bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Top–Down Focused Spatial Attention in Preattentive Salience Coding and Salience-based Attentional Capture
Authors: Bertleff Sabine , Fink Gereon R. , Weidner Ralph 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Selective visual attention requires an efficient coordination between top–down and bottom–up attention control mechanisms. This study investigated the behavioral and neural effects of top–down focused spatial attention on the coding of highly salient distractors and their tendency to capture attention. Combining spatial cueing with an irrelevant distractor paradigm revealed bottom–up based attentional capture only when attention was distributed across the whole search display, including the distractor location. Top–down focusing spatial attention on the target location abolished attentional capture of a salient distractor outside the current attentional focus. Functional data indicated that the missing capture effect was not based on diminished bottom–up salience signals at unattended distractor locations. Irrespectively of whether salient distractors occurred at attended or unattended locations, their presence enhanced BOLD signals at their respective spatial representation in early visual areas as well as in inferior frontal, superior parietal, and medial parietal cortex. Importantly, activity in these regions reflected the presence of a salient distractor rather than attentional capture per se. Moreover, successfully inhibiting attentional capture of a salient distractor at an unattended location further increased neural responses in medial parietal regions known to be involved in controlling spatial attentional shifts. Consequently, data provide evidence that top–down focused spatial attention prevents automatic attentional capture by supporting attentional control processes counteracting a spatial bias toward a salient distractor.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Does Not Influence the Speed–Accuracy Tradeoff in Perceptual Decision-making: Evidence from Three Independent Studies
Authors: de Hollander Gilles , Labruna Ludovica , Sellaro Roberta , Trutti Anne , Colzato Lorenza S. , Ratcliff Roger , Ivry Richard B. , Forstmann Birte U. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
In perceptual decision-making tasks, people balance the speed and accuracy with which they make their decisions by modulating a response threshold. Neuroimaging studies suggest that this speed–accuracy tradeoff is implemented in a corticobasal ganglia network that includes an important contribution from the pre-SMA. To test this hypothesis, we used anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to modulate neural activity in pre-SMA while participants performed a simple perceptual decision-making task. Participants viewed a pattern of moving dots and judged the direction of the global motion. In separate trials, they were cued to either respond quickly or accurately. We used the diffusion decision model to estimate the response threshold parameter, comparing conditions in which participants received sham or anodal tDCS. In three independent experiments, we failed to observe an influence of tDCS on the response threshold. Additional, exploratory analyses showed no influence of tDCS on the duration of nondecision processes or on the efficiency of information processing. Taken together, these findings provide a cautionary note, either concerning the causal role of pre-SMA in decision-making or on the utility of tDCS for modifying response caution in decision-making tasks.
BMI upon discharge from hospital and its relationship with survival: an observational study utilising linked patient records
Authors: Freemantle Nick , Ray Daniel , Falcaro Milena , McNulty David , Shallcross Laura , Wood John , Pagano Domenico 
Published: April 2016

Objective Current advice for patients being discharged from hospital suggests a body mass index of 18.5 to 24 kgm−2, although this aspirational target may often not be achieved. We examined the relationship between body mass index on discharge from hospital and subsequent mortality over a maximum follow-up of 3.8 years. Design We conducted a survival analysis using linked hospital records data with national hospital episode statistics and national death certification data. Participants & Setting The analysis included adult patients who were admitted to University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust for a period of over 24 h during 2011, excluding day cases and regular day case attenders. Main outcome measures The relationship between body mass index and mortality at medium term was estimated separately in both men and women, after accounting for case-mix. Results For both males and females, the relationship between body mass index at discharge and the loge hazard of death was strongly non-linear (p = 0.0002 for females and p < 0.0001 for males) and predictive (both p < 0.0001). In all models, the optimal body mass index range associated with best survival was 25 to 35 kgm−2, with a sharp increase in risk for lower body mass index. Conclusions There was little evidence to support current aspirational body mass index targets in the discharge population. Hospitals should ensure adequate nutrition especially among those with a reduced body mass index.
Cyanoacrylate glue used to treat great saphenous reflux: Measures of outcome
Authors: Chan Yiu Che , Law Yuk , Cheung Grace C , Ting Albert C , Cheng Stephen W 
Published: April 2016

