bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Dialysis Adequacy, Physical and Emotional Symptoms with Erythropoietin-stimulating agent Responsiveness in Iraqi Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Ahmed Salar , Mahmood Mohammed , Sami Arif , Salim Hamadi  
Published: February 2024

Background: Erythropoietin (EPO)-deficient anemia occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) are the standard treatment for CKD anemia, but patient responses vary.
Hemodialysis patients are often anemic due to hypo erythropoiesis and their chronic inflammatory state. Inadequate dialysis is considered one of the factors that are linked to ESA hypo responsiveness. Dialysis patients may experience many symptoms that lower their quality of life. End stage renal disease (ESRD) symptoms are assessed using Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI). Objective: The current study was designed to measure the association between physical, and emotional symptoms and ESA responsiveness. Also, to determine how dialysis adequacy affects response level.Materials and Methods: The current study included 150 CKD anemic patients in a multicenter dialysis units. patients were examined for the response to Epoetin alfa (Eprex) after 12 weeks in this cross-sectional study. Clinical, demographic, and laboratory data were collected. The erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) evaluated the effect of erythropoietin dosage on hemoglobin levels. Dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) measured the efficacy of dialysis. The severity of symptoms was evaluated using the 30-question Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI). Results: 150 patients in all were enrolled, with a mean age of 51.6 ± 14.9 for the male patients. There was a significant difference in kt/v among study groups, mainly between hypo response and resistance groups (P-value < 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the DSI mean (P = 0.4). kt/v was positively correlated with the duration of dialysis and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (R = 0.27, P-value < 0.001), (R = 0.19, P-value = 0.01). additionally, The DSI was strongly connected with the age of the patients (R = 0.18, P-value = 0.02).
Conclusion: One of the main causes of Eprex resistance in this study was insufficient dialysis. Patients who received longer hemodialysis sessions exhibited higher hemodialysis sufficiency. However, there was no significant association between DSI and degree of response across research groups, and older hemodialysis patients experienced higher dialysis-related symptoms.
Molecular modelling, Synthesis and Antiproliferative Evaluation of New Phenyldiazenyl)-Pyrazol Schiff Base Derivatives
Authors: Taha Duha emad , Monther F. Mahdi  , Ayad M. R. Raauf  
Published: February 2024

Lung cancer is the most prevalent worldwide. In addition, it is also the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with around 1.8 million new cases annually. With a 5-year survival rate of fewer than 20%.
Cytotoxic medicines are commonly employed in cancer treatment. Although the medicine improves patients' quality of life, several disadvantages diminish its efficacy. This necessitates developing new effective strategies that target tumors with minimal adverse effects. This research aims to overcome these issues by synthesizing a new series of phenyldiazenyl)-pyrazol schiff base derivatives by utilizing the molecular docking (GOLD) suite program and the pharmacokinetic properties determination by utilizing (Swiss) ADME suite; The most appropriate-fitting compounds were subsequently produced and confirmed using spectrum analysis (FTIR, 1HNMR, and 13 CNMR). MTT in vitro assay were performed to assess of antiproliferative activities against A549 lung cancer cell lines. The antiproliferative study showed that compound 3a had an inhibitory concentration (IC50 of 17.37 µM) on lung cancer cells (A549), which was significantly higher inhibitory activity than Erlotinib (IC50 = 25.06 µM). While compound 3b had an inhibitory activity comparable to the reference drug's, The IC50 values for compounds 3c, 3d, and 3e were 47.48, 45.56, and 33.05 µM, respectively
The Effect Of Animated Ibiskus Media On The Motivation To Execute Pregnancy Exercises
Authors: Stellata Alyxia Gita , Winengsih Ecih , Yulihartini Dwi 
Published: February 2024

