bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allogeneic umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot clinical study
Authors: Le Thi Bich Phuong , Nguyen Thi Ha , Dang Ngo Chau Hoang , Phan Van Tien , Do Quyet , Dong Khac Hung , Le Van Dong , Nguyen Huy Luc , Mai Cong Khan , Ta Ba Thang , Do Minh Trung , Vu Bich Ngoc , Truong Chau Nhat , Van Pham Phuc 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide. COPD results from chronic inflammation of the lungs. Current treatments, including physical and chemical therapies, provide limited results. Stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are used to treat COPD. Here, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of umbilical cord-derived (UC)-MSCs for treating COPD.

Methods
Twenty patients were enrolled, 9 at stage C and 11 at stage D per the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification. Patients were infused with 106 cells/kg of expanded allogeneic UC-MSCs. All patients were followed for 6 months after the first infusion. The treatment end-point included a comprehensive safety evaluation, pulmonary function testing (PFT), and quality-of-life indicators including questionnaires, the 6-min walk test (6MWT), and systemic inflammation assessments. All patients completed the full infusion and 6-month follow-up.

Results
No infusion-related toxicities, deaths, or severe adverse events occurred that were deemed related to UC-MSC administration. The UC-MSC-transplanted patients showed a significantly reduced Modified Medical Research Council score, COPD assessment test, and number of exacerbations. However, the forced expiratory volume in 1 s, C-reactive protein, and 6MWT values were nonsignificantly reduced after treatment (1, 3, and 6 months) compared with those before the treatment.

Conclusion
Systemic UC-MSC administration appears to be safe in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD, can significantly improve their quality of life, and provides a basis for subsequent cell therapy investigations.

Trial registration
ISRCTN, ISRCTN70443938. Registered 06 July 2019
Evaluating sustainability in the Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration project: the model and process
Authors: Lee Rebecca E. , Kao Dennis , Parker Nathan H. , Hallett Allen M. , Kochi Camila Y. , Modelska Maria J. , Rifai Hanadi S. , O’Connor Daniel P. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
In the context of health-related interventions, sustainability is the capacity to maintain the changes resulting from the intervention. These can be improved policies, practices or trends intended to improve population health. The Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (CORD) project was a multi-site, multi-intervention collaboration testing the Obesity Chronic Care Model with interventions for childhood obesity prevention and management. We present the model, definitions and methodology used for the cross-site sustainability evaluation of CORD.

Methods
We applied the Ecologic Model of Obesity to childhood obesity interventions to operationalize four sustainability constructs: replicability, continuation of benefits, institutionalization, and community capacity. We used a triangulation approach and employed mixed methods to assess sustainability constructs at each level of the Ecologic Model of Obesity: Micro, Meso, Exo and Macro. We constructed checklists to count and code intervention activities, use of evidence-based practices among providers, and environmental factors and policies hypothesized to influence intervention sustainability. We developed in-depth interviews for principal investigators and project leads. We applied the Wilder Collaboration Factors Inventory with key stakeholders.

Results
Lessons learned suggested that sustainability constructs should be clearly identified and operationalized a priori. Constructs must be flexible to account for differences between intervention plans and implementation to obtain robust and informative data.

