bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kava drinking in traditional settings: Towards understanding effects on cognitive function
Authors: Aporosa Apo S. , Atkins Martin , Brunton Richard 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundKava drinking is a tradition among Pacific Island people, although growing in popularity with other ethnicities. However, drinking substantial quantities of kava has raised concerns regarding physical manifestations of slow response and lack of precision in bodily control. These impairments can have significant consequences when after consuming large volumes of kava an individual makes a choice to drive.AimsThe objective of this study was to measure selected cognitive functions following high traditionally consumed kava volumes (greater than 2,000 mg of kavalactones) aimed at identifying potential risks for kava drink‐drivers.MethodsThe reaction and divided attention of 20 control participants was assessed against 20 active kava‐drinking participants during and following a 6‐hr kava session in a “naturalised” setting. Assessment measures were drawn from Vienna Test System—Traffic's test battery.Results/OutcomesResults showed no statistical significant difference between control and active participants at any measurement point over a 6‐hr testing period regardless that the movements and speech of the active participants were observed to slow as the test session and kava consumption progressed.ConclusionInconsistencies between test results and observations during testing and by road policing officers demonstrate an urgent need for more research in this field.
Establishing the first pharmacist‐led heart failure medication optimization clinic in the Middle East Gulf Region
Authors: Atallah Bassam , Sadik Ziad G. , Osoble Abdisamad A. , Ghalib Hussam , Hamour Iman , AlTakruri Malak , Ferrer Richard , Cherfan Antoine , Bader Feras 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundHeart failure (HF) patients derive a dose‐dependent clinical benefit from medications that are part of guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT). The widespread underdosing of these medications and the clinical implications of the lack of titration have been well documented. There is paucity of data on design and outcomes of pharmacist‐led HF clinics.AimThe aim of this study is to describe the establishment of the first pharmacist‐led HF pharmacotherapy clinic (HFPC) in the Middle East gulf region.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of patients seen by the HF pharmacotherapy clinic. We determined the percentage of patients on target doses of GDMT at baseline and at the end of follow‐up in the subgroup of patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). All baseline self‐care behaviors and interventions performed were examined.ResultsThe first 100 patient referrals and 193 visits were included in this analysis for an average of 1.9 ± 1.4 visits per patient and a mean follow‐up period of 51 ± 36.1 days. Most patients (94%) had HFrEF and were referred to from the outpatient clinics (72%). Many patients (76%) had at least one inadequacy in medication adherence or self‐care behaviors at baseline, and none were on simultaneous target doses of all GDMTs. At the end of follow‐up, more patients with HFrEF were on target doses when compared with baseline (beta‐blockers 31.9% vs 40.4%, P = .032, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker/angiotensin II receptor blocker neprilysin inhibitor 7.4% vs 25.5%, P < .001, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist 37.2% vs 39.4% P = .46, all three target GDMTs 0% vs 6.4%, P = .093). Significantly, more patients were on any dose of all three GDMTs.ConclusionsPharmacist‐led HF medication optimization clinic establishment can contribute to longitudinal medication titration, successful transition of care, and correcting noncompliance and indiscretions. Pharmacists are in an ideal position to fill gaps and help evolve the current HF care model.
Combating pharmacist burnout: A model for critical care clinical pharmacy faculty
Authors: Dwyer Kaluzna Stephanie , Benken Scott T. , Petzel Gimbar Renee , DiDomenico Robert J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBurnout is a growing phenomenon among health care professionals in whom the prevalence has been estimated at greater than 50%. The adverse outcomes of burnout affect individuals, institutions, and patients. Although burnout literature in the profession of pharmacy is somewhat lacking, emerging data suggest a similar prevalence. Pharmacists who experience burnout typically suffer from emotional exhaustion and/or a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. The critical care setting introduces several elements that increase the risk of burnout in health care providers, including pharmacists, who practice in this area prompting professional organizations to call for action to address burnout. Critical care pharmacists with faculty appointments have additional responsibilities that may precipitate burnout. In response to anecdotal symptoms of burnout, four critical care pharmacy faculty members at the University of Illinois at Chicago developed and implemented an off‐service rotation model designed to provide clinical track faculty members protected, off‐service time to fully engage in academic responsibilities utilizing a tenured clinical faculty member, and a rotating schedule of clinical coverage to assure continuity in patient care in each of the areas (medical intensive care unit, cardiac care unit, and emergency department). Compared with the 24 months prior to implementation, academic output increased during the 24‐month period following implementation of the model. Importantly, there was no evidence of burnout from the personal accomplishment domain of the Maslach Burnout Inventory‐Health Services Survey for Medical Professionals, although high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were present.
