bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterising the use of varenicline: an analysis of the Australian dispensing claims data
Authors: Gobarani Rukshar K. , Ilomäki Jenni , Wood Stephen , Abramson Michael J. , Bonevski Billie , George Johnson 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackground and aimsIn Australia, patterns of use of smoking cessation medications and factors associated with their dispensing are currently not known. This study aimed to measure the demographic and clinical factors associated with varenicline dispensing compared with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and bupropion among first‐time users of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidised smoking cessation medicines in Australia and to characterise those who discontinued varenicline treatment prematurely.DesignRetrospective, population‐based study. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with varenicline dispensing compared with NRT and bupropion. Sensitivity analyses estimated the proportion of individuals who completed the recommended 12 weeks of varenicline treatment.Setting and participantsFirst‐time users of PBS subsidised smoking cessation medicines in Australia. Individuals first dispensed a smoking cessation medicine between 2011 and 2019 were identified from a 10% random sample of the national dispensing claims data.MeasurementsThe outcome for the regression analysis was the dispensing of varenicline compared with NRT and bupropion. The dispensing of a smoking cessation medicine was identified using the World Health Organization Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System and PBS item codes. Independent variables included demographic and clinical characteristics such as sex, age, concessional status, year of treatment initiation and comorbidities identified using the Rx‐Risk index. The proportion of people who discontinued varenicline treatment after the initiation pack was determined using prescription refill data.FindingsA total of 94 532 people had their first PBS subsidised smoking cessation medicine. Of these, 62 367 (66.0%) were dispensed varenicline, 29 949 (31.7%) NRT and 2216 (2.3%) bupropion. The odds of varenicline dispensing were higher in males (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.14–1.21), but lower in older adults (0.86 [0.82–0.90] in above 30 years to 0.49 [0.47–0.52] in 61 years and above), among concession beneficiaries (0.44; 0.43–0.46), and those with congestive heart failure (0.60; 0.53–0.68), depression (0.61; 0.54–0.69), anxiety (0.70; 0.66–0.73), psychotic illness (0.39; 0.37–0.42), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (0.87; 0.82–0.92). The majority (37 670; 60.4%) of those dispensed varenicline discontinued treatment after the initiation pack. Anxiety and psychotic illnesses were significantly more prevalent in those who discontinued treatment. Only 2804 (4.5%) of those dispensed varenicline completed 12 weeks of treatment.ConclusionIndividuals dispensed varenicline in Australia appear to be healthier compared with those who are dispensed nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion.
Validating transdermal alcohol biosensors: a meta‐analysis of associations between blood/breath‐based measures and transdermal alcohol sensor output
Authors: Yu Jiachen , Fairbairn Catharine E. , Gurrieri Laura , Caumiant Eddie P. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackground and aimsTransdermal alcohol sensors carry immense promise for the continuous assessment of drinking but are inconsistent in detecting more fine‐grained indicators of alcohol consumption. Prior studies examining associations between transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC) and blood/breath alcohol concentration (BAC) have yielded highly variable correlations and lag times. The current review aimed to synthesize transdermal validation studies, aggregating results from more than three decades of research to characterize the validity of transdermal sensors for assessing alcohol consumption.MethodsDatabases were searched for studies listed prior to 1 March 2022 that examined associations between transdermal alcohol sensor output and blood and breath‐based alcohol measures, resulting in 31 primarily laboratory‐derived participant samples (27 precise effect sizes) including both healthy and clinical populations. Correlation coefficients and lag times were pooled using three‐level random‐effects meta‐regression. Independent raters coded study characteristics, including the body position of transdermal sensors (ankle‐ versus arm/hand/wrist‐worn device) and methodological bias (e.g. missing data).ResultsAnalyses revealed that, in this primarily laboratory‐derived sample of studies, the average correlation between TAC and BAC was large in magnitude [r = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.80, 0.93], and TAC lagged behind BAC by an average of 95.90 minutes (95% CI = 55.50, 136.29). Device body position significantly moderated both TAC–BAC correlation (b = 0.11, P = 0.009) and lag time (b = −69.41, P < 0.001). Lag times for ankle‐worn devices were approximately double those for arm/hand/wrist‐worn devices, and TAC–BAC correlations also tended to be stronger for arm/hand/wrist‐worn sensors.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis indicates that transdermal alcohol sensors perform strongly in assessing blood/breath alcohol concentration under controlled conditions, with particular promise for the newer generation of wrist‐worn devices.
