bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Ultrasound Cycloplasty and Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation in the Treatment of Secondary Glaucoma
Authors: Ruixue Wang , Wenjun Ding , Le Jiang , Fangfang Fan , Ning Li , Xiaoya Chen , Suyan Li 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To compare the clinical efficacy of ultrasound cycloplasty (UCP) and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) in the treatment of secondary glaucoma.
Methods
A 12-month prospective single-center study included 23 patients with secondary glaucoma treated by high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and 20 patients with secondary glaucoma treated by a semiconductor laser. The primary outcome was evaluated by the surgical success at the last follow-up of the two groups (complete success constituted an intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction of ≥ 20% from the baseline and an IOP of > 5 mmHg and ≤ 21 mmHg, while qualified success was defined as an IOP reduction of ≥ 20% from the baseline and an IOP of > 5 mmHg). The secondary outcome was the average IOP, number of drugs, and complications at each follow-up compared with the baseline.
Results
The average preoperative IOPs in the UCP and ECP groups were 36.4 ± 9.5 mmHg (n = 2.3 drops, n = 0.2 tablets) and 34.5 ± 11.7 mmHg (n = 2.0 drops, n = 0.3 tablets), respectively. In the last follow-up, the success rate of UCP was 54% (with a decrease of 32%), and that of ECP was 65% (with a decrease of 35%), and the P-value between the two groups was > 0.05. However, there was a difference in the average IOP between the two groups one day and one week after the operation, and the effect of lowering IOP in the ECP group was better. However, the amount of drug use after the operation was significantly reduced. There were fewer postoperative complications in the UCP group (18 cases) than in the ECP group (35 cases).
Conclusion
Both UCP and ECP can effectively reduce IOP in secondary glaucoma, and ECP has a better effect in the early stages. However, UCP is safer and more tolerated.
Effects of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Practices on Soil Properties under Wheat and Faba Bean Production in Dire and Legedadi Watersheds of Ethiopia
Authors: Habtamu Meseret , Elias Eyasu , Argaw Mekuria 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Purpose Soil degradation and nutrient depletion have gradually increased and become serious threats to agricultural productivity in Ethiopia. This research aims to assess the effects of selected integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) practices on soil properties in Dire and Legedadi watersheds, central highlands of Ethiopia. Knowing how ISFM practices affect soil quality indicators will enable us to take the appropriate measure to improve sustainable crop yield while reducing the ongoing soil degradation. Methods A field experiment of eight treatments under a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons. Selected soil physicochemical properties were determined following the standard protocols. Soil organic carbon (SOC) stock, Nitrogen (N) stock and carbon sequestration (t ha− 1) were calculated according to Donvan’s equation. Results Analysis of variance showed that soil samples collected from each plot indicated significant differences in soil organic carbon, total Nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (Pav), exchangeable bases (Ca2+, Na+, and Kexc) and Cation exchange capacity (CEC). Soil pH and moisture showed improvement compared to the pre-planting soil sample. Combined application of vermicompost (VC), NPS + Urea fertilizers significantly (p < 0.05) increased SOC, Pav, Kexc, Na+, and CEC. The highest TN content (0.36% and 0.30%) in Dire and Legedadi sites, respectively, water holding capacity and soil carbon stock were obtained in 100% VC rate added treatment. Similarly, the wheat-faba bean intercropped plot showed a significant (p < 0.05) effect on soil carbon stock and sequestration over the control in both study sites. Conclusions Integrated application of VC and NPS + urea fertilizers improved soil quality. From results of the current experiment for two years, it can be concluded that integrated application of 50% VC with 50% NPS + urea fertilizer improved most physicochemical properties soil of Luvisol and Vertisol in Dire and Legedadi sites, respectively. This implies that the combined application of VC and NPS + urea fertilizers helps farmers to reduce the use of inorganic fertilizer requirement by 50%.
