bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of upstream miRNAs of SNAI2 and their influence on the metastasis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Ding Jie , Xia Yu , Yu Zhaoyan , Wen Jing , Zhang Zhuxue , Zhang Zhongmin , Liu Zhenhua , Jiang Zhuan , Liu Hang , Liao Guoqing 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
SNAI2, a member of the snail zinc finger protein family, plays an important role in the metastasis of several types of carcinoma.

Objective
This study aims to investigate the upstream miRNAs of SNAI2 and their influence on the metastasis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

Methods
The expression levels of SNAI2, CDH1, and CDH2 in GISTs were determined by immunohistochemistry, and the correlations with their clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed. Subsequently, the miRNAs involved in regulating SNAI2 expression were predicted by bioinformatics technique, screened by miRNA microarray tests, and verified by real-time PCR, dual luciferase reporter assay, and invasion assay. The influence of SNAI2 and miRNAs on the invasive ability of the GIST cells and the related mechanism were detected.

Outcomes
SNAI2 expression significantly increased and CDH1 expression markedly decreased in the cases of GISTs with distant metastasis. Silencing of the SNAI2 gene impaired the invasiveness of GIST cells in vitro. MiR-200b-3p, miR-30c-1-3P, and miR-363-3P were verified as the upstream metastasis-associated miRNAs of SNAI2 in GISTs by miRNA microarray, real-time PCR, dual luciferase reporter assay, and invasion assay. They bound to the 3′-UTR of SNAI2, downregulated SNAI2 expression, and inhibited the invasiveness of GIST cells. SNAI2 targetedly bound to the promoter of the CDH1 gene, downregulated the expression of CDH1, and contributed to the metastasis of GISTs.

Conclusion
SNAI2 and CDH1 correlated with the metastasis of GISTs, and silencing of the SNAI2 gene impaired the invasiveness of GIST cells. MiR-200b-3p, miR-30c-1-3P, and miR-363-3P contribute to the metastasis of GISTs in vitro by mediating the SNAI2/CDH1 axis. SNAI2 may be a potential target for the treatment of GISTs in the future.
MTHFR C677T genetic polymorphism in combination with serum vitamin B2, B12 and aberrant DNA methylation of P16 and P53 genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal precancerous lesions: a case–control study
Authors: Pan Da , Su Ming , Huang Guiling , Luo Pengfei , Zhang Ting , Fu Lingmeng , Wei Jie , Wang Shaokang , Sun Guiju 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The study aimed to explore the associations between the interactions of serum vitamin B2 or B12 levels, aberrant DNA methylation of p16 or p53 and MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the risks of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal precancerous lesion (EPL).

Methods
200 ESCC cases, 200 EPL cases and 200 normal controls were matched by age (± 2 years) and gender. Serum vitamin B2 and B12 levels, MTHFR C677T genetic polymorphisms and the methylation status of genes were assessed. Chi square test, one-way analysis of variance and binary logistic regression were performed.

Results
The lowest quartile of both serum vitamin B2 and B12 with TT genotype showed significant increased EPL risk (OR = 4.91, 95% CI 1.31–18.35; OR = 6.88, 95% CI 1.10–42.80). The highest quartile of both serum vitamin B2 and B12 with CC genotype showed significant decreased ESCC risk (OR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.04–0.60; OR = 0.10, 95% CI 0.02–0.46). The ORs of p16 methylation for genotype CT and TT were 1.98 (95% CI 1.01–3.89) and 17.79 (95% CI 2.26–140.22) in EPL, 4.86 (95% CI 2.48–9.50) and 20.40 (95% CI 2.53–164.81) in ESCC, respectively. Similarly, p53 methylation with genotype TT was associated with increased EPL and ESCC risks (OR = 13.28, 95% CI 1.67–105.70; OR = 15.24, 95% CI 1.90–122.62).

