bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar degenerative diseases: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Chen Hao , Zheng Goudi , Bian Zhenyu , Hou Changju , Li Maoqiang , Zhang Zhen , Zhu Liulong , Wang Xuepeng 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-LIF) are both minimally invasive interbody fusion procedures for lumbar degenerative diseases. In this study, we attempted to compare the clinical efficacy and postoperative outcomes of MIS-TLIF and Endo-LIF for lumbar degenerative diseases.

Methods
The study cohort comprised 99 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases treated by MIS-TLIF or Endo-LIF from January 2019 to July 2021. The clinical outcomes (visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and MacNab criteria) preoperatively, 1 month postoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and 1 year postoperatively were compared between the two groups.

Results
There were no significant differences between the two groups in sex, age, disease duration, affected spine segment, and complications (P > 0.05). The operation time was significantly longer in the Endo-LIF group than the MIS-TLIF group (155.25 ± 12.57 vs. 123.14 ± 14.50 min; P < 0.05). However, the Endo-LIF group had a significantly smaller blood loss volume (61.79 ± 10.09 vs. 259.97 ± 14.63 ml) and shorter hospital stay (5.46 ± 1.11 vs. 7.06 ± 1.42 days) than the MIS-TLIF group. In both groups, the ODI and VAS scores for lower back pain and leg pain were significantly lower at each postoperative timepoint than preoperatively (P < 0.05). Although there were no significant differences between the two groups in the ODI and VAS scores for lower back pain and leg pain (P > 0.05), the VAS for lower back pain was lower in the Endo-LIF group than the MIS-TLIF group at each postoperative timepoint. The MacNab criteria showed that the improvement rate was 92.2% in the MIS-TLIF group and 91.7% in the Endo-LIF group, with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
There were no significant differences in short-term surgical outcomes between the MIS-TLIF and Endo-LIF groups. Compared with the MIS-TLIF group, the Endo-LIF group incurred less damage to surrounding tissues, experienced less intraoperative blood loss, and had less lower back pain, which is more conducive to recovery.
Evaluation of an information booklet for adolescents on depression: evidence from a randomized controlled study
Authors: Primbs Regine , Feldmann Lisa , Iglhaut Lucia , Allgaier Antje-Kathrin , Schulte-Körne Gerd , Greimel Ellen 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Adolescents with depression often show barriers to seek treatment offers due to various reasons, including limited knowledge about the manifestation of the disorder, its treatment options, or fear of stigmatization. Psychoeducational approaches might reduce these barriers by increasing depression literacy. The aim of the present randomized controlled study was to evaluate whether an innovative and age-appropriate evidence-based information booklet about youth depression increases depression-specific knowledge in adolescents with depression and is also appealing to the target group.

Methods
50 adolescents with a history of depression (current/remitted) aged 12–18 years participated in the study including a pre-, post- and follow-up assessment. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group received a target group-specific information booklet about youth depression including seven subdomains. The active control group received an information booklet about asthma in youth that was highly comparable to the depression booklet in terms of format and length. Before and after reading, and at a four-week follow-up, we assessed knowledge about youth depression based on a questionnaire. Furthermore, participants evaluated the acceptability of the information booklets.

Results
Unlike the active control group, the experimental group showed a significant increase in depression-specific knowledge from pre to post and from pre to follow-up across all subdomains. This increase was evident in four subdomains (“symptoms”, “treatment”, “antidepressants”, and “causes”). The overall reception of the information booklet about depression was positive and participants stated that they would recommend the information booklet about depression to their peers.

Conclusion
This is the first randomized controlled study to demonstrate that an information booklet about youth depression effectively imparts depression-specific knowledge to participants with a history of depression and shows high acceptance. Information booklets that are appealing and increase depression-specific knowledge might be a promising low-threshold and cost-effective approach to reduce barriers to treatment and raise awareness.
Improved bioenergy value of residual rice straw by increased lipid levels from upregulation of fatty acid biosynthesis
Authors: Jin Yunkai , Hu Jia , Su Jun , Aslan Selcuk , Lin Yan , Jin Lu , Isaksson Simon , Liu Chunlin , Wang Feng , Schnürer Anna , Sitbon Folke , Hofvander Per , Sun Chuanxin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Rice (Oryza sativa) straw is a common waste product that represents a considerable amount of bound energy. This energy can be used for biogas production, but the rate and level of methane produced from rice straw is still low. To investigate the potential for an increased biogas production from rice straw, we have here utilized WRINKLED1 (WRI1), a plant AP2/ERF transcription factor, to increase triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis in rice plants. Two forms of Arabidopsis thaliana WRI1 were evaluated by transient expression and stable transformation of rice plants, and transgenic plants were analyzed both for TAG levels and biogas production from straw.

