bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional study of gender differences in lifestyle behavior and usage of medications among community-dwelling Asians towards achieving their LDL-Cholesterol treatment goals
Authors: Tan Ngiap Chuan , Koh Eileen Yi Ling , Goh Chin Chin , Goh Paul Soo Chye , Koh Kim Hwee 
Published: February 2017

Background: Men differ from women in their cardiovascular mortality and morbidity globally, possibly due to their varying dietary and lifestyle behavior and usage of medications in dyslipidemia control. Objectives: The study aimed to compare the gender differences among community-dwelling Asians in their dietary habits, physical activity, their perception and use of lipid-lowering medications towards achieving their LDL-Cholesterol goals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, which included patients with physician-diagnosed dyslipidemia, aged 31–80 years in two public primary care clinics in Singapore. They were administered a questionnaire survey on their diet, exercise and lipid-lowering medication. Their latest laboratory fasting lipid tests, retrieved from their electronic health records, defined their treatment goals based on adapted Framingham risk scores. Results: Amongst 1093 patients, 61.9% were female. Fewer men (65.9%) achieved LDL-C treatment goals compared with women (75.2%). Comparing with their counterpart, more women were willing to change their diet (75.8% vs. 46.2%) and exercise (78.4% vs. 70.9%) to achieve their LDL treatment goals. However, men who were treated with lipid medication were more likely to reach LDL-C treatment goals. Conclusion: Fewer Asian men in Singapore attained their LDL-C treatment goals than women, which appeared to be associated with greater reluctance to embark on dietary and lifestyle changes. Gender-specific interventions should be considered to address these differences.
Interethnic variation in the prevalence of claustrophobia during MRI at Singapore General Hospital: does a wider bore MR scanner help?
Authors: Koh Salem Ah Sing , Lee Weiling , Rahmat Rosherinna , Salkade Parag Ratnakar , Li Huihua 
Published: February 2017

Background and objectives: It is estimated that 60 million magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are performed annually around the world. Of these, 25% of patients experienced moderate to severe claustrophobia during the procedure. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and interethnic variations of patients requiring sedation due to claustrophobia. Another aim was to determine if a wider bore MR scanner was helpful in reducing the incidence of claustrophobia. Methodology: This was an institutional review board-approved study. We retrieved records for 11,813 adult outpatients from the hospital radiological system from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012. The data collected included patients’ gender, age, ethnicity, body region scanned, body orientation with respect to the scanner, the types of scanners used, and the need for sedation. Statistical analysis was performed using R 3.0.1. Results: The prevalence of claustrophobic patients requiring sedation was 0.45%, i.e. 53. Of these, 55% were females and 45% males. Among these, 64% were Chinese, 15% Malays, 15% Indians, and 6% were other races. 74% experienced claustrophobia at the 60 cm-wide bore scanners and 26% at 70 cm-wider bore scanners. Referring to Chinese, multivariable regression showed Malays and the Indians were six times and other ethnic groups were 12 times more likely to develop claustrophobia. The incidence of claustrophobia could be reduced by a factor of 2.95 with wider bore scanners. Conclusions: The MR environment is still disturbing to some patients. Feet-in positioning does not significantly minimize claustrophobia. Gender and age had no bearing on claustrophobia. Wider bore MR scanners with a bore size of 70 cm are an obvious choice toward more patient-friendly MR scanners.
Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 expression in primary human hepatocytes is highly variable and determines uptake of ribavirin
Authors: Baloch Kanwal , Chen Liqiong , Memon Ameer A , Dexter Laura , Irving William , Ilyas Mohammad , Thomson Brian J 
Published: February 2017

