bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of Interleukin-33 in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Liang Chih-Sung , Su Kuan-Pin , Tsai Chia-Lin , Lee Jiunn-Tay , Chu Che-Sheng , Yeh Ta-Chuan , Su Ming-Wei , Lin Guan-Yu , Lin Yu-Kai , Chu Hsuan-Te , Tsai Chia-Kuang , Yang Fu-Chi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The neuroprotective role of Interleukin (IL)-33 is supported in numerous pre-clinical studies but remains mostly uninvestigated in clinical studies of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We aimed to examine the association between human blood levels of IL-33 and cognitive preservation in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and AD.Methods: A total of 100 participants (26 controls, 35 aMCI patients, and 39 AD patients) were completed twice Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) over a 1-year interval. At the second MMSE, the 100 participants examined the plasma levels of IL-33, IL-β, IL-1 receptor agonist (IL-1RA), beta amyloid (Aβ), and tau and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotyping, and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, Trail Making Test, forward and backward digit span, and Clinical Dementia Rating were performed as well. Results: IL-33 expression showed a positive trend among controls (1/26 = 3.8%), aMCI (9/35 = 25.7%), and AD (17/39 = 43.6%) (trend analysis: P < 0.001). The patients expressing IL-33 preserved their cognitive function compared with IL-33 non-expressing patients (1-year ΔMMSE: 0.16 ± 1.6 vs -1.5 ± 2.6; P = 0.006). The cognitive preservation was not associated with the lower levels of Aβ, tau, and AopE ε4, while higher levels of AopE ε4 and phosphorylated tau were indeed associated with cognitive decline. The aMCI patients with AD conversion during study period had higher proportion of IL-33(-) than non-AD converters (0.9% vs 53.3%, P = 0.04).Conclusions: IL-33 or its associated signaling pathways may represent a new treatment paradigm for aMCI and AD.
Effectiveness of custom-made foot orthoses vs heel lifts in children with Calcaneal Apophysitis (Sever disease): a CONSORT-compliant randomized trial
Authors: Alfaro-Santafé Javier , Gómez-Bernal Antonio , Lanuza-Cerzócimo Carla , Alfaro-Santafé José Víctor , Pérez-Morcillo Aitor , Almenar-Arasanz Alejandro Jesús 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Calcaneal apophysitis (Sever disease) is a benign ailment which causes heel pain in children. Conservative treatment strategies are widely popular and the prescription of prefabricated orthoses and heel-lifts is very widespread. The aim of the present research was to determine the effectiveness to relieve calcaneal apophysitis pain using “off-the-shelf” heel-lifts and custom-made orthotics. Methods: Two intervention modalities were evaluated and compared in a 12-week follow-up randomized comparative effectiveness trial. Inclusion criteria included 9 to 12 years old boys or girls diagnosed of calcaneal apophysitis, primary exclusion criteria included children who had suffered from foot trauma on the heel or had received previous treatment. Children were stratified randomized into experimental (custom-made polypropylene foot orthoses) and control (“off-the-shelf” heel-lifts) group. The primary outcome was calcaneal apophysitis pain perception, which was assessed by the Visual Analogical Scale (VAS), the algometry threshold and the Sport Activity Pain perception. Points of measure were at baseline and after the follow-up period. Analysis was performed according to the intention-to treat principles.Results: A total of 208 patients were included. Overall, 9 patients were lost to follow-up. Experimental group showed an increase in threshold algometry by 53.4% (95% CI 47.1% to 59.7%), a decrease in VAS by -68.6% (95% CI -74.5% to -62.7%) and a 20.8 times higher probability of improvement of Sport Activity (95% CI 8.9 to 48.6), compared with control group (p <0.001).Conclusions: Calcaneal apophysitis pain perception was improved in both groups custom-made foot orthoses and heel-lifts, but the experimental group revealed significant changes compared with control group. Children who used custom-made foot orthoses had greater probabilities to improve. Physicians should consider these findings in order to prescribe the most effective treatment in the approach of the calcaneal apophysitis. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03960086.
