bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing childhood eczema: qualitative study exploring carers' experiences of barriers and facilitators to treatment adherence
Authors: Santer Miriam , Burgess Hana , Yardley Lucy , Ersser Steven J. , Lewis‐Jones Sue , Muller Ingrid , Hugh Catherine , Little Paul 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo explore parents and carers' experiences of barriers and facilitators to treatment adherence in childhood eczemaBackgroundChildhood eczema is common and causes significant impact on quality of life for children and their families, particularly due to sleep disturbance and itch. Non‐adherence to application of topical treatments is the main cause of treatment failure.DesignQualitative interview study.MethodsQualitative interviews were carried out with 31 carers from 28 families of children with eczema. Participants were recruited through primary care and included if they had a child aged 5 or less with a diagnosis of eczema. Interviews were carried out between December 2010–May 2011. Data were analysed using a constant comparative approach.FindingsBarriers to treatment adherence included carer beliefs around eczema treatment, the time consuming nature of applying topical treatments, and child resistance to treatment. Families employed a range of strategies in an attempt to work around children's resistance to treatment with varying success. Strategies included involving the child in treatment, distracting the child during treatment, or making a game of it, using rewards, applying treatment to a sleeping child or, in a few cases, physically restraining the child. Some carers reduced frequency of applications in an attempt to reduce child resistance.ConclusionsRegular application of topical treatments to children is an onerous task, particularly in families where child resistance develops. Early recognition and discussion of resistance and better awareness of the strategies to overcome this may help carers to respond positively and avoid establishing habitual confrontation.
Characterization and comparison of microsatellite markers derived from genomic and expressed libraries for the desert locust
Authors: Blondin L. , Badisco L. , Pagès C. , Foucart A. , Risterucci A‐M. , Bazelet C. S. , Vanden Broeck J. , Song H. , Ould Ely S. , Chapuis M‐P. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) has been feared agricultural pest since early civilization, with plagues documented in ancient texts. Population genetic studies of the desert locust are needed to determine genetic variation and movement pattern for efficient control of the pest. In this study, we complemented the limited available microsatellite collection for the desert locust with 34 new polymorphic and multiplexed microsatellite loci. To this aim, we screened an expressed sequence tags library and constructed a partial genomic library enriched for dinucleotide repeats to develop high‐throughput and high‐quality genotyping assays. We then paid particular attention to quality control and carefully validated 26 of these novel microsatellites and six previously described loci for the absence of null alleles in Western African field populations. This large panel of high‐quality microsatellite markers provides new opportunity to infer dispersal rates between populations of the desert locust and help prioritize early monitoring and control. Furthermore, high potential for cross‐taxa utility of markers was observed withinSchistocercagenus, which includes other locust pest species, with reliable amplification achieved for at least ten of loci per species. Microsatellite markers developed from transcriptome resources were largely devoid of null alleles and were conserved across species compared with those derived from traditional genomic libraries. Accordingly, the number of highly reliable microsatellite markers was greatly improved compared with that of previous studies onOrthopteran species, and this strategy might be broadly applied in other insect species prone to null alleles.
Effect of Storage Temperatures and Cooking Times on Viability of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 Inoculated in/on Goetta
Authors: Porto‐Fett A.C.S. , Pierre J. , Shoyer B.A. , Luchansky J.B. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe viability of a five‐strain cocktail of Listeria monocytogenes or Escherichia coli O157:H7 was separately evaluated in/on goetta, a sausage‐like meat product, both during extended refrigerated storage and following cooking. At 4C, L. monocytogenes numbers increased from ca. 1.4 to 8.4 log cfu/g over 90 days, whereas E. coli O157:H7 numbers remained relatively unchanged. At 12C, L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 numbers increased from ca. 1.4 to 9.0 log cfu/g over 28 days. After cooking for 2 to 6 min per side at an external temperature of 176.7C, reductions of 0.7 to 6.6 log cfu/g were observed for L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7. Although goetta supported the growth/survival of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 during refrigerated storage, a ≥5‐log reduction of both pathogens was achieved by cooking the product for at least 5 min per side at the manufacturer's recommended internal temperature of 73.8C.Practical ApplicationsAlthough there have been no reported recalls/illnesses associated with goetta, a specialty/ethnic meat enjoyed as a breakfast item, information is lacking to confirm if goetta would support the growth/survival of foodborne pathogens such as L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7. Thus, we determined if goetta would provide a favorable environment for persistence of these pathogens and, if so, would consumer reheating/storage practices be sufficient to kill any cells of either pathogen that might be present. Our data highlight the importance for proper storage and cooking of specialty/ethnic products such as goetta to extend shelf life and ensure wholesomeness. In this regard, it is significant from a public health perspective that goetta supported growth/survival of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7, and more importantly that cooking goetta at specific time/temperature combinations can achieve a ≥5‐log reduction of both pathogens. These data may be useful for establishing consumer guidelines for storing and cooking/reheating goetta prior to consumption.
