bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sacubitril/Valsartan contributes to improving the diabetic kidney disease and regulating the gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Wang Peipei , Guo Ruixue , Bai Xiwen , Cui Wen , Zhang Yiding , Li Huangmin , Shang Jin , Zhao Zhanzheng 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundDiabetic kidney disease (DKD), as a serious microvascular complication of diabetes, has limted treatment options. It is reported that the Sacubitril/Valsartan (Sac/Val) can improve kidney function, and the disordered gut microbiota and part of its metabolites are related to the development of DKD. Therefore, we aim to explore whether the effect of Sac/Val on DKD is associated with the gut microbiota and related plasma metabolic profiles.MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: Con group (n = 5), DKD group (n = 6), and Sac/Val group (n = 6) . Sac/Val group was treated with Sac/Val solution. The intervention was given once every 2 days for 6 weeks. We measured the blood glucose and urine protein level of mice at different times. We then collected samples at the end of experiment for the 16s rRNA gene sequencing analysis and the untargeted plasma metabonomic analysis.ResultsWe found that the plasma creatinine concentration of DKD-group mice was significantly higher than that of Con-group mice, whereas it was reduced after the Sac/Val treatment. Compared with DKD mice, Sac/Val treatment could decrease the expression of indicators related to EndMT and renal fibrosis like vimentin, collagen IV and fibronectin in kidney. According to the criteria of LDA ≥ 2.5 and p&lt;0.05, LefSe analysis of gut microbiota identified 13 biomarkers in Con group, and 33 biomarkers in DKD group, mainly including Prevotella, Escherichia_Shigella and Christensenellaceae_R_7_group, etc. For the Sac/Val group, there were 21 biomarkers, such as Bacteroides, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Parabacteroides, Lactobacillus, etc. Plasma metabolomics analysis identified a total of 648 metabolites, and 167 important differential metabolites were screened among groups. KEGG pathway of tryptophan metabolism: M and bile secretion: OS had the highest significance of enrichment.ConclusionsSac/Val improves the renal function of DKD mice by inhibiting renal fibrosis. This drug can also regulate gut microbiota in DKD mice.
The usefulness of serial ultrasound in thyroid mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Xiumei , Wei Boxiong , Nong Lin , Zhang Hong , Gao Ying , Ou Jinping 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundMucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is an extranodal lymphoma with an indolent natural course. The thyroid gland is an uncommon site of involvement. We aimed to investigate serial ultrasound features and the disease progression during the clinical course of thyroid MALT lymphoma.MethodsWe searched our hospital’s pathology database (5,418 patients with thyroid malignancy) between January 2000 and July 2022. The medical records and serial ultrasounds of 11 patients with 12 thyroid MALT lymphoma foci were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsAn enlarging neck mass, dyspnea, B symptoms, and neck lymphadenopathy were seen at diagnosis in 9 (9/11, 81.8%), 3 (3/11, 27.3%), 2 (2/11, 18.2%), and 9 (9/11, 81.8%) cases, respectively. Eleven cases were concomitant Hashimoto thyroiditis. Common ultrasound features included bilateral or unilateral asymmetric goiter or large, solid, and very hypoechoic nodules (11/12, 91.7%) interspersed with linear, reticular hyperechoic, and enhanced posterior echoes (11/12, 91.7%), and neck lymph node involvement (10/11, 90.9%). The Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System (TIRADS) categories showed higher diagnostic accuracy (11/12, 91.7%) than real-time ultrasound (2/12, 16.7%) in evaluating thyroid lesions for recommendation of fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Serial ultrasound showed self-limiting changes in three cases, relapse in three cases after subtotal thyroidectomy and chemotherapy, large cell transformation (LCT) in one case after left lobectomy, partial remission in one case, and complete remission after chemo/radiation in four cases; progression to enlarged thyroid nodules occurred in three cases without treatment, with no obvious change observed after diagnosis. Three patients died during follow-up.ConclusionOn sonograms, solid large thyroid nodules or goiter with very hypoechoic and enhanced posterior echoes in the setting of Hashimoto thyroiditis should raise suspicion for MALT lymphoma. TIRADS categories can improve the ultrasound diagnostic efficacy for malignancy. Serial ultrasound examinations demonstrated self-limiting and indolent natures of thyroid MALT lymphoma.
