bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of SLE responder index and lupus low disease activity state in real life: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Ramirez Giuseppe A. , Canti Valentina , Moiola Lucia , Magnoni Marco , Rovere‐Querini Patrizia , Coletto Lavinia A. , Dagna Lorenzo , Manfredi Angelo A. , Bozzolo Enrica P. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo prospectively assess the performance of the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) responder index (SRI) and the lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) in a cohort‐based, “real‐life” clinical setting.MethodsOne hundred and thirty‐one consecutive patients with SLE were subdivided into two groups based on the need or not to escalate their immune suppressive treatment. Clinimetrics including physician global assessment scale (PGA), SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI‐2K), European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement index (ECLAM) and British Isles Lupus Assessment Group index (BILAG) 2004 version were measured at baseline and at 6 and 12 months, together with laboratory data and treatment changes. LLDAS and SRI were calculated at each time point.ResultsLupus low disease activity state but not SRI‐4 correlated with treatment de‐escalation. Low disease activity attainment as estimated by LLDAS was more frequent in patients starting with lower SLEDAI‐2K, whereas a decrease in SLEDAI score ≥ 4 points with < 0.3 increased PGA and no new grade A or more than one new grade B BILAG domains (SRI‐4) was more frequent in patients with higher SLEDAI‐2K and/or severe renal activity at baseline. Anti‐DNA‐positive patients were less likely to be in LLDAS at any time point. Serositis was associated with lack of LLDAS at baseline, but did not affect LLDAS achievement at 12 months. Normalizing complement levels heralded the achievement of LLDAS and SRI‐4.ConclusionLupus low disease activity state is a valuable tool for assessing response to treatment in the daily rheumatology practice. SRI might be less informative, at least in patients with low basal SLEDAI.
Autonomy of Nations and Indigenous Peoples and the Environmental Release of Genetically Engineered Animals with Gene Drives
Authors: Meghani Zahra 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis article contends that the environmental release of genetically engineered (GE) animals with heritable traits that are patented will present a challenge to the efforts of nations and indigenous peoples to engage in self‐determination. The environmental release of such animals has been proposed on the grounds that they could function as public health tools or as solutions to the problem of agricultural insect pests. This article brings into focus two political‐economic‐legal problems that would arise with the environmental release of such organisms. To address those challenges, it is proposed that nations considering the environmental release of GE animals must take into account the underlying circumstances and policy failures that motivate arguments for the use of the modified animals. Moreover, countries must recognize that the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights place on them an obligation to ensure that GE animals with patented heritable traits are not released without the substantive consent of the nations or indigenous peoples that could be affected.
Coercion into addiction treatment and subsequent substance use patterns among people who use illicit drugs in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Pilarinos Andreas , Barker Brittany , Nosova Ekaterina , Milloy M.‐J. , Hayashi Kanna , Wood Evan , Kerr Thomas , DeBeck Kora 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsMany people who use drugs (PWUD) are coerced into receiving treatment. This study aimed to assess changes in substance use and related outcomes before versus after treatment in people coerced into treatment, voluntarily attending treatment or not attending treatment.DesignData from three linked prospective cohort studies of PWUD were used. McNemar's test and non‐linear growth curve modeling were employed to: (a) assess changes in substance use patterns before and after coerced addiction treatment and (b) compare these changes with changes in PWUD who (1) voluntarily accessed and (2) did not access treatment.SettingVancouver, Canada.ParticipantsA total of 3196 community‐recruited PWUD.MeasurementsThe outcome variables were substance use and related outcomes assessed by self‐reported questionnaire. The input variable was self‐reported coerced addiction treatment (defined as being forced into addiction treatment by a doctor or the criminal justice system), voluntary treatment versus no treatment.FindingsBetween September 2005 and June 2015, 399 (12.5%) participants reported being coerced into addiction treatment. In McNemar's test, there were no statistically significant reductions in within‐group substance use outcomes for people coerced into treatment, voluntarily attending treatment or not attending treatment. In non‐linear growth curve analyses, there were no statistically significant differences in the before and after substance use patterns between those coerced into treatment versus either of the two control groups (all P > 0.05). In subanalyses, we found no statistically significant differences in substance use patterns between people who reported formal coerced treatment through the criminal justice system and people who reported informal coerced treatment through a physician.ConclusionsAmong PWUD in Vancouver, Canada, there appear to be no statistically significant improvements in substance use outcomes among those reporting coerced addiction treatment, those voluntarily accessing treatment, and those not attending treatment.
Differential Effects of Anxiety Sensitivity on E‐Cigarettes Processes: The Importance of E‐Cigarette Quit Attempt History
Authors: Garey Lorra , Smit Tanya , Mayorga Nubia Angelina , Peraza Natalia , Nizio Pamella , Otto Michael W. , Zvolensky Michael J. 
