bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Exposure to Waterpipe/Hookah Smoke Triggers a Hyperactive Platelet Activation State and Increases the Risk of Thrombogenesis
Authors: Alarabi Ahmed B. , Karim Zubair A. , Ramirez Jean E. Montes , Hernandez Keziah R. , Lozano Patricia A. , Rivera José O. , Alshbool Fatima Z. , Khasawneh Fadi T. 
Published: January 2020

Objective:
Cardiovascular disease is a major public health problem. Among cardiovascular disease’s risk factors, tobacco smoking is considered the single most preventable cause of death, with thrombosis being the main mechanism of cardiovascular disease mortality in smokers. While tobacco smoking has been on the decline, the use of waterpipes/hookah has been rising, mainly due to the perception that they are less harmful than regular cigarettes. Strikingly, there are few studies on the negative effects of waterpipes on the cardiovascular system, and none regarding their direct contribution to thrombus formation.

Approach and Results:
We used a waterpipe whole-body exposure protocol that mimics real-life human exposure scenarios and investigated its effects, relative to clean air, on platelet function, hemostasis, and thrombogenesis. We found that waterpipe smoke (WPS)–exposed mice exhibited both shortened thrombus occlusion and bleeding times. Further, our results show that platelets from WPS-exposed mice are hyperactive, with enhanced agonist-induced aggregation, dense and α-granule secretion, αIIbβ3 integrin activation, phosphatidylserine expression, and platelet spreading, when compared with clean air–exposed platelets. Finally, at the molecular level, it was found that Akt (protein kinase B) and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinases) phosphorylation are enhanced in the WPS and in nicotine-treated platelets.

Conclusions:
Our findings demonstrate that WPS exposure directly modulates hemostasis and increases the risk of thrombosis and that this is mediated, in part, via a state of platelet hyperactivity. The negative health impact of WPS/hookah, therefore, should not be underestimated. Moreover, this study should also help in raising public awareness of the toxic effects of waterpipe/hookah.
Association of Left Atrial High-Resolution Late Gadolinium Enhancement on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance With Electrogram Abnormalities Beyond Voltage in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kuo Ling , Zado Erica , Frankel David S. , Santangeli Pasquale , Arkles Jeffrey , Han Yuchi , Marchlinski Francis E. , Nazarian Saman , Desjardins Benoit 
Published: January 2020

Background:
Conflicting data have been reported on the association of left atrial (LA) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) with atrial voltage in patients with atrial fibrillation. The association of LGE with electrogram fractionation and delay remains to be examined. We sought to examine the association between LA LGE on cardiac magnetic resonance and electrogram abnormalities in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods:

High-resolution LGE cardiac magnetic resonance was performed before electrogram mapping and ablation in atrial fibrillation patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance features were quantified using LA myocardial signal intensity
Z
score (SI-Z), a continuous normalized variable, as well as a dichotomous LGE variable based on previously validated methodology. Electrogram mapping was performed pre-ablation during sinus rhythm or LA pacing, and electrogram locations were coregistered with cardiac magnetic resonance images. Analyses were performed using multilevel patient-clustered mixed-effects regression models.

Results:

In the 40 patients with atrial fibrillation (age, 63.2±9.2 years; 1312.3±767.3 electrogram points per patient), lower bipolar voltage was associated with higher SI-Z in patients who had undergone previous ablation (coefficient, −0.049;
P
<0.001) but not in ablation-naive patients (coefficient, −0.004;
P
=0.7). LA electrogram activation delay was associated with SI-Z in patients with previous ablation (SI-Z: coefficient, 0.004;
P
<0.001 and LGE: coefficient, 0.04;
P
<0.001) but not in ablation-naive patients. In contrast, increased LA electrogram fractionation was associated with SI-Z (coefficient, 0.012;
P
=0.03) and LGE (coefficient, 0.035;
P
<0.001) only in ablation-naive patients.

