bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A macropinocytosis-related gene signature predicts the prognosis and immune microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ding Xinjiang , Yao Tao , Liu Xi , Fan Zhongwen , Liu Yuanxing 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundAvailable treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common human malignancy with a low survival rate, remain unsatisfactory. Macropinocytosis (MPC), a type of endocytosis that involves the non-specific uptake of dissolved molecules, has been shown to contribute to HCC pathology; however, its biological mechanism remains unknown.MethodsThe current study identified 27 macropinocytosis-related genes (MRGs) from 71 candidate genes using bioinformatics. The R software was used to create a prognostic signature model by filtering standardized mRNA expression data from HCC patients and using various methods to verify the reliability of the model and indicate immune activity.ResultsThe prognostic signature was constructed using seven MPC-related differentially expressed genes, GSK3B, AXIN1, RAC1, KEAP1, EHD1, GRB2, and SNX5, through LASSO Cox regression. The risk score was acquired from the expression of these genes and their corresponding coefficients. HCC patients in the discovery and validation cohorts were stratified, and the survival of low-risk score patients was improved in both cohorts. Time-dependent ROC analysis indicated that the model’s prediction reliability was the highest in the short term. Subsequent immunologic analysis, including KEGG, located the immune action pathway of the differentially expressed genes in the direction of the cancer pathway, etc. Immune infiltration and immune checkpoint tests provided valuable guidance for future follow-up experiments.ConclusionA risk model with MRGs was constructed to effectively predict HCC patient prognoses and suggest changes in the immune microenvironment during the disease process. The findings should benefit the development of a prognostic stratification and treatment strategy for HCC.
Effectiveness of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients: Real-world data of a retrospective, dual-center study
Authors: Fei Kailun , Guo Gang , Wang Jie , Wang Zhijie , Wang Yan , Hao Xuezhi , Zhong Jia , Guo Qinxiang , Guo Wei , Su Wenzhong , Zan Likun , Xu Jiaxi , Tan Fengwei , Zhuang Xiaofei , Duan Jianchun 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundStudying the application of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT) in the real world and evaluating its effectiveness and safety in comparison with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) are critically important.MethodsThis study included the II-IIIB stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving NCT with or without PD-1 inhibitors and undergoing surgery after neoadjuvant treatments between January 2019 to August 2022. The clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.ResultsA total of 66 patients receiving NICT and 101 patients receiving NCT were included in this study. As compared to NCT, NICT showed similar safety while not increasing the surgical difficulty. The ORR in the NICT and NCT groups was 74.2% and 53.5%, respectively, P = 0.009. A total of 44 patients (66.7%) in the NICT group and 21 patients (20.8%) in the NCT group showed major pathology response (MPR) (P &lt;0.001). The pathology complete response (pCR) rate was also significantly higher in NICT group than that in NCT group (45.5% vs. 10.9%, P &lt;0.001). After Propensity Score Matching (PSM), 42 pairs of patients were included in the analysis. The results showed no significant difference in the ORR between the two groups (52.3% vs. 43.2%, P = 0.118), and the proportions of MPR (76.2%) and pCR (50.0%) in NICT group were significantly higher than those of MPR (11.9%) and pCR (4.7%) in the NCT group (P &lt;0.001). The patients with driver mutations might also benefit from NICT.ConclusionsAs compared to NCT, the NICT could significantly increase the proportions of patients with pCR and MPR without increasing the operation-related bleeding and operation time.
