bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical correlates associated with cognitive dysfunction in people with schizophrenia
Authors: Tanaka Tsunehiko , Tomotake Masahito , Ueoka Yoshinori , Kaneda Yasuhiro , Taniguchi Kyoko , Nakataki Masahito , Numata Shusuke , Tayoshi Shinya , Yamauchi Ken , Sumitani Satsuki , Ohmori Takashi , Ueno Shu‐ichi , Ohmori Tetsuro 
Published: October 2012

AimsThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation between cognitive function and clinical variables in people with schizophrenia.MethodsThe subjects were 61 stabilized outpatients with schizophrenia (DSM‐IV). Their mean age was 40.1 (SD = 12.2) years. All subjects gave written informed consent to participate in the research. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, and the Drug‐Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale.ResultsThe Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale Negative syndrome score was significantly correlated with verbal memory score (r = −0.37, P < 0.01), working memory score (r = 0.38, P < 0.01), attention and speed of information processing score (r = −0.51, P < 0.01), verbal fluency score (r = −0.39, P < 0.01), and composite score (r = −0.54, P < 0.01). In addition, the Drug‐Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale score was significantly correlated with attention and speed of information processing (r = −0.45, P < 0.01), and composite score (r = −0.41, P < 0. 01). Dose of antipsychotics and anti‐Parkinson drugs was not significantly correlated with the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia scores.ConclusionsThese results indicate that cognitive dysfunction of people with schizophrenia might be associated with negative and drug‐induced extrapyramidal symptoms, suggesting that their minimization would be important for improving cognitive dysfunction.
Effects of N‐acetyl cysteine on cognitive function in bipolar disorder
Authors: Dean Olivia M. , Bush Ashley I. , Copolov David L. , Kohlmann Kristy , Jeavons Susan , Schapkaitz Ian , Anderson‐Hunt Murray , Berk Michael 
Published: October 2012

AimsBipolar disorder is characterized by progressive changes in cognition with declines in executive functioning, memory and sustained attention. Current pharmacotherapies for bipolar disorder target mood symptoms but have not addressed these cognitive changes resulting in euthymic individuals who still experience cognitive deficits. N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) has been shown to have effects on antioxidant status, glutamate transmission, inflammation and neurogenesis. Adjunctive treatment with NAC improves the symptoms experienced by those with bipolar disorder, particularly depression, and it was hypothesized that cognition may also be improved following NAC treatment.MethodsAs part of a larger randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, participants in the current report were tested at baseline and 6 months to assess changes in cognitive function following either 2000 mg of NAC daily or placebo.ResultsThis study failed to find changes in cognitive function following treatment with NAC compared to placebo.ConclusionsWhile an important pilot study, this study had a small sample size and included a limited battery of cognitive tests. Further investigations on the effects of NAC on cognitive performance in bipolar disorder are required.
Opioid effect on lungs
Authors: YAMANAKA TRAVIS , SADIKOT RUXANA T. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTOpioids are widely used for their analgesic properties for the management of acute and chronic pain related to a variety of illnesses. Opioid usage is associated with adverse effects on respiration which are often attributed to depression of the central nervous system. Recent data indicate that opioid use has increased over the last two decades. There is also increasing evidence that opioids have a variety of effects on the lungs besides suppression of respiration. Opioids can affect immune cells function, increase histamine release causing bronchospasm, vaso‐constriction and hypersensitivity reactions. Together, these actions have a variety of effects on lung function. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the effects of opioids on the lungs including the respiratory centre, immune function, airways and pulmonary vasculature.
Oxymoronic or synergistic: Deconstructing the psychiatric and/or mental health nurse
Authors: Cutcliffe John , Stevenson Chris , Lakeman Richard 
Published: October 2012

