bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Profiles of criteria and non-criteria anti-phospholipid autoantibodies are associated with clinical phenotypes of the antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Levin Nancy Agmon , Volkov Ilan , Seguro Luciana , Leon Elaine P. , Kovács László , Roggenbuck Dirk , Schierack Peter , Gilburd Boris , Doria Andrea , Tektonidou Maria G. , Agmon-Levin Nancy 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Specific anti-phospholipids antibodies (aPLs) are used as classification criteria of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). These aPLs, although essential for diagnosis, do not predict disease phenotypes, which may require specific therapies. Non-criteria aPLs are rarely evaluated and their role is yet to be defined. In the current study, we aimed to examine the association between criteria and non-criteria aPLs and APS phenotypes.Methods: Serum samples from 188 subjects, 130 APS patients and 58 controls were analyzed for the presence of 20 aPLs (IgG and IgM isotypes to cardiolipin(CL), beta2-glycoprotein1(β2GP1), phosphatidic acid(P-acid), phosphatidylcholine(PC), phosphatidylethanolamine(PE), phosphatidylglycerol(PG), phosphatidylinositol(PI), phosphatidylserine(PS), annexin-5(AN) and prothrombin(PT) using a line immunoassay (GA Generic Assays, Germany). Sero-positivity to the different aPLs/aPLs profiles was correlated to APS phenotypes (i.e. arterial thrombosis, CNS manifestations, venous thrombosis, relapsing disease, obstetric morbidity). Results: In this cohort, arterial thrombosis was associated with accumulative number of ≥7/20 aPLs evaluated (OR 4.1; CI95% 1.9-96, p=0.001) as well as the sole presence of aPT(IgG) (OR 2.3;CI 95% 1.1-5.1, p=0.03). CNS manifestations were linked with a profile of 4 aPLs(IgG): aPT, aPG, aPI and aAN (OR 2.6;CI 95% 1.1-6.3, p=0.03). Symptom-free period of ≥3 years was linked with lower number of aPLs and the presence of aPI(IgG) (OR 3.0;CI 95% 1.08-8.1, p<0.05) or aAN(IgG) (OR 3.4;CI 95% 1.08-10.9, p<0.05). APS related pregnancy morbidity correlated with a profile of 2 aPLs(IgG): aCL and aPS (OR 2.9; CI95% 1.3-6.5, p<0.05) or the sole presence of aAN(IgG) (OR 2.8; CI95% 1.02-8, p=0.05). Conclusion: In this study, we observed an association between specific criteria/non-criteria aPLs or aPLs profiles and clinical phenotypes of APS. Our data suggest that examination of a wider variety of aPLs may allow better characterization of APS.
Comparison of the effectiveness and safety of intravenous and topical regimens of tranexamic acid in complex tibial plateau fracture: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Zhimeng , Lu Yao , Wang Qian , Song Leilei , Ma Teng , Ren Cheng , Li Zhong , Yang Jiarui , Zhang Kun , Zhang Bing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in orthopedics. However, no study has investigated TXA in complex tibial plate surgery. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to confirm the safety and effectiveness of IV (intravenous) TXA and topical TXA.
Material and methods This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. The control group received an equal amount of placebo (physiological saline solution); the IV group received 1.0 g TXA by intravenous injection before the tourniquet was inflated and before the surgical incision was closed, and the topical group received 3.0 g TXA in 75 mL of physiological saline solution before 5 min prior to the final tourniquet release. Perioperative blood loss, vascular events, wound complications, and adverse reactions were compared for the three groups.The pain functional and quality of life (QoL) assessment based on their corresponding scoring system.
Results Baseline data were comparable for all groups. The IV group showed the best results for total blood loss (TBL) and hidden blood loss (HBL) (424.5 ± 29.4 ml, 219.3 ± 33.4 ml, respectively, all p values < 0.001). The topical group performed excellently with regard to postoperative vascular events, wound complications, and adverse reactions, but there was no statistical significant in the incidence of these between the groups.In addition, the topical group benefited in reducing postoperative pain and better QoL.
