bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased serum neurofilament light chain concentration indicates poor outcome in Guillain-Barré syndrome
Authors: Altmann Patrick , De Simoni Desiree , Kaider Alexandra , Ludwig Birgit , Rath Jakob , Leutmezer Fritz , Zimprich Fritz , Hoeftberger Romana , Lunn Michael P. , Heslegrave Amanda , Berger Thomas , Zetterberg Henrik , Rommer Paulus Stefan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease that results in demyelination and axonal damage. Five percent of patients die and 20% remain significantly disabled on recovery. Recovery is slow in most cases and eventual disability is difficult to predict, especially early in the disease. Blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers that could help identify patients at risk of poor outcome are required. We measured serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) concentrations from blood taken upon admission and investigated a correlation between sNfL and clinical outcome.

Methods
Baseline sNfL levels in 27 GBS patients were compared with a control group of 22 patients with diagnoses not suggestive of any axonal damage. Clinical outcome parameters for GBS patients included (i) the Hughes Functional Score (HFS) at admission, nadir, and discharge; (ii) the number of days hospitalised; and (iii) whether intensive care was necessary.

Results
The median sNfL concentration in our GBS sample on admission was 85.5 pg/ml versus 9.1 pg/ml in controls. A twofold increase in sNfL concentration at baseline was associated with an HFS increase of 0.6 at nadir and reduced the likelihood of discharge with favourable outcome by a factor of almost three. Higher sNfL levels upon admission correlated well with hospitalisation time (rs = 0.69, p < 0.0001), during which transfer to intensive care occurred more frequently at an odds ratio of 2.4. Patients with baseline sNfL levels below 85.5 pg/ml had a 93% chance of being discharged with an unimpaired walking ability.

Conclusions
sNfL levels measured at hospital admission correlated with clinical outcome in GBS patients. These results represent amounts of acute axonal damage and reflect mechanisms resulting in disability in GBS. Thus, sNfL may serve as a convenient blood-borne biomarker to personalise patient care by identifying those at higher risk of poor outcome.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes among women presenting at antenatal clinics in Ouélessébougou, Mali
Authors: Andemel Naissem , Gaoussou Santara , Barry Amadou , Issiaka Djibrilla , Mahamar Almahamoudou , Traore Moussa , Duffy Patrick E. , Dicko Alassane , Fried Michal 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria continues to scourge the population and is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in young children and pregnant women. As current preventative measures such as intermittent preventive treatment and use of insecticide-treated nets provide incomplete protection, several malaria vaccines are currently under development, including one to specifically prevent pregnancy malaria. Prior to conducting vaccine trials, it is important to obtain background information on poor pregnancy outcomes in the target population to establish a baseline.

Methods
Pregnant women presenting at community health care centers for antenatal care were recruited to the study. Gestational age was determined by ultrasound examination following recruitment. Antenatal care and pregnancy outcome information were collected during a visit 4–8 weeks post-delivery.

Results
One thousand eight hundred fifty women completed the study, and analysis included 1814 women after excluding multiple gestations (n = 26) and missing/incomplete data (n = 10). The percentage (95% CI) of adverse pregnancy outcomes is as follows: miscarriage, 0.28% (0.04–0.52); stillbirth, 1.93% (1.30–2.56); early neonatal death, 1.65% (1.03–2.24); late neonatal death, 0.39%, (0.10–0.68); and preterm delivery (PTD), 4.74% (3.76–5.73). The percentages of early and late neonatal deaths and PTD were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in primigravid compared to multigravid women. In primigravidae, 3.1, 1.1 and 7.1% of pregnancies resulted in early neonatal death, late neonatal death and PTD, respectively, while these outcomes in multigravidae were 1.0, 0.1 and 2.7%, respectively. Major malformations were identified in 4 newborns.

