bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of clinical practice on the outcome of central venous access devices in children with haemophilia
Authors: Khair K. , Ranta S. , Thomas A. , Lindvall K. ,   PedNet study group
Published: May 2017

IntroductionCentral venous access devices facilitate home treatment in boys with haemophilia. These are usually fully implanted lines, referred to as ports. Caregivers are taught to manage the port using sterile techniques and maintaining patency by flushing with saline or heparin solution. National and international guidelines for the home care of ports are lacking.AimTo evaluate if infection or occlusion rates differ between home care regimens used for ports in children with haemophilia.MethodsChildren with ports were identified from the PedNet registry. Data on the homecare policy were acquired from each centre. To ensure a complete data set for each port, only ports that had been removed were included in the study. Three care groups were defined: ‘aseptic non touch technique’, ‘sterile technique’ and ‘fully sterile technique’. Outcomes within and between the groups were analysed.ResultsA total of 240 children with 352 ports were studied. Insertion occurred at a median age of 1.32 years. The median port duration was 2.94 years with a total of 215 688 port days in children without and 183 852 in children with inhibitors. Infection was the most common cause of port removal (34%); there was no significant difference with infection as reason for removal between the different care groups. Occlusion was not more frequent in centres that did not use heparin.ConclusionUse of sterile gloves and gowns did not reduce the risk of port infection. Using less stringent sterile techniques for accessing ports is easier for caregivers and in addition may have health economic benefits.
Impact of a product‐specific reference standard for the measurement of a PEGylated rFVIII activity: the Swiss Multicentre Field Study
Authors: Bulla O. , Poncet A. , Alberio L. , ASMIS L. M. , Gähler A. , Graf L. , Nagler M. , Studt J.‐D. , Tsakiris D. A. , Fontana P. 
Published: May 2017

IntroductionMeasuring factor VIII (FVIII) activity can be challenging when it has been modified, such as when FVIII is pegylated to increase its circulating half‐life. Use of a product‐specific reference standard may help avoid this issue.AimEvaluate the impact of using a product‐specific reference standard for measuring the FVIII activity of BAX 855 – a pegylated FVIII – in eight of Switzerland's main laboratories.MethodsFactor VIII‐deficient plasma, spiked with five different concentrations of BAX 855, plus a control FVIII sample, was sent to the participating laboratories. They measured FVIII activity by using either with a one‐stage (OSA) or the chromogenic assay (CA) against their local or a product‐specific reference standard.ResultsWhen using a local reference standard, there was an overestimation of BAX 855 activity compared to the target concentrations, both with the OSA and CA. The use of a product‐specific reference standard reduced this effect: mean recovery ranged from 127.7% to 213.5% using the OSA with local reference standards, compared to 110% to 183.8% with a product‐specific reference standard, and from 146.3% to 182.4% using the CA with local reference standards compared to 72.7% to 103.7% with a product‐specific reference standard.ConclusionIn this in vitro study, the type of reference standard had a major impact on the measurement of BAX 855 activity. Evaluation was more accurate and precise when using a product‐specific reference standard.
