bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of cognitive enhancer use among New Zealand tertiary students
Authors: Ram Sanyogita (Sanya) , Hussainy Safeera , Henning Marcus , Jensen Maree , Russell Bruce 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntroduction and AimsCognitive enhancers (CE) such as methylphenidate, amphetamines and modafinil are becoming more commonly used in non‐medical situations. This study explored the prevalence and motivations for CE use in a New Zealand university.Design and MethodsStudents from the Schools of Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, Law and Accounting at a university in New Zealand were invited to complete a paper‐based questionnaire that elicited their views on the prevalence, reasons for use and attitudes towards use of CEs. Questionnaires were distributed at the end of a third‐year lecture (August–October 2012). Reasons for use and attitudes towards use was measured using a 7‐point Likert scale from strongly agree (1) to strongly disagree (7). Descriptive and prevalence statistics were calculated. Inferential statistics were generated to explore the overall associations between CE use and how the respondents had first learnt about CEs, and to investigate reasons for CE use.ResultsThe response fraction was 88.6 % (442/499) and the prevalence of CE use was 6.6% (95% confidence interval 4.5–9.0). Commonly cited reasons for use were to get high [M = 4.43, standard deviation (SD) 2.36], experimentation (M = 4.17, SD 2.36), increase alertness (M = 3.55, SD 2.48), to help concentrate (M = 3.48, SD 2.42), to help stay awake (M = 3.20, SD 2.33), to help study (M = 3.10, SD 2.47) and to concentrate better while studying (M = 3.00, SD 2.43).Discussion and ConclusionsUse of CEs was uncommon in contrast to the prevalence reported in the USA. The reasons for use also varied depending on which CE was used. Students who use CEs have differing attitudes towards their acceptability, which warrants further research about how these attitudes influence their use and attitudes towards academic performance. [Ram S(S), Hussainy S, Henning M, Jensen M, Russell B. Prevalence of cognitive enhancer use among New Zealand tertiary students. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:245–351]
Are alcohol outlet densities strongly associated with alcohol‐related outcomes? A critical review of recent evidence
Authors: Gmel Gerhard , Holmes John , Studer Joseph 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIssuesThere have been reviews on the association between density of alcohol outlets and harm including studies published up to December 2008. Since then the number of publications has increased dramatically. The study reviews the more recent studies with regard to their utility to inform policy.ApproachA systematic review found more than 160 relevant studies (published between January 2009 and October 2014). The review focused on: (i) outlet density and assaultive or intimate partner violence; (ii) studies including individual level data; or (iii) ‘natural experiments’.Key FindingsDespite overall evidence for an association between density and harm, there is little evidence on causal direction (i.e. whether demand leads to more supply or increased availability increases alcohol use and harm). When outlet types (e.g. bars, supermarkets) are analysed separately, studies are too methodologically diverse and partly contradictory to permit firm conclusions besides those pertaining to high outlet densities in areas such as entertainment districts. Outlet density commonly had little effect on individual‐level alcohol use, and the few ‘natural experiments’ on restricting densities showed little or no effects.Implications and ConclusionsAlthough outlet densities are likely to be positively related to alcohol use and harm, few policy recommendations can be given as effects vary across study areas, outlet types and outlet cluster size. Future studies should examine in detail outlet types, compare different outcomes associated with different strengths of association with alcohol, analyse non‐linear effects and compare different methodologies. Purely aggregate‐level studies examining total outlet density only should be abandoned. [Gmel G, Holmes J, Studer J. Are alcohol outlet densities strongly associated with alcohol‐related outcomes? A critical review of recent evidence. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015]
Strategies to promote peripheral nerve regeneration: electrical stimulation and/or exercise
Authors: Gordon Tessa , English Arthur W. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractEnhancing the regeneration of axons is often considered to be a therapeutic target for improving functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury. In this review, the evidence for the efficacy of electrical stimulation (ES), daily exercise and their combination in promoting nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve injuries in both animal models and in human patients is explored. The rationale, effectiveness and molecular basis of ES and exercise in accelerating axon outgrowth are reviewed. In comparing the effects of ES and exercise in enhancing axon regeneration, increased neural activity, neurotrophins and androgens are considered to be common requirements. Similarly, there are sex‐specific requirements for exercise to enhance axon regeneration in the periphery and for sustaining synaptic inputs onto injured motoneurons. ES promotes nerve regeneration after delayed nerve repair in humans and rats. The effectiveness of exercise is less clear. Although ES, but not exercise, results in a significant misdirection of regenerating motor axons to reinnervate different muscle targets, the loss of neuromuscular specificity encountered has only a very small impact on resulting functional recovery. Both ES and exercise are promising experimental treatments for peripheral nerve injury that seem to be ready to be translated to clinical use.
