bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of the BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism on the Association of Regular Physical Activity With Cognition Among Individuals With Diabetes
Authors: Liu Tingting , Canon McKenzie D. , Shen Luqi , Marples Benjamin A. , Colton Joseph P. , Lo Wen-Juo , Gray Michelle , Li Changwei 
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Diabetes is associated with cognitive dysfunction that comes with substantial lifetime consequences, such as interference with diabetes self-management and reduced quality of life. Although regular physical activity has been consistently shown to enhance cognitive function among healthy subjects, significant interpersonal differences in exercise-induced cognitive outcomes have been reported among brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val/Val vs. Met carriers. However, the evidence on how the BDNF Val66Met variant influences the relationship between regular physical activity and cognition among individuals with diabetes is currently lacking. Methods: A total of 3,040 individuals with diabetes were included in this analysis using data from the Health and Retirement Study. Associations among moderate and vigorous physical activities (MVPA) and measures of cognitive function were evaluated using multivariable linear regression models within each stratum of the Val66Met genotypes. Results: MVPA was more strongly associated with total cognitive score, mental status, and words recall among Met/Met carriers, compared to Val/Val and Val/Met carriers. Conclusions: This study provided preliminary findings on how BDNF variants may modulate the exercise-induced cognitive benefits among mid-aged and older adults with diabetes. Given the limitations of the current study, it is necessary for randomized controlled trials to stratify by BDNF genotypes to more conclusively determine whether Met carriers benefit more from increased physical activity. In addition, future research is needed to examine how the interplay of BDNF Val66Met variants, DNA methylation, and physical activity may have an impact on cognitive function among adults with diabetes.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Respiratory Symptoms Among Bahir Dar Textile Industry Workers, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Kifle Manay , Gebremariam Brhane , Alemu Kasahun , Woldeyohannes Solomon Meseret 
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The expansions of labor-intensive investments in a developing countries, especially in textile production create a dusty work environment for workers, and those workers are from the low socio-economic group and need special safety concern. Objective: This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and associated factors among textile factories workers in Bahir Dar, Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2015. Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed among randomly selected 384 textile workers using pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. We stratified workers by their working section in the textile industries. Then the proportional numbers of workers were selected from each working section of the factory by using a random number generator. The identification number of workers from each factory was used for selection. The data were checked, coded, and entered to Epi-info Version 7 and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science Version 20 for further analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors. Variables having a P ⩽ .2 were fitted to multivariate logistic regression so as to assess the presence and strength of association with the respiratory symptom. Variables having a P < .05 were considered as significant. Results: Three hundred eighty-three (99.74%) of the study participants responded completely filling the questionnaire. In this study, the prevalence of cough, phlegm, bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, and chest pain among the respondents were 31 (8.1%), 45 (11.7%), 26 (6.8%), 2 (0.5%), and 21 (5.5%), respectively. Generally, 141 (36.81%) of the respondents have either of the above respiratory symptoms in the textile industry. Working in the spinning section (AOR = 3.26, 95% CI: 1.80, 5.89), being in the grade 11 and 12 level and below (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.50, 3.70) and personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization (AOR = 4.88 95% CI: 1.54-15.45) were significantly associated with respiratory symptoms in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms in Bahir Dar Textile workers was relatively high. Working department, educational status, and PPE use were variables significantly associated with respiratory symptoms in this study. Experience sharing across departments, employing educated workers and provision of personal protective equipment are important tasks to be followed to reduce respiratory symptoms in the industry.
Simplified morphological evaluation of skeletal muscle mass and maximum muscle strength in healthy young women: Comparison between thigh and calf
Authors: Yasuda Tomohiro 
Published: October 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the prediction of skeletal muscle mass and maximum muscle strength using simplified morphology evaluation in young Japanese women from the thigh and calf perspective. Methods: A total of 249 Japanese young women (aged 18–25 years) were used for data analyses in this study. Thigh and calf girths were measured using a tape measure at 50% of thigh length and at 30% proximal of calf length, respectively. Muscle thickness was measured using B-mode ultrasound at the anterior and posterior thigh (at 50% of thigh length) and at the posterior lower leg (at 30% proximal of calf length), respectively. The measurements were carried out on the right side of the body while the participants stood with their elbows extended and relaxed. A stepwise multiple regression analysis (method of increasing and decreasing the variables; criterion set at p < 0.05) was performed for skeletal muscle index (defined by appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height2), handgrip strength, or sit-to-stand test and five variable factors (girth (thigh and calf) and muscle thickness (anterior and posterior thigh and posterior calf)). Results: Unlike the sit-to-stand test, skeletal muscle index or handgrip strength was correlated ( p < 0.001) with the girth or muscle thickness for both thigh and calf. Unlike the sit-to-stand test, the prediction equations for skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength estimation showed significant correlations with multiple regression analysis of data obtained from the calf girth and muscle thickness. In both skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength, calf girth was adopted as a Step 1, respectively. Conclusion: Our results indicated that skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength could be evaluated by the simplified morphology methods, especially that for the calf girth measurement, which may be a good indicator of screening/preventing for sarcopenia in healthy Japanese young women.
Safety of vedolizumab in the treatment of pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease: a targeted literature review
Authors: Terjung Birgit , Schmelz Renate , Ehehalt Robert , Klaus Jochen , Knop Jana , Schwind Sabine , Wilke Thomas , Stallmach Andreas 
Published: October 2020

