bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of the UK Coalition Government's Tax and Benefit Changes on Household Incomes and Work Incentives
Authors: Adam Stuart , Browne James , Elming William 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe coalition government that was in office in the UK between May 2010 and May 2015 introduced a sizeable package of tax and benefit reforms to reduce the UK's large budget deficit. We use a microsimulation model that includes a broader range of policy measures than previous studies to estimate how these reforms affected both household incomes and work incentives. We find that lower‐income working‐age households and the very richest have lost the most, while working‐age households without children in the upper‐middle of the income distribution actually gained from these reforms. Some results of our analysis are, however, highly sensitive to the choice of ‘no reform’ baseline. This is particularly true of how much pensioners have gained or lost from the reforms, since this depends critically on whether the basic state pension is increased in line with earnings or prices in the ‘no reform’ scenario. When analysing the impact of these reforms on individuals’ work incentives, we find that the coalition's changes have slightly strengthened work incentives. The participation tax rate has, on average, been reduced by 3 percentage points, perhaps a less significant strengthening of incentives than might have been expected given the scale of the coalition's benefit cuts. However, this average effect disguises considerable variation across the population; indeed, the majority of workers have seen the incentive to increase their earnings weaken, not strengthen, as a result of the coalition's reforms.
Perennial ice and snow‐covered land as important ecosystems for birds and mammals
Authors: Rosvold Jørgen 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimTo investigate the role of perennial ice and snow‐covered land in the environment of birds and mammals, and to what degree vertebrates are parts of terrestrial glacial ecosystems.LocationGlobal.MethodsThe synthesis was based on a review of existing literature.ResultsThe relationship between perennial ice and snow‐covered land and birds and mammals is generally poorly known and behaviours associated with such areas are likely underreported. Nevertheless, the review revealed that a relatively large range of species actively use and spend large amounts of time on ice covered land. Foraging or seeking relief from both climatic and different biotic factors are the main behaviours associated with these landscapes, but for some species they are also important areas for food caching, water, play and travel, and even as nesting grounds. In well‐used sites, birds and mammals are likely important contributors to the nutrient cycling of glacial ecosystems.Main conclusionsDespite increased global temperatures and rapid glacial melting in recent years, perennial ice and snow‐covered landscapes have largely escaped management attention, likely due to them being viewed as inhospitable. It is, however, becoming increasingly clear that a large range of organisms inhabit and make use of the ice, and that these areas constitute high‐quality parts of their habitats. It is therefore essential that glacierized areas are properly described, classified and managed as threatened ecosystems.
Rapid Detection of Exogenous Adulterants and Species Discrimination for a Chinese Functional Tea (Banlangen) by Fourier‐Transform Near‐Infrared (FT‐NIR) Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Authors: Xu Lu , Fu Xian‐Shu , Fu Hai‐Yan , She Yuan‐Bin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe practical adulterations of herbal tea are usually performed by adding some marker components together with adulterants, or some exogenous adulterants containing the marker components. It is difficult to detect such adulterations by the traditional analytical methods focused on a few marker components. Therefore, Fourier‐transform near‐infrared (FT‐NIR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the compositions and class models of authentic banlangen tea and to detect possible exogenous adulterants. Discrimination of two different species of banlangen tea was also performed using partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLSDA). The most accurate one‐class partial least squares (OCPLS) model was obtained with standard normal variate (SNV) transformation. SNV‐OCPLS could detect adulterations with 5% (w/w) or more dried apple skin in banlangen. For species discrimination, a total classification accuracy of 0.936 was achieved by SNV‐PLSDA. FT‐NIR spectrometry and chemometrics can provide a useful and alternative tool for rapid quality control of banlangen tea.Practical ApplicationsFT‐NIR spectrometry and chemometrics can provide a useful and alternative tool for rapid quality control of banlangen tea.
Ageing in Rett syndrome
Authors: Cianfaglione R. , Clarke A. , Kerr M. , Hastings R. P. , Oliver C. , Felce D. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim was to gain a UK national sample of people with Rett syndrome across the age range and (1) conduct a cross‐sectional comparison of age groups and (2) undertake a longitudinal follow‐up.MethodsFrom 308 potential participants approached to take part, a sample of 91 girls and women was achieved (29.5%). Their ages ranged from 4 to 47 years, and 71 were known to have a mutation in the methyl‐CpG binding protein‐2 (MECP2) gene. Seventy‐two of the initial sample were followed up 16 months later, and 50 returned completed assessments (69.4%). Their ages ranged from 7 to 48 years, and 42 were MECP2 positive. Parental questionnaire measures of Rett syndrome specific characteristics, impulsivity, overactivity, mood, interest and pleasure, repetitive behaviour and self‐injury were administered.ResultsAdaptive behaviour and behavioural characteristics of Rett syndrome were similar across age groups and, where assessed, stable over time, as were repetitive behaviours generally and self‐injury. There was some suggestion of deterioration in health arising with ageing, principally contributed to by deteriorations in dental and gastro‐intestinal problems both with moderate effect sizes. Indicators of mood, interest and pleasure differed significantly across age groups. The total scale score significantly deteriorated over time, with a moderate effect size.ConclusionsThis study provides further evidence for the post‐regression stability that characterises Rett syndrome. Emergent low mood in Rett syndrome requires further research.
