bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenetics/Epigenomics and Prevention of Early Stages of Cancer by Isothiocyanates
Authors: Hudlikar Rasika , Wang Lujing , Wu Renyi , Li Shanyi , Peter Rebecca , Shannar Ahmad , Chou Pochung Jordan , Liu Xia , Liu Zhigang , Kuo Hsiao-Chen Dina , Kong Ah-Ng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease and cancer development takes 10–50 years involving epigenetics. Evidence suggests that approximately 80% of human cancers are linked to environmental factors impinging upon genetics/epigenetics. Because advanced metastasized cancers are resistant to radiotherapy/chemotherapeutic drugs, cancer prevention by relatively nontoxic chemopreventive “epigenetic modifiers” involving epigenetics/epigenomics is logical. Isothiocyanates are relatively nontoxic at low nutritional and even higher pharmacologic doses, with good oral bioavailability, potent antioxidative stress/antiinflammatory activities, possess epigenetic-modifying properties, great anticancer efficacy in many in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal models. This review summarizes the latest advances on the role of epigenetics/epigenomics by isothiocyanates in prevention of skin, colon, lung, breast, and prostate cancers. The exact molecular mechanism how isothiocyanates modify the epigenetic/epigenomic machinery is unclear. We postulate “redox” processes would play important roles. In addition, isothiocyanates sulforaphane and phenethyl isothiocyanate, possess multifaceted molecular mechanisms would be considered as “general” cancer preventive agents not unlike chemotherapeutic agents like platinum-based or taxane-based drugs. Analogous to chemotherapeutic agents, the isothiocyanates would need to be used in combination with other nontoxic chemopreventive phytochemicals or drugs such as NSAIDs, 5-α-reductase/aromatase inhibitors targeting different signaling pathways would be logical for the prevention of progression of tumors to late advanced metastatic states.
Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young
Authors: Ha Francis J. , Han Hui-Chen , Sanders Prashanthan , Fendel Kim , Teh Andrew W. , Kalman Jonathan M. , O’Donnell David , Leong Trishe , Farouque Omar , Lim Han S. 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the young is devastating. Contemporary incidence remains unclear with few recent nationwide studies and limited data addressing risk factors for causes. We aimed to determine incidence, trends, causes, and risk factors for SCD in the young.

Methods and Results:

The National Coronial Information System registry was reviewed for SCD in people aged 1 to 35 years from 2000 to 2016 in Australia. Subjects were identified by the
International Classification of Diseases
,
Tenth Revision
code relating to circulatory system diseases (I00–I99) from coronial reports. Baseline demographics, circumstances, and cause of SCD were obtained from coronial and police reports, alongside autopsy and toxicology analyses where available. During the study period, 2006 cases were identified (median age, 28±7 years; men, 75%; mean body mass index, 29±8 kg/m
2
). Annual incidence ranged from 0.91 to 1.48 per 100 000 age-specific person-years, which was the lowest in 2013 to 2015 compared with previous 3-year intervals on Poisson regression model (
P
=0.001). SCD incidence was higher in nonmetropolitan versus metropolitan areas (0.99 versus 0.53 per 100 000 person-years;
P
<0.001). The most common cause of SCD was coronary artery disease (40%), followed by sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (14%). Incidence of coronary artery disease–related SCD decreased from 2001–2003 to 2013–2015 (
P
<0.001). Proportion of SCD related to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome increased during the study period (
P
=0.02) although overall incidence was stable (
P
=0.22). Residential remoteness was associated with coronary artery disease–related SCD (odds ratio, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.24–1.67];
P
<0.001). For every 1-unit increase, body mass index was associated with increased likelihood of SCD from cardiomegaly (odds ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.05–1.11];
P
<0.001) and dilated cardiomyopathy (odds ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.01–1.06];
P
=0.005).

