bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is gene expression among women with rheumatoid arthritis dysregulated during a postpartum flare?
Authors: Wright Matthew , Smed Mette K. , Nelson J. Lee , Olsen Jørn , Hetland Merete L. , Zoffmann Vibeke , Jawaheer Damini 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
To evaluate our hypotheses that, when rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flares postpartum, gene expression patterns are altered compared to (a) healthy women, (b) RA women whose disease activity is low or in remission postpartum, and (c) pre-pregnancy expression profiles.

Methods
Twelve women with RA and five healthy women were included in this pilot study. RA disease activity and postpartum flare were assessed using the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). Total RNA from frozen whole blood was used for RNA sequencing. Differential gene expression within the same women (within-group) over time, i.e., postpartum vs. third trimester (T3) or pre-pregnancy (T0), were examined, using a significance threshold of q < 0.05 and fold-change ≥ 2.

Results
Nine of the women with RA experienced a flare postpartum (RAFlare), while three had low disease activity or were in remission (RANoFlare) during that time frame. Numerous immune-related genes were differentially expressed postpartum (vs. T3) during a flare. Fold-changes in expression from T3 to postpartum were mostly comparable between the RAFlare and healthy groups. At 3 months postpartum, compared to healthy women, several genes were significantly differentially expressed only among the RAFlare women, and not among the RANoFlare women. Some of these genes were among those whose “normal” expression was significantly modulated postpartum, and the postpartum expression patterns were significantly altered during the RA flare. There were also some genes that were significantly differentially expressed in RAFlare compared to both healthy and RANoFlare women, even though their expression was not significantly modulated postpartum. Furthermore, while postpartum expression profiles were similar to those at pre-pregnancy among healthy women, significant differences were found between those time points among the RAFlare women.

Conclusions
The large majority of gene expression changes between T3 and 3 months postpartum among RA women who flared postpartum reflected normal postpartum changes also seen among healthy women. Nonetheless, during a postpartum flare, a set of immune-related genes showed dysregulated expression compared to healthy women and women with RA whose disease activity was low or in remission during the same time frame, while other genes demonstrated significant differences in expression compared to RA pre-pregnancy levels.
Uncertainty in the impact of liver support systems in acute-on-chronic liver failure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Ocskay Klementina , Kanjo Anna , Gede Noémi , Szakács Zsolt , Pár Gabriella , Erőss Bálint , Stange Jan , Mitzner Steffen , Hegyi Péter , Molnár Zsolt 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The role of artificial and bioartificial liver support systems in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is still controversial. We aimed to perform the first network meta-analysis comparing and ranking different liver support systems and standard medical therapy (SMT) in patients with ACLF.

Methods
The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020155850). A systematic search was conducted in five databases. We conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of artificial or bioartificial liver support systems on survival in patients with ACLF. Ranking was performed by calculating the surface under cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve values. The RoB2 tool and a modified GRADE approach were used for the assessment of the risk of bias and quality of evidence (QE).

Results
In the quantitative synthesis 16 trials were included, using MARS®, Prometheus®, ELAD®, plasma exchange (PE) and BioLogic-DT®. Overall (OS) and transplant-free (TFS) survival were assessed at 1 and 3 months. PE significantly improved 3-month OS compared to SMT (RR 0.74, CrI: 0.6–0.94) and ranked first on the cumulative ranking curves for both OS outcomes (SUCRA: 86% at 3 months; 77% at 1 month) and 3-month TFS (SUCRA: 87%) and second after ELAD for 1-month TFS (SUCRA: 76%). Other comparisons did not reach statistical significance. QE was moderate for PE concerning 1-month OS and both TFS outcomes. Other results were of very low certainty.

