bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel ZnS/Carbon Nanofiber Photocatalyst for Degradation of Rhodamine 6G: Kinetics Tracking of Operational Parameters and Development of a Kinetics Model
Authors: Mehrizad Ali , Gharbani Parvin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA novel nanocomposite in the role of photocatalyst was prepared by composition of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and was characterized. The XRD, EDX, and FE‐SEM analysis revealed that ZnS is successfully embedded in CNFs matrix. The DRS results indicated that supporting of ZnS by CNFs led to a decrease of the band gap energy. The photocatalytic degradation of a hazardous xanthine dye, Rhodamine 6 G (Rh‐6G), by the prepared ZnS/CNFs composite was examined from the kinetics point of view. Nonlinear regression analysis was used to develop a mathematical kinetics model based on the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism, and an empirical equation was obtained for the estimation of apparent pseudo‐first‐order rate constant (kap) as a function of operational parameters (viz. initial dye concentration, ZnS/CNFs content, pH, and irradiation intensity). Based on the results, kap increased with an increase ZnS/CNFs content, pH, and UV light intensity, whereas it decreased by increasing the initial Rh‐6G concentration. Moreover, a new kinetics model was obtained based on proposed elementary steps to determine kap. In the final stage of the work, intermediate materials produced within photocatalytic degradation of Rh‐6G dye were detected by GC‐MS analysis.
The degree of satisfaction of in‐hospital medical patients with nursing care and predictors of dissatisfaction: findings from a secondary analysis
Authors: Palese Alvisa , Gonella Silvia , Fontanive Anna , Guarnier Annamaria , Barelli Paolo , Zambiasi Paola , Allegrini Elisabetta , Bazoli Letizia , Casson Paola , Marin Meri , Padovan Marisa , Picogna Michele , Taddia Patrizia , Salmaso Daniele , Chiari Paolo , Frison Tiziana , Marognolli Oliva , Canzan Federica , Ambrosi Elisa , Saiani Luisa ,   ESAMED Group
Published: May 2017

BackgroundPatient satisfaction with nursing care (NC) is an important predictor of overall satisfaction with the hospital experience. However, the concept of patient satisfaction has been criticised both at the theoretical and at the methodological levels, and more attention on patient dissatisfaction has been called for with the aim of identifying strategies to improve the quality of care.AimsTo describe dissatisfaction with NC as perceived by acute medical patients and identify predictors.Design and methodsA secondary analysis of longitudinal data involving 12 Italian medical units was performed. A consecutive sample of 1016 patients ≥65 years (2012–2013) was included, and their satisfaction with NC was assessed, administering the Italian version of the Patient Satisfaction Scale (PSS) at the day of discharge. The scale was based on 11 items evaluated on a four‐point Likert scale (score ranging from 11 – very dissatisfied to 44 – very satisfied). Patients were defined as ‘satisfied with NC’ when the score was ≥33, whereas they were considered as ‘dissatisfied with NC’ when the score was <33. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of patient dissatisfaction with NC.ResultsThere were 788 (77.6%) patients satisfied (≥33 at the PSS) and 228 (22.4%) dissatisfied with NC (<33). The risk of dissatisfaction was likely to be higher in female patients (RR 1.883, 95% CI 1.359–2.609), in those who developed pressure sores during the in‐hospital stay (RR 1.555, 95% CI 1.021–2.368), who received NC with high skill mix (RR 1.072, 95% CI 1.034–1.111) and those who were admitted to a large hospital (RR 1.001, 95% CI 1.001–1.002). In contrast, increased age (RR 0.987, 95% CI 0.975–0.998), increased amount of care offered by Registered Nurses (RR 0.984, 95% CI 0.974–0.994), a higher proportion of baccalaureate nurses on staff (RR 0.975, 95% CI 0.958–0.993) and being admitted to a teaching hospital (RR 0.497, 95% CI 0.130–0.910) all decreased the likelihood of being dissatisfied with NC.ConclusionsDissatisfaction with NC was affected by individual, NC and hospital variables, such as the amount of staff resources, nurses education and skill mix. The findings emerged may inform clinicians, managers and policymakers regarding strategies that should be designed and implemented to prevent patient dissatisfaction.
