bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of apoptosis and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of Acanthamoeba spp. infection in the kidneys of hosts with different immunological status
Authors: Kot Karolina , Kupnicka Patrycja , Tarnowski Maciej , Tomasiak Patrycja , Kosik-Bogacka Danuta , Łanocha-Arendarczyk Natalia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Acanthamoeba spp. are opportunistic pathogens that cause inflammation, mostly in the brain, lungs and cornea. Recent reports indicate kidney dysfunction in hosts with systemic acanthamoebiasis. The aim of the study was to analyze the gene expression and protein concentration of NADPH oxidase 2 and 4 (NOX2 and NOX4, respectively) and nuclear erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) in the kidneys of hosts with systemic acanthamoebiasis. We also aimed to determine the protein and gene expressions of Bcl2, Bax, caspases 3 and 9.

Methods
Mice were divided into four groups based on their immunological status and Acanthamoeba sp. infection: A, immunocompetent Acanthamoeba sp.-infected mice; AS, immunosuppressed Acanthamoeba sp.- infected mice; C, immunocompetent uninfected mice; CS, immunosuppressed uninfected mice. NOX2, NOX4 and Nrf2 were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and ELISA methods, while pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bcl-2, respectively), Cas9, Cas3 were analyzed by qRT-PCR and western blot methods.

Results
Increased gene expression and/or protein concentration of NOX2 and NOX4 were found in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice infected with Acanthamoeba sp. (groups A and AS, respectively). Gene expression and/or protein concentration of Nrf2 were higher in group A than in control animals. Compared to control mice, in the AS group the expression of the Nrf2 gene was upregulated while the concentration of Nrf2 protein was decreased. Additionally in A group, higher gene and protein expression of Bcl-2, and lower gene as well as protein expression of Bax, caspases 3 and 9 were noted. In contrast, the AS group showed lower gene and protein expression of Bcl-2, and higher gene as well as protein expression of Bax, caspases 3 and 9.

Conclusions
This study is the first to address the mechanisms occurring in the kidneys of hosts infected with Acanthamoeba sp. The contact of Acanthamoeba sp. with the host cell surface and/or the oxidative burst caused by elevated levels of NOXs lead to an antioxidant response enhanced by the Nrf2 pathway. Acanthamoeba sp. have various strategies concerning apoptosis. In immunocompetent hosts, amoebae inhibit the apoptosis of kidney cells, and in immunosuppressed hosts, they lead to increased apoptosis by the intrinsic pathway and thus to a more severe course of the disease.

Graphical Abstract
Enhancement of porcine in vitro embryonic development through luteolin-mediated activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway
Authors: Jeon Se-Been , Jeong Pil-Soo , Kim Min Ju , Kang Hyo-Gu , Song Bong-Seok , Kim Sun-Uk , Cho Seong-Keun , Sim Bo-Woong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance in the production and elimination of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), has been recognized for its detrimental effects on mammalian embryonic development. Luteolin (Lut) has been documented for its protective effects against oxidative stress in various studies. However, its specific role in embryonic development remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the influence of Lut on porcine embryonic development and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Results
After undergoing parthenogenetic activation (PA) or in vitro fertilization, embryos supplemented with 0.5 µmol/L Lut displayed a significant enhancement in cleavage and blastocyst formation rates, with an increase in total cell numbers and a decrease in the apoptosis rate compared to the control. Measurements on D2 and D6 revealed that embryos with Lut supplementation had lower ROS levels and higher glutathione levels compared to the control. Moreover, Lut supplementation significantly augmented mitochondrial content and membrane potential. Intriguingly, activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway was observed in embryos supplemented with Lut, leading to the upregulation of antioxidant-related gene transcription levels. To further validate the relationship between the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and effects of Lut in porcine embryonic development, we cultured PA embryos in a medium supplemented with brusatol, with or without the inclusion of Lut. The positive effects of Lut on developmental competence were negated by brusatol treatment.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that Lut-mediated activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway contributes to the enhanced production of porcine embryos with high developmental competence, and offers insight into the mechanisms regulating early embryonic development.
Enhancing the salt stress resistance of seeds and seedlings via a brassinolide sustained release agent system
Authors: Zhong Ximing , Lan Ruopeng , Su Guofeng , Hao Li , Xu Hua , Zhou Hongjun , Zhou Xinhua 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The growing escalation of soil salinization is tremendously threatening the global food security and the development of sustainable agriculture. To address the worldwide predicament caused by salt stress toward crops, combining nanotechnology with the merits of plant hormone may become an efficient and effective approach.

