bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation in China of a non‐invasive salivary pepsin biomarker containing two unique human pepsin monoclonal antibodies to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Wang Yong Feng , Yang Chang Qing , Chen Ying Xuan , Cao Ai Ping , Yu Xiao Feng , Yu Yang , Zhang Zi Yan , Shen Xi Zhong , Liu Fei , Zhong Lan , Wang Ying Xin , Liu Zhan Ju , Shi Yan Hong , Zhong Jie , Li Jing Nan , Lan Yu , Lenham Rhianna K. , Woodcock Andrew D. , Dettmar Peter W. , Fang Jing‐Yuan 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesPeptest is a new non‐invasive reflux diagnostic test based on lateral flow technology that containing two highly specific human pepsin monoclonal antibodies for detecting pepsin, a biomarker for reflux disease. The primary aim of this multicenter clinical study was to validate the efficacy of Peptest in patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux and healthy controls in China.MethodsPatients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux underwent an endoscopy and were classified into non‐erosive reflux disease and erosive esophagitis subgroups. A healthy control group was also recruited. All participants were given a reflux disease questionnaire—patients scoring greater than 12 and controls scoring zero. All participants provided a postprandial saliva sample and most patients gave an additional post‐symptom sample for pepsin analysis.ResultsAltogether 1032 participants aged between 19 and 78 years were recruited. They consisted of 488 patients with non‐erosive reflux disease, 221 with erosive esophagitis and 323 healthy controls. The number of postprandial and post‐symptom samples analyzed totaled 1031 and 692, respectively. The results across all centers showed an overall pepsin‐positive sensitivity of 85%, a specificity of 60%, a positive predictive value of 82%, a negative predictive value of 65% and a positive likelihood ratio of 2.12.ConclusionThe sensitivity of Peptest was high, but the specificity achieved in some centers was low, resulting overall in only a moderate specificity. Further diagnostic investigative studies are warranted.
Efficacy and safety of afatinib in a Chinese population with advanced lung adenocarcinoma with sensitive EGFR mutations
Authors: Wang Shouzheng , Xing Puyuan , Yang Ke , Hao Xuezhi , Ma Di , Mu Yuxin , Li Junling 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundAfatinib is an irreversible ErbB family blocker that improves progression‐free survival (PFS) of advanced EGFR‐mutant lung adenocarcinoma compared to chemotherapy. However, afatinib leads to more adverse events than first‐generation EGFR inhibitors. Hence, exploration of the optimal afatinib initial dose and its efficacy and safety in Asian patients has drawn extensive attention.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated demographic and clinical information, survival data, and adverse events in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patients treated with afatinib from 27 February 2017 to 30 October 2018.ResultsA total of 60 patients were included in the study. Thirty‐nine (65%) patients received afatinib as first‐line treatment. The median PFS was 12.3 months (95% confidence internal 7.6–17.0). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age, gender, smoking history, baseline brain metastasis status, afatinib starting dose, and mutation type did not significantly influence PFS. No significant difference in median PFS between patients treated with an initial dose of afatinib of 40 mg or 30 mg, either in the first‐line (14.5 vs. 5.2 months; P = 0.101) or in a second or later‐line setting (3.0 vs. 5.0 months; P = 0.375) was observed. The incidence of all grades of rash/acne (92.5% vs. 61.1%; P = 0.011) and paronychia (82.5% vs. 50.0%; P = 0.010) in the 40 mg group was significantly higher than in the 30 mg group.ConclusionFirst‐line afatinib treatment is beneficial for advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients with sensitive EGFR mutations. Initial dose and baseline brain metastasis status do not significantly impact PFS.
