bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of clinical outcomes achieved with oblique lateral interbody fusion with or without supplementary instrumentation in patients with single-level lumbar degenerative disease
Authors: Lang Zhao , Sun Yuqing , Yuan Qiang , Wu Jingye , Fan Mingxing , Li Jianing , Tian Wei 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

Oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) is applied often to treat degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine. Stand-alone OLIF prevents morbidities associated with supplemental fixation and is less expensive. However, it remains controversial whether stand-alone OLIF is sufficient to avoid subsidence for single-level diseases. Additionally, bilateral pedicle screw (BPS) and bilateral transfacet screw (BTS) fixation are well-established posterior fixation methods that can offer improved biomechanical stability. But the comparison of clinical outcomes of OLIF with and without supplementary instrumentation is lack.
Methods

We retrospectively examined 20 patients who underwent single-level stand-alone OLIF for symptomatic lumbar degenerative disease at L1–L5 (SA group). Groups of patients treated with OLIF plus BPS (n = 20, BPS group) or BTS (n = 20, BTS group) were matched for age, sex, diagnosis, operative level, body mass index, and bone mineral density. The disk height index (DHI), segmental lordotic (SL) angle, and lumbar lordotic (LL) angle were measured preoperatively and at 3 days and 6 months postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were evaluated.
Results

Significant disc height loss was observed in all groups, but was greater in the SA and BTS groups than in the BPS group at the 6-month follow-up. The SL and LL angles were not affected in any group. The operative time was significantly less in the SA group, and the estimated blood loss was significantly higher in the BPS group. At 6 months post-surgery, improvements in clinical outcomes were evident in all groups, but the VAS (back pain), JOA, and ODI scores were worse in the SA group than in the other groups.
Conclusions

Stand-alone OLIF was associated with greater subsidence and poorer clinical outcomes compared with OLIF plus supplementary instrumentation. The addition of BTS did not decrease the degree of subsidence, but provided clinical outcomes comparable to those achieved with BPS.
Genome-Wide Analysis of BURP Genes and Identification of a BURP-V Gene RcBURP4 in Rosa Chienesis
Authors: Fu Lufeng , Zhang Zhujun , Wang Hai , Zhao Xiaojuan , Su Lin , Geng Lifang , Lu Yizeng , Tong Boqiang , Liu Qinghua , Jiang Xinqiang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BURP proteins are unique to plants and may contribute greatly to growth, development, and stress responses of plants. Despite the vital role of BURP proteins, little is known about these proteins in rose (Rosa spp.). In the present study, nine genes belonging to the BURP family in R. chienesis were identified by using multiple bioinformatic approaches against the rose genome database. The nine RcBURPs, with diverse structures, were located on all chromosomes of the rose genome, except for Chr2 and Chr3. Phylogenic analysis revealed that these RcBURPs can be classified into eight subfamilies, including BNM2-like, PG1β-like, USP-like, RD22-like, BURP-V, BURP-VI, BURP-VII, and BURP-VIII. Conserved motif and exon-intron analyses indicated a conserved pattern within the same subfamily. The presumed cis-regulatory elements (CREs) within the promoter region of each RcBURP were analyzed and the results showed that all RcBURPs contained different types of CREs, including abiotic stress-, light response-, phytohormones response-, and plant growth and development-related CREs. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that a BURP-V member, RcBURP4, was induced in rose leaves and roots under mild and severe drought treatments. We then overexpressed RcBURP4 in Arabidopsis and examined its role under abscisic acid (ABA), NaCl, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and drought treatments. Nine stress-responsive genes expression were changed in RcBURP4-overexpressing leaves and roots. Furthermore, RcBURP4-silenced rose plants exhibited decreased tolerance to dehydration. The results obtained from this study provide the first comprehensive overview of RcBURPs and highlight the importance of RcBURP4 in rose plant.
