LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
The effects of dementia care mapping on nursing home residents’ quality of life and staff attitudes: design of the quasi-experimental study Leben-QD II

BACKGROUND
The main objective of care for people with dementia is the maintenance and promotion of quality of life (Qol). Most of the residents in nursing homes have challenging behaviors that strongly affect their Qol. Person-centered care (PCC) is an approach that aims to achieve the best possible Qol and to reduce challenging behaviors. Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) is a method of implementing PCC that has been used in Germany for several years. However, there are no data on the effectiveness of DCM or the challenges of implementation of DCM in German nursing homes.


METHODS/DESIGN
In this quasi-experimental non-randomized cluster-controlled study, the effects of DCM will be compared to 2 comparison groups. 9 nursing homes will take part: 3 will implement DCM, 3 will implement a comparison intervention using an alternative Qol assessment, and 3 have already implemented DCM. The main effect outcomes are Qol, challenging behaviors, staff attitudes toward dementia, job satisfaction and burnout of caregivers. These outcomes will be measured on 3 data points. Different quantitative and qualitative data sources will be collected through the course of the study to investigate the degree of implementation as well as facilitators of and barriers to the implementation process.


DISCUSSION
This study will provide new information about the effectiveness of DCM and the implementation process of DCM in German nursing homes. The study results will provide important information to guide the national discussion about the improvement of dementia-specific Qol, quality of care in nursing homes and allocation of resources. In addition, the study results will provide information for decision-making and implementation of complex psychosocial interventions such as DCM. The findings will also be important for the design of a subsequent randomized controlled trial (e.g. appropriateness of outcomes and measurements, inclusion criteria for participating nursing homes) and the development of a successful implementation strategy.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN43916381.
Comparison of 3 Minimally Invasive Methods for Distal Tibia Fractures.

This study compared the results of external fixation combined with limited open reduction and internal fixation (EF + LORIF), minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO), and intramedullary nailing (IMN) for distal tibia fractures. A total of 84 patients with distal tibia shaft fractures were randomized to operative stabilization using EF + LORIF (28 cases), MIPPO (28 cases), or IMN (28 cases). The 3 groups were comparable with respect to patient demographics. Data were collected on operative time and radiation time, union time, complications, time of recovery to work, secondary operations, and measured joint function using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. There was no significant difference in time to union, incidence of union status, time of recovery to work, and AOFAS scores among the 3 groups (P>.05). Mean operative time and radiation time in the MIPPO group were longer than those in the IMN or EF + LORIF groups (P<.05). Wound complications after MIPPO were more common compared with IMN or EF + LORIF (P<.05). Anterior knee pain occurred frequently after IMN (32.1%), and irritation symptoms were encountered more frequently after MIPPO (46.4%). Although EF + LORIF was associated with fewer secondary procedures vs MIPPO or IMN, it was related with more pin-tract infections (14.3%). Findings indicated that EF + LORIF, MIPPO, and IMN all achieved similar good functional results. However, EF + LORIF had some advantages over MIPPO and IMN in reducing operative and radiation times, postoperative complications, and reoperation rate. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):e627-e633.].
A Computer Vision System for Autonomous Forklift Vehicles in Industrial Environments 1

geometric characteristics of the pallet is proposed. Moreover, the application computes the 3D position and orientation of the pallet and generates the vehicle trajectory to fork it. The system has been tested and experimental results are shown.
Alpha-fetoprotein has no prognostic role in small hepatocellular carcinoma identified during surveillance in compensated cirrhosis.

UNLABELLED
Alpha-fetoprotein is a tumor marker that has been used for surveillance and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis. The prognostic capability of this marker in patients with HCC has not been clearly defined. In this study our aim was to evaluate the prognostic usefulness of serum alpha-fetoprotein in patients with well-compensated cirrhosis, optimal performance status, and small HCC identified during periodic surveillance ultrasound who were treated with curative intent. Among the 3,027 patients included in the Italian Liver Cancer study group database, we selected 205 Child-Pugh class A and Eastern Cooperative Group Performance Status 0 patients with cirrhosis with a single HCC ≤ 3 cm of diameter diagnosed during surveillance who were treated with curative intent (hepatic resection, liver transplantation, percutaneous ethanol injection, radiofrequency thermal ablation). Patients were subdivided according to alpha-fetoprotein serum levels (i.e., normal ≤ 20 ng/mL; mildly elevated 21-200 ng/mL; markedly elevated >200 ng/mL). Patient survival, as assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method, was not significantly different among the three alpha-fetoprotein classes (P = 0.493). The same result was obtained in the subgroup of patients with a single HCC ≤ 2 cm (P = 0.714). An alpha-fetoprotein serum level of 100 ng/mL identified by receiver operating characteristic curve had inadequate accuracy (area under the curve = 0.536, 95% confidence interval = 0.465-0.606) to discriminate between survivors and deceased patients.


