bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Analysis of Differentially Expressed circRNAs Under the Antiproliferative Effect From 5-Fluorouracil on Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Huang AiJun , Chen LiPing , Wang YiMing , Ma ShuQiang , Jin Song , Cai Hanzhou , Huang Xingzhong , Zhang Hongbo , Wang ZengRong , Lin Kun , Lin Fangsiyu 
Published: December 2020

Background: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used drug for cancer treatment, but its effect and underlying mechanisms on osteosarcoma (OS) cells remain unclear. Methods: U2OS and MG63 cells were treated with 0, 50, 100, and 500 μM 5-FU. MTS and flow cytometry were used to examine the effect of 5-FU on cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. Circular RNA (circRNA) expression was detected using RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Differentially expressed circRNAs were further subjected to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) analysis to predict their functions. A circRNA–miRNA–mRNA interaction network was generated to analyze the regulatory networks of 5-FU–induced differentially expressed circRNAs. Western blotting (WB) was used to verify the protein in the downstream of circRNAs. Results: 5-FU inhibited the cell viability of the MG63 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The most significant effect was observed in the cells treated with 500 μM 5-FU. Apoptosis was also increased in the MG63 cells after 500 μM 5-FU treatment for 3 days. RNA sequencing results showed that 183 differentially expressed circRNAs (172 upregulated and 11 downregulated) in 5-FU–treated cells. KEGG and GO analysis showed that the differentially expressed circRNAs were primarily enriched in proliferation-, apoptosis-, and metabolism-related functions. qPCR was used to verify the most upregulated and downregulated circRNAs. The circRNA–miRNA–mRNA interaction network showed that these 8 circRNAs had a sizable regulatory network that links a series of genes involved in tumor suppression. Conclusion: 5-FU treatment resulted in the differentially expressed circRNAs that were proliferation- and apoptosis-associated and were involved in the 5-FU–induced inhibition of tumor proliferation in OS cells.
Diagnostic Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography With SonoVue in the Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Jianghao , Zhou Peng , Jin Chunchun , Xu Lifeng , Zhu Xiaomin , Lian Qingshu , Gong Xuehao 
Published: December 2020

Purpose: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography using the contrast agent SonoVue to differentiate benign from malignant breast lesions. Method: A comprehensive search of the literature was performed using the Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases to retrieve studies published before February 2020. Data were extracted, and pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios were calculated with meta-analysis software. Heterogeneity was evaluated via the Q test and I2 statistic. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were applied to evaluate potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using the Deeks’ funnel plot asymmetry test. A summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) was constructed. Results: A total of 27 studies including 5378 breast lesions subjected to CEUS examination with SonoVue were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity values were 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–0.91; inconsistency index [ I2] = 75.7%) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.82–0.85; I2 = 91.0%), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 48.35% (95% CI, 31.22–74.89; I2 = 77.6%). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.9354. Meta-regression analysis revealed the region of patient residence and dose of contrast agent as potential sources of heterogeneity (P < .01). Subgroup analysis showed a higher area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve for European and higher contrast agent dose subgroups (P < .05). Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with SonoVue displays high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy when differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions. Despite its current limitations, this technique presents a promising tool for diagnosing breast lesions in clinical practice.
Use of the Surfacer® Inside-Out® Catheter Access System to Obtain Central Venous Access in Dialysis Patients With Thoracic Venous Obstructions: Single-Center Series
Authors: Galas Noemi , Shahverdyan Robert 
Published: December 2020

Background: Thoracic central venous obstruction (TCVO) is a common condition which can impact the ability to achieve central venous access (CVA) in patients on hemodialysis. The Surfacer® Inside-Out® Catheter Access System is designed to enable repeated right-side central venous access in patients with TCVO. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of 10 dialysis patients who presented with TCVO and underwent the Inside-Out procedure with the Surfacer System to obtain CVA between 2017 and 2020. Patient demographics, hemodialysis vascular access history, and procedural data were identified and analyzed. The mean patient age was 62.4 ± 19.6 years (25.9-89.1 years) with 7 of the 10 patients being male. Eight patients (80.0%) were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease with time on hemodialysis ranging from 3 to 13 years. The remaining 2 required CVA to treat acute-on-chronic kidney injury due to septic shock. Patients in our series had a mean of 2.8 ± 1.6 previous catheters placed prior to the Surfacer procedure. Results: CVA was achieved in all 10 patients with 1 patient requiring a second attempt to achieve access due to the inability to initially traverse the iliac vein with the device, possibly due to a history of kidney transplantation. One multimorbid patient died shortly after the successful procedure, possibly due to cardiac decompensation. Mean total procedure time for the 7 patients having only dialysis catheter placement using the Surfacer device was 67.2 ± 19.1 minutes (49-103 minutes). The remaining 3 patients received a Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) graft in conjunction with the Inside-Out procedure. All vascular accesses functioned properly during the immediate time period following placement. No adverse events associated with the use of Surfacer device were encountered. Conclusions: Data presented from our patient series confirms the effectiveness of the Surfacer System to safely achieve CVA in dialysis patients with TCVOs with a history of multiple catheter placements.
Characteristics and Attitudes of Men Using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS): A Survey of 2385 Men
Authors: Bonnecaze Alex K. , O’Connor Thomas , Aloi Joseph A. 
Published: December 2020

