bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repeatability and clinical utility in stereophotogrammetric measurements of wounds
Authors: Davis A.J. , Nishimura J. , Seton J. , Goodman B.L. , Ho C.H. , Bogie K.M. 
Published: May 2014

Objective:To investigate the hypothesis that stereophotogrammetric wound size monitoring shows suitable inter-observer reliability and user acceptance for clinical practice use.Method:Veterans admitted for conservative management of severe pressure ulcers were eligible for inclusion in the study. Three-dimensional (3D) digital wound images were independently captured by two expert and two non-expert nurse-observers using a commercially available stereophotogrammetry system, weekly for 6 weeks. A double-blinded analyst generated 3D wound reconstructions, using software to determine geometry. Clinical opinion of wound progression was provided by an expert physician.Results:Thirteen wounds were assessed with more than 80% of all images being readable. Interclass correlation of 0.9867 (p < 0.0001) was observed. Compared with clinical opinion, 3D wound measurement was sensitive between improving and static wounds for wound perimeter, volume, depth and length.Conclusion:These preliminary findings suggest that 3D wound measurement minimises differences in wound measurement between expert and non-expert observers, suggesting it could be implemented with high reliability in health-care settings where several observers are involved in wound care management.Declaration of interest:This study was funded in part by a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs VISN10 Research Initiative Program. All study personnel contributed to the paper. AJD's effort was provided in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the MD degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. The authors declare they have no conflict of interests with regard to the information presented in this paper.
Development of anin vitrofibrin clot model to evaluate fibrinolytic agents for wound care application
Authors: Viennet C. , Laurensou C. , Goydadin A.C. , Faivre B. , Muret P. , Humbert P. 
Published: May 2014

Objective:To describe an in vitro fibrin clot model that could reliably assess the fibrinolytic activity of enzymatic debriding agents for wound care application.Method:A model of a fibrin clot was reconstructed in vitro by mixture of human fibrinogen and a-thrombin supplemented with factor XIII. These clots were then treated with enzymatic ointments. Fibrinolytic activity was investigated by measuring D-dimer levels, using an automated immunoturbidimetric Liatest D-dimer assay.Results:Collagenase and papain-urea ointments demonstrated fibrinolytic activity which was macroscopically visible. Their effect was identical on the in vitro reconstructed fibrin clot and ex vivo collected wound fibrin clot; collagenase and papain-urea both induced a complete degradation and dissolution of both fibrin clots after 24 hours of treatment. This was associated with an increase in D-dimer concentration.Conclusion:This reconstructed fibrin clot in vitro model has the potential to predict the efficacy of fibrinolytic agents and therefore appears to be a suitable model for in vitro assays.Declaration of interest:This study was supported by a grant from URGO Laboratory.
Laboratory evaluation of Drawtex Hydroconductive Dressing with LevaFiber technology
Authors: Edwards-Jones V. , Vishnyakov V. , Spruce P. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess absorption, sequestration and retention of microorganisms by Drawtex Hydroconductive dressing with LevaFiberTM technology. Method: The absorption over time and the ability to sequester and retain bacteria were assessed in the laboratory using an in vitro model where known amounts of fluid and microorganisms were allowed to absorb and sequester over a 24 hour period. The reduction in numbers of microorganisms following sequestration was determined using standard plate counting methods. Retention of the organisms was visualised by scanning electron microscopy. Results: Drawtex was shown to absorb eight times its own weight in fluid over time and it showed a 90% reduction in bacterial numbers over a 24 hour period in sequestration experiments. Direct observation by scanning electron microscopy demonstrated bacterial retention in the dressing fibres. Conclusion: Drawtex is a recent addition to the formulary for absorbent dressings available in the UK.It demonstrates excellent absorption properties, while maintaining integrity. In addition, it sequesters and retains microorganisms, which will help with removal of exudate and bioburden from the wound bed to help facilitate wound healing. Declaration of interest: This study was funded by an educational grant from Martindale Pharma, UK. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare with regard to the manuscript or its content
Paramedic research methods: importance and implications
Authors: Jones Colin , Jones Paul 
Published: May 2014

The modern paramedic will now undertake their professional training within a UK higher education institution (HEI). In addition to their specialist clinical training, other critical elements such as research methods will feature as an integral part of their programme. Often this component of the programme is not delivered by academic paramedical staff, but by personnel with other professional backgrounds. In this paper we acknowledge that the base of paramedic practice is still developing in HEIs and the development of the academic paramedic is ongoing. Students often face many challenges when undertaking the research methods module within their programme and to best facilitate this, we advocate that this part of the programme is delivered by academics with a background as a paramedic to give the best contextual learning experience.
Baby on the way: Was an ambulance in the plan?
Authors: Foster Theresa , Maillardet Victoria 
Published: May 2014

