bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The lncRNA XIST promotes colorectal cancer cell growth through regulating the miR-497-5p/FOXK1 axis
Authors: Wang Nan , He Jia-Xing , Jia Guo-Zhan , Wang Ke , Zhou Shuai , Wu Tao , He Xian-Li 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Recent studies suggest that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in tumorigenesis. As a newly identified lncRNA, the role of XIST in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been established. Here, we sought to characterize the role of XIST and its associated regulatory network in CRC cells.

Methods
Expression of XIST mRNA, miR-497-5p, and forkhead box k1 (FOXK1) in CRC cells and tissues were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Proliferation and apoptosis of CRC cells were determined using the CCK-8 cell counting assay and flow cytometry. The rate of cell migration and invasion was determined using a transwell assay. The relationships between XIST, miR-497-5p, and FOXK1 were predicted and confirmed using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Expression of FOXK1 protein was quantified by Western blot.

Results
XIST and FOXK1 expression were significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines, while miR-497-5p expression was downregulated. XIST knockdown significantly suppressed CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Silencing of XIST also reversed the downregulation of miR-497-5p and upregulation of FOXK1. Moreover, blocking XIST expression was shown to inhibit CRC tumor growth in vivo and the effects were antagonized by the loss of miR-497-5p. miR-497-5p was shown to act as a sponge of XIST and also targeted FOXK1 in CRC cells.

Conclusions
XIST was shown to promote the malignancy of CRC cells by competitively binding to miR-497-5p, resulting in an increase in FOXK1 expression. These results suggest that targeting of XIST may represent a possible treatment for CRC.
Injury mechanism affects the stability of suture-button syndesmosis fixation
Authors: Chen Kuan-Hao , Chen Chih-Hwa , Huang Yu-min , Lee Hsieh-Hsing , Tsuang Yang-Hwei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Ankle syndesmosis injury is a common condition, and the injury mechanism can be sorted into pure syndesmosis injury, Weber-B, and Weber-C type fractures. This study aims to evaluate the treatment outcomes and stability of suture-button fixation for syndesmosis injury with different injury mechanisms. We hypothesized that injury mechanisms would alter the stability of suture-button fixation.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 63 patients with ankle syndesmosis injury who underwent surgery with TightRope (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) from April 2014 to February 2019. The stability of suture-button fixation with TightRope was evaluated by comparing the preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up measurements of tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), tibiofibular overlap (TFO), and medial clear space (MCS). A subgroup analysis for each demographic group and injury type including pure syndesmosis injury, Weber-B, and Weber-C type fractures were performed.

Results
Syndesmosis was effectively reduced using TightRope. After the index surgery, the tibiofibular clear space was reduced from 7.73 to 4.04 mm, the tibiofibular overlap was increased from 3.05 to 6.44 mm, and the medial clear space was reduced from 8.12 to 3.54 mm. However, syndesmosis widening was noted at the final follow-up, especially in Weber-C type fractures (TFCS 3.82 to 4.45 mm, p < 0.01 and TFO 6.86 to 6.29 mm, p = 0.04). Though widened, the final follow-up values of tibiofibular clear space and tibiofibular overlap were in the acceptable range. Postoperatively and at the final follow-up, medial clear space was found to be significantly larger in the Weber-C group than in the pure syndesmosis and Weber-B groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Suture-button fixation can offer anatomic reduction and dynamic fixation in syndesmosis injuries. However, when using this modality for Weber-C type fractures, more attention should be focused on the accuracy of reduction, especially of medial clear space, and rediastasis should be carefully monitored.

Trial registration
This trial was retrospectively approved by TMU-JIRB. Registration number N202004122, and the date of approval was May 06, 2020.

