bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of topical clove oil on symptomatic treatment of chronic pruritus
Authors: Ibrahim Ibrahim M , Elsaie Mohamed L. , Almohsen Abdelraouf M , Mohey‐Eddin Mahmoud H 
Published: April 2017

SummaryBackgroundPruritus is a frequent symptom in the general population and in many skin and systemic diseases. Its frequency demonstrates a high burden and an impaired quality of life.AimAssessment of the efficacy of topically applied clove oil alone in the treatment of chronic pruritus.MethodsFifty selected subjects diagnosed with chronic pruritus due to either hepatic, renal, or diabetic causes were studied and divided into two groups of 25 patients each. Group I patients were instructed to hydrate the skin and then apply topical clove oil while group II patients applied petrolatum topically by hand; this application was done on the areas of pruritus, twice daily and for 2 weeks. The severity of the itch was assessed and compared before and after the study by 5‐D itch scale. The results were analyzed by SPSS. Statistical methods such as descriptive analysis, independent‐samples t‐test, paired‐samples t‐test, and chi‐square were employed.ResultsThere was a significant improvement regarding all studied individual parameters (5‐D itch scale) for the clove oil users with no significance among petrolatum users. Comparison of 5‐D itch scale total score between patients of group I and patients of group II favored the improvement following the use of clove oil than using placebo (P value>.05).ConclusionThe topical treatment of chronic pruritus with clove oils is effective, easy to use, safe, cheap, and more acceptable for whom topical and systemic treatments tend to be irritating, contraindicated, or less well tolerated.
Intrahospital transfers and the impact on nursing workload
Authors: Blay Nicole , Roche Michael A , Duffield Christine , Gallagher Robyn 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAims and objectivesTo determine the rate of patient moves and the impact on nurses’ time.BackgroundBed shortages and strategies designed to increase patient flow have led to a global increase in patient transfers between wards. The impact of transferring patients between wards and between beds within a ward on nurses’ workload has not previously been measured.DesignA two‐stage sequential study. Retrospective analysis of hospital data and a prospective observational‐timing study.MethodsSecondary analysis of an administrative data set to inform the rate of ward and bed transfers (n = 34,715) was undertaken followed by an observational‐timing study of nurses’ activities associated with patient transfers (n = 75).ResultsOver 10,000 patients were moved 34,715 times in 1 year which equates to an average of 2.4 transfers per patient. On average, patient transfers took 42 min and bed transfers took 11 min of nurses’ time. Based on the frequency of patient moves, 11.3 full‐time equivalent nurses are needed to move patients within the site hospital each month.ConclusionTransferring patients is workload intensive on nurses’ time and should be included in nursing workload measurement systems.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses at the site hospital spend over 1700 hr each month on activities associated with transferring patients, meaning that less time is available for nursing care.
The effects of threshold inspiratory muscle training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomised experimental study
Authors: Chuang Han‐Yu , Chang Hsiao‐Yun , Fang Yueh‐Yen , Guo Su‐Er 
Published: April 2017

