bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Predictors of Ongoing Infection in Secondary Peritonitis: Systematic Review
Authors: Lamme Bas , Mahler Cecilia W. , van Ruler Oddeke , Gouma Dirk J. , Reitsma Johannes B. , Boermeester Marja A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIntroductionThe decision to perform a relaparotomy in patients with secondary peritonitis is based on “clinical judgment” with inherent variability among surgeons. Our objective was to review the literature on prognostic variables for ongoing abdominal infection. Predictive variables for positive findings at relaparotomy can generate more objective criteria to support the decision whether to perform a relaparotomy in patients with secondary peritonitis.MethodsMultiple databases were searched for studies assessing the prognostic value of clinical variables predicting outcome of relaparotomy or general outcome in patients with secondary peritonitis. Data on the methodologic quality of the study as well as statistical strength of predictors and validity of individual variables were extracted and scored. A cumulative score was calculated from these three scores, and the variables were ranked.ResultsA total of 37 of 197 retrieved articles were included for final assessment. The median score for methodologic quality of individual articles was 36 (range 19–54). After calculation of the combined scores, 76 individual variables (patient, peritonitis, surgery, clinical, and laboratory variables) were identified from which the top 10 were eventually selected. These variables were age, concomitant disease, upper gastrointestinal source of peritonitis, generalized peritonitis, elimination of the focus, bilirubin, creatinine, lactate, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, and albumin. This set of variables proved to be moderately predictive for positive findings during relaparotomy in a retrospective cohort of 219 patients operated on for secondary peritonitis (receiver operator curve 0.75, with 95% confidence interval 0.68–0.82).ConclusionsThis review generated a hierarchy (weighted ranking) of published variables that could play a role in the decision to perform a relaparotomy in patients with secondary peritonitis. The top sixtile of ranked variables (10 variables) showed promising results in the discrimination between patients having a positive and negative relaparotomy when tested on a peritonitis patient database. This ranking of variables provides evidence for potential inclusion of variables in future predictive scores, although improvement in overall predictive strength of a set of variables in such a score is needed.
Current Concepts in Anal Fissures
Authors: Ayantunde Abraham A. , Debrah Samuel A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIntroductionAnal fissure is a common and distressing problem the true incidence of which is probably higher than recorded. There is a progressive understanding of the etiopathogenesis of this entity and the changing trend in its management approach. This is a systematic review of available published literature looking at current management options in anal fissures.MethodsA MEDLINE‐based search of the relevant literature from 1970 to 2004 was performed on the current concepts in etiopathogenesis and management of anal fissure.ResultsThe current opinion is a drift toward conservative measures as the first‐ and second‐line approaches rather than surgery for treatment of anal fissure. Simple and readily available measures with less complication, good patient compliance, and satisfaction requiring no hospitalization should first be considered.ConclusionsMost anal fissures heal with medical therapy, but their limitations include side effects, poor compliance, and recurrence of the fissure. A cautious surgical approach is required to treat those who do not respond to medical therapy.
Combined methods of otolith shape analysis improve identification of spawning areas of Atlantic cod
Authors: Galley Elizabeth A. , Wright Peter J. , Gibb Fiona M. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
The effectiveness of otolith shape for identifying Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) spawning populations in the northern North Sea and west coast of Scotland was investigated. Otolith shape was described using Cartesian Fourier analysis of the otolith outline and morphometric variable rectangularity. Pairwise randomization analysis of Fourier descriptors, and discriminant analysis of rectangularity and Fourier descriptors were used to identify differences between spawning stocks. Significant differences and a high classification success (>70%) in otolith shape indicated that spawning groups from Viking Bank and Moray Firth had different shapes from those of cod in other spawning areas. Significant differences in otolith shape of age 2 cod suggested that otoliths from the South Minch and Irish Sea were different from those from the Moray Firth and the Clyde. These results appear consistent with genetic evidence for a low gene flow, and tag-recapture evidence of resident populations. The results of pairwise randomization analysis and discriminant analysis differed slightly, indicating that use of a combination of methods increases the potential to identify spawning groups on the basis of otolith shape.
Acoustic harassment devices reduce seal interaction in the Baltic salmon-trap, net fishery
Authors: Fjälling Arne , Wahlberg Magnus , Westerberg Håkan 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Acoustic harassment devices (AHDs) were deployed at salmon-trap nets in the Baltic Sea to reduce gear and catch damage by grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). The AHDs emitted pulses of 250–500-ms duration, worked at a frequency of 15 kHz, and a source level of 179 dB re 1 μPa rms at 1 m. AHDs were deployed during three consecutive fishing seasons. Catches were significantly higher in traps with AHDs (25.5 kg d−1) than in controls (12.0 kg d−1), and catch damage was less (3.5 vs. 6.7 kg d−1). These results persisted over and between fishing seasons, but late in the season damage to the catches was common also in traps with AHDs. This study shows that the AHD may be a complementary mitigation tool in the seal–fishery conflict in certain types of fisheries, even though it is technically demanding, and for environmental reasons should be used with great care.
