bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long Noncoding RNA HOTAIRM1 Promotes Immunosuppression in Sepsis by Inducing T Cell Exhaustion
Authors: Chen Wankun , Liu Jinlong , Ge Feng , Chen Zhaoyuan , Qu Mengdi , Nan Ke , Gu Jiahui , Jiang Yi , Gao Shenjia , Liao Yun , Wang Chengji , Zhang Hao , Miao Changhong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Sepsis is an acute life-threatening disorder associated with multiorgan dysfunction that remains the leading cause of death in intensive care units. As sepsis progresses, it causes prolonged immunosuppression, which results in sustained mortality, morbidity, and susceptibility to secondary infections. Using a mouse model of sepsis, we found that the long noncoding RNA HOTAIRM1 (HOXA transcript antisense RNA myeloid-specific 1) was highly expressed in mice during the late phase of sepsis. The upregulation of HOTAIRM1 was induced by Notch/Hes1 activation and, moreover, was critical for the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. HOTAIRM1 induced T cell exhaustion by increasing the percentage of PD-1+ T cells and regulatory T cells, accompanied by elevated PD-L1. Blockade of either Notch/Hes1 signaling or HOTAIRM1 inhibited T cell exhaustion in late sepsis, having alleviated lung injury and improved survival of mice. Further mechanistic studies identified HOXA1 as a key transcription factor targeted by HOTAIRM1 to regulate PD-L1 expression in lung alveolar epithelial cells. These results implicated that the Notch/Hes1/HOTAIRM1/HOXA1/PD-L1 axis was critical for sepsis-induced immunosuppression and could be a potential target for sepsis therapies.
Ghrelin reduces cerebral ischemic injury in rats by reducing M1 microglia/macrophages
Authors: Tian Rong , Mao Gengsheng 
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Ghrelin on the polarization of microglia/ macrophages after cerebral ischemia (CI) in rats. 60 wild-type SD rats were randomly divided into sham group, CI group, CI+Ghrelin group, 20 rats in each group. The modified Longa suture method was used to establish the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rats. Before surgery, Ghrelin was injected subcutaneously (100μg/kg, twice a day) for 4 consecutive weeks. After modeling, neurological function scores were performed with three behavioral experiments: mNSS score, Corner test, and Rotarod test, to evaluate the recovery of neurological function after Ghrelin treatment. At the same time, the brain tissues were collected and stained with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) to detect the cerebral infarct volume. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in the ischemic brain tissue, and the TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptosis of brain tissue. Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentage of M1 type microglia/macrophages which were isolated by trypsin digestion of fresh cerebral cortex. Then, the Western blotting and immunofluorescence method were used to detect the phosphorylation level of AKT (P-AKT) and AKT. Compared with the CI group, the neurological function of the rats in the CI+Ghrelin group was dramatically improved, and the cerebral infarction area was dramatically reduced. At the same time, the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in the ischemic brain tissue of rats in the CI+Ghrelin group decreased, and the apoptotic cells in the brain tissue also decreased. Compared with the CI treatment group, the activation of M1 microglia/macrophages in the cortex of the ischemic side of the infarct and the peri-infarct area in the CI+Ghrelin group was dramatically inhibited. At the same time, the ratio of P-AKT/AKT of the brain tissue in the CI+Ghrelin group was dramatically higher than that of the CI group. In the rat cerebral ischemia model, Ghrelin can promote the repair of brain damage and the recovery of neurological function after ischemia. Its mechanism may be related to activating AKT to selectively reduce M1 microglia/macrophages, reducing inflammation and cell apoptosis in brain tissue.
The Utility of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in Localizing Primary/Metastatic Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma: Asian Indian Experience
Authors: Jaiswal Sanjeet Kumar , Sarathi Vijaya , Malhotra Gaurav , Verma Priyanka , Hira Priya , Badhe Padma , Memon Saba Samad , Barnabas Rohit , Patil Virendra A , Anurag  , Lila R , Shah Nalini S , Bandgar Tushar 
Published: January 2022

Purpose:Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PGL), together called PPGL, are rare tumors with a limited number of studies on the diagnostic performance of68Ga-DOTA (0)-Tyr (3)-octreotate positron emission tomography-computed tomography (68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT) from the Asian-Indian subcontinent.Materials and Methods:In this retrospective study, PPGL suspects (n= 87) who had undergone at least contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT, were included. Lesion-wise, patient-wise, and region-wise sensitivities of68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT,18F fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography CT (18F-FDG PET/CT,n= 53),131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG,n= 37), and CECT were compared, and diagnostic performance of68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in the detection of PPGL was calculated.Results:68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT had significantly higher lesion-wise sensitivity than131I-MIBG for both primary (94% vs 75%,P= 0.004) and metastatic disease (85% vs 59%,P= 0.001) and higher sensitivity than CECT for metastatic lesions (83% vs 43%,P= 0.0001). The lesion-wise sensitivity of68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT was similar to18F-FDG PET/CT for both primary tumors (94% vs 85%,P= 0.08) and metastatic lesions (82% vs 84%,P= 0.76) in the whole cohort but tended to be inferior in the head to head comparison.Conclusion:68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT had higher sensitivity for detection of PPGL than131I-MIBG (primary and metastatic) and CECT (metastatic) but similar to18F-FDG PET/CT (primary and metastatic).
The Weight of Words: Indian Physicians’ Perspectives on Patient Communication to Promote Diabetes Adherence
Authors: Selvan Chitra , Lathia Tejal , Chawak Shweta , Katdare Praneeta , Nayak Reshma , Chittem Mahati 
Published: January 2022