Published: August 2019

Background and ObjectivesElectronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) are recognized as a prevalent form of substance use among adults in the United States. The rise in e‐cigarette use has motivated research to identify subgroups of the population that may be particularly vulnerable to e‐cigarette use and its associated harm. Individuals with elevated psychological vulnerability are one such group more at risk for being a lifetime or current e‐cigarette user. Yet, little is known about how factors of psychological vulnerability relate to perceptions of e‐cigarette use within the context of e‐cigarette quit attempts. The current study evaluated the differential relations of anxiety sensitivity (AS), a core affective vulnerability factor, on several relevant e‐cigarette processes across those with and without a previous attempt to quit using e‐cigarettes.MethodsOur sample consisted of 547 current e‐cigarette users (51% female, Mage = 35.38 years, SD = 10.1).ResultsResults indicated that AS significantly related to greater perceived risks, benefits, and positive outcome expectancies of e‐cigarette use among current e‐cigarette users who reported at least one attempt to quit e‐cigarettes but was unrelated among those who had never attempted to quit.Discussion and ConclusionsFindings identify e‐cigarette users who fail to quit as a potential vulnerable subgroup of users who experience more strongly held perceptions about e‐cigarettes because of increased AS.Scientific SignificanceThis work provides initial evidence for a conceptual model in which levels of AS and e‐cigarette processes are strengthened by and differ across e‐cigarette quit attempt history. (Am J Addict 2019;28:390–397)
Comparison of transperineal and endoanal ultrasound in detecting residual obstetric anal sphincter injury
Authors: Stuart Andrea , Ignell Claes , Örnö Ann‐Kristin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionEndoanal ultrasound is considered the gold standard when assessing the obstetric anal sphincter complex. Due to its relative intrusiveness and economic cost, other ultrasound modalities are on the rise, such as transperineal ultrasound with a convex probe. The aim of our study was to evaluate the agreement between endoanal ultrasound scores (EAUS score) and transperineal ultrasound scores (TPUS score) in assessing residual obstetric anal sphincter defects.Material and methodsFifty‐nine women were examined 6 months after primary suturing of obstetric anal sphincter injury with two ultrasound modalities. A standardized scoring system analyzing the length, depth and radial extent of both the external (EAS) and internal (IAS) sphincter was used. Wexner fecal incontinence score was used to assess the patients’ symptoms.ResultsTransperineal ultrasound scores score showed a strong significant correlation with EAUS score during both pelvic floor relaxation and contraction: Spearman's rho [rs] = 0.74, P < 0.001, and rs = 0.77, P < 0.001, respectively. For both EAS and IAS, significant correlations were found for all parameters, that is, length, depth and angle between both EAUS and TPUS. A statistically significant correlation was found between EAUS score and Wexner score (rs = 0.36, P = 0.005). A significant correlation between the EAS‐EAUS score (rs = 0.36, P = 0.005) and Wexner score was found, but no significance was found between IAS‐EAUS score and Wexner score (rs = 0.22, P = 0.097). Significant correlations were found for Wexner score and TPUS score in resting state (rs = 0.36, P = 0.01) and contracting state (rs = 0.28, P < 0.05), and between Wexner score and EAS‐TPUS score in resting state (rs = 0.32, P = 0.02).ConclusionsThe results indicated a strong agreement between endoanal and transperineal ultrasound in assessing residual obstetric anal sphincter defects 6 months after primary suturing. Furthermore, a weak significant correlation was found between the ultrasound scores and the patients’ Wexner fecal incontinence score.
Review article: immune checkpoint inhibitors and the liver, from therapeutic efficacy to side effects
Authors: Lombardi Andrea , Mondelli Mario U. 
Published: August 2019

SummaryBackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionised the oncological landscape in the last few years. Possible applications include the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Unfortunately, new immune‐related adverse effects have been associated with the use of these agents and the liver is one of the organs most frequently involved.AimsTo provide a general overview of the potential impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors on the liverMethodsWe reviewed the literature and abstracts/presentations on immune checkpoint inhibitors at most relevant hepatology meetings over the last 5 years.ResultsThe role of immune checkpoint inhibitors has been investigated both for the treatment of viral hepatitis and primary liver cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic hepatitis B show the greatest potential for treatment with these drugs in the near future. However, immune‐related adverse events involving the liver are a growing concern related to their widespread use.ConclusionsImmune checkpoint inhibitors represent an exciting new class of drugs with currently limited application in malignant and non‐malignant liver disease. Caution must be exercised on the emergence of potentially severe immune adverse reactions.
