bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex-based carbon dots for ameliorating imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation in mice
Authors: Zhang Meiling , Cheng Jinjun , Hu Jie , Luo Juan , Zhang Yue , Lu Fang , Kong Hui , Qu Huihua , Zhao Yan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Carbon dots (CDs) with multifaceted advantages have provided hope for development brand-new nanodrug for treating thorny diseases. This study developed a green and simple calcination method to prepare novel CDs as promising drug for psoriasis treatment. The as-prepared CDs using Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (PCC) as sole precursor were characterized by a series of methods, mainly including electron microscopy, optical technology and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Results
Results displayed that fluorescence (Quantum yield = 5.63%) and nontoxic PCC-based CDs (PCC-CDs) with abundant chemical groups exhibited solubility and tiny sizes at average of (1.93 ± 0.53) nm, which may be beneficial for its inherent biological activity. Moreover, by using the typical imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like skin mouse model, we firstly demonstrated the pronounced anti-psoriasis activity of as-prepared PCC-CDs on ameliorating the appearance, psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores as well as histopathological morphology of both back skin tissues and right ears in IMQ-induced mouse. Further potential mechanisms behind the anti-psoriasis activities may be related to suppress M1 polarization and relatively promote M2 polarization of macrophage both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion
These results suggested that PCC-CDs have potential to be an anti-psoriasis candidate for clinical applications to treat psoriasis, which not only provided an evidence for further broadening the biological application of CDs, but also provided a potential hope for application nanodrugs to treat thorny diseases.

Graphic Abstract
Development and validation of behavioral intention measures of an E-vapor product: intention to try, use, dual use, and switch
Authors: McCaffrey Stacey A. , Zdinak Jessica Parker , Plunkett Stephanie , Becker Elizabeth , Lewis Jennifer N. , Black Ryan A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The harm caused by tobacco use is primarily attributable to cigarette smoking. Switching completely to non-combustible products may reduce disease risks in adult cigarette smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit. Before a new tobacco product can enter the market or can be marketed as a modified risk tobacco product, the manufacturer must determine the impact that the product will have on the likelihood of changes in tobacco use behavior among both tobacco users and nonusers. One way to estimate change in tobacco use behavior is to assess tobacco users’ and nonusers’ behavioral intentions toward the product and its marketing, including intentions to try, use, dual use, and switch to the product from cigarettes. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate behavioral intention metrics appropriate for use with current, former, and never adult tobacco users.

Methods
Preliminary items were subjected to cognitive testing with adult (1) smokers planning to quit cigarettes in the next 30 days, (2) smokers not planning to quit cigarettes in the next 30 days, (3) e-vapor users, (4) former tobacco users, and (5) never tobacco users. Items were iteratively revised based on feedback during cognitive testing, and surviving items were administered to a large sample of adults (N = 2943) representing the aforementioned sub-groups. Rating scale functioning, reliability, validity, bias, and ability to detect change were evaluated.

Results
Examination of the response category thresholds generated by the Rasch model provided evidence that the rating scales were functioning appropriately. Results revealed good stability and excellent internal consistency and person reliability and provided evidence of unidimensionality and convergent validity. Estimates of reliability and validity were similar across sub-groups. A cross-validation sample generally confirmed findings from the validation sample. No items were discarded due to differential item function. Exploratory analyses provided support for ability to detect change.

Conclusions
Results from this rigorous, empirical evaluation using large validation and cross-validation samples provide strong support for the psychometric properties of the Intention to Try, Use, Dual Use, and Switch scales with current, former, and never adult tobacco users.
Association between cigarette smoking and colorectal cancer sidedness: A multi-center big-data platform-based analysis
Authors: Yang Lu-Ping , Wang Zi-Xian , Zhang Rui , Zhou Na , Wang A-Man , Liang Wei , Wang Zhi-Qiang , Luo Hui-Yan , Wang Feng , Liu Ji-Wei , Liu Fang , Zhang Xiao-Chun , Liu Yun-Peng , Jin Ying 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Sidedness (right/left) of colorectal cancer (CRC) is essential for treatment. Whether carcinogenesis of tobacco varies by sidedness remains unclear. The present study aims to evaluate the sidedness tendency of cigarette smoking and to explore its impact on prognosis.

