bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Talk to me’: a mixed methods study on preferred physician behaviours during end‐of‐life communication from the patient perspective
Authors: Abdul‐Razzak Amane , Sherifali Diana , You John , Simon Jessica , Brazil Kevin 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundDespite the recognized importance of end‐of‐life (EOL) communication between patients and physicians, the extent and quality of such communication is lacking.ObjectiveWe sought to understand patient perspectives on physician behaviours during EOL communication.DesignIn this mixed methods study, we conducted quantitative and qualitative strands and then merged data sets during a mixed methods analysis phase. In the quantitative strand, we used the quality of communication tool (QOC) to measure physician behaviours that predict global rating of satisfaction in EOL communication skills, while in the qualitative strand we conducted semi‐structured interviews. During the mixed methods analysis, we compared and contrasted qualitative and quantitative data.Setting and ParticipantsSeriously ill inpatients at three tertiary care hospitals in Canada.ResultsWe found convergence between qualitative and quantitative strands: patients desire candid information from their physician and a sense of familiarity. The quantitative results (n = 132) suggest a paucity of certain EOL communication behaviours in this seriously ill population with a limited prognosis. The qualitative findings (n = 16) suggest that at times, physicians did not engage in EOL communication despite patient readiness, while sometimes this may represent an appropriate deferral after assessment of a patient's lack of readiness.ConclusionsAvoidance of certain EOL topics may not always be a failure if it is a result of an assessment of lack of patient readiness. This has implications for future tool development: a measure could be built in to assess whether physician behaviours align with patient readiness.
Apical periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: previous findings and ongoing research
Authors: Cotti E. , Mercuro G. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAim(i) To discuss the possibility that dental infections in general, and endodontic infections (apical periodontitis) more specifically, may affect cardiovascular health, (ii) which preventive measures should be adopted during the treatment of endodontic infections for infective endocarditis (IE), and (iii) What should be the priorities for future research, in the light of the literature available.MethodologyA literature review was performed.Results and Conclusions(i) Poor oral health and endodontic infections are associated with cardiovascular diseases, and endodontic infection appears to be associated with initial endothelial damage, (ii) preventive measures for IE should be adopted during endodontic treatment of patients at risk for cardiovascular events according to the American and European available official guidelines, and (iii) more research focused on apical periodontitis and systemic diseases is needed.
Endodontic medicine: connections between apical periodontitis and systemic diseases
Authors: Segura‐Egea J. J. , Martín‐González J. , Castellanos‐Cosano L. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) in Europe has been reported to affect 61% of individuals and 14% of teeth, and increase with age. Likewise, the prevalence of root canal treatment (RCT) in Europe is estimated to be around 30–50% of individuals and 2–9% of teeth with radiographic evidence of chronic persistent AP in 30–65% of root filled teeth (RFT). AP is not only a local phenomenon and for some time the medical and dental scientific community have analysed the possible connection between apical periodontits and systemic health. Endodontic medicine has developed, with increasing numbers of reports describing the association between periapical inflammation and systemic diseases. The results of studies carried out both in animal models and humans are not conclusive, but suggest an association between endodontic variables, that is AP and RCT, and diabetes mellitus (DM), tobacco smoking, coronary heart disease and other systemic diseases. Several studies have reported a higher prevalence of periapical lesions, delayed periapical repair, greater size of osteolityc lesions, greater likelihood of asymptomatic infections and poorer prognosis for RFT in diabetic patients. On the other hand, recent studies have found that a poorer periapical status correlates with higher HbA1c levels and poor glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting a causal effect of periapical inflammation on diabetes metabolic control. The possible association between smoking habits and endodontic infection has also been investigated, with controversial results. The aim of this paper was to review the literature on the association between endodontic variables and systemic health (especially DM and smoking habits).
