bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of clinical quality indicators to improve lung cancer care in a regional/rural network of health services
Authors: Kim Michelle Lynne , Matheson Leigh , Garrard Brooke , Francis Michael , Broad Adam , Malone James , Eastman Peter , Rogers Margaret , Yap Cheng‐Hon 
Published: April 2019

AbstractProblemOptimal lung cancer care requires multidisciplinary team input, with access to specialised diagnostic and therapeutic services that may be limited in rural or regional areas and impact clinical outcomes. Clinical quality indicators can be used to measure the quality of care delivered to patients with lung cancer in a region and identify areas for improvement. We describe the implementation of internationally recognised clinical quality indicators for lung cancer care in the Barwon South Western region.DesignThe consensus of an expert panel was used for the selection of clinical quality indicators. The data were retrospectively collected from the Evaluation of Cancer Outcomes Barwon South West Registry, which systematically records detailed information on all new patients with cancer in the region.SettingRegion‐based health service.Key measures for improvementAdherence to clinical quality indicator targets.Strategies for changeClinical quality indicators, which fall short of the expected targets, highlight areas for improvement in the service provided to patients with lung cancer. These results have prompted changes in the service offered to these patients, such as the introduction of a multidisciplinary lung cancer clinic.Effects of changeThe multidisciplinary lung cancer clinic has streamlined the access to lung cancer services, including specialist consultations, diagnostics and therapeutic services, in a regional setting. Ongoing data collection is required to determine the effect of such changes on adherence to clinical quality indicator targets.Lessons learntThe regular monitoring of clinical quality indicators serves as a useful method of quality assurance in the care of patients with lung cancer. We expect these clinical quality indicators to also be used by other health services to analyse and improve services provided to patients with lung cancer.
Application of image‐guided navigation system for laparoscopic hepatobiliary surgery
Authors: Yasuda Jungo , Okamoto Tomoyoshi , Onda Shinji , Fujioka Shuuichi , Yanaga Katsuhiko , Suzuki Naoki , Hattori Asaki 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundTo achieve safety of the operation, preoperative simulation became a routine practice for hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HBP) surgery. The use of intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) is essential in HBP surgery. There is a limitation in the use of IOUS in laparoscopic surgery (LS), for which a new intraoperative system is expected. We have developed an image‐guided navigation system (IG‐NS) for open HBP surgery since 2006, and we have applied our system to LS. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of clinical application of IG‐NS in LS.Materials and methodsEight patients underwent LS using IG‐NS; LS consisted of cholecystectomy and hepatectomy in four patients each. After registration, the 3D models were superimposed on the surgical field. We performed LS while observing the navigation image. Moreover, we developed a support system for operations.ResultsThe average registration error was 8.8 mm for LS. Repeated registration was effective for organ deformation and improved the precision of IG‐NS. By using various countermeasures, identification of the tumor's position and the setting of the resection line became easy.ConclusionAs IG‐NS provided real‐time detailed and intuitive information, this intraoperative assist system may be an effective tool in LS.
Erlotinib treatment induces cytochrome P450 3A activity in non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Svedberg Anna , Vikingsson Svante , Vikström Anders , Hornstra Niels , Kentson Magnus , Branden Eva , Koyi Hirsh , Bergman Bengt , Gréen Henrik 
Published: April 2019

AimsErlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer highly metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A. Hence, CYP3A4 activity might be a useful predictor of erlotinib pharmacokinetics in personalized medicine. The effect of erlotinib on CYP3A activity was therefore studied in non‐small cell lung cancer patients.MethodsThe study included 32 patients scheduled for erlotinib monotherapy. CYP3A activity was assessed using quinine as a probe before and during erlotinib treatment. Plasma from blood samples drawn 16 hours post quinine administration were analysed using HPLC with fluorescence detection to determine the quinine/3‐OH‐quinine ratio.ResultsMatched samples, available from 13 patients, showed an induction of CYP3A activity (P = 0.003, Wilcoxon's signed rank test) after 2 months of treatment. The quinine/3‐OH‐quinine ratio decreased from 20.2 (± 13.4) at baseline to 11.0 (± 4.34). Single‐point samples, available from 19 patients, supported the decrease in ratio (P = 0.007, Mann–Whitney U‐test).Generally, females had a higher CYP3A activity both at baseline and after two months of treatment. Statistical analysis by gender also showed significant increase in CYP3A activity (males, n = 10, P = 0.001, and females, n = 22, P = 0.001).ConclusionsAn induction of CYP3A activity was observed after 2 months of erlotinib treatment which was also seen when subdividing based on gender. It could be important to take this into consideration for patients co‐administering other CYP3A‐metabolizing drugs during erlotinib treatment and also makes it difficult to use baseline CYP3A activity to predict erlotinib pharmacokinetics.
