bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the impacts of China’s water resource tax policies: A trade-off between economic development and ecological protection
Authors: Xin Chunhua , Guo Fengqi , Wang Anqi 
Published: November 2022

The reform of water resource tax policies is an important measure in the process of China’s green economic transformation. Therefore, improving the accuracy of tax policy impact prediction is crucial for policymakers to make correct decisions. This study focused on the water resource tax policies composed of water resource tax and water pollution tax. A water computable general equilibrium (WCGE) model extended from the traditional computable general equilibrium model was proposed to simulate the impacts of policy changes and determine the optimal tax rate range. Water self-purification capacity and agricultural subsidies were first considered in water computable general equilibrium, providing a simulation–evaluation method that could support the analysis of policy alternatives from a more realistic perspective. The results indicated that water resource tax and water pollution tax synergistically promote water conservation and water pollution reduction, and the negative impact on the economy when they are raised together is lighter than that when the tax burden is raised alone. The water resource tax not only has the best water-saving effect but also has the greatest negative impact on the economy. Technological progress has the best effect in reducing water pollution and is also conducive to reducing the adverse impact of tax increases on the economy. Taxation can also improve social welfare, and the optimal tax rate level is the combination that water resource tax is 4 Yuan/m3, and the water pollution tax is in the range of 5.6–8.4 Yuan/pollution equivalent. The results demonstrate the positive role of government in environmental governance and provide a scientific basis for policymakers to adjust the direction of policy reform, strengthen the collaborative design of water tax policies, and select the optimal tax rate level. Also, solutions of water computable general equilibrium could provide in-depth analysis of the trade-offs between violation risk and system benefits and generate more reliable results by reproducing actual situations. Moreover, the water computable general equilibrium model constructed in this study is also applicable to analyze other types of policies.
Incidence, risk factors and outcomes of acute kidney injury among COVID-19 patients: A systematic review of systematic reviews
Authors: Mallhi Tauqeer Hussain , Khan Yusra Habib , Alzarea Abdulaziz Ibrahim , Khan Faiz Ullah , Alotaibi Nasser Hadal , Alanazi Abdullah Salah , Butt Muhammad Hammad , Alatawi Ahmed D. , Salman Muhammad , Alzarea Sami I. , Almalki Ziyad Saeed , Alghazi Mansoor A. , Algarni Majed Ahmed 
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 associated acute kidney injury (CAKI) has emerged as a potential intricacy during the management of patients. Navigating the rapidly growing body of scientific literature on CAKI is challenging, and ongoing critical appraisal of this complication is essential. This study aimed to summarize and critically appraise the systematic reviews (SRs) on CAKI to inform the healthcare providers about its prevalence, risk factors and outcomes. All the SRs were searched in major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science) from inception date to December 2021. This study followed SR of SRs methodology, all the records were screened, extracted and subjected to quality assessment by assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews (AMSTAR-2). The extracted data were qualitatively synthesized and tabulated. This review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022299444). Of 3,833 records identified; 42 SRs were included in this overview. The quality appraisal of the studies showed that 17 SRs were of low quality, while 8 moderate and 17 were of high-quality SRs. The incidence of CAKI ranged from 4.3% to 36.4% in overall COVID-19 patients, 36%–50% in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), and up to 53% in severe or critical illness. Old age, male gender, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and hypertension were frequently reported risk factors of CAKI. The need of renal replacement therapy (RRT) was up to 26.4% in overall COVID-19 patients, and 39% among those having CAKI. The occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was found independent predictor of death, where mortality rate among CAKI patients ranged from 50% to 93%. This overview of SRs underscores that CAKI occurs frequently among COVID-19 patients and associated with high mortality, need of RRT and adverse outcomes. However, the confidence of these results is moderate to low which warrants the need of more SRs having established methodological standards.Systematic review registration[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=299444], identifier [CRD42022299444].
The GPCR properties of polycystin-1- A new paradigm
Authors: Maser Robin L. , Calvet James P. , Parnell Stephen C. 
Published: November 2022

Polycystin-1 (PC1) is an 11-transmembrane (TM) domain-containing protein encoded by the PKD1 gene, the most frequently mutated gene leading to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This large (&gt; 462 kDal) protein has a complex posttranslational maturation process, with over five proteolytic cleavages having been described, and is found at multiple cellular locations. The initial description of the binding and activation of heterotrimeric Gαi/o by the juxtamembrane region of the PC1 cytosolic C-terminal tail (C-tail) more than 20 years ago opened the door to investigations, and controversies, into PC1’s potential function as a novel G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). Subsequent biochemical and cellular-based assays supported an ability of the PC1 C-tail to bind numerous members of the Gα protein family and to either inhibit or activate G protein-dependent pathways involved in the regulation of ion channel activity, transcription factor activation, and apoptosis. More recent work has demonstrated an essential role for PC1-mediated G protein regulation in preventing kidney cyst development; however, the mechanisms by which PC1 regulates G protein activity continue to be discovered. Similarities between PC1 and the adhesion class of 7-TM GPCRs, most notably a conserved GPCR proteolysis site (GPS) before the first TM domain, which undergoes autocatalyzed proteolytic cleavage, suggest potential mechanisms for PC1-mediated regulation of G protein signaling. This article reviews the evidence supporting GPCR-like functions of PC1 and their relevance to cystic disease, discusses the involvement of GPS cleavage and potential ligands in regulating PC1 GPCR function, and explores potential connections between PC1 GPCR-like activity and regulation of the channel properties of the polycystin receptor-channel complex.
Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of 12 children with vitamin D-dependent rickets type 1A: A retrospective study
Authors: Lin Yunting , Guan Zhihong , Mei Huifen , Zhang Wen , Zhou Zhizi , Su Ling , Cheng Jing , Zheng Ruidan , Liang Cuili , Cai Yanna , Yin Xi , Wu Dongyan , Liu Li , Zeng Chunhua 
Published: November 2022

PurposeVitamin D-dependent rickets type 1A (VDDR1A) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of the CYP27B1 gene. This study aims to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic features of VDDR1A children in southern China and evaluate the long-term therapeutic effects.MethodsTwelve children from southern China with VDDR1A were enrolled in this study. Their clinical, radiological, biochemical, and molecular findings were analyzed retrospectively. The rickets severity score (RSS), biochemical parameters, and height standard deviation score (HtSDS) were used to evaluate clinical outcomes.ResultsSix males and six females were included in this VDDR1A cohort. The age of onset was from 6 months to 1.8 years, and the age at diagnosis was 2.1 ± 0.8 years. The most common clinical symptoms at diagnosis were delayed walking (10/12) and severe growth retardation (9/12). HtSDS at diagnosis was negatively associated with age (p &lt; 0.05). All patients presented with hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, increased serum alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone, and high RSS at diagnosis. Two allelic variants of the CYP27B1 gene were identified in all patients, including nine different variants, four known and five novel, with c.1319_1325dupCCCACCC(p.Phe443Profs*24) being the most frequent. All patients were treated with calcitriol and calcium after diagnosis, and all patients but one were followed-up from 6 months to 15.6 years. HtSDS, RSS, and biochemical parameters were found to be improved during the first few years of the treatment. However, only five patients had good compliance. Although RSS and biochemical parameters were significantly improved, the HtSDS change was not significant from the time of diagnosis to the last visit, and seven patients remained of a short stature (HtSDS &lt; −2).ConclusionOur study extends the mutational spectrum of VDDR1A and finds a hotspot variant of the CYP27B1 gene in southern China. The results reconfirm the importance of early diagnosis and treatment compliance and reveal the challenge of height improvement in VDDR1A patients.
Transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Beijing, China: An epidemiological and genomic analysis
Authors: Yin Jinfeng , Zhang Hongwei , Gao Zhidong , Jiang Hui , Qin Liyi , Zhu Chendi , Gao Qian , He Xiaoxin , Li Weimin 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundUnderstanding multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) transmission patterns is crucial for controlling the disease. We aimed to identify high-risk populations and geographic settings of MDR-TB transmission.MethodsWe conducted a population-based retrospective study of MDR-TB patients in Beijing from 2018 to 2020, and assessed MDR-TB recent transmission using whole-genome sequencing of isolates. Geospatial analysis was conducted with kernel density estimation. We combined TransPhylo software with epidemiological investigation data to construct transmission networks. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify risk factors for recent transmission.ResultsWe included 241 MDR-TB patients, of which 146 (60.58%) were available for genomic analysis. Drug resistance prediction showed that resistance to fluoroquinolones (FQs) was as high as 39.74% among new cases. 36 (24.66%) of the 146 MDR strains were grouped into 12 genome clusters, suggesting recent transmission of MDR strains. 44.82% (13/29) of the clustered patients lived in the same residential community, adjacent residential community or the same street as other cases. The inferred transmission chain found a total of 6 transmission events in 3 clusters; of these, 4 transmission events occurred in residential areas and nearby public places. Logistic regression analysis revealed that being aged 25–34 years-old was a risk factor for recent transmission.ConclusionsThe recent transmission of MDR-TB in Beijing is severe, and residential areas are common sites of transmission; high levels of FQs drug resistance suggest that FQs should be used with caution unless resistance can be ruled out by laboratory testing.
