bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial influencers and mediators of treatment adherence in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Oh Hyun Soo , Park Ji Suk , Seo Wha Sook 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimThis article is a report of the development and testing of the hypothetical model that illustrates relationships between treatment adherence and its psychosocial influencing factors and to elucidate the direct and indirect (mediating) effects of factors on treatment adherence.BackgroundPoor adherence has been consistently reported in haemodialysis patients. Much research has showed various influencing factors of adherence, but these studies have failed to identify consistent influencing factors.DesignThis study was performed using a non‐experimental, cross‐sectional design.MethodsThe study subjects were 150 end‐stage renal failure patients on haemodialysis at a university hospital located in Incheon, South Korea. Data were collected over 10 months (June 2010–April 2011).FindingsThe hypothetical model provided a good fit with data. Haemodialysis‐related knowledge, perceived barrier to adherence, self‐efficacy on adherence, and healthcare provider support had significant effects on adherence. Self‐efficacy was found to mediate barrier–adherence and family support–adherence relationships. Self‐efficacy in combination with barrier, family support, and healthcare provider support was found to mediate the depression–adherence relationship.ConclusionStrategies aimed at the development of successful adherence interventions should focus on reducing perceived barriers and enhancing self‐efficacy and knowledge. It can be suggested that efforts to improve the healthcare provider–patient relationship would enhance adherence. In depressive patients, strategies that promote self‐efficacy and the support of family or healthcare providers could diminish the negative impact of depression on adherence.
Selecting thresholds for the prediction of species occurrence with presence‐only data
Authors: Liu Canran , White Matt , Newell Graeme 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimSpecies distribution models have been widely used to tackle ecological, evolutionary and conservation problems. Most species distribution modelling techniques produce continuous suitability predictions, but many real applications (e.g. reserve design, species invasion and climate change impact assessment) and model evaluations require binary outputs, and thresholds are needed for these transformations. Although there are many threshold selection methods for presence/absence data, it is unclear whether these are suitable for presence‐only data. In this paper, we investigate mathematically and empirically which of the existing threshold selection methods can be used confidently with presence‐only data.LocationWe used real spatially explicit environmental data derived from the western part of the state of Victoria, south‐eastern Australia, and simulated species distributions within this area.MethodsThirteen existing threshold selection methods were investigated mathematically to see whether the same threshold can be produced using either presence/absence data or presence‐only data. We further adopted a simulation approach, created many virtual species with differing prevalences in a real landscape in south‐eastern Australia, generated data sets with different proportions of pseudo‐absences, built eight types of models with four modelling techniques, and investigated the behaviours of four threshold selection methods in these situations.ResultsThree threshold selection methods were not affected by pseudo‐absences, including max SSS (which is based on maximizing the sum of sensitivity and specificity), the prevalence of model training data and the mean predicted value of a set of random points. Max SSS produced higher sensitivity in most cases and higher true skill statistic and kappa in many cases than the other methods. The other methods produced different thresholds from presence‐only data to those determined from presence/absence data.Main conclusionsMax SSS is a promising method for threshold selection when only presence data are available.
Cutting grass on desert islands: genetic structure of disjunct coastal and central Australian populations of Gahnia trifida (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Clarke Laurence J. , Whalen Molly A. , Mackay Duncan A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimGreat Artesian Basin (GAB) springs in central Australia support several plant species otherwise not found in the arid zone. Evolutionary theory predicts that isolated populations will experience reductions in gene flow and genetic diversity, and higher levels of inbreeding. Our aim was to test this prediction by comparing the genetic structure of cutting grass, Gahnia trifida, (Cyperaceae) on disjunct GAB springs with coastal populations that have experienced recent fragmentation.LocationNaturally isolated GAB springs near Lake Eyre, central Australia, and coastal sites in southern Australia.MethodsWe used 13 microsatellite markers to genotype 267 samples from six GAB spring and four coastal G. trifida populations. These data were used to estimate population genetic statistics and contemporary and historical measures of gene flow in the two regions.ResultsGAB spring populations display lower levels of genetic diversity compared with coastal populations. Furthermore, GAB spring populations displayed much higher levels of genetic differentiation (FST = 0.52) than populations at coastal sites (FST = 0.22). Several coastal populations exhibited historical genetic connectivity, whereas analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) and contemporary migration rate estimates indicate that populations from GAB spring groups are demographically independent.Main conclusionsDivergence estimates based on microsatellite data suggest restriction of central Australian G. trifida populations to refugial spring habitats since at least 15–28 ka, a period that spans the Last Glacial Maximum. Dispersal amongst spring groups is insufficient to counteract the effect of genetic drift, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. Species persisting in isolated or fragmented habitats are likely to suffer adverse effects on genetic traits, potentially increasing their risk of extinction.
Error‐related brain activity in young children: associations with parental anxiety and child temperamental negative emotionality
Authors: Torpey Dana C. , Hajcak Greg , Kim Jiyon , Kujawa Autumn J. , Dyson Margaret W. , Olino Thomas M. , Klein Daniel N. 
Published: January 2013

