bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a simple predictive model for decreased skeletal muscle mass in patients with compensated chronic liver disease
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroki , Enomoto Hirayuki , Ishii Akio , Iwata Yoshinori , Miyamoto Yuho , Ishii Noriko , Yuri Yukihisa , Takata Ryo , Hasegawa Kunihiro , Nakano Chikage , Nishimura Takashi , Yoh Kazunori , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Naoto , Takashima Tomoyuki , Iijima Hiroko , Nishiguchi Shuhei 
Published: December 2016

AimTo develop and validate a simple predictive model using easily obtained clinical parameters to predict decreased skeletal muscle mass (DSMM) in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients (n = 652).MethodsStudy subjects were divided into a training set (n = 326) and a validation set (n = 326). Decreased skeletal muscle mass was diagnosed based on skeletal muscle mass index measured by bioimpedance analysis. Variables significantly associated with DSMM were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses in the training set and used to construct a predictive formula. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was carried out and the predictive model was validated in the validation set. Subgroup analyses were undertaken based on gender, age, or cirrhosis status of patients.ResultsBody mass index (BMI), age, serum albumin, and branched‐chain amino acid to tyrosine ratio (BTR) were determined to be significant predictive factors for DSMM. A composite formula “BALB score” was constructed [−7.740 + (0.539 × BMI) + (−0.112 × age) + (1.358 × albumin) + (−0.264 × BTR)]. The BALB score had the best predictive characteristics among all variables in both population sets (area under the ROC curve, 0.877–0.898). Patients with DSMM were stratified into three BALB score categories (>4, 0–4, and <0). Subgroup analyses also showed that BALB scoring was predictive of DSMM irrespective of gender, age, or cirrhosis status. The BALB score significantly correlated with psoas muscle index on computed tomography (rs = 0.6083 for men; rs = 0.6814 for women).ConclusionThe BALB scoring system based on routinely used clinical parameters offers a convenient and non‐invasive method for predicting DSMM in compensated CLD patients with high accuracy.
Use of finger‐piece method for indocyanine green clearance test
Authors: Sagawa Eri , Okubo Hironao , Sorin Yushi , Nakadera Eisuke , Fukada Hiroo , Igusa Yuki , Kokubu Shigehiro , Miyazaki Akihisa , Watanobe Ikuo , Sugo Hiroyuki , Kojima Kuniaki , Watanabe Sumio 
Published: December 2016

AimThe indocyanine green (ICG) finger‐piece method (FPM), which allows measurement of the ICG concentration by mounting a light sensor onto a finger, is used to assess liver function. We compared the ICG FPM with the conventional ICG blood sampling method (BSM) in patients with liver disorders.MethodsNinety consecutive patients simultaneously underwent the ICG BSM and ICG FPM. After ICG administration, blood samples were collected at 5, 10, and 15 min for the ICG BSM. The ICG concentration was measured through the finger piece by an ICG clearance meter.ResultsSeventy‐one patients (78.9%) had Child–Pugh class A liver disease, and 19 (21.1%) had class B or C. The FPM‐measured ICG plasma disappearance rate was positively correlated with the BSM‐measured values (r = 0.886, P < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis showed good agreement between the two methods (mean difference, 0.012 ± 0.018). The FPM‐measured ICG plasma disappearance rate was positively correlated with the BSM‐measured values both in patients with Child–Pugh class A liver disease (r = 0.821, P < 0.001) and class B or C liver disease (r = 0.859, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe ICG FPM may be an alternative to the ICG BSM for liver function assessment.
Breast and ovarian cancer referrals to the ACT Genetic Service: are we meeting guidelines?
Authors: Aitken Lucy , Warwick Linda , Davis Alison 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundThe ACT Genetic Service at The Canberra Hospital evaluates the genetic risk of individuals for inherited diseases, and provides counselling and genetic testing where appropriate.AimTo evaluate the current referral practice for patients with a personal and/or family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, and to assess whether these referrals are made according to eviQ cancer referral guidelines.MethodsA retrospective clinical audit of patients seen by the ACT Genetic Service for evaluation of genetic risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer between 1 January 2013 and 30 June 2015. Statistical analysis included Chi‐squared and Poisson distribution tests.ResultsOf the 711 patients referred during the 30‐month period, 671 were seen by the service. The number of patients seen increased steadily over the time period, as did waiting times. The majority of referrals were made by general practitioners (403/711; 57%) and oncologists (172/711; 24%). Of note, 300 of 711 (42%) of all referrals made to the service during this time period did not meet eviQ referral guidelines. Patients who met guidelines for referral were more likely both to be offered genetic testing and to have a positive result.ConclusionDemand on the ACT Genetic Service increased over the time period assessed. As a significant proportion of patients did not meet eviQ cancer referral guidelines, it is worth reviewing the referral process in order to optimise utility of this limited resource.
Using iron studies to predict HFE mutations in New Zealand: implications for laboratory testing
Authors: O'Toole Rebecca , Romeril Kenneth , Bromhead Collette 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundThe diagnosis of hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) is not straightforward because symptoms are often absent or non‐specific. Biochemical markers of iron‐overloading may be affected by other conditions.AimTo measure the correlation between iron studies and
HFE
genotype to inform evidence‐based recommendations for laboratory testing in New Zealand.MethodsResults from 2388 patients genotyped for C282Y, H63D and S65C in Wellington, New Zealand from 2007 to 2013 were compared with their biochemical phenotype as quantified by serum ferritin (SF), transferrin saturation (TS), serum iron (SI) and serum transferrin (ST). The predictive power of these markers was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and if a statistically significant association for a variable was seen, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated.ResultsTest ordering patterns showed that 62% of
HFE
genotyping tests were ordered because of an elevated SF alone and only 11% of these had a C‐reactive protein test to rule out an acute phase reaction. The association between SF and significant
HFE
genotypes SF was low. However, TS values ≥45% predicted HH mutations with the highest sensitivity and specificity. A SF of >1000 µg/L was found in one at‐risk patient (C282Y homozygote) who had a TS <45%.ConclusionOur analysis highlights the need for clear guidelines for investigation of hyperferritinaemia and HH in New Zealand. Using our findings, we developed an evidence‐based laboratory testing algorithm based on a TS ≥45%, a SF ≥1000 µg/L and/or a family history of HH which identified all C282Y homozygotes in this study.
Taking care of teenagers, taking care of me: Profiling parental caregiving burden and activity restriction in a sample of Australian parents
Authors: Bhullar Navjot , Rickwood Debra , Carter Tegan , Haridas Serena 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe current study extends the Activity Restriction Model of Depressed Affect by exploring the relationship between parental caregiving burden, activity restriction, and depressive symptoms. It investigated the mediating role of restriction in three types of activities (daily routine, personal control, and social) in the relationship between parental caregiving burden and carer depression. Respondents (n = 203, Meanage = 45.45 years, standard deviation = 7.81, females = 84.7%) were parent carers of a young person with mental illness and based in Australia. They completed a set of measures assessing caregiving burden, participation in daily routine, personal control and social activities, and depressive symptoms. A multiple mediation analysis revealed that restriction of daily routine, personal control, and social activities indirectly mediated the relationship between parental caregiving burden and parent carers’ symptoms of depression. A latent profile analysis suggested an optimal three‐profile solution. As predicted, profile membership distinguished parent carers on depressive symptoms ranging from normal to severe levels based on participation in the specific activities. Our results suggest a typology of parent carers perceiving differential levels of caregiving burden and activity restriction. Strategies addressing these specific areas provide preventative and promotion measures to optimize carer mental health and well‐being.
Experiences of mental health services for ‘black’ men with schizophrenia and a history of disengagement: A qualitative study
Authors: Wagstaff Christopher , Graham Hermine , Farrell Derek , Larkin Michael , Nettle Mary 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWhilst mental disorders can be disabling they are also treatable, yet engagement with services is often poor and disengagement from treatment is a major concern for mental health nurses. Participants were service users typically perceived as the most disengaged from mental health services, yet they were willing to engage in the research interviews. The seven participants were all male with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, a history of disengagement from mental health services and described their ethnicity as ‘black’. Participants were under the care of Assertive Outreach Teams and were recruited after the researcher was introduced to them by clinicians who were working with them. After ethical approval, in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were used to elicit the experiences of participants. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis, themes were developed. Interpretative Phenomenological analysis generated four themes: (i) “People just keep hounding me”, (ii) Antipathy to Medication, (iii) Choice and the value of services, (iv) Stigmatisation and identity. By rigorously examining how service users with schizophrenia make sense of their experience of their relationship with mental health services, there is potential to give voice to the experiences of the recipients of mental health services. This study uncovered the complex nature of disengagement and in view of this there may never be a straightforward mechanism developed to engage all people with schizophrenia with mental health services. When the participants’ experiences are considered in a broader social context it may be possible to reflect on how services can be adapted to facilitate better engagement.
Fine‐scale demographic processes resulting from multiple overseas colonization events of the Japanese stream tree frog, Buergeria japonica
Authors: Komaki Shohei , Lin Si‐Min , Nozawa Masafumi , Oumi Shohei , Sumida Masayuki , Igawa Takeshi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimAmphibians are considered poor transoceanic dispersers because of their permeable skin. However, overseas dispersal of amphibian species has been revealed by recent phylogeographical studies and the role of overseas colonization of amphibians on their evolution and diversification has also been highlighted. However, no studies have investigated in detail the demographic processes related to these overseas colonization events. To clarify how amphibians achieve overseas colonization, we estimated the demographic history of the Japanese stream tree frog, Buergeria japonica, which is distributed on Amami Island and four northern neighbouring islands of the Tokara Archipelago, Japan.LocationSouth‐western islands of Japan and Taiwan.MethodsWe analysed the mitochondrial cytb gene and 20 microsatellite loci, and constructed phylogenetic trees based on these data. We also performed demographic analyses by applying approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) method and an isolation‐with‐migration model.ResultsPhylogenetic and demographic analyses based on cytb and 20 microsatellite genotype data revealed that divergence among island populations took place recently, mostly within the last few thousand years. Populations from the northern islands had reduced genetic diversity compared with southern islands, and ABC analyses supported the hypothesis that the species colonized islands from south to north.Main conclusionsGiven that the islands are separated from each other by deep sea, the recent divergences observed indicate overseas colonization events among the five islands. ABC analyses support the hypothesis that B. japonica underwent a stepping‐stone overseas colonization from southern to northern neighbouring islands during the past few thousand years accompanied by multiple founder effects. These results support the hypothesis that overseas colonization could have had a substantial impact on amphibian evolution and diversification.
Autonomic Modulation for the Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias: Therapeutic Use of Percutaneous Stellate Ganglion Blocks
Authors: FUDIM MARAT , BOORTZ‐MARX RICHARD , PATEL CHETAN B. , SUN ALBERT Y. , PICCINI JONATHAN P. 
Published: December 2016

Stellate Ganglion Block for Ventricular ArrhythmiaVentricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and electrical storm are commonly encountered emergency conditions in cardiac and surgical intensive care units. In most cases, recurrent ventricular arrhythmias or electrical storm are associated with a heightened sympathetic tone. These arrhythmias can be difficult to treat and may be refractory to beta‐blockade, antiarrhythmic therapy, sedation, and mechanical hemodynamic support. While monomorphic ventricular tachycardia and PVC‐triggered polymorphic ventricular tachycardia may sometimes be amenable to successful ablation, some patients may be too critically ill to make such an approach feasible. We present 2 cases of minimally invasive stellate ganglion blocks for the treatment of electrical storm in patients with advanced heart failure on mechanical life support. These cases are part of a collaborative initiative at our institution to use percutaneous stellate ganglion block as an adjunctive intervention to achieve control of life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
East Asian perspective on the interaction between proton pump inhibitors and clopidogrel
Authors: Zou Duowu , Goh Khean‐Lee 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBoth proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and clopidogrel are widely prescribed in the Asia‐Pacific population. PPIs are the mainstay therapeutic agents for prophylaxis against aspirin gastropathy and for acid‐related disorders including gastroesophageal reflux disease. They are also co‐prescribed with oral anticoagulant agents and with dual‐antiplatelet therapy for the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding. Clopidogrel belongs to the drug class of thienopyridines and is currently the most widely prescribed oral anticoagulant agent either alone or in combination with aspirin. Platelet inhibition by clopidogrel is prone to significant inter‐individual variability and is believed to be affected by several factors such as genetics and drug–drug interactions. Since it was first reported in 2009, the potential for drug–drug interactions between PPIs and clopidogrel has remained headline news, and its significance in clinical practice is the subject of an ongoing debate. For East Asian patients in particular, the clinical relevance of the interaction between PPIs and clopidogrel remains unclear because of conflicting data, as well as underrepresentation of East Asian subjects in landmark trials. Increased CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms in individuals from Asia‐Pacific countries only fuel the confusion.Recent studies in East Asian cohorts suggests that the potential of PPIs to attenuate the efficacy of clopidogrel could be minimized by the use of newer PPIs with weaker affinity for the CYP2C19 isoenzyme, namely, pantoprazole, dexlansoprazole, and rabeprazole. This review aims to help clinicians choose the most appropriate PPI for co‐prescription with clopidogrel in patients from Asia‐Pacific countries.
Utility of newly developed short‐type double‐balloon endoscopy for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in postoperative patients
Authors: Shimatani Masaaki , Tokuhara Mitsuo , Kato Kota , Miyamoto Sachi , Masuda Masataka , Sakao Masayuki , Fukata Norimasa , Miyoshi Hideaki , Ikeura Tsukasa , Takaoka Makoto , Okazaki Kazuichi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackground and AimThe utility of conventional short‐type double‐balloon endoscopy (DBE) for pancreatobiliary disease in patients with postoperative anatomy had been widely acknowledged and accepted. However, some technical difficulties yet remained. In an attempt to solve these problems, the new short‐type DBE (N‐short DBE) was uniquely designed for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in postoperative patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of N‐short DBE for ERC in postoperative patients.MethodsFrom August 2015 to April 2016, ERC using N‐short DBE (DB‐ERC) was performed in 100 postoperative patients (112 procedures). We retrospectively studied the success rate of reaching the blind end, the median time to reach the blind end, the diagnostic success rate, the therapeutic success rate, the median time to complete ERC‐related interventions, the overall success rate, the median time to complete DB‐ERC, and adverse events.ResultsThe success rate of reaching the blind end was 99.1%. The median time to reach the blind end was 10 min (interquartile range [IQR], 6–19 min). The diagnostic success rate was 98.2%. The therapeutic success rate was 100%. The median time to complete ERC‐related interventions was 36 min (IQR, 22–62 min). The overall DB‐ERC success rate was 97.3%. The median time to complete DB‐ERC was 54 min (IQR, 37–73 min). The occurrence of adverse events was 2.7%.ConclusionsThe N‐short DBE for ERC in postoperative patients is useful and safe. DB‐ERC is promising therapeutic modality in such patients and should be selected as the first‐line policy.
