bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcome comparison of mitral valve surgery and MitraClip therapy in patients with severely reduced left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Gyoten Takayuki , Schenk Sören , Rochor Kristin , Herwig Volker , Harnath Axel , Grimmig Oliver , Just Sören , Fritzsche Dirk , Messroghli Daniel 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of surgical mitral valve repair or replacement (sMVR) and percutaneous edge‐to‐edge repair using MitraClip (pMVR) in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction affected by functional mitral regurgitation (FMR).Methods and resultsWe retrospectively identified 132 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≦ 30% submitted to sMVR (n = 47) or pMVR (n = 85) for FMR at our centre from January 2013 to December 2017. To adjust for baseline imbalances, we used a propensity score matching by age, logistic EuroSCORE, and left ventricular end‐systolic volume. After being matched, MitraClip therapy showed lower perioperative mortality and rate of complications yet increased residual mitral regurgitation (MR) grade than did surgery (0.2 ± 0.50 in sMVR vs. 1.3 ± 0.88 in pMVR, P < 0.0001). According to stratified multivariate Cox model analysis, residual MR severity was an independent risk factor for cardiac death [hazard ratio (HR), 2.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–5.48, P = 0.0025] and re‐hospitalization for heart failure (HR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.50–6.29, P = 0.0022) at 1 year follow‐up. Stratified multivariable Cox regression analysis at 3 years identified pMVR as risk factor for cardiac death (HR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.040–0.86, P = 0.031) and re‐hospitalization for heart failure (HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.077–0.99, P = 0.048).ConclusionsIn patients with FMR and LVEF ≤ 30%, MitraClip therapy resulted in lower perioperative complications and mortality than sMVR. However, surgically treated patients who survived the perioperative stage had less residual MR and experienced lower rates of re‐hospitalization for heart failure at 1 year and lower cardiac mortality at 1 and 3 years of follow‐up than did patients undergoing pMVR.
Impact of tacrolimus versus cyclosporin A on renal function during the first year after heart transplant
Authors: Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Amiya Eisuke , Hatano Masaru , Katsuki Toshiomi , Bujo Chie , Tsuji Masaki , Nitta Daisuke , Maki Hisataka , Ishida Junichi , Kagami Yukie , Endo Miyoko , Kimura Mitsutoshi , Ando Masahiko , Shimada Shogo , Kinoshita Osamu , Ono Minoru , Komuro Issei 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsNephrotoxicity of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) is associated with adverse events in patients undergoing heart transplant (HTx), although studies directly comparing tacrolimus (TAC) versus cyclosporin A (CsA), especially in combination with everolimus and low‐dose CNIs approach, are limited. Thus, we sought to investigate the associations of TAC and CsA with clinical outcomes in HTx recipients, with specific focus on renal function.Methods and resultsFrom August 2007 to February 2017, 72 consecutive patients (39 treated with TAC vs. 33 with CsA) receiving de novo HTx in a single transplant centre were retrospectively evaluated. We used the instrumental variable method to account for unmeasured confounding. The study outcomes were percentage change in estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) (safety endpoint) and biopsy‐proven acute rejection (efficacy endpoint) within the first year after HTx. The enrolled patients (median age 40 years) were predominantly men (68%). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, including eGFR (64.8 [45.7–96.4] mL/min/1.73 m2 in TAC vs. 65.6 [57.9–83.0] mL/min/1.73 m2 for CsA; P = 0.48), other than sex (male, 49% for TAC vs. 91% for CsA; P < 0.001) between the two groups. Within the first year after HTx, 23 (59%) in the TAC group switched mycophenolate mofetil to everolimus, whereas 16 (48%) in the CsA group (P = 0.52). At 12 months, the rates of mortality and end‐stage renal disease requiring renal replacement therapies were both 0%. In the instrumental variable analysis, no differences in renal function as well as graft rejection for 1 year after HTx existed between the TAC and CsA groups. These results were similar when taking into account of everolimus use.ConclusionsIrrespective of everolimus use with low‐dose CNIs, our analysis using the instrumental variable method showed no differences in renal function as well as graft rejection during the first year after HTx between HTx recipients who received TAC or CsA.
