bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal function of the posterior cingulate cortex in heroin addicted users during resting-state and drug-cue stimulation task
Authors: LI Qiang , YANG Wei-chuan , WANG Ya-rong , HUANG Yu-fang , LI Wei , ZHU Jia , ZHANG Yi , ZHAO Li-yan , QIN Wei , YUAN Kai , von Deneen Karen M. , WANG Wei , TIAN Jie 
Published: January 2024

Background
Previous animal and neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that brain function in heroin addicted users is impaired. However, the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) has not received much attention. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether chronic heroin use is associated with craving-related changes in the functional connectivity of the PCC of heroin addicted users.

Methods
Fourteen male adult chronic heroin users and fifteen age and gender-matched healthy subjects participated in the present study. The participants underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan and a cue-induced craving task fMRI scan. The activated PCC was identified in the cue-induced craving task by means of a group contrast test. Functional connectivity was analyzed based on resting-state fMRI data in order to determine the correlation between brain regions. The relationship between the connectivity of specific regions and heroin dependence was investigated.

Results
The activation of PCC, bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, caudate, putamen, precuneus, and thalamus was significant in the heroin group compared to the healthy group in the cue-induced craving task. The detectable functional connectivity of the heroin users was stronger between the PCC and bilateral insula, bilateral dorsal striatum, right inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and right supramarginal gyrus (P <0.001) compared to that of the healthy subjects in the resting-state data analysis. The strength of the functional connectivity, both for the PCC-insula (r=0.60, P <0.05) and for PCC-striatum (r=0.58, P <0.05), was positively correlated with the duration of heroin use.

Conclusion
The altered functional connectivity patterns in the PCC-insula and PCC-striatum areas may be regarded as biomarkers of brain damage severity in chronic heroin users.
Effect of chronic intermittent hypoxia on theophylline metabolism in mouse liver
Authors: CHEN Xiao-yang , ZENG Yi-ming , ZHANG Yi-xiang , WANG Wan-yu , WU Run-hua 
Published: January 2024

Background
Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) has been associated with abnormalities in the liver, which is the most important organ for drug metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CIH on theophylline metabolism in mouse liver.

Methods
Eight C57BL/6J mice were exposed to CIH for 12 weeks. Eight C57BL/6J mice were exposed to room air as a control group. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were measured. Liver histology was observed by light and electron microscopy. Total hepatic cytochrome P450 concentration was measured. Hepatocytes were isolated and incubated with 15 mg/ml theophylline for four hours. After incubation, the theophylline concentration in the supernatant was measured and the theophylline metabolism rate was calculated.

Results
CIH did not affect the serum transaminase levels. Livers from mice exposed to CIH showed hepatocellular edema, and liver cells had fuzzy rough endoplasmic reticulum under the electron microscope. The theophylline metabolism rate was significantly inhibited by CIH compared with controls; (16.60±2.43)% vs. (21.58±4.52)% (P=0.02). The total liver cytochrome P450 concentration in the CIH group was significantly lower than in the control group; (0.83±0.08) vs. (1.13±0.21) mol/mg microsomal protein (P=0.004).

Conclusion
CIH decreases theophylline metabolism by mouse hepatocytes, which may correlate with the downregulation of cytochrome P450 expression by CIH.
Magnetic resonance imaging features of vulnerable plaque in an atherosclerotic rabbit model
Authors: ZHAO Xue-cheng , ZHAO Quan-ming , MA Xiao-hai , ZENG Cong-he , FENG Ting-ting , ZHAO Xin , ZHANG Zhao-qi , ZHANG Ming-duo , ZHUANG Xu-cui 
Published: January 2024

Background
Noninvasive detection of vulnerable plaque has a significant implication for prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the difference between vulnerable plaques and stable plaques in magnetic resonance (MR) images.

Methods
Atherosclerosis was induced in twenty male New Zealand white rabbits by high cholesterol diet and balloon injury of the abdominal aorta. After baseline (pre-triggering) MR imaging (MRI) scan, the rabbits underwent pharmaceutical triggering with Russell’s viper venom and histamine to induce atherothrombosis, followed by another MRI scan 48 hours later (post-triggering). Rabbits were euthanized to obtain pathological and histological data. The results of MRI were compared with those of pathology and histology.

