bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From PsO to PsA: the role of TRM and Tregs in psoriatic disease, a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Lobão Bárbara , Lourenço Diana , Giga Ana , Mendes-Bastos Pedro 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionPsoriasis (PsO) is a chronic skin condition driven by immune mediators like TNFα, INFγ, IL-17, and IL-23. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can develop in PsO patients. Although psoriatic lesions may apparently resolve with therapy, subclinical cutaneous inflammation may persist. The role of tissue-resident memory T-cells (TRM), and regulatory T cells (Tregs) that also contribute to chronic inflammation are being explored in this context. This systematic review explores TRM and Tregs in psoriatic disease (PsD) and its progression.MethodsA systematic review, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was performed using Pubmed® and Web of Science™ databases on June 3rd 2023, using patient/population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) criteria limited to the English language.ResultsA total of 62 reports were identified and included. In PsO, chronic inflammation is driven by cytokines including IL-17 and IL-23, and cellular mediators such as CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. TRM contributes to local inflammation, while Tregs may be dysfunctional in psoriatic skin lesions. Secukinumab and guselkumab, which target IL-17A and the IL-23p19 subunit, respectively, have different effects on CD8+ TRM and Tregs during PsO treatment. Inhibition of IL-23 may provide better long-term results due to its impact on the Treg to CD8+ TRM ratio. IL-23 may contribute to inflammation persisting even after treatment. In PsA, subclinical enthesitis is perceived as an early occurence, and Th17 cells are involved in this pathogenic process. Recent EULAR guidelines highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to intercept PsA. In PsA, CD8+ TRM cells are present in synovial fluid and Tregs are reduced in peripheral blood. The progression from PsO to PsA is marked by a shift in immune profiles, with specific T-cells subsets playing key roles in perpetuating inflammation. Early intervention targeting TRM cells may hold promising, but clinical studies are limited. Ongoing studies such as IVEPSA and PAMPA aim to improve our knowledge regarding PsA interception in high-risk PsO patients, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.ConclusionEarly intervention is crucial for PsO patients at high risk of PsA; T cells, particularly type 17 helper T cells, and CD8+ cells are key in the progression from PsO-to-PsA. Early targeting of TRM in PsD shows promise but more research is needed.
Differences in soil bacterial community structure during the remediation of Cd-polluted cotton fields by biochar and biofertilizer in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Zhu Yongqi , An Mengjie , Anwar Tumur , Wang Haijiang 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionHeavy metal pollution is a major worldwide environmental problem. Many remediation techniques have been developed, these techniques have different performance in different environments.MethodsIn this study, soil sampling was conducted in multiple cotton fields in Xinjiang, China, and found that cadmium (Cd) was the most abundant soil heavy metal. Then, to find the most suitable technique for the remediation of Cd pollution in cotton fields, a two-year study was conducted to explore the effects of cotton straw-derived biochar (BC, 3%) and Bacillus-based biofertilizer (BF, 1.5%) on cotton Cd uptake and transport and soil microbial community structure under Cd exposure conditions (soil Cd contents: 1, 2, and 4 mg·kg−1).ResultsThe results showed that the bioaccumulation coefficients (Cd content of cotton organs / soil available Cd content) of cotton roots, stems, leaves, and buds/bolls reduced by 15.93%, 14.41%, 23.53%, and 20.68%, respectively after the application of BC, and reduced by 16.83%, 17.15%, 22.21%, and 26.25%, respectively after the application of BF, compared with the control (no BC and BF). Besides, the application of BC and BF reduced the transport of Cd from soil to root system, and enhanced the diversity of soil bacterial communities (dominant species: Alphaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria) and the metabolic functions related to amino acid synthesis. It was worth noting that the differential species for BF group vs BC group including Alphaproteobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Bacilli, and Vicinamibacteria were associated with the enrichment and transport of Cd, especially the transport of Cd from cotton roots to stems.DiscussionTherefore, the application of BC and BF changed the soil bacterial diversity in Cd-polluted cotton field, and then promoted the transport of Cd in cotton, ultimately improving soil quality. This study will provide a reference for the selection of soil heavy metal pollution remediation techniques in Xinjiang, China.
