bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of dietary habits on prevalence of anemia in pregnant women of Delhi
Authors: Sharma Jai Bhagwan , Soni Dimple , Murthy Nandagudi Srinivasa , Malhotra Monika 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAim:  To see the effect of various dietary habits, such as a vegetarian diet or various types of meat, on the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women.Methods:  A study was carried out in Delhi to determine the effect of different dietary habits on prevalence of anemia during pregnancy by questioning the women during pregnancy regarding their dietary habits (vegetarian diet, jhatka or halal meat) and assessing their hemoglobin levels. The data was compiled and χ2 test was employed for understanding the associations between the effect of food habits on prevalence of anemia.Results:  Mean age was 26.5 years. Most women were in the second (26%) or third trimester (63.2%) of pregnancy. Prevalence of anemia was found to be very high. Of 1150 women, 96% were anemic (89.8% mildly anemic, 5.3% severely anemic). Anemia was seen in 96.18% cases in vegetarian women, 95.3% in halal meat eaters, and 96.2% in jhatka meat eaters (not significant). Although the percentage of women with < 11 g/dL Hb was less in the jhatka group eating meat more than 5 times per month, than in halal meat eaters and vegetarians, the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusions:  There is very high prevalence of anemia during pregnancy in Delhi, probably due to very low frequency of meat eating in India. Different types of dietary habits had no effect on the prevalence of anemia in pregnant Indian women.
Investigation of Protective Reactions Against Cadmium Toxicity in the Cells Established from a Transgenic Mouse Deficient in the Metallothionein Genes
Authors: Abe Tetsuya 
Published: October 2010

Objective:  To characterize a fibroblast cell strain which we established from an metallothionein (MT) knock‐out (KO) mouse and to determine whether expression of the Hsp genes induced by cadmium is related to expression of the MT‐I and ‐II genes.Methods:  We established a fibroblast cell strain (named “MT‐KO2”) derived from the peritoneum of an MT‐KO mouse which is deficient in the MT‐I and ‐II genes. We determined an expression of MT‐I, Hsp32 and Grp 78 genes by Northern blot analysis.Results:  The mRNA level of MT‐I, an isoform of the MT gene products, was induced dose‐dependently in responce to increasing concentrations of CdCl2 (5–25 µM) in a fibroblast cell strain derived from the peritoneum of an MT wild type mouse (named “MT‐W3”). But it was not induced in MT‐KO2 cells after the same treatment. There was no significant difference between MT‐KO2 and MT‐W3 cells in a concentration of intracellular glutathione (reduced form) under normal conditions. MT‐KO2 cells were not more sensitive to cytotoxicity of CdCl2 than in MT‐W3 cells. Expression of the Hsp32 gene was more extensively enhanced in MT‐KO2 cells than in MT‐W3 cells after treatment with 5–10 µM CdCl2 for 5 hours. Furthermore, the cellular concentration of reduced glatathione (GSH) was also more increased in MT‐KO2 cells than in MT‐W3 cells after treatment with 50 µM CdCl2 for 3 hours.Conclusions:  Expression of the Hsp32 gene tends to be increased in MT‐KO2 cells in response to cadmium exposure. The expression of the Hsp32 gene and increase in the cellular concentration of GSH may be augmented to compensate for the impaired expression of the MT genes in MT‐KO2 cells.
A comparison between intravaginal and oral misoprostol for labor induction: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nopdonrattakoon Lek 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAim:  To compare the effectiveness and safety between intravaginal and oral misoprostol for labor induction.Methods:  One hundred and six pregnant women at term with unfavorable cervix (Bishop score ≤ 4) and no contraindication to prostaglandin therapy were randomized to receive either intravaginal misoprostol 50 µg every 4 h or oral misoprostol 50 µg every 4 h for prospective randomized controlled trial study. Treatment interval from induction to vaginal delivery, maternal and neonatal complications were the main outcome measures.Results:  There were no statistical differences of baseline characteristics and Bishop score prior to intervention between both groups. Time interval from induction to vaginal delivery in the oral group was slightly, but significantly, longer than that of the intravaginal group (886.1 ± 443.5 min vs 637.0 ± 373.3 min, respectively.) Additionally, the number of doses required was significantly higher in the oral group. Nonetheless, there was no significant difference between both groups with regard to failure of induction and maternal‐neonatal complications.Conclusion:  The effectiveness in terms of failed induction and safety were comparable between intravaginal and oral misoprostol, but intravaginal route was better with respect to treatment interval and number of required doses. Both routes of administration can alternatively be used for labor induction.
Woman with postpartum ventricular tachycardia and hypomagnesemia
Authors: Onagawa Tamaho , Ohkuchi Akihide , Ohki Ruri , Izumi Akio , Matsubara Shigeki , Sato Ikuo , Suzuki Mitsuaki , Minakami Hisanori 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA 28‐year‐old Japanese woman who had received continuous intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate from 24 weeks of pregnancy until delivery underwent cesarean section at 30 weeks and gave birth to twins. Serum magnesium sharply declined to a subnormal level of 1.5 mg/dL on postpartum day 4. The patient exhibited sinus bradycardia (48 b.p.m.) with intermittent supraventricular contraction on postpartum day 2, intermittent ventricular bigeminy on postpartum day 3, and frequent selfterminated polymorphic ventricular tachycardia on postpartum day 4. The electrocardiogram (ECG) disclosed that the patient had prolonged QTc of 0.45–0.67. Correction of serum magnesium improved ECG findings promptly, resulting in the disappearance of arrhythmias. Hypomagnesemia due to postpartum diuresis may have played a role causing ventricular tachyarrhythmia in this patient.
Congestive heart failure, spouses' support and the couple's sleep situation: a critical incident technique analysis
Authors: Broström Anders , Strömberg Anna , Dahlström Ulf , Fridlund Bengt 
Published: October 2010

