bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MEG3 promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in osteoarthritis chondrocytes by miR-361-5p/FOXO1 axis
Authors: Wang Anying , Hu Naixia , Zhang Yefeng , Chen Yuanzhen , Su Changhui , Lv Yao , Shen Yong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) maternally expressed 3 (MEG3) and related molecular mechanisms, in osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods
Cartilage tissues of OA patients and healthy volunteers were isolated and cultured. After transfection with the appropriate constructs, chondrocytes were classified into Blank, pcDNA3.1-NC, pcDNA3.1-MEG3, si-NC, si-MEG3, pcDNA3.1-NC + mimics NC, pcDNA3.1-MEG3 + mimics NC, pcDNA3.1-NC + miR-361-5p mimics and pcDNA3.1-MEG3 + miR-361-5p mimics groups. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of MEG3, miR-361-5p and FOXO1. Western blot, luciferase reporter assay, RIP, CCK-8, and flow cytometry analysis were performed to reveal the morphology, proliferation, and apoptotic status of cartilage cells. Histological analysis and immunostaining were conducted in the OA rat model.

Results
Expression of MEG3 and FOXO1 was significantly decreased in OA compared with the normal group, while the expression of miR-361-5p was increased. MEG3 might serve as a ceRNA of miR-361-5p in OA chondrocytes. Moreover, using western blot analyses and the CCK-8 assay, MEG3 was shown to target miR-361-5p/FOXO1, elevate cell proliferation, and impair cell apoptosis. Functional analysis in vivo showed that MEG3 suppressed degradation of the cartilage matrix.

Conclusion
MEG3 can contribute to cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) via the miR-361-5p/FOXO1 axis in OA chondrocytes.
Retraction Note to: IL‑2 augments the sorafenib‑induced apoptosis in liver cancer by promoting mitochondrial fission and activating the JNK/TAZ pathway
Authors: Ding Xiaoyan , Sun Wei , Chen Jinglong 
Published: December 2019

The editor has retracted this article [1] because Figures 2 and 4 contain duplicated and modified figures from [2–4]. The data reported in this article are therefore unreliable.
Retraction Note to: LATS2 overexpression attenuates the therapeutic resistance of liver cancer HepG2 cells to sorafenib‑mediated death via inhibiting the AMPK–Mfn2 signaling pathway
Authors: Song Jie , Zhao Wei , Lu Chang , Shao Xue 
Published: December 2019

The editor has retracted this article [1] because Fig. 2f has been duplicated from Fig. 6j in a previously published article [2]. In addition, the article contains sections that substantially overlap with a previously published article [3]. The data reported in this article are therefore unreliable.
Atrial fibrillation hospitalization is associated with exposure to fine particulate air pollutants
Authors: Lee Hsiu Hao , Pan Shih Chun , Chen Bing Yu , Lo Shih Hsiang , Guo Yue Leon 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Although air pollutants have been associated with cardiopulmonary mortality, their effects on the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (Afib) remain unclear. This study examined the association between ambient air pollutants and Afib occurrence.

Methods
Using a representative sample from the National Health Insurance Database of Taiwan, we applied a case–crossover study design to explore the associations between air pollutants and patients hospitalized with Afib from 2006 to 2011. The event day was when a patient was hospitalized with Afib, and the control days were the same days of the following weeks of the same month. The association between Afib occurrence and levels of ambient air pollutants (including particulate matter [PM] 2.5 PM10, NO2, SO2, and O3) was examined after adjusting for temperature and relative humidity. A two-pollutant model was used to examine the effect of the second pollutant when the first pollutant was determined to be significantly related to Afib.

Results
During 2006–2011, 670 patients hospitalized with the first onset of Afib were identified. The occurrence of Afib was associated with PM2.5, in which a 22% (95% confidence interval = 3–44%) increase was related to an interquartile range increase (26.2 μg/m3) on the same day and a 19% (95% confidence interval = 0–40%) increase on the second day. A two-pollutant model was applied, and the results indicated that the effect of PM2.5 was significantly associated with the occurrence of Afib. Patients aged over 65 years with DM and with hyperlipidemia were more susceptible to the effect of PM2.5.

