bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of focal muscle vibration on motor impairments in people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review
Authors: Alashram Anas Radi 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND: Motor impairments are common consequences in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). These impairments limit function independence and decrease activities of daily living. Focal muscle vibration (FMV) produces vibration signals affecting the central nervous system. No systematic review has been published investigating the effects of FMV on motor impairments in people with MS. OBJECTIVES: This review was conducted to investigate the effects of FMV in motor rehabilitation in PwMS. METHODS: PubMed, SCOPUS, REHABDATA, PEDro, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of science were searched from their inception until May 2023. Studies were included if they were experimental studies, used FMV in PwMS, and evaluated motor impairments. Studies were excluded if they used other forms of vibration application (e.g., whole-body vibration) or used pharmacological treatments as a primary intervention. We evaluate the risk of bias using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. RESULTS: Five studies met our eligibility criteria. Three studies were randomized controlled trials, a clinical controlled trial ( n = 1), and a pilot study ( n = 1). A total of 123 participants were included in this review (Mean age = 47), 42.28% of whom were men. The PEDro scale scores ranged from three to eight. The findings revealed beneficial and non-beneficial effects of FMV on motor function in PwMS. CONCLUSIONS: The FMV application is safe and well-tolerated in PwMS. The evidence for the impacts of FMV on motor impairments in PwMS was limited. Additional studies with long-term follow-ups are encouraged.
Spheroid size influences cellular senescence and angiogenic potential of mesenchymal stromal cell-derived soluble factors and extracellular vesicles
Authors: Rovere Matteo , Reverberi Daniele , Arnaldi Pietro , Palamà Maria Elisabetta Federica , Gentili Chiara 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The secretome of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) serves as an innovative tool employed in the regenerative medicine approach. In this particular context, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems are widely utilized to better replicate in vivo conditions and facilitate prolonged cell maintenance during culture. The use of spheroids enables the preservation of the classical phenotypical characteristics of MSCs. However, the distinct microenvironment within the spheroid may impact the secretome, thereby enhancing the angiogenic properties of adult MSCs that typically possess a reduced angiogenic potential compared to MSCs derived from perinatal tissues due to the hypoxia created in the internal region of the spheroid.Methods: In this study, large spheroids (2,600 cells, ∼300 μm diameter) and small spheroids (1,000 cells, ∼200 μm diameter) were used to examine the role of spheroid diameter in the generation of nutrients and oxygen gradients, cellular senescence, and the angiogenic potential of secreted factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs).Results: In this study, we demonstrate that large spheroids showed increased senescence and a secretome enriched in pro-angiogenic factors, as well as pro-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic cytokines, while small spheroids exhibited decreased senescence and a secretome enriched in pro-angiogenic molecules. We also demonstrated that 3D culture led to a higher secretion of EVs with classical phenotypic characteristics. Soluble factors and EVs from small spheroids exhibited higher angiogenic potential in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenic assay.Discussion: These findings highlighted the necessity of choosing the appropriate culture system for obtaining soluble factors and EVs for specific therapeutic applications.
Outcome of antithrombotic therapy in cancer patients with catheter-related thrombosis: a systematic review
Authors: Yin Qinan , Zheng Xingyue , Han Lizhu , Huang Xuefei , Wang Yueyuan , Song Yujie , Zhang Yuan , Bian Yuan 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe guidelines' recommendations for anticoagulation in cancer patients with catheter-related thrombosis are unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to assess anticoagulation management in cancer patients with catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) based on previously published studies.MethodsAs of June 10, 2023,we searched databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane and included 11 observational studies that met the criteria. We evaluated 770 adults with active cancer and objectively confirmed patients with CRT who were using drugs including warfarin, LMWH, and new oral anticoagulants as antithrombotic therapy.ResultsWe extracted outcome data, including thrombosis recurrence, catheter dysfunction, major bleeding, and death, and performed a meta-analysis.DiscussionIn this study we found that the risk of VTE recurrence was higher with rivaroxaban, the risk of bleeding and death appeared to be greater with warfarin, and although the risk of catheter dysfunction due to LMWH is a concern, it is still a more reasonable option for cancer patients with catheter-related thrombosis.Systematic Review Registrationhttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier (CRD42022367979).
