bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of long-term effect of ureteral balloon dilatation combined with internal and external drainage tube in the treatment of benign ureteral stricture
Authors: Lu Haohao , Zheng Chuansheng , Liang Bin , Xiong Bin 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose
There are few reports about balloon dilatation combined with internal and external drainage tube in the treatment of ureteral stricture under interventional therapy. The aim of the study is to explore the safety, effectiveness and long-term efficacy of this treatment strategy.

Materials and methods
It is a retrospective and observational study. From October 2013 to October 2016, 42 patients with benign lower ureteral stricture received interventional treatment. Balloon dilatation combined with internal and external drainage tube implantation were used. There were 25 male patients and 17 female patients. There were 7 cases (16.7%) with congenital ureteral stricture, 12 cases (28.6%) with inflammation, 15 cases (35.7%) with ureteral stricture after lithotomy or lithotripsy, and 8 cases (19.0%) with ureteral stricture after pelvic or abdominal surgery. After the drainage tube was removed, B ultrasound, enhanced CTU or IVP of urinary system were reexamined every six months. The follow-up time was 12–60 months.

Results
The age was 52.9 ± 11.6 years. The length of ureteral stricture was 1.1 ± 0.5 cm. 42 patients completed interventional treatment, the technical success rate was 100%, no ureteral perforation, rupture or other complications were identified. Preoperative urea nitrogen 9.2 ± 2.3 mmol/L and creatinine 175.8 ± 82.8umol/L. Urea nitrogen and creatinine were 3.8–9.1 mmol/L and 45.2–189.6 umol/L when removing the drainage tube. There were significant differences in the levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine before and after tube removal (P < 0.05). The ureteral patency rate was 100% at 6 months, 93% at 12 months, 83% at 18 months, 79% at 24 months, 76% at 30 months and 73% at 36–60 months. The overall success rate was 73%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that stenosis length was a risk factor for postoperative patency (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Balloon dilatation combined with internal and external drainage tube implantation in the treatment of benign lower ureteral stricture is safe and effective.
National strategy for palliative care of severely ill and dying people and their relatives in pandemics (PallPan) in Germany - study protocol of a mixed-methods project
Authors: Bausewein C. , Hodiamont F. , Berges N. , Ullrich A. , Gerlach C. , Oechsle K. , Pauli B. , Weber J. , Stiel S. , Schneider N. , Krumm N. , Rolke R. , Gebel C. , Jansky M. , Nauck F. , Wedding U. , van Oorschot B. , Roch C. , Werner L. , Fischer M. , Schallenburger M. , Reuters M. C. , Schwartz J. , Neukirchen M. , Gülay A. , Maus K. , Jaspers B. , Radbruch L. , Heckel M. , Klinger I. , Ostgathe C. , Kriesen U. , Junghanß C. , Lehmann E. , Gesell D. , Gauder S. , Boehlke C. , Becker G. , Pralong A. , Strupp J. , Leisse C. , Schloesser K. , Voltz R. , Jung N. , Simon S. T. ,   for the PallPan Study Group
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
In the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, general and specialist Palliative Care (PC) plays an essential role in health care, contributing to symptom control, psycho-social support, and providing support in complex decision making. Numbers of COVID-19 related deaths have recently increased demanding more palliative care input. Also, the pandemic impacts on palliative care for non-COVID-19 patients. Strategies on the care for seriously ill and dying people in pandemic times are lacking. Therefore, the program ‘Palliative care in Pandemics’ (PallPan) aims to develop and consent a national pandemic plan for the care of seriously ill and dying adults and their informal carers in pandemics including (a) guidance for generalist and specialist palliative care of patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 infections on the micro, meso and macro level, (b) collection and development of information material for an online platform, and (c) identification of variables and research questions on palliative care in pandemics for the national pandemic cohort network (NAPKON).

Methods
Mixed-methods project including ten work packages conducting (online) surveys and qualitative interviews to explore and describe i) experiences and burden of patients (with/without SARS-CoV-2 infection) and their relatives, ii) experiences, challenges and potential solutions of health care professionals, stakeholders and decision makers during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The work package results inform the development of a consensus-based guidance. In addition, best practice examples and relevant literature will be collected and variables for data collection identified.

