bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of preoperative cognitive frailty with postoperative complications in elderly patients under general anesthesia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: FANG Jiamin , LIANG Hao , CHEN Muxin , ZHAO Yidi , WEI Lin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Cognitive frailty is defined as the coexistence of physical frailty and mild cognitive impairment, which is associated with adverse outcomes. Due to various factors such as age-related changes in the brain and the presence of comorbidities, the elderly are more susceptible to cognitive frailty.
Objective
To investigate the effect of preoperative cognitive frailty on postoperative complications in elderly patients.
Methods
This prospective observational study was conducted among 253 patients aged 60–85 years, who underwent elective orthopedic and abdominal surgery (postoperative hospital stay ≥ 3 days ) in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2023 to November 2023. Cognitive frailty was assessed using the MoCA for the cognitive status and the Fried criteria for five frailty scales. The participants were split into the following groups: group A, neither frail nor cognitive impairment; group B, only frailty ; group C, only cognitive impairment; group D, cognitive frailty. Primary outcome was the impact on postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes included mobility disability, prolonged hospital stay, re-operation and 90-day readmission.
Results
The median age ( interquartile range ) of participants was 69 (65–73) years, of which 40.3% were male. The prevalence of cognitive frailty was 17.8%. The incidence of postoperative complications was 18.2% in group A, 50.0% in group B, 37.4% in group C, and 75.6% in group D. The difference was significant (P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, cognitive frailty [odds ratio (OR), 16.84; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.54–62.37], only frailty (OR, 7.86; 95%CI, 2.12-29. 12), only cognitive impairment (OR, 4.22; 95%CI, 1.62–11.02).
Conclusions
Cognitive frailty was associated with higher risks of postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing general anesthesia. It indicates that clinicians should pay much attention to these elderly with cognitive frailty.
Liver disease as new work in the context of protocolised primary care - Do GPs have a role? A qualitative interview study
Authors: Jarvis Helen , Sanders Tom , Hanratty Barbara 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Liver disease is common, but not part of routine chronic disease management in primary care. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges of implementing pathways of care for liver disease within existing highly protocolised structures in primary care.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews with 20 health professionals working in primary care. Interviews were informed by normalisation process theory (NPT) and boundary theory. Data were subject to thematic analysis.
Results
Three themes were identified relating to chronic disease work; definitions; need and worth, and roles. Participants identified that understanding and value of roles within chronic disease management were pre-defined by targets imposed on them as part of national incentives schemes. Structural boundaries constrained professional autonomy and the potential to influence this area of primary care management, including taking on new work.
Discussion
The inability to influence care decisions blurs occupational boundaries and goes to the core of what it means to be a professional. Unless liver disease sits within this target-based system, it is unlikely to become part of routine work in primary care.
Caval Index is a Predictor of Mortality in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Ercan Volkan , Ozakin Engin , Ozdemir Atilla Ozcan , Aykac Ozlem , Karakilic Evvah , Acar Nurdan , Kaya Filiz Baloglu , Canakci Mustafa Emin , Cure Ruhi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
Dehydration is related with a higher risk of complications, such as venous thrombosis. Stroke occurs more frequently in the elderly, and dehydration is common in these patients. The aim of this study is to determine the dehydration in patients with acute ischemic stroke and its effect on prognosis.
Methods
In this observational cohort study, we included prospectively and consecutively patients who underwent intravenous fibrinolytic therapy and/or mechanic revascularization. Inferior vena cava inferior (IVC) diameter, blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio and glomerular filtration rate were measured at the time of first admission to the emergency department to determine volume status. Dehydration was defined as collapse of >50% in IVC diameter. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. At admission NIHSS was used for neurological severity. At discharge and three months after the stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used for functional outcome. Poor outcome was defined as mRS: 3-6.
Results
We evaluated 211 patients, 77% presented with anterior circulation occlusion. Dehydration was detected in 57 (34.7%) in anterior occlusion and 15 (46.8%) in posterior occlusion patients at emergency department admission. Poor outcomes were found to be more common in patients with hypovolemia and in those with anterior circulation disorder who received conservative treatment and intravenous thrombolytic therapy than in normovolemic patients (p = 0.032 and p = 0.005, respectively).
Conclusion
Dehydration is common in acute ischemic patients in emergency admission. Although laboratory parameters are used to detect dehydration, collapse determined by measuring IVC diameter is a fast and useful method for emergency physicians to determine volume status in acute stroke patients. Further research should aim to determine dehydration in stroke patients for fluid resuscitation in the emergency department.
A Modification to the Alkire-Foster Method When Data Are Cardinal
Authors: Sun Kan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This paper introduces a modification to the standard Alkire-Foster (AF) Method (Alkire and Foster, 2011a,b) for multidimensional poverty measurement. This modification incorporates cardinal information during the identification step when feasible. Following the typical identification-aggregation structure, the adjusted method considers both the number of deprivations and aggregate (or average) achievement for identification and employs the adjusted FGT class of measures for aggregation. The proposed method upholds key axioms, including subgroup decomposability, replication invariance, symmetry, and poverty focus. Empirical results, utilizing data from Indonesia and South Africa, reveal that the modified method is less sensitive to changes in the poverty cutoff and exhibits an enhanced focus on individuals experiencing deeper deprivations.
Community-Based Enterprise Development in the AMIA (Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture) Villages in San Francisco, Quezon, Philippines
Authors: Miano Leomar , Cabrera Gino , Yao Claire Ann , Laguador Aurita , Cayabat Chona 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This research project sought to establish a community-based enterprise in the AMIA Villages in San Francisco, Quezon, Philippines. This was carried out through a three-phase community-based participatory action research (CBPAR). The first phase constitutes the needs assessment which was done using mixed-methods – sequential explanatory research to generate an action plan for the succeeding phases. The second phase is the product formulation and production processes which were composed of participatory learning trials (PLT), physicochemical and microbial analysis, and packaging. The last phase is the capacity-building and market linkage survey. Results showed that the villagers are producing bananas, coconut, swine, poultry, yam or ube, and rice. However, yam or ube was the top raw agricultural produce with the potential for product development. Six (6) ube food products were developed – ube nuts polvoron, ube pastillas, ube powder, ube mochi, ube halaya, and ube pocket pie. Among these products, only ube powder was subjected to testing while ube nuts polvoron, ube pastillas, and ube powder were labeled and packaged. These were some initial steps to establish the legal requirements for the approval of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). The product costing for ube powder commands higher profit but on the contrary, it is seen with the least market value due to its unknown purpose. Ube food production together with identified topics for entrepreneurial development formed a series of modules for capability building. Lastly, there were eleven (11) cooperatives identified as the potential market linkage of the AMIA Villages. Specific recommendations to improve the products and strengthen the enterprise were set forth.
Biological characterization and clinical value of PLOD gene family in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Shang Xuan , Liu Liu , Yan Min , Ren Rui-Min , Guo Ke-Xin , Wang Jie , Zhang Wei , Chang Jia-Song , Li Jia-Lei , Gao Li-Juan , Cao Ji-Min 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Studies have identified that procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase (PLOD) gene family is closely related to tumor progression and metastasis in various cancers. However, the expression pattern, clinical value and function of PLOD gene family in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have not yet been studied.
Methods
We investigated the expression, prognostic value, immune cell infiltration, genetic mutation, cell migration, and biological function of the PLOD gene family in ccRCC through comprehensive bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation, and predicted potential chemicals which regulate the expression of PLOD gene family using comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) and docking analysis.
Results
The mRNA and protein expressions of PLOD gene family were highly increased in ccRCC tissues compared with normal tissues, and high expressions of all the three PLOD genes were positively related to every clinicopathological stages, poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in ccRCC patients. Fifty co-expressed genes of PLODs were found related with ccRCC. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that collagen synthesis, ECM-receptor interaction and lysine degradation were key biological functions of PLODs in ccRCC. A variety of chemicals were predicted to regulate the expression of PLOD gene family especially acetaminophen.
