bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large mid-upper arm circumference is associated with metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly individuals: a community-based study
Authors: Shi Jie , Yang Zhen , Niu Yixin , Zhang Weiwei , Li Xiaoyong , Zhang Hongmei , Lin Ning , Gu Hongxia , Wen Jie , Ning Guang , Qin Li , Su Qing 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is a proxy for subcutaneous fat in the upper body and is a reliable screening measure for identifying individuals with abnormal local fat distribution. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between MUAC and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
Methods
We measured the MUAC in a cross-sectional sample with a total of 9787 subjects aged 40 years and older. The measurement of MUAC is performed on the right arm using a non‐elastic tape held midway between the acromion and the olecranon processes in duplicate, with the arm hanging loosely at the side of the body. The MetS was defined according to the Joint Statement of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention.
Results
MUAC was positively correlated with waist circumference (r=0.437, P<0.001), BMI (r=0.334, P<0.001), fasting insulin(r=0.348, P<0.001), HOMA-IR (r=0.134, P< 0.001), triglycerides (r=0.138, P<0.001), SBP (r=0.124, P< 0.001), and DBP(r= 0.123, P<0.001), and inversely correlated with adiponectin (r=-0.147, P < 0.001) and HDL-cholesterol (r=-0.176, P<0.001) after adjusting for age and gender. Compared with the lowest quartile group, the odds ratios were substantially higher for MetS (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.51-2.09, P for trend<0.001) in the highest MUAC quartile group after adjustment for potential cofounder.
Conclusion
Large mid-upper arm circumference is associated with metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly individuals .
Ubiquitin-specific protease-44 inhibits the proliferation and migration of cells via inhibition of JNK pathway in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Jiangqiao , Wang Tianyu , Qiu Tao , Chen Zhongbao , Ma Xiaoxiong , Zhang Long , Zou Jilin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common form of adult kidney cancer. Ubiquitin-specific protease (USP)44 has been reported to be involved in various cancers. We investigated the function, role and molecular mechanism of USP44 in ccRCC.
Methods: Data obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas Data Portal and Gene Expression Omnibus database were analyzed to uncover the clinical relevance of USP44 expression and tumor development. USP44 function in the proliferation and migration of tumor cells was assessed by cellular and molecular analyses using ccRCC lines (786-O cells and Caki-1 cells).
Results: USP44 showed low expression in ccRCC cancer tissues compared with that in normal tissue. USP44 expression was negatively correlated with tumor stage, tumor grade, and patient survival . USP44 overexpression inhibited the proliferation and migration of 786-O cells and Caki-1 cells significantly. USP44 overexpression also prohibited cell proliferation by upregulating expression of P21, downregulating cyclin-D1 expression, and inhibiting cell migration by upregulating expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9. USP44 knockdown enhanced the proliferation and migration of 786-O cells and Caki-1 cells. USP44 function in inhibiting the proliferation and migration of 786-O cells and Caki-1 cells was associated with phosphorylation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK).
Conclusion: USP44 may be a marker in predicting ccRCC progression. Inhibition by USP44 of the proliferation and migration of 786-O cells and Caki-1 cells is dependent upon the JNK pathway.
