bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interdisciplinary intervention reduced the risk of being persistently depressive among older patients with hip fracture
Authors: Tseng Ming‐Yueh , Shyu Yea‐Ing L , Liang Jersey , Tsai Wen‐Che 
Published: October 2015

AimTo assess the effects of an interdisciplinary intervention on the trajectories of depressive symptoms among older patients during 2 years after hip fracture surgery.MethodsA secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial that contrasted usual care with an interdisciplinary program. Whereas usual care (n = 77) entailed only in‐hospital rehabilitation and occasional discharge planning, the interdisciplinary program (n = 76) consisted of geriatric consultation, in‐hospital rehabilitation, discharge planning and rehabilitation at home for 3 months after hospitalization. Depressive symptoms were assessed by using the Chinese version of the Geriatric Depression Scale short‐form, before discharge, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after discharge. Covariates included demographic attributes, pre‐fracture performance of activities of daily living (Chinese Barthel Index) and cognitive functioning (Mini‐Mental State Examination).ResultsChanges in depressive symptoms can be characterized by three trajectory groups, including a non‐depressive group (n = 58, 37.8%), a marginally depressive group (n = 46, 30.7%) and a persistently depressive group (n = 49, 31.5%). Relative to those who received usual care, participants in the interdisciplinary program had a significantly lower risk of being in the persistently depressive group (odds ratio 0.23, P < 0.05). In addition, women and those physically and cognitively more impaired were more likely to be in the marginally and persistently depressive groups.ConclusionsOur interdisciplinary intervention reduced older persons' likelihood of having persistent depressive symptoms after hip fracture surgery. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1145–1152.
A matching model of endogenous growth and underground firms
Authors: Lisi Gaetano , Pugno Maurizio 
Published: October 2015

AbstractEconomic growth and unemployment exhibit an ambiguous relationship, according to empirical studies. This ambiguity can be investigated by observing the role of the underground economy in shaping the productivity of firms. Indeed, unemployment may be absorbed by underground firms, which adopt backward technology, at the cost of reduced economic growth. Alternatively, unemployment diminishes because productivity grows by employing workers who prefer to become skilled, and thus not to work in underground firms. This paper develops these arguments by using a matching model with underground firms and heterogeneous entrepreneurial ability, and by assuming skills‐driven growth. Economic growth thus becomes endogenous, and both the underground sector and unemployment become persistent. The main result is that, under conditions of strict monitoring of the regularity of firms, the underground economy is squeezed, unemployment is reduced, and growth is high, whereas in the case of lax monitoring, the underground economy expands, unemployment is absorbed, and growth is low.
Recycling waste and endogenous fluctuations in an OLG model
Authors: Fodha Mouez , Magris Francesco 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe study an overlapping generations model composed of two productive sectors: the first produces a virgin good and the second recycles a good from a previous period. When the profit of the recycling sector is in its increasing region, endogenous fluctuations emerge through a flip bifurcation when leisure and consumption are complementary. Conversely, when profit is in its decreasing region, deterministic cycles emerge also under the gross substitutability assumption. The steady state becomes indeterminate through a flip or a Hopf bifurcation, provided leisure and consumption are complements. We also study the social optimum and the altruistic market economy.
