bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The utility of T-SPOT.TB for the diagnosis unconventional pleural tuberculosis is superior to ADA in high prevalence: A perspective analysis of 601 cases
Authors: Yang Xinting , zhang jing , Liang Qingtao , Pan Liping , Duan Hongfei , Yang Yang , Li Hua , Guo Chao , Sun Qi , Jia Hongyan , Du Boping , Wei Rongrong , Xing Aiying , Zhang Zongde , Chen Xiaoyou 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) is still controversial in differentiating tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE), through recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) for identification of latent tuberculosis infection. OBJECTIVES: Aim to in comparison to Adenosine deaminase (ADA), evaluate the IGRA (T-SPOT.TB) diagnostic efficacy for TPE patients of different characteristics, to clarify its appropriate scene in clinical diagnosis. METHODS: A prospective, single-centre study including all suspected pleural effusion patients consecutively from June 2015 to October 2018. Through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, all enrolled participants were determined technical cut-off and the utility of IGRA for pleural fluid (PF). Obtain the independent risk factors by logistic regression analysis for TPE, and evaluate the performance of T-SPOT stratified by risk factors, in comparison to ADA. RESULTS: A total of 601 individuals were consecutively recruited. The maximum of early secretory antigenic target-6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein-10 (CFP-10) in PF T-SPOT had the best diagnostic efficiency in our study, with a sensitivity of 83.0% and a specificity of 83.1%, corresponding cut-off value is 466 SFCs/10 6 mononuclear cells, which was equal to ADA (0.885 vs 0.887, P=0.957) and superior than in PB; Among the TPE patients with low ADA(<40 IU/L), the sensitivity and specificity of PF T-SPOT was still 87.9%, 90.5% respectively. The utility of ADA was negative related to age ascents, but PF T-SPOT had steady performance at any age-stage. The age (<45 yrs; odds ratio (OR) = 5.61), gender (male; OR = 2.7) and body mass index (BMI) (<22; OR = 1.93) was independently associated with the risk of TB by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Stratified by risk factors, notably the PF T-SPOT had superior sensitivity (76.5% vs. 23.5%, P =0.016) than ADA meanwhile had the non-inferior specificity (84.4% vs. 96.9%, P =0.370). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the overall potency of PF T-SPOT assay is equal to ADA for diagnosing TPE. In addition, PF T-SPOT can effectively discriminate the TPE patients whose ADA lower than 40 IU/L, extremely superior to ADA in unconventional TPE patients (age>45yrs, female or BMI≧22). PF T-SPOT assay is an extremely good choice to supplement ADA to diagnose TPE.
High prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni CC21 and CC257 clonal complexes in children with gastroenteritis in Iran: A global analysis
Authors: Sarhangi Mahnaz , Bakhshi Bita , Peeraeyeh Shahin Najar 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of GBS-related lipo-oligosaccharide (LOS) classes and capsular genotypes among Iranian clinical C. jejuni strains and to assess its relation with dnaK gene expression. Moreover, a comprehensive study of C. jejuni MLST-genotypes and global comparison with peer sequences worldwide was intended.Methods: Distribution of sialylated-LOS classes and specific capsular genotypes were investigated in C.jejuni of clinical origin. The expression of dnaK in C. jejuni strains was measured by Real-Time-PCR. MLST-genotyping was performed to investigate the clonal relationship of clinical C. jejuni strains and comparison with global sequences worldwide.Results: C. jejuni HS23/36c was the predominant genotype (45%), followed by HS2 (20%), and HS19 and HS4 (each 10%). A total of 80% of isolates were assigned to LOS class B and C. Higher expression level of dnaK gene was detected in strains with HS23/36c, HS2 and HS4 capsular genotypes and sialylated LOS classes B or C in this study. MLST analysis showed that isolates were highly diverse and represented 6 different sequence types and 3 clonal complexes. ST-21 and ST-257 complexes were dominants (75%) in our C.jejuni strains. The CC21 was the largest CC in our collection which is consistent with global C.jejuni strains worldwide. No new ST and no common ST with our neighbor countries was detected in this study.Conclusion: Global analysis of MLST results demonstrated that ST-50 (CC21) was widely distributed in different countries, while ST-19 (CC21) and ST-257 (CC257) was less ubiquitously spread. Overall, CC21 and CC353 complexes were most frequent and most widely distributed clonal complexes around the world; although, CC353 was not detected in this study. This shows a picture of movement of dominant Campylobacter strains worldwide. The occurrence of identical clonal complexes with different capsular types and LOS classes in this study is consistent with genetic variation in circulating identical genotypes and their evolution toward different pathotypes probably through acquisition of different genetic elements including LOS and CPS gene clusters.
