bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CircRNA_0000392 promotes colorectal cancer progression through the miR-193a-5p/PIK3R3/AKT axis
Authors: Xu Hanchen , Liu Yujing , Cheng Peiqiu , Wang Chunyan , Liu Yang , Zhou Wenjun , Xu Yangxian , Ji Guang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), important members of the noncoding RNA family, have been recently revealed to play a role in the pathogenic progression of diseases, particularly in the malignant progression of cancer. With the application of high-throughput sequencing technology, a large number of circRNAs have been identified in tumor tissues, and some circRNAs have been demonstrated to act as oncogenes. In this study, we analyzed the circRNA expression profile in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and normal adjacent tissues by high-throughput sequencing. We focused on circRNA_0000392, a circRNA with significantly increased expression in CRCtissues, and further investigated its function in the progression of colorectal cancer.

Methods
The expression profile of circRNAs in 6 pairs of CRC tissues and normal adjacent tissues was analyzed by RNA sequencing. We verified the identified differentially expressed circRNAs in additional samples by qRT-PCR and selected circRNA_0000392 to evaluate its associations with clinicopathological features. Then, we knocked down circRNA_0000392 in CRC cells and investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects using functional experiments. Dual luciferase and RNA pull-down assays were performed to further explore the downstream potential molecular mechanisms.

Results
CircRNA_0000392 was significantly upregulated in CRC compared with normal adjacent tissues and cell lines. The expression level of circRNA_0000392 was positively correlated with the malignant progression of CRC. Functional studies revealed that reducing the expression of circRNA_0000392 could inhibit the proliferation and invasion of CRC both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circRNA_0000392 could act as a sponge of miR-193a-5p and regulate the expression of PIK3R3, affecting the activation of the AKT-mTOR pathway in CRC cells.

Conclusions
CircRNA_0000392 functions as an oncogene through the miR-193a-5p/PIK3R3/Akt axis in CRC cells, suggesting that circRNA_0000392 is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of colorectal cancer and a predictive marker for CRC patients.
High flow nasal therapy versus noninvasive ventilation as initial ventilatory strategy in COPD exacerbation: a multicenter non-inferiority randomized trial
Authors:   the H. F.-AECOPD study investigators, Cortegiani Andrea , Longhini Federico , Madotto Fabiana , Groff Paolo , Scala Raffaele , Crimi Claudia , Carlucci Annalisa , Bruni Andrea , Garofalo Eugenio , Raineri Santi Maurizio , Tonelli Roberto , Comellini Vittoria , Lupia Enrico , Vetrugno Luigi , Clini Enrico , Giarratano Antonino , Nava Stefano , Navalesi Paolo , Gregoretti Cesare 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
The efficacy and safety of high flow nasal therapy (HFNT) in patients with acute hypercapnic exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the short-term effect of HFNT versus NIV in patients with mild-to-moderate AECOPD, with the hypothesis that HFNT is non-inferior to NIV on CO2 clearance after 2 h of treatment.

Methods
We performed a multicenter, non-inferiority randomized trial comparing HFNT and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in nine centers in Italy. Patients were eligible if presented with mild-to-moderate AECOPD (arterial pH 7.25–7.35, PaCO2 ≥ 55 mmHg before ventilator support). Primary endpoint was the mean difference of PaCO2 from baseline to 2 h (non-inferiority margin 10 mmHg) in the per-protocol analysis. Main secondary endpoints were non-inferiority of HFNT to NIV in reducing PaCO2 at 6 h in the per-protocol and intention-to-treat analysis and rate of treatment changes.

