bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Translation and validation of a Chinese version of the 8‐item Morisky medication adherence scale in myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Yan Jun , You Li‐Ming , Yang Qiaohong , Liu Bailing , Jin Shangyi , Zhou Jingjing , Lin Chunxi , Morisky Donald E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives Poor medication adherence is a major global public health challenge. A valid, reliable, cost‐effective tool for measuring medication adherence would lead to a better understanding of non‐adherence and lay the groundwork for interventions aimed at facilitating adherence to therapies. The aim of this study was to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the 8‐item Morisky medication adherence scale (C‐MMAS‐8) in Chinese myocardial infarction (MI) patients.Methods Psychometric testing of the C‐MMAS‐8 was conducted using a convenience sample of 176 MI patients recruited from four major hospitals in Guangzhou in southern China. Socio‐demographic data, C‐MMAS‐8 and three subscales of the revised illness perception questionnaire (treatment control, personal control and illness coherence subscales) were administered to the MI patients. Thirty MI patients participated in a 4‐week retest.Results The C‐MMAS‐8 demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.77) and test–retest reliability (r = 0.88, P < 0.001). Significant correlations with treatment control subscale (r = 0.32, P < 0.01), personal control subscale (r = 0.47, P < 0.01), and illness coherence subscale (r = 0.44, P < 0.01) of the revised illness perception questionnaire demonstrated good construct validity.Conclusions The psychometric properties of the C‐MMAS‐8 are satisfactory.
Economic impact of 13‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Finnish adults ≥50 years with underlying chronic medical conditions
Authors: Martikainen Janne A. , Soini Erkki J. , Laine Juha , Åhman Heidi , Postila Ville , Klemets Peter 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesInvasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) are associated with substantial burden in adults (≥50 years). Moreover, adults with vascular, metabolic or respiratory diseases have been shown to have a 3–6 times higher risk of IPD when compared with their healthy controls. These persons at higher risk are likely to benefit most from pneumococcal vaccinations. The 13‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) was recently introduced to prevent the 13 most prevalent serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease in adults. The objective of this study was to estimate the expected 5‐year economic impact of targeted PCV13 vaccination compared with no vaccination in Finnish adults (≥50 years) at moderate or high risk for IPD.MethodsA budget impact model was developed to predict the impact of PCV13 vaccination in terms of the costs and IPD events avoided for years 2012–2016.ResultsApproximately 35% of the 2.2 million Finns over 50 years of age can be considered to be at moderate or high risk for IPD because of underlying chronic medical conditions. Vaccination of these people with PCV13 could provide an estimated net budget savings of about €218 million compared with the current no‐vaccination situation over the next 5 years. Among the risk groups considered, the largest absolute net savings (€66.2 million) could be expected to be obtained by vaccinating people with heart disease, due to its high prevalence in the target population.ConclusionIn Finland, the immunization with PCV13 vaccine, of adults (≥50 years) at moderate and high risk of IPD, is estimated to lead to substantial cost savings in the 5 years after vaccination.
Chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy and vitamin B6: a controlled population‐based study
Authors: Visser Nora A. , Notermans Nicolette C. , Degen Lieveke A. R. , de Kruijk Jelle R. , van den Berg Leonard H. , Vrancken Alexander F. J. E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractVitamin B6 intoxication can result in a sensory ataxic neuropathy, but the association with a milder predominantly sensory or sensorimotor phenotype in chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) remains unclear. A total of 381 patients with CIAP and 140 healthy controls were prospectively included. In a standardized fashion the use of vitamin B6 containing supplements and vitamin B6 levels were compared between patients and controls. On follow‐up, patients were questioned about cessation of supplement use and the impact on the symptoms of polyneuropathy. Vitamin B6 levels in patients (median: 99 nmol/l, range: 38–2,967 nmol) were not significantly higher than in controls (median: 109 nmol/l, range: 41–2,373 nmol/l, p = 0.58), nor were daily dose, cumulative dose or duration of supplement use. However, more patients (31%) than controls (22%) used vitamin B6 containing supplements (odds ratio [OR] 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–2.7, p = 0.032). Follow‐up of patients confirming the cessation of supplements showed slow progression of symptoms in 64%, stabilization in 26%, and regression in 10%. On the basis of our prospective case–control study and review of the literature, an association between CIAP and vitamin B6 exposure or elevated vitamin B6 levels appears unlikely.