Assessment of mode of delivery and predictors of emergency caesarean section among women living withHIVin a matched‐pair setting with women from the general population in Denmark, 2002−2014
Authors: Ørbæk M , Thorsteinsson K , Helleberg M , Moseholm E , Katzenstein TL , Storgaard M , Johansen IS , Pedersen G , Weis N , Lebech A‐M 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess mode of delivery and predictors of emergency caesarean section (EmCS) in women living withHIV(WLWH) in a matched‐pair setting with women from the general population (WGP) in Denmark. Further, we analysed birth plan inWLWH.MethodsAllWLWHgiving birth to live‐born children from 2002 to 2014 were included in the study. Data were retrieved from medical records and national registries.WLWHwere matched 1:5 by age, birth year, parity and ethnicity toWGP. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate predictors.ResultsWe included 389WLWHand 1945WGPin the study. At delivery, allWLWHwere on antiretroviral therapy and 85.6% hadHIV RNA<40HIV‐1RNAcopies/mL. Mean age was 32.7 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 32.1–33.2 years]. Mode of delivery differed significantly betweenWLWHandWGP[vaginal delivery, 33.4% versus 73.3%, respectively; elective caesarean section (ECS), 40.6% versus 9.7%, respectively; EmCS, 26% versus 17%, respectively;P< 0.0001]. Age > 40 years [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.3; 95%CI1.5–3.5], asphyxia (aOR3.2; 95%CI2.4–4.1), delivery during the evening and at night [aOR2.3 (95%CI1.7–3.0) andaOR2.0 (95%CI1.5–2.7), respectively], preterm delivery (aOR3.8; 95%CI2.6–5.6) and premature rupture of membranes (aOR3.0; 95%CI2.1–4.4) predicted EmCS.WLWHhad a higher risk of EmCScompared withWGP[2002–2006,aOR2.0 (95%CI1.2–3.3); 2007–2008,aOR2.9 (95%CI1.4–5.9); 2009–2014,aOR2.6 (95%CI1.7–3.9)]. After 2007, more than half ofWLWHplanned to deliver vaginally. Prior caesarean section was associated withECS(aOR11.0; 95%CI4.5–26.8). No mother‐to‐child transmission occurred.ConclusionsIncreasing numbers ofWLWHdeliver vaginally. Despite virological suppression, moreWLWHplan and deliver byECSthanWGP.WLWHhad a twofold higher risk of EmCScompared withWGP.
The effect of a tooth/tongue gel and mouthwash regimen on morning oral malodour
Authors: Van der Sluijs E , Van der Weijden GA , Hennequin‐Hoenderdos NL , Slot DE 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimTo compare the effects of a regimen consisting of a tooth/tongue gel, tongue cleaner and mouthwash with the effects of using standard fluoride dentifrice on the organoleptic oral malodour score (ORG) and volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs).Materials and methodsA total, 66 non‐dental students participated in a 3‐week parallel, single‐blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. The test group used a tongue cleaner, a tooth/tongue gel and mouthwash containing amine fluoride/stannous fluoride and zinc lactate as oral malodour counteractive. The control group used a standard fluoride dentifrice. Measurements were taken in the morning at baseline, at days 1, 7 and 21. The primary outcome was the ORG score. The secondary outcome, the VSC measurement, was assessed using OralChroma™ (H2S, CH3SH, (CH3)2S) and Halimeter®. Tongue coating thickness and tongue discoloration were scored. At baseline and day 21, the participants’ self‐perceptions were assessed.ResultsAt day 1 for the ORG, H2S, CH3SH and Halimeter® readings, a significant decrease was observed in the test group. At day 21, the decrease in H2S and the Halimeter® outcomes were maintained for the test group, and a significant increase in tongue surface discoloration was observed. The test group evaluated their “morning breath upon awakening” as significantly better (P=.001) after 21 days.ConclusionA significant overnight effect on morning oral malodour was observed for most of the parameters in favour of the test group. At day 21, the effect of prolonged use was significant for H2S and the Halimeter® readings, although not for the primary ORG outcome parameter.
Efficacy and acceptance of a high‐velocity microdroplet device for interdental cleaning in gingivitis patients—A monitored, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stauff I , Derman SHM , Barbe AG , Hoefer KC , Bizhang M , Zimmer S , Noack MJ 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo compare in a randomized clinical trial the efficacy of a high‐velocity microdroplet device for interdental cleaning vs dental floss at reducing plaque and gingivitis.MethodsSixty participants with an irregular interdental home cleaning regime were randomly assigned to use either a microdroplet device (n=40, test) or dental floss (n=20, control) for 4 weeks. At baseline and reassessment, the papilla bleeding index, the modified proximal plaque index and the amount of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were recorded. At the second appointment, participants completed a questionnaire regarding their assigned interdental cleaning option. The process quality of this investigator‐initiated trial was ensured by independent scientific observers and media representatives.ResultsImprovement in the interdental cleaning routine reduced gingivitis in both groups (P<.05). The microdroplet device was more effective at reducing plaque (P=.003). The GCF amount remained the same in both groups. Comfort of use was greater with the microdroplet device. However, self‐reported effectiveness was superior with dental floss. About 85% of participants using the microdroplet device said they would continue daily use.ConclusionImproving the interdental cleaning routine with the microdroplet device or dental floss reduced gingivitis and plaque in both groups. Acceptance regarding comfort of use was higher with the microdroplet device. Dental floss remained the first choice for narrow interdental spaces, yet the microdroplet device offers an effective and well‐accepted alternative for patients who fail the proper flossing routine.
