bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma interferon-alpha is associated with double-positivity for autoantibodies but is not a predictor of remission in early rheumatoid arthritis—a spin-off study of the NORD-STAR randomized clinical trial
Authors: Stockfelt Marit , Lundell Anna-Carin , Hetland Merete Lund , Østergaard Mikkel , Uhlig Till , Heiberg Marte Schrumpf , Haavardsholm Espen A. , Nurmohamed Michael T. , Lampa Jon , Nordström Dan , Petersen Kim Hørslev , Gudbjornsson Bjorn , Gröndal Gerdur , Aldridge Jonathan , Andersson Kerstin , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , van Vollenhoven Ronald , Rudin Anna 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
The type I interferon (IFN) gene signature is present in a subgroup of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Protein levels of IFNα have not been measured in RA and it is unknown whether they associate with clinical characteristics or treatment effect.

Methods
Patients with early untreated RA (n = 347) were randomized to methotrexate combined with prednisone, certolizumab-pegol, abatacept, or tocilizumab. Plasma IFNα protein levels were determined by single molecular array (Simoa) before and 24 weeks after treatment initiation and were related to demographic and clinical factors including clinical disease activity index, disease activity score in 28 joints, swollen and tender joint counts, and patient global assessment.

Results
IFNα protein positivity was found in 26% of the patients, and of these, 92% were double-positive for rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA). IFNα protein levels were reduced 24 weeks after treatment initiation, and the absolute change was similar irrespective of treatment. IFNα protein positivity was associated neither with disease activity nor with achievement of CDAI remission 24 weeks after randomization.

Conclusion
IFNα protein positivity is present in a subgroup of patients with early RA and associates with double-positivity for autoantibodies but not with disease activity. Pre-treatment IFNα positivity did not predict remission in any of the treatment arms, suggesting that the IFNα system is distinct from the pathways of TNF, IL-6, and T-cell activation in early RA.
A spin-off study of the NORD-STAR randomized clinical trial, NCT01491815 (ClinicalTrials), registered 12/08/2011, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01491815.
Incidence and predictors of COVID-19 and flares in patients with rare autoimmune diseases: a systematic survey and serological study at a national reference center in France
Authors: Felten Renaud , Scherlinger Marc , Guffroy Aurélien , Poindron Vincent , Meyer Alain , Giannini Margherita , Korganow Anne-Sophie , Sordet Christelle , Chatelus Emmanuel , Javier Rose-Marie , Meyer Aurore , Pijnenburg Luc , Kleinmann Jean-François , Gottenberg Jacques-Eric , Sibilia Jean , Martin Thierry , Arnaud Laurent 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
The risk of severe COVID-19 and its determinants remain largely unknown in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in patients followed for rare autoimmune diseases as well as the predictors of COVID-19 and disease flare-ups.

Methods
Cross-sectional phone survey from April 9, 2020, to July 2, 2020, during which patients with autoimmune diseases followed at the National Reference Center for Rare Autoimmune diseases of Strasbourg were systematically contacted by phone and sent a prescription for a SARS-CoV-2 serology.

Results
One thousand two hundred thirty-two patients were contacted. One thousand fifty-five patients with a confirmed diagnosis of systemic autoimmune disease were included (4 unreachable, 4 moves abroad, 5 deaths before pandemic, 50 without consent, and 114 without autoimmune disease). Among them, 469 (44.5%) patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 serology.
Thirty-nine patients (7.9%) had SARS-CoV-2 infection (either through chest CT-scan [n = 5], RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swab [n = 14], or serology [n = 31]) among the 496 who underwent at least one of those 3 diagnosis modalities. Of the 39 proven cases, 33 had clinical manifestations (6 asymptomatic patients were diagnosed through systematic serology testing), 31 were managed by home care, 3 were hospitalized due to a need for oxygenation, two required admission to an intensive care unit, and one died. Among patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, reported flares were more frequent than in uninfected patients (26.3% [10/38] vs. 7.0% [32/457], p < 0.0001). Preventive sick leave had no significant impact on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (5.8% [3/53]) compared to work continuation (7.6% [30/397], p = 0.64).
Overall, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 6.6% (31/469) which was numerically lower to the Grand-Est general population estimated to be 9.0%.

