bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of carotid and lower limb atherosclerotic lesions in both previously known and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Lian‐Xi , Wu Xing , Lu Jun‐Xi , Tu Yin‐Fang , Yu Li‐Bo , Li Mei‐Fang , Zhang Wei‐Xing , Zhu Jia‐An , Yuan Guo‐Yue , Bao Yu‐Qian , Jia Wei‐Ping 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo compare carotid and lower limb atherosclerotic lesions, and examine if carotid atherosclerotic lesions are in line with lower limb atherosclerotic lesions, and can reflect generalized atherosclerosis in inpatients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsThis was an observational study carried out in 867 Chinese inpatients with type 2 diabetes, including 573 previously known and 294 newly diagnosed patients. Ultrasonographic assessments of intima‐media thickness (IMT), plaques, and stenosis in the carotid and lower limb arteries were evaluated. Atherosclerotic lesions between the carotid and lower limb arteries were compared in both previously known and newly diagnosed diabetes, respectively.ResultsIn both the known (77.3% vs 49.4%, P < 0.001) and the newly diagnosed diabetes (55.4% vs 29.9%, P < 0.001), the prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques was significantly higher in the lower limb arteries than in the carotid arteries. Likewise, the prevalence of stenosis was also significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the lower limb arteries (16.9%) than in the carotid arteries (4.2%) in the established diabetes patients. However, there was no significant difference in the mean IMT between common carotid and common femoral arteries in both the previously known (0.90 ± 0.24 mm vs 0.89 ± 0.20 mm, P = 0.675) and the newly diagnosed diabetes patients (0.86 ± 0.22 mm vs 0.85 ± 0.16 mm, P = 0.436).ConclusionsCarotid plaques might underestimate generalized plaques in inpatients with type 2 diabetes, as shown by its significantly lower prevalence compared with that of the lower extremity arteries. A combined carotid and lower limb ultrasound examination can improve the detection of atherosclerotic lesions in inpatients with type 2 diabetes.
Efficacy, patient‐reported outcomes and safety profile of ATX‐101 (deoxycholic acid), an injectable drug for the reduction of unwanted submental fat: results from a phase III, randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Ascher B. , Hoffmann K. , Walker P. , Lippert S. , Wollina U. , Havlickova B. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundUnwanted submental fat (SMF) may result in an unattractive chin profile and dissatisfaction with appearance. An approved and rigorously tested non‐surgical method for SMF reduction is lacking.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of ATX‐101 for the pharmacological reduction of unwanted SMF in a phase III randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.MethodsPatients (n = 360) with moderate or severe SMF were randomized to receive ATX‐101 1 or 2 mg/cm2 or placebo injected into their SMF for up to four treatments ~28 days apart, with a 12‐week follow‐up. Coprimary efficacy endpoints were the proportions of treatment responders, defined as a ≥1‐point reduction in SMF on the Clinician‐Reported Submental Fat Rating Scale (CR‐SMFRS), and those satisfied with their appearance in association with their face and chin after treatment on the Subject Self‐Rating Scale (SSRS score ≥4). Secondary efficacy endpoints included a ≥1‐point improvement in SMF on the Patient‐Reported Submental Fat Rating Scale (PR‐SMFRS) and changes in the Patient‐Reported Submental Fat Impact Scale (PR‐SMFIS). Additional patient‐reported outcomes and changes in the Skin Laxity Rating Scale were recorded. Adverse events (AEs) and laboratory test results were monitored.ResultsCompared with placebo, a greater proportion of patients treated with ATX‐101 1 and 2 mg/cm2 showed a ≥1‐point improvement in CR‐SMFRS (58.3% and 62.3%, respectively, vs. 34.5% with placebo; P < 0.001) and patient satisfaction (SSRS score ≥4) with the appearance of their face and chin (68.3% and 64.8%, respectively, vs. 29.3%; P < 0.001). Patient‐reported secondary efficacy endpoints showed significant improvements in SMF severity (PR‐SMFRS; P = 0.009 for ATX‐101 1 mg/cm2, P < 0.001 for ATX‐101 2 mg/cm2 vs. placebo) and emotions and perceived self‐image (PR‐SMFIS; P < 0.001). No overall worsening of skin laxity was observed. AEs were mostly transient, mild to moderate in intensity and localized to the treatment area.ConclusionATX‐101 was effective and well tolerated, and may be an alternative to surgery for patients desiring improvement of their submental profile.