Background:Effective communication by physicians can lead to improved patient adherence, resulting in better patient outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. This study: (i) examined communication with patients when they were non-adherent, (ii) examined attitudes toward common communication cues, and (iii) explored communication approaches to encourage diabetes adherence used by Indian physicians.Methods:Using a concurrent mixed methods approach, Indian physicians, specialized in diabetes and/or endocrinology were recruited, to complete a survey containing quantitative (n= 834) and qualitative (n= 648) questions. The questions included (i) whether physicians expressed disappointment and used scare tactics for non-adherent patients, (ii) to rate the importance of common communication cues when promoting adherence, and (iii) nested, qualitative questions to understand their communication approach to promote adherence. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis, respectively.Results:The quantitative study reported that the majority of the physicians sometimes showed their disappointment in their patient's progress (44.4%), sometimes used scare tactics to convey disease severity due to non-adherence (34.3%), and rated all communication cues as most important. The qualitative findings revealed that physicians used paternalistic (authoritative, educational, authoritarian) or collaborative (multistakeholder, patient-centered) approaches and the language cues of fear, blame, and threats to promote patient adherence.Conclusion:These findings highlight the need for communication skill training programs for Indian physicians focused on empathic, non-verbal, supportive, and inclusive techniques so as to promote patient adherence. Further, these trainings need to use role-playing, video recording, and peer feedback methods to show physicians how to implement these skills during patient interactions.
Comparative Analysis of Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential Patterns between Menstruating and Menopausal North Indian Females
Authors: Arora Supriya , Mittal Shallu , Gupta Sharat , Loona Sonika , Singh Kamal D. , Mehra Kashish 
Published: January 2022

Introduction:Various studies suggest a significant impact of gonadal hormones on many neuronal functions, including auditory processing. Although a few researchers have independently investigated the brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) patterns during various phases of menstrual cycle and also during menopause, there is an acute paucity of comparative data between their BAEP patterns. This study was conducted to compare the BAEP patterns between normally menstruating females and menopausal females from North India.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was done on 90 females aged 17–21 years who were in the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle and 100 menopausal females aged 46–70 years. BAEP recording was done using standardized protocol. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. It contained mean wave latencies I, II, III, IV, V, and Interpeak Latencies (IPL) I-V, I-III, and III-V.Results:The mean values of latencies of waves I, III, and V and also of IPL I-III, I-V, and III-V were significantly higher (P >0.05) in menopausal females. However, the difference between mean values of wave latencies II and IV of both groups was statistically non-significant (P >0.05).Conclusion:The increased latencies in menopausal females indicate subtle degenerative changes that start appearing within the central auditory pathway after menopause and are probably due to a decline in ovarian hormones, especially estrogen.
Hyperleptinaemia and its Association with Postprandial Hypertriglyceridemia and Glucose Intolerance
Authors: Aslam M. , Madhu S. V. , Sharma K. K. , Sharma Arun K. , Galav V. 
Published: January 2022

Introduction:Leptin resistance is believed to cause insulin resistance though the exact mechanism is not fully understood. The present study aims to investigate the temporal profile of postprandial triglyceride (PPTG) and leptin levels, and their association with each other as well as with markers of metabolic syndrome.Materials and Methods:Serum leptin and PPTG levels were measured longitudinally till 26 weeks in Wistar rats fed on controlled diet (group 1) and high sucrose diet (HSD) (group 2). Two additional groups fed on HSD were taken and treated with pioglitazone (group 3) and atorvastatin (group 4). Body weight, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and glucose intolerance were also measured during this period. Comparison of the groups were done and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to ascertain the association.Results:Leptin levels were significantly higher in all three groups receiving HSD compared to controlled diet group from week 2 to week 26 (P< 0.01). The postprandial triglyceride area under the curve (PPTG AUCs) were significantly higher in group 2 than controls during this period (P< 0.001). Body weight, HOMA-IR and glucose AUC were found to be significantly higher in group 2 rats than controls only from week 6, 8, and 12 respectively. In HSD-fed rats, but not in control, mean serum leptin levels from 2-26 weeks as well as peak (10thweek) and 26thweek were strongly associated with corresponding as well as preceding PPTG levels. Leptin levels significantly predicted HOMA-IR and prediabetes in group 2.Conclusion:This study found significant hyperleptinemia associated with postprandial hypertriglyceridemia that predicted insulin resistance and prediabetes in high sucrose diet–fed rats.
Panorama of multidetector-row computed tomography findings of carcinoma gall bladder - A retrospective observational study
Authors: Mohakud Sudipta , Sidhu Simran , Deep Nerbadyswari , Naik Suprava 
Published: January 2022