Additional characterization of patients using anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is needed to improve harm reduction and cessation resources for patients. Our group sought to expand upon the currently limited data regarding AAS use by performing a web-based survey assessing experiences of males using AAS. Participants included men over the age of 18 with history of AAS use within the past 5 years. Data were collected between August 2019 and April 2020. Primary outcome measures included age when starting AAS, dose of AAS, motivations for use, experiences with health-care professionals, and rate of successful cessation. The survey was accessed 3640 times, resulting in 2385 completed surveys meeting the inclusion criteria (68.93% participation rate). Average participant age was 31.69 ± 10.09 years. Over half of respondents were from the United States ( n = 1271, 53.3%). Motives to use AAS included improving appearance ( n = 1959, 82.2%), strength gain ( n = 1192, 50%), and self-esteem/body image issues ( n = 712, 29.87%). Participants rated physicians poorly, regarding knowledge of AAS (4.08 ± 2.23). Most participants did not reveal AAS use to their health-care providers ( n = 1338, 56.1%); of those that did, 55.30% ( n = 579) reported feeling discriminated against for their use. Of 46.16% ( n = 1101) attempting AAS cessation, 60.22% ( n = 663) were unsuccessful. Challenges in the management of AAS use include early onset of use, supraphysiologic doses used, and frequently present body image disorders stress. Distrust of health-care providers, poor cessation rates, and lack of physician training further exacerbate this. These findings should serve to reinforce previous calls to action for further research on the treatment of AAS use disorder.
Injection of contrast media using a large-bore angiography catheter with a guidewire in place: Physical factors influencing injection pressure in cerebral angiography
Authors: Kwon Boseong , Song Yunsun , Hwang Seon Moon , Choi Joon Ho , Maeng Junyoung , Lee Deok Hee 
Published: December 2020

Background We have used a contrast injection scheme termed as “guided catheterization method (guided method).” By using a large-bore 5-Fr catheter and 0.032-in guidewire, a contrast medium could be injected without removing the guidewire. Using a neurovascular phantom, we studied the influence of leaving the guidewire on the contrast injection pressure. Image quality was compared with that obtained using a 4-Fr regular angiography catheter (conventional method). Methods Actual contrast injection pressure, flow rate, flow volume, and several variables from the time-density curve (TDC) were obtained using the guided method and the conventional method. Catheterization parameters included flow rate, the viscosity of a contrast medium (CM), and catheter length. The pressure limit of a contrast injector was set as 1200 psi. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images on the neurovascular phantom were acquired. The DSA images were processed, and TDC on a specific region of interest was obtained. Variables from TDC were calculated and compared between the different catheters. Results The ranges of actual contrast injection pressure with the conventional and the guided method were 138–299 psi and 184–451 psi, respectively. A minimal reduction of the actual flow rate was found under some conditions with the guided method. Comparable opacifications in DSA images were achieved in all conditions. Although peak intensity was different by flow rate or CM, all TDC variables did not differ based on the catheter. There were no significant harmful events during the 90 experiments. Conclusions With adjustment of the pressure limit, cerebral angiography using the 5-Fr, large-bore catheter without removal of the guidewire is feasible, safe, and expected to provide image quality comparable to that of the 4-Fr regular catheter.
Early periaortic hematoma development after EVAR in the presence of severely calcified and modestly conical-shaped aortic neck: A potential trigger for sudden aneurysm progression toward rupture
Authors: De Santis Francesco , Notari Maria Paola , Chiappa Roberto 
Published: December 2020

