bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hsa_circ_0023642 promotes proliferation, invasion, and migration of gastric cancer by sponging microRNA‐223
Authors: Zhang Yi , Xia Lei , Wu Jing , Xu Xinyu , Li Gang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) have a closed‐loop structure and are associated with various cellular biological processes, including carcinogenesis and cancer development. However, our knowledge of circRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role and underlying molecular mechanisms of hsa_circ_0023642 in GC.Materials and methodsBioinformatic analysis revealed that hsa_circ_0023642 was upregulated in GC. Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) chips was used to explore the relationship between the expression of hsa_circ_0023642 and the malignant degree, clinical stage, and prognosis of patients with GC. The role of hsa_circ_0023642 in GC was assessed in vitro, and biotin‐coupled RNA pull‐down was conducted to evaluate the interaction in between hsa_circ_0023642 and miR‐223.ResultsThe current study showed that hsa_circ_0023642 was upregulated in GC and presented a high positive correlation with the malignant progression of GC. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that the silencing of hsa_circ_0023642 in GC cell lines MKN‐45 and SGC‐7901 significantly reduced the proliferation, invasion, and migration of GC cells. We confirmed that hsa_circ_0023642 could serve as a sponge of miR‐223, subsequently promoting GC progression.ConclusionThis study shows that the upregulation of hsa_circ_0023642 affects the malignant progression, clinical stage, and prognosis of GC which provides a new molecular target for the therapy of GC.
A Pilot Study of the Maternal‐Fetal Pharmacokinetics of Furosemide in Plasma, Urine, and Amniotic Fluid of Hypertensive Parturient Women Under Cesarean Section
Authors: Gonçalves Paulo Vinicius Bernardes , Moreira Fernanda de Lima , Benzi Jhohann Richard de Lima , Duarte Geraldo , Lanchote Vera Lucia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe third trimester of pregnancy is related to physiological changes that can modify the process of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion and, consequently, the efficacy and toxicity of drugs. However, little is known about furosemide pharmacokinetics and placental transfer in pregnancy. This study evaluated the maternal‐fetal pharmacokinetics and distribution to amniotic fluid of furosemide in hypertensive parturient women under cesarean section. Twelve hypertensive parturient women under methyldopa (250 mg/8 h) and/or pindolol (10 mg/12 h) treatment received a 40‐mg single oral dose of furosemide 1 to 10 hours before delivery by cesarean section. Blood and urine samples were collected for 12 hours after furosemide administration. At delivery, samples were obtained from maternal and umbilical cord blood (n = 8) to assess the transplacental transfer. Amniotic fluid (n = 4) was collected at the time of delivery. The following furosemide pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained as median (interquartile range): Cmax, 403 ng/mL (229 to 715 ng/mL); Tmax, 2.00 hours (1.50 to 4.83 hours); elimination half‐life (t1/2), 2.50 hours (1.77 to 2.97 hours); AUC0‐12 h, 1366 ng⋅h/mL (927 to 2531 ng⋅h/mL); AUC0‐∞, 1580 ng⋅h/mL (1270 to 2881 ng⋅h/mL); CL/F 25.3 L/h (13.8 to 31.4 L/h); CLR, 2.50 L/h (1.77 to 2.97 L/h); CLNR, 22.7 L/h (12.1 to 25.6 L/h); and Vd/F 82.8 L (34.4 to 173 L). The transplacental transfer of furosemide was 0.43 (0.10 to 0.73), and the amniotic fluid concentration was 11.0 ng/mL (5.51 to 14.6 ng/mL). From a clinical point of view, these results suggest that substrates of uridine diphosphate‐glucuronosyltransferase isoenzymes such as furosemide may have increased clearance during pregnancy and could require dose adjustment in this population.
