bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allergy‐related diseases and recurrent abdominal pain during childhood – a birth cohort study
Authors: Olén O. , Neuman Å. , Koopmann B. , Ludvigsson J. F. , Ballardini N. , Westman M. , Melén E. , Kull I. , Simrén M. , Bergström A. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryBackgroundAllergy and immune dysregulation may have a role in the pathophysiology of recurrent abdominal pain of functional origin, but previous studies of allergy‐related diseases and abdominal pain have contradictory results.AimTo examine the association between allergy‐related diseases or sensitisation during childhood and abdominal pain at age 12 years.MethodsIn this birth cohort study of 4089 children, parents answered questionnaires regarding asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema and food hypersensitivity (‘allergy‐related diseases’) at ages 0,1,2,4,8 and 12 years. Blood for analyses of allergen‐specific IgE was sampled at 4 and 8 years. At 12 years, the children answered questions regarding abdominal pain. Children with coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. Associations were examined using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsAmong 2610 children with complete follow‐up, 9% (n = 237) reported abdominal pain at 12 years. All allergy‐related diseases were associated with concurrent abdominal pain at 12 years and the risk increased with increasing number of allergy‐related diseases (P for trend <0.001). Asthma at 1 and 2 years and food hypersensitivity at 8 years were significantly associated with abdominal pain at 12 years. There was an increased risk of abdominal pain at 12 years in children sensitised to food allergens at 4 or 8 years, but in stratified analyses, this was confined to children whose parents had not reported food hypersensitivity at time of sensitisation.ConclusionAllergy‐related diseases as well as sensitisation to food allergens were associated with an elevated risk of abdominal pain, and the risk increased with the number of allergy‐related diseases.
Prevalence, severity and correlates of fatigue in newly diagnosed patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Efficace Fabio , Gaidano Gianluca , Breccia Massimo , Criscuolo Marianna , Cottone Francesco , Caocci Giovanni , Bowen David , Lübbert Michael , Angelucci Emanuele , Stauder Reinhard , Selleslag Dominik , Platzbecker Uwe , Sanpaolo Grazia , Jonasova Anna , Buccisano Francesco , Specchia Giorgina , Palumbo Giuseppe A. , Niscola Pasquale , Wan Chonghua , Zhang Huiyong , Fenu Susanna , Klimek Virginia , Beyne‐Rauzy Odile , Nguyen Khanh , Mandelli Franco 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThe primary objective of this study was to investigate factors associated with fatigue severity in newly diagnosed patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The secondary objectives were to assess symptom prevalence and to examine the relationships between fatigue, quality of life (QoL) and overall symptom burden in these patients. The analyses were conducted in 280 higher‐risk MDS patients. Pre‐treatment patient‐reported fatigue was evaluated with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)‐Fatigue scale and QoL was assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Core 30 (EORTC QLQ‐C30). Female gender (P = 0·018), poor performance status (i.e., ECOG of 2–4) (P < 0·001) and lower levels of haemoglobin (Hb) (P = 0·026) were independently associated with higher fatigue severity. The three most prevalent symptoms were as follows: fatigue (92%), dyspnoea (63%) and pain (55%). Patients with higher levels of fatigue also had greater overall symptom burdens. The mean global QoL scores of patients with the highest versus those with the lowest levels of fatigue were 29·2 [standard deviation (SD), 18·3] and 69·0 (SD, 18·8), respectively and this difference was four times the magnitude of a clinically meaningful difference. Patient‐reported fatigue severity revealed the effects of disease burden on overall QoL more accurately than did degree of anaemia. Special attention should be given to the female patients in the management of fatigue.
Greater number of group identifications is associated with healthier behaviour: Evidence from a Scottish community sample
Authors: Sani Fabio , Madhok Vishnu , Norbury Michael , Dugard Pat , Wakefield Juliet R. H. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesThis paper investigates the interplay between group identification (i.e., the extent to which one has a sense of belonging to a social group, coupled with a sense of commonality with in‐group members) and four types of health behaviour, namely physical exercise, smoking, drinking, and diet. Specifically, we propose a positive relationship between one's number of group identifications and healthy behaviour.DesignThis study is based on the Scottish portion of the data obtained for Wave 1 of the two‐wave cross‐national Health in Groups project. Totally 1,824 patients from five Scottish general practitioner (GP) surgeries completed the Wave 1 questionnaire in their homes.MethodsParticipants completed measures of group identification, group contact, health behaviours, and demographic variables.ResultsResults demonstrate that the greater the number of social groups with which one identifies, the healthier one's behaviour on any of the four health dimensions considered.ConclusionsWe believe our results are due to the fact that group identification will generally (1) enhance one's sense of meaning in life, thereby leading one to take more care of oneself, (2) increase one's sense of responsibility towards other in‐group members, thereby enhancing one's motivation to be healthy in order to fulfil those responsibilities, and (3) increase compliance with healthy group behavioural norms. Taken together, these processes amply overcompensate for the fact that some groups with which people may identify can actually prescribe unhealthy behaviours.
Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject? Researchers from a number of disciplines – especially social epidemiologists – have investigated the link between social ties and health behaviour in the past. These researchers have shown that, overall, greater ties predict healthier behaviour. However, the vast majority of studies have operationalized ‘social ties’ as the amount of contact (e.g., frequency of interactions) with close others or members of relevant groups, while generally neglecting the subjective dimension of ties with others and groups (e.g., sense of belonging and affiliation). More recently, some researchers have begun to look at the link between group identification and health behaviour. However, to date, this new research approach has focussed on the linear association between identification with one specific group and health behaviours.

