bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Photocatalytic Removal of Microplastics: Mechanisms, Kinetic Degradation, and Reactor Design
Authors: Hamd Wael , Daher Elie A. , Tofa Tajkia Syeed , Dutta Joydeep 
Published: July 2022

Plastic products are used in almost all aspects of our daily life. Due to their low cost, portability, durability, and resistance to degradation, these products are affecting the health of the environment and biota on a global scale. Thus, the removal and mineralization of microplastics is an important challenge in the 21st century. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have recently been identified as a viable treatment technique for tackling recalcitrant organic molecules and polymers. However, information on kinetic degradation mechanisms and photocatalytic reactor design is insufficient. This review discusses the fundamentals of photocatalysis and photo-Fenton processes in addition to the photocatalytic degradation mechanisms. We also introduce different characterization techniques of the major microplastic pollutants such as PE, PP, PVC, PS, PMMA, and PA66. In addition, a detailed overview of the major existing photocatalytic plants and the scaling-up methods of photoreactors are discussed.
Decreased plasma fetuin-A level as a novel bioindicator of poor prognosis in community-acquired pneumonia: A multi-center cohort study
Authors: Zhao Lili , Shang Ying , Luo Qiongzhen , Ma Xinqian , Ni Wentao , He Yukun , Yang Donghong , Xu Yu , Gao Zhancheng 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundCommunity-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a respiratory disease that frequently requires hospital admission, and is a significant cause of death worldwide. Plasma fetuin-A levels were significantly lower in patients with sepsis, but data regarding CAP are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of fetuin-A as a prognostic biomarker of CAP.MethodsA multicenter cohort study on CAP was conducted between January 2017 and December 2018. Demographic and clinical data were recorded for all enrolled patients. Plasma fetuin-A levels were determined using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to analyse the effect of variables on 30-day mortality. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess risk factors associated with severe CAP (SCAP) and 30-day mortality. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to verify the association between variables and CAP prognosis. Correlations were assessed using Spearman's test. Survival curves were constructed and compared using the log-rank test.ResultsA total of 283 patients with CAP were enrolled in this study. Fetuin-A levels were decreased in patients with CAP, especially in SCAP and non-survivors. A cox regression analysis showed that CURB-65 and fetuin-A levels were independent prognostic indicators of 30-day mortality. Via a multiple logistic regression analysis, plasma level of fetuin-A (&lt;202.86 mg/L) was determined to be the strongest independent predictor of 30-day mortality considered (odds ratio, 57.365), and also was also determined to be an independent predictor of SCAP. The area under the curve (AUC) of fetuin-A for predicting 30-day mortality was 0.871, and accuracy was high (P &lt; 0.05). Plasma fetuin-A levels were negatively correlated with WBC, NE%, Glu, CRP, PCT, CURB-65, and pneumonia severity index scores and positively correlated with albumin level. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that lower plasma levels of fetuin-A levels were associated with increased 30-day mortality levels (P &lt; 0.0001).ConclusionPlasma fetuin-A levels were decreased in patients with CAP. Fetuin-A can reliably predict mortality in patients with CAP, and is a useful diagnostic indicator of SCAP.
Sepsis affects kidney graft function and one-year mortality of the recipients in contrast with systemic inflammatory response
Authors: Protus Marek , Uchytilova Eva , Indrova Veronika , Lelito Jan , Viklicky Ondrej , Hruba Petra , Kieslichova Eva 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundInfections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of sepsis on kidney graft function and recipient mortality.MethodsA prospective, observational, single-center study was performed. Selected clinical and biochemical parameters were recorded and compared between an experimental group (with sepsis, n = 34) and a control group (with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, n = 31) comprising kidney allograft recipients.ResultsSepsis worsened both patient (HR = 14.77, p = 0.007) and graft survival (HR = 15.07, p = 0.007). Overall one-year mortality was associated with age (HR = 1.08, p = 0.048), APACHE II score (HR = 1.13, p = 0.035), and combination immunosuppression therapy (HR = 0.1, p = 0.006), while graft survival was associated with APACHE II (HR = 1.25, p = 0.004) and immunosuppression. In sepsis patients, mortality correlated with the maximal dose of noradrenalin (HR = 100.96, p = 0.008), fungal infection (HR = 5.64, p = 0.024), SAPS II score (HR = 1.06, p = 0.033), and mechanical ventilation (HR = 5.97, p = 0.033), while graft survival was influenced by renal replacement therapy (HR = 21.16, p = 0.005), APACHE II (HR = 1.19, p = 0.035), and duration of mechanical ventilation (HR = 1.01, p = 0.015).ConclusionIn contrast with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, septic kidney allograft injury is associated with early graft loss and may represent a significant risk of mortality.
