bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alpha‐kinase1 promotes tubular injury and interstitial inflammation in diabetic nephropathy by canonical pyroptosis pathway
Authors: Cui Xinyuan , Li Yifu , Yuan Shuguang , Huang Yao , Chen Xiaojun , Han Yachun , Liu Zhiwen , Li Zheng , Xiao Yang , Wang Youliang , Sun Lin , Liu Hong , Zhu Xuejing 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Alpha‐kinase 1 (ALPK1) is a master regulator in inflammation and has been proved to promote renal fibrosis by promoting the production of IL-1β in diabetic nephropathy (DN) mice. Pyroptosis is involved in high glucose (HG)-induced tubular cells injury, characterized by activation of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and the release of IL-1β and IL-18, resulting in inflammatory injury in DN. It is reasonable to assume that ALPK1 is involved in pyroptosis-related tubular injury in DN. However, the mechanism remains poorly defined.

Methods
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed to detect the expression of pyroptosis- and fibrosis-related proteins in renal sections of DN patients and DN mice. DN models were induced through injection of streptozotocin combined with a high-fat diet. Protein levels of ALPK1, NF-κB, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, IL-18 and α-SMA were detected by Western blot. HK-2 cells treated with high-glucose (HG) served as an in vitro model. ALPK1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected into HK-2 cells to down-regulate ALPK1. The pyroptosis rates were determined by flow cytometry. The concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 were evaluated by ELISA kits. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe translocation of NF-κB and GSDMD.

Results
The heat map of differentially expressed genes showed that ALPK1, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were upregulated in the DN group. The expression levels of ALPK1, Caspase-1, GSDMD and CD68 were increased in renal biopsy tissues of DN patients by IHC. ALPK1expression and CD68+ macrophages were positively correlated with tubular injury in DN patients. Western blot analysis showed increased expressions of ALPK1, phospho-NF-κB P65, GSDMD-NT, and IL-1β in renal tissues of DN mice and HK-2 cells, accompanied with increased renal fibrosis-related proteins (FN, α-SMA) and macrophages infiltration in interstitial areas. Inhibition of ALPK1 attenuated HG-induced upregulation expressions of NF-κB, pyroptosis-related proteins Caspase-1, GSDMD-NT, IL-1β, IL-18, α-SMA, and pyroptosis level in HK-2 cells. Also, the intensity and nuclear translocation of NF-κB and membranous translocation of GSDMD were ameliorated in HG-treated HK-2 cells after treatment with ALPK1 siRNA.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that ALPK1/NF-κB pathway initiated canonical caspase-1-GSDMD pyroptosis pathway, resulting in tubular injury and interstitial inflammation of DN.
Long-term follow-up of changes in ocular biometric parameters in orthokeratology lens wearers with relatively large-scale axial length reduction
Authors: Tang Tao , Li Xuewei , Chen Sitong , Xu Qiong , Zhao Heng , Wang Kai , Li Yan , Zhao Mingwei 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
To investigate ocular biological characteristics for myopic children with axial length (AL) reduction during orthokeratology (Ortho-K) treatment and provide clinical clues for better myopia control effects.

Methods
Changes in ocular parameters and treatment zone (TZ) in 75 subjects who completed one-year Ortho-K treatment were retrospectively reviewed. The subjects were divided into two groups according to one-year AL change: the AL reduction group (n = 37) and the AL elongation group (n = 38). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine the association between TZ, ocular parameters, and AL change.

Results
There was no significant difference in baseline between the two groups (all P > 0.05). After one year of Ortho-K treatment, compared with those in the AL elongation group, children in the AL reduction group had a decreased anterior chamber depth (ACD) (P < 0.001), thickened crystalline lens thickness (CLT) (P = 0.002), thinned vitreous chamber depth (VCD) (P < 0.001) and smaller TZ (P = 0.03), but no difference in central corneal thickness (CCT) and pupil diameter (PD). In the multivariable analyses, AL reduction was negatively associated with baseline age (beta: − 0.048; 95% CI: − 0.083 to − 0.013; P = 0.009) and positively associated with the TZ (beta: 0.024; 95% CI: 0.009 to 0.040; P = 0.003).

