bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence‐based medicine use in pharmacy practice: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Abu Farha Rana , Alefishat Eman , Suyagh Maysa , Elayeh Eman , Mayyas Amal 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the awareness, attitude, knowledge and use of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) among pharmacists in Jordan.MethodsA cross‐sectional self‐reported survey was conducted on 122 pharmacists (both hospital and community) who were asked to fill a validated structured questionnaire.ResultsThe participants showed a positive attitude towards EBM; more than 80% thought that EBM improves patient care, improves quick knowledge update, helps to unify the quality of care provided, is a good educational tool and a convenient source of advice. But despite this positive attitude, pharmacists showed partial understanding of the technical terms used in EBM; also they relied on their own judgment, medical representatives and standard textbooks in making their decision, resources that can no longer be considered sufficiently updated and/or evidence based. Patient overload, lack of personal time and limited access to EBM sources were the most commonly identified barrier to practicing EBM. Also this study suggest that pharmacist's experience is negatively associated with EBM knowledge score (Spearman's rho value −0.187, P‐value 0.04).ConclusionsIn spite of the positive attitude towards EBM, this study showed numerous personal and institutional barriers towards implementing EBM in Jordan, which necessitate immediate action by all health care decision makers to formulate a national plan to overcome such barriers, and to further investigate the evidence that teaching, learning and daily application of EBM in practice can improve the quality of care and reduce the cost.
Synthesizing complex data on functional decline in older people using partial least squares (PLS) analysis
Authors: King Ellena Sophia A. , Grimmer Karen A. , Atlas Alvin P. , Milanese Steve Francesco 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesDeclining capacity to function safely and independently in the community is a manifestation of ageing. Multiple measures are used to define and predict functional decline. This paper explores the use of partial least squares (PLS) analysis to understand the interaction between overtime measures of functional decline.MethodsComprehensive information was captured on individuals aged 65+ who presented at a large metropolitan Australian hospital Emergency Department (ED) for a complaint, which did not result in a hospital admission. They were followed‐up by telephone 1 and 3 months, post‐ED discharge. Information was collected each time on home situations (living alone, using community services, using a gait aid and having a formal carer), recent falls, hospitalizations and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). PLS analysis was applied to identify overtime relationships between measures.ResultsValid information was provided by 147 individuals at all three time points. The eight individual IADL items clustered clearly around physical, mental or combined mental and physical IADLs. These clusters were strongly related to increased use of community supports, gait aid and carer, and living alone. The relationship was less convincingly for hospitalizations, and falls were not explained well.ConclusionPLS analysis offers a novel and comprehensive way of analysing complex health data, which allows sense to be made of relationships over a 3‐month period. This analysis provides a better understanding of declining function over time, than could be provided by current health modelling methods.
The effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of clinical nurse specialists in outpatient roles: a systematic review
Authors: Kilpatrick Kelley , Kaasalainen Sharon , Donald Faith , Reid Kim , Carter Nancy , Bryant‐Lukosius Denise , Martin‐Misener Ruth , Harbman Patricia , Marshall Deborah Anne , Charbonneau‐Smith Renee , DiCenso Alba 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesIncreasing numbers of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are working in outpatient settings. The objective of this paper is to describe a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the cost‐effectiveness of CNSs delivering outpatient care in alternative or complementary provider roles.MethodsWe searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and seven other electronic databases, 1980 to July 2012 and hand‐searched bibliographies and key journals. RCTs that evaluated formally trained CNSs and health system outcomes were included. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Quality of Health Economic Studies instrument. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation to assess quality of evidence for individual outcomes.ResultsEleven RCTs, four evaluating alternative provider (n = 683 participants) and seven evaluating complementary provider roles (n = 1464 participants), were identified. Results of the alternative provider RCTs (low‐to‐moderate quality evidence) were fairly consistent across study populations with similar patient outcomes to usual care, some evidence of reduced resource use and costs, and two economic analyses (one fair and one high quality) favouring CNS care. Results of the complementary provider RCTs (low‐to‐moderate quality evidence) were also fairly consistent across study populations with similar or improved patient outcomes and mostly similar health system outcomes when compared with usual care; however, the economic analyses were weak.ConclusionsLow‐to‐moderate quality evidence supports the effectiveness and two fair‐to‐high quality economic analyses support the cost‐effectiveness of outpatient alternative provider CNSs. Low‐to‐moderate quality evidence supports the effectiveness of outpatient complementary provider CNSs; however, robust economic evaluations are needed to address cost‐effectiveness.
