bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interankle systolic blood pressure difference and renal outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Chen Szu‐Chia , Tsai Yi‐Chun , Huang Jiun‐Chi , Lee Su‐Chu , Chang Jer‐Ming , Hwang Shang‐Jyh , Chen Hung‐Chun 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimInterankle blood pressure (BP) difference has been associated with peripheral artery disease and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, the relationship between interankle BP difference and renal outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) has never been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether interankle BP difference is associated with the rate of renal function decline and progression to renal end points in patients with stage 3–5 CKD.MethodsWe enrolled 144 patients with CKD from one regional hospital. The BP in four limbs was simultaneously measured using an ABI‐form device. The decline in renal function was evaluated using an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope. Rapid renal progression was defined as an eGFR slope < −3 mL/min per 1.73 m2 per year. The renal end points were defined as ≥ 25% decline in eGFR or commencement of dialysis during the follow‐up period.ResultsDuring a mean follow‐up period of 3.1 years, 90 patients (62.5%) reached renal end points. Multivariate analysis showed that an increased interankle systolic BP difference (per 5 mmHg) was associated with a worse eGFR slope (regression β, −0.292; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.482 to −0.102; P = 0.003), rapid renal progression (odds ratio, 1.189; 95% CI, 1.015–1.394; P = 0.032), and an increased risk of progression to renal end points (hazard ratio, 1.126; 95% CI, 1.052–1.204, P = 0.001).ConclusionInterankle systolic BP difference was associated with rapid renal progression and progression to renal end points in patients with stage 3–5 CKD in our study.
Development and examination of the psychometric properties of the Learning Experience Scale in nursing
Authors: Takase Miyuki , Imai Takiko , Uemura Chizuru 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis paper examines the psychometric properties of the Learning Experience Scale. A survey method was used to collect data from a total of 502 nurses. Data were analyzed by factor analysis and the known‐groups technique to examine the construct validity of the scale. In addition, internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha, and stability was examined by test‐retest correlation. Factor analysis showed that the Learning Experience Scale consisted of five factors: learning from practice, others, training, feedback, and reflection. The scale also had the power to discriminate between nurses with high and low levels of nursing competence. The internal consistency and the stability of the scale were also acceptable. The Learning Experience Scale is a valid and reliable instrument, and helps organizations to effectively design learning interventions for nurses.
Opioid Prescribing Laws and Emergency Department Guidelines for Chronic Non‐Cancer Pain in Washington State
Authors: Skaer Tracy L. , Nwude Azuka C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractRising mortality rates, increased opioid prescription abuse, and a perceived need to provide practitioners with structured guidance in opioid prescribing have prompted the Washington State Legislature to establish new legal standards of practice regarding chronic non‐cancer pain management. Clinicians are required to conduct a detailed physical examination and health history prior to treatment. Risk assessments for abuse and detailed periodic reviews of treatment are required at least every 6 months. Those considered “high risk” or who have significant psychiatric comorbidities will be required to sign and follow a written agreement or pain contract, obtain their pain prescriptions from a single provider, and submit to biological drug screening. Unless an exemption exists, patients prescribed > 120 mg of morphine‐equivalents daily, considered severe pain nonresponders, necessitating dosage escalation, diagnosed with multifaceted mental health‐related comorbidities, demonstrating diagnostic ambiguity, and/or requiring significant treatment individualization are referred to a pain specialist. Episodic care settings should refrain from supplying opioids to chronic pain patients whenever possible. The ER is for Emergencies coalition instituted the Seven Best Practices program throughout the state to reduce unnecessary visits, coordinate prescribing practice, reduce Medicaid expenditures, and improve overall patient care. The state reported approximately $33.65 million in savings in 2013 through the use of these practices and converting Medicaid participants from fee‐for‐service to managed care plans. Similar legislation to complement clinical practice guidelines is expected to be enacted in other states. It is vital that practitioners comprehend the new guidelines and make appropriate adjustments in their opioid prescribing habits.