Conclusions
The MTHFR C677T genotype and serum vitamin B2 or B12 levels may interact in ways which associated with the EPL and ESCC risks. The gene–gene interaction suggested that aberrant DNA methyaltion of either p16 or p53 combined with T alleles of MTHFR was associated with increased risks of both EPL and ESCC.
Health education through mass media announcements by loudspeakers about malaria care: prevention and practice among people living in a malaria endemic area of northern Myanmar
Authors: Aung Pyae Linn , Pumpaibool Tepanata , Soe Than Naing , Burgess Jessica , Menezes Lynette J. , Kyaw Myat Phone , Cui Liwang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundInterventions to raise community awareness about malaria prevention and treatment have used various approaches with little evidence on their efficacy. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of loudspeaker announcements regarding malaria care and prevention practices among people living in the malaria endemic villages of Banmauk Township, Sagaing Region, Myanmar.MethodsFour villages among the most malaria-burdened areas were randomly selected: two villages were assigned as the intervention group, and two as the control. Prior to the peak transmission season of malaria in June 2018, a baseline questionnaire was administered to 270 participants from randomly selected households in the control and intervention villages. The loudspeaker announcements broadcasted health messages on malaria care and prevention practices regularly at 7:00 pm every other day. The same questionnaire was administered at 6-month post intervention to both groups. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and the t-test were utilized to assess differences between and within groups.ResultsParticipants across the control and intervention groups showed similar socio-economic characteristics; the baseline knowledge, attitude and practice mean scores were not significantly different between the groups. Six months after the intervention, improvements in scores were observed atp-value < 0.001 in both groups, however; the increase was greater among the intervention group. The declining trend of malaria was also noticed during the study period. In addition, more than 75% of people expressed positive opinions of the intervention.ConclusionsThe loudspeaker intervention was found to be feasible and effective, as shown by the significant improvement in scores related to prevention and care-seeking practices for malaria as well as reduced malaria morbidity. Expanding the intervention to a larger population in this endemic region and evaluating its long-term effectiveness are essential in addition to replicating this in other low-resource malaria endemic regions.
Health system, socio-cultural, economic, environmental and individual factors influencing bed net use in the prevention of malaria in pregnancy in two Ghanaian regions
Authors: Aberese-Ako Matilda , Magnussen Pascal , Ampofo Gifty D. , Tagbor Harry 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Improving maternal health remains a priority to the Ghanaian government. Consequently, it has implemented the World Health Organization recommendation of distributing free long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) to pregnant women—one of the effective strategies to combating malaria in pregnancy. However, the burden of negative outcomes of malaria in pregnancy such as low birth weight and miscarriages is still high. This may be related to the health system, socio-cultural and economic dynamics that influence LLIN use, but their role is not well understood. This ethnographic study sought to understand health system, socio-cultural, economic and environmental dynamics in utilization of LLINs among pregnant women in two Ghanaian regions.

Methods
An ethnographic study design was used. In-depth interviews and conversations were conducted among health workers, pregnant women and opinion leaders. Observations were conducted in 12 communities and eight health facilities. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Health and Allied Sciences’ Research Ethics Committee. Nvivo 11 was used to support data coding. Data were triangulated and analysed using a thematic approach.

Results
Findings suggest health system, socio-cultural, economic, environmental and individual factors influenced LLIN use. Health facility readiness in stocking LLINs influenced ownership and use. Receiving appropriate information from health providers and encouragement from public officials improved LLIN use. Women with a history of LLIN use prior to becoming pregnant and women who had young children remained consistent users. Experiencing irritating effects of LLINs and preference for traditional methods to wade off mosquitoes, reduced LLIN use. Pregnant women whose household and family members used LLINs were influenced positively to use them. Gender power relations between husbands and wives influenced women’s use of LLINs. The type of housing and weather conditions contributed to inconsistent use. Staying out late for business purposes and to converse, exposed pregnant women to mosquito bites.

Conclusion
Giving out LLINs at facility level should be accompanied with comprehensive information, which is relevant to the socio-cultural context that women live in. Mass distribution should factor in individual and public information to promote community acceptance and proper use of ITNs. Facilities should be encouraged to constantly maintain LLINs stock in order to ensure that ANC registrants receive LLINs for use.
Effects of treadmill with different intensities on bone quality and muscle properties in adult rats
Authors: Liu Zhehao , Gao Jiazi , Gong He 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundBone is a dynamically hierarchical material that can be divided into length scales of several orders of magnitude. Exercise can cause bone deformation, which in turn affects bone mass and structure. This study aimed to study the effects of treadmill running with different intensities on the long bone integrity and muscle biomechanical properties of adult male rats.MethodsForty-eight 5-month-old male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: i.e., sedentary group (SED), exercise with speed of 12 m/min group (EX12), 16 m/min group (EX16), and 20 m/min group (EX20). The exercise was carried out for 30 min every day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The femurs were examined using three-point bending test, microcomputer tomography scanning and nanoindentation test; the soleus muscle was dissected for tensile test; ALP and TRACP concentrations were measured by serum analysis.ResultsThe failure load was significantly increased by the EX12 group, whereas the elastic modulus was not significantly changed. The microstructure and mineral densities of the trabecular and cortical bone were significantly improved by the EX12 group. The mechanical properties of the soleus muscle were significantly increased by treadmill exercise. Bone formation showed significant increase by the EX12 group. Statistically higher nanomechanical properties of cortical bone were detected in the EX12 group.ConclusionThe speed of 12 m/min resulted in significant changes in the microstructure and biomechanical properties of bone; besides, it significantly increased the ultimate load of the soleus muscle. The different intensities of treadmill running in this study provide an experimental basis for the selection of exercise intensity for adult male rats.
Geographic differences in maternal and child health care utilization in four Ethiopian regions; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Defar Atkure , Okwaraji Yemisrach B. , Tigabu Zemene , Persson Lars Åke , Alemu Kassahun 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Maternal and child health (MCH) care utilization often vary with geographic location. We analyzed the geographic distribution and determinants of utilization of four or more antenatal care visits, health facility delivery, child immunization, and care utilization for common childhood illnesses across four Ethiopian regions.

