bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Education Worth Having: The Aspirations and the Development of the Whole Education Network in England
Authors: Crossley David 
Published: May 2015

The Whole Education National Network is a dynamic national not‐for‐profit partnership of schools and organisations that believe that all children and young people are entitled to an education that supports the development of wider skills, qualities and characteristics to enable them to thrive in life, learning and work, as well as conventional academic achievement. The article outlines the background to the development of the growing network of some 150 schools plus partner organisations and its core aims. It then considers what the Network is achieving and what it is learning about its approach as it grows. It offers and is seeking to embed and sustain an approach to school development that is ‘values‐led, evidence‐informed and impact‐focused’. It is also predicated on a commitment to and belief in peer‐to‐peer collaboration, inspired and encouraged by the work of leading academics, thinkers and practitioners. Whole Education is also a response to what many observers and commentators identify as a weakness of the English and many other systems: the gap between the outcomes achieved by the more disadvantaged and other students. Part of its moral purpose is to help to narrow that gap, underpinned by a belief that focusing on immediate outcomes and test scores is not enough on its own. The Network operates in the belief that it will only be through the commitment to an entitlement to a ‘whole education for all’ that any school or system will truly narrow the gap and make a real difference to the life‐chances of all young people. School leaders and schools that have gravitated towards Whole Education seek like minds to share and, more importantly, develop both their thinking and strategies employed to help achieve their goals. At the heart of the change model underpinning Whole Education is the development of effective communities of practice that develop professional capital and unleash the creativity of teachers.Creating, embedding and sustaining a national self‐funded school‐led network committed to achieving longer‐term aspirations rather than immediate needs is both inspiring and challenging. The pressure to respond to short‐term targets in terms of student outcomes and accountability pressures has meant that the energy and resource tend to be focused on the immediate rather than the medium‐ or longer‐term needs. Whole Education provides a powerful example of how schools that share common aspirations can seize the agenda, have real impact on students and demonstrate the potential of a self‐improving school system.
Cardiovascular surgery nurses' level of knowledge regarding delirium
Authors: Demir Korkmaz Fatma , Gok Fadime , Yavuz Karamanoglu Ayla 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundStudies have shown that nurses have a crucial role in the recognition of delirium; however, they have insufficient knowledge regarding the issue.ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to determine the knowledge level of cardiovascular surgery nurses regarding delirium.MethodsA survey design was used. The population of the study consisted of 124 nurses employed at the cardiovascular surgery wards and intensive care units of universities as well as state and private hospitals located in two different cities in Turkey between May and June 2014. The sample consisted of 97 nurses employed at the aforementioned institutions and time. Data were collected using the questionnaire form depicting the demographic characteristics of the nurses and the knowledge form including the level of nurses' knowledge regarding delirium. For the evaluation of data, number, percentage, Kruskal‐Wallis, Mann‐Whitney U‐ and independent‐samples t‐test were used.ResultsNurses were between 18 and 47 years of age with a mean 29·8 (SD = 6·80, the youngest = 18 and the oldest = 47) years. They spent a minimum of 1, a maximum of 25 and a median value of 3 (interquartile range, IQR: 5) years working in cardiovascular surgery. As for the scores received from the knowledge form regarding delirium, the lowest was zero, the highest was 60, and the average score was 41·18 ± 12·50 (a moderate level of knowledge). It was found that the nurses working in intensive care units, those who were chief nurses and those who received in‐service training scored higher than the others.ConclusionsCardiovascular surgery nurses had a moderate level of knowledge regarding delirium. This may result in the neglect of delirium or a misdiagnosis.Relevance to clinical practiceIt is recommended that training is provided that includes recognition, assessment and application of appropriate interventions to minimise the incidence of delirium.
