bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolocumab attenuate pericoronary adipose tissue density via reduction of lipoprotein(a) in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a serial follow-up CCTA study
Authors: Yu Meng-Meng , Zhao Xin , Chen Yin-Yin , Tao Xin-Wei , Ge Jun-Bo , Jin Hang , Zeng Meng-Su 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) density is a biomarker of vessel inflammation, which is supposed to be increased in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, whether the coronary inflammation revealed by this novel index could be alleviated after evolocumab treatment in T2DM remains unknown.

Methods
From January 2020 to December 2022, consecutive T2DM patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥ 70 mg/dL on maximally tolerated statin and taking evolocumab were prospectively included. In addition, patients with T2DM who were taking statin alone were recruited as control group. The eligible patients underwent baseline and follow-up coronary CT angiography with an interval of 48-week. To render patients with evolocumab as comparable to those controls, a propensity-score matching design was used to select the matched pairs with a 1:1 ratio. Obstructive lesion was defined as the extent of coronary artery stenosis ≥ 50%; the numbers inside the brackets were interquartile ranges.

Results
A total of 170 T2DM patients with stable chest pain were included [(mean age 64 ± 10.6 [range 40–85] years; 131 men). Among those patients, 85 were in evolocumab group and 85 were in control group. During follow-up, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level (2.02 [1.26, 2.78] vs. 3.34 [2.53, 4.14], p < 0.001), and lipoprotein(a) (12.1 [5.6, 21.8] vs. 18.9 [13.2, 27.2], p = 0.002) were reduced after evolocumab treatment. The prevalence of obstructive lesions and high-risk plaque features were significantly decreased (p < 0.05 for all). Furthermore, the calcified plaque volume were significantly increased (188.3 [115.7, 361.0] vs. 129.3 [59.5, 238.3], p = 0.015), while the noncalcified plaque volume and necrotic volume were diminished (107.5 [40.6, 180.6] vs. 125.0 [65.3, 269.7], p = 0.038; 0 [0, 4.7] vs. 0 [0, 13.4], p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, PCAT density of right coronary artery was significantly attenuated in evolocumab group (− 85.0 [− 89.0, − 82.0] vs. − 79.0 [− 83.5, − 74.0], p < 0.001). The change in the calcified plaque volume inversely correlated with achieved LDL-C level (r =  − 0.31, p < 0.001) and lipoprotein(a) level (r =  − 0.33, p < 0.001). Both the changes of noncalcified plaque volume and necrotic volume were positively correlated with achieved LDL-C level and Lp(a) (p < 0.001 for all). However, the change of PCATRCA density only positively correlated with achieved lipoprotein(a) level (r = 0.51, p < 0.001). Causal mediation analysis revealed Lp(a) level mediated 69.8% (p < 0.001) for the relationship between evolocumab and changes of PCATRCA.

Conclusions
In patients with T2DM, evolocumab is an effective therapy to decrease noncalcified plaque volume necrotic volume, and increase calcified plaque volume. Furthermore, evolocumab could attenuate PCAT density, at least in part, via the reduction of lipoprotein(a).
Electromagnetic fields ameliorate hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress: potential role of CaMKKβ/AMPK/SREBP-1c and Nrf2 pathways
Authors: Zhai Mingming , Zhang Chenxu , Cui Jinxiu , Liu Juan , Li Yuanzhe , Xie Kangning , Luo Erping , Tang Chi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide, and is related to disturbed lipid metabolism and redox homeostasis. However, a definitive drug treatment has not been approved for this disease. Studies have found that electromagnetic fields (EMF) can ameliorate hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, the mechanism remains unclear.

Methods
NAFLD models were established by feeding mice a high-fat diet. Simultaneously, EMF exposure is performed. The effects of the EMF on hepatic lipid deposition and oxidative stress were investigated. Additionally, the AMPK and Nrf2 pathways were analysed to confirm whether they were activated by the EMF.

