bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endocannabinoids in aqueous humour of patients with or without diabetes
Authors: Richardson Patrick , Ortori Catherine , Barrett Dave , O'Sullivan Saoirse , Idris Iskandar 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveThe primary aim was to determine endocannabinoid (EC) concentrations of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), oleoylethanolamine (OEA), palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) and anandamide (AEA) in the aqueous humour of patients, and to investigate any differences in gender and diabetic or ocular disease status.Methods and AnalysisAdult participants (age >18 years) listed for a routine cataract surgery were recruited. For patients with diabetes, results from their most recent retinopathy grading were recorded. A sample of aqueous humour was removed from the anterior chamber of the patients and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen. Levels of 2-AG, PEA, OEA and AEA were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsAqueous humour samples were taken from 93 patients (female:male=58:35), with a mean age±SD of 72.7±9.5 years. Following gender-specific analysis, the mean aqueous concentration of AEA in female patients without diabetes was significantly higher than in female patients with diabetes (0.20±0.03 nM vs 0.07±0.02 nM, p=0.001). Among female patients with diabetes, the aqueous concentration of 2-AG was higher in those with diabetic retinopathy compared with those with no retinopathy (0.30+0.16 nM vs 0.04±0.01 nM, p=0.0025). The aqueous level of the sum of EC was higher in those with ocular comorbidity (2.49±0.73 vs 1.44±0.17, p=0.0002).ConclusionThere were gender, diabetes status and comorbidity differences in aqueous humour EC levels. Since EC receptors are present in ocular tissues, including the retina (neurons, glia and endothelial cells), differential levels of ECs in the aqueous humour of patients with and without diabetes may provide a novel therapeutic target for diabetic retinopathy.
Lubiprostone protects esophageal mucosa from acid injury in porcine esophagus
Authors: Krüger Leandi , Pridgen Tiffany A. , Taylor Ellie R. , Garman Katherine S. , Blikslager Anthony T. 
Published: February 2020

Esophageal injury from acid exposure related to gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common problem and a risk factor for development of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Our previous work highlights the benefits of using porcine esophagus to study human esophageal disease because of the similarities between porcine and human esophagus. In particular, esophageal submucosal glands (ESMGs) are present in human esophagus and proximal porcine esophagus but not in rodent esophagus. Although CFTR is expressed in the ducts of ESMGs, very little is known about CFTR and alternate anion channels, including ClC-2, in the setting of acid-related esophageal injury. After finding evidence of CFTR and ClC-2 in the basal layers of the squamous epithelium, and in the ducts of the ESMGs, we developed an ex vivo porcine model of esophageal acid injury. In this model, esophageal tissue was placed in Ussing chambers to determine the effect of pretreatment with the ClC-2 agonist lubiprostone on tissue damage related to acid exposure. Pretreatment with lubiprostone significantly reduced the level of acid injury and significantly augmented the recovery of the injured tissue ( P < 0.05). Evaluation of the interepithelial tight junctions showed well-defined membrane localization of occludin in lubiprostone-treated injured tissues. Pretreatment of tissues with the Na+-K+-2Cl−cotransporter inhibitor bumetanide blocked lubiprostone-induced increases in short-circuit current and inhibited the reparative effect of lubiprostone. Furthermore, inhibition of ClC-2 with ZnCl2blocked the effects of lubiprostone. We conclude that ClC-2 contributes to esophageal protection from acid exposure, potentially offering a new therapeutic target.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This research is the first to describe the presence of anion channels ClC-2 and CFTR localized to the basal epithelia of porcine esophageal mucosa and the esophageal submucosal glands. In the setting of ex vivo acid exposure, the ClC-2 agonist lubiprostone reduced acid-related injury and enhanced recovery of the epithelial barrier. This work may ultimately provide an alternate mechanism for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The Effects of a Remote-based Weight Loss Program on Adipocytokines, Metabolic Markers, and Telomere Length in Breast Cancer Survivors: the POWER-Remote Trial
Authors: Santa-Maria Cesar A. , Coughlin Janelle W. , Sharma Dipali , Armanios Mary , Blackford Amanda L. , Schreyer Colleen , Dalcin Arlene , Carpenter Ashley , Jerome Gerald J. , Armstrong Deborah K. , Chaudhry Madhu , Cohen Gary I. , Connolly Roisin M. , Fetting John , Miller Robert S. , Smith Karen L. , Snyder Claire , Wolfe Andrew , Wolff Antonio C. , Huang Chiung-Yu , Appel Lawrence J. , Stearns Vered 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Purpose:
We initiated a clinical trial to determine the proportion of breast cancer survivors achieving ≥5% weight loss using a remotely delivered weight loss intervention (POWER-remote) or a self-directed approach, and to determine the effects of the intervention on biomarkers of cancer risk including metabolism, inflammation, and telomere length.

