bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the right ventricle in donation after circulatory death hearts
Authors: Kadowaki Sachiko , Kotani Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Goto Takuya , Kasahara Shingo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn donation after circulatory death heart transplantation, the donor heart is exposed to circulatory load. The right ventricle, due to its structure, has high compliance for volume load but is particularly vulnerable to increased pressure load. This study used a porcine model to conduct a functional assessment of the hemodynamics of the heart, with a focus on the right ventricle. Six pigs weighing 24.6 ± 1.4 kg were used. Circulatory death was induced by asphyxiation after median sternotomy. After 30 minutes in the state of global warm ischemia, the ascending aorta was clamped, followed by a 20‐minute reperfusion of the heart with a 20°C blood cardioplegia solution. Systemic circulation was established by cardiopulmonary bypass after aortic cross‐clamping. After initial reperfusion, the blood cardioplegia solution was replaced with blood. The blood was then rewarmed while the heart was still in a non‐working state. Cardiac function was assessed twice in situ, first by the thermodilution method, and then, by the pressure–volume measurement both at preischemia and at three hours after initiation of reperfusion. The recovery rate of cardiac output was 75%. End‐systolic elastance (P = .02) and pulmonary arterial elastance significantly increased (P = .03), but the ratio of arterial elastance to end‐systolic elastance was preserved (P = .91) in the right ventricle. Despite a decrease in cardiac output after reperfusion from warm ischemia, the right ventricle had a potential to respond the elevated afterload. It is important that donations after circulatory death heart transplantation should be performed with attention to avoiding right ventricular distension.
Risk factor for lung infection in recipients after liver transplantation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Jiaxue , He Qiang , Du Ling , Ji Renyue , Yuan Lingyue , Zhang Hongyang , Yuan Xinyu , Shen LiFei , Li Yingli 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLung infection (LI) often occurs in patients with liver transplantation (LT). This meta‐analysis was conducted to determine the risk factors associated with LI after LT. We retrieved relevant research published as of February 2020 from eight electronic databases. The studies were reviewed against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Z test was used to determine the combined odds ratio (OR) or the standardized mean difference (SMD) of the risk factors. We used the OR and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) or the SMD and its corresponding 95% CI to identify significant differences in risk factors. A total of nine studies were included, comprising a total of 1624 recipients. Six risk factors associated with LI were identified after LT: Model for end‐stage liver disease score (MELD score) (SMD = 0.40), Child‐Pugh class C (OR = 3.00), intensive care unit (ICU) hospital stay (SMD = 1.35), mechanical ventilation (SMD = 1.03), bilirubin (SMD = 0.39), and atelectasis (OR = 7.28). Although certain risk factors have been identified as important factors for LI after LT, which may provide a basis for clinical prevention, a well‐designed prospective study should be conducted to validate the findings of this study.
The importance of low HbA1c during childhood on glycaemic control in adulthood and the risk of late complications
Authors: Samuelsson Ulf , Anderzen Johan , Åkesson Karin , Hanberger Lena 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimTo evaluate whether a very low glycated haemoglobin A (HbA1c) (<48 mmol/mol, 6.5%) during childhood compared to higher HbA1c values further decreases the risk for microvascular complications.MethodsData were included from the 5116 patients with type 1 diabetes transferred from the Swedish paediatric diabetes quality registry to the Swedish National Diabetes Register (NDR), until 2014. All HbA1c values ever registered in the paediatric registry were used to divide patients into six groups based on the mean HbA1c. Values were compared with HbA1c registered in 2013 and 2014 in NDR, together with data on retinopathy, micro‐ and macroalbuminuria, age at onset and duration of diabetes.ResultsThe group with lowest mean‐HbA1c during childhood had also the lowest mean as young adults during 2013 and 2014. The most common complication as young adults was retinopathy. The proportion with macroalbuminuria was 3% in the lowest HbA1c group during childhood and 3.9% in the highest group, and lower in the groups in between. Microalbuminuria had the same pattern. Retinopathy increased with each HbA1c group.ConclusionChildren with the lowest HbA1c values had the lowest HbA1c values as adults. HbA1c was associated with retinopathy but the relationship with albuminuria was not obvious.
