bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A meta-analysis of the vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms associated with the risk of pre-eclampsia
Authors: Duan Weicheng , Xia Chenlu , Wang Kang , Duan Yijie , Cheng Ping , Xiong Bo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Backgroud: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a common pregnancy-induced hypertension disease. Some case–control studies reported the association between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms (rs3025039, rs2010963) and PE risk. However, these associations were inconsistent in several studies. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to assess the role of VEGF gene polymorphisms in PE more precisely.
Methods: Eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Chinese (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WanFang) databases. Statistical analyses were performed by Stata 12.0 software. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the strength of the association. In addition, subgroup analyses, sensitive analyses and publication bias analyses were performed to further assess this meta-analysis.
Results: In total, 21 studies were included in the meta-analysis covering 2018 cases and 2632 controls. There were significant associations between VEGF polymorphisms (rs3025039, rs2010963) and PE risk in the overall populations. In the subgroup analyses, we found that rs3025039 polymorphism was associated with the increased risk of PE among Chinese. As for rs2010963 polymorphism, a significant association was observed in subgroup of Caucasian.
Conclusion: The present study suggested that the two VEGF gene polymorphisms (rs3025039, rs2010963) are associated with increased risk of PE in different ethnic groups, which means that the targets may be useful genetic markers for early prediction of PE.
Prognostic value of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) for hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xiao-Song , Li Jun-Wei , Li Hui , Jiang Tao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The prognostic role of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been widely studied but the results are controversial. In this comprehensive meta-analysis, we elucidated the clinical value of PD-L1 in HCC. Relevant studies were systematically searched in the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed until June 27, 2019. Eligible studies were validated for the prognostic effect of PD-L1 on the overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and relapse-free survival (RFS) in HCC using a hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Twenty-three studies with 3529 patients were involved in this meta-analysis. The pooled results revealed that high membrane-bound PD-L1 (mPD-L1) expression was associated with poor OS (HR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.12–1.80; P = 0.004) and had no significant correlation with RFS (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 0.85–1.54; P = 0.39), and DFS (HR: 1.36; 95% CI: 0.81–2.28; P = 0.25). The results also indicated that high soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) levels were associated with worse OS (HR: 2.93; 95% CI: 2.20–3.91; P &lt; 0.00001). In addition, high mPD-L1 expression was associated with high alpha-fetoprotein levels (AFP; OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.16–1.84; P = 0.001), hepatitis (OR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.54–0.98; P = 0.03), poor tumor differentiation (OR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.55–0.84; P = 0.03), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (OR = 3.39; 95% CI: 1.06–10.91; P = 0.04). The mPD-L1 expression had no significant correlation with age, number of tumors, gender, tumor size, liver cirrhosis, vascular invasion, tumor encapsulation, or TNM stage. The study revealed that high mPD-L1 expression in the tumor tissue and high sPD-L1 levels were associated with shorter OS in HCC. Moreover, overexpression of mPD-L1 was significantly associated with poor tumor differentiation, hepatitis, AFP elevation, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.
Thermodynamic stability and vibrational anharmonicity of black phosphorene—beyond quasi-harmonic analysis
Authors: Anees P 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Thermodynamic stability and vibrational anharmonicity of single layer black phosphorene (SLBP) are studied using a spectral energy density (SED) method. At finite temperatures, SLBP sheet undergoes structural deformation due to the formation of thermally excited ripples. Thermal stability of deformed SLBP sheet is analyzed by computing finite temperature phonon dispersion, which shows that SLBP sheet is thermodynamically stable and survives the crumpling transition. To analyze the vibrational anharmonicity, temperature evolution of all zone center optic phonon modes are extracted, including experimentally forbidden IR and Raman active modes. Mode resolved phonon spectra exhibits red-shift in mode frequencies with temperature. The strong anharmonic phonon–phonon coupling is the predominant reason for the observed red-shift of phonon modes, the contribution of thermal expansion is marginal. Further, temperature sensitivity of all optic modes are analyzed by computing their first order temperature co-efficient (χ), and it can be expressed as B
2g >

