bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post‐Treatment Head and Neck Cancer Care: National Audit and Analysis of Current Practice in the United Kingdom
Authors:   INTEGRATE (The UK ENT Trainee Research Network)
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to audit current United Kingdom (UK) practice of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) post‐treatment surveillance against national guidelines and determine the outcomes of these practices in detecting recurrence.DesignNational cross‐sectional study of current HNC surveillance practice.SettingUK HNC outpatient departments.ParticipantsHNC patients reviewed for post‐treatment surveillance.Main outcome measuresCompliance with UK multidisciplinary guidelines and rates of cancer recurrence detection by time, clinic type and symptoms.ResultsData were analysed from 5,123 consultations across 89 UK centres. 30% of consultations were in dedicated multidisciplinary clinics, with input from allied health professionals (AHPs) available on the day in 23% of all consultations. Recurrence was suspected in 344 consultations and investigated with MRI in 29.6% (n = 102) and PET‐CT in 14.2% (n = 49). Patient education regarding recurrence symptoms, and smoking and alcohol advice, was provided in 20.4%, 6.2% and 5.3% of cases, respectively. Rates of recurrence detected were 35% in expedited appointments and 5.2% in planned follow‐ups (P = .0001). Of the expedited appointments, 63% were initiated by patients and 37% by clinicians. Recurrence was higher in those with new symptoms (7.1% versus 2.2%). The strongest predictors of recurrence were dyspnoea (positive predictive value (PPV)=16.2%), neck pain (PPV = 10.4%) and mouth/throat pain (PPV = 9.2%).ConclusionsDedicated multidisciplinary clinics comprise a minority of consultations for HNC surveillance in the UK, with low availability of AHPs. PET‐CT and MRI were underutilised for the investigation of suspected recurrence. There may be scope for greater emphasis on patient education and consequent patient‐initiated symptom‐driven follow‐up.
Prognostic value of the donor‐derived cell‐free DNA assay in acute renal rejection therapy: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Shen Jia , Guo Luying , Yan Pengpeng , Zhou Jingyi , Zhou Qin , Lei Wenhua , Liu Haitao , Liu Guangjun , Lv Junhao , Liu Feng , Huang Hongfeng , Dong Wenzhao , Shu Liping , Wang Huiping , Wu Jianyong , Chen Jianghua , Wang Rending 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDonor‐derived cell‐free DNA (dd‐cfDNA) is a promising biomarker for monitoring allograft status. However, whether dd‐cfDNA can reflect real‐time anti‐rejection treatment effects remains unclear. We prospectively recruited 28 patients with acute renal rejection, including 5 with ABMR, 12 with type IA or type IB rejection, and 11 with type IIA or IIB rejection. dd‐cfDNA levels in peripheral blood were measured using human single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) locus capture hybridization. The percentage of dd‐cfDNA (dd‐cfDNA%) declined significantly from 2.566 ± 0.549% to 0.773 ± 0.116% (P < .001) after anti‐rejection therapy. The dd‐cfDNA% decreased steadily over the course of 3 days with daily methylprednisolone injections, but no significant difference in the dd‐cfDNA% was observed between the end of anti‐rejection therapy and 2 weeks later. Changes in the dd‐cfDNA% (∆dd‐cfDNA%) demonstrated a positive correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rates at 1 month (ρ = 2.570, P = .022), 3 months (ρ = 3.210, P = .027), and 6 months (ρ = 2.860, P = .019) after therapy. Thus, the dd‐cfDNA assay shows prognostic capabilities in therapy outcome and allograft recovery; however, its ability is inhibited by methylprednisolone regardless of the types of rejection. Additionally, a reassessment of frequency intervals for testing is required.
