bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is associated with cerebral white matter lesions (leukoaraiosis) in elderly patients without ischemic heart disease and stroke
Authors: Shimizu Atsuya , Sakurai Takashi , Mitsui Toko , Miyagi Motohiro , Nomoto Kenichiro , Kokubo Manabu , Bando Yasuko K , Murohara Toyoaki , Toba Kenji 
Published: March 2014

AimCerebral white matter lesions (WML) are known to increase with age, as is left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction with normal contraction. Although aging is a common risk factor, the link between these diseases is not fully understood. The aim was to clarify this relationship, using the ratio between early diastolic mitral inflow and early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity (E/E'). E/E' measured by tissue Doppler echocardiography offers an indicator of the severity of LV diastolic dysfunction, reflecting both diastolic LV stiffness and diastolic LV filling pressure.MethodsParticipants comprised 75 patients aged between 65 and 75 years with normal LV contraction and no signs or history of symptomatic heart failure, ischemic heart diseases, atrial fibrillation, stroke, or cognitive dysfunction. The volume of WML was quantified on brain magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsThe participants were classified into three groups: Low E/E', E/E' ≤ 8; Middle E/E', 8 < E/E' < 15; and High E/E', E/E' ≥ 15. WML volume was 3.6 ± 3.0 mL in Low E/E', 5.4 ± 6.5 mL in Middle E/E' and 12.0 ± 11.0 mL in High E/E', increasing significantly with increased diastolic LV stiffness (Low vs High, P = 0.034; Middle vs High, P = 0.016). Linear regression analysis showed the positive association between the volume of WML and E/E' ratio (r = 0.377, P = 0.0009).ConclusionsThis investigation identified an association between LV diastolic dysfunction and WML. Further investigations are required to clarify whether there is a direct association between the two diseases. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14 (Suppl. 2): 71–76.
Developing an interdisciplinary program of educational support for early‐stage dementia patients and their family members: An investigation based on learning needs and attitude changes
Authors: Seike Aya , Sumigaki Chieko , Takeda Akinori , Endo Hidetoshi , Sakurai Takashi , Toba Kenji 
Published: March 2014

AimThe National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology has begun to provide educational support for family caregivers through interdisciplinary programs focusing on patients in the early stage of dementia. These interdisciplinary programs have established two domains for the purpose of “educational support”: cure domains (medical care, medication) and care domains (nursing care, welfare). In the present study, we examined the learning needs and post‐learning attitude changes of patients and their families who participated in these programs in order to assess the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary program of educational support in each of these domains.MethodsA total of 170 participants (51 dementia patients, 119 family members) were included in the study. Data were obtained from electronic health records, and through a written survey administered before and immediately after each program.ResultsA high percentage of patients and family members desired knowledge about the progression and symptoms of dementia, as well as measures to prevent progression, both of which fall under the medical care content. For patients, education in the medical care content increased their motivation to live. For families, education in the medical and nursing care contents promoted their understanding of dementia, while education in medication and welfare contents improved their skills for handling dementia patients and their symptoms.ConclusionBoth patients and family members expressed a need to learn medical care content, including the progression and disease symptoms of dementia, and methods to prevent the progression of dementia symptoms. Their responses showed that learning medical care was effective for understanding dementia. We suggested that medical care content was the core of interdisciplinary educational support for early‐stage dementia patients and their family members. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14 (Suppl. 2): 28–34.