Results
MRI showed that abdominal aorta of the rabbits had pathological change of atherosclerosis in different degrees. Seventy-five plaques were analysed, among which 14 had vulnerable thrombi and 61 stable. Thrombosis was identified in 7 of 11 rabbits by post-triggering MRI, the sensitivity and K value of MR in detection of vulnerable plaque was 71% and 0.803 (P <0.05). MRI data significantly correlated with the histopathological data in fibrous cap thickness (r=0.749) plaque area (r=0.853), lipid core area (r=0.900). Compared with stable plaques, vulnerable plaques had a significantly thinner fibrous cap ((0.58±0.27) mm vs. (0.95±0.22) mm), larger lipid core area ((7.56±2.78) mm2 vs. (3.29±1.75) mm2), and a higher ratio of lipid core area/plaque area ((55±16)% vs. (27±17)%), but plaque area was comparable in two groups on MRI. The ratio of lipid core area/plaque area was a strong predictor of vulnerable plaques.

Conclusion
MRI could distinguish vulnerable plaques from stable plaques in a rabbit model of atherothrombosis and may thus be useful as a noninvasive modality for detection of vulnerable plaques in humans.
Genetic analyses of Chinese patients with digenic oculocutaneous albinism
Authors: WEI Ai-hua , YANG Xiu-min , LIAN Shi , LI Wei 
Published: January 2024

Background
Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a heterogeneous and autosomal recessive disorder in all populations worldwide. The mutational spectra of OCA are population-specific. Some OCA patients carry mutations from different OCA genes. In this study, we investigated the frequency of digenic mutations in Chinese OCA patients.

Methods
Genomic DNAs were extracted from the blood samples of 184 clinically diagnosed OCA patients and 120 unaffected subjects. The amplified DNA segments of the exons and exon-intron boundaries were screened for mutations of TYR, OCA2, TYRP1, SLC45A2, and HPS1 by direct sequencing. To exclude the previously unidentified alleles from polymorphisms, samples from 120 unaffected controls were sequenced for the same regions of variations.

Results
In all 184 patients, 134 had two pathologic mutations on one locus. Eleven cases had no apparent pathologic mutations in any of the genes studied. Among the remaining 39 patients who had only one pathologic mutation, five patients (2.7% in total) were found to carry the mutational alleles on a second locus in TYR, OCA2 or SLC45A2. Of the five digenic OCA patients, four patients were clinically diagnosed as OCA2 and one patient as OCA1. A previous unidentified allele p.G188D in SLC45A2 was identified, which was not present in the 120 unaffected controls.

Conclusions
The identification of the digenic OCA patients suggests the synergistic roles among TYR, OCA2 and SLC45A2 during melanin biosynthesis, which may cause OCA under digenic mutations. This information will be useful for gene diagnosis and genetic counseling of OCA in China.

Chin Med J 2013;126 (2): 226-230
Subchondral bone grafting reduces degenerative change of knee joint in patients of giant cell tumor of bone
Authors: XU Hai-rong , NIU Xiao-hui , ZHANG Qing , HAO Lin , DING Yi , LI Yuan 
Published: January 2024

Background
Giant cell tumors (GCTs) most commonly occur around the knee. The most beneficial procedure for this disease has been extensive curettage with reconstruction. However, since many GCTs may compromise the subchondral bone, surgery can further jeopardize the articular cartilage and result in secondary osteoarthritis. In this study, we aimed to determine the factors associated with the development of degenerative arthritis and the effect of bone grafting on the prevention of secondary osteoarthritis.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 76 patients with GCT around the knee. The mean age at first diagnosis was 31.1 years. Surgical treatments included extensive curettage and cementation with or without bone grafting in the subchondral bone. Patient follow-up was a median duration of 35 months, ranging from 18 to 113 months.

Results
The local recurrence rate was 5.3% (4/76). Secondary degenerative changes occurred in 30.3% (23/76) of the patients. Less than 10 mm of the residual thickness of the remaining subchondral bone was correlated with secondary degenerative changes in 57 patients (P <0.001). Of these 57 patients, 56.5% (13/23) treated with bone cement reconstruction alone developed secondary degenerative changes; following bone grafting, the rate decreased to 29.4% (10/34), with a statistically significant difference (P=0.041).

