bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the therapeutic effects of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells and adipose-derived stem cells on erectile dysfunction in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury
Authors: Ti Yunrong , Yang Mengbo , Chen Xinda , Zhang Ming , Xia Jingjing , Lv Xiangguo , Xiao Dongdong , Wang Jiucun , Lu Mujun 
Published: October 2022

Background: Cavernous nerve injury (CNI) is the leading cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) after radical prostatectomy and pelvic fracture. Transplantation of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) has been widely used to restore erectile function in CNI-ED rats and patients. Umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (CBMSCs) are similarly low immunogenic but much primitive compared to ASCs and more promising in large-scale commercial applications due to the extensive establishment of cord blood banks. However, whether CBMSCs and ASCs have differential therapeutic efficacy on CNI-ED and the underlying mechanisms are still not clear.Materials and methods: A bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) rat model was established by crushing the bilateral cavernous nerves. After crushing, ASCs and CBMSCs were intracavernously injected immediately. Erectile function, Masson staining, and immunofluorescence analyses of penile tissues were assessed at 4 and 12 weeks. PKH-26-labeled ASCs or CBMSCs were intracavernously injected to determine the presence and differentiation of ASCs or CBMSCs in the penis 3 days after injection. In vitro experiments including intracellular ROS detection, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, EdU cell proliferation staining, cell apoptosis assay, and protein chip assay were conducted to explore the underlying mechanism of CBMSC treatment compared with ASC treatment.Results: CBMSC injection significantly restored erectile function, rescued the loss of cavernous corporal smooth muscles, and increased the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen. PKH-26-labeled CBMSCs or ASCs did not colocalize with endothelial cells or smooth muscle cells in the corpus cavernosum. Moreover, the conditioned medium (CM) of CBMSCs could significantly inhibit the oxidative stress and elevate the mitochondria membrane potential and proliferation of Schwann cells. Better therapeutic effects were observed in the CBMSC group than the ASC group both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the content of neurotrophic factors and matrix metalloproteinases in CBMSC-CM, especially NT4, VEGF, MMP1, and MMP3 was significantly higher than that of ASC-CM.Conclusion: Intracavernous injection of CBMSCs exhibited a better erectile function restoration than that of ASCs in CNI-ED rats owing to richer secretory factors, which can promote nerve regeneration and reduce extracellular matrix deposition. CBMSC transplantation would be a promising therapeutic strategy for CNI-ED regeneration in the future.
The effects of red LED light on pig sperm function rely upon mitochondrial electron chain activity rather than on a PKC-mediated mechanism
Authors: Blanco-Prieto Olga , Maside Carolina , Àlex Peña  , Ibáñez-Príncep Júlia , Bonet Sergi , Yeste Marc , Rodríguez-Gil Joan E. 
Published: October 2022

While irradiation with red LED light has been reported to modulate sperm function in different mammalian species, the mechanisms underlying their response are poorly understood. This work sought to provide new insights into whether this effect relies on a direct action upon mitochondrial electron chain and/or on PKC-linked mechanisms such as those related to opsins. For this purpose, pig semen was light-stimulated for 1, 5 or 10 min in the presence/absence of antimycin A, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial electron chain, or PKC 20–28® (PKCi), a PKC inhibitor. Antimycin A completely blocked the effects of light at all the performed irradiation patterns. This effect was linked to a complete immobility of sperm, which was accompanied with a significant (p &lt; 0.05) drop in several markers of mitochondrial activity, such as JC-1 staining and O2 consumption rate. Antimycin A, however, did not affect intracellular ATP levels, intramitochondrial calcium, total ROS, superoxides or cytochrome C oxidase (CCO) activity. In the case of PKCi, it did also counteract the effects of light on motility, O2 consumption rate and CCO activity, but not to the same extent than that observed for antimycin A. Finally, the effects observed when sperm were co-incubated with antimycin A and PKCi were similar to those observed with antimycin A alone. In conclusion, red LED light acts on sperm function via a direct effect on mitochondrial electron chain. Additionally, light-activated PKC pathways have a supplementary effect to that observed in the electron chain, thereby modulating sperm parameters such as motility and CCO activity.
