bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the information technology competency of nurses in critical care units: an interventional study
Authors: Jouparinejad Somayeh , Foroughameri Golnaz , Khajouei Reza , Farokhzadian Jamileh 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Introduction To convert nurses of the critical care units into active users of evidence-based practices, their IT competency should be improved by appropriate planning. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a training program on nurses' IT competency in critical care units.Methods In this interventional study, 60 nurses working in critical care units of hospitals were randomly assigned into the control and intervention groups. The three-day workshop on IT skills training was conducted for the intervention group. Data were collected using demographic questionnaire and Nursing Informatics Competency Assessment Tool (NICAT) before and one month after the intervention.Results In the pretest stage, both groups were at the competent level with regard to the competency level and no significant difference was observed between them in the pretest. However, in the posttest, the IT competency of the intervention group significantly increased compared to the control group. This showed that the intervention group was at the proficient level.Conclusions Education enhanced the nurses' IT competency in critical care units. So, in order to provide nurses with the latest scientific information and to promote high quality evidence-based practices, related educational programs should be added to continuous educational programs for all clinical nurses.
Professional oral care in end-of-life patients with advanced cancers in a hospice ward: Improvement of oral conditions
Authors: Wu Ting-Ying , Liu Hsiu-Yueh , Wu Chien-Yi , Chen Hung-Cheng , Huang Shun-Te , Chen Ping-Ho 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: In end-of-life patients with advanced cancers, oral examination, oral care, and oral re-examination are crucial. Although oral symptoms are among the major complaints of end-of-life patients, few studies have focused on oral care in these patients. In this study, the association between oral symptoms and oral dryness among end-of-life patients was examined, and improvement of oral conditions after oral care interventions by a professional dentist was quantified. Methods: This prospective intervention study included 27 terminally ill patients with advanced cancers in a hospice ward. Professional oral care was administered every morning, and the improvement of oral conditions was assessed by comparing oral conditions before and after the intervention. Oral assessment was performed using the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) and Oral Assessment Guide. Oral dryness was evaluated through Clinical Diagnosis Classification of oral dryness and an oral moisture device. Oral cleanliness was evaluated using a bacterial counter, and tongue smears were collected for Candida examination; furthermore, oral function was recorded. Results: The presence of oral mucositis was closely associated with severe oral dryness (odds ratio [OR] = 14.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95–114.38). The level of oral debris retention was significantly related to the degree of oral dryness (OR = 15.97; 95% CI: 2.06–123.72). The group with higher scores (OHAT > 8), which represent poor oral conditions, showed severe oral dryness (OR = 17.97; 95% CI: 1.45–223.46). Total OHAT scores (median: 7 vs 2) and those of other subgroups (lip, tongue, gums and tissues, saliva, and oral cleanliness showed a significant decrease after the intervention. Furthermore, the occurrence of mucositis (47.1% vs 0%), candidiasis rate (68.8% vs 43.8%), oral dryness self-sensation (63.6% vs 9.1%), and severe oral debris (52.9% vs 11.8%) decreased significantly. Conclusions: Proper oral care can improve oral health and hygiene, reduce the rate of mucositis, reduce the sensation of oral dryness, increase oral moisture, and reduce the chances of oral infections among end-of-life patients. Daily oral care is necessary and can alleviate oral discomfort, increase food intake, and increase the chances of communication between end-of-life patients and their families.
Validation of the Japanese version of the Barriers Questionnaire II in cancer pain management: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sakakibara Naoki , Komatsu Hiroko , Takahashi Mikako , Yamauchi Hideko , Yamauchi Teruo , Doorenbos Ardith Z 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: The Barriers Questionnaire II (BQ-II) was developed to assess barriers to effective pain management. In this study, we aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the newly developed Japanese version of the BQ-II (JBQ-II).Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. The study was conducted an ambulatory infusion center for cancer in a general hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Participants were 120 Japanese patients with cancer and 21 Japanese health professionals with experience in pain management. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to calculate reliability. Test–retest reliability was assessed with Spearman’s intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct, criterion-related, and discriminant validity were assessed using information about pain management, daily life, mental health, and subjective health.Results: The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.90 for the JBQ-II, and all ICCs exceeded 0.70 (P < 0.01). Factor analysis showed the JBQ-II had a virtually identical structure to the BQ-II, and path analysis supported the JBQ-II constructs. The JBQ-II was weakly correlated with poor mental state (r = 0.36, P < 0.01). Patients’ JBQ-II scores were significantly higher than health professionals’ scores.Conclusion: The JBQ-II is a valid and reliable measure of patient-related barriers to pain management among Japanese people with cancer.
Methotrexate and relative risk of dementia amongst patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: a multi-national multi-database case-control study
Authors: Newby Danielle , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Duarte-Salles Talita , Ansell David , Pedersen Lars , Lei Johan van der , Mosseveld Mees , Rijnbeek Peter , James Glen , Alexander Myriam , Egger Peter , Podhorna Jana , Stewart Robert , Perera Gayan , Avillach Paul , Grosdidier Solène , Lovestone Simon , Nevado-Holgado Alejo J 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Inflammatory processes have been shown to play a role in dementia. To understand this role we selected two anti-inflammatory drugs (methotrexate and sulfasalazine) to study their association with dementia risk.METHODS A retrospective matched case-control study, of patients over 50 with rheumatoid arthritis (486 dementia cases and 641 controls) were identified from electronic health records in the United Kingdom, Spain, Denmark and the Netherlands. Conditional logistic regression models were fitted to estimate risk of dementia.RESULTS Prior methotrexate use was associated with dementia (OR: 0.71 95% CI 0.52-0.98). Methotrexate use was strongest with therapy longer than 4 years (odds ratio: 0.37 95% CI 0.17-0.79). Sulfasalazine use was not associated with dementia (odds ratio: 0.88 95% CI 0.57-1.37).CONCLUSIONS Further studies are still required to clarify the relationship between prior methotrexate use and duration as well as biological treatments with dementia risk.
A mindfulness-based intervention for breast cancer patients with cognitive impairment after chemotherapy: Study protocol of a three–group randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gucht Katleen Van der , Ahmadoun Soumaya , Melis Michelle , Gebruers Anneleen , Smeets Ann , Vandenbulcke Mathieu , Wildiers Hans , Neven Patrick , Kuppens Peter , Raes Filip , Sunaert Stefan , Deprez Sabine 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Mindfulness has been applied to improve cancer care by enhancing psychological well-being. However, little is known about its impact on cognitive impairment experienced by cancer patients after chemotherapy. Mindfulness may be relevant in tackling cognitive impairment by decreasing emotional distress and fatigue, by decreasing inflammation, and by strengthening functional brain connectivity. The aim of the present study protocol is to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of a mindfulness-based intervention to reduce cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy. Methods: The present study is a three-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial with assessments at baseline, one to three weeks after the intervention and at three months follow-up. One hundred twenty breast cancer patients who ended treatment minimum 6 months and maximum 5 years before and who have cognitive complaints will be enrolled. They will be randomized into one of the following 3 study arms: (1) a mindfulness-based intervention group (n=40), (2) an active control condition based on physical training (n=40), or (3) a treatment as usual (TAU) control group (n=40). Both the mindfulness-based intervention and the active control condition exist of 4 group sessions (3 hours for the mindfulness condition and 2 hours for the physical training) spread over 8 weeks. The primary outcomes will be cognitive complaints as measured by the cognitive failure questionnaire and changes in functional brain connectivity in the attention network. Secondary outcomes will be (1) levels of emotional distress, fatigue, mindfulness, quality of life; (2) neurocognitive tests; (3) structural and functional brain changes using MR imaging, and (4) inflammation. Discussion: The study will examine the impact of a mindfulness-based intervention on cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients. If the findings of this study confirm the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based program to reduce cognitive impairment, it will be possible to improve quality of life for ex-cancer patients. We will inform health care providers about the potential use of a mindfulness-based intervention as a non-pharmaceutical, low-threshold mental health intervention to improve cognitive impairment after cancer. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03736460. Retrospectively registered on 8th November 2018
Jiao-tai-wan for insomnia symptoms caused by the disharmony of the heart and kidney: a study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Zeng Congcong , Liu Xi , Hu Lufeng , Feng Yuan , Xia Nengzhi , Zeng Haihuan , Luo Lin , Ye Ren , Yuan zhengzhong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Insomnia seriously affects people’s normal lives and work. However, effective treatment strategies are scarce. The purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy and safety of Jiao-tai-wan (JTW) for ameliorating insomnia symptoms caused by disharmony of the heart and kidney. Design: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial. One hundred twenty-eight participants suffering from insomnia symptoms will randomly assigned to the JTW or placebo group in an equal ratio. The participants will be asked to take JTW or placebo granules twice a day for 1 week. All data will be gathered at baseline and at the end of drug intervention. The primary outcome measures will be the mean change in the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) from baseline to the end of drug intervention. Secondary outcome measures will include the the altered sleep parameters in polysomnography, 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) evalution, the Disharmony of Heart and Kidney Scoring System score and blood tests, including the levels of serum adenosine and melatonin. A laboratory test will be taken before and after treatment to assess the safety of JTW. Discussion: The outcomes of this study will confirm the efficacy of JTW for the treatment of insomnia symptoms, and will also be used to monitor the safety of JTW. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800019239.Registered on 1st November 2018- Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/. Keywords: Jiao-tai-wan, Insomnia, Traditional herbal medicine, Randomized controlled trial, Study protocol, Pattern identification
Comparative vibration analysis on IC engine with biodiesel and multi-walled carbon nanotube
Authors: V Velumani , V Manieniyan , S Sivaprakasam 
Published: November 2019

