bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaborative rehabilitation at the workplace
Authors: Kearns Daniel J.
Published: May 2006

Rehabilitation of disabled workers in the workplace requires a co‐ordinated effort between health professionals and the human resource function. Traditionally, rehabilitation has been conducted in settings outside the workplace and has perpetuated artificial divisions between all professions involved in supporting the human resources within the enterprise. More recently, two insights have emerged that will dictate effective workplace rehabilitation in the future. The first is that job retention of ill, injured, or otherwise disabled workers should be pursued proactively at the workplace rather than allow the employee to drop into the welfare net. Second, successful rehabilitation requires a high level of interdisciplinary effort that is not confined to any particular settings. This article notes some of the international impetus to achieve collaborations in rehabilitation and focuses on strategies for the collaboration between a ‘rehabilitationist’ and the workplace human resource function at three levels: policy, planning, and practice. Copyright © 1997 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Proteomic trajectory mapping of biological transformation: Application to developmental mouse retina
Authors: Haniu Hisao , Komori Naoka , Takemori Nobuaki , Singh Anil , Ash John D. , Matsumoto Hiroyuki
Published: May 2006

In this report we introduce a new concept “proteomic trajectory mapping” for the investigation of a complex phenomenon underlying biological transformation and transition. We define proteomic trajectory to be the kinetic trace of protein expression and present a successful proteomic trajectory mapping of complex molecular events underlying postnatal development of mouse retina. Cluster analysis of the trajectory data using a two‐state model identified four proteomic trajectory types: two distinct trajectory types accounting for the decline or the rise of protein molecules actively expressed in the juvenile stage (J‐type) or in the adult stage (A‐type), a class of transient trajectories that mediate the transformation from the juvenile to the adult stage (T‐type), and the steady trajectories throughout the entire process of transformation (C‐type). The dominance of particular protein categories expressed in each trajectory characterizes the stage of retinal development. Proteomic trajectory mapping will be a powerful tool to study the systematic changes of protein expression caused by physiological, genetic, or pathological agents and the reverse of such changes to the norm by a treatment. The proteomic trajectory mapping is applicable to any biological transformation and, therefore, will be a powerful tool in biomedical sciences.
Direct determination of acylcarnitines in amniotic fluid by column‐switching liquid chromatography with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cho Sung‐Hee , Lee Jeongae , Lee Won‐Yong , Chung Bong Chul
Published: May 2006

A direct, simple, and simultaneous determination of acylcarnitines in amniotic fluid was developed using column‐switching liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The analytes can be assayed within 20 min without any sample preparation process, and we monitored separated acylcarnitines with positive electrospray ionization (ESI)‐MS/MS. The calibration ranges of acylcarnitines were 1 to 100 nmol/L. The linearity of the method was 0.992 to 0.999, and the limits of detection at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 were 1 nmol/L. The coefficients of variation were in the range of 5.2 to 13.3% for within‐day variation and 6.7 to 11.9% for day‐to‐day, respectively. We detected acylcarnitines in the amniotic fluid of 22 women in the early stages of their pregnancies in the range of 2.2 to 17.2 nmol/L. The proposed method could be applied to diagnosis, monitoring, and biomedical investigations of inborn errors of the organic acid and fatty acid metabolism of the embryo. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of construction noise on behavior and cortisol levels in a pair of captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Powell David M. , Carlstead Kathy , Tarou Loraine R. , Brown Janine L. , Monfort Steven L.
Published: May 2006

Studies of the effects of ambient noise on animals have found variable results. A study was conducted at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park to determine what effect short‐term demolition work would have on the behavior and cortisol excretion of giant pandas. Behavioral and endocrine differences were examined during the presence and absence of demolition work being conducted on an adjacent exhibit complex. High frequency noise was significantly louder on work days compared to non‐work days. Panda activity budgets differed significantly between work and post‐work periods, although in different ways. The male's use of substrates and locations that might be associated with refuge or shelter changed during the study; the female did not show similar changes. He spent more time in the enclosure adjacent to the work site rather than a more distant enclosure during the demolition period whether work was occurring or not. The behavior of both animals was more often characterized as “restless” during, as opposed to before or after the work period. In general, cortisol excretion increased during the study in both animals but this was likely a seasonal effect in the male. In many cases, significant short‐term increases in cortisol were temporally associated with certain kinds of construction noises or specific physiological events. Variability in cortisol secretion fluctuated during the study for both animals but in differing patterns. These results demonstrate that demolition noise was associated with behavioral and some physiological changes in giant pandas, and these changes were individual‐specific. Zoo Biol 0:1–18, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The modernization paradigm based on monistic multi-linear theory: a response to some comments
Authors: Zhenghua Dong
Published: May 2006

