bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucose homeostasis abnormalities among Cameroon patients with newly diagnosed hypertension
Authors: Kamdem Félicité , Lemogoum Daniel , Doualla Marie‐Solange , Kemta Lepka Fernando , Temfack Elvis , Ngo Nouga Yvette , Kenmegne Caroline , Luma Henry , Hermans Michel P 
Published: January 2017

The authors assessed the frequency of glucose homeostasis abnormalities among 839 Cameroonians with newly diagnosed hypertension (mean age: 50.8±11 years; 49.9% female) in a cross‐sectional survey conducted at the Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon. In all participants, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and lipids were recorded. Impaired fasting glycemia was described as an FPG level between 100 and 125 mg/dL and provisional diabetes as an FPG level ≥126 mg/dL. The FPG was 101±30 mg/dL. The overall proportion of abnormal glucose homeostasis was 38.3%, while 7.7% of patients (n=65) had known diabetes. A total of 23.7% (n=199) had impaired fasting glycemia and 6.8% (n=57) had provisional diabetes. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–2.06), age older than 55 years (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.15–2.09), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol >1 g/L (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.00–1.82) were independently associated with abnormal glucose homeostasis (all P<.05). Glucose homeostasis abnormalities are highly prevalent among Cameroonian patients with newly diagnosed hypertension.
Using incident reports to inform the prevention of medication administration errors
Authors: Härkänen Marja , Saano Susanna , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri 
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectivesTo describe ways of preventing medication administration errors based on reporters' views expressed in medication administration incident reports.BackgroundMedication administration errors are very common, and nurses play important roles in committing and in preventing such errors. Thus far, incident reporters’ perceptions of how to prevent medication administration errors have rarely been analysed.Design and MethodsThis is a qualitative, descriptive study using an inductive content analysis of the incident reports related to medication administration errors (n = 1012). These free‐text descriptions include reporters’ views on preventing the reoccurrence of medication administration errors. The data were collected from two hospitals in Finland and pertain to incidents that were reported between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2014.ResultsReporters’ views on preventing medication administration errors were divided into three main categories related to individuals (health professionals), teams and organisations. The following categories related to individuals in preventing medication administration errors were identified: (1) accuracy and preciseness; (2) verification; and (3) following the guidelines, responsibility and attitude towards work. The team categories were as follows: (1) distribution of work; (2) flow of information and cooperation; and (3) documenting and marking the drug information. The categories related to organisation were as follows: (1) work environment; (2) resources; (3) training; (4) guidelines; and (5) development of the work.ConclusionsHealth professionals should administer medication with a high moral awareness and an attempt to concentrate on the task. Nonetheless, the system should support health professionals by providing a reasonable work environment and encouraging collaboration among the providers to facilitate the safe administration of medication.Relevance to clinical practiceAlthough there are numerous approaches to supporting medication safety, approaches that support the ability of individual health professionals to manage daily medications should be prioritised.
Postoperative pain: knowledge and beliefs of patients and nurses
Authors: van Dijk Jacqueline FM , Schuurmans Marieke J , Alblas Eva E , Kalkman Cor J , van Wijck Albert JM 
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectivesTo describe patients' and nurses' knowledge and beliefs regarding pain management. Moreover, to explore the effect of information and education on patients' and nurses’ knowledge and beliefs regarding pain management.BackgroundIn the treatment of postoperative pain, patients' and nurses' inadequate knowledge and erroneous beliefs may hamper the appropriate use of analgesics.DesignA randomised controlled trial and a cross‐sectional study.MethodsIn 2013, half of 760 preoperative patients were allocated to the intervention group and received written information about the complications of postoperative pain. The knowledge and beliefs of 1184 nurses were studied in 2014 in a cross‐sectional study. All data were collected with the same questionnaires.ResultsIn the intervention group, patients' knowledge level was significant higher than in the control group, while no differences were found in beliefs. Nurses had higher knowledge and more positive beliefs towards pain management compared with both patient groups. Nurses with additional pain education scored better than nurses without additional pain education. Nurses were also asked what percentage of pain scores matched their impression of the patient's pain, and the mean was found to be 63%.ConclusionsWritten information was effective for increasing patients' knowledge. However, it was not effective for changing beliefs about analgesics and patients and nurses had erroneous beliefs about analgesics.Relevance to clinical practiceIt is necessary to continue to inform patients and nurses about the need for analgesics after surgery. Such education could also emphasise that a discrepancy between a patient's reported pain score and the nurse's own assessment of the patient's pain should prompt a discussion with the patient about his/her pain.
