bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Method for Linking Health and Social Training Courses of Medium Length to Research
Authors: Svenson Britta E.
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT By means of a process of pragmatic and philosophical investigation set out in three stages a method has been successively developed and set to work for linking health and social training courses of medium length to research. This method consists of strategies and prescriptive models. In the first stage the training is organised and the teachers' frames of references are developed. During the second stage an intensified identification of the major subjects and professional competences is started, by means of the feedback process inherent in the strategy. On this follows the further identification of relevant fields of research—elucidated by the prescriptive models—by means of a research process. From the third stage, which comprises a solid research and developmental programme, consisting of three principal phases, the prescriptive models are directive. In the last phase these models provide the criteria for the analysis of the follow‐up and results of the research link within training courses.
Problems of Basic Nursing Care in Acutely Confused and Non‐confused Hip‐fracture Patients
Authors: Brännström Benny , Gustafson Yngve , Norberg Astrid , Winblad Bengt
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT Thirty‐five patients operated on for femoral neck fracture were studied. Fifteen (42.9%) became acutely confused after surgery. Problems in the 14 components of basic nursing care (Henderson 1964), were identified by means of interviews with the patients and their caregivers. The quantitative analysis of the results showed that significantly more of the acutely confused patients had problems in nine out of 14 components of basic nursing care as compared with the non‐confused patients. The qualitative analysis showed that the problems of the non‐confused patients were mostly caused by the fracture and by hospitalisation. The same problems were also present among the acutely confused patients who, in addition, had problems which arose from the acute confusional state.
Insulin‐dependent Diabetes Mellitus and Quality of Life
Authors: Hanestad Berit Rokne
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT Insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) affects the overall life situation of the individual. The term “quality of life” means each individual person's estimation of what it means to have a good life. There are many aspects of diabetes which will influence to a greater or lesser extent each individual's degree of satisfaction with his/her life. This theoretical analysis shows that there is no direct connection between reduced quality of life and IDDM. There is a need, however, for empirical investigations which will provide a better understanding of the relationship between quality of life and IDDM.
Urostomy Appliances and Stoma Care Routines
Authors: Nordström Gun M. , Borglund Erik , Nyman Claes R.
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. The aim of the study was to describe types of appliances and stoma care routines and evaluate their relation to peristomal skin complications. Sixty‐six patients with a cutaneous uretero‐ileostomy were interviewed and the peristomal skin was assessed according to Classification of Peristomal Skin (CPS). The results show a conservatism regarding the types of appliance and the stoma care routines. More than half of the patients used the same product at follow‐up as they were initially fitted with three to 14 years earlier. The routines adopted by the patients were often inadequate, resulting in skin complications. Continuous exposure of the skin to urine by creation of a too wide opening in the face‐plate and infrequent changing of the appliance resulted in development of pseudoverrucose skin lesions.
The Nurses Transmissions of the Professional Role to Students in Nursing Education
Authors: Ödling Gunvor , Ohlsson Maud , Danielson Ella
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. In the reformed nursing education, introduced in Sweden in 1982, the emphasis is placed on nursing as the nurse's distinguishing characteristic. The profession comprises many coexisting functions, one of which is to transmit the professional role to the student of nursing. With the aim of acquiring knowledge concerning this transmission we analysed one topic of a questionnaire which was sent to the nurses at surgery clinics. This material was processed qualitatively. The answers crystallised into two categories discerning how the role is transmitted: (A) Conscious Approach, (B) Unconscious Approach. The results show that most of the nurses acted in a conscious manner, i.e. in a form of active influence on the students, in their transmission of the professional role. The unconscious approach, with a vague perception of, and therefore vague transmission of, the professional role is frequent.
Distress Associated with Urinary Incontinence, as Measured by a Visual Analogue Scale
Authors: Vinsnes Anne Guttormsen , Hunskaar Steinar
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. Objectives—To estimate patients' subjective perception of having urinary incontinence by using a visual analogue scale, and to assess the scale as a preliminary diagnostical tool.

Design—Four groups: middle age or elderly, urge or stress symptoms. Interviews by using a symptom questionnaire, and scores by using a visual analogue scale.

Subjects—Thirty‐six women aged 40–60 years, and fourty women aged 70 or elderly were randomly selected from a resource and information centre for incontinent people.

