bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide Long Noncoding RNA and mRNA Expression Profile Reveals Associations Between Inorganic Elements Exposure and Risk of Developing Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Fang Zan-Xi , Niu Jian-Jun , Liu Ping-Guo , Lin Yong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have been closely associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study conducted a genome-wide microarray analysis and qPCR validation to gain a comprehensive insight on this issue. Methods Thirty male HCC patients with chronic HBV infection were included in the present study. Primary HCC tissues and normal tissue were collected. Synthesize double stranded complementary DNA from 10 pairs of samples were labeled and hybridized to microarray chip. Further analysis, such as hierarchical clustering analysis, gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis were performed. In addition, qPCR validation was conducted in all samples. Results The microarray analysis identified 946 upregulated and 571 downregulated lncRNAs, along with 1,720 upregulated and 1,106 downregulated mRNAs. Among them, ENST00000583827.1 (fold change: 21.11) and uc010isf.1 (fold change: 17.76) were the most over- and under-expressed lncRNAs in HCC tissues. As for the mRNAs, KIF20A (fold change: 26.44) and HEPACAM (fold change: 49.56) were the most over- and under-expressed in HCC tissues. GO analysis revealed that the most differentially expressed mRNAs were related with the response of metal ion. Pathway analysis also suggested the most enriched pathway was mineral absorption. Conclusion The subsequent qPCR validation exhibited high consistency with microarray analysis, expect one lncRNA. It also revealed that TCONS_00008984 had 768.94-fold expression level in HCC tissues when compared with normal tissues. TCONS_00008984 has the potential to serve as a diagnostic marker or prognosis indicator. GO and pathway analysis that exposure to inorganic elements may possibly involve with HCC risk.
Silence of long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Mei Hongliang , Yu Zhiguo , Zhang Guanqi , Huang Zhiyuan , Li Hanjun , Hu Yilin , Jin Weidong , Yao Jie , Lu Qipin , Liu Zhisu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) has been reported to be associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is considered as one of the most common cancers worldwide. However, the mechanism of action of KCNQ1OT1 in human HCC has not been fully explained. In this study, we aimed to explore the functional role and the potential mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 in human HCC.Methods: First, we analyzed the expression levels of KCNQ1OT1 in HCC tissues in starBase database and detected the expression of KCNQ1OT1 in HCC cell lines by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. Next, we analyzed the role of KCNQ1OT1 in migration, invasion and proliferation of HCC by scratch wound healing, transwell and cell counting kit-8 assays. Finally, we analyzed the potential interrelationship between KCNQ1OT1 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through western blot assays.Results: Based on bioinformatics analyses, we found that KCNQ1OT1 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and its high expression was associated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients. We also confirmed an abnormal increase in the expression of KCNQ1OT1 in HCC cell lines. KCNQ1OT1 knockdown was found to have a negative impact on proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. In addition, interference with the expression of KCNQ1OT1 reduced the phosphorylation level of AKT and the protein level of PI3K, indicating the association of KCNQ1OT1 with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Conclusions: Collectively, this study confirmed the important role of KCNQ1OT1 in promoting HCC growth and revealed the inhibitory effect of KCNQ1OT1 on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This work may contribute to a better understanding of HCC progression and provide a potential biomarker for HCC.
Identification of Key Prognosis-Associated Genes in the Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ma HongBo , Wu XiaoLi , Tao MiaoMiao , Jithin Uthaman , Zhou GenDou , Li YanYan , Zhou Qi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death globally, and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) accounts for almost 40% of all lung cancer cases. In recent years, despite better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and achievements in the multimodal treatment of tumors, there is an urgent need to identify new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers In this study, we aim to identify the potential key genes related to the pathogenesis and prognosis of LUAD by using comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. The gene expression profile was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and we calculated the LUAD immune scores and stromal scores by using the ESTIMATE algorithm. Based on these scores, we further quantified the immune and stromal components and obtained the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the tumor. Overall survival analysis could better reflect the impact of genes related to immune and stromal cells on the prognosis. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were conducted, while protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was obtained from STRING. Analysis of the correlation revealed that these genes are mainly involved in the immune/inflammatory response. In conclusion, our study showed that 11 prognostic genes (CD33, IRF8, CD80, CD53, IL16, LY86, CD79B, TYROBP, CD1E, CD1C, and CD1B) might show a potentially good performance in predicting overall survival in patients with LUAD. In summary, we identified the key genes related to the microenvironment, which can further serve as the prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for LUAD.
