bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of catheter radiofrequency ablation on C-reactive protein, brain natriuretic peptide and echocardiograph in patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Huang Qiong , Yuan Yiqiang , Qiu Chunguang , Zhao Yujie , Mao Youlin , Wang Ruimin , Wang Qian 
Published: January 2024

Background
Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) has developed rapidly, and is a commonly performed ablation in many major hospitals throughout the world, due to its satisfactory results. The aim of this study was to detect the effect of RFCA on C-reactive protein (CRP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and echocardiograph in patients with persistent and permanent AF.

Methods
A total of 120 patients (71 males, mean age (50.8±12.0) years) with persistent and permanent AF undergoing RFCA under guidance of the Carto merge technique were studied. Left atrial diameter (LAD), right atrial diameter (RAD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), CRP, and BNP were observed 3, 6 and 12 months after RFCA and compared with results before RFCA. The recurrence of atrial arrhythmias was observed 3 and 12 months after the procedure.

Results
Compared with that before RFCA, LAD and RAD decreased and LVEF increased significantly after RFCA. Meanwhile, the levels of CRP and BNP were reduced significantly at 3, 6, and 12 months after RFCA (P<0.05). In the non-recurrent patients, LVEF was increased significantly compared with the recurrent patients at 3, 6, and 12 months after RFCA (P<0.05). CRP and BNP levels were decreased significantly in the non-recurrent patients compared with the recurrent patients at 3, 6, and 12 months after RFCA (P<0.05). After one or two applications of RFCA, during a follow-up of 12 months, 12 patients (10.0%) had AF, 10 patients (8.3%) had atrial flutter, and 5 patients had atrial tachycardia (4.2%).

Conclusions
Conversion of AF to sinus rhythm by RFCA, has been shown to reduce LA size and improve LVEF. It can also significantly decrease the levels of CRP and BNP in patients with persistent and permanent AF and reduce the risk of inflammation and developing heart failure.
Metformin inhibits nuclear factor-κB activation and inflammatory cytokines expression induced by high glucose via adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation in rat glomerular mesangial cells in vitro
Authors: Gu Junfei , Ye Shandong , Wang Shan , Sun Wenjia , Hu Yuanyuan 
Published: January 2024

Background
The renoprotective mechanisms of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist - metformin have not been stated clearly. We hypothesized that metformin may ameliorate inflammation via AMPK interaction with critical inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of metformin on expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) induced by high glucose (HG) in cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells (MCs).

Methods
MCs were cultured in the medium with normal concentration glucose (group NG, 5.6 mmol/L), high concentration glucose (group HG, 25 mmol/L) and different concentrations of metformin (group M1, M2, M3). After 48-hour exposure, the supernatants and MCs were collected. The expression of NF-κB, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and TGF-β1 mRNA was analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of AMPK, phospho-Thr-172 AMPK (p-AMPK), NF-κB p65, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and TGF-β1 protein.

Results
After stimulated by HG, the expression of NF-κB, MCP-1, ICAM-1, TGF-β1 mRNA and protein of MCs in group HG increased significantly compared with group NG (P <0.05). Both genes and protein expression of NF-κB, MCP-1, ICAM-1, TGF-β1 of MCs induced by high glucose were markedly reduced after metformin treatment in a dose-dependent manner (P <0.05). The expression of p-AMPK increased with the rising of metformin concentration, presenting the opposite trend, while the level of total-AMPK protein was unchanged with exposure to HG or metformin.

