bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Profiles of Proinflammatory Cytokines and T Cells in Patients With Tourette Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Xiaolin , Yang Hanxue , Li Yanlin , Gui Jingang , Cui Yonghua 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundTic disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and phonic tic symptoms. Tourette syndrome (TS) is a subtype of tic disorder that shows more persistent tic symptoms. The etiological mechanism of TS concerning immune dysfunction remains unclear due to limited evidence, especially for pediatric TS patients.MethodIn the present study, a meta-analysis was performed to confirm the identified changes in proinflammatory cytokines and T cells of pediatric TS patients. A total of five databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Google Scholar and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), were used for the literature search. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to present the effect size of each type of proinflammatory cytokine and T cell. Sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were used to explore the heterogeneity of the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis was registered in the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (number: INPLASY2021110079).ResultsIn the 25 studies included in this meta-analysis, thirteen studies focused on the levels of T cells, and twelve studies focused on the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Based on the random-effects model, the pooled MDs are -1.45 (95% CI: -3.44, 0.54) for CD3 cells, -4.44 (95% CI: -6.80, -2.08) for CD4 cells, and 1.94 (95% CI: -0.08, 3.97) for CD8 cells. The pooled SMDs are1.36 for IL-6 (95% CI: 0.00, 2.72) and 2.39 for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (95% CI: 0.93, 3.84).ConclusionWe provided evidence of immune dysfunction in pediatric TS patients, with elevated levels of particular proinflammatory cytokines and disproportionate changes in T-cell subpopulations. Small to large effect sizes were identified for increased IL-6 levels as well as a reduced number of T helper cells, while a large effect size was identified for increased TNF-α levels. These results indicate a close association between peripheral immune activation and TS. However, the most direct and meaningful interaction between peripheral immune status and microglial activation in the central nervous system in TS patients requires further exploration.
Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Inflammation Diminishes Cross-Linked Collagen Structures in an Experimental Rabbit Model of Corneal Cross-Linking
Authors: Zhao Zhongyang , Liang Minghui , He Huan , Wang Xuemei , Zhu Chengfang , Li Lan , Liu Bin , Zong Rongrong , Jin Qifang , Wu Huping , Li Wei , Lin Zhirong 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundAllergic conjunctivitis (AC) is one of the reported potential risk factors of progression in keratoconus patients after corneal cross-linking surgery; however, the causal relationship is still inconclusive. Recent studies have indicated that various inflammatory cytokines play a vital role in the development of primary keratoconus. It is still unclear whether these inflammatory mediators also trigger CXL failures. This study aimed to investigate the impact of AC on the rabbit corneas after trans-epithelial corneal cross-linking (TCXL).MethodsA total of six rabbits were kept untreated as the normal control (NC) group. A total of 18 rabbits were treated by TCXL and divided into three groups (six in each group), namely, no treatment (TCXL group); induction of AC (TCXL + AC group); and induction of AC plus topical prednisolone acetate (TCXL + AC + PA group), according to additional treatment. AC was induced by topical application of ovalbumin after intraperitoneal pre-sensitization with ovalbumin. Rabbits were evaluated by slit lamp, in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and measurement of corneal biomechanics. The cornea specimens were collected for the transmission electron microscope, the collagenase I digestion test, and PCR assay for TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), lysyl oxidase (LOX), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) on the day (D) 28.ResultsOn D28, the TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, MMP-9, and LOX levels were significantly increased while the TIMP-1 was decreased in the TCXL + AC group when compared with the TCXL and TCXL + AC + PA groups. In vivo confocal microscopy revealed that at a depth of 150–210 μm, a trabecular patterned hyperdense structure surrounded by elongated needle-like processes could be observed in the TCXL and TCXL + AC + PA groups, but hardly seen in the TCXL + AC group. The demarcation lines were indistinct and blurred in the TCXL + AC group. An electron microscope demonstrated less interlacing fibril lamellae and higher interfibrillar spacing in the TCXL + AC group. The stability of corneal biomechanics and resistance to collagenase were decreased in the TCXL + AC group.ConclusionThe corneal microstructures induced by TCXL and biomechanical stability were diminished in rabbits with AC but could be maintained by topical anti-inflammatory treatment. Our results supported the causal relationship between altered cytokine profiles and corneal microstructure after primary corneal cross-linking.
