bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and associations of gout and hyperuricaemia: results from an Australian population‐based study
Authors: Ting K. , Gill T. K. , Keen H. , Tucker G. R. , Hill C. L. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundDespite gout and hyperuricaemia being major comorbid health issues worldwide, there is a knowledge gap regarding their impact in the Australian community.AimsTo determine the prevalence and associations of self‐reported medically diagnosed gout and hyperuricaemia in an Australian population‐based cohort.MethodsThe North West Adelaide Health Study is a longitudinal cohort study consisting of three stages of data collection. Each stage comprised a self‐complete questionnaire, clinic assessment and computer‐assisted telephone interview. In Stage 3 (2008–2010), participants were asked if a doctor had ever diagnosed them with gout. Additional data included demographics, comorbidities, laboratory data and Short Form 36 (SF‐36). Participants were defined as having gout if they had self‐reported medically diagnosed gout or were taking any gout‐specific medication (allopurinol, colchicine, probenecid). Hyperuricaemia was defined as a serum uric acid (SUA) level >0.42 mmol/L in men and >0.34 mmol/L in women.ResultsThe overall prevalence of gout was 5.2%. Males were significantly more likely to have gout than females (8.5 vs 2.1%,P< 0.001). The overall prevalence of hyperuricaemia was 16.6%, with being male again identified as a significant risk factor (17.8 vs 15.4%,P< 0.01). Both gout and hyperuricaemia were associated with male sex, body mass index and renal disease after multivariable adjustment. There was no significant difference reported in quality of life (meanSF‐36) scores in participants with gout compared to unaffected individuals.ConclusionThe prevalence of gout and hyperuricaemia is high in the South Australian population. This study emphasises the need for optimal diagnosis and management of gout in Australia.
Exploring the interface between ‘physician‐assisted death’ and palliative care: cross‐sectional data from Australasian palliative care specialists
Authors: Sheahan L. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundLegalisation of physician‐assisted dying (PAD) remains a highly contested issue. In the Australasian context, the opinion and perspective of palliative care specialists have not been captured empirically, and are required to inform better the debate around this issue, moving forward.AimTo identify current attitudes and experiences of palliative care specialists in Australasia regarding requests for physician‐assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia, and to capture the opinion of palliative care specialists on the legalisation of these practices in the Australasian context.MethodAn anonymous, cross‐sectional, online survey of Australasian specialists in palliative care, addressing the following six areas: (i) demographics; (ii) frequency of requests, and response given; (iii) understanding of the term ‘voluntary euthanasia’; (iv) opinion regarding legalisation of physician‐assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia in Australasia, and willingness to participate if legal; (v) identification of the most important values guiding this opinion; and (vi) anticipated impact that legalisation of assisted death would have on palliative care practice.ResultsImportant findings include: (i) palliative care specialists are largely opposed to the legalisation of PAD; (ii) the proportional titration of opioids is not understood by any palliative care specialist studied to be ‘voluntary euthanasia’; and (iii) there is a wide variation in frequency of requests, and one‐third of palliative care specialists express discomfort in dealing with requests for assisted suicide or euthanasia.ConclusionKey areas for future research at the interface between PAD and best practice end‐of‐life care are identified, including exploration into why palliative care specialists are largely opposed to PAD, and consideration of the impact ‘the opioid misconception’ may have on the literature informing this debate.
The effect of SDLR and self‐efficacy in preschool teachers by using WS learning
Authors: Kao C‐P. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study examined whether self‐directed learning readiness (SDLR) moderates the association between Internet self‐efficacy and approaches to learning by web searching (ALWS). A total of 329 valid questionnaires were used for the correlation and path analysis. The results revealed that preschool teachers' SDLR significantly moderated the influence of Internet self‐efficacy and ALWS. Thus, this result suggests that spending more time on SDLR may increase preschool teachers' ALWS, which may enhance their teaching practice via web‐based professional development. Findings from this study may have implications for preschool teachers who aim to improve their teaching practice by targeting web‐searching environment and approaches to learning. The findings suggest that the positive mediation role of SDLR between Internet self‐efficacy and ALWS, especially effective learning, active learning and independent learning of SDLR. Because SDLR has the great influence on the online learning domain, preparing teacher's self‐directed learning ability is important for educational authorities to facilitate teachers' better performance when learning online.
