bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroinflammatory Biomarkers Associated With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury History in Special Operations Forces Combat Soldiers
Authors: Powell Jacob R. , Boltz Adrian J. , DeCicco Jamie P. , Chandran Avinash , DeLellis Stephen M. , Healy Marshall L. , Kane Shawn F. , Lynch James H. , Means Gary E. , Hackney Anthony C. , Mihalik Jason P. 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Special Operations Forces (SOF) combat soldiers are frequently exposed to blast and blunt neurotrauma, most often classified as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Repetitive mTBI may increase the risk of developing long-term neurological sequelae. Identifying changes in neuroinflammatory biomarkers before chronic conditions emerge could serve as preliminary evidence of developing neuropathology.

Objective:
To determine the effects of mTBI history, lifetime mTBI incidence, and recency on blood biomarker concentrations of axonal protein neurofilament light (NfL), glycolytic enzyme neuron-specific enolase (NSE), astrocyte-expressed S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), and neurotrophic cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in healthy, active duty SOF combat soldiers.

Methods:
Self-reported mTBI history/recency and fasted blood samples were collected in this cross-sectional study of 104 asymptomatic SOF combat soldiers. Biomarker concentrations were quantified using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare groups. Post hoc tests with appropriate corrections were conducted as warranted.

Results:
Soldiers with mTBI history had higher NSE concentrations than those without (z = −2.60, P = .01). We also observed significant main effects of lifetime mTBI incidence on NSE (χ2(3) = 9.52, P = .02) and S100B (χ2(3) = 8.21, P = .04) concentrations and a significant main effect of mTBI recency on NfL concentration (χ2(2) = 6.02, P = .049).

Conclusion:
The SOF combat soldiers with mTBI history had increased NSE. Longitudinal studies in this population are needed due to between-subject heterogeneity in biomarker concentrations. The NfL concentrations in our SOF combat soldiers—regardless of mTBI history or recency—were similar to values previously reported in civilian acute TBI patients.
Segmental Atrophy of Explanted Livers in Biliary Atresia
Authors: Santo Kenji , Nakano Noriyuki , Kasahara Mureo , Sakamoto Seisuke , Fukuda Akinari , Kanamori Yutaka , Fujino Akihiro , Horiike Masaki , Shibata Toshihiko , Muraji Toshihiro , Yoshioka Takako 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTObjectives:Atrophy of the left lateral segment (LLS) is often encountered in liver transplantation (LT) for biliary atresia (BA). To clarify the meaning of the heterogeneous atrophy, we compared the pathological characteristics of the LLS with the right posterior segment (RPS) of BA livers obtained during LT.Methods:Among the 116 patients with BA who underwent LT at our hospital between 2014 and 2018, 63 patients with persistent cholestasis after the Kasai portoenterostomy (KP) were selected. Three pathologists evaluated tissues from the LLS and RPS for 5 pathological parameters. Positive areas in whole‐slide image observed as portal inflammation, fibrosis, cholestasis, and ductular reaction, were analyzed with automated image quantitation. Moreover, we examined the relationship between the pathological score and the Pediatric End‐stage Liver Disease (PELD) score.Results:The median age at LT was 7 months (range 4–26 months). Inflammation and fibrosis were significantly greater in the LLS than in the RPS (P < 0.001, for both); however, there were no differences in cholestasis, ductular reaction, and hepatocellular damage (P = 0.3, 0.3, and 0.82). The same results were obtained in automated image quantitation. Moreover, the sums of the 5 pathological scores in the LLS showed a significant positive correlation with the PELD score (P = 0.016, rs = 0.3).Conclusions:More severe inflammation and fibrosis without cholestasis were observed in the LLS. The segmental atrophy may not be associated with poor bile drainage, but with etiopathogenesis of BA. Moreover, the proper site for biopsy during KP could be the LLS.
