bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the association between social cognition and functioning in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis
Authors: Cotter Jack , Bartholomeusz Cali , Papas Alicia , Allott Kelly , Nelson Barnaby , Yung Alison R , Thompson Andrew 
Published: December 2015

Objective: Social and role functioning are compromised for the majority of individuals at ultra-high risk of psychosis, and it is important to identify factors that contribute to this functional decline. This study aimed to investigate social cognitive abilities, which have previously been linked to functioning in schizophrenia, as potential factors that impact social, role and global functioning in ultra-high risk patients. Method: A total of 30 ultra-high risk patients were recruited from an established at-risk clinical service in Melbourne, Australia, and completed a battery of social cognitive, neurocognitive, clinical and functioning measures. We examined the relationships between all four core domains of social cognition (emotion recognition, theory of mind, social perception and attributional style), neurocognitive, clinical and demographic variables with three measures of functioning (the Global Functioning Social and Role scales and the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale) using correlational and multiple regression analyses. Results: Performance on a visual theory of mind task (visual jokes task) was significantly correlated with both concurrent role ( r = 0.425, p = 0.019) and global functioning ( r = 0.540, p = 0.002). In multivariate analyses, it also accounted for unique variance in global, but not role functioning after adjusting for negative symptoms and stress. Social functioning was not associated with performance on any of the social cognition tasks. Conclusion: Among specific social cognitive abilities, only a test of theory of mind was associated with functioning in our ultra-high risk sample. Further longitudinal research is needed to examine the impact of social cognitive deficits on long-term functional outcome in the ultra-high risk group. Identifying social cognitive abilities that significantly impact functioning is important to inform the development of targeted intervention programmes for ultra-high risk individuals.
Lymph Node Yield as a Predictor of Survival in Pathologically Node Negative Oral Cavity Carcinoma
Authors: Lemieux Aaron , Kedarisetty Suraj , Raju Sharat , Orosco Ryan , Coffey Charles 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveEven after a pathologically node‐negative (pN0) neck dissection for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), patients may develop regional recurrence. In this study, we (1) hypothesize that an increased number of lymph nodes removed (lymph node yield) in patients with pN0 oral SCC predicts improved survival and (2) explore predictors of survival in these patients using a multivariable model.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingAdministrative database analysis.Subjects and MethodsThe SEER database was queried for patients diagnosed with all‐stage oral cavity SCC between 1988 and 2009 who were determined to be pN0 after elective lymph node dissection. Demographic and treatment variables were extracted. The association of lymph node yield with 5‐year all‐cause survival was studied with multivariable survival analyses.ResultsA total of 4341 patients with pN0 oral SCC were included in this study. The 2 highest lymph node yield quartiles (representing >22 nodes removed) were found to be significant predictors of overall survival (22‐35 nodes: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.854, P =. 031; 36‐98 nodes: HR = 0.827, P =. 010). Each additional lymph node removed during neck dissection was associated with increased survival (HR = 0.995, P =. 022).ConclusionThese data suggest that patients with oral SCC undergoing elective neck dissection may experience an overall survival benefit associated with greater lymph node yield. Mechanisms behind the demonstrated survival advantage are unknown. Larger nodal dissections may remove a greater burden of microscopic metastatic disease, diminishing the likelihood of recurrence. Lymph node yield may serve as an objective measure of the adequacy of lymphadenectomy.
The effects of manual therapy or exercise therapy or both in people with hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sampath Kesava Kovanur , Mani Ramakrishnan , Miyamori Takayuki , Tumilty Steve 
Published: December 2015

