bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of probiotics on glycemic control and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double blind, controlled trial
Authors: Peng Xuchao , Xian Hong , Ge Ning , Hou Lisha , Tang Tianjiao , Xie Dongmei , Gao Langli , Yue Jirong 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThis double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized (1:1) clinical trial was conducted at the West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from March to September 2017.MethodsEligible participants included adults aged 18 years and older, living in the community, diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus according to ADA guidelines, capable of self-managing their diabetes, and able to visit the study site for follow-up. The intervention group received 25 ml of a probiotic beverage containing with over 10^8 CFU/mL of Lactobacillus, administered four times daily. An equal volume of inactivated Lactobacillus was administered to the control group and the control group was administered the same volume of inactivated Lactobacillus. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics on glycemic control and other diabetes-related outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes patients. The primary outcomes were changes in HbA1c and FBG levels post-intervention. Investigators, participants, and study site personnel were blinded to the treatment allocation until the conclusion of the study. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-POR-17010850).ResultsOf the 490 participants screened, 213 were randomized to either the probiotics group (n = 103) or the placebo group (n = 110). After 16 weeks of follow-up, the probiotic group showed reductions in HbA1c [-0.44 (-0.66 to -0.22)] and FBG [-0.97 (-1.49 to 0.46)] post-intervention, similar to the placebo group with reductions in HbA1c [-0.33 (-0.52 to -0.15)] and FBG [-0.90 (-1.32 to -0.47)], but these changes were not statistically significant in PP and ITT analyses (P&gt;0.05). Adverse events were similarly distributed among groups, indicating comparable safety profiles.DiscussionOverall, 16-week probiotic supplementation showed no beneficial effects on glycemic control, lipid profiles, or weight.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=18421, identifier ChiCTR-POR-17010850.
Sintilimab-induced myocarditis suspected in a patient with esophageal cancer and followed septic shock: case report and literature review
Authors: Zhou Qihao , Qin Zhiquan , Wu Guoqing , Yan Peiyuan , Wang Qunjiang , Qu Jing , Jiang Jiahong , Ye Da 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a prevalent tool in anti-tumor therapy in recent years. They may cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs) including potentially life-threatening cardiovascular toxicities such as myocarditis.Case presentationIn this report, we describe a 69-year-old man with recurrent esophageal cancer who developed myocarditis after receiving three cycles of sintilimab combined with nab-paclitaxel. Despite a rising cardiac troponin I (cTnI), he initially reported no discomfort. He was later suspected of having with sintilimab-induced myocarditis. Although treatment with methylprednisolone reduced his cTnI levels, he still experienced significant discomfort. Moreover, he developed pneumonia and septic shock.ConclusionIn our literature search to identify all reported cases of sintilimab-associated adverse events involving myocarditis, we found 14 patients, including those with esophageal cancer, thymoma, lung cancer, gastric cancer, hepatobiliary carcinoma, and chordoma. The primary treatment for ICI-induced cardiotoxicity is methylprednisolone. However, the long-term or high-dose use of steroids can also induce side effects, which have not been the focus of these case reports. This is the first reported case of asymptomatic immune-mediated myocarditis occurring during the treatment of esophageal cancer with sintilimab. It is also the first to address the side effects of methylprednisolone used in the treatment of sintilimab-related myocarditis. To facilitate an early diagnosis, regular monitoring is required during sintilimab treatment. We should also focus on the prevention and management of adverse effects related to steroid use.
