bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How the North American Consensus Protocol Affects the Performance of Glucose Breath Testing for Bacterial Overgrowth Versus a Traditional Method
Authors: Baker Jason R. , Chey William D. , Watts Lydia , Armstrong Moira , Collins Kristen , Lee Allen A. , Dupati Ajith , Menees Stacy , Saad Richard J. , Harer Kimberly , Hasler William L. 
Published: February 2021

INTRODUCTION:
The North American Consensus guidelines for glucose breath testing (GBT) for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) incorporated changes in glucose dosing and diagnostic cutoffs. We compared GBT positivity based on hydrogen and methane excretion and quantified symptoms during performance of the North American vs older modified Rome Consensus protocols.

Methods:
GBT was performed using the North American protocol (75 g glucose, cutoffs >20 parts per million [ppm] hydrogen increase after glucose and >10 ppm methane anytime) in 3,102 patients vs modified Rome protocol (50 g glucose, >12 ppm hydrogen and methane increases after glucose) in 3,193 patients with suspected SIBO.

Results:
Positive GBT were more common with the North American vs modified Rome protocol (39.5% vs 29.7%, P < 0.001). Overall percentages with GBT positivity using methane criteria were greater and hydrogen criteria lower with the North American protocol (P < 0.001). Peak methane levels were higher for the North American protocol (P < 0.001). Times to peak hydrogen and methane production were not different between protocols. With the North American protocol, gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms were more prevalent after glucose with both positive and negative GBT (P
< 0.04) and greater numbers of symptoms (P < 0.001) were reported.

DISCUSSION:
GBT performed using the North American Consensus protocol was more often positive for SIBO vs the modified Rome protocol because of more prevalent positive methane excretion. Symptoms during testing were greater with the North American protocol. Implications of these observations on determining breath test positivity and antibiotic decisions for SIBO await future prospective testing.
Hepatitis Flare During Immunotherapy in Patients With Current or Past Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Wong Grace Lai-Hung , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun , Hui Vicki Wing-Ki , Yip Terry Cheuk-Fung , Tse Yee-Kit , Liang Lilian Yan , Lui Rashid Nok-Shun , Mok Tony Shu-Kam , Chan Henry Lik-Yuen , Chan Stephen Lam 
Published: February 2021

INTRODUCTION:
Immunotherapy has dramatically improved the survival of patients with advanced or metastatic malignancies. Recent studies suggest that immunotherapy may increase the risk of hepatitis, whereas it may also induce functional cure of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We evaluated the incidence of hepatitis flare, HBV reactivation, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance or seroreversion in patients with current or past HBV infection who had received immunotherapy.

METHODS:
This was a territory-wide observational cohort study in Hong Kong. We identified patients through electronic medical records based on the prescriptions of immune checkpoint inhibitors from July 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019. Patients who were HBsAg positive or HBsAg negative with results for antibody to hepatitis B surface or core antigen (anti-HBs or anti-HBc) were included.

RESULTS:
A total of 990 patients (397 HBsAg-positive, 593 HBsAg-negative with 482 anti-HBc and/or anti-HBs positive, and 111 both anti-HBc and anti-HBs negative) were identified. All of HBsAg-positive and 15.9% HBsAg-negative patients were put on oral antiviral treatment. Hepatitis flare (alanine aminotransferase >2 times of the upper limit of normal) occurred in 39.3% HBsAg-positive and 30.4% HBsAg-negative patients. High baseline alanine aminotransferase and combination of immunotherapy increased the risk of hepatitis. HBV reactivation (≥2 log increase in HBV DNA from baseline) occurred in 2 HBsAg-positive patients; HBsAg seroclearance and seroreversion was observed in 1 HBsAg-positive and 1 HBsAg-negative patient, respectively (<1%).

DISCUSSION:
Hepatitis flare occurs in approximately 40% of HBsAg-positive patients and 30% of HBsAg-negative patients during immunotherapy. HBV reactivation, HBsAg seroclearance, and HBsAg seroreversion are rare. Current or past HBV infection has no impact on the emergence of hepatic flare associated with immunotherapy.
Reproductive Characteristics and Pregnancy Outcomes in Hidden Celiac Disease Autoimmunity
Authors: Celdir Melis G. , Choung Rok Seon , Rostamkolaei Shahryar K. , Jansson-Knodell Claire L. , King Katherine S. , Larson Joseph J. , Absah Imad , Murray Joseph A. 
Published: February 2021

INTRODUCTION:
Untreated symptomatic celiac disease (CD) adversely affects female reproduction; however, the effect of hidden CD autoimmunity is uncertain.

