bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of Self-Efficacy and Adherence Scales for Caregivers of Patients with a Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Casida Jesus , Wu Horng-Shiuann , Harden Janet , Carie Austen , Chern Joy 
Published: June 2015

Context— No published instrument has been designed to measure caregivers' self-efficacy for and adherence to the complex home-care regimen of patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Objective— To evaluate the psychometric properties of 2 newly developed instruments: the LVAD Caregiver Self-Efficacy Scale (LCSS) and the LVAD Caregiver Home Management Adherence Scale (LCAS). Methods— A multistage design was employed for this instrumentation study. Of the 125 LVAD caregivers recruited from online support groups, 98 (78.4%) provided complete data. Participants were predominantly female (80%), aged 18 to 79 years, from 4 regions of the United States. They completed the following instruments: LCSS, LCAS, General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), and the confidence and maintenance subscales of the Caregiver Contribution to Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (CC-SCHFI). Item analyses, factorial construct validity, convergent validity, and internal consistency reliability of the scales were evaluated. Results— The analysis of the LCSS (21 items) revealed a 2-factor solution, which consisted of a 17-item routine factor and a 4-item anticipatory factor. Convergent validity of the LCSS was supported by moderate correlations among LCSS, GSE, and CC-SCHFI-confidence. The analysis of LCAS (17 items) revealed a 1-factor solution. Its convergent validity was supported by moderate correlation between LCAS and CC-SCHFI-maintenance. Internal consistency reliability coefficients of the LCSS and LCAS were α = 0.93 and α = 0.96, respectively. These data suggest that the 2 instruments are adequately valid and reliable measures of self-efficacy and adherence in the context of LVAD patient care managed by home caregivers. Further research is needed to support the applicability of these instruments in other research and practice settings.
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Regional Systolic Function Using Tissue Doppler Echocardiography After Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Rabbits With Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Jiang Shuangquan , Li Hairu , Ren Min , Tian Jiawei , Su Yanxin , Leng Xiaoping 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of this work was to assess left ventricular (LV) regional systolic function in rabbits with myocardial infarction after allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation using quantitative tissue velocity imaging.MethodsThirty New Zealand White rabbits were assigned into 3 groups randomly: a sham‐operated group (n = 10), a myocardial infarction (MI) group (n = 10), and a MSC transplantation group (n = 10). Mesenchymal stem cells (1 × 107 in total) were delivered into 5 spots around the left anterior descending artery (LAD) blood supply area via direct intramyocardial injections 1 hour after LAD ligation in the MSC group, whereas the MI group received the same amount of phosphate‐buffered saline injections. Echocardiography was performed before LAD ligation and 1 day and 2 weeks after MSC transplantation, respectively. The peak systolic velocity (Vs) of each LV wall segment was measured. The myocardial slices were harvested for histologic staining after the last echocardiographic examination.ResultsThe velocity curves for the LV myocardium before LAD ligation had a trend showing that the Vs value decreased gradually from basal to apical segments. The Vs values for the LV segments around the infarcted area in the MSC group decreased significantly compared with the sham group (P < .05) 1 day after MSC transplantation, whereas they increased significantly 2 weeks after MSC transplantation compared with 1 day after LAD ligation (P < .05).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that quantitative tissue velocity imaging may provide a promising approach to quantitatively assessing LV regional systolic function before and after MSC transplantation.
A Predictive Model for Selecting Malignant Thyroid Nodules in Patients With Nondiagnostic or Indeterminate Fine‐Needle Aspiration Cytologic Findings
Authors: Lin Kuailu , Xiang Yingying , Qiao Li , Liu Ruoli , Dong Siyang , Zhang Xiaohua 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesThe management of nodules with nondiagnostic or indeterminate fine‐needle aspiration cytologic findings remains challenging. This study evaluated the clinical differences, conventional sonographic findings, elastographic findings, and cytologic findings for predicting thyroid malignancy.MethodsA total of 167 patients with a nondiagnostic or indeterminate thyroid fine‐needle aspiration cytologic findings were enrolled in this study. The clinicopathologic and sonographic data from the patients were analyzed retrospectively to determine the independent predictive factors for thyroid malignancy. Then a scoring system was designed on the basis of statistically significant predictors.ResultsFine‐needle aspiration cytologic findings, Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System categorization, and elastographic findings were independent predictive factors for thyroid cancer on multivariate analysis. The index points were statistically significant, with a score higher than 3 favoring malignant nodules with sensitivity of 79.37%, specificity of 85.85%, a positive predictive value of 76.9%, and a negative predictive value of 87.3%.ConclusionsFor patients with nondiagnostic or indeterminate fine‐needle aspiration cytologic findings, our scoring system for prediction of thyroid malignancy can be another choice. We suggest surgery for nodules with index points higher than 3. For nodules with index points of 3 or lower, observation and regular follow‐up are recommended.