The immunomodulatory properties of adult skin‐derived precursor Schwann cells: implications for peripheral nerve injury therapy
Authors: Stratton Jo Anne , Shah Prajay T. , Kumar Ranjan , Stykel Morgan G. , Shapira Yuval , Grochmal Joey , Guo Gui Fang , Biernaskie Jeff , Midha Rajiv 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSkin‐derived precursor Schwann cell (SKPSC) therapy has been identified as a potentially beneficial treatment for peripheral nerve injuries. One hypothesised mechanism by which SKPSCs enhance recovery is via the modulation of macrophages. In the present study, we investigated the immunomodulatory properties of adult rat SKPSCs, and demonstrated that these cells expressed a battery of cytokines, including interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL)‐1β, and, most abundantly, IL‐6. Whereas macrophages exposed to depleted or fibroblast‐conditioned medium secreted minimal amounts of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), in the presence of SKPSC‐conditioned medium, macrophages secreted > 500 pg/mL TNF‐α. Following the transplantation of SKPSCs into injured rat sciatic nerves, we observed an SKPSC density‐dependent increase in the number of macrophages (Pearson's r = 0.66) and an SKPSC density‐dependent decrease in myelin debris (Pearson's r = –0.68). To determine the effect of IL‐6 in a proinflammatory context, macrophage cultures were primed with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/IFN‐γ/IL‐1β or LPS/IFN‐γ/IL‐1β + IL‐6, and this showed a 212% and 301% increase in the number of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)‐positive proinflammatory macrophages respectively. In contrast to neurons exposed to conditioned medium from unprimed macrophages, neurons treated with conditioned medium from proinflammatory‐primed macrophages showed a 13–26% reduction in neurite outgrowth. Anti‐IL‐6 antibody combined with SKPSC transplant therapy following nerve injury did not alter macrophage numbers or debris clearance, but instead reduced iNOS expression as compared with SKPSC + IgG‐treated rats. SKPSC + anti‐IL‐6 treatment also resulted in a two‐fold increase in gastrocnemius compound muscle action potential amplitudes as compared with SKPSC + IgG treatment. Understanding the mechanisms underlying immunomodulatory aspects of SKPSC therapy and developing approaches to manipulate these responses are important for advancing Schwann cell‐based therapies.