Evaluation of the efficacy of animal‐assisted therapy based on the reality orientation therapy protocol in Alzheimer's disease patients: a pilot study
Authors: Menna Lucia Francesca , Santaniello Antonio , Gerardi Federica , Di Maggio Annamaria , Milan Graziella 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of animal‐assisted therapy (AAT) in elderly patients affected by Alzheimer's disease based on the formal reality orientation therapy (ROT) protocol.MethodsOur study was carried out at an Alzheimer's centre for 6 months. A homogeneous sample (age, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)) of 50 patients was selected at random and successively. Patients were divided into three groups: (i) 20 patients received a course of AAT (AAT group) based on the ROT protocol; (ii) 20 patients were engaged exclusively in activities based on the ROT group; and (iii) 10 patients (control group) participated in no stimulations. MMSE and GDS were administered at time 0 (T0) and time 1 (T1) to all three groups. Differences within groups between T0 and T1 for GDS and MMSE scores were analyzed by Student's t‐test. Differences between group means were analyzed using an anova test with the Bonferroni‐Dunn test for post‐hoc comparisons.ResultsBoth the AAT group and ROT group had improved GDS scores and showed a slight improvement in terms of mood. On the GDS, the AAT group improved from 11.5 (T0) to 9.5 (T1), and the ROT group improved from 11.6 (T0) to 10.5 (T1). At the same time, a slight improvement in cognitive function, as measured by the MMSE, was observed. In the AAT group, mean MMSE was 20.2 at T0 and 21.5 at T1, and in the ROT group, it was 19.9 at T0 and 20.0 at T1. In the control group, the average values of both the GDS and MMSE remained unchanged. The Bonferroni‐Dunn results showed statistically significant differences between groups, particularly between the AAT group and the other two (P < 0.001).ConclusionsPet therapy interventions based on the formal ROT protocol were effective and, compared to the ROT, provided encouraging and statistically significant results.
Norwegian Agro‐Food Attracting Private Equity Capital; Varieties of Capitalism – Varieties of Financialisation?
Authors: Klimek Bjørn , Bjørkhaug Hilde 
Published: September 2015

AbstractDue to the (relatively) small scale of the Norwegian food industry, Private Equity capital is deeply involved in the structural development of the sector through acquisitions and takeovers. The Norwegian social‐democratic model of agriculture, with its attempts to maintain farming all over the country, struggles with comparative disadvantages in productivity and Private Equity capital is investing in direct competition with farmer co‐operatives. An outline of the socioeconomic characteristics of the Norwegian model as well as those of Private Equity illuminates why they both fit well together. Thus, we argue in this article that it is the Norwegian model of agriculture, with its non‐market based elements, that today attracts finance capital and discuss whether this involvement of finance capital can be considered as a process of financialisation. Findings based on analysis of case‐studies of Private Equity buyout in the agro‐food industry suggest that the economic motives of Private Equity takeovers are based on a combination of typical industry capitalism with investments in productivity and efficiency, rather than merely financialisation. Findings are interpreted in a variety of capitalism framework combining social theory on financialisation with business school theories on Private Equity transactions.
Public Policy and Calculative Practices of Risk: Making Matters of Concern and ‘Non‐Communicable’ Threats, from Farm to Fork
Authors: Lavau Stephanie 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis article considers the ways in which calculative practices of risk assessment and management generate matters of concern for public health policy. Campylobacterosis has become the most frequently reported zoonotic disease in the EU, responsible each year for thousands of hospitalisations, several dozen deaths, and significant public health costs and productivity losses. Whilst receiving much attention as a risk to consumers of poultry, it receives little attention as an occupational risk for those working on poultry farms and in processing factories. Informed by ethnographic fieldwork, documentary analysis, and interviews on how biosecurity is practised in poultry production in the UK, I identify particular configurings of risk in the governance of food safety and occupational health and safety that preclude this as a matter of concern for public policy. I argue that calculative practices of risk assessment and management, whilst making some matters present as risks, simultaneously make others ‘non‐communicable'.