The expression profiles of circular RNAs and competing endogenous RNA networks in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Liang Zi , Liu Liyan , Guo Xinyi , Wu Xia , Yu Yun-Li , Yu Ziyang , Hu Xiaolong , Zhang Xing , Wang Ji 
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a heterogeneous entity with diverse etiologies, morphologies, and clinical outcomes, but our knowledge of its epidemiology and carcinogenesis is very limited.Materials and methods: The expression patterns of circRNAs were explored in iCCA tissues and corresponding adjacent normal ones, denoted by (iCCA) and (iCCAP), respectively, using high-throughput sequencing.Results: A total of 117 differential expressed (DE) circRNAs were identified. Based on the parental transcripts of circRNAs, these DE circRNAs were related to several important GO terms and were enriched in important pathways. Two circRNA-mediated ceRNA networks were constructed and many important metabolic pathways related to mRNAs were regulated by DE circRNAs via miRNAs.Conclusion: Our study revealed the DE circRNAs in the iCCA tissues compared with iCCAP ones, suggesting that circRNAs may play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of iCCA.
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing indicates more precise pathogens in patients with pulmonary infection: A retrospective study
Authors: Wu Dengfeng , Wang Wei , Xun Qiufen , Wang Hongluan , Liu Jiarong , Zhong Ziqing , Ouyang Chao , Yang Qing 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundTimely identification of causative pathogens is important for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary infections. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), a novel approach to pathogen detection, can directly sequence nucleic acids of specimens, providing a wide range of microbial profile. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of mNGS in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with suspected pulmonary infection.MethodsFrom April 2019 to September 2021, 502 patients with suspected pneumonia, who underwent both mNGS of BALF and conventional microbiological tests (CMTs), were classified into different groups based on comorbidities. The diagnostic performances of mNGS and CMTs were compared. Comprehensive clinical analysis was used as the reference standard.ResultsThe diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity of mNGS were 74.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71.7-78.7%) and 72.5% (95% CI, 68.2-76.8%) respectively, outperformed those of CMTs (36.9% diagnostic accuracy, 25.4% sensitivity). For most pathogens, the detection rate of mNGS was higher than that of CMTs. Polymicrobial infections most often occurred in immunocompromised patients (22.1%). Only 2.3% patients without underlying diseases developed polymicrobial infections. Additionally, the spectrums of pathogens also varied among the different groups. We found the positive predictive values (PPV) to be dependent upon both the pathogen of interest as well as the immunologic status of the patient (e.g., the PPV of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was 94.9% while the PPV of Pneumocystis jirovecii in immunocompetent individuals was 12.8%). This information can help physicians interpret mNGS results.ConclusionmNGS of BALF can greatly enhance the accuracy and detection rate of pathogens in patients with pulmonary infections. Moreover, the comorbidities and types of pathogens should be taken consideration when interpreting the results of mNGS.
