bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decontamination of Inoculated Beef with Sequential Spraying Treatments
Authors: DELMORE L.R. GRAVES , SOFOS J.N. , SCHMIDT G.R. , SMITH G.C.
Published: January 2007

Spray‐washing/rinsing treatments utilizing warm/hot water and/or acetic acid solution were evaluated separately and in sequence for their efficacy in reducing microbial contamination on beef tissue inoculated with Escherichia coli. Treatments reduced the aerobic plate (APC) and E. coli counts of the samples inoculated to have 5.0‐7.4 log CFU/cm2 (APC) by 1.1 to 4.3 logs. Similarly, most treatments reduced APC and total coliform counts of samples inoculated to have 1.8‐3.7 log CFU/cm2 (APC) by 0.1 to 1.7 logs. Combinations involving 3 or 4 treatments were more effective in reducing bacterial contamination than single‐ or 2‐treatment combinations.
Potato Peel Extract a Nonmutagenic Antioxidant with Potential Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: DE SOTILLO D. RODRIGUEZ , HADLEY M. , WOLF‐HALL C.
Published: January 2007

Freeze‐dried water extract of potato peels (pp), containing chlorogenic, caffeic, gallic, and protocatechuic acids, was tested for effectiveness as a natural antioxidant. The pp was prepared from peel waste of Russet Burbank potatoes. Safety concerns regarding the use of pp in foods were investigated. The pp was examined for mutagenic activity using the in vitro Salmonella typhimurium‐ Escherichia coli microsome assay and found to be nonmutagenic. Plate count of pp revealed <10 CFU/g. The antibacterial activity of the pp was species dependent. It was effective only at high concentration against gram negative and one gram positive bacteria but it was bacteriostatic.
Control of Listeria monocytogenes in Vacuum‐Packaged Pre‐Peeled Potatoes
Authors: JUNEJA VIJAY K. , MARTIN STEFAN T. , SAPERS GERALD M.
Published: January 2007

Growth of Listeria monocytogenes on the surface of fresh peeled potatoes, treated with sulfite or a commercial browning inhibitor (CBI), packaged under vacuum and stored at 4,15 and 28°C was determined. At 4°C, L. monocytogenes did not grow in all treated potatoes even after 21 days. At 15°C, L. monocytogenes grew to 7 log10 CFU/g within 12 days in the potatoes treated with sulfite or CBI. At 28°C, L. monocytogenes population was greater than 3 log10 CFU/g by 24 h in all samples regardless of treatment. Sulfites or a CBI appeared to provide a measure of safety in pre‐peeled potatoes packaged under vacuum when kept at proper refrigeration temperatures.
α‐Tocopherol Content and Oxidative Stability of Egg Yolk as Related to Dietary α‐Tocopherol
Authors: CHEN J.Y. , LATSHAW J. D. , LEE H. O. , MIN D. B.
Published: January 2007

Hens fed diets with 0.0, 7.5, 15.0, 30.0, 60.0 and 120.0 mg supplemental α‐tocopherol/kg feed produced egg yolks with 25,30,35,45,50 and 75 μg/g yolk, respectively. The correlation coefficient between dietary α‐tocopherol (mg/kg diet) and egg yolk α‐tocopherol (μg/g egg yolk) after 28 days feeding was 0.99. The supplemented dietary α‐tocopherol had an effect on the α‐tocopherol in egg yolk (p<0.05). The oxidative stability of yolk was determined by measuring the oxygen and volatile compounds in the headspace of bottled yolk. α‐Tocopherol had an effect on the stability of yolk as an antioxidant at 25, 45 and 50 μg/g yolk and a prooxidant at 75 μg/g or above (p<0.05). The addition of 60.0 mg α‐tocopherol/kg diet resulted in the best egg yolk stability. The correlation coefficient between headspace oxygen disappearance and volatile compound formation in the headspace of bottled egg yolk was 0.84.
Stress and coping of Hong Kong Chinese family members during a critical illness
Authors: Chui Winter Y‐Y , Chan Sally W‐C
Published: January 2007

Aim.  The present study aimed to investigate the stress and coping strategies of Hong Kong Chinese families during a critical illness and to examine the relationships between stress and coping.

Background.  Admissions to intensive care unit are usually an unanticipated event, which imposes stress on the family. Family's wellness is one of the significant factors affecting patient's well‐beings. Much work has been conducted in Western societies. Stress and coping in Chinese families of critically ill patients have rarely been discussed.

Method.  Structured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted, using the Impact of Events Scale and the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales. A convenience sample of 133 participants was recruited from a regional hospital in Hong Kong. Many were patients’ children with age between 30 and 49. A total of 39·1% (n = 52) of the participants were males and 60·9% (n = 81) were females.

