bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the use of alternative therapy in children just another form of medicalisation? A prospective study
Authors: Ventura Giovanna , Battistuz Elena , Posocco Francesca , Cossovel Francesca , Ghirardo Sergio , Barbi Egidio , Cozzi Giorgio 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimThe use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) seems widespread in adults and children, despite the conflicting evidence regarding its effectiveness and safety. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of the use of CAM in a population of Italian children.MethodsThis is a prospective observational study conducted in 4 family paediatric clinics, in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, from February to June 2019. Children were enrolled after being visited. The use of CAM and essential therapies (ET) in the previous year was investigated with an anonymous questionnaire. The demographic characteristics of children and families were also collected.ResultsSix hundred children were enrolled, mean age 5.8 years, 50% females. In the previous year, 358 (60%) children used both essential therapies and CAM, 209 children (35%) only essential therapies, 25 (4%) only CAM, and 8 (1%) no therapy. CAM was more frequently used in children whose parents have a higher educational level and come from high‐income countries (P < .0001). Non‐vaccinated children received more CAM than vaccinated ones (P < .003).ConclusionIn our population, more than 60% of children receive CAM. The use of this medical approach seems strictly related to the social and cultural status of families.
Governing the “Golden Age of Infrastructure”: Assessing Transparency Innovations in Philippine Infrastructure Development
Authors: Mendoza Ronald U. , Cruz Jerome Patrick 
Published: June 2020

Amidst rising infrastructure investment across the Asia‐Pacific, glaring accountability deficits have raised questions about governments’ capacity to contain corruption in infrastructure development in the region. Recent developments in the Philippines, however, indicate the presence of challenges related to the ability of digitally enhanced transparency measures to bridge such accountability deficits. This article presents the shifting emphasis in transparency and accountability reforms related to Philippine infrastructure development beginning from the 1990s and assesses transparency innovations under the Duterte administration. While milestone measures such as the establishment of an electronic freedom of information (eFOI) platform have provided convenient access to public information, major hurdles remain in obtaining critical documents concerning infrastructure projects. As borne out in an exercise to request the feasibility studies of 48 flagship infrastructure projects, access to information is still obstructed by factors ranging from technical constraints, uneven service delivery, coordination failures, as well as active legal restrictions against the public’s right to know.
Nonmedical use of benzodiazepines and Z‐drugs in the UK
Authors: Hockenhull Joanna , Black Joshua C. , Haynes Colleen M. , Rockhill Karilynn , Dargan Paul I. , Dart Richard C. , Wood David M. 
Published: May 2020

AimsTo estimate prevalence of last 12‐month nonmedical use (NMU) of benzodiazepines and Z‐drugs (the nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone) in the UK.MethodsData were collected using the Non‐Medical Use of Prescription Drugs survey with poststratification weighting applied to be representative of the UK population (≥16 years). Participants were questioned about whether they had nonmedically used benzodiazepines and/or Z‐drugs in the last 12‐months and from where they had obtained the drug (including via a prescription, or illicitly from a friend/family member, a dealer or via the internet). Additional questions were asked about last 12‐month use of illicit drugs (cannabis, cocaine, 3,4‐methylenedioxymethylamphetamine [MDMA], non‐pharmaceutical amphetamine, crack cocaine and/or heroin).ResultsThe study included 10 006 eligible participants representing approximately 52 927 000 UK adults. The estimated prevalence of past 12‐month NMU of any benzodiazepine and/or Z‐drug was 1.2% (95% confidence interval: 1.0–1.5) corresponding to approximately 635 000 adults; amongst this group only an estimated 4.6% (1.2–8.0) had NMU of both a benzodiazepine and a Z‐drug. The highest prevalence of NMU for only Z‐drugs was among those who had used heroin in the last 12‐months (5.4%, 2.7–10.5), whilst the highest prevalence of NMU for only benzodiazepines was among those who had used illicit stimulants in the last 12‐months: cocaine (5.9%, 3.8–8.9), amphetamine (5.6%, 3.1–10.0) and MDMA (5.2%, 3.1–8.8). The drug non‐medically used was more commonly acquired without than with a prescription for both only benzodiazepines (70.2%, 59.4–81.1 compared to 51.3%, 41.5–64.6) and only Z‐drugs (75.6%, 61.6–89.7 compared to 33.9%, 16.9–51.0).ConclusionThere is little overlap between benzodiazepine and Z‐drug NMU suggesting distinct nonmedical use of the drugs; future studies need to explore whether this relates to personal preference, drug availability or other factors. A significant proportion are acquiring these drugs for NMU without a prescription, so without guidance and monitoring from a medical practitioner. While the dangers of mixing benzodiazepines and heroin/other opioids are well documented, there is a paucity of data regarding concomitant NMU of benzodiazepines and stimulant drugs, or NMU of Z‐drugs and opioids, and, given the prevalence of these combinations, this requires further investigation.
