bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The lived experiences of individuals with Tourette syndrome or tic disorders: A meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Smith Heather , Fox John R.E. , Trayner Penny 
Published: February 2015

There is a growing body of qualitative literature describing the lived experiences of people with tic disorders (TDs). The aim of this paper was to conduct a systematic review of this literature, synthesizing the perspectives of individuals on their experiences. Meta‐synthesis methodology was utilized to review and draw together findings from 10 articles, from which key concepts were extracted, and over‐arching themes generated. Six themes were identified to encompass the experience of TDs, including (1) cultural, semantic issues of the condition; (2) negative experiences in organizations and treatment; (3) the value and negative impact on interpersonal relationships; (4) personal identity in the constant presence of TDs; (5) concerns for the future; and (6) strategies to control and manage the observable presence of tics. Adaptive coping strategies were found to encompass continuous social adaptation, strategies to manage tics and social perceptions, self‐acceptance, advocacy, and support from others. The results highlighted the significant role of social and cultural issues related to understanding and stigma, which underpinned many of the lived experiences. Implications for clinical practice in supporting individuals with TDs were also highlighted.
Structure‐Aware Mesh Decimation
Authors: Salinas D. , Lafarge F. , Alliez P. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe present a novel approach for the decimation of triangle surface meshes. Our algorithm takes as input a triangle surface mesh and a set of planar proxies detected in a pre‐processing analysis step, and structured via an adjacency graph. It then performs greedy mesh decimation through a series of edge collapse, designed to approximate the local mesh geometry as well as the geometry and structure of proxies. Such structure‐preserving approach is well suited to planar abstraction, i.e. extreme decimation approximating well the planar parts while filtering out the others. Our experiments on a variety of inputs illustrate the potential of our approach in terms of improved accuracy and preservation of structure.
Assessment of the contralateral routing of signal system in unilateral cochlear implantation
Authors: Guevara N. , Grech C. , Gahide I. , Gallego S. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) system in unilateral cochlear implants (CI) users.DesignSingle‐centre prospective interventional study.SettingTertiary referral centre.ParticipantsEight unilateral cochlear implants patients with >30% speech perception in silence and >6 months’ implantation.Main outcome measuresFree‐field speech perception assessed by ‘vowel–consonant–vowel’ pseudoword test and free‐field spatial localisation by Fournier lists on five loudspeakers (in silence and in noise). Subjective benefit assessed on the abbreviated profile of hearing aid benefit (APHAB) questionnaire. These tests were performed on the 1st and 15th day of the trial (denoted by D1 and D15, respectively).ResultsContralateral routing of signal‐cochlear implants provided significant improvement in speech perception at D1 and D15 in silence (P, respectively, 0.03 and 0.025) and in noise (P 0.012 and 0.036). No improvement in spatial localisation was demonstrated. The abbreviated profile of hearing aid benefit quality of life questionnaire administered at D15 showed overall benefit and a significant difference in ease of communication with versus without contralateral routing of signal. By 6 months, however, 75% of the patients (6/8) had abandoned the system due to trouble in noise (5/6), trouble with the device's wiring (3/6) and onset of headache (4/6).ConclusionContralateral routing of signal‐cochlear implants is an interesting novel option, restoring a binaural effect and providing improved speech perception and non‐negligible comfort of hearing in certain patients, without the medical and economic costs of bilateral cochlear implants. However, the drawbacks (especially the difficulty of modulating the signal‐to‐noise ratio) do not presently allow it to be an effective alternative to bilateral cochlear implants.
