bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term outcome of multidisciplinary intervention of chronic non-cancer pain patients in a private setting
Authors: Meineche-Schmidt Villy , Jensen Niels-Henrik , Sjøgren Per 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background and aim
The present study reports on chronic non-cancer patients who were referred to a private pain clinic, according to a waiting time guarantee and treated within one month from referral. Based on evaluation by members of the multidisciplinary staff at our pain clinic a pain management program could be offered individually or as group therapy.

Methods
Health related quality of life, psychometric tests, use of pain medication; socio-economic status and number of consultations in general practice were recorded at referral to the clinic and by postal questionnaires at follow-up 21 months later. The primary treatment outcome (treatment success) was defined as an improvement of at least 40 points in the physical component and/or the mental component of SF-36 from baseline to follow-up. Secondary outcome measures were changes in Beck’s Anxiety Inventory and Beck’s Depression Inventory, use of analgesics, work status and transfer income and number of consultations at the GP’s office due to the chronic pain condition.

Results
A total of 306 patients were included: 141 were treated individually and 165 were treated in groups. At follow-up, data were obtained from 189 patients (62%). Comparing baseline to follow-up data, 62% of group treated patients were treated successfully, compared with 41% of individually treated patients. Anxiety and depression were significantly improved in group treated patients but not in those treated individually. significantly more patients had work income (and less patients transfer income) among group treated, compared with individually treated. At follow-up use of antidepressants and anticonvulsants was increased whereas use of tranquilizers and strong opioids was decreased in all patients. Number of consultations at their GPs due to chronic pain was significantly reduced in all patients.

Conclusions
Multidisciplinary treatment in a private pain clinic seems to have a long-term effect in relation to biological, psychological and social aspects of the chronic pain condition. Treatments based on group therapy may offer better results than individual treatment courses.

Implications
The effect of group therapy should be explored further.
PRAGMATIC ENCROACHMENT: IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Fantl Jeremy , McGrath Matthew 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThere is pragmatic encroachment on some epistemic status just in case whether a proposition has that status for a subject depends not only on the subject's epistemic position with respect to the proposition, but also on features of the subject's non-epistemic, practical environment. Discussions of pragmatic encroachment usually focus on knowledge. Here we argue that, barring infallibilism, there is pragmatic encroachment on what is arguably a more fundamental epistemic status – the status a proposition has when it is warranted enough to be a reason one has for believing other things.
Uptake of conjugated linolenic acids and conversion tocis-9,trans-11-ortrans-9,trans-11-conjugated linoleic acids in Caco-2 cells
Authors: Schneider Anne-Catherine , Mignolet Eric , Schneider Yves-Jacques , Larondelle Yvan 
Published: April 2012

Dietary oils containing large amounts of conjugated linolenic acids (CLnA) may be regarded as a source of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), which have been suspected to bear health-promoting properties. Indeed, CLnA can be converted into CLA in mammals. The objective of the present study was to investigate the uptake of CLnA and their metabolism into CLA in Caco-2 cells, as a validatedin vitromodel of the intestinal barrier. Caco-2 cells were incubated for 24 h in the presence of either α-eleostearic, β-eleostearic, catalpic or punicic acid. We first observed that Caco-2 cells take these CLnA up at different rates and then convert them but with varying efficiency depending on the structure of the Δ13 double bond. Finally, the distribution of CLnA between neutral lipids (NL) and phospholipids appeared to be linked to their number oftransdouble bonds: the higher the number, the higher the accumulation in the NL fraction.
