bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hsa_circ_0020095 Promotes Oncogenesis and Cisplatin Resistance in Colon Cancer by Sponging miR-487a-3p and Modulating SOX9
Authors: Sun Yanlai , Cao Zhen , Shan Junqi , Gao Yang , Liu Xin , Ma Dejian , Li Zengjun 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesColon cancer (CC) currently ranks as the third most common human cancer worldwide with an increasing incidence and a poor prognosis. Recently, circular RNAs have been reported to regulate the progression of diverse human cancers. However, the role of circRNA hsa_circ_0020095 in CC remains largely unclear.MethodsExpression levels of the related circRNAs, microRNAs and mRNA in CC tissues and cells were determined. The impacts of circ_0020095 or miR-487a-3p on CC cells were examined at the indicated times after transfection. Meanwhile, a luciferase-reporter experiment was employed to validate the interplay between miR-487a-3p and circ_002009695 or SOX9. Moreover, the in vivo tumor growth assay was applied to further evaluate the effects of circ_0020095 knockdown on CC progression.ResultsWe demonstrated that circ_0020095 was highly expressed in CC tissues and cells. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and cisplatin resistance of CC were suppressed by silencing circ_0020095 in vitro and in vivo or by ectopic expression of miR-487a-3p in vitro. Mechanistically, circ_0020095 could directly bind to miR-487a-3p and subsequently act as a miR-487a-3p sponge to modulate the activity by targeting the 3′-UTR of SOX9. Interestingly, overexpression of circ_0020095 dramatically reversed the suppressive effects of miR-487a-3p mimics on CC cells.ConclusionCirc_0020095 functions as an oncogene to accelerate CC cell proliferation, invasion, migration and cisplatin resistance through the miR-487a-3p/SOX9 axis, which could be a promising target for CC treatment.
P300/CBP Associated Factor (PCAF) Deficiency Enhances Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis in ApoE3*Leiden Mice via Systemic Inhibition of Regulatory T Cells
Authors: de Jong Alwin , de Jong Rob C. M. , Peters Erna A. , Arens Ramon , Jukema J. Wouter , de Vries Margreet R. , Quax Paul H. A. 
Published: January 2021

Background: Inflammatory stimuli induced by NF-kB drive atherosclerotic lesion formation. The epigenetic P300/CBP associated factor (PCAF) post-transcriptionally acetylates FoxP3, which is required for regulatory T-cell (Treg) differentiation and immune modulation. We hypothesize that PCAF deficiency affects atherosclerosis via regulation of regulatory Tregs.Method: ApoE3*Leiden (n = 13) and ApoE3*LeidenxPCAF−/− (n = 13) were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) containing 1.25% cholesterol. Systemic FoxP3+ T cells were measured every 4 weeks by flow cytometry (n = 6). After 5-months of HFD, mice were euthanized, and hearts and blood were collected. IL-6 and TNFα concentrations were measured in plasma to identify systemic inflammatory responses. Compositional and morphometrical analyses were performed on the atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic sinuses.Results: After 5 months of HFD, plasma cholesterol concentrations were not different for ApoE3*LeidenxPCAF−/− compared to ApoE3*Leiden mice. Expression of FoxP3 by systemic CD4+ T cells decreased 1.8 fold in ApoE3*LeidenxPCAF−/− after 5 months HFD and remained significantly reduced after 5 months of HFD. Systemic TNFα and IL-6 concentrations were comparable, whereas the atherosclerotic lesion size in ApoE3*LeidenxPCAF−/− mice was increased by 28% compared to ApoE3*Leiden mice. In atherosclerotic lesions, no differences were observed in macrophage differentiation or VSMC content, although a small increase in collagen was identified.Conclusion: Our data show that PCAF deficiency resulted in a decrease in circulatory FoxP3+ regulatory T cells and ameliorated atherosclerotic lesions with no differences in systemic inflammation or macrophage differentiation in the atherosclerotic lesions. This suggests that PCAF regulates atherosclerosis via modulation of FoxP3+ regulatory T cell differentiation.