Results.  The participants experienced high level of stress (mean = 25·1, SD = 8·3). Higher level of stress were experienced by female (t = −4·6; d.f. = 1, 131; P = 0·00), those with lower educational attainment (F = 3·0; d.f. = 2, 130; P = 0·05) and those whose relatives were admitted to the intensive care unit unexpectedly (t = −2·2; d.f. = 1; P = 0·03). Patients’ length of stay in the unit was significantly correlated with levels of stress (r = 0·5, P < 0·00). Level of stress had significant correlation with coping strategies utilization (r = 0·5, P < 0·00). Reframing strategies were frequently used whereas the passive appraisal strategies were least used. Family members used positive‐coping strategies, which concurred with the Chinese stress–coping pattern ‘fatalistic voluntarism’.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study contributes to the understanding of Hong Kong Chinese families’ stress and coping during a critical illness. Comprehensive assessments of family members’ psychosocial needs are important to plan appropriate interventions to alleviate their stress and strengthen their coping skills. The findings will serve as guidance for nurses in delivering culturally sensitive and competent interventions.
The attitudes of casualty nurses in Taiwan to patients who have attempted suicide
Authors: Sun Fan‐Ko , Long Ann , Boore Jennifer
Published: January 2007

Aims and objectives.  The aims of this study were to investigate a sample group of casualty nurses’ attitudes towards patients who have attempted suicide in the middle of Taiwan and to identify factors contributing to their attitudes towards attempted suicide.

Design.  A quantitative study using a questionnaire containing 22 statements with a five‐point Likert‐type scale was developed from the Domino's Suicide Opinion Questionnaire, and from a comprehensive analysis of research literature on the area of attitudes towards suicide.

Methods.  The questionnaire was distributed to casualty nurses (n = 155) to investigate their attitudes toward patients who have attempted suicide. Seven large hospitals in the middle of Taiwan were targeted.

Results.  This sample group of casualty nurses from the middle of Taiwan held positive attitudes toward patients who have attempted suicide. In addition, three statistically significant differences were identified: (i) The higher the level of nursing education the more positive the nurses’ attitudes towards patients who had attempted suicide. (ii) The casualty nurses who did not have a religion held more positive attitudes towards suicidal behaviour than those who followed a religion. (3) Casualty nurses who had suicide care experience with 1–10 patients had more positive attitudes towards suicidal patients than nurses who had nursed above 10 patients who had attempted suicide.

Conclusions.  The results indicated that casualty nurses in Taiwan require further education on and training in all aspects of suicide to foster more positive attitudes towards patients who attempt suicide.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The role of casualty nurses is pivotal to the front‐line care of people who are suicidal and their attitudes play a major part in the provision of effective care.
Patient concerns posthaemorrhagic stroke: a study of the Internet narratives of patients with ruptured arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Stone Sharon Dale
Published: January 2007

Aims.  To identify and describe the experiences and concerns of a sample of young haemorrhagic stroke patients who experienced a ruptured arteriovenous malformation and determine whether there are gender differences.

Background.  Patients with arteriovenous malformation haemorrhage tend to be young adults, but little is known about their experiences and concerns. Some research suggest that there is a need to take gender into account when investigating their experiences and concerns.

Design.  A content analysis of a sample of narratives posted by survivors of an arteriovenous malformation haemorrhage on an Internet site, to determine the extent to which writers discuss similar concerns and experiences.

Methods.  The sample consists of 83 narratives. The author and a research assistant carefully considered the content of each narrative, created categories based upon this reading and then coded men and women's narratives separately, according to the topic discussed.

Results.  Five main categories of topics were identified: ‘symptoms’, ‘doctors and hospitals’, ‘rehabilitation and recovery’, ‘disabilities’ and ‘miscellaneous reflections’. The latter category contained the sub‐categories ‘arteriovenous malformation website’, ‘thanks’, ‘life now’ and ‘feelings’. Narratives varied greatly regarding how much each topic was addressed, but there were few gender differences. Overall, most attention was paid to discussing doctors and hospitals and most writers also paid significant attention to the importance of being able to share experiences with other survivors.

Conclusions.  For these narrators, the experience of being evaluated and treated for arteriovenous malformation haemorrhage is traumatic, leaves a lasting impact and men and women share similar concerns and experiences. Narrators show a need to talk about their experiences, especially with others who may share similar experiences.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Knowing the concerns and perspectives of a sample of arteriovenous malformation patients may help nurses anticipate the concerns of their own haemorrhagic stroke patients and help improve patients’ psychosocial well‐being.
Older men's experiences of sleep in the hospital
Authors: Lee Chau Yuen , Low Lisa Pau Le , Twinn Sheila
Published: January 2007

Aim and objectives.  The aim of this study was to examine the sleep experiences of older patients during a period of hospitalization on an extended care ward.

