Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “collaborative cross”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,207 records · Page 67Linked to original sources

Immunoglobulin infusion for isoimmune haemolytic jaundice in neonates.

BACKGROUND: Exchange transfusion and phototherapy have traditionally been used to treat jaundice and avoid the associated neurological complications. Exchange transfusion is not without risk and intravenous immunoglobulin has been suggested as an alternative therapy for isoimmune haemolytic jaundice to reduce the need for exchange transfusion. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether the use of intravenous immunoglobulin, in newborn infants with isoimmune haemolytic jaundice, is effective in reducing the need for exchange transfusion. SEARCH STRATEGY: The search strategy of the Cochrane Neonatal Review group was used. Searches were made of MEDLINE 1966-2002, EMBASE Drugs and Pharmacology 1990-2002, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2002, expert informants, review articles, cross references, and hand searching of abstracts and conference proceedings of the annual meetings of The Society for Pediatric Research 1990-2001 and The European Society for Paediatric Research 1990-2001. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of the use of intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of isoimmune haemolytic disease were considered. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The standard methods of the Cochrane Collaboration and its Neonatal Review Group were used. Studies were assessed for inclusion and quality by two reviewers working independently, with the second reviewer blinded to trial author, institution and journal of publication. Data were extracted independently by the two reviewers. Any differences of opinion were discussed and a consensus reached. Investigators were contacted for additional or missing information. For categorical outcomes, the relative risk (RR), risk difference (RD) and the number needed to treat (NNT) were calculated. For continuous variables, the weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated. MAIN RESULTS: Seven studies were identified. Three of these fulfilled the inclusion criteria and included a total of 189 infants. Term and preterm infants and infants with rhesus and ABO incompatibility were included. The use of exchange transfusion decreased significantly in the immunoglobulin treated group (typical RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.17, 0.47; typical RD -0.37, 95% CI -0.49, -0.26; NNT 2.7). The mean number of exchange transfusions per infant was also significantly lower in the immunoglobulin treated group (WMD -0.52, 95% CI -0.70, -0.35). None of the studies assessed long term outcomes. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Although the results show a significant reduction in the need for exchange transfusion in those treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, the applicability of the results is limited. The number of studies and infants included is small and none of the three included studies was of high quality. The protocols of two of the studies mandated the use of early exchange transfusion, limiting the generalizability of the results. Further well designed studies are needed before routine use of intravenous immunoglobulin can be recommended for the treatment of isoimmune haemolytic jaundice.

Anemia, Hemolytic↗

Training professionals to work with families of chronic patients.

This paper describes a multidisciplinary (psychiatry, psychology, social work) training program which prepares clinicians to work in a collaborative relationship with families of the chronically mentally ill. Content includes an overview of traditional approaches to family roles in major mental illnesses, research findings on family burden, typology of professional-family interactions, and treatment and outcome issues related to older conceptual models of family-patient relationships. The training model includes a didactic component on relevant research and theory, incorporating social policy and cross-cultural issues and emphasizing the actual experiences of patients and families within a framework of coping and adaptation. Training in patient and family education, problem management, supportive counseling, and resource knowledge is accompanied by practicum experiences involving longitudinal work with chronic patients and families. Special features in psychiatric residency training are highlighted.

Chronic Disease↗

The integration of a database and a statistical program in the analysis of a large scale survey in nursing.

Large scale surveys have conventionally been analysed using a statistical package. This saves considerable time and permits many more analyses to be undertaken than with more traditional methods. It does, however, have certain drawbacks. First, it does not help with the problem of data management. SPSS and Epfino, for example, have some facilities for data entry restrictions and cross-checking. They are excellent for the static purpose for which they are designed, but rather crude in comparison with those provided by a dedicated database tool. Second, it requires considerable experience to achieve maximum benefit. Third, it does not help at all in the major undertaking of data exploration. The authors have analysed a large scale survey using a statistical package and a database in collaboration. Their experience is reported here.