Longevity and the drift barrier: Bridging the gap between Medawar and Hamilton
Authors: Lehtonen Jussi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMost organisms have finite life spans. The maximum life span of mammals, for example, is at most some years, decades, or centuries. Why not thousands of years or more? Can we explain and predict maximum life spans theoretically, based on other traits of organisms and associated ecological constraints? Existing theory provides reasons for the prevalence of ageing, but making explicit quantitative predictions of life spans is difficult. Here, I show that there are important unappreciated differences between two backbones of the theory of senescence: Peter Medawar's verbal model, and William Hamilton's subsequent mathematical model. I construct a mathematical model corresponding more closely to Medawar's verbal description, incorporating mutations of large effect and finite population size. In this model, the drift barrier provides a standard by which the limits of natural selection on age-specific mutations can be measured. The resulting model reveals an approximate quantitative explanation for typical maximum life spans. Although maximum life span is expected to increase with population size, it does so extremely slowly, so that even the largest populations imaginable have limited ability to maintain long life spans. Extreme life spans that are observed in some organisms are explicable when indefinite growth or clonal reproduction is included in the model.
Eat All Through Radiation Therapy (EAT‐RT): Structured therapy model to facilitate continued oral intake through head and neck radiotherapy—User acceptance and content validation
Authors: Hutcheson Katherine A. , Gomes Andrea , Rodriguez Veronica , Barringer Denise , Khan Maisha , Martino Rosemary 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo develop and examine user acceptance and content validity of a structured program to facilitate safe but challenging oral intake during radiotherapy (RT) delivered by a speech language pathologist (SLP)—the Eat‐All Through Radiation Therapy (EAT‐RT) program.MethodsEAT‐RT was developed through expert consensus of SLPs at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Canada) and M D Anderson Cancer Center using a conceptual framework of a diet hierarchy and a mealtime routine. EAT‐RT was refined by practicing SLPs, and then disseminated for a 4‐week clinical pilot at seven sites who were subsequently invited to participate in an online survey.ResultsTwelve SLPs from six sites piloted EAT‐RT therapy with a median of eight patients (IQR: 2‐15) before and/or during RT. All SLPs reported EAT‐RT added value to their practice, harmonized well with exercises, and its content was helpful; 11 (92%) reported EAT‐RT facilitated patient understanding and indicated the desire to continue using EAT‐RT.ConclusionThe EAT‐RT program was accepted by North American SLPs. The findings support the content and value of EAT‐RT to facilitate oral intake in patients with head and neck cancer throughout RT.
N‐Terminal PreS1 Sequence Regulates Efficient Infection of Cell‐Culture–Generated Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Murayama Asako , Yamada Norie , Osaki Yoshiki , Shiina Masaaki , Aly Hussein Hassan , Iwamoto Masashi , Tsukuda Senko , Watashi Koichi , Matsuda Mami , Suzuki Ryosuke , Tanaka Tomohisa , Moriishi Kohji , Suzuki Tetsuro , Nishitsuji Hironori , Sugiyama Masaya , Mizokami Masashi , Shimotohno Kunitada , Wakita Takaji , Muramatsu Masamichi , Liang T. Jake , Kato Takanobu 
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims
An efficient cell‐culture system for hepatitis B virus (HBV) is indispensable for research on viral characteristics and antiviral reagents. Currently, for the HBV infection assay in cell culture, viruses derived from HBV genome‐integrated cell lines of HepG2.2.15 or HepAD‐38 are commonly used. However, these viruses are not suitable for the evaluation of polymorphism‐dependent viral characteristics or resistant mutations against antiviral reagents. HBV obtained by the transient transfection of the ordinary HBV molecular clone has limited infection efficiencies in cell culture.

Approach and Results
We found that an 11‐amino‐acid deletion (d11) in the preS1 region enhances the infectivity of cell‐culture–generated HBV (HBVcc) to sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide–transduced HepG2 (HepG2/NTCP) cells. Infection of HBVcc derived from a d11‐introduced genotype C strain (GTC‐d11) was ~10‐fold more efficient than infection of wild‐type GTC (GTC‐wt), and the number of infected cells was comparable between GTC‐d11‐ and HepG2.2.15‐derived viruses when inoculated with the same genome equivalents. A time‐dependent increase in pregenomic RNA and efficient synthesis of covalently closed circular DNA were detected after infection with the GTC‐d11 virus. The involvement of d11 in the HBV large surface protein in the enhanced infectivity was confirmed by an HBV reporter virus and hepatitis D virus infection system. The binding step of the GTC‐d11 virus onto the cell surface was responsible for this efficient infection.

