bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A qualitative investigation into patients’ views on visual field testing for glaucoma monitoring
Authors: Glen Fiona C , Baker Helen , Crabb David P 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate the views and experiences of patients regarding their glaucoma follow-up, particularly towards the type and frequency of visual field (VF) testing.DesignA qualitative investigation using focus groups. The group discussion used broad open questions around the topics in a prompt guide relating to experiences of glaucoma follow-up, and in particular, VF monitoring. All the groups were taped, transcribed and coded using manual and computer-aided methods.SettingThree National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England; two focus groups took place at each hospital.Participants28 patients (mean (SD) age: 74 (9) years; 54% women) diagnosed with glaucoma for at least 2 years. Each focus group consisted of 3–6 patients.Primary and secondary outcomes(1) Attitudes and experiences of patients with glaucoma regarding VF testing. (2) Patients’ opinions about successful follow-up in glaucoma.ResultsThese patients did not enjoy the VF test but they recognised the importance of regular monitoring for preserving their vision. These patients would agree to more frequent VF testing on their clinician's recommendation. A number of themes recurred throughout the focus groups representing perceived barriers to follow-up care. The testing environment, waiting times, efficiency of appointment booking and travel to the clinic were all perceived to influence the general clinical experience and the quality of assessment data. Patients were also concerned about aspects of patient–doctor communication, and often received little to no feedback about their results.ConclusionsPatients trust the clinician to make the best decisions for their glaucoma follow-up. However, patients highlighted a number of issues that could compromise the effectiveness of VF testing. Addressing patient-perceived barriers could be an important step for devising optimal strategies for follow-up care.
Effects of smoking, gender and occupational exposure on the risk of severe pulmonary fibrosis: a population-based case-control study
Authors: Ekström Magnus , Gustafson Torbjörn , Boman Kurt , Nilsson Kenneth , Tornling Göran , Murgia Nicola , Torén Kjell 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo estimate the effects of smoking, gender and occupational exposure on the risk of developing severe pulmonary fibrosis (PF), including dose-response and interaction effects.MethodsNational case–control study of 171 patients (cases) who had started a long-term oxygen therapy for PF in Sweden between February 1997 and April 2000, and 719 random control participants from the general population. Of these cases, 137 had probable idiopathic PF (IPF). The ORs for smoking, gender and occupational exposure were estimated using Mantel-Haenszel analysis and conditional logistic regression, controlling for age and year of diagnosis.ResultsThe adverse effect of smoking was amplified by male gender and occupational exposure, OR 4.6 (95% CI 2.1 to 10.3) for PF, and OR 3.0 (1.3 to 6.5) for IPF, compared with in non-exposed women. Higher cumulative smoking exposure was linearly associated with increased risks. Compared with smoking less than 10 pack-years, smoking ≥20 pack-years was associated with increased risk of PF and IPF, OR 2.6 (1.4 to 4.9) and OR 2.5 (1.3 to 5.0), respectively.ConclusionsSmoking has a dose-related association with increased risk of severe PF. Men with a history of smoking and occupational exposure is a particular risk group for developing severe PF.
High-intensity interval exercise training before abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (HIT-AAA): protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Tew Garry A , Weston Matthew , Kothmann Elke , Batterham Alan M , Gray Joanne , Kerr Karen , Martin Denis , Nawaz Shah , Yates David , Danjoux Gerard 
Published: January 2014

IntroductionIn patients with large abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), open surgical or endovascular aneurysm repair procedures are often used to minimise the risk of aneurysm-related rupture and death; however, aneurysm repair itself carries a high risk. Low cardiopulmonary fitness is associated with an increased risk of early post-operative complications and death following elective AAA repair. Therefore, fitness should be enhanced before aneurysm repair. High-intensity interval exercise training (HIT) is a potent, time-efficient strategy for enhancing cardiopulmonary fitness. Here, we describe a feasibility study for a definitive trial of a pre-operative HIT intervention to improve post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing elective AAA repair.Methods and analysisA minimum of 50 patients awaiting elective repair of a 5.5–7.0 cm infrarenal AAA will be allocated by minimisation to HIT or usual care control in a 1:1 ratio. The patients allocated to HIT will complete three hospital-based exercise sessions per week, for 4 weeks. Each session will include 2 or 4 min of high-intensity stationary cycling followed by the same duration of easy cycling or passive recovery, repeated until a total of 16 min of high-intensity exercise is accumulated. Outcomes to be assessed before randomisation and 24–48 h before aneurysm repair include cardiopulmonary fitness, maximum AAA diameter and health-related quality of life. In the post-operative period, we will record destination (ward or critical care unit), organ-specific morbidity, mortality and the durations of critical care and hospital stay. Twelve weeks after the discharge, participants will be interviewed to reassess quality of life and determine post-discharge healthcare utilisation. The costs associated with the exercise intervention and healthcare utilisation will be calculated.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was secured through Sunderland Research Ethics Committee. The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, and national and international presentations.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled TrialsISRCTN09433624.
Postoperative vascular complications in unrecognised Obstructive Sleep apnoea (POSA) study protocol: an observational cohort study in moderate-to-high risk patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Chan Matthew T V , Wang Chew-Yin , Seet Edwin , Tam Stanley , Lai Hou-Yee , Walker Stuart , Short Timothy G , Halliwell Richard , Chung Frances ,   for the POSA Investigators
Published: January 2014

IntroductionEmerging epidemiological data suggest that obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common in the general surgical population. Unfortunately, the majority of these patients are unrecognised and untreated at the time of surgery. There is substantial biological rationale to indicate that patients with unrecognised OSA are at a higher risk of postoperative vascular events. However, the extent of this morbidity is currently unknown. We have initated thepostoperative vascular complications in the unrecognisedobstructivesleepapnoea (POSA) study to determine the associations between OSA, nocturnal hypoxia and major postoperative vascular events in 1200 moderate-to-high risk patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery.Methods and analysisThe POSA study is an international prospective observational cohort study. Using a type 3 portable sleep monitoring device and ambulatory oximetry, we will quantify the severity of OSA. The primary outcome is a composite of vascular death, myocardial infarction; non-fatal cardiac arrest; stroke; pulmonary embolism; congestive heart failure and new arrhythmia within 30 days of surgery. As of November 2013, we have recruited over 700 patients from nine centres in six countries. The mean age is 68 years, the mean body mass index is 27 kg/m2and 55% of patients are men. 27.9% of patients have known coronary artery disease, over 76% have diabetes. The majority of patients underwent orthopaedic surgery (28%) and colorectal resection (18.5%).Ethics and disseminationThe POSA study has received ethics approval from all study sites before patient recruitment. Informed consent will be obtained from all patients. The POSA study will determine the risk of unrecognised OSA in major non-cardiac surgery. We will publish these findings in peer-reviewed journals.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT01494181
Diagnostic rates and treatment of dementia before and after launch of a national dementia policy: an observational study using English national databases
Authors: Mukadam Naaheed , Livingston Gill , Rantell Khadija , Rickman Sam 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo assess the 2009 National Dementia Strategy's (NDS) impact on dementia diagnosis and treatment.Setting and participantsPrimary care data for England before and after launch of the NDS.Primary outcome measuresWe used nationally available data to estimate the trends over time in rates of dementia diagnoses recorded on the Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) in Primary Care Trusts (PCT) and antidementia medication prescriptions from 2006/2007 (the first available figures) and the associated increase in cost relative to all other prescriptions. To establish PCT general practitioner (GP) QOF dementia recording validity, we correlated it with medication prescription using the NIC (net ingredient cost).ResultsRegression analysis showed that dementia diagnosis rate was lower prior to launch of the NDS and increased significantly after it was launched. The number of antidementia prescriptions and the cost of antidementia drugs relative to total PCT prescribing costs increased significantly after 2009. GP recording of dementia diagnosis correlated highly with prescription of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine in the same area (p<0.001 each year).ConclusionsThe launch of the NDS was associated with a significant increase in dementia diagnosis rates and prescriptions of antidementia drugs. We cannot establish the causality but this was a change from the prelaunch pattern. Further assessment of any intervention to increase the diagnoses should include an assessment of harm as well as potential benefit.
Systematic analysis of funding awarded for mycology research to institutions in the UK, 1997–2010
Authors: Head Michael G , Fitchett Joseph R , Atun Rifat , May Robin C 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesFungal infections cause significant global morbidity and mortality. We have previously described the UK investments in global infectious disease research, and here our objective is to describe the investments awarded to UK institutions for mycology research and outline potential funding gaps in the UK portfolio.DesignSystematic analysis.SettingUK institutions carrying out infectious disease research.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcome is the amount of funding and number of studies related to mycology research. Secondary outcomes are describing the investments made to specific fungal pathogens and diseases, and also the type of science along the R&D value chain.MethodsWe systematically searched databases and websites for information on research studies from public and philanthropic funding institutions awarded between 1997 and 2010, and highlighted the mycology-related projects.ResultsOf 6165 funded studies, we identified 171 studies related to mycology (total investment £48.4 million, 1.9% of all infection research, with mean annual funding £3.5 million). Studies related to global health represented 5.1% of this funding (£2.4 million, compared with 35.6% of all infectious diseases). Leading funders were the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (£14.8 million, 30.5%) and Wellcome Trust (£12.0 million, 24.7%). Preclinical studies received £42.2 million (87.3%), with clinical trials, intervention studies and implementation research in total receiving £6.2 million (12.7%). By institution, University of Aberdeen received most funding (£16.9 million, 35%). Studies investigating antifungal resistance received £1.5 million (3.2%).ConclusionsThere is little translation of preclinical research into clinical trials or implementation research in spite of substantial disease burden globally, and there are few UK institutions that carry out significant quantities of mycology research of any type. In the context of global health and the burden of disease in low-income countries, more investment is required for mycology research.
Exploring areas of consensus and conflict around values underpinning public involvement in health and social care research: a modified Delphi study
Authors: Snape D , Kirkham J , Preston J , Popay J , Britten N , Collins M , Froggatt K , Gibson A , Lobban F , Wyatt K , Jacoby A 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveThere is growing interest in the potential benefits of public involvement (PI) in health and social care research. However, there has been little examination of values underpinning PI or how these values might differ for different groups with an interest in PI in the research process. We aimed to explore areas of consensus and conflict around normative, substantive and process-related values underpinning PI.DesignMixed method, three-phase, modified Delphi study, conducted as part of a larger multiphase project.SettingThe UK health and social care research community.ParticipantsStakeholders in PI in research, defined as: clinical and non-clinical academics, members of the public, research managers, commissioners and funders; identified via research networks, online searches and a literature review.ResultsWe identified high levels of consensus for many normative, substantive and process-related issues. However, there were also areas of conflict in relation to issues of bias and representativeness, and around whether the purpose of PI in health and social care research is to bring about service change or generate new knowledge. There were large differences by group in the percentages endorsing the ethical justification for PI and the argument that PI equalises power imbalances. With regard to practical implementation of PI, research support infrastructures were reported as lacking. Participants reported shortcomings in the uptake and practice of PI. Embedding PI practice and evaluation in research study designs was seen as fundamental to strengthening the evidence base.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the extent to which PI is already embedded in research. However, they also highlight a need for ‘best practice’ standards to assist research teams to understand, implement and evaluate PI. These findings have been used in developing a Public Involvement Impact Assessment Framework (PiiAF), which offers guidance to researchers and members of the public involved in the PI process.
Improving transition from paediatric to adult cystic fibrosis care: programme implementation and evaluation
Authors: Okumura Megumi J , Ong Thida , Dawson Diana , Nielson Dennis , Lewis Nancy , Richards Martha , Brindis Claire D , Kleinhenz Mary Ellen 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundThe paradigm of cystic fibrosis (CF) care has changed as effective therapies extend the lives of patients well into adulthood. Preparing for and maintaining high quality CF care into the adult healthcare setting is critical for prolonged survival. Unfortunately, this transfer process from the paediatric to the adult CF centre is met with a variety of challenges.Objective and methodsThe objective of this quality improvement (QI) project was to develop, implement and evaluate a theory-based programme for transition from paediatric to adult CF care. In a multi-phase process, the paediatric and adult programmes developed a transition curriculum, addressed care standards and standardised patient transfer protocols. We evaluated the impact of this process through staff surveys, review of field notes from QI meetings, tracking transfers and responses of patients to the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) at the start of the programme and 18 months after initiation.ResultsThe collaboration between the paediatric and adult teams continued through quarterly meetings over the past 4 years. This has provided a forum that sustained our transition programme, harmonised care across CF centres and addressed other needs of our CF centre. Discussion of transition with families in the paediatric centre increased twofold (35% to 73% p<0.001), and resulted in a trend towards improved patient TRAQ self-advocacy scores and decreased in-hospital transfer.ConclusionsWe successfully created a curriculum and process for transition from paediatric to adult CF care at our centres. This collaboration shapes the communication between our paediatric and adult CF care teams and enables ongoing feedback among patients, families and providers. The impact of our transition programme on long-term patient morbidity will require future evaluation.
Injury reporting via SMS text messaging in community sport
Authors: Ekegren Christina L , Gabbe Belinda J , Finch Caroline F 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundThe use of text messaging or short message service (SMS) for injury reporting is a recent innovation in sport and has not yet been trialled at the community level. Considering the lack of personnel and resources in community sport, SMS may represent a viable option for ongoing injury surveillance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of injury self-reporting via SMS in community Australian football.MethodsA total of 4 clubs were randomly selected from a possible 22 men's community Australian football clubs. Consenting players received an SMS after each football round game asking whether they had been injured in the preceding week. Outcome variables included the number of SMS-reported injuries, players’ response rates and response time. Poisson regression was used to evaluate any change in response rate over the season and the association between response rate and the number of reported injuries.ResultsThe sample of 139 football players reported 167 injuries via SMS over the course of the season. The total response rate ranged from 90% to 98%. Of those participants who replied on the same day, 47% replied within 5 min. The number of reported injuries decreased as the season progressed but this was not significantly associated with a change in the response rate.ConclusionsThe number of injuries reported via SMS was consistent with previous studies in community Australian football. Injury reporting via SMS yielded a high response rate and fast response time and should be considered a viable injury reporting method for community sports settings.
Observation of centimetre-scale argon diffusion in alkali feldspars: implications for
40
Ar/
39
Ar thermochronology
Authors: Flude Stephanie , Halton Alison M. , Kelley Simon P. , Sherlock Sarah C. , Schwanethal James , Wilkinson Camilla M. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

New data from a gem-quality feldspar from Itrongay, Madagascar, record naturally occurring
40
Ar/
39
Ar age profiles which can be numerically modelled by invoking a single diffusion mechanism and show that microtexturally simple crystals are capable of recording complex thermal histories. We present the longest directly measured, naturally produced
40
Ar*-closure profiles from a single, homogeneous orthoclase feldspar. These data appear to confirm the assumption that laboratory derived diffusion parameters are valid in nature and over geological timescales. Diffusion domains are defined by crystal faces and ancient cracks, thus in gem-quality feldspars the diffusion domain size equates to the physical grain size. The data also illustrate the potential of large, gem-quality feldspars to record detailed thermal histories over tens of millions of years and such samples should be considered for future studies on the slow cooling of continental crust.

Supplementary material:

Ar-isotope data, standards and constants used in calculations and irradiation parameters are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18720
.
Differential Regulation of Estrogen Receptor α Expression in Breast Cancer Cells by Metastasis-Associated Protein 1
Authors: Kang Hyun-Jin , Lee Min-Ho , Kang Hae-Lim , Kim Sung-Hye , Ahn Jung-Ranh , Na Hyelin , Na Tae-Young , Kim Yo Na , Seong Je Kyung , Lee Mi-Ock 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) is a component of the nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex, which plays an important role in progression of breast cancer. Although MTA1 is known as a repressor of the transactivation function of estrogen receptor α (ERα), its involvement in the epigenetic control of transcription of the ERα gene ESR1 has not been studied. Here, we show that silencing of MTA1 reduced the level of expression of ERα in ERα-positive cells but increased it in ERα-negative cells. In both MCF7 and MDA-MB-231, MTA1 was recruited to the region +146 to +461 bp downstream of the transcription start site of ESR1 (ERpro315). Proteomics analysis of the MTA1 complex that was pulled down by an oligonucleotide encoding ERpro315 revealed that the transcription factor AP-2γ (TFAP2C) and the IFN-γ–inducible protein 16 (IFI16) were components of the complex. Interestingly, in MCF7, TFAP2C activated the reporter encoding ERpro315 and the level of ERα mRNA. By contrast, in MDA-MB-231, IFI16 repressed the promoter activity and silencing of MTA1 increased expression of ERα. Importantly, class II HDACs are involved in the MTA1-mediated differential regulation of ERα. Finally, an MDA-MB-231-derived cell line that stably expressed shIFI16 or shMTA1 was more susceptible to tamoxifen-induced growth inhibition in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Taken together, our findings suggest that the MTA1–TFAP2C or the MTA1–IFI16 complex may contribute to the epigenetic regulation of ESR1 expression in breast cancer and may determine the chemosensitivity of tumors to tamoxifen therapy in patients with breast cancer. Cancer Res; 74(5); 1484–94. ©2014 AACR.
Triapine Disrupts CtIP-Mediated Homologous Recombination Repair and Sensitizes Ovarian Cancer Cells to PARP and Topoisomerase Inhibitors
Authors: Lin Z. Ping , Ratner Elena S. , Whicker Margaret E. , Lee Yashang , Sartorelli Alan C. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
PARP inhibitors exploit synthetic lethality to target epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) with hereditary BRCA mutations and defects in homologous recombination repair (HRR). However, such an approach is limited to a small subset of EOC patients and compromised by restored HRR due to secondary mutations in BRCA genes. Here, it was demonstrated that triapine, a small-molecule inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase, enhances the sensitivity of BRCA wild-type EOC cells to the PARP inhibitor olaparib and the topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide. Triapine abolishes olaparib-induced BRCA1 and Rad51 foci, and disrupts the BRCA1 interaction with the Mre11–Rad50–Nbs1 (MRN) complex in BRCA1 wild-type EOC cells. It has been shown that phosphorylation of CtIP (RBBP8) is required for the interaction with BRCA1 and with MRN to promote DNA double-strand break (DSB) resection during S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. Mechanistic studies within reveal that triapine inhibits cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activity and blocks olaparib-induced CtIP phosphorylation through Chk1 activation. Furthermore, triapine abrogates etoposide-induced CtIP phosphorylation and DSB resection as evidenced by marked attenuation of RPA32 phosphorylation. Concurrently, triapine obliterates etoposide-induced BRCA1 foci and sensitizes BRCA1 wild-type EOC cells to etoposide. Using a GFP-based HRR assay, it was determined that triapine suppresses HRR activity induced by an I-SceI–generated DSB. These results suggest that triapine augments the sensitivity of BRCA wild-type EOC cells to drug-induced DSBs by disrupting CtIP-mediated HRR.
Implications: These findings provide a strong rationale for combining triapine with PARP or topoisomerase inhibitors to target HRR-proficient EOC cells. Mol Cancer Res; 12(3); 381–93. ©2014 AACR.