bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical utility of estimation of glomerular filtration rate in dogs
Authors: McKenna Myles , Pelligand Ludovic , Elliott Jonathan , Walker David , Jepson Rosanne 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundGlomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation is the gold standard for assessment of renal function, although the clinical utility of this test is unclear.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical utility of GFR estimation in dogs.AnimalsMedical records of 132 dogs that had serum iohexol clearance measured between 2012 and 2017.MethodsIohexol clearance and clinical records were reviewed and submitting practices contacted to obtain outcome data. Dogs were classified into 4 groups based on the reason for performing GFR estimation: A1 (screening for pre‐azotemic chronic kidney disease [CKD], n = 105), A2 (confirmation of azotemic CKD, n = 3), B (screening for pre‐azotemic acute kidney injury, n = 19), and C (miscellaneous causes, n = 5). Descriptive review of the clinical utility of GFR estimation is provided.ResultsFor dogs in Group A1, renal disease was diagnosed in 9/9 dogs with a GFR ≥40% decreased below the mean GFR of their body weight category, in 5/6 dogs with a ≥30% but <40% reduction in GFR and in 7/9 dogs with a ≥20% but <30% reduction in GFR.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceGlomerular filtration rate estimation is useful for the diagnosis of CKD before the onset of azotemia.
Pharmacokinetics of sodium baicalin following intravenous and intramuscular administration to piglets
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhao Wenhua , Xu Jianfeng , Yu Xiaolin , Ye Chun , Fu Shulin , Qiu Yinsheng 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of baicalin after intravenous and intramuscular administration of sodium baicalin at 50 mg/kg to piglets. Plasma baicalin levels were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The plasma concentration–time data of baicalin for both administration routes were best described by two‐compartmental open model. The area under the plasma concentration–time curve and the elimination half‐lives were 77.47 ± 6.14 µg/ml × h and 1.73 ± 0.16 hr for intravenous and 64.85 ± 5.67 µg/ml × h and 2.42 ± 0.15 hr for intramuscular administration, respectively. The apparent volume of distribution and body clearance were 1.63 ± 0.23 L/kg and 2.74 ± 0.30 L h−1 kg−1 for intravenous and 0.51 ± 0.10 L/kg and 0.78 ± 0.08 L h−1 kg−1 for intramuscular routes, respectively. An intramuscular injection of sodium baicalin in piglets resulted in rapid and complete absorption, with a mean maximal plasma concentration of 77.28 ± 7.40 µg/ml at 0.17 hr and a high absolute bioavailability of 83.73 ± 5.53%.
Reexamining the Role of Vision in Second Language Motivation: A Preregistered Conceptual Replication of You, Dörnyei, and Csizér (2016)
Authors: Hiver Phil , Al‐Hoorie Ali H. 
Published: August 2019

Researchers have linked vivid mental imagery, particularly of the self in future states, to many desirable motivational outcomes for language learning. We report a preregistered conceptual replication and extension of You, Dörnyei, and Csizér (2016), who found a central motivational role for vision. We review essential considerations in structural equation modeling and discuss how the initial study addressed these, then describe a conceptual replication with a South Korean sample of secondary school learners of English (N = 1,297). Our analysis of the scales from the initial study in addition to second language achievement found support for an alternative model where the Intended Effort scale showed a better fit as a predictor of motivation than as an outcome variable. Our findings suggest the need for greater precision and rigor in structural equation modeling research on second language learning motivation and for more language researchers to take up replication and other open science initiatives.Open PracticesThis article has been awarded Open Data, Open Materials, and Preregistered Research Design badges. All data and materials, along with preregistration for research design and analyses, are publicly accessible through the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/v8gj4. The study materials are also publicly available via the IRIS database at https://www.iris-database.org. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Competency framework for specialist critical care nurses: A modified Delphi study
Authors: Zhang Xiaoning , Meng Kun , Chen Shuang 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe specialist critical care nurse plays a vital role in the delivery of evidence‐based practice, and specific competency guidance has been established to facilitate critical care nursing practice and education development in many developed countries. However, no research has been conducted to develop a competency framework for specialist critical care nurses in China.Aims and objectivesTo construct a competency framework specific to specialist critical care nurses in China.Design and methodsA two‐phased procedure was implemented. In phase 1, a literature review and four focus groups were used to develop the initial competency framework, which consisted of 101 statements. During phase 2, three rounds of a modified Delphi process were conducted and involved a national panel of 30 experts, including physicians, specialist critical care nurses, managers, and educators, who responded to the survey using a 5‐point Likert‐type scale to indicate their level of agreement with the competency framework. A 75% threshold for each competency was used to achieve panel consensus.ResultsExperts in the field of critical care responded to rounds 1 (n = 29), 2 (n = 28), and 3 (n = 28). Seventy‐eight competencies were agreed upon after round 1, increasing to 88 after round 2 and 92 after round 3. The final competency framework was classified into six domains: evidence‐based practice, complex decisions, professionalism, communication and co‐operation, education and development, and leadership.ConclusionThe output of this study is an expert consensus competency framework that provides a sound foundation for the assessment and training of specialist critical care nurses.Relevance to clinical practiceThe proposed competency framework should be used to assess nursing performance, promote continuing professional development, and further improve the delivery of quality health care and optimal patient outcomes.
