bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Live attenuated varicella vaccine may affect the sensitivity of tuberculin skin test
Authors: Li Tingting , Zhu Kai , Kuang Yujie , Qu Hongbo , Zhang Qi , Xu Zhuping , Ding Zhiyuan , Qian Chaojun , Shen Xiaowen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Tuberculin skin test (TST) has been the most commonly used test for diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) infection in China for many years, because of well-established algorithms for test interpretation and a good cost-effectiveness. To our knowledge , there is no report or guideline on the influence of varicella vaccine on the sensitivity of TST in China. This paper aims to explore the effect of live attenuated varicella vaccine on the sensitivity of TST.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out in a high school in Wuxi, Jiangsu province in 2020. TST and emergency varicella vaccine were administered to students in grade one of the high school which had both TB and varicella cases. The mean diameter of induration of TST were compared between 73d before varicella vaccine, 9d and 120d after varicella vaccine respectively. The retrospective cohort study was used to analyze the effect of live attenuated varicella vaccine on TST.Results: There were 45 students in the class of the high school had three TST, and 22 of them were vaccinated varicella. After 9 days of varicella vaccination, the mean diameter of induration was significantly smaller than that before the vaccination of 73 days and after the vaccination of 120 days (p<0.05), respectively. Moreover, there is no significant different for mean diameter of induration between the TST before the vaccination of 73 days and after the vaccination of 120 days (p=0.551). The retrospective cohort study analysis indicated that 9 days after varicella vaccination ( RR, 6.071, 95%CI, 1.667～22.116, P=0.007 ) was associated with the changed mean induration diameter of TST. After vaccination of 120 days ( RR, 3.474, 95%CI, 0.333～36.240, P=0.346 ) was not associated with the changed mean induration of TST.Conclusions: Live attenuated varicella vaccine may temporarily affect the sensitivity of tuberculin skin test.
Evaluation of the MGIT 960/EpiCenter TB eXiST&nbsp;system for drug susceptibility testing for&nbsp;Mycobacterium abscessus&nbsp;group
Authors: Arbeit Robert D , CARVALHO Natalia de , LEÃO Sylvia , CHIMARA Erica 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDrug susceptibility test (DST) of the Mycobacterium abscessus group (MAG) and other rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria by conventional microplate techniques is complicated due to inducible resistance to clarithromycin and other technical factors. This study evaluated the application of the BACTEC MGIT 960/Epicenter TB eXiST for DST of MAG clinical isolates. MethodsM. abscessus ATCC19977 was used as the reference strain for the standardizing the DST by MGIT 960 and as the internal control for testing of 31 clinical isolates tests submitted to a reference laboratory for DST and confirmed as MAG. Clarithromycin genotyping was performed for the loci in the rrl and erm (41) genes known to impact resistance phenotype. ResultsThe 31 MAG isolates included 14 M. abscessus , 8 M. massiliense , and 9 M. bolletii . Using conventional microplate technique according to CLSI guideline, the isolates had a high percentage of resistance for cefoxitin (93.5%) and imipenem (100%), and sensitivity for amikacin (96.7%). Comparing microplate and MGIT 960 results across those 93 pairs of results (31 isolates x 3 antibiotics), 73 (80.6%) were concordant and the remaining 18 (19.4%) represented minor errors; there were no major or very major errors. Concordance was 100% for amikacin, 84% for imipenem and 58% for cefoxitin. Clarithromycin DST by microplate identified 14 isolates as susceptible (all susceptible by MGIT 960), 3 isolates as resistant after 3 days incubation, and 14 isolates demonstrating inducible resistance from Day 5 through 14. Among the latter isolates, MGIT 960 reported 8 as resistant and 6 as intermediate, without modifications to the protocol developed. For all isolates, the observed clarithromycin susceptibility phenotypes were consistent with the genotypes. ConclusionThe present study is the first description of a DST protocol for MAG isolates using the MGIT 960/Epicenter TB eXiST system. The protocol developed provided highly reliable results based on direct comparison with the conventional microplate method, including, without further modification, detection of isolates with inducible-resistance to clarithromycin. Laboratories using MGIT 960 for DST of other mycobacteria may find benefit to incorporating MAG into their routine.