Sound and vibration caused in the engine due to combustion process may affect the users. One of the vital qualities of diesel fuel is high sound and vibration. The vibration of the engine is one of the primary factors in engine structure and maintenance. Vibration estimation on the engine block, cylinder head is a non-intrusive strategy and has been utilized effectively for fault prediction of diesel engines. The vibration signals along with signal processing techniques are utilized to highlights the features that are sensitive to faults. In this work, experimental tests have been carried out to assess the vibration of a diesel engine with diesel, 20 % biodiesel (Ethyl Ester of ground nut acid oil EEGOA) and 30 ppm Multi-walled Carbon Nano tubes with 20 % biodiesel (MWCNT30ppm B20EEGAO) at various load (20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 % and 100 %). Digital Vibration Meter Model: Equinox-VM 6360 is utilized to gauge the vibration in three unique positions, one is cylinder head of the engine, second one is crank of the engine, and third one is bottom of the engine. In this work, the vibration is measured in terms of acceleration. The MWCNT30ppm B20EEGAO blend demonstrates the lower vibration compared with different blends.
Numerical study of cascading dam-break characteristics using SWEs and RANS
Authors: Dai Shubing , He Yong , Yang Jijian , Ma Yulei , Jin Sheng , Liang Chao 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis paper investigates the cascading dam-break flood propagation on the downstream sloping channel and reservoir using the shallow water equations (SWEs) and the Reynolds-average Navier-Stokes equations (RANS). The calculated surface profiles, stage hydrographs and maximum run-up heights for 24 sets of initial conditions are elaborately compared with the experimental measurements, which show the SWEs reproduce the wave oscillation evolution and the maximum run-up height inaccurately. The maximum run-up heights calculated by the SWEs are all smaller than those by the RANS and the measured results, the maximum errors are within −10% to −25%, which may predict delay of the downstream dam-break. However, the maximum errors calculated by the RANS are within ±10%. So the RANS predict more accurate results than the SWEs. Additionally, the generation of short waves must be below a certain upstream-to-downstream ‘depth ratio’, roughly the ‘depth ratio’ &lt;2/3 in this study. If the ratio is too high, it is difficult to form a wavy push due to air entrainment and turbulence. The SWEs predict more accurate results for shallow initial depths than deep initial depths. Therefore, the advantage of the RANS can be more obvious for deep initial depths.
Mass Spectrometric Analysis of L-carnitine and its Esters: Potential Biomarkers of Disturbances in Carnitine Homeostasis
Authors: Bene Judit , Szabo Andras , Komlósi Katalin , Melegh Bela 
Published: November 2019

