bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Marsdenia tenacissima enhances immune response of tumor infiltrating T lymphocytes to colorectal cancer
Authors: Yi Ben , Zhang Shuai , Yan Suying , Liu Yanfei , Feng Zhiqiang , Chu Tianhao , Liu Jun , Wang Wei , Xue Jun , Zhang Chunze , Wang Yijia 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionTumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment are critical factors influencing the prognosis and chemotherapy outcomes. As a Chinese herbal medicine, Marsdenia tenacissima extract (MTE) has been widely used to treat cancer in China. Its immunoregulatory effects on tumor-associated macrophages is well known, but whether it regulates tumor-infiltrating T-cell functions remains unclear.MethodWe collected 17 tumor samples from MTE-administered colorectal cancer patients, 13 of which showed upregulation of CD3+/CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T cells. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to investigate the regulatory effects of MTE on tumor-infiltrating T cells and immune escape of tumors.ResultsUnder single and co-culture conditions, MTE inhibited TGF-β1 and PD-L1 expression in the colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines HCT116 and LoVo. In Jurkat cells, MTE inhibited FOXP3 and IL-10 expression, increased IL-2 expression, but had no effect on PD-1 expression. These findings were confirmed in vitro using subcutaneous and colitis-associated CRC mouse models. MTE also increased the density of CD3+/CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T cells and exhibited considerable tumor-suppressive effects in these two tumor mouse models.ConclusionsOur findings suggested that MTE inhibits the immune escape of cancer cells, a precipitating factor increasing the immune response of T lymphocytes.
Tai Chi exercise reduces circulating levels of inflammatory oxylipins in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis: results from a pilot study
Authors: Shen Chwan-Li , Newman John W. , Elmassry Moamen M. , Borkowski Kamil , Chyu Ming-Chien , Kahathuduwa Chanaka , Neugebauer Volker , Watkins Bruce A. 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundTai Chi (TC) controls pain through mind–body exercise and appears to alter inflammatory mediators. TC actions on lipid biomarkers associated with inflammation and brain neural networks in women with knee osteoarthritic pain were investigated.MethodsA single-center, pre- and post-TC group (baseline and 8 wk) exercise pilot study in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritic pain was performed. 12 eligible women participated in TC group exercise. The primary outcome was liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry determination of circulating endocannabinoids (eCB) and oxylipins (OxL). Secondary outcomes were correlations between eCB and OxL levels and clinical pain/limitation assessments, and brain resting-state function magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).ResultsDifferences in circulating quantitative levels (nM) of pro-inflammatory OxL after TC were found in women. TC exercise resulted in lower OxL PGE1 and PGE2 and higher 12-HETE, LTB4, and 12-HEPE compared to baseline. Pain assessment and eCB and OxL levels suggest crucial relationships between TC exercise, inflammatory markers, and pain. Higher plasma levels of eCB AEA, and 1, 2-AG were found in subjects with increased pain. Several eCB and OxL levels were positively correlated with left and right brain amygdala-medial prefrontal cortex functional connectivity.ConclusionTC exercise lowers pro-inflammatory OxL in women with knee osteoarthritic pain. Correlations between subject pain, functional limitations, and brain connectivity with levels of OxL and eCB showed significance. Findings indicate potential mechanisms for OxL and eCB and their biosynthetic endogenous PUFA precursors that alter brain connectivity, neuroinflammation, and pain.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04046003.