Conclusions
This system provides a powerful tool for studying the infection and propagation of HBV in cell culture and also for developing the antiviral strategy against HBV infection.
Cervical cancer survival in sub‐Saharan Africa by age, stage at diagnosis and Human Development Index: A population‐based registry study
Authors: Sengayi‐Muchengeti Mazvita , Joko‐Fru Walburga Yvonne , Miranda‐Filho Adalberto , Egue Marcel , Akele‐Akpo Marie‐Therese , N'da Guy , Mathewos Assefa , Buziba Nathan , Korir Anne , Manraj Shyam , Lorenzoni Cesaltina , Carrilho Carla , Hansen Rolf , Finesse Anne , Somdyala Nontuthuzelo I. M. , Wabinga Henry , Chingonzoh Tatenda , Borok Margaret , Chokunonga Eric , Liu Biying , Singh Elvira , Kantelhardt Eva Johanna , Parkin Donald Maxwell 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in African women. We sought to estimate population‐based survival and evaluate excess hazards for mortality in African women with cervical cancer, examining the effects of country‐level Human Development Index (HDI), age and stage at diagnosis. We selected a random sample of 2760 incident cervical cancer cases, diagnosed in 2005 to 2015 from 13 population‐based cancer registries in 11 countries (Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe) through the African Cancer Registry Network. Of these, 2735 were included for survival analyses. The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year observed and relative survival were estimated by registry, stage and country‐level HDI. We used flexible Poisson regression models to estimate the excess hazards for death adjusting for age, stage and HDI. Among patients with known stage, 65.8% were diagnosed with Stage III‐IV disease. The 5‐year relative survival for Stage I‐II cervical cancer in high HDI registry areas was 67.5% (42.1‐83.6) while it was much lower (42.2% [30.6‐53.2]) for low HDI registry areas. Independent predictors of mortality were Stage III‐IV disease, medium to low country‐level HDI and age >65 years at cervical cancer diagnosis. The average relative survival from cervix cancer in the 11 countries was 69.8%, 44.5% and 33.1% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Factors contributing to the HDI (such as education and a country's financial resources) are critical for cervical cancer control in SSA and there is need to strengthen health systems with timely and appropriate prevention and treatment programmes.
High‐speed X‐ray‐induced luminescence computed tomography
Authors: Dai Xianjin , Cheng Kai , Zhao Wei , Xing Lei 
Published: May 2020

AbstractX‐ray‐induced luminescence computed tomography (XLCT) is an emerging molecular imaging. Challenges in improving spatial resolution and reducing the scan time in a whole‐body field of view (FOV) still remain for practical in vivo applications. In this study, we present a novel XLCT technique capable of obtaining three‐dimensional (3D) images from a single snapshot. Specifically, a customed two‐planar‐mirror component is integrated into a cone beam XLCT imaging system to obtain multiple optical views of an object simultaneously. Furthermore, a compressive sensing based algorithm is adopted to improve the efficiency of 3D XLCT image reconstruction. Numerical simulations and experiments were conducted to validate the single snapshot X‐ray‐induced luminescence computed tomography (SS‐XLCT). The results show that the 3D distribution of the nanophosphor targets can be visualized much faster than conventional cone beam XLCT imaging method that was used in our comparisons while maintaining comparable spatial resolution as in conventional XLCT imaging. SS‐XLCT has the potential to harness the power of XLCT for rapid whole‐body in vivo molecular imaging of small animals.
