bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inferring intracellular signal transduction circuitry from molecular perturbation experiments
Authors: Wynn Michelle L. , Egbert Megan , Consul Nikita , Chang Jungsoo , Wu Zhi-Fen , Meravjer Sofia D. , Schnell Santiago 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe development of network inference methodologies that accurately predict connectivity in dysregulated pathways may enable the rational selection of patient therapies. Accurately inferring an intracellular network from data remains a very challenging problem in molecular systems biology. Living cells integrate extremely robust circuits that exhibit significant heterogeneity, but still respond to external stimuli in predictable ways. This phenomenon allows us to introduce a network inference methodology that integrates measurements of protein activation from perturbation experiments. The methodology relies on logic-based networks to provide a predictive approximation of the transfer of signals in a network. The approach presented was validatedin silicowith a set of test networks and applied to investigate the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling of a breast epithelial cell line, MFC10A. In our analysis, we predict the potential signaling circuitry most likely responsible for the experimental readouts of several proteins in the mitogen activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase pathways. The approach can also be used to identify additional necessary perturbation experiments to distinguish between a set of possible candidate networks.
Why Performance Management Should Not Be Like Dieting*
Authors: Blackman Deborah , Buick Fiona , O'Donnell Michael 
Published: February 2017

AbstractGlobally, organisations have long been preoccupied with using employee performance management to enhance organisational performance. However, due to the compliance‐based way in which it is often implemented, success has been limited. This paper proposes lessons can be learnt from adopting the analogy of ‘dieting’. Short‐term weight‐loss practices can lead to a cyclical pattern that generates weight gain, rather than loss, in longer term. This occurs due to dieters following fads focused on short‐term loss, rather than habitual modifications necessary for long‐term weight change. This may explain why despite organisations pursuing the perfect employee performance management system (akin to dieting fads), they remain ineffective. We argue that compliance‐based approaches encourage a short‐term focus on completing the process (known pejoratively as ‘tick‐and‐flick’). However, where performance management is considered core business, more sustainable practices emerge. Similar to weight loss, these represent the habitual modifications necessary for enabling high performance over the longer term.
Lack of incremental effect of histamine receptor antagonists over proton pump inhibitors on the risk of neoplastic progression in patients with Barrett's esophagus: a cohort study
Authors: Thota Prashanthi N , Hajifathalian Kaveh , Benjamin Tanmayee , Runkana Ashok , Lopez Rocio , Sanaka Madhusudhan R 
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVELong‐term acid suppression reduces the risk of progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE). Given recent reports about the harmful effects of using chronic proton pump inhibitors (PPI) there is renewed interest in alternative methods of acid suppression. Hence, we studied the effect of H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) on the risk of progression to neoplasia in our BE cohort.METHODSThis is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients in our BE registry from 2002 to 2015. Patients' characteristics, endoscopic findings, such as the length of BE, hiatal hernia size and histological findings and patients' use of medications such as PPI, aspirin, H2RA, metformin and antihyperlipidemic agents were studied.RESULTSThe cohort consisted of 1466 patients with a mean age of 61 ± 13 years. The patients had a predominance of male sex (76.7% [1118/1457]) and Caucasian race (96.6% [1209/1252]). After excluding prevalent high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) or EAC, 1025 patients had a median follow up of 43.6 months during which 57 patients progressed to HGD or EAC. PPI use (56% in progressors vs 69% in non‐progressors; P = 0.007) but not H2RA use (12% progressors vs 19% in non‐progressors P = 0.162) was associated with lower risk of neoplastic progression. On multivariate analysis, there was no synergistic effect of addition of H2RA to PPI on risk of neoplastic progression to HGD or EAC (relative risk 0.33; confidence intervals 0.05–2.29, P = 0.262).CONCLUSIONH2RA do not seem to have a chemopreventive role in patients with BE.
Split‐dose bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol for colonoscopy performed under propofol sedation. Is there an optimal timing?
