bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mapping of mRNA alterations elucidates the etiology of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Yuan Meng , Zhao Maoyuan , Sun Xin , Hui Zhouguang 
Published: October 2022

The etiology of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis is not clearly understood yet, and effective interventions are still lacking. This study aimed to identify genes responsive to irradiation and compare the genome expression between the normal lung tissues and irradiated ones, using a radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model. We also aimed to map the mRNA alterations as a predictive model and a potential mode of intervention for radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Thirty C57BL/6 mice were exposed to a single dose of 16 Gy or 20 Gy thoracic irradiation, to establish a mouse model of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Lung tissues were harvested at 3 and 6 months after irradiation, for histological identification. Global gene expression in lung tissues was assessed by RNA sequencing. Differentially expressed genes were identified and subjected to functional and pathway enrichment analysis. Immune cell infiltration was evaluated using the CIBERSORT software. Three months after irradiation, 317 mRNAs were upregulated and 254 mRNAs were downregulated significantly in the low-dose irradiation (16 Gy) group. In total, 203 mRNAs were upregulated and 149 were downregulated significantly in the high-dose irradiation (20 Gy) group. Six months after radiation, 651 mRNAs were upregulated and 131 were downregulated significantly in the low-dose irradiation group. A total of 106 mRNAs were upregulated and 4 downregulated significantly in the high-dose irradiation group. Several functions and pathways, including angiogenesis, epithelial cell proliferation, extracellular matrix, complement and coagulation cascades, cellular senescence, myeloid leukocyte activation, regulation of lymphocyte activation, mononuclear cell proliferation, immunoglobulin binding, and the TNF, NOD-like receptor, and HIF-1 signaling pathways were significantly enriched in the irradiation groups, based on the differentially expressed genes. Irradiation-responsive genes were identified. The differentially expressed genes were mainly associated with cellular metabolism, epithelial cell proliferation, cell injury, and immune cell activation and regulation.
Establishment of methods for rapid detection of Prymnesium parvum by recombinase polymerase amplification combined with a lateral flow dipstick
Authors: Luo Ningjian , Huang Hailong , Jiang Haibo 
Published: October 2022

Prymnesium parvum is a toxic algal bloom (HAB)-forming species. The toxicity of this alga is a result of a collection of compounds known as prymnesins. Prymnesins exert harmful effects upon fish, shellfish, and mollusks, causing huge economic losses. In the present study, a new method was developed for the detection of P. parvum. The novel method utilizes isothermal amplification, known as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), in combination with lateral-flow dipstick (LFD). Herein, a set of primers and probes were designed for internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, and a specific and sensitive RPA-LFD rapid detection method was established for P. parvum. Meanwhile, we verified its feasibility for the detection of environmental samples. It was demonstrated that the optimal amplification temperature and time for RPA were 39°C and 15 min. RPA/RPA-LFD was experimentally verified to be specific, demonstrating no cross-reaction with distinct control microalgae, and furthermore, the total time required for the RPA-LFD experiment was 20 min. Meanwhile, the detection limit for the genomic DNA of P. parvum was 1.5×10-1 pg/μL, and the detection limit for plasmids was 2.35 pg/μL. In addition, the results herein revealed that the RPA-LFD assay was 100 times more sensitive than PCR for detection of P. parvum. In conclusion, we developed an RPA-LFD that does not require precision instruments, and can be utilized for rapid on-site detection of P. parvum. In the future, the RPA-LFD can be considered for practical application for environmental detection of the toxic algal species.
A positive association between hunger in childhood and frailty in old age: Findings from the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey
Authors: Gao Tianjing , Han Siyue , Mo Guangju , Sun Qing , Zhang Min , Liu Huaqing 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundChildhood hunger not only directly affects the physical and mental health of children and adolescents but also has a long-term negative effect on later health outcomes. In this cross-sectional study, we used a nationally representative Chinese sample to examine the relationship between hunger in childhood and frailty in older adults.Materials and methodsThe data were obtained from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The frailty index with 44 health deficits was used to identify frailty. Childhood hunger was measured by the question “Did you often go to bed hungry as a child?” Insurance status was categorized as New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NRCMS), Urban Basic Medical Insurance Scheme (UBMIS), others, and no insurance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the adjusted relationship between childhood hunger and frailty.ResultsA total of 7,342 older people aged 65 years and older were analyzed in this study. Older people who experienced childhood hunger were more likely to have frailty than those who did not (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02–1.26), after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, family/social support, socioeconomic status, insurance status, and health behaviors. The association of childhood hunger with frailty was found in the 65–79 years group (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.03–1.43), women (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.08–1.45), individuals with rural residence (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03–1.31), agricultural work (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.00–1.34), financial dependence (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02–1.37), and those participating in NRCMS (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.16–1.56). Participants with hunger in childhood who were 80 years or older (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65–0.98) had lower odds of frailty. NRCMS (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02–1.98) showed increased odds of childhood hunger-related frailty.ConclusionExposure to hunger during childhood is linked to frailty among older adults, and age, financial support, and insurance status may mediate this relationship. Targeted interventions and policies to address frailty in older adults should be implemented.
