bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Renin‐Angiotensin System Inhibitors vs Other Antihypertensives in Hypertensive Blacks: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Palla Mohan , Ando Tomo , Androulakis Emmanuel , Telila Tesfaye , Briasoulis Alexandros 
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors vs other antihypertensive agents on cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive black patients. The authors performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies that compared the effects of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) with calcium channel blockers (CCBs), diuretics, and β‐blockers in hypertensive black patients on cardiovascular outcomes. A total of 38,983 patients with a mean age of 60 years and mean follow‐up of 4 years were included in our meta‐analysis. No significant differences were found in all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality rates among patients treated with RAS inhibitors compared with CCBs, diuretics, and β‐blockers. The incidence of stroke was significantly increased in patients treated with RAS inhibitors compared with CCBs (odds ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–1.87 [P<.00001]; I2=0%) and diuretics (odds ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–2.17 [P=.004]; I2=56%) but not β‐blockers.
Effect of Drying Temperatures and Plasticizers on the Properies of Konjac Flour Film
Authors: Jomlapeeratikul Prayoon , Poomsa‐Ad Nattapol , Wiset Lamul 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBiopolymer films are increasing in popularity due to its environmental friendly. The objectives of this work were to study the effect of drying temperatures and plasticizer types on the physical and mechanical properties of films. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) was used for base film forming. A heat pump dryer was used for drying films at temperatures from 30 to 50°C. Film properties were compared with those of films dried at ambient temperature. The film properties were evaluated by film thickness, tensile stress at yield, percent elongation at yield, elastic modulus, water vapor permeability (WVP), transparency, and microstructure of film. Glycerol, lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates) essential oil and plai (Zingiber cassumunar) essential oil were used as plasticizers. The result found that thickness, percent elongation at yield and WVP were decreased with increased drying temperature. However, tensile stress at yield and elastic modulus were increased when the drying temperatures increased. Moreover, films with essential oil were thicker, lower tensile stress at yield and elastic modulus and higher WVP than film without essential oil. Films without essential oil were compact, smooth surface and uniform microstructure than the films with essential oil.Practical ApplicationsThis research was to study the effect of drying temperature and plasticizer types on property of film. Film was made from konjac flour and drying by a heat pump dryer. The application of the heat pump in the drying process is to control of the relative humidity and drying temperature of the process. Heat pump dryer provides low relative humidity and low temperature; reduce the drying time and faster than hot air drying. Also essential oil used as plasticizer combined with konjac flour as film‐base could improve elasticity property and permeability of film were determined in order to produce packaging with good characteristics.
Successful factors to prevent pressure ulcers – an interview study
Authors: Hommel Ami , Gunningberg Lena , Idvall Ewa , Bååth Carina 
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectivesTo explore successful factors to prevent pressure ulcers in hospital settings.BackgroundPressure ulcer prevalence has been recognised as a quality indicator for both patient safety and quality of care in hospital and community settings. Most pressure ulcer can be prevented if effective measures are implemented and evaluated. The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions initiated nationwide pressure ulcer prevalence studies in 2011. In 2014, after four years of measurement, the prevalence was still unacceptably high on a national level. The mean prevalence of pressure ulcer in the spring of 2014 was 14% in hospital settings with a range from 2·7–36·4%.DesignQualitative semistructured interviews were conducted.MethodsA qualitative content analysis, in addition to Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services frameworks, was used in the analysis of the data text. Individual interviews and focus groups were used to create opportunities for both individual responses and group interactions. The study was conducted at six hospitals during the fall of 2014.ResultsThree main categories were identified as successful factors to prevent pressure ulcer in hospitals: creating a good organisation, maintaining persistent awareness and realising the benefits for patients.ConclusionThe goal for all healthcare personnel must be delivering high‐quality, sustainable care to patients. Prevention of pressure ulcer is crucial in this work. It seems to be easier for small hospitals (with a low number of units/beds) to develop and sustain an effective organisation in prevention work.Relevance to clinical practiceThe nurse managers’ attitude and engagement are crucial to enable the personnel to work actively with pressure ulcer prevention. Strategies are proposed to advance clinical leadership, knowledge, skills and abilities for the crucial implementation of pressure ulcer prevention.