Bayesian simultaneous equation models for the analysis of energy intake and partitioning in growing pigs
Authors: STRATHE A. B. , JØRGENSEN H. , KEBREAB E. , DANFÆR A. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYThe objective of the current study was to develop Bayesian simultaneous equation models for modelling energy intake and partitioning in growing pigs. A key feature of the Bayesian approach is that parameters are assigned prior distributions, which may reflect the current state of nature. In the models, rates of metabolizable energy (ME) intake, protein deposition (PD) and lipid deposition (LD) were treated as dependent variables accounting for residuals being correlated. Two complementary equation systems were used to model ME intake (MEI), PD and LD. Informative priors were developed, reflecting current knowledge about metabolic scaling and partial efficiencies of PD and LD rates, whereas flat non-informative priors were used for the reminder of the parameters. The experimental data analysed originate from a balance and respiration trial with 17 cross-bred pigs of three genders (barrows, boars and gilts) selected on the basis of similar birth weight. The pigs were fed four diets based on barley, wheat and soybean meal supplemented with crystalline amino acids to meet or exceed Danish nutrient requirement standards. Nutrient balances and gas exchanges were measured atc. 25, 75, 120 and 150 kg body weight (BW) using metabolic cages and open circuit respiration chambers. A total of 56 measurements were performed. The sensitivity analysis showed that only the maintenance component was sensitive to the prior specification, and hence the maintenance estimate of 0·91 MJ ME/kg0·60per day (0·95 credible interval (CrI): 0·78–1·09) should be interpreted with caution. It was shown that boars’ ability to deposit protein was superior to that of barrows and gilts, as these had an estimated maximum PD (PDmax) of 250 g/day (0·95 CrI: 237–263), whereas the barrows and gilts had a PDmaxof 210 g/day (0·95 CrI: 198–220). Furthermore, boars reached PDmaxat 109 kg BW (0·95 CrI: 93·6–130), whereas barrows and gilts maximized PD at 81·7 kg BW (0·95 CrI: 75·6–89·5). At 25 kg BW, the boars partitioned on average 5–6% more of the ME above maintenance into PD than barrows and gilts, and this was progressively increased to 10–11% more than barrows and gilts at 150 kg BW. The Bayesian modelling framework can be used to further refine the analysis of data from metabolic studies in growing pigs.
The associations of management and demographic factors with technical, allocative and economic efficiency of Irish dairy farms
Authors: KELLY E. , SHALLOO L. , GEARY U. , KINSELLA A. , THORNE F. , WALLACE M. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYThe phasing out of the European Union (EU) milk quota will create opportunities for producers to expand without the constraint of quota which has limited expansion since 1984. Therefore, it will be necessary for Irish dairy producers to become more competitive by increasing performance using the least amount of inputs per unit of output and maximizing the level of technical and economic efficiency. The objectives of the current study were to measure technical, allocative and economic efficiency, and to investigate the associations of key management, qualitative and demographic characteristics on efficiency. Efficiency scores were calculated using the non-parametric methodology data envelopment analysis (DEA). The DEA results showed that on average the sample of Irish dairy producers were not fully efficient in 2008 with technical, allocative and economic efficiency results under variable returns to scale (VRS) of 0·771, 0·740 and 0·571, respectively. In a second stage analysis, Tobit regressions were used to determine the associations of key variables with the technical, allocative and economic efficiency scores. The efficiency scores were included as dependent variables and the key independent variables were a variety of management and demographic variables. Mean calving date, number of grazing days, breeding season length, milk quality, discussion group membership and soil quality were all associated with technical and economic efficiency. Milk recording, use of artificial insemination (AI) and level of dairy specialization were associated with allocative and economic efficiency only. Age and age squared were the only significant demographic associations with the efficiency scores.
Re-conceptualising Approaches to Meeting the Health Needs of Homeless People
Authors: ANDERSON ISOBEL , YTREHUS SIRI 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe experience of homelessness not only affects physical health, but can also constrain access to required health care. In a number of European countries, national strategies to tackle homelessness have sought to deliver integrated solutions across housing, health and other social policy areas. This article examines approaches to meeting the health care needs of homeless people in relation to such strategies, drawing upon recent research in Norway and Scotland. The article presents a comparative analysis of approaches to service provision in relation to welfare models and the concepts of universal and specialist provision. The analysis suggests a cross-national shift in the conceptualisation of appropriate responses to the health care needs of those who experience homelessness. The provision of some specialist health services, while reflecting a selective model of welfare, need not be solely interpreted as conflicting with a more universal model of ensuring access to mainstream services. Rather, the challenge is to recognise the need for a process approach which supports an effective transition from the (sometimes necessary) use of specialist services for this group, towards (the ideal of) full integration into mainstream health care.
