bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological sulfide removal under alkaline and aerobic conditions in a packed recycling reactor
Authors: González-Sánchez A. , Revah S.
Published: April 2009

The biological sulfide removal from wastewater caustic streams can be achieved without significant dilution by alkaliphilic microorganisms which usually show lower growth and oxidation rates as compared with acidic and neutral bacteria. To improve volumetric removal rates under alkaline condition (pH 10), an Alkaliphilic Sulfide-oxidizing Bacteria Consortium (ASBC) was studied in a Packed Recycling Reactor (PRR). A commercial Nylon fiber resulted to be a convenient packing support for biofilm development as it has high specific area and similar hydrophobic propertie. The PRR reached a maximum sulfide oxidation rate of 100 mmol L−1 d−1 with efficiency close to 100%, representing an enhancement of 56% from the maximum sulfide oxidation rate reached for a free cell continuous culture. Higher sulfide loading rates induced oxygen limiting conditions reducing the biological activity despite the considerable biofilm attached on the nylon fiber.
Absorption and biodegradation of hydrophobic volatile organic compounds: determination of Henry's constants and biodegradation levels
Authors: Darracq G. , Couvert A. , Couriol C. , Amrane A. , Le Cloirec P.
Published: April 2009

Biodegradation of three volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was studied. Toluene, dimethylsulphide (DMS), and dimethyldisulphide (DMDS) were introduced into flasks filled with emulsions of Di-2-EthylHexylAdipate (DEHA) in water, containing biomass (activated sludge). The VOC concentrations were analysed in the gas, organic and aqueous phases, and compared to the initial VOC quantities introduced in order to deduce their consumption by biomass. Toluene and DMDS were completely consumed, and then removed from the gas and the organic phases, except when DEHA and water are in the same volume ratio, which appears to be extreme environmental conditions for bacterial growth. The high DMS volatility resulted in an important gas loss, leading to a lower amount of DMS available for activated sludge growth. For all the VOC experiments, some components, characteristics of the DEHA degradation, including 2-ethylhexanal, 2-ethylhexanol, 2-ethylhexanoic acid and adipic acid, were identified.
Removal of odour-causing compounds using carbonaceous adsorbents/catalysts prepared from sewage sludge
Authors: Anfruns A. , Canals-Batlle C. , Ros A. , Lillo-Ródenas M. A. , Linares-Solano A. , Fuente E. , Montes-Morán M. A. , Martin M. J.
Published: April 2009

This paper discusses H2S, NH3 and VOCs removal by sewage-sludge-derived materials with outstanding chemical and textural properties. These materials were obtained from different precursors using different chemical and thermal treatments. Results show that the H2S removal process entailed a catalytic conversion of H2S to S or SO42− species. On the other hand, adsorption is the main mechanism governing the performance of sludge-based materials for NH3 and VOCs. Retention capacities (x/M values) obtained for some of the sludge–based adsorbents/catalysts are similar to those obtained with commercial activated carbons selected as reference materials.
The holistic prioritisation of proactive sewer maintenance
Authors: Arthur S. , Crow H. , Pedezert L. , Karikas N.
Published: April 2009

In sewerage asset management, there has been a concerted move away from primarily assessing system capacity or physical performance, to focus on “serviceability” as a key performance indicator. After identifying flooding due to blockages as a key failure mode, this paper documents the development of a tool which can contribute towards efficient sewerage asset management within the context of maintaining “serviceability” to customers, the public and the environment. Against the background of poor availability of reliable data, the reported project provides a process based on FMECA which can be implemented with limited information and without the need for additional data gathering. Land use and network characteristics data have been used alongside a hydrodynamic model to determine critical points in a network. Based on this, a methodology for identifying where blockage likelihood lies is outlined alongside an approach which allows failure consequence to be quantified. The text then outlines a framework which allows failure likelihood and consequence to be combined to prioritise sewerage asset maintenance.
Performance evaluation of UASB reactor systems with and without post-treatment
Authors: Oliveira S. C. , von Sperling M.
Published: April 2009

This article evaluates and compares the actual behavior of 18 UASB reactor systems operating without (10 plants) and with (8 plants) post treatment, considering their performance and their reliability in terms of compliance with specified discharge standards. The following types of post-treatment processes were analyzed: aerated filter; anaerobic filter; trickling filter; dissolved air flotation unit; facultative pond and maturation pond. The effluent quality and the removal efficiencies were compared with typical values reported in the technical literature. A methodology developed by Niku et al. (1979) was used for the determination of the coefficients of reliability, in terms of the compliance of effluent BOD and TSS with discharge standards. The results showed that, in general, the inclusion of a post-treatment step, be it either aerobic, anaerobic or physical-chemical, can provide a substantial improvement of the effluent quality from UASB reactors in terms of BOD and TSS. In terms of the systems reliability, the actual effluent concentrations from UASB reactor followed by some post-treatment processes would meet more restrictive discharge standards than those considered in this study (60 mg L−1 for both constituents—values prevailing in most states in Brazil).
Methaemoglobin and Carboxyhaemoglobin Formation in Human Blood Due to NOx and CO Exposure: A Mathematical Model
Authors: Biyani Ankit , Vyas Raj K. , Singh Kailash , Gupta Akhilendra B. , Vyas Sangeeta , Gupta Sunil K.
Published: April 2009

