bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of potential biomarkers of gout through weighted gene correlation network analysis
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Yang Bing , Xiong Tian , Qiu Yu , Qin Yingfen , Liang Xinghuan , Lu Decheng , Yang Xi 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundAlthough hyperuricemia is not always associated with acute gouty arthritis, uric acid is a significant risk factor for gout. Therefore, we investigated the specific mechanism of uric acid activity.MethodsUsing the gout-associated transcriptome dataset GSE160170, we conducted differential expression analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Moreover, we discovered highly linked gene modules using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and evaluated their intersection. Subsequently, we screened for relevant biomarkers using the cytoHubba and Mcode algorithms in the STRING database, investigated their connection to immune cells and constructed a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network to identify upstream miRNAs and lncRNAs. We also collected PBMCs from acute gouty arthritis patients and healthy individuals and constructed a THP-1 cell gout inflammatory model, RT−qPCR and western blotting (WB) were used to detect the expression of C-X-C motif ligand 8 (CXCL8), C-X-C motif ligand 2 (CXCL2), and C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1). Finally, we predicted relevant drug targets through hub genes, hoping to find better treatments.ResultsAccording to differential expression analysis, there were 76 upregulated and 28 downregulated mRNAs in GSE160170. Additionally, WGCNA showed that the turquoise module was most strongly correlated with primary gout; 86 hub genes were eventually obtained upon intersection. IL1β, IL6, CXCL8, CXCL1, and CXCL2 are the principal hub genes of the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Using RT−qPCR and WB, we found that there were significant differences in the expression levels of CXCL8, CXCL1, and CXCL2 between the gouty group and the healthy group, and we also predicted 10 chemicals related to these proteins.ConclusionIn this study, we screened and validated essential genes using a variety of bioinformatics tools to generate novel ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of gout.
Effect of the prism and Maddox rod test as the surgical target for type III acute acquired comitant esotropia
Authors: Wang Huihang , Zheng Weidong 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThis study aims to explore more accurate and efficient examination methods to provide precise target surgical measurements for patients with type III acute acquired comitant esotropia (AACE).MethodsThe study conducted a retrospective analysis of 108 patients diagnosed with AACE who received surgical treatment at the Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, from January 2018 to September 2023. All patients underwent examinations of the deviation angle, including the Hirschberg test, prism and Maddox rod test (PMT), and prism and alternate cover test (PACT). For the PACT, the minimum value (PACTmin) and maximum value (PACTmax) were obtained based on differences in examination methods, as well as the deviation angle range (PACT range), which represents the difference between PACTmax and PACTmin. Postoperatively, these patients were followed up for at least 6 months to assess changes in eye position and whether diplopia symptoms recurred.ResultsIn both near and distant examinations, the results of PACTmax were significantly greater than those of PACTmin (p &lt; 0.001), while the deviation angles obtained from PACTmax and PMT showed no significant statistical difference [p = 0.689 (33 cm), p = 0.436 (5 m)]. There was a strong linear correlation between PACTmin and PMT at both near (R = 0.8887) and distant (R = 0.8950) distances, but each PACTmin corresponded to multiple PMT values. There was no significant difference between the results of PACT range at near and distant distances (p = 0.531). The deviation angles obtained by PMT and PACTmin significantly decreased postoperatively compared to preoperative values, and diplopia disappeared in all patients, with alternative cover test showing no movement or presenting as an esophoria state.ConclusionThe PMT can provide precise target surgical measurements for type III AACE, making it a fast, effective, and cost-efficient examination method. It is worthy of being promoted and applied in clinical practice.
Development of a dual immunochromatographic test strip to detect E2 and Erns antibodies against classical swine fever
Authors: Huynh Loc Tan , Sohn Eun-Ju , Park Youngmin , Kim Juhun , Shimoda Tomohiko , Hiono Takahiro , Isoda Norikazu , Hong Sung-Hee , Lee Ha-Na , Sakoda Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundIt is essential to consider a practical antibody test to successfully implement marker vaccines and validate vaccination efficacy against classical swine fever virus (CSFV). The test should include a serological antibody assay, combined with a tool for differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA). The immunochromatographic test strip (ICS) has been exclusively designed for detecting CSFV E2 antibodies while lacking in detecting Erns antibodies, which can be employed and satisfy DIVA strategy. This study developed a novel ICS for detecting CSFV E2/Erns dual-antibody. The effectiveness of ICS in evaluating the DIVA capability of two novel chimeric pestivirus vaccine candidates was assessed.MethodsRecombinant E2 or Erns protein was transiently expressed in the plant benthamiana using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. ICS was subsequently assembled, and goat anti-rabbit IgG and recombinant CSFV E2 or Erns protein were plated onto the nitrocellulose membrane as control and test lines, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of ICS were evaluated using sera with different neutralizing antibody titers or positive for antibodies against CSFV and other pestiviruses. The coincidence rates for detecting E2 and Erns antibodies between ICS and commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were also computed. ICS performance for DIVA capability was evaluated using sera from pigs vaccinated with conventional vaccine or chimeric vaccine candidates.ResultsE2 and Erns proteins were successfully expressed in N. benthamiana-produced recombinant proteins. ICS demonstrated high sensitivity in identifying CSFV E2 and Erns antibodies, even at the low neutralizing antibody titers. No cross-reactivity with antibodies from other pestiviruses was confirmed using ICS. There were high agreement rates of 93.0 and 96.5% between ICS and two commercial ELISA kits for E2 antibody testing. ICS also achieved strong coincidence rates of 92.9 and 89.3% with two ELISA kits for Erns antibody detection. ICS confirmed the absence of CSFV Erns-specific antibodies in sera from pigs vaccinated with chimeric vaccine candidates.ConclusionE2 and Erns proteins derived from the plant showed great potential and can be used to engineer a CSFV E2/Erns dual-antibody ICS. The ICS was also highly sensitive and specific for detecting CSFV E2 and Erns antibodies. Significantly, ICS can fulfill the DIVA concept by incorporating chimeric vaccine candidates.
Efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture for functional constipation in older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huai Yisheng , Fan Qian , Dong Yiyue , Li Xu , Hu Junwei , Liu Lumin , Chen Yuelai , Yin Ping 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionFunctional constipation (FC) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder in clinical practice, with the prevalence of which increasing with age. With the increasing aging of the population worldwide, this problem is bound to become more prominent. Acupuncture is effective and recommended for the treatment of FC. However, little is known about how acupuncture affects the gut microbiota and inflammatory cytokines and thus improves gut function. Meanwhile, there are few high-quality clinical trials specifically focusing on acupuncture in treating FC in older people. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating FC in older people. Additionally, the research aims to explore the mechanism of action of acupuncture in treating FC in older people by affecting intestinal microbiota and inflammation cytokines.Methods and analysisThis study is designed as a single-center, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. A total of 98 eligible FC patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio into an acupuncture group and a sham acupuncture group. Both groups will receive 24 treatments over 8 weeks with a 12-week follow-up. The primary outcome of the study is the treatment response rate, which is the proportion of participants with ≥3 mean weekly Complete Spontaneous Bowel Movements (CSBMs) over weeks 3–8. The secondary outcomes will include the proportion of participants with ≥3 mean weekly CSBMs during other assessment periods; the percentage of patients with ≥1 increase in mean weekly CSBMs from baseline; the average changes in CSBMs; Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms (PAC-SYM), Bristol Stool Scale, Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAC-QOL), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and weekly usage of emergency bowel medications. Adverse events will be recorded throughout the study. Data for the outcomes will be collected at Week 0 (baseline), Week 4 (the intervention period), Week 8 (the post-treatment), Week 12 (the follow-up period) and Week 20 (the follow-up period). In addition, changes in intestinal microbiota will be analyzed using 16S rRNA high-throughput detection, and the concentration of relevant inflammatory cytokines in serum will be measured by ELISA based on blood samples. The intention-to-treat analysis will be performed in this study.Clinical trial registration: [https://www.chictr.org.cn/], identifier [ChiCTR2300070735].
Evaluating first-line therapeutic strategies for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: a comprehensive network meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Zhang Duojie , Weng Haimin , Zhu Zhangji , Gong Weilun , Ma Yinfeng 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of first-line treatment options for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).MethodsWe systematically searched electronic databases, including PubMed and Web of Science, for studies published from their inception to April 3rd, 2023. Inclusion criteria were: 1) Completed Phase III or IV randomized controlled trials (RCTs) registered on ClinicalTrials.gov; 2) Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of mCRPC who had not previously received chemotherapy or novel endocrine therapies. We conducted a network meta-analysis using R software (version 3.4.0). Network graphs and risk of bias graphs were generated using Stata 14.0 and RevMan 5.4, respectively. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), and the secondary outcome was the incidence of severe adverse events (SAEs).ResultsSeven RCTs encompassing 6,641 patients were included. The network meta-analysis revealed that both docetaxel+prednisone (DP) and cabazitaxel+prednisone (CP) significantly improved OS compared to abiraterone. Compared to placebo, DP showed comparable results to both cabazitaxel 20 mg/m^2+prednisone (C20P) and cabazitaxel 25 mg/m^2+prednisone (C25P) in terms of OS. For SAEs, both DP and C20P were superior to C25P, with no statistical difference between C20P and DP. The probability ranking plots indicated that C25P ranked highest for OS, while DP ranked highest for SAEs.ConclusionsBased on our network meta-analysis, we recommend cabazitaxel 20 mg/m^2+prednisone (C20P) as the primary choice for first-line management of mCRPC, followed by DP. Enzalutamide and abiraterone are suggested as subsequent options. Radium-223 may be considered for patients presenting with bone metastases.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023443943.
Case report: A germline CHEK1 c.613 + 2T>C leads to a splicing error in a family with multiple cancer patients
Authors: Qian Jun , Peng Min , Li Yanan , Liu Wei , Zou Xinwei , Chen Huafei , Zhou Sujuan , Xiao Sheng , Zhou Jinhua 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundGenome instability plays a crucial role in promoting tumor development. Germline mutations in genes responsible for DNA repair are often associated with familial cancer syndromes. A noticeable exception is the CHEK1 gene. Despite its well-established role in homologous recombination, germline mutations in CHEK1 are rarely reported.Case presentationIn this report, we present a patient diagnosed with ovarian clear cell carcinoma who has a family history of cancer. Her relatives include a grandfather with esophageal cancer, a father with gastric cancer, and an uncle with a brain tumor. The patient carried a typical genomic profile of clear cell carcinoma including mutations in KRAS, PPP2R1A, and PIK3R1. Importantly, her paired peripheral blood cells harbored a germline CHEK1 mutation, CHEK1 exon 6 c.613 + 2T&gt;C, which was also found in her father. Unfortunately, the CHEK1 status of her grandfather and uncle remains unknown due to the unavailability of their specimens. Further evaluation via RT-PCR confirmed a splicing error in the CHEK1 gene, resulting in truncation at the kinase domain region, indicative of a loss-of-function mutation.ConclusionThis case highlights a rare germline CHEK1 mutation within a family with a history of cancer. The confirmed splicing error at the mRNA level underscores the functional consequences of this mutation. Documenting such cases is vital for future evaluation of inheritance patterns, clinical penetrance of the mutation, and its association with specific cancer types.
Gratitude as an antidote to materialism in young consumers
Authors: Battistella-Lima Suzana Valente , Veludo-de-Oliveira Tânia Modesto 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionMaterialism has consistently been associated with mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, and with a decline in overall wellbeing. This article seeks to deepen the understanding of whether or not the level of materialism is reduced when a sense of gratitude is instilled and, if so, how.MethodsAfter a thorough literature review, two empirical studies are presented. Study 1 has a quasi-experimental design and a sample of adolescent individuals in a major city in Brazil. Study 2 takes the form of a survey, completed by parents, in the same city.ResultsStudy 1 demonstrates that a gratitude-based intervention can reduce the subjects’ belief that material wealth brings happiness and signifies success. Study 2 suggests that parents who express gratitude have a perception of raising less materialistic children.DiscussionThese conclusions add to the theory and practice of consumer psychology and responsible consumption, particularly in relation to the behavior of young people, pointing toward ways to reduce excessive consumption through a simple and easily applied intervention: the stimulus of gratitude.
The moderating role of stigma in the relationship between depression and resilience: results of a cross-sectional study in university students
Authors: Rometsch Caroline , Mansueto Giovanni , Ceccatelli Sara , Cosci Fiammetta 
Published: April 2024

Background/objectiveDepression is a growing concern in university students and resilience has shown to play a protective role. The impact of stigma is still under-explored, with reference to its moderating role between depression and resilience. The present study investigate such a relationship among Italian university students.MethodsA cross-sectional design was applied in a simple of 1,912 students to examine the interrelationships between depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), resilience (Nicholson McBride Resilience questionnaire), and stigma (Stigma-9). Correlation, predictor, and moderation analyses were applied in RStudio.ResultsA negative correlation was found between depressive symptoms and resilience (r = −0.455, p &lt; 0.001). A positive correlation was found between depressive symptoms and stigma (r = 0.207, p &lt; 0.001). Lower levels of resilience and higher levels of stigma were significant predictors of depressive symptoms [F(df, n) = 190.8(3, 1884), p &lt; 0.001, R2 = 0.236]. The moderation analysis showed a weakening of resilience protective effect against depression as stigma levels increase [F(df,n) = 186.7(3,1908), p &lt; 0.001, R2 = 0.226].ConclusionStigma influences the relationship between depression and resilience. Anti-stigma interventions and programs empowering resilience, should be implemented in university settings to protect students from depression.
