bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prostate cancer antigen 3 test for prostate biopsy decision: a systematic review and meta analysis
Authors: Luo Yong , Gou Xin , Huang Peng , Chan Mou 
Published: January 2024

Background
The specificity for early interventions of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in prostate cancer (PCa) is not satisfactory. It is likely that prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) can be used to predict biopsy outcomes more accurately than PSA for the early detection of PCa. We systematically reviewed literatures and subsequently performed a meta-analysis.

Methods
A bibliographic search in the database of Embase, Medline, Web of Science, NCBI, PubMed, CNKI, and those of health technology assessment agencies published before April 2013 was conducted. The key words used were “prostatic neoplasms”, “prostate”, “‘prostate,’ ‘carcinoma’ or ‘cancer’ or ‘tumor’, or ‘PCa,’” and free terms of “upm3”, “pca3”, “dd3”, “aptimapca 3”, and “prostate cancer antigen 3”. All patients were adults. The intervention was detecting PCA3 in urine samples for PCa diagnosis. We checked the quality based on the QUADAS criteria, collected data, and developed a meta-analysis to synthesize results. Twenty-four studies of diagnostic tests with moderate to high quality were selected.

Results
The sensitivity was between 46.9% and 82.3%; specificity was from 55% to 92%; positive predictive value had a range of 39.0%-86.0%; and the negative predictive value was 61.0%-89.7%. The meta-analysis has heterogeneity between studies. The global sensitivity value was 0.82 (95% CI 0.72-0.90); specificity was 0.962 (95% CI 0.73-0.99); positive likelihood ratio was 2.39 (95% CI 2.10-2.71); negative likelihood ratio was 0.51 (95% CI 0.46-0.86); diagnostic odds ratio was 4.89 (95% CI 3.94-6.06); and AUC in SROC curve was 0.744 1.

Conclusion
PCA3 can be used for early diagnosis of PCa and to avoid unnecessary biopsies.
Tumor necrosis factor gene polymorphisms and endometriosis in Asians: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lyu Jiangtao , Yang Hua , Lang Jinghe , Tan Xianjie 
Published: January 2024

Background
Numerous studies have described the association between polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene and risk of endometriosis. However, the results remain controversial. Here we reviewed studies reporting the association between TNF gene polymorphisms and endometriosis risk in Asians.

Methods
PubMed and Embase were searched. Twelve case-control studies assessing the role of multiple TNF gene polymorphisms in endometriosis were included. If no less than two articles evaluated one variant, meta-analysis was conducted; otherwise, narrative analysis was chosen. A fixed- or random-effects model was employed according to the heterogeneity among studies. The strength of the association between TNF gene polymorphisms and endometriosis risk was assessed by odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results
For TNF-α -238G>A, -308G>A, -857C>T, and -863C>A, no significant associations were identified from all genetic models. For TNF-α -850T>C, results from one study showed that patients harboring the heterozygote TC were less susceptible to endometriosis than patients harboring the homozygote TT. For TNF-α -1031T>C, a mild increase in endometriosis risk was found in the Asian population. Meta-analysis from two studies found that the TNF-β +252>G polymorphism had a protective effect in Chinese individuals. Due to the limitations of the included studies, it is necessitated to perform more studies to elucidate the possible roles of TNF gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Conclusions

TNF-α -1031T>C and TNF-β +252A>G were significantly associated with the risk of endometriosis in Asian and Chinese populations, respectively. To further evaluate these associations, more large-scale, rigorously designed studies are needed.
Difficulties in post-stroke gait improvement caused by post-stroke depression
Authors: Kijowski Stanislaw 
Published: January 2024

Background
Depression is a common problem impeding post-stroke rehabilitation. Up to 70% of patients show depression symptoms during the first twelve months after stroke onset. However, the depression and its effect on functional recovery can be difficult to diagnose. The purpose of this study was to use gait analysis as a tool to compare the recovery after stroke in patients with and without depression and to assess the impact of the initiation time of rehabilitation after stroke onset.

Methods
One hundred and forty five consecutive patients after first ever stroke admitted for designed rehabilitation program within 2 to 31 months after stroke onset participated. All patients received 4 weeks treatment program included comprehensive rehabilitation consisted of multipurpose activities 5 days a week. These included individual and group exercises, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and gait training. Gait analysis with Kistler force plates was employed to assess gait pattern symmetry before and after the treatment. Gait symmetry was evaluated based on seven gait parameters. Regaining of gait pattern symmetry was assumed as a measure of rehabilitation outcome.