Conclusions
In conclusion, the occurrence of Afib was associated with short-term exposure to fine particulate air pollutants in the general population.
Associations between vaping and relapse to smoking: preliminary findings from a longitudinal survey in the UK
Authors: Brose Leonie S. , Bowen Julia , McNeill Ann , Partos Timea R. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Most smokers attempting to quit relapse. There is little evidence whether the use of e-cigarettes (‘vaping’) increases or decreases relapse. This study aimed to assess 1) whether vaping predicted relapse among ex-smokers, and 2) among ex-smokers who vaped, whether vaping characteristics predicted relapse.

Methods
Longitudinal web-based survey of smokers, recent ex-smokers and vapers in the UK, baseline in May/June 2016 (n = 3334), follow-up in September 2017 (n = 1720). Those abstinent from smoking ≥ 2 months at baseline and followed up were included. Aim 1: Relapse during follow-up was regressed onto baseline vaping status, age, gender, income, nicotine replacement therapy use and time quit smoking (n = 374). Aim 2: Relapse was regressed onto baseline vaping frequency, device type, nicotine strength and time quit smoking (n = 159).

Results
Overall, 39.6% relapsed. Compared with never use (35.9%), past/ever (45.9%; adjOR = 1.13; 95% CI, 0.61–2.07) and daily vaping (34.5%; adjOR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.61–1.89) had similar odds of relapse, for non-daily vaping evidence of increased relapse was inconclusive (65.0%; adjOR = 2.45; 95% CI, 0.85–7.08). Among vapers, non-daily vaping was associated with higher relapse than daily vaping (adjOR = 3.88; 95% CI, 1.10–13.62). Compared with modular devices (18.9% relapse), tank models (45.6%; adjOR = 3.63; 95% CI, 1.33–9.95) were associated with increased relapse; evidence was unclear for disposable/cartridge refillable devices (41.9%; adjOR = 2.83; 95% CI, 0.90–8.95). Nicotine strength had no clear association with relapse.

Conclusion
Relapse to smoking is likely to be more common among ex-smokers vaping infrequently or using less advanced devices. Research into the effects of vaping on relapse needs to consider vaping characteristics.
Significance of bile culture surveillance for postoperative management of pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Sugimachi Keishi , Iguchi Tomohiro , Mano Yohei , Morita Masaru , Mori Masaki , Toh Yasushi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The management of infectious complications is important in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). We sought to determine the significance of preoperative surveillance bile culture in perioperative management of PD.

Methods
This study enrolled 69 patients who underwent PD for malignant tumors at a single institute between 2014 and 2017. Surveillance bile culture was performed before or during surgery. Correlations between the incidence of infectious postoperative complications and clinicopathological parameters, including bile cultures, were evaluated.

Results
Preoperative positive bile culture was confirmed in 28 of 51 patients (55%). Bile culture was positive in 27 of 30 cases (90%) with preoperative biliary drainage, and 1 of 21 cases (5%) without drainage (p < 0.01). Preoperative isolated microorganisms in bile were consistent with those detected in surgical sites in 11 of 27 cases (41%). Cases with positive multi-drug-resistant bacteria in preoperative bile culture showed significantly higher incisional SSI after PD (p = 0.01). The risk factors for the incidence of organ/space SSI were soft pancreatic texture (p = 0.01) and smoking history (p = 0.02) by multivariate analysis. Preoperative positive bile culture was neither associated with organ/space SSI nor overall postoperative complications.