Teaching and practical guidelines in pulp therapy in primary teeth in Colombia – South America
Authors: Hincapié Sandra , Fuks Anna , Mora Ingrid , Bautista Gloria , Socarras Fernanda 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo describe the teaching practical guidelines in pulp therapy for primary teeth in Colombian dental schools, based on Primosch et al. survey (1997).MethodsA 27‐question survey was sent to 31 dental schools. A total of 68 surveys were obtained for analysis of the results, in which pediatric dentists answered 48 surveys, 11 surveys by general practitioners, and 9 were answered but were not identified in any of these groups.ResultsIndirect pulp treatment (IPT) is taught by pediatric dentists (83%) and general practitioners (90%). Calcium hydroxide and glass ionomer were the preferred materials in this treatment. Pulpotomy is the most commonly procedure used. There was no different percentage in the use of medicaments: cresatin, glutaraldehyde, calcium hydroxide, formocresol. Pulpectomy is taught by general practitioners (73%) and pediatric dentists (96%). The preferred filler material, used by general practitioners (73%) and pediatric dentists (94%), was zinc oxide and eugenol.ConclusionsThere is a discrepancy in the choice of treatment and medications for pulp therapy primary teeth between general practitioners and pediatric dentists. The recommendations given in American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines 2012 for pulp therapy in primary and young permanent teeth are being followed in the majority instances.
The Beta Anomaly in the Japanese Equity Market and Investor Behavior
Authors: Iwasawa Seiichiro , Uchiyama Tomonori 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIt is well known that high‐beta stocks are associated with a low alpha relative to the capital asset pricing model and to the Fama–French three‐factor model. We show that the beta anomaly in the Japanese market is attributable to foreign institutional investors, not domestic individuals. Foreigners overweight high‐beta stocks; the anomaly weakens or reverses when their investment increases and strengthens when it decreases; and they invest more in high‐beta than low‐beta stocks when increasing investment and sell high‐beta more than low‐beta stocks when reducing it. We do not find analogous results for individual investors. Our results suggest that the beta anomaly reflects a preference for high‐beta securities by institutional investors aiming to beat a benchmark.
Is Japan Different? Evidence on Momentum and Market Dynamics
Authors: Hanauer Matthias 
Published: March 2014

AbstractRecent evidence for the US indicates that momentum profits are conditional on market dynamics. This paper documents that the following finding holds for the Japanese market as well: momentum returns are significantly higher when the market stays in the same condition than when it transitions to the other state. This evidence is consistent with the behavioral model of Daniel et al. (1998, Journal of Finance 53(6), 1839–1885.). Furthermore, market transitions occurred more frequently in Japan compared to the US. These results explain why average momentum returns have historically been low in Japan, a fact generally referred to as an empirical failure of momentum. Overall, my findings indicate that different market dynamics, and not different momentum, cause the overall low momentum returns in Japan.
Barriers to sexual expression in residential aged care facilities (RACFs): comparison of staff and residents' views
Authors: Villar Feliciano , Celdrán Montserrat , Fabà Josep , Serrat Rodrigo 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimTo explore and compare the views of both staff and residents about barriers to sexual expression in residential aged care facilities.BackgroundAlthough remaining sexually active in older age helps to preserve and promote well‐being, the percentage of sexually active persons living in residential aged care facilities is low. Previous research has identified several barriers to sexual expression in such settings. Most of this research has focused on staff perceptions, neglecting the residents' perspective.DesignA qualitative descriptive study.MethodsFifty‐three staff members and 47 older people living in five residential aged care facilities were interviewed. They were asked about barriers to sexual expression in residential settings. Data were analysed using content analysis, aimed at identifying common ideas in the responses. Data were collected over 7 months in 2012.ResultsAbout 40% of the residents subsample did not identify any barrier to sexual expression, although all other participants identified at least one. The most oft‐cited barriers were lack of privacy, residents' attitudes and lack of communication about sexuality.ConclusionA substantial number of residents were unable to identify or mention barriers to sexual expression. Generational factors and group pressure could affect residents' attitudes towards sexuality.
