bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing the Effectiveness of Green Tea versus Topical Metronidazole Powder in Malodorous Control of Fungating Malignant Wounds in a Controlled Randomised Study
Authors: Lian Siew Bee , Xu Yi , Goh Seow Lin , Aw Fung Chee 
Published: July 2015

Aim: To test the efficacy of green tea with that of conventional topical metronidazole powder by comparing the rate of malodorous score reduction using the verbal numeric scale (VNS). Methods: This was a prospective randomised experimental study comparing two types of odour control agents used for treating malodorous fungating malignant wounds in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Patients were randomised to either control (metronidazole power) or treatment (green tea) group and was follow-up with a daily dressing for a week by a designated nurse. Both patient and designated nurse would rate the malodorous score daily on a VNS of 0 (no smell) to 10 (worst smell that one can imagine). Results: Thirty cancer patients with malodorous fungating wounds were randomised into either treatment (n=15) or control group (n=15). The location of wounds were breast (n=24), neck (n=2), groin (n=2), spine (n=1) and anus (n=1). All patients in both groups showed improvement in odour control by Day 7. Treatment group was as effective as control group and there was no statistical significance (p>0.05) to demonstrate which treatment is more superior. Conclusion: Green tea dressing is as effective as conventional topical metronidazole powder in controlling odour. Green tea is cheap, easily available and has no risk of drug resistance over long term use. Alternatively, it can also be used interchangeably with metronidazole powder to reduce the risk of drug resistance.
Smoking Behaviour of Asthmatic Patients in Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Teo Stephanie Swee Hong , Tan Ngiap Chuan , Ngoh Agnes Soh Heng , Swah Teck Sin , Chen Zhaojin , Tai Bee Choo 
Published: July 2015

Introduction: One-third of adult asthma patients smoke cigarettes despite smoking being a known trigger of asthma exacerbation. This study aims to describe the behaviour of asthmatic patients who smoke and explore the reasons why they continue to smoke cigarettes even when unwell. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on adult asthma patients at primary care clinics in Singapore. One hundred and seventy-four asthmatic smokers (AS) of four ethnic groups, both genders, aged 21–50 years were recruited. Demographic data and smoking characteristics, reasons for smoking, and experiences during their attempts to quit were collected and analysed using the statistical software STATA version 12. Results: The median age of AS was 30 years. Seventy-five percent were males and mostly Malays (58%). Seventy-one percent had at least secondary education. Eighty-six percent started smoking before 20 years old. Ninety-eight percent smoked less than 10 sticks per day and 51% smoked ≤5 pack-years. Thirty-eight percent smoked within 5 minutes of awakening. AS cited reasons such as stress relief (79%), peer pressure (36%), influence from family members who smoke (40%), think better (35%), staying alert (57%), and relaxed (53%). Although 77% believed smoking worsened their asthma, they continued to smoke. Restlessness (43%), mood swings (27%), difficulties in concentration (25%) and irritability (24%) were common symptoms encountered in those who attempted to quit. About 44% did not refrain from smoking even when they were ill. Conclusion: Adult asthmatic smokers continued cigarette smoking to relieve stress, maintain mental alertness and avoid withdrawal symptoms. Implementing a programme to address smoking behaviour and withdrawal symptoms is paramount towards successful smoking cessation.
