bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
B4GALNT1 promotes progression and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma through JNK/c-Jun/Slug pathway
Authors: Jiang Tian , Wu Hao , Lin Miao , Yin Jun , Tan Lijie , Ruan Yuanyuan , Feng Mingxiang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most common types of cancer and has a low survival rate. β-1,4-N-Acetyl galactosaminyltransferase 1 (B4GALNT1), which is involved in the synthesis of complex gangliosides, is highly expressed in the progression of various cancers. This study aimed to elucidate the biological functions of B4GALNT1 in LUAD progression and metastasis. We observed that B4GALNT1 overexpression showed enhanced cell migration and invasion in vitro, and promoted tumor metastasis, with reduced survival in mice. Mechanistically, B4GALNT1 regulated metastatic potential of LUAD through activating the JNK/c-Jun/Slug pathway, and with the form of its enzymatic activity. Clinical samples confirmed that B4GALNT1 expression was upregulated in LUAD, and B4GALNT1 was correlated with c-Jun/Slug expression, lymph node involvement, advanced clinical stage, and reduced overall survival. Collectively, our results suggest that B4GALNT1 promotes progression and metastasis of LUAD through activating JNK/c-Jun/Slug signaling, and with the form of its enzymatic activity.
Risk Factors for Maternal Chagas Disease and Vertical Transmission in a Bolivian Hospital
Authors: Klein Melissa D , Tinajeros Freddy , del Carmen Menduiña María , Málaga Edith , Condori Beth J , Verástegui Manuela , Urquizu Federico , Gilman Robert H , Bowman Natalie M 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Vertical transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi infection accounts for a growing proportion of new cases of Chagas disease. Better risk stratification is needed to predict which women are more likely to transmit the infection.

Methods
This study enrolled women and their infants at the Percy Boland Women’s Hospital in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Pregnant women were screened for Chagas disease by rapid test and received confirmatory serology. Infants of seropositive mothers underwent diagnostic testing with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results
Among 5828 enrolled women, 1271 (21.8%) screened positive for Chagas disease. Older maternal age, family history of Chagas disease, home conditions, lower educational level, and history of living in a rural area were significantly associated with higher adjusted odds of maternal infection. Of the 1325 infants of seropositive mothers, 65 infants (4.9%) were diagnosed with congenital Chagas disease. Protective factors against transmission included cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: .60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: .36–.99) and family history of Chagas disease (aOR: .58; 95% CI: .34–.99). Twins were significantly more likely to be congenitally infected than singleton births (OR: 3.32; 95% CI: 1.60–6.90). Among congenitally infected infants, 32.3% had low birth weight, and 30.8% required hospitalization after birth.

