bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real-life effects of dupilumab in patients with severe type 2 asthma, according to atopic trait and presence of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Pelaia Corrado , Benfante Alida , Busceti Maria Teresa , Caiaffa Maria Filomena , Campisi Raffaele , Carpagnano Giovanna Elisiana , Crimi Nunzio , D’Amato Maria , Foschino Barbaro Maria Pia , Maglio Angelantonio , Minenna Elena , Nolasco Santi , Paglino Giuseppe , Papia Francesco , Pelaia Girolamo , Portacci Andrea , Ricciardi Luisa , Scichilone Nicola , Scioscia Giulia , Triggiani Massimo , Valenti Giuseppe , Vatrella Alessandro , Crimi Claudia 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThe efficacy of dupilumab as biological treatment of severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) depends on its ability to inhibit the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in type 2 inflammation.ObjectiveTo assess in a large sample of subjects with severe asthma, the therapeutic impact of dupilumab in real-life, with regard to positive or negative skin prick test (SPT) and CRSwNP presence or absence.MethodsClinical, functional, and laboratory parameters were measured at baseline and 24 weeks after the first dupilumab administration. Moreover, a comparative evaluation was carried out in relation to the presence or absence of SPT positivity and CRSwNP.ResultsAmong the 127 recruited patients with severe asthma, 90 had positive SPT, while 78 reported CRSwNP. Compared with the 6 months preceding the first dupilumab injection, asthma exacerbations decreased from 4.0 (2.0-5.0) to 0.0 (0.0-0.0) (p &lt; 0.0001), as well as the daily prednisone intake fell from 12.50 mg (0.00-25.00) to 0.00 mg (0.00-0.00) (p &lt; 0.0001). In the same period, asthma control test (ACT) score increased from 14 (10-18) to 22 (20-24) (p &lt; 0.0001), and sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) score dropped from 55.84 ± 20.32 to 19.76 ± 12.76 (p &lt; 0.0001). Moreover, we observed relevant increases in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) from the baseline value of 2.13 L (1.62-2.81) to 2.39 L (1.89-3.06) (p &lt; 0.0001). Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) values decreased from 27.0 ppb (18.0-37.5) to 13.0 ppb (5.0-20.0) (p &lt; 0.0001). These improvements were quite similar in subgroups of patients characterized by SPT negativity or positivity, and CRSwNP absence or presence. No statistically significant correlations were detected between serum IgE levels, baseline blood eosinophils or FeNO levels and dupilumab-induced changes, with the exception of FEV1 increase, which was shown to be positively correlated with FeNO values (r = 0.3147; p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionOur results consolidate the strategic position of dupilumab in its role as an excellent therapeutic option currently available within the context of modern biological treatments of severe asthma and CRSwNP, frequently driven by type 2 airway inflammation.
Efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Ji Zao , Jiang Feifei 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundTo systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis (AR) and provide evidence for clinical treatment.MethodsA literature search was performed on the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase database. Data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of sublingual immunotherapy for AR were screened and extracted from the establishment of those databases to November 2022. Subsequently, a network meta-analysis was performed using a statistical software R 4.2.ResultsTotally 22 RCTs that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and screened from 1,164 literature were included. A total of 4,941 AR patients were involved in the 22 trials, as well as five interventions including placebo, pharmacotherapy, subcutaneous immunotherapy_dust mite, sublingual immunotherapy_dust mite, and sublingual immunotherapy_ grass mix plus pollen extract. The results of network meta-analysis showed that, based on symptom scores after different interventions for AR, the most effective treatments for AR were in order as follows: sublingual immunotherapy_dust mite, subcutaneous immunotherapy_dust mite, sublingual immunotherapy_ grass mix plus pollen extract, placebo, and pharmacotherapy. Importantly, sublingual immunotherapy had fewer adverse reactions and higher safety.ConclusionSublingual immunotherapy_dust mite for AR has the best efficacy, whereas traditional medicine has the worst. More high-quality studies with a large sample and multiple centers are needed to verify this conclusion in the future, so as to further provide more reliable evidence-based medical evidence for the clinical treatment options of AR patients.