Ageing is associated with brown adipose tissue remodelling and loss of white fat browning in female C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Gonçalves Leidyanne Ferreira , Machado Thaissa Queiroz , Castro‐Pinheiro Camila , de Souza Nathalia Guimaraes , Oliveira Karen Jesus , Fernandes‐Santos Caroline 
Published: May 2017

SummaryFat storage changes throughout life and affects body metabolism. Ageing impact on brown (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) deserves attention, especially in females, because they are less prone to age‐induced weight gain. While in male mice the impact of ageing on adipose tissue remodelling is well characterized, the effects in female mice remain largely unclear. Thus, we investigated BAT and WAT remodelling during ageing in female C57BL/6 mice. At 3 months, body weight was 24 ± 0.3 g (mean±SD), and it increased from 6 to 9 months of age (+20%, P < 0.0001). Oral glucose tolerance test showed no disturbance of glucose metabolism. All WAT depots became heavier, and white adipocytes hypertrophied. The subcutaneous and visceral WAT had clusters of beige cells in younger mice, but they were progressively lost by ageing, indicating loss of WAT browning. Older mice had hypertrophied classic brown adipocytes that had larger cytoplasmic lipid droplets than younger mice. Pearson's correlation showed that WAT mass has a weak correlate with BAT mass, although white adipocyte diameter has a strong correlation with classic brown adipocyte size. In conclusion, our results indicate that female C57BL/6 mice have a progressive age‐dependent loss of subcutaneous and visceral WAT browning, and this process runs in parallel with BAT morphological changes towards a fat storer phenotype, independent of cycling or disturbances in glucose metabolism.
Synthesis and powder properties of titanium—Zinc phosphate white pigments
Authors: Onoda Hiroaki , Minamizawa Takahiro 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPhotocatalytically active titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are used as a white pigment for cosmetics, leading to decomposition of a certain degree of sebum on the skin upon exposure to the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. Herein, as novel white pigments for use in cosmetics, titanium‐zinc phosphates were prepared from titanium sulfate, zinc sulfates, and phosphoric acid. The chemical composition, powder properties, photocatalytic activity, color phase, smoothness, and acid resistance of the titanium‐zinc phosphates were evaluated. Samples prepared at high titanium ratio were easy to be amorphous phase, on the other hand, samples prepared at high zinc ratio indicated the X‐ray diffraction peaks of zinc phosphate dihydrate. The photocatalytic activity of these titanium‐zinc phosphate particles was low; thus these pigments should not induce decomposition of sebum on the skin. All samples prepared in this study exhibited high reflectance within the range of visible light. The substitution with titanium is effective to improve acid resistance of zinc phosphate white pigments.
Hydrothermal synthesis of dendritic BaTiO3 ceramic powders and its application in BaTiO3/P(VDF‐TrFE) composites
Authors: Wang Sijing , Qu Peng , Li Cheng , Liu Xiaolin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDendritic BaTiO3 ceramic powders (d‐BT) were prepared by hydrothermal method in order to improve the dielectric properties of d‐BT/P(VDF‐TrFE) composites, in which, KOH was used as the branch‐directing agent. The effect of hydrothermal time on the branch length of d‐BT particle was mainly studied. The results showed that 1.0‐2.5 μm d‐BT particles were obtained after hydrothermal treating for 12 hours. The particle was composed of two kinds of branches, one was primary branch with about 800 nm in length and another with150‐250 nm. A d‐BT/P(VDF‐TrFE) composites were formed by solution casting, in which d‐BT powders as dielectric fillers and the composites exhibited high‐energy storage performance. Its maximum energy density reached to 9.78 J/cm3, twice as compared with pure P(VDF‐TrFE). The branches of d‐BT particles may act as key roles when the composites existed in electric field. Some branches perpendicular to the external electric field provided the increase in the breakdown strength and others parallel to the external electric field brought the enhancement of the dielectric constant, which simultaneously resulted in high energy density of the composites.