Hybrid Procedure (Endo/Epicardial) versus Standard Manual Ablation in Patients Undergoing Ablation of Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Results from a Single Center
Authors: EDGERTON ZACHARY , PERINI ALESSANDRO PAOLETTI , HORTON RODNEY , TRIVEDI CHINTAN , SANTANGELI PASQUALE , BAI RONG , GIANNI CAROLA , MOHANTY SANGHAMITRA , BURKHARDT J. DAVID , GALLINGHOUSE G. JOSEPH , SANCHEZ JAVIER E. , BAILEY SHANE , LANE MAEGEN , DI BIASE LUIGI , SANTORO FRANCESCO , PRICE JUSTIN , NATALE ANDREA 
Published: January 2016

Hybrid versus Endocardial Ablation for LSPAFIntroductionAblation of longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) is the most challenging procedure in the treatment of AF, either by surgical or by percutaneous approach.ObjectiveWe investigated the difference in success and complication rates between combined surgical epicardial and endocardial catheter ablation procedure and our standard endocardial ablation procedure.Methods and ResultsTwenty‐four consecutive patients (group 1) with LSPAF and enlarged left atrium (>4.5 cm) underwent a combined procedure, consisting of surgical, closed‐chest, epicardial, radiofrequency ablation (nContact, NC, USA) via pericardial access, and concomitant endocardial ablation (hybrid procedure). Procedural complications and long‐term outcomes were compared to those of 35 consecutive patients who refused the hybrid procedure and underwent standard endocardial only ablation (group 2). Baseline characteristics were comparable. In group 1, 1 patient (4.2%) developed post‐procedural cardio‐embolic stroke and 3 (12.5%) died (1 atrio‐esophageal fistula, 1 fatal stroke, 1 of unknown cause in early follow‐up), while no strokes or deaths occurred in group 2. Overall complication rates were higher for group 1 (P = 0.036). At 24‐month follow‐up, 4 (19%) patients in group 1 and 19 (54.3%) in group 2 were arrhythmia‐free after a single procedure, on or off antiarrhythmic drugs (P<0.001). Total procedural time (276.9 ± 63.5 vs. 203.15 ± 67.3 minutes) and length of hospital stay (5 [IQR 3–8] vs. 1 [IQR 1–3] days were significantly shorter for group 2 (P <0.001).ConclusionsIn patients with LSPAF and enlarged left atrium, a concomitant combined surgical/endocardial ablation approach increases complication rate and does not improve outcomes when compared to extensive endocardial ablation only.
Apixaban versus Warfarin for the Prevention of Periprocedural Cerebral Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Multicenter Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: KUWAHARA TAISHI , ABE MITSUNORI , YAMAKI MASARU , FUJIEDA HIROYUKI , ABE YUMIKO , HASHIMOTO KATSUSHI , ISHIBA MISAKO , SAKAI HIROTSUKA , HISHIKARI KEIICHI , TAKIGAWA MASATERU , OKUBO KENJI , TAKAGI KATSUMASA , TANAKA YASUAKI , NAKAJIMA JUN , TAKAHASHI ATSUSHI 
Published: January 2016

Apixaban Thromboembolism Prevention in AF AblationIntroductionStroke can be a life‐threatening complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation. Uninterrupted warfarin treatment contributes to minimizing the risk of stroke complications.Methods and ResultsThis was a prospective, open‐label, randomized, multicenter study assessing the safety and efficacy of apixaban for the prevention of cerebral thromboembolism complicating AF catheter ablation. Two hundred patients with drug‐resistant AF were equally assigned to take either apixaban (5 mg or 2.5 mg twice daily) or warfarin (target international normalized ratio, 2‐3) for at least 1 month before AF ablation. Neither drug regimen was interrupted throughout the operative period. Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed for all patients to detect silent cerebral infarction (SCI) after the ablation. Primary outcomes were defined as the occurrence of stroke, transient ischemic attack, SCI, or major bleeding that required intervention. The secondary outcome was minor bleeding. The groups did not statistically differ in patients’ backgrounds or procedural parameters. During AF ablation, the apixaban group required administration of more heparin to maintain an activated clotting time > 300 seconds than the warfarin group (apixaban, 14,000 ± 4,000 units; warfarin, 9,000 ± 3,000 units). Three primary outcome events occurred in each group (apixaban, 2 SCI and 1 major bleed; warfarin, 3 SCI, P = 1.00), and 3 and 4 secondary outcome events occurred in the apixaban and warfarin groups (P = 0.70), respectively.ConclusionApixaban has similar safety and effectiveness to warfarin for the prevention of cerebral thromboembolism during the periprocedural period of AF ablation.
