bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre-Existing Interstitial Lung Disease is Associated With Onset of Nivolumab-Induced Pneumonitis in Patients With Solid Tumors: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Yamaguchi Teppei , Shimizu Junichi , Hasegawa Takaaki , Horio Yoshitsugu , Inaba Yoshitaka , Hanai Nobuhiro , Muro Kei , Hida Toyoaki 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundNivolumab-induced pneumonitis is occasionally serious and life-threatening immune-related adverse event. However, the association between the pre-existing interstitial lung disease (ILD) and incidence of nivolumab-induced pneumonitis among different types of tumors remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the association between pre-existing interstitial lung disease (ILD) on chest computed tomography (CT) and nivolumab-induced pneumonitis among different types of solid tumors.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively collected the clinical data and baseline chest CT of 311 nivolumab treated patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), head and neck cancer (HNC), or gastric cancer (GC). We investigated the relationship between pre-existing ILD on baseline chest CT and nivolumab-induced pneumonitis onset.ResultsFinally, 188 patients were included in the analysis: 96 patients with NSCLC, 43 patients with HNC, and 49 patients with GC. NSCLC had a significantly higher rate of pre-existing ILD compared with HNC/GC (P=0.047). Nivolumab-induced pneumonitis occurred in 11.7%, including 14.6% of NSCLC, and 8.7% of HNC/GC. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that pre-existing ILD (P=0.0008) and male sex (P=0.049) significantly increased the risk of nivolumab-induced pneumonitis.ConclusionOur results indicated that pre-existing ILD is a risk factor for nivolumab-induced pneumonitis in solid tumors.
Predictors of Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction in Subjects with Mild Asthma
Authors: Salameh Maroon , Pini Laura , Quadri Federico , Spreafico Fabio , Bottone Damiano , Tantucci Claudio 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Physical effort is one of the natural stimuli capable of triggering airway obstruction in asthmatics, the so called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma (EIBa). This study was performed in subjects with mild persistent asthma suspected for EIBa, aiming to find predictors among functional parameters at rest and during exercise for developing EIBa. Methods: In 20 subjects with mild asthma in stable conditions who reported respiratory symptoms on exertion in the past, measurements of baseline functional respiratory parameters and airways responsiveness by a methacholine challenge were obtained on the first day of the study after an adequate pharmacological washout. The day after, a maximal symptom-limited incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPExT) was performed, with subsequent, repeated maneuvers of maximal full forced expiration to monitor the FEV1 change at 1,3,5,7,10 and 15 minutes after the end of exercise for diagnosing EIBa.Results: 19 subjects aged 27±5 years completed the two-days protocol. No functional parameters both at rest and during effort were useful to predict EIBa after stopping exercise that actually occurred in 12 individuals. In contrast to asthmatics without EIBa, in those with EIBa, however, mean Inspiratory Capacity (IC) did not increase with increasing ventilatory requirements during CPExT because 6 of them (50%) displayed dynamic pulmonary hyperinflation (DH) throughout the exercise, as documented by the progressive increase of end-expiratory lung volume. This subgroup of asthmatics with EIBa who in turn showed earlier and greater post-exercise FEV1 fall had significantly lower forced mean expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25-75%) at rest (p<0.05) and higher airways responsiveness, expressed as PD20FEV1 (p<0.05).Conclusions No functional respiratory parameters either at rest or during the effort seem to predict EIBa in mild asthmatics after maximal exercise test. In those with EIBa, however, a subgroup developed DH during exercise, and this was associated with baseline reduced forced expiratory flow-rates at lower lung volumes and higher airway hyperresponsiveness, suggesting a prominent small airways impairment.
