bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detailed phenotyping reveals diverse and highly skewed neutrophil subsets in both the blood and airways during active tuberculosis infection
Authors: Nhamoyebonde Shepherd , Chambers Mark , Ndlovu Lerato , Karim Farina , Mazibuko Matilda , Mhlane Zoey , Madziwa Lindiwe , Moosa Yunus , Moodley Sashen , Hoque Monjurul , Leslie Alasdair 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionNeutrophils play a complex and important role in the immunopathology of TB. Data suggest they are protective during early infection but become a main driver of immunopathology if infection progresses to active disease. Neutrophils are now recognized to exist in functionally diverse states, but little work has been done on how neutrophil states or subsets are skewed in TB disease.MethodsTo address this, we carried out comprehensive phenotyping by flow cytometry of neutrophils in the blood and airways of individuals with active pulmonary TB with and without HIV co-infection recruited in Durban, South Africa.ResultsActive TB was associated with a profound skewing of neutrophils in the blood toward phenotypes associated with activation and apoptosis, reduced phagocytosis, reverse transmigration, and immune regulation. This skewing was also apparently in airway neutrophils, particularly the regulatory subsets expressing PDL-1 and LOX-1. HIV co-infection did not impact neutrophil subsets in the blood but was associated with a phenotypic change in the airways and a reduction in key neutrophil functional proteins cathelicidin and arginase 1.DiscussionActive TB is associated with profound skewing of blood and airway neutrophils and suggests multiple mechanisms by which neutrophils may exacerbate the immunopathology of TB. These data indicate potential avenues for reducing neutrophil-mediated lung pathology at the point of diagnosis.
Frequency and predictors for early-achieved lupus low disease activity state in systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated with telitacicept or belimumab: A real-life, single-center observational study
Authors: Fan Cuiling , Yang Tao , Zheng Songyuan , Liao Xiaozhong , Xie Ruixia , Chen Shixian , Li Juan 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveTo collect real-world data regarding the attainment of the early-achieved lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients receiving telitacicept or belimumab treatment, and identify factors predictive of target achievement.MethodsEighty-seven SLE patients who received telitacicept (N=42) or belimumab (N=45) were retrospectively reviewed in this observational study. Clinical and laboratory data, disease activity assessment, and glucocorticoid dosage were collected for analysis. Achieving LLDAS at least once within 24 weeks post-treatment was considered as early-achieved LLDAS. Multivariate regression was used to assess baseline predictive variables for early-achieved LLDAS. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were also performed to examine the robustness of the results across different sets of baseline characteristics. Prognostic stratification for early-achieved LLDAS was established based on the identified risk factors.ResultsDuring the 24-week follow-up period, LLDAS was achieved by at least one time in 49.43% (43/87) of the patients, with sustained achievement through week 24 observed in 36 out of these 43 patients (83.27%). Multivariate analysis revealed that early achievement of LLDAS was particularly observed in patients with higher baseline lymphocyte counts [HR=1.79, 95% CI (1.19–2.67), P=0.005]and serum albumin levels [HR=1.06, 95% CI (1.003–1.12), P=0.039]. Conversely, hematological involvement [HR=0.48, 95% CI (0.24–0.93), P=0.031] predicted lower attainment of early-achieved LLDAS. The use of telitacicept was associated with a reduced risk of failing to attain early achievement of LLDAS [HR=2.55, 95% CI (1.36–4.79), P=0.004]. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests showed a stable relationship between the telitacicept use and LLDAS achievement. The results remained consistent across all subgroup analyses. Significant differences (P&lt;0.001) were observed in the Kaplan-Meier estimates for LLDAS among risk groups based on the number of identified risk factors.ConclusionThe achievement of LLDAS is attainable in the management of SLE patients undergoing treatment with telitacicept or belimumab in real-life clinical practice. Baseline lymphocyte counts, serum albumin levels, hematological involvement and the use of telitacicept serve as robust predictors for early-achieved LLDAS, helping to identify patients who are likely to benefit on the treatment.
