bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multichannel Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Treadmill Gait Training in Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Na Yoonju , Kim Jinuk , Lee Su-Hyun , Kim Jihye , Lee Jungsoo , Shin Se Young , Chang Won Hyuk , Cho Jin Whan , Kim Yun-Hee 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundGait problems are critical impairments in Parkinson's disease (PD) and are related to increased risk of fall and negatively impact activities of daily life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can modify the cortical excitability of gait-related brain regions. In this study, we investigated whether multichannel tDCS with simultaneous treadmill gait training could improve gait in PD.MethodsTwenty-four patients with PD were assigned randomly to a real or sham tDCS group. Before intervention, one patient of the real tDCS group was dropped out, leaving 23 patients to be analyzed in this study. Each patient underwent 30 min of treadmill gait training for 10 sessions over four consecutive weeks. Multichannel 4x1 tDCS was applied using five 6-cm-diameter round electrodes. One anode was placed on the CZ, and four cathodes were positioned symmetrically over the FZ, C5, C6, and PZ. Anodal tDCS (2mA) and sham tDCS were delivered for 20 min. The secondary outcomes were gait performance, as measured by the timed up and go test (TUG) and freezing of gait questionnaire (FOG-Q), and balance was assessed using the dynamic gait index (DGI), Berg balance scale (BBS), and functional reach test (FRT). Motor and non-motor performance of patients with PD were assessed using the Movement Disorder Society-sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). Participants were assessed before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 4 weeks after completion of the intervention.ResultsThe real tDCS group showed a significant improvement in the 10-m walk test, but the sham group did not. Among the secondary outcome measures, MDS-UPDRS part II, TUG, and BBS were improved only in the real tDCS group. Particularly, MDS-UPDRS part II showed a significant group*time interaction effect, indicating that real tDCS demonstrated a better effect on the activities of daily living patients with PD.ConclusionsThe results of this pilot study suggest that multichannel tDCS applied on the leg motor cortex during treadmill gait training is a safe and effective means to improve gait velocity in patients with PD. Additional rigorous, large-sample, multicenter, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the effect of tDCS as a therapeutic adjunct for gait rehabilitation of patients with PD.
Posterior Circulation ASPECTS on CT Angiography Predicts Futile Recanalization of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion
Authors: Ouyang Keni , Kang Zhiming , Liu Zhengxing , Hou Botong , Fang Jiabing , Xie Yu , Liu Yumin 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundAcute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is the most potentially disastrous outcome and has a high risk of recurrence stroke in posterior circulation infarction (PCI). However, the rate of futile recanalization remains high despite successful recanalization. The objective of this study was to investigate 90 days functional outcomes among patients with BAO who underwent endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and to identify the risk factors associated with futile recanalization.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 72 patients with acute BAO who received EVT from January 2018 to June 2021. CT angiography source images posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (CTA-SI pc-ASPECTS) evaluated the extensive hypoattenuation in patients with BAO. Futile recanalization defined an modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 3-6 at 90 days despite a successful recanalization. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the predictors of futile recanalization.ResultsOur sample included a total of 55 eligible patients. Patients with poor outcomes showed that the pc-ASPECTS score was lower in patients with poor outcomes than that in patients with good outcomes (P = 0.017). Longer time from symptoms onset-to-the puncture (P = 0.014) and elevation of leucocytes (P = 0.012) were associated with poor outcomes. The multivariable logistic analysis showed that pc-ASPECTS and onset-to-puncture time (OPT) were independent predictors of futile recanalization.ConclusionsThis study suggested that pc-ASPECTS and OPT are independent predictors of futile recanalization after EVT in patients with BAO. The lower pc-ASPECTS score and longer puncture time will have a poor clinical outcome.