Reducing bias in microbiome research: Comparing methods from sample collection to sequencing
Authors: Kool Jolanda , Tymchenko Liza , Shetty Sudarshan A. , Fuentes Susana 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundMicrobiota profiles are strongly influenced by many technical aspects that impact the ability of researchers to compare results. To investigate and identify potential biases introduced by technical variations, we compared several approaches throughout the entire workflow of a microbiome study, from sample collection to sequencing, using commercially available mock communities (from bacterial strains as well as from DNA) and multiple human fecal samples, including a large set of positive controls created as a random mix of several participant samples.MethodsHuman fecal material was sampled, and aliquots were used to test two commercially available stabilization solutions (OMNIgene·GUT and Zymo Research) in comparison to samples frozen immediately upon collection. In addition, the methodology for DNA extraction, input of DNA, or the number of PCR cycles were analyzed. Furthermore, to investigate the potential batch effects in DNA extraction, sequencing, and barcoding, we included 139 positive controls.ResultsSamples preserved in both the stabilization buffers limited the overgrowth of Enterobacteriaceae when compared to unpreserved samples stored at room temperature (RT). These stabilized samples stored at RT were different from immediately frozen samples, where the relative abundance of Bacteroidota was higher and Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes were lower. As reported previously, the method used for cell disruption was a major contributor to variation in microbiota composition. In addition, a high number of cycles during PCR lead to an increase in contaminants detected in the negative controls. The DNA extraction had a significant impact on the microbial composition, also observed with the use of different Illumina barcodes during library preparation and sequencing, while no batch effect was observed in replicate runs.ConclusionOur study reaffirms the importance of the mechanical cell disruption method and immediate frozen storage as critical aspects in fecal microbiota studies. A comparison of storage conditions revealed that the bias was limited in RT samples preserved in stabilization systems, and these may be a suitable compromise when logistics are challenging due to the size or location of a study. Moreover, to reduce the effect of contaminants in fecal microbiota profiling studies, we suggest the use of ~125 pg input DNA and 25 PCR cycles as optimal parameters during library preparation.
Evaluation of a novel scoring system based on thrombosis and inflammation for predicting stroke-associated pneumonia: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Dongze , Liu Yi , Jia Yu , Yu Jing , Chen Xiaoli , Li Hong , Ye Lei , Wan Zhi , Zeng Zhi , Cao Yu 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundInflammation and thrombosis are involved in the development of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). Our aim was to evaluate the predictive value of a novel, simplified, thrombo-inflammatory prognostic score (TIPS) that combines both inflammatory and thrombus biomarkers in the early phase of ischemic stroke (IS).MethodsThe study population consisted of 897 patients with a first diagnosis of IS admitted to the emergency department of five tertiary hospitals in China. Of these, the data from 70% of patients was randomly selected to derive the model and the other 30% for model validation. A TIPS of “2” was indicative of high inflammation and thrombosis biomarkers and “1” of one biomarker, with “0” indicative of absence of biomarkers. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the association between TIPS and SAP.ResultsThe TIPS was an independent predictor of SAP and 90-day mortality, with the incidence of SAP being significantly higher for patients with a high TIPS. The TIPS provided superior predictive value for SAP than clinical scores (A2DS2) and biomarkers currently used in practice, for both the derivation and validation sets. Mediation analysis revealed that TIPS provided a predictive value than either thrombotic (NLR) and inflammatory (D-dimer) biomarkers alone.ConclusionThe TIPS score may be a useful tool for early identification of patients at high-risk for SAP after IS.
