bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of Mig-6 in Cartilage Induces an Osteoarthritis-Like Phenotype in Mice
Authors: Bellini Melina , Pest Michael Andrew , Rodrigues Manuela Miranda , Qin Ling , Jeong Jae-Wook , Beier Frank 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage. Mitogen-inducible gene 6 (Mig-6) has been identified as a negative regulator of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). Cartilage-specific Mig-6 knockout (KO) mice display increased EGFR signaling, an anabolic buildup of articular cartilage and formation of chondro-osseous nodules. Since our understanding of the EGFR/Mig-6 network in cartilage remains incomplete, we characterized mice with cartilage-specific overexpression of Mig-6 in this study. Methods: Utilizing knee joints from cartilage-specific Mig-6 overexpressing (Mig-6over/over) mice (at multiple time points), we evaluated the articular cartilage using histology, immunohistochemical staining and semi-quantitative histopathological scoring (OARSI) at multiple ages. MicroCT analysis was employed to examine skeletal morphometry, body composition, and bone mineral density.Results: Our data show that cartilage-specific Mig-6 overexpression did not cause any major developmental abnormalities in articular cartilage, although Mig-6over/over mice have slightly shorter long bones compared to the control group. Moreover, there was no significant difference in bone mineral density and body composition in any of the groups. However, our results indicate that Mig-6over/over male mice show accelerated cartilage degeneration at 12 and 18 months of age. Immunohistochemistry for SOX9 demonstrated that the number of positively stained cells in Mig-6over/over mice was decreased relative to controls. Immunostaining for MMP13 appeared increased in areas of cartilage degeneration in Mig-6over/over mice. Moreover, staining for phospho-EGFR (Tyr-1173) and lubricin (PRG4) was decreased in the articular cartilage of Mig-6over/over mice. Conclusion: Overexpression of Mig-6 in articular cartilage causes no major developmental phenotype; however, these mice develop earlier OA during aging. These data demonstrate that Mig-6/EGFR pathways is critical for joint homeostasis and might present a promising therapeutic target for OA.
Characterization of novel dual tandem CD19/BCMA chimeric antigen receptor T cells to potentially treat multiple myeloma
Authors: Kang Liqing , Zhang Jian , Li Minghao , Xu Nan , Qi Wei , Tan Jingwen , Lou Xiaoyan , Yu Zhou , Sun Juanjuan , Wang Zhenkun , Fu Chengcheng , Tang Xiaowen , Dai Haiping , Chen Jia , Wu Depei , Yu Lei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Treatment with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells directed against the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) promoted transient recovery from multiple myeloma (MM). However, the absence of this antigen on immature plasma cells may limit the efficacy of this modality and facilitate relapse. The purpose of this study is to characterize a novel CAR that includes both a single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-BCMA and an scFv-CD19 in tandem orientation (tan-CAR) in an attempt to target both BCMA and CD19 expression on MM cells. Method: The scFv sequences from the anti-CD19 antibody FMC63 and the anti-BCMA antibody C11D5.3 were ligated in tandem with transmembrane and T-cell signaling domains to generate the tan-CAR construct. Specificity and efficacy of activated tan-CAR T cells were analyzed using in vitro proliferation, cytokine release, and cytolysis assays. We also evaluated the in vivo efficacy with a xenograft mouse model that included target tumor cells that expressed CD19 or BCMA and compared the results to those obtained with conventional CAR T cells. Results: The in vitro studies revealed specific activation of tan-CAR T cells by K562 cells that overexpressed CD19 and/or BCMA. Cell proliferation, cytokine release, and cytolytic activity were all comparable to the responses of single scFv CAR T cells. Importantly, in vivo studies of tan-CAR T cells revealed specific inhibition of tumor growth in the mouse xenograft model that included cells expressing both CD19 and BCMA. Systemic administration of tan-CAR T cells resulted in complete tumor remission, in contrast to the reduced efficacies of BCMA-CAR T and CD19-CAR T alone in this setting. Conclusion: We report the successful design and execution of novel tan-CAR T cells that promote significant anti-tumor efficacy against both CD19 and BCMA antigen-positive tumor cells in vitro and in vivo . The data from this study reveal a novel strategy that may help to reduce the rate of relapse in the treatment with single scFv-CAR T cells.