Conclusion
High expression of PLOD gene family is closely related to poor prognosis of ccRCC and they can predict any stage of ccRCC. PLOD gene family may serve as a prognostic biomarker and even a therapeutic target for ccRCC.
Predictors of quality of life among caregivers of patients with moderate to severe kidney disease: an Australian cross-sectional study
Authors: Zimbudzi Edward , Blessan Asha , Fraginal Denise , GUTE Lelise , WANG Qiumian , ZIGANAY Shari 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Little is known about the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) along the disease continuum. We investigated factors associated with low QoL among caregivers of patients with CKD including those on dialysis. We also examined the relationship between kidney disease severity and the QoL of caregivers.
Methods
We recruited caregivers of patients with CKD (stage 3 to 5) attending renal outpatient clinics as well as dialysis units of a tertiary hospital and patients from January 2018 to November 2023. Quality of life was assessed using a valid and reliable tool, the Adult Carer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with low quality of life among caregivers.
Results
A total of 278 dyads of caregivers and patients with chronic kidney disease were studied. The mean age of caregivers and patients was 56.6 ± 15.2 and 63.7 ± 15.3 years respectively. The severity of CKD had a significant impact on QoL of caregivers in the personal growth and carer satisfaction domains where caregivers of patients on dialysis reported worse scores compared to caregivers of predialysis patients. Female gender of caregivers and patients, longer caregiving time, diagnosis of diabetes and lower socioeconomic status of patients were all associated with lower scores in one or more domains.
Conclusion
In caregivers of patients with CKD, female gender of both caregivers and patients, longer caregiving time, lower socioeconomic status and a diagnosis of diabetes among patients were independently associated with low quality of life among caregivers. An understanding of these factors provides insight into the development of targeted interventions to improve the quality of life of caregivers.
Nrf2 induction potency of plant-derived compounds demonstrated by an ARE luciferase reporter and conventional assay of NAD(P) H-quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 activity
Authors: Tamaru Erina , Kokubu Daichi , Ushida Yusuke , Itoh Ken 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
Various plants have been reported to contain compounds that promote the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 to induce a set of xenobiotic detoxifying enzymes such as NAD(P)H-quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) via antioxidant response element (ARE). While conventional methods for evaluating the Nrf2 induction potency of compounds include NQO1 activity, recently, an ARE luciferase reporter was developed to directly assess the Nrf2 induction potency of compounds of interest. In this study, the ability of these two assays to evaluate and determine Nrf2 induction potency of plant-derived compounds was compared.
Results
Although the compounds overall showed a high degree of consistency between the assays, several compounds did not. The results suggest that although the NQO1 assay can be used as an evaluation method to estimate the Nrf2 induction potency of a compound, an ARE luciferase reporter may offer greater precision. In summary, the inconsistency in Nrf2 induction potency evaluated by the reporter and NQO1 assays for some of the plant-derived compounds evaluated herein, including resveratrol, may be due to a variety of factors that regulate NQO1 expression and activity other than Nrf2, with each compound having a different degree of effect on these factors.
Imatinib with intensive chemotherapy in AML with t(9;22)(q34.1;q11.2)/BCR::ABL1. A DATAML registry study.