ntroduction This is a single-center clinical study for the evaluation of safety, efficacy, and performance of endovenous cyanoacrylate (Sapheon Venaseal Closure System, now Medtronic Medical) for the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux. ethods Primary outcome measures included the GSV obliteration, with clinical recurrence on follow up as detected by serial clinical and duplex examinations of patients at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year. Venous clinical severity score (VCSS), Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire (AVVQ), Short Form Health Survey 36 Item (SF-36) questionnaires were used at clinical follow up. Diameter of the GSV, treatment length of the GSV, and pretreatment clinical severity of the varicose vein were analyzed to predict recanalization using Cox regression analysis. esults Fifty-seven legs in 29 patients with primary varicose veins were included. One week follow-up duplex showed successful obliteration of the GSV in all except one of the legs. Two legs had minimal extension of thrombus to deep vein. None of the patients had deep venous thrombosis. All the patients were discharged the same day of operation. Median time to return to work was 1 day (range 1–16 days). Our VCSS, AVVQ, and the SF-36 physical and mental scores changed from a mean of 6.91, 23.66, 44.24, 54.26 at baseline to 2.43, 6.10, 43.85, 52.50 at 1 month post operation, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the GSV closure rates were 98.2%, 94.3%, 89.7%, and 78.5% at post-op 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year, respectively. With median follow-up period of 9 months (range 1–13 months), no clinical recurrence of varicosity was observed. Mean GSV diameter ≥8 mm was a significant predictor for recanalization (hazard ratio 6.92, 95%CI 1.34–35.67, p = 0.021). onclusion This study showed that the use of endovenous cyanoacrylate in the treatment of the GSV reflux was safe. All patients had symptomatic improvement as shown by the VCSS and AVVQ.
Patterns in the management of superficial vein thrombosis
Authors: Karathanos Christos , Spanos Konstantinos , Lachanas Vasileios , Athanasoulas Athanasios , Giannoukas Athanasios D 
Published: April 2016

Objective To highlight current practice patterns in management of superficial vein thrombosis. Methods An electronic survey was conducted using the mailing lists of the Mediterranean League of Angiology and Vascular Surgery and European Venous Forum regarding superficial vein thrombosis diagnosis, investigation, and treatment. Results The response rate was 41% (175/430) and the majority of the participants were vascular surgeons practicing in a hospital. More experienced physicians considered superficial vein thrombosis as a medical issue of moderate seriousness and performed duplex ultrasound for confirmation of diagnosis. Elastic stockings were recommended by 87% of the physicians, while 57% prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Eighty six percent advised anticoagulation, although a large disparity was shown regarding regime, dose, and duration. Thrombophilia test was regularly suggested by 19% of the physicians. Ligation of the saphenofemoral junction was the treatment of choice by those who suggested intervention in the acute phase of superficial vein thrombosis. Conclusions A great disparity exists in the management of superficial vein thrombosis. Current guidelines have not been adopted by physicians; more focused training is needed for those involved in the management of venous diseases.
Participant-selected music and physical activity in older adults following cardiac rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Clark Imogen N , Baker Felicity A , Peiris Casey L , Shoebridge Georgie , Taylor Nicholas F 
Published: April 2016