An investigation of the population genetic structure of pollack (Pollachius pollachius) based on microsatellite markers
Authors: Charrier Grégory , Durand Jean-Dominique , Quiniou Louis , Laroche Jean 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
In order to explore the population genetic structure of pollack (Pollachius pollachius) along the European coast, of 282 fish sampled from four locations along the Atlantic French coast and from one location off southern Norway were genotyped at six microsatellite loci. The limited genetic differentiation among samples may be due to high levels of larval dispersal, through passive drift with oceanic currents. Alternatively, populations may have diverged too recently for significant genetic differentiation to have become evident. Furthermore, small sample sizes and the limited number of loci may have hampered the detection of genetic structure. Nevertheless, a weak but significant genetic differentiation was detected between samples originating from the western English Channel and the Bay of Biscay.
Numerical analysis of strong Langmuir turbulence excited by transverse plasmons in a laser plasma
Authors: LIU X. L. , LIU S. Q. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractLangmuir waves excited by transverse pumping plasmons near the critical surface in a laser-plasma may collapse, leading to the formation of a density cavity owing to the ponderomotive force. The collapse behavior of electromagnetic waves, Langmuir waves and ion-sound waves are studied numerically. The interactions of the three-wave system will lead to the tendency for an equilibration of energy over both the transverse and Langmuir plasmons with the same frequency near ωpe, which is shown in our numerical analysis.
Collisionless trapped-electron-mode turbulence and transport in fluid descriptions
Authors: NORDMAN H. , STRAND P. , GARBET X. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA study of particle and electron heat transport in tokamaks due to trapped-electron-mode (TEM) turbulence is presented. The study is based on the Weiland fluid model for ion-temperature-gradient (ITG) modes and TEMs, complemented and compared with a trapped electron fluid treatment which retains contributions from the weakly trapped electrons. The dependence of the fluid transport coefficients on magnetic shear and other plasma parameters is discussed and compared with results obtained from nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations. Inward (pinch) flows of particles and heat, previously reported for the coupled ITG–TEM system, are also found in the TEM dominated regime.
Possible interethnic differences in quinidine‐induced QT prolongation between healthy Caucasian and Korean subjects
Authors: Shin Jae‐Gook , Kang Won‐ku , Shon Ji‐Hong , Arefayene Million , Yoon Young‐Ran , Kim Kyung‐Ah , Kim Doo‐Il , Kim Dong‐Soo , Cho Kwang‐Hyun , Woosley Raymond L. , Flockhart David A. 
Published: November 2006

AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of quinidine‐induced QT prolongation in healthy Caucasian and Korean subjects to investigate interethnic differences in susceptibility to drug‐induced arrhythmia.MethodsA randomized, double‐blind crossover study was conducted in 24 (12 male and 12 female) Korean and 13 (seven male and six female) Caucasian subjects. After a 20 min infusion of quinidine (4 mg kg−1) or saline, the serum concentration of quinidine and the QT interval corrected by Bazett's formula (QTc) were monitored. The dynamic data were analyzed by means of a population modelling approach using NONMEM.ResultsThere were no statistical differences in the pharmacokinetic profiles of quinidine between ethnic groups. The QTc values in Caucasians were higher than those in Koreans at the same quinidine concentrations, especially at higher quinidine concentrations and in female subjects. According to an Emaxmodel, the population modelling approach revealed that E0(ms) was related to gender (408 + [34*(1 − Sex)]; 1 for male and 0 for female), ΔEmax(ms) was related to ethnicity ((136*fETHN) + Cfemale:fETHN = 1 for Koreans and 1.26 for Caucasians;Cfemalewas 106 only for Caucasian females), and EC50was estimated to be 3.13 µm.ConclusionsThese results suggest that Korean subjects were less sensitive to quinidine‐induced QT prolongation than Caucasian subjects, and that this trend was particularly true for females. Further population‐based studies are merited to characterize more completely the ethnic differences in drug‐induced QT prolongation between Asians and other ethnic groups.
Quality guidelines for endodontic treatment: consensus report of the European Society of Endodontology
Authors:   European Society of Endodontology
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe assurance of the quality of a service rendered by a member of the dental profession is an essential feature of any system of peer review in dentistry. This document addresses two essential elements: (i) appropriateness of treatment modality and (ii) quality or level of treatment rendered. In revising these guidelines the European Society of Endodontology is responding to a public and professional need. In receiving care of a specialized nature such as endodontic treatment, patients need and deserve treatment that meets the standard of care generally given by competent practitioners. The European Society of Endodontology has the expertise and professional responsibility necessary to assist the dental profession by instituting guidelines on the standard of care in the special area of Endodontics. In accepting this responsibility the European Society of Endodontology formulated treatment guidelines that are intended to represent current good practice. This document is the revised version of an earlier consensus report [International Endodontic Journal (1994) 27, 115–24]. As there is not one single way of performing treatment, these guidelines have been formulated in broad terms.