Identification CXCL9 is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker in Ovarian and Gastric Cancer and is Correlated with Immune Infiltrates
Authors: Li Shuwei , Shi Ruijun , Zhou Hangzheng , Wang Dongyang , Zhu Kunlong , Xue Shenglong , Zhang Jianpei , Wu Tinghui , Li Yongchao 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: CXCL9 also known as an interferon gamma-inducible chemokine that belonging to the CXC chemokine family. It plays a role in promoting chemotaxis, inducing leukocyte differentiation and multiplication, and triggering tissue extravasation. Methods: The TIMER (Tumor Immune Estimation Resource) and cancer microarray database Oncomine were used to dig at CXCL9 expression. The clinic prognostic level of CXCL9 was evaluated via Kaplan-Meier plotter. Then, Using TIMER and GEPIA, we investigated whether CXCL9 expression impacted cancer immune infiltrates. Results: CXCL9 expression has been found to be significantly lower in ovarian and gastric cancers relative to normal tissues. In patients with ovarian cancer (OS HR = 0.78, P = 0.0017; PFS HR = 0.85, R = 0.015) and gastric cancer (OS HR = 0.55, P = 1.1e-08; PFS HR = 0.58, R = 7.6e-07), low CXCL9 expression was correlation to PFS (progression-free survival) and OS (poor overall survival). Furthermore, in OV and GC, CXCL9 was shown to have a close interaction with tumor-infiltrating immunity cells (B cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells). CXCL9 expression, on the other hand, was shown to be closely related to several immune markers.Conclusion: In OV and GC, CXCL9 mRNA level is strongly associated with prognosis and levels of penetration tumor-infiltrating immunity cell. The CXCL9 expression may also play a role in controlling TAMs (tumor-associated macrophages), DCs (Dendritic cells), CTLs (cytotoxic lymphocytes), and NK (natural killer) cells in OV and GC. CXCL9 may be seen as an independent marker that assesses the prognosis in OV and GC patients. Besides, CXCL9 expression level also can assess the immune cell subtypes of tumor microenvironment in OV and GC.
IL-6 knockout alleviates inflammatory response and improve acute lung injury via regulating macrophage polarization in sepsis
Authors: Zhang Jinxin , Shen Kuo , Xie Jiangang , Liu Shanshou , Bai Xiaozhi , Wang Jing , Zhao Ming , Li Jin , Li Shaohui , li Junjie , Yin Wen 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSepsis is a fatal disease with a high rate of morbidity and mortality, during which acute lung injury is the earliest and most serious complication. Macrophage plays a crucial role in the initiation and progress of sepsis. This study meant to explore the effect of IL-6 knockout in CLP induced sepsis.MethodsIn this study, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was performed on wildtype and interleukin 6 (IL-6) knockout C57 mice. General condition and death rate of sepsis mice were observed. organ samples (lungs, livers, kidneys and hearts) and serum were collected for histology observation and inflammatory cytokine detection. Lung tissue injury detection were conducted via lung injury score, wet/dry ration and protein concentrations measurement of Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In in vivo studies, RAW264.7 macrophages were transfected with IL-6 specific siRNA and treated with LPS. After exposed to IL-6 specific siRNA and LPS, expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), IL-6 and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were detected by RT-qPCR, concentration of IL-1 and TNF- in culture supernatant were detected by ELISA and M1 and M2 markers were detected by western blot and flow cytometry.ResultsWe constructed CLP induced sepsis models and found that inhibition of IL-6 could improve general condition and death rate of sepsis mice. Mice in IL-6 knockout group display improved tissue damage, especially in the lung tissue. IL-6 knockout relieved inflammatory cytokines storm in both serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid while polarized macrophage to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. In cell model, inhibition of IL-6 could alleviate LPS induced expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1, TNF-, and IL-6 in macrophages. Western blot and Flow cytometry results indicated that expression of M1 markers (iNOS and CD86) in LPS stimulated macrophages were significantly declined while M2 (Arg-1 and CD206) were enhanced when expression of IL-6 was blocked.Conclusion Inhibition of IL-6 alleviated LPS induced inflammation and exerted protective effect in sepsis via regulating macrophage function and polarization.
Identification a ceRNA (XIST/miR-10a-5p/SERPINE1) Axis as a Prognostic Biomarker in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma.
