bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the oral and intestinal microbiota in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: WEI WEI , Wang YueKui , Chen Peng , Kuai WenTao , ZHU YU , XU LIANG 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. HCC has been found to be associated with oral and intestinal flora, and the aim of this paper is to characterize the composition and metabolism of oral and intestinal microbiota and investigate their functions in HCC.
Methods
Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and clinical data, this study concentrated on a cohort of 29 patients with hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) and a cohort of 20 patients with chronic viral hepatitis B (HBV). Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed.
Results
Shannon and Simpson indices showed slightly lower oral and gut microbiota diversity and significantly higher OTUS (Chao1, ACE, OTUs, PD whole tree) in HCC patients. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) revealed a substantial difference between the gut and oral microbiota of HCC patients and the control group. Further OTUs analysis of the oral microbiota showed a significant decrease in Proteobacteria and an impressive rise in Firmicutes and Bacteroidota abundance in the HCC, as well as a significant decrease in Firmicutes and a crucial increase in Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota abundance in the gut microbiota. The most significant groups in the oral and intestinal tracts at the genus level were Neisseria perflava and bacteroidales, respectively. According to the Venn chart, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria represent a majority of the common flora found in the oral and intestinal tracts of HCC patients; Neisseria, Bacteroides, and Prevotella are more significant at the genus level. Finally, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) found that a significant elevation of glycan metabolism occurred in the intestinal and oral flora.
Conclusion
The biodiversity of the oral and intestinal flora of HCC patients was significantly higher, characterized by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Fusobacteriota, and Actinobacteria. At the genus level, Neisseria perflava was the most important; Neisseria, Bacteroides, and Prevotella were symbiotic bacteria in two ecological niches; they all contribute to the progression of HCC through the oral-intestinal-hepatic axis. Glycan biosynthesis and metabolism are significantly more active in the oral and intestinal flora of patients with HCC, and may promote hepatocellular carcinoma growth.
Content characteristics and risk assessment of heavy metal elements in Shangluo tea garden soil
Authors: Niu Ziru , Zhang Yang , Han Jichang , Zhao Yutong , Hu Kunlin , He Peng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The study focused on analyzing the content characteristics of heavy metal elements in the soil of the Shangluo tea garden and conducting a risk assessment. The goal is to offer insights for the prevention and control of soil heavy metal pollution, as well as the protection of the tea garden soil. A comprehensive investigation involved the collection of 165 soil samples from the primary tea production regions in Shangluo. The analysis included the examination of pH values and the concentrations of five heavy metal elements (Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr). Pollution levels were evaluated through the utilization of the Nemerow Pollution Index and Geo-accumulation Index. The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Hg in the soil within the research area were 18.99 mg/kg, 0.07 mg/kg, 67.03 mg/kg, 8.67 mg/kg, and 0.03 mg/kg, respectively. These values were all found to be lower than the background levels established for Shangluo soil. According to the single-factor pollution index and geo-accumulation index, the overall status of tea plantation soils in the study area was non-polluted. However, the evaluation based on the Nemerow Pollution Index indicated a mild pollution level due to the light pollution status of Cd, Cr, and Hg, with 87% of the soil samples classified as non-polluted and 12% as mildly polluted. When compared with the risk screening values for agricultural soil, the average concentrations of heavy metals in the examined tea plantation soils were found to be below the prescribed screening thresholds. Pearson correlation analysis and cluster analysis indicated that the heavy metal pollution in Shangluo tea plantation soils is predominantly influenced by natural sources. However, it is important not to disregard the escalating impact of anthropogenic sources. Overall, the tea plantation soils in Shangluo are in a clean state, but there is a risk of pollution with Cd, Cr, and Hg elements.
