bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring psychotropic drug exposures in register‐based studies – validity of a dosage assumption of one unit per day in older Finns
Authors: Rikala Maria , Hartikainen Sirpa , Saastamoinen Leena K. , Korhonen Maarit Jaana 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPharmacoepidemiological studies provide valuable information on the relationships between psychotropic drug use and adverse outcomes in older people. To minimize the influence of misclassification bias in pharmacoepidemiological studies, more emphasis should be given to methodological aspects of exposure assessment. This study evaluated the validity of a dosage assumption of one unit per day for measuring legend duration of psychotropic drug exposures among older people. Using data from the Finnish Prescription Register, the study analysed 62,320 psychotropic drug prescriptions dispensed for people aged ≥ 75 years (n = 52,729) in September 2009. The proportions of prescriptions in which the prescribed dose deviated from one unit per day were assessed for categories and subcategories of psychotropic drugs. The prescription was considered misclassified (a) if the prescribed drug was intended for “as needed” use, (b) if the prescription included a dose range, or (c) if the prescribed dose was below or above one unit per day. Among antidepressants, less than every fourth (23.7%) prescription was misclassified. The proportions of misclassification varied substantially across subcategories, being 13.1% for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), 25.3% for other antidepressants and 53.8% for tricyclic antidepressants. Of the benzodiazepine and antipsychotic prescriptions, 79.9% and 57.6%, respectively, were misclassified. In conclusion, the dosage assumption of one unit per day is valid for measuring the legend duration of SSRI and other antidepressant exposures among older people. Among other psychotropic drugs, the dosage assumption is likely to lead to severe exposure misclassification. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mental health care Monitor Older adults (MEMO): monitoring patient characteristics and outcome in Dutch mental health services for older adults
Authors: Veerbeek Marjolein , Oude Voshaar Richard , Depla Marja , Pot Anne Margriet 
Published: May 2013

AbstractInformation on which older adults attend mental health care and whether they profit from the care they receive is important for policy‐makers. To assess this information in daily practice, the “Mental health care Monitor Older adults” (MEMO) was developed in the Netherlands. The aim of this paper is to describe MEMO and the older adults who attend outpatient mental health care regarding their predisposing and enabling characteristics and need for care. In MEMO all patients referred to the division of old age psychiatry of the participating mental health care organisations are assessed at baseline and monitored at 4, 8 and 12‐month follow‐up. Primary outcomes are mental and social functioning, consumer satisfaction, and type of treatment provided (MEMO Basic). Over the years, MEMO Basic is repeated. In each cycle, additional information on specific patient groups is added (e.g. mood disorders). Data collection is supported by a web‐based system for clinicians, including direct feedback to monitor patients throughout treatment. First results at baseline showed that the majority of patients that entered the division of old age psychiatry was female (69%), had low education (83%), lived alone (53%), was depressed (42%) and had a comorbid condition (82%). It seemed that older immigrants were not sufficiently reached. The current study is the first in the Netherlands to evaluate patient characteristics and outcome in mental health care provided for older adults in day‐to‐day practice. If MEMO works out successfully, the method should be extended to other target groups. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SMA valiant trial: A prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of valproic acid in ambulatory adults with spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Kissel John T. , Elsheikh Bakri , King Wendy M. , Freimer Miriam , Scott Charles B. , Kolb Stephen J. , Reyna Sandra P. , Crawford Thomas O. , Simard Louise R. , Krosschell Kristin J. , Acsadi Gyula , Schroth Mary K. , D'Anjou Guy , LaSalle Bernard , Prior Thomas W. , Sorenson Susan , Maczulski Jo Anne , Swoboda Kathryn J. ,   for the Project Cure Spinal Muscular Atrophy Investigators Network
