bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Service Delivery Through Title X Funding: Findings from California
Authors: de Bocanegra Heike Thiel , Maguire Fran , Hulett Denis , Horsley Kathryn , Puffer Maryjane , Brindis Claire D.
Published: November 2012

CONTEXT

The federal Title X grant program provides funding for family planning services for low‐income women and men. In California, all clinics receiving Title X funds participate in the state's family planning program, Family PACT, along with other public and private providers. The relative extent to which Title X–funded clinics and other Family PACT providers have incorporated enhancements beyond their core medical services has never been studied.

METHODS

In 2010, a survey was sent to public‐ and private‐sector Family PACT clinicians to assess whether funding streams were associated with the availability of special services: extended clinic hours, outreach to vulnerable populations, services for clients not proficient in English and use of advanced clinic‐based technologies. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses controlling for potentially confounding factors were conducted.

RESULTS

Greater proportions of Title X–funded clinics than of other public and private providers had Spanish‐speaking unlicensed clinical staff (89% vs. 71% and 58%, respectively) and Spanish‐language signs (95% vs. 85% and 82%). Title X–funded providers were more likely than other public providers to offer extended clinic hours, provide outreach to at least three vulnerable or hard‐to‐reach populations, and use three or more advanced technologies (odds ratios, 2.0–2.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with other Family PACT providers, clinics that receive Title X funding have implemented greater infrastructure enhancements to promote access and improve the quality of service for underserved populations. This may be because Title X–funded providers have more financial opportunities to provide the array of services that best respond to their clients’ needs.
Government budgeting and economic development in Iraq
Authors: Al-Ali Jasim
Published: November 2012

The bulk of revenue that is generated in the Iraqi economy comes from oil exports. The oil sector is an enclave sector with very little interaction with other areas of the economy. Government budgeting is the only medium by which development in the oil sector can be used to promote
other areas of the economy. This demands a greater emphasis on the role of budgeting, as an important instrument for economic development. This article aims to discuss and explain this; however, the success of such a budget approach will be contingent upon clarity of accountability relationship,
good governance, high skill capacity and environment stability.
Neurosteroids and GABAergic signaling in health and disease
Authors: MacKenzie Georgina , Maguire Jamie
Published: November 2012

Endogenous neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone, allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone, and androstanediol are synthesized either de novo in the brain from cholesterol or are generated from the local metabolism of peripherally derived progesterone or corticosterone. Fluctuations in neurosteroid concentrations are important in the regulation of a number of physiological responses including anxiety and stress, reproductive, and sexual behaviors. These effects are mediated in part by the direct binding of neurosteroids to γ-aminobutyric acid type-A receptors (GABAARs), resulting in the potentiation of GABAAR-mediated currents. Extrasynaptic GABAARs containing the δ subunit, which contribute to the tonic conductance, are particularly sensitive to low nanomolar concentrations of neurosteroids and are likely their preferential target. Considering the large charge transfer generated by these persistently open channels, even subtle changes in neurosteroid concentrations can have a major impact on neuronal excitability. Consequently, aberrant levels of neurosteroids have been implicated in numerous disorders, including, but not limited to, anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases, alcohol abuse, epilepsy, and depression. Here we review the modulation of GABAAR by neurosteroids and the consequences for health and disease.
Complexation of Tc(IV) with EDTA at varying ionic strength of NaCl
Authors: Boggs Mark A. , Islam Mohammed , Dong Wenming , Wall Nathalie A.
Published: November 2012

The stability constant for Tc(IV)/EDTA complexes were determined using a solvent extraction technique at varying ionic strength (NaCl) and the specific ion interaction theory model allowed for calculating stability constants at zero ionic strength. The stability constants at zero ionic strength for the formation of the TcOEDTA2− and TcOHEDTA− complexes are 1020.0 ± 0.4 and 1025.3 ± 0.5, respectively. The modeled Tc(IV) solubility was calculated to be 3.9 × 10−7 M at near-neutral pH and in presence of 2.5 mM EDTA, a result found to be in good agreement with published solubility experimental data. Speciation calculations showed that TcOEDTA2− is the predominant species between pH 4 and 7.5 in presence of 0.171 mM EDTA, while TcO(OH)2
0 is predominant in basic solution. These studies show that EDTA has a very strong affinity for complexation with Tc(IV) and can increase the environmental mobility of Tc(IV).
Synthesis, characterization and stability properties of Cl-bearing hydrotalcite-pyroaurite solids
Authors: Rozov K. , Curtius Hilde , Neumann Andreas , Bosbach Dirk.
Published: November 2012

