bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Animal study for airway inflammation triggered by gastroesophageal reflux
Authors: LAI Yun-gang , WANG Zhong-gao , JI Feng , WU Ji-min , CHEN Xiu , LI Zhen , DONG Shu-kui 
Published: January 2024

Background
Gastroesophageal reflux disease with extra-esophageal symptoms, especially those with respiratory distress was attracting more and more attention. The related mechanisms were still in controversy. The purpose of the work was to explore airway inflammation triggered by gastroesophageal reflux.

Methods
Sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were used as study group and 9 as control. In the study group, a plastic extender with a trumpet-shaped distal end was inserted into the lower esophagus to dilate the cardia, the pylorus was ligated. One ml of 0.1 mol/L hydrochloric acid was injected into the stomach. While a simple laparotomy was performed for control animals. All animals from two groups were sacrificed 24 hours after operation. Then tracheotomy was carried and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected in all animals. Cells in the fluid were counted and levels of interleukin (IL)-5, -6, -8 in it were measured.

Results
Compared with control group, the study group presented a neutrophil pattern of airway inflammation and an elevated concentration of IL-5, -6, -8 with no significant difference regarding eosinophil count.

Conclusion
The gastroesophageal reflux-triggered airway inflammation is characterized by a neutrophilic airway inflammation which differed from that caused by asthma, and enhanced levels of IL-5, -6 and -8, which are similar to that caused by asthma.
Nerve conduction studies in patients with dermatomyositis or polymyositis
Authors: WANG Yue , CUI Li-ying , CHEN Lin , LIU Ming-sheng , QI Xin , LI Ben-hong , DU Hua 
Published: January 2024

Background
Involvement of peripheral nerves in dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) is less well known. In the present study we retrospectively analyzed the clinical and electrophysiological records of hospital inpatients with a diagnosis of DM or PM to investigate the association of DM/PM and peripheral neuropathy.

Methods
The data of inpatients diagnosed with DM or PM were collected in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, and 186 patients (118 patients with DM and 68 with PM) were retrospectively analyzed. Nerve conduction studies (NCSs) of the median nerve, ulnar nerve, posterior tibial nerve, and common peroneal nerve were examined simultaneously.

Results
There were 71 (38.2%) patients with abnormal NCS findings, 37 (19.9%) with pure motor involvement (decreased compound muscle action potential, CMAP), and 34 (18.3%) with peripheral neuropathy. Of the 34 peripheral neuropathy patients, 14 (7.5%) had polyneuropathy, 1 (0.5%) had multiple mononeuropathy, 16 (8.6%) had carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), 1 (0.5%) had trigeminal sensory neuropathy, 1 (0.5%) had ulnar sensory neuropathy, and 1 (0.5%) had brachial plexus involvement. The prevalence of malignant disease (3/34, 8.8%), other connective tissue diseases (CTDs) (7/34, 20.6%) and diabetes (6/34, 17.6%) was significantly greater in DM/PM patients with peripheral neuropathy (X2=15.855, P=0.000) compared with DM/PM patients without involvement of peripheral nerves (5/115, 4.3% and 7/115, 6.1%, respectively).

Conclusions
Peripheral neuropathy in DM/PM often suggests a complication with cancer, other CTDs, diabetes or CTS. From a practical point of view, NCS for DM/PM may help find the underlying disorders.
Changes of cathepsin B in human photoaging skin both in vivo and in vitro
Authors: LAI Wei , ZHENG Yue , YE Zhang-zhang , SU Xiang-yang , WAN Miao-jian , GONG Zi-jian , XIE Xiao-yuan , LIU Wei 
Published: January 2024

Background
Cathepsin B plays an important role in cell cycle, extracellular matrix changes and cutaneous tumorigenesis: whether it plays a role in photoaged skin remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of cathepsin B in skin photoaging in vivo and in vitro.

Methods
The expressions of cathepsin B were compared with immunohistochemical methods in solar exposed skin and solar protected skin of six healthy Chinese volunteers. The mRNA and protein expression of cathepsin B in ultraviolet light A (UVA) induced premature senescence fibroblasts in vitro were detected by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting technique.

Results
Decreased expression of cathepsin B was observed in photoaged skin compared with that of the solar protected skin. In the UVA induced, premature senescence fibroblasts, a lower expression of cathepsin B was detected by Western blotting and a decreased synthesis of cathepsin B mRNA in the same cells was revealed by real-time RT-PCR.

