Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assuaging death anxiety in older overseas-born Australians of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds hospitalised for end-of-life care

Background: Death anxiety is a known phenomenon in older people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) hospitalised for end-of-life (EOL) care . Little is known about how nurses assuage death anxiety in this population. Aims: To investigate strategies used by nurses to assuage death anxiety and facilitate a good death in older CALD Australians hospitalised for EOL care. Methods: Advanced as a qualitative descriptive inquiry, a purposeful sample of 22 nurses was recruited from four Victorian healthcare services. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis processes. Findings: Nurses used three key strategies: recognising death anxiety; delineating its dimensions; and initiating conventional nursingcaring behaviours to help contain it. Contrary to expectations, cultural similarities rather than differences were found in the strategies used. Conclusions: Nursing strategies for recognising, delineating, and managing death anxiety in older CALD people hospitalised at the EOL is an important component of quality EOL care.
First year nursing students’ experiences of social media during the transition to university: a focus group study

Background: Social media platforms are useful for creating communities, which can then be utilised as a mean for supportive, professional and social learning. Objective: To explore first year nursing student experiences with social media in supporting student transition and engagement into higher education. Design: Qualitative focus groups. Methods: Ten 1st year Bachelor of Nursing students were included in three face-to-face focus groups. Data were analysed using qualitative thematic content analysis. Results: Three key themes emerged that illustrates the experiences of transition and engagement of first year student nurses using social media at university. (1) Facilitating familiarity and collaboration at a safe distance, (2) promoting independent learning by facilitating access to resources, and (3) mitigating hazards of social media. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated the importance of social media in supporting informal peer–peer learning and support, augmenting online and offline relationships, and building professional identity as a nurse.
Kölliker–Fuse GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons project to distinct targets

The Kölliker‐Fuse nucleus (KF) is known primarily for its respiratory function as the “pneumotaxic center” or “pontine respiratory group. ” Considered part of the parabrachial (PB) complex, KF contains glutamatergic neurons that project to respiratory‐related targets in the medulla and spinal cord (Yokota, Oka, Tsumori, Nakamura, & Yasui, 2007). Here we describe an unexpected population of neurons in the caudal KF and adjacent lateral crescent subnucleus (PBlc), which are γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and have an entirely different pattern of projections than glutamatergic KF neurons. First, immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, and Cre‐reporter labeling revealed that many of these GABAergic neurons express FoxP2 in both rats and mice. Next, using Cre‐dependent axonal tracing in Vgat‐IRES‐Cre and Vglut2‐IRES‐Cre mice, we identified different projection patterns from GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons in this region. GABAergic neurons in KF and PBlc project heavily and almost exclusively to trigeminal sensory nuclei, with minimal projections to cardiorespiratory nuclei in the brainstem, and none to the spinal cord. In contrast, glutamatergic KF neurons project heavily to the autonomic, respiratory, and motor regions of the medulla and spinal cord previously identified as efferent targets mediating KF cardiorespiratory effects. These findings identify a novel, GABAergic subpopulation of KF/PB neurons with a distinct efferent projection pattern targeting the brainstem trigeminal sensory system. Rather than regulating breathing, we propose that these neurons influence vibrissal sensorimotor function.
V1 connections reveal a series of elongated higher visual areas in the California ground squirrel, Otospermophilus beecheyi

For studies of visual cortex organization, mouse is becoming an increasingly more often used model. In addition to its genetic tractability, the relatively small area of cortical surface devoted to visual processing simplifies efforts in relating the structure of visual cortex to visual function. However, the nature of this compact organization can make some comparisons to the much larger non‐human primate visual cortex difficult. The squirrel, as a highly visual rodent offers a useful means for better understanding how mouse and monkey cortical organization compares. More in line with primates than their nocturnal rodent cousin, squirrels rely much more on sight and have evolved a larger expanse of cortex devoted to visual processing. To reveal the detailed organization of visual cortex in squirrels, we injected a highly sensitive monosynaptic retrograde tracer (glycoprotein deleted rabies virus) into several locations of primary visual cortex (V1) in California ground squirrels. The resulting pattern of connectivity revealed an organizational scheme in the squirrel that retains some of the basic features of the mouse visual cortex along the medial and posterior borders of V1, but unlike mouse has an elaborate and extensive pattern laterally that is more similar to the early visual cortex organization found in monkeys. In this way, we show that the squirrel can serve as a useful model for comparison to both mouse and primate visual systems, and may help facilitate comparisons between these two very different yet widely used animal models of visual processing.
Health, functional ability and life satisfaction among older people 65 years and over: a cross-sectional study