Surface roughness and cyclic fatigue resistance of reciprocating and novel rotary instruments after use in curved root canals
Authors: Merima Balić , Ivona Bago , Dubravka Milovanović , Gianluca Plotino , Ivica Anić 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study evaluated surface wear and resistance to fracture of reciprocating and novel rotary instruments after use in curved canals. Twenty new instruments (n = 5/each group): Reciproc Blue, WaveOne Gold, XP‐endo Shaper (XPS) and TruNatomy were used twice for the instrumentation of simulated curved canals in plastic blocks. The instrumentation was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions at body temperature. Surface roughness was evaluated, using a profilometer, before instrumentation and twice after the instrumentation. Instruments were, then, subjected to a cyclic fatigue test to evaluate the time to failure. Differences were assessed using ANOVA and post hoc tests (α = 0.05). The XPS instruments showed significantly higher values of roughness compared with TruNatomy at every stage, especially after the second use (p < 0.008). Reciprocating instruments showed superior cyclic fatigue resistance compared with novel rotary instruments (p < 0.05). TruNatomy showed minimal surface roughness, and XPS exhibited significantly higher surface roughness.
Real‐time image‐guided indocyanine green fluorescence dual‐visualization technique to measure the intraoperative resection margin during thoracoscopic segmentectomy
Authors: Sun Yungang , Zhang Qiang , Wang Zhao , Shao Feng 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimsThe primary goal of thoracoscopic segmentectomy is the complete resection of early pulmonary carcinoma while sparing as much of the normal pulmonary parenchyma as possible, but an obvious trade‐off exists between the pulmonary parenchymal preservation and an adequate resection margin. In this clinical trial, we explored a real‐time image‐guided indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence dual‐visualization technique to confirm the resection margin by improving the intraoperative localization of the pulmonary nodule and identification of the intersegmental boundary line (IBL).MethodsThis study was utilized in 35 patients with a screening‐detected lung nodule <2 cm to complete thoracoscopic segmentectomy from December 2020 to June 2021. Computed tomography‐guided localization of the pulmonary nodule with ICG solution was performed on the day of surgery. During the surgery, after dissecting the targeted pulmonary segmental arteries, ICG at 5 mg/body was injected into the systemic vein.ResultsWe observed no toxicity. The dual‐visualization technique was successfully implemented in all 35 patients to achieve a negative resection margin, which was more than 2 (mean 2.71 ± 0.59) cm, or the size of the tumor based on the final pathological examinations. No intraoperative complications occurred and only one patient had postoperative prolonged air leaks, which was ceased 8 days later after conservative management without reoperation.ConclusionsThis method is a safe and feasible alternative to ensure a negative resection margin without removing an unreasonable amount of pulmonary parenchyma during pulmonary segmentectomy. Future studies will be needed to compare this method to alternative techniques in a clinical trial.
Effects of age and sex on site fidelity, movement ranges and home ranges of white and black rhinoceros translocated to the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Authors: Pfannerstill Vera , Signer Johannes , Fitt Michael , Burger Kyle , Balkenhol Niko , Bennitt Emily 
Published: May 2022

AbstractEvaluating translocation success is essential for wildlife management and conservation; short‐term success can be evaluated by analysing settlement behaviour after release. We analysed GPS collar data from 47 white (Ceratotherimum simum simum, Burchell, 1817) and 25 black (Diceros bicornis minor, Drummond, 1876) rhinoceros translocated to the Okavango Delta in Botswana between 2014 and 2018. We tested for effects of age and sex on site fidelity and compared movement ranges after translocations between different release sites and between newly released and established individuals. White rhinoceros adults displayed higher site fidelity than subadults and males higher than females. Adults may therefore be better translocation candidates. Site fidelity of black rhinoceros did not differ between sexes or ages. Established rhinoceros movement ranges were smaller than those of newly released ones, pointing towards extended post‐translocation exploratory movements and later settlement in smaller home ranges. Movement ranges of white rhinoceros released on an island were significantly smaller than others, which shows together with annual home range sizes compared with the literature that reserve size and rhinoceros density affect home range size. All rhinoceros in this study survived for more than 1‐year post‐translocation, so these translocations can be deemed successful in the short term.
From Greta to the Great Reset: Making Emergencies Work
Authors: Witt Matthew T. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis article examines the continuity of incidents linking Greta Thunberg to an ongoing stream of political shifts. It first takes us back to 1992 to her preteen predecessor, Severn Suzuki, and then forward to the COVID‐19 period and its consequences. The connecting thread that runs from 1992 to the present is the use of rhetoric to inspire terror in the population. Terror is used to promote acceptance of censorship and authoritarian restrictions that ironically interfere with the capacity of democracies to solve the problems confronting the world, such as climate change and pandemics. Elite actors create anxiety and terror to retain legitimacy in their control of narratives that preserve their power. This article shows how the World Economic Forum is transforming the acerbic language of Greta Thunberg into the basis for what is called the Great Reset, a set of policies that will enable the state and select businesses and NGOs to monitor and track the population and eliminate dissent. In short, when children are put in the world spotlight with a message, those who shine the light are the ones preventing real progress in solving problems.
