bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity of Pogostone
Authors: Peng Fu , Wan Feng , Xiong Liang , Peng Cheng , Dai Min , Chen Jianping 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundOur pervious antibacterial studies on several traditional Chinese medicines have found thatPatchoulioil fromPogostemon cablinhad significant antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA), which has spread worldwide and infected innumerable people. In order to find the more active natural substances inPatchoulioil, one of the major components,Pogostone, was isolated and its antibacterial activity was evaluatedin vitroandin vivoin this study.MethodsIn vitrotest,Pogostonewas screened for antimicrobial properties against 83 bacteria comprising 35 gram positive and 48 gram negative bacteria strains via the agar double dilution method.In vivotest, specific pathogen free (SPF) strain of both male and female white Kunming mice, weighing 18-22 g, were used to test the protective ability ofPogostoneafter being injected with the median lethal doses (MLDs) of the tested strains.ResultsIn vitro test,Pogostonecould inhibit both gram negative bacteria (0.098-1 600 μg/ml) and gram positive bacteria(0.098-800 μg/ml). ForCorynebacterium xerosisand someChryseobacterium indologenes, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ofPogostonewere extremely low (<0.098 μg/ml). It was significant thatPogostonewas also active against some drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. Furthermore,Pogostoneshowed antibacterial activity in vivoagainstEscherichia coli(E. coli) and MRSA via intraperitoneal injection. Ninety percent of the mice infected withE. coilcould be protected at the concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/kg, and 60% of the mice at 25 mg/kg, while the rate of protection for the mice infected with MRSA was 60% and 50% at doses of 100 and 50 mg/kg, respectively.ConclusionPogostonecould be developed as a potential antibacterial agent for clinical therapy.
Common variants in PERK , JNK , BIP and XBP1 genes are associated with the risk of prediabetes or diabetes-related phenotypes in a Chinese population
Authors: Nan Feng , Xiaowei Ma , Xiaowei Wei , Junqing Zhang , Aimei Dong , Mengmeng Jin , Hong Zhang , Xiaohui Guo 
Published: January 2024

Background
Prediabetes is an early stage of β-cell dysfunction presenting as insulin resistance. Evidences suggest that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes. In a Chinese population with prediabetes, we investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes of PERK, JNK, XBP1, BIP and CHOP which encode molecular proteins involved in ER stress pathways.

Methods
Nine SNPs at the PERK, JNK, XBP1, BIP and CHOP loci were genotyped by mass spectrometry in 1 448 unrelated individuals. By using a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), 828 subjects were diagnosed as prediabetes and 620 subjects aged 55 years and over as normal controls based on WHO diagnostic criteria (1999) for diabetes mellitus.

Results
The allele C of SNP rs867529 at PERK locus was a risk factor for prediabetes, with the carriers of C allele genotype at a higher risk of prediabetes compared to non-carriers (OR=1.279, 95% CI: 1.013-1.614, P=0.039, after adjustment for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). The SNPs rs6750998 at PERK locus was associated with homeostasis model assessments of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P=0.019), and rs17037621 with BMI (P=0.044). The allele G of SNP rs10986663 in BIP gene was associated with a decreased risk of prediabetes (OR=0.699, 95% CI: 0.539-0.907, P=0.007). The SNP rs2076431 in JNK gene was associated with fasting plasma glucose levels (P=0.006) and waist-hip ratios (P=0.019). The SNP rs2239815 in XBP1 gene was associated with 2-hour plasma glucose levels after 75 g oral glucose load (P=0.048) in the observed population.

Conclusion
Common variants at PERK and BIP loci contributed to the risk of prediabetes, and the genetic variations in JNK and XBP1 genes are associated with diabetes-related clinical parameters in this Chinese population.
Feasibility and value of quantitative dynamic contrast enhancement MR imaging in the evaluation of sinonasal tumors
Authors: Xian Junfang , Du Huarui , Wang Xinyan , Yan Fei , Zhang Zhengyu , Hao Hui , Zhao Bo , Tong Yajian , Zhang Jue , Han Demin 
Published: January 2024

Background
Quantitative dynamic contrast enhancement MR imaging (DCE-MRI), used to measure properties of tissue microvasculature and tumor angiogenesis, is a promising method for distinguishing benign and malignant tumors and characterizing tumor response to antiangiogenic treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of quantitative parameters derived from clinically used DCE-MRI for distinguishing benign from malignant tumors in the sinonasal area, which may be potentially useful for prediction and monitoring of treatment response to chemoradiotherapy of sinonasal tumors.