Clinical and pharmacokinetics equivalence of multiple doses of levodopa benserazide generic formulation vs the originator (Madopar)
Authors: Torti Margherita , Alessandroni Jhessica , Bravi Daniele , Casali Miriam , Grassini Paola , Fossati Chiara , Ialongo Cristiano , Onofrj Marco , Radicati Fabiana Giada , Vacca Laura , Bonassi Stefano , Stocchi Fabrizio 
Published: August 2019

AimsWhile several generic preparations of levodopa/carbidopa and levodopa/benserazide (LBD) are currently available, pharmacokinetic (PK) equivalence and therapeutic equivalence studies with levodopa generics are not available in Italy. Lack of data on generic formulations is a critical factor for their limited use in this country and often lead patients to refuse the generic version of the branded drug.MethodsAn experimental, 2‐centre, randomized, double‐blind, 2‐sequence, noninferiority cross‐over study was designed to evaluate both the PK equivalence and clinical equivalence of multiple doses of the generic preparation of LDB, Teva Italia, compared to the originator (Madopar). Forty‐three out‐patients with a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease on LDB, were recruited and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 study sequences: generic–originator or originator–generic. Clinical evaluations were performed at the end of each study period. A PK study with an LDB fixed dose (100 + 25 mg) was performed in a subpopulation of 14 subjects.ResultsClinical data showed a reduction of 0.49 and 1.54 in the mean UPDRS III scores for the LDB and the originator, respectively. The 95% CIs [−2.21: 0.11] of the mean difference original vs LDB are smaller than the clinically significant difference of 3 UPDRS III points, supporting the conclusion that the treatment with LDB is not inferior to the originator. No statistically significant differences were found with respect to area under the curve to last dose, half‐life, maximum concentration, time to maximum concentration and last observed concentration.ConclusionThese findings prove the therapeutic clinical equivalence as well the PK equivalence of the generic LDB and the originator (Madopar).
Validated criteria for the interpretation of a single measurement of serum cortisol in the investigation of suspected adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Mackenzie Scott D. , Gifford Robert M. , Boyle Luke D. , Crane Mike S. , Strachan Mark W. J. , Gibb Fraser W. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe diagnostic value of a single measurement of serum cortisol as a first step in the investigation of suspected adrenal insufficiency remains unclear. Previously proposed criteria have not been validated, and little is known regarding the performance of the test outwith morning samples in outpatients. We aimed to identify and validate criteria for morning and afternoon serum cortisol which could be used to determine which individuals require dynamic testing, in both outpatient and medical inpatient settings.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 2768 patients attending endocrinology clinics and patients admitted to general medical units in two hospitals in Edinburgh, UK. In baseline samples from the short synacthen test, thresholds which identified a subnormal‐stimulated serum cortisol (<430 nmol/L using the Abbott Architect assay) with 95% sensitivity were identified. Criteria drawn from data in patients attending outpatient clinics in one hospital were tested in additional outpatient and inpatient validation cohorts.ResultsA morning (8 am‐12 pm) serum cortisol of <275 nmol/L identified subnormal‐stimulated cortisol with 96.2% sensitivity. For afternoon (12 pm‐6 pm) samples, a cut‐off of <250 nmol/L achieved 96.1% sensitivity. Sensitivity was maintained when the criteria were applied to outpatients in the validation cohort for both morning and afternoon samples. For inpatients, the test was sufficiently sensitive in morning samples only.ConclusionsA single measurement of serum cortisol carries the potential to significantly reduce the need for dynamic testing in the investigation of adrenal insufficiency, whether this is taken in morning or afternoon outpatient clinics, or in morning samples from medical inpatients.
Efficient Homology‐Preserving Simplification of High‐Dimensional Simplicial Shapes
Authors: Fellegara Riccardo , Iuricich Federico , De Floriani Leila , Fugacci Ulderico 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSimplicial complexes are widely used to discretize shapes. In low dimensions, a 3D shape is represented by discretizing its boundary surface, encoded as a triangle mesh, or by discretizing the enclosed volume, encoded as a tetrahedral mesh. High‐dimensional simplicial complexes have recently found their application in topological data analysis. Topological data analysis aims at studying a point cloud P, possibly embedded in a high‐dimensional metric space, by investigating the topological characteristics of the simplicial complexes built on P. Analysing such complexes is not feasible due to their size and dimensions. To this aim, the idea of simplifying a complex while preserving its topological features has been proposed in the literature. Here, we consider the problem of efficiently simplifying simplicial complexes in arbitrary dimensions. We provide a new definition for the edge contraction operator, based on a top‐based data structure, with the objective of preserving structural aspects of a simplicial shape (i.e., its homology), and a new algorithm for verifying the link condition on a top‐based representation. We implement the simplification algorithm obtained by coupling the new edge contraction and the link condition on a specific top‐based data structure, that we use to demonstrate the scalability of our approach.