Conclusions
Preoperative surveillance bile culture is useful for the management of wound infection, prediction of causative pathogens for infectious complications, and the selection of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis.
Optimisation: defining and exploring a concept to enhance the impact of public health initiatives
Authors: Wolfenden Luke , Bolsewicz Katarzyna , Grady Alice , McCrabb Sam , Kingsland Melanie , Wiggers John , Bauman Adrian , Wyse Rebecca , Nathan Nicole , Sutherland Rachel , Hodder Rebecca Kate , Fernandez Maria , Lewis Cara , Taylor Natalie , McKay Heather , Grimshaw Jeremy , Hall Alix , Moullin Joanna , Albers Bianca , Batchelor Samantha , Attia John , Milat Andrew , Bailey Andrew , Rissel Chris , Reeves Penny , Sims-Gould Joanie , Mildon Robyn , Doran Chris , Yoong Sze Lin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Repeated, data-driven optimisation processes have been applied in many fields to rapidly transform the performance of products, processes and interventions. While such processes may similarly be employed to enhance the impact of public health initiatives, optimisation has not been defined in the context of public health and there has been little exploration of its key concepts.

Methods
We used a modified, three-round Delphi study with an international group of researchers, public health policy-makers and practitioners to (1) generate a consensus-based definition of optimisation in the context of public health and (2i) describe key considerations for optimisation in that context.
A pre-workshop literature review and elicitation of participant views regarding optimisation in public health (round 1) were followed by a daylong workshop and facilitated face-to-face group discussions to refine the definition and generate key considerations (round 2); finally, post-workshop discussions were undertaken to refine and finalise the findings (round 3). A thematic analysis was performed at each round. Study findings reflect an iterative consultation process with study participants.

Results
Thirty of 33 invited individuals (91%) participated in the study. Participants reached consensus on the following definition of optimisation in public health: “A deliberate, iterative and data-driven process to improve a health intervention and/or its implementation to meet stakeholder-defined public health impacts within resource constraints”.
A range of optimisation considerations were explored. Optimisation was considered most suitable when existing public health initiatives are not sufficiently effective, meaningful improvements from an optimisation process are anticipated, quality data to assess impacts are routinely available, and there are stable and ongoing resources to support it. Participants believed optimisation could be applied to improve the impacts of an intervention, an implementation strategy or both, on outcomes valued by stakeholders or end users. While optimisation processes were thought to be facilitated by an understanding of the mechanisms of an intervention or implementation strategy, no agreement was reached regarding the best approach to inform decisions about modifications to improve impact.

Conclusions
The study findings provide a strong basis for future research to explore the potential impact of optimisation in the field of public health.
Preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus in Qatar by reducing obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity: mathematical modeling analyses
Authors: Awad Susanne F. , O’Flaherty Martin , El-Nahas Katie G. , Al-Hamaq Abdulla O. , Critchley Julia A. , Abu-Raddad Laith J. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of reducing the prevalence of obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity, and introducing physical activity as an explicit intervention, on the burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), using Qatar as an example.

Methods
A population-level mathematical model was adapted and expanded. The model was stratified by sex, age group, risk factor status, T2DM status, and intervention status, and parameterized by nationally representative data. Modeled interventions were introduced in 2016, reached targeted level by 2031, and then maintained up to 2050. Diverse intervention scenarios were assessed and compared with a counter-factual no intervention baseline scenario.

Results
T2DM prevalence increased from 16.7% in 2016 to 24.0% in 2050 in the baseline scenario. By 2050, through halting the rise or reducing obesity prevalence by 10–50%, T2DM prevalence was reduced by 7.8–33.7%, incidence by 8.4–38.9%, and related deaths by 2.1–13.2%. For smoking, through halting the rise or reducing smoking prevalence by 10–50%, T2DM prevalence was reduced by 0.5–2.8%, incidence by 0.5–3.2%, and related deaths by 0.1–0.7%. For physical inactivity, through halting the rise or reducing physical inactivity prevalence by 10–50%, T2DM prevalence was reduced by 0.5–6.9%, incidence by 0.5–7.9%, and related deaths by 0.2–2.8%. Introduction of physical activity with varying intensity at 25% coverage reduced T2DM prevalence by 3.3–9.2%, incidence by 4.2–11.5%, and related deaths by 1.9–5.2%.

