bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of the use of simulated patient methodology in pharmacy practice research from 2006 to 2016
Authors: Björnsdottir Ingunn , Granas Anne Gerd , Bradley Amanda , Norris Pauline 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectivesSimulated patient (SP) methodology (mystery shopping) is used increasingly to assess quality of pharmacy services, and evaluate impact of interventions. Our objective was to review papers reporting on the use of SP methodology in pharmacy practice research 2006–2016 in community pharmacies worldwide.MethodsWe searched EMBASE and MEDLINE for papers reporting on the use of mystery shopping in pharmacy settings, using a wide range of terms for SPs, based on previous review. We removed irrelevant papers, duplicates, papers not written in English, and review papers and reviewed remaining papers. Two reviewers carried out data abstraction, using the same tool as the previous review and inserting data into Excel, focusing on how the SP methodology is used.Key findingsA total of 148 papers from 52 countries from all regions of the world were included in the review. A wide range of terms described the method, and simulated patient was the most common (49 papers). Most studies were cross-sectional (124), and most investigated only community pharmacies (115). The most common aim was to evaluate some aspect of pharmacists’ or other staff's advice and counselling (94). Number of visits is 2-7785. Many papers did not cover details, such as number of visits planned, and carried out, scenario used, training and background of SPs, and ethical approval for the study.ConclusionsThe use of SP methodology has increased substantially in the field of pharmacy over the past decade. This is a useful method in a wide range of countries and settings. Greater detail is required in reporting.
Analyzing the grain‐boundary resistance of oxide‐ion conducting electrolytes: Poisson‐Cahn vs Poisson‐Boltzmann theories
Authors: Tong Xiaorui , Mebane David S. , De Souza Roger A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe diminished conductivity of pristine grain boundaries in oxide‐ion conducting electrolytes, such as (Ce,Gd)O2 and (Zr,Y)O2, is widely interpreted with the Mott‐Schottky space‐charge model, or less frequently, with the Gouy‐Chapman space‐charge model. Although routinely applied to the entire compositional range of solid solutions, from dilute to concentrated, these models, being based on the Poisson‐Boltzmann formalism, are limited in their range of validity to dilute solutions of point defects. Analyzing the grain‐boundary properties of concentrated solid solutions with such models is expected to lead to errors and inconsistencies. In this study, we employ Poisson‐Cahn theory to analyze literature data for the grain‐boundary resistance of CeO2‐Gd2O3 materials as a function of Gd concentration. Poisson‐Cahn theory combines the Cahn‐Hilliard theory of inhomogeneous systems with the Poisson equation of electrostatics and it is valid over the entire compositional range. We treat the realistic case of a restricted equilibrium: Gd accumulation profiles are frozen‐in from sintering temperatures, while the oxygen‐vacancy distributions are in equilibrium at sintering and (much lower) measurement temperatures. Data for the grain‐boundary resistance are also analyzed with the standard analytical expressions from the Mott‐Schottky and Gouy‐Chapman models. Outside the domain of their validity, these expressions are found to perform poorly. In general, we emphasize the importance of treating the interfacial properties of concentrated solid solutions with physically appropriate theories.
Measuring the effects of heat treatment on SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Knauf Michael W. , Przybyla Craig P. , Ritchey Andrew J. , Trice Rodney W. , Pipes R. Byron 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe evolution of residual stresses found within a silicon carbide/silicon carbide (SiC/SiC) ceramic matrix composite through thermal treatments was investigated using Raman microspectroscopy. Constituent stress states were measured before, during, and after exposures ranging from 900 to 1300°C for varying times between 1 and 60 minutes. Silicon carbide particles in the as‐received condition exhibited average hydrostatic tensile stresses of approximately 300 MPa when measured at room temperature before and after heat treatment. The room temperature Raman profile of the silicon matrix was altered in both shape and location with heat treatment cycles due to increasing activation of boron within the silicon lattice as heat treatment temperatures increased. By accounting for boron activation in the silicon–boron system, little to no permanent change of any constituent stresses were observed, and the silicon matrix subsequently exhibited a complimentary average hydrostatic compressive stress of approximately 300 MPa at room temperature, measured before and after heat treatment. This result builds upon previous literature and offers increased insight into boron activation phenomena measured through Raman spectroscopy methods.
