bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The adsorption of dabigatran is as efficient as addition of idarucizumab to neutralize the drug in routine coagulation assays
Authors: Jacquemin M. , Toelen J. , Feyen L. , Schoeters J. , Van Horenbeeck I. , Vanlinthout I. , Debasse M. , Vanassche T. , Peerlinck K. , Verhamme P. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran interferes with thrombophilia screening and with the diagnosis of hemostasis disorders that develop during treatment with the anticoagulant. In vitro addition of idarucizumab, a humanized antibody fragment that binds dabigatran, to plasma samples containing dabigatran fully neutralizes the drug. This study was carried out to determine whether binding of dabigatran on selected insoluble commercial adsorbent material, DOAC‐STOPR, was as efficient as idarucizumab to neutralize the anticoagulant activity of the drug in vitro.MethodsCoagulation assays sensitive to dabigatran were carried out with patient and control plasma samples spiked with dabigatran and supplemented with idarucizumab or incubated with adsorbent material.ResultsIn samples containing upto 10 000 ng/mL dabigatran, the adsorption procedure was at least as efficient as the addition of idarucizumab to neutralize the activity of the anticoagulant drug. Neither the adsorption procedure nor the addition of idarucizumab did impair routine coagulation assays carried out with plasma devoid of dabigatran, such as the activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, fibrinogen Clauss, and the thrombophilia screening assays used to detect antiphospholipid antibodies or activated protein C resistance. In addition, the adsorption procedure did not interfere with the detection of lupus anticoagulant samples.ConclusionsAdsorption of dabigatran in plasma samples containing the drug neutralizes its activity as efficiently as the addition of idarucizumab. This method allows the evaluation of thrombophilia markers without interruption of anticoagulation therapy or the detection of hemostasis disorders in patients treated with the drug.
Knowledge expectations of orthopaedic patients
Authors: Cano‐Plans Sara , Lacueva‐Pérez Laia , Cabrera Esther , Zabalegui Adelaida 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimTo describe and compare knowledge expectations and received knowledge in elective orthopaedic surgery patients.BackgroundPopulation aging, increasing incidence of osteoarthritis, the growing number of surgical procedures, and reduced clinical stays underline the need for a new approach to patient education.DesignThis study has a descriptive, comparative design.MethodsData were collected from 263 patients who had total hip and knee replacement elective surgery during 3 years (2009‐2012) in 5 public hospitals in Spain. The Knowledge Expectation of Hospital Patients and the Received Knowledge of Hospital Patients Scales were used to collect data. The questionnaires were filled before hospital admission, at discharge and at follow‐up 6 to 7 months later.ResultsSurgical patients received less knowledge than they expected. Patients' expectations were only met in the functional dimension. At follow‐up, patients reported that they perceived having acquired more knowledge during their hospital stay than they reported at the time of discharge. Knowledge expectations and knowledge received were related to employment status, gender, and previous contact experience with the hospital.ConclusionKnowledge expectations were not met, and results showed the need to improve education for orthopaedic patients throughout the perioperative process, not only during hospitalization.
Changes in self‐efficacy associated with success in quitting smoking in participants in Japanese smoking cessation therapy
Authors: Taniguchi Chie , Tanaka Hideo , Saka Hideo , Oze Isao , Tachibana Kazunobu , Nozaki Yasuhiro , Suzuki Yukio , Sakakibara Hisataka 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimsTo identify the strength of self‐efficacy during 12‐week smoking cessation therapy (SCT) that consisted of 5 sessions and its association with the success of smoking cessation at the end of SCT.BackgroundFew studies showed to what level self‐efficacy should be reinforced to facilitate success in smoking cessation.DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsWe enrolled 488 smokers who received SCT from 6 Japanese smoking cessation clinics between October 2008 and October 2014. In each smoker, the self‐efficacy of quitting smoking was assessed at each session of SCT. The association of the strength of self‐efficacy with the success of smoking cessation was investigated by logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, gender, having a present illness, prescription, and nicotine dependence score.ResultsThe self‐efficacy of the 398 abstainers was significantly higher than that of the 90 nonabstainers at the first to fifth sessions of the SCT (P < .001 each). Participants with self‐efficacy scores of greater than 60% were significantly more likely to attain abstinence than those with scores of 40% and less.ConclusionDuring SCT, nurses' counselling to maintain patients' self‐efficacy scores of smoking cessation in the range from 61% to 100% may be important for assisting patients in achieving smoking cessation.