Objective: To determine whether manual therapy or exercise therapy or both is beneficial for people with hip osteoarthritis in terms of reduced pain, improved physical function and improved quality of life. Methods: Databases such as Medline, AMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTSDiscus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and SCOPUS were searched from their inception till September 2015. Two authors independently extracted and assessed the risk of bias in included studies. Standardised mean differences for outcome measures (pain, physical function and quality of life) were used to calculate effect sizes. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used for assessing the quality of the body of evidence for each outcome of interest. Results: Seven trials (886 participants) that met the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. There was high quality evidence that exercise therapy was beneficial at post-treatment (pain-SMD-0.27,95%CI-0.5to-0.04;physical function-SMD-0.29,95%CI-0.47to-0.11) and follow-up (pain-SMD-0.24,95%CI- 0.41to-0.06; physical function-SMD-0.33,95%CI-0.5to-0.15). There was low quality evidence that manual therapy was beneficial at post-treatment (pain-SMD-0.71,95%CI-1.08to-0.33; physical function-SMD-0.71,95%CI-1.08to-0.33) and follow-up (pain-SMD-0.43,95%CI-0.8to-0.06; physical function-SMD-0.47,95%CI-0.84to-0.1). Low quality evidence indicated that combined treatment was beneficial at post-treatment (pain-SMD-0.43,95%CI-0.78to-0.08; physical function-SMD-0.38,95%CI-0.73to-0.04) but not at follow-up (pain-SMD0.25,95%CI-0.35to0.84; physical function-SMD0.09,95%CI-0.5to0.68). There was no effect of any interventions on quality of life. Conclusion: An Exercise therapy intervention provides short-term as well as long-term benefits in terms of reduction in pain, and improvement in physical function among people with hip osteoarthritis. The observed magnitude of the treatment effect would be considered small to moderate.
Desirable Skills in New Pharmacists
Authors: O’Brien Catherine E. , Flowers Schwanda K. , Stowe Cindy D. 
Published: December 2015

Objective: To compare survey responses between licensed pharmacists who work with or employ new graduates and graduating senior pharmacy students at a college of pharmacy. Design: This was a retrospective analysis of surveys given to 2 groups of pharmacists and students. Responses to items regarding importance of desirable qualities in new pharmacists and level of preparation of new graduates were analyzed. Qualities included drug information, pharmacology, therapeutics, communication with patients/customers or health care professionals, professionalism, ethics, management, and conflict resolution. Results: There was consensus between pharmacists and students regarding the importance of all items ( P > .05 for all comparisons). However, the percentage of pharmacists versus students who agreed that new graduates communicate effectively differed (86.7% vs 100%, respectively, P < .05). Of pharmacists surveyed at a career fair, 64.1% chose communication as the 1 skill that would distinguish an applicant, and retail and hospital pharmacists displayed a statistically significant ( P < .05) difference in the audience (patients/customers vs other health care professionals). Conclusion: Pharmacists and students agree on the knowledge and skills essential for pharmacy practice but disagree on the level of preparation for effective communication. These results support ongoing efforts to improve the development of communication skills in the professional pharmacy curriculum.
Prevalence, distribution and clinical correlates of myocardial fibrosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cardiac magnetic resonance study
Authors: Seneviratne M G , Grieve S M , Figtree G A , Garsia R , Celermajer D S , Adelstein S , Puranik R 
Published: December 2015

Objectives To assess the prevalence, distribution and clinical correlates of myocardial fibrosis, as detected by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Forty-one subjects (average age 39 ± 12 years and 80% female) with SLE underwent CMR imaging at 1.5T, using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) to quantify the area of myocardial fibrosis in the left ventricle (LV). Subjects also underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and exercise testing. Results LGE was detected in 15/41 subjects, 11 with localized LGE (<15% LV mass) and four with extensive LGE (>15% LV mass). The commonest site of LGE was the interventricular septum, with all but one case demonstrating an intramural or inflammatory pattern. The mean age of the >15% LGE group (55 ± 15 years) was significantly higher than the <15% or absent LGE subgroups. Based on both CMR and TTE measurements, subjects with LGE > 15% demonstrated a reduced E/A ratio of 0.9 ± 0.4 relative to the <15% and absent LGE subgroups. LV end-systolic volume (ESVi), end-diastolic volume (EDVi) and maximum exercise capacity were also reduced in the >15% LGE group. Conclusions Mid-wall myocardial fibrosis occurs frequently in SLE and is strongly associated with advancing subject age, but not with SLE duration or severity. Extensive LGE may be associated with diastolic dysfunction and impaired exercise capacity, although this may be an epiphenomenon of age. Cardiac magnetic resonance with quantitative assessment of LGE may provide a basis for cardiac risk stratification in SLE.
Conflicting notions of time in Antony and Cleopatra
Authors: Valentini Maria 
Published: December 2015

