bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complement Levels at Admission Reflecting Progression to Severe Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Henry Brandon M. , Sinkovits György , Szergyuk Ivan , de Oliveira Maria Helena Santos , Lippi Giuseppe , Benoit Justin L. , Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Pode-Shakked Naomi , Benoit Stefanie W. , Cooper David S. , Müller Veronika , Iványi Zsolt , Gál János , Réti Marienn , Gopcsa László , Reményi Péter , Szathmáry Beáta , Lakatos Botond , Szlávik János , Bobek Ilona , Prohászka Zita Z. , Förhécz Zsolt , Csuka Dorottya , Hurler Lisa , Kajdácsi Erika , Cervenak László , Mező Blanka , Kiszel Petra , Masszi Tamás , Vályi-Nagy István , Prohászka Zoltán 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundDysregulation of complement system is thought to be a major player in development of multi-organ damage and adverse outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to examine associations between complement system activity and development of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.Materials and MethodsIn this multicenter, international study, complement as well as inflammatory and thrombotic parameters were analyzed in COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization at one US and two Hungarian centers. The primary endpoint was development of severe AKI defined by KDIGO stage 2+3 criteria, while the secondary endpoint was need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). Complement markers with significant associations with endpoints were then correlated with a panel of inflammatory and thrombotic biomarkers and assessed for independent association with outcome measures using logistic regression.ResultsA total of 131 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (median age 66 [IQR, 54–75] years; 54.2% males) were enrolled, 33 from the US, and 98 from Hungary. There was a greater prevalence of complement over-activation and consumption in those who developed severe AKI and need for RRT during hospitalization. C3a/C3 ratio was increased in groups developing severe AKI (3.29 vs. 1.71; p &lt; 0.001) and requiring RRT (3.42 vs. 1.79; p &lt; 0.001) in each cohort. Decrease in alternative and classical pathway activity, and consumption of C4 below reference range, as well as elevation of complement activation marker C3a above the normal was more common in patients progressing to severe AKI. In the Hungarian cohort, each standard deviation increase in C3a (SD = 210.1) was independently associated with 89.7% increased odds of developing severe AKI (95% CI, 7.6–234.5%). Complement was extensively correlated with an array of inflammatory biomarkers and a prothrombotic state.ConclusionConsumption and dysregulation of complement system is associated with development of severe AKI in COVID-19 patients and could represent a promising therapeutic target for reducing thrombotic microangiopathy in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Valve-Like Outflow System Behavior With Motion Slowing in Glaucoma Eyes: Findings Using a Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery–MIGS-Like Platform and Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging
Authors: Johnstone Murray , Xin Chen , Acott Ted , Vranka Janice , Wen Joanne , Martin Elizabeth , Wang Ruikang K. 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate anatomic relationships and biomechanics of pressure-dependent trabecular meshwork and distal valve-like structure deformation in normal and glaucoma eyes using high-resolution optical coherence tomography (HR-OCT).MethodsWe controlled Schlemm’s canal (SC) pressure during imaging with HR-OCT in segments of three normal (NL) and five glaucomatous (GL) ex vivo eyes. The dissected limbal wedges were studied from 15 locations (5 NL and 10 GL). A minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)-like cannula was inserted into the SC lumen, whereas the other end was attached to a switch between two reservoirs, one at 0, the other at 30 mm Hg. A steady-state pressure of 30 mm Hg was maintained to dilate SC and collector channels (CC) during 3D volume imaging. The resulting 3D lumen surface relationships were correlated with internal structural features using an image mask that excluded tissues surrounding SC and CC. While imaging with HR-OCT, real-time motion responses in SC and CC areas were captured by switching pressure from 0 to 30 or 30 to 0 mm Hg. NL vs. GL motion differences were compared.ResultsLumen surface and internal relationships were successfully imaged. We identified SC inlet and outlet valve-like structures. In NL and GL, the mean SC areas measured at the steady-state of 0 and 30 mm Hg were each significantly different (p &lt; 0.0001). Synchronous changes in SC and CC lumen areas occurred in &lt;200 ms. Measured SC area differences at the steady-state 0 and 30 mmHg, respectively, were larger in NL than GL eyes (p &lt; 0.0001). The SC motion curves rose significantly more slowly in GL than NL (p &lt; 0.001). Pressure waves traveled from the cannula end along the SC lumen to CC and deep intrascleral channels.ConclusionHR-OCT provided simultaneous measurements of outflow pathway lumen surfaces, internal structures, and biomechanics of real-time pressure-dependent dimension changes. We identified SC inlet and outlet valve-like structures. GL tissues underwent less motion and responded more slowly than NL, consistent with increased tissue stiffness. A MIGS-like shunt to SC permitted pulse waves to travel distally along SC lumen and into CC.
