bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of calcitriol on oxidative burst, phagocytic function, and leukocyte cytokine production in shelter dogs
Authors: Jaffey Jared , Bessette Mariah , Tao Zenan , Bradley-Siemens Nancy , Thompson Melissa 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

The active metabolite of vitamin D, calcitriol, has been shown across many different species to augment innate immune responses and dampen aberrant proinflammatory cytokine production. Community acquired infections are common in shelters and consume limited shelter resources, impact adoption rates, and can result in unnecessary euthanasia. Prophylactic oral vitamin D supplementation decreases the incidence and severity of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in humans. Before a clinical trial investigating the clinical benefit of oral vitamin D supplementation in shelter dogs can be pursued, an in vitro study evaluating the immunomodulatory effects of calcitriol in blood from shelter dogs is warranted. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if incubation of whole blood obtained from apparently healthy dogs housed in a shelter for ≥ 7 days with calcitriol would alter granulocyte/monocyte (GM) oxidative burst and phagocytic function as well as pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-stimulated leukocyte production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10.

Results

Ten dogs housed in a shelter for ≥ 7 days were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Whole blood from these dogs was incubated with calcitriol (10-7 M) or ethanol (control) for 24 h. Subsequent to this incubation phagocytosis of opsonized-Escherichia coli (E. coli) and E. coli-induced oxidative burst were evaluated via flow cytometry. In addition, leukocyte production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured using a canine-specific multiplex assay. Calcitriol significantly decreased leukocyte TNF-α production (p = 0.009) and increased IL-10 production (p = 0.002). Tumor necrosis factor-α-to-IL-10 ratio was significantly decreased with calcitriol (p = 0.017), while IL-6 production as well as GM oxidative burst and phagocytic function were not significantly affected.

Conclusions

These data indicate that calcitriol attenuates proinflammatory immune responses without affecting GM oxidative burst or phagocytic function in vitro in whole blood obtained from apparently healthy shelter dogs.
Atherogenic index of plasma predicts cerebrovascular accident occurrence in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Authors: Ahn Sung Soo , Lee Lucy Eunju , Pyo Jung Yoon , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Lee Sang-Won 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: We investigated whether the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) at diagnosis can predict cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and cardiovascular disease during follow-up in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Methods: The medical records of 167 immunosuppressive drug-naïve AAV patients and those of 300 age- and gender-matched controls were retrospectively reviewed. AIP was calculated using the following equation: AIP = Log (triglyceride (mmol/L) / high-density-cholesterol (mmol/L)). AAV patients were divided into two groups according to their AIP, AAV patients with AIP < 0.11 (N=115) and AAV patients with AIP ≥ 0.11 (N=52). Results: The median age and body mass index of AAV patients were 59.0 years and 22.1 kg/m2, respectively. The median calculated AIP of patients was 0.01 and AAV patients with AIP < 0.11 exhibited a lower Birmingham vasculitis activity score than those with AIP ≥ 0.11 but it was not significant (P = 0.064). AAV patients had a significantly lower body mass index than controls, nevertheless, AAV patients had a significantly higher AIP than controls (0.01 vs. -0.12). Sixteen patients were diagnosed with CVA, and AAV patients with AIP ≥ 0.11 had a significantly lower CVA-free survival rate than those with AIP < 0.11. Multivariable analysis indicated that AIP ≥ 0.11 at diagnosis was significantly associated with CVA during follow-up. Conclusions: AIP was significantly higher in AAV patients than in controls. Furthermore, AIP at diagnosis could predict CVA occurrence during follow-up in AAV patients.
Head Injury and Parkinson Disease: Updated Evidence from Meta-Analysis Studies
Authors: ji yanhu , Xue Junjun , Ling Yuhuan , Shen Chunhan , Li Niannian , Wang Heng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Published studies on head injury and Parkinson's risk(PD) were inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis study to explore the association.Methods We retrieved articles published in English from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and ScienceDirect between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2019. The pooled effect of head injury and PD risk was calculated by a random effect model.Results In the meta-analysis, there were 21 studies, including 214763 individuals and 39209 PD patients. The pooled OR estimates(ORs) showed an increased risk of PD was correlated with head injury(OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.29–1.66). Considering the unconscious state, head injury with LOC showed significant association with PD(OR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.28–1.74). However, head injury without LOC had no significant association with PD (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.29–1.12). Sensitivity analysis showed that, when any one study was excluded, the results did not change significantly.Conclusions Our research shows that head injury was associated with PD risk.This study provides a basis and reference for further study on head injury and PD.