Methods
One hundred and forty-three patients with sinonasal tumors, including 78 malignant tumors and 65 benign tumors and tumor-like lesions, underwent clinically used DCE-MRI. Parametric maps were obtained for quantitative parameters including K
trans, kep
and v
e. Two radiologists reviewed these maps and measured K
trans, kep
and v
e in the tumor tissue. Data were analyzed using independent T-test or Mann-Whitney U test analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

K
trans, kep
and v
e showed significant differences between benign and malignant tumors in the sinonasal area (P=0.000 1). The accuracy of K
trans, kep
and v
e in differentiation between benign and malignant sinonasal tumors were 72.0%, 76.2% and 67.1%, respectively. There were significant differences in kep
and v
e between malignant epithelial sinonasal tumors and lymphomas (P <0.05). Using a ve value of 0.213 as the threshold value differentiated malignant epithelial tumors from lymphomas with an accuracy of 78.3%, sensitivity of 88.2%, specificity of 68.0%, positive predictive value of 66.7%, and negative predictive value of 90.9%. However, no significant difference in K
trans and kep
was found between malignant epithelial and non-epithelial tumors in the sinonasal area (P >0.05).

Conclusions
It is feasible that quantitative parameters of tumors can be derived from clinically used DCE-MRI in the sinonasal region. Preliminary findings suggest an increased value for quantitative DCE-MRI in the evaluation of sinonasal tumors in clinical practice.
International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group criteria is suitable for gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosis: further evidence from China
Authors: Yumei Wei , Huixia Yang , Weiwei Zhu , Hongyun Yang , Haixia Li , Jie Yan , Cuilin Zhang 
Published: January 2024

Background
The International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) recommended new diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) after extensive analyses of the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (HAPO) study. Unfortunately, there was no data from mainland of China in this study. We evaluated the feasibility of IADPSG criteria for GDM diagnosis in China.

Methods
A large prospective study was conducted. We reviewed medical records of a total of 25 674 pregnant women who underwent GDM screening and diagnosis between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2012 in the Peking University First Hospital. The prevalence of gestational glucose metabolism abnormalities was calculated according to different cut off values defined by the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) or the IADPSG, and the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes related to GDM was analyzed.

Results
According to the cut off values of NDDG and IADPSG criteria, the prevalence of gestational glucose metabolism abnormalities was 8.4% and 18.9% (P <0.01) respectively, and the prevalence of cesarean section (52.5% vs. 46.0%, P <0.01), macrosomia (7.5% vs. 6.3%, P <0.05), neonatal hypoglycemia (1.6% vs. 1.0%, P <0.01), and perinatal death (0.5% vs. 0.2%, P <0.01); the prevalence was significantly lower when IADPSG criteria were applied. The prevalence of macrosomia, cesarean section, neonatal hypoglycemia, pregnancy induced hypertension, etc. was also higher in the GDM group than in the normal group. The prevalence of cesarean section (62.3%) and macrosomia (14.8%) was the highest in untreated mild GDM patients.

Conclusions
Our results indicated that treatment/intervention of women with GDM identified by IADPSG criteria was related to significantly lower risk of multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes. Such findings provide support for applying IADPSG criteria in China.
Clinical treatment and prognostic observation for different pathological infiltrations in 537 patients with unilateral retinoblastoma
Authors: Yizhuo Wang , Dongsheng Huang , Jitong Shi , Jianmin Ma , Junyang Zhao , Bin Li , Xiaolin Xu , Huimin Hu , Yan Zhou , Yongchang Sun 
Published: January 2024

Background
The use of post-enucleation adjuvant therapy to decrease the extraocular relapse rate is frequently considered, but there is much controversy about the indications for adjuvant therapy. The aim of this retrospective study was to observe the treatment and prognosis for different degrees of invasion of eye tissue in retinoblastoma (RB) and identify the indications for post-enucleation adjuvant therapy.

