bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Type-I IFN subtype autoantibodies and activity in SLE serum and urine
Authors: Harris Bethany D , Kuruganti Srilalitha , Deshpande Ashlesha , Goepfert Paul A , Chatham W Winn , Walter Mark R 
Published: July 2020

Background/objective Type-I interferons contribute to pathogenesis in systemic lupus erythematosus, including nephritis. Interferons consist of a family of 16 proteins yet are often characterized in patients without knowledge of the specific interferon subtypes involved. Different interferons may function in the kidneys, and other organs, relative to what is often measured in patient blood. Moreover, antibodies to interferons may potentially modulate systemic or organ-specific interferon activity. The aim of this study was to characterize global interferon activity levels and identify autoantibodies to the 12 interferon α subtypes in patient serum and urine. Methods Interferon activity levels in serum and urine were measured using an interferon bioassay. Anti-interferon and anti-cytokine autoantibodies were measured by ELISA. Serum and urine samples were also characterized for their ability to neutralize the biological activity of exogenously added interferons. Results Serum interferon activity was increased in 62% of systemic lupus erythematosus patient samples, relative to healthy donor controls, whereas binding interferon α autoantibodies to at least one interferon α subtype were found in 68% of the samples evaluated. High Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index scores were significantly ( p = 0.001) associated with patient samples containing interferon α autoantibodies to three or more interferon α subtypes in their serum. Interferon α autoantibodies that potently block interferon activity were rare (∼5% of samples), but collectively bound to all 12 interferon α subtypes. Urine interferon activity and interferon α autoantibody profiles did not correlate with their serum counterparts, suggesting immune responses in systemic lupus erythematosus kidneys can be distinct from those measured in serum. Analysis of autoantibodies to 15 additional cytokines in serum identified higher frequencies of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin 17A autoantibodies, suggesting these signaling pathways may potentially contribute, with interferons, to systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis. Conclusions The measurement of autoantibodies to multiple interferon subtypes in serum and urine may provide an alternative method for following interferon-mediated systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity. The results suggest autoantibodies might be used for patient monitoring and/or identifying additional cytokine signaling pathways that are functioning in different systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
The Influence of Game Character Appearance on Empathy and Immersion: Virtual Non-Robotic Versus Robotic Animals
Authors: Sierra Rativa Alexandra , Postma Marie , Van Zaanen Menno 
Published: July 2020

Background. Empathic interactions with animated game characters can help improve user experience, increase immersion, and achieve better affective outcomes related to the use of the game. Method. We used a 2x2 between-participant design and a control condition to analyze the impact of the visual appearance of a virtual game character on empathy and immersion. The four experimental conditions of the game character appearance were: Natural (virtual animal) with expressiveness (emotional facial expressions), natural (virtual animal) with non-expressiveness (without emotional facial expressions), artificial (virtual robotic animal) with expressiveness (emotional facial expressions), and artificial (virtual robotic animal) with non-expressiveness (without emotional facial expressions). The control condition contained a baseline amorphous game character. 100 participants between 18 to 29 years old (M=22.47) were randomly assigned to one of five experimental groups. Participants originated from several countries: Aruba (1), China (1), Colombia (3), Finland (1), France (1), Germany (1), Greece (2), Iceland (1), India (1), Iran (1), Ireland (1), Italy (3), Jamaica (1), Latvia (1), Morocco (3), Netherlands (70), Poland (1), Romania (2), Spain (1), Thailand (1), Turkey (1), United States (1), and Vietnam (1). Results. We found that congruence in appearance and facial expressions of virtual animals (artificial + non-expressive and natural + expressive) leads to higher levels of self-reported situational empathy and immersion of players in a simulated environment compared to incongruent appearance and facial expressions. Conclusions. The results of this investigation showed an interaction effect between artificial/natural body appearance and facial expressiveness of a virtual character’s appearance. The evidence from this study suggests that the appearance of the virtual animal has an important influence on user experience.
Outcomes and radiographic findings of symptomatic isolated mesenteric artery dissection with conservative management
Authors: Xu Yingjiang , Gao Xiujuan , Shang Dan , Liu Jianyong , Jin Bi , Chen Wei 
Published: July 2020

