bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Colorectal Cancer Patient Focus Group Develops an Information Package
Authors: Carney L , Jones L , Braddon F , Pullyblank AM , Dixon AR 
Published: September 2006

INTRODUCTION In order to deliver high quality care and empower cancer patients in decision-making, good quality information and communication are essential. We describe the development of an information booklet. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 22 colorectal cancer patients (12 male; median age, 72 years, range, 40–86 years) met on 3 occasions. Patients were asked to define their information needs and score them (1–4) according to importance. The information document was written. The second meeting involved feedback on the booklet. The modified booklet was reviewed/approved by the group before submission for local ethics committee approval prior to its distribution to other patients. RESULTS All participants felt the project a good idea. Essential information included the surgeon's individual morbidity, mortality, survival, recurrence data and details of adjuvant therapies (score = 4). Also important were type of surgery, complications and postoperative recovery (score = 3). Simple anatomical drawings were also considered important. CONCLUSIONS The booklet is now used to personalise information for all our patients and serves, in part, as a record of the key issues discussed during the consultation. The booklet has been evaluated in a randomised trial.
Comfort Assessment of Personal Protection Systems During Total Joint Arthroplasty Using a Novel Multidimensional Evaluation Tool
Authors: Malik MHA , Handford Elizabeth , Staniford Elaine , Gambhir AK , Kay PR 
Published: September 2006

INTRODUCTION A number of studies have assessed the usefulness of surgical gowns and exhaust suits with regards to barrier function and protection afforded to healthcare workers from blood strike-through, splashes and aerosols. PATIENTS AND METHODS We have performed a comfort assessment comparison between the Charnley exhaust suit, disposable gown plus visor and the Stryker Steri-Shield system using a newly developed objective multidimensional ergonomic tool designed to measure wearable comfort across the dimensions of emotion, attachment, harm, perceived change, movement and anxiety. RESULTS The total mean Comfort Rating Scale value for a disposable gown plus visor was 16.1 with a mean dimensional score of 2.7 (range, 0.2–8.4), for the Charnley system the values were 51.4 and 8.6 (range, 5.9–12.8), respectively, and for the Stryker Steri-Shield 15.4 and 2.6 (range, 0.8–5.6). CONCLUSIONS The Steri-Shield system provides the least variation in comfort and, as such, may offer the best combination of comfort, protective qualities and form or style of personal protection equipment for lower limb arthroplasty operations.
Variations in Consenting Practice for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Chen AM , Leff DR , Simpson J , Chadwick SJD , McDonald PJ 
Published: September 2006

INTRODUCTION To compare the variations in consenting practice amongst trainees and consultant surgeons for laparoscopic cholecystectomy with specific reference to the documentation of significant risks of surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS A proforma was devised which included significant and/or commonly recognised complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This was then cross-referenced with the consent forms for the 80 patients included in the study and the documented risks explained in each case were noted. RESULTS The results showed that there is considerable variation between the three grades of clinicians involved in obtaining a patient's consent for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There was a clear difference in emphasis of the significant complications depending on the seniority of the consenter. Over 80% of the consents in this study were still being obtained by junior staff. CONCLUSIONS More often than not, patients are not provided with consistent information to make an informed choice. We suggest that a preprinted consent form will provide a more uniform approach to consenting practice for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Urethral Dilatation in Women: Urologists' Practice Patterns in the UK
Authors: Masarani M , Willis RG 
Published: September 2006

INTRODUCTION Review of the literature reveals little evidence to prove the efficacy of urethral dilatation for adult women with various lower urinary tract complaints. We conducted a postal survey to ascertain the actual practice of urethral dilatation among urologists in the UK. MATERIALS AND METHODS A questionnaire was mailed to 428 consultant urologists listed as full members of the British Association of Urological Surgeons. The questionnaire consisted of 8 items about urologists' perception of indications, efficacy, and the need for repeated dilatation and anaesthesia. RESULTS The questionnaire response rate was 42%. Although urethral stenosis was the most common indication (97%), the majority of urologists (69%) indicated that fewer than 25% of patients had evidence of stenosis. Overall, 61% of urologists performed dilatation 7 times or more during the last year and 55% believed that less than half of the patients experienced long-term improvement. CONCLUSIONS Despite the lack of strong evidence to support the use of urethral dilatation in women, many urologists continue to find it a useful tool in approaching women with lower urinary tract complaints.