The question of time is part of a general psychological reorientation which takes place in the Renaissance and appears in many of Shakespeare’s plays as a theme upon which to reflect. Time, no longer beneficial, becomes a source of anxiety: feudal time, linked to land and cultivation, providing comfort because the eternal repetition of natural cycles gives the illusion of reversibility, and therefore of a time which is redeemable, gives way to the notion of linear time, irreversible, unredeemable, the time of History (cf. Le Goff, Panofsky, Deleuze). In Antony and Cleopatra, we find these different concepts of time battling against each other; Rome’s opposition to Alexandria, and Caesar’s opposition to Antony represent also two contrasting notions of time. Caesar’s time, and indeed Rome’s time, is very close to this new, modern concept, whose roots lie also in the springs and coils of renaissance machinery, time linked to power and money; wasting time means ‘being similar to beasts, he who wastes his time does not deserve to be called a man’ (cf. Le Goff). This is the kind of time Antony cannot face. Antony is tied to the past, but also to time as Aion, Cleopatra and Egypt’s time, associated with the ever-present, (cf. Heraclitus, Augustine), a time which is outside of history, a time which does not seem to lead inexorably to death and which is opposed to time as Chronos, linear and irreversible, time of history, the time of Rome. But Chronos is not simply ‘time the destroyer’; it opposes itself to chaos, it also means order, it means law. Roman time and Egyptian time can be seen as belonging to these two categories as does Caesar’s time when confronted with Antony’s time.
Hybrid Active Learning Situations
Authors: Goetze David 
Published: December 2015

Background. I explore the use in undergraduate classes of active learning situations (ALSs) that model the structure of common pool resources. I respond to critiques of the usefulness of ALSs for use in classrooms by reviewing their ability to convey important concepts and theories and to facilitate student acquisition of policy details. Aim. I examine how learning efficiency is enhanced by choosing the right form of ALS – ranging from abstract games to detailed simulations. The learning efficiency of using games or simulations in the classroom, or something in between, likely depends on the instructor’s purposes – conveying general theories applicable to many cases or the details and dynamics of particular policies. Method. I discuss use of a hybrid example of a common pool resource ALS to illustrate use of the ALS to help achieve the purposes of a course on the Rise and Decline of Human Civilizations. Conclusion. Descriptions of the content of debriefing sessions for six courses taught in the US and China provide support for the usefulness of this ALS in achieving purposes that focus on conveying knowledge about abstract features of common pool resource challenges confronting past societies, the climate change problem confronting contemporary global society, and how to avoid tragic outcomes in each case.
A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Effectiveness of Houvast
Authors: Krabbenborg Manon A. M. , Boersma Sandra N. , van der Veld William M. , van Hulst Bente , Vollebergh Wilma A. M. , Wolf Judith R. L. M. 
Published: December 2015

Objective: To test the effectiveness of Houvast: a strengths-based intervention for homeless young adults. Method: A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with 10 Dutch shelter facilities randomly allocated to an intervention and a control group. Homeless young adults were interviewed when entering the facility and when care ended. Repeated-measures analyses and logistic regression analyses were conducted by the principle of intention-to-treat framework ( N = 251). Results: Improvements were demonstrated on quality of life; satisfaction with family relations, finances, and health; employed or in school; depression; care needs; autonomy; competence, and resilience in both conditions. A higher proportion of homeless young adults who received care according to Houvast were still receiving care at follow-up and successfully completed the trajectory compared to those who received care as usual. Conclusion: Homeless young adults seem to benefit from service provision in general. Further research on the effectiveness of Houvast is needed after sufficient model fidelity has been achieved.
Detection of feline coronavirus spike gene mutations as a tool to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis
Authors: Felten Sandra , Weider Karola , Doenges Stephanie , Gruendl Stefanie , Matiasek Kaspar , Hermanns Walter , Mueller Elisabeth , Matiasek Lara , Fischer Andrea , Weber Karin , Hirschberger Johannes , Wess Gerhard , Hartmann Katrin 
Published: December 2015