Elevated serum ferritin level effectively discriminates severity illness and predicts prognosis of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Cao Peng , Wu Yuanjue , Wu Sanlan , Wu Tingting , Zhang Qilin , Zhang Rui , Lu Yongning , Zhang Yu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
During coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, medical resources in every country is in shortage. Efficacious indicators of discriminating severe illness and predicting outcome is in urgent need. We collected data and clinical records from 79 COVID-19 patients admitted between January 12, 2020 and February 21, 2020 at Wuhan Union hospital, China. Spearman’s correlation analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, logistic regression model, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were employed in the analysis. Of 79 patients enrolled, 2 died in hospital, 8 were transferred to other hospitals, and 69 were discharged. Patients with elevated ferritin levels (> 200 ng/mL) had a higher incidence of severity illness when compared with those with normal ferritin levels (≤ 200 ng/mL) (50.0% vs 2.9%). In addition, severity illness manifested significantly higher level of ferritin as compared with non-severe ones (median 921.3 vs 130.7 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Furthermore, ferritin could effectively discriminate severity and non-severity, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) reaching 0.873 (sensitivity 96%, specificity 70%), larger than that of age (0.697), C-reactive protein (0.730) and lymphocytes% (0.717). Combined model incorporating multivariate revealed a similar manner with ferritin alone (p = 0.981). Furthermore, elevated ferritin group showed longer viral clearance time (median 16 vs 6 days, p < 0.001) and in-hospital length (median 18 vs 10 days, p < 0.001). Our results suggest that ferritin could act as a simple and efficacious complementary tool to identify severe COVID-19 patients at early stage and predict their outcome. This indicator would provide guidance for subsequent clinical practice, alleviate the medical stress and reduce the mortality.
Improved the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of cucumber by a modified the using of antibiotics and acetosyringone
Authors: Chai Li'ang , Du Changxia , Fan Huaifu , Liu Chen , Si Yuyang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is one of the most important vegetable crops in the world. As conventional breeding of cucumber is very challenging, genetic engineering is an alternative option to introduce important traits such as enhanced stress resistance and nutritional value. However, the efficiency of the transformation system depends on genotypes, transformation conditions, selection agents, etc. This study aims to speed up the process of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of cucumber. ‘ Xintai mici ’, a very popular and typical north China-type cucumber variety, was transformed with Agrobacterium GV3101. The strain carried pCAMBIA2300s plasmid, a double vector with the marker gene of neomycin phosphotransferase II ( npt II). Results: The research results indicated that cefotaxime sodium was suitable for inhibiting Agrobacterium in the stage of screening and bud elongation. Timentin was best used during rooting stage. Furthermore, 25 mg/L kanamycin was used in the early stage of screening and increased to 50 mg/L for further screening. At the bud elongation and rooting stage, 75 and 100 mg/L kanamycin was used respectively to improve the screening efficiency. In order to obtain the highest regeneration frequency of resistant buds, 50, 150, and 100 μM acetosyringone were added in the pre-culture medium, infection solution, and co-culture medium respectively. To confirm the presence of the transgenes, DNA from npt II transgenic cucumber plants was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction after transplanting resistant regenerated plants. Conclusions: We finally achieved an 8.1% conversion, which was among the highest values reported until date using cucumber ‘ Xintai mici ’. Thus an effective protocol for Agrobacterium tumefaciens -mediated genetic transformation of cucumber was optimized.
Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin values alone and combined with Prognostic Index predict septic AKI, DIC, and shock: a pilot study
Authors: Shimoyama Yuichiro , Umegaki Osamu , Kadono Noriko , Minami Toshiaki 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Sepsis is a syndrome involving life-threatening organ dysfunction. The present study aimed to determine whether septic AKI, ARDS, DIC, and shock can be predicted more readily by combining uNGAL values and inflammation-based prognostic scores, over the use of uNGAL values alone.