Results
After rehabilitation program gait symmetry was regained in patients without depression. Gait asymmetry remained unchanged in patients diagnosed with depression. No major differences in outcome from rehabilitation were noted in regards to the initiation time of rehabilitation after the stroke onset.

Conclusions
Depression limits gait recovery after stroke. The time of initiation of rehabilitation after stroke onset does not limit the motor recovery after rehabilitation program.
An antiretroviral regimen containing 6 months of stavudine followed by long-term zidovudine for first-line HIV therapy is optimal in resource-limited settings: a prospective, multicenter study in China
Authors: Li Taisheng , Guo Fuping , Li Yijia , Zhang Chengda , Han Yang , Lye Wei , He Yun , Lu Hongzhou , Xie Jing , Huang Aiqiong , Li Yanling , Tang Xiaoping , Wang Hui , Zhang Tong , Gao Guiju , Lei Junkang , Zhang Xiaoying , Wu Xinhua , Sun Yongtao , Bai Jinsong , Luo Ling , Wang Huanling 
Published: January 2024

Background
An zidovudine (AZT)-substitution regimen containing 24-week stavudine (d4T) followed by long-term AZT for HIV therapy is potential to trade off short-term AZT-related anemia and long-term risks associated with d4T in resourcelimited settings. However, evidence is scarce. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of AZT-substitution regimen, aiming to find a regimen with better efficacy, less adverse events, and more affordability in resource-limited settings.

Methods
This prospective, multicenter study enrolled 499 (190 on d4T regimen, 172 on AZT regimen, and 137 on AZTsubstitution regimen) HIV-1-infected subjects who initiated combined antiretroviral therapy and attended follow-up visits over 96 weeks from 2009 to 2011. Lamivudine (3TC) and either nevirapine (NVP) or efavirenz (EFV) were the other two drugs in the antiretroviral regimens. Virologic and immunologic responses and adverse events were monitored at baseline and at weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96.

Results
In terms of hematological adverse effects, AZT-substitution group had similar safety profiles to d4T group and was superior to AZT group. In comparison with AZT-substitution group, AZT group was associated with higher risk of developing anemia (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for anemia ≥ grade II, 8.44, 95% CI 1.81–39.46) and neutropenia (aHR for neutropenia ≥ grade II, 1.86, 95% CI 1.19–2.93). The prevalence of lipodystrophy in d4T group was 19.5%, while that in AZT-substitution group was zero. As to antiretroviral efficacy, these three groups showed no differences.

Conclusion
AZT-substitution regimen provides a relatively safe and effective first-line antiretroviral strategy in resource-limited settings.
Radial shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic constriction injury model in rats: a preliminary study
Authors: Fu Miao , Cheng Hao , Li Duoyi , Yu Xiaotong , Ji Nan , Luo Fang 
Published: January 2024

Background
Pain physicians pay close attention to neuropathic pain (NP), since there is currently no ideal treatment. Radial shock wave therapy (RSWT) is a noninvasive treatment to chronic pain of soft tissue disorders. So far, there is no information on the use of RSWT for the treatment of NP. Therefore we observe the effects of RSWT on a NP model induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) in rats.

Methods
Four different energy densities (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 bar) RSWT administered as a single session or repeated sessions in rats with NP induced by CCI of the sciatic nerve. The analgesic effect was assessed by measuring mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL). The safety was assessed through calculating sciatic functional index (SFI).

Results
MWT and TWL increased after a single session of RSWT from day 1 to day 5 but returned to baseline levels by day 10. Following repeated sessions of RSWT, both the MWT and TWL were significantly higher than NP group (P< 0.01) for at least 4 weeks. In addition, no significant changes of SFI were observed in any groups after repeated sessions of RSWT and no increased pain or other side effects in any animals.

