bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic and prognostic potential of the intra-tumoral microbiota profile in HPV-independent endocervical adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Xin , Chen Lili , Lin Wanrun , Zheng Wenxin , Zhang Huijuan , Zhou Feng 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundMicrobial community dynamics have been involved in numerous diseases, including cancer. The diversity of intertumoral microbiota in human papillomavirus independent endocervical adenocarcinoma (HPVI ECA) is not well-characterized.ObjectiveOur objective is to delineate the intratumoral microbiota profile in HPVI ECA and investigate its potential influence on oncogenesis.MethodsWe analyzed 45 HPVI ECA cases, comprising 36 gastric-type ECA (GEA) and 9 clear cell carcinomas (CCC). We compared the microbial composition within cancerous and adjacent noncancerous tissue samples using 5R-16S ribosomal DNA sequencing. Further, we investigated the correlation between specific microbes and clinical-pathological metrics as well as patient outcomes.ResultsOur findings demonstrate notable differences in the microbial spectra between cancerous and adjacent noncancerous tissues. Amongst HPVI ECA subtypes, GEAs exhibit more microbial variations compared to CCCs. Using the Random Forest algorithm, we identified two distinct microbial signatures that could act as predictive biomarkers for HPVI ECA and differentiate between GEA and CCC. Varied microbial abundances was related to clinical characteristics of HPVI ECA patients. In addition, high levels of Micrococcus and low levels of unknown genus75 from the Comamonadaceae family were associated with poorer outcomes in HPVI ECA patients. Similarly, an abundance of Microbacterium correlated with reduced overall survival (OS), and a high presence of Streptococcaceae family microbes was linked to reduced recurrence-free survival (RFS) in GEA patients. Intriguingly, a high abundance of Micrococcus was also associated with a worse OS in GEA patients.ConclusionThe study reveals distinct microbial signatures in HPVI ECA, which have potential as biomarkers for disease prognosis. The correlation between these tumor-associated microbiota features and clinicopathological characteristics underscores the possibility of microbiome-based interventions. Our research provides a foundation for more in-depth studies into the cervical microbiome’s role in HPVI ECA.
Construction and validation of a risk prediction model for 3- and 5-year new-onset atrial fibrillation in HFpEF patients
Authors: Wang Shuaishuai , Xie Zhonglei , Wang Fengjiao , Zhang Wenzhong 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundPatients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are more prone to atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to those with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Nevertheless, a risk prediction model for new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in HFpEF patients remains a notable gap, especially with respect to imaging indicators.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 402 HFpEF subjects reviewed at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from 2017 to 2023. Cox regression analysis was performed to screen predictors of NOAF. A nomogram was constructed based on these factors and internally validated through the bootstrap resampling method. A performance comparison between the nomogram and the mC2HEST score was performed.ResultsOut of the 402 participants, 62 (15%) developed atrial fibrillation. The risk factors for NOAF were finally screened out to include age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hyperthyroidism, renal dysfunction, left atrial anterior–posterior diameter (LAD), and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), all of which were identified to create the nomogram. We calculated the bootstrap-corrected C-index (0.819, 95% CI: 0.762–0.870) and drew receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves [3-year areas under curves (AUC) = 0.827, 5-year AUC = 0.825], calibration curves, and clinical decision curves to evaluate the discrimination, calibration, and clinical adaptability of the six-factor nomogram. Based on two cutoff values calculated by X-tile software, the moderate- and high-risk groups had more NOAF cases than the low-risk group (P &lt; 0.0001). Our nomogram showed better 3- and 5-year NOAF predictive performance than the mC2HEST score estimated by the Integrated Discriminant Improvement Index (IDI) and the Net Reclassification Index (NRI) (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsThe nomogram combining clinical features with echocardiographic indices helps predict NOAF among HFpEF patients.
Construction of a new tool for predicting cancer-specific survival in papillary thyroid cancer patients who have not received surgery
Authors: Chen Sanjun , Tan Yanmei , Huang Xinping , Tan Yanfei 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe prevalence of papillary thyroid cancer is gradually increasing and the trend of youthfulness is obvious. Some patients may not be able to undergo surgery, which is the mainstay of treatment, due to physical or financial reasons. Therefore, the prediction of cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with non-operated papillary thyroid cancer is necessary.MethodsPatients’ demographic and clinical information was extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. SPSS software was used to perform Cox regression analyses as well as propensity score matching analyses. R software was used to construct and validate the nomogram. X-tile software was used to select the best cutoff point for patient risk stratification.ResultsA total of 1319 patients were included in this retrospective study. After Cox regression analysis, age, grade, T stage, M stage, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were used to construct the nomogram. C-index, calibration curves, and receiver operating characteristic curves all verified the high predictive accuracy of the nomogram. The decision curve analysis demonstrated that patients could gain clinical benefit from this predictive model. Survival curve analysis after propensity score matching demonstrated the positive effects of radiotherapy on CSS in non-operated patients.ConclusionOur retrospective study successfully established a nomogram that accurately predicts CSS in patients with non-operated papillary thyroid cancer and demonstrated that radiotherapy for operated patients can still help improve prognosis. These findings can help clinicians make better choices.