Experimental Design:
Women with stage 0–III breast cancer, who completed local therapy and chemotherapy, with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 were randomized to a 12-month intervention (POWER-remote) versus a self-directed approach. The primary objective was to determine the number of women who achieved at least 5% weight loss at 6 months. We assessed baseline and 6-month change in a panel of adipocytokines (adiponectin, leptin, resistin, HGF, NGF, PAI1, TNFα, MCP1, IL1β, IL6, and IL8), metabolic factors (insulin, glucose, lipids, hs-CRP), and telomere length in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results:
From 2013 to 2015, 96 women were enrolled, and 87 were evaluable for the primary analysis; 45 to POWER-remote and 42 to self-directed. At 6 months, 51% of women randomized to POWER-remote lost ≥5% of their baseline body weight, compared with 12% in the self-directed arm [OR, 7.9; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.6–23.9; P = 0.0003]; proportion were similar at 12 months (51% vs 17%, respectively, P = 0.003). Weight loss correlated with significant decreases in leptin, and favorable modulation of inflammatory cytokines and lipid profiles. There was no significant change in telomere length at 6 months.

Conclusions:
A remotely delivered weight loss intervention resulted in significant weight loss in breast cancer survivors, and favorable effects on several biomarkers.
Granger Causality–Based Analysis for Classification of Fibrillation Mechanisms and Localization of Rotational Drivers
Authors: Handa Balvinder S. , Li Xinyang , Aras Kedar K. , Qureshi Norman A. , Mann Ian , Chowdhury Rasheda A. , Whinnett Zachary I. , Linton Nick W.F. , Lim Phang Boon , Kanagaratnam Prapa , Efimov Igor R. , Peters Nicholas S. , Ng Fu Siong 
Published: February 2020

Background:
The mechanisms sustaining myocardial fibrillation remain disputed, partly due to a lack of mapping tools that can accurately identify the mechanism with low spatial resolution clinical recordings. Granger causality (GC) analysis, an econometric tool for quantifying causal relationships between complex time-series, was developed as a novel fibrillation mapping tool and adapted to low spatial resolution sequentially acquired data.

Methods:
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) optical mapping was performed in Langendorff-perfused Sprague-Dawley rat hearts (n=18), where novel algorithms were developed using GC-based analysis to (1) quantify causal dependence of neighboring signals and plot GC vectors, (2) quantify global organization with the causality pairing index, a measure of neighboring causal signal pairs, and (3) localize rotational drivers (RDs) by quantifying the circular interdependence of neighboring signals with the circular interdependence value. GC-based mapping tools were optimized for low spatial resolution from downsampled optical mapping data, validated against high-resolution phase analysis and further tested in previous VF optical mapping recordings of coronary perfused donor heart left ventricular wedge preparations (n=12), and adapted for sequentially acquired intracardiac electrograms during human persistent atrial fibrillation mapping (n=16).

Results:

Global VF organization quantified by causality pairing index showed a negative correlation at progressively lower resolutions (50% resolution:
P
=0.006,
R
2
=0.38, 12.5% resolution,
P
=0.004,
R
2
=0.41) with a phase analysis derived measure of disorganization, locations occupied by phase singularities. In organized VF with high causality pairing index values, GC vector mapping characterized dominant propagating patterns and localized stable RDs, with the circular interdependence value showing a significant difference in driver versus nondriver regions (0.91±0.05 versus 0.35±0.06,
P
=0.0002). These findings were further confirmed in human VF. In persistent atrial fibrillation, a positive correlation was found between the causality pairing index and presence of stable RDs (
P
=0.0005,
R
2
=0.56). Fifty percent of patients had RDs, with a low incidence of 0.9±0.3 RDs per patient.