Conlusion
Metformin can suppress the expression of NF-κB, MCP-1, ICAM-1 and TGF-β1 of glomerular MCs induced by high glucose via AMPK activation, which may partly contribute to its reno-protection.
Prognostic value of clinical and pathological factors for surgically treated localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Teng Jingfei , Gao Yi , Chen Ming , Wang Kai , Cui Xingang , Liu Yushan , Xu Danfeng 
Published: January 2024

Background
Surgical resection is the most effective treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Currently several prognostic factors and models are used for outcome prediction. However, whether intratumoral changes are independent prognostic factors for RCC or not remains unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the prognostic roles of intratumoral changes in surgical treated localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Methods
Patients who received partial or radical nephrectomy between 2004 and 2009 in our center were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess gender, age, body mass index (BMI), intratumoral hemorrhage, tumor necrosis, cystic degeneration, sarcomatoid change, Ki-67 expression, Fuhrman grade, and T stage on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

Results
A total of 378 patients were included in our study. In univariate analysis, age, BMI, intratumoral hemorrhage, tumor necrosis, sarcomatoid change, Ki-67 expression level, Fuhrman grade, and T stage were prognostic factors for RFS. Age, BMI, tumor necrosis, sarcomatoid change, Ki-67 expression level, Fuhrman grade, and T stage were prognostic factors effecting CSS. In multivariate analysis, age, BMI, tumor necrosis, sarcomatoid change, Ki-67, Fuhrman grade, and T stage were independent prognostic factors for both RFS and CSS.

Conclusion
Intratumoral changes such as tumor necrosis and sarcomatoid change are independent prognostic factors for ccRCC.
Vocal cord mucosal flap for the treatment of acquired anterior laryngeal web
Authors: Xiao Yang , Wang Jun , Han Demin , Ma Lijing , Ye Jingying , Xu Wen 
Published: January 2024

Background
Anterior glottic web is one type of laryngeal stenosis. Previous surgical methods had some drawbacks, such as large surgical trauma, long postoperative recovery time, and multiple-stage surgery. This study aimed to explore better treatment to repair anterior glottis web.

Methods
We performed vocal cord mucosal flap procedure on 32 patients with anterior laryngeal webs. All subjects received vocal cord scar releasing and vocal cord mucosal flap repair and suture under general anesthesia with self-retaining laryngoscope.

Results
All 32 patients completed surgery in one stage, without postoperative laryngeal edema, difficulty in breathing, or other complications. After the surgery, the anterior commissure of vocal cords recovered to a decent triangle shape in 28 patients; however, in four patients there were 2 to 3 mm adhesion residuals on the anterior ends of the vocal cords, accompanied by scar appearance of bilateral vocal cords. The GRB score, voice handicap index scores, and maximum phonation time score significantly improved in all patients after the surgery. There was no evidence of recurrent laryngeal webbing in the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusion
Vocal cords mucosal flap repair surgery has the advantages of less trauma, quick recovery, and significant improvement of the voice in the treatment of laryngeal webs.
Duration of hypertension is associated with cognitive function: a cross-sectional study in Chinese adults
Authors: Li Tuo , Bai Yu , Xiang Junwu , Wang Rui , Bai Jie , Tuo Xiping , Zhao Zhongxin 
Published: January 2024

Background
Hypertension (HTN) is a very prevalent public health problem and as the population ages, cognitive impairment (CI) is also going to be a public health burden. However, the relationship between hypertension duration and cognitive function declination worldwide is still unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of HTN duration on CI in Chinese population.

Methods
At baseline, 1 386 HTN patients and 293 normotensive (NT) people were enrolled. The HTN patients were further divided into four subgroups (duration of HTN <6 years, 6–10 years, 11–20 years, and >20 years) according to the HTN duration and were screened for cognitive function with neuropsychological tests including mini-mental-stateexamination (MMSE) and clock-drawing-test (CDT) in comparison with the NT group.

Results
More HTN patients had CI (45.3%) than NT subjects (30.4%), and increased with HTN duration (P <0.000 1). Compared with the scores of MMSE and CDT in the NT group, the declines were higher in the HTN patients (P <0.000 1), and in the four HTN subgroups, both MMSE and CDT scores fall when the HTN duration increased (P <0.05). Furthermore, in the HTN population without CI, the trend in alteration of CI was relatively mild but still existed (P <0.05).

