bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CYP24A1 and SLC34A1 mutations in five cases with idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia
Authors: Wang Qiao , Chen Jia-jia , Wei Li-ya , Liu Min , Li Wen-jing , Su Chang , Gong Chunxiu 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Backgrounds

Idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia (IIH) is a rare hereditary disorder caused by CYP24A1 and SLC34A1 gene mutations. In this study, the clinical manifestations and molecular aspects of five new Chinese patients were investigated.

Results

Four patients showed hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, decreased PTH and bilateral medullary nephrocalcinosis in early infancy. Their clinical symptoms and biochemical abnormalities improved after intensive hydration, furosemide and oral phosphorus treatment, except one patient needed salmon calcitonin injection. All patients remained bilateral medullary nephrocalcinosis. One patient admitted at 11 years old presented arterial hypertension, hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis, but normal serum calcium. She had history of nausea, poor appetite and growing when infancy. Gene analysis showed two have compound heterozygous mutations of CYP24A1, one patient with monoallelic CYP24A1 variant, and two with monoallelic SLC34A1 variant. Four CYP24A1 variants (c.116G > C, c.287T > A, c.476G > A and c.1349T > C) and two SLC34A1 variants (c.1322A > G and c.1697_1698insT) were first reported.

Conclusions

CYP24A1 and SLC34A1 gene mutations are genetic cause of idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia. Monoallelic variant of CYP24A1 or SLC34A1 gene contributes to symptomatic hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis. Manifestations of IIH are varying with onset age. Hypercalcemia may not the necessarily after infancy and the patients with nephrolithiasis either in older children or adults may consider IIH.
Erectile dysfunction is an indication of impaired central hemodynamic in adults with type 1 diabetes without cardiovascular disease: a pilot study
Authors: Kulecki Michal , Naskret Dariusz , Kaminski Mikolaj , Kasprzak Dominika , Lachowski Pawel , Klause Daria , Kozlowska Maria , Flotynska Justyna , Uruska Aleksandra , Zozulinska-Ziolkiewicz Dorota 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Arterial stiffness (AS) and non-dipping pattern are early predictors of cardiovascular diseases but are not used in clinical practice. We aimed to assess if the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score could be a useful tool to predict AS and non-dipping pattern in subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). The study group consisted of adults with T1DM. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV Ao), central systolic blood pressure, and pulse were measured with a brachial oscillometric device (Arteriograph 24). ED was assessed by the IIEF-5. A comparison between the groups with and without ED was performed. Of 34 investigated men with T1DM, 12 (35.3%) suffered from ED. The group with ED had higher mean 24h pulse (77.7 [73.7-86.5] vs 69.9 [64.0-76.8]/min; p=0.04, nighttime PWV Ao (8.1 [6.8-8.5] vs 6.8 [6.1-7.5]m/s; p=0.015) and prevalence of non-dipping SBP Ao pattern (11 [91.7] vs 12 [54.5]%; p=0.027) than individuals without ED. The presence of ED detected a central non-dipping pattern with a sensitivity of 47.8% and a specificity of 90.9%. ED is associated with a central non-dipping pattern, increased AS, and a mean 24h pulse among people with T1DM.
Clinicopathological features and significance of CD26 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Li Lan , Ding Lu , Zhang Rui , Luo Jin , Fang Jingyi , Zhou Huanhuan , Zhu Zhengpeng 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPurpose This study aimed to evaluate the potential significance of CD26 expression in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) tissues and to investigate their relationship with classical clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. Methods Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was used to explore the expression pattern of CD26 in PTC tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues in 86 patients. In addition, we searched GEPIA database to estimate the expression difference of CD26 mRNA in thyroid cancer and normal thyroid tissues, and download the expression bar graph of mRNA and Kaplan Meier curve of CD26 in PTC compared to normal thyroid tissues. Results We found that 89.53% (77/86) of PTC overexpressed CD26, on the contrary, we observed that CD26 was not expressed in normal thyroid tissues adjacent to the tumor. The expression of CD26 was strongly associated with lymph node metastasis (ꭓ2 = 7.59,P = 0.006), tumor size (ꭓ2 = 7.59,P = 0.006) and patients' age (ꭓ2 = 3.95,P = 0.047), but there had no association between CD26 expression and patients' gender, capsular invasion (P > 0.05). Moreover, CD26 mRNA level was extremely low in normal thyroid tissues and significantly increased in thyroid cancer tissues(P < 0.01). Survival analysis presented that the patients with higher CD26 mRNA expression owned lower disease-free survival (DFS) and higher recurrence risk (HR = 1.8,P = 0.048). Conclusion Our data demonstrated that CD26 might be promising biomarkers and therapeutic target for PTC.
