bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a hospital-based education programme in improving knowledge of the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs among heart failure patients in a Malaysia regional hospital
Authors: Choong Lai-Yuan , Lew Pit-Chin , George Doris , Tan Rou-Wei , Leow Hon-Lunn , Leow Koon-Hoong , Chan Huan-Keat , Chang Chee-Tao 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Objectives
The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in heart failure patients is known to be associated with a wide range of adverse events, including an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an education programme in improving the knowledge about the safety of NSAID use among the hospitalized heart failure patients.

Method
This was a single-arm, quasi-experimental study. It was undertaken in a regional referral centre in Perak State, Malaysia. Each recruited patient received an educational leaflet and a 10-min counselling intervention by a clinical pharmacist. A 5-item questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge before and after the intervention. Each correct answer was awarded with 1 point, and a patient with a total score of 3 points or above was considered having adequate knowledge.

Key findings
A total of 31 patients received the intervention and completed the assessment. They were mainly female (61%), with a median age of 68 (interquartile range (IQR) = 22) years. Of all the patients, four (13.3%) reported a long-term use of NSAIDs, while only one (3.2%) reported the use of NSAIDs in 1 week before the hospitalization. The postintervention score (median = 3; IQR = 2) was shown to be significantly higher than the preintervention score (median = 1; IQR = 2; P = &lt; 0.001). Additionally, the majority of the patients (86.7%) found the education programme was useful to avoid unnecessary NSAID use in the future.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that the pharmacist-initiated education programme is useful and could be used as a long-term strategy to improve the knowledge about the safety of NSAID use in heart failure patients.
Exserohilum infections in Australian Queensland children
Authors: Dobinson Hazel C. , Down Gregory , Clark Julia E. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundExserohilum species are environmental moulds that can cause skin infection and sinusitis in both normal and immunosuppressed children. This study reviews paediatric cases of Exserohilum infection in Queensland, Australia, to identify the spectrum of disease and its clinical course.MethodsAll culture‐positive samples of Exserohilum species in children <18 years of age were identified from the Queensland Health Laboratory database (April 2003‐April 2018). Clinical information was recorded from medical records.ResultsEleven children were identified, and all had isolated Exserohilum rostratum. The mean age was 7.4 years (range 2.3‐17.8) and 64% female. Four immunocompetent children (36%) had a skin infection (2/4), chronic sinusitis (1/4) or otitis externa (1/4). Seven children (64%) had an underlying oncological diagnosis with E. rostratum causing local skin infection (2/7), invasive rhinosinus disease (3/7) or disseminated infection (2/7). All oncological patients were empirically started on liposomal amphotericin B with addition, or switch, to posaconazole or voriconazole.ConclusionExserohilum rostratum infection of the skin has a favourable course, whereas rhinosinus infection can be rapidly invasive in the immunocompromised child requiring prompt surgical intervention and antifungal therapy. Susceptibility data support empiric use of liposomal amphotericin and/or posaconazole.
Comparison of miRNA expression profiles in individuals with chronic or aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Amaral Sérgio Antonucci , Pereira Thaís Santos Fontes , Brito João Artur Ricieri , Cortelli Sheila Cavalca , Cortelli José Roberto , Gomez Ricardo Santigo , Costa Fernando Oliveira , Miranda Cota Luís Otávio 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivesMicroRNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role in inflammatory response. However, the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of periodontitis is unclear. The present study aimed to compare the miRNA expression profiles in individuals with chronic (CP) or aggressive (AP) periodontitis.Materials and methodsEighteen non‐smoker individuals (CP = 9 and AP = 9) without any history of systemic diseases or previous periodontal therapies were selected at the Clinics of Periodontology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Gingival tissue samples were collected during the initial periodontal therapy. miRNAs were isolated, and expression patterns of 754 miRNAs were assessed with a quantitative miRNA PCR array. miRNAs expression profiles were compared between CP and AP groups.ResultsThere were no differences observed in the miRNAs expression profiles between CP and AP (p > 0.05). According to the microarray analyses, the most expressed miRNAs in both groups were hsa‐miR‐1274b, hsa‐let‐7b‐5p, hsa‐miR‐24‐3p, hsa‐miR‐19b‐3p, hsa‐miR‐720, hsa‐miR‐126‐3p, hsa‐miR‐17‐3p and hsa‐miR‐21‐3p.ConclusionFindings suggested no differences in miRNAs expression profiles between chronic and aggressive forms of periodontitis. The overexpression of specific miRNAs could provide insights into the pathogenesis of both forms of the disease.
