bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial determinants of nurses’ intention to practise euthanasia in palliative care
Authors: Lavoie Mireille , Godin Gaston , Vézina-Im Lydi-Anne , Blondeau Danielle , Martineau Isabelle , Roy Louis 
Published: December 2014

Background: Most studies on euthanasia fail to explain the intentions of health professionals when faced with performing euthanasia and are atheoretical. Research objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the psychosocial determinants of nurses’ intention to practise euthanasia in palliative care if it were legalised. Research design: A cross-sectional study using a validated anonymous questionnaire based on an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Participants and research context: A random sample of 445 nurses from the province of Quebec, Canada, was selected for participation in the study. Ethical considerations: The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec. Findings: The response rate was 44.2% and the mean score for intention was 4.61 ± 1.90 (range: 1–7). The determinants of intention were the subjective (odds ratio = 3.08; 95% confidence interval: 1.50–6.35) and moral (odds ratio = 2.95; 95% confidence interval: 1.58–5.49) norms. Specific beliefs which could discriminate nurses according to their level of intention were identified. Discussion: Overall, nurses have a slightly positive intention to practise euthanasia. Their family approval seems particularly important and also the approval of their medical colleagues. Nurses’ moral norm was related to beneficence, an ethical principle. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify nurses’ motivations to practise euthanasia in palliative care using a validated psychosocial theory. It also has the distinction of identifying the ethical principles underlying nurses’ moral norm and intention.
Nurses’ perceptions and practice of physical restraint in China
Authors: Jiang Hui , Li Chen , Gu Yan , He Yanan 
Published: December 2014

Background: There is controversy concerning the use of physical restraint. Despite this controversy, some nurses still consider the application of physical restraint unavoidable for some of their clients. Aim: Identify the perceptions and practice of physical restraint in China. Research design: This was a descriptive study that combined qualitative interviews with a quantitative cross-sectional survey. Participants: A total of 18 nurses were interviewed and 330 nurses were surveyed. Ethical considerations: Approval of the study was obtained from the hospital ethics committee. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the director of nursing. Participants were assured that their participation is voluntary. Results: Physical restraint was commonly used to protect patients’ safety. Naturally, intensive care unit nurses used physical restraint much more frequently than general medical/surgical ward nurses ( p < 0.01). In addition, night shift nurses tended to use physical restraint more frequently. Conclusion: Nursing managers should be aware of the role nurses play in the use of physical restraint. In-service training regarding the proper use of physical restraint should be strengthened and nurse staffing levels should be improved in order to minimize the use of physical restraint in China.
Values in nursing students and professionals
Authors: Jiménez-López F Rosa , Roales-Nieto Jesus Gil , Seco Guillermo Vallejo , Preciado Juan 
Published: December 2014

Background: Many studies have explored personal values in nursing, but none has assessed whether the predictions made by the theory of intergenerational value change are true for the different generations of nursing professionals and students. This theory predicts a shift in those personal values held by younger generations towards ones focussed on self-expression. Research question: The purpose of the study was to identify intergenerational differences in personal values among nursing professionals and nursing students and to determine whether generational value profiles fit the predictions made by the theory. Research design: An exploratory comparative design with a cross-sectional survey method was used. Participants and research context: Participants were recruited from four public hospitals and 10 Primary Care Centres in medium-size cities in Spain. A sample of 589 nurses and 2295 nursing students participated in the study. An open survey method was used to collect data that were classified grouping reported values into categories following a method of value lexicon construction and analysed by contingency tables with Pearson’s χ2 and standardized residuals. Ethical considerations: Approval to conduct the study was obtained from the Deans of the nursing schools and the Directors of Nursing of the institutions. Anonymity was guaranteed, participation was voluntary and participants were informed of the purpose of the study. Findings: The results can be synthesized in two age-related trends in the reporting of values among three groups of participants. First, among younger nurses and students, some nursing core values (e.g. ethical and professional) decreased in importance, while other values centred on social relationships and personal well-being increased. Discussion and Conclusion: This study shows intergenerational change in personal values among both nursing students and young nursing professionals. Findings suggest the need to pay more attention to value training and professional socialization during the schooling period.
Ethical climate and nurse competence – newly graduated nurses' perceptions
Authors: Numminen Olivia , Leino-Kilpi Helena , Isoaho Hannu , Meretoja Riitta 
Published: December 2014

