bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors predicting quality of nursing care among nurses in tertiary care hospitals in Mongolia
Authors: Gaalan K. , Kunaviktikul W. , Akkadechanunt T. , Wichaikhum O.‐A. , Turale S. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundAn increasing nursing shortage, high workloads and poor working environments are affecting the quality of nursing care in many countries including Mongolia.AimTo explore the level of quality of nursing care, nursing competency and nursing practice environment, as well as the predictability of nurses’ personal factors, nursing competency and nursing practice environment on quality of nursing care as perceived by nurses in Mongolia.MethodsWe collected data from 346 registered nurses, randomly selected and working in seven general public tertiary care hospitals in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, and four regions of Mongolia. Instruments used were the Good Nursing Care Scale, the Competency Inventory for Registered Nurses and the Practice Environment Scale of Nursing Work Index. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.ResultsThe overall quality of nursing care and nursing competency was perceived to be at a high level, whereas nursing practice environment was at a favourable level. Nursing competency and nursing practice environment were found as significant predictors of nursing care quality, while personal factors were found as non‐significant predictors.DiscussionImproving nursing competency and practice environment enhances the quality of nursing care. However, a study limitation is that self‐reporting may not have reflected the accuracy of variables.ConclusionFindings provide important evidence for the use of measures and strategies to enhance the quality of nursing care by improving nursing competency and the nursing practice environment.Implications for nursing and health policyPolicymakers, administrators and nurses need to work together to develop and implement policies to enhance and support the competency and practice environments of the Mongolian nurses.
Powder characteristics, sinterability, and mechanical properties of TiB2 prepared by three reduction methods
Authors: Zeng Ling‐Yong , Wei Wan‐Xin , Sun Shi‐Kuan , Guo Wei‐Ming , Li Hao , Lin Hua‐Tay 
Published: February 2019

AbstractReaction processes, powder characteristics, sinterability, and mechanical properties of TiB2 prepared by borothermal reduction, B4C reduction, and boro/carbothermal reduction were compared. Results showed that TiBO3 and Ti2O3 as the intermediate phases existed in the three reduction processes. The temperature where TiB2 became major phase was lowest during borothermal reduction, resulting in the finest TiB2 particle size, in contrast to the other two methods, especially boro/carbothermal reduction. However, TiB2 powders prepared by B4C reduction and boro/carbothermal reduction after pressureless sintering at 1800°C for 2 hours showed the relatively higher sinterability, due to the lower oxygen content and higher carbon content. Finally, using 5 wt% Ni as sintering additive, hot‐pressed TiB2 ceramics from B4C reduction demonstrated higher densification, more fine‐grained microstructure and higher mechanical properties, due to the better balance of oxygen/carbon content.
Single crystal growth of CoTi2O5 by solid state reaction synthesis
Authors: Anderson Kevin P. , Giri Anit K. , Vinci Richard P. , Chan Helen M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMaterials in single crystal form are often sought after because the absence of grain boundaries can result in unique properties relative to the polycrystal, but producing these materials is typically a slow and complex process. In this work, pseudo single crystals of the pseudobrookite compound CoTi2O5 were synthesized by solid‐state reaction from a duplex grain mixture of CoTiO3 and TiO2. The size of the crystallites was >250 µm. The transformation and subsequent microstructural evolution of the CoTi2O5 was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). A novel growth mechanism was identified whereby a single crystal CoTi2O5 front advances simultaneously along multiple CoTiO3/TiO2 diphasic boundaries. The single crystal domains were composed of subgrains approximately 5 µm in diameter; differences in the subgrain size and misorientation were related to the growth mechanism and the initial grain size of the duplex CoTiO3–TiO2 mixture. CoTi2O5 is a little characterized compound, and this study represents the most significant microstructural study of CoTi2O5 to date. The findings may be applied to similar pseudobrookite compounds such as MgTi2O5 and Al2TiO5.
