bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soluble Urokinase‐Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor and High‐Sensitivity Troponin Levels Predict Outcomes in Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Al‐Badri Ahmed , Tahhan Ayman Samman , Sabbak Nabil , Alkhoder Ayman , Liu Chang , Ko Yi‐An , Vaccarino Viola , Martini Afif , Sidoti Arianna , Goodwin Cydney , Ghazzal Bahjat , Beshiri Agim , Murtagh Gillian , Mehta Puja K. , Quyyumi Arshed A. 
Published: April 2020

Background
Multiple biomarkers have been independently and additively associated with major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease. We investigated the prognostic value of suPAR (soluble urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor) and hsTnI (high‐sensitivity troponin I) levels in symptomatic patients with no obstructive coronary artery disease. We hypothesized that high levels of these biomarkers will be associated with the risk of future adverse outcomes.

Methods and Results

Plasma levels of suPAR and hsTnI were measured in 556 symptomatic patients with no obstructive coronary artery disease. A biomarker risk score was calculated by counting the number of biomarkers above the median in this cohort (suPAR>2523 pg/mL and hsTnI>2.7 pg/mL). Survival analyses were performed with models adjusted for traditional risk factors. All‐cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure) served as clinical outcomes over a median follow‐up of 6.2 years. Mean age was 57±10 years, 49% of the cohort patients were female, and 68% had a positive stress test. High suPAR and hsTnI levels were independent predictors of all‐cause death (hazard ratio=3.2 [95% CI, 1.8–5.7] and 1.3 [95% CI, 1.0–1.7], respectively; both
P
<0.04) and major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio=2.7 [95% CI, 1.4–5.4] and 1.5 [95% CI, 1.2–2.0], respectively; both
P
<0.002). Compared with a biomarker risk score of 0, biomarker risk scores of 1 and 2 were associated with 19‐ and 14‐fold increased risk of death and development of major adverse cardiovascular events, respectively.

Conclusions
Among symptomatic patients with no obstructive coronary artery disease, higher levels of suPAR and hsTnI were independently and additively associated with an increased risk of adverse events. Whether modification of these biomarkers will improve risk in these patients needs further investigation.
Cortical morphological changes in chronic migraine in a Taiwanese cohort: Surface- and voxel-based analyses
Authors: Lai Kuan-Lin , Niddam David M , Fuh Jong-Ling , Chen Wei-Ta , Wu Jaw-Ching , Wang Shuu-Jiun 
Published: April 2020

Background Previous voxel- or surface-based morphometric analysis studies have revealed alterations in cortical structure in patients with chronic migraine, yet with inconsistent results. The discrepancies may be derived partly from the sample heterogeneity. Employing both methods in a clinically homogenous group may provide a clearer view. Methods Structural MRI data from 30 prevention-naïve patients with chronic migraine without medication overuse headache or a history of major depression and 30 healthy controls were analyzed. Vertex-wise (surface-based) or voxel-wise (voxel-based) linear models were applied, after controlling for age and gender, to investigate between-group differences. Averaged cortical thicknesses and volumes from regions showing group differences were correlated with parameters related to clinical profiles. Results Surface-based morphometry showed significantly thinner cortices in the bilateral insular cortex, caudal middle frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, and parietal lobes in patients with chronic migraine relative to healthy controls. Additionally, the number of migraine days in the month preceding MRI examination was correlated negatively with right insular cortical thickness. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) did not show any group differences or clinical correlations. Conclusion Patients with chronic migraine without medication overuse headache, major depression, or prior preventive treatment had reduced cortical thickness in regions within the pain-processing network. Compared to voxel-based morphometry, surface-based morphometry analysis may be more sensitive to subtle structural differences between healthy controls and patients with chronic migraine.
Follicular lymphoma generating in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer following nivolumab discontinuation
Authors: Sengul Samanci Nilay , Yılmaz Umut , Bedir Sahin , Ozgur Yurttas Nurgul , Oruc Kerem , Durak Sahin Zehra , Celik Emir , Toplutas Kubra Nur , Akı Hilal , Eskazan Ahmet Emre , Demirelli Fuat Hulusi 
Published: April 2020

Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated the benefit for many cancer types, melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, urothelial cancer, renal cell cancer, etc. Especially in advanced non-small cell lung cancer, significant improvement in survival results has been shown. Case Report Here, we report a 66-year-old man with lung adenocarcinoma who received nivolumab for 80 cycles. Management and Outcome: Two months after discontinuing nivolumab, he developed follicular lymphoma. Pneumonitis was also accompanied, which was treated with metilprednisolon, but he died due to progressive respiratory failure. Discussion Our clinical knowledge with checkpoint inhibitors is increasing day by day, and to the best of our knowledge, this paper presents the first case in the English literature who developed follicular lymphoma after discontinuing nivolumab in non-small cell lung cancer patient.
MiR-203a-3p Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Cell Proliferation, EMT, and Apoptosis by Regulating SLUG
Authors: An Ning , Zheng Bo 
Published: April 2020