Multi‐ethnic variations in the practice of oral cancer risk habits in a developing country
Authors: Ghani Wan Maria Nabillah , Razak Ishak Abdul , Doss Jennifer Geraldine , Yang Yi‐Hsin , Rahman Zainal Ariff Abdul , Ismail Siti Mazlipah , Abraham Mannil Thomas , Wan Mustafa Wan Mahadzir , Tay Keng Kiong , Zain Rosnah Binti 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo elucidate ethnic variations in the practice of oral cancer risk habits in a selected Malaysian population.MethodsThis retrospective case–control study involves 790 cases of cancers of the oral cavity and 450 controls presenting with non‐malignant oral diseases, recruited from seven hospital‐based centres nationwide. Data on risk habits (smoking, drinking, chewing) were obtained using a structured questionnaire via face‐to‐face interviews. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine association between risk habits and oral cancer risk; chi‐square test was used to assess association between risk habits and ethnicity. Population attributable risks were calculated for all habits.ResultsExcept for alcohol consumption, increased risk was observed for all habits; the highest risk was for smoking + chewing + drinking (aOR 22.37 95% CI 5.06, 98.95). Significant ethnic differences were observed in the practice of habits. The most common habit among Malays was smoking (24.2%); smoking + drinking were most common among Chinese (16.8%), whereas chewing was the most prevalent among Indians (45.2%) and Indigenous people (24.8%). Cessation of chewing, smoking and drinking is estimated to reduce cancer incidence by 22.6%, 8.5% and 6.9%, respectively.ConclusionEthnic variations in the practice of oral cancer risk habits are evident. Betel quid chewing is the biggest attributable factor for this population.
PR deviation as a risk marker for cardiac events in patients with Takotsubo syndrome
Authors: Shimizu Masato , Fujii Hiroyuki , Suzuki Makoto , Yamawake Noriyoshi , Nishizaki Mitsuhiro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundPR segment deviation (PRD: defined as PR elevation in aVR and PR depression in lead II/III) on electrocardiography is frequently observed in patients with acute pericarditis; however, there have been few studies that explore the occurrence of PRD in patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). The clinical significance of PRD in TTS is not clearly elucidated.Methods & resultsA total of 52 consecutive patients with TTS in sinus rhythm (73.9 ± 13.8 years, nine males) were enrolled in the study. The major cardiac events were defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, Killip class 4 heart failure, and cardiac death within 30 days. PRD in the hyperacute phase (within 48 h from the onset of TTS) was observed in 15 patients (29%), and all PRDs disappeared or diminished at 1 week later. The PRD (+) group had a higher value of C‐reactive protein level (median: 1.80 mg/dL [0.31‐3.26] vs 0.20 mg/dL [0.06‐0.81], P = 0.013) and creatine kinase‐muscle/brain isoenzyme (median: 60 IU/L [28‐75] vs 17 IU/L [13‐26], P < 0.001) and a lower level of left ventricular ejection fraction (42.7 ± 7.2% vs 48.8 ± 9.4%, P = 0.041) than the PRD (−) group. Multivariate analysis showed that PRD was a significant and independent predictor for major cardiac events (odds ratio = 21.0, 95% confidence interval = 1.18‐273).ConclusionsTTS patients with PRD in the hyperacute phase showed a high incidence of major cardiac events. Therefore, PRD may help to identify TTS patients at high risk for cardiac event.