A description of nurses' decision‐making in managing electrocardiographic monitor alarms
Authors: Gazarian Priscilla K , Carrier Natalie , Cohen Rachel , Schram Haley , Shiromani Samara 
Published: May 2014

Aims and objectivesTo describe the cues and factors that nurses use in their decision‐making when responding to clinical alarms.BackgroundAlarms are designed to be very sensitive, and as a result, they are not very specific. Lack of adherence to the practice standards for electrocardiographic monitoring in hospital settings has been observed, resulting in overuse of the electrocardiographic monitoring. Monitoring without consideration of clinical indicators uses scarce healthcare resources and may even produce untoward circumstances because of alarm fatigue. With so many false alarms, alarm fatigue represents a symptom of a larger problem. It cannot be fixed until all of the factors that contribute to its existence have been examined.DesignThis was a qualitative descriptive study.MethodThis study was conducted at an academic medical centre located in the Northeast United States. Eight participants were enrolled using purposive sampling. Nurses were observed for two three‐hour periods. Following each observation, the nurse was interviewed using the critical decision method to describe the cognitive processes related to the alarm activities. Qualitative data from the conducted interviews were analysed via an a priori framework founded in the critical decision method.ResultsThis study reveals information, experience, guidance and decision‐making as the four prominent categories contributing to nurses' decision‐making in relation to alarm management. Managing technology was a category not identified a priori that emerged in the data analysis.ConclusionNurses revealed a breadth of information needed to adequately identify and interpret monitor alarms, and how they used that information to put the alarms into the particular context of an individual patient's situations.Relevance to clinical practiceUnderstanding the cues and factors nurses use when responding to cardiac alarms will guide the development of learning experiences and inform policies to guide practice.
From a diagnostic and particular approach to a person‐centred approach: a development project
Authors: Larsson Helena , Blomqvist Kerstin 
Published: May 2014

Aims and objectivesTo investigate changes over time in an interdisciplinary group that was engaged in development work regarding pain and pain assessment.BackgroundThe outcomes of nursing research do not always find their way to the daily care of patients. This is evident within, for instance, physical rehabilitation, where relieving patients' pain is a major challenge. To gain new understanding, develop and change, registered nurses have a great part in engaging their staff.DesignA qualitative study using a participatory action research approach was used, and a hermeneutic analysis was conducted.MethodsA group of three registered nurses, two assistant nurses and a physiotherapist took part in focus group sessions. This group was followed with seven repeated sessions during a period of five months from January 2010 until June 2010. A hermeneutic analysis was used.ResultsThe participants changed their attitudes towards the patient in pain, their own caring role and the team's role towards a more person‐centred care.ConclusionsParticipation and reflection were key aspects as means to transfer knowledge into action and establish change. The participants came to the sessions, shared actively their experiences and expressed pride in the work they accomplished. This can be seen as an expression of a need to share and a joy to be working together in a person‐oriented development area. In addition, the approach seemed to contribute to increased job satisfaction.Relevance to clinical practiceThe participants expressed that their work resulted in a changed approach to pain and pain assessment in their daily practice at the ward. The participants were actively engaged in enhancing their work with pain and pain assessment in their own daily practice and in implementing research‐based knowledge.
