bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of caregiver readiness on outcomes of a nonpharmacological intervention to address behavioral symptoms in persons with dementia
Authors: Gitlin Laura N. , Rose Karen 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundPrevious research shows that nonpharmacological strategies may effectively manage behavioral symptoms (agitation, wandering) in persons with dementia and improve caregiver wellbeing. However, strategies depend upon caregivers for their implementation. We examine the impact of caregiver readiness to use nonpharmacological strategies on treatment outcomes.MethodsData were from a randomized trial involving 110 family caregivers in the treatment group which received nonpharmacologic strategies for managing behavioral symptoms. Interventionists rated caregiver readiness to use nonpharmacologic strategies as pre‐action (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation) or action at treatment initiation and conclusion. Caregivers in pre‐action and action stages by treatment conclusion (16 weeks) were compared on proximal (frequency of, and caregiver upset and confidence with targeted behaviors) and more distal (caregiver burden and wellbeing) outcomes at 16 and 24‐week follow‐ups.ResultsBy treatment conclusion, 28.2% (n = 31) and 71.8% (n = 79) of caregivers were rated at pre‐action and action respectively. Means for proximal outcomes differed between the groups at 16 and 24 weeks; those at action showed greater improvement on all proximal and distal outcomes. Hierarchical regressions showed significant relationships of readiness to targeted outcomes. By 24 weeks, caregiver readiness predicted lower frequency estimates of targeted behaviors (β = −.180, p = .041) and higher confidence (β = .27, p = .009). Readiness was not a significant predictor of caregiver burden and wellbeing at 16 or 24 weeks.ConclusionBy treatment conclusion, >25% of participants were not activated to use nonpharmacologic strategies. Activated caregivers reported greater decline in distressing behavioral symptoms, and more confidence than non‐activated participants. Activation is needed to impact behavioral management but not other caregiver outcomes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative multi‐image analysis for biomedical Raman spectroscopic imaging
Authors: Hedegaard Martin A. B. , Bergholt Mads S. , Stevens Molly M. 
Published: February 2016

Imaging by Raman spectroscopy enables unparalleled label‐free insights into cell and tissue composition at the molecular level. With established approaches limited to single image analysis, there are currently no general guidelines or consensus on how to quantify biochemical components across multiple Raman images. Here, we describe a broadly applicable methodology for the combination of multiple Raman images into a single image for analysis. This is achieved by removing image specific background interference, unfolding the series of Raman images into a single dataset, and normalisation of each Raman spectrum to render comparable Raman images. Multivariate image analysis is finally applied to derive the contributing ‘pure’ biochemical spectra for relative quantification. We present our methodology using four independently measured Raman images of control cells and four images of cells treated with strontium ions from substituted bioactive glass. We show that the relative biochemical distribution per area of the cells can be quantified. In addition, using k‐means clustering, we are able to discriminate between the two cell types over multiple Raman images. This study shows a streamlined quantitative multi‐image analysis tool for improving cell/tissue characterisation and opens new avenues in biomedical Raman spectroscopic imaging.
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Evaluation of an injectable thermoresponsive hyaluronan hydrogel in a rabbit osteochondral defect model
Authors: D'Este Matteo , Sprecher Christoph Martin , Milz Stefan , Nehrbass Dirk , Dresing Iska , Zeiter Stephan , Alini Mauro , Eglin David 
Published: February 2016

AbstractArticular cartilage displays very little self‐healing capabilities, generating a major clinical need. Here, we introduce a thermoresponsive hyaluronan hydrogel for cartilage repair obtained by covalently grafting poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) to hyaluronan, to give a brush co‐polymer HpN. The gel is fluid at room temperature and becomes gel at body temperature. In this pilot study HpN safety and repair response were evaluated in an osteochondral defect model in rabbit. Follow‐up was of 1 week and 12 weeks and the empty defect served as a control, for a total of four experimental groups. At 12 weeks the defect sites were evaluated macroscopically and histologically. Local lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and kidneys were analyzed for histopathological evaluation. HpN could be easily injected and remained into the defect throughout the study. The macroscopic score was statistically superior for HpN versus empty. Histological score gave opposite trend but not statistically significant. A slight tissue reaction was observed around HpN, however, vascularization and subchondral bone formation were not impeded. An upper proteoglycans rich fibro‐cartilaginous tissue with fairly good continuity and lateral integration into the existing articular cartilage was observed in all cases. No signs of local or systemic acute or subacute toxicity were observed. In conclusion, HpN is easily injectable, remains into an osteochondral defect within a moving synovial joint, is biocompatible and does not interfere with the intrinsic healing response of osteochondral defects in a rabbit model. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1469–1478, 2016.
