bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the functional characteristics of wheat stored as grain with wheat stored in spike form
Authors: Murat Karaoğlu Mehmet , Aydeniz Melek , Kotancilar Halis Gürbüz , Gerçelaslan Kamil Emre
Published: August 2010

In this study, wheat grain and wheat spike with 12%, 14% and 16% moisture content were stored at 10, 20 and 30 °C for 0, 3, 6 and 9 months. After storage, wheat samples were investigated for hectolitre weight, gluten content, Zeleny sedimentation volume, enzyme activity, acidity, phytic acid and L colour value. Storage of wheat at different storage forms (spike and grain) and storage conditions showed considerable changes in grain quality. In general, the storage period of 3 months positively affected wheat quality. However, hectolitre weight, gluten, Zeleny sedimentation, enzyme activity, acidity and colour of wheat got worse at storage periods beyond 3 months. Hectolitre weight, wet and dry gluten, Zeleny sedimentation, phytic acid content and L Colour value of wheat stored in both spike and grain form significantly decreased during storage. However, the increase in grain moisture content, storage time and temperature resulted in significant increase in total titratable acidity and falling number values of wheat. Falling Number and phytic acid values of wheat stored in spike form were generally lower than wheat stored in grain form. Storage in spike form had a positive effect on especially wet gluten content of wheat stored at non‐optimal storage conditions such as high grain moisture content and high temperature. Wet gluten of wheat stored in spike form was higher than that of wheat stored grain form after storage at 30 °C for 6 and 9 months. Wheat stored in spike form is more resistant than wheat stored in grain form against adverse storage conditions such as high moisture content and temperature and longer storage time.
Effect of protein additives, sodium ascorbate, and microbial transglutaminase on the texture and colour of red tilapia surimi gel
Authors: Duangmal Kiattisak , Taluengphol Alisara
Published: August 2010

Beef plasma protein (BPP) and egg white, at levels of 10, 20 and 30 g kg−1, and sodium ascorbate (SA) and microbial transglutaminase (MTGase), at levels of 1, 2 and 3 g kg−1, were individually added into red tilapia surimi. This gel was set at 40 °C for 90 min followed by heating at 90 °C for 30 min. Gel qualities were analysed and compared with those of non‐supplemented red tilapia control gel. Compared with the control, each additive significantly affected gel strength due to an increase in breaking force. Although BPP could improve texture characteristics, higher addition levels of BPP significantly affected gel whiteness. The addition of SA and MTGase were found to increase surimi gel strength and improve whiteness. Amongst all treatments, the addition of 2 g kg−1 MTGase was found to provide the best gel qualities.
Composition and quality attributes of conventionally and organically farmed Pangasius fillets (Pangasius hypophthalmus) on the German market
Authors: Karl Horst , Lehmann Ines , Rehbein Hartmut , Schubring Reinhard
Published: August 2010

A range of conventionally and organically farmed Pangasius or sutchi catfish fillets available on the German market were analysed to compare both composition and quality. Differentiation of Pangasius hypophthalmus from Pangasius bocourti was achieved by RFLP‐SSCP analysis. The protein content of conventionally farmed fillets ranged between 13.3 and 15.7%, whereas organically produced fillets had significantly higher protein contents of between 17.0 and 17.4%. No difference in the fat content between farming methods was observed, which varied between 1.4 and 3.2%. Polyunsaturated fatty acids represented about 24% of the total fatty acids with a high level of linoleic acid. The comparison of the proximate composition indicated that water was added to most of the conventionally farmed products, in different amounts, as well as water‐binding capacity enhancing additives. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to demonstrate the presence of polyphosphate on muscle proteins. Differences in texture, water‐binding capacity and colour are discussed.
Nutritional, textural and sensorial characterisation of Italian table olives (Olea europaea L. cv. ‘Intosso d’Abruzzo’)
Authors: Lanza Barbara , Di Serio Maria Gabriella , Iannucci Emilia , Russi Francesca , Marfisi Paolo
Published: August 2010

In the present study, we evaluated chemical, nutritional, sensory and textural characteristics of table olives of an Italian double‐aptitude olive cultivar (Olea europaea L. cv. Intosso d’Abruzzo). The aim of this work was to focus some physico‐chemical characteristics of this end product in order to enhance the value of this fruit from a nutritional point of view. These table olives are fruits with an appreciable content of fibre (2.6 g/100 g) and natural antioxidants such as polyphenols (167.8 mg/100 g) and α‐tocopherol (6.44 mg/100 g). In this cultivar, oil content is high (17.5 g/100 g), such as MUFA (13.6 g/100 g). The protein content is low (1 g/100 g), but nutritional quality is high for the presence of essential amino acids.
Compositional analysis and roasting behaviour of gevuina and macadamia nuts
Authors: Birch John , Yap Kim , Silcock Patrick
Published: August 2010

