bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The microRNAs inhibiting atheroprotective pathways in correlation with atherosclerosis severity in chronic coronary syndrome patients – case control study and network analysis
Authors: Michał Kowara , Michał Kopka , Karolina Kopka , Renata Główczyńska , Sławomir Kujawski , Piotr Baruś , Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Atherosclerotic plaque progression is regulated by microRNAs. In addition to atherogenic pathways, there are also factors that inhibit the plaque development at crucial stages - KLF2, KLF4, Mert-K, IL-10 and TGF-β. These factors are downregulated by the following microRNAs – miR-92a downregulates KLF-2, miR-10b – KLF4, miR-126 – Mert-K, miR-98 – IL10 and miR-29b – TGFβ1 and TGFβ3. A total of 44 patients with chronic coronary syndrome and atherosclerotic lesions confirmed by coronary angiography and 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Patients were classified according to atherosclerotic burden (assessed by the Gensini Score) and the presence of advanced atherosclerotic lesion in a coronary branch (i.e. significant stenosis or chronic occlusion). The relative expression levels in plasma of miR-92a, miR-10b, miR-126, miR-98 and miR-29b in plasma were measured by quantitative RT-PCR and relations between these particles were also assessed by network analysis. The study showed that patients with the lowest burden of atherosclerosis had significantly increased levels of miR-126 (57.93 ± 6.87 for Gensini tertile 1 vs. 41.60 ± 4.52 for Gensini tertiles 2 and 3 considered as one group, p = 0.0472), whereas patients with advanced atherosclerosis had significantly increased levels of miR-92a − 51.02 [20.56–72.68] vs 94.93 [67.04-133.78], p = 0.0074). Moreover, the network analysis revealed strong positive correlation between miR-92a and miR-98, miR-10b and miR-126 as well as miR-10b and miR-29 in chronic coronary syndrome patients. The results demonstrated that microRNAs downregulating atheroprotective pathways may differ according to atherosclerotic plaque burden and progression. This finding may suggest a potential role for this miRNA (especially miR-92a) as a diagnostic marker reflecting advanced atherosclerosis with significant lesions, or even as a possible therapeutic target.
DNA profiles obtained from molars with carious lesions
Authors: Huerta Luis Mario , López-Armenta Mauro , Avilés-Villada David , Jiménez-Baltazar Carlos , Hernández-Romano Pablo , López-Balderas Nayali 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Teeth can be used to obtain a DNA profile, such as for identifying human remains. The recommendation is to use teeth without carious lesions or other changes; however, this complicates tooth-based DNA profiling and related human identification in countries such as Mexico, where 93.3% of the adult population has caries. Objective: To analyze whether the degree of caries correlates with the amount of DNA extracted from a tooth and/or the ability to obtain a complete DNA profile. Method: Thirty-five molar teeth with dental caries were collected from private clinics located in the center of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. DNA was extracted and autosomal STRs were amplified using an Investigator 24plex GO! kit.
Results: The mean DNA concentration was 6.08 ng/μL. There was no significant difference in DNA concentration with respect to tooth type (p = 0.113), caries size (p = 0.104), or location (p = 0.718). Twenty-one complete DNA profiles were obtained (60.0%), one partial profile was obtained (2.9%), and 13 cases failed to amplify (37.1%). The obtained DNA concentration showed a significant difference (p =0.023) between teeth that yielded a complete profile (9.503 ng/μL) and those that failed to amplify (1.009 ng/μL) but did not differ with respect to caries size (p = 0.816).
Conclusions: The damage caused by the carious lesion does not affect the amount of DNA obtained, and therefore does not affect the likelihood of obtaining of a complete DNA profile. The use of caries-bearing teeth for the identification of human remains should be investigated.
Survival Analysis of TACE Monotherapy vs. Combination Therapy in BCLC B and C Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Guo Chengxiang , Du Weiran , Chen Yiwen , Xiao Wenbo , Sun Ke , Shen Yan , Zhang Min , Wu Jian , Gao Shunliang , Yu Jun , Que Risheng , Xue Xing , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Standard treatments provide limited benefits for patients with intermediate or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This retrospective observational study aimed to assess potential improvements associated with systemic therapies in patients receiving transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for initially unresectable HCC.