Results
In this work, a sustained release agent system (BR@MSN) was developed by loading brassinolide (BR) to mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) to enhance the salt stress resistance of cucumber seeds and seedlings. The obtained BR@MSN agent was about 120 nm. As an endogenous plant hormone, promotion in crop growth was found at low BR concentration. Due to the sustained release property, BR@MSN avoided excessive BR exposure to seeds and seedlings to cause inhibitory effects. After the soil application of BR@MSN, the promotion effect from BR combined with the regulation enhancement from MSN nanocarrier improved the seed germination rate by 11.76% under saline environment. Compared with the same BR concentration (2.0 mg/L), BR@MSN increased the seed germination rate even by 1324.29%. In addition, remarkable wettability on foliar surfaces was found, and the foliar application of BR@MSN significantly enhanced the salt stress resistance of cucumber seedlings by alleviating the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing the cell viability along with the improvement in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (234.11%), the decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content (61.30%), and the increase in chlorophyll content (110.88%).

Conclusions
The newly developed BR@MSN agents could effectively enhance the salt stress resistance of crop seeds and seedlings, and their applications significantly improved the seed germination rate and seedling growth. The remarkable efficacy makes this BR@MSN agent system potential in agricultural field for enhancing the salt stress resistance of crops and facilitating the development of sustainable agriculture.

Graphical Abstract
Growth characteristics of early-stage (IA) lung adenocarcinoma and its value in predicting lymph node metastasis
Authors: Liu Mengxi , Mu Junhao , Song Feipeng , Liu Xiangling , Jing Weiwei , Lv Fajin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
We aim to compare the differences in growth characteristics between part-solid and solid lung adenocarcinoma, and to investigate the value of volume doubling time (VDT) or mass doubling time (MDT) in predicting lymph node (LN) metastasis and preoperative evaluation in patients of early-stage (IA) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Method
We reviewed 8,653 cases of surgically resected stage IA lung adenocarcinoma between 2018 and 2022, with two follow-up visits at least 3 months apart, comparing diameter, volume, and mass growth of pSN and SN. VDT and MDT calculations for nodules with a volume change of at least 25%. Univariable or multivariable analysis was used to identify the risk factors. The area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was used to evaluate the diagnostic value.

