bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammasome activation mediated by oxidised low-density lipoprotein in patients with sleep apnoea and early subclinical atherosclerosis
Authors: Díaz-García Elena , Sanz-Rubio David , García-Tovar Sara , Alfaro Enrique , Cubero Pablo , Gil Ana V. , Marin José M. , Cubillos-Zapata Carolina , García-Río Francisco 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundAtherosclerosis is a common comorbidity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients, caused by the interaction of dyslipidaemia and systemic inflammation. The OSA pro-inflammatory response is mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which requires a priming signal mediated by intermittent hypoxia (IH) and an activation signal provided by soluble stimulus present in plasma. Our objectives were to study oxidised low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) expression in OSA patients with or without early subclinical atherosclerosis (eSA) as well as its contribution to NLRP3 activation and tissue factor (TF) release.MethodsWe analysed oxLDL, key components of the NLRP3 inflammasome cascade and TF in plasma and monocytes from OSA patients and non-apnoeic subjects, with or without eSA as determined by increased carotid intima–media thickness without the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques. The oxLDL contribution to NLRP3 inflammasome activation was assessed usingin vitromodels.ResultsHigh levels of oxLDL were identified in plasma from OSA patients, particularly in those with eSA, as well as an overexpression of NLRP3 cascade components and TF. Furthermore,in vitromodels showed that both oxLDL and plasma from OSA patients with eSA act synergistically with IH as a priming and activation signal of NLRP3 that enhances the inflammatory response, pyroptosis and TF release.ConclusionsOSA patients with eSA exhibit NLRP3 activation by IH and the presence of oxLDL capable of releasing TF, constituting a pathway for the interaction between dyslipidaemia and systemic inflammation in the development of atherosclerotic lesions.
MicroRNA composition of plasma extracellular vesicles: a harbinger of late cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin
Authors: Totoń-Żurańska Justyna , Sulicka-Grodzicka Joanna , Seweryn Michał T. , Pitera Ewelina , Kapusta Przemysław , Konieczny Paweł , Drabik Leszek , Kołton-Wróż Maria , Chyrchel Bernadeta , Nowak Ewelina , Surdacki Andrzej , Grodzicki Tomasz , Wołkow Paweł P. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The use of doxorubicin is associated with an increased risk of acute and long-term cardiomyopathy. Despite the constantly growing number of cancer survivors, little is known about the transcriptional mechanisms which progress in the time leading to a severe cardiac outcome. It is also unclear whether long-term transcriptomic alterations related to doxorubicin use are similar to transcriptomic patterns present in patients suffering from other cardiomyopathies.

Methods
We have sequenced miRNA from total plasma and extracellular vesicles (EVs) from 66 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors and 61 healthy controls (254 samples in total). We then analyzed processes regulated by differentially expressed circulating miRNAs and cross-validated results with the data of patients with clinically manifested cardiomyopathies.

Results
We found that especially miRNAs contained within EVs may be informative in terms of cardiomyopathy development and may regulate pathways related to neurotrophin signaling, transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) or epidermal growth factor receptors (ErbB). We identified vesicular miR-144-3p and miR-423-3p as the most variable between groups and significantly correlated with echocardiographic parameters and, respectively, for plasma: let-7g-5p and miR-16-2-3p. Moreover, vesicular miR-144-3p correlates with the highest number of echocardiographic parameters and is differentially expressed in the circulation of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. We also found that distribution of particular miRNAs between of plasma and EVs (proportion between compartments) e.g., miR-184 in ALL, is altered, suggesting changes within secretory and miRNA sorting mechanisms.