Conclusions
Although improved access to screening and qPCR increased the number of infants diagnosed with congenital Chagas disease, many infants remain undiagnosed. A better understanding of risk factors and improved access to highly sensitive and specific diagnostic techniques for congenital Chagas disease may help improve regional initiatives to reduce disease burden.
Spatial Keynesian policy and the decline of regional income convergence in the USA
Authors: Petach Luke 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
US regional development policy in the early twentieth century was characterised by a centralised, national effort to reallocate economic activity from capacity-constrained regions to those with excess capacity. In the late twentieth century, the USA gradually abandoned its policy of spatial Keynesianism in favour of a decentralised process of regional competition whereby state and local governments superseded the federal government as the loci of a policy agenda focussed on cost competitiveness. This shift was accompanied by a decline in regional income convergence in the USA. The regional competition model of development policy facilitated the decline in convergence in several ways, including: (1) the creation of coordination failures, which (A) make it difficult to implement redistributive policy within regions and (B) contribute to the existence of excess capacity in the aggregate, (2) introducing cost-related inefficiencies and (3) forgoing the opportunity to replicate previously successful spatial Keynesian policies.
Approximate String Matching with SIMD
Authors: Fiori Fernando J , Pakalén Waltteri , Tarhio Jorma 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We consider the $k$ mismatches version of approximate string matching for a single pattern and multiple patterns. For these problems, we present new algorithms utilizing the single instruction multiple data (SIMD) instruction set extensions for patterns of up to 32 characters. We apply SIMD computation in three ways: in counting of mismatches, in comparison of substrings and in calculation of fingerprints. We show the competitiveness of the new algorithms by practical experiments.
Ustekinumab for Extra-intestinal Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Guillo Lucas , D’Amico Ferdinando , Danese Silvio , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsExtra-intestinal manifestations [EIMs] are frequent in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] and are challenging conditions to manage. Tumour necrosis factor alpha antagonists [anti-TNFα] are recognised as the primary therapeutic option. We aimed to summarise evidence on the efficacy of ustekinumab for the treatment of EIMs.MethodsWe searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, up to October 2020, all interventional and non-interventional studies published in English and assessing ustekinumab efficacy for the treatment of EIMs.ResultsNine studies [eight retrospective and one prospective] were included, enrolling a total of 254 patients with IBD and EIM. Ustekinumab showed its effectiveness for arthralgia and psoriatic arthritis in 152 patients through three high-quality studies. Conversely, no efficacy was found in axial spondyloarthritis. Psoriasis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and erythema nodosum were assessed in seven studies including 65 patients and showed high response rate to ustekinumab treatment. Promising results for aphthous stomatitis and uveitis were reported, but data were limited to 20 patients from two studies.ConclusionsUstekinumab showed to be an effective option for the treatment of EIMs, especially for dermatological and rheumatological manifestations. However, more data are needed to confirm the role of ustekinumab in this setting.
Effects of intensive urate lowering therapy with febuxostat in comparison with allopurinol on pulse wave velocity in patients with gout and increased cardiovascular risk: the FORWARD study
Authors: Desideri Giovambattista , Rajzer Marek , Gerritsen Martijn , Nurmohamed Michael T , Giannattasio Cristina , Tausche Anne-Kathrin , Borghi Claudio 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimsHyperuricaemia and gout are strongly related with traditional cardiovascular risk factors and vascular damage. This study aimed to assess whether febuxostat and allopurinol could differently influence carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in patients with gout and elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels.Methods and resultsA multi-centre, multinational, phase IV, randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled, open-label trial with blind endpoints evaluation. One hundred and ninety-seven adults with gout and SUA levels ≥8 mg/dL were randomized to febuxostat or allopurinol in a 1:1 ratio for 36 weeks. The primary outcome was the comparison of the effects of febuxostat and allopurinol on changes in cfPWV. The mean cfPWV values at randomization and Week 36 were 8.69 and 9.00 m/s, respectively for subjects randomized to febuxostat and 9.02 and 9.05 m/s for subjects randomized to allopurinol. No statistically significant changes in cfPWV by treatment assignment were observed at any time point for any of the assessed parameters. More subjects who received febuxostat had serum urate concentrations ≤6 mg/dL following treatment (78.3% vs. 61.1% at Week 36, P = 0.0137). Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported by 51 (52.0%) patients randomized to febuxostat and 63 (62.5%) patients randomized to allopurinol. The majority of events were mild in both treatment groups and included gout flares and arthralgia.ConclusionIn patients with gout and elevated SUA levels the arterial stiffness remained stable both with febuxostat and allopurinol. Febuxostat was more effective and faster than allopurinol in achieving the SUA target. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated.
The year in cardiovascular medicine 2020: arrhythmias
Authors: Crijns Harry J G M , Prinzen Frits , Lambiase Pier D , Sanders Prashanthan , Brugada Josep 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSummary of the progress in arrhythmias in 2020. RACE4 and ALL-IN indicated that integrated nurse-led care improves outcomes in AF patients.3 , 4 The same was reported for early rhythm control therapy15 and cryoablation as initial AF treatment.25 , 26 Subcutaneous ICD was non-inferior to classical transvenous ICD therapy in PRAETORIAN.54 One mechanistic study showed that autoantibodies against misexpressed actin, keratin, and connexin-43 proteins create a blood-borne biomarker profile enhancing diagnosis of Brugada syndrome.50 Another mechanistic study indicated that transseptal LV pacing yields similar improvement in contractility as His bundle pacing whilst being more easy to execute.44 In PRE-DETERMINE a simple-to-use ECG risk score improved risk prediction in patients with ischemic heart disease possibly enhancing appropriate ICD therapy in high risk patients.58
241 Delayed onset of ventricular fibrillation after electrical injury in a young patient with asymptomatic mitral valve prolapse
Authors: Benini Annachiara , Ferri Luisa , Marin Federico , Gambaro Alessia , Prati Daniele 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
The most frequent cardiovascular effects induced by electrical injury (EI) are arrhythmias, which occur mostly early after the electrical shock. A few cases of delayed malignant arrhythmias have been described, raising doubts about the helpfulness of heart monitoring after an EI.

