bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Upper Extremity Robotic Therapy in Subacute Poststroke Hemiplegia
Authors: Takahashi Kayoko , Domen Kazuhisa , Sakamoto Tomosaburo , Toshima Masahiko , Otaka Yohei , Seto Makiko , Irie Katsumi , Haga Bin , Takebayashi Takashi , Hachisuka Kenji 
Published: March 2016

Background and Purpose—
Our aim was to study the efficacy of robotic therapy as an adjuvant to standard therapy during poststroke rehabilitation.

Methods—
Prospective, open, blinded end point, randomized, multicenter exploratory clinical trial in Japan of 60 individuals with mild to moderate hemiplegia 4 to 8 weeks post stroke randomized to receive standard therapy plus 40 minutes of either robotic or self-guided therapy for 6 weeks (7 days/week). Upper extremity impairment before and after intervention was measured using the Fugl–Meyer assessment, Wolf Motor Function Test, and Motor Activity Log.

Results—

Robotic therapy significantly improved Fugl–Meyer assessment flexor synergy (2.1±2.7 versus −0.1±2.4;
P
<0.01) and proximal upper extremity (4.8±5.0 versus 1.9±5.5;
P
<0.05) compared with self-guided therapy. No significant changes in Wolf Motor Function Test or Motor Activity Log were observed. Robotic therapy also significantly improved Fugl–Meyer assessment proximal upper extremity among low-functioning patients (baseline Fugl–Meyer assessment score <30) and among patients with Wolf Motor Function Test ≥120 at baseline compared with self-guided therapy (
P
<0.05 for both).

Conclusions—
Robotic therapy as an adjuvant to standard rehabilitation may improve upper extremity recovery in moderately impaired poststroke patients. Results of this exploratory study should be interpreted with caution.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.umin.ac.jp/
. Unique identifier: UMIN000001619.
Impaired cue identification and intention retrieval underlie prospective memory deficits in patients with first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: Liu Dengtang , Ji Chengfeng , Zhuo Kaiming , Song Zhenhua , Wang Yingchan , Mei Li , Zhu Dianming , Xiang Qiong , Chen Tianyi , Yang Zhilei , Zhu Guang , Wang Ya , Cheung Eric FC , Xiang Yu-tao , Fan Xiaoduo , Chan Raymond CK , Xu Yifeng , Jiang Kaida 
Published: March 2016

Objective: Schizophrenia is associated with impairment in prospective memory, the ability to remember to carry out an intended action in the future. It has been established that cue identification (detection of the cue event signaling that an intended action should be performed) and intention retrieval (retrieval of an intention from long-term memory following the recognition of a prospective cue) are two important processes underlying prospective memory. The purpose of this study was to examine prospective memory deficit and underlying cognitive processes in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. Methods: This study examined cue identification and intention retrieval components of event-based prospective memory using a dual-task paradigm in 30 patients with first-episode schizophrenia and 30 healthy controls. All participants were also administered a set of tests assessing working memory and retrospective memory. Results: Both cue identification and intention retrieval were impaired in patients with first-episode schizophrenia compared with healthy controls ( ps < 0.05), with a large effect size for cue identification (Cohen’s d = 0.98) and a medium effect size for intention retrieval (Cohen’s d = 0.62). After controlling for working memory and retrospective memory, the difference in cue identification between patients and healthy controls remained significant. However, the difference in intention retrieval between the two groups was no longer significant. In addition, there was a significant inverse relationship between cue identification and negative symptoms ( r = −0.446, p = 0.013) in the patient group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that both cue identification and intention retrieval in event-based prospective memory are impaired in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. Cue identification and intention retrieval could be potentially used as biomarkers for early detection and treatment prognosis of schizophrenia. In addition, addressing cue identification deficit through cognitive enhancement training may potentially improve negative symptoms as well.
Perceptions of Harms Associated With Tobacco, Alcohol, and Cannabis Among Students From the UK and Norway
Authors: Pedersen Willy , Fjær Eivind Grip , Gray Paul , Soest Tilmann von 
Published: March 2016