Background: Nursing practice takes place in a social framework, in which environmental elements and interpersonal relations interact. Ethical climate of the work unit is an important element affecting nurses’ professional and ethical practice. Nevertheless, whatever the environmental circumstances, nurses are expected to be professionally competent providing high-quality care ethically and clinically. Aim: This study examined newly graduated nurses’ perception of the ethical climate of their work environment and its association with their self-assessed professional competence, turnover intentions and job satisfaction. Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational research design was applied. Participants consisted of 318 newly graduated nurses. Data were collected electronically and analysed statistically. Ethical considerations: Ethical approval and permissions to use instruments and conduct the study were obtained according to required procedures. Data were rendered anonymous to protect participant confidentiality. Completing the questionnaire was interpreted as consent to participate. Findings: Nurses’ overall perception of the ethical climate was positive. More positive perceptions related to peers, patients and physicians, and less positive to hospitals and managers. Strong associations were found between perceived ethical climate and self-assessed competence, turnover intentions in terms of changing job, and job satisfaction in terms of quality of care. Nurses at a higher competence level with positive views of job satisfaction and low turnover intentions perceived the climate significantly more positively. Conclusion: Nursing management responsible for and having the power to implement changes should understand their contribution in ethical leadership, as well as the multidimensional nature of nurses’ work environment and the interaction between work-related factors in planning developmental measures. Future research should focus on issues in nurse managers’ ethical leadership in creating ethical work environments. There is also a need for knowledge of newly graduated nurses’ views of factors which act as enhancers or barriers to positive ethical climates to develop. Interventions, continuing education courses, and discussions designed to promote positive ethical climates should be developed for managers, nurses, and multi-professional teams.
Intermediate-term Results of Mobile-bearing Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Deleu Paul-André , Devos Bevernage Bernhard , Gombault Vincent , Maldague Pierre , Leemrijse Thibaut 
Published: December 2014

Background: The literature analyzing total ankle replacement (TAR) results should be critically interpreted because studies made by the design surgeons are potentially subject to bias. European nondesigner surgeon studies reviewing the HINTEGRA TAR system are scarce in the literature. The present study is a European nondesigner surgeon study reviewing a consecutive series of 50 HINTEGRA TAR systems with a minimum follow-up of 2 years, focusing on clinical and radiographic outcomes. Methods: Fifty primary TAR procedures were performed between February 2008 and January 2012 by a single surgeon. Every patient underwent a standardized clinical and radiographic follow-up at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively and annually thereafter. The mean time to final follow-up was 45 months. Results: The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale score significantly increased from 43.5 preoperatively to 83.8 postoperatively. Clinical range of motion of the ankle also improved from 23.3 degrees preoperatively to 28.3 degrees postoperatively. In 70% of the TAR procedures, the talar component was positioned anteriorly with respect to the tibial axis. Radiological evidence of osteolysis was identified in 24 ankles. The failure rate in the present series was 10%, which was defined as having major revision surgery within 4 years. Conclusion: The survival of the first 50 HINTEGRA TAR systems in this series was satisfactory from clinical and radiological points of view. However, the incidence of asymptomatic periprosthetic osteolytic lesions was quite high (24 ankles). Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
High-performance atomistic modeling of optical thin films deposited by energetic processes
Authors: Grigoriev FV , Sulimov AV , Kochikov Igor , Kondakova OA , Sulimov VB , Tikhonravov AV 
Published: December 2014