Persistence, distribution, and impact of distinctly segmented microparticles on cochlear health following in vivo infusion
Authors: Ross Astin M. , Rahmani Sahar , Prieskorn Diane M. , Dishman Acacia F. , Miller Josef M. , Lahann Joerg , Altschuler Richard A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDelivery of pharmaceuticals to the cochleae of patients with auditory dysfunction could potentially have many benefits from enhancing auditory nerve survival to protecting remaining sensory cells and their neuronal connections. Treatment would require platforms to enable drug delivery directly to the cochlea and increase the potential efficacy of intervention. Cochlear implant recipients are a specific patient subset that could benefit from local drug delivery as more candidates have residual hearing; and since residual hearing directly contributes to post‐implantation hearing outcomes, it requires protection from implant insertion‐induced trauma. This study assessed the feasibility of utilizing microparticles for drug delivery into cochlear fluids, testing persistence, distribution, biocompatibility, and drug release characteristics. To allow for delivery of multiple therapeutics, particles were composed of two distinct compartments; one containing polylactide‐co‐glycolide (PLGA), and one composed of acetal‐modified dextran and PLGA. Following in vivo infusion, image analysis revealed microparticle persistence in the cochlea for at least 7 days post‐infusion, primarily in the first and second turns. The majority of subjects maintained or had only slight elevation in auditory brainstem response thresholds at 7 days post‐infusion compared to pre‐infusion baselines. There was only minor to limited loss of cochlear hair cells and negligible immune response based on CD45+ immunolabling. When Piribedil‐loaded microparticles were infused, Piribedil was detectable within the cochlear fluids at 7 days post‐infusion. These results indicate that segmented microparticles are relatively inert, can persist, release their contents, and be functionally and biologically compatible with cochlear function and therefore are promising vehicles for cochlear drug delivery. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1510–1522, 2016.
Improvement of clinical outcomes in the patients with gallbladder cancer: lessons from periodic comparison in a tertiary referral center
Authors: Chang Jihoon , Jang Jin‐Young , Lee Kyoung Bun , Kang Mee Joo , Jung Woohyun , Shin Yong Chan , Kim Sun‐Whe 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundCurrent guidelines for gallbladder cancer (GBC) contain controversies and some reported no survival improvement in GBC during 20 years. This study was designed to explore the chronologic change of survival outcomes in GBC and prognostic factors.MethodsClinicopathologic features and survival outcomes were analyzed in 692 consecutive GBC patients who underwent surgery between 1987 and 2014, including 255 treated in Period (P) 1 (1987–2000) and 437 in P2 (2001–2014).ResultsThe mean age was 63.3 years. Curative resection rate was 59.2% and 5‐year survival rate (5‐YSR) after curative resection was 67.1%. Comparisons between P1 and P2 showed that mean age, asymptomatic presentation, extended cholecystectomy, curative resection, adjuvant chemotherapy, and tumor ≤ T2 were significantly higher during P2. The overall 5‐YSR after curative surgery was significantly lower in P1. In patients who underwent curative resection, poor prognostic factors included symptomatic presentation, CA 19‐9 >37 IU/ml, poor differentiation, tumor ≥ T3, and lymph nodal involvement. In patients who received non‐curative surgery, well‐ or moderately differentiated tumor and adjuvant chemotherapy provide survival benefit.ConclusionsDetection of GBC at an early stage and optimal curative surgery may improve survival outcomes in GBC. Chemotherapy provides survival benefit in palliative setting.
Determining preventability of pediatric readmissions using fault tree analysis
Authors: Jonas Jennifer A. , Devon Erin Pete , Ronan Jeanine C. , Ng Sonia C. , Owusu‐McKenzie Jacqueline Y. , Strausbaugh Janet T. , Fieldston Evan S. , Hart Jessica K. 