Conclusions
In AL reduction eyes, thickened CLT, decreased ACD and thinned VCD were observed during Ortho-K treatment, which could be suggested as indicators for better myopia control effects in the clinic. Older baseline age and smaller TZ wearing Ortho-K were also associated with AL change. Thickened CLT may be a result of compensation for AL-reduction eyes.
Seasonal variation in food security, lifestyle, nutritional status and its associated factors of the urban poor adolescents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: research protocol of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Tay Janice Ee Fang , Tung Serene En Hui , Kaur Satvinder , Gan Wan Ying , Che’Ya Nik Norasma , Tan Choon Hui 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Climate change, obesity and undernutrition have now become a worldwide syndemic that threatens most people’s health and natural systems in the twenty-first century. Adolescent malnutrition appears to be a matter of concern in Malaysia, and this is particularly relevant among the urban poor population. Mounting evidence points to the fact that underlying factors of malnutrition are subject to climate variability and profoundly affect nutritional outcomes. Hence, it is interesting to examine seasonal variation in nutritional status and its associated factors of urban poor adolescents in Malaysia.

Methods
This is a prospective cohort study following urban poor adolescents aged 10–17 years living in low-cost high-rise flats in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, across two monsoon seasons. The baseline assessment will be conducted during the onset of the Northeast Monsoon and followed up during Southwest Monsoon. Climate data will be collected by obtaining the climatological data (rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity) from Malaysia Meteorological Department. Geospatial data for food accessibility and availability, and also built (recreational facilities) environments, will be analyzed using the QGIS 3.4 Madeira software. Information on socio-demographic data, food security, lifestyle (diet and physical activity), and neighbourhood environment (food and built environment) will be collected using a self-administrative questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements, including weight, height, and waist circumference, will be conducted following WHO standardized protocol. WHO Anthro Plus was used to determine the height-for-age (HAZ) and BMI-for-age (BAZ). Anaemic status through biochemical analyses will be taken using HemoCue 201+® haemoglobinometer.

Discussion
The study will provide insights into the seasonal effects in nutritional status and its associated factors of urban poor adolescents. These findings can be useful for relevant stakeholders, including policymakers and the government sector, in seizing context-specific strategies and policy opportunities that are seasonally sensitive, effective, and sustainable in addressing multiple challenges to combat all forms of malnutrition, especially among urban poor communities.

Trial registration
The protocol for this review has not been registered.
Dietary habits after a physical activity mHealth intervention: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sjöblom Linnea , Bonn Stephanie Erika , Alexandrou Christina , Dahlgren Anna , Eke Helén , Trolle Lagerros Ylva 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
A healthy diet and a sufficient amount of physical activity are important factors to reduce complications of type 2 diabetes. Diet and physical activity are associated behaviours. Individuals who are physically active have also been shown to have healthier eating habits than sedentary individuals. We aimed to evaluate the indirect effect of a smartphone-based physical activity intervention on dietary habits in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
We performed analyses of secondary outcomes in a randomized controlled trial. The active intervention was use of a smartphone application to promote physical activity during 12 weeks. Dietary intake was assessed at baseline and after three months using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire comprising 94 items. We analysed changes in the intake of fruit and vegetables, snacks, fibre, whole grains, vitamin C, saturated fat, unsaturated fat and total energy. We also assessed overall dietary habits using a dietary index developed by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Results were compared between the intervention and control group, as well as stratified by sex within the study groups. Paired t-tests and analysis of covariance were performed.

Results
A total of 181 patients were recruited to the DiaCert-study, whereof 146 patients had complete dietary data and were included in the analyses. Women in the intervention group had a higher fruit and vegetable intake (p = 0.008) and a higher dietary index (p = 0.007), at three-months compared to women in the control group. They had increased their daily intake of fruit and vegetables by on average 87.4 g/day (p = 0.04) and improved their dietary index by on average 0.8 points (p = 0.01) from baseline to follow-up. No effect was found in men.

Conclusions
Women, but not men, receiving a smartphone-based physical activity intervention improved their total intake of fruit and vegetables. The transfer effect, i.e. an intervention aimed at promoting one health behavior that facilitates changes in other health behaviors, may differ between the sexes.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03053336; 15/02/2017.
Challenges and outcomes of pregnancy in an uncorrected Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and major aorta-pulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCA): a case report
Authors: Thakur Surekha , Rawat Neha , Sharma Bharti , Sikka Pooja , Dogra Neeti , Aggarwal Neelam , Suri Vanita , Vijayvergiya Rajesh , Gawalkar Atit A. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Tetralogy of Fallot is a severe type of congenital heart disease (CHD) and one of the leading indirect causes of mortality & morbidity among women with CHD. We came across a rare case of an uncorrected Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries in pregnancy.

Case presentation
We are reporting the challenges in managing a pregnancy of 25-years-old G3 P0110, previous one stillbirth and who was diagnosed to have congenital heart disease during pregnancy following spontaneous abortion.

