bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional study of hearing thresholds among 4627 Norwegian train and track maintenance workers
Authors: Lie Arve , Skogstad Marit , Johnsen Torstein Seip , Engdahl Bo , Tambs Kristian 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveRailway workers performing maintenance work of trains and tracks could be at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss, since they are exposed to noise levels of 75–90 dB(A) with peak exposures of 130–140 dB(C). The objective was to make a risk assessment by comparing the hearing thresholds among train and track maintenance workers with a reference group not exposed to noise and reference values from the ISO 1999.DesignCross-sectional.SettingA major Norwegian railway company.Participants1897 and 2730 male train and track maintenance workers, respectively, all exposed to noise, and 2872 male railway traffic controllers and office workers not exposed to noise.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the hearing threshold (pure tone audiometry, frequencies from 0.5 to 8 kHz), and the secondary outcome was the prevalence of audiometric notches (Coles notch) of the most recent audiogram.ResultsTrain and track maintenance workers aged 45 years or older had a small mean hearing loss in the 3–6 kHz area of 3–5 dB. The hearing loss was less among workers younger than 45 years. Audiometric notches were slightly more prevalent among the noise exposed (59–64%) group compared with controls (49%) for all age groups. They may therefore be a sensitive measure in disclosing an early hearing loss at a group level.ConclusionsTrain and track maintenance workers aged 45 years or older, on average, have a slightly greater hearing loss and more audiometric notches compared with reference groups not exposed to noise. Younger (<45 years) workers have hearing thresholds comparable to the controls.
Breast cancer screening uptake among women from different ethnic groups in London: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Jack Ruth H , Møller Henrik , Robson Tony , Davies Elizabeth A 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo use newly available self-assigned ethnicity information to investigate variation in breast cancer screening uptake for women from the 16 specific ethnic groups within the broad Asian, Black and White groups that previous studies report.SettingNational cancer screening programme services within London.Participants655 516 female residents aged 50–69, invited for screening between March 2006 and December 2009. Ethnicity information was available for 475 478 (72.5%). White British women were the largest group (306 689, 46.8%), followed by Indian (34 687, 5.3%), White Other (30 053, 4.6%), Black Caribbean (25 607, 3.9%), White Irish (17 271, 2.6%), Black African (17 071, 2.6%) and Asian Other (10 579, 1.6%).Outcome measuresUptake for women in different ethnic groups aged 50–52 for a first call invitation to the programme, and for women aged 50–69 for a routine recall invitation after a previous mammography. Uptake is reported (1) for London overall, adjusted using logistic regression, for age at invitation, socioeconomic deprivation and geographical screening area, and (2) for individual areas, adjusted for age and deprivation.ResultsWhite British women attended their first call (67%) and routine recall (78%) invitations most often. Indian women were more likely to attend their first (61%) or routine recall (74%) than Bangladeshi women (43% and 61%, respectively), and Black Caribbean women were more likely than Black African women to attend first call (63% vs 49%, respectively) and routine recall (74% vs 64%, respectively). There was less variation between ethnic groups in some screening areas.ConclusionsBreast cancer screening uptake in London varies by specific ethnic group for first and subsequent invitations, with White British women being more likely to attend. The variation in the uptake for women from the same ethnic groups in different geographical areas suggests that collaboration about the successful engagement of services with different communities could improve uptake for all women.
Improving the uptake of systematic reviews: a systematic review of intervention effectiveness and relevance
Authors: Wallace John , Byrne Charles , Clarke Mike 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveLittle is known about the barriers, facilitators and interventions that impact on systematic review uptake. The objective of this study was to identify how uptake of systematic reviews can be improved.Selection criteriaStudies were included if they addressed interventions enhancing the uptake of systematic reviews. Reports in any language were included. All decisionmakers were eligible. Studies could be randomised trials, cluster-randomised trials, controlled-clinical trials and before-and-after studies.Data sourcesWe searched 19 databases including PubMed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library, covering the full range of publication years from inception to December 2010. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed quality according to the Effective Practice and Organisation of Care criteria.Results10 studies from 11 countries, containing 12 interventions met our criteria. Settings included a hospital, a government department and a medical school. Doctors, nurses, mid-wives, patients and programme managers were targeted. Six of the studies were geared to improving knowledge and attitudes while four targeted clinical practice.Synthesis of resultsThree studies of low-to-moderate risk of bias, identified interventions that showed a statistically significant improvement: educational visits, short summaries of systematic reviews and targeted messaging. Promising interventions include e-learning, computer-based learning, inactive workshops, use of knowledge brokers and an e-registry of reviews. Juxtaposing barriers and facilitators alongside the identified interventions, it was clear that the three effective approaches addressed a wide range of barriers and facilitators.DiscussionA limited number of studies were found for inclusion. However, the extensive literature search is one of the strengths of this review.ConclusionsTargeted messaging, educational visits and summaries are recommended to enhance systematic review uptake. Identified promising approaches need to be developed further. New strategies are required to encompass neglected barriers and facilitators. This review addressed effectiveness and also appropriateness of knowledge uptake strategies.
Low utilisation of diabetes medicines in Iran, despite their affordability (2000–2012): a time-series and benchmarking study
Authors: Sarayani Amir , Rashidian Arash , Gholami Kheirollah 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesDiabetes is a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Limited data exist on the status of access to diabetes medicines in LMICs. We assessed the utilisation and affordability of diabetes medicines in Iran as a middle-income country.DesignWe used a retrospective time-series design (2000–2012) and assessed national diabetes medicines’ utilisation using pharmaceuticals wholesale data.MethodsWe calculated defined daily dose consumptions per population days (DDDs/1000 inhabitants/day; DIDs) indicator. Findings were benchmarked with data from Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. We also employed Drug Utilization-90% (DU-90) method to compare DU-90s with the Essential Medicines List published by the WHO. We measured affordability using number of minimum daily wage required to purchase a treatment course for 1 month.ResultsDiabetes medicines’ consumption increased from 4.47 to 33.54 DIDs. The benchmarking showed that medicines’ utilisation in Iran in 2011 was only 54% of the median DIDs of 22 OECD countries. Oral hypoglycaemic agents consisted over 80% of use throughout the study period. Regular and isophane insulin (NPH), glibenclamide, metformin and gliclazide were the DU-90 drugs in 2012. Metformin, glibenclamide and regular/NPH insulin combination therapy were affordable throughout the study period (∼0.4, ∼0.1, ∼0.3 of minimum daily wage, respectively). While the affordability of novel insulin preparations improved over time, they were still unaffordable in 2012.ConclusionsThe utilisation of diabetes medicines was relatively low, perhaps due to underdiagnosis and inadequate management of patients with diabetes. This had occurred despite affordability of essential diabetes medicines in Iran. Appropriate policies are required to address the underutilisation of diabetes medicines in Iran.
A qualitative study of the consequences of knee symptoms: ‘It's like you're an athlete and you go to a couch potato’
Authors: MacKay Crystal , Jaglal Susan B , Sale Joanna , Badley Elizabeth M , Davis Aileen M 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesTo explore the perceived consequences of knee symptoms on the lives of people aged 35–65 years who had diagnosed osteoarthritis (OA) or OA-like symptoms.DesignA qualitative study with six focus groups and 10 one-on-one interviews. Constructivist grounded theory guided data collection and analysis. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method.SettingToronto, Canada.Participants51 participants (median age 49; 61% female) who self-reported knee OA or reported knee pain, aching or stiffness on most days of the past month participated in the study.ResultsThe core finding, disruption and change, illustrates the range of perceived consequences of knee symptoms in peoples’ lives. Participants described the consequences of symptoms on their physical activity (giving up high-level activities or changing how or how much they performed activities), social life (leisure, family and work) and emotional life. Knee symptoms also altered the way participants thought about their bodies and themselves. They reported that they had a new awareness of their knee and that they no longer trusted their knee. They also conveyed that their sense of self was altered.ConclusionsThis study illuminates the significant and varied consequences that mild to moderate knee symptoms have on the lives of adults age 35–65 years. Findings highlight the need for clinicians to tailor advice and support to the individual's needs considering their symptoms, the consequences of symptoms on their lives and their personal context.
Recovery coaching in an acute older people rehabiliation ward
Authors: Kibble Sharon , Gray Debra , Prat-Sala Merce , Ross Kirsty , Johnson Karen , Packer Jane , Shire Elizabeth , Cross Rhian , Harden Beverley 
Published: October 2014

