bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Statins on the Risk of Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Lavu Sravanthi , Therneau Terry M. , Harmsen William S. , Mara Kristin C. , Wongjarupong Nicha , Hassan Mohamed , Ali Hamdi A. , Antwi Samuel , Giama Nasra H. , Miyabe Katsuyuki , Roberts Lewis R. 
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims
Statins have been proven to be cytotoxic to human cholangiocarcinoma cells by inhibiting cell division and inducing apoptosis. We aimed to determine the effect of statin use on the risk of cancer development and survival in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC), including perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) and distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA).

Approach and Results
A total of 394 patients with ECC and hyperlipidemia who received care at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 2005 and 2015 were matched by age, sex, race, ethnicity, and residency to 788 controls with hyperlipidemia. Clinical and outcome data were abstracted. The odds ratios (ORs) for risk and hazard ratios for outcomes were calculated. The mean age and standard deviation (SD) for cases and controls was 65.6 years (13.8). The number of statin users in cases and controls was 73 (19%) and 403 (51%), respectively. Hepatitis C virus infection (OR, 15.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.06‐61.87; P < 0.001) was the most significant risk factor for pCCA followed by inflammatory bowel disease and cirrhosis, whereas other liver disease, including biliary stone disease (OR, 4.06; CI, 2.24‐7.36; P < 0.001), was the only significant risk factor for dCCA. Statin use was associated with significantly reduced risk for all ECC (OR, 0.22; CI, 0.16‐0.29) as well as for the subtypes pCCA (OR, 0.3; CI, 0.21‐0.41) and dCCA (OR, 0.06; CI, 0.03‐0.14), all P < 0.0001. Moderate‐intensity dosage was found to decrease the risk of ECC (OR, 0.48; CI, 0.34‐0.67; P < 0.001). Comparing statin ever users to nonusers, patients with dCCA who used statins had significantly overall better survival (hazard ratio = 0.53; CI, 0.29‐0.97; P = 0.04).

Conclusions
This case‐control study suggests that statins decrease the risk of ECC and may improve survival in patients with dCCA. Additional validation studies are warranted.
Cilofexor, a Nonsteroidal FXR Agonist, in Patients With Noncirrhotic NASH: A Phase 2 Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Patel Keyur , Harrison Stephen A. , Elkhashab Magdy , Trotter James F. , Herring Robert , Rojter Sergio E. , Kayali Zeid , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Greenbloom Susan , Jayakumar Saumya , Shiffman Mitchell L. , Freilich Bradley , Lawitz Eric J. , Gane Edward J. , Harting Eliza , Xu Jun , Billin Andrew N. , Chung Chuhan , Djedjos C. Stephen , Subramanian G. Mani , Myers Robert P. , Middleton Michael S. , Rinella Mary , Noureddin Mazen 
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims
We evaluated the safety and efficacy of cilofexor (formerly GS‐9674), a small‐molecule nonsteroidal agonist of farnesoid X receptor, in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Approach and Results
In this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 2 trial, 140 patients with noncirrhotic NASH, diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging–proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) ≥8% and liver stiffness ≥2.5 kPa by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) or historical liver biopsy, were randomized to receive cilofexor 100 mg (n = 56), 30 mg (n = 56), or placebo (n = 28) orally once daily for 24 weeks. MRI‐PDFF, liver stiffness by MRE and transient elastography, and serum markers of fibrosis were measured at baseline and week 24. At baseline, median MRI‐PDFF was 16.3% and MRE‐stiffness was 3.27 kPa. At week 24, patients receiving cilofexor 100 mg had a median relative decrease in MRI‐PDFF of −22.7%, compared with an increase of 1.9% in those receiving placebo (P = 0.003); the 30‐mg group had a relative decrease of −1.8% (P = 0.17 vs. placebo). Declines in MRI‐PDFF of ≥30% were experienced by 39% of patients receiving cilofexor 100 mg (P = 0.011 vs. placebo), 14% of those receiving cilofexor 30 mg (P = 0.87 vs. placebo), and 13% of those receiving placebo. Serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase, C4, and primary bile acids decreased significantly at week 24 in both cilofexor treatment groups, whereas significant changes in Enhanced Liver Fibrosis scores and liver stiffness were not observed. Cilofexor was generally well‐tolerated. Moderate to severe pruritus was more common in patients receiving cilofexor 100 mg (14%) than in those receiving cilofexor 30 mg (4%) and placebo (4%).