Latar Belakang: Partus lama memberikan kontribusi pada angka kematian ibu dan angka kematian bayi baru lahir. Salah satu solusi untuk mengatasi partus lama adalah dengan melaksanakan senam hamil. Namun terdapat kendala dalam kontinuititas pelaksanaan yang disebakan oleh rendahnya motivasi sehingga dibutuhkan suatu media pembelajaran untuk meningkatkan motivasi ibu hamil yaitu Ibiskus animasi.Tujuan: Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh media Ibiskus animasi terhadap motivasi ibu hamil dalam pelaksanaan senam hamil.Metode: Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan rancangan quasi eksperimen two groups pre and post test dengan sample yang berjumlah 30 orang yang diambil dengan cara accidental sampling. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan data primer berupa kuesioner. Analisis data menggunakan Wilcoxon dan Mannwhitney p < 0,05.Hasil: Hasil uji wilcoxon pada kelompok Ibiskus adalah p=0.001 dan kelompok leaflet adalah p=0.026. Hasil uji Mannwhitney antar kedua kelompok adalah p=0.004.Kesimpulan: terdapat perbedaan efektivitas penggunaan Ibiskus dan leaflet dalam meningkatkan motivasi ibu hamil dengan media Ibiskus animasi lebih efektif daripada leaflet (difference mean 2.33).Saran: Diharapkan bagi bidan mampu menggunakan media Ibiskus animasi untuk meningkatkan motivasi ibu hamil dalam pelaksanaan senam hamil yang komprehensif. Kata kunci: Ibiskus Animasi; Leaflet; Motivasi, Senam hamil; ABSTRACT Background: Prolonged labor contributes to maternal mortality and newborn mortality. One solution to overcome prolonged labor is to carry out pregnancy exercises. However, there are obstacles to the continuity of implementation caused by low motivation. Thus, learning media is needed to increase the motivation of pregnant women named Ibiskus animation.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of animated Ibiskus media on pregnant women's motivation to implement pregnancy exercise.Methods: This type of research uses quantitative methods with a quasi-experimental design of two groups pre and post-test with a sample of 30 people taken by accidental sampling. The data collection technique used primary data in the form of a questionnaire. Data analysis using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney p < 0.05.Results: The Wilcoxon test result in the Ibiskus group was p=0.001 and the leaflet group was p=0.026. The Mann-Whitney test result between the two groups was p=0.004.Conclusion: In conclusion, there are differences in the effectiveness of using Ibiskus and leaflets in increasing the motivation of pregnant women with animated Ibiskus media more effectively than leaflets (difference mean 2.33).Suggestion: It is expected that midwives will be able to use animated Ibiskus media to increase pregnant women's motivation to implement comprehensive pregnancy exercises. Keywords : Prolonged Labour; Pregnancy exercise; Animated Ibiskus; Leaflet; Motivation
A guide for construction practitioners to integrate robotic systems in their construction applications
Authors: Prieto Samuel A. , Xu Xinghui , García de Soto Borja 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The use of robots can boost productivity and reduce costs in construction projects. However, choosing the right robotic platform for the right application can be challenging, costly, and time-consuming. This paper presents a guide for researchers and construction practitioners interested in using robotic systems.Methods: A methodology covering the different aspects to be considered when it comes to a robotic platform, such as the framework (both hardware and software), the environment the robot is going to be operating, the level of supervision (i.e., autonomy) the robot requires, different hardware required on board (i.e., sensors and computers), and the control strategies and systems and communication network, is presented. The methodology is implemented with a practical application where a semi-autonomous robotic system is designed and developed with the simple goal of data collection on construction sites, making sure that all the steps covered in the methodology are addressed.Results: The results show that the methodology is applicable to a wide range of solutions, with a focus on the development of the platform itself and not the final application.Discussion: This guide is meant to assist in developing a flexible open platform that can be customized to the specific requirements needed.
