bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac complication spectrum of Behçet disease in Tunisia: A 10-case series: Clinical and therapeutic approach
Authors: HAMMAMI Ahmed Sami , JELLAZI Mohamed , BRAHIM Marwa BEN , DAADA Syrine , HASSINE Majed , KECHIDA Malek , HAMDA Mohamed Khaldoun BEN , SAAD Jamel , OUALI Sonia 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction:Cardiac involvement (CI), although rare, remains one of the most severe complications of Behçet Disease (BD).Objectiveto investigate the frequency and spectrum of cardiac involvement in BD and to assess the clinical and imaging features, treatment, and outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively retrieved the medical records of patients with CI among 220 BD patients admitted to the internal medicine department between 2006 and 2016 who fulfilled the International Study Group diagnostic criteria for the classification of BD.ResultsTen patients were eligible for the study with a sex ratio (male/female) of 8/10. Three cases had 2 isolated episodes of cardiac BD. The mean age when diagnosing the first cardiac episode was 37,3-year-old. The different types of CI were: coronary artery disease (5/10), intracardiac thrombus (4/10) myocarditis (1/10), pericarditis (1/10), myocardial fibrosis (1/10). Vascular involvement was associated to CI in 5 cases (50%). The main symptoms were chest pain (80%), fever (60%), dyspnea (50%), cough (10%) and hemoptysis (10%). The laboratory tests revealed increased inflammatory markers in 5 patients. Medical treatment was based on colchicine and corticosteroid in all patients (100%), anticoagulants in 8 patients (80%), Cyclophosphamide followed by Azathioprine in 9 patients (90%), Azathioprine monotherapy was started in one patient (10%). Antiplatelet and anti-ischemic therapy in 5 patients who had coronary artery disease. The evolution was favorable in 9 cases and marked by severe heart failure and the death of one patient.ConclusionCI despite its rarity, remains an important feature of BD due to the increased risk of mortality and morbidity. Thus, early screening and detection are paramount. Also, imaging has been of great contribution to diagnose such complications and hence indicate the adequate treatment, including immunosuppressant agents.
Pdx1 expression up-regulated by Tet-on system induces the mouse embryonic stem cells to pancreatic-like cells through Notch pathway
Authors: Zhong Wa , Lai Yu , Lin Ying , Xia Zhong-Sheng , Ni Chu-Yan , Yu Zhong , Li Jie-Yao , Yu Tao , Chen Qi-kui 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

The specific precursor cells derived from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) after induced differentiation offers great potential for repairing damaged pancreas. Therefore, it is of crucial importance to know whether pancreatic precursor cells with Pdx1+ could be induced to differentiate into pancreatic-like cells in vitro as well as the probable mechanism underlying.
Methods

In this study, mouse ESCs (ES-E14TG2a) were divided into the blank control group (ESC), the blank vector group (Pdx1− ESC), and the Pdx1 lentiviral vector group (Pdx1+ ESC). We constructed lentiviral vectors with overexpressed Pdx1 in Tet-on system and screened the stably transfected cell lines after transfection. CXCR4+ (C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4) DE cells of the three groups were seeded (day zero [d0]) after being sorted with immune beads, and expression of Pdx1 was induced on the second day (d1). Then, markers for the differentiation of Pdx1+ pancreatic precursor cells and molecules in the Notch pathway were detected at d3, d7, d10, and, d14.
Results

We found that expressions of Ptf1a, CK19, and amylase increased at d3 and d7, Neuro D1 increased at d10 and d14, Pax6 and insulin increased at d14, as well as Notch1, Notch2, Hes1, and Hes5 increased at d3 and thereafter declined at d14 in the Pdx1+ ESC group. These expressions were significantly higher than those in the ESC group and Pdx1− ESC group, but no marked differences were observed between the ESC group and Pdx1− ESC group.
Conclusions