Background.  Hospital wards have been demonstrated as environments that are not conducive to sleep for patients. Findings highlight the difficulties of falling asleep and getting insufficient sleep as the major causes of sleep disturbances. Such studies limit themselves to patients of Intensive Care Units and acute care settings. Relatively little is known about understanding the sleep experiences of older patients whilst hospitalized on extended care wards.

Method.  An exploratory qualitative design was used with a convenience sample of six Chinese male informants, recruited from an extended care ward of a Rehabilitation Hospital in Hong Kong. Multiple data collection methods were used, including repeated semi‐structured interviews and a one‐week sleep diary.

Results.  The findings demonstrated that all informants experienced dynamic changes in their sleeping patterns during hospitalization, resulting in sleep disruption and deprivation. The public nature of the ward environment and perceived sense of helplessness significantly interfered with sleep. Some cultural beliefs and practices were perceived by older patients to be associated with the quality of their sleep experiences.

Conclusion.  The findings contributed to an understanding of the sleep experiences of older patients during hospitalization.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Implications for nursing practice indicate the significance of including focused sleep assessment of patients during admission into the ward, so strategies perceived by older patients as being able to improve sleep would be included as part of the usual ward routine and nursing practice, where possible.
Evaluation of the effect of group counselling on post myocardial infarction patients: determined by an analysis of quality of life
Authors: Bagheri H , Memarian R , Alhani F
Published: January 2007

Aim and objective.  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of group counselling program on quality of life in survivors of myocardial infarction.

Background.  Myocardial infarction is one of the most dramatic illnesses that can afflict patients. Despite decreases in mortality from coronary heart disease in most developed countries, mortality is increasing in most eastern European countries and developing countries.

Design.  A randomized‐controlled trial design.

Methods.  Sixty‐two patients with myocardial infarction were chosen, case group, (31 patients), distributed in five subgroup (each subgroup conclude six or seven patients) and control group (31 patients). A group‐counselling program was performed two days per week, each session last one hour. However, no counselling was performed for the control group. The quality of life score was estimated in both groups by the use of the MacNew Quality of Life after Myocardial Infarction questionnaire, before the group counselling program, and one month after the group counselling program, and the quality of life between both groups were compared. The data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results.  Results indicated that there was no significant difference between the mean quality of life score of case and control groups before group counselling program. While there was a significant difference (P = 0·001) between the mean of quality of life score after the group counselling in both groups. The mean of quality of life score, before and after group counselling program indicated a significant difference (P < 0·001) in the case group, while there was no significant difference in the control group. The statistical comparison of the mean of quality of life score in general and in each dimensions before and after group counselling program indicated that there was a significant difference between before and after group counselling in the case group whereas in the control group it has slightly decreased. Pearson's correlation coefficient test (P = 0·002) showed a significant correlation between the duration of myocardial infraction and the quality of life score. The effectiveness of the planned counselling program on quality of life was estimated 24·08 by growth test.

Conclusion.  As indicated by the results of this study, group counselling program can promote patient's quality of life in all dimensions.

Relevance to clinical practice.  There is a need for nurses and physicians to apply group counselling program in a wide variety of settings ranging from community to intensive care, as a simple and safe intervention to promote patient's quality of life.
Closeness and distance: a way of handling difficult situations in daily care
Authors: Blomberg Karin , Sahlberg‐Blom Eva
Published: January 2007

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to describe how care team members caring for patients with advanced cancer describe how they handle difficult situations in daily care. In this paper ‘difficult situations’ refers to those situations team members themselves describe as difficult.

Background.  Serious illness and impending death involve great changes in a person's life. The care of patients with advanced cancer is complex and many different factors influence each care situation. This places demands on the way care team members handle problems and difficulties in daily care.

Design.  Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods.  The study is based on 16 focus group discussions with care team members who were caring for patients with advanced cancer at three different care units in two Swedish cities. The focus group discussions included 77 participants. The procedure for data analysis was inspired by the phenomenological method.

Findings.  The results show that care team members handled difficult situations by balancing between being close and distancing themselves. In most situations their choice of strategy seemed spontaneous rather than being a conscious decision, although it was sometimes described as a more conscious approach. Variations of closeness and distance that were identified were Identity, Meaning, Limit‐setting and touching, Prioritization, the Team and the Organization. These could also be seen as tools that could facilitate or impede the use of closeness and distance.

Conclusions.  The results show that care team members have a need to reflect over daily care and to become aware of what governs different care actions.

