bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cluster Analysis of Phenotypes of Patients with Behçet's Syndrome: A Large Cohort Study from a Referral Center in China
Authors: Zou Jun , Luo Jian-feng , Shen Yan , Cai Jian-fei , Guan Jian-long 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Behcet’s syndrome (BS) is a complex, heterogeneous disorder. However, classification of its subgroups is still debated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features and aggregation of patients with BS in China, based on manifestations and organ involvements.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of BS patients in Huadong Hospital of Fudan University between September 2012 and January 2020. We calculated relative risks (RRs) of clinical variables according to sex. Moreover, we conducted a hierarchical cluster analysis applied according to eighteen variables to determine subgroups of patients.Results: A total of 860 BS patients were included. Male sex was associated with ocular involvement (RR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.67, 3.22, P < 0.0001), vascular involvement (RR 2.00, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.23, P = 0.004), cardiac lesion (RR 5.46, 95% CI: 2.33, 12.77, P < 0.0001) and central nervous system involvement (RR 2.73, 95% CI: 1.10, 6.76, P = 0.025) and was negatively associated with genital ulcers (RR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.79, 0.91, P < 0.0001). Five clusters (C1–C5) were observed. C1 (n=307) showed the skin and mucosa type. In C2 (n=124), all had articular involvement, barely having major organ involvement except for 18 cases with intestinal lesions. In C3 (n=156), the gastrointestinal type, 144 patients presented with intestinal involvement, and 36 patients with esophageal ulcers. In C4 (n=142), all subjects presented with uveitis. C5 (n=131) consisted of 44 patients with cardiac lesions, 58 with vascular involvement and 26 cases having central nervous system involvement.Conclusion: Our analysis confirmed sex differences in phenotypes of BS. Cluster analysis identified gastrointestinal, uveitis and cardiovascular involvement cluster separately in different subsets,which represents the most commonly involved organs. Further research is required to replicate and clarify the patterns of phenotype in BS.
Gene Dysregulation in Peripheral Blood of Young Females With Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kang Jeong Hyun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEarly onset of the disease and female preponderance are the unique features of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA). The immune modulation mechanisms related to etiology of OA from other joints such as knee or hip have been suggested, but the immune-associated pathophysiology of TMJ OA, especially in young females, has not been elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the immune-related pathophysiology of TMJ OA by analyzing transcriptional profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells which identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in young females with TMJ OA. MethodsRNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was conducted on 24 young females with TMJ OA (mean age 19.3 ± 3.1 years) (RNAOA) and 11 age and sex matched healthy control (mean age 20.5 ± 3.7 years) (CON). RNA-seq datasets were analyzed to identify genes, pathways, and regulatory networks of those who were involved in the development of TMJ OA. ResultsRNA-seq data analysis revealed 41 DEGs between RNAOA and CON. A total of 16 gene ontology (GO) terms including 3 molecular and 13 biological terms were annotated via the GO function of molecular function and biological process. Through ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA), 21 annotated categories of diseases and functions were identified. There were six hub genes which showed significant results in both GO enrichment analysis and IPA, namely HLA-C, HLA-F, CXCL8, IL11RA, IL13RA1, and FCGR3B. Conclusions﻿The young females with TMJ OA showed alterations of the gene related to immune function in the blood and some of the changes may reflect inflammation, auto-reactivity, and altered T cell functions.
The Effect of Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation in Irregular Corneal Steep and Flat Meridian.