Long before 1979, Chinese historical research had been dominated by the theory of “the Five Modes of Production”, according to which the whole Chinese history as well as the other parts of the world had been developed from the first MOD to the last one by one. The modernization theories prevailed during the 1950s and the 1960s, bringing about another uni-linear model of historical changes. For example, W. W. Rostow designed a five-stage process as a universal frame work of economic development, based on which each society could find its position in this uni-line. The task of the less developed societies is just to introduce modernity from the modernized societies so that they can make some developments. Thus modernization is a uni-direction movement as well as a uni-linear process. After 1979, modernization as a new paradigm has been accepted by an increasing number of Chinese historians. The increasing depth and breadth of the academic researches have encouraged such an acceptance, but, admittedly, as a new conceptual system that corresponded to the historic breakthrough and the new direction towards modernization in China. This acceptance also showed the “crisis of paradigm”, that is, the contradiction between the new themes and the old ones that had dominated Chinese humanities and social sciences. The modernization paradigm based on monistic multi-linear theory considers modernization as a unique breakthrough in history, a great transformation around the whole world, and a historical process that does not have a given ultimate aim and value but different models and routes. The monistic multi-linear theory on historical development is open and all-embracing in historical studies. A variety of historical paradigms is favorable to prosperity of Chinese history.
The impact of the opening of Tianjin on economic changes in its hinterland
Authors: Songdi Wu , Rusen Fan
Published: May 2006

Although the opening of Tianjin was forced, it actually accelerated the connection of Tianjin and its hinterland with the international market. The opening brought great changes to the structure of agriculture, animal husbandry, and industry and commerce in the hinterland; encouraged the development of market orientation and international orientation in the hinterland’s economy; and greatly improved the occupational organization and income of most farmers and herdsmen. The opening resulted in great progress for the whole modern economy of the hinterland and thereby provided an exemplary case for the study of problems related to the economic modernization process of China.
Brownian motion with stiff bonds and rigid constraints
Authors: Hinch E. J.
Published: May 2006

Brownian systems with stiff elastic bonds of nearly constant length, such as long chain polymer molecules, behave differently when the stiff bonds are replaced by rigid bonds of exactly constant length, i.e. in statistical mechanics real stiff systems cannot be idealized by theoretical rigid ones. It is shown that a potential force can be applied to the rigidly constrained system in order to make it behave like the limit of a very stiff elastic system. A simple explicit expression for the required potential, suitable for computer simulations of the Brownian motion, is given for general constraints and also in the particular case of a trumbbell or trimer.
Optimizing training opportunities for otolaryngology senior house officers: an audit
Authors: Wasson J , Jacobsen N , Bowdler D , Hopkins C
Published: May 2006

Implementation of the European Working Time Directive and the Modernising Medical Careers initiative will mean junior surgeons must be trained in fewer hours over a shorter period. For this reason, junior surgeon training opportunities must be optimized. We undertook a departmental audit to identify where opportunities to train senior house officers (SHOs) in theatre were being lost, so that appropriate timetable changes could be made in order to optimize exposure to suitable surgical cases. During the first audit cycle, the SHOs followed their existing timetable and theatre attendance was monitored prospectively over a two-week period. Only 30 per cent of theatre sessions were attended and case participation was only 27 per cent. Simple timetable changes were made to maximize SHO theatre attendance, and a second prospective two-week audit was undertaken. The new rota yielded 46 per cent theatre attendance and 48 per cent case participation.
Assessment of expressive vocabulary outcomes in hearing-impaired children with hearing aids: do bilaterally hearing-impaired children catch up?
Authors: Kiese-Himmel C , Reeh M
Published: May 2006

Objective: To evaluate expressive vocabulary growth in hearing-impaired preschool children wearing hearing aids.

Design: Prospective analysis of the outcomes of children included in the 1994 German ‘Goettinger Hoer-Sprachregister’ (GHR) series, using a repeated-measures paradigm in six- to nine-month intervals (t1–t3).

Subjects: Twenty-seven children (aged 2.0–4.4 years) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (with averages at frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz of >20 to >90 dB in the better ear) from the 1994 GHR series. The children were diagnosed at a mean age of 31.4 months (standard deviation (SD) 10.6 months) and fitted with a binaural hearing aid at a mean age of 32.3 months (SD 10.5 months). Nonverbal intelligence was average (five missing data entries). Standardized, age-appropriate picture naming tests (the ‘Sprachentwicklungstest für 2-jährige Kinder’, the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children subtest vocabulary, and the ‘Aktiver Wortschatztest für drei- bis sechsjährige Kinder’) were carried out at three time points and results compared with data from children with normal hearing. The test raw scores were converted to T scores (mean = 50; SD = 10).