Conclusions:
Incidence of SCD in the young and specifically coronary artery disease–related SCD has declined in recent years. Proportion of SCD related to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome increased over the study period. Geographic remoteness and obesity are risk factors for specific causes of SCD in the young.
Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on Patients With Congenital Heart Disease Across the Lifespan: The Experience of an Academic Congenital Heart Disease Center in New York City
Authors: Lewis Matthew J. , Anderson Brett R. , Fremed Michael , Argenio Melissa , Krishnan Usha , Weller Rachel , Levasseur Stéphanie , Sommer Robert , Lytrivi Irene D. , Bacha Emile A. , Vincent Julie , Chung Wendy K. , Rosenzweig Erika B. , Starc Thomas J. , Rosenbaum Marlon , Barry Oliver , Choudhary Tarif , Cheung Eva , Farooqi Kanwal , Ferris Anne , Kalfa David , Krishnamurthy Ganga , LaPar Damien , Liberman Leo , Rhee Diane , Shah Amee , Silver Eric , Suh Sangee , Woo Joyce 
Published: October 2020

Background
We sought to assess the impact and predictors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection and severity in a cohort of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) at a large CHD center in New York City.

Methods and Results

We performed a retrospective review of all individuals with CHD followed at Columbia University Irving Medical Center who were diagnosed with COVID‐19 between March 1, 2020 and July 1, 2020. The primary end point was moderate/severe response to COVID‐19 infection defined as (1) death during COVID‐19 infection; or (2) need for hospitalization and/or respiratory support secondary to COVID‐19 infection. Among 53 COVID‐19‐positive patients with CHD, 10 (19%) were <18 years of age (median age 34 years of age). Thirty‐one (58%) had complex congenital anatomy including 10 (19%) with a Fontan repair. Eight (15%) had a genetic syndrome, 6 (11%) had pulmonary hypertension, and 9 (17%) were obese. Among adults, 18 (41%) were physiologic class C or D. For the entire cohort, 9 (17%) had a moderate/severe infection, including 3 deaths (6%). After correcting for multiple comparisons, the presence of a genetic syndrome (odds ratio [OR], 35.82;
P
=0.0002), and in adults, physiological Stage C or D (OR, 19.38;
P
=0.002) were significantly associated with moderate/severe infection.