Objectives The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (the trust) sought the views of patients it attended who were imminently about to give birth at the time of the 999 call to the trust. This was a patient group who had previously never been specifically targeted by the trust as part of its on-going patient feedback activity to inform service development. Methods All imminent birth patients during a four consecutive month period from August to November 2008 were sent a questionnaire asking them about their contact and satisfaction with the ambulance service at the time of the birth. Results Results of this survey have shown that almost a fifth (19.4 %) of patients who had intended to give birth in hospital had planned to use the ambulance service for their transport. Perceived complications, severe pain, labour not progressing, or the advice of a midwife were the main reasons given for unplanned use of the service. In this sample, a greater percentage of patients who planned to give birth at a hospital or maternity centre actually gave birth at home (25.5 %), than was achieved by patients who had planned a home birth (16.7 %). Conclusions Further investigation is needed to inform developments in partnership working between ambulance and maternity services to better serve this patient group.
Is there a lawyer on board? In-flight emergencies and other Good Samaritan acts
Authors: Bracken Jonathan 
Published: May 2014

The legal liability of paramedics and other health professionals who perform Good Samaritan acts, particularly in response to in-flight emergencies on commercial aircraft, is a topic about which there is disproportionate and largely unwarranted concern. It is often a surprise to many people that English law imposes no ‘duty of rescue’ and also makes no special provision for the person who does intervene as a Good Samaritan. The common law principle is that a bystander has no legal obligation to come to the aid of another person but, if they choose to do so, then they must exercise due care and may be liable if they fail to do so and end up causing harm. This article explains the concept of the ‘duty of care’ in relation to paramedics and other health professionals, highlighting circumstances when they may be liable for negligence, and provides guidance for dealing with in-flight emergencies.
Development of a diabetes nursing competency framework
Authors: Hill Jill 
Published: May 2014

Abstract This article describes the development of a dynamic document detailing a competency framework for nurses and unregistered practitioners working with people with diabetes in a variety of health care settings. The first competency framework was produced by the now defunct UK Association of Diabetes Specialist Nurses in 2005. In response to feedback from diabetes nurses, against a background of major changes in the way diabetes care is being delivered, the document has been revised twice to incorporate additional competency topics to reflect the evolving role of the diabetes nurse.
Developing a COPD stratification scoring tool
Authors: Newey Alison 
Published: May 2014

Background: With a predicted increase in the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (World Health Organization, 2013), the nursing management of this long-term condition needs to be adapted to the varying degrees of disability that may present. With an increasing number of patients being referred to the respiratory team for community COPD management, a need for a change in working practice was recognized. Aim: A stratification scoring tool was developed to assess the impact of COPD on a patient's daily life and indicate the individual level of care needed. Method: Multidisciplinary team working was adopted to capture the factors that impact upon a patient with COPD. Results: The introduction of stratified disease management for an increasing caseload of patients has enabled care to be focused according to patient dependency. Improved time management also allowed for the re-establishment of other areas of respiratory care provision. Conclusions: Symptoms of COPD often limit patients’ daily activities. The most troublesome symptoms may be addressed through the application of a COPD stratification scoring tool.
Feline hypertension: an overview
Authors: Souttar Kim 
Published: May 2014

High blood pressure (hypertension) is an common problem in geriatric cats. Routine measurement of blood pressure can contribute to optimal clinical care. Veterinary nurses play an important role in measurement of blood pressure in routine clinical practice. Successful measurement of blood pressure in cats requires attention to detail using a standardized protocol such as that outlined in this article. Veterinary nurses are well placed to apply such a standard procedure, thereby obtaining consistent and accurate results. Hypertension is often a hidden condition, masked by cats' incredible coping abilities. Blindness or hyphaema may be the first sign noticed by the owner. Even though blind cats can lead a relatively normal life, they often have an underlying disease associated with hypertension, such as chronic kidney disease and/or hyperthyroidism. However, some cats may have no underlying diseases detectable and their hypertension would be classified as idiopathic. Treatment using amlodipine besylate, a calcium channel blocker, has been shown to work most effectively in cats with hypertension. In the last few decades knowledge of hypertension has improved, however, many older cats are still not routinely having their blood pressure measured. The veterinary nurse is often under utilized in this area. Veterinary nurses should take a pro-active role in measuring blood pressure in cats, within the consulting room, with their owners present. It is only by performing routine, pre-emptive blood pressure measurement in the absence of clinical signs that development of end-organ damage, such as blindness, will be prevented.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for VNs
Authors: Murrell Joanna 
Published: May 2014