QTL Mapping of Agronomic and Economic Traits for Four F2 Populations in Upland Cotton
Authors: Li Hongge , Pan Zhaoe , He Shoupu , Jia Yinhua , Geng Xiaoli , Chen Baojun , Wang Liru , Pang Baoyin , Du Xiongming 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) accounts for more than 90% of annual world cotton output due to its high yield potential. However, yield traits and fiber quality traits exhibit negative correlations in most cases. Here, to dissect simultaneously the genetic basis underlying complex traits such as yield and fiber quality as well as their genetic correlations in upland cotton, four F2 populations were constructed using two normal lines and two introgression lines. Subsequently, phenotyping of 8 agronomic and economic traits along with QTL mapping were implemented.Results: Extensive phenotype variations and transgressive segregation were found across segregation populations. Four genetic maps with length of 585.97cM, 752.45cM, 752.45cM and 1163.66cM were construct. The result of mapping displayed a total of 50 QTLs across four populations were identified, of which 27 were for fiber quality traits and 16 for yield traits. Multiple QTLs having the common maker, such as qBW4 and qBW2, or residing in the same QTL cluster, such as qLP9 and qFL9-1, were prioritized for further research.Conclusions: These findings will provide insight into simultaneous improvement of yield and fiber quality in upland cotton breeding.
The combination of serum NLR and D-dimer levels at diagnosis predicts overall survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Mei Pei , Gong Qiong , Rong Yu-Ping , Chang Jian , Fang Qi , Tao Jing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Many studies have confirmed that the systemic inflammatory response and hypercoagulable state of the patient are related to the occurrence and development of various tumors, including pancreatic cancer. The aim of this research was to combine blood inflammatory factors and D-dimer into a new prognostic scoring system.Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 73 patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer between January 2015 and December 2018 at our institution. To identify the prognostic predictors, circulating inflammatory cells and D-dimer were analyzed.Results Univariate analysis showed that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), CA19-9, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) score and D-dimer levels were significantly associated with overall survival in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Multivariate analysis suggested that only the NLR (p<0.026) and D-dimer level (p<0.012) were independent prognostic predictors. Then, we combined the NLR and D-dimer level to divide the cohort into three “NLRD” groups: “NLRD0”=NLR≤3.38 and D-dimer≤1.47, “NLRD1”=either NLR>3.38 or D-dimer>1.47, “NLRD2”=NLR>3.38 and D-dimer>1.47. Finally, we found that the NLRD2 group had the worst survival, with a median overall survival (OS) of 2 months (95%CI=1.450-2.550), while the NLRD0 group had the best outcome, with a median OS of 7 months (95%CI=5.897-8.121).Conclusions The scoring system combining the blood NLR with D-dimer levels provides important prognostic information for risk stratification in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and may help us identify patients who have a poor prognosis so that clinicians can develop personalized treatment strategies for these patients.
Dysregulation of ghrelin in diabetes impairs the vascular reparative response to hindlimb ischemia in a mouse model; clinical relevance to peripheral artery disease
Authors: Neale Joshua , Pearson James , Thomas Kate , Tsuchimouchi Hirotsugu , Hosoda Hiroshi , Kojima Masayasu , Sato Takahiro , Jones Gregory , Denny Adam , Daniels Lorna , Chandrasekera Dhananjie , Liu Ping , Rij Andre van , Katare Rajesh , Schwenke Daryl 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes is a prominent risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Yet, the mechanistic link between diabetes and PAD remains unclear. This study proposes that dysregulation of the endogenous hormone ghrelin, a potent modulator of vascular function, underpins the causal link between diabetes and PAD. Moreover, this study aimed to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of exogenous ghrelin in a diabetic mouse model of PAD. Methods: Standard ELISA analysis was used to quantify and compare circulating levels of ghrelin between i) human diabetic patients with or without PAD (clinic) and ii) db/db diabetic and non-diabetic mice (lab). Db/db mice underwent unilateral hindlimb ischaemia (HLI) for 14 days and treated with or without exogenous ghrelin (150 µg/kg/day.) Subsequently vascular reparation, angiogenesis, hindlimb perfusion, structure and function were assessed using laser Doppler imaging, micro-CT, microangiography, and protein and micro-RNA (miRNA) analysis. We further examined hindlimb perfusion recovery of ghrelin KO mice to determine whether an impaired vascular response to HLI is linked to ghrelin dysregulation in diabetes.Results: Patients with PAD, with or without diabetes, had significantly lower circulating levels of endogenous ghrelin, compared to healthy individuals. Diabetic db/db mice had ghrelin levels that were only 7% of non-diabetic mice. The vascular reparative capacity of diabetic db/db mice in response to HLI was impaired compared to non-diabetic mice and, importantly, comparable to ghrelin KO mice. Daily therapeutic treatment of db/db mice with ghrelin for 14 days post HLI, stimulated angiogenesis, and improved skeletal muscle architecture and cell survival, which was associated with an increase in pro-angiogenic miRNAs-126 and -132.Conclusions: These findings unmask an important role for endogenous ghrelin in vascular repair following limb ischemia, which appears to be downregulated in diabetic patients. Moreover, these results implicate exogenous ghrelin as a potential novel therapy to enhance perfusion in patients with lower limb PAD, especially in diabetics.
