bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reasons and experience for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using traditional Chinese medicine: a CARE-TCM based mixed method study
Authors: Jia Qiuyang , Song Yuebo , Zhang Chi , Li Mingxuan , Feng Luda , Sugimoto Kazuo , Zhang Xuebin , Liu Jia , Gao Ying 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background and aim
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used by patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, their reasons and experience in using TCM have received insufficient attention. Therefore, we conducted a mixed method study to gain insights into this issue.

Materials and methods
This study was conducted on the basis of the China Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry of Patients with Traditional Chinese Medicine (CARE-TCM). Data were collected from Dongzhimen Hospital through a mixed method approach, including a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Patients with ALS who were using TCM when they were initially registered with CARE-TCM and who had been followed-up for over six months were recruited. The questionnaires’ outcomes were statistically outlined, and the interview transcripts were thematically analysed to identify themes and sub-themes.

Results
Fifty-two and sixteen patients were included in the questionnaire and semi-structured interview groups, respectively. Patients used TCM with the hope of regulating their body holistically to improve nonmotor symptoms and quality of life (QOL). Those who recognised TCM as ineffective tended to discontinue it after a three-month trial period. Although quality was a major concern, herbal medicine (HM) was the most frequently used modality among all participants (n = 52), with the majority (n = 44, 84.6%) continuing to use it. Patients emphasised in-person consultations as a crucial part of TCM treatment. However, the disability caused by disease often made this interaction unattainable.

Conclusion
Nonmotor symptoms and QOL hold substantial importance for patients with ALS using TCM. HM is a more suitable modality than other TCM treatment modalities, but patients are facing challenges in seeking HM treatment. It is necessary to promote the implementation of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, thus making TCM more accessible.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04885374 (registered on May 13, 2021).
The role of dog therapy in clinical recovery and improving quality of life: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Mittly Veronika , Fáy Veronika , Dankovics Natália , Pál Vanda , Purebl György 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Any illness places a significant burden on patients, including deterioration in quality of life. Animal assisted therapy may be helpful in the rehabilitation process and in the treatment of patients to alleviate this phenomenon.

Methods
A randomized, controlled research was conducted in 2019 and 2020 in a rehabilitation center in Budapest. In our study, the control and experimental groups received the same therapy, but the rehabilitation treatment of the intervention group was complemented by dog therapy. Patients were evaluated by means of the short form Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale, Visual Analog Scale for pain and the WHO-5 Well-being Index. For statistical analysis paired T-test and ANCOVA was performed.

Results
58 participants in both groups took part in the research. Results confirm that both groups showed statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures, except for depression symptoms in dog therapy group. Quality of life of the participants improved significantly, their pain and anxiety levels were significantly reduced, they felt significantly less burdened by the disease in their daily lives. Therapeutic-dog sessions had a large effect on patients’ quality of life and anxiety.

Conclusions
There is a strong case for animal assisted therapy as a complementary therapy in the rehabilitation program, and it is proposed that consideration should be given to the application of this method on a larger scale within health care. The study was retrospectively registered at ISRCTN Registry (registration number: ISRCTN10208787) on 15/03/2022.
Targeted silencing of SOCS1 by DNMT1 promotes stemness of human liver cancer stem-like cells
Authors: Lou Lei , Deng Tingyun , Yuan Qing , Wang Lianghou , Wang Zhi , Li Xiang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Human liver cancer stem-like cells (HLCSLCs) are widely acknowledged as significant factors in the recurrence and eradication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The sustenance of HLCSLCs’ stemness is hypothesized to be intricately linked to the epigenetic process of DNA methylation modification of genes associated with anticancer properties. The present study aimed to elucidate the stemness-maintaining mechanism of HLCSLCs and provide a novel idea for the clearance of HLCSLCs.