Conclusions:
GC-based fibrillation analysis can measure global fibrillation organization, characterize dominant propagating patterns, and map RDs using low spatial resolution sequentially acquired data.
The Dead Are Dead/Ancestors Never Die: Migrants, Rural Linkages, and Religious Change in Northeastern Madagascar
Authors: Tilghman Laura M. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This manuscript explores the dynamic between religion and rural-urban linkages in northeastern Madagascar. I find that church leaders have coalesced around two competing narratives of ancestors. Catholic churches see some types of migrant linkages (e.g., burial in the rural family tomb and participation in rural ancestral rituals) as being in line with Christian beliefs, while Protestant churches see these same activities as morally questionable or potentially satanic. To some degree Protestant migrants exert agency in the face of these religious teachings, and do not view their religion as an impediment to maintaining rural connections. However, quantitative analysis of rural-urban linkage behavior over a twelve-month period shows that Protestants have weaker rural ties compared to Catholics, even for behaviors that are not the focus of religious prohibitions. I offer several explanations for this finding. Protestant migrants are less motivated to invest in all types of rural linkages due to family conflicts after conversion, uncertainty about burial in the rural family tomb, reduced opportunities to develop affective ties with kin, and economic motivations to reduce rural demands on their urban wages.
<p class="HeadingRunIn"><strong>Long-term macrobenthic community structure changes in the Upper Sakarya River System (1995–2015)</strong></p>
Authors: ARSLAN NAIME , MERCAN DENIZ 
Published: February 2020

The Upper Sakarya River System (USRS) is one of the most important river systems in Turkey. Its primary drainage is provided by the Porsuk Seydi and Bardakçı Rivers and their tributaries. Long term benthic invertebrate community structure in the USRS was investigated from 1995–2015 (with sampling conducted every five years) in order to assess changes in their composition and in relation to water quality. Oligochaete specimens sorted from samples were identified to the species level when possible; all other invertebrate specimens sorted from samples were identified to order and family level. In addition, some environmental parameters (e.g., dissolved oxygen, temperature, and hydrogen ion concentration as pH) were measured in situ. Although Ephemeroptera-Plecoptera-Trichoptera fauna were the most abundant group in fauna of USRS during the years 1995, 2000 and (in part) 2005 (18.80, 17.69, and 14.07%, respectively), this ratio decreased to 7.90% during the more recent years of monitoring. In 1995, 2000 and 2005, Nais bretscheri, Chaetogaster diastrophus, Chaetogaster langi, Pristinella jenkinae, Aulodrilus pigueti, Aulodrilus pluriseta, Potamothrix hammoniensis, and Psammoryctides albicola were the dominant oligochaete taxa. After 2005, tubificine species became more prevalent in samples. While 6 stations had high BMWP (Biological Monitoring Working Party) value in 1995, 2000 and 2005, only 1 station had high value after 2005. Values of Shannon Diversity Indices ranged from 2.00 to 3.05 for the years 1995–2000, 1.87 to 2.24 for the years 2000–2005, 1.06 to 1.85 for the years 2005–2010, and 0.97 to 1.80 for the years 2010–2015. In USRS, while values of dissolved oxygen were measured as 8.00 mg/l and 9.00 mg/l in 1995 and 2000, this high value was measured only at one station in 2015. It was found that numerical and proportional distributions of benthic invertebrates in the USRS have changed considerably between 1995 and 2015. It is obvious that these changes are the result of anthropogenic habitat degradation.
<p class="HeadingRunIn"><strong>North American Branchiobdellida (Annelida: Clitellata) or Crayfish Worms in France: the most diverse distribution of these exotic ectosymbionts in Europe</strong></p>
Authors: PARPET JEAN-FRANÇOIS , GELDER STUART R. 
Published: February 2020

