bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic review of the complement components as potential biomarkers of pre-eclampsia: pitfalls and opportunities
Authors: Balduit Andrea , Agostinis Chiara , Mangogna Alessandro , Zito Gabriella , Stampalija Tamara , Ricci Giuseppe , Bulla Roberta 
Published: June 2024

The complement system (C) is a crucial component of the innate immune system. An increasing body of research has progressively shed light on the pivotal role of C in immunological tolerance at the feto-maternal interface. Excessive C activation or impaired C regulation may determine the onset of pregnancy-related pathological conditions, including pre-eclampsia (PE). Thus, several studies have investigated the presence of C components or split products in blood matrixes (i.e., plasma, serum), urine, and amniotic fluid in PE. In the current study, we systematically reviewed the currently available scientific literature reporting measurements of C components as circulating biomarkers in PE, based on a literature search using Pubmed, Scopus, and Embase databases. A total of 41 out of 456 studies were selected after full-text analysis. Fourteen studies (34.1%) were identified as measuring the blood concentrations of the classical pathway, 5 (12.1%) for the lectin pathway, 28 (68.3%) for the alternative pathway, 17 (41.5%) for the terminal pathway components, and 16 (39%) for C regulators. Retrieved results consistently reported C4, C3, and factor H reduction, and increased circulating levels of C4d, Bb, factor D, C3a, C5a, and C5b-9 in PE compared to normal pregnancies, depicting an overall scenario of excessive C activation and aberrant C regulation. With evidence of C activation and dysregulation, C-targeted therapy is an intriguing perspective in PE management. Moreover, we also discussed emerging pitfalls in C analysis, mainly due to a lack of experimental uniformity and biased cohort selection among different studies and laboratories, aiming to raise a more comprehensive awareness for future standardization.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024503070.
Correlation between motor function and health-related quality of life in early to mid-stage patients with Parkinson disease: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Ge Ying , Zhao Wowa , Zhang Lu , Zhao Xiaoyi , Shu Xuan , Li Jiawei , Liu Ying 
Published: June 2024

AimTo investigate the correlation between motor function and health-related quality of life (HrQOL) in early to mid-stage patients with Parkinson disease (PwP).MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited PwP from April 2020 to December 2023 at the outpatient clinic of Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing, China. The motor symptoms were assessed using Movement Disorder Society–sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) part 3. Balance function was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the risk of fall using Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG), and Five Times Sit-to-Stand test (FTSST). Freezing of gait questionnaire (FOGQ) was used to evaluate the severity of gait. The Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity (IDEEA) recorded gait cycle parameters, and the isokinetic dynamometer measured muscle strength. The Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) was used to measure HrQOL. All assessments were tested during the on state. Spearman correlation was conducted to evaluate the correlation between motor function and HrQOL.Results243 patients with mean age of 69.33 years were enrolled. The PDQ-39 score was strongly correlated with FOG in H&amp;Y stage III (r = 0.653, p &lt; 0.001) and moderately correlated in H&amp;Y stage I (r = 0.471, p &lt; 0.001) and H&amp;Y stage II (r = 0.386, p &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, the FOG was strongly correlated with mobility domain at H&amp;Y stage III (r = 0.694, p &lt; 0.001) and moderately correlated at H&amp;Y stage I (r = 0.431, p &lt; 0.001) and H&amp;Y stage II (r = 0.434, p &lt; 0.001). All motor function scores were correlated with PDQ-39 scores at H&amp;Y stage III (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionMotor function correlated with HrQOL in early to mid-stage PwP, and FOG was the main factor, especially affecting mobility, activities of daily life and communication. HrQOL in patients at different disease stages were variously affected by motor function, and HrQOL and multiple dimensions was significantly associated with motor function in patients at H&amp;Y stage III.