Measurement of pain and anthropometric parameters in women with chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Gurian Maria Beatriz Ferreira , Mitidieri Andréia Moreira de Souza , da Silva Joyce Beatriz , Silva Ana Paula Moreira da , Pazin Carolina , Poli‐Neto Omero Benedicto , Nogueira Antônio Alberto , dos Reis Francisco José Candido , Rosa‐e‐Silva Júlio César 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesTo analyse anthropometric parameters, clinical pain and experimental pain in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP).MethodsNinety‐one women with a clinical diagnosis of CPP, mean age of 40.03 ± 9.97 years, submitted to anthropometric evaluation based on body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (%BF) using bioimpedance body composition monitor; pain intensity was determined by visual analogue scale (VAS), numerical categorical scale (NCS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire; experimental pain was determined by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and anxiety and depression symptoms were determined by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale.ResultsA total of 54.8% of the women showed %BF >32 risk of disease associated with obesity. Regarding the anthropometric data, a statistically significant difference was observed between groups for both BMI and %BF (P < 0.0001). In the analysis of pain intensity by the VAS, NCS and total McGill, there was no significant difference between the groups, and experimental pain by TENS revealed significant difference only between the normal weight and overweight groups (P = 0.0154). The results of anxiety symptoms were above the cut‐off point in all groups, with no significant difference between them (P = 0.3710). The depression symptoms were below the cut‐off point in the normal weight group and above the cut‐off point in the overweight and obese groups, 9.469(4.501) and 9.741(4.848), respectively, with no significant difference between them (P = 0.6476).ConclusionEvaluation of anthropometric parameters and pain measurements can be applied in clinical practice, making a contribution to the diagnosis and influencing the choice of a more effective treatment for women with CPP.
The Neuroplastin adhesion molecules: key regulators of neuronal plasticity and synaptic function
Authors: Beesley Philip W. , Herrera‐Molina Rodrigo , Smalla Karl‐Heinz , Seidenbecher Constanze 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe Neuroplastins Np65 and Np55 are neuronal and synapse‐enriched immunoglobulin superfamily molecules that play important roles in a number of key neuronal and synaptic functions including, for Np65, cell adhesion. In this review we focus on the physiological roles of the Neuroplastins in promoting neurite outgrowth, regulating the structure and function of both inhibitory and excitatory synapses in brain, and in neuronal and synaptic plasticity. We discuss the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the Neuroplastins exert their physiological effects and how these are dependent upon the structural features of Np65 and Np55, which enable them to bind to a diverse range of protein partners. In turn this enables the Neuroplastins to interact with a number of key neuronal signalling cascades. These include: binding to and activation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor; Np65 trans‐homophilic binding leading to activation of p38 MAPK and internalization of glutamate (GluR1) receptor subunits; acting as accessory proteins for monocarboxylate transporters, thus affecting neuronal energy supply, and binding to GABAA α1, 2 and 5 subunits, thus regulating the composition and localization of GABAA receptors. An emerging theme is the role of the Neuroplastins in regulating the trafficking and subcellular localization of specific binding partners. We also discuss the involvement of Neuroplastins in a number of pathophysiological conditions, including ischaemia, schizophrenia and breast cancer and the role of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the human Neuroplastin (NPTN) gene locus in impairment of cortical development and cognitive functions.
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Neuroplastins are neuronal cell adhesion molecules, which induce neurite outgrowth and play important roles in synaptic maturation and plasticity. This review summarizes the functional implications of Neuroplastins for correct synaptic membrane protein localization, neuronal energy supply, expression of LTP and LTD, animal and human behaviour, and pathophysiology and disease. It focuses particularly on Neuroplastin binding partners and signalling mechanisms, and proposes perspectives for future research on these important immunoglobulin superfamily members.
Telomere shortening over 6 years is associated with increased subclinical carotid vascular damage and worse cardiovascular prognosis in the general population
Authors: Baragetti A. , Palmen J. , Garlaschelli K. , Grigore L. , Pellegatta F. , Tragni E. , Catapano A. L. , Humphries S. E. , Norata G. D. , Talmud P. J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIntroductionLeucocyte telomere length (LTL) is an important determinant of telomere function and cellular replicative capacity. The aim of the present study was to examine prospectively the associations between telomere shortening (TS) and both the progression of atherosclerosis and the incidence of cardiovascular events (CVEs).Materials and methodsLeucocyte telomere length was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction to determine the ratio of telomere length to single‐copy gene (T/S) in 768 subjects (462 female and 306 male) enrolled in a large general population survey [the Progressione della Lesione Intimale Carotidea (PLIC study)]. Common carotid artery intima–media thickness was determined at baseline and after 6 years of follow‐up, and the associations between TS and the progression of atherosclerosis and incidence of CVEs were evaluated.ResultsMean LTL was 1.25 ± 0.92 T/S (median 1.14) at baseline and 0.70 ± 0.37 T/S (median 0.70) after 6 years of follow‐up. Median 6‐year LTL change was −0.46 T/S [interquartile range (IQR) −0.57 to 1.06], equating to −0.078 T/S [IQR(−0.092 to 0.176)] per year. Of note, telomere lengthening occurred in 30.4% of subjects. After adjustment for classical cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (age, gender, smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, systolic blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid profile and therapies), TS was associated with incident subclinical carotid vascular damage [hazard ratio (HR) 5.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20–22.4, P = 0.028]. Finally, subjects in whom LTL shortened over time showed an increased risk of incident CVE, compared to those in whom LTL lengthened (HR 1.69, CI 1.02–2.78, P = 0.041).ConclusionThese data indicate that TS is associated with increased risk of subclinical carotid vascular damage and increased incidence of CVEs beyond CVD risk factors in the general population, whereas LTL lengthening is protective.
