bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decomposing Acute Symptom Severity in Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke: Association With Multiparametric CT Imaging and Clinical Parameters
Authors: Stueckelschweiger Lena , Tiedt Steffen , Puhr-Westerheide Daniel , Fabritius Matthias P. , Mueller Franziska , Kellert Lars , Maurus Stefan , Grosu Sergio , Rueckel Johannes , Herzberg Moriz , Liebig Thomas , Ricke Jens , Dimitriadis Konstantinos , Kunz Wolfgang G. , Reidler Paul 
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose: Acute ischemic stroke of the anterior circulation due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) is a multifactorial process, which causes neurologic symptoms of different degree. Our aim was to examine the impact of neuromorphologic and vascular correlates as well as clinical factors on acute symptom severity in LVO stroke.Methods: We selected LVO stroke patients with known onset time from a consecutive cohort which underwent multiparametric CT including non-contrast CT, CT angiography and CT perfusion (CTP) before thrombectomy. Software-based quantification was used to calculate CTP total ischemic and ischemic core volume. Symptom severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) upon admission. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine independent associations of admission NIHSS with imaging and clinical parameters. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were used to examine performance of imaging parameters to classify symptom severity.Results: We included 142 patients. Linear and ordinal regression analyses for NIHSS and NIHSS severity groups identified significant associations for total ischemic volume [β = 0.31, p = 0.01; Odds ratio (OR) = 1.11, 95%-confidence-interval (CI): 1.02–1.19], clot burden score (β = −0.28, p = 0.01; OR = 0.76, 95%-CI: 0.64–0.90) and age (β = 0.17, p = 0.04). No association was found for ischemic core volume, stroke side, collaterals and time from onset. Stroke topography according to the Alberta Stroke Program CT Score template did not display significant influence after correction for multiple comparisons. AUC for classification of the NIHSS threshold ≥6 by total ischemic volume was 0.81 (p &lt; 0.001).Conclusions: We determined total ischemic volume, clot burden and age as relevant drivers for baseline NIHSS in acute LVO stroke. This suggests that not only mere volume but also degree of occlusion influences symptom severity. Use of imaging parameters as surrogate for baseline NIHSS reached limited performance underlining the need for combined clinical and imaging assessment in acute stroke management.
The Prognostic Value of Plasma Cell-Free DNA Concentration in the Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Gao Yuzhen , Vafaei Somayeh , Gu Xiao , Zhong Xiaoli 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveBy virtue of largely disparate clinical outcomes of prostate cancer (PCA), there is a pressing need to search for useful biomarkers for PCA prognosis. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a promising biomarker for detecting, monitoring, and predicting survival of prostate cancer (PCA). However, the utility of total cfDNA quantitation in PCA in clinical setting remains elusive. Here, we performed a thorough meta-analysis to assess the prognostic value of cfDNA concentration for patients with PCA. In addition, we tested the possibility of the combination of PSA and cfDNA test results to improve the prediction power in PCA prognosis.Method and MaterialsMore than six databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, PMC, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched. Results yielded all eligible articles from the date of inception to June 30, 2020. Continuous, diagnostic, and prognostic variables in cfDNA in PCA were included in the meta-analysis by STATA.ResultsA total of 23 articles were enrolled in our meta-analysis: 69.6% (16/23) were related to diagnosis, and 56.5% (13/23) were related to prognosis. The pooled concentration of cfDNA in PCA patients was significantly higher than in the control group (SMD = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.53, 1.26), mirroring results for the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). For the detection test variables, the SROC with 95%CI was 0.87 (0.84–0.90) for cfDNA concentration. In terms of prognostic variables, the concentrations of cfDNA were significantly related with progression-free survival (PFS, logHR = 0.84 (95%CI0.39, 1.28) and overall survival [OS, log HR = 0.60 (95%CI0.29, 0.90)]. Lastly, the test showed no significant publication bias in the present meta-analysis, excluding the diagnostic meta-analysis.ConclusionsThe concentration of cell-free DNA is high in the prostate cancer patients. The present study substantiates the prognostic value of the cfDNA concentration. High concentration cfDNA correlates with poor disease outcome of CRPC. The study cohort with large sample size is needed to evaluate the prognosis value of cfDNA in the future. We also emphasized that combination of PSA and cf DNA quantitation is important in future large individual meta study.
