bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of Iguratimod in the treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Long Zhiyong , Deng Ying , He Qi , Yang Kailin , Zeng Liuting , Hao Wensa , Deng Yuxuan , Fan Jiapeng , Chen Hua 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and safety of Iguratimod (IGU) intervention in the treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).MethodsWe used computer to search literature databases, collected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to IGU treatment of AS, and searched the relevant literature in each database until Sep. 2022. Two researchers independently carried out literature screening, data extraction, and evaluation and analysis of the risk of bias in the included studies, and then used Rev Man5.3 software for meta-analysis. The protocol is CRD42020220798.ResultsA total of 10 RCTs involves in 622 patients were collected. The statistical analysis showed that IGU can decrease the BASDAI score (SMD -1.62 [-2.20, -1.05], P&lt;0.00001. Quality of evidence: low), the BASFI score (WMD -1.30 [-1.48, -1.12], P&lt;0.00001. Quality of evidence: low) and the VAS (WMD -2.01 [-2.83, -1.19], P&lt;0.00001. Quality of evidence: very low). Meanwhile, the addition of IGU into the conventional therapy would not increase the adverse events (RR 0.65 [0.43, 0.98], P=0.04. Quality of evidence: moderate).ConclusionIGU may be an effective and safe intervention for AS. Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?, identifier CRD42020220798.
Assessment of a novel continuous cleaning device using metatranscriptomics in diverse hospital environments
Authors: Wright Justin R , Ly Truc T , Cromwell Karen B , Brislawn Colin J , Chen See Jeremy R , Anderson Samantha LC , Pellegrino Jordan , Peachey Logan , Walls Christine Y , Lloyd Charise M , Jones Olcay Y , Lawrence Matthew W , Bess Jessica A , Wall Arthur C , Shope Alexander J , Lamendella Regina 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionDespite routine implementation of cleaning and disinfection practices in clinical healthcare settings, high-touch environmental surfaces and contaminated equipment often serve as reservoirs for the transmission of pathogens associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).MethodsThe current study involved the analysis of high-touch surface swabs using a metatranscriptomic sequencing workflow (CSI-Dx™) to assess the efficacy of cleanSURFACES® technology in decreasing microbial burden by limiting re-contamination. This is a non-human single center study conducted in the Emergency Department (ED) and on an inpatient Oncology Ward of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center that have followed hygienic practices during the COVID-19 pandemic environment.ResultsAlthough there was no difference in observed microbial richness (two-tailed Wilcoxon test with Holm correction, P &gt; 0.05), beta diversity findings identified shifts in microbial community structure between surfaces from baseline and post-intervention timepoints (Day 1, Day 7, Day 14, and Day 28). Biomarker and regression analyses identified significant reductions in annotated transcripts for various clinically relevant microorganisms' post-intervention, coagulase-negative staphylococci and Malassezia restricta, at ED and Oncology ward, respectively. Additionally, post-intervention samples predominantly consisted of Proteobacteria and to a lesser extent skin commensals and endogenous environmental microorganisms in both departments.DiscussionFindings support the value of cleanSURFACES®, when coupled with routine disinfection practices, to effectively impact on the composition of active microbial communities found on high-touch surfaces in two different patient care areas of the hospital (one outpatient and one inpatient) with unique demands and patient-centered practices.
Evaluation of stirring time through a rumen simulation technique: Influences on rumen fermentation and bacterial community
Authors: Wang Zuo , Li Quan , Lan Xinyi , Shen Weijun , Wan Fachun , He Jianhua , Tang Shaoxun , Tan Zhiliang 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionRumen motility is a key element that influences ruminant nutrition, whereas little is known about the effects of rumen contraction duration on rumen fermentation and ruminal microbiome. We previously reported that proper rotation speed of a rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) system enhanced rumen fermentation and microbial protein (MCP) production. In the present study, different contraction durations and intervals were simulated by setting different stirring times and intervals of the stirrers in a RUSITEC system. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the influences of stirring time on rumen fermentation characteristics, nutrient degradation, and ruminal bacterial microbiota in vitro.MethodsThis experiment was performed in a 3 × 3 Latin square design, with each experimental period comprising 4 d for adjustment and 3 d for sample collection. Three stirring time treatments were set: the constant stir (CS), the intermittent stir 1 (each stir for 5 min with an interval of 2 min, IS1), and the intermittent stir 2 (each stir for 4 min with an interval of 3 min, IS2).ResultsThe total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration, valerate molar proportion, ammonia nitrogen level, MCP density, protozoa count, disappearance rates of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber, emissions of total gas and methane, and the richness index Chao 1 for the bacterial community were higher (p &lt; 0.05) in the IS1 when compared to those in the CS. The greatest TVFA, MCP, protozoa count, nutrient disappearance rates, gas productions, and bacterial richness indices of Ace and Chao 1 amongst all treatments were observed in the IS2. The relative abundance of the genus Treponema was enriched (p &lt; 0.05) in CS, while the enrichment (p &lt; 0.05) of Agathobacter ruminis and another two less known bacterial genera were identified in IS2.DiscussionIt could be concluded that the proper reduction in the stirring time might help to enhance the feed fermentation, MCP synthesis, gas production, and the relative abundances of specific bacterial taxa.