Cdk5 at crossroads of protein oligomerization in neurodegenerative diseases: facts and hypotheses
Authors: Wilkaniec Anna , Czapski Grzegorz A. , Adamczyk Agata 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is involved in proper neurodevelopment and brain function and serves as a switch between neuronal survival and death. Overactivation of Cdk5 is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases. It is believed that in those diseases Cdk5 may be an important link between disease‐initiating factors and cell death effectors. A common hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders is incorrect folding of specific proteins, thus leading to their intra‐ and extracellular accumulation in the nervous system. Abnormal Cdk5 signaling contributes to dysfunction of individual proteins and has a substantial role in either direct or indirect interactions of proteins common to, and critical in, different neurodegenerative diseases. While the roles of Cdk5 in α‐synuclein (ASN) – tau or β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) – tau interactions are well documented, its contribution to many other pertinent interactions, such as that of ASN with Aβ, or interactions of the Aβ – ASN – tau triad with prion proteins, did not get beyond plausible hypotheses and remains to be proven. Understanding of the exact position of Cdk5 in the deleterious feed‐forward loop critical for development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases may help designing successful therapeutic strategies of several fatal neurodegenerative diseases.
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Cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases. It is believed that in those diseases Cdk5 may be an important factor involved in protein misfolding, toxicity and interaction. We suggest that Cdk5 may contribute to the vicious circle of neurotoxic events involved in the pathogenesis of different neurodegenerative diseases.
Regulation of neuronal pH by the metabotropic Zn2+‐sensing Gq‐coupled receptor, mZnR/GPR39
Authors: Ganay Thibault , Asraf Hila , Aizenman Elias , Bogdanovic Milos , Sekler Israel , Hershfinkel Michal 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSynaptically released Zn2+ acts as a neurotransmitter, in part, by activating the postsynaptic metabotropic Zn2+‐sensing Gq protein‐coupled receptor (mZnR/GPR39). In previous work using epithelial cells, we described crosstalk between Zn2+ signaling and changes in intracellular pH and/or extracellular pH (pHe). As pH changes accompany neuronal activity under physiological and pathological conditions, we tested whether Zn2+ signaling is involved in regulation of neuronal pH. Here, we report that up‐regulation of a major H+ extrusion pathway, the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE), is induced by mZnR/GPR39 activation in an extracellular‐regulated kinase 1/2‐dependent manner in hippocampal neurons in vitro. We also observed that changes in pHe can modulate neuronal mZnR/GPR39‐dependent signaling, resulting in reduced activity at pHe 8 or 6.5. Similarly, Zn2+‐dependent extracellular‐regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation and up‐regulation of NHE activity were absent at acidic pHe. Thus, our results suggest that when pHe is maintained within the physiological range, mZnR/GPR39 activation can up‐regulate NHE‐dependent recovery from intracellular acidification. During acidosis, as pHe drops, mZnR/GPR39‐dependent NHE activation is inhibited, thereby attenuating further H+ extrusion. This mechanism may serve to protect neurons from excessive decreases in pHe. Thus, mZnR/GPR39 signaling provides a homeostatic adaptive process for regulation of intracellular and extracellular pH changes in the brain.
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We show that the postsynaptic metabotropic Zn2+‐sensing Gq protein‐coupled receptor (mZnR/GPR39) activation induces up‐regulation of a major neuronal H+ extrusion pathway, the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE), thereby enhancing neuronal recovery from intracellular acidification. Changes in extracellular pH (pHe), however, modulate neuronal mZnR/GPR39‐dependent signaling, resulting in reduced activity at pHe 8 or 6.5. This mechanism may serve to protect neurons from excessive decreases in pHe during acidosis. Hence, mZnR/GPR39 signaling provides a homeostatic adaptive process for regulation of intracellular and extracellular pH changes in the brain.