Hotspots and future directions in rheumatoid arthritis-related cardiovascular disease: A scientometric and visualization study from 2001 to 2021 based on Web of Science
Authors: Wen Pengfei , Luo Pan , Zhang Binfei , Wang Yakang , Hao Linjie , Wang Jun , Guo Jianbin , Liu Rui , Zhang Yumin , Chen Juan 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundThe morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is significantly higher than those in the general population, leading to RA-related CVD has attracted broad attention and numerous articles have been published. However, no study has systematically examined this area from a scientometric perspective. This study aimed to visualize the knowledge structure and identify emerging research trends and potential hotspots in this field.Materials and methodsArticles and reviews on RA-CVD published from 2001 to 2021 were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were used to visualize the knowledge network of countries, institutions, authors, references and keywords in this field. SPSS and Microsoft Excel software were used for curve fitting and correlation analysis.ResultsA total of 2,618 articles and reviews were included. The number of publications about RA-related CVD significantly increased yearly. Publications were mainly concentrated in North America, Europe and East Asia. The United States contributed most with 699 publications, followed by the United Kingdom and Italy. Gross Domestic Product was an important factor affecting scientific output. University of Manchester and Professor Kitas George D. were the most prolific institutions and influential authors, respectively. Journal of Rheumatology was the most productive journal for RA-related CVD research. The research hotspots switched in the order of clinical features (cardiovascular events), mechanism exploration, anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, risk factors, and antirheumatic drug safety, which can be observed from the keyword analysis and co-cited reference cluster analysis.ConclusionsThis study found that research on RA-related CVD is flourishing. The safety and cardiovascular pharmacological mechanisms of anti-rheumatoid drugs, especially targeted synthetic DMARDs, would be the focus of current research and developmental trends in future research.
The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations signals related to amyloid uptake in high-risk populations—A pilot fMRI study
Authors: Bao Yi-Wen , Shea Yat-Fung , Chiu Patrick Ka-Chun , Kwan Joseph S. K. , Chan Felix Hon-Wai , Chow Wing-Sun , Chan Koon-Ho , Mak Henry Ka-Fung 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundPatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) have a higher risk to develop Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Resting-state-functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was used to document neurological involvement in the two groups from the aspect of brain dysfunction. Accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) starts decades ago before the onset of clinical symptoms and may already have been associated with brain function in high-risk populations. However, this study aims to compare the patterns of fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) maps between cognitively normal high-risk groups (SCD and T2DM) and healthy elderly and evaluate the association between regional amyloid deposition and local fALFF signals in certain cortical regions.Materials and methodsA total of 18 T2DM, 11 SCD, and 18 healthy elderlies were included in this study. The differences in the fALFF maps were compared between HC and high-risk groups. Regional amyloid deposition and local fALFF signals were obtained and further correlated in two high-risk groups.ResultsCompared to HC, the altered fALFF signals of regions were shown in SCD such as the left posterior cerebellum, left putamen, and cingulate gyrus. The T2DM group illustrated altered neural activity in the superior temporal gyrus, supplementary motor area, and precentral gyrus. The correlation between fALFF signals and amyloid deposition was negative in the left anterior cingulate cortex for both groups. In the T2DM group, a positive correlation was shown in the right occipital lobe and left mesial temporal lobe.ConclusionThe altered fALFF signals were demonstrated in high-risk groups compared to HC. Very early amyloid deposition in SCD and T2DM groups was observed to affect the neural activity mainly involved in the default mode network (DMN).