Polyborosilazane preceramic as matrix resin of high temperature adhesive for graphite bonding
Authors: Li Shuqin , Luo Yongming , Wang Linhao , Xu Caihong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn this study, a modified high temperature adhesive based on polyborosilazane preceramic was developed for joining graphite. The properties of adhesive as well as bonding performance of both directly cured joints and calcined joints were investigated. The results showed that the shear strength reached the highest value 13.6 MPa after calcination at 1100°C due to the formation of heat‐resistant ceramic phases and solidification of molten species during joining process. Besides, the compressive shear strength of cured adhesive without posttreatment was kept above 6 MPa during test from RT to 1100°C, which made it possible applied directly in practical high temperature environment.
The public’s perception of the role of community pharmacists in Wales
Authors: Kember Joanne , Hodson Karen , James Delyth H 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the general public’s perceptions of the community pharmacist’s (CP) role in Wales by exploring understanding, awareness of services provided and potential interventions for promoting the role of CPs.

Methods
Qualitative methodology using focus group (FG) discussions exploring opinions, facilitated by a moderator (pharmacist) and an assistant. Topics discussed included the following: what a CP does; reasons for visiting; from whom they seek advice on medicines or lifestyle issues; use of traditional and newer services and promotion of services. The groups, totalling 32 participants, represented non-users and users of pharmacy services, that is pupils from a local secondary school (x1 group), people from the local community (x3) and patients plus carers from a Parkinson’s disease group (x1). FG discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and analysis was undertaken to identify themes.

Key findings
Traditional dispensing and supply of medicines roles were clearly recognised, but poor awareness of the newer services emerged, particularly in public health roles. CP’s professionalism was acknowledged, but there was confusion over where they ‘fit’ within the National Health Service or with General Practitioners, with concerns or misconceptions raised over the impact of commercialism on professionalism.

Conclusions
Based on these findings, the public is accepting of the extended role of CPs and would engage with CPs for a wider range of services. However, there is a lack of awareness of what public health services are available. Considerable work is needed to increase public awareness, during the strategic development of these services in Wales.
Aluminum nitride‐single walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite with superior electrical and thermal conductivities
Authors: Chakravarty Amrita , Singh Ravindra , Roy Sudakshina , Chowdhury Ujjal , Basu Sumantra , Biswas Sampad Kumar 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDevelopment of aluminum nitride (AlN)‐single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) ceramic‐matrix composite containing 1‐6 vol% SWCNT by hot pressing has been reported in this article. The composites containing 6 vol% SWCNT are dense (~99% relative density) and show high dc electrical conductivity (200 Sm−1) and thermal conductivity (62 Wm−1K−1) at room temperature. SWCNTs contain mostly metallic variety tubes obtained by controlled processing of the pristine tubes before incorporation into the ceramic matrix. Raman spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) of the fracture surface of the samples show the excellent survivability of the SWCNTs even after high‐temperature hot pressing. The results indicate the possibility of preparation of AlN nanocomposite for use in plasma devices and electromagnetic shielding.
