bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
General psychiatric symptoms, quality of sleep, and coping strategies in patients with psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Balta Ilknur , Karadag Ayse S. , Selek Salih , Onder Sevda , Kanbay Asiye , Burakgazi‐Yilmaz Hatice 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a common dermatological disorder with psychiatric comorbidity. Psoriasis is associated with a variety of psychological problems, including poor self‐esteem, sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate general psychiatric symptoms, quality of sleep, and coping strategies in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.MethodsA total of 79 subjects (37 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 42 control subjects) were enrolled in the study. Coping strategies were measured using the Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (COPE) Scale. General psychopathological status was assessed using the Symptom Checklist‐90‐R (SCL90R), and sleep quality and disturbances were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 39.18 ± 16.85 years. The mean age of control subjects was 39.33 ± 11.61 years. The mean score on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was 7.56 ± 3.66. There were no significant differences in scores on the SCL90R and COPE subscales between the patient and control groups. However, significant differences between the groups emerged on the PSQI subscales for subjective sleep quality and habitual sleep efficiency (Z = −1.964, P = 0.049, and Z = −2.452, P = 0.014, respectively).ConclusionsThe present study found no significant differences in general psychiatric symptoms and coping strategies between the psoriasis patients and the control group, by contrast with findings reported elsewhere in the literature. We think that the low PASI scores of our patients, which indicate the low severity of disease in the present group, is the main reason for this finding. However, sleep quality is lower in psoriasis vulgaris patients than in healthy controls. This may be associated with the itch and pain caused by lesions. Further experimental studies are required to explain these findings.
Cell population data in neonates: differences by age group and associations with perinatal factors
Authors: Lee J. , Kim S. Y. , Lee W. , Han K. , Sung I. K. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIntroductionCell population data (CPD) describe physical parameters of white blood cell subpopulations and are reported to be of some value in the diagnosis of sepsis in neonates. Before using the CPD for diagnosing sepsis, the baseline features of the CPD distribution in healthy neonates should be clarified. The aim of this study was to compare the CPD distributions of healthy neonates and other age groups and to identify perinatal factors that are associated with changes in the CPD distribution of healthy neonates.MethodsThe CPD distribution of 69 samples from term neonates was compared with adolescents and adults. The CPD distribution of 163 samples from healthy neonates was analyzed in association with perinatal factors, including gestational age, chronologic age, birthweight, delivery mode, premature rupture of membranes, diabetes, and pregnancy‐induced hypertension.ResultsThe CPD distribution for term neonates was significantly different from those in adolescents and adults. The mean lymphocyte volume showed a negative correlation with gestational age at birth (r = −0.305; P < 0.01). The mean neutrophil volume was smaller in the cesarean section group than in the normal delivery group. The small for gestational age (SGA) group had smaller mean neutrophil volume and mean monocyte volume than the appropriate for gestational age group.ConclusionThe CPD distribution of healthy neonates differed from those of adolescents or adults, and the differences were associated with gestational age, delivery mode, and being SGA.
