bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of a food supplementation and psychosocial stimulation trial for severely malnourished children on the level of maternal depressive symptoms in Bangladesh
Authors: Nahar B. , Hossain I. , Hamadani J. D. , Ahmed T. , Grantham‐McGregor S. , Persson L.‐A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundMaternal depression is associated with poor child development and growth in low‐income countries. This paper evaluates the effect of a community‐based trial providing psychosocial stimulation and food supplements to severely malnourished children on maternal depressive symptoms in Bangladesh.MethodsSeverely underweight (weight‐for‐age Z‐score < −3) hospitalized children aged 6–24 months (n = 507), were randomly assigned to: psychosocial stimulation (PS), food supplementation (FS), PS+FS, clinic control (CC) and hospital control (CH) at discharge. PS included play sessions with children and parental counselling to mothers during fortnightly follow‐up visit at community clinics, conducted by trained play leaders for 6 months. FS involved cereal‐based supplements (150–300 kcal/day) for 3 months. All groups received medical care, micronutrient supplements and growth monitoring. We used Bayley scales, Home Observation for Measurement of Environment (HOME) inventory and a parenting questionnaire to assess child development, home stimulation and mothers' child‐rearing practices, respectively. We assessed mothers' depressive symptoms using a modified version of Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale at baseline and at 6 months post intervention.ResultsMaternal depressive symptoms were significantly lower in the CH group at baseline (P = 0.014). After 6 months of intervention there was no significant effect of intervention after adjusting for baseline scores and all possible confounders. Maternal depressive symptoms were higher among poorer (P = 0.06), older (P = 0.057) and less educated (P = 0.019) mothers, who were housewives (P = 0.053), and whose husbands had more unstable jobs (P = 0.058). At 6 months post intervention, children's cognitive (P = 0.045) and motor (P = 0.075) development, HOME (P = 0.012) and mother's parenting score (P = 0.057) were higher among mothers with lower depressive symptoms.ConclusionThe study did not show a significant effect of the intervention on the level of maternal depressive symptoms. Interventions with higher intensity and/or of longer duration focusing directly on maternal psychosocial functioning are probably needed to reduce maternal depressive symptoms.
Inequalities in oral impacts and welfare regimes: analysis of 21 European countries
Authors: Guarnizo‐Herreño Carol C. , Watt Richard G. , Pikhart Hynek , Sheiham Aubrey , Tsakos Georgios 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveVery few studies have analysed the relationship between political factors and oral health inequalities, and only one study has compared the magnitude of inequalities in oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) across welfare state regimes. This study aimed to compare socioeconomic inequalities in oral impacts on daily life among 21 European countries with different welfare state regimes (Scandinavian, Anglo‐Saxon, Bismarckian, Southern, and Eastern).MethodsWe analysed data from the Eurobarometer 72.3, a survey carried out in 2009 among adults in European countries. Inequalities in oral impacts by education, occupational social class and subjective social status (SSS) were estimated by means of age‐standardized prevalence rates, odds ratios (ORs), the relative index of inequality (RII) and the slope index of inequality (SII).ResultsEducational inequalities in the form of social gradients were observed in all welfare regimes. The Scandinavian and Southern welfare regimes also showed gradients for all SEP measures. There were not significant differences in the magnitude of relative inequalities (RII) across welfare state regimes. Absolute educational inequalities were largest in the Anglo‐Saxon welfare regime (SII = 17.57; 95% CI: 7.80–27.33) and smallest in the Bismarckian (SII = 3.32; 95% CI: −2.18 to 8.83).ConclusionsA significant difference in the magnitude of inequalities across welfare regimes was found for absolute educational inequalities but not for relative inequalities. Welfare state regimes may influence the relationship between knowledge‐related resources and oral impacts on daily life.