Discussion
For a future “pandemic preparedness” national and international recommendations and concepts for the care of severely ill and dying people are necessary considering both generalist and specialist palliative care in the home care and inpatient setting.
Analysis of co-isogenic prion protein deficient mice reveals behavioral deficits, learning impairment, and enhanced hippocampal excitability
Authors: Matamoros-Angles A. , Hervera A. , Soriano J. , Martí E. , Carulla P. , Llorens F. , Nuvolone M. , Aguzzi A. , Ferrer I. , Gruart A. , Delgado-García J. M. , Del Río J. A. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a cell surface GPI-anchored protein, usually known for its role in the pathogenesis of human and animal prionopathies. However, increasing knowledge about the participation of PrPC in prion pathogenesis contrasts with puzzling data regarding its natural physiological role. PrPC is expressed in a number of tissues, including at high levels in the nervous system, especially in neurons and glial cells, and while previous studies have established a neuroprotective role, conflicting evidence for a synaptic function has revealed both reduced and enhanced long-term potentiation, and variable observations on memory, learning, and behavior. Such evidence has been confounded by the absence of an appropriate knock-out mouse model to dissect the biological relevance of PrPC, with some functions recently shown to be misattributed to PrPC due to the presence of genetic artifacts in mouse models. Here we elucidate the role of PrPC in the hippocampal circuitry and its related functions, such as learning and memory, using a recently available strictly co-isogenic Prnp0/0 mouse model (PrnpZH3/ZH3).

Results
We performed behavioral and operant conditioning tests to evaluate memory and learning capabilities, with results showing decreased motility, impaired operant conditioning learning, and anxiety-related behavior in PrnpZH3/ZH3 animals. We also carried in vivo electrophysiological recordings on CA3-CA1 synapses in living behaving mice and monitored spontaneous neuronal firing and network formation in primary neuronal cultures of PrnpZH3/ZH3 vs wildtype mice. PrPC absence enhanced susceptibility to high-intensity stimulations and kainate-induced seizures. However, long-term potentiation (LTP) was not enhanced in the PrnpZH3/ZH3 hippocampus. In addition, we observed a delay in neuronal maturation and network formation in PrnpZH3/ZH3 cultures.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that PrPC promotes neuronal network formation and connectivity. PrPC mediates synaptic function and protects the synapse from excitotoxic insults. Its deletion may underlie an epileptogenic-susceptible brain that fails to perform highly cognitive-demanding tasks such as associative learning and anxiety-like behaviors.
Assessment of salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol as a pain related stress biomarker in dogs pre-and post-operation
Authors: Kang Eun-Ha , Park Seol-Hee , Oh Ye-In , Seo Kyoung-Won 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe use of salivary biomarkers has garnered attention because the composition of saliva reflects the body’s physiological state. Saliva contains a wide range of components, including peptides, nucleic acids, electrolytes, enzymes, and hormones. It has been reported that salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol are biomarkers of stress related biomarker in diseased dogs; however, evaluation of salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol pre- and post- operation has not been studied yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol levels in dogs before and after they underwent surgery and investigate the association between the salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol activity and pain intensity. For this purpose, a total of 35 dogs with disease-related pain undergoing orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries were recruited. Alpha-amylase and cortisol levels in the dogs’ saliva and serum were measured for each using a commercially available canine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, and physical examinations (measurement of heart rate and blood pressure) were performed. In addition, the dogs’ pre- and post-operative pain scores determined using the short form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (CMPS-SF) were evaluated.ResultsAfter surgery, there was a significant decrease in the dogs’ pain scores (0.4-fold for the CMPS-SF,p < 0.001) and serum cortisol levels (0.73-fold,p < 0.01). Based on their pre-operative CMPS-SF scores, the dogs were included in either a high-pain-score group or a low-pain-score group. After the dogs in the high-pain-score group underwent surgical intervention, there was a significant decrease in their CMPS-SF scores and levels of salivary alpha-amylase, serum alpha-amylase, and serum cortisol. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between salivary alpha-amylase levels and CMPS-SF scores in both the high- and low-pain-score groups.ConclusionsThe measurement of salivary alpha amylase can be considered an important non-invasive tool for the evaluation of pain-related stress in dogs.
Proteome evaluation of homolog abundance patterns in Arachis hypogaea cv. Tifrunner
Authors: Duan Zhenquan , Zhang Yongli , Zhang Tian , Chen Mingwei , Song Hui 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea, AABB genome), an allotetraploid from a cross between A. duranensis (AA genome) and A. ipaensis (BB genome), is an important oil and protein crop with released genome and RNA-seq sequence datasets. These datasets provide the molecular foundation for studying gene expression and evolutionary patterns. However, there are no reports on the proteomic data of A. hypogaea cv. Tifrunner, which limits understanding of its gene function and protein level evolution.