Authors: Liu Rui-ji , Xu Zhi-Peng , Li Shuying , Yu Jun-Jie , Xu Bin , Chen Ming 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Kidney cancer is one of the most common malignancies, of which the most aggressive subtype was kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), accounting for 80% of them. A growing number of studies point to the involvement of competitive endogenous RNAs in tumor development. However, the role of ceRNA network involved in KIRC remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the BAP1-associated prognostic ceRNA in KIRC. Methods: We downloaded the RNAseq data from TCGA along with the relevant clinical data. We screened the differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, mRNAs according to the expression of BAP1 and established a ceRNA network. Results: After comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, we identified the XIST-miR-10a-5p-SERPINE1 ceRNA axis. Next, we confirmed the prognostic role of miR-10a-5p/SERPINE1 in KIRC using survival analysis and Cox regression analysis. To investigate the abnormally high expression of SERPINE1, we performed methylation analysis of SERPINE1 and concluded that the methylation level of SERPINE1 in KIRC was significantly lower than that in normal tissues. Furthermore, to study the role of SERPINE1 in the immune microenvironment in KIRC, we performed immune cell infiltration analysis and found that SERPINE1 expression was positively correlated with the level of multiple immune cell infiltration (CD 4+ T cell, CD 8+ T cell, macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils). Conclusion: We constructed a ceRNA (XIST/has-miR-10a-5p/SERPINE1) that can be used as prognostic biomarker of KIRC. Furthermore, we found that miR-10a-5p/SERPINE1 were significantly associated with clinical features and were independent prognostic factors of KIRC.
A Baseline Study On The Occurrence And Distribution of Microplastics In The Highly Polluted Metropolitan River Cooum, Chennai, India.
Authors: Ganapathy Velusamy Selva , Radhakrishnan Krishnamoorthy , Prakasheswar Palanichamy 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The current research aimed to determine the distribution of micro plastics in surface sediments and water from Chennai's Cooum River. The fiber dominates the Cooum River's surface sediments and water, followed by beads and fragments. Both the sediment and the water contain a high concentration of <1mm size micro plastics. The distribution counts of micro plastics in the Cooum River are significantly low compare to those found in the St. River Lawrence and Amazon river brazil. The distribution of micro plastics in riverine environments is strongly influenced by waste water discharge from domestic and industrial sources, as well as waste dumping near riverbanks.
Combination of Artesunate and WNT974 Induces KRAS Protein Degradation by Upregulating E3 Ligase ANACP2 and β-TrCP in the Ubiquitin–Proteasome Pathway
Authors: GONG RUIHONG , Chen Minting , Huang Chunhua Huang , Wong Hoi Leong Xavier , Kwan Hiu Yee , Bian Zhaoxiang Bian 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundKRAS mutation is one of the dominant gene mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC). Up to present, targeting KRAS for CRC treatment remains a clinical challenge. WNT974 (LGK974) is a porcupine inhibitor that interferes Wnt signaling pathway. Artesunate (ART) is a water-soluble semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin.MethodsThe synergistic effect of ART and WNT974 combination in reducing CRC cell viability was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. RT-PCR was utilized for the mRNA levels of KRAS, CUL7, ANAPC2, UBE2M, RNF123, SYVN1, or β-TrCP. Western blot assay was utilized for the protein levels of KRAS, ANAPC2, β-TrCP, or GSK-3β. Xenograft mouse model assay was performed for the anti-CRC effect of combination of ART and WNT974 in vivo. IHC assay was utilized for the levels of KRAS, β-TrCP, or GSK-3β in tumor tissues. Results Our study shows that the combination of WNT974 and ART exhibits synergistic effect in reducing CRC growth. The combination treatment significantly reduces KRAS protein level and activity in CRC cells. Interestingly, the combination treatment increases E3 ligases ANAPC2 expression. Our data show that overexpression of ANAPC2 significantly reduces KRAS protein levels, which is reversed by MG132. Knockdown of ANAPC2 in CRC abolishes the combination treatment-reduce KRAS expression. Besides, the treatment also increases the expressions of GSK-3β and E3 ligase β-TrCP that is known to degrade GSK-3β-phosphorylated KRAS protein. Knockdown of β-TrCP- and inhibition of GSK-3β abolish the combination treatment-induce KRAS ubiquitination and reduction in expression.ConclusionsOur data clearly show that the combination treatment significantly enhances KRAS protein degradation via the ubiquitination ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, which is also demonstrated in xenograft mouse model. The study provides strong scientific evidence for the development of the combination of WNT974 and ART as KRAS-targeting therapeutics for CRC treatment.
