bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Respiratory Effects of Particulate Matter Exposure During Short-Term Cycling Among Healthy Adults in Three Chinese Cities
Authors: He Lejian , Zhao Laijun , Liu Yonghong , Qiu Zhaowen , Gao H. Oliver 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Cycling to work has been promoted as a green commute in many countries because of its reduced congestion relative to that of cars and its reduced environmental impact on air pollution. However, cyclists might be exposed to higher air pollution, causing adverse health effects. Few studies have examined the respiratory effects of traffic-related air pollution exposure during short-term cycling, especially in developing countries with heavy air pollution. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of air pollution exposure on lung function while cycling in traffic. Methods: Twenty-five healthy adults in total cycled on a specified route in each of three Chinese cities during four periods of a day. Lung function measures were collected immediately before and after cycling. Real-time particulate matter (PM) and the particle number count (PNC) for particles with different sizes were measured along each cycling route, while ambient sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO) levels were measured at the nearest stations. Mixed-effect models were used to estimate the impact of short-term air pollution exposure on participants’ lung function measures during cycling. Results: We found that an interquartile increase in particulate matter consisting of fine particles (PM1, aerodynamic diameter £ 1 mm; and PM2.5, aerodynamic diameter £ 2.5 mm) was associated with a significant decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC) (PM1, –5.61%, p = 0.021; PM2.5, –5.57%, p = 0.022). Interquartile increases in the 99th percentile of PNC for fine particles (aerodynamic diameter 0.3–0.4 mm) also had significant negative associations with FVC (0.3 mm, –5.13%, p = 0.041; 0.35 mm, –4.81%, p = 0.045; 0.4 mm, –4.59%, p = 0.035). We also observed significant inverse relationships between ambient CO levels and FVC (–5.78%, p = 0.015).Conclusions: Our results suggest that short-term exposure to fine particles and CO while cycling in traffic contributes to a reduction in FVC of cyclists.
Evaluation of Dopamine Transporter Density in Healthy Brazilians Using [99mTc] TRODAT-1 SPECT
Authors: Reis Marilia Alves dos , Gadelha Ary , Felício André C. , Hoexter Marcelo Queiroz , Batista Ilza Rosa , Braga-Neto Pedro , Calzavara Mariana , Cavagnolli Daniel Alves , Higuchi Cinthia , Leite Melissa Furlaneto Lellis , Nogueira Solange Amorim , Wagner Jairo , Castiglioni Mario Luiz Vieira , Shih Ming Chi , Bressan Rodrigo Affonseca 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose: The presynaptic dopamine transporter (DAT) modulates the uptake of dopamine by regulating its concentration in the central nervous system. We aimed to evaluate the DAT binding potential (DAT-BP) in a sample of healthy Brazilians through [99mTc] TRODAT-1 single-photon emission computed tomography imaging. Methods: We selected 126 healthy individuals comprising 72 men and 54 women, aged 18-80 years. We conducted semi-quantitative evaluation in transaxial slices, following which we identified the regions of interest in the striatal region using the occipital lobe as a region of non-specific DAT-BP. We found a decrease in DAT-BP in healthy individuals aged over 30 years, culminating in a 42% mean reduction after 80 years. Results: There was no difference in the decrease by age group between the right (R2 linear=0.466) and left striatum (R2 linear=0.510). Women presented a higher DAT-BP than men (women: R2 linear=0.431; men: R2 linear=0.457); nonetheless, their decrease by age group was equal to that in men. Conclusion: Our study sheds light on important DAT-BP findings in healthy Brazilian subjects. Our results will facilitate understanding of brain illnesses that involve the dopamine system, such as neuropsychiatric disorders.
Corneal Surface Irregularity and Surgically Induced Astigmatism Changes in the Small Incision Versus Microincision After SMILE
Authors: Piao Junjie , Li Ying , Wang Meng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the corneal surface irregularity and surgically induced astigmatism changes in the small incision versus microincision after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery.Methods: A total of 70 eyes of 35 patients with myopia who underwent SMILE surgery were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the incision size (small incision, 4.0 mm or microincision, <2.5 mm) and subjected to a standard ophthalmologic examination preoperatively. The changes in corneal topographic and surface irregularities were evaluated using a TMS-4N topographer during a 6-month follow-up period.Results: According to Friedman’s ANOVA test, there were statistically significant changed in SRI, SAI, and IOP between two groups during a 6-month follow-up (all p < 0.001). At last follow-up, SRI values less than 0.50 D were shown 27 eyes (75%) in the small incision group and 28 eyes (82%) in the microincision group; SAI values less than 0.50 D were shown 22 eyes (61%) in the small incision group and 18 eyes (53%) in the microincision group (all p<0.001).Conclusions: SMILE procedures, using both small incisions and microincisions, are safe and effective surgical options for patients with low to high myopia and provide stable postoperative biomechanical properties and superior postoperative visual outcomes.
