bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly sensitive faecal DNA testing of TWIST1 methylation in combination with faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin is a promising marker for detection of colorectal neoplasia
Authors: Suehiro Yutaka , Zhang Yibo , Hashimoto Shinichi , Takami Taro , Higaki Shingo , Shindo Yoshitaro , Suzuki Nobuaki , Hazama Shoichi , Oka Masaaki , Nagano Hiroaki , Sakaida Isao , Yamasaki Takahiro 
Published: January 2017

Background As TWIST1 methylation is specific to colorectal neoplasia, detection of TWIST1 methylation from faeces samples might be useful for colorectal neoplasia screening. However, because the content of human DNA in faeces is very small, it is very difficult to detect TWIST1 methylation by conventional bisulphite-based methylation assays. Therefore, we developed a new methylation assay without bisulphite treatment, the combined restriction digital PCR assay, and evaluated its sensitivity and specificity in combination with and without the faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin for colorectal neoplasia detection from faeces samples. Methods For the combined restriction digital PCR assay, DNA was treated with three methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes and an exonuclease, followed by measurement of TWIST1 methylation level by droplet digital PCR. Faecal DNA testing and faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin were performed on 109 patients with colorectal neoplasia and 10 control individuals. Results Basic performance testing showed that the combined restriction digital PCR assay enabled detection of 0.14% of the TWIST1 methylation level for the lymphocyte DNA. The combined restriction digital PCR assay from faeces samples had a sensitivity of 22.2% (95% confidence interval, 2.8–60.0%) for non-advanced adenoma, 47.1% (95% confidence interval, 23.0–72.2%) for advanced adenoma, and 33.7% (95% confidence interval, 23.7–45.0%) for colorectal cancer, and a specificity of 100.0%. Combination of faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin and faecal combined restriction digital PCR assay increased sensitivity to 82.4% (95% confidence interval, 56.6–96.2%) for the detection of advanced adenoma. Conclusions We developed the combined restriction digital PCR assay, a possible highly sensitive methylation assay. Combination of faecal combined restriction digital PCR assay with faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin may provide an alternative screening strategy for colorectal neoplasia, especially for potentially precancerous lesions.
The impact of a TV report in schizophrenia stigma reduction: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Bosoni Nathaly de Oliveira , Busatto Filho Geraldo , de Barros Daniel Martins 
Published: January 2017

Background: Stigma is a major problem in schizophrenia, and the most effective way to reduce it is to provide information. But literature lacks studies evaluating long-term efficacy of mass communication. Aims: This is a pilot study to assess if a brief intervention (TV report) may have long-term effects. Method: Assessing stigma scores from subjects before and after seeing a vignette. Results: We found that the social distance and restriction to patients not only fell after a brief intervention but also kept lower after 1 and 3 months. Conclusion: We conclude that even brief intervention may create persistent impact in reducing discrimination.
Kanamycin in the Treatment of Gonorrhoea in the Female
Authors: McGill M. I. , Moffett M. , Masterton G. , Schofield C. B. S. 
Published: January 2017

When penicillin cannot be used in the treatment of gonorrhoea the lack of another form of therapy which is efficient, rapid and by injection is a serious problem. This paper attempts to assess the claims of kanamycin sulphate to fill this role. One hundred consecutive female patients suffering from gonorrhoea were treated with a single intramuscular injection of 2 g. kanamycin without any toxic effect. Normal statistical analysis was not possible because of the problem of the defaulting patient, but the results obtained compare favourably with those achieved by the more familiar penicillin regimes. Accordingly, we believe that kanamycin is a useful addition to the drugs already available for the treatment of gonorrhoea, especially as an alternative injection treatment when penicillin is contra-indicated or has already failed, and furthermore, it does not mask incubating syphilis.
Drug Information Centres: New Role for Pharmacists?
Authors: McCabe J. C. , Henry D. A. , Lawson D. H. 
Published: January 2017

