bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of early ultrafiltration in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Shuai , Wang Hongqi , Ning Bin 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of early ultrafiltration in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.MethodsA systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMbase databases from inception to April 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials that compared the efficacy and safety of early ultrafiltration and conventional diuretics in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. Two investigators independently screened all eligible studies and extracted relevant data. The primary outcomes of interest were changes in body weight and creatinine levels, as well as the rate of readmission and mortality within 30 days. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software.ResultsThis meta-analysis included eight studies and found that early ultrafiltration was effective in reducing body weight in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (RR = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.54–2.35, P = 0.002), but it also increased serum creatinine (RR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.03–0.17, P = 0.003). However, it did not reduce the 30-day rehospitalization rate or mortality rate (30-day rehospitalization rate: RR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.62–1.14, P = 0.28; Mortality: RR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.57–1.44, P = 0.67).ConclusionAlthough early ultrafiltration is more effective in reducing body weight in patients with acute decompensated heart failure, it is associated with an increase in serum creatinine levels and does not reduce the rate of readmission or mortality within 30 days.Systematic Review Registrationidentifier: CRD42023416152.
Academic satisfaction among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: the influence of individual, social, and organizational variables
Authors: Testa Silvia , Macagno Alessia , Bertolino Fabrizio , Cacciamani Stefano , Grange Teresa , Perrucci Vittore , Piu Angela , Timpano Giuseppina , Cattelino Elena 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionAcademic satisfaction (AS) is considered by researchers and educators as a key variable to explain both academic success and the main problems of university students. AS is a complex construct affected by a range of factors, both internal and external to the individual. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of certain individual (motivation and self-regulated learning), social (relationships with other students and with the instructor) and organizational (course organization and class attendance mode) variables on AS during the Covid-19 emergency, when face-to-face learning was replaced with online learning environments.MethodsWe hypothesized a model in which AS would be directly influenced by the social and organizational variables, and indirectly influenced by the social, organizational, and individual variables via the mediation of perceived learning. The study sample comprised 104 students (83.7% female) with a mean age of 26.6 years (SD = 9.8), enrolled on bachelor’s or master’s degree at a Northern Italian University. Participants filled out an online questionnaire, which they were instructed to complete with reference to a single course that they had taken during the second semester of the 2020–21 academic year.ResultsThe hypothesized model, tested using a structural equation modelling technique for observed variables, offered an acceptable fit for the data [χ2(3) = 7.569, p = 0.0558; RMSEA = 0.121; CFI = 0.974; SRMR = 0.012]. Perceived learning (R2 = 0.454), was influenced by self-regulated learning (β = 0.243, p &lt; 0.01) and course organization (β = 0.453, p &lt; 0.001); AS (R2 = 0.857) was influenced by relationship with the instructor (β = 0.613, p &lt; 0.001) and course organization (β = 0.221, p &lt; 0.001), as well as by the mediating variable, perceived learning (β = 0.227, p &lt; 0.001). The indirect effects of self-regulated learning and course organization on AS were statistically significant but of low magnitude.ConclusionThese outcomes point up the active role of students in terms of self-regulated learning and perceived learning and the key role of course organization and the student-instructor relationship in promoting students’ AS during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the learning environment changed abruptly. These findings can usefully inform the work of instructors and instructional designers, including in non-emergency contexts.