Conclusions
Our results show that transcriptomic changes resulting from doxorubicin induced myocardial injury are reflected in circulating miRNA levels and precede development of the late onset cardiomyopathy phenotype. Among miRNAs related to cardiac function, we found vesicular miR-144-3p and miR-423-3p, as well as let-7g-5p and miR-16-2-3p contained in the total plasma. Selection of source for such studies (plasma or EVs) is of critical importance, as distribution of some miRNA between plasma and EVs is altered in ALL survivors, in comparison to healthy people, which suggests that doxorubicin-induced changes include miRNA sorting and export to extracellular space.
Active Compliance Control of a Position-Controlled Industrial Robot for Simulating Space Operations
Authors: He Jun , Shen Mingjin , Gao Feng , Zhang Haibo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAn industrial robot with a six-axis force/torque sensor is usually used to produce a zero-gravity environment for testing space robotic operations. However, using traditional force control methods, such as admittance control, causes position-controlled industrial robots to undergo from force divergence owing to intrinsic time delay. In this paper, a new force control method is proposed to eliminate the force divergence. A hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulator with an industrial robot is first presented. The free-floating satellite dynamics and the motion mapping from the satellites to simulator are both established. Thus, the effects of measurement delay and dynamic response delay on contact velocity and force are investigated. After that, a real-time estimation method for contact stiffness and damping is proposed based on the adaptive Kalman filter. The measurement delay is compensated by a phase lead model. Moreover, the identified contact parameters are adopted to modify contact forces, and thus the dynamics response delay can be compensated for. Finally, a co-simulation and experiments were conducted to verify the force control method. The results show that contact stiffness and damping could be identified exactly and that the simulation divergence could be prevented. This paper proposes an active compliance control method that can deal with force constrained tasks of a position-controlled robot in unknown environments.
Longitudinal changes in functional connectivity and pain-induced brain activations in patients with migraine: a functional MRI study pre- and post- treatment with Erenumab
Authors: Schwedt Todd J. , Nikolova Simona , Dumkrieger Gina , Li Jing , Wu Teresa , Chong Catherine D. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Migraine involves central and peripheral nervous system mechanisms. Erenumab, an anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor monoclonal antibody with little central nervous system penetrance, is effective for migraine prevention. The objective of this study was to determine if response to erenumab is associated with alterations in brain functional connectivity and pain-induced brain activations.

Methods
Adults with 6–25 migraine days per month during a 4-week headache diary run-in phase underwent pre-treatment brain functional MRI (fMRI) that included resting-state functional connectivity and BOLD measurements in response to moderately painful heat stimulation to the forearm. This was followed by two treatments with 140 mg erenumab, at baseline and 4 weeks later. Post-treatment fMRI was performed 2 weeks and 8 weeks following the first erenumab treatment. A longitudinal Sandwich estimator analysis was used to identify pre- to post-treatment changes in resting-state functional connectivity and brain activations in response to thermal pain. fMRI findings were compared between erenumab treatment-responders vs. erenumab non-responders.

Results
Pre- and post-treatment longitudinal imaging data were available from 32 participants. Average age was 40.3 (+/− 13) years and 29 were female. Pre-treatment average migraine day frequency was 13.8 (+/− 4.7) / 28 days and average headache day frequency was 15.8 (+/− 4.4) / 28 days. Eighteen of 32 (56%) were erenumab responders. Compared to erenumab non-responders, erenumab responders had post-treatment differences in 1) network functional connectivity amongst pain-processing regions, including higher global efficiency, clustering coefficient, node degree, regional efficiency, and modularity, 2) region-to-region functional connectivity between several regions including temporal pole, supramarginal gyrus, and hypothalamus, and 3) pain-induced activations in the middle cingulate, posterior cingulate, and periaqueductal gray matter.

Conclusions
Reductions in migraine day frequency accompanying erenumab treatment are associated with changes in resting state functional connectivity and central processing of extracranial painful stimuli that differ from erenumab non-responders.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov
(NCT03773562).
Appropriateness of drug prescriptions in patients with chronic kidney disease in primary care: a double-center retrospective study
Authors: Ruiz-Boy Sonia , Rodriguez-Reyes Montserrat , Clos-Soldevila Joan , Rovira-Illamola Marina 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a highly prevalent disease worldwide. A basic pillar for the management of a patient with CKD is the safe use of drugs. Inadequate dosing of medication or contraindicated drugs in renal impairment can lead to negative outcomes. The primary objective was to analyse the drug prescriptions of patients with CKD from two primary care centres to see if they were optimally adapted to the patient's estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Methods
A retrospective observational study was conducted in two urban primary care centres. The study period was between September–October 2019. Patients over 18 years of age, with established CKD and with an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73m2 for at least three months were included. Their demographic data (age and sex) and clinical variables such as associated comorbidities, eGFR value were retrospectively registered. Finally, their medication plans were reviewed in order to detect: inappropriate prescribing (IP), defined as an incorrect dose/frequency or contraindicated drug according to the renal function of the patient; nephrotoxic drugs and drugs with a high sodium content.