Associations of neonatal adiponectin and leptin with growth and body composition in African American infants
Authors: Schneider C. R. , Catalano P. M. , Biggio J. R. , Gower B. A. , Chandler‐Laney P. C. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBackgroundCord blood adiponectin and leptin concentrations are associated with birth weight and adiposity. Birth size and rate of infant weight gain are associated with future obesity risk. However, it is unclear whether biomarkers reflecting the intrauterine environment are predictive of infant prospective body composition change.ObjectivesTo examine whether cord blood adiponectin and leptin are predictive of neonatal adiposity and fat mass (FM) accrual to 3 months of age.MethodsParticipants (n = 36) were healthy African American infants. Leptin and adiponectin concentrations were measured in umbilical cord blood. At 2 weeks and 3 months, infant body composition was assessed via air displacement plethysmography. Weight‐for‐length z‐scores (WLZ) were calculated using World Health Organization standards. Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations of cord blood adiponectin and leptin with birth WLZ; WLZ, FM and fat‐free mass at 2 weeks, and the conditional change in these variables from 2 weeks to 3 months (body composition at 3 months adjusted for body composition at 2 weeks).ResultsAdiponectin was positively associated with FM at 2 weeks (r = 0.45, P < 0.01), but inversely associated with conditional FM change from 2 weeks to 3 months of age (r = −0.38, P < 0.05). Leptin was not significantly associated with infant body composition.ConclusionsAdiponectin may be a marker for FM accrual in African American infants, a relatively understudied population with a high long‐term obesity risk. Mechanistic studies are needed to determine whether adiponectin directly influences infant growth or is simply a maker reflective of other ongoing biological changes after birth.
Thresholds of physical activity associated with obesity by level of sedentary behaviour in children
Authors: Chaput J.‐P. , Barnes J. D. , Tremblay M. S. , Fogelholm M. , Hu G. , Lambert E. V. , Maher C. , Maia J. , Olds T. , Onywera V. , Sarmiento O. L. , Standage M. , Tudor‐Locke C. , Katzmarzyk P. T. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBackgroundIt is unknown whether moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) thresholds for obesity should be adapted depending on level of sedentary behaviour in children.ObjectiveThe objective of the study is to determine the MVPA thresholds that best discriminate between obese and non‐obese children, by level of screen time and total sedentary time in 12 countries.MethodsThis multinational, cross‐sectional study included 6522 children 9–11 years of age. MVPA and sedentary time were assessed using waist‐worn accelerometry, while screen time was self‐reported. Obesity was defined according to the World Health Organization reference data.ResultsReceiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that the best thresholds of MVPA to predict obesity ranged from 53.8 to 73.9 min d−1 in boys and from 41.7 to 58.7 min d−1 in girls, depending on the level of screen time. The MVPA cut‐offs to predict obesity ranged from 37.9 to 75.9 min d−1 in boys and from 32.5 to 62.7 min d−1 in girls, depending on the level of sedentary behaviour. The areas under the curve ranged from 0.57 to 0.73 (‘fail’ to ‘fair’ accuracy), and most sensitivity and specificity values were below 85%, similar to MVPA alone. Country‐specific analyses provided similar findings.ConclusionsThe addition of sedentary behaviour levels to MVPA did not result in a better predictive ability to classify children as obese/non‐obese compared with MVPA alone.