AbstractExamination of the names used to signify a nurse who specializes in working with people with mental health problems indicates the absence of a shared nomenclature and the frequent conflation of the terms ‘psychiatric’ and ‘mental health’. Informed by the work of Derrida (1978) and Saussure (1916–1983), the authors encourage the deconstruction of and problematization of these terms, and this shows that what nurses who work with people with so‐called mental illness are called has depended on where they have worked, the vagaries of passing fashion, and public policy. Further, there are irreconcilable philosophical, theoretical, and clinical positions that prevent nurses from practicing simultaneously as ‘psychiatric’ and ‘mental health’ nurses. Related service user literature indicates that it is disingenuous to camouflage ‘psychiatric’ services as ‘mental health’ services, and as signifiers, signified, and signs, psychiatric and mental health nursing are sustained by political agendas, which do not necessarily prioritize the needs of the person with the illness. Clearly demarked and less disingenuous signs for both mental health and psychiatric care would not only be a more honest approach, but would also be in keeping with the service user literature that highlights the expectation that there are two signs (and thus two services): psychiatric and mental health services.
Qualitative exploration of family perspectives of smoke‐free mental health and addiction services
Authors: Missen Rebecca Leigh , Brannelly Tula , Newton‐Howes Giles 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe significant health disparities experienced by people with mental illness indicate the need for mental health service improvement. This qualitative study explored family and whānau (Māori family group) perspectives of smoke‐free mental health services. Thematic analysis found that family and whānau identified a number of barriers to the implementation of successful smoke‐free policy, including lack of coordination and consistency, and limited, if any, family and whānau inclusion. Family and whānau discussed smoking as a strategy for coping with anxiety and boredom; therefore, the need for other activities and strategies to replace smoking was identified as necessary in effective service delivery. The attitude that mental health service policy should be different from general health policy, due to the experience of mental distress, was also identified. In this paper, we argue that the development and implementation of quality mental health services would be strengthened by involving family and whānau in smoke‐free initiatives. Furthermore, the provision of relevant information to family, whānau, and service users would help dispel myths and stigma associated with tobacco and mental health.
Aid Allocation by German NGOs: Does the Degree of Official Financing Matter?
Authors: Dreher Axel , Nunnenkamp Peter , Thiel Susann , Thiele Rainer 
Published: October 2012

