bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Cine Images Capable of Differentiating Between LVEF-preserved Light-chain Amyloidosis and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy? －the Value of Left Atrial Parameters
Authors: Lu Jianyao , Zhou Wen , Qiao Jinhan , Zhao Peijun , Huang Lu , Tang Dazhong , Xia Liming 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Due to the limited application of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in patients with renal insufficiency and the lack of advanced mapping technique, non-invasively discriminating left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)-preserved light-chain amyloidosis (AL) from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with similar left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy was challenging. The aims of this study were to evaluate left atrial (LA) morphology and function in LVEF-preserved AL patients using CMR cine images and to investigate the ability of CMR-derived LA parameters in discriminating LVEF-preserved AL from HCM.Methods and results: Thirty-eight confirmed LVEF-preserved AL patients and 38 HCM patients as well as 20 healthy controls were enrolled in this retrospective study. Morphological and functional parameters of LA and LV were measured in multi-plane cine images. Receiver operator characteristics curves were generated to estimate the discriminative ability of parameters. The LA active contractile function of AL and HCM patients were both significantly impaired compared to the control, and the impairment of AL patients was severer than that of HCM (all P < 0.05). In morphological aspect, thickened maximum atrial septal thickness (ASHmax) was found in AL group with regard to HCM and control. Combining ASHmax and LA functional parameters had excellent discriminative ability between AL and HCM (area under the curve [AUC] > 0.9).Conclusions: The combination of ASHmax and LA function was able to perform accurately non-invasive differentiating diagnosis between AL and HCM patients in limited clinical condition, and it could helpfully complemented and extended the current AL diagnostic strategies.
Can Thymidine Kinase 1 Detect Small Invisible Malignant Tumours?
Authors: Zhou Ji , Li Huijun , Fang Cong , Tan Junye , Gao Peng , Jin Cuicui , Liu Sonbo , Li Jin , Wang Yu , He Ellen , Skog Sven 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objectives. Early detection of malignant tumour is a prerequisite for a successful treatment. Here we investigate if thymidine kinase 1 is more sensitive than imaging technology to discover small invisible malignant tumours.Material and Methods. The cellular concentration of TK1 was determined by an automatic chemiluminescence analyzer of magnetic particle immune sandwich minimum. The primary and secondary antibodies linked to the magnetic beads were chicken anti-human thymidine kinase 1 IgY-polyclonal antibodies (IgY). The minimum number of cells able to detect by the automatic chemiluminescence analyzer were determined based on the cellar TK1 concentration of low and high TK1 cell lines of known cell count.Results. The TK1 concentration of malignant cell was found to be 0.021 pg/cell. Assuming 200 pg of total protein/cell, TK1 corresponds to 0.01 % of the total protein/cell. The concentration of TK1 in human blood serum of malignant patients is in the range of 2-10 pmol/l (pM), corresponding to about 50 x106 growing cells that release TK1 into 5 litre blood. The limit visibility by imaging of a tumour is about 1 mm in diameter, corresponding to about 109cells of a cell diameter of 1µm. Conclusion. TK1 is more sensitive than imaging.
A Novel Betaretrovirus Discovered in Cattle With Neurological Disease and Encephalitis
Authors: Hierweger Melanie M. , Koch Michel C. , Kauer Ronja V. , Bagó Zoltán , Oevermann Anna , Bertoni Giuseppe , Seuberlich Torsten 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The majority of emerging infectious diseases in humans are of animal origin, and many of them are caused by neuropathogenic viruses. Many cases of neurological disease and encephalitis in livestock remain etiologically unresolved, posing a constant threat to animal and human health. Thus, continuous extension of our knowledge of the repertoire of viruses prone to infect the central nervous system (CNS) is vital for pathogen monitoring and the early detection of emerging viruses. Using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and bioinformatics, we discovered a new retrovirus, bovine retrovirus CH15 (BoRV CH15), in the CNS of a cow with non-suppurative encephalitis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the affiliation of BoRV CH15 to the genus Betaretrovirus.Results: BoRV CH15 genomes were identified prospectively and retrospectively by PCR, RT-PCR, and HTS, with targeting of viral RNA and proviral DNA, in six additional diseased cows investigated over a period of >20 years and of different geographical origins. The virus was not found in brain samples from healthy slaughtered control animals (n=134). We determined the full-length proviral genomes from six of the seven investigated animals and, using in situ hybridization, identified viral RNA in the cytoplasm of cells morphologically compatible with neurons in diseased brains.Conclusions: Further screening of brain samples, virus isolation, and infection studies are needed to estimate the significance of these findings and the causative association of BoRV CH15 with neurological disease and encephalitis in cattle. However, with the full-length proviral sequences of BoRV CH15 genomes, we provide the basis for a molecular clone and further in vitro investigation.