Uric acid, carotid intima‐media thickness and body composition in prepubertal children
Authors: Bassols J. , Martínez‐Calcerrada J. M. , Prats‐Puig A. , Carreras‐Badosa G. , Díaz‐Roldán F. , Osiniri I. , Riera‐Pérez E. , de Zegher F. , Ibáñez L. , López‐Bermejo A. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundIncreased uric acid is an independent biomarker for cardiovascular disease in obese adolescents and adults.ObjectiveWe investigated whether uric acid relates to carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) in prepubertal children, and whether body mass index (BMI) and preperitoneal fat modulate this association.Methods359 asymptomatic prepubertal Caucasian children were stratified according to BMI categories (171 with BMI‐SDS < 0; 188 with BMI‐SDS ≥ 0) and according to preperitoneal fat levels (180 with preperitoneal fat <50th centile; 179 with preperitoneal fat >50th centile). Uric acid levels, insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance; HOMA‐IR), C‐reactive protein (CRP), triacylglycerol (TG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), abdominal fat and cIMT (both by ultrasound) were assessed.ResultsUric acid was associated with several cardiovascular risk factors, namely higher HOMA‐IR, CRP, TG, BMI, waist, SBP, preperitoneal fat and cIMT (all P < 0.001 to P < 0.0001). Significant BMI and preperitoneal fat interactions were documented in the relationship between uric acid and cIMT (both P < 0.05), as uric acid was preferentially related to cIMT in heavier children (β = 0.247, P < 0.001, r2 = 9.1%) and in children with more preperitoneal fat (β = 0.263, P < 0.0001, r2 = 11.9%).ConclusionsSerum uric acid is associated with cIMT in asymptomatic prepubertal children. Both higher BMI and preperitoneal fat aggravate the potential risk of atherosclerotic disease imposed by higher concentrations of uric acid.
‘Thin people … they're healthy’: young children's understanding of body weight change
Authors: Baxter S. L. , Collins S. C. , Hill A. J. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundWhile research has investigated negative stereotyping of fat body shapes, little has focused on young children's understanding of the mechanisms, motivations and consequences of weight change.ObjectivesTo investigate children's understanding of how weight change is achieved, people's motivation for weight change, and the consequences of weight loss or weight gain.MethodsOne hundred children (mean age 5.2, 38 girls) read a book in which one of the main characters (male/female according to the child's sex) was either healthy weight or overweight. Afterwards, this character was described as gaining or losing weight, and drawings which depicted the child in the story as either healthy weight or overweight were presented to the child and discussed. An audio‐recorded semi‐structured interview followed and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsNearly all children described the weight/shape change and attributed this to food more frequently than exercise. Weight loss was viewed positively and both motivations and consequences grouped under two master themes (physical and social reasons). No clear gender differences were observed in these responses.ConclusionsTalking with 5‐year‐olds showed them to be observant and knowledgeable, especially about motivations for and consequences of weight change. For those working to improve children's health literacy, this suggests receptiveness to early and fact‐based education.
Controlling the cytokine storm in severe bacterial diarrhoea with an oral Toll‐like receptor 4 antagonist
Authors: Islam Dilara , Lombardini Eric , Ruamsap Nattaya , Imerbsin Rawiwan , Khantapura Patchariya , Teo Ian , Neesanant Pimmnapar , Gonwong Siriphan , Yongvanitchit Kosol , Swierczewski Brett E. , Mason Carl J. , Shaunak Sunil 
Published: October 2015

SummaryShigella dysenteriae causes the most severe of all infectious diarrhoeas and colitis. We infected rhesus macaques orally and also treated them orally with a small and non‐absorbable polypropyletherimine dendrimer glucosamine that is a Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4) antagonist. Antibiotics were not given for this life‐threatening infection. Six days later, the clinical score for diarrhoea, mucus and blood was 54% lower, colon interleukin‐8 and interleukin‐6 were both 77% lower, and colon neutrophil infiltration was 75% less. Strikingly, vasculitis did not occur and tissue fibrin thrombi were reduced by 67%. There was no clinical toxicity or adverse effect of dendrimer glucosamine on systemic immunity. This is the first report in non‐human primates of the therapeutic efficacy of a small and orally bioavailable TLR antagonist in severe infection. Our results show that an oral TLR4 antagonist can enable controlled resolution of the infection‐related‐inflammatory response and can also prevent neutrophil‐mediated gut wall necrosis in severe infectious diarrhoeas.