Background:  There is increasing interest in error‐related brain activity in anxiety disorders. The error‐related negativity (ERN) is a negative deflection in the event‐related potential approximately 50 ms after errors compared to correct responses. Recent studies suggest that the ERN may be a biomarker for anxiety, as it is positively associated with anxiety disorders and traits in adults and older youth. However, it is not known if the ERN in young children is related to risk for anxiety disorders. We addressed this by examining the association of six‐year olds' ERNs with two established risk factors for anxiety: parental anxiety disorder and child temperamental negative emotionality (NE).Method:  The ERN was assessed using a Go/No‐Go task in a community sample of 413 six‐year olds. In a prior assessment at age 3, child temperament was evaluated using a laboratory observational measure and parental psychopathology was assessed using semi‐structured diagnostic interviews.Results:  Children of mothers with anxiety disorders and children with greater temperamental NE (particularly fearfulness) exhibited significantly smaller ERNs than their peers. Paternal psychopathology, maternal mood and substance use disorders, and child positive emotionality were not associated with children's ERNs.Conclusion:  Both maternal anxiety disorders and child NE (particularly fearfulness) were significantly associated with children's ERNs. However, the direction of these associations was opposite to the relations between ERNs and anxiety in older youth and adults. These results suggest that there may be a difference between risk and disorder status in the relation of error‐related brain activity to anxiety between early childhood and late childhood/ early adolescence.
Differential susceptibility to prevention: GABAergic, dopaminergic, and multilocus effects
Authors: Brody Gene H. , Chen Yi‐fu , Beach Steven R. H. 
Published: January 2013

Background:  Randomized prevention trials provide a unique opportunity to test hypotheses about the interaction of genetic predispositions with contextual processes to create variations in phenotypes over time.Methods:  Using two longitudinal, randomized prevention trials, molecular genetic and alcohol use outcome data were gathered from more than 900 youths to determine whether prevention program participation would, across 2 years, moderate genetic risk for increased alcohol use conferred by the dopaminergic and GABAergic systems.Results:  We found that (a) variance in dopaminergic (DRD2, DRD4, ANKK1) and GABAergic (GABRG1, GABRA2) genes forecast increases in alcohol use across 2 years, and (b) youths at genetic risk who were assigned to the control condition displayed greater increases in alcohol use across 2 years than did youths at genetic risk who were assigned to the prevention condition or youths without genetic risk who were assigned to either condition.Conclusions:  This study is unique in combining data from two large prevention trials to test hypotheses regarding genetic main effects and gene × prevention interactions. Focusing on gene systems purported to confer risk for alcohol use and abuse, the study demonstrated that participation in efficacious prevention programs can moderate genetic risk. The results also support the differential susceptibility hypothesis that some youths, for genetic reasons, are more susceptible than others to both positive and negative contextual influences.
Cheilitis glandularis: immunohistochemical expression of protein water channels (aquaporins) in minor labial salivary glands
Authors: Nico M.M.S. , Melo J.N. , Lourenço S.V. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground Cheilitis glandularis (CG) is a rare condition in which thick saliva is secreted from dilated ostia of swollen minor salivary glands from the lips. Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane proteins that exhibit channel activity specific for water and small solutes. AQPs are essential for corporal homeostasis, and are widely expressed through human tissues. Most AQPs studies are based on renal and nervous pathophysiology; few involve salivary glands. Some previous investigators hypothesized that minor salivary gland structure and function is normal on CG.Objectives To study possible salivary synthesis alterations in CG, we compared the expression of AQPs present in minor salivary glands in specimens with CG and controls by using immunohistochemistry.Methods Seven cases of CG and three normal controls were studied.Results Intensity and patterns of expression of AQP 1, 2 and 8 differed in CG compared with controls. AQP 4 and 5 (the most important AQP in salivary function) showed identical patterns in CG and controls.Conclusion Our findings suggest that the expression and arguably, function of some of the AQPs may be altered in CG; consequently, water flow mechanism abnormalities with possible alteration in salivary composition seem to occur. External factors (mainly UV rays) seem to play an important role in CG; nonetheless, our findings suggest that there might be some degree of alteration on water transportation.
Imported ornamental fish are colonized with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria
Authors: Rose S , Hill R , Bermudez L E , Miller‐Morgan T 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThere has been growing concern about the overuse of antibiotics in the ornamental fish industry and its possible effect on the increasing drug resistance in both commensal and pathogenic organisms in these fish. The aim of this study was to carry out an assessment of the diversity of bacteria, including pathogens, in ornamental fish species imported into North America and to assess their antibiotic resistance. Kidney samples were collected from 32 freshwater ornamental fish of various species, which arrived to an importing facility in Portland, Oregon from Colombia, Singapore and Florida. Sixty‐four unique bacterial colonies were isolated and identified by PCR using bacterial 16S primers and DNA sequencing. Multiple isolates were identified as bacteria with potential to cause disease in both fish and humans. The antibiotic resistance profile of each isolate was performed for nine different antibiotics. Among them, cefotaxime (16% resistance among isolates) was the antibiotic associated with more activity, while the least active was tetracycline (77% resistant). Knowing information about the diversity of bacteria in imported ornamental fish, as well as the resistance profiles for the bacteria will be useful in more effectively treating clinical infected fish, and also potential zoonoses in the future.
Rheological Approaches Suitable for Investigating Starch and Protein Properties Related to Cooking Quality of Durum Wheat Pasta
Authors: Marti Alessandra , Seetharaman Koushik , Pagani Maria Ambrogina 
Published: January 2013