Conclusion
People with HTN are more likely to have CI and the possibility and aggravation increases the prolongation of HTN duration, both in amnesic and nonamnesic function.
Chinese cohort study of chronic kidney disease: design and methods
Authors: Gao Bixia , Zhang Luxia , Wang Haiyan , Zhao Minghui 
Published: January 2024

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common disorder associated with multiple adverse clinical consequences, especially cardiovascular risk and end-stage renal disease. A recent national survey demonstrated that CKD has become a leading health problem in China. There is an urgent need to implement an in-depth investigation of the CKD burden and also to explore underlying mechanisms of CKD progression and it association with adverse consequences.

Methods
The Chinese Cohort Study of Chronic Kidney Disease (C-STRIDE) is the first national CKD cohort in China. It will enroll approximately 3 000 pre-dialysis CKD patients aged between 18 and 74 years and follow-up for at least 5 years. Questionnaires, anthropometric measures, laboratory tests, and biomaterials will be collected at baseline and annually. The principal clinical outcomes of the C-STRIDE consist of renal disease events, cardiovascular events, and death. Based on the longitudinal clinical data and biomaterials, the risk factors with CKD progression and other outcomes will be analyzed, and candidate markers and predicted models will be established.

Conclusion
The C-STRIDE would provide important evidence for underlying mechanisms of CKD progression, valuable information for clinical guidelines, and healthcare policies in China.
Human infection with a novel avian-origin influenza A (H7N9) virus: serial chest radiographic and CT findings
Authors: Dai Jian , Zhou Xianmei , Dong Danjiang , Liu Yin , Gu Qin , Zhu Bin , Wu Chao , Cai Hourong 
Published: January 2024

Background
Rapidly progressive pneumonia infection with H7N9 virus is a novel disease, and limited information is available concerning serial chest radiographic and computed tomography (CT) findings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in serial radiologic findings in patients with H7N9 pneumonia.

Methods
The two institutional ethics review boards approved this retrospective study. This study included 10 patients with H7N9 pneumonia. All patients underwent chest radiologic examinations at different time points. Serial radiologic images were systematically analyzed.

Results
All patients showed abnormal results on initial chest radiography and CT. The initial radiographic abnormalities were unilateral (n=9) and bilateral (n=1), including ground-glass opacities (GGOs) (n=5) and consolidation (n=5). The initial CT findings consisted of unilateral (n=6) and bilateral (n=4), including consolidation (n=10), GGOs (n=10), reticular opacities (n=2), and pleural effusion (n=3). Follow-up radiologic findings showed rapid development of consolidation or GGOs within two weeks after illness onset. Pneumomediastinum with secondary subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax were noted in two patients. Follow-up high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) after two weeks showed slow improvement in both size and opacity of the lesions. On HRCT after discharge, patients had substantial residual lesions such as irregular linear opacities, reticular opacities, parenchymal bands, traction bronchiectasis, and cystic lesions.

Conclusions
The most common radiologic findings at presentation are multifocal or diffuse areas of consolidation and GGOs in H7N9 pneumonia. HRCT in sequence can show more changes in rapid progression of disease and a slow decrease of both size and opacity of the lesions plays an important role in the evaluation of H7N9 pneumonia.
Effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ on sepsis induced acute lung injury
Authors: Wang Cairui , Zhou Guopeng , Zeng Zeng 
Published: January 2024

Background
Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are the first steps in the development of multiple organ failure induced by sepsis. A systemic excessive inflammatory reaction is currently the accepted mechanism of the pathogenesis of sepsis. Several studies have suggested a protective role of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-β/δ (PPAR-β/δ) in related inflammatory diseases. But the role of PPARβ/δ in ALI remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and possible mechanism of PPARβ/δ in ALI induced by sepsis.

Methods
Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used as a sepsis model. Rats were randomly divided into four groups, the control group (CON, n=6), sham-operation group (SHAM, n=12), cecal ligation and puncture group (CLP, n=30), GW501516 group (CLP+GW, n=25), which underwent CLP and were subcutaneously injected with the PPAR-β/δ agonist GW501516 (0.05 mg/100 g body weight). Survival was monitored to 24 hours after operation. Blood pressure, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate aminotrasferase and alanine aminotrasferase were measured after CLP. Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Lung tissue samples were stained with H&E and scored according to the degree of inflammation. Bacterial colonies were counted in the peritoneal fluid. Alveolar macrophages were cultured and incubated with GW501516 (0.15 μmol/L) and PPARβ/δ adenovirus and then treated with Lipopolysaccharide (2 μg/ml) for 2 hours. The TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 RNA in lung and alveolar macrophages were determined by real-time PCR. Phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in lung and alveolar macrophages was detected by Western blotting.

