bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of medication adherence in children receiving psychotropic medication
Authors: Dean Angela J , Wragg Jillian , Draper Judith , McDermott Brett M 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  Medication adherence is poor in many young people with chronic illness. However, little research has examined medication adherence in clinic samples of young people receiving psychotropic medication, and whether factors such as disorder or drug type influence adherence. This study aimed to examine medication adherence in children and adolescents receiving psychotropic medication.Methods:  Young people receiving psychotropic medication and their caregivers were recruited from pharmacy and mental health services within a large metropolitan hospital. A brief cross‐sectional survey examined medication history, missed doses within the previous week and other clinical information. Multiple regression analysis examined whether child characteristics, drug type and regimen characteristics were associated with medication adherence.Results:  Poor adherence was associated with lack of parental involvement in medication routines (P < 0.05), use of complementary medicines (P < 0.01) and difficulty remembering doses (P < 0.01). Developmental diagnoses (P < 0.05), use of antipsychotics (P < 0.05) and use of concomitant non‐psychotropic medication (P < 0.05) were predictors of good adherence.Conclusion:  Encouraging parental involvement in medication routines may be a practical target for clinicians aiming to improve medication adherence in young people. Use of complementary medicines may indicate a group with a higher risk of poorer adherence.
Impact of an oral health intervention on pre‐school children <3 years of age in a rural setting in Australia
Authors: Neumann Ana S , Lee Katherine J , Gussy Mark G , Waters Elizabeth B , Carlin John B , Riggs Elisha , Kilpatrick Nicky M 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  Australian pre‐school children living in rural areas experience higher levels of dental caries than those in metropolitan areas. This may be because of a lack of community water fluoridation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a community‐based intervention to improve the oral health of children in non‐fluoridated rural Victoria, Australia.Methods:  The study was conducted across three local government areas in Victoria, with two receiving the intervention and one remaining with standard care. Although multifaceted, the primary strategy of the intervention was the promotion of early exposure to fluoridated toothpaste, including the distribution, by maternal and child health nurses (MCHNs), of an oral health starter kit including toothpaste, toothbrush and information to parents at their child's 7–8‐month health check. Children were followed up annually to the age of three.Results:  Infants in the intervention arm experienced less caries (cavitated and pre‐cavitated lesions included) than infants in the control arm at the first and second examinations (3.1% with caries in the intervention vs. 6.9% in the control group at exam 1 (adjusted P= 0.07) and 10.8% vs. 19.5% at exam 2 (adjusted P= 0.11), respectively). However potential benefits disappeared at the third examination (29.5% vs. 28.9%, adjusted P= 0.67).Conclusions:  This study suggests that an oral health promotion intervention delivered via local MCHNs promoting early exposure to fluoride may be successful in reducing caries in the second year of life but less so in older children when participants have less contact with MCHNs.
Low defaecation frequency in Taiwanese adolescents: Association with dietary intake, physical activity and sedentary behaviour
Authors: Chien Li‐Yin , Liou Yiing Mei , Chang Polun 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of constipation, defined as less than three defaecations per week, in Taiwanese adolescents and to examine its association with the intake of vegetables, fruits and fluids; time spent on sedentary behaviour; and time spent on moderate and vigorous physical activity.Methods:  This study used a questionnaire survey. The study participants were 14 626 adolescents in grades 7–12. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire‐Youth Show Card Version. Time spent on sedentary activity included studying, reading, sitting in vehicles and screen time. Consumption of fluid, fruits and vegetables was measured by asking participants to describe the average consumption of each type of food in the past 7 days.Results:  The prevalence of defaecation frequency of <3 times a week was 9.3%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female sex (odds ratio (OR) = 2.2), worse health status (OR = 1.3), not being overweight/obese (OR = 0.7 and 0.3 for overweight and obesity), more time spent on sedentary activity (OR = 1.0) and low intake of fluids (<1.8 L/day; OR = 1.2), fruits (<1 portion; OR = 1.6), vegetables (<1 portion or 100 g; OR = 1.4) and whole‐grain products (OR = 1.2) were independently associated with increased risk of low defaecation frequency.Conclusions:  The prevalence of low defaecation frequency was high in Taiwanese adolescents. Decreasing sedentary behaviour and increasing the intake of fluids, vegetables, fruits and whole‐grain products among those adolescents with very low intake levels could be helpful in preventing and managing constipation, irrespective of body size and health status.