Chronological age enhances aging phenomena and protein nitration in oocyte
Authors: Goud Pravin T. , Goud Anuradha P. , Camp Olivia G. , Bai David , Gonik Bernard , Diamond Michael P. , Abu-Soud Husam M. 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe average age of childbearing has increased over the years contributing to infertility, miscarriages, and chromosomal abnormalities largely invoked by an age-related decline in oocyte quality. In this study, we investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) insufficiency and protein nitration in oocyte chronological aging.MethodsMouse oocytes were retrieved from young breeders (YB, 8-14 weeks [w]), retired breeders (RB, 48-52w) and old animals (OA, 80-84w) at 13.5 and 17 hours after ovulation trigger. They were assessed for zona pellucida dissolution time (ZPDT); ooplasmic microtubule dynamics (OMD); cortical granule (CG) status and spindle morphology (SM), as markers of oocyte quality. Sibling oocytes from RB were exposed to NO supplementation and assessed for aging phenomena (AP). All oocyte cumulus complexes were subjected to fluorescence nitrotyrosine (NT) immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy to assess morphology and protein nitration.ResultsAt 13.5 h from hCG trigger, oocytes from RB compared to YB had significantly increased ZPDT (37.8 ± 11.9 vs 22.1 ± 4.1 seconds [s]), OMD (46.9 vs 0%), CG loss (39.4 vs 0%), and decreased normal SM (30.3 vs 81.3%), indicating premature AP that worsened among oocytes from RB at 17 hours post-hCG trigger. When exposed to SNAP, RB AP significantly decreased (ZPDT: 35.1 ± 5.5 vs 46.3 ± 8.9s, OMD: 13.3 vs 75.0% and CG loss: 50.0 vs 93.3%) and SM improved (80.0 vs 14.3%). The incidence of NT positivity was significantly higher in cumulus cells (13.5 h, 46.7 ± 4.5 vs 3.4 ± 0.7%; 17 h, 82.2 ± 2.9 vs 23.3 ± 3.6%) and oocytes (13.5 h, 57.1 vs 0%; 17 h, 100.0 vs 55.5%) from RB compared to YB. Oocytes retrieved decreased with advancing age (29.8 ± 4.1 per animal in the YB group compared to 10.2 ± 2.1 in RB and 4.0 ± 1.6 in OA). Oocytes from OA displayed increased ZPDT, major CG loss, increased OMD and spindle abnormalities, as well as pronuclear formation, confirming spontaneous meiosis to interphase transition.Conclusion(s)Oocytes undergo zona pellucida hardening, altered spindle and ooplasmic microtubules, and premature cortical granule release, indicative of spontaneous meiosis-interphase transition, as a function of chronological aging. These changes are also associated with NO insufficiency and protein nitration and may be alleviated through supplementation with an NO-donor.
Single-cell RNA-seq analyses inform necroptosis-associated myeloid lineages influence the immune landscape of pancreas cancer
Authors: Dong Weiwei , Zhao Huixia , Xiao Shanshan , Zheng Liuqing , Fan Tongqiang , Wang Li , Zhang He , Hu Yanyan , Yang Jingwen , Wang Tao , Xiao Wenhua 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionTumor-infiltrating myeloid cells (TIMs) are key regulators in tumor progression, but the similarity and distinction of their fundamental properties in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain elusive.MethodIn this study, we conducted scRNA-seq data analysis of cells from 12 primary tumor (PT) tissues, 4 metastatic (Met) tumor tissues, 3 adjacent normal pancreas tissues (Para), and PBMC samples across 16 PDAC patients, and revealed a heterogeneous TIMs environment in PDAC.ResultSystematic comparisons between tumor and non-tumor samples of myeloid lineages identified 10 necroptosis-associated genes upregulated in PDAC tumors compared to 5 upregulated in paratumor or healthy peripheral blood. A novel RTM (resident tissue macrophages), GLUL-SQSTM1- RTM, was found to act as a positive regulator of immunity. Additionally, HSP90AA1+HSP90AB1+ mast cells exhibited pro-immune characteristics, and JAK3+TLR4+ CD16 monocytes were found to be anti-immune. The findings were validated through clinical outcomes and cytokines analyses. Lastly, intercellular network reconstruction supported the associations between the identified novel clusters, cancer cells, and immune cell populations.ConclusionOur analysis comprehensively characterized major myeloid cell lineages and identified three subsets of myeloid-derived cells associated with necroptosis. These findings not only provide a valuable resource for understanding the multi-dimensional characterization of the tumor microenvironment in PDAC but also offer valuable mechanistic insights that can guide the design of effective immuno-oncology treatment strategies.