Increasing pelvic incidence is associated with more global sagittal imbalance in ankylosing spondylitis with thoracolumbar kyphosis: an observational retrospective study of 94 cases
Authors: Song Diyu , Zheng Guoquan , Wang Tianhao , Qi Dengbin , Wang Yan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with kyphosis have an abnormal spinopelvic alignment and pelvic morphology. Most studies focus on the relationship of pelvic tilt (PT) or sacral slope (SS) and deformity, and relatively few studies have addressed the relationship between pelvic incidence (PI) and kyphosis in AS patients. The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between pelvic incidence (PI) and the spinopelvic parameters describing local deformity or global sagittal balance in AS patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis.Methods: A total of 94 patients with AS (91 males and 3 females) and 30 controls (27 males and 3 females) were reviewed. The mean age was 36.8 years in AS patients and 34.4 years in controls. Gender ratios and mean age were similar in both group. Sagittal spinopelvic parameters, including PI, PT, SS, thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), lumbar lordosis(LL), sagittal vertical axis(SVA), the first thoracic vertebra pelvic angle(TPA), spinosacral angle(SSA) and spinopelvic angle(SPA) were measured. The same spine surgeons measured all the parameters of the AS and control group. All the sagittal spinopelvic parameters were compared between the groups. The relationship between PI and other spinopelvic parameters was analyzed with Pearson correlation (r) and unary linear regression model.Results: All the sagittal parameters were found to be significantly different between AS patients and controls. Compared with the control group, the AS patients had significantly higher PI(47.4˚ vs. 43.2˚, P<0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that PI in AS patients was significantly positively correlated with TPA(r=0.533, R2=0.284, P<0.001), and negatively correlated with SPA(r=-0.504, R2=0.254, P<0.001). However, no correlations were found between PI and SVA, SSA, TK, TLK or LL in AS patients.Conclusion: This study revealed that increasing PI was significantly correlated with more global sagittal imbalance, not with the local deformity in AS patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis.
The Expression and Significance of mTORC1 in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Liu Yanli , Zheng Yarong , Zhou Yekai , Liu Yi , Xie Mengjuan , Meng Wenjing , An Meixia 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the expression and significance of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1) in diabetic retinopathy(DR), and to find new targets and new methods for the treatment of DR.

Methods: A DR rat model was prepared by general feeding combined with intraperitoneal injection of 10% streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). The rats were randomly divided into a control group (NDM group) and a diabetes group (DM group). Three months later, the degrees of retinopathy was determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the levels of p-S6, VEGF, and PEDF proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Human retinal capillary endothelial cells (HRCECs) were cultured in high glucose(HG) conditions, then treated with rapamycin or transfected with siTSC1.The protein levels of p-S6 were assessed by western blotting. The 5-ethynyl-2´-deoxyuridine assay was used to detect cell proliferation, and the Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration.

Results: A DM rat model was successfully developed. The expressions of p-S6 and VEGF proteins were significantly increased in the DM group (p < 0.05), and the expression of PEDF protein was significantly decreased compared with the NDM group (p < 0.05). In vitro, the p-S6 protein, as well as cell proliferation and migration, in HG induced HRCECs were increased (p < 0.05) compared with the control (normal glucose) group (p < 0.05). After transfection with siTSC1 to activate mTORC1, the expression of p-S6, as well as cell proliferation and migration, were increased. In contrast, rapamycin decreased p-S6 expression, as well as proliferation and migration, in HG induced HRCECs compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: mTORC1 plays an important role in DR. After activation, mTORC1 induced expression of the p-S6 protein, regulated the expressions of VEGF and PEDF proteins, and changed the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. The mTORC1 can therefore be used as a new target,as well as in the treatment of DR.
Commercial 4-Dimensional Echocardiography for Murine Heart Volumetric Evaluation after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Rutledge Cody A , Cater George , McMahon Brenda , Guo Lanping , Nouraie Seyed Mehdi , Wu Yijen , Villanueva Flordeliza , Kaufman Brett A 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Traditional preclinical echocardiography (ECHO) modalities, including 1-dimensional motion-mode (M-Mode) and 2-dimensional long axis (2D-US), rely on geometric and temporal assumptions about the heart for volumetric measurements. Surgical animal models, such as the mouse coronary artery ligation (CAL) model of myocardial infarction, result in morphologic changes that do not fit these geometric assumptions. New ECHO technology, including 4-dimensional ultrasound (4D-US), improves on these traditional models. This paper aims to compare commercially available 4D-US to M-mode and 2D-US in a mouse model of CAL. Methods 37 mice underwent CAL surgery, of which 32 survived to a 4 week post-operative time point. ECHO was completed at baseline, 1 week, and 4 weeks after CAL. M-mode, 2D-US, and 4D-US were taken at each time point and evaluated by two separate echocardiographers. At 4 weeks, a subset (n=12) of mice underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to serve as a reference standard. End systolic volume (ESV), end diastolic volume (EDV), and ejection fraction (EF) were compared among imaging modalities. Hearts were also collected for histologic evaluation of scar size (n=16) and compared to ECHO-derived wall motion severity index (WMSI) and global longitudinal strain as well as gadolinium-enhanced CMR to compare scar assessment modalities. Results 4D-US provides close agreement of ESV (Bias: -2.55%, LOA: -61.55 to 66.66) and EF (US Bias: 11.23%, LOA -43.10 to 102.8) 4 weeks after CAL when compared to CMR, outperforming 2D-US and M-mode estimations. 4D-US has lower inter-user variability as measured by intraclass correlation (ICC) in the evaluation of EDV (0.91) and ESV (0.93) when compared to other modalities. 4D-US also allows for rapid assessment of WMSI, which correlates strongly with infarct size by histology (r=0.77). Conclusion 4D-US outperforms M-Mode and 2D-US for volumetric analysis 4 weeks after CAL and has higher inter-user reliability. 4D-US allows for rapid calculation of WMSI, which correlates well with histologic scar size.