Hospital Fall Prevention: A Systematic Review of Implementation, Components, Adherence, and Effectiveness
Authors: Hempel Susanne , Newberry Sydne , Wang Zhen , Booth Marika , Shanman Roberta , Johnsen Breanne , Shier Victoria , Saliba Debra , Spector William D. , Ganz David A. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesTo systematically document the implementation, components, comparators, adherence, and effectiveness of published fall prevention approaches in U.S. acute care hospitals.DesignSystematic review. Studies were identified through existing reviews, searching five electronic databases, screening reference lists, and contacting topic experts for studies published through August 2011.SettingU.S. acute care hospitals.ParticipantsStudies reporting in‐hospital falls for intervention groups and concurrent (e.g., controlled trials) or historic comparators (e.g., before–after studies).InterventionFall prevention interventions.MeasurementsIncidence rate ratios (IRR, ratio of fall rate postintervention or treatment group to the fall rate preintervention or control group) and ratings of study details.ResultsFifty‐nine studies met inclusion criteria. Implementation strategies were sparsely documented (17% not at all) and included staff education, establishing committees, seeking leadership support, and occasionally continuous quality improvement techniques. Most interventions (81%) included multiple components (e.g., risk assessments (often not validated), visual risk alerts, patient education, care rounds, bed‐exit alarms, and postfall evaluations). Fifty‐four percent did not report on fall prevention measures applied in the comparison group, and 39% neither reported fidelity data nor described adherence strategies such as regular audits and feedback to ensure completion of care processes. Only 45% of concurrent and 15% of historic control studies reported sufficient data to compare fall rates. The pooled postintervention incidence rate ratio (IRR) was 0.77 (95% confidence interval = 0.52–1.12, P = .17; eight studies; I2: 94%). Meta‐regressions showed no systematic association between implementation intensity, intervention complexity, comparator information, or adherence levels and IRR.ConclusionPromising approaches exist, but better reporting of outcomes, implementation, adherence, intervention components, and comparison group information is necessary to establish evidence on how hospitals can successfully prevent falls.
Mobility Activity and Its Value as a Prognostic Indicator of Survival in Hospitalized Older Adults
Authors: Ostir Glenn V. , Berges Ivonne M. , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Goodwin James S. , Fisher Steven R. , Guralnik Jack M. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesTo objectively assess total steps and minutes active in the first and last 24 hours of hospitalization and to examine associations with survival after discharge in hospitalized older adults.DesignA prospective study.SettingA 20‐bed Acute Care for Elders (ACE) hospital unit.ParticipantsTwo hundred twenty‐four older adults admitted to an ACE hospital unit.MeasurementsAn activity monitor was used to collect information on total steps and minutes of activity in the first and last 24 hours of hospitalization. The main outcome was 2‐year survival from hospital discharge date.ResultsParticipants were active for approximately 80 minutes in the first 24 hours of hospitalization. Participants aged 65–84 were active approximately 28 minutes more in the last 24 hours of hospitalization, but activity levels were essentially unchanged for those aged 85 and older. The median step count for participants was low, with a median of 478 steps in the first 24 hours of hospitalization and 846 in the last 24 hours. Multivariate survival models showed that, in the first and last 24 hours of hospitalization, each 100‐step increase was associated with a 2% (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.96–1.00) and 3% (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94–0.99) lower risk of death over 2 years, respectively. A decline in steps from first to last 24 hours of hospitalization was associated with a more than four times greater risk of death (HR = 4.21, 95% CI = 1.65–10.77) 2 years after discharge.ConclusionAccelerometers could provide meaningful information about walking activity. The ability to apply objective information about the individual's functional status to improve the delivery of health care and health outcomes is important.
Factor structure investigation of perceived facilitators and barriers in end‐of‐life care among Korean nurses
Authors: Lee JuHee , Choi Mona , Kim So‐sun , Beckstrand Renea 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Korean version of a questionnaire assessing facilitators/barriers in end‐of‐life care that was originally developed for nurses in the USA.MethodsBack‐translation was undertaken to produce the Korean version. A principal component analysis with varimax rotation and Cronbach's alpha was used to test factorial validity and reliability, respectively.ResultsThe analysis examined data from 383 nurses in a tertiary hospital in Korea. For end‐of‐life care facilitators, five factors accounted for 59% of the total variance. The factors were labeled “family preparedness”, “support for nurses”, “nurse–patient relationship”, “transition after death”, and “decision‐making”. Six factors, explaining 59% of the variance, were extracted for end‐of‐life care barriers. These factors were “misunderstanding patient's will”, “preoccupied nursing workload”, “lack of institutional support”, “dealing with family's maladaptive coping”, “visiting hours”, and “communication about patient's status with family members”. Cronbach's alpha was 0.89 for the 23 facilitator items and 0.90 for the 24 barrier items.ConclusionOverall, the findings demonstrate that the questionnaire has measurement properties in a sample of Korean nurses. Further studies are needed with different populations to reflect end‐of‐life care in various clinical settings.