Utilizing predictive machine-learning modelling unveils feature-based risk assessment system for hyperinflammatory patterns and infectious outcomes in polytrauma
Authors: Fachet Melanie , Mushunuri Raghava Vinaykanth , Bergmann Christian B. , Marzi Ingo , Hoeschen Christoph , Relja Borna 
Published: December 2023

PurposeEarlier research has identified several potentially predictive features including biomarkers associated with trauma, which can be used to assess the risk for harmful outcomes of polytraumatized patients. These features encompass various aspects such as the nature and severity of the injury, accompanying health conditions, immune and inflammatory markers, and blood parameters linked to organ functioning, however their applicability is limited. Numerous indicators relevant to the patients` outcome are routinely gathered in the intensive care unit (ICU) and recorded in electronic medical records, rendering them suitable predictors for risk assessment of polytraumatized patients.Methods317 polytraumatized patients were included, and the influence of 29 clinical and biological features on the complication patterns for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), pneumonia and sepsis were analyzed with a machine learning workflow including clustering, classification and explainability using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values. The predictive ability of the analyzed features within three days after admission to the hospital were compared based on patient-specific outcomes using receiver-operating characteristics.ResultsA correlation and clustering analysis revealed that distinct patterns of injury and biomarker patterns were observed for the major complication classes. A k-means clustering suggested four different clusters based on the major complications SIRS, pneumonia and sepsis as well as a patient subgroup that developed no complications. For classification of the outcome groups with no complications, pneumonia and sepsis based on boosting ensemble classification, 90% were correctly classified as low-risk group (no complications). For the high-risk groups associated with development of pneumonia and sepsis, 80% of the patients were correctly identified. The explainability analysis with SHAP values identified the top-ranking features that had the largest impact on the development of adverse outcome patterns. For both investigated risk scenarios (infectious complications and long ICU stay) the most important features are SOFA score, Glasgow Coma Scale, lactate, GGT and hemoglobin blood concentration.ConclusionThe machine learning-based identification of prognostic feature patterns in patients with traumatic injuries may improve tailoring personalized treatment modalities to mitigate the adverse outcomes in high-risk patient clusters.
Diagnostic efficacy of serum presepsin for postoperative infectious complications: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Chun-Ying , Kao Chia-Li , Hung Kuo-Chuan , Wu Jheng-Yan , Hsu Hui-Chen , Yu Chia-Hung , Chang Wei-Ting , Feng Ping-Hsun , Chen I-Wen 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundPostoperative infectious complications (PICs) are major concerns. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for timely treatment and improved outcomes. Presepsin is an emerging biomarker for bacterial infections. However, its diagnostic efficacy for PICs across surgical specialties remains unclear.MethodsIn this study, a systematic search on MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library was performed on September 30, 2023, to identify studies that evaluated presepsin for diagnosing PICs. PIC is defined as the development of surgical site infection or remote infection. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curves were calculated. The primary outcome was the assessment of the efficacy of presepsin for PIC diagnosis, and the secondary outcome was the investigation of the reliability of procalcitonin or C-reactive protein (CRP) in the diagnosis of PICs.ResultsThis meta-analysis included eight studies (n = 984) and revealed that the pooled sensitivity and specificity of presepsin for PIC diagnosis were 76% (95% confidence interval [CI] 68%–82%) and 83% (95% CI 75%–89%), respectively. The HSROC curve yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95% CI 0.73–0.81). Analysis of six studies on procalcitonin showed a combined sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 77%, with an AUC of 0.83 derived from the HSROC. Meanwhile, data from five studies on CRP indicated pooled sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 79%, with the HSROC curve yielding an AUC of 0.89.ConclusionPresepsin exhibits moderate diagnostic accuracy for PIC across surgical disciplines. Based on the HSROC-derived AUC, CRP has the highest diagnostic efficacy for PICs, followed by procalcitonin and presepsin. Nonetheless, presepsin demonstrated greater specificity than the other biomarkers. Further study is warranted to validate the utility of and optimize the cutoff values for presepsin.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023468358.