Salivary and fecal microbiota: potential new biomarkers for early screening of colorectal polyps
Authors: Zhang Limin , Feng Ziying , Li Yinghua , Lv Cuiting , Li Chunchun , Hu Yue , Fu Mingsheng , Song Liang 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveGut microbiota plays an important role in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis through microbes and their metabolites, while oral pathogens are the major components of CRC-associated microbes. Multiple studies have identified gut and fecal microbiome-derived biomarkers for precursors lesions of CRC detection. However, few studies have used salivary samples to predict colorectal polyps. Therefore, in order to find new noninvasive colorectal polyp biomarkers, we searched into the differences in fecal and salivary microbiota between patients with colorectal polyps and healthy controls.MethodsIn this case–control study, we collected salivary and fecal samples from 33 patients with colorectal polyps (CP) and 22 healthy controls (HC) between May 2021 and November 2022. All samples were sequenced using full-length 16S rRNA sequencing and compared with the Nucleotide Sequence Database. The salivary and fecal microbiota signature of colorectal polyps was established by alpha and beta diversity, Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) and random forest model analysis. In addition, the possibility of microbiota in identifying colorectal polyps was assessed by Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC).ResultsIn comparison to the HC group, the CP group’s microbial diversity increased in saliva and decreased in feces (p &lt; 0.05), but there was no significantly difference in microbiota richness (p &gt; 0.05). The principal coordinate analysis revealed significant differences in β-diversity of salivary and fecal microbiota between the CP and HC groups. Moreover, LEfSe analysis at the species level identified Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Leptotrichia wadei, Prevotella intermedia, and Megasphaera micronuciformis as the major contributors to the salivary microbiota, and Ruminococcus gnavus, Bacteroides ovatus, Parabacteroides distasonis, Citrobacter freundii, and Clostridium symbiosum to the fecal microbiota of patients with polyps. Salivary and fecal bacterial biomarkers showed Area Under ROC Curve of 0.8167 and 0.8051, respectively, which determined the potential of diagnostic markers in distinguishing patients with colorectal polyps from controls, and it increased to 0.8217 when salivary and fecal biomarkers were combined.ConclusionThe composition and diversity of the salivary and fecal microbiota were significantly different in colorectal polyp patients compared to healthy controls, with an increased abundance of harmful bacteria and a decreased abundance of beneficial bacteria. A promising non-invasive tool for the detection of colorectal polyps can be provided by potential biomarkers based on the microbiota of the saliva and feces.
Carbapenem-resistant Citrobacter freundii harboring blaKPC−2 and blaNDM−1: a study on their transferability and potential dissemination via generating a transferrable hybrid plasmid mediated by IS6100
Authors: Zhang Feilong , Li Ziyao , Liu Xinmeng , Hu Yanning , Zhao Jiankang , Zhang Yulin , Fan Yanyan , Lei Zichen , Yang Xinrui , Li Zhihua , Li Chen , Wu Yongli , Lu Binghuai 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe increase in clinical Enterobacteriaceae with dual carbapenemase has become a serious healthcare concern. It is essential to characterize the transferability and potential dissemination of blaKPC−2- and blaNDM−1-coharboring carbapenem-resistant Citrobacter freundii (CRCF).MethodsFour blaKPC−2- and blaNDM−1-coharboring CRCF strains were collected from our surveillance of the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The isolates were assessed using species identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation assays, whole-genome sequencing, plasmid stability, and fitness costs. Clonality, genome, plasmidome, and phylogeny were analyzed to reveal potential dissemination.ResultsThree ST523 blaKPC−2- and blaNDM−1-coharboring CRCF strains, collected from the same hospital within 1 month, exhibited high homology (both identity and coverage &gt;99%), implying clonal dissemination and a small-scale outbreak. Moreover, the blaKPC−2 and blaNDM−1 genes were coharbored on an IncR plasmid, probably generated by a blaKPC−2-harboring plasmid acquiring blaNDM−1, in these three strains. Importantly, the IncR plasmid may form a transferable hybrid plasmid, mediated by IS6100 via transposition, with another IncFII plasmid included in the same C. freundii strain. Furthermore, the blaKPC−2 and blaNDM−1 of the fourth CRCF strain are located on two different non-transferable plasmids lacking complete transfer elements. Additionally, throughout the course of the 10-day continuous passage, the genetic surroundings of blaNDM−1 in four CRCF strains were gradually excised from their plasmids after the 8th day, whereas they maintained 100% retention for blaKPC−2. Genome and plasmidome analyses revealed that blaKPC−2- or blaNDM−1-harboring C. freundii were divergent, and these plasmids have high homology to plasmids of other Enterobacteriaceae.ConclusionClonal dissemination of ST523 blaKPC−2- and blaNDM−1-coharboring CRCF strains was detected, and we first reported blaKPC−2 and blaNDM−1 concomitantly located on one plasmid, which could be transferred with mediation by IS6100 via transposition. Continued surveillance should urgently be implemented.