Intermittent urethral catheterisation: the reality of the lubricants and catheters in the clinical practice of a Brazilian service
Authors: Mazzo Alessandra , Pecci Gabriel Luiz , Fumincelli Laís , Neves Roberta Corsini , dos Santos Rachel Cristina Rodrigues , Cassini Marcelo Ferreira , Tucci Silvio 
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectivesTo identify how catheters and lubricants have been used among patients using intermittent urinary catheterisation in rehabilitation.BackgroundThe clean intermittent urinary catheterisation technique is an invasive procedure can cause discomfort, pain and urethral traumas. The use of lubricants and lubricated urinary catheters reduces the friction between the catheter and the urethral mucosa, minimising the risks.DesignA descriptive exploratory design was used.MethodsQuantitative and descriptive study developed at a rehabilitation centre of a University Hospital in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, at the Intermittent Urinary Catheterisation Outpatient Clinic, between June 2012–December 2014. After ethical approval, the data were collected through an interview with the support of a semistructured questionnaire, held during the nursing consultation. Among the users, patients using intermittent urinary catheterisation were interviewed, over 18 years of age and minors younger than eight years accompanied. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied.ResultsMost of 214 (100·0%) patients were interviewed were male, single, young adults and with a primary medical diagnosis of bone marrow injury and myelomeningocele. Most patients perform the urinary catheterisation between four and six times per day. For the procedure, the majority uses polyethylene (polyvinyl chloride) catheter and, as a lubricant, 2·0% lidocaine hydrochloride on the catheter itself. Many mention lack of sensitivity when passing the catheter.ConclusionIn the study sample, a risk of urethral traumas was evidenced, related to the inappropriate use of catheters and lubricants. For the patients’ safety, the professionals need to acknowledge the importance of the appropriate use of lubricants and lubricated catheters to implement evidence‐based practices that mobilise public policies.Relevance to clinical practiceThe use of evidences demonstrates that the appropriate use of lubricants for intermittent urinary catheterisation is fundamental for patient safety and the performance of the best practices.
Comparison of Two Risk Models in Predicting the Incidence of Contrast‐Induced Nephropathy after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Araujo Gustavo N. , Wainstein Marco V. , McCabe James M. , Huang Pei‐Hsiu , Govindarajulu Usha S. , Resnic Frederic S. 
Published: July 2016

ObjectivesWe sought to compare 2 contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) risk prediction models in a validation cohort using a consensus definition.BackgroundContrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is independently associated with mortality following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Multiple prediction models for the development of CIN have been published using heterogeneous outcome definitions.MethodsWe analyzed 5,540 patients who underwent PCI from January 2005 to June 2012 at a single academic medical center. The primary outcome was development of CIN, defined as an increase in serum creatinine of ≥0.5 mg/dl or a relative increase of ≥25% from baseline. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the discriminatory power of Mehran and WBH prediction models.ResultsThe mean age of our cohort was 68 ± 12 years. The mean baseline creatinine was 1.2 ± 0.53 mg/dl (eGFR 73 ± 27 ml/min). The mean contrast volume used was 212 ± 92 ml. CIN occurred in 436 patients (7.9%). The Mehran risk score demonstrated better discrimination than the William Beaumont Hospital (WBH) risk score to predict the occurrence of CIN (c statistic: 0.82 vs. 0.73, respectively). Mortality at 30 days was approximately 8 times higher among patients with CIN as compared to those without (14.7% vs. 1.8% P < 0.01).ConclusionsIn an independent validation cohort, the Mehran risk model demonstrates greater discriminatory power than the WBH model in predicting the incidence of CIN. Mortality was significantly higher in patients who developed CIN after PCI.