Combustion of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in household kitchens results in the production of several harmful gases including Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). In the present work, an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of such gases on the percent oxygen saturation of blood and a nonlinear exponential model has been proposed based on reaction kinetics to quantify the amount of carboxyhaemoglobin and methaemoglobin formed in blood due to such exposures using a non-invasive technique. The model parameters have been estimated by using the experimental data obtained from exposure of the individuals to different concentrations of CO and NOx. Non-linear regression technique has been used in MATLAB® to optimise the objective function. The model has been validated for %COHb concentration in blood and corresponding data for ambient CO concentration reported in literature. The proposed model can be used to find the concentration of methaemoglobin and carboxyhaemoglobin formed in the blood for low exposures.
Capsaicin induces apoptosis by generating reactive oxygen species and disrupting mitochondrial transmembrane potential in human colon cancer cell lines
Authors: Yang Kyung , Pyo Jong , Kim Gyu-Yeol , Yu Rina , Han In , Ju Seong , Kim Won , Kim Byung-Sam
Published: April 2009

Although genetic factors are a well-known cause of colorectal cancer, environmental factors contribute more to its development. Despite advances in the fields of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the cure rates for colon cancer have not substantially improved over the past few decades. Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), the principal pungent ingredient of hot chili pepper, has exhibited an anti-tumor effect in many cell types. However, the mechanisms responsible for the anti-tumor effect of capsaicin are not yet completely understood. In this study, we investigated whether capsaicin induces apoptosis in colon cancer cell lines. Capsaicin decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner in Colo320DM and LoVo cells. In addition, capsaicin produced cell morphology changes and DNA fragmentation, decreased the DNA contents, and induced phosphatidylserine translocation, which is a hallmark of apoptotic cell death. We showed that capsaicin-induced apoptosis is associated with an increase in ROS generation and a disruption of the mitochondrial transmenbrane potential. A possible mechanism of capsaicin-induced apoptosis is the activation of caspase 3, a major apoptosis-executing enzyme. Treatment with capsaicin induced a dramatic increase in caspase 3 activity, as assessed by the cleavage of Ac-DEVD-AMC, a fluorogenic substrate. In conclusion, our results clearly showed that capsaicin induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Although the actual mechanisms of capsaicin-induced apoptosis remain uncertain, it may be a beneficial agent for colon cancer treatment and chemoprevention.
A new model of dynamic recovery for Stage III of pure fcc metals without cross slip
Authors: Argon Ali S.
Published: April 2009

Dynamic recovery in Stage III of strain hardening of pure fcc metals has been known for decades and has been associated with dislocation cell formation and refinement in scale with increasing plastic shear resistance when this exceeds a critical and temperature-dependent threshold level. Its rate controlling process had been attributed by Seeger 50 years ago to massive cross slip of screw dislocation groups circumventing Lomer-Cottrell type linear sessile dislocations blocking the primary slip system. Consideration of this cross slip-controlled mechanism has persisted in various modified forms in the literature up to the present, even though it is not consistent with the cellular dislocation structure of Stage III, and its evolution. Here a new mechanism is proposed in which dynamic recovery occurs through the systematic removal of short Lomer – Cottrell type sessile dislocation segments, i. e. LC locks, in the cell walls by statistical processes stimulated by the impingement of glide dislocations on cell walls when the applied stress exceeds a temperature-dependent threshold shear resistance τIII.
Preventing Smoking in Young People: A Systematic Review of the Impact of Access Interventions
Authors: Richardson Lindsay , Hemsing Natalie , Greaves Lorraine , Assanand Sunaina , Allen Patrice , McCullough Lucy , Bauld Linda , Humphries Karin , Amos Amanda
Published: April 2009

Aims: To examine existing evidence on the effectiveness of interventions that are designed to prevent the illegal sale of tobacco to young people. The review considers specific sub-questions related to the factors that might influence effectiveness, any differential effects for different sub-populations of youth, and barriers and facilitators to implementation. Methods: A review of studies on the impact of interventions on young people under the age of 18 was conducted. It included interventions that were designed to prevent the illegal sale of tobacco to children and young people. The review was conducted in July 2007, and included 20 papers on access restriction studies. The quality of the papers was assessed and the relevant data was extracted. Results: The evidence obtained from the review indicates that access restriction interventions may produce significant reductions in the rate of illegal tobacco sales to youth. However, lack of enforcement and the ability of youth to acquire cigarettes from social sources may undermine the effectiveness of these interventions. Conclusions: When access interventions are applied in a comprehensive manner, they can affect young people’s access to tobacco. However, further research is required to examine the effects of access restriction interventions on young people’s smoking behaviour.
Advances in Marine Microbial Symbionts in the China Sea and Related Pharmaceutical Metabolites
Authors: Li Zhiyong
Published: April 2009