METHODS:
We identified women who were not previously diagnosed with CD and tested positive for tissue transglutaminase and endomysial antibodies between 2006 and 2011 in a community-based retrospective cohort study. We evaluated (i) the rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes and medical complications of pregnancy in successful singleton deliveries and (ii) reproductive characteristics in seropositive women without a clinical diagnosis of CD and age-matched seronegative women.

RESULTS:
Among 17,888 women whose serum samples were tested for CD autoimmunity, 215 seropositive and 415 seronegative women were included. We reviewed 231 and 509 live singleton deliveries of 117 seropositive and 250 seronegative mothers, respectively. Menarche and menopausal age, gravidity, parity, and age at first child were similar in seropositive and seronegative women. CD seropositivity was not associated with an increased risk of maternal pregnancy complications. Maternal seropositivity was associated with small for gestational age in boys (OR 3.77, 95% CI: 1.47–9.71; P = 0.006), but not in girls (OR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.15–2.17; P = 0.41). CD serum positivity was not associated with prematurity, small for gestational age (birth weight <10th percentile), or 5-minute Apgar score of less than 7.

DISCUSSION:
Although underpowered, the present study did not show any difference in reproductive characteristics or rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with and without CD autoimmunity, except for birth weight in male offspring. Larger studies are needed to determine the effects of CD autoimmunity on female reproduction.
Exploratory Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Green Kiwifruit, Psyllium, or Prunes in US Patients With Chronic Constipation
Authors: Chey Samuel W. , Chey William D. , Jackson Kenya , Eswaran Shanti 
Published: February 2021

INTRODUCTION:
Psyllium and prunes are proven treatments for chronic constipation (CC). Asian studies suggest that kiwifruit may also benefit CC symptoms. We report a partially randomized, comparative effectiveness trial evaluating kiwifruit, psyllium, and prunes in US patients with CC.

METHODS:
Adults with CC at a US medical center were randomized to 3 natural treatments. Eligible patients had ≤3 complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week and were partially randomized to green kiwifruit (2/d), prunes (100 g/d), or psyllium (12 g/d) for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients in each group reporting an increase of ≥1 CSBM per week compared with baseline for at least 2 of 4 treatment weeks. Key secondary outcomes included stool frequency, stool consistency, and straining assessed daily. Treatment satisfaction and adverse events (AEs) were also measured. Standard statistical methods were used, and a P < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS:
Seventy-nine patients with CC (mean age = 42.7 years, 87% female, and 77% white) were partially randomized. Complete data were available for 75 patients (kiwifruit 29, prunes 24, and psyllium 22). For the primary endpoint, proportions of CSBM responders were similar for the treatments. For secondary outcomes comparing treatment weeks 3 and 4 to baseline, there was a significant increase in weekly CSBM rate with all 3 treatments (P ≤ 0.003); stool consistency significantly improved with kiwifruit (P = 0.01) and prunes (P = 0.049); and straining significantly improved with kiwifruit (P = 0.003), prunes (P < 0.001), and psyllium (P = 0.04). Patients randomized to the kiwifruit group reported significant improvement in bloating scores (P = 0.02). AEs were most common with psyllium and least common with kiwifruit. At the end of treatment, a smaller proportion of patients were dissatisfied with kiwifruit compared with prunes or psyllium (P = 0.02).

DISCUSSION:
Kiwifruit, prunes, and psyllium improve constipation symptoms in patients with CC. Kiwifruit was associated with the lowest rate of AEs and dissatisfaction with therapy.
Impact of Recreational Cannabis Legalization on Hospitalizations for Hyperemesis
Authors: Nemer Laura , Lara Luis F. , Hinton Alice , Conwell Darwin L. , Krishna Somashekar G. , Balasubramanian Gokulakrishnan 
Published: February 2021

INTRODUCTION:
Chronic cannabis use had been associated with hyperemesis. We sought to determine whether cannabis liberalization contributed to increased hospitalizations for hyperemesis.

