bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut microbiota composition during a 12-week intervention with delayed-release dimethyl fumarate in multiple sclerosis – a pilot trial
Authors: Storm-Larsen C , Myhr K-M , Farbu E , Midgard R , Nyquist K , Broch L , Berg-Hansen P , Buness A , Holm K , Ueland T , Fallang L-E , Burum-Auensen E , Hov JR , Holmøy T 
Published: November 2019

Introduction Patients with multiple sclerosis may have a distinct gut microbiota profile. Delayed-release dimethyl fumarate is an orally administered drug for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis, which has been associated with gastrointestinal side-effects in some patients. Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine if dimethyl fumarate alters the abundance and diversity of commensal gut bacteria, and if these changes are associated with gastrointestinal side-effects. Methods Thirty-six patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis received either dimethyl fumarate ( n = 27) or an injectable multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapy (glatiramer acetate or interferons, n = 9) for 12 weeks. Stool samples were collected at baseline, two and 12 weeks. We included 165 healthy individuals as controls. Results At baseline, 16 microbial genera were altered in multiple sclerosis patients compared with healthy controls. In the dimethyl fumarate-treated patients ( n = 21) we observed a trend of reduced Actinobacteria ( p = 0.03, QFDR = 0.24) at two weeks, mainly driven by Bifidobacterium ( p = 0.06, QFDR = 0.69). At 12 weeks, we observed an increased abundance of Firmicutes ( p = 0.02, QFDR = 0.09), mostly driven by Faecalibacterium ( p = 0.01, QFDR = 0.48). Conclusions This pilot study did not detect a major effect of dimethyl fumarate on the gut microbiota composition, but we observed a trend towards normalization of the low abundance of butyrate-producing Faecalibacterium after 12 weeks treatment. The study was underpowered to link microbiota to gastrointestinal symptoms.
Candidates for Percutaneous Screw Fixation Without Fusion in Thoracolumbar Fractures: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Alkosha Hazem M. , Omar Sherif A. , Albayar Ahmed , Awad Basem I. 
Published: November 2019

Study Design: Retrospective matched cohort study. Objectives: Identifying candidates for isolated percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) in thoracolumbar fractures based on Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity (TLICS) score. Methods: Patients underwent PSF were split into 3 TLICS-score categories, then matched with groups having similar scores managed either non-operatively or via open screw fixation (OSF). Each category was assessed for corrective power and loss of correction by comparing initial and 1-year Cobb angles as well as Oswestry Disability Index and rates of fracture healing at 1 year. Results: A total of 102 patients (40 females) with age range 19 to 51 years, were admitted 1 to 25 hours following trauma. Each of TLISC categories consisted of matched treatment groups for comparison. In TLICS-3 fractures (2 treatment groups, n = 12 each), PSF showed similar outcomes but longer time to ambulation and length of stay (LOS) compared with nonoperative management. In TLICS-4 fractures (3 treatment groups, n = 18 each), PSF showed comparable corrective power and outcomes as OSF but was better in terms of operative time, blood loss, time to ambulation, LOS, and cosmesis. Despite higher LOS when compared with nonoperative cases, PSF showed superior radiologic and functional outcomes. In TLICS-5 fractures (2 treatment groups, n = 12 each), PSF showed shorter admissions and time to ambulation but lower corrective power, functional recovery, and tendency to lower healing rates. Conclusions: Isolated PSF is a valid choice in managing TLICS-4 thoracolumbar fractures; however, it did not surpass conventional methods in TLICS-3 or TLICS-5 fracture types. Further studies are needed before the generalization of findings.
Comparison of olecranon fixation techniques following transolecranon approach in intra-articular fractures of distal humerus in adult patients
Authors: Ocalan Halil Ibrahim , Karakus Ozgun , Karakurum Gunhan 
Published: November 2019

