bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tacrolimus trough monitoring guided by mass spectrometry without accounting for assay differences is associated with acute kidney injury in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Kolaitis Nicholas A , Calabrese Daniel R , Ahearn Patrick , Venado Aida , Florez Rebecca , Lei Huey-Ling , Isaak Karolina , Henricksen Erik , Martinez Emily , Chong Tiffany , Shah Rupal J , Leard Lorriana E , Kleinhenz Mary Ellen , Golden Jeffrey , De Marco Teresa , Greenland John R , Kukreja Jasleen , Hays Steven R , Blanc Paul D , Singer Jonathan P 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Purpose
Tacrolimus is a nephrotoxic immunosuppressant historically monitored via enzyme-based immunoassay (IA). After 2011, the 2 largest laboratory companies in the United States implemented tacrolimus quantification by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS); this method excludes metabolites, potentially resulting in lower quantified drug concentrations. We sought to determine if tacrolimus therapeutic drug monitoring via LC-MS, as performed using trough targets originally derived from IA values, influences clinical outcomes.

Methods
In a single-center retrospective cohort study of lung transplant recipients, risks of acute kidney injury, acute renal failure, and new-onset diabetes after transplantation, as well as chronic lung allograft dysfunction–free survival, were compared in 82 subjects monitored by LC-MS and 102 subjects monitored by IA using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for age, sex, baseline renal function, and race.

Results
LC-MS–based monitoring was associated with a greater risk of acute kidney injury (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–2.67). No statistically significant differences in risks of acute renal failure and new-onset diabetes after transplantation were observed.

Conclusion
Although LC-MS provides a more accurate representation of the blood concentration of the parent compound tacrolimus exclusive of metabolite, established cut points for tacrolimus dosing may need to be adjusted to account for the increased risk of renal injury.
Digital content delivery in a pharmacy technician training program in a health system
Authors: Kelm Matthew J , Bush Paul W 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Purpose
Development and implementation of a pharmacy technician training program are described.

Summary
As key members of the healthcare team, pharmacy technicians are integral to a pharmacy’s operation. Training programs allow technicians to assume roles that support pharmacists practicing “at the top of their license,” assist in providing optimal patient care, and serve as an important tool for retaining trained pharmacy technicians. Duke University Health System (DUHS) launched its Pharmacy Technology Training Program (DUHS-PTTP) within the department of pharmacy at Duke University Hospital in April 2018 to assist in meeting current and future pharmacy technician demand. Candidates are provided with the tools to become certified pharmacy technicians through the completion of an affordable accredited program incorporating didactic, simulation-based, and experiential education. The program’s partnership with a digital content provider enables accelerated start-up, minimizes investment in content creation and maintenance, enables automated record keeping, and provides flexibility for program participants to complete didactic content outside of the traditional classroom setting. Implementation of this program aims to support students both internal and external to the institution. Students are trained to begin a career as a pharmacy technician with the intent of producing graduates well equipped and eligible for certification by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

Conclusion
Implementation of a pharmacy technician training program is a logical extension of the demonstrated core training competency of health-system pharmacy departments.
Falsely elevated vancomycin-concentration values from enzyme immunoassay leading to treatment failure
Authors: Singer Bridger , Stevens Ryan W , Westley Benjamin P , Nicolau David P 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Purpose
A case of vancomycin enzyme immunoassay (EIA) interference confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is described.

Summary
Therapeutic drug monitoring is standard of practice in vancomycin dosing and monitoring in order to maximize the pharmacodynamic effects and minimize toxicity. After a 52-year-old woman received 5 doses of vancomycin, serum concentrations continued to rise for several days in the absence of ongoing vancomycin administration. Despite persistently elevated vancomycin concentrations, the patient clinically deteriorated and required treatment with an alternative agent. Subsequently, serum concentrations were processed via HPLC and analyzed for percent protein binding. Confirmatory analysis revealed substantially lower concentrations by HPLC than were obtained by EIA and an abnormal elevation in protein binding. After discharge from the index admission, the patient returned 11 months later and had a dectectable vancomycin concentration by EIA prior to receipt of vancomycin. HPLC analysis confirmed the true concentration was undetectable. Though the exact interfering substance was not identified, the above discrepancy in concentrations between the two assay methods indicates the presence of assay interference, and adds to the available literature suggesting similar occurrences. This case is particularly troubling given that the level of interference was not such that it would lead a clinician to immediately suspect interference, and the patient experienced treatment failure.