High Pretreatment LDH Predicts Poor Prognosis in Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Wu Jialing , You Kaiyun , Chen Changlong , Zhong Huimin , Jiang Yanhui , Mo Huaqian , Song Juanjuan , Qiu Xingsheng , Liu Yimin 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundElevated pretreatment lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) has been associated with poor prognosis in various malignancies; however, its prognostic role in hypopharyngeal cancer remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between pretreatment LDH and clinical outcome of hypopharyngeal cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively collected 198 hypopharyngeal cancer patients treated with surgery in our institution between 2004 and 2018. The prognostic role of pretreatment LDH was explored by using univariate and multivariate analyses. Besides, subgroup analysis was performed based on T stage.ResultsThree-year and Five-year of disease-free survival (DFS, 67.0 vs. 57.4%, 65.8 vs. 39.8%, p = 0.007) and overall survival (OS, 74.8 vs. 68.9%, 66.8 vs. 50.8%, p = 0.006) exhibited significant differences between low LDH level and high LDH level groups. Univariate analysis showed that pretreatment elevated serum LDH served as an unfavorable determinant with regard to DFS and OS. Further multivariate analysis also confirmed that LDH was an independent predictor for DFS and OS. Additionally, N status and age were also found to be significantly associated with both DFS and OS.ConclusionPretreatment elevated serum LDH is an inferior prognostic factor for patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. These results should be validated by more multicenter and prospective studies.
Studying the Effects of Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor on Fetal Lung Macrophages During the Perinatal Period Using the Mouse Model
Authors: Cheah Fook-Choe , Presicce Pietro , Tan Tian-Lee , Carey Brenna C. , Kallapur Suhas G. 
Published: March 2021

Background:Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is increased in the amniotic fluid in chorioamnionitis and elevated in the fetal lung with endotoxin exposure. Although GM-CSF has a pivotal role in fetal lung development, it stimulates pulmonary macrophages and is associated with the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). How antenatal GM-CSF results in recruitment of lung macrophage leading to BPD needs further elucidation. Hence, we used a transgenic and knock-out mouse model to study the effects of GM-CSF focusing on the fetal lung macrophage.Methods:Using bitransgenic (BTg) mice that conditionally over-expressed pulmonary GM-CSF after doxycycline treatment, and GM-CSF knock-out (KO) mice with no GM-CSF expression, we compared the ontogeny and immunophenotype of lung macrophages in BTg, KO and control mice at various prenatal and postnatal time points using flow cytometry and immunohistology.Results:During fetal life, compared to controls, BTg mice over-expressing pulmonary GM-CSF had increased numbers of lung macrophages that were CD68+and these were primarily located in the interstitium rather than alveolar spaces. The lung macrophages that accumulated were predominantly CD11b+F4/80+indicating immature macrophages. Conversely, lung macrophages although markedly reduced, were still present in GM-CSF KO mice.Conclusion:Increased exposure to GM-CSF antenatally, resulted in accumulation of immature macrophages in the fetal lung interstitium. Absence of GM-CSF did not abrogate but delayed the transitioning of interstitial macrophages. Together, these results suggest that other perinatal factors may be involved in modulating the maturation of alveolar macrophages in the developing fetal lung.
