bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IFITM2 is a prognostic in colorectal cancer and promotes progression by activating PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: liu yonggang , Liang Jiyun , Li Xi , Huang Junyong , Huang Jiangyuan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Objective To investigate the expression of IFITM2 in colorectal cancer(CRC) and explore the effect of IFITM2 on proliferation, migration and invasion ability. Methods TCGA database was used to analysis the expression of IFITM2 in colorectal cancer, Western blot was chosen to detect the protein level of IFITM2 in colorectal cancer specimens and cell lines. Univariate and multivariate cox regression were used to analyze the association between IFITM2 and clinicopathological features. Kaplan-Meier Plotter tool was selected to evaluate the prognostic significance of IFITM2 gene expression in the TCGA database. A network comprising 50 most similar genes and IFITM2 was constructed with the STRING database. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed using LinkedOmics database. Transient transfection of IFITM2 siRNA and negative control was selected to construct SW480, HCT116 IFITM2 silence cells and control cells. CCK-8 and colony formation assays were selected to observe the effect of IFITM2 on CRC proliferation ability, transwell assays and wound healing assays were used to detect the effect of IFITM2 on CRC cell migration and invasion ability. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to analyze IFITM2-associated pathways and Western blot was used for further verification. Results IFITM2 was over-expressed in CRC tissues and cells, High IFITM2 expression in CRC was obviously related to N stage, M stage and Pathologic stage. IFITM2 was a significant risk factor influencing the survival of CRC patients. The proliferation ability of SW480 and HCT116 cells was suppressed when IFITM2 was silenced, transwell assays showed IFITM2 silence weaken the migration and invasion ability of CRC cells. GSEA analysis showed IFITM2 was positively related with PI3K/AKT pathway, Western blot results confirmed that IFITM2 could activate PI3K/AKT pathway. Conclusion IFITM2 was over-expressed in colorectal cancer and modulated PI3K/AKT pathway to promote CRC cells proliferation and metastasis.
Stable isotopes suggest a sustained diet shift among ants exposed to drought in a tropical rainforest
Authors: Gely Claire , Laurance Susan G.W. , Blüthgen Nico , Lach Lori , Burwell Chris J. , Liddell Michael J. , Stork Nigel E. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
With higher frequency and intensity of droughts predicted for many tropical forests, understanding the responses of plants and animals to changed conditions will be increasingly important. Ants are considered ecosystem engineers in tropical rainforests due to their abundance and the diversity of functional roles they perform. Diets of rainforest ants can range from purely carnivorous, to mostly plant-based, with stable isotopes now being used to distinguish these differences. We sampled ant communities in a lowland rainforest in an insitu drought experiment and compared diets using stable isotope analyses. We found that 14 of the 18 species sampled had higher δ15N levels in the drought experiment. Importantly, the two most common species in the region showed a significant effect of the drought experiment on δ15N, which was similar to the dry season response in the control plot. There was no detectable difference of the experiment for ant δ13C values. The observed changes in ants δ15N in response to drought may be caused by ants shifting to a more predatory diet, or a drought-induced shift in δ15N in plants for which we did not test. Further analysis of changes in δ15N in plants with drought is required to determine if one or both factors are involved. Since ants are a dominant force in rainforests, trophic shifts may have broad implications for the impact of climate change on species interactions and food webs.