Relevance to clinical practice.  If the experienced difficult situation is not handled in a way that is beneficial to the care team member, patient and relatives, it is assumed that this can result in stress, burnout and, above all, non‐optimal care.
Family carers in stroke care: examining the relationship between problem‐solving, depression and general health
Authors: Yeung Sue , Lui May How‐Lin , Ross Fiona , Murrells Trevor
Published: January 2007

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this article is to describe the problem‐solving abilities of Hong Kong family carers looking after a stroke patients at home and report the relationships between their perceived problem‐solving abilities with their depression level, general health status, and the functional recovery of stroke patients.

Background.  Previous research on supportive interventions for caregiving in stroke care suggests that enhancing carers’ problem‐solving abilities is useful. Nevertheless, not much is known about the relationship between carers’ problem‐solving abilities and their physical and psychosocial health and there is notably little work that has been done with the Chinese population.

Design.  A cross‐sectional and correlational design was used.

Methods.  A convenience sample of 70 family carers, who were the main carers of stroke patients at home, during the first three months poststroke was recruited to complete a self‐report questionnaire.

Result.  Significant correlations were found between the family carers’ global perceived problem‐solving abilities and higher level of depressive symptoms (r = 0·35, P = 0·01) and poorer perceived health (r = 0·50, P = 0·01) as measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression Scale and General Health Questionnaire. Among the three subscales of the Problem‐Solving Inventory, problem‐solving confidence showed the highest correlation with these variables. The functional ability of the stroke patients as measured using the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) was not associated with any variables.

Conclusion.  Findings of this study suggest that perception of confidence is a key factor in appraisal of problem‐solving among Chinese family carers, which raises questions for future research about the impact of cultural influences on designing and measuring interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The study has implications for nursing and health care practice and for developing interventions targeted at building self‐confidence among Chinese carers.
Essential elements of questionnaire design and development
Authors: Rattray Janice , Jones Martyn C
Published: January 2007

Aims.  The aims of this paper were (1) to raise awareness of the issues in questionnaire development and subsequent psychometric evaluation, and (2) to provide strategies to enable nurse researchers to design and develop their own measure and evaluate the quality of existing nursing measures.

Background.  The number of questionnaires developed by nurses has increased in recent years. While the rigour applied to the questionnaire development process may be improving, we know that nurses are still not generally adept at the psychometric evaluation of new measures. This paper explores the process by which a reliable and valid questionnaire can be developed.

Methods.  We critically evaluate the theoretical and methodological issues associated with questionnaire design and development and present a series of heuristic decision‐making strategies at each stage of such development. The range of available scales is presented and we discuss strategies to enable item generation and development. The importance of stating a priori the number of factors expected in a prototypic measure is emphasized. Issues of reliability and validity are explored using item analysis and exploratory factor analysis and illustrated using examples from recent nursing research literature.

Conclusion.  Questionnaire design and development must be supported by a logical, systematic and structured approach. To aid this process we present a framework that supports this and suggest strategies to demonstrate the reliability and validity of the new and developing measure.

Relevance to clinical practice.  In developing the evidence base of nursing practice using this method of data collection, it is vital that questionnaire design incorporates preplanned methods to establish reliability and validity. Failure to develop a questionnaire sufficiently may lead to difficulty interpreting results, and this may impact upon clinical or educational practice. This paper presents a critical evaluation of the questionnaire design and development process and demonstrates good practice at each stage of this process.
The impact of stroke on the well‐being of the patient's spouse: an exploratory study
Authors: Draper Peter , Brocklehurst Hilary
Published: January 2007

Aims.  The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of stroke on the patient's spouse, paying particular attention to psychiatric morbidity and the strain of caring, and correlating these with the degree of disability of the patient. The impact of impairment of speech was also investigated.

Background.  The impact of a stroke is not limited to the person who suffers it but also to the family, with the patient's spouse being particularly vulnerable. The literature suggests that the consequences for the spouse can be physical, psychological, economic and social.

Methods.  A quantitative approach was employed to investigate 44 couples who volunteered to participate in the study. A small battery of validated instruments was used to describe the patient's degree of disability, and psychiatric morbidity and the strain of caregiving in the spouse. Pearson's Correlation and Mann–Whitney U‐test were used in data analysis.

Results.  The spouses were found to have a greater degree of psychiatric morbidity than a reference group and a large proportion of them found caregiving to be stressful. Psychiatric morbidity and strain in the spouses were not directly proportional to the extent of the patient's disability. Spouses whose partners’ speech was affected by the stroke were more likely to experience strain than those who were unaffected in this way.

