bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels cannot predict survival in colorectal cancer patients with type II diabetes
Authors: Huang Chih-Sheng , Chen Chin-Yau , Huang Li-Kuo , Wang Wei-Shu , Yang Shung-Haur 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Most clinical guidelines recommend measuring postoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels to predict the prognosis of colorectal cancer. However, type II diabetes can increase serum CEA levels which may bias the prognosis. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the impact of type II diabetes on CEA prognostic accuracy in colorectal cancer.

Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included 407 patients who underwent curative resection for stage I to III colorectal adenocarcinoma in a single institution between January 2010 and June 2018. The patients were categorized into two groups according to their postoperative serum CEA levels: group A <5.0 ng/mL (n = 341) and group B ≥5.0 ng/mL (n = 66). Patients were also categorized into two subgroups according to their history of type II diabetes: patients with type II diabetes mellitus (n = 112) and patients without type II diabetes (n = 295).

Results:
The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were significantly higher in patients with normal postoperative CEA (group A, 83.8%) than in patients with elevated preoperative and postoperative CEA (group B, 63.6%) (p < 0.001). However, although patients with type II diabetes mellitus had higher postoperative CEA levels than those without type II diabetes mellitus (3.1 vs 2.5 ng/mL, p < 0.001), group B patients with type II diabetes mellitus had a significantly higher 3-year DFS rate than those without type II diabetes mellitus (80.0% vs 55.6%, p = 0.003).

Conclusion:
Type II diabetes was associated with higher preoperative and postoperative CEA levels in patients with colorectal cancer. Consequently, elevated postoperative CEA level was not associated with shorter 3-year DFS in patients with type II diabetes, as opposed to patients without type II diabetes. Therefore, colorectal cancer patients with type II diabetes may need alternative tumor markers to be used during the surveillance strategy after curative surgery.
A statistical predictive model consistent within a 5-year follow-up period for patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Guo Chao-Yu , Chan Chien-Hui , Chou Yu-Chin , Sung Shih-Hsien , Cheng Hao-Min 
Published: August 2020

Background:Acute heart failure (AHF) is a major and rapidly growing health problem responsible for millions of hospitalizations annually. Due to a high proportion of in-hospital mortality and postdischarge rehospitalization and mortality, a prompt strategy for risk stratification and subsequently tailored therapy is desirable to help improve clinical outcomes. The AHEAD (A: atrial fibrillation; H: hemoglobin; E: elderly; A: abnormal renal parameters; D: diabetes mellitus) and AHEAD-U (A: atrial fibrillation; H: hemoglobin; E: elderly; A: abnormal renal parameters; D: diabetes mellitus, U: uric acid) are popular prognostic scoring systems. However, only a specific follow-up period is considered in these systems, and whether their predictive capability is still accurate in a significantly shorter or longer follow-up period is not known.Methods:In this research, we adapted extensive statistical approaches based on the Cox model to explore consistent risk factors in various follow-up durations. Results showed that six factors, namely, hemoglobin level, age, sodium level, blood urea nitrogen level, atrial fibrillation, and high-density lipoprotein level could be used to establish a new prognostic model, which was referred to as HANBAH. For a simple clinical application, the HANBAH scoring system, with scores from 0 to 6, was developed using several statistical models.Results:Based on an evaluation using the conventional statistical approaches, such as the Akaike information criterion, concordance statistic, and Cox area under the curve, the HANBAH scoring system consistently outperformed other strategies in predicting short- and long-term mortality. Notably, an independent replication study also revealed similar results. In addition, a modern machine learning technique using the support vector machine confirmed its superior performance.Conclusion:The use of the HANBAH scoring system, which is a clinically friendly tool, was proposed, and its efficacy in predicting the mortality rates of patients with AHF regardless of the follow-up duration was independently validated.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis as a risk factor for thyroid cancer
Authors: Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla 
Published: August 2020

Purpose of review
To summarize the recent developments in considering Hashimoto's thyroiditis as a risk factor for thyroid cancer.

Recent findings
Modern approaches to understanding the co-occurrence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroid cancer have consistently found increased prevalence of both conditions, separately as well as of their coexistence. The inflammatory process in Hashimoto's thyroiditis is understood as a potential risk factor for thyroid cancer development. This has also provided a better understanding of the limitations in the current diagnostic and follow-up armamentarium for both conditions, resulting in international guidelines from the clinical and scientific societies. Other recent developments call for a paradigm shift in guidelines on thyroid carcinomas when lymphocytic infiltration is present, which potentially should always be considered the case at least in areas of sufficient iodine intake.

