bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison between lung ultrasonography and current methods for volume assessment in Asian chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Ngoh Clara L. Y. , Teng Hazel L. , Chua Yan T. , Leo Christopher C. H. , Wong Weng K. 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTIntroductionVolume assessment in end‐stage kidney disease patients on hemodialysis (HD) remains inadequate by existing methods: clinical examination, bioimpedance spectroscopy, measurement of inferior vena cava diameter by ultrasound (IVCD), and plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐pro BNP). This study aims to compare the performance of lung ultrasound against existing methods for volume assessment in a HD cohort.MethodsTwo nephrologists independently performed 28‐point lung ultrasound immediately before and after midweek HD in 50 patients. Lung congestion was classified into mild, moderate, and severe categories based on lung ultrasound findings. Clinical examination for crepitations and oedema, change in hydration status (∆HS) measured by bioimpedance spectroscopy, NT‐pro BNP, IVCD during inspiration (IVCDimin), expiration (IVCDimax), and inferior vena cava collapsibility index were also assessed before and after midweek HD.FindingsIn all, 61% of patients with normohydration status by bioimpedance spectroscopy had moderate or severe lung congestion on lung ultrasound. There were significant correlations between predialysis lung ultrasound, and NT‐pro BNP (r = 0.432, P = 0.004), ∆HS (r = 0.447, P < 0.001), and IVCD parameters (P < 0.05). Some correlations weakened postdialysis (∆HS [r = 0.322, P = 0.01] and IVCDimax [r = 0.307, P = 0.03]), whereas NT‐pro BNP and ∆HS paradoxically increased in 28% and 30% of the cohort, respectively. On receiver operator curve analysis, most methods of volume assessment had limited discriminatory power to detect mild lung congestion.DiscussionLung ultrasound demonstrates some comparability with existing volume assessment methods in Asian dialysis patients. However, it appears more effective at detecting subclinical pulmonary congestion, and tracking fluid changes real‐time compared to bioimpedance spectroscopy and NT‐pro BNP.
C‐reactive protein‐induced activated partial thromboplastin time prolongation in heparinized samples is attenuated by elevated factor VIII
Authors: Kostousov Vadim , Devaraj Sridevi , Bruzdoski Karen , Hensch Lisa , Hui Shiu‐Ki , Teruya Jun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionActivated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and antifactor Xa (anti‐Xa) activity are used to monitor unfractionated heparin therapy in children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) can prolong aPTT and cause discrepancy between these two assays. We aimed to evaluate CRP effect on aPTT and anti‐Xa assays in the presence of heparin and to determine whether elevated CRP affects laboratory monitoring in pediatric ECMO patients.Materials and methodsCitrated normal specimens were spiked with CRP, heparin, and recombinant factor VIII (FVIII) and followed by measurement of aPTT and anti‐Xa activity. Additionally, aPTT, anti‐Xa activity, FVIII, fibrinogen, and CRP were measured in 18 ECMO specimens.ResultsElevated CRP prolonged aPTT in normal specimens with or without heparin, but did not affect anti‐Xa assay. In contrast, ECMO specimens showed similar aPTT and anti‐Xa values regardless of CRP level. Elevated CRP in specimens was accompanied by increased fibrinogen and FVIII activity. Additional in vitro experiments confirmed that FVIII spiked simultaneously with CRP attenuated CRP‐induced aPTT prolongation in heparinized specimens.ConclusionIn vitro CRP‐induced aPTT prolongation is not observed in pediatric ECMO samples due to concomitant FVIII increase. Discordant changes of CRP and FVIII in plasma could contribute to aPTT/anti‐Xa discrepancies observed during heparin therapy in the pediatric population. The anti‐Xa assay is preferable for heparin monitoring in pediatric ECMO settings.
Motivational support programme to enhance health and well‐being and promote weight loss in overweight and obese adolescents: A randomized controlled trial in Turkey
Authors: Köse Selmin , Yıldız Suzan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to investigate the effect on health, well‐being and weight loss of a motivational support programme provided for adolescents who were overweight and obese.MethodsThis was a randomized controlled trial. Sixty‐four adolescents (39 girls and 25 boys) who were overweight and obese and consulted at our polyclinic from January 2015 to February 2016 comprised the study population. The sociodemographic characteristics, well‐being levels and physical parameters of the adolescents were evaluated. Routine follow‐ups were practiced for both groups. The adolescents in the experimental group had motivational interviews and were sent reminder messages over a 6‐month period, and education programmes were conducted with the parents.ResultsAfter 6 months, the body mass index values had decreased in the experimental group compared with baseline, with no decrease in the controls. Scores for the Paediatric Quality of Life total scale and physical health and psychosocial health subscale points were increased in experimental and control groups, but the quality of life scale points of the experimental group were higher than the control group. In the experimental group, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and total cholesterol were decreased.ConclusionThe motivational support programme affected the adolescents' health positively and can be recommended as a routine nursing intervention.
