bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with prolonged length of stay in patients admitted with severe hypoglycaemia to a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Chua Jia Min , Lim Weiying , Bee Yong Mong , Goh Su‐Yen , Edmund Chan Tick Chia , Andrew Tan Xia Huang , Wee Zongwen , Xin Xiaohui , Ang Li Chang , Heng Wee May , Teh Ming Ming 
Published: March 2019

SummarySevere hypoglycaemia carries considerable morbidity and potential mortality. We aim to elucidate the factors which were associated with a prolonged length of stay (LOS) among patients with diabetes who were admitted to the hospital with severe hypoglycaemia. Three hundred and four patients were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 70.6 ± 11.3 years, mean glycated haemoglobin of 6.9 ± 1.3% and median LOS of 3 days. Patients with a LOS >3 days had significantly higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (4.9 ± 2.1 vs 4.1 ± 2.1, P < 0.01), a lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (34.6 ± 31.4 mL/min vs 44.8 ± 28.9 mL/min, P = 0.01) and a higher proportion of these patients suffered from recurrent hypoglycaemia during the admission (38.9% vs 27.7%, P = 0.04). In addition, they had higher white cell counts (11.1 ± 4.8 × 109/L vs 9.3 ± 3.2 × 109/L) and lower albumin concentrations (32.9 ± 6.6 g/L vs 36.8 ± 4.9 g/L). Bivariate analysis showed that the same factors were associated with prolonged LOS. Identification of risk factors associated with prolonged LOS provides the opportunity for intervention to reduce the LOS and improve the outcomes for these patients.
Serum prolactin overestimation and risk of misdiagnosis
Authors: De Sousa Sunita M.C. , Saleem Mohamed , Rankin Wayne , Torpy David J. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryBackgroundFalsely elevated prolactin measurements risk overdiagnosis, and unnecessary imaging and treatment.DesignWe conducted a clinical audit of 18 patients who presented with hyperprolactinaemia, followed by a laboratory audit of 40 split samples across a range of serum prolactin (5‐5051 mIU/L). In each case (total n = 58), serum prolactin was measured on both Roche and Siemens platforms.ResultsSerum prolactin as measured by Roche was higher than the corresponding Siemens value in every case, despite similar reference ranges. The mean discrepancy in serum prolactin by Roche vs. Siemens was +81% in the clinical audit and +50% in the laboratory audit. This led to unnecessary interventions in 7/18 patients (39%) in the clinical audit.ConclusionsSerum prolactin is overestimated on the Roche relative to the Siemens platform. Laboratories should review Roche reference intervals for serum prolactin, and clinicians should consider repeating serum prolactin on another platform if the serum prolactin is incongruent with the clinical scenario.
Examined and positive lymph nodes counts and lymph nodes ratio are associated with survival in major salivary gland cancer
Authors: Elhusseiny Khaled Mosaad , Abd‐Elhay Fatma Abd‐Elshahed , Kamel Mohamed Gomaa , Abd El Hamid Hassan Heba Hassan , El Tanany Heba Hussien Muhammad , Hieu Truong Hong , Tieu Thuan Minh , Low Soon Khai , Hou Vincent , Dibas Mahmoud , Huy Nguyen Tien 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to investigate the prognostic role of examined (dissected) lymph nodes (ELNs), negative LNs (NLNs), and positive (metastatic) LNs (PLNs) counts and LN ratio (LNR = PLNs/ELNs×100) in patients with major salivary gland cancer (SGC).MethodsData were retrieved for major SGC patients diagnosed between 1988 and 2011 from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program.ResultsWe have included 5446 patients with major SGC. Most patients had parotid gland cancer (84.61%). Patients having >18 ELNs, >4 PLNs, and >33.33% LNR were associated with a worse survival. Moreover, older age, male patients, grade IV, distant stage, unmarried patients, submandibular gland cancer, and received chemotherapy but not received surgery were significantly associated with a worse survival.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that patients with >18 ELNs and >4 PLNs counts, and >33.33% LNR were high‐risk group patients. We strongly suggest adding the ELNs and PLNs counts and/or LNR into the current staging system.