Summary• Sleep related breathing disorders are common as well as a poor prognostic sign associated with higher mortality in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). These patients often have a shorter total duration of sleep, disturbed sleep structure and increased daytime sleepiness, which can negatively affect all dimensions of the life situation. The spouse has an important role in supporting the patient in relation to sleep disorders, but this role may be adversely affected by the sleep situation of the couple.• The aim of this study was to describe decisive situations that influence spouses' support to patients with CHF in relation to the couple's sleep situation.• A qualitative descriptive design using critical incident technique was employed. Incidents were collected by means of interviews with 25 spouses of patients with CHF, strategically selected from two hospital‐based specialist clinics in southern Sweden.• Two main areas emerged in the analysis: support stimulating situations and support inhibiting situations. Support stimulating situations described how spouses' support was positively affected by their own adaptation in psychosocial or practical situations, and receiving help from others. Support inhibiting situations described how the spouses' support was negatively affected by sleep disturbances as a result of the patient's symptoms, anxiety in relation to the disease, limitations as a result of the sleeping habits, dissatisfaction with care related to the sleep situation, and being left to cope alone with the problems.• An increased understanding of the stimulating and inhibiting situations influencing spouses' support for patients with CHF can guide health care personnel in deciding if an intervention is needed to improve the sleep situation for patient and spouse.
Observations, confirmations and strategies – useful tools in decision‐making process for nurses in practice?
Authors: Hedberg Berith , Sätterlund Larsson Ullabeth 
Published: October 2010

Summary• The aim of the study was to describe how nurses make decisions on measures in clinical practice.• The data‐collection method consisted of audio‐taped interviews with six nurses. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim. The questions in the interviews were based on nursing situations observed earlier when the nurses initiated and implemented patient‐related measures and the focus was on the nurses' experience of decision making. A content analysis was performed.• The results show that the nurses' decisions on measures were based on three themes: observation of cues related to the patient's situation, confirmation of information gathered and implementation of action strategies.• The results are discussed in relation to earlier empirical research on decision‐making activities in the nurse's clinical practice and the nurse's utilization of knowledge during the decision‐making process.• It is concluded that the nurse's awareness of the patient's situation, together with a well‐founded basis for decisions, can have positive effects on the nursing care provided by the nurse.
Evaluation of patient records as part of developing a nursing care classification
Authors: Karkkainen Oili , Eriksson Katie 
Published: October 2010

Summary• The aim of the study was to evaluate the content of nursing care records and the usefulness of the instrument used for their evaluation.• The evaluation involved 70 patient records from seven acute special care inpatient units.• The evaluation instrument used was based on Phaneuf's Nursing Audit as further developed by Lukander.• The nursing records in all the care units evaluated was very good or good. However, some deficiencies were found, for instance, regarding patient teaching and recording patients' own opinions.• The method proved adequate for evaluating the content of patient records.
Management of night‐time urinary incontinence in residential settings for older people: an investigation into the effects of different pad changing regimes on skin health
Authors: Fader Mandy , Clarke‐O'Neill Sinead , Cook Dawn , Dean Graham , Brooks Rodney , Cottenden Alan , Malone‐Lee James 
Published: October 2010

Summary• Absorbent pads are the main method of managing urinary incontinence in residential settings for older people.• Improvements in technology have resulted in highly absorbent products which may be worn all night, but the effects of prolonged pad wearing on aged skin are unknown.• The aim of this study was to examine the effects of two different pad changing regimes on skin health.• A cross‐over design was used.• Subjects from residential settings were randomly allocated to one of two pad changing regimes: a frequent pad changing regime or a less frequent pad changing regime. Each regime lasted 4 weeks and was followed by the alternative regime.• Skin measurements were taken twice during each regime using (i) the Diastron Erythema meter, (ii) a visual grading scale, (iii) the Servomed evaporimeter, and (iv) a pH meter. The primary outcome variable was the Diastron Erythema meter index.• Eighty‐one subjects completed the study.• No significant differences were found in the severity of erythema, or skin pH, between regimes. Measurements of trans‐epidermal water loss were significantly higher in the less frequent pad changing regime indicating that skin was ‘wetter’ (P = 0.01; 95% CI: 2.89–21.39).• Five subjects developed grade 2 pressure ulcers (abrasions) during the less frequent pad changing regime, but none in the frequent pad changing regime; this result was not significant (P = 0.1; 95% CI: 0–1.09).• No evidence was found that a less frequent pad changing regime has an effect on skin erythema or pH.• There is evidence that skin is wetter which may make it more vulnerable to friction and abrasion.• The statistically non‐significant finding of greater incidence of grade 2 pressure ulcers is a cause for concern and merits further investigation because of the clinical significance of loss of skin integrity.
Living in the shadow of fibromyalgic pain: the meaning of female partners' experiences
Authors: Paulson Margareta , Norberg Astrid , Söderberg Siv 
Published: October 2010

Summary• The aim of this study was to elucidate the meaning of being a female partner living with a man with fibromyalgic pain. Fourteen partners were interviewed about the meaning of their experiences, using a narrative approach.• A phenomenological hermeneutic method, inspired by the French philosopher Ricoeur, was used to interpret the interview text.• The structural analysis is presented in three major themes: struggling to give support and comfort, struggling to keep going on, and experiencing lack of understanding and support.• The findings elucidate that the meaning of living with a man with fibromyalgic pain meant living a life strongly influenced by the man's illness and in the shadow of the man's pain. Taking daily life for granted was interrupted and restricted family and social life. Prominent in this study was the frustration partners felt as a result of men's reluctance to communicate. This led to feelings of being excluded from men's emotions. The responsibility day in and day out meant that women's own caring and tenderness were replaced, which brought about an almost constant sense of fatigue. Women became drained by the long duration of men's illness. This gave them a feeling of being alone, although they were a couple.• Gaining comfort outside the family helped partners to reach a new insight and appreciation for life, which was viewed from a renewed perspective. This involved feelings of both togetherness and separateness in the relationship. The findings also consider the lack of support from the health care system for female partners living with men with fibromyalgic pain.
Undiagnosed patients and patients at risk for COPD in primary health care: early detection with the support of non‐physicians
Authors: Vrijhoef Hubertus J. M. , Diederiks Joseph P. M. , Wesseling Geertjan J. , Van Schayck Constant P. , Spreeuwenberg Cor 
Published: October 2010

