bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Cytokine Network Balance Influences the Fate of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Infection in a Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Hamster Model
Authors: Paiva Milla B. , Ribeiro-Romão Raquel Peralva , Resende-Vieira Larissa , Braga-Gomes Thais , Oliveira Marcia P. , Saavedra Andrea F. , Silva-Couto Luzinei , Albuquerque Hermano G. , Moreira Otacilio C. , Pinto Eduardo Fonseca , Da-Cruz Alda Maria , Gomes-Silva Adriano 
Published: July 2021

The golden hamster is a suitable model for studying cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) due toLeishmania (Viannia) braziliensis.Immunopathological mechanisms are well established in theL. (L.) major-mouse model, in which IL-4 instructs a Th2 response towards progressive infection. In the present study, we evaluated the natural history ofL. braziliensisinfection from its first stages up to lesion establishment, with the aim of identifying immunological parameters associated with the disease outcome and parasitism fate. To this end, hamsters infected with 104, 105, or 106promastigotes were monitored during the first hours (4h, 24h), early (15 days, 30 days) and late (50 days) post-infection (pi) phases. Cytokines, iNOS and arginase gene expression were quantified in the established lesions by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Compared to the 105or 106groups, 104animals presented lower lesions sizes, less tissue damage, and lower IgG levels. Basal gene expression in normal skin was high for TGF-β, and intermediary for TNF, IL-6, and IL-4. At 4hpi, no cytokine induction was observed in the 104group, while an upregulation of IL-6, IL-10, and IL-4 was observed in the 106group. At 15dpi, lesion appearance was accompanied by an increased expression of all assessed cytokines, markedly in the 105and 106groups. Upregulation of all investigated cytokines was observed in the late phase, although less expressive in the 104group. IFN-γ was the depending variable influencing tissue damage, while IL-6 was associated to parasite load. The network correlating gene expression and clinical and laboratorial parameters indicated inoculum-independent associations at 15 and 30dpi. A strong positive network correlation was observed in the 104group, but not in the 105or 106groups. In conclusion, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β are linked oL. braziliensisprogression. However, a balanced cytokine network is the key for an immune response able to reduce the ongoing infection and reduce pathological damage.
Prognostic Value of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated and -Negative Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Na , Li Peng , Cheng Huanhuan , Zhao Xiaoxiao , Dong Min , Zhang Yiwang , Zhao Peizhen , Chen Jianning , Shao Chunkui 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundTumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are considered a manifestation of the host immune response against cancer and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) may contribute to lymphocytes recruitment. Both of them have been reported as potential prognostic parameters in some human malignancies. However, the roles of TILs, TLS, and their correlation in Epstein-Barr Virus-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) and EBV-negative gastric carcinoma (EBVnGC) are largely unknown.MethodsTo observe the correlation among TILs, TLS, and clinicopathological characteristics and their prognostic significance in EBVaGC and EBVnGC, respectively. TILs and TLS were assessed by morphology and/or immunohistochemistry, and accompanied by clinicopathological analysis from 846 gastric cancer patients in multiple institutions.ResultsForty-two (5.0%) cases of EBVaGC and 804 cases of EBVnGC were identified byin situhybridization, respectively. For EBVnGC, higher TILs grade was correlated with TLS-present. EBVnGC patients with high TILs grade and TLS-present exhibited survival benefits. TILs (P= 0.001) and TLS (P= 0.003), especially TILs &amp; TLS (P&lt; 0.001) were independent prognostic factors in EBVnGC. A nomogram was constructed and validated for predicting the probability of overall survival and performed well with a good calibration. No significant prognostic value was detected in EBVaGC.ConclusionTILs and TLS, especially TILs &amp; TLS were promising prognostic indicators for overall survival in EBVnGC. TILs and TLS were highly overlapping in their extent and prognostic abilities, and may be considered as a coindicator of prognosis of gastric cancer. The evaluations of TILs and TLS are simple and can be assessed routinely in pathological diagnosis.
