bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why the (dis)agreement? Family context and child–parent perspectives on health‐related quality of life and psychological problems in paediatric asthma
Authors: Silva N. , Crespo C. , Carona C. , Bullinger M. , Canavarro M. C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundChildren's health‐related quality of life (HrQoL) and psychological problems are important outcomes to consider in clinical decision making in paediatric asthma. However, children's and parents' reports often differ. The present study aimed to examine the levels of agreement/disagreement between children's and parents' reports of HrQoL and psychological problems and to identify socio‐demographic, clinical and family variables associated with the extent and direction of (dis)agreement.MethodsThe sample comprised 279 dyads of Portuguese children with asthma who were between 8 and 18 years of age (M = 12.13; SD = 2.56) and one of their parents. The participants completed self‐ and proxy‐reported questionnaires on paediatric generic HrQoL (KIDSCREEN‐10), chronic‐generic HrQoL (DISABKIDS‐37) and psychological problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). Children's and parents' perceptions of family relationships were measured with the Family Environment Scale and the caregiving burden was assessed using the Revised Burden Measure.ResultsThe child–parent agreement on reported HrQoL and psychological problems was poor to moderate (intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.32 and 0.47). The rates of child–parent discrepancies ranged between 52.7% (psychological problems) and 68.8% (generic HrQoL), with 50.5% and 31.5% of the parents reporting worse generic and chronic‐generic HrQoL, respectively, and 33.3% reporting more psychological problems than their children. The extent and direction of disagreement were better explained by family factors than by socio‐demographic and clinical variables: a greater caregiving burden was associated with increased discrepancies in both directions and children's and parents' perceptions of less positive family relationships were associated with discrepancies in different directions.ConclusionsRoutine assessment of paediatric HrQoL and psychological problems in healthcare and research contexts should include self‐ and parent‐reported data as complementary sources of information, and also consider the family context. The additional cost of conducting a more in‐depth assessment of paediatric adaptation outcomes can be offset through more efficient allocation of health resources.
We're GRAND: a qualitative design and development pilot project addressing the needs and strengths of grandparents raising grandchildren
Authors: Lee Youjung , Blitz Lisa V. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractCustodial grandparents play a significant role in sustaining healthy families, but the caregiving is demanding. A social research design and development process informed a school district‐university partnership project responding to the needs of a group of custodial grandparents. Three phases of the project are described: (i) needs assessment; (ii) design and implementation of a psychoeducational group facilitated by social work faculty and a school district administrator; and (iii) evaluation of programme impact. Major themes from the needs assessment and evaluation are presented. Discussion highlights the need for school and family engagement, recognition of the significant changes in family role required for grandparents, and viewing custodial grandparents as leaders and engaged caregivers. The meaning of diversity in group intervention for this population is also explored.
Comparing UK and Other Western Countries' Health Expenditure, Relative Poverty and Child Mortality: Are British Children Doubly Disadvantaged?
Authors: Pritchard Colin , Wallace Mark S 
Published: May 2014

We examined the UK's effectiveness in reducing Child Mortality with 20 other Western countries, in the context of their national health expenditures, and, relative poverty — measured by ‘Income Inequality’ the gap between top and bottom 20 per cent of income. W.H.O. Child (0–14) Mortality Rates (CMR) and GDP Expenditure on Health (% GDPHE) were examined and a cost‐effectiveness ratio calculated, which is the reduced CMR over the period divided by average GDPHE. The highest average % GDPHE was USA at 13.2 per cent; the UK's 7.3 per cent was equal lowest. The widest Income Inequality was USA 8.5 times; the UK at 7.2 was third widest. The highest CMR was the USA 2436 per million (pm), the UK's 1630 pm, although representing a fall of 62 per cent was fourth highest. However, UK cost‐effectiveness ratio (1: 350) was eighth best of 21 countries. Only Income Inequality correlated significantly with CMR. UK CMR fell significantly more than five countries but ten others declined more. If UK deaths had been at the average of the 17 countries with lower CMR, there would have been 1827 fewer deaths. British children's poverty and health expenditure means they and their services are doubly disadvantaged although the NHS relatively achieved more with comparatively less.