Doppler Ultrasound Screening For Significant Carotid Artery Stenosis In Cardiac Surgery Patients, Presenting To Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan.
Authors: Aasim Muhammad , Mustafa Haroon , Aziz Raheela , Hussain Shahzada , Khan Muhammad Salman 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to determine the frequency of significant carotid artery stenosis by Doppler Ultrasound screening in patients undergoing open heart surgery.Method: From January 2019 to April 2019, 125 consecutive patients who were booked for open heart surgery, in Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar Pakistan, were included in this study. Adult patients aging more than 18years were studied irrespective of the planned cardiac surgical procedure, while pediatric and adolescent patients below the age of 18years were excluded.Using Mindray® DC 70 Color Doppler Ultrasound Scanner, significant carotid artery stenosis was determined by a Radiologist as stenosis of more than 50 % luminal diameter of the carotid artery under study.Results: We studied 250 carotid arteries of 125 patients (87 males and 38 females with age range 19 to 80 years (mean 57.47 years). Significant stenosis was found in 13 patients (10.40 %) with slight male preponderance (7:6).Conclusion: Doppler ultrasound study is a good modality, free of radiation hazards for screening carotid arteries in patients undergoing open Heart surgery. Patients with significant carotid artery stenosis on Doppler ultrasound study may be objectively confirmed by subsequent CT carotid angiography. However, further studies are required to assess the efficiency of Doppler ultrasound study in carotid artery stenosis in comparison to CT carotid angiography.Routine Doppler ultrasound screening in adult cardiac surgical patients can identify significant carotid artery stenosis and can help in subsequently reducing the risk of operative stroke in patients undergoing open heart surgery.
A Comparison of the Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Circumcised and Uncircumcised Adult Males in Rustenburg, South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Iyemosolo Blanchard Mbay , Chivese Tawanda , Esterhuizen Tonya Marianne 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
South Africa has a persistent burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), despite improvements in prevention, treatment, screening, and surveillance. Male circumcision has been shown to be effective in preventing HIV, and other STIs. However, there is minimal data on the protective effect of circumcision in high-risk populations such as migrant miners. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of STIs between circumcised and uncircumcised adult males in Rustenburg, North West Province, South Africa
Methods
The study used baseline data collected in an observational cohort study. Adult males in a mining town were assessed for STIs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis) using syndromic assessment. Data on circumcision status and other risk factors for STIs were collected using an interview administered structured questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent effect of circumcision on STI presence after adjusting for confounders.
Results
A total of 339 participants with a median age of 25 years (IQR 22–29) were included in the study, of whom 116 (34.2%) of whom were circumcised. The overall STIs prevalence was 27.4% (95% CI 22.8–32.6%) and was lower in the circumcised participants compared with those who were uncircumcised (15.5% vs 33.6%, respectively, p < 0.001). Circumcision was strongly associated with a lower risk of STIs (OR 0.359, 95% CI 0.196–0.656, p = 0.001) after adjustment for employment and condom use.
Conclusion
In this high-risk population, with a relatively high prevalence of STI, and 34% circumcision, circumcision appears to be protective against STIs.
Risky Sexual Behaviour among Male Immigration and Correctional Personnel in Kano State, Nigeria, 2018
Authors: Azeez Nureni , Usman Aishat Bukola , Stephen Adebowale Ayo , Jibo Abubakar Muhammad , Iliyasu Zubairu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Worldwide, uniformed personnel have been recognized as a population at high risk for sexually transmitted infections because of their high mobility, power differentials and affluence. However, limited research studies have been documented on risky sexual behaviour (RSB) among male uniformed personnel in Nigeria. We conducted this study to determine the prevalence and identify the predictors of RSB among male immigration and correctional personnel in Kano State.
Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 306 male immigration and correctional personnel using multi-stage sampling technique. A pre-tested self-administered structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic and variables associated with RSB was used for data collection. Indicators of RSB included transactional sexual intercourse, sexual intercourse with casual acquaintances and multiple non-regular sexual partner over the last 12 months. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistic regression (α = 0.05).
Results

Mean age of the respondents in the immigration and correctional services were 37.9 ± 9.3 and 38.0 ± 8.1 years respectively. Overall prevalence of RSB was 15.1% (9.2% and 20.9% among correctional and immigration workers respectively). The identified predictors of RSB were service group, marital status and attending club house prior to sexual intercourse. The likelihood of RSB was lower among the correctional personnel (aOR = 0.38, CI = 0.17–0.80) than the immigration officers. Being married is protective of RSB (aOR = 0.38, CI = 0.18–0.81) while attending club house prior to sexual intercourse predisposes the uniform personnel to RSB (aOR = 3.90, CI = 1.30-11.68).
Conclusions

Risky sexual behaviour was highly prevalent among the investigated uniform men but was higher among immigration officers than the correctional personel. Effective health education on the possible implication of RSB is highly recommended for immigration and correctional personnel.
The Oncogenic Potential of a Mutant TP53 Gene Explored in Two Spontaneous Lung Cancer Mice Models
Authors: Ramelow Julian , Brooks Christopher , GaO Li , Almiman Abeer A , Williams Terence M , Villalona-Calero Miguel A , duan wenrui 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLung cancer is the number one cancer killer worldwide. A major impediment to progress in the lung cancer treatment field is the lack of realistic mouse models that replicate the complexity of human malignancy and immune contexture within the tumor microenvironment. Such models are urgently needed. Mutations of the tumor suppressor gene TP53 are among the most common alterations in human lung cancers.MethodsPreviously, we developed a line of lung cancer mouse model where mutant human TP53-273H is expressed in a lung specific manner in FVB/N background. To investigate whether the human TP53 mutant has a similar oncogenic potential when it is expressed in another strain of mouse, we crossed the FVB/N-SPC-TP53-273H mice to A/J strain and created A/J-SPC-TP53-273H transgenic mice. We then compared lung tumor formation between A/J-SPC-TP53-273H and FVB/N-SPC-TP53-273H.ResultsWe found the TP53-273H mutant gene has a similar oncogenic potential in lung tumor formation in both mice strains, although A/J strain mice have been found to be a highly susceptible strain in terms of carcinogen-induced lung cancer. Both transgenic lines survived more than 18 months and developed age related lung adenocarcinomas. With micro CT imaging, we found the FVB-SPC-TP53-273H mice survived more than 8 weeks after initial detection of lung cancer, providing a sufficient window for evaluating new anti-cancer agents.ConclusionsOncogenic potential of the most common genetic mutation, TP53-273H, in human lung cancer is unique when it is expressed in different strains of mice. Our mouse models are useful tools for testing novel immune check point inhibitors or other therapeutic strategies in treatment of lung cancer.