PACES in epilepsy: Results of a self‐management randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fraser Robert T. , Johnson Erica K. , Lashley Steven , Barber Jason , Chaytor Naomi , Miller John W. , Ciechanowski Paul , Temkin Nancy , Caylor Lisa 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveSelf‐management challenges facing adults with epilepsy include limited understanding of the condition and treatment, associated psychosocial issues, and lack of community integration. Self‐management interventions improve patients' medical, life role, and emotional management. Previous interventions, developed from expert opinion, indicated issues with participant engagement/retention, and limited follow‐up periods. PACES in Epilepsy addressed methodologic concerns by utilizing patient needs assessment data (n = 165) to derive self‐management content and program features for evaluation via randomized controlled trial (RCT).MethodsParticipants were adults with chronic epilepsy (n = 83), without serious mental illness or substantive intellectual impairment, who were recruited from two epilepsy centers. Participants were assigned randomly to intervention or treatment‐as‐usual groups. Outcomes included the Epilepsy Self‐Management Scale (ESMS), Epilepsy Self‐Efficacy Scale (ESES), Quality of Life in Epilepsy‐31 (QOLIE‐31), Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7), administered at baseline, postintervention (8 weeks), and 6 months postintervention. The intervention was an 8‐week group of 6–8 adults co‐led by a psychologist and trained peer with epilepsy that met one evening per week at a hospital for 75 min. Topics included medical, psychosocial, cognitive, and self‐management aspects of epilepsy, in addition to community integration and optimizing epilepsy‐related communication. The treatment group provided satisfaction ratings regarding program features.ResultsPACES participants (n = 38) improved relative to controls (n = 40) on the ESMS (p < 0.001) and subscales [Information (p < 0.001); Lifestyle (p < 0.002)]; ESES (p < 0.001); and QOLIE‐31 (p = 0.002). At 6‐month follow up, PACES participants remained improved on the ESMS (p = 0.004) and Information subscale (p = 0.009); and Energy/Fatigue (p = 0.032) and Medication Effects (p = 0.005) of the QOLIE‐31. Attrition in both groups was low (8% in each group) and all program satisfaction ratings exceeded 4.0/5.0, with leadership (4.76), topics (4.53), and location (4.30) as the most highly rated aspects.SignificanceA consumer generated epilepsy self‐management program appears to be a promising intervention from multiple perspectives, particularly in relation to disability management.
An ultrasonographic scoring method for transabdominal monitoring of ascarid burdens in foals
Authors: Nielsen M. K. , Donoghue E. M. , Stephens M. L. , Stowe C. J. , Donecker J. M. , Fenger C.K. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyParascaris spp. infections can lead to life‐threatening small intestinal impactions in foals. Currently available diagnostic techniques cannot estimate the magnitude of an ascarid burden, and hence identify foals potentially at risk of developing impactions.ObjectivesTo describe and evaluate an ultrasonographic transabdominal scoring technique for monitoring of ascarid burdens in foals and to perform a cost‐benefit analysis of the application of this technique.Study designA transabdominal ultrasonographic technique was validated against ascarid worm counts from 10 foals aged 162–294 days. In a treatment trial, 15 foals were randomly allocated to 3 treatment groups: ivermectin, oxibendazole and no treatment. Blinded ultrasound examinations were performed daily for 5 consecutive days following treatment. Foals were examined ultrasonographically twice by the same investigator, and by different investigators for intra‐ and interobserver agreement evaluation. Cost‐benefit analyses identified threshold values for the probability of ascarid impactions above which the screening method becomes cost‐effective.MethodsThe ultrasound technique used 3 locations along the ventral midline. An ascarid scoring system was established that assessed the magnitude of ascarid burden ranging from 1–4. The method was validated against worm burdens of 10 worms and above with calculation of diagnostic specificity, sensitivity, and predictive values. Treatment trial data were evaluated statistically using mixed model analysis. Kappa values were generated for intra‐ and interobserver agreement.ResultsTwo consecutive examinations were found to detect worm burdens >10 ascarids reliably. Ascarid scores declined in response to both anthelmintic treatments, although differences were not statistically significant. Kappa values indicated fair to moderate intra‐ and interobserver agreements. The majority of cost‐benefit analyses indicated that ultrasound examinations are cost effective when the probability of ascarid impactions is above a range of 0.0001–0.0082 (i.e. 1 in 10,000 to 8 in 1000 foals).ConclusionsThe ultrasonographic screening techniques can be a useful tool for monitoring ascarid burdens in foals.