Systematic Review - Combining Neuroprotection With Reperfusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Vos E. M. , Geraedts V. J. , van der Lugt A. , Dippel D. W. J. , Wermer M. J. H. , Hofmeijer J. , van Es A. C. G. M. , Roos Y. B. W. E. M. , Peeters-Scholte C. M. P. C. D. , van den Wijngaard I. R. 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundClinical trials of neuroprotection in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have provided disappointing results. Reperfusion may be a necessary condition for positive effects of neuroprotective treatments. This systematic review provides an overview of efficacy of neuroprotective agents in combination with reperfusion therapy in AIS.MethodsA literature search was performed on the following databases, namely PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Emcare. All databases were searched up to September 23rd 2021. All randomized controlled trials in which patients were treated with neuroprotective strategies within 12 h of stroke onset in combination with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), endovascular therapy (EVT), or both were included.ResultsWe screened 1,764 titles/abstracts and included 30 full reports of unique studies with a total of 16,160 patients. In 15 studies neuroprotectants were tested for clinical efficacy, where all patients had to receive reperfusion therapies, either IVT and/or EVT. Heterogeneity in reported outcome measures was observed. Treatment was associated with improved clinical outcome for: 1) uric acid in patients treated with EVT and IVT, 2) nerinetide in patients who underwent EVT without IVT, 3) imatinib in stroke patients treated with IVT with or without EVT, 4) remote ischemic perconditioning and IVT, and 5) high-flow normobaric oxygen treatment after EVT, with or without IVT.ConclusionStudies specifically testing effects of neuroprotective agents in addition to IVT and/or EVT are scarce. Future neuroprotection studies should report standardized functional outcome measures and combine neuroprotective agents with reperfusion therapies in AIS or aim to include prespecified subgroup analyses for treatment with IVT and/or EVT.
Ramadan Diurnal Intermittent Fasting Is Associated With Attenuated FTO Gene Expression in Subjects With Overweight and Obesity: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Madkour Mohamed I. , Malhab Lara J. Bou , Abdel-Rahman Wael M. , Abdelrahim Dana N. , Saber-Ayad Maha , Faris MoezAlIslam E. 
Published: March 2022

Aim and BackgroundA growing body of evidence supports the impact of intermittent fasting (IF) on normalizing body weight and that the interaction between body genes and environmental factors shapes human susceptibility to developing obesity. FTO gene is one of these genes with metabolic effects related to energy metabolism and body fat deposition. This research examined the changes in FTO gene expression upon Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) in a group of metabolically healthy subjects with overweight and obesity.MethodsSixty-three (63) subjects were recruited, of which 57 (17 males and 40 females, mean age 38.4 ± 11.2 years) subjects with overweight and obesity (BMI = 29.89 ± 5.02 kg/m2were recruited and monitored before and at the end of Ramadan month), and 6 healthy subjects with normal BMI (21.4 ± 2.20 kg/m2) recruited only to standardize the reference for normal levels of FTO gene expression. In the two-time points, anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary assessments were undertaken, and FTO gene expression tests were performed using RNA extracted from the whole blood sample.ResultsIn contrast to normal BMI subjects, the relative gene expressions in overweight/obese were significantly decreased at the end of Ramadan (−32.30%, 95% CI–0.052 −0.981) in comparison with the pre-fasting state. Significant reductions were found in body weight, BMI, fat mass, body fat percent, hip circumference, LDL, IL-6, TNF-α (P&lt;0.001), and in waist circumference (P&lt;0.05), whilst HDL and IL-10 significantly increased (P&lt;0.001) at the end of Ramadan in comparison with the pre-fasting levels. Binary logistic regression analysis for genetic expressions showed no significant association between high-energy intake, waist circumference, or obesity and FTO gene expression.ConclusionsRIF is associated with the downregulation of the FTO gene expression in subjects with obesity, and this may explain, at least in part, its favorable metabolic effects. Hence, RIF presumably may entail a protective impact against body weight gain and its adverse metabolic-related derangements in subjects with obesity.
Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Treatments Compared to Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Patients With Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qiao Yunfeng , Li Huijun , Peng Bing 
Published: March 2022

AimThis study aimed to identify the most effective treatment mode for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) by adopting a network meta-analysis (NMA).MethodsRandomized controlled trials about treatments were retrieved from PubMed, Medline and Embase. Odds ratios (OR) of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated by synthesizing direct and indirect evidence to rank the efficacy of nine treatments. Consistency was assessed by node-splitting method. Begg’s test was performed to evaluate publication bias. The surface under cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was also used in this NMA.ResultsA total of 24 eligible randomized controlled trials with 6,636 patients were included in our NMA. These trials compared a total of nine different regimens: radiotherapy (RT) alone, surgery, RT plus adjuvant chemotherapy (CT), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), neoadjuvant CT plus CCRT, CCRT plus adjuvant CT, neoadjuvant CT, RT, CCRT plus surgery. Among those therapeutic modalities, we found that the two interventions with the highest SUCRA for OS and PFS were CCRT and CCRT plus adjuvant CT, respectively. ORs and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the two best strategies were CCRT versus CCRT plus adjuvant CT (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.53–1.31) for OS, CCRT plus adjuvant CT versus CCRT (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38–0.96) for PFS.ConclusionsThis NMA supported that CCRT and CCRT plus adjuvant CT are likely to be the most optimal treatments in terms of both OS and PFS for LACC. Future studies should focus on comparing CCRT and CCRT plus adjuvant CT in the treatment of LACC.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, CRD42019147920.
MicroRNA-138 Abates Fibroblast Motility With Effect on Invasion of Adjacent Cancer Cells
Authors: Rajthala Saroj , Parajuli Himalaya , Dongre Harsh Nitin , Ljøkjel Borghild , Hoven Kristin Marie , Kvalheim Arild , Lybak Stein , Neppelberg Evelyn , Sapkota Dipak , Johannessen Anne Christine , Costea Daniela-Elena 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundRecent studies have shown aberrant expression of micro-RNAs in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). This study aimed to investigate miR-138 dysregulation in CAFs in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its effects on their phenotype and invasion of adjacent OSCC cells.MethodsExpression of miR-138 was first investigated in OSCC lesions (n = 53) and OSCC-derived CAFs (n = 15). MiR-138 mimics and inhibitors were used to functionally investigate the role of miR-138 on CAF phenotype and the resulting change in their ability to support OSCC invasion.ResultsExpression of miR-138 showed marked heterogeneity in both OSCC tissues and cultured fibroblasts. Ectopic miR-138 expression reduced fibroblasts’ motility and collagen contraction ability and suppressed invasion of suprajacent OSCC cells, while its inhibition resulted in the opposite outcome. Transcript and protein examination after modulation of miR-138 expression showed changes in CAF phenotype-specific molecules, focal adhesion kinase axis, and TGFβ1 signaling pathway.ConclusionsDespite its heterogeneous expression, miR-138 in OSCC-derived CAFs exhibits a tumor-suppressive function.
MD2 Is a Potential Biomarker Associated with Immune Cell Infiltration in Gliomas
Authors: Zhao Mengya , Li Xiaodong , Chen Yijun , Wang Shuzhen 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundGlioma is the most common primary malignant tumor in the central nervous system. Myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2) acts as a coreceptor of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to mediate innate immune response. However, the actual roles of MD2 in the regulation of progression and immune cell infiltration in gliomas remain largely unclear. This study aims to explore whether MD2 could be an independent prognostic factor through the mediation of immune cell infiltration in gliomas.MethodsThe mRNA expression and DNA methylation differential analyses of MD2 were performed using CGGA, TCGA and Rembrandt databases and survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier plotter. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression was applied to analyze the prognostic value of MD2 and nomograms were constructed to evaluate the clinical value of MD2. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were utilized to analyze MD2-related signal pathways. Furthermore, correlations between MD2 and immune cell infiltration were calculated by TIMER and CIBERSOPT. The correlation between MD2 expression and the infiltrations of macrophages and neutrophils was experimentally verified by the knockdown of MD2 expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) in glioma cells.ResultsWe found that MD2 was overexpressed and associated with a poor prognosis in gliomas. Meanwhile, higher expression of MD2 could be a result of lower DNA methylation of MD2 gene in gliomas. In addition, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that MD2 could be an independent prognostic factor for gliomas. Further functional enrichment analysis revealed that the functions of MD2 were closely related to immune responses. Moreover, the expression level of MD2 was strongly correlated with the infiltration and polarization of pro-tumor phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages and tumor-associated neutrophils in gliomas.ConclusionsThese findings have provided strong evidence that MD2 could be served as a valuable immune-related biomarker to diagnose and predict the progression of gliomas.