Conclusion This study presents the first information to show that both IV TXA and topical TXA are safe and effective for complex tibial plateau fractures. The IV regimen effectively reduced blood loss during the perioperative period, whereas the topical regimen had a better safety profile and QoL.
PD-L1 Expression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comparative Analysis of 3 Different Antibodies
Authors: Guo Lei , Ji Ying , Guo Wei , He Huayu , Song Peng , Xue Xuemin , Qiu Bin , Ying Jianming , Gao Shugeng 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Several studies have assessed the comparability of various immunohistochemical assays for programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in different kinds of tumours. However, there is a lack of relevant research on the detection efficacy of different PD-L1 clones in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study was performed to compare the PD-L1 expression results of three PD-L1 antibodies to assess their effectiveness.Methods: Three hundred and twenty-four cases of ESCC tissues in our medical institution were used to prepare tissue microarrays (TMAs). TMAs were stained with three validated assays (Ventana’s SP263 and Dako’s 28-8 and 22C3). Then, pathologists scored each tissue according to PD-L1 staining.Results: We found very high concordance when comparing 28-8 with SP263 at both the 1% (95.7%) and 50% (99.1%) cutoffs. Low overall concordance was found between 28-8 and 22C3 at the 1% cutoff (85.5%). Moreover, sensitivities of 91.2% and 87.5% were found for 28-8 compared with SP263 at the 1% and 50% cutoffs, respectively. Sensitivities of only 75.6% and 50% were found for 28-8 compared with 22C3 at the 1% and 50% cutoffs, respectively, which may result in more false negatives.Conclusions: We demonstrate that the PD-L1 SP263 shows high levels of overall agreement with 28-8 and relatively high sensitivity, with a low false negative rate. Thus, SP263 seems to be a reliable assay for PD-L1 testing in ESCC when considering pembrolizumab as immunotherapy.
Serum A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand and MicroRNA-223 are Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnostic and Prognostic Implications
Authors: Taha Mohamed , Shaker Olfat Gamil , Taha Enas , Taha Noha 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Current blood-based tests for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have inherent limitations, necessitating the need for additional new biomarkers for its diagnosis and monitoring disease activity and responsiveness to therapy. microRNAs (miRNAs) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) are deregulated in RA and were linked to its pathogenesis. This study investigated serum levels of APRIL, miR-223 and miR-155 in RA patients, their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and their correlation with disease activity and clinicopathological data. Methods: 120 Egyptian patients with RA and 30 healthy controls were included. Serum miRNAs and APRIL were assayed by RT-qPCR and ELISA, respectively. Results: Serum APRIL and miR-223 were significantly upregulated, while miR-155 was unchanged in RA patients compared to controls. Serum miR-223 discriminated RA patients from controls with AUC=0.83, whereas serum APRIL superiorly distinguished the two groups with AUC=1 (sensitivity and specificity= 100% at cutoff>4.19 ng/ml) by receiver-operating-characteristic analysis. Serum miR-223 was a significant predictor for RA diagnosis in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Serum APRIL was positively correlated with disease activity score (DAS28-CRP). Serum miR-223 expression was positively correlated with serum miR-155, APRIL levels and with the presence of subcutaneous nodules. Serum miR-155 levels were correlated with antinuclear antibody titer in reverse direction. Conclusion: our results suggest serum APRIL and miR-223 could serve as potential biomarkers of RA, with miR-223 is a predictor of RA risk and APRIL is an excellent biomarker for disease activity. Our data could be implicated for accurate and blood-based non-invasive diagnosis and prognosis of RA.