Authors: Hwang Ho Sik , Kim Hyun Seung , Kim Man Soo , Kim Eun Chul 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of toric intraocular lens implantation in cataract patients with irregular corneal steep and flat meridian. Methods: Data of 112 eyes of 78 patients who underwent toric intraocular lens implantation were analyzed retrospectively. Steep meridian deviations (not 180 degrees) and steep and flat meridian deviations (not 90 degrees) were classified as 0, 1~9, 10~19, 20~29, 30~39, and over 30 degrees. Meridian deviation was measured with Sagittal map of rotating Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam®: Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) using PicPickTools (NGWIN, Seoul, Korea). Results: Residual astigmatism (D) of the 0 (0.48±0.12, 0.53±0.12) and the 1~9 (0.59±0.15, 0.63±0.17) were significantly lower than those of 10~19 (0.85±0.21, 0.85±0.26), 20~29 (0.96±0.31, 0.99±0.34), and over 30 degrees groups (1.06±0.36, 1.02±0.38) both in steep meridian deviations and horizontal and vertical meridian deviations at 2 months (P< 0.05). Postoperative mean UCVA (logMAR) of 0 (0.08±0.03, 0.08±0.03) (logMAR) and 1~9 (0.09 ± 0.04, 0.08 ± 0.04) were significantly improved compared to those of 10~19 (0.13±0.04, 0.15±0.05), 20~29 (0.16±0.05, 0.17±0.05), and over 30 degrees groups (0.19±0.07, 0.18±0.06) both in steep meridian deviations and horizontal and vertical meridian deviations (P< 0.05).Conclusions: Correction of astigmatism with toric intraocular lens implantation is not accurate in cornea with steep meridian deviations and steep and flat meridian deviations of more than 10 degrees. Therefore, care should be taken when we perform toric intraocular lens implantation in patients with irregular corneal meridian.
Impaired Hypoxic Ventilatory Drive Induced by Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy, A Cause of Misdiagnosed Severe Cardiac Events. Brief Report of Two Cases.
Authors: Schubert Louis , Laroche Suzanne , Hartemann Agnès , Bourron Olivier , Phan Franck 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Sudden cardiac death are twice more frequent in diabetic patients with cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Sudden cardiac death etiologies remain unclear and no recommendation are made to identify factor associated with cardiorespiratory arrest in diabetic patients. We hypothesized, from two clinical cases, that impaired hypoxic ventilatory drive, induced by diabetic autonomic neuropathy, is a cause of misdiagnosed severe cardiac events.Case presentation: We describe the cases of two patients with isolated low blood saturation on pulse oximeter during the systematic nurse check-up (77% and 85% respectively) contrasting with the absence of any complaint as well as any dyspnea, polypnea or other respiratory insufficiency signs observed during the clinical examination. Arterial blood gas measurements subsequently confirmed that blood saturation was low and that both patients were indeed hypoxemic. Patient 1 suffered of vascular overload complicated by cardiac arrest caused by hypoxemia in light of the quick recovery observed after ventilation. Pulmonary edema was diagnosed in patient 2. The common denominator of these 2 cases described in this brief report is the absence of respiratory failure clinical signs contrasting with the presence of confirmed hypoxemia. Also, in both cases, such absence of precursory signs seems to be induced by an impaired ventilatory drive to hypoxemia. This appears to be related to the autonomic diabetic neuropathy encountered in those 2 patients.Conclusions: Therefore, we describe, in this brief report, cardiac autonomic neuropathy as a cause of impaired hypoxic ventilatory drive involved in severe acute cardiorespiratory events in two type 1 diabetic patients. We assume that altered response to hypoxemia due to cardiac autonomic neuropathy and non-functional central neurological breathing command could play a key role in sudden deaths among diabetic patients. A point to emphasize is that hypoxemia can be easily missed since no clinical signs of respiratory failure are reported in these two clinical cases. Systematic screening of cardiac autonomic neuropathy in diabetic patients and proactive detection of impaired hypoxic ventilatory drive for early management (e.g. treatment of hypoxemia) should be systematically undertaken in diabetic patients to prevent its dramatic consequences such as cardiorespiratory arrest and death.
Electron Liquid State in the Symmetric Anderson Lattice
Authors: Karnaukhov Igor 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Using mean field approach, we provide analytical and numerical solution of the symmetric Anderson lattice for arbitrary dimension at half filling. The symmetric Anderson lattice is equivalent to the Kondo lattice, which makes it possible to study the behavior of an electron liquid in the Kondo lattice. We have shown that, due to hybridization (through an effective field due to localized electrons) of electrons with different spins and momenta k and k+→π, the gap in the electron spectrum opens at half filling. Such hybridization breaks the conservation of the total magnetic momentum of electrons, the spontaneous symmetry is broken. The state of electron liquid is characterized by a large Fermi surface. A gap in the spectrum is calculated depending on the magnitude of the on-site Coulomb repulsion and value of s-d hybridization for the chain, as well as for square and cubic lattices.
