bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The combination of PIVKA‐II and AFP improves the detection accuracy for HCC in HBV caucasian cirrhotics on long‐term oral therapy
Authors: Loglio Alessandro , Iavarone Massimo , Facchetti Floriana , Di Paolo Dhanai , Perbellini Riccardo , Lunghi Giovanna , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Galli Claudio , Sandri Maria T. , Viganò Mauro , Sangiovanni Angelo , Colombo Massimo , Lampertico Pietro 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsProtein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist‐II (PIVKA‐II) has been suggested as a serum biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Asian hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐treated subjects but no studies tested it in Caucasian cirrhotics long‐term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs)‐treated. We assessed the detection accuracy of PIVKA‐II alone or in combination with alpha‐foetoprotein (AFP) in patients under surveillance.MethodsThis cross‐sectional, single centre case‐control study was conducted in 212 NUC‐treated cirrhotics: 64 HCC and 148 HCC‐free controls for 84 (60‐107) months. PIVKA‐II was determined by a CMIA immunoassay (Abbott; limit of quantification: 8.2 mAU/mL).ResultsProtein induced by vitamin K absence or agonist II (PIVKA‐II) and AFP levels were significantly higher in HCC patients [Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system stage 0/A in 91%, diameter 20 (6‐50) mm] compared to controls: 109 (17‐12 157) vs 31 (13‐82) mAU/mL and 5 (1‐1163) vs 2 (1‐7) ng/mL (P < .001 for both markers), with a cut‐off of 48 mAU/mL and 4.2 ng/mL by AUROC analysis. The PIVKA‐II 82 mAU/mL and AFP 7 ng/mL cut‐offs showed 100% specificity, with the former more sensitive (54% vs 42%), accurate (86% vs 83%), with higher negative predictive value (80% vs 76%) compared to AFP for HCC detection. PIVKA‐II more frequently than AFP levels exceeded the cut‐off 6‐18 months before HCC diagnosis. Combining PIVKA‐II with AFP increased sensitivity, accuracy and negative predictive values to 67%, 90% and 85%, preserving 100% specificity. PIVKA‐II was associated with lesions >20 mm or neoplastic thrombosis.ConclusionsCombination of PIVKA‐II and AFP increases the detection rate for HCC in NUC‐treated HBV Caucasian cirrhotics, a potential new approach for surveillance.
Do reactive oxygen species or does oxygen itself confer obligate anaerobiosis? The case of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
Authors: Khademian Maryam , Imlay James A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBacteroides thetaiotaomicron was examined to determine whether its obligate anaerobiosis is imposed by endogenous reactive oxygen species or by molecular oxygen itself. Previous analyses established that aerated B. thetaiotaomicron loses some enzyme activities due to a high rate of endogenous superoxide formation. However, the present study establishes that another key step in central metabolism is poisoned by molecular oxygen itself. Pyruvate dissimilation was shown to depend upon two enzymes, pyruvate:formate lyase (PFL) and pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR), that lose activity upon aeration. PFL is a glycyl‐radical enzyme whose vulnerability to oxygen is already understood. The rate of PFOR damage was unaffected by the level of superoxide or peroxide, showing that molecular oxygen itself is the culprit. The cell cannot repair PFOR, which amplifies the impact of damage. The rates of PFOR and fumarase inactivation are similar, suggesting that superoxide dismutase is calibrated so the oxygen‐ and superoxide‐sensitive enzymes are equally sensitive to aeration. The physiological purpose of PFL and PFOR is to degrade pyruvate without disrupting the redox balance, and they do so using catalytic mechanisms that are intrinsically vulnerable to oxygen. In this way, the anaerobic excellence and oxygen sensitivity of B. thetaiotaomicron are two sides of the same coin.
