bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncovering an invisible network of direct caregivers at the end of life: A population study
Authors: Burns Catherine M , Abernethy Amy P , Dal Grande Eleanora , Currow David C 
Published: April 2013

Background: Most palliative care research about caregivers relies on reports from spouses or adult children. Some recent clinical reports have noted the assistance provided by other family members and friends. Aim: This population study aims to define the people who actually provide care at the end of life. Setting/participants: A South Australian study conducted an annual randomized health population survey ( n=23,706) over a 7 year period. A sample was obtained of self-identifying people who had someone close to them die and ‘expected’ death in the last 5 years (n=7915). Data were standardised to population norms for gender, 10-year age group, socioeconomic status, and region of residence. Results: People of all ages indicated they provided ‘hands on’ care at the end of life. Extended family members (not first degree relatives) and friends accounted for more than half ( n=1133/2028; 55.9%) of identified hands-on caregivers. These people came from the entire age range of the adult community. The period of time for which care was provided was shorter for this group of caregivers. People with extended family or friends providing care, were much more likely to be supported to die at home compared to having a spousal carer. Conclusion: This substantial network of caregivers who are mainly invisible to the health team provide the majority of care. Hospice and palliative care services need to create specific ways of identifying and engaging this cohort in order to ensure they are receiving adequate support in the role. Relying on ‘next-of-kin’ status in research will not identify them.
Establishing the relationship between FGF/MV and FI/FD, and determining the saturation state of sevoflurane anaesthesia during the induction phase and factors affecting nonrespiratory tract ejection volume
Authors: Chen Zhi-Yang 
Published: April 2013

Objectives To investigate (i) the relationship between the ratio of fresh gas flow to min volume (FGF/MV) and the ratio of the fraction of inspired sevoflurane to the delivered concentration of sevoflurane (FI/FD); (ii) to establish the saturation state of sevoflurane anaesthesia and factors affecting the volume of ejected sevoflurane through the nonrespiratory tract route (nVERT) during the saturation state. Methods Two studies were undertaken in patients with cancer, scheduled to undergo surgery. All patients received tracheal intubation and inhaled sevoflurane. In study 1, anaesthesia parameters were fixed, the initial FD of sevoflurane was 2.2% vol and the FGF/MV was set to 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 1.0 in groups A, B, C and D, respectively. In study 2, FGF = MV and the initial FD of sevoflurane was 2.2% vol, but the tidal volume (TV) was set to 6, 8 or 10 ml/kg in groups I, II and III, respectively. Results Study 1 ( n = 60) showed a positive relationship between FI/FD and FGF/MV. In study 2 ( n = 60), when TV was fixed, nVERT increased during the saturation state as FD increased; when FD was fixed, nVERT remained stable, despite increased TV. Conclusions FI/FD is positively associated with FGF/MV; nVERT is affected by FD but not TV.
Relatively slow and long-lasting antimigraine effect of dihydroergotamine is most likely due to basic pharmacological attributes of the drug: A review
Authors: Tfelt-Hansen Peer C 
Published: April 2013

Introduction If a drug has a slow dissociation from the receptor this can result in a long duration of effect and a slow effect. The long duration of the antimigraine effect of dihydroergotamine (DHE) has been reported previously whereas a possible slow onset of DHE’s antimigraine effect, which is the subject of this review, has only rarely been mentioned. Methods Eight randomised, controlled trials (RCT) with DHE for acute treatment with migraine were selected from the literature. The speed of the effect of DHE in migraine was evaluated by plotting the effect up to four hours against time. Findings Subcutaneous DHE 1 mg was inferior to subcutaneous sumatriptan 6 mg for headache relief for the first two hours but equally effective after three hours. After intranasal DHE 2 mg the mean therapeutic gain increased slowly up to four hours. For orally inhaled DHE 0.5 mg there was a considerable time lag between therapeutic gain (maximum after two hours) and plasma concentrations of DHE (Tmax = 12 min). Conclusion DHE has a slow dissociation from the receptor; and this basic attribute of the drug is the most likely cause of the general relatively slow anti-migraine effect of DHE.
The effect of sumatriptan on cephalic arteries: A 3T MR-angiography study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Amin Faisal Mohammad , Asghar Mohammad Sohail , Ravneberg Julie W , de Koning Patrick JH , Larsson Henrik BW , Olesen Jes , Ashina Messoud 
Published: April 2013