Sustained effectiveness, safety and therapeutic drug monitoring of tioguanine in a cohort of 274 IBD patients intolerant for conventional therapies
Authors: Simsek Melek , Deben Debbie S. , Horjus Carmen S. , Bénard Melanie V. , Lissenberg‐Witte Birgit I. , Buiter Hans J. C. , van Luin Matthijs , Seinen Margien L. , Mulder Chris J. J. , Wong Dennis R. , de Boer Nanne K. H. , van Bodegraven Adriaan A. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryBackgroundTioguanine (or thioguanine) is an alternative drug for IBD patients who fail prior conventional immunomodulating therapy.AimTo report effectiveness, safety and therapeutic drug monitoring in a cohort of patients with prolonged tioguanine maintenance therapy.MethodsIn this nationwide, multicentre study, medical records of tioguanine‐ using IBD patients were retrospectively reviewed. Response to therapy was defined as clinical effectiveness without (re)initiation of corticosteroids, concurrent biological therapy or surgical intervention. All adverse events that occurred during the follow‐up were listed and graded according to the common terminology criteria (CTC).ResultsTwo hundred and seventy‐four patients (female 63%, Crohn's disease in 68%) were included with median treatment duration of 51 months, 1567 patient‐years of follow‐up and median 20 mg/d tioguanine dosage. Tioguanine was tolerated in 79%, clinical effectiveness at 6 months was documented in 66% and sustained clinical effectiveness during 12 months in 51% of patients. Forty‐one per cent of patients developed adverse events: 5% were graded as severe. Adverse events comprised infection requiring hospitalisation in three and skin cancer in eight patients (two melanomas). Asymptomatic nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver occurred in two out of 52 patients with liver biopsies (3.8%) and portal hypertension in three whereof one potentially associated with tioguanine (0.4%). Clinical effectiveness was correlated with 6‐thioguanine nucleotide threshold concentrations >682 pmol/8×108 RBC (P < 0.05).ConclusionsLong‐term tioguanine therapy for at least 12 months was effective in 51% and well tolerated as a maintenance treatment for IBD in about 70% of patients. Adverse events were common, but mainly mild or moderate. 6‐Thioguanine nucleotide threshold concentration ≥ 700 pmol/8×108 RBC is proposed as target level with higher odds for clinical effectiveness.
Moderate to severe hepatic steatosis leads to overestimation of liver stiffness measurement in chronic hepatitis B patients without significant fibrosis
Authors: Shen Feng , Mi Yu‐Qiang , Xu Liang , Liu Yong‐Gang , Wang Xiao‐Ying , Pan Qin , Zhang Rui‐Nan , Hu Xi‐Qi , Xu Lei‐Ming , Fan Jian‐Gao 
Published: May 2019

SummaryBackgroundLiver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography is a noninvasive method for the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis. The impact of hepatic steatosis on LSM remains to be explored.AimTo determine whether LSM is affected by hepatic steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).MethodsConsecutive patients with biopsy‐proven CHB were prospectively enrolled. Hepatic steatosis was classified by pathology as none (S0, <5%), mild (S1, 5%‐33%), and moderate‐severe (S2‐3, >33%), and quantitatively by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) as CAP S0 (≤247 dB/m), CAP S1 (248‐267 dB/m) and CAP S2‐3 (≥268 dB/m). Liver fibrosis was assessed by METAVIR classification and noninvasively by LSM.ResultsThe prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (n = 223) in CHB patients (n = 593) was 37.6%. Forty‐eight belonged to S2‐3 and 127 belonged to CAP S2‐3. In patients without significant fibrosis (F0‐1), the median LSM (kPa) was 7.4 in S2‐3 and 7.1 in CAP S2‐3, which was significantly higher than that in S0/S1 (P = 0.005) and CAP S0/S1 (P = 0.003). No significant difference was found in significant fibrosis (F2‐4). For LSM identifying significant fibrosis (F2‐4), the negative predictive value was higher in CHB patients with CAP ≥ 268 compared to those with CAP < 268 (0.81 vs 0.73); the positive predictive value was lower in CAP ≥ 268 than its counterpart (0.65 vs 0.76).ConclusionsModerate‐severe steatosis increased the LSM value in CHB patients without significant fibrosis. A CAP ≥ 268 did not affect LSM for ruling out, but it slightly affected LSM for ruling in significant fibrosis. Trial Registration: ChiCTR‐DDT‐13003983.