Introduction: International drug policy has traditionally been based on the premise that illegal drugs are more harmful than legal substances. Here, we investigate how students in the UK and Norway now perceive possible harms related to tobacco and alcohol—which are legal—and cannabis—which is illegal. Methods: Social science undergraduates at a university in the UK ( n = 473) and Norway ( n = 472) completed an anonymous survey. They were asked to rate the harms of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis across five domains: (i) physical harms, (ii) mental health conditions, (iii) dependence, (iv) injuries, and (v) social consequences. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the relative harms of the three substances across all the domains as well as possible differences between participants from the UK and Norway. Results: Tobacco was rated as most harmful with regard to physical harm and dependence; alcohol was rated as most harmful with regard to injuries and social consequences, while cannabis was rated as most harmful with regard to mental health. The total harms scores for alcohol were highest, slightly above those of cannabis. British students reported higher tobacco and alcohol harm scores than Norwegian students, while the opposite pattern was true for cannabis. Conclusions: The legal substance alcohol was rated by students as more harmful than the illegal substance cannabis. The findings may imply that young people in the years to come may be less supportive of a traditional drug policy based on criminalization, at least when it comes to cannabis. At the same time, one may hypothesize that liberal alcohol policies may receive little support, given students’ perception of the possible harms associated with alcohol.
Safety of Outpatient Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
Authors: Meltzer Charles , Klau Marc , Gurushanthaiah Deepak , Tsai Joanne , Meng Di , Radler Linda , Sundang Alvina 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo test our hypothesis that general and thyroid surgery–specific complications, mortality, and postdischarge utilization for patients undergoing outpatient and inpatient thyroid and parathyroid surgery would not differ when outpatient status was defined as discharge within 8 hours of surgery completion.Study DesignRetrospective observational cohort, 2008 to 2013.SettingKaiser Permanente Northern California and Kaiser Permanente Southern California.Subjects and MethodsWe used a robust set of variables and propensity score methods to match 2362 patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy, total thyroidectomy, or parathyroidectomy surgery as outpatients to 2362 patients undergoing the same procedures as inpatients. Outcomes assessed were 30‐day rates of complications, emergency department visits, all‐cause hospital readmissions, and mortality.ResultsAfter matching, no statistically significant differences between inpatients and outpatients were found for complication rates or postdischarge utilization. After matching, there was no statistically significant difference between inpatients and outpatients in hematoma rates, which were 0.55% in both groups. In the matched‐pair groups, 2 deaths occurred among inpatients (0.09%) and none occurred among outpatients (0.00%), a difference that was not statistically significant.ConclusionDischarge within 8 hours after completion of thyroid and parathyroid surgery is as safe as inpatient surgery.
Evidence on the analgesic role of bisphosphonates and denosumab in the treatment of pain due to bone metastases: A systematic review within the European Association for Palliative Care guidelines project
Authors: Porta-Sales Josep , Garzón-Rodríguez Cristina , Llorens-Torromé Silvia , Brunelli Cinzia , Pigni Alessandra , Caraceni Augusto 
Published: March 2016

