bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and safety of inspiratory muscle training in patients with pulmonary hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Zeruxin , Qian Hong , Zhang Xiu , Wang Yuqiang , Wang Jing , Yu Pengming 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundInspiratory muscle training (IMT) is a simple and well-tolerated physical therapy that increases respiratory muscle strength and relieving the degree of dyspnea and fatigue. Therefore, it may be used as a transitional modality before exercise training or as a specific physical therapy intervention for those who are diagnosed with respiratory muscle weakness. However, the current evidence on IMT in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients is inconclusive. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the current role of IMT in this group of patients.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched through May 2022. Trials examining the feasibility and effectiveness of IMT in PH patients. Outcome measures included adverse events, training adherence and compliance, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), forced vital capacity (FVC%), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%), FEV1/FVC%, 6 min walk distance (6MWD), Peak VO2, dyspnea, and fatigue perception after the IMT training program. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for controlled trials was adopted to assess study quality. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated with the chi-square test and I2 statistic. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated.ResultsWe ultimately identified four studies that met the criteria. These studies comprised 80 patients with 16 males and 64 females. The mean age was 53.25. The main types of PH were group I (pulmonary arterial hypertension, 95%) and group IV (chronic thromboembolic PH, 5%). No severe adverse events were reported in the included studies. IMT had a significant effect on improving MIP (18.89 cmH2O; 95% CI: 9.43–28.35, P &lt; 0.001) and MEP (8.06 cmH2O; 95% CI: 2.39–13.73; P = 0.005), increase in the 6MWD (30.16 m; 95% CI: 1.53–58.79; P = 0.04). No significant improvement was found in pulmonary function (P &gt; 0.05), and uncertain effect on the quality of life (QoL) score.ConclusionBased on currently limited evidence, IMT is an effective physical therapy for increasing respiratory muscle function and exercise capacity, but still a lack of evidence on dyspnea and fatigue levels, pulmonary function, and QoL in PH patients. There are reasons to believe that IMT is a promising intervention in PH patients, enriching rehabilitation options and serving as a bridge before formal exercise training. It is expected that IMT will play an important role in the future clinical pathway of physical therapy for this group of patients.Systematic review registration[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/logout.php], identifier [CRD42022335972].
Immune micro-environment and drug analysis of peritoneal endometriosis based on epithelial-mesenchymal transition classification
Authors: Quan Qingli , Wu Jiabao , Yu Meixing , Tang Jia 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundEpithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex event that drives polar epithelial cells transform from adherent cells to motile mesenchymal cells, in which are involved immune cells and stroma cells. EMT plays crucial roles in migration and invasion of endometriosis. The interaction of endometrial implants with the surrounding peritoneal micro-environment probably affects the development of peritoneal endometriosis. To date, very few studies have been carried out on peritoneal endometriosis sub-type classification and micro-environment analysis based on EMT. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential application of EMT-based classification in precise diagnosis and treatment of peritoneal endometriosis.MethodBased on EMT hallmark genes, 76 peritoneal endometriosis samples were classified into two clusters by consistent cluster classification. EMT scores, which calculated by Z score of 8 epithelial cell marker genes and 8 mesenchymal cell marker genes, were compared in two clusters. Then, immune scores and the abundances of corresponding immune cells, stroma scores and the abundances of corresponding stroma cells were analyzed by the “xCell” package. Futhermore, a diagnostic model was constructed based on 9 diagnostic markers which related to immune score and stroma score by Lasso-Logistic regression analysis. Finally, based on EMT classification, a total of 8 targeted drugs against two clusters were screened out by drug susceptibility analysis via “pRRophetic” package.ResultsHallmark epithelial-mesenchymal transition was the mainly enriched pathway of differentially expressed genes between peritoneal endometriosis tissues and endometrium tissues. Compared with cluster 2, EMT score and the abundances of most infiltrating stroma cell were significantly higher, while the abundances of most infiltrating immune cells were dramatically less. The diagnostic model could accurately distinguish cluster 1 from cluster 2. Pathway analysis showed drug candidates targeting cluster 1 mainly act on the IGF-1 signaling pathway, and drug candidates targeting cluster 2 mainly block the EGFR signaling pathway.ConclusionIn peritoneal endometriosis, EMT was probably promoted by stroma cell infiltration and inhibited by immune cell infiltration. Besides, our study highlighted the potential uses of the EMT classification in the precise diagnosis and treatment of peritoneal endometriosis.
Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) in congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (CHH) in boys with delayed puberty and adult men
Authors: Abbara Ali , Koysombat Kanyada , Phylactou Maria , Eng Pei Chia , Clarke Sophie , Comninos Alexander N. , Yang Lisa , Izzi-Engbeaya Chioma , Hanassab Simon , Smith Neil , Jayasena Channa N. , Xu Cheng , Quinton Richard , Pitteloud Nelly , Binder Gerhard , Anand-Ivell Ravinder , Ivell Richard , Dhillo Waljit S. 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundDelayed puberty in males is almost invariably associated with constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) or congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (CHH). Establishing the cause at presentation is challenging, with “red flag” features of CHH commonly overlooked. Thus, several markers have been evaluated in both the basal state or after stimulation e.g. with gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa).Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a constitutive secretory product of Leydig cells and thus a possible candidate marker, but there have been limited data examining its role in distinguishing CDGP from CHH. In this manuscript, we assess INSL3 and inhibin B (INB) in two cohorts: 1. Adolescent boys with delayed puberty due to CDGP or CHH and 2. Adult men, both eugonadal and having CHH.Materials and methodsRetrospective cohort studies of 60 boys with CDGP or CHH, as well as 44 adult men who were either eugonadal or had CHH, in whom INSL3, INB, testosterone and gonadotrophins were measured.Cohort 1: Boys with delayed puberty aged 13-17 years (51 with CDGP and 9 with CHH) who had GnRHa stimulation (subcutaneous triptorelin 100mcg), previously reported with respect to INB.Cohort 2: Adult cohort of 44 men (22 eugonadal men and 22 men with CHH), previously reported with respect to gonadotrophin responses to kisspeptin-54.ResultsMedian INSL3 was higher in boys with CDGP than CHH (0.35 vs 0.15 ng/ml; p=0.0002). Similarly, in adult men, median INSL3 was higher in eugonadal men than CHH (1.08 vs 0.05 ng/ml; p&lt;0.0001). However, INSL3 more accurately differentiated CHH in adult men than in boys with delayed puberty (auROC with 95% CI in adult men: 100%, 100-100%; boys with delayed puberty: 86.7%, 77.7-95.7%).Median INB was higher in boys with CDGP than CHH (182 vs 59 pg/ml; p&lt;0.0001). Likewise, in adult men, median INB was higher in eugonadal men than CHH (170 vs 36.5 pg/ml; p&lt;0.0001). INB performed better than INSL3 in differentiating CHH in boys with delayed puberty (auROC 98.5%, 95.9-100%), than in adult men (auROC 93.9%, 87.2-100%).ConclusionINSL3 better identifies CHH in adult men, whereas INB better identifies CHH in boys with delayed puberty.
Functional analysis of differently expressed ferroptosis-related genes in patients with mitral valve prolapse
Authors: Xie Hui , Wang Liushun , Tang Yihu , Zhao Meng , Wang Zihao , Liu Mingzhu , Zhao Quangong , Zhou Jingxin , Wu Yanhu 
Published: November 2022

Background: The prevalence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in heart valvular diseases is globally increasing. However, the understanding of its etiology and pathogenesis is limited. So far, the relationship between ferroptosis-related genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in MVP remains unexplored. This study investigates the potential pathogenesis of ferroptosis-related genes in MVP and provides a therapeutic target for the disease.Methods: Blood samples from patients with MVP and healthy volunteers were collected for transcriptomic sequencing to analyze the expression of ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs Co-expression network of ferroptosis-related DEGs and DElncRNAs. Furthermore, this work conducted GO and KEGG enrichment analyses.Results:CDKN2A, SLC1A4, ATF3, and other core genes related to the mitral valve prolapse were screened out. CDKN2A, SLC1A4, and ATF3 genes were at the core position of the network, regulated by numerous lncRNAs. Notably, these genes are primarily involved in the extracellular region and p53 signaling pathway.Conclusion: In summary, CDKN2A, SLC1A4, and ATF3 regulate the pathophysiological process of MVP and are potential therapeutic targets.
