bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Interaction Between Nursing Decision Making and Patient Outcomes in 2 European Cancer Centers
Authors: Valcarenghi Dario , Bagnasco Annamaria , Aleo Giuseppe , Catania Gianluca , Zanini Milko , Cavaliere Bruno , Carnevale Franco , Sasso Loredana 
Published: April 2017

Background:In some clinical settings, nurses have difficulty describing the outcomes of their caring activities. Understanding the reasons for this could help nurse leaders to improve the effectiveness and visibility of nursing practice and safeguard nurses’ working conditions.Objective:The aims of this study were to understand how nurses working in 2 different adult cancer centers make healthcare decisions and assess the respective outcomes on their patients.Methods:Through a constructivist grounded theory approach, we involved 15 clinical cancer nurses with different experiences and educational backgrounds and 6 nurse managers, working in 2 comprehensive cancer centers, 1 in Italy and 1 in Switzerland. Data were collected in 2 phases using 20 semistructured interviews and 9 field observations.Results:Six macrocategories emerged: interacting with situational factors, deciding relevant interventions, using multiple decision-making approaches, evaluating interventions and reporting them, pursuing healthcare outcomes, and clarifying professional identity and roles. Nurses’ decision-making processes varied and were influenced by various factors, which mutually influenced one another. This process was interpreted using an explicative theory called “dynamic decision-making adaptation.”Conclusions:The present study showed how the aims, contents, and degree of autonomy in the nurses’ decision-making process are strongly influenced by the dialectic interaction between professional and contextual factors, such as competency and professional identity.Implications for Practice:Cancer nurses could influence their clinical practice by developing nursing competencies that effectively resolve patients’ problems. This is a key factor that nurses govern autonomously and therefore a responsibility that involves the entire nursing educational, organizational, and scientific leadership.
Supportive Care Needs and Association With Quality of Life of Mexican Adults With Solid Cancers
Authors: Doubova Svetlana V. , Casales-Hernández Maria Guadalupe , Perez-Cuevas Ricardo 
Published: April 2017

Background:Patients with cancer have supportive care needs. Studies that analyze the relationship between supportive care needs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are scarce. Cultural differences in supportive care needs and perceived QoL are also worth analyzing.Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the association between supportive care needs and HRQoL of Mexican adults given a diagnosis of solid cancers.Methods:We performed a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey of 825 adult patients with cancer treated at the Oncology Hospital of the Mexican Institute of Social Security. The QLQ-30 from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer served to measure HRQoL, and the Supportive Care Needs Questionnaire was used to ascertain the needs. The analysis included multiple linear regression models for each HRQoL domain controlled for demographic, clinical, and social support covariates.Results:There was an association between psychological needs with low scores in the HRQoL domains of global health, emotional functioning, and increased fatigue. Physical and daily living needs were associated with most HRQoL domains except the emotional domain. Patient care needs were related to low scores in the emotional and social functioning domains. Health systems and information needs were associated with low scores on cognitive functioning.Conclusions:Physical, psychological, patient care, and informational needs were associated with decreased HRQoL of Mexican patients with cancer.Implications for Practice:Healthcare providers, including nurses, are encouraged to perform routine, comprehensive evaluations of the supportive care needs and HRQoL of patients with solid cancers to respond in a timely manner to their needs.
Long-term Impact of Bile Duct Injury on Morbidity, Mortality, Quality of Life, and Work Related Limitations
Authors: Booij Klaske A. C. , de Reuver Philip R. , van Dieren Susan , van Delden Otto M. , Rauws Erik A. , Busch Olivier R. , van Gulik Thomas M. , Gouma Dirk J. 
Published: April 2017

Objective:
Assessment of long-term comprehensive outcome of multimodality treatment of bile duct injury (BDI) in terms of morbidity, mortality, quality of life (QoL), survival, and work related limitations.

Background:
The impact of BDI on work ability is scarcely investigated.

Methods:
BDI patients referred to a tertiary center after BDI were included (n = 800). QoL and work related limitations (HLQ) were compared with 175 control patients after uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Results:
The mean survival after BDI was 17.6 years (95% confidence interval, CI, 17.2–18.0 years). BDI related mortality was 3.5% (28/800). Corrected for sex, ASA classification, treatment and type of injury, survival is worse in male patients (hazard ratio, HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.01–2.33) and progressively worse with higher ASA classification (ASA2: 5.25 (2.94–9.37), ASA3: 18.1 (9.79–33.3). Patients treated surgically had a significantly better survival (HR: 0.45 (95% CI: 0.25–0.80). BDI patients reported a significantly worse physical QoL compared with the control group and worse disease specific QoL. Loss of productivity of work was significantly higher among BDI patients. There also was a significant hindrance in unpaid work. A higher number of bile duct injury patients were receiving disability benefits after long-term follow-up (34.9% vs 19.6%, P = 0.004).

