bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of target genes and potential mechanisms related to compound Xiao-ai-fei honey ointment based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Abudurousuli Kayisaier , Talihati Ziruo , Hailati Sendaer , Han Meng Yuan , Nuer Muhadaisi , Khan Nawaz , Maihemuti Nulibiya , Dilimulati Dilihuma , Nueraihemaiti Nuerbiye , Simayi Jimilihan , Zhou Wenting 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Compound Xiao-ai-fei honey ointment (CXHO) is an anticancer preparation with a long history in Uyghur folk medicine in China and has been used for the treatment of gastric cancer (GC) in Xinjiang, China. Nevertheless, the mechanism of its anticancer effect remains to be investigated.

Methods:
Bioactive ingredients of CXHO were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database. Target genes of ingredients were acquired via the PubChem and Swiss target prediction database. Gene expression profiling of GC was obtained from GSE54129 in the GEO database and analyzed using the limma package in R. The hub genes associated with CXHO in GC were validated using the TIMER2.0 database, GEPIA2 database and Auto Dock tools. The effect of CXHO on migration of GC cells was detected by Transwell chamber assay and Wound healing assay. The effect of CXHO on expression levels of MMP2/MMP9 and NF-κb, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was detected by Western blot assay.

Results:
Forty-five bioactive ingredients and their 819 related genes were found. A total of 462 differentially expressed genes were identified between GC patients and healthy controls. Seventeen common target genes were identified as hub genes CXHO against GC. Among them, MMP2 and MMP9 were significantly associated with tumor immune infiltrates and had good binding affinity with effective ingredients. Moreover, we validated the mRNA and protein expression levels and prognostic value of MMP2 and MMP9 by different databases. In addition, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes and gene ontology analyses showed that the 17 common target genes were mainly involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis and cancer-related pathways. Experimental results showed that CXHO inhibited migration of GC cells and down regulated the expression levels of MMP2/MMP9, NF-κb. In addition, CXHO can inhibited PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusion:
We identified and experimental validated 2 pivotal target genes of CXHO against GC and preliminarily analyzed the potential mechanisms by which CXHO inhibits the development of GC. All these findings support CXHO as a promising drug for the treatment of GC.
Are iodophor-impregnated drapes associated with lower intraoperative contamination compared to no adhesive drape?: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis
Authors: González-Sagredo Albert , Carnaval Thiago , Granados-Suárez Silvia , Peralta Robert Josua Cedeño , López-García Paula , Durall Albert Castellà , Videla Sebastián , Vila Ramon , Iborra Elena 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most frightening complications after surgery. Adhesive drapes (AD) are widely used as an infection prevention tool. They can be non-impregnated or iodophor-impregnated, although non-impregnated are less used as they might be related to higher number of infections. One of the most common ways to study their efficacy is by analyzing the intraoperative contamination, which is a useful primary endpoint as it does not need follow-up and it has been strongly associated with infections. Therefore, we believe a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis is needed to determine which is the literature available about this topic and to explore their results.

Methods:
All randomized controlled trials (RCT) published since 1984 through to January 15, 2023 will be included. Non-human and experimental studies will be excluded. We will only include studies written in English. We will conduct searches in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), SCOPUS and Web Of Science. The protocol of the SR was registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD42023391651 and was written according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocol guidelines.

Discussion:
The evidence regarding the benefits of using iodophor-impregnated adhesive drapes (IIAD) is scarce. Therefore, this SR and meta-analysis is required to determine if they are related with a lower intraoperative contamination incidence, compared to no AD.
The effects of propranolol on the biology and Notch signaling pathway of human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Chen Shuming , Zhao Xuekai , Huang Junjie , Lin Na , Xu Qianhui , Chen Jianwei , Huang Jianqiang , Wang Lie , Lin Chen , Zhang Zaizhong 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Propranolol is the first choice for treating infantile hemangioma (IH). How propranolol works in IH remains unclear. Infantile hemangioma endothelial cells (HemECs) express Notch1, Jagged, Hey1, and other molecules in the Notch pathway, suggesting that Notch pathway-related molecules play an important role in affecting vascular endothelial cell proliferation. Whether propranolol can affect the Notch signaling pathway in IH treatment is unclear.

Methods:
We performed this study to observe the effect of propranolol on the expression of Notch signaling pathway molecules in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and to explore the therapeutic mechanism of propranolol on IH. HUVECs cultured in vitro were exposed to 60, 120, 240, 360, or 480 µM propranolol. The morphological changes of the HUVECs were observed under an inverted microscope. HUVECs proliferation was detected with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The effects of propranolol on HUVECs apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The role of Notch in propranolol inhibition of HUVEC proliferation was analyzed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting.

