bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoluminescence of Ag Nanoparticles and Tm3+ Ions in the Bismuth Germanate Glasses for the Blue Light‐Excited W‐LED
Authors: Qi Jiani , Xu Yinsheng , Huang Fei , Chen Liyan , Han Ying , Xue Bing , Zhang Shaoqian , Xu Tiefeng , Dai Shixun
Published: December 2013

Materials containing rare‐earth ions and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely applied due to prior demonstration of increase in their luminescence properties. Here, Tm3+ ions‐doped bismuth germanate glasses were synthesized by a chemical reduction method based on the conventional melting‐quenching technique. The Ag NPs were facilely precipitated in the glass matrix by the chemical reduction method during the annealing process. TEM image shows that the Ag NPs are closely dispersed in the glass matrix. The luminescence properties and energy‐transfer mechanism were systematically investigated by means of absorption, emission, and excitation spectra. Significant enhancements of Tm3+ ions emission and a broad emission band centered at 568 nm caused by Ag NPs are observed upon 474‐nm excitation. Our research may illustrate the interactions between Tm3+ ions and Ag NPs and provide a simplified way to synthesize the high‐efficiency luminescent materials for the blue light‐excited W‐LEDs.
New graduate separations from New Zealand's nursing workforce in the first 5 years after registration: a retrospective cohort analysis of a national administrative data set 2005–2010
Authors: North Nicola , Leung William , Lee Rochelle
Published: December 2013

Aim

To describe workforce separation rates and its relationship with demographic and work characteristics in the 2005 new graduate cohort's first 5 years as practising RNs in NZ.

Background

Retaining new graduate RNs is critical to nursing workforce sustainability; one study showed that if an RN is still employed in a hospital setting 5 years after graduation, he/she tends to remain active in the health industry.

Design

Retrospective analysis using the Nursing Council of New Zealand's registration data set for years 2005–2010.

Methods

All newly registered NZ graduates practising in NZ in 2005 (n = 1236) were tracked for 5 years.

Results

Within 5 years of graduation, 26% of the cohort had separated from the NZ nursing workforce, 18% in the first year. The under‐25s (n = 517), 42% of the cohort, had the highest loss, 32%, in 5 years. Separations were significantly lower for graduates in their 30s vs. their 20s and for those who gained postgraduate tertiary qualifications post‐registration (10%) vs. those who did not (29%). Hospitals were the most frequent employment setting over 5 years, the largest increase being community settings. Five‐year retention rates in the four largest practice areas were surgical 26%, medical 16%, mental health 60% and continuing care 10%. After 5 years, 24% of those still practising (n = 920) worked in a different health board region.

Conclusions

New graduate RN losses were higher than in previous research, with younger RNs at most risk, threatening future sustainability of the nursing workforce and highlighting the need for evidence‐based targeted strategies to retain them.
Establishment of a new cell line from the heart of giant grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus (Bloch), and its application in toxicology and virus susceptibility
Authors: Guo C Y , Huang Y H , Wei S N , Ouyang Z L , Yan Y , Huang X H , Qin Q W
Published: December 2013

A new marine fish cell line, derived from the heart of giant grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus (Bloch), was established and characterized. The cell line was designated as ELGH and subcultured with more than 60 passages. The ELGH cells were mainly composed of fibroblast‐like cells and multiplied well in Leibovitz's L‐15 medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS) at 28 °C. Chromosome analysis indicated that the modal chromosome number was 48. The fluorescent signals were detected in ELGH when transfected with green fluorescent protein reporter plasmids. The 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of the extracellular products (ECPs) from Streptococcus iniae and Vibrio alginolyticus E333 on ELGH cells was 60.02 and 12.49 μg mL−1, respectively. Moreover, the ELGH cells showed susceptibility to Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV), but not to soft‐shelled turtle iridovirus (STIV), red‐spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) and spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV), which was demonstrated by the presence of a severe cytopathic effect (CPE) and increased viral titres. In addition, electron microscopy observation showed that abundant virus particles were present in the infected cells. Taken together, our data above provided the potential utility of ELGH cells for transgenic and genetic manipulation, as well as cytotoxicity testing and virus pathogenesis.
Production of metaluminous melt during fluid‐present anatexis: an example from the Maghrebian basement, La Galite Archipelago, central Mediterranean
Authors: Ferrero S. , Braga R. , Berkesi M. , Cesare B. , Laridhi Ouazaa N.
Published: December 2013