Results
A total of 273 patients were included. The most common patient profile was an elderly woman, polymedicated, with other concomitant diseases and with mild CKD. Two hundred and one IPs were detected, 13.9% of which were contraindicated drugs. Of all patients, 49.1% had been prescribed at least one IP on their medication plan, 93.8% had some potentially nephrotoxic drug and 8.4% had drugs with a high sodium content prescribed.

Conclusions
Patients with CKD are at increased risk of medication-related problems. It is necessary to implement measures to improve the safety in the prescription of drugs in patients with CKD.
Identifying airway obstruction in primary care: is there a role for physiotherapists?
Authors: Pagano Lisa , Dennis Sarah , Wootton Sally , Mahadev Sriram , Chan Andrew S. L. , Zwar Nicholas , Pallavicini Deborah , McKeough Zoe 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Aims
To examine the implementation of a physiotherapist-driven spirometry case finding service in primary care to identify new cases of COPD and confirm diagnosis of existing cases of COPD.

Methods
Four general practices were recruited. ‘At risk’ participants (aged ≥ 40 years, current/ex-smoker) and people with ‘existing’ COPD were identified from practice databases and invited to attend an assessment with a cardiorespiratory physiotherapist in each general practice. The physiotherapist performed pre/post-bronchodilator spirometry to identify or confirm a diagnosis of COPD (FEV1/FVC < 0.7). Outcome measures included number (%) of new cases of COPD, number (%) confirmed diagnosis of COPD and number (%) of high quality spirometry assessments with accurate interpretation.

Results
One hundred forty eight participants (mean age 70 years (SD 11.1), 57% female) attended a baseline assessment (117 ‘at risk’, 31’existing’ COPD) from 748 people invited. Physiotherapists performed 145 pre/post bronchodilator spirometry assessments. Obstruction on post-bronchodilator spirometry was confirmed in 17% (19/114) of ‘at risk’ and 77% (24/31) of ‘existing’ COPD. Majority of cases were classified as GOLD Stage II (63%, n = 27). Quality of pre/post bronchodilator spirometries for FEV1 were classified as A (68%), B (19%) and C (5%).

Conclusion
Physiotherapists integrated into primary care performed high quality spirometry testing, successfully case finding ‘at risk’ patients and identifying potential misdiagnosis of obstruction in some ‘existing’ COPD cases.

Trial registration
ANZCTR, ACTRN12619001127190. Registered 12 August 2019 – Retrospectively registered, http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12619001127190.aspx
Diagnostic performance of fecal Helicobacter pylori antigen test in Uganda
Authors: Owot Jacob Canwat , Tuhumwire Caleb , Tumuhimbise Christine , Tusiime Florence , Emmanuel Byaruhanga , Lumori Boniface A. E. , Okello Samson 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWe evaluated the diagnostic performance of a qualitative stool antigen test (SAT) in individuals with dyspepsia in rural Uganda using the polymerase chain reaction-based 16S ribosomal RNA assay (16S rRNA) for nucleotide sequences for two common H. pylori-associated genes as the reference standard. We enrolled 150 adults with dyspepsia with no self-reported use of antibiotic and/or antiacid medication medications within a fortnight. We performed blinded SAT on fecal specimens and 16S rRNA tests on gastric specimens. Using nonlinear mixed models, SAT had a sensitivity of 85⋅1% (95%CI 76⋅54%, 93⋅6%), and specificity of 97⋅6% (95%CI 94⋅3, 100). Twelve individuals with dyspepsia need to be tested to correctly diagnose 10 with H. pylori infection using SAT. The SAT is a robust diagnostic test to improve the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in people with dyspepsia in resource-limited settings.
Impact of atherosclerosis on the postoperative complications of colorectal surgery in older patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Gunji Takahiro , Tomita Koichi , Koganezawa Itsuki , Nakagawa Masashi , Yokozuka Kei , Ochiai Shigeto , Kobayashi Toshimichi , Sano Toru , Tabuchi Satoshi , Chiba Naokazu , Hidaka Eiji , Kawachi Shigeyuki 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Atherosclerosis is associated with various comorbidities; nonetheless, its effect on the postoperative complications of colorectal surgery in older patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of atherosclerosis on the postoperative complications of colorectal surgery in older adults with CRC.