Cost‐Effectiveness of the 4 Pillars Practice Transformation Program to Improve Vaccination of Adults Aged 65 and Older
Authors: Smith Kenneth J. , Zimmerman Richard K. , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Lin Chyongchiou J. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesTo estimate the cost‐effectiveness of an intervention to increase pneumococcal, influenza, and pertussis‐containing vaccine uptake in adults aged 65 and older in primary care practices.DesignMarkov decision analysis model, comparing the cost‐effectiveness of the 4 Pillars Practice Transformation Program with no intervention.SettingDiverse primary care practices in two U.S. cities.ParticipantsClinical trial participants aged 65 and older.MeasurementsQuality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), public health outcomes, and costs. Vaccination rates and intervention costs were derived from a randomized controlled cluster trial. Other parameters were derived from the medical literature and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. All parameters were individually and simultaneously varied over their distributions.ResultsWith the intervention program and extrapolating over 10 years, there would be approximately 60,920 fewer influenza cases, 2,031 fewer pertussis cases, and 13,842 fewer pneumococcal illnesses in adults aged 65 and older. Total per‐person vaccination and illness costs with the intervention were $23.93 higher than without the intervention, with a concurrent increase in effectiveness of 0.0031QALYs, or $7,635 perQALYgained. In sensitivity analyses, no individual parameter variation caused the intervention to cost more than $50,000 perQALYgained.ConclusionsImplementing an intervention based on the 4 Pillars Practice Transformation Program is a cost‐effective undertaking in primary care practices for individuals aged 65 and older, with predicted public health benefits.
Leisure‐Time Physical Activity Reduces Total and Cardiovascular Mortality and Cardiovascular Disease Incidence in Older Adults
Authors: Barengo Noël C. , Antikainen Riitta , Borodulin Katja , Harald Kennet , Jousilahti Pekka 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesTo determine whether leisure‐time physical activity (LTPA) is independently associated with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality and with incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke in older adults.DesignPopulation‐based cohort study (median follow‐up 11.8 years).SettingCommunity, five Finnish provinces.ParticipantsMen and women aged 65 to 74 who participated in a baseline risk factor survey between 1997 and 2007 in Finland (N = 2,456).MeasurementsThe study protocol included a self‐administered questionnaire, health examination at the study site, and blood sample for laboratory analysis. LTPA was classified into three levels: low, moderate, high. Mortality data were obtained from the National Causes of Death Register and data on incident CVD (coronary heart disease, stroke) events from the National Hospital Discharge Register.ResultsMultifactorial‐adjusted (age, area, study year, sex, smoking, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol, education, marital status) risks of total mortality (moderate: hazard ratio (HR) = 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.50–0.74; high: HR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.34–0.63, P for trend <.001), CVD mortality (moderate: HR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.33–0.64; high: HR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.20–0.59, P for trend <.001), and an incident CVD event (moderate HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.54–0.88; high: HR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.38–0.79, P for trend <.001) were lower for those with moderate or high LTPA levels than for those with low LTPA levels. Further adjustment for self‐reported inability to perform LTPA did not change the associations remarkably.ConclusionsBaseline LTPA reduces the risk of total and CVD mortality and incident CVD events in older adults independently of the major known CVD risk factors. The protective effect of LTPA is dose dependent.
‘Am I Still One of Them?’: Bicultural Immigrant Managers Navigating Social Identity Threats When Spanning Global Boundaries
Authors: Kane Aimée A. , Levina Natalia 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe examine the practice of nominating bicultural immigrants to manage knowledge‐intensive projects sourced from their host to their home countries. We focus on their actions vis‐à‐vis global collaborators and unpack psychological processes involved. Managers in these positions have to navigate the workplace social identity threat that arises from being associated with the home country group – a lower status group in this context. How they navigate this threat shapes the way they use their bicultural competencies and authority as managers. When they embrace their home country identity, immigrant managers tend to enable knowledge‐based boundary spanning through actions empowering home country collaborators, such as teaching missing competencies, connecting to important stakeholders, and soliciting input. Instead, when distancing from their home country identity, they tend to hinder collaborators by micromanaging, narrowing communication channels, and suppressing input. We develop theoretical implications for the study of global boundary spanning, bicultural managers, and workplace social identity.