Stenting for malignant ureteral obstruction: Tandem, metal or metal‐mesh stents
Authors: Elsamra Sammy E , Leavitt David A , Motato Hector A , Friedlander Justin I , Siev Michael , Keheila Mohamed , Hoenig David M , Smith Arthur D , Okeke Zeph 
Published: May 2015

AbstractExtrinsic malignant compression of the ureter is not uncommon, often refractory to decompression with conventional polymeric ureteral stents, and frequently associated with limited survival. Alternative options for decompression include tandem ureteral stents, metallic stents and metal‐mesh stents, though the preferred method remains controversial. We reviewed and updated our outcomes with tandem ureteral stents for malignant ureteral obstruction, and carried out a PubMed search using the terms “malignant ureteral obstruction,” “tandem ureteral stents,” “ipsilateral ureteral stents,” “metal ureteral stent,” “resonance stent,” “silhouette stent” and “metal mesh stent.” A comprehensive review of the literature and summary of outcomes is provided. The majority of studies encountered were retrospective with small sample sizes. The evidence is most robust for metal stents, whereas only limited data exists for tandem or metal‐mesh stents. Metal and metal‐mesh stents are considerably more expensive than tandem stenting, but the potential for less frequent stent exchanges makes them possibly cost‐effective over time. Urinary tract infections have been associated with all stent types. A wide range of failure rates has been published for all types of stents, limiting direct comparison. Metal and metal‐mesh stents show a high incidence of stent colic, migration and encrustation, whereas tandem stents appear to produce symptoms equivalent to single stents. Comparison is difficult given the limited evidence and heterogeneity of patients with malignant ureteral obstruction. It is clear that prospective, randomized studies are necessary to effectively scrutinize conventional, tandem, metallic ureteral and metal‐mesh stents for their use in malignant ureteral obstruction.
The Fife hormone service for prostate cancer patients: a cost‐effective and patient‐centric model
Authors: Frew Lesley C , Leung Steve KW 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTInjectable hormone therapy is a key element of treatment for many patients with prostate cancer. In the UK, it is typically administered in primary care. In 2003, National Health Service (NHS) Fife rolled out an innovative service for these patients, in which responsibility was moved from primary care to a specialist nurse‐led service in secondary care. The initial rationale was based on cost savings, but a significant number of other advantages have subsequently been demonstrated. These include a simpler patient journey, improved continuity of care and reduced use of consultant time. Standards of care have also improved, with fewer missed appointments, better provision of patient support and rapid access to specialist physician care when needed. An audit of 377 of 542 patients currently treated within the service has provided supportive evidence for many of these advantages. The Fife service offers a cost‐effective model for locally provided nurse‐led care that could be applied to hormone therapy services for prostate cancer elsewhere in the UK, and to services for other cancers with large numbers of patients requiring long‐term management.
Lean Atmospheres for Sintering of Chromium Alloyed Powder Metallurgy Steels
Authors: Karamchedu Seshendra , Hryha Eduard , Nyborg Lars 
Published: May 2015

Thermodynamic evaluation of the reducing and carburizing activities of N2‐based lean sintering atmospheres containing CO, H2, and small amounts of hydrocarbons with their total content not exceeding 5 vol% was performed with regard to sintering of chromium alloyed PM steels. Based on the thermodynamic evaluation, three sintering atmosphere compositions were chosen for experimental studies. For the chosen sintering atmospheres, the effect of graphite addition, sintering temperature, holding time and cooling rate on the microstructure, and final oxygen and carbon contents was studied. The compacts without admixed graphite exhibited a microstructure with pearlitic, and in some cases bainitic regions, with their content varying according to the temperature profile and increasing with increase in CO concentration in the atmosphere. These results are indicative of the carburizing ability of the atmospheres which was also supported by the results from chemical analysis. Pearlitic–bainitic microstructures were observed in the compacts admixed with graphite after sintering which suggests that the proposed atmospheres provide conditions sufficient for at least partial reduction of the surface iron oxide during sintering. The final oxygen content obtained after sintering in the proposed lean atmospheres was higher than that obtained in the case of nitrogen/hydrogen mix but still was within acceptable limits. The results obtained suggest that the proposed lean CO and H2 containing sintering atmosphere compositions are promising candidates for robust sintering of chromium alloyed PM steels.
