bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-inflammatory effect of piperine ameliorates insulin resistance in monosodium glutamate–treated obese mice
Authors: Liu Chaolong , Yuan Yanting , Zhou Ji , Hu Ruixin , Ji Lixia , Jiang Guohui 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Metabolic inflammation is an essential event in obesity-induced diabetes and insulin resistance. In obesity, an increasing number of macrophages recruited into visceral adipose tissues undergo significant M1-like polarization, secreting variable amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines and causing insulin resistance. Piperine has excellent anti-inflammatory activities and may be used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of piperine on adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance in obese mice. Methods: Newborn mice were subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with monosodium glutamate (MSG) to establish a diabetes model. After 24 weeks, the MSG obese mice were divided into three groups and treated with piperine (40 mg/kg/day), metformin (150 mg/kg/day) and vehicle for 10 successive weeks, respectively. Results: The obesity model was successfully established, as the body weight, insulin resistance, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and dyslipidemia were significantly increased. The 10-week administration of piperine to the obese mice not only significantly decreased the elevated FBG (Model: 6.45 ± 0.41 mM; Piperine: 4.72 ± 0.44 mM, p<0.01), serum TC (Model: 5.66 ± 0.66 mM; Piperine: 3.55 ± 0.30 mM, p<0.01) and TG (Model: 1.41 ± 0.08 mM; Piperine: 0.94 ± 0.05 mM, p<0.001), but also enhanced the glucose infusion rate in the hyperglycemic clamp experiment. Meanwhile, piperine improved glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in MSG obese mice. Piperine markedly decreased the total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count, the serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as galectin-3 (Gal-3) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Furthermore, piperine clearly down-regulated the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the protein levels of M1-like polarization marker CD11c and Gal-3 in adipose tissues. The in vitro study showed that piperine inhibited LPS-stimulated polarization of RAW 264.7 cells toward the M1 phenotype. Conclusions: Piperine served as an immunomodulator for the treatment of obesity-related diabetes through its anti-inflammatory effects, which might be achieved by inhibiting macrophages M1 polarization in adipose tissues.
Profiles of autophagy-related genes in esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhu Lei , Dong Lin , Feng Minghao , Yang Fugui , Jiang Wenhao , Huang Zhiyuan , Liu Fabing , Wang Lingwei , Wang Guangxue , Li Qinchuan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Several studies have demonstrated autophagy was involved in the process of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The aim of this study was to explore autophagy-related genes (ARGs) correlated with overall survival (OS) in EAC patients.Methods: Expressions of ARGs in EAC and normal samples were downloaded from TCGA database. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were used to investigate the ARGs bioinformatics functions. Univariate and multivariate cox regressions were performed to identify prognostic ARGs and the independent risk factors. ROC curve was established to evaluate the feasibility to predict the prognosis. Finally, the correlations between ARGs and clinical features were further explored. In addition， significantly different ARGs were verified in EAC specimens and normal esophageal mucosal tissues.Results: Thirty significantly different ARGs were selected from EAC and normal tissues. Functional enrichments showed these ARGs were mainly related apoptosis. Multivariate cox regression analyses demonstrated eight ARGs were significantly associated with OS. Among these eight genes, BECN1 (HR=0.321, P=0.046), DAPK1 (HR=0.636, P=0.025) and CAPN1 (HR=0.395, P=0.004) played protective roles in survival. Gender (HR=0.225, P=0.032), stage (HR=5.841, P=0.008) and risk score (HR=1.131, P＜0.001) were independent prognostic risk factors. ROC curves showed better efficacy to predict survival using the risk score. Additionally, we found BECN1, DAPK1, VAMP7 and SIRT1 genes were correlated significantly with survival status, gender, primary tumor and tumor stage (all P ＜0.05). The experimental results confirmed the BIRC5 was overexpressed and the ITPR1, PRKN were downregulated in the EAC tissues compared with the normal esophageal mucosal tissues (all P＜0.05).Conclusion: Our findings suggested that autophagy was involved in the process of EAC. Several ARGs probably could serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and may help facilitate therapeutic targets in EAC patients.