Case report: Symmetrical and increased lateral sway-based walking training for patients with corpus callosum infarction: a case series
Authors: Jiang Ying , Chen Sijing , Wu Dan , He Wei , Ma Xiaoqing , Zhang Lixia , Zhang Qian 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionCorpus callosum injury is a rare type of injury that occurs after a stroke and can cause lower limb dysfunction and a decrease in activities of daily living ability. Furthermore, there are no studies that focus on the progress in rehabilitation of the lower limb dysfunction caused by infarction in the corpus callosum and the effective treatment plans for this condition. We aimed to present a report of two patients with lower limb dysfunction caused by corpus callosum infarction after a stroke and a walking training method.MethodsWe implemented a walking training method that prioritizes bilateral symmetry and increases lateral swaying before the patients established sitting/standing balance. The plan is a rapid and effective method for improving walking dysfunction caused by corpus callosum infarction.Case characteristicsFollowing sudden corpus callosum infarction, both patients experienced a significant reduction in lower limb motor function scores and exhibited evident gait disorders. Scale evaluations confirmed that walking training based on symmetrical and increased lateral sway for patients with lower limb motor dysfunction after corpus callosum infarction led to significant symptom improvement.ConclusionWe report two cases of sudden motor dysfunction in patients with corpus callosum infarction. Symmetrical and increased lateral sway-based walking training resulted in substantial symptom improvement, as confirmed by scale assessments.
Washed microbiota transplantation improves sleep quality in patients with sleep disorder by the gut-brain axis
Authors: He Hongxin , Li Manqing , Qiu Yifan , Wu Zhiqing , Wu Lei 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundThe clinical impact of washed microbiota transplantation (WMT) from healthy donors in sleep disorder (SD) patients is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of WMT in SD patients.MethodsThe clinical data were collected from patients with different indications receiving 1–3 courses of WMT, divided into two groups by 7 points of PSQI scale. The score of PQSI and SF-36 scale was used to assess the improvement in sleep quality and life quality among patients with sleep disorders following WMT. Finally, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed on fecal samples of patients with sleep disorders before and after WMT.ResultsWMT significantly improved sleep quality in patients with sleep disorder in the short and medium term. WMT significantly improved sleep latency, sleep time and total score in the short term. WMT significantly improved sleep quality and total score in the medium term. In terms of sleep quality and sleep latency, the improvement value also increased with the increase of treatment course, and the improvement effect of multiple treatment course was better than that of single and double treatment course. In the total score, the improvement effect of double and multiple treatment was better than that of single treatment. WMT also improved quality of life in the sleep disorder group. WMT significantly improved general health, vitality, social function and mental health in the short term. WMT significantly improved role-physical, general health, vitality, and mental health in the medium term. WMT regulated the disturbed gut microbiota in patients with sleep disorders. In the normal sleep group, WMT had no effect on the decline of sleep quality in the short, medium and long term, and had an improving effect on the quality of life.ConclusionWMT could significantly improve sleep quality and life quality in patients with sleep disorders with no adverse events. The improvement in sleep quality resulting from WMT could lead to an overall enhancement in life quality. WMT could be a potentially effective treatment for patients with sleep disorders by regulating the gut microbiota.
