bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anakinra for corticosteroid-dependent and colchicine-resistant pericarditis: The IRAP (International Registry of Anakinra for Pericarditis) study
Authors: Imazio Massimo , Andreis Alessandro , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Cremer Paul C , Mardigyan Vartan , Maestroni Silvia , Luis Sushil Allen , Lopalco Giuseppe , Emmi Giacomo , Lotan Dor , Marcolongo Renzo , Lazaros George , De Biasio Marzia , Cantarini Luca , Dagna Lorenzo , Cercek Andreja Cerne , Pivetta Emanuele , Varma Beni , Berkson Laeora , Tombetti Enrico , Iannone Florenzo , Prisco Domenico , Caforio Alida Linda P , Vassilopoulos Dimitrios , Tousoulis Dimitrios , De Luca Giacomo , Giustetto Carla , Rinaldi Mauro , Oh Jae K , Klein Allan L , Brucato Antonio , Adler Yehuda 
Published: October 2019

Aims Novel therapies are needed for recurrent pericarditis, particularly when corticosteroid dependent and colchicine resistant. Based on limited data, interleukin-1 blockade with anakinra may be beneficial. The aim of this multicentre registry was to evaluate the broader effectiveness and safety of anakinra in a ‘real world’ population. Methods and results This registry enrolled consecutive patients with recurrent pericarditis who were corticosteroid dependent and colchicine resistant and treated with anakinra. The primary outcome was the pericarditis recurrence rate after treatment. Secondary outcomes included emergency department visits, hospitalisations, corticosteroid use and adverse events. Among 224 patients (46 ± 14 years old, 63% women, 75% idiopathic), the median duration of disease was 17 months (interquartile range 9–33). Most patients had elevated C-reactive protein (91%) and pericardial effusion (88%). After a median treatment of 6 months (3–12), pericarditis recurrences were reduced six-fold (2.33–0.39 per patient per year), emergency department admissions were reduced 11-fold (1.08–0.10 per patient per year), hospitalisations were reduced seven-fold (0.99–0.13 per patient per year). Corticosteroid use was decreased by anakinra (respectively from 80% to 27%; P < 0.001). No serious adverse events occurred; adverse events consisted mostly of transient skin reactions (38%) at the injection site. Adverse events led to discontinuation in 3%. A full-dose treatment duration of over 3 months followed by a tapering period of over 3 months were the therapeutic schemes associated with a lower risk of recurrence. Conclusion In patients with recurrent pericarditis, anakinra appears efficacious and safe in reducing recurrences, emergency department admissions and hospitalisations.
Platelet Biogenesis in the Lung Circulation
Authors: Looney Mark 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Platelets are indispensable in hemostasis, thrombosis, and immune responses. In humans, billions of platelets are produced each day from megakaryocytes, however the mechanisms of mature platelet production are incompletely understood. Megakaryocytes are produced in the bone marrow and have been visualized to communicate with the bone marrow sinusoids to release proplatelet fragments. Megakaryocytes have also been found in other tissues, including the lung, but the function of megakaryocytes in these locations is unclear. Historical data indicate that the lung may be a site of platelet biogenesis. The concentration of megakaryocytes in the blood exiting the lung is much lower than the blood entering the lung (implying filtering) and conversely, platelet counts are higher in blood draining from the lungs. Additionally, when the lung circulation in entirely bypassed, megakaryocytes accumulate in the blood and there is a high incidence of thrombocytopenia. However, direct proof of platelet biogenesis in the lung is lacking. We used lung intravital microscopy combined with fluorescently labeled mouse strains and directly visualized intravascular megakaryocytes releasing platelets in the lung circulation. We also visualized megakaryocytes in the bone marrow and spleen releasing proplatelet fragments, and megakaryocyte migration in toto from the bone marrow, which are presumably the source material for lung platelet production. The megakaryocyte-releasing events in the lung were quantified and represent at least half of the total platelet production in mice, which can be increased by the application of thrombopoietin. We also observed a much larger extravascular pool of megakaryocytes in the lung that were not platelet generating as observed by lung intravital imaging. The function of these lung-resident megakaryocytes is unknown, but RNA-Seq data points to a potential role in lung immunity. Orthotopic, single-lung transplantation experiments into thrombocytopenic and hematopoietic progenitor-deficient animals (c-mpl-/-) revealed that peripheral blood platelet counts and bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors could be fully reconstituted by the lung transplant procedure implying the presence of hematopoietic progenitors in the mouse lung. Indeed, these progenitors were directly detected in the extravascular lung and purified populations of hematopoietic progenitors in the lung could correct thrombocytopenia in c-mpl-/-animals. Finally, the lung transplant procedure produced donor-derived chimerism of other hematopoietic lineages such as neutrophils and lymphocytes. We conclude that the lung has significant hematopoietic potential including being a major site of platelet biogenesis.