Marine animals and plants such as sponges, sea squirts, corals, worms and algae host diverse and abundant symbiotic microorganisms. Marine microbial symbionts are possible the true producers or take part in the biosynthesis of some bioactive marine natural products isolated from the marine organism hosts. Investigation of the pharmaceutical metabolites may reveal the biosynthesis mechanisms of related natural products and solve the current problem of supply limitation in marine drug development. This paper reviews the advances in diversity revelation, biological activity and related pharmaceutical metabolites, and functional genes of marine microbial symbionts from the China Sea.
Essential Oil Composition of Artemisia herba-alba from Southern Tunisia
Authors: Mohsen Haouari , Ali Ferchichi
Published: April 2009

The composition of the essential oil hydrodistilled from the aerial parts of 18 individual Artemisia herba-alba Asso. plants collected in southern Tunisia was determined by GC and GCMS analysis. The oil yield varied between 0.68% v/w and 1.93% v/w. One hundred components were identified, 21 of of which are reported for the first time in Artemisia herba-alba oil. The oil contained 10 components with percentages higher than 10%. The main components were cineole, thujones, chrysanthenone, camphor, borneol, chrysanthenyl acetate, sabinyl acetate, davana ethers and davanone. Twelve samples had monoterpenes as major components, three had sesquiterpenes as major components and the last three samples had approximately the same percentage of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The chemical compositions revealed that ten samples had compositions similar to those of other Artemisia herba-alba essential oils analyzed in other countries. The remaining eight samples had an original chemical composition.
Adapting Mobile Beacon-Assisted Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Teng Guodong , Zheng Kougen , Dong Wei
Published: April 2009

The ability to automatically locate sensor nodes is essential in many Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) applications. To reduce the number of beacons, many mobile-assisted approaches have been proposed. Current mobile-assisted approaches for localization require special hardware or belong to centralized localization algorithms involving some deterministic approaches due to the fact that they explicitly consider the impreciseness of location estimates. In this paper, we first propose a range-free, distributed and probabilistic Mobile Beacon-assisted Localization (MBL) approach for static WSNs. Then, we propose another approach based on MBL, called Adapting MBL (A-MBL), to increase the efficiency and accuracy of MBL by adapting the size of sample sets and the parameter of the dynamic model during the estimation process. Evaluation results show that the accuracy of MBL and A-MBL outperform both Mobile and Static sensor network Localization (MSL) and Arrival and Departure Overlap (ADO) when both of them use only a single mobile beacon for localization in static WSNs.
Rule-based Clustering for Gene Promoter Structure Discovery
Authors: Petrovic U. , Shaulsky G. , Zupan B. , Curk T.
Published: April 2009

Background: The genetic cellular response to internal and external changes is determined by the sequence and structure of gene-regulatory promoter regions.

Objectives: Using data on gene-regulatory elements (i.e., either putative or known transcription factor binding sites) and data on gene expression profiles we can discover structural elements in promoter regions and infer the underlying programs of gene regulation. Such hypotheses obtained in silico can greatly assist us in experiment planning. The principal obstacle for such approaches is the combinatorial explosion in different combinations of promoter elements to be examined.

Methods: Stemming from several state-ofthe-art machine learning approaches we here propose a heuristic, rule-based clustering method that uses gene expression similarity to guide the search for informative structures in promoters, thus exploring only the most promising parts of the vast and expressively rich rule-space.

Results: We present the utility of the method in the analysis of gene expression data on budding yeast S. cerevisiae where cells were induced to proliferate peroxisomes.

Conclusions: We demonstrate that the proposed approach is able to infer informative relations uncovering relatively complex structures in gene promoter regions that regulate gene expression.
Intelligent Interactive Visual Exploration of Temporal Associations among Multiple Time-oriented Patient Records
Authors: Shahar Y. , Taieb-Maimon M. , Klimov D.
Published: April 2009

Objectives: To design, implement and evaluate the functionality and usability of a methodology and a tool for interactive exploration of time and value associations among multiple-patient longitudinal data and among meaningful concepts derivable from these data.

Methods: We developed a new, user-driven, interactive knowledge-based visualization technique, called Temporal Association Charts (TACs). TACs support the investigation of temporal and statistical associations within multiple patient records among both con cepts and the temporal abstractions derived from them. The TAC methodology was implemented as part of an interactive system, called VISITORS, which supports intelligent visualization and exploration of longitudinal patient data. The TAC module was evaluated for functionality and usability by a group of ten users, five clinicians and five medical informaticians. Users were asked to answer ten questions using the VISITORS system, five of which required the use of TACs.