Characteristics and change patterns of liver function in 105 hospitalized adults patients with COVID-19 in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhao Hong , Liu Ligai , Wang Yanbin , Zhang Ting , Li Minghui , Xu Yanli , Gao Guiju , Xiong Haofeng , Fan Ying , Cao Ying , Ding Rui , Wang Jingjing , Cheng Cheng , Xie Wen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
【Background】Previous studies showed that some coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients might have some degree of liver biochemical abnormalities. However, no data on the stratified analysis and change patterns of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin(TBil) have been reported.【Methods】We performed a single-center, retrospective study. 105 hospitalized COVID-19 adults in Beijing Ditan Hospital fromJan.12,2020 to Mar.17,2020 were enrolled. Then we observed the characteristics and change patterns of ALT, AST, or TBil in the patients.【Results】Ages of patients ranged 18-92 years old, with a median age of 43.4 years for mild ill group and 58.2 years for severe ill group (p < 0.001). The patients were hospitalized for a median of 22 days. 89 patients underwent abdominal ultrasound scans for fatty liver, with an overall proportion approximately 41.6%. 17 (16.2%) patients had abnormally elevated levelsALT. ALT and AST abnormalities occurred in 48.0% of severe ill group patients, compared to 13.9% of mild ill group. 19 (18.1%) patients showed ALT, AST and TBil levels≥2×ULN. 9 patients showed any index≥3×ULN. ALT, AST, and TBil levels≥2×ULN were observed in only 1 critically ill patient. All patients could be divided into 4 kinds of patterns based on the ALT index of baseline and hospitalization: Continuous normal (64.7%), normal and then abnormal(19.0%), abnormal and then normal(8.6%),continuous abnormal(7.6%).【Conclusion】Although elevated liver function indexes are common in patients with COVID-19 infection, most non-severe ill patients only show mild abnormalities or transient increases.
Neurophysiological and Neuroradiological Changes in children with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Naby Sameh Abd El , El-Shafie Ali , Bahbah Wael , Mahmoud Asmaa 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis are frequently afflicted with neurological complications. These complications can potentially affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Common neurological complications in CKD include stroke, cognitive dysfunction, and encephalopathy, peripheral and autonomic neuropathies.Aim: to detect the neurological manifestations and complications in children with chronic kidney disease through neurophysiological and neuro-radiological findings.Methods: The study included 50 patients with CKD admitted to pediatric nephrology unit. Their history, complete physical and neurological examination finding had been recorded. All of them underwent nerve conduction, electromyography (EMG), electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Results: Included children were 23 males and 27 females with mean age of (12.8±3.44 year). 11 (22%) patients of end stage renal disease developed polyneuropathy mostly of axonal polyneuropathy pattern while 78% of them showed normal electrophysiological studies. No myopathy was detected. Abnormal electroencephalography findings were detected in 18% of patients in the form of generalized and focal (temporal, occipital and frontal) epileptogenic activity had been found. Abnormal MRI findings were detected in 16% of patients mostly of encephalomalachia. Conclusion: Neurological status in patients with end stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis therapy was impaired. Uremic neuropathy is highly prevalent in these patients. They developed polyneuropathy mostly of axonal polyneuropathy pattern. EEG is a useful tool for detection of subclinical or latent uremic encephalopathy and/or epileptogenic activity. Early detection and management of these neurological conditions may estimate a window to reduce physical disability in children with CKD.
Effect of functional food ingredients on gut microbiota in a rodent diabetes model
Authors: Surono Ingrid S. , Wardana Ata Aditya , Waspodo Priyo , Saksono Budi , Verhoeven Jessica , Venema Koen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The gut microbiota has been shown to be involved in the development and severity of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the present study was to test the effect of 4-week functional food ingredient feeding, alone or in combination, on the gut microbiota composition in diabetic rats. Methods: Streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats were treated for 4 weeks with i) native taro starch, ii) modified taro-starch, iii) beet juice, iv) psicose, v) the probiotic L.plantarum IS-10506, vi) native starch combined with beet juice, vii) native starch to which beet juice was adsorbed, viii) modified starch combined with beet juice or ix) modified starch to which beet juice was adsorbed, to modulate the composition of the gut microbiota. This composition was evaluated by sequencing the PCR amplified V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Results: The next-generation sequencing showed beneficial effects particularly of taro-starch feeding. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) related to health (e.g. correlating with low BMI, OTUs producing butyrate) were increased in relative abundance, while OTUs generally correlated with disease (e.g. Proteobacteria) were decreased by feeding taro-starch. Conclusion: The results of study show that a 4-week intervention with functional food ingredients, particularly taro-derived starch, leads to a more healthy gut microbiota in rats that were induced to be diabetic by induction with STZ.