Association between intraoperative dexmedetomidine and all-cause mortality and recurrence after laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer: Follow-up analysis of a previous randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hu Jingping , Gong Chulian , Xiao Xue , Chen Liubing , Zhang Yihan , Li Xiaoyue , Li Yanting , Zang Xiangyang , Huang Pinjie , Zhou Shaoli , Chen Chaojin 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundDexmedetomidine (DEX) has been widely applied in the anesthesia and sedation of patients with oncological diseases. However, the potential effect of DEX on tumor metastasis remains contradictory. This study follows up on patients who received intraoperative DEX during laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer as part of a previous clinical trial, examining their outcomes 5 years later.MethodsBetween June 2015 and December 2015, 60 patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection were randomly assigned to the DEX and control groups. The DEX group received an initial loading dose of 1μ/kg before surgery, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.3μg/kg/h during the operation and the Control group received an equivalent volume of saline. A 5-year follow-up analysis was conducted to evaluate the overall survival, disease-free survival, and tumor recurrence.ResultsThe follow-up analysis included 55 of the 60 patients. The DEX group included 28 patients, while the control group included 27 patients. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups, except for vascular and/or neural invasion of the tumor in the DEX group (9/28 vs. 0/27, p = 0.002). We did not observe a statistically significant benefit but rather a trend toward an increase in overall survival and disease-free survival in the DEX group, 1-year overall survival (96.4% vs. 88.9%, p = 0.282), 2-year overall survival (89.3% vs. 74.1%, p = 0.144), 3-year overall survival (89.3% vs. 70.4%, p = 0.08), and 5-year overall survival (78.6% vs. 59.3%, p = 0.121). The total rates of mortality and recurrence between the two groups were comparable (8/28 vs. 11/27, p = 0.343).ConclusionAdministration of DEX during laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer had a nonsignificant trend toward improved overall survival and disease-free survival.Clinical Trial Registrationhttp://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTRIOR-15006518.
Clinical thought-based software for diagnosing developmental dysplasia of the hip on pediatric pelvic radiographs
Authors: Sha Jia , Huang Luyu , Chen Yaopeng , Fan Zongzhi , Lin Jincong , Yang Qinghai , Li Yi , Yan Yabo 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThe common methods of radiographic diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) include measuring hip parameters and quantifying the degree of hip dislocation. However, clinical thought-based analysis of hip parameters may be a more effective way to achieve expert-like diagnoses of DDH. This study aims to develop a diagnostic strategy-based software for pediatric DDH and validate its clinical feasibility.MethodsIn total, 543 anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were retrospectively collected from January 2017 to December 2021. Two independent clinicians measured four diagnostic indices to compare the diagnoses made by the software and conventional manual method. The diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves and confusion matrix, and the consistency of parametric measurements was assessed using Bland-Altman plots.ResultsIn 543 cases (1,086 hips), the area under the curve, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the software for diagnosing DDH were 0.988–0.994, 99.08%–99.72%, 98.07%–100.00%, and 99.59%, respectively. Compared with the expert panel, the Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement for the acetabular index, as determined by the software, were −2.09°–2.91° (junior orthopedist) and −1.98°–2.72° (intermediate orthopedist). As for the lateral center-edge angle, the 95% limits were −3.68°–5.28° (junior orthopedist) and −2.94°–4.59° (intermediate orthopedist).ConclusionsThe software can provide expert-like analysis of pelvic radiographs and obtain the radiographic diagnosis of pediatric DDH with great consistency and efficiency. Its initial success lays the groundwork for developing a full-intelligent comprehensive diagnostic system of DDH.