This study compares the composition of macadamia and gevuina nuts following natural abscission and air‐drying of intact nuts and compares chemical and sensory properties on roasting gevuina nuts using a reported macadamia roasting process. The markedly higher fat content of macadamia (75% vs. 43%) reflected a higher percentage of protein, moisture, ash and carbohydrate in gevuina nuts. Gevuina nuts also had lower energy and pH values than macadamia. Water activities were similar. Both oils were around 80% monounsaturated, but differed widely in positional isomerism. On roasting, macadamia nuts developed sweet, nutty, buttery notes along with brown colour development (measured using L*, a*, b* values) after 20 min at 135 °C while gevuina nut colour and aroma took at least 30 min, where the aroma was more hazelnut‐like. Extractable volatiles were significantly higher for macadamias following roasting.
Effect of moisture content on glass transition and sticky point temperatures of sugarcane, palmyra‐palm and date‐palm jaggery granules
Authors: Jagannadha Rao Polamarasetty V. K. , Das Madhusweta , Das Susanta K.
Published: August 2010

Sorption isotherms of sugarcane (SC), palmyra‐palm (PP) and date‐palm (DP) jaggery granules were obtained at 25 and 35 °C following isopiestic vapour transfer technique. Glass transition temperatures (Tg) and sticky point temperatures (Tsc) at different moisture contents were determined using DSC and rotational viscometer, respectively. All sorption isotherms fitted well to the GAB equation while no apparent difference in equilibrium moisture content (EMC) was seen among them at either of the temperatures. Tg values for dry granules were 316.89, 335.24 and 325.07 K for SC, PP and DP respectively. Tg could be predicted well with both Gordon and Taylor equation, and combined Gordon and Taylor and GAB equations. Tsc for palmyra‐palm was highest (347.3 K), followed by DP (339.6 K) and SC (334.9 K). A generalised linear equation correlates Tg and Tsc. Critical moisture contents for SC, PP and DP are 1.0–2.0, 3.1–4.3 and 1.9–2.9% db, respectively.
Relationships between antioxidant activity and quality indices of soy sauce: an application of multivariate analysis
Authors: Li Ying , Zhao Haifeng , Zhao Mouming , Cui Chun
Published: August 2010

Antioxidant activities (AA) and quality indices including the contents of total nitrogen, amino nitrogen, total acidity, sodium chloride, total solids (TS), non‐salt soluble solids and Browning Index (BI) were determined in forty‐one commercial soy sauces. The relationships between quality indices and AA were elucidated by multivariate analysis techniques. Results showed that production location, fermentation process and styles had significant (P < 0.05) impacts on the characteristics of soy sauces. Satisfactory discrimination between dark and light soy sauces was achieved by principal component analysis. Using cluster analysis, the group of dark soy sauce with strong AA was obtained. Results from partial least squares regression (PLS) showed that TS and BI were two major indices contributing to the AA of soy sauce. Moreover, a PLS model was constructed to effectively predict AA of soy sauces based upon quality indices.
Nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of protein hydrolysates prepared from echinoderm byproducts
Authors: Mamelona Jean , Saint‐Louis Richard , Pelletier Émilien
Published: August 2010

Protein hydrolysates were prepared from echinoderm byproducts, including viscera (SCV) of Atlantic sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) and digestive tract (UDT) and non‐commercial grade gonads (UGN) of green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis). Enzymatic hydrolysis was performed on defatted materials using Alcalase®2.4L (0.75% w/w) and reaction was carried out overnight (∼16 h, 55 °C, pH 8.0). Freeze‐dried hydrolysates were analysed for their nutritional composition, nitrogen solubility index and antioxidant activity. Degree of hydrolysis was low, with values of 5.6%, 4.6% and 7.0% for SCV, UDT and UGN, respectively. Hydrolysates showed high protein content (∼55%), high proportion of essential amino acids (∼35% of total amino acids) and good solubility (nitrogen solubility index ≈ 68%). They contained variable concentrations of major and trace elements with a predominance of Na and K. Hydrolysates showed apparent antioxidant activities in both ORAC assay (267–421 μmol TE g−1) and inhibition of lipid oxidation test (54–57%). Antioxidant activities were thought to be associated with the presence of antioxidant peptides in hydrolysates. Our results showed that hydrolysates from Atlantic sea cucumber and green sea urchin byproducts might serve as alternative sources of dietary proteins, with good nutritional composition, high solubility and interesting protection against oxidative stress.
Efficacy of extract and essential oil of Lantana indica Roxb. against food contaminating moulds and aflatoxin B1 production
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Shukla Ravindra , Singh Priyanka , Anuradha  , Dubey Nawal K.
Published: August 2010

The study investigates the antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic efficacy of Lantana indica against Aspergillus flavus, a key storage fungus. The leaf essential oil of L. indica was found more active than leaf extracts. The oil absolutely inhibited the growth of A. flavus at 1.5 mg mL−1 while ethanolic and chloroform extracts of leaf show MIC at 7.5 and 10.0 mg mL−1 concentrations respectively. The oil also showed pronounced antiaflatoxigenic efficacy and completely inhibited the aflatoxin B1 production at 0.75 mg mL−1. The ethanolic and chloroformic extracts inhibited the aflatoxin B1 production at 5.0 and 7.5 mg mL−1, respectively while other extracts exhibited poor efficacy. The L. indica essential oil exhibited broad fungitoxic spectrum against twelve different storage moulds. The present findings may recommend the L. indica essential oil and its bioactive leaf extracts as natural preservative would of immense significance in view of the environmental and toxicological implications by indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides.
Enhancement of short chain fatty acid formation by pure cultures of probiotics on rice fibre
Authors: Fernando Warnakulasuriya M. A. D. B. , Brennan Charles S. , Flint Steve , Ranaweera Kamburawala K. D. S. , Bamunuarachchi Arthur , Morton Hugh R.
Published: August 2010

