bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy on clinical T3 prostate cancer: experience of a single centre with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Gözen Ali S. , Akin Yigit , Ates Mutlu , Hruza Marcel , Rassweiler Jens 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate the oncological safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) for patients with clinical T3 (cT3) prostate cancer compared with patients with cT1 and cT2 prostate cancer.Patients and MethodsIn all, 2375 consecutive LRPs were evaluated between 1999 and 2013. Of the 1751 patients enrolled with complete follow‐up data (>24 months), patients were divided into three groups according to clinical stage of prostate cancer using Tumour‐Node‐Metastasis (TNM) classification. Group 1 consisted of patients with cT1 stage prostate cancer, group 2 those with cT2, and group 3 those with cT3. Demographic, postoperative, and long‐term data of patients were recorded and statistical analyses were performed.ResultsThe mean (sd) age was 63.6 (6.2) years. The mean (sd) follow‐up was 104 (28.4) months. There were 417 patients in group 1, 842 patients in group 2, and 492 patients in group 3. The mean prostate‐specific antigen level, biopsy Gleason score, tumour volume, body mass index, and age, were all higher in group 3 (P < 0.001). Nerve‐sparing techniques were used more in group 1 than in the other groups (P < 0.001). Extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, Gleason score, positive surgical margin (PSM), and rate of adjuvant hormone and radiotherapies were highest in group 3. However, urinary continence was similar in all groups. Group 1 contained the most patients with an erection sufficient for intercourse. Group 1 had the best cancer‐specific survival rate, whereas overall survival (OS) rates and complications were similar in all groups.ConclusionLRP seems effective and safe for patients with cT3 prostate cancer with similar OS rates as for those with cT1 and cT2; however, additional therapies may have contributed to these rates. LRP can be considered for the treatment of patients with cT3 prostate cancer.
An intervention to preschool children for reducing screen time: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yilmaz G. , Demirli Caylan N. , Karacan C. D. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground Screen time, defined as time spent watching television, DVDs, or videos or playing computer or video games, has been related to serious health consequences in children, such as impaired language acquisition, violent behaviour, tobacco smoking and obesity. Our aim was to determine if a simple intervention aimed at preschool‐aged children, applied at the health maintenance visits, in the primary care setting, would be effective in reducing screen time.Methods We used a two group randomized controlled trial design. Two‐ to 6‐year‐old children and their parents were randomly assigned to receive an intervention to reduce their screen time, BMI and parental report of aggressive behaviour. At the end of the intervention we made home visits at 2, 6 and 9 months and the parents completed questionnaire.Results Parents in the intervention group reported less screen time and less aggressive behaviour than those in the control group but there were no differences in BMI z scores.Conclusions This study shows that a preschool‐based intervention can lead to reductions in young children's television/video viewing.
Effects of classroom bilingualism on task‐shifting, verbal memory, and word learning in children
Authors: Kaushanskaya Margarita , Gross Megan , Buac Milijana 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe examined the effects of classroom bilingual experience in children on an array of cognitive skills. Monolingual English‐speaking children were compared with children who spoke English as the native language and who had been exposed to Spanish in the context of dual‐immersion schooling for an average of 2 years. The groups were compared on a measure of non‐linguistic task‐shifting; measures of verbal short‐term and working memory; and measures of word learning. The two groups of children did not differ on measures of non‐linguistic task‐shifting and verbal short‐term memory. However, the classroom‐exposure bilingual group outperformed the monolingual group on the measure of verbal working memory and a measure of word learning. Together, these findings indicate that while exposure to a second language in a classroom setting may not be sufficient to engender changes in cognitive control, it can facilitate verbal memory and verbal learning.
Detecting ‘infant‐directedness' in face and voice
Authors: Kim Hojin I. , Johnson Scott P. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractFive‐ and 3‐month‐old infants' perception of infant‐directed (ID) faces and the role of speech in perceiving faces were examined. Infants' eye movements were recorded as they viewed a series of two side‐by‐side talking faces, one infant‐directed and one adult‐directed (AD), while listening toIDspeech,ADspeech, or in silence. Infants showed consistently greater dwell time onIDfaces vs.ADfaces, and thisIDface preference was consistent across all three sound conditions.IDspeech resulted in higher looking overall, but it did not increase looking at theIDfaceper se. Together, these findings demonstrate that infants' preferences forIDspeech extend toIDfaces.