Risk factors and predictive models of poor prognosis and delayed cerebral ischemia in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage complicated with hydrocephalus
Authors: Wang Lintao , Zhang Qingqing , Zhang Gaoqi , Zhang Wanwan , Chen Wenwu , Hou Fandi , Zheng Zhanqiang , Guo Yong , Chen Zhongcan , Wang Yanxia , Hernesniemi Juha , Andrade-Barazarte Hugo , Li Xiaohui , Li Tianxiao , Feng Guang , Gu Jianjun 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the correlation of serum biological markers and related scales to the occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia and clinical prognosis in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) complicated with acute hydrocephalus before admission.MethodsThe clinical data of 227 patients with pre-admission aSAH complicated with acute hydrocephalus admitted to Henan Provincial People's Hospital from April 2017 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after surgery and the prognosis at 6 months after discharge. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to analyze the relationship between serum biological indicators combined with aneurysm related clinical score scale and the occurrence and prognosis of delayed cerebral ischemia. ROC curves and nomogram were drawn.ResultsMultivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that high Hunt-Hess grade and surgical clipping were independent risk factors for postoperative DCI (P &lt; 0.05). Older age, higher Hunt-Hess grade, higher CRP and neutrophil levels were independent risk factors for poor prognosis at 6 months after surgery (P &lt; 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of Hunt-Hess grade and surgical method for predicting DCI in patients with aSAH combined with hydrocephalus after surgery were 0.665 and 0.593. The combined AUC of Hunt-Hess grade and surgical method was 0.685, the sensitivity was 64.9%, and the specificity was 64.7%. The AUC of CRP, neutrophil, age and Hunt-Hess grade for predicting poor prognosis in patients with aSAH combined with hydrocephalus at 6 months after surgery were 0.804, 0.735, 0.596, 0.757, respectively. The combined AUC of CRP, neutrophil, age, Hunt-Hess grade was 0.879, the sensitivity was 79%, and the specificity was 84.5%. According to the correction curve, the predicted probability of the nomogram is basically consistent with the actual probability.ConclusionHunt-Hess grade and surgical method are independent predictors of postoperative DCI in patients with aSAH complicated with hydrocephalus. “CRP,” “neutrophil,” “age” and “Hunt-Hess grade” at admission are independent predictors of clinical prognosis in patients with aSAH complicated with hydrocephalus. The combination of the above indicators has high predictive value.
Episodic ataxias in children and adolescents: Clinical findings and suggested diagnostic criteria
Authors: Filippopulos Filipp Maximilian , Schnabel Lutz , Dunker Konstanze , Strobl Ralf , Huppert Doreen 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundThe main clinical presentation of episodic ataxias (EAs) consists of vertigo and dizziness attacks lasting for minutes to hours with widely varying accompanying symptoms. The differentiation of EA and episodic vertigo/dizziness syndromes in childhood and adolescence such as vestibular migraine (VM) and recurrent vertigo of childhood (RVC) can be challenging. Furthermore, only few prospective studies of children/adolescents with EA are available.ObjectiveThis study aims to characterize clinical and instrument-based findings in EA patients under 18 years of age, to delineate the clinical and therapeutic course in EA, and to present potentially new genetic mutations. Furthermore, the study aims to differentiate distinct characteristics between EA, VM, and RVC patients.MethodsWe prospectively collected clinical and instrument-based data of patients younger than 18 years, who presented at the German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders (DSGZ) at the LMU University Hospital in Munich with EA, VM, or RVC between January 2016 and December 2021. All patients underwent a comprehensive evaluation of neurological, ocular-motor, vestibular and cochlear function, including video-oculography with caloric testing, video head impulse test, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, posturography, and gait analysis.ResultsTen patients with EA, 15 with VM, and 15 with RVC were included. In EA the main symptoms were vertigo/dizziness attacks lasting between 5 min and 12 h. Common accompanying symptoms included walking difficulties, paleness, and speech difficulties. Six EA patients had a previously unknown gene mutation. In the interictal interval all EA patients showed distinct ocular-motor deficits. Significant differences between EA, VM, and RVC were found for accompanying symptoms such as speech disturbances and paleness, and for the trigger factor “physical activity”. Furthermore, in the interictal interval significant group differences were observed for different pathological nystagmus types, a saccadic smooth pursuit, and disturbed fixation suppression.ConclusionBy combining clinical and ocular-motor characteristics we propose diagnostic criteria that can help to diagnose EA among children/adolescents and identify patients with EA even without distinct genetic findings. Nevertheless, broad genetic testing (e.g., next generation sequencing) in patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria should be conducted to identify even rare or unknown genetic mutations for EA.