Limited influence of landscape on the genetic structure of three small mammals in a heterogeneous arid environment
Authors: Levy Esther , Byrne Margaret , Huey Joel A. , Hillyer Mia J. , Firman Renée C. , Ottewell Kym M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimThe complexity and biologically challenging nature of arid landscapes can generate high inter‐ and intra‐species diversity, although these biomes remain poorly studied. We investigated whether prominent geomorphic features in an Australian arid landscape had similar influences on patterns of intra‐specific genetic diversity of three small mammals with different distribution and life history traits. Specifically, we tested (a) whether mountain ranges harbour high diversity and act as refugia, (b) the extent to which ephemeral river systems pose barriers to gene flow or (c) whether environmental differences explain genetic structure in these species.LocationThe topographically complex Pilbara bioregion of the Australian arid zone.TaxaTwo rodents, the Western pebble‐mound mouse, Pseudomys chapmani and the Sandy inland mouse, Pseudomys hermannsburgensis and a dasyurid, Ningaui timealeyi.MethodsWe used maximum parsimony networks of mitochondrial haplotypes and spatially‐explicit Bayesian clustering analysis of microsatellite genotypes to identify historical and contemporary genetic structure in each species. Based on measures of individual diversity and genetic distance, we distinguished ‘hotspots’ and ‘coldspots’ (>1.5 standard deviations from the mean) of genetic diversity and genetic connectivity and assessed their concordance with landscape features. The influence of environmental dissimilarity on observed genetic differentiation was evaluated using generalized dissimilarity modelling.ResultsPatterns of genetic diversity and connectivity were complex, with few consistent patterns across species. Both microsatellite and mitochondrial diversity were high across species, with limited spatial genetic structure. Rivers had the most influence on genetic patterns but were not consistently identified as barriers. Environmental dissimilarity amongst sampling sites had low explanatory power.Main ConclusionsLimited genetic structure in each of the three species suggests that the structurally complex Pilbara landscape remains relatively permeable to species with high dispersal capacity. Additionally, population responses to boom‐bust cycles in arid environments are likely to obscure spatial genetic patterns.
Analysing computational thinking in collaborative programming: A quantitative ethnography approach
Authors: Wu Bian , Hu Yiling , Ruis A.R. , Wang Minhong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractComputational thinking (CT), the ability to devise computational solutions for real‐life problems, has received growing attention from both educators and researchers. To better improve university students' CT competence, collaborative programming is regarded as an effective learning approach. However, how novice programmers develop CT competence through collaborative problem solving remains unclear. This study adopted an innovative approach, quantitative ethnography, to analyze the collaborative programming activities of a high‐performing and a low‐performing team. Both the discourse analysis and epistemic network models revealed that across concepts, practices, and identity, the high‐performing team exhibited CT that was systematic, whereas the CT of the low‐performing team was characterized by tinkering or guess‐and‐check approaches. However, the low‐performing group's CT development trajectory ultimately converged towards the high‐performing group's. This study thus improves understanding of how novices learn CT, and it illustrates a useful method for modeling CT based in authentic problem‐solving contexts.
Specificity and seasonal prevalence of anther smut disease Microbotryum on sympatric Himalayan Silene species
Authors: Tang Hui , Hood Michael E. , Ren Zong‐Xin , Li Hai‐Dong , Zhao Yan‐Hui , Wolfe Lorne M. , Li De‐Zhu , Wang Hong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHost sympatry provides opportunities for cross‐species disease transmission and compounded disease effects on host population and community structure. Using the Silene–Microbotryum interaction (the castrating anther smut disease), eleven Himalayan Silene species were assessed in regions of high host diversity to ascertain levels of pathogen specificity. We also investigated disease prevalence, seasonal dynamics of infection and flowering patterns in five co‐blooming Silene species. We identified several new Microbotryum lineages with varying degrees of specialization that is likely influenced by degrees of host divergence and ecological similarities (i.e. shared pollinator guilds). Affected species had 15%–40% of plants infected by anther smut. Flowering was seasonally overlapping among host species (except for the species pair S. asclepiadea and S. atrocastanea), but diseased flowering onset was earlier than healthy plants, leading to dramatic seasonal shifts in observed disease prevalence. Overlapping distributions and flowering provides opportunities for floral pathogen movement between host species, but host specialization may be constrained by the plant phylogenetic relatedness, adaptation to micro‐habitats and difference in pollinator/vector guilds.
