bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between the Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines in the Aqueous Humor and Cataract in Fuchs Uveitis Syndrome-A Case Control Study
Authors: Wang Hui , Tao Yong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background This study aims to compare the levels of intraocular cytokines between Fuchs uveitis syndrome (FUS) eyes and the senile cataract eyes. The association between inflammatory cytokine levels and cataract severity in FUS is evaluated to find the possible mechanism of cataract in FUS eyes.Methods A retrospective study of 28 eyes with FUS was performed. Auxiliary examinations were performed, including ophthalmic examinations, laser flare-cell photometry, and levels of inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humor were measured. The control group included 25 eyes with senile cataract. Data on the aqueous humor inflammatory cytokines were compared between the two groups. The association between the aqueous humor cytokine levels and severity of posterior subcapsular cataract was assessed.Results There were 28 eyes with FUS in 27 patients. Unilateral involvement was noted in 26 patients (96.30%). Stellate keratic precipitates (KPs) were noted in 16 eyes (57.14%). Heterochromia was observed in 21.43% of affected eyes. Posterior subcapsular cataract was observed in 16 of the 28 eyes. Eyes with FUS had significantly higher aqueous humor (AH) cytokine levels (VEGF, bFGF, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10) compared with the control eyes (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the severity of cataract and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in the AH (τ = 0.675 and 0.793, respectively; P = 0.001, P<0.001, respectively).Conclusions Expression of VEGF, bFGF, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 in the AH of FUS patients was significantly higher than in senile cataract eyes, and the aqueous humor levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly positively associated with the severity of posterior subcapsular cataract. Our results imply that an inflammation mechanism may be involved in the early development of cataract in FUS.
A New Postural Stability-Indicator to Predict the Level of Fear of Falling in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Pourghayoomi Ehsan , Behzadipour Saeed , Ramezani Mehdi , Joghataei Mohammad Taghi , Shahidi Gholamali 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Fear of falling (FoF) is defined as a lasting concern about falling that causes a person to limit or even stop the daily activities that he/she is capable of. Seventy percent of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients report activity limitations due to FoF. Timely identification of FoF is critical to prevent its additional adverse effects on the quality of life. Self-report questionnaires are commonly used to evaluate the FoF, which may be prone to human error.Objectives: In this study, we attempted to identify a new postural stability-indicator to objectively predict the intensity of FoF and its related behavior(s) in PD patients. Methods: Thirty-eight PD patients participated in the study (mean age, 61.2 years), among whom 10 (26.32%) were identified with low FoF and the rest (73.68%) with high FoF, based on Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). We used a limit of stability task calibrated to each individual and investigated the postural strategies to predict the intensity of FoF. New parameters (FTRi’s; functional time ratio) were extracted based on the center of pressure presence pattern in different rectangular areas (i = 1, 2, and 3). The task was performed on two heights to investigate FoF related behavior(s). Results: FTR1/2 (the ratio between FTR1 and FTR2) was strongly correlated with the FES-I (r = −0.63, P < 0.001), Pull Test (r = −0.65, P < 0.001), Timed Up and Go test (r = −0.57, P < 0.001), and Berg Balance Scale (r = 0.62, P < 0.001). The model of FTR1/2 was identified as a best-fitting model to predicting the intensity of FoF in PD participants (sensitivity = 96.43%, specificity = 80%), using a threshold level of ≤ 2.83. Conclusions: Using the proposed assessment technique we can accurately predict the intensity of FoF in PD patients. Also, The FTR1/2 index can be potentially considered as a mechanical biomarker to sense the FoF-related postural instability in PD patients.