Conclusions
GCT patients with less residual thickness of the subchondral bone are more likely to develop degenerative arthritis after curettage. Bone grafting in the subchondral bone area is recommended when the residual thickness of the subchondral bone is less than 10 mm.
Detection and functional annotation of misregulated microRNAs in the brain of the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome
Authors: HE Xiang-jun , XIAO Yun , ZHANG Qi , MA Li-ping , LI Na , YANG Jing 
Published: January 2024

Background
Brain hypoplasia and mental retardation in Down syndrome (DS) can be attributed to a severe and selective disruption of neurogenesis. Secondary disruption of the transcriptome, as well as primary gene dosage imbalance, is responsible for the phenotype. MicroRNA (miRNA) expression is relatively abundant in brain tissue. Perturbed miRNA expression might contribute to the cellular events underlying the pathology in DS.

Methods
MiRNA expression profiles in the cerebrum of Ts65Dn mice, a DS model, were examined with a real-time RT-PCR array. MiRNA target gene expression was detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting. Based on the prediction of their cerebrum-specific targets, the functions of the misregulated miRNAs were annotated by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis.

Results
A total of 342 miRNAs were examined. Among them, 20 miRNAs showed decreased expression in the brains of Ts65Dn mice, and some of these belonged to the same family. Two known targets of the miR-200 family, Lfng and Zeb2, were specifically selected to compare their expression in the cerebrum of Ts65Dn mice with those of euploids. However, no significant difference was found in terms of mRNA and protein expression levels of these genes. By enrichment analysis of the cerebrum-specific targets of each miRNA, we found that 15 of the differential miRNAs could significantly affect target genes that were enriched in the GO biological processes related to nervous system development.

Conclusion
Perturbed expression of multiple functionally cooperative miRNAs contributes to the cellular events underlying the pathogenesis of DS.
Effects of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I and -II on proliferation and intracellular signaling in endometrial carcinoma cells with different expression levels of insulin receptor isoform A
Authors: WANG Chun-fang , ZHANG Guo , ZHAO Li-jun , LI Xiao-ping , QI Wen-juan , WANG Jian-liu , WEI Li-hui 
Published: January 2024

Background
Hyperinsulinemia, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and -II (IGF-II) are associated with increased risk of endometrial carcinoma. Insulin receptor isoform A (IR-A) is more frequently expressed in endometrial carcinoma than in normal endometrial tissues. To better understand their roles in endometrial carcinoma, we investigated the effects of insulin, IGF-I, and IGF-II in endometrial carcinomas cells with different IR-A expression levels.

Methods
To explore the role of IR-A in mediating the activity of IGF-I, IGF-II, and insulin, we investigate the cellular proliferation of endometrial carcinoma cell lines RL95-2 and RL95-2-IR-A by MTS assays. Then we examined the protein kinase Akt phosphorylation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation in both cell lines by Western blotting. The effect of IGF-II and AG1024 on cell cycle progression and apoptosis was assessed by flowcytometry. To examine whether the effects of IGFs were mediated by IR-A, we blocked IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) in both cell lines using AG1024, an IGF-IR-specific inhibitor.

Results
IGF-I and IGF-II significantly enhanced proliferation of both cell lines (P <0.05). By contrast, insulin significantly increased proliferation of RL95-2-IR-A cells only (P <0.05). IGF-I and IGF-II significantly increased pAkt levels in RL95-2 cells and pERK1/2 levels in RL95-2-IR-A cells (all, P <0.05). Insulin increased pERK1/2 levels in RL95-2-IR-A cells only (P <0.05). LY294002 and PD98059 inhibited the specific signaling activities and cellular proliferation. After AG1024 pretreatment, neither IGF-I nor IGF-II affected pAkt levels in RL95-2 cells. IGF-II, but not IGF-I, increased pERK1/2 levels in RL95-2-IR-A cells. After AG1024 pretreatment, the proliferation rate and DNA content corresponding to the S phase increased and apoptosis decreased significantly in IGF-II-treated RL95-2-IR-A cells only (P <0.05).