Refractive and Visual Outcomes of Laser in Situ Kerato Mileusis for Moderate to High Myopia Using 213nm Solid State Laser - A Four Year Follow Up Study
Authors: Raman Yenugandula 
Published: June 2015

Aims:
To evaluate and report the visual, refractive outcomes and corneal integrity of conventional LASIK performed using 213nm solid laser to correct moderate to high myopia.

Design:
Prospective case series

Methods:
Present study analysed 53 eyes of 28 patients, with moderate to high myopia, who underwent conventional LASIK using PULZAR Z1 SOLID LASER, long term (4 year) visual refractive outcomes and the corneal integrity were studied. The patients were followed up for minimum of 48 months.

Results:
There was a significant improvement in uncorrected distant visual acuity, post operatively (P value < 0.01). No significant change was detected in decimal notations in CDVA pre and post op (p=0.383). At the end of fourth year, post op logMAR UDVA was 0.30(20/40 or 0.50 decimal notation) in 87% of eyes and 85% of eyes achieved 0.18 logMAR (20/30 or 0.67 decimal notation). The post op logMAR CDVA 0.48(0.33 in decimal notation) was 100%, where as logMAR UDVA 0.48(0.33 in decimal notation) was 92%. The efficacy index was 1.11 and safety index was 1.19. In the long run, no serious complications pertaining to corneal integrity were noticed and 4% of eyes had complaints of haloes and night vision problems.

Conclusion:
LASIK using PULZAR Z1 solid state laser, proved safe and effective providing predictable correction of moderate to high myopia.
Differences in Sedentary Time and Physical Activity Between Female Patients With Fibromyalgia and Healthy Controls: The al‐Ándalus Project
Authors: Segura‐Jiménez Víctor , Álvarez‐Gallardo Inmaculada C. , Estévez‐López Fernando , Soriano‐Maldonado Alberto , Delgado‐Fernández Manuel , Ortega Francisco B. , Aparicio Virginia A. , Carbonell‐Baeza Ana , Mota Jorge , Silva Pedro , Ruiz Jonatan R. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveTo characterize the levels of objectively measured time spent in sedentary activities (sedentary time) and physical activities in female patients with fibromyalgia and compare them with the levels in age‐matched healthy control women.MethodsThe study comprised 413 female patients with fibromyalgia (mean ± SD age 51.9 ± 7.4 years) and 188 female control subjects (age 50.9 ± 7.5 years). Sedentary time, the amount of time spent engaged in physical activity, and step counts were measured using triaxial accelerometry. The amounts of time (minutes/day) during which the participants were engaged in sedentary behaviors as well as in physical activity of different intensities (light, moderate, and moderate‐to‐vigorous) and the step counts were calculated.ResultsThe amount of time spent in sedentary behavior was longer in patients with fibromyalgia compared with controls (estimated mean ± SEM difference 39 ± 8 minutes/day; P < 0.001). The patients with fibromyalgia spent less time than controls engaged in light physical activity (mean ± SEM difference −21 ± 7 minutes/day; P = 0.005), moderate physical activity (mean ± SEM difference −17 ± 3 minutes/day; P < 0.001), and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (mean ± SEM difference −19 ± 3 minutes/day; P < 0.001). The patients with fibromyalgia took fewer steps/day compared with the control subjects (mean ± SEM difference −1,881 ± 262 steps/day; P < 0.001). Only 20.6% of the patients with fibromyalgia and 46.3% of the control subjects fulfilled the recommendation for 150 minutes/week of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity in bouts of at least 10 minutes/bout (χ2 = 41.8, P < 0.001). Similarly, only 16.0% of the patients fulfilled the recommendation for ≥10,000 steps/day compared with 44.7% of the control subjects (χ2 = 56.8, P < 0.001). Both the patients and the control subjects were more active (physical activity of all intensities and numbers of steps) on weekdays than on weekend days (all P ≤ 0.001).ConclusionFemale patients with fibromyalgia spent more time in sedentary behaviors and were less physically active than age‐matched controls. The low proportions of female patients with fibromyalgia and control subjects who met the physical activity and step count recommendations is worrisome.
