bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Major differences in organization and availability of health care and medicines for HIV/TB coinfected patients across Europe
Authors: Mansfeld M , Skrahina A , Shepherd L , Schultze A , Panteleev AM , Miller RF , Miro JM , Zeltina I , Tetradov S , Furrer H , Kirk O , Grzeszczuk A , Bolokadze N , Matteelli A , Post FA , Lundgren JD , Mocroft A , Efsen AMW , Podlekareva DN ,   TB:HIV study group in EuroCoord
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the organization and delivery of HIV and tuberculosis (TB) health care and to analyse potential differences between treatment centres in Eastern (EE) and Western Europe (WE).MethodsThirty‐eight European HIV and TB treatment centres participating in the TB:HIV study within EuroCoord completed a survey on health care management for coinfected patients in 2013 (EE: 17 respondents; WE:21; 76% of all TB:HIV centres). Descriptive statistics were obtained for regional comparisons. The reported data on health care strategies were compared with actual clinical practice at patient level via data derived from the TB:HIV study.ResultsRespondent centres in EE comprised: Belarus (n = 3), Estonia (1), Georgia (1), Latvia (1), Lithuania (1), Poland (4), Romania (1), the Russian Federation (4) and Ukraine (1); those in WE comprised: Belgium (1), Denmark (1), France (1), Italy (7), Spain (2), Switzerland (1) and UK (8). Compared with WE, treatment of HIV and TB in EE are less often located at the same site (47% in EE versus 100% in WE; P < 0.001) and less often provided by the same doctors (41% versus 90%, respectively; P = 0.002), whereas regular screening of HIV‐infected patients for TB (80% versus 40%, respectively; P = 0.037) and directly observed treatment (88% versus 20%, respectively; P < 0.001) were more common in EE. The reported availability of rifabutin and second‐ and third‐line anti‐TB drugs was lower, and opioid substitution therapy (OST) was available at fewer centres in EE compared with WE (53% versus 100%, respectively; P < 0.001).ConclusionsMajor differences exist between EE and WE in relation to the organization and delivery of health care for HIV/TB‐coinfected patients and the availability of anti‐TB drugs and OST. Significant discrepancies between reported and actual clinical practices were found in EE.
Generalized Gini polarization indices for an ordinal dimension of human well‐being
Authors: Chakravarty Satya R. , Maharaj Bhargav 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis paper suggests a family of generalized Gini indices of polarization that can be applied to dimensions of human well‐being with ordinal significance such as self‐assessed health data and literacy. We investigate several properties of this general index and characterize it axiomatically. We also look at a quasi‐ordering induced by the generalized Gini indices for ranking alternative distributions of an ordinally measurable dimension. Implications of some of the axioms are also investigated.
Factors influencing mental health nurses' attitudes towards people with mental illness
Authors: Hsiao Chiu‐Yueh , Lu Huei‐Lan , Tsai Yun‐Fang 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the factors influencing mental health nurses' attitudes towards people with mental illness. A descriptive correlation design was used. A sample of 180 Taiwanese mental health nurses was recruited from mental health‐care settings. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson's product‐moment correlation, Student's t‐test, one‐way anova, and a hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Negative attitudes were found among mental health nurses, especially with respect to individuals with substance abuse compared with those with schizophrenia and major depression. Mental health nurses who were older, had more clinical experiences in mental health care, and demonstrated greater empathy expressed more positive attitudes towards people with mental illness. Mental health nurses working at acute psychiatric units demonstrated more negative attitudes towards mental illness compared with those working in psychiatric rehabilitation units and outpatient clinics or community psychiatric rehabilitation centres. Particularly, length of mental health nursing practice and empathy significantly accounted for mental health nurses' attitudes towards mental illness. Understanding nurses' attitudes and their correlates towards people with mental illness is critical to deliver effective mental health nursing care.