HIF-1α and CD73 expression in cardiac leukocytes correlates with the severity of myocarditis in end-stage Chagas disease patients
Authors: Eberhardt Natalia , Sanmarco Liliana Maria , Bergero Gastón , Favaloro Roberto René , Vigliano Carlos , Aoki Maria Pilar 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy is the main infectious myocarditis worldwide. Almost 30% of Trypanosoma cruzi infected individuals develop slow and progressive myocarditis that leads to ventricular dilation and heart failure. Heart transplantation is an established, valuable therapeutic option for end-stage Chagas disease patients. Although the pathophysiology of Chagas disease has been addressed for decades by numerous groups, the cardiac immunologic mechanisms involved in the progression of clinical manifestation are still unknown. Growing evidence demonstrates that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α plays indispensable roles in driving immune response by triggering the expression of CD73 purinergic ecto-enzyme. Purinergic system controls the duration and magnitude of purine signals directed to modulate immune cells through the conversion of extracellular ATP (microbicide/proinflammatory) to the immunoregulatory metabolite adenosine. In the present work, we described that infiltrating leukocytes within cardiac explants from patients with end-stage Chagas cardiomyopathy up-regulated HIF-1α and CD73 expression. Moreover, the number of HIF-1α+ and CD73+ leukocytes positively correlated with the myocarditis severity and the local parasite load. Furthermore, we demonstrated a direct relationship between tissue parasite persistence and the influx of immune cells to the infected hearts, which ultimately determine the severity of the myocarditis. These findings provide evidence that CD73-dependent regulatory pathways are locally triggered in the myocardium of patients with end-stage Chagas disease.
TNFR2 blockade alone or in combination with PD-1 blockade shows therapeutic efficacy in murine cancer models
Authors: Case Katherine , Tran Lisa , Yang Michael , Zheng Hui , Kuhtreiber Willem M. , Faustman Denise L. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are profoundly transforming cancer therapy, but response rates vary widely. The efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-programmed death receptor-1 (anti-PD-1), might be increased by combination therapies. TNFR2 has emerged as a new target due to its massive expression on highly immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the microenvironment and on certain tumor cells. In murine colon cancer models CT26 and MC38, we evaluated the efficacy of a new anti-TNFR2 antibody alone or in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with placebo, anti-PD-1 alone, anti-TNFR2 alone, or combination anti-PD-1 and anti-TNFR2. We found that combination therapy had the greatest efficacy by complete tumor regression and elimination (cure) in 65–70% of animals. The next most effective therapy was anti-TNFR2 alone (20–50% cured), whereas the least effective was anti-PD-1 alone (10–25% cured). The mode of action, according to in vivo and in vitro methods including FACS analysis, was by killing immunosuppressive Tregs in the tumor microenvironment and increasing the ratio of CD8+ T effectors (Teffs) to Tregs. We also found that sequence of antibody delivery altered outcome. The two most effective sequences were simultaneous delivery (70% cured) followed by anti-TNFR2 preceding anti-PD-1 (40% cured), and the least effective was by anti-PD-1 preceding anti-TNFR2 (10% cured). We conclude that anti-PD-1 is best enhanced by simultaneous administration with anti-TNFR2, and anti-TNFR2 alone may be potentially useful strategy for those do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, anti-PD-1 or other checkpoint inhibitors.
AIDS incidence and survival in a hospital‐based cohort of HIV‐positive patients from São Paulo, Brazil: The role of IFN‐λ4 polymorphisms
Authors: da Silva Prates Gabriela , Malta Fernanda M. , de Toledo Gonçalves Fernanda , Monteiro Mariana A. , Fonseca Luiz Augusto M. , R. Veiga Ana Paula , M. C. Magri Marcello , Duarte Alberto J. S. , Casseb Jorge , Assone Tatiane ,   ADEE 3002 GROUP
Published: May 2020

AbstractFew studies have reported the prognosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients followed for a long time in Brazil, particularly those including pre and post‐HAART eras. The polymorphisms of interferon (IFN)‐λ4 have been postulated as possibly associated with the pathogenesis of HIV infection. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence and mortality from a cohort of HIV‐positive patients as well as whether IFN‐λ4 gene polymorphisms (SNP rs8099917 and SNP rs12979860) were associated with HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) progression. We followed 402 patients for up to 30 years; 347 of them began follow‐up asymptomatic, without any AIDS‐defining opportunistic disease and/or a lymphocytes T CD4+ count of 350 cells/mm3 or lower. We determined the probability of the asymptomatic subjects to remain AIDS‐free, and the risk of death for those entering the study already with an AIDS diagnosis, as well as for subjects developing AIDS during follow‐up. We compared the prognosis of patients with two different polymorphisms for the genes encoding for IFN‐λ4, variants rs8099917 and rs12979860. The follow‐up time of the 347 asymptomatic‐at‐entry subjects was 3687 person‐years. IFN‐λ4 rs8099917 polymorphisms were not associated with AIDS progression, but IFN‐λ4 rs12979860 wild type genotype (CC) was associated with higher mortality compared to CT and TT, with an increased probability of death from AIDS (P = .01). In conclusion, genetic variations in IFN‐λ4 on rs12979860 polymorphisms in HIV‐infected patients may drive mortality risk.