Patient’s perception on leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty in patients with unilateral Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Du Yinqiao , Shen Junmin , Sun Jingyang , Xu Chi , Ni Ming , Zhou Yonggang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The study assessed the correlation among the patients’ perception on leg length discrepancy (LLD) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with unilateral Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and the four methods of measuring the leg length in the full-length standing anteroposterior radiographs. Methods: 60 patients with unilateral Crowe type IV DDH were recruited in this retrospective study between January 2012 and January 2019. Four methods of measurement were used: (1) TD-TP: distance between the inferior aspect of teardrop and the midpoint of tibial plafond (TP). (2) CH-TP: distance between the center of femoral head or acetabular cup and the TP. (3) GT-TP: distance between the apex of greater trochanter and the TP. (4) FL + TL: the sum of femoral length and tibial length. Results: Association was found among the patients’ perception on LLD with difference in TD-TP (OR, 1.157), and the difference in FL + TL (OR, 1.166). The area under the curve of the difference in FL + TL and the difference TD-TP (0.704 and 0.679) was significantly higher than those of the difference in CH-TP and the difference in GT-TP (0.564 and 0.483). With the calculated threshold of LLD set at 9.0 mm, the sensitivity and specificity of the difference in TD-TP and the difference in FL + TL were 57.7%, 79.4% and 61.5%, 79.4%, respectively.Conclusion: Patients’ perception on LLD had good correlation and reliability on the difference of FL + TL and the difference of TD-TP.
Quality of Written Feedback given to Medical Students after Introduction of Real-Time Audio Monitoring of Clinical Encounters
Authors: Sanatani Michael , Potvin Kylea , Conter Henry , Warner Andrew , Trudgeon Kimberly 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Direct observation is necessary for specific and actionable feedback, however clinicians often struggle to integrate observation into their practice. Remotely audio-monitoring trainees for periods of time may improve the quality of written feedback given to them, and may be a minimally disruptive task for a consultant to perform in a busy clinic.Methods Selected faculty used a wireless audio receiver during the second half of students' oncology rotations to listen to encounters during clinic in real time. They then gave written feedback as per usual practice, as did faculty who did not use the listening-in intervention. Feedback was de-identified and rated, using a rubric, as strong/medium/weak according to consensus of 2/3 rating investigators.Results Monitoring faculty indicated that audio monitoring made the feedback process easier and increased confidence in 95% of encounters. Most students (19/21 respondents) felt monitoring contributed positively to their learning, and included more useful comments. 101 written evaluations were completed by 7 monitoring and 19 non-monitoring faculty. 22/23 (96%) of feedback after monitoring was rated as high quality, compared to 16/37 (43%) (p<0.001) for monitoring faculty before using the equipment (and 20/78 (26%) without monitoring for all consultants (p<0.001)).Conclusions Using live audio monitoring improved the quality of written feedback given to trainees, as judged by the trainees themselves and also using an exploratory grading rubric. The method was well received by both faculty and trainees. Although there are limitations compared to in-the-room observation (body language), the benefits of easy integration into clinical practice and a more natural patient encounter without the observer physically present lead the authors to now use this method routinely while teaching oncology students.
NKG2D ligands in inflammatory joint diseases: analysis in human samples and mouse models
Authors: Mariotte Alexandre , Bernardi Livio , Macquin Cécile , decauwer aurore , Kotova Irina , Blüml Stephan , Noel Daniele , Scanu Anna , Punzi leonardo , carapito Raphael , Sibilia Jean , Bahram Seiamak , Georgel Philippe 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background NKG2D ligands (NKG2DLs) are stress-inducible molecules involved in multiple inflammatory settings. In this work, we quantified MICA, an NKG2DL, in the synovial fluid of patients suffering various arthritides and measured Nkg2dLs gene expression in murine models of acute joint inflammation. Methods Soluble MICA (sMICA) was quantified by ELISA is synovial fluids harvested from patients suffering osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, calcium pyrophosphate crystal arthritis, urate crystal arthritis and reactive arthritis. Transcripts encoding murine NKG2DLs were quantified by RT-qPCR in the joints of mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis, urate crystal arthritis and osteoarthritis. Results Marked overproduction of sMICA was observed in the synovial fluid of RA patients. Mouse studies highlighted the complex transcriptional regulation of Nkg2d ligands encoding genes depending on the inflammatory setting and microenvironment Conclusions sMICA quantification could be an interesting biomarker to identify acute inflammation in RA patients in which classical markers (ie, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, ACPA) are undetectable.