The Effectiveness of Educational Intervention based on the Health Action Model (HAM) in Improving Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors
Authors: MAHBOOBIGHAZAANI FAHIMEH , KARIMI MASOUD , AZADBAKHT MOJTABA , GHAHREMANI LEILA 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Considering the lack of knowledge about the cause of breast cancer and since all women are susceptible to this disease, training screening behaviors for early diagnosis is essential to reduce the mortality from this disease. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of training based on the health action model in improving breast cancer screening behaviors in women aged 30 to 69 in Kashan City.Methods: The present study was semi-experimental and the research setting included comprehensive health service centers in Kashan. The statistical population was women aged 30 to 69. A total of 162 women in the same age group were selected to participate in the study by simple random sampling. They were divided into two intervention and control groups. Before the educational intervention, a questionnaire distributed between two groups. The educational package was designed and prepared after analyzing the initial data of the questionnaires. The educational intervention was performed in both virtual (Whatsapp platform) and attendance methods for the intervention group over two months. All participants completed informed consent forms before the study. The questionnaires were distributed and collected in three periods before, three, and six months after the educational intervention. The data was analyzed using SPSS 22 software.Findings: The mean scores of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers, benefits, self-efficacy, subjective norms, skills and behavioral intention related to monthly breast self-examination, clinical examination and mammography, significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group three and six months after the intervention. Furthermore, screening behaviors, including monthly breast self-examination, clinical examination and mammography, significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group 3 three and six months after the intervention (P<0.05).Conclusion: The research results proved the effectiveness of interventions based on the health action model in promoting breast cancer screening behaviors and the determinants of such behaviors.
Changes in activity of daily living performance and quality of life 3 months after hip fracture surgery may predict 1-year surgical outcomes in Taiwanese older adults: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Tzu-I , Kuo Yi-Jie , Huang Shu-Wei , Chen Yu-Pin 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background Hip fracture is a major concern in older adults. It may result in the long-term loss of mobility and self-care ability in patients. Functional status decreases soon after hip fracture surgery but increases gradually thereafter. However, some patients may without strong physical resilience eventually exhibit functional dependence. In this study, we investigated whether short-term postoperative changes in activity of daily living (ADL) performance and quality of life (QoL) can predict the 1-year outcomes of hip fracture surgery in older Taiwanese adults. Methods This prospective cohort study included older adults (≥ 60 years) who underwent hip fracture surgery at a single tertiary medical center in Taiwan between November 2017 and March 2021. We collected baseline data, including the patients’ demographics, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) scores, and responses to a questionnaire (Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire [SPMSQ]) for dementia screening. Moreover, their scores on the EuroQol-5D questionnaire (for evaluating QoL) and Barthel Index (for assessing ADL performance) were collected at baseline and 3 and 12 months after surgery. Changes in ADL performance and QoL 3 months after surgery were evaluated, and the associations of these parameters (and other potential factors) with 1-year surgical outcomes were investigated. Results We analyzed the data of 318 patients with hip fracture and complete follow-up data regarding ADL performance and QoL 3 and 12 months after surgery. After covariate adjustment, multivariate logistic regression revealed that changes in ADL performance and QoL 3 months after surgery were positively and significantly correlated with 1-year surgical outcomes (p < .001). Furthermore, baseline CCI and SPMSQ scores were independent predictive factors associated with 1-year ADL outcomes (p = .042 and < .001, respectively). Conclusions Short-term functional recovery may help predict long-term ADL and QoL outcomes in older adults. Thus, short-term rehabilitation programs are recommended, particularly within 3 postoperative months, to prevent long-term functional dependence. Our study may serve as a reference for future studies aimed at improving the ADL performance and QoL of older patients after hip fracture surgery.
