bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Atrioventricular Optimization on Hemodynamic Parameters and Quality of Life in Patients with Dual Chamber Pacemaker with Ventricular Lead in Right Ventricular Outflow Tract
Authors: Klimczak Artur , Budzikowski Adam S. , Rosiak Marcin , Zielińska Marzenna , Urbanek Bożena , Bartczak Karol , Chudzik Michał , Wranicz Jerzy K. 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to ascertain whether individual atrioventricular delay (AVD) optimization using impedance cardiography (ICG) offers beneficial hemodynamic effects as well as improved exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with requiring constant right ventricular pacing.MethodsThere were 37 patients with advanced AV block included in the study. Several examinations were performed at the beginning. Next, the optimization of AVD by ICG was done. The next step of the study patients have been randomized into optimal AVD group (AVDopt) or factory setting group (AVDfab). After 3 months, the follow‐up all data were collected again and crossover was performed. After another 3 months, during the final follow‐up all these measures were repeated.ResultsIn 87.5% patients, AVDopt were different than factory value. Cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), and stroke volume (SV) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in AVDopt group than in AVDfab group (CO: 6.0 ± 1.4 L/minute vs. 5.3 ± 1.2 L/minute; SV: 85.8 ± 25.7 mL vs.76.9 ± 22.5 mL; CI: 3.2 ± 0.7 L/minute/m2 vs. 2.7 ± 0.6 L/minute/m2). There was a statistical significant (P < 0.05) reduction of proBNP and NYHA class in patients with AVDopt compared to AVDfab (proBNP: 196.4 ± 144.7pg/mL vs. 269.4 ± 235.8 pg/mL; NYHA class: 1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 2.3 ± 0.6). Six‐minute walking test was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in AVDopt group (409 ± 90 m) than in AVDfab group (362 ± 93 m). There were no statistically significant differences in echocardiographic parameters between AVDopt and AVDfab settings.ConclusionOur study results suggest that AVD optimization in patients with DDD pacemaker with ICG improves hemodynamic when compared to the default factory settings. Furthermore, optimally programmed AVD reduces BNP and improves exercise tolerance and functional class.
Involvement of hypothalamic PI3K–STAT3 signalling in regulating appetite suppression mediated by amphetamine
Authors: Chu Shu‐Chen , Chen Pei‐Ni , Hsieh Yih‐Shou , Yu Ching‐Han , Lin Meng‐Hsuan , Lin Yan‐Han , Kuo Dong‐Yih 
Published: March 2014

Background and PurposeAppetite suppression induced by amphetamine has been attributed to its inhibition of neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons and activation of pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus. This study examined whether STAT3 was involved in these actions of amphetamine.Experimental ApproachRats were given amphetamine daily for 4 days. Changes in the expression of NPY, POMC, melanocortin MC3 receptors, PI3K and STAT3 in the hypothalamus were assessed by RT‐PCR and Western blotting. Antisense oligonucleotides to STAT3 were also used.Key ResultsExpression of NPY decreased with a maximum effect day 2 of amphetamine treatment. Expression of POMC, MC3 receptors, PI3K and STAT3 increased with a maximum response on day 2. Moreover, phosphorylation of STAT3 and its DNA binding activity increased and was expressed in a similar pattern. Infusion (i.c.v.) of STAT3 antisense at 60 min before amphetamine treatment, partly blocked amphetamine‐induced anorexia and modulated expression of NPY, POMC, MC3 receptors and PI3K, indicating the involvement of STAT3 in amphetamine‐treated rats.Conclusions and ImplicationsHypothalamic PI3K–STAT3 signalling participated in the regulation of NPY‐ and POMC‐mediated appetite suppression. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of anorectic drugs.