A layered double hydroxides (LDH) hydrotalcite-pyroaurite solid solution series (Mg1−x
Fe(II)
x
)3Al1Cl1·nH2O with variable xFesolid = Fe2+/(Fe2++Mg2+) iron mole fractions were studied in co-precipitation experiments at T = 25, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 ºC and pH = 10.00 ± 0.05. The compositions of the solids and reaction solutions were determined using ICP-OES, EDX (Mg, Al, Fe) and TGA techniques (Cl−, OH−, H2O). Powder X-ray diffraction was applied for phase identification and determination of unit-cell parameters a
o = b
o and c
o from Bragg evaluation. Syntheses products containing xFesolid > 0.13 display additional X-ray patterns attributed to the mixture of iron oxides and hydroxides. On the other side, precipitates with 0 ≤ xFesolid ≤ 0.13 show only X-ray reflexes typical for pure LDH compositions. Moreover, in this case unit-cell parameters a
o = b
o as a function of xFesolid follow Vegard's law corroborating the existence of a continuous solid solution series. TGA data demonstrated the temperatures at which interlayer H2O molecules and Cl−-anions are lost, and at which temperatures dehydroxylation of brucite-like layer occurs. Based on detailed analyses of TGA curves it was established that the increase of xFesolid does not result in a visible change of the thermal stability of hydrotalcite-pyroaurite solids. From the chemical analyses of both the solids and the reaction solutions after syntheses, preliminary Gibbs free energies of formation were estimated by using GEMS-PSI code package. Values of Gºf (Hydrotalcite) = −3619.04 ± 15.27 kJ/mol and Gºf(Pyroaurite) = −2703.61 ± 191.93 kJ/mol were found at 298.15 K. A comparison of our estimate with Gºf value −3746.90 ± 11.00 kJ/mol for CO3
2−-bearing hydrotalcite presented in our previous studies, denotes the effect of intercalated anion on the aqueous solubilities of LDH when Cl-containing solids have to be more soluble than CO3
2−-bearing substances. Estimation of the standard molar entropy of the hydrotalcite end-member by applying Helgeson's methods and using results of co-precipitation experiments at variable temperatures let us to conclude that derivation of more precise Sºf values would require calorimetric measurements.
Cerebral Palsy and Neonatal Death in Term Singletons Born Small for Gestational Age
Authors: Stoknes Magne , Andersen Guro L. , Dahlseng Magnus Odin , Skranes Jon , Salvesen Kjell Å. , Irgens Lorentz M. , Kurinczuk Jennifer J. , Vik Torstein
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

To investigate the probable timing of events leading to cerebral palsy (CP) in singletons born small for gestational age (SGA) at term, taking neonatal death into consideration.

METHODS:

In this registry-based cohort study, data on 400 488 singletons born during 1996–2003 were abstracted from the Medical Birth and the CP registries of Norway. Among 36 604 SGA children (birth weight <10th percentile), 104 died in the neonatal period and 69 developed CP. Apgar scores at 5 minutes, risk factors, MRI findings, and CP subtypes were used to assess the timing of events leading to CP or neonatal death.

RESULTS:

Intrapartum origin of CP was considered in 5 SGA children (7%; 95% confidence interval: 3–16) in comparison with 31 of 263 (12%; 95% confidence interval: 8–16) non-SGA children (P = .28). The proportions of children who died in the neonatal period after a probable intrapartum event did not differ between the groups when children with congenital malformations were excluded. Probable antenatal events leading to CP and neonatal death were more common among SGA than non-SGA children (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

In ∼90% of children born SGA the event leading to CP is of probable antenatal origin. The low proportion of SGA children with CP after a probable intrapartum event was not outweighed by a higher neonatal mortality rate when congenital malformations were excluded. The higher risk of CP among SGA than among non-SGA children is probably due to a higher prevalence of antenatal risk factors.
Electrolytic Etching of Platinum-Aluminium Based Alloys
Authors: Odera Bernard O. , Cornish Lesley A. , Papo M. Jones , Rading George O.
Published: November 2012

The microstructures of as-cast and annealed platinum alloys of different compositions were revealed after electrolytic etching in hydrochloric acid/sodium chloride solution using direct current. It was shown that the etching process enhances good microstructural images of platinum-aluminium based alloys.
Measurement Pilot Study of the Meditative Movement Inventory (MMI)
Authors: Larkey Linda , Szalacha Laura , Rogers Carol , Jahnke Roger , Ainsworth Barbara
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose: Mind–body practices that blend physical movement or postures with a focus on the breath and a meditative state to achieve deep states of relaxation have recently been characterized as a category of exercise called meditative movement and include practices such as Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong. Critical components of such practices have not been adequately assessed in research, leaving the fidelity of interventions in question; however, there is currently no set of relevant instruments. This article describes the development and preliminary validation of two subscales of the meditative movement inventory (MMI). Methods: Questionnaire items were generated with input from expert practitioners, and tested in the context of an intervention study (N = 87) comparing Qigong/Tai Chi Easy (QG/TCE) to sham Qigong (SQG). Results: Principal components analysis produced three substantively meaningful factors: breath focus (BF; e.g., “I was using my breathing to go into a relaxed state”; five items, α = .86), meditative connection (MC; e.g., “I was connected to something greater than myself”; four items, α = .90), and flowing motion (FM; e.g., “I moved in relaxed, fluid movements”; two items, α = .61, dropped from further analysis). Confirmatory factor analyses of the first two factors (BF and MC) to examine item reliabilities fit the data well providing positive results for construct composition and item reliabilities. Conclusions: The BF and MC subscales demonstrated initial strong properties for assessing the presence and strength of these factors in meditative movement intervention studies, whereas additional work is needed to further develop the FM subscale.
Observational Studies in the Era of Randomized Trials
Authors: Castillo Renan C. , Scharfstein Daniel O. , MacKenzie Ellen J.
Published: November 2012

