bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased serum C‐reactive protein and decreased urinary aquaporin 2 levels are predictive of the efficacy of tolvaptan in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Nakai Masato , Ogawa Koji , Takeda Rei , Ohara Masatsugu , Kawagishi Naoki , Izumi Takaaki , Umemura Machiko , Ito Jun , Sho Takuya , Suda Goki , Morikawa Kenichi , Sakamoto Naoya 
Published: October 2017

AimWater retention, hepatic ascites, and peripheral edema are significant problems in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). Although furosemide and spironolactone are commonly used as treatment, they are often insufficient to treat hyponatremia and renal insufficiency in patients with LC. Tolvaptan (TVP) could provide an effective treatment alternative. However, predictive factors of a therapeutic response to TVP are unclear. Our aim was to examine clinical predictors of the response to TVP in patients with LC and water retention.MethodsFifty‐two patients were treated with TVP, with therapeutic effects judged by a decrease in body weight (≥2 kg) and increase in urinary volume (≥500 mL) within 7 days. Blood biochemical tests were carried out at baseline and post‐treatment, including serum soluble CD14 (sCD14) and urinary aquaporin 2 (AQP2) levels. Clinical and laboratory predictive factors of a TVP response were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe overall response to TVP was 55.8%. On univariate analyses, serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) level, the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, urinary blood urea nitrogen, and urinary AQP2 were predictors of the TVP response, with only serum CRP retained on multivariate analysis. A higher serum sCD14 level was strongly associated with a non‐response to TVP. A decrease in urinary AQP2 to undetectable level was associated with a response.ConclusionTolvaptan provides a rapid and strong effect to improve water retention in patients with LC. Baseline serum sCD14 and CRP levels are useful predictors of a response to TVP, with a decrease in urinary AQP2 during treatment indicating an early response.
An empirically based conceptual framework for fostering meaningful patient engagement in research
Authors: Hamilton Clayon B. , Hoens Alison M. , Backman Catherine L. , McKinnon Annette M. , McQuitty Shanon , English Kelly , Li Linda C. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundPatient engagement in research (PEIR) is promoted to improve the relevance and quality of health research, but has little conceptualization derived from empirical data.ObjectiveTo address this issue, we sought to develop an empirically based conceptual framework for meaningful PEIR founded on a patient perspective.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative secondary analysis of in‐depth interviews with 18 patient research partners from a research centre‐affiliated patient advisory board. Data analysis involved three phases: identifying the themes, developing a framework and confirming the framework. We coded and organized the data, and abstracted, illustrated, described and explored the emergent themes using thematic analysis. Directed content analysis was conducted to derive concepts from 18 publications related to PEIR to supplement, confirm or refute, and extend the emergent conceptual framework. The framework was reviewed by four patient research partners on our research team.ResultsParticipants’ experiences of working with researchers were generally positive. Eight themes emerged: procedural requirements, convenience, contributions, support, team interaction, research environment, feel valued and benefits. These themes were interconnected and formed a conceptual framework to explain the phenomenon of meaningful PEIR from a patient perspective. This framework, the PEIR Framework, was endorsed by the patient research partners on our team.ConclusionsThe PEIR Framework provides guidance on aspects of PEIR to address for meaningful PEIR. It could be particularly useful when patient‐researcher partnerships are led by researchers with little experience of engaging patients in research.
Influence of a preschool preventive dental programme on caries prevalence, oral care and secretory immunity to Streptococcus mutans in young adults
Authors: Aida KL , de Paula Ramos S , Seixas GF , Bozza A , Couto de Almeida RS , Dezan Garbelini CC 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate oral hygiene habits, decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and surfaces (DMFS), dental care, dietetic habits and anti‐Streptococcus mutans salivary secretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in young adults who attended a preventive programme during preschool age.Material and methodsThe study group (Baby Clinic) comprised 72 patients, aged 18‐25 years, who had participated in the Baby Clinic preventive programme. The control group was age‐ and gender‐matched. The patients were examined and unstimulated whole saliva was sampled for detection of anti‐S. mutansSIgA antibodies.ResultsControl patients presented increased DMFS scores (P < .05). Hygiene habits, cariogenic diet and antibody levels were not different between groups (P > .05). Baby Clinic patients presented better periodontal status (P < .005), less calculus (P < .005) and bleeding on probing (P < .005), and reported visiting dental services more regularly (P < .05). Adjusted multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that DMFT was associated with study group (P < .05), gender (P < .05), parents’ education (P < .05), carbohydrate intake (P < .001) and levels of anti‐S. mutansSIgA (P < .007). DMFS was associated with time elapsed since the last visit to the dentist (P < .005) and weekly carbohydrate intake (P < .005).ConclusionPreventive programmes for preschool children positively impact on DMFS and periodontal status in young adults, but have no long‐term effects on dietary or hygiene habits.