Conclusions
Major reductions in T2DM incidence could be accomplished by reducing obesity, while modest reductions could be accomplished by reducing smoking and physical inactivity, or by introducing physical activity as an intervention.
Lentivirus-mediated downregulation of α-synuclein reduces neuroinflammation and promotes functional recovery in rats with spinal cord injury
Authors: Zeng Hong , Liu Nan , Yang Yan-yan , Xing Hua-yi , Liu Xiao-xie , Li Fang , La Gao-yan , Huang Meng-jie , Zhou Mou-wang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The prognosis of spinal cord injury (SCI) is closely related to secondary injury, which is dominated by neuroinflammation. There is evidence that α-synuclein aggregates after SCI and that inhibition of α-synuclein aggregation can improve the survival of neurons after SCI, but the mechanism is still unclear. This study was designed to investigate the effects of α-synuclein on neuroinflammation after SCI and to determine the underlying mechanisms.

Method
A T3 spinal cord contusion model was established in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. An SNCA-shRNA-carrying lentivirus (LV-SNCA-shRNA) was injected into the injury site to block the expression of α-synuclein (forming the SCI+KD group), and the SCI and sham groups were injected with an empty vector. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) behavioural scores and footprint analysis were used to detect motor function. Inflammatory infiltration and myelin loss were measured in the spinal cord tissues of each group by haematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining, respectively. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and RT-qPCR were used to analyse protein expression and transcription levels in the tissues. Immunofluorescence was used to determine the morphology and function of glial cells and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the central canal of the spinal cord. Finally, peripheral serum cytokine levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
Compared with the SCI group, the SCI+KD group exhibited reduced inflammatory infiltration, preserved myelin, and functional recovery. Specifically, the early arrest of α-synuclein inhibited the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-2 and increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory factors IL-10, TGF-β, and IL-4. The neuroinflammatory response was regulated by reduced proliferation of Iba1+ microglia/macrophages and promotion of the shift of M1-polarized Iba1+/iNOS+ microglia/macrophages to M2-polarized Iba1+/Arg1+ microglia/macrophages after injury. In addition, compared with the SCI group, the SCI+KD group also exhibited a smaller microglia/astrocyte (Iba1/GFAP) immunostaining area in the central canal, lower MMP-9 expression, and improved cerebrospinal barrier function.

Conclusion
Lentivirus-mediated downregulation of α-synuclein reduces neuroinflammation, improves blood-cerebrospinal barrier function, promotes functional recovery, reduces microglial activation, and promotes the polarization of M1 microglia/macrophages to an M2 phenotype to confer a neuroprotective immune microenvironment in rats with SCI.
Time course of neuropathological events in hyperhomocysteinemic amyloid depositing mice reveals early neuroinflammatory changes that precede amyloid changes and cerebrovascular events
Authors: Weekman Erica M. , Sudduth Tiffany L. , Price Brittani R. , Woolums Abigail E. , Hawthorne Danielle , Seaks Charles E. , Wilcock Donna M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundVascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) are the second leading cause of dementia behind only Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, VCID is commonly found as a co-morbidity with sporadic AD. We have previously established a mouse model of VCID by inducing hyperhomocysteinemia in both wild-type and amyloid depositing mice. While we have shown the time course of neuropathological events in the wild-type mice with hyperhomocysteinemia, the effect of amyloid deposition on this time course remains unknown; therefore, in this study, we determined the time course of neuropathological changes in our mouse model of hyperhomocysteinemia-induced VCID in amyloid depositing mice.MethodsAPP/PS1 mice were placed on either a diet deficient in folate and vitamins B6 and B12 and enriched in methionine to induce hyperhomocysteinemia or a control diet for 2, 6, 10, 14, or 18 weeks. Immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis were used to determine neuroinflammatory changes. Microhemorrhages and amyloid deposition were analyzed using histology and, finally, behavior was assessed using the 2-day radial arm water maze.ResultsNeuroinflammation, specifically a pro-inflammatory phenotype, was the first pathological change to occur. Specifically, we see a significant increase in gene expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, and interleukin 12a by 6 weeks. This was followed by cognitive deficits starting at 10 weeks. Finally, there is a significant increase in the number of microhemorrhages at 14 weeks on diet as well as redistribution of amyloid from the parenchyma to the vasculature.ConclusionsThe time course of these pathologies points to neuroinflammation as the initial, key player in homocysteine-induced VCID co-morbid with amyloid deposition and provides a possible therapeutic target and time points.
CoQ10 enhances PGC1α and increases expression of mitochondrial antioxidant proteins in chronically ischemic swine myocardium
Authors: Hocum Stone Laura , Chappuis Erin , Wright Christin , Kelly Rosemary F. , McFalls Edward O. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Expression of mitochondrial proteins is reduced within hibernating myocardium (HM). It is unclear whether dietary supplementation with CoQ10 can increase expression of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) and antioxidant proteins within this tissue. In a swine model of HM, we tested whether dietary administration of CoQ10 for four weeks enhances the expression of ETC and antioxidant proteins within the mitochondria via increased PGC1α signaling.