Cholangiocarcinoma, sequential chemotherapy, and prognostic tests
Authors: Bruckner Howard W. , De Jager Robert , Knopf Elisheva , Bassali Fred , Book Abe , Gurell Daniel , Nghiem Van , Schwartz Myron , Hirschfeld Azriel 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionRoutine blood tests are prognostic tests for patients with cholangiocarcinoma. New drug regimens may produce a median overall survival of 2 years or more.MethodsThis single practice, IRB-approved, phase II trial examines prognostic tests, Kaplan-Meier survival, and univariate Cox regression analyses. Eligibility requires: intent-to-treat; signed consent; advanced measurable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, with or without resistance to the test drugs; any adult age; performance status 0–2; and expected survival of ≥ 6 weeks. Biweekly treatment, with 1/3 of standard dosages in mg/M2, includes: Gemcitabine 500; 5-Fluorouracil 1200 over 24 hours; Leucovorin 180; Irinotecan 80; and on day 2, Oxaliplatin 40. On progression, drugs are added on day 2: first, Docetaxel 25 precedes Oxaliplatin, with or without Mitomycin C 6 after Oxaliplatin. The next sequential additions are day 1, Cetuximab 400 total mg, then 200 mg weekly, and then Bevacizumab 10 mg/kg is substituted for Cetuximab (FDA IND# 119005).ResultsFor 35 patients, 19 with 1–2 lines of prior therapy, resistant tumors, and 16 no prior therapy, survival at 24-months is ≥ 72 and ≥ 58%, respectively. For 14 patients aged ≥ 70 years, ≥ 63% survive 24 months, P = 0.28. Validated tests that predict ≤ 6-month survivals find median survival times of 17-months through &gt; 2-years when compared to patients with favorable tests: Neutrophils lymphocyte ratio &gt; 3.0, HR = 6.54, P &lt; 6.4x10–3; absolute neutrophil count &gt; 8000/μl, HR = 4.95, P &lt; 6.5x10–3; serum albumin &lt; 3.5 g/dl, HR = 4.10, P &lt; 0.03; and lymphocyte monocyte ratio&lt; 2.1, HR = 1.6, P = 0.50. Overall, the 76 (60–90)% of patients with 0–2 out of 4 high risk tests survive ≥ 24 months, (P = 7.1x10–3). Treatments produce neither hospitalization, neutropenic fever, severe enteritis, nor severe neuropathies.ConclusionTwo-year survival is replicable and predictable. Findings warrant phase III validation tests of sequential regimens, re-challenge with recombination, low dosages, and blood tests that are associated with lethal mechanisms that impair response and survival.
Long-term oncologic outcomes following breast cancer surgery in adolescents and young adults: a single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: Liu Xin , Ma Zengyan , Chu Hongwu , Nie Weihong , Sun Guoxin , Zhao Kaihua , Zou Xiao 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs, aged 15–39 years), remains inadequately understood. The incidence of BC in AYAs has been steadily increasing, making it the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among females aged 0–39 globally. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of AYAs and older adults (OAs, aged &gt; 39 years) with BC who underwent surgery.MethodsFrom January 2011 to June 2017, BC patients who underwent surgery were enrolled in this study and divided into AYA group and OA group. Clinical characteristics, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared between these two groups, both before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to assess the influence of age on OS and RFS.ResultsCompared to the OA group, the AYA group exhibited a younger age at menarche (p &lt; 0.001), a lower prevalence of menopausal status (p &lt; 0.001), a reduced occurrence of comorbid conditions (p &lt; 0.001), fewer instances of undergoing mastectomy (p = 0.031), a higher incidence of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) (p = 0.046), and elevated Ki-67 levels (p = 0.036). In terms of prognostic outcomes, within the study cohort, AYAs had a higher mortality rate and poorer long-term survival compared to OAs, both before and after PSM. In the PSM cohort, AYAs experienced a significantly shorter mean OS (p &lt; 0.001) and RFS (p &lt; 0.001). Young age (15–39 years) emerged as an independent risk factor for OS (HR 2.659, 95% CI 1.385–5.106, p = 0.003) and RFS (HR 3.235, 95% CI 2.085–5.022, p &lt; 0.001) in BC patients following surgery.ConclusionSignificant differences were identified in the clinicopathological characteristics between AYA and OA patients with BC. In comparison to OA patients, AYA patients exhibited a less favorable long-term prognosis, with young age emerging as an independent prognostic risk factor for both OS and RFS in BC patients following surgery. Further investigations are warranted to develop age-specific therapeutic approaches for AYA BC patients.
Case report: Spinal cord stimulation for pain relief in two patients with locally recurrent pelvic malignancy
Authors: Salem Yousif , West Charles T. , West Malcolm , Yano Hideaki , Fernandes Paul , Vajramani Girish , Mirnezami Alexander 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionChronic cancer-related pain from locally recurrent infiltrative cancers within the bony confines of the pelvis is a devastating and hard to manage condition that can be refractory to many conventional pain management methods. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an evolving and safe method of pain management and can be trialled in a quick and well-tolerated operation under local anaesthesia. To date, this has not been reported in the setting of locally recurrent inoperable pelvic cancers.Case descriptionIn the present study, we report two cases of patients with severe back and lower limb pain resulting from recurrent anal and rectal cancers involving the right lumbar and sacral nerve roots as well as the bony sacrum, which severely affected quality of life and daily functioning.DiscussionFollowing successful SCS, effective pain relief was observed.ConclusionSCS could represent an effective supplementary or alternative technique to conventional pain management in this challenging group of patients, especially if other available methods have been exhausted.
