bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing dose prediction software used to manage gentamicin dosing
Authors: Wong C. , Kumar S. S. , Graham G. G. , Begg E. J. , Chin P. K. L. , Brett J. , Ray J. E. , Marriott D. J. E. , Williams K. M. , Day R. O. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundCurrent Australian guidelines recommend initiating directed therapy of gentamicin if administration exceeds 48 h. Directed doses of gentamicin require the monitoring of plasma concentrations of gentamicin to determine the 24‐h area under the time course of plasma gentamicin concentrations (AUC) and a dosage prediction program, for example TCIWorks or Aladdin. However, doses calculated by such programs have not been compared with an established program.AimTo compare the directed dosage of gentamicin calculated by TCIWorks, Aladdin and an Excel‐based program, with an established program, Abbottbase.MethodsPeak and trough plasma concentrations after the first and second administered doses of gentamicin were available from three patient groups (n = 20–23) with varying creatinine clearances (<40, 40–80, >80 mL/min). The directed dose needed to produce 24‐h AUC values of 80 mg.h/L was calculated using each program.ResultsThere was a strong correlation between the directed doses predicted by each of the three programs compared with Abbottbase, following the first administered dose (r2 > 0.97, P < 0.0001). The mean ratio (90% confidence intervals) of these directed doses of the gentamicin were: TCIWorks/Abbottbase 106% (105–107%), Aladdin/Abbottbase 102% (101–103%) and Excel/Abbottbase 108% (106–109%). The correlations and dose ratios were also similar when comparisons were made following the second administered dose. For each of the three renal function groups, all programs yielded similar directed doses.ConclusionsThe four programs used in the calculation of directed doses of gentamicin yielded similar results. Any would be suitable for use in clinical practice.
Epidemiology of hepatitis B‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma in Victoria
Authors: Sinclair M. , Roberts S. , Kemp W. , Knight V. , Dev A. , Gow P. , Philpott H. , Kronborg I. , Arachchi N. J. , Bell S. , Lim L. , Gorelik A. , Nicoll A. ,   Melbourne Collaboration for the Study of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundChronic hepatitis B (HBV) and cirrhosis are major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The proportion and characteristics of cases with cirrhosis are not well documented.AimOur aim was to compare demographic, viral and tumour characteristics of HBV‐associated HCC in an Australian cohort, in patients with and without cirrhosis.MethodsExisting HCC databases at six Melbourne teaching hospitals were reviewed for cases associated with HBV. Patient demographics, HBV viral characteristics, presence of cirrhosis, serum alpha‐fetoprotein and tumour size were assessed. Mode of diagnosis was recorded through surveillance or symptoms, and treatment was either palliative, percutaneous or surgical.ResultsWe identified 197 cases of HBV‐related HCC. The mean age was 57.9 ± 12.9 years; 83% were male, and 55.3% and 35.3% were of Asian and European descent respectively. Of 168 patient with available data, 146 (87%) had cirrhosis versus 22 (13%) without. Patients with cirrhosis tended to be older (median 60 vs 52 years, P = 0.078). Asian patients were more likely to have HCC without cirrhosis than Europeans (17% vs 6%, P = 0.04). There were no other differences identified between cirrhotic and non‐cirrhotic patients. Thirty‐four per cent of patients had tumours greater than 5 cm at diagnosis, and 47% were diagnosed after presenting with symptoms. Twelve patients with HBV‐HCC were outside current screening guidelines.ConclusionMost patients in Melbourne with HBV‐associated HCC have cirrhosis. HCC characteristics in non‐cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients were similar. The large number of patients detected through symptoms and with large tumours reinforces the need for vigilance in screening.