TCR deep sequencing of transgenic RAG‐1‐deficient mice reveals endogenous TCR recombination: a cause for caution
Authors: McGuire Helen M , Watkins Thomas S , Field Matthew , Taylor Sarah , Yasuyama Nao , Farmer Andrew , Miles John J , Fazekas de St. Groth Barbara 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe utility of T‐cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice in medical research has been considerable, with applications ranging from basic biology all the way to translational and clinical investigations. Crossing of TCR transgenic mice with either recombination‐activating gene (RAG)‐1 or RAG‐2 knockouts is frequently used to generate mice with a monoclonal T‐cell repertoire. However, low level productive TCR rearrangement has been reported in RAG‐deficient mice expressing transgenic TCRs. Using deep sequencing, we set out to directly examine and quantify the presence of these endogenous TCRs. Our demonstration that functional nontransgenic TCRs are present in nonmanipulated mice has wide reaching ramifications worthy of critical consideration.
Serum albumin level and abnormal corrected QT interval in patients with coronary artery disease and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wu Cheng‐Ching , Lu Yung‐Chuan , Yu Teng‐Hung , Wang Chao‐Ping , Hung Wei‐Chin , Tang Wei‐Hua , Tsai I‐Ting , Chung Fu‐Mei , Lee Yau‐Jiunn , Hu Jin‐Jia 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundLower concentrations of serum albumin appear to be associated with an increased risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality, coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke. However, little is known about the relationship between serum albumin level and prolonged QT interval.AimTo investigate whether lower serum albumin is associated with prolonged QT interval by recording 12‐lead electrocardiography in patients with coronary artery disease and chronic kidney disease.MethodsThis study included 1383 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease and chronic kidney disease (841 with acute coronary syndrome and 542 with elective percutaneous coronary intervention patients) who were enrolled in a disease management programme. Twelve‐lead electrocardiography was recorded in each subject. We assessed the relationship between albumin levels (both as a continuous variable and stratified by tertile) at admission and corrected QT (QTc) prolongation.ResultsPatients with abnormal QTc interval had lower serum albumin levels than those with normal and borderline QTc intervals. Statistically significant negative associations were observed between serum albumin levels and QTc interval (β = −0.211, P < 0.0001). Using multivariate and trend analyses, a lower concentration of serum albumin was independently associated with QTc prolongation in both the patients with acute coronary syndrome and elective percutaneous coronary intervention patients.ConclusionConcentrations of serum albumin were significantly lower in the patients with an abnormal QTc interval and were associated with QTc prolongation. Further studies are needed to clarify whether lower serum albumin plays a role in the pathogenesis of QTc prolongation.
Infective endocarditis: a Hunter New England perspective
Authors: Doig Fiona , Loewenthal Mark , Lai Katy , Mejia Ross , Iyengar Ajay 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundInfective endocarditis (IE) is a severe infection conferring significant morbidity and mortality. It is associated with geographical variation, complicating diagnosis and treatment of patients in a standardised manner.AimTo evaluate the presentation, treatment and outcomes of patients with IE in the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD).MethodsA total of 112 patients with definite IE admitted to hospitals within the HNELHD between 2011 and 2015 was retrospectively analysed.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 56.8 (standard deviation 20.3) and 62.5% were male. The most common valve affected was the mitral valve, in 41% of patients, and the most common organism was Staphylococcus aureus, in 47.7% of patients. A history of IE was present in 10% of patients and 19.6% presented with prosthetic valve IE. Survival among patients treated surgically was 100% at 30 days, 92% at 1 year and 83% at 3 years, versus 82% at 30 days, 65% at 1 year and 51% at 3 years for those not operated (P = 0.004). Valve type, organism and Australian Standard Geographical Classification remoteness area did not have a statistically significant effect on mortality (P‐value 0.095, 0.456 and 0.186, respectively). Factors associated with improved survival by univariate analysis included surgery and multidisciplinary team review.ConclusionIE in the HNELHD affects a relatively young cohort of patients and is associated with a high mortality. Outcomes could be improved by implementation of a multidisciplinary team approach and inpatient cardiac surgery.
