bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surge after the surge: Anticipating the increased volume and needs of patients with head and neck cancer after the peak in COVID‐19
Authors: Bowman Ryan , Crosby Dana L. , Sharma Arun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic continues to have extensive effects on public health as it spreads rapidly across the globe. Patients with head and neck cancer are a particularly susceptible population to these effects, and we expect there to be a potential surge in patients presenting with head and neck cancers after the surge in COVID‐19. Furthermore, the impact of social distancing measures could result in a shift toward more advanced disease at presentation. With appropriate anticipation, multidisciplinary head and cancer teams could potentially minimize the impact of this surge and plan for strategies to provide optimal care for patients with head and neck cancer.
Liver Transplantation Following Yttrium‐90 Radioembolization: 15‐Year Experience in 207‐Patient Cohort
Authors: Gabr Ahmed , Kulik Laura , Mouli Samdeep , Riaz Ahsun , Ali Rehan , Desai Kush , Mora Ronald A. , Ganger Daniel , Maddur Haripriya , Flamm Steven , Boike Justin , Moore Christopher , Thornburg Bartley , Alasadi Ali , Baker Talia , Borja‐Cacho Daniel , Katariya Nitin , Ladner Daniela P. , Caicedo Juan Carlos , Lewandowski Robert J. , Salem Riad 
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims
Radioembolization (yttrium‐90 [Y90]) is used in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a bridging as well as downstaging liver‐directed therapy to curative liver transplantation (LT). In this study, we report long‐term outcomes of LT for patients with HCC who were bridged/downstaged by Y90.

Approach and Results
Patients undergoing LT following Y90 between 2004 and 2018 were included, with staging by United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) tumor‐node‐metastasis criteria at baseline pre‐Y90 and pre‐LT. Post‐Y90 toxicities were recorded. Histopathological data of HCC at explant were recorded. Long‐term outcomes, including overall survival (OS), recurrence‐free survival (RFS), disease‐specific mortality (DSM), and time‐to‐recurrence, were reported. Time‐to‐endpoint analyses were estimated using Kaplan–Meier. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using a log‐rank test and Cox proportional‐hazards model, respectively. During the 15‐year period, 207 patients underwent LT after Y90. OS from LT was 12.5 years, with a median time to LT of 7.5 months [interquartile range, 4.4‐10.3]. A total of 169 patients were bridged, whereas 38 were downstaged to LT. Respectively, 94 (45%), 60 (29%), and 53 (26%) patients showed complete, extensive, and partial tumor necrosis on histopathology. Three‐year, 5‐year, and 10‐year OS rates were 84%, 77%, and 60%, respectively. Twenty‐four patients developed recurrence, with a median RFS of 120 (95% confidence interval, 69‐150) months. DSM at 3, 5, and 10 years was 6%, 11%, and 16%, respectively. There were no differences in OS/RFS for patients who were bridged or downstaged. RFS was higher in patients with complete/extensive versus partial tumor necrosis (P < 0.0001). For patients with UNOS T2 treated during the study period, 5.2% dropped out because of disease progression.

Conclusions
Y90 is an effective treatment for HCC in the setting of bridging/downstaging to LT. Patients who achieved extensive or complete necrosis had better RFS, supporting the practice of neoadjuvant treatment before LT.
Liver Biochemistries in Hospitalized Patients With COVID‐19
Authors: Bloom Patricia P. , Meyerowitz Eric A. , Reinus Zoe , Daidone Michael , Gustafson Jenna , Kim Arthur Y. , Schaefer Esperance , Chung Raymond T. 
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) leads to elevated liver biochemistries in approximately half of patients on presentation. To date, data are limited regarding the trend of liver biochemistries over the course of illness. We aimed to evaluate the trend, etiology, and outcomes associated with liver biochemistries in COVID‐19.

