bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The road barely taken: funerals, and people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Forrester‐Jones Rachel 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe topic of funerals within the life cycle approach to care in the UK remains largely absent. This small exploratory study sought to investigate how practitioners deal with this sensitive issue and to capture the views of older people with and without intellectual disabilities about funerals.MethodsA semi‐structured questionnaire was administered to 40 service managers, and five focus groups for 26 people with and without intellectual disabilities were facilitated. Questionnaires were subjected to thematic content analysis; focus group data were analysed using a grounded theory approach.ResultsManagers demonstrated confusion about organizing the funerals of people with intellectual disabilities. Few differences existed between the views of people with and without intellectual disabilities in relation to funerals and a number of core themes were identified including the lack of opportunities to attend funerals.ConclusionsMore thought and practical interventions are needed to support vulnerable people to participate in the funerals of people they know.
Validation of Accuracy of Three‐Dimensional Left Atrial CartoSound™ and CT Image Integration: Influence of Respiratory Phase and Cardiac Cycle
Authors: KIMURA MASAOMI , SASAKI SHINGO , OWADA SHINGEN , HORIUCHI DAISUKE , SASAKI KENICHI , ITOH TAIHEI , ISHIDA YUJI , KINJO TAKAHIKO , OKUMURA KEN 
Published: April 2013

CartoSound Merge Using Left Atrial Posterior WallBackgroundCartoSound™ (CS) module is useful in integrating 3‐dimensional (3D) left atrial (LA) image with CT image. Integration method, however, has not been established. We reported the accuracy of LA electroanatomical (EA) and CT image integration by registering LA roof (LAR) and posterior wall (LAPW).MethodsThe consecutive 56 atrial fibrillation patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation were studied. In the initial 29 patients, before the transseptal puncture, 3D CS LAR and LAPW image was created by registering a mean of 10 contour lines between the right and left pulmonary veins. After transseptally inserting a mapping catheter into LA, 3D EA image of LAR and LAPW was obtained by sampling a mean of 40 points. LA CT image was taken at the full‐inspiratory position and 0% of R–R interval. After visual alignment of CS or EA and LA CT image, the 2 images were integrated with surface registration program. In the latter 27 patients, both CT and CS images were taken while matching the respiratory phase at the end‐tidal position and cardiac cycle at 50% of R–R interval.ResultsIn the initial 29 patients, the mean distances between EA and CT images and between CS and CT images were 1.53 ± 0.27 and 1.59 ± 0.23 mm, respectively (P = NS). In the latter 27, the mean distance was decreased to 1.08 ± 0.14 mm (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsCS system is useful in image integration with 3D CT. Matching both respiratory phase and cardiac cycle between CS and CT image acquisition improves the image integration accuracy.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on esophagogastric variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension
Authors: Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Oho Kazuhiko , Toyonaga Atsushi , Kumamoto Masafumi , Haruta Tsuyoshi , Inoue Hiroto , Emori Keigo , Tsuruta Osamu , Sata Michio 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsBleeding from esophageal and gastric varices is a fatal event in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. However, the effects of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on esophagogastric variceal bleeding are not known. The present study was aimed to elucidate the role of H. pylori infection in esophagogastric variceal bleeding.MethodsThe subjects were 196 cirrhotic patients who were admitted to the Kurume University Hospital to treat their esophagogastric varices consisted of 95 with acute bleeding and 101 with nonbleeding but high risk of bleeding. For the diagnosis of H. pylori infection, a 13C‐urea breath test was used, and serum pepsinogen (PG) I and II levels and the PG I/II ratio were also measured.ResultsEsophagogastric variceal bleeding was seen in 34.9% (n = 30) of the H. pylori‐infected patients (n = 86) and in 59.1% (n = 65) of the noninfected patients (n = 110) (P < 0.0007). There was no significant difference in the infection rate between the bleeding sites of the esophagus and the stomach. The serum PG I and II levels and the PG I/II ratio were 65.6 ng/dL, 14.7 ng/dL, and 4.4, respectively, for the bleeding patients (n = 95), and 43.7 ng/dL, 17.7 ng/dL, and 3.1 for the nonbleeding patients (n = 101). Thus, the nonbleeding patients had significantly higher rate of H. pylori infection and lower acid secretion than bleeding patients (0.001). In addition, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant negative association between H. pylori infection and esophagogastric variceal bleeding.ConclusionsThese results suggest that H. pylori infection has a protective effect against esophagogastric variceal bleeding through the induction of gastric mucosal atrophy and concomitant hypoacidity.
