bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employment Institutions under Liberalization Pressures: Analysing the Effects of Regulatory Change on Collective Bargaining in Spain
Authors: López‐Andreu Martí 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis article discusses the effects of regulatory change in employees’ working conditions and the dynamics of collective bargaining in Spain, a model affected by a drastic regulatory change, and draws a comparison with the UK, the more deregulated and single‐employer bargaining model in Europe. The comparison is carried out using EU‐SILC panel data to identify commonalities and differences in the patterns of change in salaries and working hours. Second, national data from Spain are used to analyse the impacts of reforms on the characteristics and outputs of collective bargaining. The findings show that regulatory changes provoked a drastic adjustment in wages in Spain, following patterns similar to the British model. However, the results lead us to highlight the need to enhance knowledge about the dynamics of bargaining processes as they crucially reveal that these trends are happening in mostly unchanged institutional characteristics.
Sulfite protects neurons from oxidative stress
Authors: Kimura Yuka , Shibuya Norihiro , Kimura Hideo 
Published: May 2018

Background and PurposeHydrogen sulfide (H2S) and polysulfides (H2Sn) are signalling molecules that mediate various physiological responses including cytoprotection. Their oxidized metabolite sulfite (SO32−) is found in blood and tissues. However, its physiological role remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the cytoprotective effect of sulfite on neurons exposed to oxidative stress caused by high concentrations of the neurotransmitter glutamate, known as oxytosis.Experimental ApproachConcentrations of sulfite as well as those of cysteine and GSH in rats were measured by HPLC. Cytoprotective effects of sulfite on primary cultures of rat neurons against oxytosis was examined by WST‐8 cytoprotective and LDH cytotoxicity assays and compared with that of H2S, H2Sn and thiosulfate.Key ResultsFree sulfite, present at approximately 2 μM in the rat brain, converts cystine to cysteine more efficiently than H2S and H2Sn and facilitates transport of cysteine into cells. Physiological concentrations of sulfite protected neurons from oxytosis and were accompanied by increased intracellular concentrations of cysteine and GSH probably due to converting extracellular cystine to cysteine, more efficiently than H2S and H2Sn. In contrast, thiosulfate only slightly protected neurons from oxytosis.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur present data have shown sulfite to be a novel cytoprotective molecule against oxytosis, through maintaining cysteine levels in the extracellular milieu, leading to increased intracellular cysteine and GSH. Although there may be adverse clinical effects in sensitive individuals, our results provide a new insight into the therapeutic application of sulfite to neuronal diseases caused by oxidative stress.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Chemical Biology of Reactive Sulfur Species. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.4/issuetoc
Recognizing complex trauma in child welfare‐affected mothers of colour
Authors: Stephens Tricia N. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractChild welfare‐affected mothers of colour live with the deleterious effects of complex trauma unrecognized by the child welfare system. Child welfare system instead focuses on mothers' more overt functional difficulties, facilitating a misalignment between mothers' felt needs and mandated services. Qualitative data from a mixed‐methods study were used to explore the phenomenon of complex trauma in 20 urban‐dwelling mothers using a combined interpretive phenomenological and directed content analysis. Mothers experienced chronic and compound exposure to traumatic events. Themes of interpersonal violations of trust and pervasive mistrust of others, revictimization, absence of appropriate mental health treatment, and maternal growth emerged. Implications for utilizing a trauma‐informed approach for policy and practice are discussed.
“We felt completely left to ourselves.” Foster parents' views on placement disruption
Authors: Tonheim Milfrid , Iversen Anette Christine 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons for unintended placement disruptions in foster care. Based on a semistructured survey, the paper presents the views of 132 Norwegian foster parents who have experienced placement disruption between 2013 and 2015. Foster parents rated several relevant causes of placement disruption: the child's behaviour, the need for care, concern for the well‐being of their biological children, and lack of support from the Child Welfare Service (CWS). Although the child's behaviour was the cause most frequently reported in the quantitative data, CWS‐related factors such as poor collaboration, not being valued and listened to, insufficient support and follow‐up, and a mismatch between the child's needs and the foster carers' capacity were reported most frequently in the qualitative data. Placement disruption appears to be caused by the sum and interaction of several coexisting causes. It may not be the child's behaviour per se but rather the combination of challenging behaviour, concern for one's biological children, and insufficient support from CWS that lead to disruption. Good collaboration with the CWS in the form of respect, recognition, support, and follow‐up appears to be of the utmost importance in reducing the risk of placement disruption.