Bidirectional Brain‐gut‐microbiota Axis in increased intestinal permeability induced by central nervous system injury
Authors: Li Xiao‐jin , You Xin‐yu , Wang Cong‐ying , Li Xue‐li , Sheng Yuan‐yuan , Zhuang Peng‐wei , Zhang Yan‐jun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCentral nervous system injuries may lead to the disorders of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system, and enteric nervous system. These effects then cause the changes in the intestinal microenvironment, such as a disordered intestinal immune system as well as alterations of intestinal bacteria. Ultimately, this leads to an increase in intestinal permeability. Inflammatory factors produced by the interactions between intestinal neurons and immune cells as well as the secretions and metabolites of intestinal flora can then migrate through the intestinal barrier, which will aggravate any peripheral inflammation and the central nervous system injury. The brain‐gut‐microbiota axis is a complex system that plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of central nervous system diseases. It may also increase the consequences of preventative treatment. In this context, here we have summarized the factors that can lead to the increased intestinal permeability and some of the possible outcomes.
Enhancers, development, and evolution
Authors: Kuroiwa Atsushi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA single‐celled fertilized egg develops into a complex, multicellular animal through a series of selection processes of developmental pathways. During these processes, regulatory genes exhibit spatiotemporally restricted expression under the control of the species‐specific genetic program, and dictate developmental processes from germ layer formation to cellular differentiation. Elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying developmental processes and also of mechanistic bases for morphological diversification during evolution is one of the central issues in contemporary developmental biology. Progress has been made due to recent technological innovations, such as high‐throughput nucleotide sequencing, live‐cell imaging, efficient genetic manipulation, and establishment of the organoid system, opening new avenues to the above issues.
Diastology: 2020‐A practical guide
Authors: Nagueh Sherif F. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLeft ventricular (LV) diastolic function can be most conveniently assessed by echocardiography which provides reliable assessments of LV structure and function. Most patients with structural heart disease have variable degrees of myocardial dysfunction. LV structural changes as pathologic hypertrophy and systolic functional abnormalities as depressed LV long‐axis systolic function are associated with diastolic dysfunction. The recognition of structural abnormalities and abnormal LV long‐axis function as indices of diastolic dysfunction is an important difference between 2016 and 2009 guidelines. In addition, there are other Doppler findings indicative of diastolic dysfunction and abnormally elevated LV filling pressures. In the absence of clinical, 2D echocardiographic, and specific Doppler indices of diastolic dysfunction, mitral annulus early diastolic velocity (e’), left atrium (LA) maximum volume index, peak velocity of tricuspid regurgitation jet by continuous‐wave Doppler, and ratio of mitral inflow early diastolic velocity to e’ velocity can be used to draw inferences about LV diastolic function. In the presence of diastolic dysfunction, mean LA pressure and grade of diastolic dysfunction should be determined. When LA pressure at rest is normal, it is reasonable to proceed to diastolic stress testing in an attempt to identify patients with dyspnea due to heart failure. There are specific algorithms recommended in patients with atrial fibrillation, moderate or severe mitral annular calcification, and noncardiac pulmonary hypertension.
Visual snow syndrome: a comparison between an Italian and British population
Authors: Viana M. , Puledda F. , Goadsby P. J. 
Published: June 2020

Background and purposeVisual snow manifests as a pan‐field, dynamic visual disturbance described as continuous television static‐like tiny flickering dots. Current diagnostic criteria further require at least two additional symptoms for visual snow syndrome (VSS) from: palinopsia (afterimages and trailing); entoptic phenomena (floaters, blue field entoptic phenomenon, photopsia, self‐light of the eye); photophobia and nyctalopia. Our objective was to compare the phenotype of VSS in an Italian and British population.MethodsPatients with VSS were characterized clinically using the current criteria. An online survey was prepared in collaboration with the patient group Eye‐on‐Vision. Patients were directed to the site if they contacted us by email asking to be involved in research. After data collection, we compared the phenotypic characteristics of a subgroup of British versus Italian patients taking part in the survey. As we expected more responses from the UK, we matched 100 UK patients for gender and age with our Italian cohort.ResultsPatients were enrolled from the UK (n = 100) and Italy (n = 100). The populations had similar demography. After multiple correction testing there were no differences in VSS features between the two groups. The same was true for the prevalence of migraine and previous use of recreational drugs.ConclusionThis is the first study comparing the phenotype of VSS between two distinct populations. Our findings suggest that the visual snow phenotype, as well as migraine comorbidity, is similar across the two groups.