METHODS:
Cannabis use and admissions for hyperemesis in legalized states were compared with those of nonlegalized states, before and after cannabis legalization, using state inpatient databases.

RESULTS:
From 2011 to 2015, cannabis use increased 2.2 times in legalized states and 1.8 times in nonlegalized states. The odds of presentation with hyperemesis were higher in 2015 compared with those of 2011 in all states.

DISCUSSION:
Recreational legalization may be contributing to rising cannabis use. Hospitalizations for hyperemesis have also increased but did not seem to be solely due to cannabis legalization.
Equal Opportunity: Women Representation on Editorial Boards and Authorship of Editorials in Gastroenterology and Hepatology Journals
Authors: Subramaniam Mythri , Azad Nabila , Wasan Sharmeel K. , Long Michelle T. 
Published: February 2021

INTRODUCTION:
The proportion of women editorial board members and authors of editorials in major gastroenterology journals is not known.

METHODS:
We determined the sex of editorial board members (n = 2,282) and authors of editorials (n = 1,705) across 6 journals from 1985 to 2020 at 5-year intervals.

RESULTS:
The proportion of women editorial board members increased from 2.9% in 1985 to 19.8% in 2020 (P < 0.0001) and women authors of editorials increased from 0% in 1985 to 22.2% in 2020 (P < 0.0001).