Family contact in foster care in Portugal. The views of children in foster care and other key actors
Authors: Delgado Paulo , Pinto Vânia S. , Carvalho João M.S. , Gilligan Robbie 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis is a pilot study on the sensitive issue of how children and young people experience family contact in foster care, and the views of key adults in their lives on the same issue. There is a special focus on the children's experiences, opinions, and feelings. The study is a response to the relative scarcity of literature on family contact based on the experiences of children and adults in caring roles. This is a qualitative and exploratory study, with a sample of 10 children and young people in care in the district of Porto, aiming to identify key issues and areas for further examination. The results allow us to conclude that the possibility of maintaining contact is positively evaluated. However, perspectives on the relationships involved, and on the reactions to and difficulties associated with visits, revealed considerable disagreement among the actors. A possible set of implications drawn from the findings pointed out to the importance of developing a monitored cooperation that improves communication processes in order to take into account the children's and young people's views in the decision‐making process; and to develop more attentive and open working relationships with parents throughout the foster care placement.
Cardiometabolic effects of antidiabetic drugs in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Rix Iben , Steen Pedersen Julie , Storgaard Heidi , Gluud Lise Lotte 
Published: May 2018

SummaryPurposeNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects about 25% of the population worldwide. NAFLD may be viewed as the hepatological manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome due to diabetes or obesity have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This narrative review describes cardiometabolic effects of antidiabetic drugs in NAFLD.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search in PubMed and manually scanned bibliographies in trial databases and reference lists in relevant articles.ResultsHeart disease is the leading cause of death in NAFLD. Conversely, NAFLD is an independent cardiovascular risk factor in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. NAFLD is associated with markers of atherosclerosis, and patients have increased risk of ischaemic heart disease. Additionally, patients with NAFLD have increased risk of cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. There are no randomized controlled trials showing clear effects of medical treatment on clinical outcomes in patients with NAFLD. However, based on evidence from small trials and extrapolation from trials evaluating patients with type 2 diabetes, some antidiabetic drugs may be beneficial on cardiovascular function in patients with NAFLD.ConclusionAt present, there is promising evidence of a potential effect of antidiabetic drugs for patients with NAFLD. Future studies should address the treatment of NAFLD and the liver‐related consequences but also aim at improving the cardiometabolic outcomes.
Undergraduate students' evaluation and reflections on a gerodontology programme
Authors: Attard N. , Schembri A. , Caruana C. , Agius A‐M. , Gainza‐Cirauqui M. L. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionMany societies have observed a steady increase of many older adults living longer due to advancements in health and standard of living. The dental team requires specialised training in gerodontology to better prepare for the future needs of the elderly patients. It is the aim of this study to report the undergraduate students' activities and perspectives on their work experience in a geriatric residence.Materials and MethodsAn anonymous online questionnaire on the theoretical and practical aspects of training was sent to students in dentistry and dental hygiene (DH) undergraduate courses. Students were also invited to discuss their experiences. Data of clinical treatment performed by the students were collected. The number of clinical hours of student exposure to patients was measured.ResultsCompletion of the questionnaire was high (90%). Both DH and dentistry students have in excess of 100 hours/y of clinical practice. Overall students rate their experience as a positive one that enriches patients' well‐being. However they identify barriers to oral health and experience challenges related to their clinical work and level of competence (Kruskal‐Wallis Test P < .05).Conclusionsstudy participants were strongly motivated towards the management of frail older adults and cognisant of the barriers and constraints of achieving a reasonable level of oral health. Gerodontology programmes should be adaptable in order to create the appropriate environment and address socio‐emotional challenges experienced by students.
Frailty phenotype and its association with all‐cause mortality in community‐dwelling Norwegian women and men aged 70 years and older: The Tromsø Study 2001–2016
Authors: Langholz Petja Lyn , Strand Bjørn Heine , Cook Sarah , Hopstock Laila A 
Published: May 2018

AimThere is a lack of studies on the prevalence of frailty, and the association between frailty and mortality in a Norwegian general population. Findings regarding sex differences in the association between frailty and mortality have been inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the frailty phenotype and all‐cause mortality in men and women in a Norwegian cohort study.MethodsWe followed 712 participants (52% women) aged ≥70 years participating in the population‐based Tromsø 5 Study in 2001–2002 for all‐cause mortality up to 2016. The frailty status at baseline was defined by a modified version of Fried's frailty criteria. Cox regression models were used to analyze the association between frailty and mortality with adjustment for age, sex, disability, comorbidity, smoking status and years of education.ResultsIn total, 3.8% (n = 27) of participants were frail (women 4.4%, men 3.2%) and 38.1% (n = 271) were pre‐frail (women 45.8%, men 29.9%). During follow‐up (mean 10.1 years), 501 (70%) participants died. We found an increased risk of mortality for frail older adults (multivariable‐adjusted HR 4.16, 95% CI 2.40–7.22) compared with non‐frail older adults. In sex‐stratified analysis, the adjusted HR was 7.09 (95% CI 3.03–16.58) for frail men and 2.93 (95% CI 1.38–6.22) for frail women. Results for pre‐frailty showed an overall weaker association with mortality.ConclusionsWhile frailty was more prevalent in women than in men, the findings suggest that the association between frailty and mortality is stronger in men than in women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1200–1205.
