bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment concordance and predictive validity of self‐report and biological assay of cocaine use in treatment trials
Authors: Decker Suzanne E. , Frankforter Tami , Babuscio Theresa , Nich Charla , Ball Samuel A. , Carroll Kathleen M. 
Published: March 2014

Background and ObjectivesCocaine use during randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is typically assessed by participant self‐report or biological assay (eg, urinalysis). There have been few direct comparisons of these assessment methods to investigate their concordance and their predictive validity for cocaine use and psychosocial outcomes following treatment completion.MethodIn a combined sample of 380 participants from 5 cocaine RCTs, the concordance between cocaine use assessment methods was examined. Sequential multiple linear and logistic regression models evaluated the predictive validity of two assessment methods for cocaine use and psychosocial outcomes assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment.ResultsConcordance for self‐report and urinalysis indicators of cocaine use was high within‐treatment (k = 0.72) and moderate during follow‐up (k = 0.51). Rates of concordance were higher in studies using test cups with immediate urinalysis results. Regression analyses indicated that self‐report data within‐treatment predicted self‐reported cocaine use at all post‐treatment points (β 0.22–0.30, p < .01), while urinalysis results within‐treatment predicted urinalysis results at 1, 3, and 6 months post‐treatment (OR 3.92–20.99, p < .05). Cocaine‐positive urinalyses within‐treatment were negatively associated with a composite “good outcome” indicator at 1 and 3 months post‐treatment (OR 0.17–0.32, p < .05).Discussion and ConclusionsThese results suggest a significant role of method variance in predicting post‐treatment outcomes from within‐treatment cocaine use indices.Scientific SignificanceResults support recommendations that cocaine treatment trials should include both biological assay and self‐report assessment. Test cups may facilitate increased self‐report accuracy. (Am J Addict 2014;23:466–474)
A successful treatment of buprenorphine withdrawal with the dopamine receptor agonist pramipexole
Authors: Makhinson Michael , Gomez‐Makhinson Juliana 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundBuprenorphine, used for treating opioid dependence, may have a withdrawal syndrome requiring treatment. Modulation of the dopamine system, which has been implicated in opioid withdrawal, may be a target for withdrawal for opioids such as buprenorphine.Case ReportA case is reported of a buprenorphine withdrawal syndrome with predominant symptoms of restlessness that were resistant to clonidine and benzodiazepines. It was successfully treated with the dopamine agonist pramipexole.Scientific SignificanceDopamine receptor agonists may have a place in the treatment of restlessness associated with opioid withdrawal and may have value for the broader spectrum of opioid withdrawal symptoms. (Am J Addict 2014;23:475–477)
Physical activity and cannabis cessation
Authors: Irons Jessica G. , Babson Kimberly A. , Bergeria Cecilia L. , Bonn‐Miller Marcel O. 
Published: March 2014

Background and ObjectivesBased on recent empirical and theoretical work suggesting that physical activity (PA) activates many of the same physiological systems as cannabis, the present study sought to investigate the impact of PA level (ie, low [including none] vs. moderate/high) on a cannabis cessation attempt during the first 7 days post‐quit.MethodsThe present study was a 2 time‐point prospective study of 84 cannabis dependent military veterans (3 female) who responded to study flyers, within a Veterans Affairs Medical Center, seeking individuals interested in engaging in a self‐guided cessation attempt. All study measures were self‐report.ResultsThough no baseline differences between those with low and those with moderate/high levels of physical activity were observed, results revealed that participants who reported low levels of physical activity, versus moderate/high levels, were significantly more likely to report a cannabis lapse during the week following a quit attempt, particularly within the first 4 days of the cessation period. Further, individuals with low levels of PA were also more likely to report greater mean cannabis use during the first 4 days of the cessation period.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceFindings suggest that early interventions aimed at increasing physical activity may be useful among individuals with cannabis dependence who are engaged in a cessation attempt. (Am J Addict 2014;23:485–492)
University Education Fees, Economic Rents and Distributive Justice
Authors: Lamont Julian 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn this article I defend the claim that subsidies for university education should be substantially reduced. The normative justification for this conclusion derives from a theory of distributive justice called the Compensation Theory of Income Justice, which is most easily understood as a normative version of the positive economic theory of compensating differentials. Relying on the distinction between incentives and economic rents, and after considering two ‘received opinions’ about why large income differentials exist in modern societies, I note that substantial portions of above‐average incomes are likely to be artificial monopoly rents, rather than incentives or natural monopoly rents. Under the Compensation Theory of Income Justice the earning of artificial monopoly rents is not justified. Since subsidisation of university education fees increases lifetime artificial rents, the theory would recommend such subsidies be substantially reduced. I defend this conclusion against objections, the most notable of which is the view that university subsidies help to improve equality of opportunity to university education. I explain how it is possible to maintain the laudable aim of providing equality of opportunity while reducing the subsidisation and, as a consequence, the lifetime artificial rents.
