bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographic and clinical characteristics of diagnosed and non‐diagnosed psychotic disorders in the community
Authors: Michel Chantal , Schimmelmann Benno G. , Schultze‐Lutter Frauke 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimRetrospective studies of first‐episode psychosis patients have reported that psychosis often remains untreated for some time. Yet, from clinical samples, the characteristics and number of non‐diagnosed untreated psychosis patients in a community can only be estimated. Thus, this short report compares socio‐demographic and clinical features of diagnosed and non‐diagnosed psychotic individuals assessed in the community.MethodsUsing telephone interviews, we clinically assessed 2682 community participants (aged 16–40 years) in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland, to examine the characteristics of non‐diagnosed psychosis.ResultsOf the 41 detected psychosis patients (1.5% of the sample), 21 (54%) had already been diagnosed and treated. Non‐diagnosed individuals experienced a delusional disorder (DD) (n = 10) more frequently than diagnosed individuals (n = 1), but did not differ in other socio‐demographic characteristics.ConclusionFurther study of DD should be emphasized, along with increased awareness of the condition in primary healthcare services, as individuals with DD might present themselves for other complaints.
Epilepsy due to mutations in the mitochondrial polymerase gamma (POLG) gene: A clinical and molecular genetic review
Authors: Anagnostou Maria‐Eleni , Ng Yi Shiau , Taylor Robert W. , McFarland Robert 
Published: August 2016

SummaryWe performed a systematic review of the clinical, molecular, and biochemical features of polymerase gamma (POLG)–related epilepsy and current evidence on seizure management. Patients were identified from a combined electronic search of articles using Ovid Medline and Scopus databases, published from January 2000 to January 2015. Only patients with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of POLG mutations were considered. Seventy‐two articles were included for analysis. We identified 128 pathogenic variants in 372 patients who had POLG‐related epilepsy. Among these, 84% of the cases harbored at least one of these pathogenic variants: p.Ala467Thr, p.Trp748Ser, and p.Gly848Ser. A bimodal distribution of disease onset was present in early childhood (<5 years) and adolescence; female patients had a later presentation than male patients (median age 4.00 vs. 1.83 years, p‐value = 0.041). Focal‐onset seizure including convulsive, myoclonus, and occipital seizures was common at the outset and was refractory to pharmacotherapy. We confirmed that homozygous pathogenic variants located in the linker region of POLG were associated with later age of onset and longer survival compared to compound heterozygous variants. In addition, biochemical and molecular heterogeneities in different tissues were frequently observed. POLG‐related epilepsy is clinically heterogeneous, and the prognosis is, in part, influenced by the location of the variants in the gene and the presence of hepatic involvement. Normal muscle and fibroblast studies do no exclude the diagnosis of POLG‐related mitochondrial disease and direct sequencing of the POLG gene should be the gold standard when investigating suspected cases.
Early cardiac electrographic and molecular remodeling in a model of status epilepticus and acquired epilepsy
Authors: Brewster Amy L. , Marzec Kyle , Hairston Alexandria , Ho Marvin , Anderson Anne E. , Lai Yi‐Chen 
Published: August 2016

SummaryObjectivesA myriad of acute and chronic cardiac alterations are associated with status epilepticus (SE) including increased sympathetic tone, rhythm and ventricular repolarization disturbances. Despite these observations, the molecular processes underlying SE‐associated myocardial remodeling remain to be identified. Here we determined early SE‐associated myocardial electrical and molecular alterations using a model of SE and acquired epilepsy.MethodsWe performed electrocardiography (ECG) assessments in rats beginning at 2 weeks following kainate‐induced SE, and calculated short‐term variability (STV) of the corrected QT intervals (QTc) as a marker of ventricular stability. Using western blotting, we quantified myocardial β1‐adrenergic receptors (β1‐AR) and ventricular gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) levels as makers of increased sympathetic tone. We determined the activation status of three kinases associated with sympathetic stimulation and their downstream ion channel targets: extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), protein kinase A (PKA), Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CamKII), hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel subunit 2 (HCN2), and voltage‐gated potassium channels 4.2 (Kv4.2). We investigated whether SE was associated with altered Ca2+ homeostasis by determining select Ca2+‐handling protein levels using western blotting.ResultsCompared with the sham group, SE animals exhibited higher heart rate, longer QTc interval, and higher STV beginning at 2 weeks following SE. Concurrently, the myocardium of SE rats showed lower β1‐AR and higher Cx43 protein levels, higher levels of phosphorylated ERK, PKA, and CamKII along with decreased HCN2 and Kv4.2 channel levels. In addition, the SE rats had altered proteins levels of Ca2+‐handling proteins, with decreased Na+/Ca2+ exchanger‐1 and increased calreticulin.SignificanceSE triggers early molecular alterations in the myocardium consistent with increased sympathetic tone and altered Ca2+ homeostasis. These changes, coupled with early and persistent ECG abnormalities, suggest that the observed molecular alterations may contribute to SE‐associated cardiac remodeling. Additional mechanistic studies are needed to determine potential causal roles.