Characteristics of early recurrences detected by continuous cardiac monitoring influencing the long‐term outcome after atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Forkmann Mathias , Schwab Carolina , Edler Daniela , Vevecka Aneida , Butz Steffi , Haller Bernhard , Brachmann Johannes , Busch Sonia 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimsEarly recurrences (ER) of atrial arrhythmias are common after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The significance of these ER is controversial.Based on data of continuous cardiac monitoring, we sought to investigate the characteristics of ER and their impact on late recurrences (LR) during follow‐up.MethodsOne hundred twenty‐six patients with paroxysmal (49%) or persistent (51%) AF underwent an AF ablation with subsequent implantation of implantable loop recorder. Follow up was 12 months using remote monitoring. All atrial arrhythmia (AF or atrial tachycardia‐AT‐) episodes >30 seconds. within the 3‐month blanking period were considered and the AF burden evaluated every 3 months.ResultsWithin the 3‐months blanking period, 72 patients (57%) experienced an AF/AT recurrence. Survival free from any arrhythmia recurrence during follow‐up was 40% in patients with ER vs 69% in those without ER. AF burden during the blanking period and timing of ER correlated significantly with LR at 12 months (area under curve = 0.74,
P < .0001 and .831,
P < .0001). An AF burden ≥0.5% and ER after 74 days predicted LR (sensitivity 60%, specificity 84.4%; sensitivity 75.6%, specificity 90.3%). In cox regression analysis, AF burden ≥0.5% and ER after 74 days were independently associated with LR.ConclusionContinuous cardiac monitoring after AF ablation provides important information regarding early recurrence episodes and their prognostic impact. A cut‐off of 74 days for the blanking period seems to better differentiate patients with a good or a poor long‐term outcome. An AF burden ≥0.5% during the 3 months postablation is predictive for late arrhythmia recurrences.
Comparison of high‐power short‐duration (HPSD) ablation of atrial fibrillation using a contact force‐sensing catheter and conventional technique: Initial results
Authors: Vassallo Fabricio , Cunha Christiano , Serpa Eduardo , Meigre Lucas Luis , Carloni Hermes , Simoes Aloyr , Hespanhol Dalton , Lovatto Carlos Volponi , Batista Walter , Serpa Renato 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroduction: Atrial fibrillation (AFib) ablation is alternative treatment to drugs. Literature suggests that use of contact force (CF) catheter with higher power for short periods is effective and safe.Methods/Results: Retrospectively analyzed 76 patients undergoing the first ablation. Third five patients‐group A: 27 (77%) paroxysmal AFib (PAFib) and 8 (23%) persistent AFib (PersAFib) who underwent ablation at the power of 30 W‐17 mL/minute flow with a CF of 10‐30 g for 30 seconds. Fourty one patients‐group B: 28 (68.3%) PAFib and 13 (31.70%) PersAFib underwent ablation using 45 W on posterior wall with CF of 8/15 g, as well as 50‐W anterior wall with CF of 10/20 g‐35 mL/minute flow for 6 seconds. Pulmonary vein isolation in both groups and ablated. For patients not in the sinus, we performed cardioversion before ablation. No complications. Group A: Left atrial time 110 ± 29 minutes, total 148 ± 33.6 minutes, radiofrequency time (RF) 4558 ± 1998 seconds, X‐ray 8.5 ± 3.5 minutes, and elevation of esophageal temperature (ET) in 26 (74.3%). group B: Left atrial time 70.7 ± 18.5 minutes (
P < .00001), total 106 ± 23 minutes (
P < .00001), RF 1909 ± 675.8 seconds (
P < .00001), X‐ray 8.8 ± 6.6 minutes (
P = .221) and elevation of ET in 21 (51.20% ‐
P = .0578). In 6 and 12 months follow‐up, we had 9 (25.71%) and 11 (31.42%) recurrences in group A and 5 (12.19%) and 7 (17.07%) in group B (
P = .231 at 6 and
P = .14 at 12 months), respectively.Conclusions: HPSD was safe, useful, and efficient compared with CT, and reduced procedural time and total RF time. HPSD may reduce esophageal injury because of lower heating rate and it may reduce the recurrence of atrial tachyarrythmias.