Patient involvement climate: views and behaviours among registered nurses in myocardial infarction care
Authors: Arnetz Judith E , Zhdanova Ludmila 
Published: May 2014

Aims and objectivesTo introduce and define the patient involvement climate and measure its quality and strength via views and behaviours among nurses in coronary care units.BackgroundPatient involvement is receiving increased attention among healthcare providers. To better understand and optimise the interpersonal dynamics of patient involvement, it is important to study the organisational context in which the patient–provider interaction occurs.DesignCross‐sectional, self‐report questionnaire study.MethodsRegistered nurses across 12 coronary care units (n = 303) completed a questionnaire reporting their views and behaviours regarding patient involvement. Analyses assessed climate quality (the positive or negative nature of nurses' perceptions) and climate strength (the degree of consensus within coronary care units).ResultsClimate quality and strength were greatest for the dimensions measuring nurses' views of patient involvement, the nurse–patient information exchange process and nurses' responsiveness to patient needs. Climate quality and strength were weaker for the dimensions measuring nurses' views of the hindrances associated with patient involvement, discussion of daily activities and efforts to motivate patients to take responsibility for their health. In units with consensus that patient involvement poses hindrances, nurses were less likely to address patient needs.ConclusionsWhen nurses perceived patient involvement as less of a hindrance in their work, they were more responsive to patient needs. A patient involvement climate characterised by motivational behaviour among nurses was marked by better information exchange and discussion of suitable activities postdischarge.Relevance to clinical practiceManagers can capitalise on positive climate aspects by encouraging ward activities that facilitate active patient involvement among nurses. One suggestion is educational interventions at the workplace focused on reducing perceptions of patient involvement as a hindrance and encouraging the attitudes that it can enrich nursing work and patient outcomes.
Reliability of pain tolerance threshold testing by applying an electrical current stimulus to the alveolar ridge
Authors: Nakashima Y. , Kimoto S. , Kawai Y. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of testing pain tolerance threshold (PTT) by applying an electrical current stimulus to the alveolar ridge. Twenty volunteers studying or working at the Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo participated in this study. Participants were seated comfortably on a dental chair in a quiet room during testing. A single operator obtained mucosal PTT measurements around the right greater palatine foramen using a Neurometer CPT/C® device (Neurotron Inc., Baltimore, MD, USA) to deliver electrical stimulation at frequencies of 5, 250 and 2000 Hz. The participant released a button to automatically discontinue the stimulus when it could no longer be tolerated. Two types of factors were confirmed: the consistency of repeated measurements and a potential carry‐over effect on PTTs. The consistency and carry‐over effects of pain with regard to PTT measurements were analysed via Cronbach's coefficient α. The Cronbach's coefficient α of PTTs calculated more than 6 days of PTT testing at 5, 250 and 2000 Hz was 0·97, 0·95 and 0·97, respectively, suggesting that the consistency of the measurements was excellent. The Cronbach's coefficient α calculated when the three frequencies of 5, 250 and 2000 Hz were applied in different orders was 0·91, 0·87 and 0·90, respectively, suggesting no carry‐over effect. In conclusion, the measurement of PTTs at the alveolar ridge as assessed by applying an electrical current stimulus with an electro‐diagnostic device exhibited excellent reliability, and thus, it constitutes a widely available option for PTT measurement in the clinical setting.
