bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of aortic valve by autologous pericardium (Ozaki’s procedure): Single center experience in Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Hung Thanh , Nguyen Huu Cong , Nguyen Thuy Tran , Le Thanh Ngoc , Camilleri Lionel , Doan Hung Quoc 
Published: December 2020

Aim We aimed to report the experience of aortic valve reconstruction with autologous pericardium using Ozaki’s procedure in Vietnam. Methods The study included consecutive patients with isolated aortic valve disease who underwent Ozaki’s procedure in our hospital between June 2017 and August 2019. Aortic valve leaflets were reconstructed with autologous pericardium using Ozaki’s procedure. Results Sixty-one patients were included (mean age 55.8 years; 41 were male): 24 with aortic stenosis, 17 with aortic regurgitation, and 20 with both. Of the 61 patients, 16 had a bicuspid aortic valve, and 5 had infective endocarditis. The preoperative peak and mean gradient pressure gradients were 91.7 ± 16.1 mm Hg and 55.3 ± 10.3 mm Hg, respectively. Surgery was performed via a full or partial sternotomy. The procedure was successful in 59 cases. Two patients were converted to prosthetic valve replacement. The aortic crossclamp time was 110.9 ± 20.5 minutes. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed a mean pressure gradient of 8 ± 2 mm Hg and an aortic valve area of 3.04 ± 0.44 cm2. The mean follow-up period was 18.5 ± 5.7 months. One patient died in hospital due to cardiac tamponade. One patient underwent reoperation due to infective endocarditis 6 months after surgery. Another died at 8 months after surgery due to a mediastinal abscess. The surviving patients had no aortic regurgitation or mild aortic regurgitation at the last follow-up visits. Conclusions Aortic valve reconstruction with autologous pericardium provided good outcomes in our study.
Efficacy of low-level laser therapy combined with exercise for subacromial impingement syndrome: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Alfredo Patrícia Pereira , Bjordal Jan Magnus , Junior Washington Steagall , Marques Amélia Pasqual , Casarotto Raquel Aparecida 
Published: December 2020

Objective: To investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with exercise on shoulder pain and disability in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Design: Randomised controlled trial. Setting: Pontifical Catholic University. Subjects: We enrolled 120 subacromial impingement syndrome patients Intervention: Groups I ( n = 42), II ( n = 42) and III ( n = 36) were treated with Low-level laser therapy and exercise, exercise only and Low-level laser therapy only, respectively. Interventions were conducted three times a week for 8 weeks. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was the change in shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI). Secondary outcomes included changes in the numeric pain rating scale and medication intake. Results: Average ages of patients in groups I, II and III were 51.9 ± 8.7 years, 56.0 ± 10.4 years and 54.2 ± 7.1 years, respectively. Pain scores at baseline ( P = 0.829), 2 months ( P = 0.057) and 3 months follow-ups ( p = 0.004) were 6.8 (4.7–7.7), 0.2 (0.0–0.5) and 0.3 (0.0–1.0) for group I; 6.6 (5.7–8.0), 0.5 (0.2–2.0) and 0.2 (0.0–3.3) for group II; and 6.5 (5.1–7.4), 2.4 (0.1–6.7) and 4.0 (2.0–5.0) for group III, respectively. SPADI scores at baseline ( P = 0.029), 2 months ( P < 0.001) and 3 months follow-ups ( P = 0.001) were 60.8 (37.7–70.8), 3.8 (0.0–10.8) and 2.3 (0.8–10.8) for group I; 61.5 (41.5–71.5), 9.2 (3.8–29.2) and 14.2 (1.5–38.0) for the group II; and 73.3 (59.2–80.8), 34.2 (16.9–54.6) and 33.1 (22.3–49.2) for the group III, respectively. Conclusion: Low-level laser therapy combined with exercises reduce pain intensity, improve shoulder function and reduces pain intensity and medication intake over 3 months. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT 02725749
Brain network reorganisation and spatial lesion distribution in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Valdés Hernández Maria del C , Smith Keith , Bastin Mark E , Nicole Amft E. , Ralston Stuart H , Wardlaw Joanna M , Wiseman Stewart J 
Published: December 2020