Incidence of Uveitis and Macular Edema among Patients taking Fingolimod 0.5mg for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sonne Scott Joseph , Smith Bradley Thomas 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPatients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a higher incidence of uveitis compared with the general population. Fingolimod, a first line disease modifying drug used in multiple sclerosis, may cause macular edema and thus requires ophthalmic examination. However, murine models and anecdotal reports suggest fingolimod may reduce the incidence of uveitis.Purpose: To report the incidence of uveitis and macular edema among those on fingolimod 0.5 mg (Gilenya®) therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods: Retrospective review of patients on fingolimod who developed uveitis and/or macular edema.Results: No patients had an occurrence or history of uveitis. Four of the 188 (2.13%) patients developed macular edema without ocular inflammation. One of the 188 (0.53%) patients developed Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy.ConclusionPatients taking fingolimod have a lower incidence of uveitis than expected in a population of MS patients.
The ferroptosis and iron-metabolism signature robustly predicts clinical diagnosis, prognosis and immune microenvironment for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ji Jiansong , Tang Bufu , Zhu Jinyu , Li Jie , Fan Kai , Gao Yang , Cheng Shimiao , Kong Chunli , Zheng Liyun , Wu Fazong , Weng Qiaoyou , Lu Chenying 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background : In this study, we comprehensively analyzed genes related to ferroptosis and iron metabolism to construct diagnostic and prognostic models and explore the relationship with the immune microenvironment in HCC. Methods : Integrated analysis, cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method of 104 ferroptosis- and iron metabolism-related genes and HCC-related RNA sequencing were performed to identify HCC-related ferroptosis and iron metabolism genes. Results : four genes (ABCB6, FLVCR1, SLC48A1 and SLC7A11) were identified to construct prognostic and diagnostic models. Poorer overall survival (OS) was exhibited in the high-risk group than that in the low-risk group in both the training cohort (P < 0.001, HR = 0.27) and test cohort (P < 0.001, HR = 0.27). The diagnostic models successfully distinguished HCC from normal samples and proliferative nodule samples. Compared with low-risk groups, high-risk groups had higher TMB; higher fractions of macrophages, follicular helper T cells, memory B cells, and neutrophils; and exhibited higher expression of CD83, B7H3, OX40 and CD134L. As an inducer of ferroptosis, erastin inhibited HCC cell proliferation and progression, and it was showed to affect Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17 signaling pathway through bioinformatics analysis, indicating it a potential agent of cancer immunotherapy. Conclusions: The prognostic and diagnostic models based on the four genes indicated superior diagnostic and predictive performance, indicating new possibilities for individualized treatment of HCC patients.
Construction of a sensitive and specific lead biosensor using a genetically engineered bacterial system with a luciferase gene reporter controlled by pbr and cadA promoters
Authors: Nourmohammadi Esmail , Hosseinkhani Saman , Nedaeinia Reza , Khoshdel-Sarkarizi Hoda , Nedaeinia Mozhdeh , Ranjbar Maryam , Ebrahimi Neshat , Farjami Zahra , Nourmohammadi Mohammad , Mahmoudi Ali , Goli Mohammad , A.Ferns Gordon , Sadeghizadeh Majid 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: A bacterial biosensor refers to genetically engineered bacteria that produce an assessable signal in the presence of a physical or chemical agent in the environment.Methods: We have designed and evaluated a bacterial biosensor expressing a luciferase-reporter gene controlled by pbr and cadA promoters in Cupriavidus metallidurans (previously termed Ralstonia metallidurans ) containing the CH34 and pI258 plasmids of Staphylococcus aureus , respectively, and that can be used for the detection of heavy metals. In the present study, we have produced and evaluated biosensor plasmids designated pGL3-luc/pbr -biosensor and pGL3-luc/cad -biosensor, that were based on the expression of luc+ under the control of the cad promoter and the cadC gene of S. aureus plasmid pI258 and pbr promoter and pbrR gene from plasmid pMOL30 of Cupriavidus metallidurans.Results: We found that the pGL3-luc/pbr -biosensor may be used to measure lead concentrations between 1-100 μM in the presence of other metals, including: zinc, cadmium, tin and nickel. The latter metals did not result in any significant signal gene expression of the reporter . The pGL3-luc/cad -biosensor could detect lead concentrations between 10 nM to 10 μM.Conclusions: This biosensor was found to be a specific for measuring lead ions in both environmental and biological samples.
