bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salivary alpha-synuclein (total and oligomeric form): potential biomarkers in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Shaheen Hala , Sobhy Sayed , El Mously Sherine , Abuomira Marwa , Mansour Mohamed 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Alpha-synuclein (A-syn) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of PD. The close relation between the salivary glands and the CNS could render the A-syn secretions in the saliva useful biomarkers for PD.

Aim of the work
To study the salivary A-syn levels in a cohort of PD Egyptian patients and to correlate these A-syn levels with the patients’ clinical data and disease severity.

Patients and methods
Twenty-five PD patients and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects, as a control group, were enrolled. Evaluation of PD patients was performed using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and modified Hoehn and Yahr scale (HYS). Samples of the saliva were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique for the specific anti A-syn total and anti A-syn oligomer (A-synolig).

Results
There was a statistically significant increase in A-synolig level and A-synolig/A-syn total ratio and a decrease in A-syn total level among PD patients. A statistically significant increase in A-synolig level was detected among patients having bradykinesia and rigidity as predominant symptoms. Also, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between A-synolig level and the disease duration. No statistically significant correlation was found between A-syn concentrations and disease severity.

Conclusion
Salivary A-syn total and A-synolig can be used as potential biomarkers for PD diagnosis.
Policy transfer processes and renewable energy penetration: a comparative analysis of Peru, Thailand, and Uganda
Authors: Bößner Stefan , Suljada Tim , Johnson Francis X. , Bruno Aina , Morales Jorge Rodriguez , Hu Mengyin , Bhamidipati Padmasai Lakshmi , Haselip James 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Low-carbon technologies must be widely adopted at a large scale to address climate change and enhance access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. The uptake of those technologies is often supported by specific policies developed at a national or regional level and those policies, like the technologies themselves, can diffuse from one place to another. This paper sheds some light on this ‘policy transfer’ and investigates the dynamics, the actors and the processes involved. We illustrate what happens when renewable energy support policies in one country inspire renewable support policies in another country using three case studies in Peru, Thailand and Uganda as examples.

Results
Using an adapted version of the policy transfer framework first elaborated by Dolowitz and Marsh (Polit Stud 44:343–57, 1996; Governance 13:5–23, 2000), we describe the policy transfer process in the three case study countries according to several criteria. We find that policy transfer is not a straightforward process where a ‘borrower’ country simply adopts policies from a ‘lender’ country, but instead a complex process where many actors - national and international – interact to shape the outcome of the process. And while experiences particularly in the EU as well as international developments have influenced the policy transfer in case study countries significantly, domestic issues also play a key role in shaping the transferred policies and in adapting them to local contexts. Moreover, the policy transfer process is not an one-off event, but a continuous process where iterative learning helps the policies to evolve over time.

Conclusions
Policy transfer is a complex matter, involving many stakeholders during a continuous process over time. The Dolowitz and Marsh framework proved useful to analyse policy transfer and the actors involved although questions for further research remain. For instance, against what kind of criteria should the ‘success’ of a policy transfer be measured? Moreover, while comparing three illustrative case studies is a first, useful step, having a larger set of case studies and data might enhance our understanding of the details of the processes involved even further.
Role of PET CT in comparison to triphasic CT in early follow-up of hepatocellular carcinoma after transarterial chemoemoblization
Authors: Hetta Waleed M. , Atyia Hany Rafat 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The aim of the study is to compare the role of PET/CT and that of triphasic CT in hepatocellular carcinoma post chemoembolization evaluation, thus guiding clinicians for proper management strategy.
Thirty patients who had transarterial chemoembolization done for HCC were subjected to both radiological modalities, 18F-FDG PET/CT and triphasic CT, with the results compared.

Results
In our study, triphasic CT revealed 20 true positive results, 3 true negative results, 7 false negative results, and no false positive cases thus exhibiting calculated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 74%, 100.0%, and 76.7% respectively. On the other hand, PET/CT showed 26 true positive results, 2 true negative results, 1 false negative result, and 1 false positive result to exhibit calculated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 96.3%, 66.7%, and 93.3%, respectively.

Conclusion
18F-FDG PET/CT showed high diagnostic accuracy over triphasic CT in interventional bed evaluation following TACE especially for patients with non-conclusive triphasic CT results and persistent elevated levels of AFP.
Cardiopulmonary health indices and diabetes risk scores in undergraduate students of a private university in Nigeria
Authors: Yesufu JolaOluwa Oluwatosin , Oluwasile Olaoluwa David , Oluranti Olufemi Idowu , Fasanmade Adesoji Adesipe , Soladoye Ayodele O. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Cardiopulmonary health and its relationship with diabetes mellitus are very important but particularly underexplored in young undergraduate students of private Universities in Nigeria. This observational study investigated the effect of diabetic risk on cardiopulmonary health indices among healthy, consenting undergraduate students of a private university in Nigeria by a convenient sampling method. Cardiopulmonary health indices were assessed by anthropometry; cardiorespiratory fitness was determined by maximum oxygen uptake levels (VO2 max), blood pressure and heart rates were measured using the Bruce treadmill protocol; oxygen saturation was determined by pulse oximetry, pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry; diabetes mellitus was risk determined by fasting blood glucose levels and the FINDRISC (Finish Diabetes Risk Score questionnaire which is a validated tool, for determining Diabetes risk; heart health awareness was determined by a modification of the healthy heart questionnaire (HHQ-GP-1) which is a standardized tool for heart health awareness and practices.