Objective This work investigates network organisation of brain structural connectivity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) relative to healthy controls and its putative association with lesion distribution and disease indicators. Methods White matter hyperintensity (WMH) segmentation and connectomics were performed in 47 patients with SLE and 47 healthy age-matched controls from structural and diffusion MRI data. Network nodes were divided into hierarchical tiers based on numbers of connections. Results were compared between patients and controls to assess for differences in brain network organisation. Voxel-based analyses of the spatial distribution of WMH in relation to network measures and SLE disease indicators were conducted. Results Despite inter-individual differences in brain network organization observed across the study sample, the connectome networks of SLE patients had larger proportion of connections in the peripheral nodes. SLE patients had statistically larger numbers of links in their networks with generally larger fractional anisotropy weights (i.e. a measure of white matter integrity) and less tendency to aggregate than those of healthy controls. The voxels exhibiting connectomic differences were coincident with WMH clusters, particularly the left hemisphere’s intersection between the anterior limb of the internal and external capsules. Moreover, these voxels also associated more strongly with disease indicators. Conclusion Our results indicate network differences reflective of compensatory reorganization of the neural circuits, reflecting adaptive or extended neuroplasticity in SLE.
Low prevalence of bone mineral density testing in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and glucocorticoid exposure
Authors: Boone JB , Wheless Lee , Camai Alex , Tanner S Bobo , Barnado April 
Published: December 2020

Summary Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures due to systemic inflammation and glucocorticoids (GCs). Professional organizations recommend bone mineral density (BMD) testing in SLE patients on GCs, especially within 6 months of initiation. Using a validated algorithm, we identified SLE patients in an electronic health record cohort with long-term GC exposure (≥90 days). Our primary outcome was ever BMD testing. We assessed the impact of patient and provider factors on testing. We identified 693 SLE cases with long-term GC exposure, 41% of whom had BMD testing performed. Only 18% of patients had BMD testing within 6 months of GC initiation. In a logistic regression model for BMD testing, male sex (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.27 – 0.87, p = 0.01) was associated with being less likely to have BMD testing after adjusting for race and ethnicity. In contrast, older age (OR = 1.04, p < 0.001) and nephritis (OR = 1.83, p = 0.003) were associated with being more likely to have BMD testing after adjusting for race and ethnicity. Bone health in SLE patients remains an area in need of improvement with attention to patients who are younger and male.
Temporal profile of serum neurofilament light in multiple sclerosis: Implications for patient monitoring
Authors: Calabresi Peter A , Arnold Douglas L , Sangurdekar Dipen , Singh Carol M , Altincatal Arman , de Moor Carl , Engle Bob , Goyal Jaya , Deykin Aaron , Szak Suzanne , Kieseier Bernd C , Rudick Richard A , Plavina Tatiana 
Published: December 2020

Objective: To understand how longitudinal serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) patterns can inform its use as a prognostic biomarker in multiple sclerosis (MS) and evaluate whether sNfL reflects MS disease activity and disease-modifying therapy usage. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of longitudinal data and samples from the ADVANCE trial (NCT00906399) of patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). sNfL was measured every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for 4 years. Regression models explored how sNfL data predicted 4-year values of brain volume, expanded disability status scale score, and T2 lesions. sNfL levels were assessed in those receiving placebo, peginterferon beta-1a, and those with disease activity. Results: Baseline sNfL was a predictor of 4-year brain atrophy and development of new T2 lesions. Clinical ( p = 0.02) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ( p < 0.01) outcomes improved in those receiving peginterferon beta-1a whose sNfL decreased to <16 pg/mL after 12 months versus those whose sNfL remained ⩾16 pg/mL. Mean sNfL levels decreased in peginterferon beta-1a-treated patients and increased in placebo-treated patients (–9.5% vs. 6.8%; p < 0.01). sNfL was higher and more variable in patients with evidence of active MS. Conclusion: These data support sNfL as a prognostic and disease-monitoring biomarker for RRMS.
Depression in multiple sclerosis across the adult lifespan
Authors: Chan Carol K , Tian Fan , Pimentel Maldonado Daniela , Mowry Ellen M , Fitzgerald Kathryn C 
Published: December 2020

