bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy of Australia Adopting a Debarment Regime in Public Procurement
Authors: Dixon Olivia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWhile transparent and efficient public sector procurement systems facilitate innumerable opportunities for stakeholders, the scale and scope of the global procurement market has rendered it increasingly vulnerable to corruption. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development estimates that annually US$2 trillion of public funds is lost to corruption, yet governments have failed to respond with robust measures to deter such practice. Through comparing the debarment frameworks and policy goals across five jurisdictions, this article argues that Australia should consider adopting a discretionary debarment regime. By excluding bidders who have engaged in ‘corporate integrity offences’ from procurement contracts, debarment policies offer a potentially important mechanism in the fight against corruption. Debarment would not only protect the government from current threats, but it may also deter potential wrongdoers, encourage contractors to rehabilitate themselves, incapacitate actual offenders and facilitate development of a culture of compliance through the competitive advantage gains enjoyed by law-abiding firms.
Primary care and suicidality among psychiatric outpatients: The patient-doctor relationship matters
Authors: Schultz Krista , Sandhu Sharan , Kealy David 
Published: November 2020

Objective The purpose of the current study is to examine the relationship between the quality of the Patient-Doctor Relationship and suicidality among patients seeking mental health care; specifically, whether patients who perceive having a more positive relationship with primary care physician will have lower levels of suicidality. Method Cross-sectional population-based study in Greater Vancouver, Canada. One-hundred ninety-seven participants were recruited from three Mental Health Clinics who reported having a primary care physician. Participants completed a survey containing questions regarding items assessing quality of Patient-Doctor Relationship, general psychiatric distress (K10), borderline personality disorder, and suicidality (Suicidal Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised-SBQ-R). Zero-order correlations were computed to evaluate relationships between study variables. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to control for confounding variables. Results The quality of the patient doctor relationship was significantly negatively associated with suicidality. The association between the quality of the patient-doctor relationship and suicidality remained significant even after controlling for the effects of psychiatric symptom distress and borderline personality disorder features. Conclusions The degree to which patients’ perceive their primary care physician as understanding, reliable, and dedicated, is associated with a reduction in suicidal behaviors. Further research is needed to better explicate the mechanisms of this relationship over time.
Hemodynamic Response to Vasopressin Dosage of 0.03 Units/Min vs. 0.04 Units/Min in Patients With Septic Shock
Authors: Bauer Seth R. , Sacha Gretchen L. , Lam Simon W. , Wang Lu , Reddy Anita J. , Duggal Abhijit , Vachharajani Vidula 
Published: November 2020

Background: Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is suggested as an adjunct to norepinephrine in patients with septic shock. Guidelines recommend an AVP dosage up to 0.03 units/min, but 0.04 units/min is commonly used in practice based on initial studies. This study was designed to compare the incidence of hemodynamic response between initial fixed-dosage AVP 0.03 units/min and AVP 0.04 units/min. Methods: This retrospective, multi-hospital health system, cohort study included adult patients with septic shock receiving AVP as an adjunct to catecholamine vasopressors. Patients were excluded if they received an initial dosage other than 0.03 units/min or 0.04 units/min, or AVP was titrated within the first 6 hours of therapy. The primary outcome was hemodynamic response, defined as a mean arterial pressure ≥65 mm Hg and a decrease in catecholamine dosage at 6 hours after AVP initiation. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on the propensity score for initial AVP dosage receipt was utilized to estimate adjusted exposure effects. Results: Of the 1536 patients included in the observed data, there was a nearly even split between initial AVP dosage of 0.03 units/min (n = 842 [54.8%]) and 0.04 units/min (n = 694 [45.2%]). Observed patients receiving AVP 0.03 units/min were more frequently treated at the main campus academic medical center (96.3% vs. 52.2%, p < 0.01) and in a medical intensive care unit (87.4% vs. 39.8%, p < 0.01). The IPTW analysis included 1379 patients with achievement of baseline covariate balance. There was no evidence for a difference between groups in the incidence of hemodynamic response (0.03 units/min 50.0% vs. 0.04 units/min 53.1%, adjusted relative risk 1.06 [95% CI 0.94, 1.20]). Conclusions: Initial AVP dosing varied by hospital and unit type. Although commonly used, an initial AVP dosage of 0.04 units/min was not associated with a higher incidence of early hemodynamic response to AVP in patients with septic shock.
The Peritoneal Dialysis Telemedicine-assisted Platform Cohort (PDTAP) Study: Design and methods
Authors: Ma Tiantian , Yang Zhikai , Li Shaomei , Pei Huaying , Zhao Jinghong , Li Yi , Xiong Zibo , Liao Yumei , Zhao Zhanzheng , Xiao Jing , Li Ying , Lin Qiongzhen , Zheng Zhaoxia , Duan Liping , Fu Gang , Guo Shanshan , Hu Wenbo , Li Yulin , Sun Fuyun , Zhao Nan , Wang Qin , Ji Tianrong , Zhang Beiru , Yu Rui , Hao Li , Liu Guiling , Zuo Li , Zhao Huiping , Wang Caili , Deng Lirong , Chen Hongyu , Li Li , Shen Yulan , Zhang Yong , Wang Lihua , Yan Yan , Ma Zhigang , Li Yingping , Zhang Xianchao , Wang Xuejian , Liu Yirong , Gao Xinying , Xu Zhonggao , Zhang Li , Du Shutong , Zhao Cui , Chen Xiaoli , Li Hongyi , Yue Yingli , Chen Shanshan , Ma Yingchun , Wei Yuanyuan , Zhou Jingwei , Lv Jie , Zheng Yingdong , Zhu Sainan , Zhao Minghui , Dong Jie ,   the PDTAP Working Group
Published: November 2020

