bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement in sensory function via granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in rat spinal cord injury models
Authors: Kim Ji Yong , Oh Chang Hyun , Huang Xian , Kim Moon Hang , Yoon Seung Hwan , Kim Kil Hwan , Park Hyeonseon , Park Hyung Chun , Park So Ra , Choi Byung Hyune 
Published: October 2012

Object
The aim in this study was to determine whether granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) leads to sensory improvement in rat spinal cord injury (SCI) models.

Methods
Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in this study: 10 in the sham group (laminectomy alone without SCI), 10 in the SCI group (SCI treated with phosphate-buffered saline), and 10 in the GM-CSF treatment group (SCI treated with GM-CSF). A locomotor function test and pain sensitivity test were conducted weekly for 9 weeks after SCI or sham injury. Spinal tissue samples from all rats were immunohistochemically examined for the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and abnormal sprouting at Week 9 post-SCI.

Results
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor treatment improves functional recovery after SCI. In the tactile withdrawal threshold and frequency of the hindlimb paw, the GM-CSF group always responded with a statistically significant lower threshold than the SCI group 9 weeks after SCI (p < 0.05). The response of the forelimb and hindlimb paws to cold in the GM-CSF group always reflected a statistically significant lower threshold than in the SCI group 9 weeks after injury (p < 0.05). Decreased CGRP expression, observed by density and distribution area, was noted in the GM-CSF group (optical density 113.5 ± 20.4) compared with the SCI group (optical density 143.1 ± 18.7; p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Treatment with GM-CSF results in functional recovery, improving tactile and cold sense recovery in a rat SCI model. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor also minimizes abnormal sprouting of sensory nerves after SCI.
Service improvement in the English National health service: Complexities and tensions
Authors: Burgess Nicola , Radnor Zoe 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe English National Health Service (NHS) is a public sector organisation with a longstanding objective to deliver high quality healthcare that is free at the point of use. In order to achieve this, the NHS has endured an evocative and controversial theme of reform across many decades. Despite such high levels of reform, the recent Operating Efficiency Framework declared that the NHS is about to enter its toughest ever financial climate. This paper will illustrate the complexities and tensions of implementing service improvement in the NHS in a climate of persistent policy reform, reduced budgets and tough regulation. The paper reports findings of three case studies of hospital trusts in the UK in relation to the implementation of Lean improvement methodologies, highlighting key complexities of a hospital context and the corresponding tension with service improvement activity.
The challenges acute care nurse unit managers face and the strategies they use to address them: Perceptions of directors of nursing and nurse unit managers
Authors: Gaskin Cadeyrn J , Ockerby Cherene M , Smith Tammy R , Russell Vibeke , O'Connell Bev 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the challenges that nurse unit managers (NUMs) face while working in acute care settings, the strategies they use to deal with these challenges, and the effectiveness of these strategies from the perspectives of NUMs and their supervisors. NUMs (N = 22) and directors of nursing (N = 3) were interviewed for this study. Thematic analysis revealed 14 challenges relating primarily to NUMs interactions with others, both within and outside of their wards/units. These challenges related to the managerial, but not clinical, aspects of their roles; 16 strategies for managing these challenges were identified, the effectiveness of which seemed dependent on how well they were executed. The strategies are: seeking assistance and support; trial and error; satisficing; taking responsibility for own professional development; scheduling of time; working longer hours; delegation; adaptive staffing and rostering; being a visible presence on the ward; team development; facilitating professional development for staff; being available for staff; negotiation and collaboration; communication; working with the processes of a large organisation; and complying with the demands of others, The findings make a strong case for NUMs to be supported in undertaking comprehensive management education.