Tanshinone Capsules Combined With Prednisone for Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Fu Qiang , Huang Mengya , Tang Lei , Zheng Qi , Huang Fujun , Zhou Xun , Wang Shumei 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundFacial seborrheic dermatitis (FSD), also called facial seborrheic eczema, is a common disease affecting both male and female patients worldwide. Tanshinone is the main bioactive component extracted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, which is widely used in treating skin inflammatory diseases. It is necessary to evaluate the clinical evidence for tanshinone capsule treatment of FSD. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of tanshinone capsules combined with prednisone in the treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis and to provide evidence for clinical practice.MethodsStudies were searched in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and WanFang Database before October 2021. We also searched for randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) of tanshinone capsules combined with prednisone on facial seborrheic dermatitis. The meta-analysis was conducted according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook. Two reviewers regulated the research selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, respectively, and a third reviewer was used for consulting when necessary. Review Manager Software 5.3 was used for meta-analysis.ResultsA total of 10 RCTs with 916 participants were included. Nine studies reported total effectiveness, five studies reported symptom score, seven studies reported adverse events, and four studies reported recurrence rate. The duration of treatment was 4 to 8 weeks. Combination therapy showed better clinical effects compared to the prednisone (OR: 5.82; 95% CI: 3.53, 9.59; p &lt; 0.00001). Combination therapy could repair skin lesions (MD: −0.40; 95% CI: −0.51, −0.30; p &lt; 0.00001), reduce skin erythema (MD: −0.58, 95% CI: −0.67, −0.49; p &lt; 0.00001), relieve skin itch (MD: −0.70; 95% CI −0.77, −0.63; p &lt; 0.00001), and desquamation score (MD: −0.64; 95% CI: −0.71, −0.56; p &lt; 0.00001). Furthermore, combination therapy could reduce adverse events (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.84; p = 0.01) and control recurrence rate (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.36; p &lt; 0.00001).ConclusionsCompared with prednisone, tanshinone capsules combined with prednisone may be effective in the treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis. However, due to the high risk and ambiguity of bias in the included trials, the conclusion of this study must be interpreted carefully.
An Assessment of Physicians’ Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer Screening and International Guidelines Awareness and Adherence: Results From a Thai National Survey
Authors: Pausawasdi Nonthalee , Tongpong Pongkamon , Geeratragool Tanawat , Charatcharoenwitthaya Phunchai 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake is generally low in the Asia Pacific and physicians’ recommendations affect the screening participation.ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess Thai physicians’ recommendations for CRC screening, and the awareness of and adherence to international guidelines.MethodsA survey containing questions assessing physicians’ demographic data, screening recommendations, and awareness of the international CRC screening guidelines assessed by clinical vignettes. Independent predictors of physicians’ recommendations for CRC screening were determined by logistic regression analysis.ResultsFive hundred and eighty-sixth of 1,286 (46%) physicians completed the survey, and 58% of them offered CRC screening. The majority of colorectal surgeons (91%) and gastroenterologists (86%) endorsed screening, whereas 35% of primary care physicians recommended screening. The patient’s age was the only factor influencing the physician’s decision to offer CRC screening (OR, 2.75: 95% CI, 1.61–4.67). Colonoscopy was the most recommended modality among specialists, whereas 60% of primary care physicians offered fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs). The guidelines awareness was noted in 81% of participants, with the highest rates among gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons. Gastroenterologists were more likely to adhere to the guidelines than surgeons, but both recommended shorter interval surveillance colonoscopy than guidelines recommendations in cases of small hyperplastic rectosigmoid polyps.ConclusionsRecommendations for CRC screening and awareness of guidelines vary among different specialties. A low proportion of primary care physicians recommended screening and colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists recommended shorter intervals for surveillance of small hyperplastic polyp than suggested by guidelines.
