bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of older people among Chinese adolescents: conceptual and methodological issues
Authors: So Ka Man , Shek Daniel T.L.
Published: May 2011

Ageism against older people exists worldwide almost among all age groups and adolescents are of no exception. Numerous studies with specific reference to adolescents of different age, gender, educational level, socioeconomic background, knowledge about aging and experiences with older people showed that they had different perceptions of and attitudes toward older people, but such findings are not entirely conclusive. The situation of Hong Kong is even more confused as there are few studies examining this topic. It is argued that the conflicting findings are largely due to conceptual and methodological problems in the studies. This paper examines the conceptual and methodological issues in this area and outlines suggestions for future research.
Applications of interpretive and constructionist research methods in adolescent research: philosophy, principles and examples
Authors: Chen Yan-Yan , Shek Daniel T.L. , Bu Fei-Fei
Published: May 2011

This paper attempts to give a brief introduction to interpretivism, constructionism and constructivism. Similarities and differences between interpretivism and constructionism in terms of their histories and branches, ontological and epistemological stances, as well as research applications are highlighted. This review shows that whereas interpretivism can be viewed as a relatively mature orientation that contains various traditions, constructionism is a looser trend in adolescent research, and in the narrow sense denotes the “pure” relativist position, which refers to a discursive approach of theory and research. Both positions call for the importance of clearly identifying what type of knowledge and knowledge process the researcher is going to create, and correctly choosing methodology matching with the epistemological stance. Examples of adolescent research adopting interpretivist and constructionist orientations are presented.
Hox and a Newly Identified E2F Co-repress Cell Death in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Winn Jennifer , Carter Monique , Avery Leon , Cameron Scott
Published: May 2011

The development of an organism depends on individual cells receiving and executing their specific fates, although how this process is regulated remains largely unknown. Here, we identify a mechanism by which a specific cell fate, apoptosis, is determined through the cooperative efforts of Hox and E2F proteins. E2F transcription factors are critical, conserved regulators of the cell cycle and apoptosis. However, little is known about the two most recently discovered mammalian E2Fs—E2F7 and E2F8. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, we identify a novel E2F7/8 homolog, EFL-3, and show that EFL-3 functions cooperatively with LIN-39, providing the first example in which these two major developmental pathways—E2F and Hox—are able to directly regulate the same target gene. Our studies demonstrate that LIN-39 and EFL-3 function in a cell type-specific context to regulate transcription of the egl-1 BH3-only cell death gene and to determine cell fate during development.
Does the Market Punish Aggressive Experts? Evidence from Cesarean Sections
Authors: Dranove David , Ramanarayanan Subramaniam , Sfekas Andrew
Published: May 2011

In many credence goods markets, a seller simultaneously diagnoses a problem and offers a recommendation to fix it. One might wonder what prevents these sellers from always exaggerating their customers needs. In this paper, we offer a simple explanation, namely, consumers may spurn sellers who have a reputation for such demand inducement. We test this explanation by examining patient choice of obstetrician in Florida. In most of the counties that we study, we find that maternity patients are significantly less likely to choose obstetricians who perform more than the expected number of cesarean sections. We address simultaneity by instrumenting for inducement propensity using information about the obstetrician's training. Although the instrument is weak, a series of robustness tests suggests that our findings are plausible while ruling out alternative explanations.
Nocturnal Hemodialysis Is Associated with Restoration of Early-Outgrowth Endothelial Progenitor-Like Cell Function
Authors: Yuen Darren A. , Kuliszewski Michael A. , Liao Christine , Rudenko Dmitriy , Leong-Poi Howard , Chan Christopher T.
Published: May 2011

Background and objectives

Angiogenesis is a key response to tissue ischemia that may be impaired by uremia. Although early-outgrowth endothelial progenitor-like cells promote angiogenesis in the setting of normal renal function, cells from uremic patients are dysfunctional. When compared with conventional hemodialysis, it was hypothesized that nocturnal hemodialysis would improve the in vivo angiogenic activity of these cells in a well described model of ischemic vascular disease.

Design, setting, participants, and measurements

Early-outgrowth endothelial progenitor-like cells were cultured from healthy controls (n = 5) and age- and gender-matched conventional hemodialysis (12 h/wk, n = 10) and nocturnal hemodialysis (30 to 50 h/wk, n = 9) patients. Cells (5 × 105) or saline were injected into the ischemic hindlimb of athymic nude rats 1 day after left common iliac artery ligation.

Results

Although conventional dialysis cell injection had no effect versus saline, nocturnal hemodialysis and healthy control cell injection significantly improved ischemic hindlimb perfusion and capillary density. Nocturnal hemodialysis cell injection was also associated with significant increases in endogenous angiopoietin 1 expression in the ischemic hindlimb compared with saline and conventional dialysis cell injection.