Health care provided to recent asylum-seeking and non-asylum-seeking pediatric patients at a Swiss tertiary hospital
Authors: Brandenberger Julia , Pohl Christian , Vogt Florian , Tylleskär Thorkild , Ritz Nicole 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAsylum-seeking children represent an increasing and vulnerable group of patients whose health needs are largely unmet. Data on the health care provision to asylum-seeking children in European contexts is scarce. In this study we compare the health care provided to recent asylum-seeking and non-asylum-seeking children at a Swiss tertiary hospital.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional retrospective study in a pediatric tertiary care hospital in Switzerland. All patients and visits from January 2016 to December 2017were identified, using administrative and medical electronic health records. The asylum-seeking status was systematically assessed at the reception desks and the patients allocated accordingly in the two study groups.ResultsA total of 202’316 visits by 55’789 patients were included, of which asylum-seeking patients accounted for 1674 (1%) visits by 439 (1%). The emergency department had the highest number of visits in both groups with a lower proportion in asylum-seeking compared to non-asylum-seeking children: 19% (317/1674) and 32% (64’315/200’642) respectively. Hospital admissions were more common in asylum-seeking patients 11% (184/1674) and 7% (14’692/200’642). Frequent visits accounted for 48% (807/1674) of total visits in asylum-seeking and 25% (49’886/200’642) of total visits in non-asylum-seeking patients.ConclusionsHospital visits by asylum-seeking children represented a small proportion of all visits. The emergency department had the highest number of visits in all patients but was less frequently used by asylum-seeking children.Higher admission rates and a larger proportion of visits from frequently visiting patients suggest that asylum-seeking patients present with more complex diseases. Further studies are needed, focusing on asylum-seeking children with medical complexity.
Identification and Comparison of Hyaluronic Acid Biosynthetic Genes from Different Capsular Types of Pasteurella Multocida
Authors: E-KOBON TEERASAK , Pasomboon Pailin , Chumnanpuen Pramote 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPasteurella multocida produces a capsule composed of different polysaccharides according to the capsular serotype (A, B, D, E, and F). Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a component of certain capsular types of this bacterium, especially capsular type A. Previously, two HA biosynthetic genes from a capsular type A strain were studied for the industrial-scale improvement of HA production. Molecular comparison of these genes across different capsular serotypes of P. multocida has not been reported. This study aimed to compare nine HA biosynthetic genes (glck, pgi, pgm, galU, hyaC, glmS, glmM, glmU, and hyaD) of eleven P. multocida strains (A:B:D:F = 8:1:1:1) with those of other organisms using sequence and structural bioinformatics analyses.ResultsThese nine genes showed a high level of within-species similarity (98–99%) compared to other organisms. Only the last gene of two strains with capsular type A:3 (PM70 and CRIMBP-0884) and one capsular type F strain (HN07) significantly differed from those of other strains (82%). Analysis of amino acid patterns together with phylogenetic results showed that the HA biosynthetic genes of the type A and D strains were closely related compared to those of the type B and F strains. However, the genes in the capsular type F strain were notably similar to those of the capsular type A:3 strain. Protein structural analysis supported structural similarities of the encoded enzymes between the strains of capsular types A, B, D, and F, except for the Glck, Pgm, GlmU and HyaD proteins.ConclusionOur bioinformatics analyses proposed that variations observed within these genes could be useful for genetic engineering-based improvement of hyaluronic acid production.
Factors associated to managers’ belief whether their employees cannot and do not want to work until an older age, and measure activities increasing their employees’ possibilities of working in an extended working life.
Authors: Nilsson Kerstin , Nilsson Emma 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The demographic situation with an increasing number of elderly citizens will postpone the retirement age in most countries. However, retirement is a socially accepted way to withdraw from a demanding working life.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the main factors associated to managers’ beliefs their employees want to or can work until 65 years of age or beyond, and measures increasing participation in an extended working life.Methods: The baseline survey in a follow up study including 249 managers in the municipality sector in Sweden. By logistic regression we investigated the associations between two outcome measures: i) whether employees wanted to work, and ii) whether employees could work until 65 years of age or beyond, and statements within nine areas related to a sustainable working life as well as measure statements for an extend working life.Results : Of the mangers 79% stated their employees ‘can’ and 58% that their employees ‘want to’ work until 65 years of age or beyond. The employees’ health, physical work environment, skills and competence were statistically significant to the mangers’ belief that their employees could not work until 65 years of age or beyond. Lack of support in the social work environment and lack of possibilities to arrange relocations were the most important factors to managers’ beliefs whether employees would not want to work until age 65 or beyond.Conclusion: To offer the employee other tasks in the workplace if needed was a measure statistically significant associated to increase the managers’ belief whether their employees both could and wanted to go on and work until 65 years of age and beyond. Additionally, the managers’ belief measures to decreased physical and mental strains and rotation between different tasks to reduce work load and wear would increase whether their employees can work, and reduction of pace and working hours would increase whether employees want to work in an extended working life past 65 years of age. The managers’ perspective on how their employees ‘can’ and ‘want’ to work will hopefully contribute to the understanding of the extended working life process.