AbstractUsing a new data set for 41 German non‐governmental organisations (NGOs), we analyse the allocation of NGO aid across recipient countries in a Tobit regression framework. By identifying for each NGO the degree of official financing, we address the largely unresolved issue of whether financial dependence on the government impairs the targeting of NGO aid. It turns out that German NGOs are more active in poorer countries, while they do not complement official aid by working under difficult local conditions. Beyond a certain threshold, rising financial dependence weakens their poverty orientation and provides an incentive to engage in ‘easier’ environments. In addition, we find that the NGOs follow the state as well as NGO peers when allocating aid. This herding behaviour is, however, hardly affected by the degree of official financing.
Die Auswirkungen bedarfsabhängiger Leistungen: Ergänzungsleistungen in der Schweiz
Authors: Bütler Monika , Inderbitzin Lukas , Schulz Jonathan F. , Staubli Stefan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAs in many other countries, means tested benefits constitute an important part of the Swiss old age security system and disability insurance. In contrast to universal benefits, such targeted transfers are intended to only support the ones in need and thereby lead to low level of public expenses. However, individuals face strong incentives at various stages in life to adapt their behavior in order to become eligible. Using the Swiss Erg¨anzungsleistungen as an example, we argue that means tested benefits increase the incentive to apply for disability benefits, raise the attractiveness of early retirement, and induce individuals to favor a lump sum payment over an annuity. Moreover, they decrease the incentive to purchase private long-term care insurance.
Effizient, einfach und gerecht: Ein integriertes System zur Reform von Einkommensteuer und Sozialabgaben
Authors: Löffler Max , Peichl Andreas , Pestel Nico , Schneider Hilmar , Siegloch Sebastian 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe system of income taxation in Germany is too complex and insufficiently transparent. Many reform proposals have been publicly debated during the past years. However, so far, conflicting goals of positive employment and distributional effects without a negative impact on the state’s budget could not be overcome. A common problem of previous reform proposals is that they have neglected social security contributions and their interactions with income taxes. We tackle this issue by proposing an integrated system of taxation. Our simulations show that this comprehensive reform resolves conflicting goals: employment increases, inequality decreases and tax revenues slightly increase.
Abzug von Eigenkapitalzinsen als Betriebsausgaben – ein steuersystematischer Beitrag zur Krisenabsicherung von Unternehmen
Authors: Rose Manfred , Zöller Daniel 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe article deals with the development of a new model for taxing personal capital income and business profits incorporating elements of a (lifetime oriented) ACE system and of a traditional system of capital income taxation. This new approach adheres to decision neutrality at the enterprise level while taking into account both international competitiveness of company taxation and the requirement to meet the redistribution goal of the government. Neither a purely consumption based tax system nor the traditional tax system is capable to meet these requirements in a similar way. The distinctive core of the new system is that - according to the ideal approach of taxing lifetime income - notional interest on equity capital is deductible from the taxable profit of enterprises irrespective of their legal form. Interest income, dividends and capital gains received by individuals will be taxed according to a flat rate tax when they are withdrawn from their qualified bank accounts. Compared to the status quo, the introduction of the proposed tax system in Germany would make equity financing of investments more attractive. This could provide companies with the necessary cushion to survive financial or economic crises as they would be equipped with more equity capital.
Successful treatment of widespread eczema and sleep disruption in a 7‐month‐old infant with methylprednisolone aceponate 0.1%
Authors: Torrelo A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA 7‐month‐old infant, with no known food allergy or intolerance, presenting with eczema lesions affecting many parts of his body, was diagnosed with infantile eczema. A skin barrier defect, due to filaggrin deficiency, was suspected. Prior treatment with emollients was not effective and produced discomfort. After twice‐daily application of methylprednisolone aceponate (MPA) 0.1% (Advantan®), in addition to temporary withdrawal of emollients, for 10 days. At the follow‐up examination, improvements in all eczema lesions, scratching behavior and sleep quality were observed, and eczema was considered almost clear and under control. Advantan was prescribed to control new flares of eczema, and heavy emollients were recommended to treat residual dryness and damage from original lesions. No side effects of Advantan were reported. In an infant with newly diagnosed eczema, Advantan was safe and effective in alleviating lesions and scratching severity and restoring sleep.
Nitric oxide generated by the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae drives plant infection
Authors: Samalova Marketa , Johnson Jasper , Illes Mary , Kelly Steven , Fricker Mark , Gurr Sarah 
Published: October 2012

Summary

Plant‐derived nitric oxide (NO) triggers defence, priming the onset of the hypersensitive response and restricting pathogen ingress during incompatibility. However, little is known about the role of pathogen‐produced NO during pre‐infection development and infection. We sought evidence for NO production by the rice blast fungus during early infection.

NO production was measured using fluorescence of DAR‐4M and the role of NO assessed using NO scavengers. The synthesis of NO was investigated by targeted knockout of genes potentially involved in NO synthesis, including nitric oxide synthase‐like genes (NOL2 and NOL3) and nitrate (NIA1) and nitrite reductase (NII1), generating single and double Δnia1Δnii1, Δnia1Δnol3, and Δnol2Δnol3 mutants.

We demonstrate that Magnaporthe oryzae generates NO during germination and in early development. Removal of NO delays germling development and reduces disease lesion numbers. NO is not generated by the candidate proteins tested, nor by other arginine‐dependent NO systems, by polyamine oxidase activity or non‐enzymatically by low pH. Furthermore, we show that, while NIA1 and NII1 are essential for nitrate assimilation, NIA1, NII1, NOL2 and NOL3 are all dispensable for pathogenicity.

