bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Macrophage Infiltrates Impair Pancreatic Cancer Cell Growth by TNF-a Secretion
Authors: Tekin Cansu , Aberson Hella L , Bijlsma Maarten F , Spek C. Arnold 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a disease with high mortality rates. Increased macrophage influx in PDAC is common and associated with poor prognosis. Macrophages are highly plastic cells that can exhibit both anti- and pro-tumorigenic properties. Here, we investigated how naïve (M0) macrophages differ from other macrophages in their anti-tumorigenic activities.Methods: In vitro BrdU proliferation and Annexin V cell death analyses were performed on PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 PDAC cell lines exposed to conditioned medium of known macrophage subsets. Macrophage secreted molecules were measured by transcript analysis and ELISA. Therapeutic antibodies were used to functionally establish the role of the identified cytokine in PDAC proliferation.Results: Proliferation and cell death assays revealed that only M0 macrophages exert anti-tumorigenic activities and that M1, M2, and TAMs do not. mRNA analysis and ELISA results suggested TNF-a as a potential candidate to mediate M0 macrophage induced cell death. To prove or refute the importance of TNF-a in M0 macrophage-induced cell death, PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell-lines were exposed to M0 macrophage conditioned medium in the presence of the TNF-a inhibitor infliximab, which effectively diminished the anti-tumor activities of M0 macrophages.Conclusion: Freshly infiltrated naive M0 macrophages exert anti-tumorigenic activities via TNF-a secretion. Their subsequent differentiation into either M1, M2, or TAM subsets reduces TNF-a levels, thereby abolishing their cytotoxic activity on PDAC cells. These data suggest that the restoration of TNF-a secretion in differentiated macrophages might yield a therapeutic benefit.
A Caribbean perspective: Quality of Life in Major Lower Extremity Amputees
Authors: Pran Lemuel , Baijoo Shanta , Cave Christo , Slim Hani , Harnanan Dave , Maharaj Ravi , Naraynsingh Vijay 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
PURPOSE:Lower extremity amputations and diabetic foot-related complications in the Caribbean population have been previously reported [1-3]. However, there is a lack of evidence which assesses the Quality of life experienced in such amputees. The aim of this study was to determine the health-related Quality of life (HRQoL) in patients after a major lower limb amputation.METHODS:All major lower limb amputations undertaken at a tertiary care institution in Trinidad and Tobago, between January 2012 to December 2016 were analysed. The quality of life was assessed using the EURO QOL 5D-5L tool. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test, ANOVA across various subgroups and Kaplan-Meier for mortality. RESULTS:A total of 134 individuals were still alive and willing to participate in the study. The average of HRQoL index value for the cohort was (0.598), which was significantly lower compared to the population norm p < .05 [4]. Statistically significant differences were also seen between patients who ambulated with a prosthesis (.759) compared to those who used another device (0.562), p < 0.05 and to patients who did not ambulate. A comparable Quality of life was seen between the level of amputation (transtibial versus transfemoral) and gender (males versus females), p values were .96 and 1.0 respectively. The overall mortality rate was 14% at 30-days and 27% at one year.CONCLUSION:Overall Quality of life after major amputation, as well as independent mobilisation with a prosthesis, continues to be problematic in the Caribbean population. Factors adversely related to Quality of life post major amputation include increasing age, problems related to mobility and non-ambulatory patients.
Anti-inflammatory Effect of Ampelocissus Indica (L.) Planch (Chembravalli) in Wistar Rats
Authors: S Nithya V , C Indulekha V , Antony Helen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Ampelocissus indica (L.)Planch, Vitaceae locally known as Chembravalli, is medicinal plant used for inflammatory skin ailments and documented in Hortus Malabaricus, and traditional Ayurveda books.
Objective

To conduct phyto-chemical and acute toxicity of root of A.indica and to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity.