Aim To explore a possible differential effect of sumatriptan on extracerebral versus cerebral arteries, we examined the superficial temporal (STA), middle meningeal (MMA), extracranial internal carotid (ICAextra), intracranial internal carotid (ICAintra), middle cerebral (MCA) and basilar arteries (BA). Methods The arterial circumferences were recorded blindly using high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography before and after subcutaneous sumatriptan injection (6 mg) in 18 healthy volunteers. Results We found significant constrictions of MMA (16.5%), STA (16.4%) and ICAextra (15.2%) ( p ≤ 0.001). Smaller, but statistically significant, constrictions were seen in MCA (5.5%) and BA (2.1%) ( p ≤ 0.012). ICAintra change 1.8% was not significant ( p = 0.179). The constriction of cerebral arteries was significantly smaller than the constriction of extracerebral arteries ( p < 0.000001). Conclusion Sumatriptan constricts extracerebral arteries more than cerebral arteries. We suggest that sumatriptan may exert its anti-migraine action outside of the blood–brain barrier.
Migraine, headache, and the risk of depression: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Rist Pamela M , Schürks Markus , Buring Julie E , Kurth Tobias 
Published: April 2013

Background While cross-sectional studies have shown associations between migraine and depression, few studies have been able to evaluate the association between migraine and incident depression. Methods A prospective cohort study among 36,016 women without a history of depression enrolled in the Women's Health Study who provided information about migraine and headache at baseline. Women were classified as either having nonmigraine headache, migraine with aura, migraine without aura, past history of migraine or no history of headache. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between migraine and headache status and incident depression. Results At baseline, 5115 women reported a history of nonmigraine headache, 1805 reported migraine with aura, 2723 reported migraine without aura, and 1896 reported a past history of migraine. During 13.8 mean years of follow-up, 3833 new cases of depression occurred. The adjusted relative risks of incident depression were 1.44 (95% CI: 1.32, 1.56) for nonmigraine headache, 1.53 (95% CI: 1.35, 1.74) for migraine with aura, 1.40 (95% CI: 1.25, 1.56) for migraine without aura, and 1.56 (95% CI: 1.37, 1.77) for past history of migraine compared to no history of headache. Conclusions Middle-aged women with migraine or nonmigraine headache are at increased risk of incident depression. Frequent migraine attacks (weekly or daily) were associated with the highest risk for developing depression.
Dermatoprotective effects of some plant extracts (genus Ficus) against experimentally induced toxicological insults in rabbits
Authors: Waheed Muzzamil , Muhammad Faqir , Javed Ijaz , Akhtar Masood , Saleemi Muhammad Kashif , Khaliq Tanweer , Awais Mian Muhammad , Anwar Muhammad Irfan 
Published: April 2013

Aim: Present study was conducted to evaluate the dermatoprotective effects of plant extracts ( Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis, and Ficus racemosa) against known irritants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), atrazine, and petrol. Methods: The study was conducted in adult male rabbits. Ethanol extracts of plants were obtained through Soxhlet. All irritants and Ficus extracts were topically applied to the backs of rabbits daily for 4 days, while pure ethanol served as control. Skin was examined after 24, 48, and 96 h for erythema. Skin biopsies were taken on 5th day for microscopic examination. Results: Erythema produced by irritants reduced significantly with the simultaneous application of Ficus extracts. The mean ± SEM epidermal thickness (micrometer) with SDS was 45.40 ± 1.89, F. religiosa + SDS was 18.60 ± 0.51, F. benghalensis + SDS was 18.40 ± 0.25, F. racemosa + SDS was 18.80 ± 0.37, and mixture of three Ficus species + SDS was 16.80 ± 0.37. Similar findings were revealed after using plant extracts with atrazine and petrol. The mean ± SEM epidermal layer count for SDS was 3.60 ± 0.25, atrazine was 3.40 ± 0.25, petrol was 3.40 ± 0.25, and ethanol (control) was 1.00 ± 0.20. This count reduced to 1.20 ± 0.20 for three Ficus species + SDS, 1.40 ± 0.25 for Ficus species + atrazine, and 1.40 ± 0.25 for Ficus species + petrol. Conclusion: Ficus species demonstrated the potential to block the dermatotoxic effects of topical irritants and could be used successfully to prevent skin toxicity.
Protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on dose-dependent intoxication of rats with paraquat
Authors: Silfeler Ibrahim , Alp Harun , Ozgur Tumay , Evlioglu Osman , Celik Murat , Er Metin , Yilmaz Gulsah 
Published: April 2013