The experiences of myocardial infarction patients readmitted within six months of primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Iles‐Smith Heather , Deaton Christi , Campbell Malcolm , Mercer Catherine , McGowan Linda 
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore the experiences of patients readmitted due to potential ischaemic heart disease symptoms within six months of primary percutaneous coronary intervention.BackgroundFollowing myocardial infarction and primary percutaneous coronary intervention, some patients experience potential ischaemic heart disease symptoms that may lead to readmission. Symptoms may be related to cardiac ischaemia, reduced psychological health or a comorbid condition.DesignA qualitative study involving semistructured, in‐depth interviews conducted once, mean 196 (50–384) days following readmission (at least six months following original ST‐elevation myocardial infarction and primary percutaneous coronary intervention). This is the qualitative part of a mixed methods study.MethodsParticipants were purposefully selected, and concurrent sampling, data collection and data analysis were performed. Data were organised using framework analysis; constant comparative analysis involving deduction and induction led to identification of cogent themes and subthemes.ResultsTwenty‐five participants (14 men, 27–79 years) experienced 1–4 readmissions; discharge diagnoses were cardiac, psychological, indeterminate, pulmonary and gastric. Three main themes emerged: (1) anxiety, uncertainty and inability to determine cause of symptoms, (2) fear of experiencing further myocardial infarction and (3) insufficient opportunity to validate self‐construction of illness.ConclusionFear of dying or experiencing a further myocardial infarction led to patients seeking help at the time of potential ischaemic heart disease symptoms. Participants were anxious and lacked understanding regarding symptom attribution at the time of readmission and generally following their heart attack. Additionally, original heart attack symptoms were used as a comparator for future symptoms. Participants reported feeling well immediately after primary percutaneous coronary intervention but later experiencing fatigue and debilitation often linked to potential ischaemic heart disease symptoms.Relevance to clinical practiceIncreased education and information related to symptom attribution post‐primary percutaneous coronary intervention and postreadmission are worthy of exploration and may lead to increased understanding and reassurance for this patient group.
Systematic review describing the effect of early mobilisation after dysvascular major lower limb amputations
Authors: Madsen Ulla Riis , Hommel Ami , Berthelsen Connie Bøttcher , Bååth Carina 
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectivesTo assess the effect of early mobilisation of patients after dysvascular lower limb amputation and to compare the effectiveness of different mobilisation regimens.BackgroundPatients who have undergone dysvascular major lower limb amputations are at high risk of postoperative complications, which include loss of basic functions, and early mobilisation interventions might prevent these complications.DesignSystematic review.MethodsSystematic searches were performed on PubMed (including MEDLINE), CINAHL and EMBASE databases to identify studies investigating the effects of (early) mobilisation interventions in dysvascular lower limb‐amputated patients. Data collection and quality assessment were performed using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care Review Group data collection checklist and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, respectively.ResultsFive studies were included in the review: four pre‐ to post‐case studies and one randomised controlled study. However, none of these studies were of high quality. Four studies investigated early mobilisation promoted by immediate postoperative prosthesis. One study investigated whether reorganizing care increases mobilisation and thereby functional outcome.ConclusionsThis systematic review reveals a lack of evidence to determine whether early mobilisation interventions are beneficial to this vulnerable patient group. Nevertheless, ambulation from the first postoperative day with temporary prosthesis is possible among the heterogeneous population of dysvascular lower limb‐amputated patients if the necessary interdisciplinary team is dedicated to the task.Relevance to clinical practiceMobilisation is a fundamental care task often missed for several reasons. Moreover, mobilisation of the newly amputated patient is complex, and knowledge of effective strategies to promote postoperative mobilisation in this vulnerable population is desired. Nurses are urged to take responsibility for this fundamental care task and to engage the necessary collaborative interdisciplinary team to develop, implement and evaluate ambitious early mobilisation interventions.
Being a close family member of a person with dementia living in a nursing home
Authors: Seiger Cronfalk Berit , Ternestedt Britt‐Marie , Norberg Astrid 
Published: January 2017