Indikation und praktische Durchführung mikrobiologischer Diagnostik bei Patienten mit chronischen Wunden
Authors: Schwarzkopf Andreas , Dissemond Joachim 
Published: February 2015

ZusammenfassungEine bakteriologische Diagnostik wird häufig bei Patienten mit chronischen Wunden durchgeführt. Sowohl die Indikationen als auch die praktische Durchführung dieser bakteriologischen Diagnostik sind jedoch zurzeit nicht einheitlich. Da bekannt ist, dass die Resultate durch die Entnahmetechniken und die jeweilige Vorbereitung wesentlich beeinflusst werden können, zeigt sich die Notwendigkeit für einen einheitlichen Standard, der bislang fehlt.Oberflächlich entnommene bakteriologische Abstriche für Screening‐Untersuchungen bei Patienten mit chronischen Wunden werden in Deutschland oft in der täglichen Routine insbesondere für den Nachweis von multiresistenten Erregern entnommen. Bei diesen Abstrichen sollte zuvor keine Wundsäuberung durchgeführt werden. Die Durchführung entsprechend der Technik des Essener Kreisels stellt für diese Fragestellung eine leicht anzuwendende und rasch durchführbare Option dar. Bei klinischem Verdacht auf Wundinfektion sollte vor Abnahme bakteriologischer Abstriche eine Wundsäuberung mit steriler 0,9%iger NaCl‐Lösung und/oder sterilen Kompressen erfolgen. Eine routinemäßige Entnahme von Biopsien für die Erregerdiagnostik ist für die meisten Patienten mit chronischen Wunden nicht notwendig. Biopsien können jedoch dann sinnvoll sein, wenn der klinische Verdacht auf Wundinfektionen insbesondere bei Patienten mit tieferen Ulzerationen, diabetischem Fußsyndrom, schweren Weichgewebeinfektionen oder Fistelgewebe besteht. Auch wenn spezifische Erreger wie beispielsweise Mykobakterien, Leishmanien, Aktinomyzeten, Nokardien oder Schimmelpilze nachgewiesen werden sollen, ist für die mikrobiologische Diagnostik Biopsiematerial erforderlich.
Online Intermediary as a Channel for Selling Quality‐Differentiated Services
Authors: Akçura M. Tolga , Ozdemir Zafer D. , Rahman Mohammad S. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTWhen deciding whether to utilize an online intermediary in addition to their own distribution channels, quality differentiated service providers face the trade‐off between the benefit of extended reach and the threat of increased competition. Using an analytical framework, we analyze when and how service providers may utilize an online intermediary to their advantage in the presence of advance selling (i.e., selling a service at an early date for future consumption). In general, when an online intermediary is used, the competition effect dominates the reach effect and leads to a falling price trend. Interestingly, we find that the negative effect of increased competition on profits, due to intermediary usage, can be reversed by committing to self‐imposed participation limits (i.e., selling only a predetermined amount of services through the online intermediary). This ensures that the service provider is better off selling through both its own site and the online intermediary, rather than selling exclusively using either channel.
Correlation of urine and plasma cytokine levels among reproductive‐aged women
Authors: Nobles Carrie , Bertone‐Johnson Elizabeth R. , Ronnenberg Alayne G. , Faraj Joyce M. , Zagarins Sofija , Takashima‐Uebelhoer Biki B. , Whitcomb Brian W. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundInflammation is implicated in many adverse health conditions, and recent interest has focused on the effects of chronic low‐grade inflammation in generally healthy populations. Cytokines measured in plasma or serum are commonly used as biomarkers of systemic levels of inflammation. Measurement of cytokines in urine may offer a simpler and less invasive alternative, although the degree to which levels of cytokines correlate in plasma and urine among healthy individuals is unknown.Materials and methodsWe assessed the correlation of blood and urine levels of 13 cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‐1b, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12(p70) and IL‐13, granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, interferon gamma and tumour necrosis factor alpha in 61 healthy women aged 18–30. Cytokine concentrations were considered with and without correction for creatinine.ResultsPlasma and urine levels of the 13 cytokines were not significantly correlated using measured urinary cytokine concentrations and after adjustment for creatinine. Correlation coefficients for log‐transformed cytokine concentrations in paired plasma and urine specimens ranged from −0·28 to 0·087.ConclusionsThese results suggest that urine has limited utility as a proxy for plasma for the measurement of inflammatory factors in a healthy population with low levels of inflammation.