Disclosures
No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
SLAMF7 in Primary Effusion Lymphoma, Target for Individualized Therapy?
Authors: Quentmeier Hilmar , Pommerenke Claudia , Dirks Wilhelm G , Hauer Vivien , Koeppel Max , Nagel Stefan , Scherr Michaela , Zaborski Margarete , Drexler Hans G. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare, aggressive form of B-cell lymphoma. With a median survival time of around six months the prognosis for PEL patients is poor. Therefore, there is a medical need for novel therapeutic strategies.
We performed expression array analysis to find potential targets for antibody-based therapy. Unsupervised clustering analysis revealed that PEL cell lines grouped separate from cell lines derived from other B-non Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) entities. Notably, PEL and Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) cell lines clustered on one arm, separate from all cell lines representing less-differentiated B-NHL variants.
PEL and HL cell lines were characterized by a set of common up- and downregulated genes. Typical for PEL and HL was the expression of CCND2 and the absence of Brutons tyrosine kinase and of B-cell markers including CD19, CD20, CD79A and CD79B.
Highly expressed in PEL - but not in HL - were CD138, IL-10, SLAMF7 and PRDM1. PRDM1/BLIMP1 is a master regulator of terminal B-cell differentiation. Originally described as repressor, BLIMP1 can also enhance transcription of SLAMF7 in multiple myeloma (MM) and of IL-10 in type 1 regulatory T-cells. Thus, coexpression of the three genes suggests a causal relationship between transcriptionally active PRDM1/BLIMP1 and its targets SLAMF7 and IL-10 also in PEL.
Expression of SLAMF7 in PEL is especially noteworthy because a monoclonal antibody targeting SLAMF7 (elotuzumab) has been approved for treatment of patients with MM. We observed that SLAMF7 is comparably expressed in PEL and in MM cell lines. If the results on cell lines can be translated to primary PEL, i.e. if PEL tumor cells express SLAMF7, the patients might benefit from an antibody-based targeted therapy against this antigen.

Disclosures
No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
AC0010, a Novel BTK Inhibitor, Exerts Anti-Leukemia Effects and Synergizes the Efficiency of Homoharringtonine in AML
Authors: Jin Jie , Huang Shujuan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Ibrutinib, an inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase(BTK), has shown promising pharmacologic effects in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, we report that AC0010 as a novel BTK inhibitor inhibits the cell proliferation, reduces colony-forming capacity, induces cell apoptosis and arrests cell cycle in AML cells, especially in those carrying FLT3 mutations. Surprisingly, AC0010 is found more sensitive than ibrutinib in treating AML. Mechanically, we showed that AC0010 not only targeting the phosphorylation of BTK, but also the crucial PI3K survival pathway. Furthermore, we observed that AC0010 could also suppress the expression of p-FLT3 and downstream target p-STAT5 in AML cells with FLT3 mutations. Moreover, our in vitro and in vivo data clarify that AC0010 can synergize with Homoharringtonine (HHT), a natural plant alkaloid, in treating AML with or without FLT3-ITD mutations. Collectively, our results suggest that AC0010 might be a promising drug in treating AML patients, and synergizes the efficiency of Homoharringtonine in AML.