A multimethod approach to assess arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity in a hot arid and hyperalkaline region
Authors: Robin-Soriano Alexandre , Maurice Kenji , Boivin Stéphane , Bourceret Amelia , Laurent-Webb Liam , Youssef Sami , Nespoulous Jérôme , Boussière Inès , Berder Julie , Damasio Coraline , Vincent Bryan , Boukcim Hassan , Ducousso Marc , Gros-Balthazard Muriel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Hot deserts impose extreme conditions on plants growing in arid soils. Deserts are expanding due to climate change, thereby increasing the vulnerability of ecosystems and the need to preserve them. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) improve plant fitness by enhancing plant water/nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. However, few studies have focused on AMF diversity and community composition in deserts, and the soil and land use parameters affecting them. This study aimed to comprehensively describe AMF ecological features in a 5,000 m2 arid hyperalkaline region in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. We used a multimethod approach to analyse over 1,000 soil and 300 plant root samples of various species encompassing agricultural, old agricultural, urban and natural ecosystems. Our method involved metabarcoding using 18S and ITS2 markers, histological techniques for direct AMF colonization observation and soil spore extraction and observation. Our findings revealed a predominance of AMF taxa assigned to Glomeraceae, regardless of the local conditions, and an almost complete absence of Gigasporales taxa. Land use had little effect on the AMF richness, diversity and community composition, while soil texture, pH and substantial unexplained stochastic variance drove their structuring in AlUla soils. Mycorrhization was frequently observed in the studied plant species, even in usually non-mycorrhizal plant taxa. Date palms and Citrus trees, representing two major crops in the region, displayed however a very low mycorrhizal frequency and intensity. AlUla soils had a very low concentration of spores, which were mostly small. This study generated new insight on AMF and specific behavioral features of these fungi in arid environments.
Effect of different neuromuscular training modalities on postural stability in healthy recreation people: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Marinkovic Dragan , Macak Drazenka , Stanic Vukasin , Madic Dejan M , Radanovic Danilo , Gojkovic Zoran , Spasic Miodrag , Ilic Aleksandra , Trivic Tatjana , Drid Patrik 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS), whole-body vibration (WBV), and a combination of DNS and WBV (MIX) training modalities on postural stability (PS) in healthy recreation participants. 180 gender-balanced groups (age 24.02 ± 2.07 years) were divided into: MIX (n = 47), DNS (n = 45), VIBRO (n = 44), and control group (CONTROL, n = 43) and underwent two months treatment. The single and double-leg Center of Force (COF) parameters were collected. A 2x4 mixed-design analysis of covariances indicated that improvements were trivial to large in most of the PS measures of MIX and DNS, while no significant change occurred in VIBRO and CONTROL. In the MIX and DNS, the average COF path length of double and single support on the left leg and ML displacements of single support on the right leg vastly improved (Hedge’s gav: MIX vs. DNS); MIX group improved COF path length of double support (1.99 vs. 0.79), COF path length of single support on the left leg (1.64 vs. 1.28), and ML displacement of single support on the right leg (0.92 vs. 0.75) to a greater extent. Combined modalities seem more efficient than single modalities for enhancing measures.
Features of chronic urticaria after COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, a real-life cohort study
Authors: Muller Yannick ,   Johan Schwab1, Foglierini Mathilde , Pescosolido Eva , Pacheco Inès , Buendía Gustavo Ruiz , Madelon Natacha , Pellaton Celine , Monzambani Véronique , Ribi Camillo , Bergmann Marcel , Didierlaurent Arnaud , Fenwick Craig , Duperrex Olivier 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background New onsets of chronic urticaria (CU) have been reported after repeated immunizations, mainly with the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine (Spikevax)
Objective This study aims to evaluate patients with CU after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. The contribution of SARS-Cov2 infection, atopy and IgE against the vaccine was analyzed.
Methods We monitored the features of patients who developed CU after vaccination in the Canton of Vaud through two surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023. Fifty individuals with CU underwent blood tests, and their results were compared with individuals without a history of urticaria (N=135). The presence of anti-vaccine IgE was detected with basophil activation tests (BAT). We assessed anti-SARS-Cov2 humoral response, and the presence of IgEs against common respiratory allergens (Phadiatop) as a surrogate for atopy.