Objective: The aim of the present research is to study the roles of miR-203a-3p on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer. Methods: Transcription profiles were acquired from Gene Expression Omnibus database, which was used to screen out the differentially expressed microRNAs and messenger RNAs in pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer tissues were used to verify the bioinformatics results by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The relationship between miR-203a-3p and SLUG was examined by TargetScan software, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation. The Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing, and transwell assays were conducted to investigate the proliferation, migration, and invasion capability of pancreatic cancer cells, respectively. The expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition–related proteins was determined by the Western blot assay. Xenograft assay was performed to verify findings from in vitro assays. Results: Bioinformatic analysis found that a total of 113 microRNAs and 1749 messenger RNAs expressed differentially in pancreatic cancer tissues. Among these microRNAs, the expression of miR-203a-3p was significantly decreased in both pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. On the other hand, the SLUG expression was remarkably upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells in comparison with normal tissues and cells. Moreover, TargetScan software, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation revealed that SLUG was a target of miR-203a-3p. The upregulation of miR-203a-3p expression inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of pancreatic cancer cells by suppressing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition process via sponging SLUG. Conclusion: These findings indicate that downregulation of miR-203a-3p in pancreatic cancer cells leads to high expression of SLUG, which promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition process and induces cancer progression.
Performance in Collegiate-Level Baseball Players After Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Swindell Hasani W. , Trofa David P. , Confino Jamie , Sonnenfeld Julian J. , Alexander Frank J. , Ahmad Christopher S. 
Published: April 2020

Background: The increase in ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) elbow reconstructions over the past 20 years has affected younger athletes more than any other age group. Although return to play and postoperative performance have been extensively studied in professional baseball players, outcomes in collegiate baseball players are less known. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to characterize return to play and changes in performance after UCL reconstruction (UCLR) in collegiate baseball players. We hypothesized that collegiate baseball players would have similar return-to-play rates compared with professional athletes and no significant differences in performance compared with matched controls. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Collegiate athletes undergoing UCLR by a single surgeon were identified. Postoperatively, individual collegiate career paths were analyzed through use of publicly available data from team websites, injury reports, and press releases. Data obtained included time to return to competition, number of collegiate seasons played after surgery, total games started and played, seasonal wins, losses, saves, innings played, hits, earned run average (ERA), home runs, shutouts, strikeouts, walks, and walks plus hit per inning pitched (WHIP). The UCLR group was compared with a matched control group of collegiate pitchers without elbow injury. Results: Of the 58 collegiate baseball players analyzed (mean ± SD age, 19.95 ± 1.19 years), 84.5% returned to play at the collegiate level. Players returned to competition at 16.98 ± 6.16 months postoperatively and competed for 1.60 ± 0.84 seasons postoperatively. In terms of career longevity, 81.0% of collegiate pitchers either completed their collegiate eligibility or remained on active rosters, and 2 players (4.1%) ultimately played at the professional level after UCLR. Compared with a matched cohort, the UCLR group had no significant differences in collegiate pitching performance statistics after surgery. Conclusion: College baseball players returned to play at a rate comparable with the rate published in prior literature on professional pitchers and often completed their collegiate playing eligibility postoperatively. Compared with controls, the UCLR group had no statistically significant differences in pitching performance postoperatively. Further studies are needed to determine the exact reasons why college players retire despite having endured extensive surgical and postoperative rehabilitation processes related to UCLR. Younger populations are experiencing elbow injuries at an increasing rate secondary to increased workloads at the amateur level. As these athletes matriculate into the collegiate ranks, they are at continued risk of sustaining UCL injury, and little explicit information is available on their prospects of return to play and career longevity after UCLR.
Key role of MIF-related neuroinflammation in neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Nasiri Elham , Sankowski Roman , Dietrich Henriette , Oikonomidi Aikaterini , Huerta Patricio T. , Popp Julius , Al-Abed Yousef , Bacher Michael 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine that promotes the production of other immune mediators. MIF is produced by most cell types in the brain including microglia, astrocytes and neurons. Enhanced expression of MIF might contribute to the persistent activation of glial, chronic neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Here, we investigated the effect of MIF on inflammatory markers and spatial learning in a mouse model of sporadic AD and on tau pathology in AD patients.