Conclusions
A single session of RSWT is rapidly effective in the treatment of CCI, but the efficacy maintained in a short period. However, repeated sessions of RSWT have prolonged efficacy.
An anatomical comparison of two minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgeries using fresh female cadavers
Authors: Wenyan Wang , Lan Zhu , Bing Wei , Jinghe Lang 
Published: January 2024

Background
During the past decade, graft materials have been widespread used in the vagina in order to correct pelvic organ prolapse. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the exact anatomical position of the puncture devices and their relations to the relevant anatomical structures in the Prolift™ and a modified pelvic reconstructive surgery with mesh.

Methods
Twelve fresh cadavers were allocated randomly to either the Prolift™ or the modified pelvic reconstructive surgery group. Each group had six fresh cadavers. Relevant distances between the puncture devices and anatomical structures were recorded in both minimally invasive puncture surgeries.

Results
The mean distances from the posterior puncture points of the obturator membrane to the posterior branch of obturator arteries were shorter ((0.60±0.36) cm and (0.78±0.10) cm) when compared with the distances to the anterior branch of obturator arteries ((1.53±0.46) cm and (1.86±0.51) cm) for the reconstruction of the anterior compartment in both surgeries (all P <0.05). The distance from the puncture points of the pelvic floor through the ischiorectal fossa to the coccygeal and inferior gluteal arteries in the Prolift™ technique ((0.88±0.10) cm) and ((1.59±0.36) cm)) were much shorter than that in the modified pelvic reconstructive surgery ((2.95±0.09) cm) and ((3.40±0.36) cm)) for the reconstruction of the middle and posterior compartments (all P <0.05).

Conclusions
Compared with the Prolift™ technique, the modified pelvic reconstructive surgery with mesh would be safer not to cause great damage to the inferior gluteal arteries and the coccygeal arteries. The posterior branch of obturator arteries would be easier to be injured than the anterior branch of obturator arteries during anterior compartment reconstruction in both surgeries.
Association between CISH polymorphisms and spontaneous clearance of hepatitis B virus in hepatitis B extracellular antigen–positive patients during immune active phase
Authors: Song Guangjun , Rao Huiying , Feng Bo , Wei Lai 
Published: January 2024

Background
Some hepatitis B extracellular antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in their immune active phase can clear the virus spontaneously and enter into an inactive hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier state, indicating a benign prognosis. In this study, the association between cytokine-inducible SRC homology 2 domain protein (CISH) gene polymorphisms at -292 (rs414171) and the spontaneous clearance of HBV in HBeAg-positive CHB patients in immune the active phase was investigated.

Methods
Seventy HBeAg-positive CHB patients in the immune active phase were followed up for 76 weeks without antiviral therapy. The alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, HBV DNA, HBeAg and hepatitis B extracellular antibody levels were tested regularly. At week 76, 27 patients were classified into group A (HBV DNA level below 2 104 IU/ml and the value of HBeAg declined below 10% of the baseline at week 76), and 43 patients were classified into group B (HBV DNA level higher than 2×104 IU/ml or the value of HBeAg did not decline substantially at week 76). CISH (rs414171) polymorphisms were also tested using the iPLEX system.

Results
The HBV DNA levels at week 12 were significantly greater in group B compared with group A (group A: (6.87±1.40) log10IU/ml; group B: (7.61±1.38) log10IU/ml, P=0.034) and the HBeAg values were greater in group B at week 28 compared with group A (P=0.001). The differences in HBV DNA and HBeAg values increased between the groups over time. Sixteen patients in group A and 11 in group B were genotype AA. Those with genotype AT or TT included 11 in group A and 31 in group B (AA vs. AT and TT, odds ratio 4.10 (95% confidence interval: 1.462-11.491), P=0.006).

Conclusion

CISH gene polymorphisms at -292 (rs414171) are associated with HBV clearance in HBeAg-positive CHB patients in the immune active phase, and AA is a favorable genotype for this effect.
Atorvastatin induces autophagy of mesenchymal stem cells under hypoxia and serum deprivation conditions by activating the mitogenactivated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway
Authors: Li Na , Zhang Qian , Qian Haiyan , Jin Chen , Yang Yuejin , Gao Runlin 
Published: January 2024

Background
The survival ratio of implanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the infarcted myocardium is low. Autophagy is a complex “self-eating” process and can be utilized for cell survival. We have found that atorvastatin (ATV) can effectively activate autophagy to enhance MSCs survival during hypoxia and serum deprivation (H/SD). The mitogenactivated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) pathway is a non-canonical autophagy pathway. We hypothesized that the MEK/ERK pathway mediated ATV-induced autophagy of MSCs under H/SD.