Circulating Plasmacytoid and Conventional Dendritic Cells Are Numerically and Functionally Deficient in Patients With Scrub Typhus
Authors: Kang Seung-Ji , Park Ki-Jeong , Jin Hye-Mi , Cho Young-Nan , Oh Tae Hoon , Kim Seong Eun , Kim Uh Jin , Park Kyung-Hwa , Jung Sook-In , Kim Tae-Ok , Kim Hyo Shin , Jo Young-Goun , Ju Jae Kyun , Kee Seung-Jung , Park Yong-Wook 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundDendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells known to bridge innate and adaptive immune reactions. However, the relationship between circulating DCs and Orientia tsutsugamushi infection is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the level and function of plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and conventional DCs (cDCs), two subsets of circulating DCs, in scrub typhus patients.MethodsThe study included 35 scrub typhus patients and 35 healthy controls (HCs). pDC and cDC levels, CD86 and CD274 expression, and cytokine levels were measured using flow cytometry.ResultsCirculating pDC and cDC levels were found to be significantly reduced in scrub typhus patients, which were correlated with disease severity. The patients displayed increased percentages of CD86+ pDCs, CD274+ pDCs, and CD274+ cDCs in the peripheral blood. The alterations in the levels and surface phenotypes of pDCs and cDCs were recovered in the remission state. In addition, the production of interferon (IFN)-α and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α by circulating pDCs, and interleukin (IL)-12 and TNF-α by circulating cDCs was reduced in scrub typhus patients. Interestingly, our in vitro experiments showed that the percentages of CD86+ pDCs, CD274+ pDCs, and CD274+ cDCs were increased in cultures treated with cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-12, and TNF-α.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that circulating pDCs and cDCs are numerically deficient and functionally impaired in scrub typhus patients. In addition, alterations in the expression levels of surface phenotypes of pDCs and cDCs could be affected by pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Analysis of Long-Term Durability Monitoring Data of High-Piled Wharf with Anode-Ladder Sensors Embedded in Concrete
Authors: Liu Hongbiao , Zhang Baohua , Liu Haicheng , Ji Zifan 
Published: July 2021

The structural durability monitoring (SDM) system for a high-piled wharf in the Tianjin Port of China is devised and deployed with an anode ladder sensor, which provides a means to monitor the state of steel corrosion for the wharf. In this project, the anode-ladder sensors are installed on the reinforced concrete components of the front platforms. After the installation, the monitoring data from the anode-ladder sensor was collected for 40 months. Based on the monitoring data for 40 months, it is proven that the resistance of concrete will be significantly affected by the change in temperature, and the increase in temperature will cause the drop in concrete resistance. Furthermore, the data of the anode-ladder sensor set in the track beam of the front platform shows that the current in anode A1 and A2 relative to the cathode exceeded 15 μA during the four-month period, which is abnormal. The main reason is the influence of concrete temperature and humidity. Therefore, the monitoring data for current, voltage, resistance, and temperature should be combined to determine the activation state of the anode, and cannot be determined simply using the current value.
