bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between vitamin D receptor gene FokI polymorphism and skeletal fluorosis of the brick-tea type fluorosis: a cross sectional, case control study
Authors: Yang Dan , Liu Yang , Chu Yanru , Yang Qing , Jiang Wei , Chen Fuxun , Li Dandan , Qin Ming , Sun Dianjun , Yang Yanmei , Gao Yanhui 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundBrick-tea type fluorosis is a public health concern in the north west area of China. The vitamin D receptor (VDR)-FokI polymorphism is considered to be a regulator of bone metabolism and calcium resorption. However, the association of VDR-FokI polymorphism with the risk of brick-tea type fluorosis has not been reported.Materials and methodsA cross sectional, case control study was conducted in three provinces (Inner Mongolia, Qinghai and Sinkiang) in China. The fluoride content of Brick-tea water and urine was tested using the standards GB 1996–2005 and WS/T89-2006 (China), respectively. Skeletal fluorosis was diagnosed using the standard WS/192-2008 (China). The VDR-FokI polymorphism was detected by the Sequenom MassARRAY system.ResultCompared with carriers of the CC genotype, participants with the CT/TT genotype had a significantly decreased risk of skeletal fluorosis (OR=0.761 (95% CI 0.580 to 0.997)), after adjustment for risk factors. When investigated among ethnic groups, the protective effect of the CT/TT genotype was limited in the Mongolian participants (OR=0.525 (95% CI 0.278 to 0.991)). Moreover, the interaction of VDR-FokI with risk factors was only found in Mongolian participants: the protective effect of the CT/TT genotype was limited to participants with >7.0 mg/day daily intake of tea fluoride (OR=0.085 (95% CI 0.009 to 0.851), participants with >3.2 mg/L urine fluoride (OR=0.103 (95% CI 0.017 to 0.633)) or participants aged 46–65 years (OR=0.404 (95% CI 0.177 to 0.922).ConclusionsOur data suggest that the CT/TT genotype of VDR-FokI may be a protective factor for brick-tea type skeletal fluorosis, and this effect is pronounced in Mongolian participants.
Balancing nurses' workload in hospital wards: study protocol of developing a method to manage workload
Authors: van den Oetelaar W F J M , van Stel H F , van Rhenen W , Stellato R K , Grolman W 
Published: November 2016

IntroductionHospitals pursue different goals at the same time: excellent service to their patients, good quality care, operational excellence, retaining employees. This requires a good balance between patient needs and nursing staff. One way to ensure a proper fit between patient needs and nursing staff is to work with a workload management method. In our view, a nursing workload management method needs to have the following characteristics: easy to interpret; limited additional registration; applicable to different types of hospital wards; supported by nurses; covers all activities of nurses and suitable for prospective planning of nursing staff. At present, no such method is available.Methods/analysisThe research follows several steps to come to a workload management method for staff nurses. First, a list of patient characteristics relevant to care time will be composed by performing a Delphi study among staff nurses. Next, a time study of nurses’ activities will be carried out. The 2 can be combined to estimate care time per patient group and estimate the time nurses spend on non-patient-related activities. These 2 estimates can be combined and compared with available nursing resources: this gives an estimate of nurses’ workload. The research will take place in an academic hospital in the Netherlands. 6 surgical wards will be included, capacity 15–30 beds.Ethical considerationsThe study protocol was submitted to the Medical Ethical Review Board of the University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht and received a positive advice, protocol number 14-165/C.DiscussionThis method will be developed in close cooperation with staff nurses and ward management. The strong involvement of the end users will contribute to a broader support of the results. The method we will develop may also be useful for planning purposes; this is a strong advantage compared with existing methods, which tend to focus on retrospective analysis.