The formation of SCFA and the digestion of rice fibre using the following probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve) was compared using total dietary fibre (TDF), insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) and soluble dietary fibre (SDF) from two varieties (milling grades) of rice. The milling grade of the rice had no significant effect (P < 0.05) on the SCFA formation and the digestion after 6, 24 and 48 h fermentation. SCFA formation from the fermentation of the fibre fractions of both rice varieties, followed the pattern of TDF > SDF > IDF for all the probiotics tested and major difference between the species was the time to form the SCFA. The pattern of SCFA formation from both rice fibre fractions was acetate > propionate > butyrate for all the organisms with no significant difference between the micro‐organisms (P < 0.05) although the ratio of acetate:propionate:butyrate was lower forBifidobacteriumspp.Lactobacillusspp. digested 60–80% of fibre whereas Bifidobaceria digested 75–85% of the rice fibre fractions from both rice samples. There was no significant difference in the ability of the micro‐organisms tested to utilise the different varieties of rice (P > 0.05).
Supplementation of pearl millet flour with soybean protein: effect of cooking on in vitro protein digestibility and essential amino acids composition
Authors: Ali Maha A. M. , El Tinay Abdullahi H. , Mallasy Limya O. , Yagoub Abu ElGasim A.
Published: August 2010

In vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) and amino acids profile of pearl millet (Dempy cultivar) supplemented with soybean protein (5–15%) were investigated. Supplementation of dempy flour with soybean protein steadily decreased IVPD with increasing the portion of soybean in the blend. The in vitro protein digestibilities of the cooked supplemented dempy flours were higher when compared with the raw ones, whereas the highest value was that of the 5% soybean protein. All essential amino acids of dempy flour were enriched on supplementation with soybean protein. The levels of amino acids increased with increasing the amount of soybean protein in the blend. Essential amino acids in dempy supplemented with 15% soybean are comparable to those in the FAO reference pattern. Supplementation increased significantly lysine to 1.5–2.4 folds. Essential amino acids content remained higher in the cooked composite flours when compared with the cooked native dempy flour.
Effect of potato presence on the degradation of extra virgin olive oil during frying
Authors: Kalogianni Eleni P. , Karastogiannidou Calliope , Karapantsios Thodoris D.
Published: August 2010

This work investigates the effect of potato presence on the degradation of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) during repeated frying. For this reason the performance of EVOO during frying was compared with its performance during heating at frying temperatures. In order to make meaningful comparisons the temperature profiles obtained during the frying experiments were replicated during the heating experiments by means of a high energy exchange rate cooling/heating system. The effects of potato‐to‐oil ratio (1/7 and 1/35 kgpotatoes/Loil) and number (N) of batches (N = 0, 1, 0, 20, 30, 40) were examined. EVOO was analysed using high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC). It was found that polymerisation products increased linearly during frying and heating and that they were not affected by potatoes presence at low ratio. The effect of potato presence became statistically significant (yet not remarkable) at the high ratio. Decomposition products increased during frying whereas they decreased during heating.
Effect of storage on nonenzymatic browning reactions in carob pekmez
Authors: Özhan Başak , Karadeniz Feryal , Erge Hande Selen
Published: August 2010

Carob pekmez was stored at 5, 25, 35 and 45 °C for studying the reaction kinetics of nonenzymatic browning reactions. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) formation, browning index (A420) and CIE (International Commission on Illumination) colour parameters were analysed to evaluate nonenzymatic browning reactions. HMF formation and A420 values increased linearly with the storage time and temperature and both followed zero‐order reaction. No fitting model was found for the changes in visual CIE parameters. The dependence of rate constant of nonenzymatic reactions on temperature was represented by an Arrhenius equation and the activation values were found as 114.87 kJ mol−1 and 86.62 kJ mol−1 for HMF formation and A420 values, respectively. The excellent linear correlations (r = 0.728–0.99) among colour parameters, browning index and HMF were found.
Enantioselective determination of cypermethrin in pig muscle tissue by immunoaffinity extraction and high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Kuang Hua , Miao Hong , Wu Yongning , Shen Jianzhong , Xu Chuanlai
Published: August 2010

