bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Operating bedside cardiac ultrasound program in emergency medicine residency: a retrospective observation study from the perspective of performance improvement
Authors: Kim Kihong , Jung Jae Yun , Park JoongWan , Lee Minsung , Lee Yonghee 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Point-of-care Ultrasound is one of useful diagnostic tools in emergency medicine practice and considerably depends on physician’s performance. This study was performed to evaluate performance improvements and favorable attitudes through structured cardiac ultrasound program for emergency medicine residents.
Methods
Retrospective observational study using the Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) database in one tertiary academic-teaching hospital emergency department has been conducted. Cardiac ultrasound education and rotation program has been implemented in emergency medicine residency program. Structured evaluation sheet for cardiac ultrasound and questionnaire toward PoCUS have been developed. An early-phase and a late-phase case were selected randomly for each participant. Two emergency medicine specialists with expertise in PoCUS evaluated saved images independently. We used a paired t-test to compare the performance score of each phase and the results of the questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between the characteristics of participants and performance improvements.
Results
During the study period, a total of 1,652 bedside cardiac ultrasounds were administered. Forty-six examinations conducted by 23 emergency medicine residents were randomly selected for analysis. The performance score increased from 39.5 to 56.1 according to expert A and 45.3 to 62.9 according to expert B (p-value < 0.01 for both). The average questionnaire score, which was analyzed for 17 participants, showed improvement from 18.9 to 20.7 (p-value < 0.01). In multivariable linear regression analysis, younger age, higher early-phase score and higher confidence had a negative association with a greater improvement of performance, while the number of examinations had a positive association.
Conclusions
Bedside cardiac ultrasound performance and attitudes toward PoCUS have been improved through structured residency program.
Prognostic Value of Quantitative 18F-FDG PET/CT Parameters Measured in Primary Tumors and Suspicious Lymph Nodes in Patients with Esophageal Carcinoma.
Authors: Tustumi Francisco , Takeda Flávio Roberto , Duarte Paulo Schiavom , Albenda David Gutiérrez , Sallum Rubens Antonio Aissar , Junior Ulysses Ribeiro , Buchpiguel Carlos Alberto , Cecconello Ivan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Quantitative 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters have been described as prognostic indicators in esophageal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor value (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) measured in the primary tumor and suspicious lymph nodes. A cohort study was performed to assess the association of SUVmax, MTV and TLG measured prior to and post neoadjuvant therapy with overall survival (OS) of patients with esophageal cancer who received trimodal therapy. The quantitative techniques were applied in the primary tumor and suspicious lymph nodes. The OS rates were analyzed. Results: Before neoadjuvant therapy, 106 patients underwent PET/CT, and 39 patients underwent post-neoadjuvant therapy PET/CT exams. Before neoadjuvant therapy, PET/CT showed that all the variables of the evaluated lymph nodes were statistically significant in predicting OS. Post neoadjuvant therapy, none of the PET/CT variables of lymph nodes were related to prognosis. On the other hand, all primary tumor volumetric variables were related to overall survival. The MTV (HR: 4.66; 95% CI: 1.54-14.08) and TLG (HR: 4.86; 95% CI: 1.66-14.26) of the primary tumor post neoadjuvant therapy and the variations in MTV (HR: 2.95; 95% CI: 1.01-3.52) and TLG (HR: 3.49; 95% CI: 1.01-3.52) of the primary tumor pre-to-post-neoadjuvant therapy were prognostic variables. Conclusion: In patients with esophageal cancer, the burden of disease in suspicious lymph nodes and the primary tumor prior to therapy and the residual burden of disease in the primary tumor post therapy assessed by PET/CT were associated with prognosis.
The Effects of Everyday-Life Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Biological Age Indicators
Authors: Pavanello Sofia , Campisi Manuela , Mastrangelo Giuseppe , Hoxha Mirjam , Bollati Valentina 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundFurther knowledge on modifiable aging risk factors is required to mitigate the increasing burden of age-related diseases in a rapidly growing global demographic of elderly individuals. We explored the effect of everyday exposure to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are fundamental constituents of air pollution, on cellular biological aging. This was determined via the analysis of leukocyte telomere length (LTL), mitochondrial DNA copy number (LmtDNAcn), and by the formation of anti- benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide (B[a]PDE–DNA) adducts.MethodsThe study population consisted of 585 individuals living in North-East Italy. PAH exposure (diet, indoor activities, outdoor activities, traffic, and residential exposure) and smoking behavior were assessed by questionnaire and through measures of target dose [B[a]PDE–DNA]. LTL, LmtDNAcn and genetic polymorphisms [glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 (GSTM1; GSTT1)] were measured by polymerase chain reaction methods. Structural equation modelling analysis evaluated these complex relationships.ResultsIn two models investigating LTL and LmtDNAcn, we found an ordered relationship between these measurements and PAH exposure (diet, indoor, outdoor, traffic, residential). Acting through anti-B[a]PDE–DNA adduct formation, we detected reduced LTL (p=0.028) and LmtDNAcn (p=0.018) levels, particularly in males (LTL p=0.006; LmtDNAcn p=0.0001). Active smoking only increased LTL (p=0.0001). Besides this, the most significant determinants of PAH exposure causing an increase in anti-B[a]PDE–DNA were indoor and diet (p=0.0001 for each). while the least significant was outdoor. Lastly, the presence of detoxifying GSTM1 decreased adduct levels.Conclusion New findings stemming from our study suggest that LTL and LmtDNAcn erosion depends on certain preventable everyday life exposure to PAHs. In particular, the clear association with indoor activities, diet, and gender opens new perspectives for tailored preventive measures in age-related diseases, including lung cancer.Capsule:Everyday life exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons shortens leukocyte telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number through anti-B[a]PDE-DNA adduct formation.
Control of COVID-19 in Australia through quarantine: the role of Special Health Accommodation (SHA) in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Fotheringham Penelope , Anderson Teresa , Shaw Ms Miranda , Jewitt Joseph , Storey Ms Hannah , Hutchings Owen , Cartwright Jason , Gupta Leena 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background The first COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in Australia on 25 January 2020. Initial epidiemiology showed that the majority of cases were in returned travellers from overseas. One aspect of Public Health response was to introduce compulsory 14 day quarantine for all travellers returning to NSW by air or sea in Special Health Accommodation (SHA).MethodsThe SHA was established with a comprehensive governance structure, clinical management through rpavirtual hospital remote management and site management with health care workers, NSW Police and accommodation staff.Findings From 29 March to 29 April 2020, 373 returned travellers were admitted to the SHA from Sydney Airport. 88 (26.1%) of those swabbed were positive for SARS-CoV 2, 0.91% of all returning air travellers. The day of diagnosis of COVID-19 varied from Day 1 to Day 13, with 63.6% (n=56) of these in the first week of quarantine. 50% of the people in the SHA were referred to rpavirtual for ongoing clinical management. 7 patients required admission to hospital for ongoing clinical care.InterpretationThe Public Health response to COVID-19 in Australia included early and increased case detection through testing, tracing of contacts of confirmed cases, social distancing and prohibition of gatherings. In addition to these measures, the introduction of mandated self-quarantine for travellers to Australia was integral to the successful containment of COVID-19 in NSW and in Australia through the prevention of transmission locally and interstate from returning travellers.
Effects of Age, Gender, and Menopausal Status on Small Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Fractions; JMS-II Cohort Study
Authors: Izumida Toshihide , Nakamura Yosikazu , Sato Yukihiro , Ishikawa Shizukiyo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:Small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) might be a better cardiovascular disease (CVD) indicator than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); however, details regarding its epidemiology remain elusive. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of age, gender, and menopausal status on sdLDL-C levels and sdLDL-C/LDL-C ratio in the Japanese population.Methods:We examined the baseline cross-sectional data from the Jichi Medical School-II Cohort Study, including 5,208 participants (2,397 men and 2,811 women). To assess age-related trends, the sdLDL-C and sdLDL-C/LDL-C ratios were plotted against gender. We evaluated the effect of age and menopausal status using multiple linear regression analysis.Results:We observed that in men, the sdLDL-C levels and sdLDL-C/LDL-C ratio increased during younger adulthood, peaked at 50–54 years, and then decreased. In women, we observed relatively regular increasing trends of sdLDL-C level and sdLDL-C/LDL-C ratio until approximately 65 years, followed by a downward or pleated trend. The crossover of sdLDL-C levels for the genders occurred at 70–74 years, but we could not observe any sdLDL-C/LDL-C ratio crossover. Standardized sdLDL-C levels and sdLDL-C/LDL-C ratio in 50-year old men, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women were 26.6, 22.7, and 27.4 mg/dL and 0.24, 0.15, and 0.23, respectively. The differences between premenopausal and postmenopausal women were significant (P<0.001).Conclusions:sdLDL-C and sdLDL-C/LDL-C ratios show different distributions by age, gender, and menopausal status with trends different from other lipids. A subgroup-specific approach would be necessary to implement sdLDL-C for CVD prevention strategies, fully considering age-related trends, gender differences, and menopausal status.
Monitoring the spatiotemporal epidemiology of Covid-19 incidence and mortality: a small-area analysis in Germany
Authors: Rohleder Sven , Bozorgmehr Kayvan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: As response to the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), countries worldwide have implemented mitigation and control measures at national and subnational level. Timely monitoring of risks of SARS-CoV-2 incidence and associated deaths at small-area level is essential to inform local response strategies. However, the potentials of spatial epidemiology to contribute to this aim are yet untapped in most countries. Using the example of Germany, we analysed the spatiotemporal epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 incidence and associated deaths at district level to develop a tool for monitoring incidence and mortality rates and to estimate district-specific risks of disease incidence.

Methods: We conducted a longitudinal small-area analysis for 401 districts to assess the district-specific risks of SARS-CoV-2 incidence by using nationally representative data from the national surveillance system in Germany on a daily basis (January 28 th to May 4 th 2020). We used a Bayesian spatiotemporal model to estimate the district-specific risk ratios (RR) of SARS-CoV-2 incidence and the posterior exceedance probability for RR thresholds greater than 1, 2 or 3, respectively. We further calculated standardised incidence (SIR) and mortality ratios (SMR) stratified by sex and age groups to assess the spatial distribution of SARS-CoV-2 incidence and deaths.

Results: A total of 85 districts (21 % of all districts) showed a RR greater than 3, and 63 districts (16 % of all districts) exceed the RR threshold with a probability of greater than 80 %. Median RR was 1.19 (range 0-523.08), and the median SIR and SMR were 0.34 (range 0-423.94) and 0 (range 0-343.39), respectively. Elevated RR, and correspondingly high SIR and SMR, were observed in at-risk districts (identified by the spatiotemporal model) in southern and western districts of Germany. Daily updates of district-specific risk, SIR and SMR are implemented in a web-based platform.
Conclusions: Our approach provides an informative and timely tool to monitor the district-specific risks of SARS-CoV-2 incidence and associated deaths. This approach can be used to inform local authorities for decision-making and strategy planning on containing the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Integrative pharmacogenomic profiling identifies novel cancer drugs and gene networks modulating ferroptosis sensitivity in pan-cancer
Authors: Yang Haitang , Zhao Liang , Yao Feng , Gao Yanyun , Marti Thomas M. , Schmid Ralph A. , Peng Ren-Wang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Ferroptosis is an apoptosis-independent cell death program implicated in various diseases including cancer. Emerging evidence has demonstrated the promise of pharmacological induction of ferroptosis as a novel anti-cancer approach, but the molecular underpinnings of ferroptosis regulation and biomarkers associated with sensitivity to ferroptosis indcuers has been poorly defined.

Methods: By implementing integrated pharmacogenomic analysis, we correlated the sensitivity of small-molecule compounds (n=481) against the transcriptomes of solid cancer cell lines (n=659). The potential of a drug compound to modulate ferroptosis was determined by significant (empirical p-value < 0.01) association of drug effectiveness with SLC7A11 expression. To establish generalized gene signatures for ferroptosis sensitivity and resistance, we interrogated drug effects of multiple ferroptosis inducers (n=7) with transcriptomic data of pan-solid cancer cells. Finally, the ferroptosis gene signature was applied to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) project to identify cancer patients and cells that likely benefit from ferroptosis-based therapeutics.