Materials and methods

Phyto-chemical profiling of root of A.indica was done as per standard ICMR methods and acute toxicity as per OECD-425. Decoction of A.indica (AI-8.64 ml/kg, AI-4.32 ml/kg) and ethanolic extract (AIE-500 mg/kg) were orally given to rats with Carrageenan induced rat paw edema and also in other rats with Cotton pellet induced granuloma; paw volume, weight of granuloma, histopathology, serum TNF α, IL1β were assessed.
Results

Oral administration of decoction AI-8.64 ml/kg, AI-4.32 ml/kg, and AIE-500 mg/kg significantly reduced inflammation by reducing paw volume, serum TNF α, IL1β. AI-8.64 ml/kg significantly reduced weight of granuloma and serum TNF α, IL1β. No acute toxicity was found upto 2000 mg/kg. Flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and steroids found in A.indica extract.
Conclusion

The present finding suggested that A.indica has a protective effect on experimental inflammation in rats and phytochemical profile will be useful for further studies
Contribution of Autologous Omentum Transposition to the Regeneration of Renal Injuries in the Rat Model
Authors: Bilgic Tayfun , Ince Umit , Narter Fehmi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Aim

We aimed to evaluate the repair effect of transpositioned autologous omentum on the injured renal tissues in the rat model.
Methods

A total of 30 female Wistar Albino rats were included and they were randomly separated into control and four groups. In all groups, blood samples were taken at preoperatively and at the 7th day postoperatively, additionally they were taken at 18th day postoperatively for creatinine and urea analysis. All rats of control group were sacrificed at 18th day postoperatively and right kidneys were taken for histopathological evaluation. After the created renal injuries were repaired primarily kidney surgery or omentum added kidney surgery.
Results

According to the our results, granulation and inflammation in kidney specimens were moderately and highly positive correlated with granulation, inflammation, fibrosis and foreign body reaction in surrounding tissue ((r:0.478, p = 0.008), (r:0.591, p = 0.001), (r:0.394, p = 0.031), (r:0.635, p < 0.001)). Granulation in kidney specimen was highly possitive correlated with inflammation and foreign body reaction in kidney specimens ((r:0.824, p < 0.001), (r:0.872, p < 0.001)). We could not show any significant correlation between biochemical values (U, Cr) and histopathological findings.
Conclusion

According to our results, our biochemical results were not correlated with histopathological analysis. But we detected histopathogical significant differences between primary kidney repair and omentum added kidney repair groups. And we recommend that kidney injuries should be surgical repaired by stem cell sources as like omentum tissue.
NFKBIA has the Capacity to Serve as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Prostate Cancer Patient
Authors: Zi Hao , Tao Wen-Lin , Gao Lei , Yu Zhao-Hua , Bai Xiao-Dong , Li Xiao-Dong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer is the the second leading cause of cancer-related death in male. NF-κB inhibitor alpha gene (NFKBIA), is found dys-expressed in the progression of tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of NFKBIA and its diagnostic value in prostate cancer patients.Methods: The mRNA expression of NFKBIA was detected with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay and the association of its expression with clinical characteristic was analyzed via Chi-square test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was built to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum NFKBIA.Results: The mRNA expression level of NFKBIA was significantly increased in prostate cancer patients compared with healthy controls (P<0.01). The high expression of NFKBIA was significantly associated with pathological T stage (P=0.010) and differentiation (P=0.019). ROC curve showed that serum NFKBIA had a high diagnostic value in differentiating prostate cancer patients from healthy individuals. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) value was 0.873 corresponding with a sensitivity of 85.6% and a specificity of 78.3%.Conclusions: The expression of NFKBIA was up-regulated in serum of prostate cancer patients and it may be a useful diagnostic bio-maker for the early detection of this cancer.
