bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Two Different Techniques to Assess Adalimumab Trough Levels in Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Bodini Giorgia , Savarino Vincenzo , Giannini Edoardo G. , Furnari Manuele , Marabotto Elisa , Baldissarro Isabella , Del Nero Lorenzo , Assandri Lorenzo , Moscatelli Alessandro , Savarino Vincenzo , Savarino Edoardo 
Published: December 2015

Background & Aims: Loss of response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease is likely due to low drug serum levels, and dosing anti-TNF drug concentrations may improve patients’ outcome. However, there are limited data on the diagnostic accuracy and utility of currently available assays for measuring anti-TNF levels. In this study, our aim was to compare serum adalimumab concentrations with two different techniques.
Methods: We assessed serum adalimumab concentrations in 23 patients with Crohn’s disease during a 96-week follow-up period. Adalimumab trough levels were assessed using a sandwich principle-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a homogeneous mobility shift assay (HMSA).
Results: At week 48, adalimumab trough levels were significantly lower in patients who experienced relapse compared to patients in remission, using both ELISA and HMSA methods: 4.8 mcg/mL (2.4-7.2 mcg/mL) vs. 7.5 mcg/mL (6.6-8.4 mcg/mL) (P=0.01) and 6.5 mcg/mL (3-10 mcg/mL) vs. 11.6 mcg/mL (7-16.2 mcg/ml) (P=0.004), respectively. Similar results were obtained at week 96: 5.9 mcg/mL (3.3-8.5 mcg/mL) vs. 12.8 mcg/mL (9.4-16.2 mcg/mL) (P=0.001) and 4.1 mcg/mL (1.6-6.6 mcg/mL) vs. 7.5 mcg/mL (5.7-9.3 mcg/mL) (P=0.009), respectively. There was a significant correlation between ELISA and HMSA adalimumab trough levels at both 48 (r = 0.691, P=0.0003) and 96 week (r = 0.822, P=0.0001).
Conclusions: ELISA and HMSA assays are accurate methods to assess adalimumab trough levels in patients with Crohn’s disease and those who experience loss of response. The preferential use of one of the two techniques should be based on local availability and physicians’ experience.Abbreviations: ADA: Adalimumab; AA: Anti-drug antibodies; anti-TNF: Anti-tumor necrosis factor; CD: Crohn’s disease; ELISA: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; HBI: Harvey-Bradshaw Index; HMSA: Homogeneous mobility shift assay; IBD: Inflammatory bowel diseases; LOR: Loss of response.
Clinical Diagnosis and Staging of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Bartella Isabel , Dufour Jean-François 
Published: December 2015

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas are the second most common primary liver malignancies with an increasing incidence over the past decades. Due to a lack of early symptoms and their aggressive oncobiological behavior, the diagnostic approach is challenging and the outcome remains unsatisfactory with a poor prognosis. Thus, a consistent staging system for a comparison between different therapeutic approaches is needed, but independent predictors for worse survival are still controversial. Currently, four different staging systems are primarily used, which differ in the way they determine the ‚T‘ category. Furthermore, different nomograms and prognostic models have been recently proposed and may be helpful in providing additional information for predicting the prognosis and therefore be helpful in approaching an adequate treatment strategy. This review will discuss the diagnostic approach to intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma as well as compare and contrast the most current staging systems and prognostic models.
Abbreviations: AFP: Alpha-fetoprotein; ALP: Alkaline phosphatase; ALD: Alcoholic liver disease; CA: Carbohydrate-antigen; CEA: Carcinoembryonic antigen; EGD: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy; ERCP: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; EUS-FNA: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration; HBV: Hepatitis B virus; HCC: Hepatocellular carcinoma; HCV: Hepatitis C virus; ICC: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; INR: International normalized ratio; LCSGJ: Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan; LNM: Lymph node metastases; MRCP: magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography; NAFLD: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; PA: Pre-albumin; PSC: Primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Hepatitis Delta Virus Infection in Romania: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Gheorghe Liana , Csiki Irma Eva , Iacob Speranta , Gheorghe Cristian , Trifan Anca , Grigorescu Mircea , Motoc Adriana , Suceveanu Andra , Curescu Manuela , Caruntu Florin , Sporea Ioan , Brisc Ciprian , Rogoveanu Ion , Cerban Razvan , Tugui Letitia , Alexandrescu Andrea 
Published: December 2015