Authors: Alghamry Alaa , Ponnuswamy Sureshkumar K , Agarwal Aditya , Moattar Hadi , Yerkovich Stephanie T , Vandeleur Ann E ,   Endoscopy Nurses Collaborative (ENC), Thomas James , Croese John , Rahman Tony , Hodgson Ruth 
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVEAspiration risk, especially with propofol sedation, remains a concern after split‐dose bowel preparation of up to 1 L polyethylene glycol for the procedure. We aimed to identify the ideal timing of bowel preparation to achieve optimal colon cleansing with no increased risk of aspiration.METHODSA total of 892 consecutive patients undergoing simultaneous esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy were prospectively recruited. Residual gastric volume (RGV) and pH of gastric contents were measured at EGD, and patients' characteristics, runway time (duration between completion of the final liter of bowel preparation and colonoscopy commencement), and cleansing quality were recorded.RESULTSA shorter runway time resulted in better colon cleansing (r = −0.124, P < 0.001). No correlation between runway time and RGV or pH was found (r = −0.017, P = 0.62 and r = −0.030, P = 0.47, respectively). RGV and pH did not differ significantly with runway time of 4 or 5 h. RGV with runway time ≤3 h was 35.9 ± 11.8 mL and 17.4 ± 0.6 mL after runway time >3 h (P < 0.001). No aspiration pneumonia occurred. The only factors independently related to higher RGV were younger age and male sex.CONCLUSIONSThe consumption of bowel preparation agent within 3–4 h before propofol sedation resulted in a similar RGV and pH as those achieved by more prolonged fasting, with no increased risk of aspiration even in patients perceived to be at high risk.
Emotion processing and psychosocial functioning in euthymic bipolar disorder
Authors: Aparicio A. , Santos J. L. , Jiménez‐López E. , Bagney A. , Rodríguez‐Jiménez R. , Sánchez‐Morla E. M. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveTo examine emotion processing in euthymic bipolar patients (EBP) compared to healthy controls. In addition, to determine whether or not there is an association between emotion processing and psychosocial functioning.Material and methodsA sample of 60 EBP and 60 healthy controls matched for age, gender, education level, and premorbid intelligence were studied. All subjects were assessed using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and two additional executive function measures: the Trail Making Test‐Part B and the Stroop Test. Emotion processing was examined using the Mayer‐Salovey‐Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT). Psychosocial functioning was assessed using the Functional Assessment Short Test (FAST).ResultsEuthymic bipolar patients obtained lower scores than controls in all MSCEIT measures except for the using emotions branch. Likewise, EBP obtained a worse performance than healthy controls in all neurocognitive domains. Correlation between MSCEIT strategic area measures and FAST total score was found (r = −0.311; P < 0.016). Regression analysis showed that residual depressive symptomatology explains a 9.1% of the variance in functional outcome. MSCEIT strategic area score explained an additional 8.6%. Neurocognition did not increase the percentage of the variance explained by emotion processing.ConclusionsEuthymic bipolar patients exhibit deficits in emotion processing. Emotion processing is associated with social functioning in these patients.
Knowledge, attitude and practises of dentists towards oral health care during pregnancy: A cross sectional survey in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: George A , Ajwani S , Bhole S , Dahlen HG , Reath J , Korda A , Ng Chok H , Miranda C , Villarosa A , Johnson M 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundStudies internationally show a lack of consensus among dentists regarding perinatal oral health yet no study in Australia has explored the perceptions of dentists in this area. This study aims to determine the knowledge, perceptions and practises of dentists in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, about perinatal oral health.MethodsAn online survey was distributed to 1357 members of the Australian Dental Association (NSW) and 185 (13.4%) completed surveys were returned.ResultsMost dentists (99%) stated that pregnant women should receive a dental check, yet only 20% agreed that there was a good understanding among health professionals on this topic. Dentists were aware of safe dental practises during pregnancy but had limited knowledge about the association between periodontal disease and birth outcomes. Dentists were more likely to advise pregnant women to delay dental visits when there was a perceived lack of knowledge of the risks involved (odds ratio, 2.157) or were concerned about providing treatment without consent from their general practitioner (odds ratio, 2.449). Most dentists (95.7%) stated that they wanted further information about dental care during pregnancy.ConclusionsFindings suggest a need for continuing education for dentists and practise guidelines on perinatal oral health. Further research with a national sample is recommended to confirm these findings.