Optical Coherence Tomography Evaluation of Peripapillary and Macular Structure Changes in Pre-perimetric Glaucoma, Early Perimetric Glaucoma, and Ocular Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tong Yuxin , Wang Tiantian , Zhang Xinyu , He Yi , Jiang Bing 
Published: July 2021

Background: This study aimed to assess the differences in the average and sectoral peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), macular ganglion cell plus inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL), and macular ganglion cell complex (mGCC) thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with pre-perimetric glaucoma (PPG) compared to those with early perimetric glaucoma (EG) and ocular hypertension (OHT).Methods: A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed database, the Cochrane Library, and Embase was performed from inception to March 2021. The weighted mean difference (WMD) with the 95% confidence interval (CI) was pooled for continuous outcomes.Results: Twenty-three cross-sectional studies comprising 2,574 eyes (1,101 PPG eyes, 1,233 EG eyes, and 240 OHT eyes) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled results demonstrated that the average pRNFL (WMD = 8.22, 95% CI = 6.32–10.12, P &lt; 0.00001), mGCIPL (WMD = 4.83, 95% CI = 3.43–6.23, P &lt; 0.00001), and mGCC (WMD = 7.19, 95% CI = 4.52–9.85, P &lt; 0.00001) were significantly thinner in patients with EG than in those with PPG. The sectoral thickness of pRNFL, mGCIPL, and mGCC were also significantly lower in the EG eyes. In addition, the average pRNFL and mGCC were significantly thinner in the PPG eyes than those in the OHT eyes (pRNFL: WMD = −8.57, 95% CI = −9.88 to −7.27, P &lt; 0.00001; mGCC: WMD = −3.23, 95% CI = −6.03 to −0.44, P = 0.02). Similarly, the sectoral pRNFL and mGCC were also significantly thinner in the PPG eyes than those in the OHT eyes.Conclusion: OCT-based measurements of peripapillary and macular structural alterations can be used to distinguish PPG from EG and OHT, which can help understand the pathophysiology of glaucoma at earlier stages. Studies that employ clock hour classification methods and longitudinal studies are needed to verify our findings.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=239798 CRD42021239798
Clinical Outcomes of Severe COVID-19 Patients Admitted to an Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit
Authors: Suarez-Cuartin Guillermo , Gasa Merce , Bermudo Guadalupe , Ruiz Yolanda , Hernandez-Argudo Marta , Marin Alfredo , Trias-Sabria Pere , Cordoba Ana , Cuevas Ester , Sarasate Mikel , Ariza Albert , Sabater Joan , Romero Nuria , Subirana Cristina , Molina-Molina Maria , Santos Salud 
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Many severe COVID-19 patients require respiratory support and monitoring. An intermediate respiratory care unit (IMCU) may be a valuable element for optimizing patient care and limited health-care resources management. We aim to assess the clinical outcomes of severe COVID-19 patients admitted to an IMCU.Methods: Observational, retrospective study including patients admitted to the IMCU due to COVID-19 pneumonia during the months of March and April 2020. Patients were stratified based on their requirement of transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) and on survival status at the end of follow-up. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards method was used to assess risk factors associated with mortality.Results: A total of 253 patients were included. Of them, 68% were male and median age was 65 years (IQR 18 years). Ninety-two patients (36.4%) required ICU transfer. Patients transferred to the ICU had a higher mortality rate (44.6 vs. 24.2%; p &lt; 0.001). Multivariable proportional hazards model showed that age ≥65 years (HR 4.14; 95%CI 2.31–7.42; p &lt; 0.001); chronic respiratory conditions (HR 2.34; 95%CI 1.38–3.99; p = 0.002) and chronic kidney disease (HR 2.96; 95%CI 1.61–5.43; p &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with mortality. High-dose systemic corticosteroids followed by progressive dose tapering showed a lower risk of death (HR 0.15; 95%CI 0.06–0.40; p &lt; 0.001).Conclusions: IMCU may be a useful tool for the multidisciplinary management of severe COVID-19 patients requiring respiratory support and non-invasive monitoring, therefore reducing ICU burden. Older age and chronic respiratory or renal conditions are associated with worse clinical outcomes, while treatment with systemic corticosteroids may have a protective effect on mortality.
Dizziness and Driving From a Patient Perspective
Authors: van Leeuwen Roeland B. , Schermer Tjard R. , Colijn Carla , Bruintjes Tjasse D. 