Revealing the mechanisms of RAC3 in tumor aggressiveness, the immunotherapy response, and drug resistance in bladder cancer
Authors: Gao Hanyuan , Qiu Yanru , Zheng Xueqin , Xu Tianwen , Liu Guangjian 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundBladder cancer (BLCA) is a prevalent urinary tract malignancy with a high propensity for recurrence and chemoresistance. The molecular mechanisms underlying its progression and response to therapy have not been fully elucidated.MethodsWe conducted a multifaceted analysis, integrating immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, bioinformatics evaluation using TCGA and CCLE databases, and in vitro assays using the BLCA cell lines 5637 and T24. RAC3 expression was assessed relative to clinical and pathological features. Functional enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed to identify associated biological processes and pathways. The impacts of RAC3 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and the immune microenvironment were evaluated using siRNA knockdown, CCK-8, Transwell, wound healing and colony formation assays.ResultsElevated RAC3 expression was significantly correlated with an advanced tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis for BLCA patients. The functional enrichment analysis implicated RAC3 in immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint mechanisms. Notably, RAC3 knockdown significantly reduced the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities of BLCA cells. These effects were reversed by the overexpression of RAC3. Additionally, RAC3 expression was linked to chemoresistance, with high RAC3 expression predicting resistance to certain therapeutic agents. The TIDE algorithm indicated that RAC3 expression could be a predictive biomarker for the immunotherapy response.ConclusionRAC3 was identified as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker of BLCA, as its expression significantly influenced tumor progression, the immune response, and chemosensitivity. Targeting RAC3 may provide a novel strategy for the management of BLCA, particularly for patients resistant to conventional therapies. Further research is essential to elucidate the detailed mechanisms of RAC3 in BLCA and explore its clinical application in precision medicine.
Survival benefits of radiotherapy in locally advanced unresectable and metastatic pancreatic cancer: a single-institution cohort and SEER database analysis
Authors: Cao Bi-Yang , Zhang Le-Tian , Wu Chen-Chen , Wang Jing , Yang Lin 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundChemotherapy (CT) remains the primary treatment for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (LAUPC) and metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC). The role of radiotherapy (RT) in these conditions remains unclear. This study compares the outcomes of CT alone versus CT combined with RT (combined-modality therapy [CMT]) in LAUPC and MPC patients.Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of LAUPC and MPC patients treated with either CT or CMT from a single institution and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox hazards models evaluated the association between treatment modalities and overall survival (OS). Propensity score matching (PSM) ensured balanced comparisons. Landmark analysis addressed immortal time bias. Subgroup analyses were based on clinical characteristics. eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) assessed outcome prediction and influence of significant predictors.ResultsThe study included 102 patients receiving CMT and 155 receiving CT at single institution, along with 1733 CMT and 9310 CT patients from the SEER dataset. In the single-institution cohort, CMT showed superior survival compared to CT both before (median OS: 20.5 vs. 11.5 months, hazard ratio [HR]: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.34-0.65, P=0.001) and after PSM (median OS: 22.2 vs. 11.8 months, HR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.30-0.79, P=0.003). Multivariate analyses confirmed that CMT was independently associated with improved OS both before (HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.38-0.77, P=0.001) and after PSM (HR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.27-0.73, P=0.001). Landmark analysis indicated better OS for patients receiving CMT compared to CT alone. Subgroup analysis revealed an OS benefit for CMT across most subgroups. SHAP value analysis indicated that CMT was the most significant contributor to survival outcomes. SEER database validation confirmed these findings.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that CMT significantly improves OS in LAUPC and MPC patients compared to CT alone. Integrating RT with CT could be beneficial for treating LAUPC and MPC.