Disclosures
Jin: College of Medicine, Zhejiang University: Employment; The National Natural Science Foundation of China: Research Funding.
Long Term Results for Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: An Institutional Review
Authors: Mai Huirong , Fang Ximin , Yuan Xiuli , Wang Xiaodong , Liu Sixi , Wang Ying , Li Changgang , Li Chi Kong , Wen Feiqiu 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective s: To exam the outcomes of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated on Berlin-Frankfürt-Münster (BFM) International ALL- based protocol, GD 2008ALL protocol.
Method s : In total, 274 patients with newly diagnosed ALL age 1 to 16 years were enrolled onto GD2008ALL protocol from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2016. Five-year overall survival (OS) rates and even-free survival (EFS) rates were examined with additional analyses of causes of relapse and death.
Results:The 5-year probabilities of OS and EFS were 90.8% and 86.9%. The 5-year EFS were 91.7% in SR group, 86.5% in IR group and 82.6% in HR group, respectively. Twenty-five patients were died. Reasons for mortality included 8 cases due to relapse of leukemia, seven cases due to severe infection, one case due to hepatic failure, one case due to intracranial hemorrhage from accident, eight cases abandoned after relapse. There were 29 cases relapsed, including 22 cases (75%) relapsed of the bone marrow alone, 1 case (3.6%) CNS relapsed alone, 2 cases (7.1%) testicular relapsed and 4 cases (14.3%) relapsed of bone marrow and extramedullary. Eleven patients survived after therapy for relapse, of which 7 had received HSCT, two out of the 7 had relapsed after HSCT, and continued on CART therapy. Four out of the 11 relapsed patients received relapsed ALLR3 protocol for treatment. All 11 patients remained in remission status.
Conclusion:Our single institutional review of pediatric ALL treated on GD 2008ALL Protocol was tolerated and has good long term outcomes. Although relapse is a major factor affecting long term survival, there are still have options such as HSCT or immunotherapy available for these patients.

Disclosures
No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Electric Field Controlled Indirect-Direct-Indirect Band Gap Transition in Monolayer InSe
Authors: Xiao Xian-Bo , Ye Qian , Liu Zheng-Fang , Wu Qing-Ping , Li Yuan , Ai Guo-Ping 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Electronic structures of monolayer InSe with a perpendicular electric field are investigated. Indirect-direct-indirect band gap transition is found in monolayer InSe as the electric field strength is increased continuously. Meanwhile, the global band gap is suppressed gradually to zero, indicating that semiconductor-metal transformation happens. The underlying mechanisms are revealed by analyzing both the orbital contributions to energy band and evolution of band edges. These findings may not only facilitate our further understanding of electronic characteristics of layered group III-VI semiconductors, but also provide useful guidance for designing optoelectronic devices.
DIRECT: RNA contact predictions by integrating structural patterns
Authors: Jian Yiren , Wang Xiaonan , Qiu Jaidi , Wang Huiwen , Liu Zhichao , Zhao Yunjie , Zeng Chen 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
It is widely believed that tertiary nucleotide-nucleotide interactions are essential in determining RNA structure and function. Currently, direct coupling analysis (DCA) infers nucleotide contacts in a sequence from its homologous sequence alignment across different species. DCA and similar approaches that use sequence information alone typically yield a low accuracy, especially when the available homologous sequences are limited. Therefore, new methods for RNA structural contact inference are desirable because even a single correctly predicted tertiary contact can potentially make the difference between a correct and incorrectly predicted structure. Here we present a new method DIRECT (Direct Information REweighted by Contact Templates) that incorporates a Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM) to augment the information on sequence co-variations with structural features in contact inference.

Results
Benchmark tests demonstrate that DIRECT achieves better overall performance than DCA approaches. Compared to mfDCA and plmDCA, DIRECT produces a substantial increase of 41 and 18%, respectively, in accuracy on average for contact prediction. DIRECT improves predictions for long-range contacts and captures more tertiary structural features.