Can serological methods help distinguish between prophylactic and alloimmune anti‐D?
Authors: Irving C. , Crennan M. , Vanniasinkam T. 
Published: May 2017

SUMMARYObjectivesEnzyme indirect antiglobulin test (EIAT) and polyethylene glycol IAT (PIAT) were evaluated for their potential use as tests to distinguish between prophylactic and alloimmune anti‐D in plasma by comparing with a tube variation of the standard low ionic strength solution‐IAT (LISS‐IAT).BackgroundLaboratories performing the screening of RhD‐negative pregnant women are required to provide clinicians with guidance as to the source of detected RhD antibodies. Currently, this is derived from RhIg immunoprophylaxis history, agglutination scores and titration results, where performed. A serological test that can differentiate between prophylactic and alloimmune anti‐D would be useful in the diagnosis of RhD alloimmunisation in pregnant women.Materials and MethodsPlasma samples (n = 273) [fresh (collected from April 2014 to February 2015) and frozen (up to 2 years)] from antenatal females, preoperative males and females over child‐bearing age were used in this study. Samples were identified as containing anti‐D by routine column agglutination (CAT) and were tested by tube LISS‐IAT, EIAT and PIAT, and a score difference was calculated.ResultsA total of 32% of alloimmune anti‐D samples demonstrated an increase in agglutination score (+2 or +3) when tested by EIAT. A significant increase in agglutination score for alloimmune samples using EIAT compared with LISS‐IAT was observed. EIAT had a sensitivity (Sn) of 59%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% and specificity (Sp) of 100% for alloimmune anti‐D.ConclusionEIAT is capable of confirming but not excluding the presence of alloimmune anti‐D in samples where anti‐D is detected in routine antibody screening.
Perioperative nutrition management as an important component of surgical capacity in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Nakahara Shinji , Nguyen Do Huy , Bui An Tho , Sugiyama Michiko , Ichikawa Masao , Sakamoto Tetsuya , Nakamura Teiji 
Published: May 2017

SummaryNeeds for surgical care are growing in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Existing surgical care capacity indicators, focusing on the availability of equipment, personnel, and operation and anaesthetic skills, are not intended to evaluate perioperative nutrition management, which influences surgical outcomes. In this narrative review, we describe the prevalence of malnutrition and its clinical consequences among surgical patients in low‐ and middle‐income countries, suggest potential measures to improve nutrition management and discuss the necessity of considering nutrition management as a component of surgical care capacity.
Improved detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei from non‐blood clinical specimens using enrichment culture and PCR: narrowing diagnostic gap in resource‐constrained settings
Authors: Tellapragada Chaitanya , Shaw Tushar , D'Souza Annet , Eshwara Vandana Kalwaje , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic utility of enrichment culture and PCR for improved case detection rates of non‐bacteraemic form of melioidosis in limited resource settings.MethodsClinical specimens (n = 525) obtained from patients presenting at a tertiary care hospital of South India with clinical symptoms suggestive of community‐acquired pneumonia, lower respiratory tract infections, superficial or internal abscesses, chronic skin ulcers and bone or joint infections were tested for the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei using conventional culture (CC), enrichment culture (EC) and PCR. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of CC and PCR were initially deduced using EC as the gold standard method. Further, diagnostic accuracies of all the three methods were analysed using Bayesian latent class modelling (BLCM).ResultsDetection rates of B. pseudomallei using CC, EC and PCR were 3.8%, 5.3% and 6%, respectively. Diagnostic sensitivities and specificities of CC and PCR were 71.4, 98.4% and 100 and 99.4%, respectively in comparison with EC as the gold standard test. With Bayesian latent class modelling, EC and PCR demonstrated sensitivities of 98.7 and 99.3%, respectively, while CC showed a sensitivity of 70.3% for detection of B. pseudomallei. An increase of 1.6% (95% CI: 1.08–4.32%) in the case detection rate of melioidosis was observed in the study population when EC and/or PCR were used in adjunct to the conventional culture technique.ConclusionsOur study findings underscore the diagnostic superiority of enrichment culture and/or PCR over conventional microbiological culture for improved case detection of melioidosis from non‐blood clinical specimens.
