bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival prediction using the Freiburg index of post-TIPS survival (FIPS) in critically ill patients with acute- on chronic liver failure: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Luxenburger Hendrik , Schmidt Katharina , Biever Paul , Supady Alexander , Sekandarzad Asieb , Roehlen Natascha , Reincke Marlene , Neumann-Haefelin Christoph , Schultheiss Michael , Wengenmayer Tobias , Thimme Robert , Bettinger Dominik 
Published: December 2022

Background and aimLiver cirrhosis in patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with high mortality. Well established scores are useful to allow for assessment of prognosis and support ICU treatment guidance. However, currently used scoring systems often do not reflect the complexity of critically ill patients. Therefore, we tested the newly developed Freiburg index-of post-TIPS survival (FIPS) score in order to assess its potential role for prognostication of cirrhotic patients in the ICU.MethodsA total of 310 patients with liver cirrhosis treated in the ICU between 2010 and 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective observational study. Prognostic factors for mortality and 28-day mortality were assessed. Moreover, using c indices the prognostic discrimination of different prognostic scores was analyzed.ResultsThe FIPS score allowed to discriminate patients with high ICU mortality and within 28-days after ICU treatment (ICU mortality: 42.2 vs. 59.9%, p = 0.008 and 28-day mortality: 43.3 vs. 74.1%, p &lt; 0.001). However, the FIPS score in its current composition showed no superior prognostic discrimination compared to other established scores. Multivariable analyses identified the FIPS score (HR 1.25 [1.04–1.49], p = 0.015) and lactate at admission (HR 1.07 [1.04–1.09], p &lt; 0.001) as significant predictors of ICU mortality. Lactate at admission substantially improved patient risk stratification within each FIPS risk groups.ConclusionSimilar to other commonly used scores, the FIPS score in its current composition does not allow a sufficiently reliable prognostication of critically ill patients treated in the ICU. However, adding lactate as additional factor to the FIPS score may improve its prognostic ability.
Biofilm and pathogenic factor analysis of Gardnerella vaginalis associated with bacterial vaginosis in Northeast China
Authors: Ma Xiaolu , Wang Xiaoxi , Ye Shengna , Liu Jinnan , Yuan Hong , Wang Nan 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionGardnerella vaginalis is a major pathogen responsible for bacterial vaginosis (BV). However, the recurrence of infection and the antibiotic resistance of biofilms remain significant challenges for the treatment of BV. In this study, we aimed to analyze the pathogenic factors and drug sensitivity associated with the clinical treatment of BV in Northeast China.MethodsSubgroups were identified by clade-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Biofilm formation was measured by crystal violet staining, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The inhibition and eradication of biofilm formation were measured by XTT and broth recovery-based methods.ResultsOf the 24 samples of G. vaginalis, 11 samples and American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 14018 formed biofilms; the remainder did not. The positive rates of detection for the sialidase A and vly genes in the 24 G. vaginalis samples were 100% and 79.2%, respectively. Moreover, 21 samples (87.5%) showed resistance to metronidazole and 16 (66.7%) presented with sensitivity towards clindamycin. The biofilm MIC80 (BMIC80) of metronidazole for ATCC14018 was 16 μg/ml while that of clindamycin was 0.125 μg/ml. The minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of metronidazole was &gt; 256 μg/ml while that of clindamycin was &gt; 2 μg/ml.DiscussionOur results revealed that G. vaginalis is more resistant to metronidazole than clindamycin and neither metronidazole nor clindamycin are able to effectively eradicate vaginal biofilms. Thus, the role of antibiotics and biofilms in BV requires further investigation.