The influence of childhood asthma on puberty and height in Swedish adolescents
Authors: Protudjer Jennifer Lisa Penner , Lundholm Cecilia , Bergström Anna , Kull Inger , Almqvist Catarina 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundEvidence relating to the effect of asthma on puberty or height is inconclusive. We aimed to examine whether the exposure of childhood asthma, including timing and phenotypes, and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use is either cross‐sectionally or longitudinally associated with the outcomes of pubertal staging or height.MethodsThis study employed data from a longitudinal, population‐based cohort of Swedish children (born 1994–1996). At ages 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 years, parent‐reported data on asthma and ICS use in the previous 12 months were collected. At 8 and 12 years, height was ascertained at a clinical visit, and child‐reported, respectively. At 12 years, children answered puberty‐related questions.ResultsRetention through 12 years was 82% (3366/4089). Participants without puberty data (n = 620) were excluded, yielding a study population of 2746 (67%). Asthma at 8 years, including timing of onset and phenotypes, was not statistically significantly associated with pubertal staging in adjusted models. Children with asthma averaged 0.93 cm (95% CI 0.35–1.50) shorter than children without asthma. Children with asthma using ICS were 1.28 (95% CI 0.62–1.95) shorter than those with asthma without using ICS.ConclusionsWe found no consistent association between asthma and pubertal staging. Children with asthma were shorter than those without asthma. Moreover, children with asthma using ICS were shorter than those not using ICS.
Schistosoma mansoni and HIV acquisition in fishing communities of Lake Victoria, Uganda: a nested case–control study
Authors: Ssetaala Ali , Nakiyingi‐Miiro Jessica , Asiki Gershim , Kyakuwa Nassim , Mpendo Juliet , Van Dam Govert J. , Corstjens Paul L. , Pala Pietro , Nielsen Leslie , Bont Jan De , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Kiwanuka Noah , Kaleebu Pontiano , Kamali Anatoli , Elliott Alison M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveIt has been suggested that Schistosoma mansoni, which is endemic in African fishing communities, might increase susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. If confirmed, this would be of great public health importance in these high HIV‐risk communities. This study was undertaken to determine whether S. mansoni infection is a risk factor for HIV infection among the fishing communities of Lake Victoria, Uganda. We conducted a matched case–control study, nested within a prospective HIV incidence cohort, including 50 HIV seroconverters (cases) and 150 controls during 2009‐2011.MethodsS. mansoni infection prior to HIV seroconversion was determined by measuring serum circulating anodic antigen (CAA) in stored serum. HIV testing was carried out using the Determine rapid test and infection confirmed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.ResultsAbout 49% of cases and 52% of controls had S. mansoni infection prior to HIV seroconversion (or at the time of a similar study visit, for controls): odds ratio, adjusting for ethnicity, religion, marital status, education, occupation, frequency of alcohol consumption in previous 3 months, number of sexual partners while drunk, duration of stay in the community, and history of schistosomiasis treatment in the past 2 years was 1.23 (95% CI 0.3–5.7) P = 0.79. S. mansoni infections were chronic (with little change in status between enrolment and HIV seroconversion), and there was no difference in median CAA concentration between cases and controls.ConclusionsThese results do not support the hypothesis that S. mansoni infection promotes HIV acquisition.
Detection and molecular characterisation of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Entamoeba spp. among patients with gastrointestinal symptoms in Gambo Hospital, Oromia Region, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Flecha María J. , Benavides Cynthia M. , Tissiano Gabriel , Tesfamariam Abraham , Cuadros Juan , de Lucio Aida , Bailo Begoña , Cano Lourdes , Fuentes Isabel , Carmena David 
Published: May 2015

SummaryObjectivesTo assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of the enteric protozoa species G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Entamoeba histolytica in individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms compatible with infections by these pathogens seeking medical attention in a rural area in southern Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 92 stool samples were initially screened by direct microscopy and immunochromatography and further confirmed by molecular methods. G. duodenalis‐positive samples were molecularly characterised by multilocus genotyping of the glutamate dehydrogenase and β‐giardin genes of the parasite. PCR and DNA sequence analysis of the gene encoding the 60‐kDa glycoprotein was used for the subtyping of Cryptosporidium isolates. Detection and differential diagnosis of E. histolytica/dispar were conducted by real‐time PCR.ResultsPCR‐based prevalences were 10.9% for G. duodenalis, 1.1% for Cryptosporidium spp. and 3.3% for Entamoeba spp. Seven (four novel and three known) subtypes of G. duodenalis assemblage B were identified at the GDH locus and 5 (one novel and four known) at the BG locus. A novel variant of C. hominis subtype IbA9G3 was also identified. Two Entamoeba isolates were assigned to E. dispar and an additional one to E. histolytica.ConclusionAlthough preliminary, our results strongly suggest that giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis and amoebiasis represent a significant burden in Ethiopian rural population.