Methods
Between February 2019 to March 2023, we reviewed patients diagnosed with intermediate- to-advanced HCC, treated with either TACE or TACE combined with antiangiogenic and immunotherapy (combination group) as their initial treatment. To balance the impact of confounding biases, we further divided the entire study population into surgical and non-surgical cohorts and conducted separate assessments. The analysis focused on comparing the progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety profile of the combination group with those of TACE monotherapy.
Results
Out of 279 patients with initially unresectable intermediate or advanced HCC, 156 successfully underwent subsequent curative intent liver resection after preoperative treatments (TACE group, n = 69, combination group, n = 87), while 123 patients continued non-surgical treatments (TACE group, n = 31, combination group, n = 92). After PSM, 26 matched patient pairs were generated in non-surgical cohort. The combination group exhibited a significantly extended PFS for non-surgical patients (9.4 vs. 7.2 months, p = 0.043). Cox analysis also suggested that this combination therapy regimen was associated with improved PFS in non-surgical cohort (HR = 0.476, 95% CI: 0.257–0.883, p = 0.019). In surgical patients exceeding up-to-seven criteria, the combination group demonstrated superior median PFS (18.0 vs. 14.6 months, p = 0.03) and OS (Not reached vs. 50.1 months, p = 0.049) compared to the TACE group. Adverse events were manageable and did not result in any treatment-related fatalities.
Conclusion
TACE in combination with systemic antitumor therapy demonstrated improved survival benefits in patients with intermediate to advanced HCC, particularly among surgical patients with higher tumor burden.
Machine learning-based prediction of 5-year weight trajectories after bariatric surgery in adolescents: a retrospective cohort study from France and Sweden
Authors: Gueorguieva Iva , Lespagnol Celine , Saux Patrick , Jarvholm Kajsa , Stenberg Erik , Amsellem-Jager Jessica , Coutant Regis , Dabbas Myriam , Khen-Dunlop Naziha , De Filippo Gianpaolo , Dagher Ibrahim , Dubern Beatrice , Terraz Catherine , Olbers Torsten , Pattou François , Verkindt Helene , Oukhouya Naima , Aubry Estelle , Caiazzo Robert , Preux Philippe 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Metabolic-bariatric surgery is an efficient therapy in selected adolescents with severe obesity. However, predicting the postoperative weight loss is challenging. A machine learning calculator predicting 5-year weight loss trajectory has been developed in adults, based on seven simple preoperative features. The aim of the present study was to adapt and test this model in adolescents.
Methods
Retrospective cohort study in patients aged 12 to 20 years undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), or adjustable gastric band (AGB) in France and Sweden between 2001 and 2022. Primary outcome was the accuracy of 5-year BMI prediction, expressed as the median absolute deviation (MAD) between predicted and observed BMI. The model, initially developed in adults, was trained in a subset of adolescents consisting of 80 % of randomly selected participants, and secondly tested in the remaining 20%.
Results
We enrolled 2255 patients (1705 female [75.6%], 12 to 20 years [median 19]). The median (IQR) 5-year total weight loss was 30.2% (23.9–38.6) for RYGB, 23.4% (13.7–32.8) for SG, and 13.4% (0.0–30.1) for AGB. The adapted model predicted the observed 5-year BMI with a MAD of 3.7 kg/m² (95% CI [3.3–3.9]). The accuracy of the model was maximal for bypass (3.2 kg/m² [3.0–3.7]), good for SG (3.9 kg/m² [3.1–5.0]), and lower for AGB (7.3 kg/m² [5.5–8.4]), and accuracy decreased with time and in adolescents under 19 years. Age, height, weight, and type of intervention influenced 5-year weight loss. Coexisting type 2 diabetes influenced weight loss until 2 years after surgery but not after 5 years.
Conclusion
The model had an acceptable accuracy to predict 5-year postoperative weight loss trajectory when adapted in adolescents. Accuracy decreased over time of follow up and was influenced by type of intervention and age.
