bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Needs and Provision Complexity Scale: a first psychometric analysis using multicentre data
Authors: Siegert Richard J , Jackson Diana M , Turner-Stokes Lynne 
Published: January 2014

Objective: A psychometric evaluation of the Needs and Provision Complexity Scale (NPCS). Main measure: The NPCS is designed to evaluate both needs for health and social support (NPCS-Needs) and services provided to meet those needs (NPCS-Gets). Design: A consecutive cohort of patients were recruited from nine specialist neurorehabilitation units in London. Subjects: Four hundred and twenty-eight patients were assessed at discharge (63.1% males; mean age 49 years) of whom 73.6% had acquired brain injury (49.5% stroke/subarachnoid, 14.7% traumatic brain injury, 9.3% ‘other acquired brain injury’), 8.9% spinal cord injury, 6.1% peripheral neuropathy, 4.9% progressive neurological and 6.3% other neurological conditions. Results: The NPCS-Needs was completed by the clinical team at discharge and 212 patients reported NPCS-Gets after six months. NPCS-Gets repeatability was tested in a subsample ( n = 60). Factor analysis identified two principal domains (‘Health and personal care’ and ‘Social care and support’) accounting for 66% of variance, and suggested a large general factor underpinning the NPCS. Internal consistency was high (alpha = 0.94) and repeatability acceptable. Intraclass coefficients for domain scores were healthcare 0.67 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48–0.80); personal care 0.83 (0.73–0.90); rehabilitation 0.65 (0.45–0.78); social/family support 0.66 (0.46–0.79) and environment 0.84 (0.74–0.90). Linear-weighted kappas for item-by-item agreement ranged from 0.42 to 0.83. Concurrent validity was demonstrated through correlations with measures of dependency and community integration. Conclusions: Notwithstanding a 50% response rate after six months, the NPCS has good internal consistency, a robust two-factor structure, acceptable test–retest reliability and initial evidence of concurrent validity.
Relationship between Use of Labor Pain Medications and Delayed Onset of Lactation
Authors: Lind Jennifer N. , Perrine Cria G. , Li Ruowei 
Published: January 2014

Background: Despite estimates that 83% of mothers in the United States receive labor pain medications, little research has been done on how use of these medications affect onset of lactation. Objective: To investigate whether use of labor pain medications is associated with delayed onset of lactation (DOL). Methods: We analyzed data from the 2005-2007 Infant Feeding Practices Study II, a longitudinal study of women from late pregnancy through the entire first year after birth (n = 2366). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, we assessed the relationship between mothers’ use of labor pain medication/method and DOL (milk coming in > 3 days after delivery). Results: Overall, 23.4% of women in our sample experienced DOL. Compared with women who delivered vaginally and received no labor pain medication, women who received labor pain medications had a higher odds of experiencing DOL: vaginal with spinal/epidural only (aOR 2.05; 95% CI, 1.43-2.95), vaginal with spinal/epidural plus another medication (aOR 1.79; 95% CI, 1.16-2.76), vaginal with other labor pain medications only ([not spinal/epidural]; aOR 1.84; 95% CI, 1.14-2.98), planned cesarean section with spinal/epidural only (aOR 2.13; 95% CI, 1.39-3.27), planned cesarean with spinal/epidural plus another medication (aOR 2.67; 95% CI, 1.35-5.29), emergency cesarean with spinal/epidural only (aOR 2.17; 95% CI, 1.34-3.51), and emergency cesarean with spinal/epidural plus another medication (aOR 3.03; 95% CI, 1.77-5.18). Conclusion: Mothers who received labor pain medications were more likely to report DOL, regardless of delivery method. This information could help inform clinical decisions regarding labor/delivery.
Drug Cost Containment
Authors: Sharma Sangeeta , Gupta Meena 
Published: January 2014

