bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Association Between β-Blocker Use and Cardiorespiratory Fitness: The Maastricht Study
Authors: Nielen Johannes T. H. , de Vries Frank , van der Velde Jeroen. H. P. M. , Savelberg Hans H. C. M. , Schaper Nicolaas C. , Dagnelie Pieter C. , Henry Ronald M. A. , Schram Miranda , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Boonen Annelies , Koster Annemarie , van den Bemt Bart J. F. 
Published: May 2018

Purpose: β-Blockers (BBs) have been associated with a reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). This is possibly caused by inhibition of β2-receptors in the airways. However, there are limited data available on β-receptor selectivity and CRF. We therefore aimed to assess the association between BB use and CRF and to assess the association between β-receptor selectivity and CRF. Methods: Participants in the Maastricht Study were aged between 40 and 75 years. Exposure to BB use was determined by use of pharmacy records. General linear models were used to obtain adjusted means of 2 proxies for CRF: covered distance during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and estimated maximum power output adjusted for body mass ( Wmax kg−1) during the submaximal cycle ergometer test. Adjusted means were compared between current, past, and never BB users. Current users were subsequently stratified by β-receptor selectivity and dose. Results: Compared to never use, current use was associated with a lower CRF, based on the 6MWT (current use: 569.7 m; never use: 580.4 m [ P = .010]), but not based on the cycling test (current use: 2.14 W kg−1; never use: 2.13 W kg−1 [ P = .690]). There was no difference between current selective and current nonselective BB use. Conclusion: β-Blockers use was associated with CRF based on the 6MWT but not the cycling test. There was no difference between current selective and nonselective BB users, possibly due to the small number of nonselective BB users, differential underlying diseases, other pharmacological properties, and limitations related to the proxies of the outcome.
Personalised telehealth intervention for chronic disease management: A pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bohingamu Mudiyanselage Shalika , Stevens Jo , Watts Jennifer J , Toscano Julian , Kotowicz Mark A , Steinfort Christopher L , Bell Jennifer , Byrnes Janette , Bruce Stephanie , Carter Sarah , Hunter Claire , Barrand Chris , Hayles Robyn 
Published: May 2018

Introduction The aim of this study was to assess the impact of home-based telehealth monitoring on health outcomes, quality of life and costs over 12 months for patients with diabetes and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were identified as being at high risk of readmission to hospital. Methods This pilot study was a randomised controlled trial combined with an economic analysis to examine the outcomes of standard care versus home-based telehealth for people with diabetes and/or COPD who were at risk of hospital readmission within one year. The primary outcomes were (i) hospital admission and length of stay (LOS); and (ii) health-related quality of life (HRQOL); and the secondary outcomes were (i) health-related clinical outcomes; (ii) anxiety and depression scores; and (iii) health literacy. The costs of the intervention and hospitalisations were included. Results A total of 86 and 85 participants were randomised to the intervention and control groups respectively. The difference between groups in hospital LOS was –3.89 (95% confidence interval (CI): –9.40, 1.62) days, and for HRQOL, 0.09 (95% CI: 0.05, 0.14) in favour of the telehealth monitoring group. There was a saving of AUD$6553 (95% CI: –12145, –961) in the cost of hospitalisation over 12 months, which offset the increased cost of tele-monitoring. The intervention group showed an improvement in anxiety, depression and health literacy at 12 months, and in the diabetes group, a reduction in microalbuminuria. Discussion The telehealth monitoring intervention improved patient's health outcomes and quality of life at no additional cost.
Impact of patient-centred home telehealth programme on outcomes in heart failure
Authors: Srivastava Anshul , Do Jacquelyn-My , Sales Virna L , Ly Samantha , Joseph Jacob 
Published: May 2018

