bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How important is nectar in shaping spatial variation in the abundance of temperate breeding hummingbirds?
Authors: Feldman Richard E. , McGill Brian J.
Published: October 2013

Aim

Our aim was to test the degree to which nectar production predicts hummingbird abundances at large spatial scales compared with other large‐scale environmental variables.

Location

Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, USA.

Methods

We surveyed nectar producing flowers at 67 sites in the summer of 2008 and converted flower densities to nectar production using data obtained from the literature. We derived a model of nectar production and used this to create a nectar production map for the study region. We then tested the degree to which nectar production predicted the abundance and occupancy of black‐chinned (Archilochus alexandri) and broad‐tailed (Selasphorus platycercus) hummingbirds with zero‐inflated Poisson regression. Abundance data were taken from the North American Breeding Bird Survey. We compared the predictions made from nectar production to those made from temperature, precipitation, growing degree‐days, elevation and primary productivity.

Results

We found that black‐chinned hummingbird abundance was best predicted by the abundance of conspecifics in a surrounding 20‐km neighbourhood as opposed to any of the environmental variables. Their occupancy varied independently of any underlying spatial or environmental variation. Broad‐tailed hummingbird abundance was best predicted by average temperature. Nectar was a weak predictor of both species' abundance and occupancy.

Main conclusions

Of the variables we measured, no single one is a key predictor of spatial variation of hummingbird abundance. It is possible that breeding abundances respond to local habitat characteristics that do not correlate strongly with large‐scale environmental variability. Within the breeding season, hummingbird abundance and occupancy may depend on factors unrelated to nectar production and hummingbirds may not disperse to track spatial variation in nectar production.
Exploring the Factors Associated With Youth Homelessness and Arrests
Authors: Fielding Kim , Forchuk Cheryl
Published: October 2013

Problem

The high rate of arrests among homeless youths has stimulated a growing interest in uncovering the factors associated with police involvement in this population. This study explored external factors related to their arrests.

Method

This secondary analysis involved 186 homeless youths. The difference between youths who reported arrests and those who did not was examined based on the following variables: economic status, meaningful activity, involvement with other homeless peers, mental illness, and drug use.

Findings

The results of this study showed a significant association between drug use and arrests, length of time homeless and arrests, and depression and arrests.

Conclusion

The various factors thought to be associated with arrests likely interact with one another, making it difficult to directly link a specific behavior to being arrested.
Novel evolutionary pathways of sex‐determining mechanisms
Authors: Schwanz L. E. , Ezaz T. , Gruber B. , Georges A.
Published: October 2013

Evolutionary transitions between sex‐determining mechanisms (SDMs) are an enigma. Among vertebrates, individual sex (male or female) is primarily determined by either genes (genotypic sex determination, GSD) or embryonic incubation temperature (temperature‐dependent sex determination, TSD), and these mechanisms have undergone repeated evolutionary transitions. Despite this evolutionary lability, transitions from GSD (i.e. from male heterogamety, XX/XY, or female heterogamety, ZZ/ZW) to TSD are an evolutionary conundrum, as they appear to require crossing a fitness valley arising from the production of genotypes with reduced viability owing to being homogametic for degenerated sex chromosomes (YY or WW individuals). Moreover, it is unclear whether alternative (e.g. mixed) forms of sex determination can persist across evolutionary time. It has previously been suggested that transitions would be easy if temperature‐dependent sex reversal (e.g. XX male or XY female) was asymmetrical, occurring only in the homogametic sex. However, only recently has a mechanistic model of sex determination emerged that may allow such asymmetrical sex reversal. We demonstrate that selection for TSD in a realistic sex‐determining system can readily drive evolutionary transitions from GSD to TSD that do not require the production of YY or WW individuals. In XX/XY systems, sex reversal (female to male) occurs in a portion of the XX individuals only, leading to the loss of the Y allele (or chromosome) from the population as XX individuals mate with each other. The outcome is a population of XX individuals whose sex is determined by incubation temperature (TSD). Moreover, our model reveals a novel evolutionarily stable state representing a mixed‐mechanism system that has not been revealed by previous approaches. This study solves two long‐standing puzzles of the evolution of sex‐determining mechanisms by illuminating the evolutionary pathways and endpoints.
The effect ofWolbachiaon the lifetime reproductive success of its insect host in the field
Authors: Segoli M. , Stouthamer R. , Stouthamer C. M. , Rugman‐Jones P. , Rosenheim J. A.
Published: October 2013

