bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iron status and anemia control are related to peritoneal membrane properties in peritoneally dialyzed patients
Authors: Głogowski Tomasz , Wojtaszek Ewa , Malyszko Jolanta 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundCharacteristics of peritoneal membrane is unique and individually different in peritoneal dialysis patients. Relationship between specific nature of peritoneal transport, anemia and inflammation has not yet been extensively studied. We attempted to outline the complex interplay of several biomarkers of iron status and their association with peritoneal transport, degree of inflammation and residual renal function.MethodsA total of 58 patients treated with peritoneal dialysis either CAPD or APD for at least 3 months were enrolled in this study. Full blood count, traditional markers of iron status (transferrin saturation-TSAT and ferritin), serum erythroferrone-ERFE, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), hepcidin, zonulin, growth differentiation factor −15 (GDF15), IL-16, hsCRP and hypoxia-inducible factor—α (HIF-1-α; in serum and dialysate) were measured using commercially available tests. We also performed Peritoneal Equilibrium Test and assessed GFR level.ResultsHb levels above 10 g/dL was found in 74% of patients. Hb levels positively correlated with residual renal function and nutritional status. Adequate iron status was diagnosed in 69% of subjects, only in 9% of patients, criteria for absolute iron deficiency were met. Serum ERFE correlated inversely with hepcidin levels but was not associated with erythropoietin stimulating agent dose. Peritoneal transport had strong correlation with dialysate sTfR (p &lt; 0.05), dialysate hepcidin (p &lt; 0.05), dialysate GDF15 (p &lt; 0.01) and dialysate zonulin (p &lt; 0.001) levels, as well as serum IL6 (p = 0.03), serum hs-CRP (p = 0.04) and dialysate hs-CRP (p = 0.04).ConclusionResidual kidney function contributes considerably to better control of anemia. Various degree of inflammation is inherent to PD patients. Additionally, fast-average peritoneal transport is associated with greater degree of inflammation and higher concentration of markers of iron status, GDF15 and zonulin in dialysate. This finding may indicate more effective clearance of higher-range middle molecules in fast-average transporters. The role of ERFE as a marker of erythropoiesis in PD patients requires further investigation.
Serum amyloid A is a potential predictor of prognosis in acute ischemic stroke patients after intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Chang Qi , Li Yaqiang , Xue Min , Yu Chuanqing , He Jiale , Duan Xun 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesInflammation shows a notable relationship to acute ischemic stroke’s (AIS) occurrence and prognosis. However, existing research has confirmed that serum amyloid A (SAA) is an inflammatory biomarker. The aim of this paper was to investigate the association between SAA and the three-month clinical results of acute AIS patients after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT).MethodsThe evaluation of AIS patients with complete medical records was carried out by prospectively investigating patients hospitalized in our department between January 2020 and February 2023. The SAA levels were examined with the use of an immunosorbent assay kit that shows a relationship with the enzyme (Invitrogen Corp). Patients were dichotomized into favorable (mRS score of 0, 1 or 2) and unfavorable (mRS score of 3, 4, 5, or 6) results with the use of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).ResultsA total of 405 AIS patients who were subjected to IVT therapy were prospectively covered. To be specific, 121 (29.88%) patients had an unfavorable prognosis during the follow-up for 3 months. On that basis, patients achieving unfavorable results gained notably greater SAA levels (39.77 (IQR 38.32–46.23) vs.31.23 (IQR 27.44–34.47), p &lt; 0.001) during hospitalization in comparison to patients with a better result. In the analysis with multiple variates, SAA was adopted to achieve the independent prediction of the three-month unfavorable clinical results of acute AIS patients after IVT [OR:2.874 (95% CI, 1.764–4.321), p &lt; 0.001]. When the fundamental confounding factors were regulated, the odds ratio (OR) of unfavorable prognosis after AIS patients undergoing IVT therapy was 4.127 (95% CI = 1.695–10.464, p = 0.032) for the maximum tertile of SAA in terms of the minimal tertile. With an AUC of 0.703 (95% CI, 0.649–0.757), SAA revealed a notably more effective discriminating capability in terms of CRP, NLR, EMR, and WBC. SAA as a predictor in terms of the prediction of three-month unfavorable results after AIS patients undergoing IVT therapy achieved specificity and sensitivity of 84.45% and 77.23%, as well as an optimal cut-off value (COV) of 37.39.ConclusionSAA level that is up-regulated during hospitalization is capable of serving as an effective marker in terms of the prediction of unfavorable three-month results in AIS patients after IVT.