Databases, Bibliographic↗

International trends in bioethics for embryonic stem cell research.

Embryonic stem cell (ESC) has been recognized as one of the most promising therapeutic tools for the next decade. However, there are many controversial issues in bioethics for this challenging research area. Each country has its own distinct regulations and policies for ESC research due to their differences in cultural background, religious belief and political influence. These differences will eventually play an important role on international ESC research collaboration. The present article will provide a concise summary of the different policies and regulations regarding bioethical points for ESC research worldwide and show current progress towards establishing standard bioethical guidelines for ESC research on the international level.

Bioethics↗

Patient and provider perceptions of care for diabetes: results of the cross-national DAWN Study.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We assessed country-level and individual-level patterns in patient and provider perceptions of diabetes care. METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional design with face-to-face or telephone interviews of diabetic patients and healthcare providers in 13 countries from Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. Participants were randomly selected adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (n=5,104), and randomly selected diabetes-care providers, including primary-care physicians (n=2,070), diabetes specialist physicians (n=635) and nurses (n=1,122). Multivariate analysis was used to examine the relationships between outcomes and both country and respondent characteristics, and the interaction between these two factors. RESULTS: Providers rated chronic-care systems and remuneration for chronic care as mediocre. Patients reported that ease of access to care was high, but not without financial barriers. Patients reported moderate levels of collaboration among providers, and providers indicated that several specialist disciplines were not readily available to them. Patients reported high levels of collaboration with providers in their own care. Provider endorsement of primary prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes was high. Patients with fewer socio-economic resources and more diabetes complications had lower access (and/or higher barriers) to care and lower quality of patient-provider collaboration. Countries differed significantly for all outcomes, and the relationships between respondent characteristics and outcomes varied by country. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: There is much need for improvement in applying the chronic-care model to the treatment and prevention of diabetes in all of the countries studied. Each country must develop its own priorities for improving diabetes care and comparison with other countries can help identify strengths as well as weaknesses.

Adolescent↗

Open randomized study comparing doxycycline and co-amoxiclav in the treatment of acute suppurative tracheobronchitis in adults. The Collaborative Group of the Centre Universitaire de Medécine Générale de L'Université Libre de Bruxelles (CUMG-ULB) Investigators.

Doxycycline and co-amoxiclav were compared in a randomized clinical trial involving adult patients with acute suppurative tracheobronchitis. Patients were treated for 5 to 10 days with either antibiotic following three schemes: co-amoxiclav 500 mg three times daily, or doxycycline 200 mg on day 1 followed by 100 mg daily, or 200 mg daily. Assessment after 5-9 days was based only on clinical parameters. Patients with inadequate response to the initial treatment were crossed over to the alternative antibiotic. Of the 210 patients enrolled, 206 were available for evaluation of efficacy. Both antibiotic regimens proved equally efficacious, with rates of clinical response (cure or improvement) of 89% and 91% for doxycycline and coamoxiclav, respectively. Patients who were crossed over to the alternative antibiotic had a significantly lower cure rate after their second course of antibiotics (22% compared with 70%). Adverse effects, most often of gastro-intestinal origin, were more common in the co-amoxiclav group than in the doxycycline-treated group, but rarely caused cessation of treatment.

Acute Disease↗

Suicide in developing countries (3): prevention efforts.

Until now, suicide prevention efforts have been limited in developing countries, although there are pockets of excellent achievement. Various universal, selective, and indicated interventions have been implemented, many of which target a different pattern of risk factors to those in developed countries. In the absence of sufficient mental health services, developing countries rely heavily on nongovernment organizations (NGOs) to provide crisis interventions for suicidal individuals, as well as proactive interventions aimed at raising community awareness and building resilience. Often these NGOs work within a social and public health framework, collaborating with others to provide nested suicide prevention programs that are responsive to local community needs. There is a clear need to develop appropriate, relevant and effective national suicide prevention plans in developing countries, since, to date, only Sri Lanka has done so. These plans should focus on a range of priority areas, specify the actions necessary to achieve positive change in these priority areas, consider the range of collaborators required to implement these actions, and structure their efforts at national, regional, and local levels. The plans should also promote the collection of accurate data on completed and attempted suicide, and should foster evaluation efforts.