Aims Ribavirin is a nucleoside analogue and remains a necessary component of both interferon-based and directly acting anti-viral regimens for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. The achievable concentration of ribavirin within hepatocytes is likely to be an important determinant of therapeutic outcome. In vitro expression levels of equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) has been shown to be a predictor of treatment response in patients receiving nucleoside-based chemotherapeutic agents. We therefore investigated whether a similar relationship existed between ENT1 expression and ribavirin uptake in freshly isolated primary hepatocytes. Methods Primary hepatocytes were cultured on collagen-coated plates and exposed to ribavirin. Parallel samples were taken for high-performance liquid chromatography to assess ribavirin uptake and for quantitative polymerase chain reaction to evaluate ENT1 expression. Similar assays were performed on the human hepatoma cell line (Huh7). ENT1 gene sequence was analysed by cloning of polymerase chain reaction amplified complementary DNA followed by direct sequencing. Results There was a strong direct correlation between expression of ENT1 in primary hepatocytes and ribavirin uptake at 24 hr. Huh7 cells expressed ENT1 at similar levels to the majority of primary hepatocytes, but did not take up ribavirin. Sequencing revealed that ENT1 in Huh7 cells is wild type. Conclusions In this study, we clearly demonstrate that ribavirin uptake in primary human hepatocytes is variable and correlates with ENT1 expression. This variation in ENT1 expression may account for differences in response rate in patients receiving ribavirin-based anti-hepatitis C virus therapy.
Hsp90 inhibition destabilizes Ezh2 protein in alloreactive T cells and reduces graft-versus-host disease in mice
Authors: Huang Qingrong , He Shan , Tian Yuanyuan , Gu Yuting , Chen Pan , Li Changhong , Huang Jiefang , Liu Yongnian , Yu Hongshuang , Jin Min , Hu Shaoyan , Tong Qing , Ma Anqi , Jin Jian , Hexner Elizabeth , Fung Henry , Reshef Ran , Zhang Yi , Zhang Yanyun 
Published: February 2017

Key Points
Ezh2 requires Hsp90 to maintain Ezh2 protein stability and function in alloreactive T cells. Pharmacological inhibition of Hsp90 destabilizes Ezh2 protein in alloreactive T cells and reduces GVHD but preserves graft-versus-leukemia effects.
Depletion of coagulation factor XII ameliorates brain pathology and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer disease mice
Authors: Chen Zu-Lin , Revenko Alexey S. , Singh Pradeep , MacLeod A. Robert , Norris Erin H. , Strickland Sidney 
Published: February 2017

Key PointsThe plasma contact system is activated early in AD mice and temporally correlated with the onset of brain inflammation. Depletion of contact system initiator FXII ameliorates brain pathology and cognitive impairment in AD mice.
Acceptability of insecticide-treated clothing for malaria prevention among migrant rubber tappers in Myanmar: a cluster-randomized non-inferiority crossover trial
Authors: Crawshaw Alison F. , Maung Thae Maung , Shafique Muhammad , Sint Nyan , Nicholas Sarala , Li Michelle S. , Roca-Feltrer Arantxa , Hii Jeffrey 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Background
Insecticide-treated clothing (ITC) has long been used for military and outdoor recreational purposes and there is substantial evidence to show that it can protect against arthropod biting. As a complementary vector control measure, ITC could be used to address outdoor transmission of malaria, particularly among mobile and migrant populations and night-time workers such as rubber tappers, who may be beyond the reach of core interventions. However, more information is required on acceptability and preferences of target groups towards ITC to understand whether it could be a viable strategy in Myanmar.

Methods
A cluster-randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority crossover trial was performed to determine acceptability of ITC versus identical, untreated clothing (NTC) among migrant rubber tappers. The study took place between January and May 2015 with 234 participants in 16 clusters in Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, Myanmar. Participants were randomly assigned to the order of clothing distribution and followed up at 2, 4 and 6 week intervals. Acceptability was assessed through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. A cluster-level non-inferiority analysis was conducted using STATA, while qualitative data were digitally recorded, transcribed and content-analysed to identify patterns and themes, and managed thematically in Excel 2010®.

Results
Acceptability of both types of clothing was high. ITC was deduced to be non-inferior to NTC for seven out of eight indicators regarding perceptions (looks nice, is durable, is pleasant to wear for nighttime work, reduces mosquito bites, would recommend the clothing, would buy the clothing, like the clothing overall). A high proportion of respondents reported that the clothing reduced mosquito bites (ITC-98%; NTC-94%). Clothing was worn regularly (about 11 times in the previous two weeks). The most common reasons for not wearing the clothing every night were that it was being washed or dried, or the participant did not go to work.