Background: Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection is associated with accelerated progression of fibrosis, early occurrence of hepatic decompensation and an increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. Epidemiological data on hepatitis delta virus (HDV) in Romania are still lacking. Aim: To assess the prevalence, virological, clinical and epidemiological features of HDV infection in Romanian patients.
Methods: We conducted a multicenter study in 10 centers. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and potential risk factors were collected through a questionnaire. Virological markers of HBV and HDV infection, biochemical and clinical features of liver disease were evaluated.
Results: The study population comprised 2,761 HBsAg(+) patients with a mean age of 43.8±13.8 years, out of whom 5.2% were HBeAg(+) and 55.7% were males. Liver cirrhosis was detected in 17.9% of patients, while 80.4% had chronic hepatitis. The prevalence of IgG anti-HDV(+) patients was 23.1%, out of whom 16.4% were HDV RNA positive. The highest prevalence of HDV infection was encountered in patients aged 50-59 years (28.9%) and patients aged ≥60 (24.8%) (p=0.0001). Seroprevalence of HDV was significantly higher in AgHBs(+) cirrhotics vs. noncirrhotics (43.4% vs 19.0%, p=0.0001). Risk factors for HDV infection were: occupational hazard, no HCV chronic infection, lack of anti-HBV vaccination, presence of blood transfusions, any previous surgery, frequent hospitalization or endoscopies, tattoos, body piercing, use of glass syringes, number of female sexual partners.
Conclusions: HBsAg(+) population in Romania is characterized by a high prevalence of HBeAg(-) HBV infection as well as HDV co-infection. A cohort phenomenon for HDV prevalence is also observed similar to that of HCV/HBV monoinfections.
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 in Ulcerative Colitis Treatment: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Losurdo Giuseppe , Iannone Andrea , Contaldo Antonella , Ierardi Enzo , Di Leo Alfredo , Principi Mariabeatrice 
Published: December 2015

Background & Aims: Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) has been recommended as a therapeutic tool for ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment. However, to date, no meta-analysis has been performed on this topic.
Methods: We performed a literature search on PubMed, MEDLINE, Science Direct and EMBASE. We evaluated success rates for induction of remission, relapse rates and side effects, expressed as Intention-To-Treat. Odd ratios (OR), pooled OR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, based on the Mantel-Haenszel method. Heterogeneity was assessed by using the χ2 and I2 statistics and, if present, a random-effects model was adopted.
Results: We selected six eligible trials, with 719 patients, 390 assigned to the study group and 329 to the control group. EcN induced remission in 61.6% of cases, while in the control group (mesalazine) the remission was achieved in 69.5% of cases, with a mean difference of 7.9%. The pooled OR was 0.92 (95% CI 0.15-9.66, p=0.93). A single study showed a better performance of EcN than the placebo. A relapse of the disease occurred in 36.8% in the EcN group and in 36.1% in the control group (mesalazine), with a mean difference of 0.8%, OR=1.07, with a 95% CI of 0.70-1.64 (p=0.74). Side effects were comparable (OR=1.44, 95% CI 0.80-2.59, p=0.22).
Conclusions: EcN is equivalent to mesalazine in preventing disease relapse, thus confirming current guideline recommendations. EcN seems to be as effective as controls in inducing remission and therefore, its use cannot be recommended as in one study the comparison was performed against placebo. Further studies may be helpful for this subject.
Abbreviations: EcN: Escherichia coli Nissle; UC: ulcerative colitis; IBD: inflammatory bowel disease; CD: Crohn’s disease; ITT: intention-to-treat.
Different Pattern of Inflammatory and Atrophic Changes in the Gastric Mucosa of the Greater and Lesser Curvature
Authors: Isajevs Sergejs , Liepniece-Karele Inta , Svirina Darja , Santare Daiga , Kaidaks Sandris , Sivins Armands , Vikmanis Uldis , Leja Marcis 
Published: December 2015