Conclusions:
Reconstructive surgery in BDI patients is associated with improved survival. Although the clinical outcome of multidisciplinary treatment of bile duct injury is good, it is associated with a significant decrease in QoL, loss of productivity in both paid and unpaid work and high rates of disability benefits use.
Population Genetics Based Phylogenetics Under Stabilizing Selection for an Optimal Amino Acid Sequence: A Nested Modeling Approach
Authors: Beaulieu Jeremy M. , O’Meara Brian C. , Zaretzki Russell , Landerer Cedric , Chai Juanjuan , Gilchrist Michael A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe present a new phylogenetic approach SelAC (Selection on Amino acids and Codons), whose substitution rates are based on a nested model linking protein expression to population genetics. Unlike simpler codon models which assume a single substitution matrix for all sites, our model more realistically represents the evolution of protein coding DNA under the assumption of consistent, stabilizing selection using cost-benefit approach. This cost-benefit approach allows us generate a set of 20 optimal amino acid specific matrix families using just a handful of parameters and naturally links the strength of stabilizing selection to protein synthesis levels, which we can estimate. Using a yeast dataset of 100 orthologs for 6 taxa, we find SelAC fits the data much better than popular models by 104–105AICc units. Our results indicate there is great potential for more accurate inference of phylogenetic trees and branch lengths from already existing data through the use of nested, mechanistic models. Additional parameters estimated by SelAC indicate that a large amount of non-phylogenetic, but biologically meaningful, information can be inferred from exisiting data. For example, SelAC prediction of gene specific protein synthesis rates correlates well with both empirical (r=0.33−0.48) and other theoretical predictions (r=0.45−0.64) for multiple yeast species. SelAC also provides estimates of the optimal amino acid at each site. Finally, because SelAC is a nested approach based on clearly stated biological assumptions, future modifications, such as including shifts in the optimal amino acid sequence within or across lineages, are possible.
Amplified visual immunosensor integrated with nanozyme for ultrasensitive detection of avian influenza virus
Authors: Ahmed Syed Rahin , Neethirajan Suresh 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTNanomaterial-based artificial enzymes or nanozymes exhibits superior properties such as stability, cost effectiveness and ease of preparation in comparison to conventional enzymes. However, the lower catalytic activity of nanozymes limits their sensitivity and thereby practical applications in the bioanalytical field. To overcome this drawback, herein we propose a very simple but highly sensitive, specific and low-cost dual enhanced colorimetric immunoassay for the detection of avian influenza virus A (H5N1) through facilein situsynthesis of gold nanoparticles and their peroxidase-like enzymatic activity. 3,3’,5,5’-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMBZ) was used as a reducing agent to produce gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) from a viral target-specific antibody-gold ion complex. The developed blue color from the sensing design was further amplified through catalytic activity of Au NPs in presence of TMBZ–hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) complex. The developed dual enhanced colorimetric immunosensor enables the detection of avian influenza virus A (H5N1) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.11 pg/mL. Our results further confirms that the developed assay has superior sensitivity than the conventional ELISA method, plasmonic-based bioassay and commercial flu diagnostic kits.
Vitamin and amino acid auxotrophy in anaerobic consortia operating under methanogenic condition
Authors: Hubalek Valerie , Buck Moritz , Tan BoonFei , Foght Julia , Wendeberg Annelie , Berry David , Bertilsson Stefan , Eiler Alexander 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSyntrophy among Archaea and Bacteria facilitates the anaerobic degradation of organic compounds to CH4and CO2. Particularly during aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon mineralization, as in crude oil reservoirs and petroleum-contaminated sediments, metabolic interactions between obligate mutualistic microbial partners are of central importance1. Using micro-manipulation combined with shotgun metagenomic approaches, we disentangled the genomes of complex consortia inside a short chain alkane-degrading cultures operating under methanogenic conditions. Metabolic reconstruction revealed that only a small fraction of genes in the metagenome-assembled genomes of this study, encode the capacity for fermentation of alkanes facilitated by energy conservation linked to H2metabolism. Instead, inferred lifestyles based on scavenging anabolic products and intermediate fermentation products derived from detrital biomass was a common feature in the consortia. Additionally, inferred auxotrophy for vitamins and amino acids suggests that the hydrocarbon-degrading microbial assemblages are structured and maintained by multiple interactions beyond the canonical H2-producing and syntrophic alkane degrader–methanogen partnership2. Our study uncovers the complexity of ‘interactomes’ within microbial consortia mediating hydrocarbon transformation under anaerobic conditions.
Low mitochondrial diversity in native Italian pig breeds is consistent with the occurrence of strong population bottlenecks
