bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the therapeutic effects of febuxostat combined with a low‐purine diet and allopurinol combined with a low‐purine diet on the improvement of gout patients
Authors: Chen Xuejiao , Ye Tao , Dai Yuna , Li Pian , Zhao Xiaodong , Yu Yanfang , Wang Xiaoliang , Jiao Xiaoya , Shen Na 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the clinical efficacy of febuxostat combined with a low‐purine diet versus allopurinol combined with a low‐purine diet in the treatment of gout.MethodsIn this prospective controlled trial, 98 gout patients admitted to our hospital from February 2021 to December 2022 were enrolled as study subjects. Patients were randomly assigned to the study group (febuxostat combined with a low‐purine diet) and the control group (allopurinol combined with a low‐purine diet), with 49 patients in each group. The therapeutic effect was evaluated based on joint function and serum uric acid levels after treatment, and classified into three levels: markedly effective, effective, and ineffective. The levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor‐a (TNF‐a), cytokine interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β), and interleukin (IL)‐18 (IL‐18), were collected. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was used to assess the degree of pain in patients. Clinical indicators before and 6 months after treatment were compared between the two groups.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in age and gender between the two groups. After 6 months of treatment, the effective rate in the study group (48 cases, 97.96%) was higher than that in the control group (42 cases, 85.71%), with a statistically significant difference (p = .027). At the same time, the study group had significantly lower levels of serum uric acid (162.39 μmol/L ± 17.23 μmol/L vs. S198.32 μmol/L ± 18.34 μmol/L, p < .001), creatinine (87.39 mmol/L ± 9.76 mmol/L vs. 92.18 mmol/L ± 9.27 mmol/L, p = .014), total cholesterol (3.65 mmol/L ± 0.65 mmol/L vs. 4.76 mmol/L ± 0.73 mmol/L, p < .001), and triglycerides (1.76 mmol/L ± 0.32 mmol/L vs. 2.28 mmol/L ± 0.41 mmol/L, p < .001) compared to the control group, with statistically significant differences (p < .05). After treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors and degree of pain in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all p < .05). During the treatment process, the incidence of adverse reactions in the study group (2 cases, 4.08%) was lower than that in the control group (9 cases, 18.37%), with a statistically significant difference (p = .025).ConclusionFebuxostat combined with a low‐purine diet can reduce inflammatory factors and alleviate the degree of pain in gout patients, significantly improving their clinical symptoms.
Three‐ and five‐year outcomes of an inception cohort of Australian children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Tiller Georgina , Hernandez Brandon L. , Buckle Joanne , Allen Roger , Munro Jane , Gowdie Peter , Cox Angela , Akikusa Jonathan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo describe the 3‐ and 5‐year outcomes of an inception cohort of Australian children with JIA for whom 1‐year outcomes have previously been published.MethodsData regarding clinical outcomes of the original cohort of 134 patients at 3 and 5 years were sought. Relevant clinical features and medication exposures entered prospectively into an electronic record were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsData were available for 110 and 98 patients at 3 and 5 years, respectively. The proportion of patients with active joints progressively decreased from 34% at 12 months to 21% at 3 years and 16% at 5 years. Cumulative exposure to methotrexate increased between 3 and 5 years (75%–80%), however, point prevalence use decreased (45%–41%). Cumulative exposure and point prevalence use of bDMARDS both increased between 3 and 5 years; 30%–42% and 29%–33%, respectively. Thirty‐five percent of patients had inactive joint disease off medications at 5 years, which occurred most frequently in patients with sJIA and oligoarthritis.ConclusionFive‐year outcomes of Australian children with JIA are good, with only a small minority having ongoing active joint disease at 5 years. bDMARDS play an increasing role in management over time; however, methotrexate use remains significant. A majority of children remain on medications at 5 years.
Efficacy and safety of an early response‐based tapering regimen of tocilizumab in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Dey Soumya , Roy Debaditya , Sinhamahapatra Pradyot , Ghosh Alakendu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionSystemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is a distinct disease subset, with a poorer prognosis compared with other JIA subsets. Tocilizumab has an important role in the management of sJIA refractory to standard initial therapy. However, no specific guidelines exist for the tapering of tocilizumab therapy in sJIA, which could have implications on the overall cost and side effects of treatment.MethodsThis was an observational study which included 21 children with refractory sJIA, who were initially put on injection tocilizumab every 2 weekly, with subsequent dosing tapered to 4 weekly and 6 weekly intervals based on JIA ACR 70 responses at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. The primary outcome at week 36 included JIA ACR 30, 50, 70, and 90 response rates with other efficacy and safety measures as secondary outcomes.ResultsAt 36 weeks, JIA ACR 30, 50, 70, and 90 responses were observed in 90.5%, 90.5%, 71.4%, and 52.4% patients respectively along with significant improvement in hematological and inflammatory parameters. The mean prednisolone dose could be reduced from 0.54 to 0.13 mg/kg/day and around 29% patients were able to discontinue steroids altogether. No serious adverse events were recorded. With drug tapering, we could curtail on 26% of the total tocilizumab dose that would have been otherwise required on the continuous 2 weekly protocol.ConclusionsTocilizumab, used in an early response‐based tapering regimen, was both safe and efficacious in children with sJIA refractory to standard therapy. Larger and longer duration studies are required to further validate our observations.
