bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Effectiveness of Entecavir Versus Tenofovir for Preventing Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Dave Shravan , Park Sooyoung , Murad M. Hassan , Barnard Abbey , Prokop Larry , Adams Leon A. , Singh Siddharth , Loomba Rohit 
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While both tenofovir disoproxil (TDF) and entecavir (ETV) have been shown to reduce the risk of HCC, their comparative effectiveness is unclear. We estimated the comparative effectiveness of these two agents in reducing the risk of HCC in patients with CHB, through a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Approach and Results
We searched multiple electronic databases from January 1, 1998, to October 31, 2019, for randomized controlled trials and observational comparative effectiveness studies in adults with CHB treated with ETV compared to TDF, reporting the incidence of HCC (minimum follow‐up 12 months). Primary outcome was incidence of HCC, calculated as incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% confidence interval (CI, unadjusted analysis) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI (adjusted analysis, where reported). Of 1,971 records identified, 14 studies (263,947 person‐years) were included for quantitative analysis. On unadjusted meta‐analysis of 14 studies, the risk of HCC was not statistically different between ETV and TDF (IRR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.99‐1.66). When using available adjusted data (multivariate or propensity‐matched data), the risk of HCC among patients treated with ETV was 27% higher when compared to TDF (seven studies; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.60, P = 0.04). Additional analysis of adjusted data when separately reported among patients with cirrhosis demonstrated an adjusted HR of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.66‐1.23), suggesting no difference between ETV‐treated and TDF‐treated groups. The overall confidence in estimates was very low (observational studies, high heterogeneity).

Conclusions
TDF may be associated with lower risk of HCC when compared to ETV.
Osteoporosis evaluation through full developed speckle imaging
Authors: Amaral Marcello Magri , del‐Valle Matheus , Raele Marcus Paulo , De Pretto Lucas Ramos , Ana Patricia Aparecida 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOsteoporosis is a disease characterized by bone mineral density reduction, weakening the bone structure. Its diagnosis is performed using ionizing radiation, increasing health risk. Optical techniques are safer, due to non‐ionizing radiation use, but limited to the analyses of bone tissue. This limitation may be circumvented in the oral cavity. In this work we explored the use of laser speckle imaging (LSI) to differentiate the sound and osteoporotic maxilla and mandible bones in an in vitro model. Osteoporosis lesions were simulated with acid attack. The samples were evaluated by optical profilometry and LSI, using a custom software. Two image parameters were evaluated, speckle contrast ration and patches ratio. With the speckle contrast ratio, it was possible to differentiate sound from osteoporotic tissue. From speckle patches ratio it was observed a negative correlation with the roughness parameter. LSI is a promissory technique for assessment of osteoporosis lesions on alveolar bone.
Sialolithiasis: Application parameters for an optimal laser therapy
Authors: Faklaris Ioannis , Bouropoulos Nikolaos , Vainos Nikolaos A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn‐vitro experimental parametric studies of laser ablation using natural sialoliths and artificial stones have been performed toward an efficient laser treatment of sialolithiasis. Surface microstructure and water adsorption become critical for coupling high power pulsed Ho:YAG laser radiation (λ = 2080 nm, τ ∼250 μsec), inducing ablative interactions and stone fragmentation. Results reveal a generic trend, with single pulse laser energy density threshold for sialolith ablative erosion at ∼200 J cm−2 (corresponding to intensity ∼800 kW cm−2) and fragmentation rates reaching ∼1 mm/pulse at ∼2400 J cm−2. This process shows no saturation, suggesting that very high energy density irradiation at low pulse repetition rate is an efficient approach. Such operation facilitates rapid cooling and minimal thermal loading of the oral and maxillofacial area, thus causing negligible adverse effects. The method is expected to contribute to the establishment of an easy and optimal therapeutic protocol for sialolithiasis pathology.
