bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yiqi-Bushen-Tiaozhi Recipe Attenuated High-Fat and High-Fructose Diet Induced Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice via Gut Microbiota
Authors: Yan Junbin , Nie Yunmeng , Liu Yuan , Li Jingya , Wu Liyan , Chen Zhiyun , He Beihui 
Published: April 2022

AimTo investigate the treating effect of Yiqi-Bushen-Tiaozhi (YBT) recipe on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mice, determine whether the outcome was associated with gut microbiota, and clarify the regulating mechanism.MethodsNASH mice were induced by high-fat and high-fructose diets (HFFD). In the fifth week, mice in the YBT group were orally administrated YBT (22.12g·kg-1·d-1) daily for 12 weeks. Fresh stool of mice was collected at the 16th week for fecal 16S rDNA analysis. Hepatic pathology and biochemical indicators were used to reflect the improvement of YBT on hepatic inflammation and lipid metabolism in NASH mice. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to verify the results of PICRUSt analysis.ResultsResults of the pathological and biochemical index showed that YBT could improve NASH mice. Compared with improving inflammation and hepatocyte damage, YBT may be more focused on enhancing metabolic disorders in mice, such as increasing HDL-c level. The diversity and richness of the gut microbiota of NASH mice induced by HFFD are significantly different from the normal control (NC) group. After YBT treatment, the diversity and richness of the mice microbiota will be increased to similar NC mice. Intestinimonas, Acetatifactor, Alistipes, Intestinimonas, Acetatifactor, and Alistipes have the most significant changes in the class level. PICRUSt analysis was performed to predict genomic functions based on the 16S rDNA results and reference sequencing. The efficacy of YBT in the treatment of NASH can be achieved by regulating the diversity and richness of gut microbiota. PICRUSt analysis results showed that the most relevant function of the microbiota construction variations is α- Linolenic acid (ALA) metabolism. Results of qRT-PCR showed significant differences between groups in the expression of Fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1), Fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), Acyl-CoA Oxidase 1 (ACOX1), and Acyl-CoA Oxidase 2 (ACOX2) related to ALA metabolism. The expression of the above genes will be inhibited in the liver and small intestine of the HFFD group mice, and the expression can be restored after YBT treatment.ConclusionYBT could treat NASH mice by improving the diversity and richness of gut microbiota and further the improvement of ALA metabolism.
Case Report: Micro-RNAs in Plasma From Bilateral Inferior Petrosal Sinus Sampling and Peripheral Blood From Corticotroph Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Niedra Helvijs , Peculis Raitis , Konrade Ilze , Balcere Inga , Romanovs Mihails , Steina Liva , Stukens Janis , Sokolovska Jelizaveta , Klovins Janis , Rovite Vita 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveCirculating miRNAs are found in bodily fluids including plasma and can serve as biomarkers for diseases. The aim of this study was to provide the first insight into the landscape of circulating miRNAs in close proximity to the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secreting PitNET. To achieve this objective next-generation sequencing of miRNAs in plasma from bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) - a gold standard in diagnosing ACTH-secreting PitNETs was carried out and selected miRNA candidates were further tested by RT-qPCR in independent patient cohorts.MethodsSinistral (left) and dextral (right) BIPSS blood samples of the patient were collected in three time points: before the administration of corticotropin-releasing hormone, 5 and 15 minutes after stimulation. In differential expression analysis, sinistral plasma was compared with dextral. The selected miRNA candidates were tested in plasma by RT-qPCR in two patient groups: 1) in five ACTH secreting PitNET patients with plasma samples taken before and 24 hours after surgery, 2) in 12 ACTH secreting PitNET patients vs. 9 non-functioning PitNET patients.ResultsBIPSS concluded that the highest amount of ACTH was released in the sinistral side at the 5th minute mark indicating a presence of a tumor. The highest amount of differentially expressed miRNAs was observed 5 minutes after stimulation (20 upregulated, 14 downregulated). At the 5th minute mark in sinistral plasma, two miRNAs were identified: hsa-miR-7-5p and hsa-miR-375-3p that were highly upregulated compared to other BIPSS samples and peripheral plasma samples. Further testing by qPCR revealed significant reduction of miR-7-5p in plasma 24 hours after surgery and upregulation in plasma of ACTH secreting PitNET patients compared to non-functioning PitNET patients (P =0.0013).ConclusionsBy stimulating the ACTH secreting PitNET with CRH a rapid increase of two miRNAs (hsa-mir-7-5p, hsa-mir-375-3p) and ACTH can be observed in sinistral inferior petrosal (tumor side). A decrease of miR-7-5p in plasma after surgery and upregulation in plasma of ACTH secreting PitNET patients was discovered implying that further studies of this miRNA as diagnostic marker is needed.
