bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aborto retenido con degeneración vesicular
Authors: Remy Paredes Nicola , Coello Limas José , Arango-Ochante Pedro 
Published: March 2021

Paciente mujer de 36 años de edad con amenorrea de 6 semanas, ingresa al servicio de emergencia de ginecología y obstetricia por dolor pélvico asociado a sangrado vaginal escaso y aumento de tamaño del útero para la edad gestacional, con niveles de b-hcg elevados, sospechando un embarazo molar. Se realiza un ameu evidenciandose restos ovulares y vesiculas perladas caracteristicas de la patologia en mencion, sin embargo, los resultados de anatomia patologica informan muerte fetal a decartar mala perfusion materna fetal.
De este caso se rescata las diferentes formas de presentación que puede presentar un aborto
Influence of Ni (II) oxime complex coupled with the combination of diverse sized ZnO nanoparticles on Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: P.N. Prashanth Kumar , Ponnappa Sajan , Hethegowdanahally Rajegowda Ravi , Naik Amol , Akple Maxwell Selase 
Published: March 2021

The one side selective synthesis of quinoline carboxylic acid oxime complex was carried out successfully. The as-prepared quinoline carboxylic acid oxime complex was complexed with nickel (II) salts to form nickel (II) oxime complex. These complexes were further adsorbed onto ZnO films containing ZnO nanoparticles of various sizes. ZnO films containing a diverse proportion of ZnO nanoparticles were investigated to enhance the photovoltaic efficiency of the dye-sensitized solar cell. The as-synthesized complex was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Ultra violet visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectroscopy, 1Hydrogen Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMR), Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and Attenuated total reflection Infra-red spectroscopy (ATR-IR). The combination of large and small ZnO nanoparticles has significantly improves the photovoltaic efficiency. The optimum mixing ratio for the best performance (0.127%) of a dye-sensitized solar cell is achieved by mixing the small: large ZnO particles in a ratio 60:40. The increased efficiency is due to the harvesting of light caused by scattering effect from larger sized ZnO particles. The ZnO layer consisting of smaller particles which are very next to the ZnO bigger particles makes a good electronic contact between film electrode and the Indium-doped tin oxide glass substrate resulting in the increases in the dye molecules adsorption. The over-layered, large-sized ZnO particles enhance the light-harvesting by light scattering effect. Compared to the other mixtures of ZnO films, there is a decrease in the photovoltaic performance of the solar cell when ZnO particles (small and large in a ratio 1:1) were adsorbed onto the Ni (II) oxime complex, which are caused due to the decrease in the surface area and dye aggregation.
Assessing the Potential Association Between Microbes and Corrosion of Intra-Oral Metallic Alloy-Based Dental Appliances Through a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Umarevathi , Felicita A. Sumathi , Mahendra Lodd , Kanji Masroor Ahmed , Varadarajan Saranya , Raj A. Thirumal , Feroz Shaikh Mohammed Abdul , Mehta Deepak , Baeshen Hosam Ali , Patil Shankargouda 
Published: March 2021

Objective: Systematic review assessing the association between oral microorganisms and corrosion of intra-oral metallic alloy-based dental appliances.Design: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched using keyword combinations such as microbes and oral and corrosion; microbes and dental and corrosion; microorganisms and oral and corrosion; microorganisms and dental and corrosion.Results: Out of 141 articles, only 25 satisfied the selection criteria. Lactobacillus reuteri, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus salivarius, sulfate-reducing bacteria, sulfate oxidizing bacteria, Veilonella, Actinomyces, Candida albicans were found to have a potential association with corrosion of intraoral metallic alloys such as stainless steel, titanium, nickel, cobalt-chromium, neodymium-iron-boron magnets, zirconia, amalgam, copper aluminum, and precious metal alloys.Conclusion: The included studies inferred an association between oral microorganisms and intra-oral metallic alloys-based dental appliances, although, it is vital to acknowledge that most studies in the review employed an in-vitro simulation of the intra-oral condition.