Performance evaluation of the microINR® point‐of‐care INR‐testing system
Authors: Joubert J. , van Zyl M.C. , Raubenheimer J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroductionPoint‐of‐care International Normalised Ratio (INR) testing is used frequently. We evaluated the microINR® POC system for accuracy, precision and measurement repeatability, and investigated instrument and test chip variability and error rates.MethodsVenous blood INRs of 210 patients on warfarin were obtained with Thromborel® S on the Sysmex CS‐2100i® analyser and compared with capillary blood microINR® values. Precision was assessed using control materials. Measurement repeatability was calculated on 51 duplicate finger‐prick INRs. Triplicate finger‐prick INRs using three different instruments (30 patients) and three different test chip lots (29 patients) were used to evaluate instrument and test chip variability.ResultsLinear regression analysis of microINR® and Sysmex CS2100i® values showed a correlation coefficient of 0.96 (P < .0001) and a positive proportional bias of 4.4%. Dosage concordance was 93.8% and clinical agreement 95.7%. All acceptance criteria based on ISO standard 17593:2007 system accuracy requirements were met. Control material coefficients of variation (CV) varied from 6.2% to 16.7%. The capillary blood measurement repeatability CV was 7.5%. No significant instrument (P = .93) or test chip (P = .81) variability was found, and the error rate was low (2.8%).ConclusionThe microINR® instrument is accurate and precise for monitoring warfarin therapy.
Clinical and pathological feature of bone marrow granulomas: A modern Australian series
Authors: Crispin P. , Holmes A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroductionMarrow granulomas have been commonly associated with mycobacterial infections, prompting extensive investigations in some cases where they are found, but in the setting of changing infectious epidemiology, there is a lack of recent data to guide the search for probable causes.MethodsA retrospective case series examining the clinical and pathological findings in all cases where marrow granulomas were reported over a 10‐year period at The Canberra Hospital, Australia.ResultsOf the 6062 marrow biopsies performed, 73 (1.2%) from 66 individuals had confirmed granulomas. Some patients had multiple potential causes found. B‐cell non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma, sarcoidosis and autoimmune disease were the most frequently observed causes. Infections were less common in this cohort than in the previous series, with no tuberculosis seen. The presence of granulomas in the marrow did not signify the presence of active malignancy in the marrow. There were no associations with any specific morphological characteristics of the granulomas and the presumed causes.ConclusionMarrow granulomas are seen in a variety conditions. Neither their presence nor their morphological features are a guide to further investigations, which should be determined by the clinical presentation as appropriate.
Relevance of sample preparation for flow cytometry
Authors: Muccio V. E. , Saraci E. , Gilestro M. , Oddolo D. , Ruggeri M. , Caltagirone S. , Bruno B. , Boccadoro M. , Omedè P. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroductionFlow cytometry is a useful tool for diagnosis and minimal residual disease (MRD) study of hematological diseases. Standard sample preparation protocols are characterized by stain‐lyse‐wash (SLW). To prevent nonspecific bindings and achieve high sensitivity in MRD studies, lyse‐wash‐stain‐wash (LWSW) is required. To our knowledge, no comparison between the two methods has been performed.MethodsWe compared mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), stain index, signal‐to‐noise ratio, and percentage of positive cells of 104 antibodies and of 13 selected antibodies tested in 10 samples simultaneously prepared with the two methods.ResultsMFI and percentages of positive cells obtained by the two methods did not show significant differences and showed a very high correlation. Stain index and signal‐to‐noise ratio presented higher values for kappa and lambda surface chains in LWSW samples and a trend of higher values for the other antibodies in SLW samples.ConclusionsWe suggest to use LWSW method also at diagnosis to obtain more comparable antibody intensity expressions when samples from the same patient are processed for MRD evaluation after bulk lysis. Moreover, LWSW can prevent nonspecific bindings, shows no differences in the identification and quantitation of the populations of interest, and reduces acquisition of cell debris.
Impact of nurses' perceptions of work environment and communication satisfaction on their intention to quit
Authors: Özer Özlem , Şantaş Fatih , Şantaş Gülcan , Şahin Deniz Say 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimThis study examines the association of nurses' perception of their work environment and communication satisfaction with their intention to quit.MethodThe implementation part of the study was conducted with nurses working in a public hospital in the city of Burdur, Turkey. Data were collected in January 2017 from 175 participants and then assessed.ResultsThe analysis showed that perceptions of the work environment and communication satisfaction taken together explain the total variance of the intention to quit. While participants' perceptions of the work environment become increasingly positive, their communication satisfaction increases and their intention to quit decreases.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that making improvements to the nursing work environment and nurses' communication satisfaction will decrease their intention to quit.
