bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood Pressure Control 1 Year After Referral to a Hypertension Specialist
Authors: Denker Matthew G. , Haddad Danny B. , Townsend Raymond R. , Cohen Debbie L. 
Published: June 2013

Hypertension is highly prevalent and remains poorly controlled. The purpose of this study was to evaluate blood pressure (BP) control in patients with uncontrolled hypertension 1 year after referral to a hypertension specialist. A retrospective chart review was performed on 158 patients evaluated by a single hypertension specialist between 2005 and 2010 at the Penn Hypertension Program. Patients were included if they had at least 1 year of follow‐up and had baseline plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentration measured. Drug regimens were adjusted with particular attention to results of renin‐aldosterone profiling. Mean BP of the entire cohort decreased from 149/87 mm Hg to 129/78 mm Hg at 1 year (P<.0001), without a significant change in the number of antihypertensive medications. The authors observed that referral to a hypertension specialist was worthwhile and associated with a significant reduction in BP without an increase in the number of BP medications used at 1 year.
Modifiable Risk Factors for Pneumonia Requiring Hospitalization of Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study
Authors: Juthani‐Mehta Manisha , De Rekeneire Nathalie , Allore Heather , Chen Shu , O'Leary John R. , Bauer Douglas C. , Harris Tamara B. , Newman Anne B. , Yende Sachin , Weyant Robert J. , Kritchevsky Stephen , Quagliarello Vincent ,   for the Health ABC Study
Published: June 2013

ObjectivesTo identify novel modifiable risk factors, focusing on oral hygiene, for pneumonia requiring hospitalization of community‐dwelling older adults.DesignProspective observational cohort study.SettingMemphis, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.ParticipantsOf 3,075 well‐functioning community‐dwelling adults aged 70 to 79 enrolled in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study from 1997 to 1998, 1,441 had complete data in the data set of all variables used, a dental examination within 6 months of baseline, and were eligible for this study.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was pneumonia requiring hospitalization through 2008.ResultsOf 1,441 participants, 193 were hospitalized for pneumonia. In a multivariable model, male sex (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.51–2.83), white race (HR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.03–2.01), history of pneumonia (HR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.86–5.14), pack‐years of smoking (HR = 1.006, 95% CI = 1.001–1.011), and percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 minute (moderate vs mild lung disease or normal lung function, HR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.28–2.48; severe lung disease vs mild lung disease or normal lung function, HR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.51–5.57) were nonmodifiable risk factors for pneumonia. Incident mobility limitation (HR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.32–2.38) and higher mean oral plaque score (HR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.02–1.64) were modifiable risk factors for pneumonia. Average attributable fractions revealed that 11.5% of cases of pneumonia were attributed to incident mobility limitation and 10.3% to a mean oral plaque score of 1 or greater.ConclusionIncident mobility limitation and higher mean oral plaque score were two modifiable risk factors that 22% of pneumonia requiring hospitalization could be attributed to. These data suggest innovative opportunities for pneumonia prevention among community‐dwelling older adults.
Objective Measures of Physical Activity, Fractures and Falls: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study
Authors: Cauley Jane A. , Harrison Stephanie L. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Ensrud Kristine E. , Danielson Michelle E. , Orwoll Eric , Mackey Dawn C. 