Our study indicates that Pdx1+ pancreatic precursor cells can differentiate into pancreatic-like cells in which the Notch pathway plays important roles.
Neck-shoulder pain – is it possible to use commonly used provocative tests and functional scores for evaluation? Large scale prospective cohort study
Authors: Kalinsky Eugene , Slinyakov Leonid , Chernjaev Anatoly , Goncharuk Julia , Lipina Marina , Lychagin Alexey 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background. According to International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), the prevalence of neck-shoulder pain in general population is the fourth leading cause of disability. Neck-shoulder pain is known to be caused by different conditions. The aim of this study was to determine and statistically justify the correlation between shoulder girdle injuries and development of neck-shoulder pain syndrome. Methods. The study enrolled 1402 patients with hospital-treated shoulder girdle injuries (with consequences of upper limb trauma). Detailed protocol and questionnaire for clinical examination after discharge from the hospital were conducted. The prevalence of neck-shoulder pain among patients was calculated. The diagnostic value (sensitivity and specificity) of tests used in the study was assessed. Results. The prevalence of neck-shoulder pain was 66,9%. According to questionnaire results (VAS, ODI, SF-36, UCLA, SPADI, DASH), the tendency of increasing pain intensity, progressive upper extremity functional loss and, therefore, quality of life impairment in patients with shoulder girdle injury was noticed. Conclusion. 3 types of neck-shoulder pain syndrome in patients with shoulder girdle injury can be determined: articular, vertebrogenic and mixed (myofascial), which correlate with anatomical localization of the injury.
The rs28757157 and rs59429575 Polymorphisms in CYP19A1 are Associated with Lung Cancer in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Zhang Chan , Cheng Yujing , Chen Wanlu , Li Qi , Dai Run , Wang Yajie , Yang Tonghua 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally. Recent studies have revealed that the CYP19A1 gene played a crucial role in cancer initiation and development.Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the association of CYP19A1 genetic polymorphisms with the risk of lung cancer in Chinese Han population.Method This study randomly recruited 507 lung cancer patients and 505 healthy controls. The genotypes of four SNPs of CYP19A1 gene were identified by Agena MassARRY technique. Genetic model analysis was used to assess the association between genetic variation and lung cancer risk. Odds ratio (OR) values and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were provided for the evaluation of the lung cancer risk effect.Results Rs28757157 and rs59429575 polymorphisms of CYP19A1 were significantly correlated with the risk of lung cancer. In stratified analysis, rs28757157 was associated with increased cancer risk in males and smoker. Meanwhile, rs59429575 was identified as a risk biomarker in female and lung adenocarcinoma patients (p < 0.05). While rs28757157 exerted protective role among people with a BMI greater than 24 (p = 0.033).Conclusions This study identified two new SNPs (rs28757157 and rs59429575) of CYP19A1 associated with lung cancer in Chinese Han population. These findings provide data support for further functional studies of CYP19A1 in lung cancer.
Sedimentation-Diffusion Behaviour of Nanoparticles
Authors: giorgi francesco , Macko Peter , Curran Judith M. , Whelan Maurice , Worth Andrew , Patterson Eann A. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The biological response of organisms exposed to nanoparticles is often studied in vitro using adherent monolayers of cultured cells. In order to derive accurate concentration-response relationships, it is important to determine the local concentration of nanoparticles to which the cells are actually exposed rather than the nominal concentration of nanoparticles in the cell-culture medium. In this study, we investigated the sedimentation–diffusion process of different sized and charged gold nanoparticles in vitro by evaluating their settling dynamics and by developing a theoretical model to predict the concentration depth-profile of nanoparticles in solution over time.Results Experiments were carried out in water and in cell-culture media at a range of controlled temperatures. The optical phenomenon of caustics was exploited to track nanoparticles in real-time in a conventional optical microscope without any requirement for fluorescent labelling that potentially affects the dynamics of the nanoparticles. The results obtained demonstrate that size, temperature, and the stability of the nanoparticles play a pivotal role in regulating settling dynamics of nanoparticles. For gold nanoparticles larger than 60 nm in diameter, the initial nominal concentration did not accurately represent the concentration of nanoparticles local to the cells.Conclusion Nanoparticles dynamics in solution regulate the amount of material at the cellular level and must be taken into account when evaluating the biological response of organisms. the theoretical model proposed in this study accurately described the settling dynamics of the nanoparticles and thus represents a promising tool to support the design of in vitro experiments and the study of concentration-response relationships.
Relationships between species richness and morphological diversity: insight from a geometric morphometric analysis of scarabs
Authors: Tong Yijie , Yang Haidong , Yang Xingke , Bai Ming 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Species richness (SR) and morphological diversity (MD) provide insights into biodiversity and have been studied extensively as important indicators in recent years. Most researches have been found a positive correlation between SR and MD in many groups, which reflects the influence of phylogenetic factors. However, if some ecological factors are considered, the relationship of SR and MD is not always consistent. In such cases it is interesting to know how phylogenetic factors and ecological factors affect the relations between SR and MD. Unfortunately, studies that examine both factors quantitatively, in the same group with large dataset are lacking.
Results

