bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating tumor and mesenchymal cell release in no-touch radical nephrectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Leitão Tito Palmela , Corredeira Patrícia , Rodrigues Carolina , Piairo Paulina , Miranda Miguel , Cavaco Ana , Kucharczac Sandra , Antunes Marília , Peixoto Sara , Reis José Palma , Lopes Tomé , Diéguez Lorena , Costa Luís 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may be the missing renal cell carcinoma (RCC) biomarker.
Material and Methods:
Randomized controlled trial comparing CTC and circulating mesenchymal cell (CMC) release in no-touch (NT) vs. conventional (C) laparoscopic RN. Blood samples were collected at operation room arrival (S0), specimen extraction (S1), postoperative D1, and D30. CTCs isolated and analyzed using the RUBYchip™.
Results:
34 patients were randomized from September 2021 to April 2022. No differences were found in CTC and CMC counts, count variations between time points, complications, and outcomes between groups. The total circulating cell detection rates in the NT, C, and overall RCC groups were 58.3%, 80.0%, and 70.4% at S0, 41.6%, 86.7%, and 66.7% at S1, 50.0%, 64.3%, and 60.0% at D1, and 54.5%, 42.9%, and 44.0% at D30, respectively. A progressive decrease in CMCs was observed after surgery in the C group, mainly at D1 (4.78 to 1.64 CMCs/7.5mL-blood, p = 0.035). Healthy controls showed no circulating cells. High CMC counts were found in chronic inflammation controls and oncocytoma patients, not significantly different from RCC patients.
Conclusions:
NT RN did not reduce circulating cell release nor improve survival.
FXR and AHR mediate aristolochic acid-induced liver injury: mode of action from the nuclear receptors' point of view
Authors: Ｍa Yumei , Du Chenlong , Liu Yuzhen , Feng Meiyao , Shou Yingqing , Yu Dianke , Jin Yuan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Aristolochic acid (AA) is an emerging contaminant in herbal medicines or crops, which has long been recognized for causing nephropathy. Recently, the linkage between AA and liver injury has become a concern; however, the current understanding of the mechanism or mode of action (MOA) is limited. In the present study, we investigated nuclear receptor-mediated MOA associated with AA-induced liver injury. Bioinformatic analysis of AA-interacting genes indicated nuclear receptor-mediated metabolizing pathways; Transcriptomic profiling of AA-exposed rats with liver injury suggested FXR-, NRF2-, and AHR- mediated pathways in the injured livers of the rats. Mechanistic investigation using HepG2 cells indicated AAI-induced hepatic lipid accumulation by elevating TG through inhibition of the FXR. In addition, AAI-induced hepatocellular damage by activating the AHR pathway, which further generated ROS and activated the NRF2 pathway. Together, these results provided new clues for researchers who are interested in chemical-induced liver injury.
Multi-variate Analysis of the Soil Chemical Properties in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kenya and its Implications on Agronomic Management
Authors: Menge Daniel M , Musila Ruth N , Kagito Sammy , Bii Lourine , Gichuki James , Gichuhi Emily , Kundu Caroline A. , Murori Rosemary , Panchbhai Ajay , Ismail Abdelbagi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa is a net importer of rice with self-sufficiency rates of as low as 14% in countries such as Kenya. More 80% of the rice produced in the country is cultivated in the Mwea irrigation scheme. Productivity in the irrigation scheme declined from 5.6 ─ 6.0 t ha− 1 to 1.3 ─ 4.6 t ha− 1 between 1977 and 2018 that could be attributed to site specific nutritional deficiencies and /or toxicities rendering the generalized agronomic recommendations inapplicable in some areas. This study aimed to evaluate variability in soil chemical properties within the irrigation scheme, cluster areas with similar nutritional status and provide area-specific agronomic recommendations. Four hundred samples were collected from the five sections of the Mwea irrigation scheme and analyzed for total organic carbon, soil pH, macro nutrients, micro nutrients and exchangeable cations. Principal components (PC) 1 ─ 4 accounted for 72.2% of the total variability within the irrigation scheme. Four clusters were generated in a scatter plot between PC1 and 2 and there were significant differences among the clusters for all the elements evaluated except for Na. Soil pH, potassium and zinc levels were found to be below optimum while available phosphorus and iron were above the critical levels leading to deficiencies and /or toxicities. Based on the findings of cluster analysis and variability of each nutrient among the clusters, specific management strategies were suggested to guide in developing of a package of good agronomic practices to improve rice productivity in the irrigation scheme.