Published: June 2013

ObjectivesTo determine the association between objectively measured physical activity (PA), fractures, and falls.DesignLongitudinal cohort study.SettingSix U.S. clinical sites.ParticipantsTwo thousand seven hundred thirty‐one men with a mean age of 79.MeasurementsTotal and active energy expenditure (EE) and minutes per day spent in sedentary and moderate intensity activities were measured for at least 5 days. Energy expended at a metabolic equivalent of greater than three was termed active EE. Incident nonspine fractures and falls were identified every 4 months.ResultsSeven hundred fifty‐nine (28.2%) men fell at least once over 12 months of follow‐up; 186 (6.8%) experienced one or more fractures over an average follow‐up of 3.5 ± 0.9 years. The association between PA and falling varied according to age (P interaction = .02). Men younger than 80 with the lowest active EE had a lower risk of falling than men with the highest active EE (relative risk (RR) = 0.75; P trend = .08), whereas men aged 80 and older with the lowest active EE had a higher risk of falling than men with the highest active EE (RR = 1.43, P trend = .09). In multivariate models including health status, men in the lowest quintile of active EE had a significantly higher risk of fracture (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–3.00, P trend = .04) than men in highest quintile. Men with <33 min/d of moderate activity had a 70% greater risk of fracture (HR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.03–2.80).ConclusionAge modifies the association between PA and falling. Interventions aimed at obtaining more than 30 minutes of moderate PA per day may reduce fractures, extending PA guidelines to the oldest old, the fastest‐growing proportion of those aged 65 and older.
Quality of End‐of‐Life Care of Long‐Term Nursing Home Residents with and without Dementia
Authors: Li Qinghua , Zheng Nan Tracy , Temkin‐Greener Helena 
Published: June 2013

ObjectivesTo describe the longitudinal patterns and the within‐ and between‐facility differences in hospice use and in‐hospital deaths between long‐term nursing home (NH) residents with and without dementia.DesignRetrospective analyses of secondary data sets from 2003 to 2007.SettingNHs in the United States.ParticipantsA total of 1,261,726 decedents in 16,347 NHs were included in 2003 to 2007 trend analysis and 236,619 decedents in 15,098 NHs in 2007 were included in the within‐ and between‐facility analyses.MeasurementsHospice use in the last 100 days of life and in‐hospital deaths were outcome measures. Dementia was defined as having a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia based on Minimum Data Set (MDS) health assessments.ResultsOverall hospice use increased from 25.6% in 2003 to 35.7% in 2007. During this time, hospice use for decedents with dementia increased from 25.1% to 36.5%, compared with an increase from 26.5% to 34.4% for decedents without dementia. The rate of in‐hospital deaths remained virtually unchanged. Within the same facility, decedents with dementia were significantly more likely to use hospice (odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.11) and less likely to die in a hospital (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.74–0.78). Decedents in NHs with higher dementia prevalence, regardless of individual dementia status, were more likely to use hospice (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.22–2.27).ConclusionNHs appear to provide less‐aggressive end‐of‐life care to decedents with dementia than to those without. Although significantly more residents with dementia now receive hospice care at the end of life, the quality evaluation and monitoring of hospice programs have not been systematically conducted, and additional research in this area is warranted.
A Preliminary Energy Return on Investment Analysis of Natural Gas from the Marcellus Shale
Authors: Aucott Michael L. , Melillo Jacqueline M. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryAn analysis of the energy return on investment (EROI) of natural gas obtained from horizontal, hydraulically fractured wells in the Marcellus Shale was conducted using net external energy ratio methodology and available data and estimates of energy inputs and outputs. Used as sources of input data were estimates of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides emitted from the gas extraction processes, as well as fuel‐use reports from industry and other sources. Estimates of quantities of materials used and the associated embodied energy as well as other energy‐using steps were also developed from available data. Total input energy was compared with the energy expected to be made available to end users of the natural gas produced from a typical Marcellus well. The analysis indicates that the EROI of a typical well is likely between 64:1 and 112:1, with a mean of approximately 85:1. This range assumes an estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) of 3.0 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per well. EROI values are directly proportionate to EUR values. If the EUR is greater or lesser than 3 Bcf, the EROI would be proportionately higher or lower. EROI is also sensitive to the energy used or embedded in gathering and transmission pipelines and associated infrastructure and energy used for their construction, energy consumed in well drilling and well completion, and energy used for wastewater treatment.
