bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical Treatment for Secondary Aortoesophageal Fistula
Authors: Sugiyama Kayo , Iwahashi Toru , Koizumi Nobusato , Nishibe Toshiya , Fujiyoshi Toshiki , Ogino Hitoshi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAortoesophageal fistula(AEF) is a relatively rare condition that is often life-threatening.Secondary AEF is a complication ofprevious surgery,whichcan be more critical and challenging than primary AEF.The number of secondary AEF is increasing due to increase in the number of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Although TEVAR has become a successful alternative surgical strategy forthoracic aortic aneurysms, secondary AEF after TEVAR might be critical than other secondary AEF because of severe adhesion between the esophagus and residual thoracic aortic wall.Methods This study analyzedsixpatients with secondaryAEFwho were treated at TokyoMedical University Hospitalbetween 2011 and 2016. These participants includedfour patients who had undergone TEVAR and two who had undergone total arch replacement.ResultsAlthough they were subsequently hospitalized for a long period, open surgical repair was completed intwo patients who had undergonetotal archreplacement.TEVAR alone was performedin two patients who had undergone TEVAR and they were discharged without major complications shortly. Combined repair of TEVARas a bridge to open surgery was plannedfor two patients who had undergone TEVAR. However, reconstruction of the aorta and esophagus could not be completed in these patients due to severe adhesions, and they died during hospitalization. ConclusionsDefinitive open repair wassuccessfully performed in patients with secondary AEF after total arch replacement. However, in the patients with secondaryAEF after TEVAR, severe adhesion between the aorta and esophagus led to difficulty in performing a successful definitive open repair.The strategy for secondary AEF should, therefore, be decided considering the etiology of secondary AEF. In secondary AEF after TEVAR, palliative treatment using TEVAR without reconstruction of aorta and esophagus should be considered.
Enabling Culturally Safe Sexual Health Services in Western Sydney: a Protocol to Improve Outcomes for Aboriginal Young People.
Authors: Ubrihien Ashley John , Gwynne Kylie , Lewis David A. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Aboriginal people face challenges on several fronts when it comes to the health and wellbeing of their community, compared to the rest of the Australian population. This is no different in urban areas such as Australia’s largest urban Aboriginal community located in Blacktown, NSW, where sexually transmitted infections remain an issue of concern. Across Australia, rates of Infectious Syphilis Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C infection have increased by 400%, 260%, and 15% respectively while Gonorrhoea decreased 12% in the 5-year period from 2013 to 2017. This study explores how to address the barriers that prevent young Aboriginal people under 30 years of age accessing public Sexual Health Services.MethodsPurposeful qualitative sampling will be undertaken to recruit 20 male and 20 female health consumers, 10 Aboriginal Elders and 10 sexual health clinicians. This recruitment will be undertaken with the assistance of local Aboriginal organisations and Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD). Participants will be interviewed on a one on one basis using semi structured interviews and participants will be interviewed by someone of the same gender in order to address cultural preferences. Data collected will be analysed using NVivo and by conducting a thematic analysis.DiscussionThis study will seek to add to the literature that explores why young Aboriginal people do not access sexual health services. This study seeks to understand the experience of clinicians, Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal young people to provide practical policy and clinical redesign evidence that can be used to improve the experience and cultural safety of sexual health services in urban areas of Australia. The results of the qualitative research will be disseminated with the assistance of participating local Aboriginal organisations and the findings will be published through peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference presentations.Trial registrationThe study is approved by Western Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/16/WMEAD/449) and the New South Wales Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council’s Human Research Ethics Committee (1220/16).
Co-expression Analysis Revealed Key Biomarkers Associated With the Diagnosis and Progression of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Xin , Zhang Xiaoqing , Liu Jiali , Wang Yu , Wang Chenxin , Li Chunpu , Guo Dongmei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: To reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of HCM and find new effective therapeutic strategies using a systematic biological approach.Methods: The WGCNA algorithm was applied to building the co-expression network of HCM samples. A sample cluster analysis was performed using the hclust tool and a co-expression module was constructed. The WGCNA algorithm was used to study the interactive connection between co-expression modules and draw a heat map to show the strength of interactions between modules. The genetic information of the respective modules was mapped to the associated GO terms and KEGG pathways, and the Hub Genes with the highest connectivity in each module were identified. The Wilcoxon test was used to verify the expression level of hub genes between HCM and normal samples, and the "pROC" R package was used to verify the possibility of hub genes as biomarkers. Finally, the potential functions of hub genes were analyzed by GSEA software. Results: Seven co-expression modules were constructed using sample clustering analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis judged that the turquoise module is an important module. The hub genes of each module are RPL35A for module Black, FH for module Blue, PREI3 for module Brown, CREB1 for module Green, LOC641848 for module Pink, MYL7 for module Turquoise and MYL6 for module Yellow. The results of the differential expression analysis indicate that MYL7 and FH are considered true hub genes. In addition, the ROC curves revealed their high diagnostic value as biomarkers for HCM. Finally, in the results of the GSEA analysis, MYL7 and FH highly expressed genes were enriched with the "proteasome" and a "PPAR signaling pathway," respectively.Conclusions: The MYL7 and FH genes may be the true hub genes of HCM. Their respective enriched pathways, namely the "proteasome" and the "PPAR signaling pathway," may play an important role in the development of HCM.