Main results—Women generally experienced urinary incontinence as distressing. Women with urge symptoms had higher scores than women with stress symptoms, and the middle aged women scored higher than the elderly. The study did not support the view that a visual analogue scale can be used as a diagnostic tool.
The Autonomy of Nurses in High Dependency Care.
Authors: Elander Gunnel , Hermerén Göran
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study is to enquire into the kind of ethical dilemmas reported by nurses in the high dependency health care sector. Nurses from different intensive care units at one British hospital were interviewed. The interviews, which were tape recorded, show that nurses often found themselves in conflict between the patient's interests and those of other people, such as physicians, relatives, other patients, colleagues, etc. Competing loyalties and role conflicts contributed to complicate the nurses' ethical problems.
The Oldest Old: Patterns of Adjustment and Life Experiences
Authors: Carlsson Margareta , Berg Stig , Wenestam Claes‐Göran
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. A qualitative method was used to study the life experiences and the adjustment to very old age of a non‐institutionalized population of 129 85‐year‐olds living in Gothenburg, Sweden. In‐depth interviews were analyzed and categorized and seven patterns of adjustment emerged: Self‐Realizing, Mature Aging, Adapting, Dependent, Resignedly Accepting, Despairing and Withdrawing. Additionally, a coping strategy—ritualization of time and occupations—was revealed in the interviews. These results reflect the heterogeneity among this age group and indicate that the subjective reality should be seriously considered both in further research and in the care of the elderly.
Analgesic Administration in Children and Adults Following Open Heart Surgery
Authors: Elander Gunnel , Hellström Gunilla
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. In this study we investigated the administration of analgesics given to patients after open heart surgery (n= 100). The results show that children, especially infants, and elderly patients were given significantly fewer doses of analgesics during the five days after surgery than patients aged > 16–70 years. The pattern of pain relief also differed between children and adults, a peak in the number of doses of analgesics occurring on the first day after surgery among children and infants and on the second to third day among adults who continued to get higher numbers of doses than the children up to the fifth day.
The Relevance of Sleep, Circadian Rhythm and Lifestyle as Related to a Holistic Theory of Health
Authors: Edéll‐Gustafsson Ulla , Ek Anna‐Christina
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT.This paper highlights the relation between health, lifestyle, sleep and circadian rhythm in disease, using a holistic theory of health, for subjects with, for example, coronary heart disease, nursed in intensive care or post‐operative ward following coronary arterial by‐pass surgery. The paper will also illuminate the World Health Organization's health targets nine and 13–17, adopted by the Member States of the European Region, about the relevance of lifestyle and its influence on the subject̂s health values for patients with coronary heart disease.

Sleep is affected by a person's own will, repertoire and circumstance, both internal and external. It plays a meaningful part in maintaining good health. Disturbance of sleep leads to change in circadian rhythm and is an early symptom of psychophysiological and social ill health, independent of disease. It influences a person's values, actions and ability to adjust. Disturbance of sleep over longer periods leads to disease.

Patients who have undergone, for example, coronary arterial by‐pass surgery are expected to change their lifestyle. It is therefore important that the nurse can define the subject̂s sleep patterns and circadian rhythm.
The First Encounter
Authors: Kumlin Ingela Westman , Kroksmark Tomas
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study was to delineate physiotherapists' conceptions of establishing therapeutic relationships with patients and conceptions of activating the resources of the patients. Ten physiotherapists were interviewed about their ways of thinking and performing in the first encounter with the patient. The phenomenographic method was used and data were analysed qualitatively. Different categories of conceptions with reference to the preparations before the encounter, the proceeding of the encounter and the strategy within the encounter were found. Two main perspectives on the relationship between the physiotherapist and the patient were seen. One is that the relationship is based on a dialogue which aims to discover the patient̂s own conceptions of his problems and strategies to solve them. The second perspective is that the relationship is not based on a dialogue but that the physiotherapist perceives herself as authority. The physiotherapists' knowledge and understanding of establishing relationships with their patients can be described as personal, private and non‐thematic.
A Survey of Swedish Mothers' Views on Breastfeeding and Experiences of Social and Professional Support
Authors: Bergman Viveca , Larsson Sonja , Lomberg Helena , Möller Anders , Mårild Staffan
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate conditions for breastfeeding among 452 mothers. Three different groups of women, participating in the Swedish health care system, were asked to complete a questionnaire about breastfeeding and related issues: 1) pregnant women attending the pregnancy care centres (n= 186), 2) women staying at the maternity wards after delivery (n= 171) and 3) women with two‐month‐old child attending the child health stations (n= 95). We found that the majority of the mothers were in favour of breastfeeding and intended to or had begun to breastfeed their infants. The main problems were “sore nipples”, “children who cannot take the breast” and “insufficient milk production”. Negative experiences of previous breastfeeding and overwhelming demands were motives for weaning. The personnel within the health care system were shown to be important for the mothers as regards advice and support. However, we found that certain routines could be revised to strengthen the mothers' attitude towards breastfeeding: 1) Information on and discussions about breastfeeding occurred infrequently at the pregnancy care centres. 2) Water or formulated milk was often given to the newborn baby at the maternity wards and 3) the participation of the fathers was limited. Continuous surveillance of the routines and education of the health care staff would be desirable to enable them to give the mothers the right breastfeeding support and advice at the right time.
Nursing Documentation Practice on 153 Hospital Wards in Sweden as Described by Nurses
Authors: Ehnfors Margareta
Published: March 2013