The effects of dose and diet on the pharmacodynamics of omeprazole in the horse
Authors: Sykes B. W. , Underwood C. , Greer R. , McGowan C. M. , Mills P. C. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryBackgroundConflicting data are presented in the current literature regarding the efficacy of omeprazole for suppressing gastric acidity in the horse.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the duration of intraday acid suppression achieved with two doses of omeprazole under two different dietary conditions.Study designA four‐way crossover design.MethodsSix adult Thoroughbred horses instrumented with percutaneous gastrotomy tubes were used. Intragastric pH was measured for continuous 23 h periods (08.00–07.00 h) for six consecutive days (Days 0–5). Baseline data was recorded on Day 0 and omeprazole administered on Days 1–5. Two doses (1 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg bwt per os once a day) and two diets (a high grain/low fibre [HG/LF] and ad libitum hay [HAY)] diet) were studied. Data for the percent (%) time pH was above 4 (%tpH>4) and median intraday pH was reported for two measurement locations and analysed using generalised estimating equations.ResultsAn effect of both diet and dose was evident with mean %tpH>4 and the mean of the median intraday pHs typically higher at the higher (4 mg/kg bwt) dose and in HG/LF diet. The overall efficacy of omeprazole in raising intragastric pH was good under the HG/LF conditions but relatively poor in the HAY diet. A cumulative effect of dosing, not previously reported in the horse, was observed.ConclusionsThe overall efficacy of omeprazole in raising ventral gastric pH was less than previously reported. Both dose and diet may play a role in the efficacy of omeprazole in the horse. Therefore, the use of singular dosing recommendations that encompass all horse types and management conditions may not be appropriate and dosing recommendations that take into account the diet of the horse may be advantageous.
Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe (ECEE) conference and the Warsaw Declaration – a comprehensive meeting report
Authors: Kowalska JD , Oprea C , de Witt S , Pozniak A , Gökengin D , Youle M , Lundgren JD , Horban A ,   the ECEE Network Group
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesThe objective of this paper is to summarize the outcomes of the Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe (ECEE) conference held in Warsaw in February 2016. The main aim of this conference was to facilitate a discussion on European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) guidelines implementation across the region and neighbouring countries and to present the current obstacles in benchmarking HIV care in Europe.MethodsDuring a 2‐day meeting, there were country‐based presentations using a predefined template so as to make the data comparable and focus the discussion. Areas covered were country epidemiology, surveillance, national strategy for treatment and prevention, standards of care, access to care and treatment availability. Each participant filled in a questionnaire investigating HIV guidelines usage per country.ResultsIn total, 16 Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and neighbouring countries were represented at the conference: Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia and Turkey. EACS guidelines version 7.1 were used in 14 (87%) countries. In 11 (69%) countries, national guidelines were available, of which eight had been recently updated. Half of the countries declared that they use World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines, over one‐third the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) HIV testing guidelines and one in five the International Antiviral Society−USA (IAS‐USA) Panel guidelines from 2012.ConclusionsParticipants declared their will to promote the widespread use of EACS guidelines for HIV infection in the CEE region and neighbouring countries by signing the Warsaw Declaration. They also emphasized the need to increase publishing of data from national cohorts in that region.
Outcomes of patients with non‐melanoma solid tumours receiving self‐funded pembrolizumab at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse
Authors: Lomax A. J. , Beith J. , Bhadri V. , Boyer M. , Grimison P. , Horvath L. G. , Kao S. , Tattersall M. , Thomas D. , McNeil C. 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundImmunotherapy agents show anti‐cancer activity in several solid cancers. Efficacy in non‐melanoma solid tumours for non‐approved indications is unknown.AimTo evaluate patient and disease characteristics, rate and duration of response, and toxicity of self‐funded pembrolizumab in patients with non‐melanoma solid cancers.MethodRetrospective review describing outcomes and toxicity of self‐funded pembrolizumab in patients with non‐melanoma solid cancers treated at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.ResultsFrom April 2015 to December 2015, 21 patients received or were planned to receive self‐funded pembrolizumab. The median age was 50 years (16–76), 28 and 10% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2, and 3–4 respectively. Sixty‐two percent received at least two to four lines of prior drug treatment. Median follow‐up was 3.0 months (range, 0.4–9.6). Fourteen (67%) patients requested pembrolizumab. Pembrolizumab was clinician offered for 7 (33%) patients. Patients who requested pembrolizumab had worse outcomes. Three patients died before receiving pembrolizumab. Of the 18 patients that received at least one dose, a partial response was observed in 3 (17%). Progressive disease occurred in 83%. Four patients received only one cycle of pembrolizumab and died after a median of 27 days (range 13–43). Immune‐related adverse events of any grade occurred in 33%. No grade 3–4 events were observed.ConclusionPembrolizumab was well tolerated. Meaningful responses were observed in 17% of treated patients. Response continues after 5–6.5 months follow‐up in 11% and >8 months of follow‐up for the other responding patient. Financial impact to the patient can be substantial. Outcomes for 33% were poor with three patients dying prior to receiving therapy and four dying within weeks of receiving one dose. This highlights issues regarding the careful selection of patients, futility of anti‐cancer therapy at the end‐of‐life and patients' perceived benefit of receiving this therapy.