Conclusions
This systematic survey of more than 1000 patients with rare systemic autoimmune diseases reports a low prevalence of proven SARS-CoV-2 infection and very rare severe infections, probably related to good compliance with prophylactic measures in these patients.
Circulating microRNA alternations in primary hyperuricemia and gout
Authors: Bohatá Jana , Horváthová Veronika , Pavlíková Markéta , Stibůrková Blanka 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short single-stranded RNAs that play a role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Their deregulation can be associated with various diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative, and immune-related diseases. The aim of our study was to compare miRNA levels in plasma that could potentially influence the progression of hyperuricemia to gout, since the mechanism of progression is still unclear.MethodsTotal RNA, including miRNA, was isolated from the plasma of 45 patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, 131 patients with primary gout (including 16 patients having a gout attack), and 130 normouricemic controls. The expression of 18 selected miRNAs (cel-miR-39 and cel-miR-54 as spike-in controls, hsa-miR-16-5p and hsa-miR-25-3p as endogenous controls, hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-18a-5p, hsa-miR-30a-3p, hsa-miR-30c-5p, hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-133a-3p, hsa-miR-142-3p, hsa-miR-143-3p, hsa-miR-146a-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-222-3p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-488-3p and hsa-miR-920) was measured using qPCR.ResultsWe found that hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-18a-5p, hsa-miR-30c-5p, hsa-miR-142-3p, and hsa-miR-223-3p were significantly upregulated (p< 0.001) in the plasma of hyperuricemia and gout patients compared to normouricemic individuals. As part of the follow-up of our previous study, we found a negative correlation between hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-30c-5p, hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-142-3p, and hsa-miR-223-3p with plasma levels of chemokine MCP-1. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between CRP and plasma levels of hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-18a-5p, hsa-miR-30c-5p, hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-142-3p, hsa-miR-146a-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-222-3p, and hsa-miR-223-3p. Five of those miRNAs (hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-142-3p, hsa-miR-146a-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, and hsa-miR-222-3p) also had a positive correlation with serum creatinine and therefore a negative correlation with eGFR.ConclusionFive miRNAs were significantly upregulated in the plasma of patients with hyperuricemia and gout (and those during a gout attack) compared to normouricemic controls. We also found a correlation between the plasma levels of several miRNA and plasma levels of MCP-1, CRP, serum creatinine, and eGFR.
Right-sided strangulating diaphragmatic hernia in an adult without history of trauma: a case report
Authors: Spiridakis Konstantinos G. , Flamourakis Mathaios E. , Gkionis Ioannis G. , Kaloeidi Eleni I. , Fachouridi Anthoula I. , Konstantoulaki Styliani E. , Tsagkataki Eleni S. , Giakoumakis Michail I. , Vassilogiannakis Emmamouil A. , Kostakis Georgios E. , Christodoulakis Manousos S. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Diaphragmatic hernia involves protrusion of abdominal contents into the thorax through a defect in the diaphragm. This defect can be caused either by developmental failure of the posterolateral foramina to fuse properly, or by traumatic injury of the diaphragm. Left-sided diaphragmatic hernias are more common (80–90%) because the right pleuroperitoneal canal closes earlier and the liver protects the right diaphragm. Diaphragmatic hernias in adults are relatively asymptomatic, but in some cases may lead to incarcerated bowel, intraabdominal organ dysfunction, or severe pulmonary disease. The aim of this report is to enlighten clinical doctors about this rare entity that can have fatal consequences for the patient.

Case presentation
We present a rare case of a right-sided strangulating diaphragmatic hernia in an adult Caucasian patient without history of trauma. Clinical examination revealed bowel sounds in the right hemithorax, which were confirmed by the presence of loops of small intestine into the right part of the thorax through the right diaphragm, as was shown on chest X-ray and computerized tomography. Deterioration of the clinical status of the patient led to an operation, which revealed strangulated necrotic small bowel. Approximately 1 m of bowel was removed, and laterolateral anastomosis was performed. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged 8 days later.

Conclusions
Surgery is required to replace emerged organs into the abdomen and to repair diaphragmatic lesion. A delayed approach can have catastrophic complications for a patient.
Complete remission in metastatic primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus with nivolumab: a case report
Authors: Okamoto Takeshi , Nakano Eriko , Yamauchi Teruo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is a rare form of mucosal melanoma with a poor prognosis. While immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently extended overall survival in metastatic melanoma, data on their effects on primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus are limited because of its rarity. Here, we report the first case of long-term complete remission of metastatic primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus after nivolumab monotherapy.