Mendelian randomization supports causality between gut microbiota and chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Zhang Quanzheng , Zhou Jinhua , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Mao Rui , Zhang Chuan 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundObservational studies have provided evidence of a close association between gut microbiota and the progression of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, establishing a causal relationship between gut microbiota and CHB remains a subject of investigation.MethodsGenome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data of gut microbiota came from the MiBioGen consortium, while the GWAS summary data of CHB came from the Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) Open GWAS project. Based on the maximum likelihood (ML), Mendelian randomization (MR)-Egger regression, inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO), and weighted-mode and weighted-median methods, we conducted a bidirectional, two-sample, MR analysis to explore the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and CHB. Additionally, we evaluated the genetic associations between individual gut microbes and CHB using the Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) program.ResultsAccording to the IVW method estimates, genetically predicted class Alphaproteobacteria (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34–0.96; false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.046), genus Family XIII AD3011 group (OR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39–0.91; FDR = 0.026), genus Prevotella 7 (OR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.56–0.94; FDR = 0.022) exhibited a protective effect against CHB. On the other hand, family Family XIII (OR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.03–3.12; FDR = 0.061), genus Eggerthella group (OR = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.04–1.74; FDR = 0.043), genus Eubacterium ventriosum group (OR = 1.59; 95% CI, 1.01–2.51; FDR = 0.056), genus Holdemania (OR = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.00–1.82; FDR = 0.049), and genus Ruminococcus gauvreauii group (OR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.10–2.61; FDR = 0.076) were associated with an increased risk of CHB. The results from LDSC also indicated a significant genetic correlation between most of the aforementioned gut microbiota and CHB. Our reverse MR analysis demonstrated no causal relationship between genetically predicted CHB and gut microbiota, and we observed no significant horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity of instrumental variables (IVs).ConclusionIn this study, we identified three types of gut microbiota with a protective effect on CHB and five types with an adverse impact on CHB. We postulate that this information will facilitate the clinical prevention and treatment of CHB through fecal microbiota transplantation.
Embolization of unruptured wide-necked aneurysms at the MCA bifurcation using the Neuroform atlas stent-assisted coiling: a two-center retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Xuexian , Wang Ruidong , Ding Yuhan , Li Wei , Ren Hong , Zhang Jun 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe management of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms remains a controversial topic, and MCA aneurysms have traditionally been treated primarily by surgical clipping. The Neuroform Atlas Stent™ (NAS, available from Stryker Neurovascular, Fremont, California) represents the latest generation of intracranial stents with improved stent delivery system capabilities.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the safety, feasibility and efficacy exhibited by NAS in treating unruptured aneurysms at the MCA bifurcation.MethodsThis was a two-center retrospective study involving 42 patients with unruptured wide-necked aneurysms (WNAs) of the MCA treated with the NAS from October 2020 to July 2022.ResultsThe stent was used to treat 42 cases of unruptured WNA at the MCA bifurcation. Endovascular treatment techniques had a 100% success rate. Immediate postoperative angiography found complete aneurysm occlusion in 34 patients (80.9%) (mRRC 1), neck remnant in 7 patients (16.7%) (mRRC 2), and residual aneurysm in 1 patient (2.4%) (mRRC 3). The thromboembolic complication rate was 2.4% (1/42). The follow-up period was 8.7 months on average (3–16 months). The last angiographic follow-up results revealed complete aneurysm occlusion in 39 patients (92.9%) (mRRC 1), neck remnant in 3 (7.1%) patients (mRRC 2), no aneurysm recanalization or recurrence, and no cases of stent intimal hyperplasia. During the latest clinical follow-up, all patients had an mRS score of 0.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that the NAS can be applied to treat unruptured WNAs at the MCA bifurcation with favorable safety, feasibility, and efficacy.
