bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thinking positively about chronic illness: An exploration of optimism, illness perceptions and well‐being in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Hurt Catherine S. , Burn David J. , Hindle John , Samuel Mike , Wilson Ken , Brown Richard G. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesHolding positive beliefs about illness and having an optimistic outlook have been associated with increased well‐being across a range of health conditions. However, research has indicated that being very optimistic may not actually be beneficial, and holding a realistic attitude is more adaptive in some forms of chronic illness, for example, Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to explore the nature of relationships between illness perceptions, optimism and well‐being: specifically, whether a linear or non‐linear relationship best described the data. Additionally, the proposed moderating effect of optimism on the relationship between illness perceptions and well‐being was tested.DesignA total of 109 participants with idiopathic PD completed questionnaire measures of illness perception, optimism, mood and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodsMultiple regression analyses were used to explore relationships between illness perceptions, optimism, mood and HRQoL. The potential curvilinear effects of illness perceptions and optimism were modelled using squared variables and linear and quadratic curve estimation.ResultsHolding positive illness perceptions predicted better well‐being. Some evidence for a non‐linear relationship between optimism and mood was found. Optimism had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between specific illness perceptions and outcome.ConclusionsOptimism appears to provide protection against some negative perceptions of illness and was associated with better mood and HRQoL. The findings indicate that specific illness perceptions may be beneficial targets for therapy. Therapeutic interventions should focus on enhancing positive perceptions of PD but potentially more importantly general optimistic attitude to maximize well‐being.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject? Positive illness perceptions and high optimism are associated with better well‐being in a range of conditions, both chronic and acute. Preliminary studies suggest that in chronic degenerative diseases, marked positive optimism confers no additional benefit over medium levels of optimism for well‐being and is associated with less use of adaptive coping.What does this study add?

Optimism moderates the effects of specific negative illness perceptions on well‐being in Parkinson's disease.

No evidence was found that unrealistic positive illness perceptions are detrimental to well‐being.

Adaptive illness perceptions may be condition specific.
A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Edentulous Patients Treated with Immediately Loaded Implant‐Supported Mandibular Fixed Prostheses
Authors: Alfadda Sara Abdulaziz 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPurposeA 1‐year blinded two‐arm parallel randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted to test the null hypothesis that immediate loading of four dental implants between the mental foramina with a fixed prosthesis has no benefits compared with the conventional loading technique in terms of implant success and clinical function.Materials and MethodsForty‐five patients, completely edentulous in the mandibles seeking implant‐supported prostheses at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, were recruited. Four TiUnite dental implants (NobelBiocare®, Göteborg, Sweden) were placed following the one‐stage surgical protocol. Immediately after surgery, the patients were randomly assigned to either study arms by a third independent party. In the experimental arm (EA), existing mandibular denture was converted into an interim implant‐supported fixed bridge (ISFB) on the same day of surgery. In the control arm (CA), the mandibular denture was hollowed out and relined with a soft tissue reline. The implants were loaded with the permanent ISFB at least 3 months postsurgery. Patients were assessed by a calibrated independent investigator at 2, 6, and 12 months following completion of treatment.ResultsA total of one hundred sixty implants were placed. Due to anatomical limitations, one patient was excluded from the study. Four patients in the EA did not receive intervention as allocated and were transferred to the CA. Implant success rate was comparable between the two arms and exceeded 96%. Marginal bone loss was statistically significantly more in the immediate loading arm, −0.296 mm versus −0.037 mm (intention to treat: p = .002; per protocol: p = .021). The relatively early intervention and insertion of the final prosthesis in the immediate arm, when bone healing and remodeling process had not yet been completed, might explain the difference in the amount of bone loss.ConclusionImmediate loading of four dental implants with a fixed prosthesis in the edentulous mandible is a feasible treatment option and leads to a substantial improvement in perceived oral health status.