Characteristics of intestinal microbiota in C57BL/6 mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver induced by high-fat diet
Authors: Yan Guangwen , Li Shuaibing , Wen Yuhang , Luo Yadan , Huang Jingrong , Chen Baoting , Lv Shuya , Chen Lang , He Lvqin , He Manli , Yang Qian , Yu Zehui , Xiao Wudian , Tang Yong , Li Weiyao , Han Jianhong , Zhao Fangfang , Yu Shumin , Kong Fang , Abbasi Benazir , Yin Hongmei , Gu Congwei 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionAs a representation of the gut microbiota, fecal and cecal samples are most often used in human and animal studies, including in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) research. However, due to the regional structure and function of intestinal microbiota, whether it is representative to use cecal or fecal contents to study intestinal microbiota in the study of NAFLD remains to be shown.MethodsThe NAFLD mouse model was established by high-fat diet induction, and the contents of the jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon (formed fecal balls) were collected for 16S rRNA gene analysis.ResultsCompared with normal mice, the diversity and the relative abundance of major bacteria and functional genes of the ileum, cecum and colon were significantly changed, but not in the jejunum. In NAFLD mice, the variation characteristics of microbiota in the cecum and colon (feces) were similar. However, the variation characteristics of intestinal microbiota in the ileum and large intestine segments (cecum and colon) were quite different.DiscussionTherefore, the study results of cecal and colonic (fecal) microbiota cannot completely represent the results of jejunal and ileal microbiota.
Effects of different microbial agents on bedding treatment of ectopic fermentation of buffalo manure
Authors: Niu Kaifeng , Chao Chen , Zhang Xinxin , An Zhigao , Zhou Jiayan , Yang Liguo 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionThe rapid development of the farming industry has increased the amount of manure produced by livestock and poultry, causing increasingly prominent environmental pollution problems. In recent years, due to the increase in conventional bedding material costs, an increasing number of farmers choose to use harmless recycled manure as bedding. Manure bedding treatment of farms can not only solve the problem of manure pollution, but also resource utilization of manure and cost savings.MethodsThis study compared the effects of five microbial agents (Microbial agents A, B, C, E, F) on buffalo manure bedding treatment by testing the temperature, moisture content, pH, microbial bacteria distribution of buffalo manure ectopic fermentation, and screened the lowest cost and most effective agent. The changes of microbial bacteria distribution in different periods of bedding treatment were also detected.ResultsAgent A was eliminated because of poor fermentation effect and low fermentation temperature, which could not achieve the effect of harmless treatment. The other four agents of bacteria achieved a harmless effect, but the bedding treatment effect of agent F was significantly better than agent E, B, and C. In terms of the cost of agents: the cost of agent F required for fermenting 100m³ buffalo manure was the lowest, 1000yuan, followed by E (1200yuan), C (1750yuan), and B (1980yuan). In the process of ectopic fermentation bedding treatment of buffalo manure, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi were the major bacteria used. The process was divided into three periods; the heating period - high temperature period - cooling period, the high temperature period could reach more than 75°C, and a large number of pathogenic bacteria and harmful bacteria, and other miscellaneous bacteria in the pile were degraded, their species diversity was reduced, and the structure of bacterial flora had significant differences in different treatment periods. In conclusion, this study has provided a guide for the resource utilization of manure in cattle farms and the reduction of manure pollution to the environment.