A high performance liquid chromatography method was developed to detect enantiomers of cypermethrin in pork muscle. Eight isomers of racemic cypermethrin were separated using a normal mobile phase of hexane–isopropyl alcohol (99.3–0.7, v/v) on a chiral CD‐ph column in 25 min. The elution order of isomers was ascertained using enantiomer/diastereomer enriched cypermethrin standards. The extracts from pork samples were cleaned up by immunoaffinity column before detection. The recoveries from samples fortified levels of 0.1 and 1 mg kg−1 ranged from 67.3% to 113.5% with a relative standard deviation 6.7–16.8%; sufficient to effectively measure cypermethrin enantiomer concentrations in pig muscle tissue samples in the future.
In vitro haem solubility of red cell fraction of porcine blood under various treatments
Authors: Liu Tong‐Xun , Wang Jing , Zhao Mou‐Ming
Published: August 2010

An in vitro peptic digestion at gastric pH 2.0 was used to assess the haem solubility of red cell fraction (RCF) of porcine blood derived samples. The in vitro haem solubility of the RCF decreased greatly in the denaturated form of haemoglobin. However, the native haemoglobin was susceptible to be hydrolysed by enzyme mixture of Flavourzyme and Alcalase. The in vitro digestion of the hydrolysates showed that the highest haem solubility was reached at degree of hydrolysis between 8.75% and 12.33%. The in vitro haem solubility was positively correlated with content of the highly soluble peptides with molecular weights ranged from 7.5 kDa to 1 kDa, but negatively with peptides fractions >7.5 kDa and <1 kDa, mostly due to the precipitation of the highly molecular weight fraction (>7.5 kDa) and part of small peptides (<1 kDa) with higher haem/peptide ratio, which was confirmed by gel filtration chromatograms and by the analysis of the precipitate at pH 2.0.
Changes in the biochemical and functional properties of the extruded hard‐to‐cook cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)
Authors: Batista Karla A. , Prudêncio Sandra H. , Fernandes Kátia F.
Published: August 2010

Changes in the biochemical and functional properties of the hard‐to‐cook cowpea bean after treatment by the extrusion process are reported. The extrusion was carried out at 150 °C, with a compression ratio screw of 3:1, a 5‐mm die, and a screw speed of 150 r.p.m. The extrusion caused the complete inactivation of the α‐amylase and lectin and it also reduced the trypsin inhibitor activity (38.2%) and phytic acid content (33.2%). The functional properties were also modified by the process, an increase of 2.5 times in the water absorption index and 3.1% in the water solubility were observed. The digestibility of the hard‐to‐cook flour of the cowpea bean was improved after the extrusion, with a 55.9% increase in protein digestibility and a 5.9% increase in starch digestibility.
Effect of enzyme type and hydrolysis conditions on the in vitro angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibitory activity and ash content of hydrolysed whey protein isolate
Authors: Wang Lei , Mao Xueying , Cheng Xue , Xiong Xingxing , Ren Fazheng
Published: August 2010

Removal of salts from protein hydrolysate mixture on large scale is very difficult and relatively inefficient. Selecting practical proteinase system and hydrolysis conditions for the production of whey protein isolate (WPI) enzymatic hydrolysates with high angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity and low ash content is very useful. The effect of alcalase, neutrase, trypsin and their combined system, i.e. alcalase‐neutrase and trypsin‐neutrase, under two different hydrolysis conditions, i.e. pH‐controlled and pH‐spontaneous drop, on the formation of ACE‐inhibitory peptides and the characteristics of WPI hydrolysate was investigated. Results showed that the ACE‐inhibitory activity of WPI hydrolysate obtained with alcalase was significantly higher than that of its trypsin or neutrase hydrolysate obtained at the same hydrolysis time by both pH‐controlled and pH‐spontaneous drop method (P < 0.05). The WPI hydrolysate obtained after 3 h incubation with alcalase plus 2 h with neutrase under pH‐spontaneous drop condition possessed the highest ACE‐inhibitory activity of 54.30% and the lowest ash content of 2.95%. This is practical as a functional ingredient in the food industry because of its high ACE‐inhibitory capability, commercial availability in large supply of alcalase and neutrase and no needing for additional desalting process.
Towards a multidisciplinary approach to structuring in reduced saturated fat‐based systems – a review
Authors: Wassell Paul , Bonwick Graham , Smith Christopher J. , Almiron‐Roig Eva , Young Niall W. G.
Published: August 2010

Although many food products are essentially emulsions, interest in the structuring of oil‐continuous emulsions (and in specific cases water‐continuous emulsions) is intense, particularly to meet the continuing challenge of reducing the degree of saturates in food systems. Consequently, it is necessary to observe the effects of structurants and to examine their impacts on current food systems. This is especially the case where novel structuring materials are used to wholly or partially replace traditional structurants. A multidisciplinary approach is discussed encompassing traditional and novel mechanisms considered able to structure within low saturated fat‐based systems and which in themselves could also have emulsification properties. The presence of interfacial compositions as in emulsions requires a crucial understanding of the interactions within these compositions for the creation of building blocks in oil or fat structuring. Where a co‐surfactant structure may be used, together with novel structurants, for example, wax esters, phytosterols, it is necessary to understand how these may influence interfacial film thickness, strength and flexibility. Understanding how to measure mechanical visco‐elastic properties of structurant interactions both in model and real time dynamic measurements will be necessary to account for diffusion, orientation and self‐assembly mechanisms. This review discusses combining traditional techniques with novel structurant technology; developing and validating dynamic measurement techniques; and investigation of real systems as opposed to purely model systems.
Influenza vaccine preference and uptake among older people in nine countries
Authors: Kwong Enid Wai‐yung , Pang Samantha Mei‐che , Choi Pin‐pin , Wong Thomas Kok‐shing
Published: August 2010

kwong e.w.‐y., pang s.m.‐c., choi p.‐p. & wong t.k.‐s. (2010) Influenza vaccine preference and uptake among older people in nine countries.Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(10), 2297–2308.