Association of UCP1 and UCP2 Variants With Diabetic Retinopathy Susceptibility in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xujia , Jiang Zehua , Zhang Guihua , Ng Tsz Kin , Wu Zhenggen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Genetic association of uncoupling proteins (UCPs) variants with the susceptibility of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in diabetes mellites (DM) patients has been reported but with controversy. Here we aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to confirm the association of different UCPs variants with DR.Methods: Three databases (Medline Ovid, Embase Ovid and CENTRAL) were applied in the literature search. Five genetic models, including allelic, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant and recessive models, were evaluated. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated under the random or fixed-effects models. Subgroup analyses, publication bias and sensitivity analyses were also conducted.Results: Eleven studies on 2 UCPs variants (UCP1 rs1800592 and UCP2 rs659366) were included. Our meta-analysis showed that UCP1 rs1800592 was not associated with DR in type-2 DM patients, and UCP2 rs659366 also showed no association with DR. In the subgroup analyses on the stage of DR, allele A of UCP1 rs1800592 significantly increased the susceptibility of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in type-2 DM patients in the allelic (OR = 1.26, P = 0.03) and homozygous models (OR = 1.60, P = 0.04). Subgroup analysis on ethnicity did not found any significant association of rs1800592 and rs659366 with DR.Conclusion: Our meta-analysis confirmed the association of UCP1 rs1800592 variant with PDR in patients with type-2 DM, suggesting its potential as a genetic marker for PDR prediction in population screening.
Using a Biopsychosocial Approach to Examine Differences in Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms Among Arab and Jewish Israeli Mothers Following A Child’s Traumatic Medical Event
Authors: Hussien Sewar , Sadeh Yaara , Dekel Rachel , Shadmi Efrat , Brezner Amichai , Landa Janna , Silberg Tamar 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Parents of children following a traumatic medical event (TME) are known to be at high risk for developing severe post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Findings on the negative impact of TMEs on parents’ PTSS have been described in different cultures and societies worldwide. However, in some cases, a specific ethnic group may also be a minority within a given region or a country, contributing to increased risk for parental PTSS following a child’s TME.Objectives: The current study aimed to examine differences in PTSS between Israeli-Arab and Israeli-Jewish mothers, following a child’s TME. More specifically, we aimed to examine the risk and protective factors affecting mother’s PTSS from a biopsychosocial approach.Methods: Data were collected from medical files of children following TMEs, hospitalized in a pediatric rehabilitation department, during the period 2008–2018. The sample included 47 Israeli-Arab mothers and 47 Israeli-Jewish mothers. Mothers completed the psychosocial assessment tool (PAT), the post-traumatic diagnostic scale (PDS).Results: Arab mothers self-reported significantly higher levels of PTSS than their Jewish counterparts. Further, Arab mothers perceived having more social support than Jewish mothers did. Finally, our prediction model indicated that both Arab ethnicity and pre-trauma family problems predicted higher levels of PTSS among mothers of children following TMEs.Conclusions: Focusing on ethnic and cultural effects following a child’s TME may help improve our understanding of the mental health needs of mothers from different minority ethnic groups and aid in developing appropriate health services and targeted interventions for this population.
N-terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide plasma levels are Associated With a Short-Term Diagnosis of Cancer in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Tuñón José , Aceña Álvaro , Pello Ana , Ramos-Cillán Sergio , Martínez-Milla Juan , González-Lorenzo Óscar , Fuentes-Antras Jesús , Tarín Nieves , Cristóbal Carmen , Blanco-Colio Luis Miguel , Martín-Ventura José Luis , Huelmos Ana , Gutiérrez-Landaluce Carlos , López-Castillo Marta , Alonso Joaquín , López-Bescós Lorenzo , Alonso-Pulpón Luis , Egido Jesús , Mahíllo-Fernández Ignacio , Lorenzo Óscar 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) plasma levels are increased in patients with cancer. In this paper we test whether NT-proBNP may identify patients who are going to receive a future cancer diagnosis (CD) in the short term. Methods We studied 962 patients with stable coronary artery disease and free of cancer and heart failure at baseline. NT-proBNP, galectin-3, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hsTnI), and calcidiol (vitamin D) plasma levels were assessed. The primary outcome was new CD. Results After 5.40 (2.81-6.94) years of follow-up, 59 patients received a CD. NT-proBNP [HR 1.036 CI (1.015-1.056) per increase in 100 pg/ml; p=0.001], previous atrial fibrillation [HR 3.140 CI (1.196-8.243); p=0.020], and absence of previous heart failure [HR 0.067 CI (0.006-0.802); p=0.033] were independent predictors of a receiving a CD in first three years of follow-up. None of the variables analyzed predicted a CD beyond this time. A previous history of heart failure was present in 3.3% of patients receiving a CD in the first three years of follow-up, in 0.0% of those receiving this diagnosis beyond three years, and in 12.3% of patients not developing cancer (p=0.036). Conclusions In patients with coronary artery disease, NT-proBNP is an independent predictor of CD in the first three years of follow-up but not later, suggesting that it could be detecting subclinical undiagnosed cancers. The existence of previous heart failure does not account for these differences. New studies in large populations are needed to confirm these findings.