Conclusions

In contrast to a conventional dialytic regimen, nocturnal hemodialysis is associated with a significantly improved ability of early-outgrowth endothelial progenitor-like cells to promote angiogenesis and thus restore perfusion in a model of ischemic vascular disease.
Ontology driven development of domain-specific languages
Authors: Ceh Ines , Crepinsek Matej , Kosar Tomaz , Mernik Marjan
Published: May 2011

Domain-specific languages (DSLs) are computer (programming, modeling,
specification) languages devoted to solving problems in a specific domain.
The development of a DSL includes the following phases: decision, analysis,
design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. The least-known
and least examined are analysis and design. Although various formal
methodologies exist, domain analysis is still done informally most of the
time. A common reason why formal methodologies are not used as often as they
could be is that they are very demanding. Instead of developing a new, less
complex methodology, we propose that domain analysis could be replaced with a
previously existing analysis in another form. A particularly suitable form is
the use of ontologies. This paper focuses on ontology-based domain analysis
and how it can be incorporated into the DSL design phase. We will present the
preliminary results of the Ontology2DSL framework, which can be used to help
transform ontology to a DSL grammar incorporating concepts from a domain.
Reflecting on Writing Autobiography
Authors: Begg Andy
Published: May 2011

The following reflections relate to the reasons for and an approach to an autobiographic task, the notions that underpin it, and some thoughts about the quality and value of such a project. The focus was on the ways one views curriculum change over time; and the intention was to provide an example that others may sense as either familiar or at least reasonable. The task began without data in the form of diaries or similar records, thus the first step was to build up a time line with remembered incidents to highlight themes that might be important. From this a selection of themes emerged. The themes, incidents, reflections on them, and relevant literature read at the same time, formed the basis of the autobiography. Notions of complexity, and of plateaus, mini-plateaus, and connecting rhizomes all influenced the structure of the work. The purposes for undertaking the task included: understanding self, enriching understanding of self and others, sharing experiences, and exploring new possibilities and connections. With these purposes to the fore, the quality criteria were not usefulness, reliability, validity, authenticity, or trustworthiness – what was sought was resonance. Overall, the autobiography was seen as having a nomadic nature, an emergent rather than a planned mission, and hopefully it will lead to others seeing new alternatives in their work.
Shaping the Responsible, Successful and Contributing Citizen of the Future: ‘Values' in the New Zealand Curriculum and its Challenge to the Development of Ethical Teacher Professionality
Authors: Benade Leon
Published: May 2011

The revised New Zealand Curriculum became mandatory for use in New Zealand schools in February 2010. The ongoing reform agenda in education in New Zealand since 1989 and elsewhere internationally has had corrosive effects on teacher professionality. State-driven neo-liberal policy and education reforms are deeply damaging to the mental and moral conceptions teachers have of their work. This article contemplates one aspect of The New Zealand Curriculum – its focus on values – and the way it challenges the development of ethical teacher professionality. It also considers the prospect of reclaiming some of that lost moral ground through critical implementation of the 2007 New Zealand Curriculum, a claim that rests on an argument that this policy breaks with neo-liberal reform by its identification with third way political ideology.
New Public Management in Educational Reform in Norway
Authors: Solhaug Trond
Published: May 2011

The article focuses on the similarities and differences in using new public management (NPM) administrative arrangements in educational policy as they have been presented in the educational reform process carried out this millennium by two governments in Norway: the Centre–Conservative government and the current Red–Green coalition government. First, key elements in the reform process are identified. The methods applied are selective studies of documents and speeches by policy actors (ministers), and an examination of the implemented policy. Personal communication with the Ministry of Education's Communication Centre and the Norwegian Directorate of Education and Training has provided some additional information. The findings are that there is an overall consensus on the primacy of economic values (at the level of ideas), management by output control, explicit standards, a test system (implemented at the policy level) and an accountability system (implemented at the policy level). Consensus between the two governments on these new institutional arrangements in education seems to be the major trend. However, disagreements over new free/private schools and markets in education are important. It is concluded that there are two versions of NPM policies present – a liberal one advocated by the Centre–Conservative government and a communitarian version advocated by the Red–Green government – and that the major consensus trend between the governments may imply steps towards an ideological hegemony of ideas related to the NPM tradition.
Changes in proteasome pool in human papillary thyroid carcinoma development
Authors: Sharova Natalia , Astakhova Tatiana , Karpova Yaroslava , Lyupina Yulia , Alekhin Alexander , Goncharov Nikolai , Sumedi Ilia , Cherner Vyacheslav , Rodoman Grigori , Kuznetsov Nikolai , Erokhov Pavel
Published: May 2011