Objectives: The primary objective of the Peritoneal Dialysis Telemedicine-assisted Platform Cohort (PDTAP) Study is to explore potential predictors and their effects on patient survival, technique survival, and the occurrence of infectious and noninfectious complications. Design: The PDTAP study is a national-level cohort study in China. A newly developed PD telemedicine application provided a unique and convenient way to collect multicenter, structured data across units. Setting: The PDTAP study was underway in 27 hospitals from 14 provinces located at 7 geographical regions (northwest, northeast, north, central, southwest, southeast, and south) in China. Participants: Our study aims to enroll at least 7000 adult patients with end-stage renal disease receiving PD. Methods: Approval has been obtained through the ethics committees of all hospitals. All participants signed the informed consent form after the center had received ethics board approval in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Main outcome measures: Patient survival, technique survival, hospitalization, and the occurrence of infectious and noninfectious complications. Conclusions: The PDTAP study aims to explore potential predictors and their effects on patient survival, technique survival, and infectious and noninfectious complications using a newly developed PD telemedicine system to collect multicenter, structured data in real-world practice. Substantial and transformable findings in relation to PD practices were expected. This study also developed a national-level infrastructure for further collaboration and ancillary investigation.
Peritoneal dialysis with a lower dosage versus conventional intermittent hemodialysis in acute kidney injury: A propensity-matched study
Authors: Parapiboon Watanyu , Chumsungnern Thosapol , Chamradpan Treechada 
Published: November 2020

Background: Literature regarding the outcomes of lower dosage peritoneal dialysis (PD) in treating acute kidney injury (AKI) among resource-limited setting is sparse. This study aims to compare the risk of mortality in patients with AKI receiving lower PD dosage and conventional intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) in Thailand. Methods: In a tertiary center in Thailand, a matched case–control study using propensity scores in patients with AKI was conducted to compare the outcomes between lower PD dosage (18 L per day for first two sessions, weekly Kt/ V 2.2) and IHD (three times a week) from February 2015 to January 2016. The primary outcome was a 30-day in-hospital mortality rate. Secondary outcomes included dialysis dependence at 90 days. Results: Eighty-four patients were included (28 PD and 56 IHD). Patient characteristics were comparable between two treatment groups. Overall, the mean age was 58 years. Most of the patients were critically ill (87% need mechanical ventilator; mean acute physiological and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) score: 25). The 30-day in-hospital mortality rate was similar between the PD and IHD patients (57% vs. 46%, p = 0.36). The dialysis dependence rate was also comparable at 90 days. The risk of death among AKI patients was higher in those with respiratory failure, higher APACHE II score, and starting dialysis with blood urea nitrogen greater than 70 mg dL−1. Conclusion: Clinical outcomes, including risk of mortality and 90-day dialysis dependence among patients with AKI, appear to be comparable between lower dosage PD and IHD.
Paediatric oncology patients’ definitions of a good physician and good nurse
Authors: Aşikli Elif , Aydin Er Rahime 
Published: November 2020

Background: It is stated that the communication and disease experiences of paediatric patients, especially paediatric oncology patients, with healthcare professionals are completely different from those of adults. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the definitions of a good physician and good nurse provided by elementary school-age oncology patients. Research design: In this qualitative research, data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews. The data were evaluated thorough thematic analysis. Participants and research context: Eighteen children hospitalised due to cancer in paediatric oncology and haematology clinics of a university hospital in Turkey. Ethical considerations: Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Institution’s Ethics Committee. The objectives of this study were explained to the participants and families, and written consent was obtained from them. Also, participants were assured that necessary measures would be taken to protect their anonymity and confidentiality. Findings: The definitions of children were based on five main themes: interpersonal relationships, virtues, professional responsibility, security and individual characteristics. Conclusion: Children conveyed important messages to health professionals. They emphasised that a good physician and good nurse should communicate well, not only with themselves but also with their family. In addition, children were sensitive about health professionals who played with them and actively participated in the treatment by informing them about the disease. Meeting the expectations of children can be possible by improving the communication skills of physicians and nurses and by adding games and activities to the treatment and care plan.
Embankments and Inundation in Bengal: An Early Colonial Transition
Authors: Bhattacharya Ujjayan 
Published: November 2020

