bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multimorbidity in Patients Enrolled in a Community-Based Methadone Maintenance Treatment Programme Delivered through Primary Care
Authors: Arnold-Reed Diane E. , Brett Tom , Troeung Lakkhina , O'Neill Jasmine , Backhouse Rupert , Bulsara Max K. 
Published: October 2014

Background Multimorbidity, the co-existence of two or more (2+) long-term conditions in an individual, is common among problem drug abusers. Objective To delineate the patterns, multimorbidity prevalence, and disease severity in patients enrolled in a community-based primary care methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programme. Design This was a retrospective cohort study ( n=274). The comparator group consisted of mainstream primary care patients. Electronic medical record assessment was performed using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale. Results Prevalence of multimorbidity across 2+ domains was significantly higher within the MMT sample at 88.7% (243/274) than the comparator sample at 51.8% (142/274), p<0.001. MMT patients were seven times more likely to have multimorbidity across 2+ domains compared with mainstream patients (OR 7.29, 95% confidence interval 4.68–11.34; p<0.001). Prevalence of multimorbidity was consistently high across all age groups in the MMT cohort (range 87.8–100%), while there was a positive correlation with age in the comparator cohort ( r=0.29, p<0.001). Respiratory, psychiatric, and hepatic–pancreatic domains were the three most common domains with multimorbidity. Overall, MMT patients (mean±SD, 1.97±0.43) demonstrated significantly higher disease severity than mainstream patients (mean±SD, 1.18±0.78), p<0.001. Prevalence of moderate disease severity observed in the <45-year MMT age group was 50% higher than the ≥45-year comparator age group. Conclusions Prevalence of multimorbidity and disease severity in MMT patients was greater than in the age- and sex-matched comparators. Patients with a history of drug abuse require co-ordinated care for treatment of their addiction, and to manage and prevent chronic illnesses. Community-based programmes delivered through primary care help fulfil this need.
Pathologisch-anatomische und morphometrische Untersuchungen am Herzen von wildlebenden Kakadus
Authors: Zeh C. , Filippich L. J. , Krautwald-Junghanns M.-E. , Pees M. 
Published: October 2014

ZusammenfassungZiel der Studie war, das Herz von Papageienvögeln aus freier Wildbahn makroskopisch sowie morphometrisch zu beurteilen und die Resultate mit publizierten Daten für in Menschenobhut gehaltenen Papageienvögeln zu vergleichen, um Erkenntnisse über mögliche Auswirkungen der Gefangenschaft auf das Papageienherz zu gewinnen.Material und Methoden: Es wurden 84 wildlebende, bei einem Kontrollprogramm in Australien getötete Kakadus (50 Gelbhaubenkakadus [Cacatua galerita], 31 Rosakakadus [Eolophus roseicapilla] und drei Nasenkakadus [Cacatua tenuirostris]) pathologisch-anatomisch untersucht. Das Herz wurde morphometrisch vermessen und es erfolgte eine histologische Untersuchung relevanter innerer Organe.Ergebnisse:Die Tiere wiesen durchschnittlich einen guten Ernährungsund sehr guten Bemuskelungszustand auf. Bis auf eine Blässe der Herzmuskulatur zeigte keines makroskopisch oder histologisch einen pathologischen Befund am Herzen oder an den herznahen Gefäßen. Das mittlere Herzgewicht betrug bei den Gelbhaubenkakadus 8,7 g, bei den Rosakakadus 5,3 g und bei den Nasenkakadus 8,6 g. Zwischen Herzmasse und Körpermasse ergab sich speziesunabhängig eine hochsignifikante Korrelation (r = 0,91; p < 0,001), die auch innerhalb der Gelbhaubenkakadus (r = 0,59; p < 0,001) sowie der Rosakakadus (r = 0,52; p = 0,003) als signifikant bestätigt wurde. Dieser Zusammenhang lässt sich zur Berechnung der zu erwartenden Herzmasse nutzen. Die Regressionsanalyse hierzu lautet: Herzmasse (g) = 2,9 + 0,01 × Körpermasse (g). Die relative Dicke der Wand des linken Ventrikels lag höher als Werte, die bei australischen Sittichen in Gefangenschaft erhoben wurden.Schlussfolgerung: Wildlebende Kakadus sind im Vergleich zu Artgenossen in Menschenobhut in einem guten körperlichen Zustand und leiden kaum unter makroskopisch erkennbaren Erkrankungen des Herz-Kreislauf-Systems. Der Trainingszustand des Herzens ist im Vergleich zu unauffälligen Papageienvögeln in Menschenobhut besser.Klinische Relevanz:Die erhobenen Werte können als Basis für die Herzbeurteilung bei Papageienvögeln dienen, da sie anders als frühere Studien die Situation am Herzen gesunder Tiere ohne den Einfluss der Haltung durch den Menschen wiedergeben.
Optimal asymmetric thread for orthodontic microimplants: Laboratory and clinical evaluation
Authors: Alrbata Raed H. , Ha Do-Won , Yu Wonjae , Kyung Hee-Moon 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
To investigate the performance of microimplants incorporating a newly designed asymmetric thread.