Searching the antitumor drug targets among proteasomes, “ubiquitous” enzyme systems, may provide a new impulse to the antitumor drug discovery. In this study, changes in the proteasome pool in the development of human papillary thyroid carcinoma were determined. Proteasome activities were evaluated by hydrolysis of commercial fluorogenic peptides. Changes in the expression of the total proteasome pool, proteasome 19S activator and proteolytic constitutive subunits X(β5), Y(β1) and immune subunits LMP7 (β5i) and LMP2 (β1i) were investigated by Western blotting. The distribution of the proteasome subunits in thyroid gland cells was detected by immunohistochemistry. It was shown that the chymotrypsin- and caspase-like activities as well as the expression of the total proteasome pool, proteasome 19S activator and immune subunits increased gradually in the tumors at the T2N0M0 and T3N0M0 stages in comparison with the control tissues. Among the structures studied, the expression of the 19S activator and immune proteasomes, which contain the LMP2 (β1i) subunit, was enhanced to the largest degree in tumor cells. The data obtained may be implicated in a new therapeutic strategy. Taking into consideration the antitumor function of the immune proteasomes, we advance the 19S activator as the target for the development of a novel antitumor therapy.
Properties of shrubforest edges: a case study from South Hungary
Authors: Erdős László , Gallé Róbert , Bátori Zoltán , Papp Mónika , Körmöczi László
Published: May 2011

Knowledge on edge properties is important from a conservation perspective. Our study was carried out in the ancient vegetation mosaic of the Villány Mts, South-Hungary. Sampling was conducted along eight transects, each running from a rock sward through a shrubforest patch into another rock sward. Unlike most studies, we identified edge position objectively, using a moving split-window analysis. Five habitat types along each transect were distinguished: north-facing rock sward interior, north-facing edge, shrubforest interior, south-facing edge, and south-facing rock sward interior. In the forty 2 m2 plots, a total of 157 species were found. Species richness and Shannon-diversity of the edges was higher than those of the shrubforest interiors, but not significantly different from the rock swards. Cover did not differ significantly among habitat types. We found only a few edge-related species. No differences between differently-oriented edges were revealed. Species composition of the edges was influenced mostly by the rock sward matrix. We hypothesize that ecological conditions of the edges resemble those of the rock sward interiors. Thus, sward species can penetrate into shrubforest edges, entailing a similar composition of edges and rock swards, resulting in similar diversities. Edges might be viewed as refugia for valuable plants of rock swards.
Laser-Micro/Nanofabricated 3D Polymers for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Danilevičius P. , Žukauskas A. , Bičkauskaitė G. , Purlys V. , Rutkauskas M. , Gertus T. , Paipulas D. , Matukaitė J. , Baltriukienė D. , Malinauskas M.
Published: May 2011

Laser-Micro/Nanofabricated 3D Polymers for Tissue Engineering Applications

A multi-photon polymerization system has been designed based on a pulsed irradiation light source (diode-pumped solid state femtosecond laser Yb:KGW, 300 fs, 1030 nm, 1-200 kHz) in combination with large working area and high precision linear motor driven stages (100×100×50 mm3). The system is intended for high resolution and throughput 3D micro- and nanofabrication and enables manufacturing the polymeric templates up to 1 cm2areas with sub-micrometer resolution. These can be used for producing 3D artificial polymeric scaffolds to be applied for growing cells, specifically, in the tissue engineering. The bio-compatibility of different acrylate, hybrid organic-inorganic and biodegradable polymeric materials is evaluated experimentallyin vitro. Variously sized and shaped polymeric scaffolds of biocompatible photopolymers with intricate 3D geometry were successfully fabricated. Proliferation tests for adult rabbit myogenic stem cells have shown the applicability of artificial scaffolds in biomedicine practice.
Innovation and Regional Socio-Economic Development - Evidence from the Finnish Local Administrative Units (1)
Authors: Makkonen Teemu
Published: May 2011

Innovation and Regional Socio-Economic Development - Evidence from the Finnish Local Administrative Units (1)

It is often argued that innovation plays a key role in the economic growth of regions. Therefore, the impacts of innovation on the socio-economic development of regions have been widely discussed in previous studies, but with divergent areal coverage, methods, and datasets. As a point for departure, these relationships redrawn from international literature are tested here with a single dataset from Finnish local administrative units and with coherent methods. As there does not seem to be a generally accepted indicator for innovation which can claim to be superior, despite the growing literature on the subject, research and development (R&D), and patent statistics are used in this paper to represent innovation activity. The significant, strong, and positive relationship between innovation and traditional socio-economic variables is verified using Finnish regions.
Ageing and Quality of Life - New Responses from the Real Estate Sector in Portugal (1)
Authors: De Matos Fátima
Published: May 2011

Ageing and Quality of Life - New Responses from the Real Estate Sector in Portugal (1)

In the second half of the 20th century, the history of European demography is associated with a pronounced and widespread process of ageing. The 21st century will have to cater to the needs of an elderly population in transformation. Portugal is also part of this process and in efforts to improve the quality of life of the elderly, a wide range of facilities, services and social responses have been established by a variety of promoters, targeting several social levels. This paper will analyze a specific segment directed at an exclusive niche of the elderly population, the Senior Residential Condominiums. This is a very recent segment of the housing market, with high levels of comfort, quality, sanitation, health, and recreation, essential to full well-being. The paper intends to characterize this real estate market niche so as to identify its distinctive features, the promoting agents and how they can contribute to residents' quality of life.
Film Festivals in Łódź as a Main Component of Urban Cultural Tourism
Authors: Cudny Waldemar
Published: May 2011