According to Swedish laws and regulations, registered nurses are required to document nursing care in the patient's record. In this exploratory study, nurses were asked to describe how they made their nursing records. The nursing process model was used as a framework. The findings show that a system for admission assessment was fairly common, regarding objectives and a nursing care plan together with a nursing discharge note; more than half of the wards studied recorded these aspects at least occasionally. Nursing diagnoses were seldom recorded in practice. The results reveal serious limitations and deficiencies in the practice of nursing documentation and the implementation of current laws and regulations. This underlines the importance of emphasizing nursing knowledge and nursing documentation in nursing training and practice.
Nursing Absenteeism‐One Determining Factor for the Staffing Plan
Authors: Plati Chryssanthi , Lanara Vassiliki A. , Katostaras Theofanis , Mantas John
Published: March 2013

The purpose of the present study was to quantify factors which contribute to the absenteeism of nursing personnel and affect staffing patterns. Absenteeism in a general hospital was studied for the period 1975–1990 in relation to the number and level of nursing personnel, the number of discharged patients in the same period, and the existing relevant policy. The variables were analyzed by the multiple regression method having as initial estimator the existing situation in 1990 and what is expected for the year 2000. The results showed that the mean value days of absenteeism for each registered and assistant nurse in 1975 was 22.4 days and in 1990, 51.9 days, sickness raised from 12.6 days in 1975 to 16.6 in 1990, maternity from 9.1 in 1975 to 25.3 in 1990, educational leave for registered nurses was 0.02 in 1975 and 3.8 in 1990 and for assistants 2.1 in 1985 and 17.3 in 1990 due to the new policy, and social fringe benefits raised from 0.71 days in 1975 to 3.65 in 1990. The expected rate of absenteeism by the year 2000 will be 67 to 83 days per person, an increase by 56% in relation to 1990 data.
Evaluation of a Swedish Version of the Ostomy Adjustment Scale
Authors: Brydolf Marianne , Berndtsson Ina , Lindholm Elisabet , Berglund Barbro
Published: March 2013

The main aim of the present study was to adapt an instrument measuring patients' adjustment to life with an ostomy to Swedish conditions and to test reliability and validity of the adapted instrument. The Ostomy Adjustment Scale (OAS), which is focused on three domains: physical function, psychologic state, and social interaction, was selected as suitable. After translation into Swedish, equivalence and internal consistency of the scale were calculated. Subjects with various types of urine or faeces diversions were recruited for self‐rating with the OAS and a visual analogue scale estimating total quality of life (QOL). The instruments were tested in 48 patients with five different diagnoses, 36 with and 12 without ostomy, and re‐tests were carried out in 25 of the patients. Reliability (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.95. A positive correlation was found between the OAS and QOL (r = 0.67), indicating that the instrument has some validity.
Professionalization—Theoretical Analysis of the Implications for Nursing Practice
Authors: Öhlén Joakim , Segesten Kerstin
Published: March 2013

The aim of the present paper is to examine ideas of professionalization, and to explore in what way they might give directions for the development of nursing practice. An examination of the literature on professionalization in social science reveals that the existing ideas of professionalization may be divided into two paradigms, denominated naive paradigm and cynical paradigm. Both paradigms have been criticized on the grounds of being idealistic and ahistoric. A contemporary view has developed from this criticism, oriented towards the historical and social contexts of professions. The implications for nursing practice of this view brings into focus the development of nursing practice in relation to the public and the tradition of nursing. This view of professionalization contributes to a contemporary view of nursing practice, and an expanded idea of professionalization is discussed.
Family Dynamics and Infant Temperament in Danish Families
Authors: Wilson Margaret E. , Hall Elisabeth O. C. , White Marjorie A.
Published: March 2013

Transition to parenthood involves the fine balance of family dynamics which both affect, and are affected by, the infant's temperament. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in family dynamics over the transition to parenthood and the relationship of family dynamics to infant temperament. A sample of 99 families in Odense, Denmark, completed the Family Dynamics Measure in the third trimester of pregnancy and again when the infant was 8–9 months old. At this second time, the mothers also completed the Revised Infant Temperament Questionnaire. Overall we found small changes, although always in a negative direction, in family dynamics over this transition. The largest change was an increase in perceived role conflict reported by both mothers and fathers. Mothers reported more role conflict than fathers. Positive family dynamics were related to infant rhythmicity.
Preparedness for Clinical Nursing Education
Authors: Thorell‐Ekstrand Ingrid , Björvell Hjördis
Published: March 2013