Ultrasound assessment of pediatric bone age based on wrist and knee joint ossification ratios: An observational cohort study.
Authors: Chen Shujun , Liu Junjie , Xiong Yijun , Li Wei , Tang Siqi , Zhang Haixia , Zhang Yingping , Luo Yong , Li Pan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives This study aims to develop an accurate and straightforward bone age (BA) assessment model using high-frequency ultrasound. It evaluates the ossification rates of five target bones at the wrist and knee joints, reallocating weighting values to enhance assessment precision.
Methods This observational study (July 2023–March 2024) involved children aged 0–19 years, who were divided into pilot, modelling, and validation groups. High-frequency ultrasound assessed ossification rates at the wrist and knee joints, with radiographic BAs determined via the TW3-C-RUS method. Statistical analyses evaluated the correlation and accuracy between ultrasound-based and radiographic BAs.
Results The study included 2,049 children (median age 9 years) divided into pilot, modelling, and validation groups. The ossification rates of the five target sites were strongly positively correlated with the BA. Using ridge regression, a robust ultrasound-based BA model was established, which demonstrated high accuracy with an intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.99, compared with radiographic BA. In the validation group, ultrasound showed high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing abnormal BAs, with strong inter- and intra-rater reliability.
Conclusion This study successfully generated an accurate ultrasound-based BA model that demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity, showing strong consistency with radiographic bone age assessments.
Trial registration NO. ChiCTR2400080249 (retrospectively registered).
The Association of Vitamin D Insufficiency with the Prevalence of Obesity in Children: Implications for Serum Calcium Levels, Alkaline Phosphatase Activity, and Bone Maturation
Authors: Xu Yue , Song Lingyun , Zhou Li 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency emerges as a potential risk factor implicated in a spectrum of detrimental health outcomes. However, its role in school-aged children’s metabolic regulation remains to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and childhood obesity rates, and its impact on serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and bone age in children.
Methods: The study analyzed clinical data from 159 school-aged children who underwent medical examinations. The children were divided into the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) deficiency group and the 25(OH)D3 normalgroup based on their serum levels. The two groups were compared in terms of body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), fasting blood G=glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), calcium (Ca), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bone age differences.
Results: This study showed that the 25(OH)D3 deficiency cohort exhibited notably higher BMI, TC, TG, and ALP levels compared to the 25(OH)D3 normal cohort, whereas Ca and bone age were vigorously lowered in the 25(OH)D3 deficiency group. Moreover, BMI, TC, TG, Ca, ALP, and bone age have a significant diagnostic value in forecasting 25(OH)D3 deficiency in school-aged children. Correlation analysis revealed an inverse relationship between 25(OH)D3 levels and BMI, TC, TG, and ALP, as well as a positive association with serum Ca levels and bone age.
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that the deficiency of 25(OH)D3 is positively correlated with the incidence of obesity among school-aged children, which may adversely affect normal skeletal development. Therefore, regularly monitoring the levels of 25(OH)D3 is crucial for clinicians and healthcare providers in accurately assessing and ensuring the proper growth and development of school-aged children.
Efficacy and safety of trastuzumab deruxtecan in HER2-positive breast cancer patients with brain metastases after failure of pyrotinib-based therapy
Authors: Zhou Jinmei , Xiao Jinyi , Wu Xuexue , Wang Xiaobo , Bian Li , Zhang Shaohua , Jiang Zefei , Wang Tao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) have shown efficacy in HER2-positive patients with brain metastasis (BMs). This paper analyzed the efficacy and safety of T-DXd in HER2-positive breast cancer patients with BMs who progressed after pyrotinib treatment.Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study. HER2-positive patients with BMs received T-DXd treatment that previously received pyrotinib therapy and progressed were identified from electronic medical records. The primary endpoint of this study was central nervous system progression-free survival (CNS-PFS).Results: From April 2021 to July 2023, 15 patients were included in the study. The median CNS-PFS was 7.4 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.1–8.8 months], the median PFS for patients with extracranial/total lesions was 6.4 months (95% CI, 4.4–8.3 months), and the median OS was 9.8 months (95% CI, 5.9–13.8 months). The ORR rates for intracranial, extracranial, and overall lesions were 33.3%, 71.4%, and 73.3%, respectively. Adverse events of grade 3 or higher with an incidence rate ≥ 5% included leukopenia (20.0%), neutropenia (13.3%), thrombocytopenia (6.7%), and nausea (6.7%). Adverse events of specific interest, interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis, occurred in 2 patents (13.3%), and both were grade 1.Conclusions: The preliminary data in this study suggest that in clinical practice in China, T-DXd is an optional treatment for patients with active/stable BMs who have progressed on pyrotinib. However, further studies are needed to determine its efficacy and the best treatment sequence for these patients.