In the absence of a well implemented Drug Policy, paucities in access, affordability, efficiency, quality and effectiveness of health services and limited resources continue to handicap the functioning of the health system. Higher accessibility and quality is taken to be synonymous with higher costs. The main objective of the study was to study the impact of a drug policy on availability of essential drugs and cost containment in a tertiary care hospital from 1996 through 2007. The interventions consisted of selection of list of essential drugs and procurement through centralized pooled system in 1996–1997, followed by setting up of Drugs & Therapeutic Committee (1997). Average drug expenditure increased slightly from 3.63 per cent to 5.16 per cent while there was 6-fold rise in hospital patient attendance. Drug expenditure reduced by 47 per cent, without any compromise on key drug availability which increased to 94.6 per cent. Despite high expenditure on key drugs (75.89 per cent) mean availability was 67.48 per cent but after intervention with the same expenditure (77.68 per cent) it increased to 95.28 per cent. Number of drugs out-of-stock decreased from 27.57 per cent to 19.57 per cent of minor duration only and no stock out of vital drugs. ABC analysis revealed 3.33 drugs only in category A consuming 74 per cent budget which increased markedly to 9.63 drugs consuming 79.53 per cent budget after intervention along with reversal of previous trend of non-essential among top 10 drugs where only vital drugs represented top 10 drugs. The present study showed cost-containment accompanied by increased availability of essential drugs is possible and optimizes the value of limited government funds and thereby empower and support government in making basic medicines available to all. Managerial interventions such as limited list of essential drugs, efficient procurement, through Drugs and Therapeutic Committee (DTCs) have a vital role in improving day-to-day care of patients and can serve as an effective strategy in curtailing inappropriate drug use, reducing drug expenditures and serve to increased availability and accessibility to essential medicines thus optimizing the value of limited government funds.
A new Australian online and phone mental health support service for young people living with cancer
Authors: Patterson Pandora , McDonald Fiona EJ , Orchard Peter 
Published: January 2014

Objective: The purpose of CanTeen’s E-Mental Health Service for Young People Living With Cancer (YPLWC) is to meet the unique psychosocial needs of young people (12–24 years) in Australia impacted by cancer (either as a patient or family member of someone with cancer). Conclusions: This online platform will provide the primary site where all YPLWC can find information, connect with others going through a similar experience, express their feelings, utilise tools for support and access professional psychosocial support services that will meet their individual needs. The overall outcome of the service will be to ensure that the YPLWC visiting the site experience optimal psychological wellbeing. Ultimately, the service’s value will be in improving the lives of young people who engage with it and the follow-on effect that this will have on their families and communities in the long-term.
ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs1799752) modifies the renoprotective effect of renin-angiotensin system blockade in patients with IgA nephropathy
Authors: Teranishi Junya , Yamamoto Ryohei , Nagasawa Yasuyuki , Shoji Tatsuya , Iwatani Hirotsugu , Okada Noriyuki , Moriyama Toshiki , Yamauchi Atsushi , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu , Imai Enyu , Rakugi Hiromi , Isaka Yoshitaka 
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Little is known about genetic predictors that modify the renoprotective effect of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Materials and methods: The present multicenter retrospective observational study examined effect modification between RAS blockade and three RAS-related gene polymorphisms in 237 IgAN patients, including ACE I/D (rs1799752), AT1R A1166C (rs5186) and AGT T704C (rs699). Results: During 9.9 ± 4.2 years of observation, 63 patients progressed to a 50% increase in serum creatinine level. Only ACE I/D predicted the outcome ( ACE DD vs ID/II, hazard ratio 1.86 (95% confidence interval 1.03, 3.33)) and modified the renoprotective effect of RAS blockade ( p for interaction between ACE DD and RAS blockade = 0.087). RAS blockade suppressed progression in ACE DD patients but not in ID/II patients ( ACE ID/II with RAS blockade as a reference; ID/II without RAS blockade 1.45 (0.72, 2.92); DD without RAS blockade 3.06 (1.39, 6.73); DD with RAS blockade 1.51 (0.54, 4.19)), which was ascertained in a model with the outcome of slope of estimated glomerular filtration rate ( p = 0.045 for interaction). Conclusion: ACE I/D predicted the IgAN progression and the renoprotective effect of RAS blockade in IgAN patients whereas neither AT1R A1166C nor AGT T704C did.
Sex: the new postcode lottery
Authors: Kalejaiye O , Parsons BA , Pearcy R 
Published: January 2014

