bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of cerebral white matter changes in patients with stroke
Authors: Chou P.‐S. , Chen C.‐H. , Wu M.‐N. , Lin Y.‐H. , Lai C.‐L. , Lin R.‐T. , Yang Y.‐H. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackground/AimCerebral white matter changes (WMC) are commonly observed in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of elderly people. Information about the prevalence of WMC is limited, and little is known about site‐specific risk factors for the subcortical and periventricular regions in patients with ischaemic stroke. The study aims to analyse the prevalence and severity of WMC and investigate the risk factors of periventricular WMC (PVWMC) and deep WMC (DWMC) separately in patients with ischaemic stroke.MethodsThe data were collected between January and December 2013 from a medical centre in southern Taiwan. Every patient underwent a cerebral MRI scan, and WMC was separately rated as PVWMC and DWMC by using the modified Fazekas scale.ResultsIn total, 527 patients who had experienced ischaemic stroke were included. The mean age of the patients was 67.0 ± 12.5 years (range: 31–94) and 62% of them were men. The mean age was significantly different among the four grades of severity in both the PVWMC (P < 0.001) and DWMC (P < 0.001) groups after adjustments for sex and vascular risk factors. Hypertension was independently correlated with severity of DWMC (P = 0.032) but not with PVWMC (P = 0.222). In multiple logistic regressions model, hypertension was a significant independent indicator of DWMC (odds ratio = 4.30; 95% confidence interval = 1.70–10.89).ConclusionOur results suggest a region‐specific pathogenesis of cerebral white matter in Asian patients with ischaemic stroke that may differ from those in the general population.
Idiosyncratic reactions are the most common cause of abnormal liver function tests in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Jong T. , Geake J. , Yerkovich S. , Bell S. C. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundBeta‐lactam antibiotic‐related liver enzyme derangement can limit treatment options for infective exacerbations in cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis.AimTo identify risk factors for elevated liver function tests (LFT) in CF patients receiving parenteral antibiotics.MethodsAll patients attending The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) Adult CF Centre in 2012 were identified using the CF Research Database and CF Data Registry. Biochemistry and haematology panels between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2012 for each patient were retrieved from Queensland Health Pathology and private pathology providers. Patients with LFT more than three times the upper limit of normal were identified. For each laboratory test, concurrently administered antibiotic(s) were analysed from TPCH pharmacy dispensing system for patients who received intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment.ResultsAbnormal liver enzymes were evident in significantly more patients receiving IV antibiotics than patients who did not (43% vs 18%, P < 0.001). Pre‐existing CF‐related liver disease and total IV antibiotic treatment days were not associated with abnormal LFT. Higher C‐reactive protein and peripheral eosinophil counts were not more common in patients with abnormal LFT. Male sex, poorer lung function and lower leucocyte counts were associated with abnormal LFT; however, these variables only explained 4.2% of the variance in the multivariable logistic model.ConclusionElevated LFT are common during IV antibiotic treatment in CF. Although specific antibiotic exposure may contribute to abnormal LFT in a minority of cases, our study demonstrates that antibiotic‐induced liver injury is largely idiosyncratic and unpredictable.
The International Collaboration of Orthopaedic Nursing: advancing nursing through technology
Authors: Meehan A.J. , Maher A.B. , Hommel A. 
Published: February 2015