Halo Artifacts of Indwelling Urinary Catheter by Inaccurate Scatter Correction in 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging: Incidence Rate, Mechanism, and Solutions
Authors: Magota Keiichi , Numata Naoto , Shinyama Daiki , Katahata Junya , Munakata Yamato , Maniawski Piotr J. , Kobayashi Kentaro , Manabe Osamu , Hirata Kenji , Tateishi Ukihide , Kudo Kohsuke , Shiga Tohru 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Halo artifacts from urinary catheters can occur due to inaccurate scatter correction, and the artifacts affect the tumor visibility in 18 F-FDG PET/CT images. We investigated the incidence rate and the mechanisms of halo-artifact generation and explored several scatter correction techniques to prevent artifacts. Methods: We conducted patient and phantom studies. (1) We retrospectively reviewed the cases of patients who had undergone 18 F-FDG PET/CT scans. To determine the frequency of halo-artifact generation, we used the patients' PET images with a standard scatter correction based on a tail-fitted single-scatter simulation (TF-SSS) using 4-mm voxel μ-maps (TFS 4-mm). (2) We performed phantom studies to evaluate the effects of a urine catheter and two scatter correction techniques, i.e., TF-SSS with 2-mm voxel μ-maps (TFS 2-mm) and a Monte Carlo-based single-scatter simulation (MC-SSS) using 4-mm voxel μ-maps (MCS 4-mm). The average standardized uptake values (SUVs) were measured for axial PET images. (3) Using the patients' data, we investigated whether TFS 2-mm and MCS 4-mm can eliminate the artifacts in the clinical images. Results: (1) There were 61 patients with urinary catheters; in five (8.2%), halo artifacts were observed in the TFS 4-mm PET images. (2) The phantom study clearly reproduced the halo artifacts in the TFS 4-mm PET images. The halo artifacts were generated when urine moved in the interval between the CT and PET imaging, and when the urinary catheter was placed in a circular shape. The SUVs for the TFS 4-mm and TFS-2mm PET images were underestimated at the halo-artifact regions, whereas the SUVs for the MCS 4-mm PET images were close to the true values. (3) The halo artifacts disappeared in the TFS 2-mm PET images in 4/5 patients but not 1/5 patient, whereas the halo artifacts were completely absent in the MCS 4-mm PET images in 5/5 patients. Conclusions: These data suggest that halo artifacts are caused if the PET images do not correspond to the physical material in the μ-maps, which induces the scatter correction error. With the MC-SSS, it was possible to accurately estimate the scatter without generating halo artifacts.
Preliminary feasibility torque mechanical evaluation for 3D printed orthodontic springs with different parameters: invitro study
Authors: Othman Ahmed , Hartman Steven , Ströbele Dragan , Arnold Jassin , von See Constantin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of the presented investigation is to evaluate the resulting torque on loaded 3D printed springs using different coil thickness and length.Methods: Specimens were designed and printed using the 3D printer MAX (Asiga, Sydney, Australia) with 3D printable, experimental, flexible material (Code:BM2008, GC, Tokyo, Japan). The specimens were divided into three groups according to spring coil design. Control group (n=18), length group (n=19) and thickness group (n=22). Groups were tested using a Sauter Machine for torque calculation (DB, Grindelwald, Switzerland) in conjunction with a universal testing machine (Zwick Z010, Ulm, Germany) for clock-wise and anti-clockwise testing. Statistical analysis was performed using the Steel-Dwass test to compare median values of the three groups in both testing directions (p<0.001). Results: The highest torque value was determined in the thickness group for both clockwise and anti-clockwise testing directions, achieving 44.00N/mm and 39.62N/mm respectively. The length group ranged from 21.65N/mm to 11.04N/mm in clockwise direction and from 18.04N/mm to 11.38N/mm in counter-clockwise testing. The control group ranged from 22.72N/mm to 17.18N/mm in the clock-wise direction while in the anti-clock wise testing it ranged from 21.34N/mm to 16.02N/mm.Conclusions: The amount of torque produced from the CAD/CAM springs is being affected by diameter more than the length design parameter in comparison to the control group. The values of the thickness group are significantly higher than those of the length group (P<0.001).