Sex-specific nociceptor modulation of the apical periodontitis transcriptome
Authors: Lillis Katherine V. , Grinceviciute Ruta , Diogenes Anibal 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Apical periodontitis (AP) is a painful disease that develops quickly following dental infections and is primarily characterized by robust inflammation surrounding the tissues of the affected tooth, resulting in disruption of bone homeostasis and periradicular bone loss. Moreover, there are distinct clinical presentations, symptoms, and responses to AP treatment between male and female subjects, creating a desperate need to further understand the sex-specific mechanisms of AP.Methods: With the growing evidence that nociceptors modulate AP development, we utilized RNA sequencing in nociceptor-ablated (Nav1.8 cre+/−, diphtheria toxin Alox+/−) transgenic mice to study the nociceptor regulation of the periapical lesion transcriptome using a rodent model of AP in female mice over 14 days.Results: Overall, we found that female mice exhibit unique patterns of differentially expressed genes throughout AP infection compared to male mice and that the expression of these genes is regulated by nociceptors. Additionally, nociceptor ablation results in a more significant enrichment of biological processes related to immune responses earlier compared to cre-control (Nav1.8 cre+/−) females and greater expression of genes involved in inflammatory processes and osteolytic activity.Discussion: Therefore, while nociceptor ablation augments inflammatory and bone resorption responses in both males and females in a mouse model of AP, transcriptomic analyses demonstrate that the mechanisms through which nociceptors modulate AP are distinct between sexes. These studies will provide the foundation needed to study further mechanisms of sex differences in AP, an area with a desperate need for investigation to treat current AP patients. Understanding these mechanisms can ultimately inform treatment options to alleviate suffering for millions of patients suffering from AP.
Nrf2 functions as a pyroptosis-related mediator in traumatic brain injury and is correlated with cytokines and disease severity: a bioinformatics analysis and retrospective clinical study
Authors: Zhao Gengshui , Zhao Jianfei , Lang Jiadong , Sun Guozhu 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious hazard to human health. Evidence has accumulated that pyroptosis plays an important role in brain trauma. The aim of this study is to screen potential key molecules between TBI and pyroptosis, and further explore their relationships with disease severity and cytokines.MethodsTo acquire differentially expressed genes (DEGs) before and after brain injury, the GSE89866 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Meanwhile, pyroptosis-related genes were obtained from the GeneCards database, and the intersected genes were identified as differentially expressed pyroptosis-related genes (DEPGs). Moreover, the hub genes were screened via four algorithms (namely Maximum Clique Centrality, Edge Percolated Component, BottleNeck and EcCentricity) in Cytoscape software. Blood levels of Nrf2 were measured by ELISA using a commercially available kit. Finally, we further investigated the correlation between Nrf2 levels and medical indicators in TBI such as clinical characteristics, inflammatory cytokines, and severity.ResultsAltogether, we found 1,795 DEGs in GSE89866 and 98 pyroptosis-related genes in the GeneCards database. Subsequently, four hub genes were obtained, and NFE2L2 was adopted for further clinical study. By using Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation test, we found that the serum Nrf2 levels in severe TBI patients were negatively correlated with GCS scores. On the contrary, there was a positive correlation between serum Nrf2 levels and pupil parameters, Helsinki CT scores, IL-1 β and IL-18.ConclusionsIn summary, bioinformatic analyses showed NFE2L2 plays a significant role in the pathology of TBI. The clinical research indicated the increase in serum Nrf2 levels was closely related to the severity of trauma and cytokines. We speculate that serum Nrf2 may serve as a promising biochemical marker for the assessment of TBI in clinical practice.