Correlation of Phenotype–Genotype and Protein Structure in RYR1-Related Myopathy
Authors: Chang Xingzhi , Wei Risheng , Wei Cuijie , Liu Jieyu , Qin Lun , Yan Hui , Ma Yinan , Wang Zhaoxia , Xiong Hui 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionNext generation sequencing results in an explosive identification of rare variants of RYR1, making the correlation between phenotype and genotype complicated. We analyzed the data of 33 patients with RYR1-related myopathy, attempting to elucidate correlations between phenotype, genotype, and protein structure of RyR1.MethodsClinical, histopathologic, and genetic data were evaluated, and variants were mapped to the cryo-EM RyR1 structure. The three-dimensional structure of the variant on RyR1 was analyzed.ResultsThe clinical spectrum was highly variable regardless of the mode of inheritance. Recessive variations were associated with more severe feeding problems and respiratory insufficiency in infancy (p &lt; 0.05). Forty pathogenic and likely pathogenic variations were identified, and 14 of them were novel. Missense was the most common variation type regardless of inheritance mode. Arginine (15/45) was the most frequently involved residue. All but one dominant variation clustered in Pore forming and pVSD domains, while recessive variations enriched in Bsol (7/25) and SPRYs (6/25) domains. Analysis of the spatial structure of variants showed that dominant variants may impact RyR1 mainly by breaking down hydrogen or electrovalent bonds (10/21); recessive variants located in different domains may impact the function of RyR1 through different pathways. Variants located in RyR1 coupling sites (PY1&amp;2 and the outermost of Bsol) may cause the most severe clinical manifestation.ConclusionClinical diversity of RYR1-related myopathy was impacted by the inheritance mode, variation type, and variant location. Dominant and recessive variants have different sensitive domains impacting the function of RyR1 through different pathways.
Conventional and Novel Technologies in the Production of Dairy Bioactive Peptides
Authors: Murtaza Mian Anjum , Irfan Shafeeqa , Hafiz Iram , Ranjha Muhammad Modassar A. N. , Rahaman Abdul , Murtaza Mian Shamas , Ibrahim Salam A. , Siddiqui Shahida Anusha 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundIn recent years, researchers have focused on functional ingredients, functional foods, and nutraceuticals due to the rapidly increasing interest in bioactive components, especially in bioactive peptides. Dairy proteins are a rich and balanced source of amino acids and their derived bioactive peptides, which possess biological and physiological properties. In the dairy industry, microbial fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis are promising methods for producing bioactive peptides because of their rapid efficiency, and mild reaction conditions. However, these methods utilize less raw material, take long reaction time, result in low yields, and low activity products when used alone, which pose industry to seek for novel methods as pretreatments to increase the yield of bioactive peptides.Scope and ApproachThis review emphasizes the production of peptides from the dairy proteins and discusses the potential use of novel technologies as pretreatments to conventional methods of bioactive peptides production from dairy proteins, including the mechanisms of novel technologies along with respective examples of use, advantages, limitations, and challenges to each technology.Key Findings and ConclusionNoteworthily, hydrolysis of dairy proteins liberate wide-range of peptides that possess remarkable biological functions to maintain human health. Novel technologies in the dairy industry such as ultrasound-assisted processing (UAP), microwave-assisted processing (MAP), and high pressure processing (HPP) are innovative and environmentally friendly. Generally, novel technologies are less effectual compared to conventional methods, therefore used in combination with fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis, and are promising pretreatments to modify peptides’ profile, improve the yields, and high liberation of bioactive peptides as compared to conventional technologies. UAP is an innovative and most efficient technology as its mechanical effects and cavitation change the protein conformation, increase the biological activities of enzymes, and enhance enzymatic hydrolysis reaction rate.