Elevated first-trimester hepcidin level is associated with reduced risk of iron deficiency anemia in late pregnancy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Peng , Zhou Yueqin , Xu Suhua , Wang Xiaotong , Li Xiuxiu , Li Hailin , Lin Zongyu , Huang Fenglian , Zhu Lewei , Zhu Yanna 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundIron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy are highly prevalent worldwide. Hepcidin is considered an important biomarker of iron status. Currently, few longitudinal cohort studies have assessed the potential causal relationship between hepcidin and ID/IDA. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of first-trimester maternal serum hepcidin with third-trimester ID/IDA risk in a prospective cohort.MethodsTotal of 353 non-ID/IDA pregnant women at 11–13 weeks’ gestation were enrolled in Southern China and followed up to 38 weeks of gestation. Data on demography and anthropometry were obtained from a structured questionnaire at enrollment. Iron biomarkers including hepcidin were measured at enrollment and follow-up. Regression models were used to evaluate the association of first-trimester hepcidin with third-trimester ID/IDA risk.ResultsSerum hepcidin levels substantially decreased from 19.39 ng/mL in the first trimester to 1.32 ng/mL in the third trimester. Incidences of third-trimester ID and IDA were 46.2 and 11.4%, respectively. Moreover, moderate and high levels of first-trimester hepcidin were positively related to third-trimester hepcidin (log-transformed β = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.01, 1.00 and log-transformed β = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.15, 1.17). Importantly, elevated first-trimester hepcidin was significantly associated with reduced risk of third-trimester IDA (OR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.15, 0.99), but not with ID after adjustment with potential confounders.ConclusionFirst-trimester hepcidin was negatively associated with IDA risk in late pregnancy, indicating higher first-trimester hepcidin level may predict reduced risk for developing IDA. Nonetheless, given the limited sample size, larger studies are still needed.
Applying the theoretical domains framework and behavior change wheel to inform interventions for food and food-related waste audits in hospital foodservices
Authors: Cook Nathan , Collins Jorja , Porter Judi , Goodwin Denise 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundCompleting aggregate food and food-related waste audits in hospital foodservices is an intense practice, however they can demonstrate problem areas that require attention to reduce waste. Identifying interventions to facilitate and improve the implementation of these audits can be guided by behavior change science. The aims of this study were to use behavior change theories and frameworks to (1) describe the drivers of behavior to complete food and food-related waste audits and (2) identify possible interventions that support the implementation and uptake of these audits.MethodsPurposive sampling was used to recruit participants from hospitals in Victoria, Australia who worked in their foodservice system. Semi-structured interviews sought knowledge of participant’s perceived barriers and enablers to completing food and food-related waste audits. Deductive analysis using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Capability Opportunity Motivation Behavior theory (COM-B) identified dominant drivers of behavior. TDF domains were then matched to their corresponding intervention functions according to the Behavior Change Wheel framework (BCW) to identify relevant strategies that may support audit implementation.ResultsData from 20 interviews found the dominant COM-B constructs (TDF domains) were psychological capability (knowledge, skills), physical opportunity (environmental context and resources), and reflective motivation (social/professional role and identity, beliefs about capabilities). These dominant domains come from narratives that participants shared about foodservice staffs’ lack of knowledge, labor, time, and the hospital avoiding responsibility for audit completion. Corresponding intervention functions that could have the most potential for implementing waste audits were education, training, environmental restructuring, modeling, and enablement. Participants’ shared perspectives of audit enablers resembled these: for example, obtaining staff buy-in, reinforcing behavior through incentives and installing an audit champion.ConclusionTo transition toward regular food and food-related waste auditing practices in hospital foodservices these findings may help identify practice and policy change that delivers standardized auditing activities to encourage long term behavior change. Interventions to support audit completion should address each behavioral construct and relevant domain, as individual hospital sites will experience unique contextual factors and expectations influencing audit outcomes. A co-design process that includes staff and stakeholders of hospital foodservices is recommended to enable engagement and practical solutions to audit implementation.
