bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Participants' perspectives of a multi‐component, group‐based weight loss programme supplement for cardiac rehabilitation: A qualitative study
Authors: Gallagher Robyn , Kirkness Ann , Armari Elizabeth , Davidson Patricia M 
Published: January 2012

Gallagher R, Kirkness A, Armari E, Davidson PM. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 28–35Participants' perspectives of a multi‐component, group‐based weight loss programme supplement for cardiac rehabilitation: A qualitative studyAddressing overweight and obesity in people with cardiovascular risk factors is an important aspect of cardiac rehabilitation, but minimal implementation of targeted strategies has occurred. The aim of this study was to describe participants' perspectives of a multi‐component, group‐based weight loss supplement to cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Four focus groups of participants completing the intervention (n = 16) and maintenance phases (n = 19) of the Healthy Eating and Exercise Lifestyle Program (HEELP) were conducted. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using an inductive process. The overall theme of participants' responses was that HEELP helped them reprogramme their lifestyle behaviours to achieve weight loss. The programme was unique compared with other weight loss programmes because it was delivered and developed by familiar and expert health professionals who tailored the programme to participants' health status. Themes included the process of recognizing and deciding to make a commitment to managing their weight problem and feeling supported by the group and the staff to do this. Participants valued the group‐based structure and the specific tools used in the programme. The programme content and structure provides a framework for the development of supplemental programmes for overweight and obese people at high cardiovascular risk.
Status of costing hospital nursing work within Australian casemix activity‐based funding policy
Authors: Heslop Liza 
Published: January 2012

Heslop L. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 2–6Status of costing hospital nursing work within Australian casemix activity‐based funding policyAustralia has a long history of patient level costing initiated when casemix funding was implemented in several states in the early 1990s. Australia includes, to some extent, hospital payment based on nursing intensity adopted within casemix funding policy and the Diagnostic Related Group system. Costing of hospital nursing services in Australia has not changed significantly in the last few decades despite widespread introduction of casemix funding policy at the state level. Recent Commonwealth of Australia National Health Reform presents change to the management of the delivery of health care including health‐care costing. There is agreement for all Australian jurisdictions to progress to casemix‐based activity funding. Within this context, nurse costing infrastructure presents contemporary issues and challenges. An assessment is made of the progress of costing nursing services within casemix funding models in Australian hospitals. Valid and reliable Australian‐refined nursing service weights might overcome present cost deficiencies and limitations.
Recruitment challenges and recommendations for adolescent obesity trials
Authors: Nguyen Binh , McGregor Kristy A , O'Connor Janice , Shrewsbury Vanessa A , Lee Anthea , Steinbeck Katharine S , Hill Andrew J , Shah Smita , Kohn Michael R , Baur Louise A 
Published: January 2012

Aim:  To report our experiences with recruiting overweight and obese 13‐ to 16‐year‐olds for the Loozit® weight management randomised control trial (RCT) and to identify effective strategies for recruiting adolescents from the community to a treatment trial.Methods:  The Loozit RCT is a two‐arm, community‐based, lifestyle intervention that aims to evaluate the effect of additional therapeutic contact provided via telephone coaching and electronic communications as an adjunct to the Loozit group programme. Strategic areas that were targeted to recruit adolescents included media, schools, health professionals and community organisations. The programme aimed to recruit a cohort of 12–16 adolescents (body mass index z‐score range 1.0–2.5) aged 13–16 years every 3 months over 3 years. Information regarding recruitment and eligibility to participate was initially assessed during a telephone screen. The relative cost effectiveness of recruitment strategies was determined based on recruitment rates and costs including administrative costs and research assistant time.Results:  Out of 474 enquiries, 32% resulted in an enrolment to the RCT. Newspaper articles and school newsletters accounted for nearly 60% of enquiries and enrolments and were the most cost‐effective recruitment strategies. Common reasons for ineligibility for inclusion in the RCT were adolescents being too young (21%) and parents consenting but adolescents refusing to participate (17%).Conclusions:  The most successful recruitment strategies for the Loozit RCT were local newspapers and school newsletters. Future studies should consider involving a Public Relations department and other potentially cost‐effective strategies such as peer recruitment.
