bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mothers’ groups initiated by health visitors: Why do some groups continue over years? A qualitative study with a phenomenographic approach
Authors: Borup Ina K 
Published: April 2015

Aim To describe mothers’ perceptions of what characterized mothers’ groups that continued over many years and to explore how the mothers benefitted from participating. Background Scarce knowledge about mothers’ groups in a long term perspective. Methods A qualitative research design was applied. Data were obtained by focus group discussions in three mothers’ groups that had lasted for 13, 16 and 21 years, respectively. Data was analysed using a phenomenographic approach. Findings The analysis revealed three descriptive categories and nine sub-categories. The categories were: Structure and contents over the years; Diverse backgrounds and views, with respect; and Revitalization, continuation and outcome of the groups. The underlying structure was found to be that the mothers’ groups had developed from baby-oriented to life-oriented forums and constituted a free space built upon confidentiality and trust, and with respect for differences. Conclusion The study concludes that mothers’ groups may result in social support and new coping strategies. Health professionals should encourage established groups to continue on their own. More research on the drop-outs from the groups is needed.
Is the first-line nursing managers’ power congruent with that of the nursing group?
Authors: Viinikainen Sari , Asikainen Paula , Sieloff Christina , Helminen Mika , Suominen Tarja 
Published: April 2015

Aim This research examined the relationship between nursing managers’ power and nursing group power in public health service organizations. Approach/Methods A cross-sectional survey of first-line nurse managers ( n = 264) from 11 Finnish hospitals was conducted. The power of nurse managers and nursing groups was examined through two reliable instruments: the Nursing Managers’ Power instrument and the Sieloff-King Assessment of Group Power within Organizations instrument©. Findings The power of nurse managers was perceived to be moderate on a 5-point Likert scale. Managers reported that they gained the most power from their role and position as a nursing manager, and lastly, from their resources. The power of nurse managers correlated no more than moderately with nursing group power. Implications for Nursing Management Organizations need to ensure that nursing managers have the power and opportunity to influence nursing goals and outcomes.
Veilederes beveggrunner for å unnlate å gi ikke-bestått i praksisstudier til tross for at læringsutbyttene ikke er nådd
Authors: Westad Hauge Kari 
Published: April 2015

Background Many professional educations have element of practice in their educations. Any assessment scheme involves large uncertainties, and this will in particular be applicable in practice assessment. Studies show that students who do not meet the goals of a practice period pass anyway. Purpose The purpose of the literature study is to describe what may lie at the core of those supervisors who allow underperforming students to pass in practice. Method A systematic literature search was carried out in March 2013 in the CHINAL, OVID Nursing database, OVID Medline, OVID PsycInfo, ProQuest, Science Direct, Eric, Norart and SweMed+. Results Nine articles and a monograph were included in the study. The reasons for not failing an incompetent student stems from lack of knowledge and confidence, challenges related to documentation, personal attitudes and beliefs, lack of support, the scarcity of time and the fear that the decision would be overturned by the university and the appeal. Conclusion The study shows that the supervisors have lack of competence in the role of their supervisor, both on the knowledge, skills and personal competence. To ensure that underperforming students fail, the need for training and support to the supervisors is essential.
‘Disse smertene plager min sjel’: En kvalitativ intervjustudie av iranske kvinner i Norge
Authors: Saadati Monir , Hanssen Ingrid 
Published: April 2015

Aim To learn about Iranian women’s experience with chronic pain and Norwegian nurses’ nursing care. Background Chronic pain is aggravated by social, economic and political strain causing serious accompanying psychological symptoms. Iran women’s position is characterized by social and political discrimination and inequity. Women are expected to be homemakers and obey their male family members. Method Semi-structured in-depth interviews with five female Iranian refugees aged 39–55 years who had lived 10 or more years in Norway. Hermeneutic analysis. Informed consent was given by all respondents. Findings Culturally-based duties and expectation aggravate their pain, anxiety, depression and insomnia. This may result in aggressiveness, bitterness, concentration problems, fatigue, heartaches, and a feeling of inadequacy. They are lonely and miss homeland, family and friends. Their losses make the pain worse. Norwegian nurses are seen as unbelieving regarding their pain, which make them take pain medication brought from home rather than ask for analgesics. Conclusion Traditional roles and expectations, limited social network, and longing for homeland, friends, and family aggravate these women’s chronic pain and make them vulnerable.
Do nurses change a child’s peripheral intravenous catheter when clinically indicated?
Authors: Bramhagen Ann-Cathrine , Löwenhielm Mikael , Idvall Ewa 
Published: April 2015