WITHDRAWN: Morphological and Biochemical Changes in the Rat Ovaries Following Electromagnetic Field Exposure
Authors: Kanbur Savaş , ONGER Mehmet Emin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure which is environmental toxic agent on rat ovary. MethodsA total of 30 female Wistar albino rats are randomly divided into three groups (n=10) as Control, Sham, and EMF groups. The rats are not exposed any processes in Control group. The rats are kept in special cage for the same duration as in the EMF group without any EMF exposure in Sham group while the rats are exposed to 900 MHz EMF with a special mechanism in EMF group. At the end of day 28, the ovarian tissues are collected. Stereological and biochemical examinations are performed.ResultsConcerning the GSI values, there are statistical differences between the Control and EMF (p=0.001), and Sham and EMF (p=0.001) groups, respectively. There are also statistical differences between Control and EMF groups in terms of volumetric parameters including medullary, and follicular antral volumes. Regarding the biochemical parameters, there are statistically differences between the Control and EMF (p=0.000), and Sham and EMF (p=0.000) groups, respectively.Conclusion﻿It may be concluded that exposure to a 900-MHz EMF leads to changes in ovarian follicle volumes which may affect the ovarian reservoir.
Mitochondrial Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (PCK2) Maintains the Function of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal/stem Cells to Rescue Osteoporotic Phenotype Partly Through Autophagy Dependent Manner
Authors: Li Zheng , Liu Xuenan , Liu Xuejiao , Du Yangge , Zhu Yuan , Lv Longwei , Zhang Xiao , Liu Yunsong , Zhang Ping , Zhou Yongsheng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK2) is a rate-limiting enzyme that plays critical roles in multiple physiological processes. We unveiled the important role of PCK2 on the regulation of osteogenesis by mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) in our previous work. Here we further investigated the roles of PCK2 on regulating adipogenesis of MSCs and its therapeutic effect on osteoporosis. MethodsWe investigated PCK2 function in adipogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro through loss-and-gain-of-function experiments. This was followed by heterotopic adipose formation assay in nude mice. In addition, ovariectomized (OVX) and aged mice were used as osteoporotic models to test the effect of PCK2 on osteoporosis. The bone formation and adipocyte accumulation were assessed by micro-CT and histological analysis. The multipotent capacity of control and osteoporotic BMMSCs were evaluated by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis. ResultsPCK2 expression levels were signiﬁcantly decreased in BMMSCs from OVX and aged mice. Furthermore, PCK2 could inhibit adipogenesis of BMMSCs and thus resisting lipid droplet formation and attenuating bone loss in osteoporotic mice. Mechanistically, we detected that autophagy level was decreased in BMMSCs of osteoporotic mice, while overexpression of PCK2 in vivo could rescued the autophagy activity. We further indicated that PCK2 could reverse osteopenia phenotype and adipose formation in OVX and aged mice partially via autophagy.Conclusions﻿Collectively, we suggested that PCK2 could attenuate bone loss and adipocyte accumulation of BMMSCs in osteoporotic mice through autophagy dependent manner. Our study indicated that PCK2 could be a brand and effective therapeutic target for osteoporosis treatment.