Background:
Carcinoma of the gall bladder (Ca GB) has marked ethnic and geographical variations with a broad spectrum of imaging findings on multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). We aim to study the spectrum of the imaging findings of Ca GB on MDCT in an Eastern Indian hospital as these imaging findings help in accurate diagnosis and staging of this lethal disease.

Materials and Methods:
The MDCT images of 100 biopsy-proven cases of adenocarcinoma of GB performed from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018, in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed by two experienced radiologists blinded to the diagnosis. The CT protocol was a plain scan followed by triple-phase contrast-enhanced CT. Reconstructed images in the form of maximum intensity projection, volume-rendered technology, and minimum intensity projection images were also assessed. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

Results:
Ca GB showed a female predominance (female:male –1.9:1). The mean age of presentation was 54.7 years (females) and 58 years (males). The morphological patterns were a mass replacing the GB (46%), focal or diffuse wall thickening (26%), and an intraluminal polypoidal mass (28%). Direct extension was to liver (76%), duodenum (32%), colon (19%), pancreas (9%), and abdominal wall (1%). Biliary dilatation (53%), vascular invasion (14%), omental involvement (23%), ascites (22%), N1 (40%), and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy (33%) were common. Distant metastasis comprised of hepatic (42%), pulmonary (7%), Krukenberg's tumor (6%), and osseous (1%) lesions. The stages at diagnosis were I or II (3%), IIIA (4%), IIIB (16%), IVA (10%), and IVB (67%).

Conclusions:
Ca GB has a broad spectrum of findings on MDCT and it mostly presents at an advanced stage. MDCT with reconstructions is beneficial in the assessment of locoregional and distant spread and cancer staging which has a direct implication on patient management, survival, and mortality.
Enhanced expression of death receptor 5 is responsible for increased cytotoxicity of theophylline in combination with recombinant human TRAIL in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells
Authors: Tapadar Poulami , Pal Ambika , Dutta Siddhartha , Pal Ranjana 
Published: January 2022

Background:
Theophylline has been reported to induce cytotoxicity and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells. On the other hand, TRAIL, a secretory ligand, is known for its unique ability to induce cell death only in tumor cells. In the present study, we elucidated the mechanism behind the cytotoxic effect of theophylline in combination with recombinant human TRAIL (rhTRAIL) on cancer cell line MDA-MB-231.

Materials and Methods:
Cytotoxicity of theophylline in combination with TRAIL was measured via trypan blue assay and MTT assay. Protein levels were assessed using Western hybridization. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using 2',7'–dichlorofluorescin diacetate and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assay was conducted using tetramethylrhodamine, ethyl ester.

Results:
We observed theophylline in combination with rhTRAIL to be significantly cytotoxic to the cancer cells in comparison to theophylline and rhTRAIL alone. Next, western hybridization showed combination treatment to upregulate cleaved form of caspase-8, 9 and 3, in comparison to the cells treated with rhTRAIL and theophylline alone. Theophylline in combination also increased the levels of ROS and reduced MMP. Interestingly, combination treatment increased the protein level of death receptor 5 (DR5), sensitizing the cells towards TRAIL-induced apoptosis.

Conclusion:
Theophylline in combination with TRAIL significantly increases cytotoxicity in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line when compared to theophylline and rhTRAIL alone via upregulation of DR5 levels.
Association of MLH1-93G>A polymorphisms toward lung cancer susceptibility and its association with clinical outcome in North Indian patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy
Authors: Singh Sidhartha , Singh Navneet , Baranwal Manoj , Sharma Siddharth 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent and main causes of malignancy-related deaths worldwide, especially in developed countries. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that individuals having alterations in a particular gene may have a high risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Materials and Methods:
In the present study, 500 Indian lung cancer patients and 500 healthy controls were enrolled. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to identify the genotype of enrolled individuals and MedCalc statistical package was used for carrying out statistical analysis.