Conclusions
The results demonstrated a significant negative correlation between skin photoaging and cathepsin B in vitro and in vivo. We propose that cathepsin B, besides matrix metalloproteinases and antioxidant enzymes, is involved in the process of skin photoaging in that it contributes to extracellular matrix remodelling and is a dominant protease in cellular apoptosis and senescence.
Relationship between antifungal resistance of fluconazole resistant Candida albicans and mutations in ERG 11 gene
Authors: FENG Li-juan , WAN Zhe , WANG Xiao-hong , LI Ruo-yu , LIU Wei 
Published: January 2024

Background
The cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14α-demethylase (Erg11p) encoded by ERG11 gene is the primary target for azole antifungals. Changes in azole affinity of this enzyme caused by amino acid substitutions have been reported as a mechanism of azole antifungal resistance. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between amino acid substitutions in Erg11p from fluconazole resistant Candida albicans (C. albicans) isolates and their cross-resistance to azoles.

Methods
Mutations in ERG11 gene were screened in 10 clinical isolates of fluconazole resistant C. albicans strains. DNA sequence of ERG11 was determined by PCR based DNA sequencing.

Results
In the 10 isolates, 19 types of amino acid substitutions were found, of which 10 substitutions (F72S, F103L, F145I, F198L, G206D, G227D, N349S, F416S, F422L and T482A) have not been reported previously. Mutations in ERG11 gene were detected in 9 isolates of fluconazole resistant C. albicans, but were not detected in 1 isolate. Conclusions Although no definite correlation was found between the type of amino acid substitutions in Erg11p and the phenotype of cross-resistance to azoles, the substitutions F72S, F145I and G227D in our study may be highly associated with resistance to azoles because of their special location in Erg11p.
Analysis of risk factors of surgical site infections in breast cancer
Authors: GAO Yang-xu , XU Ling , YE Jing-ming , WANG Dong-min , ZHAO Jian-xin , ZHANG Lan-bo , DUAN Xue-ning , LIU Yin-hua 
Published: January 2024

Background
Adjuvant chemotherapy has become an important component of standard therapy for breast cancer. However, until now, there have been few reports on the surgical site infections (SSI) after breast cancer surgery, specially after adjuvent chemotherapy. To study the risk factors of SSI of breast cancer, we analyzed patients diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with surgery.

Methods
Fifty-five patients diagnosed with breast cancer and received breast conserving or modified radical operations in our hospital during January 2008 to March 2008 were selected. Factors (patients’ age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, no or administered adjuvant chemotherapy, with or without onset of myelosuppression and the degree, surgical approaches, duration of operation, postoperative drainage duration and total drainage volume) associated with SSI were retrospectively reviewed and statistically analyzed by single factor analysis.

Results
Five patients suffered SSI (5/55, 9.1%); nineteen receiving adjuvant chemotherapy experienced Grade III+ myelosuppression, among which 4 had SSI; only 1 out of the remaining 36 patients without adjuvant chemotherapy had SSI. The difference between the two groups was significant (P=0.043). The incidence of SSI in patients with postoperative drainage tube indwelling longer than 10 days was 5/21, whereas no SSI occurred in that less than 10 days (P=0.009). In our study, there was no significient difference in other associated factors.

Conclusions
Concurrent Grade III+ myelosuppression after adjuvant chemotherapy is an important risk factor of SSI in breast cancer and needs further study. No SSI was detected with indwelling time of post operative drainage less than 10 days.
Intra-coronary administration of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products attenuates cardiac remodeling with decreased myocardial transforming growth factor-β1 expression and fibrosis in minipigs with ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: LU Lin , ZHANG Qi , XU Yan , ZHU Zheng-bin , GENG Liang , WANG Ling-jie , JIN Cao , CHEN Qiu-jing , Schmidt Ann Marie , SHEN Wei-feng 
Published: January 2024

Background
The cardioprotective effects of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) have not been evaluated in large animals and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intra-coronary administration of sRAGE on left ventricular function and myocardial remodeling in a porcine model of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Methods
Ten male minipigs with I/R injury were randomly allocated to receive intra-coronary administration of sRAGE (sRAGE group, n=5) or saline (control group, n=5). Echocardiography was performed before and 2 months after infarction. Myocardial expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 was determined by immunohistochemistry and fibrosis was evaluated by Sirius red staining.