Wolbachiais a widespread endosymbiont that induces dramatic manipulations of its host's reproduction. Although there has been substantial progress in the developing theory forWolbachia–host interactions and in measuring the effects ofWolbachiaon host fitness in the laboratory, there is a widely recognized need to quantify the effects ofWolbachiaon the host fitness in the field. The waspAnagrus sophiae, an egg parasitoid of planthoppers, carries aWolbachiastrain that induces parthenogenesis, but its effects on the fitness of itsAnagrushost are unknown. We developed a method to estimate the realized lifetime reproductive success of female wasps by collecting them soon after they die naturally in the field, counting the number of eggs remaining in their ovaries and quantifyingWolbachiadensity in their body. We sampled from a highly infectedA. sophiaepopulation and found no evidence forWolbachiavirulence and possible evidence for positive effects ofWolbachiaon realized reproductive success.
Does among‐population variation in burst swimming performance of sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka fry reflect early life migrations?
Authors: Sopinka N. M. , Hinch S. G. , Lotto A. G. , Whitney C. K. , Patterson D. A.
Published: October 2013

Using a fixed‐speed test, burst swimming performance was found to vary among nine populations of emergent sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka fry reared in a common‐garden environment. No consistent relationship was, however, detected between difficulty of fry migration (upstream v. downstream) to rearing areas and total burst swimming duration or bursting rate.
Ultrasound measurement of reproductive organs in juvenile European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax
Authors: Macrì F. , Liotta L. , Bonfiglio R. , De Stefano C. , Ruscica D. , Aiudi G.
Published: October 2013

In this study, ultrasonographic examination was performed thrice, 15 days apart, on juvenile European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax, from 330 to 360 days of age, to assess the size and the morphology of male and female. Results have proved this method as a suitable and non‐invasive procedure to assess sexual differentiation.
The C‐terminal cysteine of turbot Scophthalmus maximus translationally controlled tumour protein plays a key role in antioxidation and growth‐promoting functions
Authors: Zhang Z.‐X. , Geng D.‐Y. , Han Q. , Liang S.‐D. , Guo H.‐R.
Published: October 2013

The translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) of turbot Scophthalmus maximus (SmTCTP) contains only one cysteine (Cys170) at the C‐terminal end. The biological role of this C‐terminal Cys170 in the antioxidation and growth‐promoting functions of SmTCTP was examined by site‐directed mutation of C170A (Cys170→Ala170). It was found that C170A mutation not only obviously decreased the antioxidation capacity of the mutant‐smtctp‐transformed bacteria exposed to 0·22 mM hydrogen peroxide, but also significantly interrupted the normal growth and survival of the mutant‐smtctp‐transformed bacteria and flounder Paralichthys olivaceus gill (FG) cells, indicating a key role played by Cys170 in the antioxidation and growth‐promoting functions of SmTCTP. This study also suggested that the self‐dimerization or dimerization with other interacting proteins is critical to the growth‐promoting function of SmTCTP.
Variation in vertebral number and its morphological implication in Galaxias platei
Authors: Barriga J. P. , Milano D. , Cussac V. E.
Published: October 2013

Variation in the vertebral number of the puyen grande Galaxias platei was examined for specimens from 22 localities that span the entire distribution range of the species (from 40° to 55° S). The mean vertebral number (NMW) increases towards high latitudes, i.e. Jordan's rule is applicable to this species. Owing to the wide geographic variation of the species, not only in latitude but also in altitude, the most explicative variable for NMW was mean winter air temperature, showing negative dependence. Morphological data suggest that the increment in vertebral number lies in the pre‐pelvic region of the trunk and in the caudal region, but not in the segment between pelvic‐fin insertion and the origin of the anal fin. As these alterations in body shape have important consequences for hydrodynamics and swimming performance, vertebral number variation in G. platei also holds implications for both individual and population fitness.
Autosomal‐dominant Alzheimer's disease mutations at the same codon of amyloid precursor protein differentially alter Aβ production
Authors: Suárez‐Calvet Marc , Belbin Olivia , Pera Marta , Badiola Nahuai , Magrané Jordi , Guardia‐Laguarta Cristina , Muñoz Laia , Colom‐Cadena Martí , Clarimón Jordi , Lleó Alberto
Published: October 2013

Autosomal‐dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) or Presenilin (PSEN) genes. Studying the mechanisms underlying these mutations can provide insight into the pathways that lead to AD pathology. The majority of biochemical studies on APP mutations to‐date have focused on comparing mechanisms between mutations at different codons. It has been assumed that amino acid position is a major determinant of protein dysfunction and clinical phenotype. However, the differential effect of mutations at the same codon has not been sufficiently addressed. In the present study we compared the effects of the aggressive ADAD‐associated APP I716F mutation with I716V and I716T on APP processing in human neuroglioma and CHO‐K1 cells. All APP I716 mutations increased the ratio of Aβ42/40 and changed the product line preference of γ‐secretase towards Aβ38 production. In addition, the APP I716F mutation impaired the ε‐cleavage and the fourth cleavage of γ‐secretase and led to abnormal APP β‐CTF accumulation at the plasma membrane. Taken together, these data indicate that APP mutations at the same codon can induce diverse abnormalities in APP processing, some resembling PSEN1 mutations. These differential effects could explain the clinical differences observed among ADAD patients bearing different APP mutations at the same position.