Background: In this study, we assessed functional outcomes among olecranon fixation techniques used following transolecranon approach in patients with comminuted fracture of distal humerus. Methods: The study included 37 elbows that underwent olecranon osteotomy due to distal humerus fracture. Functional outcomes were assessed among patients who underwent fixation via tension band technique, plate, or screw fixation. Results: The implant irritation was seen in 18% of patients who underwent K-wire plus tension band fixation, in 75% of patients who underwent olecranon plate plus screw fixation, and in 18% of patients who underwent cancellous screw fixation. The rate for implant removal was 2.6 folds lower in K-wire plus tension band fixation when compared to olecranon plate plus screw fixation. Conclusion: We concluded that K-wire plus tension band technique and cancellous screw fixation performed in accordance with technical principles caused less skin problem when compared to other techniques. In olecranon fixation, both methods with enhanced stability by tension band can be preferred.
Blast phenotype and comutations in acute myeloid leukemia with mutated NPM1 influence disease biology and outcome
Authors: Mason Emily F. , Hasserjian Robert P. , Aggarwal Nidhi , Seegmiller Adam C. , Pozdnyakova Olga 
Published: November 2019

Key Points
Blast phenotype is an independent predictor of outcome in NPM1-mutated AML. Patients with a DN blast phenotype (lacking CD34 and HLA-DR expression) harbor TET2/IDH mutations and show superior outcomes.
Human CD8+ Tregs expressing a MHC-specific CAR display enhanced suppression of human skin rejection and GVHD in NSG mice
Authors: Bézie Séverine , Charreau Béatrice , Vimond Nadège , Lasselin Juliette , Gérard Nathalie , Nerrière-Daguin Véronique , Bellier-Waast Frédérique , Duteille Franck , Anegon Ignacio , Guillonneau Carole 
Published: November 2019

Key Points
First description of the relevance of the CAR engineering approach to develop CAR-CD8+ Tregs for clinical trials in transplantation. A2-CAR CD8+ Treg interactions with HLA-A*02+ ECs induce a noncytotoxic fine-tuned and protolerogenic activation of ECs.
Circulating tumor cells: a valuable marker of poor prognosis for advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Ou Guoping , Xing Shan , Li Jianpei , Zhang Lin , Chen Shulin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the prognostic value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods
Cox’s proportional hazards regression models were used to identify whether CTCs was a poor prognostic factor for NPC. Chi-square tests were used to analyze and compare the distribution characteristics of CTCs in NPC. ROC curve was used to estimate the cut-off point of CTCs. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to observe the prognostic value of CTCs alone and in combined with Epstein-Barr Virus DNA (EBV-DNA).

Results
CTCs was confirmed to be an independent risk factor for poor prognosis of NPC by Cox’s regression models that enrolled 370 NPC cases and took age, gender, EBV-DNA and CTCs as variables. The proportion of CTCs in stage IV NPC was statistically different from that in stage III; the cut-off point of CTCs between stage IV (288 cases) and stage III (70 cases) NPC estimated by ROC curve was 0.5. The prognosis of advanced NPC patients became worse with the increase of CTCs count. The combined detection of CTCs and EBV-DNA could better predict the prognosis of NPC compared with the single detection of EBV-DNA.
Oxidative-antioxidative status and hepatic and renal factors following melatonin administration in castrated and intact dogs
Authors: Mogheiseh Asghar , Koohi Farzaneh , Nazifi Saeed , Shojaee Tabrizi Aidin , Taheri Pegah , Salavati Sina 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Backgrounds
Melatonin has significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects in normal and oxidative stress conditions. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of melatonin on antioxidant, hepatic, and renal factors in intact and castrated dogs. Twenty male mixed-breed adult dogs were aligned in an experimental randomized and controlled trial. The dogs were randomly divided into four equal groups: melatonin, castrated, castrated and melatonin, and control. They were treated with melatonin (0.3 mg/Kg, once daily, orally) immediately after the castration for 1 month and their blood samples were collected weekly from 2 days after treatment with melatonin.

Results
Treating castrated dogs with melatonin increased the level of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase compared with that of the control and castrated groups. The malondialdehyde level increased significantly following castration. Melatonin treatment decreased malondialdehyde concentration in the castrated dogs. Castration increased the level of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase significantly in comparison with that of the control group. Treating the castrated dogs with melatonin decreased significantly liver enzymes compared with those of the castrated dogs. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels increased in the castrated dogs in comparison with that of the control group.

