bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CytoSorb hemoperfusion markedly attenuates circulating cytokine concentrations during systemic inflammation in humans in vivo
Authors: Jansen Aron , Waalders Nicole J. B. , van Lier Dirk P. T. , Kox Matthijs , Pickkers Peter 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The CytoSorb hemoadsorption device has been demonstrated to be capable of clearing inflammatory cytokines, but has not yet been shown to attenuate plasma cytokine concentrations. We investigated the effects of CytoSorb hemoperfusion on plasma levels of various cytokines using the repeated human experimental endotoxemia model, a highly standardized and reproducible human in vivo model of systemic inflammation and immunological tolerance induced by administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methods
Twenty-four healthy male volunteers (age 18–35) were intravenously challenged with LPS (a bolus of 1 ng/kg followed by continuous infusion of 0.5 ng/kg/hr for three hours) twice: on day 0 to quantify the initial cytokine response and on day 7 to quantify the degree of endotoxin tolerance. Subjects either received CytoSorb hemoperfusion during the first LPS challenge (CytoSorb group), or no intervention (control group). Plasma cytokine concentrations and clearance rates were determined serially. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04643639, date of registration November 24th 2020).

Results
LPS administration led to a profound increase in plasma cytokine concentrations during both LPS challenge days. Compared to the control group, significantly lower plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF, − 58%, p < 0.0001), interleukin (IL)-6 ( − 71%, p = 0.003), IL-8 ( − 48%, p = 0.02) and IL-10 ( − 26%, p = 0.03) were observed in the CytoSorb group during the first LPS challenge. No differences in cytokine responses were observed during the second LPS challenge.

Conclusions
CytoSorb hemoperfusion effectively attenuates circulating cytokine concentrations during systemic inflammation in humans in vivo, whereas it does not affect long-term immune function. Therefore, CytoSorb therapy may be of benefit in conditions characterized by excessive cytokine release.
Serum immuno-oncology markers carry independent prognostic information in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic breast cancer, from a prospective observational study
Authors: Gunnarsdottir Frida Björk , Bendahl Pär-Ola , Johansson Alexandra , Benfeitas Rui , Rydén Lisa , Bergenfelz Caroline , Larsson Anna-Maria 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is a challenging disease, and despite new therapies, prognosis is still poor for a majority of patients. There is a clinical need for improved prognostication where immuno-oncology markers can provide important information. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum immuno-oncology markers in MBC patients and their respective relevance for prediction of survival.

Patients and methods
We investigated a broad panel of 92 immuno-oncology proteins in serum from 136 MBC patients included in a prospective observational study (NCT01322893) with long-term follow-up. Serum samples were collected before start of systemic therapy and analyzed using multiplex proximity extension assay (Olink Target 96 Immuno-Oncology panel). Multiple machine learning techniques were used to identify serum markers with highest importance for prediction of overall and progression-free survival (OS and PFS), and associations to survival were further evaluated using Cox regression analyses. False discovery rate was then used to adjust for multiple comparisons.

Results
Using random forest and random survival forest analyses, we identified the top nine and ten variables of highest predictive importance for OS and PFS, respectively. Cox regression analyses revealed significant associations (P < 0.005) of higher serum levels of IL-8, IL-10 and CAIX with worse OS in multivariable analyses, adjusted for established clinical prognostic factors including circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Similarly, high serum levels of IL-8, IL-10, ADA and CASP8 significantly associated with worse PFS. Interestingly, high serum levels of FasL significantly associated with improved OS and PFS. In addition, CSF-1, IL-6, MUC16, TFNSFR4 and CD244 showed suggestive evidence (P < 0.05) for an association to survival in multivariable analyses. After correction for multiple comparisons, IL-8 still showed strong evidence for correlation to survival.