Synergistic combination of DT‐13 and Topotecan inhibits aerobic glycolysis in human gastric carcinoma BGC‐823 cells via NM IIA/EGFR/HK II axis
Authors: Yu Xiao‐Wen , Wei Dandan , Gao Ying‐Sheng , Du Hong‐Zhi , Yu Bo‐Yang , Li Rui‐Ming , Qian Chang‐Min , Luo Xue‐Jun , Yuan Sheng‐Tao , Wang Jun‐Song , Sun Li 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDT‐13 combined with topotecan (TPT) showed stronger antitumour effects in mice subcutaneous xenograft model compared with their individual effects in our previous research. Here, we further observed the synergistically effect in mice orthotopic xenograft model. Metabolomics analysis showed DT‐13 combined with TPT alleviated metabolic disorders induced by tumour and synergistically inhibited the activity of the aerobic glycolysis‐related enzymes in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that the combination treatment promoted epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) degradation through non‐muscle myosin IIA (NM IIA)‐induced endocytosis of EGFR, further inhibited the activity of hexokinase II (HK II), and eventually promoted the aerobic glycolysis inhibition activity more efficiently compared with TPT or DT‐13 monotherapy. The combination therapy also inhibited the specific binding of HK II to mitochondria. When using the NM II inhibitor (‐)002Dblebbistatin or MYH‐9 shRNA, the synergistic inhibition effect of DT‐13 and TPT on aerobic glycolysis was eliminated in BGC‐823 cells. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed selective up‐regulation of NM IIA while specific down‐regulation of p‐CREB, EGFR, and HK II by the combination therapy. Collectively, these findings suggested that this regimen has significant clinical implications, warranted further investigation.
Evolution of Escherichia coli in different carbon environments for 2,000 generations
Authors: Choudhury Debika , Saini Supreet 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCellular energetics is thought to have played a key role in dictating all major evolutionary transitions in the history of life on Earth. However, how exactly cellular energetics and metabolism come together to shape evolutionary paths is not well understood. In particular, when an organism is evolved in different energy environments, what are the phenomenological differences in the chosen evolutionary trajectories, is a question that is not well understood. In this context, starting from an Escherichia coli K‐12 strain, we evolve the bacterium in five different carbon environments—glucose, arabinose, xylose, rhamnose and a mixture of these four sugars (in a predefined ratio) for approximately 2,000 generations. At the end of the adaptation period, we quantify and compare the growth dynamics of the strains in a variety of environments. The evolved strains show no specialized adaptation towards growth in the carbon medium in which they were evolved. Rather, in all environments, the evolved strains exhibited a reduced lag phase and an increased growth rate. Sequencing results reveal that these dynamical properties are not introduced via mutations in the precise loci associated with utilization of the sugar in which the bacterium evolved. These phenotypic changes are rather likely introduced via mutations elsewhere on the genome. Data from our experiments indicate that evolution in a defined environment does not alter hierarchy in mixed‐sugar utilization in bacteria.
Novel sulfate tablet PBK‐1701TC versus oral sulfate solution for colon cleansing: A randomized phase 3 trial
Authors: Yang Hyo‐Joon , Park Dong Il , Park Soo‐Kyung , Lee Chang Kyun , Kim Hyo Jong , Oh Shin Ju , Moon Jung Rock , Lee Beom Jae , Koh Jin Sung , Kim Hyun Soo , Park Seon‐Young , Kim Dong Hyun , Chun Jaeyoung , Kang Eun Ae , Kim Jung , Soh Hosim , Eun Chang Soo , Kim You Sun , Jeen Yoon Tae 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackground and AimPBK‐1701TC is a novel sulfate tablet‐based that contains 320 mg of simethicone and delivers 90% of the salt and water delivered by oral sulfate solution (OSS) preparation. This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of PBK‐1701TC compared with OSS in bowel preparation for colonoscopy.MethodsThis randomized, multicenter, phase 3 non‐inferiority trial included adults aged 19 years or older with a body mass index of 19–30 kg/m2 undergoing colonoscopy at five university hospitals in Korea. The primary efficacy endpoint was successful bowel‐cleansing rate, defined as Harefield Cleansing Scale grade A or B as evaluated by blinded central readers. Secondary endpoints included the presence of residual air bubbles. Adverse events and laboratory evaluations were monitored to assess safety. Tolerability was assessed via participant interview.ResultsOverall, 235 participants were randomized, and 224 were included in the per‐protocol analysis (PBK, 112; OSS, 112). Successful bowel cleansing was achieved for 95.5% (107/112) in the PBK group, which was non‐inferior to the OSS group (98.2%, 110/112) with a difference of −2.7% (one sided 97.5% confidence limit, −8.1%). The participants in the PBK group had fewer intraluminal bubbles (0.9% vs 81.3%, P < 0.001) and reported a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting, with better acceptance, taste, and willingness to repeat the regimen than those in the OSS group (all P < 0.05).ConclusionThe novel sulfate tablet, PBK‐1701TC, was non‐inferior to OSS with respect to bowel‐cleansing efficacy and exhibited better safety and tolerability in adults undergoing colonoscopy.