Results: On average, the children scored far below the normative population at t1 (mean = 28.9; SD = 11.3) and slowly improved as they got older (at t3, mean = 34.1; SD = 16.1; p = 0.010). Children with mild or moderate hearing loss improved most notably (mean difference t1–t3; p = 0.001), except for one child of deaf parents. Two of the five mildly hearing-impaired children and two of the eleven moderately hearing-impaired children caught up with their normal hearing peers with regards to expressive vocabulary. Such expressive vocabulary achievements were not seen in any children with >70 dB hearing loss or in six of the eleven children (55 per cent) with a 40–70 dB hearing loss, despite receiving adequate personal amplification.

Conclusion: Testing expressive vocabulary size is a useful clinical tool in assessing linguistic lexical outcome.
Comparison between fluid electron-temperature-gradient driven simulations and Tore Supra experiments on electron heat transport
Authors: LABIT B. , OTTAVIANI M.
Published: May 2006

In recent years, much attention has been devoted to the electron-temperature-gradient (ETG) driven instability as a possible explanation for the high electron thermal conductivity found in most tokamaks. The present contribution assesses whether a specific three-dimensional fluid ETG model can reproduce the conductivity observed in the Tore Supra tokamak [Equipe Tore Supra (presented by R. Aymar) 1989 Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research (Proc. 12th Int. Conf., Nice, 1988, Vol. 1.) Vienna: IAEA, p. 9]. Although the model reproduces fairly well the observed critical gradient, a large discrepancy factor, of the order of 50, is found for the ratio between the experimental and the simulated conductivity. On the basis of this study, one must conclude that the electron heat transport cannot be explained only with a fluid ETG turbulence model.
Salmonella Mississippi infections in Tasmania: the role of native Australian animals and untreated drinking water
Authors: ASHBOLT R. , KIRK M. D.
Published: May 2006

Salmonella Mississippi infections are very common in Australia's island state – Tasmania – with an annual rate of 17 cases/100000 population. A case-control study conducted during 2001–2002 found single variable associations with indirect exposure to many native animal species, untreated drinking water, travelling within the state, hand–mouth behaviours and contact with pet faeces. No associations were detected with farm animal or pet species or with any food. Indirect contact with native birds, untreated drinking water and travel within the state remained significant predictors of infection in the final model with population attributable fractions of 0·57 and 0·54 for native animals and untreated drinking water respectively. In Tasmania, Australian wildlife species are the likely reservoir for S. Mississippi, contaminating land and water environments. To decrease infection rates requires treatment of water supplies, particularly private rainwater collection systems and advising people to wash their hands after being outdoors and prior to eating.
Die sonographische Differentialdiagnose der Nierenparenchymerkrankungen
Authors: Tuma  , Heynemann
Published: May 2006

Die Sonographie ist ein fester Bestandteil der nephrologischen Differentialdiagnose bei diffusen Nierenparenchymerkrankungen. Die systematische Beurteilung der Lage, Form, Grösse, Kontur, Architektur und Durchblutung der Nieren ermöglicht im Kontext der weiteren klinischen und Laborbefunde eine schnelle und sichere Richtung der Differentialdiagnose zu bestimmen. Neben unspezifischen Veränderungen, z.B. der grossen Nieren mit echoreicher Rinde (bei vielen Akuterkrankungen), gibt es auch eine Reihe von spezifischeren Veränderungen, die besonders bei chronischen Erkrankungen und verkleinerten Nieren diagnostisch sind (chronische Glomerulonephritis, Pyelonephritis oder Analgetika-Nephropathie). Für die Diagnostik der Nierendurchblutungsstörungen (Nierenarterienstenose, Niereninfarkte etc.) werden erfolgreich die Dopplertechniken und in letzter Zeit zunehmend auch Echokontrastsonographie eingesetzt.
Numerical studies on the transition of tuned substrate self-bias in a radio-frequency inductively coupled plasma
Authors: Ding Z. F. , Chen L. W. , Wang Y. N.
Published: May 2006

Numerical studies concentrate on the physical mechanism underlying the continuity and bistability experimentally observed in a radio-frequency inductively coupled plasma with a tuned substrate. For the sake of simplicity, but to feasibly include key factors influencing the tuned substrate bias, the tedious calculations of inductive coupling in order to obtain plasma density and electron temperature are omitted; therefore, discussions on the tuned substrate self-bias are made under an assumed plasma density and electron temperature. Parameters influencing capacitive coupling are retained in modeling the system via an equivalent circuit. It is found that multistability appears when one of the parameters, such as the resistance in the LCR (inductor, capacitor, and resistor) network, the substrate (grounded wall) sheath area or the plasma density is decreased to its critical magnitude, or when the coil radio-frequency voltage and electron temperature are increased to their critical values. The influences of the above-mentioned “external” parameters can be universally attributed to one “inner” parameter of substrate sheath voltage drop. In the numerical trisolution region, the middle and high solutions are always entirely located in the inductive region of substrate-branch-circuit impedance. The two physical factors causing the multistability are the nonlinearity of substrate sheath capacitance and the tuning characteristic of the external LCR network connected to the substrate. With the combination of the two physical factors, the multistability appears when the voltage drop across the substrate sheath exceeds the critical magnitude.
Reversed field pinch current drive with oscillating helical fields
Authors: Farengo Ricardo , Clemente Roberto Antonio
Published: May 2006