Assessing Alternatives to Locomotion Scoring for Detecting Lameness in Dairy Cattle in Tanzania: Infrared Thermography
Authors: Werema Chacha Wambura , Laven Linda J. , Mueller Kristina R. , Laven Richard A. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Lameness detection is a significant challenge. Locomotion scoring (LS), the most widely used system for detecting lameness, has several limitations, including its subjective nature and the existence of multiple systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether foot skin temperature (FST) of hind limbs, as measured using infrared thermography (IRT), could potentially be used as an alternative on Tanzanian dairy farms. Each of the three study farms were visited twice during the afternoon milking on consecutive days. DairyNZ LS (4-point scale (0–3) was undertaken on the first day as the cows exited the milking parlour after being milked, while on the following day, the plantar aspect of the hind limbs of the cows was thermally imaged while they were standing in the milking parlour, using a handheld T650sc forward-looking infrared camera. Mean FST was higher for cows with a locomotion score of 1 than those with a score of 0, higher for cows with a locomotion score of 2 than those with a score of 1, and higher for cows with a locomotion score of 3 than those with a score of 2, with each one-unit locomotion score increase being associated with a 0.57°C increase in mean temperature across all zones. The optimal cut-off point of 38.0°C for mean temperature across all zones was identified using a receiver operator characteristic curve. This cut-off point had a sensitivity of 73.2% and a specificity of 86.0% for distinguishing cows with a locomotion score ≥ 2 (clinical lameness). The prevalence of clinical lameness across all three farms was 33%, which meant that only 72% of cows with a mean FST across all zones ≥ 38.0°C had been identified as clinically lame using LS. This study confirmed that IRT has the potential to be used to detect lameness on Tanzanian dairy farms. However, before it can be widely used, improvements in accuracy, especially specificity, are needed, as are reductions in equipment (IR camera) costs.
Novel Rapid Method for Identifying and Quantifying Pathogenic Bacteria within Four Hours of Blood Collection
Authors: Miyakoshi Akio , Niimi Hideki , Ueno Tomohiro , Wakasugi Masahiro , Higashi Yoshitsugu , Miyajima Yuki , Mori Masashi , Tabata Homare , Minami Hiroshi , Takaoka Akinori , Hayashi Atsushi , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Kitajima Isao 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction and is considered a major cause of health loss. However, since the current biomarkers of sepsis reflect the host's immune response to microorganisms, they would inevitably cause a time-lag. This means that there is still no truly reliable biomarker of sepsis. In the present study, we developed a novel method for identifying and quantifying unknown pathogenic bacteria within four hours of sample collection. The most important point of this study is that the novel method can be used to determine the number of bacteria in a sample as a novel biomarker of infectious diseases. Indeed, based on the number of bacteria, we were able to accurately estimate the severity of microbial infection. Furthermore, using the time-dependent changes in the number of bacteria, we were able to monitor the therapeutic effect accurately. The rapid identification and quantification of bacteria may change our approach to medical care.
A Two-way Comparison of Whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT and PET/MRI for Distant Metastasis in Patients with Malignant Tumors: A Meta-analysis
Authors: zhang cici , liang zhishan , liu wei , zeng xuwen , mo yuzhen 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background
As an evolving imaging modality, whole-body fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and 18F-FDG PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had been preliminarily applied in clinical practice. However, PET/MRI may be superior to 18F-FDG PET/CT for the diagnosis of distant metastasis. Therefore, it is timely and important to systematically determine the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET/MRI compared with that of 18F-FDG PET/CT for the diagnosis of distant metastasis.
Methods
The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT and PET/MRI for the diagnosis of distant metastasis in patients with malignant tumors. Relevant studies using 18F-FDG PET/CT and PET/MRI for assessment of distant metastasis in the same patients with malignant tumors were systematically identified using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library until March 2021. Two reviewers independently selected studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A reviewer extracted relevant data and assessed the quality of the eligible studies. The pooled sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) for 18F-FDG PET/CT and PET/MRI were analyzed. Subgroup analysis was performed.
Results
Across 14 studies (919 patients), 18F-FDG PET/MRI had a higher Se (0.87 versus 0.83), Sp (0.96 versus 0.95), and SROC value (0.97 versus 0.974) than PET/CT for detecting distant metastasis. In the 3 studies of distant metastasis of breast cancer (182 patients), 18F-FDG PET/MRI had a higher Se (0.95 versus 0.87) and Sp (0.96 versus 0.94) than PET/CT. In the 4 studies of lung cancer (311 patients), 18F-FDG PET/MRI had a similar Se (0.92 versus 0.92) and Sp (0.95 versus 0.95) to PET/CT.