Suboptimal behaviour and knowledge regarding overnight glycaemia in adults with type 1 diabetes is common
Authors: Larsson Christina R. , Januszewski Andrzej S. , McGrath Rachel T. , Ludvigsson Johnny , Keech Anthony C. , MacIsaac Richard J. , Ward Glenn M. , O’Neal David N. , Fulcher Gregory R. , Jenkins Alicia J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), nocturnal hypoglycaemia (NH) can be slept through and can cause seizures, arrhythmias and death. Hypoglycaemia avoidance can induce hyperglycaemia and ketosis. Patient behaviour impacts clinical outcomes and may be changed by education.AimTo develop and utilise a survey to evaluate patient self‐management of overnight glycaemia in adults with T1D.MethodsAdults with T1D attending two Australian tertiary referral diabetes clinics completed a survey about their diabetes self‐management and glycaemic control, including responses to hypothetical pre‐bed blood glucose (BG) levels (4–20 mmol/L). Statistical analyses included t‐tests, Chi square tests and ANOVA with significance considered at P < 0.05.ResultsThere were 205 participants (103 females), with a mean (SD) age of 41 (17) years, T1D duration of 20 (16) years, HbA1c of 7.8(1.4)%, (61.3(8.2) mmol/mol), 38% on insulin pump therapy (CSII) and 36% with impaired hypoglycaemia awareness (IHA). Mean (SD) number of BG tests/day was 5.4 (2.7). Patients set higher BG target levels at bedtime and overnight: 7.5(1.4) and 7.1(1.3) mmol/L, respectively, compared to daytime (6.9(1.0); P < 0.0001 and P = 0.002 respectively). Only 36% of participants reported treating nocturnal hypoglycaemia (NH) with the recommended refined, then complex, carbohydrate. Only 28% of patients made safe choices in all bedtime BG scenarios, with higher rates for CSII users, P = 0.0005. Further education was desired by 32% of respondents, with higher rates in those with (44%) versus without IHA (25%), P = 0.006.ConclusionsMany adults with T1D have suboptimal knowledge and behaviour regarding overnight BG self‐management. A survey, piloted herein, may facilitate the identification of patients who could benefit from further education.
Improving life expectancy of patients with scleroderma: results from the South Australian Scleroderma Register
Authors: Kennedy Nicholas , Walker Jenny , Hakendorf Paul , Roberts‐Thomson Peter 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundScleroderma is a rare connective tissue disorder characterised by inflammation, vasculopathy and excessive fibrosis. Patients with scleroderma are known to have decreased life expectancy.AimTo investigate changes in life expectancy in patients with scleroderma over a 30‐year period.MethodsUtilising the South Australian Scleroderma Register, deceased patients were identified. We examined changes in age of death and duration of disease in these patients over three time periods: 1985–1994, 1995–2004 and 2005–2015. Analyses of scleroderma subtypes were performed, and comparisons were made to the general South Australian population.ResultsA total of 413 deceased patients was identified. Females were overrepresented 315 to 98; 265 had limited scleroderma, 90 diffuse and 22 overlap disease. Over 30 years, the mean age of death improved from 66.4 to 74.5 years (P < 0.001). Duration of disease improved from 12.1 to 22.9 years (P < 0.001). Improvement in survival was seen in limited (P = 0.001), diffuse (P = 0.04) and overlap (P = 0.04) subgroups. The increase in survival was only seen for female (9.8 ± 4.2 years) but not male (1.4 ± 6.7 years) patients.ConclusionOver the last 30 years, survival has significantly improved for female but not male patients. As no disease‐modifying drugs have consistently been shown to alter disease course, this improvement is likely attributable to general improvements in medical care, including that of scleroderma‐related complications. While the life expectancy for limited disease is now close to that of the general population, patients with diffuse and overlap disease continue to suffer from significant early mortality.