AbstractStarch and protein properties of semolina and pasta samples were investigated using MVAG and GPT, which are generally used for starch and common wheat flour characterization. From two semolina, which have different starch and protein content and pasta‐making qualities, four spaghetti samples were produced and dried using low‐ or high‐temperature drying. Starch and protein arrangements in dried pasta were related to pasta cooking behavior. The tests discriminated semolinas according to their technological quality. Good quality semolina (A) exhibited a high pasting temperature, low hot viscosity, and high and earlier protein aggregation properties. In regard to pasta, when dried at a low temperature, spaghetti from sample A showed lower cooking loss than pasta from poor quality semolina (B), which is probably related to the low starch swelling and a strong network. The use of HT cycle lowered the differences in cooking quality and starch and protein properties related to the raw‐materials features.Practical ApplicationsThe development of a rapid method for evaluating semolina quality and how it relates to starch, protein properties and pasta cooking quality is of great interest for the pasta‐making industry. This research highlights that MVAG and GPT tests are able to discriminate semolina according to their technological quality in a short time and using a low amount of sample. In addition, the tests gave useful information for understanding the effect of both raw‐materials characteristics and drying conditions on starch and protein macromolecules in determining the final cooking quality.
Agreement between different methods of measuring height in elderly patients
Authors: Frid H. , Thors Adolfsson E. , Rosenblad A. , Nydahl M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to examine the agreement between measurements of standing height and self‐reported height, height measured with a sliding caliper, and height estimated from either demispan or knee height in elderly patients.MethodsFifty‐five patients (mean age 79 years) at a Swedish hospital were included in this observational study. The participants' heights were evaluated as the standing height, self‐reported height, height measured in a recumbent position with a sliding caliper, and height estimated from the demispan or knee height.ResultsThe measurements made with a sliding caliper in the recumbent position agreed most closely with the standing height. Ninety‐five percent of the individuals' differences from standing height were within an interval of +1.1 to −4.8 cm (limits of agreement). Self‐reported height and height estimated from knee height differed relatively strongly from standing height. The limits of agreement were +5.2 to −9.8 cm and +9.4 to −6.2 cm, respectively. The widest distribution of differences was found in the height estimated from the demispan, with limits of agreements from +11.2 to −9.3 cm.ConclusionsWhen measuring the height of patients who find it difficult to stand upright, a sliding caliper should be the method of choice, and the second choice should be self‐reported height or the height estimated from knee height. Estimating height from the demispan should be the method of last resort.
Parathyroid hormone levels in neonates with suspected osteopenia
Authors: Moreira Alvaro , February Melissa , Geary Cara 
Published: January 2013

