bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Juvenile Spondyloarthritis: focus on uveitis
Authors: Marino Achille , Weiss Pamela F. , Brandon Timothy G. , Lerman Melissa A. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Juvenile spondyloarthritis (JSpA) represents a group of inflammatory arthritides with several distinctive features (enthesitis, involvement of spine and sacroiliac joint, HLA-B27 association and development of uveitis). There are limited data on the course of uveitis in children with JSpA.
This study aims to estimate the prevalence of uveitis and to look at the presence of HLA-B27 in relation to uveitis occurrence and ocular symptoms in a cohort of JSpA patients.

Findings
This is a cross sectional/retrospective study involving patients with JSpA followed in a tertiary referral hospital.
Two hundred twenty-three patients were enrolled in the study. The prevalent diagnosis was enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) (62%) followed by juvenile psoriatic arthritis (PsA), undifferentiated arthritis (UA), and the arthropathies associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD-A) (18, 14, 6%, respectively).
Uveitis was reported in twenty-four patients (11%) of the JSpA cohort (JSpA-U). ERA patients had the highest uveitis prevalence (ERA-U) (13%) with similar prevalences in UA, PsA and in IBD-A (7% each).
The prevalence of HLA-B27 positivity was similar amongst the entire JSpA-U cohort (N = 22, 45%) and those with ERA-U (N = 8, 44%). The overall prevalence of symptomatic uveitis was 79%. Neither the likelihood of uveitis, nor of symptomatic uveitis, varied by HLA-B27 status either in the entire cohort nor in those with ERA.

Conclusions
About one-tenth of patients developed uveitis, the majority of which was symptomatic. Fewer than half of the patients with uveitis were HLA-B27 positive. HLA-B27 status was not statistically associated with either the development of uveitis or symptomaticity of uveitis.
A novel positive feedback-loop between the HTLV-1 oncoprotein Tax and NF-κB activity in T-cells
Authors: Millen Sebastian , Meretuk Lina , Göttlicher Tim , Schmitt Sarah , Fleckenstein Bernhard , Thoma-Kress Andrea K. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundHuman T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infects primarily CD4+T-lymphocytes and evoques severe diseases, predominantly Adult T-Cell Leukemia/ Lymphoma (ATL/L) and HTLV-1-associated Myelopathy/ Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The viral transactivator of the pX region (Tax) is important for initiating malignant transformation, and deregulation of the major signaling pathway nuclear factor of kappa B (NF-κB) by Tax represents a hallmark of HTLV-1 driven cancer.ResultsHere we found that Tax mutants which are defective in NF-κB signaling showed diminished protein expression levels compared to Tax wildtype in T-cells, whereasTaxtranscript levels were comparable. Strikingly, constant activation of NF-κB signaling by the constitutive active mutant ofinhibitor of kappa B kinase(IKK2, IKK-β), IKK2-EE, rescued protein expression of the NF-κB defective Tax mutants M22 and K1-10R and even increased protein levels of Tax wildtype in various T-cell lines whileTaxtranscript levels were only slightly affected. Using several Tax expression constructs, an increase of Tax protein occurred independent ofTaxtranscripts and independent of the promoter used. Further, Tax and M22 protein expression were strongly enhanced by 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate [TPA; Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)]/ ionomycin, inducers of NF-κB and cytokine signaling, but not by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). On