Crisis Intervention↗

Status of infection surveillance and control programs in the United States, 1992-1996. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections have been recognized as a source of morbidity and mortality throughout the world for several decades. In the United States, an estimated 2.1 million nosocomial infections occur annually in acute care hospitals alone. Infection surveillance and control programs (ISCPs) play a vital role in addressing this problem, but no national studies have described the status and composition of these programs since the 1970s. METHODS: In January 1997, a voluntary survey was sent by mail to members of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Only one response per facility was requested. The survey asked for information for the years 1992 to 1996 (study period), and questions pertained to characteristics of the health care facility in which the respondent worked, characteristics of the ISCP and its personnel, and the overall level of administration support for infection control activities. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were received from personnel at 187 health care facilities located in 40 states and the District of Columbia. The majority (76.5%) of responding facilities were nongovernment owned, and 57.2% were classified as general acute care facilities. The number of licensed beds at these facilities remained stable throughout the study period, but all other measures of facility size and activity (eg, number of patient days and number of nurses) decreased by as much as 28.9%. In 1992, ISCPs were most likely to be organizationally located in the Nursing Department, but by 1996, many had been transferred to departments of Medical Records, Quality Assurance, or Risk Management. Throughout the course of the study period, the number of facilities performing surveillance for health care-associated infections in outpatient settings increased by 44.0%, from 100 to 144. In 1996, only 47.6% of facilities had a hospital epidemiologist (HE), and HEs devoted a median of 15% or less of their time to infection control activities. For the most part, HEs were trained in infectious diseases, and few had certification in infection control. Infection control professionals (ICPs) were much more common than were HEs (ICPs were reported at 97.9% of respondents' facilities in 1996), and they spent the majority (80% in 1996) of their time on infection control activities. During the course of the study period, increasing numbers of facilities had ICPs who had certification in infection control. Furthermore, most respondents did not report a change over time in the level of administration support for infection control activities. CONCLUSIONS: Health care delivery has changed dramatically during the past 20 years. This study presents an updated description of ISCPs in the United States. Our results illustrate several changing parameters, such as departmental shifts and increased outpatient surveillance, that reflect adjustments in health care priorities during the study period. As the transformation of the health care system continues, continued evaluation of the status of ISCPs on a national level will be necessary. Diligent monitoring, proactive measures, and collaboration between infection control organizations and government agencies will be vital for the prevention and control of health care-associated infections in the future.

Ambulatory Care↗

The clinical microbiology laboratory and infection control: emerging pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and new technology.

The clinical microbiology laboratory is an essential component of an effective infection control program. Laboratory personnel have a broad range of technologies, from traditional methods of detecting and identifying organisms to modern molecular typing methods, that they can use to support and enhance the efforts of the infection control staff. If the infection control team applies these technologies appropriately, it can prevent problems and solve nosocomial mysteries efficiently. In this era of cost-containment, staff members in the laboratory and in the infection control program must work hard to communicate their unique and shared goals, needs, and problems. If the laboratory and infection control personnel cooperate and collaborate rather than compete, both programs will be successful and the patients and the hospital will benefit because the risk of nosocomial infections and the frequency of resistant organisms will be reduced.

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗

Meiosis in perspective.