Conclusions
Cilofexor for 24 weeks was well‐tolerated and provided significant reductions in hepatic steatosis, liver biochemistry, and serum bile acids in patients with NASH. ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT02854605.
Constructal design associated with genetic algorithm to minimize the maximum deflection of thin stiffened steel plates
Authors: Cunha Marcelo Langhinrichs , Estrada Emanuel da Silva Diaz , Lima João Paulo Silva , Troina Grégori da Silva , dos Santos Elizaldo Domingues , Isoldi Liércio André 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper deals with the application of stochastic technique allied to the constructal design (CD) method and computational modeling for the optimization of composed plates reinforced by stiffeners. More specifically, it seeks to determine the optimal geometric configuration of the stiffened plate that minimizes its maximum deflection. For this purpose, a simply supported rectangular plate (with no stiffeners) was adopted as a reference. Then, a set of geometric configurations was proposed, through the application of CD method, by transforming a volume fraction (ϕ) of the reference plate into longitudinal and transverse stiffeners, maintaining the total volume, in‐plane dimensions, boundary conditions, and loading. Regarding the optimization procedure, the genetic algorithm (GA) was chosen as the optimization method, and the geometric parameters considered as degrees of freedom were as follows: the number of longitudinal (Nls) and transverse (Nts) stiffeners; the thickness of the longitudinal (tls) and transverse (tts) stiffeners; and longitudinal and transverse stiffeners' heights ratio (hts/hls). Moreover, several values ofϕwere considered. Results indicated a great influence of the geometry on the mechanical behavior of the stiffened plates, as the optimal geometric configuration obtained here led to a reduction of over 98% in the maximum deflection in comparison with the reference plate.
Risk factors for gastroschisis: A case–control study in a Brazilian population
Authors: Freitas Amanda B. , Centofanti Sandra F. , Osmundo‐Junior Gilmar S. , Rodrigues Agatha S. , Francisco Rossana P. V. , Brizot Maria L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate risk factors associated with fetal gastroschisis.MethodsAs a secondary aim of a larger case–control study, pregnant women attending the Fetal Medicine Unit at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hospital das Clinicas, Sao Paulo University Medical School between July 1, 2013, and July 31, 2015, were allocated into either the gastroschisis group, where the woman was carrying a fetus with gastroschisis, or the control group, where the fetus was normal. Patients in the control group were matched at study entry for maternal age, preconception body mass index and weeks of gestation. In‐person interviews were conducted during pregnancy to obtain data on demographic, medical, and social characteristics; exposure to substances; pregnancy history; the presence of chronic disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), influenza, and fever; and the occurrence of stress events between the month before the last menstrual period and the first trimester of pregnancy.ResultsOf 171 women included in the study, 57 were allocated to the gastroschisis group and 114 to the control group. There were significant associations between gastroschisis and maternal UTI (P=0.011), tobacco use (P=0.001), alcohol consumption (P≤0.001), and illicit drug use (P=0.012). After analysis by standard logistic regression, the remaining significant factors were UTI, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption.ConclusionUTI and exposure to tobacco or alcohol just before conception and during early pregnancy were associated with an increase in the likelihood of fetal gastroschisis.