Novel WFS1 variants are associated with different diabetes phenotypes
Authors: Wu Lei , Zhang Juan , Li Danjie , Zhang Zhongyun , Ni Qicheng , Han Rulai , Ye Lei , Zhang Yifei , Hong Jie , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang , Gu Weiqiong 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe WFS1 gene encodes the protein wolframin, which is crucial for maintaining endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis. Variants in this gene are predominantly associated with Wolfram syndrome and have been implicated in other disorders such as diabetes mellitus and psychiatric diseases, which increases the rate of clinical misdiagnosis.MethodsPatients were diagnosed with early-onset unclassified diabetes according to their clinical and laboratory data. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 165 patients, interpreting variants according to the American College of Medical Genetics/Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) 2015 guidelines. Variant verification was done by Sanger sequencing. In vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of WFS1 compound heterozygous variants.ResultsWe identified WFS1 compound heterozygous variants (p.A214fs*74/p.F329I and p.I427S/p.I304T) in two patients with Wolfram Syndrome-Like disorders (WSLD). Both WFS1 compound heterozygous variants were associated with increased ER stress, reduced cell viability, and decreased SERCA2b mRNA levels. Additionally, pathogenic or likely pathogenic WFS1 heterozygous variants were identified in the other three patients.ConclusionOur results underscore the importance of early genetic testing for diagnosing young-onset diabetes and highlight the clinical relevance of WFS1 variants in increasing ER stress and reducing cell viability. Incorporating these genetic insights into clinical practice can reduce misdiagnoses and improve treatment strategies for related disorders.
Chronic endometritis and recurrent reproductive failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ticconi Carlo , Inversetti Annalisa , Marraffa Serena , Campagnolo Luisa , Arthur Jephtah , Zambella Enrica , Di Simone Nicoletta 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe endometrium holds a crucial role in reproduction by supporting blastocyst adhesion, cytotrophoblast invasion and fetal development. Among the various uterine disorders, endometritis, particularly chronic endometritis (CE), has gained attention due to its association with adverse reproductive outcomes (recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), recurrent implantation failure (RIF), and infertility). The association between CE and adverse reproductive outcomes stresses the necessity for comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to optimize fertility outcomes and support individuals in their journey towards parenthood.AimTo explore the relationship between CE and reproductive disorders.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis using published data from 1990 to 2024 were carried out.ResultsA population of 1,038 women was included. Regarding CE-infertility association, a positive correlation was found, with 19.46% CE rate in infertile women compared to 7.7% in controls (OR: 2.96, 95% CI 1.53-5.72, p 0.001). No significant association was observed between RIF and CE (OR: 1.10, 95% CI 0.26-4.61, p 0.90), CE rates in both groups were relatively comparable, with 6.35% in women with RIF and 5.8% in controls. On the opposite, a strong association between CE and RPL was found, reporting a CE rate of 37.6% in RPL cases compared to 16.4% in controls (OR: 3.59, 95% CI 2.46-5.24, p &lt; 0.00001).ConclusionsCE appears to be associated to infertility and RPL, while no significant association was noted in cases of RIF.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024541879.
Constructing bilingual input safe spaces at home: rethinking exposure to language from a multilingual and multisite perspective on literacy practices
Authors: Costa Wätzold Juliane , Melo-Pfeifer Sílvia 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThis article analyses parents' and children's attitudes toward the different literacy practices across three different contexts (at home, in a community project, and, indirectly, at school) and how they perceive the interaction between these practices and the development of competences in the Heritage Language (HL). We investigate the relevance of family and community, and how mainstream school influences the co-construction of literacy practices that affect the development of HL, while at the same time supporting the development of the majority language, and especially in broadening the understanding of the notion of language exposure.MethodsSemi structured interviews with parents and focus groups with children (aged 4–14) were carried out in Munich, Germany, between May 2018 and February 2020. Data from the verbal interactions, in a total of 12 h of recorded audio with the parents and 8h with the children, was transcribed and the excerpts were coded in Nvivo. In a first moment, a data and theory driven thematic analysis with open data coding was undertaken; subsequently, discourse analysis was used to analyze selected excerpts individually and reconstruct the meaning the participants were attaching to their literacy practices. Three thematic strands were identified.ResultsWe make the case that exposure to literacy practices in the majority language is interpreted and (re)appropriated by families and communities to support the development of complex and integrated literacy practices involving the different languages of children's repertoires. We shed light on how families construct bilingual input safe spaces at home, i.e., spaces where continuities between formal, informal and non-formal literacy practices in both German and Portuguese are assured.DiscussionThe results bring a critical perspective on the ecology of literacy practices and highlight the added value of seeing those practices interconnected holistically from a co-developmental viewpoint. Such interconnectedness has a potential positive impact not only in children's HL but also in the majority language, and possibly in the languages learnt at school.