Assessing palliative care needs: views of patients, informal carers and healthcare professionals
Authors: McIlfatrick Sonja 
Published: November 2006

Abstract Title. Assessing palliative care needs: views of patients, informal carers and healthcare professionals Aim.  This paper reports a study to assess the palliative care needs of the adult population served by a healthcare provider organization in Northern Ireland from the perspectives of patients, informal carers and healthcare providers.Background.  Assessing palliative care need is a key factor for health service planning. Traditionally, palliative care has been associated with end‐of‐life care and cancer. More recently, the concept has been extended to include care for both cancer and non‐cancer populations. Various approaches have been advocated for assessing need, including the exploration of professional provider and user perspectives of need.Method.  Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with a purposive sample of patients and lay carers receiving palliative care services (n = 24). Focus groups were also conducted with multi‐professional palliative care providers (n = 52 participants) and face to face interviews were undertaken with key managerial stakeholders in the area (n = 7). The focus groups and interviews concentrated on assessment of palliative care need. All the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Burnard's framework.Findings.  Professional providers experienced difficulty in defining the term palliative care. Difficulties in communication and information exchange, and fragmented co‐ordination between services were identified. The main areas of need identified by all participants were social and psychological support; financial concerns; and the need for choice and information. All participants considered that there was inequity between palliative care service provision for patients with cancer and non‐cancer diseases.Conclusion.  All patients, regardless of diagnosis, should be able to access palliative care appropriate to their individual needs. For this to happen in practice, an integrated approach to palliative care is essential. The study methodology confirms the value of developing a comprehensive approach to assessing palliative care need.
‘Preparative waiting’ and coping theory with patients going through gastric diagnosis
Authors: Giske Tove , Gjengedal Eva 
Published: November 2006

AbstractTitle. Preparative waiting’ and coping theory with patients going through gastric diagnosisAim. This paper reports a study of how hospitalized patients with gastro‐intestinal problems going through diagnostic workups experience and handle the situation. It presents a theory of ‘preparative waiting’ and discusses it in relation to Lazarus’ theory of appraisal, stress and coping.Background. The pre‐diagnostic phase is reported to be the most stressful time of the illness for patients, but there is little research on this with patients in gastric units. According to Lazarus, appraisal and coping are concurrent, and stress must be understood as both an intra‐ and an inter‐personal process.Method. A grounded theory design was chosen to conduct and analyse 18 in‐depth interviews with 15 patients in a gastric unit at a Norwegian university hospital. The data were collected in 2002–2003.Findings. Participants’ main concern was found to be how to prepare themselves for the results of the investigation and for life afterwards. The substantive grounded theory of ‘Preparative waiting’ presented here explains how they acted to do so. To be in the diagnostic phase meant to be in a process of continuously attempting to make sense of one's situation. Participants could judge their case to be harmful, a threat, a challenge, a benefit, or combinations of these. Their searches for realistic interpretation were balanced with searches for hopeful signs. This, together with lowering and rising of awareness, prevented them from despair. The process of understanding and handling the situation was concurrent, and was influenced by their relationships with family, friends, fellow patients, healthcare personnel and God.Conclusion. To the degree that patients trusted that nurses understood and were sensitive to the complex processes of appraising and coping, they became patients’ key support persons. By providing adjusted information, coordinating care and examinations, respecting privacy, and inquiring about existential concerns, nurses could promote patients’ ability to prepare for receiving the diagnosis and life after.
Electronic searching to locate qualitative research: evaluation of three strategies
Authors: Flemming Kate , Briggs Michelle 
Published: November 2006

Abstract Title.Electronic searching to locate qualitative research: evaluation of three strategies Aim.  This paper presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of three search strategies to identify research for a qualitative synthesis of patient experiences of living with a leg ulcer.Background.  Systematic reviews of research are increasingly the form of evidence used for evaluation of health care. There are well‐established methods for conducting systematic reviews of effectiveness incorporating randomized controlled trials. Methods have been developed for the synthesis of qualitative research, but these are not widely used or evaluated. Searching for qualitative research is one of the least developed and tested areas in systematic reviewing of qualitative research.Method.  The replication of three search strategies (free text, thesaurus and broad‐based terms) developed for identification of qualitative research papers within electronic databases is described. Each strategy was run in seven electronic databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, British Nursing Index, Social Science Citation Index, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, PsychInfo. The effectiveness of these strategies for identifying qualitative research for a synthesis of patients’ experiences of living with a leg ulcer is discussed.Findings.  Each of the three search strategies produced similar numbers of potentially and actually relevant papers from each of the seven databases. These results were most striking for CINAHL, when all of the papers ultimately included in the review were identified by each search strategy. No other database identified all included papers.Conclusion.  A simple search strategy using broad‐based terms was as effective as a complex one (free text) in locating qualitative research examining patients’ experiences of living with a leg ulcer. For a question with a clear nursing focus, it may be sufficient to search only CINAHL in order to locate qualitative research. This result needs replicating with other nursing topics.