Secondary Prevention of Fragility Fractures: Are We Following the Guidelines?
Authors: Prasad N , Sunderamoorthy D , Martin J , Murray JM 
Published: September 2006

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to determine whether orthopaedic surgeons follow the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) guidelines for secondary prevention of fragility fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective audit was conducted on patients with neck of femur fractures treated in our hospital between October and November 2003. A re-audit was conducted during the period August to October 2004. RESULTS There were 27 patients in the initial study period. Twenty-six patients (96%)had full blood count measured with LFT and bone-profile measured in 18 patients (66%). Only nine patients (30%)had treatment for osteoporosis (calcium and vitamin D). Only one patient was referred for DEXA scan. Steps were taken in the form of creating better awareness among the junior doctors and nurse practitioners of the BOA guidelines. In patients above 80 years of age, it was decided to use abbreviated mental score above 7 as a clinical criteria for DEXA referral. A hospital protocol based on BOA guidelines was made. A re-audit was conducted during the period August to October 2004. There were 37 patients. All had their full blood count and renal profile checked (100%). The bone-profile was measured in 28 (75.7%) and LFT in 34 (91.9%)patients. Twenty-four patients (65%) received treatment in the form of calcium + vitamin D (20) and bisphosphonate (4). DEXA-scan referral was not indicated in 14 patients as 4 were already on bisphosphonates and for 10 patients their abbreviated mental score was less than 7. Among the remaining 23 patients, 9 patients (40%) were referred for DEXA scan. This improvement is statistically significant (P = 0.03, chi square test). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The re-audit shows that, although there is an improvement in the situation, we are still below the standards of secondary prevention of fragility fractures with 60% of femoral fragility fracture patients not being referred for DEXA scan. A pathway lead by a fracture liaison nurse dedicated to osteoporotic fracture patients should improve the situation.
Comparison of Larval Sea Lamprey Life History Characteristics in a Lampricide‐Treated Tributary and Untreated Tributary System of Lake Champlain
Authors: Zerrenner Adam , Marsden J. Ellen 
Published: September 2006

AbstractControl of sea lampreys Petromyzon marinus in Lake Champlain and the Laurentian Great Lakes is dependent primarily on selective lampricides that reduce the density of sea lamprey larvae in tributary streams. After lampricide treatment, recolonized larval sea lampreys may experience enhanced growth from density‐dependent factors, which may lead to transformation at a larger size and younger age than would have occurred before treatment. In this study, the effects of lampricide treatments on larval sea lamprey life history characteristics were compared between Lewis Creek (Vermont), a treated stream, at 4–5 years posttreatment and the untreated Pike River–Morpion Stream system (Quebec, Canada). Sea lamprey habitat was measured in each stream at approximately 100 randomly selected transects, and larval density was determined using a backpack electrofishing unit during 1999 and 2000. Larval sea lamprey density was approximately threefold higher in Lewis Creek than in the Pike River and Morpion Stream in both years. Growth measured in length and weight indicated that neither treatment nor low density created conditions for faster growth. During 1999, transformers were, on average, shorter and younger in Lewis Creek (131 mm; 100% age 4) than in the Pike River–Morpion Stream (143 mm; 100% age 5). During 2000, the majority (75%) of transformers were age 5 in all streams. Weights of age‐4 transformers in Lewis Creek (1999 and 2000) and the Pike River (2000) were higher than those of age‐4 ammocoetes in those streams. Our results suggest that the first year‐class to become reestablished after lampricide application may transform at a younger age and smaller size than fish of the same age‐class in an untreated stream. Treatment intervals must adapt to changes in age at transformation to prevent transformers from leaving Lake Champlain and Great Lakes tributaries.
