bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Daily vision testing can expose the prodromal phase of migraine
Authors: McKendrick Allison M , Chan Yu Man , Vingrys Algis J , Turpin Andrew , Badcock David R 
Published: November 2017

Background Several visual tasks have been proposed as indirect assays of the balance between cortical inhibition and excitation in migraine. This study aimed to determine whether daily measurement of performance on such tasks can reveal perceptual changes in the build up to migraine events. Methods Visual performance was measured daily at home in 16 non-headache controls and 18 individuals with migraine using a testing protocol on a portable tablet device. Observers performed two tasks: luminance increment detection in spatial luminance noise and centre surround contrast suppression. Results Luminance thresholds were reduced in migraine compared to control groups ( p < 0.05), but thresholds did not alter across the migraine cycle; while headache-free, centre-surround contrast suppression was stronger for the migraine group relative to controls ( p < 0.05). Surround suppression weakened at around 48 hours prior to a migraine attack and strengthened to approach their headache-free levels by 24 hours post-migraine (main effect of timing, p < 0.05). Conclusions Daily portable testing of vision enabled insight into perceptual performance in the lead up to migraine events, a time point that is typically difficult to capture experimentally. Perceptual surround suppression of contrast fluctuates during the migraine cycle, supporting the utility of this measure as an indirect, non-invasive assay of the balance between cortical inhibition and excitation.
Separation Anxiety and Actual Separation Experiences during Childhood in Patients with Panic Disorder
Authors: Bandelow Borwin , Tichauer Gabriel Álvarez , Späth Corinna , Broocks Andreas , Hajak Göran , Bleich Stefan , Rüther Eckart 
Published: November 2017

Objective: The association between separation anxiety in childhood and actual separation experiences during childhood has not yet been investigated in patients with panic disorder. Methods: In 115 patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia and in 124 control subjects without a history of psychiatric illness, we assessed separation anxiety during childhood, retrospectively, using DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria and the Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory (SASI). In addition, actual separation experiences from age 0 to 15 years were assessed, retrospectively. Results: A total of 22.6% of the patients and 4.8% of the control subjects fulfilled both DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria for childhood separation anxiety (χ2 =11.8; P < 0.0001). Further, 57.4% of the patients and 37.9% of the control subjects reported actual separation experiences during their childhood (χ2 = 9.09, P < 0.003). Separation anxiety and actual separation experiences, however, were independent of each other. Conclusion: These results suggest that separation anxiety during childhood is not a consequence of actual traumatic separation experiences in panic disorder patients.
Left Medial Temporal Cytosolic Choline in Early Onset Depression
Authors: Kusumakar Vivek , MacMaster Frank P , Gates Larry , Sparkes Sandra J , Khan Shakeela C 
Published: November 2017

Objective: Previous studies have linked the choline (Cho) resonance seen in proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to major depressive disorder (MDD). We endeavoured to clarify the possible involvement of cytosolic choline in the amygdala (anterior medial temporal region) of juvenile subjects with MDD. Method: A total of 11 age- and sex-matched MDD and control pairs aged 14 to 18 years participated in long-echo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H-MRSI) of the amygdala. Compounds available include N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), creatine–phosphocreatine (Cr) and choline-containing compounds. Results: Subjects with depression demonstrated lower left amygdala Cho–Cr ratios, compared with control subjects (paired t = 2.624, df 10, P = 0.025). Left amygdala NAA–Cr and right amygdala Cho–Cr and NAA–Cr did not differ significantly between subjects with depression and control subjects. In subjects with depression, simple regression revealed a negative trend between left amygdala Cho–Cr and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score (F = 3.509, P = 0.098). Right amygdala NAA–Cr and Cho–Cr did not differ significantly. Conclusion: Cytosolic choline appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of early-onset MDD, likely secondary to corticosteroid-neuroendocrine-driven changes.
Comparison of Medication History Accuracy Between Nurses and Pharmacy Personnel
Authors: Bowman Connor , McKenna Jennifer , Schneider Phil , Barnes Brian 
Published: November 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the differences in medication history errors made by pharmacy technicians, students, and pharmacists compared to nurses at a community hospital. Methods: One hundred medication histories completed by either pharmacy or nursing staff were repeated and evaluated for errors by a fourth-year pharmacy student. The histories were analyzed for differences in the rate of errors per medication. Errors were categorized by their clinical significance, which was determined by a panel of pharmacists, pharmacy students, and nurses. Errors were further categorized by their origin as either prescription (Rx) or over the counter (OTC). The primary outcome was the difference in the rate of clinically significant errors per medication. Secondary outcomes included the differences in the rate of clinically insignificant errors, Rx errors, and OTC errors. Differences in the types of errors for Rx and OTC medications were also analyzed. Additionally, the number of patients with no errors was compared between both groups. Results: The pharmacy group had a lower clinically significant error rate per medication (0.03 vs 0.09; relative risk [RR] = 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.020-0.093; P = .003). For secondary outcomes, the pharmacy group had a lower total error rate (0.21 vs 0.36, RR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.041-0.255; P = .007), Rx error rate (0.09 vs 0.27, RR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.071-0.292; P = .002), and OTC error rate (0.24 vs 0.46; RR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.057-0.382; P = .009) per medication. The pharmacy group completed 20% more medication histories without Rx errors ( P = .045) and 25% more histories without OTC errors ( P = .041). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that expanded use of pharmacy technicians and students improves the accuracy of medication histories in a community hospital.
An Analysis of Sectoral Diversity in India and its Determinants
Authors: Dore Poornima , Narayanan K. 
Published: November 2017

