bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of cystatin C and Beta‐2‐microglobulin kinetics in children on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Marsenic Olivera , Wierenga Andrea , Wilson Donna R. , Anderson Michael , Shrivastava Tripti , Simon Garfield A. , Beck Anne M. , Swanson Tiffany J. , Studnicka Kathleen , Elberg Dorit , Singh Nisha S. , Couloures Kevin , Henry Dwayne , Turman Martin A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMiddle‐molecules (MM) are not monitored in children on hemodialysis (HD), but are accumulated and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Molecular properties of Cystatin C (CyC), 13 kDa, potentially make it a preferred MM marker over Beta‐2‐Microglobulin (B2M), 12 kDa. We compared CyC and B2M kinetics to investigate if CyC can be used as preferred MM marker. CyC (mg/L) and B2M (μg/mL) were measured in 21 low‐flux HD sessions in seven children. Blood samples were taken at HD start (pre), 1 and 2 hours into HD and at end of HD (post) for all sessions and 60 minutes after the first HD (Eq). PreCyC (9.85 ± 2.15) did not differ (P > 0.05) from postCyC (10.04 ± 2.83). PostB2M (38.87 ± 7.12) was higher (P < 0.05) than preHD B2M (33.27 ± 7.41). There was no change in CyC at 1 and 2 hours into HD, while B2M progressively increased. CyC or B2M changes did not significantly correlate with spKt/V (2.09 ± 0.86), ultrafiltration (4.61 ± 1.98%) or HD duration (218 ± 20 minutes). EqCyC was not different from postCyC (11.07 ± 3.14 vs. 10.71 ± 2.85, P > 0.05), while EqB2M was lower than postB2M (36.48 ± 7.68 vs. 41.09 ± 8.99, P < 0.05). MMs as represented by B2M and CyC are elevated in children on standard HD. Intensified HD modalities would be needed for their removal. B2M is affected by the dialytic process with a rise during HD independent of ultrafiltration and decrease 1 hour after, while CyC remains unchanged. We suggest that CyC be used as preferred marker of MM removal and as a marker of adequacy of intensified HD regimens.
Calciphylaxis and subtotal parathyroidectomy: A double‐edged sword
Authors: Katikaneni Madhavi , Lwin Lin , Villanueva Hugo , Yoo Jinil 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCalciphylaxis, also called calcific uremic arteriolopathy is a dreadful, life‐threatening ischemic vasculopathy, primarily involving skin and subcutaneous tissue, mostly on patients with end‐stage kidney disease. Calciphylaxis is a well‐described, but still a poorly understood disorder of mineral metabolism. Its occurrence is rare, but increasingly reported. We describe a 62‐year‐old obese lady on hemodialysis for end‐stage kidney disease due to type 2 diabetes, who developed two episodes of calciphylactic skin lesions during the 3 years observation. The healing of lesions in the first episode was prompted by a subtotal parathyroidectomy for severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. However, the resumption of oral calcium and vitamin D analog for the parathyroidectomy‐related hypocalcemia induced another occurrence of widespread calciphylactic skin lesions in areas of great adiposity. The typical regimen of IV sodium thiosulfate brought a successful outcome to the second episode. Now, growing numbers of successful treatment for calciphylaxis are reported with more specific therapies and a clear understanding of the pathogenetic mechanism is in sight.
An investigation of the international literature on nurse practitioner private practice models
Authors: Currie J. , Chiarella M. , Buckley T. 
Published: October 2013

AimTo investigate and synthesize the international literature surrounding nurse practitioner (NP) private practice models in order to provide an exposition of commonalities and differences.BackgroundNP models of service delivery have been established internationally and most are based in the public healthcare system. In recent years, opportunities for the establishment of NP private practice models have evolved, facilitated by changes in legislation and driven by identification of potential patient need. To date, NP private practice models have received less attention in the literature and, to the authors' knowledge, this is the first international investigation of NP private practice models.DesignIntegrative literature review.MethodA literature search was undertaken in October 2012. Database sources utilized included Medical Literature Analyses and Retrieval (MEDLINE), the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), ProQuest, Scopus and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR). The grey literature was also searched. The following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and search terms used both individually and in combination included nurse practitioners; private practice; joint practice; collaboration; and insurance, health and reimbursement. Once literature had been identified, a thematic analysis was undertaken to extract themes.ResultsThirty manuscripts and five publications from the grey literature were included in the final review. Private practice NP roles were identified in five countries, with the majority of the literature emanating from the USA. The thematic analysis resulted in the identification of five themes: reimbursement, collaborative arrangements, legislation, models of care and acceptability.ConclusionProportionally, there are very few NPs engaged in private practice internationally. The most common NP private practice models were community based, with NPs working in clinic settings, either alone or with other health professionals. Challenges in the context of legislation and financial reimbursement were identified in each country where private practice is being undertaken.
