bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current Practices on Diagnosis and Management of Women With Vulvodynia
Authors: Bardin Marcela Grigol , Giraldo Paulo César , Fante Júlia Ferreira , Araujo Camila Carvalho de , Cyr Marie-Pierre , Marques Andrea de Andrade 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis

: To describe clinical characteristics, previous medical assessment, past treatments and vulvar pain relief among women with vulvodynia.
Methods

Brazilian women with vulvodynia (n = 144) were assessed for vaginal infection and vulvar pain intensity by means of a cotton swab test based on a numerical rate scale (NRS). All women answered the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire and a structured instrument about present vulvar symptoms and previously experienced treatments. Vulvar pain relief achieved with previous treatments was qualified through a 4-point Likert-scale.
Results

Previous vulvar pain duration was 5.8 (± 4) years. More than 50% consulted with three or more physicians and 49% remained without a conclusive diagnosis. Diagnosis and treatment vulvovaginal infection was very common.
The most commonly used treatments were
lubricants (66%), topical anesthetics (36%) and vulvar care
techniques (36%).
All of then provided only low pain
relief.

Physical therapy and oral gabapentin provided strong vulvar pain relief.
Conclusion

Prolonged duration of vulvar pain, multiple visits to healthcare professionals and poor relief of pain are common aspects in the clinical history of women with vulvodynia. Vulvovaginal symptoms other than pain are common, highlighting the importance of the screening tests in order to avoid misdiagnosis.
Complex Impedance, Dielectric Properties and Electrical Conduction Mechanism of LaBa0.5Ag0.5FeMnO6 Double Perovskite Oxides
Authors: Nassar Kais Iben , Rammeh Nizar , Teixeira Sílvia Soreto , Graça Manuel Pedro F. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The double perovskite oxide with formula LaBa0.5Ag0.5FeMnO6 was prepared by the sol-gel method. The structural analysis at room temperature indicated that this sample is single phase and crystallize in the cubic system with the Pm-3m space group. The complex impedance spectroscopy has been measured in the range of temperature, 200–340 K, and frequency, 100 Hz–1MHz, respectively. Dielectric measurements by analysis of the impedance function, Z" as a function of Z' versus frequency curves, were mounted to an equivalent circuit consisting of series of combinations of resistor, capacity and constant phase elements. The study of ac conductivity as a function of frequency has been interpreted using the Joncher's law and determines the activation energy. The modulus analysis was also performed indicating the presence of a relaxation process accompanied by a conduction phenomenon.
Using Probabilistic Genotypes in Linkage Analysis of polyploids
Authors: Liao Yanlin , Voorrips Roeland E. , Bourke Peter M. , Tumino Giorgio , Arens Paul , Visser Richard G.F. , Smulders Marinus J.M. , Maliepaard Chris 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Marker genotypes are generally called as discrete values: homozygous versus heterozygous in the case of diploids, or an integer allele dosage in the case of polyploids. Software for linkage map construction and/or QTL analysis usually relies on such discrete genotypes. However, it may not always be possible, or desirable, to assign definite values to genotype observations in the presence of uncertainty in the genotype calling. Here, we present an approach that uses probabilistic marker dosages for linkage map construction in polyploids. We compare our method to an approach based on discrete dosages, using simulated SNP array and sequence reads data with varying levels of data quality. We validate our approach using experimental data from a potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) SNP array applied to an F1 mapping population. In comparison to the approach based on discrete dosages, we mapped an additional 562 markers. All but three of these were mapped to the expected chromosome and marker position. For the remaining three markers, no physical position was known. The use of dosage probabilities is of particular relevance for map construction in polyploids using sequencing data, as these often result in a higher level of uncertainty regarding allele dosage.