Case presentation
A 79-year-old Asian man with a history of prostate cancer, gallbladder cancer, deep vein thrombosis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus presented with gross hematuria. Cystoscopy revealed a solitary tumor on the right posterior wall of the bladder, and transurethral resection of bladder tumor was performed. Pathology was consistent with metastatic melanoma. A pigmented submucosal tumor-like growth in the esophagus was discovered on esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Computed tomography showed widespread metastases. The patient was diagnosed as having primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus with metastases to the stomach, subcutaneous tissue, lung, bladder, pleura, and peritoneum. Complete remission was achieved after seven cycles of triweekly nivolumab monotherapy. While nivolumab was discontinued because of kidney injury, the patient has remained tumor-free for over 4 years without further treatment.

Conclusion
Immune checkpoint inhibitors may have astonishing curative effects in selected populations. More research is warranted to identify factors that increase the likelihood of achieving complete remission in primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus as well as in other melanomas.
A solitary pulmonary nodule caused by Mycobacterium avium with pleural effusion and pleuritis after transbronchial biopsy: a case report
Authors: Nukaga Shigenari , Murakami Hiroaki , Yagi Kazuma , Satomi Ryosuke , Oyama Takahiko , Maeshima Arafumi , Oyamada Yoshitaka 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Pleural effusion and pleuritis are uncommon manifestations of Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease. Pleuritis caused by Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease presenting as a solitary pulmonary nodule is extremely rare. The pathogenesis of Mycobacterium avium complex pleuritis has not been elucidated. However, it has been suggested that secondary spontaneous pneumothorax from Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease is one of the causes of Mycobacterium avium complex pleuritis.

Case presentation
A 67-year-old Japanese woman who presented with a solitary pulmonary nodule developed a transient pneumothorax after transbronchial biopsy. A definitive diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodule could not be made on bronchoscopy, so video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed 1 month after bronchoscopy. On the day of hospitalization for the procedure, a left-sided pleural effusion appeared on a chest radiograph. Thickening of the parietal and visceral pleura and numerous scattered white small granules were seen on thoracoscopy. Histologic examination of the resected left lower lobe and a biopsy of the parietal pleura showed Mycobacterium avium complex solitary pulmonary nodule and Mycobacterium avium complex pleuritis.

Conclusion
Iatrogenic pneumothorax can be a cause of pleuritis in a patient with Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease. Clinicians should watch for the appearance of secondary pleuritis after transbronchial biopsy even in a patient with localized disease such as Mycobacterium avium complex solitary pulmonary nodule.
Potential application of human neural crest-derived nasal turbinate stem cells for the treatment of neuropathology and impaired cognition in models of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lim Jung Yeon , In Park Sang , Park Soon A. , Jeon Jung Ho , Jung Ho Yong , Yon Jung-Min , Jeun Sin-Soo , Lim Hyun Kook , Kim Sung Won 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Stem cell transplantation is a fascinating therapeutic approach for the treatment of many neurodegenerative disorders; however, clinical trials using stem cells have not been as effective as expected based on preclinical studies. The aim of this study is to validate the hypothesis that human neural crest-derived nasal turbinate stem cells (hNTSCs) are a clinically promising therapeutic source of adult stem cells for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods
hNTSCs were evaluated in comparison with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) according to the effect of transplantation on AD pathology, including PET/CT neuroimaging, immune status indicated by microglial numbers and autophagic capacity, neuronal survival, and cognition, in a 5 × FAD transgenic mouse model of AD.

Results
We demonstrated that hNTSCs showed a high proliferative capacity and great neurogenic properties in vitro. Compared with hBM-MSC transplantation, hNTSC transplantation markedly reduced Aβ42 levels and plaque formation in the brains of the 5 × FAD transgenic AD mice on neuroimaging, concomitant with increased survival of hippocampal and cortex neurons. Moreover, hNTSCs strongly modulated immune status by reducing the number of microglia and the expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and upregulating autophagic capacity at 7 weeks after transplantation in AD models. Notably, compared with transplantation of hBM-MSCs, transplantation of hNTSCs significantly enhanced performance on the Morris water maze, with an increased level of TIMP2, which is necessary for spatial memory in young mice and neurons; this difference could be explained by the high engraftment of hNTSCs after transplantation.