Objectives: The objective of this study is to examine the burden of depressive symptoms across the adult age span in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and test if the relationship between depressive symptoms and MS characteristics vary across age groups. Methods: In analyses of the MS Partners Advancing Technology and Health Solutions (MS PATHS) network of adults with MS, we compared the prevalence of depression in MS PATHS with non-MS controls across age and evaluated for effect modification by age in the association between depressive symptoms and clinical and neuroperformance measures via multivariable-adjusted regression models. Results: In total, 13,821 individuals with MS were included. The prevalence of depression was higher in MS versus non-MS controls, but was similar between men/women across age. The association between depression and processing speed (PST; p for interaction = 0.009) or walking speed ( p for interaction = 0.04) varied by age. For example, younger depressed individuals had 0.45 standard deviation (SD) (95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.62, −0.29) worse PST Z-scores versus non-depressed younger participants, whereas older depressed individuals had 0.20 SD (95% CI = −0.32, −0.08) worse PST Z-scores versus non-depressed older participants. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms and age should be considered when interpreting measures of walking speed and cognitive function; these findings may have implications for analyses of neuroperformance change.
Cardiovascular outcomes and LDL-cholesterol levels in EMPA-REG OUTCOME®
Authors: Langslet Gisle , Zinman Bernard , Wanner Christoph , Hantel Stefan , Espadero Rosa-Maria , Fitchett David , Johansen Odd Erik 
Published: December 2020

Objective: It is well established that higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We analyzed whether effects of empagliflozin on cardiovascular outcomes varied by different LDL-cholesterol levels at baseline in EMPA-REG OUTCOME. Methods: Participants with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk received empagliflozin (10/25 mg) or placebo in addition to standard of care. We investigated the time to first 3P-MACE, cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) and all-cause mortality for empagliflozin versus placebo between baseline LDL-cholesterol categories <1.8, 1.8–<2.2, 2.2– <2.6, 2.6–3.0, and > 3.0 mmol/L, by a Cox regression including the interaction of baseline LDL-cholesterol category and treatment. Results: Of the 7020 participants randomized and treated, 81.0% received lipid lowering therapy (77.0% statins). Mean ± SD LDL-cholesterol was 2.2 ± 0.9 mmol/L, and 38%/18%, had LDL-cholesterol <1.8/>3.0 mmol/L. Age, BMI, and HbA1c levels were balanced between the LDL-cholesterol subgroups, but those in the lowest versus highest group, had more coronary artery disease (83.0% vs 59.9%) and statin treatment (88.2% vs 50.9%). Empagliflozin consistently reduced all outcomes across LDL-cholesterol categories (all interaction p-values > 0.05). Conclusion: The beneficial cardiovascular effects of empagliflozin was consistent across higher and lower LDL-cholesterol levels at baseline.
Identification of 9-Gene Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Related Signature of Osteosarcoma by Integrating Multi Cohorts
Authors: Yiqi Zhang , Ziyun Liu , Qin Fu , Xingli Wang , Liyu Yang 
Published: December 2020

Background: The prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma is still poor due to the lack of effective prognostic markers. The EMT (epithelial–mesenchymal transition) serves as a promoter in the progression of osteosarcoma. This study systematically analyzed EMT-related genes to explore new markers for predicting the prognosis of osteosarcoma. Methods: RNA-Seq data and clinical information were obtained from the GEO database; GSVA and GSEA analysis were used to enrich pathways related to osteosarcoma progression; LASSO method analysis was used to construct the prognosis risk signature. The “Nomogram” package generated the risk prediction nomogram, and its clinical applicability was evaluated by decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: GSVA and GSEA analysis showed that the EMT signaling pathway was closely related to osteosarcoma progression. A 9-genes signature (LAMA3, LGALS1, SGCG, VEGFA, WNT5A, MATN3, ANPEP, FUCA1, and FLNA) was constructed. The overall survival (OS) of the high-risk scores group was significantly lower than the low-risk scores group. The 9-gene signature demonstrated good predictive accuracy. Cox regression analysis showed that the 9-gene signature provided independent prognostic factors for osteosarcoma patients. In addition, the predictive nomogram model could effectively predict the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. Conclusion: This study constructed a 9-gene signature as a new prognostic marker to predict osteosarcoma patients’ survival.
Collecting COVID-19: Documenting the CDC Response
Authors: Rodriguez Heather E. 
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered perceptions of the role of public health in our lives. In the U.S., the activities of federal and state public health agencies have dominated national conversations. Whether discussing testing, debating the use of cloth face coverings in public, or examining the work done to alleviate disease burden among minority communities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sits at the center of these debates. In March 2020, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum assembled a team of archivists and curators to collect material to document CDC’s response. Since the beginning of the pandemic, CDC’s response has been entangled in the political and social aspects of the pandemic. To reflect this, the CDC Museums’ COVID-19 Collection Project team has addressed which artifacts would be considered, opening the collection to include materials that reflect the dynamic social environment in which CDC operates.
Could tumor spread through air spaces benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in stage I lung adenocarcinoma? A multi-institutional study
Authors: Chen Donglai , Wang Xiaofan , Zhang Fuquan , Han Ruoshuang , Ding Qifeng , Xu Xuejun , Shu Jian , Ye Fei , Shi Li , Mao Yiming , Chen Yongbing , Chen Chang 
Published: December 2020