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the computed tomography follow-up outcomes and radiographic findings of symptomatic isolated mesenteric artery dissection (IMAD) after conservative management. Methods In this retrospective study, 130 consecutive patients with symptomatic IMAD from three institutions were enrolled from January 2011 to December 2019. The general epidemiological data, clinical manifestations, first-episode symptoms, imaging findings, and treatment strategy selection were analyzed from the medical records. Results Among 130 patients diagnosed with symptomatic IMAD, positive remodeling of the SMA was achieved in 75.38% (98/130), and negative remodeling of the SMA was achieved in 24.62% (32/130). In the positive remodeling group, complete remodeling was achieved 39.23% (51/130) (type I 6 patients, type IIa 10 patients, type IIb 35 patients), in which type IIb was the most ( p = 0.004). Moreover, of the 32 patients in whom negative remodeling of the SMA was achieved, significant differences were observed between the type IIa with respect to dissecting aneurysm formation ( p = 0.04).Of the seven factors analyzed with a logistic regression model identified three factors significantly associated with negative remodeling: length of dissection (Waldχ2 13.331; OR 6.945; 95% CI 2.762–10.498; p = 0.014), true lumen residual diameter (TLRD) (Waldχ2 9.626; OR 7.85; 95% CI 1.892–19.063; p = 0.022), and branch involvement (Waldχ2 11.812; OR 7.247; 95% CI 1.245–14.830; p = 0.011). Conclusion The prognosis of most symptomatic IMAD has a tendency to positive remodeling after conservative management, in which the initial type IIb classification is common. In contrast, risk factors for negative remodeling were type IIa, length of dissection, TLRD, and branch involvement. Patients with these morphological characteristics may not benefit from conservative management.
Over-expression of long non-coding RNA ZEB2-AS1 may predict poor prognosis and promote the migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tumor cells in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xu Hui , Yu Bengtong , Shen Weiyu , Jin Chenghua , Wang Lijie , Xi Yong 
Published: July 2020

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains the most common cause of human cancer-related death worldwide, and the present study aims to explore the roles of long non-coding (lnc)RNA ZEB2-AS1 in NSCLC and the related mechanism. Methods: Quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction was performed to compare the expressions of ZEB2-AS1 in NSCLC cancer tissue and the adjacent non-tumorous tissues. The diagnostic and prognostic roles of ZEB2-AS1 in NSCLC were also evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve and the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. NSCLC cell line A549 cells were transfected with ZEB2-AS1 siRNA, and the cell viability, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the ZEB2-AS1 siRNA group and control group were compared. Results: ZEB2-AS1 was significantly increased in NSCLC tissues. The knockdown of ZEB2-AS1 markedly inhibited the cell viability, migration, invasion, and EMT of A549 cells in vitro. Conclusion: ZEB2-AS1 was up-regulated in NSCLC, and it may serve as a potential target for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of NSCLC.
Infection after buried or exposed K-wire fixation of distal radial fractures: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Maradei-Pereira João Alberto R. , dos Santos Amanda P. , Martins Juliana R. , Maradei-Pereira Marcia R. 
Published: July 2020

We treated 220 extra-articular distal radial fractures with closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation and randomized K-wire placement to buried or exposed. We analysed the incidence and severity of infection and the mobility of the metacarpophalangeal joints. At 6 weeks postoperatively, 12 patients in the exposed group had infections versus two in the buried group, which was a statistically significant difference. Mobility was statistically but not clinically better in the buried group. One patient in each group had wires removed before fracture healing due to infection, which resulted in malunion. From this study we conclude that, in the treatment of distal radial fractures, it is better to bury the K-wires under the skin, especially when geographical conditions make it difficult to control the patients’ adherence to hygiene and postoperative care despite the higher costs incurred with removal of buried K-wires. Level of evidence: II
The Effect of Intraarticular Insulin on Chondral Defect Repair
Authors: Yildiz Eren , Ersen Ali , Yener Emre , Comunoglu Nil , Sen Cengiz 
Published: July 2020

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of intraarticular insulin on the treatment of chondral defects. Design Twenty-four mature New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups as control (Group 1), microfracture (Group 2), and microfracture and insulin (Group 3). Four-millimeter full-thickness cartilage defects were created to the weight-bearing surface on the medial femoral condyles of each rabbit. In the first group, any additional interventions were not performed. Microfracture was performed on defects in groups 2 and 3. Additionally, 10 IU of insulin glargine was administrated into the knee joints of the third group. Three months after surgery, the knee joints were harvested and cartilage quality was assessed according to Wakitani and ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society) scores histopathologically. Insulin injections were performed into the knees of 2 additional rabbits without creating a cartilage defect to evaluate the potential adverse effects of insulin on healthy cartilage (Group 4). Results The total ICRS and Wakitani scores of the insulin group were found to be significantly lower than the microfracture group but similar to the control group. No negative effects of insulin on healthy cartilage were detected. Intraarticular insulin after surgery has led to a statistically significant decrease in systemic blood sugar levels whereas the decrease observed after administration to intact tissues was not statistically significant. Conclusions Insulin had a negative influence on the quality of cartilage regeneration and had no effect on healthy cartilage. Intraarticular insulin administration does not cause significant systemic effects in intact tissue.
Right ventricular reserve post mitral valve repair is associated with heart failure hospitalization
Authors: Chang Wei‐Ting , Wu Nan‐Chun , Shih Jhih‐Yuan , Hsu Chih‐Hsin , Chen Zhih‐Cherng , Cheng Bor‐Chih 
Published: July 2020