This article studies the degree of sectoral diversity across regions in India and examines its determinants. We construct a diversity index to represent sectoral diversity using information on the industry of work of the individuals across 14 industry sectors for 2011–2012 and compare with values for 2004–2005. We examine the relationship of diversity and indicators related to scale economies and skill intensity using ordinary least squares at a cross-sectional level as well as pooled estimates over the two time periods both at the state and the NSS region level. We argue and establish that the Indian regional economy is characterized by a trend towards high levels of sectoral diversity. Contrary to many strands of the literature, we provide empirical evidence that scale economies, as represented by the traditional parameters of size, cannot be used as a proxy for sectoral diversity. Skill intensity, on the other hand, emerges as a significant determinant of sectoral diversity particularly in the case of coastal regions. Regions with high sector diversity are characterized by a move towards higher skill levels, greater share of regular employment and a move away from labour-intensive production, thus clearly highlighting the importance of the labour and technology matching process. JEL Classification: R12, R32
The Balance between Life and Death of Cells: Roles of Metallothioneins
Authors: Nielsen Allan Evald , Bohr Adam , Penkowa Milena 
Published: November 2017

Metallothionein (MT) is a highly conserved, low-molecular-weight, cysteine-rich protein that occurs in 4 isoforms (MT-I to MT-IV), of which MT-I+II are the major and best characterized proteins. This review will focus on mammalian MT-I+II and their functional impact upon cellular survival and death, as seen in two rather contrasting pathological conditions: Neurodegeneration and neoplasms. MT-I+II have analogous functions including: 1) Antioxidant scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS); 2) Cytoprotection against degeneration and apoptosis; 3) Stimulation of cell growth and repair including angiogenesis/revascularization, activation of stem/progenitor cells, and neuroregeneration. Thereby, MT-I+II mediate neuroprotection, CNS restoration and clinical recovery during neurodegenerative disorders. Due to the promotion of cell survival, increased MT-I+II levels have been associated with poor tumor prognosis, although the data are less clear and direct causative roles of MT-I+II in oncogenesis remain to be identified. The MT-I+II molecular mechanisms of actions are not fully elucidated. However, their role in metal ion homeostasis might be fundamental in controlling Zn-dependent transcription factors, protein synthesis, cellular energy levels/metabolism and cell redox state. Here, the neuroprotective and regenerative functions of MT-I+II are reviewed, and the presumed link to oncogenesis is critically perused.
Predicting participation in the population-based Swedish cardiopulmonary bio-image study (SCAPIS) using register data
Authors: Björk Jonas , Strömberg Ulf , Rosengren Annika , Toren Kjell , Fagerberg Björn , Grimby-Ekman Anna , BergströM Göran M.L. 
Published: November 2017

Aims: To illustrate the importance of access to register data on determinants and predictors of study participation to assess validity of population-based studies. In the present investigation, we use data on sociodemographic conditions and disease history among individuals invited to the Swedish cardiopulmonary bio-image study (SCAPIS) in order to establish a model that predicts study participation. Methods: The pilot study of SCAPIS was conducted within the city of Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2012, with 2243 invited individuals (50% participation rate). An anonymous data set for the total target population ( n = 24,502) was made available by register authorities (Statistics Sweden and the National Board of Health and Welfare) and included indicators of invitation to and participation in SCAPIS along with register data on residential area, sociodemographic variables, and disease history. Propensity scores for participation were estimated using logistic regression. Results: Residential area, country of birth, civil status, education, occupational status, and disposable income were all associated with participation in multivariable models. Adding data on disease history only increased overall classification ability marginally. The associations with disease history were diverse with some disease groups negatively associated with participation whereas some others tended to increase participation. Conclusions: The present investigation stresses the importance of a careful consideration of selection effects in population-based studies. Access to detailed register data also for non-participants can in the statistical analysis be used to control for selection bias and enhance generalizability, thereby making the results more relevant for policy decisions.
An efficient sampling strategy for selection of biobank samples using risk scores
Authors: Björk Jonas , Malmqvist Ebba , Rylander Lars , Rignell-Hydbom Anna 
Published: November 2017