Involvement in research activities and factors influencing research capacity among dietitians
Authors: Howard A. J. , Ferguson M. , Wilkinson P. , Campbell K. L. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundA healthcare professional's aptitude to develop research skills and actively engage in research is necessary to optimise healthcare efficacy. The present study investigated the factors that contribute to research capacity within the Australian dietetic workforce.MethodsQueensland‐based dietitians scored their department and individual skill or success in research on a 10‐point scale using an anonymous online survey that incorporated the validated Research Capacity in Context tool. Descriptive statistics were assessed against geographical setting, dietetic experience and the proportion of role (Full Time Equivalent; FTE) designated to research. Research activities were defined by the number of items currently involved in or completed in the past 6 months (n = 11). Factors associated with research activities were assessed by multivariable linear regression.ResultsDietitians (n = 130) identified having a moderate skill or success in 14 research items [mean (SD) 5.1 (1.7)] and perceived that their departments provided a moderate level of research support in 19 research items [mean (SD) 6.1 (2.5)]. Geographical setting, the proportion of role designated to research (FTE) and participation in research activities were associated with individual and department ratings of research skill or success. Research involvement was predicted by the proportion of role (FTE) designated to research (β = 0.34, t = 4.16, P < 0.001) and years of experience in dietetics (β = 0.32, t = 2.67, P < 0.009).ConclusionsA dietitian's capacity for research is related to professional experience and the designation of research in the role description. The findings of the present study will provide a baseline of research capacity and expertise among dietitians, and also inform the strategic development of building research capacity.
Syndromes of orthostatic intolerance: a hidden danger
Authors: Fedorowski A. , Melander O. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractOrthostatic hypotension (OH) is a relatively common heterogenous and multifactorial disorder, traditionally classified as neurogenic (less common but often more severe) or nonneurogenic (more common, with no direct signs of autonomic nervous system disease). The different clinical variants of orthostatic intolerance include initial, classical and delayed OH as well as postural tachycardia syndrome. Orthostatic instability may induce syncopal attacks either alone or in combination with other mechanisms, and is often dismissed as a precipitating factor. Moreover, prevalent OH is an independent risk factor for all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular morbidity, and the majority of patients with OH are asymptomatic or have few nonspecific symptoms. Management of symptomatic orthostatic intolerance includes both nonpharmacological and pharmacological methods, but it is not always successful and may lead to complications. Future studies of OH should focus on mechanisms that lead to neurogenic and nonneurogenic OH, novel diagnostic methods and more effective therapeutic modalities.
The niche under siege: novel targets for metastasis therapy
Authors: Santamaria‐Martínez A. , Huelsken J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMetastasis is an inefficient process and most cancer cells fail to colonize secondary sites. There are several possible reasons for this. First, the nature of the infiltrating cells is important as a small population of cancer stem cells has been shown to have exclusive metastasis‐initiating potential. Secondly, supportive niches are required to promote the outgrowth of disseminated tumour cells. Such niches are either produced prior to the arrival of cancer cells in the target organ or are induced ad hoc upon cell infiltration. Components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) have been found to play a role in establishing these niches. This has highlighted the importance of the ECM for metastatic progression, and suggests that such components may provide alternative targets for treatment of metastatic disease.