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: An open‐label trial suggested that valproic acid (VPA) improved strength in adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We report a 12‐month, double‐blind, cross‐over study of VPA in ambulatory SMA adults. Methods: There were 33 subjects, aged 20–55 years, included in this investigation. After baseline assessment, subjects were randomized to receive VPA (10–20 mg/kg/day) or placebo. At 6 months, patients were switched to the other group. Assessments were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome was the 6‐month change in maximum voluntary isometric contraction testing with pulmonary, electrophysiological, and functional secondary outcomes. Results: Thirty subjects completed the study. VPA was well tolerated, and compliance was good. There was no change in primary or secondary outcomes at 6 or 12 months. Conclusions: VPA did not improve strength or function in SMA adults. The outcomes used are feasible and reliable and can be employed in future trials in SMA adults. Muscle Nerve 49: 187–192, 2014
Does vaccine dose predict response to the monovalent pandemic H1N1 influenza a vaccine in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia? A single‐centre study
Authors: Leahy T. Ronan , Smith Owen P. , Bacon Christopher L. , Storey Lorna , Lynam Paul , Gavin Patrick J. , Butler Karina M. , O'Marcaigh Aengus S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundVaccination against influenza is an important strategy in preventing severe infection among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Successful vaccination depends on both vaccine and host‐related factors. We conducted a study on factors predicting the immunogenicity of the monovalent pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza A vaccine in children with ALL.MethodsChildren with ALL in our hospital were recruited and received two doses of the inactivated split‐virion AS03‐adjuvanted vaccine. The serological response was measured before each vaccine dose (Day 0 and 28) and 3 months after the second dose. Antibody titres were measured using a hemagglutination–inhibition assay. Seroconversion was defined as a ≥fourfold increase in antibody titre and a post‐vaccination titre ≥1:40.ResultsPre and post‐vaccination titres were available from 45 children with ALL after one dose of the vaccine and 39 children after two doses. The seroconversion rate was 11.1% after one dose and 25.6% after the second dose. Univariate analysis demonstrated a significantly higher (P = 0.01) seroconversion rate among children who received the adult dose (0.5 ml) of the vaccine and a trend towards increased seroconversion (P = 0.07) by multivariate analysis. Factors including age, gender, lymphocyte count, treatment phase and regimen did not significantly affect the seroconversion rate. Children who received the adult dose demonstrated a significantly greater magnitude of serological response after both one dose (P = 0.04) and two doses (P = 0.001).ConclusionsThese data suggest that the immunogenicity of the pH1N1 vaccine among children with ALL is improved by repeated and adult doses of the vaccine. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:1656–1661. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do childhood cancer survivors with physical performance limitations reach healthy activity levels?
Authors: Rueegg Corina S. , Gianinazzi Micòl E. , Michel Gisela , von der Weid Nicolas X. , Bergstraesser Eva , Kuehni Claudia E. ,   for the Swiss Paediatric Oncology Group (SPOG)
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe extent to which physical performance limitations affect the ability of childhood cancer survivors to reach healthy activity levels is unknown. Therefore this study aims to describe the effect of different types of limitations on activity levels in survivors.ProcedureWithin the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study we sent a questionnaire to all survivors (≥16 years) registered in the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry, who survived >5 years and were diagnosed 1976–2005 aged <16 years. We measured healthy activity levels using international guidelines and assessed different kinds of performance limitations (visual impairment, weight and endurance problems, cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological problems, pain and fatigue syndromes).ResultsThe sample included 1,560 survivors (75% response rate), of whom 209 (13.5%) reported they have performance limitations. Forty‐two percent of survivors with limitations reached healthy activity levels, compared to 57% of survivors without limitations. Least active were survivors with vision impairments (25% active), weight and endurance problems (27.3%), cardiorespiratory problems (36.4%), and musculoskeletal problems (43.1%). After adjusting for socio‐demographic variables and type of cancer, we found that survivors with limitations were 1.4 (95%CI 1.0–2.0;P = 0.047) times more likely to be inactive.ConclusionsAlthough many survivors with physical performance limitations maintain healthy activity levels, there is room for improvement. Adapted and targeted physical activity counseling for survivors with performance limitations might help them to raise level of activity and pursue a healthy lifestyle. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:1714–1720. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cancer survivors with self‐reported late effects: their health status, care needs and service utilisation