Influence of social distancing on physical activity among the middle-aged to older population: Evidence from the nationally representative survey in China
Authors: Zhou Wuping , Zhang Lanyue , Wang Ting , Li Qiaosheng , Jian Weiyan 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundGroup-based physical activity is an important positive factor assisting the middle-aged to older population to be regularly physically active, especially inside a society with a large population and highly sociable environment. However, when group-based physical activity is restricted during a public health crisis such as the infectious disease pandemic, the influence of social distancing on physical activity among this vulnerable group needs to be recognized.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the influence of social distancing on physical activity among the middle-aged to older Chinese population at the national level.MethodsData from a nationally representative social follow-up survey (China Family Panel Studies, CFPS) for 2018 and 2020 were used. Physical activity level in year 2018 was set as the baseline to be compared with that for each individual in 2020, when China implemented social distancing during the COVID-19. Chinese population with an age greater than 45 years were included, and three levels of physical activity were established. Logistic models were developed to identify sociodemographic characteristic that may be associated with a higher probability of worse PA behaviors during the social distancing.ResultsOver 46% respondents could be described as being Physically Inactivity during 2018 and this proportion increased to 67.2% in 2020. Respondents who live in the Northeast or rural regions, having a spouse, being employed, having a low level of education, and being of low-income level showed a higher decrease in physical activity compared to other groups. However, individuals living with chronic diseases emerge as being more likely to maintain positive habits with respect to physical activity in this context.ConclusionSocial distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced the extent of physical activity among middle-aged to older Chinese residents. This is especially true in respect to middle-aged and elderly people who are at increased risk of chronic diseases. Given this, there is a clear need to consider effective modalities for physical activity in the context of social distancing based on home quarantine and city lockdown. Furthermore, specific health-related strategies need to be considered in relation to different regions and populations.
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing assists in the diagnosis of Cryptococcus pneumonia: Case series and literature review
Authors: Wang Huifen , Yan Su , Liu Ying , Li Yaoguang , Cui Guangying , Ma Xiaoxu 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundPulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) was once thought to occur only in patients with immune deficiencies, such as tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). However, in recent years, it has been discovered that more than half of the patients with PC in our nation are individuals with normal immune function. As more and more PC cases are recorded, our diagnosis and treatment approaches, as well as our understanding of PC, are gradually improving. In reality, most PC patients still have a high incidence of misdiagnosis on their initial visit. It is primarily linked to the diverse clinical manifestations, atypical imaging findings, and inaccurate diagnostic approaches.MethodsThe research was conducted from 2019 to 2020. We performed traditional microbiological testing and mNGS on sample from patients with fever of Pulmonary nodules or lung infections. Furthermore, we collected patients' baseline information, clinical features, laboratory and imaging examination results, diagnosis, treatment and outcome. In the end, we confirmed three cases of PC using biopsy and mNGS.ConclusionOur data demonstrates that mNGS can be utilized as an auxiliary method for PC diagnosis. Early mNGS aids in the identification of pathogens, enabling early diagnosis and treatment, as well as a reduction in the rate of misdiagnosis and illness progression.
Accessibility of essential anticancer medicines for children in the Sichuan Province of China
Authors: Chen Zhe , Li Siyu , Zou Kun , Li Hailong , Zeng Linan , Lu Xiaoxi , Jia Zhi-Jun , Cheng Guo , Zhang Lingli 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundCompared with high-income countries, the survival rate of childhood cancer is lower in low- and middle-income countries. Access to essential anticancer medicines is an indispensable component of pediatric cancer treatment, which is still a big challenge in low- and middle-income countries.ObjectiveTo assess the accessibility of essential anticancer medicines for children in public hospitals in the Sichuan Province of China.MethodsBased on the data of the Sichuan Province Drug Use Monitoring Platform in 2020, a retrospective study was conducted to investigate the original brands and generics of 34 anticancer and three supportive essential medicines for children (a total of 97 specific strengths) in Sichuan Province. The availability, price, and affordability of surveyed medicines were evaluated in all 152 tertiary public hospitals (120 general hospitals, 31 children's hospitals, and one cancer hospital) that could diagnose and treat cancer for children.ResultsThe average availability of generics and original brands was 18.5% and 2.6%, respectively. In regions with different gross domestic product (GDP) per capita levels, the average availability was similar, but the city with lower GDP per capita levels had fewer tertiary public hospitals. The prices of most original brands were higher than the lowest-priced generics, and the median price ratios of 31 lowest-priced generics and 16 original brands were 0.744 (P25~P75, 0.446~2.791) and 2.908 (1.719~6.465). After paying medical insurance for medicines, the affordability of essential anticancer medicines was improved. The monthly medicine cost did not exceed 10% of the monthly household income for 78.9% (30/38) of the lowest-priced generics and 50.0% (8/16) of the original brands.ConclusionThe availability of lowest-priced generics was higher than original brands in public hospitals, but the availability of both was low, which was similar to previous studies in low- and middle-income countries. About half of the lowest-priced generics and 87.5% of the original brands cost more than 1.5 times the International Reference Price. Although the National Basic Medical Insurance greatly improved the affordability of essential anticancer medicines for children, higher subsidies for essential medicines for cancer treatment to limit catastrophic health expenditures are still recommended.