Impact of Intermittent Fasting Combined With High-Intensity Interval Training on Body Composition, Metabolic Biomarkers, and Physical Fitness in Women With Obesity
Authors: Batitucci Gabriela , Faria Junior Eli V. , Nogueira Jonatas E. , Brandão Camila F. C. , Abud Gabriela F. , Ortiz Gabriela U. , Marchini Julio S. , Freitas Ellen C. 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundIntermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary approach that is widely popular due to its effects on weight and body fat loss, but it does not appear to ensure muscle mass preservation. Incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into an individual’s routine could be an attractive and viable therapeutic option for improving body composition, lifestyle and health promotion. Problematizing the emerging situation of fighting obesity, led us to clarify gaps about IF and hypothesize that IF and HIIT in conjunction may protect against muscle mass decline without impairing nitrogen balance (NB), in addition to improving the physical fitness of women with obesity.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of IF alone and combined with HIIT on body composition, NB and strength and physical fitness in women with obesity.MethodsThirty-six women (BMI 34.0 ± 3.2; 32.2 ± 4.4 years) participated and were randomly distributed into three groups: (1) Intermittent fasting combined with exercise group (IF + EX); (2) Exercise group (EX); and (3) Intermittent fasting group (IF). The interventions took place over 8 weeks and all evaluations were performed pre and post-intervention. The HIIT circuit was performed 3x/week, for 25 mins/session, at 70–85% of the maximum heart rate. The intermittent fasting protocol was a 5:2 diet with two meals within 6 h on fasting days, being 25% of total energy intake, plus 18 h of complete fasting. The protocol was performed 2x/week and 5 days of ad libitum ingestion. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry, body composition by BodPod®, NB from urinary nitrogen, food consumption by food records and physical and strength performance were measured by physical tests. ANOVA two-way repeated measures mixed model was performed followed by Sidak post hoc (p &lt; 0.05). This project was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05237154.ResultsThere were a reduction in body weight (P = 0.012) and BMI (P = 0.031) only in the IF + EX group. There was body fat loss in the IF + EX group (−4%, P &lt; 0.001) and in the EX group (−2.3%, P = 0.043), an increase in fat-free mass in the IF + EX group (+3.3%, P &lt; 0.001) and also in the EX group (+2%, P = 0.043), without differences between groups and the IF group showed no changes. The NB was equilibrium in all groups. All parameters of aerobic capacity and strength improved.ConclusionCombining IF with HIIT can promote increments in fat-free mass, NB equilibrium and improve physical fitness and strength.
Safety and Efficacy of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy for Glioblastoma: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jang Jong Keon , Pyo Junhee , Suh Chong Hyun , Park Hye Sun , Chae Young Kwang , Kim Kyung Won 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a promising treatment option for patients with refractory hematological malignancies. However, its efficacy in glioblastoma remains unclear. Here, we performed a systematic review to summarize the safety and efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy in glioblastoma.MethodsThe PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify articles published before June 30, 2021 describing the use of CAR T-cell therapy in glioblastoma. Information on the toxicity of CAR T-cell therapy was summarized. The pooled objective response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS) of patients who underwent CAR T-cell therapy were estimated using a random-effects model with an inverse-variance weighting model and quantile estimation method, respectively.ResultsOf 397 articles identified, eight studies including 63 patients with recurrent glioblastoma treated with various CAR T-cell regimens were included in the analysis. Six (9.5%) patients developed cytokine release syndrome (grade ≤2), and 16 (25.4%) experienced non-critical neurological events. The pooled ORR was 5.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0–10.4; I2 = 0.05%), and the pooled median OS was 8.1 months (95% CI, 6.7–9.5; I2 = 0.00%).ConclusionAlthough CAR T-cell therapy is a relatively safe therapeutic option in patients with glioblastoma, it shows marginal efficacy, suggesting that further research is necessary for its translation into clinical practice for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma.