In this study, 5148 scarabs covering 92% families and 70% scarabaeoid subfamilies of Scarabaeoidea were selected as a test group. The taxonomic categories of family and subfamily were selected for phylogenetic representation and four feeding types (omnivory, phytophagy, coprophagy and non-feeding) were selected as ecological factors. A geometric morphometric analysis on the pronotum and elytron, which represent the major aspect of the morphology in dorsal view, were conducted. Correlations between MD and SR among sub-/families were always found to be consistent, except a genus-level test of the pronotum on the subfamily category and a species-level test of elytron on the family category. These phenomena reflected a strong phylogenetic influence. However, morphological diversities were not correlated significantly with species richness for any feeding type (ecological factors). In addition to this hypothesis test, the morphological diversity and known world species richness (~ 32000 species and 2453 genera of Scarabaeoidea) were estimated as well. Our global results were very similar to our sampling results.
Conclusions

Based on our analyses the hypothesis of ecological factor (represented by feeding habit) correlations was rejected in scarabs. On the contrary, phylogenetic factor correlations were found to be statistically significant. The morphological diversity of scarabs in most sub-/families fitted their species richness. At the same time, the correlation our test parameters revealed variation in both groups and characters, which might be caused by morphological changes under coevolution with different ecological factors.
Downstaging depth score as a better surrogate endpoint than pCR, histological response and ypN0 for long-term outcomes in locally advanced gastric cancer patients after preoperative chemo-radiotherapy
Authors: Li Ning , Wang Xin , Tang Yuan , Zhao Dongbin , Chi Yihebali , Yang Lin , Jiang Liming , Jiang Jun , Shi Jinming , Liu Wenyang , Ren Hua , Fang Hui , Tang Yu , Chen Bo , Lu Ningning , Jing Hao , Qi Shunan , Wang Shulian , Liu Yueping , Song Yongwen , Li Yexiong , Jin Jing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The prediction effect of preoperative chemo-radiotherapy(CRT) is not high and difficult to guide individualized treatment. We explored a surrogate endpoint for long-term outcomes in locally advanced gastric cancer patients after preoperative CRT. Methods: From April 2012 to April 2019, 95 patients enrolled in 4 prospective studies with locally advanced gastric cancer who received preoperative concurrent radio-chemotherapy were included. All patients were stage T3/4, N+. Local control (LC), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. The clinicopathological factors related to the long-term prognosis were analysed by uni- and multivariant analyses. The downstaging depth score (DDS), a novel method of evaluating the CRT response, was used to predict long-term outcomes. Results: The median follow-up period for survivors was 30 months. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve predicted by the DDS was 0.728, which was better than that of pathological complete response (pCR), histological response and ypN0 (AUC= 0.634, 0.640 and 0.643, respectively). The DDS cut-off value was 4. pCR and ypN0 were associated with OS (p = 0.026, 0.049). Surgery and the DDS were correlated with DMFS, DFS and OS (p = 0.001, 0.000, and 0.000 and 0.009, 0.013, and 0.032, respectively). The multivariate analysis showed that the DDS was an independent prognostic factor of DFS (p = 0.021). Conclusion: The DDS, a simple, short-term indicator, seems to be a better surrogate endpoint than pCR, histological response and ypN0 for DFS.