Results: Both types of users were able to answer the questions in reasonably short periods of time (a mean of 2.5 ± 0.27 minutes) and with high accuracy (95.3 ± 4.5 on a 0–100 scale), without a significant difference between the two groups. All five questions requiring the use of TACs were answered with similar response times and accuracy levels. Similar accuracy scores were achieved for questions requiring the use of TACs and for questions requiring the use only of general exploration operators. However, response times when using TACs were slightly longer.

Conclusions: TACs are functional and usable. Their use results in a uniform performance level, regardless of the type of clinical question or user group involved.
A mixed model approach for intent-to-treat analysis in longitudinal clinical trials with missing values
Authors: Chakraborty Hrishikesh
Published: April 2009

Missing values and dropouts are common issues in longitudinal studies in all areas of medicine and public health. Intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis has become a widely accepted method for the analysis of controlled clinical trials. In most controlled clinical trials, some patients do not complete their intended followup according to the protocol for a variety of reasons; this problem generates missing values. Missing values lead to concern and confusion in identifying the ITT population, which makes the data analysis more complex and challenging. No adequate strategy exists for ITT analyses of longitudinal controlled clinical trial data with missing values. Several ad hoc strategies for dealing with missing values for an ITT analysis are common in the practice of controlled clinical trials. We performed a detailed investigation based on simulation studies to develop recommendations for this situation. We compared sizes (type I errors) and power between some popular ad hoc approaches and the linear mixed model approach under different missing value scenarios. Our results suggest that, for studies with a high percentage of missing values, the mixed model approach without any ad hoc imputation is more powerful than other options.
The CPPDD-Associated ANKH M48T Mutation Interrupts the Interaction of ANKH with the Sodium/Phosphate Cotransporter PiT-1
Authors: WANG JOHN , TSUI HING WO , BEIER FRANK , TSUI FLORENCE W.L.
Published: April 2009

Objective.

Numerous dominant human homolog of progressive ankylosis (ANKH) mutations have been identified in familial calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPPDD). Due to the dominant nature of these mutations, we investigated whether ANKH interacts with other proteins; and if so, whether any CPPDD-associated ANKH mutation might disrupt such protein interactions.

Methods.

Stable ATDC5 ANKH wt- and ANKH M48T-transfectants were generated. Lysates from these transfectants were used to identify candidate protein interaction with ANKH by coimmunoprecipitation followed by Western blot analysis. The effect of high phosphate on the expression of genes involved in modulating Pi (inorganic phosphate)/PPi (inorganic pyrophosphate) homeostasis in these transfectants was assessed.

Results.

We showed that ANKH protein associates with the sodium/phosphate cotransporter PiT-1, and that ANKH M48T mutant protein failed to interact with PiT-1. We also showed that upon high phosphate treatment, the normally coordinated upregulation of endogenous Ank and PiT1 transcript expression was disrupted in ANKH M48T transfectants.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that there is a coordinated interrelationship between 2 key participants of Pi and PPi metabolism, ANKH and PiT-1.
A Regional Simulation Center Partnership: Collaboration to Improve Staff and Student Competency
Authors: Sportsman Susan , Bolton Cathy , Bradshaw Pamela , Close Daria , Lee Molly , Townley Nancy , Watson Michelle N.
Published: April 2009

This article describes the development of a Regional Simulation Center by a hospital, university, and community college to provide competency education and validation for students, nurses, and other allied health staff. Using high-fidelity patient simulators and scenario-based simulations, bachelor's of science in nursing-prepared laboratory mentors provide realistic opportunities for hospital staff and students to validate their clinical judgment as well as their psychomotor skills. The process of development, as well as the advantages of the partnership for the hospital and the nursing programs, is outlined.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(2):67–73.
Lessons Learned When Writing a Manuscript
Authors: Stonecypher Karen
Published: April 2009

Flexibility in reorganizing and editing allows for the development of an interdisciplinary patient educational tool. Slide presentation, theoretical models, and the patients' perspective were used to organize the patient teaching content.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(2):55–56.
Enhancing Orientation and Retention: One Unit's Success Story
Authors: Ward Cynthia W.
Published: April 2009

Enhancing job satisfaction and retention of new employees is an important focus for health care facilities. A unit-specific orientation class was used to teach skills necessary for successful practice on a surgical unit and enhance retention of employees. Class attendees reported an increased level of comfort with the skills necessary for successful employment on the unit. Scores on a knowledge assessment test increased by 26% from prior to the class to after the class. The unit's 1-year retention rate increased from 44% to 84%.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(2):87–90.
Symptom Check: Is It GERD?
Authors: Sveen Stephanie
Published: April 2009