Novel Disulfide Functionalized Nitrogen-rich Covalent Organic Polymer for Efficient and Recylable Adsorption of Au(III)
Authors: Peng Lin-Ling , Zhou Wei-Fang , Chen Min , Li Li-Jun , Liu Yu , Zhou Cong-Shan , Xie Jun , Tang Kewen 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Covalent organic polymers (COPs), as a new type of porous materials, is suitable for selective adsorption and recovery of various metal ions due to its stable skeleton structure, abundant surface functional groups, diverse structure, and large adsorption capacity. According to the acid-base theory, since the unbound lone pair electrons on the S or N atoms are able to form coordination bonds with metal ions, gold ion can form stable metal complexes with negatively charged ligands containing S or N atoms, and thus can be captured from aqueous solutions through coordination and electrostatic interaction. Herein, a novel disulfide functionalized nitrogen-rich covalent organic polymer (S-COP) was synthesized for efficient Au(III) adsorption from aqueous solution. The adsorption equilibrium of the adsorbent could be achieved within 5 h, and the as-synthesized S-COP exhibits an exceedingly high Au(III) uptake capacity of 1506 mg·g− 1. Furthermore, S-COP has satisfactory selectivity and reusability, which is a highlight of adsorption materials.
Survival analysis of patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A nomogram for clinical and MRI features
Authors: Zeng Yan Yan , Wang Xiao Yong , Wu Jiao Jiao , Wang Li Min , Shi Feng , Shu Jian 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to establish a predictive model to estimate the postoperative prognosis of patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) based on preoperative clinical and MRI features.
Methods
A total of 104 patients with ECC confirmed by surgery and pathology were enrolled from January 2013 to July 2021, whose preoperative clinical, laboratory, and MRI data were retrospectively collected and examined, and the effects of clinical and imaging characteristics on overall survival (OS) were analyzed by constructing Cox proportional hazard regression models. A nomogram was constructed to predict OS, and calibration curves and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to assess OS accuracy.
Results
Multivariate regression analyses revealed that gender, DBIL, ALT, GGT, tumor size, lesion’s position, the signal intensity ratio of liver to paraspinal muscle (SIRLiver/Muscle), and the signal intensity ratio of spleen to paraspinal muscle (SIRSpleen/Muscle) on T2WI sequences were significantly associated with OS, and these variables were included in a nomogram. The concordance index of nomogram for predicting OS was 0.766, and the AUC values of the nomogram predicting 1-year and 2-year OS rates were 0.838 and 0.863, respectively. The calibration curve demonstrated good agreement between predicted and observed OS. 5-fold and 10-fold cross-validation show good stability of nomogram predictions
Conclusions
Our nomogram based on clinical, laboratory, and MRI features well predicted OS of ECC patients, and could be considered as a convenient and personalized prediction tool for clinicians to make decisions.
Hepatitis C virus may accelerate breast cancer progression by increasing mutant p53 and c-Myc oncoproteins circulating levels
Authors: Fathy Amira , Abdelrazek Mohamed A. , Attallah Abdelfattah M. , Abouzid Amr , El-Far Mohamed 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was reported to relate to polymorphous and frequent extrahepatic manifestation. Despite the limited studies, HCV viral oncoproteins may be implicated in breast cancer (BC) tumor aggressiveness. In a trial to elucidate a mechanistic link, this study aimed to investigate a mutant p53 and c-Myc oncoproteins expression levels in BC patients with and without HCV infection.Methods:A total of 215 BC patients (119 infected and 96 non-infected with HCV) were collected. ELISA was used for detection of anti-HCV antibodies, mutant p53, c-Myc, HCV-NS4, CEA, CA 125 and CA-15.3.Results:HCV infection was related to BC late stages, lymph node invasion, distant metastasis, high grades and large size. HCV infected patients had a significantly (P<0.05) higher WBCs, ALT and AST activity, bilirubin CEA, CA125 and CA15.3 levels, and reduced haemoglobin, albumin and RBCs count. Regardless of tumor severity, HCV infection was associated with significant elevated levels of mutant p53 (22.5±3.5 µg/mL; 1.9-fold increase) and c-Myc (21.4±1.8 µg/mL; 1.5-fold increase). Among HCV-infected patients, elevated levels of p53 and c-Myc were significantly correlated with elevated tumor markers (CEA, CA 125 and CA15.3) and HCV-NS4 levels.Conclusions:this study concluded that HCV infection may be accompanied with BC severity behaviour and this may be owing to elevated expression of mutant p53 and c-Myc oncoproteins.
