bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The population impact of smoke‐free workplace and hospitality industry legislation on smoking behaviour. Findings from a national population survey
Authors: Nagelhout Gera E. , Willemsen Marc C. , de Vries Hein 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTAims  To study the impact of implementing smoke‐free workplace and hospitality industry legislation on smoking behaviour.Design, setting and participants  A cross‐sectional population survey from 2001 to 2008 (n ≈ 18 000 per year) was used to assess trends and seasonal patterns in smoking and quitting, and to examine whether changes could be observed after the workplace smoking ban in the Netherlands in 2004 and the hospitality industry ban in 2008.Measurements  Outcome measures were smoking prevalence, quit attempts and successful quit attempts. Interactions with educational level (socio‐economic status) and bar visiting (exposure to the hospitality industry ban) were tested.Findings  The workplace ban was followed by a decrease in smoking prevalence (OR = 0.91, P < 0.001), but the hospitality industry ban was not (OR = 0.96, P = 0.127). Both bans, especially the workplace ban, were followed by an increase in quit attempts and successful quit attempts: workplace ban, OR = 1.31, P < 0.001; OR = 1.49, P < 0.001; hospitality industry ban, OR = 1.13, P = 0.013; OR = 1.44, P < 0.001. The workplace ban had a larger effect on successful quitting among higher‐educated (OR = 0.35, P < 0.001) than on lower‐educated respondents (OR = 0.74, P = 0.052). The hospitality industry ban had a larger effect on quit attempts among frequent bar visitors (OR = 1.48, P = 0.003) than on non‐bar visitors (OR = 0.71, P = 0.014).Conclusions  A workplace smoking ban in the Netherlands was followed by more changes in smoking and quitting than a hospitality industry ban. The hospitality industry ban only appeared to have an impact on quit attempts, and not on smoking prevalence.
Development of a core drug list towards improving prescribing education and reducing errors in the UK
Authors: Baker Emma , Pryce Roberts Adele , Wilde Kirsty , Walton Hannah , Suri Sati , Rull Gurvinder , Webb Andrew 
Published: October 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • 8.9% medication orders written by doctors contain prescribing errors, which are made by all grades of doctor from foundation year 1 to consultant.• Recommendations to improve prescribing safety include continuing education from medical school to retirement, as well as improvement of NHS systems.• Priority areas for education in prescribing with potential to have impact on prescribing errors have not previously been identified. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • This study has identified 100 drugs most commonly prescribed in primary and secondary care and shown that these drugs are those most frequently associated with prescribing errors.• This core drug list has potential to direct prescribing training for both undergraduate and postgraduate prescribers as part of a national strategy to reduce prescribing errors.AIM To develop a core list of 100 commonly prescribed drugs to support prescribing education.METHODS A retrospective analysis of prescribing data from primary care in England (2006 and 2008) and from two London Teaching Hospitals (2007 and 2009) was performed. A survey of prescribing by foundation year 1 (FY1) doctors in 39 NHS Trusts across London was carried out.RESULTS A core list of 100 commonly prescribed drugs comprising ≥0.1% prescriptions in primary and/or secondary care was developed in 2006/7. The core list remained stable over 2 years. FY1 doctors prescribed 65% drugs on the list at least monthly. Seventy‐six% of FY1 doctors did not regularly prescribe any drugs not on the core list. There was a strong correlation between prescribing frequency (prescriptions for each drug class expressed as percentage of all prescriptions written) and error rate described in the EQUIP study (errors made when prescribing each drug class expressed as a percentage of all errors made), n= 39, r= 0.861, P= 0.000.CONCLUSIONS Our core drug list identifies drugs that are commonly used and associated with error and is stable over at least 2 years. This list can now be used to develop learning resources and training programmes to improve prescribing of drugs in regular use. Complementary skills required for prescribing less familiar drugs must be developed in parallel. Ongoing research is required to monitor the effect of new training initiatives on prescribing error and patient safety.
Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid‐warfarin drug interaction: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Qian , Simoneau Guy , Verstuyft Celine , Drouet Ludovic , Bal dit Sollier Claire , Alvarez Jean‐Claude , Rizzo‐Padoin Nathalie , Bergmann Jean Francois , Becquemont Laurent , Mouly Stéphane 
Published: October 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Increased INR was previously observed in patients treated with warfarin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (amoxiclav) combination. To date, no prospective study has yet evaluated the effect of amoxiclav on INR in patients on warfarin therapy and consequently, there are no clear‐cut conclusions or clear recommendations for clinicians. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS • We provided the first systematic prospective evaluation of the interaction between amoxiclav and warfarin and found that amoxiclav did not modify INR in patients treated with stable warfarin therapy in the absence of any infectious or inflammatory syndrome, suggesting that the previously observed INR increase in these patients may not be attributable to a drug–drug interaction.AIMS To investigate whether an interaction exists between amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (amoxiclav) and warfarin in patients treated with stable oral anticoagulant therapy.METHODS In a double‐blind, cross‐over, placebo‐controlled study, 12 patients on stable warfarin therapy, received a 7 day amoxiclav regimen or placebo.RESULTS The mean maximum increase in INR observed was 0.22 ± 0.3 with amoxiclav vs. 0.24 ± 0.6 with placebo (P= 0.94). The day 7–day 1 factor II, R(–) and S(–) warfarin plasma concentrations were similar during the amoxiclav and placebo study periods (P= 0.81, P= 0.45, P= 0.75, respectively).CONCLUSION Amoxiclav did not modify anticoagulation in patients treated with stable warfarin therapy and without infection.
Review of negative and low‐grade cervical smears in women with invasive cervical cancer after the first 3 years of the national cervical screening programme in Slovenia
Authors: Repše‐Fokter A. , Pogačnik A. , Snoj V. , Primic‐Žakelj M. , Fležar M. S. 
Published: October 2010

A. Repše‐Fokter, A. Pogačnik, V. Snoj, M. Primic‐Žakelj and M. S. Fležar  Review of negative and low‐grade cervical smears in women with invasive cervical cancer after the first 3 years of the national cervical screening programme in SloveniaObjective:  The purpose of the study was to perform a national review of negative, low‐grade and inadequate smears reported during the latest screening period before cervical cancer diagnosis in 2006, after the first 3 years of the screening programme.Methods:  Among 162 new cervical cancer cases there were 47 (29%) without previous cytology, 47 (29%) with one high‐grade smear prior to diagnosis and 68 (42.0%) with at least one previous negative, low‐grade, atypical or inadequate smear 1–40 months before diagnosis. Of the latter 68 cases, 37 patients with 59 smears (together with 118 control slides) were included in the review as 31 had smears reported at laboratories no longer operating. Findings were related to the last cytology report before diagnosis as well as to histological type and stage of the cancer.Results:  In our study group, 19 (51%) of 37 patients had squamous cell carcinoma, 15 (41%) adenocarcinoma and 3 (8%) adenosquamous carcinoma, compared with 121 (75%), 26 (16%), 12 (7%), respectively, and 3 (2%) other types, for all carcinomas. Twenty‐one of 37 women also had high‐grade cytology prior to diagnosis of cancer. Women with previous cytology (with or without recent high‐grade smears) were more likely to have stage I cancers than those without cytology (P < 0.0001). The expert group upgraded 17/33 smears in the patients with squamous carcinomas, which was more than in those with adeno‐ and adenosquamous carcinomas (5/24, P < 0.05).Conclusion:  As expected, a higher proportion of smears preceding adenocarcinomas were true negative. Under‐diagnosed smears were not related to cancer stage or last cytology report before diagnosis.