Assessment of absolute risk of life-threatening cardiac events in long QT syndrome patients
Authors: Wang Meng , Peterson Derick R. , Pagan Eleonora , Bagnardi Vincenzo , Mazzanti Andrea , McNitt Scott , Rich David Q. , Seplaki Christopher L. , Kutyifa Valentina , Polonsky Bronislava , Barsheshet Alon , Kukavica Deni , Rosero Spencer , Goldenberg Ilan , Priori Silvia , Zareba Wojciech 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundRisk stratification in long QT syndrome (LQTS) patients is important for optimizing patient care and informing clinical decision making. We developed a risk prediction algorithm with prediction of 5-year absolute risk of the first life-threatening arrhythmic event [defined as aborted cardiac arrest, sudden cardiac death, or appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shock] in LQTS patients, accounting for individual risk factors and their changes over time.MethodsRochester-based LQTS Registry included the phenotypic cohort consisting of 1,509 LQTS patients with a QTc ≥ 470 ms, and the genotypic cohort including 1,288 patients with single LQT1, LQT2, or LQT3 mutation. We developed two separate risk prediction models which included pre-specified time-dependent covariates of beta-blocker use, syncope (never, syncope while off beta blockers, and syncope while on beta blockers), and sex by age &lt; and ≥13 years, baseline QTc, and genotype (for the genotypic cohort only). Follow-up started from enrollment in the registry and was censored at patients’ 50s birthday, date of death due to reasons other than sudden cardiac death, or last contact, whichever occurred first. The predictive models were externally validated in an independent cohort of 1,481 LQTS patients from Pavia, Italy.ResultsIn Rochester dataset, there were 77 endpoints in the phenotypic cohort during a median follow-up of 9.0 years, and 47 endpoints in the genotypic cohort during a median follow-up of 9.8 years. The time-dependent extension of Harrell’s generalized C-statistics for the phenotypic model and genotypic model were 0.784 (95% CI: 0.740–0.827) and 0.785 (95% CI: 0.721–0.849), respectively, in the Rochester cohort. The C-statistics obtained from external validation in the Pavia cohort were 0.700 (95% CI: 0.610–0.790) and 0.711 (95% CI: 0.631–0.792) for the two models, respectively. Based on the above models, an online risk calculator estimating a 5-year risk of life-threatening arrhythmic events was developed.ConclusionThis study developed two risk prediction algorithms for phenotype and genotype positive LQTS patients separately. The estimated 5-year absolute risk can be used to quantify a LQTS patient’s risk of developing life-threatening arrhythmic events and thus assisting in clinical decision making regarding prophylactic ICD therapy.
Obesity in adolescents may be associated with limitations in daily activities and an increased level of anxiety in patients and their parents – preliminary results of a pilot study
Authors: Wójcik Małgorzata , Goncerz Dawid , Piasny Marta , Surówka Anna , Mazurek Edyta , Drożdż Dorota , Kozioł-Kozakowska Agnieszka , Starzyk Jerzy B. , Makara-Studzińska Marta 
Published: October 2022

Obesity is a chronic disease, that in adolescents may lead to serious consequences affecting somatic and mental health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety in adolescents with obesity and their parents. The relationships between depressive and anxiety symptoms and the somatic consequences of obesity were also analyzed. Material and Methods19 patients with obesity (BMI Z-SCORE 2.1-5.5), at the age 16-17, and their parents answered validated questionnaires (Children’s Depression Inventory 2, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and a survey assessing everyday functioning. ResultsThere were no significant differences in the occurrence of symptoms of depression in children and their parents: for the overall scale score of T-score (p=0.331), for the emotional problems (p=0.281) subscale, and the functional problems (p=0.147) subscale. The comparison of the results between boys and girls revealed no significant differences. A significantly higher level of anxiety was found in parents of children who gained weight in the year preceding the study (p = 0.046), and both in children and parents of children with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease – MAFLD (p=0.022 and p=0.007). According to adolescents, obesity affects the most leisure activities.ConclusionObesity, like any chronic disease, can have a significant impact on the emotional state of children and adolescents as well as the possibility of realizing interests and spending free time. Much more important than depressive disorders are anxiety disorders concerning both patients and their parents.
Identification of compositional and structural changes in the nucleus pulposus of patients with cervical disc herniation by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Zhiqi , Xue Tao , Zhang Tongxing , Wang Xuehui , Zhang Hui , Gao Zhongyu , Zhou Qiang , Gao Erke , Zhang Tao , Li Zhaoyang 
Published: October 2022

PurposeCervical disc herniation (CDH) is one of the most common spinal diseases in modern society; intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) has long been considered as its primary cause. However, the mechanism of intervertebral disc degeneration is still unclear. The aim of the study is to examine the components and structures of proteoglycan and collagen in cervical disc herniated nucleus pulposus (NP) using a validated and convenient Raman spectra technique and histological methods to further elucidate the mechanism of IVDD at the microscopic level.MethodsOur study used a burgeoning technique of Raman spectroscopy combined with in vitro intervertebral disc NP to characterize the above mentioned research purposes. Firstly, we collected cervical disc NP samples and imaging data by certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, we graded the NP of the responsible segment according to the patient’s preoperative cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-weighted images by Pfirrmann grading criteria while measuring the T2 signal intensity value of NP. In addition, the structure of the NP samples was evaluated by histological staining (H&amp;E staining and Safranin-O staining). Finally, the samples were scanned and analyzed by Raman spectroscopy.ResultsA total of 28 NP tissues from 26 patients (two of these patients were cases that involved two segments) with CDH were included in this study. According to the Raman spectroscopy scan, the relative content of proteoglycans which is characterized by the ratio of the two peaks (I1,064/I1,004) in the NP showed a significantly negative correlation with Pfirrmann grade (P &lt; 0.001), while the collagen content and the NP intensity value showed a positive correlation (P &lt; 0.001). For the microstructural characterization of collagen, we found that it may have an essential role in the degenerative process of the intervertebral disc. Moreover, histological staining (H&amp;E staining and Safranin-O staining) showed the general structure of the NP and the distribution of macromolecules.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated the possibility of characterizing the macromolecular substances inside the cervical disc NP tissue by Raman spectroscopy. It also confirmed that macromolecular substances such as proteoglycans and collagen have some degree of alteration in content and structure during degeneration, which has a further positive significance for the elucidation of CDH’s mechanism.