The impact of supervisor-nurse relationships, patient role clarity, and autonomy upon job satisfaction: Public and private sector nurses
Authors: Shacklock Kate , Brunetto Yvonne , Farr-Wharton Rod 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn the Australian healthcare sector, many changes in the public sector have affected nurse management and thereby, nurses. Yet it is unclear whether such efficiency measures, based on private sector business models, have impacted private sector nurses in similar ways. This paper examines four important issues for nurses: supervisor–subordinate relationships; perceptions of autonomy; role clarity in relation to patients; and job satisfaction. The paper uses an embedded mixed methods research design to examine the four issues and then compares similarities and differences between public and private sector nurses. The findings suggest supervisor–subordinate relationships, patient role clarity and autonomy significantly predict job satisfaction. The private sector nurses reported more satisfaction than public sector nurses with their supervisor–subordinate relationships, plus higher perceptions of patient role clarity and autonomy, and hence, higher levels of job satisfaction. The findings raise questions about whether present management practices (especially public sector) optimise service delivery productivity.
Exploring the antecedents and consequences of mentoring relationship effectiveness in the healthcare environment
Authors: Huang Ching-Yuan , Weng Rhay-Hung 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe study focused on mentoring relationship effectiveness (RE) from the perspective of protégé in the healthcare environment. The purpose tried to examine the effects of interpersonal attraction, self-efficacy and transformational leadership (TL) on RE respectively, to test mentoring function as a mediator, and to verify the effect of RE on protégé work outcomes. Self-administered questionnaires were employed and 306 questionnaires from hospital nurses were collected in total. Structural equation model was used to test the research model. The results indicated that interpersonal attraction and TL do have positive effects on RE while self-efficacy was not; RE also showed a significant effect on job satisfaction and organizational commitment, which verified that the formal mentoring among nurses was good for improving relationship quality and relationship learning between mentors and protégés. Accordingly, to strengthen the antecedent variables would be helpful for mentoring RE, and also the protégé's work outcomes.
Promoting employee wellbeing and quality service outcomes: The role of HRM practices
Authors: Clarke Marilyn Alexandra , Hill Sally Rao 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAs a transformative service, aged care has the capacity to create uplifting changes and improvements to the quality of life for individuals and communities. Recent studies have, however, highlighted the pressures faced by aged care workers and the impact that these pressures have on employee wellbeing and quality of care. This paper explores the relationship between employee wellbeing and service quality. We present a model for the aged care sector which suggests that by identifying and implementing appropriate HRM strategies both employee wellbeing and service quality will be enhanced thus ensuring that this transformative service meets the needs of its many stakeholders. Essentially, we argue that employee wellbeing is directly linked to service delivery outcomes and overall business performance and that HR practices that address issues such as learning and development, employee voice and involvement and workplace health and safety play a significant role in enhancing and maintaining employee wellbeing.
Using biodata as a predictor of errors, tardiness, policy violations, overall job performance, and turnover among nurses
Authors: Becton J Bret , Matthews Michael C , Hartley David L , Whitaker L Douglas 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe current study examined the use of biographical data to predict errors, tardiness, policy violations, overall job performance, and turnover among nurses. The results of the study indicate that biodata measures are valid selection devices for nurses and effective at predicting nurse errors, tardiness, policy violations, and overall job performance, but the instrument was not an effective predictor of turnover, voluntary or involuntary. Additionally, examination of group differences revealed that White subjects scored significantly higher on the biodata instrument compared to Black subjects but produced group differences considerably smaller than typically found with measures of cognitive ability. Future research directions and implications for practice are discussed.
Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Children with Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Türkyilmaz Kemal , Öner Veysi , Özkasap Serdar , Şekeryapan Berrak , Dereci Selim , Durmuş Mustafa 
Published: October 2012

Purpose. To evaluate peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in comparison with healthy controls and to investigate the correlation between peripapillary RNFL thicknesses and the hematologic parameters in these subjects. Methods. Forty eyes of 40 children with a diagnosis of IDA (anemic group) and 40 eyes of 40 age- and sex-matched healthy children (control group) were enrolled in this study. Peripapillary RNFL thickness measurements were performed using Cirrus HD optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results. Mean age of each group was 11.3±2.7 years. Average RNFL and RNFLs of superior and inferior quadrants were significantly thinner in the anemic group than in the control group (p=0.006, p=0.005, and p=0.005, respectively). In addition, average peripapillary RNFL thickness and RNFL thicknesses of superior, inferior, and temporal quadrants were correlated with hemoglobin levels (r1=0.734, p1<0.001, r2=0.456, p2=0.005, r3=0.598, p3<0.001, r4=0.349, p4=0.037, respectively) in anemic group. Conclusions. We found that children with IDA had different peripapillary RNFL profile measured by Cirrus HD spectral-domain OCT. We caution ophthalmologists when they measure RNFL thickness in children to diagnose glaucoma or other neuro-ophthalmic disorders.
Immunogenicity, Safety, and Efficacy of Abatacept Administered Subcutaneously With or Without Background Methotrexate in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From a Phase III, International, Multicenter, Parallel‐Arm, Open‐Label Study
Authors: Nash Peter , Nayiager Sauithree , Genovese Mark C. , Kivitz Alan J. , Oelke Kurt , Ludivico Charles , Palmer William , Rodriguez Cristian , Delaet Ingrid , Elegbe Ayanbola , Corbo Michael 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of concomitant methotrexate (MTX) on subcutaneous (SC) abatacept immunogenicity, and to assess safety and efficacy.MethodsThis phase III, open‐label study had a 4‐month short‐term (ST) period and an ongoing long‐term extension (LTE) period. Rheumatoid arthritis patients were stratified to receive SC abatacept (125 mg/week) with (combination) or without MTX (monotherapy), with no intravenous loading dose; patients receiving monotherapy could add MTX in the LTE period. Immunogenicity (percentage of anti‐abatacept antibody–positive patients) was assessed. ST and LTE period data are reported, including efficacy through LTE month 14 and safety through LTE month 20.ResultsNinety‐six of 100 enrolled patients completed the ST period; 3.9% (combination) and 4.1% of patients (monotherapy) developed transient immunogenicity, and no patients were antibody positive at month 4. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in 3.9% (combination) and 6.1% of patients (monotherapy); 5.9% (combination) and 8.2% of patients (monotherapy) experienced SC injection reactions, and all were mild in intensity. Mean 28‐joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) changes were −1.67 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] −2.06, −1.28; combination) and −1.94 (95% CI −2.46, −1.42; monotherapy) at month 4. Ninety patients entered and were treated in the LTE period; 83.3% (75 of 90) remained ongoing at month 24. One LTE‐treated patient (1.1%) developed immunogenicity, 14.4% of patients experienced SAEs, and no SC injection reactions were reported. For patients entering the LTE period, mean DAS28 changes from baseline were −1.84 (95% CI −2.23, −1.34; combination) and −2.86 (95% CI −3.46, −2.27; monotherapy) at month 18.ConclusionSC abatacept did not elicit immunogenicity associated with loss of safety or efficacy, either with or without MTX.
Top‐Down Fabrication of High Quality III–V Nanostructures by Monolayer Controlled Sculpting and Simultaneous Passivation
Authors: Naureen Shagufta , Shahid Naeem , Sanatinia Reza , Anand Srinivasan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn the fabrication of III–V semiconductor nanostructures for electronic and optoelectronic devices, techniques that are capable of removing material with monolayer precision are as important as material growth to achieve best device performances. A robust chemical treatment is demonstrated using sulfur (S)‐oleylamine (OA) solution, which etches layer by layer in an inverse epitaxial fashion and simultaneously passivates the surface. The application of this process to push the limits of top‐down nanofabrication is demonstrated by the realization of InP‐based high optical quality nanowire arrays, with aspect ratios more than 50, and nanostructures with new topologies. The findings are relevant for other III–V semiconductors and have potential applications in III–V device technologies.