Predicting individual differences in low‐income children's executive control from early to middle childhood
Authors: Cybele Raver C. , McCoy Dana Charles , Lowenstein Amy E. , Pess Rachel 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe present longitudinal study tested the roles of early childhood executive control (EC) as well as exposure to poverty‐related adversity at family and school levels as key predictors of low‐income children's EC in elementary school (n = 391). Findings suggest that children's EC difficulties in preschool and lower family income from early to middle childhood are robust predictors of later EC difficulties as rated by teachers in 2nd and 3rd grades. Findings also suggest enrollment in unsafe elementary schools is significantly predictive of higher levels of teacher‐rated EC difficulty, but only for those children who showed initially elevated levels of EC difficulty in early childhood. Implications for scientific models of cognitive development and poverty‐related adversity are discussed.
Decadal‐scale regional changes in Canadian freshwater zooplankton: the likely consequence of complex interactions among multiple anthropogenic stressors
Authors: Palmer Michelle E. , Yan Norman D. 
Published: March 2013

Summary

Ecological integrity is increasingly threatened by multiple anthropogenic stressors, but the cumulative impact of stressors is poorly understood because they can interact in unexpected ways. Knowledge of these interactions and their associated impacts is needed to support the conservation of valued ecosystems. We used a large‐scale, replicated field survey and multiple regression analysis to investigate the cumulative impacts of multiple physical, chemical and biological stressors on the crustacean zooplankton assemblages of 34 Canadian Shield lakes between 1980s and 2004–2005.
Zooplankton total abundance, species richness, diversity and community structure, as well as the relative abundances of prominent taxonomic orders of zooplankton, changed at a regional scale. These changes occurred in response to changes in water quality and lake thermal regime, and invasion by an exotic predator. Interactions between stressors were common and represented an important determinant of zooplankton assemblage changes over time.
We provide the first evidence that the individual and combined impacts of multiple stressors cause regional ecological change over decades. Our results demonstrate the prevalence of stressor interactions in natural environments and highlight the complexity of ecosystem responses to multiple stressors. Zooplankton changes recorded here may be widespread because climate change, acidification, development and the spread of invasive species are globally pervasive. These changes could have cascading impacts because zooplankton is an essential link in aquatic food webs. Our findings highlight the need to consider the interactive effect of stressors when assessing anthropogenic impacts and will inform management and conservation of ecosystems threatened by multiple stressors.
Prevalence and factors associated with rheumatic diseases and chronic joint symptoms in the elderly
Authors: Falsarella Gláucia R , Coimbra Ibsen B , Barcelos Caroline C , Costallat Lilian TL , Carvalho Olga MF , Coimbra Arlete MV 
Published: March 2013

AimIn the elderly population, rheumatic conditions are major causes of pain that restrict participation in activities and mobility, and cause difficulties in the execution of self‐care tasks. The present study aimed to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with the self‐reported rheumatic diseases and chronic joint symptoms of the elderly.MethodsThis transversal epidemiological survey involved 2209 older adults (aged ≥60 years). The investigation included sociodemographic factors, anthropometrics, activities of daily living, chronic conditions, medication and quality of life. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used for statistical procedures, P ≤ 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of rheumatism was 22.7%. Multivariate analysis showed that rheumatism was correlated with the following: female sex (OR = 1.91), high income (OR = 2.34), cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.42), cataracts (OR = 1.39), glucocorticoids (OR = 5.24), other anti‐inflammatory medications (OR = 2.24) and pain (OR = 0.983). After adjusting for age and glucocorticoids, an association between cataracts and rheumatism was detected (OR = 1.32). The prevalence of symptoms was 45.6%. Multivariate regression results for symptoms included the following: female sex (OR = 1.40), body mass index ≥30.0 kg/m2 (OR = 3.31), functional capacity (OR = 0.990), general health (OR = 0.993) and pain (OR = 0.981). After adjustment for age and glucocorticoids, an association between cataracts and symptoms was detected (OR = 1.26).ConclusionThere was a significant association of rheumatism and symptoms with women and high incomes. Obesity was associated with joint symptoms, which in turn were associated with an impaired quality of life. Cataracts and cardiovascular disease were associated with rheumatism. The identification of these characteristics in the elderly will contribute to a better understanding of this systemic disease and should be used to plan effective preventive measures. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 1043–1050.
