bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nursing competencies across different levels of palliative care provision: A systematic integrative review with thematic synthesis
Authors: Hökkä Minna , Martins Pereira Sandra , Pölkki Tarja , Kyngäs Helvi , Hernández-Marrero Pablo 
Published: May 2020

Background: Palliative care exists in diverse healthcare settings. Nurses play a crucial role in its provision. Different levels of palliative care provision and education have been recognized in the literature. Therefore, nurses need a set of various competencies to provide high-quality palliative care. Aims: To systematically synthesize the empirical evidence of (1) nursing competencies needed in palliative care and (2) whether these competencies differ across the level of palliative care. Design: Systematic integrative review with thematic synthesis. Prospero: CRD42018114869. Data sources: CINAHL, PubMed, Academic Search Premier, Scopus and Medic databases. Studies on nursing competencies linked to palliative care reported in English, Swedish, Finnish, Spanish, Portuguese or German were considered. Search terms: ‘palliative care or hospice care or end-of-life care’, ‘competency or professional competence or skills’ and ‘nursing’. Articles were independently screened and reviewed by two researchers. Quality appraisal was conducted following Hawker’s criteria. Results: A total of 7454 articles were retrieved, 21 articles were included in the analysis. Six diverse nursing competencies dimensions, namely leadership, communication, collaboration, clinical, ethico-legal and psycho-social and spiritual were identified. The reports rarely defined the level of palliative care and covered a wide array of healthcare settings. Conclusion: Nurses need a wide range of competencies to provide quality palliative care. Few studies focused on which competencies are relevant to a specific level of palliative care. Further research is needed to systematize the nursing competencies and define which nursing competencies are central for different levels of palliative care to enhance palliative care development, education and practice.
Biomechanical Functional Elbow Restoration of Acute Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tears: The Role of Internal Bracing on Gap Formation and Repair Stabilization
Authors: Bachmaier Samuel , Wijdicks Coen A. , Verma Nikhil N. , Higgins Laurence D. , Greiner Stefan 
Published: May 2020

Background: Biomechanical studies have compared augmented primary repair with internal bracing versus reconstruction techniques of the anterior ulnar collateral ligament (aUCL) in the elbow. However, aUCL repair alone has not been compared with augmented repair or reconstruction techniques. Hypothesis: Internal bracing of aUCL repair provides improved time-zero stabilization in terms of gap formation, torsional stiffness, and residual torque compared with both repair alone and the modified docking technique, with enhanced valgus stability restoration to that of the native ligament. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: We randomized 8 matched pairs of cadaveric elbows to undergo either augmented aUCL repair or a modified docking technique through use of the palmaris longus tendon. Valgus laxity testing was consecutively performed at 90° of flexion on the intact, torn, and repaired conditions as well as the previously assigned techniques. First, intact elbows were loaded up to 10 N·m valgus torque to evaluate time-zero ligament rotations at valgus moments of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 N·m. Rotation controlled cycling was performed (total 1000 cycles) for each surgical condition. Gap formation, stiffness, and residual torque were analyzed. Finally, these elbows and 8 additional intact elbows underwent torque to failure testing (30 deg/min). Results: Repair alone revealed low torsional resistance and gapping, similar to the torn state. The augmented repair technique showed significantly higher torsional stiffness ( P < .001) and residual torque ( P < .001) compared with all other conditions and restored native function. Although reconstruction revealed similar initial stiffness and residual torque compared with an intact ligament, a steady decrease of torsional resistance led to a completely loose state at higher valgus rotations. Analysis of covariance between all groups showed significantly less gap formation for augmented repair ( P < .001). The native failure load and stiffness were significantly higher and were similar to those of augmented repair ( P = .766). Conclusion: Internal bracing of aUCL repair restored valgus stability to the native state with statistically improved torsional resistance, loading capability, and gap formation compared with reconstruction, especially at the upper load range of native aUCL function in the elbow. Clinical Relevance: We found that aUCL repair with an internal brace effectively improves time-zero mechanical characteristics and may provide stabilized healing with accelerated and reliable recovery without the need for a tendon graft.
Evaluation of a Pharmacist-Managed Hypertension Clinic in a Rural Primary Care Setting
Authors: Stallings Ashley M. , Dixon Candace , Carter Amanda , Ali Asima , Herring Charles 
Published: May 2020