Purpose: Paraquat (PQ; 1,1′dimethyl-bipyridilium 4,4′-dichloride), which is used extensively throughout the world, is highly toxic to humans. We aimed to investigate the protective effects of different doses of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on PQ-intoxicated rats. Materials and methods: A total of 80 rats were divided into the following eight groups, comprising 10 rats in each group: group 1: control; group 2: administered with CAPE (10 µmol/kg); group 3: administered with 15 mg/kg PQ (PQ15 group); group 4: administered with 30 mg/kg PQ (PQ30 group); group 5: administered with 45 mg/kg PQ (PQ45 group); group 6: administered with 15 mg/kg PQ + CAPE; group 7: administered with 30 mg/kg PQ + CAPE and group 8: administered with 45 mg/kg PQ + CAPE. Both PQ and CAPE were injected intraperitoneally. Pancreatic tissue was examined with both haematoxylin and eosin and immunochemical staining. Results: The ratio of the immunohistochemical staining area to the total pancreatic area of the β cells revealed that statistically significant differences were observed only between the PQ and PQ + CAPE groups ( p < 0.05). Discussion: The evaluation of the data suggests that CAPE can be used to prevent acute effects of PQ intoxication.
Cortical Dysplasias, and Corpus Callosum and Posterior Fossa Abnormalities
Authors: Çaksen Hüseyin , Kızılyıldız Baran Serdar , Avcu Serhat 
Published: April 2013

This study examined clinical findings and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics in 114 patients with cortical dysplasia and corpus callosum and posterior fossa abnormalities to determine the clinical findings with the extent of the lesions on MRI. The age of patients was between 1 day and 15 years. Group 1 included 74 patients with corpus callosum abnormalities and/or cortical dysplasias and group 2 included 40 patients with posterior fossa abnormalities, which were isolated and/or associated with cortical dysplasia and/or corpus callosum abnormalities. Although associated congenital abnormality apart from central nervous system abnormalities, syndrome, or systemic disorder were more common in group 2 than group 1 patients ( P < .05), we did not find a difference between the groups for psychomotor retardation and epilepsy ( P > .05).
New organosoluble aromatic poly(esterimide)s containing pendent pentadecyl chains
Authors: Sadavarte Nilakshi V. , Patil Sachin S. , Avadhani C. V. , Wadgaonkar Prakash P. 
Published: April 2013

A new diimide dicarboxylic acid, namely 2,2′-(4-pentadecyl-1,3-phenylene)bis(1,3-dioxoisoindoline-5-carboxylic acid), containing preformed imide rings and pentadecyl chain, was synthesized by the reaction of 4-pentadecylbenzene-1,3-diamine with trimellitic anhydride. A series of new aromatic poly(esterimide)s (PEIs) was synthesized using diphenylchlorophosphate-activated direct polycondensation of 2,2′-(4-pentadecyl-1,3-phenylene)bis(1,3-dioxoisoindoline-5-carboxylic acid), with five commercially available bisphenols, namely 4,4′-isopropylidenediphenol (I), 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphenol (II), 4,4′-oxydiphenol (III), 4,4′-biphenol (IV), and 4,4′-(9-fluorenylidene)diphenol (V) in the presence of pyridine and lithium chloride. Inherent viscosities of PEIs were in the range 0.54–0.83 dL g−1 in chloroform (CHCl3) at 30 ± 0.1°C. PEIs containing pendent pentadecyl chains were soluble in organic solvents such as CHCl3, m-cresol, N, N-dimethylacetamide, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, pyridine, and nitrobenzene. Tough, transparent, and flexible films of PEIs could be cast from their CHCl3 solutions. PEIs exhibited glass transition temperature in the range 145–198°C. The temperature at 10% weight loss of PEIs, determined by thermogravimetric analysis under the nitrogen atmosphere, was in the range of 450–470°C indicating good thermal stability.
Tibiotalar Arthrodesis in Posttraumatic Arthritis Using the Tension Band Technique
Authors: Mongon Mauricio Leal Dias , Garcia Costa Kleber Vinicius , Bittar Cintia Kelly , Livani Bruno 
Published: April 2013

