bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ensiling alfalfa with whole crop corn improves the silage quality and in vitro digestibility of the silage mixtures
Authors: Zhang Qing , Zhao Miaomiao , Wang Xianguo , Yu Zhu , Na Risu 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTo evaluate the silage quality, digestibility, in vitro ruminal fermentation of silages mixed by different rates of alfalfa and whole crop corn, alfalfa and corn were mixed and ensiled at the ratio of 100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 0:100, respectively. Fermentative parameters, chemical composition, in vitro digestibility of the silages were detected after 60 days of ensiling. Dry matter, lactic acid content, Flieg point increased and pH, acetic acid, ammonia N content, non‐protein nitrogen and soluble protein in crude protein decreased with the proportion increase of whole crop corn in silage. Butyric acid was only detected in pure alfalfa silage. Gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility, total volatile fatty acids, propionate proportion in volatile fatty acids increased and valerate, isovalerate, ratio of non‐glucogenic to glucogenic acids decreased with the proportion increase of whole crop corn in silage. Gas production rate and half time were not different among treatments. In conclusion, high quality silage can be obtained by ensiling alfalfa with whole crop corn without requirement of additives. Ensiling alfalfa with whole crop corn improves digestibility of the mixed silage. The digestibility and fermentability of the silage can be regulated by the ratio of alfalfa to corn.
Detection of gastric atrophy by circulating pepsinogens: A comparison of three assays
Authors: Leja Marcis , Camargo M. Constanza , Polaka Inese , Isajevs Sergejs , Liepniece‐Karele Inta , Janciauskas Dainius , Rudzite Dace , Kikuste Ilze , Vanags Aigars , Kojalo Ilona , Folkmanis Valdis , Kirsners Arnis , Tolmanis Ivars , Rabkin Charles S. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundCirculating levels of pepsinogens have been used in high gastric cancer‐risk Asian and European populations to triage endoscopic evaluation for more severe pathology. There are different analytic methods with uncertain correlations. We therefore compared diagnostic performance of three commonly used pepsinogen assays to detect histologically confirmed gastric atrophy.MethodsWe tested plasma samples from adult patients with (n=50) and without (n=755) moderate or severe gastric corpus atrophy, as determined histologically by consensus of three expert pathologists. A single laboratory measured pepsinogens I (PgI) and II (PgII) using commercially available assays: two ELISA assays produced by Biohit (Finland) and Vector Best (Russia), and a latex agglutination assay from Eiken (Japan). Quantitative correlations were assessed by Spearman statistics. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves vs histological diagnosis were calculated using both the manufacturers' and optimized cutoffs.ResultsPepsinogen levels were highly correlated among the assays (pairwise Rhos: PgI≥0.84, PgII≥0.87; all P‐values<.01). Based on manufacturers' cutoffs, sensitivities, specificities and areas under the ROC curve for detecting moderate to severe histological corpus atrophy by PgI/PgII were 44%/91%/0.70, 56%/84%/0.76, and 52%/90%/0.77 for Biohit, Vector Best and Eiken, respectively. Cutoffs optimized by ROC or data mining analyses did not substantially improve test performance.ConclusionsCommercial assays for pepsinogen have good relative agreement but are imperfect tests for clinical diagnosis of gastric atrophy.ImpactPepsinogen testing alone does not provide sufficient information for gastric cancer risk stratification. Future investigations should focus on other potential markers, in combination with pepsinogens.