The DLK1/MEG3 Locus is Related to the Differentiation of Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Chen Yiyuan , Gao Hua , Liu Qian , Xie Weiyan , Li Bin , Cheng Sen , Guo Jing , Fang Qiuyue , Zhu Haibo , Wang Zhuang , Wang Jichao , Li Chuzhong , Zhang Yazhuo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) represent the neoplastic proliferation of the anterior pituitary gland. Transcription factors play a key role in the differentiation of PitNETs according to the 2017 WHO classification of tumors of endocrine organs. However, for a substantial proportion of PitNETs, the etiology is poorly understood.Methods: To analyze the diversity genes and pathways based on transcriptomic data of 172 patients by transcriptome sequencing, difference, correlation, and enrichment analysis. The transcriptomic data and clinical characteristics are applied to find the clinical significance of key genes by correlation analysis and ROC curve. Series functional experiments demonstrated the role of DLK1/MEG3 locus through antibody blocking and RNA interference in GH3, MMQ and ATT20 cell line.Results: In this study, we found the imprinting disorders of the 14q32.2 region and DLK1/MEG3 locus associated with the differentiation of PitNETs. As being specific feature change in somatotroph adenomas compared with other subtype adenomas, DLK1/MEG3 locus promoted somatotroph differentiation and inhibited tumor proliferation in PIT1(+) PitNET patients, furthermore, the level of DLK1 played a critical role in the trend of somatotroph differentiation or lactotroph differentiation in PIT1(+) PitNET patients. Anti-DLK1 monoclonal antibody blockade or siMEG3 both indicated that the DLK1/MEG3 domain significantly induced the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH/IGF-1) and inhibited cell growth and colony formation and that the loss of DLK1 activated the mTOR signaling pathway in high DLK1-expressing and PIT1(+) GH3 cell lines. There was a mild effect in the low DLK1-expressing and PIT1(+) MMQ cell lines and no effect in the PIT1(-) ATT20 cell line, regardless of whether anti-DLK1 monoclonal antibody blockade or siMEG3 was used. Conclusions: These findings emphasize that expression at the DLK1/MEG3 locus plays a key role in the differentiation of PitNETs in patients depending on the level of PIT1. In addition, these findings provide potential molecular target data for patient stratification and treatment in the future.
The Impact of COVID-19 on a Tertiary Care Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Liguoro Ilaria , Pilotto Chiara , Vergine Michela , Pusiol Anna , Vidal Enrico , Cogo Paola 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Restricting measures required to face the recent outbreak of a novel Coronavirus (CoV-2) may also impact on patterns of healthcare utilization. Our aim was to provide an insight into the changing use of a pediatric Emergency Department (ED) during the CoV-2 pandemic.Medical records of children seen in our Pediatric ED during March and April 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Comparisons with the same time intervals in 2018 and 2019 and with other seasonal control periods (January-February 2019 and 2020, and July-August 2018-2019) were performed. The total number of ED visits declined of 73% from 2019 to 2020 (3051 vs 818). Significant variations were observed in the distribution of children among triage categories: the proportion of cases scored as green-code showed a 0.59-fold decrease in comparison to 2019 (95%CI 0.5-0.69), while a relative increase in the proportion of yellow codes was observed (OR 1.46, 95%CI 1.2-1.78). Conclusion: Quarantine measures significantly impacted on the total number and reasons for visits in our Pediatric ED. This substantial decrease in pediatric care access may be either due to lower rates of acute infections because of social distancing, and to reticence on the part of parents and caregivers to risk exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in a health-care setting.
Demographic &amp; Clinical Correlates of Admission into a Specialized Psychiatric Inpatient Service for Children and Adolescents in Egypt: An Observational Retrospective Study
Authors: Seleem Mohammad , Amer Reham A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To our knowledge, this is the first study that aims to investigate the demographic and clinical correlates of admission into a specialized inpatient psychiatric unit for children and adolescents in Egypt and the Arab world. Methods: The files of all new cases who presented for care in the outpatient service for children and adolescents in Tanta University between July 2017 and December 2019 were reviewed. Of the 1195 files reviewed, 100 patients were admitted to the inpatient unit for 133 admission episodes with an average duration of 18.5 days per episode. Results: The most common diagnosis among admitted youth was disruptive behavior disorder but having a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, eating disorder, or trauma related disorders predicted admission more powerfully than did the diagnosis of disruptive behavior disorder. Physical and sexual abuse were both associated with higher rates of admission, readmission and longer duration of admission.Conclusions: Except for having more percentage of youth with disruptive behavior disorders, and less percentage of those with eating disorders, the characteristics of youth in need for admission into psychiatric inpatient unit is comparable to those reported in other parts of the world.