On‐treatment changes of serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein are associated with the regression of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients on interferon α add‐on therapy
Authors: Liu Tianhui , Sun Yameng , Zhou Jialing , Yang Fang , Zou Xia , Wang Lin , Wu Xiaoning , Chen Yongpeng , Piao Hongxin , Lu Lungen , Jiang Wei , Xu Youqing , Feng Bo , Nan Yuemin , Xie Wen , Chen Guofeng , Zheng Huanwei , Li Hai , Ding Huiguo , Liu Hui , Wang Tailing , Ou Xiaojuan , Wu Shanshan , Kong Yuanyuan , Wang Ping , Cong Min , Zhang Yan , You Hong , Jia Jidong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2‐binding protein (M2BP) has been identified as a predictor for the response of interferon α (IFN‐α) in patients with viral hepatitis. However, whether serum glycosylation isomer of M2BP (M2BPGi) was associated with the regression of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) during IFN‐α add‐on therapy is still unknown. CHB patients were treated with entecavir for 26 weeks followed by entecavir plus pegylated IFN‐α for 52 weeks. Liver biopsies were taken at baseline and treatment week 78. The regression of fibrosis was identified according to Ishak standard or Ishak plus Progressive‐Indeterminate‐Regressive (P‐I‐R) standard. Serum M2BPGi and liver function tests were measured at baseline and every 26 weeks of treatment. A total of 72 CHB patients were included in the present study. Serum M2BPGi was correlated with fibrosis and necroinflammation both at baseline and week 78. If Ishak standard was used as the reference, only the percent change of M2BPGi at week 52 from week 26 (Δ%M2BPGi26w‐52W) was independently associated with fibrosis regression at treatment week 78, the area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of Δ%M2BPGi26w‐52W for predicting fibrosis regression was 0.705. As for Ishak plus P‐I‐R standard, the AUROC of the predictive model for fibrosis regression (0.896*M2BPGi52W + 0.363*necroinflammation score0w + 2.051*Ishak score0w – 4.489) was 0.888. These data indicated that dynamic changes of serum M2BPGi were associated with fibrosis regression in CHB patients on IFN‐α add‐on therapy.
Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells expansion is closely associated with disease severity and progression in HBV‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Zeng Yingfu , Li Yiting , Xu Zhen , Gan Weiqiang , Lu Lirong , Huang Xiaohui , Lin Chaoshuang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDysregulation of the host immune responses induced by host hepatitis B virus (HBV) interactions has been observed in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF). Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), well known for their immunomodulatory properties, can suppress T‐cell function by regulating the expression of CD3 ζ chain in cancer and autoimmune/infectious diseases while rarely have been studied in ACLF. In this study, MDSCs, CD4+/CD8+ T cells, and CD3 ζ chain were analyzed by flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from HBV‐related ACLF patients, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and healthy controls. ACLF patients were followed up for dynamic detection of MDSCs and observation of outcomes after treatment. Interestingly, peripheral CD14+CD33+CD11b+HLA‐DR−/low MDSCs from ACLF patients were significantly increased compared to those from CHB patients and healthy controls. CD4+/CD8+ T cell frequency and CD3 ζ chain expression in T cells were decreased in ACLF patients compared to those of healthy controls and were negatively correlated with matched MDSC frequency. Meanwhile, the frequency of MDSCs was closely correlated with biochemical parameters that are relevant for liver injury rather than virological parameters. Moreover, a lower level of MDSCs was correlated with a better short‐term prognosis (within 4 weeks but not at 8 weeks), and MDSCs remained high in ACLF patients whose conditions worsened within a 4‐week follow‐up period after treatment. These results suggest that MDSCs are closely involved in cell‐mediated immunity in HBV‐related ACLF and that peripheral MDSC expansion is closely associated with disease severity and progression in HBV‐related ACLF, which may serve as a predictor of short‐term prognosis.