Conclusions
At our CHD center, the number of symptomatic patients with COVID‐19 was relatively low. Patients with CHD with a genetic syndrome and adults at advanced physiological stage were at highest risk for moderate/severe infection.
China and Japan in Pursuit of Infrastructure Investment Leadership in Asia
Authors: Katada Saori N. , Liao Jessica 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Powerful states often use tools of economic statecraft, such as foreign aid and other financial policy instruments, in a bid to “purchase” influence as well as establish regional leadership among their neighbors. How and why do these states undertake similar economic statecraft strategies and policies? The article examines the evolution of infrastructure financing policy of China and Japan and identifies the ever changing and, yet at the same time, mirroring interaction between the two countries’ development finance practices. We argue that emulation and competition have led to the process of policy diffusion between these two countries. The competition between these two foreign aid leaders in East Asia especially after China’s Belt and Road Initiative has shaped the region’s infrastructure development dynamics as they strive to move the equilibrium outcome to their advantage. Such equilibrium through the policy diffusion process has important implications on global development governance.
Institutional Reflections on Organizational Corruption Control
Authors: Heaston William R. , Mitchell Matthew C. , Kappen Jeffrey A. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This article applies and expands on a typology of organizational corruption control to analyze the various mechanisms used to address corruption within the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). It uses case study evidence in tandem with insights from neo-institutional theory to construct a conceptual framework in which corruption control types are more completely examined within their broader institutional context. Using this framework, the article shows how the persistence of corruption in FIFA and its checkered reform process are attributable to an organizational filtering phenomenon that has limited the operation of internal and external corruption controls. Finally, it discusses some implications of this framework for transnational organizational governance reform.
Influences of Atmospheric Rivers on North Pacific Winter Precipitation: Climatology and Dependence on ENSO Condition
Authors: Xiong Yating , Ren Xuejuan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe atmospheric river (AR) is a unique mover of moisture from the low latitudes to mid- and high latitudes and a potential cause for regional flooding. This study explores the ARs’ influence on wintertime precipitation (including extreme precipitation) over the pan-North Pacific during 1996–2018 from the climatological perspective and during the ENSO condition, via distinguishing precipitation and moisture transport between the AR-group and the non-AR-group. Climatologically, the AR-group contributes 30%–45% of total winter precipitation, and up to 70% of total extreme precipitation over the eastern Pacific and along the North American west coast between 25° and 45°N. The above area is the core region of the ARs’ influence on precipitation. The AR-group’s precipitation in the core region is mostly determined by AR-produced in situ moisture convergence, while the non-AR-group’s precipitation is attributed to evaporation from Earth’s surface. The AR frequency is increased (decreased) in the core region during El Niño (La Niña) winters. As a result, the AR-group contributes more than half of the positive (negative) anomalies in total precipitation in the core region, due to AR-related moisture convergence anomalies. Besides, during El Niño winters, the AR-group also contributes almost half of negative anomalies in total precipitation over the middle basin between 40° and 55°N. An anomalous moisture sink (source) always acts to increase (decrease) in situ precipitation for both the AR-group and the non-AR-group. It is also shown that the moisture transport and its divergence anomalies are primarily decided by changes in wind fields and second by moisture. Furthermore, changes in moisture can cause asymmetric features of anomalies in moisture transport and its divergence between El Niño and La Niña but with limited effects.
Diversity of the Global Teleconnections Associated with the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Chen Guosen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA recent study has revealed that the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) during boreal winter exhibits diverse propagation patterns that consist of four archetypes: standing MJO, jumping MJO, slow eastward propagating MJO, and fast eastward propagating MJO. This study has explored the diversity of teleconnection associated with these four MJO groups. The results reveal that each MJO group corresponds to distinct global teleconnections, manifested as diverse upper-tropospheric Rossby wave train patterns. Overall, the teleconnections in the fast and slow MJO are similar to those in the canonical MJO constructed by the real-time multivariate MJO (RMM) indices, while the teleconnections in the jumping and standing MJO generally lose similarities to those in the canonical MJO. The causes of this diversity are investigated using a linearized potential vorticity equation. The various MJO tropical heating patterns in different MJO groups are the main cause of the diverse MJO teleconnections, as they induce assorted upper-level divergent flows that act as Rossby-wave sources through advecting the background potential vorticity. The variation of the Asian jet could affect the teleconnections over the Pacific jet exit region, but it plays an insignificant role in causing the diversity of global teleconnections. The numerical investigation with a linear baroclinic model shows that the teleconnections can be interpreted as linear responses to the MJO’s diabatic heating to various degrees for different MJO groups, with the fast and slow MJO having higher linear skill than the jumping and standing MJO. The results have broad implications in the MJO’s tropical–extratropical interactions and the associated impacts on global weather and climate.
Evaluating Thunderstorm Gust Fronts in New Mexico and Arizona
Authors: Luchetti Nicholas T. , Friedrich Katja , Rodell Christopher E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractStrong winds generated by thunderstorm gust fronts can cause sudden changes in fire behavior and threaten the safety of wildland firefighters. Wildfires in complex terrain are particularly vulnerable as gust fronts can be channeled and enhanced by local topography. Despite this, knowledge of gust front characteristics primarily stems from studies of well-organized thunderstorms in flatter areas such as the Great Plains, where the modification of gust fronts by topography is less likely. Here, we broaden the investigation of gust fronts in complex terrain by statistically comparing characteristics of gust fronts that are pushed uphill and propagate atop the Mogollon Rim in Arizona to those that propagate down into and along the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico. Using operational WSR-88D data and in situ observations from Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) stations, 122 gust fronts in these regions are assessed to quantify changes in temperature, wind, relative humidity, and propagation speed as they pass over the weather stations. Gust fronts that propagated down into and along the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico were generally associated with faster propagation speeds, larger decreases in temperature, and larger increases in wind speeds compared to gust fronts that reached the crest of the Mogollon Rim in Arizona. Gust fronts atop the Mogollon Rim in Arizona behaved less in accordance with density current theory compared to those in the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico. The potential reasons for these results, and their implications for our understanding of terrain influence on gust front characteristics, are discussed.
Community Response to Hurricane Threat: Estimates of Warning Issuance Time Distributions
Authors: Sorensen John H. , Lindell Michael K. , Baker Earl J. , Lehman William P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHurricane evacuation warnings from local officials are one of the most significant determinants of households’ evacuation departure times. Consequently, it is important to know how long after the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues a hurricane watch or warning that local officials wait to issue evacuation warnings. The distribution of local evacuation warning issuance delays determined from poststorm assessment data shows a wide range of warning issuance delay times over an 85-h time span, although the vast majority of times fall within a 40-h window. Nearly 30% of the jurisdictions issued evacuation warnings before an NHC hurricane warning. Only 5% delayed the decision for more than 25 h after the NHC hurricane warning. The curves for warning issuance delays, using both the NHC watch and NHC warning issuance times as reference points, are very different from the warning issuance curves observed for the rapid-onset events. The hurricane data exhibit much more of an “S shape” than the exponential shape that is seen for rapid-onset data. Instead, curves for three different types of storm tracks, defined by a perpendicular/parallel dimension and a straight/meandering dimension, follow three noticeably different logistic distributions. The data also indicate that warnings were issued significantly earlier for coastal counties than for inland counties. These results have direct practical value to analysts that are calculating evacuation time estimates for coastal jurisdictions. Moreover, they suggest directions for future research on the reasons for the timing of local officials’ hurricane evacuation decisions.
Safety and Feasibility of a Novel Esophageal Balloon for Circumferential Cytologic Sampling
Authors: Kohli Nikita , Blitzer Andrew , Jahn Anthony , Cho Youngnan Jenny , Budrewicz Jay , Enos Karyn , Strome Marshall 
Published: October 2020