Aim. This paper is a report of a study delineating factors that influence older people’s preferences and uptake of the influenza vaccine in nine countries.

Background. Vaccination uptake for the aging population in many countries still remains below the World Health Organization recommended rate. Older people who perceive higher susceptibility to and severity of influenza, and more benefits from vaccination and action cues prompting vaccination, tend to accept the vaccine, but those with more perceived barriers to vaccination are less likely to accept it.

Method. A total of 208 older people from China, Indonesia, Turkey, Korea, Greece, Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Nigeria were recruited to 14 vaccinated and 12 unvaccinated focus groups. They shared their experiences of influenza, and influenza vaccination, and promotion of influenza vaccination in focus groups. The data were collected in 2007.

Findings. We identified five themes and generated a hypothetical framework for in‐depth understanding of vaccination behaviour among older people. Participants’ vaccine preferences were determined by their behavioural beliefs in vaccination, which were based on their probability calculation of susceptibility to and severity of influenza and vaccine effectiveness, and their utility calculation of vaccine, healthcare and social costs. Action cues prompting vaccination and vaccine access further affected the vaccine uptake of participants with vaccine preferences. Vaccination coverage was likely to be higher in the countries where normative beliefs in favour of vaccination had formed.

Conclusion. The hypothetical framework can be used to guide healthcare providers in developing strategies to foster normative beliefs of older people in vaccination, provide effective action cues and promote vaccine access.
Satellite imagery as a single source of predictor variables for habitat suitability modelling: how Landsat can inform the conservation of a critically endangered lemur
Authors: Lahoz‐Monfort José J. , Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta , Milner‐Gulland E. J. , Young Richard P. , Nicholson Emily
Published: August 2010

1. Statistical modelling of habitat suitability is an important tool for planning conservation interventions, particularly for areas where species distribution data are expensive or hard to collect. Sometimes however the predictor variables typically used in habitat suitability modelling are themselves difficult to obtain or not meaningful at the geographical extent of the study, as is the case for the Alaotran gentle lemur Hapalemur alaotrensis, a critically endangered lemur confined to the marshes of Lake Alaotra in Madagascar.

2. We developed a habitat suitability model where all predictor variables, including vegetation indices and image texture measures at different scales (as surrogates for habitat structure), were derived from Landsat7 satellite imagery. Using relatively few presence records, the maximum entropy (Maxent) approach and AUC were used to assess the performance of candidate predictor variables, for studying the effect of scale, model selection and mapping suitable habitat.

3. This study demonstrated the utility of satellite imagery as a single source of predictor variables for a Maxent habitat suitability model at the landscape level, within a restricted geographical extent and with a fine grain, in a case where predictor variables typically used at the macro‐scale level (e.g. climatic and topographic) were not applicable.

4. In the case of H. alaotrensis, the methodology generated a habitat suitability map to inform conservation management in Lake Alaotra and a replicable protocol to allow rapid updates to habitat suitability maps in the future. The exploration of candidate predictor variables allowed the identification of scales that appear ecologically relevant for the species.

5. Synthesis and applications. This study presents a cost‐effective combination of maximum entropy habitat suitability modelling and satellite imagery, where all predictor variables are derived solely from Landsat7 images. With a habitat modelling method like Maxent that shows good performance with few presence samples and Landsat images now freely available, the methodology can play an important role in rapid assessments of the status of species at the landscape level in data‐poor regions, when typical macro‐scale environmental predictors are of little use or difficult to obtain.
What neurological patients regard as quality of life
Authors: ENGSTRÖM BIRGITTA , NORDESON ASTRID
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate how patients with progressive neurological disorders describe what they perceive as quality of life.

The patients (n = 169) were interviewed while staying at a neurological rehabilitation centre by way of an open question, what ‘quality of life’ represented to them.

Patients' statements were classified and a comparison was made with Kajandi's three levels of factors constituting quality of life. The categories that came forth were ‘living in a sense of affinity’, ‘being independent’, ‘living on one's own terms’ and ‘feeling that life is meaningful’. The statements constituting the basis of the categories were impressive and illustrated wisdom.