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The amyloid precursor protein (APP) I716F mutation is associated with autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease with the youngest age‐at‐onset for the APP locus. Here, we describe that this mutation, when compared to two other familial Alzheimer's disease mutations at the same codon (I716V and I716T), interfered distinctly with γ‐secretase cleavage. While all three mutations direct γ‐secretase cleavage towards the 48→38 production line, the APP I716F mutation also impaired the ε‐cleavage and the fourth cleavage of γ‐secretase, resembling a PSEN1 mutation. These features may contribute to the aggressiveness of this mutation.
Spikar, a novel drebrin‐binding protein, regulates the formation and stabilization of dendritic spines
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Kojima Nobuhiko , Kato Kenichi , Hirose Eiji , Iwasaki Toshiharu , Mizui Toshiyuki , Takahashi Hideto , Hanamura Kenji , Roppongi Reiko T. , Koibuchi Noriyuki , Sekino Yuko , Mori Nozomu , Shirao Tomoaki
Published: October 2013

Dendritic spines are small, actin‐rich protrusions on dendrites, the development of which is fundamental for the formation of neural circuits. The actin cytoskeleton is central to dendritic spine morphogenesis. Drebrin is an actin‐binding protein that is thought to initiate spine formation through a unique drebrin‐actin complex at postsynaptic sites. However drebrin overexpression in neurons does not increase the final density of dendritic spines. In this study, we have identified and characterized a novel drebrin‐binding protein, spikar. Spikar is localized in cell nuclei and dendritic spines, and accumulation of spikar in dendritic spines directly correlates with spine density. A reporter gene assay demonstrated that spikar acts as a transcriptional co‐activator for nuclear receptors. We found that dendritic spine, but not nuclear, localization of spikar requires drebrin.RNA‐interference knockdown and overexpression experiments demonstrated that extranuclear spikar regulates dendritic spine density by modulatingde novospine formation and retraction of existing spines. Unlike drebrin, spikar does not affect either the morphology or function of dendritic spines. These findings indicate that drebrin‐mediated postsynaptic accumulation of spikar regulates spine density, but is not involved in regulation of spine morphology.

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This study identified a novel drebrin‐binding protein, spikar, which is a novel transcriptional co‐activator. Drebrin serves to anchor spikar in dendritic spines.　Spikar knockdown decreases a spine density by attenuating the spine stability and inhibiting de novo spine formation. Extranuclear spikar rescues the spine decrease in spikar knockdowned neurons. Spikar overexpression increases a spine density in drebrin‐dependent manner.
Synaptic activity bidirectionally regulates a novel sequence‐specific S‐Q phosphoproteome in neurons
Authors: Siddoway Benjamin , Hou Hailong , Yang Hongtian , Petralia Ronald , Xia Houhui
Published: October 2013

Protein phosphorylation plays a critical role in neuronal transcription, translation, cell viability, and synaptic plasticity. In neurons, phospho‐enzymes and specific substrates directly link glutamate release and post‐synaptic depolarization to these cellular functions; however, many of these enzymes and their protein substrates remain uncharacterized or unidentified. In this article, we identify a novel, synaptically driven neuronal phosphoproteome characterized by a specific motif of serine/threonine‐glutamine ([S/T]‐Q, abbreviated as SQ). These SQ‐containing substrates are predominantly localized to dendrites, synapses, the soma; and activation of this SQ phosphoproteome by bicuculline application is induced via calcium influx through L‐type calcium channels. On the other hand, acute application of NMDA can inactivate this SQ phosphoproteome. We demonstrate that the SQ motif kinase Ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated can also localize to dendrites and dendritic spines, in addition to other subcellular compartments, and is activated by bicuculline application. Pharmacology studies indicate that Ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated and its sister kinase ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3‐related up‐regulate these neuronal SQ substrates. Phosphoproteomics identified over 150 SQ‐containing substrates whose phosphorylation is bidirectionally regulated by synaptic activity.

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We discovered a novel phosphoproteome in neurons which is characterized by the phosphorylation of a specific motif (serine/threonine‐glutamine, abbreviated as SQ). The SQ phosphoproteome is activated directly by synaptic activity‐mediated Ca2+ influx from L‐type calcium channels, and is localized to multiple subcellular domains, including dendritic shafts/spines. Substrates identified in this phosphoproteome exhibit diverse subcellular localizations and functions.
The development of a normalization method for comparing nerve regeneration effectiveness among different graft types
Authors: Chang Wei , DeVince Jeffrey , Green Gabriella , Shah Munish Bhupendra , Johns Michael S. , Meng Yan , Yu Xiaojun
Published: October 2013