Building a pulmonary vascular service: the 12‐year experience and outcomes of the Auckland pulmonary arterial hypertension clinic
Authors: Wasywich C. A. , Cicovic A. , McWilliams T. , Coverdale H. A. , Stewart C. , Whyte K. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground and AimsPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In New Zealand, access to PAH‐specific pharmacotherapy has been restricted for economic reasons. Since 2009, access to medication has been provided by a Special Authority scheme that ensures equity of access for all patients. Management of patients with PAH in this environment poses unique challenges. This study describes outcomes of patients managed in the Auckland PAH clinic over a 12‐year period.MethodsThe clinic database was interrogated. Patients were eligible for this study if they had PAH (World Health Organization (WHO) Class 1, 1′ and 4) and had been managed in the clinic from the year 2000.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐six patients (75% female, mean age at diagnosis 50) were included. Most had idiopathic PAH (37%) or PAH because of connective tissue disease (29%). At diagnosis, patients had advanced disease (median WHO Class III, 6‐min walk distance 367 m and pulmonary vascular resistance of 10.6 Wood Units). Initial therapy was sildenafil in most cases. PAH‐specific therapy was associated with improved WHO class and longer 6‐min walk distance (P < 0.01 for both). Thirty per cent of patients were escalated to combination therapy. Survival was 91% at 1 year and 67% at 5 years.ConclusionsDespite historic difficulties with access to PAH‐specific therapy, these data confirm benefits of therapy (primarily sildenafil as first‐line treatment) for patients with PAH managed within the Auckland PAH clinic. Survival data are comparable with other reported cohorts.
Asian ethnicity in systemic lupus erythematosus: an Australian perspective
Authors: Connelly K. , Morand E. F. , Hoi A. Y. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractEthnic differences in both disease susceptibility and expression have been noted in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This review focuses on the evidence of disparities between SLE patients of Asian and Caucasian descent, the two predominant ethnic groups affected by SLE in the Australian context. While epidemiological studies suggest higher rates of SLE among Asian patients, multi‐ethnic cohort studies have allowed direct comparison of disease characteristics between different ethnic groups. Such studies suggest that Asians are affected by more severe SLE across several disease parameters, including increased renal involvement, autoantibody positivity, disease activity and damage accumulation. As delineation of these disparities becomes clearer, uncovering the biological basis of such differences poses a significant opportunity to progress understanding of SLE pathogenesis. Understanding ethnic variation in disease provides a platform for an individualised approach to risk assessment, monitoring and management of SLE.
Total length of stay, costs and outcomes at final discharge for admitted patients with hip fracture: linked episode data for Australian veterans and war widows
Authors: Ireland A. W. , Kelly P. J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground and AimTo identify the total duration of hospital stay, total hospital costs and outcomes at final discharge for a series of Australian patients with hip fracture.MethodsThe study type was retrospective cohort study using episode linkage within and between administrative databases. Study population is 2552 Australian veterans and war widows with primary diagnosis of hip fracture (International Classification of Diseases 10th revision, S72.0–S72.2) and hospital separation dates between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009. The unique identifying number within Department of Veterans' Affairs health service databases was used to link records for relevant hospital episodes as defined. Additional linkages were made with data for residential care admissions and date of death.ResultsMean length of stay (LOS) for unlinked acute episodes was 11.1 days, and cost of hospitalisation was A$13 095. Fifty‐one per cent of these episodes ended with transfer to ongoing hospital care, 9.5% were discharged to residential aged care (RAC), in‐hospital mortality was 6.5%, and 23% were discharged to ‘usual residence’. When data for all continuous episodes following hip fracture were combined, mean LOS was 30.8 days, costs were A$26 023 and in‐hospital mortality was 11.1%. Additional linkage with RAC records identified 38% of final discharges to RAC facilities with 44% of patients returning to independent living.ConclusionFor complex conditions such as hip fracture, a process of patient‐specific episode linkage is required to identify accurately hospital LOS, costs and patient outcomes.