Sorption of Atmospheric Ammonia by Soil and Perennial Grass Downwind From Two Large Cattle Feedlots
Authors: Hao Xiying , Chang Chi , Janzen H. Henry , Clayton George , Hill Brett R. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTLivestock manure in feedlots releases ammonia (NH3), which can be sorbed by nearby soil and plants. Ammonia sorption by soil and its effects on soil and perennial grass N contents downwind from two large cattle feedlots in Alberta, Canada were investigated from June to October 2002. Atmospheric NH3 sorption was measured weekly by exposing air‐dried soil at sampling points downwind along 1700‐m transects. The amount of NH3 sorbed by soil was 2.60 to 3.16 kg N ha−1 wk−1 near the source, declining to about 0.25 kg N ha−1 wk−1 1700 m downwind, reflecting diminishing atmospheric NH3 concentrations. Ammonia sorption at a control site away from NH3 sources was much lower: 0.085 kg N ha−1 wk−1 Based on these rates, about 19% of emitted NH3 is sorbed by soil within 1700 m downwind of feedlots. Field soil and grass samples from the transect lines were analyzed for total N (TN) and KCl‐extractable N content (soil only). Nitrate N content in field soil followed a trend similar to that of atmospheric NH3 sorption. Soil TN contents, because of high background levels, showed no clear pattern. The TN content of grass, downwind of the newer feedlot, followed a pattern similar to that of NH3 sorption; downwind of the older feedlot, grass TN was correlated to soil TN. Our results suggest that atmospheric NH3 from livestock operations can contribute N to local soil and vegetation, and may need to be considered when determining fertilizer rates and assessing environmental impact.
Metal Distribution and Stability in Constructed Wetland Sediment
Authors: Knox Anna Sophia , Paller Michael H. , Nelson Eric A. , Specht Winona L. , Halverson Nancy V. , Gladden John B. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTThe A‐01 wetland treatment system (WTS) is a surface flow wetland planted with giant bulrush [Schoenoplectus californicus (C.A. Mey.) Palla] that is designed to remove Cu and other metals from the A‐01 National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) effluent at the Savannah River Site near Aiken, SC. Copper, Zn, and Pb concentrations in water were usually reduced 60 to 80% by passage through the treatment system. The Cu concentrations in the wetland sediments increased from about 4 to 205 and 796 mg kg−1, respectively, in the organic and floc sediment layers in cell 4A over a 5‐yr period. Metal concentrations were higher in the two top layers of sediment (i.e., the floc and organic layers) than in the deeper inorganic layers. Sequential extraction was used to evaluate remobilization and retention of Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, and Fe in the wetland sediment. Metal remobilization was determined by the potentially mobile fraction (PMF) and metal retention by the recalcitrant factor (RF). The PMF values were high in the floc layer but comparatively low in the organic and inorganic layers. High RF values for Cu, Zn, and Pb in the organic and inorganic layers indicated that these metals were strongly bound in the sediment. The RF values for Mn were lower than for the other elements especially in the floc layer, indicating low retention or binding capacity. Retention of contaminants was also evaluated by distribution coefficient (Kd) values. Distribution coefficient (Kd) values were lower for Cu and Zn than for Pb, indicating a smaller exchangeable fraction for Pb.
Relationship of Anti-vimentin antibodies to anti-endothelial antibodies
Authors: Malickova Karin , Janatkova Ivana , Sandova Petra , Fucikova Terezie 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The intermediate filament protein vimentin is a potential target antigen for autoantibodies in some infectious and autoimmune diseases. Because endothelial cells contain an extensive interconnecting cytoplasmic network of vimentin, we examined the relationship between anti-vimentin and anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs). We measured the level of anti-vimentin antibodies in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases (n=42), healthy blood donors (n=58), and patients with acute inflammation and showing anti-vimentin immunofluorescence (n=50). AECAs were detected by indirect immunofluorescence in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Anti-vimentin antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence in HEp-2 cells, and levels of anti-vimentin antibodies were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We did not find significant differences in anti-vimentin levels between AECA-positive and-negative samples for any of the groups; however, serum anti-vimentin antibody levels were significantly higher in patients with acute non-autoimmune inflammatory diseases than in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases or healthy controls. There were no differences between the levels of anti-vimentin antibodies between patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and healthy individuals. The anti-vimentin antibodies levels also did not correlate with the AECA positivity.