Results
Exposure to EMF decreased the body weight, liver weight and serum triglyceride (TG) levels and restrained the excessive hepatic lipid accumulation caused by feeding the HFD. The EMF boosted CaMKKβ protein expression, activated AMPK phosphorylation and suppressed mature SREBP-1c protein expression. Meanwhile, the activity of GSH-Px was enhanced following an increase in nuclear Nrf2 protein expression by PEMF. However, no change was observed in the activities of SOD and CAT. Consequently, EMF reduced hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and MDA levels, which means that EMF relieved liver damage caused by oxidative stress in HFD-fed mice.

Conclusions
EMF may activate the CaMKKβ/AMPK/SREBP-1c and Nrf2 pathways to control hepatic lipid deposition and oxidative stress. This investigation indicates that EMF may be a novel therapeutic method for NAFLD.
Efficacy and safety of particle therapy for inoperable stage II-III non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Yanliang , Luo Hongtao , Liu Ruifeng , Tan Mingyu , Wang Qian , Wu Xun , Du Tianqi , Liu Zhiqiang , Sun Shilong , Zhang Qiuning , Wang Xiaohu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background and purpose
Particle therapy, mainly including carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) and proton beam therapy (PBT), has dose distribution advantages compared to photon radiotherapy. It has been widely reported as a promising treatment method for early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its application in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) is relatively rare, and its efficacy and safety are inconclusive. This study aimed to provide systematic evidence for evaluating the efficacy and safety of particle therapy for inoperable LA-NSCLC.

Methods
To retrieve published literature, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library until September 4, 2022. The primary endpoints were local control (LC) rate, overall survival (OS) rate, and progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 2 and 5 years. The secondary endpoint was treatment-related toxicity. The pooled clinical outcomes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using STATA 15.1.

Results
Nineteen eligible studies with a total sample size of 851 patients were included. The pooled data demonstrated that the OS, PFS, and LC rates at 2 years of LA-NSCLC treated by particle therapy were 61.3% (95% CI = 54.7-68.7%), 37.9% (95% CI = 33.8-42.6%) and 82.2% (95% CI = 78.7-85.9%), respectively. The pooled 5-year OS, PFS, and LC rates were 41.3% (95% CI = 27.1-63.1%), 25.3% (95% CI = 16.3-39.4%), and 61.5% (95% CI = 50.7-74.6%), respectively. Subgroup analysis stratified by treatment type showed that the concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT, PBT combined with concurrent chemotherapy) group had better survival benefits than the PBT and CIRT groups. The incidence rates of grade 3/4 esophagitis, dermatitis, and pneumonia in LA-NSCLC patients after particle therapy were 2.6% (95% CI = 0.4-6.0%), 2.6% (95% CI = 0.5-5.7%) and 3.4% (95% CI = 1.4-6.0%), respectively.

Conclusions
Particle therapy demonstrated promising efficacy and acceptable toxicity in LA-NSCLC patients.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 attenuates ventilator-induced lung injury by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptotic pathway
Authors: Ding Peng , Yang Rui , Li Cheng , Fu Hai-Long , Ren Guang-Li , Wang Pei , Zheng Dong-Yu , Chen Wei , Yang Li-Ye , Mao Yan-Fei , Yuan Hong-Bin , Li Yong-Hua 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is caused by overdistension of the alveoli by the repetitive recruitment and derecruitment of alveolar units. This study aims to investigate the potential role and mechanism of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a metabolic regulator secreted by the liver, in VILI development.

Methods
Serum FGF21 concentrations were determined in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation during general anesthesia and in a mouse VILI model. Lung injury was compared between FGF21-knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice. Recombinant FGF21 was administrated in vivo and in vitro to determine its therapeutic effect.

Results
Serum FGF21 levels in patients and mice with VILI were significantly higher than in those without VILI. Additionally, the increment of serum FGF21 in anesthesia patients was positively correlated with the duration of ventilation. VILI was aggravated in FGF21-KO mice compared with WT mice. Conversely, the administration of FGF21 alleviated VILI in both mouse and cell models. FGF21 reduced Caspase-1 activity, suppressed the mRNA levels of Nlrp3, Asc, Il-1β, Il-18, Hmgb1 and Nf-κb, and decreased the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, IL-18, HMGB1 and the cleaved form of GSDMD.