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate if nurses change a child’s peripheral intravenous catheter when clinically indicated. Background Today, inserting a peripheral intravenous catheter is a common procedure in hospital care, but this can be painful and traumatic for children. There are guidelines when to change the peripheral catheter in adults, but no similar guidelines was found concerning children. A Cochrane review from 2010 concludes that the policy should be to change the peripheral intravenous catheter when clinically indicated. This includes phlebitis, but also pain, redness, infiltration, swelling, leakage and blockage. Method The design was prospective and observational. Daily observations were made at the hospital by one of the researchers and notes were made in a protocol. Findings Thirty-three children with a total of 47 peripheral intravenous catheters participated, and 104 observations were made. Of the children, 42% (14/33) developed complications. Among the children with phlebitis grade 2 and 3, the nurses did not change the peripherala intravenous catheter when clinically indicated. Conclusion This study shows that phlebitis occurs in children with a peripheral intravenous catheter and the PIC were not changed when clinically indicated. It is the professional’s responsibility to reduce the painful experiences for children during hospital care, and more research concerning nurses’ clinical decisions needs to be conducted.
Successful segmental thermal ablation of varicose saphenous veins in a patient with confirmed vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Frank Michael , Says Jerome , Denarié Nicolas , Sapoval Marc , Messas Emmanuel 
Published: April 2015

We describe here the successful scheduled treatment of varicose veins by radiofrequency segmental thermal ablation in a 43-year-old patient with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Her venous disease started at the age of 16 years, 1 year prior to her first major Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-related event which led to the diagnosis of her genetic condition. Surgical stripping was contra-indicated because of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome at the age of 18 years. More than 20 years later, her venous disease had become highly symptomatic despite daily compression and pain medication. Venous reassessment evidenced incompetent right and left great saphenous and left small saphenous veins, with increased diameters of both sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions. Radiofrequency endovenous ablation rather than surgery was considered because of its minimally invasive nature and because of standardized energy delivery. All intended-to-be-treated incompetent saphenous vein segments were occluded successfully, followed by an important improvement of clinical disease severity at day 30, persistent at 1 year post-treatment. Duplex ultrasound confirmed closure and fibrotic retraction of all treated venous segments at 1 year. This report shows that radiofrequency endovenous ablation may be a safe and effective therapy of varicose veins in patients with diagnosed vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
The experiences of peer leaders in a driving cessation programme
Authors: Liddle Jacki , Liu Xinyu , Aplin Tammy , Gustafsson Louise 
Published: April 2015

Introduction Peer leaders are increasingly involved in health-related programmes due to the perceived benefits that they bring to the group process. This exploratory study examined the experiences of peer leaders in the University of Queensland Driver Retirement Initiative, an educational support group for older people undergoing driving cessation. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five peer leaders (two men, three women, age range: 67–81 years) regarding their role and involvement as a peer leader in the University of Queensland Driver Retirement Initiative programme as well as their positive and negative experiences. Results Inductive thematic analysis revealed three themes: diversity of peer leaders, drawing on personal strengths and experiences, and taking the middle ground. Conclusion This study revealed that peer leaders drew from their diverse range of personal resources and experiences to perform the role of peer leader, using varying approaches to perform the role successfully. The provision of broad guidelines in training allowed individual approaches to be developed and this contributed to a positive experience for peer leaders in the University of Queensland Driver Retirement Initiative. These findings have implications for the development of future peer-led driving cessation programmes and the selection of their peer leaders.
Increased interictal visual network connectivity in patients with migraine with aura
Authors: Tedeschi Gioacchino , Russo Antonio , Conte Francesca , Corbo Daniele , Caiazzo Giuseppina , Giordano Alfonso , Conforti Renata , Esposito Fabrizio , Tessitore Alessandro 
Published: April 2015

Objective To evaluate the resting-state visual network functional connectivity in patients with migraine with aura and migraine without aura during the interictal period. Population and methods Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, the resting-state visual network integrity was investigated in 20 patients with migraine with aura, 20 age- and sex-matched patients with migraine without aura and 20 healthy controls. Voxel-based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging were used to assess whether between-groups differences in functional connectivity were dependent on structural or microstructural changes. Results Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data showed that patients with migraine with aura, compared to both patients with migraine without aura and healthy controls, had a significant increased functional connectivity in the right lingual gyrus within the resting-state visual network ( p < 0.05, cluster-level corrected). This abnormal resting-state visual network functional connectivity was observed in the absence of structural or microstructural abnormalities and was not related to migraine severity. Conclusions Our imaging data revealed that patients with migraine with aura exhibit an altered resting-state visual network connectivity. These results support the hypothesis of an extrastriate cortex involvement, centred in the lingual gyrus, a brain region related to mechanisms underlying the initiation and propagation of the migraine aura. This resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging finding may represent a functional biomarker that could differentiate patients experiencing the aura phenomenon from patients with migraine without aura, even between migraine attacks.
Impact of FDA Black Box Warning on Psychotropic Drug Use in Noninstitutionalized Elderly Patients Diagnosed With Dementia
Authors: Singh Rakesh R. , Nayak Rajesh 
Published: April 2015