Conclusions:
The association of LA LGE with voltage is modified by ablation. Importantly, in ablation-naive patients, atrial LGE is associated with electrogram fractionation even in the absence of voltage abnormalities.
RADAR
Authors: Choudry Subbarao , Mansour Moussa , Sundaram Sri , Nguyen Duy T. , Dukkipati Srinivas R. , Whang William , Kessman Paul , Reddy Vivek Y. 
Published: January 2020

Background:
Pulmonary vein isolation is insufficient to treat all patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), and effective adjunctive ablation strategies are needed. Ablation of AF drivers holds promise, but current technologies to identify drivers are limited by spatial resolution. In a single-arm, first-in-human, investigator-initiated Food and Drug Administration Investigational Device Exemption study, we used a novel system for real-time, high-resolution identification of AF drivers in persistent AF.

Methods:
Patients with persistent or long-standing persistent AF underwent ablation using the RADAR (Real-Time Electrogram Analysis for Drivers of Atrial Fibrillation) system in conjunction with a standard electroanatomical mapping system. After pulmonary vein isolation, electrogram and spatial information was streamed to the RADAR system and analyzed to identify driver domains to target for ablation.

Results:

Across 4 centers, 64 subjects were enrolled: 73% male, age, 64.7±9.5 years; body mass index, 31.7±6.0 kg/m
2
; left atrium size, 54±10 mm, with persistent/long-standing persistent AF in 53 (83%)/11 (17%), prior AF ablation (re-do group) in 26 (41%). After 12.6±0.8 months follow-up, 68% remained AF-free off all antiarrhythmics; 74% remained AF-free and 66% remained AF/atrial tachycardia/atrial flutter-free on or off AADs (antiarrhythmic drugs). AF terminated with ablation in 35 patients (55%) overall and in 23/38 (61%) of de novo ablation patients. For patients with AF termination during ablation, 82% remained AF-free and 74% AF/atrial tachycardia/atrial flutter-free during follow-up on or off AADs. Patients undergoing first-time ablation generally had higher rates of freedom from AF than the re-do group.

Conclusions:
This novel technology for panoramic mapping of AF drivers showed promising results in a persistent/long-standing persistent AF population. These data provide the scientific basis for a randomized trial.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03263702; IDE#G170049.
Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack Risk Following Vitamin K Antagonist Cessation in Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation: A Cohort Study
Authors: Martinez Carlos , Wallenhorst Christopher , Rietbrock Stephan , Freedman Ben 
Published: January 2020

Background

In nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (
AF
), oral anticoagulants prevent ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks (
TIAs
), but nonpersistence with vitamin K antagonist (
VKA
) oral anticoagulant therapy (20–50% at 1 year) is problematic. The precise risk of stroke/
TIA
after
VKA
cessation and its time course during extended follow‐up is unknown.

Methods and Results

The study cohort of incident
AF
in patients receiving initial
VKA
between 2001 and 2013 was identified from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (linked hospitalizations and causes of death). Using a nested case‐control analysis, patients with incident stroke/
TIA
were matched to patients without stroke/
TIA
(controls). Relative risk with time since
VKA
cessation compared with current
VKA
use was approximated from conditional logistic regression. We studied 16 696 patients with incident
AF
and initial
VKA
treatment. There were 489 stroke/
TIA
cases matched to 2137 controls (mean
CHA
2
DS
2
‐
VAS
c score 4.3). Compared with current
VKA
use, the excess incidence rate of stroke/
TIA
following
VKA
cessation in the first year after
AF
diagnosis was 2.29 (95%
CI
, 0.98–3.90) per 100 person‐years of
VKA
cessation or 1 additional stroke/
TIA
per 43 patients per year discontinuing
VKA
, compared with 1.43 (95%
CI
, 0.97–1.88) per 100 person‐years corresponding to 1 additional stroke/
TIA
per 70 patients per year, when
VKA
was discontinued more than 1 year after
AF
diagnosis.