APP-CD74 axis mediates endothelial cell-macrophage communication to promote kidney injury and fibrosis
Authors: Liu Bin , Li Faping , Wang Yuxiong , Gao Xin , Li Yunkuo , Wang Yishu , Zhou Honglan 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundKidney injuries often carry a grim prognosis, marked by fibrosis development, renal function loss, and macrophage involvement. Despite extensive research on macrophage polarization and its effects on other cells, like fibroblasts, limited attention has been paid to the influence of non-immune cells on macrophages. This study aims to address this gap by shedding light on the intricate dynamics and diversity of macrophages during renal injury and repair.MethodsDuring the initial research phase, the complexity of intercellular communication in the context of kidney injury was revealed using a publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing library of the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. Subsequently, we confirmed our findings using an independent dataset from a renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) model. We treated two different types of endothelial cells with TGF-β and co-cultured their supernatants with macrophages, establishing an endothelial cell and macrophage co-culture system. We also established a UUO and an IRI mouse model. Western blot analysis, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were used to validate our results at multiple levels.ResultsOur analysis revealed significant changes in the heterogeneity of macrophage subsets during both injury processes. Amyloid β precursor protein (APP)-CD74 axis mediated endothelial-macrophage intercellular communication plays a dominant role. In the in vitro co-culture system, TGF-β triggers endothelial APP expression, which subsequently enhances CD74 expression in macrophages. Flow cytometry corroborated these findings. Additionally, APP and CD74 expression were significantly increased in the UUO and IRI mouse models. Immunofluorescence techniques demonstrated the co-localization of F4/80 and CD74 in vivo.ConclusionOur study unravels a compelling molecular mechanism, elucidating how endothelium-mediated regulation shapes macrophage function during renal repair. The identified APP-CD74 signaling axis emerges as a promising target for optimizing renal recovery post-injury and preventing the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Rhabdomyolysis associated with concomitant use of colchicine and statins in the real world: identifying the likelihood of drug–drug interactions through the FDA adverse event reporting system
Authors: Zhang Sha , Yan Ming-Ming , Zhao Hui , Qiu Xiao-Yan , Zhu Deqiu 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundCurrently, there remains substantial controversy in research regarding whether the concomitant use of colchicine and statins increases the occurrence of rhabdomyolysis, warranting further substantiation.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the likelihood drug-drug interactions (DDIs) for the co-administration of colchicine and statins resulting in rhabdomyolysis.MethodsA disproportionality analysis was conducted by using data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to detect rhabdomyolysis signals associated with the combined use of colchicine and statins. The association between (colchicine/statins/colchicine and statins) and rhabdomyolysis were evaluated using information component (IC). DDI signals were calculated based on the Ω shrinkage measure and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) method. Furthermore, stratification was performed based on colchicine and individual statins agents.ResultsIn total, 11,119 reports of rhabdomyolysis were identified in the FAERS database, 255 (2.29%) involved both colchicine and statins. Our analysis showed potential DDI signals of rhabdomyolysis (Ω025 = 1.17) among individuals concurrent use of colchicine and statins. Moreover, further drug-specific analysis suggests DDI signals in the colchicine-atorvastatin pair (Ω025 = 1.12), and colchicine-rosuvastatin pair (Ω025 = 1.05), along with a higher proportion of rhabdomyolysis (IC025 = 5.20) and (IC025 = 4.26), respectively.ConclusionThe findings suggest that concomitant use of colchicine and statins may increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis, particularly when combined with atorvastatin or rosuvastatin. Therefore, healthcare professionals should pay special attention to life-threatening AE such as rhabdomyolysis, when co-prescribing colchicine statins.
Microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolism and AMPK/mTOR pathway mediate antidepressant-like effect of Shugan Hewei Decoction
Authors: Yue Yingying , Ke Youlan , Zheng Junping , Wang Zicheng , Liu Hongtao , Liu Songlin 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionDepression is a common psychological disorder, accompanied by a disturbance of the gut microbiota and its metabolites. Recently, microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolism and AMPK/mTOR pathway were found to be strongly linked to the development of depression. Shugan Hewei Decoction (SHD) is a classical anti-depression traditional Chinese medicine formula. Although, we have shown that SHD exerted antidepressant effects via cecal microbiota and cecum NLRP3 inflammasome, the specific mechanism of SHD on metabolism driven by gut microbiota is unknown. In this study, we focus on the tryptophan metabolism and AMPK/mTOR pathway to elucidate the multifaceted mechanisms of SHD.MethodsMale rats were established to the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)/social isolation for 6 weeks, and SHD-L (7.34 g/kg/d), SHD-H (14.68 g/kg/d), Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) (3.15 g/kg/d) were given by intragastric administration once daily during the last 2 weeks. Behavioral experiments were carried out to evaluate the model. The colonic content was taken out for shotgun metagenomic sequencing combined with the untargeted metabolomics, the targeted tryptophan metabolomics. ELISA was used to detect the levels of zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), Occludin in colon, as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactate (DLA) in serum. The expressions of mRNA and proteins of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway of autophagy were examined using RT-qPCR and Western blot in colon.ResultsSHD modulated gut microbiota function and biological pathways, which were related to tryptophan metabolism. In addition, SHD could regulate microbiota-derived tryptophan production (such as reduction of 3-HK, 3-HAA etc., increment of ILA, IAA etc.), which metabolites belong to kynurenine (KYN) and indole derivatives. Further, SHD reduced intestinal permeability and enhanced the intestinal barrier function. Moreover, SHD could upregulate the levels of AMPK, microtubule associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), autophagy related protein 5 (ATG5) and Beclin1, downregulate the levels of mTOR, p62, promoted autophagy in colon. Spearman’s analysis illustrated the close correlation between tryptophan metabolites and intestinal barrier, AMPK/mTOR pathway.ConclusionSHD may exert antidepressant-like effects by regulating microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolism, and triggering the AMPK/mTOR pathway of autophagy, enhancing the intestinal barrier function.