Single live‐bacterial cell assay of promoter activity and regulation
Authors: Teramoto Jun , Yamanishi Yoko , Magdy El‐Shimy H. , Hasegawa Akiko , Kori Ayako , Nakajima Masahiro , Arai Fumihito , Fukuda Toshio , Ishihama Akira 
Published: October 2010

Laboratory cultures of a single species of bacteria harboring the same genetic background include heterogeneous cell populations, each differing in apparent morphology and physiology, as found in natural environments. To get insights into difference in the genome expression between individual cells, we constructed various types of the cell chip for monitoring the growth and fate of individual bacterial cells. Immobilization of portions of Escherichia coli culture within these cell chips was established after raising the local temperature in the presence of poly‐(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm). The newly developed cell‐chip system allows the investigation of activity and regulation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐fused promoter in single live‐bacterial cells for prolonged time under controlled culture conditions. Using this single‐cell observation system, we succeeded, for the first time, the real‐time single‐cell assay of promoter activity of the E. coli gcl gene encoding glyoxylate carboligase as a model system, and the kinetics of gcl induction by an effector glyoxylate. Marked heterogeneity was found in the expression level of the gcl promoter. The heterogeneity in gcl promoter activity was, however, confirmed by Flow cytometry of suspension cultures. Our success provides an experimental system for the increased demand of single‐cell biology in bacterial studies.
In vitro alterations in dental enamel exposed to acidic medicines
Authors: Valinoti Ana Carolina , da Silva Pierro Viviane Santos , da Silva Eduardo Moreira , Maia Lucianne Cople 
Published: October 2010

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of acidic medicines (Klaricid®, Claritin®, and Dimetapp®) on surface enamel in vitro.MethodsEnamel blocks (n = 104) were randomly distributed into two groups: G1 (pH‐cycling simulating physiological oral conditions) and G2 (erosive conditions). Each group was divided into four subgroups, three to be immersed in the medicines and the control in deionized water. Specimen surfaces were evaluated for roughness and hardness at baseline and again after the in vitro experimental phase, which included 30 min immersions in the medicines twice daily for 12 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also performed after the in vitro experimental phase.ResultsAll medicines produced a significant reduction in hardness in G1 after 12 days (P < 0.05). The three medicines promoted greater roughness after both pH‐regimens – G1 and G2 (P < 0.01), except for Claritin in G1. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed erosive patterns in all subgroups. Dimetapp® showed the most erosion and Klaricid® the least, in both groups.ConclusionDimetapp® (lowest pH and viscosity) and deionized water (control) showed the most pronounced erosive patterns. Klaricid® (highest pH and viscosity) presented an in vitro protective effect against acid attacks perhaps due to its mineral content and viscosity.
Long‐distance seed and pollen dispersal inferred from spatial genetic structure in the very low–density rainforest tree,Baillonella toxispermaPierre, in Central Africa
Authors: NDIADE‐BOUROBOU D. , HARDY O. J. , FAVREAU B. , MOUSSAVOU H. , NZENGUE E. , MIGNOT A. , BOUVET J.‐M. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractWe analysed the spatial distribution of genetic diversity to infer gene flow forBaillonella toxispermaPierre (Moabi), a threatened entomophilous pollinated and animal‐dispersed Central African tree, with typically low density (5–7 adults trees/km2). Fifteen nuclear and three universal chloroplast microsatellites markers were used to type 247 individuals localized in three contiguous areas with differing past logging intensity. These three areas were within a natural forest block of approximately 2886 km2in Gabon. Expected heterozygosity and chloroplast diversity were Henuc = 0.570 andHcp = 0.761, respectively.FISwas only significant in one area (FIS = 0.076,P < 0.01) and could be attributed to selfing. For nuclear loci, Bayesian clustering did not detect discrete gene pools within and between the three areas and global differentiation (FSTnuc = 0.007,P > 0.05) was not significant, suggesting that they are one population. At the level of the whole forest, both nuclear and chloroplast markers revealed a weak correlation between genetic relatedness and spatial distance between individuals: Spnuc = 0.003 and Spcp = 0.015, respectively. The extent of gene flow (σ) was partitioned into global gene flow (σg) from 6.6 to 9.9 km, seed dispersal (σs) from 4.0 to 6.3 km and pollen dispersal (σp) from 9.8 to 10.8 km. These uncommonly high dispersal distances indicate that low‐density canopy trees in African rainforests could be connected by extensive gene flow, although, given the current threats facing many seed disperser species in Central Africa, this may no longer be the case.