Assessment of the concentration, enzymatic activity, and health risks of heavy metals in Tilapia and Pangasius raised for human consumption
Authors: Mazed Maria Al , Haque Md. Ayenuddin , Iqbal Md Mehedi , Rana Saifuddin , Ahammad Kabir , Quader Md Fahad Bin , Nahid Sk. Ahmad Al , Ahmed Sk Istiaque 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination of fish is a global safety concern for the consumers. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was used to measure the concentration of three HMs (As, Pb, and Cr) in two commercially farmed fish species that are widely consumed:Oreochromis niloticus(tilapia) andPangasianodon hypophthalmus(pangasius). This investigation was done to determine whether there was any potential health risk. The concentration of the studied heavy metals was within standard acceptable limits. As, Cr, and Pb had respective mean concentrations of 0.037 ± 0.023 mg/kg, 0.005 ± 0.002 mg/kg and 0.029 ± 0.015 mg/kg in the case of tilapia; and 0.049 ± 0.017 mg/kg, 0.007 ± 0.005 mg/kg and 0.024 ± 0.009 mg/kg, respectively, in the case of pangasius. Hierarchical clustering revealed that As may come through seepage and groundwater, while Cr and Pb are the products of contaminated feeds. ALP and ATPase activity varied significantly amongst the fishes' various organs. However, multiple regression analysis revealed that the current concentration of HMs in tilapia and pangasius was insufficient to predict enzymatic activity except for ALP in pangasius gill. The results of calculations for estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR) indices made it abundantly evident that eating the fish under study posed no significant harm to the consumers' health. In conclusion, the contamination level of farmed tilapia and pangasius sold in the study area was within the permissible limit, however regular monitoring is needed to assure safe production.
BMI trajectory in adulthood in relation to cause-specific mortality: a sample of 89,886 adults
Authors: Chiu Po-Wei , Yu Tsung , Kukreti Shikha , Strong Carol 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The dynamic change of weight over time had been known as an important factor that impacts mortality risk. The aims of this study were to obtain the heterogeneity of the BMI trajectory throughout the adulthood by gender and age groups; examined the association of the trajectories of BMI and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. The data from the study were obtained from the large prospective cohort study in Taiwan between 1998 and 2019 which was linked to National Death Registry for death information. The participants were stratified into four groups by age and gender and self-reported demographic and measured BMI data were used. Group based trajectory analysis was used to identify distinct trajectories of changes in BMI. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk. Data were analyzed in April 2020. Complete dataset was obtained from 290279 participants. Four trajectory groups were identified by the pattern of BMI change over time. This study shows that different trajectories are associated with mortality. Finding suggests that mortality risk differs in each trajectory group and in each age and gender stratification. It appears that obesity is a protective factor in cancer-related mortality in female but not in male in group of old age while low-normal weight is a risk factor in respiratory-related mortality in all participants. Our findings can be used to define the appropriate BMI in each age and gender groups and thereby earlier health intervention actions can be taken to avoid mortality.
Clustering of health-related behavior patterns using latent class analysis: Results from a working population of 12,168 Japanese at risk for noncommunicable diseases
Authors: Miki Takahiro , Yamamoto Kojiro , Kanai Masashi , Takeyama Kento , Iwatake Maki , Hagiwara Yuta 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background:
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have become a significant global problem. Since health behaviors are associated with NCDs, and it is more effective to characterize populations using a public health population approach and provide specific interventions according to those characteristics, it is useful to examine the formation of clusters of health behavior combinations. Therefore, this study is intended to conduct clustering analysis by health behavior of Japanese people in the working population who are at risk of NCDs, through the use of latent class analysis.
