bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NEW METHOD FOR THE ESTIMATION OF CAPACITY UTILIZATION: THEORY AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM 14 EU COUNTRIES
Authors: Dergiades Theologos , Tsoulfidis Lefteris
Published: September 2007

In this paper, we develop a new and at the same time simple method of obtaining a measure of the rate of capacity utilization (CU) which makes use of the structural vector autoregression (SVAR) system of equation estimating technique with long‐run restrictions. The measure of CU that we derive for each of 14 EU countries replicates to a great extent the European Commission's Directorate General for Economic and Financial Affairs (ECFIN) measure. On closer examination we find that the in‐sample explanatory content with respect to the inflation rate of the SVAR measure exceeds more often than not that of the ECFIN's measure; however, the out‐of‐sample forecasting performance of the two models is approximately equivalent.
FIRM BEHAVIOUR AND FINANCIAL PRESSURE: EVIDENCE FROM SPANISH PANEL DATA
Authors: Benito Andrew , Hernando Ignacio
Published: September 2007

This paper examines responses by firms in Spain to the experience of financial pressure. Using panel data methods applied to a large company panel, a number of aspects of corporate behaviour and the response of each to financial pressure are examined. We consider fixed investment, inventories, employment – distinguishing both permanent and temporary contract employees – and dividend policies. Our results include finding significant effects of financial pressure from borrowing costs on each outcome, particularly investment and employment. The effects on temporary employment are also found to be larger and work through more quickly than on permanent employment.
ADULT EDUCATION AND EARNINGS: EVIDENCE FROM BRITAIN
Authors: Silles Mary A.
Published: September 2007

This paper uses the National Child Development Study to investigate the relationship between adult schooling and labour market earnings for men. In line with several other studies, the findings suggest that there are returns to all educational qualifications acquired early in life. A variety of statistical models are estimated to try to measure the causal effect of adult education on earnings. Careful analysis reveals that there are no genuine returns to additional qualifications awarded in middle adulthood. The central conclusion of this paper is that rates of return to human capital are greater for individuals who were educated early in life.
Molecular phylogenetics of Elateriformia (Coleoptera): evolution of bioluminescence and neoteny
Authors: Bocakova Milada , Bocak Ladislav , Hunt Toby , Teraväinen Marianna , Vogler Alfried P.
Published: September 2007

Phylogenetic relationships in the coleopteran Series Elateriformia (click beetles, jewel beetles, fireflies and allies) were investigated using > 3800 nucleotides of partial nuclear (small and large subunit rRNA genes) and mitochondrial (large subunit rRNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I) gene sequences. The Elateriformia includes several soft‐bodied lineages, some of which retain larviform features in the adult stage (neoteny), and several major bioluminescent groups, including the families Lampyridae (fireflies), Phengodidae and Rhagophthalmidae whose relationships have been contentious. All recognized superfamilies (Elateroidea, Cantharoidea, Byrrhoidea, Buprestoidea, Dascilloidea, Scirtoidea) and 28 of the 37 families, represented in 112 individuals, were included in the analysis. Sequence alignment was based on static and dynamic homology assignments and partial removal of sequences of uncertain homology. Alignment variable regions caused a great deal of uncertainty but also contributed much of the phylogenetic signal that was insufficient to resolve deep relationships when these were removed. The main features of most analyses were the monophyly of Elateroidea + Cantharoidea (= Elateroidea sensu lato), with Omethidae + Telegeusidae frequently occupying the basal node in this group; the affinities of Dascilloidea, Buprestoidea and a (broadly paraphyletic) Byrrhoidea, with unclear relationships among them; and the monophyly of Scirtoidea (including Decliniidae) as a rather distant outgroup to all others. When mapped on the resulting trees, soft‐bodied lineages were polyphyletic, contradicting the former Cantharoidea that had been united by this trait. Transitions to neoteny were either simultaneous with, or subsequent to, the origin of soft‐bodiedness in a minimum of seven lineages. The bioluminescent groups Lampyridae (including the enigmatic genus Drilaster) and the tightly allied Phengodidae + Rhagophthalmidae were never monophyletic. The former showed close relationship to the species‐rich, soft‐bodied families Lycidae and Cantharidae, while the latter grouped with poorly resolved lineages at the base of Elateridae (click beetles). Hence, although key features as soft‐bodiedness, neoteny and bioluminescence in Coleoptera are largely confined to the Elateriformia, they appear to result from multiple origins, showing the propensity of closely related lineages to acquire similar features independently.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2007.
Phospholipid transfer protein activity is determined by type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, and is positively associated with serum transaminases
Authors: Dullaart Robin P. F. , De Vries Rindert , Dallinga‐Thie Geesje M. , Sluiter Wim J. , Van Tol Arie
Published: September 2007

Background  The extent to which plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activity is affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is still unknown. PLTP is synthesized in the liver, and elevated serum transaminases are considered to predict nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we examined the relationship between plasma PLTP activity and liver enzymes in subjects with and without DM and MetS.