The role of ethnicity, biological sex, and psychotropic agents in early and late onset Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Miller Alyssa , Desai Ashna , Roley Laurie Theriot , Goodwin Richard L. , Nathaniel Adebobola I. , Nathaniel Thomas I. 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveThis study investigates differences in pharmacological and demographic factors among male and female patients with Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) and Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD).MethodData are from 10,126 AD patients, 9,290 were diagnosed with LOAD, while 836 were diagnosed with EOAD. Data were collected from the Prisma Health Upstate Alzheimer’s patients’ registry between 2016 and 2021. The logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between pharmacological and demographic factors in males and females with LOAD and EOAD.ResultsIn the adjusted analysis for males, patients that were administered memantine [odd ratio (OR) = 1.588, 95% CI, 1.175–2.145, p = 0.003], and buspirone [OR = 1.971, 95% CI, 1.221–3.183, p = 0.006] were more likely to be associated with EOAD, while increasing age [OR = 0.816, 95% CI, 0.799–0.834, p &lt; 0.001] was associated with LOAD. Female patients with a history of alcohol (ETOH) use were more likely to be associated with EOAD while increasing age [OR = 0.845, 95% CI, 0.834–0.857, p &lt; 0.001], treatment with memantine [OR = 0.774, 95% CI, 0.627–0.956, p = 0.017], African Americans [OR = 0.621, 95% CI, 0.462–0.835, p = 0.002] and tobacco use [OR = 0.529, 95% CI, 0.424–0.660, p &lt; 0.001] were associated with LOAD.ConclusionOur findings identified specific demographic and pharmacological factors associated with males and females with LOAD and EOAD. These findings suggest the need to develop strategies to eliminate disparity in the care of LOAD or EOAD patients.
Case report: A unusual case of delayed propionic acidemia complicated with subdural hematoma
Authors: Jiang Zongzhi , Fu Yuxin , Wei Xiaojing , Wang Ziyi , Yu Xuefan 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundPropionic acidemia (PA) is an inherited autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that is classified as early-onset or late-onset, depending on the onset time of clinical symptoms. It clinically manifests as numerous lesions in the brain, pancreas, liver, and muscle. Muscle biopsies show myopathic changes, which help to distinguish late-onset propionic acidemia from other metabolic diseases involving muscles.Case presentationA 19-year-old Chinese girl was admitted to the hospital because of poor eating and fatigue. Head magnetic resonance imaging suggested metabolic diseases, and we administered symptomatic support treatment. Her symptoms gradually worsened, and she began to show convulsions and disturbances of consciousness. Muscle pathology showed myopathy-like changes. The presence of organic acids in the blood and urine suggested PA. Genetic analyses identified two compound heterozygous mutations in the patient's PCCB gene, confirming the diagnosis of delayed PA.ConclusionsThe muscle pathological examination of late-onset PA provides valuable information that is helpful for distinguishing delayed-onset PA from metabolic diseases. In the absence of a history of trauma, subdural hematoma may be a very rare complication of late-onset PA and can be regarded as a poor prognostic sign; therefore, it is suggested to perform head computed tomography as part of the routine neurological evaluation of PA patients.
Case report: Two unique nonsense mutations in HTRA1-related cerebral small vessel disease in a Chinese population and literature review
Authors: Chen Weijie , Wang Yuanyuan , Huang Shengwen , Yang Xiaoli , Shen Liwei , Wu Danhong 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundHomozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the high-temperature requirement A serine protease 1 gene (HTRA1) elicits cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and white matter lesions (CARASIL). The relationship between some heterozygous mutations, most of which are missense ones, and the occurrence of cerebral small vessel diseases (CSVD) has been reported. Recently, heterozygous HTRA1 nonsense mutations have been recognized to be pathogenic.Case presentationWe described two Chinese patients diagnosed with HTRA1-CSVD accompanied by heterozygous nonsense mutations. Their first clinical manifestations were symptoms due to ischemic stroke, and brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed diffuse white matter lesions (WMLs) and microbleeds in both of them. Genetic sequencing revealed two novel heterozygous nonsense mutations: c.1096G&gt;T (p.E366X) and c.151G&gt;T (p.E51X).ConclusionThis case report expands the clinical, radiographic, and genetic spectrum of HTRA1-CSVD. Attention should be paid to young patients with ischemic stroke as the first clinical manifestation. Genetic screening for such sporadic CSVD is recommended, even if the symptoms are atypical.