Methods
The clinical relevance of DNMT1 and SOCS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients was evaluated through the GEO and TCGA databases. Cellular immunofluorescence assay, methylation-specific PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation were conducted to explore the expression of DNMT1 and SOCS1 and the regulatory relationship between them in HLCSLCs. Spheroid formation, soft agar colony formation, expression of stemness-associated molecules, and tumorigenicity of xenograft in nude mice were used to evaluate the stemness of HLCSLCs.

Results
The current analysis revealed a significant upregulation of DNMT1 and downregulation of SOCS1 in HCC tumor tissues compared to adjacent normal liver tissues. Furthermore, patients exhibiting an elevated DNMT1 expression or a reduced SOCS1 expression had low survival. This study illustrated the pronounced expression and activity of DNMT1 in HLCSLCs, which effectively targeted the promoter region of SOCS1 and induced hypermethylation, consequently suppressing the expression of SOCS1. Notably, the stemness of HLCSLCs was reduced upon treatment with DNMT1 inhibitors in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, the overexpression of SOCS1 in HLCSLCs significantly mitigated their stemness. The knockdown of SOCS1 expression reversed the effect of DNMT1 inhibitor on the stemness of HLCSLCs. DNMT1 directly binds to the SOCS1 promoter. In vivo, DNMT1 inhibitors suppressed SOCS1 expression and inhibited the growth of xenograft.

Conclusion
DNMT1 targets the promoter region of SOCS1, induces hypermethylation of its CpG islands, and silences its expression, thereby promoting the stemness of HLCSLCs.
Therapeutic efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria treatment in Metehara, Central-east Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Mahelet , Assefa Ashenafi , Hailgiorgis Henok , Gidey Bokretsion , Mohammed Hussein , Tollera Getachew , Tasew Geremew , Assefa Gudissa , Bekele Worku , Mamo Hassen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Malaria remains a major global health problem although there was a remarkable achievement between 2000 and 2015. Malaria drug resistance, along with several other factors, presents a significant challenge to malaria control and elimination efforts. Numerous countries in sub-Saharan Africa have documented the presence of confirmed or potential markers of partial resistance against artemisinin, the drug of choice for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends regular surveillance of artemisinin therapeutic efficacy to inform policy decisions.

Methods
This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine (AL), which is the first-line treatment for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Ethiopia since 2004. Using a single-arm prospective evaluation design, the study assessed the clinical and parasitological responses of patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Metehara Health Centre, central-east Ethiopia. Out of 2332 malaria suspects (1187 males, 1145 females) screened, 80 (50 males, 30 females) were enrolled, followed up for 28 days, and 73 (44 males, 29 females) completed the follow up. The study was conducted and data was analysed by employing the per-protocol and Kaplan–Meier analyses following the WHO Malaria Therapeutic Efficacy Evaluation Guidelines 2009.

Results
The results indicated rapid parasite clearance and resolution of clinical symptoms, with all patients achieving complete recovery from asexual parasitaemia and fever by day (D) 3. The prevalence of gametocytes decreased from 6.3% on D0 to 2.5% on D2, D3, D7, and ultimately achieving complete clearance afterward.

Conclusion
The overall cure rate for AL treatment was 100%, demonstrating its high efficacy in effectively eliminating malaria parasites in patients. No serious adverse events related to AL treatment were reported during the study, suggesting its safety and tolerability among the participants. These findings confirm that AL remains a highly efficacious treatment for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in the study site after 20 years of its introduction in Ethiopia.
Therapeutic potential of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Samavati Shima Famil , Yarani Reza , Kiani Sara , HoseinKhani Zohreh , Mehrabi Masomeh , Levitte Steven , Primavera Rosita , Chetty Shashank , Thakor Avnesh S. , Mansouri Kamran 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAutoimmune diseases are caused by an imbalance in the immune system, producing autoantibodies that cause inflammation leading to tissue damage and organ dysfunction. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases and a major contributor to patient morbidity and mortality. Although many drugs manage the disease, curative therapy remains elusive, and current treatment regimens have substantial side effects. Recently, the therapeutic potential of exosomes has been extensively studied, and novel evidence has been demonstrated. A direct relationship between exosome contents and their ability to regulate the immune system, inflammation, and angiogenesis. The unique properties of extracellular vesicles, such as biomolecule transportation, biodegradability, and stability, make exosomes a promising treatment candidate for autoimmune diseases, particularly SLE. This review summarizes the structural features of exosomes, the isolation/purification/quantification method, their origin, effect, immune regulation, a critical consideration for selecting an appropriate source, and their therapeutic mechanisms in SLE.
Association between metabolic score for insulin resistance and clinical outcomes: insights from the Tehran lipid and glucose study
Authors: Tamehri Zadeh Seyyed Saeed , Cheraghloo Neda , Masrouri Soroush , Esmaeili Farzad , Azizi Fereidoun , Hadaegh Farzad 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
We aimed to assess the relationship between Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR) and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, mortality, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a population from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Method
Individuals aged ≥ 20 years were enrolled. Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to assess the association between METS-IR and incident CHD, stroke, all-cause mortality, diabetes, hypertension, and CKD.