Background: A list of all the Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in England, Scotland and Wales was obtained from the websites of National Health Service (NHS) choices’, NHS Scotland and NHS Wales. Methods: Each PCT’s website was visited to find the email address for their Freedom of Information (FOI) department. FOI requests were made to each PCT asking questions regarding their criteria for funding and the number of requests made and implants funded in the previous 12 months. Results: A total of 129 PCTs were emailed with a 95% response rate. Thirty-one per cent of the PCTs that replied funded penile prostheses and 22% did not. A further 45% of PCTs would fund under exceptional circumstances, but only 20% of these had any clinical criteria on which to base their decision making. Twenty-three per cent of clinical criteria used were based on guidelines. Non-funding PCTs were spread in patches throughout the country, but the West Midlands stood out as a particularly black spot. On reviewing PCTs that had received requests for funding in the preceding 12 months, 46% did not fund any of the requests, 17% funded 50% or less and 37% funded all the requests received. Of the PCTs funding under exceptional circumstances, only 37% actually funded any of the requests received. Conclusion: Despite guidelines on the management of erectile dysfunction, there remains variability in access to penile prosthesis surgery. The West Midlands and the Southeast (excluding London) are the worst places to live with regards to access to prostheses; Scotland and Wales appear to be the best. Guidelines are rarely used in decision making. Funding remains an important factor in determining who receives potentially life-changing treatment for erectile dysfunction refractory to all other management options. A patient’s address and personal wealth appear to have a larger impact than guidelines.
Bone marrow stroma CD40 expression correlates with inflammatory mast cell infiltration and disease progression in splenic marginal zone lymphoma
Authors: Franco Giovanni , Guarnotta Carla , Frossi Barbara , Piccaluga Pier Paolo , Boveri Emanuela , Gulino Alessandro , Fuligni Fabio , Rigoni Alice , Porcasi Rossana , Buffa Salvatore , Betto Elena , Florena Ada Maria , Franco Vito , Iannitto Emilio , Arcaini Luca , Pileri Stefano Aldo , Pucillo Carlo , Colombo Mario Paolo , Sangaletti Sabina , Tripodo Claudio 
Published: January 2014

Key PointsIn SMZL, the quality of BM stromal microenvironment predicts disease progression. CD40-CD40L-mediated interactions between mast cells and BM mesenchymal cells engender proinflammatory conditions within SMZL infiltrates.
Impact of mutational status on outcomes in myelofibrosis patients treated with ruxolitinib in the COMFORT-II study
Authors: Guglielmelli Paola , Biamonte Flavia , Rotunno Giada , Artusi Valentina , Artuso Lucia , Bernardis Isabella , Tenedini Elena , Pieri Lisa , Paoli Chiara , Mannarelli Carmela , Fjerza Rajmonda , Rumi Elisa , Stalbovskaya Viktoriya , Squires Matthew , Cazzola Mario , Manfredini Rossella , Harrison Claire , Tagliafico Enrico , Vannucchi Alessandro M. 
Published: January 2014