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUNDPrevious studies attempting to distinguish preventable from nonpreventable readmissions reported challenges in completing reviews efficiently and consistently.OBJECTIVES(1) Examine the efficiency and reliability of a Web‐based fault tree tool designed to guide physicians through chart reviews to a determination about preventability. (2) Investigate root causes of general pediatrics readmissions and identify the percent that are preventable.DESIGN/SETTING/PATIENTSGeneral pediatricians from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia used a Web‐based fault tree tool to classify root causes of all general pediatrics 15‐day readmissions in 2014.INTERVENTION/MEASUREMENTSThe tool guided reviewers through a logical progression of questions, which resulted in 1 of 18 root causes of readmission, 8 of which were considered potentially preventable. Twenty percent of cases were cross‐checked to measure inter‐rater reliability.RESULTSOf the 7252 discharges, 248 were readmitted, for an all‐cause general pediatrics 15‐day readmission rate of 3.4%. Of those readmissions, 15 (6.0%) were deemed potentially preventable, corresponding to 0.2% of total discharges. The most common cause of potentially preventable readmissions was premature discharge. For the 50 cross‐checked cases, both reviews resulted in the same root cause for 44 (86%) of files (κ = 0.79; 95% confidence interval: 0.60‐0.98). Completing 1 review using the tool took approximately 20 minutes.CONCLUSIONThe Web‐based fault tree tool helped physicians to identify root causes of hospital readmissions and classify them as either preventable or not preventable in an efficient and consistent way. It also confirmed that only a small percentage of general pediatrics 15‐day readmissions are potentially preventable. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:329–335. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Climatological characteristics and synoptic patterns of snowfall episodes in the central Spanish Mediterranean area
Authors: Mora José Ángel Nuñez , Martín Jesús Riesco , García Manuel Mora , de Pablo Davila Fernando , Rivas Soriano Luís 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTThe long‐term temporal and spatial characteristics of snowfalls over the Comunidad Valenciana (Provinces of Castellón, Valencia and Alicante) (central Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula) were analysed using a 30‐year period (1981–2010). The average number of snowy days per year was 38.7, and annual variability was pronounced. Annual distribution peaked in January (on average, 8.9 snowy days). By contrast, snow was absent in the summertime. Snow was seen even at sea level in most of the months with snowfall. Orography was seen to be a key factor in the spatial distributions of snowy days (covering the ground surface or not) and in the return periods. Snowfall increased with altitude, but not linearly. Finally, five synoptic patterns were found to be associated with heavy snowfall episodes in the domain studied. In each group, a low (often a cut‐off low) in mid‐levels was identified over Spain or surrounding areas. In most cases (79%), an easterly flow was present at low levels and the arrival of cloud bands from the west was detected in a few cases (21%). The former is more frequent because the air mass becomes unstable during its passage over the sea and can produce heavy snowfalls.