Risk of extrapyramidal side effects comparing continuous vs. bolus intravenous metoclopramide administration: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Cavero‐Redondo Iván , Álvarez‐Bueno Celia , Pozuelo‐Carrascosa Diana P , Díez‐Fernández Ana , Notario‐Pacheco Blanca 
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectivesTo provide evidence about whether intravenous metoclopramide continuous infusion is associated with fewer extrapyramidal side effects than bolus infusion.BackgroundMany studies have described the effects produced by the administration of metoclopramide, as a continuous intravenous infusion or intravenous bolus directly, but there is a lack of consensus about the best administration of this drug to minimise extrapyramidal side effects.DesignA meta‐analysis was conducted.MethodsThe search data base was conducted in: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Knowledge and Scopus, to collect randomised controlled trials examining the association between extrapyramidal side effects and intravenous metoclopramide continuous or bolus infusion. Meta‐analyses were conducted for the eligible randomised controlled trials by Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis. Risk difference and 95% CIs were calculated with the Cochran's Q‐statistic, and heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 test.ResultsEleven randomised controlled trials were included. Meta‐analysis showed that continuous intravenous infusion of metoclopramide produced less extrapyramidal side effects (8%; 95% CI, 5–11%; p < 0·001; I2 = 65%). These improvements were particularly strong in studies scored ≥3 in the Jadad scale (12%; 95% CI, 3–24%; I2 = 0%), in emergency patients (12%; 95% CI, 2–25%; I2 = 0%), in patients who used concomitant drugs (9%; 95% CI, 5–12%; I2 = 80%) and when observation (8%; 95% CI, 5–14%; I2 = 69%) or analogue scale (7%; 95% CI, 1–13%; I2 = 64%) were used to quantify the number of extrapyramidal reactions in patients.ConclusionsCompared with bolus administration, continuous intravenous infusion of metoclopramide reduces the appearance of extrapyramidal side effects.Relevance to clinical practiceContinuous infusion is an effective intervention to reduce in patients discomfort caused by the extrapyramidal side effects of metoclopramide. Clinicians also reduce the time spent on alleviating these unwanted effects.
Nurses' experiences of hospitalised patients' sleep in Sweden: a qualitative study
Authors: Gellerstedt Linda , Medin Jörgen , Kumlin Maria , Rydell Karlsson Monica 
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectivesThe aim was to describe nurses' experiences of patients' sleep at an emergency hospital and their perceptions of sleep‐promoting interventions.BackgroundPromotion of patients' sleep during hospital care is an important intervention for the nursing profession. To promote sleep and to initiate sleep‐promoting interventions, nurses need basic knowledge about sleep and its physiology. Therefore, it is of importance to explore and expand knowledge about how nurses experience patients′ sleep and how they perceive working with it while providing care.DesignA qualitative descriptive design was used.MethodsData were collected from four focus groups and seven individual interviews. A total of twenty‐two registered nurses participated. Data were analysed using a qualitative content analysis.ResultsNurses expressed a desire and an ambition to work in ways that promote patients' sleep during hospitalisation. Nurses reported that health care services and emergency hospitals were not organised according to patients' perspective and needs. Furthermore, they did not have opportunities to work effectively to promote sleep according to the patients' wishes. Several nurses stated that they did not have sufficient knowledge about sleep and that they did the best they could under prevailing circumstances. Nurses emphasised the importance of sleep for patients and that it was an area that should be given far greater priority.ConclusionsThe results indicate that nurses currently have insufficient knowledge about sleep and sleep‐promoting interventions. These aspects of nursing is based on personal experience and common sense rather than being evidence based. Furthermore, sleep as a nursing topic needs to be developed and given more focus in order for nurses to be able to deliver high quality care at emergency hospitals.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses require more knowledge and education to gain deeper understanding of sleep and to deliver evidence‐based, high quality care.
Patients in transition – improving hospital–home care collaboration through electronic messaging: providers’ perspectives
Authors: Melby Line , Brattheim Berit J , Hellesø Ragnhild 
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectivesTo explore how the use of electronic messages support hospital and community care nurses’ collaboration and communication concerning patients’ admittance to and discharges from hospitals.BackgroundNurses in hospitals and in community care play a crucial role in the transfer of patients between the home and the hospital. Several studies have shown that transition situations are challenging due to a lack of communication and information exchange. Information and communication technologies may support nurses’ work in these transition situations. An electronic message system was introduced in Norway to support patient transitions across the health care sector.DesignA descriptive, qualitative interview study was conducted.MethodsOne hospital and three adjacent communities were included in the study. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with hospital nurses and community care nurses. In total, 41 persons were included in the study. The analysis stemmed from three main topics related to the aims of e‐messaging: efficiency, quality and safety. These were further divided into sub‐themes.ResultsAll informants agreed that electronic messaging is more efficient, i.e. less time‐consuming than previous means of communication. The shift from predominantly oral communication to writing electronic messages has brought attention to the content of the information exchanged, thereby leading to more conscious communication. Electronic messaging enables improved information security, thereby enhancing patient safety, but this depends on nurses using the system as intended.ConclusionNurses consider electronic messaging to be a useful tool for communication and collaboration in patient transitions.Relevance to clinical practicePatient transitions are demanding situations both for patients and for the nurses who facilitate the transitions. The introduction of information and communication technologies can support nurses’ work in the transition situations, and this is likely to benefit the patients.
