bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HLAPolymorphisms Are Associated with Treatment-Free Remission Following Discontinuation of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Ureshino Hiroshi , Shindo Takero , Tanaka Hidenori , Saji Hiroh , Kimura Shinya 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTreatment-free remission (TFR) is one of the therapeutic goals for patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP). Although previous reports indicated that antitumor immunity contributes to TFR, its determinants are still unclear. We previously reported that allelic polymorphisms of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are associated with achievement of deep molecular response (DMR) in patients with CML-CP. Here, we examined the association between TFR and polymorphisms of KIRs and HLAs in patients who discontinued tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Seventy-six patients were enrolled, and their KIR and HLA polymorphisms and natural killer (NK) cell activation status were investigated as previously described. Overall, 33 patients discontinued TKIs, and 21 of 33 achieved TFR [63.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 44.9%–77.5%] at 1 year. Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (HR, 0.157; 95% CI, 0.031–0.804; P = 0.003) and HLA-A*02:01, *11:01, or *24:02 (HR, 6.386; 95% CI, 1.701–23.980; P = 0.006) were associated with TFR. Patients who achieved DMR and discontinued TKIs exhibited higher NK cell activation status than those who did not. By contrast, there were no significant differences in NK cell activation status between the patients who achieved TFR and those who experienced molecular relapse. These results suggest NK cell activation status contributes to achievement of DMR, whereas T-cell–mediated immunity contributes to TFR in patients with CML-CP.
The Relative Expression of ERα Isoforms ERα66 and ERα36 Controls the Cellular Response to 24R,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 in Breast Cancer
Authors: Verma Anjali , Cohen D. Joshua , Jacobs Thomas W. , Boyan Barbara D. , Schwartz Zvi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Vitamin D3 and its metabolites have antitumorigenic properties in vitro and in vivo; however, clinical trials and retrospective studies on the effectiveness of vitamin D3 oral supplementation against cancer have been inconclusive. One reason for this may be that clinical trials ignore the complex vitamin D metabolome and the many active vitamin D3 metabolites present in the body. Recent work by our lab showed that 24R,25(OH)2D3, a vitamin D3 metabolite that is active in chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, has antitumorigenic properties in estrogen receptor alpha-66 (ERα66)–positive (ER+) breast cancer, but not in ERα66-negative (ER−) breast cancer. Here we show that 24R,25(OH)2D3 is protumorigenic in an in vivo mouse model (NOD.Cg-PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG) mice) of ER− breast cancer, causing greater tumor growth than in mice treated with vehicle alone. In vitro results indicate that the effect of 24R,25(OH)2D3 is via a membrane-associated mechanism involving ERs and phospholipase D. 24R,25(OH)2D3 increased proliferation and reduced apoptosis in ERα66-negative HCC38 breast cancer cells, and stimulated expression of metastatic markers. Overexpressing ESRI, which encodes ERα66, ERα46, and ERα36, reduced the proapoptotic response of ERα66− cells to 24R,25(OH)2D3, possibly by upregulating ERα66. Silencing ESR1 in ERα66+ cells increased apoptosis. This suggests 24R,25(OH)2D3 is differentially tumorigenic in cancers with different ERα isoform profiles. Antiapoptotic actions of 24R,25(OH)2D3 require ERα36 and proapoptotic actions require ERα66.

Implications:
These results suggest that 24R,25(OH)2D3, which is a major circulating metabolite of vitamin D, is functionally active in breast cancer and that the regulatory properties of 24R,25(OH)2D3 are dependent upon the relative expression of ERα66 and ERα36.
Sex Differences in Management and Outcomes of Critical Limb Ischemia in the Medicare Population
Authors: Mentias Amgad , Vaughan-Sarrazin Mary , Saad Marwan , Girotra Saket 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Evidence about sex differences in management and outcomes of critical limb ischemia (CLI) is conflicting.

Methods:
We identified Fee-For-Service Medicare patients within the 5% enhanced sample file who were diagnosed with new incident CLI between 2015 and 2017. For each beneficiary, we identified all hospital admissions, outpatient encounters and procedures, and pharmacy prescriptions. Outcomes included 90-day mortality and major amputation.

Results:

Incidence of CLI declined from 2.80 (95% CI, 2.72–2.88) to 2.47 (95% CI, 2.40–2.54) per 1000 person from 2015 to 2017,
P
<0.01. Incidence was lower in women compared with men (2.19 versus 3.11 per 1000) but declined in both groups. Women had a lower prevalence of prescription of any statin (48.4% versus 52.9%,
P
<0.001) or high-intensity statins (15.3% versus 19.8%,
P
<0.01) compared with men. Overall, 90-day revascularization rate was 52%, and women were less likely to undergo revascularization (50.1% versus 53.6%,
P
<0.01) compared with men. Women had a similar unadjusted (9.9% versus 10.3%,
P
=0.5) and adjusted 90-day mortality (adjusted rate ratio, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.85–1.12],
P
=0.7) compared with men. Over the study period, unadjusted 90-day mortality remained unchanged for men (10.4% in 2015 to 9.9% in 2017,
P
for trend
=0.3), and women (9.5% in 2015 to 10.6% in 2017,
P
for trend
=0.2). Men had higher unadjusted (12.9% versus 8.9%,
P
<0.001) and adjusted risk of 90-day major amputation (adjusted rate ratio, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.14–1.48],
P
<0.001). One-third of patients with CLI underwent major amputation without a diagnostic angiogram or trial of revascularization in the preceding 90 days regardless of the sex.

Conclusions:
Women with new incident CLI are less likely to receive statin or undergo revascularization at 90 days compared with men. However, the differences were small. There was no difference in risk of 90-day mortality between both sexes.

Graphic Abstract:

A
graphic abstract
is available for this article.
Redox-Resistant SERCA [Sarco(endo)plasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase] Attenuates Oxidant-Stimulated Mitochondrial Calcium and Apoptosis in Cardiac Myocytes and Pressure Overload–Induced Myocardial Failure in Mice
Authors: Goodman Jena B. , Qin Fuzhong , Morgan Robert J. , Chambers Jordan M. , Croteau Dominique , Siwik Deborah A. , Hobai Ion , Panagia Marcello , Luptak Ivan , Bachschmid Markus , Tong XiaoYong , Pimentel David R. , Cohen Richard A. , Colucci Wilson S. 
Published: October 2020

Background:
SERCA [sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium ATPase] is regulated by oxidative posttranslational modifications at cysteine 674 (C674). Because sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium has been shown to play a critical role in mediating mitochondrial dysfunction in response to reactive oxygen species, we hypothesized that SERCA oxidation at C674 would modulate the effects of reactive oxygen species on mitochondrial calcium and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in cardiac myocytes.

Methods:

Adult rat ventricular myocytes expressing wild-type SERCA2b or a redox-insensitive mutant in which C674 is replaced by serine (C674S) were exposed to H
2
O
2
(100 µmol/Lμ). Free mitochondrial calcium concentration was measured in adult rat ventricular myocytes with a genetically targeted fluorescent probe, and SR calcium content was assessed by measuring caffeine-stimulated release. Mice with heterozygous knock-in of the SERCA C674S mutation were subjected to chronic ascending aortic constriction.

Results:

In adult rat ventricular myocytes expressing wild-type SERCA, H
2
O
2
caused a 25% increase in mitochondrial calcium concentration that was associated with a 50% decrease in SR calcium content, both of which were prevented by the ryanodine receptor inhibitor tetracaine. In cells expressing the C674S mutant, basal SR calcium content was decreased by 31% and the H
2
O
2
-stimulated rise in mitochondrial calcium concentration was attenuated by 40%. In wild-type cells, H
2
O
2
caused cytochrome c release and apoptosis, both of which were prevented in C674S-expressing cells. In myocytes from SERCA knock-in mice, basal SERCA activity and SR calcium content were decreased. To test the effect of C674 oxidation on apoptosis in vivo, SERCA knock-in mice were subjected to chronic ascending aortic constriction. In wild-type mice, ascending aortic constriction caused myocyte apoptosis, LV dilation, and systolic failure, all of which were inhibited in SERCA knock-in mice.

Conclusions:
Redox activation of SERCA C674 regulates basal SR calcium content, thereby mediating the pathologic reactive oxygen species–stimulated rise in mitochondrial calcium required for myocyte apoptosis and myocardial failure.
Sparse Transcription
Authors: Bird Steven 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe transcription bottleneck is often cited as a major obstacle for efforts to document the world’s endangered languages and supply them with language technologies. One solution is to extend methods from automatic speech recognition and machine translation, and recruit linguists to provide narrow phonetic transcriptions and sentence-aligned translations. However, I believe that these approaches are not a good fit with the available data and skills, or with long-established practices that are essentially word-based. In seeking a more effective approach, I consider a century of transcription practice and a wide range of computational approaches, before proposing a computational model based on spoken term detection that I call “sparse transcription.” This represents a shift away from current assumptions that we transcribe phones, transcribe fully, and transcribe first. Instead, sparse transcription combines the older practice of word-level transcription with interpretive, iterative, and interactive processes that are amenable to wider participation and that open the way to new methods for processing oral languages.
Empirical Analysis of Demand for Real Money Balances in Africa: Panel Evidence from Nigeria and Ghana
Authors: Nkalu Chigozie Nelson 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This study investigates demand for real money balances in Africa using panel time-series data from Nigeria and Ghana between 1970 and 2014. The study employs Levin, Lin, Chu common unit root process and Pedroni Residual Cointegration Test which the results reveal that all the variables in the model are stationary and cointegrated respectively. Data sourced from the World Development Indicators (WDI) were analyzed using Panel Two-Stage Estimated Generalized Least Squares (cross-section Seemingly Unrelated Regression model (SURE)) with Instrumental Variables (IV). The results conform to the liquidity preference theory, with all the variables – inflation, real interest rates, and official exchange rates are statistically significant except real income. It is recommended that the monetary authorities in Africa especially the economies of Nigeria and Ghana should adopt appropriate monetary policies by placing interest rates, inflation and official exchange rates at acceptable levels to boost income through private sector investments.
Displaying Mythological Characters
Authors: Tsukahara Shinji , Pultz Jude 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The large figures displayed atop the floats in the Sawara Grand Festival portray characters drawn from mythology and history that have been strongly associated with Japanese nationalism and imperialism. In order to investigate the meanings that these float figures hold for the participants and audience of the festival, this article acknowledges the close relations between folklore and politics and interprets the works themselves as agents that enact emotions and responses, rather than focusing on the creative intentions of the producers. The figure subjects were freely chosen by the people of Sawara, mostly during the prewar period, and were based on characters that were popular at the time—namely, the emperors and their mythological ancestors and historical champions. In the present, however, the figures are rarely seen in light of their nationalistic origins. Instead, they are appreciated more for their aesthetic beauty and as mascots of the various wards of Sawara.
Gion Matsuri in Kyoto
Authors: Porcu Elisabetta 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In this paper, I analyze Gion Matsuri in Kyoto as a multilayered phenomenon, and explore its religious aspects in context, with particular attention to interactions between actors, such as its organizing bodies, residents of the neighborhoods that sponsor the yama and hoko floats, the local government, and Yasaka Shrine (Yasaka Jinja 八坂神社). Based on my extended fieldwork, I focus on the festival’s most recent transformations (esp. the reinstatement of ato matsuri in 2014) and the negotiation of religious and secular boundaries, both within and without the festival’s physical spaces. I also reflect on Gion Matsuri as a “contested zone,” an idea that contributes to opening up new perspectives for the study of this and other festivals. More broadly, my analysis aims to shed light not only on the multidimensional character of Gion Matsuri, but also on the interplay of religion with different arenas of contemporary society, including local communities and government, tourism, the economy, and cultural policies.
The Role of Endoscopic Stent in Management of Postesophagectomy Leaks
Authors: Smith Ellyn A. , Daly Shaun C. , Smith Brian , Hinojosa Marcelo , Nguyen Ninh T. 
Published: October 2020