Effects of Benefit‐Focused Versus Standard Expressive Writing on Adolescents' Self‐Concept During the High School Transition
Authors: Facchin Federica , Margola Davide , Molgora Sara , Revenson Tracey A. 
Published: March 2013

This randomized trial compared two types of expressive writing—benefit‐focused versus standard expressive writing—with a factual writing (control) condition in enhancing adolescents' self‐concept during the transition to high school. First‐year male students (N = 201) wrote on three consecutive days about either the potential benefits of the school transition, their deepest thoughts and feelings about this transition, or their school activities. The benefit‐focused group had better short‐term academic self‐concept relative to the other two conditions, especially among students who had low academic self‐concept at baseline, but these changes were not lasting. Writing about the benefits of the transition may be a cost‐effective school‐based intervention to strengthen academic self‐concept, but may need augmentation with booster sessions or interpersonal discussion.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Fusarium Isolated From Maize in Syria
Authors: Madania Ammar , Altawil Merfat , Naffaa Walid , Volker Paul H , Hawat Mohammad 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMaize is the third most important cereal after wheat and barley in Syria. Maize plants are attacked by several Fusarium species causing mainly stalk and ear rot of maize which poses a major impact worldwide. Identification of Fusarium species is important for disease control and for assessment of exposure risk to mycotoxines. To identify Fusarium species attacking maize in Syria, a total of 32 Fusarium isolates were recovered from maize ears collected from four different geographical regions, mainly from Ghouta surrounding Damascus. Fusarium isolates were identified based on morphology and on partial DNA sequencing of the TEF1‐α and rDNA/ITS genes. The majority (26 of 32) of these isolates was identified as F. verticillioides (subdivided into four groups), whereas three isolates turned out to be F. thapsinum, F. equiseti and F. andiyazi. The remaining three isolates were close to F. andiyazi, although further investigation is needed to confirm whether they represent a yet undescribed species. Furthermore, our results showed that sequencing the TEF1‐α gene is much more informative than sequencing of the rDNA/ITS region for Fusarium identification at the species level. PCR analysis showed that only F. verticillioides isolates were potentially fumonisin producers and that only the F. equiseti isolate was potentially trichotecene producer. This is the first report on Fusarium thapsinum, F. equiseti and F. andiyazi attacking maize in Syria.
Access to Care and Impacts of Cancer on Daily Life: Do They Differ for Metropolitan Versus Regional Hematological Cancer Survivors?
Authors: Paul Christine L. , Hall Alix E. , Carey Mariko L. , Cameron Emilie C. , Clinton‐McHarg Tara 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPurposeLittle is known about access to care for hematological cancer patients. This study explored patient experiences of barriers to accessing care and associated financial and social impacts of the disease. Metropolitan versus nonmetropolitan experiences were compared.MethodsA state‐based Australian cancer registry identified adult survivors of hematological cancers (including lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma) diagnosed in the previous 3 years. Survivors were mailed a self‐report pen and paper survey.FindingsOf the 732 eligible survivors, 268 (37%) completed a survey. Forty percent of participants reported at least one locational barrier which limited access to care. Only 2% reported cancer‐related expenses had restricted their treatment choices. Almost two‐thirds (64%) reported at least one financial or social impact on their daily lives related to cancer. The most frequently reported impacts were the need to take time off work (44%) and difficulty paying bills (21%). Survivors living in a nonmetropolitan location had 17 times the odds of reporting locational or financial barriers compared with those in metropolitan areas. Preferred potential solutions to alleviate the financial and social impacts of the disease were: free parking for tests or treatment (37%), free medications or treatments (29%), and being able to get treatment in their local region (20%).ConclusionsProviding more equitable access to care for hematological cancer patients in Australia requires addressing distances traveled to attend treatment and their associated financial and social impacts on nonmetropolitan patients. Greater flexibility in service delivery is also needed for patients still in the workforce.
