bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical, haematological and biochemical findings in tigers infected by Leishmania infantum
Authors: Cavalera Maria Alfonsa , Iatta Roberta , Laricchiuta Pietro , Passantino Giuseppe , Abramo Francesca , Roldan Jairo Alfonso Mendoza , Otranto Domenico , Zatelli Andrea 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background A large number of animal species are susceptible to Leishmania infantum (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) in endemic areas, including domestic and wild felids such as tigers (Panthera tigris). Knowledge on the infection of this endangered species is still at its infancy, and therefore this study aims to identify clinical presentation and clinicopathological findings of tigers naturally infected by L. infantum. Results Tigers either L. infantum-positive (group A) or -negative (group B) were apparently healthy or presented visceral leishmaniasis unrelated conditions, except for one animal in which a large non-healing cutaneous lesion was observed. However, histological exam and immunohistochemistry carried out on the lesion excluded the presence of L. infantum amastigotes. Biochemical analysis showed that the average concentration of total proteins, globulins and haptoglobin were significantly higher (p<0.01, p=0.01 and p=0.02, respectively), while the albumin/globulin ratio significantly lower (p=0.05) in group A compared with group B. The biochemical alterations were partially confirmed by the serum protein electrophoresis results revealing a significant increase in the total protein value (p=0.01) and hypergammaglobulinemia (p=0.03) but an unmodified albumin/globulin ratio in group A.Conclusions In this study tigers infected by L. infantum have shown to be mainly asymptomatic. The absence of clinical signs may lead veterinarians to overlook leishmaniasis in animals kept in captivity. Therefore, diagnostic and screening tests as serology should be part of routinely surveillance programs to be performed on tigers in zoological gardens located in endemic areas. Though only few protein-related laboratory abnormalities were recorded in infected animals, they could provide diagnostic clues for a first suspicion of L. infantum infection in tigers. Indeed, considering the high risk of zoonotic transmission in heavily frequented environment as zoos, a prompt diagnosis of L. infantum infection is of pivotal importance.
Impact of intracellular toxic advanced glycation end-products (TAGE) on murine myoblast cell death:A non-clinical study
Authors: Takata Takanobu , Sakasai-Sakai Akiko , Takeuchi Masayoshi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Sarcopenia is a progressive condition that is characterized by decreases in skeletal muscle mass and function. Although sarcopenia is associated with lifestyle-related diseases (LSRD), the mechanisms underlying cell death in myoblasts, which differentiate to myotubes, remain unclear. We previously designated glyceraldehyde (an intermediate of glucose/fructose metabolism)-derived advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) as toxic AGEs (TAGE) because of their cytotoxicity and involvement in LSRD, and hypothesized that TAGE contribute to cell death in myoblasts. Methods: C2C12 cells, which are murine myoblasts, were treated with 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mM glyceraldehyde for 24 h. Cell viability and intracellular TAGE were then assessed using 5-[2,4,-bis(sodioxysulfonyl)phenyl]-3-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-tetrazole-3-ium (WST-8) and slot blot assays. Cells were pretreated with 8 mM aminoguanidine , an inhibitor of AGE production, for 2 h, followed by 0, 1.5, and 2 mM glyceraldehyde for 24 h. Cell viability and intracellular TAGE levels were then assessed. Serum TAGE levels in STAM mice, in which there were four stages (no steatosis, simple steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis), were measured using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results were expressed as TAGE units (U) per milliliter of serum, with 1 U corresponding to 1.0 μg of glyceraldehyde-derived AGE-bovine serum albumin (BSA) (TAGE-BSA). The viability of cells treated with 20, 50, and 100 μg/mL non-glycated BSA and TAGE-BSA for 24 h was assessed using the WST-8 assay. Results: In C2C12 cells treated with 1.5 and 2 mM glyceraldehyde, cell viability decreased to 47.7% ( p =0.0021) and 5.0% ( p =0.0001) and intracellular TAGE levels increased to 6.0 and 15.9 μg/mg protein, respectively. Changes in cell viability and TAGE production were completely inhibited by 8 mM aminoguanidine. Serum TAGE levels at the steatohepatitis and fibrosis stages were 10.51 ±1.16 and 10.44±0.95 U/mL, respectively, and were higher than those at the no steatosis stage ( 7.27 ±0.18 U/mL). Cell death was not induced by 20 or 50 μg/mL TAGE-BSA. The viabilities of C2C12 cells treated with 100 μg/mL non-glycated BSA and TAGE-BSA were 105.0% ( p =0.2890) and 85.3% ( p =0.0217), respectively. Conclusion: Intracellular TAGE strongly induced cell death in C2C12 cells and may also induce myoblast cell death in LSRD model mice.
