bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accelerated nail growth rate in HIV patients
Authors: Sánchez‐Moreno Elisa C. , Marioni‐Manriquez Selina , Fernández‐Martínez Ramón F. , Moreno‐Coutiño Gabriela 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundMany factors have been noted to alter the growth rate of both finger and toe nails, some with harder evidence than others. Infectious diseases are among the ones reported as slowing the growth rate. However, on previous studies we noticed that patients living with HIV and onychomycosis could be cured without the use of antifungal therapy, only with the immunological improvement provided by the combined antiretroviral therapy, and we wanted to prove that the growth rate is also increased in this group and thus probably contributes to the cure of onychomycosis.MethodsThis was an observational, descriptive, and prospective study. We marked with a scalpel the nail plate of the first finger of the non‐dominant hand and the same foot, and measured the nail growth in the subsequent medical appointments with a magnifying glass and a millimetric scale.ResultsThirteen patients completed the study, and were paired with healthy controls by age and gender. After performing Mann‐Whitney U test, our results showed statistical significance among both groups, showing that patients with HIV have faster nail growth rates than those in the HIV negative group.ConclusionsThere is little data on HIV nail growth rate to compare our results, but what we see in the clinical practice is that this group of patients shows a faster nail growth rate, as has also been reported for longer eyelashes, and this could be an important factor in the cure rates of onychomycosis.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic ulcers in systemic sclerosis – case series
Authors: Mirasoglu Bengusu , Bagli Bekir S. , Aktas Samil 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundDigital and leg ulcers are extremely painful, hard to heal manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Many treatments have been tried for these challenging complications, but use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is very limited. HBOT has been used as an adjunctive therapy for treating chronic wounds, and nonhealing SSc wounds, which have a hypoxic nature, may also benefit from it.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of six SSc patients who underwent HBOT for their ulcers. Patient demographics, ulcer properties, and details of treatments were evaluated.ResultsThree patients had digital ulcers, and the other three had leg ulcers. Three patients (two leg ulcers and one digital ulcer) had bilateral lesions. All patients had been treated for at least one and a half months with various modalities. After HBOT was applied, four patients’ ulcers healed completely and two patients had near‐complete healing. Amputation was not required for any.ConclusionThis case series, which has the largest patient population up to present, shows adjunctive HBOT may be helpful in the treatment of SSc ulcers.
Focal Transcatheter Cryoablation: Is a Four‐Minute Application Still Required?
Authors: BESSIÈRE FRANCIS , DUBUC MARC , ANDRADE JASON , SHOHOUDI AZADEH , SIROIS MARTIN G. , MONDÉSERT BLANDINE , DYRDA KATIA , RIVARD LENA , MACLE LAURENT , GUERRA PETER G. , THIBAULT BERNARD , TALAJIC MARIO , ROY DENIS , KHAIRY PAUL 
Published: February 2017

Focal Transcatheter CryoablationIntroductionThe standard 4‐minute application time for transcatheter cryoablation was determined in the 1990s when the system employed less potent chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants. The current refrigerant, nitrous oxide, generates substantially colder temperatures, with a faster cooling rate.Methods and ResultsWe conducted a preclinical study on 32 mongrel dogs with stratified randomization of right atrial, right ventricular, and left ventricular chambers to 2‐minute versus 4‐minute application times using 8‐mm electrode tip cryocatheters (Freezor Max, Medtronic CryoCath LP, Montreal, Canada). Animals were sacrificed one month after the procedure. Three‐dimensional morphometric analyses were conducted in a blinded fashion. A total of 193 identified ablation lesions were processed for histological analyses, 102 with 2‐minute applications and 91 with 4‐minute applications. Ablation lesion surface area (167.8 ± 21.6 mm2 vs. 194.3 ± 22.6 mm2, P = 0.40), maximum depth (4.4 ± 0.2 mm vs. 4.5 ± 0.2 mm, P = 0.71), and volume (125.7 ± 69.5 mm3 vs. 141.0 ± 83.5 mm3, P = 0.25) were similar between groups. Overall, 90.2% of ablation lesions in the right atrium were transmural, 45.6% in the right ventricle, and 2.4% in the left ventricle, with no differences between 2‐minute and 4‐minute application times (P = 0.55). Thrombus was detected on the endocardial surface of 0.0% and 3.3% of ablation lesions created with 2‐minute and 4‐minute application times, respectively (P = 0.10).ConclusionSingle 2‐minute and 4‐minute application times result in catheter ablation lesions of similar size using the modern cryoablation system with nitrous oxide as a refrigerant. While these findings suggest the potential to reduce the standard 4‐minute application time, further studies are required to compare clinical efficacy.