“Coming to our Senses: Historicizing Sound and Noise in the Middle East”
Authors: Fahmy Ziad 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis speculative essay is a call for further research and the beginning of a long overdue conversation among historians of the Middle East about the importance of sounds and soundscapes in studying history. In the process, I will suggest some research strategies for uncovering the sounds and noises of the past – especially before the introduction of recording technologies. All the while, I hope to encourage more multidisciplinary conversations by Middle East historians with other scholarly disciplines that examine sound and listening.
Immigration and Transnationalism: Rethinking the Role of the State in Latin America
Authors: Weeks Gregory , Weeks John 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAs more Latin American migrants make their way to the United States, the issue of transnationalism has received increased scholarly attention. Transnationalism refers to the delinking of the individual from his or her government and an increase in international ties as a result of the economic globalization that promotes the movement of people, goods, money, and ideas. Prevailing consensus is that the state, particularly in Latin America, is weakened by transnationalism because individuals are freer than ever from state control. This article argues that examining Latin American emigrant policies yields a different conclusion, namely that the state's response to transnational pressures has made governments more active and relevant in certain ways than in the past. Studies of transnationalism must therefore incorporate state strategies for a better understanding of its impact on Latin American governments.
Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building Through the Temporary Return of Qualified Nationals to Afghanistan
Authors: Kuschminder Katie 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIncreasing research has illustrated the positive effects of the diaspora on the country of origin. The majority of this research, however, has focused on the effects of diaspora remittances and investments. This article examines the effects of the diaspora on knowledge transfer and capacity building in a post‐conflict environment. The article is based on a case study of the International Organization for Migration the Netherlands, Temporary Return of Qualified Nationals to Afghanistan project, in which 59 highly skilled Dutch‐Afghans returned to work with a host institution (public or private) in Afghanistan for three months to transfer knowledge and build capacity. In‐depth interviews were conducted with project participants, host institutions, participants' colleagues, and key informants to gather an understanding of how participants contributed. The article finds that diaspora temporary returnees were most effective in forms of tacit knowledge transfer and that the knowledge transfer process effectively led to capacity building in Afghanistan.
Sustained virological response following chronic hepatitis C treatment is associated with improvement in insulin resistance
Authors: Chan C. H. Y. , Hansen R. D. , Gilliver R. S. , Jones B. E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundInsulin resistance (IR) is a key factor in the development of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Little is known about the impact of viral clearance on IR.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the impact of viral clearance on IR.MethodsEighty‐six patients treated according to standard clinical practice at an Australian teaching hospital between 2003 and 2007 were prospectively studied. Demographic, biochemical and histological data were collected.ResultsThe mean pretreatment homeostatic model assessment–IR (HOMA‐IR) was similar in the sustained virological response (SVR) and non‐SVR groups (2.7 ± 0.5 and 2.8 ± 0.4, respectively), and both values were consistent with significant IR. There was a significant improvement in HOMA‐IR (from 3.0 ± 1.0 to 2.2 ± 0.5, P = 0.04) at the end of treatment in the SVR group only. This trended towards significance at 6 months post‐treatment. Multiple regression analysis found improvement in both gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase and alanine aminotransferase predicted improvement in HOMA‐IR when controlled for other potential factors (P = 0.01).ConclusionsHepatitis C virus clearance is associated with improvement in IR. Although baseline hepatic fibrosis is a predictor of IR, changes in IR appear to be independent of changes in liver fibrosis. Treatment‐related improvement in gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase and alanine aminotransferase seen with improved IR may be a possible marker of reduction of hepatic oxidative stress.