Resettling into a new life: Exploring aspects of acculturation that could enhance the mental health of young refugees resettled under the humanitarian programme
Authors: Mulongo Peggy , McAndrew Sue , Ayodeji Eunice 
Published: August 2020

AbstractGlobally, the exodus of individuals who have been forced to flee their home and seek refuge in countries of safety has led to a refugee crisis. The United Kingdom (UK) has engaged with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in playing a significant role in the long‐term resettlement of refugees, half of whom are children and young people. One initiative of such humanitarian resettlement is the Gateway Protection Programme (GPP). To date, there is a dearth of studies investigating aspects of acculturation that affect the mental health of young refugees resettled under the UNHCR humanitarian programme. This study aimed to explore aspects of acculturation that could enhance the mental health of GPP young refugees several years after resettlement. Using narrative research, a purposive sample of 31 GPP young refugees, who had a minimum of three‐year stay in the UK, were recruited from local refugee community organizations. Data were collected through a multi‐method design combining focus group discussions (FGDs) with visual arts‐based narrative research (VABNR) and analysed thematically. Three overarching themes emerged: People and places; Its nearly all new to me; and Finding self. This study contributes important knowledge regarding the mental well‐being of young people who have engaged in a resettlement programme and offers valuable information for policymakers and mental health professionals working with GPP young refugees.
Does skin preparation alter suture strength characteristics? Assessing the effect of chlorhexidine and isopropyl alcohol on common skin closure suture material
Authors: Gaukroger Andrew J. , Jones Robin J.S. , Evans Jonathan P. , Dixon Sean M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSutures are essential to approximate tissues and enable healing by first intention until a wound regains its original tensile strength. The mechanical properties of sutures are well documented, but the effects of exposing sutures to skin preparation solutions used in surgery are not. This study was performed to investigate whether 2% chlorhexidine and 70% isopropyl alcohol skin preparation, commonly used prior to incision and prior to closure, has any effect on the mechanical properties of several commonly used surgical suture types. Four suture types were soaked in either 2% chlorhexidine and 70% isopropyl alcohol or Hartmann's solution for 5 minutes. All sutures were left to dry for 11 days before being tested to failure using an Instron 3367 tensile testing machine. Testing revealed significant differences in failure load, ultimate tensile stress, and Young's modulus between suture types (P < .05). No significant differences in failure load (P = .98), ultimate tensile stress (P = .21), or Young's modulus (P = .22) were observed between the test group and the control group when comparing sutures of the same type. This study demonstrates that chlorhexidine/isopropyl skin preparation solutions do not significantly change the mechanical properties of suture materials exposed to them.
Negative pressure wound therapy for patients with mediastinitis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Zhi , Feng Cheng , Wang Xiao‐Jun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTo evaluate clinical effects between conditional treatment and negative pressure wound therapy for mediastinal infection. Multiple databases were searched to identify relevant studies, and the articles that eventually satisfied the criteria were included. All the meta‐analyses were conducted with the Review Manager 5.2. To estimate the quality of each article, risk of bias table was performed. Finally, nine studies including 648 patients met the eligibility criteria. The negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) group and the control group included 353 and 295 patients, respectively. The meta‐analysis showed no significant difference in operative time (RR = −6.13, 95%CI [−50.00, 37.74], P = .78; P for heterogeneity <.000001, I2 = 100%). The length of hospital stay (MD = −3.07, 95%CI [−4.38, −1.77], P < .00001; P for heterogeneity = .99, I2 = 0%), re‐infection (RR = 0.18, 100%CI [0.08, 0.40], P < .00001; P for heterogeneity = 0.48, I2 = 0%), and mortality were significantly different between the two groups (RR = 0.27, 95%CI [0.12, 0.63], P of overall effect = .002). NPWT is a better therapy than conventional treatment for mediastinitis.
The effect of systematic chairside oral hygiene instruction on gingivitis and oral cleanliness in children
Authors: Telford A. B. , Murray J. J. 
Published: August 2020

abstractThe gingival health and standard of oral hygiene of 54 children aged 9‐17 years was measured clinically and photographically. Each child was seen initially, then after 1 month and finally after 3 months. Forty‐two children (23 study, 19 control) were seen on all three occasions. At the first examination children in the study group were informed about dental plaque, which was then stained with disclosing solution. The extent of the plaque was shown to each child, who was then given a toothbrush and toothpaste and asked to “get the stain off”. Each child's performance was assessed and modifications to the individual's brushing techniques were suggested if the stain was still present. Finally a thorough prophylaxis was carried out. At subsequent appointments the teeth were stained, the importance of oral hygiene reemphasized and a prophylaxis performed. Children in the control group were given the same number of prophylactic treatments and also received a toothbrush and toothpaste, but in this group no dental health education was given and conversation was restricted to non‐dental topics. The results showed that a marked improvement was achieved in the gingival health and standard of oral hygiene of the study group which was still in force at the 3‐month examination. The children in the control group showed no change in either gingival health or standard of oral hygiene.