Pathways to Pain and Disability: the Impact of Early Social Deprivation and Educational Attainment in Newly Diagnosed Osteoarthritis Patients
Authors: Kouraki Afroditi , Bast Tobias , Ferguson Eamonn , Valdes Ana M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLinks between pain and cognitive function on one hand and pain and anxiety on the other have already been shown in other studies and there is biological evidence linking osteoarthritis to educational attainment. However, the inter-play of these factors and the role of key social (social deprivation) factors at the early disease stages are not understood. Therefore, we tested how social deprivation, education and anxiety, before diagnosis, affects the cognition, pain and independence (activities of daily living) relationship longitudinally after diagnosis of osteoarthritis. MethodsUsing data from waves 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) (n = 1,240), we examined the impact of social deprivation, education and anxiety on the dynamic relationship between cognitive function, pain and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in a subsample of respondents reporting a diagnosis of osteoarthritis at wave 6, with cross-lagged panel models.ResultsSocial deprivation before diagnosis predicted poorer cognitive function and higher pain levels after diagnosis, and further predicted impairments in IALD at wave 7 through its negative effect on cognitive function at wave 6. Education before diagnosis was protective against impairments in daily living after diagnosis via better cognitive function and lower anxiety at wave 5.ConclusionWe show for the first time that social deprivation, before osteoarthritis diagnosis, predicts functional impairment in daily living, after diagnosis with this effect partly mediated by impaired cognitive function. We also show for the first time that, education before diagnosis was protective against impairments in daily living after diagnosis via better cognitive function and lower anxiety before diagnosis. Therefore, improving cognitive function and managing anxiety may dampen the impact of social deprivation and low educational attainment on poor health and help to promote independence in patients with osteoarthritis.
Atena: A Public Primary Healthcare Environment Supported by an Implementation Science Approach
Authors: Dantas Mario Antonio Ribeiro , Campos Fernanda Alves , Mendonças Fabricio M , David José Maria N , Ströele Victor , Medeiros Alvaro A.M. , Nascimento Mateus G , Iorio Gabriel , Thomé Thiago Goldoni 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Public primary healthcare environments are facing grand challenges related to digital transformations. This is reported from many studies, in several countries, and observed from diverse areas. The present war against the Covid-19 pandemic has shown the required utilization of combined information and communications technology approaches. In this paper we present the Atena research work, which is a proposal development that focus on a public primary healthcare system digital transformation. The approach of implementation science is observed through our scientific studies of methods to gather the digital data, and recommendation strategies to facilitate healthcare personal, and using the evidence-based practice from the Atena. Study scenarios provide interesting view of several elements which can help to enhance a wider discussion about technologies and their scientific implementation. We considered wearable devices used by different groups of voluntaries. Vital digital signals from these voluntaries were gathered to afterwards be evaluated by professionals inside the healthcare premises. To provide a better understanding of these people´s behaviors, a recommendation system (RS) is being conceived as a support tool, utilizing their digital vital signals. Another element from the proposal is a simulator-based architecture. This component highlights people´s movement and predictable scenarios of contamination. A common daily monitoring scenario can be enhanced from these simulations’ experiences. After our initial results, it is possible to affirm that the Antena proposal provides a valuable approach to face several efforts in digital transformation in public primary healthcare structures. This transformation can be verified in the present pandemic scenario. Experiences from this research indicates that the adoption of some computational technologies requires major changes on the present behavior from governments and citizens.