AbstractOur patient, carer, and staff feedback clearly tells us that elderly patients are frequently disempowered by acute care provision, environments, and attitudes. This debilitates individuals mentally and physically, reducing their independent functioning, and may mean that they require prolonged care or are unfit to return home.We developed the concept of "recovery coaching" to support acute inpatient elderly care rehabilitation. We designed a training intervention to achieve "coaching conversations" between our staff and our patients.Data were collected from 46 participants; 22 in the pre-intervention stage and 24 in the post-intervention stage. For the post-intervention patients, mean scores indicated that there was slightly higher increase in the patient’s independence in terms of their Barthel (ADL) scores and that they reported higher feelings of self-efficacy. For this patient group it was also found that more returned home with the same level of care as on their admission, and that fewer patients required residential care placements at discharge.This innovative intervention allowed us to challenge the fundamental basis of “I do it for you” to “I will do it with you”, allowing the patient to become an integral partner in their health care.
Improving self-efficacy in spinal cord injury patients through "design thinking" rehabilitation workshops
Authors: Wolstenholme Daniel , Downes Tom , Leaver Jackie , Partridge Rebecca , Langley Joseph 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAdvances in surgical and medical management have significantly reduced the length of time that patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) have to stay in hospital, but has left patients with potentially less time to psychologically adjust.Following a pilot in 2012, this project was designed to test the effect of "design thinking" workshops on the self-efficacy of people undergoing rehabilitation following spinal injuries.Design thinking is about understanding the approaches and methods that designers use and then applying these to think creatively about problems and suggest ways to solve them. In this instance, design thinking is not about designing new products (although the approaches can be used to do this) but about developing a long term creative and explorative mind-set through skills such as lateral thinking, prototyping and verbal and visual communication.The principles of "design thinking" have underpinned design education and practice for many years, it is also recognised in business and innovation for example, but a literature review indicated that there was no evidence of it being used in rehabilitation or spinal injury settings.Twenty participants took part in the study; 13 (65%) were male and the average age was 37 years (range 16 to 72). Statistically significant improvements were seen for EQ-5D score (t = -3.13, p = 0.007) and Patient Activation Measure score (t = -3.85, p = 0.001). Other outcome measures improved but not statistically. There were no statistical effects on length of stay or readmission rates, but qualitative interviews indicated improved patient experience.
Alfaxalone versus propofol in dogs: a randomised trial to assess effects on peri‐induction tear production, intraocular pressure and globe position
Authors: Costa Daniel , Leiva Marta , Moll Xavier , Aguilar Adrià , Peña Teresa , Andaluz Anna 
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this randomised trial was to compare the effects of alfaxalone and propofol on tear production (STT‐1), intraocular pressure (IOP) and globe position (GP) in healthy dogs. Fourteen Beagles were randomly divided into two groups; dogs in one group received alfaxalone (3 mg/kg) (n=7) and dogs in the other group received propofol (6 mg/kg) (n=7), both administered intravenously. IOP and GP were evaluated at basal time (Tb) and T2,5,10,15,20,25&30(minutes after complete drug administration). STT‐1 was evaluated at Tband T10,20&30. STT‐1 and IOP results were analysed using analysis of variance and GP was analysed using the likelihood ratio χ2test. Dogs in the alfaxalone group showed a significant reduction in STT‐1 at T10&20(P<0.05), while the propofol group did not show statistically significant differences in this parameter over time. Both anaesthetic drugs produced a transient elevation of IOP at T2(P>0.05), which then decreased (P<0.01). While alfaxalone caused a ventral globe deviation that lasted from T2to T10(P<0.05) and was fully recovered at T30, propofol induced a ventral globe deviation from T2to T5(P<0.05), being restored at T20. These results suggest that both alfaxalone and propofol can be safely used for intraocular surgery, as they significantly reduce IOP. Furthermore, anaesthetic induction with propofol would be especially recommended for dogs with tear deficiencies.
Coupling of fermionic fields with mass dimension one to the O'Raifeartaigh model
Authors: Wunderle Kai E. , Dick Rainer 
Published: October 2014