The results underline the uniqueness of each patient's situation, and how important it is that nursing and treatment are adjusted to the needs of the individual.
Bonding theory–tying mothers in knots? A critical review of the application of a theory to nursing
Authors: BILLINGS JENNIFER RUTH
Published: August 2010

In recent times, nursing has witnessed a growing support for the notion of theory as being instrumental in enhancing nursing practice and ultimately patient care (Marriner, 1986). Whether generated from nursing practice, or ‘borrowed’ from other fields, the use of theory is viewed by some as the key to the ultimate recognition of nursing as a scientific, professional discipline in its own right (Stevens, 1984). Parallel to this view, there is a research perspective that questions the ultimate contribution of certain theories to health‐care practice, particularly those emanating from other disciplines, urging caution in their practical utility. This paper enlarges upon this theme, focusing specifically upon the psychological theory of bonding, attempting to explore critically the degree to which it can be used in nursing practice, and to which it contributes towards our understanding of the attachment behaviour between a mother and her infant.

A brief outline is given of the theory and its impact on health‐care practice, and possible limitations discussed with reference to the conceptual origins of bonding theory, the validity of its research methodology, and its use within the wider health‐care setting.

A feminist sociological perspective is used in a brief attempt to explore the wider implications of the bonding theory in relation to the position of women.
An exploration of the communication that takes place between nurses and patients whilst cancer chemotherapy is administered
Authors: DENNISON SIÂN
Published: August 2010

Existing studies indicate the importance of the communication that takes place within specific nursing procedures, but a body of knowledge in this area has yet to be developed.

This study explores the verbal communication that took place when nurses were administering cytotoxic chemotherapy in a specialized gynaecological oncology unit.

Most interactions were initiated by the nurses and concentrated on information giving.

Detailed, clear and precise explanations were provided, reflecting the highly technical nature of the procedure.

The nurses rarely made any assessment of the patients' understanding of the situation, their preconceptions, or their feelings.

It is suggested that there is a need to structure and improve the emotional, supportive, and information‐giving techniques employed by nurses.
A service evaluation of stoma care nurses' practice
Authors: JEFFRIES ELIZABETH , JOELS JACQUELINE , WOOD E. JANE , BUTLER MARY , CALLUM ROZ , LITTLE GILLIAN , JOHNSON ANNA
Published: August 2010

Stoma care nurses aim to meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients.

Development of stoma care nursing services has varied, as it has been the responsibility of each nurse, resulting in differences in the mode of delivery.

This qualitative and quantitative study involved stoma care nurses from six areas in Essex, to assess patient perception of the service they received.

Overall, the satisfaction level was high despite differences in delivery of care, especially timing and frequency of visits at home.
The potential of the professional portfolio for nursing
Authors: JASPER MELANIE A.
Published: August 2010

Professional profiles and portfolios have recently been identified by nursing's regulatory bodies in the UK as ways of recording each nurse's career and professional development. Although the use of portfolios is widespread in education, the concept of a developmental portfolio to support continuing professional development on an individual basis is recent.

As an innovation in nursing the portfolio is to be used for periodic registration with the UK Central Council (UKCC), for the on‐going recording of learning, both formal and experiential, and as a way of accrediting prior learning for academic purposes.

This paper argues that the potential of the portfolio is wider than the purposes already identified in that the knowledge generated from experiential learning and identified by reflective practice is of specific interest and value to the nursing profession as a whole.

In particular portfolios are likely to record the knowledge embedded in practice, which is often hard to describe, yet represents nursing's expertise.

For this potential to be realized pragmatic issues such as finance, time and verification of experiences need to be addressed, and an infrastructure created to support the nurse compiling the profile.
Clinical nurses as teachers: insights from students of nursing in their first semester of study
Authors: Jackson Debra , Mannix Judy
Published: August 2010

• This paper reports the findings of a study which sought to gain insights about the role of clinical nursing staff in the planned clinical experience of undergraduate nursing students.

• This study differs from others in that the perspectives of students of nursing in their first year of the undergraduate programme are sought, and the role of clinical nurses rather than clinical teachers is of particular interest.

• Using a story‐telling approach, an exploration of students’ perspectives on the role of clinical nursing staff in their clinical learning was undertaken.

• Analysis allowed findings to be grouped into helpful and unhelpful behaviours.

• Helpful behaviours included understanding and being friendly, showing interest and explaining. Behaviours that students found unhelpful to their learning were often passive rather than active, but they made students feel acutely aware of being unwelcome in the clinical area. Several students described feeling intrusive, uncomfortable and even unwelcome in clinical areas because of the attitudes and behaviour of clinicians.

• Findings of this study highlight the importance of clinicians and academic nurses working together to ensure that students of nursing, who represent the future of the profession, are provided with the best possible opportunities for clinical learning.
Levels of fatigue in people with ESRD living in far North Queensland
Authors: Ann Bonner , Wellard Sally , Caltabiano Marie
Published: August 2010

Aim.  Levels of fatigue as experienced by people with end stage renal disease (ESRD), were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).

Background.  Fatigue, a common symptom reported by people with ESRD, is a multifaceted, subjective experience, which is readily understood by individuals but difficult to measure. There is limited understanding of the level of fatigue experienced by people with ESRD, with research currently limited to people treated with haemodialysis.

Method.  The FSS was completed by 92 people with ESRD who were patients of a renal service in far North Queensland, Australia. Demographic and renal health history data were also collected with the self‐report survey.

