bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dexamethasone attenuates interferon-related cytokine hyperresponsiveness in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Engel Job J. , van der Made Caspar I. , Keur Nick , Setiabudiawan Todia , Röring Rutger J. , Damoraki Georgia , Dijkstra Helga , Lemmers Heidi , Ioannou Sofia , Poulakou Garyfallia , van der Meer Jos W. M. , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J. , Kumar Vinod , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Netea Mihai G. , Ziogas Athanasios 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundDexamethasone improves the survival of COVID-19 patients in need of supplemental oxygen therapy. Although its broad immunosuppressive effects are well-described, the immunological mechanisms modulated by dexamethasone in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 remain to be elucidated.ObjectiveWe combined functional immunological assays and an omics-based approach to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of dexamethasone in the plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of COVID-19 patients.MethodsHospitalized COVID-19 patients eligible for dexamethasone therapy were recruited from the general care ward between February and July, 2021. Whole blood transcriptomic and targeted plasma proteomic analyses were performed before and after starting dexamethasone treatment. PBMCs were isolated from healthy individuals and COVID-19 patients and stimulated with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 ex vivo in the presence or absence of dexamethasone and transcriptome and cytokine responses were assessed.ResultsDexamethasone efficiently inhibited SARS-CoV-2-induced in vitro expression of chemokines and cytokines in PBMCs at the transcriptional and protein level. Dexamethasone treatment in COVID-19 patients resulted in down-regulation of genes related to type I and II interferon (IFN) signaling in whole blood immune cells. In addition, dexamethasone attenuated circulating concentrations of secreted interferon-stimulating gene 15 (ISG15) and pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines correlating with disease severity and lethal outcomes, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), C-X-C motif ligand 8 (CXCL8), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10). In PBMCs from COVID-19 patients that were stimulated ex vivo with multiple pathogens or Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands, dexamethasone efficiently inhibited cytokine responses.ConclusionWe describe the anti-inflammatory impact of dexamethasone on the pathways contributing to cytokine hyperresponsiveness observed in severe manifestations of COVID-19, including type I/II IFN signaling. Dexamethasone could have adverse effects in COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms by inhibiting IFN responses in early stages of the disease, whereas it exhibits beneficial effects in patients with severe clinical phenotypes by efficiently diminishing cytokine hyperresponsiveness.
From rookeries to foraging grounds: understanding regional connectivity and genetic diversity in hawksbill turtles
Authors: Madden Hof Christine A. , Desbiens Amelia A. , Kinch Jeff , Fitzsimmons Nancy N. , Versace Hayley , Amon Angelique , McIntyre Nathan , Townsend Kathy A. , Jensen Michael P. 
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the genetic structure, diversity, and migratory patterns of hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) from two nesting locations in Papua New Guinea (PNG) using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing and satellite telemetry. Tissue samples collected from nesting female hawksbill turtles (n=75) in PNG revealed a total of 6 haplotypes from the Conflict Group site and 5 haplotypes from Kavieng site, with the Conflict Group and Kavieng samples significantly differing from one another and all other known Asia-Pacific stocks. This finding expands our understanding of the genetic stock structure of hawksbill turtles in the Asia-Pacific region, resulting in 9 Management Units (MUs) now published. Satellite tracking of 15 hawksbill turtles revealed that all individuals migrated from the Conflict Group westerly towards foraging areas in eastern Australia (93%) and PNG (7%). With a mean migration path distance of 1241 ± 108 km, three distinct migration strategies were used by the 10 hawksbill turtles that made it to their foraging grounds in the I) eastern Torres Strait, II) Far North Queensland, and III) western PNG waters. A broad scope of home-range strategies and sizes (95% UD) were used, and in comparison to other studies further postulates that hawksbills are connected to non-specific foraging grounds associated with food source availability. This study provides for the first time in PNG essential insights into hawksbill turtle population structure and connectivity in the western Pacific region, highlighting the importance of effectively conserving and managing this critically endangered species as distinct population stocks. Furthermore, we make recommendations for national and regional conservation strategies and transboundary management to ensure the long-term survival and recovery of western Pacific’s hawksbill turtle populations.
Eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/non-Hodgkin’s B lymphoma: a single center prospective clinico-pathological study
Authors: Michelerio Andrea , Tomasini Carlo , Fiandrino Giacomo , De Amici Mara , Varettoni Marzia , Defrancesco Irene , Cavalloni Chiara , Brazzelli Valeria , Derlino Federica , Paulli Marco , Arcaini Luca , Vassallo Camilla 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe pathogenesis of eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy (EDHM) is poorly understood. Previously thought to be a hypersensitivity reaction to insect bites, immune dysregulation and cytokine imbalance are now thought to be responsible. Its prognostic significance is unclear.ObjectiveTo describe the clinical, pathological and immunological findings in a series of oncohematological patients with EDHM.MethodsAn observational prospective cohort study of oncohematological patients receiving a diagnosis of EDHM between April 2017 and December 2018.ResultsA total of 15 patients with EDHM (10 females and 5 males) were identified among 422 oncohematological patients. Disease presentation varied from firm erythematous papules to more polymorphic presentations. The lesions were most prevalent on the exposed sites, 8/15 patients recalled an insect bite. Lesion seasonality was reported in 13/15 patients. IgE levels were elevated in six patients, circulating IL-4 and IL-5 were within a normal range. Twelve out of 15 patients developed skin manifestations after chemotherapy. The infiltrate could be eosinophil-rich or lymphocytic-rich. Interestingly, the histopathologic findings were in accordance with arthropod bites.ConclusionA role for insect bites in EDHM is supported by our findings. EDHM may be related to aggressive hematologic disease.
Effectiveness and safety of bimekizumab for the treatment of plaque psoriasis: a real-life multicenter study—IL PSO (Italian landscape psoriasis)
Authors: Gargiulo Luigi , Narcisi Alessandra , Ibba Luciano , Balato Anna , Bianchi Luca , Brianti Pina , Buononato Dario , Burlando Martina , Caldarola Giacomo , Campanati Anna , Campione Elena , Carrera Carlo G. , Carugno Andrea , Cristaudo Antonio , Cusano Francesco , Dapavo Paolo , Dattola Annunziata , De Simone Clara , Gaiani Francesca M. , Gisondi Paolo , Giunta Alessandro , Loconsole Francesco , Maione Vincenzo , Mortato Edoardo , Marzano Angelo V. , Maurelli Martina , Megna Matteo , Mercuri Santo R. , Offidani Annamaria , Orsini Diego , Parodi Aurora , Pellacani Giovanni , Potestio Luca , Quaglino Pietro , Richetta Antonio G. , Romano Francesca , Sena Paolo , Venturini Marina , Malagoli Piergiorgio , Costanzo Antonio 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionBimekizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets Interleukin-17 A and F, approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. While bimekizumab has been evaluated in several phase-III clinical trials, real-world evidence is still very limited.MethodThis multicenter retrospective study included patients affected by plaque psoriasis treated with bimekizumab from May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023, at 19 Italian referral hospitals. Patients affected by moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis eligible for systemic treatments were included. The effectiveness of bimekizumab was evaluated in terms of reduction in psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) compared with baseline at weeks 4 and 16. The main outcomes were the percentages of patients achieving an improvement of at least 75% (PASI75), 90% (PASI90) and 100% (PASI100) in PASI score.ResultsThe study included 237 patients who received at least one injection of bimekizumab. One hundred and seventy-one patients and 114 reached four and 16 weeks of follow-up, respectively. Complete skin clearance was achieved by 43.3% and 75.4% of patients at weeks 4 and 16, respectively. At week 16, 86.8% of patients reported no impact on their quality of life. At week 16, there were no significant differences between bio-naïve and bio-experienced patients in terms of PASI75, PASI90 and PASI100. The most commonly reported adverse events (AEs) were oral candidiasis (10.1%). No severe AEs or AEs leading to discontinuation were observed throughout the study.ConclusionOur experience supports the effectiveness and tolerability of bimekizumab in a real-world setting with similar results compared with phase-III clinical trials.