Predictors of health-related quality of life in Chinese patients receiving treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: A Prospective Longitudinal study
Authors: Bian Wei , Wan Junli , Tan Mingqiong , Su Jun , Yuan Yi , wang zonghua , Li Shiying 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is currently the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment in developed countries and seriously affects the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients. However, the majority of the research in this area employs cross-sectional design;longitudinal research investigating changes in HRQoL and influencing factors islimited. The aim of this study was to use a longitudinal study design to investigate descriptive trends in HRQoL and their predictive factors in Chinese AMD patients receiving treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGF) at baseline and follow-ups.Methods: In a sample of 142 AMD patients from the outpatient clinic of the Southwest Eye Hospital, a tertiary major hospital in the southwest of China,each patient completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing demographics, clinical features, HRQoL, depression, anxiety, coping style, social support, and self-efficacy at baseline and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-upappointments.Results: The total score of HRQoL fluctuated, with the highest score at the 6-month follow-up and the lowest score at baseline. Multivariable linear regression showed the predictors of HRQoL are best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), income level, depression,and visual acuity (VA) of the treated eye at baseline; BCVA, income, and depression at the 1-month follow-up; duration, area of residence, gender, VA of the treated eye, BCVA, income, anxiety, social support, self-efficacy, and depression at the 3-month follow-up; gender, BCVA, income, anxiety, social support, self-efficacy, depression, negative coping, and positive coping at the 6-month follow-up; and BCVA, social support, self-efficacy, and depression at the 12-month follow-up.Conclusions: The HRQoL and its predictive factors in Chinese AMD patients receiving anti-VEGF treatment fluctuated over time. It is suggested that medical staff should get more information when planning precise care for improving patients’ HRQoL.
Comprehensive molecular profiling of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in the Chinese population and therapeutic experience
Authors: Wang Longrong , Zhu Hongxu , Zhao Yiming , Pan Qi , Mao Anrong , Zhu Weiping , Zhang Ning , Lin Zhenhai , Zhou Jiamin , Wang Yilin , Zhang Yongfa , Wang Miao , Feng Yun , He Xigan , Xu Weiqi , Wang Lu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
PURPOSE: The genomic alterations of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) in the Chinese population have not been fully revealed. Molecular profiling may provide a reference for clinical management, especially targeted therapy. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 122 ICC patients. All patients have been performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays that analyzed 417 cancer-associated genes. The genetic characteristics, clinical management and therapeutic responses were analyzed. RESULTS: The most commonly mutated genes were TP53 (34%), KRAS (25%) and ARID1A (17%). Targeted agents were used referring to molecular profiling, in combination with chemotherapy. Twenty-two patients with wild-type KRAS/NRAS/BRAF were treated with cetuximab. The disease control and response rates were 78% and 47%, respectively, which were higher than those achieved with chemotherapy alone (72% and 11%, P=0.16). Fifty-four patients underwent anti-VEGF treatment with bevacizumab. The disease control and response rates were 85% and 60%, respectively. Better therapeutic efficiency (P=0.001) and longer progression-free survival (PFS) were observed in the bevacizumab-treated group compared to chemotherapy alone group (15.4 and 6.7 months, respectively; P=0.04) . The PFS of ten patients who underwent hepatectomy after combined treatment with chemotherapy and bevacizumab was longer than that of 139 patients who underwent surgical treatment (28.9 vs 18.0 months, P=0.03). Two patients (1.6%) had signatures of microsatellite instability (MSI-H), and both benefited from immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an overview of genetic alterations in Chinese ICC patients and indicates the potential clinical implications for NGS-based personalized therapies.