NF-κB and pSTAT3 synergistically drive G6PD overexpression and facilitate sensitivity to G6PD inhibition in ccRCC
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Yang Zhe , Ni Yueli , Bai Honggang , Han Qiaoqiao , Yi Zihan , Yi Xiaojia , AGBANA Yannick Luther , Kuang Yingmin , Zhu Yuechun 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) serves key roles in cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, and has been reported to be involved in certain carcinogenesis. Previous results from our laboratory demonstrated that overexpressed G6PD was a potential prognostic biomarker in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common subtype of kidney cancer. G6PD could stimulate ccRCC growth and invasion through facilitating reactive oxygen species (ROS)-phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) activation and ROS-MAPK-MMP2 axis pathway, respectively. However, the reasons for ectopic G6PD overexpression and the proliferation repressive effect of G6PD inhibition in ccRCC are still unclear. Methods: The impact of ROS accumulation on NF-κB signaling pathway and G6PD expression was determined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot in ccRCC cells following treatment with ROS stimulator or scavenger. The regulatory function of NF-κB signaling pathway in G6PD transcription was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR, Western blot, luciferase and ChIP assay in ccRCC cells following treatment with NF-κB signaling activator/inhibitor or lentivirus infection. ChIP and Co-IP assay was performed to demonstrate protein-DNA and protein-protein interaction of NF-κB and pSTAT3, respectively. MTS assay, human tissue detection and xenograft model were conducted to characterize the association between NF-κB, pSTAT3, G6PD expression level and proliferation functions.Results: ROS-stimulated NF-κB and pSTAT3 signaling over-activation could activate each other, and exhibit cross-talks in G6PD aberrant transcriptional regulation. The underlying mechanism was that NF-κB signaling pathway facilitated G6PD transcription via direct DNA–protein interaction with p65 instead of p50. p65 and pSTAT3 formed a p65/pSTAT3 complex, occupied the pSTAT3-binding site on G6PD promoter, and contributed to ccRCC proliferation following facilitated G6PD overexpression. G6PD, pSTAT3, and p65 were highly expressed and positively correlated with each other in ccRCC tissues, confirming that NF-κB and pSTAT3 synergistically promote G6PD overexpression. Moreover, G6PD inhibitor exhibited tumor-suppressor activities in ccRCC and attenuated the growth of ccRCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: ROS-stimulated aberrations of NF-κB and pSTAT3 signaling pathway synergistically drive G6PD transcription through forming a p65/pSTAT3 complex. Moreover, G6PD activity inhibition may be a promising therapeutic strategy for ccRCC treatment.
