bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic Evaluation of Pharmacologic Therapy
Authors: Hill Walter L. 
Published: October 2017

Cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses are defined and described, particularly as they apply to evaluating costs in pharmacologic therapy. The cost-benefit analysis (CBA) approach is used to compare dissimilar alternatives, whereas the cost-effectiveness (CEA) approach compares similar alternatives with similar objectives. A CBA, for instance, will demonstrate the economic effects of a program and can thus be used as a tool to compare the outcomes of several programs. A CEA, on the other hand, can help determine which of several alternatives is the least costly in achieving a stated objective. A CEA approach was used to examine results of clinical trials with cefoxitin or piperacillin in 86 patients undergoing intraabdominal surgery at two institutions. Results of multivariate analysis showed that patients who had received piperacillin had significantly shorter hospital stays (1.59 days) than those who had received cefoxitin. Based on national average hospital per diem rates, piperacillin patients were said to have saved $680 compared with patients treated with cefoxitin. Moreover, piperacillin was less expensive than cefoxitin.
Expression of Disialoganglioside (GD2) in Neuroblastic Tumors: A Prognostic Value for Patients Treated With Anti-GD2 Immunotherapy
Authors: Terzic Tatjana , Cordeau Martine , Herblot Sabine , Teira Pierre , Cournoyer Sonia , Beaunoyer Mona , Peuchmaur Michel , Duval Michel , Sartelet Herve 
Published: October 2017

Neuroblastoma, a malignant neoplasm of the sympathetic nervous system, is one of the most aggressive pediatric cancers. Patients with stage IV high-risk neuroblastoma receive an intensive multimodal therapy ending with an immunotherapy based on a chimeric monoclonal antibody ch14.18. Although the use of ch14.18 monoclonal antibody has significantly increased the survival rate of high-risk neuroblastoma patients, about 33% of these patients still relapse and die from their disease. Ch14.18 targets the disialoganglioside, GD2, expressed on neuroblastic tumor (NT) cells. To better understand the causes of tumor relapse following ch14.18 immunotherapy, we have analyzed the expression of GD2 in 152 tumor samples from patients with NTs using immunohistochemical stainings. We observed GD2 expression in 146 of 152 samples (96%); however, the proportion of GD2-positive cells varied among samples. Interestingly, low percentage of GD2-positive cells before immunotherapy was associated with relapse in patients receiving ch14.18 immunotherapy. In addition, we demonstrated in vitro that the sensitivity of neuroblastoma cell lines to natural killer-mediated lysis was dependent on the proportion of GD2-positive cells, in the presence of ch14.18 antibody. In conclusion, our results indicate that the proportion of tumor cells expressing GD2 in NTs should be taken in consideration, as a prognostic marker, for high-risk neuroblastoma patients receiving anti-GD2 immunotherapy.
Skin as a marker of general feline health: Cutaneous manifestations of infectious disease
Authors: Backel Katherine , Cain Christine 
Published: October 2017

Practical relevance: Infectious disease in feline patients often presents a diagnostic challenge. This article reviews the most relevant viral, bacterial and protozoal diseases and their cutaneous manifestations. Many of the diseases discussed have overlapping presentations or may mimic more common noninfectious disease processes. The purpose of the article is to reinforce knowledge of common and uncommon infectious diseases, help practitioners identify possible infectious dermatoses, create a comprehensive and prioritized differential list, and provide guidance for the diagnosis of these diseases. A working knowledge of these clinical syndromes is important if what is thought to be a case of a common disease does not respond to conventional management. Audience: This review is aimed at veterinarians who treat cats and especially those with an interest in feline dermatology. Tables are included to allow the reader to formulate a concise list of differential diagnoses for clinically similar presentations. The diagnostic approach to a case of ulcerative facial dermatitis is reviewed in a Case Notes quiz. Evidence base: This article includes up-to-date information regarding dermatologic manifestations of less commonly encountered feline cutaneous infectious diseases. Information has been drawn from the published, peer-reviewed literature and the most recent textbook chapters with a particular aim of describing and differentiating clinical lesions and the diagnostic approach to cutaneous disease, especially in unusual cases.
Mechlorethamine, vincristine, melphalan and prednisolone rescue chemotherapy protocol for resistant feline lymphoma
Authors: Martin Olya A , Price Josh 
Published: October 2017