Conclusions
The high level of acceptability suggests that ITC could be an appropriate strategy for personal protection amongst migrant rubber tappers in outdoor transmission settings in Myanmar. However, more research is needed into the feasibility and protective efficacy of ITC before it can be considered for wider roll-out.
Trial registration Clinical trials ACTRN12615000432516
Effect of Clopidogrel on Thrombus Formation in an Ex Vivo Parallel Plate Flow Chamber Model Cannot Be Reversed by Addition of Platelet Concentrates or vWF Concentrate
Authors: Jahn Kira , Suchodolski Klaudiusz , Schäfer Andreas , Sahlmann Bianca , Küster Uwe , Echtermeyer Frank , Calmer Simone , Theilmeier Gregor , Johanning Kai 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND:
Hemorrhage is the most important complication of antithrombotic therapy with P2Y12 receptor blockers. The administration of platelet concentrates (PCs) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) concentrates are common procedures to normalize impaired primary hemostasis in bleeding patients. We tested whether this strategy reverses the effect of clopidogrel using a parallel plate flow chamber model.

METHODS:
Whole blood from patients, who received a loading dose of clopidogrel with 600 mg and an ongoing dual antiplatelet therapy with 75 mg/d clopidogrel and 100 mg/d acetyl salicylic acid, compared with blood from healthy volunteers was examined in a collagen-coated parallel plate flow chamber. Blood was perfused by suction at a shear rate of 300/s, which is equivalent to 14 dynes/cm2 to resemble shear stress in conduit arteries. Platelet-covered area, individual thrombus size, and the average thrombus size were assessed morphometrically. The equivalent of 2 or 5 units of PC and/or 2 U/mL of vWF concentrate were used in an attempt to restore coagulation capacity in blood samples of clopidogrel-treated patients.

RESULTS:
In this model, clopidogrel reduced the increase of thrombus size. The equivalent of 2 U of PC or 2 U/mL of vWF alone did not show any significant changes in thrombus size. 5 U of PC increased thrombus size in clopidogrel-treated patients (P < .05). Thrombus size in clopidogrel blood was increased by combined PC and vWF treatment (by 50%, P < .05), but this increase did not reach control levels (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:
This flow chamber model is suitable for detection of the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel. Ex vivo addition of PC or vWF does not overcome the effects of clopidogrel in this model, but the combination of both shows a mild and significant improvement in thrombus size.
Oncology nurses' perceptions of end-of-life care in a tertiary cancer centre in Qatar
Authors: Libo-on Izette Larraine M , Nashwan Abdulqadir J 
Published: February 2017

Background: Nurses who work in oncology settings may lack the knowledge and skills required for end-of-life (EoL) care. A clear understanding of nurses' perceptions of EoL care is crucial for the successful improvement of care for terminally ill patients with cancer. Although many studies have underlined nurses' perspectives on EoL care, this is the first such study conducted on oncology nurses in Qatar. Purpose: This study primarily sought to measure nurses' perceptions of EoL care at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) in Qatar. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, self-reported study. Nurses at the NCCCR reported their perceptions of EoL care using the Frommelt Attitudes Toward Care of the Dying (FATCOD) scale, which consisted of 30 items scored on a five-point Likert scale. Seventy-eight nurses working in oncology settings completed the tool. Results: Approximately one third (33–35%) of the participants had positive perceptions of EoL care. The majority (67%) of the participants were uncertain or ambivalent regarding EoL events and situations. There was no significant relationship between the participants' profiles and their perceptions of EoL care. However, very few of them had completed educational courses in death and dying. Conclusion: Nurses have an important impact on EoL care, and continuous education is necessary to improve their confidence when they work with dying patients and their families. An in-house programme to help nurses cope with compassionate exhaustion and humanistic and relational care is highly recommended.
Incontinence-associated dermatitis: new insights into an old problem
Authors: Voegeli David 
Published: February 2017

