bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association analysis between ARG1 gene polymorphisms and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Shah Syed Fawad Ali , Akram Sumaira , Iqbal Tahir , Nawaz Sadia , Rafiq Muhammad Arshad , Hussain Sabir 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The current study aimed at investigate the potential association of ARG1 polymorphisms in subjects affected by idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM).
We have investigated 352 subjects affected by IDCM and 352 population-matched healthy controls by exploiting case-control study. The serum lipids were quantified using spectrophotometric assay, serum arginase activity was done by enzyme colorimetric assay and 2 polymorphisms (rs2781666 and rs2781667) in ARG1 were typed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to find out disease associate allele/haplotype segregating in subjects affected by IDCM.
Significantly high arginase activity was found to be associated with IDCM subjects when compared with population-matched healthy controls (P < .0001). The higher arginase level in IDCM subjects is negatively correlated with nitrite and nitrate (r = –0.4687, and r = –0.6435, respectively) in our study. There was a significant difference in the distribution of rs2781666 and rs2781667 genotypes of ARG1 polymorphism in patients and controls (P < .0001). Similarly, variant allele T at both loci showed a significant association with the disease phenotypes (P < .0001). Haplotype TT at rs2781666G/T and rs2781667C/T also showed a significantly association (P < .0001).
To our knowledge, this is the first report to show a significant involvement of ARG1 polymorphisms to produce IDCM symptoms in subjects originating in Pakistan.
Impact of RTN4 gene polymorphism and its plasma level on susceptibility to nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yang Fenglian , Yang Shixian , Liu Jin , Pang Xiaoxia , Shi Feng , Qin Haimei , Wang Junli , Tang Renguang 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The RTN4 gene plays a role in the development and progression of cancer. This case–control study aimed to investigate the association between the RTN4 gene polymorphism and its plasma level with the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in a Chinese population.

