bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infliximab treatment reduces depressive symptoms in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: an ancillary study to a randomized controlled trial (ASSERT)
Authors: Webers Casper , Stolwijk Carmen , Schiepers Olga , Schoonbrood Thea , van Tubergen Astrid , Landewé Robert , van der Heijde Désirée , Boonen Annelies 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are at increased risk of depression. This increased risk has been hypothesized to be solely secondary due to AS-related symptoms, or additionally due to a common inflammatory pathway. From a clinical perspective, it is important to know whether treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors reduces depressive symptoms, while from a pathophysiological point of view, it would be insightful to understand whether such an effect would be a direct result of reduced inflammation, the result of reduced AS-related symptoms, or both. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of infliximab on depressive symptoms in patients with AS in a randomized-controlled trial setting.

Methods
Data were retrieved from a subgroup of patients from the AS Study for the Evaluation of Recombinant Infliximab Therapy (ASSERT). Patients were randomly allocated to infliximab (n = 16) or placebo (n = 7) until week 24, after which all received infliximab until week 54. Associations between treatment group and depressive symptoms, measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D, range 0–60 (best-worst)) at baseline and over time, were explored with generalized estimating equations (GEE).

Results
Mean CES-D score at baseline was 15.5 (SD 9.3) in the infliximab group and 17.3 (SD 5.7) in the placebo group. Twelve patients (52%) had a CES-D score > 16, suggestive for clinical depression. After 24 weeks, mean CES-D had decreased to 9.5 (SD 11.4) in the infliximab group, but was 18.0 (SD 6.9) in the placebo group. GEE revealed larger improvements in depressive symptoms (B = − 6.63, 95%CI − 13.35 to 0.09) and odds of possible depression (OR = 0.02, 95%CI 0.00 to 0.72) in the infliximab group, compared to the placebo group. Both associations largely disappeared when adjusted for self-reported disease activity and/or physical function. Additional adjustment for C-reactive protein (CRP) did not change results.

Conclusions
Depressive symptoms are common in patients with AS and active disease. Infliximab improves these depressive symptoms in AS when compared to placebo by improving disease symptoms. We did not find an indication for a direct link between CRP-mediated inflammation and depressive symptoms.

Trial registration
Trial registration (ASSERT): NCT00207701. Registered on September 21, 2005 (retrospectively registered).
Development of diagnostic PCR and LAMP markers for MALE STERILITY 1 (MS1) in Cryptomeria japonica D. Don
Authors: Hasegawa Yoichi , Ueno Saneyoshi , Wei Fu-Jin , Matsumoto Asako , Ujino-Ihara Tokuko , Uchiyama Kentaro , Moriguchi Yoshinari , Kasahara Masahiro , Fujino Takeshi , Shigenobu Shuji , Yamaguchi Katsushi , Bino Takahiro , Hakamata Tetsuji 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective
Due to the allergic nature of the pollen of Cryptomeria japonica, the most important Japanese forestry conifer, a pollen-free cultivar is preferred. Mutant trees detected in nature have been used to produce a pollen-free cultivar. In order to reduce the time and cost needed for production and breeding, we aimed to develop simple diagnostic molecular markers for mutant alleles of the causative gene MALE STERILITY 1 (MS1) in C. japonica to rapidly identify pollen-free mutants.