Objective: To describe clinical pharmacy services provided in a rural North Carolina primary care clinic and assess the impact of these services on systolic and diastolic blood pressures in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study evaluated change in systolic and diastolic blood pressures from baseline, percentage of patients with blood pressure reductions, percentage at The Eight Joint National Committee (JNC 8) goal blood pressure, percentage at care gap closure defined as obtaining a blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg, and time to reach care gap closure. Results: The mean change in systolic blood pressure was −20.1 mm Hg (14.716-25.418, P < .0001) and the mean change in diastolic blood pressure was −8.8 mm Hg (5.449-12.117, P < .0001). Eighty percent of patients experienced blood pressure reductions from baseline, 51% met their respective JNC 8 goal blood pressure, and 48% met care gap closure. The average time to reach care gap closure was 23 weeks. Conclusion: When embedded within a primary care clinic in a rural setting, a pharmacist-managed hypertension clinic significantly improved both systolic and diastolic blood pressures of patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
The relationship between PNP, GSTO-1, AS3MT and ADRB3 gene polymorphisms and urinary arsenic concentration among copper smelter and refinery employers
Authors: Szymańska-Chabowska A , Matys T , Łaczmański Ł , Czerwińska K , Janus A , Smyk B , Mazur G , Poręba R , Gać P 
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between polymorphisms of genes encoding enzymes involved in arsenic metabolism and urinary arsenic concentration in people occupationally exposed to arsenic. Materials and Methods: The data from 113 employers directly exposed to lead, cadmium, and arsenic in copper smelter in Legnica and Glogow were collected. Urinary arsenic concentration was measured. In addition, blood level of cadmium, lead, and zinc protoporphyrins was assayed. Genetic analyses included polymorphism of PNP (rs 1130650), GSTO-1 (rs 4925), AS3MT (rs 11191439), and ADRB3 (rs4994) genes. Results: Individuals occupationally exposed to arsenic compounds, who have allele T in homozygous constellation in locus rs 1130650 of PNP gene, are predisposed to lower urinary arsenic concentration, while AA homozygosity in locus rs 4925 of GSTO-1 gene may result in statistically significant higher urinary arsenic concentration. Polymorphisms of AS3MT and ADRB3 genes showed no statistically significant correlation with urinary arsenic, however, there was a tendency to higher arsenic concentration in allele A carriers in locus rs4994 of ADRB3 gene and in allele T carriers in rs 11191439 of AS3MT gene. Conclusion: This study indicates that arsenic absorption and metabolism depend on polymorphisms of genes encoding PNP and GSTO-1. Individuals with disadvantageous constellation of polymorphisms are more susceptible to harmful effects of arsenic exposure.
The Trend of Cleft Care at a Children’s Referral Center in Thailand
Authors: Setabutr Dhave , Sathavornmanee Thanakrit , Jitpakdee Polpatt , Nudchawong Songphon , Krergmatukorn Penpak 
Published: May 2020

Objective: To investigate the trend in cleft care at a major children’s referral center in Bangkok, Thailand. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Patients and Methods: A review of 129 patients under 18 years of age who had underwent care by the senior author for cleft treatment between January 2015 and October 2017 was done. The impact of varying factors on patient care was analyzed. We compare our demographics and treatment timeline to that of previously published literature in more developed countries. Setting: Tertiary care medical center. Results: One hundred and two patient charts were reviewed with 53% male patients. Most patients had both cleft lip and cleft palate, 44%. Cleft lips most commonly were complete and occurred on the left side. In all, 77.4% of clefts were nonsyndromic. On average, primary cleft lip surgery was delayed being performed about 11 months of age. Sixteen percent of patients were treated with an obturator, while 11 patients had nasoalveolar molding use. Hearing screenings occurred on average at around 6 months of age. Abnormal tympanograms were evident in 32% of individuals. There was a significant difference in timing of surgery for patients who lived a distance greater than 30 kilometers from the hospital versus those from the Bangkok metropolis ( P < .05). Conclusion: Reviewing data from a high-volume referral center in Thailand reveals mild variance with regard to cleft care timing compared to published literature from the developed world. Distance traveled was found to impact timing of surgery.
Five-year results of viscotrabeculotomy versus conventional trabeculotomy in primary congenital glaucoma: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Elwehidy Ahmed S , Hagras Sherein M , Bayoumi Nader , AbdelGhafar Ayman E , Badawi Amani E 
Published: May 2020