In this paper we present a computationally effective approach to classical molecular dynamic simulation of thin film growth with orientation on cluster supercomputing facilities. The goal of the developed approach is to investigate structural heterogeneities of thin films deposited on substrates at a nanoscale level. These heterogeneities depend on the experimental conditions of a deposition process being used. They have essential influence on practical properties of thin films and their modeling is important for achieving further progress in thin film optical technology. The presented research is focused on silicon dioxide thin films growth. A special force field, oriented on the atomistic description of the silicon dioxide deposition on fused silica substrate, has been developed and applied to the molecular dynamic simulation with the GROMACS package. The validity of the developed simulation approach is verified using atomic clusters consisting of up to 106 atoms and having characteristic dimensions of up to 30 nm. Its computational efficiency is tested using up to 2048 cores. The dependence of achievable efficiency on model parameters is discussed.
Ameliorative potential of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ramipril) on chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve induced neuropathic pain in mice
Authors: Kaur Parneet , Muthuraman Arunachalam , Kaur Jaspreet 
Published: December 2014

Introduction: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of ramipril (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) on the chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve induced neuropathic pain in mice. Methods: The neuropathic pain was induced by four loose ligations of the right sciatic nerve in mice. The battery of behavioral tests, i.e. plantar, pin prick, tail flick, tail pinch, rota rod tests, were performed to assess the degree of thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia in ipsilateral paw and tail, and motor in-coordination activity respectively. In addition, the biochemical tests, i.e. total protein, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and reduced glutathione, were also performed in sciatic nerve tissue samples. Results: The administration of ramipril (2 and 4 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly attenuated chronic constriction injury-induced rise in peripheral as well as central pain sensitivity (thermal and mechanical) along with impairment of motor in-coordination activity. Further, it also produces ameliorative effects on chronic constriction injury-induced rise in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and decrease in glutathione levels when compared with a normal control group. Conclusion: It may be concluded that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor may be a potential new target for the management of neuropathic pain.
Effects of olmesartan therapy on the expression of lung adrenoceptors in rats with chronic heart failure
Authors: Li YF , Jiang ZL , Cao FF , Liu F 
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Adrenergic receptors (AR) play important roles in regulating lung function. However, there are few reports concerning AR expression and the protective effect of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) on the lung in chronic heart failure (CHF). In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of the ARB olmesartan on the lung in CHF. Materials and methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, sham-operated rats, rats with CHF induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary arteries, and rats with CHF treated with olmesartan (1 mg/kg) once daily for 8 weeks. Heart function, plasma renin activity (PRA) and angiotensin II (Ang II) levels, lung microscopic structure inspection and mRNA and protein expressions of α1A-, β1- and β2-AR in lung were tested. Results: Compared with the CHF group, PRA and Ang II levels were decreased while heart function and mRNA and protein expression of α1A-AR, β1-AR and β2-AR were up-regulated in the olmesartan group ( p<0.05 or p<0.01). The inflammation and cell proliferation in CHF lung tissue were reduced in the olmesartan group. Conclusion: Olmesartan may play a beneficial role in protecting lung in CHF by up-regulating AR and decreasing levels of PRA and Ang II.
Polydatin prevents angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial superoxide generation
Authors: Zhang Qi , Tan Yingying , Zhang Nan , Yao Fanrong 
Published: December 2014