The efficiency and safety of recombinant factor VIIa for bleeding in patients without haemophilia: a meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Yuting , Zhou Youfa , Li Jian , Zhou Haiyan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite widely use of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) for bleeding in patients without haemophilia, its efficiency and safety remain unclear. Therefore, we carried out a meta-analysis on this topic.
Methods: We searched Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed and Embase, from January 2008 to July 2019 for randomized controlled trials on the topic. The results of this work are synthesized and reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement.
Results: Twelve trials met our inclusion criteria. rFVIIa over 200ug/kg reduced red blood cell (RBC) transfusions within 24 h by 232.34ml (95% confidence interval [CI]; -410.31 to -54.37). rFVIIa did not significantly reduce 30-day mortality (relative risk [RR], 1.00; 95%CI, 0.82-1.21), total thromboembolic events (RR, 1.13; 95%CI, 0.94-1.36), myocardial infarction (RR, 1.37; 95%CI, 0.92-2.05), deep vein thrombosis (RR, 0.83; 95%CI, 0.52–1.33), ICU staying (RR, 0.40; 95%CI, -1.28 to 2.07) and number of patients transfused RBC (RR, 0.94; 95%CI, 0.83-1.08). However, rFVIIa may increase the incidence of arterial thrombotic events (RR, 1.38; 95%CI, 1.08–1.77).
Conclusion: rFVIIa over 200ug/kg reduced RBC transfusions for bleeding in patients without haemophilia. However, it may increase the risk of arterial thrombotic events.
Antibacterial effect of silver nanorings
Authors: González-Fernández Sara , Lozano-Iturbe Víctor , García Beatriz , Andrés Luis J. , Menéndez Mª Fe , Rodríguez David , Vazquez Fernando , Martín Carla , Quiros Luis M 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The emergence and expansion of antibiotic resistance makes it necessary to have alternative anti-infective agents, among which silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) display especially interesting properties. AgNPs carry out their antibacterial action through various molecular mechanisms, and the magnitude of the observed effect is dependent on multiple, not fully understood, aspects, particle shape being one of the most important. In this article, we conduct a study of the antibacterial effect of a recently described type of AgNP: silver nanorings (AgNRs), making comparisons with other alternative types of AgNP synthesized in parallel using the same methodology.
Results: When they act on planktonic forms, AgNRs produce a smaller effect on the viability of different bacteria than nanoparticles with other structures although their effect on growth is more intense over a longer period. When their action on biofilms is analyzed, AgNRs show a greater concentration-dependent effect. In both cases it was observed that the effect on inhibition depends on the microbial species, but not its Gram positive or negative nature. Growth patterns in silver-resistant Salmonella strains suggest that AgNRs work through different mechanisms to other AgNPs. The antibacterial effect is also produced to some extent by the conditioning of culture media or water by contact with AgNPs but, at least over short periods of time, this is not due to the release of Ag ions.
Conclusions: AgNRs constitute a new type of AgNP, whose antibacterial properties depend on their shape, and is capable of acting efficiently on both planktonic bacteria and biofilms.