High occurrence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Liu Chen Kiow Jeremy , Vincent Catherine , Sidani Sacha , Bouin Mickael 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundPrimary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease affecting mainly middle‐aged women. An alteration in intestinal motility has been well documented in cirrhosis predisposing to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Patients with PBC frequently complain of various gastrointestinal symptoms compatible with SIBO. No study has specifically been published to this day to determine the occurrence of SIBO in PBC. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of SIBO in patients with PBC.MethodsRetrospective study from 2010 to 2018. All patients diagnosed with PBC during this period had a systematic screening for SIBO in their diagnostic workup. The diagnosis of SIBO was made by a carbohydrate breath test (lactulose and/or glucose). Clinical and paraclinical factors of patients were compared with a control group of healthy subjects.Key ResultsNinety‐eight subjects were included in the study (mean age 49, range 21‐88 years) including 58 patients with PBC and 40 healthy subjects. The PBC group was older than the control group (mean age 56, range 31‐88 vs 39, range 21‐62 years; P < .001), but identical for gender and body mass index. The prevalence of SIBO was higher in PBC versus controls (32.8% vs 2.5%; P < .001). The PBC group with SIBO had significantly more diarrhea (78.9% vs 35.9%; P < .05) than the PBC group without SIBO, but the prevalence of abdominal pain and bloating was similar.Conclusions & InferencesThe high occurrence of SIBO in PBC may explain some of the frequently reported gastrointestinal symptoms. This study justifies the systematic screening for SIBO in PBC.
Intrafollicular and systemic serotonin, oestradiol and progesterone concentrations in cycling mares
Authors: Satué Katiuska , Fazio Esterina , Ferlazzo Adriana , Medica Pietro 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe hypothesis that a local serotonergic network might also exist in the follicle of mares remains poorly documented, with exception for humans and laboratory species. For this reason, the aim of the present study was to clarify this possibility, investigating intrafollicular serotonin concentrations of the cycling mare at ovulation time. Sixty ovaries collected from 30 clinically healthy mares of slaughterhouse meat production with clinically normal reproductive tracts after slaughtering were evaluated. Blood samples were taken prior to sacrifice. Follicles were classified in three categories in relation to size, as small (20–30 mm), medium (31–40 mm) and large (>41 mm), and the follicular fluid samples were extracted from each follicle. Intrafollicular and systemic serotonin (5‐HT), oestradiol‐17β (E2) and progesterone (P4) were determined by means of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and RIA, respectively. Intrafollicular 5‐HT, E2 and P4 concentrations were higher than systemic ones (p < .05). 5‐HT concentrations increased in larger compared to medium follicles, without differences compared to small size follicles (p < .05). 5‐HT and E2 (r = .79) and 5‐HT and P4 (r = .79; p < .05) were positively correlated. 5‐HT and P4 concentrations in follicular fluid increased progressively with the increase in follicular size (p < .05). Follicle diameter and E2 (r = .85) and P4 (r = .68) were correlated (p < .05). Since serotonin interacts with steroids, its role on steroidogenesis during growth of the dominant follicle may be suggested.
Cleansing‐induced changes in skin measured by in vivo confocal raman spectroscopy
Authors: Davies Mark A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundOne of the most important steps people can take in reducing the spread of bacteria and viruses is washing the hands with soap and water. Frequent washing, required in certain occupations, can lead to skin dryness, chapping, and itching.Materials and methodsIn vivo confocal Raman spectroscopy was used to study short‐term effects of hand washing on product deposition, lipid acyl chain structural disordering, and extraction of important skin components such as natural moisturizing factors, cholesterol, ceramides, amino acids, and changes in skin hydration. Effects of use of either soap, synthetic detergent, or triethanolamine (TEA)‐soap/ glycerin were compared at two water temperatures.ResultsSoap use resulted in significant deposition at all depths to 20 μm at 25°C and at the surface and 2 μm at 37°C. Significant decreases were observed in relative amounts of all skin components studied. NMF levels were not changed. Skin dehydration was observed for use of soap at 37°C.ConclusionsShort‐term effects of frequent hand washing can be monitored with in vivo confocal Raman spectroscopy. Effects of frequent washing may be reduced with lower wash temperature and products. Skin dehydration is not associated with lipid chain disordering.