Garnet brought to the surface by late Miocene granitoids at La Galite Archipelago (Central Mediterranean, Tunisia) contains abundant primary melt and fluid inclusions. Microstructural observations and mineral chemistry define the host garnet as a peritectic phase produced by biotite incongruent melting at ~800 °C and 0.5 GPa, under fluid‐present conditions. The trapped melt is leucogranitic with an unexpected metaluminous and almost peralkaline character. Fluid inclusions are one phase at room temperature, and contain aCO2‐dominated fluid, with minor H2O, N2andCH4. Siderite and anOH‐bearing phase were identified by Raman andIRspectroscopy within every analysed inclusion, and are interpreted as products of a post‐entrapment carbonation/hydration reaction between the fluid and the host during cooling. The fluid present during anatexis is therefore inferred to have been originally richer in both H2O andCO2. The production of anatectic melt with a metaluminous signature can be explained as the result of partial melting of relatively Al‐poor protoliths assisted byCO2‐rich fluids.
Thermobarometric constraints on pressure variations across the Plattengneiss shear zone of the Eastern Alps: implications for exhumation models during Eoalpine subduction
Authors: Eberlei T. , Johnson T. E. , White R. W. , Roffeis C. , Stüwe K.
Published: December 2013

Forward and inverse mineral equilibria modelling of metapelitic rocks in the hangingwall and footwall of the Plattengneiss, a major shear zone in the Eastern Alps, is used to constrain their tectonometamorphic evolution and assess models for their exhumation. Forward (pseudosection) modelling of two metapelitic rocks suggests a steep clockwise P–T path with a near‐isothermal decompression segment from a pressure peak at ~18–19 kbar and 670 °C to the metamorphic peak at 680–720 °C and 11–13 kbar. A subsequent decrease to 600–645 °C and 8–9 kbar is inferred from the late growth of staurolite in some samples. Conventional thermobarometric calculations (inverse modelling) on 18 samples with the inferred peak assemblage garnet + plagioclase + muscovite + biotite + quartz + rutile ± ilmenite ± kyanite are associated with large 2σ uncertainties, and absolute pressures calculated for all samples are statistically indistinguishable. However, calculations constraining relative pressure differences (ΔP) between samples sharing a common mineral assemblage are associated with much smaller uncertainties and yield pressure differences that are statistically meaningful. Although the overall pattern is complicated, the results suggest a pressure gradient of up to 3 kbar across the shear zone that is consistent with volume loss and a model of exhumation related to slab extraction for the Plattengneiss shear zone.
Botulinum protease‐cleaved SNARE fragments induce cytotoxicity in neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Arsenault Jason , Cuijpers Sabine A. G. , Ferrari Enrico , Niranjan Dhevahi , Rust Aleksander , Leese Charlotte , O'Brien John A. , Binz Thomas , Davletov Bazbek
Published: December 2013

Soluble N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are crucial for exocytosis, trafficking, and neurite outgrowth, where vesicular SNAREs are directed toward their partner target SNAREs: synaptosomal‐associated protein of 25 kDa and syntaxin. SNARE proteins are normally membrane bound, but can be cleaved and released by botulinum neurotoxins. We found that botulinum proteases types C and D can easily be transduced into endocrine cells using DNA‐transfection reagents. Following administration of the C and D proteases into normally refractory Neuro2A neuroblastoma cells, the SNARE proteins were cleaved with high efficiency within hours. Remarkably, botulinum protease exposures led to cytotoxicity evidenced by spectrophotometric assays and propidium iodide penetration into the nuclei. Direct delivery of SNARE fragments into the neuroblastoma cells reduced viability similar to botulinum proteases' application. We observed synergistic cytotoxic effects of the botulinum proteases, which may be explained by the release and interaction of soluble SNARE fragments. We show for the first time that previously observed cytotoxicity of botulinum neurotoxins/C in neurons could be achieved in cells of neuroendocrine origin with implications for medical uses of botulinum preparations.

image

Ternary complex formation by synaptobrevin (green) and syntaxin/synaptosomal‐associated protein of 25 kDa (red) is necessary for vesicle fusion, membrane trafficking, and cell homeostasis. Botulinum proteases cleave the three SNAREs proteins as indicated, resulting in a loss of cell viability. Lipofection reagents were used to deliver botulinum proteases or short SNARE peptides into neuroblastoma cells, revealing cytotoxic effects of SNARE fragments.
How virtual admission affects coping – telemedicine for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Emme Christina , Rydahl‐Hansen Susan , Østergaard Birte , Schou Lone , Svarre Jakobsen Anna , Phanareth Klaus
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To describe what characterises chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients' coping of physical, emotional and social problems before, during and after virtual admission, in interaction with health professionals and relatives.

Background

Telemedicine for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is gaining ground. However, virtual admission using telemedicine in the patients' home as a replacement of hospital admission has received little attention. Furthermore, little is known about how telemedicine affects chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients' coping.

Design

Grounded Theory study using semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

The study was a part of The Virtual Hospital study, exploring virtual admission for patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. During virtual admission, patients had access to medical equipment consisting of monitoring devices, medication, nebuliser and a touch screen with built‐in videoconference system.