Thunderstorm asthma: revealing a hidden at‐risk population
Authors: Clayton‐Chubb Daniel , Con Danny , Rangamuwa Kanishka , Taylor David , Thien Francis , Wadhwa Vikas 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundEpidemic thunderstorm asthma (ETSA) refers to large‐scale acute bronchospasm events associated with thunderstorm. The most serious episode ever recorded occurred in Melbourne, Australia, in November 2016, where more than 3500 patients were treated in hospitals and 10 died. Previous work has been focused primarily on patient presentations to emergency departments. The prevalence of individuals with milder, non‐emergent symptoms and who may be at risk of more serious episodes in the future has not previously been explored.AimTo characterise the nature and extent of respiratory symptoms in healthcare workers during the Melbourne ETSA event.MethodsA survey was conducted among staff and volunteers across Eastern Health, distributed on the intranet homepage, by email and by word of mouth. Anonymous survey questions were constructed to assess prior and current diagnoses of relevance, symptoms, and demography.ResultsThere were 515 participants (80% female, n = 411) of approximately 9000 potential respondents (~6% response rate) who completed the survey; 132 (25.6%) had symptoms suggestive of asthma during the Melbourne ETSA event, the majority of whom did not seek professional medical help. Notably, of those with ETSA‐like symptoms, only 58 (43.9%) had a history of asthma, while 97 (73.5%) had a history of allergic rhinitis. Specifically, a history of allergic rhinitis (OR 2.77, P < 0.001), a history of asthma (OR 1.67, P = 0.037) and being of self‐identified Asian ethnicity (OR 3.24, P < 0.001) were all strong predictors of ETSA‐like symptoms. Being predominantly indoors was not protective.ConclusionsOur study provides evidence of the presence of a large cohort of sufferers during the Melbourne ETSA event of 2016 that did not come to the attention of medical services, implying a potentially hidden and significant susceptible population. Further research should help clarify the true prevalence of vulnerability in the general population, with important public health implications.
Taking parents seriously: The experiences of parents with a son or daughter in adult medium secure forensic mental health care
Authors: Finlay‐Carruthers Gemma , Davies Jason , Ferguson John , Browne Kevin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAdult forensic mental health services provide care and treatment to individuals with complex offending and mental health histories. However, little attention has been paid to the parents of those receiving care within them. This research explored the experiences of parents with an adult son or daughter with mental illness in a medium secure mental health unit. Transcripts from semi‐structured interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. This led to the identification of three superordinate themes: ‘Something's not right’—onset of mental distress; ‘It's a terrible battle’—relating with professionals; and ‘A very sad fact of life’—caring with no end in sight were identified which together contained nine subordinate themes. The onset of the mental distress was narrated as overwhelming, frightening, and confusing with experiences of violence. Services were seen as invalidating, and interactions with them characterized as a battle. Poor information and involvement were a common experience. Whilst diagnosis was a relief to some, the ongoing sense of loss and burden were clear. Staying connected and hopes for the future were also described. It is clear from this study that mental health services need to do more to engage and foster trust with parents from the outset and to offer support for this group. If secure services were to view parents as ‘forensic carers’, this may help improve respect and engagement between services and carers. Services and policymakers should strive to foster high‐quality family involvement as part of developing social inclusion.
Relapse prevention in anorexia nervosa: Experiences of patients and parents
Authors: Berends Tamara , van de Lagemaat Marleen , van Meijel Berno , Coenen Jasmijn , Hoek Hans W. , van Elburg Annemarie A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractOne of the main aims of treatment after successful recovery from anorexia nervosa (AN) is to prevent a relapse. The Guideline Relapse Prevention (GRP) Anorexia Nervosa offers a structured approach to relapse prevention. This study explores how patients and their parents experience working with the guideline. It also describes the factors that support or hinder successful application of the guideline. A descriptive qualitative research design was chosen involving in‐depth interviews with seventeen patients with anorexia nervosa and six sets of parents. Patients and family members were generally satisfied with the support provided by the GRP. It contributed significantly to a better understanding of the personal process of relapse. Patients and families valued being able to keep in touch with their professional during the aftercare programme. The GRP supports the patient's use of self‐management strategies for relapse prevention.