Real‐world implications of IMACS malignancy screening guidelines for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: An evaluation of compliance and economic impact at a tertiary referral center
Authors: Teh Ian , Huang Victoria , Oon Shereen , Day Jessica 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimAn inaugural set of consensus guidelines for malignancy screening in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) were recently published by an international working group. These guidelines propose different investigation strategies based on “high”, “intermediate” or “standard” malignancy risk groups. This study compares current malignancy screening practices at an Australian tertiary referral center with the recommendations outlined in these guidelines.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of newly diagnosed IIM patients. Relevant demographic and clinical data regarding malignancy screening were recorded. Existing practice was compared with the guidelines using descriptive statistics; costs were calculated using the Australian Medicare Benefit Schedule.ResultsOf the 47 patients identified (66% female, median age: 63 years [IQR: 55.5–70], median disease duration: 4 years [IQR: 3–6]), only one had a screening‐detected malignancy. Twenty patients (43%) were at high risk, while 20 (43%) were at intermediate risk; the remaining seven (15%) had IBM, for which the proposed guidelines do not recommend screening. Only three (6%) patients underwent screening fully compatible with International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies recommendations. The majority (N = 39, 83%) were under‐screened; the remaining five (11%) overscreened patients had IBM. The main reason for guideline non‐compliance was the lack of repeated annual screening in the 3 years post‐diagnosis for high‐risk individuals (0% compliance). The mean cost of screening was substantially lower than those projected by following the guidelines ($481.52 [SD 423.53] vs $1341 [SD 935.67] per patient), with the highest disparity observed in high‐risk female patients ($2314.29/patient).ConclusionImplementation of the proposed guidelines will significantly impact clinical practice and result in a potentially substantial additional economic burden.
A prospective single‐center, single‐arm, open‐label, phase II study of sintilimab and anlotinib combined with chemotherapy in neoadjuvant treatment of resectable esophageal cancer
Authors: Duan Hongtao , Wang Zhaoyang , Cao Lili , Zhu Yifang , Tong Liping , Yan Xiaolong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundAntiangiogenic treatment and immunochemotherapy effectively treat patients with advanced esophageal cancer. However, there remains a dearth of studies concerning neoadjuvant therapy for resectable esophageal cancer.MethodsThe study focused on patients with T2–4NxM0 resectable esophageal carcinoma. Neoadjuvant treatment involved administering anlotinib (10 mg orally, once a day, 2 weeks on and 1 week off) for antiangiogenesis and sintilimab (200 mg) and chemotherapy for three cycles. Surgical treatment was performed 4–6 weeks after the last chemotherapy cycle was completed. The primary endpoints assessed were pathological complete response (pCR) and safety.ResultsOut of the 34 screened patients, 17 were successfully enrolled in the study, and 14 completed the entire treatment process. The pCR was 35.3% (6/17). However, two patients experienced mortality. The occurring rate of grade 3 or higher complications after the surgery was 78.6% (11/14) according to Clavien–Dindo classification. Specifically, anastomotic leakage was observed in 57.1% (8/14) of the patients.ConclusionCompared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the current regimen demonstrated improved pCR. However, it did not show significant improvement compared to immunochemotherapy. It is essential to exercise caution when using this treatment approach in patients with esophageal cancer as it might increase postoperative complications, especially anastomotic leakage.
Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy followed by robot esophagectomy has no effect on short‐term results compared with surgery alone
Authors: Guo Feng , Zhang Xu , Zhao Fangdong , Jiang Hongjing , Duan Xiaofeng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo determine the safety and efficacy of robot‐assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NCI).MethodsData from patients who underwent RAMIE between January 2020 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The oncological and operative outcomes of the NCI and surgery‐only (S) groups were compared by both unmatched and 1:1 propensity score‐matched (PSM) analysis.ResultsA total of 201 patients with ESCC who underwent three‐incision RAMIE were included in this study (143 patients in the S group and 58 patients in the NCI group). Of the 58 patients who underwent NCI, a pathologically complete response (pCR) (ypT0N0) was identified in 14 (24.1%) patients. The patients in the NCI group were younger than those in the S group (p = 0.017), and had more advanced cT (p < 0.001) and cN stage diseases (p = 0.002). After 1:1 PSM of the confounders, 55 patients were allocated to each of the NCI and S groups. No significant differences were found in oncological and operative results, including surgical blood loss, operative time, and lymph node harvest (all p > 0.05). However, the NCI group exhibited a lower rate of pulmonary complications than the S group (3.6% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.047). No significant difference between the groups was found for other complications (all p > 0.05).ConclusionThese findings indicate that NCI could result in a high pCR rate without increased complications in locally advanced ESCC. RAMIE is safe and feasible in patients with ESCC after NCI.