The optimal management of Seymour fractures in children: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Kiely Ailbhe Lynda , Nolan Grant Switzer , Cooper Lilli 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Seymour fractures are open, displaced juxta-epiphyseal fractures of the distal phalanx, with an overlying nail bed laceration that occur in children and adolescents with an open physis. This fracture occurs rarely, but its potential consequences are clinically significant. Due to anatomical particulars and proximity to the growth plate, this open fracture may result in soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis, leading to growth arrest and persistent mallet deformity. At present, there is no consensus as to the optimal management of Seymour fractures. The objective of this study will be to systematically evaluate the existing evidence to establish what are the most important factors pertaining to an uncomplicated recovery.Methods: We designed and registered a study protocol for a systematic review of comparative and observational studies. A comprehensive literature search will be conducted (from inception to present) in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases. Grey literature will be identified through searching Open Grey and dissertation databases using an exhaustive search strategy. All clinical studies examining the management of Seymour fractures will be included. The interventions (irrigation and debridement; prophylactic antibiotics) and their timings (early vs late) will be compared to no antibiotics and no debridement. Primary outcome measures will be the incidence of superficial and deep infection. Secondary outcomes will include other adverse events such mal-union, non-union, need for re-operation, physeal disturbance, nail dystrophy/atrophy. Two independent reviewers will screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. Conflicts will be resolved through discussion. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. A narrative synthesis will be performed. If data permits, we will conduct random-effects meta-analysis where appropriate. The review will be PRISMA-P compliant at each stage.Discussion: This review will provide robust evidence for the management of Seymour fractures, based on a cumulation of existing smaller studies. Due to the rarity of this fracture pattern, included studies are expected to be mainly observational and prone to bias; however, there is value in summarising the evidence to guide clinicians. Registration: registered with the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (registration number CRD42020153726).
Patterns of recurrence in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: a retrospective study
Authors: xu haitao , Zhang Lianguo , Miao Jing , Liu Shuai , Liu Hongjian , Jia Teng , Zhang Qingguang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The prognosis of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) is poor. Understanding the postoperative recurrence pattern of AEG is helpful to verify the effectiveness of treatment and optimize subsequent treatment, so as to improve prognosis.Methods: This single centre,retrospective study included patients with stage III AEG who underwent surgical treatment between January 2009 and December 2016. According to the different postoperative treatment arm, patients were divided into surgery and surgery plus chemotherapy groups. Recurrence-free survival was used as the outcome to compare the recurrence site and pattern between the groups. Results: In total, enrolled 306 patients, 123 in the surgery group and 183 in the surgery plus chemotherapy group.During follow-up (median 522 days) of 730 days after surgery, 62.0% of patients had tumor recurrence. The overall recurrence rates in the surgery and surgery plus chemotherapy group were 86.9% and 77.0%, respectively. The recurrence patterns of both groups were mainly distant metastasis. Postoperative chemotherapy reduced the incidence of hematogenous dissemination from 51.2% to 42.0%. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that pN stage increased the risk of recurrence,while surgery plus chemotherapy reduced the risk. Conclusions: Patients with AEG have a risk of hematogenous dissemination after surgery. Postoperative treatment arm and pN stage were independent risk factors in patients with AEG.Surgery plus chemotherapy can improve RFS and reduce distant metastasis, but they do not have a beneficial role in controlling local recurrence.