Background: The study seeks to investigate the impact of Food and Drug Administration's black box warning (BBW) on the use of atypical antipsychotics (AAP) and nonantipsychotic psychotropic alternatives in noninstitutionalized elderly population diagnosed with dementia. Method: The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2004 through 2007) was utilized as the data source. Medication use in elderly patients (≥65 years) was defined as taking at least 1 medication for dementia. We performed a statistical comparison of prewarning (2004-2005) and postwarning (2006-2007) periods with respect to AAP and nonantipsychotic psychotropic use to examine the impact of labeling changes. Results: A bivariate analysis did not yield statistically significant change in either the AAP or nonantipsychotic psychotropic use, pre- versus postwarning. However, multivariate logistic-regression analyses revealed greater odds for antidementia (odds ratio [OR] = 1.976, P = .0195) and benzodiazepine (OR = 3.046, P = .0227) medication use in postwarning period compared to the prewarning period. Conclusion: The regulatory warnings and labeling changes regarding off-label use of AAPs in dementia treatment showed minimal impact on their actual use in noninstitutionalized populations. A corresponding increase in the use of nonantipsychotic psychotropics explains that BBW might have resulted in a compensatory shift in favor of benzodiazepines and antidementia medications. Additional research should be conducted to examine the long-term impact of BBW on antipsychotic prescribing changes.
Vitamin D levels and cytokine profiles in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Schneider L , Colar da Silva A C , Werres Junior L C , Alegretti A P , dos Santos A S Pereira , Santos M , Sassi R , Heemann B , Pfaffenseller B , Tavares Brenol J C , Monticielo O A 
Published: April 2015

Objectives To evaluate the expression of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and verify the association between serum cytokine levels and vitamin D concentration. Methods The sample consisted of 172 patients with SLE. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured by chemiluminescence and 25(OH)D levels <20 ng/mL were considered to reflect vitamin D deficiency. Serum cytokine levels were measured in once-thawed samples, using a Th1/Th2/Th17 CBA (cytometric beads array) kit. Results One hundred and sixty-one (93.6%) patients were women and 128 (74.4%) were of European descent. Mean patient age was 40.5 ± 13.8 years, and mean age at diagnosis was 31.5 ± 13.4 years. At the time of study entry, patients had a median (IQR) SLEDAI of 2 (1–4) and SLICC of 0 (0–1). Mean 25(OH)D concentration was 25.4 ± 11.04 ng/mL. Fifty-nine (34.3%) patients had a vitamin D deficiency. No statistically significant associations were identified between cytokine and vitamin D levels. The most significant finding was a positive correlation between INF-α levels and SLEDAI ( rs = 0.22, p = 0.04). Conclusion Although vitamin D deficiencies are highly prevalent in patients with SLE, vitamin D levels were not significantly associated with patient cytokine profiles. The positive correlation between IFN-α levels and SLEDAI showed in this study corroborates other findings in the literature. The present results did not replicate those of in vitro studies of the effect of vitamin D levels on cytokine profiles. Placebo-controlled intervention trials of the effect of vitamin D on cytokine profiles are still required before any definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding the association between these variables.
Assessment of the Diagnostic Value of Plasma Levels, Activities, and Their Ratios of von Willebrand Factor and ADAMTS13 in Patients with Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Qu Le , Jiang Miao , Qiu Wenjuan , Lu Shiqi , Zhao Yunxiao , Xia Lijun , Ruan Changgeng , Zhao Yiming 
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives: Raised levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) and reduced levels of a disintegrin and a metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type I motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) activity are associated with thrombosis. We aimed to investigate the relationships between plasma levels of VWF and ADAMTS13, their ratios, and the occurrence of cerebral infarction and to understand the roles of VWF and ADAMTS13 in cerebral infarction. Methods: Ninety-four patients with cerebral infarction and 103 controls were analyzed. Plasma levels of VWF antigen (VWF: Ag), VWF ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF: Rcof), and VWF collagen binding activity (VWF: CB) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13) was measured with FRETS-VWF73. The relationship between plasma levels and ratios of VWF and ADAMTS13 and the occurrence of cerebral infarction were analyzed. Results: Patients with cerebral infarction displayed higher VWF: Ag and VWF: Rcof levels and lower ADAMTS13, VWF: CB/VWF: Ag, ADAMTS13/VWF: Ag, and ADAMTS13/VWF: Rcof levels compared to controls ( P < .01). The highest quartiles of VWF: Ag (odds ratio [OR] = 5.11, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-17.50) and VWF: Rcof (OR = 5.04, 95% CI, 1.62-15.66) and the lowest quartiles of VWF: CB/VWF: Ag (OR = 5.91, 95% CI, 1.95-17.93), ADAMTS13/VWF: Ag (OR = 9.11, 95% CI, 2.49-33.33), and ADAMTS13/VWF: Rcof (OR = 3.73, 95% CI, 1.39-10.03) are associated with cerebral infarction. Conclusions: An association was found between reduced levels of VWF: CB/VWF: Ag, ADAMTS13/VWF: Ag, and ADAMTS13/VWF: Rcof ratios and cerebral infarction. Our data suggest that increased levels of VWF and reduced levels of ADAMTS13 activity may contribute to the pathogenesis of cerebral infarction.
Feline intestinal mast cell tumours: clinicopathological characterisation and KIT mutation analysis
Authors: Sabattini Silvia , Giantin Mery , Barbanera Adele , Zorro Shahidian Lara , Dacasto Mauro , Zancanella Vanessa , Prata Daniela , Trivigno Eleonora , Bettini Giuliano 
Published: April 2015