Referential Values of Testicular Volume Measured by Ultrasonography in Normal Children and Adolescents: Z-Score Establishment
Authors: Liu Chen , Liu Xiao , Zhang Xiangxiang , Yang Boyang , Huang Lan , Wang Hongying , Yu Hongkui 
Published: March 2021

Objective: To establish Z-score regression equation derived from age for testicular volume measured by ultrasonography in normal boys aged 0 to 18 years old.Method: The length (L), width (W), and height (H) of 3,328 testicles from 1,664 Chinese boys were measured by ultrasonography. Lambert's formula: L × W × H × 0.71 was used to calculate testicular volume. Z-score regression equation derived from age was established by regression analysis of predicted values of testicular volume and standard deviations.Result: There was no significant difference between left and right testicular volumes. Testicular volume was positively correlated with age, and logarithmic transformation of testicular volume can show a fine curve fit with age. To establish Z-score regression equation derived from age, the predicted values of testicular volume used cubic regression equations, and the standard deviation used square regression equations. The Z-score regression equation derived from age was calculated by the formula: z = [lg (L × W × H × 0.71) – (−0.3524-0.01759 × x+0.009417 × x2-0.0001840 × x3)]/(0.1059+0.01434 × x-0.0005324 × x2).Conclusion: The current study provided a reference value for testicular volume of boys aged 0 to 18 years old. Z-score regression equation derived from age for testicular volume can be established. Z-score will be of great value for the testicular development assessment and disease diagnosis and follow-up.
Doubling the Dose of Bevacizumab Beyond Progression in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer–the Experience of a Tertiary Cancer Center
Authors: Căinap Călin , Bochiş Ovidiu-Vasile , Vlad Cătălin , Popita Raluca , Achimaş-Cadariu Patriciu , Havasi Andrei , Vidrean Andreea , Dranca Alexandra , Piciu Andra , Constantin Anne-Marie , Tat Tiberiu , Dana Maniu , Crişan Ovidiu , Cioban Cosmin Vasile , Bălăcescu Ovidiu , Coza Ovidiu , Bălăcescu Loredana , Marta Monica Mihaela , Bota Madalina , Căinap Simona 
Published: March 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in Europe, with an annual increase in incidence ranging between 0.4 and 3.6% in various countries. Although the development of CRC was extensively studied, limited number of new therapies were developed in the last few years. Bevacizumab is frequently used as first- and second-line therapy for management of metastatic CRC (mCRC). The aim of this study is to present our experience with using bevacizumab beyond disease progression at different dosage levels in mCRC patients, in terms of overall survival, progression-free survival, time to treatment failure, and toxicities.Methods: We performed a consecutive retrospective analysis of patients with confirmed mCRC who were treated with bevacizumab at "Prof Dr. Ion Chiricuta" Institute of Oncology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. We included patients who had received bevacizumab as first- or second-line therapy and further stratified them according to the dose administered as a second-line (either standard dose of 5 mg/kg every 2 weeks or 7.5 mg/kg every 3 weeks, or double dose of 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks or 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks–depending on the classical chemotherapy partner). All patients had received bevacizumab beyond progression (BYP) which is defined as continuing bevacizumab administration through second-line treatment despite disease progression. In each group, we evaluated the prognostic factors that influenced survival and treatment outcome.Results: One hundred and fifty-one (151) patients were included in the study. Themedian age of patients receiving double dose bevacizumab (DDB) and standard dose bevacizumab (SDB) was 58 years (range 41–71) and 57 years (range 19–75), respectively. The median overall survival in the DDB group was 41 months (range 27–49) compared to 25 months (range 23–29) in the SDB group (p = 0.01 log-rank test). First-line oxaliplatin-based treatment was used more frequently regardless of group, while irinotecan-based more frequently used as a second-line treatment (p = 0.014). Both oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based regimens were found to be suitable partners for BYP. Statistical analysis revealed that dose intensity, primary tumor location, and cumulative exposure to BYP had significant influence on survival.Conclusion: Doubling the dose of bevacizumab after first progression may improve survival in mCRC patients. Increasing bevacizumab dose intensity could override the prognostic impact of primary tumor location in patients receiving double the dose of bevacizumab after first disease progression.