Level of evidence
III
Developmental vitamin D deficiency increases foetal exposure to testosterone
Authors: Ali Asad Amanat , Cui Xiaoying , Pertile Renata Aparecida Nedel , Li Xiang , Medley Gregory , Alexander Suzanne Adele , Whitehouse Andrew J. O. , McGrath John Joseph , Eyles Darryl Walter 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders which are more common in males. The ‘prenatal sex steroid’ hypothesis links excessive sex-steroid exposure during foetal life with the behavioural differences observed in ASD. However, the reason why sex steroid exposure may be excessive remains unclear. Epidemiological studies have identified several environmental risk factors associated with ASD, including developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency. We have demonstrated in an animal model that DVD-deficiency is associated with a hyper-inflammatory response in placentas from male but not female foetuses. Vitamin D also regulates the expression of several steroidogenic enzymes in vitro. Therefore using this animal model, we have examined whether DVD-deficiency leads to increased sex-steroid levels in both the maternal and foetal compartments.

Methods
Female rats are fed a vitamin D deficient diet from 6 weeks before mating until tissue collection at embryonic day 18. We examined the levels of testosterone, androstenedione and corticosterone in maternal plasma, foetal brains and amniotic fluid. We further examined gene expressions of steroidogenic enzymes and DNA methylation of aromatase promoters in foetal brains as a potential molecular mechanism regulating testosterone expression.

Results
We show that DVD-deficiency increases testosterone levels in maternal blood. We also show elevated levels of testosterone and androstenedione in the amniotic fluid of female but not male DVD-deficient foetuses. Testosterone levels were also elevated in DVD-deficient male brains. Vitamin D, like other steroid-related hormones, regulates gene expression via methylation. Therefore we examined whether the significant elevation in testosterone in male brains was due to such a potential gene-silencing mechanism. We show that the promoter of aromatase was hyper-methylated compared to male controls.

Limitations
A reduction in aromatase, in addition to causing excessive testosterone, could also lead to a reduction in estradiol which was not examined here.

Conclusions
This study is the first to show how an epidemiologically established environmental risk factor for ASD may selectively elevate testosterone in male embryonic brains. These findings provide further mechanistic support for the prenatal sex steroid theory of ASD.
FLT-PET for the assessment of systemic sarcoidosis including cardiac and CNS involvement: a prospective study with comparison to FDG-PET
Authors: Martineau Patrick , Pelletier-Galarneau Matthieu , Juneau Daniel , Leung Eugene , Nery Pablo , deKemp Rob , Beanlands Rob , Birnie David 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose’s (FDG) biodistribution limits the evaluation of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and neurosarcoidosis (NS). While protocols for cardiac suppression exist, they can be inconvenient for patients and lead to incomplete cardiac suppression in many cases. Furthermore, FDG PET is limited in the detection of neurosarcoidosis due to an inability to suppress high level of physiological uptake within the brain. 3′-deoxy-3′-[18F]fluorothymidine (FLT) has been shown to accumulate in sarcoidosis lesions and this tracer lacks significant physiological myocardial and brain uptake, suggesting that this tracer may be useful for the assessment of sarcoidosis, including CS and NS, without the need for patient preparation. This prospective pilot study examined the performance of FLT vs FDG PET for systemic sarcoidosis, including cardiac and neural involvement.

Materials and methods
Fourteen subjects with sarcoidosis were prospectively recruited and imaged with FDG- and FLT-PET. Two blinded, experienced readers independently reviewed the FLT-PET and FDG-PET images. Lesion distribution was compared between FLT and FDG. Agreement between FLT- and FDG-PET was determined using Cohen’s kappa and the intra-class correlation coefficient. Inter-observer variability of FLT and FDG-PET was assessed.

Results
Twelve subjects had CS as per Heart Rhythm Society criteria and 1 had NS. FLT-PET was positive in 12 (86%), and FDG-PET in 11 (79%), with cardiac uptake present in 6 (50%) and 7 (58%) of subjects with CS, respectively. The subject with NS demonstrated uptake on both FLT and FDG-PET, with more lesions on FLT. There were no significant differences in the anatomical distribution of lesions between FLT and FDG. SUVs were significantly (p < 0.001) higher for FDG than FLT (5.8 ± 3.0 vs 2.3 ± 1.1, respectively), but not (p = 0.90) after adjusting for blood pool activity (2.8 ± 1.4 vs 2.8 ± 1.1, respectively). Agreement between FLT- and FDG-PET was good to excellent for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, lung involvement, CS, and NS (κ = 0.76, 0.69, 0.86, and 1.0, respectively). Inter-observer agreement for FLT was excellent for diagnosing sarcoidosis, CS and NS (κ = 0.81, 0.85, and 1.0, respectively) and comparable to that of FDG.