Leadership among women working to eradicate female genital mutilation: the impact of transcultural moments
Authors: Siles-González Jose , Gutiérrez-García Ana Isabel , Solano-Ruíz Carmen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe study aims to describe the transcultural process through which immigrant women who have experienced female genital mutilation become leaders against this practice. This study also aims to identify the incidence of female genital mutilation in the invisibility of health problems (especially sexual and reproductive disorders).MethodDescriptive research with cross-cultural principles and a qualitative approach. A semi-structured interview was used for data collection. Inclusion criteria: the women investigated had undergone female genital mutilation and were fully prepared to discuss the issue.ResultsStaying and social relations in a different country reduce cultural pressure and promotes critical thinking. Cultural moments reflect the different situations that affect the thinking and practice of female genital mutilation. Health problems associated with female genital mutilation (sexual, reproductive and psychological) become visible at transcultural moments.ConclusionsThe country change affects the cultural pressure that keeps this practice in minds, institutions, structures and bodies. These changes produce the transcultural moments. The practice of female genital mutilation constitutes a significant segment of gender-based violence.
The Estimation and Analysis of the Head Office Sector in Each Intra-regional Input-Output Table in Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka in 2011
Authors: Suhara Natsumi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The central management functions of the economics, politics, and culture of Japan are concentrated in Tokyo or in other metropolitan areas. Extreme concentration in Tokyo has become a serious problem for Japan. There is a concentration of headquarter function in Tokyo that falls behind the concentration of profits of other regions. Production activities such as branch offices and factories usually take place in regions outside Tokyo. Indirect management activities, which supervise production activities, are called headquarter functional activities. There is a structure in which profits from other parts of the country are concentrated in Tokyo through the corporate division of labor. To analyze this mechanism quantitatively, we must apply input-output tables, which is appropriate to examine headquarter services as intermediate goods of direct production site activities. In this research, we estimate 37 head office sectors in each intra-regional input-output table in Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka, known as regions in which many Japanese head offices are located. Moreover, we analyzed the inter-regional relationships between the head offices located in these four regions and the dependence of these regional economy on headquarter functional activities. (183 words)
Why it is difficult to distinguish the Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) and 3M syndrome in clinical practice
Authors: Gong Chunxiu , Zhang Beibei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background: To analyze why 3M syndrome can be regarded as a SRS-like syndrome by examining the patients with 3M syndrome and research the connection between 3M syndrome and SRS.Methods: The term “3M syndrome” was retrieved by Web of Science and the 3M patients were screened by NH-CSS to determine whether it was consist with the diagnosis of clinical SRS, and to analyze the relationship between the two diseases by exploring literature.Results: ① Among patients with 3M syndrome, 60/70 (83%) were in accordance with clinical SRS, and the coincidence rates of CUL7, OBSL1, CCDC8 gene mutations were: 30 (42%), 17 (24%) and 4 (6%) respectively; ② The phenotypes of 3M syndrome confirmed as clinical SRS were SGA (90%), short stature (100%), forehead protruding (100%), relative macrocephaly (100%), feeding difficulties/low BMI (33%), body asymmetry (0); ③ Skeletal abnormalities and pathogenesis were previously considered as the key points of differentiation also were overlaps between two diseases; ④ Symptomatic treatment and GH-treatment were carried out.Conclusions: ①. There isn’t reliable clinical points to distinguish the two diseases, especially for the patients with CUL7 mutations whose imaging is not typical, which need to rely on genetic detection; ②. Literature research points out the two diseases may have the same pathogenic pathway; ③. Both of diseases were treated symptomatically and used GH to improve height; ④. 3M syndrome diagnosed “clinical SRS” can incorporate into SRS to facilitate clinical classification and management.
