bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myelodysplastic syndrome presenting with central diabetes insipidus is associated with monosomy 7, visible or hidden: report of two cases and literature review
Authors: Yang Yunfan , Lin Ting , Dong Tian , Wu Yu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCentral diabetes insipidus (CDI) is a rare complication of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Although the cytogenetic features of patients with MDS and CDI are not clear, CDI in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients is associated with chromosome 7 and/or 3 anomalies.Case presentationIn this report, we describe two patients with MDS and concurrent CDI, and in one of them, CDI was the first manifestation. Metaphase cytogenetics (MC) revealed monosomy 7 in one patient. We found monosomy 7 as well as numerous cytogenetic abnormalities in the other patient using single-nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-A) karyotyping, while their MC did not uncover monosomy 7. In this manuscript we also reviewed reported DI-MDS cases to summarize the relationship between DI-MDS and karyotype and to explore the best treatment strategy of DI-MDS.ConclusionsDI-MDS is closely related to monosomy 7. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation may be the only effective treatment to DI-MDS. The SNP-A-based karyotyping is helpful to reveal subtle cytogenetic abnormalities and unveil their roles in the clinical features of MDS.
MR-Guided Microwave Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Is General Anesthesia More Effective than Local Anesthesia?
Authors: Li Zhaonan , Wang Chaoyan , Li Jing , Liu Zaoqu , Jiao Dechao , Han xinwei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPercutaneous MR-guided MWA procedures have traditionally been performed under local anesthesia(LA) and sedation. However, pain control is often difficult to manage, especially in some cases when the tumor is large or in a specific location, such as near the abdominal wall or close to the hepatic dome. Does different anesthesia methods could lead to different clinical outcomes? This study retrospectively compared the results of general anesthesia (GA) and local anesthesia (LA) for MR-guided microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC≤5.0 cm).MethodsThe results of the analysis include procedure-related complications, imaging response, and the time consumed by the two sets of procedures. According to the type of anesthesia, the Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the local tumor progression (LTP) of two groups who underwent MR-guided MWA.ResultsAll patients achieved technical success. The mean ablation duration of each patients in the procedure of GA-group and LA-group were statistical difference(P=0.012). The both group have no difference in complications and LTP (both P＞0.05). Of note, the tumor location (challenging locations) and the number of lesions (2-3 lesions) could be the main factors affecting LTP (p = 0.000, p = 0.015). Univariate Cox proportional hazard regression indicated that using different anesthesia methods (GA and LA) were not associated with longer LTP( P = 0.632 and P = 0.633, respectively) , while tumor location (challenging locations) and the number of lesions (2-3 lesions) were all related to shorter LTP(P=0.000,P=0.020,respectively). Additionally, Multivariate Cox regression further revealed that the tumor location (regular locations) and the number of lesions (single) could independently predict better LTP (both P <0.005).ConclusionsThere could be no correlation between GA and LA for LTP after MRI-guided MWA. However, tumor in challenging location and the number of lesions (2-3 lesions) seem to be the main factors affecting LTP.