We discuss the coupling of fermionic fields with mass dimension one to the O'Raifeartaigh model to study supersymmetry breaking for these fermions. We find that the coupled model has two distinct solutions. The first solution represents a local minimum of the superpotential which spontaneously breaks supersymmetry in perfect analogy to the O'Raifeartaigh model. The second solution is more intriguing as it corresponds to a global minimum of the superpotential. In this case, the coupling to the fermionic sector restores supersymmetry. However, this is achieved at the cost of breaking Lorentz invariance. Finally, the mass matrices for the multiplets of the coupled model are presented. It turns out that it contains two bosonic triplets and one fermionic doublet which are mass multiplets. In addition, it contains a massless fermionic doublet as well as one fermionic triplet which is not a mass multiplet but rather an interaction multiplet that contains component fields of different mass dimension. The results also imply that the presented model for fermionic fields with mass dimension one is an interesting candidate for supersymmetric dark matter (DM).
Circulating pEGFR Is a Candidate Response Biomarker of Cetuximab Therapy in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Katsila Theodora , Juliachs Mercè , Gregori Josep , Macarulla Teresa , Villarreal Laura , Bardelli Alberto , Torrance Chris , Elez Elena , Tabernero Josep , Villanueva Josep 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Purpose: The lack of secreted biomarkers measurable by noninvasive tests hampers the development of effective targeted therapies against cancer. Our hypothesis is that cetuximab (an anti-EGFR mAb) induces a specific secretome in colorectal cancer cells that could be exploited for biomarker discovery.
Experimental Design: Considering the strong correlation between mutated KRAS and a lack of response to cetuximab therapy, we addressed whether performing secretome-based proteomics on isogenic colorectal cancer cells sharing the KRAS mutations found on patients would yield candidate-secreted biomarkers useful in the clinical setting. Because 2D culture did not optimally model the sensitivity/resistance to cetuximab observed in colorectal cancer patients, we moved to 3D spheroids, developing a methodology for both cell-based assays and quantitative proteomics.
Results: A large comparative quantitative proteomic analysis of the 3D secretomes of colorectal cancer isogenic cells treated with cetuximab uncovered an EGFR pathway-centric secretome found only when cells grow in 3D. The validation of the secretome findings in plasma of colorectal cancer patients, suggests that phosphorylated-EGFR (pEGFR) is a candidate-secreted biomarker of response to cetuximab.
Conclusions: We have proved that 3D spheroids from colorectal cancer cells generate secretomes with a drug-sensitivity profile that correlates well with patients with colorectal cancer, illustrating molecular connections between intracellular and extracellular signaling. Furthermore, we show how the secretion of pEGFR is associated with the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to cetuximab and the response of patients with colorectal cancer to the drug. Our work could allow the noninvasive monitoring of anti-EGFR treatment in patients with colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 20(24); 6346–56. ©2014 AACR.
α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Is Expressed in Human Atherosclerosis and Inhibits Disease in Mice—Brief Report
Authors: Johansson Maria E. , Ulleryd Marcus A. , Bernardi Angelina , Lundberg Anna M. , Andersson Annica , Folkersen Lasse , Fogelstrand Linda , Islander Ulrika , Yan Zhong-qun , Hansson Göran K. 
Published: October 2014