COMPARISON OF CLASSICAL SPRINKLER AND WHEEL MOVE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS IN DEHGOLAN PLAIN, NORTH‐WEST IRAN†
Authors: Faryabi Arsalan , Maroufpoor Eisa , Ghamarnia Houshang , Yamin Moshrefi Goran 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe performance and efficiency of classical fixed sprinkler and wheel move irrigation systems were compared in the Dehgolan Plain, north‐west Iran. The field and laboratory experiments were conducted with 10 classical fixed and 10 wheel move systems. Christensen coefficient of uniformity (CU), distribution uniformity (DU), potential application efficiency of low quarter (PELQ) and application efficiency of the lower quarter (AELQ) were used for the purpose of this assessment. The results showed a low efficiency due to improper design and management of classical fixed systems. Also, the results indicated that the wheel move systems used in the Dehgolan Plain performed well. The average mean values of the above coefficients (i.e. 12.6, 19.8, 21.5 and 14.5%) were higher in wheel move systems in comparison to those of classical fixed systems. Additionally, the average mean value of wind drift and evaporation losses (WDEL) and percolation losses (DP) were 0.45 and 1.17% lower in the wheel move systems, respectively, in comparison to those of classical fixed systems. The adequacy of irrigation (ADirr) of the wheel move systems was 16.3% higher than that of classical fixed systems. Generally, the results showed that wheel move systems in the Dehgolan Plain have a substantially higher efficiency than the classical fixed systems. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ON‐FARM WATER AND SALT MANAGEMENT UNDER A STRAWBERRY–PEPPER COMBINATION IN THE KORBA AREA
Authors: Daghari Issam , Bani Azza , Bousnina Habib , Chaabane Abbes 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn the irrigated area of Korba, aquifer high electrical conductivity exceeding 28 dS m‾¹ was measured. Increasing soil electrical conductivity has led to an abandonment of farms and a reduction of the area devoted to some crops, such as tomatoes, which fell from 450 to 210 ha, between 1998 and 2011. Some new practices such water blending, crop rotation and crop association have been introduced. The most important crop combination of strawberry–pepper is widespread throughout the area. The two crops were grown simultaneously in the same plots for two successive years during the first years of the project; this new combination reached 130 ha. During recent years, this combination has been maintained for only one year due to the observed yield decrease during the second year. In order to evaluate this crop combination and with the aim of understanding why farmers grow only one year of this combination, trials were conducted from July 2011 to August 2013. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) distribution and irrigation uniformity were analysed. During irrigation seasons, soil EC was 1.45 dS m‾¹ at the beginning (July 2011) and reached 3.3 and 5.52 dS m‾¹ respectively in August 2012 and August 2013. These soil EC values were high for strawberry. This explains why farmers choose rainfed crops, and salt‐tolerant crops during the second year. A survey concerning irrigation uniformity gave an acceptable figure of almost 90%. Even if the gross margin shows that it is not worthwhile to blend fresh and saline water, farmers opt for water blending. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complementary Bayesian method of moments strategies
Authors: Gallant A. Ronald 
Published: March 2020

SummaryMethodology is proposed that addresses two problems that arise in application of the generalized method of moments representation of the likelihood in Bayesian inference: (1) a missing Jacobian term and (2) a normality assumption. The proposals are illustrated by application to the seminal application of the generalized method of moments methodology in the econometric literature: an endowment economy whose representative agent has constant relative risk aversion utility.
Troxerutin downregulates C/EBP‐β gene expression via modulating the IFNγ‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway to ameliorate rotenone‐induced retinal neurodegeneration
Authors: Ibrahim Rowida Raafat , El‐Esawy Rasha Osama , El‐Sakaa Mervat H. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTroxerutin, a natural flavonoid guards against oxidative stress and apoptosis with a high capability of passing through the blood‐brain barrier. Our aim was to investigate the role of troxerutin in experimentally induced retinal neurodegeneration by modulating the interferon‐gamma (IFNγ)‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2)‐CCAAT enhancer‐binding protein β (C/EBP‐β) signaling pathway. Three groups of rats (10 each group) were included. Group I (control group), group II (rotenone treated group): the rats were injected subcutaneously with a single rotenone dosage of 3 mg/kg repeated every 48 hours for 60 days to trigger retinal neurodegeneration. Group III (troxerutin‐treated group): rats received troxerutin (150 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage 1 hour before rotenone administration. A real‐time polymerase chain reaction technique was applied to measure messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of retinal C/EBP‐β. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay technique was utilized to assay tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IFNγ, and ERK1/2 levels. Finally, reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as carbonylated protein (CP) levels, were assessed spectrophotometrically. Improved retinal neurodegeneration by downregulation of C/EBP‐β mRNA gene expression, also caused a significant reduction of TNF‐α, IFNγ, ERK1/2 as well as ROS and CP levels compared with the diseased group. These findings could hold promise for the usage of troxerutin as a protective agent against rotenone‐induced retinal neurodegeneration.
