bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of acute hCG stimulation on serum INSL3 and 25‐OH vitamin D in Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Santi Daniele , Ivell Richard , Anand‐Ivell Ravinder , De Toni Luca , Fanelli Flaminia , Mezzullo Marco , Pelusi Carla , Pagotto Uberto , Belli Serena , Granata Antonio R. M. , Roli Laura , Rochira Vincenzo , Trenti Tommaso , Ferlin Alberto , Simoni Manuela 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundIt has recently been suggested that the hypergonadotropic hypogonadism characterizing Klinefelter syndrome (KS) might not be due to a steroidogenic dysfunction per se, but mainly to an altered testosterone (T) secretion into the bloodstream. However, the Leydig cell functionality remains incompletely studied in KS, and new markers should be considered. Previous data indicated that chronic hCG stimulation influences the production of both insulin‐like peptide 3 (INSL3) and 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D (25‐VD) in eugonadal men.Aim of the studyTo evaluate INSL3 and 25‐VD serum levels, as markers of Leydig cell functionality, in association with sex steroids, after an acute hCG test in a group of KS patients and healthy volunteers.MethodsA retrospective analysis of a prospective case‐control clinical trial was carried out. KS patients (n = 11) and age‐matched healthy controls (n = 11) provided a basal blood sample (V0) immediately followed by a single intramuscular injection of hCG 5000 IU. Blood samples were taken in the following five days (V1‐V5).ResultsAt baseline, INSL3 was lower in KS patients compared with controls (P = .007). When adjusted for INSL3 levels, the production of steroids was similar between KS patients and controls. 25‐VD was in the insufficient range both in KS patients and in controls and was not different (P = .064). Acute hCG stimulation increased neither INSL3 nor 25‐VD in both KS patients and controls. In controls, an inverse correlation was detected between INSL3 levels and body mass index (P = .020) and waist circumference (P = .020).ConclusionsINSL3 secretion is independent from steroidogenesis, and its production is mostly not influenced by acute hCG stimulation both in KS men and in controls. INSL3 serum levels should be considered as a marker of Leydig cell differentiation and numbers rather than steroidogenesis. 25‐VD serum levels are also not increased by a single acute hCG administration, which was not able to restore the normal concentrations of 25‐VD.
Extracorporeal life support system during cardiovascular procedures: Insights from the German Lifebridge registry
Authors: Masyuk Maryna , Abel Peter , Hug Martin , Wernly Bernhard , Haneya Assad , Sack Stefan , Sideris Konstantinos , Langwieser Nicolas , Graf Tobias , Fuernau Georg , Franz Marcus , Westenfeld Ralf , Kelm Malte , Felix Stephan B. , Jung Christian 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe frequency of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device application has increased in recent years. Besides implantation in the emergency setting, such as circulatory arrest, MCS is also increasingly used electively to ensure hemodynamic stability in high‐risk patients, for example, during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), valve interventions or off‐pump coronary bypass surgery. Lifebridge (Zoll Medical GmbH, Germany) is a compact percutaneous MCS device widely used in daily clinical routine. The present study aimed to investigate the indications, feasibility, and outcomes after use of Lifebridge in cardiac interventions, evaluating a large‐scale multicenter database. A total of 60 tertiary cardiovascular centers were questioned regarding application and short‐term outcomes after the use of the Lifebridge system (n = 160 patients). Out of these 60 centers, eight consented to participate in the study (n = 39 patients), where detailed data were collected using standardized questionnaires. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patient population, procedural as well as follow‐up data were recorded and analyzed. In 60 interrogated centers, Lifebridge was used in 74% of emergency cases and 26% in the setting of planned interventions. The subcohort interrogated in detail displayed the same distribution of application scenarios, while the main cardiovascular procedure was high‐risk PCI (82%). All patients were successfully weaned from the device and 92% (n = 36) of the patients studied in detail survived after 30 days. As assessed 30 days after insertion of the device, bleeding requiring red blood cell (RBC) transfusion constituted the main complication, occurring in 49% of cases. In our analysis of clinical data, the use of Lifebridge in cardiac intervention was shown to be feasible. Further prospective studies are warranted to identify patients who benefit from hemodynamic MCS support despite the increased rate of RBC transfusion due to challenges in access sites during cardiovascular procedures.