Background & Aims: Appropriate biopsy sampling is important for the classification of gastritis, yet the extent of inflammation and atrophy of different regions of the stomach with chronic gastritis have been addressed only in a few studies. The aim of our study was to analyze the inflammatory, atrophic and metaplastic changes in the greater and lesser curvature of the antrum and corpus mucosa.
Methods: 420 patients undergoing upper endoscopy were enrolled in the study. Four expert gastrointestinal pathologists graded biopsy specimens according to the updated Sydney classification.
Results: The obtained results showed that the mononuclear and granulocyte inflammatory cells were more prominent in the corpus lesser curvature compared to the corpus greater curvature (p=0.01 and p=0.0001, respectively). In addition, the extent and degree of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia were more prominent in the corpus lesser compared to the greater curvature (p=0.002 and p=0.0065, respectively). The frequency of distribution of H. pylori did not differ throughout both the corpus and antrum greater and lesser curvature. However, the degree of H. pylori colonization in the corpus was higher in the lesser than in the greater curvature. The interobserver agreement was significantly higher for corpus atrophy compared to antrum atrophy.Conclusions: These findings demonstrated that the more severe atrophic, metaplastic and inflammatory changes were observed in the lesser compared to the greater curvature of the stomach. In routine clinical settings, corpus and antral biopsies should be obtained from both lesser and greater curvature. Analysis of the incisura biopsy is also important.
Mas, Salvador (comp., trad. y estudio preliminar). Alemania y el mundo clásico (1896-1945)
Authors: Sánchez Madrid Nuria 
Published: December 2015

<p>Mas, Salvador (comp., trad. y estudio preliminar). Alemania y el mundo clásico (1896-1945). Madrid: Plaza y Valdés, 2014. 504 pp.</p>
Aphid Species Colonizing Conifer, Juniper and Cedar Trees along Hungarian Motorways
Authors: Basky Zs. 
Published: December 2015

Survey of aphids on dicotyledonous herbaceous plants along the Hungarian highways on 33 sampling points revealed the presence of 14 aphid species on gymnosperm trees. The most frequent conifer species was: Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold 1785 (21 locations) followed by Pinus sylvestris L.1753, Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. (4 locations), Juniperus communis L. 1753 (3 locations) and Juniperus virginiana L. 1753 (1 location), Thuja occidentalis L.1753 (2 locations), Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don (1 location).
Eulachnus agilis (Kaltenbach, 1843) was the most frequently collected aphid species on Pinus nigra, followed by Cinara brauni Börner, 1940, Cinara schimitscheki Börner, 1940, Eulachnus rileyi (Williams, 1911) and Cinara acutirostris Hille Ris Lambers, 1956. The less frequent Cinara species was Cinara piniphila (Ratzeburg, 1844) which is a new record for the Hungarian fauna. Pinus sylvestris accommodated three aphid species: Cinara intermedia Pašek, 1954 was the most frequent, followed by Cinara pinea (Mordvilko, 1895) and Eulachnus agilis. Picea abies accommodated Cinara piceae, Cinara pruinosa (Hartig, 1841), Cinara piceicola (Cholodkovsky, 1896) and Sacchiphantes abietis L. 1758. Juniperus communis and J. virginiana most frequently hosted Cinara juniperi (De Geer, 1773). Eulachnus agilis occurred once on Juniperus communis. A single aphid species Cinara tujafilina was found on Thuja occidentalis and Thuja plicata.
Magnetism, Superconductivity, and Chemical Substitutions in YBa2Cu3O7-δ
Authors: Markert J.T. , Dunlap B.D. , Maple M.B. 
Published: December 2015

