bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement Issues in Promoting Continued Competence
Authors: Waddell Donna L 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT
Purpose: Promoting continued competence in nursing practice has always been of concern to staff development and continuing education educators. Recently it has reached new levels of significance. As a result of the proposals made by the Pew Commission Taskforce on Health Care Workforce Regulation and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the profession is re-examining the question, "How do we promote and assure continued competence?" The purpose of this article is to examine the measurement issues related to answering this question.
Findings: The nursing literature provides several definitions of competence, but none are operational. To measure a concept it must be operationalized. Mandatory continuing education, peer review, and practice or process audits have been used to assess continued competence. The measurement issues involved in assessing competence include selecting an appropriate measurement paradigm, selecting accurate measurement instruments, and interpreting the measurement data.
Implications: Staff development educators and nurse managers should collaborate in the establishment of standards of practice, the identification of essential competencies specific to the setting, and the development of appropriate methods of measurement of these competencies.
RN Students' Ratings and Opinions Related to the Importance of Certain Clinical Teacher Behaviors
Authors: Viverais-Dresler Gloria , Kutschke Myrtle 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT
Clinical teachers make a necessary and valuable contribution to clinical nursing courses with nonRN learners. This contribution is often not considered necessary in degree nursing programs with an RN student population. This study describes the perceptions oi RN students and the importance they attach to certain clinical teacher behaviors. Fifty-six participants in a distance education baccalaureate nursing program completed a questionnaire, including a rating scale and open-ended questions. Based on the mean values, items were ranked in importance. Sample quotes were provided to elaborate on the highest and lowestranked items. Participants rated the four categories in descending order of importance: Evaluation, Professional Competence, Interpersonal Relationships, and Teaching Ability. The top items gave the profile of a teacher who is approachable, fair, open, honest, and who creates mutual respect. The findings support a clinical teacher for RN learners. The data also reflect similarities and differences with findings of studies with non-RN student participants. The findings of this study provide information, not available in the literature, regarding clinical teacher behaviors of significance to RN students.
A Comparison of Computer-based and Instructor-led Training for Long-term Care Staff
Authors: Harrington Susan S , Walker Bonnie L 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT
Nursing facility administrators must find new and innovative ways to meet the training needs of their staff. The authors faced the challenge of teaching nursing facility staff about fire safety using computer-based training that had been adapted from a print-based/instructor-led (IL) program. This article discusses the effectiveness of the computer-based (CB) training as compared to the effectiveness of the traditional IL format. The CB and IL versions of a fire safety training program were presented to staff of a nursing facility. The 141 participants were randomly assigned to the CB, IL, or control groups. The control group completed a pretest and posttest, but received no training until the study was completed. Both the CB and IL groups significantly increased their knowledge scores from pretest to posttest and both significantly outperformed the control group. How the participants responded to the CB training was also important. Staff reported they enjoyed the CB training and had no difficulty using the computers. Computer-based training can be an effective alternative training technique for this population.
Rural-Urban Partnering in Continuing Education
Authors: Malay Michael E , Moore Jayne F 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT
Background: One urban center provided an Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course to a rural hospital using a minimum of on-site instructors.
Method: Interactive television (ITV) conferencing was used to educate health care providers in a hospital more than 100 miles away.
Results: Nurses and physicians from a small rural hospital in northern Nevada were able to "attend" a full-scale ACLS course without having to leave their hospital, resulting in minimal cost to the agency.
Conclusion: Rural and urban hospitals can partner to provide high-quality, cost-effective education to nurses and other health care providers through the use of ITV conferencing.
Publication Syndicates: In Support of Nursing Scholarship
Authors: McVeigh Carol , Moyle Kadie , Forrester Kim , Chaboyer Wendy , Patterson Elizabeth , St John Winsome 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT
Background: Within the university sector, one's corporate worth is, to a great extent, measured by research output, including refereed publications. Currently, only 7% of nurse academics publish each year. If nurses are to be competitive in the university arena and close the research-practice gap, they must be encouraged to publish.
Method: This article examines publication rates within nursing, explores the role publication syndicates can play in supporting manuscript development, and offers a case study on the development of a publication syndicate within a School of Nursing at Griffith University, Australia.
Results: Syndicate members increased their publication rates two-fold, engaged in additional collaborative ventures, and demonstrated a renewed interest in writing for publication.
Discussion: Case study results confirmed that publication syndicates can decrease manuscript development time, increase the quality of work, influence productivity, and support collaborative faculty activities.
Cutting Edge: HDAC3 Protects Double-Positive Thymocytes from P2X7 Receptor–Induced Cell Death
Authors: Philips Rachael L. , McCue Shaylene A. , Rajcula Matthew J. , Shapiro Virginia S. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Intricate life-versus-death decisions are programmed during T cell development, and the regulatory mechanisms that coordinate their activation and repression are still under investigation. In this study, HDAC3-deficient double-positive (DP) thymocytes exhibit a severe decrease in numbers. The thymic cortex is rich in ATP, which is released by macrophages that clear apoptotic DP thymocytes that fail to undergo positive selection. We demonstrate that HDAC3 is required to repress expression of the purinergic receptor P2X7 to prevent DP cell death. HDAC3-deficient DP thymocytes upregulate the P2X7 receptor, increasing sensitivity to ATP-induced cell death. P2rx7/HDAC3-double knockout mice show a partial rescue in DP cell number. HDAC3 directly binds to the P2rx7 enhancer, which is hyperacetylated in the absence of HDAC3. In addition, RORγt binds to the P2rx7 enhancer and promotes P2X7 receptor expression in the absence of HDAC3. Therefore, HDAC3 is a critical regulator of DP thymocyte survival and is required to suppress P2X7 receptor expression.
Parents as Teachers: Teaching Pediatrics Residents the Art of Engaging in Difficult Conversations
Authors: Wilson Alexandra , Hurwitz Craig A. , Smith Monica , Patino Tracy , Kudalmana Arya S. , Gallas Michelle 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTBackground Physicians often lack the skills and confidence needed to have difficult conversations with patients and their families. Patients and families who have experienced these conversations can provide valuable insight for resident physicians.Objective We developed a communication skills workshop for pediatrics residents using parents and a team of social workers, nurses, chaplains, and physician facilitators in role-playing exercises.Methods From 2007 to 2016, half-day “difficult conversation” workshops were held annually for postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) and PGY-2 residents that included an interprofessional team and parents of children with life-threatening diagnoses. Questionnaires assessed residents' prior training, effectiveness of the sessions, and narrative feedback on the impact of this approach. Parents and team members were surveyed on the effectiveness of the training and the value of parent involvement.Results Median self-reported confidence levels for incoming PGY-1 residents following the workshop rose from 2 to 4 on a 5-point Likert scale (99% response rate [128 of 129 surveyed], P &lt; .001). The majority of PGY-2 residents (91%, 115 of 126) reported the workshop increased their confidence in engaging in difficult conversations (91% response rate [126 of 139]). Parents and clinical care team members agreed that parents would likely be preferable to standardized actors for these types of role-playing exercises (84% response rate [37 of 44]).Conclusions Involving patients' parents and an interprofessional team in role-playing scenarios was a well-received method for teaching residents how to engage in difficult conversations with patients and families, and improved their self-reported confidence when having these conversations.
Institutional convergence in Europe
Authors: Schönfelder Nina , Wagner Helmut 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
This paper applies the statistical concepts of σ-convergence and unconditional β-convergence to institutional development within several country groups hierarchized to the degree of European integration (e.g., euro area). Two sets of indicators are employed to measure institutional development: first, the Worldwide Governance Indicators, and second, the product market regulation indicator of the OECD and the Doing Business distance to frontier indicator of the World Bank. The authors can clearly confirm institutional β-convergence within the EU and its aspirants, which is mainly driven by the new Member States and acceding, candidate, and potential candidate countries. However, euro-area countries converge only in the area of product market and business regulation— not in the area of governance. In fact, the authors show evidence for β-divergence in rule of law within the first twelve euro-area members. Concerning σ-convergence, the results are less clear. Only the EU including the EU-aspirants reduced the cross-country variance in all aspects of institutional development.
Do economic and financial integration stimulate economic growth? A critical survey
Authors: Ehigiamusoe Kizito Uyi , Lean Hooi Hooi 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The recent vote by Britain to quit the European Union (EU) and the political pressures in some member countries to exit the EU necessitates a critical evaluation of the long-run economic benefits of economic integration or union to member countries. Consequently, this paper examines recent empirical studies on the nexus between economic integration and economic growth in developed and developing countries. It also investigates the literature concerning the impact of financial integration on economic growth. Evidence from the study shows that although other views exist, there is overwhelming support for the growthenhancing effects of economic integration, albeit common currency adoption has an insignificant effect on economic growth. The channels through which economic integration exerts its influence on economic growth include capital accumulation, productivity growth, trade, and financial integration. However, the study shows that the impact of financial integration on economic growth is inconclusive. Based on the findings, the study draws some implications and policy options.
The “cholesterol paradox” among inpatients – retrospective analysis of medical documentation
Authors: Budzyński Jacek , Tojek Krzysztof , Wustrau Beata , Czerniak Beata , Winiarski Piotr , Korzycka-Wilińska Wanda , Banaszkiewicz Zbigniew 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionThere is evidence of positive relationships between cholesterol concentration and risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, higher mortality in patients with a low cholesterol level has been reported (the “cholesterol paradox”).Material and methodsMedical records of 34 191 inpatients between 2014 and 2016 were reviewed and the relationships between total (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) cholesterol and triglyceride blood concentrations and all-cause in-hospital death and readmission within 14 and 30 days and 1 year were determined in univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsPatients with TC in the lower quartile and LDL-C < 70 mg/dl had greater risk of the outcomes measured than individuals with a TC level in the remaining quartiles and LDL-C ≥ 70 mg/dl. Moreover, patients with TC in the highest quartile, OR (95% CI): 0.36 (0.13–0.99), p < 0.05, and LDL-C ≥ 115 mg/dl, OR (95% CI): 0.53 (0.37–0.77), p < 0.05, had the lowest all-cause in-hospital mortality. However, multivariate analysis using logistic regression and a Cox proportional hazard model showed no significant influence of blood lipid levels on the occurrence of the outcomes measured.ConclusionsA significant effect of a “cholesterol paradox” linking better prognosis with higher blood lipid concentration was found only in univariate analysis but, after adjustment for clinical characteristics in multivariate analysis, the plasma lipid level had a neutral influence on the occurrence of the measured outcomes. This suggests that a low cholesterol level should be interpreted as a biomarker of illness severity.
Is miRNA-375 a promising biomarker for early detection and monitoring of patients with type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Patoulias Dimitrios 
Published: January 2019

miRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs, functioning as negative suppressors of target gene expression. A significant proportion of the transcriptome is subject to miRNA modulation. A single miRNA determines the expression of hundreds of genes, while miRNAs are relatively stable in biological fluids. Thus, they have attracted scientific interest regarding their use as biomarkers for several diseases. miRNA-375 mainly influences β-cell function and insulin secretion. Several studies, primarily experimental, have assessed its role as a biomarker in type 2 diabetes, while recently obtained human evidence supports this potential role. Besides its diagnostic potential, miRNA-375 may also have therapeutic implications. In view of the growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes, there is an unmet need for identification of biomarkers for early recognition and monitoring of these patients. Long-term, prospective human studies are required to elucidate whether miRNA-375 can evolve as a key player in diagnosis and prognosis of type 2 diabetes.
Blood-brain barrier damage as a predictor of outcome in patients with purulent meningitis
Authors: Dreshaj Shemsedin , Shala Nexhmedin , Ponosheci Albina , Aliu-Bejta Ajete , Ajazaj-Berisha Lindita 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionPurulent meningitis is a severe infection of the central nervous system caused by different bacteria and very often causes severe complications and high lethality. Since the disease still has unclear pathogenesis and high mortality, researchers and clinicians are focused on the influence of damage of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and its subsequent impact on the outcome of purulent meningitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the albumin concentration and the albumin coefficient as the best parameters of BBB damage, and their influence on the outcome of patients with purulent meningitis.Material and methodsThe study was carried out by examining the hospitalized patients in the Clinic of Infective Diseases in Prishtina, Kosovo. Blood-brain barrier damage is evaluated by analyzing the dynamics of values of proteins, glucose and albumins, as well as by determining the BBB coefficient of damage.ResultsThe data consistent with BBB damage in patients with purulent meningitis corresponded with disease outcome. Consequently, 56.97% of the patients who developed complications or died had very severe BBB damage. Patients with the mean value of albumin coefficient X = 46.5 ±27.23 g/l were at higher risk of developing complications (relative risk (RR) = 2.63; p < 0.0001) or having a lethal outcome (RR = 5.20; p < 0.0001). Patients with longer duration of pathological mean values of albumin coefficient were at higher risk of developing complications (RR = 3.11; p < 0.0001).ConclusionsOur data suggest that BBB damage in patients with purulent meningitis correspond with disease outcome. The best predictors for outcome were albumin coefficient and albumin concentration in cerebrospinal fluid.
Preliminary report: one of the PD-1 gene variants may be a valuable marker for colorectal cancer
Authors: Lamami Yosra , Mesediyeva Roya , Arikan Soykan , Ercan Şeyda , Kıyan Hilal Fındık , Tatar Cihat , Nayci Ali Emre , Farooqi Ammad , Yaylim İlhan , Kiran Bayram 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionIntroduction: Programmed death-1 (PD-1), an important immunosuppressive molecule, plays a key role in tumor-cell-mediated immune escape. The present study aimed to investigate the role of PD-1.5 (C/T) gene polymorphisms on the susceptibility and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC).Material and methodsIn this study, the PD-1.5 C/T polymorphism was investigated in 99 CRC patients and 150 healthy individuals as controls by nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodResultsThe distributions of PD-1.5 (C/T) genotypes and alleles were in agreement with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in controls (p>0.05) but not in CRC patients (p=0.02). We found a statistical significance difference between CRC patients and controls for the genotypic distribution of PD-1.5(C/T) genotypes (p=0.003) and also for alleles (p=0.004). The patients who have T allele have increased according to the controls (p=0.001). The patients who have C allele with distance metastasis have increased heterozygous CT genotype of PD-1.5 (C/T) polymorphism than those with no metastasis (p<0.001). We also detected the increased CC genotype in patients who have angiolymphatic invasion (p=0.043). The patients who have mucineous component have increased frequency of T allele than those with the absence of mucineous component (p=0.023).ConclusionsOur results have shown significant associations between PD-1.5 genotypes and CRC susceptibility and progression of the disease.
Efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilatation of esophageal strictures without fluoroscopy: a pilot study
Authors: Dincer Mürşit , Akinci Muzaffer 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionEsophageal strictures can be caused by malignancy, congenital stenosis, motility disorders or benign strictures. Endoscopic balloon dilatation is a simple procedure with low complication rates to treat gastrointestinal strictures. This study aims to analyze indications and results of balloon dilatation without fluoroscopy.Material and methodsThe patients who underwent pneumatic balloon dilatation (PBD) for esophageal stricture were included in the study. The demographic characteristics of the patients, indications for PBD, number of operations and complications were recorded.ResultsTwelve patients were included in this pilot study. The most common cause of esophageal strictures was malignancy. In this group, PBD was performed before stenting in the patients who were planned to receive neoadjuvant therapy, had locally advanced esophageal cancer or inoperable esophageal cancer, and complained of difficulty swallowing. Three patients underwent PBD due to achalasia. One of these patients underwent PBD 3 times due to recurrence of symptoms during the follow-up period. The success rate of PBD in this study was 91.6%. The success rate for the patients who underwent PBD for the first time was 83.3%. None of the patients who underwent endoscopic balloon dilatation had major complications (such as massive bleeding and perforation) or procedural mortality.ConclusionsEndoscopic balloon dilatation without fluoroscopy performed by experienced endoscopists is an effective and safe method for the treatment of esophageal strictures. Successful results are obtained with low complication rates in experienced centers.
Effect of interactions between APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms on cognitive functions in postmenopausal women
Authors: Pinkas Jarosław , Bojar Iwona , Gujski Mariusz , Sarecka-Hujar Beata , Owoc Alfred , Raczkiewicz Dorota 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionDuring menopause the level of estrogens is decreased, which may lead to cognitive impairment or dementia. Some forms of genetic polymorphism were found to be related to cognitive functions, including APOE and ESR1 (PvuII and XbaI) polymorphisms. In the present study we aimed to analyze the impact of interactions between APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms on cognitive functions in the group of postmenopausal women.Material and methodsThe study group consisted of 266 postmenopausal women aged 50–65 years without symptoms of dementia. A computerized battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms were genotyped using multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP methods, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance in Statistica software.ResultsThe best memory, visual memory, processing and psychomotor speeds were found in women carrying the C allele of the PvuII polymorphism (TC + CC genotypes) in the presence of the APOE 2/3 genotype, while a lower outcome was noted in women with 3/3, and the lowest if they had the 4 allele. In the case of women with TT genotype of the PvuII polymorphism, cognitive functioning did not decrease in women with the 4 allele. A similar effect on cognitive functions was observed for AG + GG genotypes of the XbaI and APOE polymorphisms. Women who simultaneously carried CC PvuII and GG XbaI genotypes had the lowest cognitive functions.ConclusionsInteractions of polymorphic variants of APOE and ESR1 genes influenced cognitive functions in postmenopausal women.
Psychometric properties of the Polish version
of the Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCCS)
Authors: Suszek Hubert , Fronczyk Krzysztof , Kopera Maciej , Maliszewski Norbert , Łyś Ewa Agnieszka 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundSelf-concept clarity is one of the features describing the structural aspect of the self. It refers to the extent to which the contents of an individual’s self-concept are clearly and confidently defined, internally consistent, and temporally stable. The aim of the study was to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCCS).Participants and procedureA total of 2507 graduates and undergraduates participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 18 to 70 years (M = 24.74, SD = 23.00); 66% of them were female. The Polish version of the SCCS was developed using the back-translation method. The SCCS was administered along with measures of sense of self (Sense of Self Scale), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), psychological distress (Goldberg General Health Questionnaire), personality (NEO-Five Factor Inventory), and social desirability (Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale).ResultsThe factor structure, reliability, and validity of the scale was investigated. Results from exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis showed a one-factor solution. Internal reliability and test–retest reliability was high. Signiﬁcant relations between SCCS and weak sense of self, self-esteem, psychological distress, personality, and social desirability supported its convergent validity.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the Polish version of the SCCS is a reliable and valid self-report measure for the self-concept clarity.