Discontinuation of hydroxychloroquine in older patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Ruiz Ruth Fernandez , Bornkamp Nicole , Kim Mimi Y. , Askanase Anca D. , Zezon Anna , Tseng Chung-E , Belmont H. Michael , Saxena Amit , Salmon Jane E. , Lockshin Michael , Buyon Jill P. , Izmirly Peter M. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Although hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a mainstay of treatment for patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), ocular toxicity can result from accumulated exposure. As the longevity of patients with SLE improves, data are needed to balance the risk of ocular toxicity and the risk of disease flare, especially in older patients with quiescent disease. Accordingly, this study was initiated to examine the safety of HCQ withdrawal in older SLE patients.
Methods: Data were obtained by retrospective chart review at three major lupus centers in New York City. Twenty-six patients who discontinued HCQ, and thirty-two patients on HCQ matched for gender, race/ethnicity and age were included in this study. The primary outcome was the occurrence of a lupus flare classified by the revised version of the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus: National Assessment version of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) Flare composite index, within one year of HCQ withdrawal or matched time of continuation.
Results: Five patients (19.2%) in the HCQ withdrawal group compared to five (15.6%) in the HCQ continuation group experienced a flare of any severity (odds ratio [OR]=1.28; 95% CI: 0.31, 5.30; p=0.73). There were no severe flares in either group. The results were similar after adjusting for length of SLE, number of American College of Rheumatology criteria, low complement levels, and SELENA-SLEDAI score, and in a propensity score analysis (OR=1.18; 95% CI: 0.23, 6.16, p=0.84). The analysis of time to any flare revealed a non-significant earlier time to flare in the HCQ withdrawal group (log rank p=0.67). Most flares were in the cutaneous and musculoskeletal systems, but one patient in the continuation group developed pericarditis. The most common reason for HCQ withdrawal was retinal toxicity (42.3%), followed by patient’s preference (34.6%), other confirmed or suspected adverse effects (15.4%), ophthalmologist recommendation for macular degeneration (3.8%), and rheumatologist recommendation for quiescent SLE (3.8%).
Conclusions: In this retrospective study of older stable patients with SLE on long-term HCQ, withdrawal did not significantly increase the risk of flares.
Comparison of visual field progression in new-diagnosed primary open-angle and exfoliation glaucoma patients in Sweden.
Authors: Ayala Marcelo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The present study aimed to compare visual field progression in new-diagnosed exfoliation versus open-angle glaucoma patients. Methods: Retrospective study. The study included patients with new-diagnosed primary open-angle and exfoliation glaucoma. All patients were followed for three years with reliable visual fields. At least five reliable fields were needed for inclusion. Exfoliation and open-angle glaucoma were defined based on the European Glaucoma Society guidelines. Visual field evaluation was performed using the software threshold 24-2 of the Humphrey Field Analysis. Outcomes: Visual field progression. For visual field progression, three different strategies were used: mean deviation (MD), visual field index (VFI), and the guided progression analysis (GPA). Results: The study included 128 subjects, of the 54 in the open-angle and 74 in the exfoliation glaucoma group. The MD difference values were higher in the exfoliation (-3.17 dB) than in the primary open-angle (-1.25 dB) glaucoma group in the three-year follow-up period. The difference between groups was significant (t-test, p=<0.001). The difference in VFI was calculated for the three years follow-up period. The difference was higher in the exfoliation (-7.65%) than in the primary open (-1.90%) glaucoma group (t-test, p=<0.001). The GPA showed progression in 58% of cases in exfoliation, and 13% in primary open glaucoma group (Chi-square, p=<0.001). Conclusion: The present study found a more frequent and faster visual field progression in exfoliation than in primary open-angle glaucoma patients. New-diagnosed exfoliation glaucoma patients must be controlled and treated more strictly than primary open-angle glaucoma patients to avoid visual field deterioration.
Knockdown of lncRNA LINC01234 suppresses the tumorigenesis of liver cancer via sponging miR-513a-5p
Authors: Xu Wen , Li Kesang , Song Changfeng , Wang Xiaotong , Li Yueqi , Bai Xue , Liang Xin , Deng Wanli , Wang Junqing , Liu Jianwen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Liver cancer is a frequent malignancy with poor prognosis. It has been reported that many lncRNAs could regulate the progression of liver cancer. To identify potential therapeutic targets for liver cancer, we conducted bioinformatics analysis of lncRNAs in tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues.