Methods:
Participants were individuals who had not previously been diagnosed with NCDs but were at risk for NCDs. Participants were assessed on the basis of several demographic data and several health behaviors. The clustering study used latent class analysis (LCA) based on health behavior characteristics for individuals at risk of NCDs among the Japanese working population. All statistical analyses were conducted using R (Version 4.0.4) and the “poLCA” package (Version 1.6.0).
Results:
This study’s participants was 12,168. Regarding LCA, the study compared models with one to six latent classes. The five classes were closest to the most appropriate model because of the Bayesian Information Criterion, Akaike Information Criterion, and G^2 values and the more distinguishable cluster characteristics. Cluster 1 was “having healthy lifestyles but disliking hospitals”; Cluster 2 was “women with healthy lifestyle behaviors”; Cluster 3 was “general population”; and Cluster 4 was “middle-aged group in need of lifestyle improvement.” Cluster 5 was “a group of treatment for lifestyle-related diseases.”
Conclusions:
This study reveals more discernible health behavior patterns in a sample of the Japanese population using large real-world data. This may suggest the effectiveness of each distinctive approach in considering a population approach to public health.
Assessing the Utility of Haematological and Non-invasive Fibrotic Indices for Chronic HBV infection Prognosis and Monitoring: A Pilot Study in a Ghanaian Population
Authors: Nyarko Eric NY , Obirikorang Christian , Owiredu W. K.B.A. , Adu Evans Asamoah , Acheampong Emmanuel 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Objective: Haematological and liver fibrotic markers could be appreciably utilized for effective monitoring of Hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection, thereby increasing patient’s treatment outcome. The objective of this study was to assess the applicability of complete blood count (CBC) and non-invasive liver-fibrotic indices as markers of prognostic outcome and monitoring in HBV infection.
Results: Significant differences in levels of white cell and differentials counts, red blood cell count, hemoglobin indices, and platelet indices were observed between HBV-infected patients (cases) and uninfected persons (controls). Levels of haemoglobin (Hb), total white blood cells (tWBC), neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, and Platelet Distribution width (PDW) were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the cases compared to the controls. Total and indirect bilirubin; De-Ritis ratio, Aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and RDW-to-platelet ratio (RPR) were elevated in cases compared with controls (p-value < 0.05). In a multivariate adjusted model to test the significance of markers, Hemoglobin Index (beta coefficient = -0.876, p-value<0.001), NLR (beta coefficient = -0.839, p-value<0.001), MPV_10000 (beta coefficient = -0.333, p-value<0.001) and Albumin (beta coefficient =-0.059, p-value = 0.014), were associated with HBV infection status. Receiver operative characteristics curve analysis showed Hemoglobin Index (AUC= 0.744) and MPV_10000 (AUC = 0.730) as better prognostic markers for HBV-infection.
Isolation of cadmium-resistant strains and preliminary study of their resistance mechanism
Authors: Fan Ruijuan , Xie Weixia , Ma Heqin , Zhu Mengke , Ma Kun , Yan Xingfu 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Six cadmium (Cd)-resistant strains, Cd-1, Cd-2, Cd-3, Cd-5, Cd-6, and Cd-7, were isolated. Cd-1, Cd-2, Cd-5, and Cd-6 were identified as Stenotrophomonas sp., Cd-3 as Achromobacter sp., and Cd-7 as Staphylococcus sp.. The six strains showed a wide adaptation range for salinity and had a strong tolerance to Cd2+. The effects of the initial Cd2+ concentration (1–100 mg/L), time (18–72 h), temperature (10–40°C), and pH (5.0–9.0) on the removal efficiency of Cd2+ were analyzed. The results revealed that the Cd2+ removal rate was higher at the initial concentrations of 5–100 mg/L than at 1mg/L. The maximum Cd2+ removal effect was found when the culture time was 36 h, the temperature was 10–35°C, and the pH was 5.0–7.0. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the Cd2+ was immobilized through bio-precipitation by Stenotrophomonas sp. Cd-2 and Staphylococcus sp. Cd-7. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that the Cd2+ was adsorbed by Stenotrophomonas sp. Cd-2, Achromobacter sp. Cd-3, and Staphylococcus sp. Cd-7. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed that the isolates reacted with the Cd2+ mainly through the O–H, protein N–H, C–N, lipid C–H, fatty acid COO, polysaccharide C–O, P–O, and other functional groups, as well as lipid molecules on the cell wall surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that there was little difference in the cells after Cd2+ treatment. The results of the soil remediation experiments indicate that the toxicity of Cd in soil could be effectively reduced.
