bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exosomal lncRNA ZFAS1 regulates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis via microRNA-124/STAT3 axis
Authors: Li Zhirong , Qin Xuebo , Bian Wei , Li Yishuai , Shan Baoen , Yao Zhimeng , Li Shujun 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are of great importance in development of different types of tumors, while the function of lncRNA ZFAS1 is rarely discussed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Therefore, we performed this study to explore the expression of exosomal lncRNA ZFAS1 and its molecular mechanism on ESCC progression.

Methods
Expression of ZFAS1 and miR-124 in ESCC tissues was detected. LncRNA ZFAS1 was silenced to detect its function in the biological functions of ESCC cells. A stable donor and recipient culture model was established. Eca109 cells transfected with overexpressed and low expressed ZFAS1 plasmid and miR-124 inhibitor labeled by Cy3 were the donor cells, and then co-cultured with recipient cells to observe the transmission of Cy3-ZFAS1 between donor cells and recipient cells. The changes of cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration in recipient cells were detected. The in vivo experiment was conducted for verifying the in vitro results.

Results
LncRNA ZFAS1 was upregulated and miR-124 was down-regulated in ESCC tissues. Silencing of ZFAS1 contributed to suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion and tumor growth in vitro and induced apoptosis of ESCC cells. LncRNA ZFAS1 was considered to be a competing endogenous RNA to regulate miR-124, thereby elevating STAT3 expression. Exosomes shuttled ZFAS1 stimulated proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells and restricted their apoptosis with increased STAT3 and declined miR-124. Furthermore, in vivo experiment suggested that elevated ZFAS1-exo promoted tumor growth in nude mice.

Conclusion
This study highlights that exosomal ZFAS1 promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells and inhibits their apoptosis by upregulating STAT3 and downregulating miR-124, thereby resulting in the development of tumorigenesis of ESCC.
MFAP5 facilitates the aggressiveness of intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma by activating the Notch1 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Jian-Hui , Zhu Xiao-Xu , Li Fu-Xi , Huang Chen-Song , Huang Xi-Tai , Wang Jie-Qin , Gao Zhuo-Xing , Li Shi-Jin , Xu Qiong-Cong , Zhao Wei , Yin Xiao-Yu 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary liver cancer. The dismal outcome of ICC patients is due to lack of early diagnosis, the aggressive biological behavior of ICC and the lack of effective therapeutic options. Early diagnosis and prognosis of ICC by non-invasive methods would be helpful in providing valuable information and developing effective treatment strategies.

Methods
Expression of microfibrillar-associated protein 5 (MFAP5) in the serum of ICC patients was detected by ELISA. Human ICC specimens were immunostained by MFAP5 antibodies. The growth rate of human ICC cell lines treated with MFAP5 or MFAP5 shRNAs was examined by CCK8 and colony formation assays. Cell cycle analysis was performed with PI staining. The effect of MFAP5 inhibition was assessed by xenograft models in nude mice. RNA-seq and ATAC-seq analyses were used to dissect the molecular mechanism by which MFAP5 promoted ICC aggressiveness.

Results
We identified MFAP5 as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of ICC. Upregulated MFAP5 is a common feature in aggressive ICC patients’ tissues. Importantly, MFAP5 level in the serum of ICC patients and healthy individuals showed significant differential expression profiles. Furthermore, we showed that MFAP5 promoted ICC cell growth and G1 to S-phase transition. Using RNA-seq expression and ATAC-seq chromatin accessibility profiling of ICC cells with suppressed MFAP5 secretion, we showed that MFAP5 regulated the expression of genes involved in the Notch1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, FLI-06, a Notch signaling inhibitor, completely abolished the MFAP5-dependent transcriptional programs.