Results
Seventy-nine patients were analyzed (80 patients randomized). Mean differences for PaCO2 reduction from baseline to 2 h were − 6.8 mmHg (± 8.7) in the HFNT and − 9.5 mmHg (± 8.5) in the NIV group (p = 0.404). By 6 h, 32% of patients (13 out of 40) in the HFNT group switched to NIV and one to invasive ventilation. HFNT was statistically non-inferior to NIV since the 95% confidence interval (CI) upper boundary of absolute difference in mean PaCO2 reduction did not reach the non-inferiority margin of 10 mmHg (absolute difference 2.7 mmHg; 1-sided 95% CI 6.1; p = 0.0003). Both treatments had a significant effect on PaCO2 reductions over time, and trends were similar between groups. Similar results were found in both per-protocol at 6 h and intention-to-treat analysis.

Conclusions
HFNT was statistically non-inferior to NIV as initial ventilatory support in decreasing PaCO2 after 2 h of treatment in patients with mild-to-moderate AECOPD, considering a non-inferiority margin of 10 mmHg. However, 32% of patients receiving HFNT required NIV by 6 h. Further trials with superiority design should evaluate efficacy toward stronger patient-related outcomes and safety of HFNT in AECOPD.
Trial registration: The study was prospectively registered on December 12, 2017, in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03370666).
Newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism: improvement in short-term follow-up by audit and monitoring
Authors: Majid Hafsa , Ahmed Sibtain , Siddiqui Imran , Humayun Khadija , Karimi Hussain , Khan Aysha Habib 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveNewborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) at our hospital during this study was by measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in serum samples. This audit was conducted over a 2 year period, to determine the compliance of reporting of results greater than the screening cutoffs for serum TSH. Gaps of non-compliance were identified, and re-audit was undertaken after the corrective actions were taken.ResultsThe critical limit was defined as serum TSH (≥ 20 µIU/ml) following consultation with a pediatric endocrinologist. All results above this limit were reported urgently to physicians. During the audit period, 27,407 tests were performed, 0.7% had a value of ≥ 20 µIU/ml, of those only 62% were reported to the general paediatrician or neonatologist. Reasons for not reporting results included non-availability of contact information, lack of policy awareness by technologists, critical results not highlighted on the computer display, and absence of regular monitoring. Corrective measures were taken, and re-audit was done. During the re-audit period, a total of 22,985 tests was performed, 0.6% had a value of ≥ 20 µIU/ml. Of these, 77% were reported to the general paediatrician or neonatologist. Critical result reporting was improved after the audit, and further enhanced the laboratory service of CH screening.
High-level production of γ-cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase in recombinant Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3): culture medium optimization, enzymatic properties characterization, and product specificity analysis
Authors: Duan Menglu , Wang Yan , Yang Guowu , Li Jiao , Wan Yi , Deng Yuan , Mao Yong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose
γ-Cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (γ-CGTase) catalyzes the biotransformation of low-cost starch into valuable γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD), which is widely applied in biotechnology, food, and pharmaceutical industries. However, the low specificity and activity of soluble γ-CGTase increase the production cost of γ-CD, thereby limiting its applications. Therefore, the present study aimed at optimizing an economical medium for high production of γ-CGTase by the recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21 (DE3) and evaluating its enzymatic properties and product specificity.

Methods
The γ-CGTase production was optimized using the combination of Plackett-Burman experimental design (PBD) and Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology (BBD-RSM). The hydrolysis and cyclization properties of γ-CGTase were detected under the standard assay conditions with buffers of various pHs and different reaction temperatures. The product specificity of γ-CGTase was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of three CDs (α-, β-, γ-CD) in the biotransformation product of cassava starch.

Results
The γ-CGTase activity achieved 53992.10 U mL−1 under the optimum conditions with the significant factors (yeast extract 38.51 g L−1, MgSO4 4.19 mmol L−1, NiSO4 0.90 mmol L−1) optimized by the combination of PBD and BBD-RSM. The recombinant γ-CGTase exhibited favorable stability in a wide pH and temperature range and maintained both the hydrolysis and cyclization activity under the pH 9.0 and 50 °C. Further analysis of the products from cassava starch catalyzed by the γ-CGTase reported that the majority (90.44%) of product CDs was the γ form, which was nearly 11% higher than the wild enzyme. Cyclododecanone added to the transformation system could enhance the γ-CD purity to 98.72%, which is the highest purity value during the transformation process reported so far.