Photodegradation of biobased polymer blends in seawater: A major source of microplastics in the marine environment
Authors: Zhao Shasha , Liu Liuqingqing , Li Chenguang , Zheng Hao , Luo Yadan , Pang Lihua , Lin Qianhui , Zhang Hongyu , Sun Cuizhu , Chen Lingyun , Li Fengmin 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionBiobased polymer blends have been recommended as an eco-friendly solution to abate plastic pollution in the environment. However, the formation of microplastics (MPs) by photodegradation of biobased polymer blends in the marine environment is still not well understood. In this study, we investigated the formation of MPs and the changes in the physicochemical properties of three types of biobased polymer blends after photodegradation in seawater.MethodsThe investigated materials included non-biodegradable polyethylene/ thermoplastic starch blends (PE/TPS) and polypropylene/thermoplastic starch blends (PP/TPS), as well as biodegradable polylactic acid/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/thermoplastic starch blends (PLA/PBAT/TPS). The control groups were the corresponding neat polymers, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polylactic acid (PLA).ResultsThe size distribution of the pristine and aged MPs indicated that the polymer blends were more likely to produce small-sized particles after photodegradation due to their poorer mechanical properties and lower resistance to UV irradiation than the neat polymers. Noticeable surface morphology alterations, including cracks, holes, and pits, were observed for polymer blends after photodegradation, while neat polymers were relatively resistant. After photodegradation, the attenuated total reflection Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectrum of the polymer blends showed a significant decrease in the characteristic bands of thermoplastic starch (TPS), indicating depletion of their starch fractions. The C1s spectra of the polymer blends demonstrated that the aged MPs contained fewer -OH groups than the pristine MPs, further confirming the photodegradation of TPS. The molecular weight distribution curve of the polymer blends shifted significantly towards low molecular weight, suggesting the occurrence of chain scission during photodegradation. These results indicate that the polymer blends have a higher degree of photodegradation than neat polymers, and thereby generate more small-sized MPs than neat polymers. Photodegradation caused changes in the contact angle and surface charge of MPs derived from biobased polymer blends, which may affect the vector effects of MPs on any coexisting pollutants.DiscussionIn summary, polymer blends may pose a higher risk to the marine environment than neat polymers, and caution should be taken in promoting biobased polymer blends.
Anxiety, depression, and quality of life in children and adults with alopecia areata: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: van Dalen Marije , Muller Kirsten S. , Kasperkovitz-Oosterloo Johanna M. , Okkerse Jolanda M. E. , Pasmans Suzanne G. M. A. 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionAlopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring hair loss condition, subclassified into AA, alopecia universalis, and alopecia totalis. There are indications that people with AA experience adverse psychosocial outcomes, but previous studies have not included a thorough meta-analysis and did not compare people with AA to people with other dermatological diagnoses. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to update and expand previous systematic reviews, as well as describing and quantifying levels of anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in children and adults with AA.MethodsA search was conducted, yielding 1,249 unique records of which 93 were included.ResultsReview results showed that people with AA have higher chances of being diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression and experience impaired QoL. Their psychosocial outcomes are often similar to other people with a dermatological condition. Meta-analytic results showed significantly more symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults with AA compared to healthy controls. Results also showed a moderate impact on QoL. These results further highlight that AA, despite causing little physical impairments, can have a significant amount on patients’ well-being.DiscussionFuture studies should examine the influence of disease severity, disease duration, remission and relapse, and medication use to shed light on at-risk groups in need of referral to psychological care.Systematic review registration[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42022323174].