Conclusions
FLT-PET may be useful for the assessment of systemic sarcoidosis, as well as cardiac and neural involvement.
Prostate cancer and therapeutic challenges
Authors: Hawsawi Yousef MohammedRabaa , Zailaie Samar Abdullah , Oyouni Atif Abdulwahab A. , Alzahrani Othman Rashed , Alamer Osama Mohamed , Aljohani Saad Ali S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractProstate cancer (PC) is the most prevalent type of cancer in men worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, the rate of PC is increasing annually. The sex steroid hormones androgens and their receptors have critical roles in PC development and progression. Additionally, apoptosis-related proteins such as heat-shock proteins are vital molecules in PC development. Steroid hormone-deprivation therapies remain the essential treatment for patients with metastatic PCs; however, acquired resistance to hormone deprivation and the transition to PC androgen independence is a major health obstacle. In this review, we aim to detail the roles of androgens, androgen receptors and sex steroid hormones in inducing apoptosis in PC.
International travel is not a significant risk of exposure for patients at a Midwestern United States travel clinic
Authors: Patel Pooja , House Hans R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was introduced into the United States via travel from Asia and Europe, although the extent of the spread of the disease was limited in the early days of the pandemic. Consequently, international travel may have played a role in the transmission of the disease into Iowa. This study seeks to determine how preferences for international travel changed as novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) spread throughout the world and if any of these returning travelers developed COVID-19 as a result of their trips. This is a retrospective chart review of patients presenting to a travel clinic in Bettendorf, Iowa for pre-travel advice and vaccinations. From October 2019 to March 2020, four hundred twelve (n = 412) patients presented to the clinic. Intended travel to the Western Pacific region (China, Japan, Korea, etc.) decreased dramatically during the study period. All 412 patients were followed in the electronic medical record for the period after their planned travel and only three (3) presented for COVID-19 testing. Two (2) tested positive, and both of these infections were linked to workplace exposures and not due to travel. News of the growing pandemic and travel warnings likely altered patients’ travel plans and decreased travel to the most affected regions of the world in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on our study, travel was not a significant source of COVID-19 exposure for patients seen at this clinic.
Capital mobility in Latin American and Caribbean countries: new evidence from dynamic common correlated effects panel data modeling
Authors: Murthy Vasudeva N. R. , Ketenci Natalya 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the degree of capital mobility in a panel of 16 Latin American and 4 Caribbean countries during 1960 to 2017 against the backdrop of the Feldstein-Horioka hypothesis by applying recent panel data techniques. This is the first study on capital mobility in Latin American and Caribbean countries to employ the recently developed panel data procedure of the dynamic common correlated effects modeling technique of Chudik and Pesaran (J Econ 188:393–420, 2015) and the error-correction testing of Gengenbach, Urbain, and Westerlund (Panel error correction testing with global stochastic trends, 2008, J Appl Econ 31:982–1004, 2016). These approaches address the serious panel data econometric issues of cross-section dependence, slope heterogeneity, nonstationarity, and endogeneity in a multifactor error-structure framework. The empirical findings of this study reveal a low average (mean) savings–retention coefficient for the panel as a whole and for most individual countries, as well as indicating a cointegration relationship between saving and investment ratios. The results indicate that there is a relatively high degree of capital mobility in the Latin American and Caribbean countries in the short run, while the long-run solvency condition is maintained, which is due to reduced frictions in goods and services markets causing increase competition. Increased capital mobility in these countries can promote economic growth and hasten the process of globalization by creating a conducive economic environment for FDI in these countries.
Establishing a common metric for patient-reported outcomes in cancer patients: linking patient reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS), numerical rating scale, and patient-reported outcomes version of the common terminology criteria for adverse events (PRO-CTCAE)
Authors: Lee Minji K. , Schalet Benjamin D. , Cella David , Yost Kathleen J. , Dueck Amylou C. , Novotny Paul J. , Sloan Jeff A. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Researchers and clinicians studying symptoms experienced by people with cancer must choose from various scales. It would be useful to know how the scores on one measure translate to another.

