bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apelin as a new therapeutic target for COVID-19 treatment
Authors: Park J , Park M -Y , Kim Y , Jun Y , Lee U , Oh C -M 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundApelin is an endogenous neuropeptide that binds to the G-protein-coupled receptor (APJ) and participates in a variety of physiological processes in the heart, lungs and other peripheral organs. Intriguingly, [Pyr1]-Apelin-13, a highly potent pyroglutamic form of apelin, has the potential to bind to and be degraded by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is known to operate as a viral receptor in the early stages of severe acute respiratory coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection.AimThis study aimed to determine if apelin protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting ACE2 binding to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.Design and methodsTo determine whether [Pyr1]-Apelin-13 inhibits ACE2 binding to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S protein), we performed a cell-to-cell fusion assay using ACE2-expressing cells and S protein-expressing cells and a pseudovirus-based inhibition assay. We then analyzed publicly available transcriptome data while focusing on the beneficial effects of apelin on the lungs.ResultsWe found that [Pyr1]-Apelin-13 inhibits cell-to-cell fusion mediated by ACE2 binding to the S protein. In this experiment, [Pyr1]-Apelin-13 protected human bronchial epithelial cells, infected with pseudo-typed lentivirus-producing S protein, against viral infection. In the presence of [Pyr1]-Apelin-13, the level of viral spike protein expression was also reduced in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcriptome analysis revealed that apelin may control inflammatory responses to viral infection by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B pathway.ConclusionApelin is a potential therapeutic candidate against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Spreading the gospel: Legitimating university rankings as boundary work
Authors: Brankovic Jelena , Ringel Leopold , Werron Tobias 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe dramatic salience of university rankings is usually attributed to a number of macro-level trends, such as neoliberal ideology, the spread of audit culture, and globalization in the broadest sense. We propose that the institutionalization of university rankings cannot be fully accounted for without a better understanding of the meso-level processes that enable it. To explore these, we zoom in on an organization called IREG Observatory (whereby IREG stands for ‘International Ranking Expert Group’). Since it first emerged, in 2002, IREG has acted as a carrier of a kind of rationalized ‘faith in rankings’—a faith it has laboured to justify, diffuse, and solidify through boundary work at the intersection of technocratic, managerial, academic, and commercial spheres. Drawing on the insights gained from this particular case, the article argues that the institutionalization of university rankings is not solely a matter of universities being impelled by them but also a matter of how actors in and around the university sector collectively partake in the legitimation of the practice of ranking universities. At a more general level, our analysis potentially provides a blueprint for understanding boundary work as a meso-level process that plays an important role in the institutionalization of rankings, and other devices of evaluation.
Rating Agency Fees: Pay to Play in Public Finance?
Authors: Cornaggia Jess , Cornaggia Kimberly J , Israelsen Ryan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWe examine the relationship between credit rating levels and rating agency fees in a public finance market in which rating agencies earn lower fees and face higher disclosure requirements relative to corporate bond and structured finance markets. Controlling for variation in the complexity of credit analysis at the issue level, we find evidence that rating agency conflicts of interest distort credit ratings in the municipal bond market. Unexpectedly expensive ratings are more likely downgraded, and inexpensive ratings are more likely upgraded. The relationship between credit ratings and rating agency fees is driven by issuers who lose access to AAA insurance.
10 Impact of the month of birth on the development of juvenile idiopathic arthritis among Tunisian children
Authors: Triki Wafa , Rabhi Emna , Ferjani Hanene , Ben Aissa Rania , Ben Nessib Dorra , Maatallah Kaouther , Kaffel Dhia , Hamdi Wafa 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common inflammatory disease influenced by genetic as well as environmental factors. Prior studies from Israel and USA suggested that JIA had a seasonality of birth, with birth peaking in winter and especially in January.

Objectives
The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of month of birth and season, and the onset of JIA in Tunisian children.

Methods
We conducted a case-control study including 27 children with JIA compared with a homogeneous control group of 27 children hospitalized in a pediatric orthopedic unit for traumatic reasons and healthy for any chronic inflammatory rheumatism. Statistical differences between groups were also analyzed by non-parametrical tests.