Methods
We examined the effects of MIF deficiency and pharmacological MIF inhibition in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, quantitative PCR and ELISA were used to assess cytokine production of STZ-treated glial cells. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were subjected to intracerebroventricular streptozotocin injection (3 mg/kg, ICV-STZ). Neuroinflammation and contextual learning performance were assessed using quantitative PCR and fear conditioning, respectively. Pharmacological MIF inhibition was achieved with intraperitoneal injections of ISO-1 (daily, IP, 20 mg/kg in 5% DMSO in 0.9% NaCl) for 4 weeks following ICV-STZ injection. The findings from ISO-1 treated mice were confirmed in MIF knockout C57BL/6. To assess the role of MIF in human AD, cerebrospinal fluid levels of MIF and hyperphosphorylated tau were measured using ELISA.

Results
Administration ICV-STZ resulted in hippocampal dependent cognitive impairment. MIF inhibition with ISO-1 significantly improved the STZ-induced impairment in contextual memory performance, indicating MIF-related inflammation as a major contributor to ICV-STZ-induced memory deficits. Furthermore, inhibition of the MIF resulted in reduced cytokine production in vitro and in vivo.
In human subjects with AD at early clinical stages, cerebrospinal fluid levels of MIF were increased in comparison with age-matched controls, and correlated with biomarkers of tau hyper-phosphorylation and neuronal injury hinting at MIF levels as a potential biomarker for early-stage AD.

Conclusions
The present study indicates the key role of MIF in controlling the chronic cytokine release in neuroinflammation related to tau hyperphosphorylation, neurodegeneration, and clinical manifestations of AD, suggesting the potential of MIF inhibition as therapeutic strategy to slow down neurodegeneration and clinical disease progression.
Widely Tunable Single/Dual RF Signal Generation by a Monolithic Three-Section DFB Laser
Authors: Huang Chung-Ping , Huang Yu-Ming , Shih Hsiang-Yun , Hsiao Fu-Chun , Chen Chun-Hong , Hsu Shun-Chieh , Lin Chien-Chung 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA three-section distributed feedback laser with a 2.5 InP/air pair of distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) was fabricated and analyzed in terms of its microwave generation capability. A widely tunable single radio frequency (RF) signal can be detected using optical heterodyning, and the tuning range is from 2 to 45 GHz. The incorporation of the third section provides an opportunity to present the dual RF operation when three emission peaks are near to each other in the wavelength domain. The proposed design provides a 21.3% enhancement in the RF tuning range compared with the range of a two-section laser (35.29 GHz versus 42.81 GHz). The compactness of the proposed device can be useful for future radio-over-fiber applications.
Dispersal and genetic structure in a tropical small mammal, the Bornean tree shrew (Tupaia longipes), in a fragmented landscape along the Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Brunke Jennifer , Russo Isa-Rita M. , Orozco-terWengel Pablo , Zimmermann Elke , Bruford Michael W. , Goossens Benoit , Radespiel Ute 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundConstraints in migratory capabilities, such as the disruption of gene flow and genetic connectivity caused by habitat fragmentation, are known to affect genetic diversity and the long-term persistence of populations. Although negative population trends due to ongoing forest loss are widespread, the consequence of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity, gene flow and genetic structure has rarely been investigated in Bornean small mammals. To fill this gap in knowledge, we used nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers to assess genetic diversity, gene flow and the genetic structure in the Bornean tree shrew,Tupaia longipes,that inhabits forest fragments of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sabah. Furthermore, we used these markers to assess dispersal regimes in male and femaleT. longipes.ResultsIn addition to the Kinabatangan River, a known barrier for dispersal in tree shrews, the heterogeneous landscape along the riverbanks affected the genetic structure in this species. Specifically, while in larger connected forest fragments along the northern riverbank genetic connectivity was relatively undisturbed, patterns of genetic differentiation and the distribution of mitochondrial haplotypes in a local scale indicated reduced migration on the strongly fragmented southern riverside. Especially, oil palm plantations seem to negatively affect dispersal inT. longipes.Clear sex-biased dispersal was not detected based on relatedness, assignment tests, and haplotype diversity.ConclusionThis study revealed the importance of landscape connectivity to maintain migration and gene flow between fragmented populations, and to ensure the long-term persistence of species in anthropogenically disturbed landscapes.
Genetic factors in rotator cuff pathology: potential influence of col 5A1 polymorphism in outcomes of rotator cuff repair
Authors: Petrillo Stefano , Longo Umile Giuseppe , Margiotti Katia , Candela Vincenzo , Fusilli Caterina , Rizzello Giacomo , De Luca Alessandro , Denaro Vincenzo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundInvestigations in genetics have provided valuable information about the correlation between gene variants and tendinopathy. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of COL5A1 gene are reported to be involved in Achilles tendinopathy, chronic degenerative tendon changes at the elbow, and other tendinopathies. The influence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of COL5A1 was previously analyzed in rotator cuff disease with confounding results. Moreover, the rs12722 polymorphism in COL5A1 gene has been implicated in the aetiology of musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries in several association studies. This study aims to analyse the possible influence of rs12722 polymorphism in COL5A1 in the outcomes of rotator cuff repair.MethodsSeventy-nine patients were included in the study. DNA was extracted from 1.2 ml of venous blood and genotyped for COL5A1 SNPs rs12722. Rotator cuff muscle strength and range of motion (ROM) in anterior elevation, external and internal rotation of the shoulder were evaluated.ResultsPatients presenting COL5A1 SNP rs12722 CC showed a ROM of passive external rotation statistically significantly higher compared to patients with CT genotype and TT genotype.ConclusionsCOL5A1 SNP rs12722 may influence the functional outcomes of RCRs, even though further studies are required to confirm these preliminary results.
Eosinophilic peritonitis and nephrotic syndrome in Kimura’s disease: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yu Bingxin , Yang Zhikai , Song Di , Wang Zi , Xu Damin , Wang Suxia , Nong Lin , Zhou Fude , Dong Jie 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Eosinophilic peritonitis is a relatively rare entity. Kimura’s disease is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by subcutaneous nodules mainly in the head and neck region, regional lymphadenopathy and occasional involvement of kidney. There is currently no report of eosinophilic peritonitis in Kimura’s disease.