DISCUSSION:
The proportion of women represented over time has improved, but opportunities likely exist to improve further.
The Legal Background of Sovereign Wealth Funds and Their Role in National Economies
Authors: András Kecskés 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Sovereign wealth funds (SWF) are a type of fund which are established and operated by the state. They came into the limelight after the financial crises of 2007–08, when they saved the most emblematic listed companies in the USA and Europe. The aim of the article is to explore certain key issues related to sovereign wealth funds. The paper discusses the origins of the term and certain related economic concepts, including factors which resulted in the creation of sovereign wealth funds. The legal background is also elaborated on both international and national levels, giving an insight to the regulatory framework. The article closes with propounding a sovereign wealth fund in Hungary based on the National Investment Agency model proposed by Hockett and Omarova. This section gives an overview of state property management and its legal background. The increasing activity in the management of international reserves by the National Bank of Hungary and the expansion of the regulatory background for trust-like institutions are all pointing towards the possibility of a Hungarian sovereign wealth fund.
Self-placement of Complex Financial Instruments by Banks to Retail Clients and Civil Liability Issues – An Overview of Greek Case-Law
Authors: O. Mitsou Anna 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This study focuses on self-placement of complex financial instruments to retail clients which is often associated with mis-selling practices. Recent case law in Greece concerning distribution Of “Coco” bonds by a Cypriot bank to its clients reveals, on the one hand, the stand Of Greek Courts concerning the interpretation of certain ambiguous MiFID I Conduct of Business (COB) rules and, on the other, their interplay with civil law duties and the intricacies that arise in order to substantiate a civil liability claim for breach of the COB rules, such as the difficulty to prove causation in securities litigation. The study further evaluates the new MiFID II/MiFIR provisions that relate to the practice of self-placement and supports the adoption of a civil liability regime at the EU level, as well as other alternatives to further enhance retail investor protection.
Analysis of Customer-Oriented Information for Tourism Enterprises Under the Social Media Environment
Authors: Yang Ziwei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Social media is a virtual community or network platform that the public uses to achieve self-creation and it’s sharing with others; under the social media environment, self-media channels become more abundant, and the autonomy and originality of content dissemination are also continuously enhanced. When tourism enterprises face increasing market competition, personalized and targeted promotional programs will, to a certain extent, have a certain appeal to competitors’ potential customer groups, thereby providing tourism enterprise customers with relevant benefits for oriental information, and also serving as an important way for companies to develop new customers. Based on the summary and analysis of previous literature works, this paper expounded the research status and significance of social media environment, elaborated the development background, current status and future challenges of customer-oriented information analysis for tourism enterprises, introduced the methods and principles of customer’s transfer value and life cycle and social media environment’s cognitive composition, proposed a sentiment model of tourist-oriented information analysis under the social media environment, and analysed the management strategy and scheduling platform of customer-oriented information, constructed an analysis system of customer-oriented information in social media environment, performed the reliability, validity, transfer and perception value analysis of customer-oriented information and finally conducted case simulation and its result analysis. The study results of this paper provide a reference for further researches on the customer-oriented information analysis for tourism enterprises under the social media environment.
A compact single element dielectric resonator MIMO antenna with low mutual coupling
Authors: Biswas Ashim Kumar , Chakraborty Ujjal 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A two-port multiple input multiple output (MIMO) dielectric resonator antenna is proposed where two orthogonally connected feed lines are combined to unite two orthogonally produced modes. The feed lines build a hybrid network. The backplane is defected by a circular defected ground structure (CDGS), which is extended by two rectangular slits placed orthogonally with the input ports. The antenna uses a single ‘H/I’-shaped dielectric resonator (DR) element. It covers frequency spectrum from 7.29 to 10.65 GHz and fulfils the international telecommunication union (ITU) (8–8.5 GHz) and Maritime Radio Navigational (8.85–9 and 9.2–9.5 GHz) application bands. The antenna offers very high port isolation (>18 dB) and diversity properties throughout the whole application band. The antenna also provides circular polarization (AR ≤ 3 dB) in the operating ranges from 8 to 8.25 GHz and 8.85 to 8.9 GHz. Simulated and measured results make clear to the antenna most suitable for MIMO operation.
Preparation of Zn-MOFs by microwave-assisted ball milling for removal of tetracycline hydrochloride and Congo red from wastewater
Authors: Ren Qinhui , Wei Fuhua , Chen Hongliang , Chen Ding , Ding Bo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this study, we prepared Zn-MOFs as an ordinary, low-cost, and efficiency method taking advantage of zinc(ii) acetate monohydrate and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid in microwave-assisted ball milling. The Zn-MOFs were measured via scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetry. We explored its use as a photocatalyst for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride and Congo red from aqueous solutions. The results demonstrate that the kinetic model was appropriate for the removal of organic pollutants. In general, it is feasible, inexpensive, and effective to use metal organic framework (MOF) to treat waste liquid. Therefore, our findings indicate that Zn-MOFs have broad application vista in wastewater purification.
Rates of anastomotic leak and fistula following surgical management of bowel endometriosis: a comparison of shaving, discoid excision, and segmental resection