Is prolonged sitting at work associated with the time course of neck–shoulder pain? A prospective study in Danish blue-collar workers
Authors: Hallman David M , Gupta Nidhi , Heiden Marina , Mathiassen Svend Erik , Korshøj Mette , Jørgensen Marie Birk , Holtermann Andreas 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the extent to which objectively measured sitting time at work is associated with the course of neck–shoulder pain across 1 year in blue-collar workers.MethodsData were analysed from 625 blue-collar workers in the Danish PHysical ACTivity cohort with Objective measurements (DPHACTO) cohort study (2012–2013). Objective data on sitting time were collected at baseline using accelerometry. Self-reported pain intensity (numeric rating scale 0–10) in the neck–shoulder region was registered for 1 year using repeated text messages (14 in total). Linear mixed models were used to determine the relationship between per cent time in sitting at work and trajectories of neck–shoulder pain, with and without adjustment for demographic, occupational and lifestyle factors, and baseline pain intensity.ResultsMore sitting time at work was associated with a faster decline in pain intensity over 12 months, as indicated by a statistically significant effect of sitting on pain trajectories in the crude (p=0.020) and fully adjusted models (p=0.027).ConclusionsIn blue-collar workers, more sitting time at work was associated with a favourable development of pain intensity over time. The relationship between sitting at work and pain needs further investigation before explicit recommendations and guidelines on sedentary behaviour among blue-collar workers can be developed.
Cardiac diagnostic work-up for atrial fibrillation after transient ischaemic attacks in England and Wales: results from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Geraghty Olivia , Korompoki Eleni , Filippidis Filippos T , Rudd Anthony , Veltkamp Roland 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesTransient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) are an important precursor of stroke. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is among the most dangerous aetiologies shared between TIAs and strokes. Detection of AF after TIAs is essential for the initiation of oral anticoagulants. We aimed to identify variations in the use of cardiac investigations used to detect AF and cardiac pathology in patients with TIA in the UK.SettingAll TIA clinical leads in England and Wales received an invitation by email to participate in an online survey in February 2015. The questionnaire consisted of 36 multiple choice questions covering the domains: (1) general information about stroke units, (2) ECG diagnostics and cardiologic work-up and (3) management of AF.Results146 survey invitations were sent. The response rate was 40% (n=59). Diagnosis of AF largely depends on medical history and 12-channel ECG which is performed in the vast majority of patients with TIA (>75%) in 94.1% of the TIA services. Many patients with TIA either do not receive 24-hour Holter recording (requested regularly in 42% of the services) or only after considerable delay (>2 weeks). Prolonged event recording is only rarely performed (16%). Only about half of patients with TIA undergo echocardiography. Cranial imaging in patients with TIA is mainly performed as CT (62%). The majority of TIA clinics rapidly initiate anticoagulation in TIA patients with AF (81.6%) preferably using new oral anticoagulants (75.5%).ConclusionsSignificant variation in the cardiac diagnostic work-up following TIA exists regarding the use of particular detection techniques and the duration of cardiac ECG monitoring. Only limited resources are allocated to cardiac evaluation. In addition to research establishing the optimal ECG technique for patients with TIA, healthcare delivery programmes are needed to ensure proper management to prevent strokes.
Patient and physician attitudes regarding risk and benefit in streamlined development programmes for antibacterial drugs: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Holland Thomas L , Mikita Stephen , Bloom Diane , Roberts Jamie , McCall Jonathan , Collyar Deborah , Santiago Jonas , Tiernan Rosemary , Toerner Joseph 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesTo explore patient, caregiver and physician perceptions and attitudes regarding the balance of benefit and risk in using antibacterial drugs developed through streamlined development processes.DesignSemistructured focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted to elicit perceptions and attitudes about the use of antibacterial drugs to treat multidrug-resistant infections. Participants were given background information about antibiotic resistance, streamlined drug development programmes and FDA drug approval processes. Audio recordings of focus groups/interviews were reviewed and quotes excerpted and categorised to identify key themes.ParticipantsTwo primary stakeholder groups were engaged: one comprising caregivers, healthy persons and patients who had recovered from or were at risk of resistant infection (N=67; 11 focus groups); and one comprising physicians who treat resistant infections (N=23).ResultsResponses from focus groups/interviews indicated widespread awareness among patients/caregivers and physicians of the seriousness of the problem of antibacterial resistance. Both groups were willing to accept a degree of uncertainty regarding the balance of risk and benefit in a new therapy where a serious unmet need exists, but also expressed a desire for rigorous monitoring and rapid, transparent reporting of safety/effectiveness data. Both groups wanted to ensure that >1 physician had input on whether to treat patients with antibiotics developed through a streamlined process. Some patients/caregivers unfamiliar with exigencies of critical care suggested a relatively large multidisciplinary team, while physicians believed individual expert consultations would be preferable. Both groups agreed that careful oversight and stewardship of antibacterial drugs are needed to ensure patient safety, preserve efficacy and prevent abuse.ConclusionsGroups comprising patients/caregivers and physicians were aware of serious issues posed by resistant infections and the lack of effective antibacterial drug therapies and shared a consensus that streamlined development programmes represent a necessary response to the resistance crisis, but one that requires enhanced safeguards and risk communication.