Results
A total of 144 patients were included 114 with solid nodules (SN) and 25 with part-solid nodules (pSN). During the follow-up period, the mean VDTt and MDTt of SN were shorter than those of pSN, 337 vs. 541 days (p = 0.005), 298 vs. 458 days (p = 0.018), respectively. Without considering the ground-glass component, the mean VDTc and MDTc of SN were shorter than the solid component of pSN, 337 vs. 498 days (p = 0.004) and 298 vs. 453 days (p = 0.003), respectively. 27 nodules were clinically and pathologically diagnosed as N1/N2. Logistic regression identified initial diameter (p < 0.001), consolidation increase (p = 0.019), volume increase (p = 0.020), mass increase (p = 0.021), VDTt (p = 0.002), and MDTt (p = 0.004) were independent factors for LN metastasis. The ROC curves showed that the AUC for VDTt was 0.860 (95% CI, 0.778–0.943; p < 0.001) and for MDTt was 0.848 (95% CI, 0.759–0.936; p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Our study showed significant differences in the growth characteristics of pSN and SN, and the application of VDT and MDT could be a valid predictor LN metastasis in patients with early-stage NSCLC.
Maternal education and its association with maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes in live births conceived using medically assisted reproduction (MAR)
Authors: Hobbs Cassie L. , Raker Christina , Jude Gabrielle , Eaton Jennifer L. , Wagner Stephen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
To examine the association between maternal education and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in women who conceived using medically assisted reproduction, which included fertility medications, intrauterine insemination, or in vitro fertilization.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing the US Vital Statistics data set on national birth certificates from 2016 to 2020. Women with live, non-anomalous singletons who conceived using MAR and had education status of the birthing female partner recorded were included. Patients were stratified into two groups: bachelor’s degree or higher, or less than a bachelor’s degree. The primary outcome was a composite of maternal adverse outcomes: intensive care unit (ICU) admission, uterine rupture, unplanned hysterectomy, or blood transfusion. The secondary outcome was a composite of neonatal adverse outcomes: neonatal ICU admission, ventilator support, or seizure. Multivariable modified Poisson regression models with robust error variance adjusted for maternal age, race, marital status, prenatal care, smoking during pregnancy, neonatal sex, and birth year estimated the relative risk (RR) of outcomes with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
190,444 patients met the inclusion criteria: 142,943 had a bachelor’s degree or higher and 47,501 were without a bachelor’s degree. Composite maternal adverse outcomes were similar among patients with a bachelor’s degree (10.1 per 1,000 live births) and those without a bachelor’s degree (9.4 per 1,000 live births); ARR 1.05, 95% CI (0.94–1.17). However, composite adverse neonatal outcomes were significantly lower in women with a bachelor’s degree or higher (94.1 per 1,000 live births) compared to women without a bachelor’s degree (105.9 per 1,000 live births); ARR 0.91, 95% CI (0.88–0.94).

Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that lower maternal education level was not associated with maternal adverse outcomes in patients who conceived using MAR but was associated with increased rates of neonatal adverse outcomes. As access to infertility care increases, patients who conceive with MAR may be counseled that education level is not associated with maternal morbidity. Further research into the association between maternal education level and neonatal morbidity is indicated.
Efficacy of combined use of Suvorexant and Ramelteon in preventing postoperative delirium: a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Ikeuchi Shoya , Tanaka Rei , Sugiura Teiichi , Shinsato Kaori , Wakabayashi Akane , Sato Junya , Suzuki Keiko , Shino Michihiro 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Suvorexant and ramelteon have been presented as useful for preventing postoperative delirium. Previous studies reported on the comparison with benzodiazepine hypnotics which have been known for the risk for inducing delirium, but the comparison with patients not taking any hypnotics has not been reported yet. Therefore, we assessed the incidence rates for postoperative delirium comparing cancer patients who received preoperative combined administration with suvorexant and ramelteon and those not taking any hypnotics.

Methods
Among 110 cancer patients who underwent surgeries at the Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery at the Shizuoka Cancer Center between April 1, 2017 and June 30, 2020, 50 patients who received combined administration with suvorexant and ramelteon from 7 days prior to their surgeries and 60 patients who did not take any hypnotics including suvorexant and ramelteon were classified. They were retrospectively observed during the 7 days from their surgeries onward to compare the cumulative incidence rates for postoperative delirium.

Results
The cumulative incidence rate for postoperative delirium during the 7 days in the combined-administration group was 14.0% (7/50), while that for the no-hypnotic group was 36.7% (22/60), which proved that the incidence rate for the former was significantly low (OR: 0.28, 95%CI: 0.11–0.73, P = 0.009).

Conclusions
The present study suggests that the preventive combined administration with suvorexant and ramelteon starting from the preoperative period for cancer patients can be effective in lowering the incidence rate for postoperative delirium.

Trial registration
Retrospectively registered.
Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxic effect in breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab (Herceptin) by MRI
Authors: Mourad Mohamed Aboulfotouh , Ebrahim Ahmed Samir , Ziady Ahmed Fathy , Esmaeel Tamer El Zaeem , Allam Mohammad Fouad Abdelbaki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Chemotherapy-associated cardiomyopathy is a well-known cardiotoxicity of contemporary cancer treatment. As cancer outcomes improve, cardiovascular disease has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of CMR in the detection of early cardiotoxic changes and in the identification of patients at risk of developing CTRCD.

Patients and methods
Fifty patients diagnosed breast cancer examined by echocardiography and cardiac MRI before the start of chemotherapeutic regimen followed by 2 and 4 months post-chemotherapy.