Health professionals’ personal behaviours hindering health promotion: A study of nurses who smoke
Authors: Mujika Agurtzane , Arantzamendi María , Lopez‐Dicastillo Olga , Forbes Angus 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimTo explore the views of current and ex‐smoker nurses on their role in supporting patients to stop smoking.BackgroundLong‐term conditions are closely linked to harmful lifestyle behaviours, including smoking and overeating. Health professionals have an important role to play in promoting healthier lifestyles. It has been described that nurses’ health behaviours may be a barrier to their health promotion practice. There is a need to gain further understanding on why nurses’ health promotion activity is influenced by their own health behaviour.DesignA secondary analysis of qualitative data gathered in 2010 in the context of a project that aimed to develop a smoking cessation intervention for nurses.MethodsEleven transcripts of semi‐structured interviews conducted with nurses (current and ex‐smokers) working in one university hospital in Spain. Data were analysed using framework analysis.FindingsNurses who smoked engaged in social justification in terms of social norms and work stress. Only nurses who had quit smoking were able to identify the negative feelings it generated and the effect that it had on their past health promotion practice. This was expressed by ex‐smokers as an internal conflict that prevented them from supporting patients with their own habit.ConclusionNurses who smoke may be inhibited as health promoters without being aware of it. Interventions that focus on helping these professionals deal with the challenges associated with these encounters are necessary if health promotion practices are to be enhanced. Targeting this conflict might also work to improve their lifestyle, which would expand the potential impact to professionals’ own health.
Health, workforce characteristics, quality of life and intention to leave: The ‘Fit for the Future’ survey of Australian nurses and midwives
Authors: Perry Lin , Xu Xiaoyue , Duffield Christine , Gallagher Robyn , Nicholls Rachel , Sibbritt David 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimTo examine the quality of life of nurses and midwives in New South Wales, Australia and compare values with those of the Australian general population; to determine the influence of workforce, health and work life characteristics on quality of life and its effect on workforce intention to leave.BackgroundFew studies have examined nurses’ and midwives’ quality of life and little is known of its effects on workforce longevity.DesignThis was a cross‐sectional survey conducted in 2014–2015.MethodThe “Fit for the Future” electronic survey, delivered to nurses and midwives, examined demographic, work and health‐related factors, which were compared with Australian general population normative values for physical and mental components of quality of life (the Short Form‐12). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models assessed associations with workforce intention to leave.ResultPhysical and mental component scores, calculated for 4,592 nurses and midwives, revealed significantly higher physical but lower mental component scores than the general population. Physical component scores decreased with increasing age; higher scores were seen in nurses with better health indices and behaviours. Mental well‐being scores increased with increasing age; in nurses who reported job satisfaction, no work injury, sleep problems or frequent pain and non‐smokers. The odds of intention to leave decreased with increasing mental well‐being.ConclusionManagers and decision‐makers should heed study recommendations to implement health promotion strategies for nurses and midwives, aiming to improve mental health, specifically to promote workforce retention.
Against Pay Secrecy
Authors: Moriarty Jeffrey 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMany firms keep pay secret. They do not make information about what their employees are paid available inside or outside of the firm, i.e. to other employees or to the public at large. Indeed, many firms discourage their employees from, or sanction them for, disclosing their pay. Against this, I argue that there are good moral reasons for firms to be transparent about pay. Pay transparency prevents injustice, promotes autonomy, and increases efficiency. After presenting the positive case for pay transparency, I defend it against objections, including the most common reasons firms give for keeping pay secret.
Assessing knowledge and attitudes about end of life: Evaluation of three instruments designed for adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Stancliffe R. J. , Wiese M. Y. , Read S. , Jeltes G. , Clayton J. M. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundThis paper examines the development and psychometric characteristics of three instruments about end of life, designed for use with adults with intellectual disability (ID). Respectively, the instruments assess understanding of the concept of death, end‐of‐life planning, and fear of death.MethodsPart 1: instruments were developed or adapted, and pilot tested with 11 adults with ID and 2 disability staff. Part 2: 39 adults with ID and 40 disability staff were assessed on all three instruments.ResultsWe evaluated comprehensibility, internal consistency, inter‐rater reliability, subscale: total score correlations, missing data, and withdrawal. Psychometric findings were mostly good. Overall, 23% of participants with ID withdrew at some point. This outcome may have been as much due to assessment fatigue as to sensitive content. There were no adverse events.ConclusionsPeople with ID can reliably complete assessments about end‐of‐life. Generally, each instrument was found to be comprehensible, reliable and valid.