bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracellular vesicle species differentially affect endothelial cell functions and differentially respond to exercise training in patients with chronic coronary syndromes
Authors: Kränkel Nicolle , Strässler Elisabeth , Uhlemann Madlen , Müller Maja , Briand-Schumacher Sylvie , Klingenberg Roland , Schulze P Christian , Adams Volker , Schuler Gerhard , Lüscher Thomas F , Möbius-Winkler Sven , Landmesser Ulf 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Extracellular vesicles are released upon cellular activation and mediate inter-cellular communication. Individual species of extracellular vesicles might have divergent roles in vascular homeostasis and may show different responses to therapies such as exercise training.

Aims
We examine endothelial effects of medium-size and small extracellular vesicles from the same individual with or without chronic coronary syndrome, and in chronic coronary syndrome patients participating in a four-week high-intensity interval training intervention.

Methods
Human aortic endothelial cells were exposed to medium-size extracellular vesicles and small extracellular vesicles isolated from plasma samples of study participants. Endothelial cell survival, activation and re-endothelialisation capacity were assessed by respective staining protocols. Extracellular vesicles were quantified by nanoparticle tracking analysis and flow cytometry. Extracellular vesicle microRNA expression was quantified by realtime-quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results
In patients with chronic coronary syndrome (n = 25), plasma counts of leukocyte-derived medium-size extracellular vesicles were higher than in age-matched healthy controls (n = 25; p = 0.04) and were reduced by high-intensity interval training (n = 15; p = 0.01 vs baseline). Re-endothelialisation capacity was promoted by medium-size extracellular vesicles from controls, but not by medium-size extracellular vesicles from chronic coronary syndrome patients. High-intensity interval training for 4 weeks enhanced medium-size extracellular vesicle-mediated support of in vitro re-endothelialisation. Small extracellular vesicles from controls or chronic coronary syndrome patients increased endothelial cell death and reduced repair functions and were not affected by high-intensity interval training.

Conclusion
The present study demonstrates that medium-size extracellular vesicles and small extracellular vesicles differentially affect endothelial cell survival and repair responses. This equilibrium is unbalanced in patients with chronic coronary syndrome where leukocyte-derived medium-size extracellular vesicles are increased leading to a loss of medium-size extracellular vesicle-mediated endothelial repair. High-intensity interval training partially restored medium-size extracellular vesicle-mediated endothelial repair, underlining its use in cardiovascular prevention and therapy to improve endothelial function.
Difference Among Similarity: A Study on Macao Students’ Adjustment Experiences in Taiwan’s Higher Education Systems
Authors: Chan (陈志峰) Chi Fong , Jheng (郑英杰) Ying-Jie 
Published: May 2020

Purpose: This study focused on cross-region student mobility to explore whether Macao students have adjustment issues while studying and living in Taiwan. Design/Approach/Methods: A total of 663 Macao students were surveyed in Taiwan, and the statistical methods, including correlation, t-test, analysis of variance, and hierarchical regression analysis were addressed to analyze the data. Findings: Macao students, even while studying in a Chinese context, did have social and psychological adjustment issues (i.e., social support and self-efficacy). Originality/Value: This study could shed some light on understanding cross-region students as well as providing practical guides for relevant governmental departments in their policy regarding outbound students.
Pilot Study: Outcomes of the Full Abdominopelvic Ultrasound Protocol for Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis in Children: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Dima Robert , Wang Yongdong , Zuccolo Sarah , Palmer Michelle , Cheong Kerry 
Published: May 2020

