bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IgG anti-hinge antibodies against IgG4 F(ab’)2 fragments generated using pepsin are useful diagnostic markers for rheumatoid arthritis: implications of the possible roles of metalloproteinases and IgG subclasses in generating of immunogenic hinge epitopes.
Authors: Ota Toshiyuki , Ota Shun-ichiro , Uchino Ayumi , Nagano Shuji 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background. Pepsin agglutinators, discovered over 50 years ago, have been recently referred to as anti-hinge antibodies (AHAs) because of their reaction with the IgG hinge epitope. AHAs have different reactivity for each hinge epitope generated by each protease that cleaves the hinge region at different sites. Moreover, AHAs have different reactivity against different hinge epitopes derived from each IgG subclass even when the same protease is used. Since the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is enhanced in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), AHA production could also be increased. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the levels of AHAs against IgG hinge epitopes produced by MMP-3 are elevated in RA.Methods. The serum levels of IgG or IgA AHAs against the IgG1/IgG4 F(ab’)2 fragments, generated by either MMP-3 or pepsin, was measured using ELISA in 111 patients with RA and 81 healthy controls (HC). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used for obtaining optimal cutoff values and cutoff values indicating high specificity (>95%) of the AHA. The targeted epitope of a specific AHA was investigated through inhibition ELISA. Results. Seven AHAs were statistically higher in RA patients than HC, except IgG AHA against IgG1 F(ab’)2, which was generated by MMP-3 proteolytic cleavage. The areas under the ROC curve were of 0.66--0.80, although the sensitivities at high specificity were low (5.4--24.3%). The cumulative number of positive AHAs in each individual was statistically higher in RA patients than HC, suggesting the extreme extent of AHA repertoires in RA. Inhibition studies revealed that IgG AHAs against IgG4 F(ab’)2 fragments generated by pepsin cross-reacted with IgG1 F(ab’)2 fragments generated by pepsin. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the IgG AHA against IgG4 F(ab’)2 fragments generated by pepsin as an independent variable for RA diagnosis, even in RA patients who were negative for both RF and ACPA (odds ratio 1.18, 95% CI: 1.06−1.32; P=0.003). Additional experiments using non-RA patients finally strengthened the diagnostic utility.Conclusion. In RA patients, we observed diversification and amplification of AHA repertoires and diagnostic utility of the specific AHA against IgG4 F(ab’)2 fragments generated by pepsin but not MMP-3.
Diagnostic performance of ultrasonography, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy, and early and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT in preoperative parathyroid gland localization in secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Zhang Rongqin , Zhang Zhanwen , Huang Pinbo , Li Zhi , Hu Rui , Zhang Jie , Qiu Wanglin , Hu Ping 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) usually requires parathyroidectomy when drug regimens fail. However, obtaining an exact preoperative map of the locations of the parathyroid glands is a challenge. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of US, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy, and early and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT in patients with SHPT.Methods: Sixty patients with SHPT who were undergoing dialysis were evaluated preoperatively by US, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy, and early and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT. Postoperative pathology served as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were determined for each method. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyse the correlation of hyperplastic parathyroid calcification with serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH).Results: A total of 229 lesions in 60 patients were pathologically confirmed to be parathyroid hyperplasia, with 209 lesions in typical sites, 15 lesions in the upper mediastinum and 5 lesions in the thyroid. A total of 88.33% (53/60) of patients had four lesions. US and early and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT had significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy (P < 0.001) than dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy. Furthermore, early 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT had significantly higher sensitivity (χ2 = 17.521, P < 0.001, χ2 = 35.027, P < 0.001) and accuracy (χ2 = 11.076, P = 0.001, χ2 = 16.289, P < 0.001) than US and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT. In patients with ectopic hyperplastic parathyroid glands, the sensitivity of early 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT (90%) was significantly higher than that of US (55%) and dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy (50%) (P = 0.039 and P = 0.039). The Spearman correlation results showed a significant linear association between calcification and both serum PTH (r = 0.398, P = 0.002) and ALP (r = 0.415, P = 0.002).Conclusion: The ability of early 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT to detect hyperplastic parathyroid glands in patients with SHPT is superior to that of US, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT; furthermore, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT is not essential.