Impact of hospital nursing care on 30‐day mortality for acute medical patients
Authors: Tourangeau Ann E. , Doran Diane M. , Hall Linda McGillis , O'Brien Pallas Linda , Pringle Dorothy , Tu Jack V. , Cranley Lisa A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAim.  This paper reports on structures and processes of hospital care influencing 30‐day mortality for acute medical patients.Background.  Wide variation in risk‐adjusted 30‐day hospital mortality rates for acute medical patients indicates that hospital structures and processes of care affect patient death. Because nurses provide the majority of care to hospitalized patients, we propose that structures and processes of nursing care have an impact on patient death or survival.Method.  A model hypothesizing the impact of nursing‐related hospital care structures and processes on 30‐day mortality was tested. Patient data from the Ontario, Canada Discharge Abstract Database 2002–2003, nurse data from the Ontario Nurse Survey 2003, and hospital staffing data from the Ontario Hospital Reporting System 2002–2003 files were used to develop indicators for variables hypothesized to impact 30‐day mortality. Two multiple regression models were implemented to test the model. First, all variables were forced to enter the model simultaneously. Second, backward regression was implemented.Findings.  Using backward regression, 45% of variance in risk‐adjusted 30‐day mortality rates was explained by eight predictors. Lower 30‐day mortality rates were associated with hospitals that had a higher percentage of Registered Nurse staff, a higher percentage of baccalaureate‐prepared nurses, a lower dose or amount of all categories of nursing staff per weighted patient case, higher nurse‐reported adequacy of staffing and resources, higher use of care maps or protocols to guide patient care, higher nurse‐reported care quality, lower nurse‐reported adequacy of manager ability and support, and higher nurse burnout.Conclusion.  Just as hospitals and clinicians caring for patients focus carefully on completing accurate diagnosis and appropriate and effective interventions, so too should hospitals carefully plan and manage structures and processes of care such as the proportion of Registered Nurses in the staff mix, percentage of baccalaureate‐prepared nurses, and routine use of care maps to minimize unnecessary patient death.
Systematic reviews of bladder training and voiding programmes in adults: a synopsis of findings on theory and methods using metastudy techniques
Authors: Roe Brenda , Milne Jill , Ostaszkiewicz Joan , Wallace Sheila 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAim.  This paper reports a comparison of four Cochrane systematic reviews on bladder training and voiding programmes for the management of urinary incontinence using metastudy descriptive techniques. It presents a synopsis of findings on theory and methods for interventions.Background.  From the mid‐1970s bladder training, prompted voiding, habit retraining and timed voiding have been developed and form the basis of nursing practice for the management of urinary incontinence in adults in institutional and community settings.Methods.  A synopsis of four Cochrane systematic reviews was undertaken using metastudy techniques developed for qualitative research and has provided a discursive comparison and contrast of the selection and appraisal of primary research, meta‐theory and meta‐method.Findings.  All programmes share a therapeutic focus on voiding and the degree and active participation of the client and caregiver. Bladder training focuses on the restoration of continence, while prompted voiding, habit retraining and timed voiding focus on the avoidance of incontinence. Bladder training and prompted voiding share the two characteristics of cognitive behavioural modification and active client participation. Habit retraining and timed voiding pre‐empt episodes and avoid incontinence using operant conditioning rather than modifying behaviour. Variability of methods and operational terminology makes comparison between studies difficult. Use of cognitive behavioural approaches and operant conditioning need to be better understood in relation to future theory, interventions and study design. Bladder training is aimed at people who are cognitively and physically able, while the other voiding programmes are mainly used with for people with cognitive and physical impairments reliant on caregivers.Conclusion.  The theoretical approaches underpinning bladder training and voiding programmes, their components and suitability for patients need to be re‐considered when designing future studies. There is a need for long‐term follow‐up in future studies. Future trials should adhere to recognized standards of good practice and incorporate outcomes from existing systematic reviews to enable future meta‐analysis to be undertaken. Metastudy techniques for the synthesis of qualitative research provide useful methods for the descriptive synopsis of quantitative systematic reviews.