Quantitative Analysis of the Anthropogenic Spatial Transfer of Lead in China
Authors: Sun Mengying , Mao Jiansu 
Published: February 2017

SummaryTo meet human needs, the geographical location of lead changes during the process of mining lead ore to produce lead products for use by humans. These changes reveal the influence of human activities on lead distribution on the surface of Earth. In this study, a framework was built to analyze changes in lead distribution. Lead was traced through its life cycle using this framework. The provincial administrative unit in mainland of China was defined as the unit of space. The process of anthropogenic spatial transfer of lead was quantitatively analyzed by comparing lead distribution between different areas during each stage of its life cycle in 2010. The results showed that in 2010, around 60% of domestic lead resources were distributed in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Yunnan Province, and other locations in China. Nearly 80% of the refined lead was produced in Henan, Anhui, Hunan, Yunnan, and Jiangsu provinces. More than 50% of lead products were fabricated and manufactured in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shandong, and Hebei provinces. The distribution of lead usage and scrap recovery was relatively uniform (approximately 21 provinces accounted for 1% to 6% of all scrap in the country), although lead products and scrap were mainly distributed in Guangdong, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces, which together accounted for nearly 40% of the total. The recycling of lead scrap was mainly concentrated in Anhui (around 57% of the total). Overall, during the whole process, from the mining lead ore from the lithosphere to each stage of the product life cycle, lead was gradually transferred from the south and north of China to the central area and, finally, to the eastern coastal areas.
Sustaining guideline implementation: A multisite perspective on activities, challenges and supports
Authors: Higuchi Kathryn S , Davies Barbara , Ploeg Jenny 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectivesTo examine activities conducted, challenges encountered and supports used when sustaining nursing practice guideline implementation in multiple healthcare organisations over 3 years.BackgroundNumerous models and frameworks exist to guide the implementation of guidelines, yet very few focus on sustaining improved practice changes. It is not known if one intervention or multiple interventions are required, nor the long‐term activities, challenges and supports for sustaining improved practices.DesignQualitative descriptive study.MethodsWe conducted focus group interviews with steering committee members and individual interviews with leaders and direct care providers at the end of a 3‐year guideline implementation study. The National Health Service Sustainability Model was used to guide data collection and analysis.ResultsThe eight sites included three teaching hospitals, a community hospital, a long‐term care facility, two community health agencies and a community health centre. Individual interviews were conducted with 36 leaders and 26 direct care providers. Focus group interviews were conducted with steering committee members (n = 70) at each site. Guideline implementation activities (n = 45) included developing new outcome monitoring systems, conducting chart audits, communicating progress to internal stakeholders, appointing interprofessional staff to steering committees, developing educational sessions and resources for staff and patients, revising policies and procedures, and developing partnerships with external organisations. Supports included lessons learned from previous and concurrent change initiatives, and commitment, involvement and positive attitudes of staff and leaders.ConclusionActivities identified by the participants addressed all 10 factors in the Sustainability Model in the three areas of process, staff and organisation. The challenges and supports encountered provide insights into the process of guideline implementation and sustainability.Relevance to clinical practiceA multilevel action plan for staff, leaders and the organisation is recommended when introducing and sustaining practice changes.
Risk factors for the development of post‐traumatic stress disorder and coping strategies in mothers and fathers following infant hospitalisation in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Aftyka Anna , Rybojad Beata , Rosa Wojciech , Wróbel Aleksandra , Karakuła‐Juchnowicz Hanna 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this study was to identify the potential risk factors for the development of post‐traumatic stress disorder in mothers and fathers following infant hospitalisation in the neonatal intensive care unit.BackgroundThe development of neonatal intensive care units has increased the survival rate of infants. However, one of the major parental problems is post‐traumatic stress disorder.DesignAn observational study covered 125 parents (72 mothers and 53 fathers) of infants aged 3–12 months who were hospitalised in the neonatal intensive care unit during the neonatal period.SettingThird‐referral neonatal intensive care unit. Several standardised and self‐reported research tools were used to estimate the level of post‐traumatic stress symptoms (Impact Event Scale—Revised), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale) and coping strategies (COPE Inventory). The respondents also completed a Parent and Infant Characteristic Questionnaire.ResultsThe mothers and fathers did not differ in their parental and infant characteristics. Post‐traumatic stress disorder was present in 60% of the mothers and 47% of the fathers. Compared to the fathers, the mothers felt greater stress (p = .020) and presented a higher severity of post‐traumatic stress disorder (p < .001). Previous miscarriages (p = .023) and the presence of chronic diseases (p = .032) were risk factors for post‐traumatic stress disorder in the mothers. In the fathers, an Apgar test at 1 min after birth (p = .030) and a partner's post‐traumatic stress disorder (p = .038) were related to post‐traumatic stress disorder. The mothers compared to the fathers were more likely to use strategies such as: positive reinterpretation and growth, focusing on and venting of emotions, instrumental social support, religious coping and acceptance. In the fathers, the predictors included an Apgar score at 1 min after birth, a lack of congenital anomalies in the child and mental disengagement.ConclusionRisk factors for post‐traumatic stress disorder, as well as coping strategies, differ in women compare to men.Relevance to clinical practiceKnowledge of risk factors for post‐traumatic stress disorder, specific to men and women, may help identify the parents in whom probability of the occurrence of this disorder is increased.