Authors: Treanor Charlene , Santin Olinda , Mills Moyra , Donnelly Michael 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveCancer survivors (CSs) are at risk of developing late effects (LEs) associated with the disease and its treatment. This paper compares the health status, care needs and use of health services by CSs with LEs and CSs without LEs.MethodsCancer survivors (n = 613) were identified via the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry and invited to participate in a postal survey that was administered by their general practitioner. The survey assessed self‐reported LEs, health status, health service use and unmet care needs. A total of 289 (47%) CSs responded to the survey, and 93% of respondents completed a LEs scale.ResultsForty‐one per cent (111/269) of CSs reported LEs. Survivors without LEs and survivors with LEs were comparable in terms of age and gender. The LEs group reported a significantly greater number of co‐morbidities, lower physical health and mental health scores, greater overall health service use and more unmet needs. Unadjusted logistic regression analysis found that cancer site, time since diagnosis and treatment were significantly associated with reporting of LEs. CSs who received combination therapies compared with CSs who received single treatments were over two and a half times more likely to report LEs (OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.32–5.25) after controlling for all other variables.ConclusionsThe CS population with LEs comprises a particularly vulnerable group of survivors who have multiple health care problems and needs and who require tailored care plans that take account of LEs and their impact on health‐related quality of life. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural representative of the protein family PF14466 has a new fold and establishes links with the C2 and PLAT domains from the widely distant Pfams PF00168 and PF01477
Authors: Serrano Pedro , Geralt Michael , Mohanty Biswaranjan , Wüthrich Kurt 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe domain of unknown function (DUF) YP_001302112.1, a protein secreted by the human intestinal microbita, has been determined by NMR and represents the first structure for the Pfam PF14466. Its NMR structure is classified as a new fold, which, nonetheless, shows limited similarities with representatives of the PLAT/LH2 domains from PF01477 and the C2 domains from PF00168, both of which bind Ca2+ for their physiological functions. Further experiments revealed affinity of YP_001302112.1 for Ca2+, and the NMR structure in the presence of CaCl2 was better defined than that of the apo‐protein. Overall, these NMR structures establish a new connection between structural representatives from two widely different Pfams that include the calcium‐binding domain of a sialidase from Vibrio cholerae and the α‐toxin from Clostridium perfrigens, whereby these two proteins have only 7% sequence identity. Furthermore, it provides information toward the functional annotation of YP_001302112.1, based on its capacity to bind Ca2+, and thus adds to the structural and functional coverage of the protein sequence universe. © 2013 The Protein Society
Comparison of the surface properties of DLC and ultrananocrystalline diamond films with respect to their bio‐applications
Authors: Jelinek Miroslav , Voss Alexandra , Kocourek Tomáš , Mozafari Mahsa , Vymětalová Veronika , Zezulová Marketa , Písařík Petr , Kotzianová Adéla , Popov Cyril , Mikšovský Jan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractTwo types of carbon‐based films, namely diamond‐like carbon (DLC) and ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films were comparatively investigated. The DLC films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) without or with additional ion bombardment, the UNCD films by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The films were characterized with respect to their topography and morphology (AFM, SEM) and bonding structure, e.g. fractions of sp3 and sp2 carbon atoms (XPS, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy). Finally, the wettability and the surface energies of both types of films were investigated with contact angle measurements as well as the antibacterial properties with two types of bacteria.
