bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Twenty-year trends in major cardiovascular risk factors in hospitalized patients with acute myocardial infarction in Beijing
Authors: CAO Cheng-Fu , REN Jing-Yi , ZHOU Xiang-Hai , LI Su-Fang , CHEN Hong 
Published: January 2024

Background
Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia and current smoking are the strongest modifiable cardiovascular risk factors for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We examined their changing trends over the last 20 years.

Methods
The clinical data of 3498 patients hospitalized in Peking University People's Hospital with AMI from 1991 to 2010 were used. Information was collected regarding to patients' demographic data, cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia and current smoking). To assess trends over time in the prevalence of risk factors, we categorized patients into four groups (1991 to 1995, 1996 to 2000, 2001 to 2005 and 2006 to 2010).

Results
Highly significant increases were observed in the prevalence of hypertension from 40.8% to 55.6% for males and from 58.0% to 69.0% for females; and diabetes mellitus from 12.9% to 30.8% for males and from 23.0% to 42.3% for females. Similarly, the prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia decreased from 53.1% to 30.7% for males and from 57.0% to 44.0% for females. The prevalence of current smoking decreased in females from 29.0% to 11.1%, but remained unchanged in males. In addition, the proportion of patients with more than three modifiable risk factors increased from 19.0% to 27.1% and the age at onset of AMI extended to younger as well as older individuals.

Conclusions
The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus are still increasing in patients with AMI in Beijing and although the prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia and current smoking decreased, high clustering of risk factors were commonly present. These adverse trends show a compelling need for more effective management of cardiovascular risk factors.
Predicting value of serum soluble ST2 and interleukin-33 for risk stratification and prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Kun , Zhang Xin-chao , Mi Yu-hong , Liu Juan 
Published: January 2024

Background
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common cardiac emergency with high mortality. Serum soluble ST2 (sST2) is a new emerging biomarker of cardiac diseases. The present study is to investigate the predictive value of sST2 and interleukin-33 (IL-33) for risk stratification and prognosis in patients with AMI.

Methods
Fifty-nine patients with AMI, whose chief complaint was chest pain or dyspnea, were selected for our study. Physical examination, chest radiograph, electrocardiograph (ECG), biomarkers of myocardial infarction, NT-proBNP, echocardiography and other relevant examinations were performed to confirm the diagnosis of AMI. Thirty-six healthy people were chosen as the control group. Serum samples from these subjects (patients within 24 hours after acute attack) were collected and the levels of sST2 and IL-33 were assayed by enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The follow-up was performed on the 7th day, 28th day, 3rd month and 6th month after acute attack. According to the follow-up results we defined the end of observation as recurrence of AMI or any causes of death.

Results
Median sST2 level of the control group was 9.38ng/ml and that of AMI patients was 29.06ng/ml. Compared with the control group, sST2 expression in the AMI group was significantly different (P<0.001). In contrast, the IL-33 level showed no significant difference between the two groups. Serum sST2 was a predictive factor independent of other variables and may provide complementary information to NT-proBNP or GRACE risk score. IL-33 had no relationship to recurrence of AMI. Both sST2 and the IL-33/sST2 ratio were correlated with the 6-month prognosis; areas under the ROC curve were 0.938 and 0.920 respectively.

Conclusions
Early in the course (<24 hours) of AMI, sST2 usually increases markedly. The increase of sST2 has an independent predictive value for the prognosis in AMI patients and provides complementary information to NT-proBNP or GRACE risk score. The IL-33/sST2 ratio correlates with the 6-month prognosis of AMI patients. However, there is no significant relationship between IL-33 and the prognosis of AMI patients.
Heme oxygenase-1 promotes Caco-2 cell proliferation and migration by targeting CTNND1
Authors: ZHANG Li , LIU Yu-lin , CHEN Guang-xiang , CUI Bin , WANG Jin-shen , SHI Yu-long , LI Le-ping , GUO Xiao-bo 
Published: January 2024

Background
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) can be induced by inflammatory cytokines, oxidation, ischemia, hypoxia, and endotoxins. As a “graft survival protective gene,” HO-1 is a hot spot in organ transplantation research. However, the role of HO-1 gene expression in the function of human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) cells has not been reported previously.

