bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Valvulo-Arterial Impedance on Long-Term Quality of Life and Exercise Performance After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Nuis Rutger-Jan , Goudzwaard Jeannette A. , de Ronde-Tillmans Marjo J.A.G. , Kroon Herbert , Ooms Joris F. , van Wiechen Maarten P. , Geleijnse Marcel L. , Zijlstra Felix , Daemen Joost , Van Mieghem Nicolas M. , Mattace-Raso Francesco U.S. , Lenzen Mattie J. , de Jaegere Peter P.T. 
Published: January 2020

Background:

In aortic stenosis, valvulo-arterial impedance (Zva) estimates the overall left ventricular afterload (valve and arterial component). We investigated the association of Zva (≥5 versus <5 mm Hg mL
−1
m
−2
) on quality of life (QOL) and exercise performance (EP) ≥1 year after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods:
The study population consists of 250 TAVR patients in whom baseline Zva and follow-up QOL was prospectively assessed using EuroQOL-5-dimensions instruments; EP was assessed in 192 patients who survived ≥1 year after TAVR using questionnaires related to daily activities. In 124 patients, Zva at 1-year was also available and was used to study the change in Zva (baseline to 1 year) on QOL/EP.

Results:

Elevated baseline Zva was present in 125 patients (50%). At a median of 28 (IQR, 17–40) months, patients with elevated baseline Zva were more limited in mobility (88% versus 71%;
P
=0.004), self-care (40% versus 25%;
P
=0.019), and independent daily activities (taking a shower: 53% versus 38%,
P
=0.030; walking 100 meter: 76% versus 54%,
P
=0.001; and walking stairs: 74% versus 54%,
P
=0.011). By multivariable analysis, elevated Zva predicted unfavorable QOL (lower EuroQOL-5-dimensions-Utility Index, odds ratio, 1.98; CI, 1.15–3.41) and unfavorable EP (any limitation in ≥3 daily activities, odds ratio, 2.55; CI, 1.41–4.62). After TAVR, the proportion of patients with elevated Zva fell from 50% to 21% and remained 21% at 1 year and was found to be associated with more limitations in mobility, self-care, and daily activities compared with patients with Zva <5 mm Hg mL
−1
m
−2
.

Conclusions:
Elevated Zva was seen in half of patients and predicted unfavorable long-term QOL and EP. At 1 year after TAVR, the prevalence of elevated Zva was 21% but remained associated with poor QOL/EP.
Absence of Long-Term Benefit of Revascularization in Patients With Intermittent Claudication
Authors: Djerf Henrik , Millinger Johan , Falkenberg Mårten , Jivegård Lennart , Svensson Mikael , Nordanstig Joakim 
Published: January 2020

Background:
The long-term benefit of revascularization for intermittent claudication is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness compared with a noninvasive approach.

Methods:
The IRONIC trial (Invasive Revascularization or Not in Intermittent Claudication) randomized patients with mild-to-severe intermittent claudication to either revascularization + best medical therapy + structured exercise therapy (the revascularization group) or best medical therapy + structured exercise therapy (the nonrevascularization group). The health-related quality of life short form 36 questionnaire was primary outcome and disease-specific health-related quality of life (vascular quality of life questionnaire) and treadmill walking distances were secondary end points. Health-related quality of life has previously been reported superior in the revascularization group at 1- and 2-year follow-up. In this study, the 5-year results were determined. The cost-effectiveness of the treatment options was analyzed from a payer/healthcare standpoint.

Results:

Altogether, 158 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio. Regarding the primary end point, no intergroup differences were observed for the short form 36 sum or domain scores from baseline to 5 years, except for the short form 36 role emotional domain score, with greater improvement in the nonrevascularization group (n=116,
P
=0.007). No intergroup differences were observed in the vascular quality of life questionnaire total and domain scores (n=116, NS) or in treadmill walking distances (n=91, NS). A revascularization strategy resulted in almost twice the cost per patient compared with a noninvasive treatment approach ($13 098 versus $6965,
P
=0.02).

