bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrical stimulation therapy for chronic constipation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Min , Qiu Xiao-Ping , Yang Sheng-Lan , Ye Xu-Jun , Luo Jun , Wu Ying , Yang Gui-Fang 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionTreatment of chronic constipation often is challenging, and non-traditional treatment methods, including nonpharmacological methods, may be attempted. Electrical stimulation therapy (EST) has been tried in many small and uncontrolled series. Although most results have been encouraging, validity of the method has not been established.Material and methodsFive articles, concerning 338 patients (average age: 40.8–63.6 years) with constipation, were included in the study. Electroacupuncture or transcutaneous interferential electrical stimulation was the modality used. The causes of the constipation were stroke, slow transit, functional, opioid use, or unknown etiology. The primary and secondary outcomes were response rate and degree of constipation, respectively. Adverse events were also assessed.ResultsThe results of the meta-analysis yielded a significant improvement in treatment response for EST compared with control treatment (medications or sham control), with the odds ratio 4.263 (95% CI: 1.456–12.484, p = 0.008). A significant reduction in degree of constipation also was found, with the pooled estimate of standardized difference in mean change 1.039 (95% CI: 0.315–1.763, p = 0.005). The average percentage of adverse events associated with EST was < 5%.ConclusionsThe EST with electroacupuncture or transcutaneous interferential electrical stimulation for the treatment of constipation due to various causes is effective and reasonably safe. However, further detailed studies using these methods are needed.
CBP-mediated acetylation of NF-κB p65 contributes to the proliferation of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Han Yaqian , Liu Feng , Xi Xuping , Wang Hui , Liao Qianjin , He Qian , Hu Xiaobo , Wu Xiangwei 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionReportedly, activation of the NF-B signaling pathway is related to the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells; however, the underlying mechanism by which NF-B is activated in NPC cells is yet to be addressed. In our present studies, CREB-binding protein (CBP)-mediated acetylation of the NF-B p65 subunit and its effect on activation of NF-B p65 as well as its role in the proliferation of NPC cells were explored.Material and methodsHuman NPC cell lines CNE1 and C666-1 were cultured in vitro. The acetylation (Lys310) and phosphorylation (Ser536) levels of NF-B p65 in NPC cell lines were detected by Western blot. Then, the mRNA levels of CBP, p300, PCAF and GCN5 in NPC cell lines were determined by real-time PCR. Subsequently, the interaction of p65 with CBP in NPC cell lines was detected by a co-immunoprecipitation experiment. Furthermore, an NF-B p65 mutant (at Lys310), NF-B inhibitor and CBP shRNA were used to study the effect of CBP-mediated acetylation of NF-B p65 on the proliferation of NPC cell lines by CCK-8 assay.ResultsNF-B p65 was markedly acetylated at the site of Lys310 in NPC cells. Moreover, the mutation of NF-B p65 at the acetylation site markedly reduced proliferation of human NPC cells. Further investigation revealed that CBP was up-regulated and physically associated with NF-B p65 at the protein level in NPC cells. CBP-mediated NF-B p65 acetylation enhanced its phosphorylation and further contributed to the proliferation of NPC cells.ConclusionsThis study indicated that CBP-mediated NF-B p65 acetylation promotes the proliferation of NPC cells.
MicroRNA-143 functions as a tumor suppressor
in neuroblastoma by targeting bone morphogenetic protein-7
Authors: Li Ying , Gao Jie , Wang Qiwei , Ma Xiaojian 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionNeuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common types of extracranial malignant solid tumor in infants and children. MicroRNA-143 (miR-143) was reported to be dysregulated in several human cancers. However, the function and mechanism of miR-143 in NB are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the biological functions of miR-143 in NB progression.Material and methodsThe expression of miR-143 in 32 NB tissue samples and 4 NB cell lines was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Then, bioinformatics analysis combined with luciferase reporter assay were used to identify the target gene of miR-143 in SK-N-SH cells. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion assay were performed to investigate the roles of miR-143 in NB progression.ResultsOur study revealed that miR-143 was significantly downregulated in NB tissues as well as cell lines. Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP7) was a direct target of miR-143 in NB cells and inversely associated with the expression of miR-143 in NB tissues. Overexpression of miR-143 inhibited NB cell proliferation, migration and invasion through targeting BMP7.ConclusionsOur data for the first time demonstrated that miR-143 functions as a tumor suppressor in NB by directly targeting BMP7, and also suggest miR-143 as a potential thera­peutic target for NB patients in the future.