Screening and verification of microRNA promoter methylation sites in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ni Xiaofeng , Lin Zhuo , Dai Shengjie , Chen Hao , Chen Jianhui , Zheng Chenlei , Wu Boda , Ao Jianyang , Shi Keqing , Sun Hongwei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe promoter methylation mode of microribonucleic acid (miRNA) plays a crucial role in the process of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to screen and verify the miRNA methylation sites associated with the overall survival (OS) and clinical characteristics of HCC patients. Methylation‐related data were from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). R software was utilized to screen the methylation sites. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm was utilized to develop the miRNA promoter methylation models. Then, methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction was performed with 146 HCC tissues to verify the accuracy of the vascular infiltration‐related model. Additionally, we verified the functions of vascular infiltration‐related miRNA by utilizing cells transfected with miR‐199a‐3p mimic. The model for predicting OS of HCC patients contained eight methylation sites. The Kaplan‐Meier analysis suggested that the model could divide HCC patients into high‐ and low‐risk groups (P < .0001). COX regression analysis suggested that the model (P < .001; 95% CI, 1.264‐2.709) and T category (P < .001; 95% CI, 1.472‐3.119) were independent risk factors for affecting OS of HCC patients. The model for predicting vascular infiltration, pathological grade, and clinical stage contained 7, 10, and 9 methylation sites respectively, with their area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values 0.667, 0.745, and 0.725, respectively. The functional analysis suggested that miRNA methylation is involved in various biological processes such as WNT, MAPK, and mTOR signaling pathways. The accuracy of the vascular infiltration‐related model was consistent with our previous bioinformatics assay. And upregulation of miR‐199a‐3p decreased migration and invasion abilities. The screened miRNA promoter methylation sites can be served as biomarkers for judging OS, vascular infiltration, pathology grade, and clinical stage. It can also provide new targets for improving the treatment and prognosis of HCC patients.
Suppression of adipocyte differentiation by low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound via inhibition of insulin signaling and promotion of CCN family protein 2
Authors: Nishida Takashi , Nagao Yurika , Hashitani Satoko , Yamanaka Nobuyasu , Takigawa Masaharu , Kubota Satoshi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAdipocyte differentiation is regulated by several transcription factors such as the CCAAT/enhancer‐binding proteins (C/EBPs) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ). Here, we demonstrate that low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) suppressed differentiation into mature adipocytes via multiple signaling pathways. When C3H10T1/2, a mesenchymal stem cell line, was treated with LIPUS (3.0 MHz, 60 mW/cm2) for 20 minutes once a day for 4 days during adipogenesis, and both the number of lipid droplets and the gene expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα were significantly decreased. Furthermore, LIPUS treatment decreased the phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and also that of Akt and ERK1/2, which are located downstream of this receptor. Next, we showed that LIPUS suppressed the gene expression of angiotensinogen (AGT), which is an adipokine produced by mature adipocytes, as well as that of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) and angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1R) during adipogenesis of pre‐adipogenic 3T3‐L1 cells. Next, the translocation of Yes‐associated protein (YAP) into the nucleus of 3T3‐L1 cells was promoted by LIPUS, leading to upregulation of CCN family protein 2 (CCN2), a cellular communication network factor. Moreover, forced expression of CCN2 in 3T3‐L1 cells decreased PPARγ gene expression, but it did not increase alkaline phosphatase and osterix gene expression. Finally, gene silencing of CCN2 in C3H10T1/2 cells diminished the effect of LIPUS on the gene expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα. These findings suggest that LIPUS suppressed adipogenesis through inhibition of insulin signaling and decreased PPARγ expression via increased CCN2 production, resulting in a possible decrease of mature adipocytes.