Evaluating an individualized lifestyle and life skills intervention to prevent antipsychotic‐induced weight gain in first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Curtis Jackie , Watkins Andrew , Rosenbaum Simon , Teasdale Scott , Kalucy Megan , Samaras Katherine , Ward Philip B. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimInitiating antipsychotic medication frequently induces rapid, clinically significant weight gain. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a lifestyle and life skills intervention, delivered within 4 weeks of antipsychotic medication initiation, in attenuating weight gain in youth aged 14–25 years with first‐episode psychosis (FEP).MethodsWe undertook a prospective, controlled study in two early psychosis community services. Intervention participants (n = 16) received a 12‐week individualized intervention delivered by specialist clinical staff (nurse, dietician and exercise physiologist) and youth peer wellness coaches, in addition to standard care. A comparison group was recruited from a similar service and received standard care (n = 12).ResultsThe intervention group experienced significantly less weight gain at 12 weeks compared to standard care (1.8 kg, 95% CI −0.4 to 2.8 vs. 7.8 kg, 4.8–10.7, P < 0.001). Thirteen per cent (2/16) of the intervention group experienced clinically significant weight gain (greater than 7% of baseline weight), while 75% (9/12) of the standard care group experienced this level of weight gain. Similar positive effects of the intervention were observed for waist circumference.ConclusionsA lifestyle and life skills intervention delivered as part of standard care attenuated antipsychotic‐induced weight gain in young people with FEP. The intervention was acceptable to the young people referred to the service. Such interventions may prevent the seeding of future disease risk and in the long‐term help reduce the life expectancy gap for people living with serious mental illness.
Modulation in the mirror neuron system when action prediction is not satisfied
Authors: Plata Bello Julio , Modroño Cristián , Marcano Francisco , González‐Mora José Luis 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe ability to understand competitive games is closely connected to the mirror neuron system (MNS). This network is activated not only when an action is performed, but also when it is observed. Apart from allowing the understanding of actions performed by others, the MNS has been implicated in predicting subsequent actions. However, the results concerning the modulation of this network by the final outcome of these predictions are contradictory. These contradictions may be related to the use of complex experimental conditions. The aim of this research is to identify changes in the activity of the MNS when the predictions are or are not satisfied in a simple intransitive action‐based game. An event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging study was conducted. It consisted of the observation of videos with two actors playing the well‐known rock–paper–scissors game. The participants were asked to predict the response of the second actor when the first actor performed one of the three possible actions. In some videos (congruents) the prediction was satisfied, but in the rest of the videos (incongruents) the prediction was not satisfied. When the result was shown, higher activity in the MNS was observed in the congruent videos than in the incongruent ones. Therefore, the observation of a simple manual game leads to a significant activation of the MNS, and this activity seems to be modulated by the final outcome of a prediction, and when predictions are satisfied the activity is higher.
rs2294008T, a risk allele for gastric and gallbladder cancers, suppresses the PSCA promoter by recruiting the transcription factor YY1
Authors: Saeki Norihisa , Ono Hiroe , Yanagihara Kazuyoshi , Aoyagi Kazuhiko , Sasaki Hiroki , Sakamoto Hiromi , Yoshida Teruhiko 
Published: February 2015

Previous genomewide association studies identified prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) as a gastric cancer (GC) susceptibility gene and showed an association between GC and the T allele of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs2294008 (C/T) in this gene. The protein product of this gene inhibits cell growth, and the T allele significantly suppresses the transcriptional activity of the −3.2 kb PSCA upstream region. However, the mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we conducted reporter assays using the PSCA upstream region containing the C allele and identified the region from −200 to +38 bp of the transcription initiation site of the gene as a critical region of the −3.2 kb PSCA upstream region. We found that introducing the T allele at rs2294008 generated a consensus binding sequence for the Polycomb group transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) and that disruption of the consensus sequence restored the transcriptional activity to the −3.2 kb PSCA upstream region. These findings imply that the T allele significantly suppresses PSCA expression in vivo by recruiting YY1 to its promoter, which eventually predisposes gastric epithelial cells to GC development.
