bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of skin phototypes with optical parameters: an experimental study using newly developed fibre optic detection device
Authors: Ries F. , Kapoustina V. , Kron A. , Fink A. , Rädle M. 
Published: September 2012

SynopsisIn an experimental study (October 2010 Mannheim Germany) with 99 Caucasian volunteers, the skin colour (L*, a*, b*) and the reflectance spectra of human skin were compared to the Fitzpatrick's sun‐reactive skin photo types (SPT). For this purpose, the skin colour and the reflectance spectra of human skin were determined using non‐invasive method with a newly developed fibre optic detection device. The device, based on reflectance spectroscopy, was designed and optimized using a commercial optical analysis Software. By means of the measured spectra of scattered light, the colour values and the absorption spectra of the skin were calculated. Neither any of the L*, a*, b* colour values nor any of the parameters of the absorbance spectra can be used alone to assess the skin type properly. Therefore, an ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed, using the statistical computing software r, to correlate the skin types with the measured optical parameters. It turned out that the detection device combined with the extended statistical analysis gives a better estimate of skin type in respect of the measured optical parameters than a procedure with only L*, a*, b* colour values. Even with the extended methodology, the procedure gives only a rough estimation of the skin type.
Working in partnership with parents: the experience and challenge of practice innovation in child and family health nursing
Authors: Fowler Cathrine , Rossiter Chris , Bigsby Margaret , Hopwood Nick , Lee Alison , Dunston Roger 
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives.  This study investigated what Family Partnership Model practice means in the day‐to‐day practice of child and family health nurses working with parents.Background.  The Family Partnership Model has been widely implemented in child and family health services in Australia and New Zealand, with limited understanding of the implications for nursing practice.Design.  A qualitative interpretive study design was used.Method.  Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 22 nurse participants, who had completed the Family Partnership Model training programme. Subsequent focus groups enabled these participants to validate the themes identified in the initial analysis and to confirm that the nurses concurred with the issues raised. Thematic content analysis produced rich descriptions and explanation of nurses’ experiences and perspectives.Results.  Four themes emerged from the analysis: experience of changing practices, exploring with parents, challenging unhelpful constructions and a commitment to examining practice.Conclusion.  Overall, the participants embraced the use of the Family Partnership Model, providing examples of change and increasing confidence in their approach to working with parents.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study demonstrates that the effective utilisation of the Family Partnership Model in nursing practice is a more complex and dynamic process than simply embracing the model. There are significant challenges to be negotiated when implementing new ways of working with parents, particularly questioning existing dominant forms of practice for nurses, managers and wider health organisations, and their clients. This paper also raises issues about sustaining practice innovation, which extends beyond the best intent of individual nurses, requiring receptive organisational conditions and leadership.
The use of multi‐sensory interventions to manage dementia‐related behaviours in the residential aged care setting: a survey of one Australian state
Authors: Bauer Michael , Rayner Jo‐Anne , Koch Susan , Chenco Carol 
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectivesTo describe the use of multi‐sensory interventions in residential aged care services (RACS) for the management of dementia‐related behaviours in residential aged care in Victoria, Australia.BackgroundThe popularity of multi‐sensory interventions has spread worldwide, including for use in residential aged care, despite limited evidence to support their efficacy.DesignThis study reports the findings of the first stage of a two‐stage project that was undertaken to describe and evaluate the use of multi‐sensory interventions for the management of dementia‐related behaviours in all residential aged care facilities in Victoria, Australia.MethodsA computer‐assisted telephone interview survey was developed and administered to residential aged care facilities in Victoria, Australia, to collect descriptive data on the use of multi‐sensory interventions for the management of dementia‐related behaviours.ResultsA diverse and eclectic range of multi‐sensory interventions are currently being used by residential aged care facilities. The findings suggest the use of multi‐sensory interventions are used in an ad hoc manner, and there is no universal definition of multi‐sensory interventions, little formal training for staff administering the interventions and no guideline for their use, nor evaluation of their impact on residents' behaviour.ConclusionMulti‐sensory interventions have been widely adopted for use in RACS in Victoria, Australia, and are currently being used without formal guidelines and little evidence to support their use in clinical practice.Relevance to clinical practiceIn the absence of a formal definition of what constitutes a multi‐sensory intervention, training for staff and careful assessment and monitoring of residents who receive multi‐sensory interventions, we recommend further research and development of policy and procedures to safe guard the use of multi‐sensory interventions for people with dementia.