Postoperative Complications and Axial Length Growth after Bilateral Congenital Cataract Surgery: Eyes with Microphthalmos Compared to a Comparison Group
Authors: Zhao Yun-e , Jiang Yiling , Zhao Yinying , Ni Jun , Yang Fuman , Wang Dandan , Lian Hengli 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the postoperative clinical outcomes and axial length (AL) growth of infants with congenital cataracts and microphthalmos following first-stage cataract surgery.
Design: Retrospective case control study
Methods:
Setting: Single center.
Infants with congenital cataract that met the inclusion criteria were classified into two groups: the microphthalmos and comparison groups. All infants underwent a thorough ophthalmologic examination before surgery, and one week, 1 month, 3 months, and every 3 months after surgery.
Results: This study enrolled 21 infants (42 eyes) in the microphthalmos group and 29 infants (58 eyes) in the comparison group. More glaucoma-related adverse events were observed in the microphthalmos group (7 eyes, 16.7%) than in the comparison group (0 eyes, 0%) (p<0.001). At each subsequent follow-up, the comparison group had a greater AL than the microphthalmos group (all p<0.001), and AL growth was significantly higher in the comparison group than in the microphthalmos group (all p=0.035). Visual acuity improved in both groups.
Conclusion: Early surgical intervention improves visual function in infants with congenital cataracts and microphthalmos although with a higher incidence of glaucoma-related adverse events. After cataract removal, the AL growth of microphthalmic eyes is slower than that of normally developed eyes.
Exome sequencing and genome-wide association analyses unveils the genetic predisposition in hydroxychloroquine retinopathy
Authors: Wang An-Guor , Chiu Hsun-I , Cheng Hui-Chen , Wu Chih-Chiau , Chen Shih-Jen , Hwang De-Kuang , Huang Yi-Ming , Chou Yu-Bai , Lin Po-Kang , Lin Tai-Chi , Chen Ko-Hua , Lin Pei-Yu , Chang Yu-Fan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objectives To unveil the candidate susceptibility genes in chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine (CQ/HCQ) retinopathy using whole exome sequencing (WES) and genome-wide association study (GWAS). Methods Patients with a diagnosis of CQ/HCQ retinopathy based on the comprehensive demographic and ocular examination were included. The peripheral blood was extracted for WES and GWAS analyses. The Chinese Han Southern database from 1000 genomes was used as control group to compare the affected percentage. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, HCQ dose, duration and renal disease were used to analyze the correlation between genetic variants and visual outcome. A poor vision outcome was defined as visual acuity < 6/12. An abnormal anatomical outcome was defined as disruption of ellipsoid zone in the fovea. Results 29 patients with an average age of 60.9 ± 13.4 years, treatment duration of 12.1 ± 6.2 years, daily dose of 8.5 ± 4.1 mg/kg, and the cumulative dose of 1637.5 ± 772.5 g, were genotyped. Several candidate genes associated with CQ/HCQ retinopathy were found, including RP1L1, RPGR and RPE65, with a difference of affected percentage over 50% in mutation between the case and control groups. New foci in CCDC66: rs56616026 (OR = 63.43, p = 1.63 x10− 8) and rs56616023 (OR = 104.7, p = 5.02x10− 10) were identified significantly associated with HCQ retinopathy. Multivariate analysis revealed increased genetic variants were significantly associated with poor functional (OR = 1.600, p = 0.004) and structural outcome (OR = 1.318, p = 0.043). Conclusions Several candidate susceptibility genes including RP1L1, RPGR, RPE65 and CCDC66 were identified to be associated with CQ/HCQ retinopathy. In addition to disease susceptibility, patients with increased genetic variants are more vulnerable to poor visual outcomes.