Microstructural changes in postoperative cervical cords with cervical spondylotic myelopathy evaluated by neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging: a preliminary study
Authors: Jiang Wen , Han Xiao , Li Guangqi , Li Donghang , Wang Jinchao , Guo Hua , Cheng Xiaoguang 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionNeurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) is a new diffusion magnetic resonance imaging technique that can provide specific microstructural evaluation including nervous tissue density, free water fraction, and neurite orientation dispersion. In this study, we explored the microstructural changes in reduced area (RA) and T2 high signal intensity (T2-HSI) postoperative cervical cords with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) by NODDI.Material and methodsA prospective study. CSM patients with surgery planned were recruited in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from September 2016 to March 2017 (excluding other cervical spondylosis and spinal diseases and postoperative stenosis) and underwent postoperative NODDI scans and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring. The patients were divided into RA and T2-HSI, normal area (NA) and T2-HSI, and NA and non-T2HSI groups. The differences in NODDI metrics and mJOA score between different groups were assessed respectively.ResultsNervous tissue density in cervical cords with postoperative constant RA was decreased (RA-T2HSI (0.510, 0.330–0.670) vs. NA-T2HSI (0.585, 0.380–0.870) (p = 0.019), RA-T2HSI vs. NA-nT2HSI (0.620, 0.460–0.770) (p = 0.003)), and a certain degree of free water increase and nervous tissue density decline was observed in postoperative cervical cords with T2-HSI, even if not all of the outcomes were very significant. Moreover, the postoperative mJOA score in combined RA and T2-HSI was lower than that in single T2-HSI.ConclusionsThe microstructural changes in postoperative RA and T2-HSI cervical cords could be evaluated by NODDI metrics and RA and T2-HSI were useful as brief evaluations for postoperative CSM cervical cords.
Fucoxanthin protects neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and attenuates high glucose-mediated oxidative stress via the AMPK pathway
Authors: Li Fengyue , Lei Chunxia 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionDiabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) is associated with impaired diastolic function. Hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis are the major factors responsible for DC. Also NADPH oxidase is the main source of ROS in cardiac cells or cardiomyocytes. Here we evaluated the effect of fucoxanthin (FXN) on high glucose cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.Material and methodsFor the study, Iry neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were cultured in a high glucose environment (30 mM/l) in the presence and absence of FXN. Apoptosis, cell viability, activity of NADPH oxidase and expression level of its subunits, levels of MDA and activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes were studied. We also confirmed the involved pathway by studying the expression of AMPK, GSK-3 and Akt in the cardiomyocytes.ResultsThe high glucose environment increased the production of ROS, and FXN decreased the oxidative burden by inhibiting ROS in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. FXN inhibited the activity of NADPH oxidase and Rac1 also increased the expression of its subunits. Treatment of FXN reversed the MDA, CAT, GSHpx, SOD activity and GSH contents. FXN down-regulated the levels of Bax and up-regulated the levels of Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic protein); treatment protected the cardiomyocytes from injury. Also, FXN increased the levels of pAMPK in cardiac cells treated with high glucose. The pharmacological inhibitor of AMPK abolished the activities of FXN in high glucose induced cardiomyocytes.ConclusionsFXN exerted protective action on cardiac cells subjected to high glucose-mediated apoptosis by suppressing NADPH oxidase-mediated production of ROS and maintaining the antioxidant defense in the tissues. The attenuating activity of FXN was propagated via the AMPK cascade.