RTN4 gene polymorphisms (rs2920891, rs17046583, rs117465650, rs10496040, and rs2588519) in 220 patients with NPC and 300 healthy controls were analyzed using Snapshot single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assays. The plasma level of RTN4 was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
The allele frequencies of RTN4 gene polymorphisms showed no significant difference between the patients and controls (P > .05). Nevertheless, the rs2920891 polymorphism in a dominant model (A/C+C/C) and codominant model (A/C) was significantly associated with the susceptibility to NPC (P = .017, odds ratio [OR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08–2.21 and P = .034, OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.13–2.38, respectively). The plasma level of RTN4 was significantly higher in patients with NPC in comparison with the controls (P < .001). Furthermore, we observed that patients with NPC carrying the rs2920891 A/C+C/C genotype had a higher RTN4 level than those carrying the A/A genotype (P < .001).
Our findings indicated that the rs2920891 polymorphism may be associated with increased susceptibility to NPC, possibly by increasing plasma RTN4.
Regional homogeneity and functional connectivity analysis of resting-state magnetic resonance in patients with bipolar II disorder
Authors: Xu Zhe , Lai Jianbo , Zhang Haorong , Ng Chee H. , Zhang Peng , Xu Dongrong , Hu Shaohua 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
To explore the characteristics of local brain activity in patients with bipolar depression and its correlation with clinical features.
In accord with the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-IV of bipolar disorder, 21 patients were enrolled while 21 healthy controls were matched with similar gender, age, level of educations. A 3.0T GE magnetic resonance scanner was used to collect the imaging data, and a 2-sample t test was performed. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) method was used to estimate regional activation patterns through indices of localized concordance. ReHo values were compared between groups. Seed-based correlation analysis was used to analyze functional connections.
In the patients’ group, ReHo (regional homogeneity) values of resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data on the right cerebellum 4 and 5 area, cerebellar vermis 6 area, left insula were positively correlated with Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) scores. ReHo values on the left of the triangle of inferior frontal gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus of orbital region showed negative correlation with HAMD scores. The value of ReHo in the patients’ group was positively correlated with the patients’ Hamilton anxiety scale score in the right fusiform gyrus, and negative correlation was found in the left insula. The ReHo value of the patients’ group was negatively correlated with the patients’ Montgomery Asberg depression rating scale score in regions of the midbrain. The value of ReHo in patients’ group was significantly reduced in the right central front.
The depression and anxiety severity of bipolar depression patients may be associated with the consistency activity of left insula, right cerebellum, and cerebellar vermis related area, fusiform gyrus. In addition, the ReHo of the midbrain neurons activity may be associated with depression level of patients with bipolar II disorder.
The relationship between cognitive impairment and homocysteine in a B12 and folate deficient population in China
Authors: Meng HuaXing , Li Yang , Zhang Wei , Zhao YaRong , Niu XiaoYuan , Guo JunHong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. The relationship between AD and homocysteine (Hcy) is contradictory.
A community-based investigation was conducted to find patients with AD in a vitamin B deficient population (≥55 years old) in Lüliang area in China. Venous blood samples were collected. Serum Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 were measured. For each case, 4 controls were selected matched with age to evaluate the relationship between Hcy and AD.
The crude prevalence of AD among people ages 55 years or older in this area was 8.60%. There were significant differences in serum Hcy and B12 between the case and control groups. We found that the higher level of serum Hcy was associated with a high risk of AD, and higher education level, higher folate and B12 concentration were protective factors to AD.
Adjustment of diet structure and supplementation of folate and B12 may offer potential therapeutic measures in this area.
Homocysteine as a potential predictive factor for high major adverse cardiovascular events risk in female patients with premature acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Wei Mei , Wang Le , Liu Yong-Sheng , Zheng Ming-Qi , Ma Fang-Fang , Qi Yan-Chao , Liu Gang 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We aimed to investigate the correlation of homocysteine (Hcy) level with clinical characteristics, and explore its predictive value for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) risk in female patients with premature acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
The serum Hcy level was detected from 1299 female patients with premature ACS. According to the tertile of Hcy level, patients were divided into 3 groups: lowest tertile group (≤9.1 μmol/L), middle tertile group (9.2–11.6 μmol/L) and highest tertile group (>11.6 μmol/L). MACE incidence was recorded and MACE-free survival was caculated with the median follow-up duration of 28.3 months.