Authors: Kubejko Joanna , Amills Marcel , Pilla Fabio , D’Andrea Mariasilvia , Clop Alex 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTIn this study, we have analysed the variation of 81 Italian pigs from the Calabrese, Casertana, Cinta Senese, Sarda and Nero Siciliano breeds as well as 54 Italian wild boars by using a dataset of mitochondrial control region sequences generated by us and others. Diversity parameters were rather low in Italian native pigs, with haplotype and nucleotide diversities ranging between 0.35-0.79 and 0.0013-0.0061, respectively. This result is consistent with the strong population bottlenecks that traditional Italian breeds have suffered due to competition with more productive foreign pig varieties. Moreover, median-joining network analysis showed that the majority of Italian pig sequences are distributed in two main clusters and that all of them belong to the E1 haplogroup. Conversely, Italian wild boars were more diverse than their domestic counterparts and they harboured the E1 and E2 haplogroups. The absence of the E2 haplogroup in Italian pigs and its moderate frequency in wild boars might suggest that this haplogroup was rare at the time that wild boars were domesticated in Italy.
“Like Sugar in Milk”: Reconstructing the genetic history of the Parsi population
Authors: Chaubey Gyaneshwer , Ayub Qasim , Rai Niraj , Prakash Satya , Mushrif-Tripathy Veena , Mezzavilla Massimo , Pathak Ajai Kumar , Tamang Rakesh , Firasat Sadaf , Reidla Maere , Karmin Monika , Selvi-Rani Deepa , Reddy Alla G. , Parik Jüri , Metspalu Ene , Rootsi Siiri , Dalal Kurush , Khaliq Shagufta , Mehdi Syed Qasim , Singh Lalji , Metspalu Mait , Kivisild Toomas , Tyler-Smith Chris , Villems Richard , Thangaraj Kumarasamy 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe Parsis, one of the smallest religious community in the world, reside in South Asia. Previous genetic studies on them, although based on low resolution markers, reported both Iranian and Indian ancestries. To understand the population structure and demographic history of this group in more detail, we analyzed Indian and Pakistani Parsi populations using high-resolution autosomal and uniparental (Y-chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA) markers. Additionally, we also assayed 108 mitochondrial DNA markers among 21 ancient Parsi DNA samples excavated from Sanjan, in present day Gujarat, the place of their original settlement in India.ResultsOur extensive analyses indicated that among present-day populations, the Parsis are genetically closest to Middle Eastern (Iranian and the Caucasus) populations rather than their South Asian neighbors. They also share the highest number of haplotypes with present-day Iranians and we estimate that the admixture of the Parsis with Indian populations occurred ∼1,200 years ago. Enriched homozygosity in the Parsi reflects their recent isolation and inbreeding. We also observed 48% South-Asian-specific mitochondrial lineages among the ancient samples, which might have resulted from the assimilation of local females during the initial settlement.ConclusionsWe show that the Parsis are genetically closest to the Neolithic Iranians, followed by present-day Middle Eastern populations rather than those in South Asia and provide evidence of sex-specific admixture from South Asians to the Parsis. Our results are consistent with the historically-recorded migration of the Parsi populations to South Asia in the 7thcentury and in agreement with their assimilation into the Indian sub-continent’s population and cultural milieu “like sugar in milk”. Moreover, in a wider context our results suggest a major demographic transition in West Asia due to Islamic-conquest.
The translation and adaptation of agile methods: a discourse of fragmentation and articulation
Authors: Pries-Heje Jan , Baskerville Richard 
Published: April 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use translation theory to develop a framework (called FTRA) that explains how companies adopt agile methods in a discourse of fragmentation and articulation.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative multiple case study of six firms using the Scrum agile methodology. Data were collected using mixed methods and analyzed using three progressive coding cycles and analytic induction.FindingsIn practice, people translate agile methods for local settings by choosing fragments of the method and continuously re-articulating them according to the exact needs of the time and place. The authors coded the fragments as technological rules that share relationships within a framework spanning two dimensions: static-dynamic and actor-artifact.Research limitations/implicationsFor consistency, the six cases intentionally represent one instance of agile methodology (Scrum). This limits the confidence that the framework is suitable for other kinds of methodologies.Practical implicationsThe FTRA framework and the technological rules are promising for use in practice as a prescriptive or even normative frame for governing methodology adaptation.Social implicationsFraming agile adaption with translation theory surfaces how the discourse between translocal (global) and local practice yields the social construction of agile methods. This result contrasts the more functionalist engineering perspective and privileges changeability over performance.Originality/valueThe use of translation theory and the FTRA framework to explain how agile adaptation (in particular Scrum) emerges continuously in a process where method fragments are articulated and re-articulated to momentarily suit the local setting. Complete agility that rapidly and elegantly changes its own environment must, as a concomitant, rapidly and elegantly change itself. This understanding also elaborates translation theory by explaining how the articulation and re-articulation of ideas embody the means by which ideas travel in practice.
Nursing home quality of life in the Lebanon
Authors: Adra Marina Gharibian , Hopton John , Keady John 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore perceptions, perspectives and meaning of quality of life for a sample of older residents, care staff and family caregivers in two nursing homes in Lebanon.