Simultaneous determination of praziquantel, pyrantel embonate, febantel and its active metabolites, oxfendazole and fenbendazole, in dog plasma by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Klausz Gabriella , Keller Éva , Sára Zoltán , Székely‐Körmöczy Péter , Laczay Péter , Ary Kornélia , Sótonyi Péter , Róna Kálmán 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA liquid chromatography–electrospray–mass spectrometry method (LC/MS) has been developed and validated for determination of praziquantel (PZQ), pyrantel (PYR), febantel (FBT), and the active metabolites fenbendazole (FEN) and oxfendazole (OXF), in dog plasma, using mebendazole as internal standard (IS). The method consists of solid‐phase extractions on Strata‐X polymeric cartridges. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a Phenomenex Gemini C6‐Phenyl column using binary gradient elution containing methanol and 50 mm ammonium–formate (pH 3). The method was linear (r2 ≥ 0.990) over concentration ranges of 3–250 ng/mL for PYR andFEB, 5–250 ng/mL for OXF and FEN, and 24–1000 ng/mL for PZQ. The mean precisions were 1.3–10.6% (within‐run) and 2.5–9.1% (between‐run), and mean accuracies were 90.7–109.4% (within‐run) and 91.6–108.2% (between‐run). The relative standard deviations (RSD) were <9.1%. The mean recoveries of five targeted compounds from dog plasma ranged from 77 to 94%.The new LC/MS method described herein was fully validated and successfully applied to the bioequivalence studies of different anthelmintic formulations such as tablets containing PZQ, PYR embonate and FBT in dogs after oral administration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic association of the transcription of neuroplasticity‐related genes and variation in stress‐coping style
Authors: Aizawa Saeko , Ishitobi Yoshinobu , Masuda Koji , Inoue Ayako , Oshita Harumi , Hirakawa Hirofumi , Ninomiya Taiga , Maruyama Yoshihiro , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Okamoto Kana , Kawashima Chiwa , Nakanishi Mari , Higuma Haruka , Kanehisa Masayuki , Akiyoshi Jotaro 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntroductionStress coping has been defined as the cognitive and behavioral efforts made to conquer, endure, or decrease external and internal demands and the conflicts between them. It has two main elements: the control or modification of the person–environment relationship causing the stress (i.e., problem‐focused coping) and/or regulation of stressful feelings (i.e., emotion‐focused coping). Research suggests that the expressions of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 2 (NTRK2) play important roles in brain adaptation to investigate stress. To clarify the genetic basis of stress coping, we investigated the association of stress‐coping strategies and social adaptation with single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involved in neural plasticity, anxiety, and depression.MethodsIn 252 healthy controls (94 women; 158 men), we measured and estimated the stress‐coping style using the Lazarus‐type stress‐coping inventory, ego aptitude scale (EAS), and social adaptation self‐evaluation scale (SASS). We investigated one SNP of BDNF (rs6265, Val/Met) and five SNPs of NTRK2 (rs11140800, rs1187286, rs1867283, rs1147198, and rs10868235).ResultsWe observed significant associations between BDNF and emotion‐focused strategies, seeking social support, self‐control, and distancing. We also found significant associations between NTRK2 and cognitive strategies, problem‐solving, confrontive‐ coping, seeking social support, distancing and positive reappraisal. Significant associations were also found between BDNF and critical attitudes and between NTRK2 and all seven ego‐related factors on the EAS. In the SASS, the minor allele rs1867283 of NTRK2 had a significantly higher score than the heterozygote.ConclusionsThese findings may provide insights into the partial effects of genetic mutations in BDNF and NTRK2 on stress tolerance and personality.