Purpose:After a golden age of classic carnitine research three decades ago, the spread of mass spectrometry opened new perspectives and a much better understanding of the carnitine system is available nowadays. In the classic period, several human and animal studies were focused on various distinct physiological functions of this molecule and these revealed different aspects of carnitine homeostasis in normal and pathological conditions. Initially, the laboratory analyses were based on the classic or radioenzymatic assays, enabling only the determination of free and total carnitine levels and calculation of total carnitine esters’ amount without any information on the composition of the acyl groups. The introduction of mass spectrometry allowed the measurement of free carnitine along with the specific and sensitive determination of different carnitine esters. Beyond basic research, mass spectrometry study of carnitine esters was introduced into the newborn screening program because of being capable to detect more than 30 metabolic disorders simultaneously. Furthermore, mass spectrometry measurements were performed to investigate different disease states affecting carnitine homeostasis, such as diabetes, chronic renal failure, celiac disease, cardiovascular diseases, autism spectrum disorder or inflammatory bowel diseases.Results:This article will review the recent advances in the field of carnitine research with respect to mass spectrometric analyses of acyl-carnitines in normal and various pathological states.Conclusion:The growing number of publications using mass spectrometry as a tool to investigate normal physiological conditions or reveal potential biomarkers of primary and secondary carnitine deficiencies shows that this tool brought a new perspective to carnitine research.
The Potential Role of Dysfunctions in Neuron-Microglia Communication in the Pathogenesis of Brain Disorders
Authors: Chamera Katarzyna , Trojan Ewa , Szuster-Głuszczak Magdalena , Basta-Kaim Agnieszka 
Published: November 2019