Bevacizumab modulates the process of fibrosis in vitro
Authors: Zhang Min , Chu Sanjun , Zeng Fanxing , Xu Haifeng 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundFibrosis is the most common side effect after anti‐vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy (intravitreal bevacizumab) for retinal or choroidal neovascularization. This study was to investigate the efficacy of bevacizumab on the expressions of fibrosis‐related cytokines in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro.MethodsCultured HUVECs were divided into groups of controls (group 1), hypoxia (group 2) and hypoxia combined with bevacizumab (group 3). No treatment was given in group 1. In group 2, cobalt(II) chloride (CoCl2) (200 μm) was added to the medium. In group 3, in addition to CoCl2, bevacizumab was mixed in the medium, with a final concentration of 0.25 mg/mL, roughly equal to the concentration used clinically. The expressions of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor‐β2 (TGF‐β2) and basic fibroblast growth factor‐2 (bFGF‐2) were evaluated by SYBR green real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐2 was detected by SYBR green real‐time PCR and Western blotting at each time point.ResultsBoth messenger RNA and protein levels of CTGF, bFGF, TGF‐β2 and MMP‐2 in group 2 were higher than group 1 (P < 0.05). In group 3, the expressions of CTGF, bFGF, TGF‐β2 and MMP‐2 were upregulated compared with group 2 (P < 0.05).ConclusionsBevacizumab at clinical doses can exert pro‐fibrotic effects on HUVECs by upregulating the expressions of CTGF, bFGF, TGF‐β2 and MMP‐2. This may be involved in fibrosis after anti‐VEGF therapy.
Development of Different Forms of Skill Learning Throughout the Lifespan
Authors: Lukács Ágnes , Kemény Ferenc 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe acquisition of complex motor, cognitive, and social skills, like playing a musical instrument or mastering sports or a language, is generally associated with implicit skill learning (SL). Although it is a general view that SL is most effective in childhood, and such skills are best acquired if learning starts early, this idea has rarely been tested by systematic empirical studies on the developmental pathways of SL from childhood to old age. In this paper, we challenge the view that childhood and early school years are the prime time for skill learning by tracking age‐related changes in performance in three different paradigms of SL. We collected data from participants between 7 and 87 years for (1) a Serial Reaction Time Task (SRT) testing the learning of motor sequences, (2) an Artificial Grammar Learning (AGL) task testing the extraction of regularities from auditory sequences, and (3) Probabilistic Category Learning in the Weather Prediction task (WP), a non‐sequential categorization task. Results on all three tasks show that adolescence and adulthood are the most efficient periods for skill learning, since instead of becoming less and less effective with age, SL improves from childhood into adulthood and then later declines with aging.
Metformin and the risk of head and neck cancer: a case–control analysis
Authors: Becker C. , Jick S. S. , Meier C. R. , Bodmer M. 
Published: July 2014

AimsMetformin use has been associated with a decreased risk of some cancers, although data on head and neck cancer (HNC) are scarce. We explored the relation between the use of antidiabetic drugs and the risk of HNC.MethodsWe conducted a case–control analysis in the UK‐based Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) of people with incident HNC between 1995 and 2013 below the age of 90 years. Six controls per case were matched on age, sex, calendar time, general practice and number of years of active history in the CPRD prior to the index date. Other potential confounders including body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption and comorbidities were also evaluated. The final analyses were adjusted for BMI, smoking and diabetes mellitus (or diabetes duration in a sensitivity analysis). Results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsUse of metformin was neither associated with a statistically significant altered risk of HNC overall (1–29 prescriptions: adjusted OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.61–1.24 and ≥30 prescriptions adjusted OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.53–1.22), nor was long‐term use of sulphonylureas (adjusted OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.59–1.30), or any insulin use (adjusted OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.63–1.35). However, we found a (statistically non‐significant) decreased risk of laryngeal cancer associated with long‐term metformin use (adjusted OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.17–1.03).ConclusionsIn this population‐based study, the use of antidiabetic drugs was not associated with a materially altered risk of HNC. Our data suggest a protective effect of long‐term metformin use for laryngeal cancer.
Specificity and sensitivity of commercially available assays for glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1): implications for GLP‐1 measurements in clinical studies
Authors: Bak M. J. , Wewer Albrechtsen N. J. , Pedersen J. , Knop F. K. , Vilsbøll T. , Jørgensen N. B. , Hartmann B. , Deacon C. F. , Dragsted L. O. , Holst J. J. 