Conclusion
PE seems to be the best currently available liver support therapy in ACLF regarding 3-month OS. Based on the low QE, randomized trials are needed to confirm our findings for already existing options and to introduce new devices.
Evaluation of the hepato-renal functions and antimicrobial activity of fatty amido benzoic acid synthesised from Citrullus colocynthis seed oil
Authors: Adewuyi Adewale , Otuechere Chiagoziem A. , Ellah Nkechi H. , Kaki Shiva Shanker , Fayemi Scott O. , Adeosun Charles B. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRapid progression in resistance to antimicrobial agents by pathogenic organisms is a serious concern. This study aimed to synthesize fatty amido benzoic acid (FBA) fromCitrullus colocynthisseed oil (CCO) and evaluate its safety profile as an alternative bioactive agent for combating drug-resistant pathogens. FBA was synthesised through simple chemical reaction route and examined for its antioxidant activity and antimicrobial capacity against selected drug-resistant microorganisms. Effect of FBA on hepato-renal function makers and oxidative stress was also examined using Wistar rats. Density functional theory (DFT) approach was employed to understand the action of FBA with the aid of lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). Gas Chromatography (GC) revealed the most abundant fatty acid in CCO to be C18:2 (55.88%). Results from Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR) confirmed the synthesis of FBA with a yield of 97.10%. FBA exhibited antioxidant potential (IC50of 1.96 µg mL−1) as well as antimicrobial potency. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of FBA was 0.026 mg mL−1. Biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, hydrogen peroxide, and lipid peroxidation were significantly elevated in rats administered high dose FBA (100 mg kg−1). Histology of the liver and kidney confirmed the biochemical results. Furthermore, mechanism of action of FBA could be described by quantum chemical analysis to be via nucleophilic interaction, which may be viewed electronically as donor–acceptor interaction. The study presents FBA as a promising antimicrobial agent for combating drug-resistant pathogenic organisms.
Surgical treatment of a complex craniocervical malformation combined with posterior cranial fossa teratoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Jiang , He Rui , Wang Chao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Basilar invagination (BI) with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) is not uncommon in patients with scoliosis, Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS), and other bone deformities. Cases with combinations of the abovementioned dislocations and deformities with posterior cranial fossa teratoma are rare in the clinic and difficult to handle.

Case presentation
This case presents a 34-year-old woman diagnosed with atlantoaxial dislocation and posterior cranial fossa mass. After two surgeries, the posterior cranial teratoma was completely removed with satisfactory atlantoaxial reduction. The postoperative 1-year follow-up examination showed that the bone graft fusion was successful, without remaining significant dysfunction.

Conclusions
The surgical risk of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation combined with posterior cranial fossa tumor is huge. Thus, it needs to be fully preoperatively evaluated and managed carefully in accordance with sound surgical principles.
Development and content validation of the Satisfaction and Experience Questionnaire for Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (SEQ-G-CSF)
Authors: Yucel Aylin , Skalicky Anne , Eseyin Olabimpe Ruth , Yucel Emre , Belani Rajesh , Bensink Mark 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Several options for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia are available to patients worldwide. We have developed a novel patient-reported outcome measure, the Satisfaction and Experience Questionnaire for G-CSF (SEQ-G-CSF), to help understand patients’ perspectives of and satisfaction with different G-CSF options.

Results
Three oncology nurses and 40 adult oncology patients in the United States were enrolled and participated in focus group discussions to develop and refine the SEQ-G-CSF. Nurses had ≥ 5 years of experience treating oncology patients and were currently involved in the management of oncology patients receiving G-CSF prophylaxis. The patients had breast cancer, lung cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or prostate cancer (10 patients in each group) and were receiving G-CSF prophylaxis via injection or the on-body injector (OBI) device. The preliminary SEQ-G-CSF contained an item relevance questionnaire and three SEQ modules (sociodemographic, medical history, and G-CSF–related healthcare characteristics questionnaires). Twenty-one patients (53% of total sample size) discussed their experience and satisfaction with G-CSF. Their most common experiences were G-CSF effectiveness, convenience and benefits of the OBI, and relationships with healthcare providers. Side effects and having to undergo additional treatment were also reported. Satisfaction with aspects of G-CSF included the OBI and effectiveness of G-CSF treatment; dissatisfaction included inconvenience (having to return to the clinic the next day and administration of the injection) and the insurance approval process. The SEQ-G-CSF was finalized after three rounds of cognitive interviews and includes five domains related to general satisfaction (one item), treatment burden (four items), travel burden (two items), time burden (four items), and treatment compliance (two items).