The subjective–objective mismatch in sleep perception among those with insomnia and sleep apnea
Authors: Bianchi Matt T. , Williams Kathryn L. , Mckinney Scott , Ellenbogen Jeffrey M. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe diagnosis and management of insomnia relies primarily on clinical history. However, patient self‐report of sleep–wake times may not agree with objective measurements. We hypothesized that those with shallow or fragmented sleep would under‐report sleep quantity, and that this might account for some of the mismatch. We compared objective and subjective sleep–wake times for 277 patients who underwent diagnostic polysomnography. The group included those with insomnia symptoms (n = 92), obstructive sleep apnea (n = 66) or both (n = 119). Mismatch of wake duration was context dependent: all three groups overestimated sleep latency but underestimated wakefulness after sleep onset. The insomnia group underestimated total sleep time by a median of 81 min. However, contrary to our hypothesis, measures of fragmentation (N1, arousal index, sleep efficiency, etc.) did not correlate with the subjective sleep duration estimates. To unmask a potential relationship between sleep architecture and subjective duration, we tested three hypotheses: N1 is perceived as wake; sleep bouts under 10 min are perceived as wake; or N1 and N2 are perceived in a weighted fashion. None of these hypotheses exposed a match between subjective and objective sleep duration. We show only modest performance of a Naïve Bayes Classifier algorithm for predicting mismatch using clinical and polysomnographic variables. Subjective–objective mismatch is common in patients reporting insomnia symptoms. We conclude that mismatch was not attributable to commonly measured polysomnographic measures of fragmentation. Further insight is needed into the complex relationships between subjective perception of sleep and conventional, objective measurements.
Comparison of Sampling Sites and Laboratory Diagnostic Tests for S. equi subsp. equi in Horses from Confirmed Strangles Outbreaks
Authors: Lindahl S. , Båverud V. , Egenvall A. , Aspán A. , Pringle J. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundStrangles is a contagious equine‐specific disease caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. Unfortunately, detection of S. equi can fail in up to 40% of horses with strangles. Whereas recent molecular biologic methods and sampling techniques have improved recovery of S. equi optimal sampling methods and laboratory analyses remain ill‐defined.ObjectivesTo determine the yield of S. equi from horses with acute strangles in confirmed outbreaks by field‐sampling methods subjected to culture and biochemical identification, and real‐time PCR directly and after culture.AnimalsFifty‐seven horses of varying breeds and ages from 8 strangles outbreaks.MethodsProspective study. Culture with biochemical identification and real‐time PCR directly, and from culture, were performed on nasal swabs, nasopharyngeal swabs, and nasopharyngeal lavages.ResultsReal‐time PCR directly from samples identified the highest number of infected horses, with 45/57 nasal swabs, 41/57 nasopharyngeal swabs, and 48/57 nasopharyngeal lavages S. equi positive. Biochemical identification (highest positives 22/57) was inferior to real‐time PCR for S. equi recovery regardless of sampling method. Real‐time PCR of nasopharyngeal lavage directly and after culture yielded 52/57 positives whereas direct real‐time PCR of nasopharyngeal lavage combined with either nasopharyngeal swabs or nasal swabs yielded 53/57 positives. Three horses were negative on all samples.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceNasopharyngeal lavage analyzed by a combination of real‐time PCR directly and after culture or, alternatively, real‐time PCR directly on a nasopharyngeal lavage and a nasal/nasopharyngeal swab can identify S. equi in over 90% of acute strangles cases.
Shifts in plant species elevational range limits and abundances observed over nearly five decades in a western North America mountain range
Authors: Kopp Christopher W. , Cleland Elsa E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractQuestionHave there been shifts in abundance and distribution of alpine and sub‐alpine plant species along an elevational gradient in an arid North American mountain range during the last half‐century?LocationElevational gradient in the White Mountains, California, USA (37°30′ N, 118°10′ W).MethodsWe conducted a 49‐yr re‐survey of plant species distribution and abundance in areas originally surveyed in 1961. Species abundance data were collected along line transects between elevations of 2900 and 4000 m. We evaluated the degree of plant community shift over time across elevations; specifically, we expected species ranges to shift upward such that species peak abundances would be observed higher in elevation in 2010 than in 1961. To address this expectation we conducted a permutational multivariate linear model analysis with elevation, soil type and year as factors. We further performed single‐species analyses to evaluate how focal species contributed to the multivariate community‐level shifts between 2010 and 1961, and how these varied across elevations and soil types. Growing season climate data (June 1 through October 31) collected between 1961 and 2010 were analysed to quantify the change in annual mean temperature and precipitation at this site.ResultsWe found that Artemisia rothrockii increased in abundance at the upper reaches of its distribution between the 2010 and 1961 surveys. Additionally, we recorded significant declines in abundances in the lower elevation ranges of three alpine cushion plants: Trifolium andersonii, Phlox condensata and Eriogonum ovalifolium. These shifts coincided with a 0.98 °C increase in mean growing season temperatures and a 53 mm decrease in mean annual precipitation between 1961 and 2010.ConclusionsThese results suggest that rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation are negatively impacting alpine plant species while promoting expansion of sub‐alpine species, possibly signalling the transition of this alpine plant community to sagebrush steppe.