Monophyletic origin of multiple clonal lineages in an asexual fish (Poecilia formosa)
Authors: STÖCK MATTHIAS , LAMPERT KATHRIN P. , MÖLLER DIRK , SCHLUPP INGO , SCHARTL MANFRED 
Published: October 2010

AbstractDespite the advantage of avoiding the costs of sexual reproduction, asexual vertebrates are very rare and often considered evolutionarily disadvantaged when compared to sexual species. Asexual species, however, may have advantages when colonizing (new) habitats or competing with sexual counterparts. They are also evolutionary older than expected, leaving the question whether asexual vertebrates are not only rare because of their ‘inferior’ mode of reproduction but also because of other reasons. A paradigmatic model system is the unisexual Amazon molly, Poecilia formosa, that arose by hybridization of the Atlantic molly, Poecilia mexicana, as the maternal ancestor, and the sailfin molly, Poecilia latipinna, as the paternal ancestor. Our extensive crossing experiments failed to resynthesize asexually reproducing (gynogenetic) hybrids confirming results of previous studies. However, by producing diploid eggs, female F1‐hybrids showed apparent preadaptation to gynogenesis. In a range‐wide analysis of mitochondrial sequences, we examined the origin of P. formosa. Our analyses point to very few or even a single origin(s) of its lineage, which is estimated to be approximately 120 000 years old. A monophyletic origin was supported from nuclear microsatellite data. Furthermore, a considerable degree of genetic variation, apparent by high levels of clonal microsatellite diversity, was found. Our molecular phylogenetic evidence and the failure to resynthesize the gynogenetic P. formosa together with the old age of the species indicate that some unisexual vertebrates might be rare not because they suffer the long‐term consequences of clonal reproduction but because they are only very rarely formed as a result of complex genetic preconditions necessary to produce viable and fertile clonal genomes and phenotypes (‘rare formation hypothesis’).
Production of Interleukin‐13 is Influenced by the Interleukin‐4 −34TT and −590TT Genotype in Patients with Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Gonzales J. R. , Gröger S. , Haley G. , Bödeker R.‐H. , Meyle J. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAggressive periodontitis (AgP) is a specific form of periodontal disease, with rapid destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth in otherwise young healthy individuals. We recently showed a higher frequency of the interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) −34TT and −590TT genotype in AgP patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). Herein, we demonstrated that this specific IL‐4 genotype exerts its function by increasing expression of IL‐4 and STAT6, and producing higher concentrations of IL‐4 in activated CD4+ cells of patients with AgP. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the IL‐4‐specific genotype on IL‐13, IL‐2 and IFN‐γ expression and production in activated CD4+ cells of patients with AgP and healthy controls. Results revealed higher IFN‐γ and IL‐2 expression and significantly increased IL‐13 production in the cells of the patients who were homozygous for the −34T and −590T alleles in comparison with the patients who were homozygous for the −34C and −590C alleles (P < 0.05). Results of controls with the −34C and −590C alleles were similar to those of AgP with the same genotype. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to show an effect of the −34TT and −590TT genotype on IL‐13 production. There is an increased production of IL‐13 by the T cells of aggressive periodontitis patients with the IL‐4 genotype.
A calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate two‐compound scalp formulation in the treatment of scalp psoriasis in Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American patients: results of the randomized, 8‐week, double‐blind phase of a clinical trial
Authors: Tyring Stephen , Mendoza Natalia , Appell Melanie , Bibby Adrian , Foster Richard , Hamilton Tiffani , Lee Mark 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate two‐compound scalp formulation has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of scalp psoriasis over 8 weeks, but the patients studied were mainly White and non‐Hispanic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the two‐compound scalp formulation in the treatment of scalp psoriasis in Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American patients. A total of 99 Hispanic/Latino and 78 Black/African American patients were randomized double‐blind in a 3 : 1 ratio to 8 weeks of once daily treatment of scalp psoriasis with either the two‐compound scalp formulation (n = 135) or its vehicle (n = 42). In the two‐compound group, 71.9% of patients had cleared or minimal disease at week 8 by the investigator’s global assessment compared to 40.5% in the vehicle group (odds ratio 3.30; 95% CI 1.62–6.72; P < 0.001). For the five secondary efficacy response criteria, three (total sign score, thickness of scalp psoriasis, patient’s global assessment) showed that two‐compound scalp formulation was statistically significantly more effective than its vehicle, and the other two (redness and scaliness of scalp psoriasis) approached statistical significance in favor of the two‐compound scalp formulation. There was no statistically significant difference (P = 1.00) between the percentage of patients with adverse reactions in the two‐compound group (7.0%) and the vehicle group (7.9%). The two‐compound scalp formulation is safe and effective in the treatment of scalp psoriasis over 8 weeks in Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American patients.
Accepting a donor kidney: an evaluation of patients’ and transplant surgeons’ priorities
Authors: Solomon Daniel A. , Rabidou Nicole , Kulkarni Sanjay , Formica Richard , Fraenkel Liana 
Published: October 2010

Solomon DA, Rabidou N, Kulkarni S, Formica R, Fraenkel L. Accepting a donor kidney: an evaluation of patients’ and transplant surgeons’ priorities. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 786–793. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: Background:  Despite a trend toward patient autonomy in clinical practice, the decision whether or not to accept a kidney for transplantation is made predominantly by the transplant surgeon. The purpose of this study is to examine how patients and surgeons prioritize relevant factors when deciding to accept or decline an available kidney.Methods:  We elicited patient and surgeon rankings for a list of factors involved in the decision using a validated computer survey. We computed the relative importance of each factor and examined associations between patient characteristics and priorities using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and the Mann–Whitney U‐test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively.Results:  Patients placed the greatest value on kidney quality and predictors of transplant outcome. Patients who were on the waiting list longer gave less importance to kidney quality and function. Surgeons placed the greatest value on kidney quality, difficulty for the patient to be matched to a kidney, and the age of the donor.Conclusion:  The results of this study suggest that decision support tools can be used to improve the understanding of patient priorities in the decision to accept a donor kidney.
Macrophage activation is associated with poorer long‐term outcomes in renal transplant patients
Authors: Grebe Scott O. , Kuhlmann Uwe , Fogl Dominik , Luyckx Valerie A. , Mueller Thomas F. 
Published: October 2010

Grebe SO, Kuhlmann U, Fogl D, Luyckx VA, Mueller TF. Macrophage activation is associated with poorer long‐term outcomes in renal transplant patients. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 744–754. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Long‐term graft and patient survival after renal transplantation are largely determined by progression of chronic allograft dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Inflammation plays a crucial role in both disease processes.We prospectively analyzed the association of early peri‐transplant inflammatory burden on long‐term outcomes in 144 consecutive deceased donor renal allograft recipients. Single time point and cumulative levels of markers of acute phase response (serum amyloid A [SAA] and C‐reactive protein [SCRP]) and macrophage activation (serum and urine neopterin) were measured daily during the immediate post‐operative period.Mean patient follow‐up was 16 yr. Graft and patient survival rates at one‐, five‐, and 10‐yr were 90%, 70%, and 51%, and 97%, 77%, and 59%, respectively. Graft loss occurred in 90 patients, of whom 71 died with a functioning graft and 19 returned to dialysis. CRP, SAA and neopterin (NEOP) levels were all elevated post‐operatively. High levels of NEOP, in contrast to SAA or SCRP, were associated with poorer graft and patient survival (p < 0.05), specifically with death from cardiovascular events and cytomegalovirus IgG positivity.These findings strongly suggest that early post‐transplant macrophage activation, as reflected by NEOP levels, is associated with poorer long‐term graft and patient survival.