Effect of high-dose polymeric nanoparticle micellar paclitaxel on improved progression-free survival in patients with optimally resected stage III or IV high-grade carcinoma of the ovary: a prospective cohort study with historical controls
Authors: Park Soo Jin , Son Joo-Hyuk , Kong Tae-Wook , Chang Suk-Joon , Kim Hee Seung 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionWe evaluated the effect of high-dose polymeric nanoparticle micellar paclitaxel (PM-Pac) on survival in patients with stage III-IV high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) who underwent upfront surgery.MethodsWe prospectively recruited the patients who received PM-Pac (280 mg/m2) and carboplatin at an area under the curve (AUC) of 5 (cohort 1) in two tertiary centers between October 2015 and June 2019. As historical controls, we retrospectively collected data on those who received paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC 5; cohort 2) or paclitaxel (175 mg/m2), carboplatin (AUC 5) and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg; cohort 3).ResultsA total of 128 patients were divided into cohorts 1 (n=49, 38.3%), 2 (n=53, 41.4%), and 3 (n=26, 20.3%). Cohort 1 showed better progression-free survival (PFS) than cohort 2 in all patients and those treated with optimal debulking surgery (ODS; median, 35.5 vs. 28.1 and 35.5 vs. 28.9 months; p ≤ 0.01) despite no difference in PFS between cohorts 1 and 3 and between cohorts 2 and 3. In particular, stage III disease was a favorable factor for PFS, whereas cohort 2 was related to worse PFS (adjusted hazard ratios, 0.456 and 1.834; 95% confidence interval, 0.263 – 0.790 and 1.061 – 3.171), showing no difference in PFS between cohorts 1 and 3 in those treated with ODS.ConclusionHigh-dose PM-Pac improved PFS compared to conventional chemotherapy, and the change of paclitaxel to PM-Pac had as much effect on PFS as the addition of bevacizumab in patients with stage III-IV HGSC who underwent ODS.
A historical controlled study of domestic trastuzumab and pertuzumab in combination with docetaxel for the neoadjuvant treatment of early HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Xu Dongdong , Wu Jiang , Yu Jing , Yang Yuqing , Wen Xinxin , Yang Jixin , Wei Hongliang , Xu Xiaolong , Li Yike , Yang Liu , Wang Lei , Wang Yijia , Ma Wen , Li Nanlin 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundHER2-positive molecular breast cancer subtypes are characterized by high aggressiveness and malignancy, and their metastasis and mortality rates are among the highest of all types of breast cancer. The use of anti-HER2-targeted agents in neoadjuvant therapy has significantly improved the prognosis of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. In this study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of a neoadjuvant Chinese THP regimen (docetaxel, trastuzumab biosimilar TQB211 plus the pertuzumab biosimilar TQB2440 or pertuzumab) for ER/PR-negative and HER2-positive breast cancer in China.MethodAll enrolled patients received the THP regimen (T: docetaxel 75 mg/m2 per cycle; H: trastuzumab biosimilar TQB211 8 mg/kg in the first cycle and 6 mg/kg maintenance dose in cycles 2 to 4; P: pertuzumab biosimilar TQB2440 or pertuzumab 840 mg in the first cycle, maintenance dose 420 mg in cycles 2 to 4) every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. The biosimilar TQB2440 pertuzumab and pertuzumab were randomly assigned to patients. Docetaxel, TQB211, and TQB2440 were all developed by Chiatai Tianqing. The primary endpoint was the complete pathological response (pCR) in the breast, and the secondary endpoint was cardiac safety. ResultsOf the 28 eligible patients, 19 (67.9%) achieved tpCR. The tpCR rate was higher than in the NeoSphere trial (pCR63.2%) and the PEONY study (tpCR52.5%). The adverse events that occurred most frequently were leukopenia and neutropenia, with incidence rates of 82.1% and 75.0%, respectively. Of these, grade 3 leukopenia and neutropenia occupied 46.4% and 35.7%. Other grade 3 or higher adverse events were bone marrow suppression (7.1%), lymphopenia (3.6%), and anemia (3.6%). There were no events of heart failure in patients and no patient died during the neoadjuvant phase. ConclusionDomestic dual-target HP has a more satisfactory efficacy and safety in the neoadjuvant phase of treatment.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05985187, NCT05985187.