The inability to compare directly different nerve grafts has been a significant factor hindering the advance of nerve graft development. Due to the abundance of variables that exist in nerve graft construction and multiple assessment types, there has been limited success in comparing nerve graft effectiveness among experiments. Using mathematical techniques on nerve conduction velocity (NCV) autograft data, a normalization function was empirically derived that normalizes differences in gap lengths. Further analysis allowed for the development of the relative regeneration ratio (RRR). The RRR function allows researchers to directly compare nerve graft results based on the NCV data from their respective studies as long as the data was collected at the same post‐operation time. This function also allows for comparisons between grafts tested at different gap lengths. Initial testing of this RRR function provided confidence that the function is accurate for a continuum of gap lengths and different nerve graft types.
A New Theoretical Model for the Development of Pressure Ulcers and Other Dependence‐Related Lesions
Authors: García‐Fernández Francisco Pedro , Agreda J. Javier Soldevilla , Verdú José , Pancorbo‐Hidalgo Pedro L.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To review the risk factors included in pressure ulcer risk assessment scales and construct a theoretical model for identifying the etiological factors of skin ulcers, excluding those of systemic origin (e.g., venous, arterial, and neuropathic).

Methods

Consensus study with expert panel (Delphi Method) based on a structured review of the literature. A search was conducted of the main databases between 1962 and 2009 with no language limitations. All descriptive or validation studies were included, but the grey literature was excluded. After identifying the risk factors in each scale, they were grouped into risk dimensions as a basis for constructing a new theoretical model.

Results

Eighty‐three risk factors were identified in the 56 scales reviewed, and the risk factors were then classified by the expert panel into 23 risk dimensions. These dimensions were used to construct a new theoretical model (middle‐range theory) for chronic wound development that explains the production mechanism of seven types of lesion: moisture, pressure, friction, combined pressure‐moisture, combined pressure‐friction, multifactorial lesions, and coadjuvant factors. These lesions were generically defined as dependence‐related injuries.

Conclusions

Based on the classification of risk factors from the different scales into risk dimensions, a new middle‐range theory was constructed that explains the production mechanism of seven dependence‐related lesions considered to date as pressure ulcers.

Clinical Relevance

The prevention and treatment of these lesions requires a correct diagnosis and differentiation of their cause and management of the risk dimensions involved. The type of lesion also influences the selection of local approach.
Typologies of Professional Identity Among Graduating Baccalaureate‐Prepared Nurses
Authors: Hensel Desiree
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of professional identity arising from the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) attitudes among students completing their prelicensure education.

Design

This mixed‐method study used a modified Q‐methodology design with a purposeful sample of 36 baccalaureate students graduating from three campuses of a large Midwestern university. Data were collected near the end of the spring semester of 2013.

Methods

Participants rank‐ordered their agreement or disagreement with a set of subjective statements reflecting the 46 QSEN attitudes. Data were analyzed using a standard three‐step approach that included generating a correlation matrix, completing factor analysis followed by varimax rotation, and calculating the factor scores.

Findings

Twenty statements represented consensus among the participants, and there was strong agreement that patient safety was both an individual and a team effort. Three professional identity typologies emerged: champions, collaborators, and individualists.

Conclusions

Evidence was found that these students internalized the QSEN attitudes to varying degrees, but more work may be needed to internalize all attitudes, especially those related to patient‐centered care. Future research is needed to evaluate how students with different perspectives transition to practice and to explore other factors that comprise professional identity.

Clinical Relevance

This study expands on what is known about patterns of professional identity among nurses and helps provide a beginning framework for understanding the values new graduates bring to practice.
Group psychotherapy in women with a history of sexual abuse: what did they find helpful?
Authors: Sayın Aslıhan , Candansayar Selçuk , Welkin Leyla
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To define the effects of group psychotherapy in women with a history of sexual abuse, to find possible predictors for dropout and treatment outcome rates and to find which therapeutic factors of group psychotherapy are perceived by group members to be most helpful.

Background

Sexual abuse of women is a global concern and causes many psychiatric and psychological sequelae. Group psychotherapy is one of the preferred treatment modalities.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Forty‐seven women with a history of childhood and/or adulthood sexual abuse were recruited for weekly 12‐session group psychotherapy. Subjects were given the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, the Clinician Administered Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder Scale, the Dissociative Experiences Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Group Therapeutic Factors Questionnaire. Re‐evaluations were made after the 6th and 12th session and also at a six‐month follow‐up session.

Results

Group psychotherapy significantly reduced participants' levels of depression (screening/12th session mean scores, 22·45/11·10), anxiety (15·45/4·32) and symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder (42·27/9·32), and this decline became statistically significant at the 6th session and tended to persist at the six‐month follow‐up. Higher levels of dissociative symptoms at baseline were associated with less response to treatment, but higher levels of attendance at group sessions. Group members rated existential factors (41·40 ± 12·39), cohesiveness (37·42 ± 8·32) and universalism (37·56 ± 7·11) as the most helpful therapeutic factors.