Aspiration thrombectomy of M2 middle cerebral artery occlusion to treat acute ischemic stroke: A core lab–adjudicated subset analysis from the COMPLETE registry and literature review
Authors: Fifi Johanna T. , Yaeger Kurt , Matsoukas Stavros , Hassan Ameer E. , Yoo Albert , Sheth Sunil , Zaidat Osama O. 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundAlthough the benefits of aspiration thrombectomy for treating acute ischemic stroke caused by proximal large vessel occlusion have been established, fewer data are available for evaluating aspiration thrombectomy of distal occlusion. The objective of this study was to evaluate, by means of prospectively collected data, the safety and efficacy of aspiration thrombectomy in patients with M2 middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion.MethodsThis study is a subset analysis of a global prospective multicenter observational registry that included patients who presented with either anterior or posterior large vessel occlusion and were eligible for mechanical thrombectomy using the Penumbra System including the Penumbra 3D Revascularization Device. For this analysis, all patients in the registry with M2 MCA occlusion were included.ResultsOf the 650 patients in the registry, 113 (17.4%) had M2 MCA occlusion. The rate of a modified treatment in cerebral infarction score of 2b to 3 after the procedure was 79.6% (90/113), the rate of a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 at 90 days was 72.5% (79/109), and the all-cause mortality rate at 90 days was 8.8% (10/113). Device-related serious adverse events occurred in one patient (0.9%) within 24 h and in two patients (1.8%) overall. Procedure-related serious adverse events occurred in four patients (3.5%) within 24 h and in six patients (5.3%) overall (nine events).ConclusionFor appropriately selected patients, aspiration thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke due to M2 MCA occlusion was safe and effective, with high rates of technical success and good functional outcome.
Electroacupuncture for psychogenic erectile dysfunction: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study exploring the alteration of fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation
Authors: Yang Yuqing , Qu Liu , Mu Linxuan , Yao Junpeng , Su Chengguo , Zheng Qianhua , Zheng Huabin , Zhang Peihai , Li Ying 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundPsychogenic erectile dysfunction (PED) can seriously affect emotional and marital wellbeing. Electroacupuncture (EA) seems an effective method for treating PED. However, the central mechanisms underlying PED and the beneficial effects of EA treatment are unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the central mechanisms of PED and to examine the impact of EA on erectile function.MethodsWe recruited 14 PED patients and 14 matched normal controls (NCs). PED patients underwent twice rs-fMRI scans, respectively, pre- and post-treatment. The NCs only completed one rs-fMRI scan. We used the fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) to compare spontaneous neural activity between the PED patients and NCs, and to examine the differences between the pre- and post-EA treatment scans in the PED patients.ResultsScores on the IIEF5, QEQ, and SEAR improved after EA treatment. Compared with the NCs, PED patients showed increased fALFF in the right posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), right supplementary motor area (SMA), and left middle occipital gyrus. Most of these regions are closely implicated in sexual inhibition. The results of the correlation analysis results indicated that the fALFF of the right PCC was negatively correlated with IIEF5 scores. After treatment, fALFF values were substantially lower in the left triangular part of the inferior frontal gyrus, right DLPFC, right SMA, bilateral PCC and the orbital part of the middle frontal gyrus, and higher in the left middle temporal gyrus and left caudate nucleus. These regions mainly belong to the default mode network (DMN), executive control network and primary sensory motor network. The results of the correlation analysis indicated a positive association between the changes in IIEF5 score and changes in the fALFF value in the right PCC after EA treatment.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study highlights that PED patients have abnormal patterns of activity in the right PCC, right DLPFC, and right SMA mainly involved in the DMN, executive central network, and sensory motor network which could lead to a higher levels of sexual inhibition. EA might regulate the process of sexual inhibition to improve erection function in PED patients probably by modulating spontaneous brain activity in the DMN, executive central network, and sensory motor network.