Introducing recurrent event analyses to assess species interactions based on camera‐trap data: A comparison with time‐to‐first‐event approaches
Authors: Ferry Nicolas , Dupont Pierre , Bender Andreas , Heurich Marco 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Camera‐trap surveys are increasingly used to assess species interactions, with a growing focus on proximate co‐occurrence, the conditional probability of one species occurring after another within a given time window. However, existing time‐to‐first‐event models, commonly employed for this purpose, suffer from multiple limitations. For instance, they cannot fully quantify the interaction strength, that is how strongly one species affects the occurrence probability of another, nor the duration of this effect, nor identify the directionality of the interaction.

We propose reframing the question in terms of recurrent event analysis, which enables the use of a rich set of techniques to provide more information about the data‐generating process. In particular, we use the piece‐wise exponential additive mixed model (PAMM) to take into account all available information (including recurrent occurrences of species) and to estimate the non‐linear temporal dynamics of the visitation rate of a species after the occurrence of another. As the estimation is performed within the framework of generalized additive models, it offers a rich, robust and established inferential toolbox.

We evaluated PAMM's performance in estimating species interactions through a simulation study involving two species under various scenarios of attraction or repulsion, with and without imperfect detection. Additionally, we compared the PAMM to six time‐to‐first‐event methods commonly used in camera‐trap studies and illustrated its application with real data.

PAMMs outperformed the other methods in terms of statistical power, output interpretability and ability to disentangle interactions. The robust performance of PAMMs underscores their potential as a valuable tool for studying species interactions based on camera‐trap data. To facilitate its adoption, we present the new package ctrecurrent and provide a reproducible workflow from data preparation to model fitting.
Centenarian hippocampus displays high levels of astrocytic metallothioneins
Authors: Saenz‐Antoñanzas Ander , Muñoz‐Culla Maider , Rigo Piero , Ruiz‐Barreiro Leire , Moreno‐Valladares Manuel , Alberro Ainhoa , Cruces‐Salguero Sara , Arroyo‐Izaga Marta , Arranz Amaia M. , Otaegui David , Guillemot François , Matheu Ander 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe hippocampus is a brain area linked to cognition. The mechanisms that maintain cognitive activity in humans are poorly understood. Centenarians display extreme longevity which is generally accompanied by better quality of life, lower cognitive impairment, and reduced incidence of pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases. We performed transcriptomic studies in hippocampus samples from individuals of different ages (centenarians [≥97 years], old, and young) and identified a differential gene expression pattern in centenarians compared to the other two groups. In particular, several isoforms of metallothioneins (MTs) were highly expressed in centenarians. Moreover, we identified that MTs were mainly expressed in astrocytes. Functional studies in human primary astrocytes revealed that MT1 and MT3 are necessary for their homeostasis maintenance. Overall, these results indicate that the expression of MTs specifically in astrocytes is a mechanism for protection during aging.
Accumulation of senescent cells in the adrenal gland induces hypersecretion of corticosterone via IL1β secretion
Authors: Okudaira Noriyuki , Akimoto Mi‐Ho , Susa Takao , Akimoto Miho , Hisaki Harumi , Iizuka Masayoshi , Okinaga Hiroko , Almunia Julio A. , Ogiso Noboru , Okazaki Tomoki , Tamamori‐Adachi Mimi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAging progresses through the interaction of metabolic processes, including changes in the immune and endocrine systems. Glucocorticoids (GCs), which are regulated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, play an important role in regulating metabolism and immune responses. However, the age‐related changes in the secretion mechanisms of GCs remain elusive. Here, we found that corticosterone (CORT) secretion follows a circadian rhythm in young mice, whereas it oversecreted throughout the day in aged mice >18 months old, resulting in the disappearance of diurnal variation. Furthermore, senescent cells progressively accumulated in the zF of the adrenal gland as mice aged beyond 18 months. This accumulation was accompanied by an increase in the number of Ad4BP/SF1 (SF1), a key transcription factor, strongly expressing cells (SF1‐high positive: HP). Removal of senescent cells with senolytics, dasatinib, and quercetin resulted in the reduction of the number of SF1‐HP cells and recovery of CORT diurnal oscillation in 24‐month‐old mice. Similarly, administration of a neutralizing antibody against IL1β, which was found to be strongly expressed in the adrenocortical cells of the zF, resulted in a marked decrease in SF1‐HP cells and restoration of the CORT circadian rhythm. Our findings suggest that the disappearance of CORT diurnal oscillation is a characteristic of aging individuals and is caused by the secretion of IL1β, one of the SASPs, from senescent cells that accumulate in the zF of the adrenal cortex. These findings provide a novel insight into aging. Age‐related hypersecretory GCs could be a potential therapeutic target for aging‐related diseases.