Our studies and others recently demonstrate that polydatin, a resveratrol glucoside, has antioxidative and cardioprotective effects. This study aims to investigate the direct effects of polydatin on Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy to explore the potential role of polydatin in cardioprotection. Our results showed that in primary cultured cardiomyocytes, polydatin blocked Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy in a dose-dependent manner, which were associated with reduction in the cell surface area and [3H]leucine incorporation, as well as attenuation of the mRNA expressions of atrial natriuretic factor and β-myosin heavy chain. Furthermore, polydatin prevented rat cardiac hypertrophy induced by Ang II infusion, as assessed by heart weight-to-body weight ratio, cross-sectional area of cardiomyocyte, and gene expression of hypertrophic markers. Further investigation demonstrated that polydatin attenuated the Ang II-induced increase in the reactive oxygen species levels and NADPH oxidase activity in vivo and in vitro. Polydatin also blocked the Ang II-stimulated increases of Nox4 and Nox2 expression in cultured cardiomyocytes and the hearts of Ang II-infused rats. Our results indicate that polydatin has the potential to protect against Ang II-mediated cardiac hypertrophy through suppression of NADPH oxidase activity and superoxide production. These observations may shed new light on the understanding of the cardioprotective effect of polydatin.
Interventions on the Superficial Venous System for Chronic Venous Insufficiency by Surgeons in the Modern Era
Authors: Carruthers Thomas N. , Farber Alik , Rybin Denis , Doros Gheorghe , Eslami Mohammad H. 
Published: December 2014

Objective: To evaluate patient characteristics, practice patterns, and outcomes for patients treated for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Background: Chronic venous insufficiency is a common problem treated using open or endovascular methods by physicians from a number of surgical and nonsurgical specialties. Methods: Patients treated for CVI in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set (2005-2011) were identified. Analyses were based on open surgical treatment (open surgery of varicose vein [OSVV]) versus endovenous ablation (EVA), specialty of treating surgeon, and by the presence of venous ulceration (VU). Preoperative patient characteristics and intraoperative measures were examined, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed for the postoperative outcomes of superficial surgical site infection (sSSI) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Results: A total of 4366 patients were identified. Patients undergoing EVA were older (53.3 vs 51.8 years; P < .001), had higher body mass index (BMI; 29.9 vs 29.0; P < .001), and more commonly presented with VU (20.9% vs 13.3%; P < .001). Vascular surgeons were more likely than general surgeons to treat patients with VU (17.0% vs 13.4%; P = .017). Patients with VU had higher BMI (32.2 vs 28.8; P < .001), were older (57.9 vs 51.4 years; P < .001), and more likely to be diabetic (9.0% vs 4.7%; P < .001). Factors associated with sSSI were OSVV (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-5.50; P = .016), obesity (AOR 2.16; 95% CI 1.10-4.24; P = .025), and VU (AOR 2.56; 95% CI 1.19-5.50; P = .016). Patients undergoing OSVV had significantly lower odds of DVT when compared to EVA (AOR 0.52; 95% CI 0.28-0.97; P = .040). Conclusions: The OSVV, obesity, and VU increase the odds of sSSI after procedures treating CVI. Patients in these categories should be monitored closely for signs of infection in the perioperative period. Patients undergoing EVA have higher odds of postoperative DVT, suggesting that routine screening after EVA for DVT may be justified.
A Novel Classification System for Autogenous Arteriovenous Fistula Aneurysms in Renal Access Patients
Authors: Valenti Domenico , Mistry Hiren , Stephenson Matthew 
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) constructed for hemodialysis access are prone to aneurysmal degeneration. This can lead to life-threatening sequelae such as aneurysmal rupture. The literature includes various guidelines on the management of certain aspects of access-related aneurysm formation; however, no classification system exists to guide reporting or prognostication. We aimed to create a universally acceptable classification for these aneurysms and establish guidance about their management. Methods: We clinically examined, duplex scanned, and photographed all of the autologous arteriovenous fistulae in our local renal failure population in January 2010 in order to categorize morphology. We then followed up the cohort for 2 years prospectively to assess outcomes, primarily of rupture or surgical intervention for bleeding. Results: A total of 344 patients were included (292 currently needling their fistula and 52 with low creatinine clearance awaiting dialysis). In all, 43.5% of dialyzed patients had aneurysmal fistulae. We propose a classification system as follows: type 1a: dilated along the length of the vein; type 1b: postanastomotic aneurysm; type 2a: classic “camel hump”; type 2b: combination of type 2a and 1b; type 3: complex; and type 4: pseudoaneurysm. Six fistulae needed emergency surgery for bleeding in the 2-year follow-up period and 5 of these were type 2 aneurysms. The remaining one was in the nonaneurysmal group, although it had become aneurysmal by the time it bled. Conclusion: Type 1 aneurysms are much commoner in patients who have not yet needled their fistula and have a relatively innocuous course although type 1a aneurysms should be monitored for high flow and physiological consequences thereof. Type 2 aneurysms are associated with needling of AVFs. They are at significant risk of rupture and need to be monitored carefully or treated prophylactically.
Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment in the Stent Graft Era
Authors: Tulga Ulus A. , Fahrettin Kucukay , Erdal Simsek , Sarper Oktem , Serkan Mola , Mustafa Ozdemir , Ahmet Saritas , Kerem Vural , Levent Birincioglu 
Published: December 2014