Prognostic value of TIMM50 expression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Sun Bo , Wang Jun , Zhu Yan-Feng , Li Zhen-Yang , Xiang Jian-Bin , Chen Zong-You , He Zhi-Gang , Gu Xiao-Dong 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionTranslocase of the inner mitochondrial membrane 50 (TIMM50) is universally considered to play a key role in several malignancies. However, its role in predicting colorectal cancer (CRC) patient prognosis remains unclear.Material and methodsA total of 192 CRC patients (123 men and 69 women) who underwent radical resection participated in this study. The patients were followed up every three months after surgery for five years. TIMM50 expression in tumour tissues was measured by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. TIMM50 expression was studied to assess correlations with clinicopathological factors and survival time.ResultsTIMM50 expression increased significantly in CRC tumour tissues. Moreover, high TIMM50 expression was related to pathologic stage (p = 0.043), N stage (p = 0.048) and distant metastasis (p = 0.015), but TIMM50 expression was not related to other clinical factors. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that patients with low TIMM50 expression had a longer overall survival than those with high TIMM50 expression (p = 0.002). Furthermore, distant metastasis and high TIMM50 expression were confirmed as independent prognostic factors for the overall survival of CRC patients in a multivariate analysis (p = 0.003).ConclusionsTIMM50 may be a key factor for monitoring CRC and a new prog¬nosis indicator for CRC patients.
Assessment of inflammatory markers, disease severity and comorbidities in very elderly patients with acute respiratory diseases
Authors: Hazar Armagan , Gundogus Baran 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionThe study aimed to evaluate the potential role of inflammatory markers (neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), platelet to mean platelet volume (PLT/MPV), C-reactive protein (CRP), CRP/albumin) and demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters in predicting mortality in elderly patients.Material and methodsA total of 1971 very elderly (age ≥ 80 years) patients hospitalized due to acute respiratory diseases were included in this retrospective cohort study. Data on patients’ demographics, reasons for admission, comorbidities, inflammatory markers on admission, hospitalization unit, length of hospital stay and survivorship status were recorded. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was plotted to determine performance of inflammatory marker levels for mortality risk. Logistic regression analysis for hospital mortality was used.ResultsA total of 1971 patients were admitted, in-ward (n = 1470), intensive care unit (ICU, n = 352), or palliative care unit (PCU, n = 149), and mortality rates were 12.7% (n = 250), 4.5% (n = 66), 34.9% (n = 123), 40.9% (n = 61) respectively. ROC analysis for area under curve (AUC) revealed significant cut-off levels for hospital mortality NLR  7.75 (AUC = 0.79), CRP  44 (AUC = 0.82); CRP/albumin  13.5 (AUC = 0.84) each p < 0.001. For ICU mortality, the cut-off values and AUC were significant respectively for NLR  7.75 (AUC = 0.82), CRP  60 (AUC = 0.82), APACHE II  24 (AUC = 0.76), CRP/albumin  26 (AUC = 0.78), PLT/MPV < 26.2 (AUC = 0.31) (each p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression revealed that age above 90, PCU and ICU admission, acute and chronic renal failure and NLR  7.75 were significant mortality predictors (odds ratio, 95% CI, p-value: 2.57, 1.05–6.31, 0.039; 77.18, 18.98–313.81, < 0.001; 20.75, 1.96–98.73, < 0.001; 18.99, 1.31–275.31, 0.031; 3.35, 1.06–10.54, 0.039; 7.83, 3.34–18.38, 0.001).ConclusionsVery elderly patients with respiratory diseases who are admitted to the ICU or PCU with acute and chronic renal failure requiring ICU admission and with NLR values above 7.75 on admission have very high risk for mortality.
