bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunogenicity and Safety of a Live Herpes Zoster Vaccine in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Chun June Young , Kim Kichun , Lee Min Kyeong , Kang Chang Kyung , Koh Youngil , Shin Dong-Yeop , Hong Junshik , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Kim Nam Joong , Yoon Sung-Soo , Park Wan Beom , Kim Inho , Oh Myoung-don 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundHerpes zoster (HZ) infection of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients is of clinical concern. Vaccination could help restore immunity to varicella zoster virus (VZV); however, the immunogenicity and safety of live HZ vaccines in patients with hematologic malignancy is unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate temporal immunogenicity of the HZ vaccine after HSCT and determine the safety and optimal timing of vaccination.MethodsLive HZ vaccine was administered to patients 2–5 years or >5 years post-HSCT. Control groups comprised healthy volunteers and patients with a hematologic malignancy who received cytotoxic chemotherapy. Humoral and cellular immunogenicity were measured using a glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (gpELISA) and an interferon-γ (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay. Vaccine-related adverse events were also monitored.ResultsFifty-six patients with hematologic malignancy and 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled. The geometric mean fold rise (GMFR) in humoral immune responses of the 2–5 year and >5 year HSCT groups, and the healthy volunteer group, were comparable and significantly higher than that of the chemotherapy group (3.15, 95% CI [1.96-5.07] vs 5.05, 95% CI [2.50-10.20] vs 2.97, 95% CI [2.30-3.83] vs 1.42, 95% CI [1.08-1.86]). The GMFR of cellular immune responses was highest in the HSCT 2–5 year group and lowest in the chemotherapy group. No subject suffered clinically significant adverse events or reactivation of VZV within the follow-up period. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that a live HZ vaccine is immunogenic and safe when administered 2 years post-HSCT.
Qualitative and Quantitative Comparison of Cell-Free DNA and Cell-Free Fetal DNA Isolation by Four (Semi-)Automated Extraction Methods: Impact in Two Clinical Applications: Chimerism Quantification and Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis
Authors: Pascal Pedini , GRAIET Hajer , LAGET Laurine , FILOSA Lugdivine , CHATRON Jade , CHEROUAT Nicem , CHIARONI Jacques , HUBERT Lucas , FRASSATI Coralie , PICARD Christophe 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Non-invasive molecular analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) became a sensitive biomarker for monitoring organ transplantation or for detection of fetal DNA (cffDNA) in noninvasive prenatal test. In this study, we compared the efficiencies of four (semi)-automated cfDNA isolation instruments using their respective isolation kit: MagNA Pure 24 (Roche®), IDEAL (IDSolution®), LABTurbo 24 (Taigen®) and Chemagic 360 (Perkin Elmer®). The cfDNA was isolated from 5 plasma samples and the Rhesus D (RhD)-cffDNA from 5 maternal plasmas. The cfDNA were quantified by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), BIABooster system and QUBIT fluorometer. The cfDNA fragment size profiles were assessed by BIABooster system. Chimerism were quantified by home-made ddPCR and Devyser NGS kit. RhD-cffDNA in maternal plasma were detected between weeks 14-24 of amenorrhea using free DNA Fetal RHD Kit® (Biorad®). Results:Statistical tests have shown differencies in DNA yield depending on the isolation procedure and quantification method used. Magna Pure isolates smaller cfDNA fragment size than other extraction methods (90% ± 9% vs 74% ± 8%; p=0.009). Chimerism was only reliable from LABTurbo 24 extractions using the NGS but not with ddPCR whatever extraction methods. RhD-cffDNA were detected by all isolation methods, although IDEAL and LABTurbo 24 systems seemed more efficient. Conclusions: 4 (semi-)automated isolation methods have been compared for their extraction efficiency of cfDNA as well as for their fragment size, in a context of chimerism quantification and RHD cffDNA detection. Statistical testing showed a dependency of cfDNA yield on isolation procedure and quantification method used. In total, this study suggests that the choice of pre-analytical isolation systems needs to be carefully validated in routine clinical practice.