An empirical study of faults in late propagation clone genealogies
Authors: Barbour Liliane , Khomh Foutse , Zou Ying 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYTwo similar code segments, or clones, form a clone pair within a software system. The changes to the clones over time create a clone evolution history. In this work, we study late propagation, a specific pattern of clone evolution. In late propagation, one clone in a clone pair is modified, causing the clone pair to diverge. The code segments are then reconciled in a later commit. Existing work has established late propagation as a clone evolution pattern and suggested that the pattern is related to a high number of faults. In this study, we examine the characteristics of late propagation in three long‐lived software systems using the Simian ( Simon Harris, Victoria, Australia, http://www.harukizaemon.com/simian), CCFinder, and NiCad (Software Technology Laboratory, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada) clone detection tools. We define eight types of late propagation and compare them to other forms of clone evolution. Our results not only verify that late propagation is more harmful to software systems but also establish that some specific types of late propagations are more harmful than others. Specifically, two types are most risky: (1) when a clone experiences diverging changes and then a reconciling change without any modification to the other clone in a clone pair; and (2) when two clones undergo a diverging modification followed by a reconciling change that modifies both the clones in a clone pair. We also observe that the reconciliation in the former case is more prone to faults than in the latter case. We determine that the size of the clones experiencing late propagation has an effect on the fault proneness of specific types of late propagation genealogies. Lastly, we cannot report a correlation between the delay of the propagation of changes and its faults, as the fault proneness of each delay period is system dependent. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation of software maintenance process, with and without a work‐in‐process limit
Authors: Concas Giulio , Lunesu Maria Ilaria , Marchesi Michele , Zhang Hongyu 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYA software maintenance process is important for reducing maintenance effort and for improving software quality. In recent years, the Lean–Kanban approach has been widely applied in software practice including software maintenance. This approach minimizes Work‐in‐Progress (WIP), which is the number of items that are worked on by the team at any given time, thus improving the maintenance process. In this paper, we describe our simulation studies, which show that the Lean–Kanban approach can indeed help reduce the average time needed to complete maintenance requests. We develop a process simulator that can simulate both existing maintenance processes that do not use a WIP limit and that adopt it. We perform two case studies using real maintenance data collected from a Microsoft project and from a Chinese software firm. The main results of our study are twofold. First, we demonstrate that it is possible to effectively model and simulate, using actors and events, a maintenance process where a flow of issues is processed through a sequence of activities, correctly reproducing key statistics of real data. Second, our results confirm that the WIP‐limited process could be useful to increase the efficiency of software maintenance, as reported in previous industrial practices. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Na2O and K2O on the Partition Ratio of Phosphorus between CaO–SiO2–FetO–P2O5 Slag and Carbon‐Saturated Iron
Authors: Li Guangqiang , Zhu Chengyi , Li Yongjun , Huang Xiongyuan , Chen Min 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn the present study, the experiments for the phosphorus equilibrium partition between CaO–SiO2–FetO–P2O5 slags with Na2O or K2O addition and solid pure iron foil were performed at 1573, 1623, and 1673 K, respectively. The experimental results showed that both Na2O and K2O addition can enhance the dephosphorization ability of CaO–SiO2–FetO–P2O5 based slags and they have similar dephosphorization ability under the same temperature and main slag composition. The phosphorous partition ratio between slag and carbon‐saturated hot metal increased with the increase of basicity with a peak value in the range of R around 1.3–1.5. The phosphorous partition ratio decreased with the increasing of (w(CaO) + w(Na2O))/w(FetO) value in slags. The dephosphorization ability of CaO–SiO2–FetO–P2O5 based slags was relatively higher when the (w(CaO) + w(Na2O))/w(FetO) values fell in the range of 0.5–0.8. The phosphorous partition ratio decreased with the temperature increase. The linear relationships between the logarithm phosphorous partition ratio and the reciprocal of temperature were obtained for CaO–SiO2–FetO–P2O5 based slags with Na2O. The information provides by present study would be useful for optimization of dephosphorization in hot metal pretreatment.
Mechanism of Dry Molten Slag Granulation Using a Rotating Multi‐Nozzle Cup Atomizer
Authors: Yuelin Qin , Xuewei Lv , Chenguang Bai , Pan Chen , Guibao Qiu , Jie Zhang 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAs the main by‐product in the iron‐making process, blast furnace slag (BF slag) contains a high amount of sensible heat which is a potential heat source with great value if treated properly. Although several technologies have been investigated during recent decades, few of them can be commercialized successfully.In the previous study, we developed a rotating multi‐nozzle cup atomizer (RMCA) for granulating the molten slag. The particle size distribution of the produced slag particle is narrow, the shape is spherical, and the degree of non‐crystallization is over 95%. In the current study, the models of the disintegration mechanism, the traveling trajectories and the temperature profile of the slag droplet are established. The particle size is analyzed theoretically and then compared with experimental results. It is found that the predicted results agreed with the experimental results very well. The models can provide guidance for designing commercialized atomizer and optimizing the operation parameters.