HPLC-MS-MS quantification of short-chain fatty acids actively secreted by probiotic strains
Authors: Calvigioni Marco , Bertolini Andrea , Codini Simone , Mazzantini Diletta , Panattoni Adelaide , Massimino Mariacristina , Celandroni Francesco , Zucchi Riccardo , Saba Alessandro , Ghelardi Emilia 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionShort-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the main by-products of microbial fermentations occurring in the human intestine and are directly involved in the host’s physiological balance. As impaired gut concentrations of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids are often associated with systemic disorders, the administration of SCFA-producing microorganisms has been suggested as attractive approach to solve symptoms related to SCFA deficiency.MethodsIn this research, nine probiotic strains (Bacillus clausii NR, OC, SIN, and T, Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050, Bifidobacterium breve DSM 16604, Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103, and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745) commonly included in commercial formulations were tested for their ability to secrete SCFAs by using an improved protocol in high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS-MS).ResultsThe developed method was highly sensitive and specific, showing excellent limits of detection and quantification of secreted SCFAs. All tested microorganisms were shown to secrete acetic acid, with only B. clausii and S. boulardii additionally able to produce propionic and butyric acids. Quantitative differences in the secretion of SCFAs were also evidenced.DiscussionThe experimental approach described in this study may contribute to the characterization of probiotics as SCFA-producing organisms, a crucial stage toward their application to improve SCFA deficiency.
Reliability of the modified Rankin Scale in clinical practice of stroke units and rehabilitation wards
Authors: Pożarowszczyk Natalia , Kurkowska-Jastrzębska Iwona , Sarzyńska-Długosz Iwona , Nowak Maciej , Karliński Michał 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionThe Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is the most common tool to quantify post-stroke disability in everyday practice and by certified raters in clinical trials. However, interobserver variability may affect reliability of retrospective observational studies, including clinical registries. Our aim was to assess real-life consistency between neurologists and physical and rehabilitation medicine physicians using mRS to rate post-stroke disability of patients transferred directly from stroke unit (SU) to rehabilitation ward (RW).MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of 132 consecutive acute stroke patients transferred from single tertiary SU to RW located in the same hospital in Poland. Patients were assessed by one rater from each department at the day of transfer. We distinguished between physicians previously certified in using mRS for clinical trials and not-certified physicians using mRS in everyday practice.ResultsmRS at discharge from SU and on admission to RW was recorded for 105 of 132 patients. The overall agreement was 70.5% (kappa 0.55). Similar agreement was observed in the subset of 30 patients rated by certified physicians in both departments (70.0%, kappa 0.57) and in the subset of 61 patients rated by a pair of certified neurologist and not-certified rehabilitation physician (73.8%, kappa 0.58).ConclusionsEveryday consistency between raters from SU and RW in using mRS is modest as in previous validation studies. However, it may be considered sufficient for the purpose of observational studies or stroke registries. It emphasizes the need for easily accessible training in conventional mRS or implementation of specialized tools with predefined questions.
Serum metabolites as early detection markers of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in Chinese patients
Authors: Zhao Yi , Sun Wei , Ji Zhigang , Liu Xiaoyan , Qiao Yi 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundBiomarkers of different stages and grades of bladder cancer (BC) are important in clinical work. The objective of our study was to investigate new biomarkers of early-stage BC with liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) using serum samples.MethodsA total of 215 cases were included in our study, including 109 healthy adults as the control group and 106 non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients as the NMIBC group. Serum samples were collected from BC patients in the early stage, called NMIBC, and healthy people before surgery. We used LC-HRMS to distinguish the NMIBC group from the control group and the low-grade NMIBC group from the control group.ResultsAn apparent difference between the NMIBC group and the control group was visualized by unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA). Metabolite panels for 16-hydroxy-10-oxohexadecanoic acid, PGF2a ethanolamide, sulfoglycolithocholate, and threoninyl-alanine were used to distinguish the two groups. The area under the curve (AUC) of the panels was 0.985, and the sensitivity and specificity were 98.63% and 98.59%, respectively. To distinguish the low-grade NMIBC group from the control group, serum metabolic profiling differences between the low-grade NMIBC group and control group samples were also analyzed. Metabolite panels of L-octanoylcarnitine, PGF2a ethanolamide, and threoninyl-alanine showed good discrimination performance. The AUC of the panels was 0.999, and the sensitivity and specificity were 97.8% and 100%, respectively.ConclusionMetabolomics analysis of serum samples can distinguish the NMIBC group from the control group, particularly the early-stage low-grade NMIBC group.