Background: Bisphosphonates and denosumab are well-established therapies to reduce the frequency and severity of skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastasis. However, the analgesic effect of these medications on bone pain is uncertain. Aim: To identify, critically appraise and synthesize existing evidence to answer the following questions: ‘In adult patients with metastatic bone pain, what is the evidence that bisphosphonates and denosumab are effective and safe in controlling pain?’ and ‘What is the most appropriate schedule of bisphosphonate/denosumab administration to control bone pain?’. This review also updates the 2002 Cochrane review ‘Bisphosphonates for the relief of pain secondary to bone metastases’. Design: Standard systematic review and narrative synthesis. Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for relevant articles published through 31 January 2014. A manual search was also performed. Study inclusion criteria were: a) conducted in adult patients; b) randomized controlled trial or meta-analisys; c) reported efficacy of bisphosphonates or denosumab on pain and/or decribed side effects versus placebo or other bisphosphonate; and d) English language. Results: The database search yielded 1585 studies, of which 43 (enrolling 8595 and 7590 patients, respectively, in bisphosphonate and denosumab trials) met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-two (79%) of the 28 placebo-controlled trials found no analgesic benefit for bisphosphonates. None of the denosumab studies assessed direct pain relief. Conclusion: Evidence to support an analgesic role for bisphosphonates and denosumab is weak. Bisphosphonates and denosumab appear to be beneficial in preventing pain by delaying the onset of bone pain rather than by producing an analgesic effect per se.
Effects of quercetin on methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Yuksel Yasemin , Yuksel Ramazan , Yagmurca Murat , Haltas Hacer , Erdamar Husamettin , Toktas Muhsin , Ozcan Osman 
Published: March 2016

Objective: This experimental study was conducted to elucidate the possible protective/therapeutic effects of quercetin against methotrexate (Mtx)-induced kidney toxicity with biochemical and histopathological studies. Methods: Twenty-four adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups, as follows: control group (saline intraperitoneally (i.p.), 9 days), Mtx group (20 mg/kg i.p., single dose), Mtx + quercetin group (50 mg/kg quercetin was orally administered 2 days before and 6 days after Mtx administration) and only quercetin group (50 mg/kg oral, 9 days). Structural changes were evaluated by hematoxylin–eosin and periodic acid–Schiff stainings. Apoptotic changes were investigated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and caspase-3 antibody. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in tissue and plasma samples. Results: Mtx compared with the control group, there was significant increase in nephrotoxic tissue damage findings, in addition to apoptotic index (APOI) and caspase-3 expression ( p < 0.05). Mtx + quercetin group revealed significantly lower histopathological damage and APOI and caspase-3 expression decreased when compared to Mtx group. MDA levels were increased in Mtx group compared to others, and by the use of quercetin, this increase was significantly reduced. SOD levels were higher in Mtx group than others. This increase was evaluated as a relative increase arising from oxidative damage caused by Mtx. Conclusion: As a result, Mtx administration may involve oxidative stress by causing structural and functional damage in kidney tissue in rats. Quercetin reduced the Mtx-induced oxidative stress through its antioxidant properties and so quercetin may be promising to alleviate Mtx-induced renal toxicity.
Ethical dimensions of paediatric nursing: A rapid evidence assessment
Authors: Bagnasco Annamaria , Cadorin Lucia , Barisone Michela , Bressan Valentina , Iemmi Marina , Prandi Marzia , Timmins Fiona , Watson Roger , Sasso Loredana 
Published: March 2016

Background: Paediatric nurses often face complex situations requiring decisions that sometimes clash with their own values and beliefs, or with the needs of the children they care for and their families. Paediatric nurses often use new technology that changes the way they provide care, but also reduces their direct interaction with the child. This may generate ethical issues, which nurses should be able to address in the full respect of the child. Research question and objectives: The purpose of this review is to describe the main ethical dimensions of paediatric nursing. Our research question was, ‘What are the most common ethical dimensions and competences related to paediatric nursing?’ Research design: A rapid evidence assessment. Method: According to the principles of the rapid evidence assessment, we searched the PubMed, SCOPUS and CINAHL databases for papers published between January 2001 and March 2015. These papers were then independently read by two researchers and analysed according to the inclusion criteria. Ethical considerations: Since this was a rapid evidence assessment, no approval from the ethics committee was required. Findings: Ten papers met our inclusion criteria. Ethical issues in paediatric nursing were grouped into three areas: (a) ethical issues in paediatric care, (b) social responsibility and (c) decision-making process. Conclusion: Few studies investigate the ethical dimensions and aspects of paediatric nursing, and they are mainly qualitative studies conducted in critical care settings based on nurses’ perceptions and experiences. Paediatric nurses require specific educational interventions to help them resolve ethical issues, contribute to the decision-making process and fulfil their role as advocates of a vulnerable population (i.e. sick children and their families). Further research is needed to investigate how paediatric nurses can improve the involvement of children and their families in decision-making processes related to their care plan.
Earnings Management in Recession and Recovery Periods
Authors: Jahmani Yousef , Niranjan Suman , Toney Susanne 
Published: March 2016