A shorter breastfeeding duration in late preterm infants than term infants during the first year
Authors: Jonsdottir Rakel B. , Jonsdottir Helga , Orlygsdottir Brynja , Flacking Renée 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimLittle attention has been paid to breastfeeding late preterm (LPT) infants. This study compared breastfeeding, worries, depression and stress in mothers of LPT and term‐born infants throughout the first year. We also described factors associated with shorter breastfeeding duration of LPT infants.MethodsThis longitudinal cohort study of the mothers of singleton infants—129 born LPT and 277 born at term—was conducted at Landspitali—The National University Hospital of Iceland, which has the country's only neonatal intensive care unit. The mothers answered questionnaires when their infants were 1, 4, 8 and 12 months of age.ResultsMothers breastfed LPT infants for a significantly shorter time than term infants: a median of 7 months (95% confidence interval 5.53‐8.48) vs 9 months (95% confidence interval 8.39‐9.61) (P < .05). Starting solids at up to 4 months was the strongest risk factor for LPT breastfeeding cessation during the first year, after adjusting for confounders (P < .001). Their mothers reported more worries about their infants’ health and behaviour during the first year and were more likely to experience depression at 4 months.ConclusionMothers with LPT infants are vulnerable and need greater practical breastfeeding and emotional support in hospital and at home.
Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) eradication in arid central Australia enhances native plant diversity and increases seed resources for granivores
Authors: Wright Boyd R. , Latz Peter K. , Albrecht David E. , Fensham Roderick J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractQuestionsBuffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) is a drought‐adapted invasive plant that has become a serious environmental weed in many arid and semi‐arid systems. This paper examined whether eradication of buffel grass infestations: (i) increases frequency, richness and diversity of native vegetation and seed bank pools; and (ii) improves availability of seed resources for granivores.LocationAlluvial ironwood/corkwood woodlands in arid central Australia.MethodsWe assessed differences in floristic and seed bank composition between buffel‐infested sites and sites where buffel grass had been eradicated ca. 12 years previously. Plant species frequency data from nested‐quadrat sampling were amalgamated into plant functional groups to examine their relationship to buffel treatment. A seed flotation method was employed to: (i) assess seed bank composition of functional groups at eradicated vs. infested sites; and (ii) test whether the mass of seeds available for granivores was higher at buffel‐free sites.ResultsBuffel‐eradicated sites supported richer and more diverse vegetation and seed banks across all functional groups except perennial grasses. The effect was strongest for perennial forbs, annual/short‐lived forbs, and annual/short‐lived grasses. The overall mass of seeds of non‐buffel grass species was ca. 10‐fold higher at buffel‐removed sites. Numbers of seeds of species in the 0.001–0.009 9 g and 0.000 1–0.000 99 g size classes, both of which contain species with seeds consumed by granivores, were ca. 20‐ and 14‐fold higher respectively at buffel‐removed sites.ConclusionsBuffel grass removal at localised scales provides islands of habitat with improved opportunities for native plant re‐establishment and abundant foraging resources for granivores. Future research must disentangle the relative importance of dispersal vs. residual seed banks for community restoration after buffel grass invasion. Extended delays in eradication could allow seed bank reserves to deteriorate to a state that no longer permits regeneration.