Impact of m‐health application used by community health volunteers on improving utilisation of maternal, new‐born and child health care services in a rural area of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Prinja Shankar , Nimesh Ruby , Gupta Aditi , Bahuguna Pankaj , Gupta Madhu , Thakur Jarnail Singh 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo raise the quality of counselling by community health volunteers resulting in improved uptake of maternal, neonatal and child health services (MNCH), an m‐health application was introduced under a project named ‘Reducing Maternal and Newborn Deaths (ReMiND)’ in district Kaushambi in India. We report the impact of this project on coverage of key MNCH services.MethodsA pre‐ and post‐quasi‐experimental design was undertaken to assess the impact of intervention. This project was introduced in two community development blocks in Kaushambi district in 2012. Two other blocks from the same district were selected as controls after matching for coverage of two indicators at baseline – antenatal care and institutional deliveries. The Annual Health Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2011 served as pre‐intervention data, whereas a household survey in four blocks of Kaushambi district in 2015 provided post‐intervention coverage of key services. Propensity score matched samples from intervention and control areas in pre‐intervention and post‐intervention periods were analysed using difference‐in‐difference method to estimate the impact of ReMiND project.ResultsWe found a statistically significant increase in coverage of iron–folic acid supplementation (12.58%), self‐reporting of complication during pregnancy (13.11%) and after delivery (19.6%) in the intervention area. The coverage of three or more antenatal care visits, tetanus toxoid vaccination, full antenatal care and ambulance usage increased in intervention area by 10.3%, 4.28%, 1.1% and 2.06%, respectively; however, the changes were statistically insignificant.ConclusionThree of eight services which were targeted for improvement under ReMiND project registered a significant improvement as result of m‐health intervention.
New‐onset type 2 diabetes mellitus among patients receiving HIV care at Newlands Clinic, Harare, Zimbabwe: retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Chimbetete Cleophas , Mugglin Catrina , Shamu Tinei , Kalesan Bindu , Bertisch Barbara , Egger Matthias , Keiser Olivia 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the incidence and associated factors of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Zimbabwe.MethodsWe analysed data of all HIV‐infected patients older than 16 years who attended Newlands Clinic between March 1, 2004 and April 29, 2015. The clinic considers patients whose random blood sugar is higher than 11.1 mmol/l and which is confirmed by a fasting blood sugar higher than 7.0 mmol/l to have T2DM. T2DM is also diagnosed in symptomatic patients who have a RBS >11.0 mmol/l. Risk factors for developing T2DM were identified using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for confounding. Missing baseline BMI data were multiply imputed. Results are presented as adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsData for 4,110 participants were included: 67.2% were women; median age was 37 (IQR: 31–43) years. Median baseline CD4 count was 197 (IQR: 95–337) cells/mm3. The proportion of participants with hypertension at baseline was 15.5% (n=638). Over a median follow‐up time of 4.7 (IQR: 2.1–7.2) years, 57 patients developed T2DM; the overall incidence rate was 2.8 (95% CI: 2.1–3.6) per 1000 person‐years of follow‐up. Exposure to PIs was associated with T2DM (HR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.04–3.09). In the multivariable analysis, obesity (BMI>30 kg/m2) (aHR=2.26, 95% CI: 1.17–4.36), age >40 years (aHR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.22–3.83) and male gender, (aHR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.22–3.72) were independently associated with the risk of T2DM. HIV‐related factors (baseline CD4 cell count and baseline WHO clinical stage) were not independent risk factors for developing T2DM.ConclusionAlthough the incidence of T2DM in this HIV cohort was lower than that has been observed in others, our results show that risk factors for developing T2DM among HIV‐infected people are similar to those of the general population. HIV‐infected patients in sub‐Saharan Africa need a comprehensive approach to care that includes better health services for prevention, early detection and treatment of chronic diseases especially among the elderly and obese.
