bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinct clinical features and prognostic factors of hepatitis C virus-associated non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Minyue , Gao Fei , Peng Ling , Shen Lijing , Zhao Peng , Ni Beiwen , Hou Jian , Huang Honghui 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Increasing evidence suggests that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). However, no clear consensus has been reached about the clinical features and effective treatment of HCV-associated NHL patients. We therefore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the clinical characteristics and effectiveness of antiviral treatment or rituximab administration among NHL patients with HCV infection.

Methods
Eight electronic databases, including PubMed, OVID, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials, WANFANG, CNKI, and VIP, were searched for eligible studies up to July 31, 2021. The hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) corresponding to the 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to estimate the outcomes. Publication bias was assessed by Egger’s and Begg’s tests. Statistical analysis was performed with RevMan 5.4 software and Stata version 15.

Results
There were 27 shortlisted articles out of a total of 13,368 NHL patients included in the current meta-analysis. Our results demonstrated that NHL patients with HCV infection had a significantly shorter overall survival (OS: HR 1.89; 95% CI 1.42–2.51, P < 0.0001) and progression-free survival (PFS: HR 1.58; 95% CI 1.26–1.98, P < 0.0001), a lower overall response rate (ORR: OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.46–0.73, P < 0.00001) and a higher incidence of hepatic dysfunction during chemotherapy (OR 5.96; 95% CI 2.61–13.62, P < 0.0001) than NHL patients without HCV infection. HCV-positive NHL patients exhibited an advanced disease stage, an elevated level of LDH, a high-intermediate and high IPI/FLIPI risk as well as a higher incidence of spleen and liver involvement. Moreover, antiviral treatment prolonged survival (OS: HR 0.38; 95% CI 0.24–0.60, P < 0.0001), reduced disease progression [PFS/DFS (disease-free survival): HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.46–0.86, P = 0.003] and reinforced the treatment response (ORR: OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.34–5.11, P = 0.005) among the HCV-infected NHL patients. Finally, rituximab administration was associated with a favourable OS, while liver cirrhosis and low levels of albumin predicted a poor OS for HCV-positive NHL patients.

Conclusions
The current study provided compelling evidence about an inferior prognosis and distinct clinical characteristics among HCV-associated NHL patients. Antiviral treatment and rituximab-containing regimens were shown to be efficacious in improving the clinical outcomes of NHL patients with HCV infection.
AL355338 acts as an oncogenic lncRNA by interacting with protein ENO1 to regulate EGFR/AKT pathway in NSCLC
Authors: Hua Qian , Wang Dongliang , Zhao Lin , Hong Zhihui , Ni Kairu , Shi Yizhen , Liu Zengli , Mi Baoming 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a malignancy with considerable morbidity and mortality. Abnormal metabolism is a hallmark of cancer; however, the mechanism of glycolysis regulation in NSCLC progression is not completely understood. Recent studies suggest that some dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in tumor metabolic reprogramming.

Methods
To identify glycolysis-associated-lncRNAs in NSCLC, we compared RNA-sequencing results between high 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-uptake NSCLC tissues and paired paratumor tissues. The transcript abundance of AL355338 in 80 pairs of clinical samples was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR assay and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The biological role of AL355338 on NSCLC cells were evaluated by functional experiments in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, RNA pull-down, mass spectrometry and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were used to identify the protein interacted with AL355338. Co-immunoprecipitation, in situ proximity ligation assays and western blotting were applied to define the potential downstream pathways of AL355338.

Results
AL355338 was an upregulated glycolysis-associated lncRNA in NSCLC. Functional assays revealed that AL355338 was critical for promoting aerobic glycolysis and NSCLC progression. Mechanistic investigations showed that AL355338 directly bound with alpha-enolase (ENO1) and enhanced the protein’s stability by modulating its degradation and ubiquitination. A positive correlation was observed between AL355338 and ENO1 in NSCLC, and ENO1 was subsequently confirmed to be responsible for the oncogenic role of AL355338. Furthermore, AL355338 was capable of modulating ENO1/EGFR complex interaction and further activating EGFR-AKT signaling.