Case presentation
A 44-year-old Chinese man presented with abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting and edema in lower limbs for 1 month. Laboratory data showed elevated eosinophils in peripheral blood and ascites, nephrotic syndrome with progressively renal dysfunction, and elevated IgE. Ultrasonography of lymph nodes showed multiple lymphadenopathy in bilateral inguinal regions. Surgical excision was performed for one of the enlarged lymph nodes and histopathology revealed diagnosis of Kimura’s disease. Renal biopsy indicated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and acute tubulointerstitial nephritis with infiltration of eosinophils in renal interstitium. The patient was prescribed with oral prednisolone therapy (30 mg/day), and underwent continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The peripheral and peritoneal eosinophil count decreased rapidly and normalized within 2 days. Forty-five days after prednisolone therapy, partial remission of nephrotic syndrome and decrease of serum creatinine were achieved while peritoneal dialysis dosage had decreased. Inguinal lymph nodes gradually shrunk in size. The overall conditions remain stable afterwards.

Conclusions
This rare case highlighted the clinical conundrum of a patient presenting with eosinophilic peritonitis, lymphadenopathy, nephrotic syndrome and renal failure associated with Kimura’s disease. The remarkable eosinophilia, pathology of lymph node and kidney, as well as significant response to steroids should guide towards the diagnosis.
Oral nystatin prophylaxis to prevent systemic fungal infection in very low birth weight preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rundjan Lily , Wahyuningsih Retno , Oeswadi Chrissela Anindita , Marsogi Miske , Purnamasari Ayu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundSystemic fungal infection (SFI) is one of leading causes of morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Because early diagnosis of SFI is challenging due to nonspecific manifestations, prophylaxis becomes crucial. This study aimed to assess effectiveness of oral nystatin as an antifungal prophylaxis to prevent SFI in VLBW preterm infants.MethodsA prospective, open-labelled, randomized controlled trial was performed in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of an academic hospital in Indonesia. Infants with a gestational age ≤ 32 weeks and/or birth weight of ≤ 1500 g with risk factors for fungal infection were assessed for eligibility and randomized to either an intervention group (nystatin) or control group. The intervention group received 1 ml of oral nystatin three times a day, and the control group received a dose of 1 ml of sterile water three times a day. The incidence of fungal colonization and SFI were observed and evaluated during the six-week study period. Overall mortality rates and nystatin-related adverse drug reactions during the study period were also documented.ResultsA total of 95 patients were enrolled. The incidence of fungal colonization was lower among infants in nystatin group compared to those in control group (29.8 and 56.3%, respectively; relative risk 0.559; 95% confidence interval 0.357–0.899; p-value = 0.009). There were five cases of SFI, all of which were found in the control group (p-value = 0.056). There was no difference in overall mortality between the two groups. No adverse drug reactions were noted during the study period.ConclusionsNystatin is effective and safe as an antifungal prophylactic medication in reducing colonization rates in the study population. Whilst the use of nystatin showed a potential protective effect against SFI among VLBW preterm infants, there was no statistical significant difference in SFI rates between groups.Trial registrationNCT03390374. Registered 4 January 2018 - Retrospectively registered.