Twelve compounds with the formula RBa2Cu3O7-δ where δ≍0.1 and R=Y or a lanthanide element except Ce, Pm, or Tb, crystallize in the same layered orthorhombic perovskite-like structure (see the article by I.K. Schuller and J.D. Jorgensen in this issue). All such compounds are superconducting with superconducting transition temperatures Tc≍92-94 K, except for R=Pr. The compound PrBa2Cu3O7-δ appears to be a special case, since it does not exhibit metallic behavior and is not superconducting. Historically, the prototype YBa2Cu3O7-δ compound is singularly important since it was the first superconducting material with a Tc greater than 77 K, the boiling point of liquid nitrogen. In the meantime, yet higher Tc's have been obtained in YBa2Cu3O7-δ at very high pressure (Tc˜107 K at 150 kbar)5 and in new layered compounds in the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O (maximum Tc≍110 K)6 and Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O (maximum Tc≍125 K)7 systems (see the article by A.W. Sleight, M.A. Subramanian, and C.C. Torardi in this issue).The origin and nature of the high Tc superconductivity of the RBa2Cu3O7-δ compounds, and the other layered copper oxide compounds as well, are presently not understood and constitute a formidable challenge to experimentalists and theorists alike. One of the most intriguing possibilities is that a magnetic mechanism, rather than the electronphonon interaction, is responsible for the formation of the superconducting electron pairs in the high Tc copper oxides. The primary evidence for a magnetic pairing mechanism is the proximity of antiferromagnetism and superconductivity as the concentration of holes in the conducting CuO2 planes is varied,8 as discussed below for the RBa2Cu3O7-δ compounds.
Avaliação da permeação por hidrogênio em corpos de prova tracionados do aço API 5L X60 utilizado no setor de petróleo e gás
Authors: Oliveira Misael Souto de , Silva Edleuson Saraiva da , Paiva Filho Reginaldo Florencio de , Araújo Bruno Allison , Vilar Eudésio Oliveira 
Published: December 2015

<p>As propriedades mecânicas de dutos podem ser prejudicadas pela interação hidrogênio-metal devido aos efeitos de substâncias ácidas, tais como o H2S, cuja ação isolada ou combinada com as tensões atuantes na estrutura pode gerar processos de degradação, como a Fragilização por Hidrogênio. Outros fatores podem agravar esse processo, como as tensões residuais. Diante da importância do fenômeno, este trabalho tem como objetivo principal o projeto e desenvolvimento de um sistema de aplicação de esforços em corpos de prova, bem como a realização de testes de permeação eletroquímica de hidrogênio em aço API 5L X60 sob tais condições. Um dispositivo para a realização de testes de permeação eletroquímica de hidrogênio em corpos<br />de prova submetidos a tensões foi projetado e construído. Com isso, foi possível observar, experimentalmente, a influência da tensão sobre o fluxo de hidrogênio permeado sob a amostra durante o experimento. Verificouse que quando o fluxo de permeação de hidrogênio atingiu o estado estacionário de permeação, foi possível alterar esse fluxo com a aplicação de esforços nas amostras. Tensões próximas a 20% do limite de escoamento do material foram suficientes para a observação do fenômeno, já que a permeabilidade foi aumentada em torno de 16% nestas condições.</p>
Sistema seguidor solar microcontrolado
Authors: Duarte Daiane Maria Mendes , Silva Francisco Eduardo Mendes da , Nascimento Neto José Alves do 
Published: December 2015

