and family home food environments (FHFEs) across different cultural settings. In particular, we examined the factor structure, internal consistency and measurement invariance of the IHERCS across four cultural samples, including Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the US. Convergent and discriminant validity were then conducted.MethodsIn this cross-cultural study, a total of 2059 parent–child dyads from these four regions were recruited, and the parents were asked to complete the IHERCS. An exploratory structural equational modelling approach was employed to examine two higher-order factor models of children’s eating behaviours and FHFEs in the IHERCS and its cross-cultural measurement invariance.ResultsThe findings demonstrated robust factor structures of the scales of children’s eating behaviours and FHFEs in the IHERCS (i.e., CFI and TLI &gt; 0.90; RMSEA and SRMR &lt; 0.08) and an acceptable level of internal consistency (i.e., Cronbach’s α = 0.55–0.84). Full configural invariance and metric invariance were established across the four cultural contexts, but full scalar invariance was not achieved. Partial scalar invariance was found only in the scale of FHFEs. The convergent validity and discriminant validity were supported.ConclusionOverall, the current findings provided preliminary support for the construct validity and measurement invariance of the IHERCS. It provides a reliable, valid and comprehensive assessment of eating behaviours and FHFEs among children in different cultural settings.
Prognostic significance of β2-microglobulin decline index in multiple myeloma
Authors: Zhang Tianyu , Lin Zhili , Zheng Ziwei , Wang Quanqiang , Zhou Shujuan , Zhang Bingxin , Zheng Dong , Chen Zixing , Zheng Sisi , Zhang Yu , Lin Xuanru , Dong Rujiao , Chen Jingjing , Qian Honglan , Hu Xudong , Zhuang Yan , Zhang Qianying , Jin Zhouxiang , Jiang Songfu , Ma Yongyong 
Published: March 2024

PurposeTo assess the prognostic significance of β2-microglobulin decline index (β2M DI) in multiple myeloma (MM).Methods150 MM patients diagnosed with MM were enrolled in this study. Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the uni- and multivariate prognosis in training cohort (n=105). A new combined prognostic model containing β2M DI was built up based on the data in training cohort. The validation group was used to verify the model.Resultsβ2M DI showed significant correlation with prognosis in both uni- and multivariate analyses and had a good correlation with complete response (CR) rate and deep remission rate. The ROC and calibration curves in validation cohort (n=45) indicated a good predictive performance of the new model. Based on the median risk score of the training group, we classified patients into high- and low- risk groups. In both training and validation groups, patients in the low-risk group had longer overall survival (OS) time than that in the high-risk group (p&lt;0.05).Conclusionβ2M DI is a good predictive index for predicting treatment response and survival time in MM patients. The prognostic model added with β2M DI showed a better correlation with OS.
Prognostic significance of pyroptosis-associated molecules in endometrial cancer: a comprehensive immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Ha Seong-Chan , Park Yeon Soo , Kim Jisup 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionEndometrial cancer, the most prevalent malignancy of the female genital tract, has a concerningly poor prognosis when diagnosed in advanced stages, with limited targeted therapy options available for advanced or recurrent cases. Pyroptosis, a type of nonapoptotic cell death mediated by caspase-1, has shown potential antitumor effects in various tumors. NLRP3, a cytosolic sensor, initiates the canonical pyroptotic pathway, leading to caspase-1 activation, subsequent gasdermin D cleavage, and plasma membrane pore formation. The ESCRT-III machinery, particularly CHMP4B, acts as a key inhibitor of pyroptosis by repairing gasdermin D-induced membrane damage. The current study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathologic relevance of key pyroptosis-associated molecules in endometrial cancer.MethodsImmunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of four pyroptosis-associated molecules (NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1 p20, cleaved gasdermin D, and CHMP4B) in 351 patients with endometrial cancer, and their associations with clinical, pathological, and survival outcomes were analyzed.ResultsHigh NLRP3 expression was significantly associated with age ≤ 50 years and premenopause. Increased cleaved caspase-1 p20 expression was associated with nonendometrioid carcinoma, Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grade 3, and the p53 mutant pattern and was independently associated with poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival. Increased cleaved gasdermin D expression was associated with a body mass index of &gt;25 kg/m², FIGO grades 1–2, early FIGO stage (I–II), and absence of lymph node metastasis. High CHMP4B expression was associated with nonendometrioid carcinoma and poor RFS. Cleaved gasdermin D-high/CHMP4B-low endometrial cancer was associated with endometrioid carcinoma, FIGO grades 1–2 and favorable RFS.DiscussionOur study identified cleaved caspase-1 p20 as an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in endometrial cancer. CHMP4B, an inhibitor of pyroptosis, was associated with an unfavorable RFS, whereas high cleaved gasdermin D/low CHMP4B expression was associated with a favorable RFS. These findings underscore the prognostic significance of pyroptosis and the potential interaction between cleaved gasdermin D and CHMP4B in endometrial cancer.