The Relationship Between Circulating Growth Differentiation Factor 15 Levels and Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Niu Yixin , Zhang Weiwei , Shi Jie , Liu Yueming , Zhang Hongmei , Lin Ning , Li Xiaoyong , Qin Li , Yang Zhen , Su Qing 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveGrowth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a member of the TGF-β superfamily that has anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between circulating GDF-15 levels and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials/MethodsA case–control study was performed in which 402 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. Of these, 171 patients had DR and the remaining 231 patients without DR acted as controls. The plasma GDF-15 levels were measured using ELISA, while DR was diagnosed using the canon ophthalmic digital imaging system and the Canon EOS 10D digital camera (Canon, Tokyo, Japan) through a non-pharmacologically dilated pupil.ResultsThe levels of GDF-15 were significantly higher in patients with DR [168.9 (112.9–228.3) pg/ml vs. 127.8 (96.1–202.8) pg/ml, P &lt; 0.001] compared to controls. Results of the Spearman correlation analysis showed that the GDF-15 levels were positively associated with the duration of diabetes morbidity, fasting plasma glucose, systolic blood pressure, albumin/creatinine ratio, creatinine, and liver enzymes, but negatively associated with eGFR (both P &lt; 0.001). The participants in the highest GDF-15 quartile had a significantly increased risk for DR (OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.53–3.02) after adjusting for potential cofounders.ConclusionsThe circulating GDF-15 levels are positively associated with DR independent of potential cofounders.
Documentation of Microplastics in Tissues of Wild Coastal Animals
Authors: Haave Marte , Gomiero Alessio , Schönheit Jürgen , Nilsen Hanne , Olsen Anne Berit 
Published: March 2021

Microplastic pollution is omnipresent in biota around the globe, and concerns are rising that humans are exposed to microplastics (MP) through food. Investigations of MP in wild animals relevant for human consumption and the effects in exposed birds and mammals is warranted. We investigated the concentrations of MP in organs and tissues of fish, seabirds, terrestrial and marine mammals from a plastic polluted area near Bergen, Norway. A standardized autopsy included evaluation of condition, bacteriological and histopathological analyzes. Tissues were analyzed for MP (&gt;10 µm) by pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (py-GCMS) and inspected by polarized light microscopy. We analyzed samples of stomach and intestinal wall, liver and muscle/fillet from three flounders, three cod, three seabirds, three otters and one seal, kidneys from seabirds, otters and the seal, and gills from the fishes. No large plastic items were observed in the gastrointestinal tracts. Eight of 13 animals had MP in one or several tissues. MP was found in intestine (5), stomach (4), liver (3), muscle (3). No MP was found in the seal, and only in the stomach wall of one otter. In seabirds, MP was found in the intestine, stomach and liver, but not muscle. The highest concentration was 3.4 µg/g wet weight in cod liver. Three of the nine investigated polymers were found above the Limit of Quantification (LOQ): Polyvinylchloride&gt;polystyrene&gt;&gt;polyethylene terephthalate. MP was quantified in one of four replicates of cod muscle and one of two replicates of cod liver. No MP was observed by microscopy. The results show levels under or close to the current LOQ. Replicates indicate uneven MP distribution in tissues and resulted in higher prevalence of MP for cod. No adverse effects could be related to MP. The sample size was small, and conclusions cannot be drawn regarding effects or risks. The animals were by-catch, and mostly in good condition when caught. Procedural blanks and air-controls showed very low MP, and support that the MP come from environmental sources. Further studies are needed to determine levels of microplastic in edible tissues and the current wildlife exposure through the food web.