Parturitional Injury of the Head and Neck
Authors: Huisman Thierry A.G.M. , Phelps Timothy , Bosemani Thangamadhan , Tekes Aylin , Poretti Andrea 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTParturitional injuries refer to injuries sustained during and secondary to fetal delivery. The skull, brain, and head and neck regions are frequently involved. Accurate differentiation and classification of the various injuries is essential for treatment, prognosis, and parental counseling. In this review, we discuss the various “bumps and lumps” that maybe encountered along the neonatal skull as well as the most frequent calvarial and intracranial parturitional injuries. In addition, a short discussion of the most common head and neck, facial, and spinal lesions is included. Various mimickers and risk factors are also presented.
Effect of dietary Schizochytrium microalga oil and fish oil on plasma cholesterol level in rats
Authors: Komprda T. , Škultéty O. , Křížková S. , Zorníková G. , Rozíková V. , Krobot R. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that the dietary oils with different content of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) affect plasma lipid level in rats in a different degree. The diets with 6% of fish oil (FO) and Schizochytrium microalga oil (SchO; EPA+DHA content in the diets 9.5 + 12.3 and 2.6 + 29.5% of the sum of total fatty acids, respectively) were used; the diet with 6% of safflower oil (high content of n‐6 PUFA linoleic acid, 65.5%; EPA+DHA content 0.7 + 0.9%) was used as a control. The difference between FO and SchO was established only in the case of plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) level: plasma TAG of the FO‐fed rats did not differ from the control rats (p > 0.05), while SchO decreased (p < 0.05) plasma TAG to 46% of the control. On the other hand, FO and SchO decreased (p < 0.05) total plasma cholesterol (TC) in rats in the same extent, to 73% of the control. Regarding the underlying mechanisms for the TC decrease, both SchO and FO up‐regulated hepatic Insig‐1 gene (181 and 133% of the control; p < 0.05), which tended (p = 0.15 and p = 0.19 respectively) to decrease the amount of hepatic nSREBP‐2 protein (61 and 66% of the control). However, neither SchO nor FO influenced hepatic 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐CoA reductase gene expression (p > 0.05); SchO (but not FO) increased (p < 0.05) low‐density lipoprotein receptor mRNA in the liver. It was concluded that the decrease of total plasma cholesterol might be caused by an increased cholesterol uptake from plasma into the cells (in the case of SchO), but also by other (in the present study not tested) mechanisms.
Digestive physiology of captive giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla): determinants of faecal dry matter content
Authors: Gull J. M. , Stahl M. , Osmann C. , Ortmann S. , Kreuzer M. , Hatt J.‐M. , Clauss M. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryGiant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) are specialized insectivores and consume mainly ants and termites in the wild. In captivity, giant anteaters are either fed a complete diet, or a combination of a domestic carnivore diet with leaf eater pellets, or a traditional gruel‐type diet. Soft faeces are a frequently encountered problem with this type of feeding. In the present study, we analysed diet and faeces composition, calculated digestibility and measured mean retention time on various diets in eight giant anteaters (total of n = 64 experiments). The results suggest that the digestive physiology of giant anteaters is similar to that of domestic dogs and cats in terms of nutrient digestibility and digesta retention. When testing correlations between faecal dry matter content and other variables, no relationship with dietary crude fibre content or mean digesta retention time could be detected. However, acid insoluble ash intake was significantly and positively correlated with faecal dry matter content. The amount of acid insoluble ash excreted with the faeces was higher than that ingested with the diet offered, indicating that the giant anteaters ingested soil from their enclosure of up to 93 g per day. This finding is consistent with observation of faeces of wild giant anteaters that contain soil or sand most likely due to indiscriminate feeding. It also corresponds to reports that indigestible materials such as peat, soil, chitin or cellulose contribute to a firmer faecal consistency in various carnivore species. Therefore, offering giant anteaters the opportunity to voluntarily ingest soil from their enclosure might be beneficial.