What does this study add?

This is the first quantitative study looking at the impact of one's number of high group identifications on four crucial health behaviours (smoking, drinking, exercise, and diet) in a large community sample.

This is the first study that looks at how number of group identifications and number of contact‐intensity groups compare, in terms of their effects on health behaviours.
A complex transition: lessons learned as three young adults with complex care needs transition from an inpatient paediatric hospital to adult community residences
Authors: Lindsay S. , Hoffman A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundWhether young adults with complex care needs live at home with their family, in institutional or group home settings finding appropriate care as they transition from paediatric to adult systems can be difficult. Our objective was to understand the experiences, barriers and enablers entailed in transitioning three young adults with complex care needs from an institutional paediatric hospital setting to an adult community residence.MethodA descriptive design involving in‐depth, semi‐structured, qualitative interviews and a review of 14 h of meeting minutes. Interviews were conducted over the phone, in participants' homes, and at a paediatric rehabilitation hospital. Twenty‐three participants, including 10 clinicians, 11 community partners, two young adults (21–23 years old) with complex care needs from [metropolitan area] Ontario, Canada.ResultsOur findings indicate that clinicians, community partners and young adults with complex care needs encountered several enablers and barriers influencing their transition from a paediatric hospital to adult supportive housing. Enablers included structural factors (leadership, advocacy, timing/funding), availability of care (inter‐agency partnerships), organization of care (model of care, inter‐professional teamwork, extension of roles), and relational factors (communication, development of trust and rapport, family involvement). Barriers included structural factors (timing, funding), availability of care (appropriateness of housing), organization of care (changes in model of care, teamwork, role clarity), relational factors (communication, trust/rapport, family involvement) and personal factors (transition readiness).ConclusionsThere are several challenges to overcome in preparing long‐term hospitalized young adults with complex care needs to transition to adult supportive housing; however, these challenges may be overcome with targeted supports in several key areas.
Exposure to ‘farming’ and objective markers of atopy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Campbell B. E. , Lodge C. J. , Lowe A. J. , Burgess J. A. , Matheson M. C. , Dharmage S. C. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThere is growing interest in the ‘farm effect’ on the spectrum of allergy. Evidence concerning the farm effect on asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis has been systematically synthesized, but without a specific focus on objective markers of sensitization. This focus is important, as farm exposures may be related to allergy but not to non‐allergic phenotypes of disease. We aimed to systematically review and meta‐analyse literature that has investigated associations between farm exposure at any age and objective measures of atopy, that is serum IgE or skin prick tests results. Using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, we identified 29 articles for review. IgE levels were measured in either childhood or adulthood by eighteen studies, while skin prick testing was performed in sixteen studies. Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale quality assessments indicated that the majority of these studies demonstrated a representative sample of selected participants. Due to significant heterogeneity in study measures and methodology between studies, only few were meta‐analysed. This meta‐analysis showed a significant protective effect of farm exposure before 1 year of life on allergic sensitization (OR = 0.60 [0.52–0.70]). Farm exposure during childhood was also associated with a reduced risk of sensitization to cat or timothy (OR = 0.60 [0.51–0.70]; OR=0.46 [0.41–0.51]). Studies investigating the effect of farm exposure in adult life could not be meta‐analysed, and their results were inconsistent. Insufficient studies investigated food sensitization as an outcome to allow synthesis. The majority of studies included in this review investigated childhood farm exposure, finding evidence to support a protective childhood ‘farm effect’ against subsequent atopy. There is inconsistent evidence on the association between farm exposure in adulthood and allergic sensitization. Further studies are needed to tease out the exact exposures and timing associated with farming environments that protect against allergic disease.
French adaptation and validation of the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test‐22: a prospective cohort study on quality of life among 422 subjects
Authors: de Dorlodot C. , Horoi M. , Lefebvre P. , Collet S. , Bertrand B. , Eloy P. , Poirrier A.‐L. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesENT surgeons are facing an ever‐increasing demand to demonstrate their efficacy. The 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) is a fully validated and easy‐to‐use outcome measure in rhinology. Our goal was to translate and validate the SNOT‐22 in a cohort of 422 French‐speaking subjects.Design, Setting and ParticipantsThe French version of the SNOT‐22 was obtained by forward and backward translations by six independent interpreters. Five experienced rhinologists compared the translations to each other, and a group of 12 naive patients selected the most appropriate translation of each item. To evaluate this questionnaire, we conducted a prospective cohort study on 376 rhinological patients and 46 healthy volunteers in three University‐affiliated teaching Hospitals.Main outcome measuresReproducibility (test–retest reliability), internal consistency, known‐group differences, responsiveness to treatment, validity and correlation to other clinical instruments (visual analogue scale, Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation score and Lund–Mackay score).ResultsThe test–retest reliability coefficient was 0.78, indicating a good reliability when administering the instrument on two different occasions. The internal consistency was high with a Cronbach's α value of 0.93. Our questionnaire was able to detect differences between rhinological patients and control subjects (P < 0.0001) and improved significantly after nose and sinus surgery (P < 0.0001), indicating a good responsiveness. There was a relative correlation with visual analogue scale and Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation (NOSE) score, but no correlation with Lund–Mackay score.ConclusionThe SNOT‐22 is a reliable and valid tool to assess quality of life in French‐speaking patients and correlates well with known indices of disease severity.
Behavioural responses to predation may explain shifts in community structure
Authors: Hammill Edd , Atwood Trisha B. , Corvalan Paloma , Srivastava Diane S. 
Published: October 2014

Summary

Predators exert a strong selective force on the ecosystems in which they exist, thereby altering the structure of ecological communities and leading to the evolution of prey defences. However, how interspecific differences in defence ability affect habitat partitioning amongst competing prey species remains unresolved.

We examined how prey defences affect species distribution in a natural ecosystem: the aquatic food web within Neotropical bromeliads. We first related differences in prey (mosquito) density to the presence and absence of predatory damselfly larvae. We then quantified behavioural responses to predators in the two most abundant mosquito species, and the effects of these behaviours on predator consumption rates.