Correlation Between BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine-associated Hypermetabolic Lymphadenopathy and Humoral Immunity in Patients With Hematologic Malignancy
Authors: Cohen Dan , Krauthammer Shir Hazut , Cohen Yael C. , Perry Chava , Avivi Irit , Herishanu Yair , Even-Sapir Einat 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Vaccine-associated hypermetabolic lymphadenopathy (VAHL) is frequently observed on [18F]FDG PET-CT following BNT162b2 administration. Recent data suggest a prominent B-cell germinal-center (GC) response elicited by mRNA vaccines in draining lymph nodes. Thus, in this study we aimed to explore the correlation between VAHL and humoral immunity as reflected by post-vaccination serologic testing, and by comparing the incidence of VAHL between lymphoma patients treated recently with B-cell depleting therapy and those that did not. Methods: A total of 137 patients with hematologic malignancy that had post-vaccination [18F]FDG PET-CT were included (All-PET group), 86 received both vaccine doses before imaging (PET-2 group). Their VAHL status and grade on imaging were recorded. Among 102 lymphoma patients, 34 (33.3%) were treated during the year prior vaccination with anti-CD20 antibody containing therapy. A subgroup of 54 patients also underwent serologic testing 2-3 weeks after the booster dose, and their anti-spike titers were recorded and graded as well.Results: The overall incidence of VAHL in patients with hematologic malignancy was 31.4%. The 34 lymphoma patients treated during the year prior vaccination with anti-CD20 antibody containing therapy had significantly lower rates of VAHL comparted to all other lymphoma patients (8.8% versus 41.2% in all-PET patients, Pv < 0.01). VAHL rates were 10% in patients with negative serology, 31.3% in patients with low anti-spike titers and 72.2% in patients with high anti-spike titers. The positive predictive values of VAHL were 90% and 93.3% in all-PET and PET-2 patients, respectively. A positive statistically significant correlation was found between VAHL and serology ranks in All-PET patients (rs = 0.530, Pv < 0.001), and stronger correlation was found in PET-2 patients (rs = 0.642, Pv < 0.001).Conclusion: VAHL on [18F]FDG PET-CT of patients with hematologic malignancy may reflect GC B-cell proliferation and an effective humoral response elicited by BNT162b2 vaccine.
Submacular Integration of hESC-RPE Monolayer Xenografts in a Surgical Non-Human Primate Model
Authors: Liu Zengping , Ilmarinen Tanja , Tan Gavin S.W , Hongisto Heidi , Wong Edmund Y.M , Tsai Andrew S.H , Al-Nawaiseh Sami , Holder Graham E , Su Xinyi , Barathi Veluchamy Amutha , Skottman Heli , Stanzel Boris V. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) provide a promising cell source for retinal cell replacement therapy, but often lack standardized cell production and live-cell shipment logistics as well as rigorous analyses of surgical procedures for cell transplantation in delicate macula area. We have previously established a xeno- and feeder cell-free production system for hPSC differentiated retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and herein, a novel immunosuppressed non-human primate (NHP) model with a disrupted ocular immune privilege is presented for transplanting human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived RPE on a scaffold, and the safety and submacular graft integration are assessed. Furthermore, the feasibility of intercontinental shipment of live hESC-RPE is examined.
Methods
Cynomolgus monkeys were systemically immunosuppressed and implanted with a hESC-RPE monolayer on a permeable polyester-terephthalate (PET) scaffold. Microscope integrated intraoperative optical coherence tomography (miOCT) guided surgery; postoperative follow-up incorporated scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, spectral domain (SD-) OCT, and full-field electroretinography (ERG) were used as outcome measures. In addition, histology was performed after 28-days follow-up.
Results
Intercontinental cell shipment, which took > 30 hours from the manufacturing to the transplantation site, did not alter the hESC-RPE quality. The submacular hESC-RPE xenotransplantation was performed in 11 macaques. The miOCT typically revealed foveal disruption. ERG showed amplitude and peak time preservation in cases with favorable surgical outcome. Histology confirmed photoreceptor preservation above the grafts and in vivo phagocytosis by hESC-RPE, albeit evidence of cytoplasmic redistribution of opsin in photoreceptors and glia hypertrophy. The immunosuppression protocol efficiently suppressed retinal T-cell infiltration and microglia activation.
Conclusion
These results suggest both structural and functional submacular integration of hESC-RPE xenografts. It is anticipated that surgical technique refinement will further improve engraftment of macular cell therapeutics with significant translational relevance to improve future clinical trials.
Stroke Severity Modified the Effect of Chronic Atrial Fibrillation on the Outcome of Thrombolytic Therapy
Authors: Shao Rui , Wang Zengna , Shi Hongfeng , Li Yan , Zhuang Yingle , Xu Juan , xu min 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
There is conflicting information regarding the impact of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) on the outcomes of thrombolyzed patients with stroke. This study was designed to identify high-risk patients with chronic AF who had undergone thrombolysis treatment and to explore whether the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) could be used to distinguish poor clinical outcomes in thrombolyzed patients.