Unraveling the Role of Acetic Acid Bacteria Comparing Two Acetification Profiles From Natural Raw Materials: A Quantitative Approach in Komagataeibacter europaeus
Authors: Román-Camacho Juan J. , Mauricio Juan C. , Santos-Dueñas Inés M. , García-Martínez Teresa , García-García Isidoro 
Published: April 2022

The industrial production of vinegar is carried out by the activity of a complex microbiota of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) working, mainly, within bioreactors providing a quite specific and hard environment. The “omics” sciences can facilitate the identification and characterization analyses of these microbial communities, most of which are difficult to cultivate by traditional methods, outside their natural medium. In this work, two acetification profiles coming from the same AAB starter culture but using two natural raw materials of different alcoholic origins (fine wine and craft beer), were characterized and compared and the emphasis of this study is the effect of these raw materials. For this purpose, the composition and natural behavior of the microbiota present throughout these profiles were analyzed by metaproteomics focusing, mainly, on the quantitative protein profile of Komagataeibacter europaeus. This species provided a protein fraction significantly higher (73.5%) than the others. A submerged culture system and semi-continuous operating mode were employed for the acetification profiles and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the protein analyses. The results showed that neither of two raw materials barely modified the microbiota composition of the profiles, however, they had an effect on the protein expression changes in different biological process. A molecular strategy in which K. europaeus would prevail over other species by taking advantage of the different features offered by each raw material has been suggested. First, by assimilating the excess of inner acetic acid through the TCA cycle and supplying biosynthetic precursors to replenish the cellular material losses; second, by a previous assimilation of the excess of available glucose, mainly in the beer medium, through the glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP); and third, by triggering membrane mechanisms dependent on proton motive force to detoxify the cell at the final moments of acetification. This study could complement the current knowledge of these bacteria as well as to expand the use of diverse raw materials and optimize operating conditions to obtain quality vinegars.Clinical Trial Registration:[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [PXD031147].
Molecular Insights and Prognosis Associated With RBM8A in Glioblastoma
Authors: Wei Lei , Zou Chun , Chen Liechun , Lin Yan , Liang Lucong , Hu Beiquan , Mao Yingwei , Zou Donghua 
Published: April 2022

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most invasive brain tumors, and it is associated with high rates of recurrence and mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of RBM8A in GBM and the potential influence of its expression on the disease.Methods: Levels of RBM8A mRNA in GBM patients and controls were examined in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), GSE16011 and GSE90604 databases. GBM samples in TCGA were divided into RBM8Ahigh and RBM8Alow groups. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between GBM patients and controls were identified, as were DEGs between RBM8Ahigh and RBM8Alow groups. DEGs common to both of these comparisons were analyzed for coexpression and regression analyses. In addition, we identified potential effects of RBM8A on competing endogenous RNAs, immune cell infiltration, methylation modifications, and somatic mutations.Results: RBM8A is expressed at significantly higher levels in GBM than control samples, and its level correlates with tumor purity. We identified a total of 488 mRNAs that differed between GBM and controls as well as between RBM8Ahigh and RBM8Alow groups, which enrichment analysis revealed to be associated mainly with neuroblast proliferation, and T cell immune responses. We identified 174 mRNAs that gave areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve &gt;0.7 among coexpression module genes, of which 13 were significantly associated with overall survival of GBM patients. We integrated 11 candidate mRNAs through LASSO algorithm, then nomogram, risk score, and decision curve analyses were analyzed. We found that RBM8A may compete with DLEU1 for binding to miR-128-1-5p, and aberrant RBM8A expression was associations with tumor infiltration by immune cells. Some mRNAs associated with GBM prognosis also appear to be methylated or mutated.Conclusions: Our study strongly links RBM8A expression to GBM pathobiology and patient prognosis. The candidate mRNAs identified here may lead to therapeutic targets against the disease.