Audiological characteristics and cochlear implant outcome in children with cochlear nerve deficiency
Authors: Ren Cuncun , Lin Ying , Xu Zhuo , Fan Xiaoqin , Zhang Xinyu , Zha Dingjun 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the audiological characteristics and validity of predicting outcomes of cochlear implants (CIs) in children with cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) based on the internal auditory meatus (IAM) nerve grading system.MethodsThe audiological characteristics of 188 ears in 105 children diagnosed with CND were analyzed based on the IAM nerve grading system. In addition, 42 children with CND who underwent CI were also divided into four groups based on the system, and their auditory and speech performance at baseline (preoperative) and 6, 12, and 24 months after CI were analyzed and compared with those of the control group (n = 24) with a normal cochlear nerve (CN) and CI.ResultsThe audiological test results showed no significant differences among the four CND groups in terms of elicited rates of distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) (p = 1.000), auditory brainstem response (ABR) (p = 0.611), and cochlear microphonic (CM) (p = 0.167). Hearing in the CND IV group was significantly better than that in the CND I group (p &lt; 0.05). In children with CI, the auditory and speech performance of the control group was significantly higher than all CND groups from 6 to 24 months (p &lt; 0.05) and 12 to 24 months (p &lt; 0.05), respectively. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences between each pair group in the four CND groups (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionChildren with CND, including those in whom the CN was not visualized by MRI, can benefit from CI. Additionally, the IAM nerve grading system could not predict the outcomes of CI in children with CND.
Low muscle strength and low phase angle predicts greater risk to mortality than severity scales (APACHE, SOFA, and CURB-65) in adults hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia
Authors: Rosas-Carrasco Oscar , Núñez-Fritsche Gisela , López-Teros Miriam Teresa , Acosta-Méndez Pamela , Cruz-Oñate Juan Carlos , Navarrete-Cendejas Ada Yuseli , Delgado-Moreno Gerardo 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionThe acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE), sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA), score for pneumonia severity (CURB-65) scales, a low phase angle (PA) and low muscle strength (MS) have demonstrated their prognostic risk for mortality in hospitalized adults. However, no study has compared the prognostic risk between these scales and changes in body composition in a single study in adults with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. The great inflammation and complications that this disease presents promotes immobility and altered nutritional status, therefore a low PA and low MS could have a higher prognostic risk for mortality than the scales. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic risk for mortality of PA, MS, APACHE, SOFA, and CURB-65 in adults hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.MethodologyThis was a longitudinal study that included n = 104 SARS-CoV-2-positive adults hospitalized at General Hospital Penjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico, the PA was assessed using bioelectrical impedance and MS was measured with manual dynamometry. The following disease severity scales were applied as well: CURB-65, APACHE, and SOFA. Other variables analyzed were: sex, age, CO-RADS index, fat mass index, body mass index (BMI), and appendicular muscle mass index. A descriptive analysis of the study variables and a comparison between the group that did not survive and survived were performed, as well as a Cox regression to assess the predictive risk to mortality.ResultsMean age was 62.79 ± 15.02 years (31–96). Comparative results showed a mean PA of 5.43 ± 1.53 in the group that survived vs. 4.81 ± 1.72 in the group that died, p = 0.030. The mean MS was 16.61 ± 10.39 kg vs. 9.33 ± 9.82 in the group that died, p = 0.001. The cut-off points for low PA was determined at 3.66° and ≤ 5.0 kg/force for low grip strength. In the Cox multiple regression, a low PA [heart rate (HR) = 2.571 0.726, 95% CI = 1.217–5.430] and a low MS (HR = 4.519, 95% CI = 1.992–10.252) were associated with mortality.ConclusionPhase angle and MS were higher risk predictors of mortality than APACHE, SOFA, and CURB-65 in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. It is important to include the assessment of these indicators in patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 and to be able to implement interventions to improve them.