An Argument for the Law of Desire
Authors: Barnes Eric Christian 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe law of desire has been proposed in several forms, but its essential claim is that agents always act on their strongest proximal action motivation. This law has threatening consequences for human freedom, insofar as it greatly limits agents’ ability to do otherwise given their motivational state. It has proven difficult to formulate a version that escapes counterexamples and some categorically deny its truth. Noticeable by its absence in the literature is any attempt to provide an argument for the law of desire – I propose such an argument here. It is noted that Sripada's “divided mind” theory of willpower provides a counterexample to the version of the law of desire my argument defends, but I note that a reformulated version of the law of desire survives this critique. I conclude that there is a serious case for the law of desire, and note the broader implications of this.
Experiential Explanation
Authors: Aronowitz Sara , Lombrozo Tania 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPeople often answer why‐questions with what we call experiential explanations: narratives or stories with temporal structure and concrete details. In contrast, on most theories of the epistemic function of explanation, explanations should be abstractive: structured by general relationships and lacking extraneous details. We suggest that abstractive and experiential explanations differ not only in level of abstraction, but also in structure, and that each form of explanation contributes to the epistemic goals of individual learners and of science. In particular, experiential explanations support mental simulation and survive transitions across background theories; as a result, they support learning and help us translate between competing frameworks. Experiential explanations play an irreducible role in human cognition—and perhaps in science.
An Experimental Investigation of the Air-Side Pressure Drop Through a Bare Tube Bundle
Authors: du Plessis Jacques , Owen Michael 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Presented in this paper is an experimental investigation of the steady-state air-side pressure drop through a delugable bare tube bundle. The tube bundle forms a part of a systematic investigation of the subcomponents of a hybrid dry/wet dephlegmator (HDWD), also known as a secondary steam condenser, used in direct dry-cooling. A modular bare tube bundle is designed and built to experimentally investigate the pressure drop in a counter-flow test facility with 19 mm and 25 mm tubes at various tube depths. The tests are conducted under both dry and wet (deluged) operating modes. The test results are used to develop empirical correlations for both dry and wet operating modes. The absolute average error is found to be 3.2% between the measured and predicted values for the dry correlation and for the wet correlation the absolute average error is found to be 4.5%. The newly developed correlation is used in a thermal case study to illustrate the effect of the under- and overprediction that the air-side pressure drop will have on a relatively small evaporative cooler where two cases corresponding to fan power consumptions of 1.1 kW and 5.5 kW were considered.
Coping as a Mediation Mechanism Between Severity of Spectator Dysfunctional Behavior and Revisit Intention: The Moderating Effects of Self-Construal in Sport Consumption
Authors: Kim Kyungyeol (Anthony) , Byon Kevin K. , Pedersen Paul M. 
Published: August 2019

The stress and coping theory posits that in the face of negative consumption situations, individuals experience a sequential process: primary appraisal, secondary appraisal, and behavioral outcomes. Drawing on the theory, the purpose of the study is to test (a) the mediating effects of coping strategies (i.e., secondary appraisal) between the severity of spectator dysfunctional behavior (SDB; i.e., primary appraisal) and revisit intention and (b) the moderating effects of self-construal (i.e., interdependence vs. independence). Across two studies, using a survey experiment (Study 1) and a repeated-measures survey experiment (Study 2), the findings indicate that coping strategies (i.e., active, expressive, and denial coping) significantly and uniquely mediated the relationship between the severity of SDB (high vs. low) and revisit intention. Furthermore, in responding to highly severe SDB, spectators with interdependent self-construal engaged more in active and expressive coping, and less in denial coping and revisit intention than those with independent self-construal. Overall, the present study highlights (a) the importance of coping strategies for a clearer understanding of the SDB–revisit intention relationship and (b) a boundary condition of self-construal for the influences of SDB on coping strategies and revisit intention.
A Study Investigating Markers in PLeural Effusion (SIMPLE): a prospective and double-blind diagnostic study
Authors: Han Yan-Qiu , Yan Li , Li Peng , Zhang Lei , Ouyang Pei-Heng , Hu Zhi-De 
Published: August 2019

IntroductionSerum and fluid laboratory markers are valuable for exploring the aetiologies of pleural effusion (PE) because of their relative non-invasiveness, low cost, objective result and short turnaround time. The diagnostic accuracy of these potential markers needs to be rigorously evaluated before their widespread application in clinical practice. Here, we plan to perform a Study Investigating Markers in PLeural Effusion (SIMPLE).Methods and analysisThis is a prospective and double-blind clinical trial which is being performed at the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, China. Adult patients admitted for the evaluation of aetiology of PE from September 2018 to July 2021 will be enrolled after informed consent. Pleural fluid and serum specimens will be collected and stored at –80°C for the laboratory analysis. The final diagnosis will be concurred with further imaging, microbiology, cytology and biopsy if needed. The results of investigated laboratory markers will be unknown to the clinicians who will make diagnosis and the clinical diagnoses will be unknown to the laboratory technicians who will determine markers. The diagnostic accuracy of investigated markers will be assessed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, multivariable logistic regression model, decision curve analysis (DCA), net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discriminatory index (IDI).Ethics and DisseminationThe study is approved by the Ethic Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University (NO: 2018011). The results of SIMPLE will be submitted to international scientific peer-reviewed journals or conferences in laboratory medicine or respiratory medicine, thoracic diseases.Trial registration numberChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800017449); Pre-results.