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) constitute the gold standard for the generation of evidence-based medicine, but may not always be feasible. Furthermore, randomization alone does not guarantee the utility of the research, as evidenced by thousands of uninformative RCTs documented in the literature. Observational studies, including longitudinal, retrospective, and case-control designs, can contribute to the body of evidence in meaningful ways, provide useful information when an RCT is unethical or not feasible, generate hypotheses for RCTs, or provide preliminary work to better inform design of future RCTs. They can also be used to study rare outcomes, risk factors, and side effects, and to examine whether results from RCTs translate into effective treatment in routine practice. Use of modern statistical techniques, both in the study design and in the analysis stage, can improve the usefulness of the evidence obtained from observational studies.
On the Prevention and Analysis of Missing Data in Randomized Clinical Trials: The State of the Art
Authors: Scharfstein Daniel O. , Hogan Joseph , Herman Amir
Published: November 2012

We summarize and elaborate on the recently published National Research Council report entitled “The Prevention and Treatment of Missing Data in Clinical Trials.” We tailor our discussion to orthopaedic trials. In particular, we discuss the intent-to-treat principle, review study design and prevention ideas to minimize missing data, and present state-of-the-art sensitivity analysis methods for analyzing and reporting the results of studies with missing data.
Study on the determination of heavy metals in water samples with ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction prior to FAAS
Authors: Li Zonghao , Yu Gong , Song Jun , Wang Qi , Liu Mousheng , Yang Yaling
Published: November 2012

A new, simple and rapid method based on dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) was developed for extracting and preconcentrating copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in water samples prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) analysis. 1-(2-thiazolylazo)-naphthol (TAN) was used as chelating reagents, and non-ionic surfactant Triton X-114 and CCl4 as disperser solvent and extraction solvent, respectively. Some influential factors relevant to DLLME, such as the concentration of TAN, type and volume of disperser and extraction solvent, pH and ultrasound time, were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration curve was linear in the range of 10–800 μg L−1 for Cu and Ni, 10–500 μg L−1 for Pb, and 10–1,000 μg L−1 for Cd, respectively. The limits of detection for the four metal ions were below 0.5 μg L−1, with the enhancement factors of 105, 66, 28 and 106 for Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSD, n = 6) were 2.6–4.1%. The proposed method was applied to determination of Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd in water samples and satisfactory relative recoveries (93.0–101.2%) were achieved.
Anaerobic digestion of sunflower oil cake: a current overview
Authors: De la Rubia M. A. , Fernández-Cegrí V. , Raposo F. , Borja R.
Published: November 2012

Due to the chemical and physical structure of a lignocellulosic biomass, its anaerobic digestion (AD) is a slow and difficult process. In this paper, the results obtained from a batch biochemical methane potential (BMP) test and fed-batch mesophilic AD assays of sunflower oil cake (SuOC) are presented. Taking into account the low digestibility shown during one-stage experiments the methane yield decreased considerably after increasing the organic loading rate (OLR) from 2 to 3 g VS L−1 d−1, SuOC was subjected to a two-stage AD process (hydrolytic-acidogenic and methanogenic stages), in two separate reactors operating in series where the methanogenic stage became acidified (with >1,600 mg acetic acid L−1) at an OLR as low as 2 g VS L−1 d−1. More recently, BMP assays were carried out after mechanical, thermal, and ultrasonic pre-treatments to determine the best option on the basis of the methane yield obtained.
HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge and Behaviors Among Most-at-Risk Populations in Vietnam
Authors: Vian Taryn , Semrau Katherine , Hamer Davidson H , Loan Le Thi Thanh , Sabin Lora L
Published: November 2012

The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has supported the Vietnamese Ministry of Health (MOH) in implementing behavior change strategies to slow the HIV epidemic. These programs target commercial sex workers (CSW), injection drug users (IDU), and men who have sex with men (MSM). Using data from a program evaluation to assess effectiveness of the PEPFAR intervention, we conducted a sub-analysis of HIV/AIDS knowledge, sexual behaviors, and injection drug risk behaviors among 2,199 Vietnamese respondents, including those reporting recent contact with an outreach worker and those who did not report contact. We found overall high levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge, low rates of needle sharing, and moderate to high rates of inconsistent condom use. Average knowledge scores of IDU were significantly higher than non-IDU for antiretroviral treatment knowledge, while MSM had significantly less knowledge of treatment compared to non-MSM. HIV/AIDS-related knowledge was not significantly associated with needle-sharing practices. Knowledge was modestly but significantly associated with more consistent use of condoms with primary and commercial sex partners, even after controlling for contact with an outreach worker. Contact with an outreach worker was also an independent predictor of more consistent condom use. Outreach programs appear to play a meaningful role in changing sexual behavior, though the effect of outreach on IDU risk behaviors was less clear. More research is needed to understand the relationship between outreach programs and skill development, motivation, and use of referral services by most-at-risk populations in Vietnam.
Study on electrolytic reduction with controlled oxygen flow for iron from molten oxide slag containing FeO
Authors: Gao Y.M. , Wang B. , Wang S.B. , Peng S.
Published: November 2012