Feasibility of a Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Program for Obese Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Limpt Nicole Tenbult - van , Kraal JJ , Brouwers RWM , Spee RF , Eijsbouts SCM , Kemps HMC 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Aims: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is often associated with obesity. The effects of traditional lifestyle programs are often not maintained in the longer term effects because the programs do not sufficiently focus on behavioral change. We want to study the feasibility of a multidisciplinary lifestyle program, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) focusing on behavioral change in patients with AF and obesity. Methods and results: Patients received CR for three months including exercise training, lifestyle counseling by an Advanced Nursing Specialist, dietary advice and psychosocial therapy when deemed necessary. Main endpoints were weight loss and burden of AF (AFSS questionnaire). Secondary endpoints were physical fitness (6MWT), depression (PHQ9) and anxiety (GAD7). Measurements were performed at baseline and post-CR. Weight and 6MWT were also assessed at 1-year follow-up. After following a lifestyle program, patients improved their weight and physical condition, and were less symptomatic. The frequency of AF-related symptoms was considerably reduced immediately after rehabilitation and was even lower after 1 year. The severity of AF complaints post-CR was similar to the baseline, but significantly lower after 1 year. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary lifestyle program with an emphasis on structural lifestyle improvement is feasible for obese patients with AF and potentially effective in reducing symptoms, weight and physical fitness, thereby decreasing the burden of AF.
Scl-Ab reverts pro-osteoclastogenic signaling and resorption in estrogen deficient osteocytes
Authors: Allison Hollie , Holdsworth Gill , McNamara Laoise M 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Neutralising antibodies to sclerostin (Scl-Ab) have shown significant potential to induce bone formation and decrease bone resorption, increase strength and substantially reduce fracture risk in animal studies and clinical trials. Mechanical loading negatively regulates sclerostin expression, and sclerostin has been shown to induce RANKL synthesis in osteocytes. We have recently discovered that osteoblasts and osteocytes alter osteoclastogenic signalling (RANKL/OPG) during estrogen-deficiency, and that osteoblast-induced osteoclastogenesis and resorption are exacerbated. However, it is not known whether estrogen deficient osteocytes exhibit exacerbate osteoclastogenesis. The aims of this study were to (1) establish whether osteocytes induce osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption during estrogen deficiency in vitro (2) investigate whether the sclerostin antibody can revert osteocyte-mediated osteoclastogenesis and resorption by attenuating RANKL/OPG production.
Results
Using conditioned media and co-culture experiments we found increased osteocyte-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in estrogen deficient conditions. This is the first study to report that administration of Scl-Ab decreased RANKL/OPG ratio and increased WISP1 expression in osteocytes and reduced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in vitro.
Conclusions
This study provides an enhanced understanding of the biological changes underpinning decreases in bone resorption following Scl-Ab treatment observed in vivo by revealing that Scl-Ab can reduce pro-osteoclastogenic cell signalling between osteocytes and osteoclasts.
Effect of heat on Organic and Inorganic components in some Non-coking Lower Gondwana Coals
Authors: Bhatta Rajesh , Dash Nilima , Nayak Bibhuranjan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The concentration of different maceral groups and minerals in coal influence the quality as each of them behaves differently during heat treatment. The purpose of this study is to know how the maceral groups and minerals are behaving at different temperature conditions. Therefore, various maceral groups and minerals were concentrated by using heavy liquids of different specific gravities (1.3, 1.7 and 1.9). The generated density fractions were treated with heat at 400, 600, 800 and 1000°C. All the density fractions at various temperature conditions along with feed sample were investigated by Optical Microscopy, X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), Electron-probe Micro Analysis (EPMA) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The results from these analyses suggest that fusinite and sclerotinite are the most stable macerals, whereas quartz is the most stable mineral during pyrolysis. Telocollinite found to be oxidized very prominently at 400 °C . Siderite and pyrite thermally altered to form hematite above 400°C and 800 °C respectively. Kaolinite converted to metakaolin followed by mullite with increasing temperature.