Construction of lncRNA‐associated ceRNA networks to identify prognostic lncRNA biomarkers for glioblastoma
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Wang Xiaoxiong , Yang Guang , Zhong Chen , Zhang Ruotian , Ye Junyi , Zhong Yingqiang , Hu Junlong , Ozal Beylerli , Zhao Shiguang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) that play significant regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of tumors. However, the role of lncRNAs, especially the lncRNA‐related ceRNA regulatory network, in glioblastoma (GBM) has not been fully elucidated. The goal of the current study was to construct lncRNA‐microRNA‐mRNA‐related ceRNA networks for further investigation of their mechanism of action in GBM. We downloaded data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases and identified differential lncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) associated with GBM. A ceRNA network was constructed and analyzed to examine the relationship between lncRNAs and patients’ overall survival. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGGs) were used to analyze the related mRNAs to indirectly explain the mechanism of action of lncRNAs. The potential effective drugs for the treatment of GBM were identified using the connectivity map (CMap). After integrated analysis, we obtained a total of 210 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 90 differentially expressed miRNAs, and 2508 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) from the TCGA and GEO databases. Using these differential genes, we constructed a lncRNA‐associated ceRNA network. Six lncRNAs in the ceRNA network were associated with the overall survival of patients with GBM. Through KEGG analysis, it was found that the DEmRNAs involved in the network are related to cancer‐associated pathways, for instance, mitogen‐activated protein kinase and Ras signaling pathways. CMap analysis revealed four small‐molecule compounds that could be used as drugs for the treatment of GBM. In this study, a multi‐database joint analysis was used to construct a lncRNA‐related ceRNA network to help identify the regulatory functions of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of GBM.
Dehydration enhances cellular and humoral immunity in a mesic snake community
Authors: Brusch George A. , Mills Anthony M. , Walman Rachel M. , Masuda Garrett , Byeon Andy , DeNardo Dale F. , Stahlschmidt Zachary R. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe immunocompetence of a community of free‐living animals can be affected by seasonality, sex, and parasite burden. However, each of these factors is often examined independently. Recent studies have also found that dehydration can enhance aspects of immunocompetence in drought‐adapted species. To explore how all of these factors interact, and their effect on the immune system in mesic‐adapted species, we collected blood samples from a community of free‐ranging snakes in coastal South Carolina, United States, across 2 years. We specifically examined (a) how sex and seasonality influence humoral and cellular immunocompetence and parasite burden, (b) the dynamics among hydration state, parasite burden, and immunocompetence, and (c) whether mesic‐adapted species also show enhanced innate immunity with dehydration. Consistent with previous work on drought‐adapted species, we found that dehydration enhances multiple aspects of humoral immunity in mesic species, and we are the first to report that dehydration also enhances aspects of cellular immunocompetence. Contrary to previous results in other squamates, sex and season did not impact immunocompetence or parasite prevalence. Our results also reveal complex interactions among parasite prevalence, immunocompetence, and hydration state demonstrating that hydration state and parasitism are two ubiquitous factors that should continue to be considered in future studies examining ecoimmunological variation.
Hyperthyroidism and hepatic dysfunction: Report of 17 cases
Authors: Wafa Benothman , Faten Hadjkacem , Mouna Elleuch , Fatma Mnif , Mohamed Abid 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimsHyperthyroidism has been known to be associated with abnormalities of serum liver chemistry. The objective of our study is to describe clinical, biochemical and therapeutic features of hepatic dysfunction in hyperthyroidism.Methods and ResultsThis retrospective study was conducted on patients hospitalized in our endocrinology department over 20 years. We included patients with untreated and noniatrogenic hyperthyroidism among whom biochemical findings noted hepatic dysfunction and excluded those with concomitant liver disease. Our population is composed of 10 men and 7 women. The average age was 41.4 years. The mean serum level of free thyroxine was 83.8 pmol/L. The serum thyrotropin level was below the detection limit in 10/17 cases. Graves' disease was the most frequently found etiology of hyperthyroidism. Fourteen patients had hyperthyroidism's complications. Eleven patients manifested congestive heart failure. Hepatic dysfunction was moderate and severe in eight and two cases, respectively. Fifteen patients had cholestasis, associated with jaundice in five cases. Hepatocellular injury and synthetic liver dysfunction were noted in seven and five cases, respectively. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies were positively correlated with the serum level of bilirubin (ρ = 0.695; P = 0.038). A negative correlation was noted between alanine aminotransferase and left ventricular ejection fraction (ρ = −0.812; P = 0.05). Radioactive iodine was indicated in 15/17 cases. Follow‐up liver tests were performed in 11 cases. They all had normalized hepatic function once euthyroidism restored.ConclusionLiver injury in hyperthyroidism is relatively common, ranging from mild to severe. Therefore, patients presenting unexplained hepatic abnormalities require close examination and an evaluation of the thyroid function should be sought.