Low‐level laser therapy (780 nm) combined with collagen sponge scaffold promotes repair of rat cranial critical‐size defects and increases TGF‐β, FGF‐2, OPG/RANK and osteocalcin expression
Authors: de Oliveira Lana Sarita de Souza , de Araújo Aurigena Antunes , de Araújo Júnior Raimundo Fernandes , Barboza Carlos Augusto Galvão , Borges Boniek Castillo Dutra , da Silva José Sandro Pereira 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of collagen sponge scaffold (CSS) implantation associated with low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on repairing bone defects. A single 5‐mm cranial defect was surgically created in forty Wistar rats, which then received one of the following four interventions (n = 10 per group): no treatment (G0); bone defect implanted with collagen sponge scaffold (CSS) alone (G1); defect treated with low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) (wavelength 780 nm; total energy density 120 J/cm2; power 50 mW) alone (G2); and CSS associated with LLLT treatment (G3). After surgery, animals in each group were euthanized at 21 days and 30 days (n = 5 per euthanasia time group). Bone formation was monitored by X‐ray imaging analysis. Biopsies were collected and processed for histological analysis and immunohistochemical evaluation of transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor ƙ (RANK). Osteocalcin (OCN) was detected by immunofluorescence analysis. Compared to the G0 group, defects in the 30‐day G3 group exhibited increased bone formation, both by increase in radiopaque areas (P < 0.01) and by histomorphometric analysis (P < 0.001). The histopathological analysis showed a decreased number of inflammatory cells (P < 0.001). The combined CCS + LLLT (G3) treatment also resulted in the most intense immunostaining for OPG, RANK, FGF‐2 and TGF‐β, and the most intense and diffuse OCN immunofluorescent labelling at 30 days postsurgery (G3 vs. G0 group, P < 0.05). Therefore, the use of CCS associated with LLLT could offer a synergistic advantage in improving the healing of bone fractures.
Supine awake oximetry as a screening tool for daytime hypercapnia in super‐obese patients
Authors: Chung Yewon , Garden Frances L. , Jee Adelle S. , Srikantha Subash , Gupta Saurabh , Buchanan Peter R. , Collett Peter W. , Marks Guy B. , Vedam Hima 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundEvidence‐based screening tools are required for detection of daytime hypercapnia in high‐risk patient populations.AimsTo determine the validity of supine awake oximetry as a test for daytime hypercapnia and severe sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in super‐obese patients.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional diagnostic test evaluation of super‐obese adults (body mass index >50 kg/m2) presenting to Liverpool Hospital, Australia, between 2009 and 2015 for diagnostic polysomnography (PSG) and arterial blood gas measurement. Supine awake oxygen saturation (SpO2) was determined using oximetry measurements from the first three awake epochs of raw PSG data. Sensitivity and specificity of SpO2 for detecting patients with daytime hypercapnia (PaCO2 >45 mmHg) and severe SDB (respiratory disturbance index (RDI) >30 events/h) were assessed at various cut‐off points and displayed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Area under the ROC curve and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) in the present patient population were derived.ResultsOf 52 patients, 23 (44%) had daytime hypercapnia. SpO2 measured awake in the supine position was associated with the presence of daytime hypercapnia but not with the presence of severe SDB. Overall, awake supine SpO2 <91.2% had 34.8% sensitivity, 96.6% specificity and 88.8% PPV, and SpO2 <96.7% had 87.0% sensitivity, 20.7% specificity and 66.7% NPV for the presence of daytime hypercapnia.ConclusionAwake supine oximetry is an easily performed test that may have novel use in identifying patients at high risk of respiratory failure. Future studies are required to evaluate prospectively its role in screening patients at risk of daytime hypercapnia.
A biased random‐key genetic algorithm for scheduling heterogeneous multi‐round systems
Authors: Brandão Julliany S. , Noronha Thiago F. , Resende Mauricio G. C. , Ribeiro Celso C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA divisible load is an amount W of computational work that can be arbitrarily divided into independent chunks of load. In many divisible load applications, the load can be parallelized in a master–worker fashion, where the master distributes the load among a set P of worker processors to be processed in parallel. The master can only send load to one worker at a time, and the transmission can be done in a single round or in multiple rounds. The multi‐round divisible load scheduling problem consists in (a) selecting the subset of workers that will process the load, (b) defining the order in which load will be transmitted to each of them, (c) defining the number m of transmission rounds that will be used, and (d) deciding the amount of load that will be transmitted to each worker at each round , so as to minimize the makespan. We propose a heuristic approach that determines the transmission order, the set of the active processors and the number of rounds by a biased random‐key genetic algorithm. The amount of load transmitted to each worker is computed in polynomial time by closed‐form formulas. Computational results showed that the proposed genetic algorithm outperformed a closed‐form state‐of‐the‐art heuristic, obtaining makespans that are 11.68% smaller on average for a set of benchmark problems.