Background: We aim to decrease mortality and morbidity by early diagnosis and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) or by using open surgery. Methods: The patients who had underwent open surgery and EVAR with a diagnosis of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with EVAR were separated as group I and the patients with surgical operations constituted group II. The risk factors, duration of the operation, blood product usage, drainage amounts, complications, mortality, and morbidity rates were evaluated. Results: The duration of the operation and the required blood and blood products were lower in group I ( P < .05). There is no any significant difference between the groups in terms of mortality, complications, short-, and long-term results. Conclusion: We support the idea that better results can be obtained by showing regard to suitable patient, suitable clinical condition, and suitable anatomy together with the correct choice of operation type.
Towards the implementation of ‘no evidence of disease activity’ in multiple sclerosis treatment: the multiple sclerosis decision model
Authors: Stangel Martin , Penner Iris Katharina , Kallmann Boris A. , Lukas Carsten , Kieseier Bernd C. 
Published: December 2014

Objective: The introduction of new and potent therapies for the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) has increased the desire for therapeutic success. There is growing doubt that the mere reduction of relapse rate, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers are exclusive and appropriate factors to monitor the new aim of ‘no evidence of disease activity’ (NEDA). However, there is no generally accepted definition so far. Methods: To achieve the therapeutic aim of NEDA, a panel of MS experts searched the available literature on clinical and paraclinical outcomes to propose a test battery that is sensitive to detect disease activity in an everyday clinical setting. Results: The panel proposed to include, besides relapse rate, disability progression and MRI, neuropsychological outcome measures such as cognitive status, fatigue, depression and quality of life. To standardize the examinations in an economic and schematic way, a multifactorial model [multiple sclerosis decision model (MSDM)] that includes the domains ‘relapse’, ‘disability progression’, ‘MRI’, and ‘neuropsychology’ is proposed. The scheme reflects the complexity of the disease even in the early stages when scales such as the EDSS are not able to distinguish low levels of progression. Conclusion: The MSDM aims to support early treatment decisions and uncover timely treatment failure. Prospective investigations are required to prove that such a disease-monitoring concept leads to an early and effective silencing of disease activity.
Integrin αvβ3 acting as membrane receptor for thyroid hormones mediates angiogenesis in malignant T cells
Authors: Cayrol Florencia , Díaz Flaqué María Celeste , Fernando Tharu , Yang Shao Ning , Sterle Helena Andrea , Bolontrade Marcela , Amorós Mariana , Isse Blanca , Farías Ricardo Norberto , Ahn Haelee , Tian Ye F. , Tabbò Fabrizio , Singh Ankur , Inghirami Giorgio , Cerchietti Leandro , Cremaschi Graciela Alicia 
Published: December 2014

Key Points
We elucidate a molecular mechanism by which thyroid hormones sustain TCL survival. We demonstrate that the membrane receptor of THs, integrin αvβ3, constitutes a potential target for TCL.