bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Osteopontin promoter polymorphisms and risk of urolithiasis: a candidate gene association and meta-analysis study
Authors: Amar Ali , Afzal Ayesha , Hameed Athar , Ahmad Mumtaz , Khan Abdul Rafay , Najma Humaira , Abid Aiysha , Khaliq Shagufta 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Urolithiasis is a worldwide urological problem with significant contribution of genetic factors. Pakistan, which resides within the Afro-Asian stone belt, has a high reported prevalence (12%) of urolithiasis. Osteopontin (SPP1) is a urinary macromolecule with a suggested critical role in modulating renal stone formation, genetic polymorphisms of which may determine individual risk of developing urolithiasis. However, results of previous studies regarding SPP1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to urolithiasis have apparent inconsistencies with no data available for local population. Methods 483 Pakistani subjects, including 235 urolithiasis patients and 248 healthy controls, were genotyped for 6 SPP1 genetic polymorphisms to investigate association with urolithiasis in an indigenous candidate gene association study. Further, a comprehensive meta-analysis following a systematic literature search was also performed to provide evidence based account of any existent association between SPP1 promoter polymorphisms and urolithiasis risk. Results Three SPP1 promoter polymorphisms, rs2853744:G>T, rs11730582:T>C and rs11439060:delG>G, were found to be significantly associated with risk of urolithiasis in indigenous genetic association study (OR = 3.14; p = 0.006, OR = 1.78; p = 0.006 and OR = 1.60; p = 0.012, respectively). We also observed a 1.68-fold positive association of a tri-allelic haplotype of these SPP1 promoter polymorphisms (G-C-dG) with risk of urolithiasis (OR = 1.68; p = 0.0079). However, no association was evident when data were stratified according to gender, age at first presentation, stone recurrence, family history of urolithiasis, parental consanguinity and stone multiplicity. The overall results from meta-analysis, which included 4 studies, suggested a significant association of SPP1 rs2853744:G>T polymorphism with susceptibility of urolithiasis (OR = 1.37; p = 0.004), but not for other SPP1 polymorphic variants analyzed. Conclusions In conclusion, we report significant association of 3 SPP1 polymorphisms with urolithiasis for the first time from South Asia, however, this association persisted only for SPP1 rs2853744:G>T polymorphism after meta-analysis of pooled studies. Further studies with a larger sample size will be required to validate this association and assess any potential usefulness in diagnosis and prognosis of renal stone disease.
Association of MUC1 5640G&gt;A and PSCA 5057C&gt;T polymorphisms with the Risk of Gastric Cancer in Northern Iran
Authors: Alikhani Reza , Taravati Ali , Hashemi-Soteh Mohammad Bagher 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have shown that genetic diversities MUC1 (Mucin 1) and PSCA (prostate cell surface antigen) genes are involved in gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the association between rs4072037G>A polymorphism in MUC1 and rs2294008 C>T in PSCA gene with gastric cancer in northern Iran. Methods: DNA was extracted from 99 formalin fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples of gastric cancer and 96 blood samples from healthy individuals (sex matched) as controls. DNA was extracted followed by PCR using specific primers. Two desired polymorphisms, 5640G>A and 5057C>T for MUC1 and PSCA genes were genotyped using PCR-RFLP method. Results: The G allele at rs4072037 of MUC1 gene was associated with a significant decreased gastric cancer risk (OR= 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32 –0.79, p=0.003). A significant decreased risk of gastric cancer was observed in people with either AG vs AA and AG+AA vs GG genotype of MUC1 polymorphism (OR= 4.29, 95% CI: 1.19–15.51, p=0.01) and (OR= 3.54, 95% CI: 0.99–12.61, p=0.04) respectively. People with CT or TT genotype in PSCA polymorphism did not show any increased risk (OR = 1.139, 95% CI = 0.634-2.047, P = 0.662). Conclusion: Results indicated that the MUC1 polymorphism could be a risk factor in gastric cancer and could be considered a potential molecular marker in gastric cancer.
Plant and mouse EB1 proteins have opposite intrinsic properties on the dynamic instability of microtubules.