Behavioral changes in FPR2/ALX and Chemr23 receptor knockout mice are exacerbated by prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Mooney Sandra M. , Billings Elanaria , McNew Madison , Munson Carolyn A. , Shaikh Saame R. , Smith Susan M. 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionPrenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes neuroinflammation that may contribute to the pathophysiology underlying Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has shown success in mitigating effects of PAE in animal models, however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Some PUFA metabolites, specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), play a role in the resolution phase of inflammation, and receptors for these are in the brain.MethodsTo test the hypothesis that the SPM receptors FPR2 and ChemR23 play a role in PAE-induced behavioral deficits, we exposed pregnant wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice to alcohol in late gestation and behaviorally tested male and female offspring as adolescents and young adults.ResultsMaternal and fetal outcomes were not different among genotypes, however, growth and behavioral phenotypes in the offspring did differ and the effects of PAE were unique to each line. In the absence of PAE, ChemR23 KO animals showed decreased anxiety-like behavior on the elevated plus maze and FPR2 KO had poor grip strength and low activity compared to age-matched WT mice. WT mice showed improved performance on fear conditioning between adolescence and young adulthood, this was not seen in either KO.DiscussionThis PAE model has subtle effects on WT behavior with lower activity levels in young adults, decreased grip strength in males between test ages, and decreased response to the fear cue indicating an effect of alcohol exposure on learning. The PAE-mediated decreased response to the fear cue was also seen in ChemR23 KO but not FPR2 KO mice, and PAE worsened performance of adolescent FPR2 KO mice on grip strength and activity. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insight into how PUFAs could act to attenuate cognitive impairments caused by PAE.
Pituitary metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma as the initial presentations: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: He Qiang , Deng Feng , Cai Bowen , You Chao , Zheng Songping 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundExtrahepatic metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is common. However, pituitary metastasis of HCC is extremely rare. Our case may be helpful to extend the understanding of the disease.Case presentationA 65-year-old man presented to the outpatient department for unexplained headache and ptosis for 1 month. Brain imaging showed a slight enhancement tumor in the pituitary fossa, and the endocrinological assessment showed normal results. We considered the tumor as a non-functioning pituitary adenoma before surgery. Then, the tumor was resected by an endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. The histopathological examination results revealed the pituitary metastasis of HCC. Additional abdominal imaging revealed tumors were located in the left and right liver lobes with portal vein invasion and bilateral ilium metastases. After multidisciplinary cooperation, the patient chose chemotherapy.ConclusionWe report a case of HCC metastasis to the pituitary gland that initially presented with neurological symptoms. We should consider the possibility of pituitary metastasis in HCC patients.
Hemoglobin level associates with survival in women from Appalachian Kentucky with uterine cervix cancer
Authors: Kunos Charles A. , Fabian Denise , Fredericks Tricia , Baldwin Lauren , Dietrich Charles , Miller Rachel W. , Ueland Frederick R. 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThe purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the relationship between pretherapy hemoglobin levels and progression-free survival among women with uterine cervix cancer undergoing concurrent weekly cisplatin and radiotherapy followed by brachytherapy.MethodsPatients with advanced-stage II-IVA uterine cervix cancer were grouped by hemoglobin level (Hgb ≥ 12.0, 11.9-10.0, or &lt; 10.0 g/dL). Endpoints were progression-free survival, overall survival, and local control.ResultsBetween 01/2001 and 07/2022, 168 patients contributed demographic, tumor, pretherapy hemoglobin, and outcome data with a median follow-up of 31 months. Progression-free survival at three years was 73% (95% confidence interval: 58%-84%), 71% (95% confidence interval: 56%-82%), and 62% (95% confidence interval: 44%-75%) for the Hgb ≥ 12.0, 11.9-10.0, or &lt; 10.0 g/dL groups, respectfully (P &lt; 0.001). In addition, pretherapy hemoglobin levels were significant with treatment outcome when included in a multivariate analysis of prognostic variables.DiscussionIn conclusion, the difference in pretherapy hemoglobin level was prognostic of progression-free survival.