Impact of a French social marketing campaign promoting pulse and whole grain consumption: results from a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Fassier Philippine , Rabès Anaëlle , Ducrot Pauline , Serry Anne-Juliette 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundDespite the health benefits, fiber intake is insufficient among French adults. To promote the consumption of pulses and whole grains, defined as priority food groups because they are rich in fiber, readily available, and affordable, the French National Public Health Agency implemented a social marketing campaign in 2019 to improve knowledge, self-efficacy, and consumption of pulses and whole grains.ObjectiveTo evaluate the short-and long-term effects of this social marketing campaign.MethodsA 8-month prospective study was conducted on the Internet. A sample of 4,001 French adults was interviewed before the social media campaign (T0), immediately afterwards (T1), and after 8 months (T2). Analysis was performed on 2,422 adults responding at T1 and T2. Outcomes associated with campaign recall were investigated by mixed models with random effects using generalized estimating equations.ResultsOverall, 59.5% of subjects recalled the campaign. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, no significant difference was found in terms of knowledge, self-efficacy, and consumption of pulses and whole grains between those recalling and not recalling the campaign (value of p &gt; 0.05). When the analyses were stratified by educational level (p-interaction&lt;0.10), a significant positive association was found between campaign recall and variation of knowledge about whole grain fiber content in subjects with lower educational level (value of p = 0.002 at T1 and value of p = 0.008 at T2). For small consumers of pulses, subjects recalling the campaign improved both their knowledge (OR [95%CI] = 1.47 [1.14–1.90], value of p = 0.003 at T2) and consumption of pulses (1.44 [1.14–1.86], value of p = 0.002 at T1, 1.50 [1.16–1.94], value of p = 0.002 at T2).ConclusionThis first French social marketing campaign promoting pulses and whole grains had a positive impact on specific subgroups of particular interest in terms of public health (i.e., people with low educational level and small consumers of pulses). These results will allow us to improve the communication materials used for the second edition of this social marketing campaign.
Burden of breast cancer and attributable risk factors in the North Africa and Middle East region, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Azadnajafabad Sina , Saeedi Moghaddam Sahar , Mohammadi Esmaeil , Rezaei Negar , Rashidi Mohammad-Mahdi , Rezaei Nazila , Mokdad Ali H. , Naghavi Mohsen , Murray Christopher J. L. , Larijani Bagher , Farzadfar Farshad ,   GBD 2019 NAME Breast Cancer Collaborators
Published: August 2023

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women globally. The North Africa and Middle East (NAME) region is coping hard with the burden of BC. We aimed to present the latest epidemiology of BC and its risk factors in this region.MethodsWe retrieved the data on BC burden and risk factors from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 to describe BC status in the 21 countries of the NAME region from 1990 to 2019. We explored BC incidence, prevalence, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and attributable burden to seven risk factors of female BC, namely, alcohol use, diet high in red meat, low physical activity, smoking, secondhand smoke, high body mass index, and high fasting plasma glucose. Decomposition analysis on BC incidence trend was done to find out the contributing factors to this cancer’s growth.ResultsIn 2019, there were 835,576 (95% uncertainty interval: 741,968 to 944,851) female and 10,938 (9,030 to 13,256) male prevalent cases of BC in the NAME region. This number leads to 35,405 (30,676 to 40,571) deaths among female patients and 809 (654 to 1,002) deaths in male patients this year. BC was responsible for 1,222,835 (1,053,073 to 1,411,009) DALYs among female patients in 2019, with a greater proportion (94.9%) of burden in years of life lost (YLLs). The major contributor to female BC incidence increase in the past three decades was found to be increase in age-specific incidence rates of BC (227.5%), compared to population growth (73.8%) and aging (81.8%). The behavioral risk factors were responsible for majority of attributable female BC burden (DALYs: 106,026 [66,614 to 144,247]). High fasting plasma glucose was found to be the risk factor with the largest effect (DALYs: 84,912 [17,377 to 192,838]) on female BC burden.ConclusionThe increasing incidence and burden of BC in the NAME region is remarkable, especially when considering limited resources in the developing countries of this region. Proper policies like expanding screening programs and careful resource management are needed to effectively manage BC burden.