S-1-Propenylcysteine Improves TNF-α-Induced Vascular Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction by Suppressing the GEF-H1/RhoA/Rac Pathway
Authors: Kunimura Kayo , Miki Satomi , Takashima Miyuki , Suzuki Jun-ichiro 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Vascular endothelial barrier function is maintained by cell-to-cell junctional proteins and contributes to vascular homeostasis. Various risk factors such as inflammation disrupt barrier function through down-regulation of these proteins and promote vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that aged garlic extract (AGE) and its sulfur-containing constituents exert the protective effects against several vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. In this study, we examined whether AGE and its sulfur-containing constituents improve the endothelial barrier dysfunction elicited by a pro-inflammatory cytokine, Tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and explored their mode of action on TNF-α signaling pathway.Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with test substances in the presence of TNF-α for various time periods. The endothelial permeability was measured by using a transwell permeability assay. The localization of cell-to-cell junctional proteins and actin cytoskeletons were visualized by immunostaining. RhoA and Rac activities were assessed by using GTP-binding protein pulldown assay. Gene and protein expression levels of signaling molecules were analyzed by real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. Results: We found that AGE and its major sulfur-containing constituent, S-1-propenylcysteine (S1PC), reduced hyperpermeability elicited by TNF-α in HUVECs. In addition, S1PC inhibited TNF-α-induced production of myosin light chain (MLC) kinase and inactivation of MLC phosphatase through the suppression of the Rac and RhoA signaling pathways, respectively, which resulted in the dephosphorylation of MLC2, a key factor of actin remodeling. Moreover, S1PC inhibited the phosphorylation and activation of guanine nucleotide exchange factor-H1 (GEF-H1), a common upstream key molecule and activator of Rac and RhoA. These effects of S1PC were accompanied by its ability to protect the disruption of junctional proteins on the cell-cell contact regions and the increase of actin stress fibers induced by TNF-α. Conclusions: The present study suggested that AGE and S1PC improve endothelial barrier disruption through the protection of junctional proteins on plasma membrane.
Clinicopathological characteristics, molecular alterations and prognosis of mucinous histology in colorectal adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Jia Xiaoli , Li Bin , Yan Zhe 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) is conventionally diagnosed by WHO definition when the extracellular mucin is more than 50% of the tumour area. The study is aimed at analyzing the clinicopathological characteristics, mutation spectrum, and prognosis of the colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) with any mucinous proportion or feature.
Methods

Clinical and pathological information for 50 patients were reviewed and recorded. Mutation analyses for exon 2–4 of KRAS gene and exon 15 of BRAF gene were performed by Sanger sequencing. Expression of DNA mismatch repairs (MMRs) and P53 proteins was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Density of tumour infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) status was scored. We also evaluated the percentage of glands producing mucin and the morphology of the different tumor cells types in mucin pools. We retrospectively analyzed prognosis of 43 patients with Stage II-III MAC. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS).
Results

The overall frequencies of KRAS and BRAF mutations were 37.9% and 4.4%, respectively. Patients with MAC exhibiting high levels of mucin were related to the increase of tumor diameter (P = 0.038), but were not associated with any of the other clinicopathological parameters. The proportion or variable morphology of mucinous component did not stratify PFS in Stage II-III tumours. It is interesting to note that male patients had lower TIL compared with female patients (P = 0.018). TIL-low tumors were also correlated with advanced stage (P = 0.041). TIL status was a strong independent predictor of PFS in stage II-III mucinous component tumours (p < 0.001). All four IV stage patients were also classified into TIL-low case. No parameters were independently associated with outcome after adjusting for tumour stage in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions

TIL status could more accurately determine the biology of the MAC feature for appropriate management, irrespective of quantity or morphology of mucinous component.