Conclusions.  This study contributes to our knowledge of the relationship between patients’ physical disability and the level of strain and psychiatric morbidity in spouses. The relationship is a complex one, in which it is not possible to predict with confidence which spouses will be most vulnerable.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Caring for a patient following a stroke is very stressful, particularly in cases where the patient's speech is affected and there is also likely to be a significant effect on the psychological well‐being of the spouse. This information is relevant to all nurses caring for patients with stroke and the patients’ spouses.
Professional support for next of kin of patients receiving chronic haemodialysis treatment: a content analysis study of nursing documentation
Authors: Ziegert Kristina , Fridlund Bengt , Lidell Evy
Published: January 2007

Aim and objectives.  The aim of this study was to examine the content of nursing documentation with a focus on professional support for next of kin (NoK) of patients receiving chronic haemodialysis treatment.

Background.  Professional support in nursing focuses on promotion, maintenance and restoration of health and prevention of illness.

Design.  The study had a descriptive design and qualitative content analysis was used to search for themes based on descriptions contained in the collected nursing documentation.

Methods.  The total number of nursing records of patients receiving chronic haemodialysis treatment (n = 50) for the 5‐year period 1998–2002 was included. All nursing documentation was systematic in accordance with the VIPS‐documentation model.

Results.  The professional support could be described within the framework of three themes: to explore NoK's supportive resources, to enable NoK’ readiness in caring for the patient and to co‐operate with NoK in the care of the patient in the home, captured by the core theme which described the professional support as a continuous process.

Conclusions.  Next of kin are a supportive resource in the nursing care of patients receiving chronic haemodialysis treatment and professional support for NoK focuses on planning their participation in the care of patients in the home.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Professional support for NoK should be documented in family focused nursing diagnoses, which would make it possible to search for different types of support. Future research might explore nurses’ or NoK's views on carer support.
Choose your doctorate
Authors: Jolley Jeremy
Published: January 2007

Aims and objectives.  The development of education options for nurses has been inexorable and it is increasingly the case that senior nurses are considering a doctorate as the logical next step in their educational career. Such individuals need to make important decisions as to whether they should embark on a taught doctorate, professional doctorate or a traditional PhD. Each of these options will necessitate a considerable investment in time and money as well as the sacrifice of quality time and spare time over a significant number of years. A doctorate is not for everyone. Those still reading this text may be asking ‘could this possibly be for me'? This paper will try to help the reader decide which if any option to take.

Background.  It is suggested that nurses will now turn to the doctoral degree as their next adventure in academic study. It is argued that this development is not being controlled by management forces and indeed cannot be controlled by them. This last is chiefly because the move towards doctoral education is led by individuals who choose to study for a doctorate simply because they can. The paper considers what choices are available to nurses who wish to pursue a doctoral programme of study. In particular, this paper considers what new developments in doctoral courses are becoming available and what advantage there may be in studying for one of the newer professional doctorates rather than a traditional PhD.

Method.  The material here is the result of a review of the literature on recent developments in doctoral education for nurses. The existing provision by UK and other universities was also reviewed, the data being collected by an informal review of universities’ advertising material.

Conclusions.  It is inevitable that some nurses who are already qualified to degree and masters degree will take advantage of the doctoral degree opportunities which now newly present themselves. For nurses in practice, the advantages of the professional doctorate is that it is more structured, enables more peer and academic support and is more practice orientated. It is suggested that the move towards doctoral programmes for nurses will present one of the most important evolutionary changes in the practice of nursing.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is suggested that doctoral education for nurses will increase in prevalence and that this process of change is already underway. Doctoral education will provide practitioners with the experience and skills required to conduct research and further develop practice. For individual practitioners, doctoral education will enhance self‐confidence in an increasingly technical and complex arena and in a practice discipline that is becoming ever more politically charged. The professional doctorate appears to be particularly suited to senior nurse practitioners. What remains is for us to accept this new challenge and to shape its development for the benefit of the practice of nursing.
Enhancing web‐based language learning through self‐monitoring
Authors: Chang M.‐M.
Published: January 2007

Abstract  The present study investigated the effects of a self‐monitoring strategy on web‐based language learning. Both students' academic performance and their motivational beliefs were investigated. The interaction between the use of a self‐monitoring strategy and the level of learners' English proficiency was also examined. A total of 99 college students who were enrolled in classes for Freshmen English participated in this study. The experimental group was led to a web page with self‐monitoring form for recording study time and environment, learning process, predicting test scores, and self‐evaluation while the control group was not. It was found that (1) the self‐monitoring strategy had a significant main effect on students' academic performance and their motivational beliefs; students who applied the self‐monitoring strategy outperformed students who did not apply the self‐monitoring strategy on both academic performance and motivational beliefs regardless of their English proficiency level; and (2) the influence of self‐monitoring was greater on the lower English level students than on the higher English level students. The positive findings suggest that encouraging students to develop self‐monitoring could help increase the success of online learning. Thus, applying a self‐monitoring strategy is strongly recommended for web‐based instruction.
Computer‐assisted teaching and assessment of disabled students in higher education: the interface between academic standards and disability rights
Authors: Konur O.
Published: January 2007