Activation of persulfate by biochar from spent malt rootlets for the degradation of trimethoprim in the presence of inorganic ions
Authors: Grilla Eleni , Vakros John , Konstantinou Ioannis , Manariotis Ioannis D , Mantzavinos Dionissios 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDAntibiotics such as trimethoprim (TMP) are used in large quantities and recent studies show that TMP is not eliminated completely in wastewater from municipal treatment plants. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), especially sulfate radical‐based AOPs, are highly reactive in the presence of a catalyst. Biochar, a green and low‐cost carbon material, is an excellent catalyst to degrade persistent pollutants. In this work, the degradation of TMP is studied using biochar from spent malt rootlets.RESULTSThe biochar has a specific surface area of 62 m2 g–1, point of zero charge 6.8, contains aromatics and is rich in –OH surface groups. The effect of sodium persulfate (SPS) (100–500 mg L–1), TMP (150–500 μg L–1), biochar (BC) concentration (45–180 mg L–1), solution pH (4–9) and water quality on degradation was investigated. The degradation rate increased with increasing SPS and BC concentration, decreasing TMP concentration and water matrix complexity, but remained insensitive to pH changes. Seven transformation products were identified and quantified, including hydroxylated and oxidized keto derivatives, and reaction pathways/mechanisms are proposed. The BC activation was coupled with low‐frequency ultrasound (20 kHz), which plays a synergistic role in degradation, but not when coupled with simulated solar irradiation.CONCLUSIONThe occurrence of various ions in bottle water (BW) impact negatively TMP degradation and so does the existence of organic matter in treated wastewaters. The studied reaction seems to be a surface process where the biochar serves as a platform to generate sulfate and –OH radicals, as well as an electron transfer mediator. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinical impact of pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer with resection of the secondary or later branches of the superior mesenteric vein
Authors: Honda Masayuki , Nagakawa Yuichi , Akashi Masanori , Hosokawa Yuichi , Osakabe Hiroaki , Takishita Chie , Nishino Hitoe , Tsuchida Akihiko 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the feasibility of pancreaticoduodenectomy with resection of the second jejunal vein (J2V) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).MethodsAmong 114 patients with PDAC undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy with portal‐superior mesenteric vein resection (PVR), surgical outcomes, and prognoses of 10 patients with resection of J2V or later branches of the superior mesenteric vein (J2VR) were compared to 104 patients with PVR above J2V (standard PVR). The reconstruction methods in the J2VR group were reviewed.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the operative time (470 vs 435 min), morbidity (30% vs 27%), presence of portal vein stenosis (10% vs 5%) or thrombosis (10% vs 1%), and induction of adjuvant therapy (80% vs 88%) between the J2VR and standard PVR groups, although blood loss was higher in the J2VR group (1184 vs 494 ml; P = .002). R0 proportion and 2‐year survival rates were not significantly worse in the J2VR group compared to the standard PVR group (90 and 88%; 67 and 45%, respectively). At least one branch of the superior mesenteric vein was reconstructed in the J2VR group.ConclusionPancreaticoduodenectomy with J2VR for PDAC can be safely performed with a satisfactory overall survival rate.
Statins for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention in people living with HIV in Thailand: a cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Boettiger David C , Newall Anthony T , Chattranukulchai Pairoj , Chaiwarith Romanee , Khusuwan Suwimon , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Phillips Andrew , Bendavid Eran , Law Matthew G , Kahn James G , Ross Jeremy , Bautista‐Arredondo Sergio , Kiertiburanakul Sasisopin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionPeople living with HIV (PLHIV) have an elevated risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to their HIV‐negative peers. Expanding statin use may help alleviate this burden. However, the choice of statin in the context of antiretroviral therapy is challenging. Pravastatin and pitavastatin improve cholesterol levels in PLHIV without interacting substantially with antiretroviral therapy. They are also more expensive than most statins. We evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of pravastatin and pitavastatin for the primary prevention of CVD among PLHIV in Thailand who are not currently using lipid‐lowering therapy.MethodsWe developed a discrete‐state microsimulation model that randomly selected (with replacement) individuals from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database cohort who were aged 40 to 75 years, receiving antiretroviral therapy in Thailand, and not using lipid‐lowering therapy. The model simulated each individual’s probability of experiencing CVD. We evaluated: (1) treating no one with statins; (2) treating everyone with pravastatin 20mg/day (drug cost 7568 Thai Baht ($US243)/year) and (3) treating everyone with pitavastatin 2 mg/day (drug cost 8182 Baht ($US263)/year). Direct medical costs and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) were assigned in annual cycles over a 20‐year time horizon and discounted at 3% per year. We assumed the Thai healthcare sector perspective.ResultsPravastatin was estimated to be less effective and less cost‐effective than pitavastatin and was therefore dominated (extended) by pitavastatin. Patients receiving pitavastatin accumulated 0.042 additional QALYs compared with those not using a statin, at an extra cost of 96,442 Baht ($US3095), giving an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of 2,300,000 Baht ($US73,812)/QALY gained. These findings were sensitive to statin costs and statin efficacy, pill burden, and targeting of PLHIV based on CVD risk. At a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of 160,000 Baht ($US5135)/QALY gained, we estimated that pravastatin would become cost‐effective at an annual cost of 415 Baht ($US13.30)/year and pitavastatin would become cost‐effective at an annual cost of 600 Baht ($US19.30)/year.ConclusionsNeither pravastatin nor pitavastatin were projected to be cost‐effective for the primary prevention of CVD among PLHIV in Thailand who are not currently using lipid‐lowering therapy. We do not recommend expanding current use of these drugs among PLHIV in Thailand without substantial price reduction.