Infants track word forms in early word–object associations
Authors: Zamuner Tania S. , Fais Laurel , Werker Janet F. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA central component of language development is word learning. One characterization of this process is that language learners discover objects and then look for word forms to associate with these objects (Mcnamara, ; Smith, ). Another possibility is that word forms themselves are also important, such that once learned, hearing a familiar word form will lead young word learners to look for an object to associate with it (Juscyzk, ). This research investigates the relative weighing of word forms and objects in early word–object associations using the anticipatory eye‐movement paradigm (AEM; McMurray & Aslin, ). Eighteen‐month‐old infants and adults were taught novel word–object associations and then tested on ambiguous stimuli that pitted word forms and objects against each other. Results revealed a change in weighing of these components across development. For 18‐month‐old infants, word forms weighed more in early word–object associative learning, while for adults, objects were more salient. Our results suggest that infants preferentially use word forms to guide the process of word–object association.
Parameter‐based assessment of disturbed and intact components of visual attention in children with developmental dyslexia
Authors: Bogon Johanna , Finke Kathrin , Schulte‐Körne Gerd , Müller Hermann J. , Schneider Werner X. , Stenneken Prisca 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPeople with developmental dyslexia (DD) have been shown to be impaired in tasks that require the processing of multiple visual elements in parallel. It has been suggested that this deficit originates from disturbed visual attentional functions. The parameter‐based assessment of visual attention based on Bundesen's () theory of visual attention allows one to identify and quantify the underlying deficits. The present study provides the first groupwise comparison between children withDD(n = 12; mean age 9.84 years) and typically developing children (n = 12; mean age 9.87 years) with regard to intact and disturbed components of visual attention. From the performance on whole‐ and partial‐report tasks, we derived individual parameter estimates of four different parameters: visual processing speed, storage capacity of visual short‐term memory (VSTM), laterality of attentional weighting and efficiency of top‐down control. Groupwise comparisons revealed that general attentional resources, processing speed andVSTMstorage capacity, are impaired in children withDDcompared to typically developing children. In contrast, selectivity parameters, laterality of attentional selection and attentional top‐down control did not differ between these groups. Relating the current findings to previous results, obtained in highly comparable methodological settings, from single cases of children withDD, and from a group of adults withDD, we conclude that slowed perceptual processing speed is a primary visual attentional deficit inDD. Furthermore, reducedVSTMstorage capacity seems to modulate the difficulties in written language processing imposed by the disorder.
Early predictors of middle school fraction knowledge
Authors: Bailey Drew H. , Siegler Robert S. , Geary David C. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractRecent findings that earlier fraction knowledge predicts later mathematics achievement raise the question of what predicts later fraction knowledge. Analyses of longitudinal data indicated that whole number magnitude knowledge in first grade predicted knowledge of fraction magnitudes in middle school, controlling for whole number arithmetic proficiency, domain general cognitive abilities, parental income and education, race, and gender. Similarly, knowledge of whole number arithmetic in first grade predicted knowledge of fraction arithmetic in middle school, controlling for whole number magnitude knowledge in first grade and the other control variables. In contrast, neither type of early whole number knowledge uniquely predicted middle school reading achievement. We discuss the implications of these findings for theories of numerical development and for improving mathematics learning.
Fracture resistance of endodontically restored, weakened incisors
Authors: Cauwels Rita G. E. C. , Lassila Lippo V. J. , Martens Luc C. , Vallittu Pekka K. , Verbeeck Ronald M. H. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo test the fracture strength of weakened bovine incisors endodontically treated with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), calcium phosphate bone cement (CPBC) or fibre reinforced composite (FRC) posts, and to evaluate the fracture mode.MethodsWeakened bovine incisors (n = 75), standardized according to the dentinal wall thickness at the cervical area, were randomly assigned to one control group and three experimental groups. Unfilled teeth were assigned to group 1 (n = 20) and served as control group. Group 2 (n = 17) consisted of teeth filled with MTA. In group 3 (n = 18), the incisors were filled with CPBC and in group 4 (n = 20) with FRC posts. All specimens were subjected to load at a cross‐head speed of 60 mm min−1 until fracture occurred. The initial (IL) and final fracture (FL) loads (N) were recorded, and the failure mode among the different groups was evaluated.Resultsanova showed a statistically significant difference in fracture load among the groups. Tukey's test revealed a significant difference for the IL between the control group and the experimental groups with exception of the MTA group. The FL was not significantly different among the experimental groups. A high percentage of favourable fractures was seen in the FRC and CPBC groups.ConclusionFRC posts and CPBC could be promising materials to strengthen non‐vital structurally compromised teeth.