Clinicopathological features and menin expression of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Authors: Sonoda Akari , Yamashita Yo‐ichi , Kondo Tatsuya , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Imai Katsunori , Higashi Takaaki , Yamamura Kensuke , Yamao Takanobu , Hashimoto Daisuke , Baba Hideo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground/PurposeWe examined therapeutic strategies for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (pNEN) associated with MEN1 (M‐pNEN) by investigating clinicopathological features and menin expression.MethodsSeventy‐seven patients who underwent resection of pNEN at our department from January 2001 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemical analysis of menin was performed using resected specimens.ResultsSeven patients (9%) met the diagnostic criteria for MEN1. M‐pNEN had more tumors (P < .01), a higher recurrence rate (P = .028), and higher residual pancreatic recurrence (P < .01) than sporadic pNEN (S‐pNEN). There were no significant differences in tumor size, lymph node metastasis, or World Health Organization grade between the two groups. Reduced menin staining in the tumor nuclei was found in 86% of M‐pNEN; whereas only 34% of S‐pNEN showed decreased nuclear staining. The remainder (66%) showed strong nuclear staining similar to normal islet cells (P = .0071). Furthermore, four patients (57%) with MEN1 had many microadenomas with reduced nuclear menin staining. Overall survival of M‐pNEN patients was significantly better than S‐pNEN patients (P = .049).ConclusionM‐pNEN patients tend to develop spatially and temporally multifocal pNENs. However, M‐pNEN patient prognosis is good with repeated surgeries at recurrence. Therefore, minimal resection with strict follow‐up is recommended rather than extensive pancreatic resections for consideration of recurrence in M‐pNEN.
Study on the differences in water vapour characteristics and predictive signals of low‐frequency precipitation in the pre‐flood season of South China between flood and drought years
Authors: Li Liping , Ma Chenyu , Yang Chunyan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractUsing 753 station's precipitation daily data in China and NCEP/NCAR daily reanalysis data from 1980 to 2017, the lead–lag correlations between 10 and 20 days low‐frequency (LF) precipitation and LF water vapour transport are comparatively analysed in the pre‐flood season of South China during typical flood and drought years, and verified using Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) backward trajectory model. The same features during both the flood and drought years include that, (a) the primary LF water vapour sources are the south side of Lake Baikal, the northern Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea, the South China Sea and the western Pacific Ocean. (b)The key LF water vapour circulation systems are the Lake Baikal anticyclone (LBAC), the Northeast China cyclone (NECC), the Philippine Sea anticyclone (PSAC) and the South China cyclone (SCC). The different features between the flood and drought years include that, (a) the southern Sea of Japan is another water vapour source and the Australia anticyclone (AAC) is another key LF water vapour circulation system in the flood years. (b) There are two southwest warm water vapour flows and one southeast cross‐equatorial water vapour flow in the flood years, while there is only one southwest warm water vapour flow in the drought years. In addition, most of notable predictive signals start appearing at approximately −4 days in both the flood and drought years. However, there is a difference in the time of occurrence of similar predictive signals, and some predictive signals only appear in the flood years.