Incidence and Intensity of Catastrophic Health Expenditure and Impoverishment among the Elderly: An Empirical Evidence from India
Authors: Ahmad Fahimuddin , Mohanty Pratap Chandra 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
World health statistics (2022) reports that about 1.4 billion people have incurred catastrophic health expenditure, and half of its population has been pushed into extreme poverty due to healthcare payments. The elderly population faces a higher risk of ill health, and seeking treatment is reflected in high out-of-pocket spending that results in catastrophic health expenditure and further impoverishment. This study aims to investigate the incidence and intensity of out-of-pocket spending, catastrophic health expenditure, and impoverishment among the older adults in India. Data utilizes from the 75th round of the national sample survey (NSS) based on household social consumption: health (schedule 25.0), 2018. The incidence and intensity of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and impoverishment have been estimated using standard measures. The older adults spend about 17% of household consumption expenditure on healthcare services. The poorest older adults are spending the highest share of consumption expenditure on healthcare. Similarly, the elderly from rural, male, scheduled castes, and Christian show a larger share of healthcare consumption. The incidence and intensity of catastrophic health expenditure declines as the threshold level rises. The normalized poverty gap shows that the intensity of being pushed into extreme poverty is quite high. Financial protection along with vision might mitigate the risk of CHE among older adults.
Feasibility analysis for the application of conduction tracks on textiles by means of laser radiation
Authors: Brackmann Friederike , Brackmann Friederike , Brosda Maximilian , Seidenberg Martin , Sonnenschein Julius 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Nowadays, textiles are not only used for clothing, but have also found applications in many other areas. Textiles fulfilling functional or technical properties are called “technical textiles”. An extension by conductive components, sensors or in connection with materials reacting to environmental influences convert those into Smart Textiles. Common methods of applying conductive tracks to textiles are embroidery, which cause damage to the textile, or an application by means of a toxic paste with low conductivity. A new method of applying electrical conductors to textiles for contacting is laser welding. In this process, a thin metal foil is welded on locally with an absorber placed above the metal foil to ensure that sufficient energy is applied to partially melt the textile underneath the metal foil. One variant for welding conductive tracks is the use of a globo-optics and a diode laser system with a wavelength of 975 nm. With this optics, the laser radiation passes coaxially through a glass sphere, which is also the contact device for achieving a zero gap. Parameters that are varied are the processing speed, the laser power and the focal plane, as well as the type of textile. Their influence is evaluated by microscopy images, electrical resistance measurements, tensile tests and Martindale tests. The investigations will clarify how durable and usable welded conductive tracks on textiles are. Furthermore, an outlook on the possibility of welding using a laser source with a wavelength of 450 nm (blue laser) and a scanner as optics will be given.
Quality in Care requires Kindness and Flexibility – a hermeneutic-phenomenological study of patients’ experiences from pathways including transitions across settings
Authors: Walløe Sisse , Beck Malene , Lauridsen Henrik Hein , Morsø Lars , Simonÿ Charlotte 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: The number of people living with chronic conditions is increasing worldwide, and with that, the need for multiple long-term complex care across care settings. Undergoing transitions across healthcare settings is both challenging and perilous for patients. Nevertheless, knowledge of what facilitates quality during transitions in healthcare settings from the lifeworld perspective of patients is still lacking. Therefore, we aimed to explore the lived experience in healthcare quality for Danish adult patients during healthcare pathways including transitions across settings.
Methods: Three women and five men with various diagnoses and care paths between 30 and 75 years of age shared what influenced their perceived quality of care in interviews with a hermeneutic-phenomenological approach. Data underwent a three phased thematic analysis leading to three themes.
Results: Patients with various illnesses’ experiences of quality of care is described in the themes “Being powerless in the face of illness,” “Burdensome access and navigation,” and “Being in need of mercy and striving for kindness.” This highlights that patients’ experiences of quality in healthcare pathways across settings interweaves with an overall understanding of being powerless at the initial encounter. Access and navigation are burdensome, and system inflexibility adds to the burden and enhances powerlessness. However, caring care provided through the kindness of healthcare professionals supports patients in regaining control of their condition.
