bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aquaporin 8 expression is reduced and regulated by microRNAs in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: MIN Min , PENG Li-hua , SUN Gang , GUO Ming-zhou , QIU Ze-wu , YANG Yun-sheng 
Published: January 2024

Background
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with differential expression of genes involved in inflammation and tissue remodeling. MicroRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of UC by regulating the gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and control crucial physiological processes. This study aimed to identify aquaporin 8 (AQP8) expression and its relationship with miRNA in UC patients.

Methods
Human colon samples, in this study, were obtained from 20 patients with UC and 16 healthy subjects undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy at the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital between December 2009 and June 2010. We screened different genes from UC tissues and healthy subjects using genome-wide microarray, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Regulation of gene expression by miRNAs was assessed by luciferase reporter construct assays and transfection of specific miRNA mimics and inhibitor.

Results
We identified that 1596 genes were increased and 1301 genes were decreased in UC patients compared to healthy subjects. Among them, we focused on the analysis of AQP8 which was decreased three folds in UC tissues (P <0.01). The expression of AQP8 mRNA and protein were decreased in UC tissue and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α treated HT29 cells compared with controls (P <0.05). We searched candidate target miRNAs of AQP8 through bioformatics and the luciferase report assay analysis indicated that miR-424, miR-195, miR-330, miR-612, and miR-16 which has complementary site in the 3-untranslated region (3′UTR) of AQP8 could decrease the relative luciferase activities by 10%-45%.

Conclusion
AQP8 and its relationship with miRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of UC.
Remnant-preserving posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with graft tension-relieving: a comparative study with conventional technique
Authors: Gong Xi , Yu Jia-kuo , Ao Ying-fang 
Published: January 2024

Background
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear is a severe injury to the knee joint and often requires surgical reconstruction. A number of PCL reconstruction techniques have been reported. However, the problem of residual laxity after surgery is not unusual with conventional techniques. This study aims to introduce a modified PCL reconstruction with remnant preservation and graft tension relieving.

Methods
Between December 2008 and June 2011, 36 cases of PCL reconstruction were performed in our institute, 20 with conventional technique (Group I) and 16 with modified technique (Group II). Pre- and post-operative results of the international knee documentation committee knee evaluation form (IKDC), Lysholm, Tegner, and KT2000 side-to-side difference were obtained.

Results
Significant improvements of IKDC, Lysholm, Tegner, and KT2000 results after surgery were found in both groups. Group II showed better improvement in all subjective examinations and significantly more decrease of KT 2000 side-to-side difference.

Conclusion
Modified PCL reconstruction with remnant preservation and graft tension relieving showed better results in restoration of posterior stability compared to conventional technique.
Age-related white matter degradation rule of normal human brain: the evidence from diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Xiang Zhang , Baoqing Li , Baoci Shan 
Published: January 2024

Background
Diffusion tensor imaging can evaluate white matter function in human brain. Fractional anisotropy is the most important parameter. This study aimed to find regional reduction of fractional anisotropy (FA) with aging in the whole brain and the changing rules of anisotropy with aging.

Methods
Fifty volunteers from 20 to 75 years old were divided into five consecutive age groups; a young group and four senior groups. FA values were calculated with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studio software. The difference of FA between the young group and the four senior groups were analyzed by analysis of voxel-level height threshold in Statistic Parametric Mapping (SPM), and the regions with decreased FA were obtained. The FA values of these regions were then extracted using an in-house developed program, and a multiple linear regression model was built to assess the influence of age and sex on the FA values of these regions.

Results
Eight regions, including frontal lobe, postcentral gyrus, optic radiation, hippocampus, cerebella hemisphere, corona radiate, corpus callosum and internal capsule, were found to have decreased FA. There was a strong negative correlation between age and the FA in the frontal lobe, postcentral gyrus, optic radiation, hippocampus, and cerebella hemisphere, while a weaker negative correlation in the corona radiate, corpus callosum, and internal capsule was found. The FA reduction in the frontal lobe, postcentral gyrus, optic radiation, hippocampus and cerebella hemisphere were found earlier than in the corona radiate, corpus callosum and internal capsule. There was no correlation between sex and FA in these regions.