Results
We developed PCR and LAMP markers to detect mutant alleles and to present experimental options depending on available laboratory equipment. LAMP markers were developed for field stations, where PCR machines are unavailable. The LAMP method only needs heat-blocks or a water bath to perform the isothermal amplification and assay results can be read by the naked eye. Because the causative mutations were deletions, we developed two kinds of PCR markers, amplified length polymorphism (ALP) and allele specific PCR (ASP) markers. These assays can be visualized using capillary or agarose gel electrophoresis.
The expression profile of virus-recognizing toll-like receptors in natural killer cells of Cypriot multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Deeba Elie , Lambrianides Anastasia , Pantzaris Marios , Krashias George , Christodoulou Christina 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective
The exact aetiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains elusive, although several environmental and genetic risk factors have been implicated to varying degrees. Among the environmental risk factors, viral infections have been suggested as strong candidates contributing to MS pathology/progression. Viral recognition and control are largely tasked to the NK cells via TLR recognition and various cytotoxic and immunoregulatory functions. Additionally, the complex roles of different TLRs in MS pathology are highlighted in multiple, often contradictory, studies. The present work aims to analyse the TLR expression profile of NK cells isolated from MS patients. Highly purified CD56+CD3− NK cells isolated from peripheral blood of MS patients (n = 19) and healthy controls (n = 20) were analysed via flow cytometry for their expression of viral antigen-recognizing TLRs (TLR2, TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9).

Results
No difference was noted in TLR expression between MS patients and healthy controls. These results aim to supplement previous findings which study expressional or functional differences in TLRs present in various subsets of the immune system in MS, thus aiding in a better understanding of MS as a complex multifaceted disease.
High prevalence of hepatitis A in indigenous population in north Brazil
Authors: de Paula Vanessa Salete , Milagres Flavio Augusto Pádua , Oliveira Guilherme de Macêdo , Miguel Juliana Custódio , Cruz Helena Medina , Scalioni Leticia de Paula , Marques Vanessa Alves , Magalhães Monica de Avelar Figueiredo Mafra , Romão Anselmo Rocha , Gracie Renata , Villar Livia Melo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Little is known about hepatitis A virus (HAV) prevalence in indigenous communities. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of HAV in indigenous community compared to urban population located at Western Amazon in Brazil.

Results
A total of 872 serum samples were obtained from 491 indigenous and 381 non indigenous individuals aging 0 to 90 years. Samples were tested for total and IgM anti-HAV and positive IgM samples were tested for HAV RNA. The overall prevalence of total anti-HAV was 87%, increased according age showing 100% of prevalence in those aging more than 30 years (p < 0.0001) and it was similar among indigenous and urban population. Total anti-HAV prevalence varied between tribes (p < 0.0001) and urban sites (p = 0.0014) and spatial distribution showed high prevalence in homes that received up to 100 dollars. IgM anti-HAV prevalence was 1.7% with predominance in males, those aging more than 41 years. No HAV RNA was detected. In conclusion, high overall anti-HAV prevalence was found in indigenous communities in North Brazil demonstrating the importance of universal vaccination in this group.
Psyllium supplementation is associated with changes in the fecal microbiota of horses
Authors: Mienaltowski Michael J. , Belt Ashley , Henderson John D. , Boyd Tannah N. , Marter Nicole , Maga Elizabeth A. , DePeters Edward J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveProphylactic supplementation of psyllium husk is recommended to enhance passage of ingested sand from the gastrointestinal tracts of horses. We hypothesized that psyllium supplementation would increase fecal sand passage and favorably alter bacterial populations in the hindgut. Six yearlings and six mature mares were fed a psyllium supplement in the diet daily for seven days. Voluntarily-voided feces were collected over the course of 29 days, prior, during, and after treatment. Feces were analyzed for acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent insoluble ash analyses. Microbial DNA was also isolated, and the V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was PCR-amplified and sequenced using MiSeq technology.ResultsFecal ADF concentration was greater in adults while silica concentration was greater in yearlings. Mature mare fecal ADF decreased during and just after supplementation but thereafter increased. No changes in silica levels were noted in either group over time. Fecal microbial population phylogenetic diversity was greatest mid-supplementation and lowest at 11 days post-supplementation. Functional profiles of the microbial communities presented some benefits for psyllium supplementation. These findings provide compelling evidence for further detailed studies of prophylactic psyllium supplementation.
TSPO PET detects acute neuroinflammation but not diffuse chronically activated MHCII microglia in the rat
Authors: Al-Khishman Nassir U. , Qi Qi , Roseborough Austyn D. , Levit Alexander , Allman Brian L. , Anazodo Udunna C. , Fox Matthew S. , Whitehead Shawn N. , Thiessen Jonathan D. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Accurate and sensitive imaging biomarkers are required to study the progression of white matter (WM) inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Radioligands targeting the translocator protein (TSPO) are considered sensitive indicators of neuroinflammation, but it is not clear how well the expression of TSPO coincides with major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) molecules in WM. This study aimed to test the ability of TSPO to detect activated WM microglia that are immunohistochemically positive for MHCII in rat models of prodromal Alzheimer’s disease and acute subcortical stroke.