Abstract  Computer‐assisted teaching and assessment has become a regular feature across many areas of the curriculum in higher education courses around the world in recent years. This development has resulted in the ‘digital divide’ between disabled students and their nondisabled peers regarding their participation in computer‐assisted courses. However, there has been a long‐standing practice to ensure that disabled students could participate in these courses with a set of disability adjustments that are in line with their learning modalities under the headings of presentation format, response format, timing, and setting adjustments. Additionally, there has been a set of supporting antidiscriminatory disability laws around the world to avoid such divide between disabled students and their nondisabled peers. However, following a successful pre cedent in Davis v. Southeastern Community College (1979), the opponents of disability rights have consistently argued that making disability adjustments for disabled students to participate in computer‐assisted courses would undermine academic and professional standards and these laws have resulted in a ‘culture of fear’ among the staff. This paper challenges such myths and argues, based on a systematic review of four major antidiscriminatory laws, that universities have full academic freedom to set the academic standards of their computer‐assisted courses despite the introduction of such laws and that there has been no grounds for the perceived culture of fear about the consequences of the participation of disabled students in computer‐assisted courses.
Comparing and combining real and virtual experimentation: an effort to enhance students' conceptual understanding of electric circuits
Authors: Zacharia Z.C.
Published: January 2007

Abstract  The purpose of this study was to investigate value of combining Real Experimentation (RE) with Virtual Experimentation (VE) with respect to changes in students' conceptual understanding of electric circuits. To achieve this, a pre–post comparison study design was used that involved 88 undergraduate students. The participants were randomly assigned to an experimental (45 students) and a control group (43 students). Each group attended a one semester course in physics for preservice elementary school teachers. Both groups used the same inquiry‐based curriculum materials. Participants in the control group used RE to conduct the study's experiments, whereas, participants in the experimental group used RE in the first part of the curriculum and VE in another part. Conceptual tests were administered to assess students' understanding of electric circuits before, during and after the teaching intervention. Results indicated that the combination of RE and VE enhanced students' conceptual understanding more than the use of RE alone. A further analysis showed that differences between groups on that part of the curriculum in which the experimental group used VE and the control group RE, in favour of VE.
Computer literacy and inquiry learning: when geeks learn less
Authors: Wecker C. , Kohnle C. , Fischer F.
Published: January 2007

Abstract  A low level of computer literacy has often been hypothesized as constituting a disadvantage in knowledge acquisition. However, within the field of computer‐supported inquiry learning systematic investigations of these purported relations have not been conducted. This classroom study investigates the role of computer literacy (procedural computer‐related knowledge, self‐confidence in using the computer, and familiarity with computers) as a learning prerequisite for knowledge acquisition, and analyses the learners' patterns of media use as processes that might explain this role. Thirty‐seven students from two final classes of a secondary school worked in pairs on the project ‘How far does light go?’ in the Web‐based Inquiry Science Environment. Findings did indicate significant relations of neither procedural computer‐related knowledge nor self‐confidence in using the computer to knowledge acquisition. However, students with greater familiarity with computers acquired significantly less knowledge. In the light of the patterns of media use, these findings might be explained by different navigation styles adopted by students with high and low familiarity with computers: students with high familiarity with computers exhibit more shallow processing strategies (‘browsing’) which are less functional for learning.
The effect of animation on comprehension and interest
Authors: Kim S. , Yoon M. , Whang S.‐M. , Tversky B. , Morrison J.B.
Published: January 2007

Abstract  Although animations are believed to be effective in learning and teaching, several studies have failed to confirm this. Nevertheless, animations might be more attractive and motivating. Fourth and sixth grade students learned the operation of a bicycle pump from graphics that were: (i) presented simultaneously; (ii) presented successively; (iii) self‐paced, or (iv) animated. The presentation mode affected evaluation of perceived comprehensibility, interestingness, enjoyment and motivation, but not comprehension test score. Fourth graders who were low in need for cognition rated the animations as more enjoyable and motivating, whereas sixth graders rated self‐paced graphics as more interesting and motivating. The evaluations of sixth graders correspond to results of many studies on learning. Animations are not more effective than equivalent static graphics in learning, and they are not seen as more motivating by sixth graders.
A health economic model to assess the cost‐effectiveness of PEG IFN α‐2a and ribavirin in patients with mild chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Gerkens S. , Nechelput M. , Annemans L. , Peraux B. , Mouchart M. , Beguin C. , Horsmans Y.
Published: January 2007

