bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of non‐contact infrared thermometer for detecting febrile children in hospital and ambulatory settings
Authors: Chiappini Elena , Sollai Sara , Longhi Riccardo , Morandini Liana , Laghi Anna , Osio Catia Emilia , Persiani Mario , Lonati Silvia , Picchi Raffaella , Bonsignori Francesca , Mannelli Francesco , Galli Luisa , de Martino Maurizio 
Published: April 2011

Aims.  To assess the performance of the non‐contact infrared thermometer compared with mercury‐in‐glass thermometer in children; to assess the diagnostic accuracy of non‐contact infrared thermometer for detecting children with fever; to compare the discomfort caused by the two procedures in children aged > one month.Background.  Non‐contact infrared thermometer is a quick and non‐invasive method to measure body temperature, not requiring sterilisation or disposables. It is a candidate for temperature recording in children.Design.  Prospective multicenter study.Methods.  Body temperature readings were taken from every child consecutively admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Departments or Pediatric Clinics participating in the study. Two bilateral axillary temperature measurements using the mercury‐in‐glass thermometers and three mid‐forehead temperature measurements using the non‐contact infrared thermometer were performed.Results.  Two hundred and fifty‐one children were enrolled in the study. Mean body temperature obtained by mercury‐in‐glass thermometer and non‐contact infrared thermometer was 37·18 (SD 0·96) °C and 37·30 (SD 0·92) °C, respectively (p = 0·153). Non‐contact infrared thermometer clinical repeatability was 0·108 (SD 0·095) °C, similar to that of the mercury‐in‐glass thermometer (0·11 SD 01 °C; p = 0·517). Bias was 0·0150 (SD 0·09) °C. The proportion of outliers >1 °C was 4/251 children (1·59%). A significant correlation between temperature values obtained with the two procedures was observed (r2 = 0·84; p < 0·0001). The limits of agreement, by the Bland and Altman method, were −0·62 (95% CI: −0·47 to −0·67) and 0·76 (95% CI: 0·61–0·91). No significant correlation was evidenced between the difference of the body temperature values recorded by the two methods and age (p = 0·226), or room temperature (p = 0·756). Calculating the receiver operating characteristic curve to determine the best threshold for axillary temperature >38·0 °C, for a non‐contact infrared thermometer temperature = 37·98 °C the sensitivity was 88·7% and the specificity 89·9%. Mean distress score (on a 5‐point scale) was significantly lower using the non‐contact infrared thermometer than using the mercury‐in‐glass thermometer (1·92 SD 0·56 and 2·40 SD0·93, respectively; p < 0·0001).Conclusion.  Non‐contact infrared thermometer showed a good performance in our study population, has the advantage of measuring body temperature in two seconds and is comfortable for children.Relevance to clinical practice.  Non‐contact infrared thermometer may be taken into consideration when assessing body temperature in children aged > one month in hospital or ambulatory.
Reclaiming time for nursing practice in nutritional care: outcomes of implementing Protected Mealtimes in a residential aged care setting
Authors: Ullrich Sandra , McCutcheon Helen , Parker Barbara 
Published: April 2011

Aims.  To improve nutritional care and the mealtime experience of older people in a residential aged care setting by assisting nurses to create change to their practice and to the mealtime environment.Background.  Despite being preventable and treatable, inadequate nutrition remains a problem for many older people in residential aged care and tertiary health care settings. Nevertheless, many organisations are uniquely positioned to implement solutions that will lead to better care.Design.  The study used a qualitative, action research approach, grounded in the participatory worldview.Methods.  The multimethod approach of data and between‐method triangulation were chosen to assist in understanding the multidimensional issues associated with resident mealtimes and the provision of nutritional care. The collection of non‐participant observations was informed by aspects of the Developmental Research Sequence. Action group meetings and non‐participant observations were qualitatively analysed using the Analytic Hierarchy.Results.  Protected Mealtimes was tailored for the residential aged care unit. The most significant change involved the transformation of system processes by creating the space in nurses’ busy schedules and thus reclaiming time for nurses to reconnect with nutritional care. Fixed role boundaries were made flexible by assisting individuals to understand and extend their roles in nutritional care. Most importantly, sustainability of Protected Mealtimes was achieved and long‐term changes around nutritional care continued to be resident focused.Conclusions.  This study demonstrates that lasting changes to nursing practice in nutritional care can be achieved by applying the principles of a participatory worldview and action research.Relevance to clinical practice.  Change is challenging to achieve in complex health care organisations. This study bridges the gap between theory and practice and has shown that nurses can create change by employing a participatory worldview and action research as part of their toolkit for problem solving.
Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder among children with and without intellectual disability: an examination across time
Authors: Neece C. L. , Baker B. L. , Blacher J. , Crnic K. A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground  Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at heightened risk for mental disorders, and disruptive behaviour disorders appear to be the most prevalent. The current study is a longitudinal examination of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children with and without intellectual disability (ID) across ages 5 to 8.Method  We assessed 228 5‐year‐old children, 87 with ID and 141 with typical development (TD), for clinical diagnoses using a structured interview. These interviews were conducted with mothers annually from child age 5 to 8.Results  Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder was over 3 times as prevalent in the ID group as in the TD group across ages 5, 6, 7 and 8. The diagnosis of ADHD tended to emerge earlier and was more stable in the ID group; however, the total number and relative frequency of ADHD symptoms endorsed appeared to be similar within the two groups across time. With respect to the developmental course, the trajectories of ADHD inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms over time were similar in the two groups.Discussion  Children with ID appear to be at heightened risk for ADHD and they may experience a longer and more persistent course of the disorder. These findings highlight the need for making interventions available for early treatment of this condition in children with ID.
Transcriptional regulators of the GAD acid stress island are carried by effector protein‐encoding prophages and indirectly control type III secretion in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Tree Jai J. , Roe Andrew J. , Flockhart Allen , McAteer Sean P. , Xu Xuefang , Shaw Darren , Mahajan Arvind , Beatson Scott A. , Best Angus , Lotz Sabrina , Woodward Martin J. , La Ragione Roberto , Murphy Kenan C. , Leong John M. , Gally David L. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryType III secretion (T3S) plays a pivotal role in the colonization of ruminant hosts by Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). The T3S system translocates effector proteins into host cells to promote bacterial attachment and persistence. The repertoire and variation in prophage regions underpins differences in the pathogenesis and epidemiology of EHEC strains. In this study, we have used a collection of deletions in cryptic prophages and EHEC O157 O‐islands to screen for novel regulators of T3S. Using this approach we have identified a family of homologous AraC‐like regulators that indirectly repress T3S. These prophage‐encoded secretion regulator genes (psr) are found exclusively on prophages and are associated with effector loci and the T3S activating Pch family of regulators. Transcriptional profiling, mutagenesis and DNA binding studies were used to show that these regulators usurp the conserved GAD acid stress resistance system to regulate T3S by increasing the expression of GadE (YhiE) and YhiF and that this regulation follows attachment to bovine epithelial cells. We further demonstrate that PsrA and effectors encoded within cryptic prophage CP933‐N are required for persistence in a ruminant model of colonization.
Tillage effects on weed communities in an organic winter wheat–sunflower–spelt cropping sequence
Authors: SANS F X , BERNER A , ARMENGOT L , MÄDER P 
Published: April 2011

Sans FX, Berner A, Armengot L & Mäder P (2011). Tillage effects on weed communities in an organic winter wheat–sunflower–spelt cropping sequence. Weed Research51, 413–421.SummaryConservation tillage could provide environmental benefits to organic farming. However, potential weed problems often tend to discourage farmers from adopting it. The effects of tillage (reduced vs. conventional), fertilisation (slurry vs. manure compost) and the application of biodynamic preparations (with and without) on crop yield and on weed cover, diversity and biological attributes were investigated in a cropping sequence of wheat, sunflower and spelt. Total weed cover and perennial cover in reduced tillage treatments were two to three times greater than in conventional treatments. Monocotyledon cover in reduced tillage was three times that in conventional tillage in spelt, whereas the dicotyledon Stellaria media dominated in sunflower. Weed diversity was similar across treatments, regardless of cereal crop, whereas lower diversity values were observed with reduced tillage in sunflower, because of the dominance of S. media. There was virtually no effect of fertilisation and biodynamic preparations on weed parameters. Although wheat and spelt yield decreased in reduced tillage plots (14% and 8% respectively), the sunflower grain yield was unaffected. Reduced tillage could thus be useful in organic cropping systems but would require proper management of perennial and monocotyledonous weeds, which are often problematic for annual crops.
