bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between thyroid-stimulating hormone and hypertension according to thyroid cyst status in the general population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shimizu Yuji , Nabeshima-Kimura Yuko , Kawashiri Shin-Ya , Noguchi Yuko , Nagata Yasuhiro , Maeda Takahiro , Hayashida Naomi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The absence of thyroid cysts may indicate latent thyroid damage, as demonstrated in our previous study. However, the association between the absence of thyroid cysts and latent functional damage of the thyroid is unknown. At low thyroid hormone productivity, which may be associated with latent functional damage of the thyroid, the association between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and hypertension might be enhanced. Therefore, we evaluated the association between TSH level and hypertension stratified by thyroid cyst status.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1724 euthyroid Japanese individuals aged 40–74 years who participated in an annual health checkup in 2014.

Results
In the study population, 564 and 686 participants had thyroid cysts and hypertension, respectively. A significant positive association was observed between TSH and hypertension in subjects without a thyroid cyst but not in subjects with thyroid cysts. There was a significant positive association between hypertension and TSH in subjects without a thyroid cyst (odds ratio [OR] 1.27; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.01, 1.61) but not in subjects with thyroid cysts (OR 0.79; CI 0.57, 1.09) in the model fully adjusted for known confounding factors. The correlation between the TSH and free triiodothyronine (fee T3) levels (simple correlation coefficient [r] = − 0.13, p < 0.01) was stronger in the subjects without thyroid cysts than in those with thyroid cysts (r = − 0.03, p = 0.525).

Conclusions
TSH is positively associated with hypertension only in individuals without thyroid cysts. The correlation between the TSH and free T3 levels was stronger in the subjects without thyroid cysts than in those with thyroid cysts. Therefore, the absence of thyroid cysts could be related to the association between TSH level and hypertension, possibly by indicating that the subjects without thyroid cysts had limited thyroid hormone reserves. Therefore, the absence of thyroid cysts could indicate the latent functional damage of the thyroid.
The pelvis urinary microbiome in patients with kidney stones and clinical associations
Authors: Liu Fengping , Zhang Nan , Wu Yunhong , Jiang Peng , Jiang Tingting , Wang Yang , Zhang Yuwei , Zhai Qixiao , Zou Yeqing , Feng Ninghan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe long-held notion that, without urinary tract or circulatory infection, bladder urine and blood are sterile biofluids has been disproven. There have been no previous reports on the kidney pelvis urinary microbiome after bladder disinfection in kidney stone patients. This study aimed to determine whether a kidney pelvis urinary microbiome is present after eliminating the influence of the bladder urinary microbiome, whether the microbiome composition is different in patients with stone kidney pelvis (SKP) and non-stone kidney pelvis (NSKP), and the correlation between SKP and patient clinical characteristics.ResultsComparisons of bacterial diversity and community structure exhibited that urine in bladder was similar to SKP and NSKP. However, the comparisons showed that urine samples were different from blood. The most common operational taxonomic units were shared by all three types of urine samples.Corynebacteriumwas significantly higher in SKP compared to NSKP. Several bacteria were associated with patient characteristics, includingLactobacillus, which was positively correlated with fasting blood glucose, andPrevotellawas negatively correlated with BMI.Lactobacilluswas significantly higher in SKP compared to blood but not in NSKP compared to blood.ConclusionsThe composition of the kidney pelvis urinary microbiome after disinfection of the bladder and its similarity to the bladder microbiome indicate that bladder urine can be used to replace kidney pelvis urine in microbiome research. Additionally, the comparison of SKP and NSKP and clinical associations suggest that the occurrence of kidney stones is responsible for the SKP urinary microbiome.
Should we remain hopeful? The key 8 weeks: spatiotemporal epidemic characteristics of COVID-19 in Sichuan Province and its comparative analysis with other provinces in China and global epidemic trends
Authors: Xu Xinyin , Zeng Jing , Liu Runyou , Liu Yang , Zhou Xiaobo , Zhou Lijun , Dong Ting , Cha Yuxin , Wang Zhuo , Deng Ying , Zhang Yu , Feng Liao , Pu Chen , Wu Xianping , Zhong Bo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 spread worldwide quickly. Exploring the epidemiological characteristics could provide a basis for responding to imported cases abroad and to formulate prevention and control strategies in areas where COVID-19 is still spreading rapidly.MethodsThe number of confirmed cases, daily growth, incidence and length of time from the first reported case to the end of the local cases (i.e., non-overseas imported cases) were compared by spatial (geographical) and temporal classification and visualization of the development and changes of the epidemic situation by layers through maps.ResultsIn the first wave, a total of 539 cases were reported in Sichuan, with an incidence rate of 0.6462/100,000. The closer to Hubei the population centres were, the more pronounced the epidemic was. The peak in Sichuan Province occurred in the second week. Eight weeks after the Wuhan lockdown, the health crisis had eased. The longest epidemic length at the city level in China (except Wuhan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong) was 53 days, with a median of 23 days. Spatial autocorrelation analysis of China showed positive spatial correlation (Moran’s Index > 0,p < 0.05). Most countries outside China began to experience a rapid rise in infection rates 4 weeks after their first case. Some European countries experienced that rise earlier than the USA. The pandemic in Germany, Spain, Italy, and China took 28, 29, 34, and 18 days, respectively, to reach the peak of daily infections, after their daily increase of up to 20 cases. During this time, countries in the African region and Southeast Asian region were at an early stage of infections, those in the Eastern Mediterranean region and region of the Americas were in a rapid growth phase.ConclusionsAfter the closure of the outbreak city, appropriate isolation and control measures in the next 8 weeks were key to control the outbreak, which reduced the peak value and length of the outbreak. Some countries with improved epidemic situations need to develop a continuous “local strategy at entry checkpoints” to to fend off imported COVID-19.
Standardized multimodal intervention for stress-induced exhaustion disorder: an open trial in a clinical setting
Authors: van de Leur Jakob Clason , Buhrman Monica , Åhs Fredrik , Rozental Alexander , Jansen Gunilla Brodda 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Long-term sick-leave due to stress-related ill-health is increasing in several economically developed countries. Even though different forms of interventions are administered in regular care for stress-related disorders, such as Stress-induced Exhaustion disorder (SED), the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of such treatments is sparse. The objective of this study was to explore changes in SED-symptoms and return-to-work-rates in a large group of SED-patients participating in a standardized Multimodal intervention (MMI) in a clinical setting.