Insights from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations for a multicomponent oxide glass
Authors: Ohkubo Takahiro , Tsuchida Eiji , Deguchi Kenzo , Ohki Shinobu , Shimizu Tadashi , Otomo Toshiya , Iwadate Yasuhiko 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIt remains a challenge to establish structural models of multicomponent oxide glass systems. In this study, we have investigated 68.3SiO2–16.1B2O3–4.2Al2O3–11.4Na2O glass and melt structures by ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. The atomic configurations obtained from AIMD simulations were validated against 17O solid‐state NMR spectrum under 24.0 T and neutron diffraction data, and excellent agreement was achieved. The bond lengths, angles, and coordination geometries were statistically analyzed for each atomic species. Here we particularly address the role of minor atomic species such as five‐coordinate Si (SiV) and Al (AlV). The SiV–O bond lengths and O–SiV–O angle distribution in the glass indicated 1.718 Å and three peaks at 90°, 120°, and 175°, which are assigned to a coordination geometry of the trigonal bipyramidal structure. Ring statistic analysis revealed that SiV and AlV were found to preferentially contribute to the formation of small ring sizes.
Factors associated with change in health‐related quality of life among individuals treated with long‐term mechanical ventilation, a 6‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Markussen Heidi , Lehmann Sverre , Nilsen Roy M. , Natvig Gerd K. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimsTo examine changes and explanatory variables for changes in health‐related quality of life in patients treated with long‐term mechanical ventilation over a 6‐year period.BackgroundLong‐term mechanical ventilation is a treatment for individuals with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, primarily caused by neuromuscular diseases, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary and restrictive thoracic diseases. Studies on long‐term outcome on health‐related quality of life and factors influencing it are lacking.DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsData were collected from the Norwegian Long‐Term‐Mechanical‐Ventilation Registry and from patient‐reported questionnaire in 2008 and 2014. Health‐related quality of life was measured by the Severe Respiratory Insufficiency questionnaire, containing 49 items and seven subdomains. Linear mixed effects models were used to measure changes and identify factors for changes.ResultsAfter 6 years, 60 patients were still participating, out of 127 at baseline. Health‐related quality of life improved significantly in the total score and in four subdomains of the questionnaire. Satisfaction with training in long‐term mechanical ventilation was an explanatory variable for improved ‘psychological well‐being’ and follow‐up for improvement of ‘anxiety’. Side effects of the treatment like facial soreness were associated with the total score. High age and high forced vital capacity were related to lower ‘physical function’ and improved ‘social functioning’, respectively.ConclusionLong‐term mechanical ventilation over 6 years improved health‐related quality of life in most patients. Patient training, follow‐up and reduction of side effects, largely delivered by trained nurses, contribute to achieve the main goal of the treatment—improved health‐related quality of life.
General and professional values of student nurses and nurse educators
Authors: Riklikiene Olga , Karosas Laima , Kaseliene Snieguole 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to explore and compare the self‐reported general and professional values in undergraduate student nurses and nurse educators in Lithuania.BackgroundContemporary nursing requires strong moral motivation and clear values as nurses confront many ethical dilemas in their practice. Students acquire essential values of the nursing profession through the appropriate role modelling of their educators. Nursing students seek to become capable in providing ethical and professional patient care while their educators attempt to model desired behaviours.DesignA national cross‐sectional comparative study was carried out in March 2011. Four‐hundred eight respondents participated: 316 undergraduate nursing students and 92 nurse educators.MethodsA 57‐item questionnaire was delivered to nursing programs at three universities and six colleges. Permission to conduct the study was granted by The Center on Bioethics.ResultsStudent nurses and their educators rated the general value of altruism equally. Educators, in comparison with students, ranked honesty and intellectualism significantly higher and more often admired truth‐telling in any circumstance. Students were more likely to avoid intellectual challenges in reading and placed lower importance on academic qualifications for career advancement. The professional nursing values of honesty, intellectualism and authority were ranked significantly higher by nurse educators than student nurses.ConclusionsThe study revealed differences in self‐reported general and professional values in undergraduate student nurses and nurse educators. The values of nurse educators were not always stronger than those of students. Positive relationships between particular general and professional values in both students and educators confirmed the link between professional and personal values.