A semi-dominant mutation in OsCESA9 improves rice straw return to the field and increases salt tolerance by remodeling the cell wall in rice
Authors: Ye Yafeng , Wang Shuoxun , Wu Kun , Ren Yan , Jiang Hongrui , Chen Jianfeng , Tao Liangzhi , Fu Xiangdong , Liu Binmei , Wu Yuejin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Cellulose synthase (CESA) mutants have potential use in straw processing due to their lower cellulose content, but almost all of the mutants exhibit defective phenotypes in plant growth and development. Balancing normal plant growth with reduced cellulose content remains a challenge, as cellulose content and normal plant growth are typically negatively correlated with one another.Result Here, the rice (Oryza sativa) semi-dominant brittle culm (sdbc) mutant Sdbc1, which harbors a substitution (D387N) at the first conserved aspartic acid residue of OsCESA9, exhibits lower cellulose content and reduced secondary wall thickness as well as enhanced biomass enzymatic saccharification compared with the wild type. Further experiments indicated that the OsCESA9D387N mutation may compete with the wild-type OsCESA9 for interacting with OsCESA4 and OsCESA7, further forming non-functional or partially functional CSCs. The OsCESA9/OsCESA9D387N heterozygous plants increase salt tolerance through scavenging and detoxification of ROS and indirectly affecting related gene expression. They also improve rice straw return to the field due to their brittle culms and lower cellulose content without any negative effects in grain yield and lodging.Conclusion Hence, manipulation of OsCESA9D387N can enhance biomass saccharification and simultaneously facilitate the decay of rice straw in the soil, providing a new strategy for bioenergy crop breeding.
Prevalence and Correlates of Fatigue and Its Association with Quality of Life Among Clinically Stable Older Psychiatric Patients During the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zou Siyun , Liu Zi-Han , Yan Xiaona , Wang Huan , Li Yulong , Xu Xiuying , Du Xiangdong , Zhang Lan , Zhang Qinge , Jackson Todd , Ungvari Gabor S. , Xiang Yu-Tao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The pattern of fatigue in older psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 outbreak was unknown. This study examined the prevalence of fatigue and its association with quality of life (QOL) in clinically stable older patients with psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study. Fatigue, depression, pain, insomnia symptoms, and QOL were assessed with standardized instruments. Results: A total of 1,063 patients were recruited. The prevalence of fatigue was 47.1% (95%CI: 44.1% - 50.1%). Analysis of covariance revealed that QOL was significantly lower in patients with fatigue compared to those without (P=0.011). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that more severe depression (OR=1.15, P<0.001), insomnia symptoms (OR=1.08, P<0.001) and pain (OR=1.43, P<0.001) were significantly associated with fatigue.Conclusions: Fatigue was common among clinically stable older patients with psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 outbreak. Considering its negative impact on QOL, regular assessment of fatigue and appropriate treatment warrant attention in this subpopulation.
Outcomes of Uninterrupted vs Interrupted Periprocedural Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Basu-Ray Indranill , Khanra Dibbendhu , Kupó Péter , Bunch Jared , Theus Sue A , Mukherjee Anindya , Shah Sumit K , Komocsi Andras , Adeboye Adedayo , Jefferies John 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that uninterrupted anticoagulation is superior to interrupted anticoagulation in the periprocedural period during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation and has better thromboembolic and hemorrhagic outcomes. Conversely, the few studies addressing the safety and efficacy of interrupted direct oral anticoagulant regimens during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation are limited by small samples, short follow-up periods, rare events, and variable outcomes. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare interrupted and uninterrupted direct oral anticoagulation during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.METHODS: A systematic search into PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases were performed and five studies were selected that directly that directly compared interrupted versus uninterrupted anticoagulation before ablation and reported procedural outcomes and embolic and bleeding events. The primary outcome of the study was major adverse cerebrocardiovascular events which was a composite of stroke/ transient ischemic attacks and major bleedings, total bleeding which was a composite of major and minor bleedings and silent cerebral events.RESULTS The meta-analysis included 840 patients with uninterrupted anticoagulation and 938 patients with interrupted anticoagulation. Median follow-up was 30 days. Baseline parameters were similar between groups. Activated clotting time before first heparin bolus was significantly longer with uninterrupted anticoagulation (P=.006), whereas mean activated clotting time was similar between the 2 groups (P=.19). Total heparin dose needed was significantly higher with interrupted anticoagulation (mean, ‒1.61; 95% CI, ‒2.67 to ‒0.55; P=.003). Mean procedure time did not vary between groups (P=.81). Overall complication rates were low, with similar major adverse cerebrocardiovascular event (P=.40) and total bleeding (P=.55) rates between groups. Silent cerebral events were significantly more frequent with interrupted anticoagulation (log odds ratio, ‒0.90; 95% CI, ‒1.59 to ‒0.22; P<.01; I2, 33%). Rates of major bleeding, minor bleeding, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, and puncture complications were similar between groups.CONCLUSIONS Uninterrupted anticoagulation during atrial fibrillation ablation has similar bleeding event rates, procedural times, and mean activated clotting times as interrupted anticoagulation, with fewer silent cerebral events.