Metabolic and structural bone disturbances induced by hyperlipidic diet in mice treated with simvastatin
Authors: Soares Evelise Aline , Novaes Rômulo Dias , Nakagaki Wilson Romero , Fernandes Geraldo José Medeiros , Garcia José Antônio Dias , Camilli José Angelo 
Published: July 2015

SummarySimvastatin can modulate lipid and bone metabolism. However, information related to the interaction between diet and simvastatin on bone structure and biomechanics is scarce. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of simvastatin on femoral biomechanics and cortical/trabecular bone structure in wild‐type mice nourished with a hyperlipidic diet. Three‐month‐old male wild‐type mice (C57BL6 strain) were divided into four groups: (1) group W, nourished with a standard diet; (2) group WH, fed a hyperlipidic diet; (3) group WS, nourished with a standard diet plus oral simvastatin (20 mg/kg/day); and (4) group WHS, fed a hyperlipidic diet plus oral simvastatin (20 mg/kg/day). All animals received only their specific diet and water for 60 days. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of calcium, triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC) and fraction serum levels. Diet manipulation was able to induce a dyslipidaemic status in mice, characterized by triglyceride and TC rise in WH animals. Simvastatin prevented hypercholesterolaemia and reduced TC and LDL serum levels, but did not prevent hypertriglyceridaemia and HDL serum levels in the WHS group. In the WH mice the hyperlipidaemia was associated with reduction in trabecular bone thickness, femur structural and material property alterations. Simvastatin prevented these morphological alterations and minimized femur biomechanical changes in WHS mice. Taken together, the results indicated that the hyperlipidic diet intake acts as a risk factor for bone integrity, generating bones with reduced resistance and more susceptible to fractures, an effect attenuated by simvastatin that is potentially related to the modulatory action of this drug on lipid and bone metabolism.
Video‐urodynamic effects of mirabegron, a β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, in patients with low‐compliance bladder
Authors: Kamei Jun , Furuta Akira , Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Niimi Aya , Ichihara Koji , Fujimura Tetsuya , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Kume Haruki , Homma Yukio , Igawa Yasuhiko 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate video‐urodynamic effects of mirabegron, a β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, on low‐compliance bladder.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed nine patients (three men, six women, age 17–68 years) who had been diagnosed with lower urinary tract dysfunction with low‐compliance bladder, and who underwent video‐urodynamic study before and during administration of mirabegron 50 mg once daily. Urodynamic parameters were compared before and after treatment.ResultsMirabegron treatment significantly increased first desire to void and cystometric capacity with an average increment of 80 mL (P = 0.027) and 123 mL (P = 0.005), respectively. Bladder compliance also significantly increased (mean value 8.1 mL/cmH2O before, 18.2 mL/cmH2O after, P = 0.024). In the six patients who had been taking anticholinergic agents at baseline video‐urodynamic study and then switched to mirabegron, mean cystometric capacity and bladder compliance were also increased significantly from 208.3 to 346.8 mL (P = 0.015) and from 7.2 to 17.5 mL/cmH2O (P = 0.047), respectively. Vesicoureteral reflux grade was improved in three of the four patients who had shown vesicoureteral reflux on cystography before treatment.ConclusionsMirabegron improves cystometric capacity and bladder compliance, and it lowers vesicoureteral reflux grade in patients with low‐compliance bladder. Thus, mirabegron might represent a good alternative drug for low‐compliance bladder refractory to anticholinergic treatment.