An organic extract from ascidian Ciona robusta induces cytotoxic autophagy in human malignant cell lines
Authors: Gallo Alessandra , Penna Ylenia Maria , Russo Maria , Rosapane Marco , Tosti Elisabetta , Russo Gian Luigi 
Published: February 2024

The last decades have seen an increase in the isolation and characterization of anticancer compounds derived from marine organisms, especially invertebrates, and their use in clinical trials. In this regard, ascidians, which are included in the subphylum Tunicata, represent successful examples with two drugs, Aplidine© and Yondelis© that reached the market as orphan drugs against several malignancies. Here, we report that an organic extract prepared from homogenized tissues of the Mediterranean ascidian Ciona robusta inhibited cell proliferation in HT-29, HepG2, and U2OS human cells with the former being the most sensitive to the extract (EC50 = 250 μg/mL). We demonstrated that the ascidian organic extract was not cytotoxic on HT-29 cells that were induced to differentiate with sodium butyrate, suggesting a preference for the mixture for the malignant phenotype. Finally, we report that cell death induced by the organic extract was mediated by the activation of a process of cytotoxic autophagy as a result of the increased expression of the LC3-II marker and number of autophagic vacuoles, which almost doubled in the treated HT-29 cells. In summary, although the detailed chemical composition of the Ciona robusta extract is still undetermined, our data suggest the presence of bioactive compounds possessing anticancer activity.
Probiotic co-supplementation with absorbent smectite for pancreatic beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes: a secondary-data analysis of a randomized double-blind controlled trials
Authors: Savytska Maryana , Kyriienko Dmytro , Zaychenko Ganna , Ostapchenko Danylo , Falalyeyeva Tetyana , Kobyliak Nazarii 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThere is growing evidence from animal and clinical studies suggesting probiotics can positively affect type 2 diabetes (T2D). In a previous randomized clinical study, we found that administering a live multistrain probiotic and absorbent smectite once a day for eight weeks to patients with T2D could reduce chronic systemic inflammatory state, insulin resistance, waist circumference and improve the glycemic profile. However, there is a lack of evidence supporting the efficacy of probiotic co-supplementation with absorbent smectite on pancreatic β-cell function in T2D.AimThis secondary analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of an alive multistrain probiotic co-supplementation with absorbent smectite vs placebo on β-cell function in T2D patients.Material and methodsWe performed a secondary analysis on a previously published randomized controlled trial (NCT04293731, NCT03614039) involving 46 patients with T2D. The main inclusion criteria were the presence of β-cell dysfunction (%B&lt;60%) and insulin therapy alone or combined with oral anti-diabetic drugs. The primary outcome was assessing β-cell function as change C-peptide and %B.ResultsWe observed only a tendency for improving β-cell function (44.22 ± 12.80 vs 55.69 ± 25.75; р=0.094). The effectiveness of the therapy probiotic-smectite group was confirmed by fasting glycemia decreased by 14% (p=0.019), HbA1c – 5% (p=0.007), HOMA-2 – 17% (p=0.003) and increase of insulin sensitivity by 23% (p=0.005). Analysis of the cytokine profile showed that statistical differences after treatment were in the concentration of both pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-1β (22.83 ± 9.04 vs 19.03 ± 5.57; p=0.045) and TNF-α (31.25 ± 11.32 vs 26.23 ± 10.13; p=0.041).ConclusionAdding a live multistrain probiotic and absorbent smectite supplement slightly improved β-cell function and reduced glycemic-related parameters in patients with T2D. This suggests that adjusting the gut microbiota could be a promising treatment for diabetes and warrants further investigation through more extensive studies.
