bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pyridostigmine ameliorates preeclamptic features in pregnant rats by inhibiting tumour necrosis factor-α synthetsis and antagonizing tumour necrosis factor-α-related effects
Authors: Issotina Zibrila Abdoulaye , Wang Zheng , Ali Md Ahasan , Osei James Ampofo , Sun Yuyao , Zafar Salman , Liu Kaili , Li Chunfang , Kang Yuming , Liu Jinjun 
Published: July 2021

Objective:
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy marked by an excessive inflammatory response. The anti-inflammatory effect of pyridostigmine (PYR) was previously reported; however, its role in hypertensive pregnancies remains unclear. We hypothesized that PYR could attenuate increased blood pressure and other pathological features in preeclampsia models.

Methods:
The expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α was evaluated in normal and preeclampsia pregnant women. PYR (20 mg/kg) was administered daily to reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) and TNF-α (150 ng/day) infused rats from gestation day 14 to GD19. In a cell culture experiment, the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) on TNF-α-stimulated primary human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC) was assessed.

Results:
Preeclampsia women had higher placental TNF-α expression than normal pregnant women. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the RUPP group was higher than in the Sham group. PYR inhibited serum and placental acetylcholinesterase activity in rats, and reduced MAP, placental oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation in the RUPP group but not in the Sham group. In addition, PYR significantly attenuated the TNF-α-induced increase in MAP, placental oxidative stress and apoptosis. Moreover, TNF-α decreased cell viability and increased the number of TUNEL-positive nuclei of HUVEC, which could largely be abolished by ACh treatment.

Conclusion:
Collectively, PYR ameliorated hypertension and other preeclampsia-like symptoms in rat models of preeclampsia not only by inhibiting the synthesis of TNF-α but also by acting against TNF-α-induced detrimental effects directly, which is worthy of further investigation and may be used as a potential agent for preeclampsia management.
Effective Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection With Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir in 2 Teenagers With HIV Coinfection: A Brief Report
Authors: Pokorska-Śpiewak Maria , Dobrzeniecka Anna , Ołdakowska Agnieszka , Marczyńska Magdalena 
Published: July 2021

Abstract:
We present the efficacy and safety of 12 weeks of therapy with a fixed dose of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in 2 teenagers with HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfection. Patient 1 presented with compensated cirrhosis, whereas patient 2 had evidence of previous hepatitis B virus infection. Both patients achieved a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment. No serious adverse effects were reported.
Blocking peripheral drive from colorectal afferents by subkilohertz dorsal root ganglion stimulation
Authors: Chen Longtu , Guo Tiantian , Zhang Shaopeng , Smith Phillip P. , Feng Bin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Clinical evidence indicates dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation effectively reduces pain without the need to evoke paresthesia. This paresthesia-free anesthesia by DRG stimulation can be promising to treat pain from the viscera, where paresthesia usually cannot be produced. Here, we explored the mechanisms and parameters for DRG stimulation using an ex vivo preparation with mouse distal colon and rectum (colorectum), pelvic nerve, L6 DRG, and dorsal root in continuity. We conducted single-fiber recordings from split dorsal root filaments and assessed the effect of DRG stimulation on afferent neural transmission. We determined the optimal stimulus pulse width by measuring the chronaxies of DRG stimulation to be below 216 µs, indicating spike initiation likely at attached axons rather than somata. Subkilohertz DRG stimulation significantly attenuates colorectal afferent transmission (10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 Hz), of which 50 and 100 Hz show superior blocking effects. Synchronized spinal nerve and DRG stimulation reveals a progressive increase in conduction delay by DRG stimulation, suggesting activity-dependent slowing in blocked fibers. Afferents blocked by DRG stimulation show a greater increase in conduction delay than the unblocked counterparts. Midrange frequencies (50-500 Hz) are more efficient at blocking transmission than lower or higher frequencies. In addition, DRG stimulation at 50 and 100 Hz significantly attenuates in vivo visceromotor responses to noxious colorectal balloon distension. This reversible conduction block in C-type and Aδ-type afferents by subkilohertz DRG stimulation likely underlies the paresthesia-free anesthesia by DRG stimulation, thereby offering a promising new approach for managing chronic visceral pain.
Masked hypertension and correlation between body composition and nighttime blood pressure parameters in children and adolescents with obesity
Authors: Rujirakan Pornphan , Siwarom Sirinapa , Paksi Witchuri , Wecharak Alisa , Phoonlapdacha Phanphen , Pirojsakul Kwanchai 
Published: July 2021