Comparison Between Modified Lateral Arm Free Flap and Traditional Lateral Arm Free Flap for the Reconstruction of Oral and Maxillofacial Soft Tissue Defects
Authors: Wang Wei-Ming , Sun Lu , Yang Si-Si , Hu Shu-Jun , Zuo Yi-Jie , Min An-Jie 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveThe traditional lateral arm free flap (tLAFF) has the disadvantages of short vascular pedicle, small vascular diameter, and non-perforator flap. We used a new method to prepare modified LAFF (mLAFF) and evaluate its application value in the repair of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects.MethodsThe anatomical features of the flap were recorded and compared between the tLAFF group and the mLAFF group. All the flaps in the modified group were perforator flaps. Statistical analysis was performed on the data using ANOVA on SPSS 22.0 statistical software package.ResultsForty-five mLAFFs were prepared as eccentric design rotation repair perforated flap, or multi-lobed or chimeric perforator flaps. Compared with the tLAFF, the vascular pedicle length of the mLAFF was increased, and the outer diameter of the anastomosis was thickened. The damage to the donor site was less. The difference was statistically significant.ConclusionThe mLAFF can effectively lengthen the vascular pedicle length and increase the anastomosis diameter. Perforator LAFFs in the repair of oral and maxillofacial defects have good application value.
Impact and Treatment of Sarcopenia in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Multidisciplinary, AMSTAR-2 Compliant Review of Systematic Reviews and Metanalyses
Authors: Medici Federica , Bazzocchi Alberto , Buwenge Milly , Zamagni Alice , Macchia Gabriella , Deodato Francesco , Cilla Savino , De Iaco Pierandrea , Perrone Anna Myriam , Strigari Lidia , Rizzo Stefania , Morganti Alessio G. 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundSarcopenia (SP) is defined as the quantitative and functional impairment of skeletal muscles. SP is commonly related to older age and is frequent in patients with cancer. To provide an overview of SP in patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) and to evaluate the current evidence, we analyzed the available systematic reviews and meta-analyses.MethodsReviews were identified using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases, without date restriction. Only systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the prognostic impact of SP and on any treatments aimed at reducing SP effect, in patients undergoing RT, were included in this review. The analyses not separately reporting the results in patients treated with RT were excluded. The quality assessment was performed using AMSTAR-2 (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews).ResultsFrom the 84 papers identified, five reviews met the inclusion criteria with four reports mainly including non-randomized trials. Three reviews on the effect of SP showed a significantly negative impact on overall survival in patients undergoing RT and/or chemoradiation for H&amp;N cancers (HR: 1.63-2.07). Two reviews on interventional studies showed the possibility of 1) improving physical functions through nutritional and physical interventions and 2) avoiding muscle wasting by means of sufficient protein intake. The quality assessment of the included review showed that two and three analyses are classifiable as having low and moderate overall confidence rating, respectively.ConclusionsThe analyzed reviews uniformly confirmed the negative impact of SP in patients with H&amp;N tumors undergoing RT and the possibility of improving muscle mass and function through nutritional and physical interventions. These results justify further research on this topic based on a more uniform SP definition and on a complete evaluation of the potentially confounding parameters.