Cause and Consequence in Maize Planting Dates in Germany
Authors: Parker P. S. , Shonkwiler J. S. , Aurbacher J. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAn important part of agricultural adaptation is the timing of crop sowing dates, affecting yields and the level of risk incurred during a particular season. Cold stress is especially relevant in maize, Zea mays L., so that the timing of planting in the spring is a tactical response to short‐term weather, but is also subject to strategic planning with regard to longer‐term climate. Both factors compare the potential implications of cold stress to the additional yield obtainable through earlier planting. New cultivars suited to growing conditions in Europe and generally increasing spring temperatures have enabled earlier planting, but it is still dependent on short‐term weather during the planting period. In the context of field‐level decision‐making, a panel regression is used to estimate the relationship between weekly local temperature and precipitation and planting dates at specific sites throughout Germany. Next, localised weather data and planting behaviour are linked to yields at the district (Landkreis) level to show the effects of planting date on yield. Based on these relationships optimal planting dates are explored with some associated costs and benefits. Results show a trend towards earlier planting that follows observed increasing spring temperatures and the availability of more cold‐tolerant cultivars but this advance is buffered by the increasing severity of minimum temperatures during a critical period. Earlier planting potentially increases yield but this is offset by additional management costs and risk. A robust and simple depiction of farmer behaviour in climatic, technological and economic context can help to understand trends in crop management and productivity that effect agricultural landscapes.
Contradictory views of nursing care among students at the end of their nursing education
Authors: Arreciado Marañón Antonia , Isla Pera Mª Pilar 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimTo understand how nursing students at the end of their nursing education view nursing care.BackgroundAlthough care is understood as the essence of nursing, it is often difficult for nurses to provide care, which demonstrates a contradiction between theory and practice. Moreover, it is unknown to what extent this contradiction is transmitted to future nursing professionals or how they view nursing care and its practice.DesignQualitative ethnographic research.MethodsThe fieldwork was conducted between December 2010 ‐ May 2012 in a university nursing school in Barcelona and two centres where students carry out most of their practical education. The data collection techniques were participant observation and focus groups. A thematic analysis was used.ResultsThe students demonstrated contradictory views of nursing care. On one hand, they voiced a more theoretical, official definition where care is considered the core of the profession. On the other hand, they also expressed a view where the provision of care is not nurses’ principal daily activity, a fact that did not surprise them. Students interpreted caring as an activity that has low value and that can be transferred unproblematically to other professionals.ConclusionThe contradictory views of care reveal a problem in the transmission of the definition of nursing to new generations of professionals and reflect a problematic professional reality where there is dissonance between how nursing is defined and how it is carried out in practice.
Making Sense of Bereavement in People with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities: Carer Perspectives
Authors: Young Hannah , Hogg James , Garrard Brenda 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundPeople with intellectual disabilities are thought to have a reduced capacity for understanding death. Drawing on cognitive theory, researchers have suggested that those with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities mainly perceive loss as a mismatch between past and present experiences. However, very little research has considered how carers conceptualize bereavement in relation to this group.MethodSemi‐structured interviews obtained responses from seven carers. Transcripts were examined using interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsTwo superordinate themes emerged: ‘difficulty articulating the experience of loss’ and ‘making sense of bereavement through familiar patterns’.ConclusionsCarers conceptualize bereavement primarily in cognitive terms, but also take account of relational factors mediating loss. Implications for training and further research are outlined.