Results
By echocardiography, all measures were within normal range at the start and at the first follow-up. Twenty (40%) patients show decreased LVEF at second follow-up reaching up to 50% with milder affection of the other parameters. CMR examination shows decreased LVF at second and third follow-up (p = 0.005). There was significant elevation of T2 value for 10 patients at first follow-up (p value 0.04) and for 22 patients at second follow-up (p value 0.01) in correlation with baseline. The T1 mapping and ECV showed elevation at first and second follow-up as compared to baseline (p = < 0.05).

Conclusion
T1 and T2 mapping is superior to echocardiography in early detection of the cardiotoxic effects of chemotherapy applied for breast cancer patients and can guide the management and patient lifestyle.
Management of a double H-type tracheoesophageal fistula without esophageal atresia: a case report
Authors: Regaieg Chiraz , Cheikhrouhou Taycir , Dhaou Mahdi Ben , Ammar Mariam , Kolsi Nadia , Mhiri Riadh , Thabet Afef Ben , Hmida Nadia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Double congenital tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) without esophageal atresia, known as double H-type fistula, is an extremely uncommon malformation. Due to its nonspecific symptoms and the small size of the fistula in infancy, H-type tracheoesophageal fistula is rarely diagnosed in the neonatal period and is also challenging to repair.

Case presentation
We report a rare case of double H-type tracheoesophageal fistula in a 2-day-old newborn, identified with a time-lapse and repaired separately. The diagnosis was established through repeated bronchoscopy, with methylene blue injected through an esophagoscope. A right thoracotomy was performed to undertake the surgical repair after cannulating the fistula with a vascular guide wire. Five months later, the infant, who had a history of recurrent episodes of coughing and shortness of breath, was diagnosed with acute respiratory distress, and a second TEF was detected by bronchoscopy. A cervical incision was used to repair the second H-type fistula.

Conclusions
Double H-type tracheoesophageal fistula should be considered while correcting a tracheoesophageal fistula, especially if the symptoms continue after the first operation. Repeated radiological contrast studies and bronchoscopy with methylene blue injected through an esophagoscope help the early diagnosis.
Homologous Recombination Deficiency Across Subtypes of Primary Breast Cancer
Authors: Yndestad Synnøve , Engebrethsen Christina , Herencia-Ropero Andrea , Nikolaienko Oleksii , Vintermyr Olav K. , Lillestøl Reidun K. , Minsaas Laura , Leirvaag Beryl , Iversen Gjertrud T. , Gilje Bjørnar , Blix Egil S. , Espelid Helge , Lundgren Steinar , Geisler Jürgen , Aase Hildegunn S. , Aas Turid , Gudlaugsson Einar G. , Llop-Guevara Alba , Serra Violeta , Janssen Emiel A.M. , Lønning Per E. , Knappskog Stian , Eikesdal Hans P. 
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) is highly prevalent in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and associated with response to PARP inhibition (PARPi). Here, we studied the prevalence of HRD in non-TNBC to assess the potential for PARPi in a wider group of patients with breast cancer. METHODS HRD status was established using targeted gene panel sequencing (360 genes) and BRCA1 methylation analysis of pretreatment biopsies from 201 patients with primary breast cancer in the phase II PETREMAC trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02624973 ). HRD was defined as mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, BARD1, or PALB2 and/or promoter methylation of BRCA1 (strict definition; HRD-S). In secondary analyses, a wider definition (HRD-W) was used, examining mutations in 20 additional genes. Furthermore, tumor BRCAness (multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification), PAM50 subtyping, RAD51 nuclear foci to test functional HRD, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), and PD-L1 analyses were performed. RESULTS HRD-S was present in 5% of non-TNBC cases (n = 9 of 169), contrasting 47% of the TNBC tumors (n = 15 of 32). HRD-W was observed in 23% of non-TNBC (n = 39 of 169) and 59% of TNBC cases (n = 19 of 32). Of 58 non-TNBC and 30 TNBC biopsies examined for RAD51 foci, 4 of 4 (100%) non-TNBC and 13 of 14 (93%) TNBC cases classified as HRD-S had RAD51 low scores. In contrast, 4 of 17 (24%) non-TNBC and 15 of 19 (79%) TNBC biopsies classified as HRD-W exhibited RAD51 low scores. Of nine non-TNBC tumors with HRD-S status, only one had a basal-like PAM50 signature. There was a high concordance between HRD-S and either BRCAness, high TIL density, or high PD-L1 expression (each P < .001). CONCLUSION The prevalence of HRD in non-TNBC suggests that therapy targeting HRD should be evaluated in a wider breast cancer patient population. Strict HRD criteria should be implemented to increase diagnostic precision with respect to functional HRD.
Parsing Genetic and Autoimmune Etiology in Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Nauwynck Elise , De Schepper Jean , De Vos Michel , Staels Willem 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a rare cause of primary amenorrhea in adolescents. For young women with uncertain etiology of POI, genetic and autoimmune testing may be recommended to assist in treatment and management decisions. This report presents a case of POI in a 16-year-old adolescent with both poly-autoimmune disease and a heterozygous missense variant in the bone morphogenic factor 15 (BMP15) gene, both potentially involved in the pathogenesis of POI. Accurately distinguishing between autoimmune and genetic causes is crucial for effective treatment and counseling. In addition, given the significant psychological impact and the need for reproductive options counseling, a multidisciplinary approach that includes psychological support is highly recommended.
Physical Prehabilitation in Patients who Underwent Major Abdominal Surgery: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Component Network Meta-Analysis Using GRADE and CINeMA Approach
Authors: Ricci Claudio , Alberici Laura , Serbassi Francesco , Caraceni Paolo , Domenicali Marco , Ingaldi Carlo , Grego Davide Giovanni , Mazzucchelli Carlo , Casadei Riccardo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Physical prehabilitation is recommended before major abdominal surgery to ameliorate short-term outcomes.