Beneficial effects of diminished production of hydrogen sulfide or carbon monoxide on hypertension and renal injury induced by NO withdrawal
Authors: Wesseling Sebastiaan , Fledderus Joost O , Verhaar Marianne C , Joles Jaap A 
Published: March 2014

Background and PurposeWhether NO, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) compensate for each other when one or more is depleted is unclear. Inhibiting NOS causes hypertension and kidney injury. Both global depletion of H2S by cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE) gene deletion and low levels of exogenous H2S cause hypertension. Inhibiting CO‐producing enzyme haeme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) makes rodents hypersensitive to hypertensive stimuli. We hypothesized that combined inhibition of NOS and HO‐1 exacerbates hypertension and renal injury, but how combined inhibition of NOS and CSE affect hypertension and renal injury was unclear.Experimental ApproachRats were treated with inhibitors of NOS (L‐nitroarginine; LNNA), CSE (DL‐propargylglycine; PAG), or HO‐1 (tin protoporphyrin; SnPP) singly for 1 or 4 weeks or in combinations for 4 weeks.Key ResultsLNNA always reduced NO, decreased H2S and increased CO after 4 weeks. PAG abolished H2S, always enhanced CO and reduced NO, but not when used in combination with other inhibitors. SnPP always increased NO, enhanced H2S and inhibited CO after 1 week. Rats treated with LNNA, but not PAG and SnPP, rapidly developed hypertension followed by renal dysfunction. LNNA‐induced hypertension was ameliorated and renal dysfunction prevented by all additional treatments. Renal HO‐1 expression was increased by LNNA in injured tubules and increased in all tubules by all other treatments.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe amelioration of LNNA‐induced hypertension and renal injury by additional inhibition of H2S and/or CO‐producing enzymes appeared to be associated with secondary increases in renal CO or NO production.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Pharmacology of the Gasotransmitters. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-6
Direct observation of weight counselling in primary care: alignment with clinical guidelines
Authors: Antognoli E. L. , Smith K. J. , Mason M. J. , Milliner B. R. , Davis E. M. , Harris‐Haywood S. , Seeholzer E. , Smith S. , Flocke S. A. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryPrimary care physicians provide care to a disproportionate number of overweight and obese patients and are uniquely positioned to help patients manage their weight in the context of a continuity relationship. The US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) developed evidence‐based guidelines for the effective and efficient care of overweight/obese patients, but little is known about the use of these guidelines in practice. To determine the content of weight discussions and assess the elements of the NHLBI guidelines that were accomplished, office visits of 544 adult, overweight/obese patients to 28 primary care physicians were observed and audio recorded. Associations between type of weight management discussion and patient, physician and visit characteristics were examined. Fifty per cent (n = 270) of visits included weight discussions; 47% and 38% included use of at least one NHLBI assessment or treatment element during discussions about weight, respectively. Only 35% (n = 193) of discussions included an assessment and treatment strategy; none included all NHLBI‐recommended elements. Overall, adherence to guidelines was poor, particularly with regard to reporting body mass index to the patient, measuring waist circumference and setting realistic weight loss goals. Weight discussions did not clearly vary by the patient, physician or visit characteristics examined. These findings suggest opportunities to develop and further tailor resources for improved physician training in patient weight management communication and treatment techniques that are both consistent with current standards for effective, evidence‐based care and efficient enough for routine use during busy primary care visits.
Mouthguard: a new technique for the partially edentulous patient
Authors: Gialain Ivan Onone , e Dias Reinaldo Brito , Costa Bruno , Coto Neide Pena 
Published: March 2014

AbstractOver the last decades, several articles have corroborated the need of using mouthguards in sports activities, manufactured with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) as their main material. There are different mouthguards techniques used by dentists worldwide to prevent injuries. A technique has been developed to help athletes, especially the partially edentulous patients, who were not getting the proper protection. The mouthguard technique consists in making EVA fillings to improve the adjustment and esthetics of mouthguard used by athletes. It is the authors′ conviction that the technique may prevent injuries in sports activities without impairing the athletes′ safety and esthetics.