Sustainable Marketing Strategies as an Essential Tool of Business
Authors: Park Jin Yong , Perumal Sriram Veeraiya , Sanyal Shouvik , Ah Nguyen Binh , Ray Samrat , Krishnan Ravishankar , Narasimhaiah Ramakrishna , Thangam Dhanabalan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHow can business respond to the challenge that Greta Thunberg has presented to world leaders? Sustainable marketing, as part of a larger strategy of meeting sustainable goals, is one way. It has become an important practice in the 21st‐century business world. Without a healthy society and environment, economies will fail, and businesses will die with them. Thus, companies increasingly realize that investing in social and environmental improvements not only adds to their credibility; it also increases their long‐term profitability. Consumers expect companies to develop sustainable marketing strategies. But it is difficult for companies to keep up with these rising expectations. As a result, there is often a gap between sustainable marketing efforts and consumer demands. Those demands can be unrealistic in terms of the cost of compliance and the time required to alter production processes. Sustainable marketing makes sense only as part of a strategy that will guide all of the actions of a business, not just product development, sales, and marketing. Since governments are slow to take up the challenge offered by Greta Thunberg, the future of the planet depends on the actions taken by companies to protect the environment and create a better society.
Climate Change and Agricultural Losses in India
Authors: Kulanthaivelu Ramesh Kumar , Iyyanar Sivakumar , Ramakrishnan Sathishkumar 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIndia’s per capita contribution of carbon emissions is well below the world average, yet it suffers disproportionately from rising temperatures. Thus, many Indians share the sense of urgency that Greta Thunberg exhibits when she demands that nations make stronger commitments to limit carbon emissions. India’s monsoon‐dependent agriculture is highly vulnerable to any change in weather patterns, but the land irrigated by groundwater is also threatened. The projected rise in annual peak temperatures, similar to those now experienced only in the earth’s hottest micro‐climates, could make it nearly impossible for humans to engage in agriculture in India and several other parts of the world. Climate change affects yields of crops, livestock, dairy, and fisheries. Rising temperatures, increased frequency of flooding, and other hazards associated with climate change will reduce food production. Even a slight drop in food output can have a dramatic effect on food prices, both locally and globally. Rice farming, particularly in the rain‐fed regions, faces multiple risks from uncertain climate, degraded soil, water deficits, and underdeveloped markets. Loss of biodiversity is also a threat to agriculture in India, and it is also affected by climate change.
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and maternal dyslipidemia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhan Yongchi , Xu Tingting , Chen Tiantian , Wang Xiaodong 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe association between intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and maternal lipid metabolism remains unknown. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the association between ICP and maternal lipid metabolism.Material and methodsWe systematically searched Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library (up to December 11, 2021) to identify relevant studies that investigated ICP and maternal plasma lipid concentrations. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random‐effects models. A subgroup analysis was conducted to identify the potential sources of heterogeneity. Potential publication bias was tested using funnel plots and the Egger's and Begg's tests. This meta‐analysis was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021293783).ResultsEleven studies were included in this qualitative analysis. A random‐effects meta‐analysis of data from the final included nine studies (n = 786 participants) showed a significant association between ICP and maternal dyslipidemia, with elevated levels of triglycerides (WMD, 0.67 mmol/L; 95% CI 0.39–0.95; P < 0.001), total cholesterol (WMD, 1.08 mmol/L; 95% CI 0.58–1.58; P < 0.001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD, 1.08 mmol/L; 95% CI 0.53–1.64; P < 0.001), and reduced high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level (WMD, −0.38 mmol/L; 95% CI −0.53 to −0.23; P < 0.001) vs normal pregnancies.ConclusionsThe present study's findings support an association between ICP and maternal dyslipidemia. ICP pregnancies have dysregulated lipid metabolism vs normal pregnancies.
Correlation between retinal oxygen saturation and the haemodynamic parameters of the ophthalmic artery in healthy subjects
Authors: Král Michal , Svrčinová Tereza , Hok Pavel , Dorňák Tomáš , Rybáriková Martina , Mareš Jan , Kaňovský Petr , Šín Martin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPurposeThe aim of the study was to obtain the values of oxygen saturation in retinal vessels and ophthalmic blood flow parameters in a healthy Caucasian population and assess whether the oximetry parameters are affected by the flow rate or the vascular resistance.MethodsThe spectrophotometric retinal oximetry and colour Doppler imaging (CDI) of retinal vessels were successfully performed with 52 healthy subjects (average age 29.7 ± 5.6 years). The retinal oximeter simultaneously measures the wavelength difference of haemoglobin oxygen saturation in retinal arterioles and venules. The arteriolar and venular saturation in both eyes was measured. The peak systolic (PSV) end diastolic (EDV) velocities, resistive (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices were obtained for both eyes using CDI in the ophthalmic artery. A paired t‐test and two sample t‐tests were used for statistical analyses. The correlation was assessed using the Pearson coefficient correlation.ResultsThe mean oxygen saturation level was 96.9 ± 3.0% for the retinal arterioles and 65.0 ± 5.1% for the retinal venules. The A‐V difference was 31.8 ± 4.6%. The mean of the measured haemodynamic parameters was PSV 46.6 ± 9.4 cm/s, EDV 12.0 ± 3.5 cm/s, PI 1.68 ± 0.38 and RI 0.74 ± 0.05. No significant difference in oxygen saturation and haemodynamic parameters was found between the left and the right eyes or the dominant and non‐dominant eye. The oximetry and ultrasound values were sex independent. The Pearson correlation coefficient demonstrated a significant yet weak negative correlation between A‐V difference and RI (r = −0.321, p = 0.020).ConclusionsA negative correlation between A‐V difference and resistance index was observed, suggesting that reduced oxygen consumption may reflect the increased vascular tone of the ophthalmic vessels, which is likely determined by autoregulatory mechanisms.