Results
Over a median follow-up period of 9–18 years, 1080 (10.6%), 267 (2.6%), 1022 (9.6%), 1382 (16.4%), 2994 (58.5%), and 2002 (23.0%) CHD, stroke, all-cause mortality, diabetes, hypertension, and CKD events occurred, respectively. Compared to the lowest quartile (reference), the hazard ratios (HR) associated with the highest quartile of METS-IR were 1.527 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.208–1.930, P for trend 0.001), 1.393 (0.865–2.243, > 0.05), 0.841 (0.682–1.038, > 0.05), 3.277 (2.645–4.060, < 0.001), 1.969 (1.752–2.214, < 0.001), and 1.020 (0.874–1.191, > 0.05) for CHD, stroke, all-cause mortality, diabetes, hypertension, and CKD, respectively. METS-IR, as a continuous variable, was significantly associated with the risk of incident CHD [HR, 95% CI: 1.106, 1.034–1.184], diabetes [1.524, 1.438–1.616], and hypertension [1.321, 1.265–1.380]. These associations were also independent of metabolic syndrome (METS) and remained unchanged in a subgroup of individuals without METS and/or diabetes.

Conclusions
Increasing levels of METS-IR were significantly associated with a greater risk of incident CHD, diabetes, and hypertension; therefore, this index can be a useful tool for capturing the risk of these clinical outcomes.
Iatrogenic non-coronary leaflet perforation as a complication after robotic mitral valve repair
Authors: Kalangos Afksendiyos , Zorman Yilmaz , Güler Emel Celiker , Shatelen Nataliia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIatrogenic aortic regurgitation secondary to leaflet injury is a rare complication of mitral valve surgery. For the first time, we report a patient who had progressive aortic regurgitation due to non-coronary leaflet perforation after robotic mitral valve repair and required aortic valve repair 18 months after this initial surgery. As in our case, aortic regurgitation after mitral valve surgery may remain undiagnosed on intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography or undetected until the patient’s discharge due to gradual enlargement of very small perforations over the postoperative course.
The history of short-tailed whip scorpions: changes in body size and flagellum shape in Schizomida
Authors: Belojević Jelena , Mortier Meghana S. , Oberweiser Morgan M. , Braig Florian , Haug Joachim T. , Haug Carolin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRepresentatives of Schizomida, known as short-tailed whip scorpions, are an understudied group within Megoperculata. They are found subterraneanly in tropical and sub-tropical regions. They lack eyes, have superior mobility, and possess a flagellum which is relevant to their mating, but in general little is known about their general biology. Fossil representatives of Schizomida from a variety of time periods are available for study. Using 23 fossil specimens (14 of which are described here for the first time) and 86 extant individuals from the literature, changes in both body size and flagella shape in Schizomida were compared over time. Measurements of prosoma length and leg length were used as a proxy for body size, and a comparative size analysis was carried out. Individuals from the Cretaceous period were found to be significantly smaller than extant individuals, contrary to our expectations. For flagellum shape, images were used to create reconstructions, which were then analysed using an elliptic Fourier analysis followed by a principal component analysis. The morphological diversity of the male flagellum shape was found to have decreased between the Cretaceous and modern fauna. We discuss potential explanations for our findings, although a greater understanding of the general biology of Schizomida is required to properly interpret our results.
A growth selection system for sucrose synthases (SuSy): design and test
Authors: Bidart Gonzalo N. , Hyeuk Se , Alter Tobias Benedikt , Yang Lei , Welner Ditte Hededam 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHigh throughput screening (HTS) methods of enzyme variants are essential for the development of robust biocatalysts suited for low impact, industrial scale, biobased synthesis of a myriad of compounds. However, for the majority of enzyme classes, current screening methods have limited throughput, or need expensive substrates in combination with sophisticated setups. Here, we present a straightforward, high throughput selection system that couples sucrose synthase activity to growth. Enabling high throughput screening of this enzyme class holds the potential to facilitate the creation of robust variants, which in turn can significantly impact the future of cost effective industrial glycosylation.
Quantitative gray matter volumetric analysis in schizophrenia: investigating the risk of violent behaviors through structural MRI
Authors: Li Yingna , Liang Wenzhou , Zhao Liying 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Extensive research has been dedicated to exploring the neurobiological underpinnings of schizophrenia, yet there has been comparatively less emphasis on investigating specific markers associated with violent behaviors within this condition.