Summary
The literature of Hashimoto's thyroiditis as a risk factor for thyroid cancer is reviewed over the last year to highlight new developments in the understanding of their association and future clinical implications.
Multimodal imaging of thyroid cancer
Authors: Brauckhoff Katrin , Biermann Martin 
Published: August 2020

Purpose of review
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer in adults with rising incidence. Challenges in imaging thyroid cancer are twofold: distinguishing thyroid cancer from benign thyroid nodules, which occur in 50% of the population over 50 years; and correct staging of thyroid cancer to facilitate appropriate radical surgery in a single session. The clinical management of thyroid cancer patients has been covered in detail by the 2015 guidelines of the American Thyroid Association (ATA). The purpose of this review is to state the principles underlying optimal multimodal imaging of thyroid cancer and aid clinicians in avoiding important pitfalls.

Recent findings
Recent additions to the literature include assessment of ultrasound-based scoring systems to improve selection of nodules for fine needle biopsy (FNB) and the evaluation of new radioactive tracers for imaging thyroid cancer.

Summary
The mainstay of diagnosing thyroid cancer is thyroid ultrasound with ultrasound-guided FNB. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and PET with [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and MRI are reserved for advanced and/or recurrent cases of differentiated thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer, while [18F]FDOPA and [68Ga]DOTATOC are the preferred tracers for medullary thyroid cancer.
Fibroblasts in atherosclerosis: heterogeneous and plastic participants
Authors: Tillie Renée J.H.A. , van Kuijk Kim , Sluimer Judith C. 
Published: August 2020

Purpose of review
Fibroblasts are very heterogeneous and plastic cells in the vasculature. A growing interest in fibroblasts in healthy and atherosclerotic vasculature is observed, next to macrophages, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). In this review, we discuss fibroblast presence, heterogeneity, origin, and plasticity in health and atherosclerosis based on latest literature.

Recent findings
With help of single cell sequencing (SCS) techniques, we have gained more insight into presence and functions of fibroblasts in atherosclerosis. Next to SMCs, fibroblasts are extracellular matrix-producing cells abundant in the vasculature and involved in atherogenesis. Fibroblasts encompass a heterogeneous population and SCS data reveal several fibroblast clusters in healthy and atherosclerotic tissue with varying gene expression and function. Moreover, recent findings indicate interesting similarities between adventitial stem and/or progenitor cells and fibroblasts. Also, communication with inflammatory cells opens up a new therapeutic avenue.

Summary
Because of their highly plastic and heterogeneous nature, modulating fibroblast cell function and communication in the atherosclerotic vessel might be useful in battling atherosclerosis from within the plaque.
Transport of LDLs into the arterial wall: impact in atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhang Xinbo , Fernández-Hernando Carlos 
Published: August 2020

Purpose of review
Atherosclerosis is a complicated cardiovascular disease characterized by unbalanced lipid metabolism and unresolved inflammation that occurred inside of arteries. The transcytosis of LDL across the endothelium and its accumulation in the arterial wall is the initial step of atherosclerosis. Here, we summarize recent research into the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of endothelial LDL transcytosis and its relevance in the development of atherosclerosis.

Recent findings
A number of recent studies have revealed the contribution of caveolae, activin-like kinase 1 (ALK1) or scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1) in endothelial LDL transcytosis and the progression of atherosclerosis. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), the major protein component in caveolae, is required for the formation of caveolae and caveolae-mediated LDL uptake and transcytosis across the endothelium. SR-B1 and ALK1 directly bind LDL and facilitate the transport of LDL through the endothelial cells. The change in expression of caveolae-associated proteins and SR-B1 regulates endothelial LDL transcytosis and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Summary
Caveolae, ALK1 and SR-B1 are identified as key regulators in the LDL transcytosis across the endothelium. Endothelial LDL transcytosis might be a potential therapeutic approach to limit the initiation of early atherosclerosis and treat the atherosclerotic vascular diseases.
Age-associated arterial calcification: the current pursuit of aggravating and mitigating factors
Authors: Chakrabarti Apurba , Goldstein Daniel R. , Sutton Nadia R. 
Published: August 2020

Purpose of review
The incidence of arterial calcification increases with age, can occur independently of atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia, contributes to vessel stiffening, and is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Here, we provide an up-to-date review of how aging leads to arterial calcification and discuss potential therapies.

Recent findings
Recent research suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction (impaired efficiency of the respiratory chain, increased reactive oxygen species production, and a high mutation rate of mitochondrial DNA), cellular senescence, ectonucleotidases, and extrinsic factors such as hyperglycemia promote age-determined calcification. We discuss the future potential impact of antilipidemics, senolytics, and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerases inhibitors on age-associated arterial calcification.

Summary
Understanding how mechanisms of aging lead to arterial calcification will allow us to pinpoint prospective strategies to mitigate arterial calcification, even after the effects of aging have already begun to occur.
Pancreatic complications in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Sellers Zachary M. 
Published: August 2020

Purpose of review
The pancreas is highly affected in cystic fibrosis, with complications occurring early in childhood. This review highlights recent research in exocrine pancreatic function in the era of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies and discusses how these are affecting pancreatitis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in children. Additionally, new research into exocrine--endocrine interactions sheds light on how CFTR dysfunction in ductal cells may affect beta cells.