Deleterious Effects of Epicardial Adipose Tissue Volume on Global Longitudinal Strain in Patients With Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Maimaituxun Gulinu , Kusunose Kenya , Yamada Hirotsugu , Fukuda Daiju , Yagi Shusuke , Torii Yuta , Yamada Nao , Soeki Takeshi , Masuzaki Hiroaki , Sata Masataka , Shimabukuro Michio 
Published: January 2021

Background: It is known that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume is linked to cardiac dysfunction. However, it is unclear whether EAT volume (EATV) is closely linked to abnormal LV strain. We examined the relationship between EATV and global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and global radial strain (GRS) in patients with preserved LV function.Methods: Notably, 180 consecutive subjects (68 ± 12 years; 53% men) underwent 320-slice multi-detector computed tomography coronary angiography and were segregated into coronary artery disease (CAD) (≥1 coronary artery branch stenosis ≥50%) and non-CAD groups. GLS, GCS, and GRS were evaluated by 2-dimensional speckle tracking in patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50%.Results: First, GLS, but not GRS and GCS, was lower in the high EATV group though the LVEF was comparable to the low EATV group. Frequency of GLS ≤18 was higher in the high EATV group. Second, multiple regression model showed that EATV, age, male sex, and CAD, were determinants of GLS. Third, the cutoff points of EATV were comparable (~116–117 mL) in both groups. The cutoff of EATV ≥116 showed a significant correlation with GLS ≤18 in overall subjects.Conclusions: Increasing EATV was independently associated with global longitudinal strain despite the preserved LVEF and lacking obstructive CAD. Our findings suggest an additional role of EAT on myocardial systolic function by impaired LV longitudinal strain.
Case Report: Thromboembolism and Hemorrhagic Pericardial Effusion—The Janus Face of Primary Pericardial Angiosarcoma
Authors: Chen Fei F. , Jiang Shu F. , Dong Chang , Che Ying , Du Lin Y. , Li Zhi Y. , Yang Zhi Q. , Zhao Yi C. , Liu Ying 
Published: January 2021

Background: Primary cardiac angiosarcomas, especially those originating in the pericardium, are extremely rare and aggressive tumors with poor prognosis. These types of malignant tumors have diverse clinical presentations and are often masked by other comorbidities.Case Summary: Our hospital reported a 59-year-old woman who initially presented with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and was subsequently treated with low-molecular-weight heparin. However, she experienced acute pericardial tamponade after anticoagulation therapy, where no obvious mass was primarily identified upon imaging, both in the pericardium or within the heart. Emergency pericardiocentesis and drainage were performed, where a total of 210 mL of bloody effusion was drained. Four months later, she was hospitalized with progressive hemoptysis and dyspnea. A large mixed mass occupying the right pericardium was later identified by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). The mass was consistent with the right atrium, with heterogeneous thickened pericardium and localized moderate pericardial effusion. CCTA and positron emission tomography scans later showed metastases in both lungs and bilateral pleura. Nodules in hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes were also significant. Ultrasound-guided biopsy was performed, and the patient was ultimately diagnosed with an angiosarcoma based on final positive results for both CD31 and CD34 markers. The patient refused chemotherapy and passed away while waiting for her pathology results. The patient survived for 6 months since the first reported episode of PTE.Conclusions: Our case indicates that patients presenting with both embolism and hemorrhage should urgently be channeled to a clinical specialist to confirm any malignant etiology. This would be beneficial to confirm an early diagnosis and lengthen the duration of patient survival. However, the diagnosis of primary cardiac angiosarcoma is still challenging and requires multiple imaging modalities and biopsies in order to assist the accurate diagnosis of disease and achieve effective patient management.