Background: Although a variety of surgical techniques are available for the treatment of ankle degenerative disease, arthrodesis is a common treatment especially for unilateral posttraumatic arthritis in young patients. A clear trend toward internal fixation for ankle arthrodesis is evident, but fusion site compression is known to play an integral role in primary bone healing. Methods: Between September 2001 and October 2009, 17 adults with painful end-stage posttraumatic ankle arthritis were treated with the tension band technique to achieve tibiotalar arthrodesis. Results: Tibiotalar fusion was obtained in all patients at a mean of 16.6 (range, 13 to 28) weeks. No patient had pain at the last postoperative follow-up examination. AOFAS and Mazur scores were preoperatively 29 and 23.1, respectively, and postoperatively 71.1 and 70.7, respectively. Conclusion: Arthrodesis with a tension band was a safe and effective surgical treatment option for posttraumatic ankle arthritis in patients without infection and good bone density, as it was simple, less invasive, and inexpensive and allowed early full weight-bearing. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
The reliability, precision and clinically meaningful change of walking assessments in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Learmonth Yvonne C , Dlugonski Deirdre D , Pilutti Lara A , Sandroff Brian M , Motl Robert W 
Published: April 2013

Background: Assessing walking impairment in those with multiple sclerosis (MS) is common, however little is known about the reliability, precision and clinically important change of walking outcomes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability, precision and clinically important change of the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), Six-Minute Walk (6MW), Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12) and accelerometry. Methods: Data were collected from 82 persons with MS at two time points, six months apart. Analyses were undertaken for the whole sample and stratified based on disability level and usage of walking aids. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analyses established reliability: standard error of measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV) determined precision; and minimal detectable change (MDC) defined clinically important change. Results: All outcome measures were reliable with precision and MDC varying between measures in the whole sample: T25FW: ICC=0.991; SEM=1 s; CV=6.2%; MDC=2.7 s (36%), 6MW: ICC=0.959; SEM=32 m; CV=6.2%; MDC=88 m (20%), MSWS-12: ICC=0.927; SEM=8; CV=27%; MDC=22 (53%), accelerometry counts/day: ICC=0.883; SEM=28450; CV=17%; MDC=78860 (52%), accelerometry steps/day: ICC=0.907; SEM=726; CV=16%; MDC=2011 (45%). Variation in these estimates was seen based on disability level and walking aid. Conclusion: The reliability of these outcomes is good and falls within acceptable ranges. Precision and clinically important change estimates provide guidelines for interpreting these outcomes in clinical and research settings.
Grip and pinch strength: Normative data for healthy Indian adults
Authors: Mullerpatan Rajani P , Karnik Gayatri , John Rebecca 
Published: April 2013

Introduction Normative values of grip and pinch strength are used to determine the effect of treatment, to assess patients’ initial limitation and provide a baseline for re-assessment of patient progress. Data gathered from western populations cannot be used for reference in Indian populations due to variations in genetic, environmental and nutritional factors. Methods A convenience sample of 1005 healthy adults was recruited for this descriptive study. Grip and pinch strength were measured with elbow positioned at 0°, 45°, 90° and full elbow flexion using a JAMAR dynamometer and B&L Pinch gauge. Results Men presented significantly higher values for grip strength ( p ≤ 0.001) at 0° of elbow flexion (37.8 kg) than women (22.12 kg). For remaining positions of the elbow, average grip strength values in men were 33 kg and in women were 20 kg. Men presented significantly higher values of tip, palmar and key pinch (3.9, 6.7 and 7.2 kg) than women (3.2, 4.71 and 4.81 kg). Grip strength was significantly different at different positions of the elbow ( p ≤ 0.001); it was highest at 0° and lowest at 135° of elbow flexion among men. Conclusions Findings from study will provide reference values for grip, tip, palmar and key pinch strength for healthy Indian adults. Grip and pinch strength of healthy Indian adults is less compared with age and gender-matched population from other continents.
The immunologic effects of maraviroc intensification in treated HIV-infected individuals with incomplete CD4+ T-cell recovery: a randomized trial
Authors: Hunt Peter W. , Shulman Nancy S. , Hayes Timothy L. , Dahl Viktor , Somsouk Ma , Funderburg Nicholas T. , McLaughlin Bridget , Landay Alan L. , Adeyemi Oluwatoyin , Gilman Lee E. , Clagett Brian , Rodriguez Benigno , Martin Jeffrey N. , Schacker Timothy W. , Shacklett Barbara L. , Palmer Sarah , Lederman Michael M. , Deeks Steven G. 
Published: April 2013