Purpose To assess the long-term results of viscotrabeculotomy in infants with primary congenital glaucoma and to compare its outcome with conventional trabeculotomy. Patients and methods A prospective randomized comparative study included infants with primary congenital glaucoma younger than 2 years. Patients were divided into two groups: viscotrabeculotomy group and conventional trabeculotomy group. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressures, corneal diameter, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and success rates were compared between two groups. All the patients were followed up for 5 years. Results The study included 154 eyes of 92 infants distributed randomly among the two groups; 78 and 76 eyes in viscotrabeculotomy and conventional trabeculotomy groups, respectively. In both groups, there was a statistically significant intraocular pressure reduction at all time points of the follow-up periods compared to the preoperative values (p < 0.0001). At 5 years, viscotrabeculotomy group showed significant reduction of the mean postoperative intraocular pressure (49.47%) than conventional trabeculotomy group (48.64%) (p < 0.0001). Intraocular pressure was statistically lower in viscotrabeculotomy starting from 12th month and till the end of the follow-up. At 5 years, the total success rate of viscotrabeculotomy group was 89.74% compared to 85.53% in conventional trabeculotomy group without significant difference (p = 0.487). The postoperative mean values of the cup/disk ratio in viscotrabeculotomy group showed statistically lower values compared to conventional trabeculotomy group (p = 0.019). Postoperative hyphema was statistically higher in conventional trabeculotomy group (p < 0.0001). All eyes that underwent a reoperation before 5 years follow-up were excluded from the statistical workup of the study after reoperation, except for calculation of success/failure. Conclusion Viscotrabeculotomy and conventional trabeculotomy proved to be effective in cases of primary congenital glaucoma. Viscotrabeculotomy appeared to have prolonged stability in controlling the intraocular pressure with higher success rates and lower complications.
XEN Gel Stent versus trabeculectomy: Short-term effects on corneal endothelial cells
Authors: Olgun Ali , Duzgun Eyup , Yildiz Aysegul Mavi , Atmaca Fatih , Yildiz A Atakhan , Sendul S Yekta 
Published: May 2020

Purpose To compare the short-term changes in corneal endothelial cells after trabeculectomy or XEN Gel Stent implantation. Design Prospective, interventional, comparative study. Methods Changes in corneal endothelium in patients that underwent XEN Gel Stent implantation or trabeculectomy were prospectively evaluated. Eighty eyes of 62 diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma were divided into two the trabeculectomy and XEN Gel Stent groups. Corneal specular microscopy was performed at the central cornea using a noncontact specular microscope preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. Results The baseline mean corneal endothelial cell density in the trabeculectomy group was 2390.3 ± 324.8 cells/mm2, and this was significantly reduced to 2148 ± 352.5 cells/mm2 3 months after surgery, representing a cell loss of 10.0% (p < 0.001). The baseline mean corneal endothelial cell density in the XEN Gel Stent group was 2156.2 ±559.7 cells/mm2, and this was significantly reduced to 2098.4 ± 556.2 cells/mm2 3 months after surgery, representing a cell loss of 2.1% (p = 0.002). The corneal endothelial cell density change rate of the trabeculectomy group (−10.0% ± 9.7%) was statistically higher than the XEN Gel Stent group (−2.1% ± 13.8%) (p = 0.002). A statistically significant difference was observed in the trabeculectomy group between the baseline and postoperative values in the coefficient of variation (p = 0.029). Conclusion Trabeculectomy caused more endothelial cell damage than XEN Gel Stent implantation in the short-term follow-up period. The XEN Gel Stent may be the treatment of choice in patients with a significantly low preoperative corneal endothelial cell density.
Multimodal imaging in iodate-induced toxic retinopathy
Authors: Çomçalı Sebile , Yılmaz Pınar Topcu , Çavdarlı Cemal , Alp Mehmet Numan 
Published: May 2020