Design  Plasma PLTP activity, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured in 71 subjects without DM or MetS, 21 without DM but with MetS, 26 with DM but without MetS and 55 with DM and MetS (WHO and NCEP‐ATP III criteria).

Results  After controlling for age, sex and alcohol intake, PLTP activity was positively related to both MetS (P < 0·001) and DM (P = 0·001). Serum ALT (P = 0·006) and AST (P = 0·04) were both associated with MetS, but only ALT was associated with DM (P < 0·001). In multiple linear regression models, serum ALT and AST were positively and independently associated with PLTP activity (P < 0·01 for all), even when the presence of MetS and DM was taken into account, as well as after controlling for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin resistance, triglycerides, free fatty acids (FFA), C‐reactive protein (CRP), leptin and adiponectin.

Conclusions  Plasma PLTP activity is determined by MetS and by diabetes per se. Serum transaminases are independently associated with PLTP activity. We suggest that this lipid transfer protein may be a marker for NAFLD.
Do water molecules bridge soil organic matter molecule segments?
Authors: Schaumann G. E. , Bertmer M.
Published: September 2007

One of the most valuable ecological potentials of soil organic matter (SOM) is based on its highly dynamic nature, which enables flexible reactions to a variety of environmental conditions. SOM controls a large part of the processes occurring at biogeochemical interfaces in soil and may contribute to sequestration of organic chemicals. This contribution focuses on dynamics in SOM from a viewpoint that regards SOM as an amorphous matrix, in which weak intermolecular interactions rather than covalent binding are considered. This view is based on the conception of SOM as a supramolecular assembly, which was first suggested in studies by A. Piccolo and R. L. Wershaw. Based on our recent results on thermal analysis of SOM, our central hypothesis is that regardless of the individual molecular mass, SOM undergoes physicochemical matrix aging, driven by dynamics in intermolecular cross‐linking via bridges of water molecules. In this study, we have made the first efforts to evaluate the water‐bridge hypothesis with proton NMR relaxation and proton wideline NMR. The results clearly indicate changes in relaxation time and proton line shape induced by manipulations of thermal history, which suggests an increase in side‐chain mobility upon heating that remains after cooling. Side‐chain mobility slowly decreases again within at least 1–2 weeks. Our current results strongly suggest even longer aging periods. This observation supports the hypothesis that water molecules bridge molecular segments of SOM. The bridges may be easily disrupted, while re‐formation is slow due to diffusion limitation in the SOM matrix.
Responses of soil respiration to elevated CO2, air warming, and changing soil water availability in a model old‐field grassland
Authors: WAN SHIQIANG , NORBY RICHARD J. , LEDFORD JOANNE , WELTZIN JAKE F.
Published: September 2007

Responses of soil respiration to atmospheric and climatic change will have profound impacts on ecosystem and global carbon (C) cycling in the future. This study was conducted to examine effects on soil respiration of the concurrent driving factors of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration, air warming, and changing precipitation in a constructed old‐field grassland in eastern Tennessee, USA. Model ecosystems of seven old‐field species were established in open‐top chambers and treated with factorial combinations of ambient or elevated (+300 ppm) CO2 concentration, ambient or elevated (+3 °C) air temperature, and high or low soil moisture content. During the 19‐month experimental period from June 2003 to December 2004, higher CO2 concentration and soil water availability significantly increased mean soil respiration by 35.8% and 15.7%, respectively. The effects of air warming on soil respiration varied seasonally from small reductions to significant increases to no response, and there was no significant main effect. In the wet side of elevated CO2 chambers, air warming consistently caused increases in soil respiration, whereas in the other three combinations of CO2 and water treatments, warming tended to decrease soil respiration over the growing season but increase it over the winter. There were no interactive effects on soil respiration among any two or three treatment factors irrespective of time period. Treatment‐induced changes in soil temperature and moisture together explained 49%, 44%, and 56% of the seasonal variations of soil respiration responses to elevated CO2, air warming, and changing precipitation, respectively. Additional indirect effects of seasonal dynamics and responses of plant growth on C substrate supply were indicated. Given the importance of indirect effects of the forcing factors and plant community dynamics on soil temperature, moisture, and C substrate, soil respiration response to climatic warming should not be represented in models as a simple temperature response function, and a more mechanistic representation including vegetation dynamics and substrate supply is needed.
Elevated atmospheric CO2: a nurse plant substitute for oak seedlings establishing in old fields
Authors: DAVIS MARK A. , REICH PETER B. , KNOLL MARY J. B. , DOOLEY LEE , HUNDTOFT MARJORIE , ATTLESON INGRID
Published: September 2007

