bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autophagy in spinal ligament fibroblasts: evidence and possible implications for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: yang yuehua , Lin zunwen , Chen Jiangwei , Ding Sheng , Mao Weiwei , shi sheng , Liang Bi-Ru 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The molecular mechanisms of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the autophagy of spinal ligament fibroblasts derived from patients with OPLL and to examine whether autophagy associated gene expression was correlated with the expression of osteogenic differentiation genes. Methods: Expression of autophagy associated genes was detected in 37 samples from 21 OPLL patients and 16 non-OPLL patients. The correlation of autophagy associated gene expression and the expression of osteogenic differentiation genes was analyzed by Pearson’s correlation. The expression of autophagy associated genes of ligament fibroblasts was assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting and immunofluorescence. The incidence of autophagy was assessed by flow cytometry. After knockdown using small interfering RNA targeting Beclin1, the expression of osteogenic differentiation genes were compared in spinal ligament fibroblasts. Results: In clinical specimens, mRNA expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 and Beclin1 were higher in the OPLL group compared with the non-OPLL group. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that Beclin1 expression was positively correlated with expression of osteocalcin (OCN) (r=0.8233, P<0.001), alkaline phosphatase, biomineralization associated (ALP) (r=0.7821, P<0.001) and collagen type 1 (COL 1) (r=0.6078, P=0.001). Consistently, the upregulation of autophagy associated genes in ligament fibroblasts from patients with OPLL were further confirmed by western blotting and immunofluorescence. The incidence of autophagy was also increased in ligament fibroblasts from patients with OPLL. Furthermore, knockdown of Beclin1 led to a decrease in the expression of OCN, ALP and COL 1 by 63.2% (P<0.01), 52% (P<0.01) and 53.2% (P<0.01) in ligament fibroblasts from patients with OPLL, respectively. Conclusions: Beclin1-mediated autophagy was involved in the osteogenic differentiation of ligament fibroblasts, and promoted the development of OPLL.
"Bariatric Families"- A New Phenomenon with Unique Characteristics
Authors: Weiss Netta , Kalamitzky Nataly , Interator Hagar , Lubetzky Ronit , Lev hadar 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Many obese children have at least one obese parent, and some of them have one parent who had undergone bariatric surgery (“bariatric families”). The perceptions and attitudes towards child obesity of parents in bariatric families vs. non-bariatric families have not been explored. We assessed how parents who underwent bariatric surgery for obesity perceived their child’s obesity compared to those perceptions of obese parents who did not undergo bariatric surgery.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey by interviewing families in which one or both parents underwent bariatric surgery (bariatric group) and comparing their responses to those of families in which one or both parents had been treated conservatively for obesity (control group). The children of both groups were attending the Obesity Clinic of our children’s hospital. Results: Thirty-six children (median age 10.6 years, 18 in each group, matched for age and sex) were recruited. More parents in the bariatric group replied that weight plays an important role in determining self-image (p<0.03), and more replied that their child's obesity is a current and future health problem (p<0.03 and p<0.007, respectively, Table 1). Five children (28%) in the bariatric group had expectations of undergoing bariatric surgery compared to none in the control group (p<0.02), with a similar trend among their parents (44% vs. 11%, respectively, p<0.07). Conclusion: Families in which one or both parents underwent bariatric surgery for obesity revealed different perceptions of their child’s obesity and different opinions about interventions for treating it compared to families with no bariatric surgery.