Introduction Iodine deficiency is a leading cause of preventable physical and mental retardation. Potassium iodate is used for iodine supplementation to prevent iodine deficiency. We herein report a case of toxic retinopathy following intentional ingestion of potassium iodine. Case Presentation A 41-year-old male presented with a 5-day history of blurred vision in both eyes. His visual acuity (VA) was hand motion and his pupillary reactions were sluggish bilaterally. The fundus examination revealed bilaterally diffuse retinal pigment epithelium atrophy and secondary pigmentary changes at the posterior pole, but his peripheral fundus was relatively spared. Choroidal thinning, punctate hyperreflective dots along the retinal pigment epithelium layer, and outer retinal atrophy were the optical coherence tomography findings, which were consistent with widespread areas of retinal pigment epithelium window defects observed on fundus fluorescein angiography. The visual evoked potential test showed no response in the right eye and revealed a delay in the latency and a decrease in the amplitude of the P100 wave in the left eye. Wave b responses of the photoreceptors could not be observed in the patient’s electroretinogram. After a vitamin supplementation protocol consistent with the literature, at the 4-month follow-up visit his visual acuity had improved to 0.3 in the right eye and counting fingers in the left eye. Conclusion Potassium iodate toxicity is a cause of serious retinal and choroidal damage and results in severe vision loss. Hydration, hemodialysis, and antioxidants can be helpful to minimize the complications.
Evaluation of the risk factors on time to phlebitis- and nonphlebitis-related failure when peripheral venous catheters were replaced as clinically indicated
Authors: Ozger H Selcuk , Yasar Merve , Başyurt Rahşan , Bucak Figen , Dizbay Murat 
Published: May 2020

Background: This study aimed to determine the frequency of peripheral venous catheter–related complications and the risk factors that have an impact on the time of peripheral venous catheter failure when they were replaced as clinically indicated. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, as well as the catheter specifications, were recorded. All the catheters were followed-up at 12-h intervals for the development of complications. Two different peripheral venous catheters were used in the study. The catheter dwell times were estimated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. The logrank test was utilized to investigate the catheter dwell times by univariate analyses. Variables with a significance level of less than 0.20 were taken into Cox regression analysis. Results: Our results revealed that phlebitis and nonphlebitis complications occurred more frequently within the first 96 h. No significant difference was observed in the occurrence time of phlebitis, nonphlebitis, and composite failures. The use of a locally manufactured catheter, unsuccessful first attempt, poor skin integrity, after-hours’ insertion, the use of sterile gauze dressing were all associated with shorter catheter survival rates. Conclusion: We observed no difference on the time to phlebitis or nonphlebitis symptoms with clinically indicated replacement of peripheral venous catheters. We found a significant difference in survival rates between locally manufactured and imported peripheral venous catheters. Our identified risk factors should be taken into account to reduce peripheral venous catheter–related complications and to increase dwell time.
Early identification of treatment benefit by methylated circulating tumor DNA in metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Thomsen Caroline B. , Hansen Torben F. , Andersen Rikke F. , Lindebjerg Jan , Jensen Lars H. , Jakobsen Anders 
Published: May 2020

