bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fecal calprotectin as a prognostic factor for gastrointestinal involvement in pediatric Henoch-Schölein purpura patients: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Paek Eun Young , Yi Dae Yong , Kang Ben , Choe Byung-Ho 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Henochchönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic vasculitis occurring in children. HSP prognosis is usually good, but its recurrence is relatively common, and if the intestines get affected, severe complications could arise, including intussusception or intestinal perforation. Here, we investigated the value of fecal calprotectin (FC) in early screening of HSP and the usefulness of FC as a prognostic factor for GI manifestations. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients who were diagnosed with HSP and had undergone FC testing during the acute phase. Subjects were categorized into gastrointestinal (GI) involvement and non-GI involvement groups based on their clinical symptoms. Moreover, GI involvement levels were divided as follows: upper GI tract up to the duodenum and lower GI tract from the ileocolic Results Sixty-nine patients were diagnosed with HSP and underwent FC testing. Among them, 40 patients (58.0%) showed signs of GI involvement. The GI involvement group showed higher FC levels (379.9 짹 399.8 vs. 77.4 짹 97.6 mg/kg, P = 0.000). There were no significant differences in the relapse of HSP symptoms or GI symptoms. The cut-off value according to GI involvement was 69.10 mg/kg (P < 0.01). Patients with FC levels of >50 mg/kg more frequently showed GI involvement (77.8% vs. 20.8%, P = 0.000) and a more severe prognosis. Significant correlations were observed for abdominal pain duration, HSP clinical score, and abdominal pain severity (P = 0.002, P = 0.000, and P = 0.000, respectively). Additionally, FC levels were significantly higher in patients with lower GI tract involvement (214.67 짹 150.5 vs. 581.8 짹 510.1 mg/kg, P = 0.008), and the cut-off value was 277.5 mg/kg (P < 0.01). Conclusion FC testing is useful for predicting the involvement of GI, location of involvement, and course of prognosis in pediatric HSP patients.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and risk factors in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV infection
Authors: Li Zhengtu , Wang Xidong , Su Guansheng , Li Shaoqiang , Ye Yuwei , Deng Qiuxue , Li Jinchuang , Xiong Xiaoyu , Wei Xinguang , Lin Zeqiang , Jie Zichen , Ye Feng 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Herein, we compared the risk factors, clinical presentation of patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, or MERS-CoV infection. The proportion of male patients with COVID-19 was higher than who with SARS but lower than who with MERS (p<0.001). More patients with COVID-19 had coexisting chronic medical conditions than those with SARS (p<0.001) but fewer than those with MERS (p<0.001), and the prevalence of hypertension (17%) and smoking history (14%) was higher than in patients with SARS (p<0.001). Furthermore,the symptom of fever (53%), hemoptysis (1%), diarrhea (4%) and vomiting (3%) of COVID-19 were significantly lower than that in patients with SARS or MERS. The level of ALT and AST in COVID-19 was significantly lower (p<0.001), however, thrombocytopenia, high LDH were common. Summary, male, smoking history and hypertension were the most common risk factors for hospitalization with COVID-19; and the clinical feature was less severe in COVID-19.
LncRNA ZFAS1 promotes pancreatic adenocarcinoma metastasis by sponging miR-3924 via RHOA/ROCK2 pathway
Authors: Liu jinyang , Zhu yaqin , Ge Chunlin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background : the mortality and morbidity rate of pancreatic adenocarcinoma has been increasing during the past two decades, mechanisms in pancreatic adenocarcinoma progression are in urgent need of research. LncRNA ZFAS1 has been demonstrated as an oncogene in some cancers, but its function and mechanism in pancreatic adenocarcinoma still remain unclear. Methods : ZFAS1 expression level was predicted in pancreatic adenocarcinoma by bioinformatic analysis, the expression level of ZFAS1 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues and cell lines were further investigated by qRT-PCR and ISH. The functions of ZFAS1 on pancreatic adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo were investigated according to bioinformatic analysis. Dual luciferase report assays investigated the binding of ZFAS1/miR-3924 and miR-3924/ROCK2, rescue assays further investigated the underlying mechanism. Results: ZFAS1 was predicted and further experimental verified to be over-expressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. ZFAS1 silence showed the inhibition to pancreatic adenocarcinoma metastasis in vitro and in vivo. The competing endogenous RNAs mechanism of ZFAS1 was also demonstrated. Conclusions : Our results demonstrated the promotion of ZFAS1 to pancreatic adenocarcinoma metastasis and suggested its candidacy as a novel regulator of ROCK2.
