bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of ustekinumab treatment in elderly patients with psoriasis
Authors: Hayashi Mitsuha , Umezawa Yoshinori , Fukuchi Osamu , Ito Toshihiro , Saeki Hidehisa , Nakagawa Hidemi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe ratio of the elderly among psoriasis patients has been increasing. However, satisfactory long‐term management of psoriasis for the elderly is challenging because of the more frequent presence of comorbidities, and the higher risk of adverse events from systemic therapeutic agents than younger patients. The use of ustekinumab (UST) appears to be an appropriate systemic treatment because it is considered less likely to cause adverse events than other systemic treatments, as well as necessitating fewer hospital visits. Our retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of UST in elderly patients with psoriasis. The study included 24 patients aged over 65 years (range, 65–88 years; mean, 73.1 years) with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with impaired quality of life. Efficacy and safety were assessed over a 1‐year period using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Dermatology Live Quality Index (DLQI). The efficacy was evaluated by the proportion of subjects who achieved ≥75% reduction in PASI score (PASI 75). PASI 75 responses were 56.5% at week 16, 59.1% at week 28, and 60.0% at week 52. None of the patients developed any serious infection during the 1‐year treatment. The mean DLQI score at weeks 0, 16, 28, and 52 was 7.8 ± 6.0, 2.5 ± 3.4, 1.4 ± 1.7, and 1.2 ± 1.7, respectively. UST showed sufficient efficacy for elderly patients with psoriasis without any serious infection over the 1‐year treatment. Our results suggest that UST is the preferable agent for the treatment of elderly patients with psoriasis.
Appraisal problem in the 3D least squares Fourier seismic data reconstruction
Authors: Ciabarri Fabio , Mazzotti Alfredo , Stucchi Eusebio , Bienati Nicola 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTLeast squares Fourier reconstruction is basically a solution to a discrete linear inverse problem that attempts to recover the Fourier spectrum of the seismic wavefield from irregularly sampled data along the spatial coordinates. The estimated Fourier coefficients are then used to reconstruct the data in a regular grid via a standard inverse Fourier transform (inverse discrete Fourier transform or inverse fast Fourier transform).Unfortunately, this kind of inverse problem is usually under‐determined and ill‐conditioned. For this reason, the least squares Fourier reconstruction with minimum norm adopts a damped least squares inversion to retrieve a unique and stable solution.In this work, we show how the damping can introduce artefacts on the reconstructed 3D data. To quantitatively describe this issue, we introduce the concept of “extended” model resolution matrix, and we formulate the reconstruction problem as an appraisal problem. Through the simultaneous analysis of the extended model resolution matrix and of the noise term, we discuss the limits of the Fourier reconstruction with minimum norm reconstruction and assess the validity of the reconstructed data and the possible bias introduced by the inversion process. Also, we can guide the parameterization of the forward problem to minimize the occurrence of unwanted artefacts. A simple synthetic example and real data from a 3D marine common shot gather are used to discuss our approach and to show the results of Fourier reconstruction with minimum norm reconstruction.
Depoliticisation, Resilience and the Herceptin Post-Code Lottery Crisis: Holding Back the Tide
Authors: Wood Matthew 
Published: October 2014

Research Highlights and Abstract This article: Covers new empirical terrain in the study of depoliticisation, with an in-depth case study of health technology regulation; Analyses depoliticisation from a novel analytical perspective, examining how depoliticised institutions are resilient to external pressure for politicisation; Posits a distinctive framework for analysing resilience, drawing on cognate literatures on policy networks and agencification; Raises interesting and distinctive questions about the nature of depoliticisation in advanced liberal democracies, arguing it is more contested than commonly acknowledged. Depoliticisation as a concept offers distinctive insights into how governments attempt to relieve political pressures in liberal democracies. Analysis has examined the effects of depoliticisation tactics on the public, but not how those tactics are sustained during moments of political tension. Drawing on policy networks and agencification literatures, this article examines how these tactics are resilient against pressure for politicisation. Using an in-depth case study of the controversial appraisal of cancer drug Herceptin in 2005/6 by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), the article examines how ‘resilient’ NICE was to external politicisation. It is argued that NICE was resilient because it was effectively ‘insulated’ by formal procedures and informal norms of deference to scientific expertise. This mechanism is termed ‘institutional double glazing’. The conclusion suggests developments to the conceptual and methodological framework of depoliticisation, and highlights theoretical insights into the nature of ‘anti-politics’ in contemporary democracies.