Objectives Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an important cause of death in the cat population worldwide. The ante-mortem diagnosis of FIP in clinical cases is still challenging. In cats without effusion, a definitive diagnosis can only be achieved post mortem or with invasive methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a combined reverse transcriptase nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) and sequencing approach in the diagnosis of FIP, detecting mutations at two different nucleotide positions within the spike (S) gene. Methods The study population consisted of 64 cats with confirmed FIP and 63 cats in which FIP was initially suspected due to similar clinical or laboratory signs, but that were definitively diagnosed with another disease. Serum/plasma and/or effusion samples of these cats were examined for feline coronavirus (FCoV) RNA by RT-nPCR and, if positive, PCR products were sequenced for nucleotide transitions within the S gene. Results Specificity of RT-nPCR was 100% in all materials (95% confidence interval [CI] in serum/plasma 83.9–100.0; 95% CI in effusion 93.0–100.0). The specificity of the sequencing step could not be determined as none of the cats of the control group tested positive for FCoV RNA. Sensitivity of the ‘combined RT-nPCR and sequencing approach’ was 6.5% (95% CI 0.8–21.4) in serum/plasma and 65.3% (95% CI 50.4–78.3) in effusion. Conclusions and relevance A positive result is highly indicative of the presence of FIP, but as none of the control cats tested positive by RT-nPCR, it was not possible to confirm that the FCoV mutant described can only be found in cats with FIP. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the usefulness of the sequencing step including FCoV-RNA-positive cats with and without FIP. A negative result cannot be used to exclude the disease, especially when only serum/plasma samples are available.
Decreasing Rates of Neomycin Sensitization in Western Canada
Authors: Elliott John F. , Abbas Mariam , Hull Peter , de Gannes Gillian , Toussi Reza , Milani Azita 
Published: December 2015

Background: Neomycin contact sensitization rates in North America range from 7% to 13%, whereas in Europe they average approximately 1.9%. Objectives: Given that topical neomycin products are no longer readily available in Canada, the aim of this study was to examine what influence this may have had on neomycin sensitization rates in the 3 western provinces. Methods: On the basis of an observation originally communicated by L. M. Parsons and C. Zhang of the University of Calgary, which suggested significantly reduced rates of neomycin sensitization in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, a multicenter study of patch test results from 5690 patient charts was undertaken. Data from 3 other western Canadian Universities (the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Alberta, and the University of British Colombia) were analyzed. Data were available from 2001 to 2013 for the University of Saskatchewan (except 2006), whereas the University of Alberta and the University of British Columbia had data from 2009 to 2013. Descriptive statistics, trend analysis, and risk estimates were determined using SPSS version 20. Results: Sensitization rates for neomycin have decreased in western Canada and are now similar to those of Europe. Conclusions: This trend is likely influenced by the reduced availability of over-the-counter and prescription neomycin products in Canada.
Treatment of Linear Scleroderma (en Coup de Sabre) With Dermal Fat Grafting
Authors: Barin Ensar Zafer , Cinal Hakan , Cakmak Mehmet Akif , Tan Onder 
Published: December 2015