The identification of individualized patient care planning as a core element in clinical nursing training showed the need to evaluate how nursing students perceive themselves to be prepared for implementing the concept into patient care. Ninety‐five nursing students, with a mean age of 27 years, participated in this study at the end of their first theoretical block. Three questionnaires were used; 1) One questionnaire designed for the study concerning demographic data, attitudes and valuation of the theoretical education of the nursing process, 2) Rosenbaum's Self‐Control Schedule, and 3) Antonowsky's Sense of Coherence test. The results showed that the students' pre‐educational health care experience, which varied from one to twenty years, significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the evaluation of their preparedness for clinical training. Attitudes towards nursing research and development of nursing care were negatively correlated (p < 0.05) to their years of previous experience of health care and positively correlated to a more theoretical school background. The students' personal preparedness to develop independence varied greatly as measured by the Self‐Control Schedule and the Sense of Coherence test independently of age, work experience and earlier education. It was concluded that students might be favoured by individualized study planning as a parallel model to individualized care planning.
Testing a Swedish Version of OCAIRS on Two Different Patient Groups
Authors: Haglund Lena , Henriksson Chris
Published: March 2013

Occupational Case Analysis Interview and Rating Scale (OCAIRS) is an instrument for assessing occupational performance. Consisting of a semi‐structured interview and a rating scale, OCAIRS is based on the Model of Human Occupation (Kielhofner 1985) and has been translated into Swedish. The rater reliability of the Swedish version (OCAIRS‐S) was tested on two different populations: acute psychiatric in‐patients and patients suffering from chronic muscular pain. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and the Percentage Agreement methods were used to calculate the strength of agreement between raters. Content validity was tested using the Percentage Agreement method. Research results indicate that the instrument has a reasonable rater reliability. Although the content validity study produced insufficient information, it nevertheless supports the use of OCAIRS‐S as a reliable instrument. Further research and development on the instrument is recommended.
The Helping Encounter. Occupational Therapists' Perception of Therapeutic Relationships
Authors: Norrby Eva , Bellner Anna‐Lena
Published: March 2013

The present paper deals with the art of occupational therapy in terms of therapeutic, helping relationships. The aim was to get a picture of how occupational therapists perceive the therapeutic encounter with their patients. Sixteen qualified occupational therapists, from various occupational areas, were interviewed and a qualitative approach was employed to analyze their description of therapeutic encounters in clinical settings. The qualitative analyses were performed with sensitization as the principle objective and a tentative theoretical model was formed, developed by three content categories; 1) Basic Professional‐Oriented Helping; 2) Understanding‐Oriented Helping; and 3) Action‐Oriented Helping. The relationships between these categories constitute a dynamic complex pattern. One conclusion drawn from this model was that the therapists might have problems finding a balance between their aspiration for becoming professionalized and their belief in egalitarian patient‐therapist relationships in the rehabilitation treatment sessions.
Creating a Swedish Top Ten List of Scientific Nursing Journals
Authors: Segesten Kerstin
Published: March 2013

In the present paper preferences for and utilisation of scientific nursing journals were studied. Leading Swedish nurse researchers and American deans of top ranked university schools of nursing were asked to rank their ten most valued journals. Further, all articles with a nurse as the primary author and published in Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 1989–1993, were analysed for references to nursing journals. Three top ten lists were made based on Swedish preferences, American preferences and the number of times journals appeared on reference lists. A fourth list was based on Swedish preferences and appearances on reference lists.
Beds Used at a University Hospital
Authors: Petzäll Kerstin , Berglund Barbro , Lundberg Christer
Published: March 2013

The comfort and functional features of hospital beds are of fundamental importance to both the patients and staff on the ward. This study investigates the types and functions of the beds used at a large university hospital in Sweden, how the head nurses experienced and valued the hospital beds in their wards, and whether the nurses were familiar with standards, regulations and purchasing routines. An inventory of all the beds for adult patients was carried out in all 55 somatic wards. Interviews were conducted with 49 head nurses, and, for comparison purposes, with one purchaser as well as one expert nurse at the Gothenburg Medical Service Administration. The inventory reveals that the different wards have very similar kinds of beds regardless of specialty or caring needs. The head nurses stated that the beds were seldom ideal and that they themselves have little influence when new purchases are made. It is concluded that the head nurses have a considerable knowledge of the functions of hospital beds, which ought to be put forward in stronger terms and which should also be taken into account when new beds are purchased and designed.
Community Nursing in Finland: the Division of Fields of Activity and Patterns of Care
Authors: Koponen Päivikki
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was, first, to describe the changes taking place in the division of fields of activity in Finnish community nursing during a national project on primary health care; second, to describe and analyze patterns of care by categorizing different points of view in nurses' personal experiences. Data on the division of fields of activity in all project areas were collected in a survey and in annual registrations of public health nurses' tasks (n = 87–113). Care patterns were discerned in focused interviews with public health nurses (n = 18). Three types of division of fields of activity were identified: the comprehensive, semi‐comprehensive and specialized model. The comprehensive and semi‐comprehensive models became more common during the project and the specialized one less common. Patterns of care were classified into four main categories: structural, individualistic, family‐centred and community‐centred. The division of fields of activity was not always compatible with the care patterns. The study identified several issues that should be considered in the definition and implementation of comprehensive and specialized care.
Burnout, Empathy and Sense of Coherence among Swedish District Nurses before and after Systematic Clinical Supervision
Authors: Pålsson Maj‐Britt , R Hallberg Ingalill , Norberg Astrid , Björvell Hjördis
Published: March 2013