Pulmonary Midkine Inhibition Ameliorates Sepsis Induced Lung Injury via ACE/Ang II&nbsp;Pathway
Authors: Xu Jingyuan , Chang Wei , Sun Qin , Peng Fei , Yang Yi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMidkine is a multi-functional molecule participating in a various key pathological process. We aimed to evaluate the change of midkine in sepsis and its association with pulmonary function, as well as the mechanism by which midkine induced lung injury in sepsis. MethodsThe peripheral blood sample of septic patients on admission was obtained and measured for midkine, angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin II. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) mouse model was used, and adeno-associated virus (AAV) was stilled trans-trachea for regional targeting midkine expression. The lung injury was evaluated, comparing the severity of lung injury. Furthermore, we studied the in vitro mechanism of midkine activates ACE system by using inhibitors targeting candidate receptors of midkine, and its effects on the vascular endothelial cells.ResultsPlasma midkine was significantly elevated in sepsis, and was closely associated with ACE system. Both circulating and lung midkine was increased in CLP mouse, and was related to severe lung injury. Regional interfering midkine expression in lung tissue by AAV could alleviate acute lung injury in CLP model. In vitro study elucidated that Notch 2 participated in the activation of ACE system and angiotensin II release, induced by midkine and triggered vascular endothelial injury by angiotensin II induced ROS production.ConclusionsMidkine participated in the process of sepsis induced lung injury, which was due to the activation of ACE system and angiotensin II release, triggering ROS production.Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02605681. Registered 12 November 2015.
The New Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 Diagnostic Tool Clarifies the Taxonomic Position and Geographic Distribution of the North American Malaria Vector Anopheles Punctipennis
Authors: Hodge James M. , Yurchenko Andrey A. , Karagodin Dmitriy A. , Masri Reem A. , Smith Ryan C. , Gordeev Mikhail I. , Sharakhova Maria V 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The malaria mosquito Anopheles punctipennis Say, a widely distributed species in North America, is capable of transmitting human malaria and is actively involved in the transmission of the ungulate malaria parasite Plasmodium odocoilei. However, molecular diagnostic tools based on Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) of ribosomal DNA are lacking for An. punctipennis. An. punctipennis is a former member of the Anopheles maculipennis complex but its systematic position remains unclear. Results: In this study, we collected and sequenced ITS2 from 276 An. punctipennis specimens collected from the eastern and midwestern United States. Our analysis demonstrated a consistent sequence length and showed no indications of intragenomic variation among the samples based on ITS2, suggesting that An. punctipennis represents a single species in the studied geographic locations. In addition to the ITS2 sequence-based molecular tool, we developed a simple and robust Restriction Length Polymorphism approach for species identification. An. punctipennis was found in urban, rural, and forest settings, suggesting its potential broad role in pathogen transmission. Phylogeny based on ITS2 sequence comparison demonstrated the close relationship of this species with other members of the Maculipennis group. Conclusions: This study developed molecular tools based on ITS2 sequences for the malaria vector An. punctipennis and clarified the phylogenetic position of the species within the Maculipennis group.
Adipose-derived stem cells combined with platelet-rich plasma enhance wound healing in a rat model of full-thickness skin defects
Authors: Ni Xuejun , Shan Xiuying , Xu Lili , Yu Wenjun , Zhang Mingliang , Lei Chen , Xu Nating , Lin Junyu , Wang Biao 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Wound healing is impaired in patients with diabetes due to the multifactorial etiology of the disease, which limits the therapeutic efficacy of various approaches. This study hypothesizes that the combination of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) might achieve optimally efficient diabetic wound healing. Methods: ADSCs were isolated from the adipose tissues of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. PRP was prepared by using a two-step centrifugation technique. A diabetic wound model was established on the backs of SD rats to evaluate the effect of ADSCs incorporated into PRP. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were performed to observe the changes in neovascularization. The proliferation of endothelial cells was assessed by the MTS assay. Results: ADSCs incorporated into PRP induced a higher wound closure rate than ADSCs, PRP and negative control. The expression levels of VEGF and SDF-1 in the ADSC-PRP group were higher than those in the other groups. Moreover, the proliferation of endothelial cells was strongly stimulated by treatment with the combination of ADSC-conditioned medium (ADSC-CM) and PRP. Conclusions: PRP enhanced diabetic wound healing induced by ADSCs, and its promoting effect involved neovascularization. Keywords: Adipose-derived stem cell, Platelet-rich plasma, Diabetic wound healing, Neovascularization.
