bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment practices, response to therapy and adverse events in ANCA-associated vasculitis patients in Europe: top-line findings from a retrospective observational study
Authors: Rutherford Peter , Goette Dieter 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background ANCA-associated vasculitis patient outcome data in the real world setting is scarce. This study measures key clinical outcomes and adverse effects over the first 12 months of remission induction therapy.Methods This was a retrospective study of 929 newly diagnosed [ND] and 268 relapsing patients [RP] conducted online by 399 clinicians. Each clinician completed a survey for 3 patients meeting the following criteria: initiated remission induction treatment for new or relapsing disease between Nov 2014 and Feb 2017, ≥ 6 months of therapy including ≥ 1 course of induction therapy, under continuous care for ≥12 months. Data were collected relating to baseline presentation and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.Results 58% were >55 years old with more granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, 54%) versus microscopic polyangiitis (MPA, 46%), and <20% of patients had Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Scoring (BVAS) performed. Median symptom duration prior to diagnosis was 6 to 7 weeks. Presenting symptoms were similar between ND and RP, noted differences (≥ 5%) were more fever, rash, and neuropathy, and less renal disease in RP. The majority (68% ND and 84% RP) had at least one comorbidity at diagnosis, with a similar distribution. Glucocorticoids (GC) were used by 83% ND and 76% RP; >50% were still receiving GC at 12 months. Most common treatments were cyclophosphamide+GC for ND (59%) and rituximab+GC for RP (44%). Many patients had slow and/or partial response to therapy, by 12 months >60% had a full response. 81% of patients with response by month 1 maintained full response through month 12. Adverse events and infections were common, especially during the first 3 months when GC use is highest.Conclusions Real world data show that both ND and RP ANCA-associated vasculitis patients respond variably to induction remission treatment and many experience adverse events and infections over the first 12 months of treatment. The presence of comorbidities at treatment initiation in most patients compounded the adverse impacts of disease and treatment. This study improves our understanding of the reality of clinical outcomes in ANCA-associated vasculitis and the need for targeted therapeutic approaches.
Awareness and Attitudes toward Corneal Donations among Applicants and Staff of a Driver, Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ghana
Authors: Lartey Seth , ANTWI-ADJEI ELLEN KONADU , Agyapong Solomon , Mohammed Abdul-Kabir , Mensah Derrick N.O. , Genego Edward S 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Corneal transplantations are surgeries performed for irreparable corneal diseases and damage. However, there is a gap between the number of potential recipients and the number of donor corneas available. The main aim of the study was to determine the awareness and attitudes toward corneal donation among applicants and staff of DVLA, Kumasi-Ghana.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. 100 participants were selected using convenient sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from participants concerning awareness and attitudes toward corneal transplant.
Results: The mean ± SD age of the participants was 32.05 ± 11.48years and age range, 18-67years. Males were 66% whilst females constituted 34%. 32.7% of the participants were aware of corneal donation. Majority of the participants were Christians (83.1%) and Singles (63%). Television was the source of information with the highest preponderance (49.4%). 67.3% were willing to donate their corneas after death. 63.9% were willing to indicate their donor statuses on drivers’ license form which had a significant association with willingness to donate cornea after death (p<0.05, ᵪ 2 = 12.187).
Conclusion: There is a poor level of awareness (32.7%) of transplant and donation amongst the study population but a good level of willingness to donate organs (67%). Consent via driving license would seem to be a good potential mode of obtaining consent to supplement the harvesting of adequate tissues for transplant if adequate awareness is created.
MicroRNA expression profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells associated with syphilis
Authors: Huang Tao , Zhang Jun , Ke Wujian , Zhang Xiaohui , Chen Wentao , Yang Jieyi , Liao Yiwen , Liang Fangwen , Mei Shuqing , Li Mingjiu , Luo Zhenzhou , Zhang Qiwei , Yang Bin , Zheng Heping 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Treponema pallidum ( T. pallidum ) infection evokes significant immune responses, resulting in tissue damage. The immune mechanism underlying T. pallidum infection is still unclear, although microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to influence immune cell function and, consequently, the generation of antibody responses during other microbe infections. However, these mechanisms are unknown for T. pallidum .
Methods
In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs in healthy individuals, untreated patients with syphilis, patients in the serofast state, and serologically cured patients. miRNAs were profiled from the peripheral blood of patients obtained at the time of serological diagnosis. Then, both the target sequence analysis of these different miRNAs and pathway analysis were performed to identify important immune and cell signaling pathways. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed for microRNA analysis.
Results
A total of 89 differentially regulated miRNAs were identified. Following RT-qPCR confirmation, three miRNAs (hsa-miR-195-5p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-589-3p) showed significant differences in the serofast and serologically cured states ( P <0.05). One miRNA (hsa-miR-195-5p) showed significant differences between untreated patients and healthy individuals.
Conclusions
This is the first study of miRNA expression differences in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in different stages of T. pallium infection. Our study suggests that the combination of three miRNAs has great potential to serve as a non-invasive biomarker of T. pallium infections, which will facilitate better diagnosis and treatment of T. pallium infections.
Estudo do impacto econômico do Carnaval de 2018 em Belo Horizonte
Authors: Cruvinel Eduardo Henrique de Paula 
Published: November 2019