Objective The aim of this report is to present a singular case of early post-endovascular aneurysm repair abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture and discuss the possible etiopathogenic mechanism promoting the sudden aneurysm progression toward rupture. Methods/Results: An 84-year-old man was submitted to endovascular aneurysm repair via second-generation endograft (Cordis-Incraft Stent-graft) during which, the left occluded common iliac artery was recanalized via balloon-expandable covered-stent-graft (Atrium-Advanta-V12). The aneurysm presented a severely calcified and modestly conical-shaped aortic-neck. The post-operative course was complicated by a broncho pneumonic infiltrate and a CT scan performed two weeks postoperatively accidentally revealed a relatively small hematoma surrounding the aortic wall. No active bleeding, endoleak, or aneurysm increase in diameter was documented. Nevertheless, the patient remained closely monitored. Three days later, he suffered from abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture. A CT scan revealed an arterial wall tear at the neck level. Intra-operatively the reanalyzed common iliac artery was intact and a good endograft-sealing was confirmed. Following this event, small lumbar arteries suture saccotomy was performed. The patient eventually died of multiorgan failure one month later. Conclusions The apparently “self-limiting” post-endovascular aneurysm repair CT-scan finding of periaortic hematoma may have represented a potential trigger for abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture. The possibility of developing undetected aortic lesions during endovascular aneurysm repair, specifically in the presence of potentially “at risk” anatomical conditions, should always be considered.
Trends of risk profile among middle-aged adults hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke in United States 2006–2017
Authors: Tong Xin , Yang Quanhe , George Mary G , Gillespie Cathleen , Merritt Robert K 
Published: December 2020

Background Recent studies reported increasing trends in hospitalization of stroke patients aged 35–64 years. Aim To examine changes in risk factor profiles among patients aged 35–64 years hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke between 2006 and 2017 in the United States. Methods We used data from the National Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project from 2006 through 2017. Principal ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM codes were used to identify acute ischemic stroke hospitalizations, and secondary codes were used to identify the presence of four major stroke risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, lipid disorders, and tobacco use. We used the relative percent change to assess the changes in the prevalence of risk profile between 2006–2007 and 2016–2017 and linear regression models to obtain the p values for the overall trends across six time periods. Results Approximately 1.5 million acute ischemic stroke hospitalizations occurred during 2006–2017. The prevalence of having all four risk factors increased from 4.1% in 2006–2007 to 9.1% in 2016–2017 (relative percent change 122.0%, p < 0.001 for trend), prevalence of any three risk factors increased from 24.5% to 33.8% (relative percent change 38.0%, p < 0.001). Prevalence of only two risk factors decreased from 36.1% to 32.7% (p < 0.001), only one risk factor decreased from 25.2% to 18.1% (p < 0.001), and absence of risk factors decreased from 10.1% to 6.2% (p < 0.001). The most prevalent triad of risk factors was hypertension, diabetes, and lipid disorders (14.3% in 2006–2007 and 19.8% in 2016–2017), and the most common dyad risk factors was hypertension and lipid disorders (12.6% in 2006–2007 and 11.9% in 2016–2017). Conclusions The prevalence of hospitalized acute ischemic stroke patients aged 35–64 years with all four or any three of four major stroke risk factors increased by 122% and 38%, while those with only one risk factor or no risk factor has declined by 28% and 39%, respectively, from 2006 to 2017. Younger adults are increasingly at higher risk for stroke from preventable and treatable risk factors. This growing public health problem will require clinicians, healthcare systems, and public health efforts to implement more effective prevention strategies among this population.
Navitoclax combined with Alpelisib effectively inhibits Merkel cell carcinoma cell growth in vitro
Authors: Chteinberg Emil , Wetzels Suzan , Gerritsen Wouter , Temmerman Lieve , van den Oord Joost , Biessen Erik , Kurz Anna Kordelia , Winnepenninckx Véronique , Zenke Martin , Speel Ernst-Jan , Hausen Axel zur 
Published: December 2020

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly malignant skin cancer. Despite major treatment improvements during the last decade, up to 50% of patients do not respond to therapy or develop recurrent disease. For these patients, alternative treatment options are urgently needed. Here, we assessed the efficacy of the combination of the BCL-2 inhibitor Navitoclax and the PI3K p110α inhibitor Alpelisib in MCC cell lines. Methods: The expression of BCL-2 was assessed by immunohistochemistry in MCC and MCC cell lines. Treatment with Navitoclax and Alpelisib alone and in combination was performed on four MCC cell lines. The decrease of cell viability during treatment was assessed by XTT assay and visualized for the combinations by 3D combinatorial index plotting. The increase of apoptotic cells was determined by cleaved PARP Western blotting and Annexin V staining. Results: Some 94% of MCCs and all three MCPyV-positive cell lines showed BCL-2 expression. Navitoclax monotreatment was shown to be highly effective when treating BCL-2-positive cell lines (IC50-values ranging from 96.0 to 323.0 nM). The combination of Alpelisib and Navitoclax resulted in even stronger synergistic and prolonged inhibitions of MCC cell viability through apoptosis up to 4 days. Discussion: Our results show that the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 is frequently expressed in MCC and MCC cell lines. Inhibition of BCL-2 by Navitoclax in combination with Alpelisib revealed a strong synergy and prolonged inhibition of MCC cell viability and induction of apoptosis. The combination of Navitoclax and Alpelisib is a novel potential treatment option for MCC patients.
An Insight into the Role of Apoptosis and Autophagy in Nitric Oxide–Induced Articular Chondrocyte Cell Death
Authors: Akaraphutiporn Ekkapol , Sunaga Takafumi , Bwalya Eugene C. , Yanlin Wang , Carol Mwale , Okumura Masahiro 
Published: December 2020

