bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does levosimendan act as a Ca2+ sensitizer or PDE3 inhibitor?: Commentary on Orstavik et al., Br J Pharmacol 171: 5169–5181
Authors: Endoh Masao 
Published: February 2014

Linked ArticleThis article is a Commentary on Orstavik O, Ata SH, Riise J, Dahl CP, Andersen GO, Levy FO, Skomedal T, Osnes J‐B, and Qvigstad E (2014). PDE3‐inhibition by levosimendan is sufficient to account for its inotropic effect in failing human heart . Br J Pharmacol 171: 5169–5181. doi: 10.1111/bph.12647
Mortality risk with sulphonylureas compared to metformin
Authors: Holden S. E. , Currie C. J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractCurrent clinical guidelines in the USA and the UK recommend first‐line glucose‐lowering treatment with metformin monotherapy for glucose control in type 2 diabetes, where not contraindicated. Consequently, the proportion of people treated with sulphonylureas is decreasing. The purpose of this commentary is to discuss the risks and benefits associated with sulphonylurea monotherapy versus metformin monotherapy and the evidence that, in comparison with metformin, sulphonylureas cause increased harm to people with type 2 diabetes.
The Role of Social Science in Australian Family Law: Collaborator, Usurper or Infiltrator?
Authors: Rathus Zoe 
Published: February 2014

This article explores the somewhat ambiguous relationship between family law decision making and social science research in contemporary Australian family law. It follows the history of social scientists and social science research in the current family law system since its commencement in 1976 and sets this against the changing socio‐legal climate of the four decades covered. It demonstrates that, while social science research has been of critical importance to the progress of family law, its use by judicial decision makers raises questions about the contested, shifting, and selective nature of the content and the absence of any legal basis by which these extrinsic materials could be received. Extensive referencing of social science research by some judicial officers in recent years has triggered appellate authority disapproving its use. It is argued that there is growing uncertainty in the relationship between the disciplines of social science and law in the family law system and that steps should be taken to begin resolving this.Keypoints
Role of social science in family law
Analysis of Australian family law cases that use social science research
Use of extrinsic materials by judges
Fathers' rights' groups
Shared parenting debate
Use of attachment theory in courts
Severe and moderate haemophilia A and B in US females
Authors: Di Michele D. M. , Gibb C. , Lefkowitz J. M. , Ni Q. , Gerber L. M. , Ganguly A. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryHaemophilia A and B are rare X‐lined hemorrhagic disorders that typically affect men. Women are usually asymptomatic carriers, but may be symptomatic and, rarely, also express severe (factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX (FIX) <0.01 U mL−1) or moderately severe (FVIII/FIX 0.01–0.05 U mL−1) phenotypes. However, data on clinical manifestations, genotype and the psychosocial ramifications of illness in severely affected females remain anecdotal. A national multi‐centre retrospective study was conducted to collect a comprehensive data set on affected US girls and women, and to compare clinical observations to previously published information on haemophilic males of comparable severity and mildly affected haemophilic females. Twenty‐two severe/moderate haemophilia A/B subjects were characterized with respect to clinical manifestations and disease complications; genetic determinants of phenotypic severity; and health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL). Clinical data were compared as previously indicated. Female patients were older than male patients at diagnosis, but similarly experienced joint haemorrhage, disease‐ and treatment‐related complications and access to treatment. Gynaecological and obstetrical bleeding was unexpectedly infrequent. F8 or F9 mutations, accompanied by extremely skewed X‐chromosome inactivation pattern (XIP), were primary determinants of severity. HR‐QoL was diminished by arthropathy and viral infection. Using systematic case verification of participants in a national surveillance registry, this study elucidated the genetics, clinical phenotype and quality of life issues in female patients with severe/moderate haemophilia. An ongoing international case‐controlled study will further evaluate these observations. Novel mechanistic questions are raised about the relationship between XIP and both age and tissue‐specific FVIII and FIX expression.
Oxidative stability of butter with added phenolics from Lamiaceae herbs and in vitro evaluation of potential cytotoxicity of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) extract
Authors: Santos Renata D. , Shetty Kalidas , da Silva Miglioranza Lúcia H. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThis study evaluated the oxidative stability of butter with added phenolics from Lamiaceae herbs. Initially antioxidant activity of crude rosemary, oregano, sage, thyme and marjoram extracts were screened through methods of inhibition of the 1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, malondialdehyde (MDA) quantification and ferric reducing antioxidant power test. The alcoholic extract of rosemary showed the highest antioxidant activity in both assays for DPPH radical inhibition and MDA quantification. The alcoholic rosemary extract showed no cytotoxicity when assayed using MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] reduction method and had dose‐dependent cytoprotective activity at 50 and 250 μg mL−1. These results suggest that the use of rosemary as natural antioxidant is safe in the concentrations tested. The highest oxidative stability of butter with added alcoholic rosemary extract at temperatures of 60 and 110 °C was obtained with the concentration of 400 mg of phenolic compounds per kg of butter and was reflected at the lowest formation of degraded peroxides from lipids.
Clinical responsibility, accountability, and risk aversion in mental health nursing: A descriptive, qualitative study
Authors: Manuel Jenni , Crowe Marie 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA number of recent, highly‐publicized, perceived health‐care service failures have raised concerns about health professionals' accountabilities. Relevant to these concerns, the present study sought to examine how mental health nurses understood clinical responsibility and its impact on their practice. A descriptive, qualitative design was used, and a convenience sample of 10 mental health nurses was recruited from specialist inpatient and outpatient mental health settings in Canterbury, New Zealand. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, and the transcriptions were analysed using an inductive, descriptive approach. Three major themes were identified: being accountable, fostering patient responsibility, and shifting responsibility. Being accountable involved weighing up patients' therapeutic needs against the potential for blame in an organizational culture of risk management. Fostering patient responsibility described the process of deciding in what situations patients could take responsibility for their behaviour. Shifting responsibility described the culture of defensive practice fostered by the organizational culture of risk aversion. The present study highlighted the challenges mental health nurses experience in relation to clinical responsibility in practice, including the balancing required between the needs of patients, the needs of the organization, and the perceived need for self‐protection.
HIV virological suppression influences response to the AS03‐adjuvanted monovalent pandemic influenza A H1N1 vaccine in HIV‐infected children
Authors: Leahy Timothy R. , Goode Michelle , Lynam Paul , Gavin Patrick J. , Butler Karina M. 
Published: February 2014

