bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive arginine metabolomics and peripheral vasodilatory capacity in rheumatoid arthritis: a monocentric cross-sectional study.
Authors: Erre Gian Luca , Mangoni Arduino Aleksander , Passiu Giuseppe , Bassu Stefania , Castagna Floriana , Carru Ciriaco , Piga Matteo , Zinellu Angelo , Sotgia Salvatore 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The relationship between plasma arginine metabolites influencing vascular homeostasis and peripheral vasodilatory capacity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is not known. Methods L-arginine (Arg), monomethyl-L-arginine (MMA), L-homoarginine (hArg), asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethyl-L-arginine, and L-citrulline (Cit) were measured by LC-MS/MS in 164 RA patients and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls without previous cardiovascular events. Log-transformed reactive hyperemia index (Ln-RHI) evaluated by peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT, EndoPAT2000 device) was assessed as surrogate measure of peripheral vasodilatory capacity in RA patients. Ln-RHI values <0.51 indicated peripheral endothelial dysfunction (ED). The relationship between plasma arginine metabolite concentrations, RA descriptors and peripheral vasodilatory capacity was evaluated by bivariate correlation and regression analyses. Results Plasma ADMA concentrations were significantly higher, and plasma hArg concentrations significantly lower, in RA patients than in controls (0.53 ± 0.09 vs 0.465 ± 0.07 μmol/L and 1.50 ± 0.60 vs 1.924 ± 0.78 μmol/L, respectively; p<0.001 for both comparisons). Bivariate correlation analysis demonstrated no significant correlation between arginine metabolites and disease descriptors. In regression analysis in RA patients, higher plasma ADMA concentrations were independently associated with presence of ED [OR(95%CI) = 77.3(1.478 - 4050.005), p =0.031] and lower Ln-RHI [B coefficient(95%CI) =-0.57(-1.09 to -0.05), p =0.032]. Conclusions ADMA was significantly, albeit weakly, associated with impaired microcirculatory vasodilatory capacity and peripheral endothelial dysfunction in RA. This suggests an important pathophysiological role of this metabolite in the vascular alterations observed in this patient group.
Gelatin hydrogels with eicosapentaenoic acid can prevent osteoarthritis progression in vivo in a mouse model
Authors: Tsubosaka Masanori , Kihara Shinsuke , Hayashi Shinya , Nagata Junpei , Kuwahara Toshie , Fujita Masahiro , Kikuchi Kenichi , Takashima Yoshinori , Kamenaga Tomoyuki , Kuroda Yuichi , Takeuchi Kazuhiro , Takayama Koji , Hashimoto Shingo , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Niikura Takahiro , Tabata Yasuhiko , Kuroda Ryosuke 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) is an antioxidant and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that reduces inflammatory cytokine production. Gelatin hydrogel is a release technology that contains a physiologically active substance and releases the substance gradually for an average of ~3 weeks. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of EPA-incorporating gelatin hydrogels on osteoarthritis (OA) progression in vivo . Methods Ten-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups (six mice each): sham, destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM), Corn (DMM + 2 µl corn oil), EPA-I (DMM + 2 µl corn oil + 3 mg/ml EPA), Control (DMM + control gelatin hydrogels), and EPA-G (DMM + 3 mg/ml EPA-incorporating gelatin hydrogels) groups. Mice were then euthanized 8 weeks after DMM or sham surgery, and subjected to histological evaluation. Furthermore, MMP-3, MMP-13, IL-1β, p-IKK α/β, CD86, and CD163 was detected by immunohistochemical staining. F4/80 expression was also assessed using the F4/80 score of synovitis. Results Histologic score was significantly improved in EPA-G compared to in EPA-I. MMP-3-, MMP-13-, IL-1β-, and p-IKK α/β-positive cell ratio was significantly improved in EPA-G compared to in EPA-I. However, CD86- and CD163-positive cell ratio was not significantly different between EPA-I and EPA-G. The average-sum F4/80 score of synovitis in EPA-G was significantly improved compared to in EPA-I. Conclusions EPA-incorporating gelatin hydrogels can prevent OA progression in vivo more effectively than single injection of EPA. Our results suggested that intra-articular administration of controlled-release EPA can be a new therapeutic approach for treating OA.