Effect of immunosuppressive therapy on oxygen saturation and diameter of retinal vessels in initial onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease
Authors: Abu El‐Asrar Ahmed M. , Alotaibi Mohammed D. , Gikandi Priscilla W. , Stefánsson Einar 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeTo demonstrate changes in oxygen saturation and calibre of retinal vessels in initial‐onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease at baseline and during immunosuppressive therapy.MethodsIn this prospective study, 22 patients (44 eyes) were studied. Retinal oximetry measurements were performed using the noninvasive spectrophotometric retinal oximeter (Oxymap T1) at baseline and at 1–3 months, 4–6 months, 5–7 months and more than 9 months after treatment.ResultsAt baseline, mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.12 ± 0.78 (Snellen equivalent, 20/265). Arteriolar and venular oxygen saturations were 108 ± 7% and 70 ± 9%, respectively and calibres of arterioles and venules were 12.1 ± 1.1 pixels and 16.9 ± 1.4 pixels, respectively. At 4–6 months of follow‐up, logMAR BCVA was almost maximum (0.08 ± 0.1, Snellen equivalent 20/24; p < 0.001) and thereafter remained almost unchanged. After immunosuppressive therapy, arteriolar and venular oxygen saturation values continued to decrease up to >9 months of follow‐up (92 ± 7% and 56 ± 10%, respectively; p < 0.001 for both arterioles and venules). Similarly, arteriolar and venular calibres continued to decrease up to >9 months of follow‐up to 11.4 ± 0.9 pixels (p = 0.006) and 15.6 ± 1.3 pixels (p = 0.001), respectively.ConclusionsEyes with initial‐onset acute uveitis associated with VKH disease have increased oxygen saturation and calibres of retinal vessels at baseline. Immunosuppressive therapy normalizes these changes and in a similar pattern improves BCVA.
Prevalence, incidence and epidemiology of childhood uveitis
Authors: Siiskonen Mira , Hirn Iida , Pesälä Roosa , Hautala Timo , Ohtonen Pasi , Hautala Nina 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeTo analyse the prevalence, incidence and aetiology of paediatric uveitis.MethodsA retrospective, population‐based cohort study of Finnish children with uveitis in Northern Ostrobothnia Hospital District in 2008–2017. The data included parameters for age, gender, age at diagnosis, laterality, chronicity, anatomical distribution of the disease, aetiology and systemic association.ResultsOne hundred fifty patients aged <16 years (mean age 6.9 ± 3.9 years) with uveitis were included, out of whom 53% were girls. The first uveitis episode occurred at 1–6 years in 59%, and 62% of them were girls. In the age group of 7–15 years, boys were diagnosed with uveitis more frequently than girls (61% versus 39%, respectively). Seventy percent of the girls were diagnosed with their first uveitis episode at the age of 1–6 years, whereas only 48% of the boys were diagnosed at that age. The prevalence of uveitis increased from 64/100 000 children <16 years in 2008 (95% CI, 47.7–84.2) to 106/100 000 in 2017 (95% CI, 84.6–130.2). The incidence of childhood uveitis in 2008–2017 was 14/100 000 person‐years in children <16 years (95% CI, 11.3–16.5). Eighty‐seven percent of the cases were non‐infectious, 9% were infectious, and 3% had masquerade syndromes. Sixty‐one percent of patients had juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).ConclusionThe prevalence of paediatric uveitis has increased during the last decade in both genders. Uveitis is more frequent in girls, and they were diagnosed at a younger age than boys. Idiopathic cases and JIA accounted for a majority of aetiological features.
Letter: assessing iron deficiency in patients with IBD—a step in the right direction, but uncertainty remains
Authors: Garg Mayur , Chand Sheital , Weenink Petrus , Yunqiu Wu Karen , Cheng Richard K. Y. 
Published: June 2020

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Daude et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15739.
Editorial: simultaneous, prolonged monitoring of the acid pocket and oesophageal reflux. Authors' reply
Authors: Ma Zheng Feei , Deraman Mohd Adli , Coyle Cathal , Lee Yeong Yeh 
Published: June 2020

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Deraman et al and Katz and Castell papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15746 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15807.
Editorial: transperineal ultrasound in addition to a transabdominal ultrasound in ulcerative colitis—one more arrow in the quiver of non‐invasive diagnostics. Authors’ reply
Authors: Sagami Shintaro , Kobayashi Taku , Hibi Toshifumi 
Published: June 2020

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Sagami et al and Deepak and Itani papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15767 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15816.
Systemic exposure to 5‐fluorouracil and its metabolite, 5,6‐dihydrofluorouracil, and development of a limited sampling strategy for therapeutic drug management of 5‐fluorouracil in patients with gastrointestinal malignancy
Authors: Jacob Jeana , Mathew Sumith K. , Chacko Raju Titus , Aruldhas Blessed Winston , Singh Ashish , Prabha Ratna , Mathew Binu Susan 
Published: June 2020

Aims5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is widely used in combination chemotherapy, and literature suggests pharmacokinetic‐guided dosing to improve clinical efficacy and reduce toxicity. This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetic exposure of both 5‐FU and its metabolite, 5,6‐dihydrofluorouracil (DHFU), in patients with gastrointestinal malignancy and to establish a simplified strategy to assist in therapeutic drug management for dose optimization.MethodsThis was a prospective, observational study, performed in 27 patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal malignancy who were prescribed 5‐FU. Multiple samples were collected per patient over the slow bolus (15–20 min) and continuous infusion period (over 44 h) in doses 1 and 3, and the concentrations of 5‐FU and DHFU were measured.ResultsA higher proportion of patients had exposures within the therapeutic range in dose 3 (50%) as compared to dose 1 (37.5%) with 5‐FU. There was an association between delayed time to maximum concentration of DHFU and a high maximum concentration of 5‐FU. A limited sampling strategy was developed with 4 samples, 2 during the bolus period and 2 during the continuous period (at 18 h and the end of infusion), which accurately predicted the total area under the curve of 5‐FU.ConclusionUsing body surface area‐based dosing with 5‐FU, 50–60% of patients were outside of the therapeutic range. In the absence of genotype testing, measurement of the metabolite DHFU could be a phenotypical measure of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase enzyme activity. A limited sampling strategy was developed in patients who were prescribed a combination regimen of slow bolus, followed by a 44‐hour continuous infusion of 5‐FU to assist in the therapeutic drug management of patients.
Parametric g‐formula implementations for causal survival analyses
Authors: Wen Lan , Young Jessica G. , Robins James M. , Hernán Miguel A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe g‐formula can be used to estimate the survival curve under a sustained treatment strategy. Two available estimators of the g‐formula are noniterative conditional expectation and iterative conditional expectation. We propose a version of the iterative conditional expectation estimator and describe its procedures for deterministic and random treatment strategies. Also, because little is known about the comparative performance of noniterative and iterative conditional expectation estimators, we explore their relative efficiency via simulation studies. Our simulations show that, in the absence of model misspecification and unmeasured confounding, our proposed iterative conditional expectation estimator and the noniterative conditional expectation estimator are similarly efficient, and that both are at least as efficient as the classical iterative conditional expectation estimator. We describe an application of both noniterative and iterative conditional expectation to answer “when to start” treatment questions using data from the HIV‐CAUSAL Collaboration.
Improving students’ learning by providing a graphic organizer after a multimedia document
Authors: Colliot Tiphaine , Jamet Éric 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe present study was intended to deepen current knowledge about the impact of graphic organizers (GOs) on students’ learning in a computer‐based learning environment, by evaluating the effects of successive versus simultaneous presentation of a GO and an explanatory text. Based on the previous studies, we hypothesized that simultaneous display of a GO improves learning performances for the information it highlights (represented elements), but impairs those for nonrepresented elements, owing to a focused processing effect during text reading. We predicted that staggering the display of the document and the GO would avoid this effect and enhance the learning of both represented and nonrepresented elements. We compared three groups: students who studied a multimedia document without a GO (control group); students who viewed the same multimedia document accompanied by a GO that was displayed simultaneously (simultaneous GO group); and students who viewed the document and were then shown the GO (successive GO group). In line with previous research on GOs, results showed that adding a GO to the multimedia document increased students’ memorization of the represented elements and their comprehension. Interestingly, students in the successive GO group exhibited enhanced memorization of the nonrepresented elements and had the highest comprehension scores. These original results indicate that delaying the display of the GO can lead students to process the overall information more deeply and, in turn, improve their learning.
Cultural orientation, power, belief in conspiracy theories, and intentions to reduce the spread of COVID‐19
Authors: Biddlestone Mikey , Green Ricky , Douglas Karen M. 
Published: June 2020

The current study investigated cultural and psychological factors associated with intentions to reduce the spread of COVID‐19. Participants (n = 704) completed measures of individualism–collectivism, belief in conspiracy theories about COVID‐19, feelings of powerlessness, and intentions to engage in behaviours that reduce the spread of COVID‐19. Results revealed that vertical individualism negatively predicted intentions to engage in social distancing, directly and indirectly through both belief in COVID‐19 conspiracy theories and feelings of powerlessness. Vertical collectivism positively predicted social distancing intentions directly. Horizontal collectivism positively predicted social distancing intentions indirectly through feelings of powerlessness. Finally, horizontal collectivism positively predicted hygiene‐related intentions both directly and indirectly through lower feelings of powerlessness. These findings suggest that promoting collectivism may be a way to increase engagement with efforts to reduce the spread of COVID‐19. They also highlight the importance of examining the interplay between culture and both personal feelings (powerlessness) and information consumption (conspiracy theories) during times of crisis.
Solitary rib lesions showing prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) uptake in pre‐treatment staging 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 positron emission tomography scans for men with prostate cancer: benign or malignant?
Authors: Chen Michael Y. , Franklin Anthony , Yaxley John , Gianduzzo Troy , McBean Rhiannon , Wong David , Tatkovic Annaleis , McEwan Louise , Walters James , Kua Boon 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesTo determine the proportion of solitary rib lesions on pre‐treatment 68Gallium‐labelled prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA)/computed tomography (CT) scans in men with prostate cancer that are malignant and examine any predictive factors.Patients and methodsThis retrospective single tertiary referral institution cohort study of men reviewed the results of 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scans performed for primary staging prior to treatment of prostate cancer from July 2014 to September 2019. Men with PSMA uptake outside the prostate in only the rib lesion were included. A solitary rib lesion was considered to be malignant if it increased in size on follow‐up imaging. A lesion was considered benign if the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level remained <0.1 µg/L following a radical prostatectomy (RP), <2 µg/L above nadir following radiotherapy (RT) as per the Phoenix criteria, histology was benign on rib biopsy, or follow‐up imaging showed no growth of the rib lesion. If a lesion did not meet these criteria it was considered indeterminate.ResultsA total of 62 men had PSMA uptake in a solitary rib lesion; 54 went on to have RPs and eight underwent RT. In all, 61 of the men (98.4%) met the criteria for a benign rib lesion. Only one man had a false‐negative malignant lesion. This man had a rib lesion with a low maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) of 2.21 reported as benign, but the postoperative PSA level was 0.67 µg/L and the rib lesion progressed on follow‐up imaging, with development of widespread metastases. Of the benign rib lesions, there were four false positives reported as possible metastases. Three had percutaneous rib biopsies, two of which came back with benign histology and one was indeterminate. The indeterminate biopsy patient had a RP and his postoperative PSA level was <0.1 µg/L. A total of 43 (69.4%) men with benign rib lesions had a SUVmax greater than the SUVmax of the malignant lesion.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first cohort study of men with PSMA‐avid solitary rib lesions on pre‐treatment 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT staging scans for prostate cancer. Our results indicate that the vast majority of these lesions have low‐intensity uptake and are benign. Intervention to confirm this is not usually required.