Methods
Adult patients diagnosed with sepsis according to the Sepsis-3 definition prospectively examined. Urine samples were collected from each patient to measure uNGAL after ICU entry at the following time points: immediately after and 2, 3, and 4 days after ICU entry. GPS, NLR, PLR, PI, and PNI were examined immediately after ICU entry. For category classification, a total score was calculated (hereafter, “inflammation-NGAL score [iNS]”) as follows: a score of 1 was assigned if uNGAL values and inflammation-based prognostic scores immediately after ICU entry were above cut-offs determined by ROC curve analysis for 28-day mortality; a score of 0 was assigned if the values were below the cut-offs (total score range, 0–2 points). As an example of nomenclature, the combination of uNGAL and NLR is presented as “iNS NGAL-NLR.” uNGAL, inflammation-based prognostic scores, iNS, and changes in uNGAL relative to uNGAL values immediately after ICU entry at each sampling point were compared between patients with septic AKI, ARDS, DIC, or shock after ICU entry and those without these disorders.
Results
ROC curve analyses yielded the following cut-off values: AKI: 438.5 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 1 (AUC, 0.8), 476.9 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 2 (AUC, 0.86), 123.8 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 3 (AUC, 0.81), 133.6 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 4 (AUC, 0.78), 1.0 for iNS NGAL-NLR (AUC, 0.75), 2.0 for iNS NGAL-PI (AUC, 0.77), DIC; 648.5 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 1 (AUC, 0.77); shock; 123.8 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 3 (AUC, 0.71) and 9 for SOFA (AUC, 0.71). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed iNS NGAL-PI to be a significant independent predictor of AKI (OR, 20.62; 95%CI, 1.03–412.3; p = 0.048).
Conclusions
uNGAL and iNS NGAL-PI were found to be predictors of septic AKI, DIC, and shock. Combining PI with uNGAL values improved the predictive value of uNGAL variables for septic AKI.
Clinical characteristics and socio-demographic features of psychotic major depression
Authors: Wang Mengqi , Wang Ranran , Hao Yu , Xiong Weifeng , Qiao Dongdong , He Juan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Psychotic major depression (PMD) is a special subtype of depression with a worse prognosis. Previous studies failed to find many differences among patients with PMD versus those with non-psychotic major depression (NMD) or schizophrenia(SZ). This study compared psychotic major depression with non-psychotic major depression and schizophrenia based on sociodemographic factors (including season of conception) and clinical characteristics. We aimed to provide data to inform clinical diagnoses and etiology research.
Methods
This case–control study used data for patients admitted to Shandong Mental Health Center from June 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. We analyzed cases that had experienced a PMD episode (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes F32.3, F33.3), NMD (F32.0–2/9, F33.0–2/9), and SZ (F20–20.9). Data were collected on sex, main discharge diagnosis, birth date, ethnicity, family history of psychiatric diagnoses, marital status, age at first onset, educational attainment, allergy history, and existence of trigger events.
Results
Patients with depression with a primary school/below education (odds ratio [OR] 0.397, CI: 0.18–0.874) and without a family history (OR 0.557, CI: 0.332–0.937) were less likely to have psychotic symptoms than other patients. Compared with patients with PMD, a primary school/below education (OR 3.646, CI: 1.65–8.053), no allergy history (OR 2.2, CI: 1.152–4.2), trigger events experienced before first onset (OR 2.428, CI: 1.528–3.859), being unmarried (OR 0.3, CI: 0.104–0.871), and an earlier age at first onset (OR 0.931, CI: 0.911–0.952) were features of SZ.
Conclusion
PMD and NMD are similar in terms of patients’ demographic variables and clinical characteristics, whereas there are differences between PMD and SZ. The significant factors we identified may point to underlying heterogeneity of these diseases.
