bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smart connected devices to objectively assess the adherence to eyedrops
Authors: Renault Didier , Courrier Emilie , Trone Marie Caroline , Gauthier Anne Sophie , Garcin Thibaud , Rebika Hayette , Thuret Gilles , Gain Philippe 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeCompliance issues are often reported in ophthalmology for glaucoma which is one of the leading causes of blindness and visual disability and for dry eye syndrome (DES) requiring multiple frequent instillations. The smart electronic devices have emerged as one of the most reliable means of improving adherence to treatment, allowing objective quantification of the taken treatments. Aim: to report the pilot use in DES of two new electronic devices designed for the monitoring of adherence to eye drop medications.MethodsThe KaliDROP for eye drop bottles, and the KaliJAR for single‐dose‐units (SDU; Kali‐CARE, Santa Clara, CA, USA) were 3G wireless devices that recorded and transmitted in real respectively the number of instillations (when the bottle in pressed and reversed) and the number of SDU discarded after use. Both were tested by one of the author suffering from DES. The Kali Drop was tested during 28 consecutive days with an ABAK bottle of Thealose (Thea laboratories). The KaliJAR was tested during 47 consecutive days with SDU of Thealoz Duo Gel (Thea laboratories). In parallel, he noted on paper the date and time of each eye drop instillation. The agreement with the data recorded in the software was analyzed.ResultsOn the 354 instillations noted on paper, 352 (99.4%) were recorded by the KaliDROP device. Two instillations were not recorded, and one instillation was wrongly detected. On the 2200 SDUs introduced in the KaliJAR, 2136 (97.1%) were recorded. 64 SDUs (2.9%) were not recorded but none was wrongly detected. This percentage of false negative could be explained by the fact that 30–50 SDUs were inserted immediately one after the other. The number of undetected SDU would be virtually null if each SDU was discarded separately as normally recommended.ConclusionsThese two innovative simple‐to‐use devices could find strong applications in therapeutic education and clinical trials.
Survival analysis of inherited retinoblastoma: a population‐based analysis, 1975–2011
Authors: Yassa Arsany , Mikhael Sandra , Tadrosse Abanoob , Mikhael Mina , Eloy Jean‐Anderson 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeTo study the survival patterns of inherited Retinoblastoma.MethodsA retrospective, population‐based analysis was conducted on children younger than 5 years old using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Registry from 1975 to 2011. Bilateral cases (BL) were used as a proxy for inherited ones. Kaplan–Meir analysis was used to calculate 5‐year overall survival (5yOS).ResultsFour hundred fifty‐three cases were identified. 5yOS was 93.3%. There was no significant difference in 5yOS between sexes (p = 0.72), among white, black and other races (p = 0.17) or among patients diagnosed during the first, second and third years of life (p = 0.453). Survival based on staging was: localized (95.8%), regional (83.7%), distant (91.6%) (p < 0.01). 5yOS during the interval 1975–1990 (87.0%) was significantly lower than during the interval 1996–2011 (95.5%) (p < 0.01).ConclusionsSurvival of inherited retinoblastoma is not affected by sex, race or age at diagnosis. Staging is a prognostic factor for survival. Survival shows improvement over the timeframe studied.BibliographySurveillance Research Program, National Cancer Institute SEER*Stat software (seer.cancer.gov/seerstat) version 8.3.6.
Resveratrol nanoparticles are neuroprotective in a model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Shamsher Ehtesham , Khan Reas S. , Dine Kimberly , Luong Vy , Davis Benjamin M. , Willett Keirnan , Somavarapu Satyanarayana , Francesca Cordeiro M. , Shindler Kenneth S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeOptic neuritis is the most common clinical manifestation of multiple sclerosis. Axonal damage and neuronal loss lead to permanent neurological disability in patients and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Presently, treatments of this condition aim to reduce inflammation without showing any neuroprotection. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found in red wine with neuroprotective effects but poor solubility in water. Thus, a novel nanoparticle formulation of resveratrol was developed and assessed in a mouse model of EAE.MethodsResveratrol nanoparticles (RNs) were formulated using a thin rehydration technique and assessed for stability with spectrophotometric techniques. C57/BL6 mice were immunized with the myelin oligodendroglial glycoprotein peptide. From EAE induction, mice were treated daily for 30 days by oral gavage of RNs (n = 6), vehicle (n = 5) or unconjugated resveratrol (UnRSV); n = 6). Mice were assessed for EAE signs daily and for visual function weekly by optokinetic responses (OKR). Optic nerve and spinal cord inflammation were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Retinal ganglion cells were immunostained with Brn3a.ResultsResveratrol nanoparticles (RNs) containing >10 mg/ml resveratrol were stable over 3 months with an encapsulation efficiency >70%. 16.9 mg/kg RNs reduced the EAE clinical score at day 30 compared to 16.9 mg/kg vehicle (1.4 ± 0.4 versus 3.0 ± 0.4, p < 0.05) whereas up to 100 mg/kg UnRSV did not lead to reduction of EAE scores. OKR, optic nerve inflammation and spinal cord inflammation were not significantly modified by oral administration of RNs. 16.9 mg/kg RNs reduced RGC loss compared to 16.9 mg/kg vehicle (347 ± 12 versus 172 ± 12 cells/standardized field, p < 0.0001). Importantly, to get a similar reduction, at least 100 mg/kg of UnRSV were needed suggesting that RNs increase resveratrol bioavailability.ConclusionsResveratrol nanoparticles (RNs) increase resveratrol solubility and bioavailability. They show neuroprotection by reducing RGC loss. However, as previously reported for resveratrol, these nanoparticles do not have any anti‐inflammatory effect.