Effectiveness of Medication Review in Improving Medication Knowledge and Adherence in Primary Care Patients
Authors: Goh Bandy Qiuling , Tay Adeline Hsu Peng , Khoo Rachel Shu Yuen , Goh Boon Kwang , Lo Pauline Fei Ling , Lim Christina Jit Fan 
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Medication review by pharmacists can be an important educational intervention to improve adherence rates as it can potentially address many of its barriers. Medication review may also directly improve the patient's knowledge and understanding of his or her drug regimen. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of medication review as an intervention to improve a patient's knowledge and adherence to their chronic medications. Methods: Two hundred and forty patients from four polyclinics, who were referred by their prescribers for pharmacist-conducted medication review, were recruited for this prospective study. The effectiveness of medication review in improving their knowledge of and adherence to chronic medications was evaluated using a two-part questionnaire, which was applied before intervention and upon follow-up. The data collated was then analysed using Student's paired t-test, Chi-square and Pearson's correlation test. Results: Of the 195 patients who completed follow-up, 93.8% demonstrated medication knowledge deficits. Medication review conducted by the polyclinic pharmacists had improved the patients' overall understanding of their medications' dosage, frequency, indication, storage and administration method (p<0.01). Seventy point three percent of study patients had issues with medication adherence. Of these, half reported an improvement after medication review. There was significant correlation between the patients' knowledge and adherence scores (p<0.001). Conclusion: Medication review was found to be an effective intervention for improving patient's medication knowledge and reported adherence to chronic medications in this preliminary study. Further study demonstrating the effectiveness of medication review in cultivating knowledge retention and sustained adherence in the longer term is warranted.
A Descriptive Study on Registered Nurses' Continuing Educational Needs in Research from Three Different Health Care Institutes in Singapore
Authors: Ang Shin Yuh , Kwan Xui Ling , Aloweni Fazila Abu Bakar , Aw Ai Tee , Tan Ai Meng , Chua Alice Foong Sin , Tay Rosaline Lee Hua 
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Nurses are encouraged to engage in research activities in order to stay abreast with the current nursing practice. However, limited knowledge about the research process may influence their level of involvement and utilisation of research in their daily nursing practices. This study examines Singapore nurses' perceived knowledge and educational needs in research as well as to explore their preferred mode and duration of education delivery. Methods: This is a multi-site, cross-sectional study that recruited 2248 registered nurses working in Singapore. A self-administered tool was used to examine nurses' perceived knowledge and educational needs in research. Descriptive statistics were used to present the nurses' demographic data; the Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests were used to examine the relationship between the nurses' education level and their perceived knowledge and educational needs in research. Results: Nurses in this study perceived low levels of knowledge in research. Majority of those who were involved in research activities had a bachelor's degree. There were statistically significant differences between education level and perceived knowledge (p=0.001). However, there was no significant difference between education level and perceived educational needs. Younger nurses (19–35 years old) preferred shorter duration when attending workshops compared to older nurses (36 years old and above). Skill-based workshop and tutorial or seminar that last no longer than a week was the most preferred educational mode and duration. Conclusion: Nurses with high level of education perceived a higher level of research knowledge and thus reported lower educational needs in research. The results showed the need for continual training programs, even for nurses with bachelor's and master's degrees, in order to better prepare them for evidence-based practice. Understanding the demographic of the nurses and their learning styles is important when devising strategies to teach research.
Peri-Anaesthetic Dental Injury in Children: A Retrospective Audit in a Tertiary Paediatric Centre
Authors: Tan Tracy Yi Shuen , Lim Suan Ling , Teo Pei-Fen , Ong Say Yang , Toh Siew Luan 
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Dental injury is one of the most common adverse events related to anaesthesia with a reported incidence of 0.04–0.1%. It is a frequent cause of anaesthesia-related medico-legal claim. To date, there is a lack of data in the literature on paediatric peri-operative dental injury. Accidental aspiration of the avulsed teeth into the bronchus is potentially life-threatening. Dental injury of permanent teeth in children also carries significant implications. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of peri-anaesthetic dental injury in children following 80,811 general anaesthetics over a twelve-year period in our tertiary paediatric institution. This will aid in the prevention and management of peri-operative dental injury. Methods: A retrospective audit of our department audit database for incidents of dental injury was conducted from 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2011. Results: The incidence of dental injury was 42 out of 80,811 anaesthetics (0.05%). Incidence is highest in children aged 5–8 years old. The majority of dental injuries (83.3%) occurred during elective surgeries. Ninety-two per cent of the intubated patients had a grade 1 Cormack-Lehane larynx at laryngoscopy. Sixty-two per cent of the dental injuries occurred in patients with an inaccurate history. Six patients with dental injuries detected in the recovery had an inaccurate dental history. Conclusion: The incidence of dental injury in our paediatric centre is 0.05% and is comparable to that widely reported in the adult population. An accurate pre-operative dental assessment and documentation in the anaesthesia record should be obtained by the attending anaesthesia team. History from the child is vital. Better communication, minimal handover between staff and continuing education are important measures. A high index of suspicion of injury and knowledge of the patient's dentition state are critical for early intervention and minimising adverse events when dental injury occurs.