Associations Between CD160 Polymorphisms and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Case-Control Study
Authors: He Weiwei , Zhao Jing , Liu Xuerong , Li Sheli , Mu Kaida , Zhang Jing , Zhang Jin-an 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background/AimsRecent researches suggest that the CD160/HVEM/LIGHT/BTLA signaling pathway may contribute to the pathogeneses of autoimmune diseases, but the relationship between CD160 polymorphisms and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) has not been reported yet. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between CD160 polymorphisms and AITD.MethodsA total of 1017 patients with AITD (634 Graves' disease and 383 Hashimoto's thyroiditis) and 856 unrelated healthy controls were recruited into our study. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated through logistic regression analyses. The CD160 SNPs were detected using Hi-SNP high-throughput genotyping. ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between Graves' disease patients and the control group with respect to both the genotype distribution (P=0.014) and allele frequency of rs744877 (P=0.034). A significant association of CD160 rs744877 with AITD was observed before adjusted age and gender under a dominant model (OR= 0.79, 95%CI 0.66-0.95; P= 0.013) and an additive model (OR= 0.77, 95%CI 0.64-0.94, P=0.008), and was also observed after adjusted age and gender under a dominant model (OR= 0.78, 95%CI 0.65-0.95; P= 0.011) and an additive model (OR= 0.76, 95%CI 0.63-0.93, P=0.007). A significant association of rs744877 with Graves' disease was observed under an allele model (OR= 0.84, 95%CI 0.71-0.98, P=0.027), a dominant model (OR= 0.74, 95%CI 0.60-0.91; P= 0.005), and an additive model (OR= 0.72, 95%CI 0.58-0.90, P=0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analyses suggested that the association remained significant after adjustment for age and gender. However, rs744877 was not related to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Furthermore, CD160 rs3766526 was not significantly related to either Graves' disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis.ConclusionThis is the first identification of the association of CD160 rs744877 with Graves' disease. Our findings add new data to the genetic contribution to Graves' disease susceptibility and support the crucial role of the CD160/HVEM/LIGHT/BTLA pathway in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease.
Systemic Immune‐Inflammation Index Has Prognostic Significance In Pancreatic Carcinoma Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Xiaocheng , Lin Huapeng , Ouyang Renbin , Yang Yaowei , Peng Jing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is reportedly a prognostic indicator for several malignancies, including pancreatic carcinoma, although there exists no consensus regarding its significance. In the current study, we used a systematically meta-analysis to evaluate the association between SII and prognosis in pancreatic carcinoma patients.Methods: We screened PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, through May 2020, and retrieved studies describing the prognostic role of SII in pancreatic carcinoma. We calculated pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random or fixed effects models to reveal the correlation between SII and prognosis.Results: A total of 4 studies, comprising 1,749 patients, met our inclusion criteria and were therefore eligible for inclusion. Our meta-analysis showed that elevated SII indicated significantly worse overall survival in patients with pancreatic carcinoma (HR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.24-1.65, P < 0.001), with subgroup analyses, stratified by the TNM stage and treatment, further validating these results. In addition, patients with high SII had poorer cancer-specific survival (HR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.55-3.48, P < 0.001). However, we found no significant associations between SII with disease-free and relapse-free survival.Conclusions: These findings indicate that SII is a potential non-invasive and promising tool for predicting clinical outcomes of pancreatic carcinoma patients. However, further studies using adequate designs and larger sample sizes are required to validate our findings.
Similar effects as shade tolerance induced by dust accumulation and size penetration of particulates on cotton leaves
Authors: Li Li , Mu Guijin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Dust accumulation covers the leaf’s surface and influences foliar physiological activity. Two independent experiments were carried out to instigate the foliar responses to dust accumulation and the penetration limitation of small dust particles (<1 μm) on the foliar surface, respectively. In experiment I, three dust accumulation intensities were achieved by a dust spraying treatment. Photosynthesis CO2 exchange and fast chlorophyll fluorescence transient were measured, as well as chlorophyll contents and leaf thickness. In experiment II, the penetration limits of small particulates on the leaf surface were examined by feeding nano-fluorescent microspheres. Results: Dust accumulation alleviated the photoinhibition of Photosystem II and decreased photosynthesis, as represented by net photosynthetic rates (PN) and stomatal conductance to water vapor (gs). Photosynthetic response curves between net photosynthetic rate (PN) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) showed that heavy dust accumulation (34.98 ± 2.6 mg cm-2) increased the light compensation point (LCP) and light saturation point (LSP) and decreased photosynthesis rates under saturating light (PNmax). Leaves became thin due to the lack of a palisade layer while chlorophyll content increased under dust accumulation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images showed that the larger particles (1 μm) distributed in the regions below the stomata and the smaller ones (0.1 μm) were detected in the wider areas below stomata. Conclusions: These results suggested that dust accumulation induced similar effects as shade tolerance in cotton leaves but did not trigger more photochemical acclimation to low light. Dust particles (<1 μm) penetrated leaf surface through stomata.