Effects of an isocaloric healthy Nordic diet on insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and inflammation markers in metabolic syndrome – a randomized study (SYSDIET)
Authors: Uusitupa M. , Hermansen K. , Savolainen M. J. , Schwab U. , Kolehmainen M. , Brader L. , Mortensen L. S. , Cloetens L. , Johansson‐Persson A. , Önning G. , Landin‐Olsson M. , Herzig K.‐H. , Hukkanen J. , Rosqvist F. , Iggman D. , Paananen J. , Pulkki K. J. , Siloaho M. , Dragsted L. , Barri T. , Overvad K. , Bach Knudsen K. E. , Hedemann M. S. , Arner P. , Dahlman I. , Borge G. I. A. , Baardseth P. , Ulven S. M. , Gunnarsdottir I. , Jónsdóttir S. , Thorsdottir I. , Orešič M. , Poutanen K. S. , Risérus U. , Åkesson B. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundDifferent healthy food patterns may modify cardiometabolic risk. We investigated the effects of an isocaloric healthy Nordic diet on insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, blood pressure and inflammatory markers in people with metabolic syndrome.MethodsWe conducted a randomized dietary study lasting for 18–24 weeks in individuals with features of metabolic syndrome (mean age 55 years, BMI 31.6 kg m−2, 67% women). Altogether 309 individuals were screened, 200 started the intervention after 4‐week run‐in period, and 96 (proportion of dropouts 7.9%) and 70 individuals (dropouts 27%) completed the study, in the Healthy diet and Control diet groups, respectively. Healthy diet included whole‐grain products, berries, fruits and vegetables, rapeseed oil, three fish meals per week and low‐fat dairy products. An average Nordic diet served as a Control diet. Compliance was monitored by repeated 4‐day food diaries and fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids.ResultsBody weight remained stable, and no significant changes were observed in insulin sensitivity or blood pressure. Significant changes between the groups were found in non‐HDL cholesterol (−0.18, mmol L−1 95% CI −0.35; −0.01, P = 0.04), LDL to HDL cholesterol (−0.15, −0.28; −0.00, P = 0.046) and apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A1 ratios (−0.04, −0.07; −0.00, P = 0.025) favouring the Healthy diet. IL‐1 Ra increased during the Control diet (difference −84, −133; −37 ng L−1, P = 0.00053). Intakes of saturated fats (E%, beta estimate 4.28, 0.02; 8.53, P = 0.049) and magnesium (mg, −0.23, −0.41; −0.05, P = 0.012) were associated with IL‐1 Ra.ConclusionsHealthy Nordic diet improved lipid profile and had a beneficial effect on low‐grade inflammation.
Combination of budesonide/formoterol more effective than fluticasone/salmeterol in preventing exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the PATHOS study
Authors: Larsson K. , Janson C. , Lisspers K. , Jørgensen L. , Stratelis G. , Telg G. , Ställberg B. , Johansson G. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesCombinations of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) and long‐acting β2‐agonists (LABAs) are recommended for patients with moderate and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it is not known whether different fixed combinations are equally effective. The aim of this study was to investigate exacerbation rates in primary care patients with COPD treated with budesonide/formoterol compared with fluticasone/salmeterol.MethodsPatients with physician‐diagnosed COPD and a record of postdiagnosis treatment with a fixed combination of budesonide/formoterol or fluticasone/salmeterol were included. Data from primary care medical records were linked to those from Swedish national hospital, drug and cause of death registers. Pairwise (1 : 1) propensity score matching was carried out at the index date (first prescription) by prescribed fixed ICS/LABA combination. Exacerbations were defined as hospitalizations, emergency visits and collection of oral steroids or antibiotics for COPD. Yearly event rates were compared using Poisson regression.ResultsMatching of 9893 patients (7155 budesonide/formoterol and 2738 fluticasone/salmeterol) yielded two cohorts of 2734 patients, comprising 19 170 patient‐years. The exacerbation rates were 0.80 and 1.09 per patient‐year in the budesonide/formoterol and fluticasone/salmeterol groups, respectively (difference of 26.6%; P < 0.0001); yearly rates for COPD‐related hospitalizations were 0.15 and 0.21, respectively (difference of 29.1%; P < 0.0001). All other healthcare outcomes were also significantly reduced with budesonide/formoterol versus fluticasone/salmeterol.ConclusionsLong‐term treatment with fixed combination budesonide/formoterol was associated with fewer healthcare utilization‐defined exacerbations than fluticasone/salmeterol in patients with moderate and severe COPD.