Key Points
Improvements in splenomegaly and symptoms in patients receiving ruxolitinib occurred regardless of the mutations that were present. Ruxolitinib relieved the negative impact of prognostically detrimental mutations in myelofibrosis patients from the COMFORT-II study.
A modular computational framework for automated peak extraction from ion mobility spectra
Authors: D’Addario Marianna , Kopczynski Dominik , Baumbach Jörg Ingo , Rahmann Sven 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundAn ion mobility (IM) spectrometer coupled with a multi-capillary column (MCC) measures volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air or in exhaled breath. This technique is utilized in several biotechnological and medical applications. Each peak in an MCC/IM measurement represents a certain compound, which may be known or unknown. For clustering and classification of measurements, the raw data matrix must be reduced to a set of peaks. Each peak is described by its coordinates (retention time in the MCC and reduced inverse ion mobility) and shape (signal intensity, further shape parameters). This fundamental step is referred to aspeak extraction. It is the basis for identifying discriminating peaks, and hence putative biomarkers, between two classes of measurements, such as a healthy control group and a group of patients with a confirmed disease. Current state-of-the-art peak extraction methods require human interaction, such as hand-picking approximate peak locations, assisted by a visualization of the data matrix. In a high-throughput context, however, it is preferable to have robust methods for fully automated peak extraction.ResultsWe introduce PEAX, a modular framework for automated peak extraction. The framework consists of several steps in a pipeline architecture. Each step performs a specific sub-task and can be instantiated by different methods implemented as modules. We provide open-source software for the framework and several modules for each step. Additionally, an interface that allows easy extension by a new module is provided. Combining the modules in all reasonable ways leads to a large number of peak extraction methods. We evaluate all combinations using intrinsic error measures and by comparing the resulting peak sets with an expert-picked one.ConclusionsOur software PEAX is able to automatically extract peaks from MCC/IM measurements within a few seconds. The automatically obtained results keep up with the results provided by current state-of-the-art peak extraction methods. This opens a high-throughput context for the MCC/IM application field. Our software is available athttp://www.rahmannlab.de/research/ims.
Inhibition of human lung cancer cell proliferation and survival by wine
Authors: Barron Carly C , Moore Jessy , Tsakiridis Theodoros , Pickering Gary , Tsiani Evangelia 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundCompounds of plant origin and food components have attracted scientific attention for use as agents for cancer prevention and treatment. Wine contains polyphenols that were shown to have anti-cancer and other health benefits. The survival pathways of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), and the tumor suppressor p53 are key modulators of cancer cell growth and survival. In this study, we examined the effects of wine on proliferation and survival of human Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and its effects on signaling events.MethodsHuman NSCLC adenocarcinoma A549 and H1299 cells were used. Cell proliferation was assessed by thymidine incorporation. Clonogenic assays were used to assess cell survival. Immunoblotting was used to examine total and phosphorylated levels of Akt, Erk and p53.ResultsIn A549 cells red wine inhibited cell proliferation and reduced clonogenic survival at doses as low as 0.02%. Red wine significantly reduced basal and EGF-stimulated Akt and Erk phosphorylation while it increased the levels of total and phosphorylated p53 (Ser15). Control experiments indicated that the anti-proliferative effects of wine were not mediated by the associated contents of ethanol or the polyphenol resveratrol and were independent of glucose transport into cancer cells. White wine also inhibited clonogenic survival, albeit at a higher doses (0.5-2%), and reduced Akt phosphorylation. The effects of both red and white wine on Akt phosphorylation were also verified in H1299 cells.ConclusionsRed wine inhibits proliferation of lung cancer cells and blocks clonogenic survival at low concentrations. This is associated with inhibition of basal and EGF-stimulated Akt and Erk signals and enhancement of total and phosphorylated levels of p53. White wine mediates similar effects albeit at higher concentrations. Our data suggest that wine may have considerable anti-tumour and chemoprevention properties in lung cancer and deserves further systematic investigation in animal models of lung cancer.
Nitazoxanide inhibits the replication of Japanese encephalitis virus in cultured cells and in a mouse model
Authors: Shi Zixue , Wei Jianchao , Deng Xufang , Li Shuqing , Qiu Yafeng , Shao Donghua , Li Beibei , Zhang Keyu , Xue Feiqun , Wang Xiaodu , Ma Zhiyong 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has a significant impact on public health. An estimated three billion people in 'at-risk’ regions remain unvaccinated and the number of unvaccinated individuals in certain Asian countries is increasing. Consequently, there is an urgent need for the development of novel therapeutic agents against Japanese encephalitis. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is a thiazolide anti-infective licensed for the treatment of parasitic gastroenteritis. Recently, NTZ has been demonstrated to have antiviral properties. In this study, the anti-JEV activity of NTZ was evaluated in cultured cells and in a mouse model.

Methods
JEV-infected cells were treated with NTZ at different concentrations. The replication of JEV in the mock- and NTZ-treated cells was examined by virus titration. NTZ was administered at different time points of JEV infection to determine the stage at which NTZ affected JEV replication. Mice were infected with a lethal dose of JEV and intragastrically administered with NTZ from 1 day post-infection. The protective effect of NTZ on the JEV-infected mice was evaluated.

Findings
NTZ significantly inhibited the replication of JEV in cultured cells in a dose dependent manner with 50% effective concentration value of 0.12 ± 0.04 μg/ml, a non-toxic concentration in cultured cells (50% cytotoxic concentration = 18.59 ± 0.31 μg/ml). The chemotherapeutic index calculated was 154.92. The viral yields of the NTZ-treated cells were significantly reduced at 12, 24, 36 and 48 h post-infection compared with the mock-treated cells. NTZ was found to exert its anti-JEV effect at the early-mid stage of viral infection. The anti-JEV effect of NTZ was also demonstrated in vivo, where 90% of mice that were treated by daily intragastric administration of 100 mg/kg/day of NTZ were protected from a lethal challenge dose of JEV.