Results
As compared with the baseline values in the control animals, left ventricular end-diastolic volume (from (19.5±5.1) to (32.3±5.6) ml, P <0.05) and end-systolic volume (from (8.3±3.2) to (15.2±4.1) ml, P <0.05) were significantly increased, whereas ejection fraction was decreased (from (61.6±13.3)% to (50.2±11.9)%, P<0.05). No obvious change in these parameters was observed in the sRAGE group. Myocardial expression of TGF-β1 was significantly elevated in the infarct and non-infarct regions in the control group, as compared with sRAGE group (both P <0.01). Fibrotic lesions were consistently more prominent in the infarct region of the myocardium in the control animals (P<0.05).

Conclusion
Intra-coronary sRAGE administration attenuates RAGE-mediated myocardial fibrosis and I/R injury through a TGF-β1-dependent mechanism, suggesting a clinical potential in treating RAGE/ligand-associated cardiovascular diseases.
Effect of three interventional bronchoscopic methods on tracheal stenosis and the formation of granulation tissues in dogs
Authors: ZHANG Jie , WANG Ting , WANG Juan , PEI Ying-hua , XU Min , WANG Yu-ling , ZHANG Xia , WANG Chen 
Published: January 2024

Background
Therapeutic approaches for tracheal stenosis caused by the formation of exuberant granulation tissues usually include electrocautery, mechanical dilation, laser therapy, argon plasma coagulation (APC), cryotherapy and stent placement. However, restenosis after stent insertion remains a significant limitation. We examined the efficacy of three different approaches, including induction of mechanical lesions, APC performed with different powers or durations and cryotherapy, to identify the method that limited the formation of granulation tissue.

Methods
Twelve specially bred research mongrel dogs were divided into three groups. In group 1 (four dogs) mild (procedure 1; two dogs) or moderate (procedure 2; two dogs) damage was induced mechanically. Group 2 (six dogs) received APC at different powers or durations (procedure 3: 30 W, 1 cm/s; procedure 4: 30 W, 2 cm/s; procedure 5: 25 W, 3 cm/s). Group 3 (two dogs) received cryotherapy (procedure 6: two freeze-thaw cycles of 30 seconds). Uncovered self-expandable metallic stents were inserted in all dogs to maintain a continuous stimulus to the trachea mucosa. Dogs were monitored for 4 weeks and the relationship between granulation tissue proliferation and method used was analyzed.

Results
In group 1, granulation tissue growth increased with more severe mechanical damage. The growth of granulation tissue in group 2 was more pronounced than in group 1, and both dogs in procedure 3 died because of severe stenosis. In this group, the formation of granulation tissue decreased with decreasing power and duration. In group 3, no obvious granulation tissue was found at week 4.

Conclusions
Lesions and stimuli from a foreign body (the stent) are two important factors that lead to overgrowth of granulation tissue. Thermal lesions, such as APC, seem to induce greater granulation tissue growth and cartilage damage compared with mechanical and cryotherapy lesions. Cryotherapy in combination with mechanical dilation may be a safe and effective treatment method for managing tracheal stenosis caused by the formation of granulation tissue.
High-density lipoprotein associated factors apoA-I and serum amyloid A in Chinese non-diabetic patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: CHEN Guo-liang , LIU Li-wei , XIE Shuang , LIU Hong , LIU Yu-qing , LI Yi-shi 
Published: January 2024

Background
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are a strong, independent inverse predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD). In this cross-sectional study we investigated the interrelationships between HDL-C and HDL related factors apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and serum amyloid A (SAA) and the presence and extent of CHD in a population of Chinese patients with CHD.

Methods
Two hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients took part in this study. Demographic data were obtained from hospital records. Serum chemical concentrations were measured by standard laboratory methods.

