bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-efficacy as a Mechanism of Action of Imagery Rehearsal Therapy's Effectiveness
Authors: Rousseau Andréanne , Dubé-Frenette Mylène , Belleville Geneviève 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is an empirically validated therapy targeting recurring nightmares, for which the mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate how an exploratory measure of self-efficacy could mediate IRT's effectiveness. Thirty-five victims of sexual assault with recurring nightmares were randomly assigned to either IRT or a control condition. Participants completed questionnaires about self-efficacy and nocturnal symptoms at pre- and posttreatment. Regression analyses showed that IRT predicted greater self-efficacy about dreams (β = .578) and that self-efficacy about dreams predicted improvement in insomnia (β = −.378). IRT also predicted greater self-efficacy about nightmares (β = .366), which in turn predicts sleep quality (β = −.412). However, self-efficacy was not a significant mediator of IRT's effectiveness on insomnia and sleep quality. Although IRT did increase patients' self-efficacy over dreams and nightmares, self-efficacy may not be a primary mechanism of action explaining IRT's effectiveness.
Is Tapping on Acupuncture Points an Active Ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies
Authors: Church Dawson , Stapleton Peta , Yang Amy , Gallo Fred 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFTs) combine elements of cognitive restructuring and exposure techniques with acupoint stimulation. Meta-analyses indicate large effect sizes for posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety; however, treatment effects may be due to components EFT shares with other therapies. This analysis reviewed whether EFTs acupressure component was an active ingredient. Six studies of adults with diagnosed or self-identified psychological or physical symptoms were compared (n = 403), and three (n = 102) were identified. Pretest vs. posttest EFT treatment showed a large effect size, Cohen's d = 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56 to 2.00) and Hedges' g = 1.25 (95% CI, 0.54 to 1.96). Acupressure groups demonstrated moderately stronger outcomes than controls, with weighted posttreatment effect sizes of d = −0.47 (95% CI, −0.94 to 0.0) and g = −0.45 (95% CI, −0.91 to 0.0). Meta-analysis indicated that the acupressure component was an active ingredient and outcomes were not due solely to placebo, nonspecific effects of any therapy, or nonacupressure components.
Mental Health Impact of Homecoming Experience Among 1730 Formerly Deployed Veterans From the Vietnam War to Current Conflicts: Results From the Veterans' Health Study
Authors: Boscarino Joseph A. , Adams Richard E. , Urosevich Thomas G. , Hoffman Stuart N. , Kirchner H. Lester , Boscarino Joseph J. , Withey Carrie A. , Dugan Ryan J. , Figley Charles R. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
We examined the effects of homecoming support on current mental health among 1730 deployed veterans from Vietnam, Iraq/Afghanistan, Persian Gulf, and other conflicts. The prevalence of current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was 5.4%, current depression was 8.3%, and 5.4% had suicidal thoughts in the past month. Overall, 26% of veterans had low homecoming support, which was more prevalent among Vietnam veterans (44.3%, p < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regressions, controlling for demographics, combat exposure, number of deployments, trauma history, and operational theater, low postdeployment support was associated with PTSD (odds ratio, 2.13; p = 0.032) and suicidality (odds ratio, 1.91; p < 0.030), but not depression. For suicidality, an interaction was detected for homecoming by theater status, whereby Iraq/Afghanistan veterans with lower homecoming support had a higher probability of suicidal thoughts (p = 0.002). Thus, years after deployment, lower homecoming support was associated with current PTSD and suicidality, regardless of theater and warzone exposures. For suicidality, lower support had a greater impact on Iraq/Afghanistan veterans.
Cognitive Impairment and Personality Traits in Epilepsy
Authors: Wang Xue , Lv Yudan , Zhang Wenxia , Meng Hongmei 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Cognitive impairment and personality disorders are severe comorbidities commonly observed in patients with epilepsy, and together they decrease the quality of patients' life. This study aimed to evaluate cognitive function and personality traits in patients with epilepsy with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Chinese revised and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and investigate the underlying influencing factors. Compared with the control group, our results showed that patients with epilepsy were presented with significant cognitive impairment and particular personality traits. Epileptic seizure-related factors including earlier age of onset, longer duration of epileptic history, and higher seizure frequency were significantly associated with the observed defects in cognition and personality traits. In addition, the temporal lobe was more likely to affect cognition and personality, and the left hemisphere was closely related to verbal intelligence quotient, which needs to be the focus of future research. These results will be instrumental for guiding the treatment of epilepsy.
Tattoo Recognition in Screening for Victims of Human Trafficking
Authors: Fang Shelley , Coverdale John , Nguyen Phuong , Gordon Mollie 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
There is little information on the secondary prevention of human trafficking and how medical professionals can screen for victims. There is a paucity of validated screening tools for use in clinical settings to identify adult trafficked patients, although one for use in pediatric populations exists. Many victims withhold information about their trafficked status. Because traffickers may mark victims, identification of tattoos provides a useful method for screening patients, which complements history taking, especially when victims are unable to disclose that information. We searched existing medical literature, PsycINFO, PubMed, Google, and JSTOR using keywords “human,” “trafficking,” and “tattoos.” Because there is scant literature on this topic, we also searched the gray literature that enabled preliminary identification of several themes used in trafficking tattoos. We also discussed tattoo placement and quality. Tattoo recognition is a critical factor in identifying victims and setting them on a pathway to freedom and recovery.
Suicide Methods According to Age and Sex
Authors: Han Dae-Guen , Kang Seung-Gul , Cho Seong-Jin , Cho Seo-Eun , Na Kyoung-Sae 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Because suicide is irreversible, prevention is paramount. For the optimal strategy to reduce lethal means, we sought to investigate age- and sex-associated variations in suicide methods. Data on annual causes of death from 1991 to 2015 in the Republic of Korea were used. Major sociodemographic correlates of the five suicide methods were analyzed by multiple multinominal logistic regression analysis. Among a total of 239,565 suicides from 1991 to 2015, hanging was most common. Gas poisoning sharply increased from 2007 to 2015. The gap between hanging and the second most common method of suicide has increased from 659 in 2004 to 4,433 in 2015. Charcoal burning was most commonly used by males younger than 45 years of age, whereas pesticide was commonly used by both sexes ages 55 years and older. Our results suggest that age- and sex-specific suicide prevention strategies are needed, particularly for gas and pesticide poisoning.
Quality and Safety in Health Care, Part XLVI
Authors: Harolds Jay A. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Some of the approaches to prevent and recover from burnout focus on the individual, and others focus on organizational initiatives. A common recommendation for the individual with burnout is to practice meditation and mindfulness. Mindfulness may be defined as focused awareness without judgment regarding the current instance in time. The practice of mindfulness and the outcome of various mindfulness courses will be discussed in this article. Other approaches on the subject of burnout regarding individual efforts and organizational changes will be discussed in subsequent articles in this series.
18F-FDG PET/CT in Isolated Primary Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma
Authors: Parihar Ashwin Singh , Mittal Bhagwant Rai , Vadi Shelvin Kumar , Sood Apurva , Kumar Rajender , Goni Vijay 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Extraskeletal osteosarcoma is a rare, high-grade soft tissue malignancy, accounting for approximately 1% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Despite the histologic resemblance to osteogenic osteosarcoma, it is considered as a distinct entity because of the differences in clinical behavior and response to treatment. Hence, imaging plays a vital role in establishing the nonskeletal origin of the tumor, differentiating it from osteogenic osteosarcoma. We present 18F-FDG PET/CT findings in a case of isolated primary extraskeletal osteosarcoma confirmed on histopathology.
Socioeconomic Status and Kidney Transplant Outcomes in a Universal Healthcare System: A Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Naylor Kyla L. , Knoll Gregory A. , Shariff Salimah Z. , McArthur Eric , Garg Amit X. , Van Walraven Carl , Austin Peter C. , McCallum Megan K. , Quinn Robert R. , Tan Vivian S. , Kim S. Joseph 
Published: September 2018