Objective—

Cholinergic pathways of the autonomic nervous system are known to modulate inflammation. Because atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, we tested whether cholinergic signaling operates in this disease. We have analyzed the expression of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) in human atherosclerotic plaques and studied its effects on the development of atherosclerosis in the hypercholesterolemic
Ldlr
–/–
mouse model.

Approach and Results—

α7nAChR protein was detected on T cells and macrophages in surgical specimens of human atherosclerotic plaques. To study the role of α7nAChR signaling in atherosclerosis, male
Ldlr
–/–
mice were lethally irradiated and reconstituted with bone marrow from wild-type or α7nAChR-deficient animals. Ablation of hematopoietic cell α7nAChR increased aortic atherosclerosis by 72%. This was accompanied by increased aortic interferon-γ mRNA, implying increased Th1 activity in the absence of α7nAChR signaling.

Conclusions—
The present study shows that signaling through hematopoietic α7nAChR inhibits atherosclerosis and suggests that it operates by modulating immune inflammation. Given the observation that α7nAChR is expressed by T cells and macrophages in human plaques, our findings support the notion that cholinergic regulation may act to inhibit disease development also in man.
Phospholipid Transfer Protein Destabilizes Mouse Atherosclerotic Plaque
Authors: Zhang Ke , Liu Xiaoling , Yu Yang , Luo Tian , Wang Lin , Ge Chen , Liu Xinxin , Song Jiantao , Jiang Xiancheng , Zhang Yun , Qin Shucun , Zhang Mei 
Published: October 2014

Objective—
Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) accelerates the development of atherosclerosis in mouse models. We examined the role of PLTP in atherosclerotic plaque stability.

Approach and Results—

We prepared apolipoprotein E and PLTP double-knockout (PLTP
−/−
ApoE
−/−
) mice. PLTP deficiency significantly decreased lesion size and reduced monocyte/macrophage infiltration, as well as macrophage apoptosis in lesion areas. Moreover, it increased fibrous content in plaques, which suggests that PLTP may affect atherosclerotic plaque stability. Importantly, PLTP overexpression mediated by adenovirus had the reverse effect. It promoted the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in macrophages, which could lead to cell apoptosis and increased the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. PLTP overexpression could promote receptor-interacting protein 3 recruitment of macrophages in cytoplasm, which could induce reactive oxygen species, thus inducing atherogenesis.

Conclusions—
PLTP plays an important role in modulating the stability of atherosclerotic plaques. The receptor-interacting protein 3- reactive oxygen species signal pathway could be involved in this PLTP-mediated process.
HIV Infection and Cardiovascular Disease in Women
Authors: Womack Julie A. , Chang Chung‐Chou H. , So‐Armah Kaku A. , Alcorn Charles , Baker Jason V. , Brown Sheldon T. , Budoff Matthew , Butt Adeel A. , Gibert Cynthia , Goetz Matthew Bidwell , Gottdiener John , Gottlieb Stephen , Justice Amy C. , Leaf David , McGinnis Kathleen , Rimland David , Rodriguez‐Barradas Maria C. , Sico Jason , Skanderson Melissa , Tindle Hilary , Tracy Russell P. , Warner Alberta , Freiberg Matthew S. 
Published: October 2014

Background

HIV
infection is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) in men. Whether
HIV
is an independent risk factor for
CVD
in women has not yet been established.

Methods and Results

We analyzed data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study on 2187 women (32%
HIV
infected [
HIV
+
]) who were free of
CVD
at baseline. Participants were followed from their first clinical encounter on or after April 01, 2003 until a
CVD
event, death, or the last follow‐up date (December 31, 2009). The primary outcome was
CVD
(acute myocardial infarction [
AMI
], unstable angina, ischemic stroke, and heart failure).
CVD
events were defined using clinical data, International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, and/or death certificate data. We used Cox proportional hazards models to assess the association between
HIV
and incident
CVD
, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, lipids, smoking, blood pressure, diabetes, renal disease, obesity, hepatitis C, and substance use/abuse. Median follow‐up time was 6.0 years. Mean age at baseline of
HIV
+
and
HIV
uninfected (
HIV
−
) women was 44.0 versus 43.2 years (
P
<0.05). Median time to
CVD
event was 3.1 versus 3.7 years (
P
=0.11). There were 86 incident
CVD
events (53%,
HIV
+
):
AMI,
13%; unstable angina, 8%; ischemic stroke, 22%; and heart failure, 57%. Incident
CVD
/1000 person‐years was significantly higher among
HIV
+
(13.5; 95% confidence interval [
CI]
=10.1, 18.1) than
HIV
−
women (5.3; 95%
CI
=3.9, 7.3;
P
<0.001).
HIV
+
women had an increased risk of
CVD,
compared to
HIV
−
(hazard ratio=2.8; 95%
CI
=1.7, 4.6;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

HIV
is associated with an increased risk of
CVD
in women.