An Immune-Related Long Noncoding RNA Signature as a Prognostic Biomarker for Human Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Wang Ziwei , Liu Yan , Zhang Jun , Zhao Rong , Zhou Xing , Wang Hongbo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors threatening women's health. Recently, immunity and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) have become hot topics in oncology. Here, to search for prognostic biomarkers, immune-related lncRNAs were identified by collecting endometrial cancer samples’ information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and immune-related genes from Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) gene sets. These included ELN-AS1, AC103563.7, PCAT19, AF131215.5, LINC01871, AC084127.1, NRAV, SCARNA9. AL049539.1, POC1B-AS1, AC108134.4, and AC019080.5. Models based on these 12 immune-related lncRNAs were constructed. Survival analysis showed that the survival rate in the high-risk group was significantly lower than in the low-risk group. Independent prognostic analysis results showed that the patient's age, pathological grade, FIGO stage, and risk status were risk factors. Clinical correlation analysis showed that the 12 immune-related lncRNAs correlated with patients’ age, pathological grade, and FIGO stage. After principal component analysis and functional annotation, to further determine the effects of these lncRNAs on prognosis, samples were divided into training and validation groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis of the training group showed that the patient's age, FIGO stage, and risk status were prognostic risk factors. A nomogram constructed with the risk factors was used to estimate the patient's survival rate. C-indexes were calculated and multi-index ROC curves were plotted to evaluate the accuracy and stability of the nomogram. Finally, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that age, pathological grade, FIGO stage, and risk status were all related to patients’ survival. In summary, we identified 12 immune-related lncRNAs that affect the prognosis of endometrial cancer, and that may act as therapeutic targets and molecular biomarkers for the disease.
Innovative Method for Amplatzer Device Implantation in Patients With Bronchopleural Fistulas
Authors: Zhang Jisong , Hu Huihui , Xu Li , Xu Shan , Zhu Jihong , Wu Fengjie , Chen Enguo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a relatively rare complication after various types of pulmonary resection. The double-sided mushroom-shaped occluder (Amplatzer device, AD) has been gradually used for BPF blocking due to its reliable blocking effect. We have improved the existing AD implantation methods to facilitate clinical use and named the new approach the Sheath-free method (SFM the aim of the present report was to explore the reliability and advantages of SFM for AD implantation.Methods: We improved the existing placement methods by abandoning the sheath of the AD and using the working channel of the bronchoscope to directly store or release the AD without the use of general anesthesia, rigid bronchoscopy, fluoroscopy, or bronchography. A total of 6 patients (5 men and 1 woman, aged 66.67±6.19 years [mean ± SD]) had bronchopleural fistulas sealed using the SFM for AD implantation. Results: Closure was successfully performed in all 6 patients with the SFM, and the average duration of operation was 16.17 minutes (16.17±4.67 minutes [mean ± SD]). Five patients achieved complete occlusion after the operation, and 1 patient who had multiple fistulas did not. No patients died due to operation complications and BPF recurrence. The average follow-up time was 13.2 months (range: 10-17 months).Conclusion: We observed that the SFM for AD implantation—with accurate device positioning and a clear field of vision—is efficient and convenient. The AD is effective in BPF sealing, and patient symptoms significantly improved after sealing.
In Vivo Brain Region-specific TSPO&nbsp;Imaging by PET/MRI [18F]FEPPA
Authors: Chang Chi-Wei , Chiu Chuang-Hsin , Lin Ming-Hsien , Wu Hung-Ming , Yu Tsung-Hsun , Wang Pao-Yeh , Kuo Yu-Yeh , Huang Ya-Yao , Shiue Chyng-Yann , Huang Wen-Sheng , Yeh Skye Hsin-Hsien 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Expression of translocator protein (TSPO) on the outer mitochondrial membrane of activated microglia is strongly associated with neuroinflammation. The second-generation PET ligand [18F]FEPPA specifically binds TSPO to enable in vivo visualization and quantification of neuroinflammation. We optimized an fully automated radiosynthesis method and evaluated the utility of [18F]FEPPA, the second-generation PET ligand specifically binds TSPO, in a mouse model of systemic LPS challenge to detect TSPO-associated signals of central and