Natural Images Allow Universal Adversarial Attacks on Medical Image Classification Using Deep Neural Networks With Transfer Learning
Authors: Minagi Akinori , Hirano Hokuto , Takemoto Kazuhiro 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background. Transfer learning from natural images is well used in deep neural networks (DNNs) for medical image classification to achieve computer-aided clinical diagnosis. Although the adversarial vulnerability of DNNs hinders practical applications owing to the high stakes of diagnosis, adversarial attacks are expected to be limited because training data — which are often required for adversarial attacks — are generally unavailable in terms of security and privacy preservation. Nevertheless, we hypothesized that adversarial attacks are also possible using natural images because pre-trained models do not change significantly after fine-tuning.Methods. We considered three representative DNN-based medical image classification tasks (i.e., skin cancer, referable diabetic retinopathy, and pneumonia classifications) to investigate whether medical DNN models with transfer learning are vulnerable to universal adversarial perturbations (UAPs), generated using natural images.Results. UAPs from natural images are useful for both non-targeted and targeted attacks. The performance of UAPs from natural images was significantly higher than that of random controls, although slightly lower than that of UAPs from training images. Vulnerability to UAPs from natural images was observed between different natural image datasets and between different model architectures.Conclusion. The use of transfer learning causes a security hole, which decreases the reliability and safety of computer-based disease diagnosis. Model training from random initialization (without transfer learning) reduced the performance of UAPs from natural images; however, it did not completely avoid vulnerability to UAPs. The vulnerability of UAPs from natural images will become a remarkable security threat.
Laparoscopic Management of Benign Colorectal Diseases
Authors: Shaheen Mahmoud , Zeineldin Ashraf , Ghazal Abd Elhamid , ElFol Hossam , Arafa Ahmed 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Laparoscopic colectomy is safe and effective, and in some cases, superior to open surgery, for a range of benign illnesses. The short-term advantages include less gastrointestinal discomfort, decreased wound infection and surgical morbidity, quicker bowel function restoration, and a shorter duration of hospital stay.Aim of the work & Methodology: evaluate our practice in laparoscopic colectomy by studied 20 patients with benign colorectal disorders admitted to our university hospital between Dec. 2015 and Dec. 2020. Inclusion criteria: 1. Age ranging from 15 to 70 years. 2. Patients with benign colorectal diseases, e.g., diverticular diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, colonic polyps, rectal prolapse, etc. Exclusion criteria; malignant colorectal tumors and relative contraindication for laparoscopy. We were using classical laparoscopic techniques. Patients were discharged from the hospital when they could tolerate a regular diet. They were followed up at least six months, starting on the 30th postoperative day on a regular visit every two weeks—the data recorded including the intraoperative events and the difficulties and postoperative follow-up.Results: Technical difficulties are more remarkable for benign conditions than for cancer, especially for patients with inflammatory bowels, such as diverticular disease or inflammatory bowel disease, which frequently involve adjacent structures, peri-colic fibrosis, and lost planes. Surgeons should choose their patients before beginning laparoscopic colorectal surgeries.Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery provides numerous advantages over open surgery, including minor discomfort, a shorter hospital stay, reduced morbidity, and a faster postoperative recovery. Our study cannot be utilized in a comparison study since it only evaluates our practice, and the findings may not be generalizable.