AlGaN‐based p‐i‐p‐i‐n solar‐blind ultraviolet avalanche photodetectors with modulated polarization electric field
Authors: Wang Fuxue , Chang Dongmei , Lu Zhiqiang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA p‐i‐p‐i‐n front‐illuminated Al0.4Ga0.6N‐based separate absorption and multiplication solar‐blind ultraviolet avalanche photodetector is proposed to enhance the optoelectronic performances by modulating polarization electric field based on physical simulations. By modulating the p‐AlxGa1−xN interlayer with low Al content, the direction of the polarization electric field could be achieved the same as that of the reverse bias in the multiplication region. The calculated results demonstrate that the designed avalanche photodetectors with a low Al‐content p‐AlxGa1−xN layer would significantly reduce the breakdown voltage and enhance the optical gain compared to the conventional counterpart. The effect of modulated polarization electric field on the noise characteristics for the APDs with p‐AlxGa1−xN interlayers is investigated. Moreover, the physical mechanism of the enhanced performances for the APDs with modulated polarization field is explored by the electric field distributions and energy band profiles.
Connection between winter Arctic sea ice and west Tibetan Plateau snow depth through the NAO
Authors: Chen Yuhang , Duan Anmin , Li Dongliang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe relationship between changes in Arctic sea ice and the mid‐latitude climate has been receiving increasing attention. As the highest and largest topography in Asia, the possible link between the west Tibetan Plateau snow depth (WTPSD) and the Arctic sea ice was investigated based on observational data and model simulations. The results indicate that a consistent variation between the WTPSD and the seesaw sea ice pattern in the Barents‐Nordic Sea and Labrador Sea (BLSIC) exists during boreal winter, and both the WTPSD and BLSIC are negatively correlated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. During the negative phases of the NAO, an anomalous Rossby wave train propagates from the North Atlantic to the north of the Arabian Sea, inducing cyclonic anomalies in the mid‐troposphere and enhancing water vapour transportation onto the TP, which is conducive to in situ snow accumulation. Furthermore, composite analysis and AGCM numerical experiments demonstrate that such an anomalous BLSIC pattern can in turn reinforce the negative phase of the NAO in strength, facilitating the propagation of the mid‐tropospheric Rossby waves to north of the Arabian Sea and hence an above normal WTPSD. Therefore, the variation in WTPSD is influenced by the direct effect of the NAO and additional feedback from BLSIC, which hints a potential cryospheric connection between the TP and the Arctic.
Risk factors for complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy: A NSQIP analysis with propensity score matching
Authors: Vining Charles C. , Kuchta Kristine , Schuitevoerder Darryl , Paterakos Pierce , Berger Yaniv , Roggin Kevin K. , Talamonti Mark S. , Hogg Melissa E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundReports on the safety of minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy compared to open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) have demonstrated mixed results. One study comparing robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) vs OPD demonstrated decreased complications associated with RPD.ObjectivesTo evaluate the morbidity of RPD vs OPD using a national data set.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study from 2014 to 2017. Factors associated with complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression (MVA) and propensity score matching (PSM).ResultsOf 13 110 PDs performed over the study period, 12 612 (96.2%) were OPD and 498 (3.8%) were RPD. Patients who underwent RPD vs OPD were less likely to have any complications (46.8% vs 53.3%; P = .004), surgical complications (42.6% vs 48.6%; P = .008), wound complications (6.2% vs 9.1%; P = .029), clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas (11.9% vs 15.6%; P = .026), sepsis (6.2% vs 9.3%; P = .019), and pneumonia (1.6% vs 3.8%; P = .012). On MVA, OPD was associated with increased complications compared with RPD. On PSM analysis, OPD remained a significant predictor for any (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.61; P = .029) and surgical (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.58; P = .048) complications.ConclusionsThis is the largest multicenter study to evaluate the impact of RPD on morbidity and suggests RPD is associated with decreased morbidity.