bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exogenous surfactant and alveolar recruitment in the treatment of the acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Rodríguez‐Moya Valentín S. , Gallo‐Borrero Clara M. , Santos‐Áreas Daniuris , Prince‐Martínez Ivette A. , Díaz‐Casañas Elaine , López‐Herce Cid Jesús 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effect of alveolar recruitment combined with surfactant administration on children with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Material and MethodsA prospective, randomized, controlled and sequential study was carried out. Group A (16 children) was treated with both the alveolar recruitment manoeuvres (ARM) and the administration of the surfactant every 8 h for 3 days; group B (15) received the usual treatment only. The alveolar recruitment was carried out by increasing positive end‐expiratory pressure 2 by 2 cm H2O to improve the transcutaneous oxygen saturation values up to 88% and 90%. Demographic data, gasometric and ventilator parameters, chest radiography and 28‐day mortality were evaluated.ResultsThere were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between groups. An hour after treatment, significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed in transcutaneous oxygen saturation (SaO2; Group A: 94.1%, Group B: 89.9%), PaO2/FiO2 (212.7 and 126.4) and oxygenation index (OI; 11.4 and 18.5). After 8 h, the differences in SaO2 (Group A: 94.6%, Group B: 90.3%), PaO2/FiO2 (225.8 and 126.9) and OI (10.8 and 18.4) were also significant (P < 0.001). From the fifth dose of the surfactant, the static compliance (P = 0.0034) and radiological images (P = 0.002) were more greatly improved in group A than in group B. Survival was significantly higher in group A (81.3%) than in group B (26.7%) (P = 0.006).ConclusionsThe combined treatment of surfactant administration and ARM resulted in a better oxygenation and survival in children with ARDS than when only recruitment was used.
Performance of Myrmica ant colonies is correlated with the presence of social parasites
Authors: WITEK MAGDALENA , ŚLIPIŃSKI PIOTR , NAUMIEC KAROLINA , KRUPSKI ADAM , BABIK HANNA , WALTER BARTOSZ , SYMONOWICZ BEATA , DUBIEC ANNA 
Published: February 2016

1. The performance of ant colonies depends on different factors such as nest site, colony structure or the presence of pathogens and social parasites. Myrmica ants host various types of social parasites, including the larvae of Maculinea butterflies and Microdonmyrmicae (Schönrogge) hoverfly. How these social parasites affect host colony performance is still unexplored.2. It was examined how the presence of Maculinea teleius Bergsträsser, Maculinea alcon (Denis & Schiffermüller), and M. myrmicae larvae, representing different feeding and growth strategies inside host colonies, is associated with worker survival, the number of foragers, and colony productivity parameters such as growth and reproduction.3. It was found that the presence of social parasites is negatively associated with total colony production and the production of ant larvae and gynes. Male production was lower only in nests infested by M. teleius, whereas the number of worker pupae was significantly higher in all types of infested colonies than in uninfested colonies. Laboratory observations indicated that nests infested by Maculinea larvae are characterised by a higher number of foragers compared to uninfested nests but we did not find differences in worker survival among nest types.4. The observed pattern of social parasite influence on colony productivity can be explained by the feeding strategies of parasitic larvae. The most negative effect was found for M. teleius, which feeds on the largest host brood and eliminates a high number of sexual forms. The strong, adverse influence of all studied parasite species on gyne production may result in low queen production in Myrmica populations exposed to these social parasites.
Family‐Based HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk Reduction for Drug‐Involved Young Offenders: 42‐Month Outcomes
Authors: Rowe Cynthia L. , Alberga Linda , Dakof Gayle A. , Henderson Craig E. , Ungaro Rocio , Liddle Howard A. 
Published: February 2016

This study tested a family‐based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention approach integrated within an empirically supported treatment for drug‐involved young offenders, Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT). A randomized, controlled, two‐site community‐based trial was conducted with 154 youth and their parents. Drug‐involved adolescents were recruited in detention, randomly assigned to either MDFT or Enhanced Services as Usual (ESAU), and assessed at intake, 3, 6, 9, 18, 24, 36, and 42‐month follow‐ups. Youth in both conditions received structured HIV/STI prevention in detention and those in MDFT also received family‐based HIV/STI prevention as part of ongoing treatment following detention release. Youth in both conditions and sites significantly reduced rates of unprotected sex acts and STI incidence from intake to 9 months. They remained below baseline levels of STI incidence (10%) over the 42‐month follow‐up period. At Site A, adolescents who were sexually active at intake and received MDFT showed greater reduction in overall frequency of sexual acts and number of unprotected sexual acts than youth in ESAU between intake and 9‐month follow‐ups. These intervention differences were evident through the 42‐month follow‐up. Intervention effects were not found for STI incidence or unprotected sex acts at Site B. Intensive group‐based and family intervention in detention and following release may reduce sexual risk among substance‐involved young offenders, and a family‐based approach may enhance effects among those at highest risk. Site differences in intervention effects, study limitations, clinical implications, and future research directions are discussed.
Competition and host size mediate larval anuran interactions with trematode parasites
Authors: Marino John A. , Holland Manja P. , Werner Earl E. 
Published: February 2016

Summary

How parasites influence individual host traits and survival often depends on the ecological context of the host–parasite interaction, such as the presence of competitors or predators and trait variation among hosts.

We examined the effects of three key components of ecological context – host density, size structure and predator cue – on interactions between larval frogs and trematode parasites (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) in mesocosms.

We found that effects of parasites on host growth could be either negative or positive, depending on host size and overall growth rate, but not on predator presence. A surprising positive effect of parasites on host growth under some conditions could represent an adaptive host life history response, whereby enhanced growth allows escape from a smaller, less tolerant size class that experiences more negative fitness effects of infection.

Notably, only host size class was a strong predictor of infection intensity, but not host density or predator cue.

Overall, these results suggest that parasitism, competition and host size interact to influence host fitness. Ecological context thus mediates the interactions between parasites and their hosts, with implications for parasite effects in nature.
A randomized controlled trial protocol testing a decision support intervention for older patients with advanced kidney disease
Authors: Brown Leanne , Gardner Glenn , Bonner Ann 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimTo assess the effectiveness of a decision support intervention using a pragmatic single blind Randomized Controlled Trial.BackgroundWorldwide the proportion of older people (aged 65 years and over) is rising. This population is known to have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases including chronic kidney disease. The resultant effect of the changing health landscape is seen in the increase in older patients (aged ≥65 years) commencing on dialysis. Emerging evidence suggests that for some older patients dialysis may provide minimal benefit. In a majority of renal units non‐dialysis management is offered as an alternative to undertaking dialysis. Research regarding decision‐making support that is required to assist this population in choosing between dialysis or non‐dialysis management is limited.DesignA multisite single blinded pragmatic randomized controlled trial is proposed.MethodsPatients will be recruited from four Queensland public hospitals and randomizd into either the control or intervention group. The decision support intervention is multimodal and includes counselling provided by a trained nurse. The comparator is standard decision‐making support. The primary outcomes are decisional regret and decisional conflict. Secondary outcomes are improved knowledge and quality of life. Ethics approval obtained November 2014.ConclusionThis is one of the first randomized controlled trials assessing a decision support intervention in older people with advance chronic kidney disease. The results may provide guidance for clinicians in future approaches to assist this population in decision‐making to ensure reduced decisional regret and decisional conflict.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound and computerized tomography perfusion imaging of a liver fibrosis–early cirrhosis in dogs
Authors: Liu Huanghui , Liu Jun , Zhang Yaqin , Liao Jian , Tong Qiongjuan , Gao Feng , Hu Yuequn , Wang Wei 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground and AimTo assess liver fibrosis stages in a liver fibrosis–early cirrhosis model in dogs, the clinical efficiency of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and computed tomography (CT) perfusion imaging were compared.MethodsHepatic vein arriving time (HVAT), hepatic artery arriving time, and hepatic artery to vein transit time (HA‐VTT) were measured on CEUS. Total liver perfusion (TLP), portal vein perfusion (PVP), hepatic artery perfusion, and hepatic perfusion index (HPI) were measured on CT perfusion imaging. Histologic examination of liver specimens of the animals was performed to assess the fibrosis stage.ResultsFor assessment of liver fibrosis, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of CEUS indexes HVAT and HA‐VTT were 0.865 and 0.930, respectively; the perfusion CT indexes TLP, PVP, and HPI were 0.797, 0.800, and 0.220, respectively; the serological index hyaluronic acid was 0.793. While for assessment of early cirrhosis, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of CEUS indexes HVAT and HA‐VTT were 0.915 and 0.948, respectively; the perfusion CT indexes TLP, PVP, and HPI were 0.737, 0.765, and 0.218, respectively; the serological index hyaluronic acid was 0.627.ConclusionsThis study showed that both CEUS and CT perfusion imaging have the potential to be complementary imaging tools in the evaluation of liver fibrosis. While CEUS is the better choice and the index HA‐VTT can be considered as non‐invasive semi‐quantitative indexes for diagnosing liver fibrosis and early cirrhosis.
Involvement of sensory innervation in the skin of SOD1G93A ALS mice
Authors: Rubio Miguel A. , Herrando‐Grabulosa Mireia , Vilches Jorge J. , Navarro Xavier 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSensory alterations have been described in both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and mouse models. While involvement of intraepidermal and subepidermal axons has been shown in skin biopsies of ALS patients, it is unclear if the SOD1G93A mouse presents similar alterations. We analyzed the epidermal and dermal innervation, based on PGP9.5 immunostaining, of SOD1G93A mice at different stages. The results showed a marked reduction of intraepidermal nerve fibers, Meissner's corpuscles, and subepidermal nerve density already at 4 weeks. This loss of innervation progressed over time. Dermal axonal density decreased at a later stage of the disease. There was a gradient of axonal loss, with a more severe decline in the epidermis compared with deeper structures, indicating a distal axonal neuropathy as the mechanism of degeneration. These findings suggest that the analysis of the cutaneous sensory innervation may be an accessible and useful tool to assess the neurodegeneration process in motoneuron diseases.
The use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and analgesics by liver transplant recipients
Authors: Mulka‐Gierek Maria , Foroncewicz Bartosz , Florczak Michał , Pączek Leszek , Krawczyk Marek , Mucha Krzysztof 
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectivesThis study aimed to assess the reasons and the frequency of the use of over‐the‐counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or analgesics by liver transplant recipients (LTR). Patient awareness of possible drug‐related side‐effects was also assessed.BackgroundNSAIDs and analgesics available without prescription belong to the most commonly used class of drugs. However, use of these drugs might be complicated by toxic adverse effects (AEs). Patients at risk for AEs include the transplant recipients.Design/methodsThis was a descriptive study. An anonymous survey was carried out in 73 randomly selected LTR, who represented 10% of all LTR at our centre.ResultsThere were 64% of the patients who confirmed taking NSAIDs or analgesics; 16% of these patients took these drugs at least several times a week and 10% took them daily. For 39% of patients, the only way to manage their pain were OTC NSAIDs or analgesics. As many as 36% of patients were unaware of the risks associated with the use of these drugs. Ninety per cent of LTR consider physicians the most trusted source of drugs information.ConclusionsOur study shows that two‐thirds of LTR take OTC NSAIDs or analgesics and one‐third are unaware of the AEs associated with these drugs. Therefore, both transplant nurses and doctors should educate their patients about the use and possible AE of these drugs.Relevance to clinical practiceConsidering the high NSAIDs consumption rates, the side effects of these drugs should always be suspected. Especially in patients taking these drugs and referring to medical advisors with specific symptoms, such as: abdominal pain, anaemia, elevated serum creatinine concentration or liver enzymes activity. Awareness of the scale of the problem enables health professionals to cooperate in educating patients. Such practices may reduce uncontrolled abuse of these drugs and related health care costs.
Difficulties in using interpreters in clinical encounters as experienced by immigrants living in Sweden
Authors: Krupic Ferid , Hellström Mikael , Biscevic Mirza , Sadic Sahmir , Fatahi Nabi 
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectivesTo study a group of immigrants' experiences regarding interactions with primary health care through an interpreter.BackgroundApproximately, 230 million people are resettled outside of their own home country. Thus, more than 3% of the world's population are migrants. It is a major challenge for health care providers to satisfy immigrants' needs for individualised health care services.DesignQualitative study.MethodsFocus group interviews were conducted with four groups of immigrants (n = 24) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo and Somalia. The group interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed, and the text was categorised using the content analysis method.ResultsParticipants′ expectations of the interpreter‐mediated consultations were high, but not always fulfilled. Interpreters being late, lacking professionalism or lacking knowledge in medical terminology and the use of health care professionals or relatives as interpreters were some of the problems raised.ConclusionA well‐organised, disciplined interpreter service with professional and competent interpreters is needed to overcome problems regarding clinical consultations involving interpreters. A satisfactory language bridge has a significant impact on the quality of communications.Clinical implicationInterpreter services should be well organised, and interpreters should be linguistically, culturally and socially competent, as these factors may have a significant impact on consultation outcomes. Using relatives or staff as interpreters can sometimes be a solution but often results in an unsatisfactory clinical consultation.
Does the Medicare Part D Decision‐Making Experience Differ by Rural/Urban Location?