Conclusions
Raised MFAP5 serum level is useful for differentiating ICC patients from healthy individuals, and could be helpful in ICC diagnosis, prognosis and therapies.
Molecular identification of Bulinus spp. intermediate host snails of Schistosoma spp. in crater lakes of western Uganda with implications for the transmission of the Schistosoma haematobium group parasites
Authors: Tumwebaze Immaculate , Clewing Catharina , Dusabe Marie Claire , Tumusiime Julius , Kagoro-Rugunda Grace , Hammoud Cyril , Albrecht Christian 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Human schistosomiasis is the second most important tropical disease and occurs in two forms in Africa (intestinal and urogenital) caused by the digenetic trematodes Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium, respectively. A proposed recent shift of schistosomiasis above a previously established altitudinal threshold of 1400 m above sea level in western Ugandan crater lakes has triggered more research interest there.

Methods
Based on extensive field sampling in western Uganda and beyond and employing an approach using sequences of the mitochondrial barcoding gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) this study aims were: (i) identification and establishment of the phylogenetic affinities of Bulinus species as potential hosts for Schistosoma spp.; (ii) determining diversity, frequency and distribution patterns of Bulinus spp.; and (iii) establishing genetic variability and phylogeographical patterns using Bayesian inference and parsimony network analyses.

Results
Out of the 58 crater lakes surveyed, three species of Bulinus snails were found in 34 crater lakes. Bulinus tropicus was dominating, Bulinus forskalii was found in two lakes and Bulinus truncatus in one. The latter two species are unconfirmed potential hosts for S. haematobium in this region. However, Bulinus tropicus is an important species for schistosomiasis transmission in ruminants. Bulinus tropicus comprised 31 haplotypes while both B. forskalii and B. truncatus exhibited only a single haplotype in the crater lakes. All species clustered with most of the haplotypes from surrounding lake systems forming source regions for the colonization of the crater lakes.

Conclusions
This first detailed malacological study of the crater lakes systems in western Uganda revealed presence of Bulinus species that are either not known or not regionally known to be hosts for S. haematobium, the causing agent of human urogenital schistosomiasis. Though this disease risk is almost negligible, the observed dominance of B. tropicus in the crater lakes shows that there is a likelihood of a high risk of infections with Schistosoma bovis. Thus, extra attention should be accorded to safeguard wild and domestic ruminants in this region as the population benefits from these animals.
Comparison of visceral adipose tissue DNA methylation and gene expression profiles in female adolescents with obesity
Authors: Barberio Matthew D. , Nadler Evan P. , Sevilla Samantha , Lu Rosemary , Harmon Brennan , Hubal Monica J. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Epigenetic changes in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) with obesity and their effects on gene expression are poorly understood, especially during emergent obesity in youth. The current study tested the hypothesis that methylation and gene expression profiles of key growth factor and inflammatory pathways are altered in VAT from obese compared to non-obese youth.

Methods
VAT samples from adolescent females grouped as Lean (L; n = 15; age = 15 ± 3 years, BMI = 21.9 ± 3.0 kg/m2) or Obese (Ob; n = 15, age = 16 ± 2 years, BMI = 45.8 ± 9.8 kg/m2) were collected. Global methylation (n = 20) and gene expression (N = 30) patterns were profiled via microarray and interrogated for differences between groups by ANCOVA (p < 0.05), followed by biological pathway analyses.

Results
Overlapping differences in methylation and gene expression in 317 genes were found in VAT from obese compared to lean groups. PI3K/AKT Signaling (p = 1.83 × 10−6; 11/121 molecules in dataset/pathway) was significantly overrepresented in Ob VAT according to pathway analysis. Upregulations in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway mRNAs TFAM (p = 0.03; fold change = 1.8) and PPP2R5C (p = 0.03, FC = 2.6) were confirmed via qRT-PCR.