Film Festivals in Łódź as a Main Component of Urban Cultural Tourism

In the early 19thcentury Łódź became a huge centre of textile production. However, the transformations in Poland after 1989 led to the decline of this industry. At present the city is looking for new forms of development, such as services, including tourism and culture. One of the most important elements of the cultural function in Łódź are film festivals, based on over 50 year long tradition of film making in this city. The aim of this article is to present the film festivals organized in Łódź, which are a tourist asset and a kind of tourist product (an event). They are at the same time an element of cultural tourism, part of which is event tourism, connected with festivals and film tourism.
The Conversions of the City Structure and their Influence on the Demographic Phenomena
Authors: Chądzyńska Elżbieta
Published: May 2011

The Conversions of the City Structure and their Influence on the Demographic Phenomena

The process of socio-economic change, which started in Poland in 1989, began the series of modifications in the structure of Polish cities. These changes embrace the economic sphere and the social sphere, as well as the habitable environment. The changes occurring in Polish cities resemble the processes present in settlement systems in highly developed countries. They take place, however, with some delay which is caused by the movement from the centrally controlled economy to the market economy and all the problems associated with it.

The aim of the presented article is to show the influence of occurring changes on the socio-economic development and demographic situation apparent in small towns of the Wrocław Metropolitan Area (WrMA). The attempt of evaluation of factors promoting the development was undertaken. The value of chosen characteristics was analyzed for the set of small towns of Dolnośląskie voivodship. The analysis of chosen quantities common for demographic phenomena in a longer time cross-section (1995-2008) pinpoints the irregularity of development of specific towns, which may result in negative effects for the whole area in the future.
Neuroprotective effects of gabapentin on spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbits
Authors: Kale Aydemir , Börcek Alp Özgün , Emmez Hakan , Yildirim Zuhal , Durdağ Emre , Lortlar Neşe , Kurt Gökhan , Doğulu Fikret , Kılıç Nedret
Published: May 2011

Object

Extensive research has been focused on neuroprotection after spinal cord trauma to alleviate the effects of secondary injury. This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effects of gabapentin in an experimental spinal cord ischemia reperfusion injury.

Methods

Thirty-two adult male New Zealand white rabbits received spinal cord ischemic injury using the aortic occlusion model. Animals were divided into 4 groups (sham, control, low-dose, and high-dose treatment groups; 8 rabbits in each group). High (200 mg/kg) and low (30 mg/kg) doses of gabapentin were administered to the animals in the treatment groups after spinal cord ischemic injury. Neurological status of the animals, ultrastructural findings in injured tissue samples, and levels of tissue injury markers in these 2 groups were compared with findings in the animals that did not receive the ischemic procedure (sham-operated group) and those that received normal saline after administration of ischemia.

Results

Regarding levels of tissue injury marker levels after ischemic injury, animals in the gabapentin-treated groups demonstrated better results than animals in the other groups. The ultrastructural findings and caspase-3 activity were similar. The treatment groups demonstrated better results than the other groups.

Conclusions

Gabapentin demonstrated significant neuroprotection after early phases of ischemic injury. Further studies with different experimental settings including neurological outcome are required to achieve conclusive results.
Modern Challenges of the United States Emergency Medical Care System: Interrelated Concerns with Multiple Causes
Authors: Yusuf Raffi Ahmed
Published: May 2011

DOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v21i1.7664 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2010: 21(1):10-17
Performance of Renal Function Prediction Equations in a Group of Hospitalized Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Islam M Hafizul , Dutta Pradip Kumar , Hoque Mahmudul , Alam ASM Towhidul
Published: May 2011

Key words: chronic kidney disease (CKD); creatimine clearance (CrCl); cock croft-gault (CG) formula; modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equationDOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v21i1.7665 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2010: 21(1):18-22
Prevalence of Skin Cancer in Chronic Arsenicosis in Chittagong Medical College Hospital
Authors: Alam Mansurul , Hazari Saroj Kanti Singh , Alam ASM Tawhidul
Published: May 2011

Key words: chronic arsenicosis, prevalence; skin cancerDOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v21i1.7666 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2010: 21(1):23-29
Clinico-Pathological Profile of Bronchogenic Carcinoma in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Hassan Md Quamrul , Ahamad M Shahab Uddin , Rahman Md Zillur , Ahmed Syed , Chowdhury MA Wahab
Published: May 2011

Key words: bronchogenic carcinoma; transthoracic FNAC; cytopathologyDOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v21i1.7678 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2010: 21(1):45-49
Testicular Fine Needle Aspiration in Male Infertility: A Review
Authors: Ahamad M Shahab Uddin , Chowdhury Babul Osman , Zobair Mohammad
Published: May 2011