Conclusions
The SEQ-G-CSF is a novel instrument that quantifies a patient’s experience and satisfaction with different G-CSF options using 13 easy-to-understand items. This study provides evidence for the content validity of SEQ-G-CSF. Although further psychometric testing is required, the SEQ-G-CSF may be a useful addition to clinical trials, observational studies, and clinical practice.
Efficacy of biopesticides against the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), on parthenocarpic cucumber grown under protected environment in India
Authors: Ghongade Dilip Shriram , Sangha K. S. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is one of the most damaging pests of crops grown in open field and under protected conditions. Owing to the indiscriminate use of insecticides, whitefly has developed resistance against various insecticides belonging to different chemical groups. Use of microbial biopesticides (entomopathogenic fungi) can be an effective alternate to chemical insecticides.

Results
This study was planned for the evaluation of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) formulations, namely, Beauveria bassiana Balsamo (Vuillemin), Lecanicillium lecanii (Zimmerman) Viegas and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin and botanical pesticide, Neem Baan, for the management of different life stages of B. tabaci on parthenocarpic cucumber grown under protected conditions. The liquid formulations of Neem Baan at 10 and 15 ml/l were the most effective (90.7 to 93.3% in eggs, 93.3 to 97.1% in nymphs, and 92.4 to 94.2% reduction in whitefly adults after 3rd spray, respectively) as compared to EPF. Among the EPF, L. lecanii and B. bassiana at 10 and 15 ml/l (80.6 to 86.5% in eggs, 85.7 to 91.5% in nymphs, and 58.5 to 69.2% in whitefly adults after 3rd spray, respectively) were found to be more effective than M. anisopliae at 10 and 15 ml/l (78.4 to 82.8% in eggs, 82.5 to 85.9% in nymphs, and 57.7 to 62.8% in whitefly adults after third spray, respectively) in reducing different life stages of B. tabaci on cucumber. Significantly high yield of cucumber fruits was obtained from the plot where Neem Baan at 10 and 15 ml/l (2337.5 to 2420.8 g/plant) was used. Minimum fruit yield were recorded in untreated control plots.

Conclusions
The integration of these biopesticides in the management schedule of the whitefly under protected conditions will enhance the quality and market value of parthenocarpic cucumbers.
Relationship between cotton planting date and two bollworms associated with their natural enemies
Authors: Attia Zakaria Abdelhalim , Ebada Laila , Abdelmaksoud Nasr Mohamed 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Cotton is the most widespread, profitable non-food crop in the world. Egypt is one of the greatest countries in producing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the world. Many pests attacked cotton which reduced the quality and quantity of the cotton yield such as pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and the spiny bollworm (Earias insulana) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Results
The insect infestation increased significantly by delaying planting date. The fewest numbers of pests attacked cotton recorded in the earliest planting date (March 23rd) with highest weight of cotton yield. The results showed that the mean rates of infestation with pink bollworm were (2.11, 3.5, 2.33 individuals/boll) for March 23rd, April 17th and May 6th, respectively, while the mean rates of infestation with bollworm were (1.60, 2.79, 1.67 individuals/boll) for March 23rd, April 17th and May 6th, respectively.