Parents' attitudes towards the influenza vaccine and influencing factors
Authors: Cooper Robbins Spring Chenoa , Leask Julie , Booy Robert 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  To determine what factors are associated with parents' attitudes towards accepting the influenza vaccine for their child.Methods:  Parents' attitudes were measured as part of a pilot randomised controlled trial of influenza vaccination in children attending day care in 2007. Parents and their children were recruited to the study upon a doctor's visit to the day care. A questionnaire elicited beliefs and attitudes towards influenza and vaccination. Descriptive analyses and χ2 were calculated to determine factors associated with parental attitudes towards the influenza vaccine and with vaccination status.Results:  One hundred sixty‐nine care givers were interviewed. The following factors were identified as preventive by parents: washing hands (81%); eating a healthy diet (75%); immunisation (74%); keeping their child out of child care when flu is around (54%); disinfecting household surfaces (53%); and breastfeeding for 6 months (48%). Only 5.9% of parents generally or strongly opposed influenza vaccination for their children, and only 1.8% thought that there was a high risk associated with their child having the vaccination. Parents with stronger support for the vaccine tended to view it as safer than other parents and also tended to know more about preventing influenza than other parents. Level of support for the vaccine and perceived safety of the vaccine were both significantly correlated with parents' acceptance of the offer for child influenza vaccination.Conclusions:  There were small numbers of our sample that did not support influenza vaccination; thought that it was unsafe; and/or had low levels of knowledge about prevention of influenza but still vaccinated their child against influenza. There is a need for strong and well‐justified recommendations for parents to accept seasonal influenza vaccination for their children.
High prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in Fiji detected by echocardiography screening
Authors: Reeves Ben M , Kado Joseph , Brook Monica 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  Rheumatic heart disease poses a huge burden for developing countries, with Pacific Island nations having among the highest prevalence reported in the world. It is recognised that echocardiography is much more sensitive than clinical examination for detection of rheumatic heart disease, but resource and cost limitations are delaying implementation of screening programmes in developing nations. Rapid echocardiography using low‐cost portable machines and a non‐expert operator may be a useful compromise, allowing widespread screening and control of rheumatic heart disease in developing countries.Methods:  In‐school echocardiography and clinical examination was carried out on primary school children (aged five to 14) in Lautoka, Fiji. All of the children with abnormal findings were then recalled for complete in‐hospital clinical and echocardiographic assessment by a paediatrician with expertise in rheumatic heart disease and echocardiography.Results:  Using screening echocardiography averaging less than 4 min per patient, the prevalence of definite rheumatic heart disease detected by echocardiogram screening was 55.2 per 1000 compared with 11 per 1000 detected by clinical examination (P < 0.001). It was demonstrated that echocardiography is five times more sensitive at detecting rheumatic heart disease compared with clinical examination. A comprehensive screening programme is estimated to cost less than US$40 per patient detected.Conclusion:  This study confirms that Fiji has the highest documented prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in the world. Rapid echocardiography has the potential to screen large numbers of patients by non‐specialist operators, which encourages its use in larger scale screening and prevention strategies in developing countries.
Clinicopathological characteristics of ovarian tumours according to menarchal status in Korean girls
Authors: Lee Hongjue , Lee Wonmoo , Cho Samhyeon , Roh Jaesook 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  To evaluate our experience with ovarian tumours in young girls and to identify specific characteristics in relation to their menarchal status that might assist in the early diagnosis and prompt management.Methods:  Girls younger than 18 years of age who had an adnexal tumour confirmed at surgery from 1985 to 2008 were identified from the pathology database of Hanyang University Medical Centre. Clinicopathological characteristics such as patient's age, age at menarche, presenting symptoms, operative findings and final histological diagnosis were analysed.Results:  Twenty‐four of the 90 patients operated on for an ovarian tumour were pre‐menarchal and 66 were post‐menarchal. Most tumours were of germ cell origin: 83% of tumours in pre‐menarchal and 53% in post‐menarchal girls. Most of the patients complained of abdominal pain (∼70%), although a palpable mass was identified in only 17% of pre‐menarchal and 30% of post‐menarchal patients. Vomiting was a major complaint in pre‐menarchal patients (30%) but was uncommon in post‐menarchal patients (<5%). The frequency of torsion was significantly higher in pre‐menarchal (50%) than in post‐menarchal (17%) patients, and more than 90% of the torsion in pre‐menarchal patients occurred in tumours of germ cell origin.Conclusions:  The incidence of ovarian tumour and torsion is rare, especially in pre‐menarchal girls. However, we found a higher prevalence of torsion in pre‐menarchal girls with an ovarian tumour. A high level of suspicion for torsion should be considered when treating pre‐menarchal girls with an ovarian tumour, irrespective of the tumour size to preserve adnexal tissue.