Methods
The role of HO-1 in the proliferation and migration of Caco-2 cells was analyzed using a stable HO-1 expression plasmid. We constructed a recombinant adeno-associated virus plasmid containing the HO-1 gene, heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), which was transfected into Caco-2 intestinal cells. We identified a number of target genes by global microarray analysis combined with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.

Results
Our results showed that significant HO-1 upregulation was demonstrated in the Caco-2 cells after HO-1 transfection. Restoration of HO-1 expression promoted proliferation and invasion in vitro. The CTNND1 gene, a member of the armadillo protein family, was identified as a direct HO-1 target gene.

Conclusion
Overexpression of HO-1 promotes Caco-2 cell proliferation and migration by targeting the CTNND1 gene.
Retinal blood flow velocity in patients with active uveitis using the retinal function imager
Authors: Feng Xing , Sanjay Kedhar , Chavakij Bhoomibunchoo 
Published: January 2024

Background
Previous studies suggest a link between macular edema and retinal blood flow velocity (RBFV). The effects of inflammation in the retinal blood vessels are not clearly understood. We want to evaluate the differences in retinal blood flow velocities of patients with active uveitis and healthy controls using the retinal function imager (RFI) and determine the correlation between retinal blood flow velocity and central macular thickness in uveitis patients.

Methods
Twenty-eight eyes of 24 patients with active anterior uveitis and 51 eyes of 51 normal control subjects were enrolled. Retinal blood flow velocities evaluated by RFI and central macular thickness evaluated by optical coherence tomography (SLO-OCT) were obtained. Differences among the groups were assessed using Stata statistical software.

Results
Ten eyes had uveitic cystoid macular edema (CME). Median (first quartile, third quartile) venous velocity for uveitic eyes with CME, uveitic eyes without CME, and controls were 2.09 (1.92, 2.44), 2.64 (2.32, 2.86), and 2.82 (2.39, 3.53) mm/s respectively. Median (first and quartile) arterial velocity for uveitic eyes with CME, uveitic eyes without CME, and controls were 3.79 (3.61, 4.09), 3.46 (2.86, 4.12), and 3.93 (3.35, 4.65) mm/s. Uveitic eyes with CME had significantly lower venous velocity than controls (P=0.044). There was a strong linear relationship between venous velocity and central retinal thickness (P=0.007).

Conclusions
Retinal venous velocities were significantly decreased in eyes with uveitic CME relative to controls. Decreased venous velocity was correlated with increased central retinal thickness in uveitic eyes.
Long-term outcome of correction of tetralogy of Fallot in 56 adult patients
Authors: Zheng Da-wei , Shao Guo-feng , Feng Qiang , Ni Yi-ming 
Published: January 2024

Background
Although most patients with tetralogy of Fallot undergo radical repair during infancy and childhood, patients that remain undiagnosed and untreated until adulthood can still be treated. This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes of adult patients with tetralogy of Fallot who were treated surgically, and to determine the predictors of postoperative pulmonary regurgitation.

Methods
Fifty-six adult patients underwent complete surgical repair. Forty-three patients (76.8%) required a transannular patch. Systolic, diastolic, and mean pressure in the main pulmonary artery were measured after repair.

Results
The early mortality rate was 3.6%. The 16-year survival rate was (84.4±11.5)%. Late echocardiography revealed 41 patients with transannular patch who had pulmonary regurgitation, consisting of mild pulmonary regurgitation in 28 patients, moderate in eight, and severe regurgitation in five patients. In addition, there was right ventricular outflow tract stenosis in nine patients, moderate/severe tricuspid valve regurgitation in seven, and residual ventricular septal defect in five. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the mean pulmonary pressure measured just after repair predicted late pulmonary regurgitation.