Objectives The goals of this retrospective study were to evaluate the use of mechlorethamine, vincristine, melphalan and prednisolone (MOMP) chemotherapy for rescue of feline lymphoma, to describe the protocol’s toxicity and to determine prognostic indicators for progression-free survival. Methods The medical records of 12 cats treated with MOMP chemotherapy at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center between 2007 and 2017 were evaluated. Parameters assessed included lymphoma cell size, anatomical location, number of previous chemotherapy drugs and number of previous rescue protocols received. Chemotherapy-related toxicity was also described. Results Seven of 12 cats responded to this rescue protocol. Three cats experienced complete response and four cats achieved partial response for a median duration of 39 days (range 14–345 days). Cats that achieved complete response had a significantly longer median progression-free survival than cats that did not respond to treatment. Five of 12 cats developed hematologic toxicity (neutropenia) and one cat developed gastrointestinal toxicity. Toxicity was mild in most cases; no cats needed to be hospitalized. Neutropenia was associated with increased progression-free survival. Conclusions and relevance MOMP is a safe and effective rescue chemotherapy protocol for cats with relapsing and refractory lymphoma.
Enhanced Wellbeing of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes following Multi-Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation for Three Months in a Randomised, Double-blind, Cross-over Pilot Study
Authors: Marakis George , Walker Ann F. , Simpson Hugh C.R. , Byng Martyn , Robinson Paul A. 
Published: October 2017

Objective To investigate the effects of a daily multinutrient supplement on plasma indicators of glycemic and lipemic control and psychological wellbeing in type 2 diabetic patients. Design Double-blind, randomised, cross-over pilot intervention study. Subjects Twenty-nine subjects (15 males and 14 females) with non-insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. Intervention Either a multinutrient supplement or placebo were provided daily during two intervention periods of 3 months separated by a 4 week washout. Results There were no significant changes of multinutrient treatment compared with placebo in HbA1c, fasting or postprandial plasma glucose and insulin concentrations and fasting plasma lipid concentrations. Using a validated wellbeing questionnaire (W-BQ 22) designed for diabetic subjects, the multinutrient supplement resulted in improvements in the secondary outcome of wellbeing of the volunteers in terms of anxiety (p = 0.020), vitality (p = 0.013) and general wellbeing (p = 0.021), relative to placebo. Conclusions Findings from this pilot study suggest that a multinutrient supplement may enhance the wellbeing of diabetic patients, even in the absence of a significant improvement in clinical parameters. If substantiated in a full clinical study the results would have important implications for the prevention of late complications of diabetes, as psychological factors can hinder successful management of the condition and adversely affect metabolic control.
Predictors of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among California Adults with Cancer and other Chronic Conditions
Authors: Goldstein Michael S. , Lee Jennifer H. , Morgenstern Hal , Ballard-Barbash Rachel , Brown E. Richard , Hsiao An-Fu , Bastani Roshan 
Published: October 2017

Background Population-based data about utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among those with chronic conditions is lacking. Objective To describe whether CAM use by California adults with cancer and other chronic conditions reflects condition-specific patterns or a general tendency to use CAM modalities. Methods Interviews of 9,187 respondents including all participants with cancer from a prior representative survey of California households, and a stratified sample of all other respondents. Almost 74% of the respondents reported at least one chronic health problem. Results Use of all forms of CAM among those with chronic health problems is high. Those with a diagnosis of cancer are more likely to use prayer, dietary supplements, and support groups, and less likely to use CAM providers and special diets. Overall, individuals diagnosed with most chronic problems use a similar set of CAM modalities. Demographic correlates of CAM use differ in their impact and vary according to what type of CAM is being used. Conclusions Clinicians should be aware that while a diagnosis of cancer is associated with a greater use of some forms of CAM, overall patterns of CAM use are similar to those with most other chronic problems.
Induction of Cytochrome P450 CYP3A by St John's Wort in the Rat Liver and Intestine
Authors: Phan Thuong Tran , Heng See Huey , Abarno Damien , McKinnon Ross Allan , Ngo Suong Ngoc Thi 
Published: October 2017