AimTo report on the International Collaboration of Orthopaedic Nursing, a mostly virtual network of orthopaedic nursing organizations across four continents.BackgroundFormed by leaders of three national associations, the collaboration is based on recognition of patient problems and challenges shared by orthopaedic nurses globally.Methods/InitiativesThe Collaboration provides a range of services including education, mentoring, and organizational development. Low cost internet‐based technologies, such as email and Skype, support global networking in real time.Discussion/Implications for Nursing and Health PolicyThe Collaboration is a cost effective example of how nurses can collaborate internationally to promote the highest standards of orthopaedic nursing.
Knowledge, attitudes and tobacco use among nursing and physiotherapy students
Authors: Fernández D. , Ordás B. , Álvarez M.J. , Ordóñez C. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundAs future health educators, nursing and physiotherapy students will play an essential role in the prevention of smoking.AimTo determine the prevalence of smoking among students and to analyse their knowledge of and attitudes towards smoking.MethodThis was a descriptive cross‐sectional study using an anonymous questionnaire and conducted in a Spanish Faculty of Health Sciences in 2013.Findings247 nursing and physiotherapy students (82.33%) participated in the study. The global prevalence of smoking (18.2%) was lower compare with the general population group of the same age. We have observed statistical significance in relation to previous studies. Nursing and physiotherapy students showed a low nicotine dependence. We found a lack of knowledge about the harmful effects of cigarette consumption on health. Statistically significant results were also found in relation to degree courses (p < 0.01) as regards students' opinions about their knowledge of strategies and methods to help patients stop smoking.ConclusionMost students started smoking before commencing their university studies; consequently, interventions should focus on cessation programmes. An analysis of university curricula leading to the award of a degree in the health sciences could serve to identify educational deficiencies in order to implement the necessary modifications.Implications for nursing and health policyThis paper presents an update in tobacco use characteristics amongst nursing and physiotherapy students. Those results have showed a need to improve the curricula in order to develop specific programmes to improve knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. Measures to prevent smoking must be taken at school.
Distribution of antibodies against influenza virus in pigs from farrow‐to‐finish farms in Minas Gerais state, Brazil
Authors: Dias Alessandra S. , Costa Érica A. , Rajão Daniela S. , Guedes Roberto M. C. , Ciacci Zanella Janice R. , Lobato Zélia I. P. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundSwine influenza virus (SIV) is the cause of an acute respiratory disease that affects swine worldwide. In Brazil, SIV has been identified in pigs since 1978. After the emergence of pandemic H1N1 in 2009 (H1N1pdm09), few studies reported the presence of influenza virus in Brazilian herds.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the serological profile for influenza virus in farrow‐to‐finish pig farms in Minas Gerais state, Brazil.MethodsThirty farms with no SIV vaccination history were selected from the four larger pig production areas in Minas Gerais state (Zona da Mata, Triângulo Mineiro/Alto Paranaíba, South/Southwest and the Belo Horizonte metropolitan area). At each farm, blood samples were randomly collected from 20 animals in each production cycle category: breeding animals (sows and gilts), farrowing crate (2–3 weeks), nursery (4–7 weeks), grower pigs (8–14 weeks), and finishing pigs (15–16 weeks), with 100 samples per farm and a total of 3000 animals in this study. The samples were tested for hemagglutination inhibition activity against H1N1 pandemic strain (A/swine/Brazil/11/2009) and H3N2 SIV (A/swine/Iowa/8548‐2/98) reference strain.ResultsThe percentages of seropositive animals for H1N1pdm09 and H3N2 were 26·23% and 1·57%, respectively, and the percentages of seropositive herds for both viruses were 96·6% and 13·2%, respectively.ConclusionsThe serological profiles differed for both viruses and among the studied areas, suggesting a high variety of virus circulation around the state, as well as the presence of seronegative animals susceptible to influenza infection and, consequently, new respiratory disease outbreaks.
Hot‐Pressing Kinetics and Densification Mechanisms of Boron Carbide
Authors: Du Xianwu , Zhang Zhixiao , Wang Yang , Wang Jilin , Wang Weimin , Wang Hao , Fu Zhengyi 
Published: February 2015

The hot‐pressing kinetics of boron carbide at different stages in the hot‐pressing process was investigated. Based general densification equation and pore‐dragged creep model, the densification and grain growth kinetics were analyzed as a function of various parameters such as sintering temperature, sintering pressure and dwell time. Stress exponent of n ≈ 3 at the initial dwell stage suggests the plastic deformation may dominates the densification. The further TEM observations and the calculation based on effective stress and plastic yield stress also indicate that plastic deformation may occur and account for the large increase in density at the initial stage of sintering. Calculated grain size exponent of m ≈ 3 suggests that the grain‐boundary diffusion dominates the densification at the final stage. During the final stage of sintering, grain growth may be determined by evaporation/condensation and grain‐boundary migration.
Sintering of High‐Performance Silicon Nitride Ceramics Under Vibratory Pressure
Authors: Li Shuang , Xie Zhipeng , Xue Weijiang , Luo Xudong , An Linan 
Published: February 2015