Recovery Dynamics and Prognosis After Dialysis for Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Pan Heng-Chih , Chen Hsing-Yu , Teng Nai-Chi , Yeh Fang-Yu , Huang Tao-Min , See Chun Yin , Sun Chiao-Yin , Chen Yung-Chang , Chen Likwang , Wu Vin-Cent 
Published: March 2024

ImportanceThe interplay among baseline kidney function, severity of acute kidney disease (AKD), and post-AKD kidney function has significant associations with patient outcomes. However, a comprehensive understanding of how these factors are collectively associated with mortality, major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in patients with dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury (AKI-D) is yet to be fully explored.ObjectiveTo investigate the associations of baseline kidney function, AKD severity, and post-AKD kidney function with mortality, MACEs, and ESKD in patients with AKI-D.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis nationwide, population-based cohort study of patients with AKI-D was conducted between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018, using data from various health care settings included in the Taiwan nationwide population-based cohort database. Data analysis was conducted from April 28, 2022, to June 30, 2023.ExposureExposure to severe AKI and baseline and post-AKD kidney function.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and incident MACEs, and secondary outcomes were risks of permanent dialysis and readmission.ResultsA total of 6703 of 22 232 patients (mean [SD] age, 68.0 [14.7] years; 3846 [57.4%] male) with AKI-D with post-AKD kidney function follow-up and AKD stage data were enrolled. During a mean (SD) 1.2 (0.9) years of follow-up, the all-cause mortality rate was 28.3% (n = 1899), while the incidence rates of MACEs and ESKD were 11.1% (n = 746) and 16.7% (n = 1119), respectively. After adjusting for known covariates, both post-AKD kidney function and baseline kidney function, but not AKD severity, were independently associated with all-cause mortality, MACEs, ESKD, and readmission. Moreover, worse post-AKD kidney function correlated with progressive and significant increases in the risk of adverse outcomes.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study of patients with AKI-D, more than one-quarter of patients died after 1.2 years of follow-up. Baseline and post-AKD kidney functions serve as important factors associated with the long-term prognosis of patients with AKI-D. Therefore, concerted efforts to understand the transition from post-AKD to chronic kidney disease are crucial.
Home‐Based Telemedicine in Rheumatology—A Scoping Review
Authors: Venuturupalli Swamy , Peck Alexander , Jinka Yogamanas , Fortune Natalie , Davuluri Nikhil , Nowell William B. , Gavigan Kelly , Cush John , Soares Neelkamal , Grainger Rebecca , Curtis Jeffrey R. 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveWe performed a scoping review of the relevant literature on home‐based telehealth in rheumatology to understand its appropriate application in rheumatology practice.MethodsWe searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and scientific meeting abstracts to identify articles that specifically addressed telehealth suitability, barriers to telehealth, patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) collected in telehealth settings, and telehealth satisfaction. From the initial search of 4,882 studies, 23 reports were included. In addition, 10 abstracts were also eligible for analysis, resulting in a total of 33 articles: 2 randomized clinical trials, 9 prospective cohort studies, and 22 retrospective studies.ResultsWe found that triage appointments or predictive models could be helpful in selecting patients for telehealth and that telehealth interventions were appropriate for follow‐up of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and inflammatory arthritis, but that conducting new patient visits over telehealth was not ideal. Barriers to telehealth include patient factors (age, technology access) and need for physician/process factors (eg, physical examinations). PROs collected in regular practice can be incorporated into telehealth. Several small, single‐center studies suggest that telehealth does not lead to negative outcomes compared with in‐person visits, and overall, patients report high patient satisfaction with telehealth. In several scenarios, home‐based telehealth was equivalent to in‐person visits with regard to patient outcomes and satisfaction.ConclusionThe widespread potential of telehealth to manage and deliver care for people with rheumatic disease is significant. As such, further research in the form of randomized controlled trials can help contribute to growing evidence that shapes telehealth implementation for patients with rheumatic diseases.