Prevalence of anemia in Chinese nursing home older adults: Implication of age and renal impairment
Authors: Chan Tuen Ching , Yap Desmond Yat Hin , Shea Yat Fung , Luk James Ka Hay , Chan Felix Hon Wai , Chu Leung Wing 
Published: September 2012

Aim:  There is little data regarding the prevalence and associated comorbidities of anemia in Chinese nursing home older adults. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated comorbidities of anemia in Chinese nursing home older adults.Methods:  We carried out a retrospective cross‐sectional study in nine nursing homes in Hong Kong. The hemoglobin (Hb) level, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), serum creatinine and comorbidities data of residents were examined. Older adults were regarded as anemic according to the World Health Organization criteria (Hb <13g/dL for men and <12g/dL for women). The glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD [Chinese‐adjusted]) equation. Patients with chronic renal impairment were defined as having eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2.Results:  A total of 812 residents were included (mean age 86.0 ± 7.6 years). The mean hemoglobin was 12.0 ± 1.8g/dL in men and 11.4 ± 1.6g/dL in women. The mean eGFR was 75.1 ± 31.7 mL/min/1.73 m2. A total of 67.0% of residents had anemia (70.5% in men and 65.2% in women). Anemic older adults were older and had a higher prevalence of renal impairment than non‐anemic older adults (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the prevalence of other comorbidities. When stratified into different age groups, there were significant correlations between anemia and renal impairment in all subgroups (age ≤80 years, P < 0.05; age 81–90 years, P < 0.01; age >90 years, P < 0.05). The same correlation was found between normocytic anemia and renal impairment. Conversely, when stratified according to eGFR (≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2vs <60 mL/min/1.73 m2), we did not observe a significant correlation between anemia and age group.Conclusion:  In conclusion, anemia is prevalent in Chinese nursing home residents and is strongly associated with renal impairment. Further studies of early identification and management of anemia with renal impairment are recommended in this population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 591–596.
High parathyroid hormone, but not low vitamin D concentrations, expose elderly inpatients to hypertension
Authors: Mateus‐Hamdan Leyla , Beauchet Olivier , Bouvard Béatrice , Legrand Erick , Fantino Bruno , Annweiler Cédric 
Published: September 2012

Aim:  Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations might contribute to blood pressure (BP) levels. Mixed results in previous literature could be due to the failure to consider both these hormones concurrently, despite their long‐known relationship. Our objective was to examine the association of serum intact PTH and 25OHD concentrations with BP levels amongst older inpatients, while accounting for each other.Methods:  The participants were 284 Caucasian older inpatients with no suspicion of primary hyperparathyroidism (mean age 85.87 ± 5.90 years; 65.8% female) admitted to the geriatric acute care unit of Angers University Hospital, France. They were divided into two groups according to the existence of hypertension (i.e. systolic blood pressure [SBP] >140 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure [DBP] >90 mmHg). Age, sex, numbers of chronic diseases and of drugs taken daily, use of antihypertensive or corticosteroid drugs and of calcium supplements/vitamin D, thyroid‐stimulating hormone and albumin concentrations, creatinine clearance, and season tested were used as covariables.Results:  Hypertensive participants (n = 106) had higher intact PTH concentrations than normotensive patients (P = 0.044). There was a positive linear association of BP with intact PTH concentrations (adjusted β = 0.08, P = 0.015 for SBP; adjusted β = 0.05, P = 0.044 for DBP), but not with vitamin D. Serum intact PTH concentration, unlike 25OHD, was associated with hypertension (adjusted OR 1.01, P = 0.038).Conclusions:  Irrespective of 25OHD, PTH was associated with hypertension by increasing both SBP and DBP. Geriatr Gerontol 2013; 13: 783–791.
