bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex- and age-related differences in bilirubin concentrations in serum.
Authors: Rosenthal P , Pincus M , Fink D 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The relation between age and sex and the concentration of bilirubin in serum was evaluated in 6740 men and 11 215 women, ages 13 to 96 years. Mean serum bilirubin concentrations in the men significantly exceeded values in the women over all age groups examined. Further, mean serum bilirubin concentrations were greatest both in males and females in the 19-24 years age group and then declined to former values, which persisted throughout life. Pearson correlation coefficients for bilirubin with liver function indices (albumin and total protein) and with hemoglobin were low in all ages and in both sexes, suggesting that bilirubin concentrations do not correlate with those liver functions not directly concerned with bile pigment processing.
Carbon monoxide in blood: an improved microliter blood-sample collection system, with rapid analysis by gas chromatography.
Authors: Vreman H J , Kwong L K , Stevenson D K 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We examined the sensitive assay for carboxyhemoglobin based on reaction with K3Fe(CN)6 and gas chromatography of the liberated CO. Our improvements included increased baseline stability, shorter analysis time, and simpler standardization. EDTA-containing Vacutainer Tubes (lavender-stoppered) increase the carboxyhemoglobin content of blood stored in them. The carboxyhemoglobin content of blood stored in capillary tubes containing solid heparin and saponin remained stable for two weeks. Using our improved procedures, we measured the carboxyhemoglobin content of blood from adults and neonates collected via venipuncture or heel or fingersticks. We observed no significant difference in carboxyhemoglobin content of blood obtained by venipuncture or heel stick for premature infants, 0.19 +/- 0.04 vs 0.18 +/- 0.03 mL of CO per 100 mL of blood, respectively (mean +/- SD). Nonsmoking adults (n = 19) had CO values (mean +/- SD) of 0.19 +/- 0.03 and 0.17 +/- 0.04 mL per 100 mL of blood, and smoking adults (n = 7) gave CO values of 0.96 +/- 0.49 and 0.91 +/- 0.49 mL/dL, for venipuncture and fingerstick, respectively.
Occult causes of hypokalemia.
Authors: Walmsley R N , White G H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Most causes of hypokalemia are obvious from the clinical picture and the values for plasma electrolytes. In cases with obscure etiology, a pretreatment estimation of urinary potassium and chloride often helps lead the clinician into new and fruitful avenues of clinical investigation. Here we present four cases of hypokalemia in which the pathogenesis was initially enigmatic but was clarified somewhat by the determination of the urinary electrolytes. These simple, inexpensive investigations were initiated by the clinical chemistry laboratory in each case. The results encouraged the physicians to consider further clinical investigations, which led to a definitive diagnosis, before invoking expensive hormonal analyses.
Formate concentrations in a case of methanol ingestion.
Authors: Shahangian S , Robinson V L , Jennison T A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
An eight-month-old infant ingested at least 3.5 g of methanol when he accidentally received 5 mL of amoxicillin suspended in 70% methanol. The serum methanol concentration 8 h later was 9.7 mmol/L (310 mg/L) and the formate concentration 23 mmol/L (1.0 g/L). At 18 h after the ingestion, total CO2 had decreased to 6.8 mmol/L. Throughout the second day, 21-32 h after the ingestion, the methanol concentration was 2.8-3.4 mmol/L (90-110 mg/L) and that of formate was 31-33 mmol/L (1.4-1.5 g/L). On the third day, 46 h after the ingestion, methanol was not detected and the formate concentration had declined to 16 mmol/L (720 mg/L). The patient was treated with activated charcoal 7 h after the ingestion and with ethanol, administered both orally and intravenously, 21 h after the ingestion. No abnormalities of the infant's eyes were noted upon ophthalmological examination approximately 55 h after the incident.
Optical detection of antibody-antigen reactions at a glass-liquid interface.