In a tropical monsoon country like India, embankment construction is a particular kind of necessity, an obligation imposed by nature. It is a defence against depredation caused by the force of water for which collective action was necessary. What necessitated dams or dykes to be built was the seasonal volatility of the rivers, especially the Ganges or Brahmaputra, which were significant because of their size. Embankment construction was thus a major public work activity in an era when such undertakings by the state and society were limited by financial resources and the availability of expertise. But there was a difference in approach to embankment construction and the state support given to such public enterprise, over time. While the eighteenth century had a positive approach and did not see the embankments as mere physical structures designed to cope with floods but as organic parts of tracts of land, the nineteenth century experts tended to view embankments as hindrance to natural irrigation and the cause of rather than the remedy to violent inundations. This was the opinion of experts with greater knowledge and resources at their disposal. Nineteenth century experts on embankment maintenance regarded the Permanent Settlement as the benchmark of the early colonial state’s decisive intervention in this respect and thought that the obligation of previous governments to maintain embankments should be taken as of practically no significance at all. The settlement of the character of the Permanent Settlement ‘must obviously change the whole nature of such obligations’. This article does not agree with this point of view. The article looks at the nature of this important public work activity with focus on its history in the second half of the eighteenth century and also examines how the nineteenth century experts historically reviewed the necessity of embankments as those had existed in the past.
Integration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention in Social Work Practice
Authors: Scott Michelle 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression and suicide prevention (CBT-SP) into social work practice with youth after a 2-day training and 3 months of group consultation. Method: A purposive sample of 22 clinical social workers completed a one-group pre–post and 3-month follow-up assessment to evaluate knowledge of CBT and CBT-SP, utilization, and barriers to utilization of CBT treatment and skills. Results: Knowledge of CBT and CBT-SP skills improved following training. All trainees integrated at least one new skill into practice and increased use of prior skills. No trainees integrated the full-manualized CBT-SP intervention into practice. Participation in group consultation increased the likelihood of integrating CBT-SP skills into practice for males and trainees with more practice experience. Discussion: The findings support the importance of training clinicians in common element skills of CBT and CBT-SP rather than only focusing upon integrating full-manualized treatments into social work practice.
The Online Adaptation and Outcomes of a Family-Based Intervention Addressing Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Cohen Edward , Tisch Rosemary 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: This article compares outcomes of a family-based prevention program from its original in-person mode to an online mode in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Celebrating Families!™ is designed to improve parenting skills, family functioning, and family relationships to break the cycle of substance use problems. Method: This mixed-methods, quasi-experimental study compared outcomes of in-person and online treatment conditions and content analysis of open-ended responses to a satisfaction survey. Results: Both groups showed improvement in outcomes, with moderate effect sizes and high satisfaction. Average scores of the online groups were generally lower than the in-person scores. Qualitative data yielded participants’ accounts of improvements in parenting behaviors, family relationships, coping skills, and knowledge insights. Conclusions: Despite the contexts of COVID-19, findings provided evidence that such relational group interventions can be feasibly administered online and can effect changes required to break the cycle of substance use problems and adverse family experiences.
Are We Getting What We Really Want? A Systematic Review of Concordance Between Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Documentation and Subsequent Care Delivered at End-of-Life
Authors: Tark Aluem , Song Jiyoun , Parajuli Jyotsana , Chae Sena , Stone Patricia W. 
Published: November 2020

Background: Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatments (POLST) is an advance care planning (ACP) tool that is designed to facilitate End-of-Life (EoL) care discussions between a medical provider and a terminally ill patient. It is often used as a tool to translate care wishes into a medical order, which can be honored across healthcare settings. With an increased utilization of the POLST paradigm in various healthcare settings along with continued dissemination across the nation, it is critical to examine whether documented wishes on POLST are concordant with subsequent care delivered. Purpose of this article was to examine concordance rate between POLST and subsequent care delivered in any care settings and communities. Design: Systematic review. Results: Of 1,406 articles identified, 10 articles met inclusion criteria. Together, included studies represent 5,688 POLST forms reviewed from individuals residing in a total of 126 nursing care facilities, 9 elderly care centers, 4 community settings, and 2 hospitals. Preference for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and actual delivery/ withholding of resuscitation was the most observed intervention in study of concordance (n = 8). It is also where highest concordance rate (97.5%) was reported. Seven studies compared care provided during EoL and the level of medical intervention requested on POLST forms (91.17% concordance). Preference to use artificial nutrition/ hydration, and actual delivery was 93.0% (n = 4 studies), and antibiotics use preference and delivery was 96.5% (reported in 4 studies). Conclusion: Published literature evidence suggests that EoL care wishes documented on POLST forms were largely concordant with subsequent care delivered. Additional research is needed to evaluate concordance between POLST documentation and care received among POLST users, who experienced multiple care transitions across healthcare settings, or across state during EoL care journey.
Optimal Timing of Palatoplasty in Infants With Comorbidities
Authors: Kalmar Christopher L. , Patel Vijay A. , Zapatero Zachary D. , Kosyk Mychajlo S. , Taylor Jesse A. 
Published: November 2020