Microwave Sol–Gel Synthesis of CaGd2(MoO4)4:Er3+/Yb3+ Phosphors and Their Upconversion Photoluminescence Properties
Authors: Lim Chang Sung , Atuchin Victor , Aleksandrovsky Aleksandr , Molokeev Maxim , Oreshonkov Aleksandr 
Published: July 2015

CaGd2(MoO4)4:Er3+/Yb3+ phosphors with the doping concentrations of Er3+ and Yb3+ (x = Er3+ + Yb3+, Er3+ = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and Yb3+ = 0.2, 0.45) have been successfully synthesized by the microwave sol–gel method, and the crystal structure refinement and upconversion photoluminescence properties have been investigated. The synthesized particles, being formed after heat‐treatment at 900°C for 16 h, showed a well‐crystallized morphology. Under the excitation at 980 nm, CaGd2(MoO4)4:Er3+/Yb3+ particles exhibited strong 525 and 550‐nm emission bands in the green region and a weak 655‐nm emission band in the red region. The Raman spectrum of undoped CaGd2(MoO4)4 revealed about 15 narrow lines. The strongest band observed at 903 cm−1 was assigned to the ν1 symmetric stretching vibration of MoO4 tetrahedrons. The spectra of the samples doped with Er and Yb obtained under 514.5 nm excitation were dominated by Er3+ luminescence preventing the recording Raman spectra of these samples. Concentration quenching of the erbium luminescence at 2H11/2→4I15/2 and 4S3/2→4I15/2 transitions in the CaGd2(MoO4)4:Er3+/Yb3+ crystal structure was established to be approximately at the 10 at.% doping level.
Conditional Persistence of Earnings Components and Accounting Anomalies
Authors: Amir Eli , Kama Itay , Levi Shai 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe suggest that the failure of investors to distinguish between an earnings component's autocorrelation coefficient (unconditional persistence) and the marginal contribution of that component's persistence to the persistence of earnings (conditional persistence) provides a partial explanation of post‐earnings‐announcement drift, post‐revenue‐announcement drift, and the accrual anomaly. When the conditional persistence of revenue surprises is high (low) relative to its unconditional persistence, both the post‐earnings‐announcement drift and the post‐revenue‐announcement drift are high (low), because investors’ under‐reaction to revenues and earnings is stronger when the persistence of revenue surprises is more strongly associated with the persistence of earnings surprises. Also, the mispricing of accruals decreases substantially when the conditional persistence of accruals is high relative to its unconditional persistence, because investors’ over‐reaction to accruals is mitigated when the persistence of accruals is indeed more strongly associated with the persistence of earnings. Our findings also suggest that financial analysts’ failure to distinguish between unconditional and conditional persistence of revenues and accruals results in more biased revenue and earnings predictions.
Peri‐implantitis: a complex condition with non‐linear characteristics
Authors: Papantonopoulos Georgios , Gogos Christos , Housos Efthymios , Bountis Tassos , Loos Bruno G. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo cluster peri‐implantitis patients and explore non‐linear patterns in peri‐implant bone levels.Materials and MethodsClinical and radiographic variables were retrieved from 94 implant‐treated patients (340 implants, mean 7.1 ± 4.1 years in function). Kernel probability density estimations on patient mean peri‐implant bone levels were used to identify patient clusters. Inter‐relationships of all variables were evaluated by principal component analysis; a k‐nearest neighbours method was performed for supervised prediction of implant bone levels at the patient level. Self‐similar patterns of mean bone level per implant from different jaw bone sites were examined and their associated fractal dimensions were estimated.ResultsTwo clusters of implant‐treated patients were identified, one at patient mean bone levels of 1.7 mm and another at 4.0 mm. Five of thirteen available variables (number of teeth, age, gender, periodontitis severity, years of implant service), were predictive for peri‐implant bone levels. A high jaw bone fractal dimension was associated with less severe peri‐implantitis.ConclusionsNon‐linearity of peri‐implantitis was evidenced by finding different peri‐implant bone levels between two main clusters of implant‐treated patients and among six different jaw bone sites. The patient mean peri‐implant bone levels were predicted from five variables and confirmed complexity for peri‐implantitis.