Conclusion

Group psychotherapy was significantly effective in reducing levels of depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in this sample of women. Dissociation had a significant effect on both treatment outcome and treatment adherence. For this sample of women, group psychotherapy was most helpful for reducing feelings of stigma, isolation and shame.

Relevance to clinical practice

Group psychotherapy can be used as a preferred treatment method for women from different cultural backgrounds with a history of sexual abuse.
The relationship between job satisfaction and intention to leave current employment among registered nurses in a teaching hospital
Authors: Ramoo Vimala , Abdullah Khatijah L , Piaw Chua Yan
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To assessMalaysian nurses' perceived job satisfaction and to determine whether any association exists between job satisfaction and intention to leave current employment.

Background

There is currently a shortage of qualified nurses, and healthcare organisations often face challenges in retaining trained nurses. Job satisfaction has been identified as a factor that influences nurse turnover. However, this has not been widely explored in Malaysia.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Registered nurses in a teaching hospital inMalaysia completed a self‐administered questionnaire. Of the 150 questionnaires distributed, 141 were returned (response rate = 94%).

Results

Overall, nurses had a moderate level of job satisfaction, with higher satisfaction for motivational factors. Significant effects were observed between job satisfaction and demographic variables. About 40% of the nurses intended to leave their current employment. Furthermore, age, work experience and nursing education had significant associations with intention to leave. Logistic regression analysis revealed that job satisfaction was a significant and independent predictor of nurses' intention to leave after controlling for demographic variables.

Conclusion

The results suggest that there is a significant association between job satisfaction and nurses' intention to leave their current employment. It adds to the existing literature on the relationship between nurses' job satisfaction and intention to leave.

Relevance to clinical practice

Methods for enhancing nurses' job satisfaction are vital to promote the long‐term retention of nurses within organisations. Attention must be paid to the needs of younger nurses, as they represent the majority of the nursing workforce and often have lower satisfaction and greater intention to leave than older nurses do. Strategies to nurture younger nurses, such as providing opportunities for further education, greater management decision‐making capabilities and flexible working environment, are essential.
Predicting falls using two instruments (the Hendrich Fall Risk Model and the Morse Fall Scale) in an acute care setting in Lebanon
Authors: Nassar Nada , Helou Nancy , Madi Chantal
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To assess the predictive value of two instruments (the Morse Fall Scale (MFS) and the Heindrich II Fall Risk Model (HFRM)] in a Middle Eastern country (Lebanon) and to evaluate the factors that are related to falls.

Design

A prospective observational cross‐sectional design was used.

Background

Falls and fall‐related injuries in the acute care settings contribute a substantial health and economic burden on patients and organisations. Preventing falls is a priority for most healthcare organisations. While the risk of falling cannot be eliminated, it can be significantly reduced through accurate assessment of patients' risk of falling.

Methods

Data from 1815 inpatients at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) in Lebanon were evaluated using two instruments to predict falls: the MFS and the HFRM.

Results

The incidence of falls was 2·7% in one year. The results indicate that while the instruments were significantly correlated, the HFRM was more sensitive in predicting falls than the MFS. The internal consistency of both scales was moderate, but inter‐rater reliability was high. Patients using antiepileptic drugs and assistance devises had higher odds of falling.

Conclusions

Although both instruments were easy to use in a Middle Eastern country, the HFRM rather than the MFS is recommended for inpatients in an acute care setting as it had higher sensitivity and specificity.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is recommended that while the HFRM had adequate sensitivity, it is not seamless, and as such, nurses should not rely entirely on it. Rather, nurses should use their expert clinical judgement, their ethical obligations and cultural considerations to implement a safer environment of care for the patient.
Women's experiences of sexual health after first‐time myocardial infarction
Authors: Søderberg Lene H , Johansen Pernille P , Herning Margrethe , Berg Selina K
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To investigate women's experience of sexual problems after a myocardial infarction.

Background

Sexual problems among female patients with ischaemic heart disease have received little study but have been found to be highly prevalent in the research. Sexual problems have been found to influence quality of life and well‐being, and sexual dysfunction has been associated with anxiety and depression. International guidelines recommend that healthcare professionals address sexuality; however, this is rarely done in practice, due to multiple causes, for example ignorance, embarrassment and lack of systematic treatment. Insight into women's sexual challenges after having a myocardial infarction is much needed.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 patients representative of the population and later transcribed. The analysis was inspired by Ricoeur's theory of interpretation, which consists of three levels: naive reading, structured analysis, and critical interpretation and discussion.

Results

The overall finding that emerged regarding the women's sexual health was an anxious resuming of sexual activity. Four themes emerged: (1) the partner, (2) support, (3) the heart disease's influence on sex and (4) the relationship.