Treatment of Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Trial to Evaluate a Learning Style Profile Intervention Program in China
Authors: Ma Chen-huan , Chen Ling-yan , Li Meng-fan , Wu Dan , Wang Sha-sha , Zhao Yan-jun , Shi Jian-li , Rydell Patrick J. , Chen Jin-jin , Wang Yu 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate whether the provision of learning style profile (LSP) training improves development in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in China and to describe the characteristics of children who benefit from the intervention.MethodsEighty-one children aged 36 to 72 months who were diagnosed with ASD for the first time were recruited for the intervention group. All of them received 24 weeks of LSP training, consisting of hospital- and home-based training. Twenty-one children with ASD of the same age in the control group had never received any intervention after diagnosis but underwent an assessment. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 24 weeks later. Differences in the developmental level and severity of ASD symptoms over time and between groups were analyzed by repeated standardized measures. Secondary analyses examined age effects among the 36– 48-, 48– 60-, and 60–72-month age groups.ResultsWithin-group comparison of the intervention group revealed significant treatment effects after the intervention, according to: language, social and adaptive developmental quotients (DQs) of the China Developmental Scale; total Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score; and hyperactivity, peer problems, total difficulties, and prosocial behavior scores of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Similar gains were observed in gross and fine motor DQs of the China Developmental Scale and emotional symptoms and conduct problems scores of the SDQ; however, the differences between these pre- and postintervention scores did not reach statistical significance. Comparisons among the three age groups in the intervention groups demonstrated a significant age effect on adaptive DQs of the China Developmental Scale; total CARS score; hyperactivity, peer problems and total difficulties scores of the SDQ. Comparison between the intervention and control groups revealed significant treatment effects on language, social and adaptive DQs of the China Developmental Scale; total CARS score; and emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, total difficulties, and prosocial behavior scores of the SDQ after the intervention. Similar gains were observed in gross and fine motor DQs of the China Developmental Scale, although differences between the two groups did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionOur findings suggest that LSP training can effectively improve social behavior and reduce the severity of ASD symptoms in children with ASD. Our data also highlight the importance of early intervention.
Effectiveness of Sodium Bicarbonate Infusion on Mortality in Critically Ill Children With Metabolic Acidosis
Authors: Wang Huabin , Liang Rui , Liang Tianqi , Chen Songyao , Zhang Yulong , Zhang Lidan , Chen Chun 
Published: March 2022

Objective: Metabolic acidosis often occurs in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Although sodium bicarbonate (SB) has been widely used in paediatrics, data on the effect of SB on children with metabolic acidosis in the PICU are scarce.Methods: Patients with metabolic acidosis who were treated with SB within 48 h of PICU admission were screened. Multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to investigate the relationships between SB infusion and clinical outcomes.Results: A total of 1,595 patients with metabolic acidosis were enrolled in this study. In the multivariate logistic regression model, SB infusion was not correlated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47–1.63, p = 0.668), but was significantly correlated with hypernatraemia (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.14–3.46, p = 0.016), hypokalaemia (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.36–2.96, p &lt; 0.001), and hypocalcaemia (OR 4.29, 95% CI 2.92–6.31, p &lt; 0.001). In the pH value, lactate level, acute kidney injury level, age grouping, and anion gap level subgroups, the ORs for SB and in-hospital mortality were not statistically significant. After PSM, the results remained unchanged.Conclusion: SB infusion does not reduce the in-hospital mortality of severely ill children with metabolic acidosis and increases the risk of hypernatraemia, hypokalaemia, and hypocalcaemia. More effort should be focused on eliminating the causes of metabolic acidosis rather than SB infusion.