Information Asymmetry and Quarterly Disclosure Decisions by Firms: Evidence From the Tokyo Stock Exchange
Authors: Kubota Keiichi , Takehara Hitoshi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis study investigates whether the new quarterly disclosure reporting requirement issued by the Tokyo Stock Exchange was related to the reduction of the degree of private information‐based trade and the liquidity of listed stocks in Japan, or as a reverse causality, helped dichotomize good firms and bad firms as a separating signaling equilibrium. We use the probability of asymmetric information‐based trade (Adjusted PIN) as a measure of information asymmetry and the probability of symmetric order‐flow shock (PSOS) as a measure of market illiquidity. We use a sample of public firms from 2002 to 2007 that chose to either disclose or not disclose quarterly financial reports. We find that the disclosing firms had lower information asymmetry (Adjusted PIN), lower symmetric order‐flow shocks (PSOS), and lower private information‐based trade (PIN). When we conduct further difference‐in‐differences tests, we find that the firms with lower information asymmetry and higher liquidity had a higher tendency to disclose their financial statements and vice versa. Thus, the new disclosure requirement did not necessarily improve the information asymmetry and liquidity of firms, but instead helped good and bad firms form a case for a separating signaling equilibrium.
Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding and postnatal depression: the role of pain and physical difficulties
Authors: Brown Amy , Rance Jaynie , Bennett Paul 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimsTo examine the relationship between specific reasons for stopping breastfeeding and depressive symptoms in the postnatal period.BackgroundDifficulty breastfeeding has been connected to postnatal depression although it is unclear whether difficulty breastfeeding precedes or succeeds a diagnosis. However, the concept of ‘breastfeeding difficulty’ is wide and includes biological, psychological and social factors.DesignA cross‐sectional self‐report survey.MethodsData were collected between December 2012 and February 2013. 217 women with an infant aged 0‐6 months who had started breastfeeding at birth but had stopped before 6 months old completed a questionnaire examining breastfeeding duration and reasons for stopping breastfeeding. They further completed a copy of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.ResultsA short breastfeeding duration and multiple reasons for stopping breastfeeding were associated with higher depression score. However, in a regression analysis only the specific reasons of stopping breastfeeding for physical difficulty and pain remained predictive of depression score.ConclusionsUnderstanding women's specific reasons for stopping breastfeeding rather than breastfeeding duration is critical in understanding women's breastfeeding experience and providing women with emotional support. Issues with pain and physical breastfeeding were most indicative of postnatal depression in comparison to psychosocial reasons highlighting the importance of spending time with new mothers to help them with issues such as latch.
Marriage, Separation and Beyond: A Longitudinal Study of Families of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in a Norwegian Context
Authors: Tøssebro Jan , Wendelborg Christian 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundThis study addresses family structure in families raising a child with disabilities in Norway. The aims are to add to the literature on termination of parental relationships and to explore family research topics that are rarely discussed in disability research, such as cohabitation versus marriage and repartnering.MethodsLongitudinal survey data on families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who were born 1993–1995 were compared with register data on all families of same‐aged children (five waves 1999–2012).ResultsParents of children with disabilities had slightly lower termination rates and formalized their partnerships earlier. Furthermore, the rate of repartnering among divorced/separated mothers of young children with disabilities was similar to that of other mothers but decreases later in the child's life course.ConclusionsResults support the view that findings diverge and are most likely dependent on context.
Gait Analysis in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Living in a Residential Facility
Authors: Salb Johannes , Lindemann Ulrich , Woodward Carol , Almutaseb Sanaa , Becker Clemens , Sieber Cornel , Freiberger Ellen 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundMobility limitations are of particular interest in people with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study was to present feasibility and mean values of gait parameters in people with intellectual disability and it was hypothesized that several trials would be necessary to gain stable values for this cohort.Material and MethodsThirty‐two adults with intellectual disability living in a residential facility were asked to do four walks in both normal and fast speed conditions over an instrumented walkway. Mean values of gait parameters were calculated over two different trial combinations, with TC1&2 representing the mean value of trials 1 and 2, and TC1‐4 representing the mean over all four trials.ResultsAll participants (Mage = 59.6 years; SD = 16.71) successfully performed the protocol. Gait parameters remained constant over all trials. No significant differences were found between the trial combination TC1&2 and trial combination TC1–4.ConclusionGait analysis was found to be feasible in people with intellectual disability. Overall, the present authors recommend performing two trials and to calculate the means of gait parameters over these two trials to gain stable values.