Methods
Patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent surgery for CRC between April 2017 and October 2020 were enrolled. To evaluate atherosclerosis, we prospectively calculated the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) measured by the blood pressure/pulse wave test and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) score from computed tomography. Risk factors for Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ III postoperative complications were evaluated by univariate and logistic regression analyses.

Results
Overall, 124 patients were included. The mean CAVI value and AAC score were 9.5 ± 1.8 and 7.0 ± 8.0, respectively. Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ III postoperative complications were observed in 14 patients (11.3%). CAVI (odds ratio, 1.522 [95% confidence interval, 1.073–2.160], p = 0.019), AAC score (1.083 [1.009–1.163], p = 0.026); and operative time (1.007 [1.003–1.012], p = 0.001) were identified as risk factors for postoperative complications. Based on the optimal cut-off values of CAVI and AAC score, the probability of postoperative complications was 27.8% in patients with abnormal values for both parameters, which was 17.4 times higher than the 1.6% probability of postoperative complications in patients with normal values.

Conclusions
Atherosclerosis, particularly that assessed using CAVI and AAC score, could be a significant predictor of postoperative complications of colorectal surgery in older adults with CRC.
Comparison of two different types of hybrid Tibial fixations for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective comparative cohort study
Authors: Lai Po-Jen , Wong Chin-Chean , Chang Wen-Pei , Liaw Chen-Kun , Chen Chih-Hwa , Weng Pei-Wei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have compared different kinds of fixations for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Nevertheless, there is no optimal method to date. To the best of authors’ knowledge, there is no article discussing the combination of adjustable suspensory device and interference screw for hybrid tibial fixation.

Methods
In total, 66 patients (n = 34, adjustable suspensory device and interference screw; n = 32, cortical screw and interference screw) were analyzed. Their International Knee Documentation Committee score and Tegner activity level scale were evaluated before and after a 2-year follow-up. The Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score was evaluated after a 2-year follow-up. Physical exams such as range of motion, anterior knee pain (VAS > = 3) and Lachman test were assessed before and at least 12 months after surgery. To evaluate tunnel widening, anteroposterior and lateral view radiography was conducted 1 day and at least 12 months after surgery. A more than 10% change was considered tibial tunnel widening. Mann–Whitney U test, independent t test, paired t test, Fisher’s exact test and chi-squared test were used to compare the variables. Linear and logistic regression models were applied to adjust for potential confounders.

Results
No variable except gender (P = 0.006) showed significant difference with regard to demographic data. After adjustment, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding post-operative physical exams. Patients who used adjustable suspensory device and interference screw had lower post-operative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score (adjusted β − 8.194; P = 0.017), Tegner activity level scale (adjusted β − 1.295; P = 0.001) and pre-operative degrees of knee flexion (adjusted β − 2.825; P = 0.026). Less percentage of tunnel widening in the lateral view of radiographs was seen in patients in group of adjustable suspensory device and interference screw (adjusted β − 1.733; P = 0.038). No significant difference was observed in the anteroposterior view of radiographs (adjusted β − 0.667; P = 0.26).

Conclusion
In these 66 patients, we observed less tibial tunnel widening and lower post-operative functional scores in the group of adjustable suspensory device and interference screw. Both groups displayed similar outcomes of physical exams as well as improvement after operation. The proposed method may become an alternative option. Nonetheless, the quality of our study is still limited, and thus further studies are warranted to determine the efficacy and further application.

Trial registration
Joint Institutional Review Board of Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan (No: N201805094).

