bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatic vein tumor thrombosis protruding into the inferior vena cava by conversion surgery following chemotherapy with regorafenib: a case report
Authors: Takeda Kazuhisa , Tsurumaru Yuji , Yamamoto Yuji , Araki Kentaro , Kogure Yu , Mori Koichi , Nakagawa Kazuya , Shimizu Tetsuya , Matsuda Goro , Niino Hitoshi , Sekido Hitoshi , Kobayashi Satoshi , Morimoto Manabu , Kunisaki Chikara , Endo Itaru 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRegorafenib is an oral multikinase inhibitor affecting angiogenesis, oncogenesis, metastasis, and tumor immunity. As a systemic treatment, it has been shown to provide survival benefits in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients progressing on sorafenib treatment. We report herein a case of HCC with hepatic vein tumor thrombosis protruding into the inferior vena cava (IVC-HVTT) which was successfully treated by surgery following second-line chemotherapy with regorafenib. A 79-year-old man with chronic hepatitis was diagnosed with HCC. Computed tomography revealed a solitary tumor in segments 7 and 8 and an IVC-HVTT from the right hepatic vein. Since IVC-HVTT removal is a difficult procedure, the tumor was diagnosed as unresectable, and administration of sorafenib was started. Five weeks later, the lesion had increased in size by 15.3%; subsequently, regorafenib was given as second-line therapy for 12 months. After shrinkage of the IVC-HVTT, the patient was referred to our hospital for surgery. One month after the cessation of regorafenib, an extended resection of segment 8 and total removal of the IVC-HVTT was successfully performed without using total hepatic vascular exclusion. There were no serious postoperative complications. Additionally, there has been no recurrence for about 2 years since the initial therapy.
On $$L_p$$-solvability of stochastic integro-differential equations
Authors: Gyöngy István , Wu Sizhou 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA class of (possibly) degenerate stochastic integro-differential equations of parabolic type is considered, which includes the Zakai equation in nonlinear filtering for jump diffusions. Existence and uniqueness of the solutions are established in Bessel potential spaces.
Encapsulation of MnS Nanocrystals into N, S-Co-doped Carbon as Anode Material for Full Cell Sodium-Ion Capacitors
Authors: Li Shaohui , Chen Jingwei , Xiong Jiaqing , Gong Xuefei , Ciou Jinghao , Lee Pooi See 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSodium-ion capacitors (SICs) have received increasing interest for grid stationary energy storage application due to their affordability, high power, and energy densities. The major challenge for SICs is to overcome the kinetics imbalance between faradaic anode and non-faradaic cathode. To boost the Na+ reaction kinetics, the present work demonstrated a high-rate MnS-based anode by embedding the MnS nanocrystals into the N, S-co-doped carbon matrix (MnS@NSC). Benefiting from the fast pseudocapacitive Na+ storage behavior, the resulting composite exhibits extraordinary rate capability (205.6 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1) and outstanding cycling stability without notable degradation after 2000 cycles. A prototype SIC was demonstrated using MnS@NSC anode and N-doped porous carbon (NC) cathode; the obtained hybrid SIC device can display a high energy density of 139.8 Wh kg−1 and high power density of 11,500 W kg−1, as well as excellent cyclability with 84.5% capacitance retention after 3000 cycles. The superior electrochemical performance is contributed to downsizing of MnS and encapsulation of conductive N, S-co-doped carbon matrix, which not only promote the Na+ and electrons transport, but also buffer the volume variations and maintain the structure integrity during Na+ insertion/extraction, enabling its comparable fast reaction kinetics and cyclability with NC cathode.
Electrical Excitation of Long-Range Surface Plasmons in PC/OLED Structure with Two Metal Nanolayers
Authors: Konopsky Valery , Prokhorov Valery , Lypenko Dmitry , Dmitriev Artem , Alieva Elena , Dietler Giovanni , Sekatskii Sergey 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA current-driven source of long-range surface plasmons (LRSPs) on a duplex metal nanolayer is reported. Electrical excitation of LRSPs was experimentally observed in a planar structure, where an organic light-emitting film was sandwiched between two metal nanolayers that served as electrodes. To achieve the LRSP propagation in these metal nanolayers at the interface with air, the light-emitting structure was bordered by a one-dimensional photonic crystal (PC) on the other side. The dispersion of the light emitted by such a hybrid PC/organic-light-emitting-diode structure (PC/OLED) comprising two thin metal electrodes was obtained, with a clearly identified LRSP resonance peak.
Privacy concerns in the smart home context
Authors: Guhr Nadine , Werth Oliver , Blacha Philip Peter Hermann , Breitner Michael H. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWith the rapid development of the Internet of Things, intelligent systems are increasingly finding their way into everyday life and into people’s homes. With the spread of these technologies, there is a growing concern about what sensitive data is collected and what it is used for. Unfortunately, the role of privacy has remained largely unexplored in the smart home (SH) usage context. This study addresses this gap in literature: to what extend users’ concerns for information privacy influence the intended SH usage. This study takes an interactional psychology perspective and links the dimensions of the privacy concerns to the intention to use SH devices. Therefore, a multi-theoretical model using Smart PLS 3.2.8 was tested. This study contributes to the literature on privacy, and SH usage by exploring how and why privacy concerns influence participants’ intended SH usage. The findings, derived from the empirical study emphasize the importance of addressing privacy concerns because they are capable of directly and indirectly influencing the intended SH usage. Finally, the results which indicate new directions for privacy and SH research are discussed and implications for research and practice are given.
Giving Voice to Clinical Study Participants: Development and Deployment of Sequential Patient Experience Surveys for Global Clinical Studies
Authors: Manning Elizabeth , Herndon Mitch , Frye Wendy , Ice Tammy S. , Thyssen Nadia , Pushparajah Daphnee S. , Yates Stephen L. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Biopharmaceutical companies are piloting patient experience surveys (PES) to help enhance patient satisfaction with clinical studies. However, most PES have been conducted at study close-out, which can hinder recall and responsiveness, and at a limited number of sites, which restricts their applicability to global studies. Our aim was to investigate the feasibility of developing sequential PES, which would be deployed globally, and to provide practical recommendations based on our real-world experience.