CONCLUSION
Alpha-fetoprotein serum levels have no prognostic meaning in well-compensated cirrhosis patients with single, small HCC treated with curative intent.
Social networking technologies as an emerging tool for HIV prevention: a cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND
Social networking technologies are an emerging tool for HIV prevention.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether social networking communities can increase HIV testing among African American and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM).


DESIGN
Randomized, controlled trial with concealed allocation. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01701206).


SETTING
Online.


PATIENTS
112 MSM based in Los Angeles, more than 85% of whom were African American or Latino.


INTERVENTION
Sixteen peer leaders were randomly assigned to deliver information about HIV or general health to participants via Facebook groups over 12 weeks. After participants accepted a request to join the group, participation was voluntary. Group participation and engagement were monitored. Participants could request a free, home-based HIV testing kit and completed questionnaires at baseline and 12-week follow-up.


MEASUREMENTS
Participant acceptance of and engagement in the intervention and social network participation, rates of home-based HIV testing, and sexual risk behaviors.


RESULTS
Almost 95% of intervention participants and 73% of control participants voluntarily communicated using the social platform. Twenty-five of 57 intervention participants (44%) requested home-based HIV testing kits compared with 11 of 55 control participants (20%) (difference, 24 percentage points [95% CI, 8 to 41 percentage points]). Nine of the 25 intervention participants (36%) who requested the test took it and mailed it back compared with 2 of the 11 control participants (18%) who requested the test. Retention at study follow-up was more than 93%.


LIMITATION
Only 2 Facebook communities were included for each group.


CONCLUSION
Social networking communities are acceptable and effective tools to increase home-based HIV testing among at-risk populations.


PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE
National Institute of Mental Health.
The effect of different corrective feedback methods on the outcome and self confidence of young athletes.

This experiment investigated the effects of three corrective feedback methods, using different combinations of correction, or error cues and positive feedback for learning two badminton skills with different difficulty (forehand clear - low difficulty, backhand clear - high difficulty). Outcome and self-confidence scores were used as dependent variables. The 48 participants were randomly assigned into four groups. Group A received correction cues and positive feedback. Group B received cues on errors of execution. Group C received positive feedback, correction cues and error cues. Group D was the control group. A pre, post and a retention test was conducted. A three way analysis of variance ANOVA (4 groups X 2 task difficulty X 3 measures) with repeated measures on the last factor revealed significant interactions for each depended variable. All the corrective feedback methods groups, increased their outcome scores over time for the easy skill, but only groups A and C for the difficult skill. Groups A and B had significantly better outcome scores than group C and the control group for the easy skill on the retention test. However, for the difficult skill, group C was better than groups A, B and D. The self confidence scores of groups A and C improved over time for the easy skill but not for group B and D. Again, for the difficult skill, only group C improved over time. Finally a regression analysis depicted that the improvement in performance predicted a proportion of the improvement in self confidence for both the easy and the difficult skill. It was concluded that when young athletes are taught skills of different difficulty, different type of instruction, might be more appropriate in order to improve outcome and self confidence. A more integrated approach on teaching will assist coaches or physical education teachers to be more efficient and effective. Key pointsThe type of the skill is a critical factor in determining the effectiveness of the feedback types.Different instructional methods of corrective feedback could have beneficial effects in the outcome and self-confidence of young athletesInstructions focusing on the correct cues or errors increase performance of easy skills.Positive feedback or correction cues increase self-confidence of easy skills but only the combination of error and correction cues increase self confidence and outcome scores of difficult skills.
BetterAuth: web authentication revisited

This paper presents "BetterAuth", an authentication protocol for Web applications. Its design is based on the experiences of two decades with the Web. BetterAuth addresses existing attacks on Web authentication, ranging from network attacks to Cross-site Request Forgery up to Phishing. Furthermore, the protocol can be realized completely in standard JavaScript. This allows Web applications an early adoption, even in a situation with limited browser support.
Role of pill-taking, expectation and therapeutic alliance in the placebo response in clinical trials for major depression.

BACKGROUND
Pill-taking, expectations and therapeutic alliance may account for much of the benefit of medication and placebo treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Aims To examine the effects of medication, placebo and supportive care on treatment outcome, and the relationships of expectations and therapeutic alliance to improvement.


METHOD
A total of 88 participants were randomised to 8 weeks of treatment with supportive care alone or combined with double-blind treatment with placebo or antidepressant medication. Expectations of medication effectiveness, general treatment effectiveness and therapeutic alliance were measured (trial registration at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00200902).


RESULTS
Medication or placebo plus supportive care were not significantly different but had significantly better outcome than supportive care alone. Therapeutic alliance predicted response to medication and placebo; expectations of medication effectiveness at enrolment predicted only placebo response.


CONCLUSIONS
Pill treatment yielded better outcome than supportive care alone. Medication expectations uniquely predicted placebo treatment outcome and were formed by time of enrolment, suggesting that they were shaped by prior experiences outside the clinical trial.
Association of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with both baseline HRQOL scores and improvement in HRQOL scores in Chinese major depressive patients treated with fluoxetine.

OBJECTIVE
To explore the association of brain-derived neurotrophic-factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism with both baseline health related quality of life (HRQOL) scores and improvement in HRQOL scores in Chinese major depressive patients treated with fluoxetine.


METHODS
Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) took fluoxetine (20 mg/day) for 6 weeks. The HRQOL was measured with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) at baseline and at 6th week. Patients were genotyped for Val66Met polymorphism of BDNF gene.


RESULTS
There was a significant association between social function (SF) and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, and patients with Met/Met genotype had better SF (compared with Val/Val P = 0.004; compared with Val/Met P = 0.005). A significant association was found between improvement in SF and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, and patients with Met/Met genotype had poorer improvement in SF (compared with Val/Val P = 0.010; compared with Val/Met P = 0.001). Similar association was found between improvement in mental component summary (MCS) and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, and patients with Met/Met genotype had poorer improvement in MCS (compared with Val/Val P = 0.066; compared with Val/Met P = 0.006).


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that there may be association between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and both baseline HRQOL (SF) scores and improvement in HRQOL (SF, MCS) scores in Chinese major depressive patients treated with fluoxetine.
Integrating mental health into primary care in Nigeria: report of a demonstration project using the mental health gap action programme intervention guide

BACKGROUND
The World Mental Health Surveys conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) have shown that huge treatment gaps for severe mental disorders exist in both developed and developing countries. This gap is greatest in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Efforts to scale up mental health services in LMICs have to contend with the paucity of mental health professionals and health facilities providing specialist services for mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders. A pragmatic solution is to improve access to care through the facilities that exist closest to the community, via a task-shifting strategy. This study describes a pilot implementation program to integrate mental health services into primary health care in Nigeria.


METHODS
The program was implemented over 18 months in 8 selected local government areas (LGAs) in Osun state of Nigeria, using the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG), which had been contextualized for the local setting. A well supervised cascade training model was utilized, with Master Trainers providing training for the Facilitators, who in turn conducted several rounds of training for front-line primary health care workers. The first set of trainings by the Facilitators was supervised and mentored by the Master Trainers and refresher trainings were provided after 9 months.


RESULTS
A total of 198 primary care workers, from 68 primary care clinics, drawn from 8 LGAs with a combined population of 966,714 were trained in the detection and management of four MNS conditions: moderate to severe major depression, psychosis, epilepsy, and alcohol use disorders, using the mhGAP-IG. Following training, there was a marked improvement in the knowledge and skills of the health workers and there was also a significant increase in the numbers of persons identified and treated for MNS disorders, and in the number of referrals. Even though substantial retention of gained knowledge was observed nine months after the initial training, some level of decay had occurred supporting the need for a refresher training.


CONCLUSION
It is feasible to scale up mental health services in primary care settings in Nigeria, using the mhGAP-IG and a well-supervised cascade-training model. This format of training is pragmatic, cost-effective and holds promise, especially in settings where there are few specialists.
Baseline characteristics of patients in the treatment of preserved cardiac function heart failure with an aldosterone antagonist trial.

BACKGROUND
Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) is an ongoing randomized controlled trial of spironolactone versus placebo for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We sought to describe the baseline clinical characteristics of subjects enrolled in TOPCAT relative to other contemporary observational studies and randomized clinical trials of HFpEF.