Conclusion
It was concluded that planting cotton as early as on March 23rd reduces the rate of infestation of E. insulana and P. gossypiella and increases the population of its natural enemies as well. Then, it is resulting a significant increase in the quality and quantity of the yield of cotton.
Update China geodetic coordinate frame considering plate motion
Authors: Cheng Pengfei , Cheng Yingyan , Wang Xiaoming , Xu Yantian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractChina Geodetic Coordinate System 2000 (CGCS2000), as the formal national coordinate reference frame, has been used for 20 years. The coordinates of all Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations in China need referring to this system. To this end, the first step is to align the coordinates of all stations, usually included in a regional GNSS network, with a given International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), then these coordinates are corrected to the CGCS2000 in consideration of plate movement. For a better alignment result, regional control stations are needed and their coordinates were estimated from the combination of constraint-free normal equation systems provided by several International GNSS Service (IGS) analysis centers. The effect in using these refined coordinates, which determine a regional coordinate datum, on the alignment result should be evaluated by the coordinate corrections of the regional control stations to the regional coordinate datum, i.e. smaller corrections mean better alignments of the two associated frames. The test results show that the refined coordinates are more accurate than the ones calculated from the station's velocity, and are well aligned with the ITRF2005. Moreover, for obtaining the coordinates of GNSS stations in an updated CGCS2000 frame, a gridded linear velocity field based on the estimated velocities at 1025 CGCS2000 stations was generated for mainland China using the optimal interpolation method, the inverse distance weighting, which is selected from five interpolation methods. The overall precisions of the constructed velocity field at all stations in the East (E) and, North (N) directions are 0.78 mm/a and 0.95 mm/a, respectively. For evaluating the accuracy of the updated CGCS2000 frame, monthly solutions for the coordinates of some CGCS2000 CORS stations in the ITRF2014 during the period from 2000.0 to 2018 were obtained and the Root Mean Square (RMS) of the differences between the coordinates corrected to the CGCS2000 and the known coordinates at these stations are about 2–3 cm.
A prospective investigation of depression and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing vascular surgical interventions: A retrospective cohort study using a large mental health database in South London
Authors: Kuruppu Sajini , Ghani Marvey , Pritchard Megan , Harris Matthew , Weerakkody Ruwan , Stewart Robert , Perera Gayan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Patients with depression are more susceptible to cardiovascular illness including vascular surgeries. However, health outcomes after vascular surgery among patients with depression is unknown. This study aimed to investigate associations of depression with post-operative health outcomes for vascular surgical patients.

Methods
A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from a large mental healthcare provider and linked national hospitalization data for the same south London geographic catchment. OPCS-4 codes were used to identify vascular procedures. Health outcomes were compared between those with/without depression including length of hospital stay (LOS), inpatient mortality, and 30 day emergency hospital readmissions. Predictors of these health outcomes were also assessed.

Results
Vascular surgery was received by 9,267 patients, including 446 diagnosed with depression. Patients with depression had a higher risk of emergency admission for vascular surgery (odds ratio [OR] 1.28; 1.03, 1.59), longer index LOS (IRR 1.38; 1.33–1.42), and a higher risk of 30-day emergency readmission (OR 1.82; 1.35–2.47). Patients with depression had higher inpatient mortality after adjustment for sociodemographic status (1.51; 1.03, 2.23) but not on full adjustment, and had longer emergency readmission LOS (1.13; 1.04, 1.22) after adjustment for sociodemographic factors and cardiovascular disease. Correlates of vascular surgery hospitalization among patients with depression included admission through emergency route for longer LOS, inpatient mortality, and 30-day hospital readmission.