Colorectal adenocarcinoma metastasis to palatine tonsil as the first presentation: A case report and literature review
Authors: Karawita T. S. , Steele K. , Dhar V. , Chaston N. , Nissanka‐Jayasuriya E. H. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMetastases account for only 0.8% of all tonsillar malignancies and the lung, breast, kidney and melanoma are the commonest primary sites. Metastasis of colorectal carcinoma to the palatine tonsil is rare. We report of a 73‐year‐old man who presented with metastatic colorectal carcinoma in the right tonsil as the first presentation; the primary colorectal adenocarcinoma was diagnosed retrospectively. On magnetic resonance imaging, a 3.45 cm tumour was identified in the right oropharynx with associated lymphadenopathy. Tonsillectomy histology confirmed metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. On further imaging, an 8cm mass was identified in the sigmoid colon and a biopsy confirmed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient received two cycles of palliative chemotherapy but died 5 months following presentation. Literature review identified 13 case reports in the English scientific literature and clinicopathological analysis of these is presented. The mean age was 55.21 years (age range – 37–81) with male predominance. Half of the patients had a primary tumour in the rectum. Tonsillar involvement was either primary presentation or has been present at the time of diagnosis of primary colorectal tumour in five cases; in all of these, the differentiation of tumour was poor and 3/5 had signet ring morphology. These tumours showed poor prognosis and the life expectancy was 6–15 months irrespective of the type of treatment. This case highlights the importance of considering metastatic carcinoma in the differential diagnosis even at unlikely sites.
Surgical resection of osteochondroma in the mandibular condyle associated with directional orthodontic treatment: review of literature and a case report
Authors: Bachesk A.B. , Sessenta Junior C.F. , Iwaki Filho L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCharacterised by abnormal bone and/or cartilage formation on the surface of a normal bone, osteochondroma is a benign tumour manifested by poorly oriented bony protuberances, covered by hyaline cartilage and of normal histological appearance. Osteochondroma rarely occurs in the buccal and maxillofacial region, and the signs and symptoms vary according to the size and location of the tumour. In cases that involve the condyle of the mandible, the commonly recommended management is the radical resection of the tumour including the condyle, aiming to re‐establish aesthetics and function. When total condilectomy is chosen, there is a discussion in the literature about whether to perform mandibular condyle reconstruction or not. In the vast majority of cases reported, immediate reconstruction or association with other surgical procedures, such as orthognathic surgery, was chosen. This article aims to report a successful management of a case of osteochondroma in the mandibular condyle, resected surgically without immediate reconstruction, associated with directional orthodontic treatment and correlated it with the literature.
Delayed patch test reaction to budesonide in an 8‐year‐old
Authors: Tam Idy , Yu JiaDe 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTopical corticosteroids are an emerging cause of allergic contact dermatitis in children that may often be missed. It is important to consider patch testing with corticosteroids to detect allergic contact dermatitis in patients with persistent or worsening of dermatitis despite topical corticoseroid treatment. However, delayed reactions (>7 days) to topical corticosteroids may occur, leading to false‐negative reactions and misdiagnosis. Herein, we report a case of an 8‐year‐old girl who developed a positive reaction to budesonide on day 12 of patch testing.
Hope in political philosophy
Authors: Blöser Claudia , Huber Jakob , Moellendorf Darrel 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe language of hope is a ubiquitous part of political life, but its value is increasingly contested. While there is an emerging debate about hope in political philosophy, an assessment of the prevalent scepticism about its role in political practice is still outstanding. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of historical and recent treatments of hope in political philosophy and to indicate lines of further research. We argue that even though political philosophy can draw on recent analyses of hope in analytic philosophy, there are distinct challenges for an account of hope in political contexts. Examples such as racial injustice or climate change show the need for a systematic normative account that is sensitive to the unavoidability of hope in politics as much as its characteristic dangers.
Tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 1 and risk of type 2 diabetes in a Chinese population
Authors: Wang Yeli , Yuan Jian-Min , Pan An , Koh Woon-Puay 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionThe non-invasive enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score—comprising tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP1), hyaluronic acid (HA) and amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP)—has been shown to accurately predict fibrosis stages among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, no study has examined whether the ELF score or its components would also be predictive of type 2 diabetes, which commonly coexists and shares the same pathogenic abnormalities with NAFLD. Therefore, we prospectively investigated their associations with type 2 diabetes risks for the first time.Research design and methodsThe ELF score was measured among 254 type 2 diabetes cases and 254 age-matched and sex-matched controls nested within the prospective Singapore Chinese Health Study. Cases had hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels <6.5% at blood collection (1999–2004) and reported to have diabetes during follow-up II (2006–2010). Controls had HbA1c levels <6.0% at blood-taking and remained free of diabetes at follow-up II. Multivariable conditional logistic regression models were used to assess the ELF-diabetes association.ResultsHigher TIMP1 levels were associated with increased type 2 diabetes risk, and the OR comparing the highest versus lowest quartiles was 2.56 (95% CI 1.23 to 5.34; p trend=0.035). However, ELF score, PIIINP and HA were not significantly associated with type 2 diabetes risks.ConclusionsHigher TIMP1 levels, but not ELF score, PIIIMP and HA, were associated with increased type 2 diabetes risk in Chinese adults. Our results suggested that elevated TIMP1 levels may contribute to the type 2 diabetes development through pathways other than liver fibrosis.
Glycemic responses to strenuous training in male professional cyclists with type 1 diabetes: a prospective observational study
Authors: McCarthy Olivia , Eckstein Max L , Scott Sam N , Fontana Federico Y , Christiansen Mark P , Stettler Christoph , Fisher Miles , Bode Bruce , Riddell Michael C , Hayes Charlotte , Lagrou Peter L , Southerland Phil , Moser Othmar , Bracken Richard M 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionThis prospective observational study sought to establish the glycemic, physiological and dietary demands of strenuous exercise training as part of a 9-day performance camp in a professional cycling team with type 1 diabetes (T1D).Research design and methodsSixteen male professional cyclists with T1D on multiple daily injections (age: 27±4 years; duration of T1D: 11±5 years; body mass index: 22±2 kg/m2; glycated hemoglobin: 7%±1% (50±6 mmol/mol); maximum rate of oxygen consumption: 73±4 mL/kg/min) performed road cycle sessions (50%–90% of the anaerobic threshold, duration 1–6 hours) over 9 consecutive days. Glycemic (Dexcom G6), nutrition and physiological data were collected throughout. Glycemic data were stratified into predefined glycemic ranges and mapped alongside exercise physiology and nutritional parameters, as well as split into daytime and night-time phases for comparative analysis. Data were assessed by means of analysis of variance and paired t-tests. A p value of ≤0.05 (two-tailed) was statistically significant.ResultsHigher levels of antecedent hypoglycemia in the nocturnal hours were associated with greater time spent in next-day hypoglycemia overall (p=0.003) and during exercise (p=0.019). Occurrence of nocturnal hypoglycemia was associated with over three times the risk of next-day hypoglycemia (p<0.001) and a twofold risk of low glucose during cycling (p<0.001). Moreover, there was trend for a greater amount of time spent in mild hypoglycemia during the night compared with daytime hours (p=0.080).ConclusionThe higher prevalence of nocturnal hypoglycemia was associated with an increased risk of next-day hypoglycemia, which extended to cycle training sessions. These data highlight the potential need for additional prebed carbohydrates and/or insulin dose reduction strategies around exercise training in professional cyclists with T1D.Trial registration numberDRKS00019923.