A Ternary Age‐Mixing Model to Explain Contaminant Occurrence in a Deep Supply Well
Authors: Jurgens Bryant C. , Bexfield Laura M. , Eberts Sandra M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe age distribution of water from a public‐supply well in a deep alluvial aquifer was estimated and used to help explain arsenic variability in the water. The age distribution was computed using a ternary mixing model that combines three lumped parameter models of advection‐dispersion transport of environmental tracers, which represent relatively recent recharge (post‐1950s) containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), old intermediate depth groundwater (about 6500 years) that was free of drinking‐water contaminants, and very old, deep groundwater (more than 21,000 years) containing arsenic above the USEPA maximum contaminant level of 10 µg/L. The ternary mixing model was calibrated to tritium, chloroflorocarbon‐113, and carbon‐14 (14C) concentrations that were measured in water samples collected on multiple occasions. Variability in atmospheric 14C over the past 50,000 years was accounted for in the interpretation of 14C as a tracer. Calibrated ternary models indicate the fraction of deep, very old groundwater entering the well varies substantially throughout the year and was highest following long periods of nonoperation or infrequent operation, which occured during the winter season when water demand was low. The fraction of young water entering the well was about 11% during the summer when pumping peaked to meet water demand and about 3% to 6% during the winter months. This paper demonstrates how collection of multiple tracers can be used in combination with simplified models of fluid flow to estimate the age distribution and thus fraction of contaminated groundwater reaching a supply well under different pumping conditions.
Diagnostic Analysis of Pumping Tests Using Derivative of dlgs/dlgt with Case Study
Authors: Xiao Liang , Xu Yongxin 
Published: March 2014

AbstractDiagnostic derivative interpretation of drawdown data from pumping tests is discussed in this paper. An emphasis is placed on the conceptualization of derivative term of dlgs/dlgt. Use of a combined plot of dlgs/dlgt and ds/dlgt is made to identify various flow patterns from variable discharge tests with infinite conditions, constant rate tests in bounded aquifers, and tests involving double porosity, which can be used to further characterize the aquifer. Compared with the standard derivative method (ds/dlgt), the combined derivative analysis of dlgs/dlgt and ds/dlgt of drawdown behaviours possesses certain advantages identified as follows: (1) the plot of dlgs/dlgt is strikingly sensitive for use in unveiling differences between pumping and recovery periods in a variable discharge test; (2) storativity (S) of pumped aquifers can be accurately evaluated by the combined plot; and (3) a quantitative assessment of double porosity behaviour can also be achieved. Based on applied case studies, Lagrange Interpolation Regression (LIR) is recommended for numerical derivative calculation. Advantages and disadvantages of LIR and traditional methods are demonstrated via a selected case study. The result of the case study confirms that LIR is a preferred method for numerical derivative calculation as it can be used to effectively minimise noisy effect during derivative processes. The proposed derivative approach provides the hydrologists with an additional tool for characterizing pumped aquifers.
Oxidation Resistance of AlPO4 Bonded Ceramic Coating Formed on Titanium Alloy for High‐Temperature Applications
Authors: Tian Hong , Wang Ya‐Ming , Zhang Yu‐Feng , Guo Li‐Xin , Ouyang Jia‐Hu , Zhou Yu , Jia Dechang 
Published: March 2014

AlPO4 based coatings were prepared on Ti‐6Al‐2Zr‐1Mo‐1V titanium alloy using aluminum phosphate as a binder and Al2O3/Cr2O3 based mixing particles as the fillers. The microstructure, phase and chemical composition of the coatings were analyzed by SEM, XRD and EDS techniques. The high temperature infrared emissivity values of coated and uncoated titanium samples were tested. The results show that the coating had a higher infrared emissivity value (>0.8) than titanium substrate (0.15–0.3) in the wide wavelength range of 5–20 mm, which is attributed to the uniform dispersion of high emissivity Al2O3 and Cr2O3 particles in the AlPO4 binder matrix. The coated titanium samples exhibited excellent oxidation resistance performance with significantly decreased oxidation rates at 600 and 800°C. The mass gain of the coated sample kept at a low and stable constant of 0.15 mg/cm2, significantly lower than that of titanium substrate (0.54 mg/cm2) when oxidized at 600°C up to 100 h.