To improve mechanical behaviors of silicon nitride ceramics, here we introduced a novel external field—vibratory pressure into the sintering of Si3N4 ceramics with advantages of higher density, more uniform distribution of interfacial phase, higher sintering motivation in the width direction, and therefore more favorable mechanical properties than traditional sintering methods. Grain size and aspect ratio of the two ceramics were investigated with linear intercept method. Flexural strength of the vibratory‐assisted hot‐pressing (VAHP) specimen increased from 936 ± 27.2 MPa to 1247 ± 28.9 MPa, and an increase of 10% was achieved in fracture toughness. It is believed that such VAHP method can provide a universal approach and new opportunities for the fabrication of covalent‐bonded ceramics or composites with enhanced performances.
Less is more: the design of early‐warning scoring systems affects the speed and accuracy of scoring
Authors: Christofidis Melany J. , Hill Andrew , Horswill Mark S. , Watson Marcus O. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of early‐warning scoring system design on the speed and accuracy of scoring.BackgroundDespite the widespread implementation of early‐warning scoring systems in hospitals, the speed and accuracy with which chart‐users determine patients' early‐warning scores has received minimal research attention.DesignWithin‐subjects, with scoring‐system design as the independent variable.MethodsForty‐seven novice chart‐users were presented with realistic vital sign observations recorded on charts with three different scoring‐system designs. The rows for recording individual vital sign scores were either: (1) grouped together beneath all of the vital sign rows; (2) separated, with each row presented immediately below the corresponding vital sign row; or (3) excluded altogether. Participants' response times and error rates for determining the overall scores were measured for 54 time‐points per design. Data were collected in December 2012–January 2013.ResultsContrary to predictions, participants responded fastest and made the fewest errors when using the chart design without individual vital sign scoring‐rows. For the other two designs, participants were faster when the rows for scoring individual vital signs were separated (vs. grouped), but accuracy did not differ. For both of these designs, significantly more time‐points were affected by scoring errors compared with adding errors. Finally, data for patients with more serious derangements yielded greater response times and error rates on all three charts.ConclusionEarly‐warning scoring systems may be more effective without individual vital sign scoring‐rows. Even when charts are designed by multi‐disciplinary teams of human factors specialists and clinicians, empirical evaluations are essential.
On the definition of element, chorotype and component in biogeography
Authors: Passalacqua Nicodemo G. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTerms such as element, chorotype and component are widely used to indicate biogeographical units. As a result of variation in approaches and methodologies, these terms do not have a single definitive meaning, and similar concepts have been defined under different labels. As originally defined, element denotes a group of species that occur in previously defined biogeographical areas, while chorotype denotes a group of species with a similar distribution. The term component is widely used in ecology to denote the biotic or abiotic constituent of an ecosystem; within biogeography it has typically been used as a synonym for element. Applying the original meanings, current usage within the tradition of systematic biogeography should regard element as referring to groups of taxa defined according to the biogeographical areas they occupy. Within quantitative and evolutionary biogeography, chorotype should be used to define patterns of distribution that can be used to generate hypotheses about their causes and origins. In this paper I argue that component expresses a generic concept rather than a chorological category and should be avoided in biogeography.
Prognostic Significance of Visit‐to‐Visit Systolic Blood Pressure Variability: A Meta‐Analysis of 77,299 Patients
Authors: Tai Chenhui , Sun Yuxi , Dai Neng , Xu Dachun , Chen Wei , Wang Jiguang , Protogerou Athanase , van Sloten Thomas T. , Blacher Jacques , Safar Michel E. , Zhang Yi , Xu Yawei 
Published: February 2015