Ice accommodation in plant tissues pinpointed by cryo-microscopy in polarised light
Authors: Stegner Matthias , Wagner Johanna , Neuner Gilbert 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Freezing resistant plant organs are capable to manage ice formation, ice propagation, and ice accommodation down to variable temperature limits without damage. Insights in ice management strategies are essential for the fundamental understanding of plant freezing and frost survival. However, knowledge about ice management is scarce. Ice crystal localization inside plant tissues is challenging and is mainly based on optical appearance of ice in terms of colour and shape, investigated by microscopic methods. Notwithstanding, there are major uncertainties regarding the reliability and accuracy of ice identification and localisation. Surface light reflections, which can originate from water or resin, even at non-freezing temperatures, can have a similar appearance as ice. We applied the principle of birefringence, which is a property of ice but not of liquid water, in reflected-light microscopy to localise ice crystals in frozen plant tissues in an unambiguous manner.Results In reflected-light microscopy, water was clearly visible, while ice was more difficult to identify. With the presented polarised cryo-microscopic system, water, including surface light reflections, became invisible, whereas ice crystals showed a bright and shiny appearance. Based on this, we were able to detect loci where ice crystals are accommodated in frozen and viable plant tissues. In Buxus sempervirens leaves, large ice needles occupied and expanded the space between the adaxial and abaxial leaf tissues. In Galanthus nivalis leaves, air-filled cavities became filled up with ice. Buds of Picea abies managed ice in a cavity at the bud basis and between bud scales. By observing the shape and attachment point of the ice crystals, it was possible to identify tissue fractions that segregate intracellular water towards the growing ice crystals.Conclusion Cryo-microscopy in reflected-polarised-light allowed a robust identification of ice crystals in frozen plant tissue. It distinguishes itself, compared with other methods, by its ease of ice identification, time and cost efficiency and the possibility for high throughput. Profound knowledge about ice management strategies, within the whole range of freezing resistance capacities in the plant kingdom, might be the link to applied science for creating arrangements to avoid future frost damage to crops.
LncRNA SNHG10 is downregulated in non-small cell lung cancer and predicts poor survival
Authors: Liang Meng , Wang Linlin , Cao Chuanhua , Song Shimao , Wu Feng 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
LncRNA SNHG10 has been characterized as an oncogenic lncRNA in liver cancer. By analyzing TCGA dataset we observed the downregulation of SNHG10 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), indicating its involvement in this disease. We then analyzed the role of SNHG10 in NSCLC.Tumor and paired non-tumor tissues were harvested from 62 NSCLC patients. Expression of SNHG10 and miR-21 in tissues was determined by RT-qPCR. Overexpression of SNHG10 or miR-21 in NSCLC cells was achieved and the interaction between them was analyzed. Cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 assay.In this study we found that SNHG10 is downregulated in cancer tissues of NSCLC patients included in this study. High expression level of SNHG10 predicted favorable survival of NSCLC patients. Levels of miR-21 expression were increased in NSCLC and inversely correlated with SNHG10. In NSCLC cells, SNHG10 overexpression led to increased miR-21 gene methylation and decreased miR-21 expression level. In cell proliferation assay, SNHG10 overexpression attenuated the enhancing effect of miR-21 overexpression on cell proliferation. SNHG10 is downregulated in non-small cell lung cancer and predicts poor survival. It may downregulated miR-21 through methylation to suppress cancer cell proliferation.
Predictive Value of Interim 18F-FDG-PET in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Definitive Radiation Therapy
Authors: Kim Nalee , Kim Jin Sung , Lee Chang Geol 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background We evaluated that early metabolic response determined by 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) during radiotherapy (RT), predicts outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer. Methods Twenty-eight patients evaluated using pretreatment 18 F-FDG-PET/CT (PET pre ) and interim 18 F-FDG-PET/CT (PET interim ) after 11 fractions of RT were retrospectively reviewed. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max ) was calculated for primary lesion. Predictive value of gross tumor volume (△GTV) and SUV max (△SUV max ) changes was evaluated for locoregional control (LRC), distant failure (DF), and overall survival (OS). Metabolic responders were patients with △SUV max >40%. Results Metabolic responders showed better trends in 1-year LRC (90.9%) than non-responders (47.1%) (p=0.086). Patients with large GTV pre (≥120 cc) demonstrated poor LRC (hazard ratio 4.14, p = 0.022), while metabolic non-responders with small GTV pre (<120 cc) and metabolic responders with large GTV pre both had 1-year LRC rates of 75.0%. Reduction of 25% in GTV was not associated with LRC; however, metabolic responders without a GTV response showed better 1-year LRC (83.3%) than metabolic non-responders with a reduction in GTV (42.9%). Metabolic responders showed lower 1-year DF (16.7%) than non-responders (50.0%) (p=0.025). An ΔSUV max threshold of 40% yielded accuracy of 64% for predicting LRC, 75% for DF, and 54% for OS. However, ΔGTV > 25% demonstrated inferior diagnostic values than metabolic response. Conclusions Changes in tumor metabolism diagnosed using PET interim during RT better predicted treatment responses, recurrences, and prognosis than other factors historically used.