the other hand, co-expression of Tax with a dominant negative inhibitor of κB, IκBα-DN, or specific inhibition of IKK2 by the compound ACHP, led to a vast decrease in Tax protein levels to some extent independent ofTaxtranscripts in transiently transfected and Tax-transformed T-cells. Cycloheximide chase experiments revealed that co-expression of IKK2-EE prolongs the half-life of M22, and constant repression of NF-κB signaling by IκBα-DN strongly reduces protein stability of Tax wildtype suggesting that NF-κB activity is required for Tax protein stability. Finally, protein expression of Tax and M22 could be recovered by NH4Cl and PYR-41, inhibitors of the lysosome and the ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1, respectively.ConclusionsTogether, these findings suggest that Tax’s capability to induce NF-κB is critical for protein expression and stabilization of Tax itself. Overall, identification of this novel positive feedback loop between Tax and NF-κB in T-cells improves our understanding of Tax-driven transformation.
Human MDSCs derived from the bone marrow maintain their functional ability but have a reduced frequency of induction in the elderly compared to pediatric donors
Authors: Magri Sara , Masetto Elena , Solito Samantha , Francescato Samuela , Belluzzi Elisa , Pozzuoli Assunta , Berizzi Antonio , Ruggieri Pietro , Mandruzzato Susanna 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMyeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immunosuppressive cells developing from myeloid progenitors, which are enriched in pathological conditions such as cancer, and are known to inhibit the functions of effector T cells. During aging, several changes occur both at the adaptive and innate immune system level, in a process defined as immunoscenescence. In particular, the low-grade inflammation state observed in the elderly appears to affect hematopoiesis. We previously demonstrated that the combination of GM-CSF and G-CSF drives the in vitro generation of bone marrow-derived MDSCs (BM-MDSCs) from precursors present in human bone marrow aspirates of healthy donors, and that these cells are endowed with a strong immune suppressive ability, resembling that of cancer-associated MDSCs. In the present work we investigated BM-MDSCs induction and functional ability in a cohort of pediatric versus elderly donors. To this aim, we analyzed the differences in maturation stages and ability to suppress T cell proliferation. We found that the ex vivo distribution of myeloid progenitors is similar between pediatric and elderly individuals, whereas after cytokine treatment a significant reduction in the more immature compartment is observed in the elderly. Despite the decreased frequency, BM-MDSCs maintain their suppressive capacity in aged donors. Taken together, these results indicate that in vitro induction of MDSCs from the BM is reduced with aging and opens new hypotheses on the role of age-related processes in myelopoiesis.
Level of knowledge, acceptability, and willingness to use oral fluid HIV self-testing among medical students in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Vara Proches Arobogast , Buhulula Luyeye Sostenes , Mohammed Fatma Aziz , Njau Bernard 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) is universally accepted as an innovative strategy complimenting existing HIV testing services to archive the UNAIDS, 95-95-95 goals by 2030. However, the adoption of HIVST is lagging in most sub-Saharan countries, including Tanzania. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, acceptability, and willingness to use HIVST among Medical students in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania.

Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was conducted from May to June 2019 among 271 medical students aged 18–44 years enrolled in a degree of Medicine course at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College.

Results
A total of 271 participants were enrolled (response rate of 100%). The mean age was 23.9 (SD 2.9), the majority (91%) were Christians, being single (92%), and a half (50.2%) were males. More than half (55.7%) was sexually active, 67.5% reported the age of first sexual debut at 19 years and above. The majority (81.5%) reported that they had one sexual partner, 37% used condoms during the last sexual act. The majority (98.7%) had never had a sexually transmitted disease during the past 3 months, 22.5% reported using alcohol when having sex. More than three-quarters (79%) ever tested for HIV, and 41.6% tested for HIV in the past year. More than two-thirds (67.9%) had a high level of knowledge on oral fluid HIV self-test. Being a female was related with high level of knowledge (P = 0.225). The acceptability of HIVST was 62.7%, and about two-thirds showed a willingness to buy a self-test kit if available for public use.

Conclusions
The high level of knowledge on oral fluid HIV self-testing, acceptability and willingness to buy self-test kit if available for public use among sexually active medical students underscores the importance of introducing HIVST as a complementary approach for existing HIV testing services in this setting. To make HIVST effective, interventionist should address concerns associated with self-testing, such as lack of pre and post-test counseling, suicidal risks after receiving HIV positive results, perceived risks of inaccurate HIVST test results, lack of linkage to care of individuals receiving HIV positive results, perceived risks of intimate partner violence, coercive testing of a female partner, and perceived high cost of buying self-test kits.
Chemically defined human vascular laminins for biologically relevant culture of hiPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Motallebnejad Pedram , Azarin Samira M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years, differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into brain-specific microvascular endothelial cells (iBMECs) has frequently been used to model the blood–brain barrier (BBB). However, there are limitations in the use of iBMECs for in vitro studies, such as transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) instability, weak junctional expression of VE-cadherin, and lack of proper fluid shear stress response. In vivo, the basement membrane (BM) composition of the BBB evolves throughout development, and laminins become the dominant component of the mature vascular BM. However, laminin isoforms of the endothelial BM have not been used for culture of differentiated iBMECs. The main goal of this study is to investigate the effect of different laminin isoforms of the endothelial BM on iBMEC functionality and to determine whether better recapitulation of the physiological BM in vitro can address the aforementioned limitations of iBMECs.MethodsUsing a previously reported method, hiPSCs were differentiated into iBMECs. The influence of main laminins of the endothelial BM, LN 411 and LN 511, on iBMEC functionality was studied and compared to a collagen IV and fibronectin mixture (CN IV-FN). Quantitative RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and TEER measurement were utilized to assess gene and protein expression and barrier properties of iBMECs on different extracellular matrices. Single-channel microfluidic devices were used to study the effect of shear stress on iBMECs.ResultsLN 511, but not LN 411, improved iBMEC barrier properties and resulted in more sustained TEER stability. Immunocytochemistry showed improved junctional protein expression compared to iBMECs cultured on CN IV-FN. iBMECs cultured on LN 511 showed a reduction of stress fibers, indicating resting endothelial phenotype, whereas gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of multiple genes involved in endothelial activation in iBMECs on CN IV-FN. Finally, culturing iBMECs on LN 511 enhanced physiological responses to shear stress, including morphological changes and enhanced junctional protein association.ConclusionLN 511 improves the functionality and long-term barrier stability of iBMECs. Our findings suggest that incorporation of physiologically relevant LN 511 in iBMEC culture would be beneficial for disease modeling applications and BBB-on-a-chip platforms that accommodate fluid flow.
The anxious aspects of insecure attachment styles are associated with depression either in pregnancy or in the postpartum period
Authors: Bianciardi Emanuela , Vito Cristina , Betrò Sophia , De Stefano Alberto , Siracusano Alberto , Niolu Cinzia 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Perinatal depression (PND) is a major complication of pregnancy and many risk factors have been associated with its development both during pregnancy and postpartum. The transition to motherhood activates the attachment system. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between women’s attachment style (AS) and PND in pregnancy, and 1 month after childbirth, in a large cohort of women. We hypothesized that different patterns of AS were associated with either antenatal or postnatal depression. We, further, explored the role of other possible risk factors such as life-stress events.

Methods
A final sample of 572 women was enrolled. At the third trimester of pregnancy, clinical data sheet and self-report questionnaires (ASQ, PSS, LTE-Q, and EPDS) were administered. One month after delivery, EPDS was administered by telephone interview.

Results
We found 10.1% of the women with depression during pregnancy and 11.1% in the postpartum period. The first logistic regression showed that ASQ-CONF subscale (OR = 0.876, p < 0.0001), ASQ-NFA subscale (OR = 1.097, p = 0.002), foreign nationality (OR = 2.29, p = 0.040), low education levels (OR = 0.185, p = 0.012), PSS total score (OR = 1.376, p = 0.010), and recent life adversities (OR = 3.250, p = 0.012) were related to EPDS ≥ 14 during pregnancy.
The second logistic regression showed that ASQ-PRE subscale (OR = 1.077, p < 0.001) and foreign nationality (OR = 2.88, p = 0.010) were related to EPDS ≥ 12 in the postpartum period.