The relationship between placebo alcohol and affect: Motives for drinking
Authors: Bailey Rachel C. , Baillie Andrew J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIntroduction and Aims.Although alcohol is often used in an attempt to alleviate negative affect, alcohol oftentimes exacerbates depressive symptoms. Therefore the relationship between alcohol and affect, and the role of motives for drinking remain unclear. The present study hypothesised that placebo alcohol would blunt affective responding and that desire to drink would increase in individuals who expected alcohol to help them cope after a negative experience. The present study also explored whether motives and reasons for drinking altered after a negative experience.Design and Methods.Participants (36 first‐year psychology students and 41 community members) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups, being soft drink or placebo alcohol, neutral or negative mood induction.Results.Two repeated measures analyses indicated that placebo alcohol did not significantly blunt affective responding after the negative mood induction. T‐tests showed that desire to drink did not significantly increase post negative mood induction for participants who endorsed coping motives for drinking. However, interestingly coping‐depression and enhancement motives decreased after negative mood induction, and participants misattributed the majority of their mood to other life events.Discussion and Conclusions.The findings indicate that motives for drinking are amendable with prior learning, providing support for expectancy challenge procedures. The study also provides some evidence for alcohol's effect on emotional lability.
Job satisfaction and leaving intentions of Slovak and Czech nurses
Authors: Gurková E. , Soósová M.S. , Haroková S. , Žiaková K. , Šerfelová R. , Zamboriová M. 
Published: September 2012

GURKOVÁ E., SOÓSOVÁ M.S., HAROKOVÁ S., ŽIAKOVÁ K., ŠERFELOVÁ R. & ZAMBORIOVÁ M. (2013) Job satisfaction and leaving intentions of Slovak and Czech nurses. International Nursing Review60, 112–121Introduction:  Shortages of healthcare workers in Czech and Slovak Republics are associated with factors such as raised migration of professional nurses, decreased number of nurse graduates and ageing workforce. The specific problem is migration of Slovak nurses to the Czech Republic, motivated by higher salaries.Aim:  The study aims to investigate the relationship between turnover intentions and job satisfaction among Czech and Slovak nurses and to determine how the related variables differ between the two groups.Design:  A cross‐sectional descriptive survey was used to investigate the intended turnover and job satisfaction relationship among 1055 hospital nurses recruited from the Czech and Slovak Republics.Methods:  Data were collected using a set of questionnaires that included questions regarding leaving intentions of nurses and The McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale; three further sets of questionnaires were used. For determining the associations between variables, the Pearson correlations and multiple regression analyses were used. For group comparisons, one‐way and multifactorial analysis of variance and Pearson's Chi‐square test procedure were performed.Findings:  The intention to leave the workplace, the nursing profession and work abroad were predicted by the levels of satisfaction of nurses with their control/responsibility and scheduling. Czech nurses reported higher satisfaction in all subscales of the job satisfaction and less frequent intention to work abroad. An inverse relationship was confirmed between age and turnover intentions. Job satisfaction was positively associated with age and years of experience. Job satisfaction differed by all of three turnover intentions.Conclusion:  Results highlight the importance of understanding nurses' leaving intentions and related factors and their impact on nurses' lives in both countries so that health care organizations can implement effective strategies to improve the retention of their nursing workforce.