First‐time fathers’ postnatal experiences and support needs: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Shorey Shefaly , Dennis Cindy‐Lee , Bridge Shiho , Chong Yap Seng , Holroyd Eleanor , He Hong‐Gu 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimTo explore first‐time fathers’ postnatal experiences and support needs in the early postpartum period.BackgroundThe postnatal period is a stressful transition period for new fathers. It is imperative to understand their needs and experiences to provide appropriate support for them. The majority of previous studies were based in Western countries and explored fathers’ needs during pregnancy and childbirth, with few studies conducted in the postnatal period. In Singapore, a multiracial society with differing paternal cultural values from its Western counterparts, there is considerable need to examine the experiences and needs of first‐time fathers.DesignA descriptive qualitative design was used.MethodsData were collected from November 2015–January 2016. Fifteen first‐time fathers were recruited from two postnatal wards of a public hospital, using a purposive sampling method. A semi‐structured interview guide was used to conduct face‐to‐face interviews. A thematic analysis was conducted and ethics approval was sought for this study.ResultsFour overarching themes and seventeen subthemes were generated. The four overarching themes were: (1) No sense of reality to sense of responsibility; (2) Unprepared and challenged; (3) Support: needs, sources, experience and attitude; and (4) Future help for fathers.ConclusionFathers undergo a transition phase where they have unmet support needs during the early postnatal period. Understanding and addressing these needs may facilitate smooth transition to fatherhood. This study's findings can be used to involve fathers and design future supportive educational programs to promote positive parenting experiences and family dynamics.
Characteristics of highly rated leadership in nursing homes using item response theory
Authors: Backman Annica , Sjögren Karin , Lindkvist Marie , Lövheim Hugo , Edvardsson David 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimTo identify characteristics of highly rated leadership in nursing homes.BackgroundAn ageing population entails fundamental social, economic and organizational challenges for future aged care. Knowledge is limited of both specific leadership behaviours and organizational and managerial characteristics which have an impact on the leadership of contemporary nursing home care.DesignCross‐sectional.MethodFrom 290 municipalities, 60 were randomly selected and 35 agreed to participate, providing a sample of 3605 direct‐care staff employed in 169 Swedish nursing homes. The staff assessed their managers’ (n = 191) leadership behaviours using the Leadership Behaviour Questionnaire. Data were collected from November 2013 ‐ September 2014, and the study was completed in November 2016. A two‐parameter item response theory approach and regression analyses were used to identify specific characteristics of highly rated leadership.ResultsFive specific behaviours of highly rated nursing home leadership were identified; that the manager: experiments with new ideas; controls work closely; relies on subordinates; coaches and gives direct feedback; and handles conflicts constructively. The regression analyses revealed that managers with social work backgrounds and privately run homes were significantly associated with higher leadership ratings.ConclusionThis study highlights the five most important leadership behaviours that characterize those nursing home managers rated highest in terms of leadership. Managers in privately run nursing homes and managers with social work backgrounds were associated with higher leadership ratings. Further work is needed to explore these behaviours and factors predictive of higher leadership ratings.