The in‐vitro antibacterial effects of organic salts, chemical disinfectants and antibiotics against pathogens of black disease in fairy shrimp of Thailand
Authors: Saejung C , Hatai K , Sanoamuang L 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe antibacterial effects of organic salts, chemical disinfectants and antibiotics were evaluated on cultures of Aeromonas hydrophila C03, Aeromonas sobria C26, A. sobria C29, Aeromonas caviae C24 and Acinetobacter sp. SH‐94B, the pathogens that cause black disease found in fairy shrimps (Streptocephalus sirindhornae Sanoamuang et al. (2000) and Branchinella thailandensis Sanoamuang, Saengphan & Murugan) of Thailand. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of organic salts (sodium chloride and potassium chloride) and antibiotics (oxytetracycline dihydrate, streptomycin sulphate, kanamycin monosulphate, chloramphenicol and ampicillin) were determined using the agar‐dilution method. The effect of chemical disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide) was evaluated by exposing bacteria to different concentrations of these chemicals for different periods of time. Interestingly, all strains were intrinsically resistant to 0.25–3% sodium chloride and potassium chloride. The effect of sodium hypochlorite was greater than that of chlorine dioxide, and 5–20 μg mL−1 of sodium hypochlorite was sufficient to inhibit the growth of these bacteria, but the exposure time varied, depending on the bacterial species. Of the antibiotics tested, chloramphenicol and oxytetracycline dihydrate completely inhibited the selected strains. Chloramphenicol showed the highest antibacterial effect against all pathogenic species – the MIC and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranged from 0.8 to 3.1 μg mL−1 from 3.1 to 6.25 μg mL−1, respectively. To achieve control of black disease during cultivation of fairy shrimp, data derived from this study can be used as a basis for further toxicity tests in vivo.
Aboriginal women's experiences of accessing health care when state apprehension of children is being threatened
Authors: Denison Jacqueline , Varcoe Colleen , Browne Annette J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimsTo report findings from a study examining the impact of the threat of child removal on Aboriginal women's experiences accessing of healthcare services.BackgroundA wealth of data highlights the higher proportion of Aboriginal children in government care in Canada compared with non‐Aboriginal children. Aboriginal women experience poorer health outcomes than non‐Aboriginal women and face significant barriers to healthcare access. However, little is known about how these phenomena may intersect.DesignThe study was conducted in two phases: (1) a secondary analysis of interviews with Aboriginal women and healthcare providers (n = 7) that were collected for a larger study; and (2) primary interviews with Aboriginal women (n = 9) and healthcare providers (n = 8), conducted between July–October 2011.MethodsPostcolonial feminist perspectives and the principles of exploratory, qualitative research guided this ethnographic study. Data were analysed using principles of thematic analysis and interpretive description.FindingsAboriginal women whose children are involved with the child protection system often experience complex sociopolitical and economic challenges, which intersect with the threat of apprehension. Such threat did not impact women's decisions to seek healthcare services for their children, but experiences of racism, prejudice and discrimination in mainstream healthcare agencies and the fear of child apprehension influenced their decisions to access health care for themselves in ways that deterred access.ConclusionRacism, judgment and discrimination towards Aboriginal mothers in healthcare agencies must be addressed. Educating healthcare providers about culturally safe approaches to care is critical to mitigating the ongoing impact of colonialism and its effects on health of Aboriginal people.
Genetic structure of pike (Esox lucius) reveals a complex and previously unrecognized colonization history ofIreland
Authors: Pedreschi Debbi , Kelly‐Quinn Mary , Caffrey Joe , O'Grady Martin , Mariani Stefano 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimWe investigated genetic variation ofIrish pike populations and their relationship withEuropean outgroups, in order to elucidate the origin of this species to the island, which is largely assumed to have occurred as a human‐mediated introduction over the past few hundred years. We aimed thereby to provide new insights into population structure to improve fisheries and biodiversity management inIrish freshwaters.LocationIreland,Britain and continentalEurope.MethodsA total of 752 pike (Esox lucius) were sampled from 15 locations around Ireland, and 9 continentalEuropean sites, and genotyped at six polymorphic microsatellite loci. Patterns and mechanisms of population genetic structure were assessed through a diverse array of methods, includingBayesian clustering, hierarchical analysis of molecular variance, and approximateBayesian computation.ResultsVarying levels of genetic diversity and a high degree of population genetic differentiation were detected. Clear substructure within Ireland was identified, with two main groups being evident. One of theIrish populations showed high similarity withBritish populations. The other, more widespread, Irish strain did not group with anyEuropean population examined. ApproximateBayesian computation suggested that this widespreadIrish strain is older, and may have colonized Ireland independently of humans.Main conclusionsPopulation genetic substructure in Irish pike is high and comparable to the levels observed elsewhere inEurope. A comparison of evolutionary scenarios upholds the possibility that pike may have colonized Ireland in two ‘waves’, the first of which, being independent of human colonization, would represent the first evidence for natural colonization of a non‐anadromous freshwater fish to the island ofIreland. Although further investigations using comprehensive genomic techniques will be necessary to confirm this, the present results warrant a reappraisal of current management strategies for this species.