Visualization of hypoxia in cancer cells from effusions in animals and cancer patients
Authors: Li Yue , Zhao Long , Huo Yunlong , Yang Xianghong , Li Yong , Xu Hao , Li Xiao-Feng 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveTumor hypoxia is frequently observed in primary solid malignancies, but the hypoxic status of tumor cells floating in body cavity effusions is largely unknown, especially in patients. This study was to observe the hypoxia and proliferation status of cancer cells floating in effusions in mice and patients.MethodsThe distribution of hypoxia in cancer cells floating in ascites was first studied in nude mice. Hypoxia was detected by immunofluorescent visualization of pimonidazole and GLUT-1. For cancer patients, we retrospectively collected 21 ascites and 7 pleural effusion sample blocks of cancer patients, which were confirmed to contain tumor cells. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of endogenous hypoxic markers HIF-1α and GLUT-1, proliferation index Ki-67. 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed to detect the glucose metabolism status of tumor cells in effusions.ResultsThe tumor cells collected from ascites were positive for pimonidazole and GLUT-1, which suggesting that the cancer cells floating in ascites were hypoxic. Patterns of tumor hypoxia in human patients are similar to those observed in animal. HIF-1α and GLUT-1 were expressed by tumor cells in nearly all 28 cytological cases. For Ki-67 index, ascites tumor cells had a relatively low expression level compared with their corresponding primary or its metastatic lesions. Tumor cells in effusions showed high 18F-FDG uptake indicated the enhanced activity of glucose metabolism.ConclusionTumor cells in body cavity effusions, as a unique subgroup of tumor, are in a state of hypoxia and low proliferation, which would be one of the driven causes of chemo-radiotherapy resistance. Novel therapeutic interventions are urgently needed to overcome tumor hypoxia.
Advantages of FBPA PET in evaluating early response of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in B16F10 melanoma-bearing mice: Comparison to FDG PET
Authors: Tatsumi Mitsuaki , Soeda Fumihiko , Naka Sadahiro , Kurimoto Kenta , Ooe Kazuhiro , Fukui Hideyuki , Katayama Daisuke , Watabe Tadashi , Kato Hiroki , Tomiyama Noriyuki 
Published: December 2022

PurposePET with L-4-borono-2-[18F] fluoro-phenylalanine (FBPA) was reported to be useful to differentiate malignant tumors and inflammation. Although immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been applied to cancer treatment recently, FDG PET may not be suitable to determine the effect of ICIs because of false-positive findings caused by treatment-related inflammation. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate that FBPA PET allowed detection of the early response of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in tumor-bearing mice, comparing the results with those of FDG PET.Materials and methodsMice with B16F10 melanoma tumor xenografts were prepared. Anti-mouse PD-1 antibody or PBS was administered twice intraperitoneally to the tumor-bearing mice on Day 0 (3 days after inoculation) and Day 5 (treatment or control group &lt;TrG or CoG&gt;). PET/CT imaging was performed twice for each mouse on Day 0 before the anti-PD-1 antibody/PBS administration and on Day 7 using a micro-PET/CT scanner. FBPA and FDG PET/CT studies were conducted separately. SUVmax and the tumor to liver ratio (T/L ratio) were used as parameters exhibiting tumor activity. Tumor uptake volume (TUV) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) were also calculated for FBPA and FDG, respectively. Changes between pre- and posttreatment SUVmax or T/L ratio were observed using the formula as follows: [(posttreatment parameter values/pretreatment values - 1) × 100] (%).ResultsTumors in TrG were smaller than those in CoG on Day 7. SUVmax and T/L ratio represented no differences between TrG and CoG in FBPA and FDG PET before treatment. FBPA PET on Day 7 demonstrated that SUVmax, T/L ratio, and TUV in TrG were statistically smaller than those in CoG. %T/L ratio and %SUVmax exhibited the same trend in FBPA PET. However, FDG PET on Day 7 revealed no differences in all parameters between TrG and CoG. T/L ratio and %SUVmax in TrG represented larger values than those in CoG without statistical significances.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that FBPA PET allowed detection of the early response of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in B16F10 melanoma-bearing mice. FDG PET did not detect the response. Further studies are required to determine whether FBPA PET is useful in evaluating the treatment effect of ICIs in humans.