Conclusions

VKA
cessation is associated with a continuous excess thromboembolic stroke/
TIA
risk. Increasing
oral anticoagulant
persistence, especially in the year after
AF
diagnosis, should be a therapeutic target to reduce stroke/
TIA
in
AF
.
Terrain Trapped Airflows and Precipitation Variability during an Atmospheric River Event
Authors: Ryoo Ju-Mee , Chiao Sen , Spackman J. Ryan , Iraci Laura T. , Ralph F. Martin , Martin Andrew , Dole Randall M. , Marrero Josette E. , Yates Emma L. , Bui T. Paul , Dean-Day Jonathan M. , Chang Cecilia S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe examine thermodynamic and kinematic structures of terrain trapped airflows (TTAs) during an atmospheric river (AR) event impacting Northern California 10–11 March 2016 using Alpha Jet Atmospheric eXperiment (AJAX) aircraft data, in situ observations, and Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) Model simulations. TTAs are identified by locally intensified low-level winds flowing parallel to the coastal ranges and having maxima over the near-coastal waters. Multiple mechanisms can produce TTAs, including terrain blocking and gap flows. The changes in winds can significantly alter the distribution, timing, and intensity of precipitation. We show here how different mechanisms producing TTAs evolve during this event and influence local precipitation variations. Three different periods are identified from the time-varying wind fields. During period 1 (P1), a TTA develops during synoptic-scale onshore flow that backs to southerly flow near the coast. This TTA occurs when the Froude number (Fr) is less than 1, suggesting low-level terrain blocking is the primary mechanism. During period 2 (P2), a Petaluma offshore gap flow develops, with flows turning parallel to the coast offshore and with Fr > 1. Periods P1 and P2 are associated with slightly more coastal than mountain precipitation. In period 3 (P3), the gap flow initiated during P2 merges with a pre-cold-frontal low-level jet (LLJ) and enhanced precipitation shifts to higher mountain regions. Dynamical mixing also becomes more important as the TTA becomes confluent with the approaching LLJ. The different mechanisms producing TTAs and their effects on precipitation pose challenges to observational and modeling systems needed to improve forecasts and early warnings of AR events.
Designing Multimodel Applications with Surrogate Forecast Systems
Authors: Smith Leonard A. , Du Hailiang , Higgins Sarah 
Published: January 2020

AbstractProbabilistic forecasting is common in a wide variety of fields including geoscience, social science, and finance. It is sometimes the case that one has multiple probability forecasts for the same target. How is the information in these multiple nonlinear forecast systems best “combined”? Assuming stationarity, in the limit of a very large forecast–outcome archive, each model-based probability density function can be weighted to form a “multimodel forecast” that will, in expectation, provide at least as much information as the most informative single model forecast system. If one of the forecast systems yields a probability distribution that reflects the distribution from which the outcome will be drawn, Bayesian model averaging will identify this forecast system as the preferred system in the limit as the number of forecast–outcome pairs goes to infinity. In many applications, like those of seasonal weather forecasting, data are precious; the archive is often limited to fewer than 26 entries. In addition, no perfect model is in hand. It is shown that in this case forming a single “multimodel probabilistic forecast” can be expected to prove misleading. These issues are investigated in the surrogate model (here a forecast system) regime, where using probabilistic forecasts of a simple mathematical system allows many limiting behaviors of forecast systems to be quantified and compared with those under more realistic conditions.
Therapeutic mechanisms of psilocybin: Changes in amygdala and prefrontal functional connectivity during emotional processing after psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Mertens Lea J , Wall Matthew B , Roseman Leor , Demetriou Lysia , Nutt David J , Carhart-Harris Robin L 
Published: January 2020

Background: Psilocybin has shown promise as a treatment for depression but its therapeutic mechanisms are not properly understood. In contrast to the presumed actions of antidepressants, we recently found increased amygdala responsiveness to fearful faces one day after open-label treatment with psilocybin (25 mg) in 19 patients with treatment-resistant depression, which correlated with treatment efficacy. Aims: Aiming to further unravel the therapeutic mechanisms of psilocybin, the present study extends this basic activation analysis. We hypothesised changed amygdala functional connectivity, more precisely decreased amygdala-ventromedial prefrontal cortex functional connectivity, during face processing after treatment with psilocybin. Methods: Psychophysiological interaction analyses were conducted on functional magnetic resonance imaging data from a classic face/emotion perception task, with the bilateral amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex time-series as physiological regressors. Average parameter estimates (beta weights) of significant clusters were correlated with clinical outcomes at one week. Results: Results showed decreased ventromedial prefrontal cortex-right amygdala functional connectivity during face processing post- (versus pre-) treatment; this decrease was associated with levels of rumination at one week. This effect was driven by connectivity changes in response to fearful and neutral (but not happy) faces. Independent whole-brain analyses also revealed a post-treatment increase in functional connectivity between the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex to occipital-parietal cortices during face processing. Conclusion: These results are consistent with the idea that psilocybin therapy revives emotional responsiveness on a neural and psychological level, which may be a key treatment mechanism for psychedelic therapy. Future larger placebo-controlled studies are needed to examine the replicability of the current findings.
Entecavir downregulates interleukin-37 in patients with chronic active hepatitis B infection
Authors: Meng Jiang-Ping , Luo Peng , Bai Yao , Cui Fang 
Published: January 2020

Objectives Interleukin-37 (IL-37) has been identified as a potent inhibitor of the immune response. This study aimed to examine IL-37 expression in patients with chronic active hepatitis B (CAHB), and explore its possible regulatory role during inflammation. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from control (n = 20) and CAHB patients (n = 30) before and after treatment with entecavir (EVT) for 24 weeks. The PBMCs were cultured with lipopolysaccharide and IL-37 expression was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in PBMCs were also measured. Results Levels of IL-37, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly increased in the supernatant of PBMCs from patients with CAHB. IL-37 significantly reduced the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. EVT resulted in regression of intraocular inflammation in patients with CAHB, associated with decreased production of IL-37. Conclusion These results suggest that increased expression of IL-37 was associated with the suppression of the inflammatory response in patients with CAHB. Furthermore, EVT treatment of CAHB was also correlated with downregulation of IL-37, indicating that EVT may partially alleviate the immune response by modulating IL-37 production.
Analysis of high-resolution computed tomography phenotypes and pulmonary function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: He Shi-Zhen , He Qian , Su Yun-Shan , Wang Peng , Xiang Shu-Tian , Su Wei , Mao Chong-Wen 
Published: January 2020

Objective To explore the correlation between high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) phenotype and pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Fifty-six patients with COPD were retrospectively evaluated using pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and HRCT, and phenotypic pulmonary function parameters were analyzed. Results Thirty-one patients were classified as having imaging phenotype A, 11 were phenotype E, and 14 were phenotype M. The total lung capacity (TLC)% of phenotype E was significantly higher than that of phenotypes A and M. The residual volume (RV) to TLC ratio (RV/TLC) in phenotype A was significantly lower than that in phenotypes E and M. The forced expiratory volume in one second percentage (FEV1%) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) of phenotype A was significantly higher than that of phenotypes E and M. Conclusion FEV1/FVC and FEV1% were higher and RV/TLC was lower, indicating less severe emphysema, in patients with phenotype A compared with patients with phenotypes E and M. TLC% of patients with phenotype E was significantly higher than that of patients with phenotypes A and M. The degree of airflow limitation was most severe in patients with phenotype M.
Nomogram based on clinical characteristics for preoperative prediction of perineural invasion in gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Jungang , Huang Xiaoliang , Chen Shaomei , Wu Guo , Xie Weishun , Franco Jeen P C , Zhang Chuqiao , Huang Lingxu , Tian Chao , Tang Weizhong 
Published: January 2020