CCDC43 as a potential therapeutic target of Tian Yang Wan for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating the hippo pathway
Authors: Tao Mingyuan , Han Dongwei , Wei Siyu , Gao Changyu 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prevalence is rising annually, but the existing treatment strategies are limited; therefore, it is crucial to explore new therapeutic approaches.MethodsHere, we investigate the potential anti-cancer mechanism of an herbal medicine called Tian Yang Wan (TYW) in the treatment of HCC. The relationship of CCDC43 with immunity and cell death was analyzed by bioinformatics. Confirming the tumor suppressor effect of TYW on HCC cells by proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis assaysResultsFirst, we analyzed by proteomics that CCDC43 expression was downregulated after TYW administration and promoted the hippo pathway. Then, a large sample's transcriptome study demonstrated that elevated CCDC43 expression was strongly correlated with clinical traits and a bad prognosis in HCC patients. Next, we observed through multiple advanced algorithms that CCDC43 is involved in a variety of oncology and immunology related pathways. Notably, we found higher tumor immune microenvironment with high CCDC43 expression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CCDC43 is associated with immune checkpoints and found that it is a sensitive indicator of a large number of chemotherapeutic agents. Subsequently, we conducted experimental investigations to demonstrate the capacity of TYW to impede proliferation and migration, while inducing apoptosis in human HCC cell lines. Finally, we performed analysis of two cell death patterns which showed CCDC43 to be strongly correlated with multiple ferroptosis factors and cuproptosis factors.DiscusionIn conclusion, our study comprehensively examined the prognostic, immunological, and therapeutic implications of CCDC43 in HCC, thereby elucidating the therapeutic mechanism of action in TYW.
Alleviating effects of coenzyme Q10 supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: results from an umbrella meta-analysis
Authors: Dabbaghi Varnousfaderani Sara , Musazadeh Vali , Ghalichi Faezeh , Kavyani Zeynab , Razmjouei Soha , Faghfouri Amir Hossein , Ahrabi Sana Sedgh , Seyyed Shoura Seyyed Morteza , Dehghan Parvin 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Although several meta-analyses support the positive effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, the results of some other studies reject such effects.Methods: Therefore, in this umbrella meta-analysis, we performed a comprehensive systematic search in such databases as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar up to January 2023.Results: Based on standardized mean difference analysis, CoQ10 supplementation significantly decreased serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (ESSMD = −0.39; 95% CI: 0.77, −0.01, p = 0.042) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (ESSMD = −1.17; 95% CI: 1.55, −0.79, p &lt; 0.001), while it increased the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (ESSMD = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.61, 1.81, p &lt; 0.001) and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (ESSMD = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.37, 1.79, p = 0.003). However, CoQ10 supplementation had no significant reducing effect on tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α) (ESSMD = −0.70; 95% CI: 2.09, 0.68, p = 0.320) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (ESSMD = −0.85; 95% CI: 1.71, 0.01, p = 0.053). Based on weighted mean difference analysis, CoQ10 supplementation considerably decreased TNF-α (ESWMD = −0.46, 95% CI: 0.65, −0.27; p &lt; 0.001), IL-6 (ESWMD = −0.92, 95% CI: 1.40, −0.45; p &lt; 0.001), and CRP levels (effect sizes WMD = −0.28, 95% CI: 0.47, −0.09; p &lt; 0.001).Discussion: The results of our meta-analysis supported the alleviating effects of CoQ10 on markers of inflammation cautiously. However, CoQ10 had antioxidant effects regarding the improvement of all the studied antioxidant and oxidative stress biomarkers.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=323861, identifier CRD42022323861
Cyclodextrin nanoparticles in targeted cancer theranostics
Authors: Bose Roshnee , Jayawant Maharsh , Raut Rajesh , Lakkakula Jaya , Roy Arpita , Alghamdi Saad , Qusty Naeem F. , Sharma Rohit , Verma Devvret , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Almujally Abdullah , Tamam Nissren , Sulieman Abdelmoneim 
Published: August 2023

Graphical AbstractCyclodextrin (CD)-based nanotheranostics for cancer treatment.