Assessing quick wins to protect critical urban infrastructure from floods: a case study in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Zevenbergen C. , van Herk S. , Escarameia M. , Gersonius B. , Serre D. , Walliman N. , de Bruijn K.M. , de Graaf R. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis paper focuses on the vulnerability and protection of critical urban infrastructure from flooding. It presents a pragmatic and rapid screening procedure, referred to as a ‘Quick Scan methodology’. The purpose of the Quick Scan is to provide guidance for network operators and decision makers on identifying and rating those critical infrastructure networks and hot spot buildings that may be at risk from flooding, and assessing where intervention will be most feasible and cost beneficial – the so‐called quick wins. This approach will support the development of effective interventions to alleviate direct and indirect flood impacts. Workshops and interviews with stakeholders and experts have been organised in pilot cities – Bangkok, Paris and Dordrecht – to test and further develop the Quick Scan and to obtain feedback and lessons learned for the protection of critical urban infrastructure. This paper presents the findings of the stakeholder workshops carried out in the city of Bangkok.
A multi‐scale framework for flood risk analysis at spatially distributed locations
Authors: Speight L.J. , Hall J.W. , Kilsby C.G. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis paper presents a multi‐scale framework for flood risk analysis from fluvial and coastal sources at broad (including national) scales. The framework combines an extreme value spatial model of fluvial and coastal flood hazards using the Heffernan and Tawn conditional dependence model, with a new Markov approach to representing the spatial variability of flood defences. The nested multi‐scale structure enables spatial and temporal dependence at a national scale to be combined with detailed local analysis of inundation and damage. By explicitly considering each stage of the process, potential uncertainties in the risk estimate are identified and can be communicated to end users to encourage informed decision making. The framework is demonstrated by application to an insurance portfolio of static caravan sites across the UK worth over £2bn. In the case study, the largest uncertainties are shown to derive from the spatial structure used in the statistical model and limited data on flood defences and receptor vulnerability.
Effective Strategies to Spread Redesigning Care Processes Among Healthcare Teams
Authors: Lavoie‐Tremblay Mélanie , O'Connor Patricia , Lavigne Geneviève L. , Briand Anaïck , Biron Alain , Baillargeon Sophie , MacGibbon Brenda , Ringer Justin , Cyr Guylaine 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to describe how spread strategies facilitate the successful implementation of the Transforming Care at the Bedside (TCAB) program and their impact on healthcare workers and patients in a major Canadian healthcare organization.DesignThis study used a qualitative and descriptive design with focus groups and individual interviews held in May 2014. Participants included managers and healthcare providers from eight TCAB units in a university health center in Quebec, Canada. The sample was composed of 43 individuals.MethodsThe data were analyzed using NVivo according to the method proposed by Miles and Huberman.FindingsThe first two themes that emerged from the analysis are related to context (organizational transition requiring many changes) and spread strategies for the TCAB program (senior management support, release time and facilitation, rotation of team members, learning from previous TCAB teams, and engaging patients). The last theme that emerged from the analysis is the impact on healthcare professionals (providing front‐line staff and managers with the training they need to make changes, team leadership, and increasing receptivity to hearing patients’ and families’ needs and requests).ConclusionsThis study describes the perspectives of managers and team members to provide a better understanding of how spread strategies can facilitate the successful implementation of the TCAB program in a Canadian healthcare organization.Clinical RelevanceSpread strategies facilitate the implementation of changes to improve the quality and safety of care provided to patients.
