bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sarcopenia is a Significant Predictor of Mortality After Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Kays Joshua K. , Liang Tiffany W. , Zimmers Teresa A. , Milgrom Daniel P. , Abduljabar Hamzah , Young Andrew , Kim Bradford J. , Bell Teresa M. , Fajardo Andres , Murphy Michael P. , Koniaris Leonidas G. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimsRepair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) decreases the incidence of rupture and death. In cancer patients, sarcopenia has been associated with increased surgical complications and mortality. The impact of sarcopenia on survival after AAA repair has yet to be described.Methods and ResultsPatient demographic, laboratory, body composition measurements and survival data were obtained from patients undergoing AAA repair at the Indiana University medical campus over a 5‐year period. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with overall survival. Overall, 58.2% presented with sarcopenia. Sarcopenic patients were older (71.8±8.3 versus 66.8±8.1 years; p<0.001), had lower body mass index (BMI) (26.3±5.2 versus 31.5±5.9 kg/m2; p<0.001), higher rates of myosteatosis (84.4% versus 52.%; p<0.001), greater AAA diameter (60.6±14.0 versus 57.8±11.7 mm; p=0.016), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (32.3% versus 25.1% ≥6; p=0.034), and increased rates of rupture (8.2% versus 3.8%; p=0.047). Sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic patients had no difference in 30‐day morbidity (8.5% versus 8.5%; p=0.991) or mortality (3.7% versus 0.9%; p=0.07). Univariate analysis demonstrated age, sarcopenia, myosteatosis, CCI, and BMI to be associated with long‐term survival. There was no correlation between BMI and sarcopenia. Both sarcopenia and myosteatosis resulted in decreased one‐, three‐, and five‐year survivals compared to their counterparts. On multivariate analysis sarcopenia is independently associated with survival, conferring a 1.6‐fold increase in death (p=0.04). The combination of sarcopenia plus myosteatosis doubled the risk of death compared to sarcopenia alone.ConclusionsThis is the first study to demonstrate that over half of all patients undergoing AAA repair are sarcopenic, a condition associated with increased mortality. Sarcopenia with myosteatosis is associated with double the mortality of sarcopenia alone. CT scan, but not BMI, accurately identifies sarcopenia and myosteatosis. Defining the mechanisms through which sarcopenia contributes to late death after AAA repair is critical to developing novel interventions that may improve survival in this high risk population.
NATURAL RESOURCES POTENTIAL FOR REGIONAL SPATIAL ECONOMIC SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Erfan V. Yo. , Gazuda S. M. , Voloshchuk N. Yu. 
Published: May 2018

The article dwells on the importance of the rational use of natural resources potential at the level of spatial economic system. The researcher investigates the specificity of territorial distribution as well as available natural resources and recreation and tourism potential of the Transcarpathian region. The author notes that non-timber resources of plant origin, i.e. minor forest products, such as mushrooms, fruits, berries, including medical, technical and bee plants, are a significant potential for regional spatial economic system. The researcher evaluates the available recreation and tourism potential and the operation of economic entities. It is indicated in the article that recreation and tourism field is among the fields with the highest priority in ensuring socio-economic development of spatial economic system under study. The author emphasizes the prospects of the development of rural green tourism by providing unique tourist and recreational products and services, including the organization of traditional festivals in separate settlements, which have their own tourism features.
ANALYSIS OF THE FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS’ MONETARY POLICY
Authors: Atamanchuk Z. , Tymchyshyn–Chemerys J. 
Published: May 2018