Background: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) commonly affect women in their childbearing years. Vedolizumab (VDZ) is approved for treatment of moderate-to-severe CD and UC, but there is a knowledge gap regarding its use during pregnancy. This targeted literature review describes available evidence on safety of VDZ in pregnant patients in order to offer physicians a detailed and balanced view on persistent data during their decision-making process for an individualized treatment concept. Methods: The search included literature from the MEDLINE database and abstracts of five gastroenterological conferences published until November 2019. Publications were included if pregnancy outcomes in women receiving VDZ or neonatal outcomes in newborns of women previously exposed to VDZ were reported. Results: Out of 196 initially identified records, 18 publications reporting results of five different studies were identified. In total, for 213 of 284 VDZ-exposed documented pregnancies the following pregnancy outcomes were reported: 167 live births (172 infants due to twin births), 1 stillbirth, 35 miscarriages, 10 elective terminations (1 due to detected Down syndrome). Furthermore, during pregnancy, the following complications were observed: seven cases of (pre) eclampsia, three cases of premature rupture of membranes and one case each of placenta previa, chorioamnionitis, pneumonia, first-trimester bleeding, cholestasis, sepsis, or neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage. Based on 172 infants, 30 preterm deliveries (17.4%), 9 cases of low birth weight (5.2%), 5 infections (2.9%), and 6 cases (3.8%) with congenital anomalies were reported. Conclusion: There was no evidence for safety concerns regarding pregnancy outcomes associated with VDZ therapy. Due to the limited scope of included records, further research is needed to understand the safety profile regarding the use of VDZ during pregnancy.
PD-L1 protein expression and copy number gains in HIV-positive locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Loharamtaweethong Kongsak , Puripat Napaporn , Praditphol Niphon , Thammasiri Jidapa , Tangitgamol Siriwan 
Published: October 2020

Background: The programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis may represent a target for cervical cancer; however, it is poorly understood in human immunodeﬁciency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Methods: We evaluated HIV-positive ( n = 42) and HIV-negative ( n = 110) women with locally advanced cervical cancer regarding their PD-L1 expression, determined by combined positive score (CPS) ⩾ 1 and tumor proportion score (TPS) ⩾ 25%, and PD-L1 copy number alterations, assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results: Regardless of HIV status, 84.9% and 44.8% of cases were PD-L1-positive according to CPS ⩾ 1 and TPS ⩾ 25%. Per CPS ⩾ 1, PD-L1 positive rate was similar between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women, whereas a significant difference was seen per TPS ⩾ 25%. Tumor size and parametrial invasion were correlated with PD-L1 positivity in HIV-negative women, whereas anti-retroviral therapy (ART) was correlated with TPS < 25%. Low CD4-positive cell counts were associated with CPS < 1 in HIV-positive women. No significant difference was observed in PD-L1 copy number status between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women. PD-L1 amplification and polysomy were independently associated with TPS ⩾ 25%, whereas the presence of parametrial invasion was independently associated with CPS ⩾ 1. Cancer stage and PD-L1 amplification were identified as independent predictors of recurrence-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.40 (1.32–4.36) and HR = 5.33 (1.94–14.61)] and cancer-specific survival [HR = 13.62 (5.1–36.38) and HR = 3.53 (1.43–8.69)]. PD-L1 polysomy was an independent predictor of locoregional recurrence-free survival [HR = 3.27 (1.27–8.41)]. HIV status and PD-L1 expression (CPS ⩾ 1 or TPS ⩾ 25%) were not associated with poor patient outcomes. Conclusion: PD-L1 amplification and polysomy are the strongest drivers of PD-L1 expression in cervical cancer, and could represent prognostic biomarkers for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Cervical cancer biology may be modulated by HIV infection, CD4-positive cells, and HIV treatments.
Prognostic factors for steroid-free remission in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: importance of anthropometric measurements
Authors: Lee Jung Sun , Lee Jung Eun , Hong Seokchan , Lee Chang-Keun , Yoo Bin , Oh Ji Seon , Kim Yong-Gil 
Published: October 2020