Background: The benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) remains unknown for patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) with spread through air spaces (STAS). This study investigated the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage I ADC/STAS-positive patients. Methods: A total of 3346 patients with stage I ADC from five institutions in China were identified from 2009 to 2013, of whom 1082 were diagnosed with STAS (32.3%). By using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regression model, we explored the impact of STAS on prognosis, and determined if the use of adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved outcomes in patients with stage I ADC/STAS-positive. A validation cohort was also included in this study. Results: Patients with stage I ADC/STAS-positive in the primary cohort had unfavorable overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). A multivariate Cox regression model confirmed the survival disadvantages of STAS in patients with stage I ADC [OS: hazards ratio (HR) = 1.877, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.579–2.231; p < 0.001; DFS: HR = 1.895, 95% CI: 1.614–2.225; p < 0.001]. Lobectomy was associated with better OS and DFS than sublobar resection (SR) in both stage IA and IB ADC/STAS-positive. Similar results were observed in the validation cohort. For patients with stage IB ADC/STAS-positive, ACT was revealed as an independent factor for favorable survival (OS: HR = 0.604, 95% CI: 0.397–0.919; p = 0.018; DFS: HR = 0.565, 95% CI: 0.372–0.858; p = 0.007). However, among patients with stage IA ADC/STAS-positive, ACT was associated with improved outcomes only for those undergoing SR (OS: HR = 0.787, 95% CI: 0.359–0.949; p = 0.034; DFS: HR = 0.703, 95% CI: 0.330–0.904; p = 0.029). Conclusion: The presence of STAS was correlated with poor prognosis in patients with stage I ADC. Our study suggested that ACT might be considered for patients with stage IB ADC/STAS-positive and those with stage IA ADC/STAS-positive who underwent SR.
Comparison of Two Different Criteria for Specific Antibody Deficiency in Patients With Chronic and Recurrent Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Chernikova Diana , Stiehm Richard , Estevez Dennys , Song Charles H. 
Published: December 2020

Background Specific antibody deficiency (SAD) is highly associated with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and is defined by inadequate post-vaccination percentage of protective (≥1.3 ug/mL) pneumococcal antibody serotypes divided by total tested serotypes (post-pPA). Objective Although  < 70% post-pPA has been used commonly as the criterion for SAD, we sought to evaluate the clinical outcome of a different definition of SAD. Methods 203 patients aged 6 to 70 years with CRS were classified, retrospectively by pre-vaccination pPA (pre-pPA) and post-pPA by two different criteria. Using 70% as the threshold for adequate pneumococcal antibody (PA) response, patients were classified as: Group A (adequate pre-pPA), Group B (inadequate pre-pPA, adequate post-pPA), Group C (inadequate pre-pPA, inadequate post-pPA, SAD). Using 50% as the threshold, patients were similarly classified as: Group A’, B’ and C’. Results The recurrence rate of sinusitis during the next one year in Group A (pre-pPA ≥70%) was significantly less than that of Group A’ (pre-pPA ≥50%) (10% vs. 34%, P = .03). Group A had lower incidence of sinusitis than Group B (pre-pPA < 70%, post-pPA ≥70%) (10% vs. 34%, P = .025). Among Group B’ patients, the recurrence rate of sinusitis was significantly less among those with post-pPA of ≥70% than those with 50%–69% (28% vs. 69%, P < .01). Conclusion Employment of a 70% pPA threshold for SAD in comparison to a 50% threshold would decrease the incidence of sinusitis in the next one year by vaccinating patients in 51–69% pPA range. Pre-existing PAs (Group A) yielded a higher protection against sinusitis than vaccine-acquired antibodies (Group B).
Comparison of 12-Week Additional Effect Features of Formoterol Co-Inhalation and Tulobuterol Patch on Budesonide Inhalation in Elderly Patients With Asthma
Authors: Fukahori Susumu , Kawano Tetsuya , Obase Yasushi , Iriki Jun , Tsuchida-Yabe Tomoko , Tomari Shinya , Fukushima Chizu , Matsuse Hiroto , Mukae Hiroshi 
Published: December 2020