Real‐world outcomes for 205 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with ibrutinib
Authors: Aarup Kathrine , Rotbain Emelie Curovic , Enggaard Lisbeth , Pedersen Robert Schou , Bergmann Olav Jonas , Thomsen Rasmus Heje , Frederiksen Mikael , Frederiksen Henrik , Nielsen Tine , Christiansen Ilse , Andersen Michael Asger , Niemann Carsten Utoft 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIbrutinib has now been approved for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in both front‐line setting and as later‐line treatment. However, knowledge about the outcomes and adverse events (AE) among patients at a population‐based level is still limited.ObjectivesTo report outcomes and AEs in a population‐based cohort treated with ibrutinib outside clinical trials.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study including all patients with CLL treated with ibrutinib.ResultsIn total, 205 patients were included of whom 39 (19%) were treatment‐naïve. The median follow‐up was 21.4 months (interquartile range (IQR), 11.9,32.8), the estimated overall survival at 12 months was 88.8% (95% confidence interval (CI); 84.3%, 93.3%), and the estimated progression‐free survival at 12 months was 86.3% (95% CI; 81.3%, 91.2%). During follow‐up, 200 (97.6%) patients had at least one AE and 100 (48.8%) patients had at least one grade ≥3 AE. Eighty‐six patients (42.0%) discontinued ibrutinib, hereof 47 (54.7%) due to AEs and 19 (22.1%) had progression of CLL or Richter transformation.ConclusionsIn our study, we find comparable, though slightly inferior, overall, and progression‐free survival, and discontinuation due to toxicity was higher compared with clinical trials. Patient training and information may improve treatment adherence outside clinical trials.
Role of epigenetic regulatory enzymes in animal models of mania induced by amphetamine and paradoxical sleep deprivation
Authors: Varela Roger B , Resende Wilson R , Dal‐Pont Gustavo C , Gava Fernanda F , Nadas Gabriella B , Tye Susannah J , Andersen Monica L. , Quevedo João , Valvassori Samira S 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIt is known that bipolar disorder has a multifactorial aetiology where the interaction between genetic and environmental factors is responsible for its development. Because of this, epigenetics has been largely studied in psychiatric disorders. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors on epigenetic enzyme alterations in rats or mice submitted to animal models of mania induced by dextro‐amphetamine or sleep deprivation, respectively. Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to 14 days of dextro‐amphetamine administration, and from the eighth to the fourteenth day, the animals were treated with valproate and sodium butyrate in addition to dextro‐amphetamine injections. Adult C57BL/6 mice received 7 days of valproate or sodium butyrate administration, being sleep deprived at the last 36 hr of the protocol. Locomotor and exploratory activities of rats and mice were evaluated in the open‐field test, and histone deacetylase, DNA methyltransferase, and histone acetyltransferase activities were assessed in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. Dextro‐amphetamine and sleep deprivation induced hyperactivity and increased histone deacetylase and DNA methyltransferase activities in the animal's brain. Valproate and sodium butyrate were able to reverse hyperlocomotion induced by both animal models, as well as the alterations on histone deacetylase and DNA methyltransferase activities. There was a positive correlation between enzyme activities and number of crossings for both models. Histone deacetylase and DNA methyltransferase activities also presented a positive correlation between theirselves. These results suggest that epigenetics can play an important role in BD pathophysiology as well as in its treatment.
Synergy and Tension between Large‐Scale and Classroom Assessment: International Trends
Authors: Volante Louis , DeLuca Christopher , Adie Lenore , Baker Eva , Harju‐Luukkainen Heidi , Heritage Margaret , Schneider Christoph , Stobart Gordon , Tan Kelvin , Wyatt‐Smith Claire 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe synergy, or lack thereof, between large‐scale and classroom assessment has been fiercely debated in both academic and policy spheres for decades around the world. This paper seeks to explicate how different countries are utilizing large‐scale testing and test results at the classroom level. Through country profiles, this paper analyzes contemporary developments on the tensions and synergies between large‐scale assessment and classroom teaching, learning, and assessment observed across seven international jurisdictions: United States, Canada, Australia, England, Germany, Finland, and Singapore. The paper concludes with an analysis of international trends leading to a synthesis of root causes contributing to the current limited uptake of large‐scale assessment results at classroom levels.