Electrospun synthesis of silver/poly (vinyl alcohol) nano-fibers: investigation antibacterial activity and flame retardant property
Authors: Azarakhsh Sara , Bahiraei Hamed , Haidari Gholamhosain , Ghanbar Davood 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Ag nanoparticles-embedded polyvinyl alcohol (Ag/PVA) nano-fibers have been synthesized successfully via the electro-spinning technique at room temperature. XRD patterns confirmed the presence of Ag nanoparticles in the electro-spinning PVA nano-fibers. FE-SEM images displayed that silver nanoparticles with an average particle size of 32 nm are uniformly dispersed in PVA nano-fibers. Also, the average diameter of Ag/PVA nano-fibers was estimated to be 142 nm. The EDX analysis of Ag/PVA nano-fiber determined the aggregation of Ag nanoparticles in the range of polymer nano-fibers. The antibacterial property of Ag/PVA nano-fiber for inhibition of Escherichia coli (E-coli) growth was approved. Since polyvinyl alcohol is a biocompatible and water-soluble polymer, it can be considered as unique candidate for the preparation of wound dressing nano-fibers. It is also found that the nontoxic nanostructures can appropriately enhance both flame retardant and thermal stability properties of the Ag/PVA matrix. These results show that the Ag/PVA nano-fibers may find practical applications as self-reinforced medical devices and tissue-engineering scaffolds.
Clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of 23 patients with secretory carcinoma of major salivary glands
Authors: Sun Jingjing , Liu Sirui , Fu Kun , Gao Ning , Li Rui , He Wei , Gao Zhenjie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Secretory carcinoma of salivary glands (SCSGs) are generally low-grade salivary gland carcinomas, and are characterized by morphological resemblance to mammary analogue secretory carcinoma and ETV6–NTRK3 gene fusion. Several reports on histopathological features of SCSG have recently been published; however, little is known about the clinical characteristics of this new tumor, including its outcomes. The research is to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of secretory carcinoma of major salivary glands and to analyze outcomes of these carcinomas as a reference for standardizing their diagnosis and treatment.
Methods
The cohort of this retrospective study comprised 23 patients treated for histopathologically-confirmed SCSG between January 2010 and December 2020. Their clinical characteristics and outcomes were retrieved from patient files.
Results
The 23 patients comprised 13 male and 10 female patients (male:female ratio 1.3:1). They were aged 10–69 years (median 45 years) and the average duration of disease was 2.44 years (0.25–20 years). Twenty-one patients (91.3%) had SCSGs in the parotid gland and two (8.7%) in the submandibular gland. All 23 patients had single nodules with diameters of 0.8–4.8 cm (average 2.6 cm). Five patients had lymph node metastases and two had distant metastases. All tumors were pathologically diagnosed as SCSGs. Immunohistochemical staining was strongly positive for S-100, mammaglobin, CK7, and Gata3, and negative for Dog1, P63 and calponin. Ki-67 positivity ranged from 1–50%. Fluorescence in situ hybridization data were available for 15 patients, in all of whom ETV6 gene rearrangement was confirmed. All patients had undergone oncological resections. Four had radioactive particles implanted postoperatively, one received chemotherapy, and seven underwent chemoradiotherapy. Six patients had regional recurrences, two distant metastases, and one had died at the time of last follow-up.
Conclusions
SCSGs are typically indolent with a low rate of locoregional recurrence and excellent survival. Their prognosis is correlated with clinical stage, pathological grade, and surgical procedures performed.