Intermittent theta burst stimulation vs. high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-stroke cognitive impairment: Protocol of a pilot randomized controlled double-blind trial
Authors: Han Menglin , He Jinyan , Chen Na , Gao Yulan , Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Kangling 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionIntermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a novel mode of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), has curative effects on patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). However, whether iTBS will be more applicable in clinical use than conventional high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is unknown. Our study aims to compare the difference in effect between iTBS and rTMS in treating PSCI based on a randomized controlled trial, as well as to determine its safety and tolerability, and to further explore the underlying neural mechanism.MethodsThe study protocol is designed as a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Forty patients with PSCI will be randomly assigned to two different TMS groups, one with iTBS and the other with 5 Hz rTMS. Neuropsychological evaluation, activities of daily living, and resting electroencephalography will be conducted before treatment, immediately post-treatment, and 1 month after iTBS/rTMS stimulation. The primary outcome is the change in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Beijing Version (MoCA-BJ) score from baseline to the end of the intervention (D11). The secondary outcomes comprise changes in resting electroencephalogram (EEG) indexes from baseline to the end of the intervention (D11) as well as the Auditory Verbal Learning Test, the symbol digit modality test, the Digital Span Test findings, and the MoCA-BJ scores from baseline to endpoint (W6).DiscussionIn this study, the effects of iTBS and rTMS will be evaluated using cognitive function scales in patients with PSCI as well as data from resting EEG, which allows for an in-depth exploration of underlying neural oscillations. In the future, these results may contribute to the application of iTBS for cognitive rehabilitation of patients with PSCI.
Whole-transcriptome sequencing identifies key differentially expressed circRNAs/lncRNAs/miRNAs/mRNAs and linked ceRNA networks in adult degenerative scoliosis
Authors: Shi Xin , Li Panpan , Wu Xiang , Shu Jun 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundAdult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) is forecast to be a prevalent disabling condition in an aging society. Universally, its pathogenesis is perceived as intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), however, a thought-provoking issue is why precisely a subset of patients with disc degeneration develop ADS. Exploring the diversities between common IDD and ADS would contribute to unraveling the etiological mechanisms of ADS. Therefore, we aimed to integrate the circRNA, lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA expression profiles from normal adults (Normal), patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH), and ADS by whole transcriptome sequencing, which identifies critical functional ncRNA and ceRNA networks and crosstalk between the various transcripts.MethodsThe fresh whole blood samples (n = 3/group) were collected from ADS patients, LDH patients, and healthy volunteers (Normal group), which were examined for mRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA expression and screened for differentially expressed (DE) ncRNAs. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG analyses were performed for gene annotation and enrichment pathways on the DE RNAs, which were constructed as a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Eventually, DE RNAs were validated by qRT-PCR targeting disc nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue in ADS and LDH group (n = 10/group).ResultsCompared to the LDH group, we identified 3322 DE mRNAs, 221 DE lncRNAs, 20 DE miRNAs, and 15 DE circRNAs in the ADS. In contrast to Normal, 21 miRNAs and 19 circRNAs were differentially expressed in the ADS. The expression of multiple differentially expressed ncRNAs was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis to be consistent with the sequencing results. In addition, GO, and KEGG analysis demonstrated that most DE mRNAs and ncRNAs target genes are involved in various biological processes, including Endocytosis, Apoptosis, Rap1 signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway, and others. The constructed lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA co-expression network was primarily related to angiogenesis and regulation.ConclusionBy focusing on comparing asymmetric and symmetric disc degeneration, whole-transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis systematically screened for key ncRNAs in the development of ADS, which provided an abundance of valuable candidates for the elucidation of regulatory mechanisms. The DE ncRNAs and the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network are intrinsically involved in the regulation of mediator and angiogenesis, which may contribute to the insight into the pathogenesis of ADS.