Transition and Justice: An Introduction
Authors: Anders Gerhard , Zenker Olaf 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTSince the end of the Cold War, political new beginnings have increasingly been linked to questions of transitional justice. The contributions to this collection examine a series of cases from across the African continent where peaceful ‘new beginnings’ have been declared after periods of violence and where transitional justice institutions played a role in defining justice and the new socio‐political order. Three issues seem to be crucial to the understanding of transitional justice in the context of wider social debates on justice and political change: the problem of ‘new beginnings’, of finding a foundation for that which explicitly breaks with the past; the discrepancies between lofty promises and the messy realities of transitional justice in action; and the dialectic between logics of the exception and the ordinary, employed to legitimize or resist transitional justice mechanisms. These are the particular focus of this Introduction.
Increasing capacity to deliver diabetes self‐management education: results of the DESMOND lay educator non‐randomized controlled equivalence trial
Authors: Carey M. E. , Mandalia P. K. , Daly H. , Gray L. J. , Hale R. , Martin Stacey L. , Taub N. , Skinner T. C. , Stone M. , Heller S. , Khunti K. , Davies M. J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo develop and test a format of delivery of diabetes self‐management education by paired professional and lay educators.MethodsWe conducted an equivalence trial with non‐randomized participant allocation to a Diabetes Education and Self Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed Type 2 diabetes (DESMOND) course, delivered in the standard format by two trained healthcare professional educators (to the control group) or by one trained lay educator and one professional educator (to the intervention group). A total of 260 people with Type 2 diabetes diagnosed within the previous 12 months were referred for self‐management education as part of routine care and attended either a control or intervention format DESMOND course. The primary outcome measure was change in illness coherence score (derived from the Diabetes Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised) between baseline and 4 months after attending education sessions. Secondary outcome measures included change in HbA1c level. The trial was conducted in four primary care organizations across England and Scotland.ResultsThe 95% CI for the between‐group difference in positive change in coherence scores was within the pre‐set limits of equivalence (difference = 0.22, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.52). Equivalent changes related to secondary outcome measures were also observed, including equivalent reductions in HbA1c levels.ConclusionDiabetes education delivered jointly by a trained lay person and a healthcare professional educator with the same educator role can provide equivalent patient benefits. This could provide a method that increases capacity, maintains quality and is cost‐effective, while increasing access to self‐management education.
High prevalences of hepatitis B and C virus infections among adults living in Binh Thuan province, Vietnam
Authors: Do Son Huy , Yamada Hiroko , Fujimoto Mayumi , Ohisa Masayuki , Matsuo Junko , Akita Tomoyuki , Katayama Keiko , Van Nguyen Nhon , Miyakawa Yuzo , Tanaka Junko 
Published: May 2014

AimVietnam is one of the countries with the highest mortality from liver cancer, which is mostly attributed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. For planning preventive strategies against these infections, we investigated prevalences of HBV and HCV infections among adults living in Binh Thuan, Vietnam.MethodsOur study consisted of a serological survey for HBV and HCV infections and a questionnaire survey on their risk factors. The sample size was calculated based on anticipated rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Subjects were randomly sampled using a multistage method. Confirmation and family‐tree surveys were conducted to examine persistent HBV infection and intrafamilial HBV transmission, respectively.ResultsA total of 509 adults, comprised of 230 men (45.2%) and 279 women (54.8%), were enrolled. Prevalences of HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antibody and hepatitis B core antibody were 15.3%, 60.3% and 71.7%, respectively. Most HBV DNA positive sera were classified as genotype B (75.3%) and C (11.7%). Of HBsAg positive subjects, 96.7% were persistently infected and one acutely HBV infected person was identified. Family‐tree surveys suggested that horizontal extrafamilial HBV transmission might have been frequent. Prevalences of anti‐HCV and HCV RNA were 3.3% and 1.8%, respectively. HCV genotype 6a was prominent (55.6%).ConclusionIn Binh Thuan, prevalences of HBV and HCV infections are high, HBV genotype B and HCV genotype 6a are predominant, and horizontal HBV transmission may still occur. Therefore, raising the coverage of a universal HBV vaccination program may be an effective liver cancer control in Vietnam.