Conclusions:
After 5 years of follow-up, a revascularization strategy had lost its early benefit and did not result in any long-term improvement in health-related quality of life or walking capacity compared to a noninvasive treatment strategy. Revascularization was not a cost-effective treatment option from a payer/healthcare point of view.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01219842.
Incidence and Predictors of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Established Atherosclerotic Disease or Multiple Risk Factors
Authors: Miao Benjamin , Hernandez Adrian V. , Alberts Mark J. , Mangiafico Nicholas , Roman Yuani M. , Coleman Craig I. 
Published: January 2020

Background

There is a paucity of contemporary data estimating the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (
MACE
) in patients with established atherosclerotic disease or multiple risk factors managed in routine practice. We estimated 1‐ and 4‐year incidences of
MACE
and the association between
MACE
and vascular beds affected in these patients.

Methods and Results

Using
US IBM
MarketScan data from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017, we identified patients ≥45 years old with established coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, or the presence of ≥3 risk factors for atherosclerosis during 2013 with a minimum of 4 years of follow‐up. We calculated 1‐ and 4‐year incidences of
MACE
(cardiovascular death or hospitalization for myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke). A Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted for age and sex was used to evaluate the association between vascular bed number/location(s) affected and
MACE
. We identified 1 302 856 patients with established atherosclerotic disease or risk factors for atherosclerosis. Coronary artery disease was present in 16.9% of patients, cerebrovascular disease in 7.6%, peripheral artery disease in 13.6%, and risk factors for atherosclerosis only in 66.0%. The 1‐ and 4‐year incidences of
MACE
were 1.4% and 6.9%, respectively. At 4 years,
MACE
was more frequent in patients with atherosclerotic disease in a single (hazard ratio=1.51, 95%
CI
=1.48–1.55), 2‐(hazard ratio=2.35, 95%
CI
=2.27–2.44), or all 3 vascular beds (hazard ratio=3.30, 95%
CI
=2.97–3.68) compared with having risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Conclusions

Patients with established atherosclerotic disease or who have multiple risk factors and are treated in contemporary, routine practice carry a substantial risk for
MACE
at 1‐ and 4‐ years of follow‐up.
MACE
risk was shown to vary based on the number and location of vascular beds involved.
Climate Model State Estimation Using Variants of EnKF Coupled Data Assimilation
Authors: Sandery Paul A. , O’Kane Terence J. , Kitsios Vassili , Sakov Pavel 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Data assimilation (DA) experiments are performed to assess impacts of observations in climate model state estimation through the cross-domain ocean–atmosphere forecast error covariances (cross covariances). Specifically, we explore strongly and weakly coupled DA variants using the Climate Analysis Forecast Ensemble (CAFE) system. This comprises 96 ensemble members of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) CM2.1 climate model assimilating observational data from the ocean, atmosphere, and sea ice realms with the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF). Sequences of atmospheric synoptic time-scale coupled forecasts (7 days) are carried out with model consistent initialization. Unassimilated forward-independent observations are used to quantify forecast innovation error-growth rates. The results show benefit for the slow components of the atmosphere and ocean subsurface when strongly coupling ocean observations to the atmosphere. In the present system, projecting fast atmospheric observations onto the ocean subsurface through the cross covariances benefits the oceanic and atmospheric near-surface layers; however, this leads to deterioration in the ocean subsurface. Particular variants of coupled DA are able to constrain the ocean and atmosphere. The forecasts initialized with these variants have predictability at intraseasonal time scales. Errors associated with the dominant intraseasonal mode of variability, the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), are decomposed into normal mode functions. Consistent with recent studies showing large MJO events are concurrent with rapid error growth associated with nonlinear interactions, we find a clear relationship between the strength of a given MJO event and the related forecast innovations. Our results demonstrate consistent system behavior in relation to capturing real-world disturbances that affect climate predictability.
Synoptic Climatology of Rain-on-Snow Events in Alaska
Authors: Crawford Alex D. , Alley Karen E. , Cooke Anna M. , Serreze Mark C. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRain-on-snow (ROS) events can have adverse impacts on high-latitude ungulate populations when rain freezes in the snowpack, forming ice layers that block access to winter forage. In extreme cases, ROS events have led to mass die-offs. ROS events are linked to advection of warm and moist air, associated with extratropical cyclones. However, these conditions are common to many winter precipitation events, challenging our understanding of the particular conditions under which ROS events occur. This study uses the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA-2) to differentiate ROS events in Alaska from precipitation events in which only snow falls on a preexisting snowpack [snow-on-snow (SOS)]. Over the North Slope and Kotzebue Sound, no clear difference exists between the tracks of ROS-producing and SOS-producing storms. However, in the interior, southwest, and Anchorage, tracks of ROS-producing storms tend to be farther north and west than for SOS-producing storms. The northwest shift of ROS-producing storms is linked to the position of upper-tropospheric anticyclones in the eastern Gulf of Alaska during ROS events. ROS-producing storms are no more intense than SOS-producing storms, but their association with atmospheric blocking leads to stronger pressure gradients on the east side of storms and thereby stronger advection of positive anomalies in temperature and precipitable water. For several sites, sea level pressure in the eastern Gulf of Alaska is also significantly higher a few days prior to ROS events than prior to SOS events, further implicating atmospheric blocking as a facilitator and potential predictor of ROS events.
Deficiency of Gankyrin in the small intestine is associated with augmented colitis accompanied by altered bacterial composition of intestinal microbiota
Authors: Sakurai Toshiharu , Nishiyama Hiroki , Nagai Tomoyuki , Goto Susumu , Ogata Hiroyuki , Kudo Masatoshi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Gankyrin (GK) is an oncoprotein which regulates inflammatory responses and its inhibition is considered as a possible anti-inflammatory therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods
In this study, we investigated the role of GK in epithelial cells using mice with intestinal epithelial cell-specific GK deletion in (i) the entire small intestine and colon (Villin-Cre;Gankyrinf/f) and (ii) the distal intestine and colon (Cdx2-Cre;Gankyrinf/f).