How to estimate the probability of a live birth after one or more complete IVF cycles？The development of a novel model in a single-center
Authors: Kong Xiangyi , Liu Zhiqiang , Huang Chunyu , Hu Xiuyu , Mo Meilan , Zhang Hongzhan , Zeng Yong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
To estimate the probability of a live birth for an infertile couple after one or more complete cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) by using a Cox regression and Nomogram model.
Methods
A retrospective study for establishing a prediction model was conducted in the reproductive center of Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital. A total of 4413 patients who completed ovarian stimulation treatment and reached the trigger were involved. 70% of the patients were randomly placed into the training set (n = 3089) and the remaining 30% of the patients were placed into the validation set (n = 1324) randomly. Live birth rate (LBR) and cumulative LBR (CLBR) were calculated for one retrieval cycle and the subsequent five frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Proportional Hazards (PH) Assumption test was used for selecting the parameter in the predictive model. A Cox regression model was built based on the basis of training set, and ROC curves were used to test the specificity and sensitivity of the prediction model. Subsequently, the validation set was applied to verify the validity of the model. Finally, for a more intuitive assessment of the CLBR more intuitively for clinicians and patients, a Nomogram model was established based on predictive model. By calculating the scores of the model, the clinicians could more effectively predict the probability for an individual patient to obtain at least one live birth.
Result(s):
In the fresh embryo transfer cycle, the LBR was 38.7%. In the first to fifth FET cycle, the optimal estimate and conservative estimate CLBRs were 59.95%, 65.41%, 66.35%, 66.58%, 66.61% and 56.81%, 60.84%, 61.50%, 61.66%, 61.68%, respectively. Based on PH test results, the potential predictive factors for live birth were insemination method, infertility factors, serum progesterone level (R = 0.043, p = 0.059), and luteinizing hormone level (R = 0.015, p = 0.499) on the day initiated with gonadotropin, basal follicle-stimulating hormone (R = -0.042, p = 0.069) and BMI (R = -0.035, p = 0.123). We used ROC curve to test the predictive power of the model. The AUC was 0.782 (p < 0.01, 95% CI: 0.764–0.801). Then the model was verified using the validation data. The AUC was 0.801 (p < 0.01, 95% CI: 0.774–0.828). A Nomogram model was built based on potential predictive factors that might influence the event of a live birth.
Conclusion(s):
The Cox regression and Nomogram prediction models effectively predicted the probability of infertile couples having a live birth. Therefore, this model could assist clinicians with making clinical decisions and providing guidance for patients.
Trial registration:
N/A.
Retrospective review of pembrolizumab plus cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil as induction therapy for patients with unresectable T4b esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hokamura Nobukazu , Fukagawa Takeo , Fukushima Ryoji , Kiyokawa Takashi , Horikawa Masahiro , Soeda Naruyoshi , Suzuki Yusuke , Kaneshiro Shinya , Abe Koichiro , Kodashima Shinya , Yamamoto Takatsugu , Oshima Yasutoshi , Ishida Tsuyoshi , Sasajima Yuko , Nomoto Akihiro , Shiraishi Kenshiro , Ito Ai 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background: Pembrolizumab plus cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil administered as first-line therapy for advanced esophageal cancer patients has shown a better objective response and survival than conventional chemotherapy with less severe hematological adverse events. The safety and efficacy of this regimen were evaluated in patients with T4b esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Methods: Eight consecutive patients with T4b ESCC received this regimen according to KEYNOTE-590 as induction, and they were evaluated after 1-3 courses. The programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) was also evaluated before chemotherapy. Efficacy for the primary lesion was evaluated by our original formula for the tumor reduction rate.