Dental Implant Length and Diameter: A Proposed Classification Scheme
Authors: Al‐Johany Sulieman S. , Al Amri Mohammad D. , Alsaeed Suliman , Alalola Bassam 
Published: July 2016

AbstractPurposeTo propose a length‐and‐diameter‐based classification scheme for dental implants to standardize terminology in the dental literature and communication between interested parties.Materials and MethodsThis study was mainly based on searching two major resources: published scientific research papers and 14 of the most popular dental implant manufacturers. Indexed databases were searched from January 2004 up to and including February 2016 using the keywords “dental implant length” and “dental implant diameter.” Retrieved titles and abstracts were screened, and related full‐text articles were reviewed. Full‐text articles that clearly stated the terms and measurements of implants used were included and considered for proposing this classification scheme.ResultsThe initial search for implant diameter and length yielded 1007 and 936 articles, respectively. A total of 85 studies (41 about diameter, 44 about length) were selected and reviewed. The remaining studies (966 about diameter, 892 about length) that did not abide by the eligibility criteria were excluded. The terms “long,” “short,” “standard,” “wide,” and “narrow” were the most commonly used terms in the literature. A classification scheme for implants by diameter and length was proposed.ConclusionsIndexed publications contain a variety of terms used by authors to describe diameter and length of dental implants without conformity and standardization. The classification scheme proposed in this article could serve as a reference for interested parties.
No evidence that medicinal honey reduces bacterial skin colonisation at a peripheral catheter insertion site in dogs
Authors: Royaux E. , Polis I. , Boyen F. , Van Ham L. , de Rooster H. 
Published: July 2016

ObjectivesTo determine whether topical exit‐site application of medicinal honey at the catheter insertion place reduces bacterial skin colonisation.Measurements and ResultsDogs were selected at random and divided into the honey or the control group. When the catheter was removed, an area of approximately 3×3 cm of the skin at the insertion site was sampled with a sterile cotton swab. The catheter stayed in place for a median of 84 hours. Out of 46 patients, 6 patients in the honey group and 5 out of 54 patients in the control group had a positive skin culture at the time of catheter removal (P=0·547). Infection was clinically suspected in 1 of those 11 dogs; catheter‐associated complications were observed in 8 additional dogs that did not have a positive skin culture.Clinical SignificanceFew catheter‐associated complications were observed. Extra attention to hygiene by working with a standardised catheter placement and handling protocol might have resulted in this low incidence. In this study topical application of a medicinal honey did not reduce bacterial skin colonisation at the insertion site of peripheral catheters in dogs.
Antimicrobial‐resistant Escherichia coli in hospitalised companion animals and their hospital environment
Authors: Tuerena I. , Williams N. J. , Nuttall T. , Pinchbeck G. 
Published: July 2016

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance is a growing concern with implications for animal health. This study investigated the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among commensal and environmental Escherichia coli isolated from animals sampled in referral hospitals in the UK.Materials and MethodsResistant Escherichia coli isolated from animal faeces and practice environments were tested for susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. PCR and sequencing techniques were used to identify extended spectrum beta‐lactamase and AmpC‐producer genotypes.ResultsIn total, 333 faecal and 257 environmental samples were collected. Multi‐drug resistant Escherichia coli were found in 13·1% of faecal and 8·9% of environmental samples. Extended spectrum beta‐lactamase and AmpC genes were identified 14% and 7·7% of faecal samples and 8·6% and 8·6% of environmental samples, respectively. The most common extended spectrum beta‐lactamase gene type detected was blaCTX‐M −15, although blaTEM‐158 was detected in faecal and environmental samples from one practice.Clinical SignificanceEscherichia coli resistant to key antimicrobials were isolated from hospitalised animals and the practice environment. We identified the emergence of the inhibitor resistant and extended spectrum beta‐lactamase blaTEM‐158 in companion animals. Further investigation to determine risk factors for colonisation with antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria is needed to provide evidence for antimicrobial stewardship and infection control programmes.