The Amplification Effect: Foreign Aid's Impact on Political Institutions
Authors: Dutta Nabamita , Leeson Peter T. , Williamson Claudia R. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryHow does foreign aid affect recipient countries' political institutions? Two competing hypotheses offer contradictory predictions. The first sees aid, when delivered correctly, as an important means of making dictatorial recipient countries more democratic. The second sees aid as a corrosive force on recipient countries' political institutions that makes them more dictatorial. This paper offers a third hypothesis about how aid affects recipients' political institutions that we call the “amplification effect.” We argue that foreign aid has neither the power to make dictatorships more democratic nor to make democracies more dictatorial. It only amplifies recipients' existing political institutions. We investigate this hypothesis using panel data for 124 countries between 1960 and 2009. Our findings support the amplification effect. Aid strengthens democracy in already democratic countries and dictatorship in already dictatorial regimes.
Tracing the Link between Government Size and Growth: The Role of Public Sector Quality
Authors: Oto‐Peralías Daniel , Romero‐Ávila Diego 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThis paper shows evidence of strong heterogeneity in the relationship between government size and growth, depending on the quality of public sector institutions. Focusing on a wide sample of developed and developing countries over the period 1981–2005, we find that government size reduces growth when bureaucracy quality is low, whereas no significant effect is observed for sufficiently high levels of bureaucracy quality. The results hold both in cross‐section and panel data analyses and are robust to a large number of robustness checks. These findings have important implications for assessing the role of government size in economic growth.
Evasion of killing by human antibody and complement through multiple variations in the surface oligosaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Clark Sarah E. , Eichelberger Kara R. , Weiser Jeffrey N. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of H. influenzae is highly variable. Much of the structural diversity is derived from phase variation, or high frequency on‐off switching, of molecules attached during LPS biosynthesis. In this study, we examined the dynamics of LPS phase variation following exposure to human serum as a source of antibody and complement in multiple H. influenzae isolates. We show that lic2A, lgtC and lex2A switch from phase‐off to phase‐on following serial passage in human serum. These genes, which control attachment of a galα1–4gal di‐galactoside structure (lic2A and lgtC phase‐on) or an alternative glucose extension (lex2A phase‐on) from the same hexose moiety, reduce binding of bactericidal antibody to conserved inner core LPS structures. The effects of the di‐galactoside and alternative glucose extension were also examined in the context of the additional LPS phase variable structures phosphorylcholine (ChoP) and sialic acid. We found that di‐galactoside, the alternative glucose extension, ChoP, and sialic acid each contribute independently to bacterial survival in the presence of human complement, and have an additive effect in combination. We propose that LPS phase variable extensions serve to shield conserved inner core structures from recognition by host immune components encountered during infection.