The MM‐CGI Cerebral Palsy: modification and pretesting of an instrument to measure anticipatory grief in parents whose child has cerebral palsy
Authors: Al‐Gamal Ekhlas , Long Tony 
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectivesTo establish the potential of a modified version of the MM‐CGI Childhood Cancer to assess anticipatory grief in parents of children with cerebral palsy, to amend the existing scale for use with the specific patient group, to test the psychometric properties of the modified version (MM‐CGI Cerebral Palsy) and to review the clinical potential of the new scale.BackgroundParents of children with cerebral palsy may experience reactions similar to parents of children with other enduring or life‐limiting conditions, and anticipatory grief may be one such psychological reaction. While the burden of caring is sometimes balanced by positive perceptions of the child, which enhance coping ability, for many parents the outcome is damage to their physical and mental health and impaired family functioning.DesignA cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational design.MethodsThe MM‐CGI Cerebral Palsy was administered in structured interviews with 204 parents. Standardised measures of caregivers' depression, stress and perceived social support were also administered. Mothers and fathers were recruited from healthcare centres and schools for special education. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency, and Pearson's product–moment correlation was used to assess construct validity.ResultsThe subscales were each found to measure a single dimension of anticipatory grief, and significant correlations were established with existing instruments. The instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency reliability and good construct validity.ConclusionsThe MM‐CGI Cerebral Palsy could be useful for diagnosing anticipatory grief among parents of children with cerebral palsy. This preliminary work moves the programme on to testing in intervention studies.Relevance to clinical practiceIn the absence of an existing measure for the assessment of anticipatory grief, specifically in parents of children with cerebral palsy, the MM‐CGI Cerebral Palsy could prove to be an effective assessment tool for clinicians and researchers.
Risks of neurological and immune‐related diseases, including narcolepsy, after vaccination with Pandemrix: a population‐ and registry‐based cohort study with over 2 years of follow‐up
Authors: Persson I. , Granath F. , Askling J. , Ludvigsson J. F. , Olsson T. , Feltelius N. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the association between vaccination with Pandemrix and risk of selected neurological and immune‐related diseases including narcolepsy.DesignPopulation‐based prospective cohort study using data from regional vaccination registries and national health registries.SettingSeven healthcare regions in Sweden comprising 61% of the Swedish population.SubjectsStudy population of 3 347 467 vaccinated and 2 497 572 nonvaccinated individuals (vaccination coverage ≈60%) followed between 2009 and 2011 for 6.9 million person‐years after exposure and 6.0 million person‐years without exposure.Main outcome measure and analysisFirst recorded diagnosis of neurological and immune‐related diseases. Relative risks [hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs)] assessed using Cox regression, adjusted for covariates.ResultsFor all selected neurological and immune‐related outcomes under study, other than allergic vaccine reactions (for which we verified an expected increase in risk) and narcolepsy, HRs were close to 1.0 and always below 1.3. We observed a three‐fold increased risk of a diagnosis of narcolepsy (HR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.78–4.79; that is, four additional cases per 100 000 person‐years) in individuals ≤20 years of age at vaccination and a two‐fold increase (HR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.00–4.75) amongst young adults between 21 and 30 years of age. The excess risk declined successively with increasing age at vaccination; no increase in risk was seen after 40 years of age.ConclusionsFor a large number of selected neurological and immune‐related diseases, we could neither confirm any causal association with Pandemrix nor refute entirely a small excess risk. We confirmed an increased risk for a diagnosis of narcolepsy in individuals ≤20 years of age and observed a trend towards an increased risk also amongst young adults between 21 and 30 years.