A blood-based transcriptomic signature stratifies severe Crohn’s disease and defines potentially targetable therapeutic pathways
Authors: Gonsky Rivkah , Adams Evan , Potdar Alka A. , Botwin Gregory , Biener-Ramanujan Eva , McGovern Dermot P. B. , Braun Jonathan G. , Fleshner Phillip , Targan Stephan R. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionDespite advances in medical therapy, many patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) ultimately require surgery for disease management. Identifying the underlying molecular pathways for subgroup stratification is critical to the improvement of prognostics and therapeutics and to biomarker discovery.MethodsWe purified CD3+ T cells from the paired blood and mucosa samples of 100 CD and 17 non-inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) subjects requiring surgery. Longitudinal samples (n = 49) were collected 4–13 months postoperatively.ResultsTranscriptional profiling at the time of surgery revealed two CD patient subgroups: the CD-PBT subgroup, which was clustered tightly with non-IBD subjects, and the CD-PBmu(cosal) subgroup, which shifted from peripheral toward a mucosal-like expression profile. The CD-PBmu subgroup was characterized by differential gene expression, elevated genetic transcriptional risk score (TRS), and a distinct T-cell subset composition associated with perianal-penetrating/stricturing disease, post-surgical recurrence, and immunoreactivity to multiple microbial antigens. CD-PBmu subtyping was validated in a CD cohort in whom anti-TNF therapy had been unsuccessful. The CD-PBmu subgroup, in contrast to the CD-PBT subgroup, was distinguished by decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine and adhesion molecule expression postoperatively. For clinical translation, we identified a CD-PBmu 42-gene classifier associated with a TRS signature, clinical severity markers, and underlying protein kinase signaling pathways to identify therapeutic targets.DiscussionThe CD-PBmu signature holds potential for future investigation to improve accuracy in identifying a subset of patients with severe CD who may benefit from early initiation of therapeutics to defined molecular pathways.
Age-induced changes in anti-tumor immunity alter the tumor immune infiltrate and impact response to immuno-oncology treatments
Authors: Sitnikova Suzanne I. , Walker Jennifer A. , Prickett Laura B. , Morrow Michelle , Valge-Archer Viia E. , Robinson Matthew J. , Wilkinson Robert W. , Dovedi Simon J. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionImmuno-oncology (IO) research relies heavily on murine syngeneic tumor models. However, whilst the average age for a cancer diagnosis is 60 years or older, for practical purposes the majority of preclinical studies are conducted in young mice, despite the fact that ageing has been shown to have a significant impact on the immune response.MethodsUsing aged (60-72 weeks old) mice bearing CT26 tumors, we investigated the impact of ageing on tumor growth as well as the immune composition of the tumor and peripheral lymphoid organs.ResultsWe found many differences in the immune cell composition of both the tumor and tumor-draining lymph node between aged and young mice, such as a reduction in the naïve T cell population and a decreased intratumoral CD8/Treg ratio in aged animals. We hypothesized that these differences may contribute to impaired anti-cancer immune responses in aged mice and therefore assessed the anti-tumor efficacy of different IO therapies in aged mice, including both co-stimulation (using an anti-OX40 antibody) and immune checkpoint blockade (using anti-PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies). Whilst aged mice retained the capacity to generate anti-tumor immune responses, these were significantly attenuated when compared to the responses observed in young mice.DiscussionThese differences highlight the importance of age-related immunological changes in assessing and refining the translational insights gained from preclinical mouse models.
RNA interference-mediated knockdown of genes involved in sugar transport and metabolism disrupts psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Order: Hemiptera) gut physiology and results in high mortality
Authors: Arad Neda , Paredes-Montero Jorge R. , Mondal Mosharrof Hossain , Ponvert Nathaniel , Brown Judith K. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionThe causal agent of zebra chip of potato and vein-greening diseases of tomato is "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" (CLso), a fastidious bacterium transmitted by the potato psyllid. In the absence of disease-resistant cultivars, disease management has relied on minimizing vector population size to reduce CLso transmission, which requires frequent insecticide applications. There is growing interest in the use of RNA interference (RNAi) technology to supplant traditional insecticides with biopesticides. This requires knowledge of genes essential for insect livelihood whose knockdown leads to significant mortality or other phenotypes. Such candidate genes can be evaluated by reverse genetics approaches to further corroborate predicted gene function.MethodsHere, five potato psyllid genes involved in sugar homeostasis in the potato psyllid gut, α-glucosidase1 (AGLU1), aquaporin2 (AQP2), facilitated trehalose transporter1 (TRET1), Trehalase1 (TRE1), and Trehalase2 (TRE2), were investigated as candidates for effective gene silencing. Potato psyllid dsRNAs were designed to optimize knockdown of gene targets. Third instar PoP nymphs were given a 48-hr ingestion-access period (IAP) on individual or groups of dsRNA in 20% sucrose. Mortality was recorded 0, 3, 5, 7, and 9 days post-IAP. Gene knockdown was analyzed 9 days post-IAP by quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification. ResultsThe individual or stacked dsRNA combinations resulted in 20-60% and 20-40% knockdown, respectively, while subsequent psyllid mortality ranged from 20-40% to &gt;60% for single and stacked dsRNA combinations, respectively. Reverse genetics analysis showed that simultaneous knockdown of the five selected candidate genes with predicted functions in pathways involved in sugar-homeostasis, metabolism, and -transport yielded the highest mortality, when compared with single or combinations of targets. DiscussionResults confirmed the functions afforded by psyllid gut genes responsible for osmotic homeostasis and sugar metabolism/transport are essential for livelihood, identifying them as potentially lucrative RNAi biopesticide targets and highlighted the translational relevance of targeting multiple nodes in a physiological pathway simultaneously.
