bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment practices of Canadian occupational therapists working with adults with mental disorders
Authors: Rouleau Suzanne , Dion Karyne , Korner-Bitensky Nicol 
Published: January 2015

Background. Little is known about assessment practices of occupational therapists working with adults with mental disorders. Purpose. This study investigates the assessment practices of occupational therapists working with clients experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia or major depressive disorder. Method. We conducted a national survey of assessment practices using case vignettes of hypothetical clients. Findings. From 343 vignettes completed by 286 respondents, 68.4% included the use of one or more standardized measures during treatment. Measures were rarely repeated. Results showed that the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was the most frequently used, suggesting a focus on assessing global functioning, while the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills was listed as the most desired assessment tool. Implementing nonstandardized assessments was common. Implications. Despite wide variations in occupational therapists’ assessment practices, the use of standardized assessments is prevalent. The low rate of repeated measures (0% to 25.9%) suggests a need to better monitor changes and treatment outcomes.
Empowering people to change occupational behaviours to address critical global issues
Authors: Ikiugu Moses N. , Westerfield Madeline A. , Lien Jamie M. , Theisen Emily R. , Cerny Shana L. , Nissen Ranelle M. 
Published: January 2015

Background. The greatest threat to human well-being in this century is climate change and related global issues. Purpose. We examined the effectiveness of the Modified Instrumentalism in Occupational Therapy model as a framework for facilitating occupational behaviour change to address climate change and related issues. Method. Eleven individuals participated in this mixed-methods single-subject-design study. Data were gathered using the Modified Assessment and Intervention Instrument for Instrumentalism in Occupational Therapy and Daily Occupational Inventories. Quantitative data were analyzed using two– and three–standard deviation band methods. Qualitative data were analyzed using heuristic phenomenological procedures. Findings. Occupational performance changed for five participants. Participants’ feelings shifted from frustration and helplessness to empowerment and a desire for action. They felt empowered to find occupation-based solutions to the global issues. Implications. Occupation-based interventions that increase personal awareness of the connection between occupational performance and global issues could empower people to be agents for action to ameliorate the issues.
Effects of edutainment on knowledge and perceptions of Lisu mothers about the immunisation of their children
Authors: Dway Ngwa Sar , Soonthornworasiri Ngamphol , Jandee Kasemsak , Lawpoolsri Saranath , Pan-Ngum Wirichada , Sinthuvanich Daorirk , Kaewkungwal Jaranit 
Published: January 2015

Objective: This study assessed the immediate effects of edutainment modules on changes in knowledge and perceptions towards the Expanded Programme for Immunisation (EPI) among an under served minority (Lisu) population. Method: An edutainment module was developed on mobile tablets for use by village health volunteers. As the study was conducted among a vulnerable population in a low-resource setting, it was designed as a simple pre–post assessment without a comparison group. Results: Participating Lisu mothers accepted and understood the edutainment module, and the intervention appears to have successfully improved their knowledge and perceptions of EPI. Tests showed a significant immediate improvement in knowledge, and an increasing proportion of participants reported having positive perceptions of the EPI process. The edutainment module may be an effective tool for highlighting the importance of appropriate practices and addressing misconceptions. Conclusion: The edutainment modules were considered user-friendly and attractive health-promotion tools by both health-care providers and villagers. This initiative’s effect on knowledge and perceptions towards child immunisation programmes among this group showed the positive potential of using modern technology when approaching hard-to-reach, under-vaccinated populations.
Experienced and anticipated discrimination among people with major depressive disorder in Serbia
Authors: Milačić Vidojević Ivona , Dragojević Nada , Tošković Oliver 
Published: January 2015

Background: Experiences of discrimination have significant impact on the lives of people with mental illness. Aim: This study investigates the nature and severity of experienced and anticipated discrimination reported by persons with a depressive disorder in Serbia. Methods: Patients were recruited from two psychiatric day hospitals and a primary mental health service with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Interviews were conducted using a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Discrimination and Stigma Scale. Results: The respondents experienced discrimination mostly in the field of family relationships, making and keeping friends and keeping a job. In domains of making close personal relationships or applying for education, anticipated discrimination was higher than experienced. The need to conceal mental health problems was stronger than experiences of being avoided. The need to hide mental health problems was higher than the overall score for experienced discrimination. Participants who were hospitalized in some period of life reported higher experienced discrimination. Compared to younger participants, older participants experienced more negative as well as positive discrimination. Married participants experienced more negative discrimination than unmarried. Conclusion: It is important to design interventions to overcome discrimination toward persons with depression at all levels.
Developmental Trajectories of Individuals’ Code of the Street Beliefs through Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Moule Richard K. , Burt Callie H. , Stewart Eric A. , Simons Ronald L. 
Published: January 2015