Apoptosis and its relation with clinical course in patients with Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever
Authors: Engin Aynur , Aydin Huseyin , Cinar Ziynet , Buyuktuna Seyit Ali , Bakir Mehmet 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCrimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick‐mediated viral infection. Patients with CCHF may show various clinical presentations. The cause of this difference in the clinical course is not completely understood. Apoptosis is programmed cell death and plays an important role in regulating the immune system. Our knowledge of the role of apoptosis in CCHF disease is limited. We investigated the role of apoptosis and their relationship with the severity of the disease in CCHF.Thus, in 30 patients with CCHF and 30 healthy individuals, we analyzed the serum levels of cytochrome C, apoptotic protease activating factor‐1 (Apaf 1), caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, sFas, sFasL, perforin, granzyme B, and CK18 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. This is the first study that research the serum levels of the mentioned apoptosis markers in adult patients with CCHF.We found that the serum levels of sFasL, cytochrome C, Apaf 1, caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, perforin, granzyme B, and M30 were statistically significantly different in the acute phase of the disease compared with healthy individuals and patients in convalescent period. There was no association between the clinical severity of the disease and apoptosis markers.In conclusion, the results of our study suggested that the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathway play an important role in CCHF.
Absolute lymphocyte count and human adenovirus–specific T‐cell immune restoration of human adenovirus infection after kidney transplantation
Authors: Bruminhent Jackrapong , Apiwattanakul Nopporn , Hongeng Suradej , Kantachuvesiri Surasak , Watcharananan Siriorn P. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionHuman adenovirus (HAdV) infection can cause substantial morbidity in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. Cell‐mediated immunity plays an important role in controlling HAdV infection after KT.MethodsWe prospectively (January 2015 to June 2018) investigated the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and interferon‐γ‐producing CD4+ and CD8
+ T cells at diagnosis and at viral clearance by an intracellular cytokine assay after stimulating with HAdV whole lysate, hexon, and penton proteins. HAdV infection was defined as the presence of HAdV DNA load in plasma or clinical specimens measured by the polymerase chain reaction assay.ResultsEighteen adult KT recipients were diagnosed with HAdV infection at a median of 16 months (interquartile range [IQR], 2‐39) after KT. The majority (94%) had HAdV‐associated hemorrhagic cystitis. The median ALC at viral clearance was significantly higher compared with diagnosis (2257 cells/mm3 [IQR, 1544‐3078] vs 1001 cells/mm3 [IQR, 641‐1385]; P < 0.001). Eleven patients underwent measurement of the HAdV‐specific T‐cell response. The median numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells at viral clearance were significantly higher compared with diagnosis (448 cells/mm3 [IQR, 248‐651] vs 215 cells/mm3 [IQR, 159‐272], P = 0.02; and 623 cells/mm3 [IQR, 242‐772] vs 235 cells/mm3 [IQR, 129‐266], P < 0.01), respectively. The median percentages of penton‐specific CD4+ and hexon‐specific CD8+ T cells at viral clearance were significantly higher compared with diagnosis (0.012% vs 0%, P = 0.03%; and 0.136% vs 0.016%, P = 0.003, respectively).ConclusionsOur findings suggest a trend of ALC and HAdV‐specific T‐cell immune restoration in KT recipients who achieve successful HAdV clearance.
Elucidation of hulling‐induced changes in the aroma and aroma‐active compounds of cv. Uzun pistachio (Pistacia vera)
Authors: Sonmezdag Ahmet Salih , Kelebek Hasim , Selli Serkan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe purpose of this study was to define the effects of the hulling process on the aroma and aroma‐active composition of cv. Uzun pistachio. Four different hulling processes, namely wet, wet‐dry, dry‐dry and brine, were applied. In addition, solvent‐assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), simultaneous distillation/extraction (SDE) and purge and trap (P&T) extraction methods were also tested to obtain the best representative aroma extract.RESULTSThe results revealed that the dry‐dry hulling method was the most prominent according to the aroma and aroma‐active compounds, and this was especially the case with terpene compounds. The method increased the content of terpenes, pyrazines and total aroma compounds. By application of aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), a total of 18 compounds were detected, of which 11 were identified for the first time in the fruit of pistachio. 2,3‐Dimethylpyrazine, trimethylpyrazine and 2‐ethyl‐3,5‐dimethylpyrazine were the compounds that had the highest flavour dilution factors.CONCLUSIONIn general, the results of the present research indicated that the hulling method highly affected the overall aroma structure of pistachios. The dry‐dry hulling method is therefore suggested to manufacturers to obtain better pistachios with rich and high‐quality aroma. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel deformable lung phantom with programably variable external and internal correlation