Aim of the study
This study aimed to compare gray matter thickness and volume and investigate clinical markers for assessing violence risk in schizophrenia.

Results
We enrolled a total of 36 participants, comprising 19 patients with a documented history of violent behaviors in schizophrenia and 17 patients with no such history. Schizophrenia patients with a history of violence exhibited a significant reduction in cortical thickness in the left caudal-middle-frontal gyrus (2.540 ± 0.146 mm) compared to those without such history (2.757 ± 0.126 mm) (P = 0.0301). Similarly, the cortical volume in the right middle temporal gyrus was decreased in patients with a history of violence (15.579 ± 8.790 mm3) compared to non-violent patients (29.941 ± 13.585 mm3) (P = 0.0071). ROC analysis demonstrated promising diagnostic efficiency, with an AUC of 0.876 for left caudal-middle-frontal gyrus thickness (P = 0.000) and 0.794 for right middle temporal gyrus volume (P = 0.003).

Conclusions
Our findings highlight brain cortical assessments as potential diagnostic biomarkers to identify individuals at risk of violent behavior within the schizophrenia population.
The comovements of tail risks in time and frequency domains: evidence from US and emerging Asian stock markets
Authors: Baba Boubekeur 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe study applies the wavelet local multiple correlations to investigate the level of comovements among the tail risks of US and emerging Asian stock markets in both time and frequency domains. Through this empirical investigation, we address the question of how the transmission of tail risk across the concerned stock markets is changing over specific timescales, varying from short term to long term. Empirical results from the multivariate time–frequency correlations show that the comovements of tail risks are distinctively higher during periods of economic and political turmoil in the short term. The multivariate long-term comovements are highly stable and extremely strong which can be taken as evidence of long-term integration. In contrast, the bivariate time–frequency correlations are remarkably weaker in the short term not only during periods of crises but over most of the sample period. The results of the bivariate analysis also highlight the instability of the long-term pairwise correlations of the tail risks, showing that it is susceptible to sudden changes, which indicates that the tail risks of the US and emerging Asian stock markets are actually not completely integrated in the long term. This finding also implies that the tail risks of US and emerging Asian stock markets are nonlinearly connected in the long term.
Two-dimensional transthoracic measure of mitral annulus in mitral valve prolapse and moderate to severe regurgitation: a method comparison analysis with three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Berthelot-Richer Maxime , Vakulenko Halyna Viktorivna , Calleja Anna , Woo Anna , Thavendiranathan Paaladinesh , Poulin Frédéric 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Mitral annulus (MA) area is derived during transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) assuming of a circular shape using the MA diameter from the apical 4 chamber (A4c) view. Since the MA is not a circular structure, we hypothesized that an elliptical model using parasternal long-axis (PLAX) and apical 2 chamber (A2c) view measured MA diameters would have better agreement with 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) measured MA in degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD).