O carnaval brasileiro pode ser considerado um dos produtos turísticos mais conhecidos internacionalmente, responsável pela movimentação e composição de fluxos de pessoas, motivação de viagens e deslocamentos, geração de receitas e empregos, alterações na oferta e demanda e mudanças nos hábitos de consumo. Além disso, os eventos carnavalescos acarretam impactos sociais, culturais, ambientais, econômicos, políticos e turísticos para as localidades que os sediam. Estudos que mensuram e avaliam tais impactos tornaram-se importantes ferramentas para gestores, empreendedores e pesquisadores que buscam uma melhor compreensão do potencial desses eventos como parte de um segmento relevante na cadeia produtiva do turismo. Esse foi um dos motivos que nos levaram a este estudo, com foco no impacto econômico do carnaval de Belo Horizonte, embasado em dados de pesquisa de demanda com foliões, realizada em fevereiro de 2018. O registro e a documentação de informações sobre o impacto econômico do carnaval na capital mineira são de extrema relevância para ampliar a competitividade, imagem e atratividade do destino.
Palavras-chave: Turismo. Impacto Econômico. Carnaval.
RHPN1-AS1 Drives the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Regulating miR-596/IGF2BP2 Axis
Authors: Fen Hu , Hongmin Zheng , Wei Wei , Chao Yang , Yang Yao , Bei Liu , Zhihua Sun 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most deadly cancer types worldwide, and
its incidence is high in China. Multiple long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recently identified as crucial
oncogenic factors or tumor suppressors. In this study, we explored the effects of LncRNA RHPN1 antisense RNA
1 (RHPN1-AS1) on the progression of HCC.

Method:
Expression levels of RHPN1-AS1 and miR-596 in HCC samples were measured by qRT-PCR. The
association between pathological indexes and the expression level of RHPN1-AS1 was also analyzed. Human
HCC cell lines Huh7 and SMMC-7721 were used as cell models. CCK-8 and colony formation assays were performed
to assess the effect of RHPN1-AS1 on HCC cell line proliferation. The flow cytometer instrument was
used to study the effect of RHPN1-AS1 on apoptosis of HCC cells. The transwell assay was conducted to detect
the effect of RHPN1-AS1 on migration and invasion. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm
targeting of miR-596 by RHPN1-AS1. Additionally, the regulatory function of RHPN1-AS1 on insulin-like
growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) was detected by western blot.

Result:
The expression level of RHPN1-AS1 in HCC samples was observed to significantly increase compared
with normal tissues and its high expression was correlated with unfavorable pathological indexes. Highly expressed
RHPN1-AS1 was associated with shorter overall survival time. RHPN1-AS1 overexpression remarkably
accelerated proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells, while reduced apoptosis. Accordingly, RHPN1-AS1
knockdown suppressed the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells. RHPN1-AS1 overexpression significantly reduced
miR-596 expression by sponging it, but enhanced IGF2BP2 expression.