Objective: To evaluate effects of participant-selected music on older adults’ achievement of activity levels recommended in the physical activity guidelines following cardiac rehabilitation. Design: A parallel group randomized controlled trial with measurements at Weeks 0, 6 and 26. Setting: A multisite outpatient rehabilitation programme of a publicly funded metropolitan health service. Subjects: Adults aged 60 years and older who had completed a cardiac rehabilitation programme. Interventions: Experimental participants selected music to support walking with guidance from a music therapist. Control participants received usual care only. Main measures: The primary outcome was the proportion of participants achieving activity levels recommended in physical activity guidelines. Secondary outcomes compared amounts of physical activity, exercise capacity, cardiac risk factors, and exercise self-efficacy. Results: A total of 56 participants, mean age 68.2 years (SD = 6.5), were randomized to the experimental ( n = 28) and control groups ( n = 28). There were no differences between groups in proportions of participants achieving activity recommended in physical activity guidelines at Week 6 or 26. Secondary outcomes demonstrated between-group differences in male waist circumference at both measurements (Week 6 difference −2.0 cm, 95% CI −4.0 to 0; Week 26 difference −2.8 cm, 95% CI −5.4 to −0.1), and observed effect sizes favoured the experimental group for amounts of physical activity (d = 0.30), exercise capacity (d = 0.48), and blood pressure (d = −0.32). Conclusions: Participant-selected music did not increase the proportion of participants achieving recommended amounts of physical activity, but may have contributed to exercise-related benefits.
Efficacy of intravenous fluid warming during goal-directed fluid therapy in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Choi Ji-Won , Kim Duk-Kyung , Lee Seung-Won , Park Jung-Bo , Lee Gyu-Hong 
Published: April 2016

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intravenous (IV) fluid warming in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Methods Adult patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery were randomly assigned to receive either IV fluids at room temperature (control group) or warmed IV fluids (warm fluids group). Each patient received a standardized goal-directed fluid regimen based on stroke volume variances. Oesophageal temperature was measured at 15 min intervals for 2 h after induction of anaesthesia. Results A total of 52 patients were enrolled in the study. The drop in core temperature in the warm fluids group was significantly less than in the control group 2 h after the induction of anaesthesia. This significant difference was seen from 30 min after induction. Conclusion IV fluid warming was associated with a smaller drop in core temperature than room temperature IV fluids in laparoscopic colorectal surgery incorporating goal-directed fluid therapy.
Dopamine 2 Receptor Genes Are Associated with Raised Blood Glucose in Schizophrenia
Authors: Lawford Bruce R. , Barnes Mark , Morris C. Phillip , Noble Ernest P. , Nyst Phillip , Heslop Karen , Young Ross McD. , Voisey Joanne , Connor Jason P. 
Published: April 2016

Objective: Type 2 diabetes is commonly found in schizophrenia and is an important contributor to mortality and morbidity in this condition. Dopamine has been implicated in the aetiology of both diabetes and schizophrenia. It is possible that both disorders share a common genetic susceptibility. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we examined 2 dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with schizophrenia (C939 T, rs6275 and C957 T, rs6277) along with fasting blood glucose and body mass index (BMI) in 207 antipsychotic-treated patients with schizophrenia. All participants met DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia, and those with other psychiatric disorders were excluded. Analysis of covariance was used to compare fasting glucose results by DRD2 genotypes, after controlling for known confounds. For significant associations, follow-up Bonferroni post hoc tests examined differences in fasting glucose levels between genotypes. Specific comparisons were also made using analysis of variance and chi-square (Fisher’s exact test). Results: The 2 DRD2 risk genotypes were associated with significant increases in blood glucose, after controlling for BMI, age, sex, dosage and type of antipsychotic medication, number of hospitalisations, and negative symptoms (rs6275, F(2, 182) = 5.901, P = 0.003; rs6277 SNP, F(2, 178) = 3.483, P = 0.033). Conclusions: These findings support the involvement of DRD2 not only in schizophrenia but also in elevated levels of blood glucose commonly found in antipsychotic-treated patients with schizophrenia. Our data support the notion that diabetes may not merely be a comorbid condition but could be fundamentally associated with the pathogenesis of schizophrenia itself.
Combining clinical and magnetic resonance imaging markers enhances prediction of 12-year disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Uher Tomas , Vaneckova Manuela , Sobisek Lukas , Tyblova Michaela , Seidl Zdenek , Krasensky Jan , Ramasamy Deepa , Zivadinov Robert , Havrdova Eva , Kalincik Tomas , Horakova Dana 
Published: April 2016