Hyperferritinemia and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in the cord blood of HIV‐exposed, uninfected (HEU) infants
Authors: Selvam A , Buhimschi IA , Makin JD , Pattinson RC , Anderson R , Forsyth BW 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate markers of iron status and inflammation/oxidative stress in maternal and cord blood (CB) of HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected women as potential mechanisms for poor outcomes among HIV‐exposed, uninfected (HEU) infants.MethodsMaternal venous blood and CB specimens were obtained from 87 pregnant women (45 HIV‐infected and 42 HIV‐uninfected) enrolled at Kalafong Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa. Iron status [serum iron, ferritin and transferrin concentrations, transferrin saturation, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) concentration and the sTfR/log ferritin (sTfR/F) index], antenatal exposure to inflammation (CB C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 concentrations and haptoglobin switch‐on status) and oxidative stress [total radical trapping ability of CB plasma (TRAP) and chronic oxidative stress (soluble receptor of advanced glycation end‐products (sRAGE) concentration] were assessed in laboratory studies.ResultsThere were no differences between the HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected groups in maternal haematological and iron indices, except that HIV‐infected mothers had decreased white blood cell counts (P = 0.048) and increased serum ferritin concentrations (P = 0.032). Ferritin levels were significantly higher in CB than in maternal blood (P < 0.001) in both groups and further elevated in the CB of HEU infants (P = 0.044). There was also an inverse relationship between CB sTfR/F index and sRAGE (r = −0.43; P = 0.003) in the HIV‐infected but not in the HIV‐uninfected group.ConclusionsOur study showed for the first time that ferritin was significantly elevated in CB of HEU infants. The inverse relationship between sTfR/F index and sRAGE in CB suggests that chronic oxidative stress or RAGE axis activation in HIV‐infected mothers may play a role in modulating ferritin levels.
Efficacy of glycine powder air polishing in comparison with sodium bicarbonate air polishing and ultrasonic scaling – a double‐blind clinico‐histopathologic study
Authors: Simon CJ , Munivenkatappa Lakshmaiah Venkatesh P , Chickanna R 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundSubgingival biofilm removal using glycine powder air polishing (GPAP) has antecedently been shown to be safe. The hypothesis that GPAP is efficacious during periodontal maintenance therapy and results in less gingival erosion than sodium bicarbonate air polishing (SBAP) or ultrasonic scaling was assessed.MethodsInitial periodontal therapy was performed in each of the 22 chronic periodontitis patients having residual 5 mm probing depth in each quadrant and were randomly assigned to one of the following interventions: GPAP (test), SBAP (positive control), ultrasonic scaling (positive control) or no treatment. Clinical parameters were assessed, and gingival biopsies were taken immediately after instrumentation and sent for histological quantification.ResultsSignificant improvement in plaque and gingival index scores were noted in glycine powder air‐polishing and ultrasonic group. GPAP resulted in minor erosion of the gingival epithelium (score 1 & 2), whereas positive control specimens displayed moderate to severe erosions (score 3 & 4). Difference between GPAP and positive control was significant. (P < 0.05).ConclusionGPAP results in clinically significant improvement in plaque and gingival index scores and histologically causes less gingival erosion than SBAP or ultrasonic instrumentation, further supporting the safety of this debridement technique in periodontal maintenance therapy.
Taking the guesswork out of supplying multicompartment compliance aids: do pharmacists require further guidance on medication stability?
Authors: Gilmartin Julia Fiona-Maree , Raimi-Abraham Bahijja Tolulope , Jani Yogini , Smith Felicity , Orlu-Gul Mine 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this article is to identify information that is currently available to pharmacists concerning the stability of medications repackaged into multicompartment compliance aids (MCAs). This article explores the potential risks associated with repackaging medications into MCAs for pharmacists who supply and patients who use them.