Caries experience among children in Copenhagen
Authors: Bay Inger , Ainamo Jukka 
Published: August 2020

abstractThe study was undertaken in order to identify and characterize high and low caries risk groups at 7 years of age, the classification of risk groups being based on the total sum of the children's past caries activity. A stratified sample of 293 children was drawn from among the pupils of the municipal schools in Copenhagen. The clinical examination comprised determination of the DMF score for the mixed dentition, and assessments of plaque, gingivitis and dental calculus. Through interviews, background information was obtained about the children's social group, frequency of toothbrushing, dental knowledge, sweet consumption, and about parent's supervision of the children's toothbrushing. The results showed that the retrospectively caries active half of the children had had about four times as many tooth surfaces filled or extracted as the caries inactive half. A total of 89 children (30.4%) had four or fewer DMF(dmf) surfaces while for 56 children (19.1 %) the DMF(dmf)S score was higher than 22. When these extreme groups were compared, the caries inactive children proved to have less plaque and gingivitis, and their toothbrushing was more often supervised by their parents than was the case among caries active children. The conclusions were that caries active children can be identified at 7 years of age and that activating the parents to participate in their children's oral home care might give positive results in future caries preventive programs.
Spontaneous regression of oral leukoplakias among Indian villagers in a 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Mehta Fali S. , Pindborg J. J. 
Published: August 2020

abstractAn oral leukoplakia register was established among 50,000 villagers in five districts of India in 1967‐68. The paper describes the results after a 5‐year follow‐up study among 30,000 subjects from three of the districts with regard to spontaneous regression of leukoplakias. The follow‐up rate for the three districts varied from 66.6 % to 79.4 %. The corresponding rates for individuals with leukoplakias varied from 67.6 % to 75.9 %. The regression, comprising a total or partial disappearance, varied from 26.1 % to 43.7 % in the three districts. The upper labial mucosa, the left commissure and left buccal mucosa were the sites of maximum regression. In Ernakulam, leukoplakias appeared to regress more often among chewers than among smokers. Although 23.2 % of the patients with regressed leukoplakias had changed their chewing or smoking habits, none had stopped either chewing or smoking.
Age determination of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) by radiographic examination of skeletal development
Authors: Nassar‐Montoya F. , Sainsbury A.W. , Kirkwood J.K. , Boulay G.H. du 
Published: August 2020

Seventy‐four animals were examined radiographically to determine the skeletal development of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) from 6 months of age. Twenty‐one epiphyses were examined and five stages of ossification were described for each. The animals were divided into nine groups, according to age, and a table of the stage of ossification and age was produced, which may be used for determining the age of animals of unknown history.
Dyadic appraisals, dyadic coping, and mental health among couples coping with stroke: A longitudinal study protocol
Authors: Zhang Leyun , Zhang Zhenxiang , Mei Yongxia , Liu Qingxuan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to describe a longitudinal research protocol for exploring the relationship of dyadic appraisal, dyadic coping (DC), and dyadic mental health among stroke survivors and their spouses and its action path.BackgroundStroke can be considered as a dyad phenomenon which affects the mental health of both the survivors and their spouse caregivers. Studies based on dyadic theories are needed to examine the roles of dyadic appraisal and DC on the mental health of stroke dyads.DesignLongitudinal study.MethodsStroke survivors and their spouse caregivers will be recruited from hospital, when the survivors are stable and about to discharge. Follow‐up assessments will take place in 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after participants discharge. The structural equation modelling will be used for statistic analysing.DiscussionOur study seeks to expand the theory of Developmental‐Contextual Model to examine the association among variables including dyadic appraisal, DC, and mental health for the couples coping with stroke.