TAP1 I333V gene polymorphism and type 1 diabetes mellitus: a meta‐analysis of 2248 cases
Authors: Li Yan‐Yan , Gao Wei , Pang Si‐Si , Min Xiao‐Yan , Yang Zhi‐Jian , Wang Hui , Lu Xin‐Zheng , Wang Lian‐Sheng , Wang Xiang‐Ming , Qian Yun , Zhou Chuan‐Wei , Wu Jun , Chen Ai‐Ling 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTransporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP1) I333V gene polymorphism has been suggested to be associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) susceptibility. However, the results from individual studies are inconsistent. To explore the association of TAP1 I333V gene polymorphisms with T1DM, a meta‐analysis involving 2246 cases from 13 individual studies was conducted. The pooled odd ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were evaluated by a fixed‐effect model. A significant relationship was observed between TAP1 I333V gene polymorphism and T1DM in allelic (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.08–1.68, P = 0.007), dominant (OR: 1.462, 95% CI: 1.094–1.955, P = 0.010), homozygous (OR: 1.725, 95% CI: 1.082–2.752, P = 0.022), heterozygous (OR: 1.430, 95% CI: 1.048–1.951, P = 0.024) and additive (OR: 1.348, 95% CI: 1.084–1.676, P = 0.007) genetic models. No significant association between TAP1 I333V gene polymorphism and T1DM was detected in a recessive genetic model (OR: 1.384, 95% CI: 0.743–2.579, P = 0.306) in the entire population, especially among Caucasians. No significant association between them was found in an Asian or African population. TAP1 I333V gene polymorphism was significantly associated with increased T1DM risk. V allele carriers might be predisposed to T1DM susceptibility.
Integrated Telehealth Care for Chronic Illness and Depression in Geriatric Home Care Patients: The Integrated Telehealth Education and Activation of Mood (I‐TEAM) Study
Authors: Gellis Zvi D. , Kenaley Bonnie L. , Have Thomas Ten 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate an integrated telehealth intervention (Integrated Telehealth Education and Activation of Mood (I‐TEAM)) to improve chronic illness (congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and comorbid depression in the home healthcare setting.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingHospital‐affiliated home healthcare setting.ParticipantsMedically frail older homebound individuals (N = 102).InterventionThe 3‐month intervention consisted of integrated telehealth chronic illness and depression care, with a telehealth nurse conducting daily telemonitoring of symptoms, body weight, and medication use; providing eight weekly sessions of problem‐solving treatment for depression; and providing for communication with participants' primary care physicians, who also prescribed antidepressants. Control participants were allocated to usual care with in‐home nursing plus psychoeducation (UC+P).MeasurementsThe two groups were compared at baseline and 3 and 6 months after baseline on clinical measures (depression, health, problem‐solving) and 12 months after baseline on health utilization (readmission, episodes of care, and emergency department (ED) visits).ResultsDepression scores were 50% lower in the I‐TEAM group than in the UC+P group at 3 and 6 months. Those who received the I‐TEAM intervention significantly improved their problem‐solving skills and self‐efficacy in managing their medical condition. The I‐TEAM group had significantly fewer ED visits (P = .01) but did not have significantly fewer days in the hospital at 12 months after baseline.ConclusionIntegrated telehealth care for older adults with chronic illness and comorbid depression can reduce symptoms and postdischarge ED use in home health settings.