In vitro digestive properties and the bioactive effect of walnut green husk on human gut microbiota
Authors: Zhao Xiaolan , Ying Jiabao , Wang Zhuochen , Wang Yulu , Li Zhen , Gu Tianyi , Liu Shujun , Li Yulong , Liu Bing , Xin Fengjiao , Wen Boting 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionWalnut green husk (WGH) is a waste byproduct from walnut industry. However, it is not well-known about its bioactive effect on human gut health.MethodsThis study conducted in vitro digestion and fermentation experiments to study the bioactive effect of WGH.ResultsMicrobial fermentation was the primary mechanism to efficiently release phenolics and flavonoids, resulting in more excellent antioxidant capacities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays), which reached a highest value with 14.82 ± 0.01 mg VcE/g DW, 3.47 ± 0.01 mmol TE/g DW, and 0.96 ± 0.07 mmol FeSO4·7H2O/g DW, respectively. The surface microstructure of WGH became loose and fragmented after microbial fermentation. The analytical results of gut microbiota demonstrated that WGH could significantly increase the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in phylum level and Phascolarctobacterium in genus level while certain pro-inflammatory bacteria (such as Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Dorea, Alistipes, and Bilophila) was inhibited. Additionally, 1,373 differential metabolites were identified and enriched in 283 KEGG pathways. Of which some metabolites were significantly upregulated including ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, umbelliferone, scopolin, muricholic acid, and so forth.DiscussionThese results indicated that WGH could have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in the human gut, which could improve the economical value of WGH in the food industry.
Analysis of current situation and influencing factors of cognitive dysfunction associated with type 2 diabetes and follow-up study on treatment effectiveness
Authors: Liu Minli , Wang Zhiguo , Han Jiming , Mu Zhenzhen , Bian Hongyan 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundMany studies have explored the risk factors associated with cognitive impairment in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, research on determining the optimal threshold for these risk factors and comparative studies on the therapeutic effects of insulin and metformin is limited. This study aims to establish the optimal threshold for cognitive impairment risk factors in T2DM patients and compare the efficacy of insulin and metformin in treating mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsA total of 308 patients with T2DM were included. The optimal threshold for cognitive impairment risk factors was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve and binary logistic regression models. MCI patients were divided into three groups: insulin, metformin, and insulin with metformin. The treatment effect was evaluated after a 6-month follow-up.ResultsThe study identified several factors that influenced cognitive function in T2DM patients, including female gender, duration of diabetes &gt;13.50 years, years of education &gt;7.50 years, and serum sodium level &gt; 141.90 mmol/L. Metformin and insulin with metformin showed superior therapeutic effects compared to insulin alone, but no difference was observed between metformin and combination therapy.ConclusionSpecial attention should be given to female and those with diabetes duration &gt;13.50 years, as well as to individuals with educational level ≤ 7.50 years and serum sodium concentration ≤ 141.90 mmol/L. Metformin and insulin with metformin effectively improve MCI in patients with T2DM and outperform insulin monotherapy. The efficacy of metformin and combination therapy was found to be comparable.
Phase angle is a predictor for postoperative complications in colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Xiao-Yu , Kang Bing , Lv Quan , Wang Zi-Wei 
Published: August 2024

AimThe aim of this study was to develop a validated nomogram to predict the risk of postoperative complications in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients by analyzing the factors that contribute to these complications.MethodsWe retrospectively collected clinical information on patients who underwent CRC surgery at a single clinical center from January 2021 to December 2021. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for postoperative complications and to develop a predictive model. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) to assess the predicted probability. Calibration curve was drawn to compare the predicted probability of the nomogram with the actual probability, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was employed to evaluate the clinical utility of the nomogram.ResultsA total of 190 CRC patients were included in this study. We retrospectively collected baseline information, clinical information, surgical information, and nutrition-related indicators for all patients. Through multivariate logistic regression analysis, preoperative albumin (p = 0.041, OR = 0.906, 95% CI = 0.824–0.996), surgical time (p = 0.009, OR = 1.006, 95% CI = 1.001–1.010), waistline (p = 0.049, OR = 1.011, 95% CI = 1.002–1.020) and phase angle (PA) (p = 0.022, OR = 0.615, 95% CI = 0.405–0.933) were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative complications in CRC, and a nomogram prediction model was established using the above four variables. The AUC of 0.706 for the ROC plot and the high agreement between predicted and actual probabilities in the calibration curves suggested that the prediction model has good predictive power. The DCA also confirmed the good clinical performance of the nomogram.ConclusionThis study developed a nomogram to predict the risk of postoperative complications in CRC patients, providing surgeons with a reliable reference to personalized patient management in the perioperative period and preoperative nutritional interventions.