Method
This open clinical trial tracked 390 patients who fulfilled the criteria for SED undergoing a 24-week MMI, including return-to-work-strategies. Before inclusion, all patients underwent a multi-professional assessment by a team of licensed physicians, licensed psychologists, and licensed physiotherapists. Self-rated questionnaires were administered before treatment, at treatment-start, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and at 12-month follow-up. Within-group change was evaluated over time with mixed-effects models. Beyond different symptoms, working time, sick-leave compensation, and adverse effects were also measured.

Results
There were significant improvements in symptoms of SED, burnout, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, with large within-group effect sizes (d = 0.91–1.76), improvements that were maintained at 12-month follow-up. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in quality of life and large improvements in average working time and sick-leave compensation. Some adverse effects were reported, mainly concerning an increase in stress, anxiety, and worry.

Conclusion
SED-patients participating in this standardized MMI reported large symptom alleviation, increased working time and reduced sick-leave compensation, indicating a beneficial treatment. There were some adverse effects, but no more so than other psychological treatments. This study confirms previous findings that high levels of depression and anxiety decrease to sub-clinical levels during treatment, while symptoms of SED also decline, yet still persists above sub-clinical levels at 12-month follow-up. On the whole, this open clinical trial suggests that a standardized MMI, administered in a clinical setting, improves symptoms and return-to-work rates in a clinically representative SED-population.