Conclusion
Falsely elevated values for serum vancomycin concentration, measured by EIA, contributed to treatment failure in a patient. The substance presumably responsible for EIA interferences was not identified.
In peripartum cardiomyopathy plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 is a potential new biomarker with controversial roles
Authors: Ricke-Hoch Melanie , Hoes Martijn F , Pfeffer Tobias J , Schlothauer Stella , Nonhoff Justus , Haidari Susanna , Bomer Nils , Scherr Michaela , Stapel Britta , Stelling Elisabeth , Kiyan Yulia , Falk Christine , Haghikia Arash , Binah Ofer , Arany Zolt , Thum Thomas , Bauersachs Johann , van der Meer Peter , Hilfiker-Kleiner Denise 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Aims
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a life-threatening heart disease occurring in previously heart-healthy women. A common pathomechanism in PPCM involves the angiostatic 16 kDa-prolactin (16 kDa-PRL) fragment, which via NF-κB-mediated up-regulation of microRNA-(miR)-146a induces vascular damage and heart failure. We analyse whether the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is involved in the pathophysiology of PPCM.

Methods and results
In healthy age-matched postpartum women (PP-Ctrl, n = 53, left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF &gt; 55%), PAI-1 plasma levels were within the normal range (21 ± 10 ng/mL), but significantly elevated (64 ± 38 ng/mL, P &lt; 0.01) in postpartum PPCM patients at baseline (BL, n = 64, mean LVEF: 23 ± 8%). At 6-month follow-up (n = 23), PAI-1 levels decreased (36 ± 14 ng/mL, P &lt; 0.01 vs. BL) and LVEF (49 ± 11%) improved. Increased N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and Troponin T did not correlate with PAI-1. C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β did not differ between PPCM patients and PP-Ctrl. MiR-146a was 3.6-fold (P &lt; 0.001) higher in BL-PPCM plasma compared with PP-Ctrl and correlated positively with PAI-1. In BL-PPCM serum, 16 kDa-PRL coprecipitated with PAI-1, which was associated with higher (P &lt; 0.05) uPAR-mediated NF-κB activation in endothelial cells compared with PP-Ctrl serum. Cardiac biopsies and dermal fibroblasts from PPCM patients displayed higher PAI-1 mRNA levels (P &lt; 0.05) than healthy controls. In PPCM mice (due to a cardiomyocyte-specific-knockout for STAT3, CKO), cardiac PAI-1 expression was higher than in postpartum wild-type controls, whereas a systemic PAI-1-knockout in CKO mice accelerated peripartum cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, heart failure, and mortality.

Conclusion
In PPCM patients, circulating and cardiac PAI-1 expression are up-regulated. While circulating PAI-1 may add 16 kDa-PRL to induce vascular impairment via the uPAR/NF-κB/miR-146a pathway, experimental data suggest that cardiac PAI-1 expression seems to protect the PPCM heart from fibrosis. Thus, measuring circulating PAI-1 and miR-146a, together with an uPAR/NF-κB-activity assay could be developed into a specific diagnostic marker assay for PPCM, but unrestricted reduction of PAI-1 for therapy may not be advised.
Glycoxidative profile of cancer patient serum: A clinical result to associate glycation to cancer
Authors: Khan Hamda , Alouffi Sultan , Alatar Abdulrahman A , Qahtan Ahmad A , Faisal Mohammad , Ahmad Saheem 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The influence of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the biological processes contribute to the life-changing complications such as progression of cancer, diabetes and other chronic disorders. The receptor of AGEs while interacting with its ligands causes a never-ending irregularity in the cell-signaling communication. Hence, AGEs are considered as an important link between progression and contribution to cancer. This study focuses on the presence and/or absence of oxidative and glycative stress in the serum samples of various cancer patients. During analysis of the early and intermediate glycation product in cancer patient’s sera, our result indicates an increasing trend of both the adducts as compared to normal healthy subjects. Similarly, one of the AGEs i.e., carboxymethyllysine was found to be enhanced in cancer sera as compared to NHS. The binding characteristics of circulating auto-antibodies in cancer patient’s sera against human serum albumin (HSA)-AGEs were assessed through ELISA and furthermore, the maximum percent inhibition against HSA-AGEs was observed as 57–63%, 46–62% and 42–64% in prostate cancer, lung cancer and head and neck cancer. Hence, our result successfully assisted the presence of AGEs in all the cancer patient’s sera though it is not clear which specific cancer is more potent to AGEs.
Synthesis, characterization and gravimetric studies of novel triazole-based compound
Authors: Al-Amiery Ahmed , Shaker Lina M , Kadhum Abdul Amir H , Takriff Mohd S 
Published: November 2019