The Clinical Significance and Prognostic Value of HER2 Expression in Bladder Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Gan Kai , Gao Yue , Liu KuangZheng , Xu Bin , Chen Ming 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) is highly expressed in a variety of tumors and associated with patients’ prognosis, but its role in bladder cancer remains unclear. We conducted this meta-analysis to explore the clinical significance and prognostic value of HER2 in bladder cancer and its potentiality as an immunotherapy target.Methods: PubMed was searched for studies published between January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2020. The odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were used to investigate the relationship between HER2 and bladder cancer. UALCAN website was used to obtain TCGA (The cancer genome atlas) database.Results: Our study includes 14 articles, 1398 patients. HER2 expression was significantly higher in bladder cancer than in normal tissues. Our meta-analysis results did not reveal any effect of gender on the expression of HER2 levels in bladder cancer patients. However, HER2 expression in male patients was significantly higher than that in women according to TCGA databases. HER2 expression was also associated with carcinoma in situ, multifocal tumors, large tumor size, high tumor stage and grade, lymph node metastases, risk of recurrence and progression, low recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate. HER2 expression status had no effect on overall survival.Conclusions: Our meta-analysis showed that HER2 expression was related to pathological malignancy and poor prognosis in bladder cancer which indicated that it could be used as an effective biomarker and therapeutic target.
Assessment of the YKL-40 concentration in patients with tick-borne encephalitis
Authors: Czupryna Piotr , Kulczyńka-Przybik Agnieszka , Mroczko Barbara , Wondim Mulugeta , Grygorczuk Sambor , Borawski Karol , Pancewicz Sławomir , Moniuszko Anna 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection of the Central Nervous System (CNS) caused by Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV). It might take several clinical courses such as: meningitis, meningoencephalitis or meningoencephalomyelitis. The aim this study was to compare the YKL-40 concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with different clinical presentations of TBE and patients with excluded meningitis (control group).
Methods
The concentration of YKL-40 in CSF was determined using Fujirebio tests (Ghent, Belgium) in 32 patients with TBE: group I—patients with meningoencephalitis (n = 16); group II—patients with meningitis (n = 16). The control group (CG) consisted of 17 patients in whom inflammatory process in central nervous system was excluded.
Results
The concentration of YKL-40 was significantly higher in encephalitis group than in CG after 7 days from the last dose of treatment. The concentration in patients with neuroinflammation had significantly different concentration of YKL-40 compared to patients with no neuroinflammation control groups. ROC curve analysis indicates that: CSF YKL-40 concentration at cut off 783.87 differentiated TBE patients from CG with 100% specificity and 70% sensitivity and CSF YKL-40 concentration at cut off 980.11 differentiated meningitis from meningoencephalitis with 87.5% specificity and 62.5% sensitivity.
Conclusions
YKL-40 takes part in TBE pathogenesis, its concentration is the highest at the early stage of Central Nervous System involvement and decreases in the convalescent period. As YKL-40 is significantly higher in meningitis than in meningoencephalitis, it might be used as biomarker in differentiation of these clinical forms of TBE.
Endometriosis of the lung: case report and literature review
Authors: Yao Jin , Zheng Hong , Nie Hui , Huang Jiajia , Tan Na , Li Chengfang , Dong Xiaoli , Zhang Wen , Wang Jinjing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background:Lung endometriosis is an extremely rare gynecological disease. Literature reports suggest that most patients will show generic symptoms such as hemoptysis, pneumothorax, and hemopneumothorax, which can often result in misdiagnosis. There are case reports of 18 patients with lung endometriosis describing clinical manifestation, imaging changes, treatment and prognosis. To provide further information on this rare disease, we present a case of pulmonary endometriosis and a review of lung endometriosis.Case presentation:We report on a 19-year-old female who was admitted to hospital due to repeated menstrual hemoptysis for 3 months. Computed tomography during menstruation showed patchy high-density shadows sized approximately 0.5 cm × 0.5 cm × 0.5 cm in the right middle lobe of the lung. Following menstruation, hemoptysis and changes on CT imaging disappeared. Thoracoscopic right middle lobectomy, right lower lung repair, and closed thoracic drainage were performed. Postoperative histopathology confirmed lung endometriosis. There was no recurrence of symptoms after 6 months of follow-up. Conclusions: We review the literature on factors associated with lung endometriosis, diagnosis, and treatment options. We propose that the diagnosis for lung endometriosis should be made by comprehensively integrating patient reproductive history, clinical and imaging details as well as histopathology. Surgical resection appears to be an effective treatment for lung endometriosis.