Healthcare Providers’ Perspectives on Family Presence During Resuscitation in the Emergency Departments of the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Abuzeyad Feras , Elhobi Ahmed , Kamkoum Wael , Bashmi Luma , Qasim Ghada Al , Alqasem Leena , Mansoor Naser Mohamed Ali , Hsu Stephanie , Das Priya 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Worldwide, policies exist on family presence during resuscitation (FPDR), however, this is still lacking in the Gulf Corporation Countries (GCC) in general and in the Kingdom of Bahrain in particular. The aim of this study is to assess the perspectives of healthcare providers (HP) on FPDR among those working in the emergency departments (EDs) in the Kingdom. Methods: A self-administered anonymous electronic survey was collected from 146 HPs (emergency physicians and nurses) working in the three major EDs in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Besides demographic data, 18 items measuring HPs’ perceptions of FPDR were generated using the 5-point Likert scale.Results: Surveys (n= 146) from physicians and nurses were analysed (45.9% vs. 54.1%, respectively). There were significant differences between physicians and nurses in terms of personal beliefs, FPDR enhancing professional satisfaction and behaviour, and the importance of a support person and saying goodbye (p< 0.001). However, general responses demonstrated that the majority of HPs encouraged and supported FPDR, but with greater support from physicians than nurses. Conclusion: The study reflects that many HPs in EDs participated in and are familiar with FPDR, with the majority of ED physicians supporting it. Further studies should investigate the reasons for the lack of support from nurses. Results may contribute to the development of hospital ED policies that allow FPDR in the region.
Prognostic Value of Circulating Tumour Cells detected with the CellSearch System in Esophageal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Yiding , Wu Guiling , Yang Wanli , Wang Xiaoqian , Duan Lili , Niu Liaoran , Zhang Yujie , Liu Jinqiang , Hong Liu , Fan Daiming 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Esophageal carcinoma (EC) is the seventh-most prevalent tumour in the world, which is still the primary cause of tumour-related death. Identifying noteworthy biomarkers for EC is particularly significant in guiding active and effective treatment. Recently, circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood (PB) were intensively discussed as prognostic markers in patients with EC. However, an ongoing controversy still exists regarding the prognostic significance of CTCs determined using the CellSearch System in EC sufferers. This meta-analysis was designed to approach this topic. Methods: We systematically conducted searches using PubMed, Medline, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies, which were published through February 20, 2020. Using the random-effects model, our study was performed in Review Manager software, with odds ratios (ORs), risk ratios (RRs), hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as effect values. Results: In total, 7 articles were finally included in this study. For clinicopathological characteristics, the pooled results on TNM stage indicated that the III/IV group had higher incidence of CTCs compared with the I/II group (OR=1.36, 95% CI (0.68,2.71), I2=0%). Incidence of CTCs was higher among patients on T3/T4 stage (OR=2.92, 95% CI (1.31,6.51), I2=0%) and distant metastasis group (OR=5.18, 95% CI (2.38,11.25), I2=0%) compared to patients on T1/T2 stage or non-metastatic group. The pooled analysis revealed that CTC positivity detected in EC patients was correlated with poor overall survival (OS) (HR =2.83, 95% CI (1.99,4.03), I2=0%) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (HR =4.71, 95% CI (2.73,8.13), I2=0%). When pooling the estimated RR, a poor therapeutic response to chemoradiotherapy was discovered in patients with CTC positivity (RR =1.99, 95% CI (1.73,2.29), I2=60%). Conclusions: In summary, our meta-analysis demonstrated that CTCs from PB of EC patients determined using the CellSearch System are correlated with the prognosis of EC patients and might indicate a poor therapeutic response to chemotherapy in EC patients.
Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio as a predictor for diagnosis of early Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Yu BaoZhan , Fu Jun , Chai Wei , Hao LiBo , Chen Jiying 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication after total knee or hip arthroplasty. The diagnosis of PJI is very difficult, especially in the early postoperative period. The value of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is useful for diagnosing infectious diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy of the NLR for the diagnosis of early PJI after total knee or hip arthroplasty.
Methods
We retrospectively evaluated consecutive primary total knee or hip arthroplasty and identified the patients who readmitted within the first 90 days postoperatively between January 2011 and October 2018. There were 20 cases diagnosed early PJI and 101 uninfected cases on the basis of the modified Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria. The serum parameters including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood-cell (WBC) count, NLR, interleukin-6 (IL-6) were compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to estimate the optimal cutoff values for each parameter. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for each parameter were calculated.
Results
The CRP, ESR, WBC, NLR and IL-6 values were all significally higher in the infected group than the uninfected group. The mean CRP (infected = 59.06, uninfected = 10.09), ESR (infected = 35, uninfected = 17), WBC(infected = 7.95 × 109,uninfected = 6.16 × 109), NLR (infected = 4.89, uninfected = 2.18), IL-6 (infected = 40.68, uninfected = 7.46).. The best parameter for the diagnosis of early PJI was IL-6 (AUC = 81.4%; optimal cutoff value 8.07 pg/ml) followed by the NLR (AUC = 80.2%; optimal cutoff value 2.13), CRP (AUC = 79.3%; optimal cutoff value 9.27 mg/l), ESR (AUC = 74.4%; optimal cutoff value 22 mm/h) and WBC (AUC = 63.2%; optimal cutoff value 8.91 × 109).