Conclusions
Our findings reveal that endogenous FGF21 signaling is triggered in response to VILI, which protects against VILI by inhibiting the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway. These results suggest that boosting endogenous FGF21 or the administration of recombinant FGF21 could be promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of VILI during anesthesia or critical care.
Profiling the immune epigenome across global cattle breeds
Authors: Powell Jessica , Talenti Andrea , Fisch Andressa , Hemmink Johanneke D. , Paxton Edith , Toye Philip , Santos Isabel , Ferreira Beatriz R. , Connelley Tim K. , Morrison Liam J. , Prendergast James G. D. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding the variation between well and poorly adapted cattle breeds to local environments and pathogens is essential for breeding cattle with improved climate and disease-resistant phenotypes. Although considerable progress has been made towards identifying genetic differences between breeds, variation at the epigenetic and chromatin levels remains poorly characterized. Here, we generate, sequence and analyse over 150 libraries at base-pair resolution to explore the dynamics of DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility of the bovine immune system across three distinct cattle lineages.ResultsWe find extensive epigenetic divergence between the taurine and indicine cattle breeds across immune cell types, which is linked to the levels of local DNA sequence divergence between the two cattle sub-species. The unique cell type profiles enable the deconvolution of complex cellular mixtures using digital cytometry approaches. Finally, we show distinct sub-categories of CpG islands based on their chromatin and methylation profiles that discriminate between classes of distal and gene proximal islands linked to discrete transcriptional states.ConclusionsOur study provides a comprehensive resource of DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility and RNA expression profiles of three diverse cattle populations. The findings have important implications, from understanding how genetic editing across breeds, and consequently regulatory backgrounds, may have distinct impacts to designing effective cattle epigenome-wide association studies in non-European breeds.
In silico methods for predicting functional synonymous variants
Authors: Lin Brian C. , Katneni Upendra , Jankowska Katarzyna I. , Meyer Douglas , Kimchi-Sarfaty Chava 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSingle nucleotide variants (SNVs) contribute to human genomic diversity. Synonymous SNVs are previously considered to be “silent,” but mounting evidence has revealed that these variants can cause RNA and protein changes and are implicated in over 85 human diseases and cancers. Recent improvements in computational platforms have led to the development of numerous machine-learning tools, which can be used to advance synonymous SNV research. In this review, we discuss tools that should be used to investigate synonymous variants. We provide supportive examples from seminal studies that demonstrate how these tools have driven new discoveries of functional synonymous SNVs.
How to reach agreement: the impact of different analytical approaches to Delphi process results in core outcomes set development
Authors: Webbe James , Allin Benjamin , Knight Marian , Modi Neena , Gale Chris 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundCore outcomes sets are increasingly used to define research outcomes that are most important for a condition. Different consensus methods are used in the development of core outcomes sets; the most common is the Delphi process. Delphi methodology is increasingly standardised for core outcomes set development, but uncertainties remain. We aimed to empirically test how the use of different summary statistics and consensus criteria impact Delphi process results.MethodsResults from two unrelated child health Delphi processes were analysed. Outcomes were ranked by mean, median, or rate of exceedance, and then pairwise comparisons were undertaken to analyse whether the rankings were similar. The correlation coefficient for each comparison was calculated, and Bland-Altman plots produced. Youden’s index was used to assess how well the outcomes ranked highest by each summary statistic matched the final core outcomes sets.Consensus criteria identified in a review of published Delphi processes were applied to the results of the two child-health Delphi processes. The size of the consensus sets produced by different criteria was compared, and Youden’s index was used to assess how well the outcomes that met different criteria matched the final core outcomes sets.ResultsPairwise comparisons of different summary statistics produced similar correlation coefficients. Bland–Altman plots showed that comparisons involving ranked medians had wider variation in the ranking. No difference in Youden’s index for the summary statistics was found.Different consensus criteria produced widely different sets of consensus outcomes (range: 5–44 included outcomes). They also showed differing abilities to identify core outcomes (Youden’s index range: 0.32–0.92). The choice of consensus criteria had a large impact on Delphi results.DiscussionThe use of different summary statistics is unlikely to affect how outcomes are ranked during a Delphi process: mean, median, and rates of exceedance produce similar results. Different consensus criteria have a large impact on resultant consensus outcomes and potentially on subsequent core outcomes sets: our results confirm the importance of adhering to pre-specified consensus criteria.
Mechanical hyperinflation maneuver and intracranial compliance of critical neurological patients: protocol for a randomized controlled equivalence trial
Authors: de Almeida Souza Daniela , Branco Marina Wolff , Carraro Junior Hipólito , Zocolotti Ana Márcia Delattre , Takeda Sibele Yoko Mattozo , Valderramas Silvia 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Mechanical hyperinflation maneuver (MHM) is a technique known for optimizing bronchial hygiene and respiratory mechanics; however, its effects on intracranial compliance are not known.