The relationships between, on the one hand, burnout, empathy and sense of coherence (SOC) and, on the other, personality traits were investigated, together with the effects of systematic clinical supervision on these phenomena among Swedish district nurses. The results in the supervisory group (n = 21) were compared with those of a comparison group (n = 12) in a quasi‐experimental design. Personality traits were assessed by means of the Karolinska Scales of Personality. The results indicated some correlations between personality traits and burnout, empathy, and SOC, as well as correlations between the latter three phenomena. There were no significant effects of clinical supervision on burnout, empathy, or SOC. More research is needed regarding the effects of clinical nursing supervision.
Worse Functional Status Among Old People When Admitted for Arthroplasty
Authors: öberg Ulrika , öberg Tommy
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a difference in functional status between younger and elderly people referred to an orthopaedic clinic for total joint replacement. A total of 709 patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee (aged 27–91 years) and 42 healthy controls (aged 42–83 years) were examined with a new Functional Assessment System (FAS) for lower extremity dysfunction. Age effects were explored by one‐way analysis of variance. Older people showed higher dysfunction scores in almost all variables, with the exception of pain, where there was an inverse relationship, i.e, old people had lower disability scores. This age‐related increase in disability scores was not observed in the control group. Old people seem to be referred for joint replacement on different grounds from those of younger people, despite the fact that age was not included in the criteria for arthroplasty. The results may indicate a hidden, age‐related criterion in the selection of patients for arthroplasty. Different interpretations are discussed.
How Child Health Care Nurses View a Mother‐Infant Relationship
Authors: M. Fägerskiöld Astrid , M. Berterö Carina
Published: March 2013

Too many children in Sweden grow up under difficult circumstances. Every child should have the opportunity to grow up to be a confident person. We know today that the new‐born child is able to influence its surroundings. The main purpose of child health care in Sweden is to reduce mortality, morbidity and disability in children, and also to reduce any detrimental effects on the family. Child Health Care (CHC)‐nurses provide continuity and security for parents and children in developing relationships. The aims of this study were to identify how CHC‐nurses view a mother‐infant relationship, and how they can improve this relationship. Ten CHC‐nurses were interviewed about mother‐infant relationships. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using constant comparative analysis. The emerging core category was interplay. Under this construct there were two categories; maternal ability and signals from the infant. Different substantive codes were given under these categories, viz. body language, vocal language, poor health, expectations and life situation. In describing how to improve the mother‐infant relationship, promoting an understanding of interplay was the core category. Three categories/strategies were perceived; visualize, respect and demonstrate. The results were then compared with the literature. This study indicates that interplay is of greatest importance in a mother‐infant relationship.
Plant functional traits improve diversity‐based predictions of temporal stability of grassland productivity
Authors: Polley H. Wayne , Isbell Forest I. , Wilsey Brian J.
Published: March 2013

Synthesis

The temporal stability of plant production is greater in communities with high than low species richness, but stability also may depend on species abundances and growth‐related traits. Annual precipitation varied by greater than a factor of three over 11 years in central Texas, USA leading to large variation in production. Stability was greatest in communities that were not dominated by few species and in which dominant species rooted shallowly, had dense leaves, or responded to the wettest year with a minimal increase in production. Stability may depend as much on species abundances and functional traits as on species richness alone.

Aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) varies in response to temporal fluctuations in weather. Temporal stability of community ANPP may be increased by increasing plant species richness, but stability often varies at a given richness level implying a dependence on abundances and functional properties of member species. We measured stability in ANPP during 11 years in field plots (Texas, USA) in which we varied the richness and relative abundances of perennial grassland species at planting. We sought to identify species abundance patterns and functional traits linked to the acquisition and processing of essential resources that could be used to improve richness‐based predictions of community stability. We postulated that community stability would correlate with abundance‐weighted indices of traits that influence plant responses to environmental variation. Annual precipitation varied by a factor of three leading to large inter‐annual variation in ANPP. Regression functions with planted and realized richness (species with > 1% of community ANPP during the final four years) explained 32% and 25% of the variance in stability, respectively. Regression models that included richness plus the fraction of community ANPP produced by the two most abundant species in combination with abundance‐weighted values of either the fraction of sampled root biomass at 20–45 cm depth, leaf dry matter content (LDMC), or response to greater‐than‐average precipitation of plants grown in monocultures explained 58–69% (planted richness) and 58–64% (realized richness) of the variance in stability. Stability was greatest in communities that were not strongly dominated by only two species and in which plants rooted shallowly, had high values of LDMC, or responded to the wettest year with a minimal increase in ANPP. Our results indicate that the temporal stability of grassland ANPP may depend as much on species abundances and functional traits linked to plant responses to precipitation variability as on species richness alone.
Synthesis and Evolution of Zirconium Carbide via Sol–Gel Route: Features of Nanoparticle Oxide–Carbon Reactions
Authors: Ang Caen , Williams Tim , Seeber Aaron , Wang Huanting , Cheng Yi‐Bing
Published: March 2013

A sol–gel route was used to synthesize nanocrystalline zirconium carbide (ZrC). The starting materials were zirconium propoxide, with carbon introduced by furfuryl alcohol (FA). A block copolymer surfactant was used to homogenize the oxide and carbon components. ZrC was produced at a low temperature of 1250°C and complete conversion achieved at 1450°C. The powder was nanocrystalline size less than 100 nm. Phase changes were studied using X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Rietveld analysis followed the changes in crystallite size and lattice parameters of the phases during carbothermal reduction. Morphology changes were observed using nitrogen gas sorption. High‐resolution TEM and EDS were used to image the carbide lattice, surface oxides, and graphene‐like carbons. The results indicate that nanoparticle carbothermal synthesis involves agglomeration and necking as the most viable mode of mass transport to complete the carbothermal reduction.
Effective Laser Sealing Enabled by Glass Thick Films Containing Carbon Black/Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kwon Oh Hyeon , Mohanty Bhaskar Chandra , Yeon Deuk Ho , Yeo Jong‐Seok , Lee Kyoungho , Cho Yong Soo
Published: March 2013

An effective way of providing complete sealing of glass using an 810 nm diode laser was investigated for longer lifetime of glass panel‐based devices. Small amounts (<5 wt%) of laser‐absorbing materials such as carbon black (CB) or carbon nanotubes (CNT) were added to a bismuth zinc borate glass paste for instantaneous adhesion between glass substrates without interfacial cracks or severe pores. A higher laser power was required for a lower content of carbon for the laser‐assisted sealing of glass. As optimal compositions, the addition of 1.0 wt% CB or 0.5 wt% CNT led to complete densification of glass with higher optical transmittance. Higher absorption coefficients calculated in the CNT case, e.g., ~536.4 cm−1 for the 0.5 wt% CNT sample compared to ~277.6 cm−1 for the 0.5 wt% CB sample, are believed to be responsible for the effective sealing even with a lower content of CNT.
Examination of the Dye‐Fixing Ability of Porous χ‐Alumina Flake Powders
Authors: Yu Pei‐Ching , Chen Chih‐I , Yen Fu‐Su , Ray Dah‐Tong , Max Yen S. C.
Published: March 2013

Porous χ‐Al2O3 is a new material for fabricating coated inkjet printing paper. Paper coated with χ‐Al2O3 powders has excellent water fastness. This study investigated the dye‐fixing ability of χ‐Al2O3 powders through measurements of adsorption isotherms. The variations in zeta potential, pore volume, pore size distribution, and specific surface area of χ‐Al2O3 powders during the dye‐fixing process were also examined. The results show that χ‐Al2O3 powders have a strong affinity to dye colorants. The adsorption isotherm is classified as HA‐type and the adsorption data fit the Langmuir model. In addition to the positive‐charged surface of χ‐Al2O3 provides cationic sites for fixing dye colorants via electrostatic interaction, the porous structure on the surface of χ‐Al2O3 particles plays an indispensable role in trapping the colorant.
Direct Recording of Concealed Ventricular Extrasystoles Producing Pacer Inhibition
Authors: BOWERS MARK , BERGER MARCIE
Published: March 2013

Demonstration of Concealed Ventricular Ectopy

We report a case of concealed extrasystoles recorded from a pacing lead. The concealed extrasystoles were observed with right ventricular pacing, biventricular unipolar, and biventricular bipolar pacing. The simultaneous surface EKG did not show manifest ventricular extrasystoles with the concealed intracardiac potentials. This case highlights a cause of oversensing that has been theoretically reported in the literature but never directly observed.
Approaches to Caries Removal: What the Clinical Evidence Says
Authors: Browning William D. , Chan Daniel C.N. , Swift Edward J.
Published: March 2013