Results
The concentrations of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (median:1.85 mg/L) and SAA (median: 9.40 mg/L) were significantly higher in the CHD group (P <0.05), while concentrations of HDL-C((1.03±0.25) mmol/L) and apoA-I ((604.59±105.79) mmol/L) were significantly lower than those in the non-CHD group (P <0.05). The concentrations of apoA-I decreased with the increase in vascular damage, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. However, the concentrations of hsCRP and SAA increased with the increase in vascular damage. The unadjusted odd ratios (ORs) (CI) for apoA-I and SAA of the presence of CHD were 0.093 (0.990-0.997) (P=0.00) and 2.571 (1.029-6.424) (P <0.05), respectively. The association between elevated SAA and the presence of CHD was lost after adjusting for lipid status parameter concentrations. The associations between apoA-I, SAA and the extent of CHD remained strong, regardless of confounding variables.

Conclusions
Increased concentrations of SAA represent the inflammatory marker of the extent of coronary stenosis in patients with CHD. In contrast to SAA, the level of apoA-I was also associated with the presence of CHD, indicating that apoA-I was not only a marker of CHD presence but also a quantitative indicator of CHD extent. In short, determining the change apolipoprotein content within HDL particle is a more accurate and effective method to evaluate the impact of HDL on CHD.
Correction of severe post-traumatic kyphosis by posterior vertebra column resection
Authors: ZHANG Xue-song , ZHANG Yong-gang , WANG Zheng , CHEN Chao , WANG Yan 
Published: January 2024

Background
Post-traumatic kyphosis is a common potential complication of spinal trauma and correct management of this problem is becoming ever more important. Although posterior vertebra column resection has been increasingly adopted to correct severe spinal deformity, no series of reports were found on severe post-traumatic kyphosis in the thoracolumbar region. Therefore, the present cohort retrospective study is presented to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of posterior vertebra column resection with instrument fusion performed in patients with severe post-traumatic kyphosis.

Methods
From May 2004 to May 2006, 53 patients (38 male, 15 female) at an average age of 37.6 years (range, 24 to 66 years), were surgically treated for symptomatic post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis with a posterior wedge closing osteotomy at our hospital. Among them, 5 consecutive adult patients with severe post-traumatic kyphosis were included in this study. Operation time, blood loss and complications were noted in each case. Radiographic documentation was made on the basis of standing anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral views and three dimensional reconstruction images of computed tomography (CT) scans were used to further identify the apex region of a sharp angular deformity. Sagittal correction was assessed in terms of effective regional deformity (ERD) for the injury level. Assessment of radiological fusion at follow-up was based on the presence of trabecular bone bridging at the osteotomy site according to Brantigan. Preoperative and postoperative clinical assessments were performed by using Oswestry disability index (ODI), back pain was rated in all patients by the visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively, postoperatively and at the latest follow-up.

Results
The mean operating time was 265 minutes (220-408 minutes), with an average blood loss of 1362 ml (870-2570 ml). Each patient finished at least two years of follow-up. The average ERD significantly decreased from 69° (58°-86°), preoperatively to 4° (1°-8°) after surgery (P=0.017); with a mean correction of 65°. ERD averaged 10.4° (7°-17°) at the latest follow-up with a mean loss of 6.4°. VAS and ODI scores improved from preoperative 7.4 (6.0-9.0) and 55.2 (48.0-60.0) to 2.3 (1.0-4.0) and 12.2 (7.0-18.0) at the latest follow-up. Full bone fusion was achieved in all patients. Complications occurred in two patients: one had a transient weakness of the left side lower extremity and the symptom improved spontaneously without further treatment within one month; the other patient suffered a deep wound infection three weeks after the operation, and recovered well by additional debridement, continuous perfusion and drainage.

Conclusions
Posterior vertebra column resection can satisfactorily correct severe post-traumatic kyphosis in thoracolumbar region. Nevertheless, this challenging procedure should be performed by experienced spinal surgeon to minimize complications.
Evaluation of pathological diagnosis using ultrasonography-guided lymph node core-needle biopsy
Authors: YUAN Jing , LI Xiang-hong 
Published: January 2024

Background
Image-guided core-needle biopsy as a minimally invasive procedure has partially replaced excisional biopsy of the lymph node. However, it is still a great challenge to pathologists. The aim of this study was to survey and evaluate the accuracy of pathological diagnosis using the ultrasonography (US)-guided core-needle biopsy (CNB) of the lymph node.

Methods
Lymph node CNBs of 1119 consecutive patients from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Biopsies were performed following outpatient procedures with direct US guiding by using 18-gauge cutting needle. The tissues of CNB were prepared according to the routine paraffin embedding and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Ancillary studies, including acid-fast staining and immunohistochemical staining, were performed when necessary.