Key words: fine needle aspiration; cytology; testis; infertility; asoozpermiaDOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v21i1.7681 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2010: 21(1):62-65
Ethics in Pediatric Trials
Authors: Chowdhury Pranab Kumar , Dutta Pradip Kumar , Mahmood Nasruddin , Dutta Asok Kumar
Published: May 2011

DOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v21i1.7682 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2010: 21(1):66-69
Residential Field Site Training Programme Abstracts: 48th Batch, Session: 2005-2006, 4th year MBBS Students, CMC
Authors: Editor The
Published: May 2011

DOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v21i1.7687 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2010: 21(1):83-86
Medial radio-carpal arthrodesis in three cats with a 2.0 mm locking maxillofacial plate system
Authors: Makara M. , Guerrero T. , Streubel R.
Published: May 2011

The medical records of three cats that were presented with severe carpal injury requiring radiocarpal arthrodesis were reviewed. Medial plating using the Compact 2.0 LOCKTM system a was performed in all three cases. Although screw positioning may be difficult because of the large distance between the holes of the plate and the relatively large size of screws, plate loosening or metacarpal fractures did not occur. Long-term clinical and radiographic follow-up (6 months to 4.5 years) revealed excellent outcome in two cats. In the third cat, the radiocarpal joint did not undergo complete fusion. At four and a half years following surgery, recurrence of forelimb lameness was associated with breakage of the plate.
Gold-catalyzed alkylation of silyl enol ethers with ortho-alkynylbenzoic acid esters
Authors: Aikawa Haruo , Kaneko Tetsuro , Asao Naoki , Yamamoto Yoshinori
Published: May 2011

Unprecedented alkylation of silyl enol ethers has been developed by the use of ortho-alkynylbenzoic acid alkyl esters as alkylating agents in the presence of a gold catalyst. The reaction probably proceeds through the gold-induced in situ construction of leaving groups and subsequent nucleophilic attack on the silyl enol ethers. The generated leaving compound abstracts a proton to regenerate the silyl enol ether structure.
Neuf mois de jurisprudence relative à la QPC. Un bilan
Authors: Mathieu Bertrand
Published: May 2011

Résumé Les neufs premiers mois de jurisprudence relative à la QPC traduisent les conflits qui ont opposé les ordres juridictionnels, les réglages à opérer entre le contrôle de constitutionnalité et conventionnalité. Les décisions rendues tant par la Cour de cassation et le Conseil d’État que par le Conseil constitutionnel démontrent que le contrôle a posteriori de la constitutionnalité de la loi s’est imposé avec force et rapidité dans le paysage français. Alors que le périmètre de la nouvelle procédure, tant en ce qui concerne les dispositions susceptibles d’être contestées que les principes pouvant être invoqués, tend à être précisément dessiné, la procédure renforce le substrat de la jurisprudence constitutionnelle.
Perceived Value of National Certification for Pediatric Nurses
Authors: Messmer Patricia R. , Hill-Rodriguez Deborah , Williams Arthur R. , Ernst Mary E. , Tahmooressi Jill
Published: May 2011

Purpose:

This study evaluated whether pediatric nurses who were certified valued national certifications to a greater degree than those who were not certified.

Methods:

The Gaberson, Schroeter, Killen, and Valentine (
2003
) Perceived Value of Certification Tool (PVCT) was used to measure nurses’ perceptions of certification. The PVCT includes 18 certification-related value statements, using a five-point Likert scale response ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. A principal factor analysis was performed to identify clusters of related variables.

Results:

Certified pediatric nurses valued national certifications to a greater degree than those who were not certified. More favorable views of certification were moderately associated with favorable views of the effects of certification on salary. The PVCT was found to have one factor, not two, as previously reported in the literature. Lower perceived relationships were reported between certification and salary, clinical competence, and consumer confidence compared with feelings of professionalism and personal satisfaction.

Conclusion:

Efforts to improve the relationship between certification and its perceived value at one institution were addressed. More attention may be needed to strengthen relationships, perceived or otherwise, between certification and competency skills, public awareness, and compensation of nurses for holding national certification.
Perceptions of Professional Practice and Work Environment of New Graduates in a Nurse Residency Program
Authors: Bratt Marilyn Meyer , Felzer Holly M.
Published: May 2011

New nurses continue to face challenging work environments and high expectations for professional competence as they enter practice. Nurse residency programs are gaining prominence as a mechanism to ease new graduates’ transition to practice. This study examined new graduates’ perceptions of their professional practice competence and work environment throughout a yearlong nurse residency program. Employing a repeated measures design, data were collected at baseline, at 6 months, and at 12 months. Results showed that job satisfaction was significantly lowest at 6 months and highest at 12 months. Job stress was found to be lowest at 12 months and organizational commitment was highest at baseline. Of the variables related to professional practice, clinical decision-making was highest at 12 months and quality of nursing performance significantly increased at each measurement point. These data add to the growing evidence supporting the efficacy of nurse residency programs.
Keeping Their Attention: Innovative Strategies for Nursing Education
Authors: Herrman Judith W.
Published: May 2011

