bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive‐Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia to Reduce Chronic Migraine: A Sequential Bayesian Analysis
Authors: Smitherman Todd A. , Kuka Alexander J. , Calhoun Anne H. , Walters A. Brooke Pellegrino , Davis‐Martin Rachel E. , Ambrose Carrie E. , Rains Jeanetta C. , Houle Timothy T. 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundInsomnia is frequently comorbid with chronic migraine, and small trials suggest that cognitive‐behavioral treatment of insomnia (CBTi) may reduce migraine frequency. This study endeavored to provide a quantitative synthesis of existing CBTi trials for adults with chronic migraine using Bayesian statistical methods, given their utility in combining prior knowledge with sequentially gathered data.MethodsCompleter analyses of 2 randomized trials comparing CBTi to a sham control intervention (Calhoun and Ford, 2007; Smitherman et al, 2016) were used to quantify the effects of a brief course of treatment on headache frequency. Change in headache frequency from baseline to the primary endpoint (6‐8 weeks posttreatment) was regressed on group status using a Gaussian linear model with each study specified in the order of completion. To estimate the combined effect, posterior distributions from the Calhoun and Ford study were used as informative priors for conditioning on the Smitherman et al data.ResultsIn a combined analysis of these prior studies, monthly headache frequency of the treatment group decreased by 6.2 days (95%CrI: −9.7 to −2.7) more than the control group, supporting an interpretation that there is a 97.5% chance that the treatment intervention is at least 2.7 days better than the control intervention. The analysis supports the hypothesis that at least for those who complete treatment, there is high probability that individuals who receive CBTi experience greater headache reduction than those who receive a control intervention equated for therapist time and out‐of‐session skills practice.ConclusionCognitive‐behavioral interventions for comorbid insomnia hold promise for reducing headache frequency among those with chronic migraine. These findings add to a small but growing body of literature that migraineurs with comorbid conditions often respond well to behavioral interventions, and that targeting comorbidities may improve migraine itself.
Serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein level as a diagnostic marker of hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chuaypen Natthaya , Chittmittraprap Salyavit , Pinjaroen Nutcha , Sirichindakul Boonchoo , Poovorawan Yong , Tanaka Yasuhito , Tangkijvanich Pisit 
Published: May 2018

AimSerum glycosylated Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP) is a novel marker for staging liver fibrosis and predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence. This study aimed at evaluating the performance of WFA+‐M2BP in the diagnosis of HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.MethodsThe WFA+‐M2BP levels were measured in stored samples collected at initial diagnosis of 150 patients with HBV‐related HCC and 150 age‐ and gender‐matched patients with non‐malignant chronic HBV infection.ResultsPatients with HCC had higher levels of WFA+‐M2BP than those without HCC (3.9 [1.5–20.6] vs. 1.6 [0.4–9.3] cut‐off index [COI], P < 0.001). In the HCC group, WFA+‐M2BP levels correlated with Child–Pugh classification but did not correlate with HBV markers, α‐fetoprotein (AFP), or Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage. The areas under the curve (AUROC) for differentiating HCC from non‐HCC were 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89–0.95; P < 0.001) for WFA+‐M2BP, 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87–0.94; P < 0.001) for AFP, and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95–0.98; P < 0.001) for the combination of both markers. At the optimal cut‐off (2.4 COI), WFA+‐M2BP had sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 79.3%, 91.3%, and 85.3%, respectively. The WFA+‐M2BP marker was superior to AFP in differentiating early‐stage HCC (BCLC stages 0 and A) from cirrhosis with AUROC of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.68–0.91; P < 0.001) and 0.73 (95% CI, 0.60–0.86; P = 0.002), respectively. By univariate analysis, elevated WFA+‐M2BP (≥4.0 COI) was correlated with poor overall survival in patients with HCC.ConclusionsWisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive M2BP showed a better diagnostic performance than AFP in detecting early‐stage HCC. Thus, WFA+‐M2BP level could represent a promising marker for early diagnosis of HCC in patients with chronic HBV infection.
External validation and improvement of LiFe score as a prediction tool in critically ill cirrhosis patients
Authors: Yao Shuangzhe , Jiang Xihui , Sun Chao , Zheng Zhongqing , Wang Bangmao , Wang Tao 
Published: May 2018