Ensuring availability of in date and fit for purpose emergency guidelines in all anaesthetic areas throughout the South East Scotland deanery
Authors: Hindle Elise 
Published: November 2016

Our aim was to institute a system whereby emergency anaesthetic guidelines are available in >90% of appropriate clinical areas throughout each of the acute hospital sites in three health board administrative regions, and whereby >90% of available guidelines are deemed to be in date and fit for purpose. Our objective was to achieve these targets within 6 months.Using quality improvement methodology, we inventoried available emergency anaesthetic guidelines in 132 locations throughout seven acute care hospitals. Five guidelines were then randomly selected per site per month and assessed for three process markers: was the guideline available in all appropriate areas, was it in-date (i.e. within date of review as specified on guideline or on consultation with author) and was it fit for purpose. Fitness for purpose was assessed by asking a junior colleague to simulate the emergency in a table top exercise using the guideline to aid management. This project was also used as a surveillance system to highlight outdated, unfit or missing guidance. Interventions included iterative revision of the master guideline lists, removal of outdated or unfit guidelines and creation or updating of guideline folders.30 guidelines were assessed pre-intervention and 203 post-intervention. 52% of guidelines were available in appropriate areas pre-intervention rising to 76% post intervention, 67% of guidelines were in date pre-intervention rising to 82% post-intervention and 87% of guidelines were deemed fit for purpose pre-intervention rising to 92% post-intervention.We have demonstrated that regular review of emergency guidelines to maintain their currency is achievable and also demonstrated the feasibility of recruiting over 20 trainees across a training deanery to complete a QI project. We believe that organisations should maximise the resource of highly motivated trainees to achieve their QI goals.
THE FUTURE OF NATURAL GAS IN CHINA: EFFECTS OF PRICING REFORM AND CLIMATE POLICY
Authors: ZHANG DANWEI , PALTSEV SERGEY 
Published: November 2016

China is currently attempting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase natural gas consumption as a part of broader national strategies to reduce the air pollution impacts of the nation’s energy system. To assess the scenarios of natural gas development up to 2050, we employ a global energy-economic model — the MIT Economic Projection and Policy Analysis (EPPA) model. The results show that a cap-and-trade policy will enable China to achieve its climate mitigation goals, but will also reduce natural gas consumption. An integrated policy that uses a part of the carbon revenue obtained from the cap-and-trade system to subsidize natural gas use promotes natural gas consumption, resulting in a further reduction in coal use relative to the cap-and-trade policy case. The integrated policy has a very moderate welfare cost; however, it reduces air pollution and allows China to achieve both the climate objective and the natural gas promotion objective.
A translational cellular model to study the impact of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation on human epithelial cell function
Authors: Mowes Anja , de Jongh Beatriz E. , Cox Timothy , Zhu Yan , Shaffer Thomas H. 