Conclusions
We developed a hybrid approach that incorporates a Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM) to augment the information on sequence co-variations with structural templates in contact inference. Our results demonstrate that DIRECT is able to improve the RNA contact prediction.
Comparison of GeneXpert and line probe assay for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin-mono resistance at the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Kenya
Authors: Aricha S. A. , Kingwara L. , Mwirigi N. W. , Chaba L. , Kiptai T. , Wahogo J. , Otwabe J. S. , Onyango P. O. , Karanja M. , Ayieko C. , Matu S. W. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The dual challenge of low diagnostic sensitivity of microscopy test and technical challenge of performing a TB culture test poses a problem for case detection and initiation of Tuberculosis (TB) second-line treatment. There is thus need for a rapid, reliable and easily accessible assay. This comparative analysis was performed to assess diagnostic performance characteristics of GeneXpert MTB/RIF and Line Probe Assay (LPA).

Methods
Three hundred twenty nine sputum samples of patients across the 47 counties in Kenya suspected to have drug resistant TB were picked and subjected to GeneXpert, LPA and Culture MGIT at the National TB Reference Laboratory. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were then determined to assess the performance characteristics of the various assays.

Results
Against culture MGIT as the gold standard for TB diagnosis, GeneXpert had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 78.5, 64.9, 59.4 and 82.2% respectively while LPA had 98.4, 66.0, 65.4 and 98.4%. For diagnosis of rifampicin mono-resistance GeneXpert had a moderate agreement (Kappa 0.59, P < 0.01) (sensitivity 62.50%, specificity 96.50%) while LPA that had almost perfect agreement (Kappa = 0.89, p < 0.01) with a (sensitivity 90.0% and specificity 99.1%).

Conclusion
LPA has a better performance characteristic to GeneXpert and an alternative to culture with regards to detection of RIF’s mono-resistance.
Microorganisms involved in deep neck infection (DNIs) in Greece: detection, identification and susceptibility to antimicrobials
Authors: Beka Despoina , Lachanas Vasileios A. , Doumas Stergios , Xytsas Stelios , Kanatas Anastasios , Petinaki Efi , Skoulakis Charalampos 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
To determine, from October 2010 to October 2018, the epidemiology of Deep Neck Infections (DNIs), regarding the detection, the identification and the susceptibility to antimicrobials of causative microorganisms, in Thessaly-Central Greece.

Methods
An analysis of data from a prospective database was conducted on 610 consecutive patients with DNIs treated in the Otolaryngology / Head & Neck Surgery Department of University Hospital of Larissa. Demographics, clinical features and microbiological data were analyzed.

Results
Among the 610 patients (1,9/1 male to female ratio, mean age: 39,24 ± 17,25) with DNIs, 579 had a single space (94,9%), while the remaining 31 had a multi-space (5,1%) DNI. The most common areas affected were the peritonsillar space (84,6%) followed by the submandibular space (6,5%). Clinical samples were obtained from 462 patients, and were tested by culture and by the application of 16S rRNA PCR. Two hundred fifty-five samples (55,2%) gave positive cultures, in which Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were predominant. The application of the 16S rRNA PCR revealed that 183 samples (39,6%) were positive for bacterial DNA; 22 of them, culture negative, were found to be positive for anaerobic (Fusobacterium necrophorum, Actinomyces israellii etc) and for fastidious microorganisms (Brucella mellitensis, Mycobacterium avium).

Conclusion
DNIs represent a medical and surgical emergency and evidence-guided empirical treatment with intravenous infusion of antibiotics at the time of diagnosis is mandatory, highlighting the importance of epidemiological studies regarding the causative microorganisms. Although, in our study, the predominant pathogens were S. pyogenes and S. aureus, the combination of culture and molecular assay revealed that anaerobic bacteria play also a significant role in the pathogenesis of DNIs. Based on the local epidemiology, we propose as empirical therapy the intravenous use of a beta-lactam /beta-lactamase inhibitor; metronidazole or clindamycin can be added only in specific cases such as in immunocompromised patients.
Histological evidence for the cardiac safety of high-dose pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in a patient with HIV-associated Kaposi sarcoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Ishihara Ayaka , Hatakeyama Shuji , Suzuki Jun , Amano Yusuke , Sasahara Teppei , Toshima Masaki , Morisawa Yuji 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin plays an important role in the treatment of patients with severe refractory human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated Kaposi sarcoma (KS). High cumulative doses of conventional doxorubicin exceeding 500 mg/m2 are known to cause cardiac toxicity. However, the safe cumulative dose of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is unclear.