Conclusion
Strong links are needed among researchers, program implementers and communities to accomplish consistent, robust and valuable data collection efforts to assure sustainable and healthy communities.
The novel llama‐human chimeric antibody has potent effect in lowering LDL‐c levels in hPCSK9 transgenic rats
Authors: Li Xinyang , Wang Meiniang , Zhang Xinhua , Liu Chuxin , Xiang Haitao , Huang Mi , Ma Yingying , Gao Xiaoyan , Jiang Lin , Liu Xiaopan , Li Bo , Hou Yong , Zhang Xiuqing , Yang Shuang , Yang Naibo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe advent of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)–inhibiting drugs have provided an effective, but extremely expensive treatment for the management of low density lipoprotein (LDL). Our aim was to explore a cost‐effective application of camelid anti‐PCSK9 single domain antibodies (sdAbs), which are high variable regions of the camelid heavy chain antibodies (VHHs), as a human PCSK9 (hPCSK9) inhibitor. One female llama was immunized with hPCSK9. Screening of high affinity anti‐PCSK9 VHHs was carried out based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology. We reported a lysate kinetic analysis method improving the screening efficiency. To increase the serum half‐life and targeting properties, the constant region fragment of the human immunoglobulin gamma sub‐type 4 (IgG4 Fc) was incorporated to form a novel llama‐human chimeric molecule (VHH‐hFc).ResultsThe PCSK9 inhibiting effects of the VHH proteins were analyzed in two human liver hepatocellular cells (HepG2 and Huh7) and in the hPCSK9 transgenic Sprague–Dawley (SD) rat model. The hPCSK9 antagonistic potency of the bivalent VHH‐hFc exceeded the monovalent VHH (P < 0.001) in hepatocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, the llama‐human chimeric VHH‐Fc protein had a similar reduction (~ 40%) of the LDL‐c and total cholesterol when compared to the approved evolocumab in transgenic SD rat model, but with low cost. More surprisingly, the chimeric heavy chain antibodies could be persevered for 3 months at room temperature with little loss of the affinity.ConclusionsDue to the high yield and low cost of Pichia pastoris, lipid‐lowering effect and strong stability, the llama‐human chimeric antibody (VHH‐Fc) offers a potent therapeutic candidate for the control of the serum lipid level.
Does physiological arousal lead to increased catastrophic misinterpretation? An experiment based on the concept of a fear memory
Authors: Ohst Barnabas , Tuschen-Caffier Brunna 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
While there has been research on catastrophic misinterpretation of ambiguous situations and on the effects of the induction of physiological arousal, there has been no experimental research on the relationship between them. Based on the concept of a fear memory, we aimed to investigate if the induction of physiological arousal leads to catastrophic misinterpretations.

Methods
Participants were shown either a suspenseful film clip to induce physiological arousal (EG, n = 43) or a calm film clip with no specific effect on arousal levels (CG, n = 40) before completing a measure of catastrophic misinterpretation (BSIQ-FR). To assess the specific predictive value of physiological arousal, measurements of other known predictors were included (BSI, BDI-II, ACQ, BSQ, STAI-T, ASI-3).

Results
The film manipulation led to a significant increase in physiological arousal in the EG but not in the CG. The EG did not report more catastrophic misinterpretations than the CG – however, more participants in the EG reported at least one catastrophic misinterpretation. The increase in physiological arousal due to the film manipulation predicted catastrophic misinterpretation in the open response format in the EG, but not in the CG, even when controlling for other known predictors.

Conclusions
Our study provides evidence that experimentally induced physiological arousal can predict catastrophic misinterpretation. The findings support the concept of a fear memory. With the BSIQ-FR, a German questionnaire measuring catastrophic misinterpretation was introduced. Further research on the relationship between physiological arousal and catastrophic misinterpretation with clinical samples is recommended.
A new model for calculating the maximum trust in Online Social Networks and solving by Artificial Bee Colony algorithm
Authors: Saeidi Shahram 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe social networks are widely used by millions of people worldwide. The trust concept is one of the most important issues in Social Network Analysis (SNA) which highly affects the quantity and quality of the inter-connections, decisions, and interactions among the users in e-commerce or recommendation systems. Many normative algorithms are developed to calculate the trust which most of them are complicated, depend on the network structure, and need lots of critical information that makes them hard to use. The aim of this paper is proposing a descriptive, simple and effective method for calculating the maximal trust and the trust route between any two users of an Online Social Network (OSN). For this purpose, four new models for estimating the trust mechanism of the users are proposed and analyzed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Anderson–Darling statistical hypothesis tests to identify and validate the best-fitted model based on 20,613 empirical results gathered from 4552 social network volunteers. Due to the time–complexity of the problem, a meta-heuristic algorithm based on the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) optimization method is also developed for solving the best-fitted model. The proposed algorithm is simulated in Matlab®over six larger test cases adopted from the Facebook dataset. In order to evaluate the performance of the developed algorithm, the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) based meta-heuristics are also simulated on the same test cases. The comparison of the computational results shows that the ABC approach performs better than the ACO and GA as the size of the network increases.
Multiple liver metastases originating from synchronous double cancer of neuroendocrine tumor and rectal cancer: a case report
Authors: Omori Sachie , Harada Noboru , Toshima Takeo , Takeishi Kazuki , Itoh Shinji , Ikegami Toru , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Mori Masaki 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) is a relatively rare tumor and can develop in almost any organ, but primary mesenteric NETs are extremely rare. In addition, liver metastases from synchronous double cancer of neuroendocrine tumor graded as G1 and second primary malignancies (SPMs) have never been reported before. We herein report a case of multiple liver metastases from synchronous double cancer of NET (G1) at the ileal mesentery and rectal cancer.