It has been hypothesized that elevated levels of atmospheric CO2 (eCO2) may facilitate the encroachment of woody plants into grasslands by reducing water stress. In east‐central Minnesota, sandy soils frequently create drought conditions for plants, and water limitation inhibits the establishment of oaks into old fields situated on these soils. Some have argued that eCO2 should slow secondary succession by favoring fast‐growing early successional species. However, if oak encroachment into old fields is being inhibited by water stress, then eCO2 could accelerate old‐field succession in this region. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that eCO2 will increase the establishment success of oak seedlings in an old field environment. The study was conducted with CO2 levels controlled by free air CO2 enrichment (FACE). In May 1999, four oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) acorns were planted in each of 24 plots in each of six experimental FACE rings (n= 576), three of which received elevated levels (550 ppm) of CO2. Half the plots in each ring were weeded during the first three summers of the experiment. In summer 2000, water input was manipulated during a 3.5‐week period, during which half the plots received regular watering while the other half received no water. Summer 2001 was dry, receiving 35% less rainfall than the mean level. Under hot and dry conditions, eCO2 increased soil water levels in unweeded plots and enhanced oak establishment (survival and growth) in weeded plots. In 2006, after the eighth growing season following planting, survival was five times greater under elevated than ambient CO2. The results showed that under hot and dry conditions, eCO2 can act like a nurse plant for tree seedlings growing in bare and unshaded areas, increasing seedling survival and growth, and thereby expanding the establishment window for trees encroaching into a grassland environment.
Ecosystem responses to water and nitrogen amendment in a California grassland
Authors: HARPOLE W. STANLEY , POTTS DANIEL L. , SUDING KATHARINE N.
Published: September 2007

The world's ecosystems are experiencing simultaneous changes in the supply of multiple limiting resources. Two of these, water and nitrogen (N) can strongly limit grassland production and can affect community composition and biogeochemical cycles in different ways. Grassland ecosystems in California may be particularly vulnerable to current and predicted changes in precipitation and N deposition, and ecosystem responses to potential interactive effects of water and N are not well understood. Here, we show strong colimitation of plant production resulting from factorial addition of water and N. In addition, water and N addition in combination led to increased dominance of the two most abundant grass species, while N addition regardless of water availability led to decreased species diversity. Late season carbon (C) flux response to water addition depended on N. Only plots that received additional water, but not N, still showed net ecosystem C uptake at the end of the experiment. Our results suggest that grassland ecosystem response to N deposition will be strongly dependent on future precipitation patterns.
p63 expression in ovarian tumours: a marker for Brenner tumours but not transitional cell carcinomas
Authors: Liao X Y , Xue W C , Shen D H , Ngan H Y S , Siu M K , Cheung A N
Published: September 2007

Aims:  To investigate p63 expression in ovarian neoplasms.

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemistry using an antibody that detects all p63 isoforms was performed on 103 primary ovarian neoplasms of different histological types. Diffuse nuclear immunoreactivity of p63 was demonstrated in the 17 benign and five borderline Brenner tumours. Only one of the six malignant Brenner tumours displayed p63 expression. p63 immunoreactivity was absent in all the ovarian transitional cell carcinomas (TCC), but was demonstrated extensively in TCCs of the urinary bladder. Besides focal p63 expression in epidermal basal cells of immature and mature teratomas, all other ovarian lesions were devoid of p63 expression. p63 expression was also demonstrated in cervical transitional cell metaplasia and Walthard cell nests of fallopian tubes.

Conclusions:  Expression of p63 protein is apparently cell lineage specific and in ovarian neoplasms is confined to benign and borderline Brenner tumours. The loss of expression in malignant Benner tumours suggests a role for p63 in Brenner carcinogenesis. The distinct patterns of p63 expression in TCCs in the ovary and urinary bladder may help in their differential diagnosis.
Immunohistochemical detection of galectin‐1 in renal biopsy specimens of children and its possible role in proteinuric glomerulopathies
Authors: Ostalska‐Nowicka D , Zachwieja J , Nowicki M , Kaczmarek E , Siwińska A , Witt M
Published: September 2007

Aims:  Galectin‐1 is an endogenous lectin that specifically binds to β‐galactoside structures. It has been associated with developmental mechanisms ranging from differentiation to apoptosis and exerts immunoregulatory functions in autoimmune diseases. The aim was to determine the immunohistochemical expression of galectin‐1 in renal biopsy specimens of children with primary idiopathic proteinuric glomerulopathies.

Methods and results:  We examined 18 children with minimal change disease (MCD), 30 with diffuse mesangial proliferation (DMP) and 11 with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). An indirect immunohistochemical protocol using a polyclonal antibody directed against galectin‐1 was applied. Galectin‐1 was detected in renal podocytes in DMP and FSGS cases, while control glomeruli and MCD were negative. Galectin‐1 immunoreactivity was found within parietal epithelial cells in patients with FSGS.

Conclusions:  These results suggest a possible role for galectin‐1 in the pathogenesis of primary glomerulopathies in children as a kind of podocyte‐related self‐protective activity and probably involvement of epithelial cells of Bowman’s capsule in inflammatory processes. Immunohistochemistry using galectin‐1 antibodies may further be helpful in histological distinction between MCD and DMP.
Pitfalls in the diagnosis of prostatic cancer: retrospective review of 1791 cases with clinical outcome
Authors: Berney D M , Fisher G , Kattan M W , Oliver R T D , Møller H , Fearn P , Eastham J , Scardino P , Cuzick J , Reuter V E , Foster C S
Published: September 2007

Aims:  To assess the possible reasons for error in the diagnosis of prostatic cancer with available follow‐up data.