Nine participants were interviewed after virtual admission. Open coding, axial coding and selective coding, using constant comparative analysis, were conducted.

Results

A substantive Grounded Theory was developed, containing the core category – struggling to be in control of life with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – related to four categories: complete powerlessness, dependency, pursuit of regaining autonomy and efforts to remain in control of problems related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Virtual admission supported participants' autonomy. The involvement of health professionals was reduced as participants used the medical equipment to cope with disease‐related problems. Participants' coping was closely linked to the presence of the equipment, making it difficult for them to apply their experiences after discharge from virtual admission.

Conclusions

Virtual admission may support chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients' coping of physical and emotional problems. However, coping experiences made during virtual admission may not be directly applicable outside a telemedical setting.

Relevance to clinical practice

Telemedicine may result in different roles for patients, relatives and health professionals. Clinicians should consider how they can support chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients' coping during telemedical interventions, focusing on how to ensure a sustained improvement that patients can benefit from outside the telemedical setting.
Dealing with aggressive behaviour in nursing homes: caregivers’ use of recommended measures
Authors: Zeller Adelheid , Müller Marianne , Needham Ian , Dassen Theo , Kok Gerjo , Halfens Ruud J G
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To identify groups of caregivers in terms of their use of measures for dealing with resident aggression and the differences between these groups related to their characteristics.

Background

Caregivers in nursing home are confronted with a major challenge when faced with the aggressive behaviour of residents. Therefore, the application of recommended measures is important in supporting caregivers and promoting safety for residents.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

A total of 804 caregivers working in 21 Swiss nursing homes provided data. The questionnaire used was based on published recommendations regarding management of aggressive behaviour and amendments by experts.

Results

The most widely used measure aimed to calm down the resident and to understand the meaning of aggressive behaviour. Physical activities were applied by around 50% of the respondents, and interdisciplinary case reviews as well as standardised instruments for assessment and documentation were used by <50%. Caregiver characteristics such as employment level, support from superiors, institutionalised support for affected caregivers and training in aggression management are associated with their use of recommended measures. Furthermore, caregivers’ competence in empathising with the residents’ perspective in connection with their professional experience has a positive influence on applying recommended measures.

Conclusion

Caregivers use multifaceted measures in understanding the meaning of underlying aggression, but there is a certain failure to use standardised instruments. Caregivers differ significantly in the frequency of their application of recommended measures. Support from superiors and assistance for affected caregivers positively influence their use of measures, whereas training in aggression management leads to less use.

Relevance to clinical practice

Findings show the importance of support from superiors and institutionalised assistance for affected caregivers. Caregiver competence in empathising with the residents’ perspective is important in using person‐centred approaches in the care of residents with aggressive behaviour.
Comfort vs risk: a grounded theory about female adolescent behaviour in the sun
Authors: Norton Elizabeth , Holloway Immy , Galvin Kathleen
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To generate a grounded theory about female adolescent behaviour in the sun.

Background

Nurses have key roles in health promotion and skin cancer prevention. Adolescents' resistance to sun safety messages and their vulnerability to sunburn are of concern internationally. Understanding why young women do as they do in the sun may enhance skin cancer prevention, but their behaviour has not been explained before in the UK.

Design

The study incorporated a qualitative grounded theory design using the approach of Glaser.

Methods

Qualitative data were gleaned from group and one‐to‐one, semi‐structured interviews with 20 female participants aged 14–17, research memos and literature. Sampling was purposive and theoretical. Data collection, analysis and theory generation occurred concurrently. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method. Data collection ended when a substantive theory had been generated.

Results

Data analysis revealed five categories of findings: fitting in, being myself, being physically comfortable, slipping up and being comfortable (the core category). The theory generated around the core explains how young women direct their sun‐related activities towards meeting their physical and psychosocial comfort needs.

Conclusions

A contribution of this research is the grounded theory explaining the behaviour of young women in the sun. Further, the theory challenges assumptions that female adolescents necessarily take risks; it explains their sun‐related activities in terms of comfort. The theory extends findings from other researchers' descriptive qualitative studies and also appears to apply to young people in countries other than the UK.

Relevance to clinical practice

Understanding the sun‐related activity of young women in terms of physical and psychosocial comfort may help nurses to develop new approaches to skin cancer prevention. These could complement existing messages and humanise health promotion.
Determining the cut‐off point of osteoporosis based on the osteoporosis self‐assessment tool, body mass index and weight in Taiwanese young adult women
Authors: Chang Shu Fang , Yang Rong Sen
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To examine the cut‐off point of the osteoporosis self‐assessment tool, age, weight and body mass index for osteoporosis among young adult Taiwanese women, using a large‐scale health examination database containing bone mineral density tests.