Conclusion

The women experienced anxious resuming of sexual activity. The heart disease had influence on their sex life, and relationship with their partner could be affected. Some needed support from health professionals or their network to dare sexual activity again.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study indicates that health professionals should focus more on identifying anxiety and exhaustion after myocardial infarction and articulating their potential influence on women's sexual lives. Whether this should be addressed in the hospital setting, in the phase 2 rehabilitation at the general practitioner level or in combination has to be considered and may be the basis for further research.
Effect of spiritual intelligence, emotional intelligence, psychological ownership and burnout on caring behaviour of nurses: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kaur Devinder , Sambasivan Murali , Kumar Naresh
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To propose a model of prediction of caring behaviour among nurses that includes spiritual intelligence, emotional intelligence, psychological ownership and burnout.

Background

Caring behaviour of nurses contributes to the patients’ satisfaction, well‐being and subsequently to the performance of the healthcare organisations. This behaviour is influenced by physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental and spiritual factors.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey was used, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling.

Methods

Data were collected between July–August 2011. A sample of 550 nurses in practice from seven public hospitals in and around Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) completed the questionnaire that captured five constructs. Besides nurses, 348 patients from seven hospitals participated in the study and recorded their overall satisfaction with the hospital and the services provided by the nurses. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Results

The key findings are: (1) spiritual intelligence influences emotional intelligence and psychological ownership, (2) emotional intelligence influences psychological ownership, burnout and caring behaviour of nurses, (3) psychological ownership influences burnout and caring behaviour of nurses, (4) burnout influences caring behaviour of nurses, (5) psychological ownership mediates the relationship between spiritual intelligence and caring behaviour and between emotional intelligence and caring behaviour of nurses and (6) burnout mediates the relationship between spiritual intelligence and caring behaviour and between psychological ownership and caring behaviour of nurses.

Conclusions

Identifying the factors that affect caring behaviour of nurses is critical to improving the quality of patient care. Spiritual intelligence, emotional intelligence, psychological ownership and burnout of nurses play a significant role in effecting caring behaviour of nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Healthcare providers must consider the relationships between these factors in their continuing care and incorporation of these in the nursing curricula and training.
Psychometric testing of the properties of the spiritual health scale short form
Authors: Hsiao Ya‐Chu , Chiang Yi‐Chien , Lee Hsiang‐Chun , Han Chin‐Yen
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To further examine the psychometric properties of the spiritual health scale short form, including its reliability and validity.

Background

Spirituality is one of the main factors associated with good health outcomes. A reliable and valid instrument to measure spirituality is essential to identify the spiritual needs of an individual and to evaluate the effect of spiritual care.

Design

A cross‐sectional study design was used.

Methods

The study was conducted in six nursing schools in northern, central and southern Taiwan. The inclusion criterion for participants was nursing students with clinical practice experience. Initially, 1141 participants were recruited for the study, but 67 were absent and 48 did not complete the questionnaires. A total of 1026 participants were finally recruited, indicating a response rate of 89·9%. The psychometric testing of the spiritual health scale short form included construct validity with confirmatory factor analysis, known‐group validity and internal consistency reliability.

Results

The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the five‐factor model as an acceptable model fit. In the known‐group validity, the results indicated that people who are in the category of primary religious affiliation have better spiritual health than people in the category of secondary religious affiliation and atheism. The result also indicated that the 24‐item spiritual health scale short form achieved an acceptable internal consistency coefficient.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the spiritual health scale short form is a valid and reliable instrument for the appraisal of individual spiritual health.

Relevance to clinical practice

The spiritual health scale short form could provide useful information to guide clinical practice in assessing and managing people's spiritual health in Taiwan.
Striving for best practice: standardising New Zealand nursing procedures, 1930–1960
Authors: Wood Pamela J , Nelson Katherine
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To identify how nurses in the past determined best practice, using the context of New Zealand, 1930–1960.

Background

In the current context of evidence‐based practice, nurses strive to provide the best care, based on clinical research. We cannot assume that nurses in the past, prior to the evidence‐based practice movement, did not also have a deliberate process for pursuing best practice. Discovering historical approaches to determining best practice will enrich our understanding of how nurses' current efforts are part of a continuing commitment to ensuring quality care.

Design

Historical research.

Methods

The records of the Nursing Education Committee of the New Zealand Registered Nurses' Association, 1940–1959, and the 309 issues of New Zealand's nursing journal, Kai Tiaki, 1930–1960, were analysed to identify the profession's approach to ensuring best practice. This approach was then interpreted within the international context, particularly Canada and the USA.

Results

For nearly 30 years, nurse leaders collaborated in undertaking national surveys of training hospitals requesting information on different nursing practices. They subsequently distributed instructions for a range of procedures and other aspects of nursing care to standardise practice. Standardising nursing care was an effective way to ensure quality nursing at a time when hospital care was delivered mostly by nurses in training. The reasons for and timing of standardisation of nursing care in New Zealand differed from the international move towards standardisation, particularly in the USA.

Conclusions

Historically, nurses also pursued best practice, based on standardising nursing procedures.