Providing nursing education in clinical and other educational settings presents several challenges. Changes in learners, vast amounts of material to be taught, and decreasing educational resources require increased effectiveness of nurse educators and each educational experience. Current teaching strategies may be enhanced to meet learners’ expectations and address the reduced attention spans characteristic of today’s learners. This article provides 20 strategies and additional helpful hints to increase learner engagement, improve retention of material, and make nursing education more enjoyable for instructors and learners.
The Connection Between Strong Social Support and Joint Replacement Outcomes
Authors: Theiss Mark M. , Ellison Michael W. , Tea Christine G. , Warner Julia F. , Silver Renee M. , Murphy Valerie J.
Published: May 2011

A myriad of emotional, informational, and tangible needs can easily overwhelm patients as they seek to navigate a complicated surgical procedure. This article demonstrates that a dedicated family member or friend supporting their loved one before, during, and after joint replacement surgery measurably impacts quality and outcomes. The multidisciplinary, multihospital study team developed the following Opportunity Statement: “To define, measure, and implement a progressive family/friend support system across the continuum of care promoting optimal patient recovery after total joint arthroplasty.” The team used the modified Groningen Orthopedic Social Support Scale to measure levels of social support and associated these levels with other patient outcomes.

Analysis of 1722 observations across 4 hospitals found that patients with strong social support have shorter hospital stays, are more likely to be discharged home, to meet ambulation and transfer-out-of-bed targets, and to score hospital quality of care higher, and are more confident and ready to go home on discharge. Three presence intervals were also found to be significant predictors of key outcome measures: family/friend presence during the preoperative classes, in the preoperative holding area, and during the last physical therapy session. These intervals may serve as reasonable social support proxies for organizations desiring to measure social support to ultimately affect quality and outcomes.
Clinical Features and Treatment of the Hip in Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia in Childhood
Authors: Li Lian Yong , Zhao Qun , Ji Shi Jun , Zhang Li Jun , Li Qi Wei
Published: May 2011

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia is a rare congenital osteochondrodysplasia disorder characterized by a delay in the appearance of the epiphyses; irregular, symmetric epiphyseal formation; mild short stature; and early-onset osteoarthritis. Peripheral weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing joints can be affected. Treatment of the hip deformity in multiple epiphyseal dysplasia is a challenge for orthopedic surgeons.

We reviewed the clinical features and treatment options of hip joints affected by multiple epiphyseal dysplasia in 6 young patients (4 boys and 2 girls). Average patient age was 8.8 years (range, 5–14 years). The spectrum of hip joint deformity ranged from mild to severe. Surgical procedures included intertrochanteric extension osteotomy of the femur in 2 patients (4 hips), Staheli acetabular augmentation in 1 patient (2 hips), and trochanter arthroplasty associated with Dega osteotomy in 2 patients (4 hips). One patient did not undergo surgical treatment. All patients were followed up for an average 7.2 years. Joint function improved in the patients treated surgically. The coxa vara deformity was corrected satisfactorily, and the femoral head was covered completely by the acetabulum.

Good mid-term outcomes were obtained for the treatment of severe hip deformity by using intertrochanteric extension osteotomy and trochanter arthroplasty. However, because of the inherent nature of this disorder, long-term follow-up of the patients is required.
Trends in Femoroacetabular Impingement Research over 11 Years
Authors: Haviv Barak , Burg Alon , Velkes Steven , Salai Moshe , Dudkiewicz Israel
Published: May 2011

Femoroacetabular impingement is the abutment between the proximal femur and the rim of the acetabulum. It is a common cause of labral injury that has been identified as an early cause of hip osteoarthritis. The diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement of the hip is currently well defined in orthopedic surgery but should attract the attention of physicians in other disciplines. Conversely, much less is known about the etiology and natural history of femoroacetabular impingement.