Cardiovascular safety of Janus kinase inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wei Qige , Wang Hui , Zhao Jianglin , Luo Zhongping , Wang Chufeng , Zhu Chunmei , Su Na , Zhang Shengzhao 
Published: August 2023

Background: Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have emerged as a progressively utilized therapeutic approach for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the complete determination of their cardiovascular safety remains inconclusive. Hence, the primary objective of this network meta-analysis is to meticulously assess and juxtapose the cardiovascular risks linked to distinct JAK inhibitors employed in RA patients.Methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis were meticulously conducted, encompassing a collection of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that focused on investigating the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality associated with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors administered to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Extensive exploration was performed across multiple electronic databases, incorporating studies published until March 2023. To be included in this analysis, the RCTs were required to involve adult participants diagnosed with RA who received treatment with JAK inhibitors. To ensure accuracy, two authors independently undertook the selection of eligible RCTs and meticulously extracted aggregate data. In order to examine the outcomes of MACE and all-cause mortality, a frequentist graph theoretical approach within network meta-analyses was employed, utilizing random-effects models. Third study has been registered on PROSPERO under the reference CRD42022384611.Findings: A specific selection encompassing a total of 14 meticulously chosen randomized controlled trials was undertaken, wherein 13,524 patients were assigned randomly to distinct treatment interventions. The analysis revealed no notable disparity in the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) between the interventions and the placebo group. However, in comparison to adalimumab, the employment of JAK inhibitors exhibited an association with higher rates of all-cause mortality [odds ratio (OR): 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–2.81]. This observed increase in risk primarily stemmed from the usage of tofacitinib (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.12–3.23). None of the other JAK inhibitors exhibited a statistically significant variance in all-cause mortality when compared to adalimumab.Interpretation: Our study suggests that JAK inhibitors may not increase the risk of MACE in RA patients but may be associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to adalimumab, primarily due to tofacitinib use. Rheumatologists should carefully consider the cardiovascular risks when prescribing JAK inhibitors, particularly tofacitinib, for RA patients.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=384611, CRD42022384611.
Randomized controlled study to evaluate the safety and clinical impact of percutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in patients with severe COVID-19
Authors: Seitz Tamara , Bergmayr Franziska , Kitzberger Reinhard , Holbik Johannes , Grieb Alexander , Hind Julian , Lucny Felix , Tyercha Alexander , Neuhold Stephanie , Krenn Claus , Wenisch Christoph , Zoufaly Alexander , Kaniusas Eugenijus , Széles József Constantin 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: A severe course of COVID-19 is characterized by a hyperinflammatory state resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome or even multi-organ failure along a derailed sympatho-vagal balance.Methods: In this prospective, randomized study, we evaluate the hypothesis that percutaneous minimally invasive auricular vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS) is a safe procedure and might reduce the rate of clinical complications in patients with severe course of COVID-19. In our study, patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the intensive care unit with moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, however without invasive ventilation yet, were included and following randomization assigned to a group receiving aVNS four times per 24 h for 3 h and a group receiving standard of care (SOC).Results: A total of 12 patients were included (six in the aVNS and six in the SOC group). No side effects in aVNS were reported, especially no significant pain at device placement or during stimulation at the stimulation site or significant headache or bleeding after or during device placement or lasting skin irritation. There was no significant difference in the aVNS and SOC groups between the length of stay in the intensive care unit and at the hospital, bradycardia, delirium, or 90-day mortality. In the SOC group, five of six patients required invasive mechanical ventilation during their stay at hospital and 60% of them venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, compared to three of six patients and 0% in the aVNS group (p = 0.545 and p = 0.061).Discussion: Vagus nerve stimulation in patients with severe COVID-19 is a safe and feasible method. Our data showed a trend to a reduction of progression to the need of invasive ventilation and venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation which encourages further research with larger patient samples.