This article investigates earnings management during the recession and recovery periods (2008 and 2013) for S&P 500 companies. Using the modified Jones model, the results suggest that these companies managed their earnings in both periods, but they managed their earnings much more in the recession period, which may be attributed to the desire to avoid or mitigate the negative consequences of experiencing deep losses. The results also raise questions about the reliability of the companies’ financial statements. The findings of this research are useful to the Securities and Exchange Commission and auditors, and they imply that more careful scrutinisation of companies’ financial statements is needed to better inform investors and creditors relying on these statements. JEL Classification: M41
Location Pattern of Unorganised Manufacturing Industries in India: A District-level View
Authors: Saikia Dilip 
Published: March 2016

This article examines the location pattern of unorganised manufacturing enterprises across districts in India. Using a unique data set of 435 districts spread across 25 states, drawn from the Enterprise Survey data of the National Sample Survey (NSS) 1994–95 and 2005–06 ‘thick’ rounds, we find that unorganised manufacturing enterprises are concentrated in a few leading districts, mostly in the metropolitan areas, but their share has declined in the post-reform (post-1991) period, and some new metropolises and suburban districts have emerged as new industrial destinations. The spatial concentration in the distribution of the unorganised manufacturing enterprises across districts has marginally declined—both at the aggregated and disaggregated industry level—in the post-reform period. Our econometric analysis shows that the level of economic development, infrastructure facilities, labour productivity, capital productivity, population size, population density, availability and stock of raw materials, presence and size of organised industries and urbanisation have significant positive effects on the location of unorganised manufacturing enterprises, while economic diversity has a strong negative impact. The specificity of our study is that we use district-level data, which allows us to provide a relatively comprehensive view of the location pattern of unorganised manufacturing enterprises in India. JEL Classification: R12, R58, L5, L6
Agricultural Credit in India in the 2000s: Growth, Distribution and Linkages with Productivity
Authors: Misra Rekha , Chavan Pallavi , Verma Radheshyam 
Published: March 2016

The period of the 2000s witnessed a sharp revival in agricultural credit in India that was largely policy induced. There were emerging shifts in institutional, functional and regional distributions of agricultural credit during the decade. This study attempts to explore the relationship between agricultural credit and agricultural production/productivity. The state-level panel model attempted in this article suggests a positive impact of the intensity of agricultural credit on total factor productivity in agriculture. The impact was relatively stronger with respect to direct agricultural credit. A case study of the (combined) state of Andhra Pradesh also suggests a positive association between agricultural credit and agricultural production. The study lends credence to the policy approach of including agriculture, the largest employer in the Indian economy, as a sector for priority credit in India. It also highlights the point that the sector deserves continued policy support in order to move onto a sustainable and higher growth path. JEL Classification: Q10, Q14, Q18, N55
Examining Clinical Utility of Imaging for Inpatient Palliative Care
Authors: Grant Matthew Paul , Cardin Anthony , O’Connor Niamh , Eastman Peter 
Published: March 2016