Primary squamous cell carcinoma of renal parenchyma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Liang Ke , Yuan Yichu , Lv Bodong , Ke Zunjin 
Published: March 2023

RationalePrimary renal parenchymal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an extremely rare tumor that is difficult to diagnose by hematology and imaging studies and is often diagnosed later than other primary renal cancers.DiagnosisA 52-year-old male patient was found to have cysts in both kidneys for 1 week. No urgency and frequency of urination, no dysuria, no gross hematuria, and no significant changes in recent body weight were reported.InterventionsThe upper pole of the right kidney is a cystic and solid mass (8.3 cm * 8.2 cm * 8.1 cm), the cystic part has long T1 and long T2 signals, the solid part has mixed signals, and some parts have limited diffusion. There were nodular long T1 and short T2 calcification signals. An enhanced scan of the solid part showed uneven enhancement and continuous enhancement of the mass capsule. Cystic renal cancer was considered because of the multiple cysts in both kidneys. Surgical treatment was performed. Postoperative pathology revealed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the right kidney with cystic degeneration, 8.5 cm * 6 cm in size, infiltrating the renal parenchyma, and the cutting edge was negative. The pathological stage was pT2bN0M0.OutcomeAt the follow-up 5 months after the operation, no metastasis was found.ConclusionRenal SCC is rare and easily misdiagnosed and missed. Pathological diagnosis is still the gold standard for its diagnosis. However, with active surgical treatment, the short-term prognosis of the patient is good.
Mu opioid receptor mRNA overexpression predicts poor prognosis among 18 common solid cancers: A pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Sun Wei , Zhuang Shaohui , Cheng Minghua , Qiu Zeting 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundOpioids are widely used for patients with solid tumors during surgery and for cancer pain relief. We conducted a pan-cancer genomic analysis to investigate the prognostic features of Mu opioid receptor (MOR) mRNA expression across 18 primary solid cancers.MethodsAll the data of cancer with MOR mRNA were retrieved from cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics. Logistic regression was used to determine the associations between MOR mRNA expression and clinicopathological features. Log-rank test and Cox regression was used for survival analysis. Subgroup analysis and propensity score matching were also carried out.Results7,274 patients, including 1,112 patients with positive MOR mRNA expression, were included for data analyses. Positive MOR mRNA expression was associated with more advanced stage of T (adjusted Odds ratio [OR], 1.176; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.022-1.354; P=0.024), M (adjusted OR, 1.548; 95% CI, 1.095-2.189; P=0.013) except N (adjusted OR, 1.145; 95% CI, 0.975-1.346; P=0.101), and worse prognosis for overall survival (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.347, 95% CI 1.200-1.512, P&lt;0.001), progression-free survival (HR 1.359, 95% CI 1.220-1.513, P&lt;0.001), disease-free survival (HR 1.269, 95% CI 1.016-1.585, P&lt;0.001) and disease-specific survival (HR 1.474, 95% CI 1.284-1.693, P&lt;0.001). Patients with positive MOR mRNA expression tended to be classified as tumor microenvironment immune types II, representing low PD-L1 and low CD8A expression.ConclusionMOR mRNA overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and poor response to PD-L1 therapy.
Bartter syndrome type III with glomerular dysplasia and chronic kidney disease: A case report
Authors: Liu Jingqi , Zhang Yudi , Wu Xiaochuan , Li Yongzhen 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundBartter syndrome (BS) type III is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease. Its clinical features are polyuria, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, metabolic alkalosis, and hyperreninaemia. A few BS type III can be complicated with chronic kidney disease.Case presentationWe report a 14-year-old boy with Bartter syndrome caused by a c.1792C &gt; T (p.Q598*) mutation in the CLCNKB gene. He was a no deafness and full-term baby, and he had renal dysplasia and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition, we summarize all cases of BS type III complicated with CKD.ConclusionsWe report a case of Bartter syndrome complicated by chronic kidney disease caused by a new mutation of CLCNKB. As we all know, BS type IV is usually combined with chronic kidney disease, and BS type III can also integrate with CKD. We don't find BS type III with glomerular dysplasia in the literature. So renal damage in BS type III is not only FSGS; clinicians must also be aware of glomerular dysplasia.