Methods
We recruited 537 children who had been diagnosed with unilateral RB and had received enucleation from January 2006 to December 2012 in our hospital, and divided them into three groups according to their number of histopathologic risk factors: 0 factor, 1 factor, or ≥2 factors. Histopathologic high-risk factors included invasion of the optic nerve posterior to the ethmoid plate (including optic nerve stumps) and extensive invasions of the choroid, sclera, anterior chamber, iris, and ciliary body. Treatment was delivered accordingly, and the prognosis of different degrees of histopathologic invasion was observed. The subjects were followed up for 6 months to 7 years (average follow-up time: 35 months). Statistical analysis was analyzed using χ2 test. P <0.05 was considered significant.

Results
Of the 537 RB patients who received enucleation, 25 died (overall survival: 95.3%). Of the 369 (68.7%) with no histopathologic risk factors, 1 died of recurrence, with a mortality rate of 0.3%, whereas of the 168 (31.3%) with histopathologic risk factors, 26 had recurrences and 24 died (mortality rate: 14.3%; P=0.000). Of the 93 patients (17.3%), each of whom had a single risk factor, nine had recurrences, 16 died (8.6%). Of the 75 patients (14%) with two or more high-risk factors, 16 died (21.3%). These differences were statistically significant between the three (P=0.000).

Conclusion
Chemotherapy is recommended for patients with histopathologic risk factors, especially those with two or more histopathologic risk factors.
Recombinant osteopontin attenuates hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury through inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B and matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9
Authors: Zhang Xiangfeng , Liu Fen , Zhu Guangfa , Wang Zengzhi 
Published: January 2024

Background
Exposure of adult mice to more than 95% O2 produces a lethal injury by 72 hours. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a transcriptional factor that plays a key role in the modulation of cytokine networks during hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphorylated glycoprotein produced principally by macrophages. Studies have reported that exogenous OPN can maintain the integrity of the cerebral microvascular basement membrane and reduce brain damage through inhibiting NF-κB activities in the brain after subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, it is not clear whether OPN can reduce lung injury during ALI by inhibiting transcriptional signal pathways of NF-κB and consequent inhibition of inflammatory cytokines. Thus we examined the effects and mechanisms of recombinant OPN (r-OPN) on ALI.

Methods
Ninety-six mice were randomly divided into phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and r-OPN groups. Mice were put in an oxygen chamber (>95% O2) and assessed for lung injury at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Expressions of NF-κB, matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9), and tissue inhibitors of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) mRNA in lungs were examined with RT-PCR. Expression and distribution of NF-κB protein in lungs were measured with immunohistochemistry.

Results
Exposure to hyperoxia for 72 hours induced more severe lung injury in the PBS group compared with the r-OPN group. Expression of NF-κB mRNA in the PBS group exposed to hyperoxia for 48 and 72 hours was significantly higher than the r-OPN group (P <0.05). With 72-hour exposure, expression of TIMP-1 mRNA in the r-OPN group was significantly higher than that of the PBS group (P <0.05). Expression of TIMP-2 mRNA in the r-OPN group at 48 and 72 hours was significantly higher than those in the PBS group (P <0.05). After 72-hour exposure, expression of NF-κB protein in airway epithelium in the PBS group was significantly higher than that in the r-OPN group (P <0.05).

Conclusion
r-OPN can inhibit the release and activation of MMPs through inhibition of the expression of NF-κB and promotion of the expression of TIMPs, and alleviate hyperoxia-induced ALI.
Evaluation of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay for diagnosis of tuberculosis and rifampin resistance in county-level laboratories in Hunan province, China
Authors: Hu Peilei , Bai Liqiong , Liu Fengping , Ou Xichao , Zhang Zhiying , Yi Songlin , Chen Zhongnan , Gong Daofang , Liu Binbin , Guo Jingwei , Tan Yunhong 
Published: January 2024

Background
The Xpert MTB/RIF showed high sensitivity and specificity in previous studies carried out in different epidemiological and geographical settings and patient populations in high-burden tuberculosis (TB) countries. However, there were little data obtained by validation or demonstration study of the assay in China. In this study, the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF was investigated in two county-level laboratories in Hunan Province, China.