Methods
A cross-sectional community-based study was employed with two-staged stratified cluster sampling in 46 districts of Ethiopia. A total of 6321 women (13–49 years) and 3110 children below the age of 5 years residing in 5714 households were included. We performed a cluster analysis of the selected MCH care utilization using spatial autocorrelation. We identified district-specific relationships between care coverage and selected factors using geocoded district-level data and ordinary least squares and hotspot analysis using Getis Ord Gi*.

Results
Of the 6321women included in the study, 714 had a live birth in the 12 months before the survey. One-third of the women (30, 95% CI 26–34) had made four or more antenatal visits and almost half of the women (47, 95% CI 43–51) had delivered their most recent child at a health facility. Nearly half of the children (48, 95% CI 40–57) with common childhood illnesses (suspected pneumonia, diarrhoea, or fever) sought care at the health facilities. The proportion of fully immunized children was 41% (95%, CI 37–45). Institutional delivery was clustered at district level (spatial autocorrelation, Moron’s I = 0.217, P < 0.01). Full immunization coverage was also spatially clustered (Moron’s I = 0.156, P-value < 0.1). Four or more antenatal visits were associated with women’s age and parity, while the clustering of institutional delivery was associated with the number of antenatal care visits. Clustering of full immunization was associated with household members owning a mobile phone.

Conclusions
This study showed evidence for geographic clustering in coverage of health facility deliveries and immunization at the district level, but not in the utilization of antenatal care and utilization of health services for common childhood illnesses. Identifying and improving district-level factors that influenced these outcomes may inform efforts to achieve geographical equitability and universal health coverage.
Psychometric properties of the psychosocial screening instrument for physical trauma patients (PSIT)
Authors: Karabatzakis Maria , Den Oudsten Brenda Leontine , Gosens Taco , De Vries Jolanda 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Early detection of psychosocial problems post-injury may prevent them from becoming chronic. Currently, there is no psychosocial screening instrument that can be used in patients surviving a physical trauma or injury. Therefore, we recently developed a psychosocial screening instrument for adult physical trauma patients, the PSIT. The aim of this study was to finalize and psychometrically examine the PSIT.

Methods
All adult (≥ 18 years) trauma patients admitted to a Dutch level I trauma center from October 2016 through September 2017 without severe cognitive disorders (n = 1448) received the PSIT, Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Abbreviated version (WHOQOL-Bref). After 2 weeks, a subgroup of responding participants received the PSIT a second time. The internal structure (principal components analysis, PCA; and confirmatory factor analysis, CFA), internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha, α), test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, ICC), construct validity (Spearman’s rho correlations), diagnostic accuracy (Area Under the Curve, AUC), and potential cut-off values (sensitivity and specificity) were examined.

Results
A total of 364 (25.1%) patients participated, of whom 128 completed the PSIT again after 19.5 ± 6.8 days. Test-retest reliability was good (ICC = 0.86). Based on PCA, five items were removed because of cross-loadings ≥ 0.3. Three subscales were identified: (1) Negative affect (7 items; α = 0.91; AUC = 0.92); (2) Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (4 items; α = 0.77; AUC = 0.88); and (3) Social and self-image (4 items; α = 0.79; AUC = 0.92). CFA supported this structure (comparative fit index = 0.96; root mean square error of approximation = 0.06; standardized rood mean square residual = 0.04). Four of the five a priori formulated hypotheses regarding construct validity were confirmed. The following cut-off values represent maximum sensitivity and specificity: 7 on subscale 1 (89.6% and 83.4%), 3 on subscale 2 (94.4% and 90.3%), and 4 on subscale 3 (85.7% and 90.7%).

Conclusion
The final PSIT has good psychometric properties in adult trauma patients.
Longitudinal assessment of utilities in patients with migraine: an analysis of erenumab randomized controlled trials
Authors: Di Tanna Gian Luca , Porter Joshua K. , Lipton Richard B. , Hatswell Anthony J. , Sapra Sandhya , Villa Guillermo 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Cost-effectiveness analyses in patients with migraine require estimates of patients’ utility values and how these relate to monthly migraine days (MMDs). This analysis examined four different modelling approaches to assess utility values as a function of MMDs.