Objectives Feline intestinal mast cell tumours (FIMCTs) are rare and reportedly characterised by poor differentiation, aggressive biological behaviour and lack of reliable therapeutic aids. KIT proto-oncogene-activating mutations have never been investigated in these tumours. This study describes the main clinicopathological and microscopic features observed in 17 FIMCTs. Methods Tumour degree of differentiation, proliferative activity, Kit protein expression and KIT mutations were evaluated and correlated with survival to assess their prognostic relevance. Results Ten tumours were located in the small intestine, two in the ileocaecocolic junction, and five in the large intestine. Survival times ranged from 3–538 days. Fifteen tumours were evaluated histologically, and there were six well-differentiated, six moderately differentiated and three poorly differentiated FIMCTs. The last showed a medium-to-large deposition of collagen tissue ( P <0.001), and significantly higher mitotic and Ki67 indexes compared with more differentiated tumours ( P = 0.011). On survival analysis, tumour degree of differentiation ( P <0.001) and a mitotic index >2 ( P = 0.022) were significantly associated with decreased survival times. Twelve cases showed Kit protein immunoexpression. The Kit pattern was membranous in five cases (33.3%), focal paranuclear in five (33.3%) and diffuse cytoplasmic in two (13.3%). Cytoplasmic Kit patterns were associated with a lesser differentiation ( P = 0.015). Mutation analysis was successfully performed on 12 primary tumours and four lymph node metastases; however, no encoding mutation was detected. Conclusions and relevance Contrary to reports in the literature, FIMCTs seem to have an extremely variable biological behaviour. We propose a classification based on tumour degree of differentiation and proliferative activity. These findings need to be confirmed in larger series, and exploration of further genomic regions of KIT is warranted to clarify its role in the development and progression of these neoplasms.
Audiogenic reflex seizures in cats
Authors: Lowrie Mark , Bessant Claire , Harvey Robert J , Sparkes Andrew , Garosi Laurent 
Published: April 2015

Objectives This study aimed to characterise feline audiogenic reflex seizures (FARS). Methods An online questionnaire was developed to capture information from owners with cats suffering from FARS. This was collated with the medical records from the primary veterinarian. Ninety-six cats were included. Results Myoclonic seizures were one of the cardinal signs of this syndrome (90/96), frequently occurring prior to generalised tonic–clonic seizures (GTCSs) in this population. Other features include a late onset (median 15 years) and absence seizures (6/96), with most seizures triggered by high-frequency sounds amid occasional spontaneous seizures (up to 20%). Half the population (48/96) had hearing impairment or were deaf. One-third of cats (35/96) had concurrent diseases, most likely reflecting the age distribution. Birmans were strongly represented (30/96). Levetiracetam gave good seizure control. The course of the epilepsy was non-progressive in the majority (68/96), with an improvement over time in some (23/96). Only 33/96 and 11/90 owners, respectively, felt the GTCSs and myoclonic seizures affected their cat’s quality of life (QoL). Despite this, many owners (50/96) reported a slow decline in their cat’s health, becoming less responsive (43/50), not jumping (41/50), becoming uncoordinated or weak in the pelvic limbs (24/50) and exhibiting dramatic weight loss (39/50). These signs were exclusively reported in cats experiencing seizures for >2 years, with 42/50 owners stating these signs affected their cat’s QoL. Conclusions and relevance In gathering data on audiogenic seizures in cats, we have identified a new epilepsy syndrome named FARS with a geriatric onset. Further studies are warranted to investigate potential genetic predispositions to this condition.