bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers to the release of human tissue for clinical trials research in the UK: a national survey of cellular pathology laboratories on behalf of the National Cancer Research Institute’s Cellular Molecular Pathology (CM-Path) initiative
Authors: Macklin Philip S , Hall Andrew , Lee Jessica , Hair Jane , Speirs Valerie , Thomas Gareth J , Oien Karin A , Verrill Clare 
Published: October 2018

AimTo survey UK cellular pathology departments regarding their attitudes and practices relating to release of human tissue from their diagnostic archives for use in clinical trial research.MethodsA 30-item questionnaire was circulated to the National Cancer Research Institute’s Cellular Molecular Pathology initiative and Confederation of Cancer Biobanks mailing lists. Responses were collected over a 10-month period from November 2016 to August 2017.Results38 departments responded to the survey, the majority of which regularly receive requests for tissue for research purposes. Most requests come from academia and financial support to facilitate tissue release comes from a variety of sources. A range of practices were reported in relation to selection of the most appropriate sample to release, consent checking, costing and governance frameworks.ConclusionsThis survey demonstrates wide variation in practice across the UK and identifies barriers to release of human tissue for clinical trial research. Until we can overcome these obstacles, patient samples will remain inaccessible to research. Therefore, this study highlights the urgent need for clear and coordinated national guidance on this issue.
Genotype and Lifetime Burden of Disease in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ho Carolyn Y. , Day Sharlene M. , Ashley Euan A. , Michels Michelle , Pereira Alexandre C. , Jacoby Daniel , Cirino Allison L. , Fox Jonathan C. , Lakdawala Neal K. , Ware James S. , Caleshu Colleen A. , Helms Adam S. , Colan Steven D. , Girolami Francesca , Cecchi Franco , Seidman Christine E. , Sajeev Gautam , Signorovitch James , Green Eric M. , Olivotto Iacopo ,   For the SHaRe Investigators
Published: October 2018

Background:
A better understanding of the factors that contribute to heterogeneous outcomes and lifetime disease burden in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is critically needed to improve patient management and outcomes. The SHaRe registry (Sarcomeric Human Cardiomyopathy Registry) was established to provide the scale of data required to address these issues, aggregating longitudinal data sets curated by 8 international HCM specialty centers.

Methods:
Data on 4591 patients with HCM (2763 genotyped) followed up for a mean of 5.4±6.9 years (24 791 patient-years; median, 2.9 years; interquartile range, 0.3–7.9 years) were analyzed for cardiac arrest, cardiac transplantation, appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy, all-cause death, atrial fibrillation, stroke, New York Heart Association functional class III/IV symptoms (all making up the overall composite end point), and left ventricular ejection fraction <35%. Outcomes were analyzed individually and as composite end points.

Results:
Median age at diagnosis was 45.8 (interquartile range, 30.9–58.1) years, and 37% of patients were female. Age at diagnosis and sarcomere mutation status were predictive of outcomes. Patients <40 years old at diagnosis had a 77% (95% CI, 72–80) cumulative incidence of the overall composite outcome by 60 years of age compared with 32% (95% CI, 29–36) by 70 years of age for patients diagnosed at >60 years old. Young patients with HCM (age, 20–29 years) had 4-fold higher mortality than the general US population at a similar age. Patients with pathogenic/likely pathogenic sarcomere mutations had a 2-fold greater risk for adverse outcomes compared with patients without mutations; sarcomere variants of uncertain significance were associated with intermediate risk. Heart failure and atrial fibrillation were the most prevalent adverse events, although typically not emerging for several years after diagnosis. Ventricular arrhythmias occurred in 32% (95% CI, 23–40) of patients <40 years of age at diagnosis but in 1% (95% CI, 1–2) of those >60 years old at diagnosis.