Time-restricted feeding improves metabolic and endocrine profiles in mice with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Han Yan , Lin Baiwei , Lu Wenjing , Wang Xu , Tang Wenshuai , Tao Xinge , Cai Han , He Chunmei , Liu Changqin 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathy disorders in premenopausal women, which is characterized by hyperandrogenemia, anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is a new intermittent restriction dietary pattern, which has been shown to have positive benefits on obesity and glycolipid metabolism disorders. We aimed to explore the effect of the feeding regimen (ad libitum vs. TRF) on the glycolipid metabolism and reproductive endocrine disorders in a PCOS mouse model.MethodsPCOS mouse model was induced by continuous subcutaneous administration of dihydrotestosterone for 21 days. Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks on an ad libitum or time- restricted diet (from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.).ResultsCompared to control mice, PCOS mice that received TRF treatment had significantly lower body weight, reduced adiposity, lower area under the curve (AUC) of glucose response in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and lower AUC in the insulin tolerance test (ITT). TRF also ameliorated lipid metabolism, as shown by a reduction in plasma lipid profiles (triglycerides and cholesterol) and the triglyceride content in the liver of PCOS mice. In terms of reproduction, the plasma androgen level, plasma estrogen (E2) level, and luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio in PCOS mice were significantly reduced after 8 weeks of TRF treatment. In addition, ovarian histology showed that TRF inhibits cyst formation and promotes corpus luteum formation.ConclusionIn conclusion, TRF improved metabolic and endocrine profiles in mice with PCOS.
Delineating the molecular landscape of different histopathological growth patterns in colorectal cancer liver metastases
Authors: Hu Mingtao , Chen Zhigang , Hu Dandan , Xi Shaoyan , Wang Deshen , Zhang Xiaolong , Fong William Pat , Wen Lei , Cai Yanyu , Yuan Yunfei , Li Binkui , Wu Xiaojun , Lu Zhenhai , Chen Gong , Li Liren , Ding Peirong , Pan Zhizhong , Wan Desen , Du Ziming , Chen Minshan , Li Yuhong 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundHistopathological growth patterns (HGPs) have shown important prognostic values for patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases, but the potential molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown.MethodsWe performed an exploratory analysis by conducting the RNA sequencing of primary colorectal lesions, colorectal liver metastatic lesions and normal liver tissues.FindingsWe found that desmoplastic HGPs of the metastatic lesions were significantly enriched in EMT, angiogenesis, stroma, and immune signaling pathways, while replacement HGPs were enriched in metabolism, cell cycle, and DNA damage repair pathways. With the exception of immune-related genes, the differentially expressed genes of the two HGPs from colorectal liver metastases were mostly inherited from the primary tumor. Moreover, normal liver tissue in the desmoplastic HGP subgroup was markedly enriched in the fibrinous inflammation pathway.ConclusionsWe surmised that HGPs are observable morphological changes resulting from the regulation of molecular expressions, which is the combined effect of the heterogeneity and remodeling of primary tumors seeds and liver soils.