Changes in different parameters, lymphocyte proliferation and hematopoietic progenitor colony formation in EAE mice treated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein
Authors: Doronin Vasilii B. , Parkhomenko Taisiya A. , Korablev Alexey , Toporkova Ludmila B. , Lopatnikova Julia A. , Alshevskaja Alina A. , Sennikov Sergei V. , Buneva Valentina N. , Budde Thomas , Meuth Sven G. , Orlovskaya Irina A. , Popova Nelly A. , Nevinsky Georgy A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMyelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is an antigen of the myelin sheath, which may trigger immune cell responses and the production of auto‐antibodies in multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we used MOG35‐55‐induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of human MS, to assess the production of catalytically active immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies or abzymes which have been shown to be present in sera of patients with several autoimmune diseases. Here, we show that IgGs from the sera of control C57BL/6 mice are catalytically inactive. During development of EAE, a specific reorganization of the immune system of mice occurred leading to a condition which was associated with the generation of catalytically active IgGs hydrolysing DNA, myelin basic protein (MBP) and MOG which was associated with increased proteinuria, changes in differentiation of mice bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and an increase in proliferation of lymphocytes in bone marrow, spleen and thymus as well as a significant suppression of cell apoptosis in these organs. The strongest alterations were found in the early disease phase (18–24 days after immunization) and were less pronounced in later EAE stages (40 days after EAE induction). We conclude that a significant increase in DNase and proteolytic activities of antibodies may be considered the earliest statistically significant marker of MOG‐induced EAE in mice. The possible differences in immune system reorganizations during preclinical phases of the disease, acute and late EAE, leading to production of different auto‐antibodies and abzymes as well other changes are discussed.
‘Now I use words like asymmetry and unstable’: nurses' experiences in using a standardized assessment for motor performance within routine child health care
Authors: Johansen Kine , Lucas Steven , Bokström Pär , Persson Kristina , Sonnander Karin , Magnusson Margaretha , Sarkadi Anna 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThere is an increasing recognition that early intervention is important for children with motor disorders. The use of standardized assessment methods within the Swedish Child Health Services (CHS) may improve early identification of these children and thereby their development and quality of care. Given the key role of nurses within the CHS, we explored their experiences of using a structured assessment of motor performance (SOMP‐I) in a clinical setting, and investigated possible barriers and facilitators for implementation of the method within the CHS.MethodsThe study was conducted in 2013 in Uppsala County, Sweden. Ten child health nurses participated in two focus group interviews, which were analysed using systematic text condensation.ResultsThe analysis yielded three themes: (1) increased knowledge and professional pride – nurses described their desire to provide high‐quality care for which SOMP‐I was a useful tool; (2) improved parent–provider relationship – nurses felt that using SOMP‐I involved both the parents and their infant to a greater extent than routine care; and (3) conditions for further implementation – nurses described that the time and effort needed to master new skills must be considered and practical barriers, such as lack of examination space, resource constraints and difficulties in documenting the assessment must be addressed before implementing the SOMP‐I method in routine care.ConclusionChild health nurses felt that the SOMP‐I method fitted well with their professional role and increased the quality of care provided. However, significant barriers to implementing SOMP‐I into routine child health care were described.