Case presentation
A 40-year-old Japanese man with HIV infection presented with pain, edema, and multiple skin nodules on both legs which worsened over several months. He was diagnosed with HIV-associated KS. He received long-term pegylated liposomal doxorubicin combined with antiretroviral therapy for advanced, progressive KS. The cumulative dose of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin reached 980 mg/m2. The patient’s left ventricular ejection fraction remained unchanged from baseline during treatment. After he died as a result of cachexia and wasting, caused by recurrent sepsis and advanced KS, an autopsy specimen of his heart revealed little or no evidence of histological cardiac damage. We also conducted a literature review focusing on histological changes of the myocardium in patients treated with a cumulative dose of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin exceeding 500 mg/m2.

Conclusions
This case report and literature review suggest that high (> 500 mg/m2) cumulative doses of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin may be used without significant histological/clinical cardiac toxicity in patients with HIV-associated KS.
History and epidemiology of foot-and-mouth disease in Afghanistan: a retrospective study
Authors: Osmani Arash , Robertson Ian Duncan , Habib Ihab , Aslami Ahmad Arash 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Afghanistan with serotypes O, A and Asia 1 being prevalent. A retrospective study of data collected through passive surveillance of outbreaks of FMD in Afghanistan from 1995 to 2016 was undertaken to determine the temporal and spatial distribution of FMD in the country.

Results
A total of 4171 outbreaks were reported between 1995 and 2008 with a strong correlation between the number of outbreaks and the number of provinces (r = 0.85, s = 68.2, p < 0.001); and between the number of outbreaks and the number of districts containing infected animals (r = 0.68, s = 147.8, p = 0.008). Of 7558 samples collected from livestock originating from 34 provinces in 2009, 2011 and 2013–2015, 54.1% were test positive (FMDV 3ABC-trapping ELISA) and the prevalence varied significantly between years (χ2 = 263.98, df = 4, P < 0.001). Clinically suspected cases were reported in 2016 with a substantial positive correlation (r = 0.70, P < 0.001) between the number of districts with cases and the number of reported cases. Serotype O was the predominant serotype detected during the study period, although serotypes A and Asia1 were also detected. Cattle were involved in all outbreaks in the study period and infections were detected in all years of the study in Hirat province in the north-west (bordering Iran), Nangarhar province in the east (bordering Pakistan) and Kabul province in the centre of the country.

Conclusions
The current paper was the first analysis of existing data focusing on the spatiotemporal distribution of FMD in Afghanistan. The findings from this study provide valuable direction for further research to understand the epidemiology of FMD and its control in Afghanistan.
Distribution, dynamics and functional roles of phosphatidylserine within the cell
Authors: Kay Jason G. , Fairn Gregory D. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPhosphatidylserine (PtdSer), an essential constituent of eukaryotic membranes, is the most abundant anionic phospholipid in the eukaryotic cell accounting for up to 10% of the total cellular lipid. Much of what is known about PtdSer is the role exofacial PtdSer plays in apoptosis and blood clotting. However, PtdSer is generally not externally exposed in healthy cells and plays a vital role in several intracellular signaling pathways, though relatively little is known about the precise subcellular localization, transmembrane topology and intracellular dynamics of PtdSer within the cell. The recent development of new, genetically-encoded probes able to detect phosphatidylserine is leading to a more in-depth understanding of the biology of this phospholipid. This review aims to give an overview of recent developments in our understanding of the role of PtdSer in intracellular signaling events derived from the use of these recently developed methods of phosphatidylserine detection.