It has been well reported that complementary medicines can significantly alter the way the body handles conventional drugs, leading to potential fatal herb-drug interactions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of drug interactions involving St John's wort (SJW) (Hypericum perforatum L), a popular herbal medicine widely used for depression, particularly examining changes in the expression of cytochrome P450 CYP3A, the most abundant drug metabolising CYP enzymes in man. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned randomly into 3 groups (n = 6/group): control, low dose and high dose (500 and 1000 mg/kg/day of SJW, equal to 1500 and 3000 µg/kg/day of Hypericin). Each group was treated with SJW or control preparation, by gastric gavage, for 14 consecutive days. Liver and intestinal CYP3A activity and protein and mRNA levels, from five segments of the intestine, were examined using CYP3A-dependent erythromycin N-demethylation activity assay, quantitative immuno-blotting and real-time RT-PCR. Increase in CYP3A activity and protein level by SJW was observed in some intestinal regions, with a 3.0 fold increase in liver CYP3A activity and a 10.6 fold increase in liver CYP3A1 mRNA (p < 0.05) in a dose dependent manner. The results suggested that up regulation of liver CYP3A mRNA and differential induction of intestinal CYP3A play an important role in the molecular mechanism of herb-drug interactions.
Barns upplevelser när föräldrars missbruk upphört
Authors: Alexanderson Karin , Näsman Elisabet 
Published: October 2017

This article is based on interviews with fifteen children, whose parents have addiction problems. Purpose: To contribute to in-depth understanding of children's situation when parents have ceased abusing drugs or alcohol. Method: An explorative interview study with childhood sociology and symbolic interactionism as theoretical framework. Outcome: The end of the abuse gives children space to feel how they feel, to reflect on the impact of the addiction on their health and personality, and to try changing themselves and their lives. Their need for processing may last for a long time. It can take time and be difficult to build up the relationship with the parent. Children can still feel care responsibility but also distrust and worry about relapses. However, teenagers can see opportunities to move on with their own life. If the abuse ends only for one of two parents with addiction problems, children are still affected by addiction. Conclusion: Children's need for processing in relation to the parents can both be time consuming and last for a long period of time, regardless of if the child lives with the parent or not. Children may need help for their own part but also in relation to the parent. Professionals should be encouraged to work with a family perspective, regardless of organizational divisions and if parents and children live together or not. This requires structures, procedures and resources for collaboration across organizational boundaries.
An Epidemiological Comparison of Elbow Injuries Among United States High School Baseball and Softball Players, 2005-2006 Through 2014-2015
Authors: Pytiak Andrew V. , Kraeutler Matthew J. , Currie Dustin W. , McCarty Eric C. , Comstock R. Dawn 
Published: October 2017

Background: Pitching is a common mechanism of injury in baseball, with known risk factors for elbow injuries among adolescent pitchers. Hypothesis: Elbow injury rates and mechanisms will differ between high school baseball and softball players. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Baseball- and softball-related injury data from the 2005-2006 through 2014-2015 academic years were collected from the High School Reporting Information Online (RIO) Internet-based data collection tool. Athlete-exposure (AE) and injury data were collected by certified athletic trainers. Rate ratios (RRs) were calculated comparing injury rates in the 2 populations. Injury proportion ratios (IPRs) comparing elbow injuries in pitchers and nonpitchers were calculated as the proportion of all elbow injuries in pitchers divided by the proportion of all elbow injuries in nonpitchers. Results: A total of 214 elbow injuries in male baseball players occurred over 2,327,774 AEs, for an overall elbow injury rate of 0.92 per 10,000 AEs. A total of 75 elbow injuries were reported in female softball players over 1,731,644 AEs, for an overall rate of 0.43 per 10,000 AEs. The rate of elbow injury was significantly higher for baseball than softball (RR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.64-2.77). A significantly greater proportion of elbow injuries in baseball were pitching-related compared with those from softball, with 50.2% occurring while pitching in baseball versus 11.0% in softball (IPR, 4.58; 95% CI, 2.35-8.93). If all injuries occurring during pitching were removed from both sports, the difference in elbow injury rate for baseball and softball would no longer be significant (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.88-1.62). Conclusion: The rate of elbow injuries is significantly higher in baseball than softball. This is attributable to differences in rates of pitching-related injuries between these 2 groups. Clinical Relevance: These results demonstrate that overhand pitching increases risk of elbow injury in high school athletes.
Longitudinal evaluation of resting-state connectivity, white matter integrity and cortical thickness in stable HIV infection: Preliminary results
Authors: Corrêa Diogo G , Zimmermann Nicolle , Ventura Nina , Tukamoto Gustavo , Doring Thomas , Leite Sarah CB , Fonseca Rochele P , Bahia Paulo RV , Lopes Fernanda CR , Gasparetto Emerson L 
Published: October 2017