Authors: Ranjbar Maida , Sabouri Pouya , Repetto Carlo , Sawant Amit 
Published: March 2019

PurposeLung motion phantoms used to validate radiotherapy motion management strategies have fairly simplistic designs that do not adequately capture complex phenomena observed in human respiration such as external and internal deformation, variable hysteresis and variable correlation between different parts of the thoracic anatomy. These limitations make reliable evaluation of sophisticated motion management techniques quite challenging. In this work, we present the design and implementation of a programmable, externally and internally deformable lung motion phantom that allows for a reproducible change in external–internal and internal–internal correlation of embedded markers.MethodsAn in‐house–designed lung module, made from natural latex foam was inserted inside the outer shell of a commercially available lung phantom (RSD, Long Beach, CA, USA). Radiopaque markers were placed on the external surface and embedded into the lung module. Two independently programmable high‐precision linear motion actuators were used to generate primarily anterior–posterior (AP) and primarily superior–inferior (SI) motion in a reproducible fashion in order to enable (a) variable correlation between the displacement of interior volume and the exterior surface, (b) independent changes in the amplitude of the AP and SI motions, and (c) variable hysteresis. The ability of the phantom to produce complex and variable motion accurately and reproducibly was evaluated by programming the two actuators with mathematical and patient‐recorded lung tumor motion traces, and recording the trajectories of various markers using kV fluoroscopy. As an example application, the phantom was used to evaluate the performance of lung motion models constructed from kV fluoroscopy and 4DCT images.ResultsThe phantom exhibited a high degree of reproducibility and marker motion ranges were reproducible to within 0.5 mm. Variable correlation was observed between the displacements of internal–internal and internal–external markers. The SI and AP components of motion of a specific marker had a correlation parameter that varied from −11 to 17. Monitoring a region of interest on the phantom's surface to estimate internal marker motion led to considerably lower uncertainties than when a single point was monitored.ConclusionsWe successfully designed and implemented a programmable, externally and internally deformable lung motion phantom that allows for a reproducible change in external–internal and internal–internal correlation of embedded markers.
The relationship between peer relations, self‐rated health and smoking behaviour in secondary vocational schools
Authors: Aho Hanna , Koivisto Anna‐Maija , Paavilainen Eija , Joronen Katja 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimsTo examine the association between peer relations, self‐rated health and smoking behaviour in vocational school setting.BackgroundSmoking in adolescence causes health and socioeconomic inequality in adulthood. There is evidence that smokers are physically less active, have lower academic aspirations and perceive poorer health than non‐smokers.MethodThe study was conducted in spring 2013 and involved 34,776 vocational students who took part in the School Health Promotion Study in Finland. The associations between adolescent smoking habits and peer relations and smokers' self‐rated health were studied adjusting for the respondents' age, parental education and family type.ResultsA substantial proportion of the respondents, 37% of the girls and 36% of the boys, reported smoking daily, 15% of the girls and 14% boys smoked occasionally with a further 15% of the girls and 13% of the boys stating that they were ex‐smokers. Of the girls, 33% and 38% of the boys were non‐smokers. Adjusted multinomial regression revealed that having a close friend or friends predicted smoking among girls and boys. Additionally, the adjusted model indicated that being a bully and/or a bully + bully‐victim was associated with smoking behaviour in boys only. Boys and girls who rated their health as moderate or poor were more often daily smokers; in girls, this was also the case in occasional smokers.ConclusionSmoking prevention aimed at vocational schools should take into consideration the norms and expectations related to peer relations which strongly influence adolescents' smoking habits.