A ZrO2-based solid membrane electrolytic cell with controlled oxygen flow was
constructed: graphite rod /[O]Fe+C saturated / ZrO2(MgO)/(FeO) slag/iron
crucible. The feasibility of extraction of iron from molten oxide slag
containing FeO at an applied voltage was investigated by means of the
electrolytic cell. The effects of some important process factors on the FeO
electrolytic reduction with the controlled oxygen flow were discussed. The
results show that: solid iron can be extracted from molten oxide slag
containing FeO at 1450?C and an applied potential of 4V. These factors, such
as precipitation and growth of solid iron dendrites, change of the cathode
active area on the inner wall of the iron crucible and ion diffusion flux in
the molten slag may affect the electrochemical reaction rate. The reduction
for Fe2+ ions mainly appears on new iron dendrites of the iron crucible
cathode, and a very small amount of iron are also formed on the MSZ (2.18%
MgO partially stabilized zirconia) tube/slag interface due to electronic
conductance of MSZ tube. Internal electronic current through MSZ tube may
change direction at earlier and later electrolytic reduction stage. It has a
role of promoting electrolytic reduction for FeO in the molten slag at the
earlier stage, but will lower the current efficiency at the later stage. The
final reduction ratio of FeO in the molten slag can achieve 99%. A novel
electrolytic method with controlled oxygen flow for iron from the molten
oxide slag containing FeO was proposed. The theory of electrolytic reduction
with the controlled oxygen flow was developed.
Early Childhood Teachers' Beliefs about Children's Risky Play in Australia and Norway
Authors: Little Helen , Sandseter Ellen Beate Hansen , Wyver Shirley
Published: November 2012

Positive risk-taking in the context of outdoor physical play is important for fostering children's optimal health and development. Despite this, there is mounting concern that many developmentally beneficial activities are now seen as dangerous and something to be avoided. However, perceptions of risk are very much subject to cultural interpretation, and the growing risk aversion evident in some developed Western societies, such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, is less apparent in other developed countries, notably some of the European and Scandinavian countries. To explore some of these cultural differences, early childhood practitioners from Australia and Norway were interviewed regarding their provision of outdoor play experiences for children and their attitudes towards risk-taking in play. Practitioners from both countries recognised the importance of risky play for children's development and well-being. However, differences in the extent to which children's risky play was supported were evident. Factors associated with the quality of the outdoor environment, regulatory requirements, and a litigious environment were identified as constraining teaching practice for the Australian practitioners. The findings have implications for the development of policy that supports teachers' pedagogical decision-making in providing developmentally challenging play environments for children.
Standardizing the Evolution of the Postoperative Bariatric Diet
Authors: Isom Kellene A.
Published: November 2012

In Brief

This article reviews the history of the postoperative nutrition recommendations for today's common bariatric (weight loss) surgery procedures. Discussion of the evolution of postoperative nutrition guidelines supports the proposal for a standardized postoperative diet for patients who undergo a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band procedure.
An English Translation of Joseph Luc Riopelle, MD, (Hôtel-Dieu of Montréal), and Jean Paul Thériault (Hôpital Général of Verdun, Québec, Canada): Sur une Forme Méconnue de Sarcome des Parties Molles: Le Rhabdomyosarcome Alvéolaire (Concerning an Unrecognized Form of Sarcoma of the Soft Tissues: Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma). Annales d'Anatomie Pathologique 1956;1:88–111.
Authors: Raney R. Beverly , Oberlin Odile , Parham David M.
Published: November 2012

We believe that this is the first translation into English of the first description, in French, of a disease previously unknown. JL Riopelle and JP Thériault, both pathologists, reviewed clinical and pathologic findings in six young patients with soft tissue tumors, and contributed autopsy information on four of the patients. Only one patient was initially correctly diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma; the other five initially had alternative diagnoses. Because of space limitations, we have condensed the clinical and pathologic details of their 23-page, approximately 9-font article into two Tables, but have otherwise translated the complete text of this seminal paper. The journal cited above was first published in 1956 in Paris, France, and is currently published as Annales de Pathologie. Its editor is unaware of any prior English translation of this article.
Anthropology after the crisis
Authors: Carrier James G.
Published: November 2012