Results
Fifty-four patients (25 females and 29 males) were enrolled. The mean age was 11.04 ± 5.58 years and the mean duration of the diseases was 5.29 ± 3,18 years. The frequency of each JIA subset was at follows: polyarticular rheumatoid factor positive (n = 2), polyarticular rheumatoid factor negative (n = 5), psoriatic arthritis (n = 1), enthesitis-related arthritis (n = 11) and oligoarthritis (n = 8). Although the majority of children with JIA were born in November (22.2%) and December (18.5%), there was no significant difference in month of birth distribution between the cases and the controls. Likewise, there was no significant correlation between season of birth and the onset of the disease (p = 0,6).

Conclusion
This study didn’t show any correlation between season and month birth, and the onset of JIA. Our result may be explained by the weather in Tunisia which is relatively warm with little variation in temperature between seasons compared with the country where they found a significant correlation. It also may be due to the limited number of our cases.
13 Juvenile idiopathic arthritis and cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Tbini Houssem , Rahmouni Safa , Boussaid Soumaya , Ammou Ahlem Ben , Jemmali Samia , Rekik Sonia , Zouaoui Khaoula , Sahli Hela , Elleuch Mohammed 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common pediatric rheumatic disease. Although, some patients achieve remission, some cases of JIA may persist into adulthood. Patients with JIA and other inflammatory joint diseases have increased cardiovascular disease risk compared with the general population.

Objectives
To study the cardiovascular risk factors in JIA and their association with disease parameters.

Methods
This was a retrospective study including adults with long-standing JIA according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria over a period of 28 years (1994–2022). We collected sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters, clinical data, results of biological assessments, and data on prescribed therapies.
We studied the following cardiovascular risk factors: family history of cardiovascular event, physical inactivity, smoking, arterial hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and obesity.

Results
We included 29 patients. The M/F sex ratio was 0.71, the mean age was 35.69 ± 11.72 [18–61] years. The mean age of disease onset was 11.10 ± 4.25 [2–16] years. The average diagnostic delay was 52.96 ± 95.97 [0–336] months. The average disease duration was 24.48 ± 12.76 [1–47] years. The mean BMI was 21.20 ± 4.88 kg/m2 [14.17–27.55].
The polyarticular form was the most frequent, noted in 55.2% of cases (n = 16). Extra-articular manifestations were observed in 55.2% of cases. Mean CRP was 42.74 ± 63.37 [2–218] mg/l and biological inflammatory syndrome was present in 19 cases. Rheumatoid factor, ACPA and anti-nuclear antibodies were observed in 12, 7 and 5 cases respectively.
Corticosteroid therapy and NSAIDs were prescribed to 18 of the subjects.
Cardiovascular risk factors were present in 41.4% (n = 12) of cases: family history of cardiovascular event (n = 2 cases), physical inactivity (n = 5 cases), smoking (n = 3 cases), arterial hypertension (n = 4 cases), diabetes (n = 4 cases), dyslipidaemia (n = 4), and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² (n = 4).
Following parameters were significantly higher in patients with cardiovascular risk factors: the presence of a biological inflammatory syndrome (81.8% vs 35.3%; p = 0.016), the frequency of prescription of corticosteroids (91.7% vs 52.9%; p = 0.026) and NSAIDs (83.3% vs 47.1%; p = 0.047).
However, no significant difference was noted when comparing these parameters: gender, age, age of disease onset, disease duration and presence of extra-articular manifestations. Moreover, cardiovascular risk factors were not associated with the presence of rheumatoid factor, ACPA, and antinuclear antibodies.

Conclusion
Inflammation, corticosteroid therapy and NSAIDs are associated with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors in JIA. The evaluation and control of this risk must be regular during patient follow-up. Control of inflammation and rationalization of treatment are necessary.
16 Spectrum of infections during juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Dissem Nouha , Rahmouni Safa , Boussaid Soumaya , Tbini Houssem , Jemmali Samia , Rekik Sonia , Zouaoui Khaoula , Sahli Hela , Elleuch Mohammed 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The incidence of infections in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease is increased. It is often due to the disease itself and to the immunosuppressive treatments used.