Results Post-vaccination CU occurred after a median interval of 10 days and significantly more after the Spikevax booster, affecting middle-aged individuals (median 41, 66% females). In 2023, CU was still active in 53% of the cases. Inducible forms of CU, primarily dermographism, were reported in 54% (2022) and 61% (2023) of the cases. BAT positivity was not specific to CU, anti-nucleocapsid positivity, or atopy but was significantly associated with higher anti-spike neutralizing activities and younger age. Four CU patients tolerated an additional dose of mRNA vaccine with no disease exacerbation/recurrence.
Conclusion The Spikevax booster induced anti-vaccine IgE independently of CU, the latter being not directly associated with COVID-19 infection nor atopy. The tolerance to a new booster in 4/4 patients suggests that the Spikevax vaccine indirectly triggered CU in predisposed individuals.
Research on the distribution of debris flow impact on the upstream surface of the check dam
Authors: Yu Xianbin , Li Wei , Zhang Guibin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The impact force of debris flow is not only an important indicator of the risk assessment of debris flow and the strength impact resistance of buildings against debris flow, but also an important parameter in the design of various debris flow prevention projects (such as the check dam and the drainage channel, etc.). The pressure sensors are arranged at different positions (monitoring points) on the upstream face of the check dam. By changing the slope of the drainage channel, the bulk density of debris flow and the slope gradient of the upstream face of the check dam, the time history curves of the impact force at the monitoring points under different experiment conditions are obtained. The characteristic value of impact force of debris flow acting on the surface of sand retaining dam is analyzed, and the evolution law of mean value and maximum value of impact force of debris flow at the same detection location with the above conditions is obtained. The mean value and maximum value of debris flow impact force at different detection locations under the same working condition are analyzed to obtain the evolution law of debris flow impact force at different locations, and then the distribution trend of debris flow impact force on the upstream face of the check dam is obtained. The research results provide scientific and reasonable theoretical basis and technical support for the stability analysis of the check dam, so as to better serve the disaster prevention and reduction of debris flow, which will improve the technical level of the debris flow prevention project to a certain extent.
Baicalein inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in glioblastoma by downregulating LGR4-EGFR pathway
Authors: Qi Xuchen , Zhang Xiaobing , Shao Xian , Bao Qingquan , He Lingyan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) have poor prognoses and limited therapeutic options. LGR4 was reported to overexpressed in GBM and involved in tumorigenesis of many cancers, Baicalein (BAI) is a kind of flavonoid that exhibited anti-tumor effects in various tumors. However, the function and association of BAI and LGR4 in GBM are still unclear. In thisi study, firstly, GEPIA and HPA databas was used to perform expression and survival analysis of LGR4 in GBM patients. Then, the significance of LGR4-EGFR in GBM cells (HS683 and KNS89) and GBM animal models was explored by RNA interference and subcutaneous transplantation. Additionally, GBM cells were treated with BAI to explore the role and mechanism of BAI involved in GBM. The results showed that LGR4 was highly expressed in GBM and related to bad prognosis. LGR4 knockdown obviously repressed the proliferation and EGFR expression but induced apoptosis in GBM cells, however, the situations were reserved by EGFR overexpression and CBL knockdown. In contrast, both in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed LGR4 overexpression facilitated GBM cellular biological activities and promoted tumor development, but the effects were rescued by BAI and EGFR inhibitor. In addition, si-LGR4 accelerated EGFR protein degradation while oe-LGR4 exhibit opposite effect. Without affecting normal cellular viability, BAI inhibited malignant behaviour, interacted with LGR4 and blocked the LGR4-EGFR pathway in both GBM cells. Taken together, our data suggested that BAI could inhibit GBM cell proliferation and induce apoptosis via downregulation of the LGR4-EGFR pathway, and the LGR4-EGFR pathway may be an underlying target for GBM therapy of BAI.
Effect and safety of sivelestat on acute severe pancreatitis with systemic inflammatory response syndrome: A retrospective study
Authors: XIe Jiafeng , Lei Ruyi , Pei Hui , Gu Yulei , Zhang Luanluan , Liu Jingrong , Huang Yahui , Zhang Yepeng , Zi Yanan , Zhu Changju , Zhu Zhiqiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To explore the efficacy and safety of sivelestat (SV) in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).