Results
Results showed that the prevalence of diabetes risk was 38.8% in the sample population. The healthy heart questionnaire revealed that participants had poor diet (76%) or did little or no exercise (60%) and were also ignorant of what a normal blood pressure should be (72%). There was no significant difference between blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and heart rates after physical exercise of those at diabetes risk and those not at risk (p > 0.05). Fasting blood glucose levels between those at diabetes risk and those not at risk was significantly different (p < 0.01). The cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max) of those not at diabetic risk was not significantly higher than of those at risk (p > 0.385). Respiratory functions (vital capacity, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume) of those not at diabetic risk were higher than those at risk, showing that diabetes may impair lung function. Though this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), the result obtained cannot be disregarded.

Conclusion
Universities and higher institutions of learning should incorporate regular health promotion and education programs that focus more on healthy lifestyles, physical exercise, and proper diet.
Long-Term Outcomes and Responses to Retreatment in Patients With Melanoma Treated With PD-1 Blockade
Authors: Betof Warner Allison , Palmer Jessica S. , Shoushtari Alexander N. , Goldman Debra A. , Panageas Katherine S. , Hayes Sara A. , Bajwa Raazi , Momtaz Parisa , Callahan Margaret K. , Wolchok Jedd D. , Postow Michael A. , Chapman Paul B. 
Published: February 2020

PURPOSE To analyze long-term outcomes after treatment discontinuation of anti–programmed death-1 (anti–PD-1) therapy in a cohort of patients with melanoma with the longest follow-up yet available to our knowledge, including a majority of patients treated outside of a clinical trial. We also assessed efficacy of retreatment with anti–PD-1 therapy with or without ipilimumab in relapsing patients. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed all patients with nonuveal, unresectable stage III/IV melanoma treated with single-agent anti–PD-1 therapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering from 2009-2018 who had discontinued treatment and had at least 3 months of follow-up after discontinuation (n = 396). Overall survival for patients with complete response (CR) was calculated from time of CR. Time to treatment failure for patients with CR was time from CR to the next melanoma treatment or death. RESULTS CRs were seen in 102 of 396 patients (25.8%). The median number of months of treatment after CR was zero (range, stopped before CR to 26 months after CR). With a median follow-up of 21.1 months from time of CR in patients who did not relapse, the probability of being alive and not needing additional melanoma therapy at 3 years was 72.1%. There was no significant association between treatment duration and relapse risk. In multivariable analysis, CR was associated with M1b disease and cutaneous versus mucosal or acral primaries. Among the 78 patients (of 396) retreated after disease progression, response was seen in 5 of 34 retreated patients with single-agent anti–PD-1 therapy and 11 of 44 patients escalated to anti–PD-1 plus ipilimumab. CONCLUSION In our cohort, most patients discontinued treatment at the time of CR. Most CRs were durable but the probability of treatment failure was 27% at 3 years. Responses to retreatment were infrequent. The optimal duration of treatment after CR is not yet established.
Forty-One Individuals With Mutations in the AVP-NPII Gene Associated With Familial Neurohypophyseal Diabetes Insipidus
Authors: García-Castaño Alejandro , Madariaga Leire , Pérez de Nanclares Gustavo , Vela Amaia , Rica Itxaso , Gaztambide Sonia , Martínez Rosa , Martinez de LaPiscina Idoia , Urrutia Inés , Aguayo Anibal , Velasco Olaia ,   Familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus Spanish working group, Eizaguirre Javier , Antón María Ángeles , Rodríguez Amparo , Rodríguez-Arnao María Dolores , Luzuriaga Cristina , Villabona Carlos , Martínez Francisco , Carles Concha , Ramírez Joaquín , de Paz Fernando Nistal , José Francisco , Gómez Pomares , Chueca María Jesus , Temboury María del Carmen , Bahillo María Pilar , Castaño Luis 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Context
Familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus is a rare disease produced by a deficiency in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone and is caused by mutations in the arginine vasopressin gene.

Objective
Clinical, biochemical, and genetic characterization of a group of patients clinically diagnosed with familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus, 1 of the largest cohorts of patients with protein neurophysin II (AVP-NPII) gene alterations studied so far.

