bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of cardiovascular diseases on maternal deaths in the Nordic countries
Authors: Nyfløt Lill T. , Johansen Marianne , Mulic‐Lutvica Ajlana , Gissler Mika , Bødker Birgit , Bremme Katarina , Ellingsen Liv , Vangen Siri 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionCardiovascular diseases have become increasingly important as a cause of maternal death in the Nordic countries. This is likely to be associated with a rising incidence of pregnant women with congenital and acquired cardiac diseases. Through audits, we aim to prevent future maternal deaths by identifying causes of death and suboptimal factors in the clinical management.Material and methodsMaternal deaths in the Nordic countries from 2005 to 2017 were identified through linked registers. The national audit groups performed case assessments based on hospital records, classified the cause of death, and evaluated the standards of clinical care provided. Key messages were prepared to improve treatment.ResultsWe identified 227 maternal deaths, giving a maternal mortality rate of 5.98 deaths per 100 000 live births. The most common cause of death was cardiovascular disease (n = 36 deaths). Aortic dissection/rupture, myocardial disease, and ischemic heart disease were the most common diagnoses. In nearly 60% of the cases, the disease was not recognized before death. In more than half of the deaths, substandard care was identified (59%). In 11 deaths (31%), improvements to care that may have made a difference to the outcome were identified.ConclusionsBetween 2005 and 2017, cardiovascular diseases were the most common causes of maternal deaths in the Nordic countries. There appears to be a clear potential for a further reduction in these maternal deaths. Increased awareness of cardiac symptoms in pregnant women seems warranted.
Epstein‐Barr virus latent membrane protein‐1 upregulates autophagy and promotes viability in Hodgkin lymphoma: Implications for targeted therapy
Authors: Lin Hui‐Chen , Chang Yao , Chen Ruo‐Yu , Hung Liang‐Yi , Chen Paul Chih‐Hsueh , Chen Ya‐Ping , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Chiang Po‐Min , Chang Kung‐Chao 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHodgkin lymphoma (HL) is composed of neoplastic Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg cells in an inflammatory background. The neoplastic cells are derived from germinal center B cells that, in most cases, are infected by Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), which may play a role in tumorigenesis. Given that EBV‐latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) regulates autophagy in B cells, we explored the role of autophagy mediated by EBV or LMP1 in HL. We found that EBV‐LMP1 transfection in HL cells induced a modest increase in autophagy signals, attenuated starvation‐induced autophagic stress, and alleviated autophagy inhibition‐ or doxorubicin‐induced cell death. LMP1 knockdown leads to decreased autophagy LC3 signals. A xenograft mouse model further showed that EBV infection significantly increased expression of the autophagy marker LC3 in HL cells. Clinically, LC3 was expressed in 15% (19/127) of HL samples, but was absent in all cases of nodular lymphocyte‐predominant and lymphocyte‐rich classic HL cases. Although expression of LC3 was not correlated with EBV status or clinical outcome, autophagic blockade effectively eradicated LMP1‐positive HL xenografts with better efficacy than LMP1‐negative HL xenografts. Collectively, these results suggest that EBV‐LMP1 enhances autophagy and promotes the viability of HL cells. Autophagic inhibition may be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating patients with HL, especially EBV‐positive cases.
Influence of dialysis duration on outcomes of simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplant
Authors: Dong Yinlei , Zhou Jie , Li Zhiwei , Xiang Jie , Mei Shengmin , Gu Yangjun , Zheng Huilin , Chen Zheng , Huang Zhichao , Xu Fangshen , Hu Zhenhua 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess how pre‐transplant dialysis duration affects transplant outcomes after simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplant (SPK) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).MethodsData of 6887 T1DM patients who underwent SPK transplantation between 2008 and 2018 were obtained from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database. According to pre‐transplant dialysis duration, the patients were divided into the preemptive SPK, 0‐2 years, 2‐5 years, and >5 years dialysis groups. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was performed to compare patient and graft survival among the groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify predictors of transplant outcomes.ResultsThe mean follow‐up period was 56.7 ± 34.7 months. Compared with no dialysis or preemptive SPK, dialysis for 0‐2 years was not significantly associated with patient or kidney graft survival, while long‐term dialysis of 2‐5 years and >5 years was significantly associated with increased risk of death and kidney graft failure. However, the duration of dialysis was not associated with pancreas graft survival.ConclusionLong‐term dialysis duration before SPK transplant is an independent predictor of patient death and kidney graft failure in T1DM patients.
Consistent improvements in short‐ and long‐term survival following heart transplantation over the past three decades
Authors: Reul Ross M. , Zhang Theodore S. , Rana Abbas A. , Rosengart Todd K. , Goss John A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite noted improvements in short‐term survival outcomes following orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT), review of the relevant literature suggests little improvement in long‐term outcomes for patients surviving beyond 1 year.MethodsAll OHT cases performed between 1989 and 2019 within the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database were reviewed. Adults who underwent isolated OHT were included in a 1‐year survival analysis. Those who survived at least 1 year post‐transplant were included in a long‐term survival analysis. Demographic factors were assessed using Students’ t test and chi‐square analysis. Survival trends and risk factors were assessed using the Kaplan‐Meier and the Cox regression analysis, respectively.ResultsA total of 53 265 and 46 372 recipients were included in the short‐term and long‐term cohorts, respectively. In an adjusted analysis, the reference implant era 2014‐2019 had significantly better short‐term survival outcomes when compared with earlier implant eras: 1989‐1993 (HR: 2.92), 1994‐1998 (HR: 1.53), 1999‐2003 (HR: 1.27), 2004‐2008 (HR: 1.11), and 2009‐2013 (HR: 1.02). The same trend was recognized for long‐term outcomes: 1989‐1993 (HR: 1.87), 1994‐1998 (HR: 1.27), 1999‐2003 (HR: 1.09), and 2004‐2008 (HR: 1.03).ConclusionsDespite increases in multiple traditional risk factors, both short‐term and long‐term survival outcomes have consistently improved over the past 30 years, suggesting other factors are contributing to improved outcomes in recent eras.
Economic assessment of African horse sickness vaccine impact
Authors: Redmond Elizabeth F. , Jones Derrick , Rushton Jonathan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAfrican horse sickness (AHS) is endemic in sub‐Saharan Africa posing a threat to equine populations in non‐endemic regions. Available vaccine technologies have limitations, creating barriers to horse movement, AHS control and, in non‐endemic areas or countries, rapid elimination of virus after incursion. The literature lacks an economic assessment of the benefits of bringing a new, more effective AHS vaccine to market.ObjectivesThe study assesses the economic impact of AHS and tests the hypothesis that investment in a safer, more effective AHS vaccine would give an economic return.Study designCost‐benefit analysis.MethodsPrimary and secondary data were collected to populate the cost‐benefit analysis model. A literature review was followed by a questionnaire survey and interviews to gather primary data. At‐risk populations were defined and qualitative assessment completed to narrow the target populations for quantitative assessment. A deterministic cost‐benefit model was developed in Excel and different scenarios tested. Break‐even and sensitivity analysis were conducted on key parameters.ResultsThe economic impact of AHS was estimated to be US$95 million per annum, and this was mainly in endemic regions with domestic equine industries and involved in international trade. Investment required to bring a new AHS vaccine to market was estimated to be up to US$3.5 million, which was very small relative to the benefits estimated in this study. The economic return on investment in bringing a new AHS vaccine to market was predicted to be positive and the analysis demonstrates this result was robust.Main limitationsData for the analysis were scarce, requiring expert opinion and extrapolation by the authors. Sensitivity analysis with the deterministic modelling structure indicated there was no justification for stochastic modelling, given the robustness of the return on investment.ConclusionsThe analysis predicts a strong and robust economic return on the investment in bringing a new AHS vaccine to market. Main economic beneficiaries would be the high value horse sectors, specifically the equine industries in Republic of South Africa (RSA) and in non‐endemic countries. In addition, major benefits would be captured in poor communities in sub‐Saharan Africa where working equids are of high economic and social importance.
A phytic acid analogue INS‐3001 prevents ectopic calcification in an Abcc6−/− mouse model of pseudoxanthoma elasticum
Authors: Jacobs Ida Joely , Li Diana , Ivarsson Mattias E. , Uitto Jouni , Li Qiaoli 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a prototype of heritable ectopic calcification disorders, affects the skin, eyes and the cardiovascular system due to inactivating mutations in the ABCC6 gene. There is no effective treatment for the systemic manifestations of PXE. In this study, the efficacy of INS‐3001, an analogue of phytic acid, was tested for inhibition of ectopic calcification in an Abcc6−/− mouse model of PXE. In prevention study, Abcc6−/− mice, at 6 weeks of age, the time of onset of ectopic calcification, were treated with INS‐3001 with 0.16, 0.8, 4, 20 or 100 mg/kg/day administered by subcutaneous implantation of osmotic pumps, as well as 4 mg/kg/day by subcutaneous injection thrice weekly or 14, 4 and 0.8 mg/kg/day once weekly subcutaneous injection. Mice were necropsied at 12 weeks of age. Histologic examination and quantitative calcium assay revealed that mice receiving 6 weeks of continuous INS‐3001 administration via osmotic pumps showed dose‐dependent inhibition of muzzle skin calcification with complete response at 4 mg/kg/day and a minimum effective dose at 0.8 mg/kg/day. INS‐3001 plasma concentrations were dose‐dependent and largely consistent during treatment for each dose. thrice weekly and once weekly subcutaneous injections of INS‐3001 also prevented calcification. In established disease study, 12‐week‐old Abcc6−/− mice with extensive calcification were continuously administered INS‐3001 at 4 mg/kg/day for a follow‐up of 12 weeks. INS‐3001 treatment was found to stabilize existing calcification that had developed at start of treatment. These results suggest that INS‐3001 may provide a promising preventive treatment strategy for PXE, a currently intractable ectopic calcification disorder.
Melittin sensitizes skin squamous carcinoma cells to 5‐fluorouracil by affecting cell proliferation and survival
Authors: Ombredane Alicia S. , de Andrade Laise R. , Bonadio Raphael S. , Pinheiro Willie O. , de Azevedo Ricardo B. , Joanitti Graziella A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCombined 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and melittin (MEL) is believed to enhance cytotoxic effects on skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, the rationale underlying cytotoxicity is fundamentally important for a proper design of combination chemotherapy, and to provide translational insights for future therapeutics in the dermatology field. The aim was to elucidate the effects of 5‐FU/MEL combination on the viability, proliferation and key structures of human squamous cell carcinoma (A431). Morphology, plasma membrane, DNA, mitochondria, oxidative stress, cell viability, proliferation and cell death pathways were targeted for investigation by microscopy, MTT, trypan blue assay, flow cytometry and real‐time cell analysis. 5‐FU/MEL (0.25 µM/0.52 µM) enhanced the cytotoxic effect in A431 cells (74.46%, p < .001) after 72 h exposure, showing greater cytotoxic effect when compared to each isolated compound (45.55% 5‐FU and 61.78% MEL). The results suggest that MEL induces plasma membrane alterations that culminate in a loss of integrity at subsequent times, sensitizing the cell to 5‐FU action. DNA fragmentation, S and G2/M arrest, disruption of mitochondrial metabolism, and alterations in cell morphology culminated in proliferation blockage and apoptosis. 5‐FU/MEL combination design optimizes the cytotoxic effects of each drug at lower concentrations, which may represent an innovative strategy for SCC therapy.