Block periodization of strength and endurance training is superior to traditional periodization in ice hockey players
Authors: Rønnestad Bent R. , Øfsteng Sjur J. , Ellefsen Stian 
Published: October 2018

Team sports like ice hockey require high levels of performance in numerous physical characteristics such as strength, power, and endurance. As such, training is associated with a potential interference effect. The present study randomized well‐trained ice hockey players into a block periodization group (BP; n = 8), focusing on the development of either strength and power or endurance on a weekly, undulating basis, and a traditional group (TRAD; n = 8), performing a mixed training model, with simultaneous focus of strength, power, and endurance training every week. During the 6‐week intervention, the two groups performed equal volumes and intensities of both strength, power, and endurance training. BP led to larger improvements than TRAD in knee extension peak torque at 180° s−1 (6.6 ± 8.7 vs −4.2% ± 6.3%, respectively; P < 0.05) and maximal oxygen uptake (5.1 ± 3.3 vs 1.1% ± 3.5%, respectively; P < 0.05). There was also a trend toward larger improvements in BP than TRAD in peak torque in knee extension at 60° s−1 (2.1 ± 2.5 vs −0.1% ± 2.5%, respectively; P < 0.1, effect size = 0.83) and mean power output during a 30‐s cycling sprint (4.1 ± 2.5 vs −0.3% ± 5.9%, respectively; P < 0.1, effect size = 0.89). Overall, BP exhibited a moderate to large effect size for all these variables compared to TRAD. The present study suggests that block periodization of strength and endurance training induces superior adaptations in both strength and endurance capacities in well‐trained ice hockey players compared to traditional mixed organization, despite similar training volume and intensity.
Leaf stable carbon isotope composition reflects transpiration efficiency in Zea mays
Authors: Twohey Robert J. , Roberts Lucas M. , Studer Anthony J. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThe increasing demand for food production and predicted climate change scenarios highlight the need for improvements in crop sustainability. The efficient use of water will become increasingly important for rain‐fed agricultural crops even in fertile regions that have historically received ample precipitation. Improvements in water‐use efficiency in Zea mays have been limited, and warrant a renewed effort aided by molecular breeding approaches. Progress has been constrained by the difficulty of measuring water‐use in a field environment. The stable carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of the leaf has been proposed as an integrated signature of carbon fixation with a link to stomatal conductance. However, additional factors affecting leaf δ13C exist, and a limited number of studies have explored this trait in Z. mays. Here we present an extensive characterization of leaf δ13C in Z. mays. Significant variation in leaf δ13C exists across diverse lines of Z. mays, which we show to be heritable across several environments. Furthermore, we examine temporal and spatial variation in leaf δ13C to determine the optimum sampling time to maximize the use of leaf δ13C as a trait. Finally, our results demonstrate the relationship between transpiration and leaf δ13C in the field and the greenhouse. Decreasing transpiration and soil moisture are associated with decreasing leaf δ13C. Taken together these results outline a strategy for using leaf δ13C and reveal its usefulness as a measure of transpiration efficiency under well‐watered conditions rather than a predictor of performance under drought.
Evaluation of the provision of helicopter emergency medical services in Europe
Authors: Jones Angharad , Donald Michael John , Jansen Jan O 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundHelicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) are a useful means of reducing inequity of access to specialist emergency care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations in HEMS provision across Europe, in order to inform the further development of emergency care systems.MethodsThis is a survey of primary HEMS in the 32 countries of the European Economic Area and Switzerland. Information was gathered through internet searches (May to September 2016), and by emailing service providers, requesting verification and completion of data (September 2016 to July 2017). HEMS provision was calculated as helicopters per million population and per 1000 km2land area, by day and by night, and per US$10 billion of gross domestic product (GDP), for each country.ResultsIn 2016, the smallest and least prosperous countries had no dedicated HEMS provision. Luxembourg had the highest number of helicopters by area and population, day and night. Alpine countries had high daytime HEMS coverage and Scandinavia had good night-time coverage. Most helicopters carried a doctor. Funding of services varied from public to charitable and private. Most services performed both primary (from the scene) and secondary (interfacility) missions.ConclusionsWithin Europe, there is a large variation in the number of helicopters available for emergency care, regardless of whether assessed with reference to population, land area or GDP. Funding of services varied, and did not seem to be clearly related to the availability of HEMS.