Objectives: A prior publication introduced the Strome-Blitzer balloon’s ability to obtain circumferential esophageal cytologic sampling. This GLP study was requisite for FDA approval to determine if equivalent cell capture and cellularity was observed with the balloon compared to surface sampling brushes and to determine the balloon’s usability for naive otolaryngologists. Methods: Three naïve users tested the Hobbs brush and Strome-Blitzer balloon on 4 Yorkshire swine. Four anatomical sites were sampled, beginning distally and ending proximally. In 2 animals, the balloon was used first distally and in the remaining 2, 4 new Hobbs brushes were used distally first. Moving proximally, the balloon and brushes were sequentially alternated. In follow-the-leader fashion, the balloon was introduced trans-orally followed by an endoscope to the desired site. The balloon was inflated exposing the abrasive strips to contact the esophageal mucosa. Moving the balloon 1 to 2 cm superiorly and inferiorly effected circumferential cell capture. The balloon was collapsed and removed, preserving the cellularity. The Hobbs brush was passed through the scope’s channel. Four brushes, 1 per quadrant, obtained the samples at an anatomical site. The balloon was rated as pass/fail on the following: delivery, kinking, usability, and malfunction. A blinded veterinary pathologist evaluated the cytology. Results: There was no device malfunction, mucosal trauma, or difficulty with device use. Balloon cytologic samples were comparable in cellularity and quality to the brush. Conclusion: A single balloon sampling was comparable to 4 brushes in capturing diagnostically relevant cellular volumes and architecture. Naïve users easily performed the procedures after reading the guidelines. Level of Evidence: 3
Effects of sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia on intraoperative endothelial cell function in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Fan Yu , Wang Hao , Ma Qi 
Published: October 2020