Conclusions
Low gravidity and young age predict perinatal death and PTD. The information collected here can be used as a baseline for adverse pregnancy outcomes in future vaccine trials in pregnant women.
Abnormally increased carotid intima media-thickness and elasticity in patients with Morquio A disease
Authors: Wang Raymond Y. , Rudser Kyle D. , Dengel Donald R. , Evanoff Nicholas , Steinberger Julia , Movsesyan Nina , Garrett Robert , Christensen Katherine , Boylan Deborah , Braddock Stephen R. , Shinawi Marwan , Gan Qi , Montaño Adriana M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Cardiovascular disease frequently causes morbidity and mortality in mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS); however, cardiovascular anatomy and dysfunction in MPS IVA (Morquio A disease) is not well described. Consequently, the study aimed to compare carotid artery structure and elasticity of MPS IVA patients with other MPS patients and healthy control subjects, and quantitate frequency of MPS IVA cardiac structural and functional abnormalities.

Methods
Prospective, multi-center echocardiogram and carotid ultrasound evaluations of 12 Morquio A patients were compared with other MPS and healthy control subjects. Average differences between groups were adjusted for age, sex, and height with robust variance estimation for confidence intervals and P-values.

Results
Morquio A patients demonstrated significantly higher (P < 0.001) adjusted carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), mean (SD) of 0.56 mm (0.03) compared to control subjects, 0.44 mm (0.04). The Morquio A cohort had significantly greater adjusted carotid elasticity (carotid cross-sectional compliance + 43%, P < 0.001; carotid incremental elastic modulus − 33%, P = 0.003) than control subjects and other MPS patients. Aortic root dilatation was noted in 56% of the Morquio A cohort, which also had highly prevalent mitral (73%) and aortic (82%) valve thickening, though hemodynamically significant valve dysfunction was less frequent (9%).

Conclusions
Increased carotid elasticity in Morquio A patients is an unexpected contrast to the reduced elasticity observed in other MPS. These Morquio A cIMT findings corroborate MPS IVA arterial post-mortem reports and are consistent with cIMT of other MPS. Aortic root dilatation in Morquio A indicates arterial elastin dysfunction, but their carotid hyperelasticity indicates other vascular intima/media components, such as proteoglycans, may also influence artery function. Studying MPS I and IVA model systems may uniquely illuminate the function of glycosaminoglycan-bearing proteoglycans in arterial health.
Treatment of mantle cell lymphoma in Asia: a consensus paper from the Asian Lymphoma Study Group
Authors: Yoon Dok Hyun , Cao Junning , Chen Tsai-Yun , Izutsu Koji , Kim Seok Jin , Kwong Yok Lam , Lin Tong Yu , Thye Lim Soon , Xu Bing , Yang Deok Hwan , Kim Won Seog 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a B cell malignancy that can be aggressive and with a poor prognosis; the clinical course is heterogeneous. The epidemiology of MCL in Asia is not well documented but appears to comprise 2–6% of all lymphoma cases based on available data, with variation observed between countries. Although international guidelines are available for the treatment of MCL, there is a lack of published data or guidance on the clinical characteristics and management of MCL in patient populations from Asia. This paper aims to review the available treatment and, where clinical gaps exist, provide expert consensus from the Asian Lymphoma Study Group (ALSG) on appropriate MCL management in Asia.

Body
Management strategies for MCL are patient- and disease stage-specific and aim to achieve balance between efficacy outcomes and toxicity. For asymptomatic patients with clearly indolent disease, observation may be an appropriate strategy. For stage I/II disease, following international guidelines is appropriate, which include either a short course of conventional chemotherapy followed by consolidated radiotherapy, less aggressive chemotherapy regimens, or a combination of these approaches. For advanced disease, the approach is based on the age and fitness of the patient. For young, fit patients, the current practice for induction therapy differs across Asia, with cytarabine having an important role in this setting. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may be justified in selected patients because of the high relapse risk. In elderly patients, specific chemoimmunotherapy regimens available in each country/region are a treatment option. For maintenance therapy after first-line treatment, the choice of approach should be individualized, with cost being an important consideration within Asia. For relapsed/refractory disease, ibrutinib should be considered as well as other follow-on compounds, if available.

