bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, Resource Utilization and Economic Impact of Kidney Function and Proteinuria in Patients with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Bensink Mark E. , Thakker Kamlesh M. , Lerma Edgar V. , Lieblich Richard , Bunke C. Martin , Wang Kaijun , Gong Wu , Rava Andrew , Murphy Michael V. , Oliveri David , Amari Diana T. , Cork David M. W. , Velez Juan Carlos Q. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Among patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), proteinuria and kidney function decline may be associated with increased economic burden. This study aimed to provide current information on the epidemiology and economic burden of FSGS in the United States.Methods: Descriptive, non-interventional, retrospective cohort study. Overall, 9899 patients were identified between January 2016 and December 2020 in Optum® de-identified Market Clarity Data based on International Classification of Diseases code or Optum® proprietary Natural Language Processing data. Descriptive statistics were reported for categorical and continuous variables. Prevalence estimates were standardized to the age, gender, and race/ethnicity distribution of the general United States population using direct methods and data from the 2021 United States Census Bureau. Per-patient-per-month healthcare resource utilization and associated costs, in 2020 United States dollars were reported by proteinuria (≤ 1.5 g/g vs. >1.5 g/g or < 3.5 g/g vs. ≥3.5 g/g) and chronic kidney disease stage (stage 1–5/kidney failure). The Fisher's Exact Test was used for categorical healthcare resource utilization outcomes, and linear regression (mean) and the Jonckheere-Terpstra Test (medians) were used for continuous healthcare resource utilization and cost outcomes.Results Estimated annual United States prevalence (average for 2016–2020) was 212.6 per 1 000 000. There was a consistent trend toward higher healthcare resource utilization and total costs with both chronic kidney disease progression (stage 1–5/kidney failure) and higher levels of proteinuria (≤ 1.5 g/g vs. >1.5 g/g or < 3.5 g/g vs. ≥3.5 g/g).Conclusions The observed prevalence of FSGS increased in the US and was highest among African Americans. Both more advanced chronic kidney disease and higher levels of proteinuria were associated with higher healthcare resource utilization and costs. Treatments which reduce proteinuria and slow kidney function decline have potential to reduce the economic burden associated with FSGS.
Comparison of choroidal detachment with and without hypotony after Ahmed valve implantation
Authors: Jin Sang Wook , Kim Tae Hwan , Ahn Hee Bae 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To compare the clinical manifestations of and risk factors for choroidal detachment (CD) with or without hypotony after Ahmed valve implantation (AVI).
Methods
This retrospective, consecutive case series included glaucoma patients who underwent AVI. We divided the patients into CD and non-CD. The patients with CD were divided into those with and without hypotony. Data collected from the chart review before and after AVI included patient demographics and ocular characteristics. We analyzed the risk factors for CD development. Moreover, the relationship between hypotony and CD development was analyzed.
Results
Among the 387 eyes, 63 developed CD. Among the 63 eyes, 42 had CD with hypotony and 21 had CD without hypotony. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age (P < 0.001), lens status (P < 0.001), history of diabetes mellitus (DM) (P = 0.011), and history of hypertension (HTN) (P = 0.002) were significant predictors of CD development. Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) showed 42.9% of CD cases without hypotony. This rate was higher than that of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and exfoliative glaucoma (XFG). The rate of anterior chamber formation as treatment of CD was significantly higher in CD with hypotony than in CD without hypotony.
Conclusions
Older age, pseudophakic eyes, DM, and HTN are significantly associated with CD development after AVI. NVG has higher incidence rate of CD without hypotony compared with POAG and XFG. Therefore, clinicians should pay attention to CD development after AVI especially in NVG, even if a patient is not in a hypotonic state.