Development of M. oryzae and initiation of infection are critically dependent on fungal NO synthesis, but its mode of generation remains obscure.
Restoration and Science: A Practitioner/Scientist's View from Rare Habitat Restoration at a Southern California Preserve
Authors: DeSimone Sandra A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractResearchers reexamining the relationship between restoration science and practice report a continuing scientist‐practitioner gap. As a land manager with scientific training, I offer my perspective of the chasm and describe a restoration practice infused with as much science as the realities of limited budget and time allow. The coastal sage scrub (CSS) restoration project at Starr Ranch, a 1,585 ha Audubon preserve in southern California, combines non‐chemical invasive species control, restoration, and applied research. Our practices evolve from modified scientific approaches and the scientific literature. Results from experiments with non‐optimum replication (on effects of seed rates, soil tamping, and timing of planting) nonetheless had value for management decisions. A critical practice came from academic research that encouraged cost‐effective passive restoration. Our passive restoration monitoring data showed 28–100% total native cover after 3–5 years. Another published study found that restoration success in semiarid regions is dependent on rainfall, a finding vital for understanding active restoration monitoring results that showed a range of 0–88% total native cover at the end of the first season. Work progresses through a combination of applied research, a watchful eye on the scientific literature, and “ecological intuition” informed by the scientific literature and our own findings. I suggest that it is less critical for academic scientists to address the basic questions on technique that are helpful to land managers but rather advocate practitioner training in methods to test alternative strategies and long‐term monitoring.
Snag Benchmarks and Treatment Options for Mixed‐Pine Forest Restoration in Eastern Upper Michigan
Authors: Corace R. Gregory , Stout Anna T. , Goebel P. Charles , Hix David M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSnags (dead‐standing trees) are biological legacies that remain after disturbances in forests. We enhanced the ecological underpinnings of snag management within the context of mixed‐pine forest restoration in the northern Lake States by quantifying characteristics of live trees and snags within eighty-five 500‐m2 plots at Seney National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in eastern Upper Michigan. Study plots represented reference conditions (i.e. no past harvesting, relatively unaltered fire regime) and altered (i.e. harvested, altered fire regime) conditions. We also compared three treatments for creating snags from live trees. Snags were found in 87% of the reference plots and 85% of the altered plots. The only snag variables that differed between plot types were mean snag basal area, which was greater in altered plots (Student's t‐test, p = 0.04), and mean percent total basal area of snags (greater in reference plots, p = 0.06). The composition of snags differed only in the 10‐ and 25‐cm diameter classes (Multi‐Response Permutation Procedure, p < 0.10). The percentage of snags that developed into the most advanced decay class (DC) differed among treatments after 4 years (χ2 = 16.49, p < 0.01), with 26% of girdled trees, 3% of prescribed fire trees, and zero topped trees reaching DC5. Logistic regression illustrated that the influence of predictor variables on DC development varied by species and treatment. The findings from this study, past studies, and ongoing projects at Seney NWR are directly applicable to innovative management of snags in mixed‐pine forests.
A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Spatial Working Memory in Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: Contribution of Familial History of Alcohol Use Disorders
Authors: Norman Andria L. , O'Brien Jessica W. , Spadoni Andrea D. , Tapert Susan F. , Jones Kenneth Lyons , Riley Edward P. , Mattson Sarah N. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundHeavy prenatal alcohol exposure leads to widespread cognitive deficits, including problems with spatial working memory (SWM). Neuroimaging studies report structural and functional abnormalities in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), but interpretations may be complicated by the co‐occurrence of a family history of alcoholism. Since this history is also linked to cognitive deficits and brain abnormalities, it is difficult to determine the extent to which deficits are unique to prenatal alcohol exposure.MethodsAge‐matched subjects selected from 2 neuroimaging studies underwent functional imaging while engaging in a task assessing memory for spatial locations relative to a vigilance condition assessing attention. Pairwise comparisons were made for the following 3 groups: children with histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (ALC, n = 18); those with no prenatal alcohol exposure, but a