Aim: The aim of this study was to suggest a new sample-selection strategy based on risk scores in case-control studies with biobank data. Methods: An ongoing Swedish case-control study on fetal exposure to endocrine disruptors and overweight in early childhood was used as the empirical example. Cases were defined as children with a body mass index (BMI) ⩾18 kg/m2 ( n=545) at four years of age, and controls as children with a BMI of ⩽17 kg/m2 ( n=4472 available). The risk of being overweight was modelled using logistic regression based on available covariates from the health examination and prior to selecting samples from the biobank. A risk score was estimated for each child and categorised as low (0–5%), medium (6–13%) or high (⩾14%) risk of being overweight. Results: The final risk-score model, with smoking during pregnancy ( p=0.001), birth weight ( p<0.001), BMI of both parents ( p<0.001 for both), type of residence ( p=0.04) and economic situation ( p=0.12), yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 67% ( n=3945 with complete data). The case group ( n=416) had the following risk-score profile: low (12%), medium (46%) and high risk (43%). Twice as many controls were selected from each risk group, with further matching on sex. Computer simulations showed that the proposed selection strategy with stratification on risk scores yielded consistent improvements in statistical precision. Conclusions: Using risk scores based on available survey or register data as a basis for sample selection may improve possibilities to study heterogeneity of exposure effects in biobank-based studies.
Assessment of educational misclassification in register-based data on Finnish immigrants in Sweden
Authors: Saarela Jan , Weber Rosa 
Published: November 2017

Aim: In population registers, information on completed schooling is either missing or misclassified for a large proportion of newly arrived immigrants. It is unclear how quickly the information is updated and whether misclassification, i.e., that the wrong level of education is recorded, biases empirical estimates. Methods: We use unique linked Swedish and Finnish register data to determine the extent of such mismeasurement. By running logistic regressions on zero earnings, we also illustrate how mismeasurement might influence the estimated effects of education on health or labour market outcomes. Results: We find a considerable bias in estimates based on Swedish records of educational attainment during immigrants’ first few years in the country. Misclassification is additionally very common, even when information on educational attainment exists. Conclusions: These findings suggest that research and policies using recently arrived immigrants’ completed schooling as a determinant of socioeconomic integration need to be interpreted with care.
A Noninvasive Body Setup Method for Radiotherapy by Using a Multimodal Image Fusion Technique
Authors: Zhang Jie , Chen Ying , Chen Yunxia , Wang Chenchen , Cai Jing , Chu Kaiyue , Jin Jianhua , Ge Yun , Huang Xiaolin , Guan Yue , Li Weifeng 
Published: November 2017

Purpose: To minimize the mismatch error between patient surface and immobilization system for tumor location by a noninvasive patient setup method. Materials and Methods: The method, based on a point set registration, proposes a shift for patient positioning by integrating information of the computed tomography scans and that of optical surface landmarks. An evaluation of the method included 3 areas: (1) a validation on a phantom by estimating 100 known mismatch errors between patient surface and immobilization system. (2) Five patients with pelvic tumors were considered. The tumor location errors of the method were measured using the difference between the proposal shift of cone-beam computed tomography and that of our method. (3) The collected setup data from the evaluation of patients were compared with the published performance data of other 2 similar systems. Results: The phantom verification results showed that the method was capable of estimating mismatch error between patient surface and immobilization system in a precision of <0.22 mm. For the pelvic tumor, the method had an average tumor location error of 1.303, 2.602, and 1.684 mm in left–right, anterior–posterior, and superior–inferior directions, respectively. The performance comparison with other 2 similar systems suggested that the method had a better positioning accuracy for pelvic tumor location. Conclusion: By effectively decreasing an interfraction uncertainty source (mismatch error between patient surface and immobilization system) in radiotherapy, the method can improve patient positioning precision for pelvic tumor.
Secondary prevention patterns in persons with pre-existing coronary artery disease: Are we getting it right?
Authors: Abdul Hafidz Muhammad Imran , Zainudin Lily Diana , Lee Zhen-Vin , Hadi Mohd Firdaus , Mahmood Zuhdi Ahmad Syadi 
Published: November 2017