Preoperative prognostic risk stratification model for papillary thyroid carcinoma based on clinical and ultrasound characteristics
Authors: Shen Keyu , Xiao Siqi , Wu Xianji , Zhang Guang 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundThe preoperative risk stratification for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) plays a crucial role in guiding individualized treatment. We aim to construct a predictive model that aids in distinguishing between patients with low-risk and high-risk PTC based on preoperative clinical and ultrasound characteristics.Materials and methodsPatients who underwent open surgery and were diagnosed with PTC via a postoperative pathological report between January 2020 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Data including basic information, preoperative ultrasound characteristics, thyroid function, and postoperative pathology characteristics were obtained. Univariate logistic regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis were performed to screen candidate variables. Finally, the preoperative predictive model for PTC was established based on the results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 1,875 patients with PTC were enrolled. Eight variables (sex, age, number of foci, maximum tumor diameter on ultrasound, calcification, capsule, lymph node status on ultrasound, and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody level) significantly associated with risk stratification were included in the predictive model. A nomogram was constructed for clinical utility. The model showed good discrimination, and the area under the curve was 0.777 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.752–0.803] and 0.769 (95% CI: 0.729–0.809) in the training set and validation set, respectively. The calibration curve exhibited a rather good consistency with the perfect prediction. Furthermore, decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve showed that the model had good efficacy in predicting the prognostic risk of PTC.ConclusionsThe nomogram model based on preoperative indicators for predicting the prognostic stratification of PTC showed a good predictive value. This could aid surgeons in deciding on individualized precision treatments.
Lower bile acids as an independent risk factor for renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and biopsy-proven diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Xiao Xiang , Zhang Junlin , Ji Shuming , Qin Chunmei , Wu Yucheng , Zou Yutong , Yang Jia , Zhao Yuancheng , Yang Qin , Liu Fang 
Published: October 2022

AimsAbnormalities of glucolipid metabolism are critical mechanisms involved in the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Bile acids have an essential role in regulating glucolipid metabolism. This study investigated the clinicopathological characteristics of DKD patients with different bile acid levels and explored the relationship between bile acids and renal outcomes of DKD patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed and evaluated the histopathological features and clinical features of our cohort of 184 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and biopsy-proven DKD. Patients were divided into the lower bile acids group (≤2.8 mmol/L) and higher bile acids group (&gt;2.8 mmol/L) based on the cutoff value of bile acids obtained using the time-dependent receiver-operating characteristic curve. Renal outcomes were defined as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The influence of bile acids on renal outcomes and correlations between bile acids and clinicopathological indicators were evaluated.ResultsBile acids were positively correlated with age (r = 0.152; P = 0.040) and serum albumin (r = 0.148; P = 0.045) and negatively correlated with total cholesterol (r = -0.151; P = 0.041) and glomerular class (r = -0.164; P =0.027). During follow-up, 64 of 184 patients (34.78%) experienced progression to ESRD. Lower levels of proteinuria, serum albumin, and bile acids were independently associated with an increased risk of ESRD (hazard ratio, R=5.319; 95% confidence interval, 1.208–23.425).ConclusionsBile acids are an independent risk factor for adverse renal outcomes of DKD patients. The serum level of bile acids should be maintained at more than 2.8 mmol/L in DKD patients. Bile acid analogs or their downstream signaling pathway agonists may offer a promising strategy for treating DKD.