Background.Conflicting evidence exists regarding the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and outcomes after kidney transplantation.Methods.We conducted a population-based cohort study in a publicly funded healthcare system using linked administrative healthcare databases from Ontario, Canada to assess the relationship between SES and total graft failure (ie, return to chronic dialysis, preemptive retransplantation, or death) in individuals who received their first kidney transplant between 2004 and 2014. Secondary outcomes included death-censored graft failure, death with a functioning graft, all-cause mortality, and all-cause hospitalization (post hoc outcome).Results.Four thousand four hundred-fourteen kidney transplant recipients were included (median age, 53 years; 36.5% female), and the median (25th, 75th percentile) follow-up was 4.3 (2.1-7.1) years. In an unadjusted Cox proportional hazards model, each CAD $10000 increase in neighborhood median income was associated with an 8% decline in the rate of total graft failure (hazard ratio [HR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-0.97). After adjusting for recipient, donor, and transplant characteristics, SES was not significantly associated with total or death-censored graft failure. However, each CAD $10000 increase in neighborhood median income remained associated with a decline in the rate of death with a functioning graft (adjusted (a)HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83-0.98), all-cause mortality (aHR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.99), and all-cause hospitalization (aHR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.98).Conclusions.In conclusion, in a universal healthcare system, SES may not adversely influence graft health, but SES gradients may negatively impact other kidney transplant outcomes and could be used to identify patients at increased risk of death or hospitalization.
Local Delivery of Regulatory T Cells Promotes Corneal Allograft Survival
Authors: Shao Chunyi , Chen Yihe , Nakao Takeshi , Amouzegar Afsaneh , Yin Jia , Tahvildari Maryam , Lužnik Zala , Chauhan Sunil K. , Dana Reza 
Published: September 2018