Ethical Issues Related to Screening for Preeclampsia
Authors: Jørgensen Jennifer M. , Hedley Paula L. , Gjerris Mickey , Christiansen Michael 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTThe implementation of new methods of treating and preventing disease raises many question of both technical and moral character. Currently, many studies focus on developing a screening test for preeclampsia (PE), a disease complicating 2–8% of pregnancies, potentially causing severe consequences for pregnant women and their fetuses. The purpose is to develop a test that can identify pregnancies at high risk for developing PE sufficiently early in pregnancy to allow for prophylaxis. However, the question of implementing a screening test for PE does not only involve an evaluation of technical feasibility and clinical efficacy, it also requires an analysis of how the test influences the conditions and choices for those tested. This study evaluates state‐of‐the‐art techniques for preeclampsia screening in an ethical framework, pointing out the central areas of moral relevance within the context of such screening activity. Furthermore, we propose ethical guidelines that a screening programme for PE should meet in order to become an uncontroversial addition to prenatal health care.
The sacroiliac joint: an overview of its anatomy, function and potential clinical implications
Authors: Vleeming A. , Schuenke M. D. , Masi A. T. , Carreiro J. E. , Danneels L. , Willard F. H. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis article focuses on the (functional) anatomy and biomechanics of the pelvic girdle and specifically the sacroiliac joints (SIJs). The SIJs are essential for effective load transfer between the spine and legs. The sacrum, pelvis and spine, and the connections to the arms, legs and head, are functionally interrelated through muscular, fascial and ligamentous interconnections. A historical overview is presented on pelvic and especially SIJ research, followed by a general functional anatomical overview of the pelvis. In specific sections, the development and maturation of the SIJ is discussed, and a description of the bony anatomy and sexual morphism of the pelvis and SIJ is debated. The literature on the SIJ ligaments and innervation is discussed, followed by a section on the pathology of the SIJ. Pelvic movement studies are investigated and biomechanical models for SIJ stability analyzed, including examples of insufficient versus excessive sacroiliac force closure.
Vascular adaptations induced by 6 weeks WBV resistance exercise training
Authors: Weber Tobias , Beijer Åsa , Rosenberger André , Mulder Edwin , Yang Pengfei , Schönau Eckhard , Bloch Wilhelm , Rittweger Jörn 
Published: September 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe impact of whole‐body vibration (WBV) upon the cardiovascular system is receiving increasing attention. Despite numerous studies addressing the acute cardiovascular effects of WBV training, very little is known regarding long‐term adaptations in healthy humans.MethodsA 6‐week training study, with a 70 days follow‐up was designed to compare resistive exercise with or without super‐imposed whole‐body vibrations. Arterial diameter, intima media thickness and flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) were assessed by ultrasonography in the superficial femoral artery (SFA), the brachial (BA) and the carotid arteries (CA).ResultsSFA resting diameter was increased from 6·22 mm (SD = 0·69 mm) at baseline to 6·52 mm (SD = 0·74 mm) at the end of the training period (P = 0·03) with no difference between groups (P = 0·48). Arterial wall thickness was significantly reduced by 4·3% (SD = 11%) in the CA only (P = 0·04). FMD was not affected by any of the interventions and in any of the investigated arteries.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this has been the first study to show that the superposition of vibration upon conventional resistance exercise does not have a specific effect upon long‐term vascular adaptation in asymptomatic humans. Our findings seem to be at variance with the findings observed in a bed‐rest setting. One possible explanation could be that the independently saturable effects of flow‐mediated versus acceleration‐related endothelial shear stresses on arterial structure and function differ between ambulatory and bed‐rest conditions.