Methods and results
A 46-year-old man experienced an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest four hours after receiving an electrical shock with an alternating voltage of 380 volts from high-pressure water jet cleaner. The out-of-hospital ECG displayed ventricular fibrillation, eight DC shocks were delivered, and return of spontaneous circulation was obtained after 15 minutes. ECG on admission showed bradycardia, HR 55 b.p.m., no clear P waves and prominent T waves in the precordial leads (Figure A). No coronary lesions were detected at the urgent PCI. An ABG on admission revealed lactic acidosis (LAC 18 mmol/L), mild hyperkalaemia (5.19 mmol/L) and mild renal dysfunction (serum creatinine 1.71 mg/dL). Toxicology screen was negative. During the hospital stay, the patient developed a voluminous hematoma and swelling on the right arm, site of the EI. In the following days, blood tests revealed an increase in serum creatinine (peak 4.99 mg/dL), creatine kinase (peak 46186 U/L), liver enzymes (AST peak 2859 U/L and ALT peak 1365 U/L), LDH (peak 2718 U/L) and troponin T (peak 2757 ng/L); these alterations were probably linked to rhabdomyolysis provoked by EI and acute kidney injury was secondary to myoglobinuria. The patient received fluid therapy and furosemide bolus injections. On echocardiography a myxomatous mitral valve with prolapse of both leaflets, mitral annular disjunction and severe mitral regurgitation were displayed (Figure B). Left ventricle was severely dilated with ejection fraction 69%. After improvement in renal function, a cardiac MRI was performed, which ruled out myocardial oedema and displayed subendocardial LGE at the base of the posteromedial papillary muscle (Figure C). The Heart Team opted for mitral valve surgery with P2 resection and mitral valve annuloplasty with 36 mm Carpentier-Edwards Physio II Ring. An ICD was not implanted because the electrical shock and the alteration in electrolytes were considered the primary reasons for cardiac arrest. The patient underwent a cycle of rehabilitation after the intervention and now he does not report any relevant symptom.

Conclusion
Our patient had bileaflet mitral valve prolapse, mitral annular disjunction and myocardial fibrosis of the papillary muscles, all of which are associated with higher risk of sudden cardiac death. This case highlights that patients with an underlying heart condition predisposing to arrhythmias should promptly seek medical care even after a mild EI for appropriate management.
606 Oral anticoagulants in fragile patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and atrial fibrillation: the Origami study
Authors: Arcudi Alessandra , D’Amario Domenico , Galli Mattia , Canonico Francesco , Restivo Attilio , Scacciavillani Roberto , Cappannoli Luigi , Riccioni Maria Elena , Annetta Maria Giuseppina , Di Stefano Gaetano , Piccinni Carlo , Vergallo Rocco , Montone Rocco Antonio , Leone Antonio Maria , Niccoli Giampaolo , Sabatelli Mario , Antonelli Massimo , Andreotti Felicita , De Cristofaro Raimondo , Crea Filippo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
Randomized trials support the safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) vs. vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF), leading to increased use of these compounds. Crushed forms of DOACs have shown to be reliable, but evidence supporting percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) delivery is lacking. PEG is a long-term option for enteral food and drug delivery in patients unable to maintain oral intake, bypassing the risks and disadvantages of parenteral nutrition. We investigate the safety and efficacy of Edoxaban administered via PEG in patients with atrial fibrillation and a clinical indication for a long-term anticoagulation.