Prevention of depression in patients with acute coronary syndrome (DECARD) randomized trial: effects on and by self‐reported health
Authors: Hjorthøj Carsten Rygaard , Hansen Baiba Hedegaard , Hanash Jamal Abed , Rasmussen Alice , Birket‐Smith Morten 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimEscitalopram may prevent depression following acute coronary syndrome. We sought to estimate the effects of escitalopram on self‐reported health and to identify subgroups with higher efficacy.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of a 12‐month double‐blind clinical trial randomizing non‐depressed acute coronary syndrome patients to escitalopram (n = 120) or matching placebo (n = 120). The main outcomes were mean scores on Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36) domains, and diagnosis of depression was adjusted for baseline SF‐36 scores.ResultsEscitalopram did not yield different SF‐36 trajectories on any scale compared with placebo (P > 0.28). Efficacy of escitalopram may have been better among those scoring at least the normative score on general health perceptions (hazard ratio (HR) for depression 0.17 (95% confidence interval 0.02–1.42) ) or social functioning (HR = 0.12 (0.02–0.99) ) than in the full sample of patients (HR = 0.20 (0.04–0.90) ), although not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe SF‐36 may be too broad an outcome measure in trials or treatments that seek to prevent depression following acute coronary syndrome. The SF‐36 may, however, indicate who is more likely to benefit from treatment.
Negative symptoms and impaired social functioning predict later psychosis in Latino youth at clinical high risk in the North American prodromal longitudinal studies consortium
Authors: Alderman Tracy , Addington Jean , Bearden Carrie , Cannon Tyrone D. , Cornblatt Barbara A. , McGlashan Thomas H. , Perkins Diana O. , Seidman Larry J. , Tsuang Ming T. , Walker Elaine F. , Woods Scott W. , Cadenhead Kristin S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimExamining ethnically related variables in evaluating those at risk for psychosis is critical. This study investigated sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of Latino versus non‐Latino clinical high‐risk (CHR) subjects and healthy control (HC) subjects in the first North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study.MethodsFifty‐six Latino CHR subjects were compared to 25 Latino HC and 423 non‐Latino CHR subjects across clinical and demographic variables. Thirty‐nine of the 56 CHR subjects completed at least one subsequent clinical evaluation over the 2.5‐year period with 39% developing a psychotic illness. Characteristics of Latino CHR subjects who later converted to psychosis (‘converters’) were compared to those who did not (‘non‐converters’).ResultsLatino CHR subjects were younger than non‐Latino CHR subjects and had less education than Latino HC subjects and non‐Latino CHR counterparts. Latino CHR converters had higher scores than Latino non‐converters on the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes total negative symptoms that were accounted for by decreased expression of emotion and personal hygiene/social attentiveness subsections. Latino CHR converters scored lower on the global functioning:social scale, indicating worse social functioning than Latino non‐converters.ConclusionBased on this sample, Latino CHR subjects may seek treatment earlier and have less education than non‐Latino CHR subjects. Deficits in social functioning and impaired personal hygiene/social attentiveness among Latino CHR subjects predicted later psychosis and may represent important areas for future study. Larger sample sizes are needed to more thoroughly investigate the observed ethnic differences and risk factors for psychosis in Latino youth.
Perceptions of family criticism and warmth and their link to symptom expression in racially/ethnically diverse adolescents and young adults at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Tsai Katherine H. , López Steve , Marvin Sarah , Zinberg Jamie , Cannon Tyrone D. , O'Brien Mary , Bearden Carrie E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimLittle is known about the role of expressed emotion (EE) in early symptom expression in individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis. In patients with established schizophrenia, the effects of EE on clinical outcomes have purportedly varied across racial/ethnic groups, but this has not yet been investigated among CHR patients. Furthermore, studies have traditionally focused upon caregiver levels of EE via interview‐based ratings, whereas the literature on patient perceptions of caregiver EE on psychosis symptoms is relatively limited.MethodsLinear regression models were conducted to examine the impact of criticism and perceived warmth in the family environment, from the CHR patient's perspective, on positive and negative symptom expression in non‐Latino white (NLW; n = 38) and Latino (n = 11) adolescents and young adults at CHR for developing psychosis.ResultsAnalyses examining the sample as a whole demonstrated that perceived levels of maternal criticism were negatively associated with negative CHR symptomatology. Additional analyses indicated that race/ethnicity moderated the relationship between criticism/warmth and clinical symptomatology. We found evidence of a contrasting role of patient perceived criticism and warmth depending upon the patient's race/ethnicity.ConclusionFamily processes shown to impact the course of schizophrenia among NLWs may function differently among Latino than NLW patients. These findings have important implications for the development of culturally appropriate interventions and may aid efforts to improve the effectiveness of mental health services for diverse adolescents and young adults at CHR for psychosis. Given the small sample size of this study, analyses should be replicated in a larger study before more definitive conclusions can be made.