Blockchain as the Database Engine in the Accounting System
Authors: Tan Boon Seng , Low Kin Yew 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper examines the prediction that blockchain technology will transform accounting and the profession because transactions recorded on a blockchain can be aggregated into financial statements and confirmed as true and accurate. We argue that blockchain technology affects the database engine of the accounting information system (AIS) through digitisation of the current paper‐based validation process. In a blockchain‐based AIS, accountants will no longer be the central authority but will remain the preparer of financial reports required by regulations; they will continue to influence policies such as the choice and accreditation of validators and serve as validators of last resort. Audit evidence still needs to be gathered for rendering of an audit opinion in a blockchain‐based AIS. While digitisation of the validation process reduces the error rate and lowers the cost of vouching and tracing, and immutability of blockchain data reduces the incentive and opportunities for fraud, a blockchain‐based AIS alone does not guarantee that financial reports are true and fair. Lower error rates and reduced incentives for accounting fraud in a blockchain‐based AIS are expected to improve audit quality. This prediction will need to be empirically tested when blockchain‐based AIS become available. Using the three‐tier architecture of the AIS, this paper addresses the gap in the literature that misses how characteristics of blockchain technology can influence the implementation of a blockchain‐based AIS with related implications for the accounting profession.
Deeply buried ancient volcanoes control hydrocarbon migration in the South China Sea
Authors: Sun Qiliang , Jackson Christopher A. L. , Magee Craig , Xie Xinong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSeismic reflection data image now‐buried and inactive volcanoes, both onshore and along the submarine portions of continental margins. However, the impact that these volcanoes have on later, post‐eruption fluid flow events (e.g., hydrocarbon migration and accumulation) is poorly understood. Determining how buried volcanoes and their underlying plumbing systems influence subsurface fluid or gas flow, or form traps for hydrocarbon accumulations, is critical to de‐risk hydrocarbon exploration and production. Here, we focus on evaluating how buried volcanoes affect the bulk permeability of hydrocarbon seals, and channel and focus hydrocarbons. We use high‐resolution 3D seismic reflection and borehole data from the northern South China Sea to show how ca. <10 km wide, ca. <590 m high Miocene volcanoes, buried several kilometres (ca. 1.9 km) below the seabed and fed by a sub‐volcanic plumbing system that exploited rift‐related faults: (i) acted as long‐lived migration pathways, and perhaps reservoirs, for hydrocarbons generated from even more deeply buried (ca. 8–10 km) source rocks; and (ii) instigated differential compaction and doming of the overburden during subsequent burial, producing extensional faults that breached regional seal rocks. Considering that volcanism and related deformation are both common on many magma‐rich passive margins, the interplay between the magmatic products and hydrocarbon migration documented here may be more common than currently thought. Our results demonstrate that now‐buried and inactive volcanoes can locally degrade hydrocarbon reservoir seals and control the migration of hydrocarbon‐rich fluids and gas. These fluids and gases can migrate into and be stored in shallower reservoirs, where they may then represent geohazards to drilling and impact slope stability.
Optimal Social Insurance and Health Inequality
Authors: Grossmann Volker , Strulik Holger 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
This paper integrates into public economics a biologically founded, stochastic process of individual aging. The novel approach enables us to quantitatively characterize the optimal joint design of health and retirement policy behind the veil of ignorance for today and in response to future medical progress. Calibrating our model to Germany, our analysis suggests that the current social insurance policy instruments are set close to the (constrained) socially optimal levels, given proportional contribution rates for health and pension finance, the equivalence principle in the pension system, and a common statutory retirement age. Future progress in medical technology calls for a potentially drastic increase in health spending and a higher retirement age without lowering the pension contribution rate. Interestingly, from an ex ante point of view, medical progress and higher health spending are in conflict with the goal to reduce health inequality.