Complications associated with ventriculoperitoneal shunts in dogs and cats with idiopathic hydrocephalus: A systematic review
Authors: Gradner Gabriele , Kaefinger Rose , Dupré Gilles 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundSeveral case series and case reports have been published about idiopathic hydrocephalus treatment in dogs and cats using ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS).ObjectivesTo determine the risk and type of complications in dogs and cats after VPS placement.AnimalsSixteen papers were included. Sixty dogs and 13 cats with idiopathic hydrocephalus treated by VPS placement were identified.MethodsThe databases CAB, Scopus, and Medline were used. Idiopathic/congenital hydrocephalus, feline/canine patients, ventriculoperitoneal shunting, complications, and outcomes were inclusion criteria. The focus was on complication type and time frame within which they arose.ResultsComplications in dogs (n = 60) were shunt obstruction (6/60; 10%), pain (4/60; 5.5%), shunt infection (3/60; 4.1%), disconnection (3/60; 4.1%), excessive shunting (2/60; 2.7%), and kinking (1/60; 1.6%). Complications in cats (n = 13) were coiling of the shunt in the SC tissue (2/13; 15.4%); kinking (1/13; 7.7%); and shunt obstruction (1/13; 7.7%). Complications were most likely during the first 6 months after shunt placement.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceVentriculoperitoneal shunting is considered a viable treatment option for patients with hydrocephalus. Potential complications should be discussed with the owner. Early diagnosis of complications is essential.
The frequency of oral famotidine administration influences its effect on gastric pH in cats over time
Authors: Golly Elizabeth , Odunayo Adesola , Daves Maggie , Vose Julie , Price Josh , Hecht Silke , Steiner Joerg M. , Hillsman Shanna , Tolbert M. Katherine 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundFamotidine is commonly administered to cats. Prolonged famotidine administration results in decreased efficacy in humans, dogs, and cows, but the long‐term effects in cats are unknown.ObjectivesTo compare the effect of 2 oral administration frequencies of famotidine, twice daily (Group 1) and twice daily every second day (Group 2), on intragastric pH and serum gastrin concentrations in cats. We hypothesized a diminished effect on intragastric pH would be observed over time in Group 1 but not Group 2.AnimalsSixteen healthy cats.MethodsRandomized, 2‐factor repeated measures crossover design. Cats received 0.5‐1.24 mg/kg (median, 0.87 mg/kg) famotidine twice daily or twice daily every second day for 14 consecutive days. Intragastric pH monitoring was used to record intragastric pH on treatment days 1‐3 and 11‐13. Mean pH and mean percentage time (MPT) intragastric pH was ≥3 and 4 were compared between and within treatment groups by analysis of variance.ResultsSignificant treatment group by time interactions were observed for mean intragastric pH, MPT intragastric pH ≥3 and 4 (P = .009, P = .02, P = .005, respectively). Interaction post hoc tests identified significant decreases in mean intragastric pH (P = .001), MPT ≥3 (P = .001), and MPT ≥4 (P = .001) on day 13 compared to day 1 in Group 1 but not in Group 2.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceOral famotidine administration results in a diminished effect on intragastric pH in healthy cats when given twice daily every day.