Authors: Sutherland R M , Dähne C , Place J F , Ringrose A S 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We describe an optical technique for detecting and monitoring antibody-antigen reactions at a solid-liquid interface. The antibody is covalently immobilized onto the surface of either a planar (microscope slide) or cylindrical (fibre optic) waveguide made of fused quartz. The reaction of immobilized antibody with antigen in solution is detected through use of the evanescent wave component of a light beam, which has a characteristic depth of penetration of a fraction of a wavelength into the aqueous phase, thus optically interacting primarily with substances bound (or located very close) to the interface and only minimally with the bulk solution. This resulting in-situ spatial separation of the antibody-bound from free antigen precludes a formal separation step and allows the reaction to be monitored kinetically. An immunoassay for methotrexate by absorption spectrometry achieved a detection limit of about 270 nmol/L; binding of methotrexate by immobilized antibody was monitored by the decrease in transmittance at 310 nm. A two-site immunofluorometric assay for human IgG could detect as little as 30 nmol/L; binding of fluorescein-labeled antibody was monitored by the increase in signal above 520 nm (lambda ex = 495 nm). With both immunoassays the signal-generating phase was monitored kinetically and was completed within 15 min.
Total hydrolyzable glycerol in amniotic fluid, and its relationship to fetal lung maturity.
Authors: Siegel L , Walker S I , Robin N I 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We describe an enzymic quantification of total hydrolyzable glycerol in amniotic fluid. An extract of amniotic fluid is hydrolyzed in mild alkali, without pretreatment with lipase. The resulting glycerol (some of which may be derived from trace amounts of triglyceride) is then enzymatically phosphorylated with adenosine 5'-[gamma 32P]triphosphate to yield glycerol [gamma 32P]phosphate. After removal of excess [gamma 32P]ATP by charcoal, the radioactivity of the glycerophosphate is measured in a liquid scintillation counter. The close correlation (r = 0.96) we found between total hydrolyzable glycerol and phosphatidylglycerol indicates that the contribution of triglyceride to the value for total glycerol is inconsequential. This method is less time consuming and more precise than the method for phosphatidylglycerol.
Chick-Lit Pasifika-Style or How to B(l)end the Formula: Lani Young’s Scarlet Series
Authors: Fresno-Calleja Paloma 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This article focuses on Scarlet Lies (2015), Scarlet Secrets (2015), and Scarlet Redemption (2019), the popular romance series by Samoan writer Lani Wendt Young. The novels deploy the recognizable chick-lit formula to narrate the predicaments and romantic adventures of a young Samoan woman in what could be defined, following Selina Tusitala Marsh, as “‘Chick Lit’ Pasifika-style” (“Aotearoa Reads”). My main argument is that Young b(l)ends the conventions of chick lit both by hybridizing some of its defining features and by repoliticizing the formula. While dealing with commonplace preoccupations of chick-lit heroines, the novels serve as effective tools for social commentary as they raise criticism toward both Samoan and western societies, reflect on the neocolonial and neoliberal structures affecting the lives of her young Samoan characters, and introduce discussions on culturally specific issues.