A

g

2

>

B

3
g

1

>

B

3
g

2

> B
1g >

A

g

1

& B
2u > B
1u for Raman and IR active modes, respectively. The quasi-harmonic χ values are much smaller than the SED and experimental values; which substantiate that quasi-harmonic methods are inadequate, and a full anharmonic analysis is essential to explain structure and dynamics of SLBP at finite temperatures.
Fijian youth entrepreneurs: championing health through sustainable food systems
Authors: Conn Cath , Cammock Radilaite , Sa’u Lilo Losi , Nayar Shoba 
Published: April 2020

Summary
The health of Pacific people is known to be at risk because of the onset of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes. The scale of the problem requires innovative approaches to bring about change. One such approach is the development of a sustainable food system in combination with the leadership of Pacific youth. This study sought to engage Pacific youth as part of the solution to reducing NCDs through social enterprise and championing of sustainable food systems. Four young Fijian vegetable and fruit entrepreneurs shared their stories as part of a participatory action research of Talanoa/storytelling, with social media workshops, networking and promotional opportunities. Findings revealed that youth entrepreneurs are passionate about food and health, family and tradition; some are already food influencers and champions and they are keen to grow their businesses. Yet, there is limited support for small business development with a social purpose and youth-led campaigns. The study indicates a growing potential to develop local youth-led social entrepreneurship and innovation to address NCDs in exciting new ways. There is an urgent need to support innovation interventions to advocate for sustainable food systems for the Pacific, that promote positive human health needs and address, more broadly, climate change effects.
Selling function: the advertising of sugar-containing beverages on Australian television
Authors: Brownbill Aimee L , Miller Caroline L , Smithers Lisa G , Braunack-Mayer Annette J 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Reducing population consumption of sugar-containing beverages has become a public health priority in many countries due to causal evidence between high consumption, weight gain and non-communicable diseases. This study aims to explore how sugar-containing beverages are associated with health and wellness in television advertisements. Our sample consisted of all televised advertisements from sugar-containing beverage manufacturers aired on free-to-air television from one Australian network (four channels) in 2016 (n = 30 unique advertisements). We transcribed advertisements for audio and visual information. We analysed data inductively using methods from thematic, discourse and multi-modal analysis. Advertisements for sugar-containing beverages reflected both traditional (physical health and reduced risk of disease) and broader (wellbeing) conceptualizations of health. Beverages were positioned in advertisements as contributing a functional role to promote and enhance health and wellbeing within the physical, mental and social domains. Beverages were advertised as correcting suboptimal states of being to achieve desirable outcomes, including relaxation, increased resistance to disease, enhanced performance, better cognitive functioning and improved social connections. Positioning beverages within a wider conceptualization of health and wellbeing aligns with how health and nutrition are increasingly being understood and sought out by consumers, creating increased opportunities for the marketing of sugar-containing beverages as ‘healthy’.
Thoracic aortic computed tomography angiography in swine: establishment of a baseline for endovascular evaluation of the ascending aorta
Authors: Tao Li , Xianhao Bao , Yuxi Zhao , Ziwen Li , Ziyi Xu , Zhaoxiang Zeng , Mingwei Wu , Yiming Li , Ding Xu , Jiaxuan Feng , Rui Feng , Jian Zhou , Zaiping Jing 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOBJECTIVESOur goal was to establish a baseline of computed tomography (CT) angiographic data for the porcine ascending thoracic aorta for endovascular evaluation of animal experiments and device development.METHODSThoracic aortic CT angiography was conducted on 49 pigs with an average body weight of 60–65 kg. The CT angiographic scans were done on an imaging reconstruction workstation to obtain the specific aortic geometric data, including the diameters of the planes, the heights among the planes and the clock positions of target arteries.RESULTSFourteen important planes were defined in the study for endograft customizing reference. The diameters of the planes were measured, and the heights among the planes were recorded. For endograft fenestrations, the right coronary artery ostium clock position was 100.11 ± 7.29°, and the brachiocephalic trunk ostium clock position was 74.72 ± 6.45°. The best projection angle of the tangent position of the left coronary artery was the right anterior oblique 17 ± 7° position. A pig with a rare congenital giant dilated aorta was found among the candidate experimental animals.CONCLUSIONSFor experimental porcine models, CT angiography has proved to be a suitable imaging technique. The established baseline angiography of the swine can provide reference values for future animal experiments and device development.
Managing Esketamine Treatment Frequency Toward Successful Outcomes: Analysis of Phase 3 Data
Authors: Nijs Michel , Wajs Ewa , Aluisio Leah , Turkoz Ibrahim , Daly Ella , Janik Adam , Borentain Stephane , Singh Jaskaran B , DiBernardo Allitia , Wiegand Frank 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Esketamine nasal spray was recently approved for treatment-resistant depression. The current analysis evaluated the impact of symptom-based treatment frequency changes during esketamine treatment on clinical outcomes.