Effect of Inflammatory Stress on Neural Stem Cells Behaviour: A Rescue Effect of Phosphatidylcholine by Modulating Neuronal Plasticity.
Authors: Magaquian Dario , Ocaña Susana Delgado , Perez Consuelo , Banchio Claudia 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The balances between NSCs growth and differentiation, and between glial and neuronal differentiation play a key role for brain regeneration after any pathological conditions. It is well known that the nervous tissue shows a poor recovery after injury due to the factors present in the wounded microenvironment, particularly inflammatory factors, that prevent neuronal differentiation. Thus, it is essential to generate a favourable condition for NSCs and conduct them to differentiate towards functional neurons. Here, we show that neuroinflammation has no effect on NSCs proliferation but induces an aberrant neuronal differentiation that gives rise to dystrophic, non-functional neurons. This is perhaps the initial step of brain failure associate to many neurological disorders. Interestingly, we demonstrate that phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho)-enriched media enhances neuronal differentiation even under inflammatory stress by modifying the commitment of post-mitotic cells. The pro-neurogenic effect of PtdCho increases the population of healthy normal neurons. In addition, we provide evidences that this phospholipid ameliorates the damage of neurons and, in consequence, modulates neuronal plasticity. These results contribute to our understanding of NSCs behaviour under inflammatory conditions, opening up new venues to improve neurogenic capacity in the brain.
The Safety and Effectiveness of Automatic Pedicle Screw Trajectory Planning Based on CT Values: An in Vitro Osteoporosis Model Study.
Authors: Liu JiaBin , Zuo Rui , Zheng Wenjie , Li ChangQing , Zhang Chao , Zhou Yue 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPedicle screw placement in patients with osteoporosis is a serious clinical challenge. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the screw trajectory has been positively correlated with the screw pull-out force, while the CT value has been linearly correlated with the BMD. The purpose of this study was to establish an in vitro osteoporosis model and verify the safety and effectiveness of automated pedicle screw planning software based on CT values in this model.MethodsTen vertebrae (L1-L5) of normal adult pigs were randomly divided into a decalcification group and a control group. In the decalcification group, the vertebral bodies were decalcified with Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to construct an in vitro osteoporosis model. In the decalcification group, automatic planning (AP) and manual planning (MP) were used to plan the pedicle screw trajectory on the left and right sides of the pedicle, respectively, and MP was used on both sides of the control group. CT values of trajectories obtained by the two methods were measured and compared. Then, 3D-printed guide plates were designed to assist pedicle screw placement. A biomechanical instrument was used to measure the pull-out force of the trajectory obtained by the two methods.ResultsAfter decalcification, the T' value of the vertebral body decreased from -0.03 ± 1.03 to -3.03 ± 0.29 (P <0.05). In the decalcification group, the MP trajectory CT value was 2167.28 ± 65.62 Hu, the AP trajectory CT value was 2723.96 ± 165.83 Hu, and the MP trajectory CT value in the control group was 2242.94 ± 25.80 Hu (P<0.05). In the decalcified vertebrae, the screw pull-out force of the MP group was 48.6% lower than that of the control group (P <0.05). The pull-out force of the AP trajectory was 44.7% higher than that of the MP trajectory (P <0.05) and reached 97.4% of the MP trajectory in the control group (P >0.05).ConclusionAutomatic planning of the pedicle screw trajectory based on the CT value can obtain a higher screw pull-out force, which is a valuable new method of pedicle screw placement in osteoporotic vertebral bodies.