Persistency of accuracy of genomic breeding values for different simulated pig breeding programs in developing countries
Authors: Akanno E.C. , Schenkel F.S. , Sargolzaei M. , Friendship R.M. , Robinson J.A.B. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryGenetic improvement of pigs in tropical developing countries has focused on imported exotic populations which have been subjected to intensive selection with attendant high population‐wide linkage disequilibrium (LD). Presently, indigenous pig population with limited selection and low LD are being considered for improvement. Given that the infrastructure for genetic improvement using the conventional BLUP selection methods are lacking, a genome‐wide selection (GS) program was proposed for developing countries. A simulation study was conducted to evaluate the option of using 60 K SNP panel and observed amount of LD in the exotic and indigenous pig populations. Several scenarios were evaluated including different size and structure of training and validation populations, different selection methods and long‐term accuracy of GS in different population/breeding structures and traits. The training set included previously selected exotic population, unselected indigenous population and their crossbreds. Traits studied included number born alive (NBA), average daily gain (ADG) and back fat thickness (BFT). The ridge regression method was used to train the prediction model. The results showed that accuracies of genomic breeding values (GBVs) in the range of 0.30 (NBA) to 0.86 (BFT) in the validation population are expected if high density marker panels are utilized. The GS method improved accuracy of breeding values better than pedigree‐based approach for traits with low heritability and in young animals with no performance data. Crossbred training population performed better than purebreds when validation was in populations with similar or a different structure as in the training set. Genome‐wide selection holds promise for genetic improvement of pigs in the tropics.
TGF‐β cascade regulation by PPP1 and its interactors –impact on prostate cancer development and therapy
Authors: Korrodi‐Gregório Luís , Silva Joana Vieira , Santos‐Sousa Luís , Freitas Maria João , Felgueiras Juliana , Fardilha Margarida 
Published: March 2014

AbstractProtein phosphorylation is a key mechanism by which normal and cancer cells regulate their main transduction pathways. Protein kinases and phosphatases are precisely orchestrated to achieve the (de)phosphorylation of candidate proteins. Indeed, cellular health is dependent on the fine‐tune of phosphorylation systems, which when deregulated lead to cancer. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) pathway involvement in the genesis of prostate cancer has long been established. Many of its members were shown to be hypo‐ or hyperphosphorylated during the process of malignancy. A major phosphatase that is responsible for the vast majority of the serine/threonine dephosphorylation is the phosphoprotein phosphatase 1 (PPP1). PPP1 has been associated with the dephosphorylation of several proteins involved in the TGF‐β cascade. This review will discuss the role of PPP1 in the regulation of several TGF‐β signalling members and how the subversion of this pathway is related to prostate cancer development. Furthermore, current challenges on the protein phosphatases field as new targets to cancer therapy will be addressed.
Working memory training in young children with ADHD: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: van Dongen‐Boomsma Martine , Vollebregt Madelon A. , Buitelaar Jan K. , Slaats‐Willemse Dorine 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundUntil now, working memory training has not reached sufficient evidence as effective treatment for ADHD core symptoms in children with ADHD; for young children with ADHD, no studies are available. To this end, a triple‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study was designed to assess the efficacy of Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT) in young children with ADHD.MethodsFifty‐one children (5–7 years) with a DSM‐IV‐TR diagnosis of ADHD (without current psychotropic medication) were randomly assigned to the active (adaptive) or placebo (nonadaptive) training condition for 25 sessions during 5 weeks. The compliance criterion (>20 sessions) was met for 47 children. The primary outcome measure concerned the core behavioural symptoms of ADHD, measured with the ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD‐RS). Secondary outcome measures were neurocognitive functioning, daily executive functioning, and global clinical functioning. The influence of the increase in difficulty level (Index‐Improvement) for the treatment group was also analysed. Clinical trial registration information – ‘Working Memory Training in Young ADHD Children’; www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT00819611.ResultsA significant improvement in favour of the active condition was found on a verbal working memory task (p = .041; adapted Digit Span WISC‐III, backward condition). However, it did not survive correction for multiple testing. No significant treatment effect on any of the primary or other secondary outcome measurements was found. The Index‐Improvement significantly contributed to ADHD‐RS and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, both rated by the teacher, but revealed no significant group difference.ConclusionsThis study failed to find robust evidence for benefits of CMWT over the placebo training on behavioural symptoms, neurocognitive, daily executive, and global clinical functioning in young children with ADHD.