Effects and associations of nutrition in patients with venous leg ulcers: A systematic review
Authors: Barber Georgina A , Weller Carolina D , Gibson Simone J 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimsTo identify the associations and effects of nutritional characteristics and interventions on ulcer outcomes in adult patients with venous leg ulcers.BackgroundVenous leg ulcers are the most prevalent type of lower limb ulcer; however, little evidence exists regarding the relationship between nutritional status and ulcer healing.DesignA systematic search of English language articles was conducted using the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.Data sourcesA search of databases Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL and Scopus was performed for studies published between January 2004 ‐ May 2017.Review methodsQuality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Assessment tool and the relevant Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal checklists.ResultsTwenty studies met the inclusion criteria. All participants had Clinical Aetiology Anatomy Pathophysiology classification C5 (healed) or C6 (active) ulcers. Studies were conducted in a range of clinical settings with relatively small sample sizes. The majority of patients were overweight or obese. Increased body mass index was associated with delayed wound healing. Vitamin D, folic acid and flavonoids were associated with some beneficial effects on ulcer healing. Dietary intakes of omega‐3 fatty acids, vitamin C and zinc were low for some patients.ConclusionCurrent evidence suggests that venous leg ulcer patients are more likely to be overweight or obese. However, evidence for weight management improving wound healing is lacking. Micronutrients, including vitamin D and folic acid, may improve wound healing in at‐risk patients.
Cosleeping, sleep disturbances, children's behavioral problems, and parenting self‐efficacy among Korean American families
Authors: Kim Eunjung , Lee Rachel , Cain Kevin C. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to compare sleep disturbances of children and their mothers, children's behavioral problems, and parenting self‐efficacy between Korean American families who coslept and those who did not cosleep. Forty‐eight mothers of children between 3 and 8 years of age completed the following surveys: Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Pediatric Symptom Checklist, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Parenting Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire, and Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans II. Overall, 48% (n = 23) of families coslept, and families with younger children coslept more than families with older children (). When the families were divided into non‐cosleeping (i.e., rarely) and cosleeping (i.e., sometimes and usually) groups, 100% of the cosleeping children had sleep disturbances compared to 56% of the non‐cosleeping children (). For mothers, 28% (n = 7) of the non‐cosleeping mothers reported sleep disturbances, compared to 52% (n = 12) of the cosleeping mothers ). Children's behavioral problems were not different between the two groups (F = 1.78, p = NS). Cosleeping mothers reported lower parenting self‐efficacy than non‐cosleeping mothers (F = 6.26, p < .05). When providing care to Korean American families with young children, their cosleeping, sleep disturbances, and parenting self‐efficacy need to be addressed.
When Practice Goes beyond Legislators' Expectations: Analysis of Practical Implementation Exceeding Legal Compliance with EU Directives
Authors: Zhelyazkova Asya , Kaya Cansarp , Schrama Reini 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWhereas most research focuses on non‐compliant implementation, we lack understanding of implementers' incentives and abilities to outperform national legislation. This study investigates a largely under‐researched question: to what extent practical implementation exceeds levels of legislative compliance with EU requirements? To explain this phenomenon, we focus on the responsiveness of implementing actors to external (participation in transnational networks) and domestic pressures (national societal attitudes) for compliance with EU requirements and the availability of additional expertise at the implementation stage (bottom‐up). Moreover, implementing actors are unlikely to respond in the same way to different types of national legislative problems (top‐down). The findings suggest that implementers often outperform the transposition of EU laws. Practical outperformance depends on the level of societal support for external policies and is a response to incomplete or ambiguous domestic formal rules.
Patterns of periodontal disease progression based on linear mixed models of clinical attachment loss
Authors: Teles Ricardo , Moss Kevin , Preisser John S. , Genco Robert , Giannobile William V. , Corby Patricia , Garcia Nathalia , Jared Heather , Torresyap Gay , Salazar Elida , Moya Julie , Howard Cynthia , Schifferle Robert , Falkner Karen L. , Gillespie Jane , Dixon Debra , Cugini MaryAnn 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimThe goal of the present longitudinal cohort study was to examine patterns of periodontal disease progression at progressing sites and subjects defined based on linear mixed models (LMM) of clinical attachment loss (CAL).Materials and MethodsA total of 113 periodontally healthy and 302 periodontitis subjects had their CAL calculated bimonthly for 12 months. LMMs were fitted for each site and the predicted CAL levels used to categorize their progression state. Participants were grouped based on the number of progressing sites into unchanged, transitional and active subjects. Patterns of periodontal disease progression were explored using descriptive statistics.ResultsProgression occurred primarily at molars (50% of progressing sites) and inter‐proximal sites (72%), affected a higher proportion of deep than shallow sites (2.7% versus 0.7%), and pocketing was the main mode of progression (49%). We found a low level of agreement (47%) between the LMM and traditional approaches to determine progression such as change in CAL ≥3 mm. Fourteen per cent of subjects were classified as active and among those 93% had periodontitis. The annual mean rate of progression for the active subjects was 0.35 mm/year.ConclusionProgressing sites and subjects defined based on LMMs presented patterns of disease progression similar to those previously reported in the literature.