Can Platelet-Rich Plasma Protect Rat Achilles Tendons From the Deleterious Effects of Triamcinolone Acetonide?
Authors: Muto Tomoyuki , Kokubu Takeshi , Mifune Yutaka , Inui Atsuyuki , Sakata Ryosuke , Harada Yoshifumi , Takase Fumiaki , Ueda Yasuhiro , Kuroda Ryosuke , Kurosaka Masahiro 
Published: July 2015

Background Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections are widely used for tendinitis but have deleterious effects, including tendon degeneration or tendon rupture. Purpose To investigate whether adding platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a blood fraction that participates in tissue repair processes, to TA can prevent its deleterious effects. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Rat Achilles tendons were injected with TA, TA + PRP, PRP alone, or saline (control). Biomechanical testing and histological analyses were performed on Achilles tendons 1 week after injections. Results The maximum failure loads in the control, TA, TA + PRP, and PRP groups were 31.7 ± 2.3, 19.0 ± 3.6, 31.0 ± 7.1, and 30.2 ± 6.8 N, respectively. The tendon stiffness in the control, TA, TA + PRP, and PRP groups was 12.1 ± 1.8, 7.5 ± 1.8, 11.0 ± 2.8, and 11.3 ± 2.5 N/mm, respectively. The maximum failure load and stiffness were significantly lower in the TA group compared with the other 3 groups. There was no significant difference between the TA + PRP and control groups. Cell invasions, vacuolation, collagen attenuation, and increased type III collagen expression were histologically observed in the TA group; however, these changes were prevented by the simultaneous administration of PRP. Conclusion Administering PRP may prevent deleterious effects caused by TA; therefore, PRP may be used as a protective agent in clinical situations. Clinical Relevance PRP can be useful as a protective agent for sports injury patients receiving local corticosteroid injections.
Paradoxical worsening of tuberculous chorioretinitis in a Chinese gentleman
Authors: Siantar Rosalynn Grace , Ho Su Ling , Agrawal Rupesh 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
We report a case of paradoxical worsening of tuberculous chorioretinitis after initiation of anti-tuberculous therapy (ATT). The patient had left panuveitis with tuberculous chorioretinitis and was started on systemic ATT and oral steroids a week later. However, he developed paradoxical worsening 2 months after initiation of therapy. He was continued on ATT, oral steroids and intravitreal amikacin with resolution of the chorioretinal lesion subsequently. Ocular tuberculosis often poses a diagnostic challenge, and clinicians should be aware of the possibility of paradoxical worsening despite appropriate ATT. Clinicians should strongly consider starting oral steroids concurrently with ATT when managing ocular tuberculosis.
Adjustment for physical activity in studies of sedentary behaviour
Authors: Page Andrew , Peeters Geeske , Merom Dafna 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSedentary behaviour (too much sitting, as distinct from too little exercise) has emerged as a potentially significant public health issue. Analytically, researchers have reported ‘independent’ associations between sedentary behaviour (SB) and a number of health outcomes by adjusting for physical activity (PA) (and other confounders), and conclude that SB is associated with the outcome even in those who are physically active. However, the logical rationale for why adjustments for PA are required is often not delineated, and as a consequence, PA has been conceptualised as a confounder, an intermediary, and an effect measure modifier—sometimes simultaneously—in studies of SB and health outcomes. This paper discusses the analytical assumptions underlying adjustment for PA in studies of SB and a given outcome, and considers the implications for associations between SB and health.