A qualitative study into the impact of fasting within a large tertiary hospital in Australia – the patients’ perspective
Authors: Carey Sharon K , Conchin Simone , Bloomfield‐Stone Susan 
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectivesThis qualitative study aims to explore the physical and emotional impact of fasting from the patients’ perspective.BackgroundFasting patients in hospital is common practice and generally viewed as necessary for symptom management or for safety of healthcare provision. Negative impacts of repeated or prolonged fasting on nutritional status have been well researched, but little is documented as to how fasting impacts an individual patient's psyche.DesignQualitative descriptive design within a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia.MethodsTwelve patients having had prolonged periods of continuous or intermittent fasting were invited to participate in a semi‐structured interview between January–September 2012. Questions for interview explored each patient's experience of fasting, including physical and emotional impacts, interpretation of communication regarding fasting and the process of recommencing on fluids or foods. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used.ResultsAnalyses showed six main themes: physical impacts; emotional impacts; food as structure; nil by mouth as jargon; fear of food re‐introduction; and dissatisfaction regarding unnecessary fasting. Overwhelmingly, thirst was reported as the worst physical effect of fasting. In the first few days of fasting, patients became emotionally fixated on food. This quickly dissipated leading to a lack of appetite and fear of starting to eat again.ConclusionsDiscomfort experienced by patients coupled with lack of appetite resulting from prolonged fasting and difficulty with food re‐introduction strengthens the argument for reducing fasting times in hospital. When patients are fasted, proper hydration and establishing alternate routes of medication administration should be a priority.Relevance to clinical practiceIt is well recognised that fasting for prolonged periods is detrimental to health outcomes, but this study also shows the distress that fasting can cause. Inadequate hospital systems and out‐dated practices need to be replaced with evidence‐based, patient‐centred governance, addressing the physical, emotional and psychosocial impact of fasting.
Immediate versus Delayed Treatment in the Anterior Maxilla Using Single Implants with a Laser‐Microtextured Collar: 3‐Year Results of a Case Series on Hard‐ and Soft‐Tissue Response and Esthetics
Authors: Guarnieri Renzo , Belleggia Fabrizio , Grande Maurizio 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPurposeTo compare peri‐implant marginal bone loss, soft tissue response, and esthetics following single immediate implant treatment (IIT) and delayed implant treatment (DIT) in the esthetic zone of the maxilla in well‐selected patients.Materials and MethodsAdequate bone volume and ideal soft tissue level/contour were considered requirements for implant therapy, with additional prerequisites for IIT of residual alveolar bone wall integrity and a thick gingival biotype. IIT included immediate placement and provisionalization, while DIT included extraction socket preservation followed by implant placement and provisionalization 4 months later. Cortical bone levels and peri‐implant mucosal conditions were evaluated at regular intervals. The esthetic outcome was objectively rated after 3 years using the pink esthetic score (PES) and white esthetic score (WES).ResultsTwelve patients received an immediate Laser‐Lok® implant, and 13 patients received a delayed Laser‐Lok® implant. No significant differences were found between the study groups regarding survival rate (100%). The mean bone level from the implant/abutment interface was 0.35 ± 0.18 mm for IIT and 0.42 ± 0.21 mm for DIT after 3 years (p> 0.05). Mesial and distal papillae remained stable over time in DIT. A tendency for regrowth of mesial and distal papillae was found following IIT (p< 0.05). Midfacial soft tissues remained stable over time following DIT and IIT.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study (e.g., small sample size, short follow‐up duration), the results suggest that regarding success rate, hard/soft tissue responses, and esthetics, DIT and IIT with single Laser‐Lok® implants in the anterior maxilla are comparable and predictable options for well‐selected patients.