Efficacy of canakinumab in patients with Still’s disease across different lines of biologic therapy: real-life data from the International AIDA Network Registry for Still’s Disease
Authors: Vitale Antonio , Caggiano Valeria , Sfikakis Petros P. , Dagna Lorenzo , Lopalco Giuseppe , Ragab Gaafar , La Torre Francesco , Almaghlouth Ibrahim A. , Maggio Maria Cristina , Sota Jurgen , Tufan Abdurrahman , Hinojosa-Azaola Andrea , Iannone Florenzo , Loconte Roberta , Laskari Katerina , Direskeneli Haner , Ruscitti Piero , Morrone Maria , Mayrink Giardini Henrique A. , Panagiotopoulos Alexandros , Di Cola Ilenia , Martín-Nares Eduardo , Monti Sara , De Stefano Ludovico , Kardas Rıza Can , Duran Rahime , Campochiaro Corrado , Tomelleri Alessandro , Alabdulkareem Abdulaziz Mohammed , Gaggiano Carla , Tarsia Maria , Bartoloni Elena , Romeo Mery , Hussein Mohamed A. , Laymouna Ahmed Hatem , Parente de Brito Antonelli Isabele , Dagostin Marilia Ambiel , Fotis Lampros , Bindoli Sara , Navarini Luca , Alibaz-Oner Fatma , Sevik Gizem , Frassi Micol , Ciccia Francesco , Iacono Daniela , Crisafulli Francesca , Portincasa Piero , Jaber Nour , Kawakami-Campos Perla Ayumi , Wiesik-Szewczyk Ewa , Iagnocco Annamaria , Simonini Gabriele , Sfriso Paolo , Balistreri Alberto , Giacomelli Roberto , Conti Giovanni , Frediani Bruno , Fabiani Claudia , Cantarini Luca 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe effectiveness of canakinumab may change according to the different times it is used after Still’s disease onset. This study aimed to investigate whether canakinumab (CAN) shows differences in short- and long-term therapeutic outcomes, according to its use as different lines of biologic treatment.MethodsPatients included in this study were retrospectively enrolled from the AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance (AIDA) International Registry dedicated to Still’s disease. Seventy-seven (51 females and 26 males) patients with Still’s disease were included in the present study. In total, 39 (50.6%) patients underwent CAN as a first-line biologic agent, and the remaining 38 (49.4%) patients were treated with CAN as a second-line biologic agent or subsequent biologic agent.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found between patients treated with CAN as a first-line biologic agent and those previously treated with other biologic agents in terms of the frequency of complete response (p =0.62), partial response (p =0.61), treatment failure (p &gt;0.99), and frequency of patients discontinuing CAN due to lack or loss of efficacy (p =0.2). Of all the patients, 18 (23.4%) patients experienced disease relapse during canakinumab treatment, 9 patients were treated with canakinumab as a first-line biologic agent, and nine patients were treated with a second-line or subsequent biologic agent. No differences were found in the frequency of glucocorticoid use (p =0.34), daily glucocorticoid dosage (p =0.47), or concomitant methotrexate dosage (p =0.43) at the last assessment during CAN treatment.ConclusionCanakinumab has proved to be effective in patients with Still’s disease, regardless of its line of biologic treatment.