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death globally. Individuals with evidence of coronary artery disease are at increased risk of further cardiovascular events. However, with good secondary prevention, which consists broadly of lifestyle changes, medical therapy and revascularisation, this risk can be reduced. The true extent of secondary prevention in individuals who are re-admitted with a myocardial infarction in such a high-risk cohort has never been explored in Malaysia. Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational study in a tertiary hospital in 100 individuals with previously diagnosed coronary artery disease admitted with a myocardial infarction from August 2016 to February 2017. Results: Twenty-nine per cent of patients were still smoking; 15% and 47% were not taking antiplatelet or beta-blocker therapy, respectively. A further 45% and 20% of patients were not on any renin–angiotensin–aldosterone inhibition or lipid-lowering therapy, respectively. Conclusion: In our high-risk cohort, secondary prevention practices were sub-optimal. Poor physician–patient communication was frequently listed as a major factor. Simple strategies taken at various levels of care should be implemented and audited to improve these practices.
Atherogenic index of plasma and 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease in adult Africans living with HIV infection: A cross-sectional study from Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Noumegni Steve Raoul , Nansseu Jobert Richie , Bigna Jean Joel , Ama Moor Vicky Jocelyne , Kembe Assah Felix , Dehayem Mesmin Y , Kengne Andre Pascal , Sobngwi Eugene 
Published: November 2017

Background The paucity of data regarding the association between atherogenic index of plasma and risk of cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected populations living in sub-Saharan Africa prompted us to conduct this study which aimed to assess the relationship between atherogenic index of plasma and risk of cardiovascular disease among a Cameroonian HIV-infected population. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 452 HIV-infected adults in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Risk of cardiovascular disease was calculated using the Framingham risk score; atherogenic index of plasma was derived as log (triglycerides/high-density lipoproteins cholesterol). Results Participants’ mean age (80% females) was 44.4 ± 9.8 years. Atherogenic index of plasma values ranged from –0.63 to 1.36 with a median of 0.11 (25th–75th percentiles: –0.08-0.31). Most participants (88.5%) were on antiretroviral treatment. There was a significant correlation between atherogenic index of plasma and fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.116; p = 0.014), atherogenic index of plasma and total cholesterol (r = –0.164; p < 0.001). Atherogenic index of plasma was significantly associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease either in univariable (β = 5.05, 95% CI: 3.31–6.79; p < 0.001, R2 = 0.067) or in multivariable linear regression model after adjusting for socio-demographic, clinical and biological confounders (adjusted β = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.65 – 4.88; p < 0.001, R2 = 0.187). Conclusion Atherogenic index of plasma may be an independent factor impacting the risk of cardiovascular disease among Cameroonian HIV-infected people. More studies are needed to better elucidate the association between atherogenic index of plasma and risk of cardiovascular disease in our setting.
Contemporary trends in cardiogenic shock: Incidence, intra-aortic balloon pump utilisation and outcomes from the London Heart Attack Group
Authors: Rathod Krishnaraj S , Koganti Sudheer , Iqbal M Bilal , Jain Ajay K , Kalra Sundeep S , Astroulakis Zoe , Lim Pitt , Rakhit Roby , Dalby Miles C , Lockie Tim , Malik Iqbal S , Knight Charles J , Whitbread Mark , Mathur Anthony , Redwood Simon , MacCarthy Philip A , Sirker Alexander , O’Mahony Constantinos , Wragg Andrew , Jones Daniel A 
Published: November 2017

Background: Cardiogenic shock remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. We aimed to assess the current trends in cardiogenic shock management, looking specifically at the incidence, use of intra-aortic balloon pump therapy and outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods and results: We undertook an observational cohort study of 21,210 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients treated between 2005–2015 at the eight Heart Attack Centres in London, UK. Patients’ details were recorded at the time of the procedure into local databases using the British Cardiac Intervention Society percutaneous coronary intervention dataset. There were 1890 patients who presented with cardiogenic shock. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at a median follow-up of 4.1 years (interquartile range: 2.2–5.8 years). Increasing rates of cardiogenic shock were seen over the course of the study with consistently high mortality rates of 45–70%. A total of 685 patients underwent intra-aortic balloon pump insertion during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for cardiogenic shock with decreasing rates over time. Those patients undergoing intra-aortic balloon pump therapy were younger, more likely to have poor left ventricular function and less likely to have had previous percutaneous coronary intervention compared to the control group. Procedural success rates were similar (86.0% vs 87.1%, p=0.292) although crude, in-hospital major adverse cardiac event rates were higher (43.8% vs 33.7%, p<0.0001) in patients undergoing intra-aortic balloon pump therapy. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significantly higher mortality rates in patients receiving intra-aortic balloon pump therapy (50.9% intra-aortic balloon pump vs 39.9% control, p<0.0001) during the follow-up period. After multivariate Cox analysis (hazard ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.62–1.89) and the use of propensity matching (hazard ratio: 1.29, 95% confidence interval: 0.68–1.45) intra-aortic balloon pump therapy was not associated with mortality. Conclusion: Cardiogenic shock treated by percutaneous coronary intervention is increasing in incidence and remains a condition associated with high mortality and limited treatment options. Intra-aortic balloon pump therapy was not associated with a long-term survival benefit in this cohort and may be associated with increased early morbidity.