Impact of age on viral kinetics of peginterferon alfa‐2a/ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C: final analysis from the PROPHESYS cohort
Authors: Aronsohn A. , Ancuta I. , Caruntu F. , Coppola C. , Delic D. , Digiacomo A. , Dusheiko G. M. , Lengyel G. , Marcellin P. , Orlandini A. , Pruthi J. , Silva G. F. , Tallarico L. , Schmitz M. , Tatsch F. , Korner E. , Cheinquer H. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe population of patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infection is ageing; however, elderly, hepatitis C‐infected patients are understudied and less frequently treated. This subanalysis of data from the multinational PROPHESYS study examined associations between age (≤65 vs >65 years), on‐treatment virological response and sustained virological response (SVR) in patients treated with peginterferon alfa‐2a (40KD)/ribavirin in accordance with local licences. PROPHESYS comprised three cohorts studied in 19 countries according to country‐specific legal and regulatory requirements. This subanalysis includes treatment‐naive HCV mono‐infected patients assigned to receive peginterferon alfa‐2a (40KD)/ribavirin, with 6276 individuals aged ≤65 years and 349 aged >65 years. Rapid virological response (RVR) rates by Week 4 were consistently lower in older genotype (G) 1 (21.6% vs 27.2% in younger patients), G2 (80.7% vs 85.1%) and G3 (60.0% vs 74.2%) patients. SVR rates were significantly lower (29.8% vs 43.0%) and relapse rates significantly higher (43.1% vs 26.7%) in older G1 patients (P = 0.0002 vs ≤65 years). In contrast, SVR and relapse rates were similar in G2 and G3 patients regardless of age. The positive predictive value of RVR for SVR was comparable in older and younger G1 patients (66.7% vs 68.6%, respectively) and higher in older G2 (80.7% vs 75.6%) and G3 (77.8% vs 66.8%) patients. Virological response rates are generally lower in elderly CHC patients, and RVR is a reliable positive predictor of SVR in patients >65 years.
Oil and Vinegar: A Positive Fiscal Theory of the Euro Crisis
Authors: Blankart Charles B. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe theory of optimal currency areas states that a currency union may succeed if the participating countries have complementary industry structures. If this is not the case a currency union does not, inevitably, have to fail because market forces will induce adjustments of the industry structures that will eventually lead to a successful currency union. This optimism is, however, not warranted for the euro. The euro has now been in a crisis for more than three years and a self‐correcting mechanism leading out of the crisis is not in sight. The reason is that the euro union does not suffer from unadjusted industries, but from unadjusted governments. While industries adjust under the command of the invisible hand of the market in a currency union, this is not necessarily the case for governments. The general point of this paper is that countries with incompatible governments remain inimical in a currency union. They generate externalities and crises which cannot be eliminated as well in a political union.Assume that two countries traditionally cooperate in an economic union. Their governments are financially independent. They “go Dutch”. A currency union, such as the euro union, is different. It opens not only the option of a closer economic cooperation, but it also allows for a joint cash management so that each government has the temptation to live on the other's costs and hence to generate negative externalities on the other. The governments may be aware of this trap. They conclude a Treaty in order to prevent their mutually destructive behavior. But the Treaty turns out to be non‐enforceable and therefore unable to stop the infringements by mutual externalities, this being the essence of the euro crisis. Therefore the governments should withdraw and return to an economic union without externalities.
Perceived decisional responsibility for mechanical ventilation and weaning: a Norwegian survey
Authors: Haugdahl Hege S , Storli Sissel , Rose Louise , Romild Ulla , Egerod Ingrid 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTAimTo explore variability in perceptions of nurse managers and physician directors regarding roles, responsibilities and clinical‐decision making related to mechanical ventilator weaning in Norwegian intensive care units (ICUs).BackgroundEffective teamwork is crucial for providing optimal patient care in ICU. More knowledge on nurses' and physicians' perceptions of responsibility in clinical decision‐making for mechanical ventilation is needed.MethodsSelf‐administered survey of mechanical ventilation and weaning responsibilities was sent to nurse managers and physician directors of Norwegian adult ICUs. Nurses' decisional influence and autonomy were estimated on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10 (least to most).ResultsResponse rate was 38/60 (63%) nurses and 38/52 (73%) physicians. On the NRS nurse managers perceived the autonomy and influence of nurses' ventilator decisions higher than physician directors: median of 7 (IQR 5–8) (nurses) versus 5 (3–6) (physicians), (p < 0·01), and 8 (7–9) (nurses) versus 7 (5–8) (physicians), (p < 0·01) respectively. Respondents agreed that nurses collaborated in assessment of patient response to ventilator changes and titrating ventilator settings: 92% of nurses and 87% of physicians, (p = 0·46), and recognizing weaning failure 84% of nurses and 84% of physicians, (p = 0·96). Physician directors perceived significantly less collaborative decision‐making on weaning method (p = 0·01), weaning readiness (p = 0·04) and readiness to extubate (p < 0·01) than nurse managers. Both groups acknowledged the importance of ‘knowing the patient’ for weaning success, and agreed that the assessment of work of breathing, well‐being, and clinical deterioration were important for determining weaning tolerance.ConclusionsNurse managers perceived nurses to have greater autonomy, influence and collaborative interaction regarding decisions on mechanical ventilation than physician directors. Greater awareness and acknowledgment of nurses' role may promote interprofessional collaboration and improve patient care.