A Stiff Injectable Biodegradable Elastomer
Authors: Mizrahi Boaz , Shankarappa Sahadev A. , Hickey Julia M. , Dohlman Jenny C. , Timko Brian P. , Whitehead Kathryn A. , Lee Jung‐Jae , Langer Robert , Anderson Daniel G. , Kohane Daniel S. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractInjectable materials often have shortcomings in mechanical and drug‐eluting properties that are attributable to their high water contents. A water‐free, liquid four‐armed PEG modified with dopamine end groups is described which changes from liquid to elastic solid by reaction with a small volume of Fe3+solution. The elastic modulus and degradation times increase with increasing Fe3+concentrations. Both the free base and the water‐soluble form of lidocaine can be dissolved in the PEG4‐dopamine and released in a sustained manner from the cross‐linked matrix. PEG4‐dopamine is retained in the subcutaneous space in vivo for up to 3 weeks with minimal inflammation. This material's tailorable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, ability to incorporate hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs and release them slowly are desirable traits for drug delivery and other biomedical applications.
Virus‐Tethered Magnetic Gold Microspheres with Biomimetic Architectures for Enhanced Immunoassays
Authors: Jeon Chang Su , Hwang Inseong , Chung Taek Dong 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn immunoassays, non‐specific bindings to biosensing surfaces can be effectively prevented by formation of biocompatible and hydrophilic self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) on the surfaces. A thin gold (Au) layer on magnetic microspheres, 15 μm in diameter, enables facile SAM formation and thereby accepts second layer of filamentous virus scaffolds for the immobilization of functional proteins. The merger of the virus and SAM‐Au protected microspheres not only provides exceptionlly dense antibody loading, but also resembles biological cellular structures that enhance ligand‐receptor interactions. Site‐specific biotinylation of filamenous viruses allows formation of free‐standing virus threads (>1.0 × 1010) on streptavidin‐modified SAM‐Au microspheres. The augmented yield of antibody loading, due to the increased surface to volume ratio, on virus‐modified Au microspheres is confirmed by measuring fluorescence intensities. The bead‐based immunoassays for the detection of cardiac marker proteins exhibit increased sensitivity of virus‐Au microspheres, as low as 20 pg mL−1 of cardiac troponin I in serum, and extremely low non‐specific adsorption when compared with bare polymer beads. This increased sensitivity due to filamentous morphology and SAM‐Au layer demonstrates the feasibility of merging viruses with non‐biological materials to yield biomimetic tools for the enhanced bead‐based immunoassays.
Preparation, characterization, and polymerization of chromium complexes‐grafted Al/SBA‐15 and Ti/SBA‐15 nanosupports
Authors: Ahmadi Ebrahim , Mohamadnia Zahra , Mashhadi‐Malekzadeh Asemeh , Hamdi Zahra , Saghatchi Fatemeh 
Published: October 2012

AbstractEthylene polymerization catalysts have been prepared by grafting chromium (III) nitrate onto Al/SBA‐15 and Ti/SBA‐15 mesoporous materials. A combination of XRD, nitrogen adsorption, TEM, and inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES), were used to characterize the catalysts. Polymerization activity of Cr/SBA‐15 catalyst is significantly improved by Al or Ti insertion to the supports. Particularly, the chromium catalyst prepared with Ti/SBA‐15 support is more active than Al/SBA‐15 catalyst. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
The Willed Body Donor Interview project: Medical student and donor expectations
Authors: Bohl Michael , Holman Alexis , Mueller Dean A. , Gruppen Larry D. , Hildebrandt Sabine 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe Anatomical Donations Program at the University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS) has begun a multiphase project wherein interviews of donors will be recorded and later shown to medical students who participate in the anatomical dissection course. The first phase of this project included surveys of both current UMMS medical students and donors concerning their perceptions of such a program. A five‐question survey administered via Qualtrics software was electronically mailed to all current medical students at UMMS, and a survey was mailed to registered and potential donors requesting information from the UMMS on anatomical donations. A total of 224 medical student responses (response rate 33%) and 54 donor responses (response rate 27%) were received. Seventy‐four percent of students and 81% of donors reported they would participate in this program if it existed. Students and donors supported the implementation of this program for varying reasons, though many felt strongly they would not want to participate in a donor interview program. These qualitative results support those of previous studies that show a majority of students desire a closer personal relationship with the donor, and these are the first results to be reported on donor perceptions of a donor interview program. Although many students and donors are in favor of instituting this program, others feel strongly that such an experience could be traumatic. The causes of these differing reactions need to be further explored, and the opinions of those who object to this study will be respected by maintaining voluntary participation in future phases of this study. Anat Sci Educ 6: 90–100. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Decision making for borderline cases in pass/fail clinical anatomy courses: The practical value of the standard error of measurement and likelihood ratio in a diagnostic test
Authors: Severo Milton , Silva‐Pereira Fernanda , Ferreira Maria Amélia 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSeveral studies have shown that the standard error of measurement (SEM) can be used as an additional “safety net” to reduce the frequency of false‐positive or false‐negative student grading classifications. Practical examinations in clinical anatomy are often used as diagnostic tests to admit students to course final examinations. The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic value of SEM using the likelihood ratio (LR) in establishing decisions about students with practical examination scores at or below the pass/fail cutoff score in a clinical anatomy course. Two hundred sixty‐seven students took three clinical anatomy practical examinations in 2011. The students were asked to identify 40 anatomical structures in images and prosected specimens in the practical examination. Practical examination scores were then divided according to the following cutoff scores: 2, 1 SEM below, and 0, 1, 2 SEM above the pass score. The positive predictive value (+PV) and LR of passing the final examination were estimated for each category to explore the diagnostic value of practical examination scores. The +PV (LR) in the six categories defined by the SEM was 39.1% (0.08), 70.0% (0.30), 88.9% (1.04), 91.7% (1.43), 95.8% (3.00), and 97.8% (5.74), respectively. The LR of categories 2 SEM above/below the pass score generated a moderate/large shift in the pre‐ to post‐test probability of passing. The LR increased the usefulness and practical value of SEM by improving confidence in decisions about the progress of students with borderline scores 2 SEM above/below the pass score in practical examinations in clinical anatomy courses. Anat Sci Educ. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Effects of ketoconazole treatment on the pharmacokinetics of safinamide and its plasma metabolites in healthy adult subjects
Authors: Krösser Sonja , Marquet Anne , Gallemann Dieter , Wolna Peter , Fauchoux Nicolas , Hermann Robert , Johne Andreas 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this mechanistic drug interaction study was to investigate the effects of ketoconazole on the pharmacokinetics of safinamide. Ketoconazole was applied as a potent prototypic inhibitor of cytochrome CYP3A4, to determine the role of CYP3A4 in the metabolic clearance of safinamide. In an open‐label, randomized, two‐period, two‐sequence cross‐over study, 14 healthy adult subjects (7 males/7 females) received two single doses of 100 mg safinamide: alone and on top of multiple doses of ketoconazole (200 mg b.i.d.) given over 6 days. Serial blood samples were collected over 240 h post dose to quantify safinamide parent drug and metabolite concentrations for pharmacokinetic evaluation. Safinamide exposure was essentially unchanged when administered with and without ketoconazole: Cmax and AUC0‐∞ point estimates (90% CIs) for the treatment comparison were 106.6 (101.0; 112.4) and 112.9 (109.8; 116.03), respectively. Similarly, ketoconazole did not influence the formation and clearance of safinamide metabolites to a clinically relevant extent. Overall, the study shows that CYP3A4 plays a minor role in the metabolism of safinamide in vivo. Therefore, safinamide can be administered together with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors without any requirement for dose adjustment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.