Conclusions:
The cumulative burden of HCM is substantial and dominated by heart failure and atrial fibrillation occurring many years after diagnosis. Young age at diagnosis and the presence of a sarcomere mutation are powerful predictors of adverse outcomes. These findings highlight the need for close surveillance throughout life and the need to develop disease-modifying therapies.
Siberia
Authors: Glants Musya 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
A growing dissatisfaction with second-rate status, i.e. with the ideological stigma of being Jewish, brought many personal changes. For my husband and me, for example, the decision to move to Siberia, where, thanks to geographical remoteness, the rules were less stringent, granted us a respite and a chance to overcome the boundaries of national and ethnic inequality.
Simulating a patient’s pathway through a new surgical facility: a method to promote hospital safety in resource-poor settings
Authors: Brueton Valerie , Brueton Richard 
Published: October 2018

Improving hospital safety is challenging in resource-poor countries. Before a new hospital opened in Malawi, we simulated a patient’s pathway from admission to discharge, through which we identified associated administrative and clinical activities. Newly recruited hospital personnel enacted the simulation: admission procedures; preoperative clinical assessment; patient preparation for theatre and surgery; safety checks of surgical and anaesthetic equipment; adherence to aseptic technique; postoperative care; and hospital discharge. Hospital personnel were familiar with their clinical and administrative roles. Some essential equipment required repair/recalibration. Additional supplies of oxygen, nitrous oxide and anaesthetic drugs were needed. Policies requiring clarification, forms requiring amendment and general maintenance tasks for completion were identified. The simulation exercise identified areas for safety improvement and thus could be replicated to promote hospital safety elsewhere.
Advance Care Planning for frail older adults: Findings on costs in a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Overbeek Anouk , Polinder Suzanne , Haagsma Juanita , Billekens Pascalle , de Nooijer Kim , Hammes Bernard J , Muliaditan Daniel , van der Heide Agnes , Rietjens Judith AC , Korfage Ida J 
Published: October 2018

Background: Advance Care Planning aims at improving alignment of care with patients’ preferences. This may affect costs of medical care. Aim: To determine the costs of an Advance Care Planning programme and its effects on the costs of medical care and on concordance of care with patients’ preferences. Design/settings/participants: In a cluster randomised trial, 16 residential care homes were randomly allocated to the intervention group, where frail, older participants were offered facilitated Advance Care Planning conversations or to the control group. We calculated variable costs of Advance Care Planning per participant including personnel and travel costs of facilitators. Furthermore, we assessed participants’ healthcare use during 12 months applying a broad perspective (including medical care, inpatient days in residential care homes, home care) and calculated costs of care per participant. Finally, we investigated whether treatment goals were in accordance with preferences. Analyses were conducted for 97 participants per group. Trial registration number: NTR4454. Results: Average variable Advance Care Planning costs were €76 per participant. The average costs of medical care were not significantly different between the intervention and control group (€2360 vs €2235, respectively, p = 0.36). Costs of inpatient days in residential care homes (€41,551 vs €46,533) and of home care (€14,091 vs €17,361) were not significantly different either. Concordance of care with preferences could not be assessed since treatment goals were often not recorded. Conclusion: The costs of an Advance Care Planning programme were limited. Advance Care Planning did not significantly affect the costs of medical care for frail older adults.
High pretreatment plasma D-dimer levels are associated with shorter overall survival in patients with small cell lung cancer
Authors: Fan Shanshan , Zhao Guanfei , An Guangyu 
Published: October 2018

Objective To investigate the relationship between pretreatment plasma D-dimer levels and survival in Chinese patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods This retrospective study enrolled 82 patients with SCLC treated at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2012 to January 2015. All patients were followed up. Associations between pretreatment plasma D-dimer levels measured by immunoturbidimetric assay and clinical outcomes were analyzed by Kaplan–Meier and multivariate analyses, using a cut-off level of 0.55 mg/L fibrinogen equivalent units (FEU). Results Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly higher in patients with low D-dimer levels (≤0.55 mg/L FEU; 8.0 and 17.0 months, respectively) compared with patients with high levels (>0.55 mg/L FEU; 5.0 and 9.0 months, respectively). Plasma D-dimer levels, Karnofsky performance status, N stage, TNM stage, treatment, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels were significantly associated with PFS, while D-dimer levels, N stage, TNM stage, and treatment were significantly associated with OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that TNM stage, treatment, and NSE levels were independently associated with PFS, while D-dimer levels and treatment were independently associated with OS. Conclusions Pretreatment plasma D-dimer levels were independently associated with OS in patients with SCLC.
Comparison of postoperative lymphocytes and interleukins between laparoscopy-assisted and open radical gastrectomy for early gastric cancer
Authors: Xia Xiang , Zhang Zizhen , Xu Jia , Zhao Gang , Yu Fengrong 
Published: October 2018