Methods
This is a post-hoc analysis of an open-label, long-term (up to 1 year) study of esketamine in patients with treatment-resistant depression (SUSTAIN 2). During a 4-week induction phase, 778 patients self-administered esketamine twice weekly plus a new oral antidepressant daily. In responders (≥50% reduction in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale total score from baseline), esketamine treatment frequency was thereafter decreased during an optimization/maintenance phase to weekly for 4 weeks and then adjusted to the lowest frequency (weekly or every other week) that maintained remission (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale ≤ 12) based on a study-defined algorithm. The relationship between treatment frequency and symptom response, based on clinically meaningful change in Clinical Global Impression–Severity score, was subsequently evaluated 4 weeks after treatment frequency adjustments in the optimization/maintenance phase.

Results
Among 580 responders treated with weekly esketamine for the first 4 weeks in the optimization/maintenance phase (per protocol), 26% continued to improve, 50% maintained clinical benefit, and 24% worsened. Thereafter, when treatment frequency could be reduced from weekly to every other week, 19% further improved, 49% maintained benefit, and 32% worsened. For patients no longer in remission after treatment frequency reduction, an increase (every other week to weekly) resulted in 47% improved, 43% remained unchanged, and 10% worsened.

Conclusions
These findings support individualization of esketamine nasal spray treatment frequency to optimize treatment response in real-world clinical practice.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02497287
Peripheral Blood Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in Tuberculosis Patients and Healthy Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Exposed Controls
Authors: Suliman Sara , Gela Anele , Mendelsohn Simon C , Iwany Sarah K , Tamara Kattya Lopez , Mabwe Simbarashe , Bilek Nicole , Darboe Fatoumatta , Fisher Michelle , Corbett Alexandra J , Kjer-Nielsen Lars , Eckle Sidonia B G , Huang Chuan-Chin , Zhang Zibiao , Lewinsohn David M , McCluskey James , Rossjohn Jamie , Hatherill Mark , León Segundo R , Calderon Roger I , Lecca Leonid , Murray Megan , Scriba Thomas J , Van Rhijn Ildiko , Moody D Branch 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
In human blood, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are abundant T cells that recognize antigens presented on non-polymorphic major histocompatibility complex-related 1 (MR1) molecules. The MAIT cells are activated by mycobacteria, and prior human studies indicate that blood frequencies of MAIT cells, defined by cell surface markers, decline during tuberculosis (TB) disease, consistent with redistribution to the lungs.

Methods
We tested whether frequencies of blood MAIT cells were altered in patients with TB disease relative to healthy Mycobacterium tuberculosis-exposed controls from Peru and South Africa. We quantified their frequencies using MR1 tetramers loaded with 5-(2-oxopropylideneamino)-6-D-ribitylaminouracil.