Objectives
To assess the incidence of infections during JIA.

Methods
We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study including 29 patients followed for JIA according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria over a period from 1994 to 2022. Sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters, clinical data, biological assessments, and prescribed therapies were collected. We identified patients who had at least one infectious episode during their follow-up.

Results
There were 17 women and 12 men. The mean age was 35.69 ± 11.72 [18–61] years. The polyarticular form was seen in 55.2% of cases. The mean age of disease onset was 11.10 ± 4.25 [2–16] years. The average disease duration was 24.48 ± 12.76 [1–47] years.
Diabetes and arterial hypertension were the main comorbidities associated with JIA, observed in 13.8% of cases each. At least one extra-articular manifestation was noted in 16 cases: pulmonary (3 cases), cardiac (4 cases), renal (2 cases), cutaneous (4 cases) and ocular (7 cases).
The most prescribed DMARDs was Methotrexate in 79.3% (n = 23), biotherapy was used in 3 (10.3%), NSAIDs and corticosteroids were used in 62.1% (n = 18) and 69% (n = 20) respectively.
All the infections observed in our population were of community origin. Urinary tract infection was the most common infection (n = 5). Bronchopulmonary infections were observed in 2 cases including a case of tuberculosis. Sub periosteal abscess of the femur was also seen in one of the patients.
Regarding the SARS-CoV-2 infection, 6 patients were infected, 2 of whom required hospitalization, including one in the intensive care.

Conclusion
The risk of infections is increased during JIA. This is due to the immunosuppression induced by the disease, the treatment, and comorbidities.
31 Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in a Tunisian pediatric population
Authors: Dghaies C , Guedri R , Rebhi M , Hrizi H , Essaddam L , Dahmouni M , Abdelaali A , Fitouri Z , Ben Becher S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an acquired autoinflammatory disease characterised by arthritis of unknown origin with onset before age of 16 years. JIA comprises a group of heterogeneous diseases further divided into various categories based on shared clinical presentation, laboratory markers, and disease prognosis. Oligoarticular JIA is the most common group of JIA. The region of Africa constitutes a diverse group of ethnicities, socioeconomic conditions, and climates which influence the prevalence of oligoarticular JIA.

Objective
The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of oligoarticular JIA in children and to describe the clinical and evolutionary characteristics of a series of children presenting with oligoarticular JIA.

Results
We retrospectively evaluated 192 consecutive pediatric patients with JIA in the emergency and outpatient paediatric department at the children's hospital in Tunisia between January 2005 and December 2021. A total of 95 cases (49,4%) with oligoarticular JIA were included in the final analysis. The incidence of oligoarticular JIA was 4,11 cases per year.
The median age of the onset of symptoms was 56 months (range 6–156) and the ratio of males to females was 0,24. we noticed the presence of a family history of autoinflammatory or autoimmune disease in 15.7% of cases. Children were referred to a paediatrician specializing in rheumatic diseases of the child within a maximum of 3 years. These children were referred by an orthopaedist in 31.4% of cases. 82.9% of children were eutrophic at the time of diagnosis while 11.4% were found to having a failure to thrive. We noted that the knees were the most frequently affected joint (48,6%). Oligoarticular JIA with positive autoantibodies represented 64.3% of our patients. The evolution was marked by the occurrence of uveitis in 17.1% of cases. Of the 95 children followed for oligoarticular JIA, 21.4% had an extensive form and 7.1% are currently at the stage of joint deformation.

Conclusion
The prevalence of JIA in Africa was observed to be towards the lower range of the global estimate. We observed that the most prevalent subtype in our country was oligoarticular arthritis. The incidence of uveitis and anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) positivity were found to be higher as compared with the incidence from other regions.
34 Subtype frequencies and demographic characteristics of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in Batna, Algeria
Authors: Hadef Djohra , Slimani Samy , Khamari Mohamed Choukri , Mekaoussi Walid , Belot Alexandre , Quartier Pierre 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in childhood. There is a disparity in the prevalence of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) subsets between different geographical areas or ethnic groups. In Arabic and African populations, data describing JIA are scarce. However, the epidemiological studies remain the best tool to understand the disease and to improve its management.