Approach and Results
A total of 60 patients with COVID‐19 were admitted between March 21 and March 28, 2020. The mean age was 57 years, 65% were male, and 28% were Hispanic. At the study conclusion, 6 patients were deceased, 28 were discharged, and 26 remained admitted. Patients who remained admitted were followed for a median of 12 days. Of 60 patients, 41 (69%) had at least one abnormal liver biochemistry on admission. Median aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was higher than alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at admission (46 vs. 30 U/L) and during the hospital course. Aminotransferases rose above normal in 54 (93%) patients, whereas alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin elevations were rare. Ten (17%) patients developed aminotransferases more than 5 times the upper limit of normal. AST highly correlated with ALT throughout the illness course (r = 0.97; P < 0.0001), whereas correlations with markers of muscle injury and inflammation were weak. Statin use was common before (40%) and during admission (80%) at our center, with no difference in peak liver biochemistries between users and nonusers. No demographic or comorbid illness was associated with liver injury. Admission AST (69 vs. 49; P < 0.05), peak AST (364 vs. 77; P = 0.003), and peak ALT (220 vs. 52; P = 0.002) were higher in intubated patients.

Conclusions
AST‐dominant aminotransferase elevation is common in COVID‐19, mirrors disease severity, and appears to reflect true hepatic injury.
Activation of Adenosine Monophosphate—Activated Protein Kinase Reduces the Onset of Diet‐Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice
Authors: Schmoll Dieter , Ziegler Nicole , Viollet Benoit , Foretz Marc , Even Patrick C. , Azzout‐Marniche Dalila , Nygaard Madsen Andreas , Illemann Martin , Mandrup Karen , Feigh Michael , Czech Jörg , Glombik Heiner , Olsen Jacob A. , Hennerici Wolfgang , Steinmeyer Klaus , Elvert Ralf , Castañeda Tamara R. , Kannt Aimo 
Published: May 2020

The worldwide obesity and type 2 diabetes epidemics have led to an increase in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD covers a spectrum of hepatic pathologies ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, characterized by fibrosis and hepatic inflammation. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis predisposes to the onset of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we characterized the effect of a pharmacological activator of the intracellular energy sensor adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) on NAFLD progression in a mouse model. The compound stimulated fat oxidation by activating AMPK in both liver and skeletal muscle, as revealed by indirect calorimetry. This translated into an ameliorated hepatic steatosis and reduced fibrosis progression in mice fed a diet high in fat, cholesterol, and fructose for 20 weeks. Feeding mice this diet for 80 weeks caused the onset of HCC. The administration of the AMPK activator for 12 weeks significantly reduced tumor incidence and size. Conclusion: Pharmacological activation of AMPK reduces NAFLD progression to HCC in preclinical models.
Lymphopenia and lymphocytosis in practical healthy people born and living in the North
Authors: Patrakeeva Veronika P. , Dobrodeeva Liliya K. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms of the formation of lymphopenia and lymphocytosis in healthy people, who are living and working in the Arctic region.Materials and MethodsA total of 88 practically healthy people living and working in the Arctic region were examined. An analysis of the results was carried out, depending on the concentration of lymphocytes in the peripheral venous blood: group 1—with lymphopenia, the content of lymphocytes below 1.5 × 109cl/L (21 people); group 2—with a normal lymphocyte content from 1.5 to 3.5 × 109cl/L (47 people); and group 3—with lymphocytosis, lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of more than 3.5 × 109cl/L (20 people).ResultsIt has been established that the main mechanism for the formation of lymphopenia in a person living in the Arctic is the activation of the migration of functionally active lymphocytes in the tissue. The decrease in the number of circulating lymphocytes is a consequence of their redistribution from the circulating pool to the marginal one and an increase in the activity of adhesive molecules, in particular, the selectin ligand. It was revealed that an increase in the content of lymphocytes in the blood occurs upon the activation of the intracellular energy‐intensive mechanisms of lymphoproliferation with an increase in the consumption of intracellular ATP and the participation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1. It was shown that the restoration of the circulating pool of mature neutrophils is ensured by the principle of reverse regulation in response to neutropenia by stimulating granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor granulopoiesis.ConclusionsThe main mechanism for the formation of lymphopenia and lymphocytosis in healthy people was established.