Objective: Ideal timing of palatoplasty continues to be debated given that early repair is thought to improve speech and hearing, whereas delayed repair is associated with less midface growth disruption. The purpose of this study is to elucidate optimal timing of palatoplasty in patients with comorbidities to mitigate perioperative complications. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Hospitals participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric. Patients: Palatoplasty performed for children younger than the age of 2 years with comorbidities. Outcomes: Medical/surgical complications, reoperations, readmissions within 30 days postoperatively. Results: Patients with comorbidities having Veau I or II cleft palate were associated with significantly decreased risk of adverse events when performing palatoplasty after 125 days of age ( P < .001). Patients with comorbidities having Veau III cleft palate were associated with significantly decreased risk of adverse events when performing palatoplasty after 225 days of age ( P = .010). Patients with comorbidities having Veau IV cleft palate were associated with significantly decreased risk of adverse events when performing palatoplasty after 250 days of age ( P = .045). Conclusions: Infants with comorbidities having progressively increasing Veau classification demonstrate unique age-dependent perioperative thresholds, such that more extensive phenotypes are associated with better perioperative outcomes with older age at time of cleft palate repair.
A drug repositioning success: The repositioned therapeutic applications and mechanisms of action of thalidomide
Authors: Amare Gedefaw Getnet , Meharie Birhanu Geta , Belayneh Yaschilal Muche 
Published: November 2020

Background Thalidomide is the most teratogenic human medicine ever marketed and was associated with birth defects in approximately 10,000 children in the 1960s. The pharmacological effects of thalidomide are attributed to its anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and modulatory effect on cytokines principally tumor necrosis factor-α, while the teratogenic effects are linked to two molecular targets, namely cereblon and tubulin. Teratogenicity is the gravest adverse effect of thalidomide depending on the dose and time of exposure. Nonetheless, with System for Thalidomide Education and Prescribing Safety program, the possibility of teratogenicity can be completely avoided. The sensitive period during pregnancy for thalidomide teratogenicity in humans is approximately 20-34 days after fertilization. Methods Relevant articles were identified from Google scholar and PubMed (MEDLINE) using different search strategies. Conclusion Clinical trials showed that thalidomide has been found effective in the treatment of advanced renal cancer, esophageal cancer, chemotherapy refractory endometrial cancer and pancreatic cancer, which can suggest its future therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. Thalidomide is also used in the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders and has shown promising effect in the treatment of autoimmune disorders and inflammatory bowel disease. Despite thalidomide being a renowned teratogen and neurotoxin, it has been successfully repositioned and FDA approved for the treatment of erythema nodosum leprosum and multiple myeloma under strict control.
Degree of Agreement Between Infant Serum and Salivary Concentration of Leptin and Adiponectin and Its Association With Infants’ Feeding
Authors: Linares Ana M. , Rayens Mary Kay , Moylan Jennifer S. , Miller Craig S. 
Published: November 2020

Background: Leptin and adiponectin, two adipokines involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, have been linked to regulation of growth in early infancy, energy balance, and metabolic disorders in childhood. The aim of this study was to determine if concentrations of leptin and adiponectin could be measured reliably in infants’ saliva, to evaluate the degree of agreement with infant serum levels, and to explore their association with infant feeding status. Methods: A total of 34 infants were recruited after birth and followed for 20 weeks. After log-transformation of the values, a Bland-Altman graphical approach was used to summarize the direction of the difference between the serum and saliva values. Repeated measures mixed modeling was used to evaluate differences over time in these outcomes by feeding status. Results: Mean concentration of salivary leptin and adiponectin in infants was 3.7 ( SD = .8) ng/mL and 2.9 ( SD = 0.7) ng/mL, respectively. The degree of agreement between serum and saliva for log-transformed leptin and adiponectin values were relatively robust, albeit with a non-zero bias between the two methods, given that serum values were greater than corresponding saliva values for both adipokines in all infants. Each of the four repeated measures mixed models (one for each adipokine measure) had a significant main effect; however, the interaction between time and feeding status was not significant in any of the models. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that leptin and adiponectin can be measured in infant saliva, but in some cases leptin concentrations may be more difficult to detect.