Conclusions
The administration of melatonin in castrated dogs increased antioxidant activity and decreased oxidation products, compared with those of the castrated and untreated dogs, without adverse effects on liver enzymes and kidney function.
Maize transposable elements contribute to long non-coding RNAs that are regulatory hubs for abiotic stress response
Authors: Lv Yuanda , Hu Fengqin , Zhou Yongfeng , Wu Feilong , Gaut Brandon S. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have mined short-read RNA sequencing datasets to identify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and others have focused on the function of individual lncRNAs in abiotic stress response. However, our understanding of the complement, function and origin of lncRNAs – and especially transposon derived lncRNAs (TE-lncRNAs) - in response to abiotic stress is still in its infancy.ResultsWe utilized a dataset of 127 RNA sequencing samples that included total RNA datasets and PacBio fl-cDNA data to discover lncRNAs in maize. Overall, we identified 23,309 candidate lncRNAs from polyA+ and total RNA samples, with a strong discovery bias within total RNA. The majority (65%) of the 23,309 lncRNAs had sequence similarity to transposable elements (TEs). Most had similarity to long-terminal-repeat retrotransposons from theCopiaandGypsysuperfamilies, reflecting a high proportion of these elements in the genome. However, DNA transposons were enriched for lncRNAs relative to their genomic representation by ~ 2-fold. By assessing the fraction of lncRNAs that respond to abiotic stresses like heat, cold, salt and drought, we identified 1077 differentially expressed lncRNA transcripts, including 509 TE-lncRNAs. In general, the expression of these lncRNAs was significantly correlated with their nearest gene. By inferring co-expression networks across our large dataset, we found that 39 lncRNAs are as major hubs in co-expression networks that respond to abiotic stress, and 18 appear to be derived from TEs.ConclusionsOur results show that lncRNAs are enriched in total RNA samples, that most (65%) are derived from TEs, that at least 1077 are differentially expressed during abiotic stress, and that 39 are hubs in co-expression networks, including a small number that are evolutionary conserved. These results suggest that lncRNAs, including TE-lncRNAs, may play key regulatory roles in moderating abiotic responses.
The role of fluconazole in the regulation of fatty acid and unsaponifiable matter biosynthesis in Schizochytrium sp. MYA 1381
Authors: Li Jun , Zhou Hao , Pan Xueshan , Li Zhipeng , Lu Yinghua , He Ning , Meng Tong , Yao Chuanyi , Chen Cuixue , Ling Xueping 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundSchizochytriumhas been widely used in industry for synthesizing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, unclear biosynthesis pathway of PUFAs inhibits further production of theSchizochytrium. Unsaponifiable matter (UM) from mevalonate pathway is crucial to cell growth and intracellular metabolism in all higher eukaryotes and microalgae. Therefore, regulation of UM biosynthesis inSchizochytriummay have important effects on fatty acids synthesis. Moreover, it is well known that UMs, such as squalene and β-carotene, are of great commercial value. Thus, regulating UM biosynthesis may also allow for an increased valuation ofSchizochytrium.ResultsTo investigate the correlation of UM biosynthesis with fatty acids accumulation inSchizochytrium,fluconazole was used to block the sterols pathway. The addition of 60 mg/L fluconazole at 48 h increased the total lipids (TLs) at 96 h by 16% without affecting cell growth, which was accompanied by remarkable changes in UMs and NADPH. Cholesterol content was reduced by 8%, and the squalene content improved by 45% at 72 h, which demonstrated fluconazole’s role in inhibiting squalene flow to cholesterol. As another typical UM with antioxidant capacity, the β-carotene production was increased by 53% at 96 h. The increase of squalene and β-carotene could boost intracellular oxidation resistance to protect fatty acids from oxidation. The NADPH was found to be 33% higher than that of the control at 96 h, which meant that the cells had more reducing power for fatty acid synthesis. Metabolic analysis further confirmed that regulation of sterols was closely related to glucose absorption, pigment biosynthesis and fatty acid production inSchizochytrium.ConclusionThis work first reported the effect of UM biosynthesis on fatty acid accumulation inSchizochytrium.The UM was found to affect fatty acid biosynthesis by changing cell membrane function, intracellular antioxidation and reducing power. We believe that this work provides valuable insights in improving PUFA and other valuable matters in microalgae.
Gadoxetate-enhanced dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for evaluation of liver function and liver fibrosis in preclinical trials
Authors: Huh Jimi , Ham Su Jung , Cho Young Chul , Park Bumwoo , Kim Bohyun , Woo Chul-Woong , Choi Yoonseok , Woo Dong-Cheol , Kim Kyung Won 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
To facilitate translational drug development for liver fibrosis, preclinical trials need to be run in parallel with clinical research. Liver function estimation by gadoxetate-enhanced dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) is being established in clinical research, but still rarely used in preclinical trials. We aimed to evaluate feasibility of DCE-MRI indices as translatable biomarkers in a liver fibrosis animal model.