Methods
A total of 164 acute ischemic stroke patients with chronic AF were enrolled in this study. The patients were categorized as having poor or favorable outcomes. A favorable 90-day outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤ 2.
Results
Our study showed that the baseline NIHSS score of patients with poor functional recovery (mRS > 2) was significantly higher than that of patients with favorable outcomes (median 16 vs 12). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of modified Rankin Scale(mRS) scores showed that a baseline NIHSS score of 14 was the optimal threshold for predicting unfavorable outcomes in patients with chronic AF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that baseline NIHSS score > 14 was independently associated with poor outcomes (odds ratio = 4.182, 95% confidence interval 2.092–8.361).
Conclusions
Our study showed that stroke severity modified the effect of chronic AF on the outcome of thrombolytic therapy. The approach of stratifying stroke severity may be used to evaluate treatment strategies for decision making in intravenous thrombolytic therapy for acute stroke with chronic AF.
Microarray analysis of the genomic effect of eugenol on methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Buru Sunday Ayuba , Pichika Mallikarjuna Rao , Mohandas Kavitha 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a highly adaptive human pathogen responsible for serious hospital and community acquired infectious diseases ranging from skin and soft tissue infections to complicated and life - threatening conditions such as endocarditis and toxic shock syndrome (TSS). The rapid resistance of this organism to available antibiotics over the last few decades has necessitated a constant search for more efficacious antibacterial agents. Eugenol [4- Allyl-2-methoxyphenol] belongs to the class of chemical compounds called phenylpropanoids. It is a pure to pale yellow oily liquid substance mostly extracted as an essential oil from natural products such as clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, basil and bay leaf. Eugenol has previously been shown to have antimicrobial activity against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. However, the mechanism of S. aureus has not, as yet, been elucidated – hence, the expediency of this study.Results: Global gene expression outlines in response to sub - inhibitory concentrations of eugenol were analysed using the agilent DNA microarray system to identify gene targets, most importantly essential genes involved in unique metabolic pathways. Transcriptomic analysis of fluctuating genes revealed those involved in Amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, translation and ribosomal pathways. In Amino acid metabolism for instance, the argC gene encodes for N-acetyl-gamma-glutamyl-phosphate reductase. The argC gene plays an important role in the biosynthesis of arginine from glutamate in the amino acid metabolic pathway. It is the enzyme that catalyses the third step in the latter reaction and without this process, the production of N-acetylglutamate 5-semialdehyde will not be complete from the NADP-dependent reduction of N-acetyl-5-glutamyl phosphate, which is essential for the survival of some microorganisms and plants. Conclusion: This study has enabled us to examine complete global transcriptomal responses in MRSA against eugenol. It has revealed novel information with the potential to further benefit the exploratory quest for novel targets against this pathogen, in view to the development of efficacious antimicrobial agents for the treatment of associated infections.
Modulation of the expression of sirtuins and var genes by heat shock in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum: a pattern emerges
Authors: Anagu Linda O. , Hulse David R. , Horrocks Paul D. , Chakravorty Srabasti J 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: In the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum the expression of ‘var’ virulence genes is regulated through epigenetic mechanisms. Its sirtuin epigenetic regulators have a direct effect on var gene expression patterns, are increased in a laboratory strain of P. falciparum exposed to heat shock and are positively associated with fever. A Gambia study extended this association to blood lactate and var genes commonly expressed in severe malaria, and between PfSir2A and group B var. A Kenyan study extended this association to between PfSir2A and overall var transcript level. These observations suggest a mechanism through which stress phenotypes in the human host might be sensed via a parasite sirtuin, and virulence gene expression modulated accordingly. Methods: In vitro experiments were conducted using laboratory and recently-laboratory-adapted Kenyan isolates of P. falciparum to follow up the correlative findings of the field study. To investigate a potential cause-and-effect relationship between host stress factors and parasite gene expression, qPCR was used to measure the expression of sirtuins and var genes after highly synchronous cultured parasites had been exposed to 2h or 6h of heat shock at 40°C or elevated lactate.Results: Heat shock was shown to influence the expression of PfSir2B in the trophozoites, whereas exposure to lactate was not. After the ring stages were exposed to heat shock, sirtuins, severe-disease-associated upsA and upsB var genes and var genes in general were not altered. More biological replicate experiments will be needed to confirm our observations.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that heat stress in laboratory and recently-laboratory-adapted isolates of P. falciparum results in a small increase in PfSir2B transcripts in the trophozoite stages only. We could not establish if heat shock can cause an increased expression of sirtuins or var genes in the ring stages. By contrast, the association between hyperlactataemia and sirtuin/var gene expression that was previously observed in vivo appears to be coincidental rather than causative.