Reconstitution of the plant ubiquitination cascade in bacteria using a synthetic biology approach
Authors: Han Yufang , Sun Jianhang , Yang Jun , Tan Zhaoyun , Luo Jijing , Lu Dongping 
Published: May 2017

SummaryUbiquitination modulates nearly all aspects of plant life. Here, we reconstituted the Arabidopsis thaliana ubiquitination cascade in Escherichia coli using a synthetic biology approach. In this system, plant proteins are expressed and then immediately participate in ubiquitination reactions within E. coli cells. Additionally, the purification of individual ubiquitination components prior to setting up the ubiquitination reactions is omitted. To establish the reconstituted system, we co‐expressed Arabidopsis ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitination substrates with E1, E2 and E3 enzymes in E. coli using the Duet expression vectors. The functionality of the system was evaluated by examining the auto‐ubiquitination of a RING (really interesting new gene)‐type E3 ligase AIP2 and the ubiquitination of its substrate ABI3. Our results demonstrated the fidelity and specificity of this system. In addition, we applied this system to assess a subset of Arabidopsis E2s in Ub chain formation using E2 conjugation assays. Affinity‐tagged Ub allowed efficient purification of Ub conjugates in milligram quantities. Consistent with previous reports, distinct roles of various E2s in Ub chain assembly were also observed in this bacterial system. Therefore, this reconstituted system has multiple advantages, and it can be used to screen for targets of E3 ligases or to study plant ubiquitination in detail.
Maintenance and repair beyond the perimeter of the plant: linking industrial labour and the home
Authors: Carr Chantel 
Published: May 2017

Dominant political economic accounts of manufacturing labour draw on an intellectual heritage that has tended to over‐emphasise production culture within the industrial workplace, at the expense of other work cultures such as maintenance and repair. When the latter are foregrounded, new links emerge between work undertaken within the paid workplace, and that undertaken in the home and community. Work that occurs outside the bounds of an industrial site is co‐constituted by materials and skills engendered within, raising timely political and geographical questions around the visibility and mobility of these prosaic restorative cultures. Empirically, the paper brings together two perspectives to illustrate: first, an auto‐ethnographic account of the author's experience as an apprentice industrial electrician in an Australian steel mill in the early 1990s. Emboldened by the work of feminist geographers, I reflect on the spaces occupied by maintenance and repair workers, with an interest in how they cultivate socio‐material cultures that transpire across the bounds of paid and unpaid work. Second, qualitative interviews conducted two decades later, in the homes of retired maintenance trades workers from the same plant. Throughout long careers, these workers have embraced – in both attitude and praxis – the labour of maintenance and repair both at work and at home. Their case demonstrates modes of living thoughtfully with materials that have the potential to reanimate the industrial city as a site of geographical enquiry. The paper urges labour researchers to return to the industrial city and to look beyond the production paradigm, to explore more deeply the heterogeneity of shop‐floor cultures, in order to account for the full value, and thus the potential, of industrial life.
The effect of prazosin on outcome in feline urethral obstruction
Authors: Reineke Erica L. , Thomas Emily K. , Syring Rebecca S. , Savini Jennifer , Drobatz Kenneth J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether prazosin administration following urethral obstruction (UO) reduces the risk for recurrent urethral obstruction (rUO) or lower urinary tract signs, and to document adverse effects associated with prazosin use in cats.DesignDouble‐blinded, prospective, interventional study.SettingUniversity teaching hospital.AnimalsA population of 47 consecutive male cats with UO not associated with urinary tract calculi >2 mm in diameter.InterventionsCats were randomized to receive either prazosin (0.25 mg/cat PO q 12 h,n= 27) or placebo (n= 20) for 1 month following UO.Measurements and Main ResultsCats were monitored for rUO, severity of lower urinary tract signs, and medication adverse effects during hospitalization and through weekly conversations with the owner during the 1‐ month study period and once more at 6 months following discharge. There was no difference in the rUO rate among cats that received prazosin or placebo prior to hospital discharge (2/26 (7%) versus 1/19 (5%),P= 1.00), during the 1‐ month medication period (4/26 (15%) versus 3/18 (17%),P= 0.776), or at 6 months following treatment for UO (7/19 (37%) versus 4/13 (31%),P= 0.811). There was no difference in the severity of lower urinary tract signs reported by the owners at the 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, or 4‐week follow‐up periods among the cats in either group (P= 0.62, 0.68, 0.33, 1.00, respectively). Reported adverse effects from prazosin administration included lethargy, ptyalism, diarrhea, anorexia, and malodorous stool.ConclusionsAlthough our study results failed to find a difference in the incidence of rUO and severity of lower urinary tract signs among cats receiving prazosin and those receiving placebo, these study results should be interpreted cautiously as our study was underpowered to identify such differences. Larger placebo‐controlled, prospective studies are needed to determine the clinical utility of prazosin in prevention of rUO.