A Prognostic Model of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Based on Up-Regulated Glycolysis-Related Genes
Authors: Wu Min , Ou-yang Deng-jie , Wei Bo , Chen Pei , Shi Qi-man , Tan Hai-long , Huang Bo-qiang , Liu Mian , Qin Zi-en , Li Ning , Hu Hui-yu , Huang Peng , Chang Shi 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveThis study aims to identify reliable prognostic biomarkers for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) based on glycolysis-related genes (GRGs), and to construct a glycolysis-related gene model for predicting the prognosis of DTC patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the transcriptomic profiles and clinical parameters of 838 thyroid cancer patients from 6 public datasets. Single factor Cox proportional risk regression analysis and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) were applied to screen genes related to prognosis based on 2528 GRGs. Then, an optimal prognostic model was developed as well as evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and ROC curves. In addition, the underlying molecular mechanisms in different risk subgroups were also explored via The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Pan-Cancer study.ResultsThe glycolysis risk score (GRS) outperformed conventional clinicopathological features for recurrence-free survival prediction. The GRS model identified four candidate genes (ADM, MKI67, CD44 and TYMS), and an accurate predictive model of relapse in DTC patients was established that was highly correlated with prognosis (AUC of 0.767). In vitro assays revealed that high expression of those genes increased DTC cancer cell viability and invasion. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these signature GRGs are involved in remodelling the tumour microenvironment, which has been demonstrated in pan-cancers. Finally, we generated an integrated decision tree and nomogram based on the GRS model and clinicopathological features to optimize risk stratification (AUC of the composite model was 0.815).ConclusionsThe GRG signature-based predictive model may help clinicians provide a prognosis for DTC patients with a high risk of recurrence after surgery and provide further personalized treatment to decrease the chance of relapse.
Sex Differences in Memory: Do Female Reproductive Factors Explain the Differences?
Authors: Li Jie , Hao Wenting , Fu Chunying , Zhou Chengchao , Zhu Dongshan 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThe sex differences in memory impairment were inconclusive, and the effect of female reproductive factors (age at menarche, age at menopause, and reproductive period) on the differences was not clear. We aimed to examine the sex differences in objective and subjective memory impairment in postmenopausal women and age- and education-matched men and explore whether the differences were differed by female reproductive factors.MethodsData were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Using the case–control matching method, 3,218 paired postmenopausal women and men matched for age and education were selected. Memory was assessed using the three-word recall task and a self-rated question. Poisson regression models with a robust error variance were used.ResultsThe relative risk was 1.22 (95% confidence interval 1.08–1.38) for objective memory impairment in women compared with men (23.87% vs. 27.36%), and 1.51 (1.36–1.67) for subjective memory impairment (39.34% vs. 28.25%) after adjusting the confounders. The higher risk of objective memory impairment in women was different among groups of age at menarche in a linear pattern, with younger age at menarche associated with higher risks of objective memory impairment (p &lt; 0.001 for trend). It was also different among groups of menopausal age and reproductive period in an approximate U-shaped pattern, with a similar risk of objective memory with men in women menopause at 52–53 years and having a reproductive period of 31–33 years and higher risks in women with earlier or later menopause (RRs raging form 1.17 to1.41) and a shorter or longer period of reproduction (RR, 1.23–1.29). The higher risks of subjective memory impairment in women were not different among different groups of reproductive factors.ConclusionsPostmenopausal women were at an increased risk of objective and subjective memory impairment than men. The higher risks in objective memory, but not subjective memory, were varied by age at menarche, age at menopause, and reproductive periods, which may help understand the underlying mechanisms of sex differences in cognitive ageing and guide precise intervention to preventing dementia among older women and men.