Pilot study to build capacity for family medicine with abbreviated, low-cost training programme with minimal impact on patient care for a cohort of 84 general practitioners caring for Palestinian refugees in Jordan
Authors: Al Shdaifat Amjad , Zink Therese 
Published: August 2019

PurposeStudies document that primary care improves health outcomes and controls costs. In regions of the world where primary care is underdeveloped, building capacity is essential. Most capacity building programmes are expensive and take physicians away from their clinical settings. We describe a programme created, delivered and evaluated from 2013 to 2014 in Jordan.DesignCohort study.SettingPhysicians providing primary care in the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees clinics in Jordan.ParticipantsEighty-four general practitioners (GPs) were invited to participate and completed the training and evaluation. GPs are physicians who have a license to practice medicine after completing medical school and a 1 year hospital-based rotating internship. Although GPs provide care in the ambulatory setting, their hospital-based education provides little preparation for delivering ambulatory primary care.Intervention/ProgrammeThis three-stage programme included needs assessment, didactics and on-the-job coaching. First, the learning needs and baseline knowledge of the trainees were assessed and the findings guided curriculum development. During the second stage, 48 hours of didactics covered topics such as communications skills and disease management. The third stage was delivered one on one in the trainee’s clinical setting for a 4 to 6-hour block. The first, middle and final patient interactions were evaluated.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPreknowledge and postknowledge assessments were compared. The clinical checklist, developed for the programme, assessed eight domains of clinical skills such as communication and history taking on a five-point Likert scale during the patient interaction.ResultsPreknowledge and postknowledge assessments demonstrated significantly improved scores, 46% to 81% (p<0.0001). Trainee’s clinical checklist scores improved over the assessment intervals. Satisfaction with the training was high.ConclusionThis programme is a potential model for building primary care capacity at low cost and with little impact on patient care that addresses both knowledge and clinical skills on the job.
Paediatric goal management training in patients with acquired brain injury: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hypher Ruth Elizabeth , Brandt Anne Elisabeth , Risnes Kari , Rø Torstein Baade , Skovlund Eva , Andersson Stein , Finnanger Torun Gangaune , Stubberud Jan 
Published: August 2019

IntroductionCompromised integrity of the brain due to paediatric acquired brain injury (pABI) has been associated with cognitive impairment, particularly executive dysfunction, in addition to somatic and emotional symptoms and reduced everyday function. Goal Management Training (GMT) is a cognitive rehabilitation intervention for improving executive function (EF) that has received empirical support in studies of adults with ABI. The purpose of the present study is to determine the efficacy of a recently developed paediatric version of GMT (pGMT) for children and adolescents with ABI and reported executive dysfunction.Methods and analysisThis study protocol describes a parallel randomised controlled trial including allocation concealment and assessor blinding. Eighty survivors after pABI, aged 10–17 years at the time of intervention, will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to either pGMT (n=40) or a psychoeducative control intervention (n=40; paediatric Brain Health Workshop). Both interventions consist of seven group sessions for participants and parents, followed by external cueing and telephone counselling. The study also includes involvement of teachers. Assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately postintervention and at 6 months’ follow-up. Primary outcome measure will be changes in daily life EF as reported by parents (The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function). Secondary outcomes include other assessments of EF (neuropsychological tests and questionnaires). Furthermore, we aim to assess generalisation effects of pGMT on other cognitive functions, as well as emotional, behavioural, adaptive and family function, academic performance, fatigue and quality of life.Ethics and disseminationResults from this study will be disseminated to relevant research, clinical, health service and patient communities through publications in peer-reviewed and popular science journals, in addition to presentations at scientific conferences. The study will be conducted in accordance with the Helsinki declaration and the Ethical Research Involving Children (ChildWatch International and Unicef). In accordance to Good Clinical Practice our study includes safety and quality monitoring guarantees in compliance with research ethics and safety. The trial will be reported in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 statement and Standard Protocol Items for Reporting in Trials recommendations, in addition to being registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. The study has been approved by the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics Norway (2017/772).Trial registration numberNCT03215342.