Conclusions
Different dimensions of anxious insecure AS were, respectively, associated with either antenatal or postnatal depression. These findings support the literature investigating subtypes of perinatal depression. The PND may be heterogeneous in nature, and the comprehension of psychopathological trajectories may improve screening, prevention, and treatment of a disorder which has a long-lasting disabling impact on the mental health of mother and child. We provided a rationale for targeting an attachment-based intervention in this group of women.
Prohibited, but still present: local and traditional knowledge about the practice and impact of forest grazing by domestic livestock in Hungary
Authors: Varga Anna , Demeter László , Ulicsni Viktor , Öllerer Kinga , Biró Marianna , Babai Dániel , Molnár Zsolt 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Forests have been grazed for millennia. Around the world, forest grazing by livestock became a controversial management practice, gradually restricted in many countries over the past 250 years. This was also the case in most Central and Eastern European countries, including Hungary, where forest grazing was a legally prohibited activity between 1961 and 2017. Until the 2010s, ecologists and nature conservationists considered it merely as a historical form of forest use. As a result, there is little contemporary scientific information available about the impact of forest grazing on vegetation and the traditional ecological knowledge associated with it. Our aim was to explore and summarize this type of knowledge held by herders in Hungary.

Methods
We interviewed 58 knowledgeable herders and participated in forest grazing activities in 43 study locations across the country. The results were analysed qualitatively.

Results
We revealed a living ecological knowledge tradition and practice of forest grazing in native and non-native forest stands. The impact of livestock grazing on native and non-native forests is not considerably different, in the view of the herders. For both forest types, the greatest impact of grazing was the suppression of the shrub layer, while grazing also increased the dominance and palatability (“tameness”) of the grasses. Livestock could cause significant damage to seedlings during forest grazing, but if done with care, grazing could also be an integral part of forestry management.

Conclusions
Sustainability of current forest grazing practices depends on the depth of local and traditional knowledge applied and herders’ stewardship. We stress the importance of collaborating with holders of local and traditional knowledge in order to gain a better understanding of the effects of livestock grazing on vegetation in temperate forests.
Prevalence of and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding among women with children aged < 24 months in Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ali Farida , Mgongo Melina , Mamseri Redempta , George Johnston M. , Mboya Innocent B. , Msuya Sia E. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Early initiation of breastfeeding offers nutritional and immunological benefits to the newborn, which is critical for health and survival. Understanding factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding is crucial for healthcare providers and policy-makers. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding among mothers with children < 24 months of age in the Kilimanjaro region, Northern Tanzania.

Methods
This study utilized secondary data from a cross-sectional survey conducted in April 2016 and April 2017 in the Kilimanjaro region. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants and interviewed using a questionnaire. A total of 1644 women with children aged < 24 months were analyzed. Modified Poisson regression models were used to determine factors independently associated with early initiation of breastfeeding, within first hour of life.

Results
The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding in the Kilimanjaro region was 70%, ranging from 64% in Same to 80% in Siha districts. The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding was lower among women who initiated prelacteal feeding compared to their counterparts (prevalence ratio [PR] 0.42; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.34, 0.53). Likewise, women living in Same and Hai district had lower prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding compared to women in Rombo (PR 0.8; 95% CI 0.76, 0.93) and (PR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80, 0.98) respectively. Higher prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding was found in women with primary education compared to those with secondary education (PR 1.09; 95% CI 1.003, 1.18), and among women with two children compared to one child (PR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03, 1.26).

Conclusions
Early initiation of breastfeeding practice was suboptimal in this study. To improve early initiation of breastfeeding, healthcare providers at reproductive and child health clinics and labour wards should discourage women from prelacteal feeding, give more support to women with one child and those with secondary level of education and above. Furthermore, a qualitative study is crucial to understand the reasons for low prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding in Same and Hai districts.
Bone structure determined by HR-MDCT does not correlate with micro-CT of lumbar vertebral biopsies: a prospective cross-sectional human in vivo study
Authors: Pumberger Matthias , Issever Ahi Sema , Diekhoff Torsten , Schwemmer Christin , Berg Susanne , Palmowski Yannick , Putzier Michael 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Osteoporosis is characterized by a deterioration of bone structure and quantity that leads to an increased risk of fractures. The primary diagnostic tool for the assessment of the bone quality is currently the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which however only measures bone quantity. High-resolution multidetector computed tomography (HR-MDCT) offers an alternative approach to assess bone structure, but still lacks evidence for its validity in vivo. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of HR-MDCT for the evaluation of bone architecture in the lumbar spine.