Serial measurements of exercise performance in pediatric heart transplant patients using stress echocardiography
Authors: Yeung Joanne P. , Human Derek G. , Sandor George G. S. , De Souza Astrid M. , Potts James E. 
Published: April 2011

Yeung JP, Human DG, Sandor GGS, De Souza AM, Potts JE. Serial measurements of exercise performance in pediatric heart transplant patients using stress echocardiography. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 265–271. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Heart transplantation is an increasingly acceptable therapeutic option for children with end‐stage and complex congenital heart disease. With advances in surgery, immunosuppression, and follow‐up care, functional outcomes need to be evaluated. We report the results of serial exercise testing performed using stress echocardiography in a cohort of pediatric HTP. HTP (n = 7) exercised on a semi‐recumbent ergometer to volitional fatigue. Echocardiography‐Doppler measurements, HR, and blood pressure were taken at rest and during staged exercise. Results were compared with healthy CON (n = 12). HTP did significantly less work during exercise (940 vs. 1218 J/kg, p < 0.03). Their SVI (33 vs. 49 mL/m2, p < 0.003), CI (5.16 vs. 9.25 L/min/m2, p < 0.0005), and HR (162 vs. 185 bpm, p < 0.02) were lower at peak exercise. HTP had a lower SF at peak exercise (48% vs. 52%, p < 0.03) and an abnormal relationship between the MVCFc and σPS. During follow‐up, hemodynamics and left ventricular function remained relatively constant in HTP. HTP are able to exercise safely; however, their exercise tolerance is reduced, and hemodynamics and contractility are diminished. Over time, their hemodynamics and left ventricular function have remained relatively constant.
Comparison of platelet activation in platelet concentrates measured by flow cytometry or ADVIA 2120
Authors: Beard M. J. , Jeewa Z. , Bashir S. , Cardigan R. , Thomas S. 
Published: April 2011

Background and Objectives  The ADVIA 2120 Haematology Analyser is capable of measuring parameters that can be used as markers of platelet activation, mean platelet component (MPC), platelet component distribution width (PCDW) and mean platelet mass (MPM). This study investigated the degree of correlation of these measures of platelet granularity with CD62P measurement of platelet activation by flow cytometry in platelet concentrates.Materials and Methods  Pooled platelets in plasma/citrate phosphate dextrose (CPD) anticoagulant or apheresis platelets in plasma/acid citrate dextrose formula A (ACD‐A) anticoagulant were evaluated. Pooled platelets were tested during 13 day storage, and apheresis platelets within 24 h of venepuncture. These were assessed for platelet activation using CD62P and the ADVIA, with or without extra EDTA anticoagulant.Results  In pooled platelets, PCDW correlated strongly with CD62P, both with and without the addition of extra EDTA anticoagulant. There was a good correlation between MPC and CD62P with additional EDTA, but a weaker correlation without extra EDTA. There was no correlation between CD62P and MPM. In apheresis platelets the correlation between PCDW and CD62P was poor, whereas MPC correlated strongly with CD62P if EDTA anticoagulant was added.Conclusion  The usefulness of ADVIA platelet granularity measures to predict the degree of platelet activation depends upon the anticoagulant present in the platelet concentrate, and whether extra EDTA is added to the sample. Although ADVIA MPC and PCDW measurement could not replace CD62P or other gold standard methods of assessing platelet activation, these ADVIA 2120 parameters may provide a quick check of platelet concentrate quality.