Simplified sigmoidal curve fitting for 6 MV FFF photon beam of Halcyon to determine field size for beam commissioning and quality assurance
Authors: Choi Min-Geon , Law Martin , Yoon Do-Kun , Tamura Mikoto , Matsumoto Kenji , Otsuka Masakazu , Kim Moo-Sub , Djeng Shih-Kien , Monzen Hajime , Suh Tae Suk 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Delivery of a single energy 6 MV flattening filter free (FFF) photon beam is a main characteristic of an O-ring gantry type linear accelerator (linac) Halcyon. The purpose of this study is to determine the field size of the beam through an application of the simplified sigmoidal curve fitting (SCF) to the beam profiles obtained from the preconfigured reference data of Halcyon, and then to compare its parametrization with the measured beam data from Halcyon.

Methods

After a mathematical definition of the SCF using four coefficients, the defined curves were fitted to both the reference and measured data. When a high agreement between the fitting curve and the profiles in each data, the field sizes were determined by identifying the maximum point along the third derivative of the fitting curve. The curve fitting included the field sizes for beam profiles as 2 × 2, 4 × 4, 6 × 6, 8 × 8, 10 × 10, 20 × 20 and 28 × 28 cm 2 as a function of depths (at 1.3, 5, 10, 20 cm). The results of the field size from the reference data were compared with the results in the measured data using same condition.

Results

All fitting curves show an average agreement ratio higher than 97% and the values of goodness of fit, R 2 , as better than 0.99. The differences of the field size between the reference data and the measured data were within the range of 0 to 0.2 cm. The least difference of the field sizes at depth 10 cm which is a surface to axis distance was reported.

Conclusion

The application of the SCF has been proved to accurately obtain the field size of the preconfigured reference and of measured FFF photon beam data for Halcyon. The current work can be useful to the beam commissioning as a countercheck methodology to the field size from the reference data in the treatment planning system of a newly installed Halcyon and to the routine quality assurance to ascertain the correctness of field sizes clinically used with the Halcyon.
Effect of Maternal Sleep, Physical Activity and Screen Time during Pregnancy on the Risk of Childhood Respiratory Allergies: a Gender-specific Study
Authors: Chen Yiting , Lyu Jiajun , Xia Yuanqing , Zhu Jianzhen , Tong Shilu , Yin Yong , Qu Jiajie , Li Shenghui 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Early life exposure in the uterus had long-term effect on children's health. As the prevalence of allergies is increasing with a remarkable gender difference, very few studies have traced back to their early origins. We sought to investigate if maternal behavioral exposure, herein sleep, physical activity and screen time during pregnancy, is associated childhood respiratory allergies. The gender difference would be examined. Methods: 6236 mother-child pairs from Shanghai Children Allergy Study (SCAS) were enrolled. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire was adopted to evaluate respiratory allergic diseases. Results: 14.6%, 16.2% and 21.0% of children had asthma, wheeze, and allergic rhinitis, respectively. Maternal short sleep duration, lack of physical activity and too much screen exposure during pregnancy could increase the risk of childhood respiratory allergies. Moreover, a dose-response trend was clearly shown. However, the significance was found only in boys, any two of the three combined could increase the risk (OR,1.915; 95%CI,1.212-3.024), and the coexistence of all three further amplified the risk (OR,2.406; 95%CI,1.485-3.900). The findings can be verified in allergen test subgroup and single type of respiratory allergies in most cases. And gender difference was identified, all above associations were mainly observed in boys. Conclusions: Maternal unhealthy behaviors during pregnancy could increase the risk of childhood respiratory allergies with a dose-response pattern. Boys were more susceptible to the association. The identification of modifiable maternal risk behaviors lies in the emphasis of intervention in early life to face up increasing childhood allergies.