Food and lipid intake alters the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine in kidney transplants
Authors: Bennani Rtel Meriame , Ternant David , Büchler Matthias , El Hassouni Mohammed , Khabbal Youssef , Achour Sanae , Sqalli Tarik 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPrevention of kidney graft rejection with cyclosporine leads to a large interindividual pharmacokinetic variability. However, food intake is likely to alter cyclosporine pharmacokinetics, and therefore its efficacy. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of food and lipid intake on cyclosporine pharmacokinetics. Twenty‐four kidney grafted patients treated with Neoral® were included in this prospective monocentric study. In all patients, the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine was evaluated in two occasions, after meal (‘feed’) and without meal (‘fasting’). At each occasion, blood samples were collected at trough, and 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h after administration. Cyclosporine pharmacokinetics was described using a Bayesian pharmacokinetic model including two‐compartments with first‐order transfer and elimination rate constants, and a gamma absorption model. Influence of meal or olive oil, very common in Morocco, was tested as covariates on interoccasion variability parameters. Cyclosporine concentration–time data were satisfactorily described using the Bayesian pharmacokinetic model. Food intake significantly increased volume of distribution and decreased elimination of cyclosporine. The influence of oil intake explained a large part of this effect, suggesting that lipid intake was the main factor of pharmacokinetic variability due to food. This intake resulted in a decrease in area under the concentration curve between two administrations of 14.6%. Food, and especially lipid intake is likely to decrease the exposure to cyclosporine and may therefore lead to a decrease in treatment efficacy. Therefore, to ensure optimal immunosuppression in time, meal composition should remain as steady as possible.
The clinical characteristics and course of COVID‐19 in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Aydin Bahat Kubra , Parmaksiz Ergun , Sert Serap 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionIn December 2019, pneumonia cases emerging in China rapidly spread and became a global pandemic. The disease called COVID‐19 threatens health and life in patients with comorbid disease, especially in patients with kidney failure. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical findings, laboratory parameters, and prognosis of COVID‐19 disease in end‐stage renal patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.MethodsWe included the hemodialysis patients who have been diagnosed with COVID‐19 disease and received inpatient treatment between 11 Match 2020 and 24 April 2020 in hospital. The demographic characteristics, comorbidities, symptoms, clinical course, laboratory parameters, and treatments were recorded.FindingsThe study included 25 hemodialysis patients; 15 (60%) were female. The mean age was 60.5 ± 15 years. All patients had chest computed tomography findings compatible with COVID‐19 disease. The findings were bilateral in 88% of patients. The real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction test was positive in 48% of the patients. The most common symptoms were dyspnea (56%) and fever (52%). The most common comorbid disease was hypertension (76%). Leukocytosis in 12% of the patients while 72% had lymphopenia. All patients had a high C‐reactive protein value. 64% of patients required oxygen support and 32% intensive care. 28% developed a secondary infection. 76% (19/25) of the patients has been discharged with cure and 20% (5/25) died. The inpatient follow‐up of a patient (4%) continues. Secondary infection development was significantly associated with oxygen demand (P = 0.027) and need for intensive care (P = 0.001).DiscussionThe associated clinical symptoms of COVID‐19 were similar in hemodialysis patients to those of patients without renal disease. However, it caused pneumonia in all hemodialysis patients. It was associated with a more severe disease and worse prognosis with a mortality rate of 20%. Our study suggests that COVID‐19 disease has a significantly more severe course and worse prognosis in hemodialysis patients.
Still turning toward a cartographic history of Latin America
Authors: Bockelman Brian , Erbig Jeffrey A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSince the 1990s, scholars of Latin America have rediscovered maps as historical documents and mapping as a historically significant social practice. Inspired in part by theoretical developments in the broader history of cartography, particularly the notion of maps as cultural texts embedded in sociopolitical contexts that shape their production and meaning, cartographic histories of the region have flourished in recent decades, leading some to herald this development as a new direction in Latin American historiography. This essay examines the emergence and principal trends of this body of scholarship, assessing its contributions and limitations. Taking a broad approach that examines studies of both the colonial and modern periods from Patagonia to the Rio Grande, it argues that while critical map histories have transformed earlier notions of cartographic sources and deepened our understanding of traditional subjects such as colonialism and nation‐building, they have yet to reach their full potential. More dialogue between scholars in this emerging subfield, more reflection on the spatial assumptions that undergird Latin American history as a whole, and more attention to the diversity of maps available for study are needed to enhance the conceptual contributions of Latin American cartographic history and to expand its visibility both inside and outside the region.