Purpose Gastric cancer (GC) has a poor prognosis and high rate of recurrence. Perineural invasion (PNI) is a prognostic factor in GC that is associated with a high risk of systemic recurrence. Preoperative identification of PNI may facilitate patient stratification and optimal preoperative treatment. We therefore developed and validated a nomogram for the preoperative prediction of PNI. Methods We retrospectively collected clinical data from 261 GC patients, who were randomly assigned to training (n = 185) and validation (n = 76) sets. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was used to identify potentially relevant clinical parameters, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to develop the nomogram. Results The nomogram consisted of body mass index, immunoglobulin A level, and computed tomography-based T- and N-stages. Good calibration was observed for both the training and validation sets, with areas under the curve of 0.77 and 0.79, respectively. Decision curve analysis revealed that the nomogram was clinically relevant. Conclusion We developed and validated a nomogram for the preoperative prediction of PNI in patients with GC. Our nomogram may facilitate the identification of high-risk patients and optimization of preoperative decision-making.
The top 100 most impactful articles and recent trends in nasopharyngeal carcinoma from 1970 to 2018: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wu QingWu , Yuan Tian , Zhang Zongping , Yang Qintai , Chen Mingyuan , Wang Qiong , Deng Huiyi , Qiu Huijun , Wang Xinyue , Huang Xuekun 
Published: January 2020

Objective To identify the top 100 most impactful articles in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods Articles on NPC from 1970 to 2018 were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS). These articles were ranked in descending order based on the number of times they were cited, and all titles and abstracts were screened to identify the top 100 most-cited articles. Results The earliest and most recent articles were published in 1971 and 2016, respectively. The most prolific decade was the 2000s, with 51 articles published. The highest citation count reached 1223 and the lowest was 155. Thirty-four journals contributed to the 100 articles, with the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics contributing the most articles (n=16). Notable contribution origins were Hong Kong (n=34), the United States (n=26), and China (mainland, n=12). The top three contributors were Chan ATC, Lee AWM, and Lo KW who were from Hong Kong. The types of articles included basic research (n=50), clinical research (n=36), and reviews (n=14). Conclusions This study identified the top 100 most impactful articles in NPC and stressed the multidisciplinary and multimodal nature of NPC management. Understanding historical articles may guide future NPC study.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome/chronic prostatitis: Is it related to human papillomavirus infection? A case-control study from Eastern India
Authors: Jain Pritesh , Ghosh Amlan , Jana Debarshi , Pal Dilip Kumar 
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Relationship between human papillomavirus infection and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is not clear in the Indian population. The present study evaluated human papillomavirus infection as a risk factor in the development of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Methods: Patients between the age group of 18 and 50 years, diagnosed with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (Cases) or sexually active asymptomatic men with primary infertility (Controls), were recruited. Recording of the personal and/or family history and National Institute of Health-chronic prostatitis symptom index scoring (pain score, urinary score, and quality-of-life score) was done in all prostatitis patients. Seminal fluids of all study patients were evaluated for genomic sequences of human papillomavirus including oncogenic subtypes human papillomavirus-16 and -18. Results: Study participants were divided in cases (n = 50) and controls (n = 50). The mean age of cases and controls were 30.72 and 32.48 years, respectively. Among the cases, the mean duration of symptoms was 9.98 months and mean total National Institute of Health-chronic prostatitis symptom index scoring score and mean International Prostate Symptom Score were 20.52 and 5.8, respectively. Among cases, 26 (52%) were found positive for human papillomavirus infection compared to only 6 (12%) in control group (risk ratio = 0.43; 95% confidence interval = 0.3–0.62; p < 0.001). Infection with human papillomavirus-16 subtype was significantly associated with patients from cases group (χ2 = 4.17; risk ratio (confidence interval) (0.39–0.59); p = 0.041). Oncogenic human papillomavirus-18 subtype was not found in any of the group. Conclusion: These observations indicate that infection with human papillomavirus (HPV-16 subtype) can be considered as a risk factor for the development of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in Indian males under the age of 50 years.