A Dedicated Nutritional Care Program (NUTRICARE) to reduce malnutrition in institutionalised dysphagic older people: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Zanini Milko , Bagnasco Annamaria , Catania Gianluca , Aleo Giuseppe , Sartini Marina , Cristina Maria Luisa , Ripamonti Stefania , Monacelli Fiammetta , Odetti Patrizio , Sasso Loredana 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectivesTo assess the effects of a texture‐modified food program for dysphagia on the nutritional, biochemical and functional profile in a cohort of institutionalised older people in Italy.BackgroundDysphagic institutionalised older people, often also affected by dementia, are frequently exposed to malnutrition. Malnutrition in older people has negative effects on mortality, days of hospitalisation, infection, wound healing and risk of pressure injuries. Therefore, it is very important to prevent malnutrition in this frail population.DesignA pre–post study without a control group.MethodsThe study included 479 dysphagic institutionalised older people from 20 nursing homes. Anthropometrical, biochemical, nutritional and functional parameters were collected retrospectively, 6 months before the study intervention, at time zero and, prospectively for 6 months after implementing the NUTRICARE food programme, for a total of nine evaluations. The NUTRICARE programme includes meals without nutritional supplementation, and personalised levels of density, viscosity, texture and particle size.ResultsThe total mean body mass index of our sample passed from 17.88–19.00; body weight averagely improved by 7.19%, as well as their nutritional and biochemical profiles. There was a progressive improvement of total protein and serum albumin values. Nutritional parameters (serum transferrin and lymphocytes) displayed similar changes. Plasma lymphocytes reached normal levels in 98.23% of the sample. Plasma creatinine levels remained steady throughout the study and within the normal range. No side effects were reported.ConclusionThe NUTRICARE food programme with a adequate proteins, calories, balanced nutritional and bromatological properties, and appropriate texture and palatability significantly improved the nutritional, biochemical and functional profile in a cohort of institutionalised dysphagic older people.Relevance to clinical practiceThe introduction of a balanced nutritional programme, using high‐quality natural ingredients, appropriate texture and palatability can significantly improve health and quality of life in dysphagic older people.
The role of the family in supporting the self‐management of chronic conditions: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Whitehead Lisa , Jacob Elisabeth , Towell Amanda , Abu‐qamar Ma'en , Cole‐Heath Amanda 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore the contribution of family members in promoting and supporting the self‐management of chronic conditions amongst adult family members.BackgroundThe prevalence of chronic disease continues to grow globally. The role of the family in chronic condition management and support for self‐management has received little attention.DesignA systematic review of qualitative literature using the Joanna Briggs Institute approach for qualitative systematic reviews.MethodsOvid (MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched for the period of database inception—2016. The QARI (Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument) critical appraisal instrument was used to assess the quality of each study. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute‐QARI data extraction tool, findings related to the family role in the self‐management of chronic conditions were extracted and each finding rated according to Joanna Briggs Institute‐QARI levels of credibility. Findings were categorised and synthesised to produce a final set of aggregated findings.ResultsFamilies were key in constructing an environment that was conducive to family engagement and support. Adaptation within the family included maintaining cohesion between family members, normalisation and contextualisation of the chronic condition.ConclusionsWhilst evidence on the value of the family in promoting positive health outcomes is clear, research on how families can specifically support the self‐management of chronic conditions is emerging.Relevance to clinical practiceFamily adaptability has been found to be the most powerful predictor of carer depression. Families may need support to change their home and family organisation to adapt to the challenges they face overtime. Change in roles and subsequent adaptation can be stressful, even for those family members at a distance. Nurses working in hospital and community settings can play an important role in assessing how families are adapting to living with chronic illness and to explore strategies to cope with challenges in the home setting.