Evaluation of Plasma Exchange and Continuous Veno‐Venous Hemofiltration for the Treatment of Severe Avian Influenza A (H7N9): A Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Zhang Yimin , Xu Xiaowei , Du Weibo , Su Kunkai , Zhu Chunxia , Chen Yuemei , Lei Shuiying , Zheng Shufa , Jiang Jianwen , Yang Shigui , Guo Jing , Shao Li , Yang Qian , Chen Jiajia , Li Lanjuan 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAvian influenza A (H7N9) is a severe disease with high mortality. Hypercytokinemia is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis. This study was to investigate the efficiency of plasma exchange (PE) + continuous veno‐venous hemofiltration (CVVH) on the removal of inflammatory mediators and their benefits in the management of fluid overload and metabolic disturbance. In total, 40 H7N9‐infected patients were admitted to our hospital. Sixteen critically ill H7N9‐infected patients received combination of PE and CVVH. Data from these 16 patients were collected and analyzed. The effects of PE + CVVH on plasma cytokine/chemokine levels and clinical outcomes were examined. H7N9‐infected patients had increased plasma levels compared to healthy controls. After 3 h of PE + CVVH treatment, the cytokine/chemokine levels descended remarkably to lower levels and were maintained thereafter. PE + CVVH also benefited the management of fluid, cardiovascular dysfunction and metabolic disturbance. Of the 16 critically ill patients who received PE + CVVH, 10 patients survived. PE + CVVH decreased the plasma cytokine/chemokine levels significantly. PE + CVVH were also beneficial to the management of severe avian influenza A (H7N9).
Comparison of Paricalcitol With Maxacalcitol Injection in Japanese Hemodialysis Patients With Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Akizawa Tadao , Akiba Takashi , Hirakata Hideki , Kinugasa Eriko , Tominaga Yoshihiro , Fukagawa Masafumi , Yokoyama Keitaro , Zhang Wuyan , Linde Peter G. , Suzuki Masashi 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSecondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is one of the major complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with elevated serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH). Calcitriol, a non‐selective vitamin D receptor agonist (VDRA) that suppresses iPTH is used for SHPT treatment, but its use is frequently complicated by hypercalcemia. Paricalcitol, a selective VDRA, demonstrated efficacy in iPTH suppression compared to maxacalcitol in a Phase 2 study (M11‐609) in Japanese subjects. The current larger Phase 3 study (M11‐517), evaluated the efficacy of intravenous paricalcitol injection compared to intravenous maxacalcitol injection with respect to iPTH and calcium control using a non‐inferiority primary endpoint. In this double‐blind, double‐dummy, parallel‐group study, eligible Japanese CKD subjects with SHPT on hemodialysis were randomized 1:1 to receive intravenous paricalcitol or intravenous maxacalcitol injections for 12 weeks. Dynamic allocation of subjects on the basis of screening iPTH levels was used to ensure equal distribution of subjects with iPTH <500 pg/mL and ≥500 pg/mL into the two treatment groups. 255 subjects were randomized to receive paricalcitol (N = 127) or maxacalcitol (N = 128). Primary efficacy analysis indicated that 27.7% in the paricalcitol group vs. 30.5% in the maxacalcitol group (95% CI −14.34% to 8.79%, P = 0.353) achieved target iPTH in the last 3 weeks without hypercalcemia during treatment, failing to achieve the non‐inferiority margin of −5% that was set based upon agreement with the PMDA. Both intravenous paricalcitol and maxacalcitol were effective in reducing iPTH and provided similar safety profiles; however, non‐inferiority for paricalcitol vs. maxacalcitol was not demonstrated.