Background
Regulatory T (Treg) cell-based immunotherapies have been studied as potential cell-based modalities for promoting transplant survival. However, the efficacy of local delivery of Treg cells in corneal transplantation has not been fully elucidated. Herein, we investigated the kinetics of migration of subconjunctivally injected Treg cells and their role in promoting corneal allograft survival.

Methods
GFP+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells were isolated from draining lymph nodes (DLNs) of GFP transgenic mice and were subconjunctivally injected to corneal allograft recipients. Next, Treg cells, conventional T cells (Tconv) or a combination of both was locally injected to graft recipients, and graft survival was determined by evaluating opacity scores for 10 weeks. Transplanted mice without treatment served as controls. The frequencies of major histocompatibility complex-II+CD11b+ antigen-presenting cells, IFNγ+CD4+ Th1 cells, and CD45+ cells in the DLNs and cornea were evaluated at week 2 posttransplantation using flow cytometry. Expressions of IFNγ, IL-10 and TGF-β in the grafts were assessed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
GFP+ Treg cells were detected in the ipsilateral cornea and DLNs of recipients 6 hours after injection. Subconjunctival injection of Treg cells significantly decreased the frequencies of mature antigen-presenting cells in the graft and DLNs, suppressed Th1 frequencies in DLNs, and inhibited CD45+ cell infiltration to the graft. Finally, locally delivered Treg cells significantly reduced the expression of IFN-γ, enhanced the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β in the graft, and promoted long-term allograft survival.