In the last few decades there has been a great increase in the number of new drugs available for general use. In consequence, drug information centres have been developed, particularly in U.S.A., to disseminate information on the uses, toxicity and cost of these drugs. Such centres have been slower to appear in the United Kingdom, with the exception of certain specialised centres, e.g. Poisons Information Bureaux. The present report describes the development of a drug information centre in Glasgow and gives preliminary data on its use during the last year. It is proposed that such centres provide a valuable aid in encouraging rational drug use particularly in hospitals. The centres may be run by a variety of interested personnel but in our view the professional group most likely to fill this role adequately is hospital pharmacists.
Home Assessments in Geriatrics Revisited: An Audit of a Routine Home Visiting Service
Authors: Gray C.S. , Drewitt D.J.N. , Lewis S.J. 
Published: January 2017

Routine home visiting is a luxury not afforded to other medical specialities. The practice of routine home assessment visiting in geriatric medicine was evaluated in a prospective study of 110 consecutive referrals to determine whether; the response to general practitioners referrals could be predicted from the information given at the time of referral and; to identify where home visiting identified additional information of value in directing services more appropriately. Requests for admission were accurately predicted in 86–96% of cases by the visiting and a control doctor respectively. Additional information of value in directing services and patient management was gained from the home visit in 30% of admissions, 58% of day hospital cases and 80% of out-patients. It is possible to predict the outcome of home visits although implementation of such predictions without direct communication with general practitioners would result in a small number of unnecessary admissions and referrals to day hospital services.
Sorption of Caustic Solution by Formaldehyde-Crosslinked Cottons
Authors: Honold Edith , Rowland Stanley P. , Grant James N. 
Published: January 2017

Differences in the ability of formaldehyde-crosslinked cotton fibers to swell are demonstrated in terms of alkali centrifuge values (ACV), i.e., the sorption of caustic solution of mercerizing strength. The wide range in ACV (310–50) emphasizes the extremes in sorptivity that can be achieved by differences in formaldehyde content and in method of introducing the cross links. In general, the ACV decreases with increasing formaldehyde content. However, ACV higher than that of the noncross-linked control cotton are reached for those samples in which a low percentage of formaldehyde was introduced into water-swollen fibers. Various hypotheses, based on ACV and related data, are presented pertaining to the alterations in fiber structure during the cross-linking processes and during the alkali swelling centrifuge test
The Maternal Mortality Review Meeting: Experiences from Kalabo District Hospital, Zambia
Authors: Stekelenburg Jelle , van Roosmalen Jos 
Published: January 2017

We report on our experiences with a maternal mortality review meeting in Kalabo District Hospital between 1999 and 2001. Patient files and minutes of the maternal mortality review meetings of 15 cases of maternal death were reviewed. Causes of death, classification, substandard care factors, recommendations and implementation were analysed. In nine cases of maternal death 20 different substandard care factors were found; 12 caused by organizational weaknesses, eight by substandard clinical care. In nine cases, recommendations were formulated, which were completely implemented in five and partially implemented in two cases. A maternal mortality review meeting can be an important tool for improving essential obstetric services in a district hospital. It can easily and directly correct some substandard care factors, has a high educational value for staff and leads to a better understanding of maternal mortality for everyone involved.
Palliation by Coeliac Plexus Block for Upper Abdominal Visceral Cancer Pain
Authors: Firdousi Faizul Hasan , Sharma Dhananjaya , Raina V K 
Published: January 2017