In the absence of damselflies, Wyeomyia was the most abundant mosquito genus in natural bromeliads. However, Wyeomyia numbers were reduced in the presence of damselflies. Numbers of the genus Culex increased with bromeliad size irrespective of the presence of damselflies. As a result of the differing effects of plant size and damselflies on the two genera of mosquito larvae, Culex were more numerous in large bromeliads containing damselflies.

The most abundant Culex species, Culex jenningsi, had two kinds of behavioural defences: reduced movement and increased time at the water surface. These defences reduced damselfly attack rate on C. jenningsi, but not handling time. Consequently, consumption rate was reduced at all but the highest prey densities, altering the damselfly's functional response. Inducible defences were not seen in the most abundant Wyeomyia species, Wyeomyia abebela, and pre‐exposure to predation risk did not reduce predation on this species.

Inducible behavioural defences, and the associated reductions in predation rate, evidently allow C. jenningsi to coexist with predators at a higher density than W. abebela. As predation risk is non‐randomly distributed amongst bromeliads, divergence between mosquito species in their response to predation may contribute to the coexistence of a number of mosquito species across the landscape.
Institutional (mis)trust in colorectal cancer screening: a qualitative study with Greek, Iranian, Anglo‐Australian and Indigenous groups
Authors: Ward Paul R. , Coffey Cushla , Javanparast Sara , Wilson Carlene , Meyer Samantha B. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIntroductionColorectal cancer (CRC) has the second highest cancer mortality rate in Australia. The Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) aims to increase early detection of CRC by offering free Faecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT), although uptake is low for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups.Aim of paperTo present data on trust and mistrust in the NBCSP by population groups with low uptake and thus to highlight areas in need of policy change.MethodsA qualitative study was undertaken in South Australia, involving interviews with 94 people from four CALD groups: Greek, Iranian, Anglo‐Australian, and Indigenous peoples.ResultsOur study highlights the complexities of institutional trust, which involves considerations of trust at interpersonal, local and national levels. In addition, trust and mistrust was found in more abstract systems such as the medical knowledge of doctors to diagnose or treat cancer or the scientific procedures in laboratories to test the FOBTs. The object of institutional (mis)trust differed between cultural groups – Anglo‐Australian and Iranian groups indicated a high level of trust in the government, whereas Indigenous participants were much less trusting.ConclusionThe level and nature of trust in the screening process varied between the CALD groups. Addressing program misconceptions, clarifying the FOBT capabilities and involving medical services in collecting and transporting the samples may increase trust in the NBCSP. However, broader and more enduring mistrust in services and institutions may need to be dealt with in order to increase trust and participation.
The effect of reciprocation versus rotational movement on the incidence of root defects during retreatment procedures
Authors: Üstün Y. , Topçuoğlu H. S. , Düzgün S. , Kesim B. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimTo compare the incidence of dentinal defects caused by reciprocating and rotary techniques during retreatment procedures.MethodologyOne hundred and twenty extracted mandibular premolars with single canals were selected. Twenty teeth were left unprepared. The root canals in the remaining 100 teeth were prepared with K‐files up to size 35 and filled with Gutta‐percha and AH Plus sealer using a passive cold lateral compaction technique. Twenty canals were filled and received no further treatment. Eighty teeth were divided into four groups (n = 20 in each) to undergo the removal of the root filling. In groups 1 and 2, the root filling was removed using ProTaper Retreatment files and Reciproc files, respectively, and the canals were not refilled. In groups 3 and 4, the root filling was removed using ProTaper Retreatment files and Reciproc files, respectively, and the canals were then refilled using a conventional cold lateral compaction technique. The roots were sectioned horizontally at 3, 6 and 9 mm from the root apex and observed under a stereomicroscope at 20× magnification. Defects were categorized as no defect, incomplete defect and fracture. The differences between the groups were analysed using the chi‐square exact test (P = 0.05).ResultsNo defects were observed in the unprepared and filled groups, in contrast to the experimental groups. In the coronal thirds, groups 2 and 4 had more dentinal defects than groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.05). In the middle thirds, group 4 had more defects than group 1 (P < 0.05). In the apical thirds, group 2 had fewer defects than did group 3 and group 4. Also, group 3 had more defects than group 1 (P < 0.05). When comparing the experimental groups, there were no significant differences with regard to fracture (P > 0.05).ConclusionsBoth nickel–titanium systems were associated with dentinal defects during retreatment procedures in extracted premolar teeth.
Melatonin potentiates the anti‐tumour effect of pravastatin in rat mammary gland carcinoma model
Authors: Orendáš Peter , Kubatka Peter , Bojková Bianka , Kassayová Monika , Kajo Karol , Výbohová Desanka , Kružliak Peter , Péč Martin , Adamkov Marián , Kapinová Andrea , Adamicová Katarína , Sadloňová Vladimíra , Chmelová Martina , Stollárová Nadežda 
Published: October 2014