Methods
Fischer 344 wild-type (n = 12) and TgAPP21 (n = 11) rats were imaged with [18F]FEPPA PET and MRI to investigate TSPO tracer uptake in the corpus callosum, a WM region known to have high levels of MHCII activated microglia in TgAPP21 rats. Wild-type rats subsequently received an endothelin-1 (ET1) subcortical stroke and were imaged at days 7 and 28 post-stroke before immunohistochemistry of TSPO, GFAP, iNOS, and the MHCII rat antigen, OX6.

Results
[18F]FEPPA PET was not significantly affected by genotype in WM and only detected increases near the ET1 infarct (P = 0.033, infarct/cerebellum uptake ratio: baseline = 0.94 ± 0.16; day 7 = 2.10 ± 0.78; day 28 = 1.77 ± 0.35). Immunohistochemistry confirmed that only the infarct (TSPO cells/mm2: day 7 = 555 ± 181; day 28 = 307 ± 153) and WM that is proximal to the infarct had TSPO expression (TSPO cells/mm2: day 7 = 113 ± 93; day 28 = 5 ± 7). TSPO and iNOS were not able to detect the chronic WM microglial activation that was detected with MHCII in the contralateral corpus callosum (day 28 OX6% area: saline = 0.62 ± 0.38; stroke = 4.30 ± 2.83; P = .029).