Establishment and Characterization of Brain Cancer Primary Cell Cultures From Patients to Enable Phenotypic Screening for New Drugs
Authors: dePadua Michelle , Kulothungan Preethi , Lath Rahul , Prasad Ravikanti , Madamchetty Kranthi , Atmakuri Shravya , Ragamouni Sravanthi , Gandhari Mukesh , Khandrika Lakshmipathi , Jain Jugnu 
Published: March 2022

Aim: Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma (DIG), is a rare tumor arising mainly during the first 2 years of life. Molecular characterization of these benign yet rapidly proliferating tumors has been limited to evaluating a few mutations in few genes. Our aim was to establish a live cell culture to enable the understanding of the cellular processes driving the non-malignant growth of these tumors.Methods: Tumor tissue from a rare non-infantile 8-year-old female DIG patient was dissociated and digested using collagenase to establish live cultures. Both 2D monolayer and 3D neurospheres were successfully cultured and characterized for proliferative potential, intrinsic plasticity, presence of cancer stem cells and the expression of stem cell markers. Cells cultured as 3D were embedded as tissue blocks. Immunohistochemistry was performed in both tissue and 3D sections for markers including synaptophysin, vimentin, neurofilament and MIB-1. Mutation analysis by NGS was performed using a-100 gene panel.Results: Using immunohistochemistry, the 3D cultures were shown to express markers as in the original DIG tumor tissue indicating that the spheroid cultures were able to maintain the heterogeneity found in the original tumor. Cells continued proliferating past passage 10 indicative of immortalization. Enrichment of cancer stem cells was observed in neurospheres by FACS using CD133 antibody and RT-PCR. Mutation analysis indicated the presence of germline mutations in three genes and somatic mutations in two other genes.Conclusion: A spontaneous cell line-like cell culture with high percentage of stem cells has been established from a DIG tumor for the first time.
Long-Lasting Analgesia With Transdermal Fentanyl: A New Approach in Rat Neonatal Research
Authors: Dutriez-Casteloot Isabelle , Emmanuelli Virginie , Wiart Jean-François , Tavernier Annabelle , Besengez Capucine , Storme Laurent , Houfflin-Debarge Véronique 
Published: March 2022

Background:With advances in neonatal care, management of prolonged pain in newborns is a daily concern. In addition to ethical considerations, pain in early life would have long-term effects and consequences. However, its treatment remains inadequate. It was therefore important to develop an experimental model of long-lasting analgesia for neonatal research.Materials and Methods:Experiments were performed in six groups of rats with transdermal fentanyl 0, 3, 12, 50, 100, or 200 μg/kg/h from second postnatal day (P2) until weaning. Assessment of analgesia was carried out at P21, with behavioral scores (ranging from 0 to 3) using a 4% formalin test. Plasma levels of fentanyl were determined by UPLC/TQD at P22. Growth rate was investigated.Results:Fentanyl 100 and 200 μg/kg/h reduced scores of formalin-evoked behavioral pain. They increased time spent in pain score 0 (8 min 55 s and 6 min 34 s versus 23 s in controls) as in low pain scores 1 and 2, and decreased time in the most severe pain score 3 (19 min 56 s and 17 min 39 s versus 44 min 15 s). Fentanylemia increased in a dose-dependent manner from 50 μg/kg/h (2.36 ± 0.64 ng/ml) to 200 μg/kg/h (8.66 ± 1.80 ng/ml). Concerning growth, no difference was observed except weaker growth from P17 to P22 with 200 μg/kg/h. Clinically, we noticed no visible side effect from 3 to 100 μg/kg/h. Concomitantly, 200 μg/kg/h was responsible for ophthalmological side effects with appearance of corneal bilateral clouding in 90% pups. No difference was observed between male and female rats.Conclusion:Altogether, results indicate that transdermal fentanyl 100 μg/kg/h is an efficient therapeutic for long-lasting analgesia in lactating pups. This new model provides a useful tool for protection and welfare, and future opportunity for studying long-term health consequences of sustainable neonatal analgesia.