Novel EGFR inhibitors attenuate cardiac hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II
Authors: Peng Kesong , Tian Xinqiao , Qian Yuanyuan , Skibba Melissa , Zou Chunpeng , Liu Zhiguo , Wang Jingying , Xu Zheng , Li Xiaokun , Liang Guang 
Published: January 2016

AbstractCardiac hypertrophy is an important risk factor for heart failure. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been found to play a role in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this current study was to examine the role of EGFR in angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and identify the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, we observed that both Ang II and EGF could increase the phospohorylation of EGFR and protein kinase B (AKT)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), and then induce cell hypertrophy in H9c2 cells. Both pharmacological inhibitors and genetic silencing significantly reduced Ang II‐induced EGFR signalling pathway activation, hypertrophic marker overexpression, and cell hypertrophy. In addition, our results showed that Ang II‐induced EGFR activation is mediated by c‐Src phosphorylation. In vivo, Ang II treatment significantly led to cardiac remodelling including cardiac hypertrophy, disorganization and fibrosis, accompanied by the activation of EGFR signalling pathway in the heart tissues, while all these molecular and pathological alterations were attenuated by the oral administration with EGFR inhibitors. In conclusion, the c‐Src‐dependent EGFR activation may play an important role in Ang II‐induced cardiac hypertrophy, and inhibition of EGFR by specific molecules may be an effective strategy for the treatment of Ang II‐associated cardiac diseases.
Identification and pathogenicity of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates and immune responses of Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei (Boone)
Authors: Hong X P , Xu D , Zhuo Y , Liu H Q , Lu L Q 
Published: January 2016

AbstractFive different Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains (SH8, SH108, SH58, AH5 and GD10) isolated from the hepatopancreas of moribund shrimp in farms of mainland China were identified and capable of inducing massive mortality of Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei. The immersion challenge results with five isolates indicated variance of virulence, while only GD10 caused massive sloughing of tubule epithelial cells which was recognized as the most significant symptom of AHPND. Differences in immune responses were detected of P. vannamei during 48 h post‐infection (p.i.) by injection or immersion challenge with V. parahaemolyticus (SH8, SH108 and GD10) isolates. When injected SH8 and SH108 isolates, the expression of lysozyme (LSZ) showing statistically significant upregulation at 16 and 48 h p.i. and that of Toll‐like receptors (TLR) showed statistically significant upregulation at 48 h p.i. When immersion challenge with the GD10 isolate, TLR were upregulated after 8 h p.i. challenge with 104 cfu mL−1; however, LSZ was downregulated when challenged with 103 cfu mL−1. The results suggested that LSZ and TLR serve as crucial molecular markers of innate immunity in shrimp against V. parahaemolyticus infection. LSZ is a vital marker for acute bacterial infection, while TLR serves as a crucial marker for chronic infection.