Influencing Factors of HLA-DR Expression in Orbital Preadipocytes of Patients With Thyroid Associated Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Lei Xiang , Liu Hanhan , Ren Hong , Xu Xueliang , Deng Zhihong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the effects of IFN-γ, IL-6, PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone and PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 on preadipocyte proliferation and HLA-DR expression.Methods: Preadipocytes were cultured from thyroid associated ophthalmopathy patients and health ocular trauma patients and induced to differentiate in vitro. IFN-γ, IL-6, PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone and PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 were added to preadipocytes to observe their effects on proliferation and HLA-DR expression.Results: IFN-γ significantly increased the levels of HLA-DR mRNA and protein in preadipocytes which are cultured from thyroid associated ophthalmopathy patients. IFN-γ also reduced the accumulation of lipid in the cytoplasm of preadipocytes. On the contrary, IL-6 had no effect on the expression of HLA-DR. Pioglitazone increased the expression of HLA-DR in orbital preadipocytes of TAO patients, and promoted the proliferation and intracellular lipid accumulation of preadipocytes. On the contrary, GW9662 decreased the expression of HLA-DR in orbital preadipocytes of TAO patients, and reduced the proliferation and intracellular lipid accumulation of preadipocytes.Conclusion: IFN-γ increase the expression of HLA-DR in TAO orbital preadipocytes after differentiation. PPAR - γ antagonists may be beneficial to the treatment of TAO.
Salutary effects of moderate but not high intensity aerobic exercise training on the frequency of peripheral T-cells associated with immunosenescence in older women at high risk of breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Niemiro Grace M , Coletta Adriana M , Agha Nadia H , Mylabathula Preteesh Leo , Baker Forrest L , Brewster Abenaa M , Bevers Therese B , Fuentes-Mattei Enrique , Basen-Engquist Karen , Katsanis Emmanuel , Gilchrist Susan C , Simpson Richard 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Immunosenescence is described as age-associated changes within the immune system that are responsible for decreased immunity and increased cancer risk. Physically active individuals have fewer ‘senescent’ and more naïve T-cells compared to their sedentary counterparts, but it is not known if exercise training can rejuvenate ‘older looking’ T-cell profiles. We determined the effects of 12-weeks supervised exercise training on the frequency of T-cell subtypes in peripheral blood and their relationships with circulating levels of the muscle-derived cytokines (i.e. ‘myokines’) IL-6, IL-7, IL-15 and osteonectin in older women at high risk of breast cancer. The intervention involved 3 sessions/week of either high intensity interval exercise (HIIT) or moderate intensity continuous exercise (MICT) and were compared to an untrained control (UC) group. RESULTS: HIIT decreased total granulocytes, CD4+ T-cells, CD4+ naïve T-cells, CD4+ recent thymic emigrants (RTE) and the CD4:CD8 ratio after training, whereas MICT increased total lymphocytes and CD8 effector memory (EM) T-cells. The change in total T-cells, CD4+ naïve T-cells, CD4+ central memory (CM) T-cells and CD4+ RTE was elevated after MICT compared to HIIT. Changes in VO2max after training, regardless of exercise prescription, was inversely related to the change in highly differentiated CD8+ EMRA T-cells and positively related to changes in β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) expression on CM CD4+ and CM CD8+ T-cells. Plasma myokine levels did not change significantly among the groups after training, but individual changes in IL-7 were positively related to changes in the number of β2-AR expressing CD4 naïve T cells in both exercise groups but not controls. Further, CD4 T-cells and CD4 naive T-cells were negatively related to changes in IL-6 and osteonectin after HIIT but not MICT, whereas CD8 EMRA T-cells were inversely related to changes in IL-15 after MICT but not HIIT. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise training alters the frequency of peripheral T-cells associated with immunosenescence in middle aged/older women at high risk of breast cancer, with HIIT (pro-senescent) and MICT (anti-senescent) evoking divergent effects. Identifying the underlying mechanisms and establishing whether exercise-induced changes in T-cell frequency can alter the risk of developing breast cancer warrants investigation.