Our understanding of meiosis springs from two suggestions made by Weismann in 1887. One was that meiosis would be found to compensate for fertilization in the life cycles of both sexes and all organisms. The other was that the development of sexual reproduction in evolution depended on the value of meiosis in exposing the results of genetic recombination to natural selection. In confirming these propositions we were bound to discover that the properties of meiosis appear both as the causes and the consequences of evolution: it is the hinge on which turns the evolution of breeding method, reproductive habit, life cycle and hereditary structure, that is the genetic system, in all sexually reproducing species of organism. We have had three main fields of attack on our problem. First, there was the natural variation of meiosis including that of two-track hereditary within the species: here, animals took the lead. Secondly, there was the experimental field - both with genetic controls such as polyploidy and the sterilizing mutations of mitosis as well as meiosis, and with physical and chemical controls: here, the higher plants and micro-organisms have given us our great opportunities. Thirdly, we have the widening field where physicochemical knowledge and genetic control converge and collaborate. In all this work we have to be aware that meiosis works with chromosomes which always have the two functions of accomplishing evolution and of implementing its results in heredity. In consequence, the adaptation of meiosis is perpetually imperfect.

Biological Evolution↗

Do black and white adults use the same sources of information about AIDS prevention?

Although AIDS prevention campaigns need to target population segments that are at highest risk to be effective, little is known about how various sources of AIDS information vary by race, education, and age. To determine the most common communication channels for AIDS information reported by Blacks and Whites, the authors interviewed 1,769 adults in Baltimore, Maryland, to obtain data on nine common sources of information about AIDS and analyzed their reports by race, age, and education. Television and newspapers were the most common sources but varied little across groups. National and local public health agencies, as well as medical doctors and dentists, were more commonly reported by Blacks than by Whites. Religious organizations were much more commonly reported by Blacks than by Whites. Public health organizations working collaboratively with religious organizations and health care providers might be more effective in developing AIDS prevention strategies than has been considered previously.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Comparative in vitro activity of clarithromycin. Spanish Collaborative Group.

The activity in vitro of clarithromycin, a new macrolide, was compared to that of various antibiotics in tests using 3,880 clinical isolates. Clarithromycin was two times more active than erythromycin against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, streptococci of groups C, G and F, Brucella melitensis, Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma spp., 16 times more active against Ureaplasma urealyticum and 2 to 4 times less active against Campylobacter spp. In general, clarithromycin showed intrinsic activity 2 to 4 times higher than that of roxithromycin and 4 to 8 times higher than that of miocamycin. Cross-resistance was found between the macrolides. Clarithromycin was bactericidal against Streptococcus spp. and Haemophilus influenzae.

Clarithromycin↗

A review on fungal pathogens in the One Health framework: connecting plant, animal, and human health.

The growing burden of fungal diseases on human, animal, plant, and environmental health is a serious global problem that requires a "One Health" approach beyond disciplinary silos. Fungal diseases are often neglected, yet their prevalence and importance are increasing at an alarming rate. Complex interactions among different host organisms, coupled with human activities, anthropogenic environmental impacts, climate change, globalization, and antifungal drug use, particularly in agriculture, are significant contributing factors. The emergence and spread of resistance to existing antifungal agents is one of the most important consequences, leading to poor treatment outcomes in both clinical and agricultural settings. Azole fungicides used in crops have been associated with the selection of resistant strains in some fungi common in the environment and associated with human disease, such as Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium spp., which have a unique enzyme paralogue cyp51C, and efflux pumps that flush out the azoles, thereby leading directly to treatment failure. The article explains how fungal pathogens can affect each of the three pillars of One Health. In plant health, fungal infections affect food security and economic outcomes, while the use of fungicides for treatment can lead to cross-resistance with clinical medications. In animal health, fungal diseases affect livestock well-being and productivity, and animals act as reservoirs for the zoonotic transmission of resistant strains to humans. In human health, the impact on immunocompromised populations is high, as invasive fungal infections result in significant morbidity and mortality. Limited availability of antifungal drugs, diagnostic challenges, and limited surveillance. To combat these multifaceted, interconnected challenges, a collaborative, multisectoral approach is imperative. Looking ahead, future initiatives should emphasize genomic and eco-epidemiological research to elucidate the drivers of emergence, anticipate outbreaks, and identify emerging threats. In conclusion, addressing the global burden of fungal diseases necessitates a holistic One Health approach that aligns surveillance, research, policy, and public health interventions to preserve the efficacy of existing treatments and protect the health of all interconnected domains.