The noncanonical type III secretion system of Xanthomonas translucens pv. graminis is essential for forage grass infection
Authors: Wichmann Fabienne , Vorhölter Frank‐Jörg , Hersemann Lena , Widmer Franco , Blom Jochen , Niehaus Karsten , Reinhard Sonja , Conradin Constanze , Kölliker Roland 
Published: April 2013

SummaryXanthomonas translucens pv. graminis (Xtg) is a gammaproteobacterium that causes bacterial wilt on a wide range of forage grasses. To gain insight into the host–pathogen interaction and to identify the virulence factors of Xtg, we compared a draft genome sequence of one isolate (Xtg29) with other Xanthomonas spp. with sequenced genomes. The type III secretion system (T3SS) encoding a protein transport system for type III effector (T3E) proteins represents one of the most important virulence factors of Xanthomonas spp. In contrast with other Xanthomonas spp. assigned to clade 1 on the basis of phylogenetic analyses, we identified an hrp (hypersensitive response and pathogenicity) gene cluster encoding T3SS components and a representative set of 35 genes encoding putative T3Es in the genome of Xtg29. The T3SS was shown to be divergent from the hrp gene clusters of other sequenced Xanthomonas spp. Xtg mutants deficient in T3SS regulating and structural genes were constructed to clarify the role of the T3SS in forage grass colonization. Italian ryegrass infection with these mutants led to significantly reduced symptoms (P < 0.05) relative to plants infected with the wild‐type strain. This showed that the T3SS is required for symptom evocation. In planta multiplication of the T3SS mutants was not impaired significantly relative to the wild‐type, indicating that the T3SS is not required for survival until 14 days post‐infection. This study represents the first major step to understanding the bacterial colonization strategies deployed by Xtg and may assist in the identification of resistance (R) genes in forage grasses.
How does Monetary Policy Respond to Exchange Rate Movements? New International Evidence*
Authors: Bjørnland Hilde C. , Halvorsen Jørn I. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis article analyzes how monetary policy has responded to exchange rate movements in six open economies, paying particular attention to the two‐way interaction between monetary policy and the exchange rate. We address this issue using a structural VAR model that is identified using a combination of sign and short‐term (zero) restrictions. Doing so we find that, while there is a instantaneous reaction in the exchange rate following a monetary policy shock in all countries, monetary policy responds significantly on impact to an exchange rate shock in only four of the six countries.
A Distributional Analysis of Earnings Losses of Displaced Workers in an Economic Depression and Recovery
Authors: korkeamäki Ossi , kyyrä Tomi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe study the earnings losses of Finnish private sector workers who lost their jobs at two very different points in the business cycle. The first group wdisplad in 1992 (depression period) and the second one in 1997 (recovery period). The focal point of the analysis is the quantile displacement effect, the change in the earnings distribution due to involuntary job separation. We use mass layoffs and plant closures to identify groups of workers who were displaced from exogenous causes. The effect of displacement is strongest at the lower end of the earnings distribution and small or negligible at the upper end. Workers displaced during the depression period are subject to much larger earnings losses.
Early fish introduction and neonatal antibiotics affect the risk of asthma into school age
Authors: Goksör Emma , Alm Bernt , Pettersson Rolf , Möllborg Per , Erdes Laslo , Åberg Nils , Wennergren Göran 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe early introduction of fish has been reported to reduce the risk of wheezing disorder in early childhood, while broad‐spectrum antibiotics in the first week have been associated with an increased risk. However, it is uncertain whether the effects remain into school age. The aim was to explore these risk factors for doctor‐diagnosed asthma at 8 years.MethodsData were obtained from a prospective, longitudinal study of a cohort of children born in western Sweden. The parents answered questionnaires at 6 months and 1, 4.5 and 8 years of age. The response rate at 8 years was 80% of the questionnaires distributed (4051/5044), that is, 71% of the families entering the study (4051/5654).ResultsAt 8 years, 5.7% reported current doctor‐diagnosed asthma. Of these, 65% had atopic asthma and 35% non‐atopic asthma. In the multivariate analysis, atopic heredity, male gender and own allergic disease during infancy were risk factors for doctor‐diagnosed asthma at 8 years. In addition, the introduction of fish before the age of 9 months independently reduced the risk (adjusted OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4–0.96), while broad‐spectrum antibiotics in the first week independently increased the risk of current asthma at school age (aOR 2.3; 1.2–4.2). Regarding types of asthma, the effects were significant in atopic asthma but not in non‐atopic asthma.ConclusionThe early introduction of fish and neonatal antibiotic treatment influence the risk of asthma into school age. The significant effect on atopic asthma is of particular importance, as this phenotype is of major clinical significance.