Recently anthropology has experienced an intellectual crisis of confidence, a sense that the discipline has lost its way, and an institutional crisis, a loss of resources following the financial crisis. Together, these crises provide a perspective that helps us to make sense of what preceded them. This article argues that both crises are signs of the failure of the neoliberalism that rose to prominence in the 1980s, both as a foundation for public policy and as an important, though unrecognized, influence on elements in anthropological thought. It focuses on that influence. It does so by describing some of the changes in anthropological orientation since the 1980s. Prime among these are the loss of disciplinary authority, the solidification of the focus on culture at the expense of a focus on society, and the rejection of systemic theories of social and cultural order. It is argued that, together, these changes have left anthropologists with no critical perspective on the world, just as the ascendance of neoclassical economics left economists with no such critical perspective.
Nopal Cactus (Opuntia Ficus-Indica) as a Holographic Material
Authors: Olivares-Pérez Arturo , Toxqui-López Santa , Padilla-Velasco Ana
Published: November 2012

The nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) releases a substance through its mucilage, which comes from the degradation of pectic substances and chlorophyll. Combined in a polyvinyl alcohol matrix, this substance can be used as a recording medium. The resulting extract material has excellent photosensitizer properties, is easy to handle, has a low cost, and low toxicity. This material has the property of self-developing, and it can be used in holographic applications. The polyvinyl alcohol and extract from the nopal cactus was deposited by a gravity technique on a glass substrate, which dried to form a photosensitive emulsion. We show experimental results on a holographic grating using this material, written by a He-Cd laser (442 nm). We obtained diffraction gratings by transmission with a diffraction efficiency of approximately 32.3% to first order.
The Lewis GFP Transgenic Rat Strain is a Useful Cell Donor for Neural Transplantation
Authors: Krause Martin , Ganser Claudia , Kobayashi Eiji , Papazoglou Anna , Nikkhah Guido
Published: November 2012

Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic approach in neurodegenerative diseases. Studying graft survival and development has important implications for the further development of experimental and clinical transplantation protocols. Cellular elements in neural transplants are sometimes difficult to identify. The existing labeling methods cannot reliably provide stably labeled cells that can be detected in long-term experiments. Transgenic (tg) Lewis rats ubiquitously expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) provide an ideal donor source. The aim of this project was to investigate the potential of GFP-tg Lewis rats to serve as donor tissue for neural stem cell transplantation. Ventral mesencephalon (VM) GFP-tg E14.5-derived cells were compared to wild-type (wt) in vitro and in vivo. Firstly, cells from GFP and non-GFP VM tissue were compared with regard to their proliferation and response towards 6-OHDA-toxicity in culture. Secondly, 6-OHDA-lesioned hemiparkinsonian Sprague–Dawley/Crl:CD(SD) rats received intrastriatal grafts derived from VM of E14.5 GFP-tg rats. Due to the fact that donor and recipient belong to two different rat strains, we focused on graft survival in correlation with immunosuppression and graft GFP and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression. In summary, in vitro tg cells exhibited 98% GFP expression and did not differ from wt cells in any of the measured parameters. In vivo, all experimental groups showed a significant compensation in rotation behavior after transplantation. Furthermore, there was no difference on rotation behavior or graft morphology and survival pattern as well as GFP expression between immunosuppressed and nonimmunosuppressed animals. The GFP-positive population of the graft was composed of 13.3% GFAP-positive, 56.1% NeuN-positive, and 1.9% TH-positive cells. Analysis of graft subpopulations manifested that 70.6% of GFAP-positive, 86.9% of NeuN-positive, and 80.1% of TH-positive cells coexpressed GFP. In conclusion, our data show that the Lewis GFP-tg rats serve as an excellent cell source for studying primary neural precursor cells in the transplantation paradigm.
Overexpression of TIMP-1 in Embryonic Stem Cells Attenuates Adverse Cardiac Remodeling following Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Glass Carley , Singla Dinender K.
Published: November 2012

Transplanted embryonic stem (ES) cells, following myocardial infarction (MI), contribute to limited cardiac repair and regeneration with improved function. Therefore, novel strategies are still needed to understand the effects of genetically modified transplanted stem cells on cardiac remodeling. The present study evaluates whether transplanted mouse ES cells overexpressing TIMP-1, an antiapoptotic and antifibrotic protein, can enhance cardiac myocyte differentiation, inhibit native cardiac myocyte apoptosis, reduce fibrosis, and improve cardiac function in the infarcted myocardium. MI was produced in C57BL/6 mice by coronary artery ligation. TIMP-1-ES cells, ES cells, or culture medium (control) were transplanted into the peri-infarct region of the heart. Immunofluorescence, TUNEL staining, caspase-3 activity, ELISAs, histology, and echocardiography were used to identify newly differentiated cardiac myocytes and assess apoptosis, fibrosis, and heart function. Two weeks post-MI, significantly ( p < 0.05) enhanced engraftment and cardiac myocyte differentiation was observed in TIMP-1-ES cell-transplanted hearts compared with hearts transplanted with ES cells and control. Hearts transplanted with TIMP-1-ES cells demonstrated a reduction in apoptosis as well as an increase ( p < 0.05) in p-Akt activity compared with ES cells or culture media controls. Infarct size and interstitial and vascular fibrosis were significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased in the TIMP-1-ES cell group compared to controls. Furthermore, MMP-9, a key profibrotic protein, was significantly ( p < 0.01) reduced following TIMP-1-ES cell transplantation. Echocardiography data showed fractional shortening and ejection fraction were significantly ( p < 0.05) improved in the TIMP-1-ES cell group compared with respective controls. Our data suggest that transplanted ES cells overexpressing TIMP-1 attenuate adverse myocardial remodeling and improve cardiac function compared with ES cells that may have therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine.
A Critical Assessment of Environmental Degeneration and Climate Change
Authors: Ploberger Christian
Published: November 2012