Mericitabine and ritonavir‐boosted danoprevir with or without ribavirin in treatment‐naive HCV genotype 1 patients: INFORM‐SVR study
Authors: Gane Edward J. , Pockros Paul J. , Zeuzem Stefan , Marcellin Patrick , Shikhman Anna , Bernaards Coen , Zhou Julian , Yetzer Ellen S. , Ballester Rosa , Dwyer Cindy , Tong Xiao , Nájera Isabel , Bertasso Anne , Hammond Janet , Kindrick Amy , Morcos Peter N. , Smith Patrick , Stancic Saray , Shulman Nancy S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsSafety and tolerability of peginterferon‐based hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection therapy remains suboptimal, even when direct‐acting antiviral agents are added. This study assessed the efficacy, safety and tolerability of mericitabine combined with ritonavir‐boosted danoprevir (danoprevir/r) ± ribavirin for up to 24 weeks in treatment‐naïve HCV genotype (G)1 infected patients.MethodsPatients received twice daily mericitabine (1000 mg) and danoprevir/r (100 mg/100 mg) plus either ribavirin (1000/1200 mg/day; Arm A) or placebo (Arm B) for 12 or 24 weeks. Patients with HCV RNA <43 IU/ml between Weeks 2 and 8 and HCV RNA <15 IU/ml at Week 10 were rerandomized (1:1) at Week 12 to discontinue/continue assigned regimens until Week 24. Because of unacceptable relapse rates in both 12‐week arms and in ribavirin‐free Arm B, treatment was extended to 24 weeks and patients in Arm B received peginterferon alfa‐2a/ribavirin. The primary outcome was sustained virological response 24 weeks after end of treatment (SVR24).ResultsIn Arm A, the SVR24 rate in patients receiving 24 weeks of therapy was 37.9% (25/66); 63.6% (14/22) in G1b and 25.0% (11/44) in G1a patients. Virologic breakthrough and relapse were associated with danoprevir‐resistant virus in most cases. The mericitabine‐resistance mutation (NS5BS282T) was detected in two patients bearing dual resistant virus NS3 R155K/NS5B S282T and dual resistance mutation L159F/L320F in one patient. Treatment was safe and well tolerated.ConclusionsMericitabine, danoprevir/r plus ribavirin for 24 weeks were safe and well tolerated. However, SVR rates were poor, achieving rates of only 25.0% in G1a and 63.6% in G1b patients.
Telbivudine therapy may shape CD4+ T‐cell response to prevent liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Li Jing , Jia Minglei , Liu Yun , She Weimin , Li Lei , Wang Jiyao , Jiang Wei 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsNucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) can indirectly restore host immunity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) by inhibiting virus replication. We aimed to investigate whether telbivudine could prevent HBV‐related fibrosis progression by their influence on CD4+ T‐cell response.MethodsThirty‐six HBeAg‐positive patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were enrolled for 52‐week telbivudine monotherapy and were followed at treatment week (TW)‐0, 4, 12, 24 and 52. By TW‐52, the patients were classified into a complete‐response group (CR, n = 10) with both negative HBV‐DNA and HBeAg, or a part‐response group (PR, n = 11) only with negative DNA, or a non‐response group (NR, n = 15) still with positive DNA. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were prepared for further flow cytometric and real‐time PCR analyses, and also for the in vitro experiments with primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).ResultsPeripherally, all chronic HBV‐infected subjects showed the involvement of CD4+ T‐cell responses, among whom the inactive carriers (IC) had Th1 (CD4+IFNγ+) dominated, CHB had Th17 (CD4+IL‐17+) dominated, while the immune tolerant (IT) subjects had Treg (CD4+CD25highFoxp3+) dominated. Besides, we found the therapeutic responses to telbivudine were especially associated with up‐regulation of Th1 and Th17, and down‐regulation of Treg. Furthermore, compared to CD4+ cells from CR, those from NR could in vitro significantly exacerbate cell activation, proliferation and cytokine production of HSCs, which were partly mediated by IL‐4 and TGF‐β1.ConclusionsTelbivudine might slow down HBV‐related liver fibrosis progression by restoring CD4+ T‐cell responses against HBV.