Incontinence affects many. David Voegeli discusses how to differentiate skin damage associated with moisture from pressure ulcers, and the importance of structured skin care Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a common skin disorder seen in patients with incontinence. Typically IAD presents as inflammation of the skin surface characterised by redness, and in extreme cases, swelling and blister formation. If untreated this usually rapidly leads to excoriation and skin breakdown, which may subsequently become infected by the skin flora. While this is a common condition encountered in all areas of nursing practice, gaps remain in our understanding of the many contributing factors. A lack of standardised definitions of IAD, differences in terminology, and a bewildering increase in products available to prevent and manage IAD, makes it difficult for nurses to deliver evidence-based care. However, it is an area where nursing research has made a considerable contribution over the past few years. This article explores the current thinking on IAD and the implications for nursing practice.
New records of invasive Parakeet hybrids in Spain. A great opportunity to apply the rapid response mechanism
Authors: Postigo Jose-Luis 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Prevention, early warning and rapid response are the most effective measures in preventing the impacts of invasive
species. The Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri, is an invasive species widely spread across Europe,
including Spain. The Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria is also an invasive species established in Europe,
but not in Spain, although a species distribution model classified parts of Spain as ‘highly suitable’ and an invasion
risk assessment predicted a ‘high risk of invasion’ in Europe. The first hybrids from these two species were
recently detected in Spain. Based on these data, we suggest to capture the hybrids to prevent further invasion
and possible interaction with other invasive parakeets in Spain.
AMH levels in girls with various pubertal problems
Authors: Savas-Erdeve Senay , Sagsak Elif , Keskin Meliksah , Cetinkaya Semra , Aycan Zehra 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground:Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced by granulosa cells surrounding follicles that have undergone recruitment from the primordial follicle pool but have not been selected for dominance (preantral and early antral follicles). In healthy girls, serum levels of AMH vary considerably between individuals. We aimed to evaluate the AMH level in girls with premature thelarche (PT) and central precocious puberty (CPP).Methods:Girls with CPP (n=21), PT (n=24) and a control prepubertal group (n=22) were included in the study.Results:AMH levels were significantly higher in the PT group than the prepubertal control group and similar to the CPP group. AMH levels in the CPP group were similar to the prepubertal control group. AMH levels showed a significant negative correlation with luteinizing hormone (LH), free testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels in the PT group. AMH levels were negatively correlated with height standard deviation score (HSDS), body mass index (BMI) SDS values and positively correlated with sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels in the CPP group. These levels were positively correlated with SHBG levels in the control prepubertal group.Conclusions:Serum AMH levels in girls with PT was found to be higher than in prepubertal girls. AMH levels in the CPP group were not different compared with the PT and control groups.
The Impacts of Mutual Collaboration Experience and Domain Knowledge Levels on CAIS Behavior: An Experimental Study
Authors: Wu Dan , Liang Shaobo , Xiang Xue 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSome studies have investigated participants’ information-seeking practices from the perspective of mutual collaboration experience and level of domain knowledge. This study provides insights into collaborative academic information-seeking (CAIS) behaviour. The article explores whether groups with different levels of domain knowledge and mutual collaboration experiences had different CAIS behaviour. It also asked whether domain knowledge level or mutual collaboration experience had an impact on CAIS behaviour. We describe a user study with 18 participants in nine pairs with an experimental collaborative information-seeking tool, the participants categorized into three types of groups: high domain knowledge level and few mutual collaboration experiences (Group 1), low domain knowledge level and many mutual collaboration experiences (Group 2), and no domain knowledge level and no mutual collaboration experience (Group 3). Quantitative and qualitative data analysis were used to analyse the user data collected. The results showed that compared with members of Group 3, participants in Groups 1 and 2 had a better understanding of search tasks and were aware