Layering and scaling up chronic non‐communicable disease care on existing HIV care systems and acute care settings in Kenya: a cost and budget impact analysis
Authors: Osetinsky Brianna , Mwangi Ann , Pastakia Sonak , Wilson‐Barthes Marta , Kimetto Joan , Rono Kimutai , Laktabai Jeremiah , Galárraga Omar 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionLike many countries in sub‐Saharan Africa, Kenya is experiencing a rapid rise in the burden of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs): NCDs now contribute to over 50% of inpatient admissions and 40% of hospital deaths in the country. The Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Chronic Disease Management (CDM) programme builds on lessons and capacity of HIV care to deliver chronic NCD care layered into both HIV and primary care platforms to over 24,000 patients across 69 health facilities in western Kenya. We conducted a cost and budget impact analysis of scaling up the AMPATH CDM programme in western Kenya using the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research guidelines.MethodsCosts of the CDM programme for the health system were measured retrospectively for 69 AMPATH clinics from 2014 to 2018 using programmatic records and clinic schedules to assign per clinic monthly costs. We quantified the additional costs to provide NCD care above those associated with existing HIV or acute care services, including clinician, staff, training, travel and equipment costs, but do not include drugs or consumables as they would be paid by the patient. We projected the budget impact of increasing CDM coverage to 50% of the eligible population from 2021 to 2025, and compared it with the county budgets from 2019.ResultsThe per visit cost of providing CDM care was $10.42 (SD $2.26), with costs at facilities added to HIV clinics $1.00 (95% CI: −$2:11 to $0.11) lower than at primary care facilities. The budget impact of adding 26,765 patients from 2021 to 2025 to the CDM programme was 3,088,928 under constant percent growth, and 3,451,732 under steady‐state enrolment. Scaling up under the constant percent growth scenario resulted in 12% cost savings in the budget impact. The county programmatic CDM cost in 2025 was <1% of the county healthcare budgets from 2019.ConclusionsThe budget impact of scaling up AMPATH’s CDM programme will be driven by annual growth scenarios, and facility/provider mix. By leveraging task shifting, referral systems and partnering with public and non‐profit clinics without NCD services, AMPATH’s CDM programme can provide critical NCD care to new, rural populations with minimal financial impact.