Protective device to reduce aerosol dispersion in dental clinics during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Teichert‐Filho R. , Baldasso C. N. , Campos M. M. , Gomes M. S. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimTo describe the use of a new protective device to reduce aerosol dispersion in dental clinics during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodologyThe device consists of a rigid translucent acrylic structure (methyl polymethacrylate), adjusted to the dental chair, involving the patient's head, neck and chest. There is also a piping system to generate negative pressure, for aspiration and filtering of the air inside the device chamber. The operator works through small holes in the acrylic structure, to reduce contact with the microparticles arising from aerosols during dental procedures. Simulated dental procedures using a fluorescent dye in the water of the dental equipment were carried out, with and without the use of the device. The presence of the dye was analysed at various locations, such as on personal protective equipment (PPE), the dental chair and on the clinic floor.ResultsIn the simulated dental procedure without the device, the dye was obvious on surgical gloves, aprons (waist, chest, legs, fists) and face shields, as well as on the dental chair (backrest, light reflector) and clinic floor. In the simulated dental procedure using the device, the dye was observed only on surgical gloves, apron (fists), inside the pipe system and internal walls of the acrylic chamber. There was a certain limitation of movement and visualization by the dentist whilst using the device.ConclusionsThe present device is a low‐cost complementary resource for use in conjunction with standard PPE, to reduce the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the dental setting. Further clinical trials should be carried out to test the efficacy of this device to reduce aerosol dispersion and the consequent vector of contamination, as well as the ergonomic impacts related to its use.
A comparative study on citrate sol‐gel and combustion synthesis methods of CoAl2O4 spinel
Authors: Baseri Jafar , Naghizadeh Rahim , Rezaie Hamid Reza , Golestanifard Farhad , Golmohammad Mohammad 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCoAl2O4 spinel was successfully synthesized by combustion synthesis method using glycine and urea by 1:1 molar ratio as fuels and sol‐gel process using citric acid as a chelating agent. The as‐synthesized powders were calcined at desired temperatures to obtain CoAl2O4 spinel as a single phase. X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric, and differential thermal analysis results revealed that the formation of CoAl2O4 spinel in combustion method needs 300°C higher temperatures than those of sol‐gel. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis results revealed that “sol‐gel spinel” had nanometric particle size which was smaller than those of “combustion spinel.” Temperature programed reduction with hydrogen and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results declared that there was a little residual cobalt oxide in combustion spinel while there is no oxide resided in “sol‐gel spinel.” Consequently, the sol‐gel method has more benefit in synthesizing spinel with sulfate precursors than combustion.
Differentiation of volatile aroma components in organically and conventionally produced apples by stir bar sorptive extraction combined with gas chromatography and EI/CI TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Lucht Fabian , Rinken Marian , Haberlandt Silke 
Published: July 2020

SummaryVolatile aroma components and contents of organically and conventionally produced apples of the cultivars Elstar, Jonagold, Jonagored and Braeburn were studied. In three cultivars investigated, the aroma contents of organically produced apples were significantly lower (Elstar 16%, Jonagold 29%, Jonagored 68%). For Braeburn, no statistically significant difference was observed. In particular, the main aroma components were present at much lower concentrations in organically produced apples. In all apple cultivars, these were hexanal, trans‐2‐hexenal, 2‐methylbutylacetate and hexylacetate. twenty‐three aroma components were identified in total, in different relative ratios in the different apple cultivars: saturated esters, saturated and unsaturated aldehydes and alcohols. Some components identified in the conventionally produced cultivars were not present in the organically produced cultivars at all. The aroma components were extracted from juice freshly prepared from the apples by stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) technique and characterised by FID gas chromatography and EI/CI TOF mass spectrometry.