Encapsulation of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in liposomes prepared by thin film hydration and their transfer to mesenchymal stem cells and cord blood hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Lewicki Sławomir , Leśniak Monika , Sobolewska-Ruta Agnieszka , Lewicka Aneta , Grodzik Marta , Machaj Eugeniusz , Saracyn Marek , Kubiak Jacek , Pojda Zygmunt 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionCytokines are important immune modulator factors controlling homeostasis of the body and are involved in tissue regeneration after wound healing. The encapsulation of cytokines in liposomes has many advantages potentially useful for their transfer to the cells. Liposomes protect cytokines from neutralization, improving their pharmacokinetics or biologic activity in vivo. They are targeted to specific cell types and may delay the release of cytokines, allowing their sustained paracrine delivery. Their physicochemical characteristics such as size, shape, charge, and stability are important parameters improving bio-distribution and prolonged pharmacokinetics of encapsulated cytokines.Material and methodsWe developed an efficient protocol for the encapsulation of two types of cytokines, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), in liposomes that can be stored long term in the active state.ResultsThis method allows for the encapsulation of 12–13% of the total amount of cytokines and 50% of encapsulated cytokines are entrapped in liposomes of more than ≤ 600 nm in diameter. We show that in the studied cell lines the liposome-encapsulated cytokines do not affect cell morphology, proliferation or mortality.ConclusionsThe G-CSF or GM-CSF can be delivered to the cells in working concentrations through the encapsulation in the liposomes. Before the clinical application, the efficiency of these liposomes should be confirmed by an in vivo study.
Decreased expression of cytokeratin 15 and tropoelastin in men with androgenetic alopecia and its relationship with increased expression of p15/p16
Authors: Ortega Miguel , Álvarez-Rocha María , Asúnsolo Ángel , Romero Beatriz , Coca Santiago , Álvarez-Mon Melchor , Buján Julia , García-Honduvilla Natalio 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) or male pattern baldness is a polygenic disease with a high prevalence in the Caucasian population, with psychosocial implications. However, the molecular mechanisms involved are unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the possible changes in protein expression of cytokeratin 15 (CK15), tropoelastin (TE) and cellular senescence markers (p15/p16) in AGA patients.Material and methodsAn observational, analytical and prospective cohort study was performed in 57 men with AGA (42.31 ±3.01 years). Two tissue biopsies were taken: the control area (C) and the alopecia area (A). Cell viability was assessed using scalp explants from the patients, maintaining explants long term (90 days). Protein expression analysis was performed by immunohistochemistry by detecting antigen-antibody reactions (avidin-biotin complex).Resultshe results showed a significantly higher percentage of dead cells in area A (17.00 ±1.09% C vs. 28.50 ±1.41% A, *p < 0.05). The area affected by alopecia showed significantly lower CK15 and TE protein expression in hair follicles, sebaceous glands and epidermis (*p < 0.05). Expression of the senescence marker p15/p16 was significantly higher in hair follicles, hair bulbs and the epidermis (*p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe results suggest that patients with AGA suffer tissue damage that affects different components of hair follicle stem cells as well as the extracellular matrix itself.
Diagnostic potential of ultrasonography and computed tomography in differentiating cervical lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Yong-Hui , Zhang Ying-Qiang 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionUltrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) are the most common diagnostic modalities of cervical lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer, but few studies have been conducted to compare their diagnostic accuracy, with inconclusive results.Material and methodsMultiple databases including PubMed, Springer, EMBASE, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library were searched with the keywords “thyroid cancer OR thyroid carcinomas”, “cervical lymph nodes”, “metastatic OR metastasis”, and “ultrasonography OR ultrasound OR CT OR computed tomography” in June 2018. Full-text articles comparing diagnostic accuracy of US and CT were reviewed. Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate sensitivity and specificity. The forest plots of sensitivity and specificity and summary receiver operating characteristic curves (SROC) are also presented in this article.ResultsFinally, 8 of 1785 studies which eventually met the inclusion criteria were selected in this study. The mean sensitivities and specificities of CT in whole and central cervical areas were 0.65, 0.56 and 0.89, 0.83, respectively, while for US, the sensitivities and specificities were 0.58, 0.39 and 0.89, 0.91, respectively. The area under the curve (AUCs) observed of CT and US in whole, central and lateral cervical areas were 0.79 vs. 0.79, and 0.76 vs. 0.67. Because only a few articles were included in this study, publication bias was not assessed.ConclusionsThe diagnostic accuracy of US and CT was comparable. The specificity of these two methods was much higher than the sensitivity.