The evaluation of a palliative care programme for people suffering from life‐limiting diseases
Authors: Chan Carmen WH , Chui Ying Yu , Chair Sek Ying , Sham Michael MK , Lo Raymond SK , Ng Catalina SM , Chan Helen YL , Lai David CY 
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectivesTo report on the effectiveness of an eight‐week palliative care programme in Hong Kong.BackgroundA recent survey reported that the quality of palliative care services in Hong Kong ranked the 20th among 40 countries and it is far behind other Asian countries. There are disagreement and inadequate communication in clinical decision‐making among patients, families and healthcare professionals, and that the nurses lack sufficient knowledge and skills in providing palliative care and advance care planning.DesignA pretest post‐test design and semi‐structured interviews were adopted.MethodsA total of 108 home care patients with life‐limiting disease and their family caregivers in Hong Kong were recruited to complete a set of questionnaire including The McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire for Hong Kong Chinese and the Family Satisfaction Scale before and after they attended an eight‐week programme. The programme comprised the elements of symptom management, intensive communication on advance care planning and psychosocial intervention.ResultsPearson's chi‐square tests and Wilcoxon matched paired tests show a general trend that the patients' quality of life was improved after the programme. Their understanding and active participation in advance care planning was also improved. The hospital readmission rate and the days of hospital stays were significantly reduced. In qualitative interview, four major themes were identified that are as follows: improvement in the communication of treatment plans and after‐death arrangements, symptom management, emotional support and suggested areas of improvement.ConclusionThe study supports the benefit of implementing a palliative care programme to patients with life‐limiting disease. Patients demonstrated improved understanding and changed behaviour as regards the preparation for death and dying after the eight‐week programme.Relevance to clinical practiceThe programme could be replicated in other hospitals and infirmaries that offer home care services.
Interventions to promote self‐care of people with arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Sousa Clemente N , Apóstolo João Luís , Figueiredo Maria Henriqueta , Martins Maria Manuela , Dias Vanessa F 
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectivesThe literature shows many self‐care behaviours related to people with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Our aim is to identify interventions within the ‘teaching’ that promote self‐care (behaviour) with arteriovenous fistula (AVF).BackgroundThe development of self‐care behaviours with the AVF allows the access to maintain the best possible conditions, because its state influences the efficacy of the dialysis treatment. However, few studies assess self‐care behaviours that people with ESRD have with the AVF, as well as interventions that promote this self‐care.DesignDiscursive paper.MethodsOur research was conducted in MEDLINE, Health Nursing and Allied Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science and SCOPUS using three search expressions, between the period of 2000–2010. We selected studies that identified interventions that promote self‐care with AVF.ResultsNo study has shown in detail the interventions that aimed at promoting self‐care behaviours with the AVF for patients with ESRD. We verify that the interventions that promote self‐care are directed mostly to the moments after AVF construction.ConclusionsThis paper reinforces the need to develop guidelines that provide guidance for self‐care with the AVF to be developed by people with ESRD. We also found that self‐care behaviours directed to the AVF are mostly associated with postconstruction of the access.Relevance to clinical practiceBased on these results, it is necessary to delineate clear intervention programmes and objectives, in order to assess self‐care with the AVF by people with ESRD, as well as to develop guidelines that provide guidance for self‐care for the person with an AVF.
Sexual function in Iranian women using different methods of contraception
Authors: Fataneh Ghadirian , Marjan Mardani H , Nasrin Rezaee , Taraneh Taghavi 
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectivesTo determine the sexual function in Iranian women using different methods of contraception.BackgroundFailure in family planning programmes can lead to reduced quality of life and threaten the health of the families in developing countries. One of the major causes of failure in family planning methods could be due to complications of them. One of the major unpleasant side effects of these methods, as an important cause of the rejection, is sexual dysfunction.DesignA case–control study.MethodsIn this study, samples included 608 married women aged 15–49 years from Shahin Shahr health centres in Isfahan. Stratified sampling method was used to determine entitlement to select health centres, and convenience sampling method was used for women selection. The selected samples, based on using contraceptive methods, were divided into case group (n = 306) and control group (n = 302). Data were collected using sexual function questionnaire in women using different methods of contraception. Data were analysed by descriptive statistic and anova.ResultsResults of independent t‐test showed significant difference in all domains of sexual function in two groups (p < 0·05). Most contraceptive methods in control group were natural methods (28·4%), and the least used was vasectomy (1·8%). Findings showed that the least sexual dysfunction in Iranian women was in condom use method, and the most was in vasectomy method. There was asignificant difference between all domains of sexual function (except pain) in types of contraceptive methods (p < 0·05).ConclusionsThis study revealed that in family planning programmes, contraceptive methods in women that are more effective and have less sexual function impairments should be recommended.Relevance to clinical practiceKnowledge and awareness of the healthcare professionals regarding the sexual problems should be increased. Management of sexual dysfunction in a holistic approach in the primary care services might improve the wellness and quality of life of the women.