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression of Sodium/Potassium-ATPase α Subunits and Prognosis of Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Wei , Zhang Yongjian , Xu Ye , Yang Shaoyou , Li Bing , Huang Lan , Lou Ge 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OSC) is the most common and lethal gynecological cancer in women worldwide; however, biomarkers to diagnose and predict prognosis of OSC remain limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether sodium/potassium adenosine triphosphate (Na+/K+-ATP)ase α-subunits (ATP1As) are helpful diagnostic and prognostic markers of OSC.Methods: Gene expression data (RNA-Seq) of 376 patients with OSC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program database. Additional databases used in our analysis included the Gene Expression Omnibus, International Cancer Genome Consortium, Genotype–Tissue Expression, the Human Protein Atlas, cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics, and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia.Results: The expression levels of ATP1A1 and ATP1A3 were higher in OSC tissues than in normal ovarian tissues, whereas the expression levels of ATP1A2 and ATP1A4 were lower in OSC tissues than in normal ovarian tissues. Overexpression of ATP1A2 was significantly associated with a higher Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and histological grade. Increased mRNA expression of ATP1A3 was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with OSC, whereas higher expression of ATP1A4 was associated with favorable OS and DSS. Multivariate analysis showed that primary therapy outcome, residual tumor, and mRNA expressions of ATP1A3 and ATP1A4 were independent prognostic factors for both OS and DSS in patients with OSC. Moreover, ATP1A1 staining was abundant in tumor tissues. A high expression of ATP1A3 was significantly correlated with poor OS and DSS in the subgroup of patients aged ≥ 60 years and with FIGO stage III, histological grade G3, and TP53 mutation. Mutation frequencies of the ATP1As were 3%–5%.Conclusions: These results indicate that the ATP1A gene family could be potential diagnostic or prognostic markers of OSC. In addition, ATP1As may be effective therapeutic targets in the treatment of OSC.
Opioid agonist therapy uptake among people who inject drugs: The findings of two consecutive bio-behavioral surveillance surveys in Iran
Authors: Nakhaeizadeh Mehran , Abdolahiniya Zahra , Sharifi Hamid , Mirzazadeh Ali , Shokoohi Mostafa , Baral Stefan , Haghdoost AliAkbar , Karamouzian Mohammad , Shahesmaeili Armita 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) uptake has been associated with multiple positive health outcomes among people who inject drugs (PWID). This study evaluated the pattern of OAT uptake among PWID in two consecutive national bio-behavioral surveillance surveys (2010 and 2014) in Iran.Methods Data were obtained from two national bio-behavioral surveillance surveys (N2010 = 1,783 and N2014 = 2,166) implemented using convenience sampling at the harm reduction facilities and street venues in 10 geographically diverse urban centers across Iran. Multivariable logistic regression models were built to determine the correlates of OAT uptake for the 2014 survey and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported.Results The prevalence of OAT uptake decreased from 49.2% in 2010 to 45.8% in 2014 (P-value = 0.033). OAT uptake varied across the studied cities ranging from 0.0%-69.3% in the 2010 survey and 3.2%-75.5% in the 2014 survey. Ever being married (AOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.75), having a history of incarceration (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.09), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sero-positivity (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.5) were associated with OAT uptake. Conversely, PWID who reported using only non-opioid drugs (AOR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.71) and those who reported concurrent use of opioid and non-opioid drugs (AOR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0. 0.51, 0.86) were less likely to uptake OAT. Conclusions Although OAT uptake among PWID in Iran is above the 40% threshold defined by the World Health Organization, there remains significant disparities across urban settings in Iran. Importantly, the OAT services appear to be serving high-risk PWID including those living with HIV and those with a history of incarceration. Evaluating service integration including mental health, HIV and hepatitis C virus care, and other harm reduction services may support the optimization of health outcomes of OAT across Iran.