Despite the vast number of individuals living with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), establishing a diagnosis can be difficult. Detailed patient history and symptom review are critical. Nurses can play an integral role in gathering information that may lead to a definitive diagnosis. In addition to the classic symptoms of GERD—acid reflux and heartburn—several atypical conditions may also be present. Understanding the diverse and subtle nature of presenting symptoms can assist in establishing a GERD diagnosis. This column examines the atypical presentations of GERD, including laryngopharyngeal symptoms, chronic cough, asthma, and dental erosions.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(3):103–104.
Professional Development in Rural Nursing: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: McCoy Cindy
Published: April 2009

Nurses working in rural settings face challenges not found in urban and suburban areas. These challenges affect nursing care, the nursing profession, and the professional development of the individual nurse. To understand rural nursing, a clear definition of rural nursing and of rural nursing theory is essential. There are many challenges in the rural setting for nursing, particularly regarding enhancement of nurses' professional development. With a clear understanding of rural nursing practice, nurse leaders and educators can work to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities afforded by nursing in the rural setting.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(3):128–131.
Keeping the Center of Nursing Alive: A Framework for Preceptor Discernment and Accountability
Authors: Paton Brenda I. , Binding Linda
Published: April 2009

This research served to explicate the profile of the nurse preceptor and illuminate the knowledge that nurse preceptors accrue while teaching students in the final clinical practicum. The analysis of the descriptive survey, sent to approximately 770 preceptors, along with the interpretive analysis of 16 focus groups and 5 interviews, revealed understandings of discovering, learning, and engaging as central to the relational elements of professional discernment and accountability. Preceptor discernment is essential to ensuring competent nursing practice for student nurses preparing for entry-level practice. Dissemination of the findings is suggested through the creation of an educational framework reflective of, relevant to, and used by nurse preceptors that may be used in both practice and academic settings.

J Contin Educ Nurs2009;40(3):115–120.
The Struggle for DOD/VA Benefits
Authors: Ginzburg Harold M. , Holm Kristie D.
Published: April 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Identify barriers to access to care for returning veterans.

2.

Identify non-traditional remedies used to improve access to financial and healthcare benefits.

3.

Identify the benefits of a class action approach to resolving access-to-care issues.
Partnering in Support of War Zone Veterans and Their Families
Authors: Kudler Harold , Straits-Tröster Kristy
Published: April 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Identify readjustment issues for war zone veterans and their families related to the deployment cycle.

2.

Provide a rationale for Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense/State and Community Partnerships in support of returning war zone veterans and their families.

3.

Identify potential partners and actions in providing support and mental health services for returning war zone veterans and their families.
Self-reported Indicators of Psychological Health
Authors: McGuire Annabel , MSc; Michael Waller; , Loos Colleen , McClintock Christine , McFarlane Alexander C. , Nielsen Lisa , Treloar Susan A. , Dobson Annette , D'Este Catherine
Published: April 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Identify factors that minimize the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in deployed service members.

2.

Review the differences between Australian, United States, and United Kingdom service members' rates of PTSD and alcohol abuse.

3.

Identify the measures used to assess the health and well-being of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Transference and Countertransference: Developments in the Treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Authors: Gabbard Glen O.
Published: April 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Describe the empirical literature on narcissistic personality disorder that discusses our understanding of transference and countertransference.

2.

Define the spectrum of patients who have narcissistic personality disorder and the nature of the condition.

3.

Identify common countertransference reactions.
Clinical Phenomenology of Narcissistic Pathology
Authors: Horowitz Mardi
Published: April 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Summarize frequent states of mind noted in narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

2.

Describe case formulations in terms of how states of mind relate to particular recurrent self-conceptualizations.

3.

Interpret the defensive maneuver of sliding meanings so as to externalize blame.
‘Chronic Rage from Underground’: The Treatment of a Patient with a Severe Narcissistic Disorder
Authors: Ornstein Paul H.
Published: April 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Differentiate “aggression” from “self-assertiveness” and appreciate its therapeutic advantages to this distinction.

2.

Summarize the clinical usefulness of Kohut's classification of “narcissistic rage” as a whole spectrum as well as a distinct form from within that spectrum.

3.

Identify the clinical-practical usefulness of the concept of “narcissistic rage,” as illustrated in the treatment of case.
Pediatric Dermatologic Emergencies: A Case-Based Approach for the Pediatrician
Authors: Aronson Paul L. , Florin Todd A.
Published: April 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Explain the clinical presentation, evaluation, and treatment of pediatric dermatologic conditions that are medical emergencies.

2.

Describe the differential diagnosis of emergent dermatologic conditions that present as erythroderma or purpura.

3.