Multi‐angle development of therapeutic methods for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hoshi Minako 
Published: June 2020

Recent clinical trial results support the idea that treatment based on the so‐called amyloid hypothesis is a promising approach in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but actually, developing effective treatments for AD remains highly challenging. The discovery that neuron‐specific sodium pump activity is impaired in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease has suggested a role for the sodium pump in the pathogenesis of these diseases. This opens up new possibilities for intervention, such as inhibiting the aberrant interaction of the sodium pump with the disease‐specific ligand(s) or activating the sodium pump itself or its downstream signalling. In this review article, I would like to discuss possible anti‐amyloid therapies, focusing especially on our own research.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.4/issuetoc
ZNF251 promotes the progression of lung cancer by activating ERK signaling
Authors: Zhong Chenxi , Chen Chunji , Yao Feng , Fang Wentao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAberrant activation of ERK signaling is a hallmark of lung cancer. Although constitutively activating mutations of EGFR and KRAS contribute to the hyperactivation of ERK1/2, other mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, the zinc finger protein ZNF251 was found to be upregulated in clinical lung cancer samples, and it promoted the growth of lung cancer cells and the growth of primary lung KPC cells from mouse models (Ad‐Cre, KrasG12D, and P53f/f). In studying the molecular mechanism, ZNF251 was found to inhibit the expression of dual‐specificity phosphatase 6, a negative regulator of ERK activation, by directly binding to its promoter region. Taken together, our data indicate the tumor‐promoting effects of ZNF251 in lung cancer and suggest that ZNF251 is a therapeutic target.
Antenatal corticosteroids for threatened labour facilitate thyroid maturation among preterm neonates
Authors: Hanaoka Shintaro , Iwanaga Kogoro , Tomotaki Seiichi , Niwa Fusako , Takita Junko , Kawai Masahiko 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effect of antenatal corticosteroids (ANS) on the maturation of thyroid function in the preterm infants.ContextANS reduce mortality and morbidities in preterm neonates. Organ maturation by the glucocorticoids is the key, at least in part. However, the effect of ANS on thyroid is controversial.PatientsA study group of 99 very low birthweight neonates (<34 weeks’ gestational age) with the exception of those born more than 7 days after ANS administration were divided into a complete group (n = 49) whose mothers completed two doses of betamethasone and who were born more than 24 hours after the completion of ANS administration, and an incomplete group (n = 50) who were not exposed to any ANS or were born within 24 hours after the completion of ANS administration. Serum‐free thyroxine and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured, and thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation tests were performed at about 2 weeks of age.ResultsThe incidence of hyperthyrotropinaemia (TSH > 15 mIU/L) in the complete group was significantly lower than in the incomplete group (6% vs 22%, P = .023). Exaggerated responses to TRH tests were more frequent in the incomplete group (17% vs 44%; P = .053). TSH30 was significantly lower in the complete group, (P = .046). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the incidence of hyperthyrotropinaemia was associated with complete ANS administration (adjusted odds ratios 0.39).ConclusionsANS administration might facilitate thyroid maturation in preterm neonates.
Adaptive Block Coordinate Descent for Distortion Optimization
Authors: Naitsat Alexander , Zhu Yufeng , Zeevi Yehoshua Y. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe present a new algorithm for optimizing geometric energies and computing positively oriented simplicial mappings. Our major improvements over the state‐of‐the‐art are: (i) introduction of new energies for repairing inverted and collapsed simplices; (ii) adaptive partitioning of vertices into coordinate blocks with the blended local‐global strategy for more efficient optimization and (iii) introduction of the displacement norm for improving convergence criteria and for controlling block partitioning. Together these improvements form the basis for the Adaptive Block Coordinate Descent (ABCD) algorithm aimed at robust geometric optimization. ABCD achieves state‐of‐the‐art results in distortion minimization, even under hard positional constraints and highly distorted invalid initializations that contain thousands of collapsed and inverted elements. Starting with an invalid non‐injective initial map, ABCD behaves as a modified block coordinate descent up to the point where the current mapping is cleared of invalid simplices. Then, the algorithm converges rapidly into the chosen iterative solver. Our method is very general, fast‐converging and easily parallelizable. We show over a wide range of 2D and 3D problems that our algorithm is more robust than existing techniques for locally injective mapping.