FRAX without Bone Mineral Density Versus Osteoporosis Self‐Assessment Screening Tool as Predictors of Osteoporosis in Primary Screening of Individuals Aged 70 and Older
Authors: Pang Wee Yang , Inderjeeth Charles A. 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo compare two well‐validated tools—the FRAX without bone mineral density (BMD) and the Osteoporosis Self‐Assessment Screening Tool (OST)—in predicting osteoporosis and to define thresholds above and below which it would be reasonable to recommend omitting BMD testing.DesignRetrospective review.SettingGeneral practices in Western Australia.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 70 and older responding to a prospective audit of osteoporosis investigation and management for whom dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan results and clinical risk factor data were available (N = 626).MeasurementsReceiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were compared, upper and lower thresholds for omission of screening BMD were proposed, and the statistical performance measures for the tests are reported.ResultsThe areas under the ROC curves for the OST (0.76–0.82) were slightly better than for FRAX without BMD 10‐year major osteoporotic fracture risk (0.64–0.76) in predicting osteoporosis at the defined sites. At defined lower thresholds, the tests were comparable in identifying a group with low osteoporosis risk (sensitivity 89.6–92.2%, specificity 35.0–39.9%), translating into 33.5% to 36.1% of tests saved at a cost of missing 7.8% to 10.4% of individuals with osteoporosis on BMD criteria. It was not possible to identify a useful upper threshold.ConclusionAt the defined thresholds, the OST is as good as FRAX without BMD in identifying a low‐risk population subgroup for whom screening BMD can reasonably be omitted. This could reduce costs and improve access to treatment.
Correlates of 1‐Year Incidence of Urinary Incontinence in Older Latino Adults Enrolled in a Community‐Based Physical Activity Trial
Authors: Morrisroe Shelby N. , Rodriguez Larissa V. , Wang Pin‐Chieh , Smith Ariana L. , Trejo Laura , Sarkisian Catherine A. 
Published: March 2014

The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) among older urban Latinos is high. Insight into etiologies of and contributing factors to the development of this condition is needed. This longitudinal cohort study identified correlates of 1‐year incidence of UI in older community‐dwelling Latino adults participating in a senior center–based physical activity trial in Los Angeles, California. Three hundred twenty‐eight Latinos aged 60 to 93 participating in Caminemos, a randomized trial to increase walking, were studied. Participants completed an in‐person survey and physical performance measures at baseline and 1 year. UI was measured using the International Consultation on Incontinence item: “How often do you leak urine?” Potential correlates of 1‐year incidence of UI included sociodemographic, behavioral, medical, physical, and psychosocial characteristics. The overall incidence of UI at 1 year was 17.4%. Incident UI was associated with age, baseline activity of daily living impairment, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), mean steps per day, and depressive symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that improvement in physical performance score (odds ratio (OR) = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.50–0.95) and high baseline physical (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.40–0.89) and mental (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.43–0.91) HRQoL were independently associated with lower rates of 1‐year incident UI. An increase in depressive symptoms at 1 year (OR = 4.48, 95% CI = 1.02–19.68) was independently associated with a higher rate of incident UI. One‐year UI incidence in this population of older urban Latino adults participating in a walking trial was high but was lower in those who improved their physical performance. Interventions aimed at improving physical performance may help prevent UI in older Latino adults.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification of single pollen grains
Authors: Bektaş Ali , Chapela Ignacio 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been a reliable and fruitful method for many applications in ecology. Nevertheless, unavoidable technical and instrumental requirements of PCR have limited its widespread application in field situations. The recent development of isothermal DNA amplification methods provides an alternative to PCR, which circumvents key limitations of PCR for direct amplification in the field. Being able to analyze DNA in the pollen cloud of an ecosystem would provide very useful ecological information, yet would require a field‐enabled, high‐throughput method for this potential to be realized. Here, we demonstrate the applicability of the loop‐mediated DNA amplification method (LAMP), an isothermal DNA amplification technique, to be used in pollen analysis. We demonstrate that LAMP can provide a reliable method to identify species from the pollen cloud, and that it can amplify successfully with sensitivity down to single pollen grains, thus opening the possibility of field‐based, high‐throughput analysis.
Factor validity and reliability of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist‐Community (ABC‐C) in an Indian population with intellectual disability
Authors: Lehotkay R. , Saraswathi Devi T. , Raju M. V. R. , Bada P. K. , Nuti S. , Kempf N. , Carminati G. Galli 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn this study realised in collaboration with the department of psychology and parapsychology of Andhra University, validation of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist‐Community (ABC‐C) in Telugu, the official language of Andhra Pradesh, one of India's 28 states, was carried out.MethodsTo assess the factor validity and reliability of this Telugu version, 120 participants with moderate to profound intellectual disability (94 men and 26 women, mean age 25.2, SD 7.1) were rated by the staff of the Lebenshilfe Institution for Mentally Handicapped in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Rating data were analysed with a confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistency was estimated by Cronbach's alpha. To confirm the test–retest reliability, 50 participants were rated twice with an interval of 4 weeks, and 50 were rated by pairs of raters to assess inter‐rater reliability.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis revealed that the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was equal to 0.06, the comparative fit index (CFI) was equal to 0.77, and the Tucker Lewis index (TLI) was equal to 0.77, which indicated that the model with five correlated factors had a good fit. Coefficient alpha ranged from 0.85 to 0.92 across the five subscales. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients for inter‐rater reliability tests ranged from 0.65 to 0.75, and the correlations for test–retest reliability ranged from 0.58 to 0.76. All reliability coefficients were statistically significant (P < 0.01).ConclusionThe factor validity and reliability of Telugu version of the ABC‐C evidenced factor validity and reliability comparable to the original English version and appears to be useful for assessing behaviour disorders in Indian people with intellectual disabilities.