Recommendations for the use of mathematical modelling to support decision‐making on integration of non‐communicable diseases into HIV care
Authors: Kibachio Joseph , Mwenda Valerian , Ombiro Oren , Kamano Jamima H , Perez‐Guzman Pablo N , Mutai Kennedy K , Guessous Idris , Beran David , Kasaie Paratsu , Weir Brian , Beecroft Blythe , Kilonzo Nduku , Kupfer Linda , Smit Mikaela 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionIntegrating services for non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) into existing primary care platforms such as HIV programmes has been recommended as a way of strengthening health systems, reducing redundancies and leveraging existing systems to rapidly scale‐up underdeveloped programmes. Mathematical modelling provides a powerful tool to address questions around priorities, optimization and implementation of such programmes. In this study, we examine the case for NCD‐HIV integration, use Kenya as a case‐study to highlight how modelling has supported wider policy formulation and decision‐making in healthcare and to collate stakeholders’ recommendations on use of models for NCD‐HIV integration decision‐making.DiscussionAcross Africa, NCDs are increasingly posing challenges for health systems, which historically focused on the care of acute and infectious conditions. Pilot programmes using integrated care services have generated advantages for both provider and user, been cost‐effective, practical and achieve rapid coverage scale‐up. The shared chronic nature of NCDs and HIV means that many operational approaches and infrastructure developed for HIV programmes apply to NCDs, suggesting this to be a cost‐effective and sustainable policy option for countries with large HIV programmes and small, un‐resourced NCD programmes. However, the vertical nature of current disease programmes, policy financing and operations operate as barriers to NCD‐HIV integration. Modelling has successfully been used to inform health decision‐making across a number of disease areas and in a number of ways. Examples from Kenya include (i) estimating current and future disease burden to set priorities for public health interventions, (ii) forecasting the requisite investments by government, (iii) comparing the impact of different integration approaches, (iv) performing cost‐benefit analysis for integration and (v) evaluating health system capacity needs.ConclusionsModelling can and should play an integral part in the decision‐making processes for health in general and NCD‐HIV integration specifically. It is especially useful where little data is available. The successful use of modelling to inform decision‐making will depend on several factors including policy makers’ comfort with and understanding of models and their uncertainties, modellers understanding of national priorities, funding opportunities and building local modelling capacity to ensure sustainability.
Integrating care for non‐communicable diseases into routine HIV services: key considerations for policy design in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Kintu Alexander , Sando David , Okello Samson , Mutungi Gerald , Guwatudde David , Menzies Nicolas A , Danaei Goodarz , Verguet Stéphane 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionThere is great interest for integrating care for non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) into routine HIV services in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) due to the steady rise of the number of people who are ageing with HIV. Suggested health system approaches for intervening on these comorbidities have mostly been normative, with little actionable guidance on implementation, and on the practical, economic and ethical considerations of favouring people living with HIV (PLHIV) versus targeting the general population. We summarize opportunities and challenges related to leveraging HIV treatment platforms to address NCDs among PLHIV. We emphasize key considerations that can guide integrated care in SSA and point to possible interventions for implementation.DiscussionIntegrating care offers an opportunity for effective delivery of NCD services to PLHIV, but may be viewed to unfairly ignore the larger number of NCD cases in the general population. Integration can also help maintain the substantial health and economic benefits that have been achieved by the global HIV/AIDS response. Implementing interventions for integrated care will require assessing the prevalence of common NCDs among PLHIV, which can be achieved via increased screening during routine HIV care. Successful integration will also necessitate earmarking funds for NCD interventions in national budgets.ConclusionsAn expanded agenda for addressing HIV‐NCD comorbidities in SSA may require adding selected NCDs to conditions that are routinely monitored in PLHIV. Attention should be given to mitigating potential tradeoffs in the quality of HIV services that may result from the extra responsibilities borne by HIV health workers. Integrated care will more likely be effective in the context of concurrent health system reforms that address NCDs in the general population, and with synergies with other HIV investments that have been used to strengthen health systems.
Asymmetry in the cytoplasm of oocytes of largescale yellowfish Labeobarbus marequensis Smith 1841 (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)
Authors: Żelazowska Monika , Halajian Ali 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe ovaries of the largescale yellowfish, Labeobarbus marequensis (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae), are made up of the germinal epithelium, nests of late chromatin nucleolus stage oocytes, and ovarian follicles. Each follicle is composed of a single oocyte, which is surrounded by somatic follicular cells and a basal lamina covered by thecal cells. We describe polarization and ultrastructure of oocytes during the primary growth stage. The oocyte nucleus contains lampbrush chromosomes, nuclear bodies and fibrillar material in which multiple nucleoli arise. Nuage aggregations composed of material of a nuclear origin are present in the perinuclear cytoplasm. The Balbiani body (Bb) contains aggregations of nuage, rough endoplasmic reticulum, individual mitochondria and complexes of mitochondria with nuage (cement). Some mitochondria in the Bb come into close contact with endoplasmic reticulum cisternae and vesicles that contain granular material. At the start of primary growth, the Bb is present in the cytoplasm close to the nucleus. Next, it expands towards the oocyte plasma membrane. In these oocytes, a spherical structure, the so‐called yolk nucleus, arises in the Bb. It consists of granular nuage in which mitochondria and vesicles containing granular material are immersed. Later, the Bb becomes fragmented and a fully grown yolk nucleus is present in the vegetal region. It contains numerous threads composed of granular nuage, mitochondria, lysosome‐like organelles and autophagosomes. We discuss the formation of autophagosomes in the cytoplasm of primary growth oocytes. During the final step of primary growth, the cortical alveoli arise in the cytoplasm and are distributed evenly. The eggshell is deposited on the external surface of the oocyte plasma membrane and is made up of two egg envelopes that are pierced by numerous pore canals. The external egg envelope is covered in protuberances. During primary growth no lipid droplets are synthesized or stored in the oocytes.