Results.  Comparisons were preformed between overall fatigue levels and different renal disorders, genders, ethnicity and renal replacement therapy (RRT). Participants in this study were more fatigued than the general population; there was no difference in levels of fatigue between gender and ethnicity. Participants with diabetic nephropathy and those who were predialysis were the most fatigued. A significant difference between mean fatigue scores was found for type of RRT [F(3,88) = 2·4, p < 0·05], with participants using peritoneal dialysis reporting the most fatigue. Additionally, participants categorized according to type of RRT, erythropoietin replacement therapy and current haemoglobin levels revealed significant mean differences on fatigue levels [F(3,88) = 2·74, p < 0·05].

Relevance to clinical practice.  People with ESRD experience considerable fatigue; it is particularly important for nurses to understand this level of fatigue impacts on the daily life of patients. These findings provide the preliminary evidence to support the development of renal nursing practice guidelines related to symptom recognition and management of fatigue.
The effectiveness of silver‐releasing dressings in the management of non‐healing chronic wounds: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Lo Shu‐Fen , Chang Chee‐Jen , Hu Wen‐Yu , Hayter Mark , Chang Yu‐Ting
Published: August 2010

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of silver‐releasing dressings in the management of non‐healing chronic wounds.

Background.  Non‐healing chronic wounds often have a negative physical impact on patients and place a financial burden on healthcare systems. Silver dressings are wound products designed to control infection and provide a wound environment conducive to healing. However, validation of the clinical efficacy of these dressings is lacking.

Design.  Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods.  A systematic search of the major electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, MEDLINE, British Nursing Index, EBSCO, OCLC and Proquest between 1950–June 2007 was conducted. Hand searches of selected periodicals, textbooks and checking reference lists and contacting experts was also performed.

Results.  Eight studies were selected from a potentially relevant 1957 references screened. Analysis incorporated data from 1399 participants in the eight randomised control trials. We found that silver dressings significantly improved wound healing (CI95: 0·16–0·39, p < 0·001), reduced odour (CI95: 0·24–0·52, p < 0·001) and pain‐related symptoms (CI95: 0·18–0·47, p < 0·001), decreased wound exudates (CI95: 0·17–0·44, p < 0·001) and had a prolonged dressing wear time (CI95: 0·19–0·48, p = 0·028) when compared with alternative wound management approaches. An analysis of sensitivity in these studies by subgroup analysis generally supported these associations. Furthermore, studies indicated an improvement in quality of life (CI95: 0·04–0·33, p = 0·013) using silver dressings in wound management with no associated severe adverse events.

Conclusion.  This meta‐analysis confirms the effectiveness of silver dressings in wound healing and improving patients’ quality of life. However, it also highlights the need for additional well‐designed randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of silver‐related dressings further.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The results of this study provide objective data on the effectiveness of silver‐related dressing when applied to non‐healing chronic wounds.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of cutaneous warming systems to prevent hypothermia
Authors: Galvão Cristina M , Marck Patricia B , Sawada Namie O , Clark Alexander M
Published: August 2010

Aims.  To retrieve and critique recent randomised trials of cutaneous warming systems used to prevent hypothermia in surgical patients during the intraoperative period and to identify gaps in current evidence and make recommendations for future trials.

Background.  Hypothermia affects up to 70% of anaesthetised surgical patients and is associated with several significant negative health outcomes.

Design.  Systematic review using integrative methods.

Methods.  We searched CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and Medline databases (January 2000–April 2007) for recent reports on randomised controlled trials of cutaneous warming systems used with elective patients during the intraoperative period.

Inclusion criteria.  We included randomised control trials examining the effects of cutaneous warming systems used intraoperatively on patients aged 18 years or older undergoing non‐emergency surgery. Studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese with a comparison group that consisted of either usual care or active cutaneous warming systems without prewarming were reviewed.

Results.  Of 193 papers initially identified, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. There was moderate evidence to indicate that carbon‐fibre blankets and forced‐air warming systems are equally effective and that circulating‐water garments are most effective for maintaining normothermia during the intraoperative period. Few trials reported costs.

Conclusions.  Carbon‐fibre blankets and forced‐air warming systems are effective and circulating‐water garments may be preferable. Future research should measure the direct and indirect costs associated with competing systems.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses can use this review to inform their selection of warming interventions in perioperative nursing practice. They can also assess other factors such as nursing workload, staff training and equipment maintenance, which should be incorporated into future research.
Relationships among nutritional self‐efficacy, health locus of control and nutritional status in older Taiwanese adults
Authors: Chen Su‐Hui , Acton Gayle , Shao Jung‐Hua
Published: August 2010

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among selected demographic characteristics, nutrition self‐efficacy, health locus of control and nutritional status in older Taiwanese adults.

Background.  The number of older adults in Taiwan is increasing, and they have been shown to have poor nutritional status. However, little is known about the factors that lead to poor nutritional status in this population.

Design.  Correlational, cross‐sectional study.