Objectives To investigate the effects of sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia on inflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods Patients undergoing LC (n = 23) were divided into sevoflurane (S) (n = 11) and propofol (P) (n = 12) anesthesia groups. A blood sample was taken before induction (T0), after induction but before pneumoperitoneum (T1), 15 minutes after pneumoperitoneum (T2), immediately after extubation (T3), and 30 minutes after extubation (T4). P-selectin-positive platelets and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)-positive lymphocytes, and plasma P-selectin, ICAM-1 and thrombomodulin (TM) levels were analyzed. Results Sevoflurane significantly increased P-selectin expression in platelets at T2, T3, and T4 and in plasma at T1, T2, T3, and T4, but it did not affect ICAM-1 and TM. Propofol had no significant effects on P-selectin, ICAM-1, and TM expression during anesthesia and surgery. P-selectin, ICAM-1, and TM expression was higher in the S compared with P group at T1, T2, and T3 for platelet P-selectin; T2 and T4 for plasma P-selectin; T1 and T2 for lymphocyte ICAM-1; and T1, T2, and T3 for plasma TM. Conclusions Propofol anesthesia can delay the inflammatory reactions during laparoscopic surgery and better maintain the structure stability and function in vascular endothelial cells.
Highly sensitive nucleic acid detection and transaminase level in treatment decisions for Chinese patients with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis
Authors: Zhang Yue-Rong , Wang Hui , Zhang Yao-Di , Lin Yan , Wu Li-Yang , Wei Shi-Fang , Ma Yan-Yun , Wang Chun-Xia 
Published: October 2020

Objective To explore the usefulness of highly sensitive nucleic acid detection for assisting with the accurate antiviral treatment of patients with cirrhosis that was caused by hepatitis. Methods There were 377 patients with hepatitis B with cirrhosis and 119 patients with hepatitis C with cirrhosis, either as hospitalized patients and outpatients, who were enrolled into the study. Among them, 299 were men and 197 were women between 23 and 82 years of age. All patients were examined using a domestic HBV DNA/HCV RNA test, which was negative in 162 cirrhosis with hepatitis B and 54 cirrhosis with hepatitis C patients (HBV DNA/HCV RNA <500 IU/mL). Prediction and analysis of the HBV DNA load using alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was based on receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. Results For patients with hepatitis C with cirrhosis, after the antiviral therapy, ALT, HCV RNA, and Child–Pugh grade were significantly improved compared with before treatment. ROC analysis results showed that an ALT level of 29 IU/mL was the most sensitive cutoff value to judge a positive HBV DNA load (sensitivity 1.0, specificity 0.237, Youden index 0.763). Conclusion Precise detection for patients with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis is required for accurate therapy.
Evaluation of a Pharmacist-Driven Protocol for the Treatment of Opioid-Induced Constipation
Authors: Tryson Alexander R. , Hennessey Erin K. , Crannage Andrew J. 
Published: October 2020

Background: Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) treatment guidelines recommend over-the-counter laxatives as first-line therapy, followed by treatment with a peripherally-acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist (PAMORA) in refractory patients. Objective: To evaluate the ability of a pharmacist-driven OIC protocol to promote increased scheduled laxative use prior to escalation to PAMORA therapy. Methods: This retrospective, single-center cohort study evaluated patients 2 years pre- and post-protocol implementation. The primary outcome was the difference in the percentage of patients receiving 2 scheduled laxatives for ≥ 2 days prior to PAMORA therapy pre- and post-protocol. Secondary outcomes included difference in time to first bowel movement after PAMORA initiation, difference in total number of laxative/PAMORA doses administered, and difference in overall estimated total cost. Data was analyzed using chi-squared tests and Student’s t tests. Results: Three-hundred patients were included (150 patients in the pre and post-protocol groups). In the pre-protocol group, 53 patients (35%) received 2 scheduled laxatives for 2 days prior to naloxegol/methylnaltrexone compared to 96 patients (64%) in the postprotocol group (p < 0.0001). One-thousand twenty-one scheduled laxative doses were given pre-protocol versus 1625 doses post-protocol. Average time to first bowel movement was similar between groups (17.7 hours vs 16.0 hours p = 0.441). Estimated total cost of OIC reversal therapy decreased from $20,896.95 to $13,405.47. Conclusion: A pharmacist-driven OIC protocol is associated with an increase in the use of scheduled laxatives prior to PAMORA administration and decreased overall estimated total cost. A larger, prospective study is necessary to assess if this promotes more efficacious OIC.