Trial registration
This study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov 2017.12.02 (Identifier: NCT03360136).
Occupational influences on Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis in a cohort of 18-year-old male military conscripts
Authors: Zack Oren , Barak Yair , Finestone Aharon S. , Krakov Ayala , Slodownik Dani , Alperovitch-Najenson Deborah , Moshe Shlomo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The reported prevalence of spondylolysis (SL) in the adult population is 6–7%. Data concerning adolescent-onset spondylolisthesis (SLS) and the impact of certain activities on it is scarce. We examined the risk of clinical progression of SL and SLS as a function of primary severity and occupational strain among military recruits.

Methods
Based on the Israel defense Force (IDF) central human resources database, we identified 1521 18-year-old males inducted to the IDF with SL/SLS between the late nineteen nineties and early two-thousands. We followed changes in the SL/SLS status during the 3 years of obligatory military service. Disease severity was classified as Cat2: radiological findings of SL without clinical findings; Cat3: painful SL or asymptomatic grade 1 SLS; Cat4: grade 1 SLS with pain; Cat5: Grade 2 SLS. The soldiers were subdivided into the following occupational categories: administrative, combat, maintenance, and driving. The purpose was to compare the progression rates in different medical categories and job assignments.

Results
There were 162 recruits in Cat2, 961 in Cat3, and 398 recruits in Cat4. The overall progression rate to Cat5 (grade 2 SLS) was 1.02%. Significant progression rates were seen amongst administrative soldiers with a relatively higher risk of progression from Cat4 (painful-grade-1 SLS: 2.2%) vs. Cat3 (asymptomatic SLS: 0.5%, relative risk = 4.7, p < 0.02). Other occupational categories did not exhibit significant progression rates.

Conclusion
Progression of SL/SLS was highest in Cat4, i.e. for recruits already diagnosed with painful SLS (i.e. with a more severe baseline disorder). Progression did not correlate with military occupation. We recommend further follow-up studies that include, aside from progression rates, incidence rates of newly diagnosed grade 2 SL during military service.
Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) regulates NLRP3-mediated neuronal pyroptosis following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Sun Rui , Peng Mengna , Xu Pengfei , Huang Feihong , Xie Yi , Li Juanji , Hong Ye , Guo Hongquan , Liu Qian , Zhu Wusheng 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Inflammatory response has been recognized as a pivotal pathophysiological process during cerebral ischemic stroke. NLRP3 inflammasome, involved in the regulation of inflammatory cascade, can simultaneously lead to GSDMD-executed pyroptosis in cerebral ischemia. Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), responsible for cholesterol uptake, was noted to exert potential anti-inflammatory bioactivities. Nevertheless, the role of LDLR in neuroinflammation mobilized by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) has not been investigated.

Methods
Ischemic stroke mice model was accomplished by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Oxygen-glucose deprivation was employed after primary cortical neuron was extracted and cultured. A pharmacological inhibitor of NLRP3 (CY-09) was administered to suppress NLPR3 activation. Histological and biochemical analysis were performed to assess the neuronal death both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, neurological deficits and behavioral deterioration were evaluated in mice.

Results
The expression of LDLR was downregulated following cerebral I/R injury. Genetic knockout of Ldlr enhanced caspase-1-dependent cleavage of GSDMD and resulted in severe neuronal pyroptosis. LDLR deficiency contributed to excessive NLRP3-mediated maturation and release of IL-1β and IL-18 under in vitro and in vivo ischemic conditions. These influences ultimately led to aggravated neurological deficits and long-term cognitive dysfunction. Blockade of NLRP3 substantially retarded neuronal pyroptosis in Ldlr−/− mice and cultured Ldlr−/− neuron after experimental stroke.