Heterojunction Synergies in Titania‐Supported Gold Photocatalysts: Implications for Solar Hydrogen Production
Authors: Jovic Vedran , Smith Kevin E. , Idriss Hicham , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe mixed‐phase nature of P25 TiO2 (85 % anatase/15 % rutile) plays a key role in the high H2 production rates shown by Au/P25 TiO2 photocatalysts in alcohol/water systems. However, a full understanding of the synergistic charge transfer mechanisms between the TiO2 polymorphs that drive the high rates is yet to be realised. Here, we deconstruct P25 TiO2 into its component phases, functionalise the phases with Au nanoparticles and explore charge transfer in Au/TiO2 systems using EPR spectroscopy. EPR spectroscopy and photocatalytic data provide direct evidence that electrons excited across the rutile band gap move to anatase lattice traps through interfacial surface sites, which decreases electron–hole pair recombination and increases charge carrier availability for photoreactions. In particular, three‐phase interfacial sites between Au, anatase and rutile appear to be H2 evolution “hot spots”. The results isolate the origin of high photocatalytic H2 production rates seen in Au/P25 TiO2 systems.
A far‐red fluorescent probe for flow cytometry and image‐based functional studies of xenobiotic sequestering macrophages
Authors: Keswani Rahul K. , Yoon Gi S. , Sud Sudha , Stringer Kathleen A. , Rosania Gus R. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractClofazimine (CFZ) is an optically active, red‐colored chemotherapeutic agent that is FDA approved for the treatment of leprosy and is on the World Health Organization's list of essential medications. Interestingly, CFZ massively accumulates in macrophages where it forms crystal‐like drug inclusions (CLDIs) after oral administration of the drug in animals and humans. The analysis of the fluorescence spectra of CLDIs formed by resident tissue macrophages revealed that CFZ, when accumulated as CLDIs, undergoes a red shift in fluorescence excitation (from Ex: 540–570 to 560–600 nm) and emission (Em: 560–580 to 640–700 nm) signal relative to the soluble and free‐base crystal forms of CFZ. Using epifluorescence microscopy, CLDI(+) cells could be identified, relative to CLDI(−) cells, based on a >3‐fold increment in mean fluorescence signal at excitation 640 nm and emission at 670 nm. Similarly, CLDI(+) cells could be identified by flow cytometry, based on a >100‐fold increment in mean fluorescence signal using excitation lasers at 640 nm and emission detectors >600 nm. CLDI's fluorescence excitation and emission was orthogonal to that of cell viability dyes such as propidium iodide and 4,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI), cellular staining dyes such as Hoechst 33342 (nucleus) and FM 1‐43 (plasma membrane), as well as many other fluorescently tagged antibodies used for immunophenotyping analyses. In vivo, >85% of CLDI(+) cells in the peritoneal exudate were F4/80(+) macrophages and >97% of CLDI(+) cells in the alveolar exudate were CD11c(+). Most importantly, the viability of cells was minimally affected by the presence of CLDIs. Accordingly, these results establish that CFZ fluorescence in CLDIs is suitable for quantitative flow cytometric phenotyping analysis and functional studies of xenobiotic sequestering macrophages. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Prevalence of undiagnosed dysglycemia in an emergency department observation unit
Authors: Silverman Robert A. , Schleicher Mackenzie G. , Valente Christopher J. , Kim Mark , Romanenko Yevgeniy , Schulman Rifka C. , Tiberio Allison , Greenblatt Benjamin , Rentala Manju , Salvador‐Kelly Annabella V. , Kwon Nancy S. , Jornsay Donna L. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe proposed 2015 US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommend diabetes screening for individuals ≥45 years or demonstrating other risk factors for dysglycemia. Still, many patients with dysglycemia remain undiagnosed, and opportunities for early intervention are lost.MethodsTo test novel approaches for diagnosis using the haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test, we screened adult patients who were admitted to an observation unit from the emergency department with no known history of pre‐diabetes or diabetes.ResultsOf 256 subjects, 9% were newly diagnosed with diabetes and 52% were newly diagnosed with pre‐diabetes. Of those aged 18–29 years, 33% were newly diagnosed with dysglycemia, while 55% of those aged 30–44 years and 70% of those aged ≥45 years were newly diagnosed