Results
This study sequenced the A. hypogaea cv. Tifrunner leaf and root proteome using the tandem mass tag technology. A total of 4803 abundant proteins were identified. The 364 differentially abundant proteins were estimated by comparing protein abundances between leaf and root proteomes. The differentially abundant proteins enriched the photosystem process. The number of biased abundant homeologs between the two sub-genomes A (87 homeologs in leaf and root) and B (69 and 68 homeologs in leaf and root, respectively) was not significantly different. However, homeologous proteins with biased abundances in different sub-genomes enriched different biological processes. In the leaf, homeologs biased to sub-genome A enriched biosynthetic and metabolic process, while homeologs biased to sub-genome B enriched iron ion homeostasis process. In the root, homeologs with biased abundance in sub-genome A enriched inorganic biosynthesis and metabolism process, while homeologs with biased abundance in sub-genome B enriched organic biosynthesis and metabolism process. Purifying selection mainly acted on paralogs and homeologs. The selective pressure values were negatively correlated with paralogous protein abundance. About 77.42% (24/31) homeologous and 80% (48/60) paralogous protein pairs had asymmetric abundance, and several protein pairs had conserved abundances in the leaf and root tissues.

Conclusions
This study sequenced the proteome of A. hypogaea cv. Tifrunner using the leaf and root tissues. Differentially abundant proteins were identified, and revealed functions. Paralog abundance divergence and homeolog bias abundance was elucidated. These results indicate that divergent abundance caused retention of homologs in A. hypogaea cv. Tifrunner.
The fifth Japanese meeting on biological function and evolution through interactions between hosts and transposable elements
Authors: Ichiyanagi Kenji , Saito Kuniaki 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe fifth Japanese meeting on host–transposon interactions, titled “Biological Function and Evolution through Interactions between Hosts and Transposable Elements (TEs),” was held online on August 26–27, 2021. The meeting was supported by National Institute of Genetics and aimed to bring together researchers studying the diverse roles of TEs in genome function and evolution, as well as host defense systems against TE mobility by chromatin and RNA modifications and protein-protein interactions. Here, we present the highlights of the talks.
Fitness center use and subsequent achievement of exercise goals. A prospective study on long-term fitness center members
Authors: Riseth Liv , Lund Nilsen Tom Ivar , Hatlen Nøst Torunn , Steinsbekk Aslak 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Knowledge on the relationship between fitness center use and long-term members’ subsequent goal achievement is limited. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the prospective association between the use of fitness centers during 18 months and subsequent self-reported goal achievement among long-term members.

Methods
This was a registry- and survey-based longitudinal study of 2851 people who had been members at a Norwegian fitness center chain for more than two years. Fitness center use from December 2016 to June 2018 was obtained from registry data. Subsequent goal achievement was measured in a survey in June 2018, assessed by a 1–100 visual analogue scale, and a score between 0 and 50 was defined as low goal achievement.