Fermentation dynamics and bacterial diversity of mixed lucerne and sweet corn stalk silage ensiled at six ratios
Authors: Wang Musen , Wang Luna , Yu Zhu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe fermentation dynamics and bacterial diversity of mixed lucerne (LU) and sweet corn stalk (SS) silage ensiled at six ratios were evaluated. LU and SS, harvested at 187 and 222 g/kg dry matter, respectively, were chopped to a length of about 1 cm and mixed in the fresh weight proportions of 10:0, 8:2 (Mix 1), 6:4 (Mix 2), 4:6 (Mix 3), 2:8 (Mix 4) and 0:10. Silos of each ratio were prepared in triplicate and stored at ambient conditions for 5, 10, 15, 30 and 65 days. The fermentation profile of silage during storage was determined at each point, and the bacterial diversity of silage stored for 65 days was analysed by high‐throughput sequencing. The silages with more SS inclusion in the forage mixtures were higher in lactic acid and lower in butyric acid and ammonia N, regardless of storage time. After 65 days of storage, Lactobacillus (relative abundance, 91.36%–95.86%) dominated the bacterial community in Mix 3, Mix 4 and SS silages, whereas the community composition in LU, Mix 1 and Mix 2 silages was complex, mainly consisting of Lactobacillus (45.48%–61.01%), Enterobacter (11.09%–19.57%) and Weissella (10.44%–14.13%). Inclusion of SS significantly enhanced the fermentation characteristics, and remarkably improved the bacterial community structure, reflected by increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and reducing the relative abundance of Enterobacter and Pantoea. The fermentation quality was better when LU was ensiled in a mixture with ≥ 40% SS.
Histopathological, histoenzymological, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis of tissue response to sealing materials after furcation perforation
Authors: Silva R. A. B. , Borges A. T. N. , Hernandéz‐Gatón P. , de Queiroz A. M. , Arzate H. , Romualdo P. C. , Nelson‐Filho P. , Silva L. A. B. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimTo evaluate in vivo tissue responses after sealing furcation perforations in dog's teeth with either Biodentine™, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or gutta‐percha, by means of histopathological, histoenzymological, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis.MethodologyAfter root canal treatment, perforations were created in the central region of the pulp chamber floor using a round diamond bur and filled with one or other of the materials. The animals were euthanized after 120 days, and the teeth (n = 30) were processed for histopathological analysis of new mineralized tissue formation and collagen fibre reinsertion, immunohistochemical analysis of osteopontin (OPN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and immunofluorescence analysis for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP‐2), cementum attachment protein (CAP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN) and cementum protein1 (CEMP1). Histoenzymology was performed for TRAP activity and osteoclast count. Data were analysed statistically (α = 0.05) using chi‐square and Kruskal–Wallis tests.ResultsGutta‐percha did not induce mineralized tissue formation. MTA and BiodentineTM formed mineralized tissue in 88% and 92% of specimens, respectively, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). Gutta‐percha was associated with scattered collagen fibres parallel to the perforations. Groups treated with MTA or BiodentineTM had partial fibre reinsertion perpendicular to the newly formed mineralized tissue. All materials induced OPN and ALP expression, weakest for gutta‐percha and strongest for MTA (P < 0.05). Only MTA induced BMP‐2, BSP, OCN, CAP and CEMP1 expression. Osteoclast counts were similar in all groups (P = 0.97).ConclusionsMineral trioxide aggregate and BiodentineTM were biocompatible, with formation of mineralized tissue and partial reinsertion of collagen fibres. In addition, the participation of several molecules by which calcium silicate‐based materials induce the formation of mineralized tissue were noted, with expression of ALP and OPN mineralization markers, without interference in the number of osteoclasts. Only MTA stimulated the expression of proteins associated with the formation of a cementum‐like mineralized tissue.
Effect of chitooligosaccharide from squid pen on gel properties of sardine surimi gel and its stability during refrigerated storage
Authors: Singh Avtar , Benjakul Soottawat , Prodpran Thummanoon 
Published: May 2019

SummaryEffect of chitooligosaccharide from squid pen prepared using lipase (COS‐L) at various concentrations (0–30 g kg−1) on gel properties of sardine surimi gel was investigated. Breaking force (BF) and deformation (DF) of gel were increased, when COS‐L level was increased up to 10 g kg−1 (P < 0.05). Water holding capacity and whiteness of gel were improved with the addition of COS‐L than those of control. Gel added with 10 g kg−1 COS‐L had denser network with higher likeness score for all sensory attributes, compared to control. When gel incorporated with 10 g kg−1 COS‐L was stored at 4 °C, BF, DF and whiteness were maintained during 10 days of storage. Textural properties of surimi gel added with COS‐L were higher than those of control throughout storage. Thus, incorporation of 10 g kg−1 COS‐L could improve gel properties of sardine surimi gel and retarded the deterioration of gel properties during refrigerated storage.