Conclusions
Our study elucidates the kinetics of migration of locally delivered Treg cells and shows their role in suppressing host immune response against the allograft.
Perspectives on the Optimal Genetically Engineered Pig in 2018 for Initial Clinical Trials of Kidney or Heart Xenotransplantation
Authors: Cooper David K.C. , Ezzelarab Mohamed , Iwase Hayato , Hara Hidetaka 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
For a clinical trial today, what might realistically be the optimal pig among those currently available? Deletion of expression of the 3 pig carbohydrate antigens, against which humans have natural (preformed) antibodies (triple-knockout pigs), should form the basis of any clinical trial. However, because both complement and coagulation can be activated in the absence of antibody, the expression of human complement- and coagulation-regulatory proteins is likely to be important in protecting the graft further. Any genetic manipulation that might reduce inflammation of the graft, for example, expression of hemeoxygenase-1 or A20, may also be beneficial to the long-term survival of the graft. The transgene for human CD47 is likely to have a suppressive effect on monocyte/macrophage and T-cell activity. Furthermore, deletion of xenoantigen expression and expression of a human complement-regulatory protein are both associated with a reduced T-cell response. Although there are several other genetic manipulations that may reduce the T-cell response further, it seems likely that exogenous immunosuppressive therapy, particularly if it includes costimulation blockade, will be sufficient. We would therefore suggest that, with our present knowledge and capabilities, the optimal pig might be a triple-knockout pig that expressed 1 or more human complement-regulatory proteins, 1 or more human coagulation-regulatory proteins, a human anti-inflammatory transgene, and CD47. Absent or minimal antibody binding is important, but we suggest that the additional insertion of protective human transgenes will be beneficial, and may be essential.
Blood Pressure in De Novo Heart Transplant Recipients Treated With Everolimus Compared With a Cyclosporine-based Regimen: Results From the Randomized SCHEDULE Trial
Authors: Andreassen Arne K. , Broch Kaspar , Eiskjær Hans , Karason Kristjan , Gude Einar , Mølbak Dorte , Stueflotten Wenche , Gullestad Lars 
Published: September 2018

Background.
Systemic hypertension is prevalent in heart transplant recipients and has been partially attributed to treatment with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). SCandinavian HEart transplant De-novo stUdy with earLy calcineurin inhibitors avoidancE trial was the first randomized trial to study early withdrawal of CNIs in de novo heart transplant recipients, comparing an everolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen with conventional CNI-based treatment. As a prespecified secondary endpoint, blood pressure was repeatedly compared across treatment arms.

Methods.
The The SCandinavian HEart transplant De-novo stUdy with earLy calcineurin inhibitors avoidancE trial was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, parallel-group, open-label trial in de novo adult heart transplant recipients, undertaken at transplant centers in Scandinavia. Blood pressure was assessed with 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring up to 3 years after heart transplantation (HTx) in 83 patients.

Results.
Overall, systolic blood pressure fell with time, from 138 ± 15 mm Hg 2 weeks after HTx to 134 ± 11 mm Hg after 12 months and 132 ± 14 mm Hg after 36 months (P = 0.003). Diastolic blood pressure did not change over time. After 12 months, there was a numerically larger fall in systolic blood pressure in the everolimus arm (between-group difference 8 mm Hg; P = 0.053), and after 36 months, there was a significant between group difference of 13 mm Hg (P = 0.02) in favor of everolimus.

Conclusions.
In this first, randomized trial with early CNI avoidance in de novo HTx recipients, we observed a modest fall in systolic blood pressure over the first 1 to 3 years after transplantation. The fall in systolic blood pressure was more pronounced in patients allocated to everolimus.
A Randomized Study of Quantiferon CMV-directed Versus Fixed-duration Valganciclovir Prophylaxis to Reduce Late CMV After Lung Transplantation
Authors: Westall Glen P. , Cristiano Yvonne , Levvey Bronwyn J. , Whitford Helen , Paraskeva Miranda A. , Paul Eldho , Peleg Anton Y. , Snell Gregory I. 
Published: September 2018

Background.
We provide the results of the first interventional study of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific immune monitoring to direct the length of antiviral prophylaxis in lung transplantation (LTx).

Methods.
Patients (n = 118) at risk of CMV infection were randomized 1:2 to either 5 months or variable length valganciclovir prophylaxis (5–11 mo post-LTx), as determined by the QuantiFERON (QFN)-CMV assay. Patients with a negative QFN-CMV assay (< 0.2 IU/mL) received prolonged valganciclovir prophylaxis.