Mycophenolic Acid, Active Form of Mycophenolate Mofetil, Interferes With the IRF7 Nuclear Translocation and Type I IFN Production by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Shigesaka Minoru , Ito Tomoki , Inaba Muneo , Imai Kai , Yamanaka Hideki , Azuma Yoshiko , Tanaka Akihiro , Amuro Hideki , Nishizawa Tohru , Son Yonsu , Satake Atsushi , Ozaki Yoshio , Nomura Shosaku 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundBoth humoral and cellular immune mechanisms are involved in the onset and progression of the autoimmune responses in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a central role in the pathogenesis of SLEvia the dysregulation of type I interferon (IFN) production;these cells act together with activated myeloid DCs (mDCs), to amplify the vicious pathogenic spiral of autoimmune disorders. Therefore, control of the aberrant DC activation in SLE may provide an alternative treatment strategy against this disease. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), which has been used to treat lupus nephritis, specifically blocks the proliferation of B and T lymphocytes via inhibition of inosine-5-monophosphate dehydrogenase. Here, we focus on the effects of MMFin targeting DC functions, especially the IFN response of pDCs.MethodsWe isolated human blood pDCs and mDCs by flow cytometry and examined the effect of mycophenolic acid (MPA), which is a metabolic product of MMF, on the toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand response of DC subsets. Additionally, we cultured pDCs with serum from SLE patients in the presence or absence of MPA and then examined the inhibitory function of MPA on SLE serum-induced IFN-a production.ResultsWe found that treatment with 1-10mM of MPA (covering the clinical trough plasma concentration range) dose-dependently downregulated the expression of CD80 and CD86 on mDCs(but not pDCs) without inducing apoptosis, in response to R848 or CpG-ODN, respectively. Notably, MPA significantly suppressed IFN-α production with IRF7 nuclear translocation in pDCsand IL-12 production with STAT4 expression in mDCs. We further identified that MPA had an inhibitory effect on SLE serum-induced IFN-α production by pDCs.ConclusionsOur data suggest that MPA can interrupt the vicious pathogenic spiral of autoimmune disordersby regulating the function of DC subsets. This work unveiled a novel mechanism for the therapeutic ability of MMF against SLE.
Estimated costs for the delivery of safer conception strategies for HIV-discordant couples in Zimbabwe: A cost analysis
Authors: Hughes Carolyn Smith , Brown Joelle , Murombedzi Caroline , Chirenda Thandiwe , Chareka Gift , Mhlanga Felix , Mateveke Bismark , Gitome Serah , Makurumure Tinei , Matubu Allen , Mgodi Nyaradzo , Chirenje Zvavahera , Kahn James G 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background In recent years, safer conception strategies have been developed to help HIV-serodiscordant couples conceive a child without transmitting HIV to the seronegative partner. The SAFER clinical trial is assessing implementation of these strategies in low-resource settings, including Zimbabwe.Methods As a part of the SAFER study, we estimated the costs associated with individual and combination strategies, in the trial setting and in real-world practice. Safer conception strategies included: 1) ART with frequent viral load testing until achieving undetectable viral load (ART-VL); 2) daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); 3) semen-washing with intrauterine insemination; and 4) manual self-insemination at home. For costs in the trial, we used a micro-costing approach, including a time and motion study to quantify personnel effort, and estimated the cost per couple for individual and combination strategies for a mean of 6 months of safer conception service delivery. For real-world practice, we modeled costs for three implementation scenarios, representing differences from the trial in input prices, intervention intensity, and increments to current HIV prevention and treatment practices and guidelines. We used one-way sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of uncertainty in input variables.Results Individual strategy costs were $769-$1,615 per couple in the trial; $185-$563 if using Ministry of Health (MoH) prices. Under the target intervention intensity and using MoH prices, individual strategy costs were $73-$360 per couple over and above the cost of current HIV clinical practices. The cost of delivering the most commonly selected combination strategy, ART-VL plus PrEP, ranged from $166-$517 per couple under the three real-world implementation scenarios. Highest costs were for personnel, lab tests, and strategy-specific consumables, in variable proportions by clinical strategy and analysis scenario. Total costs were most affected by uncertainty in the price of PrEP, number of semen-washing attempts, and scale-up of semen-washing capacity.Conclusions Safer conception methods have costs that may be affordable in many low-resource settings. These cost data will help implementers and policymakers add safer conception services. Cost-effectiveness analysis is needed to assess value for money for safer conception services overall and for specific combinations of safer conception strategies.Trial Registration:· Registry Name: Clinicaltrials.gov· Trial registration number: NCT03049176· Registration date: February 9, 2017· https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03049176