Conclusions
This study is the first to show that NLR values are more accurate than CRP and may be considered as useful parameters for the diagnosis of early PJI because it is a cheap and convenient parameter to be calculated in daily practice without extra costs.
The Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Dental Pulp in Modular Alginate-Gelatin/Nano-Hydroxyapatite Microcapsules
Authors: Alipour Mahdieh , Firouzi Nima , Aghazadeh Marziyeh , Samiei Mohammad , Montazersaheb Soheila , Khoshfetrat Ali Baradar , Aghazadeh Zahra 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Microcapsule is considered as a promising 3D microenvironment for Bone Tissue Engineering (BTE) applications. Microencapsulation of cells in an appropriate scaffold not only protects cells against excess stress but also promotes cell proliferation and differentiation. Methods In the current study, human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (hDPSCs) were cultivated in Alginate/Gelatin (Alg/Gel) and Alginate/Gelatin/nano-Hydroxyapatite (Alg/Gel/nHA) microcapsules. The proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of these cells were evaluated by MTT assay, qRT-PCR, Alkaline phosphatase, and Alizarine Red S.Results The results revealed that microencapsulation by Alg/Gel/nHA could improve cell proliferation and induce osteogenic differentiation. The cells cultured in the Alg/Gel and Alg/Gel/nHA microcapsules after 28 days showed 2.5-fold and 4-fold more activity of BMP-2 gene expression in comparison with the cells cultured on the polystyrene surface as a control group. The nHA addition to hDPSCs-laden Alg/Gel microcapsule could also up-regulate the bone-related gene expressions of osteocalcin, osteonectin, and RUNX-2 during a 28-day culture period. Calcium deposition and ALP activities of the cells were obsereved in accordance with the proliferation results as well as the gene expression analysis. Conclusion The study demonstrated that microencapsulation of hDPSCs inside Alg/Gel/nHA hydrogel can be a potential approach for regenerative dentistry in the near future.
A Novel tsRNA-16902 Regulating the Adipogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Tao , Mei Jun , Li Xing-nuan , Xu Xiao-yuan , Ma Bai-cheng , Li Wei-dong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are a recently discovered form of non-coding RNA capable of regulating myriad physiological processes. The role of tsRNAs in hMSC adipogenic differentiation, however, remains incompletely understood. Methods: In this study we conducted transcriptomic sequencing of hMSCs after inducing their adipogenic differentiation, and we were thereby able to identify tsRNA-16902 as a tsRNA that was potentially differentially regulated in this context by a series of molecular biology methods. Results: When we knocked down tsRNA-16902 expression, this impaired hMSC adipogenic differentiation and associated marker gene expression. Bioinformatics analyses further revealed tsRNA-16902 to target retinoic acid receptor γ (RARγ). Luciferase reporter assays also confirmed the ability of tsRNA-16902 to bind to the RARγ 3’-untranslated region. Consistent with this, RARγ overexpression led to impaired hMSC adipogenesis. Further analyses additionally revealed that Smad2/3 phosphorylation as increased in cells that either overexpressed RARγ or in which tsRNA-16902 had been knocked down. We also assessed the adipogenic differentiation of hMSCs in which tsRNA-16902 was knocked down and at the same time as Smad2/3 inhibitor was added to disrupt Smad2/3 phosphorylation. The adipogenic differentiation of hMSCs in which tsRNA-16902 was knocked down was further enhanced upon the addition of a Smad2/3 signaling inhibitor relative to tsRNA-16902 knockdown alone. Conclusions: Through a comprehensive profiling analysis of tsRNAs that were differentially expressed in the context of hMSC adipogenic differentiation, we were able to identify tsRNA-16902 as a previously uncharacterized regulator of adipogenesis. tsRNA-16902 is able to regulate hMSC adipogenic differentiation by targeting RARγ via the Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Together our results may thus highlight novel strategies of value for treating obesity.
AC-YVAD-CMK Inhibits Caspase-1-mediated Imflammatory Response to Improve Bone Marrow Stromal Cells on Neuroprotection After Sci in Rats
Authors: Zhang Xiangtong , Qu Faling , Gao Aili , Li Yonghua , Shi Yue , Jin Chenfei , Zhu Guoxu , Chen Xin , Long Yu , Jiang Zhenfeng , Yang Kongbin , Liang Hongsheng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Stem cell transplantation maybe an advantaged method for curing spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the adverse environment of the injured area makes the treatment effects on transplantation unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to investigate whether AC-YVAD-CMK could change enviroment by inhibiting caspase-1-mediated imflammatory response to improve Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) transplantation on neuroprotection after SCI.Methods: Firstly, BMSCs were prepared and cultured in vitro and the SCI rat model was constructed. Then, AC-YVAD-CMK and BMSCs were injected into the SCI model at the same time. Western blot and ELISA were used to detect the production of inflammatory factors and neurotrophic factors in the injured area, meanwhile immunohistochemistry was employed to clarify the effect of AC-YVAD-CMK on BMSCs transplantation. Finally, we evaluated the recovery of limb motor function by BBB score in SCI rats.Result: In the AC-YVAD-CMK + BMSCs group, the active caspase-1, IL-18 and IL-1β expressed less than those in the BMSCs group or AC-YVAD-CMK group at 1 week after SCI (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, increasing brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) levels, the PKH26 labeled BMSCs with some being neurofilament protein-200 (NF-200)-positive were still observed in the contusion site. Furthermore, the restoration of motor connections across the injury sites was positively correlated with the recovery of spinal cord function in cotreatment group (P < 0.01).Conclusions: These results show that caspase-1-mediated inflammatory response is inhibited by AC-YVAD-CMK to enhance BMSCs transplantation to improve neuroprotection after SCI.