Endemic tenebrionids (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) from the Patagonian steppe: a preliminary identification of areas of micro‐endemism and richness hotspots
Authors: Carrara Rodolfo , Flores Gustavo E. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBased on data from sixteen museum collections we listed the endemic tenebrionids that inhabit the Patagonian steppe. Then, according to the geographical location of the species, we identified areas of micro‐endemism and hotspots within this biogeographic province. Results showed 115 endemic tenebrionid species from the Patagonian steppe, 25 areas of micro‐endemism and five hotspots. We used these outcomes to identify areas of importance for conservation. Based on the comparison with other biogeographic provinces, we suggest that the Patagonian steppe constitutes a center of high endemism for tenebrionids. We hypothesize that the isolation of the Patagonian steppe from other arid areas would cause the high occurrence of endemism. In addition, we suggest processes that could be responsible for the origin of the areas of micro‐endemism and hotspots identified in this work.
Developing effective animal‐assisted intervention programs involving visiting dogs for institutionalized geriatric patients: a pilot study
Authors: BERRY Alessandra , BORGI Marta , TERRANOVA Livia , CHIAROTTI Flavia , ALLEVA Enrico , CIRULLI Francesca 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAim:  An ever increasing interest in the therapeutic aspects of the human‐animal bond has led to a proliferation of animal‐assisted interventions (AAI) involving dogs. However, most of these programs lack a solid methodological structure, and basic evaluative research is needed. The purpose of this study was to test the value of dog‐assisted interventions as an innovative tool to increase quality of life in the geriatric population.Methods:  Nineteen patients (men and women) with a mean age of 85 years participated in the study. Interactions between patients and visiting dogs occurred either in a social situation (socialization sessions) or in a therapeutic context (physical therapy sessions). We derived and characterized a specific ethogram of elderly‐dog interactions aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of visiting dogs in improving mood, catalyzing social interactions and reducing their everyday apathetic state. Cortisol levels were also measured in the saliva, and depressive state was evaluated.Results:  Overall, results show a time‐dependent increase in social behaviour and spontaneous interactions with the dogs. Dog‐mediated interactions affected the daily increase in cortisol levels, thus having an ‘activational effect’, in contrast to the apathetic state of institutionalized elderly.Conclusions:  Dog‐mediated intervention programs appear to be promising tools to improve the social skills and enrich the daily activities of the institutionalized elderly.
Randomized controlled trial of home rehabilitation for patients with ischemic stroke: impact upon disability and elderly depression
Authors: CHAIYAWAT Pakaratee , KULKANTRAKORN Kongkiat 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground:  Patients with major stroke are often left with disability and may have depression and dementia during the recovery phase. Rehabilitation programmes have been shown to improve short‐term physical outcome, but their long‐term effectiveness and impact on dementia and depression are uncertain.Methods:  We performed a 6‐month randomized controlled trial of a home rehabilitation programme and compared it with the standard care patients with recent ischemic stroke receive. The intervention group received home‐based physical therapy once a month for 6 months, along with educational support, counselling and audiovisual materials. The control group received rehabilitation as prescribed by a physician and educational materials upon discharge from hospital. The primary measurement was a change in Barthel Index. Secondary measurements were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Thai Mini‐Mental State Examination.Results:  Of the 68 screened patients, 60 patients were enrolled. At baseline, there was no significant difference in patient characteristics between the two groups. Over 2 years, the mean Barthel Index and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (Barthel Index mean: from 31.7 ± 5.9 to 97.2 ± 2.8 vs from 33.2 ± 4.8 to 76.4 ± 9.4, P < 0.001; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale mean: from 16.1 ± 7.6 to 9.1 ± 0.3 vs 16.4 ± 4.9 to 9.1 ± 0.3, P= 0.003). Depression was strongly associated with being dependent on others. However, the Thai Mini‐Mental State Examination in both groups did not significantly differ (Thai Mini‐Mental State Examination mean: from 24.4 ± 2.0 to 24.6 vs 23.8 ± 1.9 to 24.1 ± 0.3, P= 0.068). There was no significant interaction between baseline characteristics and treatment outcome.Conclusions:  At 2 years follow‐up, it was evident that a 6‐month home rehabilitation programme after ischemic stroke improved functional outcome and reduced incidence of depression, but not dementia.