Background: The early identification of treatment effect is wanted in several settings, including the management of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). A potential universal marker is circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Our prospective study explored the association between progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and early change of ctDNA after one cycle of chemotherapy in patients with mCRC. Methods: The study included mCRC patients receiving standard first line combination chemotherapy with 5-Fluorouracil (FU), oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab. Hypermethylated neuropeptide Y (NPY) ctDNA (meth-ctDNA) served as a marker analyzed by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The meth-ctDNA level was analyzed in plasma before treatment start and again before cycle two. The patients were divided into two groups according to the dynamics of meth-ctDNA. Low ctDNA (LctDNA) included patients with zero or values of meth-ctDNA decreasing to a level including zero in the 95% confidence interval. High ctDNA (HctDNA) included all other patients (stable, increasing, or slightly decreasing values). The two groups were compared as to PFS and OS. Results: The study included 123 patients. The PFS in the two groups differed significantly with a median of 9.2 and 6.7 months in LctDNA and HctDNA, respectively ( p = 0.0005). This translated into a 12-month difference in OS with a median of 25.4 and 13.5 months, respectively ( p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Early therapeutic reconsideration is of utmost importance. A low level of meth-ctDNA after one cycle of chemotherapy in the first line setting is a potential marker for excellent clinical outcomes. The clinical utility should be confirmed in randomized clinical trials.
A Multidisciplinary Exploratory Approach for Investigating the Experience of Older Adults Attending Hospital Services
Authors: Arakawa Martins Beatriz , Barrie Helen , Visvanathan Renuka , Daniel Lyrian , Martins Larissa Arakawa , Ranasinghe Damith , Wilson Anne , Soebarto Veronica 
Published: May 2020

Background: The public areas of the hospital built environment have hardly been investigated for their age-friendliness. Objective: This exploratory, multidisciplinary pilot study investigates the relationship between the physical environment and design of hospital spaces and older people’s outpatient experience. Methods: Sixteen participants were recruited from a geriatric Outpatient Clinic at a metropolitan public hospital in Australia. Participants were engaged in a concurrent mixed-method approach, comprising a comprehensive geriatric survey, walking observation, semi-structured interview and an independent architectural audit. Results: Several elements arising from the hospital environment were identified as facilitators and barriers for its utilization and intrinsically related to participants’ physical capacity. Discussion: Age-friendly hospital design needs to consider strategies to remove barriers for older adults of different capacities, thus promoting healthy aging.
Symptomatic and functional outcomes after treatment with paliperidone palmitate 3-month formulation for 52 weeks in patients with clinically stable schizophrenia
Authors: Garcia-Portilla Maria Paz , Llorca Pierre-Michel , Maina Giuseppe , Bozikas Vasilis P. , Devrimci-Ozguven Halise , Kim Sung-Wan , Bergmans Paul , Usankova Irina , Pungor Katalin 
Published: May 2020

Background: Paliperidone palmitate 3-monthly (PP3M) formulation is a long-acting, injectable antipsychotic treatment approved in many countries worldwide for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with schizophrenia. This single-arm, open-label, phase IIIb study evaluated the efficacy and safety of converting patients with schizophrenia stabilized with paliperidone palmitate 1-month (PP1M) to PP3M in a naturalistic clinical setting. Methods: After screening (days –7 to 1), patients were converted from PP1M (50–150 mg eq.) to PP3M (175–525 mg eq.), and entered a 52-week, flexible-dose PP3M treatment period. The primary efficacy endpoint was symptomatic remission (SR) (Andreasen criteria) at last observation carried forward (LOCF) endpoint. Results: Patients ( n = 305) received PP3M, of whom 291 (95.4%) completed the study. Doses of PP3M remained stable during the 12-month treatment period, and changes in dose were uncommon. Overall, 56.8% of patients [95% confidence interval (CI): 51.0, 62.4] achieved SR, and 31.8% achieved both symptomatic and functional remission (Personal and Social Performance scale total score > 70) at LOCF endpoint. Secondary endpoint results were generally consistent with primary endpoint results. There were improvements in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total, subscale and Marder factor scores, and also Clinical Global Impression-Severity and -Change scores from baseline to LOCF endpoint. Carer burden was reduced, and the proportion of patients requiring hospitalization for psychiatric reasons decreased from 13.5% in the 12 months prior to baseline to 4.6% during the treatment period. No new safety signals were identified. Conclusion: Results from this naturalistic study were similar to those observed in previous randomized clinical trials of PP3M and underline the importance of continuous maintenance treatment in patients with schizophrenia.