Results
Unlike findings from prior studies, frequencies of blood MAIT cells were similar among patients with TB disease and latent and uninfected controls. In both cohorts, frequencies of MAIT cells defined by MR1-tetramer staining and coexpression of CD161 and the T-cell receptor alpha variable gene TRAV1-2 were strongly correlated. Disease severity captured by body mass index or TB disease transcriptional signatures did not correlate with MAIT cell frequencies in patients with TB.

Conclusions
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-related 1-restrictied MAIT cells are detected at similar levels with tetramers or surface markers. Unlike MHC-restricted T cells, blood frequencies of MAIT cells are poor correlates of TB disease but may play a role in pathophysiology.
Exosomes Facilitate Transmission of Enterovirus A71 From Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Huang Hsing-I , Lin Jhao-Yin , Chiang Hsiao-Chu , Huang Pen-Nien , Lin Qing-Dong , Shih Shin-Ru 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) has been noted for its tendency to lead to neurological manifestations in young children and infants. Although the alimentary tract has been identified as the primary replication site of this virus, how EV-A71 replicates in the gut and is transmitted to other organs remains unclear.

Methods
By using differentiated C2BBe1 cells as a model, we observed that intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) were permissive to EV-A71 infection, and viral particles were released in a nonlytic manner.

Results
The coexistence of active caspase 3 and EV-A71 protein was observed in the infected undifferentiated C2BBe1 and RD cells but not in the infected differentiated C2BBe1 cells. Furthermore, EV-A71 infection caused differentiated C2BBe1 and intestinal organoids to secrete exosomes containing viral components and have the ability to establish active infection. Inhibition of the exosome pathway decreased EV-A71 replication and release in IECs and increased the survival rates of infected animals.

Conclusions
Our findings showed that EV-A71 is able to be actively replicated in enterocytes, and that the exosome pathway is involved in the nonlytic release of viral particles, which may be useful for developing antiviral strategies.
In Utero Seasonal Food Insecurity and Cognitive Development: Evidence on Gender Imbalances From Ethiopia
Authors: Beshir Habtamu Ali , Maystadt Jean-François 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Food insecurity is pervasive and highly seasonal in Ethiopia. In this study, we investigate the effect of seasonal food insecurity on child development. Exploiting the Young Lives Ethiopia dataset, we study the gender-specific impact of in utero exposure to seasonal food insecurity on cognitive development and the probability of being on the expected grade for children of age 8 up to 12. We find that at age 8, in utero exposure to food insecurity negatively affects cognitive development, only for boys. At age 12, such exposure significantly reduces cognitive development for all children, but with a significantly higher magnitude for boys. The impact is almost three times bigger compared to the one estimated for girls. Corroborated with other outcomes, we explain such gender imbalances by the accumulative nature of the scarring effect rather than the culling effect or gender differences in parental investment.
O-GlcNAc regulates gene expression by controlling detained intron splicing
Authors: Tan Zhi-Wei , Fei George , Paulo Joao A , Bellaousov Stanislav , Martin Sara E S , Duveau Damien Y , Thomas Craig J , Gygi Steven P , Boutz Paul L , Walker Suzanne 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntron detention in precursor RNAs serves to regulate expression of a substantial fraction of genes in eukaryotic genomes. How detained intron (DI) splicing is controlled is poorly understood. Here, we show that a ubiquitous post-translational modification called O-GlcNAc, which is thought to integrate signaling pathways as nutrient conditions fluctuate, controls detained intron splicing. Using specific inhibitors of the enzyme that installs O-GlcNAc (O-GlcNAc transferase, or OGT) and the enzyme that removes O-GlcNAc (O-GlcNAcase, or OGA), we first show that O-GlcNAc regulates splicing of the highly conserved detained introns in OGT and OGA to control mRNA abundance in order to buffer O-GlcNAc changes. We show that OGT and OGA represent two distinct paradigms for how DI splicing can control gene expression. We also show that when DI splicing of the O-GlcNAc-cycling genes fails to restore O-GlcNAc homeostasis, there is a global change in detained intron levels. Strikingly, almost all detained introns are spliced more efficiently when O-GlcNAc levels are low, yet other alternative splicing pathways change minimally. Our results demonstrate that O-GlcNAc controls detained intron splicing to tune system-wide gene expression, providing a means to couple nutrient conditions to the cell's transcriptional regime.
Role of stress in the development of rheumatoid arthritis: a case–control study
Authors: Germain Vincent , Scherlinger Marc , Barnetche Thomas , Pichon Clémence , Balageas Alexandre , Lequen Laurence , Shipley Emilie , Foret Jennifer , Dublanc Stéphanie , Capuron Lucile , Schaeverbeke Thierry ,   the Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire ACRONIM
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Objectives
The primary objective of this study was to assess the stressful life events preceding the onset of symptoms in RA. The secondary objectives were to assess how early RA patients perceive stress and cope with stressors.