Risk of congenital malformations in offspring of women using β‐blockers during early pregnancy: An updated meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Wu Yin , Yao Jiang‐wei , Xu Li‐jie , Chen Miao , Wan Long 
Published: September 2020

AimsBeta‐blockers are commonly used to treat hypertension that arises during pregnancy. However, reproductive safety concerns have been expressed. Here, we investigated whether the use of β‐blockers during early pregnancy increased the risk of congenital malformations.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies published from database inception until February 2020. Observational studies evaluating associations between maternal β‐blocker use and congenital malformations were included in this meta‐analysis. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality. Meta‐analysis of outcomes was performed and a summary odds ratio (OR) was calculated with consideration of heterogeneity.ResultsTwenty observational studies were identified. Beta‐blocker use during early pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations (OR = 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93–1.09). Subgroup analysis of organ‐specific malformations revealed that β‐blocker use was associated with an increased risk of heart malformations (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.02–1.63) and an increased risk of cleft lip or palate (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.18–1.91); however, these associations (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.94–1.32 for heart malformations; OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 0.98–1.85 for cleft lip or palate) disappeared when the adjusted data were pooled. Beta‐blocker use was not associated with increased risks of central nervous system malformations, neural tube defects or hypospadias.ConclusionExposure to β‐blockers during early pregnancy does not appear to be associated with congenital malformations or heart malformations in offspring. Other organ‐specific congenital malformations should be evaluated in further studies.
New horizons of DNA adductome for exploring environmental causes of cancer
Authors: Totsuka Yukari , Watanabe Masatoshi , Lin Yingsong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractChemical carcinogenesis is focused on the formation of DNA adducts, a form of DNA damage caused by covalent binding of a chemical moiety to DNA. The detection of carcinogen‐DNA adducts in human tissues, along with demonstration of mutagenicity/carcinogenicity in experimental systems, and validation of adducts as biomarkers of environmental exposure and indicators of cancer risk in molecular epidemiological studies suggests a pivotal role of DNA adducts in cancer development. However, accurate measurement of DNA adducts in varied biological samples is challenging. Advances in mass spectrometry have prompted the development of DNA adductome analysis, an emerging method that simultaneously screens for multiple DNA adducts and provides relevant structural information. In this review, we summarize the basic principle and applications of DNA adductome analysis that would contribute to the elucidation of the environmental causes of cancer. Based on parallel developments in several fields, including next‐generation sequencing, we describe a new approach used to explore cancer etiology, which integrates analyses of DNA adductome data and mutational signatures derived from whole‐genome/exome sequencing.
Predictive value of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire® for school performance and school intervention in late preterm‐ and term‐born children
Authors: Martínez‐Nadal Sílvia , Schonhaut Luisa , Armijo Iván , Demestre Xavier 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe new health supervision guidelines emphasize the importance of surveillance or a formal developmental screening test at 4 years, one of the most used tests is Ages & Stages Questionnaire. Nevertheless, there is still not enough evidence whether these tools will be useful to predict future school performance (SP).ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the Ages & Stages Questionnaire 3rd edition 48‐month interval (ASQ3‐48) translated to Spanish for predicting the need for school intervention (SI) and poor SP at 8–9 years of age, in late preterm infants (LPIs) and term‐born infants (Terms) and to compare the prevalence of SI and poor SP in the two groups.MethodsData were collected from a cohort of 75 LPIs and 58 Terms assessed with ASQ3‐48 and with a further assessment of academic results at 8–9 years, through a standardized school test of the Education Department of Catalonia. SI data were obtained through a parent report. Area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated, and logistic regression analysis was used.ResultsThe prevalence of poor SP was 12.8%, without statistically significant differences between LPIs and Terms. LPIs had higher SI than Terms (29.3% vs. 10.3%, P = 0.001). AUC for poor SP was 0.73 and for receiving SI was 0.56 without differences between the two groups. The sensitivity of the ASQ3‐48 for poor SP was 41%, for specificity 92%, and for receiving SI 14% and 89%, respectively. Poor SP was related to having positive screening in the ASQ3‐48 (OR 6.5 [95% CI, 1.9–22.2]) while having received SI was related to late prematurity (OR 3.6 [95% CI, 1.3–9.6]).ConclusionsThe ASQ3‐48 shows acceptable predictive properties for poor SP but not for receiving SI. No differences were found in SP between LPI and Term cohorts, but LPIs are likelier to require SI.