Tofacitinib as a Steroid-Sparing Therapy in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis, An Open-Label Prospective Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Friedman Marcia Alwina , Le Brian , Stevens Janelle , Desmarais Julianna , Seifer Daniel , Ogle Kimberly , Choi Dongseok , Harrington Christina , Jackson Peter , Rosenbaum James T 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This is a prospective, open-label, proof-of-concept study of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, as a steroid sparing therapy in corticosteroid-dependent pulmonary sarcoidosis. 5 patients with corticosteroid-dependent pulmonary sarcoidosis were treated with tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily. The primary endpoint was a ≥50% reduction in corticosteroids at week 16 with no worsening in pulmonary function or respiratory symptoms. 60% of patients (3/5) met the primary endpoint. One patient was lost to follow up prior to steroid taper, and another was withdrawn due to worsening of known neurosarcoidosis. The three patients who met the primary endpoint each tapered to ≤5 mg/day prednisone, respiratory symptoms improved, and spirometry remained stable. In this proof-of-concept study, the addition of a JAK-inhibitor allowed 60% of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis to successfully taper corticosteroids. JAK-inhibitors are a promising therapy for pulmonary sarcoidosis, which require further investigation in randomized trials.Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT03793439; registered Jan 4, 2019
Extracellular Vesicle-associated miRNAs Are an Adaptive Response to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Nair Soumyalekshmi , Guanzon Dominic , Jayabalan Nanthini , Lai Andrew , Scholz-Romero Katherin , Croft Priyakshi Kalita-de , Ormazabal Valeska , Palma Carlos , Diaz Emilio , McCarthy Elizabeth A , Shub Alexis , Miranda Jezid , Gratacos Eduard , Crispi Fatima , Duncombe Gregory , Lappas Martha , McIntyre H David , Rice Gregory E , Salomon Carlos 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious public health issue affecting 9-15% of all pregnancies worldwide. Recently, it has been suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a role throughout gestation, including mediating a placental response to hyperglycaemia. Here, we investigated the EV-associated miRNA profile across gestation in GDM, assessed their utility in developing accurate, multivariate classification models, and determined the signaling pathways in skeletal muscle proteome associated with the changes in the EV miRNA profile.Methods: Discovery: A retrospective, case-control study design was used to identify EV-associated miRNAs that vary across pregnancy and clinical status (i.e. GDM or Normal Glucose Tolerance, NGT). EVs were isolated from maternal plasma obtained at early, mid and late gestation (n=29) and small RNA sequencing was performed. Validation: A longitudinal study design was used to quantify expression of selected miRNAs. EV miRNAs were quantified by real-time PCR (cases=8, control=14, samples at three times during pregnancy) and their individual and combined classification efficiencies were evaluated. Quantitative, data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry was use to establish the protein profile in skeletal muscle biopsies from normal and GDM.Results: A total of 2822 miRNAs were analyzed using a small RNA library, and a total of 563 miRNAs that significantly changed (p<0.05) across gestation and 101 miRNAs were significantly changed between NGT and GDM. Analysis of the miRNA changes in NGT and GDM separately identified a total of 256 (NGT-group), and 302 (GDM-group) miRNAs that change across gestation. A multivariate classification model was developed, based on the quantitative expression of EV-associated miRNAs, and the accuracy to correctly assign samples was >90%. We identified a set of proteins in skeletal muscle biopsies from women with GDM associated with JAK-STAT signaling which could be targeted by the miRNA-92a-3p within circulating EVs. Interestingly, overexpression of miRNA-92a-3p in primary skeletal muscle cells increase insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.Conclusions: During early pregnancy, differently-expressed, EV-associated miRNAs may be of clinical utility in identifying presymptomatic women who will subsequently develop GDM later in gestation. We suggest that miRNA-92a-3p within EVs might be a protected mechanism to increase skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity in GDM.
Is X-ray Exposure Related to Dentist Remuneration?
Authors: Kalmus Olivier , Chalkley Martin , Listl Stefan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: In many market settings individuals are encouraged to switch health care providers as a means of ensuring more competition. Switching may have a potentially undesirable side effect of increasing unnecessary treatment. Focusing on the most common source of medical radiation (dental X-rays), the purpose of this study was to assess whether, upon switching dentist, X-ray exposure increases depending on the type of provider payment. Methods: The analysis used longitudinal data from 2005 to 2016 covering a 5% random sample of the Scottish adult population covered by the National Health Service (NHS). Multiple fixed-effects panel regression analyses were employed to determine the correlation of provider remuneration with patients' likelihood of receiving an X-ray upon switching to a new dentist other things equal. A broad set of covariates including a patient’s copayment status was controlled for. Results: Upon switching to a dentist who was paid fee-for-service, patients had a by 9.6 %-points (95% CI: 7.4%-11.8%) higher probability of receiving an X-ray, compared to switching to a salaried dentist. Results were robust when accounting for patient exemption status, as well as unobserved patient and dentist characteristics. Conclusions: In comparison to staying with the same dentist, patients may be exposed to substantially more X-rays upon switching to a dentist who is paid fee-for-service. There may need to be better guidance and regulation to protect the health of those who have to switch provider due to moving and greater caution in advocating voluntary switching.