Authors: Récher Christian , Gondran Camille , Dumas Pierre-Yves , BERARD Emilie , Bidet Audrey , DELABESSE Eric , Tavitian Suzanne , Leguay Thibaut , Huguet Francoise , Borel Cécile , Forcade Edouard , Vergez Francois , VIAL Jean-Philippe , Rieu.jean-baptiste@iuct-oncopole.fr Jean Baptiste , LECHEVALIER Nicolas , LUQUET Isabelle , Canali Alban , KLEIN Emilie , Sarry Audrey , De Grande Anne-charlotte , Pigneux Arnaud , Largeaud Laetitia , Bertoli Sarah 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(9;22) (q34.1; q11.2)/BCR::ABL1, a distinct entity within the group of AML with defining genetic abnormalities, belong to the adverse-risk group of the 2022 ELN classification. However, there is little data on outcome since the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Among 5819 AML cases included in the DATAML registry, 20 patients with de novo BCR::ABL1+AML (0.3%) were identified. Eighteen patients treated with standard 3+7 induction chemotherapy were analyzed in this study. Imatinib was added to chemotherapy in 16 patients. The female to male ratio was 1.25 and median age was 54 years. The t(9;22) translocation was the sole chromosomal abnormality in 12 patients. Main gene mutations detected by NGS were ASXL1, RUNX1 and NPM1. No patients had detectable ABL1 mutations. Compared with patients with myeloid blast phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-BP), de novo BCR::ABL1+AML had higher WBC, mutational burden, fewer additional chromosomal abnormalities, lower CD36 or CD7 expression and no ABL1 mutations. Seventeen patients (94.4%) achieved complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete hematologic recovery. Twelve patients were allografted in first remission. With a median follow-up of 6.3 years, the median OS was not reached and 2-year OS was 77% (95% CI: 50–91). Four out of five patients who were not transplanted did not relapse. Comparison of BCR::ABL1+AML, CML-BP, 2017 ELN intermediate and adverse-risk patients showed that patients with BCR::ABL1+AML had a significant better outcome than intermediate and adverse-risk patients. This entity should not be included in the adverse-risk group of current AML classifications.
Rituximab as a Maintenance Therapy in Pediatric Patients with Frequent-Relapsing or Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome: Efficacy, Safety, and Steroid Reduction
Authors: Wu Xiaochuan , Chen Qiaoping , Cao Yan , Shuai Lanjun , Li Xiaoyan , Li Yongzhen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerular disease in pediatrics. Rituximab has been shown to induce remission in nephrotic syndrome, yet the necessity and safety of its use in maintenance therapy remain uncertain. In this study, we detail our clinical experience with the application of rituximab in the maintenance treatment of pediatric nephrotic syndrome, aiming to offer an additional therapeutic option for patients.
Methods: In a retrospective study conducted at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2020 to June 2023, we evaluated pediatric patients with frequent-relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome who received rituximab treatment. All patients received induction therapy with rituximab for remission. Based on the subsequent maintenance treatment regimen, patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=12) received traditional immunosuppressive therapy for maintenance, and Group 2 (n=23) received rituximab maintenance every six months. We collected and analyzed data regarding steroid discontinuation, treatment outcomes, and the incidence of adverse events.
Results: The primary outcomes measured were steroid discontinuation rate and the minimum steroid dosage required to maintain remission. Group 2 exhibited a significantly higher steroid withdrawal rate (P<0.05) and a lower minimum steroid dose for remission maintenance (P<0.05) compared to Group 1. However, the differences in steroid-free survival time (P=0.390), time to first recurrence (P=0.794), and relapse-free survival duration (P=0.199) between the two groups were not statistically significant. Adverse events were observed in both groups, with infusion reactions and infections being the most common. No serious adverse events were reported in either group.
Conclusions: In conclusion, our retrospective analysis demonstrates that rituximab maintenance therapy is an effective strategy for managing pediatric patients with frequent-relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. The therapy significantly increased the steroid withdrawal rate and reduced the required steroid dosage, thereby potentially mitigating the long-term adverse effects associated with steroid use. The side effects observed were acceptable.