Patients' Care Needs: Documentation Analysis in General Hospitals
Authors: Paans Wolter , Müller‐Staub Maria 
Published: October 2014

PurposeThe purpose of the study is (a) to describe care needs derived from records of patients in Dutch hospitals, and (b) to evaluate whether nurses employed the NANDA‐I classification to formulate patients' care needs.MethodsA stratified cross‐sectional random‐sampling nursing documentation audit was conducted employing the D‐Catch instrument in 10 hospitals comprising 37 wards.FindingsThe most prevalent nursing diagnoses were acute pain, nausea, fatigue, and risk for impaired skin integrity.ConclusionsMost care needs were determined in physiological health patterns and few in psychosocial patterns.Implications for Nursing PracticeTo perform effective interventions leading to high‐quality nursing‐sensitive outcomes, nurses should also diagnose patients' care needs in the health management, value‐belief, and coping stress patterns.
Waste recovered by‐products can increase growth of grass–clover mixtures in low fertility soils and alter botanical and mineral nutrient composition
Authors: Dahlin A.S. , Ramezanian A. , Campbell C.D. , Hillier S. , Öborn I. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe effectiveness of four by‐products (biogas digestate, pot ale, rockdust and wood ash) as fertilisers of a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)–red clover (Trifolium pratense) mixture in terms of biomass production, botanical composition and macro‐ and micronutrient concentrations was tested in an outdoor pot trial. This was carried out over two growing seasons using two inherently low‐fertility soils used for forage production. Macro‐ and micronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo and Zn) relevant for crops and livestock were determined in soils and plants. All the by‐products increased overall biomass production and affected nutrient concentrations of the individual plant species to varying degrees. In addition the competitive balance between grass and clover was altered leading to different botanical composition in the different treatments and consequently differences in the nutrient concentrations of the species mixture. Changes were due to the nutrients applied in the by‐products per se and/or to changes in the soil chemistry caused by the by‐products. The results suggest a potential to enhance agricultural productivity through improved production and quality of forage on less fertile land by matching of by‐products and soil properties.
Age‐related changes in functional postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in neurons of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, a nucleus important in drug addiction
Authors: Christensen Mark H. , Kohlmeier Kristi A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe earlier an individual initiates cigarette smoking, the higher the likelihood of development of dependency to nicotine, the addictive ingredient in cigarettes. One possible mechanism underlying this higher addiction liability is an ontogenetically differential cellular response induced by nicotine in neurons mediating the reinforcing or euphoric effects of this drug, which could arise from age‐related differences in the composition of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits. In the current study, we examined whether the subunit composition of nAChRs differed between neurons within the laterodorsal tegmentum (LDT), a nucleus importantly involved in drug addiction associated behaviours, across two periods of ontogeny in which nicotine‐mediated excitatory responses were shown to depend on age. To this end, whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings in mouse brain slices from identified LDT neurons, in combination with nAChR subunit‐specific receptor antagonists, were conducted. Comparison of the contribution of different nAChR subunits to acetylcholine (ACh)‐induced inward currents indicated that the contributions of the β2 and/or β4 and α7 nAChR subunits alter across age. Taken together, we conclude that across a limited ontogenetic period, there is plasticity in the subunit composition of nAChRs in LDT neurons. In addition, our data indicate, for the first time, functional presence of α6 nAChR subunits in LDT neurons within the age ranges studied. Changes in subunit composition of nAChRs across ontogeny could contribute to the age‐related differential excitability induced by nicotine. Differences in the subunit composition of nAChRs within the LDT would be expected to contribute to ontogenetic‐dependent outflow from the LDT to target regions, which include reward‐related circuitry.
The Bioarchaeology of Structural Violence and Dissection in the 19th‐Century United States
Authors: Nystrom Kenneth C. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTStructural violence is harm done to individuals or groups through the normalization of social inequalities in political‐economic organization. Researchers working in both modern and prehistoric contexts focus on the lived experiences of individuals and the health disparities that arise from such violence. With this article, I seek to contribute to this literature by considering how skeletal evidence of dissection from the 19th‐century United States reflects structural violence. I focus on “death experiences” and suggest that studies of structural violence must consider not only how inequality may be embodied as health disparities in the living but also “disembodiment” and the treatment and fate of the dead body.
Development of a standardised training curriculum for robotic surgery: a consensus statement from an international multidisciplinary group of experts
Authors: Ahmed Kamran , Khan Reenam , Mottrie Alexandre , Lovegrove Catherine , Abaza Ronny , Ahlawat Rajesh , Ahlering Thomas , Ahlgren Goran , Artibani Walter , Barret Eric , Cathelineau Xavier , Challacombe Ben , Coloby Patrick , Khan Muhammad S. , Hubert Jacques , Michel Maurice Stephan , Montorsi Francesco , Murphy Declan , Palou Joan , Patel Vipul , Piechaud Pierre‐Thierry , Van Poppel Hendrik , Rischmann Pascal , Sanchez‐Salas Rafael , Siemer Stefan , Stoeckle Michael , Stolzenburg Jens‐Uwe , Terrier Jean‐Etienne , Thüroff Joachim W. , Vaessen Christophe , Van Der Poel Henk G. , Van Cleynenbreugel Ben , Volpe Alessandro , Wagner Christian , Wiklund Peter , Wilson Timothy , Wirth Manfred , Witt Jörn , Dasgupta Prokar 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesTo explore the views of experts about the development and validation of a robotic surgery training curriculum, and how this should be implemented.Materials and methodsAn international expert panel was invited to a structured session for discussion. The study was of a mixed design, including qualitative and quantitative components based on focus group interviews during the European Association of Urology (EAU) Robotic Urology Section (ERUS) (2012), EAU (2013) and ERUS (2013) meetings. After introduction to the aims, principles and current status of the curriculum development, group responses were elicited. After content analysis of recorded interviews generated themes were discussed at the second meeting, where consensus was achieved on each theme. This discussion also underwent content analysis, and was used to draft a curriculum proposal. At the third meeting, a quantitative questionnaire about this curriculum was disseminated to attendees to assess the level of agreement with the key points.ResultsIn all, 150 min (19 pages) of the focus group discussion was transcribed (21 316 words). Themes were agreed by two raters (median agreement κ 0.89) and they included: need for a training curriculum (inter‐rater agreement κ 0.85); identification of learning needs (κ 0.83); development of the curriculum contents (κ 0.81); an overview of available curricula (κ 0.79); settings for robotic surgery training ((κ 0.89); assessment and training of trainers (κ 0.92); requirements for certification and patient safety (κ 0.83); and need for a universally standardised curriculum (κ 0.78). A training curriculum was proposed based on the above discussions.ConclusionThis group proposes a multi‐step curriculum for robotic training. Studies are in process to validate the effectiveness of the curriculum and to assess transfer of skills to the operating room.
The activation of supraspinal GPR40/FFA1 receptor signalling regulates the descending pain control system
Authors: Nakamoto K , Nishinaka T , Sato N , Aizawa F , Yamashita T , Mankura M , Koyama Y , Kasuya F , Tokuyama S 
Published: November 2014

Background and PurposeThe ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids exert antinociceptive effects in inflammatory and neuropathic pain; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Docosahexaenoic acid‐induced antinociception may be mediated by the orphan GPR40, now identified as the free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFA1 receptor). Here, we examined the involvement of supraspinal FFA1 receptor signalling in the regulation of inhibitory pain control systems consisting of serotonergic and noradrenergic neurons.Experimental ApproachFormalin‐induced pain behaviours were measured in mice. Antinociception induced by FFA1 receptor agonists was examined by intrathecal injections of a catecholaminergic toxin, 5‐HT lowering drug or these antagonists. The expression of FFA1 receptor protein and c‐Fos was estimated by immunohistochemistry, and the levels of noradrenaline and 5‐HT in the spinal cord were measured by LC‐MS/MS.Key ResultsFFA1 receptors colocalized with NeuN (a neuron marker) in the medulla oblongata and with tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH; a serotonergic neuron marker) and dopamine β‐hydroxylase (DBH; a noradrenergic neuron marker). A single i.c.v. injection of GW9508, a FFA1 receptor agonist, increased the number of c‐Fos‐positive cells and the number of neurons double‐labelled for c‐Fos and TPH and/or DBH. It decreased formalin‐induced pain behaviour. This effect was inhibited by pretreatment with 6‐hydroxydopamine, DL‐p‐chlorophenylalanine, yohimbine or WAY100635. Furthermore, GW9508 facilitated the release of noradrenaline and 5‐HT in the spinal cord. In addition, GW1100, a FFA1 receptor antagonist, significantly increased formalin‐induced pain‐related behaviour.Conclusion and ImplicationsActivation of the FFA1 receptor signalling pathway may play an important role in the regulation of the descending pain control system.
