bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HIV-1 subtype C transmitted founders modulate dendritic cell inflammatory responses
Authors: Lumngwena Evelyn Ngwa , Metenou Simon , Masson Lindi , Cicala Claudia , Arthos James , Woodman Zenda 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundHeterosexual transmission remains the main route of HIV-1 transmission and female genital tract (FGT) inflammation increases the risk of infection. However, the mechanism(s) by which inflammation facilitates infection is not fully understood. In rhesus macaques challenged with simian immunodeficiency virus, dendritic cell (DC) mediated recruitment of CD4+ T cells to the FGT was critical for infection. The aim of this study was to delineate the mechanisms underlying DC-mediated HIV infection by comparing chemokine and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in response to transmitted founder (TF) and chronic infection (CI) Envelope (Env) pseudotyped viruses (PSV).ResultsMonocyte-derived DCs (MDDCs) were stimulated with PSV and recombinant gp140 representing matched TF and CI pairs of four individuals and cytokine secretion measured by multiplex immuno-assay. We found that 4/9 Env induced robust MDDC inflammatory responses and of those, three were cloned from TFs. Overall, TF Env induced MDDCs from healthy donors to secrete higher concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines than those from CI, suggesting TF Env were better inducers of inflammation. Assessing the signalling pathway associated with inflammatory cytokines, we found that PSV of matched TF and CI variants and a gp140 clone activated ERK and JNK to similar levels. Recombinant soluble DC-SIGN inhibited cytokine release and activation of ERK by PSV, suggesting that Env-DC-SIGN binding was partly involved in MDDC stimulation. Therefore, Env clones might differentially stimulate MDDC immune responses via alternative, yet unidentified signalling pathways.ConclusionOverall, this could suggest that the genetics of the virus itself influences inflammatory responses during HIV infection. In the absence of pre-existing infections, induction of greater inflammatory response by TFs might favour virus survival within the healthy FGT by driving an influx of target cells to sites of infection while suppressing immune responses via IL-10.
Predicting reactive stepping in response to perturbations by using a classification approach
Authors: Emmens Amber R. , F. van Asseldonk Edwin H. , Prinsen Vera , der Kooij Herman van 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
People use various strategies to maintain balance, such as taking a reactive step or rotating the upper body. To gain insight in human balance control, it is useful to know what makes people switch from one strategy to another. In previous studies the transition from a non-stepping balance response to reactive stepping was often described by an (extended) inverted pendulum model using a limited number of features. The goal of this study is to predict whether people will take a reactive step to recover from a push and to investigate what features are most relevant for that prediction by using a data-driven approach.

Methods
Ten subjects participated in an experiment in which they received forward pushes to which they had to respond naturally with or without stepping. The collected kinematic and center of pressure data were used to train several classification algorithms to predict reactive stepping. The classification algorithms that performed best were used to determine the most important features through recursive feature elimination.

Results
The neural networks performed better than the other classification algorithms. The prediction accuracy depended on the length of the observation time window: the longer the allowed time between the push and the prediction, the higher the accuracy. Using a neural network with one hidden layer and eight neurons, and a feature set consisting of various kinematic and center of pressure related features, an accuracy of 0.91 was obtained for predictions made up until the moment of step leg unloading, in combination with a sensitivity of 0.79 and a specificity 0.97. The most important features were the acceleration and velocity of the center of mass, and the position of the cervical joint center.

Conclusion
Using our classification-based method the occurrence of reactive stepping could be predicted with a high accuracy, higher than previous methods for predicting natural reactive stepping. The feature set used for that prediction was different from the ones reported in other step prediction studies. Given the high step prediction performance, our method has the potential to be used for triggering reactive stepping in balance controllers of bipedal robots (e.g. exoskeletons).
Statistical measures of motor, sensory and cognitive performance across repeated robot-based testing
Authors: Simmatis Leif E. R. , Early Spencer , Moore Kimberly D. , Appaqaq Simone , Scott Stephen H. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundTraditional clinical assessments are used extensively in neurology; however, they can be coarse, which can also make them insensitive to change. Kinarm is a robotic assessment system that has been used for precise assessment of individuals with neurological impairments. However, this precision also leads to the challenge of identifying whether a given change in performance reflects a significant change in an individual’s ability or is simply natural variation. Our objective here is to derive confidence intervals and thresholds of significant change for Kinarm Standard Tests™ (KST).MethodsWe assessed participants twice within 15 days on all tasks presently available in KST. We determined the 5–95% confidence intervals for each task parameter, and derived thresholds for significant change. We tested for learning effects and corrected for the false discovery rate (FDR) to identify task parameters with significant learning effects. Finally, we calculated intraclass correlation of type ICC (3,1) (ICC-C) to quantify consistency across assessments.ResultsWe recruited an average of 56 participants per task. Confidence intervals for Z-Task Scores ranged between 0.84 and 1.41, and the threshold for significant change ranged between 1.19 and 2.00. We determined that 6/11 tasks displayed learning effects that were significant after FDR correction; these 4 tasks primarily tested cognition or cognitive-motor integration. ICC-C values for Z-Task Scores ranged from 0.29 to 0.70ConclusionsThe present results provide statistical bounds on individual performance for KST as well as significant changes across repeated testing. Most measures of performance had good inter-rater reliability. Tasks with a higher cognitive burden seemed to be more susceptible to learning effects, which should be taken into account when interpreting longitudinal assessments of these tasks.
Can neoadjuvant chemotherapy improve survival in stage T3-4N1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma? A propensity matched analysis
Authors: Wang Lei , Wu Zheng , Xie Dehuan , Lv Shaowen , Xia Liangping , Su Yong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
To estimate the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) in stage T3-4N1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods
Data on stage T3-4N1 NPC patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with or without NCT at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between January 2006 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was carried out to balance prognostic factors in NCT followed by CCRT (NCT + CCRT) group and CCRT group in a 1:1 ratio. Survival outcomes of matched patients in the two groups were compared, and prognostic factors were identified using Cox regression model.