Conclusion
TSPO was only expressed in the stroke-induced insult and proximal tissue and therefore was unable to detect remote and non-insult-related chronically activated microglia overexpressing MHCII in WM. This suggests that research in neuroinflammation, particularly in the WM, would benefit from MHCII-sensitive radiotracers.
High precision hybrid RF and ultrasonic chirp-based ranging for low-power IoT nodes
Authors: Cox Bert , Van der Perre Liesbet , Wielandt Stijn , Ottoy Geoffrey , De Strycker Lieven 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHybrid acoustic-RF systems offer excellent ranging accuracy, yet they typically come at a power consumption that is too high to meet the energy constraints of mobile IoT nodes. We combine pulse compression and synchronized wake-ups to achieve a ranging solution that limits the active time of the nodes to 1 ms. Hence, an ultra low-power consumption of 9.015 µW for a single measurement is achieved. The operation time is estimated on 8.5 years on a CR2032 coin cell battery at a 1 Hz update rate, which is over 250 times larger than state-of-the-art RF-based positioning systems. Measurements based on a proof-of-concept hardware platform show median distance error values below 10 cm. Both simulations and measurements demonstrate that the accuracy is reduced at low signal-to-noise ratios and when reflections occur. We introduce three methods that enhance the distance measurements at a low extra processing power cost. Hence, we validate in realistic environments that the centimeter accuracy can be obtained within the energy budget of mobile devices and IoT nodes. The proposed hybrid signal ranging system can be extended to perform accurate, low-power indoor positioning.
A fractional system of delay differential equation with nonsingular kernels in modeling hand-foot-mouth disease
Authors: Ghanbari Behzad 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this article, we examine a computational model to explore the prevalence of a viral infectious disease, namely hand-foot-mouth disease, which is more common in infants and children. The structure of this model consists of six sub-populations along with two delay parameters. Besides, by taking advantage of the Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivative, the ability of the model to justify different situations for the system has been improved. Discussions about the existence of the solution and its uniqueness are also included in the article. Subsequently, an effective numerical scheme has been employed to obtain several meaningful approximate solutions in various scenarios imposed on the problem. The sensitivity analysis of some existing parameters in the model has also been investigated through several numerical simulations. One of the advantages of the fractional derivative used in the model is the use of the concept of memory in maintaining the substantial properties of the understudied phenomena from the origin of time to the desired time. It seems that the tools used in this model are very powerful and can effectively simulate the expected theoretical conditions in the problem, and can also be recommended in modeling other computational models in infectious diseases.
Earthquake triggering model based on normal-stress-dependent Nagata law: application to the 2016 Mie offshore earthquake
Authors: Yoshida Shingo , Maeda Takuto , Kato Naoyuki 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe propose a normal-stress-dependent Nagata law. Nagata et al. (J Geophys Res 117:B02314, 2012) revised the rate- and state-dependent friction law by introducing the shear stress dependence. We further extended the Nagata law by incorporating the normal stress dependence obtained by Linker and Dieterich (J Geophys Res 97:4923–4940, 1992). We performed numerical simulations of earthquake triggering by assuming the extended Nagata law. In the case of repeated earthquakes, we applied dynamic Coulomb failure function (CFF) perturbation due to normal or shear stress changes. CFF perturbation increased the slip velocity after the cessation of perturbation, relative to that of the repeated events without triggering. This leads to dynamic earthquake triggering for certain perturbation amplitudes with time to instability of 0 to several tens of days. In addition, triggering potential of the static CFF jump (ΔCFFs) was investigated. Static stress perturbation has a higher triggering potential than dynamic stress perturbation for the same magnitude of CFF. The equivalent ΔCFFeqis evaluated for dynamic perturbation that results in a triggering potential approximately the same as in the case of static stress perturbation if ΔCFFs = ΔCFFeq. We calculated ΔCFFeqon the interface of the Philippine Sea plate for the Mie offshore earthquake, which occurred around the Nankai Trough on April 1, 2016, using OpenSWPC. The results shows that ΔCFFeqis large around the trough, where slow slip events followed the Mie earthquake, suggesting that a large ΔCFFeqmay have triggered slow slip events.
MiR-128 suppresses metastatic capacity by targeting metadherin in breast cancer cells
Authors: Cao Danxia , Zhu Han , Zhao Qian , Huang Jianming , Zhou Cixiang , He Jianrong , Liang Yongjun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer, the most common cancer in women worldwide, causes the vast majority of cancer-related deaths. Undoubtedly, tumor metastasis and recurrence are responsible for more than 90 percent of these deaths. MicroRNAs are endogenous noncoding RNAs that have been integrated into almost all the physiological and pathological processes, including metastasis. In the present study, the role of miR-128 in breast cancer was investigated.

Results
Compared to the corresponding adjacent normal tissue, the expression of miR-128 was significantly suppressed in human breast cancer specimens. More importantly, its expression level was reversely correlated to histological grade of the cancer. Ectopic expression of miR-128 in the aggressive breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 could inhibit cell motility and invasive capacity remarkably. Afterwards, Metadherin (MTDH), also known as AEG-1 (Astrocyte Elevated Gene 1) and Lyric that implicated in various aspects of cancer progression and metastasis, was further identified as a direct target gene of miR-128 and its expression level was up-regulated in clinical samples as expected. Moreover, knockdown of MTDH in MDA-MB-231 cells obviously impaired the migration and invasion capabilities, whereas re-expression of MTDH abrogated the suppressive effect caused by miR-128.

Conclusions
Overall, these findings demonstrate that miR-128 could serve as a novel biomarker for breast cancer metastasis and a potent target for treatment in the future.
Occult follicular lymphoma in a swollen regional lymph node of gastric schwannoma
Authors: Fukuda Shuichi , Koyama Taichi , Wakasa Tomoko , Hanamoto Hitoshi , Tsujimoto Tomoyuki , Gakuhara Atsushi , Tomihara Hideo , Ohta Katsuya , Kitani Kotaro , Hashimoto Kazuhiko , Ishikawa Hajime , Hida Jin-ichi , Yukawa Masao , Ohta Yoshio , Inoue Masatoshi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Regional lymphadenopathy is more commonly noted in gastric schwannomas than in other gastric submucosal tumors. Most of the swollen lymph nodes associated with gastric schwannomas are non-metastatic lymphadenopathy.