Results
GW501516 significantly increased the survival of septic rats, decreased histological damage of the lungs, reduced inflammatory cytokines in serum and lung tissues of septic rats and did not increase counts of peritoneal bacteria. In vitro, GW501516 and over-expression of PPARβ/δ attenuated gene expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in alveolar macrophages. Both in vivo and in vitro, PPARβ/δ inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3.

Conclusion
PPARβ/δ plays a protective role in sepsis induced ALI via suppressing excessive inflammation.
Correlation of D-dimer level with the radiological severity indexes of pulmonary embolism on computed tomography pulmonary angiography
Authors: Ji Yingqun , Sun Bo , Juggessur-Mungur Keeran Sandya , Li Zhiyong , Zhang Zhonghe 
Published: January 2024

Background
It is known that the main role of D-dimer has been as an exclusionary test in patients with suspected venous thromboembolism. However, the D-dimer is increasingly beginning to find clinical utility as a marker in the evaluation of the extent of the embolic disease. The aim of the study was to determine whether D-dimer levels predict the radiological markers of pulmonary embolism (PE) severity using Mastora score.

Methods
This prospective study involved 69 patients with acute PE proved by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). The D-dimer level was noted. A pulmonary artery obstruction index (PAOI; Mastora score) ≥21.3% indicated severe obstruction of PE. A right ventricle/left ventricle (RV/LV) ratio >0.9 indicated RV dysfunction.

Results
The median D-dimer level and PAOI were 765 μg/L (95% CI: 750–1 205 μg/L) and 16.77% (95% CI: 16.32%-23.06%), respectively. The D-dimer level was positively correlated with PAOI (r=0.417, P <0.000 1). PAOI ≥21.3% was associated with high D-dimer levels (median, 993 μg/L (95% CI: 856–1 841 μg/L), Z=-2.991, P=0.003). The D-dimer level was correlated with the RV/LV ratio (r=0.272, P=0.024). RV/LV ratios >0.9 were associated with high D-dimer levels (median, 880 μg/L (95% CI: 764–1 360 μg/L), Z=-2.070, P=0.038). PAOI was positively correlated with the RV/LV ratio (r =0.390, P=0.001). After three months, both the PAOI and D-dimer levels decreased (Z=-7.009, P <0.000 1; Z=-6.976, P <0.000 1, respectively).

Conclusion
D-dimer levels are positively correlated with PE burden and right ventricle dysfunction on CTPA, and can help monitor the therapeutic response.
Expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 in the peripheral blood of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Bao Zhiyao , Zhang Qiurui , Wan Huanying , He Ping , Zhou Xin , Zhou Min 
Published: January 2024

Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive diffuse parenchymal disease with a poor prognosis. A variety of cytokines and chemokines are involved in its pathophysiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features in IPF patients with the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS-1), which acts as a negative regulator of cytokine signaling.

Methods
IPF patients (n=20) and healthy controls (n=16) were included in this study. The expression of SOCS-1 was analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of subjects using RT-PCR. Interleukin 4 (IL-4), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and type I collagen expression were also analyzed in each individual using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The clinical characteristics of IPF patients were delineated. These results were analyzed by SPSS13.0 statistics software.

Results
SOCS-1 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the PBMC of IPF patients compared with healthy controls; serum levels of IL-4 and TGF-β1 were higher in IPF patients. The patients with lower expression of SOCS-1 developed lower percentage of forced vital capacity (FVC%) and DLCO/VA. A patients' SOCS-1 mRNA level was negatively correlated with serum levels of IL-4, and negatively correlated with their high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scores.