The effect of graded activity and pain education (GAPE) - an early post-surgical rehabilitation programme after lumbar spinal fusion: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tegner Heidi , Esbensen Bente Appel , Henriksen Marius , Bech-Azeddine Rachid , Lundberg Mari , Nielsen Louise , Rolving Nanna 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPatients with chronic low back pain undergoing lumbar spinal fusion (LSF) are physically inactive and thereby at risk of poor health. Barriers to being physically active need to be acknowledged in post-surgical rehabilitation. The primary objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to examine the effect of an early active intervention consisting of graded activity and pain education (GAPE) on sedentary behaviour in a population of patients undergoing LSF. The secondary objectives are to examine the effect of GAPE on, respectively, disability, pain, fear of movement, self-efficacy for exercise and health-related quality of life.MethodsThe study is an RCT planned to include 144 patients undergoing LSF at 1-2 levels for low back pain caused by degeneration of the lumbar spine. The patients will be randomly assigned to receive either usual care or usual care plus GAPE. GAPE consists of nine individual physiotherapist-guided sessions over a 10-week period. The overall purpose is to reduce sedentary behaviour, by educating the patient about pain and, based on a cognitive behavioural perspective, gradually strengthen the patient’s self-efficacy to be physically active and reduce fear of movement. The physiotherapist will plan the intervention in collaboration with the patient. Based on a semi-structured interview and observations of the patient in their home, they will set individually functional goals. The primary outcome will be reduction in sedentary behaviour, measured by an accelerometer at baseline (pre-surgery), and at three and 12 months post-surgery. Secondary outcomes will include disability, pain, fear of movement, self-efficacy for exercise, and quality of life. Secondary outcome data will be collected at baseline (pre-surgery), and at three, six, and 12 months post-surgery. DiscussionWe hypothesize that, compared with the “usual care group”, GAPE will primarily lead to a significantly reduction in sedentary behaviour, and secondarily a reduction in disability, pain intensity, and fear of movement; further, it will increase the patient’s self-efficacy for exercise and quality of life. Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04103970), 24 September 2019
Oral neuromuscular training in patients with dysphagia after stroke: a prospective, randomized, open-label study with blinded evaluators
Authors: Hägglund Patricia , Hägg Mary , Jäghagen Eva Levring , Larsson Bengt , Wester Per 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Oral and pharyngeal swallowing dysfunction are common complications in acute stroke patients. This primary aim of this study was to determine whether oral neuromuscular training improves swallowing function in participants with swallowing dysfunction after stroke. A secondary aim was to assess how well results of the timed water-swallow test (TWST) correspond with swallowing dysfunction diagnosed by videofluoroscopy (VFS).Methods: This was an intention-to-treat two-centre prospective randomized open-label study with blinded-evaluators (PROBE) design. At 4 weeks after stroke onset, participants with swallowing dysfunction were randomized to 5 weeks of continued orofacial sensory-vibration stimulation with an electric toothbrush or additional oral neuromuscular training with an oral device (Muppy®). Participants were examined with TWST, a lip-force test, and VFS before (baseline), after 5 weeks’ treatment (the end-of-treatment), and 12 months after treatment (follow-up). The baseline VFS results were compared with the TWST results. The primary endpoint was changes in swallowing rate assessed using TWST, from baseline to the end of training and from baseline to follow-up based on intention-to-treat analyses. The secondary endpoint was the corresponding changes in lip-force between baseline, the end of treatment, and follow-up. Results: The participants were randomly assigned as controls (n = 20) or for intervention with oral neuromuscular training (n = 20). After treatment, both groups had improved significantly (intervention, P < 0.001; controls, P = 0.001) in TWST but there was no significant between-group difference in swallowing rate. At the 12-month follow-up, the intervention group had improved further whereas the controls had deteriorated, and there were significant between-group differences in swallowing rate (P = 0.032) and lip force (P = 0.001). A TWST <10 mL/sec at baseline corresponded to VFS-verified swallowing dysfunction in all assessed participants.Conclusion: The 5-week oral neuromuscular training improved swallowing function in participants with post-stroke dysphagia compared with the controls 12 months after intervention, but there was no between-group difference in improvement immediately after treatment. TWST results corresponded with VFS results, making TWST a feasible method for identifying persons with swallowing dysfunction after stroke. Larger randomized controlled trials are required to confirm our preliminary positive long-term results.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04164420. Registered on 15 November 2019.