Clinicopathological features and recurrence patterns of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ishii Takamichi , Ito Takashi , Sumiyoshi Shinji , Ogiso Satoshi , Fukumitsu Ken , Seo Satoru , Taura Kojiro , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a primary liver carcinoma with both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) components. We examined the clinicopathological characteristics and recurrence patterns of cHCC-CCA. Because of the rarity of cHCC-CCA, its etiology, clinicopathological features, and prognosis in comparison with other primary liver carcinoma remain unknown. Its recurrence pattern and sites in particular also need to be elucidated.
Methods
All patients who underwent hepatectomy for primary liver malignancies between 2005 and 2015 were retrospectively included in this study.
Results
Eight hundred and ninety-four hepatectomies were performed. Nineteen cases of cHCC-CCA (2.1%) in 16 patients were enrolled. Three patients underwent re-hepatectomy. The background of hepatitis viruses and tumor marker patterns of cHCC-CCA were similar to those of HCC and dissimilar to those of iCCA. Biliary invasion was common in cHCC-CCA and iCCA. The 5-year overall survival values of the cHCC-CCA, HCC, and iCCA patients were 44.7%, 56.6%, and 38.5%, respectively. The 5-year recurrence-free survival values of the cHCC-CCA, HCC, and iCCA patients were 44.7%, 56.6%, and 38.5%, respectively. The liver was the most common recurrence site. Unlike HCC, however, the lymph node was the second-most common recurrence site in both cHCC-CCA and iCCA. Pathological samples of the recurrent lesions were obtained in six patients, and four had cHCC-CCA recurrence pathologically.
Conclusion
cHCC-CCA had a mixture of characteristics of HCC and iCCA. Many cases of cHCC-CCA remained cHCC-CCA pathologically even after recurrence.
Molecular epidemiology of a fatal sarcoptic mange epidemic in endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica)
Authors: Rudd Jaime L. , Clifford Deana L. , Cypher Brian L. , Hull Joshua M. , Riner A. Jane , Foley Janet E. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: In 2013, sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites, precipitated a catastrophic decline of the formerly stable urban population of endangered San Joaquin kit foxes ( Vulpes macrotis mutica ) in Bakersfield, California, USA. In 2019, a smaller sarcoptic mange outbreak affected kit foxes 58 km southwest of Bakersfield in the town of Taft, California. To determine whether the Taft outbreak could have occurred as spillover from the Bakersfield outbreak and whether epidemic control efforts must involve not only kit foxes but also sympatric dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris ), coyotes ( Canis latrans ), and red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ), we evaluated genotypes and gene flow among mites collected from each host species.Methods: We used 10 Sarcoptes microsatellite markers (SARM) to perform molecular typing of 445 S. scabiei mites collected from skin scrapings from twenty-two infested kit foxes, two dogs, five coyotes, and five red foxes from Bakersfield, Taft, and other nearby cities.Results: We identified 60 alleles across all SARM loci; kit fox- and red fox-derived mites were relatively monomorphic, while genetic variability was greatest in Bakersfield coyote- and dog-derived mites. AMOVA analysis documented distinct mite populations unique to hosts, with an overall F ST of 0.467. The lowest F ST (i.e. closest genetic relationship, F ST = 0.038) was between Bakersfield and Taft kit fox-derived mites while the largest genetic difference was between Ventura coyote- and Taft kit fox-derived mites (F ST = 0.843).Conclusion: These results confirm the close relationship between the Taft and Bakersfield outbreaks. The Sarcoptes host specificity suggests that, although an inter-species spillover event likely initiated the kit fox mange outbreak, mite transmission is now primarily intraspecific. Therefore, any large-scale population level intervention should focus on treating kit foxes within the city.
Point prevalence mapping reveals hotspot for onchocerciasis transmission in the Ndikinimeki Health District (Centre Region, Cameroon)
Authors: Aza’ah Afor René , Sumo Laurentine , Ntonifor Ngum Helen , Bopda Jean , Heumou Rolph Bamou , Djeunga Hugues Nana 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Ivermectin-based preventive chemotherapy is distributed annually to all at risk eligible individuals to fight onchocerciasis. Data reporting the impact of mass ivermectin administration on onchocerciasis transmission are scanty, and it is tricky to appreciate the progress towards elimination and engage adapted corrective measures. To fill that gap in the Centre Region in Cameroon, this study aimed at assessing onchocerciasis endemicity level in the Ndikinimeki Health District after almost three decades of mass treatments.