:The bidirectional communication between neurons and microglia is fundamental for the proper functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). Chemokines and clusters of differentiation (CD) along with their receptors represent ligand-receptor signalling that is uniquely important for neuron – microglia communication. Among these molecules, CX3CL1 (fractalkine) and CD200 (OX-2 membrane glycoprotein) come to the fore because of their cell-type-specific localization. They are principally expressed by neurons when their receptors, CX3CR1 and CD200R, respectively, are predominantly present on the microglia, resulting in the specific axis which maintains the CNS homeostasis. Disruptions to this balance are suggested as contributors or even the basis for many neurological diseases.:In this review, we discuss the roles of CX3CL1, CD200 and their receptors in both physiological and pathological processes within the CNS. We want to underline the critical involvement of these molecules in controlling neuron – microglia communication, noting that dysfunctions in their interactions constitute a key factor in severe neurological diseases, such as schizophrenia, depression and neurodegeneration-based conditions.
The Situation of Chemokine Ligands and Receptors Gene Expression, Following the Oral Administration of Drug Mannuronic Acid in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Aslani Mona , Ahmadzadeh Arman , Rezaieyazdi Zahra , Mortazavi-Jahromi Seyed S. , Barati Anis , Hosseini Mostafa , Mirshafiey Abbas 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Regarding the leukocytes infiltration into the synovium of Rheumatoid Arthritis
(RA) patients is mostly mediated by chemokine ligands and receptors, and following the efficient
and motivating results of international Phase III clinical trial of β-D-Mannuronic acid (M2000) patented
EP067919 (2017), as a novel anti-inflammatory drug, in patients with RA, the present research was
designed.