Summary.  According to the current guidelines, it is advised not to treat patients with mild chronic hepatitis C. However, discussions as to giving immediately a treatment (direct treatment) to these patients have started and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of such strategy is still unknown. The aim of this study was to estimate, in the health care payer perspective, the ICER of a direct treatment of patients with mild chronic hepatitis C in comparison with the strategy of monitoring these patients and treat them when the disease will progress to the state of moderate chronic hepatitis. The treatment assessed was the current standard treatment composed of pegylated interferon α‐2a and ribavirin. At the beginning of the study, patients were aged 45. Long‐term economic and clinical outcomes over a 30‐year period were predicted using a Markov simulation model. Data were obtained from published literature. Monte Carlo simulations were used to determine 95% confidence intervals of results. The ICER of a direct treatment with PEG IFN α‐2a and ribavirin is €23 046/QALY (CI 95%€3 882‐€42 392) for genotypes 1–4–5–6 and €4 631/QALY (CI 95%€797‐€7 881) for genotypes 2–3. Sensitivity analysis shows that it is only in extreme circumstances related to the utilities that the ICER for genotypes 1–4–5–6 is unacceptably high for the society (>€50 000). Even though a direct treatment is more expensive, it gives the advantage of curing greater number of patients and of increasing quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs), implying that such strategy is generally cost‐effective at a threshold of €50 000/QALY.
Clearance of hepatitis C virus in HIV‐infected patients with multiple chronic viral hepatitis
Authors: Martín‐Carbonero L. , Barreiro P. , Jiménez‐Galán G. , García‐Berriguete R. , Núñez M. , Ríos P. , González‐Lahoz J. , Soriano V.
Published: January 2007

Summary.  Viral interferences between hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) viruses were investigated in a case–control study conducted in 107 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients with HCV antibodies. Overall, 15 (68%) of 22 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive patients had negative serum HCV‐RNA while it occurred in only nine (10%) of 85 HBsAg‐negative counterparts (P = 0.02). After adjusting for age, antiretroviral therapy, plasma HIV‐RNA and CD4 counts, being HBsAg‐positive was strongly associated with having negative serum HCV‐RNA (odds ratio: 23; 95% confidence interval: 6–59; P < 0.001). Thus, HBV may favour the elimination of HCV in HIV‐infected patients, which may influence liver disease and therapeutic decisions.
High‐resolution solid‐state manometry of the antropyloroduodenal region
Authors: Desipio J. , Friedenberg F. K. , Korimilli A. , Richter J. E. , Parkman H. P. , Fisher R. S.
Published: January 2007

Abstract  Manometric recording from the pyloric channel is challenging and is usually performed with a sleeve device. Recently, a solid‐state manometry system was developed, which incorporates 36 circumferential pressure sensors spaced at 1‐cm intervals. Our aim was to use this system to determine whether it provided useful manometric measurements of the pyloric region. We recruited 10 healthy subjects (7 males : 3 females). The catheter (ManoScan360) was introduced transnasally and, in the final position, 15–20 sensors were in the stomach and the remainder distributed across the pylorus and duodenum. Patients were recorded fasting and then given a meal and recorded postprandially. Using pressure data and isocontour plots, the pylorus was identified in all subjects. Mean pyloric width was 2.1 ± 0.1 cm (95% CI: 1.40–2.40). Basal pyloric pressure during phase I was 9.4 ± 1.1 mmHg, while basal antral pressure was significantly lower (P = 0.003; 95% CI: 2.4–8.4). Pyloric pressure was always elevated relative to antral pressure in phase I. For phases II and III, pyloric pressure was 7.7 ± 2.3 mmHg and 9.4 ± 1.1 mmHg, respectively. Pyloric pressure increased similarly after both the liquid and solid meal. In addition, isolated pressure events and waves, which involve the pylorus, were readily identified.
Effects of cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor on glucagon‐induced delayed gastric emptying and gastric dysrhythmia in dogs
Authors: Xu J. , Chen J. D. Z.
Published: January 2007

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor (celecoxib) on delayed gastric emptying and gastric dysrhythmia induced by glucagon. The study was performed in six healthy female dogs implanted with four pairs of gastric serosal electrodes, and a duodenal fistula for the assessment of gastric emptying. Each dog was studied in three randomized sessions: control, glucagon and COX‐2 inhibitor (celecoxib). Gastric emptying was assessed every 15 min via a duodenal cannula by calculating the amount of collected phenol red which mixed with the test meal and gastric slow waves were recorded at the same time. We found that: (i) glucagon significantly and substantially decreased gastric emptying of liquids (P < 0.001,anova), increased blood glucose (BG) levels, and induced gastric dysrhythmias. The delayed gastric emptying was correlated with the BG level (R = −0.77, P < 0.001) and (ii) celecoxib improved glucagon‐induced delayed gastric emptying at 30, 45, 60 and 75 min after feeding. Celecoxib did not blocked dysrhythmic action of glucagon (P > 0.05,anova). In conclusion, glucagon induces delayed gastric emptying partially via COX‐2‐derived prostaglandins. However, COX‐2‐derived prostaglandins are not involved in glucagon‐evoked gastric dysrhythemia. Selective COX‐2 inhibitors may provide a possible therapeutic option for diabetic gastroparesis.
Obesity, gestational weight gain and preterm birth: a study within the Danish National Birth Cohort
Authors: Nohr Ellen Aagaard , Bech Bodil Hammer , Vaeth Michael , Rasmussen Kathleen M. , Henriksen Tine Brink , Olsen Jorn
Published: January 2007