Association of diabetes, hypertension, and their combination with basal symptoms and treatment responses in overactive bladder patients
Authors: Müderrisoglu A. Elif , Sakul Ayse A. , Murgas Sandra , de la Rosette Jean J. M. C. H. , Michel Martin C. 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Pelvic hypoperfusion caused by atherosclerosis has been proposed as a cause of lower urinary tract dysfunction including overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). Limited data indicate that OAB patients with concomitant diabetes or hypertension, known risk factors of atherosclerosis, may exhibit greater baseline OAB symptoms and slightly smaller therapeutic responses to treatment, but the impact of a combined presence of diabetes and hypertension has not been reported. Therefore, we have explored whether the combined presence of both comorbidities is associated with greater baseline OAB symptoms than that of either comorbidity alone. Secondary questions were exploration of the impact of either comorbidity on baseline symptoms, and of the impact of either comorbidity alone and their combination on therapeutic responses.Methods: Data from two non-interventional studies applying treatment with propiverine ER 30 or 45 mg/d for 12 weeks were analyzed.Results: Number of urgency episodes in the combination group was greater than with each comorbidity alone. The impact of comorbidities on baseline intensity of incontinence, frequency or nocturia or Patient Perception of Bladder Condition was less consistent or absent. Either comorbidity alone was associated with a smaller % improvement of symptoms, and their combination had a greater effect than either alone. However, all attenuations associated with comorbidity were small relative to the overall improvement. Conclusions: We conclude that comorbidities of diabetes and hypertension have detectable effects on OAB symptoms and treatment responses, but the small magnitude of these alterations does not justify changing existing paradigms for the clinical management of OAB.
Role of transporters in regulating mammalian intracellular inorganic phosphate
Authors: Jennings Michael L. 
Published: March 2023

This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of plasma membrane transporters in regulating intracellular inorganic phosphate ([Pi]In) in mammals. Pi influx is mediated by SLC34 and SLC20 Na+-Pi cotransporters. In non-epithelial cells other than erythrocytes, Pi influx via SLC20 transporters PiT1 and/or PiT2 is balanced by efflux through XPR1 (xenotropic and polytropic retrovirus receptor 1). Two new pathways for mammalian Pi transport regulation have been described recently: 1) in the presence of adequate Pi, cells continuously internalize and degrade PiT1. Pi starvation causes recycling of PiT1 from early endosomes to the plasma membrane and thereby increases the capacity for Pi influx; and 2) binding of inositol pyrophosphate InsP8 to the SPX domain of XPR1 increases Pi efflux. InsP8 is degraded by a phosphatase that is strongly inhibited by Pi. Therefore, an increase in [Pi]In decreases InsP8 degradation, increases InsP8 binding to SPX, and increases Pi efflux, completing a feedback loop for [Pi]In homeostasis. Published data on [Pi]In by magnetic resonance spectroscopy indicate that the steady state [Pi]In of skeletal muscle, heart, and brain is normally in the range of 1–5 mM, but it is not yet known whether PiT1 recycling or XPR1 activation by InsP8 contributes to Pi homeostasis in these organs. Data on [Pi]In in cultured cells are variable and suggest that some cells can regulate [Pi] better than others, following a change in [Pi]Ex. More measurements of [Pi]In, influx, and efflux are needed to determine how closely, and how rapidly, mammalian [Pi]In is regulated during either hyper- or hypophosphatemia.
Computer-aided quantitative ultrasound algorithm of acromiohumeral distance among individuals with spinal cord injury
Authors: Lin Yen-Sheng , Kim Hyungtaek , Seitz Amee L. , Tsai Tsung-Yuan , Jain Nitin 
Published: March 2023

Background: Shoulder ultrasound is a well-established point-of-care diagnostic modality in orthopaedic and sports medicine. Despite offering measurements of high-quality morphology, this methodology has faced several challenges, including variability in ultrasound systems, operator dependency, and lack of reliable and objective quantitative measures to track disease progression and responses to therapeutic interventions. Computer-aided quantitative ultrasound algorithm (CAQUSA) is an emerging novelty that automates the detection of normal and abnormal structures. Although CAQUSA has been shown to improve detections and diagnoses of soft tissue lesions, the proof-of-concept of utilizing CAQUSA to measure subacromial space width and its encroachment to the rotator cuff tendon have not been tested to assist in clinical decision-making for subacromial pain syndrome.Objective: This study aimed to develop a CAQUSA that measured the acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and test the algorithm’s reliability and agreement with manual measurements in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods: 116 ultrasound video clips recorded from 10 manual wheelchair users with SCI were evaluated manually by an experienced examiner with expertise in AHD examination and by the CAQUSA, which was developed for bone segmentation with probability mapping. The reliability and agreement of the diagnostic performance between the examiner and the CAQUSA were calculated and compared in both groups of AHD measurements.Results: The CAQUSA achieved a satisfactory agreement between computer-aided (11.95 ± 2.29 mm) and manual (11.33 ± 2.48 mm) measurements. The intraclass correlation coefficient between the two measures was excellent (ICC = 0.95). The sensitivity was 0.2 mm, with 95% true positives and 5% false positives at the fixed threshold of CAQUSA.Conclusion: AHD measurements made by the clinical observer were similar to that of the CAQUSA for assessing the clinical metrics related to subacromial pain syndrome. However, the CAQUSA showed greater reliability in its unclear or misleading image analysis. Based on the findings of this proof-of-concept study, the CAQUSA has promise for clinical utilization and interchangeability to minimize examiner-dependent errors and potentially reduce the cost of care.