Results: We report, for the first time, the comprehensive identification of cancer drugs with the potential to induce ferroptosis and a generalized gene expression signature predicting ferroptosis response in pan-cancer. Informed by the findings, we reveal an unanticipated role for class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) in regulating ferroptosis and show that targeting HDAC significantly enhances the ferroptosis-promoting effect of Erastin in lung cancer cells. Moreover, our data indicate that small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and isocitrate dehydrogenase ( IDH )-mutant brain tumors are highly primed for ferroptosis, suggesting that relaunching ferroptosis might be an innovative strategy to target these malignancies.

Conclusions: Expanding arsenal targeting aberrant ferroptosis and deciphering gene networks dictating ferroptosis sensitivity shed light on ferroptosis regulatory networks and may facilitate biomarker-guided stratification for ferroptosis-based therapy.
Nrf2 protects against drowning-induced acute lung injury via inhibiting ferroptosis
Authors: Qiu Yu-bao , Wan Bin-bin , Liu Gang , Wu Ya-xian , Chen Dan , Lu Mu-dan , Chen Jun-liang , Yu Ren-qiang , Chen Dao-zhen , Pang Qing-feng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Drowning-induced acute lung injury (ALI) has been a major cause of accidental death worldwide. Severe oxidative stress injury is the key factor in drowning-induced ALI. The latest evidences indicate nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) suppress Ferroptosis and maintain cellular redox balance. Here, we test the hypothesis that activation of Nrf2 attenuates drowning-induced ALI via inhibiting ferroptosis.

Methods

In this study, we employed Nrf2-specific agonist (dimethyl fumarate), Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385), Nrf2-knockout mice and ferroptosis inhibitor (Ferrostatin-1) to investigate the beneficial roles of Nrf2 on drowning-induced ALI and the underlying mechanisms.

Results

In this study, we firstly showed that Nrf2 activator dimethyl fumarate could increase cell viability, reduced the levels of intracellular ROS and lipid ROS, prevented glutathione depletion and lipid peroxide accumulation, increased FTH1 and GPX4 mRNA expression, and maintained mitochondrial membrane potential. However, ML385 promoted cell death and lipid ROS production. Furthermore, Nrf2 knockout aggravated seawater drowning-induced ALI in mice.

Conclusions

In summary, these results suggest that Nrf2 alleviate drowning-induced ALI in MLE-12 cells and mice through inhibiting ferroptosis.
A Case of Vestibular Schwannoma with Oral Burning Sensation: Surgical Complication or Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Authors: Suga Takayuki , Takenoshita Miho , Tu Trang T.H , Hong Chaoli , Takao Chihiro , Watanabe Motoko , Akira Toyofuku 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Vestibular schwannoma (VS) or acoustic neuroma is a benign brain tumor. Despite improvements in surgical technique, the removal of VS is related to some complications of which the recovery is difficult and sometimes lead to permanent deficits. About 10.7% of complication of vestibular schwannoma surgery is reported to affect facial or tongue area, including numbness of pain, which is similar to a typical symptom of burning mouth syndrome (BMS). However, up to our knowledge, there is no documented case of BMS either comorbid with vestibular schwannoma or occur due to surgery complications. Clinical Presentation: A 46-year-old woman complained about left-sided facial pain, a burning sensation on the left side of her tongue and maxilla, and a spontaneous bitter taste. Four years before her first visit to our clinic, left-sided facial pain and burning sensation on the left side of the tongue suddenly became severe. She visited a neurosurgeon and VS was found in the left cerebellopontine angle. After the tumor was removed, facial pain, burning sensation of the tongue, and bitter taste improved simultaneously but quickly recurred after a while. The patient had a panic attack because of severe pain and started visiting a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist diagnosed her as having somatic symptom disorder and depression, prescribing sertraline 100 mg, zolpidem 5 mg, and lorazepam 1.0 mg and referred her to our clinic. At the first visit, no abnormal intraoral nor extraoral findings were detected. Based on the characteristics of the pain, we made a diagnose of BMS. Amitriptyline was initiated at 10 mg/day and increased to 30 m. Within 1.5 months, the pain and burning sensation of the tongue and maxilla almost remitted completely, whereas bitter taste showed moderate improvement. Conclusions: Our case suggests there might be an exceptional case in which BMS and VS can occur simultaneously. Specifically, an oral burning sensation and dysgeusia after VS surgery are not always a case of surgical complication or untreatable.
Can a penalized-likelihood estimation algorithm be used to reduce the injected dose or the acquisition time in 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT studies?
Authors: Chicheportiche Alexandre , Goshen Elinor , Godefroy Jeremy , Grozinsky-Glasberg Simona , Oleinikov Kira , Meirovitz Amichay , Gross David J. , Ben-Haim Simona 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Both image quality and quantitative accuracy of PET depend on several factors such as uptake time, scanner characteristics and image reconstruction methods. Ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) is considered today the gold standard for image reconstruction. Penalized-likelihood estimation (PL) algorithms have been recently developed for PET reconstruction to improve quantitation accuracy while maintaining or even improving image quality. In the present study, we aim to compare the performance of a PL algorithm (Q.Clear, GE Healthcare) and 3D OSEM for 68Ga-DOTATATE (68Ga-DOTA) PET studies, both visually and quantitatively. Thirty consecutive whole-body 68Ga-DOTA studies were included. The data were acquired in list mode and reconstructed using 3D OSEM and Q.Clear with various values of the regularization parameter β, and various acquisition times per bed position (bp), thus generating images with reduced injected dose (1.5 min/bp: β=300-1100; 1.0 min/bp: β=600-1300 and 0.5 min/bp: β=800-2200). Evaluation was performed using a phantom and clinical data. Finally, two experienced nuclear medicine physicians blinded to the variables assessed the image quality visually. Results: Clinical images reconstructed with Q.Clear , set at 1.5 and 1.0 min/bp using β = 1100 and 1300 respectively, resulted in images with noise equivalence to 3D OSEM (1.5 min/bp) with a mean increase in SUVmax of 14 % and 11%, in SNR of 18% and 10%, and in SBR of 14% and 12%, respectively. Reconstruction using 0.5 min/bp and β = 2200 resulted in SUVmax, SNR and SBR with a relative difference < 1%. Visual assessment yielded similar results with mean scores for Q.Clear (1.5, 1.0 and 0.5 min/bp) vs 3D OSEM (1.5 min/bp) of 3.58 vs 3.38, 3.64 vs 3.47 and 3.60 vs 3.61, respectively. Conclusion: 68Ga-DOTA reconstructions with Q.Clear, 1.5 and 1.0 min/bp resulted in increased tumor SUVmax and in improved SNR and SBR at a similar level of noise compared to 3D OSEM. Q.Clear with β =1300 enabled a one-third reduction of acquisition time or injected dose, with similar image quality compared to 3D OSEM.
Detecting change in precipitation indices using observed (1977–2016) and modeled future climate data in Portland, Oregon, USA
Authors: Cooley Alexis Kirsten , Chang Heejun 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study addresses how regional changes to precipitation may be identified by exploring the effect of temporal resolution on trend detection. Climate indices that summarize precipitation characteristics are used with Mann–Kendall monotonic testing to investigate precipitation trends in Portland, Oregon (OR) from 1977 to 2016. Observational records from rain gages are compared with downscaled global climate models to determine trends for the historic (1977–2005) and future (2006–2100) periods. Standard indices created by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) are deployed. ETCCDI indices that summarize conditions at the annual level are generated alongside a limited number of ETCCDI indices summarized at the monthly level. For the future climate, the indices summarized at the annual level demonstrate trends indicative of an intensifying hydrologic cycle. The historical record depicted by annual indices does not show trends. The historical record is viewed differently by changing the indices to monthly summaries, which causes trend detection to increase and hallmark indicators of an intensifying hydrologic cycle to become apparent.
Protective Effects of Polydatin Against Dementia-Related Disorders
Authors: Tang Kim San 
Published: June 2020

:
Dementia is a collection of symptoms affecting a person’s cognition. Dementia is
debilitating, and therefore, finding an effective treatment is of utmost importance. Resveratrol,
which exhibits neuroprotective effects, has low bioavailability. However, its glucoside polydatin is
more bioavailable. Here, the evidence that supports the protective role of polydatin against dementia-
related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, alcohol-related dementia, and
Lewy body dementias is presented. The beneficial effects of polydatin from a mechanistic perspective
are specifically emphasized in this review. Future directions in this area of research are also
discussed.