Conclusion
To conclude, we found six serum immuno-oncology markers that were significantly associated with OS and/or PFS in MBC patients, independently of other established prognostic factors including CTCs. Furthermore, an additional five serum immuno-oncology markers provided suggestive evidence for an independent association to survival. These findings highlight the relevance of immuno-oncology serum markers in MBC patients and support their usefulness for improved prognostication.
Trial registration Clinical Trials (NCT01322893), registered March 25, 2011.
Efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban plus clopidogrel versus aspirin plus clopidogrel in patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease and gastrointestinal disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: study protocol for a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Tienan , Gong Yinghui , Li Jingyuan , Wang Yasong , Wang Xiaozeng 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor is recommended for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to antithrombosis, meanwhile, increasing the risks of gastrointestinal bleeding. Rivaroxaban, a novel oral anticoagulant, combined with a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor reduces adverse events in patients with CHD and atrial fibrillation who underwent PCI. The effect of rivaroxaban plus P2Y12 inhibitor on reducing bleeding events in patients with CHD and gastrointestinal disease (GID) undergoing PCI remains unclear.

Method
The study is a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial. A total of 1020 patients with CHD and GID undergoing PCI will be enrolled. Patients are randomized (1:1) to receive either rivaroxaban 10 mg plus clopidogrel 75 mg daily or aspirin 100 mg plus clopidogrel 75 mg daily; both treatments will last 6 months. The primary endpoint is Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 2–5 bleeding requiring medical intervention. The secondary endpoint is a composite of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), including all-cause death, cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization, and stroke.

Discussion
The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban plus clopidogrel versus aspirin plus clopidogrel in patients with CHD and GID undergoing PCI. We aim to explore an optimized antithrombotic strategy, which achieves the same anti-ischemic effect as standard DAPT without increasing the risk of GIB, for patients with CHD and GID undergoing PCI.

Trial registration
This protocol is registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry under the number ChiCTR2100044319. And this publication is based on version 1.4 of the trial protocol dated Sep 6, 2021.
TAK-715 alleviated IL-1β-induced apoptosis and ECM degradation in nucleus pulposus cells and attenuated intervertebral disc degeneration ex vivo and in vivo
Authors: Wang Kun , Yao Dengbo , Li Yuxi , Li Ming , Zeng Weike , Liao Zhuangyao , Chen Engming , Lu Shixin , Su Kaihui , Che Zhen , Liang Yuwei , Wang Peng , Huang Lin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundIntervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the most common disorders related to the spine. Inflammation, apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation contribute to disc degeneration in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). This study focused on the role and mechanism of the p38 inhibitor TAK-715 in intervertebral disc degeneration.MethodsNPCs were treated with IL-1β to mimic apoptosis, followed by the addition of TAK-715. It was determined that apoptosis, inflammatory mediators (COX-2), inflammatory cytokines (HMGB1), and ECM components (collagen II, MMP9, ADAMTS5, and MMP3) existed in NPCs. In addition, the p38MAPK signaling pathways were examined. The role of TAK-715 in vivo was determined by acupuncture-induced intervertebral disc degeneration. Following an intradiscal injection of TAK-715, MRI and a histopathological analysis were conducted to assess the degree of degeneration.ResultsIL-1β-induced apoptosis was alleviated by TAK-715 in vitro, and antiapoptotic proteins were upregulated. Furthermore, TAK-715 blocked IL-1β-induced inflammatory mediator production (COX-2) and inflammatory cytokine production (HMGB1) and degraded the ECM (collagen II, MMP9, ADAMTS5, and MMP3). By inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38, TAK-715 exerted its effects. In a rat tail model, TAK-715 ameliorates puncture-induced disc degeneration based on MRI and histopathology evaluations.ConclusionTAK-715 attenuated intervertebral disc degeneration in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that it might be an effective treatment for IDD.
Early-detection scheme based on sequential tests for low-latency communications
Authors: Barragán-Guerrero Diego , Au Minh , Gagnon Ghyslain , Gagnon François , Giard Pascal 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWe propose an early-detection scheme to reduce communications latency based on sequential tests under finite blocklength regime for a fixed-rate transmission without any feedback channel. The proposed scheme processes observations sequentially to decide in favor of one of the candidate symbols. Such a process stops as soon as a decision rule is satisfied or waits for more samples under a given accuracy. We first provide the optimal achievable latency in additive white Gaussian noise channels for every channel code given a probability of block error. For example, for a rate $$R = 0.5$$