The inhibitory effect of 6-gingerol and cisplatin on ovarian cancer and antitumor activity: In silico, in vitro, and in vivo
Authors: Salari Zohreh , Khosravi Ahmad , Pourkhandani Elham , Molaakbari Elaheh , Salarkia Ehsan , Keyhani Alireza , Sharifi Iraj , Tavakkoli Hadi , Sohbati Samira , Dabiri Shahriar , Ren Guogang , Shafie’ei Mohammad 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundEpithelial ovarian cancer is very common in women and causes hundreds of deaths per year worldwide. Chemotherapy drugs including cisplatin have adverse effects on patients’ health. Complementary treatments and the use of herbal medicines can help improve the performance of medicine. 6-Gingerol is the major pharmacologically active component of ginger. In this study, we compared the effects of 6-gingerol, cisplatin, and their combination in apoptotic and angiogenetic activities in silico, in test tubes, and in in vivo assays against two ovarian cancer cell lines: OVCAR-3 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).MethodsThe drug-treated cell lines were evaluated for their cytotoxicity, cell cycle, and apoptotic and angiogenetic gene expression changes.ResultsThe proportion of apoptosis treated by 6-gingerol coupled with cisplatin was significantly high. In the evaluation of the cell cycle, the combination therapy also showed a significant promotion of a higher extent of the S sequence. The expression of p53 level, Caspase-8, Bax, and Apaf1 genes was amplified again with combination therapy. Conversely, in both cell lines, the cumulative drug concentrations reduced the expression of VEGF, FLT1, KDR, and Bcl-2 genes. Similarly, in the control group, combination treatment significantly decreased the expression of VEGF, FLT1, KDR, and Bcl-2 genes in comparison to cisplatin alone.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study demonstrated that the cisplatin and 6-gingerol combination is more effective in inducing apoptosis and suppressing the angiogenesis of ovarian cancer cells than using each drug alone.
Self-supervised contrastive learning using CT images for PD-1/PD-L1 expression prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xie Tianshu , Wei Yi , Xu Lifeng , Li Qian , Che Feng , Xu Qing , Cheng Xuan , Liu Minghui , Yang Meiyi , Wang Xiaomin , Zhang Feng , Song Bin , Liu Ming 
Published: March 2023

Background and purposeProgrammed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression status, determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of specimens, can discriminate patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who can derive the most benefits from immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. A non-invasive method of measuring PD-1/PD-L1 expression is urgently needed for clinical decision support.Materials and methodsWe included a cohort of 87 patients with HCC from the West China Hospital and analyzed 3094 CT images to develop and validate our prediction model. We propose a novel deep learning-based predictor, Contrastive Learning Network (CLNet), which is trained with self-supervised contrastive learning to better extract deep representations of computed tomography (CT) images for the prediction of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression.ResultsOur results show that CLNet exhibited an AUC of 86.56% for PD-1 expression and an AUC of 83.93% for PD-L1 expression, outperforming other deep learning and machine learning models.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that a non-invasive deep learning-based model trained with self-supervised contrastive learning could accurately predict the PD-1 and PD-L1 expression status, and might assist the precision treatment of patients withHCC, in particular the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
In vivo loss of tumorigenicity in a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft mouse model of ependymoma
Authors: Whitehouse Jacqueline P. , Hii Hilary , Mayoh Chelsea , Wong Marie , Ajuyah Pamela , Barahona Paulette , Cui Louise , Dholaria Hetal , White Christine L. , Buntine Molly K. , Byrne Jacob , Rodrigues da Silva Keteryne , Howlett Meegan , Girard Emily J. , Tsoli Maria , Ziegler David S. , Dyke Jason M. , Lee Sharon , Ekert Paul G. , Cowley Mark J. , Gottardo Nicholas G. , Endersby Raelene 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionEpendymomas (EPN) are the third most common malignant brain cancer in children. Treatment strategies for pediatric EPN have remained unchanged over recent decades, with 10-year survival rates stagnating at just 67% for children aged 0-14 years. Moreover, a proportion of patients who survive treatment often suffer long-term neurological side effects as a result of therapy. It is evident that there is a need for safer, more effective treatments for pediatric EPN patients. There are ten distinct subgroups of EPN, each with their own molecular and prognostic features. To identify and facilitate the testing of new treatments for EPN, in vivo laboratory models representative of the diverse molecular subtypes are required. Here, we describe the establishment of a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) model of posterior fossa A (PFA) EPN, derived from a metastatic cranial lesion.MethodsPatient and PDOX tumors were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, DNA methylation profiling, whole genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA sequencing.ResultsBoth patient and PDOX tumors classified as PFA EPN by methylation profiling, and shared similar histological features consistent with this molecular subgroup. RNA sequencing revealed that gene expression patterns were maintained across the primary and metastatic tumors, as well as the PDOX. Copy number profiling revealed gains of chromosomes 7, 8 and 19, and loss of chromosomes 2q and 6q in the PDOX and matched patient tumor. No clinically significant single nucleotide variants were identified, consistent with the low mutation rates observed in PFA EPN. Overexpression of EZHIP RNA and protein, a common feature of PFA EPN, was also observed. Despite the aggressive nature of the tumor in the patient, this PDOX was unable to be maintained past two passages in vivo.DiscussionOthers who have successfully developed PDOX models report some of the lowest success rates for EPN compared to other pediatric brain cancer types attempted, with loss of tumorigenicity not uncommon, highlighting the challenges of propagating these tumors in the laboratory. Here, we discuss our collective experiences with PFA EPN PDOX model generation and propose potential approaches to improve future success in establishing preclinical EPN models.