Effects of feeding different levels of corn steep liquor on the performance of fattening lambs
Authors: Azizi‐Shotorkhoft A. , Sharifi A. , Mirmohammadi D. , Baluch‐Gharaei H. , Rezaei J. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThis study was conducted to assess the effect of feeding corn steep liquor (CSL) on in vivo digestibility, ruminal pH, ammonia and hydrolytic enzyme activities, blood metabolites, feed intake (FI) and growth performance in fattening lambs. The CSL is a by‐product of wet milling process of maize starch industry. The crude protein (CP), rumen‐degradable protein (RDP), lactic acid and metabolisable energy contents of this by‐product were 420, 324, 200 g/kg dry matter (DM) and 12.6 MJ/kg DM respectively. Twenty‐seven male Moghani lambs were assigned randomly into three groups of nine lambs each in a completely randomised design. Three iso‐energetic and iso‐nitrogenous diets containing different levels (0, 50 or 100 g/kg dry matter) of CSL were offered ad libitum three times a day. Forage to concentrate ratio of the diets was 30:70. With inclusion of CSL in diet, the contents of canola meal, fish meal, wheat bran, corn grain and sugar beet pulp were decreased. The contents of DM, ash‐free neutral detergent fibre (NDFom), ether extract, starch, Ca and S were numerically lower, but soluble protein, RDP and non‐fibre carbohydrates were greater in the diets containing CSL in comparison with the control diet. The lambs fed with the diets containing CSL had lower [linear (L), p < 0.06] digestibility coefficients of DM and NDFom as compared to those fed with the diet free of CSL. Ruminal ammonia‐N concentration increased (L, p < 0.05), but pH decreased (L, p < 0.05) with raising CSL level in diet. Carboxymethyl cellulase and filter paper‐degrading activities decreased (L, p < 0.05), while proteases activity increased (L, p < 0.05) as dietary rates of CSL increased. Microcrystalline cellulase and ɑ‐amylase activities were similar among the treatments. Within blood metabolites, only urea‐N concentration increased (L, p < 0.05) in the lambs receiving CSL as compared to those fed with diet without CSL. Dietary inclusion of CSL resulted in linear decreases (L, p < 0.05) in the intakes of DM, organic matter, CP, NDFom and ash‐free acid detergent fibre, and average daily gain. However, the feed conversion ratio was similar among the experimental animals. Overall, feeding CSL up to 100 g/kg diet DM in lamb resulted in reductions of rumen fibrolytic microbial enzyme activities, in vivo digestibility, FI and growth performance, but rumen proteases activity increased.
Health screening to identify opportunities to improve preventive medicine in cats and dogs
Authors: Diez M. , Picavet P. , Ricci R. , Dequenne M. , Renard M. , Bongartz A. , Farnir F. 
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVESTo describe the results of a prevention campaign in terms of participation and pet health status and to identify opportunities to improve preventive medicine in cats and dogs.METHODSAn awareness campaign was designed to highlight the role of veterinarians and emphasise the benefits of a veterinary visit. Owners were invited to make an appointment for a free pet health check in a voluntarily participating veterinary clinic. Observations recorded by the veterinarians were entered in a database and subsequently analysed using simple descriptive statistics.RESULTSA total of 5305 completed health check forms were analysed. The percentages of overweight and obese dogs and cats were 34 and 36%, respectively; this was the most common finding, followed by dental calculus (31% in dogs, 21% in cats). In total 67% of cats did not undergo flea control and 59% were not vaccinated.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEOpportunities for increased quality of care are numerous given the high percentage of intact, unvaccinated or non‐permanently identified pets and the low level of worm and flea control. Animal health should benefit from preventive measures, and improved management can be undertaken after early detection of diseases.
Migration‐related phenotypic divergence is associated with epigenetic modifications in rainbow trout
Authors: Baerwald Melinda R. , Meek Mariah H. , Stephens Molly R. , Nagarajan Raman P. , Goodbla Alisha M. , Tomalty Katharine M. H. , Thorgaard Gary H. , May Bernie , Nichols Krista M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMigration is essential for the reproduction and survival of many animals, yet little is understood about its underlying molecular mechanisms. We used the salmonid Oncorhynchus mykiss to gain mechanistic insight into smoltification, which is a morphological, physiological and behavioural transition undertaken by juveniles in preparation for seaward migration. O. mykiss is experimentally tractable and displays intra‐ and interpopulation variation in migration propensity. Migratory individuals can produce nonmigratory progeny and vice versa, indicating a high degree of phenotypic plasticity. One potential way that phenotypic plasticity might be linked to variation in migration‐related life history tactics is through epigenetic regulation of gene expression. To explore this, we quantitatively measured genome‐scale DNA methylation in fin tissue using reduced representation bisulphite sequencing of F2 siblings produced from a cross between steelhead (migratory) and rainbow trout (nonmigratory) lines. We identified 57 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between smolt and resident O. mykiss juveniles. DMRs were high in magnitude, with up to 62% differential methylation between life history types, and over half of the gene‐associated DMRs were in transcriptional regulatory regions. Many of the DMRs encode proteins with activity relevant to migration‐related transitions (e.g. circadian rhythm pathway, nervous system development, protein kinase activity). This study provides the first evidence of a relationship between epigenetic variation and life history divergence associated with migration‐related traits in any species.