<p>A demanda de energia elétrica é cada vez maior devido ao grande crescimento da população e do novo estilo de vida adotado pela sociedade moderna, cada vez mais industrializada. Nesse sentido, o consumo de energia vem apresentando um crescimento acelerado. Concomitantemente, a sociedade se movimenta no sentido de se conscientizar das alterações ocasionadas na natureza, e, assim, surge a necessidade de novos meios de geração de energia, menos impactantes ao meio ambiente, denominadas energias renováveis. Este artigo vem apresentar um sistema seguidor solar microcontrolado, que possibilita uma maior captação de energia em placas solares, pois as posiciona sempre com sua face voltada para o sol. O sistema de controle é baseado nas equações matemáticas cujos resultados são as posições do sol num dado dia e em uma dada hora. Estas coordenadas são calculadas e resultam no deslocamento da célula fotovoltaica por meio de um motor.</p>
Monitoramento da qualidade físico-química da água do estuário do Rio Paraíba – Cabedelo, PB
Authors: Correia Liz Jully Hiluey , Fernandes Ane Josana Dantas , Lúcio Maria Mônica Lacerda Martins , Tomaz Jane Kelly de Oliveira , Honorato Myrlla Barbosa , Carneiro Edson Do Nascimento 
Published: December 2015

<p>Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar o monitoramento da qualidade da água do estuário do Rio Paraíba, a fim de subsidiar ações de proteção e/ou recuperação do ambiente aquático, além de sinalizar o potencial risco de contaminação dos mariscos. O estudo foi desenvolvido em área de extração de mariscos, localizada no Rio Paraíba, em Cabedelo-PB. As amostras foram coletadas em triplicata, em seis pontos, entre os meses de maio e agosto de 2014. Os parâmetros (temperatura, turbidez, pH, condutividade elétrica, oxigênio dissolvido (OD), amônia, nitrito e fosfato) foram avaliados seguindo a metodologia do APHA (1998). Os resultados ratificam a existência de atividades causadoras da elevada concentração do teor de amônia e do baixo nível de OD no ambiente aquático. A dinâmica da maré e as condições físicas do ambiente aceleraram a reação de nitrificação. As concentrações de fosfato e nitrito estiveram dentro do limite máximo estabelecido na resolução n° 357/05 do CONAMA. Tendo em vista a potencialização dos riscos de contaminação dos mariscos devido à poluição hídrica, faz-se necessária uma intervenção dos órgãos fiscalizadores quanto ao lançamento direto de resíduos sólidos e líquidos no estuário, de forma a garantir a integridade do ambiente aquático e a saúde dos consumidores.</p>
Uma Luz na Escuridão: A Evidenciação Contábil sob a Édige da Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal
Authors: Lopes Fábio Dos Santos , Silva Maria Valesca Damásio de Carvalho , Silva Marcelo Santana , Silva Franklin Carlos Cruz da 
Published: December 2015

<p><em>A Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal (LRF) como ficou conhecida a Lei Complementar nº 101, de 4 de maio de 2000 pode ser considerada uma luz no meio da escuridão, uma vez que visa garantir o controle e a transparência na gestão pública. Ao instituir a necessidade de elaboração e publicação por meio eletrônico de um conjunto de relatórios e demonstrações contábeis, esse dispositivo legal “acende uma luz diante dos olhos da sociedade”, possibilitando a instrumentalização do controle social. Este artigo tem como objetivo apontar os principais avanços na evidenciação da Contabilidade Pública com a implantação da LRF, destacando dois atributos na gestão pública, o controle e a transparência. O artigo se baseia em uma dimensão pragmática e como procedimento metodológico, a pesquisa é de cunho bibliográfico e documental, tendo a referida Lei Complementar nº. 101/2000 e a Lei Federal nº. 4.320/64 como principais fontes primárias. A pesquisa apontou que a LRF trouxe exigências no que diz respeito à evidenciação contábil das contas públicas possibilitando um cenário de maior transparência e controle dessas contas por parte dos seus usuários, </em><em>mas o que se verifica, é que se privilegia um determinado tipo de usuário, em detrimentos de outros usuários. </em></p>
Weight Loss Decreases Excess Pancreatic Triacylglycerol Specifically in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Steven Sarah , Hollingsworth Kieren G. , Small Peter K. , Woodcock Sean A. , Pucci Andrea , Aribisala Benjamin , Al-Mrabeh Ahmad , Daly Ann K. , Batterham Rachel L. , Taylor Roy 
Published: December 2015