Purpose The objectives of this study were to determine if HIV-infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), without dementia, suffer from longitudinal gray matter (GM) volume loss, changes in white matter (WM) integrity and deterioration in functional connectivity at rest, in an average interval of 30 months. Methods Clinically stable HIV-positive patients (on HAART, CD4 + T lymphocyte > 200 cells/μl, and viral loads <50 copies/μl) were recruited. None of them had HIV-associated dementia. Each patient underwent two scans, performed in a 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. FreeSurfer was used to perform cortical volumetric reconstruction and segmentation of GM structures. WM integrity was assessed using tract-based spatial statistics to post-process diffusion tensor imaging data, and FMRIB's Software Library tools were used to post-process resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI). Results There were no significant differences in cortical thickness, deep GM volumes, or diffusivity parameters between the scans at the two time points. Five resting-state networks were identified in our patients. In the second MRI, HIV-positive patients presented increased areas of functional connectivity in visual pathways, frontoparietal and cerebellar networks, compared with the first MRI (considering p < 0.05). Conclusions RS-fMRI revealed potentially compensatory longitudinal alterations in the brains of HIV-positive patients, attempting to compensate for brain damage related to the infection.
A Review of a Workers’ Compensation Database 2003 to 2013: Patient Factors Influencing Return to Work and Cumulative Financial Claims After Rotator Cuff Repair in Geriatric Workers’ Compensation Cases
Authors: Shields Edward , Thirukumaran Caroline , Noyes Katia , Voloshin Ilya 
Published: October 2017

Background: Workers’ compensation status is associated with poor outcomes after rotator cuff repair surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyze a database of geriatric workers’ compensation patients after surgical repair of the rotator cuff and identify both medical and nonmedical patient factors that influence the time it takes for them to return to work at full duty, including a comparison of arthroscopic and open techniques. Methods: An all workers’ compensation database was queried for rotator cuff claims that were surgically managed using arthroscopic, open, or both approaches from 2003 to 2013 in patients aged ≥60. Primary outcomes were the number of days for return to full work (RTW) following surgery and the total reimbursement for health care. Multivariate analysis was performed, and data are presented as average ± standard deviation. Results: The database yielded 1903 claims for surgically treated rotator cuff conditions (arthroscopic n = 935; open n = 926; both n = 42). In multivariate RTW analyses, we did not find a significant difference between groups (RTW in days was 153 ± 134 for arthroscopy [ P = .81], 160 ± 160 for open [Ref], and 140 ± 82 days for both [ P = .75]). However, multivariate analysis of reimbursement claims found arthroscopic surgery claims to be 13% higher compared to claims for open surgery only (US $29 986 ± 16 259 for arthroscopy vs US $26 495 ± 13 186 for open, P < .001). Patients aged ≥65 had more medical expenses than patients aged 60 to 64 ( P = .03). Potentially modifiable variables that significantly prolonged RTW timing and higher health-care claims included need for vocational rehabilitation services and filing of a legal suit. Conclusions: Return to full-duty work in geriatric workers’ compensation patients after rotator cuff repair takes about 5 months regardless of surgical approach and costs significantly more in patients aged ≥65. Arthroscopic repairs generated 13% more cumulative health-care costs than open surgery alone. More efficient vocational rehabilitation services and minimizing legal suits may help get patients back to work sooner and reduce overall costs.
The Three Ds of Transcription Activation by Glucagon: Direct, Delayed, and Dynamic
Authors: Goldstein Ido , Hager Gordon L 
Published: October 2017