Objectives
To determine subtype, frequency, demographic and clinical features of JIA in Batna -Algeria- and to compare the findings with other JIA populations worldwide.

Methods
A multicentre retrospective descriptive study was conducted in Batna health centers (public and private sectors), over a seven-year period from January 2013 to December 2019, based on data collected on JIA patients. As public sector source, we referred to the department of pediatrics of the university hospital center (CHU Benflis Touhami Batna), and as private sector source, we referred to private adult rheumatologists based in Batna. The studied variables were: gender, age at the initial symptoms, age at diagnosis, JIA subtype based on International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria, symptoms at onset, disease duration at the latest follow up, presence of uveitis, auto antibodies (antinuclear antibodies, Rheumatoid Factor and anti-CCP) pattern, joint imaging results, JIA status at the time of enrolment and the latest follow-up.

Results
The study included a total of 69 cases of JIA that were being followed in Batna health centers over the study period. The female to male ratio was 1.83. The median age at diagnosis was 9 years (range 1–16). Forty-six patients (72%) were diagnosed within the first year after disease onset. At the latest follow-up, the median disease duration onset was 1 year (range 1–8 years). There were 34 oligoarthritis (49.3%), 9(13%) rheumatoid factor (RF) negative polyarticular JIA, 8(11.6%) RF positive polyarticular JIA, 6(8.7%), systemic arthritis, 6(8.7%) enthesitis-related arthritis, 3(4.3%) psoriatic arthritis and 3(4.3%) undifferentiated arthritis. Nine patients (18.7%) were anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) positive, and 21 patients (30.4%) had indeterminate ANA status.

Conclusion
Oligoarthritis was the most common JIA subtype in our study. The RF positive polyarthritis frequency was higher than in literature. Prospective multicentre studies are necessary to better identify the JIA peculiarities in our country.

Disclosure of Interest
None declared
35 Pharmacologic management of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in Batna, Algeria
Authors: Hadef  , Slimani S , Khamari M. C , Mekaoussi W , Belot A , Quartier P 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in childhood and is usually treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The outcome in patients with JIA has markedly improved with the advent of biologic drugs.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to describe treatments prescribed for children with JIA in Batna, Algeria.

Methods
A multicentre retrospective and descriptive study was conducted in Batna health centers (public and private sectors), over a seven-year period from January 2013 to December 2019, based on (JIA patient’s data collection). As public sector source, we referred to the department of pediatrics of the university hospital center (CHU Benflis Touhami Batna), and as private sector source, we referred to private adult rheumatologists based in Batna.

Results
The study included a total of 69 cases of JIA that were being followed in Batna health centers over the study period. Treatment modalities used for these patients included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in 54 patients (79.4%), steroids (prednisolone) in 37 patients (54.4%), conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (c-DMARDs) in 51 patients (72.5%), biologic agents in 11 (15.9%) and intra articular injections in 17 patients (24.6%). The most frequently used c-DMARDs was methotrexate 42 (63.7%). The mean maximal dose reached was 7.5 mg (range 2.5–15). It was associated to other c-DMARDs in 2 cases. Sulfasalazine was used in 8 cases, Leflunomide in 1 case, and Hydroxychloroquine in 1 case. Biologics were used in 11 cases (15.9%).
RF-positive polyarthritis 4(50%), RF-negative polyarthritis 3 (33.3), systemic arthritis 2 (33.3) were the groups that most commonly needed a biological therapy. Biologics included Rituximab (n = 2), Tocilizumab (n = 1), Anakinra (n = 1), Etanercept (n = 1) and Infliximab (n = 1). The (mean duration of the disease evolution at the initiation of the biological agent) was 4.8 ± 5.4 years (range 0.5–8 years). At the time of enrolment, 31 patients (44.9%) were in remission: 20 patients (29%) were under treatment and 11 patients (15.9%) were not, while 12 patients (17.4%) had active disease.