Conclusions
The proliferation effect of insulin is mediated by IR-A. When IR-A dominates in a cell line, IGF-II activated cell proliferation mainly through the ERK1/2 pathway. On the other hand, IGF-II activated cell proliferation mainly through the Akt pathway. IR-A can at least partly mediate the proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of IGF-II through the ERK1/2 pathway.
High frequency of regulatory T cells among HIV type 1-infected men who have sex with men correlates with disease progression
Authors: WANG Wan-hai , MING Liang , KAN Quan-cheng , ZHANG Xiao-yan , WANG Ying 
Published: January 2024

Background
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) may play an important role in immunopathology during HIV-1 infection. Transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) orchestrates the development of Tregs and is a useful marker to identify this population. Using a FoxP3 phenotype to define Tregs, we investigated the level and phenotype of peripheral blood natural CD4+Tregs and assessed the relationship between the frequencies and absolute numbers of CD4+Tregs and disease progression among untreated HIV-infected men who have sex with men (HIV+MSM) in China.

Methods
Fifty-two untreated HIV+MSM with CD4+T-cell counts of <350 cells/μl or >350 cells/μl were compared in a cross-sectional study. Twelve age-matched HIV-uninfected MSM and nine patients receiving antiretroviral therapy for at least 1 year were also included. Expression of CD25, CD127, CD45RA, CCR7 and CTLA-4 was assessed on CD4+Tregs using polychromatic flow cytometry.

Results
The percentage of CD4+Tregs was increased significantly, whereas CD4+Tregs expressed less CTLA-4 in HIV+MSM compared with controls. CD4+Tregs displayed predominantly an effector memory phenotype (CD45RA˜CCR7˜), phenotypically distinct from conventional CD4+T cells. Moreover, the expansive frequencies of CD4+Tregs coincided with lower CD4+T-cell counts and higher viral loads whereas the absolute numbers of CD4+Tregs were associated with higher CD4+T-cell counts and lower viral loads. The expansion of Tregs was also associated with CD8+T-cell activation.

Conclusion
Increased proportions and decreased numbers of CD4+Tregs are associated with HIV progression, and their functions may impair with the progression of HIV infection.
A new classification of duplex kidney based on kidney morphology and management
Authors: MA Rui , WU Rong-de , LIU Wei , WANG Gang , WANG Tao , XU Zhuo-dong , YU Qi-hai , GUO Zong-yuan 
Published: January 2024

Background
The initial classic classification of duplex kidney into complete (two ureters) and incomplete (“Y” shaped ureter) types are based on the ureter status. At the meantime, the features of the upper and lower moieties of duplex kidney were very crucial for appropriate procedure of hemi-nephrectomy, which was most commonly used for addressing the issues caused by a duplex kidney; and recently more applications of laparoscopy were used. In this study, we aimed prudently to propose a new classification based on the features of the upper and lower moieties of duplex kidney.

Methods
Sixty-five children with 83 duplex kidneys were reviewed retrospectively. Based on kidney morphology found in CT urography and surgical findings, duplex kidney was classified into five types.

Results
The first was the appendant type (36/83) and its feature was that the mini upper moiety was located on top of the lower one, with a visualized shallow groove between them. The ureter was dilated with an ectopic orifice or ureterocele. The second was the embedded type (13/83), the feature of which was that mini upper moiety located in the interior top of the lower one within the same capsule. The upper ureter was dilated with an ectopic orifice or ureterocele. The third was the hydronephrosis type (12/83). The severe hydronephrotic upper moiety was almost as big as the lower moiety. The upper ureter was severely dilated and circuitous with an ectopic orifice. The forth was the dual-poor type (2/83). The two moieties were all very small with “Y” shaped ureters and ectopic orifices. The last was the dual-well type (20/83). The upper moiety was almost the same size as the lower one, without apparent dilation of “Y” shaped or double ureters.

Conclusion
Based on kidney morphology, duplex kidney can be mainly classified into five types which can be depicted by CT urography prior to management and can provide an aid in selecting a successful course of surgical correction.
Relationship between chronic diarrhea with normal colonoscopy findings and terminal ileum lesions
Authors: Hongling LI , Changcheng WANG , Shuqing LIU , Dongsheng XU , Ju ZHANG , hongmei CHEN 
Published: January 2024

Background
The causes and mechanisms of chronic diarrhea are complex. This study aimed to explore the relationship between chronic diarrhea with normal colonoscopy findings and terminal ileum lesions.