Relevance to clinical practice

Examining the antecedents of the present evidence‐based approach to care reminds us that the process and reasons for determining best practice change through time. As knowledge and practice continually change, current confident assertions of best practice should and will continue to be challenged in future.
Perceptions of patients and nurses towards nurse caring behaviors in coronary care units in Jordan
Authors: Omari Ferdous H , AbuAlRub Raeda , Ayasreh Ibrahim RA
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To (1) identify the perceptions of Jordanian patients who suffer from coronary artery diseases towards nurse caring behaviours in critical care units; (2) identify the perceptions of Jordanian nurses who work in critical care units towards nurse caring behaviours; and (3) compare the perceptions of both patients and nurses towards nurse caring behaviours in critical care units.

Background

Caring is an important concept in nursing, when nursing behaviours were perceived by patients as caring behaviours, and thus, their satisfaction with the quality of care can be improved. Therefore, it is important for nurses to be knowledgeable about the caring behaviours as perceived by patients who complained from coronary artery diseases themselves.

Design

A descriptive comparative design was used.

Methods

A convenience sample of 150 patients who complained from coronary artery diseases and 60 critical care unit nurses completed the demographic form and the Caring Behavior Assessment scale.

Results

Patients in critical care units perceived physical and technical behaviours as most important caring behaviours, whereas nurses in critical care units perceived teaching behaviours as most important caring behaviours.

Conclusion

There were significant differences between patient participants' and nurse participants' perceptions towards four subscales of Caring Behavior Assessment scale that should be considered when caring for patients with coronary artery diseases.

Relevance to clinical practice

Patients with coronary artery diseases need well‐trained and clinically competent nurses to meet their needs. ‘Spiritual needs’ was an important nurse caring behaviour that should be emphasised in nursing practice.
Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring in five fetuses with Ebstein's anomaly
Authors: Morikawa Mamoru , Endo Daisuke , Yamada Takahiro , Cho Kazutoshi , Yamada Takashi , Minakami Hisanori
Published: October 2013

Aim

It is not clear whether fetuses with Ebstein's anomaly are likely to show abnormalities on electronic fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring during labor.

Methods

We performed retrospective analysis of FHR monitoring results obtained between 2.5 and 0.5 h prior to delivery in all of five fetuses prenatally diagnosed as having Ebstein's anomaly and born at our institution during the period between March 2005 and July 2011. All five mothers attempted to give birth vaginally. The results of FHR monitoring in 100 consecutive women with otherwise healthy singletons who attempted vaginal delivery were included as controls.

Results

The absence of FHR acceleration (4/5 [80%]), decreased baseline FHR variability (3/5 [60%]) and late deceleration (4/5 [80%]) were seen significantly more often in the five fetuses with Ebstein's anomaly than the 100 fetuses born to control women (6.0%, 6.0%, and 10%, respectively).

Conclusion

Fetuses with Ebstein's anomaly during labor were likely to exhibit absent acceleration, decreased baseline FHR variability and late deceleration compared to infants without cardiac structural anomalies.
Total laparoscopic modified radical hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer compared with laparotomy
Authors: Terai Yoshito , Tanaka Tomohito , Sasaki Hiroshi , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Fujiwara Satoe , Yoo Saha , Tanaka Yoshimichi , Tsunetoh Satoshi , Kanemura Masanori , Ohmichi Masahide
Published: October 2013

Aim

This is the first report to determine the feasibility and safety of total laparoscopic modified radical hysterectomy (TLMRH) in the treatment of presumed stage I endometrial cancer.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 132 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for early endometrial cancer. Thirty‐nine patients underwent TLMRH and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy (BSO), and 93 had a total abdominal extrafascial hysterectomy and BSO. Lymphadenectomy was performed in 87 patients. The groups were compared for epidemiological and clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, hospital stay, lymph nodes harvested, and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Results

The patients in the TLMRH group had less blood loss (42.9 ± 76.3 vs 236.8 ± 186.6 mL, P < 0.0001), a similar number of lymph nodes removed (32.3 ± 13.1 vs 28.0 ± 11.9, P = 0.15), less need for analgesia and a shorter hospital stay (9.3 ± 2.5 vs 14.6 ± 12.6 days, P = 0.009) but longer operations (321.1 ± 65.9 vs 262.6 ± 75.0 min, P < 0.0001) than those treated by laparotomy. In our study, we had no conversions from laparoscopy to laparotomy. No major complications occurred in the TLMRH group. The patients who underwent TLMRH had less intense postoperative pain than patients treated by laparotomy. The median length of vaginal cuff removed was 12.0 ± 4.1 mm in the TLMRH group, and was 5.6 ± 6.6 mm in the laparotomy group (P < 0.0001). No patients demonstrated recurrence in either of the groups after a median follow‐up of 48.5 months (range, 1–84).