of the ways of completing the tasks successfully. They did not depend on the information-retrieval system when constructing search queries, and adopted diverse cooperation strategies. They were more likely to recommend information to their partners. Domain knowledge had greater impact on CAIS behaviour than collaboration experience. The findings help us to understand social interactions among community members and help CAIS researchers to understand user interactions and inform information system designers as they design collaborative systems to facilitate social communication in the information-seeking process. Our work was limited by the group types we chose and the small group size, which could affect the generalizability of our findings and should be addressed in future studies.
Eco-efficient electrocatalytic C–P bond formation
Authors: Budnikova Yulia H. , Gryaznova Tatyana V. , Grinenko Valeriya V. , Dudkina Yulia B. , Khrizanforov Mikhail N. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe development of practical, efficient and atom-economical methods of formation of carbon-phosphorus bonds remains a topic of considerable interest for the current synthetic organic chemistry and electrochemistry. This review summarizes selected topics from the recent publications with particular emphasis on phosphine and phosphine oxides formation from white phosphorus, chlorophosphines in electrocatalytic processes using aryl, hetaryl or perfluoroalkyl halides as reagents. This review includes selected highlights concerning recent progress in modification of catalytic systems for aromatic C–H bonds phosphonation involving metal-catalyzed ligand directed or metal-induced oxidative processes. Furthermore, a part of this review is devoted to phosphorylation of olefins with white phosphorus under reductive conditions in water-organic media. Finally, we have also documented recent advances in ferrocene C–H activation and phosphorylation.
Studies on 99Mo–99mTc adsorption and elution behaviors using the inorganic sorbent ceric tungstate and conventional organic resins
Authors: El-Sweify Fatma H. , Abdel Fattah Alaa El-Din A. , El-Sheikh Ragaa , Aly Shorouk M. , Ghamry Mohamed A. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Adsorption behavior of 99Mo(VI) and 99mTc(VII) was studied on ceric tungstate (CeW) and compared with the adsorption on the conventional cation and anion exchangers Dowex-50X8 and AG-2X8, respectively. The studies were carried out under static and dynamic conditions. The effect of contact time and pH on the adsorption was investigated under static conditions. High Kd-values for sorption of 99Mo(VI) on (CeW) were obtained over the investigated pH range. 99mTc was adsorbed with much lower Kd-values. The Kd-values were pH dependent. Kd-values of 99Mo-adsorption on AG-2X8 were lower than those on (CeW) and vice versa for 99mTc. Ionic species of both elements were not adsorbed on Dowex-50X8, indicating the absence of cationic species and the adsorption of both elements on AG-2X8 and (CeW) as anionic species. The loading and elution behaviors of 99Mo and 99mTc on (CeW) were studied using different eluents. 99Mo remained strongly adsorbed under all conditions whereas 99mTc was easily eluted. Adsorption of some fission products, i.e. 95Zr(IV) and 95Nb(V), in addition to 123mTe(IV) and 75Se(IV), as representatives of their corresponding fission product isotopes, as well as 181Hf, as probable radioactive contaminant was also studied. Solutions of the ionic species of those metals were loaded in mixtures together with 99Mo on (CeW) columns. Strong adsorption of those ionic species and 99Mo on (CeW) was found whereas 99mTc was easily eluted. Different eluents were investigated for eluting 99mTc from 99Mo-adsorbed on (CeW).
Understanding of Tensile Test Results on Small Size Specimens of Certified Reference Material BCR-661
Authors: Vandermeulen W. , Puzzolante J.-L. , Scibetta M. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
BCR-661 is a Nimonic 75 Certified Reference Material for tensile testing, available from the European Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements. The certification is based on specimens with a diameter of 10 mm. Since for several purposes small specimens are desirable, an attempt was made to qualify a specimen with a diameter of 2.4 mm. It was found that for cylindrical specimens made by turning neither the 0.2 % proof stress, nor the tensile strength values corresponded with the certified values. Rectangular section specimens made by electro-discharge machining gave correct stress values but too high elongations. The reduction of area values were for all specimens satisfactory. It was shown that the stress deviations found in the turned specimens are due to the presence of a work hardened layer caused by machining. Annealing of turned specimens resulted in correct strength values. With regard to the elongation values the influence of the specimen shape and possible specimen head deformation seem to be important factors.