Surgical outcomes of proximal femoral bone cysts in pediatric patients: a retrospective study of 41 cases
Authors: Li Taichun , Dai Zhenzhen , Ma Qichao , Zhou Han , Li Hai , Zhang Ziming 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of proximal femoral bone cysts in pediatric patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 41 pediatric patients (31 males and 10 females, mean age 7.47 ± 2.67 years, range 2.03–14.67 years) diagnosed with proximal femoral bone cysts treated at a single institute between March 2009 and November 2021. Data included demographics, preoperative details, intraoperative conditions, surgical techniques, postoperative outcomes, recurrence, and complications.ResultsOf the participants, 68% presented with simple bone cysts and 32% with aneurysmal bone cysts. Prior to surgery, 32% exhibited pathological fractures. Surgical methods included lesion curettage, defect filling using allograft bone and Minimally-Invasive Injectable Graft ×3, and varied fixation techniques. Postoperative recurrence (17%) was associated with cyst location between the capital femoral epiphysis and the linea intertrochanterica (P = 0.010). At the final assessment (mean follow-up: 26.51 ± 18.99 months), all showed radiological bony union with 93% rated as “good” and 7% as ‘fair’ based on Ratliff hip scores. Complications arose in 20% of patients, significantly correlated with prior pathological fractures (P = 0.007) and their association with the linea intertrochanterica (P = 0.004). Those with fractures reported higher intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.015) and longer surgery durations (P = 0.012) compared to those without.ConclusionTreating pediatric proximal femoral bone cysts using techniques such as lesion curettage, defect filling, and selective internal fixation yields favorable outcomes. The presence of pathological fractures can prolong surgical time, increase intraoperative blood loss, and elevate postoperative complication risks. Hence, early surgical intervention for these cysts is recommended to prevent fractures.
Exploring the therapeutic potential of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract against amyloid-beta-induced toxicity in the Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wen Yong-Ping , Fu Hai-Jun , Chen Qin , Lan Cai , Qin Da-Lian , Wu Jian-Ming , Wu An-Guo , Zhou Xiao-Gang 
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents a critical global health challenge with limited therapeutic options, prompting the exploration of alternative strategies. A key pathology in AD involves amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation, and targeting both Aβ aggregation and oxidative stress is crucial for effective intervention. Natural compounds from medicinal and food sources have emerged as potential preventive and therapeutic agents, with Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NLE) showing promising properties.Methods: In this study, we utilized transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) models to investigate the potential of NLE in countering AD and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Various assays were employed to assess paralysis rates, food-searching capabilities, Aβ aggregate accumulation, oxidative stress, lifespan under stress conditions, and the expression of stress-resistance-related proteins. Additionally, autophagy induction was evaluated by measuring P62 levels and the formation of LGG-1+ structures, with RNAi-mediated inhibition of autophagy-related genes to confirm the mechanisms involved.Results: The results demonstrated that NLE significantly reduced paralysis rates in CL4176 and CL2006 worms while enhancing food-searching capabilities in CL2355 worms. NLE also attenuated Aβ aggregate accumulation and mitigated Aβ-induced oxidative stress in C. elegans. Furthermore, NLE extended the lifespan of worms under oxidative and thermal stress conditions, while concurrently increasing the expression of stress-resistance-related proteins, including SOD-3, GST-4, HSP-4, and HSP-6. Moreover, NLE induced autophagy in C. elegans, as evidenced by reduced P62 levels in BC12921 worms and the formation of LGG-1+ structures in DA2123 worms. The RNAi-mediated inhibition of autophagy-related genes, such as bec-1 and vps-34, negated the protective effects of NLE against Aβ-induced paralysis and aggregate accumulation.Discussion: These findings suggest that NLE ameliorates Aβ-induced toxicity by activating autophagy in C. elegans. The study underscores the potential of NLE as a promising candidate for further investigation in AD management, offering multifaceted approaches to mitigate AD-related pathology and stress-related challenges.