Conclusion
Asian patient-specific data for the treatment of MCL are lacking, and the availability of treatment options differs between country/region within Asia. Therefore, there is no clear one-size-fits-all approach and further investigation on the most appropriate sequence of treatment that should be considered for this heterogeneous disease.
Effects of Astragalus injection and Salvia Miltiorrhiza injection on serum inflammatory markers in patients with stable coronary heart disease: a randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Luo Zhihao , Liu Yuntao , Zhao Zhen , Yan Xia , Wang Dawei , Liu Qing 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a clinical syndrome caused by coronary atherosclerosis (AS) or functional changes in coronary arteries. We have previously reported that astragaloside IV (in astragalus) and tanshinone IIA (in Salvia miltiorrhiza) improve myocardial ischemic injury.

Methods
This study will employ the randomized, blinded, prospective, single-center experiments approach. Briefly, a total of 160 eligible patients will be equally randomized into three treatment groups and placebo control groups. Patients will receive appropriate treatments every 24 h for seven days after enrollment and followed up for 28 days. The main evaluation indicators will be cell count, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, oxidized low density lipoprotein (OX-LDL), angina grade, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symptom changes scale. Secondary indicators to be evaluated will include B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, troponin (cTn), muscle enzyme isoenzyme (CK-MB), heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), liver and renal functions, as well as blood coagulation. Close monitoring of adverse events during the trial will also be conducted.

Discussion
This randomized controlled trial of Chinese herbal extracts for the treatment of coronary heart disease will generate results that are expected to provide valuable clinical evidence to inform future development of therapies towards management of CHD.

Trial registration
China Clinical Trial Registration Center, ChiCTR1900021590. Registered on 28 February 2019.
Evaluating the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a Cognitive Occupation-Based programme for people with Multiple Sclerosis (COB-MS): protocol for a feasibility cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dwyer Christopher P. , Alvarez-Iglesias Alberto , Joyce Robert , Counihan Timothy J. , Casey Dympna , Hynes Sinéad M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Cognitive difficulties experienced by people with multiple sclerosis (MS) impact their quality of life and daily functioning, from childcare and work, to social and self-care activities. Despite the high prevalence of cognitive difficulties seen in MS, there is a lack of developed programmes that target cognition, while also supporting patients by helping them to function well in everyday life. The Cognitive Occupation-Based programme for people with MS (COB-MS) was developed as a holistic, individualised cognitive rehabilitation intervention. It addresses the wide-ranging symptoms and functional difficulties that present in MS, including the ability to maintain employment, social activities, home management and self-care. The aim of the current research is to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of COB-MS for people with MS. The focus is on feasibility outcomes as well as functioning associated with cognitive difficulty and secondary outcomes related to cognition, fatigue and quality of life.

Methods
One hundred and twenty people with MS will be assigned to participate in either the COB-MS programme or a treatment as usual, wait-list control group as part of this single-blind, cluster-randomised controlled feasibility and preliminary efficacy trial of the COB-MS programme. The COB-MS group will participate in an eight-session occupational-based cognitive rehabilitation programme over 9 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the goal attainment scaling at 12 weeks. Participants will be assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention and at 12 weeks post-intervention and 6 months post-intervention. Qualitative evaluations of participants’ perspectives will also be examined as part of the feasibility study.

Discussion
Results will provide recommendations for a future definitive trial of COB-MS, with respect to both feasibility and preliminary, clinical efficacy. In the event that results indicate efficacy, study findings will suggest that COB-MS requires consideration as a means of enhancing cognitive and daily functioning in people living with MS.