The information content of target price forecasts: Evidence from mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Ho Tuan , Brownen‐Trinh Ruby , Xu Fangming 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates the informativeness and value relevance of analyst target prices in the context of mergers and acquisitions. Our results indicate that firms with high 12‐month ahead target prices relative to current stock prices are more likely to become a takeover target and offer premium, and acquirers’ announcement returns are positively associated with firms’ target price premium. We also show that a long‐short trading strategy formed on target prices and firms’ takeover likelihood generates economically significant returns. Our results are robust to a battery of additional analysis, and the informativeness of target prices is not subsumed by other analyst forecast outputs such as earnings forecasts and recommendations. Overall, our findings suggest that analysts convey valuable information through target price forecasts, which are useful for participants in the corporate takeover markets.
Factors affecting non‐adherence to medical appointments among patients with hypertension at public health facilities in Punjab, India
Authors: Das Bidisha , Neupane Dinesh , Singh Gill Sandeep , Bir Singh Gurinder 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDaily adherence to antihypertensive medications is necessary to control hypertension. Under the State hypertension control program, hypertensive patients are enrolled in public health settings, provided with 30‐day medication prescriptions, and advised to return to the health facility monthly. However, at least 50‐60% of patients do not visit the health facility for their scheduled follow‐up appointments. The authors aimed to document the major reasons for missed appointments and to characterize patient and health system barriers. By telephone, the authors interviewed 300 randomly selected patients who missed appointments for more than three consecutive months. Out of the 300, 206 were interviewed using a pre‐structured questionnaire to explore patients’ experiences along with medical record reviews from the patient database. Not feeling sick or not experiencing any symptoms (24.8%) was the major reason why patients did not return to the clinic, followed by far distance from the facility (22.3%). Among other reasons for missing follow‐up appointments, lack of instructions/guidance from the facility (15.3%), acute illness among patients (8.3%), and long waiting time at the facilities (7%) were also documented. Most of these patients (55.4%) continued treatment from other sources, and a majority (54%) preferred private clinics. These results suggest the need for a more patient‐centered care model, including education about hypertension as an asymptomatic but life‐threatening condition and addressing the barrier of travel distance between a patient's home and the health facility. Further, introducing a reminder system using telephone calls, text messages, or home visits by health workers may increase the follow‐up rate among patients.
The effect of medication on the aldosterone‐to‐renin ratio. A critical review of the literature
Authors: Alnazer Rawan M. , Veldhuizen Gregory P. , Kroon Abraham A. , de Leeuw Peter W. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe aldosterone‐to‐renin ratio (ARR) is a common screening test for primary aldosteronism in hypertensives. However, patients often use medications that could confound the ARR and, thereby, reduce the interpretability of the test. Since it is not always feasible to stop such medication, several drugs that are supposedly neutral with respect to the ARR have been recommended as alternative treatment. The objective of the present review is to explore whether sufficient evidence exists to justify the recommendations. To this end, we performed a systematic PubMed and Cochrane literature search regarding medications that may influence the ARR. Our review revealed that many commonly prescribed antihypertensives seem to have significant effects on renin, aldosterone, and resulting ARR values. However, the magnitude of these effects is poorly quantifiable with the present level of research. We conclude that several medications can affect the ARR. Not taking this into account could lead to misinterpretation of the ARR. Therefore, standardization of the medications used during ARR measurement is advisable for a reliable and accurate interpretation. Further research is needed to ascertain how to best optimize these medications.
Simultaneous extraction and pasteurization of a drink from “Blood Root” (Justicia secunda) leaves stabilized with a natural preservative: Optimization and storage
Authors: Neba Noveta Binwi , Ngwabie Ngwa Martin , Anuanwen Claris Foncha , Nde Bup Divine 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSimultaneous extraction and pasteurization (SEPA) has recently been presented as an appealing process in juice processing because of significant reduction in time, energy consumptions, and production cost resulting from the combination of unit operations. However, the optimum SEPA operating conditions and their effects on the quality and shelf‐life of juice are still unmastered. The Doehlert experimental design was used to optimize the SEPA process of juice from Justicia secunda leaves. Optimum conditions for vitamin C retention were temperature (80°C), quantity of ginger (2.6 g/100 ml) and time (20 min) which gave a vitamin C concentration of 4.61 mg/100 ml. The second part of the study evaluated the stability of juice using ginger powder as a natural stabilizer. Results showed that juice produced with and without ginger (WOG) retained 81.27 and 51.18% of their initial vitamin C contents on Day 9 of storage, respectively. Vitamin C content, pH, and acidity showed that addition of ginger preserved the quality of the juice better than that WOG throughout the storage period. Ginger is a natural source of preservative that contributes to the vitamin C content of the juice and extends its shelf‐life from 3 to 9 days for storage at room temperature.Practical applicationsThis work describes simple procedures that can be used to extract and pasteurize juice from plant material with simple equipment simultaneously. The optimum conditions that retain more than 90% of the initial vitamin C content of the juice are defined and the use of ginger as a natural preservative that prolongs the shelf‐life of the drink at room temperature makes the process very appealing. The process can be easily adapted and used at both laboratory, local and industrial levels to produce juice of good quality.
Agent‐based simulator of dynamic flood‐people interactions
Authors: Shirvani Mohammad , Kesserwani Georges , Richmond Paul 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis article presents a simulator for the modelling of the two‐way interactions between flooding and people. The simulator links a hydrodynamic model to a pedestrian model in a single agent‐based modelling platform, Flexible Large‐scale Agent Modelling Environment for the Graphical Processing Unit (FLAMEGPU). Dynamic coupling is achieved by the simultaneous update and exchange of information across multiple agent types. Behavioural rules and states for the pedestrian agents are proposed to account for the pedestrians' presence/actions in/to floodwater. These are based on a commonly used hazard rate (HR) metric to evaluate the risk states of people in floodwater, and by considering two roles for the pedestrians: evacuees or responders for action during or before the flood event, respectively. The potential of the simulator is demonstrated in a case study of a flooded and busy shopping centre for two scenarios: (a) during a flood evacuation and (b) pre‐flood intervention to deploy a sandbag barrier. The evacuation scenario points to changes in floodwater hydrodynamics around congested areas, which either worsen (by 5–8%) or lessen (by 25%) the HR. The intervention scenario demonstrates the utility of the simulator to select an optimal barrier height and number of responders for safe and effective deployment. Accompanying details for software accessibility are provided.
Effects of storage practices on long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipid peroxidation of preterm formula milk
Authors: Nessel I. , Khashu M. , Dyall S. C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundPreterm formula milk (FM) is often prepared in advance, potentially affecting nutritional quality. Long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), important for brain and immune system function, are prone to lipid peroxidation, which correlates with comorbidities of prematurity. The effects of clinical storage practices on LCPUFA content and lipid peroxidation of preterm FM were investigated.MethodsUK liquid and powder preterm FM (2017) (from two manufacturers) were subjected to routine storage conditions (liquid: refrigeration ≤10 h; powder: weekly preparation in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and refrigeration ≤24 h for 4 weeks). LCPUFA content, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE) content were analysed.ResultsStorage did not significantly decrease LCPUFA content. The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition recommended LCPUFA intake, whereas in utero accretion rates could not be achieved with both FM brands (liquid and powder). Lipid peroxidation was evident on opening, with 6× higher levels in powder. No effect of ≤10‐h refrigeration on peroxidation was seen in liquid FM. In powder FM, it increased over refrigeration (HNE opening: 6.5–9.7 µg mL–1 versus day 28, 24 h: 16.6–36.5 µg mL–1) with a significant interaction between storage time and refrigeration (P = 0.015), with higher HNE at 4 h on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe results suggest that preterm FM and storage conditions do not support in utero accretion rates for LCPUFAs. Although the results suggest different susceptibility of liquid and powder FM to peroxidation upon refrigeration, they are too preliminary to make specific recommendations. We suggest minimising storage time of fresh and prepared powder FM, wherever possible.
Effect of glycolic acid, phytic acid, soothing complex containing Emulsion on Hyperpigmentation and skin luminosity: A clinical evaluation
Authors: Houshmand Elizabeth Bahar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundImprovement in skin luminosity and dyschromia such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and actinic photodamage are leading causes for cosmetic consultation. Formulation of topical at home treatment is challenging, using a range of modalities, to help hinder or prevent inflammatory mediators without further irritating the skin. Glycolic acid is a known antioxidant; in various free acid levels, it has been introduced as a topical therapy aimed at reducing pigmentation and improving skin texture, tone, and luminosity.MethodsIn a 12‐week clinical study, a novel, topical facial emulsion containing 10% glycolic acid, 2% phytic acid, and soothing complex in emulsion was evaluated for its effectiveness in treating skin quality in American female volunteers with Fitzpatrick skin types II‐VI. Efficacy evaluations were performed at pretreatment baseline, weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12, and included expert clinical grading, and self‐assessment questionnaires. Cutaneous tolerability was also evaluated by assessing subjective and objective irritation of the treatment area.ResultsSignificant improvement in the appearance of skin PIH, hyperpigmentation, texture, and tone homogeneity was observed beginning at week 4 and continued through week 12.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the test product is well suited for at‐home skincare. It was both well‐tolerated and an effective treatment option for addressing hyperpigmentation and overall skin luminosity.
Final‐year undergraduate nursing students’ perceptions of general practice nursing: A qualitative study
Authors: Calma Kaara Ray B. , Halcomb Elizabeth , Williams Anna , McInnes Susan 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTAimTo explore final‐year nursing students’ perceptions of general practice nursing.BackgroundThe need for general practice nurses has increased due to growing demands for health care in the community. This demand is exacerbated by a shortage in the general practice nursing workforce. Understanding final‐year nursing students’ perceptions of general practice nursing is important as these may influence career choices.DesignQualitative descriptive study within a mixed methods project.MethodsTelephone interviews were conducted with sixteen final‐year nursing students. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Reporting follows the COREQ checklist.ResultsPerceptions of general practice nursing varied between participants and related to three main themes; ways of working; a broad role to meet diverse health needs; and relationships with patients. General practice nurses were seen to have stable and collaborative working relationships, with their role ranging from supporting general practitioners to being autonomous professionals. The nurse's broad role was associated with diverse presentations and was considered interesting and challenging. Participants perceived that general practice nurses had more time to spend with patients, and this helped establish trust, and facilitated patient‐centred care.ConclusionParticipants’ perceptions of general practice nursing varied, with some students recognising the diversity of the role and others perceiving it as limited. These views were often impacted by others experiences rather than personal experience. These variations underscore the need for students to receive greater exposure to general practice nursing. Review of undergraduate curricula to increase focus on preparing nursing students to work in general practice may help shape students’ interest to seek employment in this setting.Relevance to clinical practiceStudents perceptions of a clinical setting can influence their career decisions. Understanding these perceptions can inform clinicians and managers and highlight areas that may need to be addressed to promote career opportunities.
Nurse‐to‐nurse collaboration between nurses caring for older people in hospital and primary health care: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lemetti Terhi , Puukka Pauli , Stolt Minna , Suhonen Riitta 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAims and objectivesTo assess the level of nurse‐to‐nurse collaboration during the transfer of older people between hospital and primary health care and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the newly developed Nurse‐to‐Nurse Collaboration Between Sectors Instrument.BackgroundNurse‐to‐nurse collaboration is required when older people transfer between hospital and primary health care to enhance the safety and continuity of care to patients. There is a lack of evidence about the nature and level of this collaboration.DesignA cross‐sectional survey design was used. This study adhered to the STROBE checklist.MethodsA sample of 443 nurses (university hospital n = 240, primary health care n = 203) participated in the study from October 2017 to June 2018. Nurses completed the Nurse‐to‐Nurse Collaboration Between Sectors Instrument (86 items, 7–point Likert‐type scale), the Nurse‐Nurse Collaboration Scale and the Patient‐Centred Competency Scale.ResultsNurses rated the overall level of nurse‐to‐nurse collaboration moderately high (mean=4.49, standard deviation=0.83, maximum 7.00). Nurses considered collaboration an important and confidential process, gaining older people's trust in their care. Lower scores were given to the agreement of mutual objectives, policies and guidelines in collaboration, opportunities for job rotation and interacting and networking during the collaboration process. The internal consistency reliability of the newly developed instrument was acceptable.ConclusionsNurses collaborate with competence and confidentiality during the transfer of older people between care settings. However, there is a need for more opportunities to collaborate, to obtain mutual agreement about objectives, policies and practices, and better understand other nurse's roles and responsibilities in collaboration. The reliability and validity of the Nurse‐to‐Nurse Collaboration Between Sectors Instrument were acceptable though the number and wording of items will be reviewed and further tested.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses need opportunities to collaborate, and there is a need to develop agreed objectives, practices, roles and responsibilities in this collaboration.