Ragweed pollen extract intensifies lipopolysaccharide‐induced priming of NLRP3 inflammasome in human macrophages
Authors: Varga Aliz , Budai Marietta M. , Milesz Sándor , Bácsi Attila , Tőzsér József , Benkő Szilvia 
Published: December 2012

SummaryRagweed pollen extract (RWE) possesses intrinsic NADPH oxidase activity that induces oxidative stress by initiating the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS are important contributors to the manifestation of allergic inflammation; furthermore, concomitant exposure to an allergen and an endotoxin trigger a stronger inflammatory response. One of the main pro‐inflammatory cytokines produced in inflammatory responses is interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and its production is associated with caspase‐1‐containing inflammasome complexes. Intracellular ROS have been implicated in NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated IL‐1β production, therefore, we aimed to study whether RWE influences the function of NLRP3 inflammasome. Here we describe that, in the presence of NADPH, RWE significantly elevates lipopolysaccharide‐induced IL‐1β production of THP‐1 cells as well as human primary macrophages and dendritic cells. We also demonstrate that increased IL‐1β production is mediated through NLRP3 inflammasome in THP‐1 macrophages. We provide evidence that RWE elevates cytosolic ROS level in these cells, and ROS inhibitors abolish IL‐1β production. Furthermore, we show that RWE enhances lipopolysaccharide‐induced gene transcription/expression of pro‐IL‐1β and key components of the inflammasome via a ROS‐dependent mechanism.
Adenosine and cAMP signalling skew human dendritic cell differentiation towards a tolerogenic phenotype with defective CD8+ T‐cell priming capacity
Authors: Challier John , Bruniquel Denis , Sewell Andrew K. , Laugel Bruno 
Published: December 2012

SummaryMultiple endogenous mechanisms that regulate immune and inflammatory processes contribute to the maintenance of peripheral tolerance and prevent chronic inflammation in mammals. Yet pathogens and tumours are able to exploit these homeostatic pathways to foster immunosuppressive microenvironments and evade immune surveillance. The release of adenosine in the extracellular space contributes to these phenomena by exerting a broad range of immunomodulatory effects. Here we document the influence of adenosine receptor triggering on human dendritic cell differentiation and functions. We show that the expression of several immunomodulatory proteins and myeloid/monocytic lineage markers was affected by adenosine receptors and the cAMP pathway. These changes were reminiscent of the phenotype associated with tolerogenic dendritic cells and, functionally, translated into a defective capacity to prime CD8+ T‐cells with a common tumour antigen in vitro. These results establish a novel mechanism by which adenosine hampers CD8+ T‐cell immunity via dendritic cells that may contribute to peripheral tolerance as well as to the establishment of immunosuppressive microenvironments relevant to tumour biology.
CD2‐mediated regulation of peripheral CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T‐cell apoptosis accompanied by down‐regulation of Bim
Authors: Kashiwakura Yuji , Sakurai Daisuke , Kanno Yumiko , Hashiguchi Masaaki , Kobayashi Ayano , Kurosu Akira , Tokudome Shogo , Kobata Tetsuji , Kojima Hidefumi 
Published: December 2012

SummaryExtensive studies on CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells suggest that they are important in regulating immune responses. However, mechanisms of peripheral Treg cell homeostasis are unknown. We found that stromal cells isolated from secondary lymphoid organs such as spleen and lymph nodes could support the survival of Treg cells. This was dependent on CD2 engagement and a direct interaction between Treg cells and stromal cells. In the presence of stromal cells, Bim, a pro‐apoptotic factor, was partially decreased in Treg cells. This effect could be inhibited by anti‐CD2 blocking antibodies, indicating that stimulation through CD2 on Treg cells regulates Bim expression, which may be relevant to Treg cell apoptosis. Therefore, Treg cell interactions with stromal cells through CD2 may be essential for Treg cell survival. Surprisingly, the expression of CD2 ligands on stromal cells was not detected. Hence, it is not clear how CD2 on Treg cells contributes to a direct interaction with the stromal cells and participates in survival support for Treg cells. Taken together, CD2 stimuli were mandatory for Treg cell survival with reduced Bim expression, but CD2 may not function as a direct receptor for molecules on stromal cells.
Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program: Facilitating physical health care for people with mental illness?