Conclusion:
RHPN1-AS1 acts as a sponge of tumor suppressor miR-596 in HCC that can indirectly enhance the
IGF2BP2 expression and function as an oncogenic lncRNA.
Therapeutic Potential of Targeting Transforming Growth Factor-beta in Colorectal Cancer: Rational and Progress
Authors: Gachpazan Meysam , Kashani Hoda , Hassanian Seyed M. , Khazaei Majid , Khorrami Shadi , Ferns Gordon A. , Avan Amir 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer and is associated
with an increasing rate of mortality. Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) is often upregulated in CRC, and
appears to play an important role in regulating cell proliferation, migration, immune surveillance, apoptosis, cell
differentiation, drug-resistance and many cellular processes that may be involved in CRC, and therefore underscores
its potential value as a therapeutic target in the treatment of CRC. An increased expression of the TGF-
β pathway has been associated with poor prognosis in several cancer types, including CRC.

Methods:
Here, we describe the critical role of the TGF-β pathway in CRC as well as the preclinical and clinical
investigations on TGF-β inhibitors, with particular emphasis on recent findings with small-molecule inhibitors in
CRC. Several TGF-β inhibitors (e.g., Trabedersen, Galunisertib, Gradalis, PF-03446962, NIS793) have been
generated over the past decade for targeting this pathway.

Results:
There is accumulating evidence of the therapeutic potential of this and other TGF-β inhibitors for the
treatment of other malignancies. These inhibitors might be used in combination with chemotherapy as well as
with other biological agents, in order to overcome different resistance mechanisms. However, further studies are
needed to identify determinants of the activity of TGF-β inhibitors, through the analysis of genetic and environmental
alterations affecting TGF-β and parallel pro-cancer pathways.

Conclusion:
These studies will be critical to improving the efficacy and selectivity of current and future anticancer
strategies targeting TGF-β.
A COL4A5 Missense Variant in a Han-Chinese Family with X-linked Alport Syndrome
Authors: Wu Yuan , Guo Yi , Yuan Jinzhong , Xu Hongbo , Chen Yong , Zhang Hao , Yuan Mingyang , Deng Hao , Yuan Lamei 
Published: November 2019

Background:Alport syndrome (AS) is an inherited familial nephropathy, characterized by progressive hematuric nephritis, bilateral sensorineural hypoacusis and ocular abnormalities. X-linked AS (XLAS) is the major AS form and is clinically heterogeneous, and it is associated with defects in the collagen type IV alpha 5 chain gene (COL4A5).Objective:The purpose of this research is to detect the genetic defect responsible for renal disorder in a 3-generation Han-Chinese pedigree.Methods:Detailed family history and clinical data of the family members were collected and recorded. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was applied in the proband to screen potential genetic variants, and then Sanger sequencing was used to verify the variant within the family. Two hundred unrelated ethnically matched normal individuals (male/female: 100/100, age 37.5 ± 5.5 years) without renal disorder were recruited as controls.Results:Three patients (I:1, II:1 and II:2) presented microscopic hematuria and proteinuria, and the patient I:1 developed uremia and end stage renal disease (ESRD) by age 55 and showed sensorineural hearing loss. Patient II:2 developed mild left ear hearing loss. Cataracts were present in patients I:1 and II:1. A COL4A5 gene missense variant, c.2156G>A (p.G719E), located in the Gly-X-Y repeats of exon 28, was identified to co-segregate with the renal disorder in this family. The variant was absent in 200 ethnically matched controls.Conclusion:By conducting WES and Sanger sequencing, a COL4A5 missense variant, c.2156G>A (p.G719E), was identified to co-segregate with the renal disorder, and it is possible that this variant is the genetic cause of the disorder in this family. Our study may extend the mutation spectrum of XLAS and may be useful for genetic counseling of this family. Further functional studies associated with genetic deficiency are warranted in the following research.
Sex and Gender Differences in Rilpivirine based ART - Data from the HIVCENTER Frankfurt
Authors: Schüttfort G. , Philipp K. , de Leuw P. , Herrmann E. , Kann G. , Khaykin P. , Stephan C. , Wolf T. , Haberl A. 
Published: November 2019

Objectives:
While Rilpivirine has shown high overall response rates in treatment-naïve
patients without sex and gender specific differences in clinical trials, Sex and gender specific data
in treatment experienced patients receiving rilpivirine are still limited. We conducted a 48 week efficacy
and safety analysis in naïve and treatment experienced men and women using retrospective
data from the HIVCENTER Frankfurt.