The use of oscillating helical magnetic fields to produce and sustain the toroidal and poloidal currents in a reversed field pinch (RFP) is investigated. A simple physical model that assumes fixed ions, massless electrons, and uniform density and resistivity is employed. Thermal effects are neglected in Ohm’s law and helical coordinates are introduced to reduce the number of coupled nonlinear equations that must be advanced in time. The results show that it is possible to produce RFP-like magnetic field profiles with pinch parameters close to the experimental values. The efficiencies obtained for moderate resistivity, and the observed scaling, indicate that this could be a very attractive method for high temperature plasmas.
Role of Cell Cycle-regulated Expression in the Localized Incorporation of Cell Wall Proteins in Yeast
Authors: Smits Gertien J. , Schenkman Laura R. , Brul Stanley , Pringle John R. , Klis Frans M.
Published: May 2006

The yeast cell wall is an essential organelle that protects the cell from mechanical damage and antimicrobial peptides, participates in cell recognition and adhesion, and is important for the generation and maintenance of normal cell shape. We studied the localization of three covalently bound cell wall proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Tip1p was found only in mother cells, whereas Cwp2p was incorporated in small-to-medium–sized buds. When the promoter regions of TIP1 and CWP2 (responsible for transcription in early G1and S/G2phases, respectively) were exchanged, the localization patterns of Tip1p and Cwp2p were reversed, indicating that the localization of cell wall proteins can be completely determined by the timing of transcription during the cell cycle. The third protein, Cwp1p, was incorporated into the birth scar, where it remained for several generations. However, we could not detect any role of Cwp1p in strengthening the birth scar wall or any functional interaction with the proteins that mark the birth scar pole as a potential future budding site. Promoter-exchange experiments showed that expression in S/G2phase is necessary but not sufficient for the normal localization of Cwp1p. Studies of mutants in which septum formation is perturbed indicate that the normal asymmetric localization of Cwp1p also depends on the normal timing of septum formation, composition of the septum, or both.
BIOCHAM: an environment for modeling biological systems and formalizing experimental knowledge
Authors: Calzone Laurence , Fages François , Soliman Sylvain
Published: May 2006

Summary: BIOCHAM (the BIOCHemical Abstract Machine) is a software environment for modeling biochemical systems. It is based on two aspects: (1) the analysis and simulation of boolean, kinetic and stochastic models and (2) the formalization of biological properties in temporal logic. BIOCHAM provides tools and languages for describing protein networks with a simple and straightforward syntax, and for integrating biological properties into the model. It then becomes possible to analyze, query, verify and maintain the model with respect to those properties. For kinetic models, BIOCHAM can search for appropriate parameter values in order to reproduce a specific behavior observed in experiments and formalized in temporal logic. Coupled with other methods such as bifurcation diagrams, this search assists the modeler/biologist in the modeling process.

Availability: BIOCHAM (v. 2.5) is a free software available for download, with example models, at

Contact:  Sylvain.Soliman@inria.fr
Structural characterization of GntR/HutC family signaling domain
Authors: Gorelik Marina , Lunin Vladimir V. , Skarina Tatiana , Savchenko Alexei
Published: May 2006

The crystal structure of Escherichia coli PhnF C‐terminal domain (C‐PhnF) was solved at 1.7 Å resolution by the single wavelength anomalous dispersion (SAD) method. The PhnF protein belongs to the HutC subfamily of the large GntR transcriptional regulator family. Members of this family share similar N‐terminal DNA‐binding domains, but are divided into four subfamilies according to their heterogenic C‐terminal domains, which are involved in effector binding and oligomerization. The C‐PhnF structure provides for the first time the scaffold of this domain for the HutC subfamily, which covers about 31% of GntR‐like regulators. The structure represents a mixture of α‐helices and β‐strands, with a six‐stranded antiparallel β‐sheet at the core. C‐PhnF monomers form a dimer by establishing interdomain eight‐strand β‐sheets that include core antiparallel and N‐terminal two‐strand parallel β‐sheets from each monomer. C‐PhnF shares strong structural similarity with the chorismate lyase fold, which features a buried active site locked behind two helix‐turn‐helix loops. The structural comparison of the C‐PhnF and UbiC proteins allows us to propose that a similar site in the PhnF structure is adapted for effector binding.
A comparison of the latent class structure of cannabis problems among adult men and women who have used cannabis repeatedly
Authors: Grant Julia D. , Scherrer Jeffrey F. , Neuman Rosalind J. , Todorov Alexandre A. , Price Rumi K. , Bucholz Kathleen K.
Published: May 2006

Background  Little empirical evidence exists to determine if there are alternative classification schemes for cannabis abuse and dependence beyond the definitions provided by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) criteria. Current evidence is not conclusive regarding gender differences for cannabis use, abuse and dependence. It is not known if symptom profiles differ by gender.