Larval settlement of the nemertean egg predator Carcinonemertes errans on the Dungeness crab, Metacarcinus magister
Authors: Dunn Paul H. , Young Craig M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDue to their habitat specificity, marine parasites present excellent systems for studying the processes and patterns of larval settlement. Settlement of Carcinonermertes errans, an egg predator of the Dungeness crab, is described here for the first time. Upon contact with a host individual, competent larvae of C. errans settled on the crab's exoskeleton and migrated under the abdominal flap within 24 h. When removed from the host, recently settled worms retained their larval characteristics. After 48 h on the host, however, metamorphosis proceeded and larvae became juvenile worms. Additional field studies showed that competent larvae were present in the waters of the Coos Bay Estuary during the months of August through early November, could infect crab hosts directly from the water column, and exhibited density‐dependent gregarious settlement.
Adverse events in hospitalized paediatric patients: a systematic review and a meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Berchialla Paola , Scaioli Giacomo , Passi Stefano , Gianino Maria M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesTo gain insight into the incidence of paediatric adverse events (AEs); to assess if there are significant differences among study results and to what extent methodological issues can explain them.MethodsFrom November 2012 to January 2013, systematic literature searches were conducted on PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane Library. We selected studies from 1970 onwards that evaluated the incidence of AEs in hospitalized paediatric patients and included a minimum of 1000 patient records with the same definition of AE. Studies that reported only specific AEs or only a specific ward were not considered. Data were extracted on the method of data collection, study design, type of hospital, and the timing of the AE in relation to its discovery and the index admission (time frame). AE incidence and preventability were considered.ResultsThe pooled incidence of AEs was 2.0% (95% CI: 1.3–3.0%). Five methodological differences among studies were taken into account. Only the time frame of detected events had a statistically significant effect on the incidence of AEs (P < 0.0001). The pooled incidence of preventable AEs was 46.2% (95% CI: 35.3–57.5%) with a high variability among studies.ConclusionsOur meta‐analysis confirms that AEs are a major public health issue. Although studies use the same definition of AE, the reported incidence of AEs and preventable AEs varied considerably. To direct prevention efforts properly, studies methodologically more homogeneous and more detailed about the standard of health care provided and the health system organization are needed.
Dynamics of violence
Authors: Katerndahl David , Burge Sandra , Ferrer Robert , Becho Johanna , Wood Robert 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThree behavioural models suggest different dynamic patterns of intimate partner violence (IPV). However, few studies permit assessment of IPV dynamics. The purpose of this study was to estimate the degree of non‐linearity in daily violence between partners over a 3‐month period, identify their specific dynamic patterns and determine whether measures of violence severity and dynamics are interrelated.MethodsFrom six primary care clinics, we enrolled 200 adult women who experienced violence in the previous month and asked them to complete daily telephone assessments of household environment, marital relationship and violence using Interactive Verbal Response. To assess non‐linearity of violence, algorithmic complexity was measured by LZ complexity and lack of regularity was measured by approximate entropy. Lyapunov exponents and correlation dimension saturation were used to approximate dynamic patterns.ResultsOf the 9618 daily reports, women reported experiencing abuse on 39% of days, while perpetrating violence themselves on 23% of days. Most (59%) displayed random dynamics, 30% showed chaotic and 12% showed periodic dynamics. All three measures of non‐linearity consistently demonstrated non‐linear patterns of violence. Using multivariate analysis of variance, neither episode severity for men or women showed significant differences across dynamic types, but chaotic dynamics had the lowest frequencies of violence in men and women while random dynamics had the highest frequencies. Approximate entropy was positively correlated with violence frequency and burden in men and women, but Lyapunov exponent was inversely related to violence. LZ complexity correlated positively with wife‐perpetrated violence only.ConclusionsIPV is rarely a predictable, periodic phenomenon; no behavioural model describes the violence dynamics for all violent relationships. Yet, the measures of non‐linearity and specific dynamic patterns correlate with different violent features of these relationships.