Distinct microRNA and protein profiles of extracellular vesicles secreted from myotubes from morbidly obese donors with type 2 diabetes in response to electrical pulse stimulation
Authors: Aas Vigdis , Øvstebø Reidun , Brusletto Berit Sletbakk , Aspelin Trude , Trøseid Anne-Marie Siebke , Qureshi Saba , Eid Desima Shitandi Otundo , Olstad Ole Kristoffer , Nyman Tuula A. , Haug Kari Bente Foss 
Published: March 2023

Lifestyle disorders like obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular diseases can be prevented and treated by regular physical activity. During exercise, skeletal muscles release signaling factors that communicate with other organs and mediate beneficial effects of exercise. These factors include myokines, metabolites, and extracellular vesicles (EVs). In the present study, we have examined how electrical pulse stimulation (EPS) of myotubes, a model of exercise, affects the cargo of released EVs. Chronic low frequency EPS was applied for 24 h to human myotubes isolated and differentiated from biopsy samples from six morbidly obese females with T2D, and EVs, both exosomes and microvesicles (MV), were isolated from cell media 24 h thereafter. Size and concentration of EV subtypes were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, surface markers were examined by flow cytometry and Western blotting, and morphology was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Protein content was assessed by high-resolution proteomic analysis (LC-MS/MS), non-coding RNA was quantified by Affymetrix microarray, and selected microRNAs (miRs) validated by real time RT-qPCR. The size and concentration of exosomes and MV were unaffected by EPS. Of the 400 miRs identified in the EVs, EPS significantly changed the level of 15 exosome miRs, of which miR-1233-5p showed the highest fold change. The miR pattern of MV was unaffected by EPS. Totally, about 1000 proteins were identified in exosomes and 2000 in MV. EPS changed the content of 73 proteins in exosomes, 97 in MVs, and of these four were changed in both exosomes and MV (GANAB, HSPA9, CNDP2, and ATP5B). By matching the EPS-changed miRs and proteins in exosomes, 31 targets were identified, and among these several promising signaling factors. Of particular interest were CNDP2, an enzyme that generates the appetite regulatory metabolite Lac-Phe, and miR-4433b-3p, which targets CNDP2. Several of the regulated miRs, such as miR-92b-5p, miR-320b, and miR-1233-5p might also mediate interesting signaling functions. In conclusion, we have used a combined transcriptome-proteome approach to describe how EPS affected the cargo of EVs derived from myotubes from morbidly obese patients with T2D, and revealed several new factors, both miRs and proteins, that might act as exercise factors.