Association of optimism and social support with health‐related quality of life among Australian women cancer survivors – A cohort study
Authors: Rahman Md Mijanur , David Michael , Steinberg Julia , Cust Anne , Yu Xue Qin , Rutherford Claudia , Banks Emily , Byles Julie , Canfell Karen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimLarge‐scale studies investigating health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in cancer survivors are limited. This study aims to investigate HRQL and its relation to optimism and social support among Australian women following a cancer diagnosis.MethodsData were from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, a large cohort study (n = 14,715; born 1946–51), with 1428 incident cancer cases ascertained 1996–2017 via linkage to the Australian Cancer Database. HRQL was measured using the Short Form‐36 (median 1.7 years post‐cancer‐diagnosis). Multivariable linear regression was performed on each HRQL domain, separately for all cancers combined, major cancer sites, and cancer‐free peers.ResultsHigher optimism and social support were significantly associated with better HRQL across various domains in women with and without a cancer diagnosis (p < 0.05). Mean HRQL scores across all domains for all cancer sites were significantly higher among optimistic versus not optimistic women with cancer (p < 0.05). Adjusting for sociodemographic and other health conditions, lower optimism was associated with reduced scores across all domains, with greater reductions in mental health (adjusted mean difference (AMD) = −11.54,p < 0.01) followed by general health (AMD = −11.08,p < 0.01). Social support was less consistently related to HRQL scores, and following adjustment was only significantly associated with social functioning (AMD = −7.22,p < 0.01) and mental health (AMD = −6.34,p < 0.01).ConclusionsOur findings highlight a strong connection between optimism, social support, and HRQL among cancer survivors. Providing psychosocial support and addressing behavioral and socioeconomic factors and other health conditions associated with optimism and social support may improve HRQL.
Beyond blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte homeostasis – Role of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system in the interplay between metabolic diseases and breast cancer
Authors: Kalupahana Nishan Sudheera , Moustaid‐Moussa Naima 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe classical renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS), as well as the recently described counter‐regulatory or non‐canonical RAAS have been well characterized for their role in cardiovascular homeostasis. Moreover, extensive research has been conducted over the past decades on both paracrine and the endocrine roles of local RAAS in various metabolic regulations and in chronic diseases. Clinical evidence from patients on RAAS blockers as well as pre‐clinical studies using rodent models of genetic manipulations of RAAS genes documented that this system may play important roles in the interplay between metabolic diseases and cancer, namely breast cancer. Some of these studies suggest potential therapeutic applications and repurposing of RAAS inhibitors for these diseases. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which RAAS is involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type‐2 diabetes as well as the role of this system in the initiation, expansion and/or progression of breast cancer, especially in the context of metabolic diseases.
Effect of feeding sodium butyrate to beef female cows during pre‐ and post‐partum period on concentrations of glucagon‐like peptides in plasma and colostrum
Authors: Inabu Yudai , Horike Hiroshi , Yamano Haruki , Taguchi Yutaka , Okada Shunnosuke , Etoh Tetsuji , Shiotsuka Yuji , Fujino Ryoichi , Takahashi Hideyuki 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding beef cows with sodium butyrate during the late pregnancy and early post‐partum periods on concentrations of glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 and 2 in plasma, colostrum, and transition milk. Twelve Japanese Black female cows were fed concentrate feed without (CON; n = 6) or with (BUTY; n = 6) sodium butyrate supplementation at 1.1% of dietary dry matter from −60 d relative to the expected parturition date to 4 d after parturition. Plasma total cholesterol concentration was higher for the BUTY than for the CON (P = 0.04). In addition, plasma GLP‐1 concentration was higher for the BUTY than for the CON at 3 d after calving (P < 0.05). This study showed for the first time that GLP‐1 is present in the colostrum of Japanese Black cows at higher concentrations as compared to in plasma (P < 0.01). On the other hand, no treatment effect was observed for concentrations of metabolite and hormone in colostrum and transition milk. In summary, feeding beef cows with sodium butyrate during the late gestation and early post‐partum period likely increases plasma GLP‐1 concentrations post‐partum without affecting the components of colostrum and transition milk.