Methods
Seventy-six patients with moderate-to-severe DMVD had 2D TTE and 3D TEE performed. MA area was measured retrospectively using semi-automatic modeling of 3D data (3D TEEsa) and considered as the reference method. MA diameters were measured using different 2D TTE views. MA area was calculated using assumptions of a circular or an elliptical shape. 2D TTE derived and 3D TEEsa. MA areas were compared using linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis.

Results
The median MA area measured at 3D TEEsa was 1,386 (1,293–1,673) mm2. With 2D TTE, the circular model using A4c view diameter resulted in a small systematic underestimation of MA area (6%), while the elliptical model using PLAX and A2c diameters resulted in 25% systematic underestimation. The standard deviations of the distributions of inter-method differences were wide for all 2D TTE methods (265–289 mm2) when compared to 3D TEEsa, indicating imprecision.

Conclusions
When compared with 3D TEEsa modeling of the MA as the reference, the assumption of a circular shape using A4c TTE view diameter was the method with the least systematic error to assess MA area in DMVD and moderate to severe regurgitation.
A phase 3 global study of telisotuzumab vedotin versus docetaxel in previously treated patients with c-Met 0verexpressing, EGFR wildtype, locally advanced/metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC (TeliMET NSCLC-01).
Authors: Lu Shun , Goldman Jonathan W. , TANIZAKI JUNKO , Akamatsu Hiroaki , Xia Summer , Ratajczak Christine , Li Martha , Bolotin Ellen , Seraj Jabed , Lugini Antonio 
Published: June 2024

TPS8656 Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) encompasses over two-thirds of lung cancer diagnoses, most presenting as advanced disease. c-Met (MET protein) is overexpressed in NSCLC. In this study, we investigate telisotuzumab vedotin (Teliso-V), a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate composed of a c-Met–targeting antibody (telisotuzumab) and a microtubule polymerization inhibitor (cytotoxin monomethyl auristatin E). Interim efficacy analysis of the Phase 2 LUMINOSITY study (NCT03539536) of Teliso-V monotherapy showed an objective response rate (ORR) of 37% (95% CI: 24–51) in previously treated patients (pts) with c-Met overexpressing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wildtype (WT) nonsquamous NSCLC and 52% (95% CI: 31–73) in the high c-Met overexpressing group (Camidge DR et al. J Clin Oncol. 2022;40(16_suppl):9016). Methods: This randomized, open-label, global Phase 3 study (NCT04928846) evaluates the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of Teliso-V monotherapy compared with docetaxel in pts with locally advanced/metastatic c-Met overexpressing EGFR WT nonsquamous NSCLC who have progressed on prior therapy. Enrollment began in May 2022. To be eligible across global sites, pts must be ≥18 years old with c-Met overexpressing (ie, ≥25% tumor cells at 3+ intensity by IHC assay [anti-MET clone SP44; Roche Tissue Diagnostics]) locally advanced/metastatic EGFR WT NSCLC, with ECOG score ≤1. Pts must have progressed on at least one prior line of therapy, which can include no more than one line of prior chemotherapy, and must be naïve to c-Met–targeted antibodies and docetaxel. Target enrollment is 698 pts. Pts will be randomized 1:1 to Teliso-V (1.9 mg/kg every 2 weeks) and docetaxel (control, 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks). Treatment continues until disease progression or discontinuation criteria are met. Co-primary endpoints are progression-free survival by independent central review and overall survival. Secondary endpoints include ORR, duration of response, and patient-reported outcomes. Safety, adverse events (AEs), drug discontinuation or dosing modification due to AEs, and tolerability will be assessed. Previously presented at the 2023 ESMO Congress, Final Publication Number: 1501TiP, Antonio Lugini et al. - Reused with permission. Clinical trial information: NCT04928846 .