The analgesic efficacy of pre‐operative bilateral erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks in patients having ventral hernia repair
Authors: Chin K. J. , Adhikary S. , Sarwani N. , Forero M. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryLaparoscopic ventral hernia repair is an operation associated with significant postoperative pain, and regional anaesthetic techniques are of potential benefit. The erector spinae plane (ESP) block performed at the level of the T5 transverse process has recently been described for thoracic surgery, and we hypothesised that performing the ESP block at a lower vertebral level would provide effective abdominal analgesia. We performed pre‐operative bilateral ESP blocks with 20–30 ml ropivacaine 0.5% at the level of the T7 transverse process in four patients undergoing laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Median (range) 24‐h opioid consumption was 18.7 mg (0.0–43.0 mg) oral morphine. The highest and lowest median (range) pain scores in the first 24 h were 3.5 (3.0–5.0) and 2.5 (0.0–3.0) on an 11‐point numerical rating scale. We also performed the block in a fresh cadaver and assessed the extent of injectate spread using computerised tomography. There was radiographic evidence of spread extending cranially to the upper thoracic levels and caudally as far as the L2–L3 transverse processes. We conclude that the ESP block is a promising regional anaesthetic technique for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair and other abdominal surgery when performed at the level of the T7 transverse process. Its advantages are the ability to block both supra‐umbilical and infra‐umbilical dermatomes with a single‐level injection and its relative simplicity.
A Substance Exchanger‐Based Bioreactor Culture of Pig Discs for Studying the Immature Nucleus Pulposus
Authors: Li Pei , Gan Yibo , Wang Haoming , Xu Yuan , Song Lei , Wang Liyuan , Ouyang Bin , Zhou Qiang 
Published: February 2017

AbstractVarious research models have been developed to study the biology of disc cells. Recently, the adult disc nucleus pulposus (NP) has been well studied. However, the immature NP is underinvestigated due to a lack of a suitable model. This study aimed to establish an organ culture of immature porcine disc by optimizing culture conditions and using a self‐developed substance exchanger‐based bioreactor. Immature porcine discs were first cultured in the bioreactor for 7 days at various levels of glucose (low, medium, high), osmolarity (hypo‐, iso‐, hyper‐) and serum (5, 10, 20%) to determine the respective optimal level. The porcine discs were then cultured under the optimized conditions in the novel bioreactor, and were compared with fresh discs at day 14. For high‐glucose, iso‐osmolarity, or 10% serum, cell viability, the gene expression profile (for anabolic genes and catabolic genes), and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and hydroxyproline (HYP) contents were more favorable than for other levels of glucose, osmolarity, and serum. When the immature discs were cultured under the optimized conditions using the novel bioreactor for 14 days, the viability of the immature NP was maintained based on histology, cell viability, GAG and HYP contents, and matrix molecule expression. In conclusion, the viability of the immature NP in organ culture could be maintained under the optimized culture conditions (high‐glucose, iso‐osmolarity, and 10% serum) in the substance exchanger‐based bioreactor.
Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy for inoperable primary kidney cancer: a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Siva Shankar , Pham Daniel , Kron Tomas , Bressel Mathias , Lam Jacqueline , Tan Teng Han , Chesson Brent , Shaw Mark , Chander Sarat , Gill Suki , Brook Nicholas R. , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Murphy Declan G. , Foroudi Farshad 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility and safety of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in patients unsuitable for surgery. Secondary objectives were to assess oncological and functional outcomes.Materials and MethodsThis was a prospective interventional clinical trial with institutional ethics board approval. Inoperable patients were enrolled, after multidisciplinary consensus, for intervention with informed consent. Tumour response was defined using Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors v1.1. Toxicities were recorded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0. Time‐to‐event outcomes were described using the Kaplan–Meier method, and associations of baseline variables with tumour shrinkage was assessed using linear regression. Patients received either single fraction of 26 Gy or three fractions of 14 Gy, dependent on tumour size.ResultsOf 37 patients (median age 78 years), 62% had T1b, 35% had T1a and 3% had T2a disease. One patient presented with bilateral primaries. Histology was confirmed in 92%. In total, 33 patients and 34 kidneys received all prescribed SABR fractions (89% feasibility). The median follow‐up was 24 months. Treatment‐related grade 1–2 toxicities occurred in 26 patients (78%) and grade 3 toxicity in one patient (3%). No grade 4–5 toxicities were recorded and six patients (18%) reported no toxicity. Freedom from local progression, distant progression and overall survival rates at 2 years were 100%, 89% and 92%, respectively. The mean baseline glomerular filtration rate was 55 mL/min, which decreased to 44 mL/min at 1 and 2 years (P < 0.001). Neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio correlated to % change in tumour size at 1 year, r2 = 0.45 (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe study results show that SABR for primary RCC was feasible and well tolerated. We observed encouraging cancer control, functional preservation and early survival outcomes in an inoperable cohort. Baseline neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio may be predictive of immune‐mediated response and warrants further investigation.
The composition of municipal associations and policy requests to provincial governments: Selected cases
Authors: Shott Alison 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMunicipal associations lobby senior levels of government for legislative changes. This article tests how the composition and size of municipal associations affects such policy requests for provincial programs or funding transfers by examining four Canadian associations in BC, Nova Scotia and two in Alberta between 1999 and 2013. The findings suggest that associations with more homogeneous member populations lobby primarily for provincial programs; those with more heterogeneous member populations are more likely to lobby for funds to enact municipal programs. This suggests that the collective intergovernmental lobbying of local government associations is influenced by the internal composition of members as well as the political norms and the external environment.
Effect of exercise combined with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist treatment on cardiac function: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Jørgensen Peter G. , Jensen Magnus T. , Mensberg Pernille , Storgaard Heidi , Nyby Signe , Jensen Jan S. , Knop Filip K. , Vilsbøll Tina 
Published: February 2017

In patients with type 2 diabetes, both supervised exercise and treatment with the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) liraglutide may improve cardiac function. We evaluated cardiac function before and after 16 weeks of treatment with the GLP‐1RA liraglutide or placebo, combined with supervised exercise, in 33 dysregulated patients with type 2 diabetes on diet and/or metformin. Early diastolic myocardial tissue velocity was improved by exercise in the placebo group (mean ± standard deviation [s.d.] −7.1 ± 1.6 to −7.7 ± 1.8 cm/s,
P
= .01), but not in the liraglutide group (−7.1 ± 1.4 to −7.0 ± 1.4 cm/s,
P
= .60; between groups,
P
= .02). Similarly, the mean ± s.d. ratio of early and atrial mitral annular tissue velocities improved in the placebo group (1.0 ± 0.4 to 1.2 ± 0.4,
P
= .003), but not in the liraglutide group (1.0 ± 0.3 to 1.0 ± 0.3,
P
= .87; between groups,
P
= .03). We found no significant differences in heart rate, left ventricular (LV) structure or function within or between the groups. In conclusion, the addition of liraglutide to exercise in sedentary patients with dysregulated type 2 diabetes may blunt the suggested beneficial effect of exercise on LV diastolic function.