Palliation of cancer related pain is one of the major concerns of patients suffering from cancer of the upper abdominal organs. The non-availability of imaging techniques to guide needle placement prompted us to use a blind technique of neurolytic coeliac plexus block. Thirty consecutive patients with intractable pain, due to documented inoperable upper abdominal visceral cancers, underwent neurolytic coeliac plexus block by blind percutaneous retrocrural unilateral neurolysis. The severity of pain was documented on a 0–10 visual analogue scale (VAS) performed pre-block and post-block at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months. Pain relief was graded as excellent if the score was 0–2, good when VAS was 3–5, satisfactory when VAS was 6–7 and unsatisfactory if VAS was 8–10. Excellent pain relief was obtained in 26/30 patients (86.6%). Relief from pain diminished with time and after 3 months, 16/30 patients (53.35) graded their pain relief as excellent. Transient but severe hypotension complicated 73% of blocks. Despite the proximity of vital structures, blind unilateral retrocrural neurolytic coeliac plexus blockade is a safe and effective means to relieve the terminal pain associated with upper abdominal visceral cancer. It deserves more widespread use in patients with upper abdominal cancer. Results of the present study are encouraging and relevant for clinicians working in developing countries.
How Do African Voluntary Agency Hospitals Spend Their Money?
Authors: Van Lemmen Freek , Van Amelsvoort V 
Published: January 2017

The recurrent expenditure over the years 1981–83 was analysed in 50 voluntary agency hospitals from 12 African countries. The percentage distribution, averaged across all hospitals, of 7 major categories was: personal emoluments 48%; drugs and dressings 18%; transport, electricity, water 11%; food 6%; hospital supplies 5%; repair and maintenance 5%; other expenditure 7%. The first two items differed widely in two subgroups of hospitals. Personal emoluments took 38% in hospitals depending mainly on patient fees, as against 54% in hospitals receiving substantial government grants. The expenditure for drugs and dressings was 24% and 14% respectively for the same hospital subgroups.
Ghana: Selective versus Comprehensive Primary Health Care
Authors: Amofah George K 
Published: January 2017

The furore which surrounded the debate over selective versus comprehensive primary health care (PHC) world wide appears to have died down. After 10 years of PHC implementation in Ghana, however, it is imperative that we revisit the issue in the Ghanaian context. This is because the choice either way has implications for programme planning, implementation, financing and the achievement of stated health policy goals in Ghana. Here I shall attempt to analyse the issues involved in Selective and Comprehensive PHC, outline the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy and suggest a compromise strategy in the Ghanaian context.
“Trust Me”: Patent Offices in Developing Countries
Authors: Drahos Peter 
Published: January 2017

Patent rules matter to the structure and evolution of pharmaceutical markets. If they did not, pharmaceutical multinationals would not spend resources on their globalization and content. The role of pharmaceutical multinationals in shaping the patent provisions of the Agreement on the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) has been well documented. The contributions of developing country coalitions and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the World Trade Organization (WTO) on TRIPS and access to medicines have also been studied.One actor, the patent office, has largely escaped detailed scrutiny in the literature that has grown around intellectual property law and access to medicines. There is an obvious explanation. Patent offices are administrative bodies. They administer patent standards that are decided and defined by others – the courts, legislatures or the executive acting in the context of treaty negotiation. For those interested in the structural reform of pharmaceutical markets, reforming patent office administration has not been a high priority.
Should Access to Medicines and TRIPS Flexibilities Be Limited to Specific Diseases?
Authors: Outterson Kevin 
Published: January 2017

The health needs of most of the world's population are not well served by patent-based pharmaceutical markets. The poor in low- and medium-income countries (LMICs) lack the financial resources to sustain the attention of global commercial drug companies. After an extensive consultation process, in 2006, the World Health Organization's Commission on Innovation, Intellectual Property and Public Health issued its Report (the WHO CIPIH Report), finding this concern to be significant:In the context of our work one of the important points is that, where the market has very limited purchasing power, as is the case for diseases affecting millions of poor people in developing countries, patents are not a relevant factor or effective in stimulating R&D and bringing new products to market.On this issue, the WHO CIPIH Report was preceded by the Access to Medicines movement, an informal coalition of civil society organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières, Treatment Action Campaign, Health GAP, Oxfam, and Knowledge Ecology International (formerly the Consumer Project on Technology).
Access to Medicines, BRICS Alliances, and Collective Action
Authors: Yu Peter K. 
Published: January 2017