An effective and sustainable dye removal via sunlight-based photocatalysis and adsorption using eco-friendly and low-cost ZnS nanoparticles: Experiments, modelling, and mechanism
Authors: Ouni Sabri , Yahia Faiza , Mohamed Naim Bel Haj , bouzidi Mohamed , Alshammari Abdullah S. , Abdulaziz Fahad , Bonilla-Petriciolet Adrián , Haouari Mohamed 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Novel sulfur zinc nanoparticles functionalized with thioglycolic acid were synthetized via hydrothermal route and tested in a solar radiation-based dye photodegradation process. These nanoparticles were characterized, and the findings revealed that thioglycolic acid was a strong capping ligand for the generation of sulfur zinc nanoparticles with a specific surface area of 36.82 m2/g and 7.15 nm average nanocrystal size. The cubic and wurtzite phases of these nanoparticles were confirmed via X-ray diffraction. The quantum confinement effect caused a larger energy band gap and a blue shift in the absorbance band of these nanoparticles in contrast to the bulk sulfur zinc. The improved adsorption effectiveness of these nanoparticles was proved to remove methylene blue from aqueous solutions. They can remove 30.92 mg/g of tested dye molecule. To understand the synergy between adsorption and photocatalysis, these nanoparticles were used to analyze the dye adsorption prior to the photodegradation via the experimental measurement of isotherms and kinetics. The rationalization of the dye adsorption on these nanoparticles was performed with calculated statistical physics parameters including the estimation of dye – nanoparticles adsorption energy. Dye molecules and nanoparticles surface exhibited physical interactions with adsorption energies of 25.92–23.31 kJ/mol. The sunlight-based photocatalytic activity of these nanoparticles demonstrated 91.1% dye degradation efficiency in 180 min. Overall, the photocatalytic efficiency remained almost unchanged after five consecutive degradation cycles with a methylene blue degradation of 88 ± 3%. These results indicate that these sustainable nanoparticles can be applied in the cleaning of industrial and urban fluids polluted by hazardous organic compounds like dye molecules.
The low enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase activity of FabI2 is responsible for the high unsaturated fatty acid composition in Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Mao Ya-Hui , Li Feng , Luo Li-Zhen , Yin Yu , Ma Jin-Cheng , Zhang Wen-Bin , Wang Hai-Hong , Zhang Changyi , Hu Zhe 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background Sinorhizobium melilotiis recognized for its remarkable production of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Prior investigations have demonstrated that S. meliloti predominantly utilizes the FabA–FabB pathway for UFAs, however, the mechanisms remain elusive. This study aimed to resolve the mechanisms of Sinorhizobium meliloti producing remarkable levels of UFAs.
Methods The enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase (ENR) encoded genes were disrupted by suicide plasmid pK18mobsacB, then single-crossover and double-crossover. ENR proteins were purified in E.coli BL21(DE3) strains and ENR activities were tested by gel electrophoresis, NADH oxidation. The fatty acid composition were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and thin-layer chromatography.
Results Our results revealed that the heterogeneous expression fabI2 in an Escherichia coli fabI temperature-sensitive mutant leads to a substantial increase in unsaturated fatty acids production. Genetic analysis confirmed that fabI2 is an essential gene and cannot be disrupted in the S. meliloti genome. Intriguingly, we found that fabI2 was only functionally replaced by Enterococcus faecalis fabI, but not by S. meliloti fabI1, E. coli fabI, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa fabV. Moreover, we confirmed that the deletion of fabI1caused S. meliloti to produce more unsaturated fatty acids than the wild-type strain Rm1021.
Conclusions In this study, we reported an enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase, encoded by the S. meliloti SMc00326 gene (fabI2), plays a key role in the production of unsaturated fatty. the FabI1, encoded by SMc00005, modulated the fatty acid compositionof S. meliloti. Collectively, these findings lay the foundation for proposing a model that elucidates the robust capacity of FabI2 in driving unsaturated fatty acid synthesis in S. meliloti.
