bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of non‐surgical periodontal therapy on plasma homocysteine levels in Indian population with chronic periodontitis: a pilot study
Authors: Bhardwaj Smiti , Prabhuji M. L. Venkatesh , Karthikeyan Bangalore Vardhan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimHomocysteine (Hcy) is implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The effect of periodontal disease and periodontal therapy on plasma Hcy remains controversial. Hence, in this pilot study we assessed the effect of periodontal disease and non‐surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on plasma Hcy in systemically healthy Indian subjects.Materials and methodsForty participants (30 to 39 years) were enrolled in the study and were divided into two groups based on gingival index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level (CAL): Healthy (control group; n = 20) and Chronic Periodontitis (test group; n = 20). Plasma samples were collected and quantified at baseline and 12 weeks after scaling and root planing (SRP) for Hcy using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with fluorescent detection (HPLC‐fld).ResultsPlasma Hcy levels of chronic periodontitis (17.87 ± 1.21 μmol/l) subjects was significantly higher than healthy subjects (9.09 ± 2.11 μmol/l). Post‐therapy, the plasma Hcy concentration reduced significantly (11.34 ± 1.87 μmol/l) (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe rise and descent of plasma Hcy levels with periodontal inflammation and therapy, respectively, indicate a direct relationship of Hcy with chronic periodontitis. NSPT may be employed as an adjunctive Hcy Lowering Therapy, contributing towards primary prevention against CVD's.
Practitioner Review: Cognitive bias modification for mental health problems in children and adolescents: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Cristea Ioana A. , Mogoașe Cristina , David Daniel , Cuijpers Pim 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundDespite accumulating research and bold claims about the efficacy of cognitive bias modification (CBM) for young populations, no meta‐analysis has attempted to synthesize the research literature so far. We examined whether there was empirical evidence for the clinical efficacy of CBM interventions in youths, while also considering the methodological quality of this evidence.MethodsStudies were identified through systematic searches in bibliographical databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, Cochrane Library and EMBASE to June 2014). We included randomized controlled trials of CBM interventions, and considered both clinical outcomes and targeted biases. We examined the quality of the trials, as well as potential publication bias and possible moderators.ResultsWe identified 23 trials that reported on four types of outcomes: mental health, anxiety, depression and bias. Effect sizes were small and nonsignificant for all symptom outcomes considered. We found a moderate significant effect size for bias outcomes (Hedges' g of 0.53), with significant heterogeneity. There were no differences between types of CBM interventions, or between one versus multiple‐session applications. A small but significant effect size for mental health problems arose when the intervention was delivered in schools. The quality of almost all of the included studies was suboptimal and the vast majority did not include information needed for allowing quality assessment.ConclusionsWe conducted the first meta‐analysis of CBM interventions for children and adolescents and found no effects for mental health outcomes, but we did find moderate and significant effects on the targeted biases. Our results cast serious doubts on CBM interventions having any clinical utility for nonadult populations. Demand characteristics might play an important part in CBM research.
Assessment of a scoring system for Basal Cell Carcinoma with multi‐beam optical coherence tomography
Authors: Wahrlich C. , Alawi S.A. , Batz S. , Fluhr J.W. , Lademann J. , Ulrich M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundMulti‐beam optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel method of non‐invasive skin imaging allowing the evaluation of tissue at high level of lateral and axial resolution. It permits the horizontal and vertical evaluation of the extent of diseases.ObjectiveHerein, we aimed to validate diagnosing basal cell carcinoma (BCC) by OCT using a newly developed scoring system (‘Berlin Score’‐BS). This was based on the predetermined criteria such as dark border underneath the tumour and ovoid structures. Their frequency and distribution in subtypes of BCC were evaluated.MethodsThe study was conducted in two phases, in which the experience of examiner differed. A total of 127 BCC and 50 other skin diseases were examined. In phase one, students performed the evaluation of skin lesions using the BS, while in phase two an expert performed the scoring in a different subset of patients.ResultsApplication of BS by students revealed sensitivity and specificity of 92.8% (95% CI 85.4–96.8) and 24.1% (95% CI 11.0–43.4) when reaching the lower threshold BS≥8. The most common BCC subtypes were superficial (28.7%) and nodular (22.6%) BCC. Second phase was carried out to verify collected data by a dermatological specialist and expert in using OCT. Increased sensitivity and specificity for OCT amounted to 96.6% (95% CI 80.4–99.8) and 75.2% (95% CI 52.5–90.9). Thereby 88% of all diagnoses were correctly classified confirmed by histopathology.ConclusionMulti‐beam optical coherence tomography revealed to be a fast and promising device for assessing lesions by means of BS. Both students, who benefit from practice in handling OCT, and experts are able to perform this procedure. However, experience and training in the interpretation markedly increased sensitivity and specificity of the BS in our study. Moreover, redefinition and refining of the criteria seems necessary and may further increase the diagnostic value of OCT for NMSC.
Spectrophotometric Analysis of the Influence of Metal Alloy Choice, Opaque Thickness, and Repeated Firing on the Shade of Metal Ceramic Restorations
Authors: Al Hamad Khaled Q. , Qadan Mohammad M. , Al Wahadni Ahed M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPurposeTo determine the effect of type of base metal alloy, opaque thickness, and repeated firing on color of metal ceramic restorations.Materials and MethodsFour nickel chromium and four cobalt chromium were selected with one noble alloy as a control. Ten discs (16 mm 0.5 mm) were prepared for each group. Color of specimens were measured using a spectrophotometer and were calculated using CIEDE2000 formula (ΔL′, ΔC′, ΔH′, ΔE′) between experimental groups and control at six stages of porcelain constructions: opaque 0.1 and 0.3 mm, dentine, enamel, glaze, and three times repeated firing. Shade A3 was used. One‐way analysis of variance and Bonferroni multiple test were performed (α = 0.05).ResultsAlloy type and stage showed statistical significance on total color and color parameter differences from the control and there was significant interaction between them (p < .05). Nidour alloy was the closest to control. Increase in ΔC′ and a decrease in ΔH′ and in a* and b* was the commonest in comparison with the control. However, ΔE′ was below acceptability threshold for all alloys at all stages.ConclusionDespite the statistical significance, base metal alloys performed as good as noble metal control. Neither opaque thickness, nor repeated firing affected color variations from the control group. There was no obvious trend in the behavior of metal alloys at all stages. However, increase in chroma and a decrease in hue, with green blue shift, was the most common.Clinical SignificanceRecords of the effects of eight commonly used base metal alloys on the color of final shade of the metal‐ceramic restorations, at various stages of ceramic buildup, have considerable value. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:S56–S67, 2016)
Antiviral therapy in the improvement of survival of patients with hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib
Authors: Xu Li , Gao Hengjun , Huang Junting , Wang Haoyuan , Zhou Zhongguo , Zhang Yaojun , Li Shaohua , Chen Minshan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground and AimTo evaluate the role of antiviral therapy with nucleoside analogs (NAs) in sorafenib‐treated patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was done in 151 HBV‐related HCC patients treated with sorafenib at Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center between 2007 and 2012. Overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival and adverse events were compared in patients treated with/without NAs. Subgroup analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to determine the efficiency of NAs and prognostic factors for OS.ResultsHBV‐related HCC patients (n = 151) were identified from our database of HCC patients treated with sorafenib. Patients treated with NAs (antiviral group, n = 88) had significantly improved OS compared with the patients who received no NAs (non‐antiviral group, n = 63; median OS: 16.47 months vs 13.10 months, P = 0.03). Patients in the antiviral group had a significant risk reduction of death compared with the non‐antiviral group (hazard ratio: 0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.46–0.98, P = 0.04). By subgroup analysis, patients of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C and patients with higher presorafenib HBV‐DNA level achieved better survival improvement. Antiviral therapy with NAs was one of the independent prognostic factors for OS of HBV‐related HCC patients who were treated with sorafenib.ConclusionAntiviral therapy with NAs improved OS of HBV‐related HCC patients treated with sorafenib, especially in patients with BCLC stage C disease and higher HBV‐DNA level.