Crayfishes and other invertebrates were collected during 2010 to 2016 from 519 sites located in the river basins of the Adour, Charente, Dordogne, Garonne, Loire, Seine, Rhône and Sélune in France. North American species included Pacifastacus leniusculus at 255 sites, Faxonius limosus at 206 sites, Procambarus clarkii at 56 sites, and the endemic Austropotamobius pallipes at two sites. However, branchiobdellidans were only recorded from 100 sites with 23 of these being sampled more than once, resulting in a total of 127 collections. The widely distributed western North American, P. leniusculus carried four of its endemic branchiobdellidan species: Cambarincola gracilis, C. okadai, Triannulata magna and Xironogiton victoriensis. X. victoriensis was found at the majority of sites, with C. okadai, C. gracilis, and T. magna at fewer locations. Although F. limosus was the second most numerous crayfish species collected, it did not carry any of its endemic North American branchiobdellidan species. However, it was found cohabiting with P. leniusculus at four sites but carried X. victoriensis at only one of these. European A. pallipes only occurred at two sites with individuals harboring X. victoriensis, although no cohabiting exotic crayfish were found. Crayfish were also absent from three sites where free-living X. victoriensis were recovered from substrate samples. Procambarus clarkii appeared at sites scattered across the country, while specimens with C. mesochoreus were restricted to the Adour drainage. This study has shown the widespread distribution of exotic branchiobdellidans in the wild and the virtual extinction of endemic species in France. In addition, we have provided the first European record of T. magna, and the first record of C. mesochoreus in France; the latter being only the second recording in Europe. With this comprehensive survey of their crayfish hosts in France, monitoring future exotic range expansions and endemic contraction or extinction can be traced. These data will be available to authorities for future planning in maintaining healthy freshwater bodies by reducing the damaging effects caused by exotic crayfishes.
Health Disparities in the Access and Cost of Health Care for Otolaryngologic Conditions
Authors: Ruthberg Jeremy S. , Khan Hammad A. , Knusel Konrad D. , Rabah Nicholas M. , Otteson Todd D. 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveTo demonstrate whether race, education, income, or insurance status influences where patients seek medical care and the cost of care for a broad range of otolaryngologic diseases in the United States.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, from 2007 to 2015.SettingNationally representative database.Subjects and MethodsPatients with 14 common otolaryngologic conditions were identified using self‐reported data and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision Clinical Modification diagnosis codes. To analyze disparities in the utilization and cost of otolaryngologic care, a multivariate logistic regression model was used to compare outpatient and emergency department visit rates and costs for African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian patients, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsOf 78,864 respondents with self‐reported otolaryngologic conditions, African American and Hispanic patients were significantly less likely to visit outpatient otolaryngologists than Caucasians (African American: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.57; 95% CI, 0.5‐0.65; Hispanic: aOR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.56‐0.73) and reported lower average costs per emergency department visit than Caucasians (African American: $4013.67; Hispanic: $3906.21; Caucasian: $7606.46; P <. 001). In addition, uninsured, low‐income patients without higher education were significantly less likely to receive outpatient otolaryngologic care than privately insured, higher‐income, and more educated individuals (uninsured: aOR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.29‐0.51; poor: aOR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64‐0.87; no degree: aOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.54‐0.82).ConclusionIn this study, significant racial and socioeconomic discrepancies exist in the utilization and cost of health care for otolaryngologic conditions in the United States.
Risk Factors and Outcomes of Postoperative Recurrent Well‐Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Single Institution’s 15‐Year Experience
Authors: Amin Shaunak N. , Shinn Justin R. , Naguib Mark M. , Netterville James L. , Rohde Sarah L. 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveIdentify risk factors and outcomes of recurrent well‐differentiated thyroid cancer.Study DesignRetrospective case‐control analysis.SettingTertiary care academic center in Nashville, Tennessee.Subjects and MethodsThis single‐center analysis reviews 478 patients who underwent initial surgical management of well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma between 2002 and 2017. Patients were dichotomized with or without recurrent well‐differentiated thyroid cancer. Demographic and clinicopathologic risk factors were carefully reviewed. Univariate, multiple regression, and survival analyses were used to evaluate predictors of recurrence.ResultsThirty‐eight patients (7.9%) who received initial surgical intervention for well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma at our institution recurred, with an average time to recurrence of 24 months. Male sex, tumor size, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, lymphovascular invasion, number of positive lymph nodes, and low lymph node yield were all significantly associated with locoregional recurrence (P <. 05). Multiple regression analysis showed that extrathyroidal extension, number of positive lymph nodes, and low lymph node yield were independent factors predictive of posttreatment recurrence (P <. 05). Metastatic lymph node ratio, the ratio of positive lymph nodes extracted to lymph node yield, of ≥0.3 is associated with increased risk of recurrence (P <. 001) and decreased 5‐year recurrence free survival (P <. 001).ConclusionExtrathyroidal extension, number of positive lymph nodes, and low lymph node yield are independent clinicopathologic risk factors for postoperative recurrence of well‐differentiated thyroid cancer. Metastatic lymph node ratio is uncommonly used but can be an important prognosticator of recurrence. Patients with metastatic lymph node ratio ≥0.3 should be counseled on their increased risk of recurrence and should undergo close surveillance following surgery.
Peer Review Tool for General Radiography Technologists Improves Image Quality
Authors: Hsiao Andrew M. , Budau-Bymoen Annemarie , Seslija Petar , Yong-Hing Charlotte J. , Thakur Yogesh 
Published: February 2020