Increased Hcy correlated with older age (P < .001), higher creatinine level (P < .001), and enhanced uric acid level (P = .001), while reduced fasting glucose concentration (P < .001). MACE incidence was 10.7% and it was highest in highest tertile group (22.1%), followed by middle tertile group (7.7%) and lowest tertile group (2.4%) (P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that Hcy distinguished MACE patients from non-MACE patients with the area under the curve of 0.789 (95% CI: 0.742–0.835). Kaplan–Meier curves revealed that MACE-free survival was shortest in Hcy highest tertile group, followed by middle tertile group and lowest tertile group (P < .001). Multivariate Cox analyses further showed that higher Hcy level was an independent predictive factor for poor MACE-free survival (middle tertile vs lowest tertile (P = .001, HR: 3.615, 95% CI: 1.661–7.864); highest tertile vs lowest tertile (P < .001, HR: 11.023, 95% CI: 5.356-22.684)).
Hcy serves as a potential predictive factor for increased MACE risk in female patients with premature ACS.
Echocardiographic diagnosis of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery
Authors: Yuan Xin-Chun , Hu Jia , Zeng Xi , Zhou Ai-Yun , Chen Li 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The aim of this research is to investigate the application value of TTE in the diagnosis of the anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA).
The echocardiographic findings of 11 patients with ALCAPA confirmed by surgery in our hospital from October 2007 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed and compared with the preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) diagnosis and intraoperative diagnosis.
Surgery was performed in all of the patients to establish the dual coronary artery system. Four underwent the Takeuchi procedure and 7 had re-implantation of the anomalous left coronary artery. The CTA diagnoses of the 11 patients were consistent with the surgical diagnoses, and the diagnostic accuracy was 100% (11/11). Echocardiographic diagnosis showed consistent results in 10 cases, while one case was misdiagnosed as endocardial fibroelastosis; the diagnostic accuracy was 90.9% (10/11). The echocardiographic features of these patients with ALCAPA included: abnormal left coronary ostium arising from the pulmonary trunk with retrograde coronary artery flow in 10 patients; enlargement of the right coronary artery in 8 patients; abundant intercoronary septal collaterals in 6 patients; and moderate and significant mitral regurgitation in 7 patients. Echocardiography showed that the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter before surgery were significantly different from those after surgery (P < .05) and that the left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening before surgery were not significantly different from those after surgery (P > .05).
Transthoracic echocardiography can diagnose ALCAPA in a timely, accurate, and noninvasive manner, and it could be of great significance in guiding clinical operations and in predicting prognosis.
Association of the second derivative of photoplethysmogram with age, hemodynamic, autonomic, adiposity, and emotional factors
Authors: Park Young-Jae , Lee Jin-Moo , Kwon Soon-Hyuk 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The second derivative of photoplethysmogram (SDPTG) is used as an arterial stiffness marker. This study aimed to examine the associations between SDPTG indices and age, in addition to hemodynamic, autonomic, adiposity, and emotional factors.
This study had a cross-sectional chart review design, and electronic medical records of 262 women outpatients (mean ± SD,|38.57| ± |11.64 years) were reviewed. Among SDPTG measurements, b/a, c/a, d/a, and (b-c-d)/a were considered. Hemodynamic measurements included systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and cardiac output. Autonomic measurements included low and high frequency (LF and HF) values of the heart rate variability. Adiposity measurements included body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR). Tension, anger, depression, fatigue, confusion, and vigor scores using the Profile of the Mood States were included as emotional markers. All data were normalized through the Box-Cox transformation, and 4 hierarchical regression models were constructed.
Age was independently predictive of SDPTG, hemodynamic, autonomic, and adiposity factors (β; 0.143–0.648).
After the adjustment for age, SBP and DBP showed negative correlations with d/a (r = –0.201, –0.262), whereas BMI, WHR, LF, and HF showed positive correlations with c/a (r = 0.126, 0.131, 0.151, 0.234). In the hierarchical regression modeling, age and hemodynamic factors were directly predictive of SDPTG indices (β; 0.103–0.626). Age had moderating effects between diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, depression scores, and SDPTG indices (β; 0.104–0.176).
In conclusion, age, hemodynamic, adiposity, and autonomic factors may be independently associated with SDPTG indices for women. As age has moderating effects between hemodynamic, emotional factors, and SDPTG indices, its moderating effects should be considered when assessing arterial stiffness using SDPTG indices.
Reactive in-stent stenosis of a pipeline embolization device in a child
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhang Chang Wei , Richard Seidu A. , Chaohua Wang , Xie Xiao Dong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Rationale
: Pipeline embolization device pipeline embolization device (PLED) is one of the most preferred flow-diverting devices used in treating giant and complex intercranial aneurysms. The occurrence of in-stent stenosis (ISS), which is a partially reversible complication, has been associated with PLED. Trauma around the neck of the aneurysm during our attempts to implant the PLED across the aneurysm resulted into inflammatory reactions, endotheliazation, granular tissue formation, and subsequent ISS.