Methods
MSCs were pretreated with ATV (0.01–10 μmol/L) under H/SD for three hours. For inhibitor studies, the cells were pre-incubated with the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126. Cell autophagy was assessed by acidic vesicular organelles (AVO)-positive cells using flow cytometry, autophagy related protein using Western blotting and autophagosome using transmission electron microscopy.

Results
Autophagy was elevated in the H/SD group compared with the normal group. ATV further enhanced the autophagic activity as well as the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 evidenced by more AVO-positive cells ((8.63±0.63)% vs. (5.77±0.44)%, P <0.05), higher LC3-II/LC3-I ratio (4.36±0.31 vs. 2.52±0.18, P <0.05) and more autophagosomes. And treatment with U0126 downregulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and attenuated ATV-induced autophagy.

Conclusion
The MEK/ERK pathway participates in ATV-induced autophagy in MSCs under H/SD, and modulation of the pathway could be a novel strategy to improve MSCs survival.
Urodynamic analysis and treatment of male Parkinson's disease patients with voiding dysfunction
Authors: Xue Peng , Wang Tao , Zong Huantao , Zhang Yong 
Published: January 2024

Background
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an extrapyramidal neurological disorder. Urinary symptoms are frequently present in patients affected by PD. Symptoms such as urgency, frequency, nocturia, and urge incontinence significantly impact the patient's quality of life. We attempted to investigate the urodynamic changes and treatment of male PD patients with voiding dysfunction by means of a review.

Methods
Comprehensive urodynamic examinations were performed in 141 male patients with PD associated with voiding dysfunction. Appropriate treatments were given to subgroups that were divided based on test results, and the changes in urodynamic parameters as well as the treatment efficacy were observed.

Results
Detrusor hyperreflexia without bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) was observed in 35 patients, who exhibited significant improvements in the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), bladder volume at the first desire to void, post-void residual (PVR), and bladder compliance. Detrusor hyperreflexia associated with BOO was observed in 59 patients. The patients exhibited significant improvements in IPSS, Qmax, PVR, and bladder compliance. Detrusor dysfunction without BOO was observed in 19 patients, for whom the IPSS and the bladder volume at the first desire to void were improved after treatment. Detrusor dysfunction with BOO was found in 28 patients, with no significant improvement in the urodynamic parameters after the treatment.

Conclusions
Urodynamic examination is recommended for male Parkinson's disease patients with voiding dysfunction. Early and effective treatment can improve the bladder function and quality of life of these patients.
Prostate specific membrane antigen knockdown impairs the tumorigenicity of LNCaP prostate cancer cells by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Guo Zhenghui , Lai Yiming , Du Tao , Zhang Yiming , Chen Jieqing , Bi Liangkuan , Lin Tianxin , Liu Hao , Wang Wei , Xu Kewei , Jiang Chun , Han Jinli , Zhang Caixia , Dong Wen , Huang Jian , Huang Hai 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundProstate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) can facilitate the growth, migration, and invasion of the LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have not yet been clearly defined. Here, we investigated whether PSMA serves as a novel regulator of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling by employing PSMA knockdown model and PI3K pharmacological inhibitor (LY294002) in LNCaP prostate cancer cells.MethodsPSMA knockdown had been stably established by transfecting with lentivirus-mediated siRNA in our previous study. Then, LNCaP cells were divided into interference, non-interference, and blank groups. We first testified the efficacy of PSMA knockdown in our LNCaP cell line. Then, we compared the expression of PSMA and total/activated Akt by Western blotting in the above three groups with or without LY294002 treatment. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry was performed to confirm the changes of activated Akt (p-Akt, Ser473) in groups. Besides, cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle were measured by CCK-8 assay, Transwell analysis, and Flow cytometry respectively.ResultsAfter PSMA knockdown, the level of p-Akt (Ser473) but not of total-Akt (Akt1/2) was significantly decreased when compared with the non-interference and blank groups. However, LY294002 administration significantly reduced the expression of p-Akt (Ser473) in all the three groups. The results of immunocytochemistry further confirmed that PSMA knockdown or LY294002 treatment was associated with p-Akt (Ser473) down-regulation. Decrease of cell proliferation, migration, and survival were also observed upon PSMA knockdown and LY294002 treatment.ConclusionsTaken together, our results reveal that PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibition may serve as a novel molecular mechanism in LNCaP prostate cancer cells of PSMA knockdown and suggest that Akt (Ser473) may play a critical role as a downstream signaling target effector of PSMA in this cellular model.
Investigation of molecular diagnosis in Chinese patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Li Mao , Wang Zhanjun , Cui Fang , Yang Fei , Chen Zhaohui , Ling Li , Pu Chuanqiang , Huang Xusheng 
Published: January 2024