The reliability of non‐invasive biophysical outcome measures for evaluating normal and hyperkeratotic foot skin
Authors: Hashmi Farina , Wright Ciaran , Nester Christopher , Lam Sharon 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundHyperkeratosis of foot skin is a common skin problem affecting people of different ages. The clinical presentation of this condition can range from dry flaky skin, which can lead to fissures, to hard callused skin which is often painful and debilitating. The purpose of this study was to test the reliability of certain non‐invasive skin measurement devices on foot skin in normal and hyperkeratotic states, with a view to confirming their use as quantitative outcome measures in future clinical trials.MethodsTwelve healthy adult participants with a range of foot skin conditions (xerotic skin, heel fissures and plantar calluses) were recruited to the study. Measurements of normal and hyperkeratotic skin sites were taken using the following devices: Corneometer® CM 825, Cutometer® 580 MPA, Reviscometer® RVM 600, Visioline® VL 650 Quantiride® and Visioscan® VC 98, by two investigators on two consecutive days. The intra and inter rater reliability and standard error of measurement for each device was calculated.ResultsThe data revealed the majority of the devices to be reliable measurement tools for normal and hyperkeratotic foot skin (ICC values > 0.6). The surface evaluation parameters for skin: SEsc and SEsm have greater reliability compared to the SEr measure. The Cutometer® is sensitive to soft tissue movement within the probe, therefore measurement of plantar soft tissue areas should be approached with caution. Reviscometer® measures on callused skin demonstrated an unusually high degree of error.ConclusionsThese results confirm the intra and inter rater reliability of the Corneometer®, Cutometer®, Visioline® and Visioscan® in quantifying specific foot skin biophysical properties.
A unified view on common fixed point theorems for Ćirić quasi-contraction maps
Authors: He Fei , Nan Xiao-Ya 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe main purpose of this paper is to unify and to generalize some common fixed point results in metric spaces with a Q-function (or a w-distance) and the related results in dislocated metric spaces (also called metric-like spaces). First in the setting of dislocated quasi-metric spaces we introduce the notion of weak 0-σ-completeness which is weaker than 0-σ-completeness. By using the new type of completeness, we establish some common fixed point theorems for two self-mappings satisfying a nonlinear contractive condition of Ćirić type. Our results unify and generalize many well-known common fixed point theorems. Finally, we give some further applications of our main results.
TCR signaling intensity controls CD8+ T cell responsiveness to TGF-β
Authors: Arumugam Vidhyalakshmi , Bluemn Theresa , Wesley Erin , Schmidt Amanda M , Kambayashi Taku , Malarkannan Subramaniam , Riese Matthew J 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
DGK-ζ is a negative regulator of TCR signaling that causes degradation of the second messenger DAG, terminating DAG-mediated activation of Ras and PKCθ. Cytotoxic T cells deficient in DGK-ζ demonstrate enhanced effector functions in vitro and antitumor activity in vivo, perhaps because of insensitivity to inhibitory cytokines. We sought to determine whether the enhanced responsiveness of DGK-ζ-deficient T cells renders them insensitive to the inhibitory cytokine TGF-β and to determine how the loss of DGK-ζ facilitates this insensitivity. We identified decreased transcriptional and functional responses to TGF-β in CD8+ DGK-ζ−/− T cells but preserved TGF-β-mediated conversion of naϊve DGK-ζ−/− CD4+ T cells to a regulatory T cell phenotype. Decreased CD8+ T cell responsiveness to TGF-β did not result from impaired canonical TGF-β signal transduction, because similar levels of TGF-β-R and intracellular Smad components were identified in WT and DGK-ζ−/− CD8+ T cells, and TGF-β-mediated activation of Smad2 was unchanged. Instead, an enhanced TCR signal strength was responsible for TGF-β insensitivity, because (i) loss of DGK-ζ conferred resistance to TGF-β-mediated inhibition of Erk phosphorylation, (ii) TGF-β insensitivity could be recapitulated by exogenous addition of the DAG analog PMA, and (iii) TGF-β sensitivity could be observed in DGK-ζ-deficient T cells at limiting dilutions of TCR stimulation. These data indicate that enhanced TCR signal transduction in the absence of DGK-ζ makes T cells relatively insensitive to TGF-β, in a manner independent of Smads, a finding with practical implications in the development of immunotherapies that target TGF-β.