Methods
Liver fibrosis was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by thioacetamide (200 mg, 150 mg, and saline for the high-dose, low-dose, and control groups, respectively). Subsequently, DCE-MRI was performed to measure: relative liver enhancement at 3-min (RLE-3), RLE-15, initial area-under-the-curve until 3-min (iAUC-3), iAUC-15, and maximum-enhancement (Emax). The correlation coefficients between these MRI indices and the histologic collagen area, indocyanine green retention at 15-min (ICG-R15), and shear wave elastography (SWE) were calculated. Diagnostic performance to diagnose liver fibrosis was also evaluated by receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results
Animal model was successful in that the collagen area of the liver was the largest in the high-dose group, followed by the low-dose group and control group. The correlation between the DCE-MRI indices and collagen area was high for iAUC-15, Emax, iAUC-3, and RLE-3 but moderate for RLE-15 (r, − 0.81, − 0.81, − 0.78, − 0.80, and − 0.51, respectively). The DCE-MRI indices showed moderate correlation with ICG-R15: the highest for iAUC-15, followed by iAUC-3, RLE-3, Emax, and RLE-15 (r, − 0.65, − 0.63, − 0.62, − 0.58, and − 0.56, respectively). The correlation coefficients between DCE-MRI indices and SWE ranged from − 0.59 to − 0.28. The diagnostic accuracy of RLE-3, iAUC-3, iAUC-15, and Emax was 100% (AUROC 1.000), whereas those of RLE-15 and SWE were relatively low (AUROC 0.777, 0.848, respectively).

Conclusion
Among the gadoxetate-enhanced DCE-MRI indices, iAUC-15 and iAUC-3 might be bidirectional translatable biomarkers between preclinical and clinical research for evaluating histopathologic liver fibrosis and physiologic liver functions in a non-invasive manner.
Analysis of risk factors for cervical lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a study of 268 patients
Authors: Gu Jian-hua , Zhao Yan-na , Xie Rong-li , Xu Wen-juan , You Da-li , Zhao Zhi-feng , Wang Fei , Fei Jian 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
To investigate the risk factors of cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathologic data of all patients who received standard lobectomy for PTMC at our institution between October 2017 and January 2019. Central LNs were dissected in all patients. Lateral LNs were dissected if metastasis to the lateral LNs was suggested based on pre-op fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The relationship between variables available prior to surgery and cervical LN metastasis was examined using multivariate regression.

Results
Post-op pathologic examination revealed cervical LN metastasis in 79 (29.5%) patients. Seventy subjects had metastasis only to central LNs, and 4 (1.5%) patients had metastasis only to lateral LNs. Five patients had metastasis to both central and lateral LNs. In comparison to patients without cervical LN metastasis, those with LN metastasis were significantly younger (40.63 ± 13.07 vs. 44.52 ± 12.23 years; P = 0.021) and had significantly larger tumor diameter on pathology (6.7 ± 2.2 vs. 5.9 ± 2.4 mm; P = 0.010). Multivariate regression analysis identified the following independent risks for cervical LN metastasis: male sex (OR 2.362, 95%CI 1.261~4.425; P = 0.007), age (OR 0.977, 95%CI 0.956~0.999; P = 0.042) and ultrasound tumor diameter at > 5 mm (OR 3.172, 95%CI 1.389~7.240; P = 0.006).