Results
Both full-length AtWRI1, and a truncated form lacking the initial 141 amino acids (including the N-terminal AP2 domain), increased fatty acid and TAG levels in vegetative and reproductive tissues of Indica rice. The stimulatory effect of the truncated AtWRI1 was significantly lower than that of the full-length protein, suggesting a role for the deleted AP2 domain in WRI1 activity. Full-length AtWRI1 increased TAG levels also in Japonica rice, indicating a conserved effect of WRI1 in rice lipid biosynthesis. The bio-methane production from rice straw was 20% higher in transformants than in the wild type. Moreover, a higher producing rate and final yield of methane was obtained for rice straw compared with rice husks, suggesting positive links between methane production and a high amount of fatty acids.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that heterologous WRI1 expression in transgenic plants can be used to improve the metabolic potential for bioenergy purposes, in particular methane production.
Association of hemoglobin levels with radiographic progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: an analysis from the BRASS registry
Authors: Shadick Nancy , Hagino Owen , Praestgaard Amy , Fiore Stefano , Weinblatt Michael , Burmester Gerd 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
To evaluate baseline hemoglobin (Hb) and radiographic progression over time in patients enrolled in the Brigham and Women’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Sequential Study (BRASS) registry.

Methods
The BRASS is a prospective observational registry of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. BRASS Hb data and total sharp score data were matched with the main BRASS patients. Hb at baseline was categorized per the World Health Organization guidelines. Mean Hb, mean total sharp score, and mean changes over time from baseline to month 120 were summarized (overall, by low/normal Hb, and by current medication at baseline). All analyses were descriptive.

Results
Out of the total (N = 1114) rheumatoid arthritis patients included in the analysis, patients with low Hb at baseline (n = 224 [20%]) had longer disease duration and higher disease activity and reported more pain compared with patients with normal Hb at baseline (n = 890 [80%]). Patients with low Hb at baseline continued to have lower Hb than patients with normal Hb throughout 10 years; although, on average, patients in the low Hb subgroup exhibited a steady increase in Hb levels. A larger increase in total sharp score over time was observed for patients with low Hb than for patients with normal Hb. No meaningful differences potentially attributable to medication at baseline were detected.

Conclusions
Patients with low Hb levels at baseline tended to have increased radiographic progression as measured by total sharp score compared with patients with rheumatoid arthritis having normal Hb levels. Patients with low Hb experienced sustained improvements in Hb levels over time, regardless of the class of medication used.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01793103.
A prognosis prediction chromatin regulator signature for patients with severe asthma
Authors: Gao Yaning , Chen Liang , Li Jian , Wen Zhengjun 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSevere asthma imposes a physical and economic burden on both patients and society. As chromatin regulators (CRs) influence the progression of multiple diseases through epigenetic mechanisms, we aimed to study the role of CRs in patients with severe asthma. Transcriptome data (GSE143303) from 47 patients with severe asthma and 13 healthy participants was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the functions of differentially expressed CRs between the groups. We identified 80 differentially expressed CRs; they were mainly enriched in histone modification, chromatin organization, and lysine degradation. A protein–protein interaction network was then constructed. The analyzed immune scores were different between sick and healthy individuals. Thus, CRs with a high correlation in the immune analysis, SMARCC1, SETD2, KMT2B, and CHD8, were used to construct a nomogram model. Finally, using online prediction tools, we determined that lanatoside C, cefepime, and methapyrilene may be potentially effective drugs in the treatment of severe asthma. The nomogram constructed using the four CRs, SMARCC1, SETD2, KMT2B, and CHD8, may be a useful tool for predicting the prognosis of patients with severe asthma. This study provided new insights into the role of CRs in severe asthma.
Point-of-care detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae based on RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a
Authors: Tu Qianrong , Cao Xiaoying , Ling Chao , Xiang Lili , Yang Ping , Huang Shifeng 
Published: May 2023

AbstractGonorrhea, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae), is a persistent global public health threat. The development of low-cost, point-of-care testing is crucial for gonorrhea control, especially in regions with limited medical facilities. In this study, we integrated CRISPR/Cas12a reaction with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) to provide a simple and adaptable molecular detection method for N. gonorrhoeae. The RPA-Cas12a-based detection system developed in this study enables rapid detection of N. gonorrhoeae within 1 h without the use of specialized equipment. This method is highly specific for identifying N. gonorrhoeae without cross-reactivity with other prevalent pathogens. Furthermore, in the evaluation of 24 clinical samples, the detection system demonstrates a 100% concordance rate with traditional culture, which is being used clinically as a reference method. Overall, the RPA-Cas12a-based N. gonorrhoeae detection has the advantages of rapidity, portability, low-cost, no special equipment required, and strong operability, and has a high potential for application as a self-testing and point-of-care diagnosis, which is critical for the clinical management of gonorrhea in developing countries lacking medical equipment.
Graphical Abstract
A phase I study comparing the biosimilarity of the pharmacokinetics and safety of recombinant humanized anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibody injection with Avastin® in healthy Chinese male subjects
Authors: Li Hongtao , Zhao Xiangdi , Xie Jing , Zhu Xingyu , Su Yue , He Cuixia , Ding Jiaxiang , Zhu Minhui , Xu Yuanyuan , Wang Ying , Shan Rongfang , Liu Bingyan , Ding Yuzhou , Liu Yuanyuan , Zhou Huan , Xie Yunqiu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
The biosimilar landscape for malignancies continues to grow, with several biosimilars for reference product bevacizumab currently available. Bevacizumab has been shown to be well tolerated; however, the safety of recombinant humanized anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody injection remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and immunogenicity of recombinant humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody injection to that of Avastin® in healthy Chinese male volunteers.