DesignChildren with HIV are especially susceptible to complications from influenza infection, and effective vaccines are central to reducing disease burden in this population. We undertook a prospective, observational study to investigate the safety and immunogenicity of the inactivated split‐virion AS03‐adjuvanted pandemic H1N1(2009) vaccine in children with HIV.SettingNational referral centre for Paediatric HIV in Ireland.SampleTwenty four children with HIV were recruited consecutively and received two doses of the vaccine. The serological response was measured before each vaccine dose (Day 0 and Day 28) and 2 months after the booster dose. Antibody titres were measured using a haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay. Seroprotection was defined as a HAI titre ≥ 1:40; seroconversion was defined as a ≥ fourfold increase in antibody titre and a postvaccination titre ≥ 1:40.Main outcome measuresThe seroconversion rates after prime and booster doses were 75% and 71%, respectively. HIV virological suppression at the time of immunization was associated with a significantly increased seroconversion rate (P = 0·009), magnitude of serological response (P = 0·02) and presence of seroprotective HAI titres (P = 0·017) two months after the booster dose. No other factor was significantly associated with the seroconversion/seroprotection rate. No serious adverse effects were reported. Vaccination had no impact on HIV disease progression. The AS03‐adjuvanted pandemic H1N1 vaccine appears to be safe and immunogenic among HIV‐infected children. A robust serological response appears to be optimized by adherence to a HAART regimen delivering virological suppression.
Adjuvant spinal cord stimulation improves wound healing of peripheral tissue loss due to steal syndrome of the hand: clinical challenge treating a difficult case
Authors: De Caridi Giovanni , Massara Mafalda , Benedetto Filippo , Tripodi Paolo , Spinelli Francesco , David Antonio , Grande Raffaele , Butrico Lucia , Serra Raffaele , de Franciscis Stefano 
Published: February 2014

AbstractHand ischaemia due to arterial steal syndrome is an infrequent, but potentially serious complication of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for haemodialysis.We present a case of hand ischaemia caused by steal syndrome in a 69‐year‐old haemodialysis patient, 10 months after a brachiobasilic fistula creation. The patient underwent multiple operations without resolution of hand pain and tissue loss. The implantation of an adjuvant cervical spinal cord stimulator allowed the patient to obtain complete hand pain relief and wound healing.Probably, the diffuse microangiopathy typical of haemodialysis patients could be responsible for the persistence of ischaemic signs and symptoms after a surgical revascularisation. The effect of sympathetic blockade and the subsequent improvement of the arterial blood flow and tissue oxygenation because of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can be useful to achieve complete ischaemic pain relief in order to enhance wound healing and to limit the tissue loss. In conclusion, the association of cervical spinal cord stimulation and surgical revascularisation could represent a valid option to treat a critical upper limb ischaemia following steal syndrome due to AVF.
An Enquiry into Primary Student Teachers' Confidence, Feelings and Attitudes towards Teaching Arts and Crafts in Finland and Malta during Initial Teacher Training
Authors: Gatt Isabelle , Karppinen Seija 
Published: February 2014