High-resolution habitat suitability model for Phlebotomus pedifer, the vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Pareyn Myrthe , Rutten Anneleen , Merdekios Behailu , Wedegärtner Ronja Elisabeth Magdalene , Girma Nigatu , Regelbrugge Leo , Shibru Simon , Leirs Herwig 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Phlebotomus pedifer is the vector for Leishmania aethiopica causing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in southwestern Ethiopia. Previous research on the transmission dynamics of CL resulted in recommendations for vector control. In order to target these interventions towards affected areas, a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution of P. pedifer at high spatial resolution is required. Therefore, this study determined the environmental predictors that facilitate the distribution of P. pedifer and created a map indicating the areas where conditions are suitable for survival of the vector in southwestern Ethiopia with high spatial resolution.Methods: Phlebotomus pedifer presence points were collected during two entomological surveys. Climate, vegetation and topographic variables were assembled. Climate variables were interpolated with variables derived from high-resolution digital elevation models to generate topoclimatic layers representing the climate conditions in the highlands. A Maximum Entropy model was run with the presence points, predicting variables and background points, which were selected based on a bias file. Results: Phlebotomus pedifer was the only captured Phlebotomus species in the study area and was collected at altitudes ranging between 1,685 and 2,892 m. Model projections indicated areas with suitable conditions in a ‘belt’ surrounding the high mountain peaks. Model performance was high, with test and train AUC values being 0.93 and 0.90 respectively. A multivariate environmental similarity surface (MESS) analysis showed that the model projection was only slightly extrapolated for some of the variables. The mean annual temperature was the environmental variable, which contributed most to the model predictions (60.0%) followed by the seasonality in rainfall (13.2%). Variables representing steep slopes showed very low importance to model predictions. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the suitable habitats for P. pedifer correspond well with the altitudes at which CL was reported previously but the predictions are more widely distributed, in contrast with the description of CL to occur in particular foci. Moreover, we confirm that vector distribution is driven by climate factors, suggesting inclusion of topoclimate in sand fly distribution models. Overall, our model provides a map with a high spatial resolution that can be used to target sand fly control measures in southwestern Ethiopia.
Blinded Rechecking of AFB smear Microscopy performance in Selected private health facilities in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Weldemhret Letebrhan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Sputum smear microscopy remains the most cost-effective tool for tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment monitoring in resource constrained settings. Random blinded rechecking is a reliable tool to measure and improve smear microscopy. So, this study was intended to assess random blinded rechecking of AFB smear microscopy performance in selected private health facilities in Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from April 1st 2017 to May 30, 2017. The data was collected using standard data collection form. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 25 and the reading agreement was done using kappa statistics.Results: Of the total 269 blinded rechecked smears, 4.8% was found discrepant findings. The major and minor errors were reported by 2.6% (7/269) and 2.2% (6/269) respectively. Likewise, the major error was reported by 50% (5/10) of health facilities with microscopic center. Overall, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the blinded rechecking smears were 87.5%, 98%, 89.7% and 97.8%, respectively with substantial reading agreement, kappa value= 0.80.Conclusions: The overall performance of blinded rechecking was satisfactory with good smear reading agreement. But, the major error reported indicated unacceptable performance. To minimize the discrepancy, private health facilities with tuberculosis smear microscopic center should adhere to national tuberculosis guidelines.
Effects of Air Pollution on COVID-19 and Public Health
Authors: Coccia Mario 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), generate by a novel virus SARS-CoV-2, is rapidly spreading all over the world, generating a high number of deaths. One of the current questions in the field of environmental science is to explain the relationships determining the diffusion of COVID-19 in specific regions of countries. The research here focuses on case study of Italy, one of the countries in the World to experience a rapid increase in confirmed cases and deaths. Results suggest that diffusion of COVID-19 is very high in cities with high air pollution generating severe negative effects on public health o. In particular, results reveal that, among Italian provincial capitals, the number of infected people was higher in cities with more than 100 days per year exceeding limits set for PM10 or ozone, cities located in hinterland zones (i.e. away from the coast), cities having a low average intensity of wind speed and cities with a lower temperature. In hinterland cities (mostly those bordering large urban conurbations) with a high number of days exceeding PM10 and ozone limits, coupled with low wind speed (atmospheric stability), the average number of infected people in April 2020 more than tripled those that had less than 100 days of excessive air pollution. In fact, results show that more than 75% of infected individuals and about 81% of deaths in Italy of COVID-19 are in regions with high air pollution. This study must conclude that a long-run strategy to constrain future epidemics similar to the COVID-19, reducing the negative impact on public health has also to be designed in terms of environmental and sustainability policies and not only in terms of efficient approaches in medicine.