Objectives: This study seeks to contribute to research on the patterning and stability of code of the street beliefs. We describe trajectories of street code beliefs from late childhood to emerging adulthood and investigate social factors that influence membership in and distinguish between trajectories. Methods: Using six waves of panel data from the Family and Community Health Study, group-based trajectory models were estimated to describe developmental patterns of street code beliefs from age 10 to 26. Correlates of street code beliefs, including racial discrimination, parenting practices, and neighborhood crime, were used to predict trajectory membership. Results: Analyses identified five distinct trajectories of street code beliefs. Four trajectories were largely stable across the study period; however, one group, comprised of 12 percent of the sample, dramatically declined in beliefs. Being male and experiencing racial discrimination significantly distinguish between all of the trajectories. Parental monitoring and perceptions of neighborhood crime differentiate between the declining trajectory and the stable trajectories. Conclusions: Findings provide insights into the developmental patterns and correlates, of street code beliefs. Results suggest beliefs are malleable but remain largely stable and underscore the need for more nuanced, longitudinal approaches to the code of the street.
Association between neurovascular contact and clinical characteristics in classical trigeminal neuralgia: A prospective clinical study using 3.0 Tesla MRI
Authors: Maarbjerg Stine , Wolfram Frauke , Gozalov Aydin , Olesen Jes , Bendtsen Lars 
Published: January 2015

Background Previous studies demonstrated that a severe neurovascular contact (NVC) causing displacement or atrophy of the trigeminal nerve is highly associated with classical trigeminal neuralgia (TN). There are no studies describing the association between the clinical characteristics of TN and severe NVC. Methods Clinical characteristics were prospectively collected from consecutive TN patients using semi-structured interviews in a cross-sectional study design. We evaluated 3.0 Tesla MRI blinded to the symptomatic side. Results We included 135 TN patients. Severe NVC was more prevalent in men (75%) compared to women (38%) ( p < 0.001), and the odds in favor of severe NVC on the symptomatic side were 5.1 times higher in men compared to women (95% CI 2.3–10.9, p < 0.001). There was no difference between patients with and without severe NVC in age (≥60 years vs. <60) (OR 1.6 95% CI (0.8–3.4), p = 0.199) or duration of disease ( p = 0.101). Conclusions Severe NVC was much more prevalent in men than in women, who may more often have other disease etiologies causing or contributing to TN. Severe NVC was not associated with age or with duration of disease.
Temozolomide retreatment in a recurrent prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma: Hormonal and radiographic response
Authors: Strowd RE , Salvatori R , Laterra JJ 
Published: January 2015

Background Temozolomide is an oral alkylating agent with schedule-dependent antitumor activity against high-grade malignancies including high-grade glioma. Increasingly, reports have suggested that temozolomide may have activity as a salvage therapy for aggressive, recurrent pituitary adenomas or carcinomas that fail surgery, radiation and other pharmacotherapy. To our knowledge, temozolomide retreatment following initial responsiveness has not previously been demonstrated. Case report A woman was diagnosed with a prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma in 1995 (age 44). Despite bromocriptine therapy, transphenoidal resection, radiotherapy, and cabergoline treatment she experienced continued clinico-radiographic progression, and temozolomide was initiated in 2011. She received three treatment cycles with rapid, dramatic clinico-radiographic response, and 99.3% reduction in serum prolactin. After three years of close observation, she developed recurrent radiographic progression and prolactin elevation. She was re-initiated on temozolomide, and after four cycles, clinical, radiographic and hormonal response was observed with a 92.2% reduction in serum prolactin. Conclusions/Summary Temozolomide is an increasingly described treatment option for refractory pituitary adenomas and carcinomas. In the current report, we document rapid biochemical response following retreatment with temozolomide in aggressive pituitary adenoma. When “off label” salvage therapy with temozolomide is offered for patients with recurrent prolactinomas, retreatment at the time of recurrence can be considered.
A genetic variant regulating miR-126 is associated with sight threatening diabetic retinopathy
Authors: McAuley Annie K , Dirani Mohamed , Wang Jie Jin , Connell Paul P , Lamoureux Ecosse L , Hewitt Alex W 
Published: January 2015

Background: The regulation of miR-126 by rs4636297 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neovascularisation by promoting vascular endothelial growth factor, suggesting it could be associated with sight threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR), but has not been previously investigated or reported. Materials and methods: A case control study of 531 individuals with diabetes was genotyped for the rs4636297 SNP, using the Sequenom iPLEX Gold chemistry. STDR included people with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Association was tested using logistic regression analysis, adjusting for confounding variables. Results: In an additive model, the A allele of rs4636297 SNP is significantly associated with STDR compared to people with none or mild diabetic retinopathy (DR) (odds ratio (OR) = 2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22–3.35, p = 0.006). Conclusion: The A allele of rs4636297, known to be the non-functional allele for post-translational regulation of miR-126, is associated with STDR. This finding suggests that this locus would be a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting the development of DR.
The advanced glycation end product methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 and early signs of atherosclerosis in childhood diabetes
Authors: Heier Martin , Margeirsdottir Hanna Dis , Torjesen Peter Abusdal , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Stensæth Knut Haakon , Gaarder Mario , Brunborg Cathrine , Hanssen Kristian Folkvord , Dahl-Jørgensen Knut 
Published: January 2015