Key PointsMaraviroc intensification unexpectedly increases T-cell activation in peripheral blood and rectal mucosa during treated HIV infection. Maraviroc appears to redistribute CD8+ T cells from the gut to peripheral blood during treated HIV infection.
Interleukin-7 promotes HIV persistence during antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Vandergeeten Claire , Fromentin Rémi , DaFonseca Sandrina , Lawani Mariam B. , Sereti Irini , Lederman Michael M. , Ramgopal Moti , Routy Jean-Pierre , Sékaly Rafick-Pierre , Chomont Nicolas 
Published: April 2013

Key Points
IL-7 does not disrupt viral latency in highly pure resting latently infected CD4+ T cells from HIV-infected subjects receiving ART. IL-7 therapy leads to a 70% increase in the absolute number of circulating CD4+ T cells harboring integrated HIV DNA 4 weeks posttherapy.
A phase 3 study of gemtuzumab ozogamicin during induction and postconsolidation therapy in younger patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Petersdorf Stephen H. , Kopecky Kenneth J. , Slovak Marilyn , Willman Cheryl , Nevill Thomas , Brandwein Joseph , Larson Richard A. , Erba Harry P. , Stiff Patrick J. , Stuart Robert K. , Walter Roland B. , Tallman Martin S. , Stenke Leif , Appelbaum Frederick R. 
Published: April 2013

Key Points
The addition of gemtuzumab ozogamicin to induction or maintenance therapy failed to improve the complete response rate or overall survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
Detection of epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in formalin fixed paraffin embedded biopsies in Malaysian non-small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Shi Yeen Tiffany Ng , Pathmanathan Rajadurai , Shiran Mohd Sidik , Ahmad Zaid Fattah Azman , Cheah Yoke Kqueen 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Somatic mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are reportedly associated with various responses in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving the anti-EGFR agents. Detection of the mutation therefore plays an important role in therapeutic decision making. The aim of this study was to detect EGFR mutations in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples using both Scorpion ARMS and high resolution melt (HRM) assay, and to compare the sensitivity of these methods.

Results
All of the mutations were found in adenocarcinoma, except one that was in squamous cell carcinoma. The mutation rate was 45.7% (221/484). Complex mutations were also observed, wherein 8 tumours carried 2 mutations and 1 tumour carried 3 mutations.

Conclusions
Both methods detected EGFR mutations in FFPE samples. HRM assays gave more EGFR positive results compared to Scorpion ARMS.
Cancer physicians’ attitude towards treatment of the elderly cancer patient in a developed Asian country
Authors: Pang Angela , Ho Shirlynn , Lee Soo-Chin 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
With an aging population and an increasing number of elderly patients with cancer, it is essential for us to understand how cancer physicians approach the management and treatment of elderly cancer patients as well as their methods of cancer diagnosis disclosure to older versus younger patients in Singapore, where routine geriatric oncology service is not available.

Methods
57 cancer physicians who are currently practicing in Singapore participated in a written questionnaire survey on attitudes towards management of the elderly cancer patient, which included 2 hypothetical clinical scenarios on treatment choices for a fit elderly patient versus that for a younger patient.

Results
The participants comprised of 68% medical oncologists, 18% radiation oncologists, and 14% haematologists. Most physicians (53%) listed performance status (PS) as the top single factor affecting their treatment decision, followed by cancer type (23%) and patient’s decision (11%). The top 5 factors were PS (95%), co-morbidities (75%), cancer stage (75%), cancer type (75%), patient’s decision (53%), and age (51%). 72% of physicians were less likely to treat a fit but older patient aggressively; 53% and 79% opted for less intensive treatments for older patients in two clinical scenarios of lymphoma and early breast cancer, respectively. 37% of physicians acknowledged that elderly cancer patients were generally under-treated.
Only 9% of physicians chose to disclose cancer diagnosis directly to the older patient compared to 61% of physicians to a younger patient, citing family preference as the main reason. Most participants (61%) have never engaged a geriatrician’s help in treatment decisions, although the majority (90%) would welcome the introduction of a geriatric oncology programme.

Conclusions
Advanced patient age has a significant impact on the cancer physician’s treatment decision-making process in Singapore. Many physicians still accede to family members’ request and practice non-disclosure of cancer diagnosis to geriatric patients, which may pose as a hurdle to making an informed decision regarding management for the geriatric cancer patients. Having a formal geriatric oncology programme in Singapore could potentially help to optimize the management of geriatric oncology patients.