Effects of a myostatin mutation in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) on the physicochemical and histochemical characteristics of the pectoralis major muscle
Authors: Kim Dong-Hwan , Lee Boin , Lee Joonbum , Bohrer Benjamin M. , Choi Young Min , Lee Kichoon 
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the carcass, meat quality, and histochemical characteristics of pectoralis major (PM) muscle between wild type (WT) and myostatin (Mstn) homozygous mutant (HO) quail lines. The HO quail line exhibited significantly heavier body weight (HO vs. WT, 115.7 g vs. 106.2 g, approximately 110%) and PM muscle weight (HO vs. WT, 18.0 g vs. 15.2 g, approximately 120%) compared to the WT (p &lt; 0.001). However, the two groups had similar traits (pH, redness, yellowness, and drip loss) for meat quality, although slightly higher lightness and cooking loss were observed in the mutant quail (103% and 141%, respectively, p &lt; 0.05). For histochemical traits of PM muscle, Mstn mutant quail exhibited lower type IIA and higher type IIB percentage in the deep region than WT quail (p &lt; 0.05), indicating a fiber conversion from the type IIA to IIB. However, the two quail lines had comparable histochemical traits in the superficial region (p &gt; 0.05). These data suggest that Mstn mutation greatly increases muscle mass without significantly affecting meat quality.
Divergent effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles alone and in combination with cadmium on nutrient acquisition and the growth of maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Ayub Muhammad Ashar , Rehman Muhammad Zia ur , Ahmad Hamaad Raza , Rico Cyren M. , Abbasi Ghulam Hassan , Umar Wajid , Wright Alan L. , Nadeem Muhammad , Fox John-Paul , Rossi Lorenzo 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionThe increasing use of cerium nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) has made their influx in agroecosystems imminent through air and soil deposition or untreated wastewater irrigation. Another major pollutant associated with anthropogenic activities is Cd, which has adverse effects on plants, animals, and humans. The major source of the influx of Cd and Ce metals in the human food chain is contaminated food, making it an alarming issue; thus, there is a need to understand the factors that can reduce the potential damage of these heavy metals.MethodsThe present investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of CeO2-10-nm-NPs and Cd (alone and in combination) on Zea mays growth. A pot experiment (in sand) was conducted to check the effect of 0, 200, 400, 600, 1,000, and 2,000 mg of CeO2-10 nm-NPs/kg-1 dry sand alone and in combination with 0 and 0.5 mg Cd/kg-1 dry sand on maize seedlings grown in a partially controlled greenhouse environment, making a total of 12 treatments applied in four replicates under a factorial design. Maize seedling biomass, shoot and root growth, nutrient content, and root anatomy were measured.Results and discussionThe NPs were toxic to plant biomass (shoot and root dry weight), and growth at 2,000 ppm was the most toxic in Cd-0 sets. For Cd-0.5 sets, NPs applied at 1,000 ppm somewhat reverted Cd toxicity compared with the contaminated control (CC). Additionally, CeO2-NPs affected Cd translocation, and variable Ce uptake was observed in the presence of Cd compared with non-Cd applied sets. Furthermore, CeO2-NPs partially controlled the elemental content of roots and shoots (micronutrients such as B, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, and Fe and the elements Co and Si) and affected root anatomy.
The role of self-compassion in diabetes management: A rapid review
Authors: Sandham Courtney , Deacon Elmari 
Published: March 2023

AimThis study aimed to assemble and critically reflect on previously acquired insights from investigations that have already been conducted into the role of self-compassion in diabetes and its management.MethodsThis study implemented a rapid review approach to assess the pre-existing knowledge in a time-sensitive manner. A rapid review involves the synthesis of existing knowledge using a simplified systematic review process.ResultsA total of 16 articles were identified for this rapid review. The main findings from these articles included that self-compassion is associated with improved outcomes (psychologically and medically), self-compassion can be improved through interventions, and that many extraneous factors influence levels of self-compassion.ConclusionIt is apparent that self-compassion plays a rather significant role in the management of diabetes, and that interventions aimed at developing self-compassion showed success in improving health-related outcomes. It is suggested that future research should build on the possibility of using positive psychology interventions to improve the quality of life of those living with diabetes, and work to better understand the influence of aspects such as gender and diabetes duration on self-compassion.