bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture modalities for overweight and obesity treatment: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs
Authors: Kim Youngjin , Park Ha-im , Chu Hongmin , Jin Hanbit , Leem Jungtae 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of obesity have not been assessed. This poses a challenge for clinicians who choose to use acupuncture in the treatment of obesity, as they are unable to prioritize this approach based on outcome variables.MethodsIn May 2024, a literature search of five databases was conducted. Only randomized controlled trials evaluating body weight (BW), body mass index, waist circumference (WC), and adverse events in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher for various acupuncture modalities were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials, version 2. Pairwise meta-analysis (PMA) and Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) were performed using a random effects model for quantitative synthesis.ResultsFourteen studies (n = 868) were included. The included studies evaluated the following acupuncture modalities: electroacupuncture (EA) (N = 6), laser acupuncture (LA) (N = 2), auricular acupuncture (AA) (N = 5), and manual acupuncture (MA) (N = 3). The PMA found that adding EA to usual care (UC), compared to UC alone, reduced BW (MD = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.12 to 3.80, I2 = 58%, REM, N = 3, n = 157). The NMA of BW showed the following effect sizes for UC alone versus each acupuncture modality combined with UC: LA (MD = 2.09, 95% CI = 0.04 to 3.86), EA (MD = 2.04, 95% CI = 0.88 to 3.50), AA (MD = 1.69, 95% CI = −0.11 to 3.58), and MA (MD = 1.02, 95% CI = −0.82 to 2.94). The probability of each modality being the optimal treatment was evaluated using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve. EA was the most efficacious for BW and BMI, while LA was the most efficacious for WC.DiscussionEA and LA can effectively complement clinical obesity management. The number of included studies was limited, and publication bias may have occurred, necessitating a cautious interpretation of the results. Furthermore, most studies lasted between six and 12 weeks. Future clinical studies of acupuncture for obesity should include longer follow-up periods.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=387788, identifier CRD42023387788.
Unraveling the roles of IFIT3 gene and immune-metabolic pathways in psoriasis: a bioinformatics exploration for diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets
Authors: Chen Guangshan , Chen Xi , Duan Xingwu , Zhang Runtian , Bai Chunxiao 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe functions and related signal pathways of the IFIT3 gene in the skin lesions of patients with psoriasis were explored through bioinformatics methods to determine the potential specific molecular markers of psoriasis.MethodsThe “limma” R package was used to analyze three datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE13355, GSE30999 and GSE106992), and the differential genes were screened. The STRING database was used for gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and protein–protein interaction network integration. Then, the IFIT3 subnetwork was extracted and analyzed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) using the Metascape database to verify the effectiveness of gene differentiation and disease tissue identification.ResultsIn this study, 426 differential genes were obtained, of which 322 were significantly upregulated and 104 were significantly downregulated. GO enrichment analysis showed that the differential genes were mainly involved in immunity and metabolism; the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis mainly included the chemokine signal pathway, PPAR signal pathway, and IL-17 signal pathway, among others. Based on the IFIT3 subnetwork analysis, it was found that IFIT3 was mainly involved in the biological processes of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. The pathways obtained by GSEA were mainly related to immunity, metabolism, and antiviral activities. IFIT3 was highly expressed in psoriatic lesions and may thus be helpful in the diagnosis of psoriasis.ConclusionThe differential genes, biological processes, and signal pathways of psoriasis, especially information related to and diagnostic efficiency of the IFIT3 gene, were obtained by bioinformatics analysis. These results are expected to provide the theoretical basis and new directions for exploring the pathogenesis of psoriasis, in addition to helping with finding diagnostic markers and developing drug treatment targets.