Objectives:
This study aimed to assess the oral administration effects of this new drug on gene expression
of some chemokine receptors and ligands, including CXCR4, CXCR3, CCR2, CCR5 and
CCL2/MCP-1 in PBMCs of patients with active form of RA.

Methods:
Twelve patients suffering from RA, with inadequate response to conventional drugs were
selected (Clinical trial identifier IRCT2017100213739N10) and 1000mg/day of M2000 was orally administrated
to them for 12 weeks. The mRNA expression of target molecules was then evaluated in
PBMCs of the patients before and after treatment with M2000 using real-time PCR and was compared
to healthy controls. Patents related to this study were also reviewed.

Results:
The results showed that M2000 was able to significantly down-regulate the mRNA expression
of CXCR4, CCR2 and CCL2/MCP-1 in the PBMCs of the RA patients. It should be noted that the gene
expression situation of the target molecules was in coordinate with the clinical and paraclinical assessments
in the patients.

Conclusion:
Taken together, the results of this investigation revealed the part of molecular and immunological
mechanisms of drug Mannuronic acid (M2000) in the treatment of RA, based on chemokine
ligands and receptors mediated processes.
Reliability and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) of a Paper- Versus App-Administered Resilience Scale in Scottish Youths: Comparative Study
Authors: Mcgeough Julienne , Gallagher-Mitchell Thomas , Clark Dan Philip Andrew , Harrison Neil 
Published: November 2019

Background
Adequately measuring resilience is important to support young people and children who may need to access resources through social work or educational settings. A widely accepted measure of youth resilience has been developed previously and has been shown to be suitable for vulnerable youth. While the measure is completed by the young person on paper, it has been designed to be worked through with a teacher or social worker in case further clarification is required. However, this method is time consuming and, when faced with large groups of pupils who need assessment, can be overwhelming for schools and practitioners. This study assesses app software with a built-in avatar that can guide young persons through the assessment and its interpretation.

Objective
Our primary objective is to compare the reliability and psychometric properties of a mobile software app to a paper version of the Child and Youth Resilience measure (CYRM-28). Second, this study assesses the use of the CYRM-28 in a Scottish youth population (aged 11-18 years).

Methods
Following focus groups and discussion with teachers, social workers, and young people, an avatar was developed by a software company and integrated into an android smartphone app designed to ask questions via the device’s inbuilt text-to-voice engine. In total, 714 students from 2 schools in North East Scotland completed either a paper version or app version of the CYRM-28. A cross-sectional design was used, and students completed their allocated version twice, with a 2-week period in between each testing. All participants could request clarification either from a guidance teacher (paper version) or from the in-built software glossary (app version).

Results
Test and retest correlations showed that the app version performed better than the paper version of the questionnaire (paper version: r303=0.81; P<.001; 95% CI 0.77-0.85; app version: r413=0.84; P<.001; 95% CI 0.79-0.89). Fisher r to z transformation revealed a significant difference in the correlations (Z=–2.97, P<.01). Similarly, Cronbach α in both conditions was very high (app version: α=.92; paper version: α=.87), suggesting item redundancy. Ordinarily, this would lead to a possible removal of highly correlated items; however, our primary objective was to compare app delivery methods over a pen-and-paper mode and was hence beyond the scope of the study. Fisher r to z transformation revealed a significant difference in the correlations (Z=–3.69, P<.01). A confirmatory factor analysis supported the 3-factor solution (individual, relational, and contextual) and reported a good model fit (χ215=27.6 [n=541], P=.24).

Conclusions
ALEX, an avatar with an integrated voice guide, had higher reliability when measuring resilience than a paper version with teacher assistance. The CFA reports similar structure using the avatar when compared against the original validation.