Conclusions
The long-term survival of surgically treated adult patients with tetralogy of Fallot is acceptable. The mean pressure >20 mmHg in the main pulmonary artery measured right after surgical repair may be a feasible reference to time the reconstruction of the pulmonary valve.
Association between folate intake, serum folate levels and the risk of lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dai Wei-min , Yang Bo , Chu Xiang-yang , Wang Yu-qi , Zhao Ming , Chen Li , Zhang Guo-qing 
Published: January 2024

Background
Folate plays a critical role in nucleotide synthesis and DNA methylation, and was considered to be associated with anti-carcinogenesis. Results from studies that concern the relationship between the folate intake or serum folate levels and lung cancer risk showed no consistency, which requires our further comprehensive metaanalysis.

Methods
Systematic literature search was conducted to identify the relevant studies (published prior to February 2013) according to standard protocol. Estimated effects were calculated under both random-effects and fixed-effects models. Heterogeneity between studies and publication bias were also evaluated.

Results
A total of 4390 cases and 6138 controls from 6 case-control studies revealed a significant overall inverse association between folate intake and lung cancer risk (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.65-0.84, P< 0.001). Summary of 1438 cases and 2582 controls from 4 case-control studies and 44 cases out of a cohort of 1988 participants suggested a marginal association without significance (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.60-1.02, P = 0.075) between high serum folate levels and less lung cancer susceptibility; however, subgroup analysis about population-based case-control studies showed that high serum folate levels significantly associated with the reduced lung cancer risk (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.58-1.00, P = 0.048).

Conclusion
Higher folate intake can be a protective factor against lung cancer risk, and higher serum folate level is probably associated with reduced lung cancer risk in marginal manner, though more studies are warranted to confirm these associations.
A novel mutation of the KIT gene in a Chinese family with piebaldism
Authors: WEN Guang-dong , ZHOU Cheng , YU Cong , DU Juan , XU Qian-xi , LIU Zheng-yi , ZHANG Jian-zhong 
Published: January 2024

Background
Human piebaldism is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by congenital white forelock and depigmented patches of skin, typically on the forehead, anterior trunk and extremities. Mutations in the KIT gene have been proposed to be responsible for the underlying changes in this disorder. The aim of this study was to identify gene mutation in a Chinese family with piebaldism.

Methods
A Chinese family with piebaldism presenting with white forelock and large depigmented skin macules on the abdomen, arms and legs was collected. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood of the family members. The encoding exons with flanking intron regions of the KIT gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reactions (PCR) and direct DNA sequencing. Besides, DNA extracted from 100 ethnically matched population individuals was as controls.

Results
A heterozygous missense mutation c.2590T>C was identified in the patients of the family. This mutation converted a serine residue to proline (p.Ser864Pro). The mutation was not found in their unaffected family members or normal controls.

Conclusion
A novel missense mutation c.2590 T>C was found and it might play a significant role in the piebaldism phenotype in the family.
Functional electrical stimulation increases neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the subventricular zone of rats with stroke
Authors: LIU Hui-hua , XIANG Yun , YAN Tie-bin , TAN Zhi-mei , LI Sheng-huo , HE Xiao-kuo 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundFunctional electrical stimulation (FES) is known to promote the recovery of motor function in rats with ischemia and to upregulate the expression of growth factors which support brain neurogenesis. In this study, we investigated whether postischemic FES could improve functional outcomes and modulate neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) after focal cerebral ischemia.MethodsAdult male Sprague-Dawley rats with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were randomly assigned to the control group, the placebo stimulation group, and the FES group. The rats in each group were further assigned to one of four therapeutic periods (1, 3, 7, or 14 days). FES was delivered 48 hours after the MCAO procedure and divided into two 10-minute sessions on each day of treatment with a 10-minute rest between them. Two intraperitoneal injections of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were given 4 hours apart every day beginning 48 hours after the MCAO. Neurogenesis was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Wnt-3 which is strongly implicated in the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) was investigated by Western blotting analysis. The data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by a Tukey/Kramer or Dunnettpost hoctest.ResultsFES significantly increased the number of BrdU-positive cells and BrdU/glial fibrillary acidic protein double-positive neural progenitor cells in the SVZ on days 7 and 14 of the treatment (P<0.05). The number of BrdU/doublecortin (DCX) double-positive migrating neuroblast cells in the ipsilateral SVZ on day 14 of the FES treatment group ((522.77±33.32) cells/mm2) was significantly increased compared with the control group ((262.58±35.11) cells/mm2,P<0.05) and the placebo group ((266.17±47.98) cells/mm2,P<0.05). However, only a few BrdU/neuron-specific nuclear protein-positive cells were observed by day 14 of the treatment. At day 7, Wnt-3 was upregulated in the ipsilateral SVZs of the rats receiving FES ((0.44±0.05)%) compared with those of the control group rats ((0.31±0.02)%,P<0.05) or the placebo group rats ((0.31±0.04)%,P<0.05). At day 14, the corresponding values were (0.56±0.05)% in the FES group compared with those of the control group rats ((0.50±0.06)%,P<0.05) or the placebo group rats ((0.48±0.06)%,P<0.05).ConclusionFES augments the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of NSCs and thus promotes neurogenesis, which may be related to the improvement of neurological outcomes.
Heparin inhibits burn-induced spleen cell apoptosis by suppressing interleukin-1 expression
Authors: Songfeng Zhao , Xiao Zhang , Xiaojian Zhang , Xiuqin Shi , Zujiang Yu , Quancheng Kan 
Published: January 2024