Humans↗

A curriculum self-study of writing assignments and reflective practice in nursing education.

Reflective practice is an ongoing process of purposeful thinking about one's clinical practice to develop understanding, insight, and clinical judgment. It can be enhanced through careful use of writing assignments that require reflection, evaluation, and thoughtful analysis. The uses of writing assignments in the undergraduate nursing programs at a midwestern college of nursing were studied over a 2-year period, using survey methodology. A purposive sample of all faculty who taught in baccalaureate or associate of science (ASN) programs (n=21) completed a questionnaire and were interviewed about the number and purpose of writing assignments in courses they taught. Quantification of the results in tabular form allowed the faculty to look at all writing assignments required of students across both programs with regard to the number, length, and nature of those assignments. Results were then recategorized by type of assignments, changes needed, and faculty assessment of the usefulness of these writing assignments. The summary of written assignments was then cross-referenced according to program, semester, and program level. This produced a working document that illustrated the quantity and type of writing assignments that each student, in each program, at a given level and semester must complete. Information was used by faculty teaching across courses to make changes that more effectively linked course writing assignments by association, themes, concepts, or areas of study. This process enables faculty to collaboratively develop writing assignments that facilitate the adult student's linking and associating concepts across courses, as a true exercise in critical thinking.

Adult↗

Aligning financial incentives with "Get With The Guidelines" to improve cardiovascular care.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the impact of a commercial insurer's financial incentives to hospitals in conjunction with collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA) to accelerate implementation of Get With The Guidelines-Coronary Artery Disease (GWTG-CAD), a quality improvement program to rapidly improve cardiovascular secondary prevention in hospitalized patients. STUDY DESIGN: Observational assessment of quality improvement program participation and implementation in response to financial incentives. METHODS: The study population included all hospitals that participated with the Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Hawaii) Hospital Quality and Service Recognition Program and had more than 30 annual admissions for acute coronary artery disease. These 13 hospitals were given encouragement and financial incentives to implement GWTG-CAD. Financial incentives were determined by a prorated amount of the total HMSA hospital reimbursement for all acute services, as part of a more comprehensive hospital "pay for performance" program. RESULTS: Incentives to 10 of 13 eligible hospitals included reimbursement for half the annual cost of the AHA Patient Management Tool. In addition, HMSA's pay for performance program--the Hospital Quality and Service Recognition Program--distributed monetary awards totaling 354,883 dollars, based on points awarded for GWTG-CAD workshop attendance documentation (10 hospitals), recognition by the AHA as a GWTG-CAD hospital, and attainment of 85% adherence to the GWTG-CAD performance measures (4 hospitals). CONCLUSIONS: Community-based promotion of GWTG-CAD and financial incentives provided by a commercial insurer resulted in the rapid implementation of a secondary prevention program for coronary artery disease in most hospitals in the State of Hawaii within a single year.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

Achieving progress through clinical governance? A national study of health care managers' perceptions in the NHS in England.