Improving child and parenting outcomes following paediatric acquired brain injury: a randomised controlled trial of Stepping Stones Triple P plus Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Authors: Brown Felicity L. , Whittingham Koa , Boyd Roslyn N. , McKinlay Lynne , Sofronoff Kate 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundPersistent behavioural difficulties are common following paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI). Parents and families also experience heightened stress, psychological symptoms and burden, and there is evidence of a reciprocal relationship between parent and child functioning, which may be mediated by the adoption of maladaptive parenting practices. Despite this, there is currently a paucity of research in family interventions in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Stepping Stones Triple P: Positive Parenting Program (SSTP), with an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) workshop, in improving child outcomes and parenting practices following paediatric ABI.MethodsFifty‐nine parents of children (mean age 7 years, SD 3 years, 1 month; 35 males, 24 females) with ABI (Traumatic injuries 58%, Tumour 17%, Encephalitis or meningitis 15%, Cardiovascular accident 7%, Hypoxia 3%) who were evidencing at least mild behaviour problems were randomly assigned to treatment or care‐as‐usual conditions over 10 weeks. Mixed‐model repeated‐measures linear regression analyses were conducted to compare conditions from pre‐ to postintervention on child behavioural and emotional functioning (Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) and dysfunctional parenting style (Parenting Scale). Assessment of maintenance of change was conducted at a 6‐month follow‐up. The trial was registered on Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ID: ACTRN12610001051033, www.anzctr.org.au).ResultsSignificant time‐by‐condition interactions were identified on number and intensity of child behaviour problems, child emotional symptoms and parenting laxness and overreactivity, indicating significant improvements in the treatment condition, with medium‐to‐large effect sizes. Most improvements were maintained at 6 months.ConclusionsGroup parenting interventions incorporating Triple P and ACT may be efficacious in improving child and parenting outcomes following paediatric ABI.
Development and validation of a clinical decision‐making aid for screening bowel symptoms in community pharmacies
Authors: Sriram Deepa , McManus Alexandra , Emmerton Lynne , Parsons Richard , Jiwa Moyez 
Published: March 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesBowel symptoms are common, and community pharmacies are an ideal setting for health advice about these symptoms. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire for use with adults presenting to community pharmacies with lower bowel symptoms. The purpose of the questionnaire was to stratify people into those requiring medical follow‐up for symptoms and those with self‐limiting symptoms.MethodA self‐administered questionnaire, named the Jodi Lee test (JLT), was developed in three stages – review of the literature, questionnaire design and statistical validation – against a validated screening tool, the patient consultation questionnaire (PCQ), to assess the sensitivity and specificity of JLT. The questionnaire was developed to be simple, easy for all pharmacy staff to use and require no score calculation. Its application was designed to facilitate referral from pharmacy assistants to pharmacists and from pharmacists to medical practitioners.ResultsThe questionnaire comprises eight questions. It has a Flesh–Kincaid reading score of 79.5. By considering different score thresholds on the PCQ, a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated to assess the effectiveness of the JLT. From a sample of 118 subjects, the area under the ROC curve was 0.94. At a threshold score of 30 on the PCQ, the sensitivity was 100%. The specificity was 65%.ConclusionThe JLT has high sensitivity for identifying patients with symptoms of serious bowel disease. It is also likely to identify patients who have symptoms of relatively benign disease who would benefit from medical advice.
A qualitative assessment of provider perspectives on smoking cessation counselling
Authors: Champassak Sofie L. , Goggin Kathy , Finocchario‐Kessler Sarah , Farris Maghen , Ehtesham Maniza , Schoor Rachel , Catley Delwyn 
Published: March 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesFew studies have examined doctors' views about counselling unmotivated smokers. This study explored doctors' perceptions of useful strategies to motivate patients to quit, how receptive they felt patients were to these strategies, and the benefits and drawbacks of discussing smoking cessation with patients.MethodsFourteen semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with doctors and resident doctors.ResultsStrategies reported by providers included: educating about the health risks of smoking, using ‘scare tactics’ to highlight the harmful effects and providing advice about how to quit. Providers believed that most patients were receptive to their strategies, but noted that they lacked feedback to know for sure. Providers saw the possibility of improving patients' health and decreasing overall health care costs as potential benefits, but cited the potential to damage rapport, competing priorities during already rushed visits and uncertainty about the effectiveness of their efforts as drawbacks that reduced their motivation to raise the issue with patients.ConclusionsDoctors believe in the potential benefits of smoking cessation counselling but predominantly report focusing on enhancing patient's risk perceptions. They did not report attempting to use the wider array of recommended and empirically supported methods to counsel their patients. Providing doctors with increased training in motivational counselling and feedback about the efficacy their efforts or supplementing doctor care with behaviour change specialists would likely increase the benefits of counselling to patients.