Dynamics of organic matter and bacterial activity in the Fram Strait during summer and autumn
Authors: von Jackowski Anabel , Grosse Julia , Nöthig Eva-Maria , Engel Anja 
Published: August 2020

The Arctic Ocean is considerably affected by the consequences of global warming, including more extreme seasonal fluctuations in the physical environment. So far, little is known about seasonality in Arctic marine ecosystems in particular microbial dynamics and cycling of organic matter. The limited characterization can be partially attributed to logistic difficulties of sampling in the Arctic Ocean beyond the summer season. Here, we investigated the distribution and composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM), gel particles and heterotrophic bacterial activity in the Fram Strait during summer and autumn. Our results revealed that phytoplankton biomass influenced the concentration and composition of semi-labile dissolved organic carbon (DOC), which strongly decreased from summer to autumn. The seasonal decrease in bioavailability of DOM appeared to be the dominant control on bacterial abundance and activity, while no temperature effect was determined. Additionally, there were clear differences in transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) and Coomassie Blue stainable particles (CSP) dynamics. The amount of TEP and CSP decreased from summer to autumn, but CSP was relatively enriched in both seasons. Our study therewith indicates clear seasonal differences in the microbial cycling of organic matter in the Fram Strait. Our data may help to establish baseline knowledge about seasonal changes in microbial ecosystem dynamics to better assess the impact of environmental change in the warming Arctic Ocean.This article is part of the theme issue ‘The changing Arctic Ocean: consequences for biological communities, biogeochemical processes and ecosystem functioning’.
Low cost local food supplements could improve maternal and birth outcomes: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Susiloretni Kun A , Subandriani Dyah N , Ulfiana Elisa , Astuti Trina , Sunarto  , Smith Emily R 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivesMaternal nutrition plays a crucial role in influencing fetal growth and birth outcomes. The government of Indonesia has provided a manufactured fortified food supplementation program for undernourished pregnant mothers. We hypothesized a low-cost local food supplementation (LFS) would improve maternal and birth outcomes compared with government food supplementation (GFS).MethodsWe conducted a randomized control trial. We enrolled 54 pregnant mothers with MUAC<23.5cm who were assigned into two groups. The intervention group received LFS and multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS). The control group received the GFS and iron and folic acid supplements (IFA). LFS was a balanced energy protein food supplement made from nuts and fish. LFS and GFS contained approximately 500kcal energy and 10grams protein. We compared the effectiveness of these two interventions using logistic and linear regression.ResultsAt the baseline, the two groups had similar characteristics. After 60 days of treatment, mothers in the LFS group were 2.28 folds more likely to increase MUAC (RR 2.28; 95%CI 1.58,3.27, p<0.001) and 4.73 folds to increase gestational weight (RR 4.73; 95%CI 1.37,16.3, p=0.015) than were mothers in the GFS group. For birth outcomes, in the LFS group had reduction of birthweight <3000grams (RR 0.15; 95%CI 0.023,0.98; p=0.048), short birth length (RR 0.068; 95%CI 0.005,0.93; p=0.044), and cesarean delivery (RR 0.11; 95%CI 0.022,0.61, p=011) as compared to the GFS group.Conclusions for PracticeLocal foods and MMS supplementation can improve maternal and birth outcomes. Therefore, local food supplements can be considered for food supplementation programs to undernourished pregnant mothers.Significance StatementWhat is already known on this subject?Balanced protein-energy foods fortified with multiple micronutrients supplements has been known as an effective intervention to improve birth length and birth weight for underweight pregnant women.What this study adds?The provision of balanced energy protein of local foods supplements combined with multiple micronutrients supplements pills, showed the reduction on birth weight < 3000grams and short birth length. Surprisingly could reduce cesarean deliveries, and furthermore could give a chance to produce local food supplements by micro and small enterprises in community setting. Future studies should be conducted using better research design and embeded in the food and stunting reduction system.