The relationship between patterns of insulin secretion and risks of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Ning‐Juan , Tao Min‐fang , Li Hua‐Ping , Zhao Fang , Wang Feng‐Huan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate patterns of insulin secretion in pregnancy and analyze the association between insulin patterns and risks of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).MethodsA prospective study was conducted to collect and analyze pregnant women’s materials from January 2015 to December 2018. Pregnant women were grouped according to results of 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy: normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and GDM. Insulin secretion patterns were based on the time of peak(s) and shape of insulin secretion curve. The relationship between insulin secretion patterns and pregnant outcomes was analyzed.ResultsA total of 2432 pregnant women met the inclusion criteria during the study period. Among them, 737 (30.3%) women were grouped as GDM and 1695 (69.7%) as NGT. Type I insulin secretion represented the early phase of insulin secretion (peak time at 30 or 60 minutes), while type II represented the delayed peak of insulin secretion (peak time at 120 or 180 minutes). Logistic regression analysis showed that type II insulin secretion was a risk factor of pre‐eclampsia, large‐for‐gestational‐age, and neonatal hypoglycemia.ConclusionThe delayed insulin peak is a useful marker for risk of GDM and adverse pregnant outcomes in women with GDM.
A Novel Disinfection Device Based on Ionic Membrane Electrolysis Technology: Biological Efficacy Assay and Optimization of Operating Conditions*
Authors: Jia Yannan , Gao Zhanyi , Ding Kunlun , Wu Xiaomei , Song Weikun , Li Xiaoqin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA novel disinfection device based on ionic membrane electrolysis technology was developed in this study. To test the feasibility of the newly developed system in rural and emergency water supply, biological assay for the electrolytic system was carried out. The biological efficacy results show that a high concentration of coliform bacteria can be effectively inactivated both in synthetic contaminated water and natural source water, while the chemical indicators of water quality changed only slightly after disinfection. To reduce the operating cost of the system, the electrolyte feeding method and flow rate of the electrolytic cell were optimized. Results of operating conditions show that the operation cost can be reduced by changing the electrolyte feeding method from pump‐driven to gravity‐driven. As the flow rate was 2.4 L ·h−1, the system has the lowest operation cost, which was 93% lower than adding commercial sodium hypochlorite solution. This paper suggests promising applications of the novel disinfection device based on ionic membrane electrolysis technology in drinking water disinfection or emergency water treatment. © 2020 International Commission for Irrigation and Drainage
Mechanistic insights into the reduced developmental capacity of in vitro matured oocytes and importance of cumulus cells in oocyte quality determination
Authors: Li Ang , Wang Feng , Li Li , Fan Li‐Hua , Meng Tie‐Gang , Li Qian‐Nan , Wang Yue , Yue Wei , Wang Huai‐Xiu , Shi Ya‐Ping , Li Hong‐Xia , Schatten Heide , Sun Qing‐Yuan , Guo Xing‐Ping 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn vitro maturation of oocytes is a promising assisted reproductive technology (ART) for infertility treatment, although it is still not a routine technique for human ART due to reduced embryonic development. The aim of the present study was to clarify the possible reasons for reduced capacity of in vitro matured oocytes. Our results showed that the oocytes matured in vitro displayed increased abnormal mitochondrial distribution, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased reactive oxygen species levels when compared to in vivo matured oocytes. These results were not different in oocytes matured in vitro with or without cumulus cells. Notably, in vitro matured oocytes displayed increased mitochondrial DNA numbers probably due to functional compensation. In vitro matured oocytes showed significantly lower activation and embryonic development rates, and their ability to produce Ca2+ oscillations was much lower in response to parthenogenetic activation, especially in oocytes matured in vitro without cumulus cells with nearly half of them failing to produce calcium waves upon strontium chloride stimulation. These data are important for understanding the reasons for reduced developmental potential of in vitro matured oocytes and the importance of cumulus cells for oocyte quality.