Methods.  Participants were randomly selected from two district public health centres in Yilan County, Taiwan. Of 162 individuals who met the study criteria, 156 agreed to participate and provided data on demographic information, nutrition self‐efficacy (Cardiac Diet Self‐Efficacy scale), health locus of control (Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale) and nutritional status (Mini‐Nutritional Assessment and serum albumin levels).

Results.  The majority of this sample was healthy men (60·9%) with a mean age of 72·29 years. The results indicated that age, educational level, current chronic diseases and chance health locus of control all affected nutritional status in terms of Mini‐Nutritional Assessment scores, but only current chronic diseases explained significant variance in nutritional status in terms of albumin levels.

Conclusions.  The current study integrated self‐efficacy theory and Health Locus of Control theory to better understand how background characteristics, nutrition self‐efficacy and Health Locus of Control relate to nutritional status in older Taiwanese adults. However, the overall predicted variance accounted for by predictors was small, further research is therefore necessary to gain a deeper understanding of nutritional status and its factors among older Taiwanese adults.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses can help older persons identify factors that relate to their nutritional status and plan effective interventions to maintain healthy nutrition behaviours with the following risk characteristics: (1) lower level of education, (2) more chronic diseases and (3) external control orientation.
Measuring organizational attributes in primary care: a validation study in Germany
Authors: Ose Dominik , Freund Tobias , Kunz Cornelia U. , Szecsenyi Joachim , Natanzon Iris , Trieschmann Johanna , Wensing Michel , Miksch Antje
Published: August 2010

Objective  Models for the structured delivery of care rely on organizational attributes of practice teams. The Survey of Organizational Attributes for Primary Care (SOAPC) is known to be a valid instrument to measure this aspect in the primary care setting. The aim of this study was to determine the validity of a translated and culturally adapted German version of the SOAPC.

Methods  The SOAPC was translated and culturally adapted according to established standards. The external validity of the German SOAPC was assessed using the German version of the Warr‐Cook‐Wall scale. A total of 200 practices randomly selected from a conference database were asked to participate in the validation study. Practice, clinicians and staff characteristics were determined via short‐form questionnaires. We used standardized statistical procedures to reveal the psychometric properties of the SOAPC.

Results  A total of 54 practice teams participated by returning 297 completed questionnaires (297/425, response rate 69.8%). All four domains of the SOAPC (communication, decision making, stress/chaos, history of change) could be approved by factor analysis. Internal consistency is underlined by a Cronbach's alpha of 0.70 or higher in all categories. We show strong correlation with the Warr‐Cook‐Wall scale in all corresponding categories indexing high external validity.

Conclusions  The German SOAPC is a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of organizational attributes of practice teams as the providers of quality of care. Moreover, the tool makes it possible to map the state of implementation of quality management and practice organization. The availability of the German SOAPC encourages further research on this topic in German‐speaking countries.
Neuroleptic‐induced Parkinsonian side effects in the mentally handicapped
Authors: RAO J. MURTI , COWIE V. A. , MATHEW B.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Sixty‐seven neuroleptic‐medicated mentally handicapped subjects in a hospital were studied to determine the prevalence of Parkinsonian side effects. A Parkinsonism scale was devised and administered. Sixty‐one per cent of the sample had mild to moderately severe side effects. Sex, age, cumulative and current chlorproma‐zine doses, cumulative and current anticholinergic doses and anti‐epileptic medication status did not predict the Parkinsonism scores. Overt brain damage was not a predictor. The difference between the neuroleptic medicated group and neuroleptic free matched controls was highly significant indicating that the Parkinsonian type of movement disorder was related to neuroleptic medication.
Tardive dyskinesia with schizophrenic relapse
Authors: JAWED S. H. , SINGH I.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. A case of a borderline subnormal schizophrenic is described in a patient who developed tardive dyskinesia after 21 years of neuroleptic therapy. However, features of tardive dyskinesia manifested only during the psychotic relapses and disappeared on remission of psychotic symtpoms.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome with hypomania and mental retardation
Authors: WARD M. R. , CORBETT J. A.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. A case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome is described in a 37‐year‐old man with mental retardation, hypomania and a history of recent hepatitis B infection. The NMS is reviewed and the potential importance of this iatrogenic emergency in mental handicap practice is emphasized.
The integrated approach of yoga: a therapeutic tool for mentally retarded children: a one‐year controlled study
Authors: UMA K. , NAGENDRA H. R , NAGARATHNA R. , VAIDEHI S. , SEETHALAKSHMI R.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Ninety children with mental retardation of mild, moderate and severe degree were selected from four special schools in Bangalore, India. Forty‐five children underwent yogic training for one academic year (5 h in every week) with an integrated set of yogic practices, including breathing exercises and pranayama, sithilikarana vyayama (loosening exercises), suryanamaskar, yogasanas and meditation. They were compared before and after yogic training with a control group of 45 mentally retarded children matched for chronological age, sex, IQ, socio‐economic status and socio environmental background who were not exposed to yoga training but continued their usual school routine during that period. There was highly significant improvement in the IQ and social adaptation parameters in the yoga group as compared to the control group. This study shows the efficacy of yoga as an effective therapeutic tool in the management of mentally retarded children.