Method and results:  A cohort of 1791 cases of prostatic cancer diagnosed in the UK between 1990 and 1996 was examined. All cases were clinically localized at presentation, treated by non‐curative methods and detailed follow‐up was available. A panel of genitourinary pathologists reviewed the pathology of all cases. One hundred and thirty‐three (7.5%) of cases were reassigned to a non‐malignant diagnosis. Where possible, reasons for the initial diagnosis were given. These included severe atrophy, inflammatory induced atypia, sclerosing adenosis, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and basal cell hyperplasia. Follow‐up of these patients showed an extremely low death rate from prostatic cancer: lower than that for the Gleason combined score of five or less tumours diagnosed in this series.

Conclusions:  Many morphological entities potentially mimic prostatic cancer and may be responsible for misdiagnosis in routine specimens. Continuing education in prostatic morphology and immunohistochemistry may have helped reduce this error rate.
Alteration of adhesion molecule expression and cellular polarity in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cao Y , Chang H , Li L , Cheng R‐C , Fan X‐N
Published: September 2007

Aims:  To study the expression of adhesion molecules in human liver and their possible roles during hepatocarcinogenesis.

Methods and results:  The expression of adhesion molecules in normal liver tissues, benign including probable premalignant lesions and malignant lesions was systematically investigated by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. In normal liver, both hepatocytes and bile duct cells expressed symplekin, desmoglein 1/2, desmocollin 2, desmoplakin and plakophilin 2, but did not express desmocollin 1/3 or plakophilin 1. In benign hepatocyte lesions, expression of the adherens junctions and desmosomes was uniform and slightly increased, but symplekin appeared to show reduced expression in dysplastic lesions. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the expression of adhesion molecules was often heterogeneous and of abnormal location. Tumour cells with an abnormal distribution or loss of adhesion molecules showed an apolar arrangement of tissue architecture. The expression levels of the adhesion molecules correlated with the differentiation grades of HCC cells.

Conclusions:  The decreased expression of symplekin may be an early step in the transformation of hepatocytes, whereas alteration of the expression of adherens junctions and desmosomes may indicate more serious changes.
Antioxidant and pro‐oxidant properties of chlorhexidine and its interaction with calcium hydroxide solutions
Authors: Yeung S. Y. , Huang C. S. , Chan C. P. , Lin C. P. , Lin H. N. , Lee P. H. , Jia H. W. , Huang S. K. , Jeng J. H. , Chang M. C.
Published: September 2007

Aim  To evaluate the antioxidant and pro‐oxidant properties of chlorhexidine (CHX).

Methodology  The scavenging and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by CHX in the presence or absence of saturated Ca(OH)2 solutions was evaluated. The reaction emitted chemiluminescence in the presence of lucigenin thus was determined by a luminometer to evaluate the levels of ROS production. Changes in DNA conformation were analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Paired Student's t‐test was used to compare the difference between groups.

Results  Chlorhexidine (0.00002–0.02%) effectively scavenged 56–88% of the superoxide radicals generated by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase reaction. Through analysis of PUC18 DNA conformation changes, CHX was shown to be a mild scavenger of hydroxyl radicals generated by H2O2 plus FeCl2. However, CHX (>0.083%) decreased the mobility of PUC18 plasmid DNA with potential production of DNA–DNA cross‐link and severe DNA breaks (presence of DNA smear) at further higher concentrations. Furthermore, CHX induced ROS production including H2O2 and superoxide radicals in 0.1N NaOH (pH = 12.76) or Ca(OH)2 (pH = 12.5) solutions.

Conclusion  Chlorhexidine exhibited both antioxidant and pro‐oxidant properties under different conditions. These events are possibly involved in the killing of root canal and periodontal microorganisms when CHX and Ca(OH)2 were used in combination or separately. Potential genotoxicity and tissue damage when extruded into the periradicular tissue and at higher concentrations should be considered during periodontal and endodontic practice.
A 20‐year follow‐up study of endodontic variables and apical status in a Swedish population
Authors: Eckerbom M. , Flygare L. , Magnusson T.
Published: September 2007

Aim  To re‐examine a population after 20 years and evaluate changes in prevalence of endodontic treatment and apical periodontitis, as well as the technical quality of root fillings.

Methodology  One hundred and fifteen out of an original 200 patients living in the northern part of Sweden were re‐examined with a full mouth radiographic survey after 20 years. Frequencies of root canal treated teeth, apical periodontitis and quality parameters of root fillings were registered.

Results  The frequency of root canal treated teeth increased significantly (P < 0.05) from 13.9% at the first investigation to 17.7% after 20 years. There was also a statistically significant increase (P < 0.05) in teeth with apical periodontitis from 3.3% to 6.8%. Apical periodontitis both in connection with root canal treated teeth and teeth without endodontic treatment, had increased during the follow‐up period. Even though the quality of the root fillings had improved, there was no corresponding improvement of the apical status in teeth with root fillings.