Methods
To develop sequential PES (introductory, interim, close-out), we customized a previously developed patient experience close-out survey. Extensive input was gained from multiple stakeholders (e.g., survey experts, patient advisors, psychometricians, clinical trialists, lawyers). To deploy the PES in global studies, we prepared PES-specific ethics committee submissions, training materials (e.g., slides, videos), and PES invitation aids (postcards, digital app reminders).

Results
Developing and deploying sequential PES in global clinical studies was feasible. The 3-part online PES (25 to 37 questions per survey) passed health literacy testing. To facilitate benchmarking, the PES included core questions (including a Net Promoter Score question). The PES gained ethics approval and was deployed globally in 2017–2018 in 12 phase 2 and 3 clinical studies in North America, Europe, and the Asia–Pacific. Based on the real-world insights gained and the challenges encountered, we have made recommendations for PES.

Conclusions
Our practical recommendations on the development and deployment of sequential global PES may assist others to implement PES efficiently and effectively, allowing them to gain feedback from patients globally during clinical studies.
A Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Tolerability of On-Demand Oral Pregablin (150 mg and 75 mg) in Treatment of Premature Ejaculation
Authors: El Najjar Mohamed Refaat , El Hariri Mohamed , Ramadan Ali , Hefny Hashem Abd-Alrahman 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Although premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual dysfunction, the available options for PE treatment remain unsatisfactory.

Aim
To evaluate the effect of on-demand oral pregabalin on the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT).

Method
We conducted a multiarm double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial that enrolled 120 patients with PE who were divided equally into 3 groups (A, B, and C). 4 patients were excluded, 39 patients received 150 mg pregabalin (group A), 39 patients received 75 mg pregabalin (group B), and 38 patients received placebo (group C). All patients were encouraged to engage in sexual relations twice per week for 2 weeks and to take the medication 1–2 hours before sexual intercourse. A stopwatch was used to evaluate IELT.

Main Outcome Measure
The main outcome measure are the improvement of IELT and the reported adverse events.

Results
IELT significantly improved in patients who received 150 mg pregabalin, but there was no change in the other groups.

Clinical Implications
Most PE patients showed a significant improvement after receiving on-demand pregabalin (150 mg).

Strength & Limitations
The strength of this study is that it is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of pregabalin in treatment of PE. The main limitations were the small number of patients, IELT was the only primary outcome of the study, and the pregabalin cap can be identified by the patient.