Conclusion
The yield of γ-CGTase activity obtained from the optimized medium was 2.83-fold greater than the unoptimized medium, and the recombinant γ-CGTase exhibited a favorable thermal and pH stability, and higher γ-cyclization specificity. These results will provide a fundamental basis for the high productivity and purity of γ-CD in the industrial scale.
ELABELA ameliorates hypoxic/ischemic-induced bone mesenchymal stem cell apoptosis via alleviation of mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 pathways
Authors: Fu Jiaying , Chen Xuxiang , Liu Xin , Xu Daishi , Yang Huan , Zeng Chaotao , Long Huibao , Zhou Changqing , Wu Haidong , Zheng Guanghui , Wu Hao , Wang Wuming , Wang Tong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have exerted their brilliant potential to promote heart repair following myocardial infarction. However, low survival rate of MSCs after transplantation due to harsh conditions with hypoxic and ischemic stress limits their therapeutic efficiency in treating cardiac dysfunction. ELABELA (ELA) serves as a peptide hormone which has been proved to facilitate cell growth, survival, and pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells. Although ELA works as an endogenous ligand of a G protein-coupled receptor APJ (Apelin receptor, APLNR), whether APJ is an essential signal for the function of ELA remains elusive. The effect of ELA on apoptosis of MSCs is still vague.

Objective
We studied the role of ELABELA (ELA) treatment on the anti-apoptosis of MSCs in hypoxic/ischemic (H/I) conditions which mimic the impaired myocardial microenvironment and explored the possible mechanisms in vitro.

Methods
MSCs were obtained from donated rats weighing between 80~120 g. MSCs were exposed to serum-free and hypoxic (1% O2) environments for 24 h, which mimics hypoxic/ischemic damage in vivo, using serum-containing normoxic conditions (20% O2) as a negative control. MSCs that were exposed to H/I injury with ELA processing were treated by 5 μM of ELA. Cell viability and apoptosis of MSCs were evaluated by CCK8 and flow cytometry, respectively. Mitochondrial function of MSCs was also assessed according to mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP content. The protein expression of key kinases of the PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways involving t-AKT, p-AKT, t-ERK1/2, and p-ERK1/2, as well as apoptosis-related protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved Caspase 3, were monitored by Western blot.

Results
We found that ELA treatment of H/I-induced MSCs improved overall cell viability, enhanced Bcl/Bax expression, and decreased Caspase 3 activity. ELA inhibited H/I-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing ATP concentration and suppressing the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. However, this anti-apoptotic property of ELA was restrained in APJ-silenced MSCs. Additionally, ELA treatment induced the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, while the blockade of PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 pathways with respective inhibitors, LY294002 and U0126, suppressed the action of ELA.

Conclusion
ELA positively affected on the survival of MSCs and exhibited anti-apoptotic characteristics when exposed to hypoxic/ischemic condition in vitro. Also, the function of ELA was correlated with the APJ receptor, reduced mitochondrial damage, and activation of the PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signal axes.
Perceived work stress, overcommitment, balance in everyday life, individual factors, self-rated health and work ability among women and men in the public sector in Sweden – a longitudinal study
Authors: Håkansson Carita , Gard Gunvor , Lindegård Agneta 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
The aim was to investigate whether perceived work stress, overcommiment, balance in everyday life, individual factors and self-rated health in combination predict work ability among women and men in the public sector in Sweden.

Methods
A sample was randomly selected from the employee records of the participating public health care organisation in Western Sweden. In total, 2223 employees were included and answered a postal survey twice, at a 2 year interval. The survey included questions about work ability, perceived work stress, overcommitment, balance in everyday life, individual factors and self-rated health. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for work ability were estimated using logistic regression.