Conclusion
Patients with depression undergoing vascular surgery have substantially poorer health outcomes. Screening for depression prior to surgery might be indicated to target preventative measures.
Zebrafish model for spondylo-megaepiphyseal-metaphyseal dysplasia reveals post-embryonic roles of Nkx3.2 in the skeleton
Authors: Smeeton Joanna , Natarajan Natasha , Naveen Kumar Arati , Miyashita Tetsuto , Baddam Pranidhi , Fabian Peter , Graf Daniel , Crump J. Gage 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
The regulated expansion of chondrocytes within growth plates and joints ensures proper skeletal development through adulthood. Mutations in the transcription factor NKX3.2 underlie spondylo-megaepiphyseal-metaphyseal dysplasia (SMMD), which is characterized by skeletal defects including scoliosis, large epiphyses, wide growth plates and supernumerary distal limb joints. Whereas nkx3.2 knockdown zebrafish and mouse Nkx3.2 mutants display embryonic lethal jaw joint fusions and skeletal reductions, respectively, they lack the skeletal overgrowth seen in SMMD patients. Here, we report adult viable nkx3.2 mutant zebrafish displaying cartilage overgrowth in place of a missing jaw joint, as well as severe dysmorphologies of the facial skeleton, skullcap and spine. In contrast, cartilage overgrowth and scoliosis are absent in rare viable nkx3.2 knockdown animals that lack jaw joints, supporting post-embryonic roles for Nkx3.2. Single-cell RNA-sequencing and in vivo validation reveal increased proliferation and upregulation of stress-induced pathways, including prostaglandin synthases, in mutant chondrocytes. By generating a zebrafish model for the skeletal overgrowth defects of SMMD, we reveal post-embryonic roles for Nkx3.2 in dampening proliferation and buffering the stress response in joint-associated chondrocytes.
Stem cells in pulmonary alveolar regeneration
Authors: Wu Huijuan , Tang Nan 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTThe lungs are constantly exposed to the external environment and are therefore vulnerable to insults that can cause infection and injury. Maintaining the integrity and barrier function of the lung epithelium requires complex interactions of multiple cell lineages. Elucidating the cellular players and their regulation mechanisms provides fundamental information to deepen understanding about the responses and contributions of lung stem cells. This Review focuses on advances in our understanding of mammalian alveolar epithelial stem cell subpopulations and discusses insights about the regeneration-specific cell status of alveolar epithelial stem cells. We also consider how these advances can inform our understanding of post-injury lung repair processes and lung diseases.
Tissue-resident macrophages regulate lymphatic vessel growth and patterning in the developing heart
Authors: Cahill Thomas J. , Sun Xin , Ravaud Christophe , Villa del Campo Cristina , Klaourakis Konstantinos , Lupu Irina-Elena , Lord Allegra M. , Browne Cathy , Jacobsen Sten Eirik W. , Greaves David R. , Jackson David G. , Cowley Sally A. , James William , Choudhury Robin P. , Vieira Joaquim Miguel , Riley Paul R. 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
Macrophages are components of the innate immune system with key roles in tissue inflammation and repair. It is now evident that macrophages also support organogenesis, but few studies have characterized their identity, ontogeny and function during heart development. Here, we show that the distribution and prevalence of resident macrophages in the subepicardial compartment of the developing heart coincides with the emergence of new lymphatics, and that macrophages interact closely with the nascent lymphatic capillaries. Consequently, global macrophage deficiency led to extensive vessel disruption, with mutant hearts exhibiting shortened and mis-patterned lymphatics. The origin of cardiac macrophages was linked to the yolk sac and foetal liver. Moreover, the Cx3cr1+ myeloid lineage was found to play essential functions in the remodelling of the lymphatic endothelium. Mechanistically, macrophage hyaluronan was required for lymphatic sprouting by mediating direct macrophage-lymphatic endothelial cell interactions. Together, these findings reveal insight into the role of macrophages as indispensable mediators of lymphatic growth during the development of the mammalian cardiac vasculature.
SMAD2 promotes myogenin expression and terminal myogenic differentiation
Authors: Lamarche Émilie , AlSudais Hamood , Rajgara Rashida , Fu Dechen , Omaiche Saadeddine , Wiper-Bergeron Nadine 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
SMAD2 is a transcription factor, the activity of which is regulated by members of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily. Although activation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 downstream of TGFβ or myostatin signaling is known to inhibit myogenesis, we found that SMAD2 in the absence of TGFβ signaling promotes terminal myogenic differentiation. We found that, during myogenic differentiation, SMAD2 expression is induced. Knockout of SMAD2 expression in primary myoblasts did not affect the efficiency of myogenic differentiation but produced smaller myotubes with reduced expression of the terminal differentiation marker myogenin. Conversely, overexpression of SMAD2 stimulated myogenin expression, and enhanced both differentiation and fusion, and these effects were independent of classical activation by the TGFβ receptor complex. Loss of Smad2 in muscle satellite cells in vivo resulted in decreased muscle fiber caliber and impaired regeneration after acute injury. Taken together, we demonstrate that SMAD2 is an important positive regulator of myogenic differentiation, in part through the regulation of Myog.