Aim and objectiveTo illuminate how family members of persons with dementia describe their own experiences, before and after placing their relative in a nursing home.BackgroundIn the Western world and with a growing population of older people, the number of persons with dementia increases. Family members often become carers in their own homes creating stressful and exhausting situation that eventually leads to relocating the person to a nursing home. This may lead to troubled conscience among family members.Method and designThis is a qualitative study with descriptive design based on interviews with ten family members to residents with dementia at one small nursing home ward. Data were analysed using content analysis.ResultsFive categories were derived from data: relocating a person with dementia – a responsibility; visiting the resident – a relief or a burden; the participants taking part in and monitoring the residents’ care needs; participants meeting their own needs; and thoughts about the future and resident's death. The result shows both positive and negative aspects of being a family member to persons with dementia. Family members described feeling relief as well as having a troubled conscience when placing a relative in a nursing home. They held themselves responsible for monitoring and evaluating the quality of the care. Family members expressed fearing a slow death for the person with dementia as well as for their own sake. Most felt well treated by the staff.ConclusionFamily members were responsible for relocating the residents to the nursing home. This in itself was found to cause feelings of moral concerns and generating troubled conscience.Relevance to clinical practiceStaff at nursing homes needs to exercise family‐centred care to benefit the persons with dementia, their family members and the staff themselves.
Trajectories of depressive symptoms for bereaved family members of chronically ill patients: a systematic review
Authors: Kuo Su Ching , Sun Jia Ling , Tang Siew Tzuh 
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectivesTo synthesise concepts of distinct depressive‐symptom trajectories in published studies by establishing a measurable standard and estimate the prevalence of recategorised trajectories for bereaved families of chronically ill patients.BackgroundGrieving is a dynamic/individualised process. In studies treating depressive‐symptom trajectories as heterogeneous, different criteria were used to identify distinct trajectories, resulting in inconsistent findings.DesignA systematic review of research guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses criteria.MethodsFive databases were systematically searched since each one's launch through June 2015. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality using the qualsyst evaluation tool. Distinct depressive‐symptom trajectories were narratively synthesised based on depressive‐symptom level, duration and improvement over time. The prevalence of recategorised depressive‐symptom trajectories was recalculated from published data.ResultsWe identified six studies, published in 1994–2012, that followed 56–301 bereaved families from eight months to five years. We synthesised five new distinct trajectories (prevalence in synthesised sample): ‘endurance’ (54·2%), ‘resilience’ (8·8%), ‘transient reaction’ (7·7%), ‘chronic grief’ (19·4%) and ‘chronic depression’ (9·9%). The ‘endurance’ group experienced low depressive symptoms throughout the bereavement process. The ‘resilience’ group had severe depressive symptoms when they first transitioned into bereavement, but quickly recovered. The ‘transient reaction’ group's distress lasted 7–12 months postbereavement, gradually returning to prebereavement levels. After bereavement, the chronic grief and depression groups experienced prolonged periods of depressive symptoms, which improved gradually only in the ‘chronic grief’ group.ConclusionsMost bereaved families endured their grief and adjusted, returning to prebereavement depressive‐symptom levels within one year postloss (represented by our synthesised ‘endurance’, ‘resilience’ and ‘transient reaction’ groups), with only 9·9% suffering ‘chronic depression’.Relevance to clinical practiceGuided by the synthesised distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms, clinicians should identify bereaved families’ depressive‐symptom trajectories and provide suitable interventions to facilitate adjustment of those with chronic depressive symptoms.
Screening tools for identification of elder abuse: a systematic review
Authors: Gallione Chiara , Dal Molin Alberto , Cristina Fabio V.B. , Ferns Hilary , Mattioli Mark , Suardi Barbara 
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectivesTo review the efficacy and accuracy of tools administered to older people, intended to detect and measure elder abuse.BackgroundThe mistreatment of older people represents a widespread problem, with exponential growth risk, especially considering the progressive ageing of the world population. It could have serious consequences for the victim's health if not recognised early, denounced and stopped. Abuse is often undetected by service providers because there is a lack of awareness surrounding the magnitude of the problem. Education and formal training in the signs of abuse are also generally poorly developed, as are reporting procedures which would lead to further investigation.DesignSystematic review.MethodsComprehensive database searches of MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE and Scopus were undertaken. Screening of 695 articles resulted in 11 included. Appraisal and analysis using PRISMA Statement and STROBE checklist were undertaken.ResultsEleven screening tools have been presented: H‐S/EAST, VASS, EASI, CASE, BASE, E‐IOA, EAI, EPAS, CPEABS, OAPAM and OAFEM, all aimed at healthcare professional or, in some cases, expected to be specifically used by nurses.ConclusionsThe fundamental function of any assessment instrument is to guide through a standardised screening process and to ensure that signs of abuse are not missed. Several tools have been tested; some have demonstrated a moderate to good internal consistency and some have been validated to allow an early identification. None have been evaluated against measurable violence or health outcomes.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses and all healthcare providers should screen patients routinely. However, we are not able to recommend a single tool as the selection and implementation has to be appropriate to the setting. Furthermore, the study population and the possibility of using multiple tools in combination should be taken into consideration, to assess all the aspects of violence.
‘Just not for me’ – contributing factors to nonattendance/noncompletion at phase III cardiac rehabilitation in acute coronary syndrome patients: a qualitative enquiry
Authors: Herber Oliver Rudolf , Smith Karen , White Myra , Jones Martyn C. 
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore what reasons do nonattenders and noncompleters give for their patterns of participation or nonparticipation in cardiac rehabilitation programmes and how future uptake could be enhanced.BackgroundCardiac rehabilitation is a cost‐effective clinical intervention designed for adults with acute coronary syndrome. Despite evidence from meta‐analyses demonstrating that cardiac rehabilitation programmes facilitate physical and psychological recovery from acute coronary syndrome, only 20–50% of eligible patients attend Phase III outpatient programmes.DesignA qualitative study using thematic analysis.MethodWithin the context of a larger mixed‐method study, acute coronary syndrome patients were recruited between 2012–2014 from three hospitals in Scotland. Of 214 patients who consented to enrol in the main study, a purposive subsample of 25 participants was recruited. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThree major influences of participation were identified: (1) personal factors, (2) programme factors and (3) practical factors. In addition, valuable suggestions for future programme modifications were provided. A significant barrier to attending cardiac rehabilitation programmes is that participants perceived themselves to be unsuitable for the programme alongside a lack of knowledge and/or misconceptions regarding cardiac rehabilitation.ConclusionThe responses of nonattenders and noncompleters revealed misconceptions related to programme suitability, the intensity of exercise required and the purpose of a cardiac rehabilitation programme. As long as these misconceptions continue to persist in coronary syndrome patients, this will impact upon attendance. The lack of perceived need for cardiac rehabilitation stems from a poor understanding of the programme, especially among nonattenders and noncompleters and subsequently an inability to comprehend possible benefits.Relevance to clinical practiceThe knowledge of common misconceptions puts clinical nurses in a better position to identify and pro‐actively address these erroneous assumptions in their patients in order to improve participation in cardiac rehabilitation.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community composition is altered by long‐term litter removal but not litter addition in a lowland tropical forest
Authors: Sheldrake Merlin , Rosenstock Nicholas P. , Revillini Daniel , Olsson Pål Axel , Mangan Scott , Sayer Emma J. , Wallander Håkan , Turner Benjamin L. , Tanner Edmund V. J. 
Published: January 2017