Methods
Sixty patients aged ≥ 18 years, with clinical diagnosis of acute stroke, confirmed by neuroimaging examination, with onset of symptoms within 72 h, under mechanical ventilation through tracheal tube, will participate in this study. Participants will be randomly allocated into 2 groups: experimental group (n = 30)—MHM plus tracheal aspiration—and control group (n = 30)—tracheal aspiration only. Intracranial compliance will be measured by a non-invasive technique using Brain4care BcMM-R-2000 sensor. This will be the primary outcome. Results will be recorded at 5 times: T0 (start of monitoring), T1 (moment before MHM), T2 (moment after the MHM and before tracheal aspiration), T3 (moment after tracheal aspiration), T4, and T5 (monitoring 10 and 20 min after T3). Secondary outcomes are respiratory mechanics and hemodynamic parameters.

Discussion
This study will be the first clinical trial to examine the effects and safety of MHM on intracranial compliance measured by non-invasive monitoring. Limitation includes the impossibility of blinding the physical therapist who will supervise the interventions. It is expected with this study to demonstrate that MHM can improve respiratory mechanics and hemodynamic parameters and provide a safe intervention with no changes in intracranial compliance in stroke patients.
Early muscle recovery following robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Moon Emma , Gaston Paul , Patton James T. , Bell Allison , Simpson Philip M , MacPherson Gavin J , Hamilton David F. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) improves implant accuracy, however whether this translates to patient function is less clear. Various outcomes have been reported but muscle recovery has not been previously investigated.

Objective
To explore sequential change in lower limb muscle strength following robotic-assisted UKA with isokinetic dynamometry.

Results
12 participants undergoing rUKA for medial compartment osteoarthritis were assessed pre-operatively, and at 6- and 12-weeks post-operatively. Maximal muscle strength changed over time in both quadriceps (p = 0.006) and hamstrings (p = 0.018) muscle groups. Quadriceps strength reduced from 88.52(39.86)Nm to 74.47(27.58)Nm by 6-weeks (p = 0.026), and then recovered to 90.41(38.76)Nm by 12-weeks (p = 0.018). Hamstring strength reduced from 62.45(23.18)Nm to 54.12(20.49)Nm by 6-weeks (p = 0.016), and then recovered to 55.07(17.99)Nm by 12-weeks (p = 0.028). By 12-weeks quadriceps strength was 70% and hamstrings 83% of the values achieved in the un-operated limb. Substantial improvement was seen in all other measures over time, with sequential positive change in Timed-up-and-go test (p = 0.015), 10 m walk test (p = 0.021), range of knee flexion (p = 0.016) and PROMs (p < 0.025).
Reveal the microbial communities and functional prediction during the fermentation of Fen-flavor Baijiu via metagenome combining amplicon sequencing
Authors: Xue Teng-da , Zhang Jin-hua , Wang Tian-rui , Bai Bao-qing , Hou Zhi-xing , Cheng Jian-feng , Bo Tao , Fan San-hong 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Microbial resources are abundant in fermented grains of the Chinese Fen-flavor Baijiu, which is closely related to the quality of Baijiu. The purpose of this study was to investigate the microbial community structure and function in Daqu and fermented grains.