Comparison of changes in stress coping strategies between cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy
Authors: Ihara Sakae , Katayama Nariko , Nogami Waka , Amano Mizuki , Noda Sachiko , Kurata Chika , Kobayashi Yuki , Sasaki Yohei , Mitsuda Dai , Ozawa Mire , Matsuoka Jun , Takemura Ryo , Uchida Hiroyuki , Nakagawa Atsuo 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundCoping refers to conscious responses to negative circumstances, with the intention of ameliorating these situations. Few studies have compared the differences between psychotherapy and medication treatment for coping strategies for depression. In this study, we investigated the differences in coping strategies between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with medication (CBT group) and medication alone (pharmacotherapy group) among outpatients with depression.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted among 50 patients with major depression (24 and 26 in the CBT and pharmacotherapy groups, respectively). Stress coping strategies (Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations [CISS]) and depression severity (Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition [BDI-II]) were assessed at baseline and 16 weeks later. Changes in the CISS and BDI-II scores in both groups were tested using repeated analysis of variance. Inverse probability weighting with propensity score analysis was applied to address potential selection bias.ResultsAt 16 weeks, the CBT group exhibited increased CISS task-oriented coping, distraction, and social diversion scores, which differed from those of the pharmacotherapy group. The CBT group exhibited a significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms than the pharmacotherapy group.LimitationsThis study was not a randomized controlled trial and thus may have selection bias.ConclusionGaining adaptive coping skills, including task-oriented coping, distraction, and social diversion skills, by combining CBT with medication may lead to greater improvement in depression symptoms. These findings suggest that clinicians should evaluate coping strategies and facilitate the acquisition of adaptive coping strategies in patients with depression to reduce their symptoms.
Verbal expressions describing itch quality in atopic dermatitis and urticaria: an online questionnaire survey in Japan
Authors: Ohya Yukihiro , Ebata Toshiya , Ohshima Yusei , Andoh Tsugunobu , Tominaga Mitsutoshi , Kataoka Yoko , Fukui Yoshinori , Ebihara Nobuyuki , Hasegawa Shunji , Kobayashi Shigetoshi , Morisawa Yutaka , Inoue Norihiro , Narita Masami , Kaneko Sakae , Igawa Ken , Nakahara Takeshi , Ishiuji Yozo , Okada Takaharu , Fujii Masanori , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Irie Hiroyuki , Shiratori-Hayashi Miho , Murota Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2024

Background: The nature of itch sensation varies depending upon the patient and the disease. However, few studies have focused on verbal expressions describing itch of atopic dermatitis (AD) in quality.Objectives: To investigate itch quality in patients with AD compared with that of urticaria.Methods: We conducted an online questionnaire survey describing itch experiences in June 2021. Participants were Japanese patients who had visited hospitals for their consultations and treatments of AD or urticaria in the last 6 months, and 295 and 290 responses, respectively, to questions using 12 terms describing itch quality were analyzed.Results: The most suitable expression describing intense itch that patients could not help scratching differed between the diseases, where most AD patients selected “muzumuzu” (a mimetic word for creepy–crawly itch) (27%) or “painful itch” (20%), and most urticaria patients selected “muzumuzu” (24%) or “itch like mosquito bites” (22%). The most suitable expressions describing itch that would make patients happiest if improved was “painful itch” (27%) in AD patients, significantly higher than urticaria patients (19%). More AD patients (55%) responded that they sometimes felt itch even after the skin symptoms had subsided than urticaria patients (41%). The most suitable expression of remnant itch selected was “muzumuzu” for AD (58/161 patients, 36%) and urticaria (29/120 patients, 24%).Conclusion: The quality of itch sensations can be classified not only between diseases but also during the clinical course of each disease. Significant expressions that patients with AD use to describe itch sensations could promote more appropriate treatment for itch.