Oestradiol Modulation of Cognition in Adult Female Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Lacreuse A. , Chang J. , Metevier C. M. , LaClair M. , Meyer J. S. , Ferris C. M. 
Published: March 2014

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) provides many advantages over traditional rodent and macaque species as a model for human ageing and may be very useful for studying the effects of sex steroids on cognitive and brain ageing. We present the first study examining the effects of oestrogens on cognitive function in female marmosets. Adult monkeys (3–5 years of age) were trained to a specific learning criterion on a battery of cognitive tasks preoperatively (object discrimination, delayed response with increasing delays and detour reaching with opaque box) and were tested on different versions of these tasks (object reversals, delayed response with randomised delays and detour reaching with clear box) after ovariectomy and simultaneous implantation with 17β‐oestradiol (E2) (n = 6) or blank (n = 6) Silastic capsules. Acquisition of a delayed matching‐to‐position task with a 1‐s delay was also administered after completion of these tests. E2‐treated monkeys were significantly impaired on the second reversal and showed an increase in perseverative responding from reversals 1–3. Their performance also tended to be worse than that of control monkeys on the delayed response task. Performance acquisition on the delayed matching‐to‐position tended to be better in E2‐treated relative to control monkeys, although the group difference did not reach statistical significance. No effect of treatment was detected for detour reaching or affiliative behaviours. Overall, the findings indicate that E2 compromises performance on prefrontally‐mediated tasks. The suggestion that E2 may improve acquisition on tasks dependent on the hippocampus will require further validation. These results are discussed in the context of dopaminergic and serotonergic signalling. We conclude that the marmoset is a useful new primate model for examining the effects of oestrogens on cognitive function.
Examining the scope of public health nursing practice in sexually transmitted infection prevention and management: what do nurses do?
Authors: Bungay Vicky , Masaro Cindy L. , Gilbert Mark 
Published: March 2014

Aims and objectivesTo develop a more comprehensive understanding of the scope of public health nursing practice in the prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections and also to examine the public health nursing workforce in sexually transmitted infection care and the range of patient populations served.BackgroundSexually transmitted infections are increasing, widespread and remain a significant public health problem throughout the world. Although nurses are taking on expanded roles in sexually transmitted infection care, little is known about the scope of this practice.DesignA cross‐sectional descriptive study took place over 18 months (2009–2010).MethodsThree hundred and fourteen eligible nurses completed a 62‐item questionnaire.Results93·6% of participants were women; 77·5% were baccalaureate prepared and 87·9% underwent continuing education in sexually transmitted infection care. Most spent 50% of their time in direct patient care. Women were the main care recipients (72·9%). Sexually transmitted infection care was one aspect of nurses' multifaceted public health roles accounting for 28% of overall work activities. Not all nurses were working to the full scope of their practice; 77·9% undertook health history assessment, and 79% conducted testing.ConclusionThis study is a comprehensive description of the scope of sexually transmitted infection nursing practice activities. It expands our understanding of sexually transmitted infection nursing practice among nurses working within an expanded scope and provides a baseline for future investigations. This description is situated within nursing competencies and best practices that may be used to develop, implement and evaluate models of sexually transmitted infection service delivery in other locales.Clinical Practice RelevanceSexually transmitted infection nursing practice needs to be understood and investigated beyond health education and testing practices. The scope of practice is comprehensive and incorporates a full spectrum of care. Public health nurses are a critical entry point into the healthcare system and provide primary and preventative care and healthcare referrals. Models of nursing care need to support nurses working to their full scope, and associated barriers warrant further investigation.