Factors that Influence Midwives to Serve as Preceptors: An American College of Nurse‐Midwives Survey
Authors: Germano Elaine , Schorn Mavis N. , Phillippi Julia C. , Schuiling Kerri 
Published: March 2014

IntroductionProjected shortages in the primary care workforce underlie a need for more women's health care providers. In order to prepare more midwives to address this deficit, educators require additional clinical placement sites for students. The purpose of this study was to determine factors that influence practicing midwives to serve as preceptors.MethodsAn e‐mail invitation to participate in an online survey was sent to 7658 current and lapsed members of the American College of Nurse‐ Midwives (ACNM), who provided ACNM with a valid e‐mail address. The survey assessed factors that enabled or were barriers for midwifery preceptors. Forced‐choice questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Participant comments were analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods.ResultsThere were a total of 1517 surveys completed, for a response rate of 19.8%. Participants were primarily certified nurse‐midwives (96.0%) who were in clinical practice (83.9%), with 78.0% in full‐scope clinical practice. Participants represented all geographic regions of the United States. The majority of the participants indicated they or someone in their practice could precept a midwifery student. A commitment to the midwifery profession was the most commonly identified motivating factor (58.5%). Larger practices were more likely to precept midwifery students and to accept more than one student at a time. The most frequently identified barrier to precepting was the need to maintain a high patient volume (6.9%). Write‐in comments were provided by approximately 500 participants and coded into 9 themes: payment, barriers to precepting, incentives, student characteristics, mechanisms for placement, communication, giving back, preceptor qualifications, and professional issues.DiscussionThere is a strong commitment from preceptors to give back to the profession through the teaching of the future generation of midwives. Many of the barriers to precepting could be addressed by ACNM, the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, and individual midwifery education programs.
17α‐Oestradiol‐Induced Neuroprotection in the Brain of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Pietranera L. , Brocca M. E. , Roig P. , Lima A. , Garcia‐Segura L. M. , De Nicola A. F. 
Published: March 2014

17β‐oestradiol is a powerful neuroprotective factor for the brain abnormalities of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). 17α‐Oestradiol, a nonfeminising isomer showing low affinity for oestrogen receptors, is also endowed with neuroprotective effects in vivo and in vitro. We therefore investigated whether treatment with 17α‐oestradiol prevented pathological changes of the hippocampus and hypothalamus of SHR. We used 20‐week‐old male SHR with a blood pressure of approximately 170 mmHg receiving s.c. a single 800 μg pellet of 17α‐oestradiol dissolved in cholesterol or vehicle only for 2 weeks Normotensive Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats were used as controls. 17α‐Oestradiol did not modify blood pressure, serum prolactin, 17β‐oestradiol levels or the weight of the testis and pituitary of SHR. In the brain, we analysed steroid effects on hippocampus Ki67+ proliferating cells, doublecortin (DCX) positive neuroblasts, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+ astrocyte density, aromatase immunostaining and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA. In the hypothalamus, we determined arginine vasopressin (AVP) mRNA. Treatment of SHR with 17α‐oestradiol enhanced the number of Ki67+ in the subgranular zone and DCX+ cells in the inner granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, increased BDNF mRNA in the CA1 region and gyrus dentatus, decreased GFAP+ astrogliosis in the CA1 subfield, and decreased hypothalamic AVP mRNA. Aromatase expression was unmodified. By contrast to SHR, normotensive WKY rats were unresponsive to 17α‐oestradiol. These data indicate a role for 17α‐oestradiol as a protective factor for the treatment of hypertensive encephalopathy. Furthermore, 17α‐oestradiol is weakly oestrogenic in the periphery and can be used in males.
Influence of experimental oesophageal acidification on masseter muscle activity, cervicofacial behaviour and autonomic nervous activity in wakefulness
Authors: Ohmure H. , Sakoguchi Y. , Nagayama K. , Numata M. , Tsubouchi H. , Miyawaki S. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryRecent studies have been revealing the relationship between the stomatognathic system and the gastrointestinal tract. However, the effect of oesophageal acid stimulation on masticatory muscle activity during wakefulness has not been fully elucidated. To examine whether intra‐oesophageal acidification induces masticatory muscle activity, a randomised trial was conducted investigating the effect of oesophageal acid infusion on masseter muscle activity, autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and subjective symptoms. Polygraphic monitoring consisting of electromyography of the masseter muscle, electrocardiography and audio–video recording was performed in 15 healthy adult men, using three different 30‐min interventions: (i) no infusion, (ii) intra‐oesophageal saline infusion and (iii) intra‐oesophageal infusion of acidic solution (0·1 N HCl; pH 1·2). This study was registered with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000005350. Oesophageal acid stimulation significantly increased masseter muscle activity during wakefulness, especially when no behaviour was performed in the oro‐facial region. Chest discomfort, including heartburn, also increased significantly after oesophageal acid stimulation; however, no significant correlation was observed between increased subjective symptoms and masseter muscle activity. Oesophageal acid infusion also altered ANS activity; a significant correlation was observed between masticatory muscle changes and parasympathetic nervous system activity. These findings suggest that oesophageal‐derived ANS modulation induces masseter muscle activity, irrespective of the presence or absence of subjective gastrointestinal symptoms.