Report the significance of dermatologic manifestations in a child with prolonged fever.
Contact Dermatitis: From Basics to Allergodromes
Authors: Nijhawan Rajiv I. , Matiz Catalina , Jacob Sharon E.
Published: April 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Outline the clinical presentations and pathophysiology of both allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and irritant contact dermatitis (ICD).

2.

Review the most common allergens and products responsible for allergic contact dermatitis in children.

3.

Discuss the recommendations for management of children with suspected contact dermatitis including guidelines for referral for patch testing.
Acne: Tips and Tricks for the Pediatrician
Authors: Webster Guy F.
Published: April 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Review the four major factors that lead to the development of acne lesions and dispel common myths regarding contributing factors.

2.

Determine the optimal use of topical and systemic therapy options for acne.

3.

Discuss advantages and disadvantages of less commonly employed treatment modalities for acne.
Starting a Pediatric Emergency Department Safety Resource Center
Authors: Gittelman Michael A. , Pomerantz Wendy J.
Published: April 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Evaluate the magnitude of the problem of children seeking care for injuries in the pediatric emergency department, and the opportunities this presents for injury prevention education.

2.

Describe the development of a Safety Resource Center and the challenges faced in making this a successful sustainable endeavor.

3.

Recognize the measures useful in judging the success or failure of a Safety Resource Center in a hospital, and the usefulness of this data in insuring the sustainability of such a service.
‘Weighing In’ on Childhood Obesity
Authors: Hampl Sarah E. , Summar Michelle J.
Published: April 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Delineate the current widespread epidemic of childhood obesity and highlight some of the social determinants of obesity in children.

2.

Describe the evolution of the Weighing In community collaborative.

3.

Demonstrate the successes and challenges faced in building a community collaborative to combat childhood obesity.
Computerized Behavioral Health Screening in the Emergency Department
Authors: Pailler Megan E. , Fein Joel A.
Published: April 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Discuss the impact of unrecognized psychiatric illness on child and adolescent health.

2.

Identify the best methods of implementing an “extra” but important screening process in the emergency department setting.

3.

Understand the challenges of translating research results for clinical settings.
Asthma Control Is Enhanced: When Health Plans and Providers Cooperate
Authors: Ramos Candace , Ciaccio Christina , Portnoy Jay M.
Published: April 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Summarize the challenges faced when setting up a comprehensive, data-driven, community-wide effort to improve the care of children with chronic disease.

2.

Evaluate the importance of developing a central registry of chronic diseases and how such a registry enhances the standardization of care delivery across practices.

3.

Discuss the role of professional educators in the improvement of quality care delivery in the office setting.
Chicago Youth Programs: Breaking the Cycle, Bridging the Gap
Authors: Sheehan Karen , Verner Herman
Published: April 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Explain how healthcare and health are intertwined but not necessarily identical, especially as they pertain to the treatment of children.

2.

Identify the goals of Youth Development Programs and how they can affect the health of children.

3.

Delineate best practices of the Chicago Youth Programs used to improve the health of at risk children.
Recommendations for Mental Health Care of Older Adults: Part 1—An Overview of Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Flood Meredith , Buckwalter Kathleen C.
Published: April 2009

Growing numbers of older adults means there will be an increase in the incidence of mental health problems in this population. Therefore, it is essential for nurses, many of whom will provide care for older adults, to be cognizant of current recommended practice related to the most common mental health diagnoses in older adults. These include depression, anxiety, dementia, substance abuse/dependence, and delirium. The purpose of this two-part series is to provide an overview of these diagnoses, as well as recommended assessment strategies and nursing interventions for nurses who provide care to older adults but who may lack specialized training in geropsychiatry. Part 1 covers depression and anxiety; part 2 focuses on dementia, delirium, and substance abuse.
Using Telehealth to Educate Parkinson's Disease Patients About Complicated Medication Regimens
Authors: Fincher Linda , Ward Constance , Dawkins Vivian , Magee Veronica , Willson Pamela
Published: April 2009

Parkinson's disease (PD) primarily affects older adults, who manage their symptoms with complex medicine regimens. This mixed-methods study evaluated the usefulness and usability of follow-up telehealth medication counseling with a sample of community-based PD patients. Patients taking three or more medications for Parkinson's disease were randomly assigned to the teaching modalities of videophone or telephone. A self-care standardized medication educational session lasting 20 to 30 minutes was conducted, and patient and nurse usefulness of the intervention was evaluated by responses to a 15-question Likert scale and elicited comments. Patients' satisfaction with the intervention involved patterns of time, education, and technology. Videophone users were more satisfied with the equipment and counseling. Videophones were considered easy access to supportive, expert neuroscience nurses. Overall, videophone counseling sessions were significantly more useful than the telephone sessions (
t
[34] = 0.896,
p
= 0.004, 95% confidence interval = 1.90 to 3.12). Nurses found visualization via videophone significantly more useful for medication and self-management interactions.
Needs of People with Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease: Reviewing the Evidence
Authors: Bossen Ann L. , Pringle Specht Janet K. , McKenzie Sharon E.
Published: April 2009