Children's consumption of beverages in Singapore: Knowledge, attitudes and practice
Authors: Goh Danial Yam Thiam , Jacob Anna 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  To examine the beverage consumption habits of Singaporean children and to investigate knowledge and attitudes of parents and children with regard to beverage consumption.Methods:  A total of 800 respondents were randomly surveyed using face‐to‐face household interviews conducted between 10 March and 23 April 2009. The survey included mothers aged 25 to 44 years, of 400 children aged three to six years and 400 children aged seven to 10 years.Results:  Children aged three to six and seven to 10 years typically consume milk on a daily basis. Younger children consume a greater number of servings of milk, whereas a significantly greater proportion of children aged seven to 10 years consume malted energy drinks and non‐gassy and gassy soft drinks (P ≤ 0.005 for all). In older children, a decline in the proportion consuming milk on a typical weekday (69% vs. 92% for three‐ to six‐year‐olds) is accompanied by a reduction in mean calcium intake (733 mg vs. 1032 mg for three‐ to six‐year‐olds). On a typical weekday, 26% of children aged three to six years did not meet the recommended daily dietary allowance (RDDA) of 600 mg of calcium. Of children aged seven to 10 years, 61% also did not meet the age‐appropriate RDDA of 700 g mg of calcium.Conclusions:  Milk consumption decreases with age while the consumption of beverages such as malted energy drinks, gassy and non‐gassy soft drinks and syrups increases markedly. Educational programmes may aid in the selection of appropriate nutrient‐dense beverages and other calcium‐rich foods to ensure that children achieve the recommended daily dietary nutrient intake.
Compliance of Cypriot nurses with Standard Precautions to avoid exposure to pathogens
Authors: Efstathiou Georgios , Papastavrou Evridiki , Raftopoulos Vasilios , Merkouris Anastasios 
Published: February 2011

AbstractStandard Precautions have been introduced as a means to protect health professionals from exposure to pathogens. This study examines the extent of Cypriot nurses' compliance with the main aspects of Standard Precautions and explores the possible associations with the nurses' characteristics. Self‐completed questionnaires that examined the frequency of the implementation of Standard Precautions were distributed to a convenience sample of 668 nurses. The response rate was 89.37%. The results showed inadequate compliance with Standard Precautions. Full compliance with all the main aspects of Standard Precautions was reported by only 9.1% of the participants. Male nurses and those who had not been exposed previously to pathogens reported better compliance, in comparison to female nurses and those who had been exposed previously. Nurses who had participated previously in an educational program about Standard Precautions reported a higher frequency of implementing them than those who had not participated. The nurses' age and frequency of the implementation of Standard Precautions were found to be significantly and positively correlated. The results can be used to enhance nurses' safety by focusing on areas of non‐compliance.
Enhancing patient adherence: Outcomes of medication alliance training on therapeutic alliance, insight, adherence, and psychopathology with mental health patients
Authors: Byrne Mitchell K. , Deane Frank P. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTThe results of interventions to enhance patient adherence to medication have been inconsistent. This research investigated the utility of an enhanced adherence training programme to ascertain its effectiveness and the possible mechanisms of that effect. Forty‐six clinicians were trained in ‘medication alliance’, and data were collected from 51 patients matched to the clinician. Data on clinician changes in skills, knowledge, and attitudes, in relation to enhancing patient adherence and patient changes in adherence, insight, and psychopathology were collected at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. The quality of the therapeutic relationship between the clinician and the patient was also assessed. The results indicated significant improvements in both clinician and patient measures, the majority of which were maintained over time. The quality of the therapeutic relationship was also enhanced. A hypothesized explanatory model accounting for the data was supported. It was concluded that clinician training to support improved patient adherence should include strategies that also enhance the therapeutic alliance.
Retrospective analysis on coexisting ovarian cancer in 976 patients with clinical stage I endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Pan Zimin , Wang Xinyu , Zhang Xiaofei , Chen Xiaoduan , Xie Xing 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the safety of ovarian preservation at the time of operation in clinical stage I endometrial carcinoma.Material and Methods:  The data of patients with and without coexisting ovarian cancers were retrospectively collected and clinic‐pathologic parameters were analyzed.Results:  In total, 20 (2.05%) were histologically diagnosed as coexisting ovarian cancer, including 17 (1.74%) ovarian metastases and three (0.31%) synchronous ovarian primary cancers in 976 patients. Fifty percent (10 of 20) were microscopic ovarian involvements. Ovarian involvement was significantly associated with histological type, depth of myometrial invasion, cervical invasion, uterine serosa extension, fallopian tube involvement, retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis, positive peritoneal cytology and CA125 level by univariate analysis (all P < 0.05); while cervical invasion, uterine serosa extension, and fallopian tube involvement were independent high‐risk factors by multivariate analysis (both P < 0.05).Conclusion:  The incidence of coexisting ovarian cancer in clinical stage I endometrial carcinoma is low, but the decision for ovary preservation at the time of operation still needs to be made with caution because of occult ovarian metastasis, especially for patients with high‐risk factors.