Pharmacodynamics is defined as the science of drug action on the body and pharmacokinetics is defined as the study of what the body does to a drug, namely the study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination. A basic understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics is important, particularly in the discipline of anaesthesia. It allows known and unfamiliar drugs to be used more safely and efficiently and ensures a greater understanding of clinical effect. It allows predictions to be made about the clinical characteristics of anaesthetic and analgesic drugs that may be unfamiliar, increasing understanding about how the drug performs in both healthy and unhealthy patients. Pharmacokinetic properties will also inform about whether individual drugs are suitable for administration by continuous rate infusion. A second article focussing on the principles of pharmacodynamics will appear in a future issue of The Veterinary Nurse.
Equine insect-related summer skin diseases
Authors: Williams Pauline , Barrif Jill 
Published: May 2014

Equine summer skin diseases are primarily dominated by insect-related conditions, although outdoor allergens and the sun are responsible for the large proportion of the remaining commonly presented problems. This article reviews the aetiology, presentation and current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to common insect-induced dermatoses including insect bite hypersensitivity (sweet itch) and harvest mite infestation.
Literature searching and reviewing
Authors: Bloor Claire 
Published: May 2014

As veterinary nursing evolves as a profession in its own right with a greater importance being placed on evidence-based nursing care, it is vitally important that all veterinary nurses (VN) are able to both search for information and evidence to support and justify their nursing actions, and review these to ascertain their meaning and benefits to their practice. Information and evidence, or literature as it will subsequently be referred to throughout the article, is presented in a variety of different ways and typically categorized as primary, secondary or tertiary literature. A fourth category of information source is also described, which is called Gray literature. The difference between these categories of literature are considered. Depending on the status of the VN at any given point in time, for example whether they are a student VN, an undergraduate student VN, a graduate student VN or a qualified VN, the reasons for their literature searching and reviewing will be different. VNs studying towards a qualification will be required to search for and review literature to support their academic work, whether this relates to their discussions in an assignment or whether it relates to them trying to identify a gap in existing knowledge on a subject to justify their desire to conduct a piece of research. Having initially outlined what is considered to be a source of knowledge or piece of literature, this article aims to explore some of the problems associated with literature searching, provide guidance with regards to conducting an effective literature search, before finally considering how a VN can effectively and appropriately review a piece of literature; all VNs must be able to decide whether an article, research report or book they read is valid, current and reliable.
Nursing the portosystemic shunt patient
Authors: Jenkins Helen , Haskey Eleanor 
Published: May 2014