Background Telehealth is a promising intervention to reduce readmissions and healthcare-associated costs in patients with heart failure. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of the impact of telehealth on 197 heart failure patients who had successfully completed one year of home telehealth monitoring following a heart failure admission as part of a clinically mandated programme at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Outcomes were compared both within the group (one year before and one year after home telehealth monitoring), and to a contemporary control cohort of 870 heart failure patients who were admitted but not enrolled in home telehealth. The following outcomes were analysed: admissions for any cause, heart failure admissions, total hospital days per patient, average length of stay per admission, urgent care and emergency room visits, and primary care visits. Results Both the home telehealth and control cohorts consisted of older male patients. Total hospital days per patient was significantly reduced by home telehealth monitoring in the home telehealth group (2.4 ± 3.5) in comparison to the previous year without monitoring (4.1 ± 4.6, p < 0.0001) and to the control group (3.8 ± 5.3, p < 0.001). A significantly lower admission rate (1.1 ± 1.6) and length of stay (5.7 ± 11.3 days) were observed during home telehealth monitoring within the home telehealth group compared to the prior year (1.6 ± 1.7, p < 0.05 and 9.5 ± 14 days, p < 0.01 respectively) but not in comparison with the control group (1.4 ± 2.0, p < 0.07). The home telehealth group also had a significantly lower length of stay when compared to the control group (5.7 ± 11.3 vs 9.0 ± 14.9, p < 0.01). The number of urgent care and emergency room visits, or primary care visits, was not significantly different during home telehealth monitoring as compared to the prior year. Conclusions Personalised and patient-centred home telehealth monitoring in heart failure patients was successful in reducing outcomes without an increase in outpatient and urgent care visits.
Long non-coding RNA SNHG6 promotes glioma tumorigenesis by sponging miR-101-3p
Authors: Meng Qiang , Yang Bao-Ying , Liu Bei , Yang Ji-Xue , Sun Yang 
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor. The small nucleolar RNA host gene (SNHG) SNHG6 is a potential oncogene in the development of several types of cancers. Methods: In this study, we investigated the functional role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG6 in the malignancy of glioma in cell lines and transplanted nude mice. Results: We found that the expression of lncRNA SNHG6 was higher in glioma tissues and cells than in normal brain tissues and cells. The expression of lncRNA SNHG6 was positively correlated with the malignancy and poor prognosis of glioma patients. microRNA (miR)-101-3p expression was decreased in glioma tissues and cells and was negatively correlated with the malignancy and poor prognosis of glioma patients. In glioma tissues, the expression of lncRNA SNHG6 was negatively correlated with the expression of miR-101-3p. SNHG6 contained a binding site of miR-101-3p. Knockdown of SNHG6 expression resulted in a significant increase of miR-101-3p expression. miR-101-3p mimic markedly decreased the luciferase activity of SNHG6. Knockdown of SNHG6 inhibited glioma cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and increased apoptosis. miR-101-3p mimic enhanced knockdown of SNHG6-induced inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and EMT, and an increase of apoptosis. Anti-miR-101-3p reversed the the effects of si-SNHG6 on cell malignancy. Knockdown of SNHG6 remarkably reduced the increase of tumor volumes in xenograft mouse models. In tumor tissues, knockdown of SNHG6 increased the expression of miR-101-3p and reduced EMT biomarker expression. Conclusions: Our study provides novel insights into the functions of lncRNA SNHG6/miR-101-3p axis in the tumorigenesis of glioma.
Deciphering the potential value of 5-fluorouracil metabolic enzymes in predicting prognosis and treatment response of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Gajjar Kinjal K. , Vora Hemangini H. , Kobawala Toral P. , Trivedi Trupti I. , Ghosh Nandita R. 
Published: May 2018