Methods
We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study to compare the results of preoperative lumbar HR-MDCT scans with those from microcomputed tomography (μCT) analysis of transpedicular vertebral body biopsies. For this purpose, we included patients undergoing spinal surgery in our orthopedic department. Each patient underwent preoperative HR-MDCT scanning (L1-L4). Intraoperatively, transpedicular biopsies were obtained from intact vertebrae. Micro-CT analysis of these biopsies was used as a reference method to assess the actual bone architecture. HR-MDCT results were statistically analyzed regarding the correlation with results from μCT.

Results
Thirty-four patients with a mean age of 69.09 years (± 10.07) were included in the study. There was no significant correlation for any of the parameters (bone volume/total volume, trabecular separation, trabecular thickness) between μCT and HR-MDCT (bone volume/total volume: r = − 0.026 and p = 0.872; trabecular thickness: r = 0.074 and r = 6.42; and trabecular separation: r = − 0.18 and p = 0.254).

Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing in vivo HR-MDCT with μCT analysis of vertebral biopsies in human patients. Our findings suggest that lumbar HR-MDCT is not valid for the in vivo evaluation of bone architecture in the lumbar spine. New diagnostic tools for the evaluation of osteoporosis and preoperative orthopedic planning are urgently needed.
Preincubation with a low-dose hydrogen peroxide enhances anti-oxidative stress ability of BMSCs
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Fei , Peng Wuxun , Zhang Jian , Dong Wentao , Yuan Dajiang , Wang Zhenwen , Zheng Yinggang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective
To investigate the effects of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide pretreatment on the anti-oxidative stress of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

Methods
Rabbit BMSCs were isolated and cultured by density gradient centrifugation combined with the adherence method. Then, the third generation of well-grown BMSCs was continuously treated with 50-μM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 8 h as the optimal pretreatment concentration and the BMSCs were continuously applied for 24 h with 500 μM H2O2, and the optimal damage concentration was determined as the oxidative stress cell model. The experiment was divided into three groups: control group, high-concentration H2O2 injury group (500 μM), and low-concentration H2O2 pretreatment group (50 μM + 500 μM). In each group, the DCFH-DA fluorescence probe was used to detect the reactive oxygen species (ROS). ELISA was used to detect the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and the TBA method was used to detect malondialdehyde (MDA). The mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1. The cell viability was detected by CCK-8 method, while flow cytometry and TUNEL/DAPI double staining were performed to detect cell apoptosis. Hence, the effect of H2O2 pretreatment on the anti-oxidative stress of BMSCs was investigated. One-way analysis of variance was performed using SPSS 19.0 statistical software, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
A large number of typical BMSCs were obtained by density gradient centrifugation and adherent culture. The oxidative stress cell model was successfully established by 500-μM H2O2. Compared with the high-concentration H2O2 injury group, the low-concentration H2O2 pretreatment reduced the production of ROS [(62.33 ± 5.05), P < 0.05], SOD and CAT activities significantly increased (P < 0.05), and MDA levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The mitochondrial membrane potential fluorescence changes, the ratio of red/green fluorescence intensity of the high-concentration H2O2 injury group was less, and the ratio of the low-concentration H2O2 pretreatment group was significantly higher than that. The ratio of red/green increased by about 1.8 times (P < 0.05). The cell viability and survival rate of BMSCs were significantly increased in low-concentration H2O2 pretreatment group (P < 0.05), and the cell apoptosis rate was significantly decreased (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Pretreatment with low-concentration H2O2 can enhance the anti-oxidative stress ability and reduce their apoptosis of BMSCs under oxidative stress.