Model‐free and kinetic modelling approaches for characterising non‐equilibrium pharmacological pathway activity: Internalisation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors
Authors: Zhu Xiao , Finlay David B. , Glass Michelle , Duffull Stephen B. 
Published: April 2019

Background and PurposeReceptor internalisation is by nature kinetic. Application of a standard equilibrium dose response model to describe the properties of a ligand inducing internalisation, while commonly used, are therefore problematic. Here, we propose two quantitative approaches to address this issue—(a) a model‐free method and (b) a kinetic modelling approach—and systematically evaluate the performance of these methods against traditional equilibrium methods to characterise the internalisation profiles of cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists.Experimental ApproachKinetic internalisation assays were conducted using a concentration series of six CB1 receptor ligands. Internalisation rate analysis and snapshot equilibrium analysis were performed. A model‐free method was developed based on the mean residence time of internalisation. A kinetic internalisation model was developed under the quasi‐steady state assumption.Key ResultsRates of receptor internalisation depended on both agonist and concentration. Agonist potencies from snapshot equilibrium analysis increased with stimulation time, and there was no single time point at which internalisation profiles could infer agonist properties in a comparative manner. The model‐free method yielded a time‐invariant measure of potency/efficacy for internalisation. The kinetic model adequately described the internalisation of CB1 receptors over time and provided robust estimates of both potency and efficacy.Conclusion and ImplicationsApplying equilibrium analysis to a non‐equilibrium pathway cannot provide a reliable estimate of agonist potency. Both the model‐free and kinetic modelling approaches characterised the internalisation profiles of CB1 receptor agonists. The kinetic model provides additional advantages as a method to capture changes in receptor number during other functional assays.
Whole‐exome sequencing identified ARL2 as a novel candidate gene for MRCS (microcornea, rod‐cone dystrophy, cataract, and posterior staphyloma) syndrome
Authors: Cai Xue‐Bi , Wu Kun‐Chao , Zhang Xiao , Lv Ji‐Neng , Jin Guang‐Hui , Xiang Lue , Chen Jie , Huang Xiu‐Feng , Pan Deng , Lu Bin , Lu Fan , Qu Jia , Jin Zi‐Bing 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAdenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐ribosylation factor‐like 2 (ARL2) protein participates in a broad range of cellular processes and acts as a mediator for mutant ARL2BP in cilium‐associated retinitis pigmentosa and for mutant HRG4 in mitochondria‐related photoreceptor degeneration. However, mutant ARL2 has not been linked to any human disease so far. Here, we identified a de novo variant in ARL2 (c.44G > T, p.R15L) in a Chinese pedigree with MRCS (microcornea, rod‐cone dystrophy, cataract, and posterior staphyloma) syndrome through whole‐exome sequencing and co‐segregation analysis. Co‐immunoprecipitation assay and immunoblotting confirmed that the mutant ARL2 protein showed a 62% lower binding affinity for HRG4 while a merely 18% lower binding affinity for ARL2BP. Immunofluorescence images of ARL2 and HRG4 co‐localizing with cytochrome c in HeLa cells described their relationship with mitochondria. Further analyses of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and adenosine triphosphate production showed significant abnormalities under an ARL2‐mutant condition. Finally, we generated transgenic mice to test the pathogenicity of this variant and observed retinal degeneration complicated with microcornea and cataract that were similar to those in our patients. In conclusion, we uncover ARL2 as a novel candidate gene for MRCS syndrome and suggest a mitochondria‐related mechanism of the first ARL2 variant through site‐directed mutagenesis studies.