Immune-related gene-based model predicts the survival of colorectal carcinoma and reflected various biological statuses
Authors: Kang Zhengchun , Chen Bingchen , Ma Xiuzhu , Yan Feihu , Wang Zhen 
Published: October 2023

Bakcground: Prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) varies due to complex genetic–microenviromental interactions, and multiple gene-based prognostic models have been highlighted.Material and Method: In this work, the immune-related genes’ expression-based model was developed and the scores of each sample were calculated. The correlation between the model and clinical information, immune infiltration, drug response and biological pathways were analyzed.Results: The high-score samples have a significantly longer survival (overall survival and progression-free survival) period than those with a low score, which was validated across seven datasets containing 1,325 samples (GSE17536 (N = 115), GSE17537 (N = 55), GSE33113 (N = 90), GSE37892 (N = 130), GSE38832 (N = 74), GSE39582 (N = 481), and TCGA (N = 380)). The score is significantly associated with clinical indicators, including age and stage, and further associated with PD-1/PD-L1 gene expression. Furthermore, high-score samples have significantly higher APC and a lower MUC5B mutation rate. The high-score samples show more immune infiltration (including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, M1/M2 macrophages, and NK cells). Enriched pathway analyses showed that cancer-related pathways, including immune-related pathways, were significantly activated in high-score samples and that some drugs have significantly lower IC50 values than those with low score.Conclusion: The model developed based on immune-related genes is robust and reflected various statuses of CRC and may be a potential clinical indicator.
Interrelated effects of age and parenthood on whole-brain controllability: protective effects of parenthood in mothers
Authors: Jamalabadi Hamidreza , Hahn Tim , Winter Nils R. , Nozari Erfan , Ernsting Jan , Meinert Susanne , Leehr Elisabeth J. , Dohm Katharina , Bauer Jochen , Pfarr Julia-Katharina , Stein Frederike , Thomas-Odenthal Florian , Brosch Katharina , Mauritz Marco , Gruber Marius , Repple Jonathan , Kaufmann Tobias , Krug Axel , Nenadić Igor , Kircher Tilo , Dannlowski Udo , Derntl Birgit 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundControllability is a measure of the brain’s ability to orchestrate neural activity which can be quantified in terms of properties of the brain’s network connectivity. Evidence from the literature suggests that aging can exert a general effect on whole-brain controllability. Mounting evidence, on the other hand, suggests that parenthood and motherhood in particular lead to long-lasting changes in brain architecture that effectively slow down brain aging. We hypothesize that parenthood might preserve brain controllability properties from aging.MethodsIn a sample of 814 healthy individuals (aged 33.9 ± 12.7 years, 522 females), we estimate whole-brain controllability and compare the aging effects in subjects with vs. those without children. We use diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to estimate the brain structural connectome. The level of brain control is then calculated from the connectomic properties of the brain structure. Specifically, we measure the network control over many low-energy state transitions (average controllability) and the network control over difficult-to-reach states (modal controllability).Results and conclusionIn nulliparous females, whole-brain average controllability increases, and modal controllability decreases with age, a trend that we do not observe in parous females. Statistical comparison of the controllability metrics shows that modal controllability is higher and average controllability is lower in parous females compared to nulliparous females. In men, we observed the same trend, but the difference between nulliparous and parous males do not reach statistical significance. Our results provide strong evidence that parenthood contradicts aging effects on brain controllability and the effect is stronger in mothers.