Expression of p53 as a biomarker in determining response to apatinib for advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Qiu Zhiyuan , Qin Rong , Zhang Ziyi , Zhang Ting , Zhang Zhao , Qiao Chunyue , Xi Yan , Tian Guangyu , Wang Yan 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundApatinib has shown outstanding value in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer (AGC). However, no biomarkers are available to select AGC patients who will benefit from apatinib. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between p53 and Ki67 expression of and the outcome in AGC patients treated with apatinib.MethodsFrom December 2015 to December 2020, 92 AGC patients were enrolled and was retrospectively evaluated. They were given apatinib at a daily dose of 500 or 250 mg every 4 weeks to monitor clinical efficacy and adverse events (AEs). Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Expression of p53 and Ki67 was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and correlated with survival.ResultsAmong 92 evaluable patients, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 17.4% and 79.3%, respectively, and none of them achieved a CR, 16 achieved a PR (17.4%) (95% CI 9.8%-26.1%). Stable disease (SD) was observed in 57.6% of patients (95% CI 49.2%-69.9%) and PD in 21.7% of patients (95% CI 13.6%-31.3%). The median progression free survival (mPFS) was 122.7 ± 8.2 days, and the median overall survival (mOS) was 203.4 ± 11.9 days. P53 expression was observed in 35 patients (38.0%) and high expression of Ki67 was detected in 34 patients (37.0%). There was a statistically significant inverse relationship between p53 and Ki67 expression (P=0.014). Moreover, p53 was significantly correlated with the OS (P=0.018), but Ki67 had no significant influence on OS.ConclusionsApatinib showed promising efficiency and was well tolerated as a second-line treatment for AGC patients. AGC patients with p53-negative were likely to benefit from apatinib treatment; however, the expression of Ki67 proteins has no significant impact on the outcome of AGC patients.
Laparoscopic aspirator bracket: a new instrument facilitating the aspiration and exposure of operative field simultaneously in laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery
Authors: Yan Fengqi , Dou Xiaoliang , Zhu Guangfeng , Tang Qisheng , Zhang Bo , Zhao Bo , Yu Lei , Wang He , Wang Yong 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThis study aims to describe a novel laparoscopic aspirator bracket (LAB) and its use in laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) by a simple enucleation (SE) technique.MethodsA total of 123 renal tumor cases who underwent laparoscopic NSS via LAB or laparoscopic aspirator between July 2017 and April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. General characteristics, perioperative data and postoperative follow-up data of patients were compared.ResultsThe application of LAB in laparoscopic renal tumor SE surgery shortened the operation time (88.58 ± 38.25 vs. 102.25 ± 35.84 min, p &lt; 0.05) and improved the zero ischemia rate (18.75% vs. 3.39%, p &lt; 0.05), shortened warm ischemia time (16.17 ± 5.16 vs. 19.39 ± 5.62 min, p &lt; 0.05) and decreased intraoperative blood loss (166.19 ± 111.60 vs. 209.15 ± 127.10 ml, p &lt; 0.05). In addition, the serum creatinine and eGFR values in the LAB group also showed faster and better renal function recovery.ConclusionThe new LAB could aspirate and expose the operative field with a single instrument. In operations that need to expose and aspirate simultaneously, such as in renal tumor simple enucleation, it could shorten operation time, reduce intraoperative blood loss and improve the postoperative renal function recovery.
Dorsal subthalamic deep brain stimulation improves pain in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Askari Asra , Lam Jordan L. W. , Zhu Brandon J. , Lu Charles W. , Chou Kelvin L. , Wyant Kara J. , Patil Parag G. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionInconsistent effects of subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) on pain, a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD), may be due to variations in active contact location relative to some pain-reducing locus of stimulation. This study models and compares the loci of maximal effect for pain reduction and motor improvement in STN DBS.MethodsWe measured Movement Disorder Society Unified PD Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Part I pain score (item-9), and MDS-UPDRS Part III motor score, preoperatively and 6–12 months after STN DBS. An ordinary least-squares regression model was used to examine active contact location as a predictor of follow-up pain score while controlling for baseline pain, age, dopaminergic medication, and motor improvement. An atlas-independent isotropic electric field model was applied to distinguish sites of maximally effective stimulation for pain and motor improvement.ResultsIn 74 PD patients, mean pain score significantly improved after STN DBS (p = 0.01). In a regression model, more dorsal active contact location was the only significant predictor of pain improvement (R2 = 0.17, p = 0.03). The stimulation locus for maximal pain improvement was lateral, anterior, and dorsal to that for maximal motor improvement.ConclusionSTN stimulation, dorsal to the site of optimal motor improvement, improves pain. This region contains the zona incerta, which is known to modulate pain in humans, and may explain this observation.