Conclusions
The FA in the subcortical white matter area reduces earlier than that in deep white matter. The areas with decreased FA continuously enlarge with aging. The FAs in these regions have a strong negative correlation with age.
Ninety-day administration of dl-3-n-butylphthalide for acute ischemic stroke: a randomized, double-blind trial
Authors: CUI Li-ying , ZHU Yi-cheng , GAO Shan , WANG Jian-ming , PENG Bing , NI Jun , ZHOU Li-xin , HE Jia , MA Xiu-qiang 
Published: January 2024

Background
Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), first isolated from the seeds of celery, showed efficacy in animal models of stroke. This study was a clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of NBP with a continuous dose regimen among patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods
A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy trial enrolled 573 patients within 48 hours of onset of ischemic stroke in China. Patients were randomly assigned to receive a 14-day infusion of NBP followed by an NBP capsule, a 14- day infusion of NBP followed by aspirin, or a 14-day infusion of ozagrel followed by aspirin. The efficacy measures were Barthel index score and the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at day 90. Differences among the three groups on mRS were compared using χ2 test of proportions (with two-sided α=0.05) and Logistic regression analysis was conducted to take the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score into consideration.

Results
Among the 535 subjects included in the efficacy analysis, 90-day treatment with NBP was associated with a significantly favorable outcome than 14-day treatment with ozagrel as measured by mRS (P <0.001). No significant difference was found among the three groups on Barthel index at day 90. The rate of adverse events was similar among the three groups.

Conclusions
The 90-day treatment with NBP could improve outcomes at the third month after stroke. The NBP treatment (both intravenous and oral) is safe (ChiCTR-TRC-09000483).
Gene polymorphisms of interleukin-28, p21-activated protein kinases 4, and response to interferon-α based therapy in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: YU Feng-xue , ZHANG Xiao-lin , WANG Yan-ping , MA Ning , DU Hong , MA Jian-min , LIU Dian-wu 
Published: January 2024

Background
Peg-Interferon-α treatment is expensive and associated with considerable adverse effects, selection of patients with the highest probability of response is essential for clinical practice. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the gene polymorphisms of interleukin-28 (IL-28), p21-activated protein kinase 4 (PAK4) and the response to interferon treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients.

Methods
Two hundred and forty interferon-naive treatment HBeAg seropositive chronic hepatitis B patients were enrolled in the present prospective nested case-control study. Peripheral blood samples were collected, including 92 with favorable response and 148 without response to the interferon treatment. Rs8099917, rs12980602, and rs9676717 SNP was genotyped using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).

Results
IL-28 genotype was not associated with response to interferon treatment (OR for GT/GG vs. TT, 0.881 (95% CI 0.388−2.002); P=0.762; OR for CT/CC vs. TT, 0.902 (95% CI 0.458-1.778); P=0.766). Rs9676717 in PAK4 genotype was independently associated with the response (OR for CT/CC vs. TT, 0.524 (95% CI 0.310-0.888); P=0.016). When adjusting for age, gender, smoking, drinking, levels of hepatitis B virus DNA, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), rs9676717 genotype TT appeared to be associated with a higher probability of response for interferon treatment (OR, 0.155 (95% CI 0.034−0.700); P=0.015).

Conclusion
Genotype TT for rs9676717 in PAK4 gene and no drinking may be predictive of the interferon-α treatment success.
Neovascularization in the carotid atherosclerotic plaque is not associated with inflammatory cell aggregation
Authors: GAI Jing-jing , LIU Hong-bin , LI Juan , XIE Lei-xing , ZHAO Xi-hai , CHENG Liu-quan , CHEN Hui-jun , WANG Yong , YIN Da-yi , LIU Jia-jin , ZHANG Xiong-wei 
Published: January 2024

Background
Monocytes and macrophages in atherosclerotic plaque lead to plaque instability. The aim of the study was to determine if plaque neovascularization led to inflammation.