Results
Imbalance in everyday life and overcommitment predicted reduced work ability in women and imbalance in everyday life and low educational level predicted reduced work ability in men. However, when poor self-rated health was added to the models this was the strongest predictor of work ability for both genders.

Conclusion
A combination of poor self-rated health, imbalance in everyday life, and overcommitment predicted reduced work ability. This multifactorial nature of work ability should be taken into account in health promotion programmes.
Radiologic results of additional single screw fixation with lateral locking plate after hybrid closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Hiraoka Nobuyuki , Nakagawa Shuji , Otakara Eigo , Inoue Hiroaki , Takahashi Kenji , Arai Yuji 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Hybrid closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (hybrid CWHTO) is an effective surgical treatment for medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. Our study investigated whether the combination of a lateral locking plate and a single medial screw promoted bone union after hybrid CWHTO.

Methods
The study cohort consisted of 30 patients (15 men and 15 women) who underwent hybrid CWHTO for medial compartment osteoarthritis or spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee. Sixteen knees were fixed with a lateral locking plate (LP group), and 17 were fixed with both a lateral locking plate and a cannulated cancellous screw on the medial side of the tibia (LPS group). The times to bone union, radiolucency, and callus formation at the osteotomy site were evaluated radiographically.

Results
The mean postoperative time to radiographic confirmation of bone union was 5.5 ± 2.6 months in the LP group and 3.4 ± 1.5 months in the LPS group. Radiolucency at the osteotomy site and excess callus formation on the posterior side of the tibia were lower in the LPS group than in the LP group.

Conclusions
This modified hybrid CWHTO combining a lateral locking plate and a cannulated cancellous screw on the medial side of the tibia improves the stability of the osteotomy site and shortens the period of bone union.
Case Report: A castration-resistant terminal prostate cancer patient’s survival prolonged after practicing Falun Gong
Authors: Dong Yu-Hong , Wu Shawn , Corson Ann , Hsu Kai-Hsiung 
Published: December 2020

Background: Most metastatic prostate cancer patients receive combined androgen blockade (CAB) as the mainstay of treatment. Unfortunately, patients ultimately progress to castration resistance. Clinical finding and diagnosis: We describe a man in his eighties who developed stage IV, M1b prostate cancer, multiple (≥5) bone metastases, and required the aid of a walker to ambulate. Without treatment, his treating physician predicted he would survive 6 months. Interventions and outcomes: The patient initially responded well to treatment with CAB, but during the 68-80th week of treatment he developed castration resistance. Bicalutamide was then discontinued. He chose to begin practicing Falun Gong (FLG) at week 89 as an alternative form of care while continuing two doses of leuprolide acetate. His PSA decreased by 86% within five weeks, he walked independently at 17 weeks and bone metastases disappeared in 41-43 weeks after beginning to practice Falun Gong. He also reported better psychosocial functioning. His treating physician assessed that his prostate malignancy was “clinically, under control” and “his overall functional status is excellent.” The patient survived a total of 263 weeks (61.4 months) post-diagnosis, including 183 weeks (42.3 months) after developing castration resistance. Conclusion: This castration-resistant terminal prostate cancer patient gained significant clinical benefits after practicing Falun Gong.
Case Report: A rare presentation and diagnosis of gingival melanoacanthoma caused by teeth whitening strips
Authors: Albagieh Hamad , Aloyouny Ashwag , Alharthi Shatha 
Published: December 2020