China and its population are confronted with fundamental environmental challenges, as both, environmental degeneration and the impact of climate change, exhibit critical social, economic and political implications for their future development. Among the various environmental challenges China faces, pollution issues, soil erosion, acid rain, and sea-level rise are identified. This variety of environmental issues increases the underling complexity of how best to address these challenges, especially as China’s growth strategy has the potential to exacerbate the negative impact on the environment further. The strategic decision which development strategy China will follow – a ‘growth first and clean up later’ or ‘cleaning up while growing’ – carries serious implications not only for the environmental situation in China itself, but for the global community as well.
Sinbelewenis van die dwelmmiddelafhanklike pasiënt
Authors: Steyn M. , Greeff M. , Poggenpoel M.
Published: November 2012

This study turns to determine how the drug dependant patient subjectively experiences his purpose in life, as well as establishing guide-lines for activating an experience of a life with a purpose during the rehabilitation programme of the drug dependant patient.
Die opleidingsfunksie van die geregistreerde verpleegkundige - Deel 2
Authors: Bezuidenhout M.C. , Basson A.A.
Published: November 2012

Biografiese gegewens van die saalsusters. Die saalsusters wat as respondente by die studie betrek is, het in ouderdom gewissel van 20 tot 51 jaar en ouer. Die grootste aantal (n = 88; 73%) respondente val in die ouderdomsgroepe van 35 jaar en jonger. Dit blyk dus dat die jong saalsuster steeds sterk in die saalsituasie verteenwoordig is.
The standards for postnatal care by the midwife in the hospital and the community
Authors: Nolte A.G.W.
Published: November 2012

The child-bearing events are normal physiological processes in the body of the woman and embryo/foetus/baby, Many changes in the internal and external environments of the family take place, simultaneously with these normal processes. These changes lead to the development of certain tasks and responsibilities that must be successfully accomplished during the postnatal period.
Dilemmas of clinical teaching
Authors: Uys L.R.
Published: November 2012

Talk given at a conference on Teaching Clinical Nursing organised by the Nursing Education Association in East London on September 1992.
Avoidable Blindness: A World Problem
Authors: Rowland W.
Published: November 2012

There are four billion people in the world. Forty million of them are blind. If the link between population growth and blindness is not broken, the number will double by the turn of the century.
Die Ontwikkeling Van Genetiese Dienste Van Die Departement Van Gesondheid — 1978
Authors: Hof J.
Published: November 2012

Genetic Services may be regarded as a new addition to community health services, and are currently in the process of institutionalisation. The provision of this “ advanced” health service is long overdue, considering the widespread prevalence of genetic disorders, the role of genetic factors in disease in general, the possibilities of prevention, and the devastating implications of congenital and hereditary disorders for the family and community. The functional activities of the service are based on detection of high-risk and affected individuals, which includes diagnostic investigations and surveillance, genetic counselling and education and training. The nature of the service is outlined with particular reference to the genetics nurse. Designing a suitable organisational structure and providing essential facilities hallmarked the first phase in the process of institutionalising the service. In the next phase, commencing in 1979, the service will be implemented more formally with emphasis on evaluation and improvement of the service.
Perspectives of health workers regarding primary health care delivery to the rural population in the Bothaville district*
Authors: Janse van Rensburg E
Published: November 2012

This article reports on the views of public health workers regarding recent changes in the delivery of primary health care to people living and working in the Bothaville rural area. These changes in mobile health care form part of the Initiative for Sub-District Support’s programme to provide sustained, concerted support to sub-districts to bring about improvements in health care management and health care delivery. Main shortcomings of the recent changes were identified as inadequate transportation facilities in rural areas, insufficient information dissemination to rural dwellers and lack of farmers’ participation in rural health matters. Furthermore, poor communication and co-operation between different public health services prevailed and the need for an integration of these services was emphasised.
Standaarde vir prestasiebeoordeling van akademiese personeel aan ‘n verplegingskollege
Authors: Aucamp H. , Muller Marie
Published: November 2012