The MADS-box gene CmAP1 promotes flowering and petal development in Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima)
Authors: Cheng Yunhe , Cheng Lili , Hu Guanglong , Guo Xiaomeng , Liu Zhao , Lan Yanping 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The MADS-box gene APETALA 1 (AP1) plays essential roles in floral initiation and floral organ development. Here, we cloned the coding sequence (CDS) and promoter of CmAP1, the homolog of AP1 from Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima), an economically and ecologically important woody nut crop. The CDS of CmAP1 is 741 bp and encodes a 346–amino acid protein. Subcellular analysis revealed that CmAP1 localized to the nucleus. GUSdriven by the CmAP1 promoter was expressed in seedlings and in leaf margins, petals, and carpels of transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). RNA in situ hybridization indicated that CmAP1was expressed in the inflorescence meristem, floral meristem, sepal, petal, and stamen and carpel primordia during the early stage of flower development. In mature female flowers, CmAP1 was expressed only in sepals and petals. In mature male flowers, CmAP1 was also expressed in stamens. An auxin response element (TGA element), jasmonic acid response element (TGACG motif), and WRKY binding site (W-box element) were identified in the CmAP1 promoter. Furthermore, the heterologous expression of CmAP1 promoted flowering and rescued the petal defect of the Arabidopsis ap1-11 mutant. These findings suggest that CmAP1 influences flowering time and flower development by functioning as a class A gene in C. mollissima.
Exploring the mechanism of diabetic cardiomyopathy treated with Qigui Qiangxin mixture based on UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, network pharmacology and experimental validation
Authors: Han Quancheng , Li Yan , Yu Yiding , Yuan Huajing , Wang Ziqi , Guo Yonghong , Shi Jingle , Xue Yitao , Liu Xiujuan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
Despite its effectiveness in treating diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), Qigui Qiangxin Mixture (QGQXM) remains unclear in terms of its active ingredients and specific mechanism of action. The purpose of this study was to explore the active ingredients and mechanism of action of QGQXM in the treatment of DCM through the comprehensive strategy of serum pharmacology, network pharmacology and combined with experimental validation.
Materials and methods
The active ingredients of QGQXM were analyzed using Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS). Network pharmacology was utilized to elucidate the mechanism of action of QGQXM for the treatment of DCM. Finally, in vivo validation was performed by intraperitoneal injection of STZ combined with high-fat feeding-induced DCM rat model.
Results
A total of 26 active compounds were identified in the drug-containing serum of rats, corresponding to 121 DCM-associated targets. GAPDH, TNF, AKT1, PPARG, EGFR, CASP3, and HIF1 were considered as the core therapeutic targets. Enrichment analysis showed that QGQXM mainly treats DCM by regulating PI3K-AKT, MAPK, mTOR, Insulin, Insulin resistance, and Apoptosis signaling pathways. Animal experiments showed that QGQXM improved cardiac function, attenuated the degree of cardiomyocyte injury and fibrosis, and inhibited apoptosis in DCM rats. Meanwhile, QGQXM also activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, up-regulated Bcl-2, and down-regulated Caspase9, which may be an intrinsic mechanism for its anti-apoptotic effect.
Conclusions
This study preliminarily elucidated the mechanism of QGQXM in the treatment of DCM and provided candidate compounds for the development of new drugs for DCM.
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome after starting Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Therapy for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, A Case Report
Authors: Lin Shawn Zhi Zheng , Lizwan Marco , Sonu Sumit Kumar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction:
We highlight an unusual side effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) directly attributed to Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) in a young patient.
Case Presentation:
We describe the case of a 36-year-old lady with a significant history of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) secondary to adenomyosis presenting with new onset migranous headaches and right upper limb weakness after being started on MPA treatment two months prior. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed acute infarcts in the left frontal lobe and right parieto-occipital region while Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) demonstrated widespread luminal irregularities throughout the anterior and posterior circulations. After stopping the MPA, her headaches and weakness resolved and a repeat MRA two months later showed resolution of the multi-focal intracranial stenoses. The patient was diagnosed with RCVS secondary to MPA given the onset of headaches and strokes with multi-focal intracranial stenoses shortly after initiation of MPA and resolution of the clinical and radiological abnormalities after the drug was stopped.
Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of RCVS that has been directly attributed to the use of MPA. Although the exact pathophysiology of RCVS has yet to be determined, this case might contribute to the understanding of its underlying mechanisms.
Comparison of the sputum microbiome between patients with stable nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease and patients requiring treatment
Authors: Song Min Jong , Kim Dae Hun , Kim Su-Young , Kang Noeul , Jhun Byung Woo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
We evaluated whether the sputum bacterial microbiome differs between nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) patients with stable disease not requiring antibiotic treatment and those requiring antibiotics.