Introduction Anastomotic leak is a dreaded complication following esophagectomy. Conventional management for leaks includes invasive reoperation and even gastrointestinal diversion. Objective The aim of this study was to examine our contemporary outcome of using endoscopic esophageal stenting as primary therapy for management of anastomotic leak following minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). Methods We reviewed data on 11 patients who developed an esophageal leak following 111 MIE between January 2011 and December 2019. Of the 11 anastomotic leaks, 10 patients had an anastomotic disruption and underwent endoscopic esophageal stenting as primary therapy for management of leaks, while 1 patient had an anastomotic disruption complicated by an associated tracheoesophageal fistula that required surgical reoperation and subsequent colonic interposition. Main outcome measures focused on the 10 patients who were managed with endoscopic stenting, including length of hospital stay following leak management, need for thoracotomy or gastrointestinal diversion for leak, stent complications, and leak-associated mortality. Results Of the 10 patients who underwent endoscopic esophageal stenting as primary therapy for management of leaks, there were 8 males with a median age of 66 years. The median time to diagnosis of anastomotic leak was 10 days postoperatively. One of the ten patients also underwent percutaneous drain placement, while none of the patients required thoracotomy. Median duration of stent placement was 39 (range, 29-105) days. Median length of stay after stent placement was 10 (range, 4-43) days. The median number of stent exchange was 1 (range, 1-3) stent. Gastrointestinal continuity was maintained in all patients. The 90-day leak-associated mortality was 9.1% (1 of 11 patients). Conclusions Endoscopic stenting is an effective primary therapy in the management of postesophagectomy leak and avoids the need for an invasive, reoperative thoracotomy or gastrointestinal diversion procedure.
Monocyte distribution width as a biomarker of sepsis in the intensive care unit: A pilot study
Authors: Agnello Luisa , Sasso Bruna Lo , Giglio Rosaria Vincenza , Bivona Giulia , Gambino Caterina Maria , Cortegiani Andrea , Ciaccio Anna Maria , Vidali Matteo , Ciaccio Marcello 
Published: October 2020

Background Monocyte distribution width has been recently proposed as a sepsis biomarker in the emergency department. The aim of this study was to assess the role of monocyte distribution width as a diagnostic biomarker of sepsis in the intensive care unit. Methods In this prospective observational study, we included all consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit of the University Hospital “P. Giaccone” of Palermo. Patients were classified into three groups according to Sepsis-3 criteria: (1) patients without sepsis; (2) patients developing sepsis during their hospital stay; (3) patients admitted with sepsis. Monocyte distribution width was measured at admission (groups 1, 2, 3) and daily until the developing of sepsis (group 2) or the end of hospitalization (group 1). Results Monocyte distribution width was significantly higher in group 3 than group 1 and group 2 (30.9 [25.6–36.0] vs. 20.3 [18.3–23.6] and 21.4 [19.4–25.2]). Among patients belonging to group 2, monocyte distribution width values, measured at the day when sepsis was clinically diagnosed, were significantly higher than those found at admission: 29.4 (26.7–36.0) vs. 21.4 (19.4–25.2), P = 0.001. Conclusion Monocyte distribution width could represent a reliable biomarker of sepsis in the intensive care unit.
Strengthening positive social pathways via digital social applications in individuals with social skills deficits: A scoping review
Authors: Salehi Asiyeh , Salehi Elham , Mosadeghi-Nik Mahsa , Sargeant Sally , Fatehi Farhad 
Published: October 2020

Background: Effective digital social capital interventions have great potential to establish trusted social pathways to access supportive services and to enable talking about issues contributing to distress. Aim: This review explores the digital social capital interventions used in individuals with social skills deficits, and the best social health outcomes achieved. Method: Four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Web of Science) were used with no time limitation, and 33 papers were included. Results: A diverse range of digital social programs was used for social capital improvement based on individuals’ characteristics (e.g. age range and illnesses). Programs ranged from digitally-enhanced self-help or self-guided treatment (to enhance the self-efficacy of individuals), to group treatments and/or web-based caregiver support services. They comprised mobile social apps, video blogging, video-communication system/video-conferencing, and online social communication, to more advanced techniques such as virtual reality. All of these modalities were shown to be beneficial for improving the social health of individuals. Interventions targeted two aspects of social capital: (1) cognitive social capital, focusing on enhancing trust and control, self-efficacy on life. Some examples were cognitive behavioural therapy, and increasing the received and more importantly perceived social support. (2) structural social capital, focusing on individuals’ relationships with family/carers, friends, peers to other connections at the macro level, such as health care providers and their community as a whole. The two interconnected aspects of social capital play a role in decreasing fears of being judged by others, general fears in social interactions and interpersonal problems. Conclusion: Guided digital social support interventions result in open and flexible access to various resources through supportive social networks, for patients and their family members/carers.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Cancers Attributable to Preventable Infectious Agents in Texas, 2015
Authors: Gudenkauf Franciska J. , Thrift Aaron P. 
Published: October 2020

Objective The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified 13 infectious agents as carcinogenic or probably carcinogenic to humans. We aimed to estimate the percentage (ie, population-attributable fraction) and number of incident cancer cases in Texas in 2015 that were attributable to oncogenic infections, overall and by race/ethnicity. Methods We calculated population-attributable fractions for cancers attributable to human papillomavirus (HPV), Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infections using prevalence estimates from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey laboratory data and relative risks associated with infection from previous epidemiological studies. The Texas Cancer Registry provided cancer incidence data. Results We estimated that 3603 excess cancer cases, or 3.5% of all cancers diagnosed in 2015, among adults aged ≥25 in Texas were attributable to oncogenic infections. Hispanic adults had the highest proportion of cancer cases attributable to infections (5.6%), followed by non-Hispanic Black (5.4%) and non-Hispanic White (2.3%) adults. HPV infection caused the highest proportion of all cancer cases (1.8%) compared with other oncogenic infections (HCV, 0.8%; H pylori, 0.5%; HBV, 0.3%; HHV-8, 0.1%). Hispanic adults had the highest proportions of all cancers caused by HPV infection (2.6%) and H pylori (1.1%), and non-Hispanic Black adults had the highest proportions of all cancers caused by HCV infection (1.7%), HBV infection (0.7%), and HHV-8 (0.3%). Conclusion Preventable oncogenic infections contribute to cancer incidence in Texas and may affect racial/ethnic minority groups disproportionately. Infection control and prevention should be stressed as an important component of cancer prevention.
Food consumption according to the degree of processing, dietary diversity and socio-demographic factors among pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The Rio Birth Cohort Study of Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development (PIPA project)
Authors: Naspolini Nathalia Ferrazzo , Machado Priscila Pereira , Fróes-Asmus Carmen Ildes Rodrigues , Câmara Volney de M , Moreira Josino Costa , Meyer Armando 
Published: October 2020

Background: Relevant evidence has addressed the negative impact of food processing on health. However, maternal ultra-processed food consumption is poorly investigated. Aim: To analyze food consumption according to the degree of food processing, dietary diversity, and associated socio-demographic factors during pregnancy. Methods: Cross-sectional data was taken from a birth cohort in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 142 pregnant women. We assessed diet using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire and classified food items according to the NOVA classification system as non-ultra-processed-foods and ultra-processed-foods. Non-ultra-processed-food and ultra-processed-food scores were calculated, reflecting weekly intake of more than one subgroup. Dietary diversity of the non-ultra-processed-food diet fraction was described according to the Food and Agriculture Organization guidelines. The association between food consumption and socio-demographic factors were investigated using logistic regression models. Results: Over 60% of the pregnant women reported consumption of at least three non-ultra-processed-food groups. However, only 25% had adequate dietary diversity. The level of education (Complete high school: odds ratio, 5.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.73–16.65) was associated with regular intake of “meat and eggs.” Among the ultra-processed-food score, 27% of the participants described a weekly consumption of at least two ultra-processed-food subgroups. White women (odds ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–6.63) had a higher chance of reporting “packaged ready meals” consumption. Conclusions: This study shows a high weekly consumption of ultra-processed-food subgroups and low dietary diversity of the non-ultra-processed-food fraction of the diet of pregnant women in Brazil. Our results elucidate the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on diet quality during pregnancy.