Methods and results
In this prospective, single centre observational study, 12 PEG-treated patients with indication to anticoagulation will receive edoxaban via PEG and will be followed-up to 6 months. Plasma anti-Factor Xa activity and edoxaban concentrations will be assessed. Thromboembolic (ischaemic stroke, systemic embolism, venous thromboembolism) and bleeding events (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) will be recorded at 1 and 6 months. A retrospective analysis of 5 AF cases undergoing PEG-implantation at our Institution, who received edoxaban via PEG, showed plasma anti-FXa levels at steady state of 146 ± 15 ng/ml, without major adverse event at a mean follow-up of 6 months.

Conclusion
We prospectively investigate PEG-administration of edoxaban in PEG-treated patients requiring long term anticoagulation. Our preliminary retrospective data support this route of DOAC administration.
76 Pre-treatment high-sensitivity troponin T for the short-term prediction of cardiac outcomes in patients on immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Petricciuolo Serena , Delle Donne Maria Grazia , Aimo Alberto , Chella Antonio , Guarini Giacinta , De Caterina Raffaele 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an emerging option for several advanced metastatic cancers, but have been associated with cardiotoxicity. The prognostic value of high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) measured before treatment start has never been investigated.

Methods and results
Thirty consecutive patients underwent measurement of hs-TnT before starting ICI therapy (pembrolizumab, 23%; nivolumab, 12%; atezolizumab, 6%; durvalumab, 5%). The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke or transient ischaemic attack, pulmonary embolism and new-onset heart failure. The secondary endpoint was progression of cardiac involvement according to the CARDIOTOX staging system. Patients (median age 68 years, 77% men, 13% with coronary artery disease, 90% current or former smokers, 67% overweight or obese, and 43% hypertensive) had a median hs-TnT of 12 ng/L (interquartile interval 8-23). At the 3-month timepoint, 7 patients (23%) had experienced the primary endpoint, and 13 (43%) the secondary endpoint. Area under the curve values were 0.909 for the primary, and 0.757 for the secondary endpoint. The best troponin-T cut-off was 14 ng/L for both the primary (100% sensitivity, 73% specificity) and secondary endpoint (sensitivity 75%, specificity 77%). Over a median follow-up duration of 2.6 months (2.0-3.6), survival free from the primary endpoint was shorter in patients with hs-TnT ≥14 ng/L (Log-rank: 10.3, p = 0.001), and all patients developing the primary endpoint had hs-TnT ≥14 ng/L at baseline.

Conclusion
In patients on ICIs, baseline hs-TnT predicts a composite cardiovascular endpoint and the progression of cardiac involvement at 3 months, with 14 ng/L as the best cut-off.
275  Role of right ventricle in acute heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a comparison between hypertensive pulmonary edema and decompensated heart failure
Authors: Abete Raffaele , Iacovoni Attilio , Vecchi Andrea Lorenzo , Palmieri Vittorio , De Ponti Roberto , Mortara Andrea , Senni Michele 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
Limited data are available on the pathophysiological role of the right ventricle (RV) in patients with acute heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (AHF-PEF) and its impact on the main clinical manifestation such as pulmonary oedema or peripheral congestion. Mainly through right-to-left stroke volume mismatch and ventricular-arterial decoupling, right chambers size and function may play a key role leading to fluid overload or maldistributed phenotypes.