METHODS AND RESULTS
Between August 2006 and January 2012, 3445 patients with symptomatic HFpEF from 270 sites in 6 countries were enrolled in TOPCAT. At the baseline study visit, all subjects provided a detailed medical history and underwent physical examination, electrocardiography, quality of life, and laboratory assessment. Key parameters were compared with other large, contemporary HFpEF studies. The mean age was 68.6±9.6 years with a slight female predominance (52%); mean body mass index was 32 kg/m2; and comorbidities were common. History of hypertension (91% prevalence in TOPCAT) exceeded all other major HFpEF clinical trials. However, baseline blood pressure was well controlled (129/76 mm Hg; systolic blood pressure 7-16 mm Hg lower than other similar trials). Other common comorbidities included coronary artery disease (57%), atrial fibrillation (35%), chronic kidney disease (38%) and diabetes mellitus (32%). Self-reported activity levels were low, quality of life scores were comparable with those reported for patients with end-stage renal disease, and the prevalence of moderate or greater depression was 27%.


CONCLUSIONS
TOPCAT subjects share many common characteristics with contemporary HFpEF cohorts. Low activity level, significantly decreased quality of life, and depression were common at baseline in TOPCAT, underscoring the continued unmet need for evidence-based treatment strategies in HFpEF.


CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER: NCT00094302.
Design for Shear in Reinforced Concrete Using Strut-and-Tie Models

15. Supplementary Notes Project conducted in cooperation with theTexas Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation. 16. Abstract The design of reinforced concrete members for shear was studied. Both strut-and-tie models (STM) and sectional methods were examined. Initially, the response of isolated struts was observed. Various layout of reinforcement were used within the isolated struts. Three series of deep beam tests were also conducted. The first series was used to examine the effects of load distribution (uniform or concentrated) and distribution of shear reinforcement (horizontal and vertical) on shear strength of deep beams. The effects of beam width and shear span-to-depth ratio on shear strength were studied using the second series of beam tests. In the final series, the effects of load distribution on specimens without shear reinforcement were observed. A database of approximately 1,200 experimental results was compiled. The database, along with the experimental program, was used to evaluate the levels of conservatism of North American STM code provisions as well as sectional design provisions. A new design procedure was developed to improve the safety of STM design procedures. Along with the new procedures, an expression was created to determine the necessary amount of reinforcement within a bottle-shaped strut. Finally, recommendations to improve the conservatism of sectional design provisions were developed. 17.
Repairable systems reliability trend tests and evaluation

Repairable systems reliability trend tests are reviewed, extensively tested and compared to evaluate their effectiveness over diverse data patterns. A repairable system is often modeled as a counting failure process. For a counting failure process, successive inter-arrival failure times will tend to become larger (smaller) for an improving (deteriorating) system. During testing and development of new systems, reliability trend analysis is needed to evaluate the progress of the design development and improvement process. Often a program of testing and modification, followed by more testing and modification, is required to achieve a desired system reliability goal. Reliability trend tests can be an important part of this program. The objective of system reliability trend tests is to determine whether and how the pattern of failures is significantly changing with time. This paper reviews the following four trend tests: (1) Crow/AMSAA Test, (2) PCNT (pair-wise comparison nonparametric test), (3) Laplace Test, and (4) Lewis-Robinson Test. These tests are extensively tested, evaluated and compared for diverse repairable system reliability trends. Particular emphasis focused on comparisons with low sample sizes. Simulation models for trend tests are presented and discussed; and simulation results are summarized and compared. Based on these comparisons, it is concluded that the Crow/AMSAA test is the most robust trend test.
Sex differences in neurogenesis and activation of new neurons in response to spatial learning and memory

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is often associated with hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Throughout a new neuron's development, it is differentially sensitive to factors that can influence its survival and functionality. Previous research shows that spatial training that occurred 6-10 days after an injection of the DNA synthesis marker, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), increased cell survival in male rats. Because sex differences in spatial cognition and hippocampal neurogenesis have been reported, it is unclear whether spatial training would influence hippocampal neurogenesis in the same way in males and females. Therefore, this study examined sex differences in hippocampal neurogenesis following training in a spatial task. Male and female rats were trained in the spatial or cued version of the Morris water maze 6-10 days after one injection of BrdU (200mg/kg). Twenty days following BrdU injection, all animals were given a probe trial and perfused. Males performed better in the spatial, but not cue, task than females. Spatial training increased BrdU-labeled cells relative to cue training only in males, but both males and females showed greater activation of new cells (BrdU co-labeled with immediate early gene product zif268) after spatial training compared to cue training. Furthermore, performance during spatial training was positively correlated with cell activation in females but not males. This study shows that while spatial training differentially regulates hippocampal neurogenesis in males and females, the activity of new neurons in response to spatial memory retrieval is similar. These findings highlight the importance of sex on neural plasticity and cognition.