The incidence of malignancies in asbestosis with chrysotile exposure: a large Chinese prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Jingwei , Huang Xiaoyun , Ma Ruimin , Zhang Qian , Wu Na , Du Xuqin , Ye Qiao 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundAsbestos exposure is closely related to the occurrence and development of various malignancies. This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the incidence rate and potential risk factors in a cohort of asbestosis patients in China.MethodsThe incidence of malignancies was determined in patients who had been exposed to chrysotile asbestos and diagnosed with asbestosis sequentially at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2019. Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the correlations between clinical variables and asbestosis combined with malignancies.ResultsA total of 618 patients with asbestosis were identified, of whom 544 were eligible for analysis. Among them, 89 (16.36%) were diagnosed with various malignancies. The standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of patients with asbestosis combined with malignancies were 16.61, 175, 5.23, and 8.77 for lung cancer, mesothelioma, breast cancer, and endometrial carcinoma, respectively. The risks of all malignancies and lung cancer increased with initial exposure before 17 years old, longer asbestos exposure, and smoking.ConclusionsThe SIRs of patients with asbestosis-related malignancies were significantly increased in lung cancer, mesothelioma, breast cancer, and endometrial carcinoma in a hospital-based Chinese cohort. Smoking and the duration of asbestos exposure increased the risk of lung cancer.
Histological and molecular glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype: a real-world landscape using the 2021 WHO classification of central nervous system tumors
Authors: Guo Xiaopeng , Gu Lingui , Li Yilin , Zheng Zhiyao , Chen Wenlin , Wang Yaning , Wang Yuekun , Xing Hao , Shi Yixin , Liu Delin , Yang Tianrui , Xia Yu , Li Junlin , Wu Jiaming , Zhang Kun , Liang Tingyu , Wang Hai , Liu Qianshu , Jin Shanmu , Qu Tian , Guo Siying , Li Huanzhang , Wang Yu , Ma Wenbin 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionGlioblastoma (GBM), the most lethal primary brain malignancy, is divided into histological (hist-GBM) and molecular (mol-GBM) subtypes according to the 2021 World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors. This study aimed to characterize the clinical, radiological, molecular, and survival features of GBM under the current classification scheme and explore survival determinants.MethodsWe re-examined the genetic alterations of IDH-wildtype diffuse gliomas at our institute from 2011 to 2022, and enrolled GBMs for analysis after re-classification. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify survival determinants.ResultsAmong 209 IDH-wildtype gliomas, 191 were GBMs, including 146 hist-GBMs (76%) and 45 mol-GBMs (24%). Patients with mol-GBMs were younger, less likely to develop preoperative motor dysfunction, and more likely to develop epilepsy than hist-GBMs. Mol-GBMs exhibited lower radiographic incidences of contrast enhancement and intratumoral necrosis. Common molecular features included copy-number changes in chromosomes 1, 7, 9, 10, and 19, as well as alterations in EGFR, TERT, CDKN2A/B, and PTEN, with distinct patterns observed between the two subtypes. The median overall survival (mOS) of GMB was 12.6 months. Mol-GBMs had a higher mOS than hist-GBMs, although not statistically significant (15.6 vs. 11.4 months, p=0.17). Older age, male sex, tumor involvement of deep brain structure or functional area, and genetic alterations in CDK4, CDK6, CIC, FGFR3, KMT5B, and MYB were predictors for a worse prognosis, while MGMT promoter methylation, maximal tumor resection, and treatment based on the Stupp protocol were predictive for better survival.ConclusionThe definition of GBM and its clinical, radiological, molecular, and prognostic characteristics have been altered under the current classification.