Evaluation of the ability of regional climate models and a statistical model to represent the spatial characteristics of extreme precipitation
Authors: Yang Lichao , Franzke Christian L. E. , Fu Zuntao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractExtreme precipitation is one of the most severe weather hazards which have a significant influence on society, agriculture and ecosystems. The spatial extension and intensity of extreme precipitation events are two important features which need to be quantified for improved flood risk and water resource management. Here, we evaluate how well regional climate models (RCMs) reproduce precipitation extremes with respect to spatial dependency and intensity. We show by using seasonal extreme intensities in Brandenburg‐Berlin, Germany, that some RCMs underestimate the spatial dependence of extremes in summer and overestimate it in winter, compared with an observational‐based data set. Most RCMs significantly underestimate the magnitudes of extremes in summer and overestimate the magnitudes in autumn and winter. A statistical model, based on a max‐stable process, accounting for both the spatial and temporal variability is developed. We show that this model performs better in representing the spatial dependency and intensity characteristics of extreme precipitation compared to the RCMs.
Assessment of the impact of soil moisture on spring surface air temperature over the low‐latitude highlands of China
Authors: Zhao Jingchuan , Pan Wei , Wu Jian , Yang Yali 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe low‐latitude highlands (LLH) of China are situated in the subtropical southwest China. The spring climatic characteristics of the LLH were previously regarded as being governed by remote sea surface temperature forcing and large‐scale atmospheric circulations. Recent studies qualitatively demonstrated that the LLH is a relatively strong soil moisture (SM)‐surface air temperature (SAT) coupling region in China during spring. In this study, the quantitative spring SM‐SAT coupling (mean of March and April before wet season) is further statistically analysed using two different SM data sources (one reanalysis data set and one land surface assimilation product). The results show that significant negative SM‐SAT feedbacks mainly occur in the western and middle part of the LLH. Over these areas, 10–50% of the total SAT variance could be explained by the SM‐induced negative feedbacks with a feedback parameter of −0.2°C·(standardized SM)−1 to −0.8°C·(standardized SM)−1. Further analyses show that SM negatively impacts Bowen ratio in the western and middle part of the LLH where Bowen ratio positively affects SAT, therefore significant negative SM‐SAT feedbacks occur therein. The potential impact of India–Burma Trough (IBT) on the SM‐SAT coupling is also investigated in this study, the results of which suggest that SM‐SAT coupling and the effects of SM on land surface energy balance may be immune to the influence of the IBT. Furthermore, SM and IBT may comparably affect SAT in the western and middle part of the LLH. This highlights that SM might have prominent effects on the subseasonal predictability of spring SAT over these areas.
Biosafety of Sonography: Survey of Current Knowledge and Practice Patterns in Obstetrics Providers
Authors: Wasickanin Morgan , Lentscher Jessica , Foglia Lisa , Colburn Zachary , Estrada Sarah 
Published: April 2020

ObjectivesSonography is routinely performed in obstetrics. For safety purposes, intensity‐output displays are included in all ultrasound machines. There are few studies performed on provider understanding of ultrasound safety. We sought to assess obstetrics providers' level of knowledge on ultrasound biosafety before and after educational intervention.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional study using survey research to examine the knowledge of obstetrics providers performing sonography. The study included faculty, fellows, and residents in obstetrics and gynecology and family medicine, and certified nurse midwives. After completion of the initial survey, subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 educational interventions. The interventions included reading an article, watching an educational video, or viewing a PowerPoint presentation. After completing the intervention, subjects answered a post‐intervention survey.ResultsA total of 138 responses were received from the initial survey. Fifty‐eight individuals completed the intervention and post‐intervention survey. Across all levels of training and practice, before intervention, 70% of providers indicated that they did not recognize output display standard functions. Of the 58 individuals who completed the intervention and both surveys, all knowledge‐based questions resulted in statistically significant improvements in scores.ConclusionsSonography is increasingly used in the obstetric setting, and it is essential that providers and trainees understand the risks of the procedures they perform. Our data suggests a need for improved education on ultrasound safety. Improvement in scores on the post‐intervention knowledge assessment suggests that the educational interventions used may be beneficial in enhancing provider understanding of obstetric ultrasound safety.