Background: Several studies have been conducted on factors associated with mortality in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), but few studies have assessed prognostic factors for steroid-free remission in IIM. We investigated the various clinical factors, including body measurements, that affect IIM treatment outcomes. Methods: Patients who were newly diagnosed with IIM between 2000 and 2018 were included. Steroid-free remission was defined as at least 3 months of normalisation of muscle enzymes and no detectable clinical disease activity. The factors associated with steroid-free remission were evaluated by a Cox regression analysis. Results: Of the 106 IIM patients, 35 displayed steroid-free remission during follow-up periods. In the multivariable Cox regression analyses, immunosuppressants’ early use within 1 month after diagnosis [hazard ratio (HR) 6.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.61–14.74, p < 0.001] and sex-specific height quartiles (second and third quartiles versus first quartile, HR 3.65, 95% CI 1.40–9.51, p = 0.008 and HR 2.88, 95% CI 1.13–7.32, p = 0.027, respectively) were positively associated with steroid-free remission. Polymyositis versus dermatomyositis (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.09–0.53, p = 0.001), presence of dysphagia (HR 0.15, CI 0.05–0.50, p = 0.002) and highest versus lowest quartile of waist circumference (WC; HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07–0.85, p = 0.027) were negatively associated with steroid-free remission. Conclusion: The early initiation of immunosuppressant therapy, type of myositis and presence of dysphagia are strong predictors of steroid-free remission in IIM; moreover, height and WC measurements at baseline may provide additional important prognostic value.
The off-label use of anakinra in pediatric systemic autoinflammatory diseases
Authors: Maniscalco Valerio , Abu-Rumeileh Sarah , Mastrolia Maria Vincenza , Marrani Edoardo , Maccora Ilaria , Pagnini Ilaria , Simonini Gabriele 
Published: October 2020

Interleukin 1 (IL-1), a central mediator of innate immunity, is considered a master cytokine of local and systemic inflammation. IL-1 has emerged as pivotal in the pathogenesis of autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs), and blockade of its pathway has become a crucial target for therapy. Anakinra (ANA), a recombinant IL-1β receptor antagonist, was the first anti-IL-1 agent employed in clinical practice. ANA is currently approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, adult-onset Still’s disease, and cryopyrin-associated autoinflammatory syndrome. It has also been successfully used for off-label treatment of various monogenic, polygenic, or undefined etiology systemic AIDs. This review describes currently available evidence for the off-label use of ANA in pediatric rheumatologic diseases. Specifically, the use of ANA in Kawasaki disease, idiopathic recurrent pericarditis, Behçet disease, monogenic AIDs, undifferentiated AIDs, chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis, macrophage activation syndrome, and febrile infection-related epilepsy, in terms of its safety and efficacy. In selected pediatric rheumatic disorders, the off-label administration of ANA appears to be effective and safe. In order to control severe and/or relapsing disease, ANA should be considered as a valuable treatment option in children suffering from rare inflammatory diseases. However, currently available data consist of retrospective studies and short case series; thus, randomized controlled trials and larger series with long-term follow up are mandatory to better assess the efficacy and cost effectiveness of ANA in these challenging patients.
Case Report: Allergic Reactivity to Mahaleb (Prunus mahaleb) Spice in a Subject With Almond and Other Tree Nut Allergies
Authors: Benoit Lora , Masiri Jongkit , Janagama Harish , Gendel Steven M. , Samadpour Mansour 
Published: October 2020