Clinical Features Associated with COVID-19 Outcome in MM: First Results from International Myeloma Society COVID-19 Dataset
Authors: Chari Ajai , Samur Mehmet Kemal , Martinez-Lopez Joaquin , Cook Gordon , Biran Noa , Yong Kwee , Hungria Vania , Engelhardt Monika , Gay Francesca , Feria Ana García , Oliva Stefania , Oostvogels Rimke , Gozzetti Alessandro , Rosenbaum Cara , Kumar Shaji , Stadtmauer Edward A. , Einsele Hermann , Beksac Meral , Weisel Katja , Anderson Kenneth C. , Mateos María-Victoria , Moreau Philippe , San-Miguel Jesus , Munshi Nikhil C. , Avet-Loiseau Hervé 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTThe primary cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) is an infection. Therefore there is great concern about the susceptibility to the outcome of COVID-19 infected patients with multiple myeloma.This retrospective study describes the baseline characteristics and outcome data of COVID-19 infection in 650 patients with plasma cell disorders (98 outpatinets and 538 hospitilized patinets), collected from 10 countries by the International Myeloma Society to understand the initial challenges faced by Myeloma patients during COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics, univariate logistic regression, and multivariate analysis were performed for hospitalized MM patinets.The median age was 69 years, and nearly all patients (96%) had MM. Approximately 36% were recently diagnosed (2019-2020), and 54% of patients were receiving first-line therapy. Thirty-three percent of patients have died, with significant geographic variability, ranging from 27% to 57% of hospitalized patients. Univariate analysis identified age, ISS3, high-risk disease, renal disease, suboptimal myeloma control (active or progressive disease), and one or more comorbidities as risk factors for higher rates of death. Neither history of transplant, including within a year of COVID-19 diagnosis nor other anti-MM treatments were associated with outcomes. Multivariate analysis found that only age, high-risk MM, renal disease, and suboptimal MM control remained independent predictors of adverse outcome with COVID-19 infection.The management of MM in the era of COVID-19 requires careful consideration of patient and disease-related factors to decrease the risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection, while not compromising the disease control through appropriate MM treatment. This study provides the data to develop recommendations for the management of MM patients at risk of COVID-19 infection.Key PointsHigh but variable mortality for hospitalized MM patients (27% to 57%)Optimal MM control was associated with COVID-19 associated death for MM patinetsExplanation of noveltyThis study investigated the risk and outcome of COVID-19 infection in MM patients globally (10 countries)
Genomic assessment of within-host population variation inNeisseria gonorrhoeae: Implications for gonorrhoea transmission
Authors: Ashcroft Melinda M. , Chow Eric P. F. , Lee Darren Y.J. , De Petra Vesna , Soumilas Maree , Tschaepe Marlene , Zhang Lei , Ingle Danielle J. , Taiaroa George , Hicks Allison L. , Grad Yonatan H. , Howden Benjamin P. , Fairley Christopher K. , Williamson Deborah A. 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTObjectivesMathematical modelling and genomic analyses are powerful methods for investigating the transmission dynamics ofNeisseria gonorrhoeae, however, often make the implicit assumption thatN. gonorrhoeaeisolates at different anatomical sites within the same individual are the same strain.MethodsIn this study, two approaches were used to explore genetic diversity. First, we examined a collection of stored, clinicalN. gonorrhoeaeisolates sourced from multiple anatomical sites of single individuals attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne from 2011-2019. Second, we obtained multiple colony picks from primary clinical samples from individuals attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne from 2019-2020. Whole genome sequencing and a variety of bioinformatics approaches were used to determine both within-host and within-sample genetic diversity.ResultsThirty-seven individuals were identified that had culturedN. gonorrhoeaefrom two or more anatomical sites (urogenital, anorectal, or oropharyngeal), with a final dataset of 105 isolates. In 35/37 (94.6%) individuals, infections were highly similar at the genetic level, with identical MLST and NG-MAST profiles. Pairwise comparisons of isolates within each individual indicated that the maximum within-host pairwise SNP distance was 13 SNPs (median = 1, IQR: 0-3). Notably, four distinct multi-individual phylogenetic clusters were identified, where the maximum pairwise SNP distance was 19 SNPs (median = 6, IQR = 2-11). Similarly, comparisons of isolates within each primary sample indicated that the maximum pairwise SNP distance was 8 SNPs (median = 2, IQR:1-3).ConclusionsThis study suggests that in most cases of multi-site infection, the same strain ofN. gonorrhoeaecauses the infection at each anatomical site. However, WGS data alone cannot differentiate between the same infecting strain or (re)infections from the same transmission network. These data guide recommendations regarding optimal bioinformatic approaches to infer genetic relatedness ofN. gonorrhoeaeand will help inform future studies of gonorrhoea transmission and epidemiology.KEY MESSAGESIn most cases of multi-site infection, the same strain ofN. gonorrhoeaecauses infection at each anatomical site (urogenital, anorectal, and oropharyngeal) within an individual.It is not possible, using genomics alone, to determine if an infection is from a single individual or multiple individuals within the same sexual network.Current literature reports an array of different bioinformatic methods for describing genetic diversity, highlighting that SNP thresholds are not directly transferable between studies.
Preliminary report on the development of a colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification diagnostic assay for deer tick virus
Authors: Roy Brandon G. , Ryndock Eric J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDeer tick virus (DTV) is an emerging pathogen in North America. This virus can cause nervous system complications such as encephalitis in humans. Further, no data has been surmounted around long-term effects of infection from DTV patients across variable age groups. Diagnostic tools of DTV used by government laboratories are based on RT-PCR using patient serum or ticks. This paper explores the feasibility of a colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to create a point-of-care diagnostic methodology for use in field and in primary care. LAMP consists of six primers that bind to target DNA and amplifies variable length nucleotide strands that can be visualized through side reactions or via electrophoresis. First, a viable LAMP primer set, and a primer set that dimerizes and amplifies DNA regardless of compatibility were created in silico and validated in vitro. Then, a specific LAMP assay was developed. Our findings showed his method can be performed within 30 minutes and can measure with limits of detection comparable to PCR.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Lactate as a Prognostic Marker of Disease Severity and Mortality in Cryptococcal Meningitis
Authors: Abassi Mahsa , Bangdiwala Ananta S , Nuwagira Edwin , Tadeo Kiiza Kandole , Okirwoth Michael , Williams Darlisha A , Mpoza Edward , Tugume Lillian , Ssebambulidde Kenneth , Hullsiek Kathy Huppler , Musubire Abdu K , Muzoora Conrad , Rhein Joshua , Meya David B , Boulware David R ,   ASTRO-CM team
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate levels can differentiate between bacterial and viral meningitis. We measured CSF lactate in individuals with cryptococcal meningitis to determine its clinical significance.MethodsWe measured point-of-care CSF lactate at the bedside of 319 HIV-infected Ugandan adults at diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis. We summarized demographic variables and clinical characteristics by CSF lactate tertiles. We evaluated the association of CSF lactate with clinical characteristics and survival.ResultsIndividuals with high CSF lactate >5 mmol/L at cryptococcal diagnosis more likely presented with altered mental status (p<.0001), seizures (p=.0005), elevated intracranial opening pressure (p=.03), higher CSF white cells (p=0.007), and lower CSF glucose (p=.0003) compared to those with mid-range (3.1 to 5 mmol/L) or low (≤3 mmol/L) CSF lactate levels. Two-week mortality was higher among individuals with high baseline CSF lactate >5 mmol/L (35%; 38/109) as compared to individuals with mid-range (22%; 25/112) or low CSF lactate (9%; 9/97; p=<.0001). After multivariate adjustment, CSF lactate >5mmol/L remained independently associated with excess mortality (adjusted Hazard Ratio = 3.41; 95%CI, 1.55-7.51; p=.002). We found no correlation between baseline CSF lactate levels and blood capillary lactate levels (p=.72).ConclusionsBaseline point-of-care CSF lactate levels may be utilized as a prognostic marker of disease severity and mortality in cryptococcal meningitis. Individuals with an elevated baseline CSF lactate are more likely to present with altered mental status, seizures, elevated CSF opening pressures, and are at a greater risk of death. Future studies are needed to determine targeted therapeutic management strategy in persons with high CSF lactate.SummaryIn HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis, baseline cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate levels are associated with increased intracranial pressures, seizures, and altered mental status. Elevated CSF lactate levels, at baseline, are associated with increased 2-week mortality.