Methods: The differential expression of lncRNAs between liver cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues were examined by bioinformatics analysis. Cell proliferation was tested by CCK-8. Cell apoptosis in liver cancer was detected by flow cytometry. Gene and protein expression in liver cancer cells were measured by q-PCR and Western-blot, respectively. Xenograft tumor model was established to verify the function of LINC01234 on liver cancer in vivo .
Results: LINC01234 was found to be notably upregulated in liver cancer tissues. In addition, knockdown of LINC01234 significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion and induced the apoptosis of liver cancer cells. Meanwhile, miR-513a-5p was a downstream target of LINC01234 and USP4 was a direct target of miR-513a-5p. Moreover, downregulation of LINC01234 inhibited the tumorigenesis of liver cancer via inactivating TGF-β signaling.
Conclusion: Downregulation of LINC01234 could inhibit the progression of liver cancer. Thus, LINC01234 may serve as a potential novel target for treatment of liver cancer.
Use of Community-based Interventions to Promote Family Planning Use Among Pastoralist Women in Ethiopia: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Alemayehu Mussie , Medhanyie Araya Abrha , Reed Elizabeth , Bezabih Afework Mulugeta 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background- Afar region is one of the pastoralists dominated regions in Ethiopia. The region is characterized by a low contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) with 5.4%. Lack of awareness, husband objection, and religious influence was the reasons attributed to low CPR in the region. As objective we assessed the effect of a community-based interventions for promoting FP use among pastoralist communities of Afar region state, Ethiopia.MethodsThe design was parallel, cluster randomized controlled trial (CRT) recruiting married women. It had three arms: 1) women’s education on FP, 2) male involvement in FP education and 3) control with one to one ratio. A total of 33 kebeles (lowest administrative structure) were randomized and allocated. Women’s FP education and male involvement in FP education were the interventions. It was implemented using 1) health education on FP to married women and men by faema leaders (a traditional community-based structure that serves as a social support group) 2) Video-assisted message on FP, and 3) Assisting the faema leader using health workers. The intervention was given for a total of 9 months. FP use and intentions were measured as outcome variables based on woman’s perspectives. Cluster level summaries considering a cluster effect analysis was performed. The result was presented with adjusted risks and 95% CI. A p-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistically significant.ResultsThere was a positive change in the proportion of married women who use FP in the women’s FP education arm, absolute risk (AR) of 0.13(95% CI,0.08,0.17) and male involvement arm with AR of 0.29 (95% CI, 0.23,0.34) as compared to the control arm. In the control arm, the proportion of FP use was 4.3%, whereas it was 17.5% with women who receive FP education and 34% in the male involvement arm. Furthermore, the proportion of married women who had high intention to use FP was high in arms of women’s FP education and male involvement with AR = 3.4(95% CI: 2.48,4.91) and AR = 2.1 (95% CI: 1.5,2.95), respectively as compared with the control arm.ConclusionThe community-based interventions brings a significant change in increasing FP users and intention to use FP.Trial registration : NCT03450564
Carbon ion reirradiation compared to intensity-modulated re-radiotherapy for recurrent head and neck cancer (CARE): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Held Thomas , Lang Kristin , Regnery Sebastian , Weusthof Katharina , Hommertgen Adriane , Jäkel Cornelia , Tonndorf-Martini Eric , Krisam Johannes , Plinkert Peter , Zaoui Karim , Freudlsperger Christian , Moratin Julius , Krauss Jürgen , Harrabi Semi B. , Herfarth Klaus , Debus Jürgen , Adeberg Sebastian 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Intensity-modulated re-radiotherapy (reIMRT) has been established as a standard local treatment option in patients with non-resectable, recurrent head and neck cancer (rHNC). However, the clinical outcome is unfavorable and severe toxicities (≥grade III) occurred in 30–40% of patients. The primary aim of the current trial is to investigate carbon ion reirradiation (reCIRT) compared to reIMRT in patients with rHNC regarding safety/toxicity as well as local control, overall survival (OS), and quality of life (QoL). Methods: The present trial will be performed as a single center, two-armed, prospective