Conclusion
The reliable evidence provided by these findings reveals a promising therapeutic effect of hNTSCs and indicates a step forward the clinical application of hNTSCs in patients with AD.
A low-complexity channel training method for efficient SVD beamforming over MIMO channels
Authors: Kettlun Felipe , Rosas Fernando , Oberli Christian 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSingular value decomposition (SVD) beamforming is an attractive tool for reducing the energy consumption of data transmissions in wireless sensor networks whose nodes are equipped with multiple antennas. However, this method is often not practical due to two important shortcomings: it requires channel state information at the transmitter and the computation of the SVD of the channel matrix is generally too complex. To deal with these issues, we propose a method for establishing an SVD beamforming link without requiring feedback of actual channel or SVD coefficients to the transmitter. Concretely, our method takes advantage of channel reciprocity and a power iteration algorithm (PIA) for determining the precoding and decoding singular vectors from received preamble sequences. A low-complexity version that performs no iterations is proposed and shown to have a signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) loss within 1 dB of the bit error rate of SVD beamforming with least squares channel estimates. The low-complexity method significantly outperforms maximum ratio combining diversity and Alamouti coding. We also show that the computational cost of the proposed PIA-based method is less than the one of using the Golub–Reinsch algorithm for obtaining the SVD. The number of computations of the low-complexity version is an order of magnitude smaller than with Golub–Reinsch. This difference grows further with antenna array size.
Novel channel-hopping pattern-based wireless IoT networks in smart cities for reducing multi-access interference and jamming attacks
Authors: Liu Yiming , Zeng Qi , Zhao Yue , Wu Kaijun , Hao Yao 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn smart cities, the Internet-of-Thing (IoT) provides an enabling communication infrastructure to support tremendous amount of data exchange. Most IoT applications, e.g., wireless local area network, Bluetooth and so forth, utilize the channel-hopping scheme to suppress the transmission security threats. In this paper, to reduce the mutual interference and external jamming attacks, multiple novel channel-hopping patterns, i.e., traditional no-hit-zone (NHZ) hopping pattern and generalized NHZ hopping pattern, are introduced to suit to IoT networks. Particularly the design of probabilistic hopping pattern is first proposed, which has the various usage probabilities with regard to various channels. The properties of these hopping patterns are investigated by the step-to-step examples. Then, the error-rate performance of the multi-node IoT systems adopting these hopping patterns in the presence of jamming attacks is comprehensively analyzed. The extensive simulations show that the traditional/generalized NHZ hopping patterns are in favor of combating the mutual interference but with the limited capability of reducing jamming attacks, while the probabilistic hopping pattern possesses the opposite feature, that is, it has the predominant merit in suppressing jamming attacks. Thus, the novel channel-hopping pattern-based IoT could provide the secure transmission for communication applications in smart cities. Note that, as the physical-layer security technique, the channel-hopping patterns investigated in this paper are convenient to integrate with the security policies implemented in upper layers (e.g., encryption, authentication and so forth).
Building an indoor air quality monitoring system based on the architecture of the Internet of Things
Authors: Sung Wen-Tsai , Hsiao Sung-Jung 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWith rapidly changing technology, people have more and more requirements for thermal comforts regarding indoor temperature, humidity, and wind speed, and pay more attention to air quality. Indoor air quality has serious effects on the elderly, children, and those with respiratory allergies. Based on the architecture of the Internet of Things smart home, this study constructed an indoor air quality monitoring system to explore how people can live in an environment with good air quality. Among the numerous air quality indices (AQIs), the carbon dioxide index and AQI of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers are selected as the indices suitable for this study. The common points of the two indices are combined, and then, based on the data of the Environmental Protection Administration, indoor and outdoor environmental parameters are analyzed, and controllable environment variables are simulated to analyze their effects on air quality. This study designed effective load control using fuzzy control and developed a fuzzy rule base for simulation of the environment variables. Decision logic was used to replace the threshold control of indoor air quality in the past, and a comfortable air quality monitoring system was designed by combining the Arduino Uno development board and ESP8266 Wi-Fi wireless transmission modules.
Multiple-sets split feasibility problem and split equality fixed point problem for firmly quasi-nonexpansive or nonexpansive mappings
Authors: Xu Tongxin , Shi Luoyi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a new iterative algorithm for solving the multiple-sets split feasibility problem (MSSFP for short) and the split equality fixed point problem (SEFPP for short) with firmly quasi-nonexpansive operators or nonexpansive operators in real Hilbert spaces. Under mild conditions, we prove strong convergence theorems for the algorithm by using the projection method and the properties of projection operators. The result improves and extends the corresponding ones announced by some others in the earlier and recent literature.
Generalized homogeneous q-difference equations for q-polynomials and their applications to generating functions and fractional q-integrals
Authors: Cao Jian , Zhou Hong-Li , Arjika Sama 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this paper, our aim is to build generalized homogeneousq-difference equations forq-polynomials. We also consider their applications to generating functions and fractionalq-integrals by using the perspective ofq-difference equations. In addition, we also reveal relevant relations of various special cases of our main results involving some known results.