Conclusions: We conclude that two main aspects: I) kind and merciful professional relationships and II) system flexibility including access and navigation, are essential for patients’ experiences of care quality during healthcare transitions. This is important knowledge when striving to provide patients with a clear voice regarding quality in care pathways stretching across settings.
Cloning, purification and characterization of tehalose-6-phosphate synthase PoTPS1 and PoTPS5 from Paeonia ostii
Authors: Cheng Qian , Chen Tian , Zhou Hong , Tao Jun , Sun Jing 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) as a key enzyme in trehalose metabolism plays important roles in metabolic regulation and abiotic stress tolerance in many species. In our previous study, 10 TPS family members in Paeonia ostii have been identified, and among them PoTPS1 and PoTPS5 were regarded as critical genes in regulating growth and development of P. ostii. In this study, the full-length of cDNAs with 1698 nucleotides encoding PoTPS1 and 2571 nucleotides encoding PoTPS5 from P. ostii were cloned. The sequence analysis revealed that PoTPS1 protein belongs to the Class I group and PoTPS5 was a Class II TPS protein, and they possess highly conserved residues. The expression levels of PoTPS1 and PoTPS5 were induced by sugar and abiotic stress, especially under glucose and high temperature treatments. Then, PoTPS1 and PoTPS5 protein were expressed at high level in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography. The molecular mass of PoTPS1 and PoTPS5 recombinant proteins were about 116 kDa and 149 kDa respectively. The optimum temperature of PoTPS1 and PoTPS5 were 50 ℃ and 60 ℃, and the optimum pH for both PoTPS1 and PoTPS5 was 6.0. Metal cations such as Mg2+ and Zn2+ stimulated PoTPS1 activity significantly, and the Mg2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ motivated PoTPS5 activity tremendously. The addition of chondroitin sulfate was shown to stimulate enzyme activity.
A Plan to Transform Primary and Community Care at Catalonia based on a process improvement methodology
Authors: Coll Marc Sales , Manjón Sara , Salabert Jeroni , Pladevall Clara , Algar Daniel , Benaque Alba , Soler Júlia , de Echagüen Anna Ochoa 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the Catalan healthcare system sought to promote a plan to strengthen and transform primary care in order to provide high quality healthcare services whilst making an optimal use of resources. This article defines the implementation and deployment strategy across the Catalan region. The Lean methodology has been used extensively in other sectors for process improvement. More recently, it has been adopted in large hospitals, showing good results, so Lean was selected as the most appropriate method to achieve this project’s goal. The Process Office of the Catalan Health System, which is made up of experts in Lean methodology, has been involved in defining and deploying the strategy to all 374 primary care teams (PCTs) within the Catalan healthcare system. A deployment strategy comprised of four phases (each consisting of a number of sessions) was followed: (1) explaining the project’s goals and training the professionals in the methodology; (2) assessing the current status regarding the processes with the various PCTs; (3) identifying and implementing improvement projects; (4) defining key performance indicators to monitor the impact of the projects. As a conclusion, this project has allowed to successfully define and implement a standard at a strategic and deployment level of a project for primary care improvement that may be replicated in other regions. The key elements to ensure success have been the following: Leadership, implementation of an improvement methodology, standardization of sessions, and involvement and training of front-line professionals.
Effects of Suillus Luteus on the root morphology and endogenous hormones of Pinus massoniana seedlings under drought stress
Authors: Wang Yi , Ren Youzhi , Tu Guiying , Luo Xuemei , Zhang Zhiyuan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Aims
Ectomycorrhizal fungus (ECMF) may enhance plant drought resistance. However, there is limited information regarding the effects of ECMF on drought resistance in Pinus massoniana, a native species representing an afforestation pioneer tree in subtropical regions of China.
Methods
We conducted a pot experiment to assess the effects of Suillus luteus on the root morphology and endogenous hormones of masson pine under drought stress. Four water levels (normal water, light drought, moderate drought and severe drought) and three inoculation levels (non-ECMF-inoculated, inoculated with S12 and inoculated with S13) were compared using a factorial design. Root morphology and endogenous hormones were tested after 45 days of stress.