Callous‐unemotional traits and impulsivity: distinct longitudinal relations with mind‐mindedness and understanding of others
Authors: Centifanti Luna C.M. , Meins Elizabeth , Fernyhough Charles 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundProblems in understanding other people's mental states may relate to distinct personality traits that are associated with early externalizing behavior. A distinction between theory of mind (ToM) and empathy has proven important in shedding light on the problems in understanding other minds encountered by children high on callous‐unemotional (CU) traits and exhibiting impulsivity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether children's early ToM and emotion understanding abilities predicted CU traits and impulsivity at age 10. A further aim was to explore whether the quality of the parent–child relationship very early in the development indirectly or directly predicted the children's CU traits and impulsivity.MethodWe examined whether ToM and empathy skills might differentially relate to personality traits associated with externalizing behaviors (i.e., impulsivity and CU traits). We examined these relations over time in a longitudinal cohort of 96 boys and girls using follow‐back analyses, incorporating measures of maternal mind‐mindedness (appropriate mind‐related talk) to examine the possible role of parent–child interaction quality.ResultsAppropriate mind‐related talk indirectly predicted CU traits (at age 10 years) via its effect on children's emotion understanding. ToM predicted impulsive/irresponsible traits, but ceased to be significant when controlling for externalizing behaviors.ConclusionThe present findings demonstrate that parents who remark appropriately on their infant's mental states may help the child to understand emotions and may mold an empathic understanding of others, thereby preventing CU traits.
The Ultra‐Structural Similarities between Cryptosporidium parvum and the Gregarines
Authors: Aldeyarbi Hebatalla M. , Karanis Panagiotis 
Published: July 2015

AbstractUsing a transmission electron microscopy‐based approach, this study details the striking similarities between Cryptosporidium parvum and the gregarines during in vitro axenic development at high ultra‐structural resolution. C. parvum zoites displayed three unusual regions within uninucleated parasites: epimerite‐like, protomerite‐like, and the cell body; these regions exhibited a high degree of morphological similarity to gregarine‐like trophozoites. The presence of a mucron‐like bulging structure at the side of the free ovoid gregarine‐like zoites was observed after 2 h of cultivation. An irregular pattern of epicytic‐like folds were found to cover the surface of the parasites 24 h postcultivation. Some extracellular stages were paired in laterocaudal or side‐side syzygy, with the presence of a fusion zone between some of these zoites. The present findings are in agreement with phylogenetic studies that have proposed a sister relationship with gregarines. Cryptosporidium appears to exhibit tremendous variety in cell structure depending on the surrounding environment, thereby mimicking the “primitive” gregarines in terms of the co‐evolution strategy between the parasites and their environments. Given this degree of similarity, different aspects of the evolutionary biology of Cryptosporidium need to be examined, considering the knowledge gained from the study of gregarines.
Dissemination of Evidence‐Based Antipsychotic Prescribing Guidelines to Nursing Homes: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Tjia Jennifer , Field Terry , Mazor Kathleen , Lemay Celeste A. , Kanaan Abir O. , Donovan Jennifer L. , Briesacher Becky A. , Peterson Daniel , Pandolfi Michelle , Spenard Ann , Gurwitz Jerry H. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to translate and disseminate evidence‐based guidelines about atypical antipsychotic use to nursing homes (NHs).DesignThree‐arm, cluster randomized trial.SettingNHs.ParticipantsNHs in the state of Connecticut.MeasurementsEvidence‐based guidelines for atypical antipsychotic prescribing were translated into a toolkit targeting NH stakeholders, and 42 NHs were recruited and randomized to one of three toolkit dissemination strategies: mailed toolkit delivery (minimal intensity); mailed toolkit delivery with quarterly audit and feedback reports about facility‐level antipsychotic prescribing (moderate intensity); and in‐person toolkit delivery with academic detailing, on‐site behavioral management training, and quarterly audit and feedback reports (high intensity). Outcomes were evaluated using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE‐AIM) framework.ResultsToolkit awareness of 30% (7/23) of leadership of low‐intensity NHs, 54% (19/35) of moderate‐intensity NHs, and 82% (18/22) of high‐intensity NHs reflected adoption and implementation of the intervention. Highest levels of use and knowledge among direct care staff were reported in high‐intensity NHs. Antipsychotic prescribing levels declined during the study period, but there were no statistically significant differences between study arms or from secular trends.ConclusionRE‐AIM indicators suggest some success in disseminating the toolkit and differences in reach, adoption, and implementation according to dissemination strategy but no measurable effect on antipsychotic prescribing trends. Further dissemination to external stakeholders such as psychiatry consultants and hospitals may be needed to influence antipsychotic prescribing for NH residents.