Evidence of tick-borne encephalitis virus neutralizing antibodies in Serbian individuals exposed to tick bites
Authors: Banović Pavle , Mijatović Dragana , Bogdan Ivana , Simin Verica , Meletis Eleftherios , Kostoulas Polychronis , Resman Rus Katarina , Knap Nataša , Korva Miša , Avšič-Županc Tatjana , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionTick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an emerging vector-borne and food-borne disease caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV; Orthoflavivirus encephalitidis), with a distribution spanning the Eurasian continent. Despite its significant public health impact in various European regions, TBE remains largely underdiagnosed in Serbia due to limited awareness and diagnostic challenges. In response to this, our study aimed to comprehensively assess TBEV exposure in individuals infested with ticks and to identify potential TBEV foci within Serbia.Materials and methodsFrom 2019 to 2021, we conducted an observational study involving 450 patients who reported tick infestations.ResultsOur demographic analysis revealed a median age of 38 years, with a slight male predominance among the participants. We documented tick infestations in 38 municipalities across 14 districts of Serbia, with a notable concentration in proximity to Fruška Gora Mountain. The ticks most frequently removed were Ixodes ricinus, with nymphs and adult females being the predominant stages. On average, nymphs were removed after about 27.1 hours of feeding, while adult females remained attached for approximately 44.4 hours. Notably, we found age as a significant predictor of infestation time for both nymphs and adult females. Furthermore, we detected TBEV-neutralizing antibodies in 0.66% of the serum samples, shedding light on potential TBEV foci, particularly in Fruška Gora Mountain and other regions of Serbia.ConclusionOur study emphasizes the urgent need for active TBE surveillance programs, especially in areas suspected of hosting TBEV foci, in order to assess the true TBE burden, identify at-risk populations, and implement effective preventive measures.
Network analysis and relationship of symptom factors to functional outcomes and quality of life following mild traumatic brain injury: a TRACK-TBI study
Authors: Eagle Shawn R. , Jain Sonia , Sun Xiaoying , Preszler Jonathan , McCrea Michael A. , Giacino Joseph T. , Manley Geoffrey T. , Okonkwo David O. , Nelson Lindsay D. ,   The TRACK-TBI Investigators
Published: December 2023

IntroductionMild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a heterogenous injury which can be difficult to characterize and manage. Using cross-sectional network analysis (NA) to conceptualize mTBI symptoms offers an innovative solution to identify how mTBI symptoms relate to each other. The centrality hypothesis of network theory posits that certain symptoms in a network are more relevant (central) or have above average influence over the rest of the network. However, no studies have used NA to characterize the interrelationships between symptoms in a cohort of patients who presented with mTBI to a U.S. Level 1 trauma center emergency department and how subacute central symptoms relate to long-term outcomes.MethodsPatients with mTBI (Glasgow Coma Scale = 13–15) evaluated across 18 U.S. Level 1 trauma centers from 2013 to 2019 completed the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) at 2 weeks (W2) post-injury (n = 1,593) and at 3 months (M3), 6 months (M6), and 12 months (M12) post-injury. Network maps were developed from RPQ subscale scores at each timepoint. RPQ scores at W2 were associated with M6 and M12 functional and quality of life outcomes.ResultsNetwork structure did not differ across timepoints, indicating no difference in symptoms/factors influence on the overall symptom network across time. The cognitive factor had the highest expected influence at W2 (1.761), M3 (1.245), and M6 (1.349). Fatigue had the highest expected influence at M12 (1.275). The emotional factor was the only other node with expected influence &gt;1 at any timepoint, indicating disproportionate influence of emotional symptoms on overall symptom burden (M3 = 1.011; M6 = 1.076).DiscussionSeveral symptom factors at 2-weeks post-injury were more strongly associated with incomplete recovery and/or poorer injury-related quality of life at 6 and 12 months post-injury than previously validated demographic and clinical covariates. The network analysis suggests that emotional, cognitive, and fatigue symptoms may be useful treatment targets in this population due to high centrality and activating potential of the overall symptom network.