Conclusion
Our analyses show obesity-related differences in DNA methylation and gene expression in visceral adipose tissue of adolescent females. Specifically, we identified methylation site/gene expression pairs differentially regulated and mapped these differences to pathways including PI3K/AKT signaling, suggesting that PI3K/AKT signaling pathway dysfunction in obesity may be driven in part by changes in DNA methylation.
Candida vaginitis among symptomatic pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Mushi Martha F. , Mmole Amani , Mshana Stephen E. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Objective
This study was done to determine the patterns of Candida spp. causing vaginitis and associated factors among pregnant women attending antennal clinic in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Results
A total of 197 (65.6%) out of 300 non-repetitive swabs had positive growth of Candida spp. Candida albicans 125 (63.4%) was the most predominant isolated specie followed by C. tropicalis 35 (17.8%) and C. glabrata 33 (16.8%). Laboratory confirmed candida vaginitis was independently predicted by douching practices (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3–7.5 P = 0.007), history of antibiotics use (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.02–3.0, P = 0.04) and low social economic status (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.1–3.7 P = 0.02). About two-third of pregnant women with clinical features of vaginitis attending antenatal clinic in Mwanza, Tanzania were confirmed to have Candida vaginitis mainly caused by Candida albicans.
Intra-aortic balloon pump does not influence cerebral hemodynamics and neurological outcomes in high-risk cardiac patients undergoing cardiac surgery: an analysis of the IABCS trial
Authors: Caldas Juliana R. , Panerai Ronney B. , Bor-Seng-Shu Edson , Ferreira Graziela S. R. , Camara Ligia , Passos Rogério H. , Salinet Angela M. , Azevedo Daniel S. , de-Lima-Oliveira Marcelo , Galas Filomena R. B. G. , Fukushima Julia T. , Nogueira Ricardo , Taccone Fabio S. , Landoni Giovanni , Almeida Juliano P. , Robinson Thompson G. , Hajjar Ludhmila A. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is often used in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery to improve coronary perfusion and decrease afterload. The effects of the IABP on cerebral hemodynamics are unknown. We therefore assessed the effect of the IABP on cerebral hemodynamics and on neurological complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery who were randomized to receive or not receive preoperative IABP in the ‘Intra-aortic Balloon Counterpulsation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery’ (IABCS) trial.

Methods
This is a prospectively planned analysis of the previously published IABCS trial. Patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery with ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40% or EuroSCORE ≥ 6 received preoperative IABP (n = 90) or no IABP (n = 91). Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) of the middle cerebral artery through transcranial Doppler and blood pressure through Finometer or intra-arterial line were recorded preoperatively (T1) and 24 h (T2) and 7 days after surgery (T3) in patients with preoperative IABP (n = 34) and without IABP (n = 33). Cerebral autoregulation was assessed by the autoregulation index that was estimated from the CBFV response to a step change in blood pressure derived by transfer function analysis. Delirium, stroke and cognitive decline 6 months after surgery were recorded.

Results
There were no differences between the IABP and control patients in the autoregulation index (T1: 5.5 ± 1.9 vs. 5.7 ± 1.7; T2: 4.0 ± 1.9 vs. 4.1 ± 1.6; T3: 5.7 ± 2.0 vs. 5.7 ± 1.6, p = 0.97) or CBFV (T1: 57.3 ± 19.4 vs. 59.3 ± 11.8; T2: 74.0 ± 21.6 vs. 74.7 ± 17.5; T3: 71.1 ± 21.3 vs. 68.1 ± 15.1 cm/s; p = 0.952) at all time points. Groups were not different regarding postoperative rates of delirium (26.5% vs. 24.2%, p = 0.83), stroke (3.0% vs. 2.9%, p = 1.00) or cognitive decline through analysis of the Mini-Mental State Examination (16.7% vs. 40.7%; p = 0.07) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (79.16% vs. 81.5%; p = 1.00).