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the effects of threshold inspiratory muscle training in patients with stages II through IV chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using maximum inspiratory pressure, baseline dyspnoea index, 6‐minute walk test and quality of life.BackgroundA threshold inspiratory muscle training device provides pressure for inspiratory muscle strength, but there is limited information on the effects of threshold inspiratory muscle training starting at low pressure training.DesignRandomised experimental design.MethodsA total of 55 patients completed this study between September 2013–April 2014. The experimental group (n = 27) was provided medical treatment and routine care, along with five sessions of threshold inspiratory muscle training per week (21–30 min per session), accompanied by a progressive increase in the pressure threshold over a period of 8 weeks. The control group (n = 28) was provided medical treatment and routine care only, without intervention. In the inferential analysis, p values <.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.ResultsAfter 8 weeks in the experimental group, mean maximum inspiratory pressure improved by −17.6 ± 0.18 cmH2O, mean 6‐minute walk test improved by 47.8 ± 1.46 m, and the baseline dyspnoea index increased from 4.48 ± 2.12 points to 9.0 ± 2.27 points. These data and quality of life were statistically different between the experimental and the control groups (p < .05).ConclusionsThe threshold inspiratory muscle training can reduce patients’ difficulties with respect to daily activities, thereby reducing the burden on the family, and improving prognosis in patients with moderate‐to‐very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The stories of frequent attenders to the Emergency Department
Authors: Robinson Karin , Lucas Elizabeth , van den Dolder Paul , Halcomb Elizabeth 
Published: April 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore the experiences of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) amongst individuals who have a high frequency of presentations to the Emergency Department and their carers.BackgroundPatients with COPD are amongst the most frequent attenders in the Emergency Department despite the chronic nature of their condition. Good self‐management has previously been identified as a key to maintaining health and reducing COPD exacerbations. There has been limited investigation of those with COPD who frequently attend the Emergency Department.DesignDescriptive qualitative phase of a mixed methods study.MethodsIndividuals who had attended an Emergency Department within a single health district at least three times in the previous year for COPD were invited to participate in semistructured face‐to‐face interviews. A total of 19 individuals consented to participate, of whom 12 were male. Half of the interviews included both those with COPD and carers. Data were audio‐recorded and transcribed, before being analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFive main themes emerged from the data, namely (i) a sense of grief, loss and guilt, yet hope for the future; (ii) the impact on carers; (iii) the end point of self‐management; (iv) the healthcare experience; and (v) the primary care experience.ConclusionThe experience of individuals with COPD who frequently present to the Emergency Department and their carers highlights the complexity of living with this disease. Providing effective intervention to manage exacerbation requires an understanding of the issues that are faced by patients and their carers. Clear systems and skills for sharing information are essential to decrease avoidable use of the Emergency Department.
Patients and families realising their future with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—A qualitative study
Authors: Bragadottir Gudrun H , Halldorsdottir Bryndis S , Ingadottir Thorbjorg S , Jonsdottir Helga 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAims and objectivesTo gain insight into the lived experience of learning about having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for patients and their families.BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease often progresses for years. Adjustment to declining health is gradual, and the disease may have developed considerably when health care is sought and people are diagnosed. Reaching patients at early stages is necessary to delay progression of the disease.DesignInterpretive phenomenology.MethodsData were collected in four family focus group interviews (N = 37) and a subsample of eight family‐dyad interviews. Patients were eight men, and 14 women aged 51–68 years. Majority of the patients (n = 19) were at GOLD grades II and III, with three at grade IV. The family members were eight men, and seven women aged 29–73 years. Data were collected between June–November 2012.ResultsFive, not mutually exclusive themes, revealed a long and arduous process of learning about and becoming diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and how unaware participants were of the imminent threat that the disease imposes on life. The themes were as follows: burden of shame and self‐blame, enclosed in addiction, living in parallel worlds, realising the existence of the disease and a cry for empathy.ConclusionsLearning about and realising the existence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and what it entails at present time and in the future was bleak for the participants. The patients tended to put aside the thought of being a person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and defer actions that might halter progression of the disease, particularly to quit smoking.Relevance to clinical practiceIndividuals and families need support early in the disease process to realise and accept the existence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and particularly to deal with the challenges that nicotine addiction, shame and self‐blame present. Increased public awareness about this enormous, but hidden, health problem is necessary.
Selling Failed Banks
Authors: GRANJA JOÃO , MATVOS GREGOR , SERU AMIT 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTThe average FDIC loss from selling a failed bank is 28% of assets. We document that failed banks are predominantly sold to bidders within the same county, with similar assets business lines, when these bidders are well capitalized. Otherwise, they are acquired by less similar banks located further away. We interpret these facts within a model of auctions with budget constraints, in which poor capitalization of some potential acquirers drives a wedge between their willingness and ability to pay for failed banks. We document that this wedge drives misallocation, and partially explains the FDIC losses from failed bank sales.
Women in Prosthodontics: A Brief Look at Pioneers, Leaders, and Inspirers