Methods
Using item response theory (IRT) with the single-group design, in which the same sample answers all measures, we produced crosswalk tables linking five 0–10 numeric rating scale (NRS) and 15 items from Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE, scored on a 1–5 scale) to the T-Score metric of six different scales from the NIH Patient reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®). The constructs, for which we conducted linking, include emotional distress-anxiety, emotional distress-depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, pain intensity, and pain interference. We tested the IRT linking assumption of construct similarity between measures by comparing item content and testing unidimensionality of item sets comprising each construct. We also investigated the correlation of the measures to be linked and, by inspecting standardized mean differences, whether the linkage is invariant across age and gender subgroups. For measures that satisfied the assumptions, we conducted linking.

Results
In general, an NRS score of 0 corresponded to about 38.2 on the PROMIS T-Score scale (mean = 50; SD = 10); whereas an NRS score of 10 corresponded to a PROMIS T-Score of approximately 72.7. Similarly, the lowest/best score of 1 on PRO-CTCAE corresponded to 39.8 on T-score scale and the highest/worst score of 5 corresponded to 72.0.

Conclusion
We produced robust linking between single item symptom measures and PROMIS short forms.
Impact of neem-nanoemulsion and neem petroleum ether extract on some biological parameters of the internal parasitoid, Meteorus gyrator (Thub.) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Ebeid Amany Ramadan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
The neem tree, Azadirachta indica, is very promising for the control of many insect pests, where it acting as feeding deterrents, oviposition obstruction and as a growth regulator.

Results
In this study, both neem extract and neem nanoemulsion significantly decreased the adult emergence of Meteorus gyrator. It was found that all concentrations of neem nanoemulsion especially high concentrations (800, 400, and 200 ppm) have adversely affected some biological parameters of this parasitoid. Also, they have a harmful effect as reducing fecundity, oviposition, and shortened the longevity of M. gyrator.

Conclusion
It has been proved that neem nanoemulsion is more harmful than neem oil extract for the hymenopteran parasitoid M. gyrator.
Assessment of door handles as potential reservoirs of drug-resistant enterococci
Authors: Otokunefor Kome , Famakin Blessing O. , Douglas Dorothy O. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundFomites have long been known to play a key role in the spread of disease causing agents. Hospital-associated fomites in particular have been linked with transmission of members of theEnterococcisp which are key human pathogens. Few studies have explored the role non-hospital door handles might play as potential sources of these isolates. This study therefore set out to explore this role.ResultsA total of hundred toilet and office door handles in a tertiary institution in Rivers State, Nigeria, were sampled using the swab and rinse method. The presence and drug susceptibility of Enterococcus was determined using the selective bile esculin agar (BEA) and standard microbiological methods. Growth on BEA was observed in 71% of cases, with more growth (38/50, 76%) observed from toilet door handles. Only 35% of samples produced the characteristic black pigmentation associated withEnterococcussp. Six different bacterial groups were identified from this subset withEnterococcussp. making up only 14% (5/35) of the isolates. All (100%) Enterococci were isolated from toilet door handles. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed very high levels of resistance (80–100%) against 75% of the test antibiotics. An analysis of the antibiotic resistance pattern of each isolate revealed 11 unique antibiogram patterns. Only 2 of these patterns were associated with the enterococci, with majority (4/5) exhibiting resistance to Augmentin (AUG), Ceftazidime (CAZ), Ceftriaxone (CTR), Cefuroxime (CRX), Cloxacillin (CXC), Erythromycin (ERY), Gentamicin (GEN), Ofloxacin (OFL) (antibiogram of AUG–CAZ–CRX–CTR–CXC–ERY). None of the enterococci, however, was resistant to vancomycin.ConclusionThis study reports low level contamination of door handles by enterococci. Identical antibiogram patterns linked with majority of the enterococci could however point at the occurrence of a single clone perhaps indicating single source contamination. Reports of high levels of ampicillin resistance among these isolates are problematic as ampicillin–gentamicin combination is the treatment of choice for nosocomial enterococci pathogens.
Improved Tissue Processing in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma After Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Allows Histological Analysis of All Surgically Removed Lymph Nodes with Significant Effects on Nodal UICC Stages
Authors: Quaas A. , Schloesser H. , Fuchs H. , Zander T. , Arolt C. , Scheel A. H. , Rueschoff J. , Bruns C. , Buettner R. , Schroeder W. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
In esophageal carcinoma, the numbers of metastatic and total removed lymph nodes (LN) are well-established variables of long-term prognosis. The overall rate of retrieved LN depends on neoadjuvant treatment, the extent of surgical lymphadenectomy, and the modality of the pathological workup. The question in this study is whether technically extended histopathological preparation can increase the number of detected (metastatic) LN with an impact on nodal UICC staging.