Patient concerns:
We present an 11-year-old girl with dizziness of 6 days duration on account of which she was admitted at our institution. Physical as well as neurological examinations did not yield much.

Diagnoses:
Cerebral angiography revealed a right cavernous segment giant aneurysm.

Interventions:
We initially implanted Pipeline embolization devices (PLEDs) (ev3, Irvine, California, USA) across the neck of the aneurysm which resulted into ISS 6 months after the operation.

Outcomes:
We also attempted balloon angioplasty which failed during our second operation. She was finally treated with Neuroform stent (Stryker Neurovascular, USA) with no further complication and two years follow-up revealed no ISS.

Lessons subsections as per style:
A combination of multiple kinds of flow diverting devices could reduce the incidence of ISS in selected patients with complex aneurysms. Minimal trauma caused by PLED at aneurysm site could also reduce incidence of ISS.
Whipple’s disease: diagnosis and predictive factors of relapse
Authors: Ferrieres Laurence , Laroche Michel , Bonnet Delphine , Alric Laurent 
Published: November 2019

Background
Whipple’s disease is a very rare disease needing a long-term treatment. The most frequent symptoms are recurrent arthralgia or arthritis, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

Objectives
In this article, we have highlighted the main clinical features and diagnostic procedures that lead to the diagnosis and comment on the clinical response, treatment, and the factors of relapse.

Methods
Subjects were recruited from the Internal Medicine and Rheumatologic Departments of an University Hospital from November 1997 to January 2016. Overall, 12 subjects were finally diagnosed.

Results
Mean age was 54.3 years (age range: 30–81), with more male patients (58.3%). Almost all patients had articular symptoms and impaired general condition (91.7%); and a majority had digestive symptoms (75%). Regardless of the symptoms, the most efficient diagnostic tools were the PCR screening on the gastrointestinal biopsies and saliva (83.3 and 72.7% positive results, respectively). More than half of the patients relapsed (55.6%). The relapsing patients were older [63.2 (44–81)] and mostly male with a majority (60%) of digestive symptoms and a delayed diagnosis.

Conclusions
In current practice, it is highly difficult to diagnose Whipple’s disease. In order to decrease the delay between the first symptoms and the diagnosis, effective tools such as saliva and stools PCR should be used because higher delays of diagnosis lead to a higher number of relapses.
Group-based Trajectory Models to Assess Quality of INR Control and Its Association With Clinical Outcomes
Authors: García-Sempere Aníbal , Hurtado Isabel , Bejarano Daniel , Santa-Ana Yared , Rodríguez-Bernal Clara , Peiró Salvador , Sanfélix-Gimeno Gabriel 
Published: November 2019

Background:
The Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) is the gold-standard measure used to assess the quality of oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists. However, TTR is a static measure, and International Normalized Ratio (INR) control is a dynamic process. Group-based Trajectory Models (GBTM) can address this dynamic nature by classifying patients into different trajectories of INR control over time.

Objectives:
The objective of this study was to assess the quality of INR control in a population-based cohort of new users of vitamin K antagonist with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation using GBTM.

Methods:
We classified patients into different trajectories according to their propensity for being adequately anticoagulated over their first year of treatment using GBTM, and we evaluated the association between trajectories and relevant clinical outcomes over the following year.

Results:
We included 8024 patients in the cohort who fulfilled the inclusion criteria; the mean number of INR determinations over the first year of treatment was 13.9. We identified 4 differential trajectories of INR control: Optimal (9.7% of patients, TTR: 83.8%), Improving (27.4% of patients, TTR: 61.2%), Worsening (28%; TTR: 69.1%), and Poor control (34.9%; TTR: 41.5%). In adjusted analysis, Poor and Worsening control patients had a higher risk of death than Optimal control patients (hazard ratio: 1.79; IC 95%, 1.36–2.36 and hazard ratio: 1.36; IC 95%, 1.02–1.81, respectively). Differences in other outcomes did not achieve statistical significance, except for a reduced risk of transient ischemic attack in the Improving Control group.