A portosystemic shunt (PSS) is any vascular anomaly that allows blood from the hepatic portal circulation to bypass the liver and be delivered directly into the systemic circulation. The life expectancy of animals that are medically managed is generally reported to be 2 months to 2 years. Fatal liver failure develops after 3 years of age in most dogs that receive only medical treatment, whereas surgical attenuation of shunts is associated with a more favourable long-term prognosis. The preferred treatment for PSS is complete/partial shunt attenuation which is intended to redirect the portal blood flow through the liver to promote normalisation of the hepatic structure and function. The nursing of such cases requires a high level of nursing care with a number of individual nursing considerations.
Questioning the “Regulatory Approach” to Large-Scale Agricultural Land Transfers in Ethiopia: A Legal Pluralistic Perspective
Authors: Mulleta Fantu F. , Merlet Pierre , Bastiaensen Johan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractUntil now, most policy recommendations put forward to deal with the possible negative impacts of large-scale land acquisitions are either directed towards the legal recognition and formalization of land rights in order to secure the rights of historical land holders or the design and implementation of “voluntary” guidelines and codes of conduct that promote positive development outcomes of large-scale land investments. This paper argues that these types of recommendations tend to depoliticize the debate around access to land and natural resources, whether at local, national and international levels. This paper looks to bring this political dimension back by proposing an analytical framework in line with the legal pluralist tradition. From a legal pluralistic analysis of the process of land deals in Ethiopia, this paper finds out that socio-cultural identity and power structures, rather than market and regulatory failure alone, play a fundamental role in redirecting negotiations and determining losers and winners from such deals. With the above finding, this paper finally suggests that blueprint international standards or investment regulatory measures cannot be used as a panacea and that solutions need to be more profound than such conventional approach.
Output Characteristics of a Circular Cone Type Graphite Cathode for Al-Cl2 Fuel Cells in AlCl3-EMIC Ionic Liquid
Authors: Nunomura Junji , Ueda Mikito , Ohtsuka Toshiaki 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
To improve the reduction efficiency of chlorine electrodes in
aluminum-chlorine cells, this reports a circular cone type graphite
cathode, with an electrochemical cell consisting of an aluminum anode
and the graphite cathode evaluated in EMIC-AlCl3 ionic liquid.
The current density in the circular cone type cathodes with different
cone angles exhibited a maximum value at 40○, and the
current density at cell voltage of 0.5 V was about
25 mA cm
–2. This value is about 80% larger
than that of a cylindrical type graphite cathode. In a circular cone
type cathode with a 40○ angle, the maximum power density
recorded was 15.3 mW cm
–2.
Technology and Taxidermy of Two Nacreous Zoomorphic Pendants from Tula, Hidalgo
Authors: Maldonado Norma Valentín , Solís Ciriaco Reyna B. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTDuring an archaeological rescue on Tula’s southwestern urban settlement, two zoomorphic pendants made of the nacreous bivalve Pinctada mazatlanica were found. Such elements belong to a residential compound dedicated to the production of prestige goods for the elite at the Toltec capital.The importance of these objects analysis lies on the fact that both are on-site taxidermy renderings of two canines. This essay main purpose is to identify the biological zoomorphic renderings and its character, since it’s possible that the samples were not living animals but a depiction of their hides. This research will also analyze the manufacturing technology of these pendants using experimental archaeology, Optical Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy, which indicate a local production controlled by the ruling class.
Potential Uses of Administrative Records for Triple System Modeling for Estimation of Census Coverage Error in 2020
Authors: Griffin Richard A. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Heterogeneity in capture probabilities is known to produce bias in the dual system estimates that have been used to estimate census coverage in U.S. Censuses since 1980. Triple system estimation using an administrative records list as a third source along with the census and coverage measurement survey has the potential to produce estimates with less bias. This is particularly important for hard-to-reach populations.
The article presents potential statistical methods for the estimation of net census undercount using three systems for obtaining population information: (1) a decennial census; (2) an independent enumeration of the population in a sample of block clusters; and (3) administrative records. The 2010 Census Match Study will create census-like files for the entire nation using federal and commercial sources of administrative records. The 2010 Census Coverage Measurement Survey is an enumeration in a sample of block clusters that is independent of the 2010 decennial Census.
Serpentinization of mantle‐derived peridotites at mid‐ocean ridges: Mesh texture development in the context of tectonic exhumation
Authors: Rouméjon Stéphane , Cannat Mathilde 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAt slow spreading ridges, axial detachment faults exhume mantle‐derived peridotites and hydrothermal alteration causes serpentinization in a domain extending more than 1 km next to the fault. At the microscopic scale, serpentinization progresses from a microfracture network toward the center of olivine relicts and forms a mesh texture. We present a petrographic study (SEM, EBSD, and Raman) of the serpentine mesh texture in a set of 278 abyssal serpentinized peridotites from the Mid‐Atlantic and Southwest Indian Ridges. We show that serpentinization initiated along two intersecting sets of microfractures that have consistent orientations at the sample scale, and in at least one studied location, at the 100 m scale. We propose that these microfractures formed in fresh peridotites due to combined thermal and tectonic stresses and subsequently served as channels for serpentinizing fluids. Additional reaction‐induced cracks developed for serpentinization extents <20%. The resulting microfracture network has a typical spacing of ∼60 µm but most serpentinization occurs next to a subset of these microfractures that define mesh cells 100–400 µm in size. Apparent mesh rim thickness is on average 33 ± 19 µm corresponding to serpentinization extents of 70–80%. Published laboratory experiments suggest that mesh rims formation could be completed in a few years (i.e., quasi instantaneous at the plate tectonic timescale). The depth and extent of the serpentinization domain in the detachment fault's footwall are probably variable in time and space and as a result we expect that the serpentine mesh texture at slow spreading ridges forms at variable rates with a spatially heterogeneous distribution.
Influence of MA‐g‐HDPE compatibilizer content on quality and adhesion/bending strength of polyethylene/O‐MMT coating films
Authors: Mardani Mehdi , Bagheri Rouhallah , Golozar Mohammad Ali 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTHigh density polyethylene/organo‐modified montmorillonite composites whit various concentrations of maleic anhydride grafted high density polyethylene (MA‐g‐HDPE) as compatibilizer (5–20 wt %) have been prepared by melt process. The extruded composite powders are applied on the treated steel surfaces using spray electrostatic powder technique, followed by oven curing at various temperatures (180°C–220°C) and times (15–45 min). The surface uniformity of produced coating films is studied by scanning electron microscopy. Comparison of micrographs of the coatings shows the composite coating films are measured using standard methods. The uniformity, adhesion, and bending strength of the coating films are compared to select high performance coatings. The results indicate that the presence of 15 wt % MA‐g‐HDPE in the coatings shows the highest properties (adhesion and bending strength) and more surface uniformity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40926.