Assessing neurosurgical non‐technical skills: an exploratory study of a new behavioural marker system
Authors: Michinov Estelle , Jamet Eric , Dodeler Virginie , Haegelen Claire , Jannin Pierre 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe management of non‐technical skills is a major factor affecting teamwork quality and patient safety. This article presents a behavioural marker system for assessing neurosurgical non‐technical skills (BMS‐NNTS). We tested the BMS during deep brain stimulation surgery.MethodWe developed the BMS in three stages. First, we drew up a provisional assessment tool based on the literature and observation tools developed for other surgical specialties. We then analysed videos made in an operating room (OR) during deep brain stimulation operations in order to ensure there were no significant omissions from the skills list. Finally, we used five videos of operations to identify the behavioural markers of non‐technical skills in verbal communications.ResultsAnalyses of more than six hours of observations revealed 3515 behaviours from which we determined the neurosurgeon's non‐technical skills behaviour pattern. The neurosurgeon frequently engaged in explicit coordination, situation awareness and leadership behaviours. In addition, the neurosurgeon's behaviours differed according to the stage of the operation and the OR staff members with whom she was communicating.ConclusionsOur behavioural marker system provides a structured approach to assessing non‐technical skills in the field of neurosurgery. It can also be transferred to other surgical specialties and used in surgeon training curricula.
Long‐Term Effects of Gestures on Memory for Foreign Language Words Trained in the Classroom
Authors: Macedonia Manuela , Klimesch Wolfgang 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTLanguage and gesture are viewed as highly interdependent systems. Besides supporting communication, gestures also have an impact on memory for verbal information compared to pure verbal encoding in native but also in foreign language learning. This article presents a within‐subject longitudinal study lasting 14 months that tested the use of gestures in the classroom, with the experimenter presenting the items to be acquired. Participants learned 36 words distributed across two training conditions: In the audio‐visual condition subjects read, heard, and spoke the words; in the gestural condition subjects additionally accompanied the words with symbolic gestures. Memory performance was assessed through cued native‐to‐foreign translation tests at five time points. The results show that gestures significantly enhance vocabulary learning in quantity and over time. The findings are discussed in terms of Klimesch's connectivity model (CM) of information processing. Thereafter, a code, a word, is better integrated into long‐term memory if it is deep, that is, if it is comprised of many interconnected components.
Identifying determinants of effective complementary feeding behaviour change interventions in developing countries
Authors: Fabrizio Cecilia S. , van Liere Marti , Pelto Gretel 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAs stunting moves to the forefront of the global agenda, there is substantial evidence that behaviour change interventions (BCI) can improve infant feeding practices and growth. However, this evidence has not been translated into improved outcomes on a national level because we do not know enough about what makes these interventions work, for whom, when, why, at what cost and for how long. Our objective was to examine the design and implementation of complementary feeding BCI, from the peer‐reviewed literature, to identify generalisable key determinants. We identified 29 studies that evaluated BCI efficacy or effectiveness, were conducted in developing countries, and reported outcomes on infant and young children aged 6–24 months. Two potential determinants emerged: (1) effective studies used formative research to identify cultural barriers and enablers to optimal feeding practices, to shape the intervention strategy, and to formulate appropriate messages and mediums for delivery; (2) effective studies delineated the programme impact pathway to the target behaviour change and assessed intermediary behaviour changes to learn what worked. We found that BCI that used these developmental and implementation processes could be effective despite heterogeneous approaches and design components. Our analysis was constrained, however, by the limited published data on how design and implementation were carried out, perhaps because of publishing space limits. Information on cost‐effectiveness, sustainability and scalability was also very limited. We suggest a more comprehensive reporting process and a more strategic research agenda to enable generalisable evidence to accumulate.