The Use of Tourniquet in Total Knee Arthroplasty Does Not Impact the Functional Outcome: A Randomised Controlled Study
Authors: Johnsen Magnus , Havik Steinar , Husby Vigdis Schnell , Winther Siri Bjørgen , Foss Olav A. , Husby Otto Schnell , Lian Øystein Bjerkestrand 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
This study evaluates the clinical evidence for performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without a tourniquet, a shift from the near-universal use in 2009 to current trends towards tourniquet-less TKA in Norway and Sweden. This change is set against a backdrop of conflicting evidence regarding the positive and negative effects of tourniquet use.
Questions/purposes
The aims were to determine if the tourniquet has an impact on (1) Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) at 8 weeks after surgery; (2) postoperative strength and function; (3) postoperative pain and opioid analgesic use; and (4) operative time, bleeding, and length of stay (LOS).
Methods
Eighty-one patients were randomised to TKA with or without a tourniquet. The outcome measures, FJS-12, muscle strength, functional test, pain, estimated blood loss, haemoglobin (Hb) loss, knee circumference, opioid consumption, and LOS were assessed preoperatively and at 1 day, 8 weeks, and 1 year after surgery.
Results
No significant difference in FJS-12 scores was found between the two groups at postoperative 8 weeks. However, the tourniquet group showed statistically significant better knee extension strength at 8 weeks (p = 0.045). There were no differences in other outcomes, except for a greater decrease in haemoglobin levels (p = 0.02) and higher estimated perioperative blood loss (p < 0.001) in the no tourniquet group than the torniquet group.
Conclusions
Our study indicates that tourniquet use during TKA causes no significant differences in FJS-12 at 8 weeks, significantly reduces bleeding and postoperative Hb loss, and improves quadriceps strength at 8 weeks.
Trial registration
Clinicaltrails.gov. Registry Number: NCT03666598. Registered 30 August 2018.
The Multiple Mediating Effects of Internalized Weight Stigma, Breastfeeding Difficulties, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy on the Association Between Pre-pregnancy Overweight/Obesity and Exclusive Breastfeeding at 6 Months Postpartum: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ren Ziqi , Tang Huiting , Fan Xuemei , Feng Jingyi , Zhang Aixia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite the World Health Organization's (WHO) emphasis on the essential role of exclusive breastfeeding for both maternal and infant health, exclusive breastfeeding rates among women with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity remain suboptimal. The underlying mechanisms driving this negative association are not well-understood. This study aimed to explore these mechanisms by examining the independent and sequential mediation effects of internalized weight stigma, breastfeeding difficulties, and breastfeeding self-efficacy on the relationship between pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and exclusive breastfeeding at six months postpartum.
Methods
In this prospective cohort study, 296 primiparous women were stratified by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) into two groups: pre-pregnancy overweight/obese (n = 146) and normal BMI (n = 150). Data were collected via questionnaires during the antenatal period and at 6 months postpartum. After adjusting for covariates, structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation was utilized, along with bias-corrected bootstrap testing, to estimate and assess the mediation effects in the negative association between maternal pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months postpartum.
Results
The study confirmed a negative correlation between pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months postpartum. Significant indirect paths were identified from pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity to exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months postpartum through internalized weight stigma (β = −0.217, p = 0.001), breastfeeding difficulties (β = −0.078, p = 0.018), and breastfeeding self-efficacy (β = −0.052, p = 0.025), each contributing separately. Additionally, a significant indirect path was found through the serial mediation of breastfeeding difficulties and breastfeeding self-efficacy (β = −0.053, p = 0.001).