Methods
A total of 71 SAP patients diagnosed and treated in the Emergency Intensive Care Unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to June 2023 were selected. The changes of disease outcome, hospital stays and mortality were compared between the two groups.
Results
A total of 71 patients were recruited to control group (n = 42) or SV group (n = 29) according to whether SV was applied or not. There was no significant difference in baseline data at admission between the two groups. After 1 week of treatment, all the indexes in both groups improved. The duration of ventilator use in SV group was shorter than that in control group (p = 0.0302), but there was no significant difference in hospital stays and mortality between the two groups.
Conclusion
SV had a good safety in the treatment of SAP combined with SIRS, and could shorten the ventilator use time of patients with respiratory failure, but could not reduce the hospital stays and mortality.
One Stage Anterior Sagittal Sphincter Saving Anorectoplasty (ASSSARP) for the Repair or Rectovestibular Fistula: Mid and Long-term Outcome in Two Tertiary Centers.
Authors: Elbatarny Akram Mohamed , Shehata Sherif , Ashour Mohamed , Abou-Halawa Nezar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This is a retrospective study of 1-stage ASSSARP for RVF including operative details and postoperative complications, functional and cosmetic outcome.
Patients and Methods:
Records of 41 cases of RVF, managed between April 2010 and September 2019 by one-stage ASSSARP, were reviewed. Preoperative preparation, both early and late postoperative care & complications, hospital stay, and functional & cosmetic outcomes were reported.
Results
The mean age was 6.6 months. Vaginal tear 5/41 cases, and distal rectal tears 4/41 cases. Mild superficial wound inflammation; 13 patients, Skin dehiscence; 5 patients. No colostomy or redo was needed. The mean hospital stay was 6.1 days. Mean follow-up was 43.13 months; (Range; 24–100 months). Anal stricture; 6 patients. constipation occurred in 14 cases. Soiling grade I occurred in 5 patients. 32 patients > 3 years; 2 patients showed cough/diarrhea incontinence.
Conclusion
One-stage ASSSARP is safe and gives functional and cosmetic results comparable to other techniques. It provides better access to female anomalies. The avoidance of muscle incision protects against muscle breakdown, if infection sets in, and thus against incontinence. It avoids the morbidity, cost and psychological burden of performing a 3-stage repair.
Integrate multiple machine learning algorithms to establish a prognostic model of risk signature for programmed cell death and hypoxia and conduct multi-omics analysis of risk signatures in colorectal cancer
Authors: Ma Lujuan , Peng Qian , Wei Yitian , Lu Lin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant challenge due to its high heterogeneity, making accurate prognosis prediction complex. Hypoxia plays a central role in influencing cell death mechanisms, tumorigenesis and progression. However, the prognostic significance of the interplay between hypoxia and cell death in CRC needs further investigation.
Methods
We employed a robust computational framework to explore the relationship between hypoxia and 18 cell death patterns in a global cohort of 1294 CRC patients from four multicenter cohorts. Thirteen commonly used machine learning algorithms were employed to develop optimal-performing hypoxia-associated programmed cell death risk signatures. Additionally, risk signature genes were screened at both the single-cell and spatial transcriptome levels using AddModuleScore analysis to enhance the identification of the signature.
Results
The risk signature, composed of 63 influential genes, conducted significant performance in predicting in CRC patients. The high-risk signature correlates significantly with pathways related to tumor occurrence, progression, and increased immune cells infiltration. The risk signature scores closely correlated with various immune cells proportions. At the single-cell level, high-risk epithelial cells were closely linked to pathways involving tumor occurrence, development, and drug resistance. High-risk epithelial cells exhibit enhanced communication with different cell types, acting as stronger Senders, Mediators, Receivers, and Influencers, promoting tumor progression. There are significant differences in copy number variation (CNV) and developmental trajectory between high-risk and low-risk epithelial cells. Moreover, we identified these risk signatures at the spatial transcriptome level, revealing their high expression throughout the entire tumor tissue.