Published: July 2014

AimsTo evaluate the performances of commercially available glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) assays and the implications for clinical studies.MethodsKnown concentrations (5–300 pmol/l) of synthetic GLP‐1 isoforms (GLP‐1 1‐36NH2, 7‐36NH2, 9‐36NH2, 1‐37, 7‐37 and 9‐37) were added to the matrix (assay buffer) supplied with 10 different kits and to human plasma, and recoveries were determined. Assays yielding meaningful results were analysed for precision and sensitivity by repeated analysis and ability to discriminate low concentrations. Endogenous GLP‐1 levels in clinical samples were assessed using three commercial kits.ResultsThe USCN LIFE assay detected none of the GLP‐1 isoforms. The active GLP‐1 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) from Millipore and DRG appeared identical and were specific for intact GLP‐1 in buffer and plasma. The Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) total GLP‐1 kit detected all six GLP‐1 isoforms, although recovery of non‐active forms was incomplete, especially in plasma. Millipore total GLP‐1 ELISA kit detected all isoforms in buffer, but mainly amidated forms in plasma. The Alpco, Phoenix and Bio‐Rad kits detected only amidated GLP‐1, but the Alpco kit had a limited measurement range (30 pmol/l), the Phoenix kit had incomplete recovery in plasma and the Bio‐Rad kit was insensitive (detection limit in plasma 40 pmol/l). The pattern of postprandial GLP‐1 responses in clinical samples was similar between the kits tested, but the absolute concentrations measured varied.ConclusionsThe specificity and sensitivity of commercially available kits for the analysis of GLP‐1 levels vary considerably. This should be taken into account when selecting which assay to use and when comparing data from different studies.
Excitation and inhibition in recurrent networks mediate collision avoidance in Xenopus tadpoles
Authors: Khakhalin Arseny S. , Koren David , Gu Jenny , Xu Heng , Aizenman Carlos D. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractInformation processing in the vertebrate brain is thought to be mediated through distributed neural networks, but it is still unclear how sensory stimuli are encoded and detected by these networks, and what role synaptic inhibition plays in this process. Here we used a collision avoidance behavior in Xenopus tadpoles as a model for stimulus discrimination and recognition. We showed that the visual system of the tadpole is selective for behaviorally relevant looming stimuli, and that the detection of these stimuli first occurs in the optic tectum. By comparing visually guided behavior, optic nerve recordings, excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents, and the spike output of tectal neurons, we showed that collision detection in the tadpole relies on the emergent properties of distributed recurrent networks within the tectum. We found that synaptic inhibition was temporally correlated with excitation, and did not actively sculpt stimulus selectivity, but rather it regulated the amount of integration between direct inputs from the retina and recurrent inputs from the tectum. Both pharmacological suppression and enhancement of synaptic inhibition disrupted emergent selectivity for looming stimuli. Taken together these findings suggested that, by regulating the amount of network activity, inhibition plays a critical role in maintaining selective sensitivity to behaviorally‐relevant visual stimuli.
A hybrid frequency–time domain method for predicting multiaxial fatigue life of 7075‐T6 aluminium alloy under random loading
Authors: Ge J. , Sun Y. , Zhou S. , Zhang L. , Zhang Y. , Zhang Q. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTA hybrid frequency–time domain method for predicting multiaxial fatigue life under random loading is developed on the basis of combination of the frequency domain and time domain analysis. The critical damage point of the structure is determined by the frequency domain equivalent stress method. Then, the fatigue life prediction is made in time domain by generating random load‐time histories from the power spectral density of the critical point. The method is validated with the random vibration fatigue test of 7075‐T6 aluminium alloy. It has been shown that the results of fatigue life calculated by hybrid method are well correlated with the experiment.