In recent clinical investigations, visit‐to‐visit systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability was proven as a predictor of cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality. However, inconsistent results exist in this association. A meta‐analysis of 13 prospective studies was conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of visit‐to‐visit SBP variability by different parameters in 77,299 patients with a mean follow‐up of 6.3 years. The pooled age‐ and mean SBP‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for all‐cause mortality were 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.04; P<.001) per 1‐mm Hg increase in SBP standard deviation (SD) and 1.04 (1.02–1.06, P<.001) per 1% in SBP coefficient of variation, and the corresponding values of cardiovascular mortality were 1.10 (1.02–1.17, P<.001) and 1.01 (0.99–1.03, P=.32), respectively. Moreover, a 1‐mm Hg increase in SD was significantly associated with stroke, with an HR of 1.02 (1.01–1.03, P<.001). Visit‐to‐visit SBP variability, independent of age and mean SBP, is a predictor of cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality and stroke.
ExplainingEUEffectiveness in Multilateral Institutions: The Case of the Arms Trade Treaty Negotiations
Authors: Romanyshyn Iulian 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis article examines the EU's participation in multilateral institutions on the example of the UN Arms Trade Treaty. The central question of the study is to what extent and under what conditions the EU can be seen as an effective actor in multilateral security negotiations. It is argued that overall the EU was an effective player during the multilateral negotiations on the ATT, but the degree of its effectiveness varies along different dimensions. The EU was rather successful in the achievement of its goals and in maintaining external cohesion, but it scored relatively low in its efforts to commit the key stakeholders to sign up to the ATT. The EU's internal export control policy, together with the high level of institutional co‐ordination and Member States' interest convergence, facilitated the EU's effectiveness in the ATT negotiations, whereas the international context proved to be the major constraining factor.
Routine, empathic and compassionate patient care: definitions, development, obstacles, education and beneficiaries
Authors: Post Stephen G. , Ng Lauren E. , Fischel Janet E. , Bennett Mary , Bily Linda , Chandran Latha , Joyce Jeremiah , Locicero Briana , McGovern Kelly , McKeefrey Robyn L. , Rodriguez Jackie V. , Roess Michael W. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractRationaleWe believe that this study represents an innovative approach to clarifying the definitions of routine, empathic and compassionate health care, as well as of sympathy. We emphasize the importance of affective empathy and its intensification in the context of patient suffering (compassion), without abandoning the ideal of clinical equanimity.MethodsWe develop a pedagogical model for clinicians and trainees who are weaker in their empathic skills that includes four levels of growth. We clarify representative obstacles to empathic and compassionate care in education and clinical practice. We summarize the four beneficiaries of empathic and compassionate care (clinicians, patients, trainees, institutions). We suggest areas for future research, including the development of a compassion scale and conclude with a statement on how the conceptual and professional confusion we address adversely impacts patients and trainees. The article represents the consensus work of a group of health care professionals and students at Stony Brook University Hospital and School of Medicine who have been engaged in this project for several years through the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics, established in August of 2008.ConclusionsWe discern a shift away from concepts of clinical empathy and compassionate care that deny a significant place for an affective component and that idealize ‘detachment’.
Ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance: drug resistance and the need for alternative control methods
Authors: McNair Carol M 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Despite multiple attempts at eradication, many ectoparasites of humans and domestic livestock remain a persistent problem in the modern world. For many years, a range of pesticide drugs including organophosphates, organochlorides and synthetic pyrethroids provided effective control of these parasites; but intensive use of these drugs has led to the evolution of resistance in many target species. This paper aims to review the effectiveness of current control methods and discuss potential alternatives for the long term sustainable control of ectoparasites.

Key Findings
Important medical ectoparasites such as scabies mites, head lice and bed bugs present a significant public health problem, and so adequate control methods are essential. Ectoparasites of domestic livestock and farmed fish (for example sheep scab mites, poultry mites and sea lice) are also of concern given the increasing strain on the world's food supply. These parasites have become resistant to several classes of pesticide, making control very difficult. Recently, an increasing amount of research has focussed on alternative control methods such as insect growth regulators, biological control using essential oils or fungi, as well as vaccine development against some ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance.