The first national tuberculosis prevalence survey of Lao PDR (2010–2011)
Authors: Law Irwin , Sylavanh Phannasinh , Bounmala Soth , Nzabintwali Fulgence , Paboriboune Phimpha , Iem Vibol , Somphavong Silaphet , Kim Sang Jae , Sismanidis Charalambos , Onozaki Ikushi , Sebert Jacques 
Published: May 2015

SummaryObjectiveThe objective of the study was to measure the prevalence of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Lao PDR in 2010–2011.MethodA nationwide, multistage cluster‐sampled cross‐sectional survey was undertaken in 2010–2011. All consenting participants ≥15 years were screened for pulmonary TB with chest X‐ray and symptom questionnaire. Two sputum specimens for bacteriological examination by microscopy and culture were collected from those who screened positive. Prevalence was estimated using multiple imputation and inverse probability weighting methods.ResultsOf 39 212 eligible participants from 50 clusters, 6290 participants provided at least one sputum sample for smear and culture. There were 237 bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB cases, 107 of which were smear‐positive. Chest X‐ray screening alone identified 230 (97.0%) cases compared with 118 (49.8%) by symptom screening alone. The estimated prevalence of smear‐positive and bacteriologically confirmed TB in those ≥15 years was 278 per 100 000 (95%C.I. 199–356) and 595 per 100 000 (95%C.I. 457–733), respectively. Prevalence significantly increased with age and was higher in men than women.ConclusionsThe prevalence of TB in Lao PDR is almost twice as high than previous estimates, with the greatest burden in the older population. Case detection efforts remain the primary goal of the national TB programme with case notifications being very low in comparison with the estimated number of prevalent cases. The survey observed major limitations with the diagnostic strategy of passive (symptom based) case finding that uses only direct smear microscopy for confirmation.
Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Novel Peptoids That Mimic the Structure of Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Mojsoska Biljana , Zuckermann Ronald N. , Jenssen Håvard 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

The constant emergence of new bacterial strains that resist the effectiveness of marketed antimicrobials has led to an urgent demand for and intensive research on new classes of compounds to combat bacterial infections. Antimicrobial peptoids comprise one group of potential candidates for antimicrobial drug development. The present study highlights a library of 22 cationic amphipathic peptoids designed to target bacteria. All the peptoids share an overall net charge of +4 and are 8 to 9 residues long; however, the hydrophobicity and charge distribution along the abiotic backbone varied, thus allowing an examination of the structure-activity relationship within the library. In addition, the toxicity profiles of all peptoids were assessed in human red blood cells (hRBCs) and HeLa cells, revealing the low toxicity exerted by the majority of the peptoids. The structural optimization also identified two peptoid candidates, 3 and 4, with high selectivity ratios of 4 to 32 and 8 to 64, respectively, and a concentration-dependent bactericidal mode of action against Gram-negative
Escherichia coli
.