How Motor and Visual Experiences Shape Infants' Visual Processing of Objects and Faces
Authors: Schwarzer Gudrun 
Published: October 2014

AbstractInfants' impressive achievements in processing objects and faces during the 1st year of life lead to questions about the factors driving that development. In this article, I review and discuss how infants' experiences that are related to their emerging motor skills and their development of face expertise lead to such crucial developmental agents. During the 1st year of life, infants' visual processing of objects is primarily associated with their object exploration and crawling experiences. Infants' development of face processing is influenced by their increasing experience with face categories that they encounter most frequently. A link also exists between infants' processing of faces, on one hand, and their exploration of objects and their experience with sitting, on the other. Thus, experiences that result from acquiring motor skills seem to facilitate infants' visual processing across domains.
Racial and Gender Identity Among Black Adolescent Males: An Intersectionality Perspective
Authors: Rogers Leoandra Onnie , Scott Marc A. , Way Niobe 
Published: November 2014

A considerable amount of social identity research has focused on race and racial identity, while gender identity, particularly among Black adolescents, remains underexamined. The current study used survey data from 183 Black adolescent males (13–16 years old) to investigate the development and relation between racial and gender identity centrality and private regard, and how these identities impact adjustment over time. It was found that dimensions of racial and gender identity were strongly correlated. Levels of racial centrality increased over time while gender centrality, and racial and gender private regard declined. In addition, racial and gender identity uniquely contributed to higher levels of psychological well‐being and academic adjustment. These findings are discussed within the context of existing identity theories and intersectionality theory.
Long‐term L‐Triiodothyronine (T3) treatment in stable systolic heart failure patients: a randomised, double‐blind, cross‐over, placebo‐controlled intervention study
Authors: Holmager Pernille , Schmidt Ulla , Mark Peter , Andersen Ulrik , Dominguez Helena , Raymond Ilan , Zerahn Bo , Nygaard Birte , Kistorp Caroline , Faber Jens 
Published: October 2014

SummaryBackgroundChronic heart failure (HF) is characterized by reduced serum T3 levels and increased activity of the T3 degrading enzyme deiodinase D3. This may result in an intracellular composition of the cardiomyocyte mimicking that of hypothyroidism. Short‐term T3‐administration to systolic HF patients might be beneficial.QuestionDoes long‐term treatment with T3 have a beneficial effect on cardiac function and neurohormonal activation in chronic systolic HF patients with serum T3 levels below 1·6 nmol/l?DesignA randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over, placebo‐controlled intervention study with oral T3 treatment twice daily for 3 months. The T3 dose was uptitrated to a final dose avoiding reduced TSH levels.Primary end‐pointLeft‐ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).MethodsCardiac imaging was performed using multiple gated tomographic radionuclide ventriculography (MUGA‐SPECT). Neurohormonal stimulation was evaluated by plasma measurements of natriuretic peptides, aldosterone, renin, noradrenalin and copeptin levels. The patients were monitored for potential cardiac arrhythmias at the start of each treatment period.ResultsThirteen patients completed the protocol. Mean LVEF was 43%, range: 37–52 and serum T3 levels 1·4 nmol/l (0·9–1·6). The T3 dose was 20 μg per day (10–40). TSH levels did not change between groups, whereas serum T3 levels increased in the active arm. Cardiac function as measured by LVEF, end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes and cardiac output did not change during T3‐treatment and neither did the neurohormonal profile. There were no side‐effects in terms of cardiac arrhythmias and no change in resting heart rate.ConclusionsThis study does not support the hypothesis that oral T3 treatment might be beneficial to patients with chronic, stable systolic HF with a modest degree of reduced LVEF and low‐normal serum T3 concentrations. The study included both functional studies of heart contractility as well as measures of the neurohormonal activation.