Background

The cut‐off points of osteoporosis risk factors identified earlier focus on menopausal or senior Caucasian and Asian women. However, young adult Asian women have seldom been identified.

Design

A retrospective historical cohort study.

Methods

Using the 2009–2011 health examination database of a large‐scale medical centre in northern Taiwan, this study investigated young adult Asian women (i.e. range in age from 30–49 years) in Taiwan who had received dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry test. This study also explored the cut‐off point, sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of receiver operating characteristics of osteoporosis among young adult females in Taiwan.

Results

This study collected 2454 young adult Asian women in Taiwan. Cochran–Armitage analysis results indicated that the prevalence of osteoporosis increased with decreasing weight, body mass index and osteoporosis self‐assessment method quartiles. According to the results of receiver operating characteristics, weight, body mass index and osteoporosis self‐assessment tool approaches can generally be used as indicators to predict osteoporosis among young adult Asian women.

Conclusions

Results of this study demonstrate that Taiwanese women contracting osteoporosis tend to be young and underweight, as well as having a low body mass index and osteoporosis self‐assessment scores. Those results further suggest that the assessment indicators for cut‐off points are appropriately suitable for young adult women in Taiwan.

Relevance to clinical practice

Early detection is the only available means of preventing osteoporosis. Professional nurses should apply convenient and accurate assessment procedures to help young adult women to adopt preventive strategies against osteoporosis early, thus eliminating the probability of osteoporotic fracture.
Association between neonatal hypoglycaemia and prediabetes in postpartum women with a history of gestational diabetes
Authors: Youngwanichsetha Sununta , Phumdoung Sasitorn
Published: December 2013

Aims and Objectives

To determine the association between hypoglycaemia among neonates born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus and their postpartum prediabetes.

Background

Infants born to mothers with diabetes who experienced hyperglycaemia are more likely to develop hypoglycaemia.

Design

A prospective–descriptive research was conducted in three tertiary hospitals in southern Thailand.

Methods

One hundred and fifty matched pairs of mothers and their newborns were included in the study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistic, odds ratio, Spearman's rho correlation and binary logistic regression.

Results

The incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia was 42·37% and odds ratio was 0·30. The findings showed the significant association between neonatal hypoglycaemia and postpartum blood sugar levels of women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

Neonatal hypoglycaemia was associated with maternal hyperglycaemia and prediabetes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Neonatal hypoglycaemia might be used to predict prediabetes of postpartum women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus.
Family‐centred care in the paediatric intensive care unit: an integrative review of the literature
Authors: Butler Ashleigh , Copnell Beverley , Willetts Georgina
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To review extant research on family‐centred care in a paediatric intensive care environment and identify gaps in the literature.

Background

Family‐centred care is currently a core concept in paediatric nursing, focusing on the premise that families are central to a child's well‐being, and as such, should be included as equal members of the child's healthcare team. Due to the nature of critical care, family‐centred care may be challenging to implement and maintain.

Design

An integrative literature review.

Methods

The review was conducted using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, OVID MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases, from 1990 to present. The search focused on the following terms: ‘p(a)ediatric critical care’, ‘paediatric intensive care unit’, ‘family cent(e)red care’, ‘parental needs’, ‘family presence’ and ‘family/nurse roles’. Additionally, the search was limited to studies conducted in a developed country and published in English.

Results

Eighteen studies were included in the review. The results demonstrated that implementing family‐centred care into a paediatric intensive care environment posed several challenges. The discrepancy between nurses’ and parents’ perception of their roles, the reluctance of medical staff to share potentially negative or rapidly changing information, restrictive family presence and poor understanding of family needs emerged as the key difficulties. No studies evaluated strategies to improve family‐centred care practice.

Conclusions

Family‐centred care presents many challenges in a paediatric intensive care environment; however, nurses are uniquely positioned to foster relationships with families, encourage accurate and honest information sharing and advocate for families to be present when they choose.

Relevance to clinical practice

This review outlines the extant research to enhance awareness of the unique state of family‐centred care in paediatric intensive care and makes recommendations for future research.
Cultural challenges and barriers through the voices of nurses
Authors: Hart Patricia L , Mareno Nicole
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To discover and describe challenges and barriers perceived by nurses in providing culturally competent care in their day‐to‐day encounters with diverse patient populations.

Background

Nurses are challenged in today's healthcare environment to provide culturally competent care to a diverse patient population. To provide patient‐ and family‐centred care, nurses must first acknowledge patient's and family's cultural differences, be willing to incorporate patient's and family's beliefs within the healthcare treatment plan, and respect the values and lifeways of differing cultures.

Design

Qualitative description with thematic analysis was used to describe nurses’ perceptions of barriers and challenges in providing culturally competent care. The qualitative component of the study was part of a larger research study that used a prospective, cross‐sectional, descriptive survey. Participants responded to two open‐ended questions about potential challenges and barriers to providing culturally competent health care.