IL‐33 induces Egr‐1‐dependent TSLP expression via the MAPK pathways in human keratinocytes
Authors: Ryu Woo‐In , Lee Hana , Kim Jin Hee , Bae Hyun Cheol , Ryu Hwa Jung , Son Sang Wook 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease in which T‐helper type 2 (Th2)‐type immune responses are dominant. Th2 cytokine, interleukin (IL)‐33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) have been suggested to have an important role in AD. IL‐33 is highly expressed in AD, but its role in AD has not yet been fully understood. To further identify the role of IL‐33 in AD, we investigated the expression of TSLP induced by IL‐33 in keratinocytes. This study revealed that IL‐33 induced TSLP expression in human keratinocytes. Early growth response protein 1 (Egr)‐1, which is an inflammatory transcriptional factor, is induced by IL‐33. IL‐33‐mediated TSLP induction in keratinocytes was suppressed by treatment with mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors or small interfering RNA against Egr‐1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay indicated the direct involvement of Egr‐1 in IL‐33‐mediated TSLP induction. Taken together, these findings indicate that IL‐33 may increase TSLP expression through an Egr‐1‐dependent mechanism via ERK1/2, JNK and p38 activation in keratinocytes. These data suggest that the IL‐33‐ERK/JNK/p38/Egr‐1/TSLP axis is involved in allergic skin Th2 inflammation, and it may be a novel therapeutic target.
Short fatigue cracks in intermetallic γ‐TiAl‐alloys
Authors: Wessel W. , Zeismann F. , Brueckner‐Foit A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFatigue crack growth at room temperature and its relation to the local microstructure is studied for four different γ‐TiAl‐alloys with microstructures ranging from coarse and fully lamellar to fine and partly lamellar. It is shown that the number of cycles to failure depends strongly on the efficiency of the first barrier to crack extension, as crack growth rates may increase rapidly once this barrier has been breached by a specific crack. The crack extension behaviour for two typical barriers (colony boundary and twin boundary) is studied using high‐resolution optical and scanning electron microscopy.
Health sciences journals: an overview of outputs by Chinese authors
Authors: Li Meina , Liu Xiaodong , Zhang Lulu 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo analyse the contributions of authors from three major regions of China – the Mainland (ML), Hong Kong (HK) and Taiwan (TW) – in the field of health care sciences and services.MethodsArticles published by Chinese authors between 1998 and 2012 in the category of health care sciences and services were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded (scie) database. The numbers of total articles, impact factors, citations, articles included in the top 10 highest impact journals and the 10 journals that published the most papers were recorded.ResultsML, HK and TW published 615, 415 and 1162, respectively, with accumulated impact factors of 1281.65, 904.29 and 2361.44; average impact factor of 2.08, 2.18 and 2.03; and total citation times of 2313, 2652, and 4818. Regarding the top 10 high‐impact journals, ML, HK and TW accounted for 28.25%, 27.68% and 44.07%, respectively. Total impact factors of the most popular 10 journals for ML, HK and TW were 20.86, 22.08 and 18.92, respectively.Discussion and ConclusionsBoth the quality and quantity of papers published in health care sciences and services journals from ML, HK and TW have greatly improved. ML and HK have different strong points, while the gap with TW diminished.
Combined Lysis of Thrombus with Ultrasound and Systemic Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Emergent Revascularization in Acute Ischemic Stroke (Clotbust-ER): Design and Methodology of a Multinational Phase 3 Trial
Authors: Schellinger Peter D. , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Barreto Andrew D. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Kohrmann Martin , Alleman John , Howard Virginia , Howard George , Alexandrov Anne W. , Brandt Gordon , Molina Carlos A. 
Published: June 2015

Background We designed a Phase 3 clinical trial to determine the safety and efficacy of adding transcranial ultrasound using an operator-independent headframe to recombinant tissue-plasminogen-activator for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Methods Combined lysis of thrombus with ultrasound and systemic tissue-plasminogen-activator for emergent revascularization in acute ischemic stroke is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that will enroll subjects with the following main inclusion criteria: less than 4·5 hours from symptom onset (three-hours in US and Canada), age 18–80 years, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥ 10, and premorbid modified-Rankin-score of 0–1, eligibility for full dose recombinant tissue-plasminogen-activator. Subjects will receive two-hours of 2-MHz pulsed wave transcranial ultrasound (target group) or sham ultrasound (control group). The projected sample size is approximately 824 subjects. Results The primary endpoint, based on intention-to-treat criteria of patients enrolled within three-hours of symptom onset is the comparison between target and control groups of modified-Rankin-score scores at day 90 poststroke assessed using the proportional odds method. The study will have two planned interim analyses after approximately one-third and two-thirds of subjects have reached the 90-day modified-Rankin-score evaluation. Safety outcomes are symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 24 h and an overall analysis of adverse events. Conclusions Since intravenous recombinant tissue-plasminogen-activator remains the only medical therapy to reverse ischemic stroke applicable in the emergency department, our trial will determine if the additional use of transcranial ultrasound improves functional outcomes in patients with severe acute ischemic stroke (NCT#01098981).