Key findings
There is a paucity of information currently available to pharmacists concerning the stability of medications repackaged into MCAs as it is not routinely provided by pharmaceutical manufacturers. However, some studies have identified the potential for adverse effects on safety, bioavailability and stability that may have a clinical impact. There are also professional and legal implications of removing medications from their original packaging for storage in MCAs.

Conclusion
There is a growing need for further information concerning the stability of medications repackaged into MCAs to guide pharmacists who are supplying these compliance aids to primary and secondary care. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and researchers should be advised to conduct stability testing in MCAs for orally administered medications. This information should be readily available, and pharmacists should be made aware of it via their pharmaceutical bodies. As a result, decisions regarding MCA preparation can be more informed, and pharmacist and patient risks associated with repackaging potentially unstable medications can be minimised.
A concept analysis of patient‐centred nursing in the intensive care unit
Authors: Jakimowicz Samantha , Perry Lin 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimTo report an analysis of the concept of patient‐centred nursing in the context of intensive care.BackgroundClarification of patient‐centred nursing in the intensive care unit is important because consensus definition of this concept is lacking. The severely compromised physiological state of these people and the sequelae of this differentiate patient‐centred nursing in intensive care from that occurring in other hospital settings. While the broad concept has been analysed, it has not been examined in the context of intensive care.DesignConcept analysis.Data sourcesCINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline and PubMed databases (2000–2014) were searched. Peer‐reviewed papers were identified and reference lists of relevant articles searched.MethodsWalker and Avant's eight‐stage approach was used.ResultsPatient‐centred nursing in the intensive care unit incorporates antecedents of a physiologically compromised patient requiring biomedical intervention, a professional and competent nurse and organizational support. The concept's defining attributes entail maintenance of patient identity by a compassionate and professional nurse exercising biomedical expertise. Consequences include patient satisfaction, positive patient experience, nurse job satisfaction and better nurse workforce retention.ConclusionPatient‐centred nursing in intensive care is differentiated from other healthcare areas by the particular characteristics of critically ill patients, the critical care environment and the challenging bio‐psycho‐social demands made on intensive care nurses. Effective patient‐centred nursing in this environment promotes beneficial outcomes for patients, nurses and healthcare service. Decision‐makers and policymakers should support critical care nurses in this challenging role, to maintain delivery of patient‐centred nursing and grow an effective nursing workforce.
Age, Atrial Fibrillation, and Structural Heart Disease Are the Main Determinants of Left Atrial Fibrosis Detected by Delayed‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a General Cardiology Population
Authors: COCHET HUBERT , MOURIES AMAURY , NIVET HUBERT , SACHER FREDERIC , DERVAL NICOLAS , DENIS ARNAUD , MERLE MATHILDE , RELAN JATIN , HOCINI MÉLÈZE , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , LAURENT FRANÇOIS , MONTAUDON MICHEL , JAÏS PIERRE 
Published: February 2015

Atrial Fibrosis on MRI in PatientsIntroductionWe studied the extent and distribution of left atrial (LA) fibrosis on delayed‐enhanced (DE) MRI in a general cardiology population.Methods and ResultsOne hundred ninety consecutive patients referred for cardiac MRI underwent DE imaging using a free breathing method. The population comprised 60 AF patients and 130 patients without AF, including 75 with structural heart disease (SHD). DE was quantified using histogram thresholding, expressed in % of the wall. Regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of DE. Additionally, DE was registered on a template to study its distribution in subpopulations. In the total population, age, AF, and SHD were independently associated with DE. DE was increasingly observed from 11.1 ± 4.7% in patients with no SHD nor AF, 18.8 ± 7.8% in SHD and no AF history, 22.9 ± 7.8% in paroxysmal AF, to 27.8 ± 7.7% in persistent AF. Among non‐AF patients, age and SHD were independently associated with DE. Among AF patients, female gender and AF persistence were independently associated with DE. DE was variably distributed but more frequently detected in the posterior wall.ConclusionAge, history of AF, and SHD are the most powerful predictors of atrial fibrosis, as detected by MRI, in a general cardiology population. Atrial fibrosis predominates in the posterior LA wall.