Published: November 2016

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) has been proposed as gentle ventilation strategy to prevent lung injury in the preterm infant. High-frequency jet ventilation leads to dimensional and mechanical airway deformation in animal airway models, which is consistent with translational studies demonstrating the impact of oxygen and biophysical stresses on normal airway cellular function. There is an overall paucity of clinical and cellular data on the impact of HFOV on the conducting airway. We developed an innovative method to test the impact of the clinical HFO Ventilator (SensorMedics 3100A) on human epithelial cell function. In this translational model, we were able to study the differential effects of biophysical stress due to HFOV independently and in combination with hyperoxia on a direct cellular level of the conducting airway system. Additionally, we could demonstrate that hyperoxia and pressure by HFOV independently resulted in significant cell dysfunction and inflammation, while the combination of HFOV and hyperoxia had a synergistic effect, resulting in greater cell death.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Traditionally, large-animal models are used to analyze the impact of clinical ventilators on lung cellular function. In our dual-chamber model, we interface high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) directly with airway cells to study the effects of HFOV independently and combined with hyperoxia. Therefore, it is possible to study the preclinical impact of interventional factors without the high cost of animal models, thus reducing staff, time, as well as animal sparing.
Resistance training with instability is more effective than resistance training in improving spinal inhibitory mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Silva-Batista Carla , Mattos Eugenia Casella Tavares , Corcos Daniel M. , Wilson Jessica M. , Heckman Charles J. , Kanegusuku Hélcio , Piemonte Maria Elisa Pimentel , Túlio de Mello Marco , Forjaz Cláudia , Roschel Hamilton , Tricoli Valmor , Ugrinowitsch Carlos 
Published: November 2016

This study assessed 1) the effects of 12 wk of resistance training (RT) and resistance training with instability (RTI) on presynaptic inhibition (PSI) and disynaptic reciprocal inhibition (DRI) of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD); 2) the effectiveness of RT and RTI in moving PSI and DRI values of patients toward values of age-matched healthy controls (HC; Z-score analysis); and 3) associations between PSI and DRI changes and clinical outcomes changes previously published. Thirteen patients in RT group, 13 in RTI group, and 11 in a nonexercising control group completed the trial. While RT and RTI groups performed resistance exercises twice a week for 12 wk, only the RTI group used unstable devices. The soleus H reflex was used to evaluate resting PSI and DRI before and after the experimental protocol. The HC ( n = 31) was assessed at pretest only. There were significant group × time interactions for PSI ( P < 0.0001) and DRI ( P < 0.0001). RTI was more effective than RT in increasing the levels of PSI ( P = 0.0154) and DRI ( P < 0.0001) at posttraining and in moving PSI [confidence interval (CI) 0.1–0.5] and DRI (CI 0.6–1.1) levels to those observed in HC. There was association between DRI and quality of life changes ( r = −0.69, P = 0.008) and a strong trend toward association between PSI and postural instability changes ( r = 0.60, P = 0.051) after RTI. RTI increased PSI and DRI levels more than RT, reaching the average values of the HC. Thus RTI may cause plastic changes in PSI and DRI pathways that are associated with some PD clinical outcomes. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have motor dysfunction. Spinal inhibitory mechanisms are important for modulating both supraspinal motor commands and sensory feedback at the spinal level. Resistance training with instability was more effective than resistance training in increasing the levels of presynaptic inhibition and disynaptic reciprocal inhibition of lower limb at rest of the patients with PD, reaching the average values of the healthy controls.
Habitual aerobic exercise does not protect against micro- or macrovascular endothelial dysfunction in healthy estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women
Authors: Santos-Parker Jessica R. , Strahler Talia R. , Vorwald Victoria M. , Pierce Gary L. , Seals Douglas R. 