Use of Leishmania major parasites expressing a recombinant Trypanosoma cruzi antigen as live vaccines against Chagas disease
Authors: Cai Catherine W. , O’Shea Anne , Eickhoff Christopher S. , Guo Hongjie , Lewis Warren G. , Beverley Stephen M. , Hoft Daniel F. 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionTrypanosoma cruzi is the protozoan parasite causing Chagas disease, a Neglected Tropical Disease that affects 8 million people and causes 12,000 deaths per year, primarily because of cardiac pathology. Effective vaccination for T. cruzi remains an elusive goal. The use of a live vaccine vector, especially one that mimics the pathogen target, may be superior to the use of recombinant protein or DNA vaccine formulations.MethodsWe generated recombinant Leishmania major, a related trypanosomatid parasite, as a vaccine vehicle to express the immunogenic T. cruzi trans-sialidase (TS) antigen. The induction of T cell and antibody responses, as well as T. cruzi protective immunity generated by these vaccines were assessed in vivo.ResultsWe demonstrate that mice inoculated with these recombinant TS-expressing L. major parasites mount T cell and antibody responses directed against TS and are protected against future T. cruzi infection. We also show that the partially attenuated dhfr-ts- CC1 L. major strain, previously found to induce protective immunity to virulent L. major infection without causing pathology, can also be engineered to express the TS antigen. This latter recombinant may represent a safe and effective option to explore for ultimate use in humans.DiscussionAltogether, these data indicate that L. major can stably express a T. cruzi antigen and induce T. cruzi-specific protective immunity, warranting further investigation of attenuated Leishmania parasites as vaccine.
Developmental trajectory of episodic-like memory in rats
Authors: Asiminas Antonis , Lyon Stephanie A. , Langston Rosamund F. , Wood Emma R. 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionEpisodic memory formation requires the binding of multiple associations to a coherent episodic representation, with rich detail of times, places, and contextual information. During postnatal development, the ability to recall episodic memories emerges later than other types of memory such as object recognition. However, the precise developmental trajectory of episodic memory, from weaning to adulthood has not yet been established in rats. Spontaneous object exploration tasks do not require training, and allow repeated testing of subjects, provided novel objects are used on each trial. Therefore, these tasks are ideally suited for the study of the ontogeny of episodic memory and its constituents (e.g., object, spatial, and contextual memory).MethodsIn the present study, we used four spontaneous short-term object exploration tasks over two days: object (OR), object-context (OCR), object-place (OPR), and object-place-context (OPCR) recognition to characterise the ontogeny of episodic-like memory and its components in three commonly used outbred rat strains (Lister Hooded, Long Evans Hooded, and Sprague Dawley).ResultsIn longitudinal studies starting at 3–4 weeks of age, we observed that short term memory for objects was already present at the earliest time point we tested, indicating that it is established before the end of the third week of life (consistent with several other reports). Object-context memory developed during the fifth week of life, while both object-in-place and the episodic-like object-place-context memory developed around the seventh postnatal week. To control for the effects of previous experience in the development of associative memory, we confirmed these developmental trajectories using a cross-sectional protocol.DiscussionOur work provides robust evidence for different developmental trajectories of recognition memory in rats depending on the content and/or complexity of the associations and emphasises the utility of spontaneous object exploration tasks to assess the ontogeny of memory systems with high temporal resolution.