Conclusion
A high proportion of children presenting with JIA received cDMARDs. Biologics were needed in a few cases.

Disclosure of Interest
None declared
46 Universal calcinosis in juvenile dermatomyositis: a case report
Authors: Bahaz N , Remilaoui A , Mechid F , Hafirassou H , Dahou Makhloufi C 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Dermatomyositis (DM) is an inflammatory myopathy that is often severe and affects children (juvenile DM) in 50% of cases. Subcutaneous calcinosis is seen in 30–70% of juvenile DM and often poses a problem in terms of treatment.
We report a patient with diffuse subcutaneous calcinosis in juvenile DM.

Observation
The patient is K.S, a 17-year-old girl, with background history of congenital heart disease (atrial septal defect), which was corrected surgically in 2021. Since the age of 13, she has had DM for which she has received corticosteroid therapy at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day and improved clinically. The clinical examination reveals subcutaneous nodules in the arms, forearms, phalanx of the right index finger, inner thigh, knees and legs, associated with reduced range of movement of the right elbow (presence of calcifications) and limitation of internal rotation of the right hip.
Laboratory investigations showed no inflammatory syndrome, the muscle enzymes and electromyogram were normal. Radiographs showed calcifications at the sites with subcutaneous nodules.
Bone densitometry showed a decrease in bone mineral density (Z score= -3.4 standard deviation at the lumbar spine). The thoracic CT scan showed interstitial lung disease.
The patient was managed with pamidronic acid for the diffuse calcinosis. She is also on diltiazem for Raynaud's phenomenon and hydroxychloroquine.

Conclusion
Subcutaneous calcinosis is diffuse in our patient. Treatment with bisphosphonates (pamidronic acid) is recommended.
55 Predictive factors of infection in patients with systemic autoimmune disease on biotherapy
Authors: Manel Boudokhane , Hiba Ben Ayed , Sarra Ben Yaacoub , Rym Bourguiba , Zeineb Teyeb , Mariem Ayari , Taieb Jomni , Imen Abdelaali , Syrine Belakhal , Hedi Dougui Mohamed 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Introduction
The increasing use of biologics in chronic inflammatory diseases is accompanied by an increased risk of infectious complications. Our objective was to determine the predictive factors for the occurrence of infection in patients on biotherapy.

Methods
We conducted a single-center retrospective study in an internal medicine department over a period of 14-year [2009–2022], including the records of patients treated with a biologic agent presenting at least one infectious episode.

Results
During the study period, 20 patients among 50 treated with biologic agent had at least one infection episode. The patient mean age was 50.8 ± 12.1 [24–76] years and the male to female ratio was 1:2. The mean age at biotherapy first use was 43 ± 12.1 [17–68] years. Infections occurred after a mean duration of 12 months [0.5–36] after the initiation of biotherapy. Eleven patients were followed for chronic inflammatory bowel disease, three patients for ankylosing spondylitis, three patients for vasculitis, two patients for rheumatoid arthritis and one patient for systemic scleroderma. Only three patients were diabetic and two had chronic pulmonary disease. Thirteen patients (65%) were treated by TNFα inhibitors and 35% with anti CD20 (Rituximab). Among TNFα inhibitors, seven infections occurred in patient treated with infliximab (41%), six with adalimumab (35%) and four with etanercept (24%). At the time of infection, half of the patients were treated by corticosteroid with a median dose of 32 mg/d [5–60] and a median duration of 11 months [2–90], while 40% of the patients were on conventional immunosuppressive therapy. The infection was severe, requiring hospitalization in eight cases (40%). A statistically significant correlation was found between the occurrence of infection and a duration of anti-TNFα treatment &lt;6 months (p = 0.003) and history of crohn's disease (p = 004). Age &gt;50 years at the time of biotherapy introduction did not correlate with a higher risk of infection (p = 0.7)

Conclusion
Screening for infections in patient treated with biologic agents must be systematic, especially at the treatment initiation, in order to ensure better compliance and efficacy of the biotherapy.