Cross-Sectional Study Of The Association Between Skin Tags And Vascular Risk Factors In A Bariatric Clinic-Based Cohort Of Irish Adults With Morbid Obesity
Authors: Fang Clarissa Ern Hui , Crowe Catherine , Murphy Annette , O’Donnell Martin , Finucane Francis Martin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective: Skin tags are associated with an insulin resistant phenotype but studies in White Europeans with morbid obesity are lacking. We sought to determine whether the presence of cervical or axillary skin tags was associated with increased cardiovascular risk in Irish adults with morbid obesity. We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients attending our Irish regional bariatric centre with a BMI ≥40 kgm-2(or ≥35 kgm-2 with co-morbidities). We compared anthropometric and metabolic characteristics in those with versus without skin tags.
Results: Of 164 patients, 100(31 male, 37 with type 2 diabetes, 36 on lipid lowering therapy, 41 on antihypertensive therapy) participated. Mean age was 53.7±11.3 (range 31.1-80)years. Cervical or axillary tags were present in 85 patients. Those with tags had higher systolic blood pressure 138.0±16.0 versus 125.1±8.3 mmHg, p=0.003) and HbA1c(46.5±13.2 versus 36.8±3.5 mmol/mol, p=0.017). Tags were present in 94.6% of patients with diabetes, compared to 79.4% of those without diabetes(p=0.039). Antihypertensive therapy was used by 45.8% of patients with skin tags compared to 13.3% without tags (p=0.018). In bariatric clinic attenders skin tags were associated with higher SBP and HbA1c and a higher prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, consistent with increased vascular risk, but lipid profiles were similar.
Differential expression of human papillomavirus 16-, 18-, 52-, and 58-derived transcripts in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Baba Satoshi , Taguchi Ayumi , Kawata Akira , Hara Konan , Eguchi Satoko , Mori Mayuyo , Adachi Katsuyuki , Mori Seiichiro , Iwata Takashi , Mitsuhashi Akira , Maeda Daichi , Komatsu Atsushi , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Oda Katsutoshi , Kukimoto Iwao , Osuga Yutaka , Fujii Tomoyuki , Kawana Kei 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a primary cause of cervical cancer. Although epidemiologic study revealed that carcinogenic risk differs according to HPV genotypes, the expression patterns of HPV-derived transcripts and their dependence on HPV genotypes have not yet been fully elucidated.

Methods

In this study, 382 patients with abnormal cervical cytology were enrolled to assess the associations between HPV-derived transcripts and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grades and/or HPV genotypes. Specifically, four HPV-derived transcripts, namely, oncogenes E6 and E6* , E1^E4 , and viral capsid protein L1 in four major HPV genotypes—HPV 16, 18, 52, and 58—were investigated.

Results

The detection rate of E6/E6* increased with CIN progression, whereas there was no significant change in the detection rate of E1^E4 or L1 among CIN grades. In addition, we found that L1 gene expression was HPV type-dependent. Almost all HPV 52-positive specimens, approximately 50% of HPV 58-positive specimens, around 33% of HPV 16-positive specimens, and only one HPV18-positive specimen expressed L1 .

Conclusions

We demonstrated that HPV-derived transcripts are HPV genotype-dependent. Especially, expression patterns of L1 gene expression might reflect HPV genotype-dependent patterns of carcinogenesis.