Materials and Methods:
Three microimplants were compared. The control group comprised microimplants with the original v-shaped thread. The two experimental groups (Taper 1.0 and Taper 1.25) comprised prototype microimplants constructed with the new asymmetric thread; the Taper 1.25 specimens had a 1.25-mm-long and sharper tip, while the Taper 1.0 and control groups had a less sharp 1-mm tip. Two specially designed artificial bone blocks mimicking soft (maxillary) and hard (mandibular) bone were used to evaluate the microimplant insertion characteristics and postinsertion lateral stability. The peak insertion torque, insertion time, Periotest value (PTV), and torsional strength were measured. Then the microimplants were evaluated clinically over a 3-month period.

Results:
Significant differences in peak insertion torque, insertion time, and PTV were observed and favored the experimental groups. Although statistically insignificant, the clinical success rate was also higher in the Taper 1.25 experimental group than in the control group (87.2% vs 75.6%).

Conclusions:
The better performances of the experimental microimplant, under both laboratory and clinical conditions (although statistically insignificant in the latter), demonstrate the superiority of the new asymmetric thread.
International survey of veterinarians to assess the importance of competencies in professional practice and education
Authors: Bok Harold G. J. , Teunissen Pim W. , Boerboom Tobias B. B. , Rhind Susan M. , Baillie Sarah , Tegzes John , Annandale Henry , Matthew Susan , Torgersen Anne , Hecker Kent G. , Härdi-Landerer Christina M. , Gomez-Lucia Esperanza , Ahmad Bashir , Muijtjens Arno M. M. , Jaarsma Debbie A. D. C. , van der Vleuten Cees P. M. , van Beukelen Peter 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Objective—To determine the perceived importance of specific competencies in professional veterinary practice and education among veterinarians in several countries.
Design—Survey-based prospective study.
Sample—1,137 veterinarians in 10 countries.
Procedures—Veterinarians were invited via email to participate in the study. A framework of 18 competencies grouped into 7 domains (veterinary expertise, communication, collaboration, entrepreneurship, health and welfare, scholarship, and personal development) was used. Respondents rated the importance of each competency for veterinary professional practice and for veterinary education by use of a 9-point Likert scale in an online questionnaire. Quantitative statistical analyses were performed to assess the data.
Results—All described competencies were perceived as having importance (with overall mean ratings [all countries] ≥ 6.45/9) for professional practice and education. Competencies related to veterinary expertise had the highest ratings (overall mean, 8.33/9 for both professional practice and education). For the veterinary expertise, entrepreneurship, and scholarship domains, substantial differences (determined on the basis of statistical significance and effect size) were found in importance ratings among veterinarians in different countries.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated a general consensus regarding the importance of specific types of competencies in veterinary professional practice and education. Further research into the definition of competencies essential for veterinary professionals is needed to help inform an international dialogue on the subject.
Review of gunshot injuries in cats and dogs and utility of a triage scoring system to predict short-term outcome: 37 cases (2003–2008)
Authors: Olsen Lisa E. , Streeter Elizabeth M. , DeCook Rhonda R. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Objective—To describe the signalment, wound characteristics, and treatment of gunshot injuries in cats and dogs in urban and rural environments, and to evaluate the utility of the animal trauma triage (ATT) score as an early predictor of survival to discharge from the hospital.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—29 dogs and 8 cats.
Procedures—Medical records of cats and dogs evaluated for gunshot wounds from 2003 and 2008 at a private urban referral practice in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and an urban veterinary teaching hospital in Ames, Iowa, were reviewed. Information collected included signalment, chief reason for evaluation, circumstance of the injury, general physical examination findings, wound characteristics, treatments provided, cost of care, survival to discharge from the hospital (yes vs no), and duration of hospital stay. For each animal, ATT scores were calculated and evaluated as a prognostic tool.