Is acupoint injection the optimal way to administer mecobalamin for diabetic peripheral neuropathy? A meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Zhang Fei , Yu Yunfeng , Yin Shuang , Hu Gang , Yang Xinyu , Tong Keke , Yu Rong 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveMecobalamin is a commonly used drug in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). This study aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupoint injection of mecobalamin for DPN.MethodsRelevant clinical trials on acupoint injection of mecobalamin for DPN published before 31 January 2023 were searched in eight commonly used databases. After screening and confirming the included studies, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis were performed.ResultsA total of 10 relevant studies were confirmed, and the total sample size was 927 cases. On the efficacy endpoints, meta-analysis showed that compared with other administration methods, acupoint injection of mecobalamin significantly increased the clinical effective rate by 27% [RR = 1.27, 95% CI = (1.19, 1.36), P &lt; 0.00001], motor nerve conduction velocity (median nerve) by 5.93 m/s [MD = 5.93, 95% CI = (4.79, 7.07), P &lt; 0.00001], motor nerve conduction velocity (common peroneal nerve) by 5.66 m/s [MD = 5.66, 95% CI = (2.89, 8.43), P &lt; 0.0001], sensory nerve conduction velocity (median nerve) by 4.83 m/s [MD = 4.83, 95% CI = (3.75, 5.90), P &lt; 0.00001], and sensory nerve conduction velocity (common peroneal nerve) by 3.60 m/s [MD = 3.60, 95% CI = (2.49, 4.71), P &lt; 0.00001], and trial sequential analysis showed these benefits were conclusive. In terms of safety endpoints, meta-analysis indicated that the total adverse events for acupoint injection were comparable to other methods of administration, and trial sequential analysis suggested that the results needed to be validated by more studies. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the benefits of acupoint injections of mecobalamin were not limited by the dose, duration of treatment, or number of acupoints reported in the included studies. Harbord's test showed no significant publication bias (P = 0.106).ConclusionThe efficacy of acupoint injection of mecobalamin for DPN was significantly better than other administrations, and its safety was comparable to other administrations. Therefore, acupoint injection may be the optimal method of mecobalamin for DPN.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=454120, identifier: CRD42023454120.
Plant protein consumption is associated with body mass index among women of reproductive age in Indonesia
Authors: Sistia Fitra , Khusun Helda , Februhartanty Judhiastuty 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionOne of the known determinants of obesity in Southeast Asia countries, including Indonesia, is the nutritional transition, which is indicated by fast changes in food production, dietary habits, and physical activity. With rising incomes, plant protein from grains, tubers, and legumes is gradually being replaced by animal protein from poultry, eggs, dairy, and red meat. This change is identified as a protein transition. Different choices of protein sources in the diet have varying health effects. However, there is limited information on the Asian population on the role of protein consumption on the increasing obesity prevalence. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of protein sources consumption with body mass index (BMI) among women of reproductive age in Indonesia.MethodsThis study used secondary data from the 2018 Indonesia Food Barometer (IFB) conducted using a quantitative cross-sectional survey. A total of 467 Indonesian reproductive-aged women (20–49 years) were included in this study. Dietary intake, including protein consumption, was obtained using 24-h dietary recall. Multiple linear regression was applied to find the association of protein consumption with BMI with a p-value &lt;0.05 considered as a significant outcome variable.ResultsThe Mean BMI was 25.02 kg/m2, median of animal and plant protein was 28.01 g/day and 25.37 g/day, respectively. Consumption of plant protein was significantly associated with BMI after adjusting for marital status and age (p-value = 0.043; R2 = 0.080). The quality of plant protein should be considered to prevent obesity problems among women of reproductive age.