Suppressed bone remodeling in black bears conserves energy and bone mass during hibernation
Authors: McGee-Lawrence Meghan , Buckendahl Patricia , Carpenter Caren , Henriksen Kim , Vaughan Michael , Donahue Seth 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT
Decreased physical activity in mammals increases bone turnover and uncouples bone formation from bone resorption, leading to hypercalcemia, hypercalcuria, bone loss and increased fracture risk. Black bears, however, are physically inactive for up to 6 months annually during hibernation without losing cortical or trabecular bone mass. Bears have been shown to preserve trabecular bone volume and architectural parameters and cortical bone strength, porosity and geometrical properties during hibernation. The mechanisms that prevent disuse osteoporosis in bears are unclear as previous studies using histological and serum markers of bone remodeling show conflicting results. However, previous studies used serum markers of bone remodeling that are known to accumulate with decreased renal function, which bears have during hibernation. Therefore, we measured serum bone remodeling markers (BSALP and TRACP) that do not accumulate with decreased renal function, in addition to the concentrations of serum calcium and hormones involved in regulating bone remodeling in hibernating and active bears. Bone resorption and formation markers were decreased during hibernation compared with when bears were physically active, and these findings were supported by histomorphometric analyses of bone biopsies. The serum concentration of cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART), a hormone known to reduce bone resorption, was 15-fold higher during hibernation. Serum calcium concentration was unchanged between hibernation and non-hibernation seasons. Suppressed and balanced bone resorption and formation in hibernating bears contributes to energy conservation, eucalcemia and the preservation of bone mass and strength, allowing bears to survive prolonged periods of extreme environmental conditions, nutritional deprivation and anuria.
The Bioconductor channel in F1000Research
Authors: Huber Wolfgang , Carey Vincent J. , Davis Sean , Hansen Kasper Daniel , Morgan Martin 
Published: July 2015

Bioconductor (bioconductor.org) is a rich source of software and know-how for the integrative analysis of genomic data. The Bioconductor channel in F1000Research provides a forum for task-oriented workflows that each cover a solution to a current, important problem in genome-scale data analysis from end to end, invoking resources from several packages by different authors, often combining multiple `omics data types, and demonstrating integrative analysis and modelling techniques.
Cardiorenal syndrome in patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kutyrina Irina Mikhailovna , Rudenko Tatiana Evgen'evna , Savel'eva Svetlana Alekseevna , Shvetsov Mikhail Yur'evich , Shestakova Marina Vladimirovna 
Published: July 2015

AIM: Combination of cardiovascular and renal disease is currently viewed as a unified cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). The aim of our study was to assess the CRS prevalence and risk factors associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with pre-dialysis stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of various etiology.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 172 patients with CKD to participate in this study. First group consisted of 83 patients with nondiabetic CKD at 2nd through 4th stage (mean age 46-15 years, 51% male and 29% female). Mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 37.2 ml/min (33.9-41.4 with 95% CI); creatinine plasma clearance was 2.9 mg/dl (2.6-3.2). Second group consisted of 89 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and CKD at 1st?2nd stage (40% male and 60% female) with albuminuria (mean age 57.3-7.1 years). Duration of diabetes in this sampling was 10.4-7.1 years. All patients underwent standard clinical examination, supplemented with echocardiography to evaluate the influence of general and CKD-related risk factors for LVH.
RESULTS: LVH was diagnosed in 37.3% of non-diabetic patients with CKD at 2nd through 4th stage. Aside from classic cardiovascular riskfactors (including age, gender, arterial hypertension, family history of cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia), we observed theimpact of kidney-related factors (anemia, plasma creatinine, disturbance of calcium-phosphorus metabolism). CKD progression wasassociated with elevation in the incidence of concentric and eccentric LVH). Patients with T2DM were diagnosed with LVH in 36% ofcases. Increased myocardial mass correlated with plasma levels of uric acid, HbA1c, obesity and albuminuria. There was also a firmassociation between diabetic nephropathy, left ventricular myocardial remodelling and a history of cardiovascular events.
CONCLUSION: In patients with diabetes mellitus and CKD cardiorenal syndrome develops at pre-dialysis stages due to both classic and kidney-related cardiovascular risk factors.