Needs Assessment of Community Health Workers to enhance efficient delivery of their services for Community Case Management of Malaria in Kenya
Authors: Boakye Michelle Danny Stampley , Owek Collins J. , Oluoch Elizabeth , Atakora Sefa Bonsu , Wachira Juddy , Afrane Yaw A. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Malaria continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. Community Case Management of malaria (CCMm) through engaging Community Health Workers (CHWs) to effectively address management of malaria cases in some endemic communities was explored in this study. We assessed the needs of CHWs that would help sustain and retain their services to enhance the efficient delivery of CCMm.Methods Data on the needs of CHWs was gathered through a qualitative cross-sectional study consisting of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted among study participants in five districts in western Kenya using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study participants comprised of 100 CHWs, 100 mothers of children under five years and 25 key informants made up of public health officers and clinicians involved in the CCMm. The interviews were conducted in English and Swahili or Dholuo, the local language. The recorded audio interviews were transcribed later. The analysis was done using NVivo version 7 software and transcripts were coded after which themes related to the objectives of the study were identified.Results All the study participants recognized the need to train and update CHWs on their work as well as remunerating them for their services to enhance efficient delivery of services. The CHWs on their part perceived the provision of gloves, RDTs, lancets, cotton wool and ethanol, bins (to dispose of RDTs and lancets), together with drugs for treating clients as their essential needs to undertake CCMm in the communities. Other logistical needs and incentives mentioned by CHWs and key informants for the successful delivery of CCMm included: gumboots, raincoats, torch lights, mobile phones, means of transportation (bicycles and motorbikes), uniforms and ID cards for identification.Conclusion CHWs would perform tasks better and their services retained for a sustainable CCMm if properly incentivized, offered refresher trainings (and updates) on malaria and equipped with the requisite tools identified in this study.
Postseismic Deformation Following the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake Detected by ALOS-2/PALSAR-2
Authors: Hashimoto Manabu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
We have been conducting study of postseismic deformation following the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake using ALOS-2/PALSAR-2 acquired till 2018. We apply ionospheric correction to interferograms of ALOS-2/PALSAR-2. L-band SAR gives us high coherence enough to reveal surface deformation even in vegetated or mountainous area for pairs of images acquired more than 2 years. Ionospheric disturbances are seen both in the ascending and descending images, but spatial characteristics may be different each other. Postseismic deoformation following the Kumamoto earthquake is much larger than those observed after recent inland earthquakes in Japan with GPS, which exceeds 10 cm during two years at some spots in and around Kumamoto city and Aso caldera. There are sharp changes across several coseismic surface ruptures such as Futagawa, Hinagu and Idenokuchi faults. Time constant of postseismic decay ranges from 1 month to 600 days at selected points, but that LOS changes during the first epochs or two are dominant. This result suggests multiple source of postseismic deformation. LOS changes around the Hinagu and Suinzenji faults that appeared during the mainshock in Kumamoto City may be explained with right lateral afterslip on these faults. LOS changes around the Hinagu and Idenokuchi faults cannot be explained with right-lateral afterslip, which requires another unknown source. Deformation in northern part of Aso caldera may be the result of right lateral afterslip on unknown fault.