Association between body fat distribution and kidney stones: Evidence from a US population
Authors: Li Guoxiang , Liang Hu , Hao Yunwu , Huang Qingfeng , Shen Xudong , Chen Yang , Chen Mingwei , Xi Junhua , Hao Zongyao 
Published: October 2022

ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the relationship between the proportion of Android to Gynoid ratio and the incidence of kidney stones among US adults.MethodsParticipants aged 20-59 years from the 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database were selected to assess the association between Android to Gynoid ratio and kidney stone prevalence using logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis and calculation of dose-response curves.ResultsThis study ultimately included 10858 participants, of whom 859 self-reported a history of kidney stones. And after adjusting for all confounders, an increased Android to Gynoid ratio was associated with an increased prevalence of kidney stones (OR=2.75, 95% CI:1.62-4.88). And subgroup analysis showed an increased prevalence of kidney stones in women (OR=3.55, 95% CI: 1.54-8.22), non-diabetic (OR=2.59, 95% CI: 1.45-4.60), 60 &gt; age ≥ 40 years (OR=3.51, 95% CI: 1.83-6.71), Mexican-American (OR=4.35, 95% CI: 1.40- 13.53) and white (OR=3.86, 95% CI: 1.82-8.18) groups, there was a significant positive association between A/G ratio and kidney stones. In contrast, in the hypertensive subgroup, the A/G ratio was associated with kidney stones in all groups.ConclusionsHigher Android to Gynoid ratio is associated with a high prevalence of kidney stone disease.
Are the determinants of the progression to type 2 diabetes and regression to normoglycemia in the populations with pre-diabetes the same?
Authors: Alizadeh Zeinab , Baradaran Hamid Reza , Kohansal Karim , Hadaegh Farzad , Azizi Fereidoun , Khalili Davood 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundWe aimed to determine the predictors of regression to normoglycemia and progression to diabetes among subjects with pre-diabetes in a single model concurrently.MethodsThe present study included 1329 participants aged 20 to 70 years with prediabetes from the population-based cohort of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, with a 10-year follow-up. Glycemic status at follow-up was categorized as regression to normoglycemia: fasting plasma glucose [FPG] of &lt;5.55 and 2h-plasma glucose [PG] of &lt;7.77 mmol/L, and not taking antidiabetic medications. Glycemic status at follow-up was categorized as progression to diabetes: FPG ≥7 or 2h-PG of ≥11.1 mmol/L, or taking antidiabetic medications. Glycemic status determined whether the patients remained in prediabetes category (isolated impaired fasting glycaemia [iIFG] [(5.55≤FPG&lt;7 and 2h-PG&lt;7.77 mmol/L); isolated impared glucose tolarence [iIGT] (7.77 ≤ 2h-PG&lt;11.1 and FGP&lt;5.55 mmol/L)]. With prediabetes as a reference, multinomial logistic regression was utilized to identify the determinants of glycemic changes.ResultsApproximately 40% of participants returned to normoglycemia (n = 578), and similar percentage of participants progressed to diabetes (n = 518). Based on the multivariable multinomial model, regression to normoglycemia was associated with age (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99), female sex (RRR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.18-2.50), high education level of ≥12 years (RRR = 2.10; 95% CI, 1.19-3.70), and combined IFG/impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) versus IFG (RRR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.29-0.70). The risk of progression to diabetes increased with body mass index (RRR = 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05-1.15), waist circumference (RRR = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99), positive familial history of diabetes (RRR = 1.62; 95% CI, 1.07-2.45), and combined IFG/IGT versus IFG (RRR = 2.54; 95% CI, 1.71-3.77).ConclusionA small percentage of patients with prediabetes remain in this condition, but the majority go on to develop diabetes or regress to normoglycemia. Both directions had distinct predictors.