Transcriptome‐wide study of the response of human trabecular meshwork cells to the substrate stiffness increase
Authors: Tie Jinjun , Chen Dong , Guo Junhong , Liao Shengjie , Luo Xiaotian , Zhang Yu , Guo Ruru , Xu Chenjia , Huang Dandan , Zhang Yi , Wang Jiantao 
Published: March 2020

AbstractElevated intraocular pressure, a major risk factor of glaucoma, is caused by the abnormal function of trabecular outflow pathways. Human trabecular meshwork (HTM) tissue plays an important role in the outflow pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms that how TM cells respond to the elevated IOP are largely unknown. We cultured primary HTM cells on polyacrylamide gels with tunable stiffness corresponding to Young's moduli ranging from 1.1 to 50 kPa. Then next‐generation RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) was performed to obtain the transcriptomic profiles of HTM cells. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that genes related to glaucoma including DCN, SPARC, and CTGF, were significantly increased with elevated substrate stiffness, as well as the global alteration of HTM transcriptome. Extracellular matrix (ECM)‐related genes were selectively activated in response to the elevated substrate stiffness, consistent with the known molecular alteration in glaucoma. Human normal and glaucomatous TM tissues were also obtained to perform RNA‐seq experiments and supported the substrate stiffness‐altered transcriptome profiles from the in vitro cell model. The current study profiled the transcriptomic changes in human TM cells upon increasing substrate stiffness. Global change of ECM‐related genes indicates that the in vitro substrate stiffness could greatly affect the biological processes of HTM cells. The in vitro HTM cell model could efficiently capture the main pathogenetic process in glaucoma patients, and provide a powerful method to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Enhancing the photocatalytic decomposition of acetaldehyde in air by immobilized titanium dioxide
Authors: Shiraishi Fumihide , Iwanaga Masashi , Kitagawa Natsuko , Miyazaki Fumiya 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn treatment of air using UV‐irradiated titanium dioxide (TiO2), volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations mostly reach zero or decrease to a miniscule amount. However, when acetaldehyde (AA) is treated by photocatalysts immobilized on silica or activated carbon (AC) particles, which have a high ability to adsorb VOCs, the AA concentration decreases rapidly initially, but decreases very slowly after AA has been decomposed to a certain low concentration. To overcome this problem, the performances of photocatalysts immobilized on different supporting materials were investigated.RESULTSComputer simulations clarify that the slow decrease in the AA concentration in the final stage is due to the desorption of adsorbed AA, taking a much longer time to completely decompose AA. The simulations also suggest two strategies to overcome the problem: using a support with a smooth surface and low adsorption ability, and increasing the photocatalytic activity. The first strategy was tested by immobilizing TiO2 on glass tubes, PET film sheets and aluminum foil sheets with low adsorption abilities. The experimental results indicate that the AA concentrations for these supports decrease at lower rates than for supports with high adsorption ability, but decrease steadily toward zero. The second strategy was tested by increasing the amount of immobilized‐photocatalyst particles with high adsorption abilities, resulting in a shorter time for the AA concentration to reach zero.CONCLUSIONFor completely decomposing AA by an immobilized photocatalyst in a short period of time, the use of supporting particles with a high adsorption ability should be avoided. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Microporosity and polymerization contraction as function of depth in dental resin cements by X‐ray computed microtomography
Authors: Gheller Rafaela , Burey Adrieli , Vicentin Bruno Luiz Santana , dos Reis Paulo José , Appoloni Carlos Roberto , Garbelini Cássia Cilene Dezan , Hoeppner Márcio Grama 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis research aimed to obtain the depth dependence of polymerization contraction and microporosity from irradiated dental resin cements by X‐ray computed microtomography (μCT). Samples (n = 5) of commercial Relyx U200 (RU) and AllCem Core (AC) dual‐cure resin cements were injected in a cylindrical Teflon sampler (25 mm3) and separated according to polymerization mechanism: self‐cured (not irradiated) and dual‐cured (irradiated from the top surface with a LED device). The cement's volume was scanned with the μCT scanning conditions kept constant. To assess the depth dependence of polymerization contraction, it was measured the displacement of the cement mass from the sample holder at 30 vertical cuts (0.1 mm distant). To probe the microporosity, the percentage of area with presence of porosity by slice was obtained. All data were statistically treated. It was observed a positive linear correlation between depth and polymerization contraction in the irradiated groups. In the other hand, the concentration of micropores decreased with increasing depth. Furthermore, the composition of the resin cement was determinant for the correlation's coefficients of these physical properties with depth. The μCT technique showed to be useful to probe physical properties of dental restorative materials that influence in the clinical outcomes, revealing that, for thin specimens, when light cured the RU cement presented mechanical behavior more favorable for clinical applications.