Time-course of antibody responses againstCoxiella burnetiifollowing acute Q fever
Authors: TEUNIS P. F. M. , SCHIMMER B. , NOTERMANS D. W. , LEENDERS A. C. A. P. , WEVER P. C. , KRETZSCHMAR M. E. E. , SCHNEEBERGER P. M. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYLarge outbreaks of Q fever in The Netherlands have provided a unique opportunity for studying longitudinal serum antibody responses in patients. Results are presented of a cohort of 344 patients with acute symptoms of Q fever with three or more serum samples per patient. In all these serum samples IgM and IgG against phase 1 and 2Coxiella burnetiiwere measured by an immunofluorescence assay. A mathematical model of the dynamic interaction of serum antibodies and pathogens was used in a mixed model framework to quantitatively analyse responses toC. burnetiiinfection. Responses show strong heterogeneity, with individual serum antibody responses widely different in magnitude and shape. Features of the response, peak titre and decay rate, are used to characterize the diversity of the observed responses. Binary mixture analysis of IgG peak levels (phases 1 and 2) reveals a class of patients with high IgG peak titres that decay slowly and may represent potential chronic cases. When combining the results of mixture analysis into an odds score, it is concluded that not only high IgG phase 1 may be predictive for chronic Q fever, but also that high IgG phase 2 may aid in detecting such putative chronic cases.
Comparison of pre-emptive and reactive strategies to control an incursion of bluetongue virus serotype 1 to Great Britain by vaccination
Authors: SUMNER T. , BURGIN L. , GLOSTER J. , GUBBINS S. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYBluetongue (BT) is a disease of ruminants caused by bluetongue virus (BTV), which is spread between its hosts by Culicoides midges. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect susceptible animals against BTV and was used reactively to control the recent northern European outbreak. To assess the consequences of using vaccination pre-emptively we used a stochastic, spatially explicit model to compare reactive and pre-emptive vaccination strategies against an incursion of BTV serotype 1 (BTV-1) into Great Britain. Both pre-emptive and reactive vaccination significantly reduced the number of affected farms and limited host morbidity and mortality. In addition, vaccinating prior to the introduction of disease reduced the probability of an outbreak occurring. Of the strategies simulated, widespread reactive vaccination resulted in the lowest levels of morbidity. The predicted effects of vaccination were found to be sensitive to vaccine efficacy but not to the choice of transmission kernel.
An outbreak of post-partum breast abscesses in Mumbai, India caused by ST22-MRSA-IV: genetic characteristics and epidemiological implications
Authors: MANOHARAN A. , ZHANG L. , POOJARY A. , BHANDARKAR L. , KOPPIKAR G. , ROBINSON D. A. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYA cluster of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) breast abscesses in women who had given birth at a hospital in Mumbai, India was investigated retrospectively. Nineteen of 20 cases were caused by a single clone: pvl-positive, spa type 648 (Ridom t852), ccrB:dru subtype 3:0, ST22-MRSA-IV. Despite the presence of pvl and SCCmec type IV, which are common genetic markers in community-associated MRSA, this outbreak was caused by a healthcare-associated, community-onset MRSA that was common in the hospital environment. Thus, infection control practices may have an important role in limiting the spread of this virulent clone.