Comprehensive analysis of hypoxia-related genes in diagnosis and immune infiltration in acute myocardial infarction: based on bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data
Authors: Liu Guoqing , Liao Wang , Lv Xiangwen , Zhu Miaomiao , Long Xingqing , Xie Jian 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundHypoxia has been found to cause cellular dysfunction and cell death, which are essential mechanisms in the development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the impact of hypoxia-related genes (HRGs) on AMI remains uncertain.MethodsThe training dataset GSE66360, validation dataset GSE48060, and scRNA dataset GSE163956 were downloaded from the GEO database. We identified hub HRGs in AMI using machine learning methods. A prediction model for AMI occurrence was constructed and validated based on the identified hub HRGs. Correlations between hub HRGs and immune cells were explored using ssGSEA analysis. Unsupervised consensus clustering analysis was used to identify robust molecular clusters associated with hypoxia. Single-cell analysis was used to determine the distribution of hub HRGs in cell populations. RT-qPCR verified the expression levels of hub HRGs in the human cardiomyocyte model of AMI by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) treatment in AC16 cells.ResultsFourteen candidate HRGs were identified by differential analysis, and the RF model and the nomogram based on 8 hub HRGs (IRS2, ZFP36, NFIL3, TNFAIP3, SLC2A3, IER3, MAFF, and PLAUR) were constructed, and the ROC curves verified its good prediction effect in training and validation datasets (AUC = 0.9339 and 0.8141, respectively). In addition, the interaction between hub HRGs and smooth muscle cells, immune cells was elucidated by scRNA analysis. Subsequently, the HRG pattern was constructed by consensus clustering, and the HRG gene pattern verified the accuracy of its grouping. Patients with AMI could be categorized into three HRG subclusters, and cluster A was significantly associated with immune infiltration. The RT-qPCR results showed that the hub HRGs in the OGD group were significantly overexpressed.ConclusionA predictive model of AMI based on HRGs was developed and strongly associated with immune cell infiltration. Characterizing patients for hypoxia could help identify populations with specific molecular profiles and provide precise treatment.
Association between systemic immune-inflammation index and serum neurofilament light chain: a population-based study from the NHANES (2013–2014)
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Yang Yue , Lu Qiutong , Yang Jianshu , Yuan Jing , Hu Jun , Tu Yue 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a novel inflammatory marker used to assess the immune-inflammatory status of the human body. The systemic immune inflammation has an interplay and mutual relationship with neurological disorders. Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is widely regarded as a potential biomarker for various neurological diseases. The study aimed to examine the association between SII and sNfL.MethodsThis cross-sectional investigation was conducted in a population with complete data on SII and sNfL from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The SII was calculated by dividing the product of platelet count and neutrophil count by the lymphocyte count. Multivariate linear regression models and smooth curves were used to explore the linear connection between SII and sNfL. Sensitivity analyses, interaction tests, and diabetes subgroup smoothing curve fitting were also performed.ResultsA total of 2,025 participants were included in our present research. SII showed a significant positive association with the natural logarithm-transformed sNfL (ln-sNfL) in crude model [0.17 (0.07, 0.28)], partially adjusted model [0.13 (0.03, 0.22)], and fully adjusted model [0.12 (0.02, 0.22)]. In all participants, the positive association between SII and ln-sNfL served as a linear relationship, as indicated by a smooth curve. Interaction tests showed that age, gender, BMI, hypertension, and diabetes did not have a significant impact on this positive association (p for interaction &gt;0.05). The subgroup analysis of diabetes was conducted using smooth curve fitting. It was found that compared to the group without diabetes and the group in a pre-diabetic state, the effect was more pronounced in the group with diabetes.ConclusionOur findings suggest that there is a positive association between SII and sNfL. Furthermore, in comparison to individuals without diabetes and those in a pre-diabetic state, the positive association between SII and sNfL was more pronounced in individuals with diabetes. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm the association between SII and sNfL.