Objective This study aimed to study the effects of laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy (LAG) and open radical gastrectomy (OG) on immune function and inflammatory factors in patients with early gastric cancer. Methods Seventy-five patients with pT1N0M0 gastric cancer in Ren Ji Hospital from August 2017 to January 2018 were studied. Lymphocytes subsets and interleukins were compared preoperatively and on the third postoperative day (POD3) and seventh postoperative day (POD7). Results There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, duration of the operation, estimated blood loss, total gastrectomy rate, postoperative first fluid diet, and the levels of preoperative lymphocytes subsets and interleukins between the two groups. The number of CD4+ T cells and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the LAG group were significantly higher than those in the OG group on POD3. However, the number of CD8+ T cells, and interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 levels in the LAG group were significantly lower than those in the OG group on POD3. Conclusions Laparoscopy can effectively reduce the levels of inflammatory factors and has less effect on the immune system than OG.
Effect of pre-administration with aminophylline on the occurrence of post-dural puncture headache in women undergoing caesarean section by combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia
Authors: Yang Chao-Jie , Chen Tao , Ni Xin , Yu Wan-You , Wang Wei 
Published: October 2018

Objective To investigate the effect of the pre-administration with aminophylline on the occurrence of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in women undergoing caesarean section by combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia (CSEA). Methods The study enrolled women undergoing elective caesarean sections with CSEA and randomly allocated them into two groups; for 30 min immediately after the infant was delivered, group A received 250 mg aminophylline intravenously and group B received an equal volume of normal saline. Demographic data, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative transfusion volume and the occurrence of PDPH during the first 7 days after the operation were recorded. Side-effects such as hypersensitivity, convulsion and arrhythmia were also recorded in the patients and infants in group A within 24 h after aminophylline administration. Results A total of 120 patients aged 24–38 years (pregnancy range, 38–42 weeks) were randomly allocated into two groups ( n = 60). The incidence of PDPH in group A was significantly lower than group C (two of 59 [3.4%] versus 10 of 58 [17.2%], respectively). There were no related side-effects within 24 h after aminophylline administration in group A. Conclusions Intraoperative intravenous infusion of 250 mg aminophylline reduced the incidence of PDPH after caesarean section under CSEA with no side-effects.
The postentry performance of business groups’ new venture affiliates
Authors: Chen Chien-Nan , Tien Chengli , Gan Bernard 
Published: September 2018

Using resource dependence theory, this study examines the determinants of firm performance among business groups’ new venture affiliates using a sample of 1512 new venture affiliates associated with 104 large-sized business groups in Taiwan. The empirical findings reveal that improved affiliate postentry performance is linked to the relative size of a business group’s new venture affiliate and the level of autonomy inherent in decision-making. Furthermore, when the product market of a new venture affiliate is resource-related to its affiliated business group’s main business, this affiliate may benefit from resource relatedness with an improved return on equity. JEL Classification: M10, M16, M38
Lower Bone Density on Preoperative Computed Tomography Predicts Periprosthetic Fracture Risk in Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Cody Elizabeth A. , Lachman James R. , Gausden Elizabeth B. , Nunley James A. , Easley Mark E. 
Published: September 2018