The burden of caring for people with dementia at the end of life in nursing homes: a postdeath study among nursing staff
Authors: Albers Gwenda , Van den Block Lieve , Vander Stichele Robert 
Published: May 2014

AimsTo investigate how often nursing staff perceive caring for nursing home residents with dementia at the end of life as an emotional and/or physical burden, and to identify associated factors.DesignPostdeath study conducted in 2010 in Flanders, Belgium. Nursing homes were selected through random clustersampling.MethodsAll residents who died with dementia in a three‐month period were identified, and a structured questionnaire was completed by the nurse mostly involved. Nursing staff were asked to indicate how they perceived burden of caregiving for this resident on 10‐point scale.ResultsSixty‐nine out of 120 nursing homes (response rate 58%) participated in the study. In 37% and 32% of cases, respectively, the nursing staff reported that they perceived themselves as experiencing a high emotional and physical burden. In cases where the resident had capacity for medical decision making during the last week of life and where the nurse had spoken with a relative about wishes for medical end‐of‐life treatments, they were more likely to report an emotional burden. A physical burden was more likely to be reported where the resident had decubitus ulcers or had developed pneumonia.ConclusionIn one‐third of cases, nursing staff experienced a high emotional and/or physical burden. While experiencing a physical burden seems to be related to the poorer clinical status of the resident, an emotional burden was more likely to be related to greater and closer contact with the resident or a relative and to the nurse being involved in the process of care and decision making in the last phase of life.Implications for practiceThis study highlights the need to support nursing home staff in providing compassionate end‐of‐life care for people with dementia and suggests that both the physical and emotional burdens in staff should be monitored regularly to achieve optimal working.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Subcutaneous Methylnaltrexone in Patients with Advanced Illness and Opioid‐Induced Constipation: A Responder Analysis of 2 Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trials
Authors: Nalamachu Srinivas R. , Pergolizzi Joseph , Taylor Robert , Slatkin Neal E. , Barrett Andrew C. , Yu Jing , Bortey Enoch , Paterson Craig , Forbes William P. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundSubcutaneous methylnaltrexone is efficacious and well tolerated in inducing bowel movements in patients with advanced illness and opioid‐induced constipation (OIC); factors determining optimal responsiveness to OIC treatment, however, have not been elucidated. This post hoc responder analysis examined the influence of demographic and baseline characteristics on methylnaltrexone efficacy and tolerability in this population.MethodsData were pooled from 2 randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 studies of subcutaneous methylnaltrexone (0.15 and 0.30 mg/kg) [ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: Study 301 – NCT00401362; Study 302 – NCT00402038]. Subgroup analyses of the primary outcome, percentage of patients with rescue medication‐free bowel movements (RFBM) within 4 hours of first dose, were conducted for age, sex, primary diagnosis, baseline constipation‐related distress score, and baseline oral morphine equivalent dose.ResultsMore than 50% of 165 patients treated with either methylnaltrexone dose experienced a RFBM within 4 hours vs. 14.6% of 123 placebo‐treated patients (P < 0.0001 for both methylnaltrexone doses vs. placebo). Methylnaltrexone response was significantly greater than placebo response in all subgroups (P < 0.01). The largest differences vs. placebo were observed for patients taking methylnaltrexone 0.30 mg/kg with a noncancer primary diagnosis (70.0% [methylnaltrexone] vs. 12.8% [placebo]; P < 0.001) and for patients taking methylnaltrexone 0.30 mg/kg maintained on ≥ 150 mg/day baseline morphine equivalent doses (73.3% vs. 16.7%; P < 0.0001). Common adverse events were abdominal pain (pooled methylnaltrexone: 27.9%, placebo: 9.8%), flatulence (13.3%, 5.7%), and nausea (10.9%, 4.9%). Tolerability was comparable across subgroups.ConclusionSubcutaneous methylnaltrexone provides a rapid, robust, and consistent RFBM response in patients with advanced illness and OIC. Methylnaltrexone 0.30 mg/kg may elicit particularly favorable responses in select patient populations.
ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
Authors: Blaeser Susan B. , Schomer Paul D. 
Published: May 2014

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, S3/SC 1, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, animal bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes catalogs of Acoustical Standards, both National and International. To receive copies of the latest Standards catalogs, please contact Susan B. Blaeser.
Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.
This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA, as well as the National and International catalogs of Acoustical Standards, and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America, are available via the ASA home page: http://acousticalsociety.org.