Locking plate versus K-wires and cast fixation in lateral closing-wedge osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity
Authors: Liu Jianghua , He Youzhi , Shi Qiang , Wang Yongfu 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of cubitus varus treatments based on different fixation methods: Locking plate vs. Kirschner-wires (K-wires) and cast fixation.MethodsThis retrospective study of 28 patients was performed in lateral-wedge osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity in our hospital from July 2018 to July 2020. 14 patients in group A were treated by locking plate after lateral closing-wedge osteotomy, whereas other 14 patients were treated by K-wires in group B. We measured the bony union and carrying angle. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed according to the Bellemore criteria.ResultsNo nonunion, neurovascular injury or myositis ossificans was noted at follow-up. In group A, 1 patient with lateral condylar prominence was found. In group B, 2 patients with pinning site infection were treated successfully with oral antibiotics and 2 patients needed revision surgery for residual varus. According to the Bellemore criteria, statistically significant difference was noted between the two groups (P = 0.0458). In the present study, no statistically significant difference was noted in the length of incision and operation time between the 2 groups (P &gt; 0.05). However, the postoperative carrying angle was significantly different at final follow-up between the 2 groups (P &lt; 0.01).ConclusionsCompared with K-wires and cast fixation, we recommend the wedge osteotomy with lateral locking plate to treat the cubitus varus deformity because locking plate could achieve better functional and cosmetic results and stabilize the distal humerus rigidly.
Critical roles of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in olfactory memory formation and retrieval in crickets
Authors: Matsumoto Yukihisa , Matsumoto Chihiro Sato , Mizunami Makoto 
Published: February 2024

Acetylcholine (ACh) is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the insect central nervous system, and insect neurons express several types of ACh receptors (AChRs). AChRs are classified into two subgroups, muscarinic AChRs and nicotinic AChRs (nAChRs). nAChRs are also divided into two subgroups by sensitivity to α-bungarotoxin (α-BGT). The cricket Gryllus bimaculatus is one of the useful insects for studying the molecular mechanisms in olfactory learning and memory. However, the roles of nAChRs in olfactory learning and memory of the cricket are still unknown. In the present study, to investigate whether nAChRs are involved in cricket olfactory learning and memory, we tested the effects of two different AChR antagonists on long-term memory (LTM) formation and retrieval in a behavioral assay. The two AChR antagonists that we used are mecamylamine (MEC), an α-BGT-insensitive nAChR antagonist, and methyllycaconitine (MLA), an α-BGT-sensitive nAChR antagonist. In crickets, multiple-trial olfactory conditioning induced 1-day memory (LTM), whereas single-trial olfactory conditioning induced 1-h memory (mid-term memory, MTM) but not 1-day memory. Crickets injected with MEC 20 min before the retention test at 1 day after the multiple-trial conditioning exhibited no memory retrieval. This indicates that α-BGT-insensitive nAChRs participate in memory retrieval. In addition, crickets injected with MLA before the multiple-trial conditioning exhibited MTM but not LTM, indicating that α-BGT-sensitive nAChRs participate in the formation of LTM. Moreover, injection of nicotine (an nAChR agonist) before the single-trial conditioning induced LTM. Finally, the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP signaling pathway is known to participate in the formation of LTM in crickets, and we conducted co-injection experiments with an agonist or inhibitor of the nAChR and an activator or inhibitor of the NO-cGMP signaling pathway. The results suggest that nAChR works upstream of the NO-cGMP signaling system in the LTM formation process.