AbstractUpon lowered blood glucose occurring during fasting, glucagon is secreted from pancreatic islets, exerting various metabolic effects to normalize glucose levels. A considerable portion of these effects is mediated by glucagon-activated transcription factors (TFs) in liver. Glucagon directly activates several TFs via immediate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)– and calcium-dependent signaling events. Among these TFs, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is a major factor. CREB recruits histone-modifying enzymes and cooperates with other TFs on the chromatin template to increase the rate of gene transcription. In addition to direct signal transduction, the transcriptional effects of glucagon are also influenced by dynamic TF cross talk. Specifically, assisted loading of one TF by a companion TF leads to increased binding and activity. Lastly, transcriptional regulation by glucagon is also exerted by TF cascades by which a primary TF induces the gene expression of secondary TFs that bring about their activity a few hours after the initial glucagon signal. This mechanism of a delayed response may be instrumental in establishing the temporal organization of the fasting response by which distinct metabolic events separate early from prolonged fasting. In this mini-review, we summarize recent advances and critical discoveries in glucagon-dependent gene regulation with a focus on direct TF activation, dynamic TF cross talk, and TF cascades.
Premedication considerations for dogs undergoing general anaesthesia
Authors: Waring Nicola 
Published: October 2017

The selection of appropriate pre-anaesthetic drugs prior to general anaesthesia will provide a smoother induction and maintenance phase of anaesthesia. Catecholamine release will be reduced, subsequently reducing anxiety and problems associated with catecholamine release such as cardiac arrhythmias. Intravenous catheter placement and pre-oxygenation can prove less challenging. Analgesia can be provided pre-emptively, which is especially helpful in dogs with chronic pain, reducing the risks of central sensitisation. An ideal pre-anaesthetic medication provides sedation, has minimal effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, provides analgesia and is reversible. Unfortunately, no single drug has all of these properties, therefore a multi-modal approach is required to fulfil a patient's needs. There are several drugs from different pharmacological groups that are commonly used when premedicating dogs in veterinary practice including: opioids, phenothiazines, alpha-2-adrenoreceptor agonists, benzodiazepines and anaesthetic agents. Understanding the mode of action, dose ranges, contraindications, effects and side effects of these drugs allows selection of the most appropriate premedication drug combination for individual patients. It also allows provision of the safest anaesthetic environment possible for the patient and enables veterinary professionals to be prepared for potential complications. Anaesthetic complications cannot be entirely avoided but their risk can be reduced dramatically by understanding fully the drugs that are being used.
Improved properties of thermally modified wood (TMW) by combined treatment with disodium octoborate tetrahydrate (DOT) and wax emulsion (WE)
Authors: Wang Wang , Chen Cong , Cao Jinzhen , Zhu Yuan 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of preimpregnation of thermally modified wood (TMW) with paraffin wax emulsion (WE), which was loaded with disodium octoborate tetrahydrate (DOT). The improvements of physical, mechanical, and biological properties of WEDOT-TMW was in focus. The thermal modification (TM) was conducted at 220°C for 4 h. The equilibrium moisture content (EMC), water absorption, volumetric swelling, bending strength, mold and termite resistance of WEDOT-TMW were determined. The boron leaching data were also determined, while the borate was analyzed by Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), followed by the model fitting according to a pseudo-second order differential model. The results indicate that WEDOTimproved water repellency, dimensional stability, bending strength as well as the mold and termite resistance of WEDOT-TMW. The boron leaching of WEDOT-TMW was reduced compared with DOT-TMW due to the hydrophobic effect of WE. The pseudo-second order differential model describes accurately the boron leaching process from WEDOT-TMW.