Comparing anger, anger expression, life stress and social support between Korean female nursing and general university students
Authors: Jun Won Hee , Lee Gyungjoo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimsTo compare anger, anger expression, life stress and social support among female students at a nursing university and a general university and to examine factors affecting anger in each group.BackgroundUniversity students typically experience constant stress resulting from factors like academic requirements, personal relationships and career decisions; this tends to promote anger. Particularly, nursing students’ anger can negatively affect the quality of care that they provide, and also their mental health. Therefore, anger management of nursing students is very important in the training and development of future nurses. Nursing education needs to confirm factors associated with anger of nursing students compared with general university students to develop specific intervention programs for decreasing their anger levels.DesignA descriptive, cross‐sectional design was used.MethodsParticipants were 286 female students (146 from a nursing university and 140 from a general university); they completed self‐report surveys examining anger, anger expression, life stress and social support. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was done to identify factors affecting anger. Data were collected from 15 May–10 June 2016.Results/FindingsIn the stepwise multiple regression analysis, we entered three anger expression factors, eight life stress factors and social support as explanatory variables; factors affecting anger among nursing students were anger‐out and same‐sex peer relationship stress. In general university students, anger‐out, anger‐control and anger‐in were identified as factors affecting anger.ConclusionBecoming proficient in beneficial anger expression techniques and reducing stress from same‐sex peer relationships will reduce anger among female nursing students.
A narrative evaluation of a community‐based nurse navigation role in an urban at‐risk community
Authors: Feather Janice , Carter Nancy , Valaitis Ruta , Kirkpatrick Helen 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimsTo explore community members’ stories of their experiences with a Nurse Navigator programme serving an urban neighbourhood and primary care practice to address persistent health and social barriers adversely affecting health equity and well‐being.BackgroundIn response to striking health and social inequalities existing across neighbourhoods in a large southern city in Ontario, Canada, a pilot programme was designed to improve health and social outcomes in a specific “at‐risk” neighbourhood. The programme includes nurse‐led navigation support for individuals and families and networking to facilitate improved service integration at a systems level.DesignA narrative inquiry approach based on the Three‐Dimensional Narrative Inquiry Space method, as described by Clandinin & Connelly (Narrative inquiry: Experience and story in qualitative research, ).MethodsA thematic analysis of nine community members’ life stories from narrative semi‐structured interviews (January–June 2014) in conjunction with field notes, observations and documents. Participants’ life stories created a common narrative of the experience of navigation in a community setting.FindingsThere were four main themes: “opening the door”; “more than just a conversation”; “making connections”; and “on a new trajectory”. Participants valued the development of a therapeutic relationship, which optimized social inclusion, barrier reduction and connectivity to supportive health and social services.ConclusionsThe relational process of navigation as an antecedent to barrier reduction has direct implications for programme development, continuing education of navigators and quality improvement of existing navigation services. Study findings have implications for development of navigation competencies for nurses working with priority populations to address health inequities.
An integrated review of the correlation between critical thinking ability and clinical decision‐making in nursing
Authors: Lee Daphne SK , Abdullah Khatijah Lim , Subramanian Pathmawathi , Bachmann Robert Thomas , Ong Swee Leong 
Published: May 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore whether there is a correlation between critical thinking ability and clinical decision‐making among nurses.BackgroundCritical thinking is currently considered as an essential component of nurses’ professional judgement and clinical decision‐making. If confirmed, nursing curricula may be revised emphasising on critical thinking with the expectation to improve clinical decision‐making and thus better health care.DesignIntegrated literature review.MethodsThe integrative review was carried out after a comprehensive literature search using electronic databases Ovid, EBESCO MEDLINE, EBESCO CINAHL, PROQuest and Internet search engine Google Scholar. Two hundred and 22 articles from January 1980 to end of 2015 were retrieved. All studies evaluating the relationship between critical thinking and clinical decision‐making, published in English language with nurses or nursing students as the study population, were included. No qualitative studies were found investigating the relationship between critical thinking and clinical decision‐making, while 10 quantitative studies met the inclusion criteria and were further evaluated using the Quality Assessment and Validity Tool. As a result, one study was excluded due to a low‐quality score, with the remaining nine accepted for this review.ResultsFour of nine studies established a positive relationship between critical thinking and clinical decision‐making. Another five studies did not demonstrate a significant correlation. The lack of refinement in studies’ design and instrumentation were arguably the main reasons for the inconsistent results.ConclusionsResearch studies yielded contradictory results as regard to the relationship between critical thinking and clinical decision‐making; therefore, the evidence is not convincing. Future quantitative studies should have representative sample size, use critical thinking measurement tools related to the healthcare sector and evaluate the predisposition of test takers towards their willingness and ability to think. There is also a need for qualitative studies to provide a fresh approach in exploring the relationship between these variables uncovering currently unknown contributing factors.Relevance to clinical practiceThis review confirmed that evidence to support the existence of relationships between critical thinking and clinical decision‐making is still unsubstantiated. Therefore, it serves as a call for nurse leaders and nursing academics to produce quality studies in order to firmly support or reject the hypothesis that there is a statistically significant correlation between critical thinking and clinical decision‐making.