Conclusion
Oral pregabalin seems to be a promising drug for additional evaluation as a new treatment for PE. More studies are needed to evaluate the suitable dose, duration, timing, and its safety profile.
A Nightmare or a Noble Dream? Establishing Investor Obligations Through Treaty-Making and Treaty-Application
Authors: KRAJEWSKI Markus 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis article assesses different approaches currently discussed and developed in international human rights and investment law to establish investor obligations. The article begins with a general framework of analysing and comparing these approaches. Next, attempts to include direct obligations of business entities in international human rights treaties are discussed. Despite earlier indications the recent initiative to create a legally binding instrument on business and human rights will most likely not include direct obligations for business entities. Subsequently, the article assesses the development of investor obligations in new international investment treaties and through the interpretation and application of existing international investment agreements. Arguably, the former will not lead to binding obligations in the foreseeable future and the latter rests on methodologically questionable grounds. Consequently, the article suggests that the way forward will require domestic legislation in host and home states to establish investor obligations which can be taken into account when interpreting existing investment treaty clauses requiring the investor to adhere to domestic law. This would reflect recent trends both in investment law reforms as well as the business and human rights movement.
War crimes allegations and the UK: towards a fairer investigative process
Authors: Williams Andrew 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWar crimes allegations have dogged the UK military for decades. Yet there is no settled process to deal with them. Different legal responses deployed have all suffered from complaints of unfairness. This paper proposes foundations for a more satisfactory approach based on an existing three-part consensus. First, that norms governing individual and systemic conduct in military conflict are relatively undisputed; secondly, that the state has a non-negotiable investigatory duty should a suspected breach occur; and thirdly, that any investigation should take into account the context within which it is conducted. The paper then advances three propositions: (1) first order principles of practicability, expertise, and investigator independence should provide the non-negotiable foundations of any response; (2) second order or subsidiary principles including promptness, adequacy, reasonable transparency, and respect for basic standards of natural justice should apply when practicable; and (3) a standing institution designed to comply with the first and second order principles would provide a fairer process for all participants (accused, victim and the wider national and international communities) whilst also fulfilling coherence and legal certainty requirements. The paper concludes that current structures cannot fulfil these demands and it explores the basis for a better alternative.
Outbursts of the black hole X-ray transient KV UMa (XTE J1118+480) in the optical band
Authors: Šimon Vojtěch 
Published: January 2020