­­ A modified frozen elephant trunk technique for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection
Authors: Song Shi-bo , Hu Po-yuan , Wu Xi-jie , Sun Yong , Cai Shi-hao , Qiang HaiFeng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute Stanford type A aortic dissection is often fatal, with a high mortality rate and requiring emergency intervention. Salvage surgery aims to keep the patient alive by addressing severe aortic regurgitation, tamponade, primary tear, and organ malperfusion and, if possible, prevent the late dissection-related complications in the proximal and downstream aorta. Unfortunately, no optimal standard treatment or technique to treat this disease exists. Total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk technique plays an important role in treating acute type A aortic dissection. We aim to describe a modified elephant trunk technique and report its short-term outcomes.Methods: From February 2018 to August 2019, 16 patients diagnosed with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection underwent surgery with the modified frozen elephant trunk technique at Xiamen Heart Center (male/female: 9/7; average age: 59.21±11.67 years). All perioperative variables were recorded and analyzed. We measured the diameters of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta on the bifurcation of the pulmonary and abdominal aortas and compared the diameters at admission, before discharge, and 3 months after discharge. Results: Fifteen patients (93.8%) had hypertension. The primary tears were located in the lesser curvature of the aortic arch and ascending aorta in 5 (31.3%) and 9 patients (56.3%), respectively, and no entry was found in 2 patients (12.5%). The dissection extended to the iliac artery and distal descending aorta in 14 (87.6%) and 2 patients (12.5%), respectively. The duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)，cross-clamping, and antegrade cerebral perfusion were 215.8± 40.5, 140.8±32.3, and 55.1±15.2 minutes, respectively. Aortic valve repair was performed in 15 patients (93.8%). Bentall procedure was performed in one patient (6.3%). Another patient received coronary artery repair (6.3%). The diameters at all levels were greater on discharge than those on admission, except the aortic arch. After 3 months, the true lumen diameter distal to the frozen elephant trunk increased, indicating false lumen thrombosis and/or aortic remodeling.Conclusions: The modified frozen elephant trunk technique for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection is safe and feasible and could be used for organ malperfusion. Short-term outcomes are encouraging, but long-term outcomes require further investigation.
Effects of dialysis modality choice on the survival of end-stage renal disease patients in southern China: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: He Zhiren , Hou Haijing , Zhang Difei , Mo Yenan , Zhang La , Lin Junjie , Lu Liming , Su Guobin , Huang Jingyao , Gu Yewen , Zhang Ying , Lin Jingxia , Yuan Fengling , Peng Yu , Liang Hui , Zhao Daixin , Lu Fuhua , Liu Xusheng , Wang Lixin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The optimal choice of treatment, with hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD), for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, is still controversial. Only a few studies comparing HD and PD have been conducted in China, which has the largest number of dialysis patients in the world.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on ESRD patients who began renal replacement treatment from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2017 in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. Propensity scoring match was applied to balance the baseline conditions and multivariate Cox regression analysis to compare the mortality between HD and PD patients, and evaluated the correlation between mortality and various baseline characteristics.Results: A total of 436 HD patients and 501 PD patients were included in this study, and PD patients had better survival than HD patients, but the difference was not statistically significant. For younger ESRD patients (≤60-year-old), the overall survival of PD was better than that of HD, but HD was associated with a lower risk of death in older patients (>70-year-old). This difference was still significant after adjustment for a variety of confounding factors. Female gender, age at dialysis initiation, cardiovascular disease, cholesterol, and HD were risk factors of all-cause mortality in the younger subgroup, while PD was risk factor in the older subgroup.Conclusion: PD may be a better choice for younger ESRD patients, and HD for the older patients.