BACKGROUND: A national cross sectional study was undertaken to explore the perceptions concerning the importance of, and progress in, aspects of clinical governance among board level and directorate managers in English acute, ambulance, and mental health/learning disabilities (MH/LD) trusts. PARTICIPANTS: A stratified sample of acute, ambulance, and mental health/learning disabilities trusts in England (n = 100), from each of which up to 10 board level and 10 directorate level managers were randomly sampled. METHODS: Fieldwork was undertaken between April and July 2002 using the Organisational Progress in Clinical Governance (OPCG) schedule to explore managers' perceptions of the importance of, and organisational achievement in, 54 clinical governance competency items in five aggregated domains: improving quality; managing risks; improving staff performance; corporate accountability; and leadership and collaboration. The difference between ratings of importance and achievement was termed a shortfall. RESULTS: Of 1916 individuals surveyed, 1177 (61.4%) responded. The competency items considered most important and recording highest perceived achievement related to corporate accountability structures and clinical risks. The highest shortfalls between perceived importance and perceived achievement were reported in joint working across local health communities, feedback of performance data, and user involvement. When aggregated into domains, greatest achievement was perceived in the assurance related areas of corporate accountability and risk management, with considerably less perceived achievement and consequently higher shortfalls in quality improvement and leadership and collaboration. Directorate level managers' perceptions of achievement were found to be significantly lower than those of their board level colleagues on all domains other than improving performance. No differences were found in perceptions of achievement between different types of trusts, or between trusts at different stages in the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) review cycle. CONCLUSIONS: While structures and systems for clinical governance seem well established, there is more perceived progress in areas concerned with quality assurance than quality improvement. This study raises some uncomfortable questions about the impact of CHI review visits.

Acute Disease↗

An investigation of job satisfaction, organizational commitment and role conflict and ambiguity in a sample of Chinese undergraduate nursing students.

This study aimed to explore the relationships between job satisfaction and organizational commitment, role conflict and ambiguity, and demographic variables associated with retention of nurses within the Chinese healthcare workforce. A hypothetical model derived from a review of research studies investigating relationships between these variables was tested in a cross-sectional questionnaire survey of all the final year nursing students in a medical university in China. Seventy-one out of the total sample of 75 final year nursing students completed the questionnaire, producing a response rate of 95%. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis of the data revealed a positive relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment, and a negative relationship between job satisfaction and role conflict and ambiguity. These results largely support the hypothesised associations between variables found in research studies derived mainly from samples of Western qualified nurses. However, contrary to previous studies, the findings suggest that aspirations to work in a clinical post are associated with high job satisfaction, and degree level student nurses have relatively high job satisfaction. The main implications for nursing education and practice are that educators and clinical mentors should work collaboratively to reduce the gap between theory and practice, specifically to improve the quality of student nurses' clinical experience in China and elsewhere. Positive clinical placement experience is related to high job satisfaction, and so, potentially, to improved retention. Future studies are needed which investigate changes in job satisfaction and other related variables over time, which have student nurse samples that are sufficient to enable the predictive value of these variables on retention in the healthcare workforce to be investigated.

Adult↗

GRB14, GPD1, and GDF8 as potential network collaborators in weight loss-induced improvements in insulin action in human skeletal muscle.

Obesity is associated with insulin resistance in skeletal muscle; accordingly, weight loss dramatically improves insulin action. We sought to identify molecular remodeling of muscle commensurate with weight loss that could explain improvements in insulin action. Muscle from morbidly obese women was studied before and after gastric bypass surgery. Gastric bypass surgery significantly reduced body mass by approximately 45% and improved insulin action. We then assessed mRNA profiles using a stringent statistical analysis (statistical concordance with three probe set algorithms), with validation in a cross-sectional study of lean (n = 8) vs. morbidly obese (n = 8) muscle. Growth factor receptor-bound protein 14 (GRB14), glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (GPD1), and growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8; myostatin) significantly decreased approximately 2.4-, 2.2-, and 2.4-fold, respectively, after weight loss (gastric bypass). Increased expression of these transcripts was associated with increased obesity in the cross-sectional group (lean vs. morbidly obese muscle). Each transcript was validated by real-time quantitative RT-PCR assays in both study groups. Using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, we show that all three transcripts are involved in the same regulatory network including AKT1, IGF1, TNF, PPARG, and INS. These results suggest that GRB14, GPD1, and GDF8 are weight loss-responsive genes in skeletal muscle and that the observed transcriptional modulation of these would be expected to improve insulin signaling, decrease triglyceride synthesis, and increase muscle mass, respectively, with weight loss. Thus our data provide a possible regulatory pathway involved in the development of insulin resistance in the morbidly obese state, and improvement of insulin resistance with weight loss.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