Assessment of Malaria Microscopy Competency at Primary Health Institutions in the Chongqing Municipality
Authors: Fei Luo , Shuang Zhou , Yi Yuan , Shan-Shan Li , Yan Tan , Jing-Ru Xu , Yang Zhou 
Published: March 2021

Background: In April 2019, Chongqing passed the national malaria elimination assessment. However, around 30 imported malaria cases are still being reported every year, and Anopheles sinensis was widely distributed in Chongqing, meaning the risk of malaria resurgence still exists. Early diagnosis and treatment for malaria cases are effective measures to prevent malaria resurgence. The primary health institutions are the first station where potential malaria cases may seek treatment. The competency with which primary health institutions diagnose malaria will directly affect the timeliness of malaria diagnosis. Nowadays, most primary health institutions in Chongqing use microscopy to confirm malaria cases. This study assessed the microscopy competence of primary health institutions, studied and analyzed the results, and provided a scientific basis for malaria prevention and control after malaria elimination in Chongqing.Methods: According to the stratified sampling principle, four plasmodium microscopy technicians (156 in total) were selected from each of the 39 districts/counties of Chongqing to test the plasmodium microscopy competence. Descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, spatial self-correlation analysis, and ROC curve analysis were carried out on the test results.Result: The average of the technicians' test scores was 4.33 ± 0.47 (min: 3, mid: 4.5, max: 5); The spatial clustering of the scores was significant (MoranI = 0.338, Z = 3.618, P &lt; 0.01). The test scores were positively correlated with the “level of work institutions” (R = 0.21, P &lt; 0.01) but were negatively correlated with “age” (R = −0.31, P &lt; 0.01). The highest Sensitivity of the technicians' microscopy was in qualitative diagnosis (98.92%, CI: 98.00–99.69%). The Delong's test showed that the diagnostic efficiency of the technicians' microscopy to P. falciparum was the best (P &lt; 0.01), however to P. ovale was the worst (P &lt; 0.01).Conclusion: The microscopy technicians in primary health institutions in Chongqing have good microscopy competency in qualitative diagnosis, but there were deficiencies in the identification of plasmodium species. Township level health institutions in Central China have weaker microscopy than those in other areas.
Positive Impact of Targeted Educational Intervention in Children With Low Adherence to Growth Hormone Treatment Identified by Use of the Easypod™ Electronic Auto-injector Device
Authors: Assefi Aria Reza , Roca Fernanda , Rubstein Adrián , Chareca Cinthia 
Published: March 2021

Background: It is important to identify patients with low adherence to recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH) therapy and initiate actions to improve adherence. The Merck Patient Support Program (PSP) aims to raise the awareness of these patients and their parents of the importance of good adherence in achieving optimal growth outcomes. The easypod™ digitally-enhanced injection device provides accurate, reliable adherence data for the PSP by recording the exact dose, time and date of injections given. In this study, we aimed to measure the effect of an educational intervention on adherence in patients using the easypod™ device to deliver their r-GH therapy.Methods: This was a 12-month observational, retrospective cohort study. Patients previously identified by data recorded from their easypod™ injection device as having low adherence (&lt;80%) were followed over the 6 months before and after a targeted educational visit by a PSP nurse. Patient adherence and demographic data were extracted from the PSP database. Statistical analyzes were carried out with STATA 15.0 software.Results: Data from 80 patients (65% male) with low adherence were analyzed. Patients were aged 2–18 (mean: 11.77) years with diagnoses of growth hormone deficiency (71.25%), small for gestational age (20%), Turner syndrome (7.50%) and chronic renal disease (1.25%). Duration of treatment was 0.40–11.13 (median: 3.62) years. At baseline, median adherence to r-hGH therapy was 67%; after the intervention it increased to 76%, a statistically significant median improvement of 9% (p = 0.0000, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Additionally, 36% (29/80) of patients increased their adherence to r-hGH therapy to ‘good’ (≥80%). Both changes were clinically relevant.Conclusions: We conclude that a nurse-led educational intervention, supported by digital medication adherence monitoring, is a simple method to improve adherence to r-hGH therapy, and recommend this intervention to reduce the gap between the indication/recommendation of the specialist and patients' behavior.