Result
Unexpectedly, GK-deficiency in the upper small bowel augmented inflammatory activity compared with control mice when colitis was induced with dextran sodium sulfate. Biochemical analyses have revealed GK-deficiency to have caused reduction in the expression of antimicrobial peptides, α-Defensin-5 and -6, in the upper small bowel. Examination of human samples have further confirmed that the reduction of GK expression in the small bowel is associated with colonic involvement in human Crohn’s disease. Through the sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons, bacteria potentially deleterious to intestinal homeostasis such as Helicobacter japonicum and Bilophila were found to be over-represented in colitis induced Villin-Cre;Gankyrinf/f mice when compared to Gankyrinf/f control mice under the same condition.

Conclusion
These results highlight the distinct site dependence of the pro- and anti-inflammatory functions of GK and provide important insights into the pathogenesis of IBD.
The changing epidemiology of hepatitis B and C infections in Nanoro, rural Burkina Faso: a random sampling survey
Authors: Lingani Moussa , Akita Tomoyuki , Ouoba Serge , Nagashima Shintaro , Boua Palwende Romuald , Takahashi Kazuaki , Kam Basile , Sugiyama Aya , Nikiema Théodore , Yamamoto Chikako , Somé Athanase , Derra Karim , Ko Ko , Sorgho Hermann , Tarnagda Zekiba , Tinto Halidou , Tanaka Junko 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
This study sought to provide up-to-date hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) seroprevalence in rural Burkina Faso decade after hepatitis B vaccine was introduced in the national immunization scheduled for children.

Methods
In 2018, a community-based, random sampling strategy with probability proportional to population size was conducted in Nanoro to investigate the prevalence of viral hepatitis in children and their mothers. Sociodemographic, vaccination history and risk factors were assessed by interview and health books. HBsAg rapid tests were done by finger prick and Dried Blood Spots (DBS) were collected for hepatitis seromarkers by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay. Positive samples underwent confirmatory PCR and phylogenetic analysis.

Results
Data were presented on 240 mother-child pairs. HBsAg Prevalence was 0.8% in children and 6.3% in mothers. Hepatitis B core antibody positivity was 89.2% in mothers, 59.2% in children and was associated with age, sex and scarification. Hepatitis B surface antibodies prevalence was 37.5% in children and 5.8% in mothers. Good vaccination coverage was limited by home delivery. Phylogenetic analysis of HBV strains based on full genome sequences (n = 7) and s-fragment sequences (n = 6) revealed genotype A, E, and recombinant A3/E. Viral genome homology was reported in one mother-child pair. Anti-HCV prevalence was 5.4% in mothers, 2.1% in children and strains belonged to genotype 2.

Conclusions
In Nanoro, HBsAg prevalence was low in children, intermediate in mothers and mother-to-child transmission persists. Home delivery was a limiting factor of Hepatitis B vaccination coverage. HBV genotype E was predominant and genotype A3/E is reported for the first time in Burkina Faso.
Does chemoradiotherapy benefit elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer? A propensity-score matched analysis on multicenter data (3JECROG R-03A)
Authors: Chen Mingqiu , Liu Xiaohong , Han Chun , Wang Xin , Zhao Yidian , Pang Qingsong , Sun Xinchen , Li Gaofeng , Zhang Kaixian , Li Ling , Qiao Xueying , Lin Yu , Chen Junqiang , Xiao Zefen 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or radiotherapy alone (RT-alone) in elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods
The clinical data of patients with ESCC treated with RT-alone or CRT were collected and retrospectively reviewed. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates and the clinical characteristics correlated with survival were analyzed statistically. Propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were used to compensate for differences in baseline characteristics between the CRT and RT-alone groups to confirm the survival difference.

Results
A total of 729 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Diabetes, primary tumor volume (pTV), primary tumor location (pTLo), clinical T stage,(cT) clinical N stage (cN), clinical M stage (cM) and short-term response to RT were independent factors influencing OS (P = 0.002–0.044). The 5-year OS rate was 26.6, 26.0 and 30.1% in the whole cohort, RT-alone and CRT groups, respectively. The survival difference between RT alone and CRT was not significant before or following PSM. Compared with the corresponding subgroups treated with RT alone, CRT significantly benefited patients with diabetes (P = 0.003), cT4 (P = 0.030) and cN0 (P = 0.049), whereas no benefit was identified between CRT and RT alone in the other subgroups, including cT1–3, cN1, cM, pTLo, pTV, age and gender.

Conclusions
CRT with the current chemotherapy regimens may not improve the survival of elderly ESCC patients compared to RT-alone, except in patients with cT4 stage, cN0 stage or diabetes. However, due to the limitation of the retrospective nature of the current study, further clinical trials are required for confirmation.
Early relapse on adjuvant gemcitabine associated with an exceptional response to 2nd line capecitabine chemotherapy in a patient with pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma with strong intra-tumoural expression of cytidine deaminase: a case report
Authors: Connell Claire M. , Brais Rebecca , Whitaker Hayley , Upponi Sara , Beh Ian , Risdall Jane , Corrie Pippa , Janowitz Tobias , Jodrell Duncan I. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma has a poor prognosis, with limited prospective trial data to guide optimal treatment. The potential impact of drug metabolism on the treatment response of patients with pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma is largely unknown.

Case presentation
We describe the case of a 51 year old woman with pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma who, following surgical resection, experienced early disease relapse during adjuvant gemcitabine therapy. Paradoxically, this was followed by an exceptional response to capecitabine therapy lasting 34.6 months. Strong expression of cytidine deaminase was detected within the tumour.