Results
Visiting the fitness center frequently and regularly, and having frequent group activity bookings were associated with higher subsequent self-reported goal achievement. Participants with fewest visits (1–57 days) during 18 months were more likely to report low goal achievement than participants with most visits (118–543 days) (OR = 8.5; 95% CI 6.3–11.4). Fitness trainer bookings was not clearly associated with subsequent goal achievement.

Conclusions
Frequent and regular long-term fitness center use were associated with higher subsequent self-reported goal achievement.
Factors influencing migration and settlement of pastoralists in Nairobi City, Kenya
Authors: Wafula Walter Magero , Wasonga Oliver Vivian , Koech Oscar Kipchirchir , Kibet Staline 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPastoralism is globally recognized as the backbone of the economy in the vast arid and semi-arid rangelands. Despite its enormous economic contribution, the system is facing a myriad of challenges, among them, land use and land tenure changes, resulting in diminished grazing land. Accompanying such changes is the conversion of traditional grazing lands into other uses such as settlements, with urbanization being one of the key drivers of pastoral system dynamics. Understanding such dynamics in the face of compounding factors such as frequent droughts linked to climate change is key in guiding policy formulation and interventions aimed at achieving a sustainable pastoral production system. This study investigated factors determining migration and settlement of pastoralists in Nairobi City of Kenya. Data was collected through a snowball sampling approach using semi-structured household questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) in five Sub-counties of Nairobi City County. A total of 144 household interviews, 6 FGDs and 16 KIIs were conducted to elucidate drivers of urban pastoralism, opportunities and challenges encountered by pastoralists in the city. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyse the determinants of their migration. Results show that search for pasture and water resources, and alternative markets especially during droughts, are the main reasons for pastoralists’ migration to the city. In addition, educated herders were found to be more likely to migrate to the city as they pursue wage employment. Whereas these findings revealed that migration to the city exposes pastoralists to diverse livelihood opportunities, they are equally faced by a number of challenges - mainly road accidents involving livestock, frequent land displacements to pave way for development of real estates, and livestock poisoning from sewage and garbage wastes. There is a need for policy and regulatory interventions to recognize pastoralism alongside other forms of urban farming and addressing challenges facing sustainable pastoral production.
Risk of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Women With and Without a History of Breast Cancer: The Pathways Heart Study
Authors: Kwan Marilyn L. , Cheng Richard K. , Iribarren Carlos , Neugebauer Romain , Rana Jamal S. , Nguyen-Huynh Mai , Shi Zaixing , Laurent Cecile A. , Lee Valerie S. , Roh Janise M. , Shen Hanjie , Rillamas-Sun Eileen , Santiago-Torres Margarita , Hershman Dawn L. , Kushi Lawrence H. , Greenlee Heather 
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE The incidence of cardiometabolic risk factors in breast cancer (BC) survivors has not been well described. Thus, we compared risk of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in women with and without BC. METHODS Women with invasive BC diagnosed from 2005 to 2013 at Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) were identified and matched 1:5 to noncancer controls on birth year, race, and ethnicity. Cumulative incidence rates of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were estimated with competing risk of overall death. Subdistribution hazard ratios (sHRs) were estimated by Fine and Gray regression, adjusted for cardiovascular disease–related risk factors, and stratified by treatment and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS A total of 14,942 BC cases and 74,702 matched controls were identified with mean age 61.2 years and 65% non-Hispanic White. Compared with controls, BC cases had higher cumulative incidence rates of hypertension (10.9% v 8.9%) and diabetes (2.1% v 1.7%) after 2 years, with higher diabetes incidence persisting after 10 years (9.3% v 8.8%). In multivariable models, cases had higher risk of diabetes (sHR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.26) versus controls. Cases treated with chemotherapy (sHR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.38), left-sided radiation (sHR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.48), or endocrine therapy (sHR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.34) continued to have higher diabetes risk. Hypertension risk was higher for cases receiving left-sided radiation (sHR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.21) or endocrine therapy (sHR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.16). Normal-weight (BMI < 24.9 kg/m2) cases had higher risks overall and within treatment subgroups versus controls. CONCLUSION BC survivors at KPNC experienced elevated risks of diabetes and hypertension compared with women without BC depending on treatments received and BMI. Future studies should examine strategies for cardiometabolic risk factor prevention in BC survivors.