Effect of SOHAM Meditation on Human Brain: A Voxel‐Based Morphometry Study
Authors: Kumar Uttam , Guleria Anupam , Kishan Sadguru Sri Kunal , Khetrapal C. L. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTThe anatomical correlates of long‐term meditators involved in practice of “SOHAM” meditation have been studied using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM). The VBM analysis indicates significantly higher gray matter density in brain stem, ventral pallidum, and supplementary motor area in the meditators as compared with age‐matched nonmeditators. The observed changes in brain structure are compared with other forms of meditation.
Factor Endowments, Democracy, and Trade Policy Divergence
Authors: GALIANI SEBASTIAN , SCHOFIELD NORMAN , TORRENS GUSTAVO 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe develop a stochastic model of electoral competition in order to study the economic and political determinants of trade policy. We model a small open economy with two tradable goods, each of which is produced using a sector‐specific factor (e.g., land and capital) and another factor that is mobile between these tradable sectors (labor); one nontradable good, which is also produced using a specific factor (skilled labor), and an elected government with the mandate to tax trade flows. The tax revenue is used to provide local public goods that increase the economic agents’ utility. We use this general equilibrium model to explicitly derive the ideal policies of the different socioeconomic groups in society (landlords, industrialists, labor, and skilled workers). We then use those ideal policies to model the individual probabilistic voting behavior of the members of each of these socioeconomic groups. We use this model to shed light on how differences in the comparative advantages of countries explain trade policy divergence between countries as well as trade policy instability within countries. We regard trade policy instability to mean that, in equilibrium, political parties diverge in terms of the political platforms they adopt. We show that in natural resource (land)–abundant economies with very little capital, or in economies that specializes in the production of manufactures, parties tend to converge to the same policy platform, and trade policy is likely to be stable and relatively close to free trade. In contrast, in a natural resource–abundant economy with an important domestic industry that competes with the imports, parties tend to diverge, and trade policy is likely to be more protectionist and unstable.
The Comparison ofad Valoremand Specific Taxation under Uncertainty
Authors: KOTSOGIANNIS CHRISTOS , SERFES KONSTANTINOS 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe comparison between specific (per unit) andad valorem(percentage) taxation has been one of the oldest issues in public finance. In Cournot markets, with deterministic costs structures, conventional wisdom has it thatad valoremtaxation tax‐revenue dominates specific. It is shown that in the presence of uncertainty, regarding firms’ cost structures, and under reasonable conditions, the conventional wisdom might not hold. The implication of this, from a policy perspective, is that the precise evaluation of the two types of taxation requires an explicit consideration of cost uncertainty.