Whole‐exome sequencing revealed a nonsense mutation in STKLD1 causing non‐syndromic pre‐axial polydactyly type A affecting only upper limb
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Bilal Muhammad , Ali Raja H. , Alhaddad Bader , Ahmad Farooq , Abdullah  , Haack Tobias B. , Alfadhel Majid , Ansar Muhammad , Meitinger Thomas , Ahmad Wasim 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPre‐axial polydactyly (PPD) is characterized by well‐developed non‐functional 1st digit (thumb) duplication in hands and/or feet. It is mostly inherited in autosomal dominant manner. In the present study, two families of Pakistani origin, demonstrating unilateral PPD type A, have been characterized at clinical and genetic levels. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) revealed a nonsense mutation (c.84C > A, p.Tyr28*) in the STKLD1, located on chromosome 9q34.2, in affected individuals of both the families. Our findings report the first direct involvement of the STKLD1 in the digit development and highlight the importance of inclusion of this gene for screening individuals presenting non‐syndromic recessive PPD.
Deciphering role of FGFR signalling pathway in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kang Xiaodiao , Lin Zeng , Xu Minhui , Pan Jun , Wang Zhi‐wei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRecently, fibroblast growth factors are identified to play a vital role in the development and progression of human pancreatic cancer. FGF pathway is critical involved in numerous cellular processes through regulation of its downstream targets, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. In this review article, we describe recent advances of FGFR signalling pathway in pancreatic carcinogenesis and progression. Moreover, we highlight the available chemical inhibitors of FGFR pathway for potential treatment of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, we discuss whether targeting FGFR pathway is a novel therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer clinical management.
A single semi‐synthetic diet with improved antimicrobial activity for mass rearing of lepidopteran insect pests of cotton and maize
Authors: Nair Rupa V. , Kulye Mahesh Sakharam , Kamath Subray P. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractHelicoverpa armigera (Hübner), Earias vittella (Fabricius), Spodoptera litura (Fabricius), Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (all Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), and Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) are the major pests of cotton and maize. Mass‐rearing of these insects under controlled conditions is necessary to obtain the numbers needed to conduct bioassays to screen insecticides, proteins, and other compounds, as tools for insect pest management. We present a diet suitable for rearing the six lepidopteran pests (five cotton and one maize pest). We further show that this diet is on par with or superior to the published diet recipes for each of the insect species, which were studied for three generations. We also discuss the advantages of antimicrobials other than formalin for keeping microbial growth under check. A combination of antimicrobial solution and benomyl provided effective control and suppressed the growth of microbes for a longer period than a formalin‐containing diet. A common diet for six pests provide opportunities for automation of diet preparation in addition to improved throughput and consistency in the process, while eliminating diet‐batch related errors.
Duration and sequence of muscular activation in dentate individuals and complete denture wearers during simulation of activities of daily living
Authors: Cosme‐Trindade Dúcia C. , Baldisserotto Simone M. , Loss Jefferson F. , Shinkai Rosemary S. A. 
Published: April 2019

Occlusal support may influence muscular function during complex motor tasks. This study evaluated the duration and sequence of muscular activation of masticatory (temporal, masseter), postural head/neck (sternocleidomastoid, trapezius), postural trunk (rectus abdominis, paravertebrals), and low extremity strength (rectus femoris, gastrocnemius) muscles during simulation of activities of daily living (ADL) in edentulous women wearing complete dentures (n = 10) and in dentate women (n = 10). Electromyographic activity was recorded during tests of stand‐up/sit down in the Chair, sit up/lie down in the Bed and lift/lower Bags. Occlusal support (dentures) had a significant effect on duration of muscular activation in the Chair Test: the masseter muscle activated longer with dentures during the standing movement. The masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscles showed significant alteration in their order of activation in non‐denture‐wearing women. For the Bed Test, dentures had significant effect for the gastrocnemius during the sitting‐up phase and for the rectus abdominis during the lying‐down movement. For the Bag Test, head/neck muscles were activated in a different order as a function of occlusal support. Anticipation of activation of the paravertebral muscles, rectus abdominis, and gastrocnemius was observed in dentate women compared with denture wearers. These findings suggest that occlusal support influences electromyographic activity of some muscles during simulation of ADL.