The revitalization and scale‐up of the Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative in Malawi
Authors: Kavle Justine A. , Welch Patricia R. , Bwanali Florence , Nyambo Kanji , Guta Janet , Mapongo Natalia , Straubinger Sarah , Kambale Susan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) has shown to strengthen health providers' skills in the provision of breastfeeding counselling and support, which have led to improvements in breastfeeding outcomes. In Malawi, where BFHI was introduced in 1993 but later languished due to losses in funding, the Maternal and Child Survival Program supported the Malawi Ministry of Health (MOH) in the revitalization and scale‐up of BFHI in 54 health facilities across all 28 districts of the country. This paper describes the revitalization and scale‐up process within the context of an integrated health project; successes, challenges, and lessons learned with BFHI implementation; and the future of BFHI in Malawi. More than 80,000 mothers received counselling on exclusive breastfeeding following childbirth prior to discharge from the health facility. Early initiation of breastfeeding was tracked quarterly from baseline through endline via routine MOH health facility data. Increases in early initiation of breastfeeding were seen in two of the three regions of Malawi: by 2% in the Central region and 6% in the Southern region. Greater integration of BFHI into Malawi's health system is recommended, including improved preservice and in‐service trainings for health providers to include expanded BFHI content, increased country financial investments in BFHI, and integration of BFHI into national clinical guidelines, protocols, and nutrition and health policies.
Multiple parapatric pollinators have radiated across a continental fig tree displaying clinal genetic variation
Authors: Yu Hui , Tian Enwei , Zheng Linna , Deng Xiaoxia , Cheng Yufen , Chen Lianfu , Wu Wei , Tanming Wattana , Zhang Dayong , Compton Stephen G. , Kjellberg Finn 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe ways that plant‐feeding insects have diversified are central to our understanding of terrestrial ecosystems. Obligate nursery pollination mutualisms provide highly relevant model systems of how plants and their insect associates have diversified and the over 800 species of fig trees (Ficus) allow comparative studies. Fig trees can have one or more pollinating fig wasp species (Agaonidae) that breed within their figs, but factors influencing their number remain to be established. In some widely distributed fig trees, the plants form populations isolated by large swathes of sea, and the different populations are pollinated by different wasp species. Other Ficus species with continuous distributions may present genetic signatures of isolation by distance, suggesting more limited pollinator dispersal, which may also facilitate pollinator speciation. We tested the hypothesis that Ficus hirta, a species for which preliminary data showed genetic isolation by distance, would support numerous pollinator species across its range. Our results show that across its range F. hirta displays clinal genetic variation and is pollinated by nine parapatric species of Valisia. This is the highest number of pollinators reported to date for any Ficus species, and it is the first demonstration of the occurrence of parapatric pollinator species on a fig host displaying continuous genetic structure. Future comparative studies across Ficus species should be able to establish the plant traits that have driven the evolution of pollinator dispersal behaviour, pollinator speciation and host plant spatial genetic structure.
Killing of Candida auris by UV‐C: Importance of exposure time and distance
Authors: de Groot Theun , Chowdhary Anuradha , Meis Jacques F. , Voss Andreas 
Published: February 2019

SummaryBackgroundCandida auris is a globally emerging yeast, causing severe infections in patients with underlying diseases. This yeast is responsible for several outbreaks within healthcare facilities, where it can be found on hospital surfaces and patient care devices. Spread from these fomites may be prevented by improving the decontamination of hospital surfaces. UV‐C decontamination may constitute an effective adjunct to routine room cleaning.ObjectivesOur aim was to investigate the effect of different UV‐C exposure times and distance in killing C auris, using strains from different countries.MethodsCandida auris was seeded on glass slides and exposed to UV‐C for 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes at 2 and 4 m.ResultsA maximal effect of C auris killing was found after 30 minutes of UV‐C exposure at 2 m. With half the time or twice the distance, the efficacy strongly diminished to ~10 and ~50 fold, respectively. At suboptimal exposure times and distances, the C auris strains from Japan/Korea were more sensitive to UV‐C killing than C auris strains originating from Venezuela, Spain and India.ConclusionsAltogether, UV‐C exposure times and distance are the most critical parameters to kill C auris, while strain variations of C auris also determine UV‐C efficacy. Future studies should aim to determine the effect and place of UV‐C on surface decontamination in hospital setting.