Methods
A frequentist, random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed to clarify which type of preoperative physical activity among aerobic exercise (AE), inspiratory muscle training (IMT), and resistance training produces benefits in patients who underwent major abdominal surgery. The surface under the P-score, odds ratio (OR), or mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. The results were adjusted by using the component network approach. The critical endpoints were overall and major morbidity rate and mortality rate. The important but not critical endpoints were the length of stay (LOS) and pneumonia.

Results
The meta-analysis included 25 studies. The best approaches for overall morbidity rate were AE and AE + IMT (OR = 0.61, p-score = 0.76, and OR = 0.66, p-score = 0.68). The best approaches for pneumonia were AE + IMT and AE (OR = 0.21, p-score = 0.91, and OR = 0.52, p-score = 0.68). The component analysis confirmed that the best incremental OR (0.30; 95% CI 0.12–0.74) could be obtained using AE + IMT. The best approach for LOS was AE alone (MD − 1.63 days; 95% CI − 3.43 to 0.18). The best combination of components was AE + IMT (MD − 1.70; 95% CI − 2.06 to − 1.27).

Conclusions
Physical prehabilitation reduces the overall morbidity rate, pneumonia, and length of stay. The most relevant effect of prehabilitation requires the simultaneous use of AE and IMT.
Effectiveness of home-based palliative care programmes for older people and their family caregivers in Thailand
Authors: Supaporn Kanyanat , Isaramalai Sang-arun , Chuchuen Uayart , Manee Patcharin 
Published: December 2023

Background: People in Thailand receiving palliative care at home can have complex needs and this means that the family caregiver can have a high burden of care. Aim: To assess the impact of a nursing care activities for a home-based palliative care programme (NHBPC) on the care burden among family caregivers and the care quality in older people at the palliative care stage. Methods: This quasi-experimental repeated measure study was used to investigate the effects of the nursing care activities for a NHBPC programme. Results: The mean caregiving burden and care quality scores in the experimental and control groups at post-test and 2-weeks follow-up showed significant differences (p<.05). In addition, improvement was not seen in the control group. Conclusion: The NHBPC programme significantly improved caregiving burden and quality of care in Thai older people and their family caregiver. This confirms that the NHBPC programme plays a crucial role in helping them to improve quality of life.