Brusatol-enriched Brucea Javanica Oil Ameliorated Dextran Sulfate Sodium-induced Colitis in Mice: Involvement of NF-κB and RhoA/ROCK Signaling Pathways
Authors: zheng xing han , mai li ting , wang tong tong , xu ying , su zi ren , chen jian nan , zeng hui fang , xie you liang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Our previous study indicates that Brucea javanica oil (BJO) is beneficial for treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), and that quassinoids in particular brusatol are bioactive components. However, it is still uncertain whether or not other components in BJO, such as oleic acid and fatty acids, have anti-UC effect.Purpose: The present study aimed to compare the anti-UC effects between brusatol-enriched BJO (BE-BJO) and brusatol-free BJO (BF-BJO), and to explore the effects and mechanisms of BE-BJO on colon inflammation and intestinal epithelial barrier function.Methods: Balb/C mice received 3% (wt/vol) DSS for one weeks to establish the UC model. Different doses of BE-BJO, BF-BJO or BJO were treated. Body weight and colon length were measured. Disease activity index (DAI) and histological analysis were evaluated. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the colon tissues were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of tight junction proteins were tested to investigate the intestinal epithelial barrier function. The effects of BE-BJO on NF-κB and RhoA/ROCK pathways were studied.Results: BE-BJO alleviated DSS-induced loss of body weight, increase of DAI and shortening of colon, whereas BF-BJO did not have these protective effects. BE-BJO treatment improved the morphology of colon tissue, inhibited the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α、 IFN-γ、 IL-6 and IL-1β in the colon tissue, as well as reversed the decreased expressions of ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1and E-cadherin induced by DSS, but augmented Claudin-2 expression. Mechanistically, BE-BJO repressed phosphorylation of NF-κB subunit p65, suppressed RhoA activation, downregulated ROCK, and prevented phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) in DSS-treated mice.Conclusions: This work demonstrated that BE-BJO could ameliorate DSS-induced UC by preventing colon inflammation and enhancing intestinal epithelial barrier function, probably via suppression of NF-κB and RhoA/ROCK signaling pathways. These findings confirm that quassinoids are active compounds from BJO and suggest the therapeutic potential of quassinoids and BE-BJO in the treatment of UC.
Correlation of Glycemic Regulation and Endotrophin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes; Pilot Study
Authors: YOLDEMIR Sengul AYDIN , Arman Yucel , Akarsu Murat , Altun Ozgur , Ozcan Mustafa , Tukek Tufan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Endotrophin is one of the extracellular matrix proteins secreted by adipose tissue. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of changes in blood glucose levels on serum endotropin levels secreted by adipose tissue and thus on diabetes.Methods: In this prospective pilot study included 78 patients with type 2 diabete(T2D) with hemoglobin A1c level >9%. Data of anthropometric measurements, fractional excretion of UA (FEUA), serum lipid parameters and endotrophin were collected in patients; all examinations were repeated after 3 months. Analysis was performed using Paired-Samles T test and Spearman tests. Results: Of patients, 23 were female (54.8%) and 19 were male (45.2%). Mean age was 55.2 years, with mean diabetes age of 8.14 ± 5.35 years. After 3 months follow-up, HbA1c, fasting glucose, CRP, UACR and endotrophin levels were observed to clearly reduce. The variation in serum endotrophin levels examined at the start of the study and in the 3rd month was identified to have a positive correlation with the variation in HbA1c and UACR levels (r=0.342, p=0.02; r=0.484, p=0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed percentage variation values (d) -endotrophin levels were only independently correlated with (d)-UACR (model r2=0.257, P value=0.00).Conclusions: The decrease in HbA1c causes a significant decrease in endotropin levels. Unexpectedly, this reduction in endotrophin levels is closely related to the decrease in UACR, regardless of blood glucose regulation. We think that studies targeting endotrophin will contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of diabetic nephropathy in the future.