Poly-γ-glutamic acid enhanced drought resistance of maize by improving photosynthesis and affecting rhizosphere microbial community
Authors: Ma Haizhen , Liu Xingwang , Li Panpan , Li Can , Zhang Shengkui , Wang Xiaohan , Xia Tao 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Compared with other abiotic stresses, drought stress is a serious causal factor leading to crop yield reduction. Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), as an environmentally friendly biomacromolecule, plays an important role in plant growth and regulation.
Results
In this project, the effect of exogenous application of γ-PGA on drought tolerance of maize (Zea mays. L) and its mechanism were studied. Drought dramatically inhibited the growth and development of maize, but the exogenous application of γ-PGA significantly increased the dry weight of maize and the contents of ABA, soluble sugar, proline, chlorophyll and the photosynthetic rate under severe drought stress. RNAseq data showed that γ-PGA may enhance drought resistance of maize by affecting the expression of ABA biosynthesis and signal transduction related genes, photosynthesis-related genes and other stress-responsive genes, which were also confirmed by RT-PCR and promoter motif analysis. In addition, diversity and structure analysis of rhizosphere soil bacterial community demonstrated that γ-PGA enriched the plant growth promoting bacteria such as Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Alphaproteobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria. Meanwhile, γ-PGA significantly improved roots development, urease activity and ABA contents of maize rhizospheric soil under drought stress. This study emphasized the possibility of using γ-PGA to improve crop drought resistance and soil environment under drought condition and revealed its preliminary mechanism.
Conclusions
Exogenous application of poly-γ-glutamic acid could significantly enhance the drought resistance of maize by improving photosynthesis, root development and affecting rhizosphere microbial community.
Putative Variants, Genetic Diversity and Population Structure among Soybean Cultivars Bred at Different Ages in Huang-Huai-Hai Region
Authors: Liu Jialin , Xie Huimin , Lin Ting , Tie Congxiao , Luo Huolin , Yang Boyun , Xiong Dongjin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Soybean cultivars bred in the Huang-Huai-Hai region (HR) are rich in pedigree information. To data, few reports have exposed the genetic variants, population structure and genetic diversity of cultivars in this region by making use of genome-wide resequencing data. To depict genetic variation, population structure and composition characteristics of genetic diversity, a sample of soybean population that composed all by cultivars was constructed. We re-sequenced 181 soybean cultivar genomes with an average depth of 10.38x. In total, 11185589 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 2520208 insertion-deletions (InDels) were identified on all 20 chromosomes. A considerable number of putative variants existed in important genome regions that may have an incalculable influence on genes, which participated in momentous biological processes. PCA and population structure figured out that there was no obvious grouping trend. The LD semi-decay distances of the five sub-populations were 290kb, 380kb, 753kb, 182kb, and 227kb, respectively. Sub-population A (SA) had the highest value of nucleotide polymorphism (π). With the passage of time, the nucleotide polymorphism of SB and SC decreased gradually, however that of SD and SE, opposite to SB and SC, gave a rapid up-climbing trend, which meant a sharp increasing in genetic diversity during the latest 20 years, hinting that breeders may have different breeding goals in different breeding periods in HR. Analysis of the PIC statistics exhibited very similar results with π. The current study was to analyze the genetic variants and characterize the structure and genetic diversity of soybean cultivars bred in different decades in HR, and in the hope of providing a theoretical reference for other identical studies.