Patient-reported symptoms following diagnosis in esophagus cancer patients treated with palliative intent
Authors: Davis Laura E , Gupta Vaibhav , Allen-Ayodabo Catherine , Zhao Haoyu , Hallet Julie , Mahar Alyson L , Ringash Jolie , Doherty Mark , Kidane Biniam , Darling Gail , Coburn Natalie G 
Published: January 2020

Summary
The majority of patients with esophagus cancer have advanced-stage disease without curative options. For these patients, treatment is focused on improving symptoms and quality of life. Despite this, little work has been done to quantify symptom burden for incurable patients. We describe symptoms using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) among esophagus cancer patients treated for incurable disease. This retrospective cohort study linked administrative datasets to prospectively collected ESAS data of non-curatively treated adult esophagus cancer patients diagnosed between January 1, 2009 and September 30, 2016. ESAS measures nine common cancer-related symptoms: anxiety, depression, drowsiness, lack of appetite, nausea, pain, shortness of breath, tiredness, and impaired well-being. Frequency of severe symptoms (score ≥ 7/10) was described by month for the 6 months from diagnosis for all patients and by treatment type (chemotherapy alone, radiotherapy alone, both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and best supportive care). A sensitivity analysis limited to patients who survived at least 6 months was performed to assess robustness of the results to proximity to death and resulting variation in follow-up time. Among 2,989 esophagus cancer patients diagnosed during the study period and meeting inclusion criteria, 2,103 reported at least one ESAS assessment in the 6 months following diagnosis and comprised the final cohort. Patients reported a median of three (IQR 2–7) ESAS assessments in the study period. Median survival was 7.6 (IQR 4.1–13.7) months. Severe lack of appetite (53.1%), tiredness (51.1%), and impaired well-being (42.7%) were the most commonly reported symptoms. Severe symptoms persisted throughout the 6 months after the diagnosis. Subgroup analysis by treatment showed no worsening of symptoms over time in those treated by either chemotherapy alone, or both chemotherapy and radiation. Results followed a similar pattern on sensitivity analysis. Patients diagnosed with incurable esophagus cancer experience considerable symptom burden in the first 6 months after diagnosis and the frequency of severe symptoms remains high throughout this period. Patients with this disease require early palliative care and psychosocial support upon diagnosis and support throughout the course of their cancer journey.
Evidences supporting the inclusion of immigrants in the universal healthcare coverage
Authors: Prats-Uribe Albert , Brugueras Sílvia , Comet Dolors , Álamo-Junquera Dolores , Ortega Gutiérrez LLuïsa , Orcau Àngels , Caylà Joan A , Millet Joan-Pau 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In 2012, the Spanish government enforced a healthcare exclusion policy against undocumented immigrants. The newly elected government has recently derogated this policy. To analyze how this decree could have affected population health, we looked at primary health patients who would have been excluded and compared with a matched sample of non-excluded patients. Potentially excluded patients had decreased odds of: depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dyslipidaemia, heart failure and hypertension while diabetes mellitus rates were similar to non-excluded. Infectious diseases were more frequent in potentially excluded population (HIV, tuberculosis and syphilis). The exclusion of patients impedes the control of infectious diseases at a community level.
Predictors of high and low mental well-being and common mental disorders: findings from a Danish population-based study
Authors: Santini Ziggi Ivan , Stougaard Sarah , Koyanagi Ai , Ersbøll Annette Kjær , Nielsen Line , Hinrichsen Carsten , Madsen Katrine R , Meilstrup Charlotte , Stewart-Brown Sarah , Koushede Vibeke 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Mental well-being is fundamental for a good life. Previous literature has examined the predictors of mental disorders and continuous measures of positive mental health. Very few studies have specifically focused on the predictors of different levels of mental well-being, but those that have suggest a different picture. This study aimed to compare socioeconomic and relational/recreational behaviour predictors of different levels of mental well-being as well as common mental disorders (CMDs).

Methods
Data from 3508 adults aged 16+ years old from the Danish Mental Health and Well-Being Survey 2016 were linked to Danish national register-based data. Mental well-being was assessed using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, and information on CMDs was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4). Regression analyses were conducted to estimate the predictors of low and high mental well-being compared to moderate mental well-being and also of CMDs.

Results
Lower socioeconomic position (education, income and employment status) was associated with increased odds of low mental well-being and the presence of CMDs, but did not significantly predict high mental well-being. Relational/recreational behaviours (informal and formal social participation, social support and recreational activity) were associated with reduced odds of low mental well-being and CMDs, and also with increased odds of high mental well-being.

Conclusions
Socioeconomic predictors of high mental well-being do not mirror those of low mental well-being and CMDs, whereas relational/recreational predictors of high mental well-being do mirror those of low mental well-being and CMDs. These findings have important implications for public mental health strategies.