Study design
Prospective comparative cohort study; Level of evidence, II.
Combination of IL-17A/F and TNF-α uniquely alters the bronchial epithelial cell proteome to enhance proteins that augment neutrophil migration
Authors: Altieri Anthony , Piyadasa Hadeesha , Hemshekhar Mahadevappa , Osawa Natasha , Recksiedler Breann , Spicer Victor , Hiemstra Pieter S , Halayko Andrew J , Mookherjee Neeloffer 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The heterodimer interleukin (IL)-17A/F is elevated in the lungs in chronic respiratory disease such as severe asthma, along with the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Although IL-17A/F and TNF-α are known to functionally cooperate to exacerbate airway inflammation, proteins altered by their interaction in the lungs are not fully elucidated.

Results
We used Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer-based proteomic array to identify proteins that are uniquely and/or synergistically enhanced by concurrent stimulation with IL-17A/F and TNF-α in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC). The abundance of 38 proteins was significantly enhanced by the combination of IL-17A/F and TNF-α, compared to either cytokine alone. Four out of seven proteins that were increased > 2-fold were those that promote neutrophil migration; host defence peptides (HDP; Lipocalin-2 (LCN-2) and Elafin) and chemokines (IL-8, GROα). We independently confirmed the synergistic increase of these four proteins by western blots and ELISA. We also functionally confirmed that factors secreted by HBEC stimulated with the combination of IL-17A/F and TNF-α uniquely enhances neutrophil migration. We further showed that PI3K and PKC pathways selectively control IL-17A/F + TNF-α-mediated synergistic production of HDPs LCN-2 and Elafin, but not chemokines IL-8 and GROα. Using a murine model of airway inflammation, we demonstrated enhancement of IL-17A/F, TNF-α, LCN-2 and neutrophil chemokine KC in the lungs, thus corroborating our findings in-vivo.

Conclusion
This study identifies proteins and signaling mediated by concurrent IL-17A/F and TNF-α exposure in the lungs, relevant to respiratory diseases characterized by chronic inflammation, especially neutrophilic airway inflammation such as severe asthma.
TMT-based quantitative proteomics analysis of the effects of Jiawei Danshen decoction myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhu Xiang-Mei , Tan Yang , Shi Yu-He , Li Qing , Zhu Jue , Liu Xiang-Dan , Tong Qiao-Zhen 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Every year, approximately 17 million people worldwide die due to coronary heart disease, with China ranking second in terms of the death toll. Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) significantly influences cardiac function and prognosis in cardiac surgery patients. Jiawei Danshen Decoction (JWDSD) is a traditional Chinese herbal prescription that has been used clinically for many years in China to treat MIRI. The underlying molecular mechanisms, however, remain unknown. To investigate the proteomic changes in myocardial tissue of rats given JWDSD for MIRI therapy-based proteomics.

Methods
MIRI rat model was created by ligating/releasing the left anterior descending coronary artery. For seven days, the drugs were administered twice daily. The model was created following the last drug administration. JWDSD's efficacy in improving MIRI was evaluated using biochemical markers and cardiac histology. Tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics (TMT) technology was also used to detect proteins in the extracted heart tissue. To analyze differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), bioinformatics analysis, including gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways, were employed. Furthermore, western blotting confirmed the potential targets regulated by JWDSD.

Results
The histopathologic characteristics and biochemical data showed JWDSD's protective effects on MIRI rats. A total of 4549 proteins were identified with FDR (false discovery rate) ≤1%. Twenty overlapping were identified (162 DEPs and 45 DEPs in Model/Control or JWDSD/Model group, respectively). Of these DEPs, 16 were regulated by JWDSD. GO analysis provided a summary of the deregulated protein expression in the categories of biological process (BP), cell component (CC), and molecular function (MF). KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the signaling pathways of neutrophil extracellular trap formation, RNA polymerase, serotonergic synapse, and linoleic acid metabolism are all closely related to JWDSD effects in MIRI rats. Furthermore, T-cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1 (TIAM1) was validated using western blotting, and the results were consistent with proteomics data.

Conclusions
Our study suggests that JWDSD may exert therapeutic effects through multi-pathways regulation in MIRI treatment. This work may provide proteomics clues for continuing research on JWDSD in treating MIRI.