Case presentation
A 66-year-old man was identified as having tumors in the rectum and the ileal mesentery by computed tomography (CT). He underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer and biopsy of the ileal mesentery lymph node and was diagnosed with rectal cancer as pT3 pN1 cM0 (stage IIIB) and NET (G1) of the ileal mesentery. He received oxaliplatin and capecitabine (XELOX) for 3 months as adjuvant chemotherapy for rectal cancer. The NET (G1) of the ileal mesentery was low grade and had not expanded at follow-up. A CT scan performed 4 years after the surgery indicated multiple liver metastases. All the metastases had the same findings on CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thus, the patient underwent the first stage of modified associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (modified ALPPS), comprising partial hepatectomies of segments 3 and 4, ligation of the right branch of portal vein, and hepatic partition on the demarcation line, followed by the second stage of modified ALPPS (right lobectomy). Histopathological findings revealed that the 14 nodules were metastatic liver tumors of rectal cancer and the 2 nodules were liver metastases of the NET (G1).

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that synchronous double cancer of NET and gastrointestinal cancer may be indistinguishable in preoperative images. However, curative resection, precise pathological diagnosis, and adequately adjusted treatment may result in a better prognosis.
Standard care informed by the result of a placental growth factor blood test versus standard care alone in women with reduced fetal movement at or after 36+0 weeks’ gestation: a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Armstrong-Buisseret Lindsay , Godolphin Peter J. , Bradshaw Lucy , Mitchell Eleanor , Ratcliffe Sam , Storey Claire , Heazell Alexander E. P. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Biomarkers of placental function can potentially aid the diagnosis and prediction of pregnancy complications. This randomised controlled pilot trial assessed whether for women with reduced fetal movement (RFM), intervention directed by the measurement of a placental biomarker in addition to standard care was feasible and improved pregnancy outcome compared with standard care alone.

Methods
Women aged 16–50 years presenting at eight UK maternity units with RFM between 36+0 and 41+0 weeks’ gestation with a viable singleton pregnancy and no indication for immediate delivery were eligible. Participants were randomised 1:1 in an unblinded manner to standard care and a biomarker blood test result revealed and acted on (intervention arm) or standard care where the biomarker result was not available (control arm). The objectives were to determine the feasibility of a main trial by recruiting 175–225 participants over 9 months and to provide proof of concept that informing care by measurement of placental biomarkers may improve outcome. Feasibility was assessed via the number of potentially eligible women, number recruited, reasons for non-recruitment and compliance. Proof of concept outcomes included the rates of the induction of labour and caesarean birth, and a composite adverse pregnancy outcome.

Results
Overall, 2917 women presented with RFM ≥ 36 weeks, 352 were approached to participate and 216 (61%) were randomised (intervention n = 109, control n = 107). The main reason for not approaching women was resource/staff issues (n = 1510). Ninety-seven women declined the trial, mainly due to not liking blood tests (n = 24) or not wanting to be in a trial (n = 21). Compliance with the trial interventions was 100% in both arms. Labour was induced in 97 (45%) participants (intervention n = 49, control n = 48), while 17 (9%) had planned caesarean sections (intervention n = 9, control n = 8). Overall, 9 (8%) babies in the intervention arm had the composite adverse pregnancy outcome versus 4 (4%) in the control arm.

Conclusions
A main trial using a placental biomarker in combination with delivery, as indicated by the biomarker, in women with RFM is feasible. The frequency of adverse outcomes in this population is low, hence, a large sample size would be required along with consideration of the most appropriate outcome measures.

Trial registration
ISRCTN, ISRCTN12067514; registered 8 September 2017.
Sputum and plasma adiponectin levels in clinically stable adult cystic fibrosis patients with CFTR I1234V mutation
Authors: AbdulWahab Atqah , Allangawi Mona , Thomas Merlin , Bettahi Ilham , Sivaraman Siveen K. , Jerobin Jayakumar , Chandra Prem , Abou-Samra Abdul-Badi , Ramanjaneya Manjunath 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is associated with chronic inflammation leading to progress in lung function. Adiponectin is a predominantly anti-inflammatory adipokine that may have a role in CF lung. This study aims to determine total sputum and total plasma adiponectin levels in clinically stable adults CF patients with CFTR I1234V mutation, compared to plasma adiponectin levels in healthy controls and to investigate their correlations with body mass index (BMI) and spirometry in patients with CF.

Methods
A cross-sectional study comprises 17 CF patients and 18 healthy controls. Adiponectin levels were measured by magnetic bead-based multiplex assay.

Results
The mean age of adult CF patients was 22.9 years±3.8 (18–30) and 76.5% CF patients had pancreatic sufficiency. The mean BMI in healthy controls was slightly higher than CF patients. The mean sputum adiponectin level was significantly lower than plasma adiponectin levels in CF patients and healthy controls (p < 0.001), whereas no significant difference in plasma adiponectin levels between CF patients and healthy controls. The mean sputum adiponectin level was observed to be higher in CF patients with pancreatic insufficiency. Sputum adiponectin level was correlated positively with plasma adiponectin level in CF patients (r = 0.47, p = 0.06). Sputum and plasma adiponectin levels in CF patients were correlated negatively with BMI and percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC).

Conclusions
Sputum adiponectin may provide a minimally invasive tool in the assessment of inflammatory status in CF patients. A further larger study to address any difference in sputum and plasma adiponectin levels among CF patients with pancreatic sufficiency versus pancreatic insufficiency.
Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone in the Prediction of Response to hCG Stimulation in Children With DSD
Authors: Lucas-Herald Angela K , Kyriakou Andreas , Alimussina Malika , Guaragna-Filho Guilherme , Diver Louise A , McGowan Ruth , Smith Karen , McNeilly Jane D , Ahmed S Faisal 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Introduction
The relationship between serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and the testosterone response to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation test is unclear.

Methods
Children who had hCG stimulation tests in one tertiary centre from 2001 to 2018 were included (n = 138). Serum testosterone was measured before (day 1 [D1]) and after 3 days (D4) of hCG stimulation. Sixty-one of these children also had prolonged hCG stimulation for 2 more weeks and serum testosterone measured after 21 days (D22). All children had a serum AMH measured on D1.

Results
Of the 138 children, D4 testosterone was normal in 104 (75%). AMH was low in 24/138 (17%) children, and 16 (67%) of these had a low D4 testosterone. Median AMH in those who had a normal vs low D4 testosterone was 850 pmol/L (24, 2280) and 54 pmol/L (0.4, 1664), respectively (P &lt; 0.0001). An AMH &gt; 5th centile was associated with a low D4 testosterone in 18/118 (13%; P &lt; 0.0001). Of the 61 children who had prolonged hCG stimulation, D22 testosterone was normal in 39 (64%). AMH was low in 10/61(16%) children and 9 (90%) of these had a low D22 testosterone. Median AMH in children who responded and did not respond by D22 was 639 pmol/L (107, 2280) and 261 pmol/L (15, 1034) (P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusion
A normal AMH may provide valuable information on overall testicular function. However, a low AMH does not necessarily predict a suboptimal testosterone response to hCG stimulation.
Circulating Lysophosphatidylcholines in Early Pregnancy and Risk of Gestational Diabetes in Chinese Women
Authors: Liu Jinnan , Li Jing , Li Sainan , Leng Junhong , Li Weiqin , Yang Wen , Huo Xiaoxu , Chen Liwei , Ma Ronald C W , Hu Gang , Fang Zhongze , Yang Xilin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to explore associations of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) in early pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and whether LPCs mediated the associations of bile acids with GDM risk or had interactive effects with bile acids on GDM risk.