Background: Disease progression and treatment efficacy vary among individuals with multiple sclerosis. Reliable predictors of individual disease outcomes are lacking. Objective: To examine the accuracy of the early prediction of 12-year disability outcomes using clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters. Methods: A total of 177 patients from the original Avonex-Steroids-Azathioprine study were included. Participants underwent 3-month clinical follow-ups. Cox models were used to model the associations between clinical and MRI markers at baseline or after 12 months with sustained disability progression (SDP) over the 12-year observation period. Results: At baseline, T2 lesion number, T1 and T2 lesion volumes, corpus callosum (CC), and thalamic fraction were the best predictors of SDP (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.7–4.6; p ⩽ 0.001–0.012). At 12 months, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and its change, number of new or enlarging T2 lesions, and CC volume % change were the best predictors of SDP over the follow-up (HR = 1.7–3.5; p ⩽  0.001–0.017). A composite score was generated from a subset of the best predictors of SDP. Scores of ⩾4 had greater specificity (90%–100%) and were associated with greater cumulative risk of SDP (HR = 3.2–21.6; p < 0.001) compared to the individual predictors. Conclusion: The combination of established MRI and clinical indices with MRI volumetric predictors improves the prediction of SDP over long-term follow-up and may provide valuable information for therapeutic decisions.
Outcome Measures for Evaluating Intimate Partner Violence Programs Within Clinical Settings: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Sprague Sheila , McKay Paula , Madden Kim , Scott Taryn , Tikasz Diana , Slobogean Gerard P. , Bhandari Mohit 
Published: April 2016

Background: Multiple intimate partner violence (IPV) identification and assistance programs have been implemented across clinical settings. The results of these studies are inconclusive and frequently conflicting, resulting in clinical uncertainty and controversy regarding the merits of IPV identification and assistance programs. We aimed to describe the choice of outcome measures used in previously published randomized trials of IPV identification and assistance programs. Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the Medline, Embase, PyscInfo, and CENTRAL databases. The outcomes assessed in each included study were extracted and categorized, and the methodological quality of each eligible study was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: Of 20 eligible studies, 6 evaluated IPV identification programs and 14 studies examined IPV assistance programs. The included studies used 48 different outcomes that we classified into 10 categories. For identification studies, the most commonly used outcome categories were IPV disclosure (66.7%) and resource use (66.7%). The most commonly used outcome categories for the IPV assistance studies included IPV recurrence and severity (64.3%) and health outcomes (50%). The included studies demonstrated a number of methodological limitations as identified by the Cochrane Risk of Bias instrument. Conclusions: IPV identification and assistance programs are evaluated using many different outcome measures. Although this diversity enriches the IPV literature, it makes it challenging to compare studies. The results of this review highlight the challenges of conducting research in the field of IPV and the complexity of selecting, measuring, and interpreting outcomes.
Smoking Status at Time of Listing for a Heart Transplant Predicts Mortality on the Waiting List
Authors: Gali Kathleen , Spaderna Heike , Smits Jacqueline M. A. , Bramstedt Katrina A. , Weidner Gerdi 
Published: April 2016

Objective: We examined the association of smoking status at time of listing with waitlist mortality among heart transplant (HTx) candidates. Participants and Design: Data were analyzed from 316 participants (aged 53 ± 11; 18% female) of the Waiting for a New Heart Study, a prospective observational study of patients newly listed for HTx at 17 hospitals. Results: During the study period (April 2005 to March 2010), 14% of those who never smoked died, 18% among former smokers died, and almost half (42%) died among those who reported smoking at time of wait listing. Multivariate Cox regression models controlling for age, sex, and disease severity revealed smoking at time of listing was associated with significantly higher risk of mortality compared to never smoking (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.43; P = .03). The relationship between smoking and mortality risk appeared to follow a dose-dependent pattern: adjusted HRs were 1.80 for those who quit ≤1 year ago, 1.25 for those who quit >1 to 10 years ago, and 0.90 for those quit >10 years ago, compared to never smokers. Smoking at time of listing may increase risk of mortality during the waiting period, indicating the need for improved strategies to achieve smoking cessation as early as possible in the course of HTx.
Synthesis and characterization of a disubstituted piperazine derivative with T-type channel blocking action and analgesic properties
Authors: Pudukulatham Zubaidha , Zhang Fang-Xiong , Gadotti Vinicius M , M’Dahoma Said , Swami Prabhuling , Tamboli Yasinalli , Zamponi Gerald W 
Published: April 2016