Results
The results showed that total root length, projection area, total root surface area, total root volume, root tip number, connection count, average number of first-order lateral roots and angle of first-order lateral root of the masson pine seedlings which inoculated S. luteus were significantly increased under drought stress. The light drought stress is beneficial to the root morphological development of masson pine. Compared with the non-inoculated seedlings, the concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA), zeatin riboside (ZR) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were increased, while the concentration of abscisic acid (ABA) was significantly decreased. Moreover, root morphology was positively correlated with GA, IAA, and ZR, but negatively correlated with ABA.
Conclusions
S. luteus can promote the root growth and development of masson pine seedlings, notably by regulating the balance in concentration of endogenous hormones, thus improving the drought resistance ability of masson pine seedlings.
Gender, Racial, and Geographical Disparities in Malignant Brain Tumor Mortality in the United States
Authors: Tan Jia Yi , Thong Jia Yean , Mbenga Kelly , Saleh Sabera 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Malignant brain tumors are malignancy which are known for their low survival rates. Despite advancements in treatments in the last decade, the disparities in malignant brain cancer mortality among the US population remain unclear.
Methods
We analyzed death certificate data from the U.S. CDC WONDER from 1999 to 2020 to determine the longitudinal trends of malignant brain tumor mortality. Malignant brain tumor (ICD-10 C71.0-71.9) was listed as the underlying cause of death. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 individuals were calculated by standardizing the AAMR to the year 2000 U.S. population.
Results
From 1999 to 2020, there were 306,375 deaths due to malignant brain tumor. The AAMR decreased from 5.57 (95% CI, 5.47–5.67) per 100,000 individuals in 1999 to 5.40 (95% CI, 5.31–5.48) per 100,000 individuals in 2020, with an annual percent decrease of -0.05 (95% CI, -0.22, 0.12). Whites had the highest AAMR (6.05 [95% CI, 6.02–6.07] per 100,000 individuals), followed by Hispanics (3.70 [95% CI, 3.64–3.76]) per 100,000 individuals, Blacks (3.09 [95% CI, 3.04–3.14] per 100,000 individuals), American Indians (2.82 [95% CI, 2.64-3.00] per 100,000 individuals), and Asians (2.44 [95% CI, 2.38–2.50] per 100,000 individuals). The highest AAMRs were reported in the Midwest region (5.58 [95% CI, 5.54–5.62]) per 100,000 individuals) and the rural regions (5.66 [95% CI, 5.61–5.71] per 100,000 individuals).
Conclusions
Our study underscores the importance of addressing the disparities in malignant brain tumor that existed across different genders, races and geographic regions.
Associations of parabens and age at natural menopause: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Wang Liping , Luo Xinrui , Ren Mulan , Wang Yan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Parabens were considered to have potential negative impacts on reproductive health. This study aimed to examine the association between parabens and the onset of natural menopause.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2,668 participants from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2016. The outcome of this study was the onset of menopause. The exposure of this study was four parabens, including butyl paraben (BP), ethyl paraben (EP), methyl paraben (MP), and propyl paraben (PP). Each paraben was categorized based on its tertile. Weighted COX regression models were employed to investigate the associations between BP, EP, MP, PP, and onset of natural menopause, respectively. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on smoke status, drink status, and oral contraceptives.
Results: Natural menopause occurred in 1043 women in the total population. Compared with women with the lowest tertile of EP, women in the second tertile of EP [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.57] and the highest tertile of EP (HR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.01-1.64) was associated with an increased risk of earlier onset of naturalmenopause. However, all BP, MP, and PP levels were not statistically associated with the onset of naturalmenopause. The results of subgroup analysis indicated that EP, MP, and PP were all associated with the earlier onset of natural menopause in women who did not used oral contraceptives.
Conclusion:Our findings suggested an association between higher EP levels and an earlier onset of natural menopause in general U.S. women. The findings of our study necessitate further prospective epidemiologic research to validate.