Anti‐apoptotic and anti‐oxidant effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract in preventing cyclosporine A‐induced nephropathy
Authors: ULUSOY SUKRU , OZKAN GULSUM , YUCESAN FULYA BALABAN , ERSÖZ ŞAFAK , OREM ASIM , ALKANAT MEHMET , YULUĞ ESIN , KAYNAR KUBRA , AL SAIT 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTAim:  Although the pathogenesis of cyclosporine (CsA) nephropathy is not completely understood, it is attributed to oxidative damage and apoptosis. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) is a molecule with anti‐oxidant and anti‐apoptotic properties. Our aim was to demonstrate the effects of GSPE in preventing CsA nephropathy.Methods:  Twenty‐four Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups. The control, GSPE, CsA and CsA+GSPE groups were given 1 mL olive oil, 100 mg/kg GSPE, 25 mg/kg CsA and 100 mg/kg GSPE+25 mg/kg CsA, respectively. On day 21, blood samples were taken for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and CsA levels, and renal tissue was used for total oxidant system (TOS), total anti‐oxidant system (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and malondialdehyde (MDA) measurements. In addition to renal histopathology, apoptosis staining was performed on renal tissue.Results:  The BUN, creatinine, TOS, OSI, MDA, histopathological score, and apoptotic index exhibited increases in the CsA group. In the CsA+GSPE group, however, BUN, creatinine, OSI, MDA, renal histopathological score and apoptotic index (AI) decreased and TAS levels increased. In addition, there was no difference between the CsA and CsA+GSPE groups with regard to CsA levels.Conclusion:  We demonstrated that GSPE prevents CsA nephropathy and that this effect is achieved by anti‐apoptotic and anti‐oxidant activity. We also achieved a significant recovery in kidney functions without affecting CsA plasma levels.
Efficacy of inhaled N‐acetylcysteine monotherapy in patients with early stage idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: HOMMA SAKAE , AZUMA ARATA , TANIGUCHI HIROYUKI , OGURA TAKASHI , MOCHIDUKI YOSHIRO , SUGIYAMA YUKIHIKO , NAKATA KOICHIRO , YOSHIMURA KUNIHIKO , TAKEUCHI MASAHIRO , KUDOH SHOJI ,   THE JAPAN NAC CLINICAL STUDY GROUP
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal disorder for which there are currently no specific or effective medical treatments. A multicentre, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of inhaled N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) monotherapy in Japanese patients with early stage IPF.Methods:  Eligible patients had well‐defined IPF of mild‐to‐moderate severity, with no desaturation on exercise. Of 100 patients screened, 76 were randomly assigned to an NAC treatment group (group A; n = 38) that received 352.4 mg of NAC by inhalation twice daily or to a control group (group B; n = 38) that received no therapy. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in forced vital capacity (FVC) at 48 weeks.Results:  There were no significant overall differences in the change in FVC between groups A and B. Post hoc exploratory analyses showed that NAC therapy was associated with stability of FVC in (i) a subset of patients with initial FVC <95% of predicted (n = 49; difference in FVC decline 0.12 L; P = 0.02) and (ii) in patients with initial diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide <55% of predicted (n = 21; difference in FVC decline 0.17 L; P = 0.009).Conclusions:  These findings indicate that NAC monotherapy may have some beneficial effect in patients with early stage IPF. Further trials in more select IPF populations with progressive disease are required to prove the efficacy of inhaled NAC.