Conclusions
This study indicates that AL355338 confers an aggressive phenotype to NSCLC, and targeting it might be an effective therapeutic strategy.
Risk factors affect accurate prognosis in ASXL1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Fan Yi , Liao Linxiao , Liu Yajun , Wu Zhenzhen , Wang Chong , Jiang Zhongxing , Wang Shujuan , Liu Yanfang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
The epigenetic regulator additional sex combs-like 1 (ASXL1) is an adverse prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the mutational spectrum and prognostic factors of ASXL1-mutated (ASXL1+) AML are largely unknown. We aim to evaluate the risk factors influencing the prognosis of ASXL1+ AML.

Methods
We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) in 1047 cases of de novo AML and discovered 91 ASXL1+ AML (8.7%). The Log-Rank test and Kaplan-Meier were used to evaluate survival rate, and the Cox regression model was used to analyze multivariate analysis.

Results
In a total of 91 ASXL1+ AML, 86% had one or more co-mutations. The factors that had adverse impact on overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) are defined as high risk factors, including age ≥ 60 years, WBC count ≥ 50 × 109/L, FLT3-ITD mutations, RUNX1 mutations, and absence of AML1-ETO fusion gene. ASXL1 mutations without any risk factor were classified as single-hit ASXL1+ AML; ASXL1 mutations accompanied with one of the risk factors was referred to as double-hit ASXL1+ AML; ASXL1 mutations with two or more of the risk factors were designated as triple-hit ASXL1+ AML. The combination of these risk factors had a negative influence on the prognosis of ASXL1+ AML. The median OS was not attained in single-hit ASXL1+ AML, 29.53 months in double-hit ASXL1+ AML, and 6.67 months in triple-hit ASXL1+ AML (P = 0.003). The median EFS was not attained in single-hit ASXL1+ AML, 29.53 months in double-hit ASXL1+ AML, and 5.47 months in triple-hit ASXL1+ AML (P = 0.002). Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) improved the prognosis of double/triple-hit ASXL1+ AML patients.

Conclusions
Our study provided new insights into the mutational spectrum and prognostic factors of ASXL1+ AML patients. Our primary data suggest that the risk factors in ASXL1+ AML contribute to the poor outcome of these patients. The management of ASXL1+ AML patients should be based on the risk factors and allo-HSCT is highly recommended for consolidation.
Small-scale release of non-gene drive mosquitoes in Burkina Faso: from engagement implementation to assessment, a learning journey
Authors: Pare Toe Lea , Barry Nourou , Ky Anselme D. , Kekele Souleymane , Meda Wilfrid , Bayala Korotimi , Drabo Mouhamed , Thizy Delphine , Diabate Abdoulaye 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Innovative tools are needed to complement the existing approach for malaria elimination. Gene drive mosquitoes are one potential new technology in the control of malaria vectors. Target Malaria is one of the research projects developing this technology, and in July 2019, the project proceeded to an important step for this evaluation pathway: the small-scale release of non-gene drive sterile male mosquitoes in a village in Burkina Faso. In addition to the entomological and laboratory work to prepare for this important milestone, significant community and stakeholder engagement work was done. The existing guidelines on gene drive mosquito provide an overall framework for such engagement work. However, they do not provide a road map on how to proceed or what benchmarks should be used to assess this work.

Methods
This study provides a review of engagement activities relevant to field trials on non-gene drive genetically-modified mosquitoes as well as an assessment framework—using both qualitative and quantitative studies as well as an audit procedure. The latter was implemented to evaluate whether the release activities could proceed with the appropriate level of agreement from the community.

Results
This paper shows the importance of this first phase of work to innovate and learn about engagement processes for responsible research in the field of genetic approaches for malaria vector control. The function of these assessments is crucial for the learning agenda. The assessments demonstrated ways to increase understanding and ensure effective progress with field studies and, therefore, the pathway for responsible research.