The goal of this study was to assess the number of articles published on femoroacetabular impingement over 11 years in orthopedic vs nonorthopedic medical journals, and to evaluate the quality of available evidence. PubMed and OvidSP databases were searched for articles on femoroacetabular impingement published from 1999 to 2009. Articles were characterized by publication type and journal type per year. Regression analysis was used to determine the effect of publication year on number of publications of each type. The search yielded 206 publications on femoroacetabular impingement during the evaluation period. Seventy-two percent were published in orthopedic journals. Overall, the number of publications increased exponentially with time. There was an increase in clinical trials over the course of the study period. However, studies with high-quality evidence were scarce. The increase in data from orthopedic and nonorthopedic disciplines is welcome. Nevertheless, high-quality evidence on femoroacetabular impingement is lacking. We believe the current trend toward evidence-based orthopedic surgery will impact future research on this relatively new disorder.
Short-Term Outcome of Bilateral Decompression via a Unilateral Paramedian Approach for Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Unilateral Pedicle Screw Fixation
Authors: Feng Zhen-Zhou , Cao Yuan-Wu , Jiang Chun , Jiang Xiao-Xing
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of bilateral decompression via a unilateral paramedian approach for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Forty consecutive patients satisfying the inclusion criteria were divided randomly into groups 1 and 2. Patients were treated with unilateral (group 1) or bilateral (group 2) pedicle screw fixation and bilateral decompression via 1-sided (group 1) or bilateral (group 2) paramedian approach. Perioperative parameters (operation time, blood loss, hospital stay, complications, and implant cost), clinical outcome parameters (Japanese Orthopedic Association [JOA] scores, visual analog scale [VAS] scores, and Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] preoperatively and at 1 week and 3 months postoperatively), and radiologic parameters (radiograph and computed tomography [CT] scan preoperatively and at 1 week postoperatively) were compared.

No differences were seen between groups 1 and 2 with respect to operation time, blood loss, or hospital stay. No complications were observed in either group. The ODI, JOA, and VAS values of both groups showed significant differences between the preoperative and 1-week or 3-month postoperative values. No significant differences were seen in the improvements of the ODI, JOA, and VAPS values between groups 1 and 2 at any postoperative time point. Postoperative CT indicated that the contralateral decompression was sufficient in both groups.

The short-term results indicate that bilateral decompression via a unilateral paramedian approach for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with unilateral pedicle screw fixation is safe, feasible, and effective over the short-term and is more cost-efficient than a bilateral paramedian approach.
Incidence of False Positive Rotator Cuff Pathology in MRIs of Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis
Authors: Loeffler Bryan J. , Brown Stephen L. , D’Alessandro Donald F. , Fleischli James E. , Connor Patrick M.
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of presumed rotator cuff pathology based on radiologist and surgeon interpretation of preoperative magnetic resonance images (MRIs) with actual rotator cuff pathology found intraoperatively in patients undergoing arthroscopic capsular release for adhesive capsulitis.

The medical records of 38 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic glenohumeral capsular release for adhesive capsulitis between September 2001 and May 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Radiologist and surgeon predicted status of the rotator cuff by prospective MRI interpretation was compared to the actual status of the rotator cuff intraoperatively. Radiologists’ preoperative MRI interpretations predicted a 57.9% incidence of rotator cuff pathology, while operative findings revealed a true incidence of only 13.2% (
P
<.0001). Radiologists accurately predicted the absence or presence of a rotator cuff tear in 19 of 38 cases (50%), compared to the surgeon, who correctly interpreted 29 of 38 MRIs (76.3%).

Interpretations of shoulder MRIs in patients with adhesive capsulitis may provide misleading information regarding rotator cuff pathology. The actual findings of shoulder MRI scans may lead to the appearance of false rotator cuff pathology in this population, and a high percentage of false positive MRI reports of rotator cuff tears was observed in these patients. If MRI is chosen as a diagnostic adjunct in this patient population, careful consideration should be given to its interpretation to avoid unnecessary or possibly aggravating surgical intervention.
Recurrent Fluctuant Mass of the Wrist and Forearm Associated with Chronic Tenosynovitis by
Mycobacterium kansasii
Authors: Mazis George A. , Sakellariou Vasileios I. , Kontos Fanourios , Zerva Loukia , Spyridonos Sarantis G.
Published: May 2011

This article presents a case of a painless fluctuant mass on the volar aspect of the wrist and forearm of an immunocompetent 45-year-old man with no history of significant underlying disease. This mass proved to be a chronic tenosynovitis associated with
Mycobacterium kansasii
infection. The patient, who had a history of multiple minor cuts and abrasions plus exposure to an aquatic environment, had a wide resection of the lesion and elective tenosynovectomy. Operative findings revealed a marked tenosynovitis of flexor tendons. Several rice bodies lesions were also observed along the course of the involved flexor tendons.

Biopsy showed a granulomatous inflammatory reaction. Specimens of affected tissue were sent to a laboratory for solid (at 30°C and at 37°C) and liquid (at 37°C) mycobacterial culture. The initial Ziehl-Neelsen stain for acid-fast bacilli was positive. After 8 days of incubation, acid-fast bacilli were recovered. In accordance with the diagnosis of
M kansasii
tenosynovitis and the results of antibiotic susceptibility testing, triple therapy with rifampicin, isoniazid and clarithromycin was initiated. After 3 months of therapy, the patient experienced improvement in the swelling and is due to receive 12 months of antibiotic therapy. Despite awareness of atypical mycobacterial infections, diagnosis is frequently delayed, leading to increased morbidity. Patients with exposure to these atypical pathogens require a broadened differential to include appropriate testing and culture of specimens to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Using Unfolding Case Studies in a Subject-Centered Classroom
Authors: Day Lisa
Published: May 2011