The diffuse-type tenosynovial giant cell tumor (dt-TGCT) patient journey: a prospective real-world study
Authors: Bernthal Nicholas M. , Spierenburg Geert , Healey John H. , Stacchiotti Silvia , Palmerini Emanuela , Bauer Sebastian , Group TOPP Study , Gelderblom Hans , Staals Eric L. , Lopez-Bastida Julio , Fronk Eva-Maria , Ye Xin , Laeis Petra , Sande Michiel A.J. van de 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background: Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a rare locally aggressive neoplasm arising from the synovium of joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths affecting small and large joints. It represents a wide spectrum ranging from minimally symptomatic to massively debilitating. The majority of findings to date are mainly from small, retrospective case series, and thus the morbidity and actual impact of this rare disease remain to be elucidated. This study explores prospectively the real-world management of TGCT.Methods: The TGCT Observational Platform Project (TOPP) registry was a multinational, multicenter, prospective observational study involving 12 tertiary sarcoma centers in 7 European countries, and 2 US sites. This study enrolled for 2 years all consecutive ≥ 18 years old patients, with histologically diagnosed primary or recurrent cases of diffuse-type TGCT. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics were collected at baseline and every 6 months for 24 months. Quality of life questionnaires (PROMIS-PF and EQ-5D) were also administered at the same time-points. Here we report baseline patient characteristics.Results: 166 patients were enrolled between November 2016 and March 2019. Baseline characteristics were: mean age 44 years (mean age at disease onset: 39 years), 139/166 (83.7%) had prior treatment, 71/166 patients (42.8%) had ≥ 1 recurrence after treatment of their primary tumor, 76/136 (55.9%) visited a medical specialist ≥ 5 times, and 66/116 (56.9%) missed work in the 24 months prior to baseline, and 17/166 (11.6%) changed employment status or retired prematurely due to disease burden. Prior treatment consisted of surgery (i.e., arthroscopic, open synovectomy) (128/166; 77.1%), and systemic treatments (52/166; 31.3%) with imatinib (19/52; 36.5%) or pexidartinib (27/52; 51.9%). Treatment strategies at baseline visits consisted mainly of watchful waiting (81/166; 48.8%), surgery (41/166; 24.7%), or targeted systemic therapy (37/166; 22.3%). Patients indicated for treatment reported more impairment compared to patients indicated for watchful waiting: worst stiffness NRS 5.16/3.44, worst pain NRS 6.13/5.03, PROMIS-PF 39.48/43.85, and EQ-5D VAS 66.54/71.85.Conclusion: This study confirms that diffuse-type TGCT can highly impact quality of life. A prospective observational registry in rare disease is feasible and can be a tool to collect curated-population reflective data in orphan diseases.
Effect of Inhibition of GLUT1 Expression and Autophagy Modulation on the Growth and Migration of Laryngeal Carcinoma Stem Cells under Hypoxic and Low-Glucose Conditions
Authors: Zhou Shui-Hong , Chen Xiao-Hong , Liu Jia , Zhong Jiang-Tao , Fan Jun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background: Enhanced glucose uptake and autophagy are means by which cells adapt to stressful microenvironments. We investigated the roles of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) and autophagy in laryngeal carcinoma stem cells under hypoxic and low-glucose conditions.Methods: CD133+ Tu212 laryngeal carcinoma stem cells were purified by magnetic-activated cell sorting and subjected to hypoxic and/or low-glucose conditions. Proliferation was evaluated using a cell-counting kit and a clone-formation assay, and migration was evaluated through a Transwell assay. Autophagy was assessed via transmission electron microscopy. GLUT-1 and beclin-1 expression were silenced using an shRNA and autophagy was manipulated using rapamycin, 3-MA, or chloroquine. Gene expression levels were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and protein concentrations were assessing via Western blotting.Results: Compared to CD133– stem cells, CD133+ cells showed increased proliferation and migration, and reduced apoptosis, under hypoxic or low-glucose conditions. They also showed increased expression of GLUT-1 and autophagy markers. Finally, GLUT-1 knockdown or autophagy inhibition reduced their proliferation and migration.Conclusions: Enhanced glucose uptake and autophagy maintain the functions of CD133+ laryngeal carcinoma stem cells under hypoxic and low-glucose conditions.
ABCC7/CFTR Expression is Down-regulated in Patients with Active Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Yamamoto-Furusho Jesus , Villeda-Ramírez Marco Antonio , Meza-Guillen Daniela , Barreto-Zúñiga Rafael 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background Inflammatory Bowel Disease includes Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn´s disease (CD) of unknown etiology. The expression of ATP Binding Cassette Family proteins (ABC) has been associated with drug resistance and development of UC. The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) or also known as ABCC7 is involved in the inflammatory chronic response. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of ABCC7/CFTR in UC patients and normal controls without inflammation. Results A total of 62 patients with UC and normal controls were included. We found a significant downregulation of CFTR gene expression in patients with active UC compared to remission UC and normal controls without inflammation (P<0.004 and P<0.0001 respectively) even the gene expression of CFTR was decreased in remission UC patients compared to normal controls (P=0.047). The CFTR gene expression was associated with persistent activity of UC and young age at diagnosis before 40 years. The protein expression of CFTR was decreased in severe active UC patients compared to normal controls without inflammation. Conclusion The CFTR gene and protein expression were significantly decreased in active UC patients and it was also associated with clinical outcomes.