Objective To investigate the role and characterize the molecular mechanisms regulating apoptosis and autophagy in nitric oxide (NO)–induced chondrocyte cell death. Design Cell apoptosis and autophagy were evaluated in chondrocytes treated with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) combined with the presence or absence of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and nutrient-deprived conditions. The concentration of nitrite was determined by Griess reaction. Activation of apoptosis and autophagy were determined by immunocytochemistry, Western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. Flow cytometry and MTT assay were used to assess cell viability. Results Cotreatment of chondrocytes with SNP and IL-1β under nutrient-deprived condition potentially enhanced the effect of NO-induced cell death. Immunocytochemistry, Western blot, and qPCR analysis indicated that treatment of chondrocytes with SNP significantly reduced autophagic activity, autophagic flux, and multiple autophagy-related (Atg) genes expression. These findings were associated with an increase in ERK, Akt, and mTOR phosphorylation, whereas autophagy induction through mTOR/p70S6K inhibition by rapamycin significantly suppressed NO-induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3 activation in response to apoptosis was weakly detected. These results corresponded with a significant increase in apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) expression, suggesting the involvement of the caspase-independent pathway. Conclusions These results demonstrate that in chondrocyte cultures with cells induced into an osteoarthritis state, NO inhibits autophagy and induces chondrocyte apoptosis mainly, but not completely through the caspase-independent pathway. Our data suggest that autophagy is a protective mechanism in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and could be proposed as a therapeutic target for degenerative joint diseases.
The effect of different aging protocols on the flexural strength and phase transformations of two monolithic zirconia ceramics
Authors: Kelesi Maria , Kontonasaki Eleana , Kantiranis Nikolaos , Papadopoulou Lambrini , Zorba Triantafyllia , Paraskevopoulos K M , Koidis Petros 
Published: December 2020

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate how different aging protocols can affect the flexural strength and phase transformations of yttrium-stabilized zirconia ceramics (Y-TZP) for monolithic restorations. Materials and methods: Bar-shaped specimens from two zirconia ceramics bars were divided into three groups: a. no treatment (c), b. aging in an autoclave (a), and c. thermal cycling (t). The flexural strength was determined by the 3-point bending test and statistical analysis was performed to determine significant differences ( p< 0.05). Weibull statistics was used to analyze the dispersion of strength values while surface microstructural analysis was performed through X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Aging did not significantly affect the flexural strength but differences were recorded between the two groups, with group A presenting higher strength values and m-phase percentages. Conclusions: The observed differences between the two ceramics could be attributed to variations in composition and processing.
Muscle Quality, Measured by Ultrasound-Derived Corrected Echo Intensity, Does not Affect Changes in Cross-sectional Area of the Vastus Lateralis Following Recumbent Rest
Authors: Varanoske Alyssa N. , Coker Nicholas A. , Johnson Bri-Ana D. I. , Belity Tal , Wells Adam J. 
Published: December 2020

Objective: Recumbent rest elicits a decrease in muscle size of the lower extremity, but the extent of decrease may be related to differences in muscle quality. This could have implications for ultrasound-derived measures of muscle size, particularly in individuals with a large proportion of intramuscular contractile elements. The research objective was to determine whether decreases in muscle size following recumbent rest are related to ultrasound-derived corrected echo intensity in resistance-trained males. Methods: Cross-sectional area (CSA), echo intensity (EI), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), and EI corrected for SFT (EICor) of the vastus lateralis (VL) were measured via ultrasonography in 30 resistance-trained males. Measures were obtained immediately following recumbency (T0) and 15 minutes after recumbency (T15). The association between EICor and percentage change in CSA (%ΔCSA) from T0 to T15 was examined. Comparisons of morphological characteristics were examined between a subset of participants with the lowest (LO; n = 10; <33rd percentile) and highest (HI; n = 10; >66th percentile) EICor. Results: EICor was not correlated with %ΔCSA ( P = .151), and the decrease in CSA from T0 to T15 did not differ between the LO and HI groups. Conclusions: Muscle quality (EICor) is not related to the decrease in CSA of the VL following recumbent rest among resistance-trained, young males. The time frame of muscle CSA acquisition should not differ based solely on differences in muscle quality.