The accuracy of ultrasound to predict endotracheal tube size for pediatric patients with congenital scoliosis
Authors: Hao Jianhong , Zhang Jie , Dong Buhuai , Luo Zhenguo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Ultrasonography has been used to predict the necessary endotracheal tube (ETT) size by measuring the cricoid cartilage diameter. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of ultrasound to predict ETT size for pediatric patients with congenital scoliosis. Methods: Fifty pediatric patients who underwent scoliosis surgery were included in the study. According to the position of the scoliosis, patients were divided into three groups: Group C (cervical lateral bending), Group T (thoracic scoliosis), and Group L (lumbar scoliosis). For all participants, the transverse diameter of the cricoid cartilage was measured with ultrasonography. The initial ETT size was chosen according to the measurements, then the leak test was used to determine the best‑fit ETT size. The ETT size predicted by ultrasound and the best‑fit ETT size were compared using Bland-Altman analysis. Results: There was a strong correlation between the best‑fit ETT size and the ETT size predicted by ultrasound in Group T (r = 0.93, p < 0.001) and Group L (r = 0.94, p < 0.001) and a moderate correlation in Group C (r = 0.83, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed that the ETT size was overestimated by ultrasound in pediatric patients with cervical lateral bending (bias = 0.73 mm, precision = 0.42 mm, limit of agreement = 0.08 to 1.38 mm). Conclusion: Ultrasound is a reliable tool to predict ETT size for pediatric patients with thoracic or lumbar scoliosis. However, pediatric patients with cervical lateral bending will need an ETT smaller than the size predicted by ultrasonography. Trial Registration: The trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR: 1900023408).
Lipoprotein (a) Predicts Recurrent Worse Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Prior Cardiovascular Events: A Prospective, Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Yan , Jin Jing-Lu , Cao Ye-Xuan , Zhang Hui-Wen , Guo Yuan-Lin , Wu Na-Qiong , Zhu Cheng-Gang , Gao Ying , Hua Qi , Li Yan-Fang , Xu Rui-Xia , Li Jian-Jun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Merging studies have reported the association of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] with poor outcomes of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the prognostic importance of Lp(a) for recurrent cardiovascular events (CVEs) is currently undetermined in patients with T2DM and prior CVEs.Methods: From April 2011 to March 2017, we consecutively recruited 2,284 T2DM patients with prior CVEs. Patients were categorized into low, medium, and high groups by Lp(a) levels and followed up for hard, recurrent CVEs, including nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality. Caplan-Meier, Cox regression and C-statistic analyses were performed.Results: During 7,613 patient-years’ follow-up, 153 recurrent CVEs occurred. Lp(a) levels were significantly higher in patients with recurrent CVEs than counterparts (20.44 vs. 14.71 mg/dL, p=0.002). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the event-free survival rate was dramatically lower in high and medium Lp(a) groups than that in low group irrespective of HBA1c status (<7.0%; ≥7.0%, both p<0.05). Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression models indicated that Lp(a) was independently associated with high risk of recurrent CVEs [HR(95% CI): 2.049(1.308-3.212)], such data remains in different HBA1c status (HR(95% CI): <7.0%, 2.009(1.051-3.840); ≥7.0%, 2.162(1.148-4.073)). Moreover, the results of C-statistic were significantly improved by 0.029 when added Lp(a) to the Cox model.Conclusions: Our data, for the first time, confirmed that Lp(a) was an independent predictor for recurrent CVEs in T2DM patients with prior CVEs, suggesting that Lp(a) measurement may help to further risk stratification for T2DM patients after they suffered a first CVE.
Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control and predicted 10-year CVD risk: a cross-sectional study of Seven Communities in East and West Africa (SevenCEWA)
Authors: Okello Samson , Muhihi Alfa , Mohamed Shukri F , Ameh Soter , Ochimana Caleb , Oluwasanu Abayomi Olabayo , Bolarinwa Oladimeji Akeem , Sewankambo Nelson , Danaei Goodarz 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Few studies have characterized epidemiology and management of hypertension across several communities with comparable methodology in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease risk across seven sites in East and West Africa. Methods: Between June and August 2018, we conducted household surveys among adults aged 18 years and above in 7 communities in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. We collected data on socio-demographics, health insurance, and healthcare utilization. We measured blood pressure using digital blood pressure monitors and following a standardized protocol. We estimated 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk using a country-specific risk score and fitted hierarchical models to identify determinants of hypertension prevalence, awareness and treatment. Results: We analyzed data of 3549 participants. The mean age was 39·7 years (SD 15·4), 60·5% of whom were women, 9·6% had ever smoked, and 32·7% were overweight/obese. A quarter of the participants (25·1% had hypertension, half of whom (57·6%) were diagnosed. Among diagnosed, 50·5% were taking medication, and among those taking medication 47·3% had controlled blood pressure. After adjusting for other determinants, older age was associated with increased hypertension prevalence, awareness, and treatment whereas primary education was associated with lower hypertension prevalence. Health insurance was associated with lower hypertension prevalence and higher chances of treatment. Median predicted 10-yr CVD risk across sites was 4·9% Interquartile range, IQR (2·4%, 10·3%) and 13·2% had risk of 20% or greater while 7·1% had risk of >30%. Conclusion: In seven communities in east and west Africa, a quarter of adults had hypertension, about 40% were unaware, half of those aware were treated and half of those treated were controlled blood pressure. Access to health insurance is needed to improve awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa.
Separate and combined effects of cold dialysis and intradialytic exercise on the thermoregulatory responses of hemodialysis patients
Authors: Krase Argyro A. , Flouris Andreas D. , Karatzaferi Christina , Giannaki Christoforos D. , Stefanidis Ioannis , Sakkas Giorgos 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The separate and combined effects of intradialytic exercise training (IET) and cold dialysis (CD) on patient thermoregulation remain unknown. This study assessed the thermoregulatory responses of hemodialysis patients under four different hemodialysis protocols: a) one typical dialysis (TD) protocol (dialysate temperature at 37°C), b) one cold dialysis (CD) protocol (dialysate temperature at 35°C), c) one typical dialysis protocol which included a single exercise bout (TD+E), d) one cold dialysis protocol which included a single exercise bout (CD+E). Methods: Ten haemodialysis patients (57.2±14.9 years) participated in the study. Core and skin temperatures were measured using an ingestible telemetric pill and by four wireless iButtons attached on the skin, respectively. Body heat storage (S) calculated using the thermometric method proposed by Burton. Results: The TD and TD+E protocols were associated with increased S leading to moderate effect size increases in core body temperature (as high as 0.4°C). The low temperature of the dialysate during the CD and the CD+E protocols prevented the rise in S and core temperature (p>0.05), even during the period that IET took place. Conclusions: TD and IET are accompanied by a moderate level of hyperthermia, which can be offset by CD. We recommended that CD or with IET can prevent the excessive rise of S. Trial registration: Clinical Trial Registry number: NCT03905551 (clinicaltrials.gov), DOR: 05/04/2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03905551?term=NCT03905551&draw=2&rank=1
The psychological impact of COVID-19 on medical care workers in China
Authors: Si Mingyu , Su Xiaoyou , Jiang Yu , Wang Wenjun , Gu Xiao-fen , Ma Li , Li Jing , Zhang Shaokai , Ren Ze-Fang , Ren Ran , Liu Yuanli , Qiao Youlin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Medical care workers experienced unprecedented levels of workload and pressure since the outbreak of COVID-19 started from the end of 2019. Little is known about its exact impact on medical care workers and related factors in China. This study aims to identify the psychological impact of COVID-19 on medical care workers in China.Methods From February 23th to March 5th, 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 863 medical care workers from 7 provinces in China using standard questionnaires measuring adverse psychological outcomes including Impact of Event Scale-6 (IES-6), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale（DASS）and related psychosocial factors like perceived threat, social support and coping strategies. Exploratory Factor analysis was performed to identify the dimensions of perceived threat by study participants. Multivariate regression was used to examine the determinants of adverse psychological outcomes. Results Posttraumatic stress (PTS) were prevalent in this sample of health care professionals, and 40.2% indicated positive screens for significant posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The proportion of having mild to extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were 13.6%, 13.9% and 8.6%, respectively. Perceived threat and passive coping strategies were positively correlated to PTS and DASS scores, while perceived social support and active coping strategies were negatively correlated to DASS scores. Nurses were more likely to be anxious than others among medical care workers during the COVID-19 epidemic. Conclusions Adverse psychological symptoms were prevalent among medical care workers in China during the COVID-19 epidemic. Screening for adverse psychological outcomes and developing corresponding preventive measures would be beneficial in decreasing negative psychological outcomes.