Conclusion
Gene drive technology is increasingly considered as a promising approach to control vector borne diseases, in particular malaria. Stakeholders’ involvement in this research process is one of the recurring requirements in international guidance documents. With this paper Target Malaria offers an opportunity to explore the practical achievements and challenges of stakeholder engagement during early phases of a technology evaluation, and in particular how it implemented an assessment framework to learn from its experience.
Intensive surveillance, rapid response and border collaboration for malaria elimination: China Yunnan’s ‘‘3 + 1’’strategy
Authors: Xu Jian-Wei , Lin Zu-Rui , Zhou Yao-Wu , Lee Rogan , Shen Hai-Mo , Sun Xiao-Dong , Chen Qi-Yan , Duan Kai-Xia , Tian Peng , Ding Chun-Li , Xu Shi-Yan , Liu Hui , Zhou Hong-Ning 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Eliminating malaria and preventing re-establishment of malaria transmission in border areas requires universal coverage of malaria surveillance and a rapid response to any threats (i.e. malaria cues) of re-establishing transmission.

Main text
Strategy 1: Intensive interventions within 2.5 km-wide perimeter along the border to prevent border-spill malaria. The area within 2.5 km along the international border is the travel radius of anopheline mosquitoes. Comprehensive interventions should include: (1) proactive and passive case detection, (2) intensive vector surveillance, (3) evidence-based vector control, and (4) evidence-based preventative treatment with anti-malarial drugs. Strategy 2: Community-based malaria detection and screening of migrants and travellers in frontier townships. Un-permitted travellers cross borders frequently and present in frontier townships. Maintenance of intensified malaria surveillance should include: (1) passive malaria detection in the township hospitals, (2) seek assistance from villager leaders and health workers to monitor cross border travellers, and refer febrile patients to the township hospitals and (3) the county’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention maintain regular proactive case detection. Strategy 3: Universal coverage of malaria surveillance to detect malaria cues. Passive detection should be consolidated into the normal health service. Health services personnel should remain vigilant to ensure universal coverage of malaria detection and react promptly to any malaria cues. Strategy + 1: Strong collaborative support with neighbouring countries. Based on the agreement between the two countries, integrated control strategies should be carried out to reduce malaria burden for both countries. There should be a clear focus on the border areas between neighbouring countries.