The purpose with this research is to formulate standards for performance appraisal of academic staff within a nursing college. A qualitative exloratory and descriptive research strategy was utilised, within the context of Gauteng nursing colleges. The conceptual framework on which the standards are based, was developed by exploring and describing existing job descriptions of academic staff (Chief Professional Nurse) employed in nursing colleges, as well as the expectations of academic staff regarding performance appraisal in the college. These results were exposed to a literature control prior to the writing of final statements and a conceptual framework for the formulation of these standards. The standards are divided into three main dimensions, viz. the organisational climate within the nursing college, the purpose of performance appraisal and finally the process of performance appraisal. It is recommended that these standards be implemented in nursing colleges and exposed to further validity studies.
Transformation management of primary health care services in two selected local authorities in Gauteng
Authors: Sibaya W , Muller Marie
Published: November 2012

The transformation of health services in South Africa today is governed by the political, policy and legislative frameworks. This article focuses on the transformation of a primary health care service within a local authority in Gauteng. The purpose with this article is to explore and describe the perceptions (expectations and fears) of selected managers employed in this primary health care service. The results are utilised to compile a strategy (framework) for transformation management and leadership within the primary health care service. A qualitative research design was utilised and the data was collected by means of individual interviews with selected managers in the service, followed by a content analysis. The expectations and fears of managers focus mainly on personnel matters, community participation/satisfaction, salaries and parity, inadequate stocks/supplies and medication, the deterioration of quality service delivery and the need for training and empowerment. These results are divided into structure, process and outcome dimensions and are embodied in the conceptual framework for the transformation and leadership strategy. It is recommended that standards for transformation management be formulated and that the quality of transformation management be evaluated accordingly.
The utilisation of a midwifery obstetrical unit (mou) in a metropolitan area
Authors: Mashazi M I , Roos S D
Published: November 2012

In this study an explorative, descriptive design which is contextual in nature, is utilized. The objective of the study is three-fold: Firstly, to describe the opinions of members of the community about the reasons for the under-utilization of the Midwifery Obstetrical Unit (MOU); secondly, to describe the suggestions of the community for improving the utilization of the MOU and thirdly, to describe intervention strategies for community nurses to improve the utilization of the MOU. Data was collected by means of focus group interviews, and was analysed using Tesch’s (in Cresswell, 1994: 154-155) method of data analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured by using the method of Guba and Lincoln (1985). The respondents were mothers who delivered their babies at the hospital, mothers who delivered their babies at the MOU, members of the Community Health Committee and MOU nurses. Data was collected in two phases. Phase I dealt with the first question: What is your opinion about the reasons for the under-utilization of the MOU? Phase II dealt with the second question: What are your suggestions for improving the utilization of the MOU? The four groups participated in Phase I as well as in Phase II, the reason being to involve the groups in identifying problems and finding solutions with which they would be comfortable, since it would be their ideas. This whole exercise was, however, carried out in line with the RDP principle of people driven approach or community involvement. The investigation revealed that the community was not utilizing the MOU because of the following reasons: • Negative attitudes of nurses. • Lack of material and human resources. • Poor safety and security measures. • Lack of community involvement/participation. The focus groups then identified the following suggestions for improving the utilization of the MOU: • Change of attitudes by nurses towards the patients. • Availability of material and human resources. • Proper safety and security measures in the MOU. • Community involvement/participation. • Integration of health services. Intervention strategies for community nurses to improve the utilization of the MOU were based on the literature as well as the suggestions made by the focus group respondents because the researcher found the suggestions to be realistic.
Assessment of learning needs and the development of an educational programme for registered nurses in advanced midwifery and neonatology
Authors: Fichardt AE , Viljoen MJ
Published: November 2012

A key step in the development of any educational programme is learning needs assessment. This is however often neglected. The purpose of this research was to identify learning needs of potential students in order to develop a relevant educational programme for registered nurses in advanced midwifery and neonatology. A survey design was used, and the population of the study was the registered nurses in the Free State. Two thousand questionnaires were mailed to respondents, selected by means of simple random sampling. Advanced educational programmes emphasize the teaching of advanced knowledge and skills and accept that the students entering these programmes already have specific knowledge and skills included in the curricula for basic programmes. This is contrary to the findings of this study. The results underline the importance of learning needs assessment in the development of relevant educational programmes.
A model for facilitation of critical reflective practice
Authors: Mavundla TR , Poggenpoel M , Gmeiner A
Published: November 2012

The impressive growth in the extent and range of psychiatric services provided by general hospitals in South Africa creates stress among nurses employed in these settings who are not psychiatric trained. This manifests itself in negative attitudes displayed towards mentally ill people. The aim of this paper is to discuss the process followed in the development of the model of facilitative communication. A theory generative design was used. The research methods were dealt with in four steps of theory generation as set out below. . Step 1 entailed concept analysis. This step was dealt with in two phases, namely concept identification and concept definition. During concept identification, a qualitative research strategy that is explorative, descriptive and contextual was used. This was achieved through field research conducted in an urban general hospital. A sample of twelve professional nurses was selected from a population of 800 professional nurses employed in a general hospital using the purposive sampling technique. This sample size was determined by saturation of data in themes. Both semi-structured individual phenomenological interviews and observations were used as methods of data collection. Giorgi’s method of descriptive data analysis (1985) was used. Four themes emerged from the results of the study. The main concepts of the model were identified and classified using a survey list of Dickoff et al. (1968). Step 2 dealt with the creation of interrelationship statements between concepts identified in Step 1, while Step 3 dealt with the description of the model using strategies proposed by Chinn and Kramer (1991). In Step 4, the description of guidelines for operationalising in practice was ensured. To ensure valid results, a model for trustworthiness proposed by Guba (Lincoln & Guba, 1985) was used. The following criteria for trustworthiness were applied in all the steps of theory generation: truth value, applicability, consistency and neutrality.
Satisfaction with personal and environmental quality of life: a black South African informal settlement perspective
Authors: Westaway MS , Gumede T
Published: November 2012