Patients and Methods
A cohort of 77 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma was treated with Ivor Lewis esophagectomy including standardized two-field lymphadenectomy. The specimens were grossed, and all manually detectable LN were retrieved. The remaining tissue was completely embedded by the advanced “acetone compression” retrieval technique. The primary outcome parameter was the total number of detected lymph nodes before and after acetone workup.

Results
A mean number of 23,1 LN was diagnosed after standard manual LN preparation. With complete embedding of the fatty tissue using acetone compression, the number increased to 40.5 lymph nodes (p < 0.0001). The mean number of metastatic LN increased from 3.2 to 4.2 nodal metastases following acetone compression (p < 0.0001). Additional LN metastases which caused a change in the primary (y)pN stage were found in ten patients (13.0%).

Conclusions
Advanced lymph node retrieval by acetone compression allows a reliable statement on the real number of removed LN. Results demonstrate an impact on the nodal UICC stage. A future multicenter study will examine the prognostic impact of improved lymph node retrieval on long-term oncologic outcome.
Spectrum of external genital anomalies in disorders of Sex Development at Children Hospital & Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Sarah , Tafweez Raafea , Haider Areiba , Yaqoob Muhammad 
Published: December 2020

Objective: To describe the mode of presentation and frequency of external genital anomalies in disorder of sex development (DSD)
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Children Hospital & Institute of Child Health, Lahore from January to December, 2016 on Children with DSD above 10 years of age. A detailed history and physical examination were done. Positive findings were recorded on a predesigned proforma and analyzed by SPSS 21. Karyotyping on blood samples was done to determine their genetic sex.
Results: Out of 83 DSD children, 67% (n=56) were assigned a female sex at birth of which 9% (n=5) had ambiguous genitalia. Male sex at birth was given to 33% (n=27) of which 96% (n=26) had genital ambiguity. Mode of presentation other than ambiguous genitalia were delayed puberty, amenorrhea, hirsuitism, gynaecomastia, cyclic hematuria etc. Clitoromegaly was the main finding in 62.5% (n=5) and micropenis in 45% (n=9). Karyotypic sex of 56 female sex of rearing was 46XX 80% (n=45), 45X0 13% (n=7), XXX 2% (n=1) and 46 XY in 5% (n=3). Karyotypic sex of 27 male sex of rearing was 46XY in 78% (n=21), 46XX in 15% (n=4) and 47XXY in 7% (n=2).
Conclusion: Disorders of sex development presented with a wide spectrum of external genital anomalies ranging from clitoromegaly in females to micropenis and hypospadias in males. There was also an extreme diversity in mode of presentation of these cases including pubertal delay, amenorrhea in females and gender confusion disorders.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.1.2991
How to cite this:Khan S, Tafweez R, Haider A, Yaqoob M. Spectrum of external genital anomalies in disorders of Sex Development at Children Hospital & Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(1):244-249. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.1.2991
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.