Balloon atrial septostomy performed “out-of-hours”: effects on the outcome
Authors: Vimalesvaran Sunitha , Ayis Salma , Krasemann Thomas 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundBalloon atrial septostomy is a common palliative procedure in neonates with cyanotic congenital heart disease with restricted interatrial blood flow. Despite its advantages, balloon atrial septostomy is not a risk-free procedure and can be associated with numerous complications. The objective of this study is to determine whether the performance of this procedure out-of-hours has a significant impact on the incidence of adverse outcome measures.Methods and ResultsA total of 106 neonates who underwent balloon atrial septostomy between 2004 and 2010 were studied retrospectively. In all, 64 infants had the procedure performed within routine hours (9 am to 6 pm), whereas 42 neonates underwent the procedure out-of-hours (6:01 pm to 8:59 am). Procedure-related complications occurred in 32 infants (30.2%), which included 12 out of 64 (18.8%) infants in the routine-hours group and 20 out of 42 (47.6%) in the out-of-hours group. During further follow-up after surgery and including both major and minor adverse events, seven more infants (10.9%) suffered complications after balloon atrial septostomy in the routine-hours group and four more infants (9.5%) suffered complications in the out-of-hours group. This totalled the complication rate in the routine-hours group to 19 infants (29.7%) and 24 infants (57.1%) in the out-of-hours group (p = 0.001). A higher overall mortality rate was also noted in the out-of-hours group.ConclusionsBalloon atrial septostomy performed out-of-hours produced higher complication rates as opposed to balloon atrial septostomy performed during routine hours. Only essential cases should be undertaken at night, and all other cases should be deferred to the daytime to limit unnecessary adverse complication.
Iodine status and fish intake of Sudanese schoolchildren living in the Red Sea and White Nile regions
Authors: Hussein Izzeldin S , Min Yoeju , Ghebremeskel Kebreab , Gaffar Abdelrahim M 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate iodine status and fish consumption of schoolchildren living in the Red Sea and White Nile regions of Sudan.DesignCross-sectional study to determine urinary iodine concentration, visible goitre rate, iodine content of salt and fish consumption.SettingPort Sudan (Red Sea) and Jabal Awliya (White Nile), Sudan.SubjectsTwo hundred eighty (n280) children aged 6–12 years (142 boys, 138 girls).ResultsThe median urinary iodine concentration in children from Port Sudan and Jabal Awliya was 553 and 160 μg/l, respectively. Goitre was detected in 17·1 % of children from Port Sudan but only in 1·4 % from Jabal Awliya, The salt samples from Port Sudan contained 150–360 mg iodine (KOI3)/kg salt, whereas those from Jabal Awliya had levels below the detection limit. Despite consuming salt devoid of iodine, children from Jabal Awliya had optimal iodine status. It is plausible that consumption of Nile fish from Jabal Awliya Reservoir, which is a good source of iodine and favoured by the locals, might have provided sufficient iodine. In contrast, children from Port Sudan were at higher risk of iodine-induced hyperthyroidism resulting from consumption of excessively iodised salt.ConclusionsThe findings of the study clearly demonstrated that (i) Sudan still has a problem with iodine nutrition and quality control and monitoring of salt iodisation and (ii) including fish in the diet could provide a sufficient amount of iodine for schoolchildren.
A comparison of the cost of generic and branded food products in Australian supermarkets
Authors: Chapman Kathryn , Innes-Hughes Christine , Goldsbury David , Kelly Bridget , Bauman Adrian , Allman-Farinelli Margaret 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveFood cost is an important factor influencing the consumption of nutritious foods and subsequent chronic disease risk. The present study compared the cost of branded food products with their generic equivalents across a range of food categories.SettingThe survey was conducted within two major supermarket chains across six locations in Sydney, Australia (n12).DesignPrice differences were calculated for ‘core’ (nutrient dense and low in energy) and ‘extra’ (high in undesirable nutrients and/or energy) packaged foods (n22) between generic and branded items.ResultsA cost saving of 44 % was found by purchasing generic over branded products across all food categories. The most significant savings were for core foods, such as bread and cereals, and the smallest cost savings were seen for fruit products. There was little variation in cost saving between branded and generic products by socio-economic status of the supermarket location.ConclusionsThe large price differential between branded and generic food products implies that consumers, particularly those on lower incomes, could benefit financially from purchasing generic items. The promotion of core generic products may be an effective strategy to assist people on lower incomes to meet dietary guidelines.