A study was conducted with 487 black adult residents of a South African informal settlement (151 men and 336 women) to ascertain satisfaction with personal and environmental quality of life. It was hypothesised that: (1) health status and life satisfaction were the underlying dimensions of personal quality of life (PQOL); (2) health status and life satisfaction were more strongly associated with PQOL than environmental quality of life (EQOL); and (3) life satisfaction and satisfaction with EQOL were positively related. Seventy per cent of respondents rated their health as good or better. Age, schooling and employment status were significantly related to health, life satisfaction and PQOL. Reliability (internal consistency) coefficients were 0.77 for the 5-item life satisfaction scale and 0.82 for the 12-item EQOL measure. Factor analysis showed that safety and security was the major unmet service need. Health status and life satisfaction explained 38% of the variance in PQOL; health status explained only 4% of the variance in EQOL. Life satisfaction was significantly related to EQOL (r = 0.16, p = 0.01). The results provided support for all three hypotheses. It was concluded that the life satisfaction and EQOL measures had good reliability; there was a definite need for a safety and security programme; and good health was a more important predictor of PQOL than EQOL.
Factors affecting behaviours that address HIV risk among Black and White South Africans
Authors: Peltzer K.
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting HIV risk reduction among 150 Black and 150 White South Africans chosen by systematic random sampling. Main outcome measures included sexual behaviour and condom use, knowledge about correct condom use, intention of condom use, behavioural norms, attitudes, normative beliefs, and subjective norms about condoms, HIV/AIDS health beliefs, and HIV risk behaviour. Bivariate analysis gave positive significant relations among being single, age, HIV/ AIDS perceived severity, HIV/AIDS prevention barriers and HIV risk behaviour. Further, bivariate analysis gave negative significant relations among age at onset of puberty, age at first vaginal intercourse, correct condom use knowledge, subjective norms, intention to use condoms and HIV risk behaviour. Regression analysis indicated that for subjective norm to use condoms, less intention for condom use, less condom use knowledge and younger age of first vaginal intercourse were predictive for HIV/AIDS risk behaviour. HIV prevention intervention programmes should include the identified factors and cultural diversity.
Treatment utilisation and trauma characteristics of child and adolescent inpatients with posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Traut A
Published: November 2012

Objective. Few empirical studies have addressed the impact of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on treatment utilisation and outcome in South African youth. This study was undertaken to document demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics of child and adolescent inpatients with PTSD.
The knowledge and attitudes of traditional birth attendants towards HIV/AIDS and their beliefs related to perinatal care: a study conducted in KwaZulu Natal
Authors: Mchunu G.G. , Bhengu B.R.
Published: November 2012

Traditional birth attendants (TBAs) are still mainly being utilized in the rural areas even in the presence of the formal health care facilities. Studies reveal that the utilization of TBAs is beneficial in some other contexts with some support and supervision from the western health sector. In order to develop further training for TBAs the researchers deemed it necessary to assess their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs related to HIV/AIDS, prenatal care, delivery and postnatal care.
Evaluation of clinical teaching and professional development in a problem and community-based nursing module
Authors: De Villiers J.C , Joubert A. , Bester C.J.
Published: November 2012

In South Africa the main focus is on primary health care. This affects the education and training of nurses, and training schools must respond by developing appropriate teaching modules. A school of nursing developed, implemented and revised a problem- and community- based learning module over a period of three years (1996-1998). This student-centered module focuses on students’ needs, active participation, collaboration, accountability, self-assessment, self-study, life-long learning and appropriate skills. In the formal clinical teaching environment PBL was the main approach. However, this approach was also supported by a variety of strategies, for example group discussions and scenarios. The knowledge, attitudes and professional development skills acquired in the PBL approach were then applied informally in the community setting (CBE). The purpose of the study was to evaluate a first year clinical teaching module as part of an extensive programme. A quantitative research method, a descriptive design, and a variety of data collection techniques were used. Conclusions were that clinical teaching was effective within the problem- (PBL) and community-based (CBE) approaches; 78% of respondents were positive about the clinical learning environment; 61 % stated that expectations were met; 81% preferred group activities, and 67% indicated that they had developed professional skills. Facilitators agreed that clinical teaching met the requirements of PBL & CBE. The pass rate also improved.