Global mapping of cost‐effective microalgal biofuel production areas with minimal environmental impact
Authors: Correa Diego F. , Beyer Hawthorne L. , Possingham Hugh P. , Thomas‐Hall Skye R. , Schenk Peer M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSustainable alternatives to fossil fuels are urgently needed to avoid severe climate impacts and further environmental degradation. Microalgae are one of the most productive crops globally and do not need to compete for arable land or freshwater resources. Hence, they may become a promising, more sustainable cultivation alternative for the large‐scale production of biofuels provided that substantial reductions are achieved in their production costs. In this study, we identify the most suitable areas globally for siting microalgal farms for biodiesel production that maximize profitability and minimize direct competition with food production and direct impacts on biodiversity, based on a spatially explicit multiple‐criteria decision analysis. We further explore the relationships between microalgal production, agricultural value, and biodiversity, and propose several solutions for siting microalgal production farms, based on current and future targets in energy production using integer linear programming. If using seawater for microalgal cultivation, biodiesel production could reach 5.85 × 1011 L/year based on top suitable lands (i.e., between 13% and 16% of total transport energy demands in 2030) without directly competing with food production and areas of high biodiversity value. These areas are particularly abundant in the dry coasts of North and East Africa, the Middle East, and western South America. This is the first global analysis that incorporates economic and environmental feasibility for microalgal production sites. Our results can guide the selection of best locations for biofuel production using microalgae while minimizing conflicts with food production and biodiversity conservation.
“I was worried if I don’t have a broken leg they might not take it seriously”: Experiences of men accessing ambulance services for mental health and/or alcohol and other drug problems
Authors: Ferguson Nyssa , Savic Michael , McCann Terence V. , Emond Kate , Sandral Emma , Smith Karen , Roberts Louise , Bosley Emma , Lubman Dan I. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundA large proportion of ambulance callouts are for men with mental health and/or alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems, but little is known about their experiences of care. This study aimed to describe men's experiences of ambulance care for mental health and/or AOD problems, and factors that influence their care.MethodsInterviews were undertaken with 30 men who used an ambulance service for mental health and/or AOD problems in Australia. Interviews were analysed using the Framework approach to thematic analysis.ResultsThree interconnected themes were abstracted from the data: (a) professionalism and compassion, (b) communication and (c) handover to emergency department staff. Positive experiences often involved paramedics communicating effectively and conveying compassion throughout the episode of care. Conversely, negative experiences often involved a perceived lack of professionalism, and poor communication, especially at handover to emergency department staff.ConclusionIncreased training and organizational measures may be needed to enhance paramedics' communication when providing care to men with mental health and/or AOD problems.
Comparative study on quality characteristics of pickled and fermented sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) meat in retort cooking
Authors: Zhu Lulu , Yang Fang , Gao Pei , Yu Dawei , Yu Peipei , Jiang Qixing , Xu Yanshun , Xia Wenshui 
Published: April 2019

SummarySturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) meat has not been fully utilised due to quality defects which were raised by Chinese sturgeon processing industry. This study was aimed to develop a high‐quality sturgeon meat product and the effect of fermentation on qualities was studied. Results showed that fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae could enhance ‘mushroom’, ‘fruity’ and ‘chocolate’ flavour by 1‐octen‐3‐ol, ethyl acetate and 3‐methyl‐butanal; and enrich flavour through mild lipid oxidation and hydrolysis. In addition, fermentation could give an attractive colour with higher a*, b* and L* value. Texture properties were also improved with higher hardness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness. Higher free amino acids, TCA‐soluble peptides and taste score in fermented sturgeon meat indicated better flavour and taste. The organoleptic evaluation suggested an overall satisfactory of wine‐aroma sturgeon meat by fermentation with S. cerevisiae.