Authors: Happell Brenda , Platania‐Phung Chris , Scott David 
Published: December 2012

Abstract:People with serious mental illness have increased rates of physical ill‐health and reduced contact with primary care services. In Australia, the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) was developed to facilitate access to mental health services. However, as a primary care service, the contribution to physical health care is worthy of consideration. Thirty‐eight nurses who were part of the MHNIP participated in a national survey of nurses working in mental health about physical health care. The survey invited nurses to report their views on the physical health of consumers and the regularity of physical health care they provide. Physical health‐care provision in collaboration with general practitioners (GPs) and other health‐care professionals was reported as common. The findings suggest that the MHNIP provides integrated care, where nurses and GPs work in collaboration, allowing enough time to discuss physical health or share physical health activities. Consumers of this service appeared to have good access to physical and mental health services, and nurses had access to primary care professionals to discuss consumers’ physical health and develop their clinical skills in the physical domain. The MHNIP has an important role in addressing physical health concerns, in addition to the mental health issues of people accessing this service.
Description of physical activity in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Beebe Lora Humphrey , Harris Robin Faust 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis study describes physical activity level in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) using extended‐wear pedometers. Demographic data, body fat and body mass index (BMI) measures were obtained from 24 outpatients. Participants were provided extended‐wear pedometers and instructed to wear them during waking hours for 1 week. More than 79% of subjects met Centres for Disease Control (CDC) obesity criteria. Participants wore pedometers, on average, 6 days during the week. Men walked more steps, walked longer distances, and burned more calories each day; differences were statistically significant for steps and distance on days 3 (t = 2.12, P = 0.045) and 5 (t = 2.19, P = 0.04). Higher percent body fat and BMI were significantly associated with fewer steps walked on most days. Extended‐wear pedometers are an easy‐to‐use, cost‐effective way to document physical activity and evaluate efforts to help this vulnerable group achieve activity‐related health improvements.
Understanding newsworthiness of an emerging pandemic: International newspaper coverage of the H1N1 outbreak
Authors: Smith Katherine C. , Rimal Rajiv N. , Sandberg Helena , Storey John D. , Lagasse Lisa , Maulsby Catherine , Rhoades Elizabeth , Barnett Daniel J. , Omer Saad B. , Links Jonathan M. 
Published: December 2012

Background and ObjectivesDuring an evolving public health crisis, news organizations disseminate information rapidly, much of which is uncertain, dynamic, and difficult to verify. We examine factors related to international news coverage of H1N1 during the first month after the outbreak in late April 2009 and consider the news media's role as an information source during an emerging pandemic.MethodsData on H1N1 news were compiled in real time from newspaper websites across twelve countries between April 29, 2009 and May 28, 2009. A news sample was purposively constructed to capture variation in countries' prior experience with avian influenza outbreaks and pandemic preparation efforts. We analyzed the association between H1N1 news volume and four predictor variables: geographic region, prior experience of a novel flu strain (H5N1), existence of a national pandemic plan, and existence of a localized H1N1 outbreak.ResultsH1N1 news was initially extensive but declined rapidly (OR = 0·85, P < .001). Pandemic planning did not predict newsworthiness. However, countries with prior avian flu experience had higher news volume (OR = 1·411, P < .05), suggesting that H1N1 newsworthiness was bolstered by past experiences. The proportion of H1N1 news was significantly lower in Europe than elsewhere (OR = 0·388, P < 0·05). Finally, coverage of H1N1 increased after a first in‐country case (OR = 1·415, P < .01), interrupting the pattern of coverage decline.ConclusionsFindings demonstrate the enhanced newsworthiness of localized threats, even during an emerging pandemic. We discuss implications for news media's role in effective public health communication throughout an epidemic given the demonstrated precipitous decline in news interest.