Summary
Drug resistance is prevalent in all of the ectoparasites discussed in this review. A wide variety of alternative control methods have been identified, however further research is necessary in order for these to be used to successfully control ectoparasitic diseases in the future.
Investigation of the interactions of enteric and hydrophilic polymers to enhance dissolution of griseofulvin following hot melt extrusion processing
Authors: Bennett Ryan C , Keen Justin M , Bi Yunxia (Vivian) , Porter Stuart , Dürig Thomas , McGinity James W 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Objectives
This study focuses on the application of hot melt extrusion (HME) to produce solid dispersions containing griseofulvin (GF) and investigates the in-vitro dissolution performance of HME powders and resulting tablet compositions containing HME-processed dispersions.

Methods
Binary, ternary and quaternary dispersions containing GF, enteric polymer (Eudragit L100-55 or AQOAT-LF) and/or vinyl pyrrolidone-based polymer (Plasdone K-12 povidone or S-630 copovidone) were processed by HME. Two plasticizers, triethyl citrate (TEC) and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), were incorporated to aid in melt processing and to modify release of GF in neutral media following a pH-change in dissolution. Products were characterized for GF recovery, degrees of compositional amorphous character, intermolecular interactions and non-sink dissolution performance.

Key findings
Binary dispersions exhibited lower maximum observed concentration values and magnitudes of supersaturated GF in neutral media dissolution in comparison with the ternary dispersions. The quaternary HME products, 1 : 2 : 1 : 0.6 GF : L100-55 : S-630 : ATBC and GF : AQOAT-LF : K-12 : ATBC, were determined as the most optimal concentration-enhancing compositions due to increased hydrogen bonding of enteric functional groups with carbonyl/acetate groups of vinyl pyrrolidone-based polymers, reduced compositional crystallinity and presence of incorporated hydrophobic plasticizer.

Conclusions
HME products containing combinations of concentration-enhancing polymers can supersaturate and sustain GF dissolution to greater magnitudes in neutral media following the pH-transition and be compressed into immediate-release tablets exhibiting similar dissolution profiles.
A gastro-resistant ovalbumin bi-layered mini-tablet-in-tablet system for the delivery of L
actobacillus acidophilus probiotic to simulated human intestinal and colon conditions
Authors: Govender Mershen , Choonara Yahya Essop , van Vuuren Sandy , Kumar Pradeep , du Toit Lisa Claire , Pillay Viness 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The viability of probiotic bacteria during formulation processes and delivery is vital to ensure health benefits. This study focuses on the use of gastro-resistant denatured ovalbumin for the targeted delivery of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus to simulated human intestinal and colon conditions through a bi-layered mini-tablet-in-tablet system (BMTTS).

Methods
The BMTTS consists of two gastro-resistant ovalbumin mini-tablets containing L. acidophilus suspended in lactose and eudragit S100 for targeted intestinal and colonic delivery respectively. Luminescence has been utilized to ensure probiotic viability during formulation processes in addition to determining all probiotic release profiles. The mechanism of probiotic release from the ovalbumin matrix was ascertained using mathematical modelling and molecular docking studies. Magnetic resonance imaging and differential scanning calorimetry are also included as part of the in-vitro characterization of the ovalbumin system.

Key findings
The BMTTS was effective in the delivery of L. acidophilus to simulated human intestinal and colon conditions. Formulation processes were furthermore determined to maintain probiotic viability. Statistical analysis of the release data noted a significant effect of pH denaturation on the release properties of ovalbumin. Magnetic resonance imaging results have indicated a decrease in ovalbumin matrix size upon exposure to simulated intestinal fluid. Molecular docking studies carried out depicted the interaction and binding positions inherent to the ovalbumin–pancreatic trypsin interaction complex indicating the possible enzymatic degradation of ovalbumin leading to the release of the probiotic from the protein matrix.

Conclusions
The BMTTS has been determined to be effective in the protection and delivery of probiotic L. acidophilus to simulated human intestinal and colonic conditions. Molecular docking analysis has noted that pancreatin exerts a significant effect on probiotic release from the gastro-resistant ovalbumin matrix.