Recent findings
Ivacaftor has disproved the hypothesis that EPI in children with cystic fibrosis is irreversible. Improvements in pancreatic function have increased pancreatitis episodes in some children and reduced them in others. Imaging advances are providing complementary methods for exocrine pancreatic function testing. New research into the interplay between the exocrine and endocrine components of the pancreas are elucidating the intertwined and complex relationship between the exocrine and endocrine pancreas.

Summary
Pancreatic complications contribute to the morbidity and mortality of children with cystic fibrosis. Increasing use of highly effective CFTR modulators will not only abrogate these but will also advance our understanding of pancreatic pathophysiology in cystic fibrosis. New frontiers into pancreatic gene therapy and exocrine--endocrine research will help provide new therapeutic opportunities for pancreatitis, EPI, and diabetes in cystic fibrosis.
Evaluating Feasibility of Personal Diabetes Device Data Collection for Research
Authors: Faulds Eileen R. , Militello Lisa K. , Tubbs-Cooley Heather , Happ Mary Beth 
Published: August 2020

Background
Diabetes devices, like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), capture and store patient adherence and utilization data that can be retrieved or downloaded providing objective information on self-management behaviors; yet, diabetes device data remain underutilized in research.

Objective
The aim of the study was to examine the usability and feasibility of personal diabetes device data collected using a clinical download platform retooled for research purposes.

Methods
Investigators evaluated the feasibility of raw diabetes device data collection. One hundred eight preteens and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and their parents provided consent/assent.

Results
Data were successfully collected from the diabetes devices (insulin pumps and CGM) of 97 youth using a clinical download software adapted for research, including data from all three commercially available CGM systems and insulin pumps brands, which contained all current and previous models of each insulin pump brand. The time required to download, mode of connection, and process varied significantly between brands. Despite the use of an agnostic download software, some outdated device brands and cloud-based CGM data were unsupported during data collection. Within the download software, dummy clinical accounts were created for each study participant, which were then linked back to a master study account for data retrieval. Raw device data were extracted into seven to eight Excel files per participant, which were then used to develop aggregate daily measures.

Discussion
Our analysis is the first of its kind to examine the feasibility of raw diabetes device data using a clinical download software. The investigators highlight issues encountered throughout the research process, along with mitigating strategies to inform future inquiry.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates the feasibility of raw data collection, from a wide variety of insulin pump and CGM brands, through the retooling of a clinical download software. Data from these personal devices provide a unique opportunity to study self-management behavior and the glycemic response of individuals in their everyday environments.
Characteristics of Women and Their Male Sex Partners Predict Bacterial Vaginosis Among a Prospective Cohort of Kenyan Women With Nonoptimal Vaginal Microbiota
Authors: Mehta Supriya Dinesh , Agingu Walter , Nordgren Rachel K. , Green Stefan J. , Bhaumik Dulal K. , Bailey Robert C. , Otieno Fredrick 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundUp to 50% of women with nonoptimal vaginal microbial community state type (CST) have bacterial vaginosis (BV). Little is known about what distinguishes women with and without BV diagnosis within nonoptimal CST. We identified features of women and their male sex partners associated with BV among women with nonoptimal vaginal CST.MethodsIn this prospective study, 252 heterosexual couples were observed at 1, 6, and 12 months after baseline. Microbiomes were characterized in cervicovaginal lavage and penile meatal swabs through high-throughput 16s ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing. Nonoptimal CST was defined as CST-IV. Bacterial vaginosis was defined as a Nugent score of 7 to 10. Generalized estimating equation analysis estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for BV among women with nonoptimal CST.ResultsAt baseline, women with nonoptimal CST were a median age of 22 years, 44% had BV, 16% had HIV, and 66% had herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2. Male partners were a median age of 27 years, 12% had HIV, 48% had HSV-2, and 55% were circumcised. Within nonoptimal CST,Sneathia sanguinegens,Prevotellaspecies,Prevotella amnii, and Clostridiales, BV-associated bacteria-2 were statistically significantly enriched in observations with BV. In multivariable generalized estimating equation controlling for CST, HIV, and HSV-2, BV was increased among women with CST-IVA (aOR, 1.91;P= 0.087), HIV (aOR, 2.30;P= 0.051), HSV-2 (aOR, 1.75;P= 0.065), and enrichment of male partner penile taxa:Dialister(aOR, 1.16;P= 0.034),Megasphaera(aOR, 1.22;P= 0.001), andBrevibacterium(aOR, 1.13;P= 0.019).These results provide insights into factors differentiating women with BV among those with nonoptimal vaginal CST. Interrupting the sexual exchange of penile and vaginal taxa may be beneficial for preventing pathologic state of vaginal microbiome.
Fatal 4-MEC Intoxication
Authors: Braham Mohamed Yassine , Franchi Angélique , Cartiser Nathalie , Bévalot Fabien , Bottinelli Charline , Fabrizi Hervé , Fanton Laurent 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are one of the major pharmacological families of new psychoactive substances and 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC) has emerged in recent years as a recreational psychostimulant. We report a case of a 35-year-old man found dead and naked at home by his friend. Although no anatomic cause of death was observed at autopsy, toxicological analysis identified 4-MEC and hydroxyzine at therapeutic level (160 ng/mL). 4-Methylethcathinone was quantified in autopsy samples by a validated method consisting in liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry: peripheral blood, 14.6 μg/mL; cardiac blood, 43.4 μg/mL; urine, 619 μg/mL; vitreous humor, right 2.9 μg/mL and left 4.4 μg/mL; bile, 43.5 μg/mL; and gastric content, 28.2 μg/mL. The cause of death was 4-MEC intoxication and the manner of death could be either accidental or suicidal. The literature concerning 4-MEC was reviewed, focusing on distribution in classical postmortem matrices and 4-MEC metabolism and postmortem redistribution and stability.
Frequent expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tissues from persons living with HIV
Authors: Shponka Volodymyr , Reveles Candace Y. , Alam Sinthia , Jaramillo Melba , Maguire Alanna , Rimsza Lisa M. , Kendrick Samantha 
Published: August 2020