Oceanic productivity and high-frequency temperature variability—not human habitation—supports calcifier abundance on central Pacific coral reefs
Authors: Huntington Brittany , Vargas-Ángel Bernardo , Couch Courtney S. , Barkley Hannah C. , Abecassis Melanie 
Published: December 2022

Past research has demonstrated how local-scale human impacts—including reduced water quality, overfishing, and eutrophication—adversely affect coral reefs. More recently, global-scale shifts in ocean conditions arising from climate change have been shown to impact coral reefs. Here, we surveyed benthic reef communities at 34 U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands spanning a gradient of oceanic productivity, temperature, and human habitation. We re-evaluated patterns reported for these islands from the early 2000s in which uninhabited reefs were dominated by calcifiers (coral and crustose coralline algae) and thought to be more resilient to global change. Using contemporary data collected nearly two decades later, our analyses indicate this projection was not realized. Calcifiers are no longer the dominant benthic group at uninhabited islands. Calcifier coverage now averages 26.9% ± 3.9 SE on uninhabited islands (compared to 45.18% in the early 2000s). We then asked whether oceanic productivity, past sea surface temperatures (SST), or acute heat stress supersede the impacts of human habitation on benthic cover. Indeed, we found variation in benthic cover was best explained not by human population densities, but by remotely sensed metrics of chlorophyll-a, SST, and island-scale estimates of herbivorous fish biomass. Specifically, higher coral and CCA cover was observed in more productive waters with greater biomass of herbivores, while turf cover increased with daily SST variability and reduced herbivore biomass. Interestingly, coral cover was positively correlated with daily variation in SST but negatively correlated with monthly variation. Surprisingly, metrics of acute heat stress were not correlated with benthic cover. Our results reveal that human habitation is no longer a primary correlate of calcifier cover on central Pacific island reefs, and highlight the addition of oceanic productivity and high-frequency SST variability to the list of factors supporting reef builder abundance.
Secondary consolidation characteristics of organic soil modified by bio-enzyme based on the Gibson model
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Wen Changping 
Published: December 2022

In order to study the secondary consolidation characteristics of organic soil improved by bio-enzyme, the secondary consolidation test was carried out. First, the Gibson rheological model parameters were fitted according to the experimental results. Then, the relationship between rheological model parameters, Ca/Cc value, secondary consolidation coefficient Ca, and load was analyzed for different ratios of bio-enzyme. The results showed that: 1) the rheological model parameters were negatively correlated with the ratios of bio-enzyme and positively correlated with the load value. The rheological model parameters E1 (Kelvin elastic modulus) and η (Kelvin viscosity coefficient) reached the maximum value when the ratio of bio-enzyme was 0.01%. 2) The secondary consolidation coefficient was related to the load and showed a certain law. At 100 kPa, the secondary consolidation coefficient of samples reached the peak. When it was less than 200 kPa, the secondary consolidation coefficient changed obviously with the increase in load. When the load was greater than 200 kPa, the variation trend of the secondary consolidation coefficient tended to be gentle with the increase in load and finally tended to be constant. With the increase in load, the secondary consolidation coefficient Ca finally approached to a stable value. 3) The value of Ca/Cc of improved organic soil varied from 0.042 to 0.1 under various loads. In this article, the secondary consolidation characteristics of organic soil modified by bio-enzyme were studied. The secondary consolidation strain can be predicted by the established rheological model parameter equations.
Cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament dynamic profiles predict cognitive progression in individuals with de novo Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sheng Ze-Hu , Ma Ling-Zhi , Liu Jia-Yao , Ou Ya-Nan , Zhao Bing , Ma Ya-Hui , Tan Lan 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundNeurofilament light chain protein (NfL) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reflects the severity of neurodegeneration, with its altered concentrations discovered in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PD-D).ObjectiveTo determine whether CSF NfL, a promising biomarker of neuronal/axonal damage, can be used to monitor cognitive progression in de novo Parkinson’s disease and predict future cognitive decline.MethodsA total of 259 people were recruited in this study, including 85 healthy controls (HC) and 174 neonatal PD patients from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI). Multiple linear regression and linear mixed effects models were used to examine the associations of baseline/longitudinal CSF NfL with cognitive decline and other CSF biomarkers. Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank test were used to compare the cumulative probability risk of cognition progression during the follow-up. Multivariate cox regression was used to detect cognitive progression in de novo PD.ResultsWe found PD patients with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) was higher than with normal cognition (PD-NC) in terms of CSF NfL baseline levels (p = 0.003) and longitudinal increase rate (p = 0.034). Both baseline CSF NfL and its rate of change predicted measurable cognitive decline in de novo PD (MoCA, β = −0.010, p = 0.011; β = −0.0002, p &lt; 0.001, respectively). The predictive effects in de novo PD patients aged &gt;65, male, ill-educated (&lt;13 years) and without carrying Apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE ε4) seemed to be more obvious and reflected in more domains investigated. We also observed that CSF NfL levels predicted progression in de novo PD patients with different cognitive diagnosis and amyloid status. After an average follow-up of 6.66 ± 2.54 years, higher concentration above the median of baseline CSF NfL was associated with a future high risk of PD with dementia (adjusted HR 2.82, 95% CI: 1.11–7.20, p = 0.030).ConclusionOur results indicated that CSF NfL is a promising prognostic predictor of PD, and its concentration and dynamics can monitor the severity and progression of cognitive decline in de novo PD patients.