Background: Satisfaction with life is a complex interplay of older people’s perspectives on life achievements. Satisfaction with life, alongside health and functional ability contribute to successful ageing. Aim: To explore the impact of increasing age on older people’s perceptions of their health, functional ability and life satisfaction. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of non-institutionalised older people (65+) was conducted (n = 542). The Short Form-12 Health Survey measured perceived physical and mental health, the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale measured functional ability and the Satisfaction With Life Scale measured life satisfaction. Results: Significant group differences were found; while participants’ perceptions of health and function decreased with age, perceptions of life satisfaction increased. Unexpectedly, the youngest groups reported low levels of life satisfaction while the oldest reported very high levels. Conclusions: Further study should consider factors that might influence the perception of health, functional ability and particularly life satisfaction across older age groups.
Adjunctive Use of Bevacizumab Versus Mitomycin C With Ahmed Valve Implantation in Treatment of Pediatric Glaucoma

PurposeEvaluate the use of bevacizumab (avastin) injected around valve body intraoperatively versus the use of mitomycin C as a single intraoperative application at the site of Ahmed valve implantation to enhance the survival of Ahmed valve in cases of pediatric glaucoma's as regarding the efficacy and complications. MethodTwenty eyes of 16 patients with pediatric glaucoma underwent Ahmed valve implantation with bevacizumab (avastin) (1.25 mg in 0.05 mL) injected around the valve body after completing the surgery compared with 20 eyes of 14 patients with pediatric glaucoma who underwent Ahmed valve implantation with application of mitomycin C (0.4 mg/mL for 3 min) before valve implantation and 20 eyes of 18 patients managed by Ahmed valve only (control group). The follow-up period was 12 months. ResultsThe results revealed that 80% total success (70% complete success and 10% qualified success) in first group in which avastin augmented Ahmed valve was performed compared with group II in which mitomycin C was used during Ahmed valve implantation 90% total success (80% complete success and 10% qualified success) and this difference between the 2 groups was nonsignificant (P>0.05), but in group III complete success occurred in (60%) only with no cases of qualified success (P>0.05). ConclusionsThe adjunctive use of bevacizumab or mitomycin C during Ahmed valve implantation significantly enhances the valve survival and the first drug seems to be much safer with no visually devastating complications.
Organization of afferents to the orbitofrontal cortex in the rat

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is usually defined as the frontal cortical area receiving a mediodorsal thalamic (MD) innervation. Certain areas in the medial wall of the rat frontal area receive a MD innervation. A second frontal area that is the target of MD projections is located dorsal to the rhinal sulcus and often referred to as the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Both the medial PFC and OFC are comprised of a large number of cytoarchitectonic regions. We assessed the afferent innervation of the different areas of the OFC, with a focus on projections arising from the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus, the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, and the midbrain dopamine neurons. Although there are specific inputs to various OFC areas, a simplified organizational scheme could be defined, with the medial areas of the OFC receiving thalamic inputs, the lateral areas of the OFC being the recipient of amygdala afferents, and a central zone that was the target of midbrain dopamine neurons. Anterograde tracer data were consistent with this organization of afferents, and revealed that the OFC inputs from these three subcortical sites were largely spatially segregated. This spatial segregation suggests that the central portion of the OFC (pregenual agranular insular cortex) is the only OFC region that is a prefrontal cortical area, analogous to the prelimbic cortex in the medial prefrontal cortex. These findings highlight the heterogeneity of the OFC, and suggest possible functional attributes of the three different OFC areas.
Fluid–structure interaction simulations of the Fontan procedure using variable wall properties