The recently published report of the Carnegie Foundation’s National Study of Nursing Education points out significant problems with classroom teaching in schools of nursing. This article suggests Palmer’s idea of the subject-centered classroom as a way to transform nursing school classrooms into collaborative learning communities. For Palmer, the subject is the big idea of nursing practice—the nurse–patient/client/family/community relationship—that should take the lead in stimulating inquiry and discussion. The article goes on to describe how teachers can develop and use unfolding case studies to bring the subject to the center of the classroom. By doing so, the classroom becomes a place where students learn a sense of salience, develop their clinical imagination, and begin their formation as professional nurses.
Exploration of Nursing Doctoral Admissions and Performance Outcomes
Authors: Megginson Lucy
Published: May 2011

This research aims to identify current admission criteria and academic performance outcomes in nursing PhD programs. A descriptive exploratory design was used to survey all American Association of Colleges of Nursing PhD programs (
N
= 110) via a Web-mediated standardized survey; the response rate was 51% (
n
= 56). Conclusions indicate six diverse yet complementary admission criteria: graduate grade point average (GPA), Graduate Record Examinations® scores, writing samples, letters of recommendation, interviews, and research match with faculty. Findings also indicated that admission criteria largely lack predictive validity testing in regard to academic performance outcomes and are deficient in internal reliability. Academic performance outcomes included comprehensive examination, ongoing minimum graduate GPA of 3.0, formal dissertation, time to degree attainment, degree attainment, time to candidacy, type of employment after graduation, and publications and grants as a student and at 5 years postgraduation.
Vision-Related Quality of Life Assessment Using the NEI-VFQ-25 in Adolescents and Young Adults With a History of Congenital Cataract
Authors: Kirwan Caitriona , Lanigan Bernadette , O’Keefe Michael
Published: May 2011

Purpose:

To assess vision-specific health-related quality of life in adolescents and young adults with a history of congenital cataract using the National Eye Institute 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25).

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent surgery aged younger than 24 months. Those 13 years or older at follow-up were selected for inclusion. Educational attainment was determined. A control group of healthy individuals of similar age with no visual complaints also completed the questionnaire.

Results:

Sixteen patients with a history of unilateral cataract (mean age: 17.8 ± 2.8 years), 22 with bilateral cataract (19.5 ± 4.6 years), and 15 controls (17.9 ± 2.5 years) were included in the study. The bilateral cataract group had greater difficulty with near and distance activities compared with the unilateral group, and had significantly lower vision-specific social functioning, role difficulties, mental health, and composite scores. Comparing the unilateral cataract and control groups, there was no significant difference in ocular pain, vision-specific social functioning, role difficulties, and dependency scores between both groups.

Conclusion:

Patients with unilateral cataract had fewer difficulties performing near and distance activities and certain vision-specific tasks than the bilateral group, but both groups were comparable in terms of general vision scores. The control group had better scores than the unilateral group in some, but not all, categories and better than the bilateral group in most. Educational achievements were high in both cataract groups. All attended main stream school and many attended university.
Alcohol-Related Content in Undergraduate Nursing Curricula in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Mollica Michelle A. , Hyman Zena , Mann Catherine M.
Published: May 2011

Societal alcohol abuse and misuse is disproportionate to the number of related didactic and clinical hours reported by traditional baccalaureate nursing programs in the United States. Because no recent research re-examines the findings from earlier studies, a survey was developed and then electronically distributed to all nursing department deans or program chairs of traditional baccalaureate nursing programs in the Northeast (
N
= 117). Twenty-seven (23%) schools responded. Results showed limited didactic and clinical offerings. Most schools cover content related to definition, psychological and medical complications, and treatment and rehabilitation. Clinical applications were limited as was content addressing public dimensions of alcohol misuse. The current findings showed little change from those of studies conducted more than 20 years ago. Based on the current findings, further survey development is encouraged with the intent of continuing exploration of curricular offerings related to alcohol misuse.
Does Your Older Adult Client Have a Gambling Problem?
Authors: Kerber Cindy Sullivan , Schlenker Emily , Hickey Kari
Published: May 2011

Pathological gambling is becoming an increasing problem in today’s culture, particularly because opportunities and inducements to gamble abound. This article describes symptoms, consequences, and comorbidities experienced by pathological gamblers. Gambling pathology is often invisible because pathological gamblers seldom disclose gambling problems to their primary care provider. Thus, nurses will benefit from knowledge of the physical and emotional signs of the disorder. A two-question assessment tool, the Lie/Bet Questionnaire, is useful in helping nurses identify pathological gamblers. Interventions and treatment options, including group therapy and environmental modification, are also discussed. As always, education concerning problems and consequences of pathological gambling is a first step. Because research has indicated that visits to casinos by older adults have doubled since 1975, the authors use an example of an older adult to clarify the issues. Although the article’s content is applicable to clients across the life span, it has particular significance for older adults.