Effect of Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage on Outcome After Endovascular Treatment in Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion
Authors: Zhang Hao , Dai Weipeng , Kong Weilin , Duan Zhenhui , Yun Zongjin , Zhou Sheng , Yang Jie , Li Fengli , Zi Wenjie , Guo Zhangbao , Liu Wenhua 
Published: April 2022

Background and PurposeGastrointestinal hemorrhage (GIH) is associated with a poorer prognosis and a higher mortality rate after acute ischemic stroke (AIS), but its association with outcomes after endovascular treatment (EVT) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the incidence, risk factors, and relationships among clinical outcomes of GIH after EVT in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO).MethodsConsecutive patients treated with EVT were identified from the EVT for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Study (BASILAR) registry. All enrolled patients were divided into GIH and non-GIH subgroups, and the independent predictors of GIH after EVT were explored. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to assess the association between GIH and primary outcome [distribution of modified Rankin scale (mRS)] at 90 days, while binary logistic regression models for other outcomes were also employed.ResultsAmong 647 patients with acute BAO, 114 (17.6%) patients experienced GIH after EVT. Higher glucose levels at admission, longer procedure time, and general anesthesia were the independent predictors of GIH after EVT, while protective factors include the posterior circulation-Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed Tomography Score (pc-ASPECTS) ≥ 5 and a history of hyperlipidemia. Compared with the non-GIH group, the GIH group was associated with a worse functional outcome [adjusted common odds ratio (OR), 2.12 (95% CI, 1.39–3.25)], lower rates of functional independence [adjusted OR,.47 (95% CI, 0.26–0.88)], a favorable outcome [adjusted OR, 0.41 (95% CI, 0.22–0.73)], and a higher risk of 90-day mortality [adjusted OR, 1.76 (95% CI, 1.08–2.85)].ConclusionThis study concluded that GIH is not uncommon after EVT in patients with acute BAO and is associated with worse functional disability and higher mortality.
Non-contrast MRI of Inner Ear Detected Differences of Endolymphatic Drainage System Between Vestibular Migraine and Unilateral Ménière's Disease
Authors: Leng Yangming , Lei Ping , Chen Cen , Liu Yingzhao , Xia Kaijun , Liu Bo 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of some anatomical variables with regard to endolymphatic sac (ES) and duct (ED), measured by non-contrast three-dimensional sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolutions (3D-SPACE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in differentiating vestibular migraine (VM) from unilateral Ménière's disease (MD).MethodsIn this study, 81 patients with VM, 97 patients with unilateral MD, and 50 control subjects were enrolled. The MRI-visualized parameters, such as the distance between the vertical part of the posterior semicircular canal and the posterior fossa (MRI-PP distance) and visibility of vestibular aqueduct (MRI-VA), were measured bilaterally. The diagnostic value of the MRI-PP distance and MRI-VA visibility for differentiating VM from unilateral MD was examined.Results(1) Compared with the VM patients, patients with unilateral MD exhibited shorter MRI-PP distance and poorer MRI-VA visibility. No differences in the MRI-PP distance and MRI-VA visibility were detected between patients with VM and control subjects. (2) No significant interaural difference in the MRI-PP distance and MRI-VA visibility was observed in patients with VM and those with unilateral MD, respectively. (3) Area under the curve (AUC) showed a low diagnostic value for the MRI-PP distance and MRI-VA visibility, respectively, in differentiating between the VM and unilateral MD.ConclusionsBased on non-enhanced MRI-visualized measurement, anatomical variables with regard to the endolymphatic drainage system differed significantly between the patients with VM and those with unilateral MD. Further investigations are needed to improve the diagnostic value of these indices in differentiating VM from unilateral MD.