Objective: Sonographic evaluation for acute appendicitis in children often involves an exhaustive protocol, for which the therapeutic yield has not been formally evaluated. The purpose of the study was to pilot a retrospective chart review of children receiving an abdominopelvic sonogram upon presenting with suspected acute appendicitis. Methods: An annual retrospective chart review was designed to review abdominopelvic sonograms to rule out appendicitis and specifically performed at a Canadian children’s teaching hospital. Studies were excluded if the requisition stated multiple clinical concerns or if the patient was >18 years at the time of the sonogram. Results: Based on 230 patient cases reviewed, alternative diagnostic sonographic findings were found in 141 (61%) charts. Only 18 patient cases (8%) demonstrated both alternative sonographic findings as well as a change in management by the emergency room physician. Conclusion: Alternative diagnostic findings, based on a complete abdominopelvic sonogram, were common (61%) in this chart review but rarely changed patient management.
Survival following allogeneic transplant in patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Gowin Krisstina , Ballen Karen , Ahn Kwang Woo , Hu Zhen-Huan , Ali Haris , Arcasoy Murat O. , Devlin Rebecca , Coakley Maria , Gerds Aaron T. , Green Michael , Gupta Vikas , Hobbs Gabriela , Jain Tania , Kandarpa Malathi , Komrokji Rami , Kuykendall Andrew T. , Luber Kierstin , Masarova Lucia , Michaelis Laura C. , Patches Sarah , Pariser Ashley C. , Rampal Raajit , Stein Brady , Talpaz Moshe , Verstovsek Srdan , Wadleigh Martha , Agrawal Vaibhav , Aljurf Mahmoud , Angel Diaz Miguel , Avalos Belinda R. , Bacher Ulrike , Bashey Asad , Beitinjaneh Amer M. , Cerny Jan , Chhabra Saurabh , Copelan Edward , Cutler Corey S. , DeFilipp Zachariah , Gadalla Shahinaz M. , Ganguly Siddhartha , Grunwald Michael R. , Hashmi Shahrukh K. , Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A. , Kindwall-Keller Tamila , Kröger Nicolaus , Lazarus Hillard M. , Liesveld Jane L. , Litzow Mark R. , Marks David I. , Nathan Sunita , Nishihori Taiga , Olsson Richard F. , Pawarode Attaphol , Rowe Jacob M. , Savani Bipin N. , Savoie Mary Lynn , Seo Sachiko , Solh Melhem , Tamari Roni , Verdonck Leo F. , Yared Jean A. , Alyea Edwin , Popat Uday , Sobecks Ronald , Scott Bart L. , Nakamura Ryotaro , Mesa Ruben , Saber Wael 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only curative therapy for myelofibrosis (MF). In this large multicenter retrospective study, overall survival (OS) in MF patients treated with allogeneic HCT (551 patients) and without HCT (non-HCT) (1377 patients) was analyzed with Cox proportional hazards model. Survival analysis stratified by the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS) revealed that the first year of treatment arm assignment, due to upfront risk of transplant-related mortality (TRM), HCT was associated with inferior OS compared with non-HCT (non-HCT vs HCT: DIPSS intermediate 1 [Int-1]: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.26, P &lt; .0001; DIPSS-Int-2 and higher: HR, 0.39, P &lt; .0001). Similarly, in the DIPSS low-risk MF group, due to upfront TRM risk, OS was superior with non-HCT therapies compared with HCT in the first-year post treatment arm assignment (HR, 0.16, P = .006). However, after 1 