AbstractKV UMa (XTE J1118+480) is an X-ray binary that is known to undergo outbursts in 2000 and 2005. This paper presents the discovery of a large outburst starting in 1927 on the archival photographic plates and an analysis of the long-term optical activity of this system. We used the photographic data from DASCH (Digital Access to a Sky Century @ Harvard). We placed the 1927 outburst in the context of the observed outbursts of KV UMa. We show that it is a double event, with a precursor similar to the one of the outbursts in 2000. We find a big difference between the 1927 and 2000 outbursts as regards the length of the gap between the precursor and the main outburst. It is more than 250 d in 1927, whereas it is about 20 d in 2000, although the brightnesses of all peaks are mutually comparable. We also show that the individual optical outbursts of KV UMa differ from each other by the duration of the stage of a slow decline of brightness (sometimes roughly a plateau). This determines the length of the entire main outburst. Both the peak magnitude and the brightness of the outburst when the slow decline transitions to a steep final decaying branch plausibly reproduce in all three outbursts. In the interpretation, the short duration of the precursor is caused by the fact that only the thermal-viscous instability operated in the accretion disk while also the tidal instability of the disk contributed in the subsequent main outburst.
Dietary intake from complementary feeding is associated with intestinal barrier function and environmental enteropathy in Brazilian children from the MAL-ED cohort study
Authors: Costa P. N. , Soares A. M. , Filho J. Q. , Junior F. S. , Ambikapathi R. , Rogawski McQuade E. T. , Guerrant R. L. , Caulfield L. E. , Lima A. A. M. , Maciel B. L. L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA child’s diet contains nutrients and other substances that influence intestinal health. The present study aimed to evaluate the relations between complementary feeding, intestinal barrier function and environmental enteropathy (EE) in infants. Data from 233 children were obtained from the Brazilian site of the Etiology, Risk Factors, and Interactions of Enteric Infections and Malnutrition and the Consequences for Child Health and Development Project cohort study. Habitual dietary intake from complementary feeding was estimated using seven 24-h dietary recalls, from 9 to 15 months of age. Intestinal barrier function was assessed using the lactulose–mannitol test (L–M), and EE was determined as a composite measure using faecal biomarkers concentrations – α-1-antitrypsin, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neopterin (NEO) at 15 months of age. The nutrient adequacies explored the associations between dietary intake and the intestinal biomarkers. Children showed adequate nutrient intakes (with the exception of fibre), impaired intestinal barrier function and intestinal inflammation. There was a negative correlation between energy adequacy and L–M (ρ = −0·19, P < 0·05) and between folate adequacy and NEO concentrations (ρ = −0·21, P < 0·01). In addition, there was a positive correlation between thiamine adequacy and MPO concentration (ρ = 0·22, P < 0·01) and between Ca adequacy and NEO concentration (ρ = 0·23; P < 0·01). Multiple linear regression models showed that energy intakes were inversely associated with intestinal barrier function (β = −0·19, P = 0·02), and fibre intake was inversely associated with the EE scores (β = −0·20, P = 0·04). Findings suggest that dietary intake from complementary feeding is associated with decreased intestinal barrier function and EE in children.
Otogenic intracranial complications: a 10-year retrospective review in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Khuzwayo Z B , Enicker B 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo analyse the data for patients with otogenic intracranial complications during the study period and draw a comparison with internationally published literature.MethodA retrospective, observational study was conducted, covering a 10-year period between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2012.ResultsThe study comprised 108 patients (66 males (61.1 per cent) and 42 females (38.9 per cent)), of which 75 per cent were aged less than 20 years. Post-auricular swelling, otorrhoea and a decreased level of consciousness were the most frequently reported symptoms in patients with otogenic intracranial complications. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus did not show any different patterns in terms of presentation and outcome.ConclusionA triad of post-auricular swelling, otorrhoea and a decreased level of consciousness should make the clinician more heedful of otogenic intracranial complications. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus and human immunodeficiency virus negative patients were equally affected and had similar presentations. Early surgical management of patients was associated with shorter hospital stays and better outcomes.
Epistaxis and atorvastatin: is there an association and are clinicians aware? A retrospective audit of 100 patients
Authors: Heward E , Lau A S 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveEpistaxis is a common ENT presentation. The British National Formulary lists epistaxis as a common side effect of atorvastatin. This study aimed to better understand the relationship between epistaxis and atorvastatin use, and determine whether ENT doctors are aware of its side effect profile.MethodsA retrospective analysis over 10 months identified 100 individuals who presented to hospital with epistaxis. A questionnaire of 24 ENT registrars was undertaken.ResultsOf the 100 patients admitted with epistaxis, 27 were receiving atorvastatin and 21 simvastatin. None of the 24 ENT registrars were aware that epistaxis was a listed common side effect of atorvastatin.ConclusionThere was no apparent difference in the proportion of patients admitted with epistaxis taking atorvastatin versus simvastatin. Epistaxis is an unknown side effect of atorvastatin; doctors have an obligation to be aware of the pharmaceutical literature and to consider alternatives, particularly in re-admissions cases.
Ecological release in lizard endoparasites from the Atlantic Forest, northeast of the Neotropical Region
Authors: Teixeira Adonias A. Martins , Riul Pablo , Brito Samuel Vieira , Araujo-Filho João A. , Teles Diêgo Alves , Almeida Waltécio de Oliveira , Mesquita Daniel Oliveira 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe compared lizard endoparasite assemblages between the Atlantic Forest and naturally isolated forest enclaves to test the ecological release hypothesis, which predicts that host specificity should be lower (large niche breadth) and parasite abundance should be greater for parasites from isolated forest enclaves (poor assemblages) than for parasites from the coastal Atlantic Forest (rich assemblages). Parasite richness per specimen showed no difference between the isolated and non-isolated areas. Parasite abundance did not differ between the isolated and non-isolated areas but showed a positive relationship with parasite richness considering all areas (isolated and non-isolated). Furthermore, host specificity was positively related to parasite richness. Considering that host specificity is inversely proportional to the host range infected by a parasite, our results indicate that in assemblages with greater parasite richness, parasites tend to infect a smaller range of hosts than do those in simple assemblages. In summary, our study partially supports the ecological release hypothesis: in assemblages with greater parasite richness, lizard parasites from Atlantic Forest are able to increase their parasite abundance (per host), possibly through facilitated infection; however, the amplitude of infected hosts only expands in poor assemblages (lower parasite richness).
Plasmodium transmission differs between mosquito species and parasite lineages
Authors: Gutiérrez-López Rafael , Martínez-de la Puente Josué , Gangoso Laura , Soriguer Ramón , Figuerola Jordi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFactors such as the particular combination of parasite–mosquito species, their co-evolutionary history and the host's parasite load greatly affect parasite transmission. However, the importance of these factors in the epidemiology of mosquito-borne parasites, such as avian malaria parasites, is largely unknown. Here, we assessed the competence of two mosquito species [Culex pipiens and Aedes (Ochlerotatus) caspius], for the transmission of four avian Plasmodium lineages (Plasmodium relictum SGS1 and GRW11 and Plasmodium cathemerium-related lineages COLL1 and PADOM01) naturally infecting wild house sparrows. We assessed the effects of parasite identity and parasite load on Plasmodium transmission risk through its effects on the transmission rate and mosquito survival. We found that Cx. pipiens was able to transmit the four Plasmodium lineages, while Ae. caspius was unable to transmit any of them. However, Cx. pipiens mosquitoes fed on birds infected by P. relictum showed a lower survival and transmission rate than those fed on birds infected by parasites related to P. cathemerium. Non-significant associations were found with the host–parasite load. Our results confirm the existence of inter- and intra-specific differences in the ability of Plasmodium lineages to develop in mosquito species and their effects on the survival of mosquitoes that result in important differences in the transmission risk of the different avian malaria parasite lineages studied.