Which vaginal douching agent is the best choice before oocyte retrieval? A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Meng Ying , Wen Gui H. , Luo Hong , Tan Xiu C. , Wang Li , Liao Juan , Peng Hong , Lan Ling , Yang Na , Zhao Ying 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate six vaginal douching agents (Iodine, Saline, Iodine followed by saline, chlorhexidine acetate followed by saline, Ozone, Potassium permanganate) on oocytes pick-up related pelvic infection (OPU-PI) and IVF outcome in patients underwent assisted reproduction technology (ART).DesignThrough searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Ovid, CINAHL CNKI, only human clinical trials were collected to study the effects of the six vaginal douching agents on OPU-PI and IVF outcomes. The included studies were evaluated for methodological quality by the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool, and the data analysis software was used to analyze the data accordingly.ResultsThe clinical trials were collected between the earliest available date and June 2022. Eight studies were included, the total sample size used in the study was 12,567. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that Ozone can significantly decrease OPU-PI; Iodine followed by saline can be a antiseptic protocol ranked first without affecting the quality of oocytes and Chlorhexidine acetate followed by saline can improve patients' clinical pregnancy rate.ConclusionBased on Ranking Plot of the Network, this review reports the best evidence available regarding different vaginal douching agents used before OPU.
Rediscovering life after being diagnosed with HIV: A qualitative analysis of lived experiences of youth living with HIV in rural Rwanda
Authors: Uwamariya Josée , Nshunguyabahizi Marcel , Nshimyumuremyi Jean Népomuscène , Mukesharurema Gerardine , Ndayishimiye Emmanuel , Kamali Innocent , Ndahimana Jean d’Amour , Hedt-Gauthier Bethany , Cubaka Vincent K. , Barnhart Dale A. 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionIn sub-Saharan Africa, youth living with HIV, especially those who have lost one or both parents, face economic, socially and psychological challenges that hinder adherence to ART, ultimately leading to poor health outcomes. Partners In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima implemented an Adolescent Support Group (ASG) to support HIV-positive youth aged 15–25 years. During the evaluation of the ASG program, we sought to better understand youths' lived experiences to improve our delivery of HIV care.MethodsWe conducted qualitative in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews with youth enrolled in the ASG program. All interviews were conducted in-person or by telephone. Thematic analysis applying the framework approach with parallel inductive coding in Kinyarwanda and English was used.ResultsWe interviewed 35 youth who ranged in age from 16 to 29 years. The main themes related to the lived experiences of youth were (a) Experiences living with HIV, including disclosure, stigma, interactions with the health care system, and medication adherence; (b) external challenges, defined as challenges that were not related to the implementation of the ASG program; and (c) personal vision. Almost all youth reported acquiring HIV from their mothers and disclosure of HIV status occurred around the age of 10. Disclosure was often unintentional and followed by internalized and enacted stigma. Many reported poor past medication adherence which improved following enhanced counselling. External challenges were overwhelmingly economic in nature, and orphanhood was a root cause of other challenges such as difficulty accessing education, lack of transport to health facility, and lack of insurance fees. Despite these challenges, youth have an optimistic view of the future with dreams of health, economic attainment, marriage, and children.ConclusionHealthcare providers should empower caregivers to support HIV disclosure. Supporting youth as they face many economic challenges could help address socio-economic barriers to good health and promote holistic well-being.
Characteristics of lung metastasis in testicular cancer: A large-scale population analysis based on propensity score matching
Authors: Guo Aiyuan , Gu Jie , Yang Jiayi 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundThis study aims to systematically evaluate predictive factors for lung metastasis (LM) in patients with testicular cancer (TC) and to investigate cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) of LM in TC patients based on a large population-cohort.MethodsA total of 10,414 patients diagnosed with TC during 2010–2015 were adopted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER). After propensity score matching (PSM), 493 patients with LM were included for subsequent analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify risk factors, a nomogram was developed, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to confirm the validation of the nomogram. Prognostic factors for OS and CSS among TC patients with LM were estimated via Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsPostmatching indicated that 11 parameters were successfully balanced between both groups (P &gt; 0.05). After PSM, TC patients with LM presented an undesirable prognosis in both CSS and OS than those without LM (P &lt; 0.001). The logistic regression model showed that tumor size; T stage; N stage; liver, brain, and bone metastases; and histology were positively associated with LM (P &lt; 0.05). A nomogram was developed to predict diagnostic possibilities based on the independent risk variables, and the ROC curve verified the predictive capacity of the logistic regression model [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.910].ConclusionThe selected variates in the nomogram can be predictive criteria for TC patients with LM. Brain metastasis, liver metastasis, and larger tumor size were prognostic factors for CCS and OS among TC patients with LM.