On December 6, 2005, shortly before the World Trade Organization (“WTO”) Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong, WTO member states agreed to accept a protocol of amendment to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (“TRIPs Agreement”). This amendment sought to provide a permanent solution to implement paragraph 6 of the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health (“Doha Declaration”). If ratified, the new article 31bis of the TRIPs Agreement will allow countries with insufficient or no manufacturing capacity to import generic versions of on-patent pharmaceuticals.To facilitate the supply of essential medicines to countries with insufficient or no manufacturing capacity, article 31bis(3) creates a special arrangement not only for the affected countries, but also for those belonging to a regional trade agreement. Such an arrangement allows less developed countries to aggregate their markets to generate the purchasing power needed to make the development of an indigenous pharmaceutical industry attractive.
Are Developing Countries Going Too Far on TRIPS? A Closer Look at the New Laws in India
Authors: Bhattacharya Radhika 
Published: January 2017

The goal of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement is to harmonize the intellectual property rights of World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries to a certain minimum standard. As a WTO member, the organization required India to enact legislation that enforces TRIPS by 2005. Part of India's motivation to pass its 2005 Patents Act stemmed from its obligations as a WTO member nation, as well as the government's desire to stimulate greater foreign investment, innovative research and economic growth.India's implementation of the TRIPS Agreement has generated a great deal of controversy. Disagreement exists about whether the Indian Patents Act overzealously protects intellectual property rights and whether the Patents Act goes beyond the spirit of the TRIPS Agreement. Many health officials and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are seriously concerned about what the Patents Act implies for people suffering from diseases in less developed countries. Nonprofit and some World Health Organization officials argue that the new law prevents India from producing and supplying generic drugs within its borders and to other developing countries.
Catheter‐Related Bloodstream Infections in Adults Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition: Substantial Differences in Incidence Comparing a Strict Microbiological to a Clinically Based Diagnosis
Authors: Tribler Siri , Brandt Christopher F. , Hvistendahl Mark , Staun Michael , Brøbech Per , Moser Claus E. , Jeppesen Palle B. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground: A common complication in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). The CRBSI incidence has been advocated as an outcome parameter assessing the quality of care. This study aimed to illustrate how the use of different CRBSI definitions affects the reported incidence. Materials and Methods: In an observational study based on the Copenhagen intestinal failure database, all clinically reported CRBSIs from 2002–2013 were compared with data from the affiliated microbiological database according to recommended CRBSI criteria. Results: Clinically, 1034 CRBSIs were observed in 548 adults receiving HPN for 1410 catheter‐years. Thus, the clinically assessed CRBSI incidence was 1.95/1000 catheter‐days. However, based on the microbiological evaluation, only 47% of our episodes fulfilled the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and European Society for Clinical Nutrition (ESPEN) CRBSI criteria. Employing a catheter‐salvaging strategy, 40% of the CRBSI diagnoses were supported by the paired blood culture positivity criteria and only 6% by a positive catheter tip. In 53%, CRBSIs were categorized as a clinical or “probable CRBSI” diagnosis. In 20% of all episodes, missing information/blood cultures hampered a CDC/ESPEN CRBSI diagnosis. Thereby, according to CDC/ESPEN CRBSI definitions, the incidence was 0.92/1000 days or 46% lower than clinically assessed. Conclusion: This study illustrates the practical and methodological challenges and great variability in reporting of the CRBSI incidence. Nonetheless, it is recommended as a marker of the quality of care. Consensus regarding CRBSI definitions is a prerequisite for a meaningful comparison of this important outcome parameter between HPN centers.
Patients and physicians agree only partially in symptoms and clinical findings before and after treatment for varicose veins
Authors: Klitfod Lotte , Sillesen Henrik , Jensen Leif Panduro 
Published: January 2017