Systematic Review of Fatigue in Individuals With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Puce Luca , Pallecchi Ilaria , Chamari Karim , Marinelli Lucio , Innocenti Tiziano , Pedrini Riccardo , Mori Laura , Trompetto Carlo 
Published: March 2021

In this systematic review, we collected and analyzed literature works comparing self-reported fatigue and objectively-measured fatigue in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and in age-matched typically developing/typically developed (TD) controls (Healthy). The search was conducted on four electronic databases/platforms (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus) using the key words “cerebral palsy” combined with “fatig*,” where the asterisk was used as a wildcard. As a critical appraisal tool, the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-Experimental Studies (2017) was used. A total of 22 studies passed the critical appraisal rating and were included in both narrative and quantitative analyses. The overall evidence quality of the findings was considered very good. Data of objectively-measured fatigue in performing maximal fatiguing tasks indicated lower fatigue levels in participants with CP, possibly due to their pathological inability to recruit highly fatigable muscle fibers. Highly trained individuals with CP and TD controls performing maximal fatiguing tasks seem to be an exception to this, as they exhibited similar levels of fatigue. In submaximal fatiguing tasks, including daily physical activities, either objectively-measured or self-reported fatigue was higher in participants with CP than in TD controls, indicating a lower ability for development of neurophysiological compensation for fatigue among participants with CP. Further studies on fatigue are needed to gain an insight into the multifold mechanisms of fatigue in individuals with CP. Understanding fatigue mechanisms could help in setting up strategies for effective intervention programs, with benefits in healthcare and improved quality of life of individuals with CP.Systematic Review Registration: [PROSPERO 2019], identifier [CRD42019143524].
Efficacy and Feasibility of Programmed Death-1/Programmed Death Ligand-1 Blockade Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients With High Antinuclear Antibody Titers
Authors: Mouri Atsuto , Kaira Kyoichi , Yamaguchi Ou , Hashimoto Kosuke , Miura Yu , Shiono Ayako , Shinomiya Shun , Akagami Tomoe , Imai Hisao , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Kagamu Hiroshi 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has been described to markedly improve patient survival. However, reports describing the antitumor therapeutic efficacy and safety of ICIs in patients with autoantibodies are scarce.MethodsThis study examined the efficacy and feasibility of ICIs in antinuclear antibody (ANA)-positive patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). An ANA titer greater than 1:40 and 1:80 was defined as positive and high, respectively. Patients who were treated with ICIs at Saitama Medical University, International Medical Center between January 2016 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsOne hundred and nineteen of the 266 patients (44.7%) who received nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab had positive ANA titers. Their median age was 69 (range, 39–84) years. The overall response rate of the ANA-positive patients was 35.9% (37/103), which was not less than that of the ANA-negative group. The median progression-free survival in the ANA-positive group was 6.3 months versus 4.3 months in the ANA-negative group (p = 0.08). Twenty-seven ANA-positive patients (10.2%) had high ANA titers. However, ICI efficacy was not decreased in these patients. Regardless of the cutoff of ANA titers (1:40 or 1:80), the rate of patients who experienced adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionThe administration of ICIs to ANA-positive patients has clinical benefits. The prevalence of adverse events in the ANA-positive group was not higher than that in the ANA-negative group.
More Favorable Short and Long-Term Outcomes for Screen-Detected Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Spolverato Gaya , Capelli Giulia , Battagello Jessica , Barina Andrea , Nordio Susi , Finotti Elena , Mondi Isabella , Da Lio Corrado , Morpurgo Emilio , Navarro Josè Adolfo , Ceccato Fabio , Perin Alessandro , Pedrazzani Corrado , Turri Giulia , Zanus Giacomo , Campi Michela , Massani Marco , Di Giacomo Adriana , Prando Daniela , Agresta Ferdinando , Pucciarelli Salvatore , Zorzi Manuel , Rugge Massimo 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundScreening significantly reduces mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC). Screen detected (SD) tumors associate with better prognosis, even at later stage, compared to non-screen detected (NSD) tumors. We aimed to evaluate the association between diagnostic modality (SD vs. NSD) and short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for CRC.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study involved patients aged 50–69 years, residing in Veneto, Italy, who underwent curative-intent surgery for CRC between 2006 and 2018. The clinical multi-institutional dataset was linked with the screening dataset in order to define diagnostic modality (SD vs. NSD). Short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsOf 1,360 patients included, 464 were SD (34.1%) and 896 NSD (65.9%). Patients with a SD CRC were more likely to have less comorbidities (p = 0.013), lower ASA score (p = 0.001), tumors located in the proximal colon (p = 0.0018) and earlier stage at diagnosis (p &lt; 0.0001). NSD patients were found to have more aggressive disease at diagnosis, higher complication rate and higher readmission rate due to surgical complications (all p &lt; 0.05). NSD patients had a significantly lower Disease Free Survival and Overall Survival (all p &lt; 0.0001), even after adjusting by demographic, clinic-pathological, tumor, and treatment characteristics.ConclusionsSD tumors were associated with better long-term outcomes, even after multiple adjustments. Our results confirm the advantages for the target population to participate in the screening programs and comply with their therapeutic pathways.