Authors: Molines Arthur T , Stoppin-Mellet Virginie , Arnal Isabelle , Coquelle Frédéric M 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective Most eukaryotic cells contain microtubule filaments, which play central roles in intra-cellular organization. However, microtubule networks have a wide variety of architectures from one cell type and organism to another. Nonetheless, the sequences of tubulins, of Microtubule Associated proteins (MAPs) and the structure of microtubules are usually well conserved throughout the evolution. MAPs being known to be responsible for regulating microtubule organization and dynamics, this raises the question of the conservation of their intrinsic properties. Indeed, knowing how the intrinsic properties of individual MAPs differ between organisms might enlighten our understanding of how distinct microtubule networks are built. End-Binding protein 1 (EB1), first described as a MAP in yeast, is conserved in plants and mammals. The intrinsic properties of the mammalian and the yeast EB1 proteins have been well described in the literature but, to our knowledge, the intrinsic properties of EB1 from plant and mammals have not been compared thus far.Results Here, using an in vitro assay, we discovered that plant and mammalian EB1 purified proteins have different intrinsic properties on microtubule dynamics. Indeed, the mammalian EB1 protein increases microtubules dynamic while the plant EB1 protein stabilizes them.
New-onset diabetes mellitus after liver transplantation in the patients with acute liver failure: is there any effect of pretransplant hypoglycemia?
Authors: Topaloğlu Ömercan , Cengiz Muhammet , Cengiz Ayşe , Evren Bahri , Yoloğlu Saim , Yılmaz Sezai , Şahin İbrahim 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background:The frequency of new-onset diabetes after transplant(NODAT) is 5-30% in liver transplant recipients. Aims: We aimed to analyze the frequency and predictors of NODAT in the patients undergoing liver transplantation(LTx) due to acute liver failure(ALF), and to investigate whether pretransplant hypoglycemia had any effect on NODAT. Methods:Adult patients undergoing LTx due to ALF were analyzed retrospectively. The patients with chronic liver failure or diabetes were excluded. We measured pretransplant random blood glucose(RBG) and posttransplant fasting blood glucose(FBG). NODAT was diagnosed according to principally 1 st month FBG (group 1:<100, group 2:100-125, group 3:>125 mg/dL). The participants were subgrouped according to age, gender, BM, etiology, antiviral medication, thyroid function, pretransplant RBG, donor type, immunosuppressive drug, common infection, and surgical complication. Results:A total of 91 patients were analyzed; mean age was 33.48(±13.35), and 52.7%(n=48) of them was female. The etiology was Budd-Chiari syndrome in 3(3.29%), acute viral hepatitis in 38(41.75%), drug or toxin-related in 21(23.07%), and other/unknown causes in 29(31.86%) patients. The ratio of NODAT was 26.98% on the 1 st month. NODAT group had a higher pretransplant RBG than the others. Pretransplant hypoglycemia did not have any effect on NODAT; however, pretransplant hyperglycemia increased the risk of NODAT by 4.065 times(p=0.018). Conclusions:We showed that pretransplant hyperglycemia increased the risk of NODAT by 4 times, but hypoglycemia did not affect. The frequency of NODAT decreased progressively during follow-up. We recommend perioperative glycemic control should be maintained as early as possible to manage NODAT; however, it might be complicated in such a clinical condition.
Comparing the efficacy and safety of long and short acting drugs targeting Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor in cancer patients after chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Xinwei , Wang Yong , Liu Fen , Chen Lin , Peng Lihong , Qiu Xiaotong , Fang Chen , Qian Xiaoyin , Li Yong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) is widely targeted for the treatment of cancer patients after chemotherapy. However, the safety and efficacy comparisons of long (L-G-CSF) and short-acting (S-G-CSF) drugs targeting G-CSF are still lacking. Thus, herein, we attempted to address this issue by undertaking meta-analyses of existing studies using different drugs targeting G-CSF. Methods: The relevant studies were identified by searching Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Febrile neutropenia (FN) was considered as the direct primary efficacy endpoint, while severe neutropenia (SN) and the duration of severe neutropenia (DSN) served as secondary efficacy endpoints. Bone pain (BP) was used as an indicator for safety analysis. All identified trials were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool and meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 and STATA 15.0 software. Results: Our meta-analyses based on 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) revealed that L-G-CSF drugs including empegfilgrastim, L-G-CSF biosimilars, and pegfilgrastim were overall better in reducing FN incidence compared to S-G-CSF drugs like filgrastim and lenograstim (odds ratio [OR]=0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.54~0.92, p=0.01). Specifically, filgrastim resulted in higher FN risk than pegfilgrastim (OR=0.66, 95% CI=0.50~0.87, p=0.004). However, L-G-CSF and S-G-CSF drugs revealed no differences in terms of SN, DSN, and BP endpoints (SN: OR=0.92, 95% CI=0.78~1.09, p=0.33; DSN: RR=-0.04, 95% CI=0.17~0.09, p=0.53; BP: OR=0.87, 95% CI=0.67~1.14, p=0.31). Conclusion: Based on our analyses, L-G-CSF drugs in comparison to S-G-CSF drugs resulted in significantly lower FN incidence, but no difference in terms of the SN, DSN, and BP endpoints.
Role of Tryptophan-Metabolizing Microbiota On Diarrhea Mice Caused by Folium sennae Extracts
Authors: Zhang Chenyang , Shao Haoqing , Li Dandan , Xiao Nenqun , Tan Zhoujin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
(1) Background: Although reports have provided evidence that diarrhea caused by Folium sennae can result in intestinal flora diversity disorder, the intestinal bacterial characteristic and specific mechanism are still unknown. The objective of our study was to investigate the mechanism of diarrhea caused by Folium sennae, which was associated with intestinal bacterial characteristic reshaping and metabolic abnormality. (2) Methods: The intestinal contents of 2 groups of mice, intervened with Folium sennae extracts and distilled water respectively, were collected and its DNA was extracted for high-throughput sequencing analysis. The active compounds of Folium sennae were filtrated, and their diarrhea-related targets and metabolic pathways were predicted. Virtual Metabolic Human (VMH) was utilized to simulated metabolic function of bacteria associated with Folium sennae -induced diarrhea to verified the metabolic pathways of the drug. (3) Results: For the intervention of Folium sennae extracts, Chao1 index and Shannon index were statistical decreased. The Beta diversity clusters of mice interfered by Folium sennae extracts were distinctly separate from control group. Combining PPI network analysis, cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes metabolism was the main signaling pathway of diarrhea caused by Folium sennae. Moreover, the abundance of 10 bacterial flora communities had statistical significance with Folium sennae intervention: the abundance of Paraprevotella, streptococcus, Epulopiscium, Sutterella and Mycoplasma were increased significantly; and the abundance of Adlercreutzia, Lactobacillus, Dehalobacterium, Dorea and Oscillospira were reduced significantly. 7 of the 10 intestinal flora communities were related to the synthesis of tryptophan derivatives, which affected the transformation of aminotryptophan into L-tryptophan, leading to abnormal tryptophan metabolism in the host. (4) Conclusions: Folium sennae targeted cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 to alterd intestinal bacterial characteristic and interven the tryptophan metabolism of intestinal microflora, such as Streptococcus, Sutterella and Dorea, which could be the intestinal microecological mechanism of diarrhea caused by Folium sennae extracts.
Development of a DNA microarray assay for rapid detection of fifteen bacterial pathogens in pneumonia
Authors: Ma Xiuqing , Li Yanqin , Liang Yuan , Liu Yang , Yu Ling , Li Chunsun , Liu Qiqi , Chen Liangan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Rapid identification of pathogenic bacteria is important for appropriate antimicrobial therapy of pneumonia, but traditional bacteria culture is time-consuming and laborious. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a DNA microarray assay for the simultaneously detection of fifteen bacteria species directly from respiratory tract specimens in patients with pneumonia. These species included Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Enterobacter cloacae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Burkholderia cepacia, Legionella pneumophila and Chlamydia pneumoniae. The 16S rDNA and specific genes of each pathogen were chosen as the amplification target, amplified with multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and hybridized to the oligonucleotide probes on the microarray. Results: The DNA microarray can reach a detection limit of 10 3 copies/μL. Nineteen standard strains, 119 positive control clinical isolates and 4 negative control clinical isolates were correctly detected with our microarray. Meanwhile, bacterial pathogens were accurately identified when two or three bacterial targets were mixed together. Furthermore, the results of 99.4% (156/157) clinical specimens were the same to that from the conventional assay. Conclusions: we developed a DNA microarray that could simultaneously detect various bacterial pathogens in pneumonia. The method described here has the potential to provide considerable labor and time savings due to its ability to screen for 15 bacterial pathogens simultaneously.