Conclusions
This study elucidated the complex relationship between pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and reduced exclusive breastfeeding rates at 6 months postpartum, identifying internalized weight stigma, breastfeeding difficulties, and decreased breastfeeding self-efficacy as significant mediating factors. Future research should concentrate on developing targeted interventions to overcome these obstacles, potentially including psychological therapies, hands-on breastfeeding support, and self-efficacy enhancement.
Trial registration
This study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn/, registry number: ChiCTR2200057038). The trial registration date was (26/02/2022).
Moderate-vigorous multimodal circuit training to boost steps and reduce seated time in post- stroke survivors: Protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Silveira Ana Flavia , Uliam Nicoly Ribeiro , Feltrin Marluci Castagna , Araujo Paloma Nepomuceno , Roscani Meliza Goi , Takahashi Anielle Christine M. , Faria Christina Danielli Coelho Morais , Santos Rafaelle Silva , Libardi Milena Carvalho , Russo Thiago Luiz 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Post-stroke survivors commonly display troubling levels of physical inactivity, resulting in diminished daily step counts. Guidelines advocate for multimodal circuit training (GTCir) with intensity set on moderate-vigorous intensity to bolster their mobility. Nevertheless, the efficacy of GTCir, particularly when executed at moderate-vigorous heart rate intensities, in augmenting real-world walking capacity post-stroke remains uncertain. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a moderate-vigorous intensity GTCir protocol in increasing the number of steps and reducing seated time in post-stroke survivors.
Methodology: It is a randomized clinical trial protocol involving 78 individuals capable of independent walking at least six months post-stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a GTCir group with moderate-vigorous intensity (heart ratetarget 70-84% of heart ratemaximum), or a control group undergoing light-intensity balance training (heart ratetarget <64% heart ratemaximum). Both groups will engage in supervised sessions three times weekly over 12 weeks, with assessments conducted pre- and post-intervention, along with a follow-up at 6 weeks. The primary outcome will be the number of steps/day and sedentary behavior, with secondary outcomes including mobility, balance, lower limbs and global strengths, self-reported use of the paretic lower extremity, gait speed and endurance, functional and physical activity level, sensorimotor impairment, and quality of life. Statistical analysis will be performed using RStudio software. Generalized Least Squares models, will be utilized to estimate the effect of GTCir on various clinical outcomes, with a significance level set at 5%.
Discussion: Moderate-vigorous GTCir holds promise as a rehabilitation strategy for post-stroke survivors.
Clinical trial registration: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-2gf7h77
CDCA8 promotes the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer through regulating CDK1
Authors: Chen Caizhi , Li Xinrong , Tan Jiajia , Zou Wen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CC) is the 4th most common female cancer globally. Although its overall incidence rate has been declining for decades, the occurrence of advanced diseases and cervical adenocarcinoma (usually undetectable by cytology) are increasing. Therefore, predictors and therapeutic targets for CC are urgently required. Cell division cycle-associated 8 (CDCA8) has been observed to participate in mitotic regulation as a component of the chromosomal passenger complex. Furthermore, the activity of cancer-related CDCA8 hyperactivation has been comprehensively studied; however, its association and underlying molecular mechanism in CC remain elusive. Therefore, this study investigated the association of CDCA8 with CC and revealed that CDCA8 is significantly overexpressed in CC patients and related to poor clinical prognosis. Moreover, CDCA8 knockdown using small hairpin RNA (shRNA) inhibited the CC cell line’s proliferation and migration, as well as enhanced apoptosis. In addition, CDCA8 knockdown was also related to reduced tumor growth in the mouse CC model. RNA sequencing and co-immunoprecipitation assay revealed that CDCA8 interacted with cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). The study also observed that CDK1 overexpression inhibited the suppressive effect of CDCA8 knockdown on CC cell growth and migration. In summary, this study indicated that the CDCA8/CDK1 axis plays an essential carcinogenic role in CC, thereby providing a potential novel target for CC diagnosis and treatment.