Non-fatal self-inflicted versus undetermined intent injuries: patient characteristics and incidence of subsequent self-inflicted injuries
Authors: Peterson Cora , Xu Likang , Leemis Ruth W , Stone Deborah M , Ballesteros Michael F 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundNon-fatal self-inflicted (SI) injuries may be underidentified in administrative medical data sources.ObjectiveCompare patients with SI versus undetermined intent (UI) injuries according to patient characteristics, incidence of subsequent SI injury and risk factors for subsequent SI injury.MethodsTruven Health MarketScan was used to identify patients’ (aged 10–64) first SI or UI injury in 2015 (index injury). Patient characteristics and subsequent SI within 1 year were assessed. A logistic regression model examined factors associated with subsequent SI.ResultsAmong analysed patients (n=44 806; 36% SI, 64% UI), a higher proportion of patients with SI index injury were female, had preceding comorbidities (eg, depression), Medicaid (vs commercial insurance), treatment in an ambulance or hospital and cut/pierce or poisoning injuries compared with patients with UI index injury. Just 1% of patients with UI had subsequent SI≤1 year vs 16% of patients with SI. Among patients with UI index injury, incidence of and risk factors for subsequent SI injury were similar across assessed age groups (10–24 years, 25–44 years, 45–64 years). Severe injuries (eg, treated in emergency department), cut/pierce or poisoning injuries, mental health and substance use disorder comorbidities and Medicaid (among adult patients) were risk factors for subsequent SI among patients with UI index injuries.ConclusionsRegardless of circumstances that influence clinicians’ SI vs UI coding decisions, information on incidence of and risk factors for subsequent SI can help to inform clinical treatment decisions when SI injury is suspected as well as provide evidence to support the development and implementation of self-harm prevention activities.
Mapping of breakpoints in balanced chromosomal translocations by shallow whole-genome sequencing points toEFNA5,BAHD1andPPP2R5Eas novel candidates for genes causing human Mendelian disorders
Authors: Murcia Pienkowski Victor , Kucharczyk Marzena , Młynek Marlena , Szczałuba Krzysztof , Rydzanicz Małgorzata , Poszewiecka Barbara , Skórka Agata , Sykulski Maciej , Biernacka Anna , Koppolu Agnieszka Anna , Posmyk Renata , Walczak Anna , Kosińska Joanna , Krajewski Paweł , Castaneda Jennifer , Obersztyn Ewa , Jurkiewicz Elżbieta , Śmigiel Robert , Gambin Anna , Chrzanowska Krystyna , Krajewska-Walasek Małgorzata , Płoski Rafał 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundMapping the breakpoints in de novo balanced chromosomal translocations (BCT) in symptomatic individuals provides a unique opportunity to identify in an unbiased way the likely causative genetic defect and thus find novel human disease candidate genes. Our aim was to fine-map breakpoints of de novo BCTs in a case series of nine patients.MethodsShallow whole-genome mate pair sequencing (SGMPS) together with long-range PCR and Sanger sequencing. In one case (BCT disruptingBAHD1andRET) cDNA analysis was used to verify expression of a fusion transcript in cultured fibroblasts.ResultsIn all nine probands 11 disrupted genes were found, that is,EFNA5, EBF3, LARGE, PPP2R5E, TXNDC5, ZNF423, NIPBL, BAHD1, RET, TRPS1andSLC4A10. Five subjects had translocations that disrupted genes with so far unknown (EFNA5, BAHD1, PPP2R5E, TXNDC5) or poorly delineated impact on the phenotype (SLC4A10,two previous reports of BCT disrupting the gene). The four genes with no previous disease associations (EFNA5, BAHD1, PPP2R5E, TXNDC5), when compared with all human genes by a bootstrap test, had significantly higher pLI (p<0.017) and DOMINO (p<0.02) scores indicating enrichment in genes likely to be intolerant to single copy damage. Inspection of individual pLI and DOMINO scores, and local topologically associating domain structure suggested thatEFNA5, BAHD1andPPP2R5Ewere particularly good candidates for novel disease loci. The pathomechanism forBAHD1may involve deregulation of expression due to fusion withRETpromoter.ConclusionSGMPS in symptomatic carriers of BCTs is a powerful approach to delineate novel human gene–disease associations.
Geochronological enigma of the HP–UHP rocks in the Himalayan orogen
Authors: Rehman Hafiz Ur 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

The subduction of Indian plate lithosphere during its collision with Asian plate in the Eocene resulted in a regional metamorphic belt along the strike of the Himalayan orogen. High-/ultrahigh-pressure (HP/UHP) metamorphic rocks (eclogites and host gneisses) confirm the metamorphic event in western Himalaya (Kaghan
c.
46 Ma and Tso Morari at
c.
47 Ma) at mantle depths (>90 km: coesite-stable). In contrast, HP/UHP rocks have not been reported from central and eastern Himalaya and only highly retrogressed eclogites and granulites (
c.