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of obesity and gestational weight gain on the risk of subtypes of preterm birth, because little is known about these associations. The study included 62 167 women within the Danish National Birth Cohort for whom self‐reported information about prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain was available. Information about spontaneous preterm birth with or without preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and about induced preterm deliveries was obtained from national registers. Cox regression analyses were used to examine associations of prepregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain with subtypes of preterm birth.

The crude risks of PPROM and of induced preterm deliveries were higher in obese women (BMI ≥ 30) than in normal‐weight women (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25), especially before 34 completed weeks of gestation, when obese women faced twice the risk. In the adjusted analysis, the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for PPROM and for induced preterm delivery in obese women were 1.5 [1.2, 1.9] and 1.2 [1.0, 1.6] respectively. When obesity‐related diseases were accounted for, no excess risk of induced preterm deliveries was seen in obese women, but the increased risk of PPROM was unchanged. Low weight gain was associated with an increased risk of all subtypes of preterm birth compared with normal weight gain, especially in early spontaneous preterm births, where the risk was doubled. We concluded that prepregnancy obesity was associated with a higher risk of PPROM and early induced preterm deliveries.
Research interviewers’ experience in the Early Births study of very preterm birth: qualitative assessment of data collection processes in a case–control study
Authors: Watson Lyndsey F. , Lumley Judith , Rayner Jo‐Anne , Potter Anne
Published: January 2007

This paper describes an evaluation study that aimed to assess data collection processes in a population‐based case–control study of very preterm birth. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the 10 research interviewers to determine their perceptions of the hypotheses, the differences between interviewing cases and controls and between modes of interview, their reactions to questions which they had to ask in interviews and their training. Time and cost of the collection of data were also considered. None of the research interviewers identified which of the questions in the interview constituted the primary hypothesis. All interviewers interviewed cases and controls (including mothers of twins and singletons), and collected data face‐to‐face and by telephone. Whilst half of the interviewers had no issue with asking sensitive questions, hearing of intimate partner violence, risk‐taking behaviour and inappropriate medical care were confronting for others. Training was judged as adequate, as was the continuing support of the project co‐ordinator. On average, interviewing took 40% of research interviewers’ time, and 25 interviews were completed per effective full‐time month of interviewer time. Each interview cost approximately $170AU to complete. In relation to this case–control study, interviewer bias may be lessened since research interviewers had been unable to infer the hypothesis of the study. All interviewers had interviewed both cases and controls and any systematic differences can be adjusted for in the analysis.
Outcome of perinatal care for very preterm infants at 5 years of age: a comparison between 1983 and 1993
Authors: De Kleine Martin J. K. , Den Ouden A. Lya , Kollée Louis A. A. , Van Baar Anneloes , Nijhuis‐van der Sanden Maria W. G. , Ilsen Adri , Brand Ronald , Verloove‐Vanhorick S. Pauline
Published: January 2007

Perinatal mortality in very preterm infants has decreased by up to 50% during the last decades. Studies of changes of long‐term outcome are inconclusive. We studied the visual, auditory, neuromotor, cognitive and behavioural development of two geographically defined populations of very preterm, singleton infants, born in 1983 and in 1993, and analysed the relationship between perinatal risk factors and outcomes.

The incidence of disabling cerebral palsy increased from 6.0% to 11.1% (OR 2.45 [95% CI 1.11, 5.38]). Impaired vision and strabismus decreased significantly, presumably by continuous monitoring of pO2. Hearing problems, the need for special education and the incidence of behavioural problems did not change over time. The proportion of children who showed optimal performance in every developmental domain increased from 29.5% in 1983 to 43.2% in 1993. Cerebral palsy was associated with male gender in 1983, with low Apgar score and intraventricular haemorrhage in 1993, and with seizures both in 1983 and in 1993. The intensiveness of neonatal treatment has increased, leading to the survival of many more healthy infants, but at the cost of more infants with cerebral damage. Modern perinatal care is no longer limited by the devastating effects of pulmonary problems as it was in the past, but fails to safeguard cerebral integrity in very preterm infants.