The effect of oral appliances that advanced the mandible forward and limited mouth opening in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Okuno K. , Sato K. , Arisaka T. , Hosohama K. , Gotoh M. , Taga H. , Sasao Y. , Hamada S. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryOral appliances (OAs) have demonstrated efficacy in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but many different OA devices are available. The Japanese Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine supported the use of OAs that advanced the mandible forward and limited mouth opening and suggested an evaluation of their effects in comparison with untreated or CPAP. A systematic search was undertaken in 16 April 2012. The outcome measures of interest were as follows: Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), lowest SpO2, arousal index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the SF‐36 Health Survey. We performed this meta‐analysis using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Five studies remained eligible after applying the exclusion criteria. Comparing OA and control appliance, OA significantly reduced the weighted mean difference (WMD) in both AHI and the arousal index (favouring OA, AHI: −7·05 events h−1; 95% CI, −12·07 to −2·03; P = 0·006, arousal index: −6·95 events h−1; 95% CI, −11·75 to −2·15; P = 0·005). OAs were significantly less effective at reducing the WMD in AHI and improving lowest SpO2 and SF‐36 than CPAP, (favouring OA, AHI: 6·11 events h−1; 95% CI, 3·24 to 8·98; P = 0·0001, lowest SpO2: −2·52%; 95% CI, −4·81 to −0·23; P = 0·03, SF‐36: −1·80; 95% CI, −3·17 to −042; P = 0·01). Apnea Hypopnea Index and arousal index were significantly improved by OA relative to the untreated disease. Apnea Hypopnea Index, lowest SpO2 and SF‐36 were significantly better with CPAP than with OA. The results of this study suggested that OAs improve OSA compared with untreated. CPAP appears to be more effective in improving OSA than OAs.
Melatonin, energy metabolism, and obesity: a review
Authors: Cipolla‐Neto J. , Amaral F. G. , Afeche S. C. , Tan D. X. , Reiter R. J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMelatonin is an old and ubiquitous molecule in nature showing multiple mechanisms of action and functions in practically every living organism. In mammals, pineal melatonin functions as a hormone and a chronobiotic, playing a major role in the regulation of the circadian temporal internal order. The anti‐obesogen and the weight‐reducing effects of melatonin depend on several mechanisms and actions. Experimental evidence demonstrates that melatonin is necessary for the proper synthesis, secretion, and action of insulin. Melatonin acts by regulating GLUT4 expression and/or triggering, via its G‐protein‐coupled membrane receptors, the phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and its intracellular substrates mobilizing the insulin‐signaling pathway. Melatonin is a powerful chronobiotic being responsible, in part, by the daily distribution of metabolic processes so that the activity/feeding phase of the day is associated with high insulin sensitivity, and the rest/fasting is synchronized to the insulin‐resistant metabolic phase of the day. Furthermore, melatonin is responsible for the establishment of an adequate energy balance mainly by regulating energy flow to and from the stores and directly regulating the energy expenditure through the activation of brown adipose tissue and participating in the browning process of white adipose tissue. The reduction in melatonin production, as during aging, shift‐work or illuminated environments during the night, induces insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, sleep disturbance, and metabolic circadian disorganization characterizing a state of chronodisruption leading to obesity. The available evidence supports the suggestion that melatonin replacement therapy might contribute to restore a more healthy state of the organism.