Risk factors of neurovascular ageing in women
Authors: Miller Virginia M. , Jayachandran Muthuvel , Barnes Jill N. , Mielke Michelle M. , Kantarci Kejal , Rocca Walter A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBiological sex and changes in sex hormones throughout life influence all aspects of health and disease. In women, changes in sex hormonal status reflect ovarian function, pregnancy and the use of exogenous hormonal treatments. Longitudinal data from defined cohorts of women will help to identify mechanisms by which the hormonal milieu contributes to cerebrovascular ageing, brain structure and ultimately cognition. This review summarises the phenotypes of three cohorts of women identified through the medical records‐linkage system of the Rochester Epidemiology Project and the Mayo Clinic Specialized Center of Research Excellence (SCORE) on Sex Differences: (i) menopausal women with histories of normotensive or hypertensive pregnancies; (ii) women who had bilateral oophorectomy ≤45 years of age; and (iii) women who experienced natural menopause and used menopausal hormone treatments for 4 years. Data from these cohorts will influence the design of follow‐up studies concerning how sex hormonal status affects neurovascular ageing in women.
RP11‐284F21.9 promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma development via the miR‐383‐5p/MAL2 axis
Authors: Shao Bingyi , Fu Xiaohui , Li Xian , Li Yong , Gan Ning 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that dysregulated long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in tumorigenesis and progression. RP11‐284F21.9, one of the temporally expressed S‐phase lncRNAs in cancer cells, was recently identified by nascent RNA capture sequencing.MethodsCal‐27, Tca8113, SCC‐9, HB56, and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues were used in the experiment. RNA extraction, qRT‐PCR, plasmid construction, cell proliferation, EdU labeling, Transwell migration, luciferase reporter, and western blotting were used to investigate the exact role and function of RP11‐284F21.9 in cancer.ResultsRP11‐284F21.9 was upregulated in human OSCC samples and cell lines. RP11‐284F21.9 depletion suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cell lines. There was interaction between RP11‐284F21.9, miR‐383‐5p, and MAL2. Increased MAL2 and decreased miR‐383‐5p expression were also detected in OSCC tissues and cell lines. In addition, RP11‐284F21.9 knockdown could reduce MAL2 expression, while miR‐383‐5p inhibitors abolished this repressive effect. RP11‐284F21.9 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR‐383‐5p, leading to MAL2 upregulation, and subsequently promoted OSCC progression.ConclusionRP11‐284F21.9/miR‐383‐5p represents a novel and potential therapeutic target for the treatment of OSCC.