Methods

Nurses were recruited in a south‐eastern state in the USA. Research surveys were mailed to 2000 nurses throughout the state using a stratified sampling method.

Results

Three hundred and seventy‐four nurses participated in the study. Three themes emerged from the qualitative description: great diversity, lack of resources, and prejudices and biases.

Conclusions

The provision of culturally competent patient‐ and family‐centred care is an ethical imperative and professional mandate. Describing nurses’ perspectives on challenges and barriers to providing culturally competent care is the first step in helping to redesign care delivery practices.

Relevance to clinical practice

Challenges to providing culturally competent care included diversity in patient populations, lack of resources to provide culturally competent care and biases/prejudices. Strategies to address these challenges in the areas of nursing education, nursing research and nursing policy were proposed.
The barriers and facilitators people with diabetes from a nonEnglish speaking background experience when managing their medications: a qualitative study
Authors: Claydon‐Platt Kate , Manias Elizabeth , Dunning Trisha
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore the barriers to and facilitators of effective medication management from the perspectives of people with diabetes from a nonEnglish speaking background, carers and health professionals.

Background

The barriers that people with diabetes experience managing their medications can adversely impact on health outcomes. People from nonEnglish speaking backgrounds are at risk of medication‐related problems, although there is a paucity of research in this area.

Design

A qualitative research design using a purposive sampling approach.

Methods

People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes from a nonEnglish speaking background, their carers, and health professionals who assisted these people and their carers to manage their medications were recruited from the diabetes outpatient clinic at an adult teaching public hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Participants were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview guide. All interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic framework method.

Results

Eleven people with diabetes, 10 carers and 10 health professionals were interviewed, and four key issues were identified: diabetes knowledge, diabetes impact, medication knowledge and medication management. The cost of medications, language barriers that hinder communication, forgetfulness, and poor knowledge and understanding emerged as barriers to effective medication management. Facilitators included the use of dose administration aids to manage medications, but current medication lists were not used.

Conclusions

Findings revealed people with diabetes experienced a multitude of barriers when managing their medications, and, despite the problems people experienced, there appeared to be poor use of support aids to assist people to effectively manage their medications.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings can be used to develop strategies aiming at improving how people from nonEnglish speaking backgrounds manage their medicines.
An evaluative review of questionnaires recommended for the assessment of quality of life and symptom severity in women with urinary incontinence
Authors: Hewison Ann , McCaughan Dorothy , Watt Ian
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To provide an up‐to‐date assessment of the quality of commonly recommended questionnaires for measuring symptom severity and quality of life in women with urinary incontinence and also to consider their application to practice.

Background

Urinary incontinence is a common problem for women. In addition to various physical symptoms, there is a known effect on quality of life. Psychometrically robust questionnaires are reported to be the best way to measure an individual's perceptions of symptom severity and quality of life, and a number of different ones are recommended for use in international and national guidance, which can be confusing for clinicians. Moreover, there are concerns over the applicability of some of these instruments in clinical practice.

Design

An evaluative review was carried out examining selected questionnaires measuring symptom severity and/or quality of life.

Methods

Selection of questionnaires for inclusion in the review was based on the recommendations of evidence‐based guidance, followed by systematic scrutiny of the characteristics of the individual recommended questionnaires.

Results

Thirteen questionnaires were included in the review, of which three appeared to ‘outperform’ the remainder in terms of their psychometric properties and other characteristics.

Conclusions

This review provides the most up‐to‐date and comprehensive analysis of the quality and applicability of the included questionnaires and offers the practitioner advice on which to select for use in practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

This review aims to help the practitioner choose a questionnaire based on a sound evaluation of the quality of the questionnaire and its applicability to the clinical setting.
District nurses’ and registered nurses’ training in and use of motivational interviewing in primary care settings
Authors: Östlund Ann‐Sofi , Wadensten Barbro , Häggström Elisabeth , Kristofferzon Marja‐Leena
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To examine to what extent district nurses and registered nurses have training in motivational interviewing, to what extent they use it and what prerequisites they have for using it; to compare district nurses and registered nurses, as well as to compare users and nonusers of motivational interviewing; and to examine possible relationships between use of motivational interviewing and the variables training, supervision and feedback in motivational interviewing and prerequisites for use.

Background

Motivational interviewing is an effective method for motivating patients to change their lifestyle, used increasingly in primary care.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey study.

Methods

A study‐specific questionnaire was sent to all district nurses and registered nurses (n = 980) in primary care in three counties in Sweden, from September 2011–January 2012; 673 (69%) responded. Differences between groups as well as relationships between study variables were tested.