Lung Adenocarcinoma: Next Generation Sequencing and Outcome in Regional Community Oncology Setting
Authors: Skacel Laura , Babcock Michael , Harb Antoine , Curtis Adam , Liou Carter , Brawn Kathleen , Sandor Frantisek , Skacel Marek 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
PURPOSE: To analyze lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) from a geographically unique population of rural Maine by next generation sequencing (NGS), correlate mutational findings with clinical features, patient outcomes and published data from other populations.METHODS: 210 consecutive LUADs diagnosed in 2017-2018 were analyzed for 50 oncogene/tumor suppressor gene hot spots by NGS. ALK, ROS-1, RET and MET were assessed by FISH, PD-L1 by immunohistochemistry. Findings were correlated with age, gender, smoking history, stage, overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and compared to pubished literature.RESULTS: The cohort included 113 (54%) women and 97 (46%) men, ages 33 to 91 (mean: 67.4 years), 52% active and 41% former smokers, 79 (38%) of advanced stage (stage IV). Most frequently detected mutations included TP53 (47.6%), KRAS (38.1%), EGFR (10%), STK11 (8.6%), BRAF (4.8%), MET (3.8%), ABL-1, ATM, CDKN2A, PIK3CA, (all 2.9%), RB-1 and NRAS (2.4%), APC, ERBB4, PTPN11, SMAD4, (all 1.9%), CTNNB1 and ERBB2 (both 1.4%). MET amplification occurred in 3.3%, RET and ALK/ROS-1 rearrangements in 1.4% and 0.5%, high PD-L1 expression in 35.2%. Treatment included surgery/radiation/adjuvant chemotherapy for stages I-II, definitive chemo/radiation therapy and immunotherapy for stage III, immunotherapy, chemo-immunotherapy, targeted therapy, palliative radiation for stage IV. At median of 26 months (minimum 21 month for surviving patients), OS/PFS were 44.3%/39.5%. Stage, male gender, TP53 mutation and KRAS/STK11 co-mutations correlated with adverse OS. In stages I-II, KRAS/TP53 co-mutation was unfavorable. CONCLUSION: NGS testing in a regional oncology setting identified established prognostic/therapeutic markers, as well as additional molecular features correlating with outcome. Our findings support prognostic stratification of LUAD based on the presence of gene mutations outside of the current NCCN guidelines: TP53, KRAS and STK11.
Health care costs and lost productivity costs related to excess weight in Belgium
Authors: Gorasso Vanessa , Moyersoen Isabelle , Heyden Johan Van der , De Ridder Karin , Vandevijvere Stefanie , Vansteelandt Stijn , De Smedt Delphine , Devleesschauwer Brecht 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

This study aimed to estimate annual health care and lost productivity costs associated with excess weight among the adult population in Belgium, using national health data.
Methods

Health care costs and costs of absenteeism were estimated using data from the Belgian national health interview survey (BHIS) 2013 linked with individual health insurance data (2013–2017). Average yearly health care costs and costs of absenteeism were assessed by body mass index (BMI) categories – i.e., underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m²), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m²) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²). Health care costs were also analysed by type of cost (i.e. ambulatory, hospital, reimbursed medication). The cost attributable to excess weight and the contribution of various other chronic conditions to the incremental cost of excess weight were estimated using the method of recycled prediction (a.k.a. standardisation).
Results

According to BHIS 2013, 34.7% and 13.9% of the Belgian adult population were respectively overweight or obese. They were mostly concentrated in the age-group 35–65 years and had significantly more chronic conditions compared to the normal weight population. Average total healthcare expenses for overweight and obese people were significantly higher than those observed in the normal weight population.
Effect of Economic Complexity on Services Export Diversification: Do Foreign Direct Investment Inflows Matter?
Authors: GNANGNON Sèna Kimm 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This article has examined the effect of economic complexity on services export diversification. It has built on two arguments. The first one draws from Eichengreen and Gupta (2013b) and states that countries that export complex products would have a high penetration in the international goods market, and establish a network that could be exploited to expand their range of services export items. Second, by inducing higher inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI), greater economic complexity could contribute to fostering services export diversification. The empirical analysis supported these two arguments. The implications of the outcomes are discussed in the conclusion.
MOSAICOS DE UMA TRAJETÓRIA ACADÊMICA: HOMENAGEM A NOSSO QUERIDO PROFESSOR CLEITON DE OLIVEIRA
Authors: Calderón Adolfo-Ignacio , Da Costa Rafael Fernando , Wandercil Marco 
Published: August 2021

Este documento, em forma de entrevista, eternizam as palavras do nosso saudoso professor Cleiton de Oliveira proferidas dentro do projeto "Vivências e percursos formativos em nível de doutorado: encontro com formadores de formadores”, realizado na disciplina obrigatória “A produção do conhecimento no campo das Ciências da Educação” do recém-inaugurado Doutorado em Educação do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas, em 21 de março de 2016.