Methods
We systematically compared two technical approaches, amplicon sequencing, and metagenomic sequencing, to analyze the microbial communities during Baijiu fermentation.

Result
The results showed that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts were the main microorganisms in the fermentation process. Firmicutes (Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Weissella) were the dominant bacteria, and Ascomycota (Issatchenkia or Pichia) was the dominant fungus in fermented grains. Moreover, Pichia kudriavzevii, Lichtheimia ramosa, and Companilactobacillus paralimentarius were the dominant species at the initial stage of fermentation by metagenomic sequencing. Latilactobacillus curvatus, Loigolactobacillus coryniformis subsp. coryniformis, and Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri became dominant during the middle stage of fermentation. Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri and Lactobacillus acetotolerans were the dominant species in the final stage of fermentation. Spearman correlation analysis showed that LAB inhibited the growth of yeasts.

Conclusion
Combining the two sequencing methods provided valuable insights into the dynamic succession of microorganisms during the fermentation of Baijiu. It had had a particular significance for mining microbial species resources in fermented grains.
Modified centroid triplet loss for person re-identification
Authors: Alnissany Alaa , Dayoub Yazan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPerson Re-identification (ReID) is the process of matching target individuals to their images within different images or videos captured from a variety of angles or cameras. This is a critical task for surveillance applications, in particular, these applications that operate in large environments such as malls and airports. Recent studies use data-driven approaches to tackle this problem. This work continues on this path by presenting a modification of a previously defined loss, the centroid triplet loss ( CTL). The proposed loss, modified centroid triplet loss (MCTL), emphasizes more on the interclass distance. It is divided into two parts, one penalizes for interclass distance and second penalizes for intraclass distance. Mean Average Precision (mAP) was adopted to validate our approach, two datasets are also used for validation; Market-1501 and DukeMTMC. The results were calculated for first rank of identification and mAP. For dataset Market-1501 dataset, the results were$$98.4\%$$98.4%rank1,$$98.63\%$$98.63%mAP, and$$96.8\%$$96.8%rank1,$$97.3\%$$97.3%mAP on DukeMTMC dataset, the results outweighed those of existing studies in the domain.
CT-guided transthoracic core needle biopsies of focal pleural lesions smaller than 10 mm: a retrospective study
Authors: Kukuljan Melita , Mršić Ena , Oštarijaš Eduard 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
CT-guided transthoracic core needle biopsy (TCNB) is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure and a useful radiological method for diagnosing pleural lesions smaller than 10 mm in the presence of loculated pleural effusion. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided TCNB of small pleural lesions and determine the incidence of complications.

Methods
This retrospective study included a total of 56 patients (45 men and 11 women; mean [± SD] age, 71.84 ± 10.11 years) with small costal pleural lesions (thickness of < 10 mm) who underwent TCNB performed at the Department of Radiology from January 2015 to July 2021. One of the inclusion criteria for this study was a loculated pleural effusion greater than 20 mm, with a nondiagnostic cytological analysis. Sensitivity, specificity and positive as well as negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were calculated.

Results
The sensitivity of CT-guided TCNB for the diagnosis of small pleural lesions in this study was 84.6% (33 of 39), specificity 100% (17 of 17), PPV 100% (33 of 33), and NPV 73.9% (17 of 23), while diagnostic accuracy was 89.3% (50 of 56). The overall diagnostic contribution of TCNB in our study is comparable with the results of other recent reports. Loculated pleural effusion was considered a protective factor since no complications were noted.

Conclusion
CT-guided transthoracic core needle biopsy (TCNB) is an accurate diagnostic method for small suspected pleural lesions with a near-zero complication rate in the presence of loculated pleural effusion.