Beneficial Impact of Aerobic Exercise During Pregnancy on Motor Coordination Deficits Induced by PTZ in Preadolescent Male Mice
Authors: Sabaghi Ayoob , Yousofvand Namdar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective Seizures during pregnancy have been linked to adverse outcomes for newborns and motor coordination (MC) defects in offspring. Physical activity has shown promise in reducing seizure severity and promoting positive outcomes for newborns. In this study, we investigated the impact of aerobic exercise during pregnancy on seizure activity in pregnant mice treated with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and the MC of preadolescence male mice.Methods Adult female ICR mice were divided into two groups and administered PTZ or saline for 30 days before mating. PTZ treatment continued throughout pregnancy for the experimental group, while the control group received saline. Active pregnant mice engaged in aerobic treadmill exercises from the first to the 20th day of pregnancy. MC in preadolescence male offspring was assessed using the rotarod test.Results Prenatal exposure to maternal seizures induced by PTZ resulted in MC deficiencies in preadolescence male offspring (P < 0.05). Aerobic exercise during pregnancy demonstrated beneficial effects on convulsive activity (P < 0.05) and was able to counteract the MC deficits caused by maternal seizures during pregnancy.Conclusion These findings suggest aerobic exercise during pregnancy may serve as a supplementary therapeutic approach to reduce convulsive activity and mitigate MC impairments in preadolescence male offspring.
Preparation and Performances Study of Nano-ZnO/Graphene Potassium Silicate Zinc-rich Coatings
Authors: lyu qingbo , guo feiyu , huang ziming , bai yunshan , liu huanhuan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Nano-ZnO/graphene composites were prepared and added to potassium silicate zinc-rich coatings in order to obtain Nano-ZnO/graphene potassium silicate zinc-rich anti-corrosion coatings. Their morphology and corrosion resistance were charactered by scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical testing, and salt spray testing. The effect of Nano-ZnO/grapheme contents on the anticorrosion performance of coatings was also studied. Compared to neat water-based potassium silicate zinc-rich coatings with 50wt% zinc, Nano-ZnO/graphene potassium silicate zinc-rich coating with 30wt% zinc and 1wt% Nano-ZnO/graphene has better corrosion resistance. Their water resistance and Ecorr are improved, icorr is reduced by one order of magnitude, |Z|0.01Hz is increased by six times, and Rct is increased by three times. This study indicates that Nano-ZnO/graphene not only enhances anti-corrosion performance of potassium silicate zinc-rich anti-corrosion coatings, but also improves the utilization rate of zinc powder.
Standalone methodology for building QSAR models: an antioxidant QSAR model of di(hetero)aryl amines and amides as a case study
Authors: Mateus Cristiano , Abreu Rui M.V. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
QSAR modeling is a methodology used in various scientific fields to correlate molecular descriptors to the properties or biological activities of compounds of interest. Several steps are needed to construct a QSAR model, including chemical structure preparation, molecular descriptor calculation and selection, and model building and validation. We present a complete methodology for preparing QSAR models using free and open-source software tools. A detailed step-by-step protocol is provided with the complete process of QSAR modeling, from compound library preparation to statistical validation. A QSAR model was developed as a case study to model the antioxidant activity, particularly the radical scavenging activity of 70 di(hetero)aryl amine and amide compounds. The OCHEM platform was used to calculate the 12,072 molecular descriptors. These molecular descriptors and the experimental pIC50 for each compound were introduced in PyQSAR software, and a genetic algorithm was used to select four molecular descriptors to build the QSAR model: B06[C-O], Eig04_AEA(dm), JGI2 and J_Dz(p). The QSAR model was then implemented by applying multiple linear regression, and a final equation was obtained. The QSAR model presents excellent statistical parameters that verify its robustness and predictability, namely, the correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.8905), the mean score value of the MLR method (Q2CV = 0.8676) and the relative standard deviation of the residuals (RSR = 0.3320 and RSRCV=0.3518). This QSAR model will guide the synthesis of new di(hetero)aryl amines or amides with improved antioxidant activities. All files and the complete protocol are provided to replicate the building of the presented antioxidant QSAR model, and researchers will be able to prepare other QSAR models using different compound libraries and different biological activities.