Prevalence of intestinal nematodes of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in north-west Poland
Authors: Tylkowska Agnieszka , Pilarczyk Bogumiła , Tomza-Marciniak Agnieszka , Pilarczyk Renata 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a widely distributed animal in the world. This wild carnivore is also a common host of several dangerous zoonotic parasites, primarily nematodes. Nematodes of red foxes, such as Toxocara canis and Uncinaria stenocephala, can cause numerous health problems in humans and domesticated animals. The aim of the study was to determine the parameters of occurrence of nematodes in red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in north-western Poland. Methods: The study was carried out in north-western Poland. The research material consisted of 620 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Parasitological sections of the foxes were taken using the sedimentation and counting technique.Results: The prevalence of infestations with nematodes was 77.3%, while the mean infection intensity was 20.1 per animal. The presence of Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Uncinaria stenocephala and Trichuris vulpis was noted. The greatest prevalence was presented by Uncinaria stenocephala (34.0%). Male and female foxes displayed a similar prevalence of nematodes. Their presence was recorded in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and caecum of the foxes, and they were significantly more common in the jejunum than in other parts. The most commonly-observed coinfection was between Uncinaria stenocephala and Toxocara canis. Conclusions: It can be seen that nematodes are present in high numbers among foxes in north-western Poland. This phenomenon certainly contributes to an increased risk of transmission of parasites to humans and domestic animals, and this can represent a threat to health and even life.
Ultrasound–guided percutaneous laser ablation for pancreatic cancer: a new treatment option
Authors: Yu Jie , Han Zhiyu , An Chao , Dong Linan , Feng Wenzhe , Liang Ping 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background & purpose‎: Most patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) suffer from an unresectable tumor at the time of diagnosis with limited treatment effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility and safety of percutaneous laser ablation (LA) for locally advanced and metastatic PC.Methods: Between September 2016 and April 2018, nine patients (mean age, 65.2 ± 5.4 years; age range, 62–68 years) with histologically proved PC were prospectively included to undergo ultrasound-guided LA. Effect including safety, pain perception and survival were evaluated. Results: Three patients were with locally advanced PC (stage III) and six with metastases (stage IV). All patients underwent LA in one session. The mean largest tumor diameter was ‎5.2±0.8 ‎cm (range, 4.2-6.9cm). Ablation power of all patients was 5 W and the mean ablation energy was 8.3±2.4 KJ (range 4.4-12KJ). Mean ablation volume was 17.1±3.2ml (range 13.0-22.1ml), which reached 89.1±7.4% (range 80.2-98.0%) of tumor volume. After a median follow-up period of 9.7 months (range, 6-15 months), the median survival from diagnosis was 11.2 months. Four stage IV patients died during 6.5-12.5 months after LA because of one hepatic encephalopathy and three tumor progression. No major complications occurred. Pain symptom achieved significant remission (P < 0.001) and patients experienced ameliorative physical function after LA. Percutaneous LA for unresectable PC is generally well tolerated. Conclusions: Preliminary results are encouraging with tumor size reducing and physical function significant improvement. US-guided percutaneous LA provides a new minimally invasive therapy modality for PC.
Pur-alpha participates in the progression of Alzheimer's disease through direct and indirect ways
Authors: Shi Xiaoguang , Ren Shuanglai , Zhang Bingying , Guo Shanshan , He Wenxin , Yuan Chengmin , Yang Xiaofan , Ig-lzevbekhai Kevin , Sun Tao , Wang Qinwen , Cui Jianqi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Purine rich element binding protein A (Pur-alpha), encoded by the PURA gene, is an important transcriptional regulator that binds to DNA and RNA and is involved in processes such as DNA replication and RNA translation. Pur-alpha plays an important role in the nervous system. Our previous research found that the regulatory effect of Pur-alpha on APP suggests that it may be involved in the production of beta-amyloids. Suggestting that Pur-alpha may plays a role in Alzheimer ’s disease (AD), but the relevant evidence is insufficient.Methods: We performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of Pura-KO mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line (HT22) to analyze the effect of puralpha deletion on neuron expression profile. And then combined with ChIP-seq analysis to explore the mechanism of Pura on gene regulation.Results: we found 656 differentially expressed genes between HT22 and Pura-KO HT22. A total of 62 overlapping genes were found by comparison with early brain protein expression profiles in mice, which may play important role in early neuronal development. We found that 7 Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related genes (Lpl, Mapt, Mme, Ndufa3, Lrp1, Gapdh, mt-Co3) and 5 Aβ clearance related genes (Mme, C3, Lrp1, Insr, Trem2) were regulated by Pur-alpha, suggesting that Pur-alpha plays an important role in AD. Through ChIP-seq analysis, we found that Pur-alpha binds directly to 47 genes and regulates their transcription,ncluding Insr, Mapt, Vldlr, Jag1, etc. The direct regulation of Vldlr, the Reelin ligand, suggests that Pur-alpha may be involved in the process of synaptic plasticity. The direct regulation of Jag1 suggests that Pur-alpha may be involved in the Notch pathway.Conclusions: Our study re-confirms the important role of Pur-alpha in neurodevelopment. The regulation of Pur-alpha on AD-related genes means that Pur-alpha plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD.