Conclusions  There is still a great need for endodontic treatment in the Swedish population, and no improvement in apical health was found during this 20‐year follow up.
Glucose penetration and fluid transport through coronal root structure and filled root canals
Authors: Shemesh H. , Van Den Bos M. , Wu M.‐K. , Wesselink P. R.
Published: September 2007

Aim  To measure glucose penetration and fluid transport through coronal root structure and compare it with leakage along the coronal region of root fillings.

Methodology  A total of 50 single‐rooted teeth were selected and divided into three groups. Ten roots were sectioned longitudinally and the apical portion was removed leaving a total length of 9 mm. These 20 half‐roots served as group 1: root structure (n = 20). The canals of the remaining 40 roots were prepared to size 50 and filled with vertically compacted injectable filling material and sealer. Group 2: Resilon + Epiphany (n = 20) and group 3: gutta‐percha + AH26 (n = 20). The apical portion of the root was removed. Glucose penetration through the coronal root structure and coronal root fillings was checked over a period of 4 weeks and fluid transport was measured after completion of the glucose penetration test. Differences between the groups were statistically analysed with the Kruskal–Wallis test and the Mann–Whitney test.

Results  The three groups presented significantly different glucose penetration (P < 0.05). The two groups of filled canals showed significant glucose leakage whilst the root structure group did not show any leakage. In the fluid transport model, the root structure group also did not show any leakage. No significant difference in leakage existed between the two vertically compacted filling materials, Resilon with Epiphany sealer and gutta‐percha with AH26 in both models (P > 0.05).

Conclusion  Under the conditions of this study, in both models used, no leakage was observed through root structure. Filled canals were associated with penetration of glucose regardless of the material used.
Push‐out bond strengths of the dentine–sealer interface with and without a main cone
Authors: Jainaen A. , Palamara J. E. A. , Messer H. H.
Published: September 2007

Aim  To evaluate the push‐out bond strength of the dentine–sealer interface with and without main cone for three resin sealers.

Methodology  Thirty extracted maxillary premolar teeth with two separate canals were prepared using 0.04 taper Profile instruments to size 35–45. Teeth were divided into three groups for filling using AH Plus™, EndoREZ® or Resilon® sealers. In each tooth, one canal was filled with a matching single‐cone technique, and other was filled with sealer alone. A 1 mm slice of mid‐root dentine was prepared for the push‐out test. Failure modes after push‐out were examined under microscopy and field emission‐scanning electron microscopy. Data were analysed using two‐way anova and paired t‐tests, with significance set at P < 0.05.

Results  Overall, the epoxy resin‐based sealer provided the highest push‐out bond strengths. Push‐out bond strengths were significantly higher (P < 0.001) when canals were filled with sealer alone than those filled with main cone and sealer (AH Plus™ 6.6 and 2.0 MPa, respectively; Resilon® 3.4 and 0.4 MPa; EndoREZ® 0.9 and 0.4 MPa). Sealers appeared to behave differently as thin films in association with a main cone, compared with bulk material. They failed in cohesive mode within the thin film, leaving a layer of sealer on the canal surface. Bulk sealer showed predominantly adhesive failure at the dentine–sealer interface, with a clean dentine wall and with resin tags either partially pulled out or sheared off at the interface.

Conclusion  Push‐out bond strengths of resin sealers were much lower when the sealer was present as a thin layer.
Maternal smoking in pregnancy and reproductive hormones in adult sons
Authors: Ramlau‐Hansen C. H. , Thulstrup A. M. , Olsen J. , Ernst E. , Andersen C. Y. , Bonde J. P.
Published: September 2007

Smoking during pregnancy has been reported to alter levels of reproductive hormones in adult sons. From a Danish pregnancy cohort established in 1984–1987, 347 out of 5109 sons were selected according to their exposure to tobacco smoke in foetal life. From February 2005 to January 2006, a blood sample from each young man (18–21 years) was collected and analysed for reproductive hormones. There were no apparent trends of increasing or decreasing hormonal levels with increased exposure to maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy. Only the free testosterone/free estradiol ratios increased with increased maternal smoking during pregnancy (p for trend = 0.05). No trends for increasing odds ratios for high follicle‐stimulating hormone (≥25 percentile) or low inhibin B (≤25 percentile) in relation to maternal smoking were observed. We found no major indication of long‐term effects of pre‐natal exposure to tobacco smoke on the levels of reproductive hormones later in life, but the data may suggest a shift in the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐gonadal axis towards higher androgenicity. This result was, however, of only borderline significance and could be because of chance.
Massive deletion in AZFb/b+c and azoospermia with Sertoli cell only and/or maturation arrest
Authors: Yang Y. , Ma M. Y. , Xiao C. Y. , Li L. , Li S. W. , Zhang S. Z.
Published: September 2007