Conclusions
The preoperative use of the IABP in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery did not affect cerebral hemodynamics and was not associated with a higher incidence of neurological complications.
Trial registrationhttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02143544).
High-resolution image reconstruction for portable ultrasound imaging devices
Authors: Wang Ruoyao , Fang Zhenghan , Gu Jiaqi , Guo Yi , Zhou Shicong , Wang Yuanyuan , Chang Cai , Yu Jinhua 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPursuing better imaging quality and miniaturizing imaging devices are two trends in the current development of ultrasound imaging. While the first one leads to more complex and expensive imaging equipment, poor image quality is a common problem of portable ultrasound imaging systems. In this paper, an image reconstruction method was proposed to break through the imaging quality limitation of portable devices by introducing generative adversarial network (GAN) model into the field of ultrasound image reconstruction. We combined two GAN generator models, the encoder-decoder model and the U-Net model to build a sparse skip connection U-Net (SSC U-Net) to tackle this problem. To produce more realistic output, stabilize the training procedure, and improve spatial resolution in the reconstructed ultrasound images, a new loss function which combines adversarial loss, L1 loss, and differential loss was proposed. Three datasets including 50 pairs of simulation, 40 pairs of phantom, and 72 pairs of in vivo images were used to evaluate the reconstruction performance. Experimental results show that our SSC U-Net is able to reconstruct ultrasound images with improved quality. Compared with U-Net, our SSC U-Net is able to preserve more details in the reconstructed images and improve full width at half maximum (FWHM) of point targets by 3.23%.
Mechanical power at a glance: a simple surrogate for volume-controlled ventilation
Authors: Giosa Lorenzo , Busana Mattia , Pasticci Iacopo , Bonifazi Matteo , Macrì Matteo Maria , Romitti Federica , Vassalli Francesco , Chiumello Davide , Quintel Michael , Marini J. J. , Gattinoni Luciano 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundMechanical power is a summary variable including all the components which can possibly cause VILI (pressures, volume, flow, respiratory rate). Since the complexity of its mathematical computation is one of the major factors that delay its clinical use, we propose here a simple and easy to remember equation to estimate mechanical power under volume-controlled ventilation:$$ \mathrm{Mechanical}\ \mathrm{Power}=\frac{\mathrm{VE}\times \left(\mathrm{Peak}\ \mathrm{Pressure}+\mathrm{PEEP}+F/6\right)}{20} $$Mechanical Power=VE×Peak Pressure+PEEP+F/620where the mechanical power is expressed in Joules/minute, the minute ventilation (VE) in liters/minute, the inspiratory flow (F) in liters/minute, and peak pressure and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in centimeter of water. All the components of this equation are continuously displayed by any ventilator under volume-controlled ventilation without the need for clinician intervention.To test the accuracy of this new equation, we compared it with the reference formula of mechanical power that we proposed for volume-controlled ventilation in the past. The comparisons were made in a cohort of mechanically ventilated pigs (485 observations) and in a cohort of ICU patients (265 observations).ResultsBoth in pigs and in ICU patients, the correlation between our equation and the reference one was close to the identity. Indeed, theR2ranged from 0.97 to 0.99 and the Bland-Altman showed small biases (ranging from + 0.35 to − 0.53 J/min) and proportional errors (ranging from + 0.02 to − 0.05).ConclusionsOur new equation of mechanical power for volume-controlled ventilation represents a simple and accurate alternative to the more complex ones available to date. This equation does not need any clinical intervention on the ventilator (such as an inspiratory hold) and could be easily implemented in the software of any ventilator in volume-controlled mode. This would allow the clinician to have an estimation of mechanical power at a simple glance and thus increase the clinical consciousness of this variable which is still far from being used at the bedside. Our equation carries the same limitations of all other formulas of mechanical power, the most important of which, as far as it concerns VILI prevention, are the lack of normalization and its application to the whole respiratory system (including the chest wall) and not only to the lung parenchyma.
Improvement of biohistological response of facial implant materials by tantalum surface treatment
Authors: Bakri Mohammed Mousa , Lee Sung Ho , Lee Jong Ho 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundA compact passive oxide layer can grow on tantalum (Ta). It has been reported that this oxide layer can facilitate bone ingrowth in vivo though the development of bone-like apatite, which promotes hard and soft tissue adhesion. Thus, Ta surface treatment on facial implant materials may improve the tissue response, which could result in less fibrotic encapsulation and make the implant more stable on the bone surface. The purposes of this study were to verify whether surface treatment of facial implant materials using Ta can improve the biohistobiological response and to determine the possibility of potential clinical applications.MethodsTwo different and commonly used implant materials, silicone and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), were treated via Ta ion implantation using a Ta sputtering gun. Ta-treated samples were compared with untreated samples using in vitro and in vivo evaluations. Osteoblast (MG-63) and fibroblast (NIH3T3) cell viability with the Ta-treated implant material was assessed, and the tissue response was observed by placing the implants over the rat calvarium (n = 48) for two different lengths of time. Foreign body and inflammatory reactions were observed, and soft tissue thickness between the calvarium and the implant as well as the bone response was measured.ResultsThe treatment of facial implant materials using Ta showed a tendency toward increased fibroblast and osteoblast viability, although this result was not statistically significant. During the in vivo study, both Ta-treated and untreated implants showed similar foreign body reactions. However, the Ta-treated implant materials (silicone and ePTFE) showed a tendency toward better histological features: lower soft tissue thickness between the implant and the underlying calvarium as well as an increase in new bone activity.ConclusionTa surface treatment using ion implantation on silicone and ePTFE facial implant materials showed the possibility of reducing soft tissue intervention between the calvarium and the implant to make the implant more stable on the bone surface. Although no statistically significant improvement was observed, Ta treatment revealed a tendency toward an improved biohistological response of silicone and ePTFE facial implants. Conclusively, tantalum treatment is beneficial and has the potential for clinical applications.
Sex differences in uric acid levels in kidney transplant recipients and their donors: a preliminary retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Kitamura Mineaki , Mochizuki Yasushi , Matsuda Tsuyoshi , Mukae Yuta , Nakanishi Hiromi , Ota Yuki , Uramatsu Tadashi , Obata Yoko , Sakai Hideki , Mukae Hiroshi , Nishino Tomoya 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Higher serum uric acid (UA) levels are associated with poorer renal prognosis. In kidney transplantation, both donors and recipients are diagnosed as having chronic kidney diseases (CKD) based on renal function; however, their UA levels slightly vary. Elucidating the differences in UA would help improve kidney prognosis, especially for recipients. Therefore, we investigated UA levels in kidney transplant recipients by comparing them to those in their donors.