Results

According to self‐reports, 59% of the respondents had training in motivational interviewing and 57% used it. Approximately 15% of those who reported using it had no specific training in the method. More district nurses than registered nurses had training in motivational interviewing and used it. The following factors were independently associated with the use of motivational interviewing: training in and knowledge of motivational interviewing, conditions for using it, time and absence of ‘other’ obstacles.

Conclusions

Having knowledge in motivational interviewing and personal as well as workplace prerequisites for using it may promote increased use of motivational interviewing.

Relevance to clinical practice

Having the prerequisites for using motivational interviewing at the workplace is of significance to the use of motivational interviewing. In the context of primary care, district nurses seem to have better prerequisites than registered nurses for using motivational interviewing.
The duality of suffering and trust: abused women's experiences of general psychiatric care – an interview study
Authors: Örmon Karin , Torstensson‐Levander Marie , Sunnqvist Charlotta , Bahtsevani Christel
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To elucidate how women subjected to physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse experience the care provided at a general psychiatric clinic after the disclosure of abuse.

Background

Violence against women is a major global public health issue, which has an impact on women's lives and mental health as well as generating frequent hospital admission.

Design

Qualitative design with an inductive approach.

Methods

Interviews with nine women who were recipients of general psychiatric care and had disclosed experiences of abuse to a member of staff were conducted. Qualitative inductive content analysis was used.

Results

The overall theme emerging from the narratives, ‘dependency as a reality containing a duality of suffering and trust,’ links the categories together. Each subcategory is presented in relation to the categories ‘being belittled,’ ‘being misinterpreted’ and ‘being cared for.’ Experiences of care as caring and noncaring were found in the narratives. Caring could include situations experienced as the women being acknowledged and listened to, situations where staff approached and supported the women in a sensitive way. Experiences of noncaring were when the abuse was disregarded, and when the women were not believed in, were left with burdens of guilt and were offended. A noncaring environment focused primarily on the diagnosis, and the experienced abuse was seen as secondary.

Conclusions

Abused women are subjected to psychiatric environments where staff are divided into groups of those who believed in and supported the abused women and those who regarded experiences of abuse as a secondary issue and focused on the mental disorder.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study provides knowledge of how abused women experience the care provided at a general psychiatric clinic after the disclosure of abuse.
Maintaining ordinariness around food: partners’ experiences of everyday life with a dying person
Authors: Wallin Viktoria , Carlander Ida , Sandman Per‐Olof , Ternestedt Britt‐Marie , Håkanson Cecilia
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore partners’ experiences of everyday life in caring for a dying person with eating deficiencies at home.

Background

When a dying person receives care at home, eating deficiencies can influence everyday life for family members, who often take responsibility for the provision of food and meals. The literature reveals this to be emotionally stressful. Partners of dying persons are challenged both as caregivers and as partners who will soon lose their life companion. There is a need for studies that provide enhanced understanding about the influence of dying persons’ eating deficiencies on their partners, from the perspective of everyday life.

Design

A qualitative design was chosen to obtain experience‐based knowledge of relevance for the clinical context of palliative home care.

Methods

Nine people were purposefully selected and interviewed three–six months after the death of their partner. Data collection and analysis were guided by an interpretive descriptive method.

Results

The partners described experiences of how eating deficiencies brought about changes in the participants’ everyday lives. Two patterns of experiences were identified: the challenge of doing the best for their dying partner around matters involving food and mealtimes, and experiences of striving to maintain ordinariness, including holding on to social values around food, despite experiences of unfamiliarity when the dying partners’ habits were changed.

Conclusion

Living close to a person who has eating deficiencies at the end of life is challenging, both from a caring perspective and for personal well‐being.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings can assist palliative home care teams and other healthcare professionals to give support that goes beyond giving practical advice about food. Initiating talk about the current situation around food and meals at home, by posing questions and opening the way for conversations, is suggested.
Clinical comparison between arthrocentesis and conventional conservative treatment with maxillomandibular fixation for unilateral high condylar fractures
Authors: Nogami S. , Yamauchi K. , Kataoka Y. , Takano H. , Yamashita Y. , Takahashi T.
Published: December 2013

This study aimed to compare the effects of arthrocentesis and conventional closed reduction for unilateral mandibular condyle fractures. A total of 30 patients with unilateral condylar fractures were evaluated. Patients with a high condylar fracture and magnetic resonance evidence of joint effusion (JE) were divided into two groups: those treated with intra‐articular irrigation and betamethasone injection (group I) and those given conservative treatment and rigid maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) (group II). All patients were assessed for mandibular range of motion (ROM), protrusive movements, lateral excursion movements on the fractured and non‐fractured sides, pain in the temporomandibular joint and malocclusion, both before and after treatment. There were no significant differences in regard to protrusion, lateral excursion movement and incidence of malocclusion at 12 months after treatment between the groups (P > 0·05). In group I, ROM and joint pain showed good improvement from the early stages of treatment, and those patients had better outcomes as compared to group II for those parameters at 1 and 3 months after injury. The present findings indicate that arthrocentesis may be more effective and provide faster healing than conventional closed reduction.
Melatonin effects on bone: potential use for the prevention and treatment for osteopenia, osteoporosis, and periodontal disease and for use in bone‐grafting procedures
Authors: Maria Sifat , Witt‐Enderby Paula A.
Published: December 2013