‘Providing good and comfortable care by building a bond of trust’: nurses views regarding their role in patients' perception of safety in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Wassenaar Annelies , van den Boogaard Mark , van der Hooft Truus , Pickkers Peter , Schoonhoven Lisette 
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectivesTo describe and understand intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' views regarding their role in ICU patients' perception of safety.BackgroundFeeling safe is an important issue for ICU patients. Not feeling safe may result in adverse effects including traumatic experiences, having nightmares and feeling depressed. Nursing care plays a major role in patients' perception of safety. However, it is unknown whether ICU nurses are aware of this role.DesignA grounded theory approach following Corbin and Strauss.MethodsA total of 13 participants were included in the study following maximum variation sampling, by selecting ICU nurses who differed in gender, age, work experience as registered ICU nurse, and were employed in different IC units. In‐depth interviews were performed using open‐ended questions guided by a topic list with broad question areas. Data collection and analysis were executed during an iterative process.ResultsThe core category, building a bond of trust to provide good and comfortable care, arose from four main categories: explaining and informing ICU patients, using patients' family bond, ICU nurses' attitudes and expertise, and creating physical safety.ConclusionThe ICU nurses stated that they were not explicitly aware of ICU patients' perception of safety, but that they strived to provide good and comfortable care, through building a bond of trust with their patients. According to the nurses, a bond of trust is essential for patients to feel safe in the ICU.Relevance to clinical practiceThe importance of feeling safe in ICU patients should be addressed within the education and clinical practice of ICU nurses, to ensure that they become aware of ICU patients' perception of safety.
The importance of molecular markers for diagnosis and selection of targeted treatments in patients with cancer
Authors: Tobin N. P. , Foukakis T. , De Petris L. , Bergh J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe past 30 years have seen the introduction of a number of cancer therapies with the aim of restricting the growth and spread of primary and metastatic tumours. A shared commonality among these therapies is their targeting of various aspects of the cancer hallmarks, that is traits that are essential to successful tumour propagation and dissemination. The evolution of molecular‐scale technology has been central to the identification of new cancer targets, and it is not a coincidence that improved therapies have emerged at the same time as gene expression arrays and DNA sequencing have enhanced our understanding of cancer genetics. Modern tumour pathology is now viewed at the molecular level ranging from IHC biomarkers, to gene signature classifiers and gene mutations, all of which provide crucial information about which patients will respond to targeted therapy regimens. In this review, we briefly discuss the general types of targeted therapies used in a clinical setting and provide a short background on immunohistochemical, gene expression and DNA sequencing technologies, before focusing on three tumour types: breast, lung and colorectal cancers. For each of these cancer types, we provide a background to the disease along with an overview of the current standard therapies and then focus on the relevant targeted therapies and the pathways they inhibit. Finally, we highlight several strategies that are pivotal to the successful development of targeted anti‐cancer drugs.
Methylene Blue‐Mediated Photodynamic Inactivation Followed by Low‐Laser Therapy versus Miconazole Gel in the Treatment of Denture Stomatitis
Authors: Maciel Carolina Menezes , Piva Marta Rabello , Ribeiro Maria Amália Gonzaga , de Santana Santos Thiago , Ribeiro Cyntia Ferreira , Martins‐Filho Paulo Ricardo Saquete 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPurposePhotodynamic therapy (PDT) appears to be an effective method for the in vitro and in vivo inactivation of Candida spp., but no clinical trials in this context have yet been conducted. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of oral miconazole gel to PDT combined with low‐power laser (LPL) therapy in the treatment of denture stomatitis.Materials and MethodsForty participants with clinical and microbiological diagnoses of type II denture stomatitis were randomly allocated to two treatment groups (PDT and miconazole gel), each with 20 individuals. The PDT group was submitted to one session of methylene blue‐mediated PDT plus two sessions of low‐laser therapy twice a week for 15 days. The miconazole group was submitted to the drug four times a day for 15 days.ResultsForty percent of the patients achieved clinical and microbiological resolution of denture stomatitis after methylene blue‐mediated photodynamic inactivation followed by low‐laser therapy. The cure rate associated with miconazole was 80% (p < 0.05). Fifteen days after the end of treatment, the recurrence rate was 25% in patients treated with PDT combined with LPL therapy and 12.5% in patients treated with miconazole.ConclusionMiconazole gel provides better results than a protocol combining methylene blue‐mediated PDT and LPL therapy in the treatment of type II denture stomatitis.