Methods
Disease-specific patient-reported outcomes from three erenumab clinical studies (two in episodic migraine [NCT02456740 and NCT02483585] and one in chronic migraine [NCT02066415]) were mapped to the 5-dimension EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D) as a function of the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ) and the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6™) using published algorithms. The mapped utility values were used to estimate generic, preference-based utility values suitable for use in economic models. Four models were assessed to explain utility values as a function of MMDs: a linear mixed effects model with restricted maximum likelihood (REML), a fractional response model with logit link, a fractional response model with probit link and a beta regression model.

Results
All models tested showed very similar fittings. Root mean squared errors were similar in the four models assessed (0.115, 0.114, 0.114 and 0.114, for the linear mixed effect model with REML, fractional response model with logit link, fractional response model with probit link and beta regression model respectively), when mapped from MSQ. Mean absolute errors for the four models tested were also similar when mapped from MSQ (0.085, 0.086, 0.085 and 0.085) and HIT-6 and (0.087, 0.088, 0.088 and 0.089) for the linear mixed effect model with REML, fractional response model with logit link, fractional response model with probit link and beta regression model, respectively.

Conclusions
This analysis describes the assessment of longitudinal approaches in modelling utility values and the four models proposed fitted the observed data well. Mapped utility values for patients treated with erenumab were generally higher than those for individuals treated with placebo with equivalent number of MMDs. Linking patient utility values to MMDs allows utility estimates for different levels of MMD to be predicted, for use in economic evaluations of preventive therapies.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov numbers of the trials used in this study: STRIVE, NCT02456740 (registered May 14, 2015), ARISE, NCT02483585 (registered June 12, 2015) and NCT02066415 (registered Feb 17, 2014).
In vitro effect of nerve growth factor on the main traits of rabbit sperm
Authors: Castellini Cesare , Mattioli Simona , Dal Bosco Alessandro , Collodel Giulia , Pistilli Alessandra , Stabile Anna Maria , Macchioni Lara , Mancuso Francesca , Luca Giovanni , Rende Mario 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe nerve growth factor (NGF), a member of the neurotrophins family, plays an important role not only in the nervous but also in other non-nervous systems such as the reproductive system. The aim of the paper is to study the in vitro effect of NGF on rabbit sperm functions.MethodsTen adult rabbit bucks were collected five times, and pooled semen samples have been analysed. NGF was quantified in seminal plasma, and the distribution of NGF receptors (TrKA and p75NTR) in sperm was established. Moreover, the dose-effect of NGF on motility rate and track speed was evaluated. Successively, the effect of the neutralisation of NGF receptors was assessed to verify the specific role of each receptor. Untreated sperm were used as control.ResultsOur study identified several interesting results: i) We detected NGF in seminal plasma and TrKA and p75NTR in sperm surface. In particular, TrKA is localised in the head and p75NTR in the midpiece and tail of rabbit sperm. ii) Once the optimal dose of NGF (100 ng/mL) was established, its addition affected both kinetics and other physiological traits (capacitation, apoptosis and necrosis) of rabbit sperm. (iii) The neutralisation of TrKA and p75NTR receptors affected sperm traits differently. In particular, sperm speed, apoptosis and capacitation seemed mainly modulated via p75NTR receptor, whereas motile, live cells, necrosis and acrosome reaction were modulated via TrKA.ConclusionFor the first time, we showed the presence of p75NTR in rabbit sperm. NGF affects kinetic and other physiological traits of rabbit sperm. Most of these changes are modulated by the receptors involved (TrKA or p75NTR). Considering that some seminal disorders in human have been correlated with a lower NGF concentration and no studies have been done on the possible involvement of NGF receptors, these findings also provide new insights on human fertility.
Debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention for periprosthetic knee infections: a pooling analysis of 1266 cases
Authors: Qu Guo-Xin , Zhang Cai-Hua , Yan Shi-Gui , Cai Xun-Zi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) procedure is an established therapeutic option for periprosthetic knee infections (PKI). However, the efficacy and the indication for this procedure are still controversial.

Methods
All the relevant literatures were systematically reviewed and analyzed. The present study aimed to assess the success rate of DAIR in the management of PKI, identify the factors associated with prognosis of DAIR, and establish a simple algorithm for predicting a high success rate of DAIR.

Results
Totally, 33 studies with 1266 cases were included. The overall success rate following DAIR in the management of PKI was 57.11%. In the subgroup analyses, the factors of “the time from symptoms to debridement was < 3 weeks” and “the bacterial species other than methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus” significantly improved the success rate of DAIR and thus were defined as the major criteria. The statistically insignificant factors of “the open debridement and liner exchange” and “the comorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis” were set as the minor criteria. The success rate of DAIR for PKI meeting all the major criteria and no less than one minor criterion was 80.98%, which was significantly higher than the overall success rate of DAIR (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
PKI cases meeting two major criteria and no less than one minor criterion may confer a high success rate of DAIR. This simple algorithm may contribute to identifying the appropriate PKI patient for DAIR treatment and predicting the prognosis of DAIR.