The focus of this literature search was on the needs of older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Very little research has been published directly related to the concept of
needs
, so concepts were identified by implicitly pulling them from the foci of articles. Identified articles were written outside the framework of the person with AD—from the perspective of the providers and caregivers. To get the person's perspective, the search was expanded to find “self-identified” needs of the person with AD and by widening the medical subject heading terms. The collection of work found indicated retained awareness of the person with AD well into the disease process and that this awareness is not recognized by professionals or caregivers. The result is that older adults with AD are not consulted in determining their needs or having a voice in their plan of care. Also identified were the needs for early diagnosis, to be heard, for information and knowledge, for safety, health promotion, and emotional and cognitive support.
Promoting Health in Early-Stage Dementia: Evaluation of a 12-Week Course
Authors: Buettner Linda L. , Fitzsimmons Suzanne
Published: April 2009

This project tested a 12-week health promotion course for older adults with early-stage dementia. In a quasi-experimental design, participants were assigned by site to intervention group or control group and evaluated at two time points. Mini-Mental State Examination scores, Geriatric Depression Scale scores, health behaviors, plus several measures of psychological well-being were used in this study. In the independent samplest-test analysis, significant positive change was found from pretest to posttest for the treatment group on cognition and depression. A chi square analysis found several significant positive differences in health behaviors for the treatment group.
Effectiveness of Community-Based, Nonpharmacological Interventions for Early-Stage Dementia: Conclusions and Recommendations
Authors: Burgener Sandra C. , Buettner Linda L. , Beattie Elizabeth , Rose Karen M.
Published: April 2009

In 2007, a comprehensive review of the extant research on nonpharmacological interventions for persons with early-stage dementia was conducted. More than 150 research reports, centered on six major domains, were included: early-stage support groups, cognitive training and enhancement programs, exercise programs, exemplar programs, health promotion programs, and “other” programs not fitting into previous categories. Theories of neural regeneration and plasticity were most often used to support the tested interventions. Recommendations for practice, research, and health policy are outlined, including evidence-based, nonpharmacological treatment protocols for persons with mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia. A tested, community-based, multimodal treatment program is also described. Overall, findings identify well-supported nonpharmacological treatments for persons with early-stage dementia and implications for a national health care agenda to optimize outcomes for this growing population of older adults.
Delirium in Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease: Enhancing Cognitive Reserve as a Possible Preventive Measure
Authors: Fick Donna M. , Kolanowski Ann , Beattie Elizabeth , McCrow Judith
Published: April 2009

Delirium is a disorder of acute onset with fluctuating symptoms and is characterized by inattention, disorganized thinking, and altered levels of consciousness. The risk for delirium is greatest in individuals with dementia, and the incidence of both is increasing worldwide because of the aging of our population. Although several clinical trials have tested interventions for delirium prevention in individuals without dementia, little is known about the mechanisms for the prevention of delirium in early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this article is to explore ways of preventing delirium and slowing the rate of cognitive decline in early-stage AD by enhancing cognitive reserve. An agenda for future research on interventions to prevent delirium in individuals with early-stage AD is also presented.
Partnering for Care: The Evidence and the Expert
Authors: Pringle Specht Janet K. , Taylor Richard , Bossen Ann L.
Published: April 2009

Evidence supports the maintenance of self-awareness in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the individuals' ability to identify their own needs. The need for individualized, person-centered programming may be met only if the perceptions of the individuals with AD are taken into account and valued. There is strong support for individuals with AD to be involved in developing their plan of care. Plans should include supportive and educational programs, individualized to the
person's
self-identified needs. Plans must also take into account preserved self-awareness and address preservation of self-esteem, maintenance of abilities, management of behavioral symptoms including depression, and health promotion. Second author Richard Taylor, who has dementia, noted the absence of discussion on this joint planning in most of the AD literature. As he says, it omits the most important person,
the person with dementia
.
Transforming the Nursing Curriculum to Promote Critical Thinking Online
Authors: Anderson Gina Lynn , Tredway Catherine A.
Published: April 2009

With the expansion of online nursing courses and programs, many nurse educators are faced with the challenge of designing online courses. This article provides an example of how traditional face-to-face nursing content was transformed into an online problem-based learning experience. A framework and specific course examples are provided to help with the redesign process. The article concludes with the instructor and instructional designer sharing lessons learned from this experience and recommendations for future course designers.
An Online Doctoral Education Course Using Problem-Based Learning
Authors: Candela Lori , Carver Lara , Diaz Anne , Edmunds Johnna , Talusan Richard , Tarrant Theresa A.
Published: April 2009