Multiple introductions followed by ongoing community spread of SARS-CoV-2 at one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Northeast of Brazil
Authors: Paiva Marcelo Henrique Santos , Guedes Duschinka Ribeiro Duarte , Docena Cássia , Bezerra Matheus Filgueira , Dezordi Filipe Zimmer , Machado Laís Ceschini , Krokovsky Larissa , Helvecio Elisama , Silva Alexandre Freitas da , Vasconcelos Luydson Richardson Silva , Rezende Antonio Mauro , Silva Severino Jefferson Ribeiro da , da Silva Sales Kamila Gaudêncio , Figueiredo de Sá Bruna Santos Lima , da Cruz Derciliano Lopes , Cavalcanti Claudio Eduardo , de Menezes Neto Armando , da Silva Caroline Targino Alves , Mendes Renata Pessôa Germano , da Silva Maria Almerice Lopes , da Silva Barros Michelle , Nascimento Wheverton Ricardo Correia do , Arcoverde Rodrigo Moraes Loyo , Bezerra Luciane Caroline Albuquerque , Filho Sinval Pinto Brandão , Ayres Constância Flávia Junqueira , Wallau Gabriel Luz 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTThe emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in the human population has caused a huge pandemic that is still unfolding in many countries around the world. Multiple epicenters of the pandemic have emerged since the first pneumonia cases in Wuhan, first in Italy followed by the USA and Brazil. Up to now, Brazil is the second most affected country, however, genomic sequences of SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating in the country are restricted to some highly impacted states. Although the Pernambuco state, located in the Northeast Region, is the sixth most affected brazilian state and the second considering lethality rate, there is a lack of high quality genomic sequences from the strains circulating in this region. Here, we sequenced 38 strains of SARS-CoV-2 from patients presenting Covid-19 symptoms. Phylogenetic reconstructions revealed that three lineages were circulating in the state and 36 samples belong to B1.1 lineage. We detected two introductions from European countries and five clades, corroborating the community spread of the virus between different municipalities of the state. Finally, we detected that all except one strain showed the D614G spike protein amino acid change that may impact virus infectivity in human cells. Our study brought new light to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 strains in one of the most heavily impacted states of Brazil.
Association between Serum Prolactin and Metabolic Disorders: a Systematic Review
Authors: Yang Zaibo , She Junsen , Zhou Congcong , Liangshan Mu 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundSerum prolactin levels are associated with metabolic disorders. However, the conclusions were inconsistent among published studies.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for studies investigating the association between serum prolactin levels and metabolic disorders. Studies were included and reviewed if they reported the association between serum prolactin and metabolic components (including waist circumference, body weight indexes, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes).ResultsA total of 14 studies were included in this systematic review. Evidence for certain associations between serum prolactin levels and body weight, blood lipids, blood glucose was insufficient, while some evidence showed a positive association between serum prolactin and blood pressure. High serum prolactin levels were found to be associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes in women but not in men, but evidence for an exact correlation between serum prolactin and type 2 diabetes was insufficient.ConclusionEvidence for associations between serum prolactin and metabolic profiles were insufficient. Higher serum prolactin levels might be associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes in women. Further high-quality prospective studies are required.