Children born with single ventricle heart defects typically undergo a staged surgical procedure culminating in a total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) or Fontan surgery. The goal of this work was to perform physiologic, patient‐specific hemodynamic simulations of two post‐operative TCPC patients by using fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations. Data from two patients are presented, and post‐op anatomy is reconstructed from MRI data. Respiration rate, heart rate, and venous pressures are obtained from catheterization data, and inflow rates are obtained from phase contrast MRI data and are used together with a respiratory model. Lumped parameter (Windkessel) boundary conditions are used at the outlets. We perform FSI simulations by using an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian finite element framework to account for motion of the blood vessel walls in the TCPC. This study is the first to introduce variable elastic properties for the different areas of the TCPC, including a Gore‐Tex conduit. Quantities such as wall shear stresses and pressures at critical locations are extracted from the simulation and are compared with pressure tracings from clinical data as well as with rigid wall simulations. Hepatic flow distribution and energy efficiency are also calculated and compared for all cases. There is little effect of FSI on pressure tracings, hepatic flow distribution, and time‐averaged energy efficiency. However, the effect of FSI on wall shear stress, instantaneous energy efficiency, and wall motion is significant and should be considered in future work, particularly for accurate prediction of thrombus formation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound-guided permanent implantation of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) system for neuropathic pain of the extremities: original cases and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE Our objective is to describe our experience applying a minimally invasive, ultrasound-assisted technique for peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) trial and permanent implantation in patients with neuropathic extremity pain. DESIGN Retrospective case series and review of the literature. Setting. Tertiary referral center and academic medical center. PATIENTS Patients with upper or lower extremity neuropathic pain resistant to other therapies who responded to an ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block at a proximal location. Interventions. Ultrasound-assisted through-the-needle placement of percutaneous neurostimulation electrodes on target major peripheral nerves for fully percutaneous trial, staged trial or permanent implantation of PNS system. A PNS trial period of 3-7 days was used. OUTCOME MEASURES Pain relief at last follow-up, complications, therapeutic limitations due to technique as applied. Results. Six of eight (75%) patients and 7/9 (78%) peripheral nerves had a successful trial and underwent permanent PNS system implantation using a minimally invasive, ultrasound-assisted technique from November 2007 to December 2008. All but one patient with an implanted PNS system had > or =50% pain relief at last follow-up and 3/7 (43%) permanent systems were associated with > or =80% relief. Loss of paresthesia required revision to dual-lead systems in upper extremity radial nerve PNS. Infection led to explant in one case. CONCLUSIONS In a small series of patients, a minimally invasive, ultrasound-assisted technique for PNS trial, and permanent PNS implantation proved feasible. Patients without adequate analgesia during neurostimulation trial avoided surgical incision and those undergoing permanent implantation were not subjected to the potential morbidity associated with nerve dissection.
Glaucoma Diagnostic Performance of GDxVCC and Spectralis OCT on Eyes With Atypical Retardation Pattern

Purpose:To investigate the impact of typical scan score (TSS) on discriminating glaucomatous and healthy eyes by scanning laser polarimetry and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in 32 peripapillary sectors. Patients and Methods:One hundred two glaucoma patients and 32 healthy controls underwent standard automated perimetry, 24-hour intraocular pressure profile, optic disc photography, GDxVCC, and SD-OCT measurements. For controls, only very typical scans (TSS=100) were accepted. Glaucoma patients were divided into 3 subgroups (very typical: TSS=100; typical: 99≥TSS≥80, atypical: TSS<80). Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed for mean retinal nerve fiber layer values, sector data, and nerve fiber indicator (NFI). Sensitivity was estimated at ≥90% specificity to compare the discriminating ability of each imaging modality. Results:For discrimination between healthy and glaucomatous eyes with very typical scans, the NFI and inferior sector analyses 26 to 27 demonstrated the highest sensitivity at ≥90% specificity in GDxVCC and SD-OCT, respectively. For the typical and atypical groups, sensitivity at ≥90% specificity decreased for all 32 peripapillary sectors on an average by 10.9% and 17.9% for GDxVCC and by 4.9% and 0.8% for SD-OCT. For GDxVCC, diagnostic performance of peripapillary sectors decreased with lower TSS, especially in temporosuperior and inferotemporal sectors (sensitivity at ≥90% specificity decreased by 55.3% and by 37.8% in the atypical group). Conclusions:Diagnostic accuracy is comparable for SD-OCT and GDxVCC if typical scans (TSS=100) are investigated. Decreasing TSS is associated with a decrease in diagnostic accuracy for discriminating healthy and glaucomatous eyes by scanning laser polarimetry. NFI is less influenced than the global or sector retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. The TSS score should be included in the standard printout. Diagnostic accuracy of SD-OCT is barely influenced by low TSS.
Evaluation of carotid stent scaffolding through patient‐specific finite element analysis

After carotid artery stenting, the plaque remains contained between the stent and the vessel wall, moving consequently physicians’ concerns toward the stent capability of limiting the plaque protrusion, that is, toward vessel scaffolding, to avoid that some debris is dislodged after the procedure. Vessel scaffolding is usually measured as the cell area of the stent in free‐expanded configuration, neglecting thus the actual stent configuration within the vascular anatomy. In the present study, we measure the cell area of four different stent designs deployed in a realistic carotid artery model through patient‐specific finite element analysis. The results suggest that after deployment, the cell area change along the stent length and the related reduction with respect to the free‐expanded configuration are functions of the vessel tapering. Hence, the conclusions withdrawn from the free‐expanded configuration appear to be qualitatively acceptable for comparative purposes, but they should be carefully handled because they neglect the post‐implant variability, which seems to be more pronounced in open‐cell designs, especially at the bifurcation segment. Even though the investigation is limited to few stent designs and one vascular anatomy, our study confirms the capability of dedicated computer‐based simulations to provide useful information about complex stent features as vessel scaffolding. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient‐specific finite element analysis of carotid artery stenting: a focus on vessel modeling