Identification and Validation of a QTL for Spikelet Number on Chromosome Arm 6BL of Common Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)
Authors: Katz Andrew , Byrne Patrick , Reid Scott , Bratschun Sarah , Haley Scott , Pearce Stephen 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
To provide food security for a growing world population, it will be necessary to increase yields of staple crops such as wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Yield is a complex, polygenic trait influenced by grain weight and number, which are negatively correlated with one another. Spikelet number is an important determinant of grain number, but allelic variants impacting its expression are often associated with heading date, constraining their use in wheat germplasm that must be adapted for specific environments. Identification and characterization of genetic variants affecting spikelet number will increase selection efficiency through their deployment in breeding programs.In this study, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome arm 6BL for spikelet number was identified and validated using an association mapping panel, a recombinant inbred line population, and seven derived heterogeneous inbred families. The superior allele, QSn.csu-6Bb, was associated with an increase of 0.248 to 0.808 spikelets per spike across multiple environments that varied for mean spikelet number. Despite epistatic interactions between QSn.csu-6B and three other loci (WAPO-A1, VRN-D3 and PPD-B1), genotypes with a greater number of superior alleles at these loci consistently exhibit higher spikelet number. The frequency of superior alleles at these loci varies among winter wheat varieties adapted to different latitudes of the United States Great Plains, revealing opportunities for breeders to select for increased spikelet number using simple molecular markers. This work lays the foundation for the positional cloning of the genetic variant underlying the QSn.csu-6B QTL to strengthen our understanding of spikelet number determination in wheat.
Transmembrane p24 Trafficking Protein 2 Regulates Inflammation Through the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Feng Longhua , Cheng Pengjiang , Feng Zhengyun , Zhang Xiaoyu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: To investigate the role of transmembrane p24 trafficking protein 2 (TMED2) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and determine whether TMED2 knockdown could inhibit LUAD in vitro and in vivo.Methods: TIMER2.0, Kaplan-Meier plotter, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), Target Gene, and pan-cancer systems were used to predict the potential function of TMED2. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to analyze TMED2 expression in different tissues or cell lines. The proliferation, development, and apoptosis of LUAD were observed using a lentivirus-mediated TMED2 knockdown. Bioinformatics and western blot analysis of TMED2 against inflammation via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway were conducted. Results: TMED2 expression in LUAD tumor tissues was higher than that in normal tissues and positively correlated with poor survival in lung cancer and negatively correlated with apoptosis in LUAD. The expression of TMED2 was higher in tumors or HCC827 cells. TMED2 knockdown inhibited LUAD development in vitro and in vivo and increased the levels of inflammatory factors via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. TMED2 was correlated with TME, immune score, TME-associated immune cells, their target markers, and some mechanisms and pathways, as determined using the TIMER2.0, GO, and KEGG assays.Conclusions: TMED2 may regulate inflammation in LUAD through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, and enhance the proliferation, development, and prognosis of LUAD by regulating inflammation, which provide a new strategy for treating LUAD by regulating inflammation.
Short-term Results of a New Anatomic Stemless Shoulder Arthroplasty- A Prospective Multicentre Study
Authors: Smith Tomas , Ellwein Alexander , Karkosch Roman , Tsamassiotis Spiros , Horstmann Hauke , Browsher Nina , Pastor Marc-Frederic 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has been continuously developed and current designs include stemless or canal-sparing humeral components. In the literature stemless and canal sparing TSA showed good clinical and radiographic results, which were comparable to stemmed TSA. The aim of this study was to determine the short-term clinical and radiological outcomes of a new stemless TSA design. Methods: A prospective multicentre study including 154 total shoulder arthroplasty patients with a follow up of 12 months was performed. At the time of follow up 129 patients were available for review. The adjusted Constant Murley score [33], Oxford shoulder score, EQ-5D-5L score and radiographs were examined preoperatively, 3 and 12 months after the implantation of the new stemless TSA implant GLOBAL ICON™ (DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, IN, USA). Complications were documented.Results: Implant Kaplan-Meier survivorship was 98.7% at 12 months. From baseline to 12 months follow-up, all scores showed a progressive significant mean improvement. The mean adjusted Constant score increased from 42.3 to 96.1 points (p<0.001). The Oxford shoulder score showed an increase of 21.6 points (p<0.001). The postoperative radiographs showed no continuous radiolucent lines, subsidence, aseptic loosening or progressive radiolucency, but one osteolytic lesion was observed. Only 2 prostheses were revised. Conclusion: The new GLOBAL ICON stemless TSA showed good clinical and radiographic results at short-term follow up which were comparable to early results of other stemless TSA. Further studies with longer follow up are needed in the future.