Women's experiences during myocardial infarction: systematic review and meta‐ethnography
Authors: Madsen Rikke , Birkelund Regner 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this review is to identify, analyse and synthesise existing knowledge concerning female experiences during myocardial infarction.BackgroundThere is a lack of knowledge about women's experiences during myocardial infarction, and a meta‐synthesis is needed to synthesise existing evidence.DesignA systematic review and meta‐ethnography.MethodA systematic review was undertaken in September 2013. Four databases were searched. Grey literature and reference lists were screened for relevant studies. Four hundred and eighty‐one papers were identified and 14 were included. The method of Noblit and Hare was used in the process of conducting this review and meta‐ethnography.ResultsThree themes were identified. 1. ‘Feeling the changes in my body’, 2. ‘Understanding the changes in my body’ and 3. ‘Acting on the changes in my body’. The majority of women did not experience their body changes as being severe and threatening. Therefore, the women chose to wait or self‐medicate before consulting others. The women who initially experienced the symptoms related to myocardial infarction as being severe and threatening, chose to consult others earlier than the majority of women.ConclusionWomen's experiences and interpretation of body symptoms during myocardial infarction vary. Most commonly women do not initially recognise their body symptoms as being severe and life threatening. The theory of Merleau‐Ponty's ‘current and habituated body’ is relevant for explaining women's ways of understanding and acting on their body changes during myocardial infarction.Relevance for clinical practiceThis review is relevant in a preventive and rehabilitating perspective for professionals working in health care. It helps professionals to understand women's experiences during myocardial infarction, optimises their ability to suspect myocardial infarction and teach women to react on these body changes.
A prospective audit of preprocedural fasting practices on a transplant ward: when fasting becomes starving
Authors: Vidot Helen , Teevan Kate , Carey Sharon , Strasser Simone , Shackel Nicholas 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the prevalence and duration of preprocedural medically ordered fasting during a period of hospitalisation in an Australian population of patients with hepatic cirrhosis or following liver transplantation and to identify potential solutions to reduce fasting times.BackgroundProtein‐energy malnutrition is a common finding in patients with hepatic cirrhosis and can impact significantly on survival and quality of life. Protein and energy requirements in patients with cirrhosis are higher than those of healthy individuals. A significant feature of cirrhosis is the induction of starvation metabolism following seven to eight hours of food deprivation. Many investigative and interventional procedures for patients with cirrhosis necessitate a period of fasting to comply with anaesthesia guidelines.DesignAn observational study of the fasting episodes for 34 hospitalised patients with hepatic cirrhosis or following liver transplantation.MethodsNutritional status was estimated using subjective global assessment and handgrip strength. The prevalence and duration of fasting practices for diagnostic or investigational procedures were estimated using electronic records and patient notes.ResultsThirty‐three patients (97%) were malnourished. Twenty‐two patients (65%) were fasted during the observation period. There were 43 occasions of fasting with a median fasting time of 13·5 hours. On 40 occasions fasting times exceeded the maximum six‐hour guideline recommended prior to the administration of anaesthesia by the majority of Anaesthesiology Societies. The majority of procedures (77%) requiring fasting occurred after midday. Eating breakfast on the day of the procedure reduced fasting time by 45%.ConclusionsMedically ordered preprocedural fasting times almost always exceed existing guidelines in this nutritionally compromised group.Relevance to clinical practiceAdherence to fasting guidelines and eating breakfast before the procedure can reduce fasting times significantly and avoid the potential induction of starvation metabolism in this nutritionally at risk group.
Adolescents' experiences on coping with parental multiple sclerosis: a grounded theory study
Authors: Mauseth Torild , Hjälmhult Esther 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesTo gain insight into what adolescents see as their main concern when having parents who suffer from multiple sclerosis, and develop concepts and theory that may explain how they cope with this concern.BackgroundHealth professionals have a special responsibility towards children of parents with chronic diseases, including multiple sclerosis. Few studies show the perspective of the adolescents themselves, and point out that further knowledge is needed. Previous research supports the need for intervention at a youth, parent and family level.DesignGrounded theory.MethodsWe used grounded theory with a generative and constant comparative approach. Data were collected through fifteen individual semi‐structured interviews with adolescents aged 12–18 years who had a parent diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.ResultsThe adolescents' main concern was identified to be preserving control in an uncertain everyday life. This concern was resolved by ‘balancing needs’, implying the pattern of (1) reflecting, (2) adjusting, (3) taking responsibility and (4) seeking respite. These were used interchangeably in the adolescents' effort to solve their main concern.ConclusionOpenness within the family and outwards to the network, is essential for the well‐being of the adolescents, and relies on knowledge about the disease, family functioning and support from health professionals. Thus, long‐term intervention programs offering information and guidance should be offered.Relevance to clinical practiceUnderstanding the impact of multiple sclerosis on the family from the perspective of the adolescents, gives a basis for health professionals when planning the best possible support for these adolescents. School nurses may play an active role in ensuring a high quality of this work.