Recent studies have revealed that AZF deletion in Y chromosome is the most common known molecular genetic cause of spermatogenetic failure leading to male infertility. Characteristics of AZFa, AZFb and AZFc deletions and their association with spermatogenic impairment have been reported in a large number of populations. However, the distributions of those larger deletions resulted from P5/proximal‐P1, P5/distal‐P1 and P4/distal‐P1 recombinations are still unclear as the literature on their frequencies is limited, and the contribution of these deletions to spermatogenetic failure remain to be confirmed by population studies. In this study, we investigated such massive deletions in 387 idiopathic azoospermic, 269 oligozoospermic patients and 315 men with normal spermatogenesis using 21 AZFb/c specific sequence‐tagged sites. As a result, nine uninterrupted massive deletions were observed exclusively in men with azoospermia caused by either Sertoli cell only (SCO) or maturation arrest (MA). Prevalence of the deletion was 2.33%, in which five deletions arose from non‐allelic homologous recombination between the palindromes P5 and P1 and two between P4 and P1. In other two deletions, novel proximal breakpoints in the interval region between P4 and P3 were observed. Our findings strongly support that the massive deletions in the AZFb or AZFb+c regions are important genetic causes of SCO and/or MA resulting in azoospermia and, besides the P5/proximal‐P1, P5/distal‐P1 and P4/distal‐P1 deletions there may be other massive deletions in these regions resulting in severe spermatogenic impairment.
Promoting evidence‐based childhood fever management through a peer education programme based on the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Edwards Helen , Walsh Anne , Courtney Mary , Monaghan Sarah , Wilson Jenny , Young Jeanine
Published: September 2007

Aims and objectives.  This study examined effectiveness of a theoretically based education programme in reducing inappropriate antipyretic use in fever management.

Background.  Paediatric nurses’ inconsistent, ritualistic antipyretic use in fever management is influenced by many factors including inconsistent beliefs and parental requests. Determinants of antipyretic administration, identified by the theory of planned behaviour, were belief‐based attitudes and subjective norms.

Design.  A quasi‐experiment explored group effects of a peer education programme, based on the theory of planned behaviour, on factors influencing paediatric nurses’ antipyretic administration. Surveys and chart audits collected data from medical wards at experimental and control hospitals one month pre and one and four months postpeer education programme.

Methods.  All nurses employed in targeted wards were eligible to participate in surveys and all eligible charts were audited. The peer education programme consisted of four one‐hour sessions targeting evidence‐based knowledge, myths and misconceptions, normative, attitudinal and control influences over and rehearsal of evidence‐based fever management. All nurses in experimental hospital targeted wards were eligible to attend. Peer education and support facilitated session information reaching those unable to attend sessions.

Results.  Two‐way univariate anovas explored between subject, experimental and control group and within subject factors, pre, post and latency data. Significant interactions in normative influence (p = 0·01) and intentions (p = 0·01), a significant main group effect in control influence (p = 0·01) and a significant main effect between audit data across time points (p = 0·03) highlight peer education programme effectiveness in behaviour change. Normative, control and intention changes postpeer education programme were maintained in latency data; mean temperature was not.

Conclusion.  The peer education programme, based on a behaviour change theory, initiated and maintained evidence‐based intentions for antipyretics use in fever management.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The promotion of evidence‐based change in organizational unit intentions and behaviour highlights the crucial role peer support and education can play in continuing educational programmes.
The meaning of women's experience of living with long‐term urinary incontinence is powerlessness
Authors: Hägglund Doris , Ahlström Gerd
Published: September 2007

Aim.  The aim was to illuminate the meaning of women's experiences of living with urinary incontinence (UI).

Background.  Living with long‐term UI means a variety of consequences for everyday life. Women's narratives about their lived experiences are important in enabling nurses to better understand and to help women achieve symptom control. No previous study could be found that has focused on the meaning of women's experience of living with UI from a symptom management perspective.

Method.  Fourteen women with UI (range: 34–52 years) who had sought professional help were interviewed. A phenomenological hermeneutic method was used to analyse and interpret the interview texts.

Findings.  The women's experiences of living with UI are presented in terms of two interlaced themes of being in a vulnerable situation and striving for adjustment. Being in a vulnerable situation means that the women had no control over UI and experienced powerlessness. The sub‐themes in this case were living with an uncontrolled body, living with incontinence as taboo and experiencing a less satisfying encounter. Striving for adjustment means that the women tried to handle their incontinence in different ways to regain power and continue to live as normal. The sub‐themes here were living in readiness, making urine leakage comprehensible, accepting living with UI and being familiar with the situation.

Conclusion.  The meaning of women's experience of living with UI is powerlessness.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses should supervise women in pelvic floor muscle training to achieve control over incontinence, thereby helping them regain power. Additionally, Integrated Approach to Symptom Management can help nurses enhance women's self‐care abilities.
Development and evaluation of standardized protocol to prevent nasoenteral tube obstruction in cardiac patients requiring enteral nutrition with restricted fluid volumes
Authors: Matsuba Claudia ST , De Gutiérrez Maria GR , Whitaker Iveth Y
Published: September 2007

Aims and objectives.  This study sought to assess the impact of a standardized protocol to maintain nasoenteral tube (NET) patency in patients requiring fluid restriction and identify factors associated with tube patency.