Background: Linear scleroderma, also known as “ en coup de sabre,” is a subtype of localized scleroderma that warrants aesthetic correction because it appears on the forehead region in children. Objective: To report dermal fat grafting as a novel and effective surgical treatment option in linear scleroderma. Methods: Under local anesthesia, a dermal fat graft was successfully placed into a subcutaneous pocket that was prepared underneath the depressed scar. The donor site was closed primarily. Results: No early or late complications developed postoperatively. After 1-year follow-up, the dermal fat graft was viable, the depressed scar was adequately augmented, and a good aesthetic result and patient satisfaction were obtained. Conclusion: We believe that dermal fat grafting is a cost-effective option and provides a long-lasting aesthetic outcome in the management of linear scleroderma.
Effect of treatment with rosiglitazone on high-sensitivity cardiac troponin levels among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Salahuddin Usman I , Pandey Ambarish , Ayers Colby R , See Raphael , Neeland Ian J , Gore M Odette , Grinsfelder D Bennett , Abdullah Shuaib M , Khera Amit , de Lemos James A , McGuire Darren K 
Published: December 2015

Objective: To assess the impact of intermediate-term treatment with rosiglitazone on high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with or at high risk of coronary artery disease. Methods: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T level was measured at baseline and after 6 months of study treatment in a randomized trial comparing rosiglitazone versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes and prevalent cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to assess the effect of rosiglitazone versus placebo on high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels. Results: The study included 150 randomized participants, of whom 106 had paired baseline and end-of-study blood samples for analysis (mean age: 56 ± 8 years, 42% women; 8.8 years average type 2 diabetes duration; mean haemoglobin A1c of 7.5). Almost all study participants (93%) had detectable high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (⩾3 ng/L) at baseline, including 23% with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels exceeding the threshold commonly used to diagnose myocardial infarction (⩾14 ng/L). Change in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels from baseline to follow-up was not significantly different between rosiglitazone and placebo groups ( p = 0.316). Conclusion: Rosiglitazone did not impact high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels, adding to the growing body of literature suggesting that the incremental heart failure risk associated with rosiglitazone is not mediated by direct myocardial injury.
Patients with triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries and distal radioulnar joint instability have reduced rotational torque in the forearm
Authors: Andersson J. K. , Axelsson P. , Strömberg J. , Karlsson J. , Fridén J. 
Published: December 2015

A total of 20 patients scheduled for wrist arthroscopy, all with clinical signs of rupture to the triangular fibrocartilage complex and distal radioulnar joint instability, were tested pre-operatively by an independent observer for strength of forearm rotation. During surgery, the intra-articular pathology was documented by photography and also subsequently individually analysed by another independent hand surgeon. Arthroscopy revealed a type 1-B injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex in 18 of 20 patients. Inter-rater reliability between the operating surgeon and the independent reviewer showed absolute agreement in all but one patient (95%) in terms of the injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex and its classification. The average pre-operative torque strength was 71% of the strength of the non-injured contralateral side in pronation and supination. Distal radioulnar joint instability with an arthroscopically verified injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex is associated with a significant loss of both pronation and supination torque. Level of evidence: Case series, Level IV.
Evaluation of vitamin D levels in women with carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Lee S. H. , Gong H. S. , Kim D. H. , Shin H. S. , Kim K. M. , Kim J. , Baek G. H. 
Published: December 2015

Studies suggest that vitamin D has a role in neuroprotection. We investigated whether vitamin D status is associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Vitamin D levels were compared between carpal tunnel syndrome women ( n = 135) and healthy control women ( n = 135) or patients with other upper limb conditions ( n = 135). There were no differences in vitamin D levels between the patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and the controls. However, women with carpal tunnel syndrome younger than 50 years old had significantly lower vitamin D levels than age-matched healthy control women ( P = 0.023) or patients with other upper limb conditions ( P = 0.035). When women with carpal tunnel syndrome and healthy control women were pooled, the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome was higher in vitamin D deficient women than in non-deficient women, especially in those younger than 50 years. This study suggests a potential link between vitamin D status and the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome in women younger than 50 years but causation is not established. Type of study/level of evidence: Prognostic Level III