Titania‐silica nanoparticles ensemblies assisted heterogeneous catalytic strategy for the synthesis of pharmacologically significant 2,3‐diaryl‐3,4‐dihydroimidazo[4,5‐b]indole scaffolds
Authors: Geedkar Deepika , Kumar Ashok , Reen Gagandeep Kour , Sharma Pratibha 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPresent paper elicits the multicomponent reaction (MCR) strategy assisted by titania nanoparticles hosted on silica (TiO2.SiO2 NPs) as heterogeneous catalyst to synthesize a series of pharmacologically significant 2,3‐diaryl‐3,4‐dihydroimidazo[4,5‐b]indole derivatives. To the best of our information, the use of isatin as one of the precursors was hitherto unreported. The decrease in reaction time, low catalyst loading, high product yield (up to 92%), and excellent reusability of the catalyst (up to 7 cycles) put this protocol under the umbrella of green chemistry tenets. Characterization of catalysts was achieved through a number of techniques viz., energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of adsorbed pyridine, temperature‐programmed desorption of ammonia, and porosity measurements by nitrogen adsorption (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller [BET] method). Also, the structures of synthesized compounds were corroborated on the basis of FTIR, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass, and elemental analyses data.
The Pacific decadal oscillation modulates the relation of ENSO with the rainfall variability in coast of Ecuador
Authors: Campozano Lenin , Robaina Leandro , Samaniego Esteban 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWorldwide and likewise in Ecuador, the 1982–1983 and 1997–1998 El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events had devastating effects in the economic and human dimension. Thus, scientists and decision markers look for a deeper knowledge about ENSO and its phases El Niño (EN)/La Niña (LN). Recent research highlights the changing nature of ENSO under opposite conditions of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), making the assessment of the ENSO–PDO relation in Ecuador urgent. This study explores the time‐frequency characteristics of rainfall in the coast of Ecuador from January to April (PC‐JA) and evaluates the influence of PDO in the relation of ENSO with PC‐JA. For this, wavelet analysis was used to asses this nonstationary problem, Five long‐term (1964–2014) ground stations were used. The main results indicate that during the warm PDO period 1980–2000, the high wavelet coherence (ca. 0.9) implies a strong coupling between ENSO and PC‐JA. For cold PDO periods, prior to 1980 and after 2005, such coupling weakens with coherence about 0.5. This might indicate that PDO influence the relation between ENSO and rainfall in the coast of Ecuador. This coupling, during warm PDO, enhances high rainfall when in phase with EN, and drought conditions in LN events. The weak coupling of ENSO‐PC‐JA during cold PDO produces high rainfall amounts in Niño Neutral conditions and droughts during Neutral and LN. To account for ENSO flavours variability, the wavelet coherence between PC‐JA and the two ENSO uncorrelated indices E and C from Takahashi et al. was studied. Interestingly, we show that PDO warm phase influences the relation of Eastern Pacific related E index with PC‐JA from 2 to 8 years periods, and that the orthogonal Central Pacific related C index is not affected. These results raise questions about the validity of ENSO indices for contrasting PDO phases.