Conclusions
These results demonstrated that LDLR modulates NLRP3-mediated neuronal pyroptosis and neuroinflammation following ischemic stroke. Our findings characterize a novel role for LDLR as a potential therapeutic target in neuroinflammatory responses to acute cerebral ischemic injury.
Microbial BMAA elicits mitochondrial dysfunction, innate immunity activation, and Alzheimer’s disease features in cortical neurons
Authors: Silva Diana F. , Candeias Emanuel , Esteves A. Raquel , Magalhães João D. , Ferreira I. Luísa , Nunes-Costa Daniela , Rego A. Cristina , Empadinhas Nuno , Cardoso Sandra M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
After decades of research recognizing it as a complex multifactorial disorder, sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (sAD) still has no known etiology. Adding to the myriad of different pathways involved, bacterial neurotoxins are assuming greater importance in the etiology and/or progression of sAD. β-N-Methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA), a neurotoxin produced by some microorganisms namely cyanobacteria, was previously detected in the brains of AD patients. Indeed, the consumption of BMAA-enriched foods has been proposed to induce amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS-PDC), which implicated this microbial metabolite in neurodegeneration mechanisms.

Methods
Freshly isolated mitochondria from C57BL/6 mice were treated with BMAA and O2 consumption rates were determined. O2 consumption and glycolysis rates were also measured in mouse primary cortical neuronal cultures. Further, mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS production were evaluated by fluorimetry and the integrity of mitochondrial network was examined by immunofluorescence. Finally, the ability of BMAA to activate neuronal innate immunity was quantified by addressing TLRs (Toll-like receptors) expression, p65 NF-κB translocation into the nucleus, increased expression of NLRP3 (Nod-like receptor 3), and pro-IL-1β. Caspase-1 activity was evaluated using a colorimetric substrate and mature IL-1β levels were also determined by ELISA.

Results
Treatment with BMAA reduced O2 consumption rates in both isolated mitochondria and in primary cortical cultures, with additional reduced glycolytic rates, decrease mitochondrial potential and increased ROS production. The mitochondrial network was found to be fragmented, which resulted in cardiolipin exposure that stimulated inflammasome NLRP3, reinforced by decreased mitochondrial turnover, as indicated by increased p62 levels. BMAA treatment also activated neuronal extracellular TLR4 and intracellular TLR3, inducing p65 NF-κB translocation into the nucleus and activating the transcription of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β. Increased caspase-1 activity resulted in elevated levels of mature IL-1β. These alterations in mitochondrial metabolism and inflammation increased Tau phosphorylation and Aβ peptides production, two hallmarks of AD.

Conclusions
Here we propose a unifying mechanism for AD neurodegeneration in which a microbial toxin can induce mitochondrial dysfunction and activate neuronal innate immunity, which ultimately results in Tau and Aβ pathology. Our data show that neurons, alone, can mount inflammatory responses, a role previously attributed exclusively to glial cells.
An approximate analytical solution of the Navier–Stokes equations within Caputo operator and Elzaki transform decomposition method
Authors: Hajira  , Khan Hassan , Khan Adnan , Kumam Poom , Baleanu Dumitru , Arif Muhammad 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this article, a hybrid technique of Elzaki transformation and decomposition method is used to solve the Navier–Stokes equations with a Caputo fractional derivative. The numerical simulations and examples are presented to show the validity of the suggested method. The solutions are determined for the problems of both fractional and integer orders by a simple and straightforward procedure. The obtained results are shown and explained through graphs and tables. It is observed that the derived results are very close to the actual solutions of the problems. The fractional solutions are of special interest and have a strong relation with the solution at the integer order of the problems. The numerical examples in this paper are nonlinear and thus handle its solutions in a sophisticated manner. It is believed that this work will make it easy to study the nonlinear dynamics, arising in different areas of research and innovation. Therefore, the current method can be extended for the solution of other higher-order nonlinear problems.
Professional and Psychological Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Oncology Residents: A National Survey
Authors: Hilmi Marc , Boilève Alice , Ducousso Anabelle , Michalet Morgan , Turpin Anthony , Neuzillet Cindy , Naoun Natacha 
Published: November 2020

PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected clinical practice in oncology, leading to organizational, ethical, and medical issues. In particular, it has raised challenges in the context of competing care priorities between COVID-19 and cancer treatment. Residents on the front line face difficulties related to increasing care needs and urgent reorganization of health care systems while managing psychological stress and uncertainty. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncology residents. METHODS AND MATERIALS We conducted a national survey (39 questions) in France among oncology and radiation therapy residents to determine the psychological impact and professional difficulties (eg, reassignment, training/research time, supervision, teleworking, management of patients) associated with the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Overall, 222 residents (medical oncologists, 61%; radiation therapists, 39%) participated in our survey, representing approximately one third of all residents and fellows in France. One third of respondents had been reassigned to a COVID-19 ward. Training and research activity decreased for 89% and 41% of respondents, respectively. Two thirds (70%) of respondents declared that they had faced ethical issues, 35% felt worried about their own health, and 23% experienced psychological distress. According to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, 32% were anxious and 17% depressed. Consumption of tobacco, psychostimulants, and alcohol increased in 31%, 24%, and 29% of respondents, respectively. CONCLUSION French oncology residents were highly affected by the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of professional activity and psychological impact. This national survey can be used as a basis for improved management, medical reorganization, and training of residents during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Immune Co-inhibitory Receptors PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, LAG-3, and TIGIT in Medullary Thyroid Cancers: A Large Cohort Study
Authors: Shi Xiao , Li Cui-Wei , Tan Li-Cheng , Wen Shi-Shuai , Liao Tian , Zhang Yan , Chen Tong-Zhen , Ma Ben , Yu Peng-Cheng , Lu Zhong-Wu , Qu Ning , Wang Yu , Shi Rong-Liang , Wang Yu-Long , Ji Qing-Hai , Wei Wen-Jun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractContextProgrammed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3), lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), and T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) are considered major immune co-inhibitory receptors (CIRs) and the most promising immunotherapeutic targets in cancer treatment, but they are largely unexplored in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).ObjectiveWe aimed to provide the first evidence regarding the expression profiles and clinical significance of CIRs in a large cohort of MTC patients.Design and PatientsIn total, 200 MTC patients who received initial surgery in our hospital were included. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate CIR expressions in tissue microarrays (TMAs). Combined with the results of our previous programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) study, clinicopathologic and prognostic correlations of these proteins were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsTIM-3, PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, and TIGIT positivity was detected in 96 (48.0%), 27 (13.5%), 25 (12.5%), 6 (3.0%), and 6 (3.0%) patients, respectively, in whom TIM-3, PD-1, and CTLA-4 expressions were positively correlated. Log-rank tests and multivariate Cox analyses both indicated that TIM-3, CTLA-4 expression, and PD-1/PD-L1 coexpression were associated with worse structural recurrence-free survival. In addition, among 20 patients who developed advanced disease during follow-up, 12 (60%) showed TIM-3 positivity, among whom 6 cases also had concurrent moderate to strong PD-1, PD-L1, or CTLA-4 expression.ConclusionsUsing the currently largest TMA cohort of this rare cancer, we delineated the CIR expression profiles in MTC, and identified TIM-3, CTLA-4 expression, and PD-1/PD-L1 coexpression as promising biomarkers for tumor recurrence. Furthermore, a subset of advanced MTCs are probably immunogenic, for which single or combined immunotherapy including TIM-3, PD-1, PD-L1, or CTLA-4 blockade may be potential therapeutic approaches in the future.
An Archive of Violence
Authors: Delgado Moya Sergio 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis essay makes the case for sensationalism as an archive of violence. It traces the ways in which the Mexican filmmaker Felipe Cazals draws from the sensationalist tabloid Alarma! in the making of his film Las Poquianchis (1976), a film version of the story of human trafficking that led the tabloid to popularity. The visuality of sensationalism works mostly in the service of power: it keeps certain kinds of violence both out of sight and overexposed. Cazals and other artists and writers who draw materials from sensationalism complicate this visuality and counter it, but they do so by staying close to the kind of obscenity characteristic of sensationalism. The last segment of the essay revisits Elaine Scarry's seminal analysis of the relationship between language and pain. It offers a frame of interpretation for the most disturbing moments in sensationalism and in Cazals's film: moments defined by the screening of gruesome violence, traumatic bodily injury, violence by sexual means, and death.