Visual–tactile versus radiographic caries detection agreement in caries‐active adults
Authors: Ritter André V. , Ramos Mario D. , Astorga Fernando , Shugars Daniel A. , Bader James D. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe study aims to determine a) the extent of agreement between visual–tactile caries examination (VTE) and radiographic examination (RE) in detecting presumptive caries lesions on occlusal and proximal surfaces of posterior teeth of UNC Xylitol for Adult Caries Trial participants; and b) the additional caries diagnostic yield obtained by adding RE to VTE.MethodsData consisted of surface‐level visual–tactile and radiographic classification of disease (cavitated and noncavitated caries lesions) or nondisease (sound surfaces). Participants (n = 114, adults with ≥12 erupted teeth and 1‐10 caries lesions) received baseline VTE by a trained and calibrated examiner, and had interproximal radiographs obtained within 7 months before or after the VTE. Radiographs were assessed independently by two trained and calibrated examiners masked with respect to VTE results. The diagnostic threshold was surface‐level disease/nondisease status. Kappa statistics provided an estimate of VTE‐RE agreement on diseased surfaces. The additional diagnostic yield of the RE over VTE was calculated as the additional lesions detected radiographically as a percentage of the total number of lesions detected by VTE.ResultsFour‐hundred ninety‐four (51 occlusal, 433 proximal) lesions were detected; of these, 81 (2 occlusal, 79 proximal) lesions were detected by both VTE and RE. Kappa statistics were 0.18 (all surfaces), 0.04 (occlusal), and 0.18 (proximal). The additional diagnostic yield was 69 percent (all surfaces), 55 percent (occlusal), and 71 percent (proximal).ConclusionsThere is poor agreement between VTE and RE to detect caries in posterior teeth of caries‐active adults. However, an RE performed within 7 months of a VTE adds caries diagnostic yield in a clinical trial, especially on proximal surfaces.
Collegiate presence: explaining homogenous but disparate nursing relationships
Authors: Broadbent M. , Moxham L. 
Published: June 2013

Accessible summary
This paper contends that interdisciplinary relationships have an intercultural component to them.
A lack of understanding of cultural differences between interdisciplinary groups can lead to fragmented service delivery.
Collegiate presence may improve relationships, where cultural differences between disciplines are not understood.
Collegiate presence may improve service delivery when interdisciplinary groups function more cohesively.
AbstractThis paper examines the notion of collegiate presence. Collegiate presence is defined as a mutual connection between two or more professional individuals or groups who share a common work focus and who are mindful of cultural differences. This concept emerged as a result of an ethnographic study of two groups of triage nurses; emergency department, and mental health nurses. Data analysis exposed a number of concepts and themes including collegiality and presence. These two concepts were seen to be so closely connected that the term collegiate presence was constructed. This paper explores the notion of collegiate presence and examines factors that affect this phenomenon between what are homogenous (nurses) but disparate cultural groups (emergency department nurses and mental health triage nurses) in a health‐care organization. Findings indicate that culturally disparate groups are challenged to develop functional and collaborative working relationships without a deep understanding of, and appreciation for, each other's culture. Developing collegiate presence requires effective communication, social and professional conversations, and physical presence.
The insecticidal toxin genes of Yersinia enterocolitica are activated by the thermolabile LTTR‐like regulator TcaR2 at low temperatures
Authors: Starke Mandy , Richter Marleen , Fuchs Thilo M. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryTemperature‐dependent activation of bacterial virulence factors at 37°C is well investigated. The molecular mechanism underlying the expression of toxicity determinants at environmental temperatures, however, has not been characterized. The insecticidal activity of Yersinia enterocolitica strain W22703 requires the toxin complex subunit A (TcaA) encoded on the pathogenicity island Tc‐PAIYe. Genes tcaA and tcaB encoding this subunit are maximally produced at low temperatures (10–20°C), but repressed at body temperature. Two further insecticidal genes, tcaC (subunit B) and tccC1 (subunit C), are silent at both temperatures. A novel LysR‐type transcriptional regulator (LTTR), TcaR2, revealed to be autoregulated and essential for tcaA and tcaB expression in W22703. Expression of tcaR2 is negatively controlled by a second LTTR‐like regulator, TcaR1. Gel mobility shift assays confirmed the interaction of TcaR2 with the tcaR2, tcaA and tcaB promoters. The activity of the tcaA promoter in heterologous hosts in the presence of TcaR2 excludes the requirement of additional, Yersinia‐specific (co)factors for toxin gene expression. Overproduced TcaR2 protein is shown to be unstable at 37°C, whereas the mRNA of tcaA and tcaR2 is equally stable at low and high temperature. Thus, TcaR2 is a key player in the induction of insecticidal genes in Y. enterocolitica at low temperatures.