Brain Imaging Findings in Elderly Adults and Years of Life, Healthy Life, and Able Life over the Ensuing 16 Years: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Longstreth W. T. , Diehr Paula H. , Yee Laura M. , Newman Anne B. , Beauchamp Norman J. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesTo determine whether elderly people with different patterns of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings have different long‐term outcomes.DesignLongitudinal cohort study.SettingCardiovascular Health Study.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older were recruited (N = 5,888); 3,660 of these underwent MRI, and 3,230 without a stroke before MRI were included in these analyses.MeasurementsCluster analysis of brain MRI findings was previously used to define five clusters: normal, atrophy, simple infract, leukoaraiosis, and complex infarct. Participants were subsequently classified as healthy if they rated their health as excellent, very good, or good and as able if they did not report any limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs). Mean years of life (YoL), years of healthy life (YHL), and years of able life (YAL) were calculated over 16 years after the MRI and compared between clusters using unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses.ResultsMean age of participants was 75.0. With 16 years of follow‐up, mean YoL was 11.3; YHL, 8.0; and YAL, 8.4. Outcomes differed significantly between clusters. With or without adjustments, outcomes were all significantly better in the normal than complex infarct cluster. The three remaining clusters had intermediate results, significantly different from the normal and complex infarct clusters but not usually from one another. Over 16 years of follow‐up, participants in the complex infarct cluster (n = 368) spent the largest percentage of their 8.4 years alive being sick (38%) and not able (38%).ConclusionFindings on MRI scans in elderly adults are associated not only with long‐term survival, but also with long‐term self‐rated health and limitation in ADLs. The combination of infarcts and leukoaraiosis carried the worst prognosis, presumably reflecting small vessel disease.
A Stiff Price to Pay: Does Joint Stiffness Predict Disability in an Older Population?
Authors: Thakral Manu , Shi Ling , Shmerling Robert H. , Bean Jonathan F. , Leveille Suzanne G. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence of joint stiffness and associated comorbidities in community‐living older adults and to determine whether joint stiffness, independent of pain, contributes to new and worsening disability.DesignPopulation‐based cohort.SettingUrban and suburban communities in the Boston, Massachusetts, area.ParticipantsAdults aged 70 and older (N = 765) underwent a baseline home interview and clinic examination, 680 participants completed the 18‐month follow‐up.MeasurementsMorning joint stiffness on most days in the past month was assessed in the arms, back, hips, and knees. Mobility limitations were measured using self‐reported difficulty and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The home interview and clinic examination included extensive health measures.ResultsFour hundred one participants reported morning joint stiffness, half of these with one site of stiffness and the other half with multisite stiffness. Twenty percent of participants with multisite stiffness and 50% with single site stiffness did not have a major stiffness‐associated condition. After adjustment for pain severity and other covariates, multisite stiffness was associated with a 64% greater risk of developing new or worsening mobility difficulty (relative risk = 1.64, 95% confidence interval = 1.05–2.79). Those with multisite stiffness had declined more quickly in physical performance over the 18‐month follow up.ConclusionOlder adults with multisite stiffness are more likely to be at risk of disability than those without joint stiffness after accounting for pain severity and the presence of stiffness‐associated conditions. Better assessment, along with strategies to prevent and treat multisite joint stiffness is needed to prevent or slow the progression of disability in elderly adults.