Finite element analysis is nowadays a well‐assessed technique to investigate the impact of stenting on vessel wall and, given the rapid progression of both medical imaging techniques and computational methods, the challenge of using the simulation of carotid artery stenting as procedure planning tool to support the clinical practice can be approached. Within this context, the present study investigates the impact of carotid stent apposition on carotid artery anatomy by means of patient‐specific finite element analysis. In particular, we focus on the influence of the vessel constitutive model on the prediction of carotid artery wall tensional state of lumen gain and of vessel straightening. For this purpose, we consider, for a given stent design and CA anatomy, two constitutive models for the CA wall, that is, a hyperelastic isotropic versus a fiber‐reinforced hyperelastic anisotropic model. Despite both models producing similar patterns with respect to stress distribution, the anisotropic model predicts a higher vessel straightening and a more evident discontinuity of the lumen area near the stent ends as observed in the clinical practice. Although still affected by several simplifications, the present study can be considered as further step toward a realistic simulation of carotid artery stenting.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Focus on participation for children and youth with disabilities: Supporting therapy practice through a guided knowledge translation process

Introduction Participation in community leisure occupations of children with disabilities is important, yet poorly integrated into practice. This knowledge translation strategy tested an intervention to increase clinicians' awareness and to bring about change in practice toward a focus on participation. Method During this qualitative study, 14 clinicians participated in six learning sessions facilitated by a knowledge broker. Three months post-intervention, clinicians were individually interviewed, by drawing on the Professional Evaluation and Reflection on Change Tool, to evaluate potential change in practice. Two researchers independently performed thematic data analysis. Results Impact on practice emerged in both the personal and professional levels (for example, empowerment, validation of clinical wisdom, change in thinking and behavior). Clinicians suggested strategies for integrating participation in their day-to-day practice, illustrating a substantial intention for change, while describing barriers and facilitators for implementation (for example, organizational mandate). Two additional themes described the overall experience of the intervention: motivation to learn (for example, desire to link research to practice) and elements of the learning environment (for example, meeting informational needs). Conclusion This strategy was effective in redirecting clinicians' focus toward the notion of participation and establishing readiness for change. This shift can potentially facilitate new programs in occupational therapy that are participation-based and community-focused.
Data Logger Technologies for Powered Wheelchairs: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT In recent years, studies increasingly employed data loggers to record the objective behaviors of powered wheelchair users. Of the data logging work reported in the literature, the technologies used offer marked differences in characteristics. In order to identify and describe the extent of published research activity that relies on data logger technologies for powered wheelchairs, we performed a scoping review of the scientific and grey literature. This scoping review, complementary to a previous one related to manual wheelchairs, is part of a process aiming to help further the development and increase the functionality of data loggers with wheelchairs. Five databases were searched: Medline, Compendex, CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar. Sixty papers were retained for analysis. The most frequently used technologies were all installed on the wheelchair: 19.0% were accelerometers, 14.6% were pressure sensors or switches, 13.9% were odometers, 10.9% were global positioning systems, 9.5% were tilt sensors, and 7.3% were force-sensing technologies. The most reported outcomes were pressure-relief activities (17.3%), distance traveled (9.3%), mobility events (8.9%), acceleration (8.5%), and sitting time (6.9%). Future research may be needed to assess the usefulness of different outcomes and to develop methods more appropriate to optimize the practicality of wheelchair data loggers.
SPINE SECTION Original Research Articles The Efficacy of Transforaminal Injection of Steroids for the Treatment of Lumbar Radicular Pain

Background. Transforaminal injection of steroids is used to treat lumbar radicular pain. Not known is whether the route of injection or the agent injected is significant. Study Design. A prospective, randomized study compared the outcomes of transforaminal injection of steroid and local anesthetic, local anesthetic alone, or normal saline, and intramuscular injection of steroid or normal saline. Patients and outcome evaluators were blinded as to agent administered. Methods. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients who achieved complete relief of pain, or at least 50% relief, at 1 month after treat- ment. Secondary outcome measures were function, disability, patient-specified functional outcomes, use of other health care, and duration of relief beyond 1 month. Results. A significantly greater proportion of patients treated with transforaminal injection of steroid (54%) achieved relief of pain than did patients treated with transforaminal injection of local anesthetic (7%) or transforaminal injection of saline (19%), intramuscular steroids (21%), or intra- muscular saline (13%). Relief of pain was corrobo- rated by significant improvements in function and disability, and reductions in use of other health care. Outcomes were equivalent for patients with acute or chronic radicular pain. Over time, the number of patients who maintained relief diminished. Only some maintained relief beyond 12 months. The pro- portions of patients doing so were not significantly different statistically between groups. Discussion. Transforaminal injection of steroids is effective only in a proportion of patients. Its superi- ority over other injections is obscured when group data are compared but emerges when categorical outcomes are calculated. Over time, the proportion of patients with maintained responses diminishes.