Innate immunity during SARS-CoV-2: evasion strategies and activation trigger hypoxia and vascular damage
Authors: Amor S , Fernández Blanco L , Baker D 
Published: September 2020

Summary
Innate immune sensing of viral molecular patterns is essential for development of antiviral responses. Like many viruses, SARS-CoV-2 has evolved strategies to circumvent innate immune detection, including low cytosine–phosphate–guanosine (CpG) levels in the genome, glycosylation to shield essential elements including the receptor-binding domain, RNA shielding and generation of viral proteins that actively impede anti-viral interferon responses. Together these strategies allow widespread infection and increased viral load. Despite the efforts of immune subversion, SARS-CoV-2 infection activates innate immune pathways inducing a robust type I/III interferon response, production of proinflammatory cytokines and recruitment of neutrophils and myeloid cells. This may induce hyperinflammation or, alternatively, effectively recruit adaptive immune responses that help clear the infection and prevent reinfection. The dysregulation of the renin–angiotensin system due to down-regulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, together with the activation of type I/III interferon response, and inflammasome response converge to promote free radical production and oxidative stress. This exacerbates tissue damage in the respiratory system, but also leads to widespread activation of coagulation pathways leading to thrombosis. Here, we review the current knowledge of the role of the innate immune response following SARS-CoV-2 infection, much of which is based on the knowledge from SARS-CoV and other coronaviruses. Understanding how the virus subverts the initial immune response and how an aberrant innate immune response contributes to the respiratory and vascular damage in COVID-19 may help to explain factors that contribute to the variety of clinical manifestations and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Islet autoantibody profiles associated with higher diabetes risk in Lithuanian compared with English schoolchildren
Authors: Long A E , Caygill C H , Gillespie K M , Marčiulionytė D , Williams A J K 
Published: September 2020

SummaryDuring a 15-year period, the incidence of type 1 diabetes has doubled in Lithuania, while increasing by a third in England; however, England still has a higher incidence. Analysis of sera collected from non-diabetic schoolchildren from Lithuania and England more than 20 years ago showed a similar number of multiple autoantibody-positive schoolchildren between the populations, but a higher prevalence of islet antigen-2 autoantibodies (IA-2A) in English schoolchildren. We aimed to use recently developed, more specific islet autoantibody tests to characterize differences in humoral autoimmunity between these two general population cohorts in greater detail. Samples from 88 Lithuanian and 133 English schoolchildren previously found islet autoantibody-positive were selected for measurement of additional islet autoantibodies by radioimmunoassay. Samples were tested for autoantibodies to zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8A), GAD (96–585), the protein tyrosine phosphatase region of islet antigen-2 (PTPA) and the related IA-2βA, while autoantibodies to IA-2A were reassayed using the current harmonized method. IA-2-related autoantibodies PTPA (0·13 versus 0·45%, P = 0·027) and IA-2βA (0 versus 0·35%, P &lt; 0·001), but not IA-2A measured using the harmonized method, were less common in Lithuanian compared to English schoolchildren. Lithuanian schoolchildren who were islet autoantibody-positive were positive for fewer biochemical autoantibodies compared with English schoolchildren (P = 0·043). Background rates of islet autoimmunity in childhood differ subtly between countries, which have different incidences of type 1 diabetes. The optimal screening strategy (age and combination of markers) for detection of islet autoimmunity may vary between countries, dependent upon the pattern of autoantibodies found in the general population.