Adverse Effects of First‐Degree AV‐Block in Patients with Sinus Node Dysfunction: Data from the Mode Selection Trial
Authors: HOLMQVIST FREDRIK , HELLKAMP ANNE S. , LEE KERRY L. , LAMAS GERVASIO A. , DAUBERT JAMES P. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundPatients with a pacing indication and first‐degree atrioventricular (AV)‐block pose a clinical challenge. The prognostic impact of first‐degree AV‐block in patients with sinus node dysfunction and the impact of pacing in this setting are not known.MethodsIn the Mode Selection Trial (MOST), 2,010 patients with sinus node dysfunction were randomized to either dual‐chamber (DDD‐R) or ventricular (VVI‐R) pacing and followed for a median of 33 months. We report on clinical outcomes in patients with first‐degree AV‐block (PR interval > 200 ms) compared with patients who had a normal PR interval at baseline.ResultsPatients with first‐degree AV‐block (n = 378) were older (median [Q1, Q3]; 76 [70, 82] years vs 73 [66, 79] years, P< 0.0001), more often male (57% vs 49%, P = 0.0049), and had more comorbidity, such as hypertension (66% vs 60%, P = 0.034) and heart failure (24% vs 17%, P = 0.0050) than patients with normal AV‐conduction (n = 1,159). In multivariable analyses, patients with first‐degree AV‐block were at greater risk of death, stroke, or heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.61, P = 0.013). A trend towards a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation was seen (HR 1.24, 95% CI 0.98–1.55, P = 0.069). No significant interactions between pacing arm and prolonged versus normal PR were found for any endpoint, and hazard ratios were consistent across subgroups.ConclusionsFirst‐degree AV‐block is associated with more advanced disease but is still an independent predictor of poor clinical outcome. Neither DDD‐R nor VVI‐R pacing, as employed in MOST, eliminate the negative effects associated with first‐degree AV‐block.
Impact of a change in antibacterial prophylaxis on bacteremia and hospitalization rates following outpatient autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma
Authors: Kim J.H. , Goulston C. , Zangari M. , Tricot G. , Boyer M.W. , Hanson K.E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundLevofloxacin is routinely used for the prevention of invasive bacterial infections during autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT). However, increasing rates of bacterial sepsis were noted at our institution among multiple myeloma (MM) patients undergoing outpatient APBSCT with melphalan‐based chemotherapy and levofloxacin prophylaxis. We assessed the impact of a change in antibacterial prophylaxis from oral levofloxacin (Period 1) to sequential oral levofloxacin followed by ertapenem (Period 2).MethodsElectronic medical records were reviewed to identify MM patients who underwent APBSCT in the outpatient clinic between October 2007 and April 2012.ResultsOver a 4.5‐year period, 165 outpatient APBSCTs were eligible for the analysis. Fewer overall bacteremias occurred during Period 2 as compared with Period 1 (0.5 cases per 100 person‐days vs. 2.4 cases per 100 person‐days, P < 0.001). In addition, fewer patients were hospitalized for neutropenic fever while receiving sequential prophylaxis (45.7% vs. 75.7% of outpatient APBSCT recipients during Periods 2 and 1, respectively; P < 0.001). In Kaplan–Meier analysis, receipt of sequential prophylaxis (Period 2) was significantly associated with overall bacteremia‐free survival within 30 days after the APBSCT (P < 0.001). No significant differences were seen in the number of patients developing Clostridium difficile infection or ertapenem‐resistant gram‐negative bacteremia between study periods.ConclusionIn conclusion, sequential prophylaxis may effectively prevent episodes of bacteremia and hospitalizations in neutropenic MM outpatient APBSCT recipients. Prospective studies that involve larger numbers of MM patients with extended periods of follow‐up are ultimately required to define the safety and efficacy of sequential antibacterial prophylaxis.