A selective p38α/β MAPKs inhibitor alleviates neuropathology and cognitive impairment by modulating microglia function in 5XFAD mouse
Authors: Gee Min Sung , Son Seung Hwan , Jeon Seung Ho , Do Jimin , Kim Namkwon , Ju Yeon-Joo , Lee Soo Jin , Chung Eun Kyoung , Inn Kyung-Soo , Kim Nam-Jung , Lee Jong Kil 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Chronic neuroinflammation, aggressive amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, neuronal cell loss and cognitive impairment are pathological symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Regarding these symptoms, resolution of neuroinflammation and inhibition of Aβ-driven pathology might be one of the important strategies for AD therapy. Previous efforts to prevent AD progression have identified that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a promising target for AD therapy. Especially, recent studies showed that pharmacological p38α MAPK inhibition improved memory impairment in AD mouse models. Methods: In this study, we explored the therapeutic potential of NJK14047, a selective p38α/β MAPKs inhibitor, using an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model, 5XFAD. The mice were injected 2.5 mg/kg NJK14047 or vehicle every other day for 3 months. Morris water maze task and histological imaging analysis were performed. Protein and mRNA expression levels were measured using immunoblotting and qRT-PCR respectively. In in vitro studies, the cytotoxicity of microglial conditioned medium and astrocyte conditioned medium on primary neurons were measured using MTT assay and TUNEL assay. Results: NJK14047 treatment downregulated phospho-p38 MAPK levels, decreased the amount of Aβ deposits, and prevented spatial learning memory loss in 9-month-old 5XFAD mice. Interestingly, we found the decreased pro-inflammatory conditions and increased expression of alternatively activated microglial markers and microglial phagocytic receptors. Furthermore, NJK14047 treatment reduced the number of Fluoro-jade B positive cells, a class of degenerating neurons, in the brains of 5XFAD mice. The neuroprotective effect of NJK14047 was further confirmed by in vitro studies. Conclusion: Taken together, a selective p38α/β MAPKs inhibitor NJK14047 successfully showed therapeutic effects in 5XFAD mice. Our data support that p38 MAPKs inhibition is a potential strategy for AD therapy and NJK14047 might be one of the promising candidates for AD therapeutics targeting p38 MAPKs.
The need for retroductive thinking in implementation sciences
Authors: Mukumbang Ferdinand C. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Evidence informing the practice of healthcare and health-related policymaking is predominantly obtained via deduction and induction. While the evidence obtained through these forms of reasoning, mostly from methodologically sound and controlled research environments, are in most part considered robust, they are usually decontextualized, making their adoption and implementation in open systems challenging. We illustrate how the use of retroduction in theoretically-informative empirical research provides evidence linked to the contextual features of its discovery, thus, enhancing learning and implementation. Methods Using a critical realist-informed evaluation study, we illustrate the application of retroductive thinking as a theoretically informative inferencing approach to develop mechanism-based causality context-linked explanatory theories. We expatiate on the application of counterfactual thinking, abductive reasoning and extreme case selection as valuable tools to enhance retroductive thinking. Results The application of counterfactual thinking, abductive reasoning and extreme case selection as tools of retroductive thinking are conceptualized to demonstrate how studies using retroduction can obtain context-linked evidence that can facilitate learning and implementation. Conclusion Obtaining evidence with discovery context provides practical knowledge for implementers to make contextual judgments about what is likely to work in under what likely contextual conditions, for what section of the population. The transcendental philosophical foundation of critical realism makes it favorable for obtaining context-linked explanatory theories through retroduction.
Right sleeve pneumonectomy for local recurrent lung cancer following right sleeve upper lobectomy with bronchoplasty: A case report
Authors: Hanaoka Jun , Kawaguchi Yo , Okamoto Keigo , Kaku Ryosuke , Ohshio Yasuhiko 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Salvage surgery has been frequently performed, increasing the opportunity to actively perform surgery for recurrence after a function-preserving operation. However, re-operation after airway reconstruction surgery on the proximal side and the effect of prior treatment, such as radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, make the operation more difficult. In addition, cases of sleeve pneumonectomy after sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty are uncommon. Case presentation A 71-year-old lung cancer patient underwent right upper sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty combined with perioperative chemotherapy about 11 years ago. A new undiagnosed right hilar mass that appeared 9 years post-operation showed a temporary response to radiotherapy but progressed thereafter. Sleeve pneumonectomy was completed 14 months after radiotherapy by the following procedures: dividing the right pulmonary artery at the proximal site under median sternotomy and then reconstructing the bronchus by telescoping the left main bronchus into the distal trachea after pneumonectomy under posterolateral thoracotomy. Conclusions Sleeve pneumonectomy could be safely performed under good vision using a two-stage approach as salvage surgery, even in high-risk patients who received various treatments and proximal airway reconstruction.