Quantitative assessment of the quality of home sleep studies: A computer‐assisted approach
Authors: Maestri Roberto , Robbi Elena , Lovagnini Marta , Taurino Anna Eugenia , Fanfulla Francesco , Pinna Gian Domenico 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHome monitoring is the most practical means of collecting sleep data in large‐scale research investigations. Because the portion of recording time with poor‐quality data is higher than in attended polysomnography, a quantitative assessment of the quality of each signal should be recommended. Currently, only qualitative or semi‐quantitative assessments are carried out, likely because of the lack of computer‐based applications to carry out this task efficiently. This paper presents an innovative computer‐assisted procedure designed to perform a quantitative quality assessment of standard respiratory signals recorded by Type 2 and Type 3 portable sleep monitors. The proposed system allows to assess the quality (good versus bad) of consecutive 1‐min segments of thoraco‐abdominal movements, oronasal, nasal airflow and oxygen saturation through an automatic classifier. The performance of the classifier was evaluated in a sample of 30 unattended polysomnography recordings, comparing the computer output with the consensus of two expert scorers. The difference (computer versus scorers) in the percentage of good‐quality segments was on average very small, ranging from −3.1% (abdominal movements) to 0.8% (nasal flow), with an average total classification accuracy from 90.2 (oronasal flow) to 94.9 (nasal flow), a Sensitivity from 0.93 (oronasal flow) to 0.98 (nasal flow), and a Specificity from 0.74 (nasal flow) to 0.86 (abdominal movements). In practical applications, the scorer can run a check‐and‐edit procedure, further improving the classification accuracy. Considering a sample of 270 unattended polysomnography recordings (recording time: 545 ± 44 min), the average time taken for the check‐and‐edit procedure of each recording was 6.9 ± 2.1 min for all respiratory signals.
Categorising the broad impacts of continuing professional development: a scoping review
Authors: Allen Louise M , Palermo Claire , Armstrong Elizabeth , Hay Margaret 
Published: August 2019

ContextA number of systematic reviews have evaluated the impacts of continuing professional development (CPD). These reviews, due to their focused nature, may fail to capture the full range of impacts of CPD. This scoping review aims to explore the broader impacts of CPD with the intention of developing a categorisation of the types of impact of CPD.MethodsThe authors searched MEDLINE, CINAHL and ERIC databases for studies published between 2007 and 2017 that looked at the impacts of formal CPD programmes for all health professionals. Studies were independently screened for eligibility; one reviewer charted data for all included studies, a sample of 10% was reviewed by a second reviewer. The charted data were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative content analysis.ResultsThe search returned 2750 manuscripts; 192 manuscripts describing 191 studies were included in this review. Most articles were from the USA (78 studies, 41%) and included medical doctors in the population (105 studies, 55%). Twelve categories of impact were generated through conventional content analysis: knowledge, practice change, skill, confidence, attitudes, career development, networking, user outcomes, intention to change, organisational change, personal change and scholarly accomplishments. Knowledge was most commonly measured (103 studies, 54%), whereas measurement of scholarly accomplishments was the least common (10 studies, 5%).ConclusionsExisting evidence takes a narrow view when assessing the impacts of CPD. Emphasis on measuring impacts as knowledge, behaviour, confidence, skills and attitudes may be due to the widely accepted four levels of evaluation from the Kirkpatrick Model or because the majority of studies used quantitative methods. The categories proposed in this review may be used to capture a broader view of the impacts of CPD programmes, contributing to the evidence base for their value and translating into CPD programmes that truly transform health professionals, their careers and their practice.
HtrA‐mediated selective degradation of DNA uptake apparatus accelerates termination of pneumococcal transformation
Authors: Liu Yanni , Zeng Yuna , Huang Yijia , Gu Lixiao , Wang Shaolin , Li Chunhao , Morrison Donald A. , Deng Haiteng , Zhang Jing‐Ren 
Published: August 2019

SummaryNatural transformation mediates horizontal gene transfer, and thereby promotes exchange of antibiotic resistance and virulence traits among bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae, the first known transformable bacterium, rapidly activates and then terminates the transformation state, but it is unclear how the bacterium accomplishes this rapid turn‐around at the protein level. This work determined the transcriptomic and proteomic dynamics during the window of pneumococcal transformation. RNA sequencing revealed a nearly uniform temporal pattern of rapid transcriptional activation and subsequent shutdown for the genes encoding transformation proteins. In contrast, mass spectrometry analysis showed that the majority of transformation proteins were substantially preserved beyond the window of transformation. However, ComEA and ComEC, major components of the DNA uptake apparatus for transformation, were completely degraded at the end of transformation. Further mutagenesis screening revealed that the membrane‐associated serine protease HtrA mediates selective degradation of ComEA and ComEC, strongly suggesting that breakdown of the DNA uptake apparatus by HtrA is an important mechanism for termination of pneumococcal transformation. Finally, our mutagenesis analysis showed that HtrA inhibits natural transformation of Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus gordonii. Together, this work has revealed that HtrA regulates the level and duration of natural transformation in multiple streptococcal species.