The article presents approaches, which explain the transition process of the financial systems’ re–monetization, and on this basis ─ reasonable priority areas of the central bank monetary policy in Ukraine. Relevant depending modeled by using a dynamic model with rational expectations, where equation (1) describes factors that affect the price level; in equation (2) monetization dynamic is proportional to the change in the absolute value of this indicator. However, monetization is inversely proportional to the price level and inflation. Similarly, it is assumed that higher inflation limits the monetization dynamic. Likewise they are affecting currency devaluation and budget deficits. Among exogenous factors of monetization important are: efficiency of the banking system; completion of the market environment’s formation; improve conditions for foreign investment. The equation (3) presents functional dependence for the current account balance, which is improved by lowering prices, currency devaluation and improving the budget balance. As the results of the study following conclusions were made, namely—the re–monetization tempo of the Ukrainian economy is strong even among successful Eastern European economies; a significant increase monetization may lead to crisis.
Testing the Reliability and Validity of the Nursing Activities Score in Critical Care Nursing
Authors: Stafseth Siv K. , Tønnessen Tor Inge , Diep Lien My , Fagerstrøm Lisbeth 
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose:The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the conceptual model of critical care nursing using the Nursing Activities Score (NAS) for intensive care unit (ICU) patients.Methods:An observational study conducted in 2011 using the NAS scores of 219 patients in Norway. The inter-rater reliability (IRR) was tested by parallel classifications. The validity was explored by an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) as the measurement models in the structural equation model.Results:Within the paired ratings the Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0.39. The EFA results explained 77% of the variance with six factors. The reduced CFA model resulted in a three-factor model: relationship, prevention and treatment. Conclusion: The findings supported the IRR and construct validity of the conceptual model of the NAS.
Psychometric Properties of the Coping Behavior Inventory Among Students of Arabic Universities
Authors: Ahmad Muayyad M. , Alzayyat Abdulkarim , Al-Gamal Ekhlas 
Published: May 2018

Purpose:To examine the psychometric properties of the Coping Behavior Inventory (CBI) among Arab students in Jordanian universities.Methods:A stratified random sampling technique was used to select the universities and classes from each university. The total sample size was 587 students recruited from seven universities during the academic year 2015. The structure of the CBI was analyzed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using Statistical Package for Social Science and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using AMOS software. EFA for the original CBI showed poor factors structure with low reliabilities.Results:EFA and CFA revealed the modified 15-item and 3-factor scale (Problem Solving, Avoidance, Stay Optimistic), with high goodness of fit indices and strong items loading.Conclusion:The use of the modified version of CBI with students at the university level is recommended.
Black Women’s Approaches to Encourage a Male Partner to Test for HIV: Preliminary Adaptation and a Factor Analysis Study of the HIV Testing Approach Scale
Authors: Nolte Kerry , Guthrie Barbara , Griffith John , Kim Tiffany 
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose:Black women are disproportionately affected by HIV. Increasing status awareness through partner testing can improve status awareness and reduce transmission. Varying approaches to encourage HIV testing are described but a measurement instrument is lacking. The AIDS Discussion Strategy Scale (ADSS) was adapted into the HIV Testing Approach Scale (HTAS) to measure Black women's approaches to encourage partners to test for HIV.Methods:Preliminary adaptation included five steps to ensure validity. Participants comprised 158 sexually active 18–29-year-old Black women. The HTAS was analyzed with principal components analysis (PCA).Results:PCA indicated a four-factor model explaining 67% of variance. Four distinct approaches were Active Persuasion, Decisive Collaboration, Ultimatum, and Sweet Talking. The HTAS approaches demonstrated adequate reliability.Conclusion:The HTAS may serve as a valid and reliable instrument for research. HIV prevention should encourage testing discussion to increase status awareness.
Psychometric Properties of the Freiburg Life Quality Assessment for Wounds Among Burned Patients
Authors: de Oliveira Kaizer Uiara Aline , Costa Alexandre Neusa Maria , São-João Thaís , Matheus Rodrigues Roberta Cunha 
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose:Psychometric performance of quality of life (QoL) instruments must be evaluated prior to use. The Freiburg Life Quality Assessment for wounds (FLQA-w) emerged as one possible tool for burned patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of FLQA-w in this population.Methods:Composite reliability (CR) coefficients were estimated; convergent validity was assessed by Burns Specific Health Scale-Revised (BSHS-R), abbreviated QoL instrument (WHOQOL-BREF), and the visual analog scale; and responsiveness by comparing with the three visual analog scales.Results:CR coefficients of FLQA-w domains were suitable (0.72–0.88). Correlations were strong and negative (r = −.51 to −.76). Responsiveness was adequate—statistically significant changes were observed. Conclusions: The results indicate reliable, valid, and responsive psychometric performance of the FLQA-w among burned patients.
Standardized Follow-Ups Lower HbA1c in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Living in a Rural Community: A Pilot Study
Authors: Coulter Katherine Jean 
Published: May 2018