Oil quality parameters and quantitative measurement of major secoiridoid derivatives in Neb Jmel olive oil from various Tunisian origins using qNMR
Authors: Ben Mansour Amir , Gargouri Boutheina , Melliou Eleni , Magiatis Prokopios , Bouaziz Mohamed 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDOlive oil contains compounds with interesting biological activities which are influenced by the cultivar, the geographic origin and other factors. The aims of this work were to (1) investigate these factors in Neb Jmel olive oil from various Tunisian origins; (2) determine the influence of geographic conditions on phenolic composition of Neb Jmel olive oil and consequently on the antioxidant compounds; and (3) verify whether oils could be discriminated based on geographical origin.RESULTSThe characterisation of extra‐virgin Neb Jmel olive oil produced in its original location has been conducted. Owing to the effect of the genotype and environmental, agronomic and technological factors on the chemical composition of olive oil and its quality, all studied olives were collected at the same season, and their oil obtained under the same processing technique. Many analyses were carried out to characterise the different olive oils: free acidity, peroxide value, fatty acid composition, Rancimat assay, pigments content and phenolic compounds by 1H NMR. A recently developed method for the direct measurement of the oleocanthal and oleacein levels in olive oil by quantitative 1H NMR was applied. The method was applied to the study of four Neb Jmel olive oils samples, and a broad variation of concentrations of all four secoiridoids was recorded. The concentration of each ranged from 55 to 529 mg kg−1 and the sum of the four major secoiridoids (known as D3) ranged from 436 to 1063 mg kg−1.CONCLUSIONThe quantification of major phenolic compounds of olive oil by NMR indicated that environmental conditions influence the production of qualitative phenolic fractions. All these compounds can be used as base ‘markers’ to characterise and differentiate these olive oil on geographic origin. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of temperature and fish thickness on the mass transfer kinetics during the cod (Gadus morhua) desalting process
Authors: Oliveira Helena , Gonçalves Amparo , Nunes Maria L , Vaz‐Pires Paulo , Costa Rui 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe aim of this study was to analyse the influence of desalting temperature, fish thickness and desalting time on the mass transfer kinetics during the cod desalting process by physico‐chemical analyses.RESULTSBoth water uptake and salt loss increased with increasing temperature (15 °C > 10 °C > 5 °C) up to 24 h in ‘thicker’ pieces. The equilibrium achievement was faster in ‘thinner’ pieces and also with increasing temperature. Longer desalting times at 10 °C can be a good practice to be used during cod desalting at an industrial scale in order to obtain commercial products with higher yields. The faster mass transfer during desalting of ‘thinner’ pieces appears to follow three periods as a result of diffusion of the components (water, NaCl, and soluble proteins) because of the concentration differences, and pressure gradients due to expansion/shrinkage of the protein matrix, which is dependent on the NaCl content. The refractive index can be used by industry as an indirect measurement to determine the moment at which the ‘thicker’ samples are near the ZNaCl = YNaCl equilibrium.CONCLUSIONOptimum combinations between the process variables analysed are essential in order to speed up the mass transfer kinetics during cod desalting at an industrial scale. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
ERCP in potentially resectable malignant biliary obstruction is frequently unsuccessful when performed outside of a comprehensive pancreaticobiliary center
Authors: Donnan Erica , Bentrem David J. , Komanduri Srinadh , Mahvi David M. , Keswani Rajesh N. 
Published: February 2016

Background and ObjectivesERCP prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy is unnecessary in select patients. When performed, it should be in conjunction with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to increase diagnostic sensitivity and allow for metal stent placement. The aim of this study was to determine differences in endoscopic practice patterns at community medical centers (CMC) and a comprehensive pancreaticobiliary referral center (PBRC).MethodsRetrospective cohort study of all patients seen at a PBRC for endoscopic and/or surgical management of potentially resectable malignant distal biliary obstruction from 1/2011 to 6/2014.ResultsOf 75 patients, 30 underwent endoscopic management at a CMC and 45 were initially managed at our PBRC. ERCP was attempted in 92% of patients. EUS was performed more frequently (100% vs. 13.3 %, P < 0.0001), ERCP was more successful (93% vs. 69%, P = 0.02), and metal stent placement more likely (41% vs. 5%, P = 0.005) at our PBRC compared to a CMC. The majority (81%) of patients undergoing initial endoscopy at a CMC required repeat endoscopy at our PBRC.ConclusionsPatients who are candidates for pancreaticoduodenectomy frequently undergo ERCP. At a CMC, ERCP is often unsuccessful, is rarely accompanied by EUS, and often requires repeat endoscopy. Our findings support regionalizing the management of suspected pancreatic malignancy into dedicated specialty centers. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:647–651. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Excitation spectra of Bi/Si(001) interfaces
Authors: Buchenko V. V. , Goloborodko A. A. , Afanasieva T. V. 