The Practice of Continuous Sedation Until Death in Nursing Homes in Flanders, Belgium: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Rys Sam , Mortier Freddy , Deliens Luc , Bilsen Johan 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate how continuous sedation until death (CSD), the reduction or removal of consciousness of an incurably ill individual until death to relieve refractory suffering, is practiced in nursing homes.DesignNationwide cross‐sectional retrospective survey.SettingNursing homes in Flanders, Belgium.ParticipantsPalliative care nurses (N = 660) in all nursing homes in Flanders.MeasurementsNurse reports of their most recent patient treated with CSD.ResultsThe response rate was 65.5%, and 249 nurses reported a case of CSD (57.6%). Most individuals had cancer (33.6%) or dementia (32.8%); lacked competence (65.7%); and had severe pain (71.2%), fatigue (62.3%), loss of dignity (59%), anxiety (58.4%), and longing for death (58.4%). Intractable pain (70.7%) and physical exhaustion (63.9%) were the most decisive symptoms for initiating CSD. Life expectancy was generally limited to 1 week (64.9%), and 88.4% had insufficient nutritional oral intake before the start of CSD. CSD was rarely combined with artificial nutrition or hydration. Benzodiazepines were most frequently used (84.8%). Overall, according to the reporting nurses, CSD provided adequate symptom relief and good quality of dying.ConclusionIn nursing homes, CSD is typically used in residents with cancer or dementia and severe, intractable physical symptoms. Lack of competence prevents most residents from being involved in the decision‐making process, which illustrates the importance of advance care planning in nursing homes in Flanders.
Findings from the National Memory Screening Day Program
Authors: Bayley Peter J. , Kong Jennifer Y. , Mendiondo Marta , Lazzeroni Laura C. , Borson Soo , Buschke Herman , Dean Margaret , Fillit Howard , Frank Lori , Schmitt Frederick A. , Peschin Susan , Finkel Sanford , Austen Melissa , Steinberg Carol , Ashford John Wesson 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesTo report experience with a large, nation‐wide public memory screening program.DesignDescriptive study of community‐dwelling elderly adults.SettingLocal community sites (48 sites agreed to provide data) throughout the United States participating in National Memory Screening Day in November 2010.ParticipantsOf 4,369 reported participants, 3,064 had complete data records and are included in this report.MeasurementsParticipants completed a questionnaire that included basic demographic information and a question about subjective memory concerns. Each site selected one of seven validated cognitive screening tests: Mini‐Cog, General Practitioner assessment of Cognition, Memory Impairment Screen, Kokmen Short Test of Mental Status, Mini‐Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination.ResultsOverall, 11.7% failed one of the seven screening tests. As expected, failure rates were higher in older and less‐educated participants (P's < .05). Subjective memory concerns were associated with a 40% greater failure rate for persons of similar age and education but no memory concerns (odds ratio = 1.4, 95% confidence interval = 1.07–1.78), although only 11.9% of those who reported memory concerns (75% of all participants) had detectible memory problems.ConclusionScreening for cognitive impairment in community settings yielded results consistent with expected effects of age and education. The event attracted a large proportion of individuals with memory concerns; 88.1% were told that they did not have memory problems detectible with the tests used. Further studies are needed to assess how participants respond to and use screening information, whether this information ultimately influences decision‐making or outcomes, and whether memory screening programs outside healthcare settings have public health value.
Neurotherapeutic effects of novel HO‐1 inhibitors in vitro and in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gupta Ajay , Lacoste Baptiste , Pistel Paul J. , Ingram Donald K. , Hamel Edith , Alaoui‐Jamali Moulay A. , Szarek Walter A. , Vlahakis Jason Z. , Jie Su , Song Wei , Schipper Hyman M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractHeme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) encoded by the HMOX1 gene is a 32‐kDa stress protein that catabolizes heme to biliverdin, free iron, and carbon monoxide (CO). Glial HO‐1 is over‐expressed in the CNS of subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). The HMOX1 gene is exquisitely sensitive to oxidative stress and is induced in brain and other tissues in various models of disease and trauma. Induction of the glial HMOX1 gene may lead to pathological brain iron deposition, intracellular oxidative damage, and bioenergetic failure in AD and other human CNS disorders such as PD and MS. Therefore, targeted suppression of glial HO‐1 hyperactivity may prove to be a rational and effective therapeutic intervention in AD and related neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we report the effects of QC‐47, QC‐56, and OB‐28, novel azole‐based competitive and reversible inhibitors of HO‐1, on oxidative damage to whole‐cell and mitochondrial compartments in rat astrocytes transfected with the HMOX1 gene. We also report the effect of OB‐28 on the behavior and neuropathology of APPswe/PS1∆E9 mice. OB‐28 was found to reduce oxidative damage to whole‐cell and mitochondrial compartments in rat astrocytes transfected with the HMOX1 gene. Moreover, OB‐28 was found to significantly counter behavioral deficits and neuropathological alterations in APPswe/PS1∆E9 mice. Attenuation of AD‐associated behavioral deficits and neuropathological changes suggests that HO‐1 may be a promising target for neuroprotective intervention in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
image
We propose that the targeted suppression of glial heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) hyperactivity may prove to be a rational and effective therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related neurodegenerative disorders. We report attenuation by a selective HO‐1 inhibitor of oxidative damage to whole‐cell and mitochondrial compartments in astrocytes in vitro and amelioration of behavioral anomalies in a transgenic mouse model of AD.