Methods
Consecutive patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and suspicion for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) were enrolled. For each patient suspected to have PTB, three sputum specimens (one spot sputum, one night sputum, and one morning sputum) were collected and each sputum was tested with smear microscopy, Löwenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture, and Xpert MTB/RIF test. For comparison across subgroups and testing methods, 95% confidence intervals were calculated. All analyses were done with SPSS 16.0, and P <0.05 was regarded as significant.

Results
For case detection, the sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF was 100% for smear- and culture-positive TB and 88.6% for smear-negative and culture-positive TB; the overall sensitivity was 94.5% for all culture-positive patients. The specificity was 99.8%. The sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay was 22.0% in clinical TB patients and the specificity reached 100.0% in the group of patients who are infected with nontuberculous mycobacteria. For the detection of rifampin resistance, the sensitivity of MTB/RIF RIF-resistance detection was 92.9%, and the specificity was 98.7%. Of the 26 Xpert MTB/RIFpositive and RIF-resistant patients confirmed by LJ proportion tests, 20 (76.9%) patients were infected by MDR-TB.

Conclusions
The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is a highly sensitive and specific method for diagnosis of TB and RIF resistance, which will enable it to have the potential to be used in county-level laboratories and lead to the reduction of the infectious pool and improvements in TB control in China. Further evaluations in county-level laboratories for implementing the assay are still required.
Expression and significance of fat mass and obesity associated gene and forkhead transcription factor O1 in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zhang Jielei , Li Shan , Li Jingyi , Han Chao , Wang Zhifang , Li Chong , Wang Xiaoman , Liu Zhenzhen , Wen Jianguo , Zheng Lili 
Published: January 2024

Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex disorder and has been closely linked to obesity. The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is a newly discovered gene related to obesity, which enhances oxidative stress and lipogenesis in NAFLD. The forkhead transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) is another important gene involved in NAFLD, which causes lipid disorders when insulin resistance appears in the liver. However, the interactions between FTO and FoxO1 during the pathogenesis of NAFLD have not been fully elucidated. This study was designed to identify the relationship between these two factors that are involved in the development of NAFLD.

Methods
This study includes two parts referred to as animal and cell experiments. Twelve female SPF C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet to serve as an NAFLD animal model. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect the expression and histological localization of FTO, FoxO1, and adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The L02 cells were exposed to high fat for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Oil red O staining was used to detect intracellular lipid droplets. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used for analyzing the levels of FTO and FoxO1 mRNA.

Results
At the end of 10 weeks, ALP, ALT, AST, and LDL were significantly increased (P <0.01), while TC and TG were also significantly higher (P <0.05). In addition, HDL was significantly decreased (P <0.05). The FTO and FoxO1 proteins were weakly expressed in the control group, but both FTO and FoxO1 were expressed significantly higher (P <0.01) in the experimental group, and the expression of the two factors was significantly correlated. AMPK in the high-fat group showed a low level of correlation with FTO, but not with FoxO1. Oil Red O staining results showed that the cells cultured in 50% fetal bovine serum for 24, 48, or 72 hours exhibited steatosis. FTO and FoxO1 mRNA were increased in the high-fat group compared with the normal group (P <0.01). The expression levels of FTO and FoxO1 mRNA were the highest at 48 hours (P <0.05).

Conclusions
A high-fat diet leads to higher expression of FTO, phosphorylation of FoxO1, and decreased phosphorylation of AMPK. These results suggest that the interactions between FTO and FoxO1 are closely related to the pathogenesis of NAFLD.
Genetics of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome
Authors: Dongmei Zhang , Yi Xiao , Jinmei Luo 
Published: January 2024

Objective
To have a better understanding of genetic contributions to the development of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) by reviewing studies on its genetic basis.

Data sources
A comprehensive search of the PubMed literature without restriction on the publication date was carried out using terms “obstructive sleep apnea” and “candidate genes” or “genetics”.

Study selection
Articles were selected if they were an original research paper or meta analysis of the genetic factors of OSAHS.