Indications for nerve-sparing surgery for radical prostatectomy: Results from a single-center study
Authors: Zhu Zaisheng , Zhu Yiyi , Xiao Yunyuan , Hu Shengye 
Published: July 2022

PurposeTo explore the clinical indications of using the nerve-sparing technique in radical prostatectomy.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical and pathological data of 101 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) at our institution. Twenty-five patients underwent open surgery, and 76 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. The biochemical recurrence (BCR) rate was analyzed by the method of Kaplan–Meier. The distance between the ipsilateral neurovascular bundles (NVBs) and foci of prostate tumor (N-T distance) was measured in postoperative specimens. We defined the N-T distance &gt;2 mm as the threshold to perform nerve-sparing (NS) in RP. Through logistic regression analysis, we determined the preoperative clinical indications for the nerve-sparing technique in RP.ResultsThe average BCR-free survival time was 53.2 months in these 101 patients with RP, with the 3- and 5-year BCR-free rates being 87.9% and 85.8%, respectively. The N-T distance was measured in 184 prostate sides from postoperative specimens of 101 patients. Univariate analysis showed that the percent of side-specific biopsy cores with cancer (≥1/3), maximum tumor length in biopsy core (≥5 mm), average percent involvement of each positive core (≥50%), PI-RADS score, and prostate MP-MRI imaging (extra-capsular extension) were associated with the N-T distance (p &lt; 0.003). Furthermore, the percent of side-specific biopsy cores with cancer (≥1/3) (OR = 4.11, p = 0.0047) and prostate MP-MRI imaging (extra-capsular extension) (OR = 3.92, p = 0.0061) were found to be statistically significant independent predictors of the N-T distance in multivariate analysis.ConclusionsThe clinical indications of nerve-sparing RP were &lt;1/3 side-specific biopsy cores with cancer and no extra-capsular extension by prostate MP-MRI examination.
Management of neuropathic bladder secondary to spina bifida: Twenty years' experience with a conservative approach
Authors: Elagami Hesham , Abbas Tariq O. , Evans Kathryn , Murphy Feilim 
Published: July 2022

IntroductionTreatment of neuropathic bladder secondary to spina bifida is an ongoing challenge. Although different management strategies and protocols are available in the literature, reliance on expert opinion remains fundamental. A conservative approach can be utilized, but patients must be closely monitored throughout the management process. The objective of this study was to review the management and outcomes of neuropathic bladder in spina bifida by appraising long-term bladder and renal function in patients treated at a medical center utilizing a conservative management style.MethodsThis is a single-center retrospective review of urology care for all spina bifida patients 5–19 years of age with a neuropathic bladder who attended follow-ups between April 2000 and April 2020. Only patients with more than 5 years of follow-up were included. Renal functions, continence and results of invasive video urodynamics (IUD) and any surgical interventions were recorded.ResultsSeventy-one patients (mean age = 10.5 years) were identified after exclusions. Bladder compliance between first and last IUDs increased significantly (p = 0.0056). Anticholinergic treatment was started at the first outpatient appointment. Intravesical botulinum toxin injection was the second line treatment in ten patients. 94% of patients had an end fill pressure below 40 cm H2O in their last IUD. 82% were socially continent (dry or occasional damp patches) with or without catheterisations at the age of 11.5 years. One patient in the cohort had bladder augmentation.ConclusionThe optimal management of neuropathic bladder secondary to spina bifida remains controversial. Bladder and renal functional outcomes can be improved with close monitoring and less invasive management.