Prospective observational study on the pharmacokinetic properties of the Irrua ribavirin regimen used in routine clinical practice in patients with Lassa fever in Nigeria
Authors: Erameh Cyril , Edeawe Osahogie , Akhideno Peter , Eifediyi Gloria , Omansen Till F , Wagner Christine , Sarpong Francisca , Koch Till , Wicha Sebastian , Kurth Florian , Duraffour Sophie , Oestereich Lisa , Pahlmann Meike , Okogbenin Sylvanus , Ogbaini-Emovon Ephraim , Günther Stephan , Ramharter Michael , Groger Mirjam 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionLassa fever (LF) is a severe and often fatal systemic disease in humans and affects a large number of countries in West Africa. Treatment options are limited to supportive care and the broad-spectrum antiviral agent ribavirin. However, evidence for ribavirin efficacy in patients with LF is poor and pharmacokinetic (PK) data are not available.Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) developed an intravenous ribavirin regimen different to the WHO recommendation. Apart from a lower total daily dose the drug is usually administered once per day which reduces the exposure of personnel to patients with LF. The aim of this study is to characterise the PK of the Irrua ribavirin regimen.Methods and analysisThis prospective, observational clinical study will assess PK properties of the Irrua ribavirin regimen on routinely ribavirin-treated patients with LF at ISTH, a referral hospital serving 19 local governmental areas in a LF endemic zone in Nigeria. Participants will be adults with PCR-confirmed LF. The primary objective is to describe classical PK parameters for ribavirin (maximum plasma drug concentration, time to maximum plasma drug concentration, area under the plasma drug concentration vs time curve, half-life time T1/2, volume of distribution). Blood samples will be collected at 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 8, 12 and 24 hours after doses on day 1, day 4 and day 10 of ribavirin treatment. Ribavirin plasma concentrations will be determined using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.Ethics and disseminationThe study will be conducted in compliance with the protocol, the Declaration of Helsinki, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the Nigerian National Code for Health Research Ethics. The protocol has received approval by the Health Research Ethics Committee of ISTH. Results will be made available to LF survivors, their caregivers, the funders, LF research society and other researchers.Registration detailsISRCTN11104750
Impact ofGBA1variants on long-term clinical progression and mortality in incident Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Stoker Thomas B , Camacho Marta , Winder-Rhodes Sophie , Liu Ganqiang , Scherzer Clemens R , Foltynie Thomas , Evans Jonathan , Breen David P , Barker Roger A , Williams-Gray Caroline H 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionVariants in theGBA1gene have been identified as a common risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD). In addition to pathogenic mutations (those associated with Gaucher disease), a number of ‘non-pathogenic’ variants also occur at increased frequency in PD. Previous studies have reported that pathogenic variants adversely affect the clinical course of PD. The role of ‘non-pathogenic’GBA1variants on PD course is less clear. In this study, we report the effect ofGBA1variants in incident PD patients with long-term follow-up.MethodsThe study population consisted of patients in the Cambridgeshire Incidence of Parkinson’s disease from General Practice to Neurologist and Parkinsonism: Incidence, Cognition and Non-motor heterogeneity in Cambridgeshire cohorts. Patients were grouped into non-carriers, carriers of ‘non-pathogenic’GBA1variants and carriers of pathogenicGBA1mutations. Survival analyses for time to development of dementia, postural instability and death were carried out. Cox regression analysis controlling for potential confounders were used to determine the impact ofGBA1variants on these outcome measures.ResultsGBA1variants were identified in 14.4% of patients. Pathogenic and ‘non-pathogenic’GBA1variants were associated with the accelerated development of dementia and a more aggressive motor course. PathogenicGBA1variants were associated with earlier mortality in comparison with non-carriers, independent of the development of dementia.DiscussionGBA1variants, including those not associated with Gaucher disease, are common in PD and result in a more aggressive disease course.
Prevalence of depression and its associated factors among clinical-year medical students in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlShamlan Nouf A , AlShamlan Reem A , AlShamlan Abeer A , AlOmar Reem S , AlAmer Naheel A , Darwish Magdy A , Sebiany Abdulaziz M 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo assess the prevalence of depression among medical students in their clinical years (fourth, fifth, and sixth years) in a government university in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, and its association with the students’ sociodemographic characteristics, academic factors, perceived health problems and their perceived readiness to their future specialties.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 527 clinical-year medical students. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and questionnaire designed by the researchers to collect data on sociodemographic and academic variables were used as research instruments. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata Statistical Software V.15. Descriptive statistics, the χ test, and both an ordered logistic regression and a binary logistic regression analysis were performed.ResultsThe prevalence of depression was found to be 39.27%, according to the results of the PHQ-9. Both the ordered logistic regression and the binary logistic regression analyses revealed that the odds of severe depression were high among women, and students who perceived that they were not yet ready for their future specialties. The more senior the medical students were, the less likely it is that they have severe depression. A similar association was found for students who perceived that they did not have psychological problems. However, students’ grade point average was not statistically significantly associated with depression.ConclusionsThe prevalence of depression was high among the medical students examined. Policy makers should establish screening programmes, provide counselling for students who need it and deliver early interventions in detected cases.