Summary

Tropical forest productivity is sustained by the cycling of nutrients through decomposing organic matter. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play a key role in the nutrition of tropical trees, yet there has been little experimental investigation into the role of AM fungi in nutrient cycling via decomposing organic material in tropical forests.

We evaluated the responses of AM fungi in a long‐term leaf litter addition and removal experiment in a tropical forest in Panama. We described AM fungal communities using 454‐pyrosequencing, quantified the proportion of root length colonised by AM fungi using microscopy, and estimated AM fungal biomass using a lipid biomarker.

AM fungal community composition was altered by litter removal but not litter addition. Root colonisation was substantially greater in the superficial organic layer compared with the mineral soil. Overall colonisation was lower in the litter removal treatment, which lacked an organic layer. There was no effect of litter manipulation on the concentration of the AM fungal lipid biomarker in the mineral soil.

We hypothesise that reductions in organic matter brought about by litter removal may lead to AM fungi obtaining nutrients from recalcitrant organic or mineral sources in the soil, besides increasing fungal competition for progressively limited resources.
Spatial variation in soil biota mediates plant adaptation to a foliar pathogen
Authors: Mursinoff Sini , Tack Ayco J. M. 
Published: January 2017

Summary

Theory suggests that below‐ground spatial heterogeneity may mediate host–parasite evolutionary dynamics and patterns of local adaptation, but this has rarely been tested in natural systems.

Here, we test experimentally for the impact of spatial variation in the abiotic and biotic soil environment on the evolutionary outcome of the interaction between the host plant Plantago lanceolata and its specialist foliar pathogen Podosphaera plantaginis.

Plants showed no adaptation to the local soil environment in the absence of natural enemies. However, quantitative, but not qualitative, plant resistance against local pathogens was higher when plants were grown in their local field soil than when they were grown in nonlocal field soil. This pattern was robust when extending the spatial scale beyond a single region, but disappeared with soil sterilization, indicating that soil biota mediated plant adaptation.

We conclude that below‐ground biotic heterogeneity mediates above‐ground patterns of plant adaptation, resulting in increased plant resistance when plants are grown in their local soil environment. From an applied perspective, our findings emphasize the importance of using locally selected seeds in restoration ecology and low‐input agriculture.