Randomized Control Trial of the 3Rs Health Knowledge Training Program for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Feldman Maurice A. , Owen Frances , Andrews Amy E. , Tahir Munazza , Barber Rachel , Griffiths Dorothy 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundPersons with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience a wide range of health problems. Research is needed on teaching persons with intellectual disabilities about their health to promote self‐advocacy. This study used a RCT to evaluate a health knowledge training program for adults with intellectual disabilities and verbal skills.MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned to training (n = 12) or no training control (n = 10) groups. Topics included key body organs, systems, functions, health maintenance and illnesses. Participants played a game answering questions (e.g. ‘What does the heart do?’). Instruction involved visuals (e.g. PowerPoint slides), cueing, modelling and feedback. The control group received pre‐, post‐ and follow‐up tests as the training group.ResultsThe training group had significantly higher overall post‐test and follow‐up health knowledge test scores than the control group.ConclusionsHealth knowledge training is one step in promoting health self‐advocacy and better health in persons with intellectual disabilities.
Explaining the disjunct distributions of austral plants: the roles of Antarctic and direct dispersal routes
Authors: Winkworth Richard C. , Hennion Françoise , Prinzing Andreas , Wagstaff Steven J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimDispersal explains the disjunct distributions of many austral plant lineages. However, the role of Antarctica is largely uncertain and the routes of dispersal have remained speculative. Based on niche conservatism we can make predictions about the timing of disjunction establishment, as well as the availability of direct transoceanic, Antarctic stepping‐stone, and out‐of‐Antarctica dispersal routes over time. We evaluate these predictions using molecular divergence time estimates for the establishment of disjunct distributions across multiple plant lineages.LocationSouthern Hemisphere.MethodsWe estimated the timing of disjunction establishment and determined habitat affinities for 72 austral plant groups. We used Wilcoxon rank sum tests to compare the timing of disjunction establishment between cold and temperate climate lineages for the full data set, as well as within several subsets. We compared our results with those from a literature survey.ResultsAs niche conservatism predicts, the timing of disjunction establishment in cold and temperate climate austral lineages is consistent with the availability of the corresponding habitats over time. Our results also suggest that disjunction establishment has involved a combination of Antarctic and direct dispersal routes. For cold climate lineages, both out‐of‐Antarctica and direct dispersal routes are required to explain the observed estimates, while stepping stone routes cannot be ruled out. It appears that for these lineages the importance of the three dispersal routes differs with environmental, geographical and temporal context.Main conclusionsBoth direct and Antarctic dispersal routes are necessary to explain the establishment of contemporary austral distributions. Evidence that some taxa were, until recently, restricted to Antarctica changes how we view the evolutionary histories of austral floras and the lineages they contain. Moreover, that we detect differences in the importance of alternative dispersal routes suggests that long‐distance plant dispersal processes can be explicitly incorporated into models of climate change response.
High‐density lipoprotein inhibits mechanical stress‐induced cardiomyocyte autophagy and cardiac hypertrophy through angiotensin II type 1 receptor‐mediated PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Lin Li , Liu Xuebo , Xu Jianfeng , Weng Liqing , Ren Jun , Ge Junbo , Zou Yunzeng 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMechanical stress triggers cardiac hypertrophy and autophagy through an angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 (AT1) receptor‐dependent mechanism. Low level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) is an independent risk factor for cardiac hypertrophy. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of HDL on mechanical stress‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and autophagy. A 48‐hr mechanical stretch and a 4‐week transverse aortic constriction were employed to induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo, respectively, prior to the assessment of myocardial autophagy using LC3b‐II and beclin‐1. Our results indicated that HDL significantly reduced mechanical stretch‐induced rise in autophagy as demonstrated by LC3b‐II and beclin‐1. In addition, mechanical stress up‐regulated AT1 receptor expression in both cultured cardiomyocytes and in mouse hearts, whereas HDL significantly suppressed the AT1 receptor. Furthermore, the role of Akt phosphorylation in HDL‐mediated action was assessed using MK‐2206, a selective inhibitor for Akt phosphorylation. Our data further revealed that MK‐2206 mitigated HDL‐induced beneficial responses on cardiac remodelling and autophagy. Taken together, our data revealed that HDL inhibited mechanical stress‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and autophagy through downregulation of AT1 receptor, and HDL ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy and autophagy via Akt‐dependent mechanism.