Dynamic Characteristics of High-speed Water-lubricated Spiral Groove Thrust Bearing based on Turbulent Cavitating Flow Lubrication Model
Authors: Lin Xiaohui , Wang shun , Jiang shuyun , Zhang shaowen 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In this paper, a turbulent cavitating flow lubrication model based on two-phase fluid and population balance equation of bubbles was established to analyze dynamic characteristics of high speed water-lubricated spiral groove thrust bearings(SGTB). Stiffness and the damping coefficients of the SGTB were calculated using the perturbation pressure equations. An experimental apparatus was developed to verify the theoretical model. Simulating and experimental results show that the small-sized bubbles tend to generate in the turbulent cavitating flow when at a high rotary speed, and the bubbles mainly locate at the edges of the spiral groove. The simulating results also show that the direct stiffness coefficients are increased due to cavitation effect, and cross stiffness coefficients and damping coefficients are hardly affected by the cavitation effect. Turbulent effect on the dynamic characteristics of SGTB is much stronger than the cavitating effect.
COVID-19 and a novel initiative to improve safety by 3D printing personal protective equipment parts from computed tomography
Authors: Cote John , Haggstrom John , Vivkanandan Ranuga , Coté Kristin Ann , Real Daniel , Weber David P , Cheng Anne V , Dubay Nicholas Gregory , Farias-Eisner Robin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Powered air-purifying respirators are in short supply and can break down with extended use. Replacement parts can become hard to acquire. The aim of this study was to create an innovative quality improvement proof of concept using rapid prototyping. Methods Here we report three cases of 3D printed powered air-purifying respirator parts. 3D printing was performed on all parts using fused deposition modeling with standard polylactic acid, in the same way that presurgical models would be created. Measurements using an electronic caliper as well as CT scans were used to compare an original part to its corresponding 3D printed parts for accuracy. Results Electronic caliper and computed tomography measurements both showed accuracy consistant with current published norms. Conclusions Ultimately, there will be questions surrounding intellectual property, effectiveness and potential long-term safety for these types of 3D printed parts. Future research should look into the addition of specific nanoparticles from the position of cost, efficacy, safety and improved accuracy.
Mathematical modeling of COVID-19 spreading with asymptomatic infected and interacting peoples
Authors: SERHANI Mustapha , Labbardi Hanane 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In this article we propose a modified compartmental (SIR) model describing the transmission of COVID-19 in Morocco. It takes account on the asymptomatic people and the strategies involving hospital isolation of the confirmed infected person, quarantine of people contacting them, and the home containment of all population to restrict mobility. We establish a relationship between the containment control coefficient $c_0$ and the basic reproduction number $\mathcal{R}_0$. Different scenarios are tested with different values of $c_0$, for which the stability of a Disease Free Equilibrium (DFE) point is correlated with the condition linking $\mathcal{R}_0$ and $c_0$. A worst scenario in which the containment is not respected in the same way during the period of confinement leads to several peaks of pandemic. It is shown that the home containment, if lived well, played a crucial role in controlling the disease spreading.
Classification Of X-ray Images For Detecting Covid-19 Using Deep Transfer Learning
Authors: Bansal Nidhi , S.Srid  
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The coronavirus disease COVID-19 eruption is stated as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. It is affecting around 212 countries and territories across the globe. There is a need to constantly analyze and find patterns from lungs X-Ray images. Early diagnosis can constraint the exposure of person and aids to bound the feast of the virus. The manual diagnosis is quite tedious and time-consuming process. The main aim of this paper is to explore the transfer learning potential. A deep learning framework is proposed adopting the capability of pretrained Deep Convolutional Neural Network models with transfer learning. This assists in classification of the chest X-Ray Images with high level of accuracy. An analysis is done with utilization of six pretrained models – VGG16, VGG19, ResNet50V2, InceptionV3, Xception and NASNetLarge. The experiment results showed that the highest accuracy obtained was 97% using VGG16 and VGG19 with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 94% respectively.