Extracranial Vertebral Artery-Internal Jugular Vein-Spinal Vein Fistula in Neurofibromatosis Type I: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Chen Jiarui , Liang Tuo , Cen Jiemei , Jiang Jie , Chen Tianyou , Li Hao , Liu Chong , Chen Jing , Zhan Xinli 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundA cervical arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in neurofibromatosis type I (NF-1) is uncommon, and it brings challenges and difficulty in treatment.Case PresentationA 39-year-old woman was diagnosed with an NF-1-associated spontaneous vertebral artery-internal jugular vein-spinal vein fistula. The fistula was placed by coil embolization. Postoperative examination showed that the fistula closure was satisfied, and the patient's abnormal clinical manifestation disappeared without any complications after 24 months of interventional embolization. As per the literature, interventional embolization is currently the main treatment method, and it has the distinguishing features of less trauma, quick recovery, and a good prognosis.ConclusionNF-1 associated with a spontaneous arteriovenous fistula is rare in clinical practice, which carries significant challenges in treatment, but can be effectively treated using endovascular embolism. Endovascular embolism could be the potential choice of treatment in NF-1 associated with AVF.
Contralaterally Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation Combined With Brain Stimulation for Severe Upper Limb Hemiplegia—Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mohan Akhil , Knutson Jayme S. , Cunningham David A. , Widina Morgan , O'Laughlin Kyle , Arora Tarun , Li Xin , Sakaie Ken , Wang Xiaofeng , Uchino Ken , Plow Ela B. 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundApproximately two-thirds of stroke survivors experience chronic upper limb paresis, and of them, 50% experience severe paresis. Treatment options for severely impaired survivors are often limited. Rehabilitation involves intensively engaging the paretic upper limb, and disincentivizing use of the non-paretic upper limb, with the goal to increase excitability of the ipsilesional primary motor cortex (iM1) and suppress excitability of the undamaged (contralesional) motor cortices, presumed to have an inhibitory effect on iM1. Accordingly, brain stimulation approaches, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), are also given to excite iM1 and/or suppress contralesional motor cortices. But such approaches aimed at ultimately increasing iM1 excitability yield limited functional benefit in severely impaired survivors who lack sufficient ipsilesional substrate.AimHere, we test the premise that combining Contralaterally Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation (CCFES), a rehabilitation technique that engages the non-paretic upper limb in delivery of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to the paretic upper limb, and a new rTMS approach that excites intact, contralesional higher motor cortices (cHMC), may have more favorable effect on paretic upper limb function in severely impaired survivors based on recruitment of spared, transcallosal and (alternate) ipsilateral substrate.MethodsIn a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT, 72 chronic stroke survivors with severe distal hand impairment receive CCFES plus cHMC rTMS, iM1 rTMS, or sham rTMS, 2X/wk for 12wks. Measures of upper limb motor impairment (Upper Extremity Fugl Meyer, UEFM), functional ability (Wolf Motor-Function Test, WMFT) and perceived disability are collected at 0, 6, 12 (end-of-treatment), 24, and 36 wks (follow-up). TMS is performed at 0, 12 (end-of-treatment), and 36 wks (follow-up) to evaluate inter-hemispheric and ipsilateral mechanisms. Influence of baseline severity is also characterized with imaging.ConclusionsTargeting of spared neural substrates and rehabilitation which engages the unimpaired limb in movement of the impaired limb may serve as a suitable combinatorial treatment option for severely impaired stroke survivors.ClinicalTrials NoNCT03870672.