Perceptions of single‐visit and multiple‐visit endodontic treatment: a survey of endodontic specialists and general dentists in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Amy Wai‐Yee , Zhang Shinan , Zhang Cheng‐Fei , Chu Chun‐Hung 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTo study the preference of practice for single‐ and multiple‐visit endodontic treatment by Hong Kong endodontists and general dental practitioners (GDPs), and to investigate their reasons for choosing single‐ or multiple‐visit treatment in their practice.MethodAn anonymous questionnaire was mailed to all 16 registered endodontists and 800 randomly selected GDPs in Hong Kong to explore their preference and reasons for selecting single‐ or multiple‐visit endodontic treatment for their patients. Information on the use of magnifying loupes, microscopes and the number of years they have been in dental practice was also collected.ResultsEight endodontists and 429 GDPs returned their questionnaires and the response rate was 50% and 53.6% respectively. Among the GDPs, 404 (94.2%) undertook endodontic treatment in their practices. For those performing endodontic treatment, the mean number of years of practice was 23.6 ± 4.8 for endodontists and 15.3 ± 9.1 for GDPs. Seven endodontists (87.5%) used a surgical microscope. For GDPs, only 25 (6.2%) used a surgical microscope and 123 (30.4%) used magnifying loupes during endodontic treatment. Seven endodontists (87.5%) and 375 GDPs (92.8%) predominantly performed multiple‐visit treatment. The commonest reasons for choosing multiple‐visit treatment for both endodontists and GDPs were the positive effects of interappointment medications (n = 3, 37.5%) and that the tooth to be treated had doubtful prognosis (n = 103, 25.5%). The commonest reason for choosing single‐visit treatment for both endodontists and general dentists was that treatment could be completed in one visit (n = 4, 50%) and (n = 127, 31.4%).ConclusionMost Hong Kong endodontists and GDPs preferred offering multiple‐visit endodontic treatment.
Death attitudes and positive coping in Spanish nursing undergraduates: a cross‐sectional and correlational study
Authors: Edo‐Gual Montserrat , Monforte‐Royo Cristina , Aradilla‐Herrero Amor , Tomás‐Sábado Joaquín 
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectivesTo analyse the relationship between death attitudes, emotional intelligence, resilience and self‐esteem in a sample of nursing undergraduates.BackgroundThe death attitudes held by nursing students may influence the care they offer to end‐of‐life patients and their families. Emotional intelligence, resilience and self‐esteem are important social and emotional competencies for coping positively with death and dying.DesignCross‐sectional and correlational study.MethodsParticipants were 760 nursing undergraduates from four nursing schools in Spain. Data were collected in 2013–2014. The students responded anonymously to a self‐report questionnaire that gathered socio‐demographic data and which assessed the following aspects: fear of death (Collett‐Lester Fear of Death Scale), death anxiety (Death Anxiety Inventory‐Revised), perceived emotional intelligence (Trait Meta‐Mood Scale, with its three dimensions: attention, clarity and repair), resilience (Brief Resilient Coping Scale) and self‐esteem (Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale). In addition to descriptive statistics, analyses of variance, mean differences, correlations and regression analyses were computed.ResultsLinear regression analysis indicated that attention to feelings, resilience and self‐esteem are the significant predictors of death anxiety.ConclusionsThe results show that death anxiety and fear of death are modulated by social and emotional competencies associated with positive coping.Relevance to clinical practiceThe training offered to future nurses should include not only scientific knowledge and technical skills but also strategies for developing social and emotional competencies. In this way, they will be better equipped to cope positively and constructively with the suffering and death they encounter at work, thus helping them to offer compassionate patient‐centred care and minimising the distress they experience in the process.