Hashimoto Thyroiditis, Anti-Parietal Cell Antibodies: Associations With Autoimmune Diseases and Malignancies
Authors: Boutzios Georgios , Koukoulioti Eleni , Goules Andreas V. , Kalliakmanis Ioannis , Giovannopoulos Ilias , Vlachoyiannopoulos Panayiotis , Moutsopoulos Haralampos M. , Tzioufas Athanasios G. 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundHashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disease which may result in extensive damage of the thyroid gland. Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), is the most frequent HT-associated disorder, with anti-parietal cell autoantibodies (APCA) being a screening test for autoimmune CAG. The aim of this study was to investigate, in a cohort of HT patients: a) the prevalence of APCA in an attempt to define their clinical phenotype and b) any possible associations of APCA with other autoimmune diseases and malignancies.MethodsThis is a single-center, case-control study, conducted at a University Hospital. The study included patients with HT diagnosed between November 2017 and November 2020. Excluded were patients &lt;18 years old, with sonographic features of HT but negative thyroid peroxidase (TPOAbs) or thyroglobulin autoantibodies (TgAbs), Graves’ disease, Down or Turner’s syndrome.ResultsA total of 840 patients with HT were included in the study, from whom 180 (21.4%) had positive APCA. A total of 79 patients (9.4%) had one or more organ-specific autoimmune diseases and 61 (7.3%) had a systemic autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases were more frequent in female than in male patients (17.9% versus 10.9%, p = 0.05). APCA-positive patients were older than APCA-negative (54.1 ± 13.5 versus 49.0 ± 14.6, p &lt;0.001) and had more often positive TPOAbs (93.3% versus 83.9%, p=0.001). Gastric neoplasms were documented only in APCA-positive patients (p &lt;0.001). A higher frequency of organ-specific autoimmune diseases was observed in the APCA-positive group (14.4% versus 8%, p = 0.024). In the subgroup of patients with additional autoimmune diseases (n = 140), younger age and positive APCA were independently associated with the presence of organ-specific autoimmunity (OR 0.954, 95% CI 0.927–0.982 and OR 3.100, 95% CI 1.256–7.652, respectively). Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) occurred in 3.5% of patients (26/29 women). Positive family history for thyroid autoimmunity and negative TPOAbs were the only independent risk factors for PTC among women (OR 3.228, 95% CI 1.173–8.887 and 0.315, 95% 0.113–0.881, respectively).ConclusionThis study reveals for the first time an association of APCA with organ-specific autoimmunity in HT patients. APCA together with patient age were independently associated with the presence of organ-specific autoimmunity. Finally, this study showed an association between APCA and gastric neoplasms in these patients.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Sexual Dysfunction in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Zhang Jinzhi , Nie Jiao , Zou Min , Zeng Qishan , Feng Yue , Luo Zhenyi , Gan Huatian 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundSexual dysfunction (SD) in patients who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not attracted widespread attention, and thus research studies are scarce.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the rates of SD in IBD compared with healthy individuals and elucidate the associated factors.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the simplified version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) were filled by IBD patients, as well as healthy control individuals.ResultsA total of 208 IBD patients, including 133 with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 75 with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 190 healthy individuals filled out the questionnaires. In women, SD rates were 61.9% in the patients with IBD vs. 24.4% in the healthy controls (p &lt; 0.01). In men, the rates of erectile dysfunction (ED) were 43.5% in the patients with IBD vs. 12.5% in the healthy controls (p &lt; 0.01). Anxiety (OR, 3.092; 95%CI: 1.033-9.252, p = 0.044) and active perianal disease (OR, 4.481; 95%CI: 1.055-19.029, p = 0.042) were independent risk factors for SD in female IBD patients. age (OR, 1.050; 95%CI: 1.007-1.095, p = 0.022), depression (OR, 5.763; 95%CI: 1.864-17.821, p = 0.002) and active perianal disease (OR, 7.117; 95%CI: 1.747-28.983, p = 0.006) were independent risk factors for ED in male patients.ConclusionsIn the IBD patients, 62% of women reported having SD, and 44% of men reported having ED. These higher rates, as compared to the healthy controls, are mostly driven by active perianal disease and psychological factors.