Cardinium symbiosis as a potential confounder of mtDNA based phylogeographic inference in Culicoides imicola (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a vector of veterinary viruses
Authors: Pilgrim Jack , Siozios Stefanos , Baylis Matthew , Venter Gert , Garros Claire , Hurst Gregory D. D. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Culicoides imicola (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) is an important Afrotropical and Palearctic vector of disease, transmitting viruses of animal health and economic significance. The apparent incursions of C. imicola into mainland Europe via wind-movement events has made it important to trace this species to better predict new areas of arbovirus outbreaks. A widely used method for tracking dispersal patterns of C. imicola employs a phylogeographic approach anchored on the mtDNA marker COI (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I). However, a problem with this approach is that maternally-inherited symbiotic bacteria can alter the frequency of COI mitochondrial haplotypes (mitotypes), masking the true patterns of movement and gene flow.Methods: In this study, the mtDNA structure of C. imicola in relation to Cardinium infection status was investigated through haplotype network analysis. COI Sanger sequences from infected and uninfected individuals were first compared, before extending the haplotype network to include mitotypes from a geographic range where Cardinium infection has previously been investigated.Results: The mitotype network of a South African population, containing both Cardinium-infected and uninfected individuals, demonstrated the presence of two broad mitotype groups. All Cardinium-infected specimens fell into one group (Fisher’s exact test, P<0.001) demonstrating a linkage disequilibrium between symbiont and mitochondria. Furthermore, by extending this haplotype network to include other C. imicola populations from the Mediterranean basin, we revealed mitotype variation between the Eastern and Western Mediterranean basins (EMB and WMB) mirrored Cardinium-infection heterogeneity. Conclusions: These observations suggest that the linkage disequilibrium of Cardinium and mitochondria reflects symbiont gene flow within the Mediterranean basin but may not assist in elucidating host gene flow. Subsequently, we urge caution on the single usage of the COI marker to determine population structure and movement in C. imicola, and instead suggest the complementary utilisation of additional molecular markers.
Modern Treatment Outcomes for Early T-Stage Oropharyngeal Cancer Treated With Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy at a Tertiary Care Institution
Authors: Gravio Eric J. Di , Lang Pencilla , Kim Hugh Andrew Jinwook , Chinnery Tricia , Mundi Neil , MacNeil S. Danielle , Mendez Adrian , Yoo John , Fung Kevin , Mymryk Joe S. , Barrett John W. , Read Nancy , Venkatesan Varagur , Kuruvilla Sara , Mendez Lucas C. , Winquist Eric , MRT Sylvia Mitchell , Mattonen Sarah A. , Nichols Anthony C. , Palma David 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTransoral surgery (TOS), particularly transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become the preferred modality in the United States for the treatment of early stage oropharyngeal cancer, largely due to assumptions of fewer toxicities and improved quality of life compared to primary radiotherapy (RT). However, these assumptions are based on retrospective analysis, a subset of which utilize primary RT groups not limited to T1-2 stage tumors for which transoral robotic surgery is FDA approved. Thus, there is potential for underestimating survival and overestimating toxicity, including treatment related mortality, in primary RT.MethodsConsecutive cases of early T stage (T1-T2) oropharyngeal cancer presenting to the London Health Sciences Centre between 2014-2018 treated with RT or chemoradiation (CRT) were reviewed. Patient demographics, treatment details, survival outcomes and toxicity were collected. Toxicities were retrospectively graded using the CTCAE criteria.ResultsA total of 198 patients were identified, of which 82% were male and 73% were HPV-positive. Sixty-eight percent of patients experienced a grade 2 toxicity, 48% a grade 3 and 4% a grade 4. The most frequent toxicities were dysphagia, neutropenia and ototoxicity. The rates of gastrostomy tube dependence at 1 and 2 years were 2.5% and 1% respectively. There were no grade 5 (fatal) toxicities. HPV-positive patients experienced improved 5-year overall survival (86% vs 64%, p=0.0026). ConclusionsPrimary RT or CRT provides outstanding survival for early T-stage HPV-positive disease, with low rates of severe toxicity and feeding tube dependence. This study provides a reference for comparison for patients treated with primary transoral surgery.