AimThe LiFe (liver, injury, failure, evaluation) score, calculated according to arterial lactate, total bilirubin, and international normalized ratio (INR), is a novel score for risk prediction in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with cirrhosis. The present study aimed to externally validate and optimize the LiFe score for predicting outcomes in critically ill cirrhosis patients.MethodsThe study used the single‐center database Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care‐III (MIMIC‐III) for analysis. A total of 536 critically ill cirrhosis patients from the MIMIC‐III database were analyzed. Routine clinical and laboratory variables were included to compare survivors with non‐survivors. The LiFe score was then regraded into three groups to calculate the optimal cut‐off values.ResultsIn‐ICU mortality occurred in 169 (31.5%) of the patients. Survivor and non‐survivor cohorts were similar in age, gender, and etiology of cirrhosis. Multivariate analyses of in‐ICU mortality identified four independent variables: total bilirubin, creatinine, INR, and arterial lactate. An external validation of the LiFe score showed good accuracy for predicting in‐ICU mortality with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.708. In addition, a significant positive correlation exists between LiFe score and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure grade (r = 0.393, P < 0.001). A log–rank test comparing the strata of simplified LiFe scores found that in‐ICU mortality rates were 16.8%, 27.7%, and 51.7%, respectively, among patients in the three simplified risk categories.ConclusionsThe LiFe score, based on laboratory tests, can be useful as a preliminary and convenient scoring tool in a broad cohort of critically ill cirrhosis patients. Simplified risk categories to stratify patients into three groups improves its feasibility and generalizability for clinical application.
Predictive validity of the IELTS in an English as a medium of instruction environment
Authors: Schoepp Kevin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAs access to a university education has increased globally, there have also been increases in the number of universities that use English as a medium of instruction (EMI) and in the number of non‐English‐speaking students studying in English‐speaking countries. Correspondingly, the English language proficiency of students studying in EMI environments is becoming increasingly significant. Using a large sample of 953 undergraduate students at an EMI university in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this paper examines the predictive validity of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as it pertains to the academic success of students as determined by grade point average and addresses implications and appropriateness of further language support. Results indicate that IELTS scores are a meaningful predictor of academic success, especially in the EMI environment that exists in the UAE. Lower than the IELTS guidelines, an IELTS 6.0 seems to be a key benchmark that predicts academic success. It may be that this more moderate English proficiency score is a better fit for non‐English‐speaking countries, but that further language support embedded into degree programmes is necessary except at the highest proficiency levels, and that a bilingual option should be considered at the lowest proficiency levels.
An explorative study on medicines reconciliation in the homeless with a mental illness†
Authors: Nikolić Nikola 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Objectives
This study explored the accuracy of medicines-related information (MRI) held by healthcare service providers in a hostel for homeless men with a mental illness.

Methods
Fifteen residents’ records were screened for MRI on medical history, allergy status and treatment, using all available sources.

Key Findings
There was a significant difference in the number of prescribed psychotropics amongst different services. Twenty-three discrepancies (n = 90) were due to different doses, and 63 discrepancies were omissions. Only three of 14 allergy statuses were identical.

Conclusions
Pharmacists are the key drivers of medicines reconciliation. They can improve patients’ outcomes by ensuring safer prescribing through liaison.
Public views of different sources of health advice:pharmacists, social media and mobile health applications
Authors: Crilly Philip , Jair Sophia , Mahmood Zahra , Moin Khan Armineh , Munir Aneesah , Osei-Bediako Irene , Samir Mustafa , Kayyali Reem 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Investigating public perceptions of community pharmacists (CP) in public health and their use of social media (SM) and mobile health applications (MH apps) in that regard.

Methods
Two surveys were created. One sought public perceptions of SM and the other of MH apps for health advice. Both included a section on perceptions of the role of CPs in public health. A convenience sampling strategy, based on proximity, was used.The study population was the public (n = 8 500 000) living in Greater London. The general public were recruited face-to-face in public spaces. A minimum sample (95% confidence interval/5% margin of error) of 385 was needed. Ethical approval was obtained from the university ethics committee. Responses were analysed in SPSS.