Association of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with outcomes in stroke patients achieving successful recanalization by endovascular thrombectomy
Authors: Ma Jin , Guo Wenting , Xu Jiali , Li Sijie , Ren Changhong , Wu Longfei , Wu Chuanjie , Li Chuanhui , Chen Jian , Duan Jiangang , Ma Qingfeng , Song Haiqing , Zhao Wenbo , Ji Xunming 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveSerum inflammatory biomarkers play crucial roles in the development of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In this study, we explored the association between inflammatory biomarkers including platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and clinical outcomes in AIS patients who achieved successful recanalization.MethodsPatients with AIS who underwent endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and achieved a modified thrombolysis in the cerebral infarction scale of 2b or 3 were screened from a prospective cohort at our institution between January 2013 and June 2021. Data on blood parameters and other baseline characteristics were collected. The functional outcome was an unfavorable outcome defined by a modified Rankin Scale of 3–6 at the 3-month follow up. Other clinical outcomes included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and 3-month mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of PLR, NLR, and MLR on clinical outcomes.ResultsA total of 796 patients were enrolled, of which 89 (11.2%) developed sICH, 465 (58.4%) had unfavorable outcomes at 3 months, and 168 (12.1%) died at the 3-month follow up. After adjusting for confounding variables, a higher NLR (OR, 1.076; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.037–1.117; p &lt; 0.001) and PLR (OR, 1.001; 95%CI, 1.000–1.003; p = 0.045) were significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of NLR and PLR was 0.622 and 0.564, respectively. However, NLR, PLR, and MLR were not independently associated with sICH and 3-month mortality (all adjusted p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionOverall, our results indicate that higher PLR and NLR were independently associated with unfavorable functional outcomes in AIS patients with successful recanalization after EVT; however, the underlying mechanisms are yet to be elucidated.
Multiplex detection of meningitis and encephalitis pathogens: A study from laboratory to clinic
Authors: Si Yanjun , He Weijun , Guo Shuo , Wang Xiaohui , Tang Meng , Ying Binwu , Wang Minjin 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionInfectious meningitis and encephalitis (ME) are life-threatening conditions are caused by various pathogens. Conventional laboratory tests with low sensitivity and specificity cannot help with early diagnosis.MethodsA prospective study using the novel multiplex PCR detection for 18 pathogens of ME (MME-18) was conducted to investigate the clinical utilization and the epidemiology characteristics of ME in southwestern China. Patients with suspected intracranial infection were recruited between May and October 2019 at West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The MME-18 was used to detect cerebrospinal fluid, and conventional experiments including cryptococcal capsular antigen detection, GeneXpert, real-time PCR, and clinical feedback were used to verify the result of MME-18.ResultsAmong 581 tested patients, 139 eligible individuals were enrolled in the study. Among them, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the most common pathogen in mono-infection. Viruses and Cryptococcus neoformans were also frequently detected. Of 139 infected patients, 12 cases were diagnosed by MME-18 only, 57 patients by conventional testing only, and 70 cases by both comparator tests and MME-18. There were 96.3% (79/82) diagnoses made by MME-18 had a favorable outcome, and two of twelve diagnoses, made solely by MME-18, had a likely unclear clinical significance.DiscussionThe MME-18 showed satisfactory consistency with expert clinical consensus for patients presenting with ME. Combined with conventional testing and clinical suspicion, MME-18 may help clinicians with the early identification of pathogens.