Detection of (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan in same‐day urine and serum samples obtained from patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Raggam Reinhard B. , Fischbach Lara M. L. , Prattes Juergen , Duettmann Wiebke , Eigl Susanne , Reischies Frederike , Wölfler Albert , Rabensteiner Jasmin , Prueller Florian , Krause Robert , Hoenigl Martin 
Published: May 2015

SummarySerum 1,3‐beta‐d‐glucan (BDG) testing is an established diagnostic marker for invasive fungal infections (IFI) among patients with haematological malignancies. In contrast limited data exist regarding the application of urine BDG testing. Same‐day midstream urine and serum screening samples were collected in adult patients with underlying haematological malignancies. A total of 80 urine samples from 46 patients were investigated: Twenty‐six had positive corresponding serum BDG >120 pg ml−1, 27 intermediate (60–80 pg ml−1), and 27 negative serum BDG (<25 pg ml−1). A significant positive correlation between BDG in serum and urine samples was observed (P = 0.025; r = 0.252). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value (compared with same‐day serum results) were: 42%, 76%, 46%, 73% when using an 80 pg ml−1 urine cut‐off, and 35%, 96%, 82%, 75% for a 250 pg ml−1 cut‐off. Urine BDG seemed to be higher in samples obtained from patients with probable IFI (n = 13, median 145, IQR 22–253) compared to those from patients without IFI (n = 56, median 24, IQR 15–88) but the difference was not significant (P = 0.069). Overall correlation of same‐day urine BDG and serum BDG was moderate. However, urine BDG testing may warrant further investigation in larger studies, as high‐positive urine results correlated with high‐positive corresponding serum levels and clinical performance was comparable to serum BDG.
Eye size and shape in newborn children and their relation to axial length and refraction at 3 years
Authors: Lim Laurence Shen , Chua Sharon , Tan Pei Ting , Cai Shirong , Chong Yap‐Seng , Kwek Kenneth , Gluckman Peter D. , Fortier Marielle V. , Ngo Cheryl , Qiu Anqi , Saw Seang‐Mei 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPurposeTo determine if eye size and shape at birth are associated with eye size and refractive error 3 years later.MethodsA subset of 173 full‐term newborn infants from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) birth cohort underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the dimensions of the internal eye. Eye shape was assessed by an oblateness index, calculated as 1 − (axial length/width) or 1 − (axial length/height). Cycloplegic autorefraction (Canon Autorefractor RK‐F1) and optical biometry (IOLMaster) were performed 3 years later.ResultsBoth eyes of 173 children were analysed. Eyes with longer axial length at birth had smaller increases in axial length at 3 years (p < 0.001). Eyes with larger baseline volumes and surface areas had smaller increases in axial length at 3 years (p < 0.001 for both). Eyes which were more oblate at birth had greater increases in axial length at 3 years (p < 0.001). Using width to calculate oblateness, prolate eyes had smaller increases in axial length at 3 years compared to oblate eyes (p < 0.001), and, using height, prolate and spherical eyes had smaller increases in axial length at 3 years compared to oblate eyes (p < 0.001 for both). There were no associations between eye size and shape at birth and refraction, corneal curvature or myopia at 3 years.ConclusionsEyes that are larger and have prolate or spherical shapes at birth exhibit smaller increases in axial length over the first 3 years of life. Eye size and shape at birth influence subsequent eye growth but not refractive error development.