Automatic Segmentation of Coronary Lumen and External Elastic Membrane in IVUS Images Using 8-layer U-Net
Authors: Dong Liang , Lu Wei , Jiang Jun , Zhao Ya , Song Xiangfen , Leng Xiaochang , Zhao Hang , Wang Jian’an , Li Changling , Xiang Jianping 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is the golden standard in accessing the coronary lesions, stenosis, and atherosclerosis plaques. In this paper, a fully-automatic approach by an 8-layer U-Net is developed to segment the coronary artery lumen and the area bounded by external elastic membrane, i.e. EEM cross section area (EEM-CSA). The database comprises of single-vendor and single-frequency IVUS data. Particularly, the proposed data augmentation of MeshGrid combined with flip and rotation operations is implemented, improving the model performance without pre- or post-processing of the raw IVUS images.Results: The mean intersection of union (mIoU) of 0.941 and 0.750 for the lumen and EEM-CSA respectively were achieved, which exceeded the manual labeling accuracy of the clinician. Conclusion: The accuracy shown by the proposed method is sufficient for subsequent reconstruction of 3D IVUS images, which is essential for doctors’ diagnosis in the tissue characterization of coronary artery walls and plaque compositions, qualitatively and quantitatively.
Tigecycline and homoharringtonine synergistically target myeloid leukemia cells by inhibiting mitochondrial translation through mTOR/4EBP1 pathway
Authors: Yang Haiyang , Mei Chen , Ye Li , Ren Yanling , Zhang Hua , Li Kongfei , Huang Jiansong , Huang Xin , Xu Weilai , Zhou Xinping , Xu Gaixiang , Wang Lu , Shen Chuying , Tong Hongyan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTigecycline (TIG) is a tetracycline derivative antibiotic. Successive studies have shown that TIG is efficacious for the treatment of some solid tumors and hematological malignant diseases both in vivo and in vitro, and drug combinations appear to provide better inhibition. To explore new drug combinations for myeloid leukemia, we compared the differential combination efficacy of TIG with several anti-leukemia drugs, and explored the mechanisms of the combination of TIG and homoharringtonine (HHT) in myeloid leukemia cells both in vitro and in vivo.MethodsCell proliferation was assessed using MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyph-enyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) and CFU-GM (colony forming unit-granulocyte and macrophage) assays. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The combination of effects was confirmed in myeloid leukemia cells and tumor-bearing mouse model. The regulation of the AKT/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin)/4EBP1 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1) pathway was assessed using a Western blot and immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe combination of TIG and HHT had a strong synergistic effect in myeloid leukemia cells. The use of the drug combination in vivo also effectively delayed myeloid tumor development in mice. The synergistic effect of this drug combination is likely to be achieved by inhibiting mitochondrial translation and down-regulating the AKT/mTOR/4EBP1 signaling pathway. Conclusion: The combination of TIG and HHT can synergistically enhance an anti-leukemia effect through downregulating anti-apoptotic proteins. Inhibiting mitochondrial translation through the AKT/mTOR/4EBP1 pathway might be an important mechanism.
A nomogram established by inflammatory markers predicting overall survival after radical resection of gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Lixiang , Su Yezhou , Wei Zhijian , Chen Zhangming , Xu Peng , Wang Gang , Zhu Hai , Han Wenxiu , Xu Aman 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background The prognostic value of inflammatory markers have been confirmed in some tumors, this research was to explore more clinical markers and then build a reliable nomogram to predict overall survival after radical resection of gastric cancer.Methods 904 patients who underwent surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2010 to January 2013 were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to screen for prognostic risk factors. The construction of the nomogram is based on the Cox proportional hazard regression model. The construction of the new scoring model is analyzed by the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and then compared with other clinical indicators.Results Multivariate analysis showed that TNM stage, CEA, the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and age were independent prognostic factors. The value of SII was better than other inflammatory markers. The new nomogram had a higher AUC value than TNM and other risk factors, and the C-index of the nomogram was highly consistent for evaluating survival of gastric cancer patients in the validation groups and training group.Conclusions Based on the serum markers and other clinical indicators, we developed a precise nomogram to predict the prognosis of gastric cancer patients after radical surgery. This new score system can provide effective help for surgeons and patients.