Methods
In this retrospective cross-sectional survey, background information and blood examination results were collected from the donors just before donation and after transplantation in the donors and recipients. Associations between UA and sex estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated. Data were assessed by the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables and the chi-squared test for categorical variables; multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine which factors were associated with renal function before and after transplantation.

Results
Participant characteristics were as follows. The mean donor age (n = 45, 16 men and 29 women) was 55 ± 11 years, and the mean recipient age (n = 45, 25 men and 20 women) was 46 ± 16 years. Sex-related differences (UA levels in men were predominant) existed in the UA of donors before (P < 0.001) and after donation (P < 0.001). Conversely, there were no significant sex-related differences in the UA of recipients (P = 0.51); the mean standardized eGFRs were similar in donors and recipients after transplantation. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed donor UA only correlated with donor sex before donation (P = 0.008). After donation, donor UA was associated with donor sex (P = 0.006), eGFR (P < 0.001), and BMI (P = 0.02). Notably, the UA of recipients after transplantation was only associated with eGFR (P = 0.003).

Conclusions
Sex has less impact on UA in recipients than in donors. UA has a greater impact on renal prognosis in women than men, even at the same UA level. Therefore, attention should be given to UA levels in female recipients. These findings can be useful for determining patient prognosis following kidney transplantation in both donors and recipients.