Background: Advanced protein glycation is an important mechanism for the development of late diabetic complications including atherosclerosis. Methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 is the most abundant advanced glycation end product in human plasma. Aim: To investigate the relationship between methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 and early signs of atherosclerosis in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls. Methods: A total of 314 diabetes patients aged 8–18 years were compared with 120 healthy controls. Serum methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 was measured by immunoassay. Atherosclerosis was evaluated by assessing carotid intima-media thickness by ultrasound, arterial stiffness by Young’s modulus and inflammation by C-reactive protein. Results: Methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 was significantly increased in the diabetes group compared with controls, 155.3 (standard deviation (SD) = 41.0) versus 143.0 (SD = 35.1) U/mL, p = 0.003, as was C-reactive protein, median 0.51 (0.27, 1.83) versus 0.31 (0.19, 0.67) mg/L, p < 0.001. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding carotid intima-media thickness or Young’s modulus. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant positive association between methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 and C-reactive protein in the diabetes group. Conclusion: Serum levels of methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 in diabetes patients are increased and associated with low-grade inflammation, but not yet arterial stiffness or wall thickness. This indicates that methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 may be important in the early phase of the accelerated atherosclerotic process in diabetes.
Adoptive T-cell therapy with hexon-specific Th1 cells as a treatment of refractory adenovirus infection after HSCT
Authors: Feucht Judith , Opherk Kathrin , Lang Peter , Kayser Simone , Hartl Lena , Bethge Wolfgang , Matthes-Martin Susanne , Bader Peter , Albert Michael H. , Maecker-Kolhoff Britta , Greil Johann , Einsele Hermann , Schlegel Paul-Gerhardt , Schuster Friedhelm R. , Kremens Bernhard , Rossig Claudia , Gruhn Bernd , Handgretinger Rupert , Feuchtinger Tobias 
Published: January 2015

Key Points
Adoptive transfer of TH-1 cells is a safe and effective treatment of refractory AdV infection after stem cell transplantation. AdV-related mortality was 9.5% in patients with a response to ACT (overall survival 71%) compared with 100% mortality in nonresponders.
Long-range gene regulation and novel therapeutic applications
Authors: van den Heuvel Anita , Stadhouders Ralph , Andrieu-Soler Charlotte , Grosveld Frank , Soler Eric 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
An intimate relationship exists between nuclear architecture and gene activity. Unraveling the fine-scale three-dimensional structure of the genome and its impact on gene regulation is a major goal of current epigenetic research, one with direct implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying human phenotypic variation and disease susceptibility. In this context, the novel revolutionary genome editing technologies and emerging new ways to manipulate genome folding offer new promises for the treatment of human disorders.
Fatal aluminum phosphide poisonings in Tirana (Albania), 2009 – 2013
Authors: Sulaj Zihni , Drishti Alert , Çeko Irena , Gashi Amarda , Vyshka Gentian 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Background
Acute poisonings particularly through pesticides have become a major public health concern in Albania during the last decade.

Findings
The number of fatalities due to aluminum phosphide intoxications was more than doubled during a five year-period from 2009 to 2013, and a cluster of suicides perpetrated with Phostoxin was registered. Several factors are accountable for such a phenomenon, including the fact that aluminum phosphide agents are freely available in the Albanian market, their price is extremely low and they are sold without any legal restriction. The mass media unfortunately warranted an emulating effect to dramatic intoxications, which gained by such means the notoriety of a secure lethal weapon.

Conclusions
Our experience with more than three hundred intoxications with aluminum phosphide agents in the last five years, showed that a considerable delay from the moment of exposure (mainly through ingestion) to specialized medical help seeking, created a considerable obstacle for a successful treatment of cases, and eventually for the survival of patients. The lack of a specific antidote adds further challenges to all these exposures. The need for public health policies aiming at prevention, awareness, and possibly the substitution of Phostoxin or other aluminum phosphide pesticides with less dangerous agents is formulated.
Influence of urban activity in modifying water parameters, concentration and uptake of heavy metals in Typha latifolia L. into a river that crosses an industrial city
Authors: Strungaru Stefan-Adrian , Nicoara Mircea , Jitar Oana , Plavan Gabriel 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Background
Heavy metals like Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co and Cr can naturally be found almost all over this planet in various amounts. Urban activities such as heavy metal industry, traffic and waste can rapidly increase the metal concentrations in a fresh water ecosystem.