year, OS was not significantly different (HR, 1.38, P = .451). Beyond 1 year of treatment arm assignment, an OS advantage with HCT therapy in Int-1 and higher DIPSS score patients was observed (non-HCT vs HCT: DIPSS-Int-1: HR, 2.64, P &lt; .0001; DIPSS-Int-2 and higher: HR, 2.55, P &lt; .0001). In conclusion, long-term OS advantage with HCT was observed for patients with Int-1 or higher risk MF, but at the cost of early TRM. The magnitude of OS benefit with HCT increased as DIPSS risk score increased and became apparent with longer follow-up.
Mesenchymal stromal cell therapeutic potency is dependent upon viability, route of delivery, and immune match
Authors: Giri Jayeeta , Galipeau Jacques 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Culture-adapted bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) deploy paracrine anti-inflammatory and tissue regenerative functionalities that can be harnessed as a living cell pharmaceutical product. Independent of clinical indication, a near majority of human clinical trials administer MSC IV, often with an allogeneic MSC cell product immediately after thawing from cryostorage. Despite hundreds of studies in a wide assortment of inflammatory, degenerative, and acute tissue injury syndromes, human clinical outcomes often fail to mirror promising rigorously conducted preclinical animal studies. Using a mouse model of toxic colitis, we demonstrate that replication fit MSCs harvested in log phase of growth have substantial impact on colitis clinical and pathologic endpoints when delivered subcutaneously or intraperitoneally, whereas the maximum tolerated IV bolus dosing failed to do so. We also demonstrate that heat-inactivated MSCs lose all therapeutic utility and the observation is mirrored by use of viable MSC administered immediately postthaw from cryostorage. Using luciferase transgenic MSC as donor cells, we demonstrate that transient in vivo engraftment is severely compromised when MSCs are dead or thawed and further demonstrate that MSC redosing is feasible in relapsing colitis, but only syngeneic MSCs lead to sustained improvement of clinical endpoints. These data support the notion that pharmaceutical potency of MSC requires viability and functional fitness. Reciprocally, IV administration of thawed MSC products may be biased against positive clinical outcomes for treatment of colitis and that extravascular administration of syngeneic, fit MSCs allows for effect in a recurrent therapy model.
Propofol versus placebo (with rescue with ketamine) before less invasive surfactant administration: study protocol for a multicenter, double-blind, placebo controlled trial (PROLISA)
Authors:   The PROLISA Study Group, Chevallier Marie , Durrmeyer Xavier , Ego Anne , Debillon Thierry 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
One major limitation for less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) is the difficulty in providing sedation before this procedure and the competitive risk of respiratory depression versus avoidance of intubation for most sedative or analgesic drugs used in this context.
The objective of this study is to compare the need for mechanical ventilation within 72 h of life following premedication with propofol, versus placebo (rescue with ketamine), for the LISA procedure in preterm neonates born before 32 weeks gestational age (wGA).