Results
A total of 282 patients were involved in this study, with 136 of NCT + CCRT group and 146 of CCRT group. After PSM, 85 pairs of patients were selected. There were no significant differences in 5-year overall survival (OS), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) between NCT + CCRT group and CCRT group (81.0% vs. 77.5%, P = 0.750; 85.8% vs. 88.1%, P = 0.495; 92.5% vs. 93.9%, P = 0.759; 81.0% vs.77.5%, P = 0.919, respectively). Multivariate analysis found that smoking history (P = 0.044) and T classification (P = 0.027) were independent prognostic factors for OS, lymph node diameter (P = 0.032) was independent prognostic factor for LRFS, positive pretreatment lymph node condition (PLNC), which was defined as the lymph node necrosis or confluent, was independent prognostic factor for DRFS (P = 0.007), and RFS (P = 0.009). Lower 5-year OS (82.7% vs. 94.1%, P = 0.014), DRFS (79.3% vs. 96.2%, P = 0.003), and RFS (62.4% vs. 86.8%, P = 0.001) were found in positive PLNC group compared with negative PLNC group. In terms of toxicities, the incidences of acute hematological Grade 3–4 adverse events (AEs) were higher in NCT + CCRT group compared with CCRT group (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed in the rates of non-hematological Grade 3–4 AEs between these two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
Additional NCT is not associated with improved survival outcomes for patients with stage T3-4N1 NPC, but bring increased hematological Grade 3–4 AEs. PLNC is independent prognostic factor in stage T3-4N1 NPC, with positive PLNC correlating with poor survival outcomes.
Intraoperative post-annuloplasty three-dimensional valve analysis does not predict recurrent ischemic mitral regurgitation
Authors: Meijerink Frank , Wijdh-den Hamer Inez J. , Bouma Wobbe , Pouch Alison M. , Aly Ahmed H. , Lai Eric K. , Eperjesi Thomas J. , Acker Michael A. , Yushkevich Paul A. , Hung Judy , Mariani Massimo A. , Khabbaz Kamal R. , Gleason Thomas G. , Mahmood Feroze , Gorman Joseph H. , Gorman Robert C. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
High ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) recurrence rates continue to plague IMR repair with undersized ring annuloplasty. We have previously shown that pre-repair three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) analysis is highly predictive of IMR recurrence. The objective of this study was to determine the quantitative change in 3DE annular and leaflet tethering parameters immediately after repair and to determine if intraoperative post-repair 3DE parameters would be able to predict IMR recurrence 6 months after repair.

Methods
Intraoperative pre- and post-repair transesophageal real-time 3DE was performed in 35 patients undergoing undersized ring annuloplasty for IMR. An advanced modeling algorhythm was used to assess 3D annular geometry and regional leaflet tethering. IMR recurrence (≥ grade 2) was assessed with transthoracic echocardiography 6 months after repair.

Results
Annuloplasty significantly reduced septolateral diameter, commissural width, annular area, and tethering volume and significantly increased all segmental tethering angles (except A2). Intraoperative post-repair annular geometry and leaflet tethering did not differ significantly between patients with recurrent IMR (n = 9) and patients with non-recurrent IMR (n = 26). No intraoperative post-repair predictors of IMR recurrence could be identified.