Background: Medicine in the final months of life is increasingly interventional, both in the manner by which life may be prolonged and symptoms may be reduced. Radiology is frequently utilized to provide diagnostic clarity and improve symptom control. As with any intervention, examining the benefit and potential harms of a procedure is required to establish its role in ongoing clinical care. Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved patients admitted to an inpatient palliative care unit between October 2013 and September 2014. Data were collected using clinical databases manually searched by the researchers. Results: Of 388 admissions, there were a total of 154 imaging events completed in 85 patients. Patients who had imaging performed had longer mean length of stays, more likely to be discharged home, and male. Very few imaging events (4%) occurred in the 3 days prior to death and none on the day of death. In total, 43% of imaging confirmed the clinical suspicion and management changed 42% of times. Limbs X-rays and computed tomography brain had low rates of confirming clinical suspicion (21% and 17%) and changing management (21% and 33%). There were a total of 7 complications resulting from imaging, the majority due to interventional procedures. Conclusion: The use of imaging in inpatient palliative care seems to be of substantive utility, prompting alterations in management in >40% of instances. The majority of imaging occurred prior to the terminal phase of the disease and with few complications.
Inadequate Helmet Fit Increases Concussion Severity in American High School Football Players
Authors: Greenhill Dustin A. , Navo Paul , Zhao Huaqing , Torg Joseph , Comstock R. Dawn , Boden Barry P. 
Published: March 2016

Background: There is limited information on the relationship between football helmet fit and concussion severity. Hypothesis: Poor helmet fit may predispose football players to a more severe concussion. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Data from concussion injury reports were obtained from the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance System over a 9-year period. Symptoms, duration, and helmet parameters (fit, interior padding) were analyzed for all first-time concussions. Results: Data from 4580 concussions were analyzed. Patients who suffered concussions with a helmet that did not fit properly (3.22%), as determined by an athletic trainer, had higher rates of drowsiness (RR, 1.46; P = 0.005), hyperexcitability (RR, 2.38; P = 0.047), and sensitivity to noise (RR, 1.88; P < 0.001); had more symptoms (5.34 vs 4.54, P = 0.004); and had longer symptom duration ( P = 0.04). Athletes with helmets lined with an air bladder had greater rates of sensitivity to light (RR, 1.13; P = 0.02), sensitivity to noise (RR, 1.25; P = 0.009), and longer symptom duration ( P = 0.004) compared with foam or gel liners. Conclusion: An improperly fitted football helmet is a risk factor for a concussion with more symptoms and of longer duration. Concussions of longer duration are also more common in players with an air bladder–lined helmet. Current high school football rules should mandate supervision and maintenance of helmet fit throughout the season, prior to impact. Clinical Relevance: Team physicians, athletic trainers, coaches, and high school officials should ensure proper oversight of helmet fit in high school athletes to decrease concussion severity and duration.
MIP-1α/CCL3-expressing basophil-lineage cells drive the leukemic hematopoiesis of chronic myeloid leukemia in mice
Authors: Baba Tomohisa , Tanabe Yamato , Yoshikawa Soichiro , Yamanishi Yoshinori , Morishita Soji , Komatsu Norio , Karasuyama Hajime , Hirao Atsushi , Mukaida Naofumi 
Published: March 2016

Key PointsBasophil-like leukemia cells crucially contribute to CML development by providing an inflammatory chemokine, CCL3.
A novel DFP tripeptide motif interacts with the coagulation factor XI apple 2 domain
Authors: Wong Szu S. , Østergaard Søren , Hall Gareth , Li Chan , Williams Philip M. , Stennicke Henning , Emsley Jonas 
Published: March 2016

Key PointsA novel FXI binding tripeptide motif has sequence Asp-Phe-Pro (DFP). FXI complex crystal structures reveal DFP peptides bound to the apple 2 domain.
Disturbed sialic acid recognition on endothelial cells and platelets in complement attack causes atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Hyvärinen Satu , Meri Seppo , Jokiranta T. Sakari 
Published: March 2016

Key PointsSialic acids are critical for factor H–mediated complement regulation on endothelial cells, erythrocytes, and platelets. Impaired ability of factor H mutants to simultaneously bind sialic acid and C3b on cells explains their association with aHUS.