Trial registration
ISRCTN: ISRCTN11462710. Registered on 9 September 2019.
Protocol for a mixed methods process evaluation of a hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial of a scaled-up whole-school physical activity program for adolescents: Physical Activity 4 Everyone (PA4E1)
Authors: Mclaughlin Matthew , Duff Jed , Sutherland Rachel , Campbell Elizabeth , Wolfenden Luke , Wiggers John 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Physical Activity 4 Everyone (PA4E1) is a physical activity program for secondary schools located in low-socioeconomic areas. Over a 24-month period, schools in the program arm of a cluster randomised controlled trial (n = up to 38 schools) will receive a multi-component implementation support strategy to embed the seven school physical activity practices of the PA4E1 program. This article describes the process evaluation of the PA4E1 hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial. The process evaluation aims to describe the fidelity and reach of the implementation support strategies using quantitative data; and to describe the acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of the implementation support strategies and physical activity practices to school stakeholders using mixed methods.

Methods
Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected from participants (Physical Education teachers, in-School Champions, students) in the program arm. Data collection will involve semi-structured interviews, focus groups, a fidelity monitoring log, a fidelity checklist, surveys, and routinely collected administrative and website data. Quantitative data will be analysed descriptively and qualitative data will be analysed thematically within and across data sets. Triangulation between data sources will be used to synthesise findings regarding the implementation and potential mechanisms of impact of PA4E1 on school physical activity practice adoption, with respect to context.

Discussion
Results of the process evaluation will facilitate the interpretation of the findings of the trial outcomes. It will comprehensively describe what was actually implemented and identify the potential contribution of the various components of the implementation support strategy to the school physical activity practice adoption outcomes. Findings will inform future improvement and scale-up of PA4E1 and approaches to implementing secondary school-based physical activity programs more broadly.

Trial registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12617000681358 registered 12 May 2017.
Lrig1 expression prospectively identifies stem cells in the ventricular-subventricular zone that are neurogenic throughout adult life
Authors: Nam Hyung-song , Capecchi Mario R. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (Lrig1) regulates stem cell quiescence. As a marker, it identifies stem cells in multiple organs of the mouse. We had detected Lrig1 expression in cultured Id1high neural stem cells obtained from the lateral walls lining the lateral ventricles of the adult mouse brain. Thus, we investigated whether Lrig1 expression also identifies stem cells in that region in vivo.

Methods
Publicly available single cell RNA sequencing datasets were analyzed with Seurat and Monocle. The Lrig1+ cells were lineage traced in vivo with a novel non-disruptive co-translational Lrig1T2A-iCreERT2 reporter mouse line.

Results
Analysis of single cell RNA sequencing datasets suggested Lrig1 was highly expressed in the most primitive stem cells of the neurogenic lineage in the lateral wall of the adult mouse brain. In support of their neurogenic stem cell identity, cell cycle entry was only observed in two morphologically distinguishable Lrig1+ cells that could also be induced into activation by Ara-C infusion. The Lrig1+ neurogenic stem cells were observed throughout the lateral wall. Neuroblasts and neurons were lineage traced from Lrig1+ neurogenic stem cells at 1 year after labeling.

Conclusions
We identified Lrig1 as a marker of long-term neurogenic stem cells in the lateral wall of the mouse brain. Lrig1 expression revealed two morphotypes of the Lrig1+ cells that function as long-term neurogenic stem cells. The spatial distribution of the Lrig1+ neurogenic stem cells suggested all subtypes of the adult neurogenic stem cells were labeled.
Variation in the response of bovine alveolar lavage cells to diverse species of probiotic bacteria
Authors: Eicher Susan D. , Chitko-McKown Carol G. , Bryan Keith A. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective
Probiotics are fed to improve enteric health, and they may also affect respiratory immunity through their exposure to the upper respiratory tract upon ingestion. However, their effect on the respiratory system is not known. Our aim was to determine how probiotics affect functions and markers of bronchoalveolar lung lavage cells (BAL) isolated from lungs of calves at slaughter.