Prognostic effect of increased left ventricular wall thickness in severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Park Kyungil , Park Tae-Ho , Jo Yoon-Seong , Cho Young-Rak , Park Jong-Sung , Kim Moo-Hyun , Kim Young-Dae 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: It is unclear whether increased left ventricular (LV) thickness is associated with worse clinical outcomes in severe aortic stenosis (AS). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of increased LV wall thickness (LVWT) on major clinical outcomes in patients with severe AS.Methods and Results: This study included 290 severe AS patients (mean age 69.4 ± 11.0 years; 136 females) between January 2008 and December 2018. For outcome assessment, the endpoint was defined as death from all causes, cardiovascular death, and the aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery rate. During follow-up (48.7 ± 39.0 months), 157 patients had AVR, 43 patients died, and 28 patients died from cardiovascular causes. Patients with increased LVWT underwent AVR surgery much more than those without LVWT (60.0% vs. 39.0%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, in patients with increased LVWT, the all-cause and cardiovascular death rates were significantly lower in the AVR group than in the non-AVR group (8.8% vs. 27.3%, p < 0.001, 4.8%, vs. 21.0%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that increased LVWT, age, dyspnea, and AVR surgery were significantly correlated with cardiovascular death.Conclusions: In patients with severe AS, increased LVWT was associated with a higher AVR surgery rate and an increased rate of cardiovascular death independent of other well-known prognostic variates. Thus, these findings suggest that increased LVWT might be used as a potential prognostic factor in severe AS patients.
hTERT&nbsp;Represents an Innovative Bio-marker in Cholangiocarcinoma Detection
Authors: Wang Ning , Li Yanni , Zheng Yanfang , Chen Huoming , Wen Xiaolong , Li Zhaoxia 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The study was aimed to examine the diagnostic value of serum human telomerase reverse transcriptiptase (hTERT) in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).Methods: Serum hTERT in CCA patients and healthy controls was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and compared by student’s t-test. Relationships of serum hTERT and clinical parameters were explained by Chi-square test. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was conducted to identify the diagnostic value of serum hTERT in CCA.Results: Serum hTERT was up-regulated in CCA patients compared with healthy controls (P<0.05). Furthermore, serum hTERT was closely related with differentiation (P=0.005), distant metastasis (P=0.015) and TNM stage (P=0.009). The AUC value of ROC curve was 0.901, demonstrating that serum hTERT could discriminate between CCA and healthy individuals, with the cutoff point of 1.88. Besides, the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of serum hTERT in CCA were 89.7% and 76.0%, respectively.Conclusions: hTERT may be a promising biomarker for diagnosis of CCA.
Convalescent Plasma as a Treatment for Severe Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Yong Chaoying , Deng Xinyu , Song Yuyan , Tian Wenguang , Qi Di , Wang Daoxin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic, affecting the lives of millions of people around the world.Although research including hydroxychloroquine, antiviral drugs and vaccines is under way, there is still no effective therapy applied for COVID-19.Case presentation: Here, we reported five cases of severe COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure treatment with supportable care and ABO-compatible convalescent plasma(CP).All the patients’clinical conditions, laboratory results, viral nucleic acid results, and chest CT images, were improved. Meanwhile, all the patients recovered and no severe adverse reactions were found. We also followed up the antibody levels of some patients within 2 months after onset, but our study did not show the inherent relationship between CP treatment and changes in antibody levels due to small samples.Conclusions: Although short of evidence of randomized controlled trials, convalescent plasma therapy probably was a potentially safe and effective treatment for COVID-19.