Nonprofit, For‐Profit, or Stand‐Alone? How Management Organizations Influence the Working Conditions in Charter Schools*
Authors: Roch Christine H. , Sai Na 
Published: September 2015

ObjectiveWe examine how the working conditions in charter schools managed by management organizations (MOs) compare to those that teachers experience in stand‐alone charter schools. We consider differences in the degree of autonomy within the schools, professional development, levels of administrative support, support from teachers and parents, and teachers’ work hours and levels of compensation.MethodsOur data come from the 2011–2012 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). We estimate multilevel models using the hierarchical linear modeling software, while controlling for the composition of the teachers and school context.ResultsWe find that teachers in charter schools managed by education MOs have lower levels of autonomy than teachers in other charter schools. They also receive lower levels of compensation than other charter school teachers.ConclusionFor‐profit MOs appear to constrain the charter schools that they manage, limiting the ability of teachers to determine how students are taught within their classrooms.
Herpes simplex virus 2 hepatitis in a lung transplant recipient: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Hirschi S. , Biondini D. , Ohana M. , Solis M. , D'Urso A. , Rosner V. , Kessler R. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractHerpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis is a rare and serious complication in immunocompromised patients. We report the case of an HSV hepatitis occurring 4 years after lung transplantation in a cystic fibrosis patient. The presentation was nonspecific, mimicking acute cholecystitis; orogenital signs were absent. The diagnosis was made based on viral cultures performed during cholecystectomy and confirmed by blood quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Although the diagnosis and treatment were delayed, the patient fully recovered with acyclovir, reduced immunosuppression, and intravenous immunoglobulins. The diagnostic difficulties, prognostic factors, and treatments of this infection are discussed.
Characterization of the onboard imaging unit for the first clinical magnetic resonance image guided radiation therapy system
Authors: Hu Yanle , Rankine Leith , Green Olga L. , Kashani Rojano , Li H. Harold , Li Hua , Nana Roger , Rodriguez Vivian , Santanam Lakshmi , Shvartsman Shmaryu , Victoria James , Wooten H. Omar , Dempsey James F. , Mutic Sasa 
Published: September 2015

Purpose:To characterize the performance of the onboard imaging unit for the first clinical magnetic resonance image guided radiation therapy (MR‐IGRT) system.Methods:The imaging performance characterization included four components: ACR (the American College of Radiology) phantom test, spatial integrity, coil signal to noise ratio (SNR) and uniformity, and magnetic field homogeneity. The ACR phantom test was performed in accordance with the ACR phantom test guidance. The spatial integrity test was evaluated using a 40.8 × 40.8 × 40.8 cm3 spatial integrity phantom. MR and computed tomography (CT) images of the phantom were acquired and coregistered. Objects were identified around the surfaces of 20 and 35 cm diameters of spherical volume (DSVs) on both the MR and CT images. Geometric distortion was quantified using deviation in object location between the MR and CT images. The coil SNR test was performed according to the national electrical manufacturers association (NEMA) standards MS‐1 and MS‐9. The magnetic field homogeneity test was measured using field camera and spectral peak methods.Results:For the ACR tests, the slice position error was less than 0.10 cm, the slice thickness error was less than 0.05 cm, the resolved high‐contrast spatial resolution was 0.09 cm, the resolved low‐contrast spokes were more than 25, the image intensity uniformity was above 93%, and the percentage ghosting was less than 0.22%. All were within the ACR recommended specifications. The maximum geometric distortions within the 20 and 35 cm DSVs were 0.10 and 0.18 cm for high spatial resolution three‐dimensional images and 0.08 and 0.20 cm for high temporal resolution two dimensional cine images based on the distance‐to‐phantom‐center method. The average SNR was 12.0 for the body coil, 42.9 for the combined torso coil, and 44.0 for the combined head and neck coil. Magnetic field homogeneities at gantry angles of 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° were 23.55, 20.43, 18.76, 19.11, and 22.22 ppm, respectively, using the field camera method over the 45 cm DSV.Conclusions:The onboard imaging unit of the first commercial MR‐IGRT system meets ACR, NEMA, and vendor specifications.