Methods
12 swine were instrumented with a fixed constrictor around the LAD artery to induce gradual stenosis. At three months, transthoracic ECHO was performed to confirm the presence of a wall motion abnormality in the anterior wall. Animals were then randomly assigned to receive daily dietary supplements of either CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day) or placebo for four weeks. At this time, animals underwent a final ECHO and terminal procedure. Expression of nuclear-bound PGC1α (Western blots) and mitochondrial proteins (Tandem Mass Tag) were determined.

Results
Mitochondrial and nuclear membranes were isolated from the LAD region. Nuclear-bound PGC1α levels were > 200-fold higher with administration of four weeks of CoQ10 treatment (p = 0.016). Expression of ETC proteins was increased in those animals that received CoQ10. Compared with mitochondria in the LAD region from placebo-treated pigs, CoQ10-treated pigs had higher levels of Complex I (p = 0.03), Complex IV (p = 0.04) and Complex V (p = 0.028) peptides.

Conclusions
Four weeks of dietary CoQ10 in HM pigs enhances active, nuclear-bound PGC1α and increases the expression of ETC proteins within mitochondria of HM tissue.
Novel rotatable tabletop for total-body irradiation using a linac-based VMAT technique
Authors: Losert Christoph , Shpani Roel , Kießling Robert , Freislederer Philipp , Li Minglun , Walter Franziska , Niyazi Maximilian , Reiner Michael , Belka Claus , Corradini Stefanie 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundVolumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) techniques have recently been implemented in clinical practice for total-body irradiation (TBI). To date, most techniques still use special couches, translational tables, or other self-made immobilization devices for dose delivery. Aim of the present study was to report the first results of a newly developed rotatable tabletop designed for VMAT-TBI.MethodsThe VMAT-TBI technique theoretically allows the use of any standard positioning device at the linear accelerator. Nevertheless, the main problem is that patients taller than 120 cm cannot be treated in one position due to the limited cranial-caudal couch shift capacities of the linac. Therefore, patients are usually turned from a head-first supine position (HFS) to a feet-first supine position (FFS) to overcome this limitation. The newly developed rotatable tabletop consists completely of carbon fiber, including the ball bearing within the base plate of the rotation unit. The patient can be turned 180° from a HFS to a FFS position within a few seconds, without the need of repositioning.ResultsThe first 20 patients had a median age of 47 years, and received TBI before bone marrow transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia. Most patients (13/20) received a TBI dose of 4 Gy in 2 fractions, twice daily. The mean number of applied monitor units (MU) was 6476 MU using a multi-arcs and multi-isocenter VMAT-TBI technique.The tabletop has been successfully used in daily clinical practice and helped to keep the treatment times at an acceptable level. During the first treatment fraction, the mean overall treatment time (OTT) was 57 min. Since no additional image guidance was used in fraction 2 of the same day, the OTT was reduced to mean 38 min.ConclusionsThe easy and reproducible rotation of the patient on the treatment couch using the rotatable tabletop, is time-efficient and overcomes the need of repositioning the patient after turning from a HFS to a FFS position during VMAT TBI. Furthermore, it prevents couch-gantry collisions, incorrect isocenter shifts and beam mix-up due to predicted absolute table coordinates, which are recorded to the R + V system with the corresponding beams.