Published: November 2016

Aging causes micro- and macrovascular endothelial dysfunction, as assessed by endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD), which can be prevented and reversed by habitual aerobic exercise (AE) in men. However, in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women, whole forearm microvascular EDD has not been studied, and a beneficial effect of AE on macrovascular EDD has not been consistently shown. We assessed forearm blood flow in response to brachial artery infusions of acetylcholine (FBFACh), a measure of whole forearm microvascular EDD, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a measure of macrovascular EDD, in 12 premenopausal sedentary women (Pre-S; 24 ± 1 yr; V̇o2max = 37.5 ± 1.6 ml·kg−1·min−1), 25 estrogen-deficient postmenopausal sedentary women (Post-S; 62 ± 1 yr; V̇o2max = 24.7 ± 0.9 ml·kg−1·min−1), and 16 estrogen-deficient postmenopausal AE-trained women (Post-AE; 59 ± 1 yr; V̇o2max = 40.4 ± 1.4 ml·kg−1·min−1). FBFACh was lower in Post-S and Post-AE compared with Pre-S women (135 ± 9 and 116 ± 17 vs. 193 ± 21 AUC, respectively, both P < 0.008), whereas Post-S and Post-AE women were not different ( P = 0.3). Brachial artery FMD was 34% (5.73 ± 0.67%) and 45% (4.79 ± 0.57%) lower in Post-S and Post-AE, respectively, vs. Pre-S women (8.69 ± 0.95%, both P ≤ 0.01), but not different between Post-S and Post-AE women ( P = 0.3). Post-AE women had lower circulating C-reactive protein and oxidized low-density lipoprotein compared with Post-S women (0.5 ± 0.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.2 mg/l and 40 ± 4 vs. 55 ± 3 U/l, respectively, both P = 0.01), but these markers were not correlated to FBFACh ( P = 0.3) or brachial artery FMD ( P = 0.8). These findings are consistent with the idea that habitual AE does not protect against age/menopause-related whole forearm micro- and macrovascular endothelial dysfunction in healthy nonobese estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women, despite being associated with lower systemic markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to demonstrate that habitual aerobic exercise may not protect against age/menopause-related whole forearm microvascular endothelial dysfunction in healthy nonobese estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women, consistent with recent findings regarding macrovascular endothelial function. This is in contrast to what is observed in healthy middle-aged and older aerobic exercise-trained men.
Abstract B04: Novel Methods to Target RB Pathway Disruption in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Hinds Philip W. , Enos Miriam , Kong Elizabeth , Dignan Elisabeth , Gunduz Volkan , Pietruska Jodie 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Osteosarcoma, prevalently a pediatric disease, is the most common primary non-hematologic bone tumor. The five-year survival rates range from 24-62% depending on age. A deeper understanding of the disease and new therapeutic approaches are crucial to reducing osteosarcoma's morbidity and mortality.
Data from our and other laboratories point to interconnections between bone development and cancer. Specifically, RB1 gene mutation (encoding retinoblastoma protein or pRB) is observed in 60% of sporadic osteosarcomas, and the pRB pathway is altered in osteosarcomas that retain pRB function. Mouse data suggests that loss of pRB can change osteoprogenitor function and increase osteosarcoma formation. Our work shows that: pRB loss leads to the expansion of bipotent (adipogenic/osteogenic) progenitor cells, properties also found in osteosarcomas; pRB binds to and activates the transcriptional regulator of osteogenesis Runx2, suggesting that pRB could alter promoter binding by chromatin modifying enzymes and regulate osteoblast differentiation; pRB can act as a transcriptional coactivator with Runx2 inducing Indian hedgehog (Ihh) expression late in osteoblast differentiation (Ihh can drive osteoprogenitor cells to the osteoblast lineage, potentially mediating the pRB phenotype loss in osteoblasts). Our studies also show a role for CDK6 in Runx2 activation and bone development, and a requirement for CDK6 activity in p53-dependent osteosarcoma. Thus, here we (a) analyze the role of pRB in fate specification of osteoblasts; (b) test the function of Ihh as a mediator of altered differentiation and tumorigenesis in pRB-null cells; and (c) test the role of CDK6 as a therapeutic target in osteosarcoma.
Citation Format: Philip W. Hinds, Miriam Enos, Elizabeth Kong, Elisabeth Dignan, Volkan Gunduz, Jodie Pietruska. Novel Methods to Target RB Pathway Disruption in Osteosarcoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Cancer Cell Cycle - Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Response; Feb 28-Mar 2, 2016; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(11_Suppl):Abstract nr B04.