Should we intervene at stage 0? A qualitative study of attitudes of asymptomatic youth at increased risk of developing bipolar disorders and parents with established disease
Authors: Davison Jo , Scott Jan 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundStudies of potential interventions for asymptomatic individuals at risk of severe mental disorders (ie, clinical stage 0) have focused on genetic counselling or the views of adults with established disease. No study has interviewed youth at risk of bipolar disorders (BD).MethodsQualitative analysis of interviews with asymptomatic adolescent offspring of adults with BD (OSBD = 7) and unrelated parents with bipolar disorders (PBD = 6) to examine manifest and latent themes in the dialogue.ResultsCore themes in both groups were ignorance regarding the magnitude of risk of BD onset in offspring and greater concerns for the health of other family members than for oneself. Parents expressed anxieties in coping with the uncertainty about whether their children would inherit BD and their desire to reduce this risk was partly driven by guilt and their sense of responsibility; PBD favoured the introduction of specialized clinical OSBD services. In contrast, the priority for OSBD was advice on coping with a parent with BD; OSBD favoured access to generic non‐clinical peer group support, which they perceived as less stigmatizing than specialist services.ConclusionThe study highlights that youth at risk of BD should be allowed to express their ideas on what interventions they believe are likely to be most beneficial for them, as their views may differ from other advocates who are routinely consulted, such as PBD. A noteworthy finding was that OSBD thought that being included in the clinical dialogue about their parents’ BD would decrease rather than increase their stress levels.
Where to go if not the hospital? Reviewing geriatric bed utilization in an acute care hospital in Singapore
Authors: Zhou Ke , Vidyarthi Arpana R. , Wong Chek Hooi , Matchar David 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimSingapore is one of the fastest‐aging countries in the world, and the demand for acute hospital care for older adults is expected to triple in the next 25 years. Hence, it is crucial to understand the opportunities in reducing potentially avoidable bed days (PABD), which are days spent in acute hospitals delivering only non‐acute services. We aimed to access the prevalence, causes and consequences of PABD among geriatric patients.MethodsWe examined all hospitalizations from 1 August through 31 December 2013 in the geriatric wards of an acute hospital in Singapore. PABD were identified using a modified Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol. Non‐acute services were classified as subacute care, rehabilitative care, long‐term care or social care. Hospitalization patterns were determined based on the presence or absence of non‐acute services, and multinomial logistic regression was used to determine predictors of different patterns.ResultsOf the 273 bed days used by 254 patients, 49% were potentially avoidable. The most common non‐acute services provided were rehabilitative care (19%), subacute care (12%) and long‐term care (8%). New acute issues arose after the admission conditions subsided in 2.4% of hospitalizations, 61% of which were nosocomial infections. Being socially at risk as assessed on admission predicted the development of new acute issues (sensitivity = 62%; specificity = 88%).ConclusionsIn the present study, almost half of the bed days were potentially avoidable. New acute issues can arise after PABD, which are dangerous to these frail older adults. Proactive discharge planning and increasing access to intermediate and long‐term care services are required to reduce PABD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1575–1583.
Impact of poor sleep quality and physical inactivity on cognitive function in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Nakakubo Sho , Makizako Hyuma , Doi Takehiko , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Lee Sangyoon , Lee Sungchul , Hotta Ryo , Bae Seongryu , Suzuki Takao , Shimada Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2017

AimThe purpose of the present study was to examine whether the combination of subjective sleep quality and physical activity is associated with cognitive performance among community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsCross‐sectional data on 5381 older adults who participated in part of the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology – Study of Geriatric Syndromes were analyzed. We assessed general cognitive impairment using the Mini‐Mental State Examination, and also assessed story memory, attention, executive function and processing speed using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Functional Assessment Tool. Physical activity was assessed using two questionnaires, and participants were categorized as active or inactive. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and participants were categorized as having poor (PS) or good sleep quality (GS).ResultsParticipants in the inactive + PS group had worse performances than those in the active + GS group in all cognitive measures (Mini‐Mental State Examination: P = 0.008, story memory: P = 0.007, other cognitive measures: P < 0.001), and also had worse performances than those in the inactive + GS and active + PS groups in the trail‐making test, part B, and the symbol digit substitution test (P < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, participants in the inactive + GS group had worse performances than in the active + GS in the trail‐making test, part B, and the symbol digit substitution test (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsInactivity and poor sleep quality were associated with poor cognitive performance among community‐dwelling older adults. The combination of poor sleep quality and physical inactivity also worsened cognitive performance. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1823–1828.