Background.  Nasoenteral tube obstruction may interrupt nutritional support and prohibit drug administration. Balancing NET patency in the context of fluid restriction can be a challenge.

Design and methods.  The impact of the standardized protocol was assessed by using a quasi‐experimental design and an historical control.

Results.  Sixty patients receiving nasoenteral feeding as part of their clinical management were enrolled in the study. Nasoenteral obstruction was 8·3%, showing a reduction from the 17·4% observed in the baseline data collection. A key factor associated with tube obstruction was sounding of an infusion pump alarm reflecting the tube patency issues.

Conclusions.  While mindful of the limitations of probability sampling, the implementation of a standardized protocol accompanied by staff training reduced the rates of NET obstruction.

Relevance to clinical practice.  On the basis of these findings, we conclude that it is possible to maintain the patency of small bore tubes, even in the presence of fluid restriction, with a standardized protocol to guide clinical management.
Overcoming health inequalities by using the Bug Busting ‘whole‐school approach’ to eradicate head lice
Authors: Ibarra Joanna , Fry Frances , Clarice Wickenden , Olsen Alice , Vander Stichele Robert H , Lapeere Hilde , Maryan Jenner , Franks Andrea , Smith Jane L
Published: September 2007

Aims and Objectives.  The aim of this paper was to illustrate the socially inclusive nature of the Bug Busting ‘whole‐school approach’ to head louse eradication.

Background.  In the UK, Belgium and Denmark, persistent head lice in families of all socio‐economic status (SES) is a problem. Since 1995 in the UK and 1998 elsewhere, an educational programme intended to teach families how to detect and treat head lice by using the Bug Busting wet combing method has been organized in some areas. Local schools lead this community strategy for prevention, known as a ‘whole‐school approach’ (UK).

Design and methods.  We describe five studies applying the Bug Busting approach, four set in districts where some disadvantaged families live (UK and Belgium) and a fifth set in Denmark. Feasibility and consumer satisfaction are examined. One UK study analyses data on area prescribing for head lice and the impact in a deprived locality of raising the profile of Bug Busting.

Results.  We find parental education in Bug Busting enables families of all SES to participate in a ‘whole‐school approach’ to head lice. Best results are obtained when each family has a Bug Buster Kit. This provides all the combs necessary with full instructions on their use with ordinary shampoo and conditioner to detect lice, eradicate an infestation mechanically, or to check the success of any treatment.

In the UK, the promotion of the Bug Busting approach is reducing primary care expenditure on treatment for head lice and professional time spent with worried parents. As a result, healthcare providers can give time to the few families who require one‐to‐one guidance.

Relevance to Clinical Practice.  Incorporation of the Bug Busting approach to head lice into clinical practice in school communities contributes to sustainable control whilst overcoming health inequalities in participating families.
How do nurses record pedagogical activities? Nurses’ documentation in patient records in a cardiac rehabilitation unit for patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Bergh Anne‐Louise , Bergh Claes‐Håkan , Friberg Febe
Published: September 2007

Aims.  To describe the use of pedagogically related keywords and the content of notes connected to these keywords, as they appear in nursing records in a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery rehabilitation unit.

Background.  Nursing documentation is an important component of clinical practice and is regulated by law in Sweden. Studies have been carried out in order to evaluate the educational and rehabilitative needs of patients following CABG surgery but, as yet, no study has contained an in‐depth evaluation of how nurses document pedagogical activities in the records of these patients.

Methods.  The records of 265 patients admitted to a rehabilitation unit following CABG surgery were analysed. The records were structured in accordance with the VIPS model. Using this model, pedagogically related keywords: communication, cognition/development and information/education were selected. The analysis of the data consisted of three parts: the frequency with which pedagogically related keywords are used, the content and the structure of the notes.

Results.  Apart from the term ‘communication’, pedagogically related keywords were seldom used. Communication appeared in all records describing limitations, although no explicit reference was made to pedagogical activities. The notes related to cognition/development were grouped into the following themes: nurses’ actions, assessment of knowledge and provision of information, advice and instructions as well as patients’ wishes and experiences. The themes related to information were the provision of information and advice in addition to relevant nursing actions. The structure of the documentation was simple.

Conclusions.  The documentation of pedagogical activities in nursing records was infrequent and inadequate.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The patients’ need for knowledge and the nurses’ teaching must be documented in the patient records so as to clearly reflect the frequency and quality of pedagogical activities.
Psychometric evaluation of Self‐Assessed Support Needs of women with breast cancer Scale
Authors: Erci Behice
Published: September 2007

Aims.  The issue of self‐assessed support needs of women with breast cancer has not been studied enough although it is an important subject for women's health in Turkey. Most of the studies concerning breast cancer patients are about quality of life and life satisfaction. This study aimed to adapt an English version of the Self‐Assessed Support Needs of women with breast cancer Scale for Turkish women with breast cancer and to evaluate its psychometric properties.