Factors affecting the appetites of persons with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Suma Shino , Watanabe Yutaka , Hirano Hirohiko , Kimura Ai , Edahiro Ayako , Awata Shuichi , Yamashita Yoshihisa , Matsushita Kenji , Arai Hidenori , Sakurai Takashi 
Published: May 2018

AimAppetite loss has been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Among older people, decreased appetite can result in poor nutrition and subsequent loss of independent living. We examined the factors related to appetite loss in persons with AD and MCI to provide evidence for countermeasures to prevent appetite loss and progression of cognitive impairment.MethodsWe included 1238 older adults undergoing outpatient treatment at the Center for Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders (Medical Center for Dementia) at the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology in Obu, Japan. The Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire, an appetite questionnaire for older people, was used to evaluate appetite. Appetite loss in persons diagnosed with AD or MCI was divided into two groups according to the Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire scores, and logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify independent factors associated with appetite loss. The following variables were used to evaluate for covariates: general information, functional evaluation and medications.ResultsThe AD and MCI groups contained 853 and 385 individuals, respectively. In both groups, depression and difficulty in maintaining attention while eating were significantly associated with poor appetite. Among persons with AD, lower vitality, more comorbidities, non‐use of antidementia drugs and use of psychotropic drugs were also significantly associated with poor appetite.ConclusionsThe present study recognized possible factors individually associated with appetite loss among persons with AD or MCI. Future studies are required to examine supportive strategies to treat poor appetite in these populations. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1236–1243.
Miracle of haemophilia drugs: Personal views about a few main players
Authors: Mannucci P. M. 
Published: May 2018

IntroductionIn the second decade of the third millennium there have been dramatic developments pertaining to the availability of highly innovative drugs for hemophilia care, notwithstanding a satisfactory previous scenario.AimI am going to emphasize the role of 2 main categories of players: scientist physicians who produced important translational research and the pharmaceutical industry, who developed, produced and made commercially available so many improved treatment weapons stemming from the translational research of the forementioned scientist physicians.ResultsPertaining to the role of scientist physicians, I chose to mention first those who were successful in the 1980 in the production of recombinant coagulation factors. In addition, those who more recently helped to produce new non substitutive therapies given by the subcutaneous route, and recombination coagulation factors with an extended half‐life.ConclusionsCurrent miraculous progress in hemophilia therapy is stemming from the research work of outstanding scientist physicians who acted in close collaboration with small biotechnology companies, leading to the early development of innovative therapeutic products, subsequently taken to the market place by the so called Big Pharma. I shall briefly provide my views to explain the fact that large pharmaceutical companies show more and more interest in such a rare disease as the hemophilias.
A prospective study to validate various clinical criteria used in classification of leprosy: a study from a tertiary care center in India
Authors: Thapa Manisha , Sendhil Kumaran Muthu , Narang Tarun , Saikia Uma N. , Sawatkar Gitesh U. , Dogra Sunil 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundVarious clinical criteria are used to categorize leprosy patients into paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB), thus aiding in appropriate treatment. However, comprehensive studies validating these criteria are minimal.AimsTo assess sensitivity and specificity of different clinical criteria individually and in combination for classifying leprosy into PB/MB spectrum.MethodA prospective study was conducted wherein 50 newly diagnosed, untreated leprosy cases were recruited and classified into PB and MB using the following clinical criteria: number of skin lesions (NSL), number of body areas affected (NBAA), and size of largest skin lesion (SLSL). Patients with pure neuritic leprosy, diffuse macular type of lepromatous leprosy, and with reactions were excluded. Sensitivity and specificity of these clinical criteria in classification was calculated taking histopathological findings as gold standard.ResultsAmong 50 patients, 37 were males and 13 were females with a mean age of 32.08 ± 16.55 years. The sensitivity and specificity of NSL, NBAA, and SLSL was 94.74 and 87.1%, 94.74 and 61.29%, and 73.68 and 16.13%, respectively. Combining all three criteria, the sensitivity increased to 100%, but specificity decreased drastically to 12.9%. The ROC curve for NSL, NBAA, and SLSL showed a cutoff of ≥6 skin lesions, ≥3 body areas affected, and ≤2 cm lesion to classify as MB.ConclusionThe current WHO system of leprosy classification based on NSL seems to be best among available clinical criteria. Uniform and sensible application of this criteria itself assures appropriate categorizing and leprosy treatment with reasonable sensitivity and specificity.