Storage induced apoptosis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from leucoreduction system chambers
Authors: Strasser E. F. , Weidinger T. , Weiss D. R. , Strobel J. , Zimmermann R. , Eckstein R. 
Published: April 2011

Background and Objectives  Recently, it was reported that leucocytes obtained from leucoreduction system chambers (LRSCs) after plateletapheresis show excellent quality due to culture of dendritic cells. This study analysed apoptosis of mononuclear cells derived from LRSCs of single platelet units (SPUs) and double platelet units (DPUs) during storage.Materials and Methods  This randomized prospective study compared eighteen single and double platelet units produced with the Trima Accel cell separator. Buffy coat was drained from the LRSCs and analysed after 1, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h. CD45 +  lymphocytes and CD14 +  monocytes cells as well as Annexin‐V+ and 7‐AAD+ mononuclear cells were measured by flow cytometry.Results  The WBC concentration of LRSCs obtained from SPUs and DPUs differed significantly (SPUs: 0·93 ± 0·32 × 105 per μl WBCs; DPUs: 1·71 ± 0·55 × 105 per μl WBCs; P < 0·001). Processed blood volume (PBV) correlated significantly with WBC concentration (r2 = 0·75, P < 0·001). Fifty percent of monocytes were Annexin‐V‐positive 1 h after production decreasing to 30% during 24 h of storage. Compared to that, the part of late apoptotic or necrotic PBMCs increased later on, after 24 h. After 24 h, Annexin‐V‐ and 7‐AAD‐positive, late apoptotic and necrotic lymphocytes and monocytes doubled.Conclusion  PBMCs stored in autologous plasma in PVC‐bags at room temperature did not show an increase of 7‐AAD‐positive PBMCs during 24 h prior to cell processing but increased significantly thereafter.
Effects of Activation Methods on DNA Synthesis and Development of Parthenogenetic Porcine Embryos
Authors: Ock SA , Kwack DO , Mohana Kumar B , Han J , Kim SW , Rho GJ 
Published: April 2011

ContentsThis study investigated the timing of DNA synthesis and patterns of pronuclear (PN) formation during the first cell cycle, and its influence on developmental competence, velocity and proliferation index of porcine parthenote blastocysts produced by different activation treatments. Oocytes were activated as follows: electrical stimulation (EST), EST combined with 7.5 μg/ml cytochalasin B (EST + CCB), 10 μg/ml cycloheximide (EST + CHX) and 1.9 mm 6‐dimethylaminopurine (EST + 6‐DMAP) for 3 h. DNA synthesis and PN formation were evaluated using 1 mm 5′bromo‐2′deoxy‐uridne (BrdU) at 2 h intervals from 1 to 13 h or 5 to 13 h of post‐activation (hpa), respectively. In EST, DNA synthesis started at 3 hpa, reached the peak at 11 hpa and decreased at 13 hpa. Treatment with 6‐DMAP resulted in an early increase of DNA synthesis at 3 hpa, whereas CCB delayed DNA synthesis for 2 h. In EST and EST + 6‐DMAP, most of the eggs showed 1PN, whereas, incidence of 2PN in EST + CCB was higher than 1PN. EST + CHX was observed with 1PN, 2PN and multiple PN. Blastocyst rate in EST + CCB and EST + 6‐DMAP were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than EST + CHX. But, the developmental velocity was not different among groups. Proliferation index of blastocysts, as indicated the number of blastomere at S‐phase of the cell cycle was low in all groups. In conclusion, CCB, CHX and 6‐DMAP used for producing porcine parthenogenetic embryos induced different onset of DNA synthesis and PN, but they did not affect the subsequent embryo development.