Introduction: 5-flourouracil (5-FU) is one of the standard chemotherapeutic drugs used today in the treatment of colorectal cancer patients. Disruption of 5-FU metabolic pathway may contribute to altered effectiveness towards 5-FU-based therapy. Hence, the study of 5-FU metabolizing enzymes might have the potential efficacy to predict survival and response to treatment in colorectal cancer patients. Materials and methods: Immunohistochemical localization of 5-FU metabolic enzymes (TS, MTHFR, DPYD, and TP) was evaluated in 143 untreated patients with colorectal cancer; their prognostic and predictive values were also evaluated. Results: Immuno-positivity for TS, MTHFR, DPYD, and TP was observed in 77%, 75%, 88%, and 96% of colorectal cancer patients, respectively. Univariate survival analysis in total patients showed that low DPYD expression significantly predicted adverse overall survival ( P=0.042). Moreover, subgroup of colon cancer patients with low TS expression was associated with unfavorable prognosis. TP expression also emerged as a prognosticator in the subgroup of early and advanced stage patients. Additionally, when effect of co-expression of 5-FU metabolic enzymes was evaluated in total patients, low coexpression of all four proteins was predictive of poor overall survival than for individuals expressing high coexpression of these proteins ( P=0.045). In contrast, none of the 5-FU metabolic enzymes—either singly or on coexpression—emerged as a useful biomarker of potential therapeutic value when evaluated in the subgroup of patients treated with 5-FU alone or 5-FU plus oxaliplatin. Conclusion: The above findings suggest that coexpression of 5-FU metabolic enzymes possess significant prognostic value and could be useful biomarkers in colorectal cancer patients.
Restraint of adults with intellectual disabilities: A critical review of the prevalence and characteristics associated with its use
Authors: Fitton Lucy , Jones Dominic Ryan 
Published: May 2018

Background: As part of their care, adults with intellectual disabilities are often subject to restrictive interventions including restraint. Method: A review examining the prevalence of restraint use with people with intellectual disabilities and the characteristics associated with its use. Results: The seven papers identified used quantitative methodologies and had cross-sectional designs. Prevalence rates of restraint ranged from 11% to 78%, multiple forms of restraint were common. Most studies focused on characteristics within the person with an intellectual disability, three considered external factors. Challenging behaviour was the most consistent characteristic associated with the use of restraint, but how this was defined varied. Conclusions: The review highlights a need for more consistent means of defining and measuring restraint and its associated characteristics. Future research into this area may also want to focus on the context of restraint such as whether it is the least restrictive option used.
Statins for primary prevention and rhabdomyolysis: A nationwide cohort study in France
Authors: Coste Joël , Billionnet Cécile , Rudnichi Annie , Pouchot Jacques , Dray-Spira Rosemary , Giral Philippe , Zureik Mahmoud 
Published: May 2018