Interannual to millennial‐scale variability of River Ammer floods and its relationship with solar forcing
Authors: Rimbu N. , Lohmann G. , Ionita M. , Czymzik M. , Brauer A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe relationship between River Ammer flood frequency variability, extreme summer climate over Europe, and solar forcing is investigated. First, we used observational data to evaluate extreme weather and climate anomaly patterns associated with flood and solar forcing as well as the possible dynamical mechanisms behind them. Then, the annual resolution flood layer record from the Lake Ammer sediments is analysed to evaluate millennial‐scale variability of floods and possible related extreme climate patterns back to 5,500 years BP. A composite analysis reveals that observed River Ammer flood frequency variability at interannual to multidecadal time scales is connected to large‐scale extreme precipitation and temperature patterns. From a synoptic‐scale perspective, the extreme precipitation pattern associated with floods is related to an increase in the frequency of high upper‐level potential vorticity (PV) events over western Europe and a decrease over eastern Europe and western Russia. Increased (decreased) frequency of upper‐level high PV events is related to more (less) surface extreme precipitation occurrence. Furthermore, we show that increased frequency of upper‐level high PV events over western Europe is associated with enhanced blocking activity over eastern Europe. Therefore, the out of phase interannual to millennial‐scale variations of River Ammer flood frequency and solar irradiance, as presented in previous studies, can be explained by a solar modulation of eastern European‐western Russia summer blocking and associated upstream upper‐level wave breaking activity. In addition, we identify two distinct quasi‐periodic signals in both frequency of Lake Ammer flood layer and solar irradiance records with periods of ~900 years and ~2,300 years. We argue that similar cycles should dominate millennial‐scale variations of blocking activity in eastern Europe‐western Russia as well as extreme precipitation and flood frequency variability over central and western Europe during the last ~5,500 years.
Decreased survival and increased recurrence in Merkel cell carcinoma significantly linked with immunosuppression
Authors: Bryant Mary K. , Ward Christine , Gaber Charles E. , Strassle Paula D. , Ollila David W. , Laks Shachar 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. It is an immunogenic tumor as evident by its association with Polyomavirus, immunotherapy response, and increased prevalence in the immunosuppressed population.ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the impact of known clinicopathological determinants and immunosuppression on the risk of recurrence and mortality of MCC patients.MethodsA retrospective, observational cohort study of patients diagnosed and/or treated with MCC at two tertiary academic institutions. We compared clinicopathological determinants, treatment modalities, and immunosuppression status on clinical outcomes of recurrence, disease‐specific survival, and overall survival.ResultsWe evaluated 90 patients within our study and 34% had a cancer recurrence during follow‐up. Patients with recurrence were significantly more likely to be immunosuppressed (32% vs 5%; P = .001). Estimated 5‐year recurrence was 43%, and immunosuppressed patients were significantly more likely to recur (Hazard ratio [HR] 3.67 [1.80‐7.51]; P < .0001). Immunosuppressed patients had significantly elevated cancer‐specific mortality (HR 6.11[1.61‐23.26]; P = .008).LimitationsRetrospective review with a prolonged observation period and changing treatment modalities.ConclusionImmunocompromised patients had a threefold increased incidence of 5‐year mortality and over twofold increased incidence of any recurrence as non–immunocompromised patients. Patients’ immunosuppressive status should be considered when making decisions regarding treatment, surveillance, and prognostication.