Methods  Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to assess whether cannabis abuse and dependence symptom patterns suggest a severity spectrum or distinct subtypes and to test whether symptom patterns differ by gender. Data from 3312 men and 2509 women in the National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey (NLAES) who had used cannabis 12 + times life‐time were included in the present analyses. The comparability of the solutions for men and women was examined through likelihood ratio χ2 tests.

Results  Based on the Bayesian information criterion and interpretability, a four‐class solution was selected, and the classes were labeled as ‘unaffected/mild hazardous use’, ‘hazardous use/abuse’, ‘abuse/moderate dependence’ and ‘severe abuse/dependence’. The solutions were generally suggestive of a severity spectrum. Compared to men, women were more likely to be in the ‘unaffected/mild hazardous use’ class and less likely to be in the ‘abuse/moderate dependence’ or ‘severe abuse/dependence’ classes. The results were generally similar for men and women. However, men had consistently and substantially higher endorsements of hazardous use than women, women in the ‘abuse/moderate dependence’ class had moderately higher rates for four dependence symptoms, and women in two of the classes were more likely to endorse withdrawal.

Conclusion  Our findings generally support the severity dimension for DSM‐IV cannabis abuse and dependence symptomatology for both men and women. While our results indicate that public health messages may have generic and not gender‐specific content, treatment providers should focus more effort on reducing hazardous use in men and alleviating withdrawal in women.
Gerontology within district nurse education
Authors: Ryder Elaine
Published: May 2006

This paper describes a research study designed to explore approaches to integrating gerontological principles within district nurse education courses Data were collected by a descriptive survey approach The findings of the study indicated that various approaches were used to incorporate gerontological content within the curriculum The district nurse lecturer emerged as the crucial link in ensuring subject material related to the specialism of district nursing, and the community practice teacher was significant in enabling students to relate gerontological theory to practice‐based learning The district nurse lecturer also emerged as supportive of the multi‐disciplinary nature of gerontology by encouraging shared learning activities with a range of other community health care students Against the background of major changes in community health care delivery, district nurses are identifying areas of expertise within their role as community health care nurses One such area of expertise lies in the care of older people within the community, who form a high percentage of patients on the district nurse's caseload In order to ensure that district nurses are effectively prepared to meet the specialist needs of older people, district nurse education courses must incorporate gerontological content within their programmes
A brief description of the methods of economic appraisal and the valuation of health states
Authors: Newbold David
Published: May 2006

The interest of nurses in methods of economic evaluation appears limited to cost‐effectiveness analysis, with an apparent unawareness of other methods of economic appraisal and the types of efficiency they consider The main methods of economic appraisal are discussed, and linked to different kinds of efficiency Methods for the valuation of health states, an important accompaniment to the methods of economic appraisal, are briefly described along with some of the practical difficulties If skilled nursing care—alone or with other disciplines—changes health status then the measurement and valuation of such states may be used to inform resource allocation decisions involving nursing It could be argued that the main impact of nursing is on quality of life, and if so this suggests cost utility analysis, and not cost‐effectiveness analysis, as the natural level of appraisal for nursing The use of these methods in research, and participation in their future development, are both suggested as valid targets for nurses to aim for
A Heideggerian hermeneutic study of the practice of critical care nurses
Authors: Walters Allan John
Published: May 2006

This study provides a Heideggerian analysis of the practice of eight critical care nurses who work in an Australian intensive care unit Specifically, it describes two themes that emerged from a larger study on expert critical care nursing practice These themes are referred to as ‘balancing’ and ‘being busy’ Each theme emerged with several foci The theme ‘balancing’ is concerned with the ability of the nurse to manage simultaneously the paradoxical relationship between the technology of the intensive care unit and the processes of care ‘Being busy’ was a theme that recognized the technical nature of critical care nursing The paper concludes with a discussion of the relevant Heideggerian philosophical concepts
Nursing research: what difference does it make?
Authors: Mulhall Anne
Published: May 2006

There is currently strong pressure for nursing to base its education and practice upon rigorous research A strong research foundation is perceived as integral both to the formation of a distinct discipline, and also to the establishment of the profession The broader implications of this initiative have, however, received little attention in the literature This paper discusses the current status and organization of nursing research in the United Kingdom in the light of the history of its development alongside other research endeavours The differing agendas of policy makers, practitioners and researchers are examined to ask the question ‘Does research inform either policy or practice?’ This issue is explored through a consideration of the constraints which may impinge upon the successful initiation and conduct of research in nursing, and its utilization to improve health care
Validity in qualitative health care research: an exploration of the impact of individual researcher perspectives within collaborative enquiry
Authors: Andrews Margaret , Lyne Patricia , Riley Elizabeth
Published: May 2006