Analgesia in pet rabbits: a survey study on how pain is assessed and ameliorated by veterinary surgeons
Authors: Benato Livia , Murrell Joanna C , Blackwell Emily Jayne , Saunders Richard , Rooney Nicola 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundIn the last 20 years, two studies on the veterinary use of perioperative analgesia in small mammals reported a limited use of analgesics in rabbits but suggested an increasing use over the years. The aim of this study was to better understand how pain is treated and ameliorated in rabbits while under veterinary care.MethodsAn online survey of 60 questions was developed and advertised at national and international veterinary conferences, in veterinary publications and on social media.ResultsIn total 94.3 per cent of the respondents routinely administered nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to rabbits undergoing surgical procedures such as neutering, 71.4 per cent administered an opioid and 70.3 per cent routinely administered multimodal analgesia, although dosages do not always match current consensus opinion. Buprenorphine and meloxicam were the most common analgesic drugs prescribed by the respondents. The dosage of meloxicam administered both parenterally and orally varied widely.ConclusionRabbit analgesia has improved over recent years similarly to the trend seen in other companion animals. However, overall it seems that pain assessment is still limited in rabbits. The lack of multimodal composite pain scales specific for rabbits makes this task even more challenging.
Ophthalmology of clinically normal alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in the United Kingdom: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Faulkner Josephine , Williams David Leonard , Mueller Karin 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundAlpacas are being more frequently presented to veterinarians in the UK. It is important to validate whether published normal ocular parameters are consistent with the alpaca population in the UK.MethodsOphthalmic examinations were performed on healthy alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from three farms in East Anglia, UK.ResultsOn direct ophthalmoscopy of 35 alpacas, there was a 50 per cent prevalence of opacities within the lens in alpacas older than two years old (n=8/16). There was a 36.8 per cent prevalence of persistent hyaloid arteries in alpacas under two years old (n=7/19). The mean Schirmer tear test‐1 value was 20.0 ±6 mm/minute (n=40). The mean intraocular pressure measured by rebound tonometry was 17.2 ±5.5 mmHg (n=46), and applanation tonometry resulted in statistically similar values (P=0.30; n=25). There was a significant variation in intraocular pressure throughout a 24‐hour period (n=8). Fluorescein dye was not detected at the nostrils of any of the alpacas which underwent a Jones test to assess nasolacrimal duct patency (n=8).ConclusionThe ophthalmic findings appear largely consistent with previously published values from North America and continental Europe. Variations include the large range of measurements obtained and evidence of diurnal variation in intraocular pressure.
Unveiling mapping structures of spinor duals
Authors: Cavalcanti R. T. , da Silva J. M. Hoff 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFollowing the program of investigation of alternative spinor duals potentially applicable to fermions beyond the standard model, we demonstrate explicitly the existence of several well defined spinor duals. Going further we define a mapping structure among them and the conditions under which sets of such dual maps do form a group. We also study the covariance of bilinear quantities constructed with the several possible duals, the invariant eigenspaces of those group elements and its connections with spinors classification, as well as dual maps defined as elements of group algebras.
O contexto de informações sobre a evasão escolar no ensino médio técnico na Argentina
Authors: Silva Denise Bianca Maduro , Santos Fabrício Aparecido dos 
Published: April 2020

No sentido de aportar para a análise do problema da evasão escolar na secundária técnica argentina, apresentam-se, neste trabalho, os dados estatísticos educacionais nacionais para esse nível de ensino no ano de 2015, os quais são discutidos em relação a qualidade do dado obtido e desagregados por modalidade (técnica e não técnica), sexo e tipo de oferta (privada e pública). A discussão dos dados quantitativos se faz com base em literatura sobre evasão escolar e 18 depoimentos de gestores da informação educacional e da modalidade educação técnico-profissional no país. Constatou-se que ainda estão em processo de desenvolvimento sistemas de informações capazes de trazer a medida da evasão escolar e qual a real influência dos fatores escolares a ela associados. Sem informações sistematizadas o discurso em torno dos fatores associados à evasão escolar pode trabalhar em prol de preconcepções de enraizamento histórico a respeito da escola secundária técnica - como seu mandato seletivo e questões de gênero - influenciando o discurso sobre as iniciativas pensadas, negadas ou invibilizadas no combate à evasão escolar na secundária técnica.