bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heat-killed Prevotella intermedia promotes the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting the expression of tumor suppressors and affecting the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Zhou Yifan , Qin Yao , Ma Jingjing , Li Zhiyuan , Heng Weiwei , Zhang Lei , Liu Hong , Li Ruowei , Zhang Miaomiao , Peng Qiao , Ye Pei , Duan Ning , Liu Ting , Wang Wenmei , Wang Xiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Oral microbial dysbiosis contributes to the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Our previous study showed that Prevotella intermedia (P. intermedia) were enriched in the oral mucosal surface, plaque, and saliva of patients with OSCC. Intratumoral microbiome could reshape the immune system and influence the development of various tumors. However, the invasion status of human OSCC tissues by P. intermedia and the pathway through which intratumoral P. intermedia potentiates tumor progression remain unexplored.

Methods
P. intermedia in human OSCC or normal tissues was detected by FISH. A mouse OSCC cell line SCC7 was adopted to investigate the effects of heat-killed P. intermedia treatment on cell proliferation, invasion, and cytokine release by using CCK-8 assay, transwell invasion assay and ELISA. Moreover, we established a mouse transplanted tumor model by using SCC7 cells, injected heat-killed P. intermedia into tumor tissues, and investigated the effects of heat-killed P. intermedia on tumor growth, invasion, cytokine levels, immune cell infiltrations, and expression levels by using gross observation, H&E staining, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, mRNA sequencing, and transcriptomic analysis.

Results
Our results indicated that P. intermedia were abundant in OSCC and surrounding muscle tissues. Heat-killed P. intermedia promoted SCC7 cell proliferation, invasion and proinflammatory cytokine secretions, accelerated transplanted tumor growth in mice, exacerbate muscle and perineural invasion of OSCC, elevated the serum levels of IL-17A, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and PD-L1, induced Treg cells M2 type macrophages in mouse transplanted tumors. The data of transcriptomic analysis revealed that heat-killed P. intermedia increased the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines while reduced the expression levels of some tumor suppressor genes in mouse transplanted tumors. Additionally, IL-17 signaling pathway was upregulated whereas GABAergic system was downregulated by heat-killed P. intermedia treatment.

Conclusions
Taken together, our results suggest that P. intermedia could inhibit the expression of tumor suppressors, alter the tumor microenvironment, and promote the progression of OSCC.
Hemorrhoidal disease and its genetic association with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia: a bidirectional mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Zhiguang , Huang Jian , Leung Chun Kai , Zhang Casper JP , Akinwunmi Babatunde , Ming Wai-Kit 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Hemorrhoids and psychiatric disorders exhibit high prevalence rates and a tendency for relapse in epidemiological studies. Despite this, limited research has explored their correlation, and these studies are often subject to reverse causality and residual confounding. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to comprehensively investigate the association between several mental illnesses and hemorrhoidal disease.

Methods
Genetic associations for four psychiatric disorders and hemorrhoidal disease were obtained from large consortia, the FinnGen study, and the UK Biobank. Genetic variants associated with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and hemorrhoidal disease at the genome-wide significance level were selected as instrumental variables. Screening for potential confounders in genetic instrumental variables using PhenoScanner V2. Bidirectional MR estimates were employed to assess the effects of four psychiatric disorders on hemorrhoidal disease.

Results
Our analysis revealed a significant association between genetically predicted depression and the risk of hemorrhoidal disease (IVW, OR=1.20,95% CI=1.09 to 1.33, P <0.001). We found no evidence of associations between bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and hemorrhoidal disease. Inverse MR analysis provided evidence for a significant association between genetically predicted hemorrhoidal disease and depression (IVW, OR=1.07,95% CI=1.04 to 1.11, P <0.001).

Conclusions
This study offers MR evidence supporting a bidirectional causal relationship between depression and hemorrhoidal disease.
Taxonomic reassessment of Rhodnius zeledoni Jurberg, Rocha & Galvão: a morphological and morphometric analysis comparing its taxonomic relationship with Rhodnius domesticus Neiva & Pinto
Authors: Oliveira-Correia João Paulo Sales , de Oliveira Jader , Gil-Santana Hélcio Reinaldo , da Silva Rocha Dayse , Galvão Cleber 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Rhodnius zeledoni was described from a single specimen. Since its description, doubts have arisen regarding the taxonomic status of this species in relation to Rhodnius domesticus.

Methods
The present study reviewed and compared R. zeledoni with R. domesticus based on morphological analysis and head geometric morphometrics.

Results
Our analysis revealed the absence of distinctive diagnostic characters between the two species at specific levels. Rhodnius zeledoni and R. domesticus show morphological and morphometric similarity, with only minor differences in coloration observed between them. Contrary to previous statements, our analysis showed that R. zeledoni and R. paraensis are not closely related species, not corroborating previous studies with such an assumption.