No Evidence for a Pathogen Associated With Pulmonary MALT&nbsp;Lymphoma: A Metagenomics Investigation
Authors: borie raphael , CAro Valerie , nunes hilario , Kambouchner Marianne , Cazes Aurelie , Antoine MArtine , Crestani Bruno , leroy karen , Copie-Bergman Christiane , Kwasiborski Aurelia , Hennequin Christophe , vandenbogaert mathias , hourdel veronique , Cadranel Jacques 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is generally associated with chronic antigen stimulation: auto-antigens or of microbial origin. Only one study suggested association between Achromobacter xylosoxidans and pulmonary MALT lymphoma. We aimed to investigate the presence of virus or any infectious agents in pulmonary MALT lymphoma by using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).All lung samples were centrally reviewed. The t(11;18) (q21;q21) was evaluated by FISH analysis. The snap frozen large lung biopsies were analyzed by mNGS. After lung biopsies homogenization total nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) were extracted, amplified and classified according to their taxonomic assignment, after exclusion of host DNA.We included 13 samples from pulmonary MALT lymphoma (mean age: 60.3 years, 7 women, 3 with auto-immune background) and 10 controls. The diagnosis of MALT lymphoma was confirmed for the 13 samples, 3 showed API2-MALT1 translocation (23%). No evidence of the presence of a specific pathogen was clearly identified in the group of patients with pulmonary MALT lymphoma. We identified A. xylosoxidans sequence in 4/13 patients and in 4/10 controls.This study did not find evidence for a DNA or RNA virus, a fungi, a parasite or a bacteria associated with pulmonary MALT lymphoma either in the stroma or in tumor cells.
A Novel De Novo Ddx3x Missense Variant in a Female With Brachycephaly and Intellectual Disability: A Case Report
Authors: Moresco Giada , Costanza Jole , Santaniello Carlo , Rondinone Ornella , Grilli Federico , Prada Elisabetta , Orcesi Simona , Coro Ilaria , Marchisio Paola , Miozzo Monica , Fontana Laura , Milani Donatella 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: De novo pathogenic variants in the DDX3X gene are reported to account for 1–3% of unexplained intellectual disability (ID) in females, leading to the rare disease known as DDX3X syndrome (MRXSSB, OMIM #300958). Besides ID, these patients manifest a variable clinical presentation, which includes neurological and behavioral defects, and abnormal brain MRIs. Case presentation: We report a 10-year-old girl affected by delayed psychomotor development, delayed myelination, and polymicrogyria (PMG). We identified a novel de novo missense mutation in the DDX3X gene (c.C625G) by exome sequencing. The DDX3X gene encodes a DEAD-box ATP-dependent RNA-helicase broadly implicated in gene expression through regulation of mRNA metabolism. The identified mutation is located just upstream the helicase domain and is suggested to impair the protein activity, thus resulting in the altered translation of DDX3X-dependent mRNAs. The proband, presenting with the typical PMG phenotype related to the syndrome, does not show other clinical signs frequently reported in presence of missense DDX3X mutations that are associated with a most severe clinical presentation. In addition, she has brachycephaly, never described in female DDX3X patients, and macroglossia, that has never been associated with the syndrome.Conclusions: This case expands the knowledge of DDX3X pathogenic variants and the associated DDX3X syndrome phenotypic spectrum.
The Epidemiology of Hospital Death Following Pediatric Severe Community Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Ao Xiao-Xiao , Tan Li-Ping , Wan Qiu-Feng , Li Yong-Qin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCommunity acquired pneumonia is the primary cause of pediatric hospitalizations and deaths in children under 5 years of age. But the epidemiology of death in pediatric severe community acquired pneumonia was not well characterized. MethodsThis retrospective observational study was performed at the academic Emergency department and intensive care unit and we investigated the timing, cause, mode and attribution of death in children with severe community acquired pneumonia. ResultsOf 962 subjects with severe community acquired pneumonia, there were 57 non-survivors (5.9% mortality). Median time to death was 7 [IQR 3,16] days from severe community acquired pneumonia recognition. Patients dying ≤ 7 days were younger, had greater illness severity and higher rate of congenital heart disease, who were more likely to die of a cardiovascular cause. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome predominated in deaths > 7 days. Unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation was the most common mode of death at all timepoints. Our findings suggested that in pediatric severe community acquired pneumonia, early deaths were due primarily to cardiovascular dysfunction, while later deaths were more commonly due to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. ConclusionsDeaths from non-pulmonary factors accounted for a substantial portion of non-survivors. Respiratory dysfunction accounted for only a minority of deaths. Our study highlighted limitations associated with rescuing patients with severe pneumonia from death if extrapulmonary organ dysfunctions could not be simultaneously managed.