Young Medical Doctors’ Perspectives on Professionalism: A Qualitative Study Conducted in Public Hospitals in Pakistan
Authors: Jalil Aisha , Mehmood Qaisar Khalid , Fischer Florian 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Professionalism is amongst the major dimensions indicating the competence of medical doctors. A decline in professionalism affects the overall outcome of healthcare services. This study explores the patterns of declining professionalism among young medical doctors in Pakistan.Methods: A qualitative study based on in-depth interviews was conducted with 60 young medical doctors aged less than 40 years who were employed at various levels from house officer to consultant specialist in public tertiary hospitals in Pakistan. The respondents were identified through a multistage maximum heterogeneity sampling strategy. A semi-structured interview guide was developed based on a previous extensive literature review. Written consent was obtained from the hospitals and study participants. Thematic content analysis was applied to analyse the data. Results: The data analysis revealed a rigidity of opinions, inflexibility blocking the acceptance of contrasting perspectives, and perceived superiority over all other professions and over patients. The belief that patients know nothing was common among all participants. Similarly, doctors believed that there is no need to include a professionalism and humanity course in the medical school curriculum. The majority of respondents thought that social science topics are irrelevant to medicine and are common-sense things that they already know. The doctors recognised high professionalism in themselves, while reporting unprofessional behaviour demonstrated by their colleagues. The reported characteristics include using social media applications during duty hours, ridiculing patients, substance use such as cigarettes in the office, referrals of complicated cases to other hospitals, freeing up beds before holidays and inappropriate salaries. Conclusions: It seems that professionalism has declined among young doctors, and this should be immediately addressed by policymakers. The lack of training about ethics and healthcare service delivery, and a lack of performance monitoring and evaluation mechanisms at public hospitals are the major factors contributing to declining professionalism. There is a need to revisit the curriculum taught to medical students in order to strengthen professionalism.
Prevalence and Correlates of Bullying in Physiotherapy Education in Nigeria
Authors: Mbada Chidozie Emmanuel , Ogunseun Idowu Phebean , Fasuyi Francis Oluwafunso , Adegbemigun Oluwafemi David , Fatoye Clara Toyin , Idowu Opeyemi Ayodiipo , Johnson Olubusola Esther , Odole Adesola Christiana , Okonji Adaobi Margaret , Kaka Basir , Fatoye Francis 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Bullying is an unexpressed part and parcel of medical education but it is largely unexplored in physiotherapy. This study assessed the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of bullying in physiotherapy education in Nigeria.Methods: Two hundred and nineteen clinical physiotherapy students from three purposively selected Federal Universities in Nigeria participated in this study. Following a cross-sectional design, the Students Perception of Professor Bullying Questionnaire (SPPBQ) was used to obtain information on bullying. The SPPBQ includes a working definition of lecturer bullying followed by two sections inquiring about lecturers bullying experiences. Data was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, availability of adequate policy and support and the different forms of bullying experienced. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used analyze data. Alpha level was set at p<0.05. Results: Lifetime and point prevalence of bullying in physiotherapy education was 98.6% and 99.1% respectively. 94.5% of the respondents had witnessed physiotherapy students bullying and there was a 100% rate of ‘no attempt’ to stop a physiotherapy lecturer from bullying. There was no significant association between bullying and each of age (𝜒2=0.117, p=0.943), gender (𝜒2=0.001,p=0.974), university (𝜒2=1.343,p=0.511) and level of study (𝜒2=0.000,p=0.995). Conclusion: There is high lifetime and point prevalence of bullying in physiotherapy education in Nigeria, which are largely unchallenged or redressed. Also, being a clinical physiotherapy student makes prone to bullying without necessary contributions of other intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined with Iodine 125 Seeds Versus Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined with Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Early and Intermediate Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: lei chen , Kan Xuefeng , Sun Tao , Ren Yanqiao , Cao Yanyan , Yan Liangliang , Liang Bin , Xiong Bin , Zheng Chuansheng 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background To compare the efficacy of the combination of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and iodine 125 seeds implantation (TACE-Iodine 125) with the combination of TACE and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of patients with early and intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The study included 134 patients diagnosed with early and intermediate HCC from January 1, 2014, to May 31, 2018. Among them, 47 patients were treated with TACE-Iodine 125, and 87 with TACE-RFA and the efficacy of both treatments was analyzed. To reduced selective bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare the outcomes of the treatments. Results In the absence of PSM, the median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of the TACE-RFA group were slightly longer than those of the TACE-Iodine 125 group (OS: 42 months vs. 37 months; PFS: 18 months vs. 15 months). However, there was no significant difference in median OS, PFS, and the objective response rate (ORR) between the two groups (P>0.05). After adjusted for age, gender, liver resection, Child-Pugh class, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage and Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), TACE-Iodine 125 treatment was not associated with a significant increasing in risk of death (HR: 0.725; 95%CI: 0.423,1.241, P=0.241) and recurrence (HR: 1.008; 95%CI: 0.666,1.526, P=0.969). After PSM, 47 patient pairs were generated, and there was no significant difference in median OS and PFS between the two groups. Conclusions The combination of TACE and iodine 125 seeds implantation may represent an effective treatment for patients with early and intermediate HCC.
