bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low Expression of FOXP2 is Associated with Better Prognosis in Glioblastoma.
Authors: Plata-Bello Julio , Fariña-Jerónimo Helga , Betancor Isabel , Salido Eduardo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
FOXP2 expression has been associated with the prognosis of some tumors, but the role of FOXP2 in glioblastoma has not been studied in-depth until now. The aim of the present work is to study the role of FOXP2 as a prognostic biomarker in glioblastoma.This is a retrospective observational case series study in which the expression of FOXP2 has been analyzed both at the protein level (immunohistochemistry) and at the mRNA level (RNAseq, in a cohort of glioblastoma patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas [TCGA] database). Other molecular and clinical data have also been included in the study, with special focus on miRNA expression data.Survival analysis using Log-Rank test and COX-regression have been used. Non-parametric statistical tests were also used to study differences between low and high FOXP2 expression groups.Patients with a high expression of FOXP2 protein showed a worse prognosis than those patients with low expression in both, progression free survival (PFS) (HR=1.711; p=0.034) and overall survival (OS) (HR=1.809;p=0.014). These associations were still statistically significant in multivariate analysis.No prognostic association was found with FOXP2 RNA expression. Interestingly, two miRNAs that target FOXP2 (hsa-miR-181a-2-3p and hsa-miR-20a-3p) showed an interaction effect on OS with FOXP2 expression. A low level of these miRNAs expression was associated with a significantly worse prognosis in patients with high FOXP2 RNA expression.Higher expression of FOXP2 at the protein level is associated with a worse prognosis. This protein expression may be regulated by the expression of specific miRNAs that target FOXP2 mRNA: hsa-miR-181a-2-3p and hsa-miR-20a-3p.
Neonatal programming of piglet gut health and postnatal effects by maternal transfer of phytogenic compounds supplemented in gestating and lactating hyperprolific sows
Authors: Reyes-Camacho David , Pérez José Francisco , Vinyeta Ester , Aumiller Tobias , Criado-Mesas Lourdes , Palade L.M. , Taranu Ionelia , Folch Josep Maria , Klis Jan Dirk Van der , Solà-Oriol David 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background The improvement of sow prolificacy by breeding has increased the number of piglets produced per sow per year. However, intrauterine crowding and/or intrauterine growth restriction typically observed in hyperprolific sows impairs foetal growth which has decreased the average individual birthweight, with a larger proportion of low birthweight (LBW) pigs born per litter with poor gut development and compromised postnatal growth performance. Phytogenic compounds (PC) are plant-derived natural bioactive substances that can be used in livestock production as feed additives to promote animal health and production efficiency. This research aims to study if a specific blend of PC (BPC) supplemented in gestating and lactating hyperprolific sow diets may promote pre- and postnatal maternal effects on performance and oxidative status of sows and their offspring, colostrum-milk features, and piglet gut health-related gene expression and morphology. Forty DanBred hybrid line Landrace x Yorkhire gilts and sows (parities 0–7) were randomly allocated by parity number and body weight into two dietary treatments including unsupplemented Control (n = 20) or Control diets supplemented with 1 g/kg feed of BPC (n = 20) throughout gestation and lactation.Results Several dietary PC from the supplemented BPC were transferred to the placental fluid and milk. The BPC supplementation during gestation enhanced the litter size, antioxidant status, and colostrum protein content of sows. Jejunal histomorphology of neonate piglets, and intestinal-function gene expression related to nutrient transport, antioxidant, innate immune response, and digestion were improved in the BPC group. For both, sows and piglets, plasma antioxidant activity of CAT and SOD enzymes were enhanced. For suckling piglets, jejunal expression of genes related to gut barrier function was improved and piglet weight gain from birth to weaning was enhanced in the BPC group.Conclusions Dietary supplementation of BPC in gestating and lactating diets for hyperprolific sows improves sow’s reproductive performance and colostrum composition, with a significant strength of the antioxidant status of sows and their offspring. The prenatal and postnatal maternal transfer (placental fluid and milk) of BPC to the offspring would influence on the neonatal programming and postnatal of piglet’s gut health, with advantageous effects on piglet’s growth performance.
A U-Shaped Association between LDL-C/HDL-C Ratio and all-Cause Mortality in Elderly Hypertensive Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yu Yu , Li Minghui , Huang Xiao , Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Ding Congcong , Tao Yu , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio is an excellent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, previous studies linking LDL-C/HDL-C ratio to mortality have been inconsistent and limited by short follow-up. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine whether LDL-C/HDL-C ratio could be an effective predictor of all-cause mortality in elderly hypertensive patients.Methods: We selected 6,941 hypertensive patients aged 65 years or older and untreated with lipid-lowering drugs from the Chinese Hypertension Registry for analysis. The endpoint of the study was all-cause mortality. The relationship between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and all-cause mortality by using multivariate cox proportional hazards regression, smoothing curve fitting (penalized spline method), subgroup analysis and Kaplan–Meier survival curve to address.Results: During a median follow-up of 1.72 years, 157 all-cause deaths occurred. A U-shaped association was found between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and all-cause mortality. The LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was divided into five groups according to quintiles. Compared to the reference group (Q3: 1.67-2.10), both lower (Q1 and Q2) and higher (Q4 and Q5) LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were associated with higher all-cause mortality (<1.67: HR 1.81, 95% CI: 1.08-3.03; ≥2.10: HR 2.00, 95% CI: 1.18-3.39). Compare with lower and higher LDL-C/HDL-C ratio groups, patients with LDL-C/HDL-C ratio of 1.67-2.10 had a significant higher survival probability (log-rank P = 0.038).Conclusion: Our results suggested that there was a U-shaped association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and all-cause mortality. Both lower and higher LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were associated with increased all-cause mortality in elderly hypertensive patients.
Covid-19-associated coagulopathy (CoAC): thrombin burst and insufficient fibrinolysis leading to bad outcome.
Authors: Ranucci Marco , Sitzia Clementina , Baryshnikova Ekaterina , Dedda Umberto Di , Cardani Rosanna , Martelli Fabio , Romanelli Massimiliano Corsi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 associated coagulopathy is characterized by a pro-thrombotic state. However, the nature of this pattern has not been comprehensively studied. We investigated the coagulation pattern of patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) comparing survivors to not survivors. Methods: Prospective cohort study conducted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a University Hospital . Twenty COVID-19 ARDS patients received measurements of markers of thrombin generation (prothrombin fragment 1+2, PF 1+2); fibrinolysis activation (tissue plasminogen activator, tPA) and inhibition (plasminogen activator inhibitor-2, PAI-2); fibrin synthesis (fibrinopeptide A) and fibrinolysis magnitude (plasmin-antiplasmin complex, PAP, and D-dimers). Measurements were done at the ICU admission and after 10-14 days. Results: The general pattern showed an increased thrombin generation, modest or null release of t-PA, and increased levels of PAI-2, Fibrinopeptide A, PAP and D-dimers. At baseline, non survivors had a significantly (P=0.014) higher PAI-2/PAP ratio than survivors (109, interquartile range [IQR] 18.1-216, vs. 8.7, IQR 2.9-12.6). At follow-up, thrombin generation was significantly (P=0.025) reduced in survivors (PF 1+2 from 396 pg/mL, IQR 185-585 to 237 pg/mL, IQR 120-393), whereas it increased in non-survivors. Fibrinolysis inhibition at follow-up remained stable in survivors, and increased in non-survivors, leading to a significant (P=0.026) difference in PAI-2 levels (161 pg/mL, IQR 50-334, vs. 1,088 pg/mL, IQR 177-1,565). Conclusions: Severe patterns of COVID-19 infection (ARDS) are characterized by a thrombin burst, triggered by the release of IL-6 and other cytokines, and the consequent release of Tissue Factor. Mechanisms of fibrinolysis regulation appear unbalanced toward fibrinolysis inhibition. In survivors, this pattern ameliorates, whereas in non-survivors it worsens, leading to the environment for clinically relevant thrombi generation, that was found in 58% of non-surviving patients. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04441502).
Fecal microbiota transplantation reconstructs the gut microbiota of septic mice and protects the intestinal mucosal barrier
Authors: Gai Xiaowei , Wang Huawei , Li Yaqing , Zhao Haotian , He Cong , Wang Zihui , Zhao Heling 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background This study aimed to confirm the existence of gut microbiota (GM) imbalance in the early stage of sepsis, observe the effect of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on sepsis, and explore whether FMT can reconstruct the GM of septic mice and restore its protective function on the intestinal mucosal barrier. Methods The study included acute experiments and 7-day mortality observation experiments with clean-grade C57BL/6, and they were randomly divided randomly into three groups, namely, the sham group, the sepsis model group and the fecal microbiota transplantation group. Fresh feces from 10 mice were kept every day to make fecal liquid. The Sham group and the CLP group were given intragastric administration once a day with phosphate-buffered saline, and the FMT group mice were given fecal microbiota transplantation once a day. The animals were euthanized at 12, 24, and 48 h after modeling, and blood, colon, and stool from each mouse were collected at the same time.Results Colonic pathological scores, pro-inflammatory cytokines, TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB protein levels, and gene expression levels, were lower in the FMT group, while anti-inflammatory factors, mucus layer thickness, MUC2, occludin, and ZO-1 proteins were higher in the FMT group than the CLP group. Bacterial flora analysis showed gut flora was reconstructed after FMT. The species composition of the differential pathways revealed that the Lachnospiraceae group contributed the most by the L-lysine pathway of fermentation to acetate and butanoate.Conclusion GM imbalance exists early in sepsis. FMT can improve morbidity and effectively reduce mortality in septic mice. After the fecal bacteria were transplanted, the abundance and diversity of the gut flora were restored, and the microbial characteristics of the donors changed. FMT can effectively reduce epithelial cell apoptosis, improve the composition of the mucus layer, upregulate the expression of tight junction proteins, and reduce intestinal permeability and the inflammatory response, thus protecting the intestinal barrier function. After FMT, Lachnospiraceae contributes the most to intestinal protection through enhancement of the L-lysine fermentation pathway, resulting in the production of acetate and butanoate, and may be the key bacteria for short-chain fatty acid metabolism and FMT success.
The Role of Awake Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as Bridging Therapy for Lung Transplantation: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: KIM NAM EUN , Kim Song Yee , Leem Ah Young , Park Youngmok , Kwak Se Hyun , Yong Seung Hyun , Chung Kyungsoo , Park Moo Suk , Kim Young Sam , Lee Jin Gu , Paik Hyo Chae , Lee Su Hwan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

As lung transplantation (LTx) becomes a standard treatment for end-stage lung disease, bridging to LTx with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasing during waiting time, for either rescue treatment or improving ability to rehabilitation before transplant. This study investigated post-operative outcomes in patients bridging to lung transplantation with ECMO, especially those receiving awake ECMO.

Methods

In this single-center study, we retrospectively reviewed 241 consecutive LTx patients between October 2012 and March 2019. Among them, 65 patients received ECMO support while waiting for LTx; these patients were analyzed according to their awakeness. Multivaribale logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze variables associated awake strategy and mortality.

Results

Thirty-three patients (50.7%) were awake during bridging ECMO, and 32 patients (49.2%) were in sedative status. The median age of awake ECMO patients was 59.0 (IQR 54.0-63.0) years, and 63.1% of population was male. There were no significant differences between awake and non-awake ECMO patients with respect to age, comorbidities, APACHE II score, ECMO duration and ECMO blood flow. Awake group have better post-operative outcome in terms of statically shorter post-operative intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) (awake vs. non-awake, 6 [4-9.5] vs. 16 [6-22], p = 0.004) and longer ventilator free days (VFDs) (awake vs. non-awake, 24 [11.0-25.0] vs. 0 [0.0-14.5], p = 0.001). Furthermore, the awake ECMO group had a significantly lower six-month mortality rate compared to the non-awake group (18.2% vs. 40.6%, p = 0.045). It was independent predictive factor for ability to gait after LTx ([OR] 4.128, 95% CI 1.094-15.572, p = 0.036).

Conclusions

Awake ECMO therapy could be useful for high-risk patients waiting for LTx, and might help shorten ICU LOS and improve survival benefit after LTx. Furthermore, awake ECMO was independent predictive factor for postoperative gaiting.
Base-excess chloride; the best approach to evaluating the effect of chloride on the acid- base status: a retrospective study
Authors: Gucyetmez Bulent , Tuzuner Filiz , Atalan Hakan Korkut , Sezerman Ugur , Gucyetmez Kaan , Telci Lutfi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To determine the effect of chloride on the acid-base status, four approaches are currently used: 1) accepted ranges of serum chloride values; 2) chloride corrections, such as chloride deficiency/excess and chloride modification; 3) the Cl/Na ratio; and 4) the sodium- chloride difference, such as base-excess chloride. However, these approaches are governed by different concepts, and they can evaluate the effects of chloride on the acid-base status differently. Our aim is to investigate which approach to the evaluation of the effect of chloride is the best.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 2529 critically ill patients who were admitted to the tertiary care unit were evaluated between 2011 and 2018. Patient characteristics and blood gas parameters at the ICU admission and outcomes were recorded. The effects of chloride on the acid-base status according to each evaluative approach were validated by the standard base excess and apparent strong ion difference. To compare approaches, kappa and Bland-Altman tests and a linear regression model were used. Results: In the linear regression model for all patients, only base-excess chloride in all the chloride evaluation approaches was significantly related to the standard base excess. In the subgroup, the correlation and limits of agreement between base-excess chloride and the standard base excess were the strongest (r2=0.92 p<0.001 bias: 0.5mmol/L). Conclusions: For the evaluation of the effect of chloride on the acid-base status, base-excess chloride is a better approach than accepted ranges of serum chloride values, chloride corrections and the Cl/Na ratio.
Serum and Sputum Iron Trends Distinguigh Responders and Non-Responders to Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis Pulmonary Exacerbation
Authors: Gifford Alex H , Polineni Deepika , He Jianghua , D'Amico Jessica L , Dorman Dana B , Williams Molly A , Nymon Amanda B , Balwan Akshu , Budden Theodore , Zuckerman Jonathan B 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The cystic fibrosis (CF) community seeks to explain the heterogeneity of pulmonary exacerbation (PEX) treatment outcomes. Studies suggest that certain substances in serum and sputum offer objective evidence of PEX onset in people with CF (PwCF) and identify those at risk for inadequate treatment responses. However, it is clinically impractical to measure most of these substances, and a lack of correlative clinical information limits their utility as drivers of medical decision-making. Here, we questioned whether routinely available indices of iron homeostasis and systemic inflammation could identify PwCF with and without sustained symptom and lung function responses to PEX treatment. Methods: We prospectively evaluated health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) and lung function and measured biochemical indices associated with iron homeostasis in serum and sputum in twenty adults during a PEX cycle. We classified subjects as sustained symptom-responders (SRs) or non-sustained symptom-responders (NSRs) based on the absence or presence, respectively, of worsened symptom scores following initial improvement during PEX treatment. We used linear mixed models (LMMs) to explore whether treatment-related trends in lung function and hematologic and sputum parameters of interest differed between SRs and NSRs.Results: We identified ten SRs and ten NSRs. Subjects were adults with baseline lung function and symptom burden similar to other CF cohorts in the literature. SRs and NSRs were treated for similar durations. SRs had higher model-predicted trends in lung function than NSRs during treatment. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and serum hepcidin-25 fell during treatment in SRs and NSRs. Trends in serum and sputum iron levels differed significantly between SRs and NSRs. Conclusions: In adults with CF treated for PEX, symptomatic non-response may be associated with lack of lung function improvement, initial increase but terminal decline in serum iron concentration, and initial decline but terminal increase in sputum iron concentration. Future work is needed to confirm the findings and understand possible mechanisms for these alterations in iron homeostasis during CF PEX.
Summary of clinical characteristics of common primary adrenal malignancies in adults
Authors: zhang zongzong , wang lina , li xiunan , song xishuang , wang xuejian , zhu xinqing , fan weiwei , wang jianbo , yang deyong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

To summary the clinical characteristics of common primary adrenal malignancies in adults, the survival time of the patients, and the prognostic factors associated with these rare malignancies.
Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1975–2016) was queried for all patients who were diagnosed with primary adrenal malignancies, including adrenocortical carcinoma(ACC), pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL), lymphoma, and sarcoma (SA). The clinical characteristics, overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were analyzed, in which propensity score methodology, logistic regression modeling and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used. The Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify factors affecting the prognosis of patients with ACC.
Results

3204 patients with primary adrenal malignancies were identified, including 2180 with ACC, 593 with PPGL, 307 with lymphoma, and 124 with SA. Generally, PPGL had a better prognosis than others. For ACC and PPGL, the non-metastatic group had better OS and CSS than the metastatic group; for SA, the non-metastatic group had better OS, however, there was no significant difference in CSS between the two groups. Furthermore, For ACC, the single metastasis group had a better OS than the multiple metastasis group. After tumors metastasis, the surgery group, surgery of primary adrenal lesions, had better OS and CSS than the non-surgery group for ACC and PPGL. For lymphoma, the chemotherapy group had better OS and CSS; for ACC and PPGL, the chemotherapy group had better CSS and worse OS; for SA, the survival showed no significant difference between the two groups. Radiotherapy had the same effect on patients' survival as chemotherapy, except for the lymphoma and the ACC. As for lymphoma, the radiotherapy group had better CSS, whereas the survival showed no significant difference in OS between the two groups. For ACC, the non- radiotherapy group had better CSS and OS. More importantly, for lymphoma, under the condition that both cohorts were the same basically, the surgical group had a better prognosis. The prognosis of ACC was related to sex, age, seer historic stage, surgery, chemotherapy.
Conclusion

Understanding the clinical characteristics of these tumors and factors affecting prognosis can facilitate the selection of more appropriate clinical treatment options.
Utility of Self-rated Adherence and Assessment of Participant Feedback of the Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Study Pilot.
Authors: O’Reilly Holly , Panizza Chloe , Lim Unhee , Yonemori Kim M , Wilkens Lynne R , Shvetsov Yurii B , Harvie Michelle N , Shepherd John , Zhu Fengqing Maggie , Marchand Loïc Le , Boushey Carol J , Cassel Kevin D 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Self-rated adherence and qualitative feedback may be useful in monitoring and understanding participants’ compliance during lifestyle interventions. We examined self-rated adherence and qualitative feedback in the Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Study (HDLS). HDLS is a randomized pilot intervention comparing the effect of intermittent energy restriction combined with a Mediterranean diet (IER+MED) to a euenergetic Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, with matching physical activity regimens, for reducing visceral adipose tissue area (VAT) and weight.Methods: We analyzed the 59 (98%) participants who completed at least one week of HDLS. Self-rated adherence scores to dietary and physical activity prescriptions were collected 8 times across the 12-week intervention, using a 0-10 scale (0=Not at all, 4=Somewhat, and 10=Following the plan very well). Adherence scores for each participant were averaged and assigned to high and low adherence categories using the group median (7.3 for diet, 7.1 for physical activity). Mean changes in VAT and weight from baseline to 12 weeks are reported by adherence level, overall and by randomization arm. Participants qualitative feedback at completion of HDLS and 6 months post intervention were examined.Results: Overall, compared to participants with low self-rated adherence to dietary prescriptions, those with high adherence lost significantly more VAT (22.9 ± 3.7 cm2 vs. 11.7 ± 3.9 cm2; p=0.044) and weight at Week 12 (5.4 ± 0.8 kg vs. 3.5 ± 0.6 kg; p=0.045). For physical activity, compared to participants with low adherence, those with high adherence lost significantly more VAT (22.3 ± 3.7 cm2 vs. 11.6 ± 3.6 cm2; p=0.035). Participants’ qualitative feedback of HDLS was positive and the most common response, on how to improve the study, was to provide cooking education classes.Conclusions: Our results support the use of self-rated adherence to dietary and physical activity prescriptions as an effective method to monitor compliance and facilitate participant goal setting during a behavioral modification intervention. Study strategies were found to be effective with promoting compliance to dietary and physical activity prescriptions. The incorporation of cooking classes and demonstrations into future larger trials may further complement dietary adherence.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03639350. Registered 21st August 2018- Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03639350