Results—37 animals met study inclusion criteria. Animals with higher ATT scores had a greater likelihood of poor outcome following gunshot injury. Animals with higher ATT scores, classified as low (< 4.5) or high (> 4.5), were found to have a longer duration of stay, classified as zero (0 days), short (1 to 3 days), or long (> 3 days). Young male dogs generally considered working breeds were overrepresented (29/37 [78.4%]). A preference for low-velocity, low-kinetic-energy firearms was identified (19/37 [52%]). The most numerous wounds were those inflicted to the limbs (12/37 [32.4%]), during low-visibility hours or hunting excursions. Calculated ATT scores on admission were higher in animals requiring blood products or surgical procedures and in nonsurvivors.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of the present study suggested that regional preferences in breed ownership and firearm choice are responsible for variation in gunshot injury characteristics and management in animals sustaining injuries in rural and urban settings in Iowa. In cats and dogs, calculation of an ATT score may provide a useful predictor of the need for surgery or blood products, duration of stay, and likelihood of survival to discharge from the hospital.
A Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation Architecture for Integration of Smart Buildings and Distributed Energy Resources in Micro Grids
Authors: Costanzo G. , Ferrarini L. , Mantovani G. , Krusteva A. , Georgiev M. , Antchev M. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
This paper presents the design, implementation and test of hardware in the loop simulation architecture for integration of Smart Buildings and distributed energy resources in Micro Grids. The rationale for this work is the integration of off-the-shelves devices in a HIL simulation setup within software development. The architecture and preliminary results are presented, together with a case study for integrating flexible units, such as a space heating system and Electric Vehicles in a Smart Building equipped with local solar energy production.
Polydrug use by European adolescents in the context of other problem behaviours
Authors: Kokkevi Anna , Kanavou Eleftheria , Richardson Clive , Fotiou Anastasios , Papadopoulou Sonia , Monshouwer Karin , Matias Joao , Olszewski Deborah 
Published: October 2014

Aim Previous studies of the association between polydrug use and other risk behaviours have generally been limited to specific substances and a small number of behaviours. The aim of this study is to obtain better insight into polydrug use (comprising legal and illegal substances: tobacco, alcohol, tranquillisers/sedatives, cannabis, and other illegal drugs) and its association with co-occurring problem behaviours drawn from various broad domains (sexual, aggressive, delinquent, school achievement, relationships) among European adolescents. Methods Data were obtained from 101,401 16-year-old students from 35 European countries participating in the 2011 ESPAD survey. Associations between polydrug use and other problem behaviours were examined by multinomial and binary logistic regression analyses. Results Tranquillisers/sedatives appeared among the commonest combinations in the polydrug use pattern, especially for females. A strong trend was found between levels of involvement with polydrug use and other problem behaviours for both genders. The highest associations with polydrug use were for problems with the police, risky sexual behaviour and skipping school. Gender differences showed higher prevalences among boys than girls of problem behaviours of aggressive, antisocial type, while girls prevailed over boys in relationship problems. Conclusion An incremental relationship exists between the level of involvement with polydrug use and the co-occurrence of problem behaviours. Preventative interventions should consider the misuse of tranquillisers/sedatives within the context of polydrug use by adolescents and expand their target groups towards multiple problem behaviours.
Trends in the association between prescribed and non-prescribed use of tranquillisers or sedatives among adolescents in 22 European countries
Authors: Fotiou Anastasios , Kanavou Eleftheria , Richardson Clive , Kokkevi Anna 
Published: October 2014