Circulating inflammatory cytokines influencing schizophrenia: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Yao-Ting , Zeng Xuezhen 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionSchizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe psychiatric disorder whose pathophysiology remains elusive. Recent investigations have underscored the significance of systemic inflammation, particularly the impact of circulating inflammatory proteins, in SCZ.MethodsThis study explores the potential causal association between certain inflammatory proteins and SCZ. Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted utilizing data from expansive genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Data regarding circulating inflammatory proteins were sourced from the GWAS Catalog database, encompassing 91 inflammatory cytokines. SCZ-related data were derived from the Finngen database, incorporating 47,696 cases and 359,290 controls. Analytical methods such as inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode were employed to evaluate the association between inflammatory cytokines and SCZ. Sensitivity analyses were also performed to affirm the robustness of the results.ResultsFollowing FDR adjustment, significant associations were observed between levels of inflammatory cytokines, including Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 (OR = 1.140, 95%CI = 1.045, 1.243, p = 0.003, FDR=0.015), C-C Motif Chemokine 4 (OR = 0.888, 95%CI = 0.816, 0.967, p = 0.006, FDR = 0.015), C-X-C Motif Chemokine 1 (OR = 0.833, 95%CI = 0.721, 0.962, p = 0.013, FDR = 0.064), and C-X-C Motif Chemokine 5 (OR = 0.870, 95%CI = 0.778, 0.973, p = 0.015, FDR = 0.074), and the risk of SCZ.ConclusionOur results from MR analysis suggest a potential causal link between circulating inflammatory cytokines and SCZ, thereby enriching our understanding of the interactions between inflammation and SCZ. Furthermore, these insights provide a valuable foundation for devising therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation.
Spatiotemporal parameters and kinematics differ between race stages in trail running—a field study
Authors: Genitrini Matteo , Fritz Julian , Stöggl Thomas , Schwameder Hermann 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionTrail running is an emerging discipline with relatively few studies performed in ecological conditions. The aim of this work was to investigate if and how spatiotemporal parameters (STP) and kinematics differ between initial and final stage of a field trial.MethodsTwenty trail runners (10 F, 10 M) were recruited and ran a solo 9.1 km trial. During the test, participants wore a GPS watch and an IMU-based motion capture system. Running speed, elapsed time, STP and kinematics were compared between initial and final stage, separately for uphill (UH) and downhill (DH) sections.ResultsRunning speed decreased in the final stage (p<0.05). Total test time was more correlated to the time elapsed in UH sections. In the final stage and in both UH and DH sections, contact time and duty factor increased, whilst stride length and flight time decreased (p<0.05). In the final stage, ankle joint was more dorsiflexed in stance and swing phases in UH sections and stance phase only in DH sections (p<0.05). In the final stage, knee joint was less extended in swing phase in UH and DH sections, as well as less extended in stance in UH sections (p<0.05). In the final stage, hip joint was less flexed in the swing phase in UH and DH sections (p<0.05). In the final stage, forward trunk lean was higher across the entire gait cycle in in UH sections (p<0.05). Trunk contralateral axial rotation was lower, in DH sections (p<0.05).DiscussionDuring the final stage, results indicate a less efficient propulsion phase, in both UH and DH sections. In UH sections, results suggest lower energy generation at the ankle joint. In DH sections, results suggest that the kinematics of swing leg may play a role in sub-optimizing propulsion phase. This study demonstrates how, in UH and DH sections, similar changes in spatiotemporal parameters can be elicited by dissimilar changes in running kinematics. To optimize performance in trail running, coaches and practitioners are advised to work on different (incline-specific) aspects of running technique.