Case report: Ovarian mucinous tumor with a mural nodule of liposarcoma: a rare case
Authors: Li Jiezhen , Huang Haijian , Zeng Qiang , Chen Xin , Chen Lingfeng 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundOvarian mucinous tumor with a mural nodule is a rare and special type of ovarian surface epithelial–stromal tumor. Mural nodules are morphologically classified into three types: sarcoma-like, anaplastic carcinomatous, and true sarcomatous nodules. Ovarian mucinous tumors with true sarcomatous mural nodules are rare and challenging to diagnose, with only 10 cases reported worldwide. Currently, liposarcoma mural nodules remain unreported.Case presentationA 91-year-old woman was hospitalized for postmenopausal vaginal bleeding for 3 weeks. Imaging revealed a large cystic mass (20.0 cm × 17.7 cm × 12.8 cm) on the right ovary. The mass was multilocular cystic, with a mural nodule (1.4 cm × 1.2 cm × 1.0 cm) in the focal cyst wall. Based on histological morphology, immunohistochemical staining, and MDM2/CDK4 fluorescence in situ hybridization testing, the diagnosis was ovarian mucinous cystadenoma with a mural nodule of well-differentiated liposarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, this has never been reported before. High-throughput sequencing identified KRAS mutations in the ovarian mucinous cystadenoma. However, the liposarcoma mural nodule did not exhibit KRAS mutations but displayed copy number amplifications of CDK4 and DDR2, as well as a frameshift mutation in exon 13 of ASXL1 (p. A627Gfs*8).ConclusionsThis case broadens the morphological spectrum of mural nodules in ovarian mucinous tumors, deepening our knowledge of this rare morphology. Meanwhile, through high-throughput sequencing, we found no overlapping genetic evidence between the liposarcoma mural nodule and associated ovarian mucinous cystadenoma.
Influence of diabetes on microbiome in prostate tissues of patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Lee Jin-Jae , Kim Jung Kwon , Oh Bumjo , Hong Sung Kyu , Kim Bong-Soo 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundAlthough microbiota in prostatic tissues of patients with prostate cancer have been studied, results of different studies have been inconsistent. Different ethnicity of study subjects, different study designs, and potential contaminations during sample collection and experiments might have influenced microbiome results of prostatic tissues. In this study, we analyzed microbiota and their potential functions in benign and malignant tissues of prostate cancer considering possible contaminants and host variables.Materials and methodsA total of 118 tissue samples (59 benign tissues and 59 malignant tissues) obtained by robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were analyzed and 64 negative controls (from sampling to sequencing processes) were included to reduce potential contaminants.ResultsAlteration of the microbiome in prostate tissues was detected only in patients with diabetes. Furthermore, the influence of diabetes on microbiome was significant in malignant tissues. The microbiome in malignant tissues of patients with diabetes was influenced by pathologic stages. The relative abundance of Cutibacterium was reduced in the high pathologic group compared to that in the intermediate group. This reduction was related to microbial pathways increased in the high pathologic group.ConclusionResults of this study indicate that diabetes can influence the progression of prostate cancer with microbiome alteration in prostate tissues. Although further studies are necessary to confirm findings of this study, this study can help us understand tissue microbiome in prostate cancer and improve clinical therapy strategies.
Advances in Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides: extraction, purification, structure, bioactivities and applications
Authors: Sun Yanping , Zhang Yuping , Sun Minghao , Gao Wuyou , He Yujia , Wang Yu , Yang Bingyou , Kuang Haixue 
Published: August 2024

Eucommia ulmoides (EU) is a precious tree species native to China originating during the ice age. This species has important economic value and comprehensive development potential, particularly in medicinal applications. The medicinal parts of EU are its bark (Eucommiae cortex) and leaves (Eucommiae folium) which have been successively used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat diseases since the first century BC. During the last 2 decades, as natural polysaccharides have become of increasing interest in pharmacology, biomedicine, cosmetic and food applications, more and more scholars have begun to study polysaccharides derived from EU as well. EU polysaccharides have been found to have a variety of biological functions both in vivo and in vitro, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticomplementary, antifatigue, and hepatoprotective activities. This review aims to summarize these recent advances in extraction, purification, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities and applications in different fields of EU bark and leaf polysaccharides. It was found that both Eucommiae folium polysaccharides and Eucommiae cortex polysaccharides were suitable for medicinal use. Eucommiae folium may potentially be used to substitute for Eucommiae cortex in terms of immunomodulation and antioxidant activities. This study serves as a valuable reference for improving the comprehensive utilization of EU polysaccharides and further promoting the application of EU polysaccharides.