Association Between Previous Statin Use and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Nested Case-control Study Using a National Health Screening Cohort
Authors: Kim Ji Hee , Lee Heui Seung , Wee Jee Hye , Min Chan Yang , Yoo Dae Myoung , Choi Hyo Geun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

BackgroundA number of studies on the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in patients taking statins have been reported; however, the results are inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the association between previous statin use and the risk of AD development in Korean residents.MethodsWe assessed the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort, which includes individuals aged older than 40 years from 2002 to 2015. A total of 17,172 AD patients were matched by age, sex, income, and region of residence with 68,688 control participants at a ratio of 1:4. We used a multiple conditional logistic regression model to analyze the association between the number of days of statin use and AD occurrence. Further analyses were performed to identify whether this association was maintained for different ages, sexes, socioeconomic statuses, and covariates.ResultsThe adjusted odds ratio (OR), which was adjusted for potential confounders, for the days of statin use per year in the AD group compared to the control group was 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.92-0.98, P = 0.003). The number of days of statin use in the AD group was significantly smaller than that in control group among women older than 75 years and in the subgroups of nonsmokers and individuals with normal weight, alcohol consumption less than once a week, total cholesterol level below 200, systolic blood pressure below 140 and diastolic blood pressure below 90, and fasting blood glucose below 100.ConclusionsOur results suggested that statin use may prevent the occurrence of AD. The effect of preventing AD in statin use may be greater in individuals with relatively low risk.
Choosing the ‘β’ Parameter When Using the Bonacich Power Measure
Authors: Rodan Simon 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Bonacich (1987) suggested a family of centrality measures that provide a useful way of modeling questions of power and network constraint. However, the literature offers little guidance regarding the choice of β, the parameter which alters the way the measure accounts for the effect of having powerful contacts in ones network. In this paper I explore the way the choice of the β parameter affects the power indices the Bonacich measure generates. I consider three network properties which might affect the way the choice of β influences the Bonacich power indices. I find that in high density networks with few internal ‘chains’ and few pendants, the choice of β is largely immaterial. Conversely, in sparse networks, those with a high proportion of pendant nodes, or those with many chains, the value of β has a substantial effect on the power indices the measure generates. Next I consider whether power indices produced by interior values of β might be represented as a linear combination of “pure” vectors, those generated with values of β at either end of the parameter range and β = 0. I find that in the vast majority of cases a linear combination of “pure” vectors power is equivalent to using indices produced by interior values of β, making the choice of β largely moot. Finally, in the unlikely case that this disaggregation is inappropriate, I discuss the question of determining an appropriate value of β empirically.