Conclusion

TLMRH is a safe and reliable alternative to open surgery in the management of early endometrial carcinoma, with a significantly reduced hospital stay and complications.
Effectiveness of selective vaginal tightening on sexual function among reproductive aged women in Iran with vaginal laxity: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Abedi Parvin , Jamali Safieh , Tadayon Mitra , Parhizkar Saadat , Mogharab Farideh
Published: October 2013

Aim

Sexuality is an important part of women's health, quality of life and general well‐being. Vaginal laxity may cause sexual dissatisfaction thereby causing some women to demand vaginal tightening surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate the sexual function preoperative and 6 months after selective vaginal tightening in women of reproductive age in Iran with vaginal laxity.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental study was carried out on 79 women with vaginal laxity. All the women were requested to complete the questionnaire, which contained sociodemographic and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questions preoperatively and 6 months after vaginal tightening. Data were analyzed using a paired Student's t‐test, Wilcoxon rank sum test and Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

The mean age of participants was 34.02 ± 5.30 years. The average total FSFI score increased from 24.19 ± 3.09 to 26.92 ± 3.41 (P < 0.001) after surgery. The scores for libido, arousal, orgasm and satisfaction domain were significantly improved, but a high level of dyspareunia and low vaginal lubrication were noted (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Sexual function was improved 6 months after vaginal tightening. This indicates that elective vaginal tightening had a positive effect on the sexual function in women. However, the increase in dyspareunia and decrease in lubrication may limit the application of this type of surgery. Further studies with longer follow‐up are required to verify the long‐term results of vaginal tightening.
Cost and robotic surgery in gynecology
Authors: Knight Jason , Escobar Pedro F.
Published: October 2013

Since the introduction of robotic technology, there have been significant changes to the field of gynecology. The number of minimally invasive procedures has drastically increased, with robotic procedures rising remarkably. To date several authors have published cost analyses demonstrating that robotic hysterectomy for benign and oncologic indications is more costly compared to the laparoscopic approach. Despite being more expensive than laparoscopy, other studies have found robotics to be less expensive and more effective than laparotomy. In this review, controversies surrounding cost‐effectiveness studies are explored.
Telomere length loss due to smoking and metabolic traits
Authors: Huzen J. , Wong L. S. M. , van Veldhuisen D. J. , Samani N. J. , Zwinderman A. H. , Codd V. , Cawthon R. M. , Benus G. F. J. D. , van der Horst I. C.C. , Navis G. , Bakker S. J. L. , Gansevoort R. T. , de Jong P. E. , Hillege H. L. , van Gilst W. H. , de Boer R. A. , van der Harst P.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Human age‐dependent telomere attrition and telomere shortening are associated with several age‐associated diseases and poorer overall survival. The aim of this study was to determine longitudinal leucocyte telomere length dynamics and identify factors associated with temporal changes in telomere length.

Design and Methods

Leucocyte telomere length was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 8074 participants from the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End‐stage Disease (PREVEND) study, an ongoing community‐based prospective cohort study initiated in 1997. Follow‐up data were available at two time‐points up to 2007. Leucocyte telomere length was measured, on between one and three separate occasions, in a total of 16 783 DNA samples. Multilevel growth models were created to identify the factors that influence leucocyte telomere dynamics.

Results

We observed an average attrition rate of 0.47 ± 0.16 relative telomere length units (RTLUs) per year in the study population aged 48 (range 39–60) years at baseline. Annual telomere attrition rate increased with age (P < 0.001) and was faster on average in men than in women (P for interaction 0.043). The major independent factors determining telomere attrition rate were active smoking (approximately tripled the loss of RTLU per year, P < 0.0001) and multiple traits of the metabolic syndrome (waist–hip ratio, P = 0.007; blood glucose level, P = 0.045, and HDL cholesterol level, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Smoking and variables linked to the metabolic syndrome are modifiable lifestyle factors that accelerate telomere attrition in humans. The higher rate of cellular ageing may mediate the link between smoking and the metabolic syndrome to an increased risk of several age‐associated diseases.
Contracts, Negotiation, and Learning: An Examination of Termination Provisions
Authors: Ariño Africa , Reuer Jeffrey J. , Mayer Kyle J. , Jané Juan
Published: October 2013

Taking a temporal view of learning in partnerships, we argue that learning to contract from prior relationships can be manifested not only in an increase in the level of contractual detail but also in a decrease in negotiation time for a given level of contractual detail. We analyse the influence that the length of prior relationships and the detail of termination provisions have on negotiation time, or the time period that it takes for partners to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. We find that: (1) the length of prior relationships has a curvilinear, U‐shaped effect on negotiation time, suggesting the possibility of diverse learning mechanisms as the relationship unfolds; (2) the impact of the detail of termination provisions on negotiation time varies across different types of termination provisions; and (3) it takes a shorter time to negotiate certain types of termination provisions when partners have longer prior relationships. Beyond suggesting the need to investigate the consequences of contractual provisions for collaborators, our study proposes negotiation time as an additional indicator of a learning‐to‐contract effect that complements existing ones.