R
=
0.5

and a blocklength of 500 symbols, we show that only $$63\%$$

63
%

of the symbol time is needed to reach an error rate equal to $$10^{-5}$$

10

-
5

. Then, we prove that if short messages can be transmitted in parallel Gaussian channels via a multi-carrier modulation, there exists an optimal low-latency strategy for every code. Next, we show how early detection can be effective with band-limited orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing signals while maintaining a given spectral efficiency by random coding or pre-coding random matrices. Finally, we show how the proposed early-detection scheme is effective in multi-hop systems.
Light-level geolocation as a tool to monitor polar bear (Ursus maritimus) denning ecology: a case study
Authors: Merkel Benjamin , Aars Jon , Laidre Kristin L. , Fox James W. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Monitoring polar bears is logistically challenging and expensive. Traditionally, reproductive history has been assessed using permanent marks from physically captured individuals, which requires assumptions about reproductive history based on their status at the time of capture. This is often supplemented with economically costly satellite telemetry (ST) collars restricted to adult females, which yield data on space use and reproductive history.

Methods
This study assesses the potential of adapting light-level geolocation (Global location sensing or GLS) tags, developed for birds and fish, to estimate life history metrics for polar bears. Traditionally, GLS uses light intensity and time of day to estimate approximate twice-daily locations. This information, combined with temperature data, can be used to assess approximate locations of maternity denning events, denning timing, general space use, and population connectivity.

Results
Adult females (n = 54) were equipped, some several times, with a total of 103 GLS in Svalbard and Greenland from 2012 to 2021. Of these, 44 were also equipped with 80 ST collars during this period. This yielded GLS and ST data records for each individual up to 9.4 years (mean (Ø) 4.0 years) and 5.1 years (Ø 1.5 years), respectively. Combined with capture information, the GLS and ST collars were used to score reproductive history (determined presence or absence of maternity denning events) for 72–54% of bear winters during this period, respectively. Using GLS yielded on average 4.3 years of unbroken reproductive history records (up to 8 years for some individuals) including denning phenology and age at first reproduction. Additionally, geographic locations could be estimated during spring and autumn (when twilight was present) with an average daily accuracy of 93 km (4–1042 km) and 58 km (5–550 km) when aggregating by season.

Conclusions
This study establishes GLS as a powerful, low-cost method for polar bear population monitoring that can provide data on reproductive history, including age at first reproduction, and maternity denning location and phenology in programs with ongoing recapture. GLS can also be used to monitor males and immatures that cannot wear ST collars.
Performance, safety and efficiency comparison between 10,000 and 5000 cuts per minute vitrectomy using a 25G cutter: a prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Fung Nicholas S. K. , Mak Anthony K. H. , Brelen Marten , Tsang Chi Wai , Mohamed Shaheeda , Lam Wai Ching 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to compare the performance of the 25+® UltraVit® 5000 cuts per minute (cpm) vitrectomy probe versus the 25+ ® Ultravit 10,000 cpm® beveled tip, dual drive vitrectomy probe.

Method
In this prospective randomised controlled clinical trial, 52 eyes of 52 consecutive patients were randomized into either the 10,000 cpm (25 patients) or 5000 cpm vitrectomy group (27 patients). Patients were evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively on the first day, and at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months. The main outcome measures were vitrectomy time, and secondary endpoints were time to induction of posterior vitreous detachment, intraoperative complications, and number of instruments used.