Using volunteered geographic information to assess mobility in the COVID-19 pandemic context: cross-city time series analysis of 41 cities in 22 countries from March 2nd to 26th 2020
Authors: Vanoni Matia , McKee Martin , Bonell Chris , Semenza Jan , Stuckler David 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Restricting mobility is a central aim for lowering contact rates and preventing COVID-19 transmission. Yet the impact on mobility of different policies of restriction is not well-understood.Methods: Trends were evaluated using Citymapper’s mobility index covering 41 cities worldwide between 2nd and 26th March 2020, expressed as percentages of typical usage periods from 0% as the lowest and 100% as normal. China and India were not covered. Multivariate fixed effects models were used to estimate the association of policies restricting movement on mobility before and after their introduction. Policy restrictions were assessed using the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index as well as measures coding the timing and degree of school and workplace closures, transport restrictions, and cancellation of mass gatherings. Results: Mobility declined in all major cities throughout March. Larger declines were seen in European than Asian cities. The COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index was strongly associated with declines in mobility (r = -0.75, p<0.001). After adjusting for time-trends, we observed that implementing a mobility restriction to the recommended level was associated with a decline of mobility of 10.0% for school closures (95% CI: 4.36% to 15.7%), 15.0% for workplace closures (95% CI: 10.2% to 19.8%), 7.09% for cancelling public events (95% CI: 1.98% to 12.2%), 18.0% for closing public transport (95% CI: 6.74% to 29.2%), 13.3% for restricting internal movements (95% CI: 8.85% to 17.8%) and 5.30% for international travel controls (95% CI: 1.69 to 8.90). In contrast, as expected, there was no association between population mobility changes and fiscal or monetary measures or emergency healthcare investment.Conclusions: Understanding the effect of public policy on mobility is crucial to slowing and reducing COVID-19 transmission. By using Citymapper’s mobility index, this work provides the first evidence about trends in mobility and the impacts of different policy interventions, suggesting that closure of public transport, workplaces and schools are particularly impactful.
Knowdown of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 inhibits proliferation, invasion and migration of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Xing Yan , Yang Fei , Zhao Zhijun , Shen Yupeng , Song Junjian , Jing Shanghua 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSSC) is one of the most common cancers in the world. The aim to the study was to evaluated the biological function and partly underlying regulatory mechanism of lncRNA homeobox A cluster antisense RNA2 (HOXA-AS2) on oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Methods

The expression of HOXA-AS2 in OSSC cells was detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). HOXA-AS2 expression was modified by transfection with HOXA-AS2 knockdown into TCA-8113 cells. The biological activity of TCA-8113 cells were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), EdU staining, Tunel staining, flow cytometry, wound healing, transwell assasy and western blot. The relationship between HOXA-AS2 and EZH2 was analyzed by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP).
Results

At first, in this study, HOXA-AS2 expression in TCA-8113 cell line was increased compared with normal oral cells. Furthermore, HOXA-AS2 knockdown could inhibit cell viability, migration and invasion. Besides, EZH2 is the target of HOXA-AS2 in TCA-8113 cells. EZH2 expression was reduced by the HOXA-AS2 knockdown and the expression of P21 was negatively correlated to the expression of HOXA-AS2 in TCA-8113 cells.
Conclusion

In this study, silencing HOXA-AS2 reduced cell viability, invasion and migration capacity and EZH2, as an oncogene, could be downregulated by HOXA-AS2 knockdown in OSSC cells.