Conclusion
The 3 + 1 strategy is an experience summary of border malaria control and elimination, and then contributed to malaria elimination in Yunnan’s border areas, China. Nevertheless, Yunnan still has remaining challenges of re-establishment of malaria transmission in the border areas, and the 3 + 1 strategy should still be carried out.
Identifying opportunities to engage communities with social mobilisation activities to tackle NCDs in El Salvador in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Caperon Lizzie , Arakelyan Stella , Innocenti Cinzia , Ager Alastair 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundSocial mobilisation is potentially a key tool in the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in fragile settings. This formative study addressed existing and potential social mobilisation mechanisms seeking behaviour to tackle NCDs in El Salvador, with an emphasis on the implications in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe conducted 19 semi-structured interviews with health workers, government officials, NGO leaders, and community members. Interviews addressed mechanisms for social mobilisation which existed prior to COVID-19, the ways in which these mechanisms tackled NCDs, the impact of COVID-19 on social mobilisation activities and new, emerging mechanisms for social mobilisation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsFindings indicate a growing awareness of NCDs within communities, with social mobilisation activities seen as valuable in tackling NCDs. However, major barriers to NCD prevention and treatment provision remain, with COVID-19 constraining many possible social mobilisation activities, leaving NCD patients with less support. Factors linked with effective social mobilisation of communities for NCD prevention included strong engagement of community health teams within community structures and the delivery of NCD prevention and management messages through community meetings with trusted health professionals or community members. There are gender differences in the experience of NCDs and women were generally more engaged with social mobilisation activities than men. In the context of COVID-19, traditional forms of social mobilisation were challenged, and new, virtual forms emerged. However, these new forms of engagement did not benefit all, especially those in hard-to-reach rural areas. In these contexts, specific traditional forms of mobilisation such as through radio (where possible) and trusted community leaders - became increasingly important.ConclusionsNew mechanisms of fostering social mobilisation include virtual connectors such as mobile phones, which enable mobilisation through platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. However, traditional forms of social mobilisation hold value for those without access to such technology. Therefore, a combination of new and traditional mechanisms for social mobilisation hold potential for the future development of social mobilisation strategies in El Salvador and, as appropriate, in other fragile health contexts.
Serum lipids are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a pilot case-control study in Mexico
Authors: Flores Yvonne N. , Amoon Aryana T. , Su Baolong , Velazquez-Cruz Rafael , Ramírez-Palacios Paula , Salmerón Jorge , Rivera-Paredez Berenice , Sinsheimer Janet S. , Lusis Aldons J. , Huertas-Vazquez Adriana , Saab Sammy , Glenn Beth A. , May Folasade P. , Williams Kevin J. , Bastani Roshan , Bensinger Steven J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. NAFLD is mediated by changes in lipid metabolism and known risk factors include obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. The aim of this study was to better understand differences in the lipid composition of individuals with NAFLD compared to controls, by performing direct infusion lipidomics on serum biospecimens from a cohort study of adults in Mexico.MethodsA nested case-control study was conducted with a sample of 98 NAFLD cases and 100 healthy controls who are participating in an on-going, longitudinal study in Mexico. NAFLD cases were clinically confirmed using elevated liver enzyme tests and liver ultrasound or liver ultrasound elastography, after excluding alcohol abuse, and 100 controls were identified as having at least two consecutive normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (< 40 U/L) results in a 6-month period, and a normal liver ultrasound elastography result in January 2018. Samples were analyzed on the Sciex Lipidyzer Platform and quantified with normalization to serum volume. As many as 1100 lipid species can be identified using the Lipidyzer targeted multiple-reaction monitoring list. The association between serum lipids and NAFLD was investigated using analysis of covariance, random forest analysis, and by generating receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultsNAFLD cases had differences in total amounts of serum cholesterol esters, lysophosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins, and triacylglycerols (TAGs), however, other lipid subclasses were similar to controls. Analysis of individual TAG species revealed increased incorporation of saturated fatty acyl tails in serum of NAFLD cases. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, andPNPLA3genotype, a combined panel of ten lipids predicted case or control status better than an area under the ROC curve of 0.83.ConclusionsThese preliminary results indicate that the serum lipidome differs in patients with NAFLD, compared to healthy controls, and suggest that assessing the desaturation state of TAGs or a specific lipid panel may be useful clinical tools for the diagnosis of NAFLD.
Preprocedural Lp(a) level and ApoB/ApoA-Ι ratio and the risk for contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients undergoing emergency PCI
Authors: Tao Jun , Dai Wen , Ye Chenglin , Yao Qian , Zhou Man , Li Yan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
High serum Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) level and Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein AΙ (ApoB/ApoA-Ι) ratio are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and kidney disease and have been found to be correlated with the prevalence and prognosis of various kidney diseases. However, it is not clear whether the serum Lp(a) level and ApoB/ApoA-Ι ratio pre-PCI are correlated with the prevalence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI).

Methods
A total of 931 participants undergoing emergency PCI from July 2018 to July 2020 were included. According to whether the serum creatinine concentration was higher than the baseline concentration (by ≥25% or ≥ 0.5 mg/dL) 48–72 h after contrast exposure, these participants were divided into a CI-AKI group (n = 174) and a non-CI-AKI group (n = 757). Serum Lp(a), ApoA-Ι and ApoB concentration were detected in the patients when they were admitted to hospital, and the ApoB/ApoA-Ι ratio was calculated. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to explore the correlation between the Lp(a) concentration or the ApoB/ApoA-Ι ratio and the risk of CI-AKI.