Methods
As part of a cluster-based cross-sectional survey, all volunteers aged ≥ 5 years were (i) interviewed on their compliance to ivermectin over the past five years and (ii) underwent clinical (nodule palpation and visual search for onchocercal lesions) and parasitological examinations (skin snip) for onchocerciasis.
Results
The overall O. volvulus prevalence was 7.0% (95% CI: 5.2–9.3), significantly higher in the communities Kiboum 1 and Kiboum 2 compared to the other communities (highest prevalence in Makénéné Town Water: 8.5%; 95% CI: 2.3–20.4) (Chi-square = 51.314; df = 11; p = 0.0001). The proportion of systematic non compliers was relatively high (23.3%; 95% CI: 19.9–27.1) among individuals interviewed. In the sentinel sites (Kiboum communities), river blindness prevalence decreased from 95.2% (95% CI: 88.3–98.1) to 23.7% (95% CI: 14.7–36.0) thanks to 28 years of annual ivermectin but was still meso-endemic to onchocerciasis.
Conclusions
After almost three decades of preventive chemotherapy, onchocerciasis is now hypo-endemic in the Ndikinimeki Health District. However, transmission is ongoing, with a potential hotspot near Kiboum 1 and Kiboum 2 known as first line communities (closest to breeding sites of the vector). Alternative or complementary strategies to annual ivermectin appear compulsory to accelerate the momentum towards onchocerciasis elimination.
Immunomodulatory and Anti-psoriatic Effects of Herbal Formula SC-E1 on Imiquimod-induced Psoriasis in Mice
Authors: Lee Ju-Hee , Ahn Jung Yun , Koo Deog-Bon , Lim Chi-Yeon , Kim Chang-Hyun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory autoimmune skin disease. We recently reported that SC-E1 has various beneficial biological effects, including anti-inflammatory activity in an in vitro experimental study. Therefore, SC-E1 has been expected as complementary and alternative medicines for various inflammatory autoimmune skin diseases, including psoriasis. In this study, we investigated the potential anti-psoriatic effect of SC-E1 using an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced skin inflammation in mice and explored the mechanism underlying those actions. Methods: Psoriatic dermatitis was induced by repeated challenges with IMQ on the backs of C57BL/6 mice. SC-E1 (250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg) was administered to the mice orally once a day by oral gavage needle for 5 days before and together with IMQ application for another 7 days (totally 12 days of treatment). The anti-psoriatic effects of SC-E1 were evaluated by dermatitis score, skin histology, and immunological parameters. In addition, the mechanisms responsible for the immunomodulatory effect of SC-E1 were examined using p38 MAPK, IκBα, and NF-κB.Results: We found that SC-E1 (500 mg/kg) or SC-E1 (1000 mg/kg) pretreatment ameliorated the development of IMQ-induced skin inflammation in mice. Histological analysis revealed a reduction of epidermal thickening, hyperkeratosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration in SC-E1 (500 mg/kg) or SC-E1 (1000 mg/kg) pretreatment. Moreover, SC-E1 (500 mg/kg) or SC-E1 (1000 mg/kg) pretreatment effectively attenuated production of Th1 cytokines (TNF-a, IFN-g) and Th17 cytokines (IL-17A and IL-23) in the serum and dorsal skin induced by IMQ in mice. SC-E1 (500 mg/kg) or SC-E1 (1000 mg/kg) pretreatment also inhibited splenomegaly. In addition, SC-E1 inhibited the expression of inflammatory modulators, such as p38 MAPK, IκBα, and NF-κB in the skin of mice induced by IMQ. Conclusion: Our present study demonstrated that the immunomodulatory mechanism underlying the anti-psoriatic effect of SC-E1 on IMQ-induced in mice may be attributed to the inhibition of production of various systemic proinflammatory mediators via a mechanism that may involve the inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathway. Based on the results we suggest that SC-E1 could be considered as an anti-psoriatic agent for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory autoimmune skin diseases including psoriasis.