Efficacy and toxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors combination therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Xu Zhunan , Wu Changgui , Xie Lijun , Wang Pengyu , Liu Xiaoqiang 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundAlthough immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show a significant overall survival advantage over standard advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) therapies, tumor response to these agents remains poor. Some studies have shown that combination therapy including an ICI appears to be the best treatment; however, the overall benefit in terms of efficacy and toxicity still needs to be assessed. Thus, we performed a network meta-analysis to evaluate the differences in the efficacy of several combinations that include an ICI to provide a basis for clinical treatment selection.MethodsWe conducted a thorough search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for articles from January 2010 to June 2023. R 4.4.2 and STATA 16.0 were used to analyze data; hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the results.ResultsAn indirect comparison showed that nivolumab plus cabozantinib and pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib were the most effective treatments for progression-free survival (PFS), with no significant differences between the two interventions (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.96–1.78; P=0.08); rank probability showed that pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib had a 57.1% chance of being the preferred treatment. In the absence of indirect comparisons between pembrolizumab plus axitinib, nivolumab plus ipilimumab, avelumab plus axitinib, nivolumab plus cabozantinib, and pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib, pembrolizumab plus axitinib (40.2%) was the best treatment option for overall survival (OS). Compared to pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib, nivolumab plus ipilimumab (OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01–0.65; P=0.02) and pembrolizumab plus axitinib (OR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.00–0.78; P&lt;0.001) had a lower incidence of overall adverse events (AEs).ConclusionPembrolizumab plus lenvatinib and pembrolizumab plus axitinib resulted in the highest PFS and OS rates, respectively. Pembrolizumab plus axitinib may be the best option when AEs are a concern.Systematic review registrationhttps://inplasy.com/, identifier INPLASY202410078.
Correlation of blood-based immune molecules with cardiac gene expression profiles reveals insights into Chagas cardiomyopathy pathogenesis
Authors: Souza-Silva Thaiany G. , Neves Eula G. A. , Koh Carolina , Teixeira-Carvalho Andrea , Araújo Silvana Silva , Nunes Maria do Carmo Pereira , Gomes Juliana de Assis Silva , Gollob Kenneth J. , Dutra Walderez Ornelas 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionUnderstanding compartmentalized immune responses in target organs is crucial for elucidating the pathogenesis of various diseases. However, obtaining samples from affected vital organs often poses safety challenges. In this study, we aimed to investigate potential correlations between the levels of disease-associated immune molecules in the bloodstream with their gene expression profiles in the hearts of patients suffering from Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC). This debilitating and often fatal condition is caused by infection with the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi.MethodsBlood samples were analyzed using the Bio-Plex platform. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to determine gene expression profile in heart tissue from CCC and non-Chagas controls (CTRL).ResultsElevated levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected in the plasma of CCC patients, and these levels correlated with clinical indicators of deteriorating cardiac function. Notably, 75% of the soluble factors assessed in the plasma exhibited a consistent relationship with their gene expression levels in the cardiac tissue of CCC patients. Analysis of interactions and signaling pathways related to these molecules revealed an overrepresentation of inflammatory pathways in both blood and heart compartments. Moreover, we identified that differentially expressed genes in CCC cardiac tissue were primarily associated with T-cell signaling pathways and correlated with the presence of CD8+ T cells in the myocardium.DiscussionOur findings establish a strong correlation between relevant immune molecules and their signaling pathways in both the blood and heart tissue in CCC. This validates the use of blood as a non-invasive medium for understanding immunopathology and identifying markers for cardiac dysfunction in Chagas disease.