Methods
ProLISA is a phase III, non-inferiority, multicenter, double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial designed according to the SPIRIT Statement. Neonates born before 32 wGA in 12 geographically dispersed Neonatal Intensive Care Units in France needing surfactant will be included from September 2019 to September 2022. A sample of 542 patients is needed. The neonate is randomized to the intervention (propofol) or control placebo group. Open label rescue treatment with ketamine is possible in both groups if FANS (Faceless Acute Neonatal pain Scale) is ≥6. To guide drug administration, FANS is scored before attempting laryngoscopy. Once an adequate score has been obtained, LISA is performed according to a standardized protocol. The primary outcome is the need for mechanical ventilation within 72 h of life. Secondary outcomes are tolerance of the procedure, pain evaluation, hemodynamic and neurologic parameters after the intervention, morbidities before discharge and neurodevelopmental assessment at 2 years of age.

Discussion
This paper describes the first multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on this topic and will provide crucial information to support implementation of the LISA procedure.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04016246. Registered 06 June 2019, N°EUDRACT: 2018–002876-41.
Association of physical activity, sedentary behaviours and sleep duration with cardiovascular diseases and lipid profiles: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zhuang Zhenhuang , Gao Meng , Yang Ruotong , Li Nan , Liu Zhonghua , Cao Weihua , Huang Tao 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundObservational studies have shown that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), vigorous physical activity (VPA), sedentary behaviours, and sleep duration were associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and lipid levels. However, whether such observations reflect causality remain largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the causal associations of physical activity, sedentary behaviours, and sleep duration with coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and lipid levels.MethodsWe conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study using genetic variants as instruments which are associated with physical activity, sedentary behaviours, and sleep duration to examine the causal effects on CVDs and lipid levels. This study included analyses of 4 potentially modifiable factors and 7 outcomes. Thus, the threshold of statistical significance isP = 1.8 × 10− 3(0.05/4 × 7) after Bonferroni correction.ResultsIn the present study, there was suggestive evidence for associations of genetically predicted VPA with CAD (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence intervals, 0.47–0.90;P = 0.009) and MI (0.74; 0.59–0.93;P = 0.010). However, genetically predicted VPA, MVPA, sleep duration and sedentary behaviours did not show significant associations with stroke and any lipid levels.ConclusionsOur findings from the MR approach provided suggestive evidence that vigorous exercise decreased risk of CAD and MI, but not stroke. However, there was no evidence to support causal associations of MVPA,sleep duration or sedentary behaviours with cardiovascular risk and lipid levels.Translational perspectiveThe findings of this study did not point out specific recommendations on increasing physical activity required to deliver significant health benefits. Nevertheless, the findings allowed clinicians and public health practitioners to provide advice about increasing the total amount of excising time by demonstrating that such advice can be effective. Reliable assessment of the association of physical activity levels with different subtypes of CVDs is needed to provide the basis for a comprehensive clinical approach on CVDs prevention, which can be achieved through lifestyle interventions in addition to drug therapy.
The effect of weight loss and exercise on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) following Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies (EBT) for obesity
Authors: Lopez-Nava Gontrand , Asokkumar Ravishankar , Lacruz T. , Rull A. , Beltran L. , Bautista-Castaño Inmaculada 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBT) have demonstrated to induce weight loss and improve comorbidities in obese patients. However, little is known about its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes and physical activity status. This study aimed to evaluate the change in HRQOL and physical activity following EBT induced weight loss in obese patients.

Methods
We approached 181 patients who underwent EBT in a standardized multidisciplinary follow-up program to participate in the study. We provided them two questionnaires-a) Short Form-36 health survey with the physical (PSC) and mental (MSC) summary component scores to capture generic HRQOL, and b) international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) for physical activity (PA). We administered the survey at baseline and at 9 months post-procedure. We expressed the procedure outcome as percentage total body weight loss (%TBWL). We expressed continuous variables as mean (SD) or median and categorical variables as percentages. We used non-parametric tests for comparison and performed multivariable linear regression analysis to identify factors associated with improvement in HRQOL.

Results
The mean age was 42.2 (11.3) years, and the mean BMI was 38 (5.9)kg/m2. A majority of them were female (n-132, 73%). The EBT included intragastric balloons (n-136, 75%) and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (n-24, 25%). The mean %TBWL achieved after the intervention was 16.9 (9.7)%. We noticed a significant improvement in the median PSC (77.8 vs. 90.4, p < 0.001) and MSC (67 vs. 80.2, p < 0.001) scores after EBT. Similarly, we observed a significant positive change in physical activity compared to baseline (1606.2 vs. 2749 MET-minutes/week, p = < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed an increase in %TBWL was associated with significant improvement in PSC (β = 0.193, p = 0.003) and MSC (β = 0.166, p = 0.02) scores of HRQOL, and likewise, increase in PA was independently associated with improvement in MSC (β = 0.192, p = 0.01). We did not find any difference in outcome based on gender or the type of intervention.