Results.
The primary endpoint that was the incidence of CMV infection in the lung allograft within 18 months of LTx was significantly reduced in the QFN-CMV directed arm (37% versus 58%, P = 0.03). Secondary endpoints that included blood viremia, acute rejection, and chronic lung allograft dysfunction did not differ between the 2 arms. Of the 80/118 patients who ceased antiviral prophylaxis at 5 months, the incidence of viremia (> 600 copies/mL) within the blood was significantly reduced in patients with a positive QFN-CMV assay compared with those without protective immunity (13% versus 67%, P = 0.0003), as was the incidence of severe viremia (> 10 000 copies/mL) (3% versus 50%, P < 0.001). Ceasing antiviral prophylaxis at 11 months in patients with a negative assay was associated with a 25% incidence of late CMV viremia.

Conclusions.
Cytomegalovirus immune monitoring allows an individualized approach to CMV prophylaxis and reduces late CMV infection within the lung allograft.
Effect of the Selective NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibitor mcc950 on Transplantation Outcome in a Pig Liver Transplantation Model With Organs From Donors After Circulatory Death Preserved by Hypothermic Machine Perfusion
Authors: Yu Yang , Cheng Ying , Pan Qi , Zhang Yi-Jie , Jia De-Gong , Liu Yong-Feng 
Published: September 2018

Background
We investigated whether the outcome of organs from donors after circulatory death (DCD) can be improved by the addition of mcc950 to the perfusate of the hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) system and intravenous mcc950 injection after transplantation in a pig liver transplantation model.

Methods
Thirty-six healthy Bama mini pigs randomized into 3 groups. All the DCD livers were preserved in an HMP system after 2 hours of simple cold storage. In HMP-Postop group, mcc950 was added to the perfusate; in the control group and Postop group, the perfusate was normal LPS. After transplantation, the pigs in the Postop group and HMP-Postop group were intravenously administered 3 mg/kg mcc950, at the time of reperfusion and on day 2 and day 3 after transplantation. During the 3-day follow-up period, general operative characteristics, and serological markers and histological features related to ischemia reperfusion injury were examined.

Results
The HMP-Postop group suffer the lightest ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), and functioned best after transplantation. Model for the Early Allograft Function Score (predictor of long-term survival), degree of injury in the hepatocytes and rate of apoptosis was lowest in the HMP-Postop group. Further, in the HMP-Postop group, the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat containing family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome pathway activation was lowest, and the level of IL-1β was lowest. Postop group functioned better than control group, but not comparable with HMP-Postop group.

Conclusions
The outcome of DCD organs can be improved by the addition of mcc950 to the perfusate of the HMP system and intravenous injection of mcc950 after transplantation.
Novel Therapeutic Approaches to Allosensitization and Antibody-mediated Rejection
Authors: Jordan Stanley C. , Ammerman Noriko , Choi Jua , Huang Edmund , Peng Alice , Sethi Supreet , Najjar Reiad , Toyoda Mieko , Lim Kathlyn , Louie Sabrina , Vo Ashley 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Modification of pathogenic antibodies for autoimmune diseases illuminated the biologic relevance of B cells, plasma cells, and pathogenic antibodies in autoimmunity. They have also rejuvenated interest in how B cells mediate multiple effector functions that include antibody production, antigen presentation to T cells, costimulation, and the production of immune stimulating and immune modulatory cytokines. Repurposing these drugs from autoimmunity and cancer immunotherapy has yielded important advancements in the care of antibody-mediated rejection patients and novel drug development aimed at HLA desensitization have recently emerged. We now stand on an important threshold that promises many advances in the care of our allosensitized patients. We hope that these initial advances will encourage basic scientist, clinical investigators, industry, National Institutes of Health, our academic societies, and the Food and Drug Administration to continue support of these important objectives. These advances clearly have implications for sensitized patients receiving solid organ transplants and antibody-mediated rejection treatment. Modification of alloimmunity and alloantibodies will also have relevance to xenotransplantation where the xenoantibodies present a formidable obstacle to advancement of this important therapy. Working together, we can advance transplant therapeutics where biologic agents are likely to play novel and important roles. Here, we discuss novel drugs emerging in this area.