Effectiveness of Tirobot-assisted Vertebroplasty in Treating Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Compression Fracture
Authors: Wang Boyao , Cao Jiang , Chang Jie , Yin Guoyong , Cai Weihua , Li Qingqing , Huang Zhenfei , Yu Lipeng , Cao Xiaojian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Percutaneous kyphoplasty is the main method for the treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic compression fractures. However, much radiation exposure during the operation could harm the health of the surgeon and the patient. In addition, the accuracy of its surgery still needs to be improved. This study aimed to assess the radiation exposure and clinical efficacy of Tirobot-assisted vertebroplasty in treating thoracolumbar osteoporotic compression fracture.Methods: A total of 60 patients with thoracolumbar osteoporotic compression fracture who underwent unilateral vertebroplasty at our hospital between June 2019 and June 2020 were included in this retrospective cohort study. All of them were between 60 and 90 years old and free of systemic diseases. All the patients were assigned to Tirobot group (treated with Tirobot-assisted approach) and control group (treated with traditional approach). Fluoroscopic frequency, operative duration, length of stay (LOS), post-operative complications (cement leakage, infection, and thrombosis), pre-operative and pre-discharge indexes (VAS scores, JOA scores, and Cobb’s angles) were compared.Results: The fluoroscopic frequency(P<0.001), post-operative complications(P=0.035) in Tirobot group was significantly lower than those in control group. The operative duration and LOS in Tirobot group were shorter than those in control group, but the differences were not statistically significant (P=0.183). Pre-discharge VAS score and Cobb’s angle decreased, and JOA increased after surgeries in both groups. These three indexes showed significant differences after surgery in each group (P<0.001), but not between groups (PVAS=0.175, PCobb’s=0.585, PJOA =0.448).Conclusion: As a safe and effective strategy, Tirobot-assisted vertebroplasty can reduce radiation exposure and be clinically replicated.
What validation tests can be done by the clinical medical physicist while waiting for the standardization of quantitative SPECT/CT imaging?
Authors: Piwowarska-Bilska Hanna , Supińska Aleksandra , Birkenfeld Bożena 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of quantitative SPECT/CT imaging in a clinical setting and to compare test results from two nuclear medicine departments.Methods Phantom studies were carried out with two gamma cameras manufactured by GE Healthcare: Discovery NM/CT 670 and NM/CT 850, used in two nuclear medicine departments.Results The convergence of activity concentration recovery was validated for the two gamma cameras operating in two medical centres using a homogeneous 3D phantom. The comparison of results revealed a 5% difference in the calibration factor Bg. cal; 6% difference in COV, and a 0.6% difference in total activity deviation ∆Atot.Recovery coefficients (RCmax) for activity concentration in spheres of the anthropomorphic phantom was measured for different image reconstruction techniques. RCmax was in the range of 0.2-0.4 for the smallest sphere (ϕ10 mm), and 1.3-1.4 for the largest sphere (ϕ37 mm). Conversion factors for SUVmax and SUVmean for the gamma camera systems used were 0.99 and 1.13, respectively.Conclusions 1) Measurements taken in our study confirmed the clinical suitability of 5 parameters of image quality (Bg. cal- background calibration factor, ∆Atot- total activity deviation, COV- noise level estimation, QH- hot contrast, AM-accuracy of measurements or RC- recovery coefficient) for the validation of SPECT/CT system performance in terms of correct quantitative acquisitions of images. 2) This work shows that absolute SPECT/CT quantification is achievable in clinical nuclear medicine centers. Results variation of quantitative analyzes between centers is mainly related to the use of different reconstruction methods. 3) It is necessary to standardize the technique of measuring the SUV conversion factor obtained with different SPECT/CT scanners.