CXCL2-mediated ATR/CHK1 Signaling Pathway and Platinum Resistance in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Nie Sipei , Wan Yicong , Wang Hui , Liu Jinhui , Yang Jing , Sun Rui , Meng Huangyang , Ma Xiaolin , Jiang Yi , Cheng Wenjun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Tumor microenvironment and chemokines play a significant role in cancer chemoresistance. This study was designed to reveal the important role of CXCL2 in platinum resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Differently expressed (DE) genes were screen out based on analysis of GSE114206 dataset in GEO database. The expression of DE chemokines was further validated in platinum- resistant and sensitive EOC. Cell viability assay and cell apoptosis assay were performed to explore the roles of CXCL2 in EOC. Cell stemness characteristics and the signaling pathway regulated by CXCL2 were also investigated in this study. As the results showed, CXCL2 was identified up-regulated in platinum-resistant EOC. The functional assays showed overexpressing CXCL2 or co-culturing with recombinant human CXCL2 promoted cell resistance to cisplatin. Conversely, knocking down CXCL2 or co-culturing with neutralizing antibody to CXCL2 increased cell response to cisplatin. CXCL2 overexpressing maintained cell stemness and activated ATR/CHK1 signaling pathway in EOC. Moreover, we further demonstrated that CXCL2-mediated resistance to cisplatin could be saved by SB225002, the inhibitor of CXCL2 receptor, as well as be rescued by SAR-020106, the inhibitor of ATR/CHK1 signaling pathway. This study identified a CXCL2-mediated mechanism in EOC platinum resistance. Our findings provided a novel target for chemoresistance prevention in EOC.
Prevalence and intensity of Ixodidae in cattle, goats and sheep brought to the municipal slaughterhouse of Tadjenanet, in Mila, north-eastern Algeria
Authors: Lotfi Derradj , Karima Kohil 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A four-month survey was carried out to study the prevalence, intensity and ecological indices of Ixodidae on cattle, goats and sheep brought to the slaughterhouse in the municipality of Tadjenanet, in north-eastern Algeria. Of the 447 animals examined, 67 (14.96%) were infested by one or more ticks. A total of 262 ticks were collected and ten species grouped under two genera were inventoried: Rhipicephalus spp. (79.77%) and Hyalomma spp. (20.23%). The tick spicies collected included Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma impeltatum, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma scupence, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. This is the first time that Hyalomma impeltatum have been reported in Mila region. The most abundant species was Rhipicephalus bursa (41.22%). The presence of Hyalomma impeltatum in the study area was an interesting finding. The present study provides basic data on the status of the parasite in the province of Mila.
Association of Recipient and Donor Interleukin 6 Polymorphisms 174 and 597 With Outcome After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children
Authors: Wetzel Laura , Wittig Susan , Gruhn Bernd 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is compromised by complications such as infection, relapse, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The investigation of non-HLA immunogenetics, particularly of cytokines, could identify predictors of an unfavorable outcome after allogeneic HSCT. In this study, we examined the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the promotor region of interleukin 6 (IL6) on the development of GVHD after pediatric allogeneic HSCT.
Methods
In this retrospective analysis, we included 320 pediatric patients with a median age of 10 years who underwent an allogeneic HSCT and their respective donors. We used TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction to analyze the SNPs IL6-174 (G/C) and IL6-597 (G/A). The IL6-174 polymorphism was examined in 300 recipients and 295 donors. The IL6-597 polymorphism was analyzed in 299 recipients and 296 donors. We investigated the influence of the IL6-174 and IL6-597 polymorphisms on overall survival, event-free survival, relapse incidence, transplant-related mortality, and the occurrence of GVHD.