Conclusions
Undersized ring annuloplasty changes mitral geometry acutely, exacerbates leaflet tethering, and generally fixes IMR acutely, but it does not always fix the delicate underlying chronic problem of continued left ventricular dilatation and remodeling. This may explain why pre-repair 3D valve geometry (which reflects chronic left ventricular remodeling) is highly predictive of recurrent IMR, whereas immediate post-repair 3D valve geometry (which does not completely reflect chronic left ventricular remodeling anymore) is not.
All-trans retinoic acid attenuates the progression of Ang II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms in ApoE−/−mice
Authors: Xiao Jie , Liu Jinping , Lio Iohang , Yang Chuanlei , Chen Xing , Zhang Hua , Wang Shuxia , Wei Zhanjie 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo determine whether all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) can influence the development of Angiotensin II (Ang II) induced experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).MethodsApolipoprotein E knock-out (ApoE−/−) mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups. Mice in the AAA and ATRA groups underwent continuous subcutaneous Ang II infusion for 28 days to induce AAA, while the Sham and Control groups were infused with saline. Systolic blood pressure was measured by the tail-cuff technique. The Control and ATRA groups received ATRA treatment. Aortic tissue samples were obtained at 28 days after surgery and evaluated by aortic diameter measurement, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Verhoeff-Van Gieson (EVG) staining.ResultsThe abdominal aortic diameter was significantly reduced in the ATRA group compared with the AAA group (3 of 12 (25%) vs 9 of 12 (75%),P < 0.05), and the ATRA group exhibited reduced blood pressure on days 7, 14, and 28. Low expression of angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and EVG staining revealed a significant reduction in the disruption of elastic fibers in the abdominal aortic tissue of the ATRA group compared to the AAA group. Western blot analysis indicated that protein levels of retinoic acid receptor α (RARα), MMP2, MMP9, and AT1 were dramatically affected by ATRA treatment.ConclusionsIn conclusion, ATRA attenuates the progression of Ang II-induced AAAs, possibly by downregulating MMP2, MMP9, and AT-1 expression.
Protocol for a randomized controlled trial comparing wound COmplications in elective midline laparotomies after FAscia Closure using two different Techniques Of Running sutures: COFACTOR trial
Authors: El Charif Mohamad Hadi , Hassan Zeina , Hoballah Jamal , Khalife Mohamad , Sbaity Eman 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Wound complications following midline laparotomies are common and the main source of postoperative morbidity including superficial or deep wound infection, skin dehiscence, fascia dehiscence, and incisional hernia. Abdominal closure complications are strongly associated with suture technique and material, in addition to other factors related to the patient and type of surgery performed. The traditional technique is to place the fascia sutures 1 cm apart and at least 1 cm away from the fascia edge. A Swedish study described a new technique of placing the sutures 5 mm apart and 5 mm away from the fascia edge, resulting in lower rates of abdominal wound complications. This study has a number of limitations. There is a need for improved quality evidence to convince the surgical community to change the closure technique of abdominal wounds aiming to reduce morbidity, which is exemplified in incisional hernias and other various postop complications.

Methods
This is a 1:1 randomized, controlled, patient- and assessor-blinded, parallel design, superiority trial, with a primary endpoint of incisional hernia at 1 year. The study will be conducted at AUBMC over a 3-year period. Patients planned for a non-emergent midline laparotomy for general surgery or vascular procedure will be randomized to either fascia closure technique. In order to detect a drop of 12% in the incidence of incisional hernia, with 80% power and an alpha of 0.05, we will need to recruit 114 patients per arm. After adjusting for loss to follow-up, target recruitment is 274 subjects. We will compare both arms for the primary, secondary, and exploratory outcomes, using chi-square or t test as appropriate. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression will be done.

Discussion
This trial will assess postop complications following abdominal midline wound closures via two different suturing techniques. This trial will generate evidence-based conclusions that will allow surgeons to assess the role of a new abdominal closure technique in decreasing short- and long-term postoperative complications, for a commonly performed procedure.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03527433. Registered on 17 May 2018 before starting participant enrollment.
Ileal proteomic changes associated with IL-25-mediated resistance against intestinal trematode infections
Authors: Álvarez-Izquierdo María , Guillermo Esteban J. , Muñoz-Antoli Carla , Toledo Rafael 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Echinostoma caproni (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) is an intestinal trematode, which has been extensively used to investigate the factors that determine the rejection of intestinal helminths. In this sense, several studies have shown that IL-25 is critical for the development of resistance against E. caproni in mice. In fact, treatment of mice with recombinant IL-25 generates resistance against primary E. caproni infection. However, the mechanisms by which IL-25 induces resistance remain unknown.

Methods
To study the mechanisms responsible for resistance elicited by IL-25, we analyzed the ileal proteomic changes induced by IL-25 in mice and their potential role in resistance. To this purpose, we compared the protein expression profiles in the ileum of four experimental groups of mice: naïve controls; E. caproni-infected mice; rIL-25-treated mice; and rIL-25-treated mice exposed to E. caproni metacercariae.