Methods
All cases were collected from January 2009 to June 2010. The 40 patients in the patient group had chronic diarrhea with normal colonoscopy findings. Those who had hyperthyroidism, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, cirrhosis, atrophic gastritis, short bowel syndrome and connective tissue diseases had been excluded. The control group contained 40 healthy individuals without diarrhea. Endoscopy of the terminal ileum was applied in both groups, with the endoscope inserted into terminal ileum for more than 20 cm. The patients diagnosed of chronic diarrhea with terminal ileum lesions were treated with metronidazole and probiotics for 10-14 days.

Results
Before treatment there were significant differences in endoscopy findings of the terminal ileum between the two groups (P <0.05). In the patient group, endoscopy showed congestion, edema, erosion and ulcers in 29 cases, hyperplasia and enlargement of lymphoid follicles in 10 cases with a maximal diameter of 7-8 mm, and 1 case showed normal endoscopy results. After treatment, 35 patients recovered from diarrhea, and terminal ileum lesions disappeared in 30 cases as determined by endoscopy. In the control group, endoscopy showed scattered hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles in 5 cases, and the follicles were small with the maximal diameter being 3 mm. There was no hyperemia, edema, erosion or ulcers.

Conclusions
Chronic diarrhea patients with normal colonoscopy findings may have lesions in the terminal ileum that can be detected by endoscopy; including hyperemia, erosion, ulcers and lymphoid follicle hyperplasia. Therapeutic effect is good with metronidazole and probiotics.
Functional annotation of the microRNA-mediated network in gigantomastia by integrating microRNA and mRNA expression profiling
Authors: LI Jing-yi , MU Da-li , MU Lan-hua , XIN Min-qiang , LUAN Jie 
Published: January 2024

Background
Gigantomastia is the overdevelopment of the female mammary gland, and it causes great physiological and psychological burdens to patients. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in gigantomastia is needed to develop less invasive and more effective medical treatments. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of small noncoding RNAs that play an important regulatory role at the post-transcriptional level. These miRNAs are known to be involved in many diseases, including breast cancer; however, the relationship between miRNA and gigantomastia is largely unknown.

Methods
Whole genome-wide expression of miRNA and mRNA in gigantomastia was detected using microarray and functional annotation was performed based on the altered expression of miRNAs and mRNAs.

Results
We found many miRNAs and mRNAs to be significantly differentially expressed in gigantomastia compared with normal breast tissues. Functional annotation analysis indicated that APK, Wnt, and Neurotrophin signaling pathways may participate in gigantomastia.

Conclusion
This study addresses the need for better diagnosis and treatment of gigantomastia by providing new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease.
Application of computer-assisted three-dimensional quantitative assessment and a surgical planning tool for living donor liver transplantation
Authors: WEI Lin , ZHU Zhi-jun , LÜ Yi , JIANG Wen-tao , GAO Wei , ZENG Zhi-gui , SHEN Zhong-yang 
Published: January 2024

Background
Precise evaluation of the live donor's liver is the most important factor for the donor's safety and the recipient's prognosis in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Our study assessed the clinical value of computer-assisted three-dimensional quantitative assessment and a surgical planning tool for donor evaluation in LDLT.

Methods
Computer-assisted three-dimensional (3D) quantitative assessment was used to prospectively provide quantitative assessment of the graft volume for 123 consecutive donors of LDLT and its accuracy and efficiency were compared with that of the standard manual-traced method. A case of reduced monosegmental LDLT was also assessed and a surgical planning tool displayed the precise surgical plan to avoid large-for-size syndrome.

Results
There was no statistically significant difference between the detected graft volumes with computer-assisted 3D quantitative assessment and manual-traced approaches ((856.76+162.18) cm3 vs. (870.64+172.54) cm3, P=0.796). Estimated volumes by either method had good correlation with the actual graft weight (r-manual-traced method: 0.921, r-3D quantitative assessment method: 0.896, both P <0.001). However, the computer-assisted 3D quantitative assessment approach was significantly more efficient taking half the time of the manual-traced method ((16.91+1.375) minutes vs. (39.27+2.102) minutes, P<0.01) to estimate graft volume. We performed the reduced monosegmental LDLT, a pediatric case, with the surgical planning tool (188 g graft in the operation, which was estimated at 208 cm3 pre-operation). The recipient recovered without large-for-size syndrome.

Conclusions
Computer-assisted 3D quantitative assessment provided precise evaluation of the graft volume. It also assisted surgeons with a better understanding of the hepatic 3D anatomy and was useful for the individual surgical planning tool.