Efficacy of patient information concerning casts applied post‐fracture
Authors: Hossieny Parastu , Carey Smith Richard , Yates Piers , Carroll Graeme 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntroduction:  Serious complications can result when casts are used for bone immobilization following fracture. Adequate patient information regarding cast care and possible complications is vital for prevention. This study examines the effectiveness of verbal and written patient information regarding cast safety.Methods:  Patients (n= 109; age ≥18 years) from three Western Australian teaching hospitals were interviewed using a custom‐designed questionnaire. Patients' understanding of cast care and possible complications were tested by recall of seven categories of information, notably: pain, swelling, cast care, itching, neural signs, vascular signs/symptoms, exercise/rest. A follow‐up phone call (3–8 weeks after initial interview) was conducted to elicit complications and determine information recall.Results:  Written information was received by 62% of patients; however, overall, only 35% claimed to have read the information provided. Of these, the highest recall was in four of seven information categories. A high proportion of those given only verbal information had poor recall (≤2 categories, defined a priori). In contrast, patients who also received written information had better recall (three or more categories, defined a priori, P= 0.031). Four of the 109 patients developed complications attributable to the cast (three had pressure ulcers and one had a deep vein thrombosis).Conclusion:  Patient recall of information concerning cast care and possible complications was no more than 60%. The provision of written information was associated with a significantly higher awareness of possible complications. The results indicate that for fracture care, the delivery and use of information protocols can be greatly improved.
Results from the Australasian Vascular Surgical Audit: the inaugural year
Authors: Beiles C. Barry , Bourke Bernie , Thomson Ian 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe Australian and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery has incorporated a constitutional change to administer a self‐funded compulsory vascular surgery audit since January 2010. This is a bi‐national quality assurance activity that captures all procedures performed in both countries. Data is collected at two points in the clinical admission; at operation and at discharge and data entry is via the Internet. Security is stringent and confidentiality is guaranteed by Commonwealth privilege. Data privacy is maximized by encryption. The application is flexible and administered by a dedicated administrator with a help‐desk facility. Reports are available to provide real‐time feedback of user performance compared with the peer group data in key categories of arterial surgery. A structured hierarchy for data management has been established to assess four main categories of performance: mortality after aortic surgery, stroke and death after carotid surgery, patency and limb salvage after infrainguinal bypass and patency after arteriovenous access for haemodialysis. Data is analysed using risk‐adjustment techniques and an algorithm for management of underperformance has been followed. Data validation has been performed. The outcomes in all categories have been of a high standard and correction of erroneous data in a single statistical outlier has negated underperformance. The audit has captured only 65% of the estimated procedures in Australia in the first year, but data quality is good. The feasibility of a complete compulsory bi‐national audit has now been established and will be the benchmark for other craft groups in the current environment of accountability.
What causes latitudinal gradients in species diversity? Evolutionary processes and ecological constraints on swallowtail biodiversity
Authors: Condamine Fabien L. , Sperling Felix A. H. , Wahlberg Niklas , Rasplus Jean‐Yves , Kergoat Gael J. 
Published: January 2012

Ecology Letters (2012)AbstractThe latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) is one of the most striking ecological patterns on our planet. Determining the evolutionary causes of this pattern remains a challenging task. To address this issue, previous LDG studies have usually relied on correlations between environmental variables and species richness, only considering evolutionary processes indirectly. Instead, we use a phylogenetically integrated approach to investigate the ecological and evolutionary processes responsible for the global LDG observed in swallowtail butterflies (Papilionidae). We find evidence for the ‘diversification rate hypothesis’ with different diversification rates between two similarly aged tropical and temperate clades. We conclude that the LDG is caused by (1) climatically driven changes in both clades based on evidence of responses to cooling and warming events, and (2) distinct biogeographical histories constrained by tropical niche conservatism and niche evolution. This multidisciplinary approach provides new findings that allow better understanding of the factors that shape LDGs.