Conclusion
Cervical LN metastasis occurs in a non-insignificant proportion of PTMC patients. Independent risks included male sex, younger age and larger tumor diameter on ultrasound.
Do clerkship schemes effectively improve pharmacy students’ understanding of and attitudes regarding pharmaceutical care?——a pre-post study in China Pharmaceutical University
Authors: Huang Yuankai , Yao Dongning , Zhang Weiwei , Wang Yitao , Yao Wenbing 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundClerkship is potentially an effective measure of improving the pharmacy students’ understanding of and attitudes toward pharmaceutical care. This research aimed to validate whether clerkship schemes in China effectively improve pharmacy students’ understanding of and attitudes toward PC, and discuss on how to improve the clerkship schemes for better quality.MethodsA pre-post and self-administrated questionnaire survey among three continuous years of students was conducted to measure Chinese fifth-year clinical pharmacy students’ differences in understanding of pharmaceutical care and attitudes toward pharmaceutical care before and after their clerkship schemes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the retrieved data.Results602 respondents completed the post-part survey (drop rate = 1.8%). Correct rates of all statements regarding students’ understanding of pharmaceutical care were generally increased, but the rates of respondents holding correct understanding of the primary goal of pharmaceutical care (71.9 to 85.0%), the necessity of drug information support in pharmaceutical care (77.1 to 87.5%) and the patients’ role and duty when receiving pharmaceutical care (66.1 to 70.6%) were unsatisfactory before the clerkship and the improvement was not significant. Most statements regarding students’ attitudes toward pharmaceutical care were improved in general. However, rates of respondents holding negative attitudes toward students performing pharmaceutical care during their clerkship (3.7 to 7.5%) and choosing pharmaceutical care provider as their career after clerkship schemes (10.8 to 14.8%) had increased after the clerkship schemes.ConclusionClerkship generally improves clinical pharmacy students’ understanding of and attitudes toward pharmaceutical care, yet adjustments are also required in some contents of the clerkship for further improvements in its outcomes.
Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in free-range yaks (Bos grunniens) in Gansu Province, Northwest China
Authors: Qin Si-Yuan , Yin Ming-Yang , Song Guang-Yao , Tan Qi-Dong , Wang Jin-Lei , Zhou Dong-Hui 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Little information about the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in yaks (Bos grunniens) in northwest China is available. Therefore, the objective of the study was to quantify faecal egg counts of gastrointestinal parasites (helminths and coccidia) in free-range yaks from Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, Northwest China.

Results
Parasites were detected in 290 of 733 (39.56%) faecal samples. The results showed that Strongylidae, Trichuris spp. and Eimeria spp. were detected all year round, Strongyloides papillosus was detected in autumn and summer, and Nematodirus spp. was detected in both autumn and spring. In contrast, Fasciola spp. was only detected in spring. The prevalence rates of parasitic infections in different seasons were significantly different.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of gastrointestinal parasites in yaks (Bos grunniens) in Gansu, China. The results demonstrated a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections, specifically GN infections, in yaks in GTAP and these infections can cause economic losses to the local cattle industry.
The biomarkers suPAR and blood eosinophils are associated with hospital readmissions and mortality in asthma – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Håkansson K. E. J. , Rasmussen Line J. H. , Godtfredsen Nina S. , Tupper Oliver D. , Eugen-Olsen Jesper , Kallemose Thomas , Andersen Ove , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionPrognostic biomarkers in asthma are needed. The biomarker soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) has been associated with asthma control and with prognosis in acutely admitted medical patients. We investigated if suPAR and blood eosinophil counts at the time of admission for asthma are associated with readmission and mortality.MethodsOur cohort comprised 1341 patients (median age 45.3, IQR 30.1–63.1) acutely admitted with a diagnosis of asthma to Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark (November 2013 to March 2017). Patients had suPAR and blood eosinophils measured at admission. Outcomes were 365-day readmission and all-cause mortality. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, C-reactive protein, and Charlson comorbidity score was used to assess the association of the two biomarkers with readmission and all-cause mortality.ResultsCompared to event-free patients, patients who were either readmitted (n = 452, 42.3%) or died (n = 57, 5.3%) had significantly higher suPAR concentrations (p < 0.0001) and lower eosinophil counts (p = 0.0031) at admission. The highest odds of readmission or mortality were observed for patients in either the 4th suPAR quartile (p < 0.0001) or with eosinophil counts < 150 cells/μL at admission. Increasing levels of suPAR were associated with 365-day readmission (OR 1.3 [1.0–1.6];p = 0.05) and mortality (OR 2.9 [1.7–5.1];p = 0.0002). Eosinophil count > 300 cells/μL was significantly associated with lower odds of readmission (OR 0.64 [0.5–0.9];p = 0.005) and lower mortality (OR 0.7 [0.6–0.9];p = 0.0007).ConclusionsIn patients acutely admitted with asthma, elevated suPAR concentrations together with blood eosinophil count < 150 cells/μL at the time of hospital admission were associated with both 365-day all-cause readmission and mortality.