Cystatin C, renal resistance index, and kidney injury molecule-1 are potential early predictors of diabetic kidney disease in children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Trutin Ivana , Bajic Zarko , Turudic Daniel , Cvitkovic-Roic Andrea , Milosevic Danko 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the main cause of end-stage renal disease in patients with diabetes mellitus type I (DM-T1). Microalbuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are standard predictors of DKD. However, these predictors have serious weaknesses. Our study aimed to analyze cystatin C, renal resistance index, and urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) as predictors of DKD.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in 2019 on a consecutive sample of children and adolescents (10–18 years) diagnosed with DM-T1. The outcome was a risk for DKD estimated using standard predictors: age, urinary albumin, eGFR, serum creatinine, DM-T1 duration, HbA1c, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI). We conducted the analysis using structural equation modeling.ResultsWe enrolled 75 children, 36 girls and 39 boys with the median interquartile range (IQR) age of 14 (11–16) years and a median (IQR) duration of DM-T1 of 6 (4–9) years. The three focal predictors (cystatin C, resistance index, and urinary KIM-1) were significantly associated with the estimated risk for DKD. Raw path coefficients for cystatin C were 3.16 [95% CI 0.78; 5.53; p = 0.009, false discovery rate (FDR) &lt; 5%], for renal resistance index were –8.14 (95% CI –15.36; –0.92; p = 0.027; FDR &lt; 5%), and for urinary KIM-1 were 0.47 (95% CI 0.02; 0.93; p = 0.040; FDR &lt; 5%).ConclusionCystatin C, renal resistance index, and KIM-1 may be associated with the risk for DKD in children and adolescents diagnosed with DM-T1. We encourage further prospective cohort studies to test our results.
A multicenter, randomized controlled, non-inferiority trial, comparing nasal continuous positive airway pressure with nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation as primary support before minimally invasive surfactant administration for preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (the NIV-MISA-RDS trial): Study protocol
Authors: Zhang Hui , Li Jun , Zeng Lin , Gao Yajuan , Zhao Wanjun , Han Tongyan , Tong Xiaomei 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundNon-invasive ventilation (NIV) treatment has been developed to minimize lung damage and to avoid invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in preterm infants, especially in those with a gestational age of &lt;30 weeks. Our hypothesis is that for preterm infants &lt;30 weeks with potential to develop respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) is non-inferior to the nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) as primary respiratory support before minimal invasive surfactant administration (MISA).Methods and designThe NIV-MISA-RDS trial is planned as an unblinded, multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority trial at 14 tertiary neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in China. Eligible infants are preterm infants of 24–29+6 weeks of gestational age who have spontaneous breaths at birth and require primary NIV support for RDS. Infants are randomized 1:1 to treatment with either NCPAP or NIPPV once admitted into NICUs. If an infant presents progressively aggravated respiratory distress and is clinically diagnosed as having RDS, pulmonary surfactant will be supplemented by MISA in the first 2 h of life. The primary outcome is NIV treatment failure within 72 h after birth. With a specified non-inferiority margin of 10%, using a two-sided 95% CI and 80% power, the study requires 480 infants per group (in total 960 infants).DiscussionCurrent evidence shows that NIV and MISA may be the most effective strategy for minimizing IMV in preterm infants with RDS. However, there are few large randomized controlled trials to compare the effectiveness of NCPAP and NIPPV as the primary respiratory support after birth and before surfactant administration. We will conduct this trial to test the hypothesis that NCPAP is not inferior to NIPPV as the initial respiratory support in reducing the use of IMV in premature infants who have spontaneous breaths after birth and who do not require intubation in the first 2 h after birth. The study will provide clinical data for the selection of the initial non-invasive ventilation mode in preterm infants with a gestational age of &lt;30 weeks with spontaneous breaths after birth.Clinical trial registrationhttps://register.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT05137340.