Methods
Patients were consecutively enrolled if their carotid intimal media thickness was >2 mm, as revealed by duplex ultrasound. The patients then underwent dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET CT). A target to background ratio (TBR) of ≥1.25 or <1.25 served as the cutoff point for the presence and absence of inflammation, respectively.

Results
Twenty-six patients underwent bilateral carotid DCE MRI and 24 patients also underwent PET CT. One hundred and fifty-five plaques were evaluated by both DCE MRI and PET CT. There was no significant difference in plaque morphology between the TBR ≥1.25 (n=61) and TBR <1.25 (n=94) groups. No significant differences were found in plasma volume and transfer constant between the TBR ≥1.25 and TBR <1.25 groups.

Conclusion
Our study did not find a significant correlation between plaque neovascularization and the aggregation of inflammatory cells.
Four-year clinical outcome in asymptomatic patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: ZHANG Kai-yi , GAI Lu-yue , GAI Jing-jing , HE Bin , GUAN Zhi-wei 
Published: January 2024

Background
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is indicated for angina with coronary stenosis. However, PCI for asymptomatic coronary stenosis remains controversial. We prospectively followed a group of patients for four years who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for major adverse cardiac events (MACE). We hypothesized that the results of this trial would reliably reflect the natural outcome of the coronary disease.

Methods
Consecutive patients who underwent CCTA from June 2008 to May 2009 were selected. Those who could not be reached by telephone, had significant angina, had CT images that were not interpretable, or poor kidney and left ventricular (LV) function were excluded. The patients were divided into five groups: group A normal CCTA without stenosis, group B mild stenosis (1%-49%), group C moderate stenosis (50%-74%), group D severe stenosis (≥75%) and they were treated with optimal medical therapy (OMT) or PCI. The group E had PCI before the CCTA examination. The patients were then followed for MACE after different treatments. MACE included acute myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF) and death.

Results
The patient population consisted of 419 patients. The follow-up time was (51±5) months. The age was (60±31) years. Male made up 67.78% of the population (n=284). A total of 51 cases of MACE occurred including 25 MI, eight HF and 18 all-cause deaths. There was no MACE in group A. Although MACE occurred in two patients in group B, they were not attributed to cardiac death. We further compared the MACE in groups C-E and no significant difference was found (P >0.05). However, a difference was detected among patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), stable angina pectoris (SAP), re-hospitalization, and cerebrovascular events from groups A-E (P <0.05). The plaque scores were used to predict MACE. The scores progressively increased significantly with lesion severity (P <0.05). Receiver operating curve (ROC) was performed to determine the sensitivity and specificity in predicting MACE. Our scores predicted MI with area of 0.76, predicted HF with area of 0.77, and predicted death with area of 0.70.

Conclusions
Normal and mild lesions had very few events. With increased stenosis the MACE rate increased progressively. PCI did not significantly reduce the MACE in comparison with OMT in asymptomatic patients. Furthermore, UAP, re-hospitalization, and re-PCI were significantly increased in patients who were treated with PCI.
Long-term clinical outcomes of patients with unprotected left main bifurcation lesions treated with 2-stent techniques
Authors: PEI Han-jun , SUI Yong-gang , WU Yong-jian , YANG Yue-jin , XU Bo , CHEN Ji-lin , QIAO Shu-bin , LI Jian-jun , QIN Xue-wen , YAO Min , YUAN Jin-qing , CHEN Jue , LIU Hai-bo , YOU Shi-jie , GAO Run-lin 
Published: January 2024

Background
Currently available evidence suggests that outcomes are less favorable when left main (LM) bifurcation lesions are treated with 2-stent techniques compared with a single-stent technique. We aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of the 2-stent techniques for treating unprotected LM bifurcation lesions in Chinese patients.

Methods
We enrolled 301 consecutive patients treated with drug-eluting stents (DES) implantation using 2-stent techniques for unprotected LM bifurcation lesions (MEDINA 1, 1, 1, 70.5%). The 2-stent techniques included crush technique, V stenting, T stenting, and Culottes stenting. After stenting, both vessels were redilated at a high pressure before final kissing balloon (FKB). Clinical and angiographic data were analyzed. The primary endpoints were major adverse cardiac events (MACE), which included death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization.