Prescription medications and their influence on acute kidney injury presentation and outcomes
Authors: Cheikh Hassan H. , Makris A. , Suranyi M. G. , Wong J. K. W. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical problem. An increase in the severity of AKI is associated with increased mortality and worse prognosis. Many patients presenting with AKI also take long‐term medications that may potentially exacerbate or precipitate AKI. However, no study has examined the role of such medications on AKI outcomes.AimOur aim was to analyse use of chronic prescription medications by patients presenting with AKI and their impact on outcomes.MethodsA retrospective study of discharge data identified 172 patients admitted to a tertiary level metropolitan hospital with a primary diagnosis of AKI over a 2‐year period. Patient characteristics, medications that could precipitate or exacerbate AKI, and outcomes based on mortality, need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) and intensive care unit admission were analysed.ResultsPatients taking medications (69.2%) were older (P = 0.04) with more comorbidities such as: congestive cardiac failure (P < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (P < 0.001) and diabetes (P = 0.004) than patients not consuming any. Patients taking medications were less likely to be admitted with severe AKI (P = 0.01) or require RRT (P = 0.04). Multivariate logistic regression analysis did not show a significant impact of medications on outcomes.ConclusionPrescription medication use in patients presenting with AKI is common. Despite being used in older patients with more comorbidities, these medications had no detrimental effect on need for RRT, intensive care unit admission or mortality, and were associated with a decrease in the incidence of severe AKI.
Das Gesundheitssystem der V. R. China: Zwischen Privatisierung und öffentlicher Gesundheitsversorgung
Authors: Darimont Barbara , Liu Dongmei 
Published: March 2013

ZusammenfassungIn der chinesischen Gesundheitspolitik wurden in den letzten Jahren zahlreiche Reformen durchgeführt, die häufig neue Probleme verursachten, so dass ein erneuter Reformbedarf entstand. Bei den Reformen wird versucht, einen Mittelweg zwischen öffentlicher Gesundheitsversorgung und kommerzieller Privatversicherung zu finden. Damit folgt China den Ländern, die zunächst eine stärkere Privatisierung in den 1990er‐Jahren und zu Beginn des 21. Jahrhunderts durchführten und nun zu einer öffentlichen Gesundheitsversorgung tendieren. Allerdings verursachen die ständigen Reformen und Projekte eine Intransparenz des Gesundheitssystems, die kein konsistentes Bild entstehen lässt und zu Vertrauensverlusten in der Bevölkerung führt. Wie die Entwicklung in China weitergeht, ist nur zu erahnen. Es könnte sich aber ein Kompromiss zwischen steuerfinanzierter Gesundheitsversorgung und Sozialversicherung herauskristallisieren, der auch für andere Länder zukunftsweisend wäre.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Persons with Dependency on Feeding at Institutions for Elderly
Authors: Sandman Per‐Olof , Norberg Astrid , Adolfsson Rolf , Eriksson Sture , Nyström Lennart 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. The prevalence of dependency on feeding was estimated in 3 607 residents cared for in old people's homes, nursing homes, somatic long‐stay clinics, psychiatric long‐stay wards and psychogeriatric wards.Ten per cent of the residents were found to be dependent on the staff to eat. The highest proportion was found in nursing homes and somatic long‐stay clinics. A considerably larger proportion of the residents with dependency on assisted feeding imposed the highest workload on the staff. Residents who were totally dependent on assisted feeding were more disabled with regard to other ADL functions and also they were demented more often. Loss of the ability to eat was related to an inability in other ADL functions. Support was gained for a hierarchical loss of ADL functions as suggested by Katz & Apkom. Feeding problems seem to be a terminal phenomenon in demented patients.