Increasing of malignancy of breast cancer cells after cryopreservation: molecular detection and activation of angiogenesis after CAM-Xenotransplantation.
Authors: Du Xin , Todorov P. , Isachenko Evgenia , Rahimi G , Mallmann P. , Meng Yuanguang , Isachenko Vladimir 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has a wide range of cancerous indications. Avoiding relapse becomes a specific area of concern that clinicians frequently encounter. The data about the comparative viability of cancer cells after cryopreservation are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cryopreservation on breast cancer cells.Methods: Samples were prepared using ZR-75-1 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines and divided into cryopreserved and non-intervened groups, respectively. Biological properties and the related protein markers were investigated. Cell morphology was monitored under the microscope. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were characterized by CCK-8, wound-healing, and transmembrane assay, respectively. The expression of Ki-67, P53, GATA-3, E-cadherin, Vimentin, and F-Actin was measured by immunofluorescent staining and western blotting. Xenotransplantation was established on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) culture system to explore angiogenesis close to the grafts.Results: Lamellipodia and filopodia were observed in cryopreserved ZR-75-1 cells. Both cell lines demonstrated increased cell motility and invasive ability after cryopreservation. However, cell proliferation was invariable in accordance with a regular expression of Ki-67 and P53. In ZR-75-1 cells, data exhibited a downregulation of E-cadherin after the decreased expression of GATA3, indicating the loss of intercellular adhesion after cryopreservation. Vimentin and F-actin were both upregulated in cryopreserved sample cells. Angiogenesis in CAM was significantly activated by cryopreserved MDA-MB-231 cells.Conclusions: Cryopreservation causes an increasing malignancy of ZR-75-1 and MDA-MB-231 cells and thus raises the risk of metastasis.
PD-L1 associated with the expression of cancer cell-intrinsic PD-1 and p-S6 proteins and predicted a good prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Zheng Hongmei , Zhan Yuting , Yang Yang , Ning Yue , Wang Haihua , Wang Weiyuan , Fan Songqing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Aims: programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is the ligand of programmed death 1 (PD-1) which is a host immunity inhibitory receptor. PD-L1 expressed in tumor cells has been widely discussed, while there is little research about tumor intrinsic-PD-1. P-S6 is an important downstream effector of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This study aimed to investigate the expression of PD-L1 protein and its relationship with cancer cell-intrinsic PD-1 protein and p-S6 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: the expression of PD-L1, PD-1 and p-S6 proteins in tissues of NPC, non-cancerous nasopharyngeal epithelia, primary lesions and matching metastases was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: PD-L1, PD-1 and p-S6 expression and co-expression of PD-L1 and PD-1 proteins were significantly higher in NPC than those of in the non-cancerous nasopharyngeal epithelia, respectively (all P<0.05). Furthermore, there was evidently elevated expression of PD-1 and co-expression of PD-L1 and PD-1 in matched metastasis of NPC compared to their primary lesions (all P<0.01). Overall survival rate for NPC patients with positive expression of PD-L1 (P =0.035) was significantly higher than others. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis identified that positive expression of PD-L1 (P=0.002) and p-S6 (P=0.003) were independent prognostic factors for NPC patients. Conclusions: positive expression of PD-L1 associated with expression of cancer cell-intrinsic PD-1 and p-S6, PD-L1 might be a good prognostic biomarker and p-S6 could serve as a valuable independent poor prognostic biomarker for NPC patients.