Radiofrequency ablation combined with chemolipiodolization in a porcine liver: Comparison of the pharmacokinetic analysis with cisplatin powder and miriplatin
Authors: Ito Tomoyasu , Okubo Hironao , Kokubu Shigehiro , Miyazaki Akihisa , Ando Hitoshi , Fujimura Akio , Watanabe Sumio 
Published: July 2014

AimTo compare the pharmacokinetics of radiofrequency (RF) ablation with chemolipiodolization using cisplatin (CDDP) powder and miriplatin (MPT) in a porcine liver.MethodsTwelve pigs were divided equally into four groups. After each CDDP powder‐lipiodol suspension (n = 6; groups A and B) or MPT‐lipiodol suspension (n = 6; groups C and D) was injected into the lateral left artery, one RF ablation was performed at the lateral left lobe of each pig. Six pigs (groups A and C) were killed on the same day as treatment, whereas the other pigs (groups B and D) were killed 7 days after the treatment. The platinum concentrations in venous blood were assayed at 15, 60 and 120 min, and 7 days after treatment. The platinum concentrations in the ablated area and the surrounding liver were also examined.ResultsPlasma platinum concentrations of the CDDP group peaked at 15 min, and then gradually diminished over time (μg units), while plasma platinum levels in the MPT group gradually increased over time (ng units). Liver tissue platinum concentrations of the CDDP group were significantly lower in non‐ablative areas than in ablated areas at days 0 and 7, while liver concentrations of the MPT group were significantly higher in non‐ablative areas than in ablated areas at day 7.ConclusionMPT may be a suitable chemotherapeutic agent to stagnate platinum in the surrounding liver.
It's the talk: a study of involvement initiatives in secure mental health settings
Authors: McKeown Mick , Jones Fiona , Wright Karen , Spandler Helen , Wright Joanna , Fletcher Holly , Duxbury Joy , McVittie Jolene , Simon  , Turton Wayne 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundA study of involvement initiatives within secure mental health services across oneUKregion, where these have been organized to reflect alliances between staff and service users. There is little previous relevant international research, but constraints upon effective involvement have been noted.ObjectiveTo explore and evaluate involvement initiatives in secure mental health settings.DesignA case study design with thematic analysis of qualitative interviews and focus groups.Setting and participantsData collection was carried out between October 2011 and February 2012 with 139 staff and service users drawn from a variety of secure mental health settings.FindingsOur analysis offers four broad themes, titled: safety and security first?; bringing it all back home; it picks you up; it's the talk. The quality of dialogue between staff and services users was deemed of prime importance. Features of secure environments could constrain communication, and the best examples of empowerment took place in non‐secure settings.DiscussionKey aspects of communication and setting sustain involvement. These features are discussed with reference to Jurgen Habermas's work on communicative action and deliberative democracy.ConclusionsInvolvement initiatives with service users resident in secure hospitals can be organized to good effect and the active role of commissioners is crucial. Positive outcomes are optimized when care is taken over the social space where involvement takes place and the process of involvement is appreciated by participants. Concerns over risk management are influential in staff support. This is germane to innovative thinking about practice and policy in this field.
Achieving patient‐centred care: the potential and challenge of the patient‐as‐professional role
Authors: Phillips Rebecca L , Short Alison , Kenning Annie , Dugdale Paul , Nugus Peter , McGowan Russell , Greenfield David 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe patient‐as‐professional concept acknowledges the expert participation of patients in interprofessional teams, including their contributions to managing and coordinating their care. However, little is known about experiences and perspectives of these teams.ObjectiveTo investigate (i) patients’ and carers’ experiences of actively engaging in interprofessional care by enacting the patient‐as‐professional role and (ii) clinicians’ perspectives of this involvement.Design, setting and participantsA two‐phased qualitative study. In Phase 1, people with chronic disease (n = 50) and their carers (n = 5) participated in interviews and focus groups. Phase 2 involved interviews with clinicians (n = 14). Data were analysed thematically.FindingsPatients and carers described the characteristics of the role (knowing about the condition, questioning clinicians, coordinating care, using a support network, engaging an advocate and being proactive), as well as factors that influence its performance (the patient–clinician partnership, benefits, barriers and applicability). However, both patients and carers, and clinicians cautioned that not all patients might desire this level of involvement. Clinicians were also concerned that not all patients have the required knowledge for this role, and those who do are time‐consuming. When describing the inclusion of the patient‐as‐professional, clinicians highlighted the patient and clinician's roles, the importance of the clinician–patient relationship and ramifications of the role.ConclusionSupport exists for the patient‐as‐professional role. The characteristics and influencing factors identified in this study could guide patient engagement with the interprofessional team and support clinicians to provide patient‐centred care. Recognition of the role has the potential to improve health‐care delivery by promoting patient‐centred care.