Materials and methods:
In this retrospective observational study data of all patients who received
a rilpivirine based regimen at the HIVCENTER between March 2011 and December 2015 were
analyzed. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with any discontinuation until week 48.
Virologic response rates (FDA snapshot analysis; HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL) were assessed at
week 48.

Results:
194 patients (34% female) were included in the analysis. 74% were treatment-experienced
and 26% naïve, respectively. Discontinuations were observed in 31 (15.9%) patients. Regarding sex
differences, the proportion of discontinuations was significantly higher in women than in men
(24.2% vs. 11.7%; p=0.024; ODDS-Ratio = 2.41; CI 1.12 – 5.18). Virologic failure occurred in 8
PLWHIV (4.1%).

Conclusions:
While virologic overall response rates to rilpivirine based ART were high for both
treatment-experienced and -naïve patients the proportion of discontinuations was significantly
higher in women (24.2% vs. 11.7%; p = 0.024; ODDS-Ratio = 2.41; CI 1.12 – 5.18). Although the
total number of patients with virologic failure was low (4.1%), the higher rate of ART discontinuations
in female patients receiving RPV require close monitoring in the first months of treatment addressing
special needs of women living with HIV.
Coexistence of Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Calapkulu Murat , Sencar Muhammed Erkam , Duger Hakan , Bayram Seyit Murat , Unsal Ilknur Ozturk , Cakal Erman , Ozbek Mustafa 
Published: November 2019

Introduction:
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by selective autoimmune destruction
of pancreatic b-cells, resulting in insulin deficiency and associated autoimmune disorders,
such as celiac disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, and gastritis, which can coexist in patients with type 1
DM. These disorders are characterized by the presence of antibodies against tissue transglutaminase,
thyroglobulin, and thyroid peroxidase (TPO), as well as against gastric parietal cells. Cross-sectional
studies have reported that the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases in patients with type-1 DM is two- to
threefold higher than in the general population. However, there are a few studies in the literature that
investigated the relationship between malignancy and type-1 DM, and it has been shown that type-1
DM does not increase thyroid cancer. Furthermore, there is a lot of controversy regarding the role of
thyroid autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer. Here, a type-1 DM patient diagnosed with
papillary thyroid cancer is presented.

Case report:
Herein, it was aimed to present a 20-year-old female patient diagnosed with type-1 DM
and subsequently with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Thyroid ultrasound revealed a 10×12×18
mm hypoechoic irregular edges nodule with macrocalcification and microcalcification foci in the left
lobe and pathological lymph nodes without echogenic hilus were detected at the fourth level of the left
cervical chain. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the nodule was consistent with papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Total thyroidectomy, bilateral central lymph node dissection, and left neck dissection (level II to
IV) were performed. Pathological examination revealed a 1.4× 0.9 cm diameter papillary carcinoma located
in the left lobe of the thyroid gland with 13 lymph node metastases.

Conclusion:
Patients with type 1 DM should be examined for thyroid diseases, and patients with suspected
thyroid disease should be evaluated with a thyroid ultrasound. Type 1 DM and PTC can coexist,
albeit very rare. It should be known that type 1 diabetes can be observed together with thyroid cancer.
A Novel Integrative Approach for Non-coding RNA Classification Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Boukelia Abdelbasset , Boucheham Anouar , Belguidoum Meriem , Batouche Mohamed , Zehraoui Farida , Tahi Fariza 
Published: November 2019