Towards an automatic coding of observational studies: Coding neurofeedback therapies of children with autism
Authors: López‐López Víctor R. , Escobedo Lizbeth , Trujillo Leonardo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe coding of observational data is commonly used to analyse and evaluate human behaviours. The technique can help researchers inform the design and impact of, for example, an Ubicomp system by studying specific behaviours of interest. There are some tools that can alleviate the burden of observational coding, like those that help to collect and organise data, but can still be error‐prone and time‐consuming. Moreover, most of these tools lack automation, requiring intense human interaction. In order to mitigate these issues, computer vision (CV) and machine learning (ML) techniques could be used to automate observational coding, but little work has focused on analysing the feasibility of such an approach, with the goal of reducing the total coding time while maintaining accuracy. In this work, we address this question by proposing an automated approach for a real‐world case study and compare it to manual coding. The study is composed of 10 videos with an average duration of 17 min each, where the goal is to determine the attention of children with autism that participate in a neurofeedback therapy session. Each video was hand‐coded by three human observers to define the ground truth and to measure the manual coding time. Results show that it is feasible to automate the coding of observational behaviours and obtain a noticeable reduction in coding time, but with a slight loss in accuracy. Moreover, we illustrate that the best solution would be a hybrid approach, using a semi‐automated system that combines human expertise and ML predictions Keywords Observational studies, Coding behaviours, Automatic coding, Computer‐Vision, Machine Learning.
Beauty is wealth: CEO attractiveness and firm value
Authors: Halford Joseph T. , Hsu Hung‐Chia S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper examines whether and how CEO attractiveness relates to firm value. We construct a Facial Attractiveness Index of 667 CEOs based on their facial geometry. More attractive CEOs are associated with better stock returns surrounding their job announcements and around earnings‐announcement news with CEOs' images. Further, more attractive CEOs are related to higher acquirer returns following acquisition announcements and higher Tobin's Q. Finally, consistent with the existing literature documenting the beauty premium in pay, more attractive CEOs receive higher compensation.
An evaluation of health workforce models addressing oral health in residential aged care facilities: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Chen Rebecca , Irving Michelle , Clive Wright F.A. , Cunich Michelle 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn Australia and globally, there is an increasing problem of unmet oral health needs of older people above 65 residing in aged care facilities. Various workforce models have been trialled to implement oral health care programmes in aged care facilities, but the evidence behind these programmes and their underlying workforce models is not known.ObjectiveTo systematically review the literature on the effectiveness, and economic feasibility of the current workforce models addressing oral care in aged care facilities.MethodsCINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMB Reviews, NHS Economic Evaluation Database and grey literature were searched. Studies were included if they described an oral health workforce model with a clinical intervention and defined oral health outcome measures. Analysis was conducted using the NHMRC guidelines for scientific and economic evaluations.ResultsTwenty‐eight studies were included. Four distinct workforce models of care were identified. 60% of the studies demonstrated short‐term effectiveness in clinical measures. Workforce models were similar in their effectiveness, with varying levels of quality within each model. Although three studies considered individual components of economic feasibility, only one provided a comprehensive economic analysis of both the costs and health outcomes.Conclusions Implications of findingsAll workforce models of care had some positive impact on oral health for residents of aged care. Oral health should be included as a health focus in age care facilities. Future studies should include longer‐term health outcomes with rigorous economic analysis to ensure sustainably delivered workforce models of care for oral health management within aged care.
A qualitative study of health‐care experiences and challenges faced by ageing homebound adults
Authors: Cheng Joyce M. , Batten George P. , Cornwell Thomas , Yao Nengliang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe ageing of the global population is associated with an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and functional impairments, resulting in a greater proportion of homebound individuals.ObjectiveTo examine the health‐care experiences of older homebound adults who have not previously received home‐based primary care (HBPC). To explore their impressions of this method of care.DesignCross‐sectional qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews.Setting and Participants18 older homebound individuals in Central Virginia.ResultsOur findings revealed that homebound individuals faced significant health challenges, including pain resulting from various comorbidities. They felt that their mobility was restricted by their physical conditions and transportation challenges. These were major barriers to social outings and health‐care access. Participants left their homes infrequently and typically with assistance. Regarding office‐based care, participants were concerned about long wait times and making timely appointments. Some thought that HBPC would be convenient and could result in better quality care; however, others believed that the structure of the health‐care system and its focus on efficiency would not permit routine HBPC.Discussion and ConclusionsOlder homebound adults in this study faced high burdens of disease, a lack of mobility and difficulty accessing quality health care. Our observations may help researchers and clinicians better understand the health‐care experiences and personal opinions of older homebound individuals, informing the development of effective and empathetic home‐based care. Participant responses illuminated a need for education about HBPC. We must improve health‐care delivery and develop comprehensive, patient‐centered HBPC to meet the needs of homebound individuals.