Molecular detection of Blastocystis from animals in Italy: subtypes distribution and implications for the zoonotic transmission
Authors: Gabrielli Simona , Furzi Federica , Brianti Emanuele , Gaglio Gabriella , Napoli Ettore , Rinaldi Laura , Alburqueque Renato Aco , Paoletti Michela , Mattiucci Simonetta 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist distributed worldwide infecting humans and a wide range of domestic and wild animals. It exhibits an extensive genetic diversity and so far, 26 subtypes (STs) have been identified in animal hosts, ten of them (ST1-ST9 and ST12) reported in humans with varying prevalence. Since several STs are common to humans and animals it has been proposed that a proportion of human infections may have a zoonotic origin. Aims of the present study were to: 1) genetically detect Blastocystis in faecal samples of farmed animals and wild carnivores; 2) investigate the distribution of Blastocystis STs in different animal hosts; 3) provide a first study on the Blastocystis STs circulating between animals and humans in Italy.Methods: Fresh faecal samples (N=269) were collected from carnivores and farmed animals in different Italian provinces and submitted to genomic DNA extraction and PCR amplification followed by both sequence and phylogenetic analysis (Neighbour Joining and Maximum Parsimony)Results: Blastocystis was detected in 50% of the farmed animals (42 out of 84), and 19 of them were successfully subtyped. Conversely, all the faecal samples (N=185) from domestic and wild carnivores (dogs, cats, foxes) tested in the present study, resulted negative. Phylogenetic analysis showed the finding of ST5, ST7, ST9 and ST10 in the samples from animals. The comparison with sequences of Blastocystis STs previously detected from humans in Italy showed the ST7, as a potential source of zoonotic transmission.Conclusions: The present study represents the widest epidemiological survey so far performed in animals in Italy. Further epidemiological studies using molecular approaches are required to determine the occurrence and distribution of Blastocystis STs in other potential animal reservoirs and to define the pathways of zoonotic transmission.
Aberrant expression profiles and bioinformatic analysis of CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs from three moderately differentiated supraglottic LSCC patients
Authors: Wu Chunping , Wang Mei , Huang Qiang , Guo Yang , Gong Hongli , Hu Chunyan , Zhou Liang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Aberrant expression of exosomal miRNAs has emerged as a research hotspot in cancer studies. However, no studies have been conducted on the dysregulation of exosomal miRNAs derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in supraglottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SLSCC).
Methods
CAFs and paired normal fibroblasts (NFs) from SLSCC patients were cultured, and exosomes in the culture supernatants were collected and identified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blotting. Exosomal miRNA expression was compared in each pair of CAFs and NFs by next-generation sequencing. Four online bioinformatic algorithms predicted the potential target genes of aberrantly expressed miRNAs, while gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment and network analysis identified downstream target genes and their interactions.
Results
Three pairs of CAFs and NFs were successfully cultured and purified. CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs were mostly downregulated and included miR-656-3p, miR-337-5p, miR-29a-3p and miR-655-3p; however, some, including miR-184-3p, miR-92a-1-5p, miR-212-3p and miR-3135b, were upregulated. Bioinformatics analysis revealed involvement of these miRNAs in biological processes, cellular components and molecular functions. KEGG analysis revealed the top thirty pathways involvement in cancer initiation and progression and in cell cycle regulation. An interaction network showed miR-16-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-34c-5p, miR-32-5p and miR-490-5p as the top five miRNAs and CCND1, CDKN1B, CDK6, PTEN and FOS as the top five target genes.
Conclusions
SLSCC patients showed aberrant expression of CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs. The target genes may jointly constitute a carcinogenic tumour microenvironment and may play decisive roles in the initiation and progression of SLSCC.
CircRNA circ_0124554 blocked the ubiquitination of AKT promoting the skip lymphovascular invasion on hepatic metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Tang Junwei , Feng Yifei , Huang Yuanjian , Xu Ziwei , Zhang Dongsheng , Zhang Chuan , Zhang Yue , Peng Wen , Sun Yueming 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer in men and the third most common cancer in women worldwide. The incidence and mortality of CRC was increasing rapidly in China. Lymph node-negative colorectal cancer patients with synchronous liver metastasis (LNLM1) was defined as “skip” lymph vascular invasion on hepatic metastasis, who presenting poor prognosis. We aiming to investigate the potential mechanism for the “skip” lymph vascular invasion on hepatic metastasis in colorectal cancer.
Methods
The microarray was applied for screening the transcription landscape of circRNA in lymph node negative CRC patients with synchronous liver metastasis (LNLM1) or without liver metastasis (LNLM0). The gain- and loss-of-function experiments was conducted in CRC cell lines and animal models. The RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation n was further employed in exploring the detailed mechanism of circRNA and associated target genes.
Results
We identified the aberrant increased circRNA circ_0124554 (also entitled as circ-LNLM) in tumor tissues of LNLM1 patients comparing with either the tumor tissues of LNLM0 or adjacent tissues of LNLM1. Circ-LNLM1 expression was highly corrected with liver metastasis and vascular invasion. Ectopic expression of cytoplasmic located circ-LNLM could promote invasion of CRC cells and induced the liver metastasis in animal models through the direct binding with AKT. The phosphorylation of AKT (T308/S473) was activated due to the blocked ubiquitination site of Lys in 0-52aa peptide of circ-LNLM. Endogenous plasma expression of circ-LNLM induced poor prognosis of LNLM1 and could distinguish LNLM1 patients from LNLM0.
Conclusions
The circ-LNLM blocked the ubiquitination of AKT could promote the early metastasis especially for the lymph node-negative colorectal cancer patients with synchronous liver metastasis. The circ-LNLM might be prognosis and diagnosis biomarker for LNLM1 patients.
Coagulation parameters are associated with the prognosis of immunoglobulin A nephropathy: a retrospective study
Authors: Xia Ming , Liu Di , Peng Liang , Li Yan , Liu Haiyang , Wu Lingzhi , Chen Guochun , Liu Yu , Liu Hong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (T) score is a known determinant of the progression of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Strong evidence indicates that the components of the coagulation system closely linked with fibrotic events and have been highlighted in the kidney. However, whether the coagulation system can affect the renal outcome of IgAN remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the association of coagulation parameters and pathological phenotype of IgAN and their combined effects on the deterioration of renal function.Methods: This retrospective study included patients with biopsy-proven IgAN from May 2009 to April 2013 in the Second Xiangya Hospital. Clinical data, pathological features were collected, and the associations of coagulation parameters at biopsy, T score, and renal outcome were evaluated. T score indicated the degree of tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis. The renal outcome was defined as an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or an irreversible 50% estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction.Results: Shorter prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were significantly associated with T (both p<0.001). PT (<11.15s) or APTT (<29.65s) had worse cumulative survival rate (p=0.008, p=0.027 respectively) and were significantly but not independently associated with a higher risk of renal outcome (p=0.012, p=0.032 respectively). In the combined analyses of PT, APTT, and T lesions, the odd ratios for the outcome were significantly higher in the presence of T with PT (<11.15s) or APTT (<29.65s).Conclusion: Shorter PT and APTT are associated with an increased incidence of the T lesion and are additional factors that portend a poorer prognosis in IgAN. Monitoring coagulation function might be important when assessing the risk of progression. Additional studies exploring the molecular mechanism between coagulation and IgAN pathology are needed.
Sediment clues in flood mitigation: the key to determining the origin, transport, and degree of heavy metal contamination
Authors: Annammala K. V. , Mohamad N. A. , Sugumaran D. , Masilamani L. S. , Liang Y. Q. , Jamal M. H. , Yusop Z. , Yusoff A. R. M. , Nainar A. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This study seeks to identify sediment sources, quantify erosion rates, and assess water quality status via sediment fingerprinting, the Modified Laser Erosion Bridge (MLEB) method, and various pollution indices (PIs), respectively, in the humid tropics (Malaysia). Geochemical elements were used as tracers in sediment fingerprinting. Erosion rates were measured at 3,241 points that encompass high conservation value forests (HCVFs); logged forests (LFs); mature oil palm (MOP); and mature rubber (MR) plantations. Annual erosion rates were 63.26–84.44, 42.38, 43.76–84.40, and 5.92–59.32 t ha−1 yr−1 in the HCVF, LF, MOP, and MR, respectively. Via sediment fingerprinting, logging and agricultural plantations were identified as the major contributors of the sediment. PIs also indicated the highest level of pollution in those catchments. This study highlighted three main messages: (i) the feasibility and applicability of the multiproxy sediment fingerprinting approach in identifying disaster-prone areas; (ii) the MLEB as a reliable and accurate method for monitoring erosion rates within forested and cultivated landscapes; and (iii) the adaptation of PIs in providing information regarding the status of river water quality without additional laboratory analyses. The combination of these approaches aids in identifying high-risk and disaster-prone areas for the prioritisation of preventive measures in the tropics.