Decreased resting-state alpha-band activation and functional connectivity after sleep deprivation
Authors: Wu Jintao , Zhou Qianxiang , Li Jiaxuan , Chen Yang , Shao Shuyu , Xiao Yi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCognitive abilities are impaired by sleep deprivation and can be recovered when sufficient sleep is obtained. Changes in alpha-band oscillations are considered to be highly related to sleep deprivation. The effect of sleep deprivation on brain activation and functional connectivity in the resting-state alpha band remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate how sleep deprivation and recovery sleep could change resting-state alpha-band neural oscillations.MethodsIn this study, thirty young, healthy participants obtained approximately 8 h of normal sleep, followed by 36 h of sleep deprivation. On the following recovery night, subjects underwent recovery sleep. Resting-state EEG after normal sleep, sleep deprivation and recovery sleep was recorded. Power spectrum, source localization and functional connectivity analyses were used to investigate the changes in resting-state alpha-band activity after normal sleep, sleep deprivation and recovery sleep.ResultsThe results showed that the global alpha power spectrum decreased and source activation was notably reduced in the precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex, cingulate gyrus, and paracentral lobule after sleep deprivation. Functional connectivity analysis after sleep deprivation showed a weakened functional connectivity pattern in a widespread network with the precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex as the key nodes. Furthermore, the changes caused by sleep deprivation were reversed to a certain extent but not significantly after one night of sleep recovery, which may be due to inadequate time for recovery sleep.ConclusionsIn conclusion, large-scale resting-state alpha-band activation and functional connectivity were weakened after sleep deprivation, and the inhibition of default mode network function with the precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex as the pivotal nodes may be an important cause of cognitive impairment. These findings provide new insight into the physiological response of sleep deprivation and determine how sleep deprivation disrupts brain alpha-band oscillations.
Synergistic Effect of Garcinia Mangostana Combined With Chlorhexidine on Acanthamoeba Triangularis Trophozoites and Cysts
Authors: Sangkanu Suthinee , Mitsuwan Watcharapong , Mahabusarakam Wilawan , Jimoh Tajudeen O. , Wilairatana Polrat , Girol Ana Paula , Verma Ajoy K. , Pereira Maria de Lourdes , Rahmatullah Mohammed , Wiart Christophe , Siyadatpanah Abolghasem , Nissapatorn Veeranoot 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Various parts of Garcinia mangostana Linn, including its pericarp have been traditionally used to treat different types of diseases. This study was carried out to determine the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of G. mangostana pericarp extract against Acanthamoeba triangularis. Methods: The G. mangostana ethanolic pericarp extract was screened for the anti-Acanthamoeba activity and determined its minimal inhibition concentrations (MICs) by the microdilution method. Then, the time-kill kinetic assay of the extract was determined. The synergistic effect of G. mangostana extract and chlorhexidine was performed using the checkerboard method. Parasite morphology was detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Results: The MICs of extract were assessed on trophozoites and cysts with 250 and 4000 µg/mL, respectively. More so, at 2×MIC of extract exhibited inhibitory activity against trophozoites and cyst of A. triangularis for up to 7 days. Checkerboard assays showed synergistic activity of extract (500-1000 μg/mL) plus chlorhexidine (3.90-15.62 μg/mL) at a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.18-0.37. The lowest FICI (0.18) displayed good synergism resulting in up to 16-fold reduction of drug MIC and reducing to 8-fold of extract MIC. The viability of cysts decreased to 12.28±3.03 cells/mL. FICI interpretation equal to 1 is considered an additive effect on Acanthamoeba trophpzoites. The SEM results clearly showed that Acanthamoeba cells treated with a single drug of chlorhexidine and its combination with G. mangostana extract caused cell membrane damage and irregular cell shapes comparing with the control. Conclusion: A good combinatorial relationship displayed by G. mangostana extract and chlorhexidine suggest a more reliable evidenced based therapeutic strategy. Therefore, this approach is promising and could be employed as an alternative treatment method for the management of Acanthamoeba infection.