Design/methodology/approach
A classic grounded theory study was conducted between 2010 and 2011 in two nursing homes in Beirut. The semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a theoretical sample of 20 residents, 8 family caregivers and 11 staff. The constant comparative method was used to analyze the data.

Findings
Three distinct but interrelated properties of quality of life emerged from this process: “maintaining self,” “maintaining identity” and “maintaining continuity”. The dynamics that exist within and between each of these properties provide an indicator about shared and distinct meanings and the implications for care practice.

Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted in one city in Lebanon; accordingly, the transferability of findings may be challenging.

Practical implications
Implications for nursing and nursing policy – improving Lebanese national standards and regulations applicable to nursing home residents may help to enhance residents’ care needs and quality of life.

Social implications
There was limited guidance aimed at helping older residents to voice and increase their choice and control.

Originality/value
This paper provides new insights into the process of outlining the properties attached to the phenomenon of quality of life in nursing homes in Lebanon. It will be of interest to those in nursing home care as well as to policy makers.
The role of toeholds on asymmetric information in mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Aintablian Sebouh , El Khoury Wissam , M’Chirgui Zouhaier 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to examine empirically the role of toeholds in reducing asymmetric information in mergers and acquisitions by establishing a relationship between the toehold and some relevant characteristics of the acquiring and the target firm.

Design/methodology/approach
A regression analysis is conducted to examine the relation between the dependent variable (the toehold) and a set of independent variables. A multinomial logit model is used to test for the occurrence of toeholds. A probit selection model and two-step Heckman correction tests are used to correct the data and to check for robustness of the results.

Findings
The regression results for acquisitions with prior toeholds are consistent with the studied hypotheses that asymmetric information is more observed in foreign acquisitions, in different industries, with tender offers and with higher levels of intangible assets. A negative relationship is found between toehold size and the number of competing bidders.

Originality/value
Consistent with previous literature, the study finds that majority of bidders abstain from purchasing a toehold before entering a bid contest. The study also emphasizes the role of intangible assets in assessing the efficacy of toeholds under asymmetric information. The ratio of target intangible assets to target total serves as a proxy for asymmetric information. Regression results are consistent with the hypotheses that asymmetry of information is observed when the acquiring and the target firm operate in different countries and industries.
Towards bionic noses
Authors: Persaud Krishna Chandra 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review recent progress in electronic nose technologies, focusing on hybrid systems combining biological elements with physical transducers.

Design/methodology/approach
Electronic nose technologies are moving rapidly towards hybrid bioelectronic systems, where biological odour-recognition elements from the olfactory pathways of vertebrates and insects are being utilised to construct new “bionic noses” that can be used in industrial applications.

Findings
With the increased understanding of how chemical senses and the brain function in biology, an emerging field of “neuromorphic olfaction” has arisen.

Research limitations/implications
Important components are olfactory receptor proteins and soluble proteins found at the periphery of olfaction called odorant-binding proteins. The idea is that these proteins can be incorporated into transducers and function as biorecognition elements for volatile compounds of interest.

Practical implications
Major drivers are the security, environmental and medical applications, and the internet of things will be a major factor in implementing low-cost chemical sensing in networked applications for the future.

Social implications
Widespread take up of new technologies that are cheap will minimise the impact of environmental pollution, increase food safety and may potentially help in non-invasive screening for medical ailments.

Originality/value
This review brings together diverse threads of research leading to a common theme that will inform a non-expert of recent developments in the field.