Conclusions
This case report highlights the role of multidisciplinary care in managing such a high risk case. It also emphasizes the role of cardiac examination of every woman before pregnancy so that definitive treatment or optimization can be done in time for a better outcome.
Role of [18F] FDG PET-CT in detection of COVID-19 vaccine-associated hypermetabolic lymphadenopathy (VAHL) in lymphoma patients: with serologic testing correlation
Authors: El Sammak Dena Abd El Aziz , Abdelhay Rabab M. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 vaccination of the population has a great importance, especially in oncological patients. The high incidence of vaccine-associated hypermetabolic lymphadenopathy (VAHL) makes a difficulty in the diagnosis of PET-CT of oncological patients. They should be vaccinated in the side opposite to the expected malignant LNs to avoid unnecessary biopsy and change in therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the role of PET-CT in detection of VAHL after the 2nd dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in lymphoma patients and compare the incidence of VAHL among lymphoma patients treated with B cell depletion therapy during the 6 months prior to vaccination and those treated > 6 months before vaccination.

Results
This study comprised 120 lymphoma patients, referred for FDG PET/CT 1–3 weeks after the 2nd dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Hypermetabolic LNs were identified in 55%. The incidence of VAHL in lymphoma patients treated with anti-CD20 antibody rituximab during the 6 months prior to vaccination (9%) was significantly lower compared with other lymphoma patients treated with anti-CD20 antibody rituximab > 6 months before vaccination (91%). The incidence and grades of VAHL are significantly high within the 1st week after the 2nd dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in patients younger than 60 years of age. Only 7 of 37 patients with negative serology had VAHL on PET-CT, whereas 10 of 26 patients with decreased anti-spike titers and 49 of 57 patients with increased anti-spike titers had VAHL on PET-CT.

Conclusions
VAHL makes challenges in the interpretation of FDG PET/CT in oncology patients. Accurate data collection, regarding the time and site of COVID vaccination, is important to help radiologists in identifying the cause of abnormal nodal FDG uptake. We suggest to schedule FDG PET-CT for lymphoma patients at least 3 weeks after the 2nd dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Fragility of FDI flows in sub-Saharan Africa region: does the paradox persist?
Authors: Adegboye Folasade Bosede , Okorie Uchechukwu Emena 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe circumstances of the SSA region regarding the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) present a puzzle. In spite of the high rate of return on investment, the inflow of foreign investments keeps eluding the region, and the COVID-19 pandemic even perplexes the flow fragility the more. What factors then determine FDI flows aside from return on investment? Could there be more persuasive relative cost complexes? The study aimed at testing the effects of determining factors that influence FDI flows and their impact on economic development, considering the COVID-19 period. The study used cross-country pooled data from 30 SSA countries collected between 2001 and 2020. The study utilized five panel estimation techniques, namely Pooled Regression, Fixed Effect (FE), Random Effect (RE), Panel Two-Stage Least Square and Differenced Generalized Moments of Method (DGMM). The study found that the inflow of FDI has significant positive impact on economic development in the sub-Saharan African region. It is also ascertained that the outflow of FDI, and political stability has an inverse relationship with economic development. The study recommends that governments of host economies should hence ensure an enabling framework for their economies, so as to improve infrastructure, political stability, and institutional quality, in order to sufficiently encourage the inflow of FDI into the SSA region and make the environment inviting, sustainable, and beneficial for foreign investors and host economies alike.
Physiological predictors of resting pulmonary hypertension associated with COPD: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Atta Muhammad E. , Khalil Yehia M. , Abd-Elhameed Asmaa , Morsi Tamer S. , Elbehairy Amany F. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background
Resting pulmonary hypertension (PH) is not uncommon in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the current study, we aimed to identify physiological predictors of resting PH in patients with COPD.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data derived from right heart catheterization in sixty-nine stable patients with COPD. Patients were categorized into COPD-PH (n = 33) and COPD-non-PH (n = 36), based on the “6th World Symposium on PH.”

Results
Demographics, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), lung volumes, cardiac output, and cardiac index were similar between groups, yet COPD-PH had greater pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and lower resting PaO2 (P < 0.05). The proportion of COPD-PH patients did not differ across the range of FEV1 (χ2 = 3.01, P = 0.22). No correlations were found between PVR and the degree of airflow obstruction or resting hyperinflation. Resting PaO2 was the only predictor of both pulmonary artery pressure and PVR.