Treatment of the acute sickle cell vaso‐occlusive crisis in the Emergency Department: a Brazilian method of switching from intravenous to oral morphine
Authors: Campos Jessica , Lobo Clarisse , Queiroz Ana Maria Mach , do Nascimento Emilia Matos , Lima Carlos Bernardo , Cardoso Gilberto , Ballas Samir K. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivesDescribe the treatment of patients with vaso‐occlusive crises (VOC) in a Brazilian emergency department (ED) and the successful switch from intravenous to oral morphine.Patients and methodsWe analyzed records of 315 patients with sickle cell disease using two different protocols for pain: one in March 2010 prescribing intravenous morphine every 4 h throughout their stay, and another in March 2011 and 2012 prescribing one initial dose of intravenous morphine followed by equianalgesic doses of oral morphine every 4 h. Patients were triaged into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe VOC. The mild group was treated within 1 h after triage, the moderate within 30 min and the severe was treated immediately. Patients whose pain was not relieved within 6 h after the first dose of morphine were transferred into a different holding area of the ED where they continued to receive the same treatment for 48 h after which they were hospitalized if still in pain.ResultsThe number of patients who stayed <24 h in the ED increased significantly from 63 in 2010 to 87 in 2012, and the number of admissions decreased from 26 in 2010 to 10 in 2012. The incidence of acute chest syndrome decreased from 8.5% in 2010 to 1.9% in 2012.ConclusionPatients treated with oral morphine stayed a shorter time in the ED, had more pain relief, were admitted less frequently, and had less acute chest syndrome. These differences may be due to environmental, cultural, psychological, and pharmacogenetic factors.
Antiepileptic drug use in seven electronic health record databases in Europe: A methodologic comparison
Authors: de Groot Mark C. H. , Schuerch Markus , de Vries Frank , Hesse Ulrik , Oliva Belén , Gil Miguel , Huerta Consuelo , Requena Gema , de Abajo Francisco , Afonso Ana S. , Souverein Patrick C. , Alvarez Yolanda , Slattery Jim , Rottenkolber Marietta , Schmiedl Sven , Van Dijk Liset , Schlienger Raymond G. , Reynolds Robert , Klungel Olaf H. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveThe annual prevalence of antiepileptic drug (AED) prescribing reported in the literature differs considerably among European countries due to use of different type of data sources, time periods, population distribution, and methodologic differences. This study aimed to measure prevalence of AED prescribing across seven European routine health care databases in Spain, Denmark, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany using a standardized methodology and to investigate sources of variation.MethodsAnalyses on the annual prevalence of AEDs were stratified by sex, age, and AED. Overall prevalences were standardized to the European 2008 reference population.ResultsPrevalence of any AED varied from 88 per 10,000 persons (The Netherlands) to 144 per 10,000 in Spain and Denmark in 2001. In all databases, prevalence increased linearly: from 6% in Denmark to 15% in Spain each year since 2001. This increase could be attributed entirely to an increase in “new,” recently marketed AEDs while prevalence of AEDs that have been available since the mid‐1990s, hardly changed. AED use increased with age for both female and male patients up to the ages of 80 to 89 years old and tended to be somewhat higher in female than in male patients between the ages of 40 and 70. No differences between databases in the number of AEDs used simultaneously by a patient were found.SignificanceWe showed that during the study period of 2001–2009, AED prescribing increased in five European Union (EU) countries and that this increase was due entirely to the newer AEDs marketed since the 1990s. Using a standardized methodology, we showed consistent trends across databases and countries over time. Differences in age and sex distribution explained only part of the variation between countries. Therefore, remaining variation in AED use must originate from other differences in national health care systems.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Enhanced sun protection of nano‐sized metal oxide particles over conventional metal oxide particles: An in vitro comparative study
Authors: Singh P. , Nanda A. 
Published: February 2014

SynopsisBackgroundA systematic and detailed study has been designed and conducted, taking into account some of the proposed benefits such as increased efficiency, transparency, unique texture, protection of active ingredient and higher consumer compliance of cosmetics containing nano‐sized metal oxides.MethodsThis study also presents an in vitro method to determine sun protection factor of the investigational sunscreen cream samples containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with a varied range of particle size. Finally, a comparative study has been conducted between metal oxide particles, conventional as well as nanoparticles.ResultsAll the skin cosmetics formulated were thermally stable with a pH ranging from 7.9 to 8.2. Moreover, the fatty acid substance content and residue were found to be analogous to the standard values in each skin cosmetic. The skin cosmetics containing the titanium or zinc oxide nanoparticles were found to have improved spreadability as compared to skin cosmetics containing conventional titanium or zinc oxide particles, respectively. All skin cosmetics were found to have uniform distribution of the particles. The sunscreen creams containing zinc oxide nanoparticles and titanium dioxide nanoparticles were found to have higher in vitro sun protection factor (SPF of 3.65 for ZnO nanoparticles and 4.93 for TiO2 nanoparticles) as compared to that of sunscreen creams containing conventional zinc oxide particles (SPF = 2.90) and conventional titanium dioxide (SPF = 1.29), clearly indicating the effect of reduction in particles size, from micro to nano, on the sun protection factor.ConclusionGood texture, better spreadability and enhanced in vitro SPF proved the advantageous role of nanoparticles in cosmetics.