Long noncoding RNA CCAT1 inhibits miR‐613 to promote nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via increasing LXRα transcription
Authors: Huang Feizhou , Liu Huaizheng , Lei Zhao , Li Zhenzhou , Zhang Tianyi , Yang Mingshi , Zhou Kefu , Sun Chuanzheng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is regarded as a threat to public health; however, the pathologic mechanism of NAFLD is not fully understood. We attempted to identify abnormally expressed long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) and messenger RNA that may affect the occurrence and development of NAFLD in this study. The expression of differentially expressed lncRNAs in NAFLD was determined in oleic acid (OA)‐treated L02 cells, and the functions of CCAT1 in lipid droplet formation were evaluated in vitro. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by microarray analysis, and DEGs related to CCTA1 were selected and verified by weighted correlation network analysis. The dynamic effects of LXRα and CCTA1 on lipid droplet formation and predicted binding was examined. The binding between miR‐631 and CCAT1 and LXRα was verified. The dynamic effects of miR‐613 inhibition and CCTA1 silencing on lipid droplet formation were examined. The expression and correlations of miR‐631, CCAT1, and LXRα were determined in tissue samples. As the results show, CCAT1 was induced by OA and upregulated in NAFLD clinical samples. CCAT1 silencing significantly suppressed lipid droplet accumulation in vitro. LXRα was positively correlated with CCAT1. By inhibiting miR‐613, CCAT1 increased the transcription of LXRα and promoted LXRα expression. The expression of LXRα was significantly increased in NAFLD tissues and was positively correlated with CCAT1. In conclusion, CCAT1 increases LXRα transcription by serving as a competing endogenous RNA for miR‐613 in an LXRE‐dependent manner, thereby promoting lipid droplet formation and NAFLD. CCAT1 and LXRα might be potent targets for NAFLD treatment.
Feasibility of high‐flow nasal oxygen therapy and two‐stage sedation during endoscopic hypopharyngeal therapy
Authors: Riddell Zoe , Pressler Nickki , Siau Keith , Mulder Chris J J , Shalmani Hamid M , Downs Andrew , Gait Andrea , Ishaq Sauid 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundStructural disorders of the hypopharynx can lead to dysphagia‐related morbidity. Endoscopic therapy in this area, for example, myotomy for Zenker's diverticulum (ZD), has traditionally been performed under general anesthesia (GA). We have developed a two‐stage sedation process, which is used along with high‐flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNOT) to facilitate endoscopic hypopharyngeal procedures.MethodsIn this prospective, single‐center study, patients undergoing endoscopic procedures between June 2016 and March 2018 were included. All endoscopies were performed with propofol and/or remifentanil and supported with HFNOT. In patients with ZD, the diverticulum and stomach were cleared of debris under conscious sedation to reduce the risk of aspiration, before sedation was deepened to facilitate myotomy. Sedation‐related adverse events were recorded.ResultsA total of 50 patients were included for analysis (mean age of 71.1, range 31–93; 58% male); 48% were categorized as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grade III and 6% as Grade IV. The median procedure time was 20 min. Of patients, 83% were sedated with both propofol and remifentanil using a target‐controlled infusion under specialist anesthetic supervision. Sedation‐related adverse events included transient hypotension (38%), bradycardia (8%), and hypoxia (8%). No procedures were abandoned due to complications, and no patients required conversion to GA. Patients achieved full postprocedure recovery from sedation after a median duration of 5 min.ConclusionsHFNOT is a useful adjunct to two‐stage sedation, which can enable high‐risk patients to safely undergo deep sedation during hypopharyngeal endoscopic procedures.
Association of lymphotoxin‐alpha gene polymorphisms (rs909253, rs1800683 and rs2229094) and risk of large‐artery atherosclerosis stroke in Iranian population
Authors: Fasihi Ali , Pourhamedi Saeede , Zahedi Mohmmadsaeid , Goudarzian Maryam , Ramazi Shahin , Kafashzadeh Mehrnoosh , Heydari‐Zarnagh Hafez 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundLymphotoxin‐alpha (LTA), a proinflammatory cytokine, is significantly associated with the progression of atherosclerosis as an independent hazard factor for stroke. According to new genetic studies, polymorphisms in the LTA gene that influence its expression or biological function may play a role in the progress of stroke; thus, the present case–control study investigated LTA gene polymorphisms (rs909253, rs1800683 and rs2229094) and the risk of large artery atherosclerosis stroke (LAA) in an Iranian population.MethodsFor 211 large artery atherosclerosis patients and 186 ischemic stroke‐free controls, genotypes were determined using the tetra‐primer amplification‐refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction method. Linkage disequilibrium and estimated haplotypes were analyzed using SNP Analyzer 2 software. The strength of the link between LTA gene polymorphisms (rs1800683, rs909253, and rs2229094) and the risk of stroke was determined using conditional logistic regression.ResultsAnalysis revealed that the patterns of the rs1800683, rs909253 and rs2229094 genotypes showed no significant difference between the LAA and control group, although the distribution of the GAT (rs1800683G, rs909253A and rs2229094T) haplotype was significantly higher in the control group (odds ratio = 0.707, 95% confidence interval = 0.53–0.942, p = 0.0355).ConclusionsOur results indicate that the GAT haplotype in LTA gene is associated with a decreased risk of LAA incidence in a northeastern Iranian population.