Unknowing: A potential common factor in successful engagement and psychotherapy with people who have complex psychosocial needs
Authors: Lakeman Richard 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMental health nurses have a demonstrated capacity to work with people who have complex mental health and social problems in a respectful and non‐coercive way for lengthy periods of time. Despite contributing to positive outcomes, nurses are rarely described as possessing psychotherapeutic skills or having advanced knowledge. More often, they are described as being instrumental to medicine, and nurses are socialized into not overstepping their subordinate position relative to medicine by claiming to know too much. Paradoxically, this position of unknowing, when employed mindfully, could be a critical ingredient in fostering therapeutic relationships with otherwise difficult‐to‐engage people. The concept of unknowing is explored with reference to different schools of psychotherapy. Adopting an unknowing stance, that is, not prematurely assuming to know what the person's problem is, nor the best way to help, might enable a deeper and more authentic understanding of the person's experience to emerge over time.
A transcultural study of psychopharmacotherapy for schizophrenia of neuroleptic treatment between Tokyo and Bali
Authors: KURIHARA TOSHIYUKI , GOHEIYAGI  , REVERGER ROBERT , KAWAI NORIE , INADA TOSHIYA 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe made a comparison of drug treatment for the patients with schizophrenia between two psychiatric hospitals in Tokyo, Japan, and Bali, Indonesia. An initial preliminary, cross‐sectional study revealed that the mean daily dose of neuroleptics was significantly higher in Tokyo than it was in Bali. A second, longitudinal, study showed that the mean neuroleptic dose for newly admitted patients in the acute phase was higher, and the number of patients receiving maintenance treatment after discharge larger in Tokyo, while the mean duration of hospitalization was shorter, and the re‐admission rate 1 year after discharge lower in Bali. These findings suggest that the course of schizophrenia is more favorable in Bali. As a result of lower dose of neuroleptics, the prevalence of tardic dyskinesia was much lower in Bali than it was in Tokyo.
Combining pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy in the treatment of anxiety disorder
Authors: PASNAU ROBERT O. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAnxiety disorders are more prevalent than any other mental health problem in the USA, but afflicted patients are often untreated or treated only by a primary care physician. Anxiety disorders can be understood in the context of the interplay of biological, psychosocial, and behavioral factors. Psychiatry has defined effective treatment that integrates education, psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. A combination of treatment approaches may be beneficial. Anxiety related symptoms, other than a true anxiety disorder, may be precipitated by normal stresses of daily life. These patients may also benefit from treatments used in anxiety disorders. Anxiety can also occur secondary to medical disorders and medications, as well as being present as part of other psychiatric syndromes. Diagnosis requires a history, physical examination and laboratory tests. Anxiety disorders, although common, are easily overlooked because patients may present with somatic complaints rather than admit to having emotional problems. Anxiety disorders are divided into seven categories in DSM IV, with each allowing for a differential treatment approach. Non‐pharmacological treatments are the first line of treatment, and may include behavior therapy and cognitive therapy. The physician‐patient relationship is itself a powerful treatment tool. Key areas in which the psychiatrist can help the patient cope are outlined. Benefits and risks of drug treatment for anxiety disorders are discussed.
Functional and structural brain imagings in dementia
Authors: ICHIMIYA ATSUSHI 
Published: March 2014

AbstractDementia is a major psychiatric problem in elderly people. Recent developments in brain imaging have made practical contributions to the diagnosis of dementia, which is caused by spread of various kinds of lesions in the brain. It is important to make accurate diagnoses of dementia in living patients, in order to decide upon treatment and to predict life expectancy. Magnetic resonance imaging can reveal vascular lesions more sensitively than can X‐ray computed tomography. Imaging methods of brain structures, however, can show only atrophies in dementing disorders caused by degeneration, like Alzheimer's disease. In contrast, functional imaging methods like single‐photon emission tomography and positron emission tomography, measuring regional cerebral blood flow and/or metabolism, have capabilities to detect hypofunctional brain areas, before structural changes appear in the degenerative dementias. A specific finding for Alzheimer's disease in emission tomographic examinations is relative hypo‐function of the posterior cerebral association cortices on both or one side in dementia without evidence of any cause for the dementia. This finding is expected to be positive evidence for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
Taoistic cognitive psychotherapy for neurotic patients: A preliminary clinical trial
Authors: XIAO SHUIYUAN , YOUNG DERSON , ZHANG HONGGEN 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTaoistic cognitive psychotherapy is a cognitive therapy based on Taostic philosophy of life and health. The present preliminary study aims to test clinical significance of the Taoistic cognitive psychotherapy, indicates that type A behavior patterns distorted values and psychopathologies can be improved after a short period (4 weeks) of Taoistic cognitive psychotherapy. The theoretical basis of this psychotherapy is also briefly introduced.