Validity and reliability of the Spanish caregiver reaction assessment scale for caregivers of people with dementia
Authors: Alvira Carmen , Cabrera Esther , Kostov Belchin , Risco Ester , Farré Marta , Miguel Susana , Zabalegui Adelaida 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimOf the few instruments available to measure the important, positive aspects of caring, the Caregiver Reaction Assessment is regarded as the most suitable, but there is no validated Spanish version. The aim of this study was to translate the Caregiver Reaction Assessment into Spanish and assess its psychometric properties.MethodsThe Caregiver Reaction Assessment was translated into Spanish and then back translated. Validation included construct validity, criterion validity and reliability: 287 interviews were conducted with informal caregivers of patients with dementia between November 2010 and April 2012.ResultsPrincipal component analysis confirmed the original instrument's five subscales. Criterion validity showed a moderate negative correlation between the impact on health and the EQ‐5D (r = −.43), that is, a greater impact on health correlated with lower health‐related quality of life. The Caregiver Reaction Assessment showed good internal consistency, with a Cronbach alpha of .804, and good temporal stability for the distinct subscales, with intraclass correlation coefficients varying from .683 to .729 (p < .001).ConclusionThe Caregiver Reaction Assessment is a reliable, valid instrument for the measurement of the reactions of informal caregivers of patients with dementia, with good psychometric properties.
Morphological change and characteristics of myofibroblasts during the growth process of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Hata Junya , Tanji Ryo , Onagi Akifumi , Honda‐Takinami Ruriko , Matsuoka Kanako , Hoshi Seiji , Sato Yuichi , Akaihata Hidenori , Haga Nobuhiro , Kojima Yoshiyuki 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesTo clarify the morphological change and characteristics of myofibroblast during the growth process of benign prostatic hyperplasia.MethodsThis study examined the characteristics of myofibroblasts during the growth process of the prostate in the stromal component‐dominant benign prostatic hyperplasia rat model. Transforming growth factor‐β1 and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 3 expression were evaluated by western blotting (n = 6). We used double immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the number of myofibroblasts positive for α‐smooth muscle actin and vimentin in benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues. Expression and histological analyses of the benign prostatic hyperplasia were also carried out in rats at 2, 3 and 8 weeks after urogenital sinus implantation (n = 6). To evaluate the fine morphological characteristics of myofibroblasts in human benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues, electron microscopy analysis was additionally carried out.ResultsThere was a significant upregulation of the transforming growth factor‐β1 and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 3 expression in benign prostatic hyperplasia (P < 0.05). There was a significant increase in the number of myofibroblasts in benign prostatic hyperplasia (P < 0.05) compared with normal prostate, with these abundantly located in the stromal area. The transforming growth factor‐β1 and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 3 expression and number of myofibroblasts showed a time‐dependent increase (P < 0.05), with growth factor expressions preceding the myofibroblast increase. Electron microscopy confirmed that the myofibroblast progenitor cells, which possess abundant stress fibers, were predominantly located around fibrous areas in human benign prostatic hyperplasia.ConclusionsDifferentiation into myofibroblasts induced by transforming growth factor‐β1 and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 3 actively occurs during the growth process of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Myofibroblast progenitor cells seem to be associated with prostatic fibrosis in human benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Ureteral substitution with appendix
Authors: Komyakov Boris , Ochelenko Viktor , Guliev Bakhman , Shevnin Maksim 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveTo study the long‐term results of ureteral reconstruction with the appendix in patients with long ureteral strictures.MethodsFrom 1998 to 2019, 26 patients were operated with substitution of extended defects of the ureter with the appendix. There were 22 women and four men (mean age 44.7 ± 11.3 years). One patient had stricture of the lumbar ureter because of a gunshot wound. He underwent substitution of the upper third of the right ureter with the appendix. In the other cases, we carried out substitution of the pelvis part of the ureter with appendix, in four cases from the left side. In the last 22 cases, a novel surgical technique for better appendicovesical anastomosis was carried out: a flap was dissected from the dome of the cecum to increase the diameter of anastomosis.ResultsThe postoperative follow‐up period was from 1 to 21 years. A stricture of uretero‐appendical anastomosis developed in four patients (15.4%). Resection of stricture and re‐anastomosis was carried out in one case. In another two cases associated with similar complications, endoureterotomy and ureteral stenting were carried out. One patient was managed with percutaneous nephrostomy. Kidney function was restored in all patients. Good short‐term results were achieved in 22 patients (84.6%) and long‐term (from 1 to 21 years) results in 25 patients (96.2%).ConclusionsIn patients with long ureteral stricture, the use of the appendix can help to restore the function of the upper urinary tract.