Results:
In this study, we found a reduced risk of developing adenocarcinoma in patients harboring variant (P = 0.0007) and combined type genotype (P = 0.008), whereas an increased risk for small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) development for those subject harboring GA genotypes (P = 0.03) was also observed. Further, heterozygous type and combined type genotype of heavy smokers for MLH1 polymorphism reported a 2-fold (P = 0.001) and 1.8-fold increased risk toward lung cancer development, respectively (P = 0.007). In case of females, the subjects harboring a variant allele have a significantly reduced risk for lung cancer development (P = 0.0001). For MLH1 polymorphism, reduced risk of developing tumor to T3 or T4 stage was observed (P = 0.04). Moreover, this is the first study reporting overall survival (OS) association for north Indian lung cancer patients with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy; for docetaxel, a three-fold increase in hazard ratio and corresponding low median standard survival time (8.4 months) for mutant and combined type genotype (P = 0.04) was observed.

Conclusions:
These results suggest that MLH1-93G>A polymorphism is involved in modulating the risk toward lung cancer. Our study also concluded a negative association of OS in patients undergoing carboplatin/cisplatin and docetaxel chemotherapy.
Awareness and utilization of urgent care services among patients attending Al-Wazarat PHCC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 2020
Authors: Albalahi Naif Meshal , Al Bargawi Mashael , Kofi Mostafa 
Published: January 2022

Background:
Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) offer unscheduled appointments with a “treat and release” length of visits not exceeding 60 min. The growth of clinics is dictated by patients’ demand for quality care that is unscheduled, expedited, and ubiquitous, making them accessible and available.

Objectives:
This study aimed to assess the patient’s level of awareness and utilization pattern of UCCs in Wazarat Health Care Center (WHCC) and assess factors associated with them.

Aim:
This study aims to provide information contributing to the support of decision-makers about the level of awareness among patients on urgent care services and their pattern of use within primary health care.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 288 patients visiting PHC clinics to measure their level of awareness and pattern of utilization using a self-administered questionnaire.

Results:
A total of 288 patients participated, 55.99% were females, and the highest percentage was in the age group of 18-38 years at 60.07%. Only one quarter, 73 (25.35%) of the patients were aware of the term urgent clinics, from them, more than a half (53.42%) visited such clinics 1–3 times in the three months before the time of study conduction, and the main cause of the visits was the common cold (25.76%). Less than half of the participants reported visiting the primary clinics without booking an appointment in advance at 44.79%. The reason for this was mainly because of having difficulty booking appointments at 54.55%. Awareness level was the highest (28.32%) among the lowest age group (18-38 years) and decreased gradually by increasing the age. A significantly higher percentage of low educational level participants reported visiting primary clinics without booking an appointment in advance at 51.33% vs. 37.68% of the university and above participants. According to patients ‘ income, there was a significant (0.023) difference in the awareness level; the highest was among participants with an income of 6000-12000 SAR at 32.86%.

Conclusion:
Only one-quarter of the studied patients know about the UCCs. More than half of the patients reported visiting these clinics because of difficulties in booking an appointment at the primary healthcare centers and convenience with the services provided at the UCCs. The common cold was the main reason for visiting the UCCs.
A cross sectional study exploring determinants for vaccine awareness, belief and hesitancy among health care professionals regarding Covid-19 vaccine, findings from a teaching hospital based in coal capital of India
Authors: Thakur Susmita , Rana Rishabh Kumar , Kumari Mona , Jha Ravi R. , Bhushan Rabi , Verma Raj Kishore 
Published: January 2022

Background:
India intends to start its 1st dose of vaccination against Covid-19 on January 16th, 2021 prioritizing its frontline health care professionals with either of the two vaccines—Covaxin or Covishield. Whenever a new vaccine is launched, it is marred with controversy and myths. To understand the doubts and concerns better, this study was conducted on health care professionals working in a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods:
Willing respondents, who are working in the institute, were administered the questionnaire asking their views on knowledge, beliefs, and reasons for hesitancy regarding Covid-19 immunization. A Likert scale was used to quantify the responses regarding participants’ knowledge, beliefs, and hesitancies regarding immunization with the available vaccines. Data were analyzed using MS office Excel sheets and JASP software was used to analyze the data thus obtained.

Results:
Out of 122 complete responses, we had 73 (60%) doctors, while 30 (24%) were nursing staff, the rest comprised of other health care workers, such as housekeeping staff, janitorial, etc., 66 (54%) respondents were unaware, while 25 (20%) respondents had hesitancy and 23 (18%) were having extremely negative views regarding vaccination. Some of the variables, such as age, role, marital status, gender, etc., were found to be possibly associated with these scores.

Conclusion:
Issues like concerns over vaccine safety, efficacy, reliability, etc., are deterrents for individuals and whole programme and vaccination drive across the nation. Time and again it has been seen that despite the vaccines’ contribution in breaking the transmission, concerns are making people either hesitant or unmotivated to get the vaccines. More dialogues from the authorities regarding the issues of concern may pave the way for more motivation to accept vaccination and increase the vaccination coverage.