A Cohort Study Of HIV Positive Pregnant Mothers On Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs) In The Gambian Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Anyanwu Matthew , Anya Sam , Offiong Richard , Ekele Bissallah 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAims: The use of HAART in pregnancy has shown remarkable improvement in immune status and have revolutionized the approach of care to people living with HIV. Some adverse pregnancy conditions have been reported which may depend on type of regimen, time and duration of use. The use of ARVs in pregnancy have been dynamic and transition from one regimen to the other have setting and country based variations. Therefore, knowing the impact of ARVs in pregnancy among PLHIV in our settings deserve evidence based information.MethodsPregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the hospital were prospectively recruited and followed up. HIV positive mothers were recruited irrespective of gestation age. At the time of delivery, obstetric and neonatal characteristics were entered into computer database. Mothers and their children were followed until 6 weeks postpartum. The data was analyzed with Epi-info version 7.1.5. Chi square at significant level of 0.05 and confidence level of 95% was used to determine significance.ResultsA total of 55 HIV positive mothers were in the study. The age range was between 18 to 45 years and parity was 0 to 8. The mean birth weight and gestation age at delivery was 2.92 kg (SD 0.556) and 36 weeks (SD 2.8 weeks) respectively. The absolute CD4 count of 350cells/mm3 and above (57.13%) was associated with low incidence of low birth weight. The mean glycaemic results were within normal range, 4.02–4.75 and 5.00-6.79 Mmol/l pre and post prandial respectively.Conclusionlow birth weight was not associated with HAART in pregnancy and good immune condition was not associated any low birth weight. There was no association of protease inhibitors and gestational diabetes mellitus
Clinical Characteristics, Dynamic Profile of Radiology and Laboratory Findings in Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: liu ailing , Zhang Jing , Qiao Wei , Zang Wei , Zhang Yingying , Kang Junyang , Teng Haifeng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Since December 2019, when coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) emerged in Wuhan city and rapidly spread throughout China, more and more data from different area and different stages of disease have been needed.Methods In this retrospective, single-centre study, we included all 38 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Weihai from Jan 24 to Feb 24, 2020. Patients were divided into group A by normal Oxygenation Index (OI), group B by abnormal OI (less than 400 mmHg).The dynamic changes in clinical laboratory parameters were tracked from day 1 to day 32 after the onset of the disease at 4-day intervals. Cases were analyzed for clinical, radiological features and laboratory data. Outcomes were followed up until Feb 24, 2020.Results 38 patients with Covid-19 were included in this study, 68.42% patients were family clustered, and 97.37% patients had a history of exposure. The mean days between exposure and onset were about 5 days. Most patients were men, mean age was 43 years, 52.6% patients had chronic diseases. Most patients had fever or cough, about a third of patients had expectoration or fatigue, and 5 (13.16%) patients had shortness of breath.
Intestinal flora imbalance induced by antibiotic use in rats
Authors: Tong Guojun , Qian Hai , Li Dongli , Li Jing , Chen Jing , Li Xiongfeng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

In our study, we administered various concentrations of antibiotics to rats, to investigate the changes in the flora of rat feces.
Methods

Similar Sprague Dawley female rats (n = 84) were divided into A - G groups. The rat feces were collected for microbial analysis. The analytical method used a different culture medium for bacterial cultures and count colonies under a microscope. On the 11th and 15th days, we dissected one rat in each group, taking 5 ml of abdominal aortic blood. TNF-α, IL1-β, IL-6, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were detected by an enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA).
Results

Rats have an average weight of 176.26 g. Between the groups no significant difference was found for starting average weight (p > 0.05) but after experiments, significant differences existed in weight, food intake, water intake, and stool samples within 2 hours (p = 0.04, 0.016, < 0.001, and 0.009, respectively). Significant differences were found between the groups for nine tested microbiotas (p < 0.001). TNF-α,IL1-β༌IL-6༌and CRP were significantly different between all groups (p < 0.001).
Conclusions