Conclusions
In general, PET/MRI had higher diagnostic accuracy than 18F-FDG PET/CT for assessing distant metastasis in patients with various tumors and breast cancer. 18F-FDG PET/MRI and PET/CT both performed well in the diagnosis of distant metastasis in patients with lung cancer.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutations in both a cAMP response element and an ETS-binding site suppress FLT1 gene expression
Authors: Sasagawa Tadashi , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Shibuya Masabumi 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (FLT1) gene is expressed in various types of cells, including vascular endothelial cells and placental trophoblasts, and regulates angiogenesis, inflammation, and pregnancy. However, the basal transcriptional machinery of FLT1 is still not well understood. In this study, we first examined FLT1 promoter activity in three different types of cells, that is, trophoblast-derived cells, vascular endothelial-related cells, and HEK293 cells, using plasmid-based luciferase reporter assays, and showed that a cAMP-response element (CRE) and an ETS-binding site (EBS) are important for FLT1 expression in all cell types. To further examine the importance of these sites at the chromosomal level using HEK293 cells, we introduced CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutations in these sites on the genomic DNA. HEK293 cells carrying these mutations clearly showed a significant decrease in endogenous FLT1 gene expression. These results strongly suggest that CRE and EBS transcription regulatory elements are crucial for FLT1 gene expression in human tissues.
Epidemiological profile of cancer breast and cervical cancer-related mortality from 2010 to 2020 in Brazil
Authors: de Morais Thiffany Nayara Bento , Costa Ketyllem Tayanne da Silva , Capistrano Gustavo Nepomuceno , Leal Maryanna Damasceno , de Andrade Fábia Barbosa 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: There are several types of cancer that can affect different organs of the body, however, the one that most affects the female population worldwide and in Brazil is breast cancer. For this reason, it is necessary to conduct a study to evaluate the epidemiological behavior of breast and cervical cancer mortality for the years 2009-2021 in Brazil.
Methods: The study in question is an ecological research of time series, carried out through data obtained from secondary sources. It is a research of Brazilian origin and its main approach is the number of deaths from 2009 to 2021 due to breast and cervical cancer, this being the dependent variable of the research. In addition, independent variables were also collected from DataSUS. The data was analyzed using the Join Point open source software version.
Results: The results obtained indicate that cervical and breast cancers show a growth behavior in the period analyzed (2010-2020), although each region of Brazil has variations in certain periods. It is possible to observe that Brazil presents a linear growth curve, with a tendency to stabilize as of 2018 in both types of cancer. However, the Midwest region of Brazil shows a decreasing behavior between 2010 and 2012 in cervical cancer. The South region most closely resembles the graphical behavior of the country when looking at cervical cancer rates over the period studied (about 2.5 to 3.5 cases per 100,000 population). However, breast cancer rates are higher than those in Brazil (about 85 to 113 cases per 100,000 population) and have a perspective of gradual growth.
Conclusions: Therefore, the two types of cancer studied cover the entire Brazilian territory, with a tendency to increase each year in the mortality rate, indicating that investments are not enough to control these data, since it is known that both types of cancer have a high chance when they present an effective and early investigation.
The Impact of Comorbidities, Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio, and Adverse Events on Quality of Life in Lung Cancer Patients Receiving EGFR-TKI Therapy
Authors: Chen Jung-Yueh , Liang Sheng-Kai , Chuang Tzu-Yi , Chu Chia-Yu , Tu Chia-Hung , Yeh Yu-Jo , Wei Yu-Feng , Chen Kuan-Yu 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are used as the standard first-line treatment for patients with advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the impact of clinical factors, including comorbidities and treatment-related adverse events (AEs), on quality of life (QoL) was seldom investigated.
Objective
We aimed to investigate the association of comorbidities, AEs, and QoL in treatment-naïve advanced NSCLC patients receiving EGFR-TKI treatments.