Key findings
About 820/1800 (45.6%) completed one/both surveys. Respondents seek health advice primarily from GPs, followed by digital mediums and then CPs. Under 35s use digital mediums more frequently (P = 0.039). Those who had used SM (41.7%) or MH apps (61.8%) for health information did not confirm its accuracy with a healthcare professional (HCP). Of those that did (MH apps = 39.2%; SM = 58.3%), the HCP disagreed with the information on MH apps and SM on 19.6% and 36.7% of occasions, respectively. Nevertheless, 64.5% stated that if a SM page was maintained by an HCP they would use it.

Conclusions
The public are using digital mediums for health advice instead of speaking to an HCP. If CPs want to have an impact on public health they must start imbedding digital mediums into their services.
Weight management counselling among community pharmacists: a scoping review
Authors: Rosenthal Meagen , Ward Lori M , Teng Jason , Haines Seena 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Objectives
To complete a scoping review of studies of community pharmacy-delivered weight and obesity management services from January 2010 to March 2017.

Methods
A scoping review was conducted to obtain an overview of research related to the study objective. The PubMed, EBSCO and CINAHL databases were searched from January 2010 to March 2017 for articles examining obesity/weight management in community pharmacies. Included studies had to contain an obesity/weight management programme delivered primarily by community pharmacies. All non-interventional studies were excluded.

Key findings
Nine articles were eligible for data extraction. Across the nine included studies, 2141 patients were enrolled. The overwhelming majority of patients enrolled in the studies were female, approximately 50 years of age, had a mean weight of 92.8 kg and mean BMI of 33.8 kg/m2 at baseline. Patients in these various programmes lost a mean of 3.8 kg, however, two studies demonstrated that long-term (&gt;6 months) weight loss maintenance was not achieved. The average dropout rate for each study ranged from 8.3% to 79%.