Qualitative, longitudinal exploration of coping strategies and factors facilitating infant and young child feeding practices among mothers in rural Rwanda
Authors: Ahishakiye Jeanine , Vaandrager Lenneke , Brouwer Inge D. , Koelen Maria 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose Mothers in low income countries face many challenges to appropriately (breast) feed their children in the first year such as poverty, food insecurity and high workloads. However, even in the lowest income families there are mothers who strive and succeed to feed their children according to the recommendations. In this paper, we explored the coping strategies that facilitate appropriate breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among rural Rwandan mothers from birth to one year of a child’s life.Methods Mothers (n=17) who followed the recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices were selected from a larger sample of 36 mothers. Mothers of the total group were interviewed within the first week, at four, six, nine and twelve months postpartum. In the analysis, coping strategies and factors facilitating coping were extracted.Results Coping strategies included mothers’ effort to strengthen their diet to improve breastmilk production, balancing work and child feeding, prioritizing childcare, preparing child’s food in advance active uptake of the recommendations and persistence in overcoming barriers. Personal and social factors facilitated these coping strategies of the mothers.ConclusionIn challenging contextual conditions, mothers manage to follow the recommended breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices through the interplay of active coping strategies, feeling to be in control and social support.
Upregulation of S100 Calcium-Binding Protein A9 levels in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Lee Jong-Uk , Park Jong-Sook , Kim Myung-Shin , Park Jai-Seong , Go Eun-Suk , Chang Hun Soo , Park Choon-Sik 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Neutrophilic inflammation is a predominant characteristic of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). S100 Calcium-Binding Protein A9 (S100A9) is a neutrophil-derived protein and is involved in the development of neutrophil-related chronic inflammatory disorders. However, the role of S100A9 in IPF has not been evaluated.Methods : S100A9 concentrations were measured by ELISA in the BAL fluid obtained from NCs (n = 33) and patients with IPF (n = 87), NSIP (n = 22), HP (n = 19), or sarcoidosis (n = 10).Results: The S100A9 levels in BALF were significantly higher in patients with IPF than in those with NC (0.4 [0.18–0.9] vs. 0 [0–0.5] ng/mL, p < 0.001), HP (0.19 [0.07–0.33] ng/mL, p = 0.043), or sarcoidosis (0.06 [0–0.11] ng/mL, p < 0.001) patients. A S100A9 level of 0.093 ng/mL had discriminating powers of 78.79% for specificity and 81.61% for sensitivity between IPF patients and NCs. S100A9 levels were also correlated with neutrophil numbers (r = 0.356, p = 0.0007) and S100A9 was expressed on neutrophils and macrophages in the BALF of IPF patients. Patients with S100A9 levels above 0.5535 ng/mL or a neutrophil percentage above 49.09% (n = 43) had significantly lower survival rates than those with S100A9 levels at or below 0.5535 ng/mL and a neutrophil percentage at or below 49.09% (n = 41) (HR, 9.28; p = 0.0004).Conclusion: S100A9 may participate in the development and progression of IPF. The levels of S100A9 in BALF may be a surrogate marker for diagnosing IPF and predicting its prognosis.
Methylome and transcriptome analyses of yaks of different ages revealed that DNA methylation and transcription factor ZGPAT co-regulate milk production
Authors: Xin Jinwei , Chai Zhixin , Zhang Chengfu , Zhang Qiang , Zhu Yong , Cao Hanwen , Cidan Yangji , Chen Xiaoying , Jiang Hui , Zhong Jincheng , Ji Qiumei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Domestic yaks play an indispensable role in sustaining the livelihood of Tibetans and other ethnic groups on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), by providing milk and meat, and have evolved numerous physiological adaptabilities to high-altitude landscape, such as strong capacity of blood oxygen transportation and high metabolism. The molecular mechanisms underlying milk production and adaptation to high altitudes of yak need further exploration. Results We performed genome-wide DNA methylome and transcriptome analyses of breast, lungs, and gluteal muscle from yaks of different ages. We identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs) across age groups within the each tissue, and breast tissue had considerably more differential methylation than that from the three younger age groups. Hypomethylated genes with high expression level might regulate milk production by influencing protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Weighted gene correlation network analysis revealed that the “hub” gene ZGPAT was highly expressed in adult breast tissue and that it potentially regulated the transcription of 280 genes, which play roles in regulating protein synthesis, processing, and secretion. Besides, Tissue network analysis indicates that high expression of HIF1A regulates energy metabolism in the lung. Conclusions The results of this comprehensive study provide a solid basis for understanding the epigenetic mechanisms underlying milk production in yaks, which could be helpful to breeding programs aimed at improving milk production.