Normal Weight with Central Obesity, Physical Activity, and Functional Decline: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Batsis John A. , Zbehlik Alicia J. , Scherer Emily A. , Barre Laura K. , Bartels Stephen J. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesTo identify the risks of the combination of normal body mass index (BMI) and central obesity (normal weight and central obesity (NWCO)) on physical activity and function.DesignLongitudinal Osteoarthritis Initiative Study.SettingCommunity based.ParticipantsAdults aged 60 and older at risk of osteoarthritis (N = 2,210; mean age 68, range 67.1–69.0) were grouped according to BMI (normal 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, overweight 25.0–29.9 kg/m2, obese ≥30.0 kg/m2). High waist circumference (WC) was defined as greater than 88 cm for women and greater than 102 cm for men. Subjects were subcategorized according to WC (five categories). Subjects with normal BMI and a large WC were considered to have NWCO (n = 280, 12.7%).MeasurementsSix‐year changes in the Physical Component Summary of the Medical Outcomes Study 12‐item Short Form Survey (PCS), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and Late‐Life Function and Disability Index (LL‐FDI) were examined. The association between BMI and WC over 6 years was assessed (reference normal BMI, normal WC). Stratified analyses were performed according to age (60–69; ≥70).ResultsPhysical component scores, PASE, and LL‐FDI declined with time. Mean PASE scores at 6 years differed between the NWCO group and the group with normal BMI and WC (117.7 vs 141.5), but rate of change from baseline to 6 years was not significantly different (P = .35). In adjusted models, those with NWCO had greater decline in PCS over time, particularly those aged 70 and older than those with normal BMI and WC (time interaction β = −0.37, 95% confidence interval = −0.68 to −0.06).ConclusionNormal weight and central obesity in older adults at risk of osteoarthritis may be a risk factor for declining function and physical activity, particularly in those aged 70 and older, suggesting the value of targeting those with NWCO who would otherwise be labeled as low risk.
Retracted: Insulin receptor A and Sirtuin 1 synergistically improve learning and spatial memory following chronic salidroside treatment during hypoxia
Authors: Barhwal Kalpana , Das Saroj K. , Kumar Ashish , Hota Sunil K. , Srivastava Ravi B. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractHypoxia has been reported to cause hippocampal neurodegeneration resulting in learning and memory deficits. In the present study, we investigated the potential of salidroside, a glucoside derivative of tyrosol, in ameliorating hypoxia‐induced neurodegeneration and memory impairment. Morris water maze test showed improvement in learning and spatial memory of salidroside‐treated hypoxic rats correlating with increased dendritic intersections and arborization. Salidroside administration increased phosphorylation of insulin receptor subunit A (IRA) at Y972, Y1162/63, and Y1146 sites and subsequent activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) α subunit isoforms pAMPKα1 and pAMPKα2 resulting in mitochondrial biogenesis. Contrarily, silencing of IRA in salidroside‐supplemented hypoxic hippocampal cells could not improve cell viability or alter pAMPKα1 and pAMPKα2 expression. Rats administered with salidroside showed elevated expression of phosphorylated cAMP response element‐binding protein in the hippocampus. Salidroside administration also resulted in increased sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activity through a cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1)‐regulated mechanism that was independent of pIRA. Taken together, these findings suggest a synergistic role of pIRA and SIRT1 in salidroside‐mediated neuroprotection, mitochondrial biogenesis, and cognitive improvement during hypoxia.
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We propose a novel mechanism for salidroside‐mediated neuroprotection in hypoxia. Salidroside phosphorylates and activates Insulin Receptor A subunit which in turn leads to phosphorylation of Akt and ERK and subsequent activation of AMPK (AMP‐activated protein kinase). Salidroside also increases Sirt1 activity which along with pAMPK mediates mitochondrial biogenesis.