Sampling frequency of climate data for the determination of daily temperature and daily temperature extrema
Authors: Gough William A. , Žaknić‐Ćatović Ana , Zajch Andrew 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe sampling frequency of temperature data is examined. The range of sampling from hourly to twice daily are explored to determine the uncertainty that is introduced by sampling less frequently than hourly in the determination of daily temperature and daily temperature extrema. The standards for comparison for the daily average temperature are the average of hourly data and the average of the daily maximum and minimum temperature. Hourly temperature data from 12 Canadian climate stations are examined for several decades leading up to 2017. Daily average temperatures were calculated using data sampled 24 times a day (hourly), 12 times, 8 times, 6 times, 4 times and twice daily. Two triad algorithms from the literature and an experimental one are assessed relative to these sampling frequencies. The sampling frequency analysis was remarkably consistent across all climate stations. The departure from the hourly estimate ranged from 0.1°C for the bi‐hourly sampling to ~1°C for the twice daily sampling. The uncertainty associated with the min/max method consistently fell within that of three and four samples per day. Comparison of triad algorithms, based on a quantitative criterion for determination of best sampling hours, revealed a station specific triad that outperforms algorithms from the literature and thrice daily evenly spaced sampling. Minimum and maximum estimates were compared across the different sampling frequencies for all stations as well. The accuracy of estimating temperature extrema decreases with lower sampling rates with the exception of the 8 hr sampling where hour of sampling influences accuracy. The results demonstrate that the local climate characteristics needs to be considered when choosing the optimal sampling frequency and calculation method for daily means and extrema.
Deprescribing tools: a review of the types of tools available to aid deprescribing in clinical practice
Authors: Reeve Emily 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe importance of deprescribing, which is the process of withdrawing an inappropriate medication, supervised by a healthcare professional with the goal of managing polypharmacy and improving outcomes, is increasingly recognised as part of good clinical care. With this, a number of tools have been developed with the purpose of aiding health professionals to deprescribe in regular practice. The types of tools vary significantly in their form and include tools to aid in the overall process of deprescribing (such as generic frameworks and drug‐specific deprescribing guidelines) as well as tools that may assist in a specific part of the process (such as identifying inappropriate medications or engaging the patient). While many tools are available, most provide little (if any) information on how they were developed, and limited implementation research has been conducted. This paper provides an overview of the types of available tools and how they might be used in clinical practice.
Raman scattering from the effective soft mode in lead germanate crystal
Authors: Gorelik V.S. , Pyatyshev A.Yu. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe Raman opalescence of an effective soft mode in crystalline lead germanate is investigated. Recording of Raman scattering intensity was in the x (zz)y geometry corresponding to the soft mode, responsible for ferroelectric phase transition point at 451 K. The Raman spectra were measured at fixed temperatures T (I(ω′, T); T = const) and also at fixed wavenumbers ω′ of Raman spectrometer (I(ω′, T); ω′ = ω0 – Ω = const) with slow temperature changing. The strong increase of Raman scattering intensity (Raman opalescence) has been observed at temperatures of phase transition region. The appearance of central peak scattering is attributed to the strong interaction of the effective soft mode with a low‐wavenumber nonfundamental oscillator.
Melanoma of the External Auditory Canal: A Review of Seven Cases at a Tertiary Care Referral Center
Authors: Appelbaum Eric N. , Gross Neil D. , Diab Adi , Bishop Andrew J. , Nader Marc‐Elie , Gidley Paul W. 