Surgical Management of Malignant Glioma in the Elderly
Authors: Klingenschmid Julia , Krigers Aleksandrs , Kerschbaumer Johannes , Thomé Claudius , Pinggera Daniel , Freyschlag Christian F. 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe median age for diagnosis of glioblastoma is 64 years and the incidence rises with increasing age to a peak at 75-84 years. As the total number of high-grade glioma patients is expected to increase with an aging population, neuro-oncological surgery faces new treatment challenges, especially regarding aggressiveness of the surgical approach and extent of resection. In the elderly, aspects like frailty and functional recovery time have to be taken into account before performing surgery.Material &amp; MethodsPatients undergoing surgery for malignant glioma (WHO grade III and IV) at our institution between 2015 and 2020 were compiled in a centralized tumor database and analyzed retrospectively. Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) were used to determine functional performance pre- and postoperatively. Overall survival (OS) was compared between age groups of 65-69 years, 70-74 years, 75-79 years, 80-84 years and &gt;85 years in view of extent of resection (EOR). Furthermore, we performed a literature evaluation focusing on surgical treatment of newly diagnosed malignant glioma in the elderly.ResultsWe analyzed 121 patients aged 65 years and above (range 65 to 88, mean 74 years). Mean overall survival (OS) was 10.35 months (SD = 11.38). Of all patients, only a minority (22.3%) received tumor biopsy instead of gross total resection (GTR, 61.2%) or subtotal resection (STR, 16.5%). Postoperatively, 52.9% of patients were treated according to the Stupp protocol. OS differed significantly between extent of resection (EOR) groups (4.0 months after biopsy vs. 8.3 after STR vs. 13.8 after GTR, p &lt; 0.05 and p &lt; 0.001 correspondingly). No significant difference was observed regarding EOR across different age groups.ConclusionGTR should be the treatment of choice also in elderly patients with malignant glioma as functional outcome and survival after surgery are remarkably better compared to less aggressive treatment. Elderly patients who received GTR of high-grade gliomas survived significantly longer compared to patients who underwent biopsy and STR. Age seems to have little influence on overall survival in selected surgically extensive treated patients, but high preoperative functional performance is mandatory.
Total Flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae Ameliorate Bone Growth in Experimentally Induced Tibial Dyschondroplasia in Chickens via Regulation of OPG/RANKL Axis
Authors: Xu Tingting , Zheng Jingjing , Jin WeiXing , Li Lu , Lin Luxi , Shaukat Aftab , Zhang Chaodong , Cao Qinqin , Ashraf Muhammad , Huang Shucheng 
Published: May 2022

Background:Rhizoma Drynariae, traditional Chinese herb, is widely used to treat and prevent bone disorders. However, experimental evidence on the use of Rhizoma Drynariae extract, total flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae (TFRD) to treat tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) in chickens and its underlying mechanisms have not been investigated.Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of TFRD on leg disease caused by TD and elucidate its mechanisms in modulating the bone status.Methods: Thiram-induced chicken TD model has been established. The tibia status was evaluated by analyzing tibia-related parameters including tibial weight, tibial length and its growth plate width and by performing histopathological examination. The expression of tibial bone development-related genes and proteins was confirmed by western blotting and qRT-PCR.Results: The results showed that administration of TFRD mitigated lameness, increased body weight, recuperated growth plate width in broilers affected by TD and the increase of tibia weight and tibia length is significantly positively correlated with body weight. Compared with the TD group broilers, 500 mg/kg TFRD evidently reduced the damage width of the growth plate and improved its blood vessel distribution by elevating the gene expression levels of BMP-2 and Runx2 and OPG/RANKL ratio. Furthermore, correlation analysis found that the damage width of the growth plate was negatively correlated with the expression levels of BMP-2 and OPG.Conclusion: The present study revealed that TFRD could promote the bone growth via upregulating OPG/RANKL ratio, suggesting that TFRD might be a potential novel drug in the treatment of TD in chickens.
The Imaging Performance of Preclinical Ultrasound Scanners Using the Edinburgh Pipe Phantom
Authors: Moran Carmel M , McLeod Christopher , McBride Karne , Inglis Scott , Thomson Adrian JW , Pye Stephen D 
Published: May 2022

The greyscale imaging performance of a total of 17 preclinical transducer/scanner combinations were measured over a period of 10 years. These comprised nine single element transducers and eight array transducers with nominal central frequencies ranging between 15 and 55 MHz, and were from four commercially-available preclinical ultrasound scanners. Performance was assessed using a single figure of merit, the resolution integral, using measurements acquired from images of a test-object, the Edinburgh Pipe Phantom. Two further parameters were derived from the resolution integral: characteristic resolution and depth-of-field. Our results demonstrate that 1) resolution integral values of the array transducers were greater than single-element transducers, and 2) the array transducers demonstrated greater depths of field than the single-element transducers of the same nominal frequency. Moreover we demonstrate that use of this single figure-of-merit enabled identification and quantification of changes in imaging performance of preclinical transducers over a 10-years period.