Background
Epidermal burn injury may trigger significant apoptosis of the spleen cells, which might be caused by a burn-induced systemic inflammatory reaction. Heparin has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is centrally important among pro-inflammatory cytokines. We hypothesized that heparin might inhibit burn-induced apoptosis in the spleen via suppression of the IL-1 pathway.

Methods
Burn injury was performed on IL-1 R+/+ ( IL-1 receptor wild-type mouse) and IL-1 R-/- (IL-1 receptor knockout mouse) mice, and they were then treated with heparin, saline or IL-1 receptor antagonist IL-Ra. Apoptosis, IL-1á and IL-1β expression were assessed in the spleens and serum. Survival curve analysis was further applied to elucidate the mechanism of heparin’s protective properties.

Results
Burn induced significant apoptosis (sham: 3.6%±2.1% vs. burn: 28.8%±5.9%; P <0.001) and remarkable expression o IL-1á and IL-1β in the mouse spleens and serum. Heparin reduced the burn-induced apoptosis in the spleens (heparin treated: 8.6%±3.4%, P <0.005), which could be blocked by IL-1Ra. Heparin markedly decreased both IL-1α and IL-1β expression in the spleens and serum of burned mice. IL-1 R-/- mice demonstrated considerably less apoptosis in the spleens and had a higher survival rate after burns. Heparin did not significantly decrease apoptosis in the spleen and the mortality rate in IL-1 R-/- mice after burns.

Conclusion
Heparin inhibits burn-induced apoptosis of the spleen cells by suppressing IL-1 expression in mice.
Serum cytokine levels in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: correlation with clinical outcome of erlotinib treatment
Authors: WANG Yong-sheng , MIAO Li-yun , LIU Lu , CAI Hou-rong , DING Jing-jing , REN Sheng-xiang , ZHOU Cai-cun , Schmid-Bindert Gerald 
Published: January 2024

Background
Serum expression of cytokines may provide information about the clinical outcome of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum cytokine levels and the clinical outcome of erlotinib treatment in a second or third line setting in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Methods
A total of 162 patients with advanced NSCLC who received erlotinib as either second or third line therapy were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected before the initiation of erlotinib treatment, and the levels of IL-1, IL-2R, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cutoff points were defined as the median levels of IL-1 (low (≤26.5 pg/ml) and high (>26.5 pg/ml)), IL-2R (low (≤115 pmol/L) and high (>15 pmol/L)), IL-6 (low (≤49.5 pg/ml) and high (>49.5 pg/ml)), and TNF-α (low (≤48.5 pg/ml) and high (>48.5 pg/ ml)). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the survival time, and Cox regression analyses were used to correlate cytokines and baseline clinical characteristics with clinical outcomes, including time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS).