Methods
A multi-center prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate QoL and AEs at baseline, the 2nd, 4th, 12th, and 24th week. Clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and pre-treatment laboratory data were recorded. QoL was assessed by using the summary score of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the dermatology life quality index. The impact of comorbidities, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and AEs on QoL was analyzed by generalized estimating equations.
Results
A total of 121 patients were enrolled. Diarrhea (p = 0.033), anorexia (p < 0.001), and NLR ≥ 4 (p = 0.017) were significantly associated with a QoL impairment. Among skin toxicities, acneiform rash (p = 0.002), pruritus (p = 0.002), visual analogue scale for pruritus (≥ 3 and < 7, p = 0.006; ≥7, p = 0.001) and pain (1–3, p = 0.041) were associated with a QoL impairment. No significant association was found between comorbidities and QoL changes.
Conclusion
Diarrhea, anorexia, skin pain, and pruritus may cause a deterioration in QoL. NLR may be a potential predictive factor for QoL impairment. Aggressive management and close monitoring are crucial to improve QoL in patients receiving EGFR-TKI therapy.
Multi-level Manifestations of Sexual Stigma among Men with Same-Gender Sexual Experience in Ghana
Authors: Saalim Khalida , Adu Prince , Amoh-Otu Richard Panix , Akrong Ransford , Abu-Ba’are Gamji Rabiu , Stockton Melissa A. , Vormawor Richard , Torpey Kwasi , Nyblade Laura , Nelson LaRon E. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Sexual stigma and discrimination toward men who have same-gender sexual experiences are present across the globe. In Ghana, same-gender sexual desires and relationships are stigmatized, and the stigma is sanctioned through both social and legal processes. Such stigma negatively influences health and other material and social aspects of daily life for men who have sex with men (MSM). However, there is evidence that stigma at the interpersonal level can intersect with stigma that may be operating simultaneously at other levels. Few studies provide a comprehensive qualitative assessment of the multi-level sexual stigma derived from the direct narratives of men with same-gender sexual experience. To help fill this gap on sexual stigma, we qualitatively investigated (1) what was the range of sexual stigma manifestations, and (2) how sexual stigma manifestations were distributed across socioecological levels in a sample of Ghanaian MSM. From March to September 2020, we conducted eight focus group discussions (FGDs) with MSM about their experiences with stigma from Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. Data from the FGDs were subjected to qualitative content analysis. We identified a range of eight manifestations of sexual stigma: (1) gossiping and outing; (2) verbal abuse and intrusive questioning; (3) non-verbal judgmental gestures; (4) societal, cultural, and religious blaming and shaming; (5) physical abuse; (6) poor-quality services; (7) living in constant fear and stigma avoidance; and (8) internal ambivalence and guilt about sexual behavior. Sexual stigma manifestations were unevenly distributed across socioecological levels. Our findings are consistent with those of existing literature documenting that, across Africa, and particularly in Ghana, national laws and religious institutions continue to drive stigma against MSM. Fundamental anti-homosexual sentiments along with beliefs associating homosexuality with foreign cultures and immorality drive the stigmatization of MSM. Stigma experienced at all socioecological levels has been shown to impact both the mental and sexual health of MSM. Deeper analysis is needed to understand more of the lived stigma experiences of MSM to develop appropriate stigma-reduction interventions. Additionally, more community-level stigma research and interventions are needed that focus on the role of family and peers in stigma toward MSM in Ghana.