Methods
A case–control study was performed, comparing patients recently diagnosed with RA to age- and gender-matched control subjects recently hospitalized for an unplanned surgical procedure not known to be influenced by stress. The Social Readjustment Rating Scale assessed the cumulative stress induced by stressful life events in the year preceding the onset of symptoms. Coping strategies, stress and anxiety symptoms were evaluated using validated psychological scales.

Results
Seventy-six subjects were included in each group. The mean Social Readjustment Rating Scale score was twice as high in cases compared with controls [respectively, 167.0 (172.5) vs 83.3 (124.4), P &lt; 0.001]. The association between cumulative stress and RA was statistically significant only in women, with a dose-dependent association between stress and RA. While female patients with RA attributed more often the onset of symptoms to a life event than female controls (70.2 vs 24.5%, P &lt; 0.001), no significant difference was found when comparing male RA patients with male controls (26.9 vs 18.5%, respectively, P = 0.46). Increased perceived stress score (P = 0.04) and coping based on emotions (P = 0.001) were found in cases compared with controls.

Conclusion
Patients with early RA reported more life events in the year preceding the onset of symptoms than controls. Gender specificities were found with a significant association between cumulative stress and RA only in women.
Clinical phenotypes of IgG4-related disease reflect different prognostic outcomes
Authors: Lanzillotta Marco , Campochiaro Corrado , Mancuso Gaia , Ramirez Giuseppe Alvise , Capurso Gabriele , Falconi Massimo , Dagna Lorenzo , Della-Torre Emanuel 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Four clinical phenotypes of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) have been recently identified by latent class analysis (LCA): pancreato-biliary (group 1); retroperitoneum/aortitis (group 2); head and neck limited (group 3); and Mikulicz/systemic (group 4). The reproducibility of this classification in clinical practice and its relevance for patient management, however, remain unknown.

Methods
The study included 179 patients. Four IgG4-RD experts were asked to classify a validation cohort of 40 patients according to published LCA-derived phenotypes based on clinical judgement. Agreement between LCA and clinical clustering was calculated. To assess differences among disease phenotypes, the following variables were recorded on an additional 139 patients: serum IgG4 and IgE; inflammatory markers; eosinophils; plasmablasts; IgG4-RD responder index (RI); history of atopy, diabetes, osteoporosis, relapses and malignancy; cumulative dose of glucocorticoids; and use of rituximab.

Results
Clinical judgement replicated LCA classification with strong agreement among IgG4-RD experts (κ = 0.841, P &lt; 0.0005). At disease onset, group 1 showed the highest levels of serum IgG4 and IgE. Groups 2 and 4 had the lowest and highest IgG4-RD RI, respectively. At 2 years’ follow-up, group 3 received the highest cumulative dose of glucocorticoids, but higher incidences of diabetes mellitus were observed in groups 1 and 4, consistent with the higher likelihood of pancreatic involvement in groups 1 and 4. No difference among the four groups was observed in terms of disease recurrence, time to relapse and frequency of rituximab infusion.

Conclusion
Clinical phenotypes of IgG4-RD reflect differences in epidemiological features and prognostic outcomes.