Liver transplantation vs liver resection in HCC: promoting extensive collaborative research through a survival meta-analysis of meta-analyses
Authors: Martinino Alessandro , Bucaro Angela , Cardella Francesca , Wazir Ishaan , Frongillo Francesco , Ardito Francesco , Giovinazzo Francesco 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundHCC is a major global health concern, necessitating effective treatment strategies. This study conducts a meta-analysis of meta-analyses comparing liver resection (LR) and liver transplantation (LT) for HCC.MethodsThe systematic review included meta-analyses comparing liver resection vs. liver transplantation in HCC, following PRISMA guidelines. Primary outcomes included 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). AMSTAR-2 assessed study quality. Citation matrix and hierarchical clustering validated the consistency of the included studies.ResultsA search identified 10 meta-analyses for inclusion. The median Pearson correlation coefficient for citations was 0.59 (IQR 0.41-0.65). LT showed better 5-year survival and disease-free survival in all HCC (OR): 0.79; 95% CI: 0.67-0.93, I^2:57% and OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.25-0.75, I^2:96%). Five-year survival in early HCC and ITT was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.50-0.78, I^2:0%) and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.39-0.92, I^2:0%). Salvage LT vs. Primary LT did not differ between 5-year survival and disease-free survival (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.33-1.15, I^2:0% and 0.93; 95% CI: 0.82-1.04, I^2:0%).ConclusionOverall, the study underscores the superior survival outcomes associated with LT over LR in HCC treatment, supported by comprehensive meta-analysis and clustering analysis. There was no difference in survival or recurrence rate between salvage LT and primary LT. Therefore, considering the organ shortage, HCC can be resected and transplanted in case of recurrence.
Application of enhanced recovery after surgery during the perioperative period in children with Meckel’s diverticulum–a single-center prospective clinical trial
Authors: Wang Cuicui , Wang Youliang , Zhao Ping , Li Ting , Li Fan , Li Zhi , Qi Yingwen , Wang Xuewu , Shi Weidong , Liu Lina , Li Gamei , Wang Yong 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been widely used in adult surgery. However, few studies have reported the efficacy of ERAS in paediatric patients with Meckel's diverticulum (MD), the aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of ERAS in treating MD.MethodsA prospective randomised controlled study of children with MD admitted to our hospital from Jan 1, 2021 to Dec 31, 2023 were conducted, we developed and implemented an ERAS program for this patients. All cases were strictly selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among these patients, they were randomly assigned to the ERAS group or the traditional (TRAD) group with random number table row randomization. The main observational indicators were operation time, intraoperative hemorrhage, FLACC pain scale results on 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h after surgery, length of postoperative stay (LOPS), time to first defecation, time to first eating after surgery, time to discontinuation of intravenous infusion, total treatment cost, incidence of postoperative complications, 30-day readmission rate and parental satisfaction rate.ResultsA total of 50 patients underwent Meckel's diverticulectomy during this period, 7 patients were excluded, 23 patients were assigned to the ERAS group and 20 patients were assigned to the TRAD group. There were no significant differences in demographic data and operation time, intraoperative hemorrhage. The FLACC pain scale results on 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h after surgery were significantly lower in the ERAS group. The LOPS was 6.17 ± 0.89 days in the ERAS group and 8.30 ± 1.26 days in the TRAD group, resulting in a significantly shorter LOPS in ERAS group. ERAS could also reduce the first postoperative defecation time, the time to first eating after surgery and the time to discontinuation of intravenous infusion. The treatment cost was decreased in the ERAS group. The rate of complications and 30-day readmission were not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionsIn this single-center study, the ERAS protocol for patients with MD requiring surgery was safe and effective.
Product labeling accuracy and contamination analysis of commercially available cannabidiol product samples
Authors: Gidal Barry E. , Vandrey Ryan , Wallin Chela , Callan Sean , Sutton Alan , Saurer Timothy B. , Triemstra Jennifer L. 
Published: March 2024

Background and objective: Commercially available cannabidiol (CBD) products are increasingly being used for medicinal purposes, including for the treatment of various neurological conditions, but there are growing concerns around adherence to quality control measures that protect consumers. This study was conducted to assess the purity and label accuracy of commercially available CBD products.Methods: Commercially available CBD products were chosen from the open stream of commerce in the United States based on formulations as a tincture, gummy, vape, or topical product. Cannabinoid concentrations were analyzed to verify label accuracy including “full spectrum,” “broad spectrum,” and “CBD isolate” claims on the product label. Analysis for the presence of contaminants included evaluation for heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents. Labeled and actual total amounts of CBD and levels of impurities such as heavy metals, residual solvents, and pesticides were measured.Results: A total of 202 CBD products (100 tinctures, 48 gummies, 34 vape products, and 20 topicals) were chosen to represent a broad sample in the United States. Of the products tested (full spectrum, n = 84; broad spectrum, n = 28; CBD isolate, n = 37), 26% did not meet the definition for product type claimed on the packaging. The majority of products (74%) deviated from their label claim of CBD potency by at least 10%. Heavy metals were detected 52 times across 44 of the 202 products tested, with lead being the most prevalent heavy metal. Residual solvents were detected 446 times across 181 of 202 products, with the highest concentrations reported for hexane, m/p-xylene, methanol, and o-xylene. Of 232 pesticides tested, 26 were found 55 times across 30 products. A total of 3% of heavy metals, 1% of residual solvents, and 1% of pesticides violated &gt;1 regulatory threshold.Discussion: This study demonstrated that the majority of commercially available CBD products tested within the current study are inaccurately labeled. Heavy metals, residual solvents, and pesticides were found in several products, some of which violated regulatory thresholds. Thus, uniform compliance with CBD quality control measures is lacking and raises consumer protection concerns. Improved regulatory oversight of this industry is recommended.