Background: The effect of bone mineral density (BMD) on outcomes from total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has not been studied. BMD can be estimated by measuring Hounsfield units (HU) on standard computed tomography (CT), which is frequently performed prior to TAA. We aimed to identify whether tibial and talar HU measured from preoperative CT scans were associated with periprosthetic fracture or revision risk in patients undergoing TAA. Methods: A prospectively collected database was used to retrospectively screen all patients undergoing primary TAA. Only patients with a preoperative CT within 1 year of surgery were included. Primary outcomes were periprosthetic fracture and prosthetic revision. HU were measured on axial CT cuts in the distal tibia and talus. Additional patient factors analyzed included age, sex, weight, body mass index (BMI), tobacco use, presence of rheumatoid arthritis, and preoperative deformity. A total of 198 ankles were included, with a mean 2.4 years of follow-up. Results: There were 7 intraoperative and 9 postoperative periprosthetic fractures (3.5% and 4.5%, respectively). Seven patients (3.5%) underwent prosthetic removal or revision. Lower tibial and talar HU, lower weight, and lower BMI were associated with periprosthetic fractures ( P < .05). After controlling for age, sex, and weight, only tibial HU was significantly associated with periprosthetic fracture ( P = .018). All intraoperative fractures occurred in patients with tibial HU less than 200. None of the patient factors analyzed were associated with revision. Conclusions: Lower tibial HU on preoperative CT was strongly associated with periprosthetic fracture risk with TAA. In patients with tibial HU less than 200, surgeons may consider prophylactic internal fixation of the medial malleolus. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Inadvertent inferior oblique extirpation during orbital decompression
Authors: Karimi Nasser , Kashkouli Mohsen Bahmani , Sanjari Mostafa Soltan , Sianati Hamed , Sharepour Maria , Ali Hadi 
Published: October 2018

Purpose: To report a case of inadvertent inferior oblique extirpation during orbital decompression, its management, and postoperative result. Methods: A 38-year-old female with thyroid eye disease underwent cosmetic right orbital decompression during whichinferior oblique extirpation was noticed. Result: The muscle was repaired on the same session (illustrated in the article) with no postoperative diplopia at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: Inferior oblique injury should be considered among the uncommon yet important complications of orbital decompression. It can be easily found and repaired in the same session as demonstrated in this case report.
There is a worm in my eye! Ocular dirofilariasis
Authors: Montesel Andrea , Bendinelli Anna , Figus Michele , Posarelli Chiara 
Published: October 2018

Introduction: To report a case of ocular dirofilariasis in Central Italy (Pisa, Tuscany) and review the previous cases of ocular dirofilariasis reported in Italy. Case description: A 67-year-old man complained about recurrent ocular redness and discomfort previously treated as conjunctivitis. The slit-lamp examination showed a round, translucent cystic swelling under the bulbar conjunctiva of the right eye, near the lateral canthus. Inside this lesion was observed the presence of a motile worm. A surgical procedure was immediately performed, excising a thin, segmented, greyish worm identified as Dirofilaria repens. After the excision, no recurrence of the symptomatology was recorded. Conclusion: Ocular dirofilariasis can lead to misdiagnosis due to its rare ocular manifestations and it is considered an emergent zoonosis in European countries. In Italy from 2001 to January 2018, seven new cases were reported in the literature. In our opinion, it is critical to record all the new cases to assess the epidemiological situation and increase the awareness of this rare infection.
PM2.5 levels strongly associate with multiple sclerosis prevalence in the Province of Padua, Veneto Region, North-East Italy
Authors: Tateo Fabio , Grassivaro Francesca , Ermani Mario , Puthenparampil Marco , Gallo Paolo 
Published: October 2018

Background: Incidence and prevalence trends of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Province of Padua, North-East Italy, suggest that environmental factors may be associated with increased MS risk. Objective: To investigate the association of PM2.5 with MS prevalence in one of the most polluted geographical area of Italy. Methods: In total, 1435 Italian MS patients residing in the Province of Padua were enrolled. The province surface was classified into urban areas, isolated villages, industrialized places, and countryside. Satellite-derived dust-free and sea salt-free PM2.5 concentrations (annual average 1998–2015, μg/m3) allowed the identification of 18 classes of territorial sections with statistically evaluable numbers of inhabitants. Possible correlations between residential locality types, PM2.5 concentrations, and MS prevalence were investigated. Results: MS prevalence was significantly ( p < 0.0001) higher in urban areas (ranging from 219 in Padua City to 169/100,000 in other urban areas) compared to isolated villages (116/100,000) or rural domains (109/100,000) and strongly correlated with the annual average concentration of PM2.5 ( r = 0.81, p < 0.001). Regression analysis further associated MS cases with PM.2.5 average concentration ( β = 0.11, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In the Province of Padua, MS prevalence is strongly associated with PM2.5 exposure suggesting that air pollutants may be one of the possible environmental risk factors for MS.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use is Associated With Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Peng Yen-Chun , Lin Cheng-Li , Hsu Wan-Yun , Lu I-Ta , Yeh Hong-Zen , Chang Chi-Sen , Kao Chia-Hung 
Published: October 2018