Comorbidities in vitiligo: comprehensive review
Authors: Dahir Aisha M. , Thomsen Simon F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractVitiligo is a common skin disorder characterized by idiopathic, progressive cutaneous hypomelanosis. Vitiligo is associated with several comorbid autoimmune, systemic, and dermatological diseases, primarily thyroid disease, alopecia areata, diabetes mellitus, pernicious anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Addison's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Sjögren's syndrome, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, ocular and audiological abnormalities, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. It is essential to increase awareness of these comorbidities in order to improve the disease burden and quality of life of patients with vitiligo. Herein, we review the association with the most frequent comorbidities associated with vitiligo.
Treatment delays for patients with new‐onset rheumatoid arthritis presenting to an Australian early arthritis clinic
Authors: Ison Matthew , Duggan Emily , Mehdi Ahmed , Thomas Ranjeny , Benham Helen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundEarly treatment ensures optimal outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) yet there are limited data in Australia quantifying treatment delays in clinical practice.AimsTo quantify treatment delays in new RA patients and to explore factors influencing delay and resultant patient outcomes.MethodsData were obtained for 88 patients presenting with a new diagnosis of RA to an early arthritis clinic (EAC) in Australia between 2008 and 2015. Date and details of symptom onset, initial general practitioner (GP) presentation, GP referral and review at EAC were collected. Patient demographics and clinical features were analysed for outcomes and features predictive of delay.ResultsMedian overall delay from symptom onset to rheumatology review was 26.4 weeks. Patient delay (8.7 weeks) was the longest delay and predicted overall delay. Delays in GP referral and time to EAC review were 4 and 8.4 weeks respectively. Increased overall delay was predicted by lower fatigue and disease activity scores (DAS28) and increased tender joint counts (TJC). Patient delay was increased by socioeconomic disadvantage. Increased GP delay was associated with lower DAS28 and higher TJC and ESR. Patients seen within 16 weeks had greater improvement in DAS28 and probability of remission at 6 months.ConclusionsIn this Australian EAC setting, patient delay was the greatest contributor to RA treatment delay. Delays in treatment were associated with lower disease severity and socioeconomic disadvantage. Remission was more likely after prompt initiation of treatment.
Overestimation of hours dedicated to family caregiving of persons with heart failure
Authors: Timonet‐Andreu Eva , Canca‐Sanchez José Carlos , Sepulveda‐Sanchez Juana , Ortiz‐Tomé Celia , Rivas‐Ruiz Francisco , Toribio‐Toribio Juan Carlos , Mora‐Banderas Ana , Morales‐Asencio José Miguel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study is to profile the family caregivers of people living with heart failure, to determine the perceived and real time devoted to daily care and to identify the factors associated with caregivers’ overestimation of time dedicated to care.BackgroundThe time spent by family caregivers on daily care is related to overload, but there are differences between real and perceived time spent. The reason for this difference is unknown, as is its impact on the caregiver.DesignMulticentre, cross‐sectional study.MethodsThis study forms part of a longitudinal, multicentre, ambispective cohort investigation. The study population was composed of 478 patient–family caregiver dyads and the data were collected over 2 years from 2014 ‐ 2016.ResultsThe mean time perceived to be spent on daily care was 8.79 hr versus a real value of 4.41 hr. These values were positively correlated. A significant correlation was also found between the overestimation of hours spent and the age of the caregiver, the duration of the caregiving relationship and the number of people providing support and with the patient's level of dependence and self‐care.ConclusionThe overestimation of time dedicated to care seems to be related to patients’ and caregivers’ characteristics, such as functional status, caregiver burden, age and cohabitation. These patterns should be considered by nurses when carrying out assessment and care planning with these patients and their caregivers.