Deep‐sea channel evolution and stratigraphic architecture from inception to abandonment from high‐resolution Autonomous Underwater Vehicle surveys offshore central California
Authors: Maier Katherine L. , Fildani Andrea , Paull Charles K. , McHargue Timothy R. , Graham Stephan A. , Caress David W. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe Lucia Chica channel system is an avulsion belt with four adjacent channels that progressively avulsed to the north‐east from a single, upslope feeder channel. Avulsion occurred from underfilled channels, leaving open channels that were reactivated by flows stripped from younger, adjacent channels. Differences in relief (height from channel thalweg to levée crest), sinuosity and levée stratigraphy between adjacent channels correspond to relative channel age, and indicate a change in channel morphology and architecture with time. Potential triggers for the change over time include differences in gradient, flow behaviour and characteristics, and channel evolution. Gradient does not appear to be a major control on channel formation and avulsion because adjacent channels formed on the same gradient. Based on available ultra‐high‐resolution remote imaging obtained with an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, differences in adjacent channel morphology are interpreted to be primarily a result of differences in channel maturity. The interpreted sequence of channel maturity involves erosional channel inception through scouring and incipient channels (defined by linear trains of scours) prior to development of continuous thalwegs. Channel narrowing, formation and growth of levées, increasing channel relief and development of sinuosity occurred as channels evolved. The evolutionary sequence interpreted from the high‐resolution Lucia Chica dataset provides a unique perspective on intrinsic controls of architecture for single channel elements. In addition to helping bridge the gap between outcrop and industry‐standard reflection‐seismic data resolutions and scopes, interpretations in this study also expose potential problems with hierarchical classifications in three‐dimensional imaging of distributary systems, and provide potentially important analogues for evolutionary morphologies not resolved in other deep‐water channel systems.
Static lung volumes and airway resistance reference values in healthy adults
Authors: KOCH BEATE , FRIEDRICH NELE , VÖLZKE HENRY , JÖRRES RUDOLF A. , FELIX STEFAN B. , EWERT RALF , SCHÄPER CHRISTOPH , GLÄSER SVEN 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective: The assessment of static lung volumes and airway resistance is a frequently performed diagnostic procedure and considered as an important tool in medical surveillance to detect pulmonary diseases. The objectives of the study are to establish reference equations for body plethysmographic parameters in a representative adult population across a wide age range and to compare the normative values from this sample with previous ones.Methods: Body plethysmography was applied in 1809 participants (885 males) of a cross‐sectional, population‐based survey (Study of Health in Pomerania). Individuals with cardiopulmonary disorders and/or a pack‐year smoking history >10 years and participants with a body mass index >30 kg/m2were excluded. In total, 686 healthy individuals (275 males) aged 25–85 years were assessed.Results: Prediction equations for both genders were established by quantile regression analysis taking into account the influence of age, height and weight.Conclusions: The study provides a novel set of prediction equations for static lung volumes and airway resistance obtained using body plethysmography. Compared with our findings, existing equations underestimated some normal values. The results emphasize the need for up‐to‐date reference equations.
What Do Consumers’ Fund Flows Maximize? Evidence from Their Brokers’ Incentives
Authors: CHRISTOFFERSEN SUSAN E. K. , EVANS RICHARD , MUSTO DAVID K. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTWe ask whether mutual funds’ flows reflect the incentives of the brokers intermediating them. The incentives we address are those revealed in statutory filings: the brokers’ shares of sales loads and other revenue, and their affiliation with the fund family. We find significant effects of these payments to brokers on funds’ inflows, particularly when the brokers are not affiliated. Tracking these investments forward, we find load sharing, but not revenue sharing, to predict poor performance, consistent with the different incentives these payments impart. We identify one benefit of captive brokerage, which is the recapture of redemptions elsewhere in the family.
Analyst Forecast Consistency
Authors: HILARY GILLES , HSU CHARLES 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTWe show empirically that analysts who display more consistent forecast errors have greater ability to affect prices, and that this effect is larger than that of stated accuracy. These results lead to three implications. First, consistent analysts are less likely to be demoted and are more likely to be nominated All Star analysts. Second, analysts strategically deliver downward‐biased forecasts to increase their consistency (if at the expense of stated accuracy). Finally, the benefits of consistency and of “lowballing” (accuracy) are increasing (decreasing) in institutional investors’ presence.