Methods
In the multi-center retrospective study, data on 46 166 Chinese CRC patients were extracted from a big-data platform. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate qualitative and quantitative associations between smoking and tumor sidedness. Survival analyses were conducted in metastatic CRC.

Results
History of smoking was associated with left-sided CRC (LSCRC; Adjusted odds ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.16 − 1.34; P < .001). The sidedness tendency towards LSCRC increased from non-smokers, to ex-smokers, and to current smokers (P for trend < .001). Longer duration (P for trend < .001) and larger total amount of cigarette smoking (P for trend < .001) were more associated with LSCRC, respectively. The association was confirmed in both left-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer, but was stronger for rectal cancer (P = .016). Alcoholism significantly enhanced the association by 7% (P = .027). Furthermore, prognostic advantage of metastatic LSCRC diminished among ever-smokers, with contrary survival impacts of smoking on either side of CRC.

Conclusions
History of smoking was associated with LSCRC in a positive dose–response relationship, and presented opposite prognostic impacts on right- and left-sided tumors. Smoking potentially plays an instrumental role in the mechanism for sidedness heterogeneity in CRC.
Clinical pharmacogenomics in action: design, assessment and implementation of a novel pharmacogenetic panel supporting drug selection for diseases of the central nervous system (CNS)
Authors: Bothos E. , Ntoumou E. , Kelaidoni K. , Roukas D. , Drakoulis N. , Papasavva M. , Karakostis F. A. , Moulos P. , Karakostis K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundPharmacogenomics describes the link between gene variations (polymorphisms) and drug responses. In view of the implementation of precision medicine in personalized healthcare, pharmacogenetic tests have recently been introduced in the clinical practice. However, the translational aspects of such tests have been limited due to the lack of robust population-based evidence.MaterialsIn this paper we present a novel pharmacogenetic panel (iDNA Genomics-PGx–CNS or PGx–CNS), consisting of 24 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on 13 genes involved in the signaling or/and the metabolism of 28 approved drugs currently administered to treat diseases of the Central Nervous System (CNS). We have tested the PGx–CNS panel on 501 patient-derived DNA samples from a southeastern European population and applied biostatistical analyses on the pharmacogenetic associations involving drug selection, dosing and the risk of adverse drug events (ADEs).ResultsResults reveal the occurrences of each SNP in the sample and a strong correlation with the European population. Nonlinear principal component analysis strongly indicates co-occurrences of certain variants. The metabolization efficiency (poor, intermediate, extensive, ultra-rapid) and the frequency of clinical useful pharmacogenetic, associations in the population (drug relevance), are also described, along with four exemplar clinical cases illustrating the strong potential of the PGx–CNS panel, as a companion diagnostic assay. It is noted that pharmacogenetic associations involving copy number variations (CNVs) or the HLA gene were not included in this analysis.ConclusionsOverall, results illustrate that the PGx–CNS panel is a valuable tool supporting therapeutic medical decisions, urging its broad clinical implementation.
Metabolic analysis of early nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in humans using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Hu Cheng , Wang Tao , Zhuang Xiaoyu , Sun Qiaoli , Wang Xiaochun , Lin Hui , Feng Mingli , Zhang Jiaqi , Cao Qin , Jiang Yuanye 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common metabolic disease that affects 20–30% of individuals worldwide. Liver puncture remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of liver diseases despite limitations regarding invasive nature and sample variability. It is of great clinical significance to find noninvasive biomarkers to detect and predict NAFLD.