Methods
This study was done in natural conditions to capture as many aspects in heavy metals pollution and bioremediation of Nicolina River, Romania considered a stream model which is under anthropogenic pressure. Water, sediment and leaves samples of Typha latifolia L. were collected during October 2013 and analyzed in order to assess certain heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co and Cr) from each sampling site using GF-HR-CS-AAS with platform. Heavy metals in significant concentrations in cattail samples were correlated with the water parameters to show the possibility to use the cattail leaves as indicators in heavy metals pollution with potential in bioremediation because they can be easily harvested in autumn and this species is spread worldwide.

Results
The levels of metals concentrations in leaves were: Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Co knowing that copper is an essential element for plants. The sampling time was important to draw the river diagnosis for heavy metal pollution. The samples were collected, from river, after more than 60 days without rain same as a “human patient” prepared for blood test. Cobalt was considered the metal marker because it was an element with the lowest level of usage in the city. Compared with it only lead, cadmium and copper were used intensively in the industrial activities.

Conclusions

T. latifolia L. can be use as an indicator for the health of the studied stream and it was noticed that the heavy metals were not accumulated, although the metal uptake was influenced by sediments and water parameters. The alkalinity of the studied river acts as an inhibitor in the bioremediation process of cattail for cadmium and copper. Lead was uptake by leaves and the water parameters influenced it but it wasn’t concentrated enough in leaves to propose this species in lead bioremediation process for Nicolina River.
Feeding in billfishes: inferring the role of the rostrum from a biomechanical standpoint
Authors: Habegger Maria L. , Dean Mason N. , Dunlop John W. C. , Mullins Gray , Stokes Michael , Huber Daniel R. , Winters Daniel , Motta Philip J. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTPerhaps the most striking feature of billfishes is the extreme elongation of the premaxillary bones forming their rostra. Surprisingly, the exact role of this structure in feeding is still controversial. The goal of this study is to investigate the use of the rostrum from a functional, biomechanical and morphological standpoint to ultimately infer its possible role during feeding. Using beam theory, experimental and theoretical loading tests were performed on the rostra from two morphologically different billfish, the blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) and the swordfish (Xiphias gladius). Two loading regimes were applied (dorsoventral and lateral) to simulate possible striking behaviors. Histological samples and material properties of the rostra were obtained along their lengths to further characterize structure and mechanical performance. Intraspecific results show similar stress distributions for most regions of the rostra, suggesting that this structure may be designed to withstand continuous loadings with no particular region of stress concentration. Although material stiffness increased distally, flexural stiffness increased proximally owing to higher second moment of area. The blue marlin rostrum was stiffer and resisted considerably higher loads for both loading planes compared with that of the swordfish. However, when a continuous load along the rostrum was considered, simulating the rostrum swinging through the water, swordfish exhibited lower stress and drag during lateral loading. Our combined results suggest that the swordfish rostrum is suited for lateral swiping to incapacitate their prey, whereas the blue marlin rostrum is better suited to strike prey from a wider variety of directions.
Reproduction potentiated in nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) and guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) by adding a synthetic peptide to their aqueous environment
Authors: Davies Keith G. , Zimmerman Brian , Dudley Ed , Newton Russell P. , Hart John E. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
Ambient exposure to a short synthetic peptide has enhanced fecundity (number of offspring) in invertebrates and vertebrates, ostensibly by disinhibiting reproduction. In separate experiments, nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) and guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) were exposed via their aqueous environment to a dissolved synthetic hexamer (6mer) peptide, IEPVFT (EPL036), at a concentration of 1 μmol l−1. In the case of the worms, peptide was added to their aqueous buffer daily throughout the experiment (14 days); for the guppies, peptide administration was on the first 15 alternate days in a 50 week experiment. Fecundity rose by 79% among the worms. The number of descendants of the treated guppies was more than four times that of controls by week 26 (103 versus 25, including 72 juveniles versus 6), with 15.4% more estimated biomass in the test tank in total (i.e. including founders). It was deduced that treated females bred earlier, at a smaller size, and had larger brood sizes. The total number of fish in the control tank had caught up by termination, but biomass continued to lag the test tank. There were no overt signs of toxicity among either the worms or the fish. Bioinformatics has been unilluminating in explaining these results in terms, for example, of mimicry of an endogenous regulator. A mass spectrometric campaign to identify a receptor, using murine brain for expediency, proved inconclusive. Molecular modelling in silico indicated unexpectedly that the hexamer EPL036 might be acting as an antagonist, to pro-fecundity effect; that is, as a blocker of an inhibitor. This suggests that there awaits discovery an evolutionarily conserved reproductive inhibitor and its (anti-fecundity) receptor.