Results: The numbers of patients with partial response (PR), stable disease, and progressive disease (PD) were 5, 1, and 2, respectively. The tumor reduction rate ranged from 69% to 87% in PR patients, and all PR patients had relief from T4b. One patient underwent conversion surgery with R0 resection. PD-L1 CPS was over 90 in 2 PR patients, but under 10 in 2 other PR patients. PD-L1 CPS was under 10 in PD patients. One patient had hyperprogression, resulting in an esophago-pulmonary fistula. Greater than grade 3 adverse events were bleeding gastric ulcer in one patient (12.5%), neutropenia without G-CSF in 3 patients (37.5%), and hypopotassemia in 1 patient (12.5%). No patient had febrile neutropenia.
Conclusions: Marked tumor reduction was confirmed in 62.5% of patients with pembrolizumab plus cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil with less adverse events. This regimen could be administered as induction chemotherapy for patients with T4b ESCC.
Prone Position Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Preparedness: Tool Development
Authors: Hroub Ahmad Al , Al-Yatim Sami , AlRuzzieh Majeda 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Patients in specialized units are purposely maintained in a prone position to surgically access internal organs or to improve patients’ oxygenation. Cardiac arrest unpredictably might occur while patients are in a prone position. The preparedness of health care providers (HCPs) to respond to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while patients are in a prone position (PPCPR) cannot be underestimated.
Purpose
This study aims to develop a tool to measure health care providers’ preparedness to perform prone position CPR, and to undertake an exploratory factor analysis.
Methods
A mixed-methods approach incorporating both qualitative and quantitative design is used. The PPCPR preparedness English language tool was constructed and tested for its validity and reliability, and an exploratory factor analysis was undertaken, among a convenience sample of 305 HCPs in different health care sectors in Jordan.
Results
The exploratory factor analysis resulted in a three-factor solution that explained 69.51% of the variance. These factors are competency and confidence, planning and training, and support and resource availability. The overall Cronbach’s alpha is 0.959 that indicates very good internal consistency. The final version of the tool consisted of 26 items that measure HCPs’ preparedness to perform PPCPR.
Conclusion
The final constructed PPCPR tool was found to be a valid and reliable tool. Moreover, the development of that tool represents a significant step towards improving HCPs’ preparedness to perform prone position CPR. By providing a standardized and comprehensive assessment tool, health care facilities can identify gaps in their readiness and implement targeted interventions to enhance their capabilities.
Identification, Systematic Evolution and Expression Analysis of PRMT Gene Family in Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Shao Yuke , Yu Zhenyuan , Zhang Xiaofang , Shi Min , Ding Han , Fang Huihui 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Methylation is a chemical modification of DNA, histones, proteins and other molecules. Methylation on the Arginine residue of proteins is an irreversible modification after translation that takes involvement in a variety of crucial cellular activities in eukaryotes, for example, chromatin remodeling, transcriptional control, DNA repair, RNA processing, mRNA translation, protein interaction regulation, signal transduction, etc. Arg is methylated by a class of enzymes called protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). To further understand the PRMT family genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), we carried out bioinformatical study for the purpose of describing SlPRMT genes.
Results
Here, we identified 9 PRMT genes in Solanum lycopersicum, and they were located on the 1st, 4th, 5th 6th, 7th, 8th and 12th chromosomes. Phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis indicated that one duplication event occurred between tomato chromosomes, and synteny conservation was quite high between tomato and potato. Many cis-regulatory elements existed in SlPRMT gene promoters, which were linked to abiotic stresses and hormonal responses, suggested the significance of these genes in the perception and transmission of diverse hormones and environmental signals by plants. According to the results of both public transcriptome data and our qPCR analysis, the majority of SlPRMT genes were able to expressing in various organs and developmental stages with different members having different expression patterns, and although most of them could adapt to heat and drought stress, distinct SlPRMT genes displayed unique response profiles. The results of the expression study suggested that SlPRMT genes might play multiple roles in the process of growth, development, and stress responses in plants.
Conclusion
Our study provided a comprehensive and systematic analysis of SlPRMT genes in tomato, which will be valuable for further identification of the functions of SlPRMTs in tomato.
Toxoplasma gondii molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis in hemodialysis patients from Khuzestan, Southwest Iran.