In Vivo 3-D Dose Verification Using PET/CT Images After Carbon-Ion Radiation Therapy
Authors: Sun Lining , Hu Weigang , Lai Songtao , Shi Leijun , Chen Junchao 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the usefulness of positron emission tomography (PET) images obtained after carbon-ion irradiation for dose verification in carbon-ion radiotherapy.Methods and MaterialsAn anthropomorphic head phantom was used in this study. Three cubes with volumes of 1, 4, and 10 ml were contoured as targets in the phantom CT through a treatment planning system. Treatment plans with six prescriptions from 2.5 to 10 Gy (2.5, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10 Gy effective dose) were designed and delivered by 90° fixed carbon-ion beams, respectively. After irradiation of the phantom, a PET/CT scan was performed to fuse the treatment-planning CT image with the PET/CT image. The relationship between target volume and the standard uptake value (SUV) in PET/CT was evaluated for corresponding plan prescription. The MIM Maestro software was used for the image fusion and data analysis.ResultsSUV in the target had an approximate linear relationship with the effective dose. The same effective dose could generate a roughly equal SUV for different target volumes (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsIt is feasible to verify the actual 3-D dose distribution of carbon-ion radiotherapy by the approach in this study.
Survival-Weighted Health Profiles in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Authors: Lai Chia-Hsuan , Chen Wen-Cheng , Fang Chiung-Cheng , Chen Miao-Fen 
Published: March 2021

IntroductionIn treating nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) patients, excellent tumor control and patient survival rates can be achieved in the era of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). However, treatment-related toxicities affect the quality of life (QoL) of NPC survivors. This study was devised to estimate the life expectancy (LE), quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) and survival-weighted psychometric scores (SWPS) in NPC patients.MethodsA sample of 875 non-metastatic NPC patients diagnosed between January 1, 2009 and June 30, 2013 was collected for estimation of lifetime survival function. All patients were followed up until death or censored on December 31, 2015. To obtain the utility and psychometric score for estimation of LE, QALE, and SWPS, 99 patients were measured with the Taiwanese version of the EuroQol instrument (EQ-5D) and the Taiwan Chinese versions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 and QLQ-H&amp;N35 between October 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017. By utilizing linear extrapolation of a logit-transformed curve, the LE of NPC patients can be estimated. The QALE and SWPS can be obtained by combining the LE and the corresponding QOL function.ResultsThe mean age of the 875 non-metastatic NPC patients was 50.3 years. The estimated average LE and QALE for NPC patients and for the reference population were 15.5 years and 14.3 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and 29.5 years and 29.5 QALYs, respectively. On average, the estimated lifelong duration of pain and painkiller use were 6.0 years and 2.2 years. The estimated lifelong duration of impairment of swallowing, speech, smell and taste were 14.0, 9.8, 8.7, and 7.5 years, respectively. The estimated lifelong duration of problems with dry mouth, teeth, emotion, fatigue, sleep, and social contact were 13.4, 10.1, 9.1, 12.3, 6.7, and 4.5 years, respectively. The estimated lifelong duration of tube-feeding was 1.3 months.ConclusionsThe estimated LE and QALE for NPC patients were 15.5 years and 14.3 QALYs. Furthermore, SWPS could help people understand more about the impact of radiotherapy on NPC patients. These data could also be useful for policy makers to allocate limited resources in health care.