Antibiotics can cause disorder in rat intestinal flora, also causing an inflammatory response in their blood system.
Survey of knowledge and perceptions of antibiotic resistance and antibiotic stewardship among doctors and pharmacists in a tertiary hospital: a pilot study
Authors: Akpan Mary , Kingsley Idong Imo , Ekuma Agantem , Udoh Arit 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Antibiotic resistance poses a serious global public health threat and results in prolonged illness, increased mortality and cost. The WHO global action plan on antibiotic resistance emphasizes five strategic objectives, including improved awareness of antibiotic resistance and optimization of antibiotic use. The objectives of this study were to assess doctors’ and pharmacists’ knowledge and perceptions of antibiotic resistance and stewardship, and hospital’s preparedness to implement antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs).Methods: One hundred and twenty-four doctors and 61 pharmacists were surveyed in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Descriptive and Pearson chi-square analysis were carried out to compare knowledge and perceptions between the two groups. Results: Both doctors and pharmacists perceived antibiotic resistance as a global and national problem (98% vs 97%), respectively. Both groups perceived excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and antibiotics for common cold and cough increase resistance (84% vs 75%, 71% vs 82%, respectively). Only 47% of doctors and 53% of pharmacists correctly defined antibiotic stewardship with 77% and 85%, respectively, agreeing that restriction of certain antibiotics reduces resistance. There was with no significant difference in knowledge between the two groups in majority of questions/statements; however, there was association between length of practice and knowledge of causes of antibiotic resistance (F = 2.586; p = 0.028).Conclusion: Participants in this study showed good knowledge of the prevalence and causes of antibiotic resistance, as well as antibiotic stewardship strategies. There was however little awareness of the hospital’s plan to implement ASPs. Hospital management needs to emphasize optimizing antibiotic use through stewardship programs.
The effect and mechanism of Modified Guo-Min Decoction and Yu-Ping-Feng Powder on fine particulate matter-induced lung inflammatory injury and airway mucus hypersecretion in rats
Authors: Feng Feng , Zhu Changle , Meng Yufeng , Guo Fang , Feng Cuiling 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) severely impairs public health. The mechanism of PM2.5-induced lung injury is complex and diverse. Modified Guo-Min Decoction (MGMD) and Yu-Ping-Feng Powder (YPFP) have been found to improve clinical symptoms in respiratory patients during smog weather, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of YPFP and MGMD against PM2.5-induced lung injury.
Methods

We established the PM2.5 animal model by intratracheal instilling of PM2.5 suspensions. Rats were administrated MGMD/YPFP/distilled water via gavage every day, and all rats were sacrificed after 28 days. At the end of experiment, BALF and lung tissues were collected. Condition of lung injury, inflammatory cells infiltration, inflammatory cytokines, MUC5AC synthesis and release, and phosphorylation of TLR2-MyD88-NFκB and EGFR-PI3K-AKT signalling pathway were evaluated.
Results

The results demonstrated that both MGMD and YPFP protected rats from PM2.5-induced damaged structure of lung tissues. The infiltration of neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, and eosinophil was reduced after the treatment of two therapies. The production of pro-inflammatory mediators, MCP-1 and NE, as well as the type2 inflammation-related cytokines, IgE and IL-4, were decreased by MGMD and YPFP. However, the MGMD showed more potent effect on inhibiting IL-4, while YPFP benefited in preventing ICMA-1, IL-1β, and IL-17A. Rare significance was detected in the TLR2-MyD88-NFκB of each group. Treatment with MGMD and YPFP decreased goblet cell hyperplasia and the expressions of MUC5AC. The further investigation demonstrated that YPFP had the effect of simultaneously inhibiting the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT, whereas MGMD only showed a significant difference in AKT.
Conclusions

Therefore, both MGMD and YPFP could significantly attenuate PM2.5-induced inflammation of lung and airway mucus hypersecretion. Nevertheless, YPFP had more advantage in preventing type1 inflammation and mucus hypersecretion, while MGMD was more beneficial in reducing type2 inflammation.