Discovery of a haptoglobin glycopeptides biomarker panel for early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kohansal-Nodehi Mahdokht , Swiatek-de Lange Magdalena , Kroeniger Konstantin , Rolny Vinzent , Tabarés Glòria , Piratvisuth Teerha , Tanwandee Tawesak , Thongsawat Satawat , Sukeepaisarnjaroen Wattana , Esteban Juan Ignacio , Bes Marta , Köhler Bruno , Chan Henry Lik-Yuen , Busskamp Holger 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThere is a need for new serum biomarkers for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Haptoglobin (Hp) N-glycosylation is altered in HCC, but the diagnostic value of site-specific Hp glycobiomarkers is rarely reported. We aimed to determine the site-specific glycosylation profile of Hp for early-stage HCC diagnosis.MethodHp glycosylation was analyzed in the plasma of patients with liver diseases (n=57; controls), early-stage HCC (n=50) and late-stage HCC (n=32). Hp phenotype was determined by immunoblotting. Hp was immunoisolated and digested into peptides. N-glycopeptides were identified and quantified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Cohort samples were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney U) tests. Diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under curve (AUC).ResultsSignificantly higher fucosylation, branching and sialylation of Hp glycans, and expression of high-mannose glycans, was observed as disease progressed from cirrhosis to early- and late-stage HCC. Several glycopeptides demonstrated high values for early diagnosis of HCC, with an AUC of 93% (n=1), &gt;80% (n=3), &gt;75% (n=13) and &gt;70% (n=11), compared with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP; AUC of 79%). The diagnostic performance of the identified biomarkers was only slightly affected by Hp phenotype.ConclusionWe identified a panel of Hp glycopeptides that are significantly differentially regulated in early- and late-stage HCC. Some glycobiomarkers exceeded the diagnostic value of AFP (the most commonly used biomarker for HCC diagnosis). Our findings provide evidence that glycobiomarkers can be effective in the diagnosis of early HCC – individually, as a panel of glycopeptides or combined with conventional serological biomarkers.
Carcinosarcoma of the ovary: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zheng Jian , Tang Cui , Liu Ping , Hao Hua 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveCarcinosarcoma of the ovary is a rare pathological type of ovarian cancer that is highly aggressive and occurs most frequently in the female reproductive tract at the site of the uterus. Herein, we explore the clinicopathological features, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment options for carcinosarcoma of the ovary.MethodsWe analyzed the clinical data of a case of carcinosarcoma, observed its histological morphology and immunohistochemical characteristics, detected the homologous recombination repair deficiency gene mutation, and reviewed the relevant literature.ResultsA 76-year-old menopausal woman visited our hospital because of abdominal distension, difficulty in urination, and constipation. Ultrasonography demonstrated abnormalities in the uterus and pelvic cavity, suggesting that the patient should undergo surgery. Immunohistochemical findings of carcinosarcoma of the right ovary were as follows: CK fraction (+), vimentin fraction (+), CK5/6 foci (+), p16 (+), p53 in approximately 70% (+), WT-1 foci (+), ER foci (+), PR part (+), Her-2 (1+), CK7 fraction (+), CK20 foci (+), CD99 fraction (+), CD10 fraction (+), CD56 foci (+), c-kit foci (+), SMA part (+), desmin foci (+), PD-L1 (-), SALL4 (-), OCT3/4 (-), p63 (-), p40 (-), D2-40 (-), inhibin (-), PLAP (-), CD30 (-), and Ki67 hotspot in approximately 80% (+). The patient underwent tumor cytoreduction and adjuvant chemotherapy. Currently, she is being followed up for 16 months and has a good general condition.ConclusionThe diagnosis of carcinosarcoma relies on histopathological examination and differentiation of carcinosarcoma from immature teratoma. The current therapeutic regimen for carcinosarcoma is still based on tumor cytoreduction and platinum-containing chemotherapy; research on targeted therapy is still in progress.