Purpose: To investigate the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and the risk of pancreatic cancer. Methods: A nested case–control analysis was conducted. Patients with pancreas cancer were matched with controls by propensity score. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine whether PPIs use affected the risk of pancreas cancer. Dose effect was analyzed based on the cumulative defined daily dose (DDD), which was calculated using the total supply of PPIs to individual patients in terms of days and quantity. Results: A total of 1087 patients with pancreas cancer were matched with 1087 control patients from the database. The overall adjusted odds ratio (OR) of PPI use associated with pancreas cancer was 1.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-2.05). Dose analysis by cumulative DDD, based on all types of PPI combined, revealed a lower adjusted OR of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.64-1.33) for those on <30 cumulative DDD compared with those on ≥150 cumulative DDD, whose adjusted OR was 2.19 (95% CI, 1.68-2.85). Compared with PPI nonusers, the risks of pancreas cancer were: OR 0.89 (95% CI, 0.62-1.27) for patients using PPI <30 days and 2.22 (95% CI, 1.68-2.94) for ≥150 days. Conclusions: Risk of pancreas cancer was associated with PPI use in patients with peptic ulcer diseases or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The experience of dental practices that use automatic washer disinfectors
Authors: Stankiewicz Nikolai 
Published: September 2018

Background: Understanding the collective sociotechnical experiences of the staff in dental practices with automatic washer disinfectors (AWDs) may help shape future strategies that encourage the transition towards best practice in dental instrument decontamination and reprocessing. Objectives: To find the emerging themes that reflect the experience of working with an AWD in dental practice. To compare the experience of practice owners to that of the dental nurses. Methods: A qualitative semi-structured interview-based methodology was applied using a convenience sample of dentists and dental nurses. Verbatim transcripts of audio recordings underwent thematic analysis. Results: Dental practice owners and dental nurses were interviewed. Four themes were common to both groups: impact on daily routine; mundane technology; the decontamination cycle; and safety. Three themes were unique to the dentists: impact on the business; professionalism; and external motivators for change. Discussion: AWDs are a mundane form of technology that dental nurses find simple to operate. The extended time it takes to reprocess instruments using an AWD means that dental nurses must adapt their daily working practices to accommodate this. Initial funding to purchase an AWD, especially where there is a professional expert leading a campaign championing their use, can be effective.
The lived experience of motor recovery of elbow flexion following Oberlin nerve transfer: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Brown Hazel , Johnson Kathryn , Gilbert Anthony , Quick Tom J 
Published: October 2018

Introduction Nerve injuries to the upper trunk, lateral cord and musculocutaneous nerve can result in the loss of active biceps contraction. Oberlin nerve transfer surgery is often performed to re-animate the biceps muscle. Outcome studies following this surgery almost exclusively focus on muscle strength. To date, no research has focused on the lived experience of motor recovery following Oberlin nerve transfer. Methods A focus group discussion ( n = 6) allowed participants to give their accounts of successful restoration of active elbow flexion. Qualitative analysis of the transcript identified ‘significant statements’ which were used to generate themes and capture participants’ lived experience. Results Four main themes were identified as being important components of the lived experience: ‘pain’, ‘patience and positive thought’, ‘functionality and daily lifestyle’ and ‘the biceps muscle’ itself. Each theme was identified to have several subthemes and constituent parts. Conclusions The lived experience of motor recovery is complex, multifaceted and individual to the patient. This study has identified areas where clinicians may be able to better tailor their care to the individual and suggested adjuncts to therapy have been included.