Cyclic di‐AMP targets the cystathionine beta‐synthase domain of the osmolyte transporter OpuC
Authors: Huynh TuAnh Ngoc , Choi Philip H. , Sureka Kamakshi , Ledvina Hannah E. , Campillo Julian , Tong Liang , Woodward Joshua J. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryCellular turgor is of fundamental importance to bacterial growth and survival. Changes in external osmolarity as a consequence of fluctuating environmental conditions and colonization of diverse environments can significantly impact cytoplasmic water content, resulting in cellular lysis or plasmolysis. To ensure maintenance of appropriate cellular turgor, bacteria import ions and small organic osmolytes, deemed compatible solutes, to equilibrate cytoplasmic osmolarity with the extracellular environment. Here, we show that elevated levels of c‐di‐AMP, a ubiquitous second messenger among bacteria, result in significant susceptibility to elevated osmotic stress in the bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. We found that levels of import of the compatible solute carnitine show an inverse correlation with intracellular c‐di‐AMP content and that c‐di‐AMP directly binds to the CBS domain of the ATPase subunit of the carnitine importer OpuC. Biochemical and structural studies identify conserved residues required for this interaction and transport activity in bacterial cells. Overall, these studies reveal a role for c‐di‐AMP mediated regulation of compatible solute import and provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms by which this essential second messenger impacts bacterial physiology and adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
Can acaricide‐impregnated leg bands fitted to female red grouse reduce sheep tick parasitization of chicks and increase chick survival?
Authors: BAINES D. , TAYLOR L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn parts of northern England, North Wales and the Scottish Highlands, increasing numbers of sheep ticksIxodes ricinus(Ixodida: Ixodidae), and the louping ill virus they can carry, are considered to be important factors that reduce red grouseLagopus lagopus scoticaproductivity. The present study tested this hypothesis by fitting adult female grouse with leg bands impregnated with the acaricide cypermethrin to experimentally control ticks on their chicks on two managed grouse moors in northeast Scotland. The chicks of females fitted with acaricide leg bands showed reduced tick infestations and improved survival in one of the two study years, relative to chicks of control females. Acaricide leg bands constitute a potential management technique that may be adopted by grouse moor managers in circumstances of high tick infestations on grouse chicks.
Assertion: A Function First Account
Authors: Kelp Christoph 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis paper aims to develop a novel account of the normativity of assertion. Its core thesis is that assertion has an etiological epistemic function, viz. to generate knowledge in hearers. In conjunction with a general account of etiological functions and their normative import, it is argued that an assertion is epistemically good if and only if it has the disposition to generate knowledge in hearers. In addition, reason is provided to believe that it makes sense to regulate the practice of assertion by a speaker rule—and, more specifically, by a knowledge rule—as so regulating assertion contributes to ensuring that assertion fulfils its etiological function reliably.
Transparency and the KK Principle
Authors: Das Nilanjan , Salow Bernhard 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAn important question in epistemology is whether the KK principle is true, i.e., whether an agent who knows that p is also thereby in a position to know that she knows that p. We explain how a “transparency” account of self‐knowledge, which maintains that we learn about our attitudes towards a proposition by reflecting not on ourselves but rather on that very proposition, supports an affirmative answer. In particular, we show that such an account allows us to reconcile a version of the KK principle with an “externalist” or “reliabilist” conception of knowledge commonly thought to make that principle particularly problematic.