A protein- and fiber-rich diet with astaxanthin alleviates high-fat diet-induced obesity in beagles
Authors: Xue Jinhua , Lu Yuanyuan , Zou Toujun , Shi Wei , Wang Shuang , Cheng Xu , Wan Juan , Chen Yun , Wang Min , Wang Qingzheng , Yang Xia , Ding Mingxing , Qi Zhili , Ding Yi , Hu Manli , Zhang Xin , Li Hongliang , Hu Yufeng 
Published: October 2022

Background and aimsOverweight or obesity is one of the most prevalent health burdens in companion pets and predisposes subjects to multiple comorbidities and reduced longevity. Dietary management and sufficient exercise are effective options for weight loss but challenged by modern lifestyle and calorie control-triggered malnutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a formulated obesity control diet characterized by protein- and fiber-rich diet and supplemented with astaxanthin. We systemically evaluated global influences of the designed weight-loss diet on metabolic homeostasis in an obese beagle model.Materials and methodsBeagles were induced for obesity by a 24-week HFD treatment and then included into weight-loss programs. Briefly, obese beagles were randomly assigned to two groups that were fed with a formulated weight-loss diet or control diet, respectively. Body weight and body condition scoring (BCS) were analyzed biweekly. Computed tomography (CT), nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements, and blood and adipose tissue biopsies were collected at 0 and 8 weeks. Plasma lipids and adipocyte size were also measured after 8 weeks of weight-loss diet feeding. The global influence of the formulated diet on the whole spectrum of gene panels were examined by adipose RNA assays.ResultsTwenty-four weeks of continuous HFD feeding significantly induced obesity in beagles, as evidenced by increased body weight, BCS, abdominal fat mass, and serum lipid levels. The obese and metabolic condition of the modeled canine were effectively improved by an 8-week weight-loss diet administration. Importantly, we did not observe any side effects during the weight loss duration. Transcriptional analysis of adipose tissues further supported that a weight-loss diet significantly increased energy metabolism-related pathways and decreased lipid synthesis-related pathways.ConclusionThe prescribed weight-loss diet exhibited profound benefits in canine weight management with well safety and palatability. These findings support effective strategies of nutritional management and supplementation approaches for weight control in companion animals.
Association between systemic inflammation and water composition and survival in colorectal cancer
Authors: Lin Shi-Qi , Xie Hai-Lun , Ge Yi-Zhong , Ruan Guo-Tian , Zhang Qi , Song Meng-Meng , Zhang He-Yang , Zhang Xi , Li Xiang-Rui , Tang Meng , Shen Xian , Song Chun-Hua , Li Wei , Shi Han-Ping 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundSystemic inflammation and water composition are important factors affecting cancer prognosis. This study aimed to explore the association between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and intracellular water/total body water (ICW/TBW) ratio and overall survival (OS) in colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsThis multicenter, prospective cohort included 628 patients with CRC between June 2012 and December 2019. The association between the covariates and OS was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model and restricted cubic spline models. Concordance index (C-index), which integrated discriminant improvement (IDI) index and continuous net reclassification index, (cNRI) was used to compare the predictive ability of the markers.ResultsThe optimal cutoff values for the NLR and ICW/TBW ratio were 2.42 and 0.61, respectively. The NLR was negatively associated with OS, while the ICW/TBW ratio was positively correlated with OS. NLR ≥2.42 and ICW/TBW ratio &lt;0.61 were both independent poor prognostic factors (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44–2.88 and HR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.04–2.02, respectively). Subsequently, we combined the two factors to construct an inflammation-water score (IWS). Patients with IWS (2, ≥1) had worse OS (HR: 2.86 and 95% CI: 1.77–4.63; HR: 1.74 and 95% CI 1.17–2.57, respectively) than those without one. Compared to its component factors, IWS score showed better predictive ability for C-index, IDI index, and cNRI.ConclusionA high NLR and a low ICW/TBW ratio were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with CRC. The combination of the two factors can provide a better prognostic prediction effect.