Diagnostic Performance of Oncuria™, a Urinalysis Test for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Hirasawa Yosuke , Pagano Ian , Chen Runpu , Sun Yijun , Dai Yunfeng , Gupta Amit , Tikhonenkov Sergei , Rosser Charles , Furuya Hideki 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Due to insufficient accuracy, urine-based assays currently have a limited role in the management of patients with bladder cancer. The identification of multiplex molecular signatures associated with disease has the potential to address this deficiency and to assist with accurate, non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring. Methods: To evaluate the performance of Oncuria™, a multiplex immunoassay for bladder detection in voided urine samples. The test was evaluated in a multi-institutional cohort of 362 prospectively collected subjects presenting for bladder cancer evaluation. The parallel measurement of 10 biomarkers (A1AT, APOE, ANG, CA9, IL8, MMP9, MMP10, PAI1, SDC1 and VEGFA) was performed in an independent clinical laboratory. The ability of the test to identify patients harboring bladder cancer was assessed. Bladder cancer status was confirmed by cystoscopy and tissue biopsy. The association of biomarkers and demographic factors was evaluated using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and predictive models were derived using supervised learning and cross-validation analyses. Diagnostic performance was assessed using ROC curves.Results: The combination of the 10 biomarkers provided an AUROC 0.93 [95% CI: 0.87 – 0.98], outperforming any single biomarker. The addition of demographic data (age, sex, and race) into a hybrid signature improved the diagnostic performance AUROC 0.95 [95% CI: 0.90 – 1.00]. The hybrid signature achieved an overall sensitivity of 0.93, specificity of 0.93, PPV of 0.65 and NPV of 0.99 for bladder cancer classification. Sensitivity values of the diagnostic panel for high-grade bladder cancer, low-grade bladder cancer, MIBC and NMIBC were 0.94, 0.89, 0.97 and 0.93, respectively. Conclusions: Urinary levels of a biomarker panel enabled the accurate discrimination of bladder cancer patients and controls. The multiplex Oncuria™ test can achieve the efficient and accurate detection and monitoring of bladder cancer in a non-invasive patient setting.
Use of Palliative Radiotherapy Among Patients With Metastatic Non-small-cell Lung Cancer in Puerto Rico
Authors: Quinones-Avila Valerie , Ortiz-Ortiz Karen J. , Ríos-Motta Ruth , Marín-Centeno Heriberto , Tortolero-Luna Guillermo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Palliative radiotherapy (RT) represents an important treatment opportunity for improving the quality of life in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients through the management of symptoms within the course of the illness. This study examines the patient and clinical factors associated with palliative RT use among metastatic NSCLC patients in Puerto Rico. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using secondary data analysis from 2009-2015 from the Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry–Health Insurance Linkage Database (PRCCR-HILD). A logistic regression model was used to examine factors associated with palliative RT. Results: Among the 929 patients identified with metastatic NSCLC, 33.80% received palliative RT within the first year after diagnosis. After adjusting for other covariates, receipt of chemotherapy (ORAdj = 3.90; 95% CI = 2.91-5.45; P < 0.001) and presence of symptoms (ORAdj =1.41; 95% CI =1.00-1.98; P = 0.045) were associated with increased odds of palliative RT use. Although marginally significant, patients with private health insurance had increased odds of palliative RT use (ORAdj = 1.50; 95% CI = 0.98-2.29; P = 0.061) when compared to beneficiaries of Medicaid, after adjusting by other covariates. Conclusions: The results of this study reveal concerning underuse of palliative RT among patients with metastatic NSCLC in Puerto Rico. Additional research is necessary to further understand the barriers to using palliative RT on the island.