The reciprocal loop of MALAT1 and HIF-1α facilitates gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer by enhancing glycolysis
Authors: Zhang Zhengle , Han Han , Gong Qiong , Rong Yuping , Li Hanjun , Zhu Zhongchao , Mei Pei , Zhao Chuanbing , Tang Zhigang , Tao Jing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Profound chemoresistance is a prominent and intractable problem in pancreatic cancer. Gemcitabine, a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for pancreatic cancer, has provided only minimal benefits for patients; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be investigated. Enhanced aerobic glycolysis has been suggested to be correlated with the phenotype of drug resistance, while MALAT1 has been indicated to be associated with poor gemcitabine response. However, the implicated regulatory mechanisms still need to be further explored.
Methods

The mRNA level of MALAT1, HIF-1α, and glycolytic enzymes were analyzed by qRT-PCR. The protein level of HIF-1α and glycolytic enzymes were detected by western blot analysis. The glucose uptake and lactate level were measured by glucose uptake and lactate production assay, respectively. The cell apoptosis was evaluated by apoptosis analysis using Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining. The sensitivity to gemcitabine was measured by MTT assay. The binding of HIF-1α to the promoter of MALAT1 was tested by ChIP assay. The xenograft model of pancreatic cancer was established to examine the combined effect of MALAT1 knockdown and gemcitabine chemotherapy in vivo.
Results

In this study, we showed that low concentrations of gemcitabine promoted the expression of key glycolytic enzymes, such as GLUT1, HK2, and LDHA, as well as glucose uptake and lactate production in pancreatic cancer cells, while inhibition of glycolysis suppressed gemcitabine chemoresistance. In addition, we found that MALAT1 expression was induced by gemcitabine and mediated enhanced glycolysis and chemoresistance. Silencing MALAT1 inhibited the level of gemcitabine-induced HIF-1α expression and reinforced gemcitabine-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, HIF-1α could bind the promoter of MALAT1 transcriptionally and mediate the glycolysis induced by gemcitabine.
Conclusions

Our data suggest a critical role of glycolytic metabolism in acquired gemcitabine resistance through the positive feedback loop of MALAT1 and the HIF-1α signaling pathway. Our results will provide a basis for developing potential therapeutic targets to reverse gemcitabine resistance.
Purinergic Signaling Participates in a Transition Between Functional States of Reactive Microglia and Controls Astrocyte-Driven Neuroinflammation in the Model of Trimethyltin-Induced Neurodegeneration
Authors: Dragić Milorad , Mitrović Nataša , Adžić Marija , Nedeljković Nadežda , Grković Ivana 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe present study aims to explore the involvement of purinergic signaling in the rodent model of hippocampal degeneration induced by trimethyltin (TMT), which results in behavioral and neurological dysfunction similar to Alzheimer’s disease. Our study has provided novel evidence that TMT induced extracellular depositions of amyloid β, which might be the cause of the well-defined progressive hippocampal neurodegeneration and gliosis. MethodsWe have applied enzyme histochemistry and immunohistochemistry to study spatial and temporal patterns of ectonucleotidase NTPDase1/CD39 and eN/CD73 expression, gene expression analysis and immunochemistry to analyze cellular localization of select purinoreceptors and pro-inflammatory cytokines previously associated with microglia and astrocytes activation. ResultsOur study demonstrated that all Iba1-ir microglial cells, irrespective of the cell shape and localization, upregulated NTPDase1/CD39, while the induction of eN/CD73 has been observed only at amoeboid microglia, localized within the hippocampal layers with pronounced cell death. Marked induction of P2Y12R and P2Y6R at amoeboid microglia might reflect the transition from rod to amoeboid microglia and the adaptation to the migratory and phagocytic properties of the latter. Based on the expression of the microglial polarization markers, the majority of microglia belonged to the M2-like functional state. A significant change in purinergic signaling components accompanied the response of reactive astrocytes, which occupied the areas with pronounced cell death. Reactive astrocytes, which markedly expressed adenosine A2A and P2Y1 receptors, showed massive induction of complement component C3, NF-kB and IL-1β, suggesting that astrocyte-derived inflammation might be responsible for prolonged and spreading neurodegeneration in TMT model.Conclusion﻿This study put glia-associated purinergic signaling in the center of molecular pathogenesis of AD-like disease. Our findings suggest that the ectonucleotidases and purinergic signaling play significant role in microgliosis, astrocyte-driven neuroinflammation and prolonged neurodegeneration in the TMT model.