The culturable mycobiota associated with the Mediterranean sponges Aplysina cavernicola, Crambe crambe and Phorbas tenacior
Authors: Bovio Elena , Sfecci Estelle , Poli Anna , Gnavi Giorgio , Prigione Valeria , Lacour Thierry , Mehiri Mohamed , Varese Giovanna Cristina 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT
Marine fungi are part of the huge and understudied biodiversity hosted in the sea. To broaden the knowledge on fungi inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea and their role in sponge holobiont, three sponges namely Aplysina cavernicola, Crambe crambe and Phorbas tenacior were collected in Villefranche sur Mer, (France) at about 25 m depth. The fungal communities associated with the sponges were isolated using different techniques to increase the numbers of fungi isolated. All fungi were identified to species level giving rise to 19, 13 and 3 species for P. tenacior, A. cavernicola and C. crambe, respectively. Of note, 35.7% and 50.0% of the species detected were either reported for the first time in the marine environment or in association with sponges. The mini-satellite analysis confirmed the uniqueness of the mycobiota of each sponge, leading to think that the sponge, with its metabolome, may shape the microbial community.
Nomogram for predicting pathological complete response and tumor downstaging in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer on the basis of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zhang Jian-Wei , Cai Yue , Xie Xiao-Yu , Hu Hua-Bin , Ling Jia-Yu , Wu Ze-Hua , Lan Ping , Wu Xiao-Jian , Huang Mei-Jin , Wang Hui , Kang Liang , Zhou Zhi-Yang , Wang Jian-Ping , Deng Yan-Hong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Preoperative fluoropyrimidine with radiotherapy was regarded as the standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). The model for predicting pCR in LARC patients was based on standard treatment only. This study aimed to establish a nomogram with pretherapeutic parameters and different neoadjuvant regimens for predicting pathologic complete response (pCR) and tumor downstaging or good response (ypT0-2N0M0) after receiving neoadjuvant treatment in patients with LARC based on a randomized clinical trial.

Methods
Between January 2011 and February 2015, 309 patients with rectal cancer were enrolled from a prospective randomized study (NCT01211210). All pretreatment clinical parameters were collected to build a nomogram for predicting pCR and tumor downstaging. The model was subjected to bootstrap internal validation. The predictive performance of the model was assessed with concordance index (C-index) and calibration plots.

Results
Of the 309 patients, 53 (17.2%) achieved pCR and 132 (42.7%) patients were classified as tumor downstaging with ypT0-2N0M0. Based on the logistic-regression analysis and clinical consideration, tumor length (P = 0.005), tumor circumferential extent (P = 0.036), distance from the anal verge (P = 0.019), and neoadjuvant treatment regimen (P &lt; 0.001) showed independent association with pCR following neoadjuvant treatment. The tumor length (P = 0.015), tumor circumferential extent (P = 0.001), distance from the anal verge (P = 0.032), clinical T category (P = 0.012), and neoadjuvant treatment regimen (P = 0.001) were significantly associated with good tumor downstaging (ypT0-2N0M0). Nomograms were developed to predict the probability of pCR and tumor downstaging with a C-index of 0.802 (95% confidential interval [CI], 0.736–0.867) and 0.730 (95% CI, 0.672–0.784). Internal validation revealed good performance of the calibration plots.

Conclusions
The nomogram provided individual prediction responses to different preoperative treatment for patients with rectal cancer. This model might help physicians in selecting an optimized treatment, but warrants further external validation.