Conclusions:
GBTM may contribute to a better understanding and assessment of the quality of oral anticoagulation and may be used in addition to traditional, well-established measures such as TTR.
13N-ammonia PET/CT stress myocardial blood flow compared to fractional flow reserve in coronary artery disease
Authors: Boer Jouke J. , Kappelhof Johan J.J.S. , van der Zant Friso M. , Wondergem Maurits , de Swart Hans(J) B.R.M. , Knol Remco J.J. 
Published: November 2019

Aim
In this retrospective study, fractional flow reserve was compared to stress myocardial blood flow derived by 13 N-ammonia (13 N-NH3) myocardial perfusion PET/CT.

Methods
From a large cohort of patients referred for 13 N-NH3 PET/CT, patients who also had fractional flow reserve-measurements within 6 months of the PET study were selected. These fractional flow reserve measurements were compared to PET/CT derived stress myocardial blood flow of the corresponding coronary territory. Results were categorized as concordant or discordant. Patients with discordant results were subdivided into a group with reduced fractional flow reserve but normal stress myocardial blood flow (group A) or into a group with normal fractional flow reserve but reduced stress myocardial blood flow (group B).

Results
From September 2013 through July 2016, 46 patients examined with 13 N-NH3 PET/CT also had fractional flow reserve-measurements within 6 months. A total of 66 measurements were used for comparison. Discordance was found in 32% of the measurements. Group B showed a significant reduction in stress myocardial blood flow of all coronary territories compared to group A (P = 0.000). During follow-up (median 3.96 years), group B showed more visits to the emergency department and newly developed heart failure.

Conclusion
Discordance with stress myocardial blood flow in the corresponding flow territory was found in 32% of the fractional flow reserve-measurements. Patients with reduced stress myocardial blood flow but normal fractional flow reserve showed significantly reduced stress myocardial blood flow in all coronaries and a trend towards more cardiac adverse events.
Registries for study of nonmalignant hematological diseases: the example of the Severe Chronic Neutropenia International Registry
Authors: Dale David C. , Bolyard Audrey Anna , Steele Laurie A. , Zeidler Cornelia , Welte Karl 
Published: November 2019

Purpose of reviewRegistries provide ‘real world’ perspectives on the natural history and outcomes for many clinical conditions. The purpose of this review is to identify registries for nonmalignant hematological disease and to describe the operation of a successful long-term registry for patients with severe chronic neutropenia.Recent findingsThere was an upswing in registries about 20 years ago, based on optimism about their utility to improve patient care. To show value, registries must define outcomes for populations of patients with specific medical conditions and the effects of treatment. This is challenging for many reasons. The Severe Chronic Neutropenia International Registry is an example of a successful registry. This report describes underlying reasons for its success.SummaryRegistries are important to organize and analyze clinical information across geographic, ethnic and social boundaries. They are also challenging to organize, administer and support.
Myeloid cell and cytokine interactions with chimeric antigen receptor-T-cell therapy: implication for future therapies
Authors: Sterner Rosalie M. , Kenderian Saad S. 
Published: November 2019

Purpose of review
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy is a revolutionary tool in the treatment of cancer. CAR-T cells exhibit their effector functions through the recognition of their specific antigens on tumor cells and recruitment of other immune cells. However, this therapy is limited by the development of severe toxicities and modest antitumor activity in solid tumors. The host and tumor microenvironment interactions with CAR-T cells play an important role in orchestrating CAR-T-cell functions. Specifically, myeloid lineage cells and their cytokines critically influence the behavior of CAR-T cells. Here, we review the specific effects of myeloid cell interactions with CAR-T cells, their impact on CAR-T-cell response and toxicities, and potential efforts to modulate myeloid cell effects to enhance CAR-T-cell therapy efficacy and reduce toxicities.

Recent findings
Independent studies and correlative science from clinical trials indicate that inhibitory myeloid cells and cytokines contribute to the development of CAR-T-cell-associated toxicities and impairment of their effector functions.

Summary
These findings illuminate a novel way to reduce CAR-T-cell-associated toxicities and enhance their efficacy through the modulation of myeloid lineage cells and inhibitory cytokines.