Aim:To implement and evaluate the use of a standardized process, which includes the teach-back method for follow-up among patients with type 2 diabetes in rural health care settings in order to reduce glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in adults with diabetes.Background:It remains unclear whether or not controlled patient follow-up among patients with type 2 diabetes between office visits (at 3-month intervals) is effective in reducing their HbA1c.Method:This study recruited 12 participants from a rural health family practice in Northern Illinois to participate in a pretest–posttest study to evaluate if close patient follow-up with reinforced education was effective in helping patients reduce their HbA1c.Results:The preintervention for HbA1c and postintervention HbA1c mean difference was found to be statistically significant. The HbA1c level decreased from preintervention to postintervention (p < .05). Further, the mean and standard deviation from the preintervention for HbA1c and postintervention HbA1c were used to calculate an effect size using Cohen’s d found that there was a medium to large effect size d = .67. The change in HbA1c levels was of clinical significance as well as statistical significance.Conclusion:The use of a standardized process for patient follow-up as part of routine management of type 2 diabetes appears to have had a clinically as well as statistically significant impact in reducing HbA1c levels.
Collaborative Effort to Manage Childhood Obesity: Parental Employer, Health Insurance, and Employee Health Clinic
Authors: Johns Lizy Jimmy , Dihigo Sharolyn , Gilder Richard E. 
Published: May 2018

Background:Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States affecting 12.7 million children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015a), and costing the United States $14.1 billion every year (Cawley, 2010). It also costs corporate America about $9 billion in direct costs (Adeagbo, 2015) and $4.3 billion in indirect costs for health-care expenditures (Cawley, 2010). Studies suggest interventions implemented by employers involving the whole family are twice as effective as interventions with employees alone (Adeagbo, 2015).Methods:This quality improvement pilot study used a quasi-experimental pretest and posttest design in an outpatient employee health clinic to evaluate a coaching method for empowering parents to manage childhood obesity. A convenience sample of 10 employed parents who had children between the ages of 2 and 19 years who were overweight or obese and met study criteria, were enrolled. Three coaching sessions lasting 20–30 minutes were provided before administering the posttest questionnaire.Results:The Mann–Whitney U test showed a measurable positive difference after coaching on healthy behaviors and was statistically and clinically significant (Mann–Whitney U = 80, Wilcoxon W = 125, standard error = 12.26 and p = .003).Conclusion:Findings indicate management of childhood obesity through parental education, coaching, and family-based interventions can promote healthy lifestyle changes among children.
Medición del Gasto energético de reposo en pacientes oncológicos pediátricos: concordancia entre calorimetría indirecta y ecuaciones predictivas.
Authors: Muñoz benavides Eliana , Cordero María Luisa , Castro Magdalena , Derado Macarena 
Published: May 2018

En el cáncer infantil, la enfermedad impacta sobre el gasto energético en reposo de manera no estimable mediante ecuaciones predictivas.Objetivo: determinar concordancia entre medición del gasto energético en reposo por calorimetría indirecta versus ecuaciones predictivas.Método: Estudio observacional analítico transversal, en niños, de 5-15 años recibiendo quimioterapia, en control ambulatorio Clínica Las Condes y Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río, Julio 2013 a Julio 2015.Medición de GER medido por calorimetría indirecta y ecuaciones Schofield y OMS. Análisis de concordancia, con punto de corte clínicamente relevante coeficiente de concordancia de 90 %.Resultados: Se incluyó a 27 niños y se realizaron 27 calorimetrías. De ellos: leucemia 66%, tumor de sistema nervioso central 15% , 81% en etapa de mantención . No se encontró diferencia significativa entre medición por calorimetría indirecta versus OMS (p 0,18) ni versus Schofield (p 0,07), ni al estratificar por estado nutricional o tipo de diagnóstico oncológico. El coeficiente de concordancia de lin entre calorimetría y Schofield fue de 79,4% (IC 95%= 65,2 -93,6) y con OMS de 78% (IC 95%= 62,9 -93,2).Conclusiones : El nivel de concordancia entre calorimetría indirecta y Schofield y OMS respectivamente fue menor de 80% , lo cual es insuficiente, lo que implica que en más de un 20% de los casos , sería un cálculo de GER sobre o sub estimado y por lo tanto, con un aporte nutricional excesivo o deficitario. En consecuencia, es necesario contar con calorimetría indirecta como parte de la evaluación nutricional, en una población nutricionalmente de riesgo como ésta.
Score of “eat-ability” as a predictor of malnutrition in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer: a pilot study
Authors: DIAS BARREIRO TAIANE 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT Introduction: Decreased food intake, loss of appetite, and dysphagia are relevant symptoms in patients with gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancer. However, these symptoms have been isolated or indirectly assessed when comprising quality of life questionnaires or risk assessment tools. Objective: To determine whether a combined assessment of dysphagia, appetite and food intake may be used as a parameter of eat-ability (food capacity) in patients with GIT cancer.Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study on 41 patients with GIT cancer were evaluated using a score for “eat-ability” (SEA) as compared to Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), anthropometry and laboratory profile.Results: 11 (27%) patients had full eat-ability (SEA 0), 3 (7%) had moderate (SEA 1) and 27 (66%) had poor (SEA ≥2) eat-ability, which were significantly different, between upper and lower GIT tumours (p≤ 0.05). By ROC curves, SEA 1 and ≥2 showed an 80% for both sensibility (95%CI: 0.48-0.95) and specificity (95%CI: 0.63-0.91) to PG-SGA (A and B) with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.79 (95%CI: 0.64-0.95); p=0.006. Patients with SEA ≥2 had a significantly weight loss within 3 (p=0.001) and 6 months (p<0.001) when compared to patients with SEA 0 and 1. Mortality was also significantly higher (p=0.01) among patients with critical food capacity by SEA (77%) in severely unnourished patients by PG-SGA (84%).Conclusion: By combining food intake, dysphagia and appetite assessment altogether, a reliable score clearly demonstrated compromised eating capacity affecting nutritional status of patients with GIT tumours at a higher risk for death. Keywords: Dysphagia, Food Intake, Appetite, Unnourished, Gastrointestinal Cancer, Weight Loss.
The Guide Dog as a Mobility Aid Part 2: Perceived Changes to Travel Habits
Authors: Lloyd Janice K.F. , La Grow Steven , Stafford Kevin J. , Budge R. Claire 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

This article describes the second of a two-part study that examined the effects of a guide dog as an aid to mobility. The first part, which is also published in this issue, showed that dogs were perceived to significantly improve travel performance, irrespective of the participants’ orientation and mobility skills before receiving the dog. The second part of the study describes the changes a dog makes to travel habits. In this second part, the travel habits of 50 people who were blind or vision impaired were examined retrospectively before and after they received a dog. The results indicate that dogs were used more frequently than other mobility aids except when it was more convenient to use a human guide or a long cane, as for example on a very short journey. People travelled independently more often and went further, with greater ease and enjoyment when travelling with a dog. The use of a dog appeared to reduce problems with access and the need to avoid certain journeys. However, dogs also caused difficulties, especially in social situations where they were not welcomed, and in crowded, cramped or dog-populated environments. More advantages than disadvantages were identified when comparing a dog to other mobility aids.
Inclusive Employer: A Guide Dog School’s Trial to Employ a Blind Instructor
Authors: Lucas Kristin 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. (GDB) provides enhanced mobility to qualified individuals through partnership with dogs whose unique skills are developed and nurtured by dedicated volunteers and a professional staff. In 2005, GDB expanded its vision to be a more inclusive and diverse employer. A trial commenced to determine the feasibility of the current instructor position being filled by a blind person. To complete this trial a qualified individual was hired to undergo task analysis of all job functions in conjunction with senior members of the Training Department. Additionally, a consumer advisory committee was consulted to ensure a fair and impartial evaluation. Results of the trial are presented in this article.
The Three Most Important Factors Every Orientation and Mobility Instructor Needs to Know when Working with Guide Dogs
Authors: Joyce Ray 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

The author discusses three important factors that need to be considered by Orientation & Mobility (O&M) instructors when working with clients that are guide dog users. These include: that the work of a guide dog can be influenced by the presence of the O&M instructor during training; the significance of straight line travel; and the importance of using such O&M techniques as guiding, directional cues and landmarks.
Should We Rethink Toxoplasmosis?
Authors: Gleeson Michael G. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Historically, acute infections by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) were not considered problematic in children and adults. Congenital infections caused concern due to effects on the developing foetus. Unless severe, symptoms such as chorioretinitis often only appeared later with periodic reactivation of chronic infection. Current thinking about the role of T. gondii has changed substantially. Researchers now believe that acute infections in children and adults, and their periodic reactivation once the condition is chronic, may be responsible for a much larger percentage of eye disease than was previously thought, and may play a role in other systemic illnesses. Added to this, congenital T. gondii infection has recently been implicated in schizophrenia, which makes it timely for a reappraisal of this condition, its prevention and the implications for Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instructors.
Políticas de Accountability na gestão educacional do estado de Pernambuco – Brasil
Authors: Silva Prociana Ferreira da , Brennand Edna Gusmão de Góis 
Published: May 2018

Resumo: A pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar as estratégias de implantação do modelo de accountability implantadas no sistema de gestão da rede de ensino básico da Secretaria de Educação do Estado de Pernambuco - Brasil e se essa política favorece mecanismos de gestão democrática. O estudo é de natureza exploratória, realizado através da técnica de pesquisa documental. Os resultados apontam que o modelo de accountability implantado é constituído por mecanismos de controle e monitoramento alinhados à disputa entre países europeus e norte-americanos por lugares competitivos no mercado global.Palavras-chave: Políticas educacionais. Democracia. Gestão. Accountability. Abstract: This research aims to analyze the implementation strategies of the accountability model implemented in the system of management of the basic education network of the State of Pernambuco - Brazil Education Department, and if this policy favors mechanisms of democratic management. The study is exploratory in nature, carried out through the documentary research technique. The results indicate that the accountability model implemented consists of control and monitoring mechanisms aligned to the dispute between European and North American countries for competitive places in the global market.Keywords: educational policies; democracy; management. accountability. Resumen: La investigación tiene como objetivo analizar las estrategias de implementación del modelo de accountability implementado en el sistema de gestión de red de la escuela primaria de la Secretaría de Educación del Estado de Pernambuco – Brasil, y si esta política favorece a los mecanismos de gestión democrática. El estudio es de naturaleza exploratoria, realizado por la técnica de investigación documental. Los resultados muestran que el modelo de accountability implantado se constituye por mecanismos de control y supervisión junto a la disputa entre los países europeos y norteamericanos por lugares competitivos en el mercado mundial.Palabras clave: políticas educativas. Democracia. Gestión. accountability.