Mental Health Law and development of mental health program in Taiwan
Authors: ENG‐KUNGYEH MD  
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe legislation of the Mental Health Law which came into effect on 7 December 1990 was the most important event among a series of innovatory measures and actions taken by the government during the 1980s and the years that followed to improve the nation's mental health program. The law consists of 52 articles classified into seven chapters. The impact of the law on the development of mental health program has been significant in many aspects. There are, however, issues and controversies in this new law which need continuous monitoring as the mental health program progresses.
Postgraduate education in child and adolescent psychiatry
Authors: NURCOMBE BARRY 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe content of an ideal training program in child and adolescent psychiatry is summarized under the following headings: educational mission; general instructional foci, learning experiences; and evaluation. External and internal obstacles to the establishment and implementation of innovative training programs are discussed. A survey of past trainees was undertaken, and the topics which they considered should be emphasized more are listed. Finally, the paper predicts the issues which will emerge or gain in importance by 2000 AD.
Adolescent depression in Japan: As studied from Shimoda's theory and Harter's theory
Authors: MURATA TOYOHISA , NAKANIWA Y. , SARADA ANDY. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThrough the daily treatment of depressive adolescents we have come to feel that such cases present with a common specific state at onset that includes hypersensitivity and a tendency to neuroticism. This state is reminiscent of the introverted character of children reported by Shimoda in 1929 and of immodithymic character that he later proposed as the pre‐pathological character of bipolar disorders. In contrast, we supposed that it might be important to evaluate these adolescents from the low self‐worth theory and to compare adolescent psychopathology between the USA and Japan. In order to ascertain these issues, we performed a clinical survey of the junior and high school students who came to outpatient clinics, and thereby demonstrated the necessity of understanding the depressive adolescents from the standpoint of character theory and self‐worth theory. We then attempted some field work with ordinary junior high school children as object using Harter's self‐perception profile and Kovac's CDI. The results showed that depressive tendencies and self‐worth differed greatly among Japanese junior high school children and American counterparts. We have used these findings to discuss the psychopathology of depressive tendencies in Japanese adolescents.
Group psychoeducation of relatives of schizophrenic patients: Two‐year experiences
Authors: ZHANG MINGYUAN , HE YANGLING , GITTELMAN MARTIN , WONG ZHEN , YAN HEQIN 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn order to assess the feasibility and acceptability of group psychosocial education for the relatives of schizophrenics in the community, a 2‐year project was carried out in two cities: Jinan and Shanghai, China. The completed sample included 682 cases in the experimental group and 366 cases in the control group. The experimental group received group psychotherapy including 14 lectures and five group discussions with conventional services, and the control group had conventional services only. The annual relapse rate in the experimental group was much lower than that in the control group (17.6 and 23.2%, P < 0.01) and the rate of regular work in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (37.5 and 30.0%, P < 0.05). At the end of the second year, the relatives in the experimental group had less care burden, better mental and physical health status and more knowledge of caring for schizophrenics than those in the control group. This approach was well accepted by both mental health workers and relatives of schizophrenics and the rate of drop‐out was 18.4% only during the 2‐year period.
Community care systems for the mentally ill in Japan: Can we switch hospital‐based care to community based one?
Authors: INOUE SHIMPEI 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMany Western countries have tried to reduce the number of psychiatric beds by providing effective rehabilitation and care in the community. Many Far East countries have had many fewer psychiatric beds than they have in Japan. Community care in these countries seems to complement the shortage of beds. Compared with other countries, Japan is unique in that they try to develop community care for the mentally ill without a deinstitutionalization policy.