Merged image reconstruction for anomalous systemic arterial supply to a normal lung
Authors: Hu Bin , Lan Yunping , Li Qiang , Yang Xiaozun , Tian Bo , Qing Haomiao , Zhou Peng , Wang Ting , Yang Xiaojun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe present a rare case of anomalous systemic arterial supply to normal basal segments of the left lower lobe. Plain computed tomography (CT) showed an occupancy lesion in the left lower lobe. Contrast CT and merged three‐dimensional (3D) image reconstruction showed that the anomalous systemic artery originated from the descending aorta and substituted the basilar segmental pulmonary artery and the arterial supply to the basilar segment of left lower lobe. We use the merged image reconstruction of 3D CT angiography and bronchography (3D‐CTAB) to depict the precise location and stereoscopic shape of this vascular malformation. Therefore, we think that these data add a novel comprehensive perspective on the diagnosis of the feature of malformation and treatment planning for this rare disease.
Predictive value of noninducibility after catheter ablation for paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Tachibana Shinichi , Mizukami Akira , Kuroda Shunsuke , Hayashi Tatsuya , Matsumura Akihiko , Goya Masahiko , Sasano Tetsuo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundIt is unclear whether pacing maneuver at the end of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) predicts recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia postintervention.ObjectiveTo investigate whether the predictive value of incremental pacing maneuver after catheter ablation for AF depends on the pacing cycle length and type of AF.MethodsThis study included 298 consecutive patients who underwent initial catheter ablation for nonvalvular AF (61% paroxysmal AF [PAF], 39% persistent AF [PeAF]). Rapid atrial pacing was performed at the end of the procedure. We analyzed minimum coupling interval (CI) of pacing, arrhythmia‐inducibility, and atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence in patients with PAF and PeAF.ResultsPatients were divided into the following three groups according to their response to pacing maneuver: AF‐inducible (inducible group; n = 86), noninducible at CI ≥200 ms (non‐CI ≥200 group; n = 100), and noninducible at CI <200 ms (non‐CI <200 group; n = 112). Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed that response to pacing maneuver was significantly associated with recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (P = .028). Cox‐regression analysis showed that non‐CI <200 was an independent predictor when the inducible group was used as a reference (hazard ratio 0.60, 95% confidence interval 0.40‐0.96, P = .031). However, when PAF and PeAF were analyzed separately, non‐CI <200 was an independent predictor only in PeAF.ConclusionNoninducibility with shorter CI predicted atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence only for PeAF. Pacing CI and type of AF could influence the predictive value of atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence.
Enoxaparin dosing in Noonan syndrome: a case report
Authors: Tran Van N. , Tey Ai Xin N. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundNoonan syndrome is a genetic condition that typically includes heart abnormalities and characteristic facial features. Various bleeding disorders have been associated with Noonan syndrome. Some affected individuals have excessive bruising, nosebleeds or prolonged bleeding following injury or surgery. This paper describes anti‐Factor Xa levels following excessive enoxaparin dosing in a male patient with Noonan syndrome.Clinical detailsA 24‐year‐old male (weighing 53 kg) presented under Orthopaedics for his elective three‐stage scoliosis surgery for kyphoscoliosis. The patient was usually on warfarin for a mechanical valve replacement. Bridging enoxaparin was prescribed (initially 1.5 mg/kg, SC, daily), but failure to reach therapeutic anti‐Factor Xa levels (highest level 0.44 units/mL) resulted in escalating enoxaparin doses (90 mg, SC, twice daily).OutcomesDespite a doses of up to 1.7 mg/kg enoxaparin twice daily, the patient did not reach therapeutic anti‐Factor Xa levels according to recommended reference ranges. The patient’s regular warfarin dose was restarted and the enoxaparin was ceased once his International Normalised Ratio was within the therapeutic range. The patient was transferred to a a rehabilitation facility 10 days after surgery.ConclusionMedication assay ranges may not always be an accurate point of reference, particularly when patients present with unusual comorbidities. As health care moves towards patient‐centred care, it is essential that individual patient parameters are considered when monitoring medication treatment plans.