Background For asthma strategy, to avoid the aggravation of bronchial inflammation and contraction, the long acting beta agonist (LABA) addition on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) has been recommended. Objectives To know whether there is any clinical difference between the additional efficacies of Formoterol (FOR) and Tulobuterol (TUL) onto Budesonide (BUD) may be useful for the elderly patients’ asthma treatment strategy. Methods Eighteen outpatients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma with FEV1.0% < 80% treated by intermediate ICS dosages visited Respiratory Division of Nagasaki University Hospital or Isahaya General Hospital, Japan Community Health care Organization were subjected, and were randomly assigned (9 cases per group) to either the FBC group (BUD/FOR 160/4.5 µg, 2 inhalations twice daily) or BUD + TUL group (BUD 200 mcg: 2 inhalations twice daily + TUL 2 mg daily) and were compared in parallel with 2 arms for 12 weeks prospectively. Peak expiratory flow, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, impulse oscillometry (IOS), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), Asthma Control Questionnaire, mini-Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (mini-AQLQ), and occurrence of adverse reactions were compared. Results The “Fres” of IOS was improved in FBC group (p = 0.03). The “emotion” domain of mini-AQLQ was improved in BUD + TUL group (p = 0.03). Conclusion By changing the drug formulation, the patch was superior in terms of satisfaction, but it was thought that the inhaled combination was superior in improving the respiratory function itself. It is necessary to pay attention to the characteristics of the patient when selecting treatment.
Hydroxyapatite-incorporation improves bone formation on endosseous PEEK implant in canine tibia
Authors: Geng Yuan-ming , Ren Dong-ni , Li Shu-yi , Li Zong-yi , Shen Xiao-qing , Yuan Yu-yu 
Published: December 2020

Background: Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK) has been considered as a potential alternative material for endosseous dental implants, for its low elastic modulus, biocompatibility, and low cost in customized device manufacture. Hydroxyapatite-incorporation is supposed to improve the poor osseointegration of PEEK. Methods: In the present study we analyzed the in vivo response of hydroxyapatite-incorporated PEEK (PEEK-HA) implants in canine tibia. PEEK-HA and PEEK implants were implanted and were examined 4 weeks and 12 weeks after implantation with radiology and histology. Commercial titanium dental implants served as controls. Results: The ratio of bone volume to tissue volume of PEEK-HA implants was higher than that of PEEK implants 4 weeks after implantation in the μ-CT analysis. The bone implant contact of PEEK and PEEK-HA implants showed no statistical difference in the histological examination, but newly-formed bone around PEEK-HA implants showed more signs of mineralization than that around PEEK implants. Conclusion: The study suggested that bone formation was improved with hydroxyapatite-incorporation in PEEK. Hydroxyapatite-incorporated PEEK implants may represent a potential material for endosseous dental implant.
Is it the survival of the fittest or of the jacks-of-all-trades? Business survival in the light of Lazear’s theory
Authors: Mackiewicz Michał , Kurczewska Agnieszka 
Published: December 2020

In this article, we apply a proportional hazard model to analyze the determinants of success in a large sample of 1,656 entrepreneurs and former entrepreneurs. We base our research on the theory of entrepreneurship by Edward Lazear, according to which individuals with broad educational and professional experience, in comparison to specialists, are more likely to become entrepreneurs. We extend this theory by verifying whether breadth of education and professional career also contribute to the likelihood of entrepreneurial success. According to our findings, breadth of education not only influences the propensity to start a business but also positively influences the chances of business survival. The breadth of professional experience proved to have a significant impact on business survival, but this result did not hold for extensive managerial experience. JEL CLASSIFICATION: L26, J24.
CLL dedifferentiation to clonally related myeloid cells
Authors: Dong Qianze , Xiu Yan , Bossler Aaron , Syrbu Sergei , Wang Hongming , Xue Weishuang , Zhao Jinming , Li Qingchang , Jin Meiling , Wang Lili , Boyce Brendan , Sakr Hany , Ansari Mohammad Q. , Zhao Chen 
Published: December 2020

Key Points
Common progenitor cells exist in clonally related concomitant chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemias. CLL cells dedifferentiated to clonally related myeloid cells posttransplantation.