Colistin Population Pharmacokinetics after Application of a Loading Dose of 9 MU Colistin Methanesulfonate in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Karaiskos Ilias , Friberg Lena E. , Pontikis Konstantinos , Ioannidis Konstantinos , Tsagkari Vasiliki , Galani Lamprini , Kostakou Eirini , Baziaka Fotini , Paskalis Charalambos , Koutsoukou Antonia , Giamarellou Helen 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

Colistin has been revived, in the era of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Gram-negative infections, as the last-resort treatment in critically ill patients. Recent studies focusing on the optimal dosing strategy of colistin have demonstrated the necessity of a loading dose at treatment initiation (D. Plachouras, M. Karvanen, L. E. Friberg, E. Papadomichelakis, A. Antoniadou, I. Tsangaris, I. Karaiskos, G. Poulakou, F. Kontopidou, A. Armaganidis, O. Cars, and H. Giamarellou, Antimicrob Agents Chemother 53:3430–3436, 2009,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/AAC.01361-08
; A. F. Mohamed, I. Karaiskos, D. Plachouras, M. Karvanen, K. Pontikis, B. Jansson, E. Papadomichelakis, A. Antoniadou, H. Giamarellou, A. Armaganidis, O. Cars, and L. E. Friberg, Antimicrob Agents Chemother 56:4241– 4249, 2012,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/AAC.06426-11
; S. M. Garonzik, J. Li, V. Thamlikitkul, D. L. Paterson, S. Shoham, J. Jacob, F. P. Silveira, A. Forrest, and R. L. Nation, Antimicrob Agents Chemother 55:3284–3294, 2011,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/AAC.01733-10
). In 19 critically ill patients with suspected or microbiologically documented infections caused by XDR Gram-negative strains, a loading dose of 9 MU colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) (∼270 mg colistin base activity) was administered with a maintenance dose of 4.5 MU every 12 h, commenced after 24 h. Patients on renal replacement were excluded. CMS infusion was given over 30 min or 1 h. Repeated blood sampling was performed after the loading dose and after the 5th or 6th dose. Colistin concentrations and measured CMS, determined after hydrolization to colistin and including the partially sulfomethylated derivatives, were determined with a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted in NONMEM with the new data combined with data from previous studies. Measured colistimethate concentrations were described by 4 compartments for distribution and removal of sulfomethyl groups, while colistin disposition followed a 1-compartment model. The average observed maximum colistin A plus B concentration was 2.65 mg/liter after the loading dose (maximum time was 8 h). A significantly higher availability of the measured A and B forms of colistimethate and colistin explained the higher-than-expected concentrations in the present study compared to those in previous studies. Creatinine clearance was a time-varying covariate of colistimethate clearance. The incidence of acute renal injury was 20%.
Antiviral Activity of Broad-Spectrum and Enterovirus-Specific Inhibitors against Clinical Isolates of Enterovirus D68
Authors: Sun Liang , Meijer Adam , Froeyen Mathy , Zhang Linlin , Thibaut Hendrik Jan , Baggen Jim , George Shyla , Vernachio John , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M. , Leyssen Pieter , Hilgenfeld Rolf , Neyts Johan , Delang Leen 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT
We investigated the susceptibility of 10 enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) isolates (belonging to clusters A, B, and C) to (entero)virus inhibitors with different mechanisms of action. The 3C-protease inhibitors proved to be more efficient than enviroxime and pleconaril, which in turn were more effective than vapendavir and pirodavir. Favipiravir proved to be a weak inhibitor. Resistance to pleconaril maps to V69A in the VP1 protein, and resistance to rupintrivir maps to V104I in the 3C protease. A structural explanation of why both substitutions may cause resistance is provided.