Relationship between the non-HDLc-to-HDLc ratio and carotid plaques in a high stroke risk population: A cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Zhenwen , Xia Binlan , Wang Liping , Zhang Hengzhong , Zhu Yan , Liu Chao , Song Bin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Evidence on the association between the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDLc)-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) ratio (non-HDLc/HDLc) and carotid plaques is still limited. This study aims to assess the relationship between the non-HDLc/HDLc and carotid plaques in a population with a high risk of stroke.Methods: A cross-sectional study based on the community was conducted in Yangzhou, China. Residents (no younger than 40 years old) underwent questionnaire interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory testing during 2013-2014. The subjects with a high risk of stroke were further selected (at least three of eight risk factors including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, smoking, lack of exercise, overweight, and family history of stroke) or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke history. Carotid ultrasonography was then performed on the high stroke risk participants. Carotid plaque was defined as a focal carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) ≥1.5 cm or a discrete structure protruding into the arterial lumen at least 50% of the surrounding cIMT. Logistic regression was employed to evaluate the relationship between the non-HDLc/HDLc and carotid plaques.Results: Overall, 839 subjects with a high risk of stroke were ultimately included in the analysis, and carotid plaques were identified in 341 (40.6%) of them. Participants in the highest non-HDLc/HDLc tertile group presented a higher proportion of carotid plaques than did those in the other two groups. After adjustment for other confounders, each unit increase in the non-HDLc/HDLc was significantly associated with carotid plaques (OR 1.55, 95%CI 1.28-1.88). In the subgroup analysis, the non-HDLc/HDLc was positively and significantly associated with the presence of carotid plaques in most subgroups. Additionally, the non-HDLc/HDLc interacted significantly with three stratification variables, including sex (OR 1.31 for males versus OR 2.37 for females, P interaction = 0.016), exercise (OR 1.18 for subjects without lack of exercise versus OR 1.99 for subjects with lack of exercise, P interaction = 0.004) and heart diseases (OR 1.40 for subjects without heart diseases versus OR 3.12 for subjects with heart diseases, P interaction = 0.033). Conclusion: The non-HDLc/HDLc was positively associated with the presence of carotid plaques in a Chinese high stroke risk population. A prospective study or randomized clinical trial of lipid-lowering therapy in the Chinese population is needed to evaluate their causal relationship.
Antiviral mechanism of tea polyphenols on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Authors: Dong Wenjuan , Wang Xun , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zhu Zhenbang , Chen Yaosheng , Liu Xiaohong , Guo Chunhe 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Neither inactivated vaccine nor attenuated vaccine can effectively prevent and control the infection and spread of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Therefore, it is necessary to broaden new horizons and to conceive effective preventive strategies. Tea polyphenols (TPP) are polyphenol in tea. The main components of TPP are catechins and their derivatives. TPP has many physiological activities and has certain antiviral and antifungal effects. But whether TPP owns anti-PRRSV activity remains unclear. Results: We found that TPP effectively inhibited PRRSV replication in Marc-145 cells by suppressing viral attachment and internalization. TPP exhibited a potent anti-PRRSV effect regardless of its pre-treatment or post-treatment. In addition, we demonstrated that TPP restrained PRRSV-induced p65 entry into the nucleus to suppress the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which ultimately leads to the inhibition of the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, TPP limited the synthesis of viral non-structural protein 2 (nsp2), the core component of viral replication transcription complexes, which may contribute to the inhibition of viral RNA replication. Conclusions: TPP has the potential to develop into an effective antiviral agent for PRRSV prevention and control in the future.
Interaction of MC4R rs17782313 variants and dietary carbohydrate quantity and quality on basal metabolic rate and general and central obesity in overweight/obese women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alizadeh Shahab , Pooyan Sara , Mirzababaei Atiyeh , Arghavani Hana , Hasani Hossein , Mirzaei Khadijeh 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Recent studies have shown that dietary carbohydrate quantity and quality as well as genetic variants may contribute to determining metabolic rate and general and central obesity. This study aimed to examine interactions between melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R) rs17782313 and dietary carbohydrate intake, glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL) on body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences (WC), basal metabolic rate (BMR), and BMR/kg in overweight/obese women.