AbstractArts and crafts are connected with a variety of emotions, and the prospect of teaching these subjects could be a source of other emotions, not necessarily positive. This study explores the feelings and attitudes of student teachers towards arts and crafts prior to any training within their degree course and examines any changes that occur following the courses. Theories of emotion and confidence are used to outline the approach of the study. This article describes the results of a survey performed in two countries, Malta and Finland, and highlights how student teachers feel degree courses in arts in Malta and in textile crafts in Finland, designed to include a strong experiential element, affect their perceptions of their own competence and confidence to teach the subjects. The method of content analysis was used to identify categories related to emotions and confidence. Altogether 53 student teachers from the University of Helsinki and the University of Malta participated in the survey in academic year 2010–11. Our findings support previous research showing positive effects on attitudes and confidence when training provides authentic artistic processes and experiences even though learners bring with them diverse experiences, and consequently experience diverse emotions, attitudes and perceptions towards arts and crafts as well as diverse levels of confidence to teach the subjects.
Methodological challenges in utilizing miRNAs as circulating biomarkers
Authors: Moldovan Leni , Batte Kara E. , Trgovcich Joanne , Wisler Jon , Marsh Clay B. , Piper Melissa 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators in the post‐transcriptional control of gene expression. The discovery of their presence not only in tissues but also in extratissular fluids, including blood, urine and cerebro‐spinal fluid, together with their changes in expression in various pathological conditions, has implicated these extracellular miRNAs as informative biomarkers of disease. However, exploiting miRNAs in this capacity requires methodological rigour. Here, we report several key procedural aspects of miRNA isolation from plasma and serum, as exemplified by research in cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. We also highlight the advantages and disadvantages of various profiling methods to determine the expression levels of plasma‐ and serum‐derived miRNAs. Attention to such methodological details is critical, as circulating miRNAs become diagnostic tools for various human diseases.
A review of staffing levels and activity in paediatric dietetics
Authors: Ward Fiona , O'Riordan Joanna 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe present study was undertaken to review how much time paediatric dietitians spend in direct contact with patients and to determine what levels of staffing are available throughout paediatric dietetic departments in Ireland and the UK.MethodsA work sampling tool was devised to capture paediatric dietetic activity for a period of 1 day. A semi‐structured questionnaire was sent to paediatric dietitian managers to provide demographic information on their facility.ResultsFourteen questionnaires were returned by paediatric dietitian managers and 86 work sampling tools were returned for analysis by dietitians working in the various departments. Paediatric dietitians spend 23% of the working day in direct patient contact, although up to 58% of the day in direct patient‐related activities, of which communication comprised 25.2%. Staffing levels are below clinical recommendations in four out of five specialties. National activity reports focus on the number of patient contacts but do not include information on the complexity of patient care.ConclusionsWork sampling is a useful tool in the assessment of activity in healthcare. Inadequate staff levels and limitations in activity reporting in paediatric dietetics will affect estimations for future service developments. Information obtained from the present study could contribute to the supply analysis of a workforce planning exercise in paediatric services in the future.
Knowledge and Skills Retention Among Frontline Health Workers: Community Maternal and Newborn Health Training in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Gobezayehu Abebe Gebremariam , Mohammed Hajira , Dynes Michelle M. , Desta Binyam Fekadu , Barry Danika , Aklilu Yeshiwork , Tessema Hanna , Tadesse Lelissie , Mikulich Meridith , Buffington Sandra Tebben , Sibley Lynn M. 
Published: February 2014

IntroductionWe examined the degree to which the skills and knowledge of health workers in Ethiopia were retained 18 months after initial maternal and newborn health training and sought to identify factors associated with 18‐month skills assessment performance.MethodsA nonexperimental, descriptive design was employed to assess 18‐month skills performance on the topics of Prevent Problems Before Baby Is Born and Prevent Problems After Baby Is Born. Assessment was conducted by project personnel who also received the maternal and newborn health training and additional training to reliably assess health worker performance.ResultsAmong the 732 health workers who participated in maternal and newborn health training in 6 rural districts of the Amhara and Oromia regions of Ethiopia (including pretesting before training and a posttraining posttest), 75 health extension workers (78%) and 234 guide team members (37%) participated in 18‐month posttest. Among health extension workers in both regions, strong knowledge retention was noted in 10 of 14 care steps for Prevent Problems Before Baby Is Born and in 14 of 16 care steps of Prevent Problems After Baby Is Born. Lower knowledge retention was observed among guide team members in the Amhara region. Across regions, health workers scored lowest on steps that involved nonaction (eg, do not give oxytocin). Educational attainment and age were among the few variables found to significantly predict test performance, although participants varied substantially by other sociodemographic characteristics.DiscussionResults demonstrated an overall strong retention of knowledge and skills among health extension workers and highlighted the need for improvement among some guide team members. Refresher training and development of strategies to improve knowledge of retention of low‐performing steps were recommended.
Building District‐Level Capacity for Continuous Improvement in Maternal and Newborn Health
Authors: Stover Kim Ethier , Tesfaye Solomon , Frew Aynalem Hailemichael , Mohammed Hajira , Barry Danika , Alamineh Lamesgin , Teshome Abebe , Hepburn Kenneth , Sibley Lynn M. 
Published: February 2014