Background: Oral melanoacanthoma is not common. It occurs mostly on the buccal mucosa. Since it happens suddenly and progresses rapidly, it clinically resembles melanoma. Melanoacanthoma occurs in regions susceptible to trauma. The clinical presentation of the lesion is not enough to diagnose it; therefore, tissue biopsy is necessary to exclude malignancy. Case report: We report a case of oral melanoacanthoma in a rare mucosal location in a 21-year old female patient. The generalized gingival melanoacanthoma was caused as a result of using teeth whitening strips. This irritating factor increased melanocyte activity in the gingival tissues and labial mucosa. Discussion: Oral melanoacanthoma is a rarely encountered pigmented lesion in the oral cavity and is especially uncommon in the gingiva. It is a reactive lesion affecting the mucous membranes with no risk of malignant transformation. This case report shows that teeth whitening strips may trigger oral melanoacanthoma in susceptible individuals. Long-term irritation of the oral tissues may increase the number of dendritic melanocytes throughout the epithelium and accordingly increase the brown pigmentation of the oral cavity. Eliminating all possible local sources of irritation and ruling out other causative factors are the standard first steps in the oral melanoacanthoma therapy. Conclusions: This case shows the importance of including oral melanoacanthoma in the differential diagnosis of diffuse gingival pigmented lesions.
Biały Orzeł i Złota Chryzantema
Authors: Baziur Grzegorz 
Published: December 2020

White Eagle and Golden Chrysanthemum. Polish‑Japanese cooperation: myth or historical possibility or necessity?
This article deals with the historical and contemporary Polish‑Japanese relations in various aspects of cooperation: political, military, economic and cultural types. Author discusses the traditions of Polish‑Japanese military cooperation since the Russo‑Japanese War to 1944 year, which is important in the context of the fact that during the Second World War, Poland and Japan fought on the opposite side. Despite this, two countries work together, as a common opponent was the Stalinist Soviet Union. In the following section discusses the renewal of the Polish‑Japanese relations after 1957 and their development, including the attitude of the Japanese authorities to “Solidarity” movement in 1980‑1981 to Polish‑Japanese relations after 1989. The author ends the with text summary and an attempt to outlook mutual the cooperation both countries.
Healthy lifestyle behaviors are major predictors of mental wellbeing during COVID-19 pandemic confinement: A study on adult Arabs in higher educational institutions
Authors: Kilani Hashem A. , Bataineh Mo’ath F. , Al-Nawayseh Ali , Atiyat Khaled , Obeid Omar , Abu-Hilal Maher M. , Mansi Taiysir , Al-Kilani Maher , Al-Kitani Mahfoodha , El-Saleh Majed , Jaber Ruba M. , Sweidan Ahmad , Himsi Mawaheb , Yousef Iyad , Alzeer Faten , Nasrallah Monther , Al Dhaheri Ayesha S. , Al-Za’abi Abdulsalam , Allala Osama , Al-Kilani Laila , Alhasan Asma M. , Ghieda Mohamed , Najah Yasir , Alsheekhly Saad , Alhaifi Ahmad , Shukri Raghda , Al Adwani Jamal , Waly Mostafa , Kilani Laila , Kilani Leen H. , al Shareef Ahmad S. , Kilani Areej 
Published: December 2020

Background
In the past infectious diseases affected the quality of lifestyle during home confinement. The study conducted examines the influence of home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak on lifestyle, mental wellbeing, nutritional status, and sleeping pattern.

Method
An online multicategorical questionnaire was distributed to collect demographic information combined with the following tools: Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), WHO-5 wellbeing score, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A snowball non-discriminate sampling procedure was conducted to collect data from people attending or working at higher institutions from March 1, 2020 to April 24, 2020. A total of 1723 completed responses (917 males, 37.4 ±13.4 years old and 806 females 32.2 ± 11.5 years old) were collected.

Results
The female participants had significantly lower mental health scores than males (53.9% vs. 46.1%). The mental wellbeing scores were higher among participants with medium and high physical activity (PA) levels (p < 0.00). Additionally, the mental wellbeing scores were significantly improved by dietary quality and it’s sleeping score (p < 0.001). However, PA was by far the major determinant of the mental health scores.

Conclusion
Factors such as PA, diet, and sleeping patterns were associated with mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 confinement among Arab participants.