Conclusions
Obesity has a significant impact on the health and wellness of adults globally. Recent research has shown that community pharmacies have the potential to positively impact patient weight loss. However, additional research is needed into the specific interventions that bring the most value to patients and can be sustained and spread across community pharmacy practice.
Knowledge, attitudes and practice of final-year student pharmacists in public health in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe: an exploratory survey
Authors: Law Miranda G , Maposa Prosper , Chambula Elias , Steeb David R , Eckel Stephen F , Duncan Gregory 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the knowledge, attitudes and practice of final-year student pharmacists about public health.MethodsKnowledge, attitudes and practice of all final-year student pharmacists (N = 158) in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe were assessed through a quantitative 12-item survey. The survey assessed personal interest and attitude towards public health activities, self-assessed ability to perform basic public health activities, perspectives towards current pharmacist practices within public health activities in their country, and student involvement in public health activities during pharmacy school.Key findingsEighty-two per cent of students responded to the survey (n = 129). The majority (95%) of all final-year student pharmacists are interested in contributing to public health activities in both health promotion and disease prevention and feel, as pharmacists, they have the responsibility to do so. Additionally, the majority of students would like more education during pharmacy school on health promotion (93%) and disease prevention (89%). Despite their interest, low numbers of student pharmacists feel that pharmacists are currently utilised in disease prevention (35%) and health promotion (42%).ConclusionFinal-year student pharmacists in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe express strong interest in public health education and involvement in public health activities. This interest and enthusiasm can serve as evidence for advancing public health education in the pharmacy curricula and for developing pharmacist opportunities in public health efforts that match the needs of the country.
Estimated glomerular filtration rate's time to nadir after robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy: Predictors and clinical significance on renal functional recovery
Authors: Santok Glen Denmer , Abdel Raheem Ali , Chang Ki Don , Kim Lawrence , Lum Trenton G , Alenzi Mohamed Jayed , Han Woong Kyu , Choi Young Deuk , Rha Koon Ho 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of postoperative time to nadir of estimated glomerular filtration rate on renal functional changes after robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy.MethodsFrom 2006 to 2015, 287 patients with renal mass who underwent robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy in a referral center were analyzed. The cohort was evaluated based on their time to develop nadir: group 1 (no nadir), group 2 (<48 h) and group 3 (≥48 h). The outcome measures were to evaluate the renal function recovery between groups, risk factors for development of nadir ≥48 h, as well as predictors of chronic kidney disease upstaging.ResultsThe mean estimated glomerular filtration rate percentage change was the worst in group 3 compared with groups 1 and 2, with 13.8%, −0.67% and 8%, respectively (P < 0.001). Chronic kidney disease upstaging was more common in group 3 compared with the other groups (P < 0.001). Age, tumor size, PADUA score and warm ischemia time were predictors of developing ≥48 h estimated glomerular filtration rate nadir (odds ratio 1.04, P = 0.002; odds ratio 1.43, P < 0.001; odds ratio 1.24, P = 0.018; odds ratio 1.05, P < 0.001), respectively. The 5‐year probability of freedom from chronic kidney disease upstaging was lower in group 3 (75.6%) compared with the other groups – 88.1% and 100% (P = 0.003). Time to nadir ≥48 h was a predictor of chronic kidney disease upstaging (odds ratio 3.02, P = 0.022).ConclusionsA continuous decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (≥48 h) after partial nephrectomy is associated with increased risk of poor functional recovery overtime. Age, tumor size, PADUA score and warm ischemia time are independent predictors of developing ≥48 h time to nadir of estimated glomerular filtration rate. This higher risk subgroup should be targeted for stricter follow up to allow early detection of future risk of renal functional decline.
Ocnus is essential for male germ cell development in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Zheng Y. , Bi J. , Hou M.‐Y. , Shen W. , Zhang W. , Ai H. , Yu X.‐Q. , Wang Y.‐F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe ocnus (ocn) gene encodes a protein abundant in the testes, implying its role in testis development. When Drosophila melanogaster is infected with the endosymbiont wMel Wolbachia, which affects the spermatogenesis of its hosts, ocn is downregulated in the third‐instar larval testes, suggesting a role of ocn in spermatogenesis. In this study, we knocked down ocn in the testes and found that the hatch rates of embryos derived from ocn‐knockdown males were significantly decreased, and 84.38% of the testes were much smaller in comparison to controls. Analysis of the smaller testes showed no germ cells but they had an extended hub. Using RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐Seq), we identified 69 genes with at least a twofold change (q‐value < 5%) in their expression after ocn knockdown; of these, eight testes‐specific and three reproduction‐related genes were verified to be significantly downregulated using quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR. Three genes (orientation disruptor, p24‐2 and CG13541) were also significantly downregulated in the presence of Wolbachia. Furthermore, 98 genes were not expressed when ocn was knocked down in testes. These results suggest that ocn plays a crucial role in male germ cell development in Drosophila, possibly by regulating the expression of multiple spermatogenesis‐related genes. Our data provide important information to help understand the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis.