Authors: Afshari Fatemeh S. , Yuan Judy Chia‐Chun , Sukotjo Cortino 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThere are several women pioneers in prosthodontics, and each deserves recognition and admiration for all she has achieved in helping bridge the gender gap in dentistry. Women have come a long way from being first depicted as a thieving woman assistant in early 1523 to becoming award‐winning, Board‐certified clinicians, program directors, department chairs, and deans of dental schools. However, current female resident membership in the American College of Prosthodontists is less than 40%. Women in leadership roles are still scarce, and advancement is still needed. This article provides a brief summary of the history of prosthodontics, highlighting prominent women prosthodontists and their stories, while providing inspiration for future prosthodontists, men as well as women.
An Alternative Prosthetic Approach for Rehabilitation of Two Edentulous Maxillectomy Patients: Clinical Report
Authors: Yenisey Murat , Külünk Şafak , Kaleli Necati 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObturator prosthesis is a common treatment method for maxillectomy patients for maintaining their oronasal separation and resuming their social lives. After tumor resection, the remaining anatomical structures have a significant effect on prosthesis retention. The present study describes the rehabilitation of two maxillectomy patients after cancer surgery using a prosthesis consisting of a denture and a special retentive obturator that is positioned in the anatomical undercuts of the nasal cavity. These patients have undergone total and subtotal maxillectomy surgery after the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. The systemic and local health status of the total maxillectomy patient was not suitable for zygomatic implant surgery. Only one osseointegrated dental implant was placed into the left maxillary tuberosity area in the subtotal maxillectomy patient. In addition, the quality, vertical height, and horizontal width of the remaining bone structures in the maxilla limited the use of osseointegrated dental implants. Mechanical prosthesis retention was provided using a multiunit retentive mechanism composed of an orthodontic forsus fatigue resistant device (OFFRD), two Herbst appliances, and an acrylic piece associated with healthy keratinized mucosa. The OFFRD could easily apply a consistent force and push the acrylic pieces toward the retentive undercut under the control of the two Herbst appliances. Two OFFRD units in different directions were designed for the total maxillectomy patient, while only one OFFRD unit was placed on the opposite side of the osseointegrated implant in the subtotal maxillectomy patient. A sufficient retention was obtained for both patients. The patients were satisfied, and no major complications were observed in periodic controls.
Relationships Among Student, Staff, and Administrative Measures of School Climate and Student Health and Academic Outcomes
Authors: Gase Lauren N. , Gomez Louis M. , Kuo Tony , Glenn Beth A. , Inkelas Moira , Ponce Ninez A. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchool climate is an integral part of a comprehensive approach to improving the well‐being of students; however, little is known about the relationships between its different domains and measures. We examined the relationships between student, staff, and administrative measures of school climate to understand the extent to which they were related to each other and student outcomes.METHODSThe sample included 33,572 secondary school students from 121 schools in Los Angeles County during the 2014‐2015 academic year. A multilevel regression model was constructed to examine the association between the domains and measures of school climate and 5 outcomes of student well‐being: depressive symptoms or suicidal ideation, tobacco use, alcohol use, marijuana use, and grades.RESULTSStudent, staff, and administrative measures of school climate were weakly correlated. Strong associations were found between student outcomes and student reports of engagement and safety, while school staff reports and administrative measures of school climate showed limited associations with student outcomes.CONCLUSIONSAs schools seek to measure and implement interventions aimed at improving school climate, consideration should be given to grounding these efforts in a multidimensional conceptualization of climate that values student perspectives and includes elements of both engagement and safety.
Washout Ratio in the Hepatic Vein Measured by Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography to Distinguish Between Inflammatory and Noninflammatory Hepatic Disorders in Dogs
Authors: Morishita K. , Hiramoto A. , Michishita A. , Takagi S. , Osuga T. , Lim S.Y. , Nakamura K. , Sasaki N. , Ohta H. , Takiguchi M. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundPerflubutane microbubbles, a second‐generation ultrasound contrast agent, are phagocytized by Kupffer cells. This characteristic may be useful to differentiate diffuse hepatic diseases in dogs.Hypothesis/objectivesTo determine whether the washout ratio in the hepatic vein (HV) measured by contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) can distinguish between inflammatory and noninflammatory hepatic disorders in dogs.AnimalsForty‐one client‐owned dogs with hepatic disorders including 14 with hepatitis, 7 with primary hypoplasia of the portal vein (PHPV), 9 with congenital portosystemic shunt (cPSS), and 11 with other hepatopathy were enrolled. Six dogs without hepatic disease also were evaluated as healthy controls.MethodsDogs with hepatic disorders were prospectively included. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography of the HV was performed for 2 minutes. Washout ratio was defined as the attenuation rate from peak intensity to the intensity at the end of the CEUS study.ResultsWashout ratio in the hepatitis group (median, 18.0%; range, 2.0–37.0%) was significantly lower than that of the PHPV (median, 52.2%; range, 11.5–86.3%), cPSS (median, 60.0%; range, 28.6–77.4%), other hepatopathy (median, 70.5%; range, 26.6–88.4%), and normal (median, 78.0%; range, 60.7–91.7%) groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for hepatitis was 0.960, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.853–0.990. Washout ratio ≤37.1% resulted in a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 78.5–100%) and specificity of 85.2% (95% CI, 67.5–94.1%) for the prediction of hepatitis.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceWashout ratio can distinguish hepatitis from the other noninflammatory disorders with high accuracy. This result might reflect impaired Kupffer cell phagocytosis in dogs with hepatitis.
Pharmacokinetics of nebulized and subcutaneously implanted terbinafine in cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
Authors: Kane L. P. , Allender M. C. , Archer G. , Leister K. , Rzadkowska M. , Boers K. , Souza M. , Cox S. 
Published: April 2017

Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, the causative agent of snake fungal disease, is proposed as a serious threat to the conservation of several snake populations. The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of terbinafine administered through nebulization and a sustained subcutaneous implant as potential treatments of Ophidiomyces in reptiles. Seven adult cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) were used in single‐dose trials. Each snake was nebulized with terbinafine (2 mg/ml) for 30 min and had blood collected before nebulization and up to 12 hr after nebulization. Following a 5‐month washout, the same snakes were administered a subcutaneous implant containing 24.5 mg terbinafine; blood was collected at baseline, 1 day postimplant placement, and then once weekly for 9 weeks. Plasma for both studies was analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The mean plasma concentrations of nebulized terbinafine peaked between 0.5 and 4 hr. The subcutaneously implanted terbinafine reached therapeutic concentrations on day 1 and maintained therapeutic for over 6 weeks. These methods and doses are recommended as potential treatment options for snake fungal disease in reptiles.
Foraging area, not trophic position, is linked to head size variation in adult female loggerhead turtles
Authors: Price J. T. , Pfaller J. B. , Vander Zanden H. B. , Williams K. L. , Bolten A. B. , Bjorndal K. A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractVariation in trophic morphology among individuals within a population may suggest intrapopulation variation in diet and resource use. In such situations, individuals may occupy more specialized roles within a generalist population. Among loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), adults exhibit variation in head size, a likely predictor of bite‐force generation and therefore feeding performance. We investigated several factors that may affect variation in head size for female loggerheads nesting on Wassaw Island, Georgia, USA. We first quantified the amount of variation in head size (width, length and depth) that was explained by differences in body size. We then investigated whether variation in absolute head size and variation in head size not explained by body size (relative head size) were related to foraging area, trophic position or both using stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen. We found that greater than 50% of the variation in head size was not explained by body size and that foraging area contributed at least partially to differences in head size, while trophic position was not correlated with differences in head size. These results suggest that there may be some trophic specialization within foraging areas, such that turtles foraging in distinct areas maintain different relative head sizes as a result of differences in diet and resource availability. However, the variation in head size that does exist within a foraging area does not appear to be related to specialization at different trophic positions. Understanding factors that affect variation in trophic morphology can provide valuable insight into the trophic interactions of a species and reveal mechanisms that reduce intraspecific competition.
Patterns of cultural consensus and intracultural diversity in Ghanaian complementary feeding practices
Authors: Kalra Nikhila , Pelto Gretel , Tawiah Charlotte , Zobrist Stephanie , Milani Peiman , Manu Grace , Laar Amos , Parker Megan 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDesigning effective interventions to improve infant and young child (IYC) feeding requires knowledge about determinants of current practices, including cultural factors. Current approaches to obtaining and using research on culture tend to assume cultural homogeneity within a population. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent of cultural consensus (homogeneity) in communities where interventions to improve IYC feeding practices are needed to address undernutrition during the period of complementary feeding. A second, related objective was to identify the nature of intracultural variation, if such variation was evident. Selected protocols from the Focused Ethnographic Study for Infant and Young Child Feeding Manual were administered to samples of key informants and caregivers in a peri‐urban and a rural area in Brong‐Ahafo, Ghana. Cultural domain analysis techniques (free listing, caregiver assessment of culturally significant dimensions, and food ratings on these dimensions), as well as open‐ended questions with exploratory probing, were used to obtain data on beliefs and related practices. Results reveal generally high cultural consensus on the 5 dimensions that were assessed (healthiness, appeal, child acceptance, convenience, and modernity) for caregiver decisions and on their ratings of individual foods. However, thematic analysis of caregiver narratives indicates that the meanings and content of the constructs connoted by the dimensions differed widely among individual mothers. These findings suggest that research on cultural factors that affect IYC practices, particularly cultural beliefs, should consider the nature and extent of cultural consensus and intracultural diversity, rather than assuming cultural homogeneity.
Vector and nonvector insect feeding reduces subsequent plant susceptibility to virus transmission
Authors: Li Ping , Shu Yan‐Ni , Fu Shuai , Liu Yin‐Quan , Zhou Xue‐Ping , Liu Shu‐Sheng , Wang Xiao‐Wei 
Published: April 2017

Summary

The interactions of vector–virus–plant have important ecological and evolutionary implications. While the tripartite interactions have received some attention, little is known about whether vector infestation affects subsequent viral transmission and infection.

Working with the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, begomovirus and tobacco/tomato, we demonstrate that pre‐infestation of plants by the whitefly vector reduced subsequent plant susceptibility to viral transmission. Pre‐infestation by the cotton bollworm, a nonvector of the virus, likewise repressed subsequent viral transmission.

The two types of insects, with piercing and chewing mouthparts, respectively, activated different plant signaling pathways in the interactions. Whitefly pre‐infestation activated the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway, leading to deposition of callose that inhibited begomovirus replication/movement. Although cotton bollworm infestation elicited the jasmonic acid (JA) defense pathway and was beneficial to virus replication, the pre‐infested plants repelled whiteflies from feeding and so decreased virus transmission. Experiments using a pharmaceutical approach with plant hormones or a genetic approach using hormone transgenic or mutant plants further showed that SA played a negative but JA played a positive role in begomovirus infection.

These novel findings indicate that both vector and nonvector insect feeding of a plant may have substantial negative consequences for ensuing viral transmission and infection.