Authors: Henning‐Smith Carrie , Casey Michelle , Moscovice Ira 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPurposeAlthough much has been written about Medicare Part D enrollment, much less is known about beneficiaries’ personal experiences with choosing a Part D plan, especially among rural residents. This study sought to address this gap by examining geographic differences in Part D enrollees’ perceptions of the plan decision‐making process, including their confidence in their choice, their knowledge about the program, and their satisfaction with available information.MethodsWe used data from the 2012 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey and included adults ages 65 and older who were enrolled in Part D at the time of the survey (n = 3,706). We used ordered logistic regression to model 4 outcomes based on beneficiaries’ perceptions of the Part D decision‐making and enrollment process, first accounting only for differences by rurality, then adjusting for sociodemographic, health, and coverage characteristics.FindingsOverall, half of all beneficiaries were not very confident in their Part D knowledge. Rural beneficiaries had lower odds of being confident in the plan they chose and in being satisfied with the amount of information available to them during the decision‐making process. After adjusting for all covariates, micropolitan residents continued to have lower odds of being confident in the plan that they chose.ConclusionsPolicy‐makers should pay particular attention to making information about Part D easily accessible for all beneficiaries and to addressing unique barriers that rural residents have in accessing information while making decisions, such as reduced Internet availability. Furthermore, confidence in the decision‐making process may be improved by simplifying the Part D program.
Interactions of individual perceived barriers and neighbourhood destinations with obesity‐related behaviours in Europe
Authors: Mackenbach J. D. , Lakerveld J. , Van Lenthe F. J. , Teixeira P. J. , Compernolle S. , De Bourdeaudhuij I. , Charreire H. , Oppert J.‐M. , Bárdos H. , Glonti K. , Rutter H. , McKee M. , Nijpels G. , Brug J. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryPerceived barriers towards physical activity and healthy eating as well as local availability of opportunities (destinations in the neighbourhood) are important determinants of obesity‐related behaviours in adults. Little is known, however, about how these factors interact with the behaviours.Data were analysed from 5,205 participants of the SPOTLIGHT survey, conducted in 60 neighbourhoods in urban regions of five different countries across Europe. A virtual audit was conducted to collect data on the presence of destinations in each neighbourhood. Direct associations of, and interactions between, the number of individual perceived barriers and presence of destinations with obesity‐related behaviours (physical activity and dietary behaviours) were analysed using multilevel regression analyses, adjusted for key covariates.Perceiving more individual barriers towards physical activity and healthy eating was associated with lower odds of physical activity and healthy eating. The presence of destinations such as bicycle lanes, parks and supermarkets was associated with higher levels of physical activity and healthier dietary behaviours. Analyses of additive interaction terms suggested that the interaction of destinations and barriers was competitive, such that the presence of destinations influenced obesity‐related behaviours most among those perceiving more barriers.These explorative findings emphasize the interest and importance of combining objective (e.g. virtual neighbourhood audit) methods and subjective (e.g. individual perceived barriers collected in a survey) to better understand how the characteristics of the residential built environment can shape obesity‐related behaviours depending on individual characteristics. © 2015 World Obesity
Neighbourhood typology based on virtual audit of environmental obesogenic characteristics
Authors: Feuillet T. , Charreire H. , Roda C. , Ben Rebah M. , Mackenbach J. D. , Compernolle S. , Glonti K. , Bárdos H. , Rutter H. , De Bourdeaudhuij I. , McKee M. , Brug J. , Lakerveld J. , Oppert J.‐M. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryVirtual audit (using tools such as Google Street View) can help assess multiple characteristics of the physical environment. This exposure assessment can then be associated with health outcomes such as obesity. Strengths of virtual audit include collection of large amount of data, from various geographical contexts, following standard protocols. Using data from a virtual audit of obesity‐related features carried out in five urban European regions, the current study aimed to (i) describe this international virtual audit dataset and (ii) identify neighbourhood patterns that can synthesize the complexity of such data and compare patterns across regions. Data were obtained from 4,486 street segments across urban regions in Belgium, France, Hungary, the Netherlands and the UK. We used multiple factor analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal components to build a typology of neighbourhoods and to identify similar/dissimilar neighbourhoods, regardless of region. Four neighbourhood clusters emerged, which differed in terms of food environment, recreational facilities and active mobility features, i.e. the three indicators derived from factor analysis. Clusters were unequally distributed across urban regions. Neighbourhoods mostly characterized by a high level of outdoor recreational facilities were predominantly located in Greater London, whereas neighbourhoods characterized by high urban density and large amounts of food outlets were mostly located in Paris. Neighbourhoods in the Randstad conurbation, Ghent and Budapest appeared to be very similar, characterized by relatively lower residential densities, greener areas and a very low percentage of streets offering food and recreational facility items. These results provide multidimensional constructs of obesogenic characteristics that may help target at‐risk neighbourhoods more effectively than isolated features.