An important role for melatonin in bone formation and restructuring has emerged, and studies demonstrate the multiple mechanisms for these beneficial actions. Statistical analysis shows that even with existing osteoporotic therapies, bone‐related disease, and mortality are on the rise, creating a huge financial burden for societies worldwide. These findings suggest that novel alternatives need to be developed to either prevent or reverse bone loss to combat osteoporosis‐related fractures. The focus of this review describes melatonin's role in bone physiology and discusses how disruption of melatonin rhythms by light exposure at night, shift work, and disease can adversely impact on bone. The signal transduction mechanisms underlying osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and coupling with one another are discussed with a focus on how melatonin, through the regulation of RANKL and osteoprotegerin synthesis and release from osteoblasts, can induce osteoblastogenesis while inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Also, melatonin's free‐radical scavenging and antioxidant properties of this indoleamine are discussed as yet an additional mechanism by which melatonin can maintain one's bone health, especially oral health. The clinical use for melatonin in bone‐grafting procedures, in reversing bone loss due to osteopenia and osteoporosis, and in managing periodontal disease is discussed.
Phenotypic characterisation of canine epileptoid cramping syndrome in the Border terrier
Authors: Black V. , Garosi L. , Lowrie M. , Harvey R. J. , Gale J.
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVES

To characterise the phenotype of Border terriers suspected to be affected by canine epileptoid cramping syndrome and to identify possible contributing factors.

METHODS

Owners of Border terriers with suspected canine epileptoid cramping syndrome were invited to complete an online questionnaire. The results of these responses were collated and analysed.

RESULTS

Twenty‐nine Border terriers were included. Most affected dogs had their first episode before 3 years of age (range: 0·2 to 7·0 years). The majority of episodes lasted between 2 and 30 minutes (range: 0·5 to 150 minutes). The most frequent observations during the episodes were difficulty in walking (27 of 29), mild tremor (21 of 29) and dystonia (22 of 29). Episodes most frequently affected all four limbs (25 of 29) and the head and neck (21 of 29). Borborygmi were reported during episodes in 11 of 29 dogs. Episodes of vomiting and diarrhoea occurred in 14 of 29, with 50% of these being immediately before or after episodes of canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (7 of 14). Most owners (26 of 29) had changed their dog's diet, with approximately 50% (14 of 26) reporting a subsequent reduction in the frequency of episodes.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study demonstrates similarities in the phenotype of canine epileptoid cramping syndrome to paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis, a paroxysmal dyskinesia reported in humans. This disorder appears to be associated with gastrointestinal signs in some dogs and appears at least partially responsive to dietary adjustments.
Concordance of c‐kit Mutational Status in Matched Primary and Metastatic Cutaneous Canine Mast Cell Tumors at Baseline
Authors: Marconato L. , Zorzan E. , Giantin M. , Di Palma S. , Cancedda S. , Dacasto M.
Published: December 2013

Background

Mutation analysis of proto‐oncogene c‐kit (c‐kit) is advisable before starting treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in dogs with mast cell tumor (MCT), including those with metastatic disease. Testing is usually performed on primary tumors, assuming that c‐kit mutation status does not change in metastasis.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To give an insight into the mutational processes and to make a recommendation on the use of c‐kit mutational analysis in the clinical setting.

Animals

Twenty‐one client‐owned dogs with metastatic MCT.

Methods

Dogs undergoing resection or biopsy for both primary and matched metastatic MCT were prospectively enrolled. Total RNA or DNA was extracted from primary MCT and corresponding metastases. Exons 8, 9, and 11 were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Genetic features between primary MCT and metastases were compared. Their correlation with clinicopathologic features was investigated.

Results

Concordance (mutated or wild‐type) of mutational status, evaluable in 21 primary and matched metastatic (20 nodal and 1 splenic) MCTs, was 100%. Three new c‐kit mutations were identified. No significant correlation was detected between c‐kit mutation and clinicopathologic features.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Proto‐oncogene c‐kit mutational status is conserved between any primary and its matched secondary tumor, suggesting that both can be used for c‐kit mutational testing. Targeted therapies might be also used to treat metastatic disease.
Long‐Term Outcome in Dogs with Patent Ductus Arteriosus: 520 Cases (1994–2009)
Authors: Saunders A.B. , Gordon S.G. , Boggess M.M. , Miller M.W.
Published: December 2013

Background

Published information regarding survival and long‐term cardiac remodeling after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in dogs is limited.