Association Between Performance on Timed Up and Go Subtasks and Mild Cognitive Impairment: Further Insights into the Links Between Cognitive and Motor Function
Authors: Mirelman Anat , Weiss Aner , Buchman Aron S. , Bennett David A. , Giladi Nir , Hausdorff Jefferey M. 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo assess whether different Timed Up and Go (TUG) subtasks are affected differently in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and are specific to different cognitive abilities.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingCommunity and home.ParticipantsOlder adults without dementia (N = 347; mean age 83.6 ± 3.5, 75% female, 19.3% with MCI) participating in the Rush Memory and Aging Project.MeasurementsSubjects wore a small, light‐weight sensor that measured acceleration and angular velocity while they performed the instrumented TUG (iTUG). Measures of iTUG were derived from four subtasks (walking, turning, sit‐to‐stand, stand‐to‐sit) and compared between participants with MCI and those with no cognitive impairment.ResultsParticipants with no cognitive impairment and those with MCI did not differ in age (P = .90), sex (P = .80), years of education (P = .48) or time to complete the TUG (no cognitive impairment 7.6 ± 3.7 seconds; MCI 8.4 ± 3.7 seconds; P = .12). Participants with MCI had less walking consistency (P = .009), smaller pitch range during transitions (P = .005), lower angular velocity during turning (P = .04) and required more time to complete the turn‐to‐walk (P = .04). Gait consistency was correlated with perceptual speed (P = .01), and turning was correlated with perceptual speed (P = .02) and visual‐spatial abilities (P = .049).ConclusionMild cognitive impairment is associated with impaired performance on iTUG subtasks that cannot be identified when simply measuring overall duration of performance. Distinctive iTUG tasks were related to particular cognitive domains, demonstrating the specificity of motor–cognitive interactions. Using a single sensor worn on the body for quantification of mobility may facilitate understanding of late‐life gait impairments and their interrelationship with cognitive decline.
“IDEAL” Aging Is Associated with Lower Resting Metabolic Rate: The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Schrack Jennifer A. , Knuth Nicolas D. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo assess the associations among age, health status, and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in a large population of older adults.DesignCross‐sectional analysis.SettingCommunity‐dwelling volunteers from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA).ParticipantsPersons aged 40 to 96 (mean 68.2 ± 11.0) who underwent a comprehensive physical examination, cognitive assessment, RMR testing, body composition assessment, and physical function testing during a 3‐day clinic visit (N = 420).MeasurementsParticipants were assigned to Insight into the Determination of Exceptional Aging and Longevity (IDEAL) or non‐IDEAL categories based on health status. IDEAL participants were defined according to the absence of physical and cognitive impairments, chronic conditions and comorbidities, and blood profile abnormalities. A three‐stage linear regression model was used to assess the relationship between RMR and age, using IDEAL classification as a predictor and adjusting for sex and body composition.ResultsResting metabolic rate averaged 1,512.4 ± 442.9 kcal/d and was lower with older age (β = −8.55, P < .001). After adjusting for age, sex, and body composition, RMR was 109.6 kcal/d lower in IDEAL than non‐IDEAL participants (P < .005).ConclusionIndividuals who are fully functional and free of major medical conditions have lower RMR than those with disease and functional impairments. These findings suggest that health status plays a role in energy use and regulation independent of age and body composition and that elevated RMR may be a global biomarker of poor health in older persons.
Associations Between Observed In‐Home Behaviors and Self‐Reported Low Mood in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Thielke Stephen M. , Mattek Nora C. , Hayes Tamara L. , Dodge Hiroko H. , Quiñones Ana R. , Austin Daniel , Petersen Johanna , Kaye Jeffrey A. 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo ascertain the association between self‐report of low mood and unobtrusively measured behaviors (walking speed, time out of residence, frequency of room transitions, and computer use) in community‐dwelling older adults using novel monitoring technologies.DesignLongitudinal cohort study of older adults whose homes were outfitted with activity sensors. Participants completed Internet‐based weekly health questionnaires with questions about mood.SettingApartments and homes of older adults living in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area.ParticipantsAdults, average age 84, followed for an average of 3.7 years (n = 157).MeasurementsMood was assessed according to self‐report each week. Walking speed, time spent out of residence, and room transitions were estimated using data from sensors; computer use was measured by timing actual use. The association between global or weekly low mood and the four behavior measures was ascertained, adjusting for baseline characteristics.ResultsEighteen thousand nine hundred sixty weekly observations of mood were analyzed; 2.6% involved low mood. Individuals who reported low mood more often had no average differences in any behavior parameters from those who reported low mood less often. During weeks when they reported low mood, participants spent significantly less time out of residence and on the computer but showed no change in walking speed or room transitions.ConclusionLow mood in these community‐dwelling older adults involved going out of the house less and using the computer less but no consistent changes in movements. Technologies to monitor in‐home behavior may have potential for research and clinical care.