Aims Tranquillisers and sedatives are valuable medicines with high misuse potential, increasingly used by adolescents without a doctor's prescription. We examined the changing association between lifetime non-prescribed use of tranquillisers or sedatives and their prescribed use in European adolescents in 2003-2011. Design Cross-sectional data from 199,231 16-year-old students were collected through anonymous questionnaires administered in schools in 22 European countries participating in the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) in 2003, 2007 and 2011. Results Logistic regression analyses showed a modest increase in lifetime non-prescribed use of tranquillisers or sedatives (adjusted OR [AOR] = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.06-1.11, p < 0.001) and a decrease in prescribed use (AOR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.87-0.91, p < 0.001) between 2003 and 2011. Adjusting for gender and survey year, any versus no prescribed use increased the odds tenfold for non-prescribed use (AOR = 10.15, 99% CI: 9.60-10.74, p < 0.001). Adjusting also for changes in cannabis use did not affect the strength of the association. Interactions of factors with survey year showed that between 2003 and 2011, there was an increase of 38% in the odds that tranquilliser or sedative misusers had not used these drugs also with a doctor's prescription (AOR = 1.38, 99% CI: 1.28-1.50, p < 0.001). Conclusion The waning strength of the association between prescribed and non-prescribed use of tranquillisers or sedatives among adolescents may suggest changes both in the patterns of use and the channels of diversion and access to this class of medication in Europe.
Collectivity of drinking behavior among adolescents: An analysis of the Norwegian ESPAD data 1995-2011
Authors: Brunborg Geir Scott , Bye Elin K. , Rossow Ingeborg 
Published: October 2014

Aims The aim of the current study was to test empirically two predictions from Skog's theory of collectivity of drinking behavior, using time series data from Norwegian adolescents. The two specific predictions were: 1) A change in mean alcohol consumption is positively associated with a change in the proportion of heavy drinkers, and 2) A change in mean alcohol consumption is positively associated with a change at all consumption levels. Data & Methods The present analyses are based on ESPAD data collected from Norwegian adolescents (15-16 years) in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011. The relationship between mean consumption and the proportion of heavy drinkers was analyzed by regressing the proportions of heavy drinkers at each time point on the consumption means at each time point. In order to assess whether adolescents at all consumption levels, from light to heavy drinkers, changed collectively as mean consumption changed, we regressed log-transformed consumption means on the log-transformed percentile values (P25, P50, P75, P90 and P95). The analysis was restricted to adolescents who had consumed alcohol in the last 30 days (total n = 7554). Results The results showed a strong relationship between mean alcohol consumption and the proportion of heavy drinkers. An increase in mean consumption was also associated with an increase at all consumption levels, from light to heavy drinkers. Conclusion The results of the current study are in line with the theory of collectivity of drinking behavior. The findings of this study suggest that by reducing the total consumption of alcohol among adolescents, consumption and risk of harm may be reduced in all consumer groups.
Social skills and their relationship to drug use among 15-16-year-old students in Estonia: An analysis based on the ESPAD data
Authors: Vorobjov Sigrid , Saat Helve , Kull Merike 
Published: October 2014