Geographic Disparity in Funding for School Nutrition Environments: Evidence from Mississippi Schools
Authors: Chang Yunhee , Carithers Teresa , Leeke Shannon , Chin Felicia 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDDespite the federal initiatives on equitable provision of school nutrition programs, geographic disparity in childhood obesity persists. It may be partly because built‐in school nutrition environments rely on each school's efficient use of existing operational funds or its ability to obtain expanded financial support. This study explores how funding acquisition by schools is determined by local community characteristics and how it relates to healthy school meal offerings.METHODSInformation about food preparation technology and funding in 811 schools in Mississippi was obtained by in‐depth phone interviews of district child nutrition directors and school foodservice managers, which was matched to socioeconomic indicators of schools and communities. Probit models were estimated.RESULTSAbout 56% of schools in the sample received some funds toward combination oven/steamers in the last few years. Small schools, schools in non‐metro counties, and those in low‐income minority areas were significantly less likely to be funded. Obtainment of funds was associated with a 45 percentage‐point reduction in the probability of serving fried foods.CONCLUSIONSFunds obtained by schools for advanced food preparation technology contributes to creation of healthier nutrition environments for children. However, fund availability is associated with community characteristics, possibly contributing to geographic disparity of child health.
The expanding toolbox for hepatitis C virus research
Authors: Ortega‐Prieto A. M. , Dorner M. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryHepatitis C virus is a major global health concern with 170 million people chronically infected. Despite the availability of potent antiviral agents targeting multiple HCV proteins and cure rates above 90%, global treatment availability, the likelihood of emerging drug‐resistant viral variants and the unavailability of a protective vaccine underline the many unresolved questions remaining to be answered. Model systems allowing the dissection of individual HCV life cycle steps have previously been developed and span noninfectious and infectious means of assessing HCV entry and replication, multiple cellular systems enabling host/pathogen interaction studies as well as in vivo model systems for basic as well as translational HCV research. This review provides an overview of available systems and a comparative summary of assays and models.
The pharmacokinetics of intravenous fenoldopam in healthy, awake cats
Authors: O'Neill K. E. , Labato M. A. , Court M. H. 
Published: January 2016

Fenoldopam is a selective dopamine‐1 receptor agonist that improves diuresis by increasing renal blood flow and perfusion and causing peripheral vasodilation. Fenoldopam has been shown to induce diuresis and be well‐tolerated in healthy cats. It is used clinically in cats with oliguric kidney injury at doses extrapolated from human medicine and canine studies. The pharmacokinetics in healthy beagle dogs has been reported; however, pharmacokinetic data in cats are lacking. The goal of this study was to determine pharmacokinetic data for healthy, awake cats receiving an infusion of fenoldopam. Six healthy, awake, client‐owned cats aged 2–6 years old received a 120‐min constant rate infusion of fenoldopam at 0.8 μg/kg/min followed by a 20‐min washout period. Ascorbate stabilized plasma samples were collected during and after the infusion for the measurement of fenoldopam concentration by HPLC with mass spectrometry detection. This study showed that the geometric mean of the volume of distribution, clearance, and half‐life (198 mL/kg, 46 mL/kg/min, and 3.0 mins) is similar to pharmacokinetic parameters for humans. No adverse events were noted. Fenoldopam at a constant rate infusion of 0.8 μg/kg per min was well tolerated in healthy cats. Based on the results, further evaluation of fenoldopam in cats with kidney disease is recommended.