The authors of the present paper are a team of workers undertaking an empirical study of the definitions of quality in nursing used by National Health Service managers and others At an early stage in that work, their concern to enhance the validity of the findings led them to participate in the exercise reported in this paper Their purpose was to answer the question ‘what is the effect of the researcher's perspective on the interpretation of the analysis of interview data?’ This paper reports an exploration of the problem of validity in qualitative enquiry and a review of published strategies for analysing interview data It then outlines the strategy chosen by the team—the use of a framework which addresses validity in terms of adequacy of description The experience of using this framework is described and some empirical evidence of the way that individual perspectives influence the analysis is presented This gives rise to four principles which are considered to be of value in team working in qualitative enquiry, whether the team is a large one or consists of research student and supervisor alone The paper concludes with practical suggestions as to how these principles may be built in to the project planning cycle
Swedish midwives' awareness of, attitudes to and use of selected research findings
Authors: Berggren AnneCharlotte
Published: May 2006

Members of a county division of the Midwives' Association of Sweden were surveyed to examine their awareness of, attitudes to and use of selected research findings A total of 14 findings from research within the midwifery field were identified from midwives' dissertations and the journal Jordemodern using the criterion of physical availability Questionnaires were mailed according to the membership list [n = 146) The response rate was 74% (n = 118) The results demonstrated that 75% of the midwives were aware of research findings, 65% were convinced of their usefulness and 63% used findings at least sometimes According to the stages of Rogers' innovation‐decision model the midwives were in the ‘persuasion’ stage, which is consistent with the result in Brett's 1987 study The results indicate that research findings are used when midwives believe that the findings provide good care for mothers and babies Even though the midwife in Sweden is considered to be an independent practitioner she is a member of a limiting social system With regard to the interests influencing the health care system there is a need to examine the innovation‐decision process from an organizational perspective to effectively improve the quality of care
The pre‐ and postsurgical nursing of women with stress incontinence
Authors: Berglund Anna‐Lena , Lalos Othon
Published: May 2006

The aim of the present study was to evaluate subjective and objective methods used for the investigation of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and to compare the outcome of two different surgical techniques regarding cure rate, postoperative nursing, bladder drainage and postoperative pain relief The study included 45 women with SUI, randomized either to retropubic urethrocystopexy (n= 30) or pubococcygeal repair (n = 15) The assessment included medical history, gynaecological examination, urine analysis and culture, residual urine, pad test, frequency‐continence charts, water urethrocystoscopy, continence test, and cystometry with micturition analysis Moreover, Beck's Depression Inventory and the Eysenck Personality Inventory were used before surgery One year after surgery no significant difference in subjective cure rate was found between the two surgical methods (73% vs 80%, respectively) According to pad tests, 67% of the women in the urethrocystopexy group and 47% in the pubococcygeal repair group had ceased to leak urine The bladder volume increased significantly in both groups Sixty‐three per cent of the women in the urethrocystopexy and 33% in the pubococcygeal repair group experienced severe to very severe postoperative pain In these groups, significantly more dysphonc women were found as compared with the group of women with less postoperative pain Furthermore, the women with more severe pain scored higher on the neuroticism scale These findings indicate the importance of personality factors in the treatment and nursing of women with SUI
Nursing assessment of clients at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT): the Autar DVT scale
Authors: Autar Ricky
Published: May 2006

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) poses a threat to hospitalized clients' recovery It is preventable and the cost of treating this problem is considerably more than that of preventative practices Accurate DVT risk assessment facilitates the application of the most appropriate venous thromboprophylaxis Founded on Virchow's triad of risk factors in the genesis of deep vein thrombosis, the Autar DVT scale was developed as a predictive index The DVT scale is composed of the following seven risk categories increasing age, build and body mass index (BMI), immobility, special DVT risk, trauma, surgery and high risk disease The DVT scale was tested on two trauma wards and the study was essentially a data generating exercise Clinical data were gathered on 21 clients to validate the reliability, sensitivity and specificity of the DVT scale Pearson moment correlation coefficient (r) and total percentage agreement (T%) measurement yielded a value of rat 0 98 and a T% ranging between 70% and 87% respectively for both reliability studies Predictive validity of the scale calculated from a threshold score of 16 achieved 100% sensitivity and 81% specificity The Autar DVT scale has produced some interesting results and holds considerable promise as a predictive index However, as this was a small study further testing in diverse clinical areas of a large client population is recommended
Nursing development units: an opportunity for evaluation
Authors: Draper Janet
Published: May 2006