Aim to investigate the relationship between levels of social skills and drug use among 15-16-year-old students in Estonia. Methods A total of 2,460 Estonian schoolchildren, born in 1995, participated in the ESPAD study in 2011. Individual social skills levels were measured with questions on prosocial and antisocial behaviours assessing how children perform within their social milieu. The relationship between social skills levels and drug use was estimated using chi-squared tests and logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios (OR) were adjusted for gender, parents' education and financial well-being, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to estimate risks of drug use by social skills level. Results Students with lower social skills were at greater risk of starting smoking and smoking daily (50% risk increase). Students with low social skills had a higher risk of lifetime use of cannabis (OR=1.4; 95%CI 1.1-1.9), sedatives/tranquillisers without a prescription (OR=2.3; 1.4-3.9), and inhalants (OR=1.9; 1.2-3.0). The number of students with lower social skills was significantly higher among boys than girls: 35% vs 19%. Conclusions Students' social skill levels were related to their licit and illicit drug use. A low level of social skills can increase adolescents' vulnerability to drug use. As boys' social skills levels appeared much lower and their drug use higher than that of girls, we suggest that gender-related risk prevention programmes of social skills training could be beneficial in preventing drug use.
Seasonal cold adaptation dynamics of some carabid beetle species: Carabus granulatus, Pterostichus oblongopunctatus and Platynus assimilis
Authors: Ploomi Angela , Kivimägi Irja , Kruus Eha , Sibul Ivar , Jõgar Katrin , Hiiesaar Külli , Metspalu Luule 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Cold-hardiness can be measured by supercooling points – the temperature
at which spontaneous freezing occurs. Seasonal changes in supercooling point were
assessed in field-collected predacious carabid beetle species: Carabus granulatus L.,
Pterostichus oblongopunctatus L. and Platynus assimilis Payk. (Coleoptera: Carabidae).
Supercooling ability of these beetles changed seasonally. The tested carabid beetles
proved to belong to freeze-avoiding cryotype.
Decreased Mitogen Inducible Gene 6 (MIG-6) Associated with Symptom Severity in Children with Autism
Authors: Russo AJ 
Published: October 2014

Background Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) demonstrate impairment in social interactions and problems in verbal and nonverbal communication. Autism spectrum disorders are thought to affect 1 in 88 children in the US. Recent research has shown that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation is associated with nerve cell development and repair. Mitogen inducible gene 6 (MIG-6) is a 58-kDa non-kinase scaffolding adaptor protein consisting of 462 amino-acids, which has been shown to be a negative feedback regulator of EGFR and Met receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling. Subjects and Methods In this study, we determined plasma levels of MIG-6, which suppresses the EGFR RTK pathway in autistic children, and compared MIG-6 levels with the EGFR ligand, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and the cMET ligand, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). MIG-6 levels were also compared to the symptom severity of 19 different autistic behaviors. Plasma MIG-6 concentration was measured in 40 autistic children and 39 neurotypical, age, and gender similar controls using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma MIG-6 levels were compared to putative biomarkers known to be associated with EGFR and cMET and severity levels of 19 autism related symptoms [awareness, expressive language, receptive language, (conversational) pragmatic language, focus/attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, perseveration, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, hypotonia (low muscle tone), tip toeing, rocking/pacing, stimming, obsessions/fixations, eye contact, sound sensitivity, light sensitivity, and tactile sensitivity]. Results In this study, we found that plasma MIG-6 levels in autistic children (182.41 ±24.3 pg/ml) were significantly lower than neurotypical controls (1779.76 ± 352.5; P = 1.76E − 5). Decreased MIG-6 levels correlated with serotonin, dopamine, Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and urokinase receptor (uPAR) concentration, but not with other tested putative biomarkers. MIG-6 levels also correlated significantly with severity of expressive language, receptive language, tip toeing, rocking/pacing, and hand flapping/stimming. Conclusions These results suggest a relationship between decreased plasma MIG-6 levels, biomarkers associated with the EGFR pathway, and symptom severity in autism. A strong correlation between plasma MIG-6 and dopamine and serotonin levels suggest that decreased MIG-6 levels may be associated with abnormal neurotransmitter synthesis and/or action. A strong correlation between MIG-6 and uPAR and the inflammatory marker TNF-alpha suggests that low MIG-6 levels may be associated with the HGF/Met signaling pathway, as well as inflammation in autistic children.
Spectral Flows of Dilations of Fredholm Operators
Authors: De Nittis Giuseppe , Schulz-Baldes Hermann 
Published: October 2014

AbstractGiven an essentially unitary contraction and an arbitrary unitary dilation of it, there is a naturally associated spectral flow that is shown to be equal to the index of the operator. This result is interpreted in terms of the K-theory of an associated mapping cone. It is then extended to connect Z2 indices of odd symmetric Fredholm operators to a Z2-valued spectral flow.