Propolis controlled delivery systems for oral therapeutics in dental medicine: A systematic review
Authors: Barboza Andressa da Silva , Ribeiro Juliana Silva , Ferreira Monika Lamas , Peña Carla Lucía David , Costa Juliê Silveira da , Fajardo André Ricardo , Lund Rafael Guerra 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

This systematic review covers the existing evidence in the literature regarding the association of propolis with controlled delivery systems (DDS) and its potential therapeutic action in dental medicine. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Two independent reviewers performed a literature search up to 15th January 2022 in five databases: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase, to identify the eligible studies. Clinical,in situ, andin vitrostudies that investigated the incorporation of propolis as the main agent in DDS for dental medicine were included in this study. Conversly, review articles, clinical cases, theses, dissertations, abstracts at congresses, and studies that had no application in dentistry were excluded. After examining carefully 55 full-text articles, 11in vitrostudies, 1 animal model, and 1in vivoandin vitrostudy were included (n = 13). Relevant data were extracted from the included studies and analyzed qualitatively. The use of propolis has been reported in cariology, endodontics periodontics, and implantology. Propolis has shown non-cytotoxic, osteoinductive, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, propolis can readly be released from DDS for prolonged periods, having potential biocompatibility, safety, and potential advantage for applications in dental medicine.
Triterpenoids alleviate DSS-induced colitis by inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation
Authors: Bian Yong , Li Jin , Miao Rong , Wang Wei , Shi Jianxin , Shi Le , Liang Tao , Zhang Yifan , Yu Yun , Yuan Dongping 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Demethylzeylasteral (Dem), the key component of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has been considered to be a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. In this study, a mouse colitis model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was constructed to clarify the role of Dem in the inflammatory bowel model (IBD). Our results showed that Dem attenuates symptoms of IBD in mice, as evidenced by shortened colon length and weight loss, accompanied by a decrease in the proportion of Th17 cells. Moreover, Dem was shown to inhibit the activation of JAK2 and STAT3. In the IBD mouse model, we used siRNAs targeting either JAK2 or STAT3 to explain the anti-inflammatory effect of Dem. Knockdown of either JAK2 or STAT3 abolished the Th17 inhibition of Dem in vitro. Studies have found that Dem has a significant therapeutic effect on CIA by inhibiting the proliferation and activation of Th17 cells, which further verifies the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Dem. These results suggest that Dem exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the differentiation and activation of Th17 cells. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway. Our study will provide a theoretical basis for the application of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F.
10-year Trends in Diagnostic Stability and Distribution among Psychiatric Inpatients in a General Hospital in China: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Liu Furu , Gao Menghui , Wu Qiongqiong , Yan Meiqi , Wu Renrong 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: Diagnoses of mental disorders are complex and their validity is realized by diagnostic stabilities. We aimed to evaluate the short-term and long-term stability of mental disorders diagnosed over the past decade in the psychiatry department of a general hospital, determine factors associated with consistency, and assess the distribution of diseases in the sample.
Methods: A total of 20,359 psychiatric inpatients were included in this retrospective study from June 2011 to December 2020. The short-term diagnostic consistency was evaluated by comparing their first admission and discharge diagnoses. Readmission patients' first and last discharge diagnoses were also compared to analyze the relatively long-term diagnostic stability. Demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed to identify predictors of diagnostic discrepancy during hospitalization.
Results: From 2011-2020, for all psychiatric inpatients, the average length of stay decreased from 22 days to 17 days. The hospitalization rate decreased from 42.4% to 20.7% for schizophrenia and grew from 13.8% to 25.5% for depression. Diagnoses were retained by 92.6% of patients at their first discharge diagnosis, ranging from 100% for disorders of psychological development to 16.3% for unspecified mental disorders. Above one-third of diagnostic conversions were to bipolar disorder in patients having inconsistent diagnoses. However, among rehospitalizations, the diagnostic stability notably dropped to 71.3%. For rehospitalizations, mood disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders were relatively stable diagnoses categories, with 72.7%-76.7% of patients receiving the same diagnosis, although results of specified diagnoses within these categories ranged from 5.9% to 91%. Except for mood disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, the diagnoses of all other categories were below 70%. Besides, long lengths of hospitalization and old age were associated with the diagnosis alterations.
Conclusion: For first hospitalizations, even though the diagnosis was stable in the short term, longitudinal follow-up and integration of multiple aspects of information are essential for accurate diagnosis.