Patients with Monomicrobial Aeromonas Necrotizing Fasciitis Had Higher Mortality Rates Than Those of Vibrio vulnificus Infections
Authors: Tsai Yao Hung , Huang Tsung-Yu , Yu Pei-An , Kuo Liang Tseng , Chen Chi-Lung , Chuang Po-Yao , Hsiao Cheng Ting , Huang Kuo Chin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Backgroud: Monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis (NF) caused by Vibrio vulnificus, Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas sobria are often associated with high mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to compare the independent predictors related to outcomes between of Vibrio vulnificus and Aeromonas spp. necrotizing fasciitis. We also investigated the risk factors association with mortality in patients with monomicrobial Aeromonas necrotizing fasciitis. Methods: Monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis caused by Vibrio vulnificus (60 patients) and Aeromonas species (31 patients) over an 11-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Differences in mortality, patient characteristics, clinical presentations, and laboratory data were compared between the Vibrio vulnificus and Aeromonas species groups, and between the death and the survival subgroups Aeromonas patients. Results: Six patients in the Vibrio vulnificus group (10%) and eleven in the Aeromonas group (32.3%) died. Vibrio vulnificus patients had a significant higher incidence of bacteremia; however, the proportion of Aeromonas patients presenting bacteremia associated with death was significantly higher than that of Vibrio vulnificus group (p = 0.0002). Aeromonas isolates had a significant higher incidience of antibiotics resistance (p = 0.0001). The death subgroup of Aeromonas NF patients had a significantly higher incidence of bacteremia (p = 0.001), higher counts of banded leukocytes (p = 0.026), lower platelet counts (p = 0.043), lower total lymphocyte counts (p = 0.013), and lower serum albumin level (p = 0.019) than the survival subgroup. Conclusion: Monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis caused by Aeromonas spp. was characterized more fulminating and higher mortality than that of the Vibrio vulnificus infection even after early fasciotomy and third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic therapy. The death patients of Aeromonas group have a significantly higher proportion of antibiotics resistance and bacteremia, higher incidence of shock, lower lymphocyte counts, and lower albumin levels than the Vibrio patients who died. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic level III.
Low temperature synthesis nanoscale Ta4HfC5 powder and characterization of Ta4HfC5 ceramics
Authors: Pan Ruiqun , Chen Guiqing , Yu Xinmin , Yang Yusen , Han W.B. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Solvothermal treatment was used to synthesize nanoscale 4TaC–HfC (Ta 4 HfC 5 ) powder at a relatively low calcination temperature (1400 °C) and in a short period through material selection and process optimization. High-volume Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave (1000–2000 mL) could be used to prepare powder by using this method. The obtained powder had good size distribution and dispersity. Ta 4 HfC 5 powder could be obtained at a low temperature because of the existence of Ta 2 Hf 6 O 17 during carbothermal reduction.Ta 4 HfC 5 ceramics were consolidated via spark plasma sintering at 2100 °C and at 30, 40, and 50 MPa. Holding time was 5 min. Ceramics had a better densification and smaller grain sizes at a shorter sintering time compared with that of the mechanical ball milling method. The densification behavior of ceramics was analyzed, and the mechanical properties of different samples were investigated. Flexural strength increased from 5.85 ± 0.43 GPa to 10.07 ± 0.61 GPa. Fracture toughness was similar in all the compositions in the range of 2.36–2.56 MPa m 1/2 . This method can be applied to synthesize Ta 4 HfC 5 powder with high purity and uniformity in large quantities. Hence, ceramic sintering and Ta 4 HfC 5 –matrix composite preparation have a broad application prospect.