Background:Molecular biomarkers show new ways to understand many disease processes. Noncoding RNAs as biomarkers play a crucial role in several cellular activities, which are highly correlated to many human diseases especially cancer. The classification and the identification of ncRNAs have become a critical issue due to their application, such as biomarkers in many human diseases.Objective:Most existing computational tools for ncRNA classification are mainly used for classifying only one type of ncRNA. They are based on structural information or specific known features. Furthermore, these tools suffer from a lack of significant and validated features. Therefore, the performance of these methods is not always satisfactory.Methods:We propose a novel approach named imCnC for ncRNA classification based on multisource deep learning, which integrates several data sources such as genomic and epigenomic data to identify several ncRNA types. Also, we propose an optimization technique to visualize the extracted features pattern from the multisource CNN model to measure the epigenomics features of each ncRNA type.Results:The computational results using a dataset of 16 human ncRNA classes downloaded from RFAM show that imCnC outperforms the existing tools. Indeed, imCnC achieved an accuracy of 94,18%. In addition, our method enables to discover new ncRNA features using an optimization technique to measure and visualize the features pattern of the imCnC classifier.
APP Medical Diagnostic Check-up Consultation System Based on Speech Recognition
Authors: Li Zhi , Wang Yusen , Tai Shiwen , Wang Jingquan , Huang Yusong , Jiang Wu , Zhang Hao 
Published: November 2019

Background:Medical test orders can display the physiological functions of patients by using medical means. The medical staff determines the patient's condition through medical test orders and completes the treatment. However, for most patients and their families, there are so many terminologies in the medical test list and they are inconvenient to understand and query, which would affect the patients’ cognition and treatment effect. Therefore, it is especially necessary to develop a consulting system that can provide related analysis after getting medical test data.Objective :This paper starts with information acquisition and speech recognition. It proposes a natural scene information acquisition and analysis model based on deep learning, focusing on improving the recognition rate of routine test list and achieving targeted smart search to allow users to get more accurate personalized health advice.Methods :Based on medical characteristics, considering the needs of patients, this paper constructs an APP-based conventional medical test consultation system, using artificial intelligence and voice recognition technology to collect user input; analyzing user needs with the help of conventional medical information knowledge database.Results:This model combines speech recognition and data mining methods to obtain routine test list data and is suitable for accurate analysis of problems in routine check-up procedure. The app provides effective explanations and guidance for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients.Conclusion:It organically links the Internet with personalized medicine, which can effectively improve the popularity of medical knowledge and provide a reference for the application of medical services on the Internet. Meanwhile, this app can contribute to the improvement of medical standards and provide new models for modern medical management.
Sensitivity Analysis of GaAs-Metamaterial Nanocavity as a Tunable Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor
Authors: Cherifi Abdellatif , Bouhafs Benamar 
Published: November 2019

Background:
The paper reports on typical characteristics of resonant electromagnetic
modes propagation through interfaces of a multilayer device.

Methods:
Using the transfer matrix method, p-reflectance is analyzed in angular interrogation for a
symmetrical cavity performed with left-handed metamaterial layer mediated with GaAs.

Results:
An advantage of SPR sensor is demonstrated in terms of optimal performances by controlling
thicknesses, refractive indices and dielectric gap layers of the media involved.

Conclusion:
The functionality of the proposed design, as a tunable filter, has been also identified.
Understanding Level of Farmers on the Use of The Integrated Livestock Area in Nggorang Village, Komodo District, West Manggarai in East Nusa Tenggara
Authors: Detha Annytha , Foeh Nancy , Ndaong Nemay , Maranatha Grace , Datta Frans Umbu 
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this community service activity is to support the Agro Tourism of Nggorang Village, Komodo District, West Manggarai to maximize the productivity of cattle farms by utilizing the availability of natural resources while empowering rice straw agricultural waste as the main source of feed by utilizing feed processing technology, creating a healthy environment in the village by supporting Agroeduwisata village and clean grazing center through the utilization of livestock feces waste into organic fertilizer using natural probiotics, which have an impact on environmental cleanliness. In achieving this goal, there are a number of methods for achieving the objectives, namely the active participation approach of the community in collaboration with the village component starting from the planning stage, including data collection and mapping of available resources; implementation phase; the monitoring and evaluation phase of the activities to ensure the achievement of all aspect of the objectives. Based on the results obtained in this activity, there is an understanding of the benefits and advantages of integrated grazing land that can be applied by farmers in Desa Nggorang village, Komodo District, West Manggarai in NTT Keywords: Livestock centers; Agro-tourism; Komodo district