Metabolic risk factors of cognitive impairment in young women with major psychiatric disorder
Authors: Zhuo Chuanjun , Liu Wei , Jiang Ronghuan , Li Ranli , Yu Haiping , Chen Guangdong , Shan Jianmin , Zhu Jingjing , Cai Ziyao , Lin Chongguang , Cheng Langlang , Xu Yong , Liu Sha , Luo Qinghua , Jin Shili , Liu Chuanxin , Chen Jiayue , Wang Lina , Yang Lei , Zhang Qiuyu , Li Qianchen , Tian Hongjun , Song Xueqin ,   China multiple organs damage in the mental disorder (CMODMD) Group
Published: July 2022

BackgroundCognitive performance improves clinical outcomes of patients with major psychiatric disorder (MPD), but is impaired by hyperglycemia. Psychotropic agents often induce metabolism syndrome (MetS). The identification of modifiable metabolic risk factors of cognitive impairment may enable targeted improvements of patient care.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between MetS and cognitive impairment in young women with MPD, and to explore risk factors.MethodsWe retrospectively studied women of 18–34 years of age receiving psychotropic medications for first-onset schizophrenia (SCH), bipolar disorder (BP), or major depressive disorder (MDD). Data were obtained at four time points: presentation but before psychotropic medication; 4–8 and 8–12 weeks of psychotropic therapy; and enrollment. MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery, (MCCB)—based Global Deficit Scores were used to assess cognitive impairment. Multiple logistic analysis was used to calculate risk factors. Multivariate models were used to investigate factors associated with cognitive impairment.ResultsWe evaluated 2,864 participants. Cognitive impairment was observed in 61.94% of study participants, and was most prevalent among patients with BP (69.38%). HbA1c within the 8–12 week-treatment interval was the most significant risk factor and highest in BP. Factors in SCH included pre-treatment waist circumference and elevated triglycerides during the 8–12 weeks treatment interval. Cumulative dosages of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and valproate were associated with cognitive impairment in all MPD subgroups, although lithium demonstrated a protect effect (all P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsCognitive impairment was associated with elevated HbA1c and cumulative medication dosages. Pre-treatment waist circumference and triglyceride level at 8–12 weeks were risk factors in SCH. Monitoring these indices may inform treatment revisions to improve clinical outcomes.
From engagement to competency: The pathway to making disability naïve frontline workers competent in the delivery of an evidence-based autism intervention in New Delhi, India
Authors: Naithani Lavangi , Sangwan Priya , Roy Sanjana Guha , Menon Sreepriya , Azar Zakiya , Lakhera Shweta , Kumar Divya , Abhilashi Minal Kakra , Roy Reetabrata , Vajaratkar Vivek , Taylor Carol , Patel Vikram , Green Jonathan , Divan Gauri 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundAs countries like India improve access to maternal and infant care, the health systems need to develop services that enable all children to thrive. A key demographic which needs to be supported are children with disabilities, such as autism. With an estimated prevalence of one percent, there are over five million young children who need services to support their needs. However, the paucity of specialist care makes access to interventions difficult. In this context a public health research not-for-profit is evaluating the effectiveness of the task-sharing approach to support the delivery of an evidenced social communication intervention for young children with autism. This paper describes the process of engaging and training the non-specialist frontline Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), who are embedded within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the Delhi State Health Mission, to deliver a complex intervention for autism to inform the future scalability of services for neurodevelopmental disorders.MethodsThe present study describes the process which included (i) engagement meetings, (ii) recruitment, (iii) training, (iv) internship, and (v) competency evaluation. The shortlisted ASHAs received a 7-day classroom training followed by an internship period with practice cases. Finally, competency assessments, comprising of a test of knowledge and skills through role-plays, was administered.ResultsTwenty three Primary Urban Health Centers across seven districts of Delhi were approached and 408 ASHAs were engaged in initial meetings. Telephonic screening with 127 ASHAs resulted in 72 ASHAs being selected for in-person interviews. Of the 45 ASHAs who attended, 33 were shortlisted for training and 18 completed it. Fifteen ASHAs entered the internship of which 7 ASHAs achieved competency.Discussion and conclusionThere was significant attrition along the pathway to having a competent non-specialist worker deliver a complex autism intervention. The lessons learnt from this process can inform the possibility of developing a cadre of disability specific frontline health workers who can deliver evidence-based interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders under supervision.