Methods
A randomized, double-blind, single-dose, and parallel-group study was performed on 88 healthy men who randomly (1:1) received either the test drug as an intravenous infusion of 3 mg/kg or Avastin®. The primary PK parameter was area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to last quantifiable concentration (AUC0–t). Secondary endpoints included maximum observed serum concentration (Cmax), AUC from 0 extrapolated to infinity (AUCinf), safety, and immunogenicity. Serum bevacizumab concentrations were measured using a validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results
The baseline characteristics were similar among the two groups. The 90% confidence interval (CI) for the geometric mean ratio of AUC0–t, Cmax and AUCinf between the test group and reference group were 91.71%–103.18%, 95.72%–107.49% and 91.03%–103.43%, respectively. These values were within the predefined bioequivalence margin of 80.00%–125.00%, demonstrating the biosimilarity of the test drug and Avastin®. Eighty-one treatment-emergent adverse events were reported, with a comparable incidence among the test group (90.91%) and the reference group (93.18%). No serious adverse events were reported. The incidence of ADA antibodies in the two groups was low and similar.

Conclusion
In healthy Chinese men, PK similarity of recombinant humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody injection to Avastin® was confirmed, with comparable safety and immunogenicity. Subsequent studies should investigate recombinant humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody injection in patients setting.

Trial registration
Registered 08/10/2019, CTR20191923.
Transcriptome profiles reveal gene regulation of ginger flowering induced by photoperiod and light quality
Authors: Deng Qinyu , Zhang Yangtao , Liu Kang , Zheng Guo , Gao Longyan , Li Zhexin , Huang Mengjun , Jiang Yusong 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Under natural conditions, ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) rarely blossom and has seed, which limits new variety breeding of ginger and industry development. In this study, the effects of different photoperiods and light quality on flowering induction in ginger were performed, followed by gene expression analysis of flower buds differentiation under induced treatment using RNA-seq technology.

Results
First, both red light and long light condition (18 h light/6 h dark) could effectively induce differentiation of flower buds in ginger. Second, a total of 3395 differentially expressed genes were identified from several different comparisons, among which nine genes, including CDF1, COP1, GHD7, RAV2-like, CO, FT, SOC1, AP1 and LFY, were identified to be associated with flowering in induced flower buds and natural leaf buds. Aside from four down-regulated genes (CDF1, COP1, GHD7 and RAV2-like), other five genes were all up-regulated expression. These differentially expressed genes were mainly classified into 2604 GO categories, which were further enriched into 120 KEGG metabolic pathways. Third, expression change of flowering-related genes in ginger indicated that the induction may negatively regulated expression of CDF1, COP1, GHD7 and RAV2-like, and subsequently positively regulated expression of CO, FT, SOC1, LFY and AP1, which finally led to ginger flowering. In addition, the RNA-seq results were verified by qRT-PCR analysis of 18 randomly selected genes, which further demonstrated the reliability of transcriptome analysis.

Conclusion
This study revealed the ginger flowering mechanism induced by light treatment and provided abundant gene information, which contribute to the development of hybrid breeding of ginger.
Ursodeoxycholic acid induces sarcopenia associated with decreased protein synthesis and autophagic flux
Authors: Orozco-Aguilar Josué , Tacchi Franco , Aguirre Francisco , Valero-Breton Mayalen , Castro-Sepulveda Mauricio , Simon Felipe , Cabello-Verrugio Claudio 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Skeletal muscle generates force and movements and maintains posture. Under pathological conditions, muscle fibers suffer an imbalance in protein synthesis/degradation. This event causes muscle mass loss and decreased strength and muscle function, a syndrome known as sarcopenia. Recently, our laboratory described secondary sarcopenia in a chronic cholestatic liver disease (CCLD) mouse model. Interestingly, the administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a hydrophilic bile acid, is an effective therapy for cholestatic hepatic alterations. However, the effect of UDCA on skeletal muscle mass and functionality has never been evaluated, nor the possible involved mechanisms.