Results
Between January 2007 and May 2011, 162 patients were enrolled. Their median age was 58 years. In this group, 109 were males and 53 were females, 74 were former or current smokers and 88 were non-smokers. A total of 122 patients had adenocarcinoma, 27 had squamous cell carcinoma, and 13 had tumors with other types of histology. And 139 patients had an Eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) performance status of 0-1, while 23 scored at 2-3. Expression of IL-1, IL-2R, and IL-6 was not significantly associated with age, gender, ECOG performance status, smoking status, or histology and stage of tumor. Only TNF-α was associated with smoking status (P=0.045). Survival analysis showed that patients with low levels of either IL-6 or TNF-α had a statistically longer TTP and OS than patients with high expression (P <0.05). These cytokines remained significant upon multivariate analysis (P <0.05).

Conclusion
IL-6 or TNF-α may serve as potential predictive biomarker for the efficacy of erlotinib.
C509T and T869C polymorphisms of transforming growth factor β1 and the risk of IgA nephropathy: a meta-analysis
Authors: XUE Cheng , NIE Wei , XU Jing , DAI Bing , MEI Chang-lin 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundIgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) plays an important role in pathogenesis of IgAN. Associations between the polymorphisms ofTGFβ1gene and the risk of IgAN remained inconsistent. A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the association between polymorphisms in theTGFβ1gene and IgAN susceptibility.MethodsDatabases including Pubmed, EMBASE, ISI, et al. were searched to find relevant studies. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the strength of associations.ResultsTen studies involving 1770 cases and 1953 controls were included. Significant association between C509T polymorphism and IgAN risk was observed (OR1.42, 95%CI1.12–1.81,P=0.0004;I2=0%) in Caucasians by the overdominant model (CTvs.CC+TT), but no significant association was found (P=0.200) in Asians by the dominant model (CC + CT vs. TT). Significant association between T869C polymorphism and IgAN susceptibility was found (OR1.21, 95%CI1.02–1.44,P=0.030) in overall populations by the dominant model (TT +TCvs. CC). Subgroup analysis found T allele of T869C polymorphism was associated with IgAN susceptibility in Caucasians (P=0.030), but not in Asians (P=0.290).ConclusionBoth heterozygotes of C509T polymorphism and T allele of T869C polymorphism in TGFβ1 were associated with the risk of IgAN in Caucasians, but not in Asians.
Change of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody and protein tyrosine phosphatase antibody in Chinese patients with acute-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: CHAO Chen , HUANG Gan , LI Xia , YANG Lin , LIN Jian , JIN Ping , LUO Shuo-ming , ZHANG Yi-yu , PAN Ling-ling , ZHOU Zhi-guang 
Published: January 2024

Background
Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA) and protein tyrosine phosphatase antibody (IA-2A) are two major autoantibodies, which exert important roles in the process of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Our study aimed to investigate the changes in positivity and titers of GADA and IA-2A during the course of Chinese acute-onset T1D patients and their relationships with clinical features.

Methods
Two hundreds and forty-seven Chinese newly diagnosed acute-onset T1D patients were consecutively recruited. GADA and IA-2A were detected at the time of diagnosis, one year later, 3-5 years later after diagnosis during the follow-up; all the clinical data were recorded and analyzed as well.

Results
During the course of acute-onset T1D, the majority of patients remained stable for GADA or IA-2A, however, a few patients changed from positivity to negativity and fewer patients converted from negativity to positivity. The prevalence of GADA was 56.3% at diagnosis, decreasing to 50.5% one year later, and 43.3% 3-5 years later while the corresponding prevalence of IA-2A were 32.8%, 31.0% and 23.3%, respectively. The median GADA titers were 0.0825 at diagnosis, declining to 0.0585 one year later and 0.0383 3-5 years later (P <0.001), while the corresponding median titers were 0.0016, 0.0010, 0.0014 for IA-2A, respectively. Fasting C-peptide (FCP) and postprandial C-peptide 2 hours (PCP2h) levels of GADA or IA-2A negativity persistence patients were higher than those of positivity persistence and negativity conversion patients (P<0.05) which indicated GADA or IA-2A negativity persistence T1D patients had a less loss of β cell function.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that repeated detection of GADA and IA-2A are necessary for differential diagnosis of autoimmune diabetes and the indirect prediction of the β cell function in Chinese patients.