Association Between Vitamin D and Resistin in Postmenopausal Females With Altered Bone Health
Authors: Tariq Sundus , Tariq Saba , Khaliq Saba , Baig Mukhtiar , Murad Manal Abdulaziz , Lone Khalid Parvez 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundResistin is a relatively novel adipokine that has a role in bone remodeling and may regulate bone mineral density (BMD). Vitamin D and adipokines have a dynamic role in the body’s various metabolic processes, including bone metabolism, and may alter bone metabolism in relation to each other. This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D and serum resistin levels in postmenopausal non-osteoporotic and osteoporotic females.MethodsThis correlational analytical study was conducted on 161 postmenopausal females, divided into two groups, non-osteoporotic and osteoporotic, between 50–70 years. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Serum resistin and vitamin D levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Serum calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase with spectrophotometry. A correlation was checked using spearman’s rho correlation coefficient, and multivariate stepwise regression analysis was used to predict serum resistin levels.ResultsPostmenopausal females (n=161) having sufficient, insufficient and deficient levels of vitamin D were 87 (54.0%), 64 (39.8%), and 10 (6.2%), respectively. Lumbar spine BMD (p &lt; 0.001), total hip BMD (p &lt; 0.001), and serum resistin levels (p &lt; 0.001) were significantly different between the two groups. There was a significant negative correlation between serum resistin and vitamin D in postmenopausal females (rho = -0.182, p = 0.021) and osteoporotic group (rho = -0.253, p = 0.019) but non-significant in non-osteoporotic group (rho = -0.077, p = 0.509). Serum vitamin D was found to be independent predictor of serum resistin levels, accounting for only 3% variance.ConclusionSerum vitamin D levels were low while serum resistin levels were high in postmenopausal osteoporotic females and vitamin D is a negative predictor of serum resistin levels.
Significant Differences in Host-Pathogen Interactions Between Murine and Human Whole Blood
Authors: Machata Silke , Sreekantapuram Sravya , Hünniger Kerstin , Kurzai Oliver , Dunker Christine , Schubert Katja , Krüger Wibke , Schulze-Richter Bianca , Speth Cornelia , Rambach Günter , Jacobsen Ilse D. 
Published: January 2021

Murine infection models are widely used to study systemic candidiasis caused byC. albicans. Whole-blood models can help to elucidate host-pathogens interactions and have been used for severalCandidaspecies in human blood. We adapted the human whole-blood model to murine blood. Unlike human blood, murine blood was unable to reduce fungal burden and more substantial filamentation ofC. albicanswas observed. This coincided with less fungal association with leukocytes, especially neutrophils. The lower neutrophil number in murine blood only partially explains insufficient infection and filamentation control, as spiking with murine neutrophils had only limited effects on fungal killing. Furthermore, increased fungal survival is not mediated by enhanced filamentation, as a filament-deficient mutant was likewise not eliminated. We also observed host-dependent differences for interaction of platelets withC. albicans, showing enhanced platelet aggregation, adhesion and activation in murine blood. For human blood, opsonization was shown to decrease platelet interaction suggesting that complement factors interfere with fungus-to-platelet binding. Our results reveal substantial differences between murine and human whole-blood models infected withC. albicansand thereby demonstrate limitations in the translatability of thisex vivomodel between hosts.
Study Protocol of the PreFiPS Study: Prevention of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula by Somatostatin Compared With Octreotide, a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hain Elisabeth , Challine Alexandre , Tzedakis Stylianos , Mare Alexandru , Martinino Alessandro , Fuks David , Adham Mustapha , Piessen Guillaume , Regimbeau Jean-Marc , Buc Emmanuel , Barbier Louise , Vaillant Jean-Christophe , Jeune Florence , Sulpice Laurent , Muscari Fabrice , Schwarz Lilian , Deguelte Sophie , Sa Cunha Antonio , Truant Stephanie , Dousset Bertrand , Sauvanet Alain , Gaujoux Sébastien 
Published: January 2021

Background: Pancreatic fistula (PF), i. e., a failure of the pancreatic anastomosis or closure of the remnant pancreas after distal pancreatectomy, is one of the most feared complications after pancreatic surgery. PF is also one of the most common complications after pancreatic surgery, occurring in about 30% of patients. Prevention of a PF is still a major challenge for surgeons, and various technical and pharmacological interventions have been investigated, with conflicting results. Pancreatic exocrine secretion has been proposed as one of the mechanisms by which PF occurs. Pharmacological prevention using somatostatin or its analogs to inhibit pancreatic exocrine secretion has shown promising results. We can hypothesize that continuous intravenous infusion of somatostatin-14, the natural peptide hormone, associated with 10–50 times stronger affinity with all somatostatin receptor compared with somatostatin analogs, will be associated with an improved PF prevention.Methods: A French comparative randomized open multicentric study comparing somatostatin vs. octreotide in adult patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy. Patients with neoadjuvant radiation therapy and/or neoadjuvant chemotherapy within 4 weeks before surgery are excluded from the study. The main objective of this study is to compare 90-day grade B or C postoperative PF as defined by the last ISGPF (International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula) classification between patients who receive perioperative somatostatin and octreotide. In addition, we analyze overall length of stay, readmission rate, cost-effectiveness, and postoperative quality of life after pancreatic surgery in patients undergoing PD.Conclusion: The PreFiPS study aims to evaluate somatostatin vs. octreotide for the prevention of postoperative PF.