Functional improvement in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury treated with 4-aminopyridine: A systematic review
Authors: Paredes-Cruz Martin , Grijalva Israel , Martínez-López Yoscelina Estrella , Guizar-Sahagún Gabriel , Colín-Ramírez Eloisa , Rojano-Mejía David 
Published: November 2022

Study designSystematic review.ObjectiveTo provide current evidence on the efficacy of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) to bring about functional improvement in individuals with chronic traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).MethodsThe Medline (PubMed), Web of Science and SCOPUS databases were systematically searched for relevant articles on the efficacy of 4-AP to treat SCI, from the dates such articles were first published until May 2022. Full-text versions of all the articles selected were examined independently by two reviewers. Methodological quality was rated using the Modified Jadad Scale, and risk of bias was assessed with the RoB-2 test. Data extracted included human models/types, PRISMA assessment protocols, and the results of each study. Descriptive syntheses are provided.ResultsIn total, 28 articles were initially identified, 10 of which were included after screening. Most of the studies reviewed reported some degree of patient improvement in one or more of the following parameters: motor, sensitivity and sexual function, sphincter control, spasticity, ability to function independently, quality of life, central motor conduction, pain, and pulmonary function.ConclusionsThis review confirms the efficacy of 4-AP in improving several conditions resulting from SCI but further research on this topic is warranted. Additional randomized clinical trials with 4-AP involving larger sample sizes are needed, as are consistent outcome measures in order to obtain adequate data for analysis with a view to enhance treatment benefits.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=334835, PROSPERO CRD42022334835.
New onset headache during delivery and postpartum: Clinical characteristics of a case series
Authors: Allais Gianni , Chiarle Giulia , Sinigaglia Silvia , Mollo Elena M. , Perin Giada , Pizzino Francesca , Benedetto Chiara 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionThere are abundant studies on headache and migraine in women but few or none about their occurrence during labor, delivery, and postpartum (2 hours after delivery) owing to the low incidence. A headache attack can be debilitating when a woman is trying to manage labor pain. Research at our Women's Headache Center within the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics has begun to shed light on this potential association.MethodsFor the present study 474 women with singleton pregnancy were enrolled. A headache questionnaire was administered at two time points. Headache history was investigated on admission to prenatal care at 36 weeks gestation. The women were followed by a midwife who monitored labor progression and recorded the onset and features of headache pain. During examination before hospital discharge at 3 days post-delivery, the headache questionnaire was reviewed by a headache specialist who differentiated headache type according to International Classification of Headache Disorders (3rd edition) criteria.ResultsData analysis showed that 145/474 women had a history of headache: 65/145 (44.82%) reported a diagnosis of migraine. Eight reported experiencing a probable migraine attack (4 with aura) and one reported probable tension-type headache during labor or postpartum. All nine women who reported migraine/headache attack during labor had no previous history of headache or neurological illness. All had vaginal delivery. No onset of headache pain in patients with a previous history of headache was noted during delivery and postpartum.DiscussionThe onset of a headache attack during labor in women who usually do not experience headache suggests other pathogenic mechanisms underlying the attack and merits further study.
Combining superselective catheterization and electrochemotherapy: A new technological approach to the treatment of high-flow head and neck vascular malformations
Authors: Krt Aljosa , Cemazar Maja , Lovric Dimitrij , Sersa Gregor , Jamsek Crt , Groselj Ales 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionThe study aims to demonstrate a combination of superselective catheterization and electrochemotherapy as a feasible and effective new technological approach in treating high-flow vascular malformations of the head and neck region.Patients and methodsIn the patient with high-flow arteriovenous malformation of the lower lip, superselective catheterization was performed under general anesthesia. The microcatheter was used to administer 750 IU BLM intra-arterially into the feeding vessel. The whole malformation surface was then covered with 15 applications of electric pulses using the plate electrode.ResultsExcellent response, without functional or aesthetic deficits, was obtained in 10 weeks. During this period, debridement and necrectomy were performed regularly on follow-up visits. The pain was managed with oral paracetamol and sodium metamizole.ConclusionCombining electrochemotherapy using bleomycin with superselective catheterization and arteriography is a feasible treatment option for high-flow vascular malformations in the head and neck region and could play a significant role in managing these challenging lesions.