Antimony Doping Enabled Radially Aligned Microstructure in LiNi0.91Co0.06Al0.03O2 Cathode for High‐Voltage and Low‐Temperature Lithium Battery
Authors: Lv Yao , Huang Shifei , Zhang Jinhui , Kang Guohuang , Liu Yanru , Li Nanrui , Liang Yinxuan , Zhong Xiaoyun , Jia Tianqi , Ouyang Yunfei , Qin Peiwu , Kang Feiyu , Zhang Jiujun , Cao Yidan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNi‐rich layered oxide cathode material with Ni contents greater than 90% is considered as a highly promising candidate for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its remarkable specific capacity and cost‐efficiency. However, severe capacity degradation caused by the structural collapse and interfacial instability with electrolyte under high voltage greatly hinders the practical application. Here, an antimony (Sb)‐doped LiNi0.91Co0.06Al0.03O2 (Sb‐NCA91) cathode is proposed, where the Sb doping modifies the morphology of primary particles and enables the radially aligned microstructure. This unique microstructure can disperse the anisotropic mechanical stress caused by the H2‐H3 phase transformation, and mitigate the shrinkage and expansion of the primary particles during high‐voltage and low‐temperature cycling, thus inhibiting the formation of microcracks and structural deterioration. Meanwhile, the closely arranged radial spokes allow fast ion transport in the secondary particles and effectively improve the rate performance and low‐temperature performance of the cathodes. As a result, the Sb modified cathode demonstrates superior capacity retention of ≈84% at 1 C after 200 cycles in 2.7–4.5 V at 25 °C, while the pristine NCA91 cathode only retains ≈79%. Additionally, the capacity retention at −20 °C is significantly increased from ≈61% (NCA91) to ≈88% (Sb‐NCA91) after 100 cycles.
Bilayer Gradient Hydrogel with Topological Crosslinking for High‐Sensitivity Tactile Perception and Information Encryption
Authors: Zhou Shuai , Han Tian‐Hang , Ding Lang , Ru Enqi , Zhang Chen , Zhang Yu‐Jia , Yi Chen‐Xin , Sun Tian‐Shu , Luo Zhen‐Yang , Liu Yao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHuman fingers possess stable high sensitivity and a wide range of tactile perception, attributed to the gradient microstructure and the interlocking collagen fiber on the skin's surface. However, challenges persist in achieving simultaneous enhancement of multiple functionalities in artificial skin. Inspired by the unique structure of the skin, a two‐step process involving ion diffusion‐induced and strong‐weak topological crosslinking is synergistically employed to fabricate a bilayer gradient hydrogel. Zn2+ initially diffuses to induce the formation of weak bonds, imparting elasticity. Subsequently, Fe3+/Zn2+ diffusion constructs a strong‐weak topologically crosslinked network, enhancing the toughness of the gel while reducing the brittleness associated with robust bonds. Due to its distinctive design, the gel employs an adaptive energy dissipation strategy subjected to large and small stress, ensuring high sensitivity (3.31 kPa−1, 0–2 kPa), wide sensing range (0.4–40.6 kPa), and exceptional stability (500 cycles). This flexible approach enables programmable design in three dimensions, including ion diffusion type, direction, and shape. This gel can detect the gentle brushing of feathers and human body movements. It utilizes significant differences generated by magnitudes of stress to perform binary information encryption. This study introduces a novel strategy for preparing skin‐like gels, offering promising potential for expanding their applications in complex scenarios.