Site‐specific treatment outcome in smokers following 12 months of supportive periodontal therapy
Authors: Bunæs Dagmar F. , Lie Stein Atle , Åstrøm Anne Nordrehaug , Mustafa Kamal , Leknes Knut N. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of cigarette smoking on periodontal health at patient, tooth, and site levels following supportive therapy.Materials and MethodsEighty chronic periodontitis patients, 40 smokers and 40 non‐smokers, were recruited to a single‐arm clinical trial. Periodontal examinations were performed at baseline (T0), 3 months following active periodontal therapy (T1), and 12 months following supportive periodontal therapy (T2). Smoking status was validated measuring serum cotinine levels. Probing depth (PD) ≥ 5 mm with bleeding on probing (BoP) was defined as the primary outcome. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for clustered observations of patients, teeth, and sites and mixed effects models were employed to analyse the data.ResultsAll clinical parameters improved from T0 to T2 (p < 0.001), whereas PD, bleeding index (BI), and plaque index (PI) increased from T1 to T2 in smokers and non‐smokers (p < 0.001). An overall negative effect of smoking was revealed at T2 (OR = 2.78, CI: 1.49, 5.18, p < 0.001), with the most pronounced effect at maxillary single‐rooted teeth (OR = 5.08, CI: 2.01, 12.78, p < 0.001). At the patient level, less variation in treatment outcome was detected within smokers (ICC = 0.137) compared with non‐smokers (ICC = 0.051).ConclusionSmoking has a negative effect on periodontal health following 12 months of supportive therapy, in particular at maxillary single‐rooted teeth.
Comparison of U.S. and Japanese Consumers’ Perceptions of Remanufactured Auto Parts
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsutaka , Chinen Kenichiro , Endo Hideki 
Published: August 2016

SummaryThis study compares U.S. and Japanese consumers’ perceptions of remanufactured auto parts. Remanufactured parts have a long history and enjoy continuing success in the U.S. domestic aftermarket. In contrast, although Japan's domestic aftermarket is growing, it remains comparatively underdeveloped. This research examines whether customers’ perceptions of remanufactured products explain their lower acceptance in Japan. Our Internet survey of 440 U.S. and 300 Japanese respondents examined their knowledge of remanufactured auto parts, perceptions of their benefits and risks, and price consciousness. The results reveal that Japanese consumers know less about remanufactured products, perceiving them as entailing lower benefits and greater risk, especially concerning quality, and are less price conscious. Drawing on its results, this study suggests measures to promote markets for remanufactured auto parts in Japan and in economies in which such markets are in an early stage of development.
Individual Capability and Effort in Retirement Benefit Choice
Authors: Bateman Hazel , Eckert Christine , Iskhakov Fedor , Louviere Jordan , Satchell Stephen , Thorp Susan 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe investigate the role of individual capability and effort in the management of retirement ruin. In an experimental setting, we analyze how 854 defined contribution (DC) plan members reallocated wealth between a lifetime annuity and a phased withdrawal account when we increased the risk of exhausting the phased withdrawal account before the end of life. We find that more numerate individuals who put effort into understanding product features chose more longevity insurance at higher ruin risks. Financially literate members were more likely to show understanding of the product features, but general financial literacy did not directly improve ruin risk management. Initiatives aiming to help DC members understand income stream products at the time of the decision are warranted.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN COMPENSATIONFOR WHIPLASH CLAIMS Is MADE MORE GENEROUS?
Authors: Cassidy J. David , Leth‐Petersen Søren , Rotger Gabriel Pons 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTWe examine the effect of a Danish reform in 2002 that increased compensation for permanent loss of earnings capacity and extended the period when whiplash claimants could get compensation for temporary loss of earnings. The first is subject to extensive state verification by the government while the second is not. Using weekly data about disability, drug purchases, and use of health services during 1996–2007, we find that the reform increased the proportion on temporary disability by about 18 percent without a matching increase in drug purchases or the use of health services. We find no effect of compensation for permanent loss of earnings capacity.
Apoptosis signaling pathways in osteoarthritis and possible protective role of melatonin
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Azam , Kamrava Seyed Kamran , Joghataei Mohammad Taghi , Darabi Radbod , Shakeri‐Zadeh Ali , Shahriari Mansour , Reiter Russel J. , Ghaznavi Habib , Mehrzadi Saeed 
Published: August 2016

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive erosion of articular cartilage. As chondrocytes are the only cell type forming the articular cartilage, their gradual loss is the main cause of OA. There is a substantial body of published research that suggests reactive oxygen species (ROS) are major causative factors for chondrocyte damage and OA development. Oxidative stress elicited by ROS is capable of oxidizing and subsequently disrupting cartilage homeostasis, promoting catabolism via induction of cell death and damaging numerous components of the joint. IL‐1β and TNF‐α are crucial inflammatory factors that play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of OA. In this process, the mitochondria are the major source of ROS production in cells, suggesting a role of mitochondrial dysfunction in this type of arthritis. This may also be promoted by inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1β and TNF‐α which contribute to chondrocyte death. In patients with OA, the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐associated molecules is positively correlated with cartilage degeneration. Melatonin and its metabolites are broad‐spectrum antioxidants and free radical scavengers which regulate a variety of molecular pathways such as inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis in different pathophysiological situations. Herein, we review the effects of melatonin on OA, focusing on its ability to regulate apoptotic processes and ER and mitochondrial activity. We also evaluate likely protective effects of melatonin on OA pathogenesis.