Published: February 2020

Objectives/HypothesisExamine the presentation and management characteristics of seven patients with melanoma of the external auditory canal (EAC).Study DesignRetrospective case series and review of the relevant literature.MethodsRecords of seven patients from 2003 to 2017 with melanoma of the EAC were reviewed for characteristics of presentation, subsequent management, and outcomes. A thorough review of relevant literature is presented.ResultsThe median age is 52 years, with four females. The average Breslow depth was 3.6 mm, with five patients having a Clark level IV or greater on presentation. Six patients underwent lateral temporal bone resection, and one patient underwent wide local excision of the cartilaginous canal. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was performed in three patients. Three patients experienced distant recurrence an average of 20 months following primary therapy. Median follow‐up was 21 months. At last follow‐up, four were free of disease, one had active disease, and two were deceased from melanoma.ConclusionsThis is the largest series and the first to report the use of SLNB for patients with EAC melanoma in the peer‐reviewed literature. Patients with external auditory canal melanoma present with higher Breslow thickness and stage relative to all external ear melanomas. Management should include wide local excision, which entails lateral temporal bone resection when the bony ear canal is involved. SLNB has a critical role in identifying patients with early metastatic disease. Postoperative radiation therapy should be considered for patients with high‐risk features to reduce the risk of locoregional relapse. Chemotherapy, and especially immunotherapy, has an emerging role for this disease.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:165–172, 2021
Characterisation of seed marking types in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): Tiger stripe and other blemishes
Authors: Wood Jennifer A. , Egan Narelle E. , Keir Catherine F. , Miller Julie C. , Pengilley Georgina C. , Hobson Kristy B. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDesi chickpea is a significant export crop for Australia; Australia being the largest exporter globally. Visual appearance of the seed is an economically significant measure of seed quality by the Indian subcontinent, the major importer of desi chickpea worldwide. Any visual blemish on the seed is considered undesirable, regardless of the cause (biotic or otherwise). Literature on biotic causes of seed blemishes, such as ascochyta blight, are available; however, little could be found on abiotic blemishes. Abiotic seed blemishes caused by physiological plant responses are more commonly known as seed markings. Despite the presence of seed markings being confirmed by several chickpea‐producing countries during personal discussions (India, Canada), no scientific literature has been published. The aim of this study was to proactively seek out and characterise different types of seed marking patterns using a wide genetic pool of desi chickpea across a range of environments in Australia. Thirteen different seed marking patterns were identified in desi chickpea and three in kabuli chickpea, including several rare seed markings that were discovered, photographed, and described. Seed markings (blemishes thought to be caused by physiological plant stress) can be characterised as dark patterns on the testa (seed coat) that do not visually affect the underlying cotyledon. In contrast, other seed blemishes (caused by pests and disease, physical damage, or poor storage) were more likely to affect the cotyledons underlying the testa, but not always. This paper classifies and describes various types of seed markings and blemishes for future reference by the global chickpea industry.
Microcirculatory Response to Photobiomodulation—Why Some Respond and Others Do Not: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Gavish Lilach , Hoffer Oshrit , Rabin Neta , Halak Moshe , Shkilevich Simon , Shayovitz Yuval , Weizman Gal , Haim Ortal , Gavish Benjamin , Gertz S. David , Ovadia‐Blechman Zehava 
Published: February 2020

Background and ObjectivesPhotobiomodulation (PBM), a non‐ionizing, non‐thermal irradiation, used clinically to accelerate wound healing and inhibit pain, was previously shown to increase blood flow. However, some individuals respond to PBM, but others do not. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting this patient‐specific response using advanced, noninvasive methods for monitoring microcirculatory activity.Study Design/Materials and MethodsIn this prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial (NCT03357523), 20 healthy non‐smoking volunteers (10:10 males:females, 30 ± 8 years old) were randomized to receive either red‐ (633 nm and 70 W/cm2) or near‐infrared light (830 nm and 55 mW/cm2) over the wrist for 5 minutes. Photoplethysmography, laser Doppler flowmetry, and thermal imaging were used to monitor palm microcirculatory blood volume, blood flow, and skin temperature, respectively, before, during, and 20 minutes after irradiation. Participants with skin temperature change ≥0.5°C from baseline were considered “responders”.ResultsNear‐infrared PBM was found to induce a 27% increase in microcirculatory flow that increased to 54% during the 20‐minute follow‐up period (P = 0.049 and P = 0.004, respectively), but red light PBM did not increase the median flow. Only 10 of 20 participants were responders by thermal imaging (i.e., ≥0.5°C from baseline), and their initial skin temperature was between 33 and 37.5°C. The non‐responders had either “hot” hands (≥37.5°C) or “cold” hands (≤33°C). In responders, the meantime to 20% increase in microcirculatory blood volume and blood flow was less than 2.5 minutes after initiation of PBM irradiation.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that PBM induces arteriolar vasodilatation that results in both immediate and long‐lasting increased capillary flow and tissue perfusion in healthy individuals. This response was wavelength‐dependent and modified by skin temperature. These findings regarding physiological parameters associated with sensitivity or resistance to PBM provide information of direct relevance for patient‐specific therapy. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.