Feasibility of enhancing well‐child visits with family nutrition and physical activity risk assessment on body mass index
Authors: Bailey‐Davis L. , Kling S. M. R. , Wood G. C. , Cochran W. J. , Mowery J. W. , Savage J. S. , Stametz R. A. , Welk G. J. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryObjectiveIntegration of behavioural risk assessment into well‐child visits is recommended by clinical guidelines, but its feasibility and impact is unknown.MethodsA quasi‐experimental study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of risk assessment on body mass index (BMI) at 1‐year follow‐up. Children with assessments (intervention) were compared with those who did not complete assessments (non‐respondent) and those who received standard care (non‐exposed).ResultsAnalyses included 10,647 children aged 2–9 years (2,724 intervention, 3,324 non‐respondent and 4,599 non‐exposed). Forty‐five per cent of parents completed the assessments. Intervention and non‐respondent groups differed in change in BMI z‐score at 1 year by −0.05 (confidence interval [CI]: −0.08, −0.02; P = 0.0013); no difference was observed with non‐exposed children. The intervention group had a smaller increase in BMI z‐score (0.07 ± 0.63) than non‐respondent group (0.13 ± 0.63). For children with normal weight at baseline, intervention versus non‐respondent groups differed in BMI z‐score change by −0.06 (CI: −0.10, −0.02; P = 0.0025). However, children with overweight at baseline in the intervention versus the non‐exposed group differed in BMI z‐score change (0.07 [CI: 0.02, 0.14]; P = 0.016). When analysed by age, results were similar for 2‐ to 5‐year‐olds, but no differences were found for 6‐ to 9‐year‐olds.ConclusionAutomating risk assessment in paediatric care is feasible and effective in promoting healthy weight among preschool but not older children.
Intermediate‐band effect in hot‐carrier solar cells
Authors: Takeda Yasuhiko 
Published: March 2019

AbstractI have proposed that two‐step photoexcitation of carriers is feasible in hot‐carrier solar cells (HC‐SCs), like that in intermediate‐band solar cells (IB‐SCs). The second excitation from the IB to the conduction band (CB) in an IB‐SC is regarded to make the carriers in the unoccupied band hot. In an analogous way, in an HC‐SC, a photoexcited carrier arising from the interband transition can be further excited by the next photon via the intraband transition. In other words, the lower‐energy states in the CB function as the IB. Owing to this IB effect, the absorbed energy increases while the excited carrier number decreases under the optimal operating conditions; the latter leads to a decrease in the energy dissipation associated with the hot‐carrier extraction. Consequently, the limiting conversion efficiency of the HC‐SCs improves by up to 6% to 9% (absolute) compared with that with no IB effect, under the condition of the carrier thermalization time of 1 ns and 1000 times concentrated solar illumination. The detrimental impact of the increase in the emitted energy due to the intraband transition is well suppressed under the suitable operating conditions. Thus, the IB effect always provides positive results even if the effect is weak, contrasting to that the weak second excitation could lower the conversion efficiency of an IB‐SC.
Self‐emulsion polymerization of amphiphilic monomers—a green route to synthesis of polymeric nanoscaffolds
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Lee Sejy , Thomas Reju George , Lee Seung‐Jea , Lee Hong‐Joon , Park In‐Kyu , Jeong Yong Yeon , Yoon Tae‐Ho , Shin Dong‐Chan , Lee Jae‐Suk 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTSelf‐emulsion polymerization (SEP), a green route developed by us for the polymerization of amphiphilic monomers, does not require any emulsifier or an organic solvent except that the water‐soluble initiators such as 2,2′‐azobis[2‐(2‐imidazolin‐2‐yl)propane]dihydrochloride (VA‐044) and potassium persulfate (KPS) are only used. We report here the polymer nanoscaffolds from a number of amphiphilic monomers, which can be used for in situ encapsulation of a variety of nanoparticles. As a demonstration of the efficacy of these nanoscaffolds, the synthesis of a biocompatible hybrid nanoparticle (nanohybrid), prepared by encapsulating Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle (Fe3O4 MNPs) in poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) in water, for MRI application is presented. The nanohybrid prepared following the SEP in the form of an emulsion does not involve the use of any stabilizing agent, crosslinker, polymeric emulsifier, or surfactant. This water‐soluble, spherical, and stable nanohybrid containing Fe3O4 MNPs of average size 10 ± 2 nm has a zeta potential value of −41.89 mV under physiological conditions. Magnetic measurement confirmed that the nanohybrid shows typical magnetic behavior having a saturation magnetization (Ms) value of 32.3 emu/g and a transverse relaxivity (r2) value of 29.97 mM−1 s−1, which signifies that it can be used as a T2 contrast agent in MRI. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019