Conclusions
Therefore, we formally propose R. zeledoni as a junior synonym of R. domesticus.
Clinical and prognostic significance of baseline microRNA 223 in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Aziz Rasha Elsayed Mohamed Abd El , Emam Wafaa Abdelaziz , El-senosy Fatma M. , Kasim Sammar Ahmed , Ramadan Marwa A. A. , Yehia Fatima G. , Alkhawagah Sabah M. , ElAttar Rasha Sobhy , Elsayed Ahmed Elsaid , Mohammed Amena Rezk 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the second leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Micro-RNA (miRNA)-223 was first identified as a regulator of hematopoietic lineage differentiation. Later, its diverse roles were discovered in a wide spectrum of pathological conditions. The present study aimed to assess the clinical and prognostic significance of miR-223 in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The study included 93 patients with AIS diagnosed on the basis of clinical and radiological findings. In addition, there were 50 healthy subjects who served as controls. Patients were classified into two categories: Those with favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS): 0–2) and others with unfavorable functional outcome (mRS: 3–6) at 6 months post-stroke.

Results
The present prospective longitudinal study included 93 patients with AIS. They included 60 males (64.5%) and 33 females (35.5%) with an age of 64.5 ± 12.4 years. At the end of 6-month follow up, 44 patients (47.3%) had favorable outcome while the remainder 49 patients (52.7%) had unfavorable outcome. Patients with favorable outcome had significantly lower baseline miR-223 levels [median (IQR): 4.4 (2.0–6.3) versus 8.4 (4.5–14.9), p < 0.001], lower HbA1c levels (5.6 ± 1.0 versus 6.2 ± 1.2, p = 0.006) and lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels [median (IQR): 8.9 (5.1–26.7) versus 15.2 (6.2–39.3) mg/dL, p = 0.02]. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis recognized high baseline miR-223 [OR (95% CI) 1.13 (1.06–1.24), p = 0.011], infarct size [OR (95% CI) 2.58 (1.66–4.77), p = 0.001] and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) [OR (95% CI) 2.11 (1.74–3.09), p = 0.004] as significant predictors of unfavorable outcome in the studied patients.

Conclusions
Elevated baseline miR-223 levels are associated with high NIHSS and larger infarct size at baseline and can effectively predict patients’ outcome at 6-months post-stroke.
Dealing with complications in interventional radiology
Authors: Oseni A. O. , Chun J.-Y. , Morgan R. , Ratnam L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIt is widely accepted that most misadventures, which lead to harm have not occurred because of a single individual but rather due to a failure of process that results in healthcare workers making mistakes. This failure of process and the pervasiveness of adverse events is just as prevalent in Interventional Radiology (IR) as it is in other specialities. The true prevalence and prevailing aetiology of complications in IR are not exactly known as there is a paucity of investigative literature into this area; especially when compared with other more established disciplines such as Surgery. Some IR procedures have a higher risk profile than others. However, published data suggests that many adverse events in IR are preventable (55–84%) and frequently involve a device related complication such as improper usage or malfunction. This article aims to discuss factors that contribute to complications in IR along with tools and strategies for dealing with them to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
Randomized controlled double-blind trial of methylprednisolone versus placebo in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome and cognitive deficits: study protocol of the post-corona-virus immune treatment (PoCoVIT) trial
Authors: Franke Christiana , Raeder Vanessa , Boesl Fabian , Bremer Benno , Adam Lucas C. , Gerhard Ameli , Eckert Irina , Quitschau Anneke , Pohrt Anne , Burock Susen , Bruckert Lisa , Scheibenbogen Carmen , Prüß Harald , Audebert Heinrich J. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS) includes neurological manifestations, especially fatigue and cognitive deficits. Immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, endothelial dysfunction, viral persistence, and viral reactivation are discussed as potential pathophysiological mechanisms. The post-corona-virus immune treatment (PoCoVIT) trial is a phase 2a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial designed to evaluate the effect of methylprednisolone versus placebo on cognitive impairment in PCS. This trial is designed based on the hypothesised autoimmunological pathogenesis and positive aberrations, employing a series of off-label applications.