confirmed family history of alcoholism (FHP, n = 18); and nonexposed, family history negative controls (CON, n = 17).ResultsRelative to CON and FHP, the ALC group showed increased blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response in the left middle and superior frontal gyri for the SWM condition relative to the vigilance condition (SWM contrast). Additionally, the ALC group showed unique BOLD response increases in the left lingual gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus relative to CON, and left cuneus and precuneus relative to FHP. Both ALC and FHP showed greater activation compared to CON in the lentiform nucleus and insular region.ConclusionsThese results confirm previous studies suggesting SWM deficits in FASD. Differences between the ALC group and the CON and FHP groups suggest the left middle and superior frontal region may be specifically affected in alcohol‐exposed children. Conversely, differences from the CON group in the lentiform nucleus and insular region for the ALC and FHP groups may indicate this region is associated with family history of alcoholism rather than specifically with prenatal alcohol exposure.
Guidelines for Neuropathic Pain Management in Patients with Cancer: A European Survey and Comparison
Authors: Piano Virginie , Schalkwijk Annelies , Burgers Jako , Verhagen Stans , Kress Hans , Hekster Yechiel , Lanteri‐Minet Michel , Engels Yvonne , Vissers Kris 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBetween 19% and 39% of patients with cancer pain suffer from neuropathic pain. Its diagnosis and treatment is still challenging. Yet, national clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been developed in several European countries to assist practitioners in managing these patients safely and legally. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of the development and reporting of these CPGs.MethodsIn collaboration with the European Federation of IASP Chapters, a European inventory of CPGs was conducted. Inclusion criteria were at least one paragraph dedicated to the treatment of neuropathic pain in cancer. Using the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation II instrument, 2 appraisers independently assessed the quality of the development process of the included CPGs in 6 quality domains. Besides, CPGs developed by governmental organization were compared with those developed by professional societies using t‐tests.ResultsMean scores of the domains “scope and purpose” (80%) and “clarity of presentation” (61%) were satisfactory, “stakeholder involvement” (58%), “rigor of development” (57%), and “editorial independence” (53%) were acceptable, and “applicability” was insufficient (39%). Governmental guidelines had higher quality scores than professional society guidelines for domain “stakeholder involvement” and “editorial independence” (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe quality of the development process of the 9 included CPGs varied widely. CPGs should be developed within a structured guideline program, including methodological support. As developing a CPG is expensive and time‐consuming, we recommend more international cooperation to increase quality and lower the development costs.
The effectiveness and safety of fixed low‐dose prothrombin complex concentrates in patients requiring urgent reversal of warfarin (CME)
Authors: Varga Cindy , Al‐Touri Sultan , Papadoukakis Stella , Caplan Stephen , Kahn Susan , Blostein Mark 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundA rapid method of reversal is required for patients on warfarin who suffer acute bleeding or require emergency surgery. Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) have recently been recommended by the Canadian Blood Services for use at a fixed low dose of 1000 IU of Factor (F)IX activity. The main goal of this study was to investigate both the effectiveness and the safety of fixed low‐dose PCCs.Study Design and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed charts from 103 patients who received PCCs for reversal of warfarin therapy.ResultsA total of 103 patients were treated with PCC at a single fixed dose of 1000 IU of F IX activity. Fifty patients (48.5%) had a final international normalized ratio (INR) response of not more than 1.5 and an additional 45 patients (43.7%) had a final INR response between 1.6 and 2.0. However, 86 patients (83.5%) had an excellent clinical response consisting of control of bleeding without the requirement of additional measures. In a multivariable model, patients who received fresh‐frozen plasma and patients who were given doses greater than 1000 IU of PCC were both identified as predictors of a poor clinical response (odds ratio [OR] 3.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76‐15.89, p = 0.11; and OR 10.8, 95% CI 2.08‐56.28, 95% CI, p = 0.005, respectively). There were five adverse events up to 30 days after PCC use.ConclusionAt a fixed dose of 1000 IU of F IX activity, PCC seems to be effective and safe but randomized controlled trials, specifically examining different doses of PCC, are required to confirm the above observations.