Published: July 2021

Background: People with dizziness may experience driving-related limitations. Few data are available about the impact of dizziness on driving.Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of dizziness on driving, factors related to impairment (age, gender, and type of diagnosis), and the potential consequences for patients' ability to work. We also investigated whether the patients expected and actually received information about their dizziness-related fitness to drive from their physician.Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in the Apeldoorn Dizziness Centre, a tertiary care referral centre for patients with dizziness. A consecutive cohort of patients was asked to complete a study-specific questionnaire about driving.Results: Between January 1, 2020, and December 20, 2020, 432 patients were included. Fifty-six percent of the patients in this group were female. The average age of patients was 58.3 years (SD 16). Overall, 191 of the 432 patients (44%) experienced limitations related to driving, and 40% of the patients who experienced limitations also experienced limitations to work related to their inability to drive. The subject of fitness to drive had not been discussed with their physician in 92% of the patients, and 24% of the whole patient group indicated that they would have liked to discuss this topic. The following factors, independently from each other, increased the chance of experiencing driving-related limitations: younger age, female sex, and the diagnosis of Meniere's disease.Conclusion: Dizzy patients, especially younger patients, women, and patients with Meniere's disease, regularly experience limitations related to driving, and this often means that they are unable to work. Driving is hardly ever discussed during a medical consultation. In our opinion, the topic of driving and dizziness should always be addressed during medical consultations in dizzy patients.
Associations of Whole Grain and Refined Grain Consumption With Metabolic Syndrome. A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Guo Hongbin , Ding Jun , Liang Jieyu , Zhang Yi 
Published: July 2021

Background: The associations of whole grain and refined grain consumption with metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been evaluated in several epidemiological studies with conflicting results. This meta-analysis was therefore employed to further investigate the above associations.Method: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science and Embase database until March 2021 (without restriction for inclusion time), for observational studies on the associations of whole grain and refined grain consumption with MetS. The pooled relative risk (RR) of MetS for the highest vs. lowest category of whole grain and refined grain consumption, as well as their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.Results: A total of 14 observational studies, which involved seven cross-sectional and seven prospective cohort studies, were identified. Specifically, nine studies were related to whole grain consumption, and the overall multi-variable adjusted RR demonstrated that the whole grain consumption was inversely associated with MetS (RR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.67–0.97; P = 0.021). With regard to refined grain consumption, 13 studies were included. The overall multi-variable adjusted RR indicated that refined grain consumption was positively associated with MetS (RR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.02–1.84; P = 0.036).Conclusions: The existing evidence suggests that whole grain consumption is negatively associated with MetS, whereas refined grain consumption is positively associated with MetS. Our result might be helpful to better consider the diet effect on MetS. However, more well-designed prospective cohort studies are needed to elaborate the concerned issues further.
Is Routine Gastroscopy/Colonoscopy Reasonable in Patients With Suspected Ovarian Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Liu Guochen , Yan Junping , Long Shanshan , Liu Zhimin , Gu Haifeng , Tu Hua , Li Jundong 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the value of routine preoperative gastroscopy/colonoscopy in patients with suspected ovarian cancer for differential diagnosis and judgment of bowel resection.MethodsAll women diagnosed with suspected ovarian cancer who underwent gastroscopy/colonoscopy before surgery in our center were retrospectively identified. Gastroscopy/colonoscopy results and clinical pathology, imaging, and surgical findings were analyzed.Results389 patients were included. Among them, 40 (including 13 gastric and 9 colonic malignancy) were ovarian metastasis. Compared with imaging, gastrointestinal endoscopy showed no statistical advantage in the specificity and sensitivity (99.4% vs. 99.7%, P=1.0; 55.0% vs. 45.2%, P=0.057; respectively). All patients with gastric/colonic cancer metastasize except for one had indicative imaging or tumor marker abnormalities. Three patients with colonic cancer metastases underwent optimal surgery and alive with no recurrence, the other 19 patients experienced palliative chemotherapy. There is no significant difference in the sensitivity of colonoscopy and imaging in predicting intestinal incision (61.5% vs. 43.8%, P=0.804), whereas the latter had higher specificity (87.8% vs. 74.3%, P=0.001).ConclusionsFor patients with suspected ovarian cancer, the incidence of gastrointestinal metastases is low, routine gastroscopy/colonoscopy before treatment is less efficient. Gastroscopy/colonoscopy has limited power to predict the need for gastrointestinal resection before ovarian cancer surgery.