Reactivation and dynamics of cytomegalovirus and Epstein‐Barr virus after rabbit antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine for aplastic anemia
Authors: Park Sung‐Soo , Cho Sung‐Yeon , Han Eunhee , Min Gi June , Park Silvia , Yoon Jae‐Ho , Lee Sung‐Eun , Cho Byung‐Sik , Eom Ki‐Seong , Kim Yoo‐Jin , Lee Seok , Kim Hee‐Je , Min Chang‐Ki , Cho Seok‐Goo , Lee Jong Wook 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to identify the natural course of cytomegalovirus (CMV)/Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) after rabbit antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine (rATG‐CsA) for aplastic anemia (AA).MethodsIn 113 prospectively observed AA patients treated with rATG‐CsA, the CMV/EBV cohort was classified into two groups by baseline viremic status: no viremia (CMV‐G1, n = 112; EBV‐G1, n = 98) and the presence of viremia (CMV‐G2, n = 1; EBV‐G2, n = 13).ResultsIn CMV‐G1, the mean CMV load increased up to 3 months but was completely resolved from 6 months. The mean EBV load of EBV‐G1 showed a peak at 1 month and then gradually decreased over time but remained detectable throughout the observation period. EBV‐G2 showed fluctuating EBV dynamics. With reactivation rates of 38.4% in CMV‐G1 and 62.2% in EBV‐G1, a longer time to rATG‐CsA from diagnosis and a lower absolute lymphocyte count at 1 month from rATG‐CsA were significantly associated with CMV and EBV reactivation, respectively. The mean peak CMV and EBV loads of patients with CMV‐related (3.5%) and EBV‐related (0.9%) diseases were evidently higher than those of the remaining patients without CMV and EBV diseases in the respective cohort.ConclusionConsidering frequent reactivation and distinct courses of CMV/EBV, virologic surveillance is recommended after rATG‐CsA for AA.
Study of mixtures using simplex design for the addition of chamotte in clay bricks
Authors: Medeiros Verônica S. Costa , Pedroti Leonardo Gonçalves , Mendes Beatryz Cardoso , Pitanga Heraldo Nunes , Silva Taciano Oliveira da 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe red clay ceramic industry is associated with several environmental damages, from the extraction of natural resources as raw materials to the generation of high amounts of waste. This study proposed the incorporation of the ceramic bricks waste (chamotte) in ceramic mixtures for the production of clay bricks. In order to define the greater content of chamotte, which can be added maintaining the technical qualities required for the product, the experimental design of mixtures was used, with the production of bricks containing the chamotte and two other clayey materials. The compositions were subjected to firing at 850, 950, and 1050°C. The properties of firing linear shrinkage, apparent specific mass, water absorption, apparent porosity, and axial compressive strength were evaluated. It was observed that chamotte (C) contributed to the improvement of some of these properties, such as linear shrinkage. Overlapping the response surfaces obtained in the statistical analysis, the optimal chamotte (C) content was determined for each firing temperature. It was concluded that the incorporation of up to 30% chamotte (C) is technically feasible considering the evaluated temperature range. In this way, there is a product that adds both sustainability and technical performance to the ceramic industry.
Clinical staging of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma for T staging: Review and pictorial essay
Authors: Honda Yukiko , Nakamura Yuko , Teishima Jun , Goto Keisuke , Higaki Toru , Narita Keigo , Akagi Motonori , Terada Hiroaki , Kaichi Yoko , Fujii Shinsuke , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Matsubara Akio , Sentani Kazuhiro , Yasui Wataru , Iida Makoto , Awai Kazuo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractUpper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma is staged using the TNM classification of malignant tumors. Preoperative TNM is important for treatment planning. Computed tomography urography is now widely used for clinical survey of upper urinary tract carcinoma because of its diagnostic accuracy. Computed tomography urography is recommended as the first‐line imaging procedure in several guidelines. Several reports stated that computed tomography urography is also useful for staging. However, no educational and practical reviews detailing the T staging of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas using imaging are available. We discuss the scanning protocol, T staging using computed tomography urography, limitations, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography comparison and pitfalls in imaging of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. A recent study reported the high diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography urography with respect to T3 or higher stage tumors. To date, images that show a Tis–T2 stage have not been reported, but various studies are ongoing. Although magnetic resonance imaging has lower spatial resolution than computed tomography urography, magnetic resonance imaging can be carried out without radiation exposure or contrast agents. Magnetic resonance imaging also offers the unique ability of diffusion‐weighted imaging without contrast agent use. Some researchers reported that diffusion‐weighted imaging is useful not only for detecting lesions, but for predicting the T stage and tumor grade. We recommend the appropriate use of computed tomography and magnetic resonance while considering the limitations of each modality and the pitfalls in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma imaging.