Introduction
Masked hypertension is defined as having a normal blood pressure (BP) in the office but elevated BP outside the office. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of masked hypertension in participants with obesity and to examine the correlation between body composition, dietary intake and ambulatory blood pressure parameters.

Materials and methods
The cross-sectional study of participants with obesity was conducted in the pediatric nutrition clinic of a University Hospital in Thailand. Demographic and anthropometric data, dietary intake, body composition analysis and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were assessed in all participants. All parameters were compared between the group with masked hypertension and the normotensive group. Correlations between the parameters were analyzed.

Results
Among 49 children with obesity, 23 (47%, 95% confidence interval 34.7, 59.2%) had masked hypertension. Compared with the normotensive group, the group with masked hypertension had a greater mean BMI z-score (4.7 vs. 3.0, P = 0.003), a greater mean of body fat percentage (45 vs. 40, P = 0.012) and a greater total energy intake percentage of dietary reference intake (115 vs. 93, P = 0.034). Multivariate analysis showed that BMI z-score was significantly associated with masked hypertension. Interestingly, mean nighttime SBP positively correlated with BMI z-score and body fat percentage. Moreover, there were negative correlations between fruit intake portion per week and nighttime and 24-h SBP index. However, multivariate linear regression did not show significant correlation between these parameters.

Conclusions
Masked hypertension was frequent in participants with obesity. The greater BMI z-score and percentage of body fat mass correlated with higher nighttime SBP.
Physical activity and quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kim Bun , Chae Jisuk , Kim Eun Hye , Yang Hyuk In , Cheon Jae Hee , Kim Tae Il , Kim Won Ho , Jeon Justin Y. , Park Soo Jung 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This study examined the association between physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QOL) in Korean patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
We enrolled 158 patients with IBD (81 men and 47 women). PA levels were assessed using the International PA questionnaire. Using self-reported frequency (day) and duration (h) of physical activities, the patients were categorized into 3 groups based on their total metabolic equivalent (MET-h/wk) values: least, moderate, and most active. The QOL of patients with IBD was assessed using the inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ), the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Version 2 (SF36v2), the EuroQOL five dimensions questionnaire (EQ5D), and the EuroQOL visual analog scale (EQ-VAS).
Of 158 patients, 62, 73, and 23 patients with Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, and intestinal Behçet disease, respectively, were included. The mean age was 45.96 ± 17.58 years, and 97 (61.4%) patients were men. Higher PA levels correlated with higher EQ5D and EQ-VAS scores (P < .001 and P = .004 respectively). In addition, depending on the type of PA, the amount of leisure activity was associated with higher IBDQ (κ = 0.212, P = .018), physical function of SF36v2 (κ = 0.197, P = .026), EQ5D (κ = 0.255, P = .002), and EQ-VAS (κ = 0.276, P = .001) scores. The frequency of sweat-inducing exercise showed an inverse correlation with IBDQ (κ = –0.228, P = .011), physical function of SF36v2 (κ = –0.245, P = .006), EQ5D (κ = –0.225, P = .007), and EQ-VAS (κ = –0.246, P = .004) scores.
Increased PA levels were associated with improved QOL in patients with IBD. More leisure activity and non-sweat-inducing exercise were associated with improved QOL in patients with IBD.
Teaching ultrasound-guided peripheral venous catheter placement through immersive virtual reality
Authors: Andersen Nanna L. , Jensen Rune O. , Posth Stefan , Laursen Christian B. , Jørgensen Rasmus , Graumann Ole 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Introduction:
Immersive virtual reality (IVR)-based training is gaining ground as an educational tool in healthcare. When combined with well-established educational methods, IVR can potentially increase competency and autonomy in ultrasound (US)-guided peripheral venous cannulation.
The aim of this study was to examine the impact of adding IVR training to a course in US-guided peripheral venous cannulation.

Methods:
Medical students (n = 19) from the University of Southern Denmark with no former standardized US education were recruited to voluntarily participate in a pilot study, designed as a randomized controlled trial. The primary outcome was the proportion of successful peripheral venous cannulations on a phantom. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of surface punctures on the phantom and procedure time. Participants received e-learning on the basic US before randomization to either IVR (n = 10) or no further training (n = 9). The additional IVR training comprised 10 virtual scenarios for US-guided peripheral venous catheter (PVC) placement. Students were subsequently evaluated in peripheral venous cannulation by a blinded assessor.

Results:
The proportion of successful peripheral venous cannulations was significantly higher in the IVR group (P ≤ .001). The proportions of successful cannulations were significantly higher in the IVR group compared to the control group for the 1st and 2nd PVC (P = .011, P = .023), but not for the 3rd PVC (P = .087). Similar results were found for the proportion of surface punctures (1st: P ≤ .001, 2nd: P = .001, and 3rd: P = .114). No significant differences in procedure times were found between the groups.

Conclusion:
This pilot study showed that adding an IVR-based training simulation to an existing e-learning curriculum significantly increased the learning efficacy of US-guided PVC placement for medical students.
Identification of potential core genes in esophageal carcinoma using bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Yang Xiaojie , Tian Mengyue , Zhang Weiguang , Chai Tianci , Shen Zhimin , Kang Mingqiang , Lin Jiangbo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background:
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common human malignancy worldwide. The tumorigenesis mechanism in ESCC is unclear.

Materials and methods:
To explore potential therapeutic targets for ESCC, we analyzed 3 microarray datasets (GSE20347, GSE38129, and GSE67269) derived from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Then, the GEO2R tool was used to screen out differently expressed genes (DEGs) between ESCC and normal tissue. Gene ontology function and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery to identify the pathways and functional annotation of DEGs. Protein–protein interaction of these DEGs was analyzed based on the search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes database and visualized by Cytoscape software. In addition, we used encyclopedia of RNA interactomes (ENCORI), gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA), and the human protein atlas to confirm the expression of hub genes in ESCC. Finally, GEPIA was used to evaluate the prognostic value of hub genes expression in ESCC patients and we estimated the associations between hub genes expression and immune cell populations (B Cell, CD8+ T Cell, CD4+ T Cell, Macrophage, Neutrophil, and Dendritic Cell) in esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) using tumor immune estimation resource (TIMER).

Results:
In this study, 707 DEGs (including 385 upregulated genes and 322 downregulated genes) and 6 hub genes (cyclin B1 [CCNB1], cyclin dependent kinase 1 [CDK1], aurora kinase A [AURKA], ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2C [UBE2C], cyclin A2 [CCNA2], and cell division cycle 20 [CDC20]) were identified. All of the 6 hub genes were highly expressed in ESCC tissues. Among of them, only CCNB1 and CDC20 were associated with stage of ESCC and all of them were not associated with survival time of patients.

Conclusion:
DEGs and hub genes were confirmed in our study, providing a thorough, scientific and comprehensive research goals for the pathogenesis of ESCC.
Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of long non-coding RNA-ROR in cancer patients
Authors: Luo Deqing , Yang Limin , Yu Le , Chen Yijin , Huang Zunxian , Liu Hui 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background:
Accumulating studies have focused on the clinicopathological and prognostic roles of large intergenic noncoding RNA regulator of reprogramming (lincRNA-ROR) in cancer patients. However, the results were controversial and unconvincing. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the associations between lincRNA-ROR expression and survival and clinicopathological characteristics of cancer patients.

Methods:
Hazard ratios for overall survival and disease-free survival with their 95% confidence intervals were used to evaluate the role of lincRNA-ROR expression in the prognosis of cancer patients. Risk ratios with their 95% confidence intervals were applied to assess the relationship between lincRNA-ROR expression and clinicopathological parameters.

Results:
A total of 18 articles with 1441 patients were enrolled. Our results indicated that high lincRNA-ROR expression was significant associated with tumor size, TNM stage, clinical stage, lymph metastasis, metastasis and vessel invasion of cancer patients. There were no correlations between high lincRNA-ROR expression and age, gender, infiltration depth, differentiation, serum CA19–9 and serum CEA of cancer patients. In addition, high lincRNA-ROR expression was associated with shorter Overall survival and disease-free survival on both univariate and multivariate analyses. Meanwhile, there were no obvious publication bias in our meta-analysis.

Conclusions:
LincRNA-ROR expression was associated with the clinicopathological features and outcome of cancer patients, which suggested that lincRNA-ROR might serve as a potential biomarker for cancer prognosis.

Ethical approval:
Since this study is on the basis of published articles, ethical approval and informed consent of patients are not required.
SIRT3 acts as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of lung cancer
Authors: Tao Feng , Gu Chao , Li Na , Ying Ying , Feng Yongzhi , Ni Dan , Zhang Qi , Xiao Qinfeng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is a prevalent malignancy worldwide with increased morbidity and mortality. Mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) has been reported to be involved in tumorigenesis. In this retrospective study, we measured the expression and diagnostic value of SIRT3 in LC patients.
Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to measure serum SIRT3 mRNA level in 150 LC patients and 52 healthy volunteers. SIRT3 protein level was detected using western blot for 84 pairs of LC and adjacent normal tissues. The association of SIRT3 mRNA level with clinical parameters of LC patients was estimated via chi-square test. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of serum SIRT3 in LC patients.

SIRT3 mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased in LC tissues and serum samples, compared with corresponding controls (P < .05). Moreover, the expression of SIRT3 mRNA was negatively associated with tumor size (P = .002), tumor node metastasis stage (P < .001), and metastasis (P < .001). ROC curve demonstrated that serum SIRT3 could distinguish LC patients from healthy individuals, with an area under the curve of 0.918. The optimal cutoff value was 3.12, reaching a sensitivity of 86.4%, and a specificity of 94%.

SIRT3 expression is significantly down-regulated in LC serum and tissues. SIRT3 may be employed as a promising biomarker in the early diagnosis of LC.
Personality as a predictor of HbA1c level in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lee Shu-Fen , Li Chih-Ping 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for around 90% of all cases worldwide. One means to strengthen the prevention and treatment of diabetes is via changes in self-management and lifestyle behaviors. However, lifestyle and personal health behaviors are strongly influenced by personality traits, and thus personality may play a significant role in such aspects as medication compliance, exercise habits, blood glucose monitoring, diet control, and maintenance of an ideal body weight.
In this study, we examined whether certain personality traits of patients with T2DM are correlated with higher glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) levels.
A total of 214 participants with T2DM were recruited from an outpatient setting. χ2 test and logistic regression analyses with 5 models were employed.
The OR for the “neuroticism” trait was 3.199 (95% CI = 1.228–8.331, P = .017), and those with this trait were 3.199 times more likely to have higher HbA1c levels than those with the “openness-extraversion” personality trait. This strong relationship between neuroticism and a higher HbA1c level was also evident in models 2, 3, 4, and 5. One-way ANOVA also indicated that the group with the neuroticism personality trait had significantly different mean fasting glucose, HbA1c, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
We found that a personality characterized by neuroticism is an independent predictor of higher HbA1c level in this study. We also found that people in the pre-contemplation and contemplation stages of exercise have higher HbA1c levels.
Impact of transplantation on neutrophil extracellular trap formation in patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Vega-Roman Citlalin , Leal-Cortes Caridad , Portilla-de Buen Eliseo , Gomez-Navarro Benjamín , Melo Zesergio , Franco-Acevedo Adriana , Medina-Perez Miguel , Jalomo-Martinez Basilio , Martinez-Martinez Petra , Evangelista-Carrillo Luis Alberto , Cerrillos-Gutierrez Jose Ignacio , Andrade-Sierra Jorge , Nieves Juan J. , Gone-Vazquez Isis , Escobedo-Ruiz Araceli , Jave-Suarez Luis Felipe , Luquin Sonia , Echavarria Raquel 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Increased neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation associates with high cardiovascular risk and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the effect of transplantation on NETs and its associated markers remains unclear. This study aimed to characterize circulating citrullinated Histone H3 (H3cit) and Peptidyl Arginase Deiminase 4 (PAD4) in ESRD patients undergoing transplantation and evaluate the ability of their neutrophils to release NETs.
This prospective cohort study included 80 healthy donors and 105 ESRD patients, out of which 95 received a transplant. H3cit and PAD4 circulating concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in healthy donors and ESRD patients at the time of enrollment. An additional measurement was carried out within the first 6 months after transplant surgery. In vitro NET formation assays were performed in neutrophils isolated from healthy donors, ESRD patients, and transplant recipients.
H3cit and PAD4 levels were significantly higher in ESRD patients (H3cit, 14.38 ng/mL [5.78–27.13]; PAD4, 3.22 ng/mL [1.21–6.82]) than healthy donors (H3cit, 6.45 ng/mL [3.30–11.65], P < .0001; PAD4, 2.0 ng/mL [0.90–3.18], P = .0076). H3cit, but not PAD4, increased after transplantation, with 44.2% of post-transplant patients exhibiting high levels (≥ 27.1 ng/mL). In contrast, NET release triggered by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was higher in neutrophils from ESRD patients (70.0% [52.7–94.6]) than healthy donors (32.2% [24.9–54.9], P < .001) and transplant recipients (19.5% [3.5–65.7], P < .05).
The restoration of renal function due to transplantation could not reduce circulating levels of H3cit and PAD4 in ESRD patients. Furthermore, circulating H3cit levels were significantly increased after transplantation. Neutrophils from transplant recipients exhibit a reduced ability to form NETs.
Effects of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt treatment of patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension
Authors: Zheng Dan , Yu Jiao , Li Hui , Gan Hongying , Wang Jun , Jiang Ting , Ren Huanping , Wu Fan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Rationale:
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is well established as an effective treatment tool for portal hypertension. However, the effects of TIPS in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension have not been adequately verified in clinical trials.

Patient Concerns:
To evaluate the effects of TIPS in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension with or without portal vein thrombosis (PVT).

Interventions:
A total of 55 patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension received TIPS treatment from December 2014 to April 2018 were enrolled. Clinical data, including portal pressure, Child-Pugh score, and relevant complications were recorded.

Outcomes:
TIPS was successfully performed in 54 patients. The overall technical success rate was 98.19% without serious technical complications. After TIPS treatment, portal pressure was significantly reduced from 38.13 ± 4.00 cmH2O to 24.14 ± 3.84 cmH2O (P < 0.05). In addition, symptoms including gastrointestinal bleeding and ascites were improved after TIPS treatment. During the 6 to 21-month follow up, hepatic encephalopathy in 15 patients (27.8%), shunt dysfunction in 5 patients (9.3%), rebleeding in 12 patients (22.2%) and deterioration of liver function in 2 patients (3.7%) were recorded. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the rates of rebleeding and hepatic encephalopathy between patients with PVT and the non-PVT group, whereas the occurrence rate of TIPS dysfunction was higher in the PVT group, but not statistically significant.

Lessons:
TIPS treatment could alleviate the symptoms of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension in individuals with or without PVT. However, complications during follow-up should be appropriately noted and addressed with corresponding treatments.