Background T-type calcium channels are important contributors to signaling in the primary afferent pain pathway and are thus important targets for the development of analgesics. It has been previously reported that certain piperazine-based compounds such as flunarizine are able to inhibit T-type calcium channels. Thus, we hypothesized that novel piperazine compounds could potentially act as analgesics. Results Here, we have created a series of 14 compound derivatives around a diphenyl methyl-piperazine core pharmacophore. Testing their effects on transiently expressed Cav3.2 calcium channels revealed one derivative (3-((4-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,5-oxadiazole 2-oxide, compound 10e) as a potent blocker. 10e mediate tonic block of these channels with an IC50 of around 4 micromolar. 10e also blocked Cav3.1 and Cav3.3 channels, but only weakly affected high-voltage-activated Cav1.2 and Cav2.2 channels. Intrathecal delivery of 10e mediated relief from formalin and complete Freund’s adjuvant induced inflammatory pain that was ablated by genetic knockout of Cav3.2 channels. Conclusions Altogether, our data identify a novel T-type calcium channel blocker with tight structure activity relationship (SAR) and relevant in vivo efficacy in inflammatory pain conditions.
Subcutaneous immunoglobulins in the treatment of chronic immune-mediated neuropathies
Authors: Leussink Verena I. , Hartung Hans-Peter , Kieseier Bernd C. , Stettner Mark 
Published: April 2016

Intravenous immunoglobulins represent an established therapy for the treatment of chronic immune-mediated neuropathies, specifically chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathies (CIDPs) as well as multifocal motor neuropathies (MMNs). For the treatment of antibody deficiency syndromes, subcutaneous immunoglobulins (SCIgs) have represented a mainstay for decades. An emerging body of evidence suggests that SCIg might also exhibit clinical efficacy in CIDP and MMN. This article reviews the current evidence for clinical effectiveness, as well as safety of SCIg for the treatment of immune-mediated neuropathies, and addresses remaining open questions in this context. We conclude that despite the need for controlled long-term studies to demonstrate long-term efficacy of SCIg in immune-mediated neuropathies, SCIg may already represent a potential therapeutic alternative for selected patients.
Shared Opportunities on Institutional Lands
Authors: Knezevic Irena , Mount Phil , Clement Chantal 
Published: April 2016

Aim: This article outlines preliminary findings of a 3-year project that explored on-site food production on institutional properties, primarily healthcare facilities. Background: There are growing pressures on healthcare facilities to improve their food offerings and incorporate food gardens into their health programs. While several healthcare facilities produce food on-site, there are few studies that explore opportunities, capacities, and institutional barriers related to on-site food production. Methods: The study employed mixed methods including historical review, case studies, surveys, interviews, pilot garden projects, and Geographic Information System mapping. The number of participating institutions varied by method. Results: Benefits associated with on-site food production can be health, economic, environmental, and social. There are also institutional barriers including administrative roadblocks, perceived obstacles, and the difficulty in quantitatively, measuring the qualitatively documented benefits. Conclusions: The benefits of food gardens far outweigh the challenges. On-site food production has tremendous potential to improve nutrition for staff and patients, offer healing spaces, better connect institutions with the communities in which they are located, and provide the long-professed benefits of gardening for all involved—from therapeutic benefits and outdoor physical activities to developing skills and social relationships in ways that few other activities do.