Objective:
The increased risk for persons living with HIV to develop diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) even in the post-antiretroviral therapy eras suggests a role beyond immunosuppression in lymphoma development. However, the mechanisms leading to lymphoma in the HIV setting are not fully understood. HIV is known to induce activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) levels in nonneoplastic B cells in vitro and chronic AID expression may play an important role in lymphomagenesis. Although AID expression is observed in B-cell lymphoma, studies in HIV-associated DLBCL are limited.

Design:
In this study, we conducted a retrospective review of DLBCL tissues from patients with and without HIV infection to compare expression of AID and B-cell receptors potentially involved in HIV and B-cell interaction.

Methods:
We evaluated DLBCL formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 72 HIV-seropositive and 58 HIV-seronegative patients for AID, DC-SIGN, and CD40 protein expression. BCL2 and MYC, two well established prognostically significant oncoproteins in DLBCL, were also assessed at the protein and mRNA levels. Subset analysis was performed according to DLBCL subtype and EBV status.

Results:
Of note, AID expression was more frequent in HIV-associated DLBCL compared with non-HIV-associated DLBCL regardless of cell-of-origin subtype, and also displayed significantly less BCL2 expression. Despite no direct correlation with AID expression, the HIV-DLBCL tissues also exhibited high levels of the DC-SIGN receptor.

Conclusion:
Collectively, these findings support a potential role for AID in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated lymphomas and suggest the need of further investigations into the involvement of the DC-SIGN receptor-signaling pathway.
Neurobehavioral outcomes in young adults with perinatally acquired HIV
Authors: Coutifaris Paulina , Byrd Desiree , Childs Jocelyn , Clark Uraina , Posada Roberto , Robbins Reuben , Morgello Susan 
Published: August 2020

Background:With combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), infants with perinatally acquired HIV (pHIV) are living into adolescence and adulthood. Worldwide, many have not received cART in the first years of life, and challenges of adolescence complicate transition to adulthood. Neurobehavioral outcomes in pHIV young adults (pHIVAd) are infrequently reported.Objectives:To examine neurobehavioral characteristics of pHIVAd ages 21—30 years, and to compare them with age-matched young adults infected in the second or third decade of life (HIVagematch), and older adults with similar duration HIV disease (HIVOA).Methods:A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery and questionnaires to determine cognitive function and mood, and reviews of neuromedical and behavioral records were undertaken in three groups of 13 individuals each. Descriptive analysis and bivariate techniques were used for comparisons.Results:Rates of cognitive impairment were highest in pHIVAd (85%) compared with HIVagematch (38%) and HIVOA (62%). pHIVAd had the worst scores in global cognition, speed of information processing, working memory, and verbal fluency (0.5--1.0 SD below other groups). There was a trend for higher rates of psychiatric dysfunction (predominantly mood disorders) in pHIVAd (85%) compared with HIV-agematch (46%) and HIVOA (54%). Only four pHIVAd reported employment or enrollment in school. Four had autoimmune disorders.Conclusion:These pHIVAd displayed high rates of cognitive, psychiatric, and autoimmune dysfunction, greater than age-matched or HIV duration-matched comparators. Although this small study is largely descriptive in nature, it suggests that a lack of cART in early life may result in long-term neurobehavioral and immune abnormalities manifesting into adulthood.