Effects of α-thalassaemia mutations on the haematological parameters of β-thalassaemia carriers
Authors: Saleh-Gohari Nasrollah , Khademi Bami Maryam , Nikbakht Roya , Karimi-Maleh Hassan 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundThalassaemia is a haemoglobin disorder caused by a reduction in, or a complete absence of, the production of α- or β-globin genes. Detection of β-thalassaemia carriers is the first step in the prenatal diagnosis of the disease and is based primarily on the differences between levels of blood cell indices. Since co-inheritance of β- and α-thalassaemia mutations modulates the haematological parameters of heterozygote β-thalassaemia indices, understanding the influence of this interaction is helpful for identification of disease carriers.ObjectiveTo determine the effects of α-thalassaemia mutations on the haematological parameters of β-thalassaemia carriers.MethodWe used gap-PCR and amplification refractory mutation system techniques to find any α- and/or β-thalassaemia mutations in 270 subjects who were suspected to be thalassaemia carriers. The mean values of the haematological parameters in α, β-thalassaemia and β-thalassaemia carriers were compared.ResultsSignificant differences in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and HbA2 were found between the two groups. Patients who were α, β-thalassaemia carriers had higher mean values of MCV and MCH, whereas HbA2 levels were higher in simple β-thalassaemia. No marked differences were found in mean cell haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and Hb blood cell indices. The value of MCV, MCH and HbA2 were significantly different between α,β-thalassaemia and simple β-thalassaemia in men and women, but the mean values of Hb in the two groups differed markedly only in men.ConclusionWe conclude that co-inheritance of α- and β-thalassaemia mutations may result in misdiagnosis of β-thalassaemia carriers. Therefore, in genetic counselling of patients with a near-normal range of blood cell indices the possibility that they may carry α, β-thalassaemia mutations must be considered.
Tracking motor neuron loss in a set of six muscles in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using the Motor Unit Number Index (MUNIX): a 15-month longitudinal multicentre trial
Authors: Neuwirth Christoph , Barkhaus Paul E , Burkhardt Christian , Castro José , Czell David , de Carvalho Mamede , Nandedkar Sanjeev , Stålberg Erik , Weber Markus 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundMotor Unit Number Index (MUNIX) is a novel neurophysiological measure that provides an index of the number of functional lower motor neurons in a given muscle. So far its performance across centres in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has not been investigated.ObjectiveTo perform longitudinal MUNIX recordings in a set of muscles in a multicentre setting in order to evaluate its value as a marker of disease progression.MethodsThree centres applied MUNIX in 51 ALS patients over 15 months. Six different muscles (abductor pollicis brevis, abductor digiti minimi, biceps brachii, tibialis anterior, extensor dig. brevis, abductor hallucis) were measured every 3 months on the less affected side. The decline between MUNIX and ALSFRS-R was compared.Results31 participants reached month 12. For all participants, ALSFRS-R declined at a rate of 2.3%/month. Using the total score of all muscles, MUNIX declined significantly faster by 3.2%/month (p≤0.02). MUNIX in individual muscles declined between 2.4% and 4.2%, which differed from ASLFRS-R decline starting from month 3 (p≤0.05 to 0.002). Subgroups with bulbar, lower and upper limb onset showed different decline rates of ALSFRS-R between 1.9% and 2.8%/month, while MUNIX total scores showed similar decline rates over all subgroups. Mean intraclass correlation coefficient for MUNIX intra-rater reliability was 0.89 and for inter-rater reliability 0.80.ConclusionMUNIX is a reliable electrophysiological biomarker to track lower motor neuron loss in ALS.
Arterial embolization with Onyx of head and neck paragangliomas
Authors: Michelozzi Caterina , Januel Anne Christine , Cuvinciuc Victor , Tall Philippe , Bonneville Fabrice , Fraysse Bernard , Deguine Olivier , Serrano Elie , Cognard Christophe 
Published: May 2015

ObjectTo report the morbidity and long term results in the treatment of paragangliomas by transarterial embolization with ethylene vinyl alcohol (Onyx), either as preoperative or palliative treatment.MethodsBetween September 2005 and 2012, 18 jugulotympanic, 7 vagal, and 4 carotid body paragangliomas (CBPs) underwent Onyx embolization, accordingly to our head and neck multidisciplinary team's decision. CBPs were embolized preoperatively. Jugulotympanic and vagal paragangliomas underwent surgery when feasible, otherwise palliative embolization was carried out alone, or in combination with radiotherapy or tympanic surgery in the case of skull base or tympanic extension. Treatment results, and clinical and MRI follow-up data were recorded.ResultsIn all cases, devascularization of at least 60% of the initial tumor blush was obtained; 6 patients underwent two embolizations. Post-embolization, 8 patients presented with cranial nerve palsy, with partial or complete regression at follow-up (mean 31 months, range 3–86 months), except for 2 vagal and 1 hypoglossal palsy. 10 patients were embolized preoperatively; 70% were cured after surgery and 30% showed residual tumor. 19 patients received palliative embolization, of whom 5 underwent radiotherapy and 3 received tympanic surgery post-embolization. Long term follow-up of palliative embolization resulted in tumor volume stability (75%) or extension in intracranial or tympanic compartments. Onyx embolization of CBPs resulted in more difficult surgical dissection in 2 of 4 cases.ConclusionsOnyx embolization is a valuable alternative to surgery in the treatment of jugulotympanic and vagal paragangliomas; tympanic surgery or radiosurgery of the skull base should be considered in selected cases. Preoperative Onyx embolization of CBPs is not recommended.