OBJECTIVE
This study determined whether the decrease in pancreatic triacylglycerol during weight loss in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is simply reflective of whole-body fat or specific to diabetes and associated with the simultaneous recovery of insulin secretory function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Individuals listed for gastric bypass surgery who had T2DM or normal glucose tolerance (NGT) matched for age, weight, and sex were studied before and 8 weeks after surgery. Pancreas and liver triacylglycerol were quantified using in-phase, out-of-phase MRI. Also measured were the first-phase insulin response to a stepped intravenous glucose infusion, hepatic insulin sensitivity, and glycemic and incretin responses to a semisolid test meal.

RESULTS
Weight loss after surgery was similar (NGT: 12.8 ± 0.8% and T2DM: 13.6 ± 0.7%) as was the change in fat mass (56.7 ± 3.3 to 45.4 ± 2.3 vs. 56.6 ± 2.4 to 43.0 ± 2.4 kg). Pancreatic triacylglycerol did not change in NGT (5.1 ± 0.2 to 5.5 ± 0.4%) but decreased in the group with T2DM (6.6 ± 0.5 to 5.4 ± 0.4%; P = 0.007). First-phase insulin response to a stepped intravenous glucose infusion did not change in NGT (0.24 [0.13–0.46] to 0.23 [0.19–0.37] nmol ⋅ min−1 ⋅ m−2) but normalized in T2DM (0.08 [−0.01 to –0.10] to 0.22 [0.07–0.30]) nmol ⋅ min−1 ⋅ m−2 at week 8 (P = 0.005). No differential effect of incretin secretion was observed after gastric bypass, with more rapid glucose absorption bringing about equivalently enhanced glucagon-like peptide 1 secretion in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS
The fall in intrapancreatic triacylglycerol in T2DM, which occurs during weight loss, is associated with the condition itself rather than decreased total body fat.
Alogliptin, a Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitor, Prevents the Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The Study of Preventive Effects of Alogliptin on Diabetic Atherosclerosis (SPEAD-A)
Authors: Mita Tomoya , Katakami Naoto , Yoshii Hidenori , Onuma Tomio , Kaneto Hideaki , Osonoi Takeshi , Shiraiwa Toshihiko , Kosugi Keisuke , Umayahara Yutaka , Yamamoto Tsunehiko , Yokoyama Hiroki , Kuribayashi Nobuichi , Jinnouchi Hideaki , Gosho Masahiko , Shimomura Iichiro , Watada Hirotaka 
Published: December 2015

OBJECTIVE
Recent experimental studies have shown that dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have antiatherosclerotic benefits in glucagon-like peptide 1–dependent and –independent manners. The current study investigated the effects of alogliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, on the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-end point, multicenter, parallel-group, comparative study included 341 patients with T2DM free of a history of apparent cardiovascular diseases recruited at 11 clinical units and randomly allocated to treatment with alogliptin (n = 172) or conventional treatment (n = 169). Primary outcomes were changes in mean common and maximum intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery measured by carotid arterial echography during a 24-month treatment period.

RESULTS
Alogliptin treatment had a more potent glucose-lowering effect than the conventional treatment (−0.3 ± 0.7% vs. −0.1 ± 0.8%, P = 0.004) without an increase of hypoglycemia. Changes in the mean common and the right and left maximum IMT of the carotid arteries were significantly greater after alogliptin treatment than after conventional treatment (−0.026 mm [SE 0.009] vs. 0.005 mm [SE 0.009], P = 0.022; −0.045 mm [SE 0.018] vs. 0.011 mm [SE 0.017], P = 0.025, and −0.079 mm [SE 0.018] vs. −0.015 mm [SE 0.018], P = 0.013, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
Alogliptin treatment attenuated the progression of carotid IMT in patients with T2DM free of apparent cardiovascular disease compared with the conventional treatment.