The number of doctoral nursing programs has greatly increased over the past several years. There has also been a shift toward delivering programs either partially or fully online. The literature lacks discussions about doctoral-level teaching methods in the online environment. This article describes the use of a semester-long problem-based learning activity in an online doctoral course focusing on nurse educator leadership. The Students-As-Faculty Experience created for this course features the use of a virtual nursing program in which students are cast as faculty members confronting issues via faculty meetings and sharing rotating roles as chairperson. Students were vested in the process by co-designing the course in terms of developing agenda items for the meetings and evaluation rubrics. Through playing the roles of faculty and chairperson, the students reported a distinct improvement in their leadership abilities and confidence at the end of the course.
Using Microsoft Excel
®
to Teach Statistics in a Graduate Advanced Practice Nursing Program
Authors: DiMaria-Ghalili Rose Ann , Ostrow C. Lynne
Published: April 2009

This article describes the authors' experiences during 3 years of using Microsoft Excel
®
to teach graduate-level statistics, as part of the research core required by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing for all professional graduate nursing programs. The advantages to using this program instead of specialized statistical programs are ease of accessibility, increased transferability of skills, and reduced cost for students. The authors share their insight about realistic goals for teaching statistics to master's-level students and the resources that are available to faculty to help them to learn and use Excel in their courses. Several online sites that are excellent resources for both faculty and students are discussed. Detailed attention is given to an online course (
Carnegie-Mellon University Open Learning Initiative, n.d.
), which the authors have incorporated into their graduate-level research methods course.
Curriculum Strategies to Improve Baccalaureate Nursing Information Technology Outcomes
Authors: Fetter Marilyn S.
Published: April 2009

Improving information technology (IT) outcomes is a top nursing education priority. Improving care access, quality, and cost effectiveness, IT skills are vital for professional development and advancement. Nursing programs have embraced distance learning and added informatics content, courses, and specific technologies; however, undergraduates' and educators' skills are still considered inadequate. Meanwhile, the Nursing Informatics specialty has moved beyond IT competency articulation and measurement. It is promoting information literacy to support evidence-based practice and the cultivation of clinical wisdom. The Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform (TIGER) Initiative, a coalition aiming to advance IT outcomes in nursing education, has cited benchmarking and sharing best practices as key to achieving its goals. Thus, this article reports on the process, results, and implications of a project using curriculum strategies to enhance IT outcomes. A 3-year action plan directed faculty, student, and agency evaluation, curriculum mapping, model learning module, and documentation development.
Constructivist Strategies in Online Distance Education in Nursing
Authors: Legg Timothy J. , Adelman Deborah , Mueller Dale , Levitt Cheryle
Published: April 2009

This article reviews the use of constructivism in traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms, as opposed to the online learning environment. The applicability of constructivism to nursing education is discussed. The article concludes with recommendations for online nursing education programs, offering ways that constructivist methodologies can be applied to online distance education.
Enhancing RN-to-BSN Students' Information Literacy Skills Through the Use of Instructional Technology
Authors: Schutt Michelle A. , Hightower Barbara
Published: April 2009

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing advocates that professional nurses have the information literacy skills essential for evidence-based practice. As nursing schools embrace evidence-based models to prepare students for nursing careers, faculty can collaborate with librarians to create engaging learning activities focused on the development of information literacy skills. Instructional technology tools such as course management systems, virtual classrooms, and online tutorials provide opportunities to reach students outside the traditional campus classroom. This article discusses the collaborative process between faculty and a library instruction coordinator and strategies used to create literacy learning activities focused on the development of basic database search skills for a Computers in Nursing course. The activities and an online tutorial were included in a library database module incorporated into WebCT
®
. In addition, synchronous classroom meeting software was used by the librarian to reach students in the distance learn ing environment. Recommendations for module modifications and faculty, librarian, and student evaluations are offered.
Health Assessment in a 2-Week Intensive Format for Second-Degree Baccalaureate Nursing Students
Authors: Yastik Joanne , Anthony Maureen
Published: April 2009

The proliferation of second-degree baccalaureate nursing programs in the United States has led to a critical need for effective strategies to meet the unique learning needs of this group of students. This article describes an innovative approach to delivery of a health assessment course for accelerated nursing students.
Exposing Shame and Its Effect on Clinical Nursing Education
Authors: Bond Mary Ellen
Published: April 2009

Shame is identified as a universal dynamic in education. Brain-based learning theory suggests negative emotions like shame have a powerfully detrimental effect on learning. Shame theory may explain why students have difficulty identifying with professional nursing culture. Yet shame has neither been directly described nor referred to in the context of clinical nursing education. Accordingly, the aim of this article is to raise awareness among nurse educators about shame and its potential effect on students' ability to learn in clinical nursing education. This article examines shame in its many manifestations; the power to shame inherent in the clinical context; the consequences of shame on students' ability to learn; and, finally, the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed by nurse educators to heal and prevent shaming in clinical nursing education.