Characteristics of attentional bias in adolescents with major depressive disorders: differentiating the impact of anxious distress specifier
Authors: Yang Rong , Zheng Hongyu , Cao Xiaomei , Mo Daming , Li Mengting , Liu Wenyuan , Zhong Hui 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundNo consistent conclusion has been reached regarding the attentional bias characteristics of adolescents with major depressive disorders (MDD), and unexamined co-occurring anxiety distress may contribute to this inconsistency.MethodsWe enrolled 50 MDD adolescents with anxiety distress, 47 MDD adolescents without anxiety distress and 48 healthy adolescents. We measured attentional bias using a point-probe paradigm during a negative-neutral emotional face task. Reaction time, correct response rate and attentional bias value were measured.ResultsMDD adolescents did not show a negative attentional bias; MDD adolescents with anxiety distress exhibited longer reaction time for negative and neutral stimuli, lower correct response rate for negative stimuli. Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores were positively correlated with reaction time, negatively correlated with correct response rate, and not significantly correlated with attentional bias value.LimitationsThe cross-sectional design hinders causal attribution, and positive emotional faces were not included in our paradigm.ConclusionNegative attentional bias is not a stable cognitive trait in adolescents with MDD, and avoidance or difficulty in disengaging attention from negative emotional stimuli may be the attentional bias characteristic of MDD adolescents with anxiety distress.
Investigating the effect of education based on PRECEDE-PROCEED model on the preventive behaviors of musculoskeletal disorders in a group of nurses
Authors: Rakhshani Tayebeh , Limouchi Zeinab , Daneshmandi Hadi , Kamyab Amirhossein , Jeihooni Ali Khani 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundOne of the most important occupational complications that could occur in nurses is musculoskeletal disorders. In this study, we designed an educational intervention based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model to investigate its effects on a group of nurses on preventive behaviors of musculoskeletal disorders.MethodsA total of 120 nurses working in Izeh City, Iran, participated in this semi-experimental study. The sampling was performed through a convenient sampling method, and the participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (60 participants for each group). Both groups filled out a questionnaire based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model before and 2 months after the educational program as part of the data collection process. The data were examined using a paired t-test, an independent t-test, and a chi-square test after being entered into SPSS version 24.ResultsAccording to the findings, prior to the intervention, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of their knowledge (p = 0.221), attitude (p = 0.136), enabling factors (p = 0.325), reinforcing factors (p = 0.548), self-efficacy (0.421), and behavior (0.257) levels. However, following the intervention, a substantial rise was witnessed in the experimental group in each of the mentioned variables (p = 0.001).ConclusionIn the current study, education based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model led to the improvement of knowledge, attitude, enabling and reinforcing factors, self-efficacy, and finally preventive behaviors with musculoskeletal disorders in the participants. Considering the importance of the role of health education in promoting behaviors related to musculoskeletal disorders in nurses and the importance of observing related behaviors in preventing long-term complications, the necessity of education in a wider dimension and with different tools is felt more and more in society. Therefore, longer interventions with this aim could be carried out on nurses and other healthcare personnel.
Process improvement to increase rates of sperm-banking in AYA patients newly diagnosed with cancer: an institutional experience
Authors: Sandheinrich Taryn , Schultz Katie , Hayashi Robert J. , Hoefgen Holly 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundDespite ASCO and COG recommendations, increasing the rate of sperm-banking for newly diagnosed AYA males with cancer remains difficult. Multiple barriers to fertility preservation at pediatric institutions have been well described. Numerous logistical barriers can impede successful sperm cryopreservation. We analyzed our institution's experience in optimizing workflows to improve sperm-banking rates. Our processes improvement included: (1) striving for a fertility consult for each newly diagnosed male, (2) utilization of a member of the oncology provider team serving as a fertility navigator (FN) providing fertility consultation and counseling services.MethodsSperm banking rates at St. Louis Children's Hospital were reviewed and compared for three discrete calendar years spanning the implementation of these enhancements (2017, 2019, 2022). We plotted process changes over time to assess their impact on the rate of successful sperm-banking in eligible AYA males newly diagnosed with cancer.ResultsThe rate of consults for sperm banking prior to therapy increased from 18% in 2017 to 91% in 2022 (p = .0003). Rates of sperm banking in eligible males increased from 18% to 82% (p = .0015) between 2017 and 2022.ConclusionEmbedding a FN who is also a member of the primary oncology team increases not only the fertility consult rate but also the rate of successful sperm-banking in AYA males who are newly diagnosed with cancer at pediatric institutions.