Right ventricular impairment is a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes in patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation. However, the time course of right ventricular functional changes post‐surgical mitral valve repair remains largely unknown. Herein, using right ventricular‐focused echocardiography, we aimed to investigate right ventricular reserve and its impact on hospitalization for heart failure after mitral valve repair. In this prospective study, we enrolled 108 patients scheduled to undergo surgical repair of degenerative mitral regurgitation. Echocardiography, including right ventricular strain analysis, was performed prior to, and one month and six months post mitral valve repair. Right ventricular strain that improved one month post‐surgery was defined as reserved right ventricular. In addition, any cardiovascular outcomes comprising heart failure that required admission were recorded. The median follow‐up duration is 31 months. Despite a significant improvement in mitral valve regurgitant volume post‐operatively, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at six months was similar to LVEF at baseline. There was a transient decrease in LV longitudinal strain at one month that was recovered six months post mitral valve repair. Regarding the right ventricular, in contrast with conventional right ventricular parameters, including right ventricular tissue Doppler S′, fractional area change and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), only resolution of right ventricular strain at one month predicted the subsequent myocardial recovery. Furthermore, patients with reserved right ventricular had a lower risk of hospitalization for heart failure compared to those with non‐reserved right ventricular. Collectively, the early resolution of right ventricular strain is associated with the improvement in right ventricular function (measured by TAPSE) and in heart failure hospitalization in patients who had undergone surgical mitral valve repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation.
The effects of transitions in metabolic health and obesity status on incident cardiovascular disease: Insights from a general Chinese population
Authors: Guo Xiaofan , Li Zhao , Zhou Ying , Yu Shasha , Yang Hongmei , Sun Guozhe , Zheng Liqiang , Afzal Junaid , Liu Yamin , Sun Yingxian 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Recent studies have investigated the association of transitions in metabolic health and obesity status over time with the risk of cardiovascular disease, focusing on the subgroup demonstrating metabolically healthy obesity. However, these studies have produced inconsistent results. This study evaluates the relation in a general Chinese population.

Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study in a general population in Northeast China, with examinations of cardiovascular health from 2012–2015 and follow-up for incident cardiovascular disease until 2018. Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were used to investigate the association of baseline metabolic health and obesity status and transitions in those statuses with cardiovascular disease risk.

Results
A total of 7472 participants aged ≥35 years who were free of cardiovascular disease at baseline were included in this analysis. Over a median follow-up of 4.66 years, a total of 344 cardiovascular disease events occurred. Among the 3380 participants who were obese at baseline, 37.1% were metabolically healthy. Metabolically healthy obesity was associated with a 48% increased risk of cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio: 1.48; 95% confidence interval: 1.07–2.06) compared with the metabolically healthy non-obese group at baseline. Transition from metabolically healthy obesity to metabolically unhealthy obesity was associated with elevated cardiovascular disease risk with an odds ratio of 1.82 (95% confidence interval: 1.06–3.14) compared with metabolically healthy non-obesity throughout after adjustment. Even maintaining metabolically healthy obesity over time was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (odds ratio: 1.72; 95% confidence interval: 1.00–2.97).

Conclusions
Weight control and management of existing metabolic disorders should be prioritized in all obese population.
Long-Term Residual-Mobility and Adjacent Segment Disease After Total Lumbar Disc Replacement
Authors: Kitzen Joep , Vercoulen Timon F. G. , Schotanus Martijn G. M. , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , Kort Nanne P. , van Rhijn Lodewijk W. , Willems Paul C. P. H. 
Published: July 2020