Palestinian community perceptions of do‐not‐resuscitation order for terminally Ill patients: A qualitative study
Authors: Alrimawi Intima , Saifan Ahmad Rajeh , Abdelkader Raghad , Batiha Abdul‐Monim 
Published: May 2017

Aim and objectivesTo illustrate the Palestinian community's views, opinions and stances about the concept of do‐not‐resuscitate for terminally ill patients.BackgroundDo‐not‐resuscitate orders are practised in many countries worldwide, but there is no consensus on their practice in the Middle East. Do‐not‐resuscitate orders may be applied for terminally ill paediatric patients. Some studies have been conducted describing people's experiences with these do‐not‐resuscitate orders. However, few studies have considered community perspectives on do‐not‐resuscitate orders for terminally ill patients in Palestine.DesignA descriptive‐qualitative design was adopted.MethodsA purposive sample of 24 participants was interviewed, with consideration of demographical characteristics such as age, gender, education and place of residency. The participants were recruited over a period of 6 months. Individual semistructured interviews were utilised. These interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.FindingsSignificantly, the majority of the participants did not know the meaning of do‐not‐resuscitate and thought that removal of life‐sustaining devices and do‐not‐resuscitate were the same concept. Most of the interviewees adopted stances against do‐not‐resuscitate orders. Several factors were suggested to influence the decision of accepting or rejecting the do‐not‐resuscitate order. The majority of the participants mentioned religion as a major factor in forming their viewpoints. The participants expressed different views regarding issuing a law regarding do‐not‐resuscitate orders.ConclusionOur findings provide a unique understanding that there is a general misunderstanding among our participants regarding the do‐not‐resuscitate order. Further research with policymakers and stakeholders is still required.
Family involvement in timely detection of changes in health of nursing homes residents: A qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Powell Catherine , Blighe Alan , Froggatt Katherine , McCormack Brendan , Woodward‐Carlton Barbara , Young John , Robinson Louise , Downs Murna 
Published: May 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore family perspectives on their involvement in the timely detection of changes in their relatives' health in UK nursing homes.BackgroundIncreasingly, policy attention is being paid to the need to reduce hospitalisations for conditions that, if detected and treated in time, could be managed in the community. We know that family continue to be involved in the care of their family members once they have moved into a nursing home. Little is known, however, about family involvement in the timely detection of changes in health in nursing home residents.DesignQualitative exploratory study with thematic analysis.MethodsA purposive sampling strategy was applied. Fourteen semi‐structured one‐to‐one interviews with family members of people living in 13 different UK nursing homes. Data were collected from November 2015–March 2016.ResultsFamilies were involved in the timely detection of changes in health in three key ways: noticing signs of changes in health, informing care staff about what they noticed and educating care staff about their family members' changes in health. Families suggested they could be supported to detect timely changes in health by developing effective working practices with care staff.ConclusionFamilies can provide a special contribution to the process of timely detection in nursing homes. Their involvement needs to be negotiated, better supported, as well as given more legitimacy and structure within the nursing home.Relevance to clinical practiceFamilies could provide much needed support to nursing home nurses, care assistants and managers in timely detection of changes in health. This may be achieved through communication about their preferred involvement on a case‐by‐case basis as well as providing appropriate support or services.