phase II study. A maximum of 72 patients will be treated with either reIMRT or reCIRT to evaluate severe (≥grade III) treatment-related toxicities (randomization ratio 1:1). The primary target value is to generate less than 35% acute/subacute severe toxicity (≥grade III), according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0, within 6 months after study treatment. The total dose of reirradiation will range between 51–60 Gy or Gy (RBE), depending primarily on the radiotherapy interval and the cumulative dose to organs at risk. Individual dose prescription will be at the discretion of the treating radiation oncologist. The local and distant progression-free survival 12 months after reirradiation, the OS, and the QoL are the secondary endpoints of the trial. Explorative trial objectives are the longitudinal investigation of clinical patient-related parameters, tumor parameters on radiological imaging, and blood-based tumor analytics.Discussion: Recent retrospective studies suggested that reCIRT could represent a feasible and effective treatment modality for rHNC. This current randomized prospective trial is the first to investigate the toxicity and clinical outcome of reCIRT compared to reIMRT in patients with rHNC.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT04185974; December 4th 2019; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT04185974.
Mutation screening of the UBE3A gene in Chinese Han population with autism
Authors: Zhao Xue , Zhang Ran , Yu Shunying 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
15q11-13 region is one of the most complex chromosomal regions in the human genome. UBE3A is an important candidate gene of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which located at the 15q11-13 region and encodes ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A. Previous studies about UBE3A gene and ASD have shown inconsistent results and few studies were performed in Chinese population. This study aimed to detect the genetic variation of UBE3A gene in Chinese Han population with ASD and analyze the genetic association between these variations and ASD.
Methods
The samples consisted of 192 patients with clinical diagnosis of autism according to the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and 192 healthy controls. We searched for mutations at coding sequence (CDS) regions and their adjacent non-coding regions of UBE3A gene using the high resolution melting (HRM) and Sanger sequencing methods. We further increased sample size to validate the detected variants using HRM and analyzed the difference of allele and genotype frequencies between case and control groups.
Results
A known single nucleotide polymorphism (T > C, rs150331504) located at the CDS4 and a known 5 bp insertion/deletion variation (AACTC+/-, rs71127053) located at the intron region of the upstream 288 bp of the CDS2 of UBE3A gene were detected using Sanger sequencing method. The association analysis suggested that there were no significant difference about the allele and genotype frequencies of rs71127053 and rs150331504 between case and control groups after extending the sample size. Besides, rs150331504 is a synonymous mutation and we analyzed the minimum free energy (MFE) of mRNA coded by the different alleles of rs150331504. The result showed that MFE values of the allele T and allele C of rs150331504 were different and indicated that the variant might alter the mRNA secondary structure. We did not detect mutations in other coding regions of UBE3A gene.
Conclusions
These findings showed that UBE3A gene might not be a major disease gene in Chinese ASD cases.
Serology profile and effects of influenza vaccination on COVID-19-positive symptomatic and asymptomatic patients
Authors: Grossberg Allison N. , Koza Lilia A. , Ledreux Aurelie , Prusmack Chad , Krishnamurthy Hari Krishnan , Jayaraman Vasanth , Granholm Ann-Charlotte , Linseman Daniel A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 6.6 million people worldwide. As the population returns to work, it is critical to develop tests that can reliably detect SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. Here, we present the results of a novel multiplex serology test to assess the immune response to COVID-19 in an outpatient cohort consisting of adults and children in Colorado. The IgG response was more robust in positive/symptomatic participants than in positive/asymptomatic participants. The IgM response in symptomatic participants was transient and largely fell below the detection limit 30 days after symptom onset. Influenza vaccination gave rise to milder symptomology, but did not protect against contagion. These results provide novel insight into serology profiling and the immune response to COVID-19.