Sensilla on maxillary and labial palps in a helicophagous ground beetle larva (Coleoptera, Carabidae)
Authors: Giglio Anita , Perrotta Enrico , Talarico Federica , Zetto Brandmayr Tullia , Ferrero Enrico A. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSensilla on the labial and maxillary palp of Carabus lefebvrei Dejean, 1826 larvae were investigated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Two identical sets of sensilla were present on the tips of both palp pairs, and four morphological types of sensilla were identified: sensilla basiconica types 1 and 2, sensilla coeloconica and sensilla digitiformia. Ultrastructure indicates that the sensilla basiconica type 1 and coeloconica have a chemical role as gustatory and olfactory receptors, respectively, while sensilla basiconica type 2 are mechanoreceptors and the sensilla digitiformia are probably thermo‐ and hygroreceptors. Their function is discussed in relation to specialized prey detection and habitat adaptations.
The effects of interference on recognition of haptic pictures in blindfolded sighted participants: The modality of representation of haptic information
Authors: HOLTBY REBECCA C. , D’ANGIULLI AMEDEO 
Published: January 2012

Holtby, R. C. & D’Angiulli, A. (2012). The effects of interference on recognition of haptic pictures in blindfolded sighted participants: The modality of representation of haptic information. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 53, 112–118.Haptic picture recognition was tested in 36 undergraduate students to determine whether haptic representations are visual or multi‐modal. Participants explored target haptic pictures and were asked to recognize the target from three alternatives. Each participant completed eight control and eight interference trials in visual, lexical and tactile recognition modalities. For interference, participants were assigned to either an articulatory suppression (repeat “the” at a constant rate) or a visual interference (watch a visual display) condition, to prevent recoding into a verbal or visual code. The results showed that accuracy was higher at control compared to interference trials and for tactile compared to lexical recognition. Additionally, lexical and tactile recognition decreased with articulatory suppression whereas only tactile recognition decreased with visual interference. These findings suggest that haptic pictures may be represented by coordinating visual and verbal codes.
SPECTERS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY: Charles Taylor and the Problem of Historicism
Authors: Woodford Peter 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper identifies and analyzes the problem of historicism in Charles Taylor's work overall, but with particular emphasis on his most recent publication, A Secular Age. I circumscribe the problem of historicism through reference to the nineteenth‐century German philosophical tradition in which it developed, in particular in the thought of Wilhelm Dilthey. I then trace the structural similarities between the notions of history to be found in the thought of Taylor and Dilthey and how these structural similarities raise worries associated with the problem of historicism. I argue that the structural aporia of historicism evident in Taylor's work brings to light a live philosophical problem that is basic to theoretical debates in the study religion.
The rate of HIV testing is increasing among men who have sex with men in China
Authors: Chow EPF , Wilson DP , Zhang L 
Published: January 2012

ObjectivesHIV infection is spreading relatively quickly among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Accurate knowledge of HIV status is of high importance for public health prevention.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of literature published in either English or Chinese to collate available HIV testing data among MSM in China. Linear regression and Spearman's rank correlation were used to study factors associated with HIV testing rates.ResultsFifty‐five eligible articles were identified in this review. The proportion of MSM who had ever been tested for HIV has significantly increased, from 10.8% in 2002 to 51.2% in 2009. In comparison, reported rates of HIV testing in the past 12 months have also significantly increased, from 11.0% in 2003 to 43.7% in 2009.ConclusionsChinese MSM have relatively low HIV testing rates compared with MSM in other settings. It is important to continue to promote HIV testing among MSM in China.
Micro‐CT scanning provides insight into the functional morphology of millipede genitalia
Authors: Wojcieszek J. M. , Austin P. , Harvey M. S. , Simmons L. W. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractFew studies investigating genital evolution examine the functional morphology of genitalia. In this study, we snap‐froze copulating pairs of the millipede Antichiropus variabilis and used micro‐computed tomography (CT) scanning and traditional light microscopy to investigate the mechanical interactions of male and female genitalia during copulation. The male genitalia of A. variabilis appear to function as lock‐and‐key structures, used in species mate recognition and species isolation. The female genitalia were complex in structure, and different sections of the male gonopods penetrated specific sections of the female genitalia. Morphological investigations confirmed a high degree of mechanical correspondence between male and female genitalia, as might be expected for a lock‐and‐key character. We discuss why genital shape is important in fertilization success for A. variabilis and present a novel application of micro‐CT scanning that is widely applicable to other studies of genital evolution.