Results
Immediate procedural success was obtained in all cases with a FKB success rate of 95.3%. Follow-up data were available for all patients. The overall incidence of angiographic in-stent restenosis (ISR) rate was 20.3% and most ISRs were of the focal type. During long-term follow-up (mean duration, (54±22) months), the cumulative incidence of MACE was 11.0%, with 8 (2.7%) deaths, 7 (2.3%) myocardial infarctions, and 18 (6.0%) repeated lesion revascularization. MACEs in high SYNTAX score terciles were significantly higher compared with those in low and intermediate SYNTAX score terciles (P=0.001).

Conclusions
Although percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with 2-stent technique for unprotected LM bifurcation lesions was accompanied with a slightly high incidence of ISR, the long-term clinical follow-up is acceptable. Technical modifications and stent innovations may further improve both the angiographic and clinical outcomes for patients with LM bifurcation disease treated by PCI.
Combined detections of interleukin 27, interferon-γ, and adenosine deaminase in pleural effusion for diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy
Authors: WU Yan-bin , YE Zhi-jian , QIN Sou-ming , WU Cong , CHEN Yi-qiang , SHI Huan-zhong 
Published: January 2024

Background
Previous studies reported interleukin-27 (IL-27), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), or adenosine deaminase (ADA) alone plays a helpful role in diagnosing tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE). The present study aims at comparing the diagnostic accuracy of pleural IL-27, IFN-γ, and ADA, and investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the combination of IL-27, IFN-γ, or/ and ADA for differentiating TPE from pleural effusions with the other etiologies.

Methods
The concentrations of IL-27, IFN-γ and ADA were simultaneously determined in pleural fluids and sera from 40 patients with TPE; 26 with malignant pleural effusion, seven with infectious pleural effusion, and eight with transudative pleural effusion by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetric method. The corresponding biochemical indexs were also simultaneously determined.

Results
The concentrations of pleural IL-27 and IFN-γ in the tuberculous group were significantly higher than those in the malignant, infectious, and transudative groups. The concentrations of ADA in TPE were significantly higher than those in MPE or transudative effusions, while much lower than those in infectious effusions. Among these three biomarkers, IL-27 was the most effective for TPE diagnosis, with the cut off value of 900.8 ng/L. IL-27 had a high sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 97.6% for differential diagnosis of TPE from non-TPEs. Combinations of IL-27, IFN-γ and ADA measurements further increased the sensitivity or specificity up to 100%.

Conclusions
Compared to non-TPEs, IL-27, IFN-γ and ADA all simultaneously increased in TPE; and among these three rapid detection methods, IL-27 appeared to be the best for distinguishing tuberculous from non-TPEs, especially from MPE. Combinations of the three markers (IL-27, IFN-γ and ADA) yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity. These findings suggest that the applications of a new biomarker, IL-27, alone or with IFN-γ and ADA, may contribute to more efficient diagnosis strategies in the management of tuberculous pleurisy.
Molecular subtypes identified by gene expression profiling in early stage endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gao Bao-rong , Chen Yong-hua , Yao Yuan-yang , Li Xiao-ping , Wang jian-liu , Wei Li-hui 
Published: January 2024

Background
Early stage (FIGO stage I-II) endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma (EEA) is very common in clinical practice. However, patients with the early stage EEA show various clinical behaviors due to biological heterogeneity. Hence, we aimed to discover distinct classes of tumors based on gene expression profiling, and analyze whether the molecular classification correlated with the histopathological stages or other clinical parameters.

Methods
Hierarchical clustering was performed for class discovery in 28 early stage EEA samples using a special cDNA microarray chip containing 492 genes designed for endometrial cancer. Correlations between clinicopathologic parameters and our classification were analyzed. And the significance analysis of microarrays (SAM) array was used to identify the signature genes according to the tumor grade and myometrial invasion.