Efficacy and safety of different doses of vamorolone in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Qin , Zeng Yaqing , Jiao Linna , He Jianli , Li Baoyi , Guo Yihua , Song Zhibin 
Published: August 2024

Background and objectivesSeveral recent clinical studies have indicated that vamorolone is comparable in effectiveness to glucocorticosteroids for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, there is a lack of extensive data regarding the efficacy and safety of various doses of vamorolone. We conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of different doses of vamorolone in boys with DMD, and compare the safety of vamorolone vs. glucocorticosteroids, prednisone or deflazacort in boys with DMD.MethodsWe performed systematic searches of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for vamorolone, glucocorticosteroids, prednisone or deflazacort in boys with DMD. We assessed statistical heterogeneity across trials based on the Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOS) tool test and I2 values, and mean differences were pooled using the random-effects model. We used traditional meta-analysis to evaluate efficacy and safety of vamorolone 6.0 mg/kg/d vs. vamorolone 2.0 mg/kg/d and vamorolone vs. prednisone. A network meta-analysis was applied to estimated the safety of vamorolone in comparison to glucocorticosteroids, prednisone and deflazacort. Our meta-analysis were performed using Revman 5.4 software, and our network meta-analysis were performed using Stata/MP 18.0.ResultsIn the meta-analysis, a total of 193 patients were analyzed across four clinical trials (97 patients receiving vamorolone 2 mg/kg per day; 96 patients receiving vamorolone 2 mg/kg per day). We observed that there were statistically significant differences in boys with DMD between vamorolone 6.0 mg/kg/d and vamorolone 2.0 mg/kg/d in TTSTANDV (MD = 0.03, 95%CI = 0.00–0.06, p = 0.04), TTRWV (MD = 0.13, 95%CI = 0.08–0.19, p &lt; 0.01), 6MWT (MD = 24.54, 95%CI = 4.46–44.82, p = 0.02), TTCLIMBV (MD = 0.04, 95%CI = 0.01–0.06, p = 0.009), no significant difference in BMI z score (MD = 0.09, 95%CI = −0.03–0.20, p = 0.13). Indirect comparisons derived from network meta-analysis did not show significant differences among vamorolone, glucocorticosteroids, prednisone and deflazacort in BMI z score.ConclusionOur findings implied that boys with DMD who took vamorolone 6 mg/kg daily instead of 2 mg/kg daily may be safer and have superior motor function. However, more large sample randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm our results.Systematic Review RegistrationThis systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Ongoing Systematic Reviews PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42024562916).
Association between osteoarthritis with Parkinson’s disease in the US (NHANES 2011–2020)
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhou Xue , Chen Chunhai , Li Xuefeng , Pan Ting , Liu Ziqi , Wu Dalong , Chen Xinhua 
Published: August 2024

ObjectedTo evaluate the association between osteoarthritis (OA) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) in adults in the United States.MethodsUsing 2011–2020 NHANES data, a cross-sectional study of 11,117 adults over the age of 40 was conducted. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between arthritis and PD. In addition, stratified analysis was used to examine whether the relationship between arthritis and PD was interactive with age, gender, race, education, BMI.ResultsIn this study, a total of 11,117 participants were included, and we found that osteoarthritis was positively correlated with the development of PD compared with non-arthritis patients [1.95 (1.44 ~ 2.62)] (p &lt; 0.001). After adjusting the covariates, the results are still stable.ConclusionPD patients were positively correlated with OA. Among people with OA, there was a 95% increased risk of PD compared to people without arthritis. Therefore, when treating OA, attention should be paid to the increased risk of PD. In the meantime, further studies are needed to explore the link between OA and PD patients.