Abnormalities of brain structure and function in cervical spondylosis: a multi-modal voxel-based meta-analysis
Authors: Cheng Lulu , Zhang Jianxin , Xi Hongyu , Li Mengting , Hu Su , Yuan Wenting , Wang Peng , Chen Lanfen , Zhan Linlin , Jia Xize 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundPrevious neuroimaging studies have revealed structural and functional brain abnormalities in patients with cervical spondylosis (CS). However, the results are divergent and inconsistent. Therefore, the present study conducted a multi-modal meta-analysis to investigate the consistent structural and functional brain alterations in CS patients.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted in five databases to retrieve relevant resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), structural MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies that measured brain functional and structural differences between CS patients and healthy controls (HCs). Separate and multimodal meta-analyses were implemented, respectively, by employing Anisotropic Effect-size Signed Differential Mapping software.Results13 rs-fMRI studies that used regional homogeneity, amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and fractional ALFF, seven voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies and one DTI study were finally included in the present research. However, no studies on surface-based morphometry (SBM) analysis were included in this research. Due to the insufficient number of SBM and DTI studies, only rs-fMRI and VBM meta-analyses were conducted. The results of rs-fMRI meta-analysis showed that compared to HCs, CS patients demonstrated decreased regional spontaneous brain activities in the right lingual gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus (MTG), left inferior parietal gyrus and right postcentral gyrus (PoCG), while increased activities in the right medial superior frontal gyrus, bilateral middle frontal gyrus and right precuneus. VBM meta-analysis detected increased GMV in the right superior temporal gyrus (STG) and right paracentral lobule (PCL), while decreased GMV in the left supplementary motor area and left MTG in CS patients. The multi-modal meta-analysis revealed increased GMV together with decreased regional spontaneous brain activity in the left PoCG, right STG and PCL among CS patients.ConclusionThis meta-analysis revealed that compared to HCs, CS patients had significant alterations in GMV and regional spontaneous brain activity. The altered brain regions mainly included the primary visual cortex, the default mode network and the sensorimotor area, which may be associated with CS patients' symptoms of sensory deficits, blurred vision, cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction. The findings may contribute to understanding the underlying pathophysiology of brain dysfunction and provide references for early diagnosis and treatment of CS.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42022370967.
Survival outcomes according to the tumor location and prognostic factor in metastatic rectal cancer: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Unal Olcun Umit , Akay Seval , Semiz Huseyin Salih , Keser Murat , Demir Gonul , Capar Zeliha Guzeloz , Demirciler Erkut , Yavuzsen Tugba , Degirmencioglu Serkan , Demir Bilgin , Oktay Esin , Gulmez Meltem Demirtas , Arayici Mehmet Emin 
Published: June 2024

Background &amp; aimsPrognostic factors of metastatic rectal cancer are not well known. We aim to determine prognostic factors affecting survival for metastatic rectal cancer patients and also to investigate the effect of tumor localization on overall survival.MethodsMetastatic rectal cancer patients who received treatment in 5 different centers between 2012 and 2022 were included. Prognostic factors for survival were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. The statistical methods included Pearson’s chi-square test, Fisher exact test, Log-rank test, and Cox regression model.ResultsA total of 283 patients with metastatic rectal cancer were included in the study. The median OS was not significantly different among the three groups (upper rectum 30.1 months, middle rectum 28.3 months, and low rectum cancer 24.8 months; log-rank p = 0.25). In univariate analysis, Grade 3, ECOG performance status 2, the presence of multiple metastatic sites, the presence of KRAS mutation, the presence of liver metastases, the presence of nonregional lymph node metastases, and the presence of bone metastases were significant predictors of poor survival. In multivariate analysis, Grade 3, ECOG performance status 2, and the presence of multiple metastatic sites were determined as indicators of worse prognosis.ConclusionOur findings, primary tumor location did not affect survival in metastatic rectal cancer. The most important factors affecting survival were multiple metastatic sites, tumor grade, and ECOG performance status.