Objective
The aims of this study were to identify potential serum markers in individuals with early-stage NAFLD and to advance the mechanistic understanding of this disease using a high-throughput mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics approach.

Methods
One hundred and twelve patients with early-stage NAFLD aged 18–55 were recruited according to the guidelines. The control group included 112 healthy participants. The demographic, anthropometric, clinical and laboratory data of all participants were systematically collected. Serum samples were obtained after an overnight fast. The comprehensive serum metabolomic analysis was performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The resultant data was processed by Compound Discover and SIMCA-P software to validate the potential biomarkers. Significantly altered metabolites were evaluated by variable importance in projection value (VIP > 1) and ANOVA (p < 0.01). Pathway analysis was performed using MetaboAnalyst 4.0.

Results
The liver function test of early NAFLD patients showed no statistical differences to control group (p > 0.05). However, obvious differences in blood lipids were observed between subjects with NAFLD and controls (p < 0.001). In total, 55 metabolites showed significant changes in experimental group were identified. The area under curve (AUC) values deduced by receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis indicated that these newly identified biomarkers have high predictability and reliability. Of these, 15 metabolites with AUC greater than 0.9 were of great diagnostic value in early NAFLD patients.

Conclusion
In this study, a total of 15 serum metabolites were found to strongly associate with early NAFLD. These biomarkers may have great clinical significance in the early diagnosis of NAFLD, as well as to follow response to therapeutic interventions.
Autism-associated synaptic vesicle transcripts are differentially expressed in maternal plasma exosomes of physiopathologic pregnancies
Authors: Fang Yangwu , Wan Chan , Wen Youlu , Wu Ze , Pan Jing , Zhong Mei , Zhong Nanbert 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundDuring intrauterine development, the formation and function of synaptic vesicles (SVs) are thought to be fundamental conditions essential for normal development of the brain. Lacking advanced technology during the intrauterine period, such as longitudinal real-time monitoring of the SV-associated transcripts (SVATs), which include six pairs of lncRNA-mRNA, has limited acquisition of the dynamic gene expression profile (GEP) of SVATs. We previously reported the differential expression of SVATs in the peripheral blood of autistic children. The current study was designed to determine the dynamic profiles of differentially-expressed SVATs in circulating exosomes (EXs) derived from autistic children and pregnant women at different gestational ages.MethodsBlood samples were collected from autistic children and women with variant physiopathologic pregnancies. EXs were isolated with an ExoQuick Exosome Precipitation Kit and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and Western blotting. The expression of lncRNAs and lncRNA-targeted mRNAs were quantified using real-time PCR.ResultsSVAT-associated lncRNAs-mRNAs were detected in autistic children and differentially expressed from the first trimester of pregnancy to the term of delivery. Pathologic pregnancies, including spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), preeclampsia (PE), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), were compared to normal physiologic pregnancies, and shown to exhibit specific correlations between SVAT-lncRNA and SVAT-mRNA ofSTX8,SLC18A2, andSYPwith sPTB; SVAT-lncRNA and SVAT-mRNA ofSTX8with PE; and SVAT-lncRNA and SVAT-mRNA ofSV2Cas well as SVAT-mRNA ofSYPwith GDM.ConclusionVariant complications in pathologic pregnancies may alter the GEP of SVATs, which is likely to affect the intrauterine development of neural circuits and consequently influence fetal brain development.
Pilot evaluation of an enzymatic assay for rapid measurement of antiretroviral drug concentrations
Authors: Olanrewaju Ayokunle O. , Sullivan Benjamin P. , Bardon Ashley R. , Lo Tiffany J. , Cressey Tim R. , Posner Jonathan D. , Drain Paul K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveMaintaining adequate drug adherence is crucial to ensure the HIV prevention benefits of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We developed an enzymatic assay for rapidly measuring tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations—a metabolite that indicates long-term PrEP adherence.SettingThe study was conducted at the Madison HIV Clinic at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.MethodsWe enrolled adults receiving standard oral PrEP, and individuals not receiving any antiretrovirals. We measured TFV-DP concentrations in diluted whole blood using our novel REverSe TRanscrIptase Chain Termination (RESTRICT) assay, based on inhibition of HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme. Blood samples were diluted in water, DNA templates, nucleotides, RT, and intercalating dye added, and results measured with a fluorescence reader—stronger fluorescence indicated higher RT activity. We compared RESTRICT assay results to TFV-DP concentrations from matched dried blood spot samples measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) using ≥ 700 fmol/punch TFV-DP as a threshold for adequate adherence (≥ 4 doses/week).ResultsAmong 18 adults enrolled, 4 of 7 participants receiving PrEP had TFV-DP levels ≥ 700 fmol/punch by LC–MS/MS. RESTRICT fluorescence correlated with LC–MS/MS measurements (r = − 0.845,p < 0.0001). Median fluorescence was 93.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 90.9 to 114) for samples < 700 fmol/punch and 54.4 (CI 38.0 to 72.0) for samples ≥ 700 fmol/punch. When calibrated to an a priori defined threshold of 82.7, RESTRICT distinguished both groups with 100% sensitivity and 92.9% specificity.ConclusionsThis novel enzymatic assay for measuring HIV reverse transcriptase activity may be suitable for distinguishing TFV-DP concentrations in blood that correspond to protective PrEP adherence.
Radiographic assessment of radiolucent lines around a highly porous titanium cup (Tritanium) using digital tomosynthesis, after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Oishi Kazuki , Yamamoto Yuji , Harada Yoshifumi , Inoue Ryo , Sasaki Eiji , Ishibashi Yasuyuki 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The objectives of this study were to assess radiolucent lines around a highly porous titanium cup (Tritanium) using digital tomosynthesis and to investigate the clinical and radiographic factors associated with radiolucent lines on tomosynthesis.