25 to 13 Ma) occur. The presence of UHP rocks in western Himalaya and highly retrogressed eclogites and granulites in central and eastern Himalaya was regarded as evidence for a diachronous India–Asia collision. Despite the along-strike regional homogeneity in major lithotectonic units of the Himalayan orogen, metamorphic diachroneity is enigmatic. It is unlikely to have a subduction-related prolonged progressive metamorphic event. In contrast, the age difference and preservation of UHP phases in the west and their transformation into granulites in central and eastern Himalaya could be associated with their prolonged residence times at crustal levels in the central and eastern Himalaya whereas the rocks exhumed rapidly in the west. The higher thermal events relating to melting of the subducting Indian lithosphere in central and eastern Himalaya evidenced from ultra-potasic volcanics in southern Tibet probably decompressed the early metabasites into granulitized eclogites, even resetting their geological clock, which is why eclogites and granulites in the east show younger ages compared with their UHP counterparts in the west.
The international fossil trade from the Paleozoic of the Anti-Atlas, Morocco
Authors: Gutiérrez-Marco Juan Carlos , García-Bellido Diego C. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The fossil trade of Paleozoic material from southern Morocco was estimated by some North American media to reach about US$ 40 million a year, and it supplies fossil shows and shops all over the world. In its initial stages of extraction, preparation and export, this trade constitutes the main source of income to more than 50 000 people in an area basically conscribed within the triangle made by Alnif–Erfoud–Taouz (eastern Anti-Atlas), and generated a true ‘fossil industry’. This includes diggers and miners, artisans that prepare and restore fossils (and others dedicated to making replicas with decorative purposes), quarries working on fossiliferous ornamental rocks, and numerous middlemen and Moroccan wholesalers who annually attend the large fossil fairs of Europe and the USA. More than 25 years of intensive exploitation of fossil resources in the Anti-Atlas has also produced important scientific discoveries, such as world-renowned fossil biotas like Fezouata and Tafilalt, and hundreds of new Paleozoic fossil taxa, in parallel with a worrying destruction of outcrops and many palaeontological sites. The new mining legislation also deals with the extraction, collection and trade of geological specimens, and a future specific legal framework for fossils and geological heritage will try to manage the existing industry. It will aim to restrain the constant deterioration of the rich Moroccan geological heritage, while enabling strategies of sustainable development so that the local population is not negatively affected.
Leveraging Bioorthogonal Click Chemistry to Improve 225Ac-Radioimmunotherapy of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Poty Sophie , Carter Lukas M. , Mandleywala Komal , Membreno Rosemery , Abdel-Atti Dalya , Ragupathi Ashwin , Scholz Wolfgang W. , Zeglis Brian M. , Lewis Jason S. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Purpose:
Interest in targeted alpha-therapy has surged due to α-particles' high cytotoxicity. However, the widespread clinical use of this approach could be limited by on-/off-target toxicities. Here, we investigated the inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder ligation between an 225Ac-labeled tetrazine radioligand and a trans-cyclooctene–bearing anti-CA19.9 antibody (5B1) for pretargeted α-radioimmunotherapy (PRIT) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This alternative strategy is expected to reduce nonspecific toxicities as compared with conventional radioimmunotherapy (RIT).
Experimental Design: A side-by-side comparison of 225Ac-PRIT and conventional RIT using a directly 225Ac-radiolabeled immunoconjugate evaluates the therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of both methodologies in PDAC murine models.

Results:
A comparative biodistribution study of the PRIT versus RIT methodology underscored the improved pharmacokinetic properties (e.g., prolonged tumor uptake and increased tumor-to-tissue ratios) of the PRIT approach. Cerenkov imaging coupled to PRIT confirmed the in vivo biodistribution of 225Ac-radioimmunoconjugate but—importantly—further allowed for the ex vivo monitoring of 225Ac's radioactive daughters' redistribution. Human dosimetry was extrapolated from the mouse biodistribution and confirms the clinical translatability of 225Ac-PRIT. Furthermore, longitudinal therapy studies performed in subcutaneous and orthotopic PDAC models confirm the therapeutic efficacy of 225Ac-PRIT with the observation of prolonged median survival compared with control cohorts. Finally, a comparison with conventional RIT highlighted the potential of 225Ac-PRIT to reduce hematotoxicity while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Conclusions:
The ability of 225Ac-PRIT to deliver a radiotherapeutic payload while simultaneously reducing the off-target toxicity normally associated with RIT suggests that the clinical translation of this approach will have a profound impact on PDAC therapy.