Evaluation and comparison of energy use efficiency among cucumber greenhouses
Authors: Behroozeh Samira , Hayati Dariush , Karami Ezatollah , Nassiri Seyed Mehdi , Rezaei-Moghaddam Kurosh 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionConstruction of agricultural greenhouses can be considered as one of the appropriate solutions to meet the growing food demands. However, high energy use in greenhouse productions on the one hand and energy limitation on the other hand are fundamental challenges facing mankind. The present study aims to measure and compare energy efficiency based on the components of energy use sustainability (Environmental Norms, Environmental Beliefs, Environmental Values, Technical Management, Technical Knowledge, Education Level, Greenhouse’s Work Experience, Cost-Effectiveness and Educational-Extension Service) among greenhouse cucumber growers.MethodsThe statistical population included cucumber production greenhouse owners in Kerman Province, Iran. Out of the total population, 356 cases were selected as a sample using two-stage cluster sampling method. The data collection tool in this study was a researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire validity was confirmed via the content validity method and its reliability was confirmed through the pilot test. The data obtained from the questionnaire was recorded, calculated, and analyzed by SPSS24, Excel2019, and Deap software.Results and discussionThe results showed that the average energy efficiency in the studied units was 0.72 (out of 1), so that 21 and 335 greenhouses used energy efficient and inefficient, respectively. According to the components of energy use sustainability, a significant difference was observed between efficient and inefficient greenhouses, so that the energy efficient greenhouses have a high level of related components. It is suggested that the decision-makers, stakeholders, and active policy makers in the field of greenhouse crops should consider all the components of energy use sustainability, so that the developed policies and programs can cover all dimensions and take into account different aspects of energy use sustainability. As the results of this study can serve as a reference for other similar areas.
Vertical Distribution of Culicoides Biting Midges in Temperate Forests
Authors: Bernotienė Rasa , Treinys Rimgaudas , Bukauskaitė Dovilė 
Published: September 2024

Culicoides biting midges are small dipterous insects known as biological vectors of arboviruses, protozoa, and filaria parasites worldwide. Many studies on Culicoides focus on trapping them at ground level, without considering the best trap heights for different vector species. This implies that we might overlook insects positioned higher in the canopy. From June to August, we used UV traps to catch Culicoides biting midges at three different heights in three temperate mature forest areas in east Lithuania, Baltic region of Europe. We conducted this study to test the differences in midge numbers, male and female proportions, and female parity at each height. We caught the majority of biting midges (80.6%) at the mid-canopy and high-canopy. A higher number of female Culicoides midges than males was caught, with the proportion of males varying based on height and reaching its lowest point at ground level. No significant difference between the proportion of nulliparous and parous females caught at different height was detected. Culicoides pictipennis and C. festivipennis were the most common species of biting midge we found. They were found in the mid-canopy (86.8%) and the high-canopy (50.0%), respectively. Culicoides kibunensis was next, found at ground level (66.2%), and C. punctatus was found at the high canopy strata (63.0%). Each species’ abundance was seasonal dependent. Information on the vertical distribution of vector species in the temperate forest ecosystem is an important step in understanding patterns of vector borne disease transmission in wildlife.