Periodontitis mainly increases osteoclast formation via enhancing the differentiation of quiescent osteoclast precursors into osteoclasts
Authors: Lee D.‐E. , Kim J.‐H. , Choi S.‐H. , Cha J.‐H. , Bak E.‐J. , Yoo Y.‐J. 
Published: July 2014

Background and objectivesTartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positive multinucleated osteoclasts are formed in sequential steps: proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors into quiescent osteoclast precursors (QOPs), followed by fusion of QOPs. In this study, we investigated whether enhancement of osteoclast formation by periodontitis is derived from the stimulation of proliferation of hematopoietic progenitors or the differentiation of QOPs into osteoclasts.Material and methodsLigatures were placed around the first molars in the left mandibles of Fischer 344 inbred rats. The rats received drinking water containing bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) (which can be incorporated into dividing nuclei) after ligation during the experimental period. The number of inflammatory cells in the distal area was counted. Alveolar bone loss was histologically estimated by measuring the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar bone crest in the distal area and determining the percentage of periodontal ligament area in the furcation. The number of osteoclasts and percentage of BrdU+ nuclei in total osteoclasts nuclei were counted after TRAP and BrdU double labeling.ResultsThe number of polymorphonuclear cells increased on day 1 and then rapidly decreased. The number of mononuclear cells increased in a time‐dependent manner up to day 5 and remained the same until day 10. Alveolar bone loss of ligatured teeth increased in a time‐dependent manner. The number of osteoclasts peaked on day 3 then gradually decreased. At peak, the percentage of BrdU+ nuclei in total osteoclasts nuclei in the distal and furcation areas were 7.9% and 4.1%, respectively.ConclusionThese results indicate that most of the osteoclasts formed after periodontitis induction are derived from preformed QOPs, suggesting that enhancement of osteoclast formation by periodontitis might be mainly caused by stimulating the differentiation of QOPs into osteoclasts.
How do offenders choose where to offend? Perspectives from animal foraging
Authors: Johnson Shane D. 
Published: July 2014

PurposeResearch suggests that offender spatial decision‐making is not random. However, little is known about if or how offences in a series influence where an offender will target next. Drawing on concepts and empirical findings from environmental criminology and the ecology literature, in this article I consider what spatial patterns might be expected in the sequential crimes committed by serial offenders and provide an empirical example.MethodsData for detected burglars are analysed and patterns in the inter‐event distances for sequential offences compared with those signatures typically associated with three types of foraging behaviour – central place foraging, Brownian walks and Lévy walks. Analyses involve the use of a Monte Carlo simulation to derive an expected distribution for central place foraging, while the observed probability density function of sequential inter‐event distances is compared to exponential and power law distributions to test for evidence of Brownian and Lévy walks, respectively.ResultsAnalyses suggest that patterns in burglar sequential inter‐event distances cannot be explained by a simple central place foraging strategy. The distribution of sequential inter‐event distances is found to be consistent with both Brownian and Lévy walks.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that there are regularities in the sequential spatial choices made by offenders, and that these are similar to those observed across species. Reasons for why there is evidence of both Brownian and Lévy walks are discussed. The implications of the findings for forensic techniques such as crime linkage analysis, geographic offender profiling and crime forecasting are discussed.
Anesthetic management of patients with Joubert syndrome: a retrospective analysis of a single‐institutional case series
Authors: Sriganesh Kamath , Vinay Byrappa , Jena Sritam , Sudhir Venkataramaiah , Saini Jitender , Umamaheswara Rao Ganne S. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo analyze the anesthetic techniques used for sedation during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of patients with Joubert syndrome (JS) and assess the safety and efficacy of these anesthetic regimens in these children.BackgroundJoubert syndrome is a rare neurological disorder with significant anesthetic implications. This study describes the anesthetic management of children with JS undergoing MRI study with different anesthetic agents and implications of various anesthetic techniques in these patients.Materials and methodsThe records of ten patients with JS undergoing MRI study with different anesthetic techniques were retrospectively reviewed over the last 5 years.ResultsThe patients were aged between 6 months and 21 years. The most commonly used sedation technique involved use of alpha‐2 agonists, and this technique had least complications such as apnea and patient movement during imaging. None of the patients had postanesthetic respiratory problems, although one patient receiving propofol had apnea and desaturation on induction requiring airway intervention.ConclusionAlpha‐2 agonist based anesthetic technique appears to be most suitable for sedation during MRI study in patients with JS with respect to adverse events and outcome.