A systematic review of the association between fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Erdrich Sharon 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal disorders are frequently encountered in clinical settings. Common to both is significant burden on individuals and health care systems, an elusive aetiology and several comorbid conditions. While a relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia has been demonstrated, a broader review of the relationship between fibromyalgia and other functional gut disorders has not been undertaken. Objectives This paper reports a systematic review of the published literature, identifying the comorbidity of functional gastrointestinal disorders in people with fibromyalgia. We discuss the clinical implications, limitations of current research, and areas of interest for future research Methods A systematic review of the databases Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science was undertaken in June 2019. Results were screened for original articles meeting strict criteria for identification of functional gastrointestinal disorders in adult subjects with fibromyalgia. ResultsFourteen articles were included investigating 1340 subjects with fibromyalgia, 363 healthy controls and 441 subjects with other pathologies. Functional gut disorders were matched to Rome II criteria for reporting and comparison. In addition to increased abdominal pain and functional bloating/gas, irritable bowel of mixed-pattern and constipation-types were more prevalent that diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel in adults with fibromyalgia. One study reported the range of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Conclusion Existing research has focused on the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia, but sub-typing of irritable bowel syndrome is generally overlooked. A strong association with a range of functional gastrointestinal disorders is suggested. Further investigation is needed to determine the prevalence and relevance of the range of functional gastrointestinal disorders in patients with fibromyalgia.
Analysis Of The Relationship Between Facial Type And Gingival Phenotype&nbsp;
Authors: Cambiaghi Lucas , Job Pedro Henrique Henriques , Freitas Nicole Rosa de , Garcia Vitor Eduardo Albino , Almeida Ana Lúcia Pompéia Fraga De 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The width of attached gingiva depends on the height of the alveolar process and lower vertical dimension of the face .The relationship between facial type and gingival phenotype may be extremely important in the orthodontic planning. This study analyzed the relationship between facial types and different types of tooth crowns with the characteristics of the gingival tissue. Methods 90 maxillary central incisors of 45 individuals were evaluated, aged 15 to 35 years, of both genders. The analysis addressed the width and thickness of keratinized gingiva (gingival phenotype) and dimensions of tooth crowns. The individuals were scored according to the facial type. The relationship between width of keratinized gingiva and gingival phenotype was correlated to the facial type (brachyfacial, mesofacial or dolichofacial) and size and shape of maxillary central incisors. The results were statistically analyzed by the Spearman correlation test (to evaluate the relationship between shape of tooth crowns and gingival biotype) and Kruskal-Wallis (to analyze the influence of facial types on the gingival characteristics), both at a significance level of 5%.Results There was correlation between the gingival width and crown shapes (p=0.00). There were no statistically significant differences between facial types and width of keratinized gingiva (p=0.33) and between facial types and thickness of keratinized gingiva (p=0.09).Conclusions Within the limitations, we conclude that the facial types did not seem to influence the gingival phenotype; however, the crown shapes seemed to be related to the quantity of keratinized gingiva.
Rapid referral for headache management from Emergency Department to Headache Centre: four years data
Authors: Negro Andrea , Spuntarelli Valerio , Sciattella Paolo , Martelletti Paolo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Headache is one of the most common reason for medical consultation to emergency department (ED). Inappropriate use of ED for non-urgent conditions is a problem in terms of crowding emergency facilities, unnecessary testing and treatment, increased medical bills, burden on medical service providers and weaker patient-primary care provider relationships. The aim of this study was to analyzed the different steps of the ED management of patients with headache to detect those deficiencies that can be overcome by a prompt referral to a headache clinic.Methods The study is a retrospective analysis of the electronic medical records (EMRs) of patients discharged from an academic ED between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2018 and referred to the tertiary level headache centre of the same hospital. We analyzed all the aspects related to the permanence in ED and we also assessed if there was a concordance between ED diagnosis and ours.Results Among our sample of 244 patients, 76.2% were admitted as green tag, 75% underwent a head computed tomography, 19.3% received neurological consultation, 43% did not receive any pharmacological treatment and 62.7% still had headache at discharge. Length in ED stay was associated with the complaint of the first aura ever (p = 0.014) and if patients received consultations (p < 0.001). Concordance analysis shown a significant moderate agreement only for the diagnosis of migraine and only between triage and headache centre.Conclusions The majority of patients who went to the ED complaining of headache received the same therapy regardless of their diagnosis and in many cases the headache had not yet resolved at the time of discharge. Given the several shortcomings of ED management of headaches, a rapid referral to the headache centre is of primary importance to help the patient obtain a definite diagnosis and adequate treatment.