Oxygen saturation/minute heart rate index: Simple lung function test for children
Authors: Ozdemir Ali , Dogruel Dilek , Yilmaz Ozlem 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe severity of airway obstruction can be accurately determined on spirometry in children with asthma. Other assessments may include peak expiratory flow and pulse oximetry. In the present study, we evaluated the validity and reliability of oxygen saturation/minute heart rate (SpO2/MHR) index in the prediction of degree of severe airway obstruction in children with asthma.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of children aged 7–17 followed for asthma at Mersin Women and Children's Hospital. The study compared SpO2/MHR ratio with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) measured on spirometry, an important indicator of small airway obstruction. A total of 296 patients were included in the study, and classified either as having normal FEV1 (FEV1 > 80% of predicted, n = 178) or severely reduced FEV1 (FEV1 < 60% of predicted, n = 118). Positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), sensitivity and specificity of SpO2/MHR index in predicting low FEV1 were calculated on receiver operating characteristics analysis.ResultsAn SpO2/MHR ratio cut‐off <0.90 was associated with a PPV of 83.14%, NPV of 71.77%, sensitivity of 80.34% and specificity of 75.42% in predicting low FEV1.ConclusionsSpO2/MHR ratio appears to be a highly useful index to assess airway obstruction in older children with asthma. Thus, it can be used as a marker of airway obstruction severity when spirometry is not available.
Outcomes in infants listed for liver transplantation: A retrospective cohort study using the United Network for Organ Sharing database
Authors: Jimenez‐Rivera Carolina , Nightingale Scott , Benchimol Eric I. , Mazariegos George V. , Ng Vicky L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractLT in neonates and young infants can be challenging due to a variety of factors. To describe the waitlist mortality rates and outcomes of patients listed and transplanted as infants identified from the UNOS database. Infants listed for LT between January 1985 and September 2010 were identified from the UNOS database. Mortality on the waitlist as well as outcomes post‐LT was compared between infants aged ≤60 days (Group 1), 61–179 days (Group 2), and 180–364 days (Group 3). Of 6763 infants listed for LT (Group 1 n = 496, Group 2 n = 2404, Group 3 n = 3863), mean age at listing was 196 ± 87 days (Group 1, 29 ± 16 days; Group 2, 132 ± 32 days; Group 3, 257 ± 52 days). Waitlist mortality was highest in Group 1 (Group 1 vs. 3 HR 3.01, 95% CI 2.19–4.15, Group 2 vs. Group 3 HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66–1.03). One‐ and five‐yr graft survival was 59.6% and 42% (Group 1), 66% and 45% (Group 2), and 66.8% and 41% (Group 3) (one‐yr survival p = 0.20; five‐yr survival p = 0.19). Infants listed for LT at age ≤60 days had greater waitlist mortality risk than older infants. Infants undergoing LT at age ≤60 days had similar rates of patient and graft survival to older infants.
Understanding Multiple Behavioral Risk Factors for Cancer in Rural Women
Authors: Noonan Devon , Dardas Latefa , Bice‐Wigington Tiffany , Sloane Richard , Benjamin Rebecca , Choi Seung Hee , Simmons Leigh Ann 
Published: July 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the demographic and health‐related factors associated with risk behaviors that have been linked to cancer including smoking, high BMI, and low physical activity.Design and SampleA secondary analysis was conducted using data from Rural Families Speak about Health, a multistate, epidemiologic study of rural American women and their families (N = 444).MeasuresValidated measures for various demographic and health‐related items including tobacco use, BMI, physical activity, and depression were used.ResultsOf the total sample with complete data (n = 399), the mean age was 32 years and the majority were White (64%), married (67%), had a high school education or higher (73%), and had an annual household income of less than $40,000 (90%). Regarding cancer risk behaviors, 36% of the sample were smokers, 39% reported low levels of physical activity, and 45% had a calculated BMI over 30. Thirty‐five percent of participants reported engaging in two or more risk behaviors. There were significant differences in income, perceived health status, and depression depending on the number of risk behaviors reported.ConclusionsUnderstanding combinations of risk behaviors can assist nurses and other health professionals in tailoring multiple health behavior change interventions to prevent cancer among rural women.