The efficacy of rice paddy herb essential oil as a herbicide and antimicrobial activity against phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi
Authors: Photree Kiettipum , Tongchure Siros , Uaraksakul Pataraporn , Pisamayarom Kankanit , Chanprapai Pragatsawat 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The essential oil (EO) derived from whole plants of the rice paddy herb collected in Thailand's central area has been studied for antimicrobial activity against phytopathogenic bacteria (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola) and phytopathogenic fungi (Alternaria porri, Bipolaris oryzae, Collectotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Phytophtophthora parasitica, and Rhizoctonia solani), and the chemical compositions. The EO contained 1-limonene (47.3%), linalool (18.5%), and (+)-trans—Mentha-2,8-diene (9.2%) as the most abundant constituents. The essential oil displayed completely antifungal activity using a percentage of mycelial growth inhibition on R. solani and B. oryzae, following potent activity on A. porri and F. oxysporum. In the case of antibacterial activity using an agar diffusion assay, the oil revealed potent activity against both bacteria tested. The 1-limonene was also evaluated against all phytopathogens, and the compound revealed better effective activity on bacteria than fungi. The results concluded that the oil could be used to develop alternative green agrochemical agents.
Hyaluronic acid/tannic acid films for biomedical application
Authors: Wekwejt Marcin , Kluczyński Janusz , Ronowska Anna , Michno Anna , Zasada Lidia , Małek Marcin , Kaczmarek-Szczepańska Beata 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
In this study thin films based on hyaluronic acid (HA) with tannic acid (TA) were investigated in three different weight ratios (80HA/20TA, 50HA/50TA, 20HA/80TA) for potential medical applications. Surface free energy as well as its roughness, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability rate, and antioxidant activity were determined. Moreover, the compatibility with blood and osteoblast cells was investigated. The irritation effect for hyaluronic acid/tannic acid films by in vitro method was also considered. The results showed that the films have low surface free energy (54-42 mJ/m2), and rough surface (Ra 2.92-3.45 nm; Rq 3.84-4.21), and showed antioxidant activity (RSA 26% for 80HA/20TA; 93% for 20HA/80TA). All of the studied compositions of hyaluronic acid/tannic acid films are hemocompatible (hemolysis rate below 2%), however fully cytocompatible are only films based on 50HA/50TA. All films except 80HA/20TA showed appropriate mechanical properties in terms of potential implantation. All samples did not show the irritation effect during the studies using the reconstructed human epidermis.
Large-scale particle shadow tracking and orientation measurement with collimated light
Authors: Baker Lucia , DiBenedetto Michelle 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Lagrangian particle tracking experiments are a key tool to understanding particle transport in fluid flows. However, tracking particles over long distances is expensive and limited by both the intensity of light and number of cameras. In order to increase the length of measured particle trajectories in a large fluid volume with minimal cost, we developed a large-scale particle-shadow-tracking method. This technique is able to accurately track milimeter-scale particles and their orientations in meter-scale laboratory fluid flows. By tracking the particles' shadows cast by a wide beam of collimated light from a high-power LED, 2D particle position and velocity can be obtained, as well as their 3D orientation. Compared with traditional volumetric particle tracking techniques, this method is able to measure particle kinematics over a larger area using much simpler imaging and tracking techniques. We demonstrate the method on sphere, disk, and rod particles in a wavy wind-driven flow, where we successfully track particles and reconstruct their orientations.