Novel Therapeutic Targeting of CCL3-CCR4 Axis Mediated Apoptotic Intesitnal Injury in Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Yuan Xi , Xiong Zihan , Liu Wei , Li Yue , Li Hongdong , Zhang Xuemei , Yin Yibing , Xu Pingyong , Cao Ju , Chen Dapeng , Song Zhixin 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of neonatal gastrointestinal-related death, while the etiology and pathogenesis are poorly understood.MethodsThe levels of CCL3 in intestinal tissue from modeling mice and patients were measured and analyzed. HE staining, TUNEL, Annexin and FCM were used to assess pathological changes and apoptosis in intestinal tissue and epithelial cells. CCL3, CCR4, cytokines, tight junction protein ZO-1, apoptosis-related genes and ERK1/2-NF-κB signaling pathway were detected by ELISA, Q-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence.ResultsCCL3 levels in the intestinal tissue significantly elevated in patients with NEC and mouse models. Blockade of CCL3 significantly alleviated NEC-related intestinal tissue damage, while administration of recombinant CCL3 aggravated intestinal injury by exacerbating intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis in NEC mice. Importantly, CCR4 blockade reversed CCL3-mediated damage to intestinal tissue and intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Further mechanistic studies showed that CCL3 regulated apoptosis-related BAX/BCL-2 expression through the activation of the ERK1/2 and NF-κB pathways, which could be reversed by anti-CCR4 treatment. Furthermore, ERK1/2 inhibition reduced CCL3-mediated phosphorylation of NF-κB in IEC-6 cells, while inhibition of NF-κB had no obvious effect on ERK1/2 phosphorylation. As expected, inhibition of NF-κB regulated BAX/BCL-2 expression and alleviated CCL3-induced epithelial cell apoptosis. These results indicate that high expression of CCL3 in NEC lesions promotes intestinal epithelial apoptosis through the CCL3-CCR4-ERK1/2-NFκB-BAX/BCL2 signalling axis, thereby exacerbating NEC-related intestinal injury.ConclusionsOur study represents an important conceptual advance that CCL3 may be one of the key culprits of intestinal tissue damage in NEC patients, and blocking either CCL3, CCR4, or NF-κB may represent a novel effective immunotherapy for NEC.
S100A8 in Serum, Urine, and Saliva as a Potential Biomarker for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Kim Ji-Won , Jung Ju-Yang , Lee Sang-Won , Baek Wook-Young , Kim Hyoun-Ah , Suh Chang-Hee 
Published: April 2022

ObjectivesThis study aimed to elucidate the potential of serum, urine, and saliva S100 calcium-binding protein A8 protein (S100A8) levels as biomarkers for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsSerum, urine, and saliva samples were obtained from 249 patients with SLE from the Ajou lupus cohort and 52 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). The concentrations of S100A8 were quantified using an ELISA, and a receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze whether they may be used as biomarkers for diagnosing SLE.ResultsAmong 249 SLE patients included in our study, the mean SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI)-2K was 7.16 ± 5.61, and the number of patients with lupus flare was 11. Patients with SLE showed a 2.7-fold increase in serum S100A8 levels compared with that in HCs (1,890.6 vs. 709 pg/ml, p &lt; 0.001). In urine and saliva, the average S100A8 levels were significantly higher in patients with SLE compared with those in HCs (urine, 2,029.4 vs. 1,096.7 pg/ml, p = 0.001; saliva, 290,496.3 vs. 47,742 pg/ml, p &lt; 0.001). For SLE diagnosis, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.831 for serum S100A8 (95% CI, 0.765–0.897), 0.751 for urine S100A8 (95% CI, 0.648–0.854), and 0.729 for salivary S100A8 (95% CI, 0.646–0.812). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that S100A8 in serum, urine, and saliva was significantly associated with the SLEDAI (r = 0.267, p &lt; 0.001; r = 0.274, p &lt; 0.001; and r = 0.629, p &lt; 0.001, respectively). Among the clinical manifestations, nephritis was the most influential factor related to SLE in the concentration of S100A8 in serum, urine, and saliva.ConclusionThis is the first study to show that the expression of S100A8 in serum, urine, and saliva is significantly higher in patients with SLE than in HCs and is associated with disease activity markers. Therefore, we suggest that S100A8 protein could be a potential biomarker for SLE.