Post-discharge pharmacological treatment discontinuation of forensic psychiatric patients in Sweden
Authors: Noland Ebba , Virtanen Suvi , Klötz Logan Fia , Chang Zheng , Strandh Mattias 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionMost forensic psychiatric patients have chronic psychiatric disorders that require long-term pharmacological treatment even after discharge from care. However, the prevalence and correlates of post-discharge medication discontinuation in this patient group remain unclear.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and correlates of post-discharge discontinuation of pharmacological treatment in forensic psychiatric patients in Sweden.MethodsData on individuals discharged from forensic psychiatric care between 2009 and 2018 (n = 1,142) with ongoing pharmacological treatment at the time of discharge (n = 856) were identified from the Swedish National Forensic Psychiatric Register. Cox regression models were used to estimate the association between patient characteristics and medication discontinuation.ResultsOf the 856 individuals with pharmacological treatment at discharge, 488 (57%) discontinued treatment within 2 years of discharge. Factors associated with an increased risk of treatment discontinuation varied between different types of psychotropic medications: the most important correlate was comorbidity between psychosis and personality disorder. Higher age at discharge, longer length of stay, having a history of several psychiatric care episodes, having a trustee, having a limited guardian, and a residing in a supported living accommodation at the time of discharge were associated with a decreased rate of medication discontinuation. This applied for antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiepileptics, and any psychotropic medication, but not for psychostimulants or drugs used in addictive disorders.ConclusionFor many former forensic psychiatric patients, there are situational factors associated with medication discontinuation. This insight holds significance for professionals who are involved in pre-discharge planning within forensic psychiatric care and those who interact with this cohort of former patients post-discharge.
Identifying key factors for successful formulation and implementation of healthcare policies on non-communicable diseases: a multinational analysis
Authors: Babaita Abdulfatai Olamilekan , Jahan Yasmin , Nakamura Ryota , Moriyama Michiko 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major public health concern that accounts for 74% of global deaths each year. The increasing burden of NCDs exhausts public health resources and threatens the achievement of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to thematically analyze the contributory factors in the health policy process and reforms to strengthen the prevention of NCDs across borders, as well as the milestones achieved through the process of policy-making, change, and implementation.MethodThis study informs and draws on the findings of contributory factors in the health policy process for preventing NCDs across borders: United States, England, Sweden, Bangladesh, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Ten experts from the seven countries were recruited purposively for a semi-structured interview (e-Interview) on the NCD policy-making process in their countries, either through health ministries or the authors’ network. This descriptive qualitative study design is guided by the “Three I’s” framework of public policy (institutions, ideas, and interests). In addition to the information obtained from the interviewee, data were also sourced from relevant documents and homepages suggested by the interviewee, as well as health homepages of the countries.ResultThe following themes were generated: (1) environmental policies and social determinants, (2) multistakeholder involvement, (3) interministerial collaboration, (4) independent evidence and review institution, (5) integrated health data, and (6) primary care system. There was a shift from individual-targeted policies to environmental policies and social determinants. Notably, national campaigns were developed through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the primary prevention of NCDs.ConclusionThe shift from behavioral modification and treatment to social determinants is important. NCDs are broad and require a multisector and multilevel approach. Establishing an organization or hierarchical body to overlook NCDs could result in increased awareness, focus, and surveillance and enhance the policy process.
School students' burdens and resources after 2 years of COVID-19 in Austria: a qualitative study using content analysis
Authors: Sobotka Marlies , Kern Thomas , Haider Katja , Dale Rachel , Wöhrer Veronika , Pieh Christoph , Probst Thomas , Humer Elke , Jesser Andrea 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe mental health of young people has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures associated with it. Mental health symptoms increased across various domains during the pandemic and subjective wellbeing decreased.MethodsThis study examined the burdens and resources of Austrian school students (M = 16.63 years old) in the third year of the pandemic and compared them descriptively with the burdens and resources identified in a comparative study in 2021. A cross-sectional online survey with open-ended questions from April to May 2022 provided data that was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. A sub-sample of N = 214 was selected from the larger sample. This sub-sample is representative for the Austrian population aged 15–19 in terms of gender and migrant background.ResultsAnalysis of the open-ended questions showed that concerns about the pandemic and the burdens of the measures were no longer on young people's minds at the time of the survey in 2022. On the other hand, stress at school was increasing and the opening of schools and the resumption of face-to-face teaching were challenging for respondents. While resuming social contacts and leisure activities was mentioned as a resource by many respondents, some also expressed a desire for more time off and a retreat into coping strategies such as sleeping more or avoiding problems.DiscussionOur findings suggest that there is a need for low-threshold support from teachers and parents to help students catch up on missed lessons and to empathize with the mas they make the transition back to “old normal”.