Predictors of prolonged hospitalization among children aged 2–59 months with severe community-acquired pneumonia in public hospitals of Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia: a multicenter retrospective follow-up study
Authors: Dinku Habtamu , Amare Dessalegn , Mulatu Sileshi , Abate Melsew Dagne 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundPneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children aged under 5 years in Ethiopia. Prolonged hospitalization of severe community-acquired pneumonia is a significant problem in resource-limited countries. This study seeks to provide insights that can help improve the management and outcomes of severe community-acquired pneumonia, which is particularly important in the context of the Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia, where access to quality healthcare services is limited, and childhood pneumonia is a significant health challenge.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine the predictors of prolonged hospitalization among children aged 2–59 months admitted with severe community-acquired pneumonia between 1 January 2016 and 30 December 2020 in the public hospitals in Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia.MethodA retrospective follow-up study design was conducted among randomly selected samples of 526 children. Data were entered into EPI data version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA version 14.0. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was fitted to identify the independent predictors of prolonged hospitalization, and variables with a p-value &lt;0.05 in the multivariable model were considered statistically significant.ResultsThe median hospital stay was 5 days (interquartile range 2–8 = 6). Approximately 149 (28.93%) children had prolonged hospitalization (&gt;5 days) and the recovery rate from severe community-acquired pneumonia was 19.69 per 100 person-day observations. The significant predictors of prolonged hospitalization were as follows: having facility referral sources [0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.63–0.98]; a nutritional status of wasting (0.64, 95% CI, 0.44–0.94); anemia (0.65, 95% CI, 0.46–0.90); no identified hemoglobin level (0.53, 95% CI, 0.41–0.70); no identified blood film (0.65, 95% CI, 0.53–0.80); no chest x-ray investigation (0.81, 95% CI, 0.65–0.99); pulmonary effusion (0.31, 95% CI, 0.15–0.66); and late presenters to hospital (0.67, 95% CI, 0.53–0.84) at admission.ConclusionsThe median length of stay in hospital was delayed compared to other studies. Wasting, late presenting to hospital, pulmonary effusion, anemia, absence of investigations of hemoglobin level, chest x-ray, and blood film at admission time were factors that significantly prolonged the hospitalization time. Hence, attention should be given to the prevention of malnutrition and anemia in children, increasing early health-seeking behavior in the community. Attention should be given to complications such as pleural effusion, and investigations, such as chest x-ray, hemoglobin levels, and blood films, should be performed when the child is admitted.
The status of pediatric surgery in Malawi: a narrative mini-review
Authors: Flocks Monaghan Celina , Pittalis Chiara , Byrne Elaine , Hussein Israa , Chilunjika Tiyamike , Nandi Bip , Borgstein Eric , Gajewski Jakub 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionPediatric surgery is essential to a well-functioning health system. Unmet surgical needs contribute to 6.7% of pediatric deaths in Malawi. Understanding the current state of pediatric surgical care in Malawi is necessary to recognize gaps and opportunities in service delivery and to develop evidence-based national planning and solutions.MethodsThis narrative mini review synthesized the literature on the state of pediatric surgery in Malawi through the pillars of the World Health Organization's Health System Building Blocks. A search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was executed to identify relevant studies and a thematic analysis was performed. Further, to ensure contextual accuracy, pediatric surgeons from Malawi were consulted and involved in this review.ResultsTwenty-six papers were identified. In Malawi's central hospitals, there are six specialist pediatric surgeons for a pediatric population of more than 8 million. There is limited pediatric surgical capacity at the district hospitals. There is little to no written evidence of the national governing and finance structures in place for pediatric surgical services.DiscussionIn countries like Malawi, where a significant portion of the population comprises children, it is crucial to recognize that pediatric services are currently inadequate and fall short of the required standards. It is crucial to prioritize the enhancement of services specifically designed for this age group. This review aims to shed light on the existing gaps within pediatric surgical services in Malawi, providing valuable insights that can inform the development of comprehensive national surgical planning strategies.