Insight into the 24‐hour ambulatory central blood pressure in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Ntineri Angeliki , Kollias Anastasios , Zeniodi Maria Elena , Vazeou Andriani , Soldatou Alexandra , Stergiou George S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study attempted to investigate the behavior of 24‐hour central ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in adolescents and young adults. Adolescents and young adults (age 10‐25 years) referred for elevated blood pressure (BP) and healthy volunteers had simultaneous 24‐hour peripheral (brachial) and central (aortic) ABP monitoring using the same automated upper‐arm cuff device (Mobil‐O‐Graph 24h PWA). Central BP was calculated by the device using two different calibration methods (C1SBP using peripheral systolic (pSBP)/diastolic BP and C2SBP using mean arterial/diastolic BP). A total of 136 participants (age 17.9 ± 4.7 years, 54% adolescents, 77% males, 25% volunteers, 34% with elevated peripheral ABP) were analyzed. Twenty‐four‐hour pSBP was higher than C1SBP, with this difference being more pronounced during daytime than nighttime (16.3 ± 4.5 and 10.5 ± 3.2 mm Hg, respectively, P < .001). Younger age, higher body height, and male gender were associated with greater systolic ABP amplification (pSBP‐C1SBP difference). C1SBP followed the variation pattern of pSBP, yet with smaller nighttime dip (8.4 ± 6.0% vs 11.9 ± 4.6%, P < .001), whereas C2SBP increased (2.4 ± 7.2%) during nighttime sleep (P < .001 for comparison with pSBP change). Older age remained independent determinant of larger nighttime BP fall for pSBP and C1SBP, whereas male gender predicted a larger nighttime C2SBP rise. These data suggest that the calibration method of the BP monitor considerably influences the diurnal variation in central BP, showing a lesser nocturnal dip than pSBP or even nocturnal BP rise, which are determined by the individual's age and gender.
Facilitating and motivating factors for reporting reprehensible conduct in care: A study among nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the Netherlands
Authors: Kuilman Luppo , Jansen Gerard , Mulder Laetitia B. , Roodbol Petrie 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe aims of this study are as follows: (a) to establish whether a relationship exists between the importance that healthcare professionals attach to ethics in care and their likelihood to report reprehensible conduct committed by colleagues, and (b) to assess whether this relationship is moderated by behavioural control targeted at preventing harm.MethodIn this cross‐sectional study, which was based on a convenience sample (n = 155) of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in the Netherlands, we measured ethics advocacy (EA) as a motivating factor (reflecting the importance that healthcare professionals attach to ethics and care) and “behavioral control targeted at preventing harm” (BCPH) as a facilitating factor. “Reporting reprehensible conduct” (RRC) was measured as a context‐specific indicator of whistleblowing intentions, consisting of two vignettes describing morally questionable behaviour committed by colleagues.ResultsThe propensity to report reprehensible conduct was a function of the interaction between EA and BCPH. The only group for which EA predicted RRC consisted of individuals with above‐average levels of perceived BCPH.ConclusionThe results suggest that the importance that healthcare professionals attach to ethical aspects in care is not sufficient to ensure that they will report reprehensible conduct. Such importance does not induce reporting behaviour unless the professionals also perceive themselves as having a high level of BCPH. We suggest that these insights could be helpful in training healthcare providers to cope with ethical dilemmas that they are likely to encounter in their work.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the role of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii alteration in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zhao Hailan , Xu Haoming , Chen Shuzhen , He Jie , Zhou Youlian , Nie Yuqiang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackground and AimWe comprehensively carry out a systematic review and meta‐analysis of previous studies to determine the association between intestinal Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in human studies.MethodsA systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library database was conducted until April 1, 2020. Inclusion criteria were studies involving patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) with abundance of F. prausnitzii. The quality of the studies was assessed by the modified Newcastle–Ottawa scale.ResultsA total of 1669 subjects (427 CD patients, 560 UC patients, and 682 healthy controls) were enrolled from 16 studies. Both CD (standardized mean difference [SMD]: −1.36; 95% CI, −1.74 to −0.98; P < 0.00001) and UC patients (SMD: −0.81; 95% CI, −1.21 to −0.42; P < 0.0001) had a lower abundance of F. prausnitzii than the healthy controls. Compared with the IBD remission patients, the IBD active patients had lower levels of F. prausnitzii (SMD: ‐0.56; 95% CI, −0.91 to −0.21; P = 0.002). In the subgroup analyses, the abundance of F. prausnitzii was reduced in both active CD patients (SMD: −0.78; 95% CI, −1.51 to −0.04; P = 0.04) and active UC patients (SMD:−0.44; 95%CI, −0.81 to −0.07; P = 0.02) when compared with the patients with CD or UC in remission, respectively.ConclusionA negative association between abundance of F. prausnitzii and IBD activity is observed, but a cut‐off level of F. prausnitzii to diagnose and/or to start treating IBD is not determined.
Cultural and macroeconomic determinants of cash holdings management
Authors: Orlova Svetlana V. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study examines patterns in cash management, particularly cash holdings speed of adjustment (CH‐SOA), across 48 countries. I find that managerial cultural characteristics and country‐level macroeconomic factors influence the persistence of cash reserve levels, deviation from target, and the speed with which firms in different countries adjust their cash holdings. The findings support the idea that agency costs as well as market frictions influence CH‐SOA and other aspects of cash management. The findings are robust to the inclusion of a wide range of firm‐level characteristics, country‐level corporate‐governance variables, and an alternative cultural index.