Results:
Propranolol reduced HUVECs numbers and altered their morphology. The inhibitory effect of propranolol on cell proliferation was dependent on the reaction time and drug concentration. Propranolol upregulated Jagged1, Notch1, and Hey1 expression and downregulated delta-like ligand4 (DLL4) expression.

Conclusions:
Propranolol may play a role in IH treatment by increasing Jagged1 expression in endothelial cells, activating the Notch pathway and inducing the upregulation of the downstream target gene HEY1.
Efficacy of Baduanjin for treatment of fatigue: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Haoyu , Liu Siling , Xiong Lu , Luo Bingquan 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Numerous studies have suggested that Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese exercise, can alleviate fatigue symptoms in patients with various illnesses. The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of Baduanjin in reducing fatigue symptoms.

Methods:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang, from inception to June 2023. Relevant studies reporting on the effects of Baduanjin on fatigue symptoms were included. A random-effects meta-analysis model with standardized mean differences was used to estimate the treatment effects. Moderator analyses were conducted using continuous variables and meta-regression. This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (identifier CRD42023411532). Grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations framework was used to assess the certainty of evidence.

Results:
Ten randomized controlled trials with patients diagnosed with 9 different diseases were included in the meta-analysis. The Baduanjin intervention groups showed significant improvements in total fatigue intensity (standard mean difference = −0.49, 95% confidence interval = −0.69 to −0.30, P = .000; I2
= 56%, P = .009). The statistically significant differences in the subgroup analyses, including intervention durations, age of participants, fatigue types, and practice location, remained unchanged. Meta-regression showed that practice place might have significant effect on the results. The certainty of the evidence was moderate for participants 55-year younger or in hospital training. However, fatigue, different groups, participants 55-year or older, training at home, and different fatigue types had lower evidence certainty.

Conclusion:
Baduanjin can effectively alleviate fatigue symptoms with relatively flexible requirements. However, studies investigating the same disease types and including non-Chinese populations are scarce. Therefore, further studies with long-term interventions, larger sample sizes, and well-designed methodologies are warranted.
Pharmacologic treatment of a postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis: Case report
Authors: Gao Qianqian , Xiong Jinqiu , Jiang Hong 
Published: August 2023

Introduction:
Postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis (POVT) is a rare disease, and could cause severe complications if ignored. We report a case of POVT, including the patient clinical features, diagnostic methods, treatment, and follow-up results.

Case presentation:
A 30-year-old Asian woman was admitted to our hospital because of spontaneous abortion. After the miscarriage, she presented with fever and right lower abdominal pain. A physical examination revealed abdominal tenderness in the right lower quadrant with a palpable mass. Laboratory tests showed leucocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein. Abdominal ultrasound (US) and computed tomography revealed right ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT). The patient was treated with systemic anticoagulation and antibiotics and was discharged 22 days later on a regimen of an oral anticoagulant. 1.5 months after discharge, an US with a color Doppler examination showed no OVT.

Conclusion:
A high index of suspicion is required in cases of abdominal pain and fever after delivery, especially if unresponsive to antibiotics. It should be differentiated from acute appendicitis, accessory abscess, endometritis, ovarian torsion, and other acute abdominal diseases. For a POVT case with a definite diagnosis, drug treatment may be effective enough.
Efficacy and safety of alfentanil plus propofol versus propofol only in painless gastrointestinal endoscopy: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Huan , Shi Xiaoling , Li Jinping , Yang Longqiu 
Published: August 2023

Background:
To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of alfentanil plus propofol versus propofol only for painless gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Methods:
The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, China Biology Medicine, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials on alfentanil combined with propofol versus propofol only for painless gastrointestinal endoscopy from the inception of the database to August 2022. The Rev Man 5.4 software was used for statistical analyses.

Results:
Thirteen randomized controlled trials involving 1762 patients were identified as eligible for this study. The meta-analysis showed that compared with propofol, alfentanil combined with propofol had a more stable mean arterial pressure [mean difference (MD) = 5.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.97–8.80; P = .002], heart rate (MD = 3.78, 95% CI: 1.30–6.26; P = .003) and pulse oxygen saturation (MD = 1.90, 95% CI: 0.93–2.78; P = .0001); a lower propofol dose (standard mean difference = −2.82, 95% CI: −3.70 to −1.94; P < .00001), lower awakening time (MD = −3.23, 95% CI: −4.01 to −2.45; P < .00001) and lower directional force recovery time (MD = −3.62, 95% CI: −4.22 to −3.03; P < .00001); a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting (relative risk [RR] = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.14–0.71; P = .005), body movement (RR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13–0.54; P = .0002), hypotension (RR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.12–0.46; P < .0001), respiratory depression (RR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.15–0.89; P = .03) and cough reflex (RR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12–0.89; P = .03).