Fruit and vegetable intake: issues with definition and measurement
Authors: Roark Randall A , Niederhauser Victoria P 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAccurate determination of fruit and vegetable consumption is essential for research that seeks to determine current fruit and vegetable intake patterns, what type and amount of fruit and vegetable consumption is optimal for human health and for evaluating interventions developed to increase such consumption. However, there are many issues that make accurate determination of fruit and vegetable consumption quite difficult. There are many methods used to measure fruit and vegetable intake, but all have limitations. Also, what foods individuals consider to be or to not be fruits or vegetables appear to be quite variable, with such variability often associated with the individual's racial/ethnic background. Researchers and governmental agencies vary with respect to what foods they include and do not include when calculating fruit and vegetable intake. These differences make it difficult to conduct, evaluate and compare studies in this area. The current paper reviews some of the major issues with measuring and determining fruit and vegetable intake.
The fiscal burden of the legacy of the civil service pension systems in northern Cyprus
Authors: ALTIOK HASAN U. , JENKINS GLENN P. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis paper estimates the fiscal burden of the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) civil service pension systems that were closed in 2008 to new members in North Cyprus. Estimates are made of the difference between the present values of future contributions and the future pension benefits. The future pension benefits are those received by the individuals covered through these plans for the period from 2009 to the death of the last member in the system. The estimated unfunded cost of these historical civil service pension plans is 7.3 billion euros or 276% of GDP.
Atmosphere‐ionosphere conductivity enhancements during a hard solar energetic particle event
Authors: Kokorowski M. , Seppälä A. , Sample J. G. , Holzworth R. H. , McCarthy M. P. , Bering E. A. , Turunen E. 
Published: April 2012

On 20 January 2005, a solar energetic particle (SEP) event caused the largest recorded solar proton ground level event since 1956. Serendipitously, a balloon‐borne experiment intended to measure effects of relativistic electron precipitation was aloft over Antarctica (∼32 km; near 70°S, 345°E geographic) throughout the duration of the SEP event, including the fast (∼6 min) onset. The balloon instrumentation included dc electric field and scalar electrical conductivity sensors. The observed conductivity increased by nearly a factor of 20 above ambient with the SEP event onset and returned to within a factor of two above normal levels within 17 h. Results from a newly developed, globally applicable atmosphere–ionosphere conductivity model based on the Sodankylä Ion and Neutral Chemistry (SIC) model suggest that proton‐induced ionization was directly responsible for the observed conductivity increase at the balloon. Model input for this event included estimates of ionization from energetic particle precipitation and rigidity cutoffs. Altitudes between 20 and 150 km were considered during model runs. The results show a maximum conductivity increase near 60 km of more than 600‐fold directly after SEP event onset. Relatively small conductivity enhancements (two‐ to fivefold) are suggested to have occurred above 70 km as a result of SEP ionization, while almost no enhancement is thought to have occurred above 95 km. These results quantify the real effect that an SEP‐event can have on atmosphere–ionosphere electrical conductivity on a large, nearly global scale and provide a detailed comparison to one of the few direct stratospheric conductivity observations made during an SEP event.
Detecting differential usage of exons from RNA-Seq data
Authors: Anders Simon , Reyes Alejandro , Huber Wolfgang 
Published: April 2012

AbstractRNA-Seq is a powerful tool for the study of alternative splicing and other forms of alternative isoform expression. Understanding the regulation of these processes requires sensitive and specific detection of differential isoform abundance in comparisons between conditions, cell types or tissues. We present DEXSeq, a statistical method to test for differential exon usage in RNA-Seq data. DEXSeq employs generalized linear models and offers reliable control of false discoveries by taking biological variation into account. DEXSeq detects genes, and in many cases specific exons, that are subject to differential exon usage with high sensitivity. We demonstrate the versatility of DEXSeq by applying it to several data sets. The method facilitates the study of regulation and function of alternative exon usage on a genome-wide scale. An implementation of DEXSeq is available as an R/Bioconductor package.This preprint has subsequently been published in Genome Research (doi:10.1101/gr.133744.111)
Genome Replikin Count Predicts Increased Lethality of Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Bogoch Samuel , Bogoch Elenore 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe genomic Replikin Count of all the sequences on Pubmed of different strains of tuberculosis were analyzed. The lowest Counts occurred with species within the lowest drug resistance, the highest Counts with sequences of the highest drug resistance and lethality.