High Prevalence Of Alphaherpes Virus 2 (HSV-2) Positivity In Prisons From Midwest Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Almeida Nathália Alves Araujo de , Lima Lyana Rodrigues Pinto , Puga Marco Antonio Moreira , Castro Ana Rita Coimbra Motta de , Horta Marco Aurelio , Paula Vanessa Salete de 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Herpes virus 2 (HSV-2) is the main cause of genital herpes, one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world. STIs are major public health problems in prisons because of the behaviors of prisoners and the presence of other factors that increase the risk of transmission. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with HSV-2 infection at 12 prisons in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. We tested 872 serum samples (732 from males, 140 from females) for anti-HSV-2 IgG, and tested the positive samples (n = 184) for anti-HSV-2 IgM. Anti-HSV-2 IgG positivity (n = 85, 43.1%, 95% CI = 34.6 to 40.4). The prevalence of HSV-2 positivity was much greater than reported in the general population of Brazil and in other prison populations worldwide. There was a greater risk of HSV-2 positivity in prisoners who were older, female, unmarried, HIV positive, positive for other STIs, not previously incarcerated, in the same cell with more than 26 individuals, and in those who reported having had genital discharge in the past month, having had a homosexual relationship in recent months, and not using or occasionally not using condoms during sexual intercourse. Further analysis of prisoners with active HSV-2 infections (anti-HSV-2 IgM positivity) indicated that unmarried status and the presence of 26 or more prisoners in the same cell increased the risk for active HSV-2 infection. This study provides important data on HSV-2 seroprevalence in the prison population of Brazil, and identified risk factors associated with HSV-2 infection. These data provide important information needed to implement procedures that better prevent and control of STIs in prison populations.
Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin, a novel nuclear factor-κB inhibitor, prevents the development of cyclosporine A nephrotoxicity in a rat model
Authors: Morita Shinya , Shinoda Kazunobu , Yoshida Tadashi , Shimoda Masayuki , Kanno Yoshihiko , Mizuno Ryuichi , Kono Hidaka , Asanuma Hiroshi , Nakagawa Ken , Umezawa Kazuo , Oya Mototsugu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an essential drug used for immunosuppression in the field of organ transplantation. However, especially in kidney transplantation, its chronic nephrotoxicity is considered an obstacle to long allograft survival that has not been overcome. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is activated in the renal tissue in CsA nephropathy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the specific NF-κB activation inhibitor, dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ) in a rat model of CsA nephrotoxicity. Methods We administered high-dose CsA (15 mg/kg) daily for 28 days to Sprague-Dawley rats that underwent 5/6 nephrectomy under a low-salt diet. We administered DHMEQ (8 mg/kg) to the treatment group daily for 28 days and evaluated its effect on CsA nephrotoxicity. Results DHMEQ significantly inhibited NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation due to high-dose CsA treatment. Elevated serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels due to repeated CsA administration were significantly decreased by DHMEQ treatment, and creatinine clearance was restored in the treatment group. However, DHMEQ treatment did not alter the inhibitory effect of CsA on urinary protein secretion. The development of renal fibrosis due to chronic CsA nephrotoxicity was significantly inhibited by DHMEQ treatment, and these results correlated with the results of renal functional assessment. DHMEQ treatment also had an inhibitory effect on the increased expression of chemokines, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and chemokine (c-c motif) ligand 5 due to repeated CsA administration, which inhibited the infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils into the renal tissue. Conclusions These findings suggest that DHMEQ treatment in combination therapy with CsA-based immunosuppression is beneficial to prevent the development of CsA-induced nephrotoxicity.
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery versus Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Treatment of Solitary Kidney Calculi: a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qian LuJie , Jiang YuLi , Jiang ZePeng , Li YanJuan , Xiang JiaNan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: To assess the effectiveness and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery(RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL) as surgical management strategies for solitary kidney calculi. Methods: Our team searched the PubMed, Cochrane and Web of Science databases up to February 28, 2019, for relevant published studies. After data extraction and quality assessment, Review Manager 5.3.5.0 software was used to pool the data. Results: Four studies involving 314 patients were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled data showed that the stone-free rate(SFR) was higher in the PCNL group than in the RIRS group, and the difference was significant(OR:0.36, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.67, P =0.001). No significant differences were found in minor complications or major complications between the RIRS and PCNL groups(P > 0.05, OR:0.79, 95% CI: 0.46 to 1.35;p > 0.05, OR:2.96, 95% CI: 0.67 to 12.96, respectively). Conclusions: Neither the minor nor the major complications of RIRS and PCNL showed any statistical differences. Additionally, PCNL provided a higher SFR than RIRS. There exists enormous heterogeneity in mean operation time. Overall, this meta-analysis may help urologists make decisions regarding interventions for solitary kidney calculi management. Keywords: Solitary kidney, Calculi, Retrograde Intrarenal surgery, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy, Meta-analysis