Evaluation of the Immunochromatographic NG-Test Carba 5, RESIST-5 O.O.K.N.V., and IMP K-SeT for Rapid Detection of KPC-, NDM-, IMP-, VIM-type, and OXA-48-like Carbapenemase Among Enterobacterales
Authors: Han Renru , Guo Yan , Peng Mingjia , Shi Qingyu , Wu Shi , Yang Yang , Zheng Yonggui , Yin Dandan , Hu Fupin 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundEnterobacterales are the most common pathogens for nosocomial infections. The emergence and spread of KPC, NDM, and OXA-48-like carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales with their extensively drug-resistant characteristics have posed great threats to public health. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of NG-test Carba 5, RESIST-5 O.O.K.N.V., and IMP K-SeT for rapid detection of five carbapenemases (KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, and OXA-48-like) among Enterobacterales.MethodsA total of 186 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales clinical isolates and 29 reference strains were used in this study. Carbapenemase genes were confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. The sensitivities and specificities of these assays were calculated utilizing the VassarStats software.ResultsFor clinical isolates, the NG-test Carba 5 detected KPC, NDM, OXA-48-like, IMP, and VIM in less than 15 min with the sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 100%, respectively. The RESIST-5 O.O.K.N.V. detected KPC, NDM, OXA-48-like, and VIM with the sensitivity and specificity of 99.4 and 100%. The IMP K-SeT detected all of the IMP producers (6/6). For reference strains, the sensitivity and specificity of NG-test Carba 5, RESIST-5 O.O.K.N.V., and IMP K-SeT were all 100 and 100%, respectively.ConclusionAs efficient, rapid, and convenient diagnostic methods, NG-test Carba 5, RESIST-5 O.O.K.N.V., and IMP K-SeT could help to simplify the complex routine workflow for detecting carbapenemases. Rapid and accurate identification of carbapenemase is of significance for both epidemiological and infection control purposes.
Development of an Automated Chemiluminescence Assay System for Quantitative Measurement of Multiple Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies
Authors: Kubo Sousuke , Ohtake Norihisa , Miyakawa Kei , Jeremiah Sundararaj Stanleyraj , Yamaoka Yutaro , Murohashi Kota , Hagiwara Eri , Mihara Takahiro , Goto Atsushi , Yamazaki Etsuko , Ogura Takashi , Kaneko Takeshi , Yamanaka Takeharu , Ryo Akihide 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesSerological tests for COVID-19 have been instrumental in studying the epidemiology of the disease. However, the performance of the currently available tests is plagued by the problem of variability. We have developed a high-throughput serological test capable of simultaneously detecting total immunoglobulins (Ig) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) against nucleocapsid protein (NP) and spike protein (SP) and report its performance in detecting COVID-19 in clinical samples.MethodsWe designed and prepared reagents for measuring NP-IgG, NP-Total Ig, SP-IgG, and SP-Total Ig (using N-terminally truncated NP (ΔN-NP) or receptor-binding domain (RBD) antigen) dedicated automated chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay analyzer AIA-CL1200. After determining the basal thresholds based on 17 sera obtained from confirmed COVID-19 patients and 600 negative sera, the clinical validity of the assay was evaluated using independent 202 positive samples and 1,000 negative samples from healthy donors.ResultsAll of the four test parameters showed 100% specificity individually (1,000/1,000; 95%CI, 99.63–100). The sensitivity of the assay increased proportionally to the elapsed time from symptoms onset, and all the tests achieved 100% sensitivity (153/153; 95%CI, 97.63–100) after 13 days from symptoms onset. NP-Total Ig was the earliest to attain maximal sensitivity among the other antibodies tested.ConclusionOur newly developed serological testing exhibited 100% sensitivity and specificity after 13 days from symptoms onset. Hence, it could be used as a reliable method for accurate detection of COVID-19 patients and to evaluate seroprevalence and possibly for surrogate assessment of herd immunity.