AimThe goal of this study is to describe secondary hyperparathyroidism in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) neonates and their response to enteral calcium carbonate (CaCO3) supplementation.MethodsA retrospective case series was conducted on extremely low birth infants, <1000 g birthweight, who survived hospitalisation, had no major congenital anomalies and had all their care in our institutionResultsDuring this 6‐year period, 231 ELBW infants survived hospitalisation at our institution. Of the 231 patients, parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were performed in 66 of these patients (29%) and were elevated in 54 patients (82% of those tested). The timing of this testing was sporadic and was often performed after recognising osteopenia on radiography. Of the 54 patients with high PTH levels, 44 (81%) were treated with CaCO3 and PTH levels were monitored while on therapy. The average duration of therapy was 41 ± 28 days, with 64% of PTH levels returning to normal before discharge.ConclusionsPTH is a major hormone responsible for bone resorption, and serum levels may be a useful marker in identifying ELBW neonates at risk for metabolic bone disease. ELBW neonates with secondary hyperparathyroidism may benefit from enteral supplementation with CaCO3. Further studies are needed to better evaluate the incidence, timing and potential treatment of hyperparathyroidism in ELBW infants.
Bad Apples: Political Paralysis and the Quality of Politicians
Authors: LEON GABRIEL 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWhy do elected officials often suffer from political paralysis and fail to implement the best policies available? This paper considers a new and intuitive explanation that focuses on the quality of the politicians competing for office. The key insight is that a “good” incumbent with preferences identical to those of a representative voter will want to keep rent‐seeking politicians out of office; he may do so by distorting his policy choices to signal his type and win reelection. The value of signaling and staying in office increases with the fraction of rent‐seeking types in the population of politicians. Electing good types may therefore not be enough to ensure that the best policies are implemented, especially when rent seeking is widespread. This provides a new explanation for why political failure is particularly severe in corrupt democracies.
A Coordination Game Model of Charitable Giving and Seed Money Effect
Authors: HATSUMI KENTARO 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIf potential donors for a charity project possess the warm‐glow properties in their preferences, we can represent their behavior with a coordination game. Accordingly, we construct a simultaneous incomplete information game model of charitable giving based on a simple global coordination game. We demonstrate that merely by the effect of seed money to shift the threshold requirement of the donations for project success downwards, the proportion of donors and the total amount of donations strictly and continuously increase with the amount of seed money. This result is partially compatible with the field experimental evidence in List and Lucking‐Reiley (2002).
Does Inequality Foster Corruption?
Authors: DUTTA INDRANIL , MISHRA AJIT 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate how inequality affects corruption in the presence of an imperfect credit market. We favor an explanation based on a multimarket framework where corruption in one market (or sector) arises because of imperfections exacerbated by inequality in related markets. We demonstrate that even when an individual's ability to pay bribes and benefit from engaging in corruption are not affected by wealth level, greater (wealth) inequality will lead to an increase in corruption.
Trends in dental health of 35‐ to 44‐year‐olds in West and East Germany after reunification
Authors: Schützhold Svenja , Holtfreter Birte , Hoffmann Thomas , Kocher Thomas , Micheelis Wolfgang 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe German reunification (1990) resulted in huge social upheavals in East Germany involving changes in health‐care systems. We aimed to assess the changes of dental health between 1989 and 2005, hypothesizing that dental health converged in West and East Germany.MethodsWe evaluated data from 855 East and 1,456 West Germans aged 35‐44 years from the cross‐sectional German Oral Health Studies (Deutsche Mundgesundheitsstudien) conducted in 1989/92, 1997, and 2005. Regression models were applied to assess associations between region, survey year, their interactions and variables assessing dental disease status [number of decayed (DT), missing (MT), and filled teeth (FT), the DMFT‐index, the probability of having ≤20 teeth and the number of sound teeth (ST)], adjusting for potential risk factors for caries.ResultsAfter a slight increase of MT between 1989/92 and 1997 (West: 3.6 to 3.6; East: 4.5 to 4.9), numbers of MT considerably decreased between 1997 and 2005 (West: 3.6 to 2.2; East: 4.9 to 3.1). East Germans had consistently more MT. Numbers of FT, DT, ST, and the DMFT‐index equalized at the latest in 2005. The East German DMFT‐index increased between 1989/92 and 1997 and slightly decreased between 1997 and 2005, whereas the West German DMFT‐index steadily decreased between 1989/92 and 2005.ConclusionsDental health converged in West and East Germany, but the higher number of MT in 2005 indicates that East Germany was not able to catch up completely with West Germany.
Medical and pharmacy students' knowledge and perceptions about generic medicines in Bangladesh
Authors: Siam Mohammad Kawsar Sharif , Khan Abbas , Khan Tahir Mehmood 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Objective
To explore medical and pharmacy students' knowledge and perception towards the use of generic medicines in Bangladesh.

Method
A convenience sample was drawn from six Bangladeshi universities/medical colleges using an 18-item questionnaire. A total of n = 398 pharmacy and medical students were approached to participate. Scoring of responses was done for the 10 items in the perception section (score range 0–10). Data was analysed using SPSS version 13 and the difference among the groups were estimated using independent samples t-test.

Results
A total of 346 students willingly participated in this study, which amounted to a response rate of 86.93%. About 85.5% of the respondents indicated that they had heard about generic and branded medicines. From both groups 70–80% were able to distinguish between generic and branded medicines. There were significant differences in knowledge among the pharmacy (4.86 ± 1.55) and medical (4.20 ± 1.62) students (P &lt; 0.001, t = 3.83, 95% confidence interval 0.323–1.00).

Conclusion
Overall, there were knowledge deficits in both groups with a moderate level of perception about generic medicine.