Neuropathy, Claw Toes, Intrinsic Muscle Volume, and Plantar Aponeurosis Thickness in Diabetic Feet
Authors: Kimura Tadashi , Thorhauer Eric D , Kindig Matthew W , Sangeorzan Bruce J , Ledoux William R 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between claw toe deformity, peripheral neuropathy, intrinsic muscle volume, and plantar aponeurosis thickness using computed tomography (CT) images of diabetic feet. Methods: Forty randomly-selected subjects with type 2 diabetes were selected for each of the following four groups (n = 10 per group): 1) peripheral neuropathy with claw toes, 2) peripheral neuropathy without claw toes, 3) non-neuropathic with claw toes, and 4) non-neuropathic without claw toes. The intrinsic muscles of the foot were segmented from processed CT images. Plantar aponeurosis thickness was measured in the reformatted sagittal plane at 20% of the distance from the most inferior point of calcaneus to the most inferior point of the second metatarsal. Five measurement sites in the medial-lateral direction were utilized to fully characterize the plantar aponeurosis thickness. A linear mixed effects analysis on the effect of peripheral neuropathy and claw toe deformity on plantar aponeurosis thickness and intrinsic muscle volume was performed. Results: Presence of claw toe deformity ( p = 0.008) and presence of neuropathy ( p = 0.039) were both associated with decreased intrinsic muscle volume. Subjects with both neuropathy and claw toe deformity had significantly thicker plantar aponeurosis tissue compared with the other three permutation subgroups ( p < 0.001). A negative correlation was observed between plantar aponeurosis thickness and intrinsic muscle volume ( R 2 = -0.3233, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In subjects with claw toe deformity, there were strong relationships between smaller intrinsic foot muscle volumes and thicker plantar aponeurosis tissue. Intrinsic muscle atrophy and plantar aponeurosis thickening may be related to the development of claw toes.
The test to retest reproducibility of walking test for intermittent claudication associated with lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Tanishima Shinji , Jianzhong Hu , Jie Zhao , Huilin Yang , Nagashima Hideki , Weishi Li 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background The walking test is useful to evaluate leg numbness and pain caused by cauda equina symptoms in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis but there are few reports described about reproducibility. The study aim was to evaluate the reproducibility of the walking test for lumbar spinal stenosis Methods Seventy patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who had intermittent claudication symptoms at a multicenter outpatient clinic were examined prospectively. A walking test was performed at 0 and 4 weeks. We investigated walking distance and lower limb pain and numbness in this study. Pain and numbness were evaluated by using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) immediately after the walking test for the hip and outside, inside, front, and posterior sides of the lower legs. Cohen’s kappa analysis and interphase correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to evaluate reproducibility. The Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire (SSS) was used to evaluate stenosis severity. Results The mean SSS was 30.2 ± 5.5 initially and 29.2 ± 5.2 at week 4, with no significant difference in severity ( P = 0.10). The walking distance ICC between baseline and 4 weeks was 0.670. The interobserver reliabilities for lower limb ache and numbness in both legs were acceptable. The average VAS for lower leg pain was 23.2 ± 25.2 mm at baseline and 27.4 ± 28.8 mm at week 4. The ICC was 0.668. The average VAS for leg numbness was 23.4 ± 26.7 mm at baseline and 24.8 ± 25.2 mm at week 4. The ICC was 0.683. Conclusions The walking test walking distance and symptomatic site results were reproducible.
Celecoxib alleviates traumatic myositis ossificans by inhibiting bone morphogenetic protein-4 in rats
Authors: Liu Mingzhong , Zeng Rongdong , Shi Jianhui , Xie Junjie 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) is one of the important molecules regulating the formation and differentiation of bone tissue. It is the main active medium to induce ectopic ossification, and is mainly involved in bone growth, development and repair of wounds.