Conclusion:
This meta-study found that current evidence indicates that alfentanil plus propofol is better than propofol alone for painless gastrointestinal endoscopy and is associated with a lower incidence of adverse reactions. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to validate these above conclusions.
Clarithromycin-induced acute liver injury in a patient with positive Helicobacter pylori: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sharma Nava Raj , Wagle Abhishesh , Bist Manoj , Panthi Bishal , Pokhrel Dahal Ritu , Rokaya Rajesh , Shrestha Rayana , Pokhrel Madalasa 
Published: August 2023

Introduction and importance:
While 14-day triple therapy with clarithromycin is a common approach for eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection, it is essential to note that this treatment does not come without potential side effects.

Case presentation:
We present the case of a 34-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with severe vomiting and abdominal pain. Subsequent evaluation revealed that the patient had developed drug-induced liver injury (DILI).

Clinical discussion:
DILI can cause acute hepatocellular or cholestatic damage, and chronic injury can lead to hepatocellular, cholestatic, vascular, or neoplastic manifestations.

Conclusion:
Clinicians should exercise caution and be alert to the potential hepatotoxic effects of medications, especially when initiating triple therapy for H. pylori infection.
Long COVID syndrome: psychological and sexual dysfunction among survivors of COVID-19 infection
Authors: Khan Sana A. , Ashkar Rabeeah , Kumari Sona , Khenhrani Raja R. , Ullah Shafqat , Rajpar Rahimeen , Arshad Hareem , Haque Johum Aziz , Abbas Kiran , Khan Javeria , Poudel Bipin , Bhandari Sushmita , Ahmed Moiz , Dars Jawed A. 
Published: August 2023

Background:
To explore the neuropsychiatric symptoms, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction in patients with long COVID syndrome, which can help in building better follow-up strategies for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors.

Material and methods:
A cross-sectional research was undertaken at the premises of a psychiatry unit at a tertiary care unit in Karachi, Pakistan, between August 2022 and April 2023. All individuals aged 18 years or older, who had a history of contracting COVID-19 infection in the last 12 months presented to the department of Psychiatry with neuropsychiatric symptoms were recruited. Using a predefined questionnaire, data was collected from the participants. A linear logistic regression was used to find the impact of age, sex, hospitalization, and duration of home isolation on the likelihood of persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms or sexual dysfunction.

Results:
A total of 457 patients were included. It was found that individuals were less likely to experience neuropsychiatric symptoms as age increased (OR=0.968, 95% CI: 0.949–0.986, P=0.001). Females were 4.8 times more likely to experience neuropsychiatric symptoms than males, and the association was extremely significant (OR=4.851, 95% CI: 3.085–7.626, P<0.0001). An increase in age raised the odds of having sleep disturbances among the survivors by 2.7 times (OR=2.672, 95% CI: 2.654–2.684, P<0.0001). The odds of having sleep disturbances were three times more likely in female participants as compared to male participants (OR=3.00, 95% CI: 1.771–5.094, P<0.0001).

Conclusion:
The majority of the COVID-19 survivors are presenting with persistent neuropsychiatric and sexual symptoms in our setting. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain proper follow-up with the survivors of COVID-19 and counsel the patients to inform the family physician if these symptoms persist for longer than a month. Increasing such practices of regular follow-ups with COVID-19 survivors can help in detecting early neuropsychiatric and sexual changes.
U-shaped Association between Serum Calcium Levels and 28-Day Mortality in Patients with Sepsis: A Retrospective Analysis of the MIMIC-III Database
Authors: Yan Danyang , Xie Xi , Fu Xiangjie , Pei Siya , Wang Yanjie , Deng Ying , Yao Run , Li Ning 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Serum calcium levels disorder have been reported to be associated with poor prognosis in different diseases. Studies on the association between serum calcium and outcomes of septic patients remained limited. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between serum calcium and 28-day mortality in septic patients.

Method
Patients diagnosed with sepsis in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database were included. Patients were divided into five groups according to the quintiles of serum calcium levels, and their baseline characteristics were compared. Multivariate Cox regression models were employed to assess the association between serum calcium and 28-day mortality. Smooth curve fitting and segmented regression models were used to visualize the association between serum calcium levels and 28-day mortality risk. The 28-day survival probability between five groups was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves.

Results
A total of 3016 patients with sepsis were enrolled, and the 28-day mortality rate was 35.64%. After adjusting for confounders, compared with the reference quintile (Q4: 9.00–9.50), the lowest serum calcium level quintile (Q1: 5.70–8.20) was independently associated with an increased risk of 28-day mortality (HR: 2.12, 95%CI: 1.76-2.56). Smooth spline fitting revealed a U-shaped association between serum calcium and 28-day mortality. When serum calcium was <9.0 mg/dL, 28-day mortality risk increased by 58% per unit decrease in serum calcium (HR: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.37-0.48). When serum calcium was >9.0 mg/dL, the 28-day mortality risk increased by 12% per unit increase in serum calcium (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.20).