Results
The vitrectomy time was shorter in the 10,000 cpm group (413.7 s) compared to the 5000 cpm group (463.4 s), although there was no significant difference (p = 0.5999).
One patient had an iatrogenic retinal break in the 10,000 cpm group while two patients had an iatrogenic retinal break in the 5000 cpm group. The time for posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) induction and the number of instruments used were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion
The difference in vitrectomy times between the 10,000 cpm vitrectomy probe and the 5000 cpm cutter were not statistically significant. This may suggest that other factors affect efficiency rather than the limitations of equipment.
Power quality enhancement in islanded microgrids via closed-loop adaptive virtual impedance control
Authors: Wang Yang , Tang Junmiao , Si Jiandong , Xiao Xianyong , Zhou Peter , Zhao Jinshuai 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe high proportion of nonlinear and unbalanced loads results in power quality issues in islanded microgrids. This paper presents a novel control strategy for harmonic and unbalanced power allocation among distributed generators (DGs) in microgrids. Different from the existing sharing strategies that allocate the harmonic and unbalanced power according to the rated capacities of DGs, the proposed control strategy intends to shape the lowest output impedances of DGs to optimize the power quality of the microgrid. To achieve this goal, the feasible range of virtual impedance is analyzed in detail by eigenvalue analysis, and the findings suggest a simultaneous adjustment of real and imaginary parts of virtual impedance. Because virtual impedance is an open-loop control that imposes DG to the risk of overload, a new closed-loop structure is designed that uses residual capacity and absorbed power as feedback. Accordingly, virtual impedance can be safely adjusted in the feasible range until the power limit is reached. In addition, a fuzzy integral controller is adopted to improve the dynamics and convergence of the power distribution, and its performance is found to be superior to linear integral controllers. Finally, simulations and control hardware-in-the-loop experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed control strategy.
Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) presenting in a Jordanian male patient with short stature and delayed puberty: a case report
Authors: Mabreh Loai Q. , Al Rabab’ah Aseel M. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome is a rare congenital pituitary anatomical defect manifested with wide and various clinical presentations. Short stature and delayed puberty are present in most cases and may be combined with extra pituitary malformations. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the key factor for reaching the definite diagnosis as it reveals the different radiological presentations of this syndrome.

Case presentation
A 17-year-old male patient from Jordan was presented to the radiology department for pituitary MRI. The patient presents with multiple pituitary hormonal deficiency, short stature, and under-developed secondary sexual characteristics. The bone age of the patient was significantly less than the chronological age. MRI pituitary gland showed hypoplasia of the anterior pituitary, absence of the pituitary stalk and ectopic posterior pituitary gland located posterior to the optic chiasm. These findings were consistent with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome.

Conclusions
Considering uncommon incidence of pituitary stalk interruption syndrome, magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary should be considered while examining a patient with pituitary deficiency for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Hormone replacement medication is the primary treatment for pituitary stalk interruption syndrome and should be started as soon as feasible. Thus, early diagnosis and monitoring of individuals are crucial.
Parent-Offspring Associations in Body Composition: Findings From the Southampton Women's Survey Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Moon Rebecca J , D’Angelo Stefania , Holroyd Christopher R , Crozier Sarah R , Godfrey Keith M , Davies Justin H , Cooper Cyrus , Harvey Nicholas C 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Context
Children born to parents who are overweight or obese have a high risk of adult obesity, but it is unclear if transgenerational associations relating to unfavorable body composition differ by parent.

Objective
To examine differential mother-offspring and father-offspring associations in body composition in early childhood.

Methods
A total of 240 mother-father-offspring trios from a prospective UK population-based pre-birth cohort (Southampton Women's Survey) were included for anthropometry and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry assessment of whole-body-less-head body composition in the offspring at 3 different ages (4, 6-7, and 8-9 years) and in the mother and father at the 8- to 9-year offspring visit. Associations were assessed using linear regression adjusting for the other parent.