Methods
We collected sputum samples from 21 clinically stable NTM-PD patients (stable group) and 14 NTM-PD patients needing antibiotic treatment (treatment group). We also obtained 13 follow-up samples from the stable group. We analyzed the 48 samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3–V4 region) and compared the groups.
Results
In the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis, the species Porphyromonas pasteri, Haemophilus parahaemolyticus, Prevotella nanceiensis, and Gemella haemolysans were significantly more prevalent in the sputum of the stable group compared to the treatment group. No taxa showed significant differences in alpha-/beta-diversity or LEfSe between the 21 baseline and 13 follow-up sputum samples in the stable group. In the stable group, the genus Bergeyella and species Prevotella oris were less common in patients who achieved spontaneous culture conversion (n = 9) compared to those with persistent NTM positivity (n = 12) (effect size 3.04, p = 0.039 for Bergeyella; effect size 3.64, p = 0.033 for P. oris). In the treatment group, H. parainfluenzae was more common in patients with treatment success (n = 7) than in treatment-refractory patients (n = 7) (effect size 4.74, p = 0.013).
Conclusions
Our study identified distinct bacterial taxa in the sputum of NTM-PD patients based on disease status. These results suggest the presence of a microbial environment that helps maintain disease stability.
Single-cell analyses of polyclonal Plasmodium vivax infections and their consequences on parasite transmission
Authors: Hazzard Brittany , Sá Juliana , Bogale Haikel , Pascini Tales , Ellis Angela , Amin Shuchi , Armistead Jennifer , Adams John , Wellems Thomas , Serre David 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Most Plasmodium vivax infections contain genetically distinct parasites, but the consequences of this polyclonality on the development of asexual parasites, their sexual differentiation, and their transmission remain unknown. We describe infections of Saimiri monkeys with two strains of P. vivax and the analyses of 117,350 parasites characterized by single cell RNA sequencing and individually genotyped. In our model, consecutive inoculations fail to establish polyclonal infections. By contrast, simultaneous inoculations of two strains lead to sustained polyclonal infections, although without detectable differences in parasite regulation or sexual commitment. Analyses of sporozoites dissected from mosquitoes fed on coinfected monkeys show that all genotypes are successfully transmitted to mosquitoes. However, after sporozoite inoculation, not all genotypes contribute to the subsequent blood infections, highlighting an important bottleneck during pre-erythrocytic development. Overall, these studies provide new insights on the mechanisms regulating the establishment of polyclonal P. vivax infections and their consequences for disease transmission.
Prognostic factors in cervical cancer surgery: A retrospective study
Authors: Guo Xinmeng , Song Jiangnan , Tian Shuang , Li Weiping , Zhang Jinning , Yao Yuanqing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
Cervical cancer is a common gynecological malignancy. However, the optimal surgical approach and benefits of uterine manipulator use remain unclear in this context. This study aimed to compare patient outcomes among different surgical approaches including laparoscopic, combined vaginal and laparoscopic, abdominal, and robotic using the da Vinci surgical system. Moreover, we also aimed to examine the impact of uterine manipulator use in radical hysterectomy on the outcomes of patients with cervical cancer.
Methods
This retrospective study included data from 848 patients with cervical cancer stage IA2-IIA2 that underwent a radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy at the Chinese PLA General Hospital between 2009 and 2019. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics, perioperative findings, and postoperative outcomes were examined.
Results
Patient characteristics, including body mass index, age, FIGO stage, pathological type, and tumor differentiation status and size, were comparable. Five-year survival rates were comparable among the groups that underwent different types of surgery regardless of disease stage. Five-year survival rates were comparable between the groups that underwent surgery with and without the use of a uterine manipulator.
Conclusions
All surgical approaches examined in this study had comparable efficacy and safety profiles. The use of uterine manipulators during radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer does not increase the risk of death.
Nintedanib attenuates NLRP3 inflammasome-driven liver fibrosis by targeting Src signaling
Authors: Wu Ye-ting , Li Qizhe , Wu Yi-Qi , Mu Mao , Wu Huan , Tian Hai-Ying , Zhao Xueke 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background Liver injury induces an inflammatory response that activates hepatic stellate cells, which is the initial factor of liver fibrosis. Nintedanib, a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting the Src signaling pathway, has been approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, it is still not known whether nintedanib ameliorates liver fibrosis by inhibiting inflammasome activation.