Relationship between age at menarche and breast cancer in individuals, as well as in first-degree kin and estrogen receptor status: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Zhijun , Zhang Jinming , Tian Xiaofeng 
Published: June 2024

TargetWe executed a Mendelian randomization (MR) investigation employing two distinct cohorts of genetic instrumental variables to elucidate the causal nexus between age at menarche (AAM) and the incidence of disparate breast cancer (BC) subtypes, in addition to the incidence of BC among first-degree kin.MethodsWe aggregated statistical data pertaining to AAM and BC from various consortia representing a homogenous population cohort. MR analysis was conducted employing inverse variance weighted (IVW) methodology as the principal approach, complemented by weighted median and MR-Egger regression techniques for an exhaustive evaluation. To evaluate the presence of pleiotropy, we applied the MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis.ResultsUpon exclusion of confounding SNP, an increment of one standard deviation in AAM was inversely correlated with the incidence of BC. (odds ratio [OR] 0.896, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.831–0.968)/(OR 0.998, 95% CI 0.996–0.999) and estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC incidence (OR 0.895, 95% CI 0.814–0.983). It was also associated with reducing the risk of maternal BC incidence (OR 0.995, 95% CI 0.990–0.999) and sibling BC incidence (OR 0.997, 95% CI 0.994–0.999). No significant association was found between AAM and estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) BC incidence (OR 0.936, 95% CI 0.845–1.037).ConclusionOur study substantiated the causal relationship between a delayed AAM and a diminished risk of BC in probands, as well as in their maternal progenitors and siblings. Furthermore, the analysis suggests that AAM exerts a considerable potential causal influence on the risk of developing Luminal-a/b subtype of BC.
Endoscopic obstruction predominantly occurs in right-side colon cancer and endoscopic obstruction with tumor size ≤ 5 cm seems poor prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yu Nong , Lin Shuangming , Wang Xiaojie , Hu Guoxin , Xie Run , Que Zhipeng , Lai Runsheng , Xu Dongbo 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundEndoscopic obstruction (eOB) is associated with a poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Our study aimed to investigate the association between tumor location and eOB, as well as the prognostic differences among non-endoscopic obstruction (N-eOB), eOB with tumor size ≤ 5 cm, and eOB with tumor size &gt; 5 cm in non-elderly patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathological variables of 230 patients with CRC who underwent curative surgery. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for eOB. The association between eOB with tumor size ≤ 5 cm and disease-free survival (DFS) was evaluated using multivariate cox regression analysis.ResultsA total of 87 patients had eOB while 143 had N-eOB. In multivariate analysis, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (p = 0.014), tumor size (p = 0.010), tumor location (left-side colon; p = 0.033; rectum; p &lt; 0.001), and pT stage (T3, p = 0.009; T4, p &lt; 0.001) were significant factors of eOB. The DFS rate for eOB with tumor size ≤ 5 cm was significantly lower (p &lt; 0.001) in survival analysis. The eOB with tumor size ≤ 5 cm (p = 0.012) was an unfavorable independent factor for DFS.ConclusionsThe patients with eOB were significantly associated with right-side colon cancer as opposed to left-side colon cancer and rectal cancer. The eOB with tumor size ≤ 5 cm was an independent poor prognostic factor. Further studies are needed to target these high-risk groups.
Case report: Remarkable response to later-line surufatinib in an adult patient with liver metastatic of pancreatoblastoma
Authors: Leng Qingqing , Lv Wanrui , Yang Heqi , Li Xiaofen , Wang Weiya , Cheng Ke , Chang Chen , Cao Dan 
Published: June 2024

Pancreatoblastoma (PB), a neoplasm derived from pancreatic follicular cells, primarily affects the pediatric population. Although infrequent in adults, it is associated with a considerably worse prognosis. Approximately one-third of patients are diagnosed with metastatic disease, with liver metastases being the most prevalent. Diagnosis relies on histopathological alterations including squamous vesicles, positive staining for CK8/CK18/CK19, and nuclear displacement of β-catenin. Additionally, liver metastases demonstrate substantial enhancement during the arterial phase of a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan. Surgical resection serves as the principal therapeutic approach for addressing primary lesions and liver metastatic PB. In instances where surgical intervention is not viable, patients may derive benefits from systemic therapy and radiotherapy. This particular case report presents the clinical details of a 27-year-old female patient diagnosed with PB, who subsequently developed multiple liver metastases following a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Genomic examinations revealed the presence of ERBB2 amplification, RAD54L deletion, low TMB-L, and MSS in the patient. Despite the patient undergoing chemotherapy and Her-2 targeted therapy in conjunction with immunotherapy, no reduction in lesion size was observed until the administration of surufatinib. Subsequently, a notable outcome ensued, where the metastatic lesions were effectively excised via surgical intervention. Surufatinib has demonstrated a progression-free survival (PFS) of no less than 14 months, and the patient’s survival has endured for a duration of 33 months. This indicates the potential efficacy of surufatinib as a viable therapeutic alternative for adult patients afflicted with PB.