IVIM Parameters on MRI Could Predict ISUP Risk Groups of Prostate Cancers on Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Chang Chun-Bi , Lin Yu-Chun , Wong Yon-Cheong , Lin Shin-Nan , Lin Chien-Yuan , Lin Yu-Han , Sheng Ting-Wen , Huang Chen-Chih , Yang Lan-Yan , Wang Li-Jen 
Published: July 2021

PurposeTo elucidate the usefulness of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM)/apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) parameters in preoperative risk stratification using International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grades.Materials and MethodsForty-five prostate cancer (PCa) patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) after prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) were included. The ISUP grades were categorized into low-risk (I-II) and high-risk (III-V) groups, and the concordance between the preoperative and postoperative grades was analyzed. The largest region of interest (ROI) of the dominant tumor on each IVIM/ADC image was delineated to obtain its histogram values (i.e., minimum, mean, and kurtosis) of diffusivity (D), pseudodiffusivity (D*), perfusion fraction (PF), and ADC. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of the IVIM/ADC parameters without and with preoperative ISUP grades were performed to identify predictors for the postoperative high-risk group.ResultsThirty-two (71.1%) of 45 patients had concordant preoperative and postoperative ISUP grades. Dmean, D*kurtosis, PFkurtosis, ADCmin, and ADCmean were significantly associated with the postoperative ISUP risk group (all p &lt; 0.05). Dmean and D*kurtosis (model I, both p &lt; 0.05) could predict the postoperative ISUP high-risk group with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.842 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.726–0.958. The addition of D*kurtosis to the preoperative ISUP grade (model II) may enhance prediction performance, with an AUC of 0.907 (95% CI 0.822–0.992).ConclusionsThe postoperative ISUP risk group could be predicted by Dmean and D*kurtosis from mpMRI, especially D*kurtosis. Obtaining the biexponential IVIM parameters is important for better risk stratification for PCa.
Efficacy and Safety of Ibrutinib in Central Nervous System Lymphoma: A PRISMA-Compliant Single-Arm Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lv Liwei , Sun Xuefei , Wu Yuchen , Cui Qu , Chen Yuedan , Liu Yuanbo 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundCentral nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) is an aggressive lymphoma. Studies investigating primary CNSL determined that the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) played an important role in pathogenesis. Ibrutinib, an oral BTK inhibitor, is a new treatment strategy for CNSL. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to clarify the effectiveness and safety of ibrutinib in the treatment of CNSL.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases was conducted through to 31 October 2019. Studies involving patients with CNSL who received ibrutinib that reported the overall response (OR), complete remission (CR), and partial response (PR) were included. The random-effects or fixed-effects model with double arcsine transformation was used for the pooled rates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined for all outcomes.ResultsEight studies including 162 patients were identified and included in the meta-analysis. The pooled OR rate after treatment with ibrutinib was 69% (95% CI, 61–79%, I2 = 47.57%, p = 0.06), while the pooled CR and PR was 52% (95% CI, 35–68%, I2 = 74.95%, p = 0.00) and 17% (95% CI, 7–30%, I2 = 67.85%, p = 0.00), respectively. Among PCNSL patients, including new diagnoses PCNSL and R/R PCNSL, the pooled OR rate was 72% (95% CI, 63–80%, I2 = 49.20%, p = 0.06) while the pooled CR and PR rates were 53% (95% CI, 33–73%, I2 = 75.04%, p = 0.00) and 22% (95% CI, 14–30%, I2 = 46.30%, p = 0.07), respectively. Common adverse events above grade 3 included cytopenia and infections.ConclusionsThe ibrutinib-containing therapy was well tolerated and offered incremental benefit to patients with CNSL. However, randomized-controlled studies that directly compare efficacy and adverse events of ibrutinib are still needed.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42020218974.