The value of lung ultrasound score in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective diagnostic cohort study
Authors: Huang Chunyan , Zhang Shaoqin , Ha Xiaoming , Cui Yanfang , Zhang Hongxia 
Published: February 2024

RationaleThe accurate diagnosis of critically ill patients with respiratory failure can be achieved through lung ultrasound (LUS) score. Considering its characteristics, it is speculated that this technique might also be useful for patients with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). Thus, there is a need for precise imaging tools to monitor such patients.ObjectivesThis double-blind randomized cohort study aims to investigate the impact of LUS and related scores on the severity of NRDS patients.MethodsThis study was conducted as a prospective double-blind randomized study. Bivariate correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between LUS score and Oxygenation Index (OI), Respiratory Index (RI), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to generate correlation heat maps, elucidating the associations between LUS and respective parameters in different cohorts. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to calculate the predictive values, sensitivity, and specificity of different scores in determining the severity of NRDS.ResultsThis study ultimately included 134 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between December 2020 and June 2022. Among these patients, 72 were included in the NRDS cohort, while 62 were included in the Non-NRDS (N-NRDS) cohort. There were significant differences in the mean LUS scores between NRDS and N-NRDS patients (p &lt; 0.01). The LUS score was significantly negatively correlated with the OI (p &lt; 0.01), while it was significantly positively correlated with the RI and SOFA scores (p &lt; 0.01). The correlation heatmap revealed the highest positive correlation coefficient between LUS and RI (0.82), while the highest negative correlation coefficient was observed between LUS and OI (−0.8). ROC curves for different scores demonstrated that LUS score had the highest area under the curve (0.91, 95% CI: 0.84–0.98) in predicting the severity of patients’ conditions. The combination of LUS and other scores can more accurately predict the severity of NRDS patients, with the highest AUC value of 0.93, significantly higher than using a single indicator alone (p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionOur double-blind randomized cohort study demonstrates that LUS, RI, OI, and SOFA scores can effectively monitor the lung ventilation and function in NRDS. Moreover, these parameters and their combination have significant predictive value in evaluating the severity and prognosis of NRDS patients. Therefore, these results provide crucial insights for future research endeavors.
ATH-1105, a small-molecule positive modulator of the neurotrophic HGF system, is neuroprotective, preserves neuromotor function, and extends survival in preclinical models of ALS
Authors: Berthiaume Andrée-Anne , Reda Sherif M. , Kleist Kayla N. , Setti Sharay E. , Wu Wei , Johnston Jewel L. , Taylor Robert W. , Stein Liana R. , Moebius Hans J. , Church Kevin J. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, primarily affects the motor neurons of the brain and spinal cord. Like other neurodegenerative conditions, ongoing pathological processes such as increased inflammation, excitotoxicity, and protein accumulation contribute to neuronal death. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling through the MET receptor promotes pro-survival, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects in multiple cell types, including the neurons and support cells of the nervous system. This pleiotropic system is therefore a potential therapeutic target for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as ALS. Here, we test the effects of ATH-1105, a small-molecule positive modulator of the HGF signaling system, in preclinical models of ALS.MethodsIn vitro, the impact of ATH-1105 on HGF-mediated signaling was assessed via phosphorylation assays for MET, extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK), and protein kinase B (AKT). Neuroprotective effects of ATH-1105 were evaluated in rat primary neuron models including spinal motor neurons, motor neuron-astrocyte cocultures, and motor neuron-human muscle cocultures. The anti-inflammatory effects of ATH-1105 were evaluated in microglia- and macrophage-like cell systems exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In vivo, the impact of daily oral treatment with ATH-1105 was evaluated in Prp-TDP43A315T hemizygous transgenic ALS mice.ResultsIn vitro, ATH-1105 augmented phosphorylation of MET, ERK, and AKT. ATH-1105 attenuated glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in primary motor neurons and motor neuron- astrocyte cocultures, and had protective effects on motor neurons and neuromuscular junctions in motor neuron-muscle cocultures. ATH-1105 mitigated LPS-induced inflammation in microglia- and macrophage-like cell systems. In vivo, ATH-1105 treatment resulted in improved motor and nerve function, sciatic nerve axon and myelin integrity, and survival in ALS mice. Treatment with ATH-1105 also led to reductions in levels of plasma biomarkers of inflammation and neurodegeneration, along with decreased pathological protein accumulation (phospho-TDP-43) in the sciatic nerve. Additionally, both early intervention (treatment initiation at 1 month of age) and delayed intervention (treatment initiation at 2 months of age) with ATH-1105 produced benefits in this preclinical model of ALS.DiscussionThe consistent neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated by ATH-1105 preclinically provide a compelling rationale for therapeutic interventions that leverage the positive modulation of the HGF pathway as a treatment for ALS.