Results
Treatments consisted of ten probiotic species and one control treatment. Probiotics and BAL were incubated 1:1 for 2 h at 37 °C and 5% CO2. The cell surface markers measured included CD14, CD205, and CD18, and E. coli bioparticles were used to measure phagocytosis and oxidative burst. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05 and were noted for percent cells fluorescing and mean fluorescence intensity for CD14 and CD205. Additionally, oxidative burst was different as measured by both percentage of cells fluorescing and mean fluorescence intensity, and phagocytosis differed among species as measured by mean fluorescence intensity. Overall, probiotic species differed in their ability to suppress or increase leukocyte function showing that probiotic bacteria differentially modulate BAL.
Crosstalk between DNA methylation and histone acetylation triggers GDNF high transcription in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Zhang Baole , Gu Xiaohe , Han Xiao , Gao Qing , Liu Jie , Guo Tingwen , Gao Dianshuai 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is highly expressed in glioblastoma (GBM) and blocking its expression can inhibit the initiation and development of GBM. GDNF is a dual promoter gene, and the promoter II with two enhancers and two silencers plays a major role in transcription initiation. We had previously reported that histone hyperacetylation and DNA hypermethylation in GDNF promoter II region result in high transcription of GDNF in GBM cells, but the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether these modifications synergistically regulate high GDNF transcription in GBM.

Results
Cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) expression and phosphorylation at S133 were significantly increased in human GBM tissues and GBM cell lines (U251 and U343). In U251 GBM cells, high expressed CREB significantly enhanced GDNF transcription and promoter II activity. CREB regulated GDNF transcription via the cyclic AMP response elements (CREs) in enhancer II and silencer II of GDNF promoter II. However, the two CREs played opposite regulatory roles. Interestingly, hypermethylation of CRE in silencer II occurred in GBM tissues and cells which led to decreased and increased phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) binding to silencer II and enhancer II, respectively. Moreover, pCREB recruited CREB binding protein (CBP) with histone acetylase activity to the CRE of GDNF enhancer II, thereby increasing histone H3 acetylation and RNA polymerase II recruitment there and at the transcription start site (TSS), and promoted GDNF high transcription in U251 cells. The results indicated that high GDNF transcription was attributable to DNA hypermethylation in CRE of GDNF silencer II increasing pCREB binding to CRE in enhancer II, which enhanced CBP recruitment, histone H3 acetylation, and RNA polymerase II recruitment there and at the TSS.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that pCREB-induced crosstalk between DNA methylation and histone acetylation at the GDNF promoter II enhanced GDNF high transcription, providing a new perspective for GBM treatment.
CT imaging findings of abdominopelvic vascular compression syndromes: what the radiologist needs to know
Authors: Gozzo Cecilia , Giambelluca Dario , Cannella Roberto , Caruana Giovanni , Jukna Agita , Picone Dario , Midiri Massimo , Salvaggio Giuseppe 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAbdominopelvic vascular compression syndromes include a variety of uncommon conditions characterized by either extrinsic compression of blood vessels by adjacent anatomical structures (i.e., median arcuate ligament syndrome, nutcracker syndrome, May-Thurner syndrome) or compression of hollow viscera by adjacent vessels (i.e., superior mesenteric artery syndrome, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, ureteral vascular compression syndromes, portal biliopathy). These syndromes can be unexpectedly diagnosed even in asymptomatic patients and the predisposing anatomic conditions can be incidentally discovered on imaging examinations performed for other indications, or they can manifest with atypical abdominal symptoms and acute complications, which may lead to significant morbidity if unrecognized. Although computed tomography (CT) is an accurate noninvasive technique for their detection, the diagnosis remains challenging due to the uncommon clinical presentation and often overlooked imaging features. Dynamic imaging may be performed in order to evaluate patients with inconstant symptoms manifesting in a specific position. The purposes of this paper are to review the CT imaging findings of abdominopelvic vascular compression syndromes, correlating with anatomical variants and to provide key features for the noninvasive imaging diagnosis.