3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid inhibits cancer cell invasion and induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells by abrogating the EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Zhang Ruishan , Xu Hong , Li Xiang , Liu Zhuangkai , Wang Yuying , Zhao Zhao 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionRecent evidence has demonstrated the anticancer potential of 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA). The current study was performed to evaluate the anti-invasive and antimotility effect of AKBA against breast cancer (BC) cells.Material and methodsThe antiproliferative assay was used to evaluate cell viability. Wound healing assay and Transwell invasion assay were used for migration and invasion respectively. Annexin V FITC assay and microscopy were used to quantify and detect apoptosis. Zymography and immunoblotting analysis were used for gelatinase activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and protein expression of signaling proteins involved in apoptosis, tumor cell invasion and motility of BC cells.ResultsAKBA exhibits significant inhibition of cell proliferation and suppresses BC cell motility. Mechanistically, AKBA suppresses migration and invasion, and attenuates MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, which plays a key role in metastasis. Furthermore, a dose-dependent manner of AKBA promotes significant induction of apoptosis. Moreover, we observed that a higher concentration of AKBA reduces phosphorylation of EGFR, PI3K, and Akt with a subsequent decrease in MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression, and an increase in TIMP1 and E-cadherin expression. However, pre-treatment with EGF in BC cells restores significant cell motility and invasion even in the presence of AKBA, indicating that inhibition of cell migration by AKBA is operated by the EGFR/PI3K/Akt axis. Additionally, AKBA showed a significant inhibitory and strong synergistic effect on EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt signaling associated proteins when compared with the known inhibitors gefitinib and erlotinib.ConclusionsAKBA exhibits potential antiproliferative effects by inducing apoptosis and suppresses tumor cell motility and invasion, which is mediated by the EGFR/PI3K/Akt axis in BC cells.
Efficacy of goal-directed fluid therapy monitored by pulse-pressure variation using a continuous noninvasive arterial pressure monitoring system (the CNAPTM system) during parathyroidectomy in patients with end-stage renal failure – a randomised trial
Authors: Song Jie , Liu Xiaofen , Jiang Weiwei , Wang Jiayou , Li Yun , Chen Hong , Zhang Ye 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionThere are no well-recognised guidelines for intraoperative fluid management in patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF). Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) is a concept of perioperative fluid management that improves patients’ prognosis. In this study, we assessed a GDFT protocol with monitoring of pulse pressure variation (PPV) in patients with ESRF undergoing parathyroidectomy.Material and methodsA total of 102 patients who underwent elective parathyroidectomy were randomised into a control group (restrictive group, n = 51), managed with a restricted fluid regimen, or a PPV group (GDFT group, n = 51), given a normal saline infusion, and they were monitored for changes in PPV. If PPV reached > 13%, 250 ml of normal saline was administered over 15 min. Ephedrine was given to keep the mean arterial pressure > 65 mm Hg. Haemodynamic variables in the perioperative period were recorded. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of postoperative hypotension.ResultsThe occurrence of postoperative hypotension (0 vs. 11.67%, p = 0.027) and complications (35.3% vs. 54.9%, p = 0.047) in the GDFT group was lower than in the restrictive group. The volume of saline infused during the operation was 364 (219–408) ml and 50 (50–50) ml, respectively (p = 0.001). Ephedrine was given to 16/51 (29.4%) patients of the GDFT group and 27/51 (52.9%) patients of the restrictive group (p = 0.027).ConclusionsThe use of GDFT with dynamic PPV monitoring in patients with ESRF undergoing parathyroidectomy could potentially be used to guide the administration of infused fluids, with the possibility of reducing the occurrence of postoperative hypotension.