Outcomes after HSCT for mucolipidosis II (I-cell disease) caused by novel compound heterozygous GNPTAB mutations
Authors: He Si-jia , Li Dong-jun , Lv Wen-qiong , Tang Wen-hao , Sun Shu-wen , Zhu Yi-ping , Liu Ying , Wu Jin , Lu Xiao-xi 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundMucolipidosis type II (MLII), or I-cell disease, is a rare lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by variants in the GNPTAB gene. MLII patients exhibit clinical phenotypes in the prenatal or neonatal stage, such as marked dysmorphic features, cardiac involvement, respiratory symptoms, dysostosis multiplex, severe growth abnormalities, and mental and motor developmental abnormalities. The median age at diagnosis for MLII is 0.7 years, the median survival is 5.0 years, and the median age at death is 1.8 years. No cure for MLII exists.MethodsSanger sequencing of the GNPTAB gene identified the compound heterozygous mutations c.673C &gt; T in exon 7 and c.1090C &gt; T in exon 9, which were novel double heterozygous mutations first reported in China. For the first time, we describe our experience in the use of HSCT for MLII. Our patient underwent HSCT with cells from a 9/10 human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched unrelated donor at 12 months of age. Myeloid neutrophil and platelet engraftment occurred on Days 10 and 11, respectively.ResultsThe patient's limb muscle tension was significantly reduced, and his gross and fine motor skills were improved four months after transplantation. DST(Developmental Screen Test) results showed that the patient's fine motor skills and mental development were improved compared with before HSCT.ConclusionMLII is a very severe lysosomal storage disease, to date, only 3 cases have been reported on the use of HSCT to treat MLII. Our data show that HSCT is a potential way to prolong the life of patients and improve their quality of life. Due to the lack of comparable data and time, the exact benefit remains unclear in MLII patients. Longer-term follow-up and in-depth prospective studies are indispensable.
A 3-min weighted vests re-warmups induce sprint performance enhancements at the start of the second half of a soccer match-play
Authors: Ltifi Mohamed Amine , Turki Olfa , Racil Ghazi , Larion Alin , Chelly Mohamed Souhaiel , Ben Saad Helmi , Khalifa Riadh , Chamari Karim , Padulo Johnny 
Published: July 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of re-warm-up (RWUP) activities consisting of three sets of 15-m sprints with weighted vests on 20-m sprint performance after the break.Methods: Using a randomized, and counterbalanced cross-over design, twenty U15 elite soccer players performed four RWUP trials which consisted of 15-min of passive rest (control: CONT), 3 × 15-m sprint (RW0%), sprinting with a vest-loaded at 5% of body-mass (BM) (RW5%), sprinting with a 10% BM vest (RW10%). The 3-min RWUP protocols started 10-min after the commencement of the 15-min between-halves break and concluded 2-min before its end. During each testing session, the participant’s RPE scores, and 20-m sprint performance were registered before the first half, and at the end of the break of the simulated match-play.Results: Significant time effects [F (1.72) = 54.37, d = 1.88, p &lt; 0.001; F (1.72) = 9.07, d = 0.77, p = 0.003], and condition effects [F (3.72) = 11.81, d = 1.53, p &lt; 0.001; F (3.72) = 7.36, d = 1.21, p = 0.003] were observed for RPE scores and 20-m sprint performance, respectively. Significant condition-by-time interactions were found for RPE scores (p &lt; 0.003, d = 0.54), and 20-m sprint performance (p &lt; 0.002, d = 0.70). Contrast analysis showed significantly higher RPE scores (p &lt; 0.001, d = 1.55), and improved 20-m sprint performance (p = 0.0004, d = 1.19) in the RW10% condition compared to all other conditions.Conclusion: Sprinting for 3-min with a 10% body-mass vest resulted in the highest RPE scores and the most substantial enhancements in 20-m sprint performance. Young elite soccer players should incorporate 10% body-mass weighted vests in their re-warm-ups to boost post-break sprint performance.
Structural and functional organization of anti-corruption activity management
Authors: Boyko A. 
Published: July 2023

Since 2009, legal, organizational and methodological measures have been permanently taken to strengthen the fight against corruption. However, the data of legal statistics and assessments of international organizations are far from positive conclusions and even forward-looking expectations.
In this regard, significant questions arise about the causes of persistent corruption phenomena in public authorities, including its highest levels, and, accordingly, ways to overcome them. Some analysts and politicians see the main reason in the qualitative lack of elaboration of the anti-corruption measures taken, while others, including the author, see the lack of systematic management of the state civil service and personnel, especially at its federal level. The carried out transformations of structures in this management subsystem did not and cannot give the desired results. Therefore, the work is devoted to the substantiation of an adequate model of system management of the state federal service, including the block of anti-corruption activities.