Published: February 2016

Present article deals with the theoretical and experimental investigation of optical properties of Bi/Si(001) interfaces in a wide spectral range (1–4 eV). Theoretical excitation spectra of vicinal Si(001) surface, Bi/Si(001)–0.5 monolayer and Bi/Si(001)–1 monolayer interfaces are calculated by time‐dependent density functional theory with the hybrid Becke and Lee, Yang and Parr pseudopotential. Calculations and experimental studies of the absorption spectrum of the samples revealed the blue shift of the optical absorption edge with increasing of the bismuth covering degree. Features of the experimentally obtained reflectance anisotropy spectra (RAS) and surface differential reflectance spectra (SDRS) concerned with changing of the silicon surface reconstruction from 2 × 1 to 1 × 1 with the increasing of the bismuth covering degree from 0.5 to 1 monolayer. It is shown that the correlation between the theoretically calculated and experimental data makes it possible to identify the electronic transitions in the surface region.
Cerebellar ataxia in progressive supranuclear palsy: An autopsy study of PSP‐C
Authors: Koga Shunsuke , Josephs Keith A. , Ogaki Kotaro , Labbé Catherine , Uitti Ryan J. , Graff‐Radford Neill , van Gerpen Jay A. , Cheshire William P. , Aoki Naoya , Rademakers Rosa , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Ross Owen A. , Dickson Dennis W. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundCerebellar ataxia is an exclusion criterion for the clinical diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy, but a variant with predominant cerebellar ataxia has been reported. The aims of this study were to estimate the frequency of progressive supranuclear palsy with predominant cerebellar ataxia in an autopsy series from the United States and to compare clinical, pathologic, and genetic differences between progressive supranuclear palsy with and without predominant cerebellar ataxia.MethodWe selected 100 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed progressive supranuclear palsy who had been evaluated at the Mayo Clinic (referred to as the Mayo Clinic patient series) from our brain bank database (N = 1085). We next enriched in cases likely to have cerebellar ataxia by searching the remaining 985 cases for (1) an antemortem diagnosis of multiple system atrophy or (2) neuropathologic evidence of prominent degeneration of the cerebellum or cerebellar afferent nuclei. Subsequently, clinical, pathologic, and genetic features were compared between the two groups.ResultsOne patient in the Mayo Clinic patient series (1%) met criteria for progressive supranuclear palsy with predominant cerebellar ataxia and had both cerebellar and mild midbrain atrophy on MRI. Four patients were identified with the targeted search. Four of the five patients were clinically misdiagnosed as multiple system atrophy. The severity of tau‐related pathology and cerebellar degeneration were not different between the two groups. No differences were detected in tau genotypes.ConclusionAlthough our data cannot provide definitive information about how to make an accurate clinical diagnosis, they should serve to raise awareness of progressive supranuclear palsy with predominant cerebellar ataxia in the differential diagnosis of multiple system atrophy. © 2016 Movement Disorder Society
Establishment and use of new MDCK II cells overexpressing both UGT1A1 and MRP2 to characterize flavonoid metabolism via the glucuronidation pathway
Authors: Wang Meifang , Yang Guangyi , He Yu , Xu Beibei , Zeng Min , Ge Shufan , Yin Taijun , Gao Song , Hu Ming 
Published: February 2016

ScopeThe purpose of this study is to characterize how overexpression of an efflux transporter and an UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) affects the cellular kinetics of glucuronidation processes.Methods and resultsA new MDCK II cell line overexpressing both MRP2 and UGT1A1 (MDCKII‐UGT1A1/MRP2 cells) was developed and used to determine how overexpression of an efflux transporter affects the kinetics of cellular flavonoid glucuronide production. The results showed that most model flavonoids (from a total of 13) were mainly metabolized into glucuronides in the MDCKII‐UGT1A1/MRP2 cells and the glucuronides were rapidly excreted. Flavonoids with three or fewer hydroxyl group at 7, 3′ or 6 hydroxyl group were also metabolized into sulfates. Mechanistic studies using 7‐hydroxylflavone showed that its glucuronide was mainly (90%) effluxed by BCRP with a small (10%) but significant contribution from MRP2. Maximal velocity of glucuronide production MDCK‐MRP2/UGT1A1 cells showed a fairly good correlation (R2 >0.8) with those derived using UGT1A1 microsomes, but other kinetic parameters (e.g., Km) did not correlate.ConclusionOverexpression of a second efficient efflux transporter did not significantly change the fact that BCRP is the dominant transporter for flavonoid glucuronide nor did it diminish the influence of the efflux transporter as the “gate keeper” of glucuronidation process.