Zero‐Degree Endoscopic Visualization of the Frontal Sinus Predicts Improved Topical Irrigation Delivery
Authors: Spielman Daniel B. , Kim Matthew , Overdevest Jonathan , Gudis David A. 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveManagement of chronic frontal rhinosinusitis is challenging with high rates of treatment failure, exacerbated by limitations of topical irrigation delivery. We hypothesize that intraoperative zero‐degree visualization of the frontal sinus predicts improved postoperative irrigation penetration. Extending a Draf IIa frontal sinusotomy with a limited resection of the middle turbinate axilla‐agger nasi complex can allow zero‐degree endoscopic visualization of the frontal sinus. This study investigates the change in frontal sinus irrigation delivery after standard Draf IIa frontal sinusotomy versus further resection to achieve zero‐degree visualization.Study DesignThis is a prospective cohort study conducted in a surgical skills laboratory.MethodsThe extent of irrigant penetration into the frontal sinuses was evaluated in 10 cadaveric frontal sinuses following Draf IIa sinusotomy using a standardized trephine visualization model. Irrigant penetration was assessed by three blinded reviewers using the following scale: 0 = irrigation restricted to nasal cavity; 1 = irrigation reaches frontal recess; 2 = irrigation reaches frontal sinus proper; 3 = irrigation fills entire frontal sinus. These results were compared to irrigation after achieving zero‐degree endoscopic visualization by performing limited resection of the middle turbinate axilla‐agger nasi complex.ResultsIrrigant penetration following standard Draf IIa frontal sinusotomy improved after the axilla‐agger nasi complex was resected to achieve zero‐degree endoscopic visualization (median score 2 [interquartile range: 1–2] vs. 3 [interquartile range: 2–3], P < .01).ConclusionThis study demonstrates improved penetration of frontal sinus irrigation following limited resection of the middle turbinate axilla‐agger nasi complex to achieve zero‐degree endoscopic visualization of the frontal sinus as compared to standard Draf IIa frontal sinusotomy.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 131:250–254, 2021
Tracheotomy Timing and Outcomes in the Critically Ill: Complexity and Opportunities for Progress
Authors: Altman Kenneth W. , Ha Tu‐Anh N. , Dorai Vaithianathan K. , Mankidy Babith J. , Zhu Huirong 
Published: April 2020

Objectives/HypothesisTo characterize the effects of tracheotomy timing at our institution on intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) and overall hospital LOS.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsA retrospective study was performed at a tertiary care medical center for patients undergoing tracheotomy over 2.5 years from January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018. Demographics, survival, duration of endotracheal intubation, timing of tracheotomy, and ICU and overall hospital LOS were assessed. Tracheotomy was considered early (ET) if it was performed by day 7 of mechanical ventilation and late (LT) thereafter. Readmission, mortality, and costs were also tabulated for each aggregate group. Nonparametric statistics were used to compare results.ResultsOf the 536 patients included in the analysis, 160 received tracheotomy early and 376 late. Differences between age and sex were not statistically significant. Duration of total ICU stay was shortened by 65% (12.84 ± 17.69 days vs. 38.49 ± 26.61 days; P < .0001), and length of overall hospital course was reduced by 54% (22.71 ± 26.65 days vs. 50.37 ± 34.20 days; P < .0001) in the early tracheotomy group. Observed/expected (O/E) values standardized results to case mix index and revealed LOS of 1.5 for ET and 2.5 for LT, and mortality of 0.76 for ET and 1.25 for LT, and comparable readmissions of both groups.ConclusionsEarly tracheotomy in ICU patients is associated with earlier ICU discharge, decreased length of overall hospital stay, and lower mortality when controlling for case mix index. Opportunities exist to optimize patient outcomes and O/E performance.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:282–287, 2021