Conclusions
Both in vitro and in vivo data indicated that NTZ has anti-JEV activity, suggesting the potential application of NTZ in the treatment of Japanese encephalitis.
Anoctamin 1 Contributes to Inflammatory and Nerve-Injury Induced Hypersensitivity
Authors: Lee Byeongjun , Cho Hawon , Jung Jooyoung , Yang Young Duk , Yang Dong-Jin , Oh Uhtaek 
Published: January 2014

Background: Various pathological conditions such as inflammation or injury can evoke pain hypersensitivity. That represents the response to innocuous stimuli or exaggerated response to noxious stimuli. The molecular mechanism based on the pain hypersensitivity is associated with changes in many of ion channels in dorsal-root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Anoctamin 1 (ANO1/TMEM16A), a Ca2+ activated chloride channel is highly visible in small DRG neurons and responds to heat. Mice with an abolished function of ANO1 in DRG neurons demonstrated attenuated pain-like behaviors when exposed to noxious heat, suggesting a role in acute thermal nociception. In this study, we further examined the function of ANO1 in mediating inflammation- or injury-induced hyperalgesia or allodynia. Results: Using Advillin/Ano1fl/fl ( Adv/Ano1fl/fl) mice that have a functional ablation of Ano1 mainly in DRG neurons, we were able to determine its role in mediating thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia induced by inflammation or nerve injury. The thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia induced by carrageenan injection and spared-nerve injury were significantly reduced in Adv/Ano1fl/fl mice. In addition, flinching or licking behavior after bradykinin or formalin injection was also significantly reduced in Adv/Ano1fl/fl mice. Since pathological conditions augment nociceptive behaviors, we expected ANO1's contribution to the excitability of DRG neurons. Indeed, the application of inflammatory mediators reduced the threshold for action potential (rheobase) or time for induction of the first action potential in DRG neurons isolated from control ( Ano1fl/fl) mice. These parameters for neuronal excitability induced by inflammatory mediators were not changed in Adv/Ano1fl/fl mice, suggesting an active contribution of ANO1 in augmenting the neuronal excitability. Conclusions: In addition to ANO1's role in mediating acute thermal pain as a heat sensor, ANO1 is also capable of augmenting the excitability of DRG neurons under inflammatory or neuropathic conditions and thereby aggravates inflammation- or tissue injury-induced pathological pain.
Evaluation of the accuracy of shoe fitting in older people using three‐dimensional foot scanning
Authors: Menz Hylton B , Auhl Maria , Ristevski Sonja , Frescos Nicoletta , Munteanu Shannon E 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundIll‐fitting footwear is a common problem in older people. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of shoe fitting in older people by comparing the dimensions of allocated shoes to foot dimensions obtained with a three‐dimensional (3D) scanner.MethodsThe shoe sizes of 56 older people were determined with the Brannock device®, and weightbearing foot scans were obtained with the FotoScan 3D scanner (Precision 3D Ltd, Weston‐super‐mare, UK). Participants were provided with a pair of shoes (Dr Comfort®, Vista, CA, USA), available in three width fittings (medium, wide and extra wide). The dimensions (length, ball width and ball girth) of the allocated shoes were documented according to the last measurements provided by the manufacturer. Mean differences between last dimensions and foot dimensions obtained with the 3D scanner were calculated to provide an indication of shoe fitting accuracy. Participants were also asked to report their perception of shoe fit and comfort, using 100 mm visual analogue scales (VAS).ResultsShoe size ranged from US size 7 to 14 for men and 5.5 to 11 for women. The allocated shoes were significantly longer than the foot (mean 23.6 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI] 22.1 to 25.2; t55 = 30.3, p < 0.001), however there were no significant differences in relation to ball width (mean 1.4 mm, 95% CI −0.1 to 2.9 mm; t55 = 1.9, p = 0.066) or ball girth (mean −0.7 mm, 95% CI −6.1 to 4.8 mm; t55 = −0.2, p = 0.810). Participants reported favourable perceptions of shoe fit (mean VAS = 90.7 mm, 95% CI 88.4 to 93.1 mm) and comfort (mean VAS = 88.4 mm, 95% CI 85.0 to 91.8 mm).ConclusionShoe size selection using the Brannock device® resulted in the allocation of shoes with last dimensions that were well matched to the dimensions of the foot. Participants also considered the shoes to be well fitted and comfortable. Older people with disabling foot pain can therefore be dispensed with appropriately‐fitted shoes using this technique, provided that the style and materials used are suitable and extra width fittings are available.