Plasma and breast milk pharmacokinetics of tenofovir alafenamide in mothers with chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors: Kayes Tahrima , Crane Harry , Symonds Allison , Dumond Julie , Cottrell Mackenzie , Di Girolamo Julia , Manandhar Sicha , Lim Tien Huey , Gane Edward , Kashuba Angela , Levy Miriam T. 
Published: May 2022

SummaryBackgroundAntenatal antiviral therapy (AVT) is effective in preventing mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB); tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is the preferred agent. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is a prodrug of tenofovir (TFV) similar to TDF, with improved bone and renal safety. There are no data on TAF breast milk pharmacokinetics and exposure to breastfeeding infants in CHB.AimTo assess the pharmacokinetics of TAF/TFV in breastfeeding women with CHB on TAF monotherapy.MethodsPregnant women with CHB requiring AVT commenced TAF 25 mg daily at third trimester or postpartum. Sample collection occurred while breastfeeding and taking TAF for minimum 4 weeks. Maternal blood, breast milk and infant urine samples were collected. Drug concentrations were measured by LCMS/MS analyses using validated methods. Non‐compartmental analyses were performed to quantify the pharmacokinetic parameters.ResultsEight women provided samples. In breast milk and plasma, median TAF half‐life was 0.81 and 0.94 h, respectively, and Cmax 1.69 and 120.5 ng/ml, respectively. Median maternal breast milk to plasma (M/P) ratio of TAF was 0.029; for and TFV it was 2.809. The relative infant dose of TAF was 0.005% of maternal dose, well below safety threshold of 5–10%. TFV was detectable in three out of seven infant urine samples with median steady‐state concentration of 5 ng/ml being 300–2500 times less than reported adult steady‐state urine concentrations in those taking TAF and TDF, respectively.ConclusionsIn this first pharmacokinetic study of TAF monotherapy in breastfeeding women with CHB, concentrations of TAF and TFV were low in breast milk with negligible infant exposure, supporting the use of TAF to prevent MTCT.
Medicines, environment and clinical pharmacology
Authors: Lapatto‐Reiniluoto Outi , Siven Mia , Backman Janne T. , Törrönen Anneli 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMedical associations and other societies have announced their theses on protection of the climate and environmental aspects in medicine. The challenges with climate change and sustainability are complex, and no quick solutions are to be found. However, basic knowledge on these issues should be available to everyone, and environmental aspects of drugs are important to all healthcare professionals.We present here a study with medical students who were introduced for the first time to environmental aspects of medicines. The results confirmed the suitability and feasibility of the approach to introduce this subject to students, and we propose that the same method can be used also when explaining the issue to medical professionals. We would like to encourage particularly clinical pharmacologists, pharmacologists and pharmacists to take a more apparent position in this field and to participate in the discussions where the strategies for the choice of medicines are considered.
“We're entitled to be parents just like normal people”: A multiperspective interpretative phenomenological analysis of a mother with a learning disability's experience of parenting following the removal of her older children
Authors: MacLeod Alison M. , Smart Cordet , Keohane Peter , Dallos Rudi , Cox Kathy J. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundDespite a growing body of literature about parents with learning disabilities; there is a paucity of research about experiences of parenting after the removal of a child/children. This study aimed to fill this gap, examining the experiences of that parenting in this context.MethodA multiperspective interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was used. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a parent with a learning disability and three professionals who worked alongside her.FindingsMultiple factors were identified as key changes which enabled the parent to maintain care of her son. The effort from the parent and professionals, understanding of the parent's past experiences and learning disability, and offering her opportunities to develop and illustrate parenting skills were all key to successful parenting after a removal; underpinned by the connection between the parent and professionals.ConclusionFindings highlighted the complex, systemic, and relational nature of these experiences. A formulation‐based approach is needed to support parents with learning disabilities in this context.