A Phase 1 Exercise Dose Escalation Study for Stroke Survivors with Impaired Walking
Authors: Dite Wayne , Langford Zoe N. , Cumming Toby B. , Churilov Leonid , Blennerhassett Jannette M. , Bernhardt Julie 
Published: June 2015

Background Targeted exercise and increased practice can improve the mobility of stroke survivors. However, many stroke survivors continue to have reduced physical work capacity and impaired walking, and experience frequent falls after participating in physical rehabilitation programs. Aim In this Phase 1 study, we used a dose escalation method, common in pharmaceutical trials, to determine the maximum tolerable dose of multimodal exercise in community-dwelling stroke survivors with mobility impairment. Methods Stroke survivors 14–59 months poststroke participated in a 12-week (36 sessions) multimodal exercise program implemented using a cumulative 3 + 3 dose escalation design (featuring increasing doses in successive cohorts of three participants), with set dose-limiting tolerance criteria. The exercise intervention included challenging balance activities, strength, and endurance training. The program was individualized and focused on task-specific requirements for walking in the community. Results Six survivors participated before escalation was ceased. Four participants were able to tolerate up to 10·5 h/week of exercise, which included 283 min of endurance, 182 min of task practice, 138 min of strengthening, and 28 min resting. The program led to increased walking distance (Six-Minute Walk Test) and faster mobility (4 Square Step Test, Timed Up and Go Test), with pre–postimprovements averaging 23–41%. Conclusions This is the first multimodal exercise dose escalation study in stroke. The maximal dose of exercise identified was dramatically higher than the dose typically delivered to stroke survivors in current trials. We now plan to confirm safety and feasibility of this program in a larger Phase II trial.
High Levels of von Willebrand Factor and Low Levels of its Cleaving Protease, ADAMTS13, are Associated with Stroke in Young HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Allie Sameera , Stanley Alan , Bryer Alan , Meiring Muriel , Combrinck Marc I. 
Published: June 2015

Background Stroke associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection may occur through a variety of mechanisms. Von Willebrand factor is a marker of endothelial dysfunction, and is elevated in human immunodeficiency virus infection. High levels of von Willebrand factor, a protein involved in platelet adhesion and aggregation, and low levels of ADAMTS13, a metalloproteinase that cleaves von Willebrand factor, have been associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. Aim To investigate the role of von Willebrand factor and ADAMTS13 in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus-related stroke in young patients. Methods A case-control study ( n = 100) comprising three participant groups: human immunodeficiency virus-positive antiretroviral therapy-naïve young strokes ( n = 20), human immunodeficiency virus-negative young strokes ( n = 40), and human immunodeficiency virus-positive antiretroviral therapy-naïve nonstroke controls ( n = 40). von Willebrand factor and ADAMTS13 levels were measured in plasma samples collected five- to seven-days poststroke. Results Human immunodeficiency virus-positive stroke participants had higher von Willebrand factor levels than human immunodeficiency virus-negative strokes (173·5% vs. 135%, P = 0·032). They tended to have higher levels of von Willebrand factor than human immunodeficiency virus-positive nonstroke controls (173·5% vs. 129%, P = 0·061). Human immunodeficiency virus-positive stroke participants had lower levels of ADAMTS13 than human immunodeficiency virus-positive nonstroke controls (0% vs. 23·5% P = 0·018) most likely due to the effect of the acute stroke. However, in the nonstroke group, these levels were significantly reduced compared with population norms. von Willebrand factor levels in all human immunodeficiency virus-positive participants were negatively correlated with CD4 counts. Conclusions Stroke in human immunodeficiency virus infection is associated with a prothrombotic state, characterized by elevated von Willebrand factor and low ADAMTS13 levels.