Abstract4-Amino-3-(2-bromo-5-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5(4H)-thione (ATH) was synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier-transform infrared as spectroscopical techniques and elemental analysis. ATH was studied for corrosion inhibition of mild steel in corrosive environment by means of weight loss technique, scanning electron microscopy and the adsorption isotherm. ATH demonstrates a superior inhibition efficiency against corrosion of mild steel. Adsorption data fit well to a Langmuir isotherm model.
Reliability, usability and applicability of the ICD-11 beta draft focusing on hand injuries and diseases: results from German field testing
Authors: Eisele Angelika , Dereskewitz Caroline , Oberhauser Cornelia , Kus Sandra , Coenen Michaela 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Objective
To test the interrater reliability when using the codes of the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11 beta draft as well as ICD-10 and to explore the usability of the ICD-11 beta draft and the applicability of ICD-11’s Supplementary section for functioning assessment in hand injuries and diseases.

Design
We conducted a validation study of the ICD-11 beta draft complemented by a single-centre study to collect clinical routine data on functioning.

Setting
German hand surgery clinics.

Participants
Twenty-three physicians coded real-life cases containing diagnostic information on hand injuries and diseases. Additionally, clinical information of 100 patients was coded by 6 physicians and a nurse using ICD-11’s Supplementary section for functioning assessment.

Main Outcome Measures
Physicians coded 210 cases using the ICD-11 beta draft and ICD-10. Krippendorff’s alpha was calculated. Clinical routine data was coded using 38 functioning categories.

Results
Interrater reliability (Krippendorff’s alpha) of 0.67 for ICD-11 coding and 0.71 for ICD-10 coding was obtained, indicating substantial agreement. However, physicians reported a high proportion of problems with ICD-11 coding and slightly fewer problems with ICD-10 coding. The collected data on functioning could be mapped to ICD-11’s Supplementary section for functioning assessment. For some data, however, only unspecific codes were available.

Conclusions
Interrater reliability of ICD-10 and ICD-11 was satisfactory. Training material for ICD-11 is needed to further improve reliability and usability. Future users of ICD-11 should be encouraged to use the Supplementary section for functioning assessment to shed light on the problems patients experience in everyday life.
Trends and socio-economic inequality in public perceptions of healthcare delivery in South Africa
Authors: Booysen Frederik , Gordon Tanja 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Objective
To assess trends and inequality in public perceptions of healthcare delivery as reported by South African households.

Design
Secondary data analysis of the South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS).

Setting
Nationally representative weighted sample of South African households.

Participants
28 326 household representatives interviewed during the annual SASAS survey (2007–16).

Main Outcome Measures
Adequacy of healthcare services and satisfaction with healthcare delivery.

Results
On aggregate, 68.2% only of households reported their healthcare needs as being adequately met, while only 54.3% were satisfied with healthcare delivery. In total, only 41.5% of households was both satisfied with healthcare delivery and adequately provided for in terms of the household’s healthcare needs. Adequacy of healthcare provision and satisfaction therewith has however improved rapidly since 2009–10, but overall satisfaction with healthcare delivery has not changed considerably. Public perceptions of healthcare delivery improved with household wealth. Socio-economic inequality in adequacy and satisfaction is pronounced and pro-rich, but inequality in satisfaction has declined significantly since 2009–10.

Conclusions
Although public perceptions of healthcare delivery improved, many poor South Africans’ healthcare needs are still not adequately met. In addition, many South Africans are not satisfied with government’s efforts at healthcare delivery, especially the poor. Further research is required to pinpoint how expectations impact on public perceptions of healthcare delivery and to identify the specific factors that underlie the public opinions expressed in surveys of this nature.
Identifying and predicting multiples based on spread of velocity spectrum
Authors: Dai Xiaofeng , Gan Lideng , Yang Hao 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The genesis of internal multiples is complicated and identification is difficult as their velocities are similar to the velocity of primaries, so their residual time is short. The existing conventional methods for identifying multiples are mainly used on a single-common mid-point (CMP) or single line, so the result is indistinct and inaccurate. The concept of velocity spread is proposed, whereby multiples are identified by obtaining the lateral spread of energy clusters on the velocity spectrum. The proposed method uses image segmentation to binarise the velocity spectrum, obtain the spread of velocity, and identify and predict multiples on the plane via attribute spread slicing. In a 3D seismic of Sichuan, the multiples predicted are in good agreement with the known wells. The case shows that velocity spread analysis can quantitatively identify and predict multiples interference, and is complementary to the existing multiples identification method. It can be used to monitor the multiples suppression effect in seismic processing and analyse the interference of multiples in interpretation. In addition, the method has good practicability for evaluating the reliability of reservoir prediction results and reduces the risk of well location deployment during exploration.
Music Therapy With Military Populations: A Scoping Review
Authors: Gooding Lori F , Langston Diane G 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMusic therapy treatment is increasingly being used to promote health, enhance quality of life, and improve functioning in military personnel, but evidence on the use of music interventions with military service members is still emerging. The purpose of this scoping review was to synthesize the available literature regarding music therapy treatment with military personnel by identifying the types of information available, key characteristics, and gaps in the knowledge base. The review was completed using the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. A total of 27 publications met the criteria for review. The results included anecdotal reports, white papers/ briefs, case studies, historical reviews, clinical program descriptions, and research studies. Both active duty and veteran service members were represented in the literature, and post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury were the most commonly listed conditions among those served. Music therapy services were offered in both group and individual formats, and drumming was the most common music intervention cited. Most publications accurately represented music therapy, and the historical reviews highlighted the connection between the development of the field of music therapy and the use of music with military personnel. Several gaps were identified, including a lack of specificity in reporting, low levels of evidence, and limited inclusion of women service members.
The role of epistasis and its interaction with environment in fine-tuning heading time in barley
Authors: Christov Nikolai K 
Published: November 2019

This article comments on:
Afsharyan NP, Sannemann W, Léon J, Ballvora A. 2020. Effect of epistasis and environment on flowering time of barley reveals novel flowering-delaying QTL allele. Journal of Experimental Botany 71, 893–906.
Ventilating the Bearded: A Randomized Crossover Trial Comparing a Novel Bag-Valve-Guedel Adaptor to a Standard Mask
Authors: Gavish Lilach , Rittblat Mor , Gertz S David , Shaylor Ruth , Weissman Charles , Eisenkraft Arik 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Introduction: Emergency field ventilation using bag-valve face mask devices can be difficult to perform, especially in bearded individuals. In view of the increasing numbers of servicemen and civilians sporting a beard or moustache, the issue of finding a technical solution for ventilation in this population has gained importance. We therefore developed a novel adaptor that enables the direct connection of a bag-valve device to a Guedel-type oropharyngeal airway device thereby directly connecting the oral airway to the bag valve, eliminating the need for a face mask. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of the bag-valve-Guedel adaptor (BVGA) to the common face mask in healthy bearded volunteers. Methods: This study was a randomized-by-sequence, crossover-controlled trial (NCT02768246) approved by the local IRB (0051-16-HMO). All subjects signed an informed consent before participation. Twenty-five healthy bearded men (age 28 ± 7) were recruited. After randomization, the first group (mask then BVGA, n = 12) began breathing room air through the face mask, followed by 100% O2. After washout in room air, the procedure was repeated with the BVGA. The second group (BVGA then mask, n = 13) began with the BVGA followed by the face mask. Subjects were awake and breathed spontaneously throughout the experiment. Therefore, a Guedel was not used. Physiological and respiratory parameters were monitored continuously. The primary endpoint was the presence of suspected leak as determined by end-tidal-CO2 (EtCO2 &lt; 20 mmHg). Secondary endpoints included tidal volume and safety. Results: The order of device use did not affect the results significantly (p &gt; 0.05 by Mann-Whitney-U test); therefore, the data were pooled. There were no cases of suspected leak while breathing through the BVGA. By contrast, while breathing through a face mask, there were 8 of 25 (32%) and 5 of 25 (20%) cases of suspected leak in air and 100% O2, respectively (air: p = 0.002; 100% O2: p = 0.014 by McNemar test). No adverse events were observed. Conclusions: In bearded individuals, the BVGA provides significantly more efficient (less leak) ventilation compared to a face mask. This is also of particular importance in view of the increasing number of bearded individuals serving in the armed forces. Moreover, since effective ventilation with a mask requires experience, the relatively easy-to-apply BVGA will enable less experienced first responders to achieve higher success rates in this critical phase of treatment. Further studies are planned to evaluate the efficacy of the BVGA in the prehospital setting.
A model of an ion-proton radio pulsar polar cap
Authors: Jones P B 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
A number of previous papers have developed an ion-proton theory of the pulsar polar cap. The basic equations summarizing this are given here with the results of sets of model step-to-step calculations of pulse-precursor profiles. The nature of step-to-step profile variations is described by calculated phase-resolved modulation indices. The conditions under which nulls are present in step sequences are analysed. The change of mean null length with neutron-star surface temperature shows a pathway ending in emission similar to the Rotating Radio Transients. The model accommodates exceptional pulsars, the millisecond pulsars (in principle), and the 8.5 s period PSR J2144-3933. These are considered separately and their emission mechanism discussed in some detail.
NGTS-8b and NGTS-9b: two non-inflated hot-Jupiters
Authors: Costes Jean C , Watson Christopher A , Belardi Claudia , Braker Ian P , Burleigh Matthew R , Casewell Sarah L , Eigmüller Philipp , Günther Maximilian N , Jackman James A G , Nielsen Louise D , Soto Maritza G , Turner Oliver , Anderson David R , Bayliss Daniel , Bouchy François , Briegal Joshua T , Bryant Edward M , Cabrera Juan , Chaushev Alexander , Csizmadia Szilard , Erikson Anders , Gill Samuel , Gillen Edward , Goad Michael R , Hodgkin Simon , Hooton Matthew J , Jenkins James S , McCormac James , Moyano Maximiliano , Queloz Didier , Rauer Heike , Raynard Liam , Smith Alexis M S , Thompson Andrew P G , Tilbrook Rosanna H , Udry Stephane , Vines Jose I , West Richard G , Wheatley Peter J 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We report the discovery, by the Next Generation Transit Survey (NGTS), of two hot-Jupiters NGTS-8b and NGTS-9b. These orbit a $V\, =\, 13.68$ K0V star (Teff = 5241 ± 50 K) with a period of 2.49970 days, and a $V\, =\, 12.80$ F8V star (Teff = 6330 ± 130 K) in 4.43527 days, respectively. The transits were independently verified by follow-up photometric observations with the SAAO 1.0-m and Euler telescopes, and we report on the planetary parameters using HARPS, FEROS and CORALIE radial velocities. NGTS-8b has a mass, $0.93\, ^{+0.04}_{-0.03}$ MJ and a radius, 1.09 ± 0.03 RJ similar to Jupiter, resulting in a density of $0.89\, ^{+0.08}_{-0.07}$ g cm−3. This is in contrast to NGTS-9b, which has a mass of 2.90 ± 0.17 MJ and a radius of 1.07 ± 0.06 RJ, resulting in a much greater density of $2.93^{+0.53}_{-0.49}$ g cm−3. Statistically, the planetary parameters put both objects in the regime where they would be expected to exhibit larger than predicted radii. However, we find that their radii are in agreement with predictions by theoretical non-inflated models.