Design
The AVP-NPII gene was screened for mutations by PCR followed by direct Sanger sequencing in 15 different unrelated families from Spain.

Results
The 15 probands presented with polyuria and polydipsia as the most important symptoms at the time of diagnosis. In these patients, the disease was diagnosed at a median of 6 years of age. We observed 11 likely pathogenic variants. Importantly, 4 of the AVP-NPII variants were novel (p.(Tyr21Cys), p.(Gly45Ser), p.(Cys75Tyr), p.(Gly88Cys)).

Conclusions
Cytotoxicity seems to be due to consequences common to all the variants found in our cohort, which are not able to fold correctly and pass the quality control of the ER. In concordance, we found autosomal dominant familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus in the 15 families studied.
Ameloplasty is counterproductive in reducing microleakage around Resin Modified Glass Ionomer and Resin based fissure sealants
Authors: Khan Tabinda Nawaz , Khan Farhan Raza , Abidi Syed Yawar Ali 
Published: February 2020

Objective: To compare the microleakage around resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) based sealants and flowable resin based sealants placed with or without ameloplasty in extracted human teeth.
Methods: This in-vitro experimental study was conducted at the Operative Dentistry Department, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan from June 2017 to December 2018. Sixty extracted human molars and premolars were assigned to four groups (n=15) each, according to the type of fissure sealant (flowable resin based sealant or resin modified glass ionomer based sealant) used and either placed with or without ameloplasty. Specimens were thermocycled and then immersed in 1% methylene blue for 24 hours. Specimens were then sectioned and examined using stereo-microscope (50X) for microleakage that was scored on an ordinal scale. Mann-Whitney U test and Ordinal regression were applied. Level of significance kept at 0.05.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p-value <0.001) between the two sealant types for the microleakage scores. Sealants placed with ameloplasty demonstrated significantly higher microleakage values (p-value <0.001).
Conclusion: Microleakage was found to be more pronounced in RMGIC based sealants compared to the resin based sealants. Ameloplasty resulted in higher leakage around the sealants irrespective of the chemistry of material.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1268
How to cite this:Khan TN, Khan FR, Abidi SYA. Ameloplasty is counterproductive in reducing microleakage around Resin Modified Glass Ionomer and Resin based fissure sealants. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(3):544-549. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1268
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Investigation of healthy living strategies in elderly who achieved to live long and healthy
Authors: Şahinöz Turgut , Şahinöz Saime 
Published: February 2020

Objective: To determine the lifestyles, healthy living strategies and socio-cultural characteristics of elderly people who lived long and healthy.
Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. This study was conducted on 472 elderly patients, aged 80 years and over, selected by random sampling method. The socio-demographic characteristics and daily living activities of the elderly were determined by face to face interview technique using the “Elderly Questionnaire” developed by the researchers in 2018. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Based on the average age (84) of the elderly in the research group, it was seen that they were able to exceed the average life expectancy of their fathers (72) and mothers (73). It has been found that the participants live 11-12 years longer than their parents. It was also found that more than half (51.9%) of the elderly have the habit of walking regularly every day. It was determined that the elderly mostly consumed vegetables and fruits (88.5%), milk and dairy products and meat, respectively.
Conclusion: The elderly stated that natural and healthy nutrition, working and staying away from stress in the top three places as the reason of their long and healthy life.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1838
How to cite this:Sahinoz T, Sahinoz S. Investigation of healthy living strategies in elderly who achieved to live long and healthy. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(3):371-375. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1838
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Adoption and uptake of the lateral flow urine LAM test in countries with high tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS burden: current landscape and barriers
Authors: Singhroy Diane N. , MacLean Emily , Kohli Mikashmi , Lessem Erica , Branigan David , England Kathleen , Suleiman Khairunisa , Drain Paul K. , Ruhwald Morten , Schumacher Samuel , Denkinger Claudia M. , Waning Brenda , Van Gemert Wayne , Pai Madhukar 
Published: February 2020