Sini Decoction Ameliorates Colorectal Cancer and Modulates the Composition of Gut Microbiota in Mice
Authors: Wang Yishan , Zhang Xiaodi , Li Jiawei , Zhang Ying , Guo Yingjie , Chang Qing , Chen Li , Wang Yiwei , Wang Siyao , Song Yu , Zhao Yongkun , Wang Zhihong 
Published: March 2021

Sini Decoction (SND), as a classic prescription of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been proved to be clinically useful in cardiomyopathy and inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the role and mechanism of SND in colitis-associated cancer remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effect of SND on colorectal cancer(CRC) symptoms and further explore the changes of gut microbes mediated by SND extract in azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced CRC mice through 16 S rRNA sequencing. Our results indicated that treatment with SND extract could ameliorate the tumors' malignant degree by decreasing tumor number and size. Also, the expression levels of Cyclooxygenase 2 and Mucin-2, which are typical CRC biomarkers, were reduced compared to the CRC group. In the meantime, SND extract can upregulate CD8+ T lymphocytes' expression and Occludin in the colonic mucosal layer. Besides, SND inhibited the expression of CD4+ T cells and inflammatory cytokines in CRC tissue. According to bioinformatics analysis, SND extract was also suggested could modulate the gut microbial community. After the SND treatment, compared with the CRC mice model, the number of pathogenic bacteria showed a significant reduction, including Bacteroides fragilis and Sulphate-reducing bacteria; and SND increased the relative contents of the beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Bacillus coagulans, Akkermansia muciniphila, and Bifidobacterium. In summary, SND can effectively intervene in colorectal cancer development by regulating intestinal immunity, protecting the colonic mucosal barrier, and SND can change the intestinal microbiota composition in mice.
Efficacy of a Combined Antiplatelet Therapy Is Not Affected by a Simultaneous Binding of Cangrelor and PSB 0777 to Albumin
Authors: Wzorek Joanna , Bednarek Radosław , Watala Cezary , Boncler Magdalena 
Published: March 2021

Concurrent administration of two drugs may complicate the management of acute coronary syndromes: competitive drug displacement diminishes drug binding and alters drug pharmacodynamics. We investigated the interaction of two antiplatelet compounds (PSB 0777 and cangrelor) with human serum albumin (HSA) to determine whether they compete with one another for the binding to albumin. Both examined compounds have been earlier claimed to bind to HSA (PSB 0777) or plasma proteins (cangrelor). Fluorescence spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and molecular modeling indicated that PSB 0777 and cangrelor interacted with HSA with moderate affinity (KD∼10−5 M). The binding of cangrelor to HSA involved primarily hydrophobic interactions, while the interaction of PSB 0777 with HSA was driven by hydrophobic and electrostatic forces. It was found that PSB 0777 and cangrelor do not share the same binding site on the protein. Our findings highlight the importance of albumin in the transport of PSB 0777 and cangrelor and suggest that the antiplatelet activity of the examined compounds used in combination is not affected by competition-induced changes in drug binding to HSA.
Optimal Candidates to Do Fresh Embryo Transfer in Those Using Oral Contraceptive Pretreatment in IVF Cycles
Authors: Lu Yao , Niu Yichao , Wang Yuan , He Yaqiong , Ding Ying , Lu Xinyuan , Xu Bing , Lindheim Steven R. , Sun Yun 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveConcern regarding the adverse impact of pretreatment of oral contraceptives (OC) prior to ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) on pregnancy outcome has been debated. We investigated factors that may be associated with live birth rate (LBR) in fresh embryo transfer cycles after OC pretreatment.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted at the Reproductive Center of Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai, China. 814 women aged 20–35 years undergoing their first autologous IVF cycle and fresh embryo transfer after OC pretreatment were included. Long gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (a) or GnRH antagonist (ant) protocol was used for ovarian stimulation. Predictive factors for LBR were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that using GnRH-ant protocol for ovarian stimulation was associated with significantly lower LBR (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52–0.93), while endometrial thickness on day of hCG trigger was associated with increased LBR (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06–1.27). Despite comparable patients’ age, duration of infertility, BMI and basal FSH between GnRH-a and GnRH-ant groups, those using GnRH-ant resulted in significantly lower LBR compared to the GnRH-a group (37.4 vs. 48.5%, p = 0.002). Using ROC analysis and a cut-off endometrial thickness of &lt; and ≥ 9.5 mm, those &lt; 9.5 mm using GnRH-ant resulted in significantly lower LBR (28.5 vs. 43.4%, p = 0.004), while no differences were noted with an endometrial thickness ≥9.5 mm (49.6 vs. 51.1%, p = 0.78).ConclusionsLive birth was significantly impacted in OC pre-treated GnRH-ant cycles with an endometrial thickness of &lt;9.5 mm on day of hCG trigger. Cryopreservation of all embryos in these cycles should be considered.