Results
The age range was 1 year old to 85 years old. Locations of the lymph node were as follows: cervical area (n=482), clavicular region (n=227), retroperitoneum (n=150), axilla (n=93), groin (n=79), abdomen/mesentery (n=44), submaxillary region (n=33), postauricular region (n=4), iliac fosa (n=3), parotid (n=2), hepatic hilar region (n=1), and elbow (n=1). The histological diagnoses were conclusive in 815 cases (73%) and inconclusive in 304 cases (27%). The conclusive cases mainly included metastatic carcinoma (n=449), tuberculosis (n=111), lymphoma/leukemia (n=124), reactive hyperplasia (n=87), and other rare diseases (n=44). The reasons for inconclusive cases were insufficient material for diagnosis, noncompliance of outpatients, or crushing artifacts of tissues caused by operation.

Conclusions
US-guided CNB can obtain lymphoid tissues from nearly all parts of the body for diagnostic purposes. Conclusive pathological diagnosis can be made in most of cases when adequate material was provided. Besides metastatic carcinoma, lymphomas with special immunophenotype can be accurately diagnosed and subclassified by US-guided CNB.
GATA3 siRNA inhibits the binding of NFAT1 to interleukin-13 promoter in human T cells
Authors: YAO Xin , YANG Yan , HE Hai-yan , WANG Min , YIN Kai-sheng , HUANG Mao 
Published: January 2024

Background
Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is recognized to be a key modulator in the pathogenesis of Th2-induced allergic inflammation. Transcription factors GATA3 and NFAT1 have been both implicated in the regulation of Th2 cytokines. We previously demonstrated the GATA3-NFAT1 association during human T cell activation. However, the function of the GATA3-NFAT1 complex in Th2 cytokines regulation is still unknown. Small interference RNA (siRNA) was constructed to knock down GATA3 expression in Hut-78 cells to investigate the possible role of GATA3-NFAT1 complex in IL-13 transcription.

Methods
Cells were stimulated with anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 antibodies to mimic in vivo antigen-mediated co-stimulation; the expression of IL-13 mRNA was determined by real-time PCR; chromation immunoprecipitation (CHIP) assay was employed to investigate the NFAT1 binding to IL-13 promoter.

Results
GATA3 siRNA suppressed the expression of GATA3 both in mRNA and protein levels in Hut-78 cells. The binding of NFAT1 to IL-13 promoter was inhibited by GATA3 siRNA in activated T cells, which was followed by the reduction of IL-13 transcription.

Conclusion
GATA3-NFAT1 complex may play an important role in the regulation of IL-13 transcription in human T cells.
Influence of drug treatment on glucocorticoid receptor levels in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: JI Hong , GUO Wei-zao , YAN Zhi-hong , LI Di , LU Cui-lian 
Published: January 2024

Background
Glucocorticoid signaling exerts major roles in inflammation, metabolism and depression, which are three crucial factors accompanying or underlying coronary heart disease. Although accumulating evidence indicates the influence of glucocorticoids on the pathology and treatment of coronary heart disease, there is still a dearth of pharmaceutical mechanisms for this relationship. This study aimed to investigate the influence of drug treatment on glucocorticoid receptor levels in coronary heart disease.

Methods
Eighty hospitalized patients (average age (59.0±7.5) years, 46 male and 34 female) with coronary heart disease were categorized into four groups with 20 members in each according to one of the four drugs they were treated with. The four drugs were: nitrated derivative isosorbide dinitrate, the beta-adrenergic receptor blocker metoprolol, the calcium antagonist nifedipine, and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin. Glucocorticoid receptor protein levels of peripheral blood lymphocytes were tested using immunoblotting analysis before and after one month of treatment.

Results
Immunoblotting analysis showed increased glucocorticoid receptor levels after treatment with metoprolol and nifedipine. There were no statistically significant changes of glucocorticoid receptor levels after treatment with isosorbide dinitrate or lovastatin, although there were trends of up-regulation of glucocorticoid receptor expression after both treatments.

Conclusions
Both the beta-blocker and the calcium blocker can increase glucocorticoid receptor levels after chronic administration. This effect suggests a mechanism for their anti-inflammatory and other therapeutic roles for coronary heart disease and comorbid disorders.