The frequency and inter-relationship of PD-L1 expression and tumour mutational burden across multiple types of advanced solid tumours in China
Authors: Chen Yanhui , Wang Yating , Luo Hongli , Meng Xue , Zhu Wei , Wang Di , Zhang Henghui , Zeng Hui 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: PD-L1 expression and tumour mutational burden (TMB) have been demonstrated to be associated with the responses of multiple tumours to ICI therapy. Their prevalence and correlations in various types of advanced solid tumours from Chinese patients warrant further study. Methods: PD-L1 expression, TMB, PD-1+ Tils infiltration and the relationships among them were assessed in 6,668 advanced solid tumour specimens across 25 tumour types. The relationships among PD-L1 expression, TMB, PD-1+ Tils and CD8+ T cell infiltration and the therapeutic effect of PD-1 inhibitors were analysed in NSCLC samples.Results: PD-L1 expression and TMB varied widely among tumour types. PD-L1 expression and TMB was not significantly correlated within most cancer subtypes, and they showed only a small association across all specimens (Spearman R = 0.059). PD-1+ Tils infiltration was correlated with PD-L1 expression across all samples (Spearman R = 0.3056). However, PD-1+ Tils infiltration and TMB were not correlated. In NSCLC samples, CD8+ T cell infiltration was correlated with PD-1+ Tils infiltration and PD-L1 expression but not with TMB (Spearman R = 0.4117, 0.2045, 0.0007). Patients in the CR/PR group (anti-PD-1 therapy) had higher levels of PD-L1 expression, TMB, PD-1+ Tils and CD8+ T cell infiltration, and more patients in this group exhibited elevated levels of multiple biomarkers. Conclusions: Our results showed the PD-L1 expression and TMB in various types of advanced solid tumours in Chinese patients and their relationship with PD-1+ Tils and CD8+ T cell infiltration, which may inform ICI treatment.
Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a COVID-19 Patient with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction after Lung Transplantation: A Case Report
Authors: XUAN Tian-ming , WANG Xing-xiang , PU Xiang-yuan , GUO Xiao-gang , HAN Wei-li 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
We present an unusual case of a patient with bilateral lung transplantation due to severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), who subsequently complicated with acute myocardial infarction and underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
Identifying Integration and Differentiation in a Hospital’s Logistical System: A social network analysis of a case study
Authors: Ham Annelies van der , Merode Frits Van , Ruwaard Dirk , Raak Arno Van 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Integration, the coordination and alignment of tasks, is widely promoted in order to improve the performance of hospitals. Both organization theory and social network analysis offer perspectives on integration, but studies using a system-wide perspective are rare. This exploratory study describes the tasks that are performed in arranging the logistics for surgery patients in a hospital and in what way the agents involved in these tasks interact. In addition, the extent to which tasks are segmented into subsystems, which is referred to as differentiation, and whether these tasks are coordinated and aligned, thus achieving integration, is analyzed. Methods The study is based on case study research carried out in a hospital in the Netherlands. All logistical tasks that are executed for surgery patients were studied. Using a mixed method, data were collected from the Hospital Information System, documentation, observations and interviews. These data were used to perform a social network analysis and calculate network metrics of the hospital network. Results This paper shows that 23 tasks are executed by 635 different agents who interact through 31,499 interaction links. The social network of the hospital demonstrates both integration and differentiation. The network appears to function differently from what is assumed in literature with regard to hospitals, as the network does not reflect the formal organizational structure of the hospital and tasks are mainly executed across functional silos. Nurses and physicians perform integrative tasks and there are two agents who mainly coordinate the tasks in the network, without having a hierarchical position towards other agents. The Hospital Information System (HIS) does not seem to fulfill the interactional needs of agents. Conclusions This exploratory study reveals the network structure of a hospital. The cross-functional collaboration, the integration found and position of managers, coordinators, nurses and doctors suggests a possible gap between organizational perspectives on hospitals and reality. This research sets a basis for further research that should focus on the relation between network structure and performance, on how integration is achieved and in what way organization theory concepts and social network analysis could be used in conjunction with one another.