The nursing development unit movement has recently generated a lot of financial and professional interest This is demonstrated by the large financial investment by the Department of Health, England, and the growing number of papers in the nursing literature The benefits of these units, however, are not as well documented This paper seeks to contribute to the debate by reviewing some of this literature and putting the movement in a historical perspective, discussing the purposes of the units, critically examining the characteristics of such units, evaluating their effectiveness, and suggesting a way forward for the future
The use of qualitative methods in the study of parents’ experiences of care on a children's surgical ward
Authors: Callery Peter , Luker Karen
Published: May 2006

User satisfaction with the care of hospitalized children is examined in this paper It is argued that parents are proxy consumers but that their status is conditional on the way in which they exercize choices Parents’ involvement in the care of their children means that the term ‘user’ is more appropriate than ‘consumer’ Methodological problems in the assessment of user satisfaction are discussed A study of the experiences of parents of 24 children discharged from a surgical ward of a children's hospital is described and the implications for the assessment of user satisfaction reviewed The study demonstrates that qualitative methods have value in the assessment of user satisfaction with care A particular strength of qualitative methods of inquiry is that limitations of users’ choice in care can be assessed
An examination of nurses’practices when performing aseptic technique for wound dressings
Authors: Bree‐Williams F J , Waterman H
Published: May 2006

The purpose of this study was to establish if nurses’actions when carrying out‘aseptic technique’using the‘gloves technique’are simple and based on up‐to‐date knowledge and do not incur unnecessary wastage A sample of convenience was used involving 21 trained nurses Observation and formal interviews were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data Results showed that not all nurses in the sample applied a ‘simple aseptic technique’The rationale for the practice of aseptic technique was not always research based, though other aspects of wound management were derived from research findings The study highlighted other areas of aseptic technique which require investigations
The effect of body positioning upon maximal oxygenation of patients with unilateral lung pathology
Authors: Yeaw Evelyn M J
Published: May 2006

A quasi‐experimental, repeated‐measures cross‐over design study on the effect of body position on oxygenation (SaO2) blood pressure, respiration and pulse in patients with unilateral lung pathology was conducted Previous research strongly suggests that positioning with the healthy (unaffected) lung in the dependent lateral (down) position is related to improved oxygenation, but knowledge about whether this effect is maintained over time is lacking The purpose of this investigation was to determine (1) Is positioning with the unaffected lung in the dependent lateral position related to increased arterial blood saturation levels and decreased blood pressure, pulse and respiration? (2) What is the relationship between the dependent variables — oxygenation saturation levels, blood pressure, pulse and respiration — and the independent variables — body position and time in the position? Thirty‐nine patients with unilateral lung pathology were positioned on their sides with the unaffected lung down, on their sides with the affected lung down, and also in semi‐Fowler's position Arterial (SaO2) blood saturation and vital signs were measured at baseline 0, 15 and 30 minutes There was no statistically significant relationship between oxygenation level or systolic blood pressure Diastolic blood pressure, respiration and pulse did vary significantly with position
Health‐promoting nursing practice: the demise of the nursing process?
Authors: Lindsey Elizabeth , Hartrick Gweneth
Published: May 2006

Health promotion is gaining widespread recognition throughout the world as the most efficacious practice in achieving health for all In Canada, the philosophy of health promotion is driving both federal and provincial health initiatives Such a philosophy is derived from a human science paradigm and is in direct opposition to the natural science paradigm from which the biomedical approach to health care emerged There now exists a tension between these contrasting paradigms as health care shifts to embrace a health‐promotion perspective The nursing process is based in the natural science paradigm and on a biomedical approach to health care In order for nurses to embrace health promotion fully, they must move away from the philosophy of the natural sciences and adopt a human science perspective Such a shift requires a radical transformation in nursing practice as nurses move away from the‘top‐down’approach of the nursing process and adopt a‘bottom‐up’approach to health‐promoting nursing practice The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the nursing process with the principles of health promotion, and to challenge our use of the nursing process in current nursing practice In particular, a framework for health‐promoting nursing practice will be provided
Clinical nursing research priorities in Australian critical care: a pilot study
Authors: Daly John , Chang Esther M L , Pamela F Bell RN CM BA(Hons) DipNEd PhD FCN(NSW)
Published: May 2006

The aims of this research project were to identify areas for research in Australian critical care nursing with potential for improvement in patient care, and to advise nursing research policy and priorities with relevance to areas of patients’needs Research participants represented a national sample of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) and clinical nurse consultants (CNCs) The Delphi method was used to obtain the most reliable consensus of the specialist nurses, and over 238 research priorities were identified initially In the final phase of the research nine high priorities were identified The findings of this study suggest directions for clinical nursing research in critical care
Role conception and role discrepancy: a comparison between hospital‐based and degree nursing students in Hong Kong
Authors: Ha‐Ping Yung Hilary
Published: May 2006