Evaluation of a protocol‐based intervention to promote timely switching from intravenous to oral paracetamol for post‐operative pain management: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Sabry Nirmeen , Dawoud Dalia , Alansary Adel , Hounsome Natalia , Baines Darrin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesTimely switching from intravenous to oral therapy ensures optimized treatment and efficient use of health care resources. Intravenous (IV) paracetamol is widely used for post‐operative pain management but not always switched to the oral form in a timely manner, leading to unnecessary increase in expenditure. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a multifaceted intervention to promote timely switching from the IV to oral form in the post‐operative setting.MethodsAn evidence‐based prescribing protocol was designed and implemented by the clinical pharmacy team in a single district general hospital in Egypt. The protocol specified the criteria for appropriate prescribing of IV paracetamol. Doctors were provided with information and educational sessions prior to implementation. A prospective, quasi‐experimental study was undertaken to evaluate its impact on IV paracetamol utilization and costs. Data on monthly utilization and costs were recorded for 12 months before and after implementation (January 2012 to December 2013). Data were analysed using interrupted time series analysis.ResultsPrior to implementation, in 2012, total spending on IV paracetamol was 674 154.00 Egyptian Pounds (L.E.) ($23 668.00). There was a non‐significant (P > 0.05) downward trend in utilization (−32 ampoules per month) and costs [reduction of 632 L.E. ($222) per month]. Following implementation, immediate decrease in utilization and costs (P < 0.05) and a trend change over the follow‐up period were observed. Average monthly reduction was 26% (95% CI: 24% to 28%, P < 0.001).ConclusionA multifaceted, protocol‐based intervention to ensure timely switching from IV‐to‐oral paracetamol achieved significant reduction in utilization and cost of IV paracetamol in the first 5 months of its implementation.
Evaluation of a Starch‐Based Edible Film as Carrier of Adiantum Capillus‐Veneris Extract to Improve the Shelf Life of Fresh‐Cut Pears
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Zahabi Nafiseh , Rezaee Zahra , Maherani Zeynab , Boghori Parvin , Keshavarz Zahra 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe use of edible films could be considered as a good alternative for application of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents in the food industry. In this study, the effect of Adiantum capillus‐veneris extract, which has been incorporated into fresh‐cut pear starch films, on the microbial growth and antioxidant status of fresh‐cut pears was investigated. The films with various extract concentrations (0.0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 % v/v) were evaluated regarding their thickness, moisture content, transparency, antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Moisture content and transparency properties of films have been affected significantly (P < 0.05) by all of the examined concentrations of the extracts; in addition, the extracts increased the antioxidant capacity of films which was prepared from starch. No significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed for the thickness among the films with different extract concentrations. The films with various extract concentrations showed inhibition zones against Escherichia coli O157 : H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus. Fresh‐cut pears were positively affected by the coating treatment, increasing their antioxidant status and decreasing bacterial and fungal contamination. These results demonstrated that the development of an edible film formulated with A. capillus‐veneris extract can be applicable to preserve fresh‐cut pear quality.Practical ApplicationsThe incorporation of natural additives such as herb extract into food matrices can be achieved through the use of edible films. Such films may function as an encapsulation or to deliver additives to food. Thus, they are a good alternative for incorporating protective antimicrobial and antioxidant agents onto the surface of food.
Three‐dimensional optical transfer function in differential confocal microscopy
Authors: TAN J. , WANG H. , LI M. , LIU J. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryTo reveal the fundamental characteristics of differential confocal microscopy (DCM), its imaging properties were analysed by studying the 3D optical transfer function (OTF). The zero transfer at zero frequency along the axial direction in DCM, which has not been well understood and is considerably different from the transfer behaviour in conventional confocal microscopy (CM), was elucidated. The integral expressions of the OTFs for CM and DCM and the subsequent simulation results showed that DCMs have higher transfer capability than CM in the axial direction at medium and high frequencies. Conventionally, the relative optimal defocusing amount in DCMs are determined through calculations of the gradient of the point spread functions in the spatial domain. In contrast, in this study, the OTF performances were compared and the optimal defocusing amount was found to be between 5 and 7.