Methods
Recruitment criteria include a diagnosis of PCS, a minimum age of 18 years and self-reported cognitive deficits at screening. A total of 418 participants will be randomly assigned to either verum or placebo intervention in the first phase of the trial. The trial will consist of a first trial phase intervention with methylprednisolone versus placebo for six weeks, followed by a six-week treatment interruption period. Subsequently, an open second phase will offer methylprednisolone to all participants for six weeks. Outpatient follow-up visits will take place two weeks after each trial medication cessation. The third and final follow-up, at week 52, will be conducted through a telephone interview. The primary outcome measures an intra-patient change of 15 or more points in the memory satisfaction subscale of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) from baseline to follow-up 1 (week 8). Key secondary outcomes include long-term intra-patient changes in memory satisfaction from baseline to follow-up 2 (week 20), changes in other MMQ subscales (follow-up 1 and 2), and changes in neuropsychological and cognitive scores, along with assessments through questionnaires focusing on quality of life, fatigue, and mood over the same periods. Exploratory outcomes involve molecular biomarkers variations in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as structural and functional brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters changes related to cognition.

Perspective
This trial aims to contribute novel evidence for treating patients with PCS, with a primary focus on those manifesting cognitive deficits. By doing so, it may enhance comprehension of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, thereby facilitating biomarker research to advance our understanding and treatment of patients with PCS.
Brivaracetam and topiramate serum levels during pregnancy and delivery: a case report and a review of literature
Authors: Hahn Wiebke , Möller Leona , Menzler Katja , Poeplau Tobias , Wagner Uwe , Knake Susanne 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
An increasing use of newer antiseizure medication (ASM) such as SV2A ligand brivaracetam is observed. However, data on newer antiseizure medication and therapeutic drug monitoring during pregnancy is scarce.

Methods
Therapeutic drug monitoring of brivaracetam (BRV) and topiramate (TPM) serum levels were performed during pregnancy, delivery and in the umbilical cord blood at delivery in a 34-year-old female patient with severe drug-resistant epilepsy.

Results
During pregnancy, the serum levels of brivaracetam and topiramate remained stable. At 39th week of pregnancy, the patient gave birth to a healthy daughter. 1.5 h after the last ASM intake, the penetration rate measured in umbilical cord blood was 45% lower for BRV and 35% lower for TPM.

Conclusions
While the pharmacokinetics of topiramate are well known and its use during pregnancy should only be undertaken under special circumstances, there have been few studies on newer ASM in pregnancy such as brivaracetam. Based on our results and other case reports of BRV use during pregnancy, further studies are necessary to confirm its pharmacokinetics and safety during pregnancy.
Developing Speaking Material Based on Essential Basic Competencies at Muhammadiyah 1 High School Yogyakarta
Authors: Al Hakim Adam , Pratolo Bambang Widi , Surono Surono , Zuraina Ali 
Published: March 2024

Abstract: The objectives of this research are to find out the students’ needs of using material at SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta toward English speaking material due to Covid-19 disease, to find out teachers’ needs towards English speaking material, and to find out the development of English speaking material based on essential basic competencies.This research employs Research and Development. The population was all XI students at SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta and the sample was chosen purposively only 35 students of class XI MIPA 8. The data were gathered through interviews with teachers to find out the existence of the use of English speaking materials. In addition, researchers have also distributed questionnaires to students of class XI MIPA 8 to find out the students' need for appropriate modules to improve speaking skills. The data was analyzed by based on the theme of the research questions.The results of this study indicate that the existing material is in line with the pandemic conditions, such as the module design being attractive, the content in the module in line with the latest syllabus (essential basic competencies), and the module being converted into the online form, thus students can study anywhere and anytime. The students' need for the material developed showed very varied results. As for the module development process, the researcher follows the stages under the Research and Development method.
Add-on effects of Chinese herbal medicine external application (FZHFZY) to topical urea for mild-to-moderate psoriasis vulgaris: Protocol for a double-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial embedded with a qualitative study
Authors: Wang Junyue , Zhang Claire Shuiqing , Zhang Anthony Lin , Yu Jingjie , Deng Hao , Chen Haiming , Xue Charlie Changli , Lu Chuanjian 
Published: March 2024

Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic dermatological disease with a high global prevalence. It significantly reduces patients’ quality of life and is associated with a substantial economic burden. Conventional therapies for mild-to-moderate psoriasis are often associated with insufficient long-term symptomatic relief and side effects. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is commonly used for psoriasis management. A CHM formula, namely Fu zheng he fu zhi yang (FZHFZY), has shown promising treatment effects in clinical practice when used as a bath therapy. However, its efficacy and safety has not been evaluated by a rigorous randomized controlled trial (RCT). Therefore, we designed a double-blinded pilot RCT embedded with a qualitative study on CHM formula FZHFZY plus topical urea for mild-to-moderate psoriasis vulgaris to advance the evidence development and practice of CHM external application for psoriasis. This will be a mixed-method design consisting of a pilot RCT and a qualitative study. The pilot RCT is a two-arm, parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial. Sixty eligible participants will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive eight weeks’ treatment of either FZHFZY plus 10% urea cream, or placebo plus 10% urea cream, with 12-week follow-up visits after the treatment phase. The CHM or placebo will be administered externally as a bath therapy. Outcome measures include trial feasibility, efficacy and safety. The primary efficacy outcome will be Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). Secondary efficacy outcomes include Physician Global Assessment, PASI-75, PASI-50, Body Surface Area, Dermatology Life Quality Index, Skindex-16, itch visual analogue scale and relapse. The qualitative study will be conducted to collect participants’ feedback on CHM external application and their experience with the pilot RCT. This study will advance the evidence-based clinical practice of using CHM for psoriasis vulgaris and then to support translation of findings into clinical practice in the future.
Trial registration number: ChiCTR2200064092.
CT-derived body composition: Differential association with disease, age and inflammation in a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bradley Nicholas A. , McGovern Josh , Dolan Ross D. , Golder Allan M. , Roxburgh Campbell S. D. , Guthrie Graeme J. K. , McMillan Donald C. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Low skeletal muscle mass and density, as assessed by CT-body composition (CT-BC), are recognised to have prognostic value in non-cancer and cancer patients. The aim of the present study was to compare CT-BC parameters between non-cancer (abdominal aortic aneurysm, AAA) and cancer (colorectal cancer, CRC) patients.

Methods
Two retrospective multicentre cohorts were compared. Thresholds of visceral fat area (VFA, Doyle), skeletal fat index (SFI, Ebadi), skeletal muscle index (SMI, Martin), and skeletal muscle density (SMD, Martin) were applied to these cohorts and compared. The systemic inflammatory response (SIR) was measured by the systemic inflammatory grade (SIG).

Results
1695 patients were included; 759 patients with AAA and 936 patients with CRC. Low SMD (33% vs. 66%, p <0.001) was more prevalent in the CRC cohort. Low SMI prevalence was similar in both cohorts (51% vs. 51%, p = 0.80). Compared with the AAA cohort, the CRC cohort had a higher prevalence of raised SIG (p <0.001). Increasing age (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.38–1.72, p < 0.001) and elevated SIG (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09–1.40, p = 0.001) were independently associated with increased odds of low SMI. Increasing age (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.66–2.17, p < 0.001) CRC diagnosis (OR 5.89, 95% CI 4.55–7.62, p < 0.001), ASA > 2 (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.08–1.73, p = 0.01), and elevated SIG (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03–1.37, p = 0.02) were independently associated with increased odds of low SMD.

Conclusions
Increasing age and systemic inflammation appear to be important determinants of loss of skeletal muscle mass and quality irrespective of disease.
Chinese herbal medicine for post-viral fatigue: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hu Le-Yan , Cai An-Qi , Li Bo , Li Zheng , Liu Jian-Ping , Cao Hui-Juan 
Published: March 2024

Background
Fatigue is a common symptom after viral infection. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is thought to be a potential effective intervention in relieving fatigue.

Purpose
To assess the effectiveness and safety of CHM for the treatment of post-viral fatigue.

Study design
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods
The protocol of this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022380356). Trials reported changes of fatigue symptom, which compared CHM to no treatment, placebo or drugs, were included. Six electronic databases and three clinical trial registration platforms were searched from inception to November 2023. Literature screening, data extraction, and risk bias assessment were independently carried out by two reviewers. Quality of the included trials was evaluated using Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the certainty of the evidence was evaluated using GRADE. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4, mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for estimate effect of continuous data. Heterogeneity among trials was assessed through I2 value.

Results
Overall, nineteen studies with 1921 patients were included. Results of individual trial or meta-analysis showed that CHM was better than no treatment (MD = -0.80 scores, 95%CI -1.43 to -0.17 scores, P = 0.01, 60 participants, 1 trial), placebo (MD = -1.90 scores, 95%CI -2.38 to -1.42 scores, P<0.00001, 184 participants, 1 trial), placebo on basis of rehabilitation therapy (MD = -14.90 scores, 95%CI -24.53 to -5.27 scores, P = 0.02, 118 participants, 1 trial) or drugs (MD = -0.38 scores, 95%CI -0.48 to -0.27 scores, I2 = 0%, P<0.00001, 498 participants, 4 trials) on relieving fatigue symptoms assessing by Traditional Chinese Medicine fatigue scores. Trials compared CHM plus drugs to drugs alone also showed better effect of combination therapy (average MD = -0.56 scores). In addition, CHM may improve the percentage of CD4 T lymphocytes and reduce the level of serum IL-6 (MD = -14.64 scores, 95%CI 18.36 to -10.91 scores, I2 = 0%, P<0.00001, 146 participants, 2 trials).

Conclusion
Current systematic review found that the participation of CHM can improve the symptoms of post-viral fatigue and some immune indicators. However, the safety of CHM remains unknown and large sample, high quality multicenter RCTs are still needed in the future.