with dysglycemia.ConclusionsOur results suggest that regardless of age, a large proportion of patients in the emergency department observation unit have undiagnosed dysglycemia, an important finding given the large number of observation admissions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tandem Organocatalyzed Knoevenagel Condensation/1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition towards Highly Functionalized Fused 1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: John Jubi , Thomas Joice , Parekh Nikita , Dehaen Wim 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFacile synthesis of fused 1,2,3‐triazoles by a proline‐catalyzed reaction of an azido aldehyde and a nitroalkane is elaborated. The present tandem protocol proceeds via an organocatalytic Knoevenagel condensation of the azido aldehyde and nitroalkane followed by intramolecular azide–nitroalkene cycloaddition. The functionalized bicyclic triazole is obtained by elimination of HNO2 from the cycloadduct. Application of this strategy enabled us to synthesize a range of functionalised 5–7 membered ring fused triazoles. The reaction calls for mild conditions, affords high yields, and results in good regiospecificity while displaying excellent substrate scope.
Conditioned pain modulation is not decreased after partial sleep restriction
Authors: Matre D. , Andersen M.R. , Knardahl S. , Nilsen K.B. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundSleep problems have been identified as a risk factor for several chronic pain conditions. Reduced sleep has been related to increased pain perception and it has been hypothesized that reduced pain inhibition may explain this. The aim of this study was to determine if sleep restriction (SR) affects heat pain perception and conditioned pain modulation (CPM).MethodsIn a paired cross‐over design with two conditions (2 nights habitual sleep (HS) vs. 2 nights 50% SR) CPM was tested in 22 healthy individuals (14 women, 8 men). The test stimulus (TS) was 2‐min contact heat stimulation (47 ± 1.3 °C) to the volar forearm. TS was delivered before and during a 7 °C cold pressor test (conditioning stimulus, CS) to the contralateral hand.ResultsTS was perceived as more painful after SR compared to after HS (p < 0.001). A stronger inhibitory CPM was found after SR versus after HS (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results indicate that SR leads to increased heat pain perception, but not reduced inhibitory CPM. This contradicts general assumptions on the relation between SR and the CPM effect.
Personality subtypes and chest pain in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease from the TweeSteden Mild Stenosis study: mediating effect of anxiety and depression
Authors: Mommersteeg P.M.C. , Widdershoven J.W. , Aarnoudse W. , Denollet J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundPatients presenting with chest pain in nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD, luminal narrowing <60%) are at risk for emotional distress and future events. We aimed to examine the association of personality subtypes with persistent chest pain, and investigated the potential mediating effects of negative mood states.MethodsAny chest pain in the past month was the primary outcome measure reported by 523 patients with nonobstructive CAD (mean age 61.4 years, SD = 9.4; 48% men), who participate in the TweeSteden Mild Stenosis (TWIST) observational cohort. Personality was categorized into a ‘reference group’, a high social inhibition (‘SI only’), a high negative affectivity (‘NA only’) and a ‘Type D’ (NA and SI) group. Negative mood states included symptoms of depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and cognitive and somatic depression (Beck Depression Inventory). The PROCESS macro was used to examine the relation between personality subtypes and chest pain presence, with the negative mood states as potential mediators.ResultsPersistent chest pain was present in 44% of the patients with nonobstructive CAD. Type D personality (OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.24–2.95), but not the ‘NA only’ (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 0.89–2.44) or the ‘SI only’ (OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.53–1.64) group was associated with chest pain, adjusted for age and sex. Negative mood states mediated the association between personality and chest pain.ConclusionsType D personality, but not negative affectivity or social inhibition, was related to chest pain in nonobstructive CAD, which was mediated by negative mood states.