Results
Four intermediate phenotypes were described and several candidate genes that may determine the expression and severity of OSAHS were reviewed.

Conclusion
Multiple gene-gene interactions occurring in genes that affect obesity, craniofacial structure, ventilator control and asleep-awake pattern may influence the expression of OSAHS in a suitable environment.
STOP-Bang questionnaire is superior to Epworth sleepiness scales, Berlin questionnaire, and STOP questionnaire in screening obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome patients
Authors: Jinmei Luo , Rong Huang , Xu Zhong , Yi Xiao , Jiong Zhou 
Published: January 2024

Background
Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is underdiagnosed. Screening patients at high risk of OSAHS is extremely important. Using the standard questionnaire to screen OSAHS is a practical method. This study aimed to evaluate the value of the STOP-Bang questionnaire (SBQ) in screening OSAHS in sleep-disordered breathing clinic by comparing it with the Epworth sleepiness scales (ESS), Berlin questionnaire, and STOP questionnaire.

Methods
In this study, 212 patients at the sleep-disordered breathing clinic of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital between May 2011 and January 2012 were prospectively included. They were asked to fill in the SBQ, ESS, Berlin questionnaire, and STOP questionnaire before overnight polysomnography (PSG). Using PSG as gold standard, the sensitivities and specificities of SBQ were compared with those of ESS, Berlin questionnaire, and STOP questionnaire.

Results
There was no significance in applying ESS score ≥11 to screen OSAHS and detect moderate and severe OSAHS (P >0.05). SBQ was superior to Berlin questionnaire and STOP questionnaire in screening OSAHS and detecting the severity of OSAHS patients. The sensitivities of SBQ score ≥3 with apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5/h, AHI ≥15/h, and AHI ≥30/h as gold standards were 94.9%, 96.5%, and 97.7%, respectively. The specificities were 50.0%, 28.6%, and 17.9%, respectively. The area upper curves were 0.815 (0.706–0.925, P <0.01), 0.746 (0.665–0.828, P <0.01), and 0.751 (0.686–0.817, P <0.01), respectively. According to SBQ, the population was classified into high-risk group and low-risk group. The gender, BMI, neck circumference, AHI, LSpO2, and number of subjects of AHI ≥5/h, AHI ≥15/h, and AHI ≥30/h of these two groups were significantly different.

Conclusions
The SBQ has superior predictive value compared with ESS, Berlin questionnaire, and STOP questionnaire. It should be used further in screening for OSAHS in the general population.
Course of major paravertebral vessels and the positional relationship to the vertebral bodies in healthy Chinese subjects: a CT-based study
Authors: Gao Fuqiang , Zhao Xuanji , Sun Wei , Pradhan Abhinav , Li Zirong 
Published: January 2024

Background
Several studies, including those done in China, report that paravertebral vascular injury during posterior spinal surgery can greatly harm patients, though it is a relatively rare complication. However, few studies have examined their course and anatomic relationship to the spine. The aim of this study was to measure the course of the major paravertebral vessels and their positional relationships to the vertebral bodies in Chinese subjects using computed tomography.

Methods
We studied a total of fifty subjects who underwent thoracolumbar computed tomography from T1-S1 at our institution. We measured the theoretical distance, actual distance, theoretical angle, and actual angle of the paravertebral vessels at each thoracolumbar intervertebral disc.

Results
The paravertebral artery actual angle at T4-L4 ranged from -11.41 to 79.75° and the actual distance from 16.98 to 52.53 mm. The actual angle of the inferior vena cava at L1-L5 intervertebral disc ranged from -40.75 to 34.50° and the actual distance from -36.63 to 61.69 mm. There was no significant difference in the actual angle of the paravertebral vein or in the actual distance in the thoracic segments according to gender (P >0.05). However, the actual distance in the lumbar segments were significantly different according to gender (P <0.05).

Conclusions
The major paravertebral vessels’ course is closer to the mid-sagittal plane as they move posterior along the vertebrae, and the actual distance of the paravertebral artery and azygos vein increase, while the actual distance of the inferior vena cava decreases. The course of the lumbar paravertebral vessels varies, especially at L4/L5, and may be more prone to intraoperative injury in female subjects.