Results
Positive associations between mother-daughter body mass index (BMI) and fat mass were observed at ages 6 to 7 (BMI: β = .29 SD/SD, 95% CI = .10, .48; fat mass β = .27 SD/SD, 95% CI = .05, .48) and 8 to 9 years (BMI: β = .33 SD/SD, 95% CI = .13, .54; fat mass β = .31 SD/SD, 95% CI = .12, .49), with similar associations at age 4 years but bounding the 95% CI. The mother-son, father-son, and father-daughter associations for BMI and fat mass were weaker at each of the ages studied.

Conclusion
A strong association between the fat mass of mothers and their daughters but not their sons was observed. In contrast, father-offspring body composition associations were not evident. The dimorphic parent-offspring effects suggest particular attention should be given to early prevention of unfavorable body composition in girls born to mothers with excess adiposity.
Local Control and Survival Outcomes After Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases From Gastrointestinal Primaries: An International Multicenter Analysis
Authors: Singh Raj , Bowden Greg , Mathieu David , Perlow Haley K. , Palmer Joshua D. , Elhamdani Shahed , Shepard Matthew , Liang Yun , Nabeel Ahmed M. , Reda Wael A. , Tawadros Sameh R. , Abdelkarim Khaled , El-Shehaby Amr M.N. , Emad Reem M. , Elazzazi Ahmed Hesham , Warnick Ronald E. , Gozal Yair M. , Daly Megan , McShane Brendan , Addis-Jackson Marcel , Karthikeyan Gokul , Smith Sian , Picozzi Piero , Franzini Andrea , Kaisman-Elbaz Tehila , Yang Huai-che , Wei Zhishuo , Legarreta Andrew , Hess Judith , Templeton Kelsey , Pikis Stylianos , Mantziaris Georgios , Simonova Gabriela , Liscak Roman , Peker Selcuk , Samanci Yavuz , Chiang Veronica , Niranjan Ajay , Kersh Charles R. , Lee Cheng-Chia , Trifiletti Daniel M. , Lunsford L. Dade , Sheehan Jason P. 
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND:
There are limited data regarding outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) primaries and brain metastases treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

OBJECTIVE:
To examine clinical outcomes after SRS for patients with brain metastases from GI primaries and evaluate potential prognostic factors.

METHODS:
The International Radiosurgery Research Foundation centers were queried for patients with brain metastases from GI primaries managed with SRS. Primary outcomes were local control (LC) and overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for univariate analysis (UVA) of prognostic factors. Factors significant on UVA were evaluated with a Cox multivariate analysis proportional hazards model. Logistic regressions were used to examine correlations with RN.

RESULTS:
We identified 263 eligible patients with 543 brain metastases. Common primary sites were rectal (31.2%), colon (31.2%), and esophagus (25.5%) with a median age of 61.6 years (range: 37-91.4 years) and a median Karnofsky performance status (KPS) of 90% (range: 40%-100%). One-year and 2-year LC rates were 83.5% (95% CI: 78.9%-87.1%) and 73.0% (95% CI: 66.4%-78.5%), respectively. On UVA, age >65 years (P = .001), dose <20 Gy (P = .006) for single-fraction plans, KPS <90% (P < .001), and planning target volume ≥2cc (P = .007) were associated with inferior LC. All factors other than dose were significant on multivariate analysis (P ≤ .002). One-year and 2-year OS rates were 68.0% (95% CI: 61.5%-73.6%) and 31.2% (95% CI: 24.6%-37.9%), respectively. Age > 65 years (P = .006), KPS <90% (P = .005), and extracranial metastases (P = .05) were associated with inferior OS.

CONCLUSION:
SRS resulted in comparable LC with common primaries. Age and KPS were associated with both LC and OS with planning target volume and extracranial metastases correlating with LC and OS, respectively. These factors should be considered in GI cancer patient selection for SRS.