Methods
We assessed the ability of UDCA to generate sarcopenia in C57BL6 mice and develop a sarcopenic-like phenotype in C2C12 myotubes and isolated muscle fibers. In mice, we measured muscle strength by a grip strength test, muscle mass by bioimpedance and mass for specific muscles, and physical function by a treadmill test. We also detected the fiber’s diameter and content of sarcomeric proteins. In C2C12 myotubes and/or isolated muscle fibers, we determined the diameter and troponin I level to validate the cellular effect. Moreover, to evaluate possible mechanisms, we detected puromycin incorporation, p70S6K, and 4EBP1 to evaluate protein synthesis and ULK1, LC3 I, and II protein levels to determine autophagic flux. The mitophagosome-like structures were detected by transmission electron microscopy.

Results
UDCA induced sarcopenia in healthy mice, evidenced by decreased strength, muscle mass, and physical function, with a decline in the fiber’s diameter and the troponin I protein levels. In the C2C12 myotubes, we observed that UDCA caused a reduction in the diameter and content of MHC, troponin I, puromycin incorporation, and phosphorylated forms of p70S6K and 4EBP1. Further, we detected increased levels of phosphorylated ULK1, the LC3II/LC3I ratio, and the number of mitophagosome-like structures. These data suggest that UDCA induces a sarcopenic-like phenotype with decreased protein synthesis and autophagic flux.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that UDCA induces sarcopenia in mice and sarcopenic-like features in C2C12 myotubes and/or isolated muscle fibers concomitantly with decreased protein synthesis and alterations in autophagic flux.
Effect of Phacoemulsification on Sub Foveal Choroidal and Central Macular Thickness as measured by Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Javeria Ahmed Qureshi  , Ahsan Mukhtar  , Mehboob Mohammad Asim , Asfandyar Khan  
Published: May 2023

Objectives: To study the effect of Phacoemulsification on Sub Foveal Choroidal Thickness (SFCT) and Central Macular Thickness (CMT) as measured by Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).
Methods: This experimental study was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO), Rawalpindi from April 2021 to February 2022. One hundred eyes of 100 patients with age related cataract underwent uneventful phacoemulsification surgery. Pre-operative SFCT and CMT was measured and compared with SFCT and CMT at one week, one month and three months after surgery using swept source OCT.
Results: Mean age of study population was 56.76±8.31 years. Out of 100 patients, 46 (46%) were males and 54 (54%) were females. Mean pre-operative CMT, one week, one month and three months post-operative CMT was 233.95±9.46 µm, 232.88±8.59 µm, 230.38±10.62 µm and 230.67±7.55 µm respectively. Mean pre-operative SFCT, one week, one month and three months post-operative SFCT was 337.14±8.41 µm, 339.14±9.63 µm, 339.39±11.96 µm and 351.39±9.19 µm respectively. The difference of mean change in CMT from baseline at one week, one month and three months post-operatively was not statistically significant. The difference of mean change in SFCT from baseline at one week and one month post-operatively was not statistically significant. However, the difference of mean change in SFCT from baseline at three months post-operatively was statistically significant (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Uneventful phacoemulsification surgery does not have any effect on central macular thickness, however there is a significant increase in subfoveal choroidal thickness at three months after surgery.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.6322
How to cite this: Ahmed J, Mukhtar A, Mehboob MA, Khan A. Effect of Phacoemulsification on Sub Foveal Choroidal and Central Macular Thickness as measured by Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.6322
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Unveiling the power of diet and lifestyle in managing Crohn’s disease
Authors: Bialic Artur , Bialic Kinga , Bakalarczyk Rafał , Majewski Paweł , Bednarz Lucjan , Szala-Czerwonka Karolina , Woś Natalia , Rejmer Adrian , Rojek Katarzyna , Wijas Karolina 
Published: May 2023

Introduction:
Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract. Onset, progression, complications and treatment are influenced by many genetic, environmental and dietary factors. Dietary management is very useful in a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, including CD. Some nutrients have been studied in animal models to exacerbate the disease, while others have strong scientific evidence from large studies in human populations, allowing conclusions to be drawn about their impact on the disease. Dietary management is now a well-established and important part of treatment, in addition to the use of systemic corticosteroids, aminosalicylates, immunomodulators (e.g. azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus) or biologic therapies.
State of knowledge:
To test the associations between the intake of specific macronutrients and the course of CD, we searched the PubMed database focusing on articles about the effects of consumed food components and stimulants on the onset and progression of CD.
Conclusion:
Nutritional treatment plays an important role in the management of CD. An appropriate diet can make a significant contribution to reducing inflammation and attenuating the course and exacerbations of the disease. The intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber and certain food additives has been shown in studies to influence the onset and course of CD.