Early‐Onset Alcohol Dependence Increases the Acoustic Startle Reflex
Authors: Schellekens Arnt F. A. , Mulders Peter C. R. , Ellenbroek Bart , de Jong Cor A. J. , Buitelaar Jan K. , Cools Alexander , Verkes Robbert‐Jan 
Published: January 2012

Background:Hyperreactivity and impaired sensory gating of the acoustic startle response in alcohol dependence has been suggested to reflect a residual effect of previous detoxifications, increasing the severity of subsequent withdrawal episodes. Previous studies on the acoustic startle only included early‐onset alcohol‐dependent patients. The observed abnormalities may therefore also be specific for this subtype of alcohol dependence. We investigated the acoustic startle response in alcohol‐dependent patients and healthy controls and hypothesized that (i) early‐onset alcohol‐dependent patients show increased acoustic startle responses compared with late‐onset alcohol‐dependent patients and healthy controls, and (ii) the duration of alcohol dependence or the number of prior detoxifications would not explain the differences in the acoustic startle between early‐ and late‐onset alcohol dependence.Methods:The acoustic startle reflex was assessed in detoxified, male alcohol‐dependent patients (N = 83) and age‐matched healthy male controls (N = 86). Reflex eye blink responses to an auditory startle stimulus were measured by means of electromyographic recordings over the right orbicularis oculi muscle. Reflex amplitudes and levels of prepulse inhibition (PPI) were analyzed.Results:There was no association between number of previous withdrawals and the startle response or PPI. Early‐onset alcohol‐dependent patients showed higher acoustic startle amplitudes compared with late‐onset alcohol‐dependent patients and healthy controls [75/105 dB: F(2, 166) = 9.2, p < 0.001; 85/105 dB: F(2, 166) = 12.1, p < 0.001; 95 dB: F(2, 166) = 8.2, p < 0.001; 105 dB: F(2, 166) = 9.7, p < 0.001], and there were no differences in PPI.Conclusions:Increased acoustic startle response in detoxified early‐onset alcohol‐dependent patients may reflect a trait marker specifically involved in early‐onset alcohol dependence. The findings of the current study do not support the hypothesis that the increased startle response is a residual state marker.
From Energy to Environmental Analysis
Authors: Benders René M.J. , Moll Henri C. , Nijdam Durk S. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryUnsustainable private consumption causes energy and environmental problems. This occurs directly (resource depletion and emissions through using cars for transport) or indirectly (purchase of consumer goods and services for which the production uses energy and emits damaging gases).A hybrid energy analysis proved that indoor energy consumption, mobility, and vacations are the main consumer categories from an energy point of view. Although energy is often used as a proxy for environmental load from private consumption, there are other proxies like methane (CH4), sulfur oxides (SOx), and land use. This article describes the results of the extension of the hybrid energy analysis with energy and ten environmental stressors (CH4, nitrous oxide [N2O], nitrogen, phosphate, SOx, nitrogen oxides [NOx], ammonia [NH3], nonmethane volatile organic compounds [NMVOCs], particulate matter [PM10], and land use), combined in five impact categories (global warming potential [GWP], acidification, eutrophication, summer smog, and land use).Household consumption was analyzed by dividing Dutch household expenditure into 368 consumer items in 11 categories. The results show that food impacts, in particular, are underestimated when only energy is taken into account. Food makes the highest contribution in three out of five impact categories when all ten stressors are taken into account. Within the food domain, meat and dairy consumer items have the highest environmental impact, about 45% of total food impact on average across all five impact categories. Looking in detail (368 consumer items), there are nine food items in the top ten most‐polluting items. Salad oil and cheese are the most polluting food items.