IntroductionThe Maternal and Newborn Health in Ethiopia Partnership (MaNHEP) adapted a collaborative improvement strategy to develop woreda (district) leadership capacity to support and facilitate continuous improvement of community maternal and neonatal health (CMNH) and to provide a model for other woredas, dubbed “lead” woredas. Community‐level quality improvement (QI) teams tested solutions to improve CMNH care supported by monthly coaching and regular meetings to share experiences. This study examines the extent of the capacity built to support continuous improvement in CMNH care.MethodsSurveys and in‐depth interviews assessed the extent to which MaNHEP developed improvement capacity. A survey questionnaire evaluated woreda culture, leadership support, motivation, and capacity for improvement activities. Interviews focused on respondents’ understanding and perceived value of the MaNHEP improvement approach. Bivariate analyses and multivariate linear regression models were used to analyze the survey data. Interview transcripts were organized by region, cadre, and key themes.ResultsRespondents reported significant positive changes in many areas of woreda culture and leadership, including involving a cross‐section of community stakeholders (increased from 3.0 to 4.6 on 5‐point Likert scale), using improvement data for decision making (2.8‐4.4), using locally developed and tested solutions to improve CMNH care (2.5‐4.3), demonstrating a commitment to improve the health of women and newborns (2.6‐4.2), and creating a supportive environment for coaches and QI teams to improve CMNH (2.6‐4.0). The mean scores for capacity were 3.7 and higher, reflecting respondents’ agreement that they had gained capacity in improvement skills. Interview respondents universally recognized the capacity built in the woredas. The themes of community empowerment and focused improvement emerged strongly from the interviews.DiscussionMaNHEP was able to build capacity for continuous improvement and develop lead woredas. The multifaceted approach to building capacity was critical for the success in creating lead woredas able to serve as models for other districts.
The Effect of Community Maternal and Newborn Health Family Meetings on Type of Birth Attendant and Completeness of Maternal and Newborn Care Received During Birth and the Early Postnatal Period in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Barry Danika , Frew Aynalem Hailemichael , Mohammed Hajira , Desta Binyam Fekadu , Tadesse Lelisse , Aklilu Yeshiwork , Biadgo Abera , Buffington Sandra Tebben , Sibley Lynn M. 
Published: February 2014

IntroductionMaternal and newborn deaths occur predominantly in low‐resource settings. Community‐based packages of evidence‐based interventions and skilled birth attendance can reduce these deaths. The Maternal and Newborn Health in Ethiopia Partnership (MaNHEP) used community‐level health workers to conduct prenatal Community Maternal and Newborn Health family meetings to build skills and care‐seeking behaviors among pregnant women and family caregivers.MethodsBaseline and endline surveys provided data on a random sample of women with a birth in the prior year. An intention‐to‐treat analysis, plausible net effect calculation, and dose‐response analysis examined increases in completeness of care (mean percentage of 17 maternal and newborn health care elements performed) over time and by meeting participation. Regression models assessed the relationship between meeting participation, completeness of care, and use of skilled providers or health extension workers for birth care—controlling for sociodemographic and health service utilization factors.ResultsA 151% increase in care completeness occurred from baseline to endline. At endline, women who participated in 2 or more meetings had more complete care than women who participated in fewer than 2 meetings (89% vs 76% of care elements; P < .001). A positive dose‐response relationship existed between the number of meetings attended and greater care completeness (P < .001). Women with any antenatal care were nearly 3 times more likely to have used a skilled provider or health extension worker for birth care. Women who had additionally attended 2 or more meetings with family members were over 5 times as likely to have used these providers, compared to women without antenatal care and who attended fewer than 2 meetings (odds ratio, 5.19; 95% confidence interval, 2.88‐9.36; P < .001).DiscussionMaNHEP's family meetings complemented routine antenatal care by engaging women and family caregivers in self‐care and care‐seeking, resulting in greater completeness of care and more highly skilled birth care.