Use of physical restraint: Nurses’ knowledge, attitude, intention and practice and influencing factors
Authors: Eskandari Fatemeh , Abdullah Khatijah Lim , Zainal Nor Zuraida , Wong Li Ping 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the knowledge, attitude, intention and practice of nurses towards physical restraint and factors influencing these variables.BackgroundA literature review showed a lack of studies focused on the intention of nurses regarding physical restraint throughout the world. Considering that very little research on physical restraint use has been carried out in Malaysia, assessment of nurses’ knowledge, attitude, intention and practice is necessary before developing a minimising programme in hospitals.DesignA cross‐sectional study was used.MethodsA questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude, intention and practice was completed by all nurses (n = 309) in twelve wards of a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur.ResultsModerate knowledge and attitude with strong intention to use physical restraint were found among the nurses. Less than half of nurses considered alternatives to physical restraint and most of them did not understand the reasons for the physical restraint. Nurses’ academic qualification, read any information source during past year and nurses’ work unit showed a significant association with nurses’ knowledge. Multiple linear regression analysis found knowledge, attitude and intention were significantly associated with nurses’ practice to use physical restraint.ConclusionThis study showed some important misunderstandings of nurses about using physical restraint and strong intention regarding using physical restraint. Findings of this study serve as a supporting reason for importance of educating nurses about the use of physical restraint.Relevance to clinical practiceExploring the knowledge, attitude, intention and current practice of nurses towards physical restraint is important so that an effective strategy can be formulated to minimise the use of physical restraints in hospitals.
Different psychometric properties of the Emotional Reaction Instrument‐English (ERI‐E) between hospitalized African American and Caucasian children
Authors: Kim Kye‐ha , Foster Roxie L. , Park Jeong‐hwan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPurposeTo demonstrate the psychometric properties of the Emotional Reactions Instrument‐English (ERI‐E) between hospitalized African American and Caucasian children aged 7–12 years.Design and MethodA methodological study was conducted to examine validity and reliability of the ERI‐E with 230 hospitalized African American and Caucasian children. Data were collected with sociodemographic and clinical forms, and using the ERI‐E, and the Facial Affective Scale (FAS).ResultsDifferent factor structures were found between hospitalized African American and Caucasian children. In psychometric testing of the ERI‐E with African American children, four items, alone, lonely, shy, and bored, were removed from the original 16‐item ERI‐E after exploratory factor analysis. Three factors, including Fear, Anxiety, and Distress, were identified explaining 60.71% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the revised 12‐item scale was 0.85. Six items, happy, sad, afraid, frightened, hurt, and uncomfortable, in the ERI‐E were significantly correlated with the FAS (r = 0.20–0.59) as evidence of concurrent validity. In the sample with hospitalized Caucasian children, two items, bored and uncomfortable, were eliminated from the original ERI‐E after exploratory factor analysis. Four factors including Fear, Anxiety, Distress, and Loneliness were extracted with 62.61% of total variance. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the revised 14‐item in the ERI‐E was 0.84 for hospitalized Caucasian children. As evidence of concurrent validity, 10 items, happy, sad, afraid, frightened, bad, lonely, scary, bored, hurt, and uncomfortable, in the ERI‐E were significantly correlated with the FAS (r = 0.20–0.69).Practice ImplicationBecause children with different cultural backgrounds understand or use words differently, healthcare providers should assess the cultural norms of pediatric patients and ensure steps have been taken to ensure clear, effective communication with pediatric patients. In addition, healthcare providers should evaluate the meanings of faces in the FAS before using it in a clinical setting because faces have different cultural connotations. The explosive growth of ethnic minority children in the United States makes it paramount for healthcare providers and researchers to consider the measurement equivalence of any measure to better serve different racial and cultural groups.
Species with larger body size do not dominate neighbourhood biomass production in old‐field vegetation
Authors: Tracey Amanda , Irwin Erika , Mcdonald Blaire , Aarssen Lonnie 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimsCompetitive ability in plants is defined traditionally by a ‘size advantage’ hypothesis – i.e. larger species are generally expected to be more successful under competition because of greater capacity for resource capture, and thus capacity to deny resources to neighbours (e.g. through shading). We therefore tested the prediction (for crowded herbaceous vegetation) that species with a larger maximum potential body size (dry mass) should: (1) have generally increased resident plant abundance (i.e. more rooted units), resulting from more successful recruitment of reproductive and/or clonal offspring; and (2) account for a relatively large proportion of the standing biomass within crowded neighbourhoods.LocationQueen's University Biological Station (QUBS), Chaffey's Locks, Ontario, Canada.MethodsA field experiment was used to record neighbourhood above‐ground biomass (dry mass) and resident plant abundance data for species within replicate plots in an old‐field meadow community – combined with body size metrics recorded for the same species in an earlier study at the same field site.ResultsThe results, at both the community and plot level, showed that resident plant abundance was generally higher (as expected) for species that had more total neighbourhood (plot) biomass harvested in the previous year. However, these species tended to be relatively small, with relatively small minimum reproductive threshold size – not those with relatively large maximum potential body size.ConclusionsThese results suggest that in crowded vegetation, bigger species are not more successful competitors in terms of offspring recruitment/numerical abundance, nor do they have a larger contribution to neighbourhood biomass. Smaller species are contributing at least as much biomass as bigger species to their total neighbourhood biomass, in part because of their smaller minimum reproductive threshold size. These smaller species therefore have greater ‘reproductive economy’, which means that they are more likely to produce at least some offspring when conditions are especially crowded.