Results from the WHO external quality assessment for the respiratory syncytial virus pilot, 2016‐17
Authors: Jackson Sandra , Peret Teresa C. T. , Ziegler Thedi T. , Thornburg Natalie J. , Besselaar Terry , Broor Shobha , Barr Ian , Baumeister Elsa , Chadha Mandeep , Chittaganpitch Malinee , Darmaa Badarch , Ellis Joanna , Fasce Rodrigo , Herring Belinda , Herve Kadjo , Hirve Siddhivinayak , Li Yan , Pisareva Maria , Moen Ann , Naguib Amel , Palekar Rakhee , Potdar Varsha , Siqueira Marilda , Treurnicht Florette , Tivane Almiro , Venter Marietjie , Wairagkar Niteen , Zambon Maria , Zhang Wenqing 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundExternal quality assessments (EQAs) for the molecular detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are necessary to ensure the provision of reliable and accurate results. One of the objectives of the pilot of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global RSV Surveillance, 2016‐2017, was to evaluate and standardize RSV molecular tests used by participating countries. This paper describes the first WHO RSV EQA for the molecular detection of RSV.MethodsThe WHO implemented the pilot of Global RSV Surveillance based on the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) from 2016 to 2018 in 14 countries. To ensure standardization of tests, 13 participating laboratories were required to complete a 12 panel RSV EQA prepared and distributed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA. The 14th laboratory joined the pilot late and participated in a separate EQA. Laboratories evaluated a RSV rRT‐PCR assay developed by CDC and compared where applicable, other Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) or commercial assays already in use at their laboratories.ResultsLaboratories performed well using the CDC RSV rRT‐PCR in comparison with LDTs and commercial assays. Using the CDC assay, 11 of 13 laboratories reported correct results. Two laboratories each reported one false‐positive finding. Of the laboratories using LDTs or commercial assays, results as assessed by Ct values were 100% correct for 1/5 (20%). With corrective actions, all laboratories achieved satisfactory outputs.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that reliable results can be expected from this pilot. Continued participation in EQAs for the molecular detection of RSV is recommended.
Growth of the Mandible in the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Wilson N.H.F. , Speight P.M. , Gardner D.L. 
Published: July 2020

The mandibles of 27 male and 25 female common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) with an age range of 1 day to < 12 years have been studied using radiographs and osteometric techniques. The rate and magnitude of dimensional changes in the mandible of this nonhuman primate during the neonatal period, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood are described. Distance growth curves indicate that active growth of marmoset mandible ceases during the last 6 months of the third postnatal year.
Development of a Nonhuman Primate Model for Fetoscopy
Authors: Mattison Donald R. , King Jeffrey C. 
Published: July 2020

Twenty‐four fetoscopy procedures were performed on 22 monkeys (19 Macaca mulatto, one M. fascicularis, two Erythrocebus patas) with gestational ages ranging from 66 to 145 days. Insertion of the fetoscope without ultrasound guidance was easy in 14 and difficult in ten procedures. Amniotic fluid exchange with normal saline, to improve visualization, was successful in eight of 13 procedures. Fetal blood sampling was successful in four of nine attempts. Nine monkeys aborted within 17 days of the fetoscopy, the remaining 13 went to term or were used in other research protocols. Major complications included maternal hemorrhage into the amniotic fluid, inability to enter the amniotic cavity, and abortion. Maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein following fetoscopy was not a useful indicator of subsequent abortion.
Reproduction of Wild‐Caught Tamarins (Saguinus mystax mystax) Under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Ogden James 
Published: July 2020

The reproductive performance of tamarins (Saguinus mystax mystax) under laboratory conditions was evaluated. Fifteen of 20 male‐female pairs were fertile and produced 30 live births during an observation period of 3.5 years. Twenty‐six breeders (65%) and 12 offspring (40%) more than 3 years old were alive at the termination of the reporting period.
Intestinal Parasites of the Free‐Ranging Cayo Santiago Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatto)
Authors: Kessler Matt J. , Yarbrough Barbara , Rawlins Richard G. , Berard John 
Published: July 2020

Free‐ranging rhesus macaques on the island of Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico, were surveyed for intestinal parasites for the first time in over 40 years. Results were compared with the only previous study [10], and the relationships between the prevalence of Strongyloides and dominance rank, body weight, age, and matriline examined in the sampled population.