Conclusion
EBT improves HRQOL in obese patients regardless of the type of intervention. The weight loss induced by EBT and the improvement in PA positively influence the health outcomes and quality of life.
A rapid and sensitive method to assess seed longevity through accelerated aging in an invasive plant species
Authors: Fenollosa Erola , Jené Laia , Munné-Bosch Sergi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundSeed longevity and vigor assessment is crucial for efficient ex situ biodiversity conservation in genebanks but may also have potential applications for the understanding of ecological processes and in situ biodiversity conservation. In fact, one of the factors determining the persistence of invasive species, a main threat to global biodiversity, is the generation of soil seed banks where seeds may remain viable for several years. Artificial seed aging tests using high temperatures and high relative humidity have been described for seed longevity estimation but have been mainly optimized for species with commercial interest. Thus, the aim of the study is to define a rapid and sensitive method to assess seed longevity and vigor through accelerated aging in the worldwide distributed invasive speciesCarpobrotus edulisto provide tools to biodiversity managers to evaluate invasive potential and develop effective post-eradication plans.ResultsSlow seed deterioration rate was obtained whenC. edulisseeds were subjected to common accelerated aging temperatures (43–45 °C). This contrasts with the rapid viability decay between 24–72 h when seeds were subjected to temperatures superior to 55 °C, a strong inflection point for this species’ thermosensitivity. Relative humidity also played a role in defining seed survival curves, but only at high temperatures, speeding up the deterioration process. The selected aging conditions, 55 °C at 87% relative humidity were tested over twoC. edulispopulations and three measures were proposed to parametrize the differential sigmoidal seed survival curves, defining the seed resistance to deterioration (L5, aging time where 95% of seeds maintain their viability), medium longevity (L50, 50% of seeds lose their viability) and lethal aging time (L95, 95% of viability loss).ConclusionsAn accelerated aging test at 55 °C and 87% relative humidity constitutes a rapid and sensitive method that can be performed within a working week, allowing managers to easily test seed vigor and longevity. This test may contribute to assess invasive potential, design effective monitoring programs and soil seed bank eradication treatments.
The effect of probe geometry on rind puncture resistance testing of maize stalks
Authors: Cook Douglas D. , Meehan Kyler , Asatiani Levan , Robertson Daniel J. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Stalk lodging (breaking of plant stems prior to harvest) is a major impediment to increasing agricultural yields of grain crops. Rind puncture resistance is commonly used to predict the lodging resistance of several crop species. However, there exist no standard operating procedures or suggested protocols for conducting rind penetration experiments. In addition, experimental details of rind penetration tests such as the shape and size of the penetrating probe are rarely reported in the literature. This has prevented meta-analysis of results and has likewise prevented key findings of past studies from being replicated. As a first step towards establishing an agreed upon measurement standard for rind puncture resistance this study investigates the effect of the puncturing probe’s geometry on test results.

Results
Results demonstrate that probe geometry has a significant impact on test results. In particular, results showed that a 2 mm diameter chamfered probe produced stronger correlations with stalk bending strength than a 1.5 mm diameter pointed probe. The chamfered probe was also more strongly correlated with geometric features of the stalk that are known to influence stalk lodging resistance (e.g., rind thickness, diameter and section modulus). In addition, several alternative rind penetration metrics were investigated, and some were found to be superior to the most common rind penetration metric of maximum load.

Conclusions
There is a need in the agricultural and plant science community to create agreed-upon operating procedures and testing standards related to mechanical traits of plant stems. In particular, a standardized probe geometry and insertion rate for rind penetration studies are needed to enable greater interoperability and meta-analysis of results. Probe shape and size should be reported in any study conducting rind penetration tests as these factors significantly impact test results.
“Emerging Technologies and Medical Countermeasures to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Agents in East Ukraine”
Authors: Patel Sonny S. , Grace Robert M. , Chellew Patrick , Prodanchuk Mykola , Romaniuk Olha , Skrebets Yuriy , Ryzhenko Sergii A. , Erickson Timothy B. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSince 2014, Ukraine has been beset by an armed conflict with international and internal dimensions. The nature of this conflict is multidimensional, and disaster preparedness and response in this context must be as well. Health experts from Ukraine, the United States of America, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, and Norway convened for an educational event in Dnipro, East Ukraine on November 11-15, 2019. At the event, “Emerging Technologies and Countermeasures to CBRN Agents: Advanced Training Response to Conflict and Security Challenges in East Ukraine,” over 1,000 participants participated in panel discussions, didactic lectures, and an advanced training on various dimensions of disaster response. This report provides an overview of the key discussions and outcomes of the event.