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: Total disc replacement (TDR) has been introduced in order to preserve segmental motion and thus reduce adjacent segment disease (ASD) as seen after spinal fusion. However, it is uncertain whether these presumed beneficial effects remain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term incidence of ASD and residual-mobility in relation to clinical outcome. Methods: A total of 210 patients treated with lumbar TDR for degenerative disc disease were invited for follow-up. ASD was reported in case of severe degeneration in an adjacent disc at latest follow-up, or if an increase in disc degeneration was observed in these adjacent segments as compared to direct postoperative radiographs. Residual-mobility of the TDR was defined as a minimal rotation of 4.6° on flexion-extension radiographs. Patient-reported outcome measures were obtained. Results: Fifty-seven patients (27.1%) were lost to follow-up. In 32 patients (15.3%) a revision by spinal fusion had been performed. In 20 patients this revision had occurred ≥5 years after TDR and were included. Consequently, 141 patients were available for analysis (mean follow-up of 16.7 years). Residual-mobility was noted in 38.0%. No significant associations were observed between residual-mobility and the occurrence of ASD, or with clinical outcome. In addition, ASD and clinical outcome were not related either. Conclusions: It appears that long-term preservation of motion after TDR is met for only a third of patients. However, residual-mobility is not associated with the occurrence of ASD, and both residual-mobility and ASD do not appear to be related to long-term clinical outcome.
The microbe-derived short-chain fatty acids butyrate and propionate are associated with protection from chronic GVHD
Authors: Markey Kate A. , Schluter Jonas , Gomes Antonio L. C. , Littmann Eric R. , Pickard Amanda J. , Taylor Bradford P. , Giardina Paul A. , Weber Daniela , Dai Anqi , Docampo Melissa D. , Armijo Gabriel K. , Slingerland Ann E. , Slingerland John B. , Nichols Katherine B. , Brereton Daniel G. , Clurman Annelie G. , Ramos Ruben J. , Rao Arka , Bush Amy , Bohannon Lauren , Covington Megan , Lew Meagan V. , Rizzieri David A. , Chao Nelson , Maloy Molly , Cho Christina , Politikos Ioannis , Giralt Sergio , Taur Ying , Pamer Eric G. , Holler Ernst , Perales Miguel-Angel , Ponce Doris M. , Devlin Sean M. , Xavier Joao , Sung Anthony D. , Peled Jonathan U. , Cross Justin R. , van den Brink Marcel R. M. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Studies of the relationship between the gastrointestinal microbiota and outcomes in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) have thus far largely focused on early complications, predominantly infection and acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We examined the potential relationship of the microbiome with chronic GVHD (cGVHD) by analyzing stool and plasma samples collected late after allo-HCT using a case-control study design. We found lower circulating concentrations of the microbe-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) propionate and butyrate in day 100 plasma samples from patients who developed cGVHD, compared with those who remained free of this complication, in the initial case-control cohort of transplant patients and in a further cross-sectional cohort from an independent transplant center. An additional cross-sectional patient cohort from a third transplant center was analyzed; however, serum (rather than plasma) was available, and the differences in SCFAs observed in the plasma samples were not recapitulated. In sum, our findings from the primary case-control cohort and 1 of 2 cross-sectional cohorts explored suggest that the gastrointestinal microbiome may exert immunomodulatory effects in allo-HCT patients at least in part due to control of systemic concentrations of microbe-derived SCFAs.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a multicentre cohort study from China
Authors: Wang Jieying , Li Mengtao , Wang Qian , Zhang Xiao , Qian Junyan , Zhao Jiuliang , Xu Dong , Tian Zhuang , Wei Wei , Zuo Xiaoxia , Zhang Miaojia , Zhu Ping , Ye Shuang , Zhang Wei , Zheng Yi , Qi Wufang , Li Yang , Zhang Zhuoli , Ding Feng , Gu Jieruo , Liu Yi , Wang Yanhong , Zhao Yan , Zeng Xiaofeng 
Published: July 2020

ObjectivesPrimary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an important cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which remains insufficiently studied and needs attention. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, risk factors, prognosis and risk assessment of pSS-PAH.MethodsWe established a multicentre cohort of pSS-PAH diagnosed by right heart catheterisation. The case–control study was conducted with pSS-non-PAH patients as a control group to identify the risk factors for PAH. In the cohort study, survival was calculated, and risk assessment was performed at both baseline and follow-up visits.ResultsIn total, 103 patients with pSS-PAH were enrolled, with 526 pSS-non-PAH patients as controls. The presence of anti-SSB (p<0.001, OR 4.095) and anti-U1RNP antibodies (p<0.001, OR 29.518), the age of pSS onset (p<0.001, OR 0.651) and the positivity of corneal staining (p=0.003, OR 0.409) were identified as independent risk factors for PAH. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 94.0%, 88.8% and 79.0%, respectively. Cardiac index (p=0.010, hazard ratio (HR) 0.161), pulmonary vascular resistance (p=0.016, HR 1.105) and Sjögren's syndrome disease damage index (p=0.006, HR 1.570) were identified as potential predictors of death in pSS-PAH. Long-term outcomes were improved in patients in the low-risk category at baseline (p=0.002) and follow-up (p<0.0001).ConclusionThe routine screening of PAH is suggested in pSS patients with early onset and positivity for anti-SSB or anti-U1RNP antibodies. Patient prognosis might be improved by improving reserved cardiopulmonary function, by achieving a damage-free state and especially by achieving low-risk category, which supports the treat-to-target strategy for pSS-PAH.