The impact of DECISION+2 on patient intention to engage in shared decision making: secondary analysis of a multicentre clustered randomized trial
Authors: Couët Nicolas , Labrecque Michel , Robitaille Hubert , Turcotte Stéphane , Légaré France 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundTraining health professionals in shared decision making (SDM) may influence their patients' intention to engage in SDM.ObjectiveTo assess the impact of DECISION+2, a SDM training programme for family physicians about the use of antibiotics to treat acute respiratory infections (ARIs), on their patients' intention to engage in SDM in future consultations.DesignSecondary analysis of a multicentre clustered randomized trial.Setting and participantsThree hundred and fifty‐nine patients consulting family physicians about an ARI in nine family practice teaching units (FPTUs).InterventionDECISION+2 (two‐hour online tutorial, two‐hour workshop, and decision support tools) was offered in the experimental group (five FPTUs, 162 physicians, 181 patients). Usual care was provided in the control group (four FPTUs, 108 physicians, 178 patients).Outcome measureChange in patients' intention scores (range −3 to +3) between pre‐ and post‐consultation.ResultsThe mean ± SD [median] scores of intention to engage in SDM were high in both study groups before consultation (DECISION+2 group: 1.4 ± 1.0 [1.7]; control group: 1.5 ± 1.1 [1.7]) and increased in both groups after consultation (DECISION+2 group: 2.1 ± 1.1 [2.7]; control group: 1.9 ± 1.2 [2.3]). Change of intention, classified as either increased, stable or decreased, was not statistically associated with the exposure to the DECISION+2 programme after adjusting for the cluster design (proportional odds ratio = 1.5; 95% confidence interval = 0.8–3.0).ConclusionDECISION+2 had no significant impact on patients' intention to engage in SDM for choosing to use antibiotics or not to treat an ARI in future consultations. Patient‐targeted interventions may be necessary to achieve this purpose.
Residents with mild cognitive decline and family members report health students ‘enhance capacity of care’ and bring ‘a new breath of life’ in two aged care facilities in Tasmania
Authors: Elliott Kate‐Ellen J. , Annear Michael J. , Bell Erica J. , Palmer Andrew J. , Robinson Andrew L. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundCare provided by student doctors and nurses is well received by patients in hospital and primary care settings. Whether the same is true for aged care residents of nursing homes with mild cognitive decline and their family members is unknown.ObjectiveTo investigate the perspectives of aged care residents with mild cognitive decline and their family members on interdisciplinary student placements in two residential aged care facilities (RACF) in Tasmania.Design, setting and participantsA mixed methods design was employed with both qualitative and quantitative data collected. All participants were interviewed and completed a questionnaire on residents' quality of life, during or after a period of student placements in each facility (October–November, 2012). Qualitative data were coded for themes following a grounded theory approach, and quantitative data were analysed using SPSS.ResultsTwenty‐one participants (13 residents and 8 family members) were recruited. Four themes were identified from the qualitative data and included (i) increased social interaction and facility vibrancy; (ii) community service and personal development, (iii) vulnerability and sensitivity (learning to care) and (iv) increased capacity and the confidence of enhanced care. Residents' quality of life was reported to be mostly good in the presence of the students, despite their high care needs.ConclusionResidents with mild cognitive decline and their family members perceive a wide array of benefits of student provided care in RACFs including increased social interaction. Future quantitative research should focus on whether changes in care occur for residents as a result of student involvement.