The Sucking Behaviour of Two Patients in the Final Stage of Dementia of the Alzheimer Type
Authors: Asplund Kenneth , Norberg Astrid , Adolfsson Rolf 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. Two patients in the final stage of dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT), who could no longer be given nutrition by assisted feeding, were given fluids by means of the sucking ability they still retained. They sucked more slowly under nutritive than under non‐nutritive sucking conditions. The sucking efficiency of one of them improved during training. The status of the patients in the final stage of their dementia differed from one another, which might explain the difference in outcome.It is therefore suggested, that the use of the patients' sucking ability could serve as a complement and/or an alternative feeding technique when assisted spoonfeeding becomes extremely difficult or impossible. It is considered to be more gentle and natural than the present feeding techniques.
Hospital Staff Members are Satisfied with their Jobs
Authors: Björvell Hjördis , Brodin Birgitta 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. Job related satisfaction was evaluated by registered nurses, physicians, nurse assistants and aids at an internal medicine clinic at a university hospital in Sweden.A questionnaire concerning cooperation, work load, support, independence and other work related factors was developed and filled out by 153 individuals.The results mostly show high job satisfaction in all professional groups. Nevertheless, nearly half of the staff wanted to quit their jobs.Those who planned to leave their jobs perceived themselves as less satisfied with such factors as cooperation, job complexity, help received from superiors and sufficient time for care delivery, than did those who did not plan to quit. The differences were most evident in the group of registered nurses.The head nurse appeared to have an important supportive function.In conclusion, the results suggest that a supportive organization might reduce personnel turnover in hospitals.
Individual Evaluation of Accident Risks at Nursing Homes
Authors: Svensson Marie‐Louise , Landahl Sten , Rundgren Åke 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. The purpose of the study was to find a practical applicable method for estimating risk of accidents among nursing home patients by localizing specified risk factors and recording accidents during a period of one year. During 1987‐January‐15 to 1988‐January‐14, a total of 153 accidents happened to 23 men and 76 women among 335 admitted patients. The strongest accident predictors suggested by a logistic regression procedure were: impaired balance, walking with device or human assistance, drugs influencing the central nervous system, dizziness and poor night‐time sleep.The conclusion is reached that it will probably be possible to reduce accidents in the institutionalized elderly by education of staff, identification of risk patients, individual nursing planning and measurements.
Responsiveness to self‐report questions about loneliness: a comparison of mainstream and intellectual disability‐specific instruments
Authors: Stancliffe R. J. , Wilson N. J. , Bigby C. , Balandin S. , Craig D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundWe compared responsiveness to two self‐report assessments of loneliness: the UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLALS) designed for the general community, and the Modified Worker Loneliness Questionnaire (MWLQ) designed for people with intellectual disability (ID).MethodsParticipants were 56 older adults with disability – 40 individuals with ID and 16 without ID. They were individually assessed on the MWLQ and the UCLALS. The difficulty of the items in both scales was evaluated in relation to readability, features of question wording, question length and response format.ResultsThe UCLALS was more difficult than the MWLQ on each of the difficulty dimensions assessed. There was significantly greater responsiveness to the MWLQ than the UCLALS, especially among people with ID.ConclusionsTo enable as many people with ID as possible express their views on loneliness, the ID‐specific MWLQ is a much better choice. However, this choice comes at the cost of ready comparison to loneliness data for the general community, which is available for widely used assessments such as the UCLALS.
MONETARY POLICY AND ECONOMIC IMBALANCES: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF CENTRAL BANK RITUALS
Authors: Grimes Arthur 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe apply the ethnographic tools of economic anthropology to analyse a particular ritual performed by the high priest of the Arbee sub‐tribe in the South Pacific island group of Aotearoa. (In other island groups, this high priest is sometimes known as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.) The ritual is considered by many within Aotearoa to be the cause of The Imbalance in The Economy. We analyse this claim and show that it has similarities (and equal validity) to claims of other cargo cults within the South‐West Pacific region.