Failure of epidural analgesia converted to epidural anesthesia for cesarean delivery in a patient with bronchial atresia in labor
Authors: Jung Hyun Ju , Kim Jong Bun , Im Kyong Shil , Kim Duk Ju , Lee Jae Myeong 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBronchial atresia is a rare anomaly characterized generally by obstruction in the bronchial system, mucus accumulation, emphysematous changes and bulla formation in the peripheral lung. Regional anesthesia is the choice for cesarean delivery in a parturient patient with this anomaly. We report a patient with a diagnosis of bronchial atresia in whom the conversion of epidural analgesia to epidural anesthesia for cesarean delivery failed during labor, needing the application of general anesthesia for a successful delivery.
Studies of the dynamic expression of the Xenorhabdus FliAZ regulon reveal atypical iron‐dependent regulation of the flagellin and haemolysin genes during insect infection
Authors: Jubelin Grégory , Pagès Sylvie , Lanois Anne , Boyer Marie‐Hélène , Gaudriault Sophie , Ferdy Jean‐Baptiste , Givaudan Alain 
Published: February 2011

SummaryXenorhabdus nematophila engages in complex interactions with invertebrates, through its symbiosis with soil nematodes and its pathogenicity to a broad range of insect larvae. Among the regulatory proteins of Xenorhabdus involved in host interactions, the sigma factor FliA and the regulator FliZ, expressed from the fliAZ operon, play a key role in mediating the production of exoenzymes, motility and full virulence in insects (Lanois et al., 2008). In this study, we investigated the dynamics of the FliA‐dependent flagellin gene fliC and FliZ‐dependent haemolysin genes xaxAB during insect infection and nematode association by carrying out real‐time expression analysis using an unstable GFP monitoring system. We showed that expression of the FliAZ‐dependent genes in infected insects is not restricted to a specific tissue but increases significantly just prior to host death and reaches a maximal level in larvae cadaver. Using an iron availability reporter construct, we also showed that iron starvation conditions inhibit expression of FliAZ‐dependent genes in vitro, as well as during the first steps of the infectious process. These findings shed further light on the role of the FliAZ regulon in the Xenorhabdus life cycle and suggest that iron may constitute a signal governing Xenorhabdus adaptation to shifting host environments.
Virtual cavernoscopy: a novel diagnostic tool for use in the corpus cavernosal lumen in patients with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Izumi Kazuyoshi , Kawanishi Yasuo , Muguruma Hiroshi , Kusuhara Yoshihito , Komori Masatsugu , Yamanaka Masahito , Yamamoto Akira , Numata Akira , Kishimoto Tomoteru , Kanayama Hiro‐omi 
Published: February 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (case series)Level of Evidence 4What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?In visualizing the artery in patients with ED, digital subtraction angiography, CT angiography and color Doppler ultrasonography has been performed.There were difficulties with the previous methods in visualizing the stenotic lesion, or parts beyond the obstruction of the artery. Virtual cavernoscopy can visualize an artery independently of blood flow. We therefore believe that this new imaging technology will contribute to better ED practice.OBJECTIVE• To evaluate virtual cavernoscopy as a diagnostic tool in erectile dysfunction.PATIENTS AND METHODS• Forty patients who visited our hospital for investigation of erectile dysfunction underwent cavernosography using three‐dimensional (3D)‐computed tomography (CT).• Virtual cavernoscopic images were reconstructed from 3D‐CT data.RESULTS• Virtual cavernoscopic images were obtained from all patients.• Virtual cavernoscopy visualized the corpus cavernosal lumen surrounded by the tunica albuginea, the septum of the cavernosum, the outlets of the veins, and cavernous arteries.• The visualization of each structure depended on the window level (WL). At WL 400, the virtual cavernoscopy visualized only a fibrous structure. At this WL, the internal view of the corpus cavernosum was expressed as a hollow space. At WL 1600, the virtual cavernoscopy visualized the cavernous artery as a filling defect.• Out of 80 lumens in the 40 subjects, arteries in 14 lumens were detected by both virtual cavernoscopy and CT angiography, while arteries in 50 lumens were detected only by virtual cavernoscopy. Arteries in two lumens could not be visualized by either method and those in 14 lumens were visualized only by CT angiography.CONCLUSION• In visualizing the artery, conventional imaging techniques depend on blood flow, whereas using virtual cavernoscopy an artery can be visualized independently of blood flow. Virtual cavernoscