bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Visfatin does not seem to be a Useful Marker to Guide
Glucocorticoid Substitution in Adrenal Insufficiency
Authors: Fichna Marta , Czarnywojtek Agata , Sowińska Anna , Gryczyńska Maria , Gut Paweł , Ruchała Marek 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPrimary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease, AD) requires
lifelong steroid substitution. Excess exogenous glucocorticoids promote
abdominal obesity, insulin-glucose imbalance, and hypertension. Reliable
markers of the adequate glucocorticoid replacement are lacking. Visfatin is
a pro-inflammatory adipokine, with enzymatic activity of nicotinamide
phosphoribosyltransferase. It enhances leukocyte function and synthesis of
tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Serum visfatin is elevated in autoimmunity, but also in obesity, insulin
resistance, and metabolic syndrome. This study was aimed to investigate
whether serum visfatin could guide the glucocorticoid substitution in AD.
Biochemical analyses were performed in 96 patients with AD (mean age
43.3±14.9 years) and 91 controls (43.5±12.5 years). Visfatin
level was significantly elevated in patients with AD compared to controls
(p<0.0001). Higher circulating IL-6 was also detected among subjects
with AD (p=0.006). In AD, visfatin level was positively correlated
with IL-6 (p=0.014), TNFα (p=0.001), body mass
(p=0.015), fasting insulin (p=0.001) and HOMA-IR
(p=0.001). No relationship was noticed with daily hydrocortisone
(p=0.096) and urinary free cortisol excretion (p=0.499).
Only the correlations with IL-6 and fasting insulin survived multiple
regression analysis (p=0.049 and p=0.005, respectively).
Additionally, positive correlation between visfatin and autoantibodies to
21-hydroxylase was noted (p=0.005). In the control group serum
visfatin was correlated with IL-6 (p=0.009) and TNFα
(p=0.0002). The current study reveals elevated serum visfatin in
autoimmune AD. Visfatin does not seem a useful marker of the glucocorticoid
replacement, although it correlates with fasting insulin and
pro-inflammatory molecules. Further functional analyses are warranted to
elucidate the role of visfatin in autoimmunity.
Substance Use and Suicide Attempts Among Adolescent Males Who Are Members of a Sexual Minority: A Comparison of Synthesized Substance-Use Measures
Authors: Turpin Rodman E , Rosario Andre D , Dyer Typhanye V 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAdolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) are among the highest risk groups for suicide in the United States, with substance use as a significant risk factor. We tested for an association between substance use and suicidality among ASMM from the 2015 and 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (n = 849). We compared several approaches to synthesizing measures of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamines, synthetic marijuana, and prescription drug abuse, including several categorized and continuous indices, latent class analysis based on any use of each substance, and latent profile analysis based on use frequency. Using all approaches, substance use was positively associated with suicide attempts independent of covariates. A continuous cumulative index was the best fit to our data (quasi-information criterion = 853.9969) and detected the largest association, with the highest prevalence of suicide attempts among ASMM who used all substances compared with those who used none (adjusted prevalence ratio = 3.35, 95% confidence interval: 2.41, 4.66). A 3-latent-class model had the second best fit to the data (quasi-information criterion = 878.4464), with the highest prevalence of suicide attempts (adjusted prevalence ratio = 2.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.80, 3.57) among the high-substance-use class compared with the low-use class. Substance use is an especially important focal point for targeted interventions reducing suicidality among ASMM.
In Vivo Morphology of Nasolacrimal Duct Opening into the Inferior Meatus
Authors: Singh Swati , Curragh David S. , Davis Gary , Selva Dinesh 
Published: April 2020

Purpose:
To study the in vivo morphology of nasolacrimal duct (NLD) openings into the inferior meatus.

Methods:
Patients undergoing endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and lacrimal intubation had endoscopic real-time examination of the NLD opening. Morphology of NLD openings (size, shape, mucosal folds), and their location from the axilla of the inferior turbinate were assessed.

Results:
Forty-three lacrimal systems of 39 adult patients (11 males, 28 females) with a mean age of 61 years were studied. Thirty-five patients had unilateral involvement, and 74% had anatomical NLD obstruction. Of 43 lacrimal systems, 41 had a visible NLD opening. The majority was sulci shaped (63%, 26/41) followed by fissure type (34%), and 2% had wide-open round morphology. The majority of the openings (93%) were oriented vertically, and 67% (14/21) of the sulci shaped openings continued into gutter like channels along the lateral nasal wall. Mucosal folds were present in 7% (3/41) of the openings along the edges. The mean distance between the opening and the axilla of the inferior turbinate was 3.7± 2.1 mm (median, 3.6; range, 0–7.2).

Conclusion:
Sulci shaped NLD openings were the most common morphology, and mucosal folds were less commonly observed compared with cadaveric studies.
How to quit confinement? French scenarios face to COVID-19
Authors: Emmanuelle Augeraud-Véron 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA mathematical model is developed to study the spread of the COVID-19 epidemics in France. Data from French Public Agency of Health are considered to calibrate the model. The spread of the epidemics strongly depends on confinement measures. The aim of the paper is to predict the evolution of the epidemics under various scenarios that could be taken to quit confinement. The spread of the disease and its re-emergence strongly depends on these scenarios.
Czech education in nature traditions
Authors: Martin Andrew , Watson Geoff , Neuman Jan , Turčová Ivana , Kalkusová Lucie 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine Czech traditions of outdoor games and sports, turistika activities and education in nature programmes, which have continued to develop during periods of oppression and provided opportunities to preserve the Czech culture.Design/methodology/approachA review of the historical, cultural and political context of education in nature traditions in Czech was proposed.FindingsLate 19th century organisations such as the Turistický klub and Sokol were instrumental in developing a range of indigenous turistika activities involving active movement. The early 20th century influences were the Czech scouting movement, summer camps and Woodcraft. Charles University provided the first tertiary outdoor educational programmes in Prague in the 1950s. Their foundation course “Turistika and Outdoor Sports” is still compulsory for all students studying physical education and sport. Turistika activities and outdoor sports and games continued to be developed throughout the liberalization of the socialist regime in the 1960s.Practical implicationsFollowing the Prague Spring in 1968, and under the guise of the Socialist Youth Union organization, new experimental forms of outdoor education emerged.Social implicationsSince the Velvet Revolution in 1989 organisations have reconnected with Czech outdoor traditions that flourished before 1948 and other organisations have developed education in nature programs. The commercial sphere, which did not exist before 1989, has now been established in the outdoor area. However, traditional participation in turistika activities has been impacted by other external motivations as a broader range of opportunities have become available and accepted, and tourism outside of Czech and Europe has become increasingly popular and accessible.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is to provide an overview of Czech political and cultural history and how it has shaped people's relationship, particularly children and youth, with the outdoors.
Discussion on “Predictively consistent prior effective sample sizes,” by Beat Neuenschwander, Sebastian Weber, Heinz Schmidli, and Anthony O'Hagan
Authors: Biswas Atanu , Angers Jean‐François 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe extend the approach of finding effective sample size for a typical phase II clinical trial having efficacy and toxicity as two components of the response vector. The case of binary efficacy and binary toxicity is illustrated under Dirichlet and multivariate T priors.
Risk of severe hypoglycaemia and its impact in type 2 diabetes in DEVOTE
Authors: Heller Simon , Lingvay Ildiko , Marso Steven P. , Philis‐Tsimikas Athena , Pieber Thomas R. , Poulter Neil R. , Pratley Richard E. , Hachmann‐Nielsen Elise , Kvist Kajsa , Lange Martin , Moses Alan C. , Andresen Marie Trock , Buse John B. ,   DEVOTE Study Group
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimsTo undertake a post‐hoc analysis, utilizing a hypoglycaemia risk score based on DEVOTE trial data, to investigate if a high risk of severe hypoglycaemia was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, and whether reduced rates of severe hypoglycaemia in patients identified as having the highest risk affected the risk of cardiovascular outcomes.Materials and MethodsThe DEVOTE population was divided into quartiles according to patients' individual hypoglycaemia risk scores. For each quartile, the observed incidence and rate of severe hypoglycaemia, major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) and all‐cause mortality were determined to investigate whether those with the highest risk of hypoglycaemia were also at the greatest risk of MACE and all‐cause mortality. In addition, treatment differences within each risk quartile [insulin degludec (degludec) vs. insulin glargine 100 units/mL (glargine U100)] in terms of severe hypoglycaemia, MACE and all‐cause mortality were investigated.ResultsPatients with the highest risk scores had the highest rates of severe hypoglycaemia, MACE and all‐cause mortality. Treatment ratios between degludec and glargine U100 in the highest risk quartile were 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56 (0.39; 0.80) (severe hypoglycaemia), 95% CI 0.76 (0.58; 0.99) (MACE) and 95% CI 0.77 (0.55; 1.07) (all‐cause mortality).ConclusionsThe risk score demonstrated that a high risk of severe hypoglycaemia was associated with a high incidence of MACE and all‐cause mortality and that, in this high‐risk group, those treated with degludec had a lower incidence of MACE. These observations support the hypothesis that hypoglycaemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular events.
Searching for Positive Aspects of Excessive Reassurance‐Seeking
Authors: Abe Kazuaki , Nakashima Ken'ichiro 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe investigated positive aspects of excessive reassurance‐seeking in interpersonal relationships. Previous studies have emphasized that excessive reassurance‐seeking leads to interpersonal rejection by significant others. However, Fowler & Gasiorek (2017) suggested that excessive reassurance‐seekers tend to make efforts to maintain relationships with their romantic partners, and that these efforts affect their own satisfaction with the relationships. We investigated whether the findings of Fowler and Gasiorek in students could be replicated in general heterosexual couples (N = 437 couples). Data were analyzed using the modified actor–partner interdependence model. Results indicated that excessive reassurance‐seeking had no actor or partner effects on the efforts to maintain the relationships, which predicted relational satisfaction. However, the actor and partner effects of excessive reassurance‐seeking on relational satisfaction through the efforts to maintain the relationships differed according to the relational duration. These findings, despite certain inconsistencies with Fowler and Gasiorek, suggest that excessive reassurance‐seeking might have positive effects on relationships.
Quantification of selection bias in studies of risk factors for birth defects among livebirths
Authors: Heinke Dominique , Rich‐Edwards Janet W. , Williams Paige L. , Hernandez‐Diaz Sonia , Anderka Marlene , Fisher Sarah C. , Desrosiers Tania A. , Shaw Gary M. , Romitti Paul A. , Canfield Mark A. , Yazdy Mahsa M. ,   for the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundRisk factors for birth defects are frequently investigated using data limited to liveborn infants. By conditioning on survival, results of such studies may be distorted by selection bias, also described as “livebirth bias.” However, the implications of livebirth bias on risk estimation remain poorly understood.ObjectivesWe sought to quantify livebirth bias and to investigate the conditions under which it arose.MethodsWe used data on 3994 birth defects cases and 11 829 controls enrolled in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study to compare odds ratio (OR) estimates of the relationship between three established risk factors (antiepileptic drug use, smoking, and multifetal pregnancy) and four birth defects (anencephaly, spina bifida, omphalocele, and cleft palate) when restricted to livebirths as compared to among livebirths, stillbirths, and elective terminations. Exposures and birth defects represented varying strengths of association with livebirth; all controls were liveborn. We performed a quantitative bias analysis to evaluate the sensitivity of our results to excluding terminated and stillborn controls.ResultsCases ranged from 33% liveborn (anencephaly) to 99% (cleft palate). Smoking and multifetal pregnancy were associated with livebirth among anencephaly (crude OR [cOR] 0.61 and cOR 3.15, respectively) and omphalocele cases (cOR 2.22 and cOR 5.22, respectively). For analyses of the association between exposures and birth defects, restricting to livebirths produced negligible differences in estimates except for anencephaly and multifetal pregnancy, which was twofold higher among livebirths (adjusted OR [aOR] 4.93) as among all pregnancy outcomes (aOR 2.44). Within tested scenarios, bias analyses suggested that results were not sensitive to the restriction to liveborn controls.ConclusionsSelection bias was generally limited except for high mortality defects in the context of exposures strongly associated with livebirth. Findings indicate that substantial livebirth bias is unlikely to affect studies of risk factors for most birth defects.
<p><strong>Description of two new species of </strong><strong><em>Trachygamasus </em></strong><strong>Berlese (Mesostigmata: Parasitidae) and the male of </strong><strong><em>Trachygamasus multisetus </em></strong><strong>from China, with notes on the genus</strong><strong></strong></p>
Authors: Yao Maoyuan , Long Yun , Yi Tian-Ci , Guo Jian-Jun , Zhang Run-Zhi , Jin Dao-Chao 
Published: April 2020

Two new species of Trachygamasus Berlese, T. minutus sp. nov. Yao & Jin and T. similis sp. nov. Yao & Jin based on adult males and females, and the male of T. multisetus Yao, Jin & Zhang, 2019 are described from China. A key to the Trachygamasus species of China is presented.
Communicable disease mortality trends and characteristics of infants in rural China, 1996–2015
Authors: Wang Ke , Xiang Liangcheng , Kang Leni , Miao Lei , Li Qi , Li Xiaohong , Zhu Jun , Wang Yanping , Huang Yan , He Chunhua 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
More attention should be paid to communicable disease-specific infant mortality rate (CD-IMR) in rural China. However, few studies have examined specific geographic patterns and trends in CD-IMR in these areas. Our aims were to assess the epidemiological distribution and trends in CD-IMR in rural China for the period 1996–2015.

Methods
We used data from China’s Under-5 Child Mortality Surveillance System (U5CMSS). The time trends in communicable disease-specific IMR (CD-IMR) were assessed by Poisson regression model, and the proportion of total infant deaths due to communicable disease was assessed by the Cochran Armitage trend test. Differences in CD-IMR among and within geographic regions were assessed for significance using the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test.

Results
The overall CD-IMR fell by 86.0% from 1444.3 to 201.5 per 100,000 live births in rural mainland China from 1996 to 2015. The proportion of total infant deaths related to communicable disease fell from 33.4 to 19.7%. Using eastern rural areas as the reference, rate ratios (RRs) of IMR due to all communicable diseases ranged between 1.7 and 3.1 in central rural areas and between 4.4 and 9.8 in western areas during the four study intervals. Acute respiratory infection (ARI) accounted for 71% of deaths, followed by diarrhea and septicemia.

Conclusions
IMR due to communicable disease remains a major public health issue. ARI is the leading cause of mortality, followed by diarrhea. A regional gap remains in the risk of infant exposure to communicable disease in rural China. More attention should be paid to western rural areas.
Validation of the portable Bluetooth® Air Next spirometer in patients with different respiratory diseases
Authors: Exarchos Konstantinos P. , Gogali Athena , Sioutkou Agni , Chronis Christos , Peristeri Sofia , Kostikas Konstantinos 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Chronic respiratory diseases constitute a considerable part in the practice of pulmonologists and primary care physicians; spirometry is integral for the diagnosis and monitoring of these diseases, yet remains underutilized. The Air Next spirometer (NuvoAir, Sweden) is a novel ultra-portable device that performs spirometric measurements connected to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth®.

Methods
The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy and validity of these measurements by comparing them with the ones obtained with a conventional desktop spirometer. Two hundred subjects were enrolled in the study with various spirometric patterns (50 patients with asthma, 50 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 50 with interstitial lung disease) as well as 50 healthy individuals.

Results
For the key spirometric parameters in the interpretation of spirometry, i.e. FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and FEF25–75%, Pearson correlation and Interclass Correlation Coefficient were greater than 0.94, exhibiting perfect concordance between the two spirometers. Similar results were observed in an exploratory analysis of the subgroups of patients. Using Bland-Altman plots we have shown good reproducibility in the measurements between the two devices, with small mean differences for the evaluated spirometric parameters and the majority of measurements being well within the limits of agreement.

Conclusions
Our results support the use of Air Next as a reliable spirometer for the screening and diagnosis of various spirometric patterns in clinical practice.
Mental health and psychosocial support for families of missing persons in Sri Lanka: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Andersen Ida , Poudyal Bhava , Abeypala Arundathi , Uriarte Carla , Rossi Rodolfo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has developed its ‘Accompaniment model’ to address the multi-faceted needs of relatives of people who go missing during armed conflict. In Sri Lanka an Accompaniment Programme was launched in 2015 for the relatives of the more than 16,000 missing persons who remain unaccounted for.

Method
One thousand seven hundred eighty-three relatives who took part in the mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) component of the ICRC’s Accompaniment Programme in Sri Lanka between April 2016 and August 2017 were offered eight peer-support group sessions, individual home visits, referrals to local services, and commemoration events to pay tribute to their missing relatives. Symptoms of anxiety and depression (using the HADS scale), somatic difficulties (using the BSI scale) and daily functioning (ICRC scale) were assessed before and after the MHPSS intervention.

Results
Prior to receiving support, Tamil and Muslim ethnicity, ≥60 years of age and civilian status were predictors of severe symptoms of anxiety; Tamil ethnicity, ≥50 years of age and being the mother of a missing person were predictors of severe symptoms of depression; and ≥ 50 years of age and severe symptoms of anxiety and depression were predictors of severe somatic difficulties. After receiving support, the vast majority of the relatives of missing persons showed reduced levels of anxiety (81%), depression (79%) and somatic pain (77%), as well as increased functioning (75%). Predictors of improvement following support were severe levels of distress at baseline and Tamil and Muslim ethnicity. In addition, attending at least three group sessions was a predictor of decreased anxiety, age group 51–60 was a predictor of decreased depression, female gender was a predictor of decreased somatic difficulties, and referrals were a predictor of increased functioning.

Conclusion
The MHPSS component of the ICRC’s Accompaniment Programme is a relevant approach to helping families to cope with not knowing the fate and whereabouts of their missing relatives, to reduce distress, to break their social isolation and to resume more functional lives. However, further research is needed, possibly through a controlled trial, to better establish the effectiveness of this approach.
Społeczno-kulturowe uwarunkowania demokratyzacji edukacji na Tajwanie
Authors: Nowosad Inetta 
Published: April 2020

Nowosad Inetta, Społeczno-kulturowe uwarunkowania demokratyzacji edukacji na Tajwanie [Social and cultural preconditions for the process of democratization in Taiwanese education]. Kultura – Społeczeństwo – Edukacja nr 2(14) 2018, Poznań 2018, pp. 137–154, Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISSN 2300-0422. DOI 10.14746/kse.2018.14.12.
The article focuses on changes introduced in Taiwan’s education since 1949, which reflect the social changes taking place in this country. Special attention is drawn to the origin and the course of two particularly important processes, i.e. democratisation and taiwanisation, which have radically changed the face of education, revealing Taiwan’s ‘balancing’ between the East and the West. While depicting their essence, also complex links with Taiwan’s policies towards China and its orientation onto economic growth were taken into account.
Terns (Sterninae) in the collection of the Slovenian Museum of Natural History
Authors: Vrezec Al , Kačar Urška 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The catalogue presents the data on all specimens of terns (Sterninae) that have been inventoried into the ornithological collection of the Slovenian Museum of Natural History (PMS). The catalogue includes data on preserved as well as lost specimens. The data have been collected from all inventory books at hand in the Slovenian Museum of Natural History. By the end of 2019, 66 different specimens of eight tern species have been recorded in the ornithological collection, of which 56 specimens are still preserved. Most specimens were collected in the 1940–1970 period. The largest number of specimens concerns the Black Tern Chlidonias niger and Common Tern Sterna hirundo. Among the collected terns, the specimens found in Slovenia predominate. Five specimens originate from other countries, specifically Eritrea, Oman, Serbia and Croatia.
La carga de la prueba en el estado social de derecho
Authors: Sánchez Novoa Pedro Alirio 
Published: April 2020

Este artículo de refl exión, tiene como propósito analizar el Sistema Procesal Civil de Colombia, y a grandes rasgos las dos vertientes, el proceso Inquisitivo y Adversial, para establecer que nuestro país debe implementar en el campo civil un sistema más adversial para no permitir que el Juez en Asuntos Civiles decrete pruebas de ofi cio debido a que con ello se atenta contra la imparcialidad del fallador, la igualdad de las partes, el principio de autorresponsabilidad y principio de independencia del juez. Además que en un sistema procesal más adversial el juez no se involucra con las partes para enderezar sus falencias probatorias, y esto no es atentatorio del Estado Social de Derecho, ni mucho menos de los derechos fundamentales de las personas, ni contrario a la protección efectiva de los derechos tutelados por nuestro ordenamiento jurídico, sino una responsabilidad de los sujetos procesales.