Methods and results
In this monocenter, prospective, observational study 80 consecutive patients with AHF-PEF were enrolled. A complete echocardiographic examination was performed within 6 hours from emergency department admission; multiparametric RV function was carefully evaluated in the very acute phase. Focusing on hypertensive pulmonary oedema (H-AHF) and decompensated AHF without pulmonary oedema (D-AHF) phenotypes, the study aims to analyze the echocardiographic peculiarities of these clinical entities in the early phase of admission and its modification at discharge (D-AHF n = 58, H-AHF n = 22). Baseline clinical characteristics were comparable in both groups, except for coronary artery disease more prevalent in H-AHF and atrial fibrillation more prevalent in D-AHF. D-AHF patients showed dilated and dysfunctional right chambers compared to H-AHF. Regarding systolic function, normal values of fractional area change (FAC) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were registered in H-AHF at admission and at discharge. D-AHF showed greater systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) and lower TAPSE/sPAP ratio. Left ventricular dimensions and function were comparable in both groups. Conversely, E/e’ ratio was significantly higher in H-AHF at admission. Data are summarized in the tables and figures below.

Conclusion
D-AHF and H-AHF represent different phenotypes of AHF-PEF. Right heart structure and function and ventricular-arterial coupling could play a crucial role in their pathophysiology. Non dilated RV with preserved systolic function seems to be crucial to develop pulmonary oedema without signs of peripheral congestion. Further investigations are needed to corroborate the hypothesis of interventricular stroke volume mismatch in the complex AHF-PEF clinical scenario.
386 Achieving Ldl Cholesterol Target In A Real-World Secondary Prevention Cohort: When Two Is Better Than One
Authors: Casula Matteo , Taietti Ivan , Zeqaj Iris , Fortuni Federico , Cornara Stefano , Somaschini Alberto , Leonardi Sergio , Ferlini Marco , Camporotondo Rita , Totaro Rossana , Gnecchi Massimiliano 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
Lipid management plays a key role in secondary prevention after acute coronary syndrome. Current European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend a dual goal: to achieve LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) &lt;55 mg/dL, and to reduce it ≥ 50% form baseline. Currently, data on the reduction of cardiovascular events in patients achieving both goals in a real-world population are missing. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to determine the prognosis in post myocardial infarction (PMI) patients and determine the risk of new events according to the achievement of the optimal goals indicated by the guidelines in terms of LDL-C reduction.

Methods and results
We conducted a retrospective analysis of a monocentric observational registry prospectively enrolling patients admitted to our hospital for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and followed-up in our dedicated PMI ambulatory. The analysis considered the patients enrolled between 2013 and 2017. Demographical and clinical data were extracted from a dedicated digital database, and the clinical events occurred during follow-up were obtained by telephone interviews or clinical records. We considered a combined endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) of all-cause death, non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke and unplanned revascularization. LDL-C was collected at baseline and at 1, 6 and 12 months after the event. The lower value collected at follow-up was used to define the achievement of the target goals. We conducted a Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test comparing patients who achieved LDL-C &lt; 55 mg/dL and ≤50% from baseline (group A) vs those with only LDL-C &lt; 55 mg/dL (group B). Continue variable are presented as median (interquartile range). A total of 814 patients (23% female) were included in our analysis. Median age was 63 (55–72) years, 57% had hypertension, 19% diabetes, 36% were smoker and 17% obese. Baseline LDL-C was 124 (97–146) mg/dL, the median LDL-C at follow-up was 63 (52–78) mg/dL, significantly reduced from baseline (P &lt; 0.0001). Between 6 and 12 months 83.3% of patients were treated with statin therapy alone (73% high intensity), 15.3% with the addition of ezetimibe, and 0.5% with ezetimibe alone. LDL-C &lt; 55 mg/dl was achieved in 244 patients (30%), while 175 patients (21%) obtained also LDL-C ≤ 50% from baseline. Median follow-up was 52 (34–66) months. The net incidence of MACE was 12% in group A vs 27.5% in group B (HR 0.35; 95% CI 0.17–0.70; P log-rank = 0.0032; Number Needed to Treat = 6; see Figure).

Conclusion
Our data from a real-world cohort of PMI patients emphasize the importance of achieving both the guideline-recommended secondary prevention goals of LDL-C &lt; 55 mg/dl and ≤50% from baseline in order to reduce MACE.