Case presentation
A 69-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital with a chief complaint of abdominal discomfort. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed an extraluminal tumor with heterogeneous enhancement at the middle stomach on the lesser curve, accompanied with one swollen lymph node approximately 10 mm in size and several small lymph nodes in the perigastric region. These lymph nodes were flat; therefore, we considered them to be non-metastatic. The main tumor was removed via wedge resection. Soft and slightly swollen lymph nodes, which were compatible with the lymph nodes noted in the preoperative CT, were found near the main tumor in the fatty tissue at the lesser curvature of the stomach. An excisional biopsy of the largest lymph node was performed for the diagnosis. Based on pathological findings, a diagnosis of gastric schwannoma and follicular lymphoma (FL) was confirmed. The patient is doing well without recurrence of either the gastric schwannoma or FL 28 months postsurgery.

Conclusions
The present report detailed an extremely rare case of FL coincidentally discovered in the swollen regional lymph node of gastric schwannoma.
Successful hybrid surgery for ileal conduit stomal varices following oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in a patient with advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Uehara Hideo , Kawanaka Hirofumi , Nakanoko Tomonori , Sugiyama Masahiko , Ota Mitsuhiko , Mano Yohei , Sugimachi Keishi , Morita Masaru , Toh Yasushi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Ectopic variceal bleeding is a rare but life-threatening complication of portal hypertension (PH). Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with sinusoidal obstruction syndrome of the liver, which can lead to PH.

Case presentation
Here, we report a successful hybrid surgery that included intraoperative obliteration of ileal conduit stomal varices (ICSVs) for a 66-year-old woman with CRC and liver metastasis that had been treated multimodally during the previous 4 years, including 17 courses of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. She was admitted to our hospital for massive hemorrhage from an ileal conduct stoma. Image findings showed ICSVs as a part of portosystemic shunt, which were afferently supplied from the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and drained by the numerous cutaneous veins connected to the left femoral vein. Obliteration of the stomal varices by interventional radiologic techniques alone was inappropriate because of difficulties of cannulating the efferent cutaneous veins. We, therefore, performed hybrid surgery for the ICSV, which included cannulation into the SMV branch and antegrade obliteration of the varices with a 5% solution of ethanolamine oleate with iopamidol under blocking the SMV flow, using a vascular clip and ligation. Hemorrhage in her ileal conduit stoma disappeared completely.

Conclusion
Customized treatment of ectopic varices should be based on their precise vascular anatomy; hybrid surgery with intraoperative angiography is an alternative treatment for ectopic varices such as ICSV.
The smartphone in self-regulated learning and student success: clarifying relationships and testing an intervention
Authors: Hartley Kendall , Bendixen Lisa D. , Gianoutsos Dan , Shreve Emily 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis two-part observational and intervention study addressed the role of the smartphone in self-regulated learning (SRL) and student success as measured by achievement. Smartphone usage among students has been identified as contributing to lower academic achievement in a variety of settings. What is unclear is how smartphone usage contributes to lower outcomes. This study surveyed participants’ self-regulated learning skills and smartphone usage at the beginning and end of the term for first semester undergraduates. A regression analysis demonstrated that when controlling for prior achievement, general SRL measures had a positive impact on first semester achievement. Smartphone related SRL did not have a direct impact on achievement. The second part of the study evaluated the efficacy of a brief intervention to ameliorate factors contributing to lower achievement. Students were presented with either SRL strategies, awareness and attention strategies or career planning guidance (control). A regression analysis of the brief intervention resulted in modest gains in SRL but did not influence achievement.