Background
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant multisystem disease caused by abnormal expansion of cytosine-thymine-guanine (CTG) repeats in the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase gene. The clinical manifestations of DM1 are multisystemic and highly variable, and the unstable nature of CTG expansion causes wide genotypic and phenotypic presentations, which make molecular methods essential for the diagnosis. So far, very few studies about molecular diagnosis in Chinese patients with DM1 have been reported. Therefore, we carried out a study using two different methods in molecular diagnosis to verify the validity in detecting CTG expansion in Chinese patients showing DM signs.

Methods
A total of 97 Chinese individuals were referred for molecular diagnosis of DM1 using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) accompanied by Southern blotting and triplet primed PCR (TP-PCR). We evaluated the sensitivity and limitation of each method using percentage.

Results
By conventional PCR 65 samples showed only one fragment corresponding to the normal allele and 62 out of them were correctly diagnosed as DM1 by TP-PCR and three homologous non-DM1 samples were ruled out; Southern blotting analysis successfully made 13 out of 16 correct diagnoses with a more sensitivity using α-32P-labeled probes than dig-labeled probes.

Conclusion
Molecular analysis is necessary for the diagnosis of DM1 and TP-PCR is a reliable, sensitive, and easily performed method in molecular diagnosis which is worthy to be popularized.
Radiofrequency ablation versus partial nephrectomy for the treatment of clinical stage 1 renal masses: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shangqian Wang , Chao Qin , Zhihang Peng , Qiang Cao , Pu Li , Pengfei Shao , Xiaobing Ju , Xiaoxin Meng , Qiang Lu , Jie Li , Meilin Wang , Zhengdong Zhang , Min Gu , Wei Zhang , Changjun Yin 
Published: January 2024

Background
Over the past two decades, the clinical presentation of renal masses has evolved, where the rising incidence of small renal masses (SRMs) and concomitant minimal invasive treatments have led to noteworthy changes in paradigm of kidney cancer. This study was to perform a proportional meta-analysis of observational studies on perioperative complications and oncological outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods
The US National Library of Medicine’s life science database (Medline) and the Web of Science were exhaustly searched before August 1, 2013. Clinical stage 1 SRMs that were treated with PN or RFA were included, and perioperative complications and oncological outcomes of a total of 9 565 patients were analyzed.

Results
Patients who underwent RFA were significantly older (P <0.001). In the subanalysis of stage T1 tumors, the major complication rate of PN was greater than that of RFA (laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN)/robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN): 7.2%, open partial nephrectomy (OPN): 7.9%, RFA: 3.1%, both P <0.001). Minor complications occurred more frequently after RFA (RFA: 13.8%, LPN/RPN: 7.5%, OPN: 9.5%, both P <0.001). By multivariate analysis, the relative risks for minor complications of RFA, compared with LPN and OPN, were 1.7-fold and 1.5-fold greater (both P <0.01), respectively. Patients treated with RFA had a greater local progression rate than those treated by PN (RFA: 4.6%, LPN/RPN: 1.2%, OPN: 1.9%, both P <0.001). By multivariate analysis, the local tumor progression for RFA versus LPN/RPN and OPN were 4.5-fold and 3.1-fold greater, respectively (both P <0.001).

Conclusions
The current data illustrate that both PN and RFA are viable strategies for the treatment of SRMs. Compared with PN, RFA showed a greater risk of local tumor progression but a lower major complication rate, which is considered better for poor candidates. PN is with no doubt the golden treatment for SRMs, and LPN has been widely accepted as the first option for nephron-sparing surgery by experienced urologists. RFA may be the best option for select patients with significant comorbidity.