LncRNA MEG3 Protects Chondrocytes From IL-1β-Induced Inflammation via Regulating miR-9-5p/KLF4 Axis
Authors: Huang Yijiang , Chen Daosen , Yan Zijian , Zhan Jingdi , Xue Xinghe , Pan Xiaoyun , Yu Huachen 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease of the joints characterized by articular cartilage damage, subchondral bone remodeling, osteophyte formation, and inflammatory changes. This work aims to investigate the protective role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) maternally expressed 3 (MEG3) against the apoptosis of chondrocytes.MethodsChondrocyte cell lines, CHON-001, and ATDC5 were treated with different doses of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to mimic the inflammatory response during OA pathogenesis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure MEG3, miR-9-5p, and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) mRNA expression levels. MEG3 and KLF4 overexpression plasmids, MEG3 shRNA, miR-9-5p mimics, and miR-9-5p inhibitors were transfected into the cells. Cell counting kit-8, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry were conducted to determine cell viability, migration, and apoptotic rate. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was adopted to verify the targeting relationships among MEG3, miR-9-5p, and KLF4. Western blot was used to detect KLF4 protein expression. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of inflammatory factors.ResultsMEG3 expression in chondrocytes was down-regulated by the stimulation of IL-1β, and MEG3 negatively regulated miR-9-5p expression but positively regulated KLF4 expression. MEG3 overexpression strengthened the viability and migration of CHON-001 and ATDC5 cells but restrained the apoptosis and inflammatory response, while MEG3 knockdown had opposite effects. miR-9-5p inhibition or KLF4 overexpression could counteract the effects of MEG3 knockdown on chondrocytes. Besides that, MEG3 was proved to be a molecular sponge for miR-9-5p, and KLF4 was verified as the target of miR-9-5p.ConclusionMEG3 can promote chondrocyte proliferation and migration and inhibit apoptosis and inflammation by sponging miR-9-5p to induce KLF4 expression, which provides a promising therapy target for OA treatment.
Pilates for Overweight or Obesity: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Yi , Chen Zehua , Wu Zugui , Ye Xiangling , Xu Xuemeng 
Published: March 2021

Background: Evidence for the efficacy of Pilates for the modulation of body weight and body composition is unclear.Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of Pilates on body weight and body composition in adults with overweight or obesity.Data Sources: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and EMBASE databases were systematically searched from the inception dates to 12 November 2020 for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials comparing Pilates with other physical exercises or without any intervention were included.Data Extraction and Synthesis: Three reviewers independently performed the data extraction and assessed study quality. The mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pooled data were calculated.Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcome measures were body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, lean body mass, and waist circumference.Results: Eleven RCTs with 393 subjects were included. This study revealed that Pilates dramatically reduces body weight (MD = −2.40, 95% CI: [−4.04, −0.77], P = 0.004, I2 = 51%), BMI (MD = −1.17, 95% CI: [−1.85, −0.50], P = 0.0006, I2 = 61%), and body fat percentage (MD = −4.22, 95% CI: [−6.44, −2.01], P = 0.0002, I2 = 88%) in adults with overweight or obesity. The reduction in body weight and body fat percentage appears to be more pronounced in studies including participants with obesity only, and the efficacy of Pilates for the improvement of body weight and BMI appears to be more evident in longer intervention duration. However, Pilates has no significant effect on waist circumference (MD = −2.65, 95% CI: [−6.84, 1.55], P = 0.22, I2 = 0%) and lean body mass (MD = −0.00, 95% CI: [−1.40, 1.40], P = 1.00, I2 = 23%).Conclusions: Pilates dramatically reduces body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage in adults with overweight or obesity. Large-scale and well-designed RCTs with improved methodology and reporting are urgently needed to further confirm these results.