Antimicrobial activity of mono- and polynuclear platinum and palladium complexes
Authors: Salishcheva Olesya , Prosekov Alexander 
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Infectious diseases remain a serious threat to humanity worldwide as bacterial pathogens grow more diverse. Bacteria, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to clinically approved antimicrobials, which reduces the efficacy of available drugs and treatment measures. As a result, there is an ever growing demand for new highly effective pharmaceuticals. This review describes mono- and polynuclear platinum and palladium complexes with antimicrobial properties. We compared several groups of antibacterial agents: antibiotics, antioxidant biologically active substances, antimicrobial nanoparticles, nanocomposite materials, biopolymers, micellar systems, and plant extracts.
Study objects and methods. The review covered relevant articles published in Web of Science, Scopus, and Russian Science Citation Index for the last decade. The list of descriptors included such terms as mononuclear and binuclear complexes of platinum, palladium, and antimicrobial activity.
Results and discussion. Chelates of platinum, palladium, silver, iridium, rhodium, ruthenium, cobalt, and nickel are popular therapeutic agents. Their antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms can be enhanced by increasing their bioavailability. Metalbased drugs facilitate the transport of organic ligands towards the bacterial cell. The nature of the ligand and its coordination change the thermodynamic stability, kinetic lability, and lipophilic properties of the complex, as well as the reactivity of the central atom. Polynuclear platinum and palladium complexes contain two or more bound metal (coordinate) centers. Covalent bonding with bacterial DNA enables them to form a type of DNA adducts, which is completely different from that of mononuclear complexes.
Conclusion. Metal-based drugs with functional monodentate ligands exhibit a greater antimicrobial effect compared to free ligands. Poly- and heteronuclear complexes can increase the number of active centers that block the action of bacterial cells. When combined with other antibacterial agents, they provide a synergistic effect, which makes them a promising subject of further research.
Spatial runoff updating based on the hydrologic system differential response for flood forecasting
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqin , Bao Weimin , Yuan Fei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Runoff controls water volume in the rainfall–runoff process and plays a dominant role in flood forecasting. This study proposes a spatial runoff updating approach based on the hydrologic system differential response (HSDR). The first-order partial derivative is employed to express the hydrologic response to runoff change. A stepwise approximation for the HSDR is suggested to reduce the effect of linearization of the nonlinear hydrologic system. The regularized least square algorithm is used to calculate the estimated errors of runoff. The HSDRs for spatial distributed runoff (SDR) updating and areal mean runoff (AMR) updating are examined to correct the predictions of the Xinanjiang model in two basins in China. The case results show that the HSDR for runoff updating can improve flood predictions; the HSDR with stepwise approximation outperforms that without it; the HSDR_SDR performs better than the HSDR_AMR; and with increasing lead time, the HSDR method exhibits more stable performance than the autoregressive (AR) technique on streamflow correction. The proposed HSDR_SDR method can decompose the information of residuals between observations and calculations to update spatial runoff through the response matrix for each sub-basin. With simple structure and stable performance, the HSDR_SDR is convenient and effective for real-time flood forecasting.
Septage composition and pollution fluxes from cesspits in Palestine
Authors: Amous Belal , Mahmoud Nidal , van der Steen Peter , Lens Piet N. L. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The cesspit septage quality and pollution loads of total nitrogen (TN) and heavy metals (HMs) from 50 cesspits were assessed during various filling periods. The average specific wastewater production, emptied septage and infiltrated septage were 49, 30 and 19 L/c d, respectively. The TN specific loads of septage fractions that were emptied and infiltrated were 8.5 and 3.3 g/c d, respectively. The concentrations of HMs (mg/L) in the septage were Cu (0.24), Ni (0.03), Pb (0.01), Mn (0.47), Fe (12.6), Cr (0.04) and Zn (1.23). The septage content of Cu, Mn and Fe did not comply with the Palestinian regulations for wadi disposal nor effluent reuse in agriculture. The specific TN infiltration from cesspits amounts to 29 kg TN/ha y. There was no relation between the HM and TN content of septage and the desludging frequency. The infiltrated septage contributed to as much as 15% of the total groundwater recharge in the study area. This study confirms that cesspits in Palestine should be replaced with proper wastewater management systems for adequate environmental protection.