Photodynamic inactivation of Botrytis cinerea for a safe pest management of grapevine
Authors: Ambrosini Veronica , Issawi Mohammad , Sol Vincent , Riou Catherine 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Botrytis cinerea is a necrotic fungal plant pathogen responsible for the gray mold disease on more than 200 crops, including grapevine. Due to its genetic plasticity, this fungus presents a strong resistance to a large spectrum of fungicides. Thus, new fighting strategies against B. cinerea are urgently needed. In this context, antimicrobial photodynamic treatment (APDT) was considered. APDT involves the use of a photosensitizer that generates reactive oxygen species upon illumination. Tetra-4-sulfonatophenyl porphyrin tetra-ammonium (TPPS) was tested on B. cinerea; upon light exposure. 1.5 µM TPPS was shown to completely inhibit mycelial growth. A concentration of 12.5 µM TPPS was tested on three genetic background clones from Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon, grown in vitro for 2 months. Treated root apparatus of the three backgrounds was able to increase thiol production as a molecular protection against photoactivated TPPS, leading to a normal phenotype as compared with control plantlets. Finally, two-month-old grapevine leaves were infected with four-day-old mycelium of B. cinerea pre-incubated or not with TPPS. The pre-treated mycelium was unable to infect the isolated leaves of any of the three grapevine varieties after 72 h growth when subjected to a 16 h photoperiod, contrary to untreated mycelium. These results on fungus, plantlets and Botrytis-grapevine leaves, in contact with a very low concentration of TPPS, suggest a strong potential of photo-treatment against Botrytis mycelium for future agricultural practices in vineyard or other cultures.
Effect of unilateral pulsed jet lavage prior to vertebroplasty on the intravertebral pressure and cement distribution
Authors: Yan Jun , Liu Qiaohui , Zheng Yanping , Liu Ziqun , Liu Xinyu , Guo Xun , Liu Penghui , Chen Peng , Yuan Suomao , Tian Yonghao , xu Wanlong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Percutaneous vertebroplasty is the most common treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. However, the morbidity of vertebroplasty-related complications, such as cement leakage, remains high. We tested a new technique of unilateral pulsed jet lavage and investigated its effect on the intravertebral pressure and bone cement distribution. Methods: Thirty lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5) from six cadaver spines were randomly allocated into two groups (with and without irrigation). Prior to vertebroplasty, pulsed jet lavage was performed through one side of the pedicle by using a novel cannula with two concentric conduits to remove the fat and bone marrow of the vertebral bodies in the group with irrigation. The control group was not irrigated. Then, standardized vertebroplasty was performed in the vertebral bodies in both groups. Changes in the intravertebral pressure during injection were recorded. Computed tomography (CT) was performed to observe the cement distribution and extravasations, and the cement mass volume (CMV) was calculated. Results: During cement injection, the average maximum intravertebral pressure of the unirrigated group was higher than that of the irrigated group (4.92kPa versus 2.22kPa, P<0.05). CT scans showed a more homogeneous cement distribution with less CMV (3832 mm 3 vs. 4344 mm 3 , P<0.05) and less leakage rate (6.7% vs. 46.7%, P<0.05) in the irrigated group than in the control group. Conclusions: Unilateral pulsed jet lavage can reduce intravertebral pressure and lower the incidence of cement leakage during vertebroplasty. An enhanced bone cement distribution can also be achieved through this lavage system.
Lower peripheral helper T cells in the synovium are associated with a better response to anti-TNF therapy in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Julià Antonio , Ávila Gabriela , Celis Raquel , Sanmartí Raimon , Ramírez Julio , Marsal Sara , Cañete Juan D 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The mechanisms by which only some rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients respond favorably to TNF blockade are still poorly characterized. The goal of this study was to identify biological features that explain this differential response using a multilevel transcriptome analysis of the synovial membrane.Methods: Synovial samples from 11 patients starting anti-TNF therapy were obtained by arthroscopy at baseline and week 20. Analysis of the synovial transcriptome was performed at the gene, pathway and cell-type levels. Newly characterized pathogenic cell types in RA, peripheral helper T cells (TPH) and CD34-THY1+ fibroblasts, were estimated using a cell-type deconvolution approach. TPH association was validated using immunofluorescence. External validation was performed on an independent dataset. Results: After multiple test correction, 16 and 4 genes were differentially expressed at baseline and week 20, respectively. At the pathway level, 86 and 17 biological processes were significantly enriched at baseline and week 20, respectively. Longitudinal expression changes were associated with a drastic decrease of innate immune activity (P<5e-30), and an activation of bone and cartilage regeneration processes (P<5e-10). Cell-type deconvolution revealed a significant association between low TPH cells at baseline and a better response (P=0.026). Lower TPH cells were maintained in good responders up to week 20 (P=0.032). Immunofluorescent analyses confirmed the accuracy of the cell-type estimation (r2=0.58, P=0.005) and the association with response. TPH association with anti-TNF response was validated in an independent sample of RA patients (P=0.0040). Conclusions: A lower abundance in the synovial membrane of the new pathogenic T cell type associated to RA, peripheral helper T lymphocyte, is associated to a good response to anti-TNF therapy. Major changes in the myeloid cell compartment are also seen in response to therapy. The results of this study could help develop more effective therapies aimed at treating the pathogenic mechanisms in RA that are currently not well targeted by anti-TNF agents.