Results
GG polymorphism at position 174 of the recipient IL6 gene was associated with a higher incidence of acute GVHD (GG vs. GC/CC; P = 0.024). Patients with IL6-597 GG genotype developed acute GVHD more frequently than individuals with an A allele (GG vs. GA vs. AA; P = 0.013). IL6-174 GG homozygous recipients had a more frequent occurrence of chronic GVHD (GG vs. GC/CC; P = 0.049). We observed a significant increased risk of chronic GVHD in recipients with IL6-597 GG genotype (GG vs. GA vs. AA; P = 0.043). Polymorphisms of donors did not affect the incidence of acute GVHD and chronic GVHD. In multivariate analysis, the IL6-174 and IL6-597 SNPs were independent significant risk factors for acute GVHD (P = 0.030; P = 0.007, respectively) as well as for chronic GVHD (P = 0.045; P = 0.015, respectively). In addition, older age at time of transplantation turned out to be a significant risk factor for chronic GVHD (P = 0.003).
Conclusion
Our study identified the IL6-174 and IL6-597 GG genotypes of pediatric allogeneic HSCT recipients as genetic risk factors for the development of acute GVHD and chronic GVHD. After evaluations in further studies, these findings could implicate the adjustment of prophylactic measures to reduce the occurrence of acute GVHD and chronic GVHD.
Characterization of V. cholerae O1 biotype El Tor serotype Ogawa possessing the ctxB gene of the classical biotype isolated from well water associated with the cholera outbreak in Kerala, South India
Authors: Reethy P. S. , Lalitha K. V. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We investigated 22 water samples (17 well water and five pipe water – both chlorinated) and six soil samples from the surroundings of wells of the households of suspected patients from Palakkad district, Kerala (India), from where a cholera outbreak was reported during June–July 2016. A total of 25 Vibrio cholerae isolates were collected from three well water samples during a recent cholera outbreak. Biochemical and serological studies revealed that all of the isolates belonged to serogroup O1, biotype El Tor, serotype Ogawa. PCR assays confirmed the occurrence of ctxB, ctxA, hlyA, tcpA El Tor,VPI, ace, zot, ompW, rfbO1 and toxR genes in all isolates. The presence of the ctxB gene of the classical biotype in all of the El Tor isolates suggests that it is a new variant of El Tor biotype. Antibiogram profile of all V. cholerae O1 isolates revealed resistance towards five classes of antibiotics island and indicates that they were multidrug resistant. ERIC-PCR and PFGE finger prints showed the clonal relationship among the V. cholerae O1 isolates. The results of this study revealed the emergence of a new variant of El Tor biotype in the water samples from Palakkad district, from where a cholera outbreak was reported.
Exploring the fluorescence quenching interaction of amino acids and protein with natural organic matter by a multi-spectroscopic method
Authors: Saipetch Kornravee , Khanal Rajendra , Yamazaki Masaki , Fu Qing-Long , Yoshimura Chihiro , Jin Xin Kai 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe main objective of this research was to explore the fluorescence quenching mechanism of a humic substance (Suwannee River natural organic matter (SWNOM)) to amino acids (tryptophan, tyrosine) and protein (bovine serum albumin, (BSA)) by multi-spectroscopic methods. The locations of the peaks of tryptophan, tyrosine, and BSA from Parallel Factor Analysis were at Ex/Em 280/356 nm, 275/302 nm, and 280/344 nm, respectively. For SWNOM, two peaks appeared at Ex/Em of 240/448 nm, and 350/450 nm. Static quenching was the dominant quenching mechanism between BSA and SWNOM, whereas no quenching was observed between tryptophan or tyrosine and SWNOM. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and thermodynamic calculation demonstrated that hydrogen bonding and van der Waals force are the potential binding forces of the BSA-SWNOM complex, as a result of rearrangement in the secondary polypeptide carbonyl hydrogen bonding network of BSA. This rearrangement led to the conformational change in BSA that induced quenching of BSA fluorescence by SWNOM.