Mild dyserythropoiesis and b-like globin gene expression imbalance due to the loss of histone chaperone ASF1B
Authors: Papadopoulos Petros , Kafasi Athanassia , de Cuyper Iris , Barroca Vilma , Lewandowski Daniel , Kadri Zahra , Veldthuis Martijn , Berghuis Jeffrey , Gillemans Nynke , Cuesta Celina María Benavente , Grosveld Frank , Zwieten Rob van , Philipsen Sjaak , Vernet Muriel , Gutiérrez Laura , Patrinos George 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The expression of the human b-like globin genes follows a well-orchestrated developmental pattern, undergoing two essential switches, the first one during the first weeks of gestation (e to g), and the second one during the perinatal period (g to b). The g to b globin gene switching mechanism includes suppression of fetal (g-globin, HbF) and activation of adult (b-globin, HbA) globin gene transcription. In Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin (HPFH), the g-globin suppression mechanism is impaired leaving these individuals with unusual elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in adulthood. Recently, the transcription factors KLF1 and BCL11A have been established as master regulators of the g to b globin switch. Previously a genomic variant in the KLF1 gene, identified by linkage analysis performed on twenty-seven members of a Maltese family, was found to be associated with HPFH. However, variation in the levels of HbF amongst family members, and those from other reported families carrying genetic variants in KLF1, suggest additional contributors to globin switching. ASF1B was downregulated in family members with HPFH.
Here, we investigate the role of ASF1B in g to b globin switching and erythropoiesis in vivo . Mouse-human interspecies ASF1B protein identity is 91.6%. By means of knockdown functional assays in human primary erythroid cultures and analysis of the erythroid lineage in Asf1b knockout mice, we provide evidence that ASF1B is a novel contributor to steady-state erythroid differentiation, and while its loss affects the balance of globin expression, it has no major role in hemoglobin switching.
Radiomics in evaluation of small-hepatocellular carcinoma and benign cirrhotic nodule based on magnetic resonance plain images
Authors: Gao XiaoNing , Guo Kun , Luo JiaWen , Bian Jie 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background There are adequate evidences showing that early diagnosis significantly improves the prognosis of patients. Currently, radiology diagnosis to s-HCC is still difficult. Radiomics, a new type of quantitative imaging diagnosis method, has been widely used in the study of multi-system diseases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the value of radiomics based on MRI plain images in differentiating s-HCC and benign cirrhotic nodule.Methods A total of 78 patients with 114 lesions (89 s-HCCs and 25 benign cirrhotic nodules) were retrospectively enrolled during September 2017 to January 2020. MRI plain images (T1WI, T2WI) of each nodule was segmented to form VOI, and 1223 quantitative radiomics features were extracted from each sequence. 10 optimal features were respectively selected from the T1WI, T2WI, and T1WI+T2WI based on SelectKBest. Logistic Regression (LR) was applied in establishing 2 radiomics models based on single sequence images (T1WI and T2WI) respectively and 1 radiomics model based on T1WI+T2WI. Clinical information (including age, gender, AFP level and the longest diameter of lesion) was collected and analyzed using binary logic analysis to obtain statistically significant (p<0.05) clinical features. Combining the optimal radiomics features based on T1WI+T2WI and significant clinical features, the fusion model was established using LR and was expressed in nomogram. The AUC, sensitivity and accuracy of the 4 models were obtained. Delong test was used to compare the AUC of the 4 models. Results 78 patients with 114 lesions were included in this study. There were 89 s-HCCs, 11 of nodules were e-HCCs, and the remaining 25 were benign cirrhotic nodules, including 3 DNs and 22 RNs. There was no significant difference in diagnostic performance among the radiomics model based on T2WI, T1WI+T2WI and the fusion model. And their diagnostic performance were higher than that of the radiomics model based on T1WI. Conclusions The radiomics model based on MRI plain images can be used to differentiate s-HCC and benign cirrhotic nodule. Radiomics features obtained from T2WI played a key role in the differentiation of s-HCC and benign cirrhotic nodule.