An MLWE-Based Cut-and-Choose Oblivious Transfer Protocol
Authors: Tang Yongli , Guo Menghao , Huo Yachao , Zhao Zongqu , Yu Jinxia , Qin Baodong 
Published: September 2024

The existing lattice-based cut-and-choose oblivious transfer protocol is constructed based on the learning-with-errors (LWE) problem, which generally has the problem of inefficiency. An efficient cut-and-choose oblivious transfer protocol is proposed based on the difficult module-learning-with-errors (MLWE) problem. Compression and decompression techniques are introduced in the LWE-based dual-mode encryption system to improve it to an MLWE-based dual-mode encryption framework, which is applied to the protocol as an intermediate scheme. Subsequently, the security and efficiency of the protocol are analysed, and the security of the protocol can be reduced to the shortest independent vector problem (SIVP) on the lattice, which is resistant to quantum attacks. Since the whole protocol relies on the polynomial ring of elements to perform operations, the efficiency of polynomial modulo multiplication can be improved by using fast Fourier transform (FFT). Finally, this paper compares the protocol with an LWE-based protocol in terms of computational and communication complexities. The analysis results show that the protocol reduces the computation and communication overheads by at least a factor of n while maintaining the optimal number of communication rounds under malicious adversary attacks.
Pembinaan Penambangan Emas Skala Kecil dan Masyarakat Lingkar Tambang Emas di Desa Cisarua, Bogor
Authors: Marwanza Irfan , Azizi Masagus Ahmad , Kurniawati Riskaviana , Dahani Wiwik , Subandrio Subandrio , Purwiyono Taat Tri , Nuriana Suherman Dwi 
Published: September 2024

Pelaksanaan Program Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (PKM) Universitas Trisakti dilaksanakan di Desa Cisarua, Kecamatan Nanggung, Kabupaten Bogor, Jawa Barat, dengan bermitra bersama Pemerintah Daerah setempat. Mitra pemangku kepentingan turut berpartisipasi sebagai fasilitator dalam kegiatan ini yang bertujuan untuk melakukan sosialisasi dan pengembangan praktik penambangan yang berkelanjutan bagi para penambang dan masyarakat sekitar tambang emas. Desa Cisarua, berada di Kabupaten Nanggung, dikenal memiliki potensi sumber daya mineral, terutama endapan emas, yang sering dieksploitasi oleh masyarakat penambang baik secara individu maupun kelompok. Namun, aktivitas penambangan ini menyebabkan dampak negatif yang signifikan sehingga Pemerintah terpaksa menghentikan kegiatan pertambangan rakyat ini, salah satunya karena dampak lingkungan yang merugikan. Masalah lingkungan dan kondisi lahan pascapenambangan emas menimbulkan risiko dan masalah yang besar, termasuk kontaminasi merkuri dan sianida yang berbahaya bagi kehidupan manusia dan ekosistem sekitar. Salah satu tantangan utama adalah belum adanya reklamasi pada lubang-lubang bukaan tambang akibat aktivitas penambangan rakyat. Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut, tim melakukan edukasi masyarakat tentang prinsip-prinsip penambangan yang baik dan benar (Good Mining Practices, GMP). Tim bekerja sama dengan masyarakat dan pemerintah setempat dalam mencari solusi untuk mengantisipasi dampak masa depan dari aktivitas pertambangan emas. Kegiatan PKM dilakukan melalui pemberian materi dan diskusi, yang terbukti berhasil meningkatkan pemahaman masyarakat. Hasil survei terhadap 25 responden menunjukkan peningkatan pemahaman tentang praktik pertambangan yang baik setelah pelaksanaan PKM. Hasil survei menunjukkan bahwa sebelumnya 61% responden tidak memahami tentang GMP. Setelah dilaksanakan edukasi dan pelatihan melalui PKM, terjadi peningkatan sebesar 11% dalam pemahaman tentang GMP. Hal ini menunjukkan efektivitas program dalam meningkatkan kesadaran dan pengetahuan tentang praktik penambangan yang baik dan benar di kalangan peserta.