Reasons for middle‐aged women in Taiwan to choose hysterectomy: a qualitative study using the bounded rationality perspective
Authors: Wu Shu‐Mei , Lee Hui‐Ling , Yeh Mei‐Yu , Che Hui‐Lian 
Published: March 2014

Aims and objectivesTo explore women's perspectives on deciding to undergo hysterectomy for benign conditions based on physicians' recommendations and the women's own judgement.BackgroundHysterectomy is the second most common surgical procedure worldwide. Although most hysterectomies are elective, physicians may recommend treatment that involves a loss of sexuality or ovary removal, creating a difficult choice for women.DesignQualitative, in‐depth interviewMethodsA purposive sample of 17 women was recruited. The women had decided to undergo hysterectomy after the diagnosis of uterine fibroids. All these women had already decided not to have more children. Data were collected by in‐depth interviewing, and content analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsOur study revealed five themes: release from stress, inescapable fate, positive support, hoping for peace of mind and sense of trust.ConclusionsThe participants felt that mental and physical health were the most important considerations, noting that when women no longer want children, a uterus is useless. The women believed that they retained their womanhood, even without a uterus, and were satisfied with the outcomes of their hysterectomy decisions.Relevance to clinical practiceOur findings might serve as educational and counselling reference materials for healthcare providers, ensuring that women receive appropriate care quality and have their needs met. Healthcare providers can then maximise women's empowerment, deepen their awareness of body image and their concept of self‐care and help them to clearly perceive their own concerns and needs so that they can make suitable decisions.
Amyloid‐ß‐directed immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lannfelt L. , Relkin N. R. , Siemers E. R. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCurrent treatment options for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are limited to medications that reduce dementia symptoms. Given the rapidly ageing populations in most areas of the world, new therapeutic interventions for AD are urgently needed. In recent years, a number of drug candidates targeting the amyloid‐ß (Aß) peptide have advanced into clinical trials; however, most have failed because of safety issues or lack of efficacy. The Aß peptide is central to the pathogenesis, and immunotherapy against Aß has attracted considerable interest. It offers the possibility to reach the target with highly specific drugs. Active immunization and passive immunization have been the most widely studied approaches to immunotherapy of AD. A favourable aspect of active immunization is the capacity for a small number of vaccinations to generate a prolonged antibody response. A potential disadvantage is the variability in the antibody response across patients. The potential advantages of passive immunotherapy include the reproducible delivery of a known amount of therapeutic antibodies to the patient and rapid clearance of those antibodies if side effects develop. A disadvantage is the requirement for repeated infusions of antibodies over time. After more than a decade of research, anti‐amyloid immunotherapy remains one of the most promising emerging strategies for developing disease‐modifying treatments for AD. In this review, we examine the presently ongoing Aß‐directed immunotherapies that have passed clinical development Phase IIa.
Harmonized diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease: recommendations
Authors: Morris J. C. , Blennow K. , Froelich L. , Nordberg A. , Soininen H. , Waldemar G. , Wahlund L.‐O. , Dubois B. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundTwo major sets of criteria for the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) recently have been published, one from an International Working Group (IWG) and the other from working groups convened by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Alzheimer's Association (AA) in the United States. These criteria both aim to support a clinical diagnosis with in vivo evidence of AD pathology, using imaging methods and detection of biofluid biomarkers, and emphasize an aetiological diagnosis even in the prodromal stages of the disorder. Nonetheless, there are substantial differences in these two sets of criteria.MethodsAn international group of investigators with experience in the clinical diagnosis of AD met at the Key Symposium in Stockholm, Sweden on 6 & 7 December 2012, to develop recommendations to harmonize these criteria. The group was led by individuals who were integral to the development of both the IWG and the NIA‐AA criteria. The similarities and differences between the two sets of criteria were identified and open discussion focused on ways to resolve the differences and thus yield a harmonized set of criteria.ResultsBased on both published evidence as well as the group's collective clinical experience, the group was tasked with achieving consensus, if not unanimity, as it developed recommendations for harmonized clinical diagnostic criteria for AD.ConclusionThe recommendations are to: (i) define AD as a brain disorder, regardless of clinical status; (ii) refer to the clinically expressed disorder, including its prodromal stages, as symptomatic AD; (iii) after the successful completion of standardization efforts, consider incorporating biomarkers into diagnostic algorithms for AD; and (iv) allow nonamnestic, atypical presentations to be included as symptomatic AD, especially when there is supportive biomarker evidence.
Epigenetics, chromatin and genome organization: recent advances from the ENCODE project
Authors: Siggens L. , Ekwall K. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe organization of the genome into functional units, such as enhancers and active or repressed promoters, is associated with distinct patterns of DNA and histone modifications. The Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) project has advanced our understanding of the principles of genome, epigenome and chromatin organization, identifying hundreds of thousands of potential regulatory regions and transcription factor binding sites. Part of the ENCODE consortium, GENCODE, has annotated the human genome with novel transcripts including new noncoding RNAs and pseudogenes, highlighting transcriptional complexity. Many disease variants identified in genome‐wide association studies are located within putative enhancer regions defined by the ENCODE project. Understanding the principles of chromatin and epigenome organization will help to identify new disease mechanisms, biomarkers and drug targets, particularly as ongoing epigenome mapping projects generate data for primary human cell types that play important roles in disease.