Altered Percent Amplitude of Fluctuation in Healthy Subjects After 36 h Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Zeng Bingliang , Zhou Jian , Li Zicong , Zhang Hua , Li Zongliang , Yu Peng 
Published: January 2021

Objective: To investigate regional brain activity alteration in healthy subjects in a sleep deprivation (SD) status relative to a rested wakefulness status using a percent amplitude of fluctuation (PerAF) method.Methods: A total of 20 healthy participants (12 males, 8 females; age, 22.25 ± 1.12 years) were recruited. All participants underwent attention tests and resting-state functional MRI scans during rested wakefulness before SD and after 36 h SD, respectively. The PerAF method was applied to identify SD-related regional brain activity alteration. A ROC curve was conducted to evaluate the ability of the PerAF method in distinguishing different sleep statuses. The relationships between SD-induced brain alterations and attention deficits were determined by Pearson correlation analysis.Results: SD resulted in a 2.23% decrease in accuracy rate and an 8.82% increase in reaction time. SD was associated with increased PerAF differences in the bilateral visual cortex and bilateral sensorimotor cortex, and was associated with decreased PerAF differences in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and bilateral cerebellum posterior lobe. These SD-induced brain alterations exhibited a high discriminatory power of extremely high AUC values (0.993–1) in distinguishing the two statuses. The accuracy rate positively correlated with the bilateral cerebellum posterior lobe, and bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and negatively correlated with the bilateral sensorimotor cortex.Conclusions: Acute SD could lead to an ~8% attention deficit, which was associated with regional brain activity deficits. The PerAF method might work as a potential sensitivity biomarker for identifying different sleep statuses.
A Hybrid Strategy for Patients With Complex Cerebral Aneurysm: STA–MCA Bypass in Combination With Endovascular Embolization
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhang Xi'an , Gou Yanxia , Wen Yunyu , Zhang Guozhong , Li Mingzhou , Zhang Shichao , Yin Yanyi , Chen Siyuan , Qi Songtao , Feng Wenfeng 
Published: January 2021

Objective: This work aims to present our experience of patients with complex cerebral aneurysm treated with a hybrid approach: superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery (STA–MCA) bypass in combination with endovascular exclusion of the aneurysm.Method: Patients with aneurysms deemed unclippable and uncoilable were included. All patients were treated with a hybrid approach. After STA–MCA bypass, the parent artery was temporarily occluded. If the intraoperative motor evoked potential (MEP) and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) waveforms remain normal and last for 30 min, the aneurysm and te parent artery will be embolized permanently with detachable balloons or coils.Results: A total of 20 patients with 22 aneurysms were included in this study. There were 13 women and 7 men, with an average age of 42.5 years. Intraoperative angiography showed the good patency of all the STA grafts, and neither SEP nor MEP abnormalities were detected. After the parent artery and the aneurysm were occluded, the intraoperative angiography showed an immediately successful exclusion of the aneurysm in 20 aneurysms and immediate contrast stasis in two. All patients recovered uneventfully without ischemic or hemorrhagic complication. Angiography at 6-month follow-up showed the total obliteration in 20 aneurysms. Two aneurysms showed residuals and were recoiled. All STA grafts showed a good patency, and the mean graft flow was 124.2 ml/min.Conclusion: STA–MCA bypass in combination with endovascular exclusion is an appropriate option for patients with complex cerebral aneurysms that are not amenable to direct surgical clipping or endovascular embolization.