Aims The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of rhabdomyolysis in subjects initiating statin therapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, focusing on the type of statin, dose and time since initiation. Methods and results A nationwide cohort study using French hospital discharge and claims databases was performed, studying subjects from the general population 40–75 years in 2009, with no history of cardiovascular disease and no lipid-lowering drugs during the preceding three-year period, followed for up to seven years. The primary outcome was hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis. Event-free survival analysis and case-time-control analysis were both performed, separately by gender. The cohort included 8,236,667 subjects, 969,460 of whom initiated a lipid-lowering drug for cardiovascular disease primary prevention. During 18,407,391 person-months exposed to statins, 168 events were observed, corresponding to an incidence of rhabdomyolysis of 1.10 per 10,000 person-years (1.54 in men vs 0.81 in women); 10/168 cases were fatal, and 18/168 and 57/168 cases occurred during the first month and first trimester of treatment, respectively. Survival analysis did not reveal any increased overall risk (hazard ratio = 1.02 (0.83–1.25) in men and 0.76 (0.60–0.96) in women). However, exposure to high-potency statins was associated with an increased risk in men (hazard ratio = 1.93 (1.27–2.94)). Rosuvastatin 20 mg (in men and women) and simvastatin 40 mg (in men) were associated with hazard ratios > 5. Case-time-control analyses showed similar patterns of risk. Drug interactions did not appear to significantly contribute to rhabdomyolysis events in this study. Conclusion Although the overall risk of statin-associated rhabdomyolysis in the context of primary prevention was not increased, the first months of treatment and the use of high-potency statins represent at-risk situations, which require appropriate monitoring, especially in men.
von Willebrand factor is a useful biomarker for liver fibrosis and prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma development in patients with hepatitis B and C
Authors: Takaya Hiroaki , Kawaratani Hideto , Tsuji Yuki , Nakanishi Keisuke , Saikawa Soichiro , Sato Shinya , Sawada Yasuhiko , Kaji Kosuke , Okura Yasushi , Shimozato Naotaka , Kitade Mitsuteru , Akahane Takemi , Moriya Kei , Namisaki Tadashi , Mitoro Akira , Matsumoto Masanori , Fukui Hiroshi , Yoshiji Hitoshi 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundSeveral noninvasive biomarkers are available for diagnosing liver fibrosis stage and predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in patients with chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. However, these biomarkers are not sufficiently accurate. Recently, von Willebrand factor (VWF) has been related to angiogenesis and apoptosis. Furthermore, VWF is associated with hepatic spare ability and HCC.ObjectiveWe aimed to determine whether VWF is a potential biomarker for liver fibrosis and HCC development.MethodsTwo hundred and twelve patients with chronic hepatitis B and C were recruited. VWF antigen (VWF: Ag) levels in each patient were determined via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to determine the risk factor of HCC.ResultsThe VWF: Ag levels were higher in patients with severe liver fibrosis stage and/or HCC development than in those without. The area under the curve of VWF: Ag for diagnosis of severe liver fibrosis stage was 0.721. Multivariable analysis showed that only VWF: Ag was a predictive biomarker for HCC development.ConclusionsVWF: Ag is related to liver fibrosis and may be useful for predicting HCC development. VWF is a potentially useful biomarker to diagnose severe liver fibrosis and predict HCC development.
Surgical treatment of cervical subaxial intraspinal extradural cysts using a full-endoscopic uniportal posterior approach
Authors: Ruetten Sebastian , Hahn Patrick , Oezdemir Semih , Baraliakos Xenophon , Godolias Georgios , Komp Martin 
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Symptomatic intraspinal extradural cysts of the cervical subaxial spine are rare, but usually require surgery. Conventional posterior decompression is the gold standard. However, there is increasing experience with endoscopic surgical techniques. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the technical implementation and outcomes of a full-endoscopic uniportal technique via the posterior approach in patients with symptomatic intraspinal extradural cysts of the cervical subaxial spine. Methods: Seven consecutive patients with a subaxial location of symptomatic intraspinal extradural cysts were decompressed in a full-endoscopic uniportal technique via the posterior approach between 2009 and 2015. Imaging and clinical data were collected in follow-up examinations for 18 months. Results: In all cases, the cyst was completely removed and adequate decompression was achieved using the full-endoscopic uniportal technique. One patient developed a dural leak that was sutured and covered intraoperatively. No other complications requiring treatment were observed. All patients had a good clinical outcome with stable regression of the radicular and central nerve pain or neurological deficits. The imaging follow-up showed sufficient decompression in all cases. No evidence was found of increasing instability during the follow-up period. Conclusion: The full-endoscopic uniportal operation with a posterior approach allows the resection of the cyst and can minimize trauma and destabilization and has technical benefits and a low complication rate. It is an alternative surgical method that can offer advantages and is considered by the authors to be the surgical technique of choice for cervical subaxial intraspinal extradural cysts.
IGF-1 facilitates thrombopoiesis primarily through Akt activation
Authors: Chen Shilei , Hu Mengjia , Shen Mingqiang , Wang Song , Wang Cheng , Chen Fang , Tang Yong , Wang Xinmiao , Zeng Hao , Chen Mo , Gao Jining , Wang Fengchao , Su Yongping , Xu Yang , Wang Junping 
Published: May 2018