Methods
Fifty-five patients underwent total hip arthroplasty using a Tritanium cup, and digital tomosynthesis and plain radiography were performed at 1 week, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. The radiolucent lines around the cup were measured on both DTS and plain radiography at each postoperative period. Clinical evaluations were performed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association hip disease evaluation questionnaire (JHEQ), and revision surgeries were examined. Based on the presence of radiolucent lines on digital tomosynthesis at 2 years postoperatively, patients were divided into RL (+) and RL (−) groups and investigated for related factors.

Results
There were 20 cases in the RL (+) group and 35 cases in the RL (−) group, and no revision surgeries were required. Statistically, there were more cases with radiolucent lines on digital tomosynthesis (45.4% at 1 week and 36.3% at 2 years) than on plain radiography (9.1% at 1 week and 9.1% at 2 years) at each postoperative point. Logistic analysis showed no significant associations between the presence of radiolucent lines at 2 years on digital tomosynthesis, and the JHEQ parameters of pain (p = 0.937), movement (p = 0.266), or mental status (p = 0.404).

Conclusion
In a short-term evaluation up to 2 years, digital tomosynthesis detected more radiolucent lines around the titanium cups than plain radiography. The occurrence of radiolucent lines was not related to the postoperative clinical evaluation.
Association between glucose variability and postoperative delirium in acute aortic dissection patients: an observational study
Authors: Lin Yan-Juan , Lin Ling-Yu , Peng Yan-Chun , Zhang Hao-Ruo , Chen Liang-wan , Huang Xi-Zhen , Chen Qiong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Blood glucose variability is associated with poor prognosis after cardiac surgery, but the relationship between glucose variability and postoperative delirium in patients with acute aortic dissection is unclear. The study aims to investigate the association of blood glucose variability with postoperative delirium in acute aortic dissection patients.

Methods
We prospectively analyzed 257 patients including 103 patients with delirium. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether delirium was present. The outcome measures were postoperative delirium, the length of the Intensive Care Unit stay, and the duration of hospital stay. Multivariable Cox competing risk survival models was used to assess.