Susceptibility to South African cassava mosaic virus is Associated with a RING Finger E3 Ubiquitin Ligase
Authors: Chatukuta Patience , Rey Marie Emma Christine 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe ubiquitylation of proteins is reprogrammed by plant geminiviruses which alter the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) to fully infect the host. A RING Finger E3 Ubiquitin Ligase (MeE3L) is located on a major cassava mosaic disease resistance-associated quantitative trait locus. Here, we examine the genetic structure and relative expression of MeE3L (native and gene-edited mutant), and determine how MeE3L affects geminivirus South African cassava mosaic virus (SACMV) DNA accumulation. MethodsCassava protoplasts of model, susceptible and tolerant genotypes were transformed with SACMV infectious clones and/or a CRISPR-editing construct targeting the MeE3L using PEG4000-mediated transfection. DNA and RNA were extracted from transformed protoplasts at 24 hours post-transfection. Relative SACMV load quantitation was determined using DpnI-digested total DNA via qPCR and MeE3L relative expression was determined via reverse transcriptase qPCR, and results were analysed using the 2-ΔΔ method. The MeE3L exonic region was sequenced on the ABI 3500XL Genetic Analyzer platform; and sequences were analysed for mutations and for construction of a phylogenetic tree using the Maximum Likelihood method and Tamura-Nei model.ResultsResults show that SACMV DNA accumulation is cassava genotype-dependent. The study also reveals that native and mutant MeE3L is differentially expressed during SACMV infection in protoplasts of susceptible and tolerant cassava landraces. The susceptible cassava landrace encodes a RINGless MeE3L and the MeE3L base sequence is a determinant of cassava’s response to SACMV. Results further show that SACMV silences the MeE3L RING domain in the susceptible and tolerant landraces; and specifically targets the tolerant MeE3L gene homolog for silencing. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that MeE3L is a target of SACMV, contributing to susceptibility in cassava. The MeE3L base sequence is a determinant of cassava’s response to SACMV. The MeE3L RING domain is actively silenced by SACMV and therefore may be essential for host defence against geminiviruses. The study provides further evidence, in addition to existing literature, that plant E3 ligases are exploited by geminiviruses to enhance pathogenicity.
Eye gaze differences in school scenes between preschool children and adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder and those with typical development
Authors: Ishizaki Yuko , Higuchi Takahiro , Yanagimoto Yoshitoki , Kobayashi Hodaka , Noritake Atsushi , Nakamura Kae , Kaneko Kazunari 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) sometimes find it difficult to adapt to the daily life in a nursery or at school and are likely to develop psychosomatic symptoms. For a better understanding on the difficulties that preschool children and adolescents with ASD face in their daily lives, this study aimed to identify the differences in eye gaze behavior in the classroom environment between children with ASD and those with typical development (TD). Methods: A total of 30 children with ASD and 49 children with TD were included. We presented images of a human face and a classroom setting and used eye tracking with an iView X system in evaluating and comparing how long the two groups gazed at specific regions of the visual stimuli. Results: Compared to children with TD, children with ASD spent less time gazing at the eyes of the human face and the object pointed by the teacher in the school classroom scene. Preschool children with no classroom experience and adolescents with TD spent the same amount of time looking at the eyes and the object pointed by the teacher in the school classroom scene. Conclusion: Children with ASD did not look at the eyes in the facial image or the object pointed at in the classroom image, which might indicate their inability to analyze situations, understand instruction in a classroom, or act appropriately in a group. It is suggested that these gaze behavior of the children with ASD cause maladaptation and psychosomatic symptoms. A therapeutic approach that focuses on joint attention is desirable for the improvement of their adaptation to the society for children with ASD.