Every day in the United States, complete caries removal in vital, asymptomatic teeth with deep carious lesions ends in unavoidable exposure of the pulp. As a result, the complexity and cost of treatment increases dramatically and many patients are left with extraction as their only viable option. This review appraises evidence which supports alternative treatments designed to preserve the vitality of the tooth and thus avoid extraction.
Inflammation alters the expression of DMT1, FPN1 and hepcidin, and it causes iron accumulation in central nervous system cells
Authors: Urrutia Pamela , Aguirre Pabla , Esparza Andrés , Tapia Victoria , Mena Natalia P. , Arredondo Miguel , González‐Billault Christian , Núñez Marco T.
Published: March 2013

Inflammation and iron accumulation are present in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases that include Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The study of the putative association between inflammation and iron accumulation in central nervous system cells is relevant to understand the contribution of these processes to the progression of neuronal death. In this study, we analyzed the effects of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and of lipopolysaccharide on total cell iron content and on the expression and abundance of the iron transporters divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and Ferroportin 1 (FPN1) in neurons, astrocytes and microglia obtained from rat brain. Considering previous reports indicating that inflammatory stimuli induce the systemic synthesis of the master iron regulator hepcidin, we identified brain cells that produce hepcidin in response to inflammatory stimuli, as well as hepcidin‐target cells. We found that inflammatory stimuli increased the expression of DMT1 in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. Inflammatory stimuli also induced the expression of hepcidin in astrocytes and microglia, but not in neurons. Incubation with hepcidin decreased the expression of FPN1 in the three cell types. The net result of these changes was increased iron accumulation in neurons and microglia but not in astrocytes. The data presented here establish for the first time a causal association between inflammation and iron accumulation in brain cells, probably promoted by changes in DMT1 and FPN1 expression and mediated in part by hepcidin. This connection may potentially contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing iron‐induced oxidative damage.
The Real Effects of Financial Shocks: Evidence from Exogenous Changes in Analyst Coverage
Authors: DERRIEN FRANÇOIS , KECSKÉS AMBRUS
Published: March 2013

We study the causal effects of analyst coverage on corporate investment and financing policies. We hypothesize that a decrease in analyst coverage increases information asymmetry and thus increases the cost of capital; as a result, firms decrease their investment and financing. We use broker closures and broker mergers to identify changes in analyst coverage that are exogenous to corporate policies. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach, we find that firms that lose an analyst decrease their investment and financing by 1.9% and 2.0% of total assets, respectively, compared to similar firms that do not lose an analyst.
Cheap Credit, Lending Operations, and International Politics: The Case of Global Microfinance
Authors: GARMAISE MARK J. , NATIVIDAD GABRIEL
Published: March 2013

The provision of subsidized credit to financial institutions is an important and frequently used policy tool of governments and central banks. To assess its effectiveness, we exploit changes in international bilateral political relationships that generate shocks to the cost of financing for microfinance institutions (MFIs). MFIs that experience politically driven reductions in total borrowing costs hire more staff and increase administrative expenses. Cheap credit leads to greater profitability for MFIs and promotes a shift toward noncommercial loans but has no effect on total overall lending. Instead, the additional resources are either directed to promoting future growth or dissipated.
Evaluating Canadian children: WHO, NHANES or what?
Authors: Yasin Abeer , Filler Guido
Published: March 2013

Aim

The 2006 World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts have been widely adopted by Canadian dieticians for growth monitoring of Canadian children rather than the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) reference data. It has been unclear as to which is the most appropriate.

Methods

We calculated height and weight z‐scores of 3086 consecutive patients (1530 female, 49.6%) aged 0–5 years, attending outpatient clinics at a single tertiary care centre using reference data of the latest NHANES survey and the 2006 WHO growth charts. To address age dependency, data were stratified into age groups. Gender dependency was also investigated.

Results

Using NHANES III reference intervals, medians of both height z‐score (+0.24) and weight z‐score (+0.32) were significantly non‐zero. The WHO growth charts yielded medians of height z‐score (−0.15) and weight z‐score (+0.36) respectively, also significantly non‐zero. When comparing both reference populations for the entire cohort, Canadian children had significantly different height z‐scores whereas weight z‐scores did not differ. Age classification revealed a significant age dependency with NHANES III charts yielding higher weight z‐scores for up to 8 months and lower z‐scores from 8 to 26 months. No significant differences were observed for older than 26 months. Throughout, height z‐scores were significantly higher with NHANES III charts across all age groups, with a degree of overestimation higher in younger boys than older ones.