Risk stratification of adrenal masses by [18F]FDG PET/CT: Changing tactics
Authors: Salgues Betty , Guerin Carole , Amodru Vincent , Pattou François , Brunaud Laurent , Lifante Jean‐Christophe , Mirallié Eric , Sahakian Nicolas , Castinetti Frédéric , Loundou Anderson , Baumstarck Karine , Sebag Fréderic , Taïeb David 
Published: September 2020

AbstractContext[18F]FDG PET/CT improves adrenal tumour characterization. However, there is still no consensus regarding the optimal imaging biomarkers of malignancy.ObjectivesTo assess the performance of Tumour standardized uptake value (SUV)max:Liver SUVmax for malignancy‐risk and to build and evaluate a prediction model.Design/MethodsThe cohort consisted of consecutive patients with adrenal masses evaluated by [18F]FDG PET/CT. The gold standard for malignancy was based on histology or a multidisciplinary consensus in nonoperated cases. The performance of the previously reported cut‐off for Tumour SUVmax:Liver SUVmax (>1.5) was evaluated in this independent cohort. Additionally, a predictive model of malignancy was built from the training cohort (previous study) and evaluated in the validation cohort (current study).ResultsSixty‐four patients were evaluated; 28% of them had a Cushing's syndrome. Fifty‐four adrenal masses were classified as benign and 10 as malignant (including 7 adrenocortical carcinomas). Compared to benign masses, malignant lesions were larger in size, had higher unenhanced densities and higher [18F]FDG uptake. CT‐derived anthropometric parameters did not differ between benign and malignant masses. A tumour SUVmax:Liver SUVmax > 1.5 showed a good diagnostic performance: Se = 90.0%/Sp = 92.6%/PPV = 69.2%/NPV = 98.0% and accuracy = 92.2%. A predictive model based on tumour size and tumour‐to‐liver uptake SUVmax ratio for malignancy‐risk was validated and provides a complementary approach to the ratio.ConclusionsTumour SUVmax:Liver SUVmax uptake ratio is a useful biomarker for diagnosis of adrenal masses. Another tactic would be to calculate with the model an individual risk of malignancy and integrate this information into a shared decision‐making process.
Molecular determinants of enhanced response to somatostatin receptor ligands after debulking in large GH‐producing adenomas
Authors: Gil Joan , Marques‐Pamies Montserrat , Jordà Mireia , Fajardo‐Montañana Carmen , García‐Martínez Araceli , Sampedro Miguel , Serra Guillermo , Salinas Isabel , Blanco Alberto , Valassi Elena , Sesmilo Gemma , Carrato Cristina , Cámara Rosa , Lamas Cristina , Casano‐Sancho Paula , Alvarez Clara V. , Bernabéu Ignacio , Webb Susan M. , Picó Antonio , Marazuela Mónica , Puig‐Domingo Manel ,   on behalf REMAH investigators
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveLarge somatotrophic adenomas depict poor response to somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs). Debulking has shown to enhance SRLs effect in some but not all cases and tumour volume reduction has been proposed as the main predictor of response. No biological studies have been performed so far in this matter. We aimed to identify molecular markers of response to SRLs after surgical debulking in GH‐secreting adenomas.DesignWe performed a multicenter retrospective study.Patients24 patients bearing large GH‐producing tumours.MeasurementsClinical data and SRLs response both before and after surgical debulking were collected, and 21 molecular biomarkers of SRLs response were studied in tumour samples by gene expression.ResultsFrom the 21 molecular markers studied, only two of them predicted enhanced SRLs response after surgery. Tumours with improved response to SRLs after surgical debulking showed lower levels of Ki‐67 (MKI67, FC = 0.17 and P = .008) and higher levels of RAR‐related orphan receptor C (RORC) (FC = 3.1 and P ˂ .001). When a cut‐off of no detectable expression was used for Ki‐67, the model provided a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 52.6% with an area under the curve of 65.8%. Using a cut‐off of 2 units of relative expression of RORC, the prediction model showed 100% of sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionsHigh levels of RORC and low levels of Ki‐67 identify improved SRLs response after surgical debulking in large somatotropic adenomas. To determine their expression would facilitate medical treatment decision‐making after surgery.