Design.  A descriptive study.

Methods.  The sample consisted of 143 women with breast cancer who attended the outpatient and inpatient oncology clinics. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire including demographic characteristics and the Self‐Assessed Support Needs of women with breast cancer Scale. Item analysis, principal components analysis, internal consistency reliability and Cronbach's alpha were used to measure the psychometric properties of the 54‐item scale.

Results.  In the assessment of construct validity, the principal components method of factor analysis was performed. Seven factors were identified with eigenvalues >1 explained 52·1% of the total variance (diagnosis, treatment, support, femininity and body image, family and friends, information and after care). Internal reliability coefficients of these seven factor‐based scales were found to be substantial, ranging from 0·71 to 0·84.

Conclusion.  The present study provides evidence of the Self‐Assessed Support Needs of women with breast cancer Scale's validity, reliability and acceptability. This scale should be further evaluated; with a large enough sample size, in different regions in Turkey and diverse populations of world.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The scale has potential applications. It can be used both as a research or a regular screening tool with clinical settings. The use of the scale in clinics will enable identification of self‐management activities in patients with breast cancer. Assessment of the self‐assessed support needs of women with breast cancer should be an essential part of nursing practice.
Preparing for pandemic influenza: revisit the basics
Authors: Chan Wai Fong , Wong Thomas KS
Published: September 2007

Aims and objectives.  This paper attempts to address the global concern of the possible pandemic of influenza and avian influenza. In doing this, some unfounded beliefs related to influenza vaccines and antiviral treatment and prophylaxis are explored. This study also describes the essential measures for getting prepared.

Background.  Based on the current epidemiology, availability of vaccines, antiviral prophylaxis and treatment and experience from SARS outbreak, the authors suggested that basic infection control measures should be emphasized to prepare for the pandemic. These measures include personal and environmental hygiene, surveillance and infection control precautions and education.

Conclusion.  The authors provide evidence and explanations to demystify pandemic influenza and recommend measures that help to prevent cross infection.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Although the preparedness is everyone's business, nurses play a crucial and indispensable role in this exercise. With prepared personnel, facilities and good infection control practices, nosocomial spread of the disease and pandemic can be prevented.
Errors in the administration of intravenous medication in Brazilian hospitals
Authors: Anselmi Maria Luiza , Peduzzi Marina , Dos Santos Claudia Benedita
Published: September 2007

Aim.  To verify the frequency of errors in the preparation and administration of intravenous medication in three Brazilian hospitals in the State of Bahia.

Background.  The administration of intravenous medications constitutes a central activity in Brazilian nursing. Errors in performing this activity may result in irreparable damage to patients and may compromise the quality of care.

Design.  Cross‐sectional study, conducted in three hospitals in the State of Bahia, Brazil.

Methods.  Direct observation of the nursing staff (nurse technicians, auxiliary nurses and nurse attendants), preparing and administering intravenous medication.

Results.  When preparing medication, wrong patient error did not occur in any of the three hospitals, whereas omission dose was the most frequent error in all study sites. When administering medication, the most frequent errors in the three hospitals were wrong dose and omission dose.

Conclusions.  The rates of error found are considered low compared with similar studies. The most frequent types of errors were wrong dose and omission dose. The hospitals studied showed different results with the smallest rates of errors occurring in hospital 1 that presented the best working conditions.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Studies such as this one have the potential to improve the quality of care.
Putting policy into practice: pre‐ and posttests of implementing standardized languages for nursing documentation
Authors: Thoroddsen Asta , Ehnfors Margareta
Published: September 2007

Aims and objectives.  To describe the change in documentation of the nursing process in all inpatient wards in a 900‐bed university hospital. Major research question was what are the differences between before and after implementation of documentation policy related to the steps of the nursing process?

Background.  Implementation of standardized languages has been shown to be difficult to accomplish in clinical practice. Patients are the source of data and their conditions, responses and well‐being should be reflected in the nursing record. As such, nursing documentation can create the premises for the development of new knowledge in nursing and the improvement of nursing performance and can provide data and information necessary for nursing researchers to evaluate the quality of interventions and participate in the formulation of healthcare policy. This study is part of longitudinal project to prepare nurses for electronic documentation within the interdisciplinary health record and to improve documentation of nursing using standardized languages.

Design and method.  A cross‐sectional study design was used: a pretest (n = 355 nursing records) for baseline status of nursing documentation, an intervention and a post‐test (n = 349 nursing records) to obtain data on nursing documentation. The year‐long intervention comprised planned work in groups, and educational and supporting efforts.

Results.  A statistically significant improvement was found in the use of Functional Health Patterns for documentation of nursing assessment, NANDA for nursing diagnoses and Nursing Interventions Classification for nursing interventions in documentation of daily nursing care for inpatients.

Conclusion.  At all organizational levels intervention aimed at putting policy regarding documentation into clinical practice considerably improved daily use of standardized nursing languages.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses need to use standardized language to document patient care data in the electronic health record and to demonstrate contributions to nursing care.