Ultrasound and elastography role in pre- and post-operative evaluation of median neuropathy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Wu Han , Zhao Hong-Juan , Xue Wei-Li , Wang Yi-Chun , Zhang Wu-Yue , Wang Xiao-Lei 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common compression neuropathy of the median nerve in the wrist. Early diagnosis of CTS is essential for selecting treatment options and assessing prognosis. The current diagnosis of CTS is based on the patient's clinical symptoms, signs, and an electromyography (EMG) test. However, they have some limitations. Recently, ultrasound has been adopted as an adjunct diagnostic tool for electromyography (EMG). Ultrasound is a non-invasive and cost-effective technique. It provides a dynamic display of morphological changes in the median nerve and an assessment of CTS etiology such as tenosynovitis, mass compression, and tendon disease. This study aimed to investigate the value of conventional ultrasound and real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) in evaluation of median neuropathy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) before and after surgery.MethodsFirst, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) was administered to patients with CTS. All subjects were measured at three levels: the distal 1/3 of the forearm, the carpal tunnel inlet, and the distal carpal tunnel using conventional ultrasound and SWE. Median nerve parameters were examined in patients with CTS 1 week after surgery.ResultsThe cross-sectional area (CSA) and stiffness of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet and distal carpal tunnel were significantly higher in patients with CTS than in healthy controls (p &lt; 0.001). The CSA and stiffness of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet were statistically significantly significantly between pre- and postoperative patients with CTS (p &lt; 0.001). The CSA and stiffness of the nerve in patients with CTS had a positive correlation with electrophysiology severity.Conclusions and discussionConventional ultrasound and elastography are valuable in the diagnosis of CTS and are useful in the clinical assessment of patient's nerve recovery after operation.
Characteristics and outcomes of pediatric testicular yolk Sac tumor
Authors: Li Maoxian , Wang Jinkui , Wang Jianyu , Zhang Deying , Hua Yi , Liu Feng , Lu Peng , Liu Junhong , Liu Xing , Lin Tao , Wei Guanghui , He Dawei 
Published: December 2022

PurposePediatric testicular yolk sac tumor is a rare malignant germ cell tumor and there is a lack of large clinical studies. The purpose of this study is to summarize the clinical characteristics of pediatric testicular yolk tumor and evaluate the prognostic factors.Materials and methodsThe medical records of children with testicular yolk sac tumor in one pediatric medical centre in China from January 2005 to January 2021 were retrospectively investigated. Data regarding clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis were collected.ResultsA total of 109 patients with a median diagnosed age of 18 months (range 2–69) were included in this study; of them 100 were diagnosed as stage I, 6 as stage II and 3 as stage IV. All patients underwent radical orchiectomy, and 61 of them underwent postoperative chemotherapy. The mean follow-up time was 61.3 months (range 3–259), during that time, 8 patients experienced relapse. The five-year overall survival was 90.6% (95% CI 84.6%–96.7%). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that disease stage, relapse, maximum tumor diameter, and alpha-fetoprotein returning to normal within 2 months postoperatively were risk factors for survival (HRs of 25.43, 26.43, 1.48 and 0.08, respectively, p &lt; 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that higher disease stage and relapse were independent adverse factors for survival (HRs of 148.30 and 94.58, respectively, p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsThe prognosis of pediatric testicular yolk sac tumor is generally excellent. A higher disease stage and the occurrence of relapse could predict a poor prognosis. The individualized management of children with testicular yolk sac tumor according to risk classification is feasible.