Prevalence, aetiology, and treatment of molar incisor hypomineralization in children living in Izmir City (Turkey)
Authors: Kılınç Gülser , Çetin Müjdet , Köse Berk , Ellidokuz Hülya 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundMolar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is frequent in children and etiology is different.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of MIH and to investigate the relationship between the severity of the defect in the teeth affected by MIH and the risk factors.DesignThe study included patients at the age range of 9 and 10 years, who were admitted to the clinic of paediatric dentistry in Dokuz Eylul University and had four‐first molar teeth (FMT) and eight incisor teeth eruptions in the jaws. The presence of only demarcated opacities in one or several FMT and incisor teeth was defined as MIH1, and the presence of post‐eruptive breakdown (PEB), atypical restorations, and extracted teeth was defined as MIH2.ResultsMIH was detected in 142 (11.5%) of 1237 children. Although there was no statistically significant difference between upper and lower FPM and the occurrence of MIH (P < 0.902), there was a difference between upper and lower central and lateral teeth (P < 0.001; P < 0.009). A significant difference was detected between birth week, birthweight, high fever, and asthma/bronchitis and MIH1 and MIH2 (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe prevalence of MIH was found to be 11.5%. It was observed that the patients undergoing low birthweight, preterm delivery, high fever, and asthma/bronchitis were more severely affected by MIH.
Temperature effects on “overwintering” phenology of a polyphagous, tropical fruit fly (Tephritidae) at the subtropical/temperate interface
Authors: Merkel Katharina , Schwarzmueller Florian , Hulthen Andrew D. , Schellhorn Nancy , Williams David , Clarke Anthony R. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAround the world, several pest tephritids are extending their ranges from warm tropical or Mediterranean climates into cooler temperate regions. The ability to tolerate climatic diversity is uncommon among insects, and understanding the population phenology drivers of such species across different parts of their range will be critical for their management. Here, we determined the role of temperature versus fruit availability on the population phenology of Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni. Using a field site located at the subtropical/temperate interface, with host fruits continuously available, we monitored the development times and abundance of B. tryoni, a species which has invaded temperate Australia from the tropics. From fruit samples held at ambient and controlled conditions, the abundance of emerging flies was highly variable among collection dates, but the variance did not reflect the observed changes in temperature. For most samples, the survival rate of flies in a field site was lower than predicted by a day‐degree population model fitted with mean daily field temperatures. The development time of the immature stage in the field was prolonged, presumably due to cooler ambient conditions, but the fitted day‐degree population model consistently over‐predicted estimated development times. Our results indicate that at the subtropical/temperate interface, the decline in B. tryoni populations during winter is only partly driven by temperature and host availability. We classify B. tryoni as a climate generalist, which likely employs physiological as well as behavioural mechanisms to achieve broad climatic tolerance ranges.
Potamotrygon marquesi, a new species of neotropical freshwater stingray (Potamotrygonidae) from the Brazilian Amazon Basin
Authors: Capretz Batista da Silva João Paulo , Silva Loboda Thiago 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Potamotrygon marquesi, sp. nov., is described and compared with other species of Potamotrygon occurring in the Amazon Basin. The identity of this new species is supported by an extensive external and internal morphological study including coloration pattern, squamation, skeleton and ventral lateral‐line canals. Morphometrics and meristics were used to further distinguish P. marquesi from congeners. Potamotrygon marquesi was first considered to fall within the range of variation found in P. motoro. However, even with an extensive variation in coloration observed in P. motoro, this new species presents a series of autapomorphies that confidently distinguishes it from what is understood as the morphological variation found in P. motoro. Additional morphological characters that diagnose P. marquesi include three angular cartilages, asymmetrical star‐shaped denticles, a single regular row of spines on tail dorsum, lateral row of caudal spines near the sting insertion, dorsal disc background in beige and grey mixed with shades of grey and bearing open and closed bicolored rings, among others. Although presenting a gap of distribution along the west–east extension of the Amazon Basin, its diagnostic charactistics are consistent in both recorded regions. Our study supports the need for many morphological characters to robustly distinguish members of Potamotrygoninae considering their extremely variable dorsal disc color pattern.