Authors: Klebanoff Jordan S. , Barnes Whitney A. , Denny Katherine , Mangini Marissa G. , Kazma Jamil , Laganà Antonio Simone , Habib Nassir , Ayoubi Jean Marc , Moawad Gaby N. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Endometriosis is a complex chronic inflammatory condition that can create a multitude of bothersome painful symptoms for women. Bowel endometriosis is often misdiagnosed or overlooked leading to years of suffering for many women. The surgical management of bowel endometriosis varies based on extent of disease as well as surgeon experience. Surgical treatment for bowel endometriosis is complex and a variety of intraoperative and postoperative complications must be considered. Two significant postoperative complications for bowel endometriosis include anastomotic leak and fistula formation. There is continued debate regarding the appropriate surgical treatment for bowel endometriosis. Aggressive surgery with segmental bowel resection is being utilized more cautiously, with an increase in less aggressive shaving or disc excision techniques. Historic beliefs regarding the limitations of shaving and disc excision are being challenged, and with a reduction in morbidity these less aggressive techniques are winning favor among gynecologic surgeons. Shaving, discoid excision, and segmental bowel resection are all feasible surgical management options for bowel endometriosis. Segmental resection is associated with the highest rates of both anastomotic leak and fistula formation, while shaving is associated with the lowest.
Annealing effect of scratch characteristics of ZnMgO epilayers on R-plane sapphire
Authors: Wen Hua-Chiang , Hsieh Ming-Chu , Lan Yu-Pin , Chou Wu-Ching 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The nanotribological properties of Zn0.75Mg0.25O grown on R-plane sapphire using metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy at different substrate temperatures (RT, 600, 700 and 800 °C) were investigated. A slight sliding track was observed at ramped loads of 250 μN, and an obvious bulge edge surrounding the groove was observed at ramped loads of 1 000 μN. Because of the annealing treatment, all the Zn0.75Mg0.25O coatings showed a reconstruction phenomenon of crystallites. The volumes of the bulge edges were as high as 30% in the annealed specimens and were larger than the volumes of the RT-treated specimens when ramped loads of 1 000 μN were applied. Under frictional loading, atomic force microscopy examination of scratch-tested films indicated lower bonding forces on R-plane sapphire than M-plane sapphire.
Impact of Mo content on the microstructure– toughness relationship in the coarse-grained heat-affected zone of high-strength low-alloy steels
Authors: Cao Yuxin , Wan Xiangliang , Zhou Feng , Shen Yu , Liu Yu , Li Guangqiang , Wu Kaiming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The present study elucidates the influence of Mo content on the microstructure – toughness relationship in the coarsegrained heat-affected zone of high-strength low-alloy steels. The low-Mo and high-Mo steels were subjected to 100 kJ cm–1 heat input welding thermal cycling. The results indicated that (Ti,Mo)-carbonitrides were formed in high-Mo steel, whereas (Ti,Nb)-carbonitrides were formed in low-Mo steel. The finer and dispersed precipitates in high-Mo steel refined the prior austenite grain in the coarse-grained heat-affected zone based on the grain boundary pinning effect. However, the smaller prior austenite grain and excessive Mo content induced the formation of an entirely bainitic microstructure in high-Mo steel. Furthermore, a higher fraction of martensite –austenite constituents was observed in high-Mo steel. These results could be responsible for the deterioration of the toughness in the coarse-grained heat-affected zone of high-Mo steel.
The influence of Cr, Al, Co, Fe and C on negative creep of Waspaloy
Authors: Firlus Konstantin , Völkl Rainer , Gabel Johannes , Glatzel Uwe 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Negative creep using precision dilatation experiments is investigated on a broad variety of single, dual and multiphase nickel-based superalloys. Pure nickel and dilute binary nickel-based alloys show no signs of negative creep. However, with higher contents of Cr and Al and in highly alloyed ternary and multicomponent nickel-based alloys negative creep is observed. Short range ordering of Cr and/ or Al are identified to cause negative creep at 550 °C. Carbon additions leading to retarded carbide precipitation or transformation can enhance negative creep.
Effect of Ag additions on the microstructure and phase transformations of Zn-22Al-2Cu (wt.%) alloy
Authors: Ferreira-Palma Carlos , Dorantes-Rosales Héctor J. , López-Hirata Víctor M. , Torres-Castillo Alberto A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties is studied for eutectoid Zn-22Al (wt.%) alloys modified with Cu and Ag. Three alloys with a Cu content of 2 wt.% and varying amounts of Ag were cast and hot-extruded. Different microstructural characteristics were induced by heat treatments: natural aging, artificial aging and furnace cooling. Structural and microstructural characterizations were carried out with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical properties were determined by tensile testing. Dilatometry was used for determining the effects of composition on the transformation points. The addition of Ag increased the ε phase fraction and provided solid solution strengthening, improving the mechanical strength and reducing ductility. Ag additions also displaced the eutectoid reaction to higher temperatures. The microstructure of the matrix has proven to have a strong impact on mechanical properties. The naturally aged specimens presented the highest ductility and tensile strength; however, these properties are severely affected by aging. Lamellar microstructures present the lowest ductility and values of tensile strength between those of the natural and artificially-aged specimens.
Development of high-insulating materials with aerogel for protective clothing applications – an overview
Authors: Greszta Agnieszka , Krzemińska Sylwia , Bartkowiak Grażyna , Dąbrowska Anna 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAerogels are ultra-light solids with extremely low thermal conductivity (even lower than air), thanks to which they have a huge potential in a wide range of applications. The purpose of this publication is to present the state-of-the art knowledge of the possibility of using aerogels to increase the thermal insulation properties of clothing materials intended for use in both cold and hot environments. Various methods of aerogels application to textile materials (non-woven, woven and knitted fabrics) are discussed, indicating their advantages and limitations. Numerous research studies confirm that aerogels significantly improve the thermal insulation properties of materials, but due to their delicate and brittle structure and their tendency to dusting, their application still poses considerable problems.