Key PointsIGF-1 has the ability to promote megakaryocyte differentiation, PPF, and platelet release. The effect of IGF-1 on thrombopoiesis is mediated primarily by AKT activation with the assistance of SRC-3.
Successful ventilation through a Rüsch intubation guide catheter in severe laryngotracheal stenosis
Authors: Van Regemorter Victoria , Potié Arnaud , Schmitz Sandra , Scholtes Jean-Louis , Veevaete Laurent , Van Boven Michel 
Published: May 2018

Background Providing adequate ventilation may remain complex in patients with severe proximal laryngotracheal stenosis, especially when the airway is shared with the surgeon during tracheal resection surgery. We describe an effective alternative to standard endotracheal intubation using a Rüsch flexible intubation guide catheter. Methods In two patients undergoing tracheal repair surgery, we failed to insert a 5.0 inner diameter endotracheal tube (6.9 mm outer diameter) or a 6.0 mm outer diameter endoscope through the laryngotracheal stenosis. However, using indirect laryngoscopy, a 6.0 outer diameter Rüsch flexible intubation guide catheter was passed successfully through the vocal cords and then through the stenosis. Controlled ventilation was achieved by means of the Rüsch guide, provided with its two large Murphy's eyes. When the trachea was opened, the Rüsch guide was removed just enough for the surgeons to place a Montandon tracheal tube, at that point taking over ventilation. A 7.0 inner diameter endotracheal cuffed tube had been inserted onto the Rüsch guide and left pending upstream from the vocal cords. Once the posterior tracheal wall was sutured, this endotracheal cuffed tube was slid along the Rüsch guide through the vocal cords with the cuff placed beyond the tracheal sutures. Results Controlled ventilation through the Rüsch flexible intubation guide catheter showed satisfying and stable ventilatory parameters in both patients. Inspiratory pressures of 25–30 mmHg were enough to reach adequate tidal volumes around 450 ml. End tidal CO2 was kept between 35 and 40 mmHg (PaCO2 showed similar values). Standard endotracheal intubation at the end of the tracheal resection was easy and safe thanks to the Rüsch guide still in place between the vocal cords. Conclusions We suggest an effective and reliable method using a Rüsch flexible intubation guide catheter for airway management in patients suffering from laryngotracheal stenosis in the setting of tracheal repair surgery.
Improved Adherence Rates and Clinical Outcomes of an Integrated, Closed-Loop, Pharmacist-Led Oral Chemotherapy Management Program
Authors: Muluneh Benyam , Schneider Molly , Faso Aimee , Amerine Lindsey , Daniels Rowell , Crisp Brett , Valgus John , Savage Scott 
Published: May 2018

Purpose: To address the growing use of oral anticancer therapy, an integrated, closed-loop, pharmacist-led oral chemotherapy management program was created within an academic medical center. Methods: An integrated, closed-loop, pharmacy-led oral chemotherapy management program was established. From September 2014 until June 2015, demographic information, rates of adherence, patient understanding of treatment, pharmacist interventions, patient and provider satisfaction, and molecular response rates in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) were collected. Results: After full implementation, 107 patients were enrolled in our oral chemotherapy management program from September 2014 until June 2015. All patients were educated before starting oral chemotherapy, and using pre- and postassessment tests, comprehension of oral chemotherapy treatment increased from 43% to 95%. Patient-reported adherence was 86% and 94.7% for the GI/breast and malignant hematology patient populations, respectively, and these were validated with medication possession ratio, revealing adherence rates of 85% and 93.9% for the GI/breast and malignant hematology patient populations, respectively. A total of 350 encounters with a clinical pharmacist and 318 adverse effects were reported, which led to 235 interventions. This program led to a higher major molecular response rate (83%) in our CML population compared with published clinical trials (average major molecular response rates, 40% and 60% with 1- and 2-year follow-up, respectively). Conclusion: An innovative model was developed and resulted in improved patient knowledge regarding oral chemotherapy, improved adherence rates that exceeded nationally established thresholds, and superior major molecular response outcomes for patients with CML compared with published literature. As a result, this model has produced the gold standard in managing patients receiving oral chemotherapy.