Organic acidurias: Major gaps, new challenges, and a yet unfulfilled promise
Authors: Dimitrov Bianca , Molema Femke , Williams Monique , Schmiesing Jessica , Mühlhausen Chris , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Schumann Anke , Kölker Stefan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOrganic acidurias (OADs) comprise a biochemically defined group of inherited metabolic diseases. Increasing awareness, reliable diagnostic work‐up, newborn screening programs for some OADs, optimized neonatal and intensive care, and the development of evidence‐based recommendations have improved neonatal survival and short‐term outcome of affected individuals. However, chronic progression of organ dysfunction in an aging patient population cannot be reliably prevented with traditional therapeutic measures. Evidence is increasing that disease progression might be best explained by mitochondrial dysfunction. Previous studies have demonstrated that some toxic metabolites target mitochondrial proteins inducing synergistic bioenergetic impairment. Although these potentially reversible mechanisms help to understand the development of acute metabolic decompensations during catabolic state, they currently cannot completely explain disease progression with age. Recent studies identified unbalanced autophagy as a novel mechanism in the renal pathology of methylmalonic aciduria, resulting in impaired quality control of organelles, mitochondrial aging and, subsequently, progressive organ dysfunction. In addition, the discovery of post‐translational short‐chain lysine acylation of histones and mitochondrial enzymes helps to understand how intracellular key metabolites modulate gene expression and enzyme function. While acylation is considered an important mechanism for metabolic adaptation, the chronic accumulation of potential substrates of short‐chain lysine acylation in inherited metabolic diseases might exert the opposite effect, in the long run. Recently, changed glutarylation patterns of mitochondrial proteins have been demonstrated in glutaric aciduria type 1. These new insights might bridge the gap between natural history and pathophysiology in OADs, and their exploitation for the development of targeted therapies seems promising.
Epicardial adipose tissue affects the efficacy of left atrial posterior wall isolation for persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Nakatani Yosuke , Sakamoto Tamotsu , Yamaguchi Yoshiaki , Tsujino Yasushi , Kinugawa Koichiro 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) contributes to atrial fibrillation (AF). However, its impact on the efficacy of left atrial posterior wall isolation (LAPWI) is unclear.MethodsForty‐four nonparoxysmal AF patients underwent LAPWI after pulmonary vein isolation. EAT overlap on LAPWI was assessed by fusing computed tomography images with electro‐anatomical mapping.ResultsDuring the 21 ± 7 months of follow‐up, AF recurred in 10 patients (23%). The total and left atrial EAT volumes were 113 ± 36 and 33 ± 12 cm3, respectively. No differences were found between the AF‐free and AF‐recurrent groups regarding EAT volume. The EAT overlaps on LAPWI lines and LAPWI area were 1.2 ± 1.0 and 0.5 ± 0.9 cm2 respectively. Although no difference was found between groups regarding the EAT overlap on LAPWI area, the AF‐free group had a significantly larger EAT overlap on LAPWI lines (1.4 ± 1.0 vs 0.6 ± 0.6 cm2, P = .014). Multivariate analysis identified EAT overlap on LAPWI lines as an independent predictor of AF recurrence (hazard ratio: 0.399, 95% confidence interval: 0.178‐0.891, P = .025). Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed that, during follow‐up, 92% of the large EAT overlap group (≥1.0 cm2) and 58% of the small EAT overlap group (<1.0 cm2) remained AF‐free (P = .008).ConclusionsEAT overlap on LAPWI lines is related to a high AF freedom rate. Direct radiofrequency application to EAT overlap may be necessary to suppress AF.