Generational differences in the sexual communication process ofAfricanAmerican grandparent and parent caregivers of adolescents
Authors: Cornelius Judith B. , Xiong Pa H. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPurposeThis study assessed generational differences in the sexual communication process between 40AfricanAmerican parent and 40 grandparent caregivers of adolescent children.Design and MethodsThe study reports findings from a secondary analysis of data from two databases. TheHIV RiskReductionSurvey was used to examine the sexual communication process.ResultsGrandparents wanted to talk about sex and had open sexual communications, while parents valued sexual abstinence and had limited communications.Practice ImplicationsBased on the findings, healthcare providers and programs need to recognize that differences do exist between parents and grandparents with sexual communications.
Napping facilitates word learning in early lexical development
Authors: Horváth Klára , Myers Kyle , Foster Russell , Plunkett Kim 
Published: May 2015

SummaryLittle is known about the role that night‐time sleep and daytime naps play in early cognitive development. Our aim was to investigate how napping affects word learning in 16‐month‐olds. Thirty‐four typically developing infants were assigned randomly to nap and wake groups. After teaching two novel object–word pairs to infants, we tested their initial performance with an intermodal preferential looking task in which infants are expected to increase their target looking time compared to a distracter after hearing its auditory label. A second test session followed after approximately a 2‐h delay. The delay contained sleep for the nap group or no sleep for the wake group. Looking behaviour was measured with an automatic eye‐tracker. Vocabulary size was assessed using the Oxford Communicative Development Inventory. A significant interaction between group and session was found in preferential looking towards the target picture. The performance of the nap group increased after the nap, whereas that of the wake group did not change. The gain in performance correlated positively with the expressive vocabulary size in the nap group. These results indicate that daytime napping helps consolidate word learning in infancy.
Behavioral Abnormalities in Lagotto Romagnolo Dogs with a History of Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Jokinen T.S. , Tiira K. , Metsähonkala L. , Seppälä E.H. , Hielm‐Björkman A. , Lohi H. , Laitinen‐Vapaavuori O. 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundLagotto Romagnolo (LR) dogs with benign juvenile epilepsy syndrome often experience spontaneous remission of seizures. The long‐term outcome in these dogs currently is unknown. In humans, behavioral and psychiatric comorbidities have been reported in pediatric and adult‐onset epilepsies.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to investigate possible neurobehavioral comorbidities in LR with a history of benign familial juvenile epilepsy (BFJE) and to assess the occurrence of seizures after the remission of seizures in puppyhood.AnimalsA total of 25 LR with a history of BFJE and 91 control dogs of the same breed.MethodsOwners of the LR dogs in the BFJE and control groups completed an online questionnaire about each dog's activity, impulsivity, and inattention. Principal component analysis (PCA) served to extract behavioral factors from the data. We then compared the scores of these factors between the 2 groups in a retrospective case–control study. We also interviewed all dog owners in the BFJE group by telephone to inquire specifically about possible seizures or other neurological problems after remission of seizures as a puppy.ResultsLagotto Romagnolo dogs with BFJE showed significantly higher scores on the factors Inattention and Excitability/Impulsivity than did the control group (P = .003; P = .021, respectively). Only 1 of the 25 BFJE LR exhibited seizures after remission of epilepsy in puppyhood.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAlthough the long‐term seizure outcome in BFJE LR seems to be good, the dogs exhibit behavioral abnormalities resembling attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in humans, thus suggesting neurobehavioral comorbidities with epilepsy.
Building Bridges Between Neuroscience, Cognition and Education With Predictive Modeling
Authors: Stringer Steve , Tommerdahl Jodi 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTAs the field of Mind, Brain, and Education seeks new ways to credibly bridge the gap between neuroscience, the cognitive sciences, and education, various connections are being developed and tested. This article presents a framework and offers examples of one approach, predictive modeling within a virtual educational system that can include representations from the neural level to the policy level. Researchers could calibrate, test, and question the model, potentially providing quicker, more efficient, and more responsible ways of making advances in the developing educational field. Virtual investigations using models with this sort of capability can supplement the valuable information derived from carrying out policy and instructional experiments in real educational contexts.