This paper reports on a cross‐sectional survey that aimed to compare the role conception types and role discrepancy between 140 certificate and 81 degree nursing students in Hong Kong Non‐probability convenience sampling was used and the participants selected from the hospital‐based training were first, third and fourth study block students Second‐, third‐ and fourth‐year students from the degree programme were selected for comparison The role conception scale developed by Pieta was modified and adopted to measure the role conception and discrepancy ANOVA test was performed to examine differences across and within the two groups The results showed that the degree students had a significantly higher ideal but lower actual professional role conception than the certificate students An interaction effect between the groups (certificate‐degree) and grades (stages of education) was detected in the ideal professional role, indicating a marked drop of the score for the fourth‐year degree students For the discrepancy role conception score, the degree students had a significantly higher discrepancy score in all the three role conception types compared with their certificate counterparts In summary, the impact of the educational process on the development of role conception was demonstrated Compared to the certificate students, the ward practice seemed to exert a far greater impact on degree students’role conception
Dermal microdialysis in the dog: in vivo assessment of the effect of cyclosporin A on cutaneous histamine and prostaglandin D2 release
Authors: Brazís Pilar , Barandica Liliana , García Félix , Clough Geraldine F. , Church Martin K. , Puigdemont Anna
Published: May 2006

Dermal microdialysis, a relatively noninvasive technique, allows investigation of the changes in cellular mediators released during cutaneous allergic responses. This technique was used to evaluate the effect of cyclosporin A, an immunosuppressive drug used for treatment of canine atopic dermatitis, on the cutaneous release of two pro‐inflammatory mediators following intradermal allergen challenge. Four beagle dogs spontaneously sensitized to Ascaris suum were treated for 1 month with oral cyclosporin A. At days 0, 15 and 30 of the treatment, dialysis probes were inserted into the skin of the back, and 20 µL of A. suum antigen was injected intradermally at each site. At timed intervals, dialysate was collected and assayed for histamine and prostaglandin D2 and the wheal area was measured. Mean histamine concentration and wheal area were significantly lower at days 15 and 30 of treatment, compared with day 0. However, prostaglandin D2 concentration was not significantly reduced. The inhibition in histamine release after intradermal challenge, by cyclosporin, confirms its anti‐inflammatory action in the dog. Dermal microdialysis provides a useful tool for investigating canine allergic reactions and their modulation by drugs.
The role of infection time in the differential response of sorghum cultivars to Striga hermonthica infection
Authors: VAN AST A , BASTIAANS L
Published: May 2006

Striga hermonthica is an important parasitic weed that severely reduces yields of sorghum in sub‐Saharan Africa. Pot experiments with the sensitive sorghum cultivar CK60‐B and the tolerant Tiémarifing were conducted in 1999 and 2000 to investigate the role of infection time on the interaction between sorghum and Striga hermonthica. Timing of Striga inoculation was used to establish delays of one and two weeks in first attachment of the parasite. In 1999, early Striga inoculation resulted in a relatively early first Striga attachment on CK60‐B. Although first infection of Tiémarifing occurred one week later, an identical final number of emerged Striga plants was observed. Plants of CK60‐B were more severely affected and supported a higher total Striga biomass. Only with this cultivar the interaction between host and parasite was significantly affected by delayed infection. Parasite biomass was most sensitive and already significantly reduced following a 1‐week delay in infection time. With a further 1‐week delay, an additional reduction in parasite biomass was accompanied by a strong and significant increase in total and panicle dry weight of the host plant. In 2000, first infection of CK60‐B was relatively late and occurred simultaneously with first infection of Tiémarifing and no significant effect of delayed infection on Striga biomass or host‐plant performance was observed. The results indicate that the influence of delayed infection strongly depends on actual infection time and confirm that earlier observed differences in time of first infection between the two cultivars do contribute to the more tolerant response of Tiémarifing to Striga infection.
Effect of different diagnostic thresholds on dental caries calibration – a 12 month evaluation
Authors: Assaf Andréa Videira , De Castro Meneghim Marcelo , Zanin Luciane , Tengan Cristiana , Pereira Antonio Carlos
Published: May 2006

Abstract –  Objective:  To analyze the reproducibility of a calibration trial, at different diagnostic thresholds of dental caries, in a 12‐month evaluation.

Methods:  A group of dental examiners (n = 11), who had previous experience in epidemiological surveys, participated in the study. An initial training phase (theoretical and clinical) and five calibration exercises (baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) were arranged. World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, including the active initial lesions (IL) were used. Six‐ to 7‐year‐old children took part in the study. They were selected according to past history and dental caries activity. The data were analyzed at WHO and WHO + IL diagnostic thresholds in accordance with tooth and dental surfaces.

Results:  Excellent mean intra‐ and inter‐examiner Kappa values were obtained for both diagnostic thresholds, in accordance with tooth and surface, during the calibration phases. However, the most relevant errors were related to the decayed component and to IL diagnosis.

Conclusion:  It was possible to use the methodology proposed in this study in epidemiological surveys when examining the mixed dentition, although new strategies to improve training in IL diagnosis and calibration are necessary.