Prognostic value of PET/CT and MR-based baseline radiomics among patients with non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Kulanthaivelu Roshini , Kohan Andres , Hinzpeter Ricarda , Liu Zhihui Amy , Hope Andrew , Huang Shao Hui , Waldron John , O’Sullivan Brian , Ortega Claudia , Metser Ur , Veit-Haibach Patrick 
Published: October 2022

PurposeRadiomics is an emerging imaging assessment technique that has shown promise in predicting survival among nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Studies so far have focused on PET or MR-based radiomics independently. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of clinical and radiomic parameters derived from both PET/CT and MR.MethodsRetrospective evaluation of 124 NPC patients with PET/CT and radiotherapy planning MR (RP-MR). Primary tumors were segmented using dedicated software (LIFEx version 6.1) from PET, CT, contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (T1-w), and T2-weighted (T2-w) MR sequences with 376 radiomic features extracted. Summary statistics describe patient, disease, and treatment characteristics. The Kaplan–Meier (KM) method estimates overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Clinical factors selected based on univariable analysis and the multivariable Cox model were subsequently constructed with radiomic features added.ResultsThe final models comparing clinical, clinical + RP-MR, clinical + PET/CT and clinical + RP-MR + PET/CT for OS and PFS demonstrated that combined radiomic signatures were significantly associated with improved survival prognostication (AUC 0.62 vs 0.81 vs 0.75 vs 0.86 at 21 months for PFS and 0.56 vs 0.85 vs 0.79 vs 0.96 at 24 months for OS). Clinical + RP-MR features initially outperform clinical + PET/CT for both OS and PFS (&lt;18 months), and later in the clinical course for PFS (&gt;42 months).ConclusionOur study demonstrated that PET/CT-based radiomic features may improve survival prognostication among NPC patients when combined with baseline clinical and MR-based radiomic features.
Dynamic parameters for fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children: A systematic review
Authors: Yenjabog Patcha , Kanchongkittiphon Wacharoot , Chutipongtanate Somchai , Lertbunrian Rojjanee , Ungprasert Patompong 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveFluid administration is the initial step of treatment of unstable pediatric patients. Evaluation of fluid responsiveness is crucial in mechanically ventilated children to avoid fluid overload, which increases mortality. We aim to review and compare the diagnostic performance of dynamically hemodynamic parameters for predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children.DesignA systematic review was performed using four electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Central, for published articles from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2020. Studies were included if they described diagnostic performance of dynamic parameters after fluid challenge was performed in mechanically ventilated children.SettingsPediatric intensive and cardiac intensive care unit, and operative room.PatientsChildren aged 1 month to 18 years old who were under mechanical ventilation and required an intravenous fluid challenge.Measurements and Main ResultsTwenty-seven studies were included in the systematic review, which included 1,005 participants and 1,138 fluid challenges. Respiratory variation in aortic peak velocity was reliable among dynamic parameters for predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children. All studies of respiratory variation in aortic peak velocity showed that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged from 0.71 to 1.00, and the cutoff value for determining fluid responsiveness ranged from 7% to 20%. Dynamic parameters based on arterial blood pressure (pulse pressure variation and stroke volume variation) were also used in children undergoing congenital heart surgery. The plethysmography variability index was used in children undergoing neurological and general surgery, including the pediatric intensive care patients.ConclusionsThe respiratory variation in aortic peak velocity exhibited a promising diagnostic performance across all populations in predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children. High sensitivity is advantageous in non-cardiac surgical patients and the pediatric intensive care unit because early fluid resuscitation improves survival in these patients. Furthermore, high specificity is beneficial in congenital heart surgery because fluid overload is particularly detrimental in this group of patients.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=206400
Blinatumomab for treating pediatric B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A retrospective real-world study
Authors: Wu Ying , Li Yanming , Fan Jia , Qi Peijing , Lin Wei , Yang Jie , Liu Huiqing , Wang Xiaoling , Zheng Huyong , Wang Tianyou , Zhang Ruidong 
Published: October 2022

ObjectivesBlinatumomab was shown to be safe and effective for consolidation therapy in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of blinatumomab in pediatric B-ALL patients in a real-world setting.MethodsThis was a retrospective, observational study that included patients who initiated blinatumomab treatment between October 1, 2020 and June 20, 2022. Patients with B-ALL diagnosis, age below 18 years, and at least one blinatumomab treatment cycle were included. Treatment-related toxicities were assessed.ResultTotally 23 pediatric patients were included in this study, with a median age of 6 years (range, 2 to 11 years). Blinatumomab therapy was applied for MRD-positive (disease ≥0.01%, n = 3) or chemotherapy-ineligible (n = 20) B-ALL cases. The median follow-up time was 9 months, and all evaluable patients achieved complete molecular remission with undetectable MRD. Four relapsed B-ALL cases proceeded to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) without further bridging therapy, while the others underwent maintenance chemotherapy after blinatumomab treatment. Grade ≥3 febrile neutropenia, white blood cell decrease and seizure were observed in 57%, 48% and 4.3% of patients, respectively. One case discontinued therapy due to neurologic toxicities. Elevated cytokine levels were observed in 4 patients. In all 23 patients, increased T-cell and low B-cell counts (&lt;10/μl) were detected during blinatumomab therapy.ConclusionThese encouraging results suggest blinatumomab in pediatric B-ALL patients with MRD+ or chemotherapy-related toxicities is effective and safe in the short run, although long-term follow-up is still needed.