Design
We conducted a 1:1 nested case-control study (n = 486) from a large prospective pregnant women cohort in urban Tianjin, China. Blood samples were collected at their first antenatal care visit (median at 10th gestational week). LPCs were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Conditional binary logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to identify cutoff points of these metabolites for GDM risk.

Results
Of the 6 detectable LPCs, LPC14:0 less than 0.24 nmol/mL, LPC15:0 at 0.45 nmol/mL or greater, and LPC18:0 at 18.00 nmol/mL or greater were independently associated with GDM risk. Adjustment for LPC18:0 slightly attenuated odds ratios (ORs) of deoxycholic acid (DCA, ≤ 0.36 nmol/mL) and glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA, ≤ 0.07 nmol/mL) for GDM, and the correlations of DCA and GUDCA with LPC18:0 were weak. However, the presence of DCA at 0.36 nmol/mL or less greatly amplified the adjusted OR of LPC18:0 at 18.00 nmol/mL or greater alone for GDM from 8.18 (2.51-26.7) up to 17.7 (6.64-47.1), with significant additive interaction. Similarly, the presence of GUDCA at 0.07 nmol/mL or less also greatly amplified the adjusted OR of LPC18:0 at 18.00 nmol/mL or greater alone for GDM from 17.2 (1.77-168) up to 73.8 (12.7-429), with significant additive interaction.

Conclusions
LPCs in early pregnancy were associated with GDM risk. Low DCA or GUDCA greatly amplified the effect of high LPC18:0 on GDM, and its molecular mechanism is worth further investigations.
Rate and Extent of Recovery from Reproductive and Cardiac Dysfunction Due to Androgen Abuse in Men
Authors: Shankara-Narayana Nandini , Yu Christopher , Savkovic Sasha , Desai Reena , Fennell Carolyn , Turner Leo , Jayadev Veena , Conway Ann J , Kockx Maaike , Ridley Lloyd , Kritharides Len , Handelsman David J 
Published: February 2020

AbstractContextAndrogen abuse impairs male reproductive and cardiac function, but the rate, extent, and determinants of recovery are not understood.ObjectiveTo investigate recovery of male reproductive and cardiac function after ceasing androgen intake in current and past androgen abusers compared with healthy non-users.MethodsCross-sectional, observational study recruited via social media 41 current and 31 past users (≥3 months since last use, median 300 days since last use) with 21 healthy, eugonadal non-users. Each provided a history, examination, and serum and semen sample and underwent testicular ultrasound, body composition analysis, and cardiac function evaluation.ResultsCurrent abusers had suppressed reproductive function and impaired cardiac systolic function and lipoprotein parameters compared with non- or past users. Past users did not differ from non-users, suggesting full recovery of suppressed reproductive and cardiac functions after ceasing androgen abuse, other than residual reduced testicular volume. Mean time to recovery was faster for reproductive hormones (anti-Mullerian hormone [AMH], 7.3 months; luteinizing hormone [LH], 10.7 months) than for sperm variables (output, 14.1 months) whereas spermatogenesis (serum follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], inhibin B, inhibin) took longer. The duration of androgen abuse was the only other variable associated with slower recovery of sperm output (but not hormones).ConclusionSuppressed testicular and cardiac function due to androgen abuse is effectively fully reversible (apart from testis volume and serum sex hormone binding globulin) with recovery taking between 6 to 18 months after ceasing androgen intake with possible cumulative effects on spermatogenesis. Suppressed serum AMH, LH, and FSH represent convenient, useful, and underutilized markers of recovery from androgen abuse.