Larval damage of Hylamorpha elegans (Burm.) on wheat plants sown in soils with different particulate organic matter content
Authors: Millas Paz , Carrillo Roberto 
Published: April 2011

Abstract Hylamorpha elegans (Burm.) larvae cause economic damage in cereal crops and pastures in southern Chile. It has been observed that adding manure to soil, which is a source of labile organic matter, reduces the damage to pasture plants by several scarabeid species. This type of organic matter can provide alternative or additional food for scarab larvae which may be effective in reducing the intensity of larval damage. Larval damage by H. elegans on wheat plants sown in soils with different proportions of particulate organic matter (POM 9.1%, 6.8% and 5.3%) was examined. Root damage was estimated from the difference in weight of roots in the scarab treatments and that in the respective controls. The highest POM decreased root damage by larvae of H. elegans, possibly because POM acts as an alternative food source or the high soil respiration associated with POM can dilute the cues emitted by the plants' roots.
Risk factors and pathogen profile of ventilator‐associated pneumonia in a neonatal intensive care unit in China
Authors: Deng Chun , Li Xiaowen , Zou Youfu , Wang Jin , Wang Jiarong , Namba Fumihiko , Hiroyuki Yoshi , Yu Jialin , Yamauchi Yoshitada , Guo Chunbao 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to explore the incidence and risk factors of, and summarize the involved pathogens in, neonates with ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) in the authors' neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to determine the effective strategies for prevention.Methods:  A retrospective case–control study including 117 VAP patients and 232 controls was conducted from January 2002 to July 2008. The antibiotics sensitivity spectrum was determined on quantitative microbiological evaluation. Multiple logistic regression and Cox model analysis were performed to determine independent and accumulative risk factors for VAP.Results:  Multivariate analysis showed that birthweight, mechanical ventilation (MV), parenteral alimentation, dexamethasone and other respiratory disease were associated with the development of VAP. The cumulative risk for developing VAP increased over the duration of stay in the NICU. The most common isolated bacteria of the pathogen spectrum in VAP were Klebsiella spp. (33/146), Acinetobacter baumannii (26/146), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18/146) and Staphylococcus aureus(13/146). Meanwhile, we found that previous use of antibiotics before VAP diagnosis was not associated with the onset of VAP.Conclusions:  The daily risk for VAP increases with duration of stay in the NICU after ventilation. Drug‐resistant bacteria are common pathogens for neonatal VAP in the authors' NICU.
The infusion method trial of void vs standard catheter removal in the outpatient setting: a prospective randomized trial
Authors: Boccola Mark A. , Sharma Anant , Taylor Claire , Wong Lih‐Ming , Travis Douglas , Chan Steven 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE• To ascertain if filling the bladder with warm normal saline before trial of void (TOV) reduces time to decision of outcome of TOV and time to discharge compared with standard in‐dwelling catheter (IDC) removal in the outpatient setting.PATIENTS AND METHODS• A prospective randomized controlled trial (not blinded) was carried out in the day procedure unit. Randomization was done using computer‐generated random numbers. The sample size was calculated based on initial pilot data using α= 0.05 and β= 0.2 and a clinically important reduction of ≥60 min for time to decision of outcome of TOV (primary outcome measure).• In all, 60 consecutive patients were recruited from two referral sources: presentations of acute urinary retention to the emergency department and patients discharged home after failing TOV postoperatively.• The infusion method group (32 patients) had 300–500 mL warm normal saline infused into the bladder before removing their IDC and the control group (28) had standard IDC removal.• Data were collected and analysed using the two‐tailed Mann–Whitney U‐test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.RESULTS• The median time to decision was 135.0 (95% confidence interval CI 95.0–190.0) min in the infusion group and 247.5 (95% CI 189.6–294.1) min in the control group.• Patients undergoing a bladder infusion had a shorter discharge time [180.0 (95% CI 126.0–226.9) min] than patients in the standard‐IDC‐removal group [262.5 (95% CI 233.8–315.0) min].• The infusion arm shortened time to decision by 112.5 min (P < 0.001) and time to discharge by 82.5 min (P < 0.001).• Furthermore, patients in the infusion group were 1.56 times more likely to achieve catheter‐free state after TOV (risk ratio 1.56, 95% CI 1.03–2.36; P= 0.03).CONCLUSION• The infusion method for TOV is safe and expeditious, making it ideal for the outpatient setting. This randomized study shows that the infusion method enables a rapid determination of outcome of TOV with a greater chance of success and shortened discharge times.