Correlation Between Resting Theta Power and Cognitive Performance in Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Cao Yanxiang , Han Chuanliang , Peng Xing , Su Ziyao , Liu Gan , Xie Yixi , Zhang Yiting , Liu Jun , Zhang Pei , Dong Wen , Gao Michel , Sha Sha , Zhao Xixi 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveSchizophrenia is a mental disorder that is characterized by progressive cognitive impairment. Objective measures of cognitive function may provide reliable neurobiomarkers for patients with schizophrenia. The goal of the current work is to explore the correlation between resting theta power and cognitive performance in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsTwenty-two patients with schizophrenia and 23 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy controls were included in this study. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) was used for cognitive evaluation and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for evaluation of clinical symptoms. EEGs were acquired in the resting state with closed and opened eyes. Between the two groups, we compared the relative theta power and examined their relationship with cognitive performance.ResultsCompared to healthy controls, patients with schizophrenia showed significantly higher theta power, both with eyes closed and open (P &lt; 0.05). When the eyes were open, negative correlations were found in patients with schizophrenia between theta power in the central and parietal regions with processing speed scores, and between the theta power of the Pz electrode and verbal learning and reasoning and problem-solving scores (r ≥ −0.446). In the control group, theta power over the Fz electrode was negatively correlated with processing speed (r = −0.435).ConclusionsOur findings showed that theta activity increased in certain brain regions during resting state in schizophrenia. Negative associations between resting theta power (increased) over the parietal-occipital regions with MCCB domains scores (decreased) suggest that altered theta activity can be used as a neurobiological indicator to predict cognitive performance.
Comparison of Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Cryoablation For T1 Renal Tumors: An Evidence-Based Analysis of Comparative Outcomes
Authors: Shi Hongjin , Li Jinze , Fan Zhinan , Yang Jing , Fu Shi , Wang Haifeng , Wang Jiansong , Zhang Jinsong 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveTo discuss the differences in the effectiveness and security for T1 renal tumors by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation (CA).MethodsWe systematically searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CNKI databases, and Science databases, and the date was from the above database establishment to August 2021. Controlled trials on RFA and CA for T1 renal tumors were included. The meta-analysis was conducted with the Review Manager 5.4 software.ResultsA total of ten studies with 2,367 patients were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.90; p=0.35), primary technique efficacy rate (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.33 to 3.14; p=0.98), changes in serum creatinine (weighted mean difference [WMD], 0.53; 95% CI, -0.50 to 1.57; p=0.31), or 5-year survival rate (hazard ratio [HR], 1.11; 95% CI, 0.41 to 3.00; p=0.84) among patients undergoing RFA and CA. However, compared with patients who underwent RFA, patients who underwent CA had a lower Local recurrence (OR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.38 to 3.67; p = 0.001).ConclusionThe analysis demonstrated that in the treatment of T1 renal tumors, CA may be associated with lower local recurrence rates. However, no differences were observed in terms of primary technique efficacy rate, 5-year survival rate, changes in serum creatinine, and complication rate between groups.Systematic Review Registration[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/], identifier PROSPERO (CRD42021295160).