Proteomics analysis of periplaque and chronic inactive multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Wilkins Jordan M. , Mangalaparthi Kiran K. , Netzel Brian C. , Sherman William A. , Guo Yong , Kalinowska-Lyszczarz Alicja , Pandey Akhilesh , Lucchinetti Claudia F. 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system characterized by increased inflammation and immune responses, oxidative injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, and iron dyshomeostasis leading to demyelination and axonal damage. In MS, incomplete remyelination results in chronically demyelinated axons and degeneration coinciding with disability. This suggests a failure in the ability to remyelinate in MS, however, the precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to identify proteins whose expression was altered in chronic inactive white matter lesions and periplaque white matter in MS tissue to reveal potential pathophysiological mechanisms.MethodsLaser capture microdissection coupled to proteomics was used to interrogate spatially altered changes in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded brain tissue from three chronic MS individuals and three controls with no apparent neurological complications. Histopathological maps guided the capture of inactive lesions, periplaque white matter, and cortex from chronic MS individuals along with corresponding white matter and cortex from control tissue. Label free quantitation by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to discover differentially expressed proteins between the various brain regions.ResultsIn addition to confirming loss of several myelin-associated proteins known to be affected in MS, proteomics analysis of chronic inactive MS lesions revealed alterations in myelin assembly, metabolism, and cytoskeletal organization. The top altered proteins in MS inactive lesions compared to control white matter consisted of PPP1R14A, ERMN, SIRT2, CARNS1, and MBLAC2.ConclusionOur findings highlight proteome changes in chronic inactive MS white matter lesions and periplaque white matter, which may be crucial for proper myelinogenesis, bioenergetics, focal adhesions, and cellular function. This study highlights the importance and feasibility of spatial approaches such as laser capture microdissection-based proteomics analysis of pathologically distinct regions of MS brain tissue. Identification of spatially resolved changes in the proteome of MS brain tissue should aid in the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms and the development of novel therapies.
Efficacy and safety of PD-1 inhibitors plus anti-angiogenesis tyrosine kinase inhibitors with or without transarterial chemo(embolization) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Yue , Jia Luyao , Li Yu , Cui Wenhao , Wang Jukun , Zhang Chao , Bian Chunjing , Luo Tao 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe triple combination of programmed cell death protein–1 (PD-1) inhibitors plus anti-angiogenesis tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with or without transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) enhance the effect of treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). The present study compared the efficacy and safety of PD-1 plus TKI with or without transarterial chemo(embolization) for uHCC.MethodsThe meta-analysis was conducted using data acquired from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Ovid, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials.gov from the inception date to December 2023. All clinical outcomes of interest included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs). The hazard ratio (HR) and risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure the pooled effect. In addition, subgroup analysis was conducted to determine the specific patient population that benefited.ResultsThe OS (HR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.39–0.56, P &lt;  0.05), PFS (HR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.45–0.60, P &lt; 0.05), and ORR (RR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.60–2.35, P &lt; 0.05) were significantly better in TACE/HAIC+TKI+PD-1(TACE/HAIC TP) group than TKI+PD-1(TP) group. The incidence of AEs was acceptable.ConclusionThe triple therapy of TACE/HAIC TP had better efficacy for uHCC than TP, with acceptable security.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, identifier CRD42023475953.
Metabolic profiles in gestational diabetes mellitus can reveal novel biomarkers for prediction of adverse neonatal outcomes
Authors: Yin Xiaoxiao , Yu Tingting , Jiang Dongmei , Shan Chunjian , Xia Jiaai , Su Min , Zhang Min , Chen Ling , Zhong Hong , Cui Xianwei , Ji Chenbo 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) significantly affects the fetal metabolic environment, elevating risks of neonatal hypoglycemia and macrosomia. Metabolomics offers promising avenues for early prediction and diagnosis of GDM and associated adverse offspring outcomes.MethodsThis study analyzed serum samples from pregnant women diagnosed with GDM at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation using untargeted metabolomics. We monitored the health outcomes of their offspring to explore the correlation between initial serum metabolite profiles and subsequent health outcomes, to uncover the predictive markers for hypoglycemia and macrosomia in these offspring.ResultsOut of 200 participants, 154 had normal newborns, 33 had offspring with hypoglycemia, and 19 had offspring with macrosomia. From 448 identified metabolites, 66 showed significant differences in cases of hypoglycemia, and 45 in macrosomia. A panel of serum metabolite biomarkers achieved Area Under the Curve (AUC) values of 0.8712 for predicting hypoglycemia and 0.9434 for macrosomia.ConclusionThe study delineated metabolic disruptions in GDM during 24–28 weeks of gestation and pinpointed biomarkers capable of forecasting adverse neonatal outcomes. These findings could inform GDM management strategies and minimize the incidence of such outcomes.