YiQiFuMai Lyophilized Injection Attenuates Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury via TLR4/Src/VE-cadherin/p120-catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Pan Xue-wei , Xue Li-xuan , Zhou Qian-liu , Zhang Jia-zhi , Dai Yu-jie , Li Fang , Zhang Yuan-yuan , Kou Jun-ping 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Sepsis is a severe disorder leading to a clinically critical syndrome of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Most patients with sepsis will be associated with acute lung injury (ALI), which is an independent risk factors of organ failure and death in patients with sepsis at the same time. YiQiFuMai Lyophilized Injection (YQFM) is a modern traditional Chinese prescription preparation, which could ameliorate ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or fine particulate matter. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of YQFM on sepsis-induced ALI and the underlying mechanism.Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were treated with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) after tail intravenous injected with YQFM (1, 2 and 4 g/kg). The measurements of lung edema, evans blue leakage, myeloperoxidase content, inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, histopathological assay and expression of associated proteins were performed at 18 h after CLP.Results: The results illustrated that YQFM inhibited pulmonary edema and inflammatory response, thus ameliorated ALI in sepsis mice. Furthermore, the expression of TLR4 and phosphorylated Src was down-regulated, and the expression of p120-catenin and VE-cadherin was restored by YQFM administration.Conclusion: Our study suggested the therapeutic potential of YQFM on treating sepsis-induced ALI via regulating TLR4/Src/VE-cadherin/p120-catenin signaling pathway.
Preoperative Computerized Tomography Screening for COVID-19 Pneumonia in Asymptomatic Patients: experiences from two centers
Authors: Gumus Terman , Kabaoglu Zeynep Unal , Kartal Furkan , Coskun Bilgen , Artukoglu Feyzi , Atasoy K. Cetin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chest CT screening for COVID-19 in preoperative patients is recommended in selected patients. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the preoperative screening performance of chest CT (computerized tomography) examination to detect COVID-19 positive individuals. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective study 218 adult patients who had preoperative chest CT and RT-PCR were enrolled. CT imaging results, which have been reported according to the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) expert consensus on COVID-19, were collected from the picture archiving and communicating system (PACS). Demographic data, planned surgeries, and postoperative outcomes were collected from the electronic patient records.RESULTS: One patient (0.5%) showed typical CT features for COVID-19 pneumonia; 12 patients (5.5%) were reported as indeterminate, and eight (3.7%) were reported as atypical for COVID-19 pneumonia. Only one of the three patients with positive RT-PCR had abnormalities on CT. When RT-PCR tests were taken as reference, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of chest CT in showing COVID-19 infection in asymptomatic patients were 33.3%, 90.7%, and 90.0% respectively.CONCLUSION: Chest CT screening for COVID-19 has a very low yield in asymptomatic preoperative patients and shows false positive findings in 9.2% of cases, potentially leading to unnecessary postponing of the surgery.