Background: Since 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a commercially available lateral-flow urine LAM test (Alere-LAM) to assist in the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in severely ill people living with HIV (PLHIV). The test can rapidly detect TB in severely ill PLHIV and can identify PLHIV most at-risk of death, leading to mortality reductions. However, its uptake in countries with high burdens of TB and HIV has been slow. To assess the current use landscape and identify barriers to the adoption of Alere-LAM, we conducted a questionnaire-based study in 31 high TB and HIV/AIDS burden countries. Methods: Between November 2018 and December 2019, we collected responses to a semi-structured questionnaire that had been emailed to staff and affiliates of National TB Programs or HIV/AIDS Programs, Ministries of Health, and TB or HIV institutes of 31 high TB/HIV burden countries. Questions concerned country policies, adoption, and current use of Alere-LAM testing, as well as testing algorithms and barriers preventing Alere-LAM uptake. Results: We received questionnaire responses from 24 out of 31 (77%) high TB/HIV burden countries. Of these 24 countries, 11 (46%) had adopted Alere-LAM policies, with only five (21%) countries currently using Alere-LAM testing. Testing algorithms were generally aligned with WHO recommendations. Fifteen countries (63%) said they were planning to implement Alere-LAM testing in the near future. The most commonly cited constraint to adoption and implementation was budget limitations. Additional barriers to Alere-LAM implementation included lack of country-specific data and piloting, administrative hurdles such as regulatory agency approval, lack of coordination between National TB and HIV programs, and small perceived patient population. Conclusion: Responses to our questionnaire demonstrate the persistent gap between country-level policy and real-world use of Alere-LAM, as well as specific barriers that must be addressed to scale-up testing in PLHIV.
Emotion-focused therapy as a transdiagnostic treatment for depression, anxiety and related disorders: Protocol for an initial feasibility randomised control trial
Authors: Timulak Ladislav , Keogh Daragh , McElvaney James , Schmitt Sonja , Hession Natalie , Timulakova Katarina , Jennings Ciaran , Ward Fiona 
Published: February 2020

Background: Depression, anxiety and related disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorders and trauma/stressor related disorders, have high prevalence, chronic courses and cause significant impairment. These disorders are also highly co-morbid, and appear to share etiology and maintenance factors. Recent developments have seen the emergence of transdiagnostic approaches that systematically address the common/shared features of these disorders. A key advantage of transdiagnostic approaches is that they can reduce the pressure on mental health professionals to be proficient in a plethora of single-disorder focused treatments. Currently almost all transdiagnostic approaches come from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). However, not all clients prefer or benefit from CBT. Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) represents an evidence-based alternative to CBT. This study aims to examine a transdiagnostic adaptation of EFT (EFT-T) as a treatment for depression, anxiety and related disorders. Method: The current study is a randomised controlled trial that aims to establish the efficacy of EFT-T vs. wait-list control in the treatment of depression, anxiety and related disorders. Up to 40 clients presenting in a psychology/counselling service will be randomly assigned to two conditions: EFT-T (n=20) and wait-list control, with delayed intervention (n=20). Primary outcome measures will be the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Symptoms, the Overall Depression Severity and Impairment Symptoms, and the Clinical Outcome in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure. Disorder specific self-report measures will also be used to assess the main symptomatology of respective primary diagnoses. Clients will be assessed prior to therapy, at week 16, at end of therapy, and at 6 months follow-up. Discussion: This study aims to provide an initial test of EFT-T as a transdiagnostic treatment for depression, anxiety and related disorders. It will provide estimates of effects sizes that can inform power calculations for a comparative trial, comparing EFT-T to a standard transdiagnostic treatment, CBT. Registration: ISRCTN11430110; registered on 07 January 2019.
Introducing ExHiBITT – Exploring Host microBIome inTeractions in Twins –, a colon multiomic cohort study
Authors: Mora-Ortiz Marina , Ibraheim Hajir , Hermangild Kottoor Sherine , Bowyer Ruth C. E. , Metrustry Sarah , Sanderson Jeremy , Powell Nicholas , D. Spector Tim , S. Small Kerrin , Steves Claire J. 
Published: February 2020

Background: The colon is populated by approximately 1012 microorganisms, but the relationships between this microbiome and the host health status are still not completely understood. Here, our objective is to present the cohort characteristics of ExHiBITT – Exploring Host microBIome inTeractions in Twins – including i) biomedical phenotypes, ii) environmental factors and ii) colonoscopic findings. Methods: Participants from the TwinsUK cohort were recruited to study the interactions between the microbiome and host adaptive immunity. In total, 205 monozygotic twins were recruited from the wider TwinsUK cohort. They completed health questionnaires, and provided saliva, blood, colon biopsies from three different locations, caecal fluid, and two faecal samples. Results: A significant proportion of this apparently normal cohort had colonic polyps (28%), which are of interest as potential precursors of colorectal cancer, and, as expected, the number of polyps found was significantly correlated with BMI and age. Hitherto undiagnosed diverticulosis was also not infrequently found during colonoscopy (26%) and was associated with changes in Hybrid Th1-17 cells in the colon. Twin proband co-occurrence rate for diverticulosis (82%) was much higher than for polyps (42%). Familial factors affecting morphology or tolerance may contribute to the ease of endoscopy, as both the time to reach the caecum and pain perceived were highly concordant (proband concordance: 85% and 56%, respectively). Conclusions: We found the expected positive relationship between BMI and colonoscopic anomalies such as diverticular disease and polyps in the whole population, but within twin pairs this association was reversed. This suggests that familial factors confound these associations. Host and microbial next generation sequencing and metabolomics of the samples collected are planned in this cohort.