Conclusions
SOCS-1 mRNA can be detected in PBMC, and it is down-regulated in IPF patients. The expression of SOCS-1 is associated with the severity of IPF patients' symptoms, so it might be the predictor of disease severity. SOCS-1 might play an important role in IPF by reducing the expression of the T helper type 2 (Th2) cell-related cytokine IL-4.
Hepatocyte growth factor improves right ventricular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertensive rats via decreasing neurohormonal activation and inhibiting apoptosis
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Wang Yongjin , Rong Shuling , Ma Hongbiao , Ma Qing , Zhao Junqing 
Published: January 2024

Background
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) inhibits the development of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) by reducing pulmonary artery pressure and right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy. However, whether HGF can prevent RV remodeling via inhibiting apoptosis in RV cardiomyocytes and decreasing neurohormonal activation remains unknown.

Methods
The PAH and subsequent RV remodeling in rats were induced by subcutaneous injection of monocrotaline (MCT). The PAH rats were transfected with adenovirus carrying HGF (Ad-HGF) via intratracheal instillation. Three weeks after transfection, the hemodynamics indexes were measured, serum levels for angiotonin II (ANG II) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were determined by ELISA. Histological analysis was used to assess the RV hypertrophy and fibrosis. The cardiomyocyte apoptosis in RV was assayed by TUNEL staining. The mRNA expression of BNP, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), Bax and Bcl-2 in RV was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the protein expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in RV was determined by Western blotting.

Results
HGF treatment significantly decreased the mean PAH, RV systolic pressure, serum ANG II and BNP levels. HGF treatment also significantly decreased the RV hypertrophy, collagen deposition, and the number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes. Moreover, HGF treatmemt significantly decreased the expression of BNP, ACE, Bax, TGF-β1, and TNF-α, while it significantly increased the expression of Bcl-2.

Conclusions
Gene transfer of HGF decreases MCT-induced PAH and improves RV remodeling. This effect is mediated not only by improving the hemodynamics but also by decreasing neurohormonal activation and inhibiting cardiomyocytes apoptosis. HGF gene treatment may be an effective strategy for improving RV remodeling in MCT-induced PAH.
Changes of sulfur dioxide, nuclear factor-κB, and interleukin-8 levels in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia with bacterial inflammation
Authors: Wu Wanshui , Jia Yongrui , Du Shuxu , Tang Hong , Sun Yangling , Sun Liming 
Published: January 2024

Background
Bacterial inflammation is a common complication in patients with leukemia, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a bioactive molecule in modulating Gram-negative bacilli infection. This study aimed to examine the changes in SO2, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with Gram-negative bacterial inflammation.

Methods
Fifty-five ALL children were enrolled in this study, including 30 males and 25 females, aged 3-13 years, and the median age was 7.8 years. All these children who accepted chemotherapy for ALL were divided into the control group (before chemotherapy), the infection group (after chemotherapy with infection), and the recovery group (the infection was controlled after 1 week). The serum level of SO2 was detected using high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence assay, and NF-κB and IL-8 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Human THP-1 cells were cultured, induced, and differentiated into macrophages, which were divided into five groups and each group was cultured with different stimulators: lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, LPS+L-aspartate-β-hydroxamate (HDX) group, LPS+SO2 group, SO2, and control groups. NF-κB level and IL-8 protein contents by ELISA were examined in each group.

Results
In comparison with those of the control group, levels of serum SO2, NF-κB, and IL-8 of the infection group were significantly increased (P <0.05), while those of the recovery group were significantly decreased (P <0.05). A positive correlation was found between levels of serum SO2 and intracellular NF-κB/IL-8, and the correlation coefficients were 0.671 and 0.798 (P <0.05), respectively. According to the results found in human THP-1 cells, levels of NF-κB and IL-8 in LPS group were significantly increased compared with those of the control group (P <0.05); when compared with those in LPS group, levels of NF-κB in LPS+HDX group further increased significantly (P <0.05); however, the NF-κB levels of LPS+SO2 group decreased significantly (P <0.05).

Conclusion
SO2 may play an anti-inflammatory role during the process of inflammation by inhibiting the activation and transcription of NF-κB.