Methods

To investigate the expression and significance of BMP-4 in rat model of traumatic myositis ossificans (TMO), 60 SD rats aged 4-6 weeks were randomly divided into control group, model group and celecoxib group, and TMO model was established at the right Achilles tendon. Each rat in the celecoxib group was intragastrically administered with 10 mg of celecoxib per kilogram per day. Each rat in the other group was intragastrically administered with 2 mL of physiological saline per day. At the 5th week and the 10th week after operation, 30 rats were killed. X-ray film was used to examine the formation of new bone, and skin temperature of the affected side was measured before execution. BMP-4 protein and mRNA level, and IL-2 mRNA level in the Achilles tendon tissues were detected by western blotting and RT-qPCR. Before execution, 2 mL of venous blood was taken from rats, and the level of IL-2 in serum was detected by ELISA.

Results

The results showed that compared with the model group, in the celecoxib group, the swelling of the affected side was significantly alleviated, the overall formation rate was slower, the osteogenesis time was later, the ossification degree was lighter, the BMP-4 mRNA and protein levels in the Achilles tendon tissues of the affected side were significantly lower, and the IL-2 content in the blood and the mRNA of IL-2 in the tissues were significantly lower.

Conclusions

In conclusion, celecoxib can effectively alleviate the occurrence of TMO after Achilles tendon surgery in rats by inhibiting BMP-4 and IL-2 expression.
Potential of the incorporated collagen microspheres in alginate hydrogel as an engineered three-dimensional microenvironment to attenuate apoptosis in human pancreatic islets
Authors: Kaviani Maryam , Keshtkar Somayeh , Sarvestani Fatemeh Sabet , Azarpira Negar , Yaghobi Ramin , Aghdaei Mahdokht Hossein , Geramizadeh Bita , Esfandiari Elaheh , Shamsaeefar Alireza , Nikeghbalian Saman , Al-Abdullah Ismail H. , Karimi Mohammad Hossein , Motazedian Nasrin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background

Tissue engineering is considered as a promising tool for remodeling the native cells microenvironment. In the present study, the effect of alginate hydrogel and collagen microspheres integrated with extracellular matrix components were evaluated in the decrement of apoptosis in human pancreatic islets.

Methods

For three dimensional culture, the islets were encapsulated in collagen microspheres, containing laminin and collagen IV and embedded in alginate scaffold for one week. After that the islets were examined in terms of viability, apoptosis, genes and proteins expression including BAX; BCL2; active caspase-3; and insulin. Moreover, the islets function was evaluated through the glucose-induced insulin and C-peptide secretion assay. In order to evaluate the scaffolds structure and the pancreatic islets morphology in three-dimensional microenvironments, scanning electron microscopy was done.

Results

Our findings showed that the designed hydrogel scaffolds significantly improved the islets viability the activated caspase-3 and TUNEL positive cells were clearly reduced.

Conclusion

The reduced pancreatic islet survival and function occurs, following the degradation of extracellular matrix and the stresses introduced into the cells during isolation and culture. The reconstruction of the destructed matrix with alginate hydrogels and collagen microspheres might be an effective step to promote the culture and transplantation of the islets.