Objective Quality improvement in surgery has mainly been based on clinical database outcomes. This study compared variables from the patient-reported Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire with the Danish Clinical Vein Database, in order to reveal agreements and differences in symptoms and clinical findings. Methods In the period January–March 2011, 379 legs in 287 patients treated for varicose veins were registered in the Danish Clinical Vein Database and compared to the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire. Results Patients and physicians agreed in reduction of symptoms after intervention with one or more complaints still present in 128 (93%) patients according to Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire compared to the Danish Clinical Vein Database with only 64 (47%) patients. Patients reported cosmetic complaints and teleangiectasies both before and after treatment (p < 0.001) more often than doctors. Conclusion The Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire has added valuable information to the dialogue between the doctor and patient on which symptoms expecting to improve and which not.
The Pharmacodynamic and Clinical Activities of Daflon 500 mg: Therapeutic Effect of Micronization
Authors: Nicolaides A. N. , Struckman J. R. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To review the pharmacodynamic and clinical activities of Daflon 500 mg. Data selection: Choice of relevant publications in the literature. Conclusion: The pharmacological activities of Daflon 500 mg on capillary hyperpermeability, inflammatory mediators and lymphatic drainage can explain its therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency.
Chronobiology and Clinical Activity of Dation 500 mg in Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Authors: Menyhei G. , Acsady G. , Hetenyi A. , Dubeaux D. , Rado G. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To assess the chronobiological effect on therapeutic activity of Daflon 500 mg and to determine the optimum method of administration. Design: Multicentre, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Setting: Hospital outpatient clinics for vascular diseases in Hungary. Patients: Three hundred and twenty ambulatory patients with symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency randomized to three groups. Interventions: Oral administration daily of 1000 mg of Daflon 500 mg for 2 months in three different ways (morning or evening or morning and evening). Main outcome measures: Symptoms and clinical signs of chronic venous insufficiency. Results: In each group, a statistically significant improve ment was observed between the first (DO) and the last visit (D60) concerning all symptoms. Oedema disappeared in a mean percentage of patients ranging between 26% and 43%, according to the group and the side affected ( p <0.001). For the most affected leg, a significant decrease ( p <0.001) of ankle and calf circumferences was observed in each group. The first significant improvement, in comparison to DO, occurred between D15 and D30 for all symptoms and ankle circumference. The comparison between the groups did not disclose any difference concerning the improvement of symptoms and signs. Conclusion: In this study, Daflon 500 mg demonstrated its therapeutic activity in chronic venous insufficiency, irrespective of the daily drug administration schedule.
Current Evaluation of Lymphoedema and Assessment by Lymphoscintigraphy of the Effect of a Micronized Flavonoid Fraction (Daflon 500 mg) in the Treatment of Upper Limb Lymphoedema
Authors: Pecking A. P. , Rambert P. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To assess the effect of Daflon 500 mg on upper lymphoedema occurring after conventional treatment of breast cancer. Design: Open, pilot, single centre trial. Setting: Hospital outpatients attending a University Hospital. Patients: Ten female patients (aged 44–64 years) whose previous treatment for breast cancer was followed by upper limb lymphoedema (mean (SD) time delay = 17±7 months). Interventions: Oral administration of a daily dose of two tablets of Daflon 500 mg for 6 months. Main outcome measures: Symptoms, affected upper limb volume and parameters of radionuclide lymphoscintigraphy using technetium-99m. Results: All patients experienced improvement of symptoms and limb volume (mean volume decrease of the swollen limb: 6.80%). Functional parameters assessed with scintigraphy were significantly improved (half-life: 147.4 (14.9) to 144.1 (14.9) min, p < 0.01; clearance of the colloid: 25.9 (2.5) to 28.3 (2.8) <l/min, p < 0.05; lymphatic speed of the colloid: 7.7 (0.3) to 8.0 (0.2) cm/min, p < 0.05). Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest that this therapy is effective for the treatment of lymphoedema.