Conclusion
A U-shaped association was observed between serum calcium levels and 28-day mortality in septic patients. Lower or higher serum calcium levels were associated with increased risk of 28-day mortality in septic patients.
Lack of detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Wildlife from Kerala, India in 2020-21
Authors: Zachariah Arun , Krishnankutty Sajesh P , Manazhi Jishnu , Omanakuttan Vishnu , Santosh Sam , Blanchard Adam , Tarlinton Rachael 
Published: August 2023

Spill over of SARs-CoV-2 into a variety of wild and domestic animals has been an ongoing feature of the human pandemic. The establishment of a new reservoir in white tailed deer in North America and increasing divergence of the viruses circulating in them from those circulating in the human population has highlighted the ongoing risk this poses for global health. Some parts of the world have seen more intensive monitoring of wildlife species for SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses but there are still very large gaps in geographical and species-specific information. This paper reports negative results for SARS-CoV-2 PCR based testing using a pan coronavirus end point RDRP PCR and a Sarbecovirus specific E gene qPCR on lung and or gut tissue from wildlife from the Indian State of Kerala. These animals included: 121 Rhinolophus rouxii (Rufous Horsehoe Bat), 6 Rhinolophus bedommei (Lesser Woolly Horseshoe Bat), 15 Rossettus leschenaultii (Fulvous Fruit Bat), 47 Macaca radiata (Bonnet macaques), 35 Paradoxurus hermaphroditus (Common Palm Civet), 5 Viverricula indica (Small Indian Civet) , 4 Herpestes edwardsii (Common Mongoose), 10 Panthera tigris (Bengal Tiger), 8 Panthera pardus fusca ( Indian Leopard), 4 Prionailurus bengalensis (Leopard cats), 2 Felis chaus (Jungle cats), 2 Cuon alpinus (Wild dogs) and 1 Melursus ursinus (sloth bear).
Fatal disseminated Cryptococcosis with diverse risk factors: A Case series from a tertiary care hospital in eastern India
Authors: Halim Isra , Jha Sweta , Kokkayil Prathyusha , Kirti Ravi , Bhushan Divendu , Sarfraz Asim , Pati Binod Kumar , Thakuria Bhaskar 
Published: August 2023

Background: Cryptococcos noeformans is a ubiquitous fungal infection that can cause life threatening meningitis and fungemia in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent host. Disseminated cryptococcosis is often a retrospective diagnosis when blood cultures are found positive for Cryptococcus species.
Case presentation: We report two cases of Disseminated cryptococcosis with different risk factors emphasizing on early clinical suspicion, diagnosis and treatment.
First case was of non- alcoholic steatohepatitis patient who presented with complain of abdominal swelling and hemiparesis. Other case was of retro positive male presenting with complains of headache and fever. These patients underwent empirical antibacterial and anti-tubercular therapy which was ineffective. Finally, diagnosis was made on the basis of India ink stain, Gram stain and fungal culture which were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and gene sequencing of both the isolates. But the patients could not be saved due to delay in diagnosis.
Conclusion: Disseminated cryptococcosis is an advanced potentially fatal disease. Cryptococcosis should be suspected not only in cases of HIV or transplant patients but also in cases of chronic liver diseases. An early clinical suspicion would help recognize these cases sooner. The microbiologist should always have a keen eye and an equally high index of suspicion especially in the presence of capsulated round yeast cells in any sample of sick patients. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to prevent mortality.
A novel quantification method for RPE phagocytosis using a VLC-PUFA-based strategy
Authors: Gao Fangyuan , Tom Emily , Lieffrig Stephanie A. , Finnemann Silvia C. , Skowronska-Krawczyk Dorota 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTThe vertebrate retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) lies adjacent to the photoreceptors and is responsible for the engulfment and degradation of shed photoreceptor outer segment fragments (POS) through receptor-mediated phagocytosis. Phagocytosis of POS is critical for maintaining photoreceptor function and is a key indicator of RPE functionality. Popular established methods to assess RPE phagocytosis rely mainly on quantifying POS proteins, especially their most abundant protein rhodopsin, or on fluorescent dye conjugation of bulk, unspecified POS components. While these approaches are practical and quantitative, they fail to assess the fate of POS lipids, which make up about 50% of POS by weight and whose processing is essential for life-long functionality of RPE and retina. Here, we have developed a novel VLC-PUFA-based approach for evaluating RPE phagocytic activity by primary bovine and rat RPE and the human ARPE-19 cell line and validated its results using traditional methods. This new approach can be used to detect the dynamic process of phagocytosis at varying POS concentrations and incubation times and offers a robust, unbiased, and reproducible assay that will have utility in studies of POS lipid processing.