In silico and in vivo evaluations of multistage antiplasmodial potency and toxicity profiling of n-Hexadecanoic acid derived from Vernonia amygdalina
Authors: Afolayan F. I. D. , Odeyemi R. A. , Salaam R. A. 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundDespite the widely reported potentials of n-Hexadecanoic acid (HA) as a bioactive, its multi-stage antiplasmodial activity and toxicity profiles remain largely unknown.MethodologyThus, this study uses a combination of in silico approaches and in vivo studies to assess the inhibitory activities of HA at different stages of the Plasmodium lifecycle, antiplasmodial performance, and toxicity profiles. The HA was retrieved from the PubChem database, while antiplasmodial target proteins from different stages of the Plasmodium falciparum life cycle were collated from the Protein Databank (PDB). Molecular Docking and Visualization were conducted between the compound and target proteins using AutoVina PyRx software and Biovia Discovery Studio, respectively. Also, the AdmetLab 3.0 algorithm was used to predict the absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) profiles of HA. Based on a 4-day suppressive test, the antiplasmodial activity against the Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain in mice was evaluated. Furthermore, subacute toxicity and micronucleus assays were used for further toxicity assessment.ResultsThe molecular docking analysis indicates multi-stage, multi-target potentials of HA with favourable ligand-receptor complexes across the four Plasmodium falciparum stages. Meanwhile, the mice administered with 100 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg of HA demonstrated considerable chemosuppression in a dose-dependent manner of 89.74%, 83.80%, and 71.58% percentage chemosuppression, respectively, at p &lt; 0.05. The ADMET prediction, histopathological tests, and micronucleus assays show that HA is safer at a lower dose.ConclusionThis study showed that n-Hexadecanoic acid is a potential drug candidate for malaria. Hence, it is recommended for further molecular and biochemical investigations.
The impact of sucralose and neotame on the safety of metal precipitation in electronic cigarettes
Authors: Yan Xinyang , Chen Zheng , Rong Xianfang , Chen Zhichao , Wu Guanlin , Dong Zeyi , Fu Yao , Hai Tao 
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the impact of sweeteners on the release of heavy metals during the heating and atomization processes in electronic cigarettes. Based on a PG/VG base e-liquid with the addition of 2% and 5% neotame or sucralose, we quantitatively analyzed the impact of sweetener content on the levels of heavy metals such as Ni, Cr, and Fe in the e-liquid and aerosol after heating and atomization. Additionally, the heated e-liquid samples were used to culture SH-SY-5Y and Beas-2B cells, and their cytotoxic effects were assessed using the CCK-8 assay. The results indicated that the e-liquid with 5% sucralose had the highest average levels of heavy metals after heating and atomization, particularly nickel (13.36 ± 2.50 mg/kg in the e-liquid and 12,109 ± 3,229 ng/200 puffs in the aerosol), whereas the e-liquid with neotame had significantly lower average heavy metal content in comparison. Additionally, it was measured that the chloride ion concentration in the e-liquid with 5% sucralose reached 191 mg/kg after heating at 200°C for 1 h, indicating that heating sucralose generated chloride ions, Which might corrode metal parts components leading to heavy metal release. Cytotoxicity tests revealed that the base e-liquid without sweeteners exhibited the highest average cell viability after heating, at 64.80% ± 2.84% in SH-SY-5Y cells and 63.24% ± 0.86% in Beas-2B cells. Conversely, the e-liquid variant with 5% sucralose showed a significant reduction in average cell viability, reducing it to 50.74% ± 0.88% in SH-SY-5Y cells and 53.03% ± 0.76% in Beas-2B cells, highlighting its more pronounced cytotoxic effects compared to other tested e-liquids. In conclusion, sucralose in e-liquids should be limited preferably less than 2%, or replaced with neotame, a safer alternative, to minimize health risks.