peripheral inflammation. In vivo dynamic PET/MR imaging was performed in LPS-induced and control mice after [18F]FEPPA administration. The relationship between the [18F]FEPPA signal and the dose of LPS was assessed. The cytokine levels (i.e. TNF-α, Il-1β, Il-6) in LPS-induced mice were measured by RT-PCR. Standard uptake value (SUV), total volume of distribution (VT) and area under the curve (AUC) were determined based on the metabolite-uncorrected plasma input function. Western blotting and immunostaining were used to measure TSPO expression in the brain. Results: The fully automated [18F]FEPPA radiosynthesis produced an uncorrected radiochemical yield of 30 ± 2% within 80 min, with a radiochemical purity greater than 99% and specific activity of 148.9‒216.8 GBq/µmol. Significant differences were observed in the brain after [18F]FEPPA administration: SUV, VT, and AUC were 1.61 ± 0.1, 1.25 ± 0.12, and 1.58 ± 0.09-fold higher in LPS-injected mice than controls. TNF-α, Il-1β and Il-6 mRNA levels were also elevated in the brains of LPS-injected mice. Western blotting revealed TSPO (p<0.05) and Iba-1 (p<0.01) were upregulated in the brain after LPS administration. In LPS-injected mice, TSPO immunoactivity colocalized with Iba-1 in the cerebrum and TSPO was significantly overexpressed in the hippocampus and cerebellum. The peripheral organs (heart, lung) of LPS-injected mice had higher [18F]FEPPA signal-to-noise ratios than control mice. Conclusions: Based on the robust data on ligand specificity and selectivity in both central and peripheral tissues using 7T PET/MR imaging, we demonstrate that the high affinity, stability and high-contrast visualization indicate detection of TSPO using [18F]FEPPA represents a promising, specific biomarker for early diagnosis and neuropathological follow-up of neuroinflammatory processes.
Isolation and characterization of high affinity and highly stable anti-Chikungunya virus antibodies using ALTHEA Gold Libraries™
Authors: Pedraza-Escalona Martha , Guzmán-Bringas Omar , Arrieta-Oliva Ivan , Gómez-Castellano Keyla , Salinas-Trujano Juana , Torres-Flores Jesus , Muñoz-Herrera Juan , Camacho-Sandoval Rosa , Contreras-Pineda Paola , Chacón-Salinas Rommel , Pérez-Tapia Sonia Mayra , Almagro Juan Carlos 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: More than three million infections were attributed to Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in the 2014-2016 outbreak in Mexico, Central and South America, with over 500 deaths directly or indirectly related to this viral disease. CHIKV outbreaks are recurrent and no vaccine nor approved therapeutics exist to prevent or treat CHIKV infection. Reliable and robust diagnostic methods are thus critical to control future CHIKV outbreaks. Direct CHIKV detection in serum samples via highly specific and high affinity anti-CHIKV antibodies has shown to be an early and effective clinical diagnosis. Methods: To isolate highly specific and high affinity anti-CHIKV, Chikungunya virions were isolated from serum of a patient in Veracruz, México. After purification and characterization via electron microscopy, SDS-PAGE and binding to well-characterized anti-CHIKV antibodies, UV-inactivated particles were utilized as selector in a solid-phase panning in combination with ALTHEA Gold Libraries™, as source of antibodies. The screening was based on ELISA and Next-Generation Sequencing. Results: The CHIKV isolate showed the typical morphology of the virus. Protein bands in the SDS-PAGE were consistent with the size of CHIKV capsid proteins. UV-inactivated CHIKV particles bound tightly the control antibodies. The lead antibodies here obtained, on the other hand, showed high expression yield, > 95% monomeric content after a single-step Protein A purification, and importantly, had a thermal stability above 75oC. Most of the antibodies recognized linear epitopes on E2, including the highest affinity antibody called C7. A sandwich ELISA implemented with C7 and a potent neutralizing antibody isolated elsewhere, also specific for E2 but recognizing a discontinuous epitope, showed a dynamic range of 0.2 – 40.0 mg/mL of UV-inactivated CHIKV purified preparation. The number of CHIKV particles estimated based on the concentration of E2 in the extract suggested that the assay could detect clinically meaningful amounts of CHIKV in serum.Conclusions: The newly discovered antibodies offer valuable tools for characterization of CHIKV isolates and development of robust diagnostic tools for CHIKV infection surveillance. Therefore, the strategy here followed using whole viral particles and ALTHEA Gold Libraries™ as universal source of antibodies could expedite the discovery and development of antibodies for detection and control of emergent and quickly spreading viral outbreaks.