Conclusion
Our robust machine learning framework highlights the prognostic potential of hypoxia-associated programmed cell death risk signatures in CRC. Integrating these signatures into prognosis prediction offers a unique opportunity for clinical intelligence and innovative management approaches.
VOLUME VERSUS PRESSURE TARGETED NON-INVASIVE VENTILATION IN AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (VOP ALS): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Parkes Edward , Hee Siew Wan , Ali Asad , Shakespeare Joanna 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, idiopathic, progressive, neuromuscular disease. The prevalence in England and Wales is between 4 and 5 cases per 100,000. A significant proportion of ALS cases are complicated by respiratory and sleep impairment which can reduce health related quality of life (HRQOL) and survival. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is the standard of care to treat respiratory and sleep symptoms. Patients who are compliant with NIV have improved survival, HRQOL and reduced symptoms. Different modes of NIV are available and broadly fall into two categories: pressure support ventilation (PSV) and volume assured pressure support (VAPS) ventilation. A clinically enhanced version of VAPS in the form of intelligent volume assured pressure support with automatic EPAP (iVAPS-AE) is now widely available and although spontaneous timed (ST) mode is the preferred choice in ALS, to date no one mode has been shown to be superior. In this single-centre randomised controlled trial we will explore the differences in NIV compliance and effect on HRQOL, between ST and iVAPS-AE NIV modes in patients diagnosed with respiratory failure due to ALS. We also want to explore the optimal NIV mode for patients diagnosed with ALS. This trial is still in the data collection phase and has the potential to guide changes in clinical respiratory practice in ALS. Methods and Analysis VOP ALS is a single blinded, single centre, RCT exploring the impact of iVAPS-AE on patient outcomes compared to ST-mode in patients diagnosed with ALS related respiratory impairment. Primary outcome is mean NIV compliance and secondary outcome is health reported quality of life, both measured over 90 days. The study aimed to recruit 40 patients, but it was revised to 15 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis will be mainly descriptive by treatment arms and summarised with 95% confidence interval. Ethics and Dissemination VOP ALS is sponsored in the UK by University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust and has been granted ethical approval by Northwest - Haydock Research Ethics Committee Ethics Committee (REC ref: 21/NW/0326). Publication of results in a peer-reviewed journal and conference presentations are expected. Trial Registration Number: NCT05328492. Registered 4th April 2022 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05328492
Late dental and bone alterations in patients after orbital rhabdomyosarcoma treatment
Authors: de Mattos Valkiria D Aiuto , Ferman Sima Esther , Magalhães Denise Maria Araújo , Costa Felipe Vieira da , Antunes Héliton Spíndola , Junior Arley Silva 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare soft tissue sarcoma in childhood but with a good prognosis. Treatment usually includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate long-term alterations in teeth and cranial bones in children, adolescents, and young adults after oncologic treatment for childhood orbital rhabdomyosarcoma.
Method: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated patients treated for orbital rhabdomyosarcoma between 1988 and 2011. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were collected during the study period; also, panoramic radiographs, cephalometric study, and photographs of the face were taken.
Results: Eight long-term survivors were studied. Of those, 50% were male, 75% had less than 5 years of treatment, and 88% had only one of the orbits affected by the tumor. Regarding treatment, 50% received 50.4 Gy of radiotherapy in the orbit; the chemotherapy included vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide in 75% of the cases and also ifosfamide and etoposide in 25%. The children presented craniofacial alterations, mainly when radiotherapy occurred between 0 and 5-year- old. (p=0.01) The mandibles also showed dental alterations, probably due to chemotherapy.
Conclusion: In conclusion, orbital RMS patients treated with chemoradiotherapy, important dental and facial bone alterations were found. The most significant were in the maxilla and close to the irradiation field. Dental and mandibular bone alterations were also found, indicating the probable chemotherapy action, as this region was not included in the irradiation field.