Methods A carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis model was used to assess the anti-fibrotic efficacy of nintedanib in vivo. Lipopolysaccharide and ATP were used to activate nucleotide oligomerisation domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes in LX-2 cells, and the efficacy of nintedanib on NLRP3 inflammasome activation was evaluated. Moreover, we used Src-overexpressing and Src-downregulating lentiviruses to transfect LX-2 cells to explore the targets of nintedanib.
Results Nintedanib attenuated inflammation and extracellular matrix accumulation in CCl4-induced fibrotic livers and reduced the expression of NLRP3, fibrotic makers, the phosphorylation of Src, epidermal growth factor receptor, AKT and ERK1/2 in LX-2 cells, and nintedanib thwarted NLRP3 inflammasome activation via suppressing the phosphorylation of Src and its downstream signaling pathway and reactive oxygen species.
Conclusions Our study indicates that nintedanib effectively suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation and has the potential for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Keywords: Nintedanib, liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cell, Src, NLRP3 inflammasome
Thyroid dysfunction among patients assessed thyroid function tests at a tertiary care hospital: A retrospective study
Authors: Aidoo Emmanuel Donkoh , Ababio Grace Korkor , Arko-Boham Benjamin , Tagoe Emmanuel Ayitey , aryee nii ayite 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Previous studies in African populations have not extensively described the spectrum of thyroid dysfunction using the profile of thyroid hormones. Although iodine deficiency is a common thyroid disorder in Africa, and yet it does not represent the entire the spectrum of thyroid dysfunction seen in patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the spectrum of thyroid dysfunction among patients seen at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), a tertiary care hospital in Accra, Ghana.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of all consultations on thyroid disorders seen at the Internal Medicine Department of KBTH between January 2019 and December 2021 was conducted. Information on patient demographics, and thyroid hormone profiles (triiodothyronine - FT3, thyroxine - FT4, and thyroid stimulating hormone - TSH) were extracted and subjected to descriptive statistics. Thyroid hormone profiles of subjects were analyzed and classified into thyroid dysfunction categories using guidelines of the American Thyroid Association (ATA).
Results: Out of the 215 patients with thyroid disorders enrolled, 85.1% (n = 183) were females and 14.9% (n = 32), males. The mean age of patients was 45±14 years, with most of the patients within the age range of 31-50 years (49.3%; n=106). The most reported thyroid function dysfunction was primary hyperthyroidism (57.7%), followed by primary hypothyroidism (22.3%), subclinical hyperthyroidism (9.3%), euthyroid sick syndrome (6.5%), and subclinical hypothyroidism (4.6%) respectively.
Conclusion: Primary hyperthyroidism was the most commonly diagnosed thyroid dysfunction. Hyperthyroidism has been linked with cardiac morbidity and mortality. Timely interventions are required to reduce the morbidity risks and burden associated with the hyperthyroid state.
A novel Cu-Cu2O hetero-structure for ultrasensitive detection of dopamine
Authors: Wu Jun-hui , Hou Ru-ni , Tang Si-jia , Tan Hai-hu , Du Jing-jing , Xu Li-jian , Tang Zeng-min 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Herein, Cu-Cu2O heterostructure were grown in situ on the surface of Cu nanoplates by chemical etching at room temperature. A novel dopamine (DA) electrochemical sensor based on Cu-Cu2O/glass carbon electrode (Cu-Cu2O/GCE) was constructed. The Cu-Cu2O/GCE sensor showed a wide linear range of 0.001 mM to 2 mM and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 7.1 nM (S/N = 3) for DA. The improved performance of the Cu-Cu2O/GCE is attributed to the special void structure which increases the catalytic active sites and electrochemical active surface areas (ECSA). Besides, the optimization of Cu2O and Cu ratio effectively regulates the electron configuration of the Cu-Cu2O heterojunction. The Cu-Cu2O/GCE sensor also showed good reproducibility, stability, and excellent anti-interference ability.