Objectives

To report outcome and identify prognostic variables in dogs withPDA, and to identify risk factors for persistent remodeling in dogs with a minimum of 12 months of follow‐up after closure.

Animals

Five hundred and twenty client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records of 520 dogs withPDA. Outcome was determined by contacting owners and veterinarians. Dogs withPDAclosure and ≥ 12 months of follow‐up were asked to return for a re‐evaluation.

Results

In multivariable analysis of 506 dogs not euthanized at the time of diagnosis, not having aPDAclosure procedure negatively affected survival (HzR = 16.9,P < .001). In 444 dogs undergoing successfulPDAclosure, clinical signs at presentation (HzR = 17,P = .02), concurrent congenital heart disease (HD) (HzR = 4.8,P = .038), and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) documented within 24 hours of closure (HzR = 4.5,P = .028) negatively affected survival. Seventy‐one dogs with ≥ 12 months follow‐up demonstrated a significant reduction in radiographic and echocardiographic measures of heart size (P = 0) and increased incidence of acquiredHD(P = .001) at re‐evaluation. Dogs with increased left ventricular size and low fractional shortening at baseline were more likely to have persistent remodeling at re‐evaluation.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Patent ductus arteriosus closure confers important survival benefits and results in long‐term reverse remodeling in most dogs. Clinical signs at presentation, concurrent congenitalHD, and severeMRnegatively affect survival. Increased left ventricular systolic dimensions and systolic dysfunction at baseline correlated significantly with persistent remodeling.
Signalment Changes in Canine Leptospirosis between 1970 and 2009
Authors: Lee H.S. , Guptill L. , Johnson A.J. , Moore G.E.
Published: December 2013

Background

Previous studies have identified large breed, male, outdoor dogs of herding or working groups to be at increased risk forLeptospirainfection. Exposure risk factors may change over time, altering the signalment of dogs most commonly diagnosed with leptospirosis.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to evaluate possible signalment changes by decade in canine leptospirosis cases diagnosed at university veterinary hospitals in the United States and Canada using reports to the Veterinary Medical DataBase (VMDB) over a 40‐year period (1970–2009).

Animals

One thousand and ninety‐one dogs with leptospirosis diagnosed among 1,659,146 hospital visits.

Methods

Hospital prevalence of leptospirosis by decade was determined by age, sex, weight, and breed groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were created to evaluate the association between variables and the odds of disease for each decade.

Results

Veterinary Medical DataBase hospital prevalence of leptospirosis in dogs, after a marked decrease in the 1970s and low rates in the 1980s, began increasing in the 1990s. Hospital prevalence significantly increased in dogs between 2 and 9.9 years of age (P < .05) and in male dogs (P < .05) in each decade since the 1980s. Among weight groups in the most recent decade (2000–2009), dogs weighing <15 pounds had the greatest odds of being diagnosed with leptospirosis (P = .003).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Hospital prevalence rates by age, weight, sex, and breed groups differed by decade. These changes may reflect changes in exposure risk,Leptospiravaccination practices for dogs, or both.
A Polymorphism in the Melanocortin 4 Receptor Gene (MC4R:c.92C>T) Is Associated with Diabetes Mellitus in Overweight Domestic Shorthaired Cats
Authors: Forcada Y. , Holder A. , Church D.B. , Catchpole B.
Published: December 2013

Background

Feline diabetes mellitus (DM) shares many pathophysiologic features with human type 2DM. Human genome‐wide association studies have identified genes associated with obesity andDM, including melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), which plays an important role in energy balance and appetite regulation.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the felineMC4Rgene and to determine whether anySNPs are associated withDMor overweight body condition in cats.

Animals

Two‐hundred forty domestic shorthaired (DSH) cats were recruited for the study. Of these, 120 diabetics were selected (60 overweight, 60 lean), along with 120 nondiabetic controls (60 overweight and 60 lean). Males and females were equally represented.

Methods

A prospective case‐control study was performed. GenomicDNAwas extracted from blood samples and used as template forPCRamplification of the felineMC4Rgene. The coding region of the gene was sequenced in 10 cats to identify polymorphisms. Subsequently, genotyping by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis assessedMC4R:c.92C > Tallele and genotype frequencies in each group of cats.

Results

No significant differences inMC4R:c.92C>Tallele or genotype frequencies were identified between nondiabetic overweight and lean cats. In the overweight diabetic group, 55% were homozygous for theMC4R:c.92C allele, compared to 33% of the lean diabetics and 30% of the nondiabetics. The differences between the overweight diabetic and the nondiabetics were significant (P < .01).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We identified a polymorphism in the coding sequence of felineMC4Rthat is associated withDMin overweightDSHcats, similar to the situation in humans.