Aging Blunts Sympathetic Neuron Regulation of Motoneurons Synaptic Vesicle Release Mediated by β1- and α2B-Adrenergic Receptors in Geriatric Mice
Authors: Wang Zhong-Min , Rodrigues Anna Carolina Zaia , Messi María Laura , Delbono Osvaldo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This study was designed to determine whether and how the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) regulates motoneuron axon function and neuromuscular transmission in young (3–4-month) and geriatric (31-month) mice. Our approach included sciatic-peroneal nerve immunolabeling coregistration, and electrophysiological recordings in a novel mouse ex-vivo preparation, the sympathetic-peroneal nerve-lumbricalis muscle (SPNL). Here, the interaction between the motoneuron and SNS at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and muscle innervation reflect the complexity of the living mouse. Our data show that electrical stimulation of the sympathetic neuron at the paravertebral ganglia chain enhances motoneuron synaptic vesicle release at the NMJ in young mice, while in geriatric mice, this effect is blunted. We also found that blocking β-AR prevents the sympathetic neuron from increasing NMJ transmission. Immunofluorescence coexpression analysis of immunolabeled ARs with choline acetyltransferase-, tyrosine hydroxylase-, or calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactive axons showed that α2B-AR is found mainly in sympathetic neurons, β1-AR in sympathetic- and motor-neurons, and both decline significantly with aging. In summary, this study unveils the molecular substrate accounting for the influence of endogenous sympathetic neurons on motoneuron-muscle transmission in young mice and its decline with aging.
Factors associated with successful tobacco use cessation among teachers in Bihar state, India: a mixed-method study
Authors: Nagler E M , Aghi M , Rathore A , Lando H , Pednekar M S , Gupta P C , Stoddard A M , Kenwood C , Penningroth B , Sinha D N , Sorensen G 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAlthough tobacco use is declining in several countries including India (dropping from 35% in 2009–10 to 29% 2016–17 among adults)—it still poses a huge burden on India, as the world’s second largest consumer of tobacco products. In Bihar state, with a prevalence of 25%, the Bihar School Teachers Study (BSTS) successfully enlisted teachers as role models for encouraging quitting and changing social norms pertaining to tobacco. The study used a mixed-methods approach to identify factors associated with teachers’ quitting. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups with teachers and school principals. Quantitative data were collected through a written survey administered to school personnel post-intervention. Key findings from focus groups were that teachers and principals quit using tobacco and promoted cessation because they wanted to model positive behaviors; specific information about tobacco’s harms aided cessation; and the BSTS intervention facilitated a school environment that supported quitting. Survey results indicated teachers who reported knowing people who quit using tobacco in the prior year were far more likely to quit as were teachers who reported that their school’s tobacco policy was completely enforced. The combination of qualitative and quantitative data yielded important insights with strong implications for future interventions.
Constitution-making and liberal democracy: The role of citizens and representative elites
Authors: Negretto Gabriel 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This article discusses the impact of citizen participation and elite cooperation in constitution-making on the deepening of an already existing electoral democracy. It argues that while direct citizen involvement in the drafting of constitutions may be desirable on normative grounds or necessary for pragmatic reasons, only cooperation among a plurality of elected political representatives at the constitution-making stage is likely to improve the liberal dimension of democracy after the enactment of the new constitution. Inclusive constitutional agreements at the level of representative elites not only establish legal limits on state action but may also provide opposition parties and citizens alike with the means to make institutional constraints on executive power and civil liberties effective. This effect is usually observed during the early years of life of the new constitution, when the balance of power among the political forces that created the constitution tends to remain stable. I find preliminary support for this argument analyzing aggregate data and selected case studies from all episodes of democratic constitution-making in the world between 1900 and 2015.
Qualification, knowledge, tasks and responsibilities of the clinical perfusionist in Germany
Authors: Bauer Adrian , Benk Christoph , Thiele Holger , Bauersachs Johann , Dittrich Sven , Dähnert Ingo , Schirmer Uwe , Zwißler Bernhard , Jannsens Uwe , Karagiannidis Christian , Kluge Stefan , Markewitz Andreas , Beckmann Andreas 
Published: January 2020

AbstractConsensus paper of the German Society of Cardiovascular Engineering, the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, the German Society of Cardiology, the German Society of Pediatric Cardiology, the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, the German Interdisciplinary Association of Intensive Care Medicine and Emergency Medicine and the German Society of Medical Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine.