bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical care nurses’ experiences of caring for a dying child: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Grimston Mitchell , Butler Ashleigh E. , Copnell Beverley 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimTo synthesize qualitative research examining the experience of critical care nurses caring for a dying child.BackgroundCaring for a dying child remains one of the most difficult aspects of nursing, potentially leading to personal and professional distress. A thorough understanding of this experience for critical care nurses allows for improved delivery of care and support for the nurse.DesignA qualitative evidence synthesis was undertaken, informed by Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis methodology.Data SourcesStudies were retrieved from CINAHL Plus, Scopus, OVID Medline, and Embase, alongside hand‐searching reference lists in February 2016.Review MethodsTwo reviewers independently assessed each study using a multistep screening process and performed critical appraisal of each included study. Data were extracted onto a predeveloped tool and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThere is a blurred line between the role of the nurse as a person or a professional while caring for the child and family throughout hospitalization and during and after the death. Each stage of care involves tasks and emotions that highlight the changing dominance of the nurse as either a person or professional.ConclusionPersonal, interpersonal, and contextual factors affect delivery of care and impact of the death of the child on the critical care nurse. Reviewing individual and institutional practices could improve provision of care, interprofessional collaboration, and support provided to staff involved.
Glycated hemoglobin correlates with arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction in patients with resistant hypertension and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
Authors: Moreno Beatriz , de Faria Ana Paula , Ritter Alessandra Mileni Versuti , Yugar Lara Buonalumi Tacito , Ferreira‐Melo Silvia Elaine , Amorim Rivadavio , Modolo Rodrigo , Fattori André , Yugar‐Toledo Juan Carlos , Coca Antonio , Moreno Heitor 
Published: May 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) on flow‐mediated dilation, intima‐media thickness, pulse wave velocity, and left ventricular mass index in patients with resistant hypertension (RHTN) comparing RHTN–controlled diabetes mellitus and RHTN–uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Two groups were formed: HbA1c <7.0% (RHTN–controlled diabetes mellitus: n = 98) and HbA1c ≥7.0% (RHTN–uncontrolled diabetes mellitus: n = 122). Intima‐media thickness and flow‐mediated dilation were measured by high‐resolution ultrasound, left ventricular mass index by echocardiography, and arterial stiffness by carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity. No differences in blood pressure levels were found between the groups but body mass index was higher in patients with RHTN–uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness were worse in patients with RHTN–uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Intima‐media thickness and left ventricular mass index measurements were similar between the groups. After adjustments, multiple linear regression analyses showed that HbA1c was an independent predictor of flow‐mediated dilation and pulse wave velocity in all patients with RHTN. In conclusion, HbA1c may predict the grade of arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction in patients with RHTN, and superimposed uncontrolled diabetes mellitus implicates further impairment of vascular function.
Onychopapillomas: a 68‐case series to determine best surgical procedure and histologic sectioning
Authors: Delvaux C. , Richert B. , Lecerf P. , André J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundOnychopapilloma (OP) is a benign longitudinal nail bed tumour usually presenting as longitudinal erythronychia. Evidence‐based recommendations for proper histologic sectioning and definitive surgical management are not available.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was threefold. The first was to review the clinical and histopathological features of all OP diagnosed in our department. The second was to identify the most accurate histological technique. The third aim was to determine the most effective surgical procedures by examining recurrence rates and complications over the long term.MethodsThis retrospective analysis collected all patients with OP in the dermatology department of Saint‐Pierre – Brugmann University Hospital (Brussels, Belgium) between January 2007 and March 2017. Clinical findings and type of surgery performed were recorded from medical files and iconographic documents. All slides were reviewed by a dermatopathologist with expertise in nail disease. Longitudinal follow‐up was performed.ResultsA total of 68 patients were included (42 women, 26 men) with a median age of 46 years. Two children were 9 and 11. The histological interpretation was more difficult for the transverse sections than for the longitudinal ones (29.4% vs. 2.2%). The pathological diagnosis of OP was typical in 30.6%, suggestive in 51.6%, slightly suggestive in 12.9% and not contributive in 4.8%. 50 patients had a mean follow‐up of 50 months. 38% recovered completely and 20% recurred. 42% had mild to moderate sequelae.ConclusionsWe report herein the first two paediatric cases. Classical longitudinal excision with careful removal of the lesion from the inferior face of the nail plate seems to be the most accurate surgical technique. In the pathology laboratory, longitudinal sections should be recommended. In our series, a recurrence rate of 20% was observed. This was more frequent when a tangential longitudinal excision was performed.
Problems and challenges of predatory journals
Authors: Richtig G. , Berger M. , Lange‐Asschenfeldt B. , Aberer W. , Richtig E. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe companies publishing predatory journals are an emerging problem in the area of scientific literature as they only seek to drain money from authors without providing any customer service for the authors or their readership. These predatory journals try to attract new submissions by aggressive email advertising and high acceptance rates. But in turn, they do not provide proper peer review, and therefore, the scientific quality of submitted articles is questionable. This is important because more and more people, including patients, are reading such journals and rely on the information they provide. Consequently, predatory journals are a serious threat to the integrity of medical science, and it is crucial for scientists, physicians and even patients to be aware of this problem. In this review, we briefly summarize the history of the open access movement, as well as the rise of and roles played by predatory journals. In conclusion, young and inexperienced authors publishing in a predatory journal must be aware of the damage of their reputation, of inadequate peer review processes and that unprofitable journals might get closed and all published articles in that journal might be lost.
Prurigo Activity Score (PAS): validity and reliability of a new instrument to monitor chronic prurigo
Authors: Pölking J. , Zeidler C. , Schedel F. , Osada N. , Augustin M. , Metze D. , Pereira M. P. , Yosipovitch G. , Bernhard J.D. , Ständer S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundCurrently available tools to monitor patients with chronic prurigo over time focus on pruritus and quality of life parameters, while no instrument objectively assessing the pruriginous lesions is yet available.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to develop a physician‐assessed Prurigo Activity Score (PAS), a new tool to monitor the distribution and activity of chronic prurigo lesions and to evaluate its reliability and validity.MethodsThe 7‐item PAS questionnaire as well as validated pruritus intensity scales (VAS, NRS) and a skin‐related quality of life score (DLQI) were completed for 264 patients (172 females, age 61 years) at least twice over a period of 2 years. In addition, a 60‐min test–retest reliability test was performed by four experts for a random sample of 12 patients.ResultsThe PAS showed good test‐retest reliability (Cohens κ > 0.61; Cronbach‐alpha > 0.76), ordinal or metric items showed high inter‐rater reliability (Kendalls > 0.61) and items recording the number of lesions correlated significantly to each other (P < 0.001). The highest correlation to external constructs was achieved with DLQI. The feasibility test conducted by four raters indicated the suitability of PAS for tracking chronic prurigo in the clinical setting.DiscussionThe PAS is a useful tool to objectively monitor pruriginous lesions in chronic prurigo patients over time. The sensitivity of change in the PAS score should be analysed in future studies.
Trends in hospitalization rates for psoriasis flares since the introduction of biologics: a time series in France between 2005 and 2015
Authors: Polivka L. , Oubaya N. , Bachelez H. , Paul C. , Richard M.A. , Beylot‐Barry M. , Schmutz J.L. , Beneton N. , Mahé E. , Viguier M. , Chosidow O. , Canoui‐Poitrine F. , Sbidian E. ,   the Groupe de Recherche sur le Psoriasis de la Société Française de Dermatologie
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn the late 2000s, the introduction of biologics transformed the prognosis for patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis. We hypothesized that treatment with biologics may associate with a reduction in the hospitalization rate for psoriasis flares.ObjectiveTo analyse changes over time in the hospitalization rate for psoriasis flares.MethodsWe included inpatient stays in any of nine French hospitals between 2005 and 2015 for a psoriasis flare, as documented in the national inpatient database. In two centres, we also analysed data from the individual patients’ electronic medical records.ResultsA total of 3572 stays were included. The introduction of biologics was not associated with a decrease in the number of hospitalizations for a psoriasis flare; on the contrary, we observed a non‐significant increase in the number of hospitalizations (13 hospitalizations for psoriasis flares per quarter per 10 000 beds). In the two‐centre study, the introduction of biologics was associated with a significant increase in the hospitalization of patients receiving topical treatments only (520 hospitalizations per year per 10 000 beds) and those with a first psoriasis flare.ConclusionThe number of hospitalizations for a psoriasis flare tended to increase between 2005 and 2015. The availability of additional treatment options might have increased patient demand and/or broadened the indications in clinical practice.
Effectiveness of omalizumab in chronic spontaneous urticaria assessed with patient‐reported outcomes: a prospective study
Authors: Ghazanfar M.N. , Holm J.G. , Thomsen S.F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimTo examine the effectiveness of omalizumab (anti‐IgE) on symptoms and disease‐related quality of life in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and to identify possible patient‐specific factors associated with response to omalizumab in patients with antihistamine refractory CSU.MethodsSix months prospective trial of omalizumab 300 mg every 4 weeks among patients with CSU from a dermatological university department. The primary outcome was the urticaria activity score in the past week (UAS7) at 3 months.ResultsA total of 117 patients (39 men and 78 women) with a mean age of 42 years were included. The mean baseline UAS7 score was 29.3 points (SD = 10.8), which improved to 11.9 points (SD = 12.9) at 3 months follow‐up, difference = 17.4 points (95% CI: 14.8–19.9), P < 0.0001. Other patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) also improved significantly during 3 months of treatment. No significant further improvement was seen between three and 6 months follow‐up. None of the following patient‐specific factors: sex, age, age of onset of CSU, symptom duration, presence of chronic inducible urticaria (CINDU), comorbidities, positive urticaria HR test, smoking, ethnicity, angio‐oedema, serum total IgE level, CRP, leucocytes, absolute neutrophil count or previous treatment with prednisolone or montelukast were significantly associated with response to omalizumab at 3 months, P > 0.05 for all comparisons. Previous treatment with traditional immunosuppressant drugs (azathioprine, cyclosporine or methotrexate) was associated with poorer treatment response to omalizumab at 3 months, P < 0.001. A strong correlation was seen between different patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) at baseline and 3 months follow‐up. Fifteen patients (12.8%) reported side‐effects of the treatment.ConclusionOmalizumab is a highly effective therapy for antihistamine refractory CSU with treatment effects similar to those observed in randomized controlled trials. Validated PROs to assess disease activity, disease control and impairment of quality of life are valuable tools in the clinical management of CSU. Identification of patient‐specific predictors of effect and safety of omalizumab in CSU is still warranted.
Cost‐effectiveness of secukinumab as first biologic treatment, compared with other biologics, for moderate to severe psoriasis in Germany
Authors: Augustin M. , McBride D. , Gilloteau I. , O'Neill C. , Neidhardt K. , Graham C. N. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundSecukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes interleukin 17A, has demonstrated strong and sustained efficacy in adults with moderate to severe psoriasis in clinical trials.ObjectiveThis analysis compared the cost per responder of secukinumab as first biologic treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, with adalimumab, infliximab, etanercept and ustekinumab in Germany.MethodsA 52‐week decision‐tree model was developed. Response to treatment was assessed based on the likelihood of achieving a predefined Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) response to separate the cohort into responders (PASI ≥75), partial responders (PASI 50 to 74) and non‐responders (PASI <50). Responders at week 16 continued initial treatment, whereas partial responders and non‐responders were switched to standard of care, which included methotrexate, cyclosporine, phototherapy and topical corticosteroids. Sustained response was defined as 16‐week response maintained at week 52. A German healthcare system perspective was adopted. Clinical efficacy data were obtained from a mixed‐treatment comparison; 2016 resource unit costs from national sources; and adverse events and discontinuation rates from the literature. We calculated cost per PASI 90 responder over week 16 and week 52, as well as cost per sustained responder between weeks 16 and 52.ResultsSecukinumab had the lowest cost per PASI 90 responder over 16 weeks (€18 026) compared with ustekinumab (€18 080), adalimumab (€23 499), infliximab (€29 599) and etanercept (€34 037). Over 52 weeks, costs per PASI 90 responder ranged from €42 409 (secukinumab) to €70 363 (etanercept). Likewise, secukinumab had the lowest cost per sustained 52‐week PASI 90 responder (€22 690) compared with other biologic treatments. Sensitivity analyses, excluding patient copayments, showed similar results.ConclusionsFirst biologic treatment with secukinumab for moderate to severe psoriasis is cost‐effective, with lowest cost per responder compared with other biologic treatments in Germany.
Validation of a visual‐aided questionnaire for the self‐assessment of hidradenitits suppurativa
Authors: Cazzaniga S. , Naldi L. , Damiani G. , Atzori L. , Patta F. , Guidarelli G. , Bettoli V. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundHidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, highly debilitating disease. Few questionnaires have been developed to identify potential HS cases based on simple questions. A visual representation may help in characterising these lesions.ObjectiveTo develop and validate a visually assisted questionnaire for HS detection.MethodsThis was an observational diagnostic study on a series of patients with a first diagnosis of HS and a corresponding series of age and gender‐matched controls consecutively observed in two Italian centres. The questionnaire was developed based on a critical appraisal of the relevant literature and on expert consensus. Measures of accuracy and reproducibility were assessed.Results57 patients with HS and 57 controls were included in the study (mean age 32.9 ± 12.3 years). Based on at least one affirmative answer to the proposed questionnaire items, the accuracy was 95.6%, with a sensitivity of 98.2% and a specificity of 93.0%. Reproducibility was almost perfect on all the tested items (Cohen's kappa ≥ 0.85).LimitationsThe questionnaire was tested only in experimental conditions.ConclusionThe questionnaire could be a useful tool for HS screening in the general population. Further studies are needed to confirm its performance in a real‐world setting.
Pain Management in the Pediatric Palliative Care Population
Authors: Thomas Rene , Phillips Marcia , Hamilton Rebekah J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this integrative review was to identify, review, synthesize, and analyze the current literature related to pain management in the pediatric palliative care population from infancy through adolescence.MethodsThe literature was searched for the terms palliative, pediatric, and pain in PubMed, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied HeALTH LITERATUre (CINAHL) Complete, and Google Scholar. The search was limited to papers in English that had been published from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2016.ResultsThese searches resulted in 918 articles, of which 29 met inclusion criteria. These 29 articles were reviewed and reported. Four broad themes emerged: patient and family experience, pain assessment, pharmacological pain management, and nonpharmaceutical interventions.ConclusionsGaps in current research have been identified, such as investigating pediatric pain scales for the palliative care population and new complementary and alternative medical therapy and other interventions. More research is needed to bring innovative pain management interventions to the attention of pediatric caregivers.Clinical RelevanceA better understanding of current research on pain in the pediatric palliative care population can improve patient care and lead to better research in this specialty field.
Demographic and clinicopathologic distribution of head and neck malignant tumors in pediatric patients from a Brazilian population: A retrospective study
Authors: Arboleda Lady Paola Aristizabal , Hoffmann Iva Loureiro , Cardinalli Izilda Aparecida , Santos‐Silva Alan Roger , de Mendonça Regina Maria Holanda 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundThe incidence of pediatric head and neck cancer (PHNC) is increasing worldwide, especially when compared with childhood cancer in general. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the demographic profile of such patients across the globe. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe demographic, topographic, and histopathological features of PHNC patients from a single Brazilian institution.MethodsMedical records were retrospectively reviewed for all cancer cases diagnosed from 1986 to 2016 affecting patients aged 19 years and younger. The demographic variables (age, gender, race), topographic aspects of primary tumors, and histopathological diagnoses were collected and analyzed by descriptive statistics.ResultsThree hundred and sixty‐seven (5.11%) head and neck malignant tumors were found among 7181 pediatric cancers diagnosed in this period. Mean age at diagnosis was 9.35 years with male (65.67%) predominance. Patients between the age group of 10‐14 years presented the higher prevalence of malignant tumors. In terms of race, 73.02% of the patients were white and 9.54% were black. The main affected anatomic site was the neck and lymph nodes (41.42%), followed by nasopharynx (22.89%) and thyroid gland (6.54%). The most common cancer type was lymphoma (52.86%), followed by carcinoma (22.89%), and sarcoma (19.07%). Burkitt lymphoma, nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma were the most common histopathological diagnoses (16.62%, 13.08%, 12.81%, and 12.81%, respectively).ConclusionThis study originally demonstrated that lymphomas may be more frequent than carcinomas and sarcomas in Brazilian PHNC patients.
Long distance dispersal in the assembly of floras: A review of progress and prospects in North America
Authors: Harris AJ , Ickert‐Bond Stefanie , Rodríguez Aarón 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHere, we review progress and prospects to explicitly test for long distance dispersal biogeographic events. Long distance dispersal represents a “jump” across some kind of barrier, such as a topographic feature or a zone of unsuitable climate and may include repeated jumps, or stepping‐stone dispersals. Long distance dispersals were considered integral for explaining the organization of biodiversity at large and small scales by early biogeographers, such as Darwin and Wallace. Darwin, Wallace, and others envisioned that long distance dispersals were predictable events because the vectors for dispersal, such as animals, winds, and currents, behaved in non‐random ways. However, these early biogeographers found that dispersal was hard to observe, and, later, with the advent of the theory of Continental Drift, vicariance became regarded as a better scientific explanation for the arrangement of biodiversity, because it represented a falsifiable hypothesis. Thus, long distance dispersal was reduced to a nuisance parameter in biogeography; a random possibility that could never fully be ruled out in a scenario in which evidence supported vicariance. Today, there is strong interest to more fully integrate long distance dispersal into understanding the assembly and organization of biodiversity on earth. In this review, we discuss progress and prospects for explicitly testing long distance dispersal hypotheses including through uses of molecular, morphological, paleontological, and informatics methods. We focus on hypothesis testing of long distance dispersals involved in the assembly of the flora of North America, which is a robust preliminary study system on account of its extant and extinct biodiversity being well‐catalogued.
Population structure of Guyanagaster necrorhizus supports termite dispersal for this enigmatic fungus
Authors: Koch Rachel A. , Aime M. Catherine 
Published: May 2018

AbstractUnderstanding how species accomplish dispersal of their propagules can shed light on how they are adapted for their ecosystem. Guyanagaster necrorhizus is a sequestrate fungus, meaning its dispersal propagules, or spores, are entirely enclosed within a fruiting body, termed a sporocarp. This fungus is most closely related to Armillaria and its allies. While Armillaria species form mushrooms and have forcibly discharged spores, G. necrorhizus spores have lost this ability, and by necessity, must be passively dispersed. However, G. necrorhizus does not possess characteristics of other sequestrate fungi with known dispersal mechanisms. Repeated observations of termites feeding on G. necrorhizus sporocarps, and spores subsequently adhering to their exoskeletons, led to the hypothesis that termites disperse G. necrorhizus spores. To test this hypothesis, we used microsatellite markers and population genetics analyses to understand patterns of clonality and population structure of G. necrorhizus. While Armillaria individuals can spread vegetatively over large areas, high genotypic diversity in G. necrorhizus populations suggests spores are the primary mode of dispersal. Spatial genetic structure analyses show that G. necrorhizus sporocarps within 238 m of each other are more closely related than would be expected by chance and conservative estimates from population assignment tests suggest gene flow no longer occurs between sporocarps separated by 2 km. These distances are consistent with previous studies analysing foraging distances of the termites found associated with G. necrorhizus sporocarps. Termites have rarely been recorded to specifically target fungal sporocarps, making this a potentially novel fungal–insect interaction.