Results
Among the 931 participants undergoing emergency PCI, 174 (18.69%) participants developed CI-AKI. Compared with the non-CI-AKI group, the Lp(a) level and ApoB/ApoA-Ι ratio pre-PCI in the CI-AKI group were significantly higher (P < 0.05). The incidence of CI-AKI was positively associated with the serum Lp(a) level and ApoB/ApoA-Ι ratio pre-PCI in each logistic regression model (P < 0.05). After adjusting for all the risk factors included in this study, restricted cubic spline analyses found that the Lp(a) level and the ApoB/ApoA-Ι ratio before PCI, within certain ranges, were positively associated with the prevalence of CI-AKI.

Conclusion
High Lp(a) levels and high ApoB/ApoA-Ι ratios before PCI are potential risk factors for CI-AKI.
The usefulness of obesity and lipid-related indices to predict the presence of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Sheng Guotai , Lu Song , Xie Qiyang , Peng Nan , Kuang Maobin , Zou Yang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Conicity index, body-shape index, lipid accumulation product (LAP), waist circumference (WC), triglyceride, triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, hepatic steatosis index (HSI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), TyG index-related parameters (TyG-WHtR, TyG-BMI, TyG-WC), body mass index (BMI), visceral adiposity index, triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and body roundness index have been reported as reliable markers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there is debate about which of the above obesity and lipid-related indices has the best predictive performance for NAFLD risk.

Methods
This study included 6870 female and 7411 male subjects, and 15 obesity and lipid-related indices were measured and calculated. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. The area under the curve (AUC) of 15 obesity and lipid-related indices were calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results
Among the 15 obesity and lipid-related indices, the TyG index-related parameters had the strongest association with NAFLD. ROC analysis showed that except for ABSI, the other 14 parameters had high predictive value in identifying NAFLD, especially in female and young subjects. Most notably, TyG index-related parameters performed better than other parameters in predicting NAFLD in most populations. In the female population, the AUC of TyG-WC for predicting NAFLD was 0.9045, TyG-BMI was 0.9084, and TyG-WHtR was 0.9071. In the male population, the AUC of TyG-WC was 0.8356, TyG-BMI was 0.8428, and TyG-WHtR was 0.8372. In addition, BMI showed good NAFLD prediction performance in most subgroups (AUC>0.8).

Conclusions
Our data suggest that TyG index-related parameters, LAP, HSI, BMI, and WC appear to be good predictors of NAFLD. Of these parameters, TyG index-related parameters showed the best predictive potential.
Mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles carrying peptide RL-QN15 show potential for skin wound therapy
Authors: Qin Pan , Meng Yi , Yang Ying , Gou Xinyu , Liu Naixin , Yin Saige , Hu Yan , Sun Huiling , Fu Zhe , Wang Yinglei , Li Xiaojie , Tang Jing , Wang Ying , Deng Ziwei , Yang Xinwang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Skin wound healing remains a considerable clinical challenge, thus stressing the urgent need for the development of new interventions to promote repair. Recent researches indicate that both peptides and nanoparticles may be potential therapies for the treatment of skin wounds.

Methods
In the current study, the mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) nanoparticles were prepared and the peptide RL-QN15 that was previously identified from amphibian skin secretions and exhibited significant potential as a novel prohealing agent was successfully loaded onto the MPDA nanoparticles, which was confirmed by results of analysis of scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The encapsulation efficiency and sustained release rate of RL-QN15 from the nanocomposites were determined. The prohealing potency of nanocomposites were evaluated by full-thickness injured wounds in both mice and swine and burn wounds in mice.

Results
Our results indicated that, compared with RL-QN15 alone, the prohealing potency of nanocomposites of MPDA and RL-QN15 in the full-thickness injured wounds and burn wounds in mice was increased by up to 50 times through the slow release of RL-QN15. Moreover, the load on the MPDA obviously increased the prohealing activities of RL-QN15 in full-thickness injured wounds in swine. In addition, the obvious increase in the prohealing potency of nanocomposites of MPDA and RL-QN15 was also proved by the results from histological analysis.

Conclusions
Based on our knowledge, this is the first research to report that the load of MPDA nanoparticles could significantly increase the prohealing potency of peptide and hence highlighted the promising potential of MPDA nanoparticles-carrying peptide RL-QN15 for skin wound therapy.

Graphic abstract