Pediatric lichen nitidus: A single‐center experience
Authors: Kundak Selcen , Çakır Yasemin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveLichen nitidus (LN) is an uncommon inflammatory skin eruption. The present study aims to describe a case series of children with LN seen at a tertiary‐care health center.MethodsRetrospective study of 17 children with biopsy‐proven LN between January 2007 and March 2017. Data related with epidemiologic, clinical, and histopathologic characteristics were recorded.ResultsThe mean age for the onset of LN was 9 years (range: 5‐17 years), and the mean duration of the skin lesions was 13 months (range: 1‐48 months). Fifteen were boys (88.2%). Seven children had a generalized form of LN (41.1%) and of these, two children had severe pruritus (11.8%). Seven children had a history of co‐morbid skin conditions (41.1%), including lichen planus in one patient (5.9%), lichen striatus in one patient (5.9%), psoriasis and longitudinal ridges in the nails in one patient (5.9%), and cutaneous features of atopic skin in four patients (23.5%). All of the reviewed patients had lymphohistiocytic infiltration in the dermis and basal vacuolar degeneration. Multinucleated giant cells were present in 11 (64.7%).ConclusionThis case series found LN in a generalized form as well as other concurrent dermatologic conditions in nearly half of those reported. The boy predominance was also noteworthy.
Health care utilization following a homeless medical respite pilot program
Authors: Biederman Donna J. , Gamble Julia , Wilson Sally , Douglas Christian , Feigal Jacob 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate a homeless medical respite pilot program to determine if program participants had health care utilization pattern changes and improved connection to income, housing, and health care resources post program.DesignThis is a quantitative descriptive pre‐/post‐program evaluation.SampleA total of 29 patients experiencing homelessness and discharged from an acute care hospital in the southeastern United States were provided with housing and nursing case management.MeasurementsDemographics including age, sex, race, and ethnicity were collected. Connection to primary care, mental health, substance abuse services, income, insurance, and housing were assessed at program entry and completion. Health care utilization and charge and payment data were collected 1 year prior and 1 year post‐respite stay.ResultsParticipants demonstrated reduced hospital admissions (−36.7%) and when admitted, fewer inpatient days (−70.2%) and increased outpatient provider visits (+192.6%). Health care charges for the cohort decreased by 48.6% from the year prior to the program. Housing and income improved.ConclusionsThe medical respite pilot program was successful in guiding patients to community resources for more appropriate health care at a demonstrated cost savings. Participants also derived benefits in the form of improved housing and income.
Microparticles in systemic sclerosis: Potential pro‐inflammatory mediators and pulmonary hypertension biomarkers
Authors: Lammi Matthew R. , Saketkoo Lesley Ann , Okpechi Samuel C. , Ghonim Mohamed A. , Wyczechowska Dorota , Bauer Natalie , Pyakurel Kusma , Saito Saito , deBoisblanc Bennett P. , Boulares A. Hamid 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveEndothelial microparticles (EMP) are submicron vesicles released from endothelial cells. We aimed to determine the utility of EMP as biomarkers of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and the pathogenic role of microparticles (MP) in vascular inflammation.MethodsLevels of EMP (CD144+, CD31+, CD62E+ and CD143+) were compared between three groups (10 SSc patients with PAH, 10 SSc patients without pulmonary hypertension (no‐PH) and 10 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls). Human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) were exposed in vitro to MP obtained from SSc patients or healthy controls, and levels of cytokines and inflammatory adhesion molecules were compared.ResultsCD144+ EMP were significantly higher in the SSc‐PAH group compared to either the SSc‐no PH or healthy controls (diagnostic accuracy 80%, P = 0.02). Compared to controls, SSc patients had higher CD31+/CD62E+ ratios, indicating larger contributions of apoptosis to EMP release (P = 0.04). Patients with limited SSc had significantly higher levels of CD143+ EMP compared to those with diffuse subtype (P = 0.008). When HPAEC were exposed to MP from SSc patients, there was a significant increase in inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. Interestingly, exposure to healthy control MP caused a reduction in inflammatory markers.ConclusionEMP (particularly CD144+) are promising biomarkers of PAH in SSc but require further study. MP isolated from SSc patients induced an increase in endothelial cell inflammation and may be an important pathogenic factor in SSc.