Results
Quantitative comparison by 2D-DIGE showed significant changes in a total of 41 spots. Of these, 40 validated protein spots were identified by mass spectrometry corresponding to 24 proteins.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that resistance to infection is associated with the maintenance of the intestinal epithelial homeostasis and the regulation of proliferation and cell death. These results provide new insights into the proteins involved in the regulation of tissue homeostasis after intestinal infection and its transcendence in resistance.
Ten-eleven translocation methyl-cytosine dioxygenase 2 deficiency exacerbates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Yan Huan , Tan Li , Liu Yuqi , Huang Ning , Cang Jing , Wang Hao 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Ten-eleven translocation (Tet) methyl-cytosine dioxygenases (including Tet1/2/3)-mediated 5mC oxidation and DNA demethylation play important roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. The expression of Tet2 and Tet3 genes are relatively abundant in the adult murine kidneys while Tet1 gene is expressed at a low level. Although Tet3 has been shown to suppress kidney fibrosis, the role of Tet2 in kidney physiology as well as renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is still largely unknown.

Results
Tet2−/− mice displayed normal kidney morphology and renal function as WT mice while the expression of genes associated with tight junction and adherens junction was impaired. At 24 h post-renal IR, Tet2−/− mice showed higher SCr and BUN levels, more severe tubular damage, and elevated expression of Kim1 and Ngal genes in the kidney in comparison with WT mice. Moreover, the transcriptomic analysis revealed augmented inflammatory response in the kidneys of Tet2−/− mice.

Conclusions
Tet2 is dispensable for kidney development and function at baseline condition while protects against renal IR injury possibly through repressing inflammatory response. Our findings suggest that Tet2 may be a potential target for the intervention of IR-induced acute kidney injury (AKI).
Extremely elevated serum alkaline phosphatase level upon treatment with teriparatide: a case report
Authors: Javinani Ali , Aghaei Meybodi Hamid Reza , Kavosi Hoda 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Teriparatide is a homolog of human parathyroid hormone (1–34), which is approved for the treatment of postmenopausal and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Several minor and transient side effects have been reported for teriparatide. However, controversial findings showed an increased risk of more significant adverse effects, including osteosarcoma in humans, although this finding has been demonstrated primarily in murine models.

Case presentation
We present a case of a 22-year-old Persian man with a previous history of systemic lupus erythematosus and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. He had a previous history of joint hypermobility, idiopathic kyphoscoliosis, mitral valve prolapse, and bilateral congenital inguinal hernia, which were probably compatible with an inherited connective tissue disease. He was treated with teriparatide for 7 months because of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. He was referred with a complaint of generalized bone pain and an extremely elevated serum alkaline phosphatase concentration of 6480 U/L (normal range, 80–306). A whole-body bone scan revealed a diffuse increased osseous uptake. Furthermore, the patient’s systemic lupus erythematosus was clinically inactive on the basis of laboratory findings during this period. The medication was discontinued, and the patient’s serum alkaline phosphatase level began to decline.

Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of an osteoblast hyperactivation state observed during treatment with teriparatide. It appears that the osteoblastogenic effect of teriparatide might induce this condition and, most likely, osteosarcoma in certain populations. However, the potential influence of the patient’s young age, systemic lupus erythematosus, underlying inherited connective tissue disease, and medication use cannot be ignored. The potential risk factors of this side effect shall be studied in specific subpopulations of patients with osteoporosis in future studies.
Recent infection by Wolbachia alters microbial communities in wild Laodelphax striatellus populations
Authors: Duan Xing-Zhi , Sun Jing-Tao , Wang Lin-Ting , Shu Xiao-Han , Guo Yan , Keiichiro Matsukura , Zhu Yu-Xi , Bing Xiao-Li , Hoffmann Ary A. , Hong Xiao-Yue 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundHost-associated microbial communities play an important role in the fitness of insect hosts. However, the factors shaping microbial communities in wild populations, including genetic background, ecological factors, and interactions among microbial species, remain largely unknown.ResultsHere, we surveyed microbial communities of the small brown planthopper (SBPH,Laodelphax striatellus) across 17 geographical populations in China and Japan by using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Using structural equation models (SEM) and Mantel analyses, we show that variation in microbial community structure is likely associated with longitude, annual mean precipitation (Bio12), and mitochondrial DNA variation. However, aWolbachiainfection, which is spreading to northern populations of SBPH, seems to have a relatively greater role than abiotic factors in shaping microbial community structure, leading to sharp decreases in bacterial taxon diversity and abundance in host-associated microbial communities. Comparative RNA-Seq analyses betweenWolbachia-infected and -uninfected strains indicate that theWolbachiado not seem to alter the immune reaction of SBPH, althoughWolbachiaaffected expression of metabolism genes.ConclusionTogether, our results identify potential factors and interactions among different microbial species in the microbial communities of SBPH, which can have effects on insect physiology, ecology, and evolution.