Purpose: Quality improvement is vital to ensure health-care providers meet optimal patient care standards. Within our jurisdiction, accreditation requires image peer review as part of the quality assurance program. We propose a method to improve quality assurance in radiography by implementing a novel software-based peer review system for radiography technologists. Methods: This is a retrospective study. A peer review tool was developed in Microsoft Excel and Visual Basic. The tool has 14 image quality criteria, which were selected based on national and international criteria, each containing standardized answers ensuring a common scoring regime. The tool provides data analysis and storage of all peer reviews performed. Radiography supervisors utilized the tool to evaluate image quality of various body parts at 28 hospitals. The tool enabled each Medical Imaging Department to objectively score images at their own hospital. Approximately 2% of all radiographs were randomly chosen for peer review. Additionally, the tool allowed for regional analysis based on hospital, body part, and quality criterion. Results: Initial findings exposed equipment-related issues such as worn imaging plates, artifacts, and poor exposures, which prompted increased preventative maintenance. Other documented issues included foreign objects, inadequate collimation and centering, and inconsistent usage of lead markers. After identifying quality assurance-related issues, hospitals implemented education, resulting in improved overall image quality scores in subsequent audits. Conclusion: The peer review tool helped identify and correct various issues affecting image quality and ensures our program meets required accreditation standards. Furthermore, staff found utilizing the tool to identify areas for improvement improved collaboration, ongoing education, and support between staff.
Evaluation of Low-Dose Multidetector Computed Tomography Whole Gastroenterography With Oral Administration of Contrast Agents
Authors: Guo Yong , Wang Qing-jun , Shi Li-jing , Hu Ying-ying , Li Wen-ping 
Published: February 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the degree of gastric, enteric, colonic, and rectal filling in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) whole gastroenterography. Methods: In this prospective study involving 124 patients, 78 and 46 patients underwent MDCT whole gastroenterography using positive and neutral oral contrast agents, respectively. The degree of filling of the stomach, small and large bowel, was qualitatively analyzed by experienced radiologists using a 3-point scoring system. Results: The majority of patients received a score of ≥2 for small intestine filling using both positive and neutral contrast agents (90.5% and 78.2%, respectively), and <9% of the patients had a score of 0. The highest score for the degree of filling in the small intestine was observed in the ileum, followed by the duodenum and jejunum. There was a significant difference in the degree of filling achieved with positive and neutral contrast agents in the duodenum ( P = .013) and jejunum ( P = .047). More than 74% of cases had an optimal filling of the stomach, whereas >80% of the cases had an optimal filling of the colorectal segments. Only ≤5.1% had a score of 0 for the analyzed segments of the colorectum. Positive and neutral contrast agents were associated with similar degree of filling in the stomach and colon segments without a significant difference in the extent of contrast agent filling ( P > .05). Conclusions: Multidetector computed tomography whole gastroenterography was found to be a simple, safe, noninvasive, painless, and effective modality for the diagnosis of stomach and bowel complications in clinical settings.