SummaryPrevious studies in the field of cancer research have suggested a possible role for statins in the reduction of risk in certain malignancies. The purpose of these studies was to examine the chemopreventive effects of pravastatin alone and in combination with pineal hormone melatonin in the N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea‐induced mammary carcinogenesis model. Pravastatin was given orally (1 00 mg/kg) and melatonin was added to the water (20 μg/ml). Chemoprevention began seven days prior to carcinogen administration and subsequently continued for 15 weeks until autopsy. At autopsy, mammary tumours were removed and prepared for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Parameters of experimental carcinogenesis, mechanism of action (biomarkers of apoptosis, angiogenesis and proliferation) and side effects after long‐term treatment in animals were assessed. Pravastatin alone suppressed tumour frequency by 20.5% and average tumour volume by 15% compared with controls. Combined administration of the drugs decreased tumour frequency by 69% and lengthened tumour latency by nine days compared with control animals. The ration between high and low grade carcinomas was apparently reduced in both treated groups. The analysis of carcinoma cells showed significant expression increase in caspase‐3 and caspase‐7 after pravastatin treatment; however, combined treatment even more pronounced increase in the expression of both caspases. Regarding VEGFR‐2 expression, a small effect in carcinomas of both treated groups was found. In plasma metabolism evaluation, pravastatin alone significantly decreased levels of glucose and triacylglycerols. Our results suggest a mild anti‐neoplastic effect of pravastatin in this rat mammary gland carcinoma model. Statins co‐administered with other suitable drug (e.g. melatonin) should be further evaluated for tumour‐preventive properties.
Effects of cyanobacteria, fish kairomones, and the presence of ostracods on the demography of Simocephalus vetulus (Cladocera)
Authors: Fernández Rocío , Nandini S. , Sarma S.S.S. , Castellanos‐Paez María Elena 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSimocephalus vetulus is a large (2.0–4.0 mm at maturity) cladoceran often found in the littoral region of lakes and ponds, and capable of moderate growth rates even on poor‐quality cyanobacterial diets. It frequently co‐occurs with fishes and similar sized ostracods such as Heterocypris incongruens, but little is known of its response to fish kairomones or its interactions with potential competitors. We studied the demographic responses of S. vetulus fed the green alga Scenedesmus acutus, Microcystis cf. aeruginosa strain A, Microcystis cf. aeruginosa strain B, or Limnothrix sp. Experiments were conducted separately and together in the presence of Heterocypris incongruens and cichlid fish (Oreochromis) kairomones. A diet of Limnothrix sp. resulted in the lowest population growth rate (0.21±0.023 d−1), while on diets of S. acutus or Microcystis, population growth was higher (0.30±0.009 d−1). The presence of ostracods resulted in significantly higher growth rates of S. vetulus fed Limnothrix (0.33±0.01 d−1), but not Microcystis or S. acutus. Regardless of the diet, the presence of fish kairomones resulted in significantly higher growth rates as compared with controls, particularly when ostracods were also present. Coexistence with ostracods may be beneficial to S. vetulus, particularly when food quality is poor.