Conclusions
Increased PVR, in response to arterial hypoxemia or directly induced by tobacco smoking, is likely the key factor that led to resting PH in the current sample of patients with moderate-severe COPD, regardless of the degree of airflow limitation or resting hyperinflation.
Connected simultaneous rupture of the diaphragm and pericardium via congenitally fused site due to blunt trauma
Authors: Yamashita Takashi , Asai Katsuyuki , Ochiai Hideto , Kanai Toshikazu , Matsubayashi Yuta , Tanaka Keizo , Hashimoto Takashi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
In severe blunt trauma, multiple organ injuries are often observed. Patients with a ruptured diaphragm and pericardium are referred to as having pericardio-diaphragmatic rupture. However, few studies have reported a narrowly defined case of connected rupture of the diaphragm and pericardium via their congenitally fused site along with an abdominal visceral herniation and cardiac luxation into the thoracic cavity.

Case presentation
A 78-year-old man presented to our hospital with left chest pain caused by a traffic accident. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a left diaphragmatic rupture and an intestinal herniation into the thoracic cavity. Surgical repair of the diaphragm was performed, and pericardial rupture was noted during surgery. It was considered that the laceration had spread via the congenitally fused site of the diaphragm and pericardium. The diaphragm was sutured, but the pericardium was left open because the laceration was large and the risk of cardiac incarceration was thought to be low. One year after the operation, no recurrence of diaphragmatic hernia was observed and any circulatory symptoms were not occurred.

Conclusions
In cases of diaphragmatic laceration extending to the fused site of the pericardium, connected pericardial rupture should also be considered. It would be challenging to detect without intraoperative findings, and it is desirable to observe both the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
Impact of digital health technology on health insurance claims rejection rate in Ghana: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Adzakpah Godwin , Dwomoh Duah 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Introduction
An efficient medical claims billing system is critical to mitigating the challenges associated with claim denials and ensuring the sustainability of providing healthcare services. This study assessed the impact of Digital Health Technology (DHT) in reducing the claim rejection rate of health insurance claims submitted by health facilities to the National Health Insurance Authority in Ghana.

Methods
The study used longitudinal data on monthly claims adjustments due to errors from both paper-based and claims submitted using different DHT systems from 2010 to 2019. The claim rejection rate was estimated for each month. Prais-Winsten Segmented Interrupted Time-Series analysis was used to estimate the impact of DHT systems by comparing claims data before and after the system implementation for each facility. We employed meta-analysis techniques to generate a pooled impact estimate of DHT systems on the claim rejection rate of health insurance claims.

Results
The total cost of deductions due to errors from the DHT system was significantly lower than the paper-based system (DHT = 8.15%, paper-based system = 10.13%). DHT contributed to an immediate impact of 1.31 percentage point reduction in the claim rejection rate of health insurance claims compared to the paper-based system.

Conclusion
The DHT recorded lower denied claims costs than the paper-based claims system. Scaling up the use of DHT for claims submission will reduce the rate of claim denials and ensure the sustainability of providing healthcare services.
Intracellular to Interorgan Mitochondrial Communication in Striated Muscle in Health and Disease
Authors: Boardman Neoma T , Trani Giulia , Scalabrin Marco , Romanello Vanina , Wüst Rob C I 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Mitochondria sense both biochemical and energetic input in addition to communicating signals regarding the energetic state of the cell. Increasingly, these signaling organelles are recognized as key for regulating different cell functions. This review summarizes recent advances in mitochondrial communication in striated muscle, with specific focus on the processes by which mitochondria communicate with each other, other organelles, and across distant organ systems. Intermitochondrial communication in striated muscle is mediated via conduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential to adjacent mitochondria, physical interactions, mitochondrial fusion or fission, and via nanotunnels, allowing for the exchange of proteins, mitochondrial DNA, nucleotides, and peptides. Within striated muscle cells, mitochondria-organelle communication can modulate overall cell function. The various mechanisms by which mitochondria communicate mitochondrial fitness to the rest of the body suggest that extracellular mitochondrial signaling is key during health and disease. Whereas mitochondria-derived vesicles might excrete mitochondria-derived endocrine compounds, stimulation of mitochondrial stress can lead to the release of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) into the circulation to modulate whole-body physiology. Circulating mitochondrial DNA are well-known alarmins that trigger the immune system and may help to explain low-grade inflammation in various chronic diseases. Impaired mitochondrial function and communication are central in common heart and skeletal muscle pathologies, including cardiomyopathies, insulin resistance, and sarcopenia. Lastly, important new advances in research in mitochondrial endocrinology, communication, medical horizons, and translational aspects are discussed.