De‐densification mechanisms of yttria‐doped cerium oxide during sintering in a reducing atmosphere
Authors: Chambon Cébastien , Vaudez Stéphane , Heintz Jean‐Marc 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe presence of residual carbon in oxides in which the valence state can change during sintering may lead to de‐densification or swelling phenomena during the last stage of sintering. This was demonstrated by sintering a Ce0.85Y0.15O2‐x powder compact with or without added graphite carbon in a reducing atmosphere (Ar/5 vol.% H2) at 1450°C. The shrinkage behavior was studied with a dilatometer combined with an oxygen probe and a gas chromatograph to analyze the composition of the released gases. Oxide reduction during sintering leads to a significant release of oxygen. This oxygen can react with carbon to form gaseous species such as CO. These gases can be released during the second stage of sintering, that is, when the porosity is still open, but they can be trapped in the closing pores during the final stage of sintering. This causes the pressure to increase in the pores, resulting in irreversible swelling, cracking and eventually pellet fracture.
Influence of phase transformation on luminescence properties of CaSiN2 with Eu doping
Authors: Yuan Hailong , Huang Zhifeng , Zhang Jianwen , Chen Fei , Shen Qiang , Zhang Lianmeng 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAlthough nitride phosphors have been wildly researched, CaSiN2 is seldom reported. In this paper, two different phases CaSiN2, orthorhombic and cubic phase prepared by plasma‐activated sintering were reported. Without active ions doped, the samples were pure orthorhombic phase. However, when Eu ions were doped into CaSiN2, the samples were consisted of both orthorhombic phase and cubic phase, and the ratio of two phases would change with the sintering temperature changed. Meanwhile, the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of samples would change adversely with the content of cubic phase. The differences between the structures of two phases and the existence form of Eu ions in different phases were reported. It can be inferred that the Eu2+ ions prefer to enter into cubic phase when two phases coexist, and the Eu2+ will be translated to Eu3+ easily due to the loose coordination environment in cubic phase, which will result in weaker PL intensity and worse thermal stability.
Experimental study of phase equilibria in the Al2O3–MgO–TiO2 system and thermodynamic assessment of the binary MgO–TiO2 system
Authors: Ilatovskaia Mariia , Saenko Ivan , Savinykh Galina , Fabrichnaya Olga 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPhase relations in the MgO–TiO2 and Al2O3–MgO–TiO2 systems have been studied experimentally using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy combined with dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, and differential thermal analysis. The heat capacity measurements of the Mg2TiO4, MgTiO3, and MgTi2O5 compounds have been carried out in the temperature range of 473‐1373 K using DSC. A new thermodynamic description of the MgO–TiO2 system has been derived based on obtained experimental results, data from literature, and taking into account the cation disordering of the intermediate compounds Mg2TiO4 and MgTi2O5. The liquid phase was described by the two‐sublattice partially ionic model (Mg+2,Ti+2,Ti+3)(O−2,Va,O,TiO2). For the Al2O3–MgO–TiO2 system: the solid‐state invariant reaction involving the intermediate phase of pseudobrookite solid solution have been found at the temperature of 1433 K. On the liquidus surface, the eutectic invariant reaction has been established at 1843 K and the transitional one—at 2006 K. Based on the obtained experimental results isothermal sections within the range 1269‐1697 K of the ternary system have been predicted. The MgTi2O5–Al2TiO5 section has been constructed.
High strain (0.4%) Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3‐BaTiO3‐BiFeO3 lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics and multilayers
Authors: Murakami Shunsuke , Wang Dawei , Mostaed Ali , Khesro Amir , Feteira Antonio , Sinclair Derek C. , Fan Zhongming , Tan Xiaoli , Reaney Ian M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe relationship between the piezoelectric properties and the structure/microstructure for 0.05Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3‐(0.95‐x)BaTiO3‐xBiFeO3 (BBFT, x = 0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.65, 0.70, and 0.75) ceramics has been investigated. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a homogeneous microstructure for x < 0.75 but there was evidence of a core‐shell cation distribution for x = 0.75 which could be suppressed in part through quenching from the sintering temperature. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) suggested a gradual structural transition from pseudocubic to rhombohedral for 0.63 < x < 0.70, characterized by the coexistence of phases. The temperature dependence of relative permittivity, polarization‐electric field hysteresis loops, bipolar strain‐electric field curves revealed that BBFT transformed from relaxor‐like to ferroelectric behavior with an increase in x, consistent with changes in the phase assemblage and domain structure. The largest strain was 0.41% for x = 0.63 at 10 kV/mm. The largest effective piezoelectric coefficient (d33*) was 544 pm/V for x = 0.63 at 5 kV/mm but the largest Berlincourt d33 (148 pC/N) was obtained for x = 0.70. We propose that d33* is optimized at the point of crossover from relaxor to ferroelectric which facilitates a macroscopic field induced transition to a ferroelectric state but that d33 is optimized in the ferroelectric, rhombohedral phase. Unipolar strain was measured as a function of temperature for x = 0.63 with strains of 0.30% achieved at 175°C, accompanied by a significant decrease in hysteresis with respect to room temperature measurements. The potential for BBFT compositions to be used as high strain actuators is demonstrated by the fabrication of a prototype multilayer which achieved 3 μm displacement at 150°C.