A Profile of U.S. Nursing Faculty in Research‐ and Practice‐Focused Doctoral Education
Authors: Smeltzer Suzanne C. , Sharts‐Hopko Nancy C. , Cantrell Mary Ann , Heverly Mary Ann , Nthenge Serah , Jenkinson Amanda 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPurposeThis study, which is part of a larger project, was conducted to profile the nursing faculty in the United States teaching in PhD and DNP programs.DesignThis is a descriptive study. A sample of 554 nursing faculty who teach in PhD and DNP programs was recruited by email solicitation to represent all geographic regions of the United States. Data were collected from November 2013 through January 2014 using an online survey instrument.MethodsThe instrument was developed based on results of review of the literature and of focus groups of doctoral faculty (faculty teaching in doctoral programs) to ascertain characteristics of faculty teaching in doctoral programs and of the schools in which they teach. Frequencies and descriptive statistics are reported.FindingsGrowth in DNP programs has outpaced growth in PhD programs, and DNP graduates have moved into doctoral education in greater numbers than PhD graduates. DNP faculty report less prior experience and current productivity scholarship than faculty in PhD programs only or both types of programs.ConclusionsStrategies are needed to ensure that doctoral programs are staffed by faculty who are prepared for doctoral education and the development of nursing science.Clinical RelevanceThe Institute of Medicine has recommended doubling the number of doctorally prepared nurses in the United States by 2020 to ensure that sufficient numbers of faculty are available to prepare the nursing labor force that is needed for delivery of healthcare services. Nurse scientists are needed to contribute to improvement in patient care quality and safety, and practice leaders are needed to facilitate the translation of research into safe, high‐quality, and cost‐effective care. The landscape of doctoral education in nursing is rapidly changing.
Highly improved perinatal states in Japan
Authors: Maeda Kazuo 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTo report on improved perinatal states in Japan, governmental and United Nations Children's Fund reports were analyzed. Initial maternal mortality, which was 409.8 in 1899, decreased to 4.1 in 2010, with a reduction rate of 409.8/4.1 (102.4) in 111 years: 2.5 in the initial 50 years in home delivery and 39.3 in the later 60 years in hospital births. The difference between 2.5 versus 39.3 was attributed to the medicine and medical care provided in hospital births. The total reduction of neonatal mortality was 77.9/1.1 (70.8), and the rate in the initial 50 versus later 60 years was 2.8/25. Also, there was a big difference after introduction of extensive neonatal care. Virtual perinatal mortality after 22 weeks was estimated to be 428 in 1000 births in 1900 (i.e. those infants born at 22–28 weeks were unlikely to survive at that time), while the perinatal mortality was reported to be 22 weeks or more in 1979 (i.e. premature babies born at ≥22 weeks survived in 1979 because of the improved neonatal care). Actually, 60% of premature infants of 400–500 g survived in the neonatal intensive care unit. In a recent report, 36% of infants born at 22 weeks survived to 3 years. Although there were neurodevelopmental impairments, outcomes were improved. In conclusion, perinatal states have remarkably improved in Japan.