Results
A total of 257 subjects were enrolled, including 103 patients with delirium. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in body mass index, history of cardiac surgery, first admission blood glucose, white blood cell counts, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, hypoxemia, mechanical ventilation duration, and the length of Intensive Care Unit stay(P < 0.05). The delirium group exhibited significantly higher values of the mean of blood glucose (MBG) and the standard deviation of blood glucose (SDBG) than in the non-delirium group(P < 0.05). In model 1, the adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) of the standard deviation of blood glucose was 1.436(P < 0.05). In Model 2, the standard deviation of blood glucose (AHR = 1.418, 95%CI = 1.195–1.681, P < 0.05) remained significant after adjusting for confounders. The area under the curve of the SDBG was 0.763(95%CI = 0.704–0.821, P < 0.01). The sensitivity was 81.6%, and the specificity was 57.8%.

Conclusions
Glucose variability is associated with the risk of delirium in patients after aortic dissection surgery, and high glycemic variability increases the risk of postoperative delirium.
Video-assisted pulmonary metastectomy is equivalent to thoracotomy regarding resection status and survival
Authors: Markowiak Till , Dakkak Beshir , Loch Elena , Großer Christian , Klinkhammer-Schalke Monika , Hofmann Hans-Stefan , Ried Michael 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Surgical resection of pulmonary metastases leads to prolonged survival if strictly indicated. Usually, thoracotomy with manual palpation of the entire lung with lymph node dissection or sampling is performed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in pulmonary metastectomy with curative intent.

Methods
In this study, all patients with suspected pulmonary metastasis (n = 483) who visited the Center for Thoracic Surgery in Regensburg, between January 2009 and December 2017 were analysed retrospectively.

Results
A total of 251 patients underwent metastectomy with curative intent. VATS was performed in 63 (25.1%) patients, 54 (85.7%) of whom had a solitary metastasis. Wedge resection was the most performed procedure in patients treated with VATS (82.5%, n = 52) and thoracotomy (72.3%, n = 136). Postoperative revisions were necessary in nine patients (4.8%), and one patient died of pulmonary embolism after thoracotomy (0.5%). Patients were discharged significantly faster after VATS than after thoracotomy (p < 0.001). Complete (R0) resection was achieved in 89% of patients. The median recurrence-free survival was 11 months (95% confidence interval 7.9–14.1). During follow-up, eight (12.7%) patients in the VATS group and 42 (22.3%) patients in the thoracotomy group experienced recurrence (p = 0.98). The median overall survival was 61 months (95% confidence interval 46.1–75.9), and there was no significant difference with regard to the surgical method used (p = 0.34).

Conclusions
VATS metastasectomy can be considered in patients with a solitary lung metastasis. An open surgical approach with palpation of the lung showed no advantage in terms of surgical outcome or survival.
Lung segmentectomy assisted by highly selective independent segmental ventilation: a series of three cases
Authors: Shi Xiaoshun , Ye Jing , Chen Junyong , Zhai Jianxue , Liu Xiguang , Lu Di , Lin Zishi , Ni Zhen , Wu Hua , Cai Kaican 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The identification of targeted intersegmental planes and resection with adequate surgical margins are among the crucial steps in anatomical pulmonary segmentectomy, and technical improvements are still needed.

Case presentation
We reported three cases of intersegmental plane identification using highly selective independent segmental ventilation during segmentectomy. All cases required cooperation with an anesthesiologist who was able to perform segmental ventilation and double confirmation of segmental bronchus branches by the surgeon. The surgical procedure provides a direct visualization of spare segment inflation and saves time in deflation over the conventional residual segment inflation method.

Conclusions
Highly selective independent segmental ventilation could be considered a suitable option for pulmonary intersegmental plane identification and could be universally used for lung segmentectomy.