Focal middle cerebral artery ischemia in rats via a transfemoral approach using a custom designed microwire
Authors: Divani Afshin A , Chow Ricky , Sadeghi-Bazargani Homayoun , Murphy Amanda J , Nordberg Jessica A , Tokarev Julian V , Hevesi Mario , Wang Xiao , Zhu Xiao-Hong , Acompanado Tommy , Edwards Peter A , Zhang Yi , Chen Wei 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to develop a reliable and repeatable method of inducing focal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in rats without ligation of the external carotid artery (ECA), while reducing the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage.MethodsWe prototyped microwires with different diameters (0.0120 inch, 0.0115 inch, 0.0110 inch), materials, and construction methods (coil-on-core, extruded polymer jacket-on-core). Under fluoroscopic guidance and using femoral artery access, the microwires were navigated into the internal carotid artery of male Wistar rats (n=50, weight 376±64 g) to induce MCAo for 1 or 2 h. We performed neurological assessments at baseline, and at 3, 24, 72, and 168 h after MCAo. MRI measurements were performed on a 9.4 T scanner at 1 and 7 days post-injury.ResultsThe 0.0115 inch microwire with polymer jacket-on-core provided the most successful outcome. At 1 and 7 days post-injury, we observed similar infarction volumes for 1 and 2 h MCAo in the MRI study. Infarcted lesion volumes in both MCAo groups were significantly reduced at 7 days compared with 1 day post-injury. The trend in longitudinal changes for the scores of different neurological assessments was confirmed to be significant after the injury, but both groups showed a similar trend of neurological deficits over the course of the study.ConclusionsWe have developed a reliable and repeatable MCAo method in rats, allowing for precise occlusion of the MCA under direct fluoroscopic visualization without alteration of the cerebral hemodynamics associated with ECA ligation. The custom designed microwire can also be sized for targeted focal ischemia in larger animals.
Mechanical thrombectomy using a combined CT/C-arm X-ray system
Authors: Pfaff Johannes , Herweh Christian , Pham Mirko , Schönenberger Silvia , Bösel Julian , Ringleb Peter A , Heiland Sabine , Bendszus Martin , Möhlenbruch Markus 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundMechanical thrombectomy (MT) using stent-retrievers has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), particularly in large vessel occlusion. Other than patient characteristics, time to recanalization is the most important factor linked to outcome. MT is usually performed in a dedicated angiography suite using a floor- and/or ceiling-mounted biplane angiographic system. Here we report our first experience of MT with a new combined CT and mobile C-arm X-ray device setup.MethodsPatients with AIS underwent stroke imaging (non-contrast enhanced CT, CT perfusion, and CT angiography) using a commercially available 64-slice CT scanner which was modified for combined use with a C-arm system. In patients with large vessel occlusion, MT was conducted without further patient transfer within the CT imaging suite using a mobile C-arm X-ray device equipped with a 30×30 cm (12×12 inch), 1.5×1.5 k full-view flat detector which was positioned between the gantry and patient table. The safety and feasibility of this new system was assessed in preliminary patients.ResultsAngiographic imaging quality of the mobile C-arm was feasible and satisfactory for diagnostic angiography and MT. Using this setup, time between stroke imaging and groin puncture (picture-to-puncture time) was reduced by up to 35 min (including time for preparation of the patient such as intubation).ConclusionsMT using a combined CT/C-arm system is safe and feasible. The potential advantages, particularly time saving and ensuing improvement in patient outcome, need to be assessed in a larger study.