Mapping and significance of the mRNA methylome
Authors: Sibbritt Tennille , Patel Hardip R. , Preiss Thomas 
Published: May 2013

Internal methylation of eukaryotic mRNAs in the form of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) and 5‐methylcytidine (m5C) has long been known to exist, but progress in understanding its role was hampered by difficulties in identifying individual sites. This was recently overcome by high‐throughput sequencing‐based methods that mapped thousands of sites for both modifications throughout mammalian transcriptomes, with most sites found in mRNAs. The topology of m6A in mouse and human revealed both conserved and variable sites as well as plasticity in response to extracellular cues. Within mRNAs, m5C and m6A sites were relatively depleted in coding sequences and enriched in untranslated regions, suggesting functional interactions with post‐transcriptional gene control. Finer distribution analyses and preexisting literature point toward roles in the regulation of mRNA splicing, translation, or decay, through an interplay with RNA‐binding proteins and microRNAs. The methyltransferase (MTase) METTL3 ‘writes’ m6A marks on mRNA, whereas the demethylase FTO can ‘erase’ them. The RNA:m5C MTases NSUN2 and TRDMT1 have roles in tRNA methylation but they also act on mRNA. Proper functioning of these enzymes is important in development and there are clear links to human disease. For instance, a common variant of FTO is a risk allele for obesity carried by 1 billion people worldwide and mutations cause a lethal syndrome with growth retardation and brain deficits. NSUN2 is linked to cancer and stem cell biology and mutations cause intellectual disability. In this review, we summarize the advances, open questions, and intriguing possibilities in this emerging field that might be called RNA modomics or epitranscriptomics. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:437–461. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1166This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Surface plasmon-enhanced Ag/CuS nanocomposites for cancer treatment
Authors: Yang Chang , Ma Lun , Zou Xiaoju , Xiang Guangya , Chen Wei 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Photothermal therapy (PTT) for cancer treatment is the use of heat between 41 and 45 °C to damage cancer cells. As a new type of transducer agent for PTT of cancer, CuS nanoparticles have several advantages. The most favorable features are the low cost, simple, and easy preparation and small size for targeting. However, the CuS nanoparticle PTT efficacy needs to be improved for practical applications. In this study, the CuS nano-PTT efficiency is enhanced via the local field enhancement from Ag nanoparticle surface plasmon coupling. The results show that absorbance of CuS nanoparticles in Ag/CuS nanocomposites is enhanced about four times by Ag nanoparticle surface plasmon coupling. Consequently, the PTT efficacy is enhanced and a power of 0.6 W/cm2 with a 980-nm laser is sufficient for Ag/CuS nano-PTT activation for cancer treatment in vitro observations.
Unheralded failure of Riata defibrillator lead identified at defibrillation threshold testing
Authors: Webber Matthew R. , Allen Rosemary F. , Stiles Martin K. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundSt Jude Medical “Riata” implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator leads have a higher‐than‐expected failure rate and carry a Class 1 recall. Failure usually relates to an insulation breach that may not be identified by lead fluoroscopic or electrical changes.Case presentationWe report a case of Riata lead failure identified by the aborted delivery of effective therapy for ventricular fibrillation at the time of defibrillation threshold testing. Lead fluoroscopic appearances were normal. Shock impedance on attempted shock delivery was unrecordably low, and all other electrical parameters were within normal limits.ConclusionRiata lead failure may be unrecognised until there is failure to deliver necessary therapy. Strong consideration ought to be given to lead examination under high‐voltage shock delivery through the device.