Summary • Given the increasingly heavy workload in the primary health care sector, the option of allocating activities involving the management of chronic diseases to non‐physicians has recently come under scrutiny. • The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the support provided by non‐physicians to general practitioners (GPs) in the early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). • A convenience sample consisting of 231 patients [40–70 years; >10 pack years (number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day multiplied by the number of years the individual has smoked)] from eight general practices in the Maastricht region in the southern Netherlands, who consulted their GP for reasons unrelated to respiratory diseases, were assessed for their respiratory function. Prior to the first assessment, patients were interviewed about their medical history and symptoms. By taking the results of the lung function measurement as the starting point, the predictive value of medical history and symptoms in the identification of patients at risk for airflow obstruction or of COPD was assessed and compared with findings in the literature. • Seventeen patients (7.4%) were diagnosed with COPD, 11 patients (4.8%) with asthma. In addition to age and moderate smoking history, breathlessness and a history of heavy smoking were identified as risk factors for airflow limitation and COPD. • Early detection of COPD in primary health care by non‐physicians is feasible and should be considered for middle aged, moderate and heavy smokers experiencing breathlessness.
Delivering a different kind of primary care? Nurses working in personal medical service pilots
Authors: Walsh Nicola , Roe Brenda , Huntington June 
Published: October 2010

Summary• This article examines the roles and responsibilities of primary care nurses in England.• The study was commissioned by the Department of Health to consider how nurses were working in Personal Medical Service (PMS) pilots – a new initiative launched in April 1998.• All nurses in the study reported that they had extended their clinical role – in varying degrees.• Nurses were running new clinics and services, and general practitioner time was freed up.• Some of the nurses used PMS to deliver a different kind of primary care, one that was more community and patient focused than other General Medical Service providers.• Many of the nurses in the study are successfully breaking down traditional demarcations between primary and secondary care, between medicine and nursing, and between professionals and patients.
Providing a seamless service for children with life‐limiting illness: experiences and recommendations of professional staff at the Diana Princess of Wales Children's Community Service
Authors: Danvers Lesley , Freshwater Dawn , Cheater Francine , Wilson Andrew 
Published: October 2010

Summary• The Diana Children's Community Teams (DCCTs), a new nurse‐led service funded by the Department of Health, were established to provide care in the community as an alternative to hospital for children with life‐threatening/life‐limiting illnesses and their families.• This paper presents selected findings highlighting the professionals' experiences which formed part of the evaluation of the Diana, Princess of Wales Children's Community Service in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.• The Diana Service in Leicestershire attempts to encompass both parental empowerment and interagency collaboration. By working in partnership with the children and their families, the team provides an integrated and multiprofessional community‐based service.• This paper particularly concentrates on the perceptions and recommendations from the Diana team itself.• Three independently managed Community Nursing Services existed in Leicestershire prior to the Diana teams; a Paediatric Macmillan Service, a Children's Community Nursing Service and a Respite Service.• The Leicestershire DCCT integrated the three nursing services into a single team. This team has moved away from a traditional uniprofessional service structure by encompassing a wider team of multiprofessionals, including a cultural link worker, an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, a play specialist and a team of trained counsellors, working in partnership to provide a quality service for families.• The evaluation, which used a longitudinal multimethod process analysis based on an action research framework, suggests that children with complex and life‐limiting illnesses and their families benefit greatly from an effective seamless service.• This paper recommends a framework of care that may be relevant to other teams of children's community services across the country.• This service has been judged by the impact it has had on the families who use it and the professionals employed within it.
Comparative atomic force and scanning electron microscopy: an investigation on fenestrated endothelial cells in vitro
Authors: BRAET F. , KALLE W. H. J. , DE ZANGER R. B. , DE GROOTH B. G. , RAAP A. K. , TANKE H. J. , WISSE E. 
Published: October 2010

Rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LEC) contain fenestrae, which are clustered in sieve plates. Fenestrae control the exchange of fluids, solutes and particles between the sinusoidal blood and the space of Disse, which at its back side is flanked by the microvillous surface of the parenchymal cells. The surface of LEC can optimally be imaged by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and SEM images can be used to study dynamic changes in fenestrae by comparing fixed specimens subjected to different experimental conditions. Unfortunately, the SEM allows only investigation of fixed, dried and coated specimens. Recently, the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) was introduced for analysing the cell surface, independent of complicated preparation techniques. We used the AFM for the investigation of cultured LEC surfaces and the study of morphological changes of fenestrae. SEM served as a conventional reference.AFM images of LEC show structures that correlate well with SEM images. Dried‐coated, dried‐uncoated and wet‐fixed LEC show a central bulging nucleus and flat fenestrated cellular processes. It was also possible to obtain height information which is not available in SEM. After treatment with ethanol or serotonin the diameters of fenestrae increased (+6%) and decreased (−15%), respectively. The same alterations of fenestrae could be distinguished by measuring AFM images of dried‐coated, dried‐uncoated and wet‐fixed LEC. Comparison of dried‐coated (SEM) and wet‐fixed (AFM) fenestrae indicated a mean shrinkage of 20% in SEM preparations. In conclusion, high‐resolution imaging with AFM of the cell surface of cultured LEC can be performed on dried‐coated, dried‐uncoated and wet‐fixed LEC, which was hitherto only possible with fixed, dried and coated preparations in SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Near‐field measurement of short‐range correlation in optical waves transmitted through random media
Authors: Emiliani V. , Intonti F. , Wiersma D. , Colocci M. , Cazayous M. , Lagendijk A. , Aliev F. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryTwo‐dimensional near‐field images of speckle patterns formed by optical waves transmitted through a disordered porous silica glass sample are measured. The corresponding 2D intensity correlation function, C, is extracted. The subwavelength spatial resolution of near‐field microscopy allows us to resolve in the spatial distribution of C the expected subwavelength oscillations and to follow their dependence on the excitation wavelength. Finally, we deduce the effective refractive index of the material by fitting the theoretical spatial dependence of C to our experimental results.
Surface plasmon polariton waveguiding in random surface nanostructures
Authors: Bozhevolnyi S. I. , Volkov V. S. , Leosson K. , Boltasseva A. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryIn this study, guiding of surface plasmon polaritons excited at a gold film surface along corrugation‐free channels in regions that are covered with randomly located surface scatterers, is considered using near‐field microscopy for imaging of surface plasmon polariton intensity distributions at the surface. In the wavelength range 713–815 nm, we observed complete inhibition of the surface plasmon polariton propagation inside the random structures composed of individual (≈ 70 nm high) gold bumps (and their clusters) placed on a 55 nm thick gold film with a bump density of 75 µm−2. We demonstrate well‐defined surface plasmon polariton guiding along corrugation‐free 2 µm wide channels in random structures and, in the wavelength range 738–774 nm, low‐loss guiding around 20° bends having a bend radius of ≈ 15 µm.
Fabrication of near‐field optical apertures in aluminium by a highly selective corrosion process in the evanescent field
Authors: Haefliger D. , Stemmer A. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryA simple, one‐step process to fabricate high‐quality apertures for scanning near‐field optical microscope probes based on aluminium‐coated silicon nitride cantilevers is presented. A thin evanescent optical field at a glass–water interface was used to heat the aluminium at the tip apex due to light absorption. The heat induced a breakdown of the passivating oxide layer and local corrosion of the metal, which selectively exposed the front‐most part of the probe tip from the aluminium. Apertures with a protruding silicon nitride tip up to 72 nm in height were fabricated. The height of the protrusion was controlled by the extent of the evanescent field, whereas the diameter depended on the geometry of the probe substrate. The corrosion process proved to be self‐terminating, yielding highly reproducible tip heights. Near‐field optical resolution in a transmission mode of 85 nm was demonstrated.