Observed Antagonistic Effect of Linezolid on Daptomycin or Vancomycin Activity against Biofilm-Forming Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an
In Vitro
Pharmacodynamic Model
Authors: Luther Megan K. , LaPlante Kerry L. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

Pharmacodynamic activity in antibiotic combinations of daptomycin, vancomycin, and linezolid was investigated in a 48-h
in vitro
pharmacodynamic model. Using human-simulated free drug concentrations, activity against clinical biofilm-forming methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates was evaluated. Linezolid antagonized vancomycin activity at 24 and 48 h. Linezolid antagonized daptomycin at 24 and 48 h depending on dose and strain. Adding daptomycin increased vancomycin activity at 48 h (
P
< 0.03). These results may be strain dependent and require further clinical investigation.
Immunomodulatory Metabolites Released by the Frog-Killing Fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Authors: Rollins-Smith Louise A. , Fites J. Scott , Reinert Laura K. , Shiakolas Andrea R. , Umile Thomas P. , Minbiole Kevin P. C. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
is a fungal pathogen in the phylum Chytridiomycota that causes the skin disease chytridiomycosis. Chytridiomycosis is considered an emerging infectious disease linked to worldwide amphibian declines and extinctions. Although amphibians have well-developed immune defenses, clearance of this pathogen from the skin is often impaired. Previously, we showed that the adaptive immune system is involved in the control of the pathogen, but
B. dendrobatidis
releases factors that inhibit
in vitro
and
in vivo
lymphocyte responses and induce lymphocyte apoptosis. Little is known about the nature of the inhibitory factors released by this fungus. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of three fungal metabolites produced by
B. dendrobatidis
but not by the closely related nonpathogenic chytrid
Homolaphlyctis polyrhiza
. These metabolites are methylthioadenosine (MTA), tryptophan, and an oxidized product of tryptophan, kynurenine (Kyn). Independently, both MTA and Kyn inhibit the survival and proliferation of amphibian lymphocytes and the Jurkat human T cell leukemia cell line. However, working together, they become effective at much lower concentrations. We hypothesize that
B. dendrobatidis
can adapt its metabolism to release products that alter the local environment in the skin to inhibit immunity and enhance the survival of the pathogen.
Campylobacter jejuni Increases Flagellar Expression and Adhesion of Noninvasive Escherichia coli: Effects on Enterocytic Toll-Like Receptor 4 and CXCL-8 Expression
Authors: Reti Kristen L. , Tymensen Lisa D. , Davis Shevaun P. , Amrein Matthias W. , Buret Andre G. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter jejuni
is the most common cause of bacterium-induced gastroenteritis, and while typically self-limiting,
C. jejuni
infections are associated with postinfectious intestinal disorders, including flares in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS), via mechanisms that remain obscure. Based on the hypothesis that acute campylobacteriosis may cause pathogenic microbiota dysbiosis, we investigated whether
C. jejuni
may activate dormant virulence genes in noninvasive
Escherichia coli
and examined the epithelial pathophysiological consequences of these alterations. Microarray and quantitative real-time PCR analyses revealed that
E. coli
adhesin, flagellum, and hemolysin gene expression were increased when
E. coli
was exposed to
C. jejuni
-conditioned medium. Increased development of bacterial flagella upon exposure to live
C. jejuni
or
C. jejuni
-conditioned medium was observed under transmission electron microscopy. Atomic force microscopy demonstrated that the forces of bacterial adhesion to colonic T84 enterocytes, and the work required to rupture this adhesion, were significantly increased in
E. coli
exposed to
C. jejuni-
conditioned media. Finally,
C. jejuni
-modified
E. coli
disrupted
TLR4
gene expression and induced proinflammatory
CXCL-8
gene expression in colonic enterocytes. Together, these data suggest that exposure to live
C. jejuni
, and/or to its secretory-excretory products, may activate latent virulence genes in noninvasive
E. coli
and that these alterations may directly trigger proinflammatory signaling in intestinal epithelia. These observations shed new light on mechanisms that may contribute, at least in part, to postcampylobacteriosis inflammatory disorders.