Socio‐demographic characteristics affect health information seeking on the Internet in Turkey
Authors: Demirci Şenol , Uğurluoğlu Özgür , Konca Murat , Çakmak Cuma 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe objective of this paper was to determine the effects of certain socio‐demographic characteristics of Turkish individuals who seek health information on the Internet.MethodsThis study was granted permission to use data obtained by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TSI) in 2018 under their Household Information Technology Use (HITU) study. The original sample for this research comprised 19,389 participants.ResultsAge, gender, educational level, place of residence and frequency of Internet use were all found to impact the participants’ health information seeking behaviour on the Internet. Health information was sought more frequently by women than men, by younger than older people and by those with higher levels of education. Also, health information searches were conducted more often in developed regions than in less‐developed regions. In addition, it was also found that the habit of seeking health information was more common among those who use the Internet more frequently.ConclusionSeveral socio‐demographic characteristics of individuals affect their health information seeking behaviour on the Internet. All individuals should be granted equivalent access to reliable health information by taking sociodemographic characteristics and discrepancies into consideration.
Evaporation behavior of SiO2 glass doped with various transition metal oxides
Authors: Cheng Chunyu , Xie Wei , Li Hejun , Fu Qiangang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo investigate the effect of transition metal oxides on the evaporation characteristic of SiO2 glass at 1700°C, nine transition metal oxides were added to SiO2 glass. The results show that V2O5, MoO3, and WO3 have little effect on the high‐temperature stability of SiO2 glass due to their evaporation at 1500‐1700°C. Besides, Nb2O5 and Ta2O5 reduce the evaporation of SiO2 by covering the surface of the sample. Moreover, by improving the content of cristobalite, the evaporation of the SiO2‐Cr2O3 sample decreases. Meanwhile, TiO2, ZrO2, and HfO2 are beneficial to decreasing the evaporation of SiO2 glass because Ti, Zr, and Hf diffuse into c‐SiO2. Meanwhile, the SiO2‐HfO2 sample possesses the least evaporation.
Luminescent properties of doped amorphous and polycrystalline Y3Al5O12‐Al2O3
Authors: Zheng Guojun , Wu Jianhong , Xu Zhousu , Fang Zaijin , Liu Xiaofeng , Qiu Jianrong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTransparent polycrystalline ceramics (TPCs) are crystalline materials with single‐crystal‐like transparency, which, however, have to rely on fabrication processes with a relatively high cost. Here, we produced lab‐scale TPCs based on the typical refractory Y2O3‐Al2O3 system, through full congruent crystallization of the parent glass prepared by aerodynamic levitation melting method. Doping of the glass and TPCs by rare‐earth (RE) ions (Ce3+, Tb3+, Nd3+, and Yb3+) and transition‐metal (TM) ions (Cr3+) results in strong visible and near‐infrared (NIR) photoluminescence with high quantum yield. The dominance of Stark splitting of the emission band for RE and TM ions in the TPCs as compared with that of the glass confirms crystallization of the parent glasses.
Feasibility of catheter ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation guided by fragmented late‐gadolinium enhancement areas
Authors: Kiuchi Kunihiko , Fukuzawa Koji , Takami Mitsuru , Watanabe Yoshiaki , Izawa Yu , Shigeru Mayumi , Oonishi Hiroyuki , Suehiro Hideya , Akita Tomomi , Takemoto Makoto , Yatomi Atsusuke , Nakamura Toshihiro , Sakai Jun , Nakasone Kazutaka , Sonoda Yusuke , Yamamoto Kyoko , Takahara Hiroyuki , Negi Noriyuki , Kyotani Katsusuke , Kono Atsushi , Hirata Ken‐ichi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundA computer simulation model has demonstrated that atrial fibrillation (AF) driver can be attached to heterogeneous fibrosis assessed by late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (LGE‐MRI). However, it has not been well elucidated in patients with persistent AF. The aim of this study was to investigate whether radiofrequency (RF) applications in the fragmented LGE area (FLA) could terminate AF or convert it to atrial tachycardia (AT) and improve the rhythm outcome.MethodsA total of 31 consecutive persistent AF patients with FLAs were enrolled (FLA ablation group, mean age: 69 ± 8 years, mean left atrial diameter: 42 ± 6 mm). A favorable response was defined as direct AF termination or AT conversion during RF applications at the FLA. The rhythm outcome was compared between the FLA ablation group and FLA burden‐matched pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) group.ResultsFavorable responses were found in 15 (48%) of 31 patients in the FLA group (AF termination in seven, AT conversion in eight patients), but not in the PVI group. AF recurrence at 12 months follow‐up was significantly less in the FLA ablation group than in the PVI group (4 [13%] vs. 12 [39%] of 31 patients, log‐rank p = .023). In patients with a favorable response, AT recurred in 1 (7%) of 15 patients, but AF did not.ConclusionsFLA ablation could terminate AF or convert it to AT in half of the patients. No AF recurrence was documented in patients with a favorable response.
Unequal but essential: How subsistence consumer–entrepreneurs negotiate unprecedented shock with extraordinary resilience during COVID‐19
Authors: Viswanathan Madhubalan , Faruque Aly Hussein , Duncan Ronald , Mandhan Namrata 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe use qualitative interviews to study subsistence consumers confronting the global, pervasive and extended challenges of COVID‐19, encompassing literally all realms of daily life. For subsistence consumers whose circumstances are filled with day‐to‐day uncertainty and a small margin of error to begin with, the pandemic has led to manifold uncertainties and a disappearing margin of error, with potentially lethal consequences. Their constraints to thinking and lack of self‐confidence arising from both low income and low literacy are magnified in the face of the complex, invisible pandemic and the fear and panic it has caused. Characteristic relational strengths are weakened with social distancing and fear of infection. Yet, subsistence consumers display humanity in catastrophe, and confront the uncontrollable by reiterating a higher power. Consumption is reduced to the very bare essentials and income generation involves staying the course versus finding any viable alternative. We derive implications for consumer affairs.
Begomoviruses affecting pulse and vegetable crops are unevenly distributed in distinct agroecological zones of the eastern India
Authors: Sahu Bhimeshwari , Dokka Narasimham , Mahajan Mahesh M , Sharma Kailash Chander , Singh Harvinder Kumar , Marathe Ashish , Dewangan Bhagwat P , Mooventhan Palanisamy , Yele Yogesh , Sridhar Jandrajupalli , Kumar Vinay , Sivalingam Palaiyur Nanjappan , Kumar Jagdish , Kaushal Pankaj , Kumar Ghosh Probir 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntensive cultivation, climate change and host–pathogen dynamics/interaction had led to emergence of viral diseases and vector population, thereby causing significant economic losses. In the present study, extensive surveys were conducted (during 2016–2017) followed with field experiments (2017 and 2019 kharif and 2018 rabi seasons) in the state of Chhattisgarh, India, comprising of three diverse agroecological zones, viz., northern hill zone, central plain zone and southern Bastar plateau zone, for understanding the distribution pattern of viruses and vector populations in prominent pulses and vegetable crops. Field experiments revealed that more than 90% incidence of yellow mosaic disease (YMD) was recorded in mungbean and urdbean, followed by YMD of ridge gourd and bitter gourd, leaf curl disease of tomato (ToLCD) and chilli and yellow vein mosaic disease of bhendi; however, only five per cent YMD was recorded in cow pea. Molecular and sequence analysis of viral genomic components revealed ToLCD in central plain zone of Chhattisgarh was caused by a consortium of begomoviruses, including Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), Tomato leaf curl Karnataka virus (ToLCKV), and Tomato leaf curl Kerala virus associated with satellite molecules. YMD of mungbean, cow pea and soybean was caused by Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV), while YMD of ridge gourd was caused by ToLCNDV. PCR analysis, using species‐specific primers, of samples representing the three different regions revealed that YMD of mungbean, urdbean and cowpea was positive only for MYMIV and was unevenly distributed, while YMD of ridge gourd, bitter gourd, pumpkin and sponge gourd was positive only for ToLCNDV; however, ToLCD was positive for either ToLCNDV or ToLCKV or both, and some samples were also found associated with betasatellite molecules. Amaranthus and rice bean were identified as non‐host species for the begomoviruses infecting tomato and MYMIV, as observed by surveys in the hot‐spot‐like areas, controlled whitefly transmission as well as agroinoculation. Compilation and analysis of available information on begomoviruses affecting these crops in India suggest that they are unevenly distributed in India. This is the first report of the begomovirus occurrence in pulses and vegetable crops in this agroecologically diverse region.