Conclusions
This case study demonstrates that early relapse during adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma may be compatible with a subsequent exceptional response to second line chemotherapy, an important observation given the poor overall prognosis of patients with adenosquamous carcinoma. Cytidine deaminase is predicted to inactivate gemcitabine and, conversely, catalyze capecitabine activation. We discuss strong intra-tumoural expression of cytidine deaminase as a potential mechanism to explain this patient’s disparate responses to gemcitabine and capecitabine therapy, and highlight the benefit that may be gained from considering similar determinants of response to chemotherapy in clinical practice.
Crowdsourcing contests to facilitate community engagement in HIV cure research: a qualitative evaluation of facilitators and barriers of participation
Authors: Zhao Yang , Day Suzanne , Yang Nancy S. , Bao Huanyu , Li Linghua , Mathews Allison , Tucker Joseph D. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
As HIV cure research advances, there is an increasing need for community engagement in health research, especially in low- and middle-income countries with ongoing clinical trials. Crowdsourcing contests provide an innovative bottom-up way to solicit community feedback on clinical trials in order to enhance community engagement. The objective of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers to participating in crowdsourcing contests about HIV cure research in a city with ongoing HIV cure clinical trials.

Methods
We conducted in-depth interviews to evaluate facilitators and barriers to participating in crowdsourcing contests in Guangzhou, China. Contests included the following activities: organizing a call for entries, promoting the call, evaluating entries, celebrating exceptional entries, and sharing entries. We interviewed 31 individuals, including nine HIV cure clinical trial participants, 17 contest participants, and five contest organizers. Our sample included men who have sex with men (20), people living with HIV (14), and people who inject drugs (5). We audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed the data using inductive and deductive coding techniques.

Results
Facilitators of crowdsourcing contest participation included responsiveness to lived experiences, strong community interest in HIV research, and community trust in medical professionals and related groups. Contests had more participants if they responded to the lived experiences, challenges, and opportunities of living with HIV in China. Strong community interest in HIV research helped to drive the formulation and execution of HIV cure contests, building support and momentum for these activities. Finally, participant trust in medical professionals and related groups (community-based organizations and contest organizers) further strengthened the ties between community members and researchers. Barriers to participating in crowdsourcing contests included persistent HIV stigma and myths about HIV. Stigma associated with discussing HIV made promotion difficult in certain contexts (e.g., city squares and schools). Myths and misperceptions about HIV science confused participants.

Conclusions
Our data identified facilitators and barriers of participation in HIV cure crowdsourcing contests in China. Our findings could complement existing HIV community engagement strategies and help to design HIV contests for community engagement in other settings, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Predicting professional school performance with a unique lens: are there other cognitive predictors?
Authors: Davies Theresa A. , Miller Madeline B. , Moore Vincent A. , Kaye Elizabeth A. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
We investigated the associations between admissions criteria and performance in four cohorts of pre-dental MS in Oral Health Sciences (OHS) program at Boston University Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine. Previously we have reported that OHS serves as a successful pre-dental pipeline program for students from underrepresented groups.

Methods
We evaluated academic variables that further affect overall graduate GPA and grades in the first year dental school courses taken by OHS students at Boston University between 2012 and 2016 as part of the MS curriculum. Demographic data, region of residency, undergraduate grade point average, number of science and math credits, major of study, dental admissions test scores and undergraduate institution were collected. The competitiveness of the undergraduate institution was scored based on Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges. OHS-GPA was assessed and individual grades in two first year dental school courses taken as part of the OHS curriculum were collected. Analysis of variance, the Chi-square test and Fisher’s Exact test were utilized to assess associations between academic performance parameters, successful program completion and matriculation to dental school.

Results
Results indicate that undergraduate major, age and number of science course credits taken had no impact on MS performance in the Boston University MS in Oral Health Sciences program; however, students who took an undergraduate course in Physiology performed better than those who did not (p = 0.034). This was not the case with courses in Cell Biology and Biochemistry. Students with DAT scores over 20 academic average (p = 0.001), 18 total science average (p = 0.001) and 22 reading comprehension (p = 0.004) performed better in dental school courses taken in OHS.

Conclusion
We report that strong test scores, attending a mid or highly rigorous undergraduate institution and completion of an undergraduate Physiology course are positive predictors. We hope these findings will guide admission’s decisions and improve recruitment to, and future success of, graduate student’s pursuit of professional school. Understanding alternative predictors of success may help to reduce the intrinsic bias among applicants from underrepresented groups and continue to look beyond the DATs (or MCATs) to decrease the gap between professionals from underrepresented groups and those they serve.