Conclusion

Our results reveal substantial differences between both reference populations and thus interpretation needs to be done with caution, especially when labelling results as abnormal.
Transcriptional suppression of tryptamine 5‐hydroxylase, a terminal serotonin biosynthetic gene, induces melatonin biosynthesis in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Park Sangkyu , Byeon Yeong , Back Kyoungwhan
Published: March 2013

Rice tryptamine 5‐hydroxylase (T5H) is the second enzyme in melatonin biosynthesis, catalyzing tryptamine into serotonin. Transgenic rice plants, in which the expression of endogenous T5H was either overexpressed or repressed, were examined for alteration in melatonin biosynthesis. Unexpectedly, the overexpression genotypes showed reduced levels of melatonin, while the repression genotypes had elevated levels with an average increase of fourfold. With regard to melatonin intermediates, tryptamine and serotonin levels decreased, but tryptophan and N‐acetylserotonin were unaltered in the overexpression genotypes compared with the wild type. In contrast, the repression genotypes had sevenfold higher tryptamine levels than the wild type. In addition, tryptophan and 5‐hydroxytryptophan were present at higher levels in the repression genotypes than in both the wild‐type and the overexpression genotypes. The enhanced melatonin synthesis in the repression genotypes was closely associated with a transcriptional increase in TDC1. When these rice plants were challenged by oxidative stressors such as herbicides, much higher melatonin synthesis was also observed in the repression genotypes than in either the wild‐type or overexpression genotypes. These results suggest that the tryptamine increase through the suppression of T5H plays an important signaling role in triggering melatonin biosynthesis in rice, although the exact role of tryptamine remains to be uncovered.
Evaluation of a fast, objective tool for assessing body condition of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)
Authors: Burton E. J. , Newnham R. , Bailey S. J. , Alexander L. G.
Published: March 2013

There is currently no suitable system available for the assessment of budgerigar body condition. A tool has been developed that uses an algorithmic decision tree of yes‐no answers based on physical examination to objectively guide the assessor to a body condition score. The aim of this work was to evaluate the guide. Repeatability and reproducibility were measured by four assessors on three sequential days, using 38 budgerigars of mixed sex, age and weight. Data were analysed using a 3‐factor anova, with Person and Bird as variable factors and occasion as a fixed factor. The association between body condition score and body fat was measured using three assessors and 63 dead budgerigars, which were chemically analysed for fat content after assessment. Data were statistically analysed to determine correlation using Spearman's Rank Coefficient. Occasion and person had no significant effect on body condition score (p = 0.988 and 0.347 respectively). Body condition score and percentage body fat were highly significantly correlated (R2 = 0.768): percentage fat increased with increasing body condition score. The guide would appear to be a repeatable measure of body condition in budgerigars, suitable for use during physical examinations.
Effect of dietary canola oil on long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acid content in broiler hearts
Authors: Gregory M. K. , Geier M. S. , Gibson R. A. , James M. J.
Published: March 2013

Young and healthy broilers are susceptible to sudden death syndrome (SDS), which is caused by cardiac arrhythmia. The long‐chain ‘fish‐type’ omega‐3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have cardioprotective anti‐arrhythmic effects in animals and humans. Raising the cardiac level of EPA and DHA in chickens may protect against SDS. However, fish oil as a source of EPA and DHA in poultry feed is costly and introduces undesirable properties to the meat. Whilst omega‐3 vegetable oils, such as canola oil, are cheaper and do not have a strong odour, they contain the short‐chain fatty acid α‐linolenic acid, which requires conversion to EPA and DHA after ingestion. We investigated the capacity for dietary canola oil to elevate cardiac EPA and DHA in broilers. Broilers were fed with diets containing either 3% canola oil or tallow, which is currently used in some commercial feeds. Upon completion of a 42 day feeding trial, canola oil significantly increased EPA and EPA + DHA in heart phospholipids relative to tallow. The elevation in cardiac EPA and EPA + DHA may provide anti‐arrhythmic effects and protect against SDS in poultry. This proof‐of‐concept biochemical study suggests that a larger study to assess the clinical outcome of SDS may be warranted.
Rural and Remote Area Service Provision for People Aging With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Wark Stuart , Hussain Rafat , Edwards Helen
Published: March 2013

In recent years, a combination of factors has seen life expectancies for people with intellectual disabilities increase dramatically. The majority of research so far has focused upon metropolitan areas, but little information is available regarding the impact of this relatively new phenomenon within rural localities. The authors examine the issues surrounding aging with an intellectual disability within rural areas and identify possible areas of change to policy and practice that may better support the individual living in nonmetropolitan locations. A three‐round Delphi research model was utilized over a period of 12 months to examine the views of disability support workers from rural organizations regarding issues associated with aging. This study detailed a large number of items rated as important by direct care staff. A thematic analysis identified specific areas of concern including funding, training challenges and options, and access to relevant generic and specialist services. The findings of this study have implications for the delivery of rural services and training of staff. The results point to the need for changes to initial training and professional development options to support staff to work successfully with people with intellectual disabilities who are aging in rural areas.