Authors: Yarahmadi Saba , Saki Jasem , Arjmand Reza , Shahbazian Heshmatollah 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
A vast variety of diverse creatures, including humans, are infected by the obligate intracellular parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. Studies have revealed that those with compromised immune systems, such as hemodialysis patients, are more vulnerable to toxoplasmosis infection, which can have catastrophic consequences for them.
Objective
This study's goals were to assess the frequency of T. gondii infection in haemodialysis patients in Southwest Iran and to conduct phylogenetic analysis of the isolates.
Materials and Methods
Blood samples were taken from 379 haemodialysis patients who were referred to Ahvaz, Iran's educational hospitals. Using a Bioneer genomic DNA purification kit, DNA was recovered from the samples. T. gondii infection was discovered using a nested PCR with two pairings targeting the B1 gene, which was later verified by sequencing. Sequencing was done on ten T. gondii amplicons. The next step was to create a phylogenetic tree.
Results
T. gondii DNA was found in 112 (29.55%) of the blood samples by nested PCR. Amplicons from T. gondii revealed 96–100% identity with GenBank sequences. The main genotype of T. gondii, according to sequencing and phylogenetic studies, was type I.
Conclusion
The results of the current investigation indicated that hemodialysis patients have a high incidence of toxoplasmosis. Therefore, treating toxoplasmosis in these people needs to be done carefully.
Starting with sustainability: utilizing food wastes as nursery feed for black solder fly neonates
Authors: Zhang Qi-Hui , Nicole Lee Li Ying , Unadirekkul Phira , Puniamoorthy Nalini 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
With black soldier fly (BSF) larvae being recognized as effective waste convertors, the global market for BSF industry is projected to grow substantially in the coming decade. However, using non-waste materials in the bioconversion process increases the environmental footprint of the BSF industry [e.g.: chicken feed (CF) as primary neonatal nursery meal]. In this study, we first tested if industrial food wastes (i.e., okara, biscuit meal, dried fish, coconut.) can be substitute diets for BSF neonates. Next, we tested three formulated meals based on the nutritional properties of the well-performing nursery diets from the first test/previous literatures. In the first test, we observed significant differences in neonatal growth when food wastes were directly used as nursery meals, and the initial weight of neonates influenced the development time of the larvae, with smaller neonates exhibiting prolonged larval duration. In contrast, the formulated meals performed well in promoting the growth of neonates, and the larval development showed no significant difference by day eight in the post-nursery rearing. In summary, our findings indicate that by meeting specific nutritional requirements, formulated diets made from industrial food waste could serve as a viable replacement for CF as nursery meals, resulting in a significant boost in the sustainability of the BSF industry.
Temporal Alteration of Serum Bilirubin Levels and its Renoprotective Effects in Diabetic Nephropathy: Exploring the Hormonal Mechanisms
Authors: Cao Can , Wei Shuwu , He Leijuan , Wang Xiaonan , Li Chunyao , Lu Yizhen , Sun Weiwei , Wang Yaoxian 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objective
This current study represents a novel endeavor to scrutinize the correlation between the temporal alteration in serum total bilirubin (TBIL) concentrations and the rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Additionally, this study aims to probe the plausible molecular mechanism underpinning the renoprotective effects of bilirubin concerning its hormonal characteristics.
Materials and Methods
In this study, a cohort of 103 patients diagnosed with DN and receiving medical care at Dongzhimen Hospital were recruited and monitored over a period of 2–7 years. The progression of DN was ascertained using a threshold of eGFR decline > -5.48%/year. To assess the relationship between the annual change in serum TBIL levels (%/year) and the slope of eGFR, multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was employed. Furthermore, the ROC curve analysis was employed to determine the cut-off value for TBIL levels (%/year).
Results
The use of multivariate binary logistic regression models revealed that serum TBIL levels (%/year) exhibited a significant correlation with the slope of eGFR. Moreover, the ROC curve analysis indicated a cut-off value of -6.729%/year for TBIL levels (%/year) with a sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.603, in diagnosing eGFR decline >-5.48%/year.
Conclusions
The findings of this study suggest that the sustained elevation of serum bilirubin concentration within the physiological range can effectively retard the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Furthermore, the hormonal attributes of bilirubin may underlie its renoprotective effects.