Circulating T-Cell Repertoires Correlate With the Tumor Response in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Cai Gengxi , Guan Zhanwen , Jin Yabin , Su Zuhui , Chen Xiangping , Liu Qing , Wang Chunlin , Yin Xiaoxia , Zhang Lifang , Ye Guolin , Luo Wei 
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has been widely used in patients with breast cancer to minish tumor burden and increase resection rate of cancer. T-cell repertoire has been believed to be able to monitor antitumor immune responses. This study aimed to explore the dynamic change of T-cell repertoire and its clinical value in evaluating the tumor response in patients with breast cancer receiving NAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-four patients who underwent NAC before surgery were recruited, and peripheral blood samples were collected at multiple time points during NAC. High-throughput T-cell receptor (TCR)-β sequencing was used to characterize the T-cell repertoire of every sample and analyzed the changes in circulating T-cell repertoire during NAC. RESULTS We found that the diversity of TCR repertoires was associated with age and clinical stage of the patients with breast cancer. The distribution of Vβ and Jβ genes in TCR repertoires was skewed in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive (HER2+) breast cancer. Vβ20.1 and Vβ30 expression levels before NAC correlate with tumor response after all cycles of NAC in HER2– and HER2+ patients, respectively. Some CDR3 motifs that correlated with clinical response in either HER2+ or HER2– patients were identified. Besides, TCR repertoire evolved during NAC and the diversity of TCR repertoire decreased more after two cycles of NAC in patients with good tumor response after all cycles of NAC ( P = .0061). CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that TCR repertoire correlated with the characteristics of the tumor, such as the expression status of HER2. Moreover, some characteristics of TCR repertoires that correlated with clinical response were identified and they might provide useful information to tailor therapeutic regimens at the early cycle of NAC.
Mutant PPM1D- and TP53-Driven Hematopoiesis Populates the Hematopoietic Compartment in Response to Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: Singh Abhay , Mencia-Trinchant Nuria , Griffiths Elizabeth A. , Altahan Alaa , Swaminathan Mahesh , Gupta Medhavi , Gravina Matthew , Tajammal Rutaba , Faber Mark G. , Yan LunBiao , Sinha Eti , Hassane Duane C. , Hayes David Neil , Guzman Monica L. , Iyer Renuka , Wang Eunice S. , Thota Swapna 
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE Hematologic toxic effects of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) can be permanent. Patients with underlying clonal hematopoiesis (CH) may be more inclined to develop hematologic toxicity after PRRT. However, this association remains understudied. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated pre- and post-PRRT blood samples of patients with neuroendocrine tumors. After initial screening, 13 cases of interest were selected. Serial blood samples were obtained on 4 of 13 patients. Genomic DNA was analyzed using a 100-gene panel. A variant allele frequency cutoff of 1% was used to call CH. RESULT Sixty-two percent of patients had CH at baseline. Persistent cytopenias were noted in 64% (7 of 11) of the patients. Serial sample analysis demonstrated that PRRT exposure resulted in clonal expansion of mutant DNA damage response genes ( TP53, CHEK2, and PPM1D) and accompanying cytopenias in 75% (3 of 4) of the patients. One patient who had a normal baseline hemogram and developed persistent cytopenias after PRRT exposure showed expansion of mutant PPM1D (variant allele frequency increased to 20% after exposure from < 1% at baseline). In the other two patients, expansion of mutant TP53, CHEK2, and PPM1D clones was also noted along with cytopenia development. CONCLUSION The shifts in hematopoietic clonal dynamics in our study were accompanied by emergence and persistence of cytopenias. These cytopenias likely represent premalignant state, as PPM1D-, CHEK2-, and TP53-mutant clones by themselves carry a high risk for transformation to therapy-related myeloid neoplasms. Future studies should consider CH screening and longitudinal monitoring as a key risk mitigation strategy for patients with neuroendocrine tumors receiving PRRT.