Keratitis due to microfilariae in dogs: a newly recognized disease
Authors: Morales Adriana , Perlmann Eduardo , Abelha Aline Nayara Vechiato , Levy Carlos Emilio , de Goes Ana Carolina Almeida , Safatle Angélica M. V. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractParasitic agents have been associated with keratitis, but a diagnosis of parasitic keratitis has not been commonly made in domestic animals. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and histopathological findings in seven dogs with chronic keratitis caused by microfilariae diagnosed in Brazil. All dogs presented with superficial corneal opacities of varying degrees affecting the perilimbal and central regions of the cornea, with other opaque areas appearing as crystalline deposits and corneal vascularization. The lesions were bilateral and were associated with mild‐to‐moderate conjunctival hyperemia. There was no history of blepharospasm or pruritus, and no subjects presented with epithelial erosions. Corneal biopsy revealed free microfilariae in the corneal stroma, with varying degrees of inflammation and collagen fiber destruction. The microfilariae were also found in skin lesions by skin snip technique. No adult worms were found in these dogs, and no dogs were on heartworm preventative before diagnosis. Monthly doses of oral ivermectin improved ocular and dermal lesions. One dog showed complete remission with the treatment. The species of the microfilariae was not identified.
Real-Life Assessment of the Safety and Effectiveness of the New Tablet and Intravenous Formulations of Posaconazole in the Prophylaxis of Invasive Fungal Infections via Analysis of 343 Courses
Authors: Tverdek Frank P. , Heo Sang Taek , Aitken Samuel L. , Granwehr Bruno , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT
Posaconazole is the preferred mold-active azole for prophylaxis against invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in patients with hematological malignancy. Delayed-release tablet and intravenous formulations of posaconazole have recently become available, but clinical data are limited. We sought to examine the real-world pharmacokinetics and prophylactic effectiveness of the new formulations of posaconazole given as prophylaxis for patients with hematological malignancy. A retrospective cohort of all consecutive adult inpatients with hematological malignancy who received ≥3 days of tablet or intravenous posaconazole therapy for primary IFI prophylaxis at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1 December 2013 and 31 December 2015 was established. Clinical information was collected and correlated with low posaconazole serum levels (<700 ng/ml). Rates of IFIs and safety events were assessed. A total of 1,321 courses of posaconazole were administered at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center during the study period, of which 343 courses were assessed for prophylactic safety and effectiveness. Seventy-nine patients (23%) had posaconazole serum level measurements available for interpretation. Acute myeloid leukemia was the primary malignancy (62%), with 20% of all patients having previously received a stem cell transplant. The median posaconazole level was 1,380 ng/ml (interquartile range, 864 to 1,860 ng/ml). Low posaconazole levels (<700 ng/ml) were observed for 14 patients (18%). Proven or probable breakthrough IFIs occurred in 8 patients (2%); posaconazole therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) was performed for 6 of those patients, all with levels above 700 ng/ml. Overall, 19% of patients experienced grade 3 or 4 liver injury, manifesting primarily as hyperbilirubinemia and being correlated with serum levels of >1,830 ng/ml. Although hepatotoxicity in a small percentage of patients is of concern, posaconazole tablets appeared to be generally safe and effective. As all breakthrough IFIs for which TDM was performed occurred in patients with levels of >700 ng/ml, and a posaconazole level of >1,830 ng/ml was correlated with grade 3 or 4 liver toxicity, further studies are needed to assess the role of TDM.