Results
Three tumor subtypes (subtypes I, II and III) were identified by hierarchical clustering, each subtype had different clinicopathological factors, such as tumor grade, myometrial invasion status, and FIGO stage. Moreover, SAM analysis showed 34 up-regulated genes in high grade tumors, and 38 up-regulated genes and 1 down-regulated in deep myometrial invasive tumors. The overlap genes between these two high-risk factors were markedly up-regulated in subtype I, but down-regulated in subtype III.

Conclusion
We have identified novel molecular subtypes in early stage EEA. Differential gene signatures characterize each tumor subtype, which could be used for recognizing the tumor risk and providing a basis for further treatment stratification.
Reduction of atrial fibrillation in remotely monitored pacemaker patients: results from a Chinese multicentre registry
Authors: CHEN Ke-Ping , DAI Yan , HUA Wei , YANG Jie-Fu , LI Kang , LIANG Zhao-Guang , SHEN Fa-Rong , CHEN Si-Lin , SU Yan-Gang , DING Yan-Sheng , ZHANG Shu 
Published: January 2024

Background
Many recipients of implantable cardiac electronic devices have atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrences after device implantation, even if there is no previous history of AF, and some of the episodes are asymptomatic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in AF burden following early AF detection in patients treated with pacemakers equipped with automatic, daily Home Monitoring function.

Methods
Between February 2009 and December 2010, the registry recruited 701 pacemaker patients (628 dual-chamber, 73 biventricular devices) at 97 clinical centers in China. Daily Home Monitoring data transmissions were analyzed to screen for the AF burden. In-office follow-ups were scheduled for 3 and 6 months after implantation. Upon first AF (i.e., mode-switch) detection in a patient, screening of AF burden by Home Monitoring was extended for the next 180 days.

Results
At least one episode of AF was observed in 22.9% of patients with dual-chamber pacemakers and in 28.8% of patients with biventricular pacemakers. The first AF detection in a patient occurred, on average, about 2 months before scheduled follow-up visits. In both pacemaker groups, mean AF burden decreased significantly (P<0.05) over 180 days following first AF detection: from 12.0% to 2.5% in dual-chamber and from 12.2% to 0.5% in biventricular pacemaker recipients. The number of patients with an AF burden >10% per month was significantly reduced over 6 months of implantation in both dual chamber (38 patients in the first month vs. 21 patients in month 6, P<0.05) and biventricular (7 patients in the first month vs. 0 patient in months 4-6, P<0.05) pacemaker recipients.

Conclusions
Automatic, daily Home Monitoring of patients treated with cardiac pacemakers allows early detection of AF, and there is a gradual and significant decrease in AF burden.
Effects of chest compressions on cardiorespiratory function in a non-arrested porcine model
Authors: CONG Lu-hong , LI Chun-sheng , GUO Zhi-jun , WANG Shuo , WU Jun-yuan , YUAN Wei 
Published: January 2024

Background
The effects of chest compressions to hemodynamic and respiratory parameters during hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a non-arrested patient who suddenly collapses are confusing. In this research, we investigated the effects of chest compressions in a non-arrested porcine model.

Methods
Fourteen male domestic pigs were randomized into sham control group (SHAM group, only anesthetized and instrumented without chest compression, n=6) or chest compression group (CC group, 2 minutes of chest compressions, n=8). Continuous hemodynamic parameters, dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), and blood gas analysis outcomes were recorded. Serum levels of catecholamine were measured at baseline and 2 minutes, 30 minutes, 4 hours, and 24 hours after chest compressions. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed at 30 minutes and 24 hours. Conventional histopathology evaluation was performed.

Results
After two minutes of chest compressions in the CC group, heart rate and extravascular lung water increased significantly; mean arterial pressure, stroke volume, and global ejection fraction significantly decreased. Cdyn significantly decreased to valley levels at 30 minutes and slowly recovered. Compared with the baseline, serum levels of catecholamine significantly increased at 2 minutes and rapidly decreased 24 hours later. At 30 minutes after chest compressions, chest CT showed local exudation, which was absorbed 24 hours later.

Conclusions
This research showed that 2 minutes of chest compressions causes various heart and lung tissue damage in the normal a normal porcine model. It also impacts the hemodynamic and Cdyn.