Congenital second branchial cleft anomalies in children: A report of 52 surgical cases, with emphasis on characteristic CT findings
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhou Yilong , Xu Mengrou , Xu Rong , Wang Qingyu , Xu Hongming , Chen Jiarui , Li Xiaoyan 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study was to review the clinical features and surgical treatment outcomes of congenital second branchial cleft anomalies (CSBCAs) and to investigate the characteristic computed tomography (CT) findings of CSBCAs.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 52 children who were referred to Shanghai Children's Hospital from October 2014 to December 2021 diagnosed as CSBCAs.ResultsThere were 36 males and 16 females. Of them, 35 patients were presented as having a skin pit at birth or discharge from the skin opening on the lateral neck, and 17 patients presented with an asymptomatic or painful mass. The typical CT features of CSBCAs included isolated and homogeneously hypodense cystic lesions surrounded by a uniformly thin, smooth wall. CSBCAs were generally located at the anteromedial border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, posterior to the submandibular gland, and lateral to the carotid sheath. All patients were treated surgically and only one case underwent ipsilateral tonsillectomy. After a median follow-up of 30 (range 4–90) months, no recurrence or complications were observed.ConclusionsThe CSBCAs show some characteristic CT findings, which can help clinicians diagnose and plan surgical strategies. High ligation of the lesions is sufficient for complete excision of CSBCAs.
Eldecalcitol prevented OVX-induced osteoporosis through inhibiting BMSCs senescence by regulating the SIRT1-Nrf2 signal
Authors: Kou Yuying , Rong Xing , Tang Rong , Zhang Yuan , Yang Panpan , Liu Hongrui , Ma Wanli , Li Minqi 
Published: March 2023

Background: Aging and oxidative stress are considered to be the proximal culprits of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Eldecalcitol (ED-71), a new active vitamin D derivative, has shown a good therapeutic effect on different types of osteoporosis, but the mechanism is unclear. This study focused on exploring whether ED-71 could prevent bone loss in postmenopausal osteoporosis by regulating the cell senescence of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and explaining its specific mechanism of action.Materials and methods: An ovariectomized (OVX) rat model was established and 30 ng/kg ED-71 was administered orally once a day. The weight of rats was recorded regularly. Micro-computed tomography (CT) and histochemical staining were used to evaluate bone mass, histological parameters, and aging-related factors. Rat bone mesenchymal stem cells were extracted and cultivated in vitro. Aging cells were marked with senescence-associated β-gal (SA-β-gal) dyeing. The mRNA and protein levels of aging-related factors and SIRT1-Nrf2 signal were detected by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by DCFH-DA staining.Results: Compared with the Sham group, the bone volume of the ovariectomized group rats decreased while their weight increased significantly. ED-71 prevented bone loss and inhibited weight gain in ovariectomized rats. More importantly, although the expression of aging-related factors in the bone tissue increased in the ovariectomized group, the addition of ED-71 reversed changes in these factors. After extracting and in vitro culturing bone mesenchymal stem cells, the proportion of aging bone mesenchymal stem cells was higher in the ovariectomized group than in the Sham group, accompanied by a significant decrease in the osteogenic capacity. ED-71 significantly improved the bone mesenchymal stem cells senescence caused by ovariectomized. In addition, ED-71 increased the expression of SIRT1 and Nrf2 in ovariectomized rat bone mesenchymal stem cells. Inhibition of SIRT1 or Nrf2 decreased the inhibitory effect of ED-71 on bone mesenchymal stem cells senescence. ED-71 also showed a suppression effect on the reactive oxygen species level in bone mesenchymal stem cells.Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that ED-71 could inhibit the cell senescence of bone mesenchymal stem cells in ovariectomized rats by regulating the SIRT1-Nrf2 signal, thereby preventing bone loss caused by osteoporosis.