Background Mahaleb is an aromatic spice prepared from the fruit stone of the St. Lucie Cherry that is used as a flavoring agent in traditional Turkish and Middle Eastern baking. Immunodiagnostic kits for almond, which are based on polyclonal almond-specific IgG antibodies, have been shown to demonstrate considerable cross-reactivity with mahaleb as was incidentally discovered during a cluster of allergen-related food recalls in 2015. Objective Though acute allergy to almond is somewhat common, allergies to mahaleb have not been previously documented. However, based on antigenic similarity observed with almond-specific IgG, it is predicted that mahaleb nut proteins would exhibit some level of cross-reactivity with almond-specific IgE and may therefore potentiate acute allergic symptoms in individuals with food allergy to almond. Case Presentation: Herein, we report on a 40-year old Caucasian female with longitudinal history of multiple tree nut allergies including allergy to almond, presenting with moderate pruritus and oropharyngeal swelling shortly following ingestion of mahaleb seed kernels. Methods and Results Skin-prick testing using extracts compounded from pistachio, almond, and mahaleb revealed positive wheals measuring 8, 3, and 7 mm respectfully. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using plate-bound antigens prepared from pistachio, almond, and mahaleb revealed IgG positive responses to all three targets. ELISA and Western blot analysis performed using goat anti-almond polyclonal IgG demonstrated significant cross-reactivity between almond and mahaleb, but not to pistachio. Conclusion This is the first documented case of acute allergy to mahaleb, co-occurring in the context of plural tree nut allergies, providing novel evidence that mahaleb may pose a risk to nut-allergic individuals and indicating a need for awareness of spice contamination with nut and mahaleb residues.
Bleeding severity in patients with rare bleeding disorders: real-life data from the RBiN study
Authors: Saes Joline L. , Verhagen Marieke J. A. , Meijer Karina , Cnossen Marjon H. , Schutgens Roger E. G. , Peters Marjolein , Nieuwenhuizen Laurens , van der Meer Felix J. M. , Kruis Ilmar C. , van Heerde Waander L. , Schols Saskia E. M. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Patients with hereditary rare bleeding disorders (RBDs) present with diverse hemorrhagic symptoms. Correlation between factor activity levels and clinical bleeding severity is poor for most RBDs. Threshold factor activity levels have been previously described in relation to bleeding severity but have not yet been validated. The Rare Bleeding Disorders in the Netherlands (RBiN) study is a nationwide cross-sectional study of patients registered in all 6 Dutch Haemophilia Treatment Centers with a known RBD and who are age 1 to 99 years. Bleeding scores were determined, and laboratory and clinical data were extracted from patient files. In all, 263 patients were included, of whom 202 (77%) attended the scheduled study visit. The median International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) bleeding assessment tool (BAT) score was 9. Correlations between baseline factor activity levels and ISTH BAT scores were strong for deficiencies in factor II (FII) (r = –0.792) and FX (r = –0.838) and were moderate for deficiencies of fibrinogen (r = –0.683), FV (r = –0.623), FVII (r = –0.516), FXIII (r = –0.516), and α2-antiplasmin (r = –0.594). There was no correlation for FXI deficiency (r = –0.218). The RBD BAT identified more women (94% vs 83%) and children (100% vs 71%) with an RBD than the ISTH BAT did. Importantly, 48% of patients had more severe bleeding than predicted for their baseline factor activity level. In addition, 34% of patients were predicted to be asymptomatic, but they actually had grade 2 (31%) or 3 (3%) bleeding. Bleeding severity in patients with RBDs is more pronounced than previously anticipated. The previously determined threshold factor activity levels to ensure no (spontaneous) bleeding in patients with an RBD are inaccurate. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03347591.
Integrated analysis of co-expression, conserved genes and gene families reveal core regulatory network of heat stress response in Cleistogenes songorica, a xerophyte perennial desert plant
Authors: Yan Qi , Zong Xifang , Wu Fan , Li Jie , Ma Tiantian , Zhao Yufeng , Ma Qian , Wang Penglei , Wang Yanrong , Zhang Jiyu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
As global warming continues, heat stress (HS) is becoming an increasingly significant factor limiting plant growth and reproduction, especially for cool-season grass species. The objective of this study was to determine the transcriptional regulatory network of Cleistogenes songorica under HS via transcriptome profiling, identify of gene families and comparative analysis across major Poaceae species.

Results
Physiological analysis revealed significantly decreased leaf relative water content (RWC) but increased proline (Pro) content in C. songorica under 24 h of HS. Transcriptome profiling indicated that 16,028 and 14,645 genes were differentially expressed in the shoots and roots of C. songorica under HS, respectively. Two subgenomes of C. songorica provide equal contribution under HS on the basis of the distribution and expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Furthermore, 216 DEGs were identified as key evolutionarily conserved genes involved in the response to HS in C. songorica via comparative analysis with genes of four Poaceae species; these genes were involved in the ‘response to heat’ and ‘heat acclimation’. Notably, most of the conserved DEGs belonged to the heat-shock protein (HSP) superfamily. Similar results were also obtained from co-expression analysis. Interestingly, hub-genes of co-expression analysis were found to overlap with conserved genes, especially heat-shock protein (HSP). In C. songorica, 84 HSP and 32 heat-shock transcription factor (HSF) genes were identified in the allotetraploid C. songorica genome, and might have undergone purifying selection during evolutionary history based on syntenic and phylogenetic analysis. By analysing the expression patterns of the CsHSPs and CsHSFs, we found that the transcript abundance of 72.7% of the CsHSP genes and of 62.5% of the CsHSF genes changed under heat stress in both the shoots and roots. Finally, a core regulatory network of HS was constructed on the basis of the CsHSP, CsHSF and other responsive genes in C. songorica.

Conclusions
Regulatory network and key genes were comprehensively analysed and identified in C. songorica under HS. This study improves our knowledge of thermotolerance mechanisms in native grasses, and also provides candidate genes for potential applications in the genetic improvement of grasses.