Methods

A total of 282 Iranian women (BMI ≥ 25) aged 18–56 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All participants were assessed for blood parameters, body composition, BMR, and dietary intake. Dietary carbohydrate intake, GI and GL were determined using a valid, reliable 147-item food frequency questionnaire. MC4R rs17782313 was genotyped by the restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.
Results

After adjustment for age and energy intake, significant interactions were observed between carbohydrate intake and MC4R rs17782313 in terms of BMI (P Interaction = 0.007), WC (P Interaction = 0.02), and RMR/kg (P Interaction = 0.003) in this way that higher carbohydrate intake, compared with lower intake, was associated with an increase in BMI and WC for individuals with C allele carriers (TC + CC genotypes), while related to an increase in BMR/kg for those carrying the TT genotype. No significant interaction was found between MC4R rs17782313 and GI and GL on BMI, WC, BMR/kg, and BMR.
Conclusions

Interactions between the MC4R rs17782313 and carbohydrate intake probably can have an effect on BMI, WC, and RMR/kg in overweight/obese women.
Investigation, Analysis and Management Application of Mental Resilience and Psychosomatic State of The Medical Team Against COVID-19
Authors: xu Xiao-li , Guangyao Li , Shunhong Huang , Bin Liu , Sibing Zhang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: to understand the mental resilience and psychosomatic status quo of first-line anti-epidemic medical team members, so as to provide a reference basis for mastering the mental health status of medical team members and promoting the improvement of mental resilience. Methods: a cluster sampling method was used to conduct mobile phone questionnaire survey on the selected subjects using the staff status questionnaire and Chinese version of mental resilience scale (Chinese version of cd-risc). Results: the total score of mental resilience of the medical team was 65.40 ± 13.90 points higher than that of the Chinese community. However, the tenacity of men was higher than that of women (P < 0.05). In terms of psychosomatic state influence score, the psychosomatic influence of first-line task on women was greater than that on men (P < 0.01). Conclusion: the anti-epidemic task has a great influence on the psychosomatic state of the first-line medical personnel, and the first-line medical personnel should be provided with better social and psychological support. Frontline medical personnel should be good at actively seeking social support and learn to adopt a positive way of coping.
A novel silent mutation E83E of αA-crystallin in age-related cataract with impaired chaperone function
Authors: Song Fanqian , Liu Dongrui , Sun Liyao , Wang Chao , Wei Xi , Liu Hanruo , Tang Xianling , Ge Hongyan , Liu Ping 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Age-related cataract (ARC) is the leading cause of blindness of the aged, influenced by environmental factors and genetic factors. However, it is scanty in gene mutation studies. The study aims to expand knowledge of etiology of ARC.
Methods

Peripheral blood samples of ARC patients were collected to screen αA-crystallin (CRYAA) gene mutations by single strand conformation polymorphism assay. Cell morphology, protein expression level and chaperone function of CRYAA in HLE B-3 cell line influenced by mutant CRYAA were next analyzed. Chaperone function of mutant CRYAA was measured by aggregation assay in physiological status, heat treatment (42℃) and ultraviolet (UV) treatment. Cell morphology and protein expression level effected by UV in human lens epithelial B3 (HLE B-3) cells and human anterior lens capsules (ALCs) were further analyzed.
Results

We identified a novel silent mutation in CRYAA (c.249G > A, p.E83E) among 300 ARC patients. CRYAA-E83E may up-regulate the CRYAA expression levels of both mRNA and protein, and change the distribution of CRYAA in HLE B-3 cells. Compared to wild type CRYAA (CRYAA-WT), CRYAA-E83E showed lower chaperone function after 42℃ heat treatment and UV treatment. Meanwhile, after UV treatment, HLE B-3 cells and lens epithelial cells in human ALCs showed irregular and flatten morphology; decreased CRYAA expression levels; increased laminin γ2 expression levels, and changed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related protein expression levels.
Conclusions

The E83E mutation of CRYAA is a potential pathogenic mutation, considering its influence on the expression level, intracellular distribution and chaperone function of CRYAA.