A novel 223 kb deletion in the beta‐globin gene cluster was identified in a Chinese thalassemia major patient
Authors: Zhu Fei , Wei Xiaofeng , Cai Decheng , Pang Dejian , Zhong Jianmei , Liang Min , Zuo Yangjin , Xu Xiangmin , Shang Xuan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionAlthough mutations in the human beta‐globin gene cluster are essentially point mutations, several large deletions have been described in recent years.MethodsWe have identified a novel 223 kb deletion in a Chinese patient by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification and characterized it by next‐generation sequencing, Gap‐PCR, and DNA sequence analysis.ResultsThe deletion extends from the 3′UTR of the δ globin gene (HBD) to 215 kb downstream of the HBB. Compound heterozygous with the typical β‐thalassemia—CD41‐42(‐CTTT) mutation, the proband presented with microcytosis and hypochromic red cells, and required regulate transfusion. The patient was clinically diagnosed with thalassemia major.ConclusionOur study widens the mutation spectrum of β‐thalassemia. In addition, this case may spark future studies of the regulatory regions of the beta‐globin gene cluster.
Factors influencing psychological insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Yu Ji Hyeon , Kim Hye Young , Kim Sung Reul , Ko Eun , Jin Heung Yong 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimsThis descriptive, exploratory, correlational analysis investigated patients with type 2 diabetes and their diabetes knowledge, depression, diabetes‐management self‐efficacy, and social support and sought to determine the effects of these factors on psychological insulin resistance among type 2 diabetes patients in South Korea.MethodsThis descriptive cross‐sectional study included 136 patients with type 2 diabetes who visited an endocrinology clinic. A structured questionnaire and electronic medical records were used to collect data regarding demographic and disease‐related characteristics as well as scores on the Diabetes Knowledge Tests, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Diabetes Management Self‐efficacy Scale, Social Support Scale, and Psychological Insulin Resistance Scale, between September and December 2017. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t‐tests, a one‐way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression.ResultsThe total score for psychological insulin resistance was 60.92 ± 14.75 of a maximum of 90. Stepwise multiple regression showed that diabetes knowledge, diabetes‐management self‐efficacy, social support, absence of diabetes complications, and depression explained 38.6% of the variance in psychological insulin resistance.ConclusionDiabetes knowledge was found to have the largest influence on psychological insulin resistance, followed by social support, absence of complications, depression, and diabetes‐management self‐efficacy. Development of interventions that consider all these factors is required, and the effects of such interventions should be tested through further research.
Heat‐cured concrete: Improving the early strength and pore structure by activating aluminosilicate internal curing agent with triisopropanolamine
Authors: Liu Chen , Liu Yunpeng , Liu Zhichao , Hu Chuanlin , Huang Xiao , Yang Lu , Wang Fazhou 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAlthough heat‐cured concrete (HCC) has received extensive research interests in recent years, it still suffers from problems including coarsened microstructure, low cement hydration degrees, etc, which limited its application. Some of these problems can be solved by internal curing method resulting in low early strength of HCC and low‐production efficiency. This study addressed this issue by activating the aluminosilicate internal curing agent (lightweight fine aggregate, LWFA) with triisopropanolamine (TIPA). The results indicated that more Al3+ and Fe3+ ions were dissolved from LWFA by TIPA, which assisted the formation of hydrates with cement ions in interfacial transition zone (ITZ), and enhanced the density of ITZ in the early stage. The introduction of TIPA was found to increase the early compressive strength of HCC, by approximately 15.3%, 25.9% and 28.0%, respectively for the cement cured for 1, 3, and 7 days compared with control samples. Moreover, the results of rapid chloride migration and water absorption depth also suggested that coupling the aluminosilicate internal curing agent with TIPA improved the pore structure of HCC.