Resveratrol for inflammatory bowel disease in preclinical studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gu Yuting , Lou Yijie , Zhou Zhanyi , Zhao Xuan , Ye Xiaolu , Wu Shuwen , Li Haitao , Ji Yunxi 
Published: June 2024

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that can be managed with treatment, but it is challenging to get IBD cured. Resveratrol, a non-flavonoid polyphenolic organic compound derived from various plants, has a potential effect on IBD. The current research was set out to investigate the therapeutic effects of resveratrol on animal models of IBD.Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Chinese databases was performed. The literature search process was completed independently by two people and reviewed by a third person. The risk of bias in the included literature was assessed using the Collaborative Approach to Meta Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Stroke (CAMARADES) 10-point quality checklist. The meta-analysis utilized Review Manager 5.4 software to evaluate the efficacy of resveratrol, with histopathological index as the primary outcome measure. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on this indicator. Additionally, meta-analyses were carried out on different outcomes reported in the literature, including final disease activity index, final body weight change, colon length, splenic index, and inflammatory factors.Results: After conducting a thorough literature search and selection process, a total of 28 studies were ultimately included in the analysis. It was found that over half of the selected studies had more than five items with low risk of bias in the bias risk assessment. Relevant datas from included literature indicated that the histopathological index of the resveratrol group was significantly lower than that of the control group (WMD = −2.58 [-3.29, −1.87]). Subgroup analysis revealed that higher doses of resveratrol (&gt;80 mg/kg) had a better efficacy (WMD = −3.47 [-4.97, −1.98]). Furthermore, The data summary and quantitative analysis results of SI and colon length also showed that resveratrol was effective in alleviating intestinal mucosal pathological injury of IBD. In terms of biochemical indicators, the summary analysis revealed that resveratrol affected interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) significantly. These effects may be attributed to the mechanism of resveratrol in regulating immune response and inhibiting oxidative stress.Conclusion: This review suggests that resveratrol demonstrated a notable therapeutic impact in preclinical models of IBD, particularly at doses exceeding 80 mg/kg. This efficacy is attributed to the protective mechanisms targeting the intestinal mucosa involved in the pathogenesis of IBD through various pathways. As a result, resveratrol holds promising prospects for potential clinical use in the future.
Prevalence of smoking among national military service recruits in UAE
Authors: Almesmari Sara , AlAmeri Fayeza , Al Shanqaiti Houd , Al Mansoori Latifa , Heena Humariya 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundAccording to the various screening programs conducted, the prevalence of tobacco use among UAE Nationals is high. A considerable increase is also seen in various forms of smoking is seen among young military men during deployment which results in loss of physical health, less productivity, readiness and increased health care utilization. Also smokers are more likely to develop other addictions and chronic medical conditions.AimTo estimate the prevalence of smoking among national military service recruits in the United Arab Emirates and to find its relation with various factors: socio-demographics, lifestyle, comorbidities, and military environment.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted amongst national service recruits selected by random stratification through a self-administered anonymized questionnaire which was distributed to a final sample of 369 patients. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. Chi square, percentage and frequencies were used to present the data where applicable. A p &lt; 0.05 was considered to be significant.ResultsThe prevalence of smoking among national military service recruits was 41.6%. As the level of education increased the prevalence of smoking decreased. Smokers with insufficient income, divorced or widowed recruits tend to smoke more as against single and married recruits. Smoking rates were decreased in those who exercise regularly. There was a significant relationship between smoking status and chronic diseases. Smoker gatherings inside military campus encouraged initiation of smoking or its continuity. About half of the smokers were not satisfied with environment at military facilities.ConclusionSmoking has high prevalence among national service military recruits. For this reason, a goal directed future plan toward screening of smokers among recruits and assigning them to smoking cessation clinics and educational seminars prior to joining the national service is the need of the hour.
Resin tags formation by modified Renewal MI formulations in a carious dentine model
Authors: Alkhouri Nabih , Xia Wendy , Ashley Paul , Young Anne 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesTo determine which components in a new restorative material (Renewal MI) improve its ability to form resin tags within demineralized dentine.MethodsVaried components included polylysine (PLS), monocalcium phosphate (MCP), powder to liquid ratio (PLR), 4-methacryloyloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride (4META), and polypropylene glycol dimethacrylate (PPGDMA). Urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), containing PPGDMA (24 wt%) and 4META (3 wt%), was mixed with glass filler with MCP (8 wt%) and PLS (5 wt%). PLR was 3:1 or 5:1. Reducing MCP and/or PLS to 4 and 2 wt% respectively or fully removing MCP, PLS, 4META or PPGDMA gave 16 formulations in total. Renewal MI, Z250 (with or without Scotchbond Universal adhesive) and Activa were used as commercial comparators. Collagen discs were obtained by totally demineralizing 2 mm thick, human, premolar, coronal dentine discs by immersion in formic acid (4M) for 48 h. The restorative materials were then applied on top (n = 3), before dissolving the collagen in sodium hypochlorite (15%). SEM/EDX was employed to determine resin tags length, composition, and surface coverage.ResultsTags were &gt;400, 20 and 200 µm and covered 62, 55 and 39% of the adhesion interface for Renewal MI, Scotchbond and Activa, respectively. With experimental formulations, they were 200 and &gt;400 µm long with high vs. low PLR and composed primarily of polymerized monomers. Percentages of the adhesion interface covered varied between 35 and 84%. Reducing PLS or MCP caused a decline in coverage that was linear with their concentrations. Reducing MCP had lesser effect when PLS or PLR were low. Removal of 4META caused a greater reduction in coverage than PPGDMA removal.ConclusionPLS, MCP, 4META, PPGDMA and low PLR together enhance Renewal MI tags formation in, and thereby sealing of, demineralized dentine.
In Vitro Biological Activities of Hesperidin-Related Compounds with Different Solubility
Authors: Lee Hyo-Jun , Lee Sun-Hyung , Hong Sun-Ki , Gil Bog-Im , Lee Kyung-Ae 
Published: June 2024

The biological activities of hesperidin-related compounds, such as hesperetin laurate (HTL), hesperetin (HT), hesperidin (HD), and hesperidin glucoside (HDG), were investigated in vitro. The compounds showed different hydrophobicities, and the octanol–water partition coefficient log P were 7.28 ± 0.06 for HTL, 2.59 ± 0.04 for HT, 2.13 ± 0.03 for HD, and −3.45 ± 0.06 for HDG, respectively. In the DPPH assay and β-carotene bleaching assay to determine antioxidant capacity, all compounds tested showed antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner, although to varying degrees. HTL and HT showed similarly high activities compared to HD or HDG. HD and HDG did not show a significant difference despite the difference in solubility between the two. Cytotoxicity was high; in the order of hydrophobicity—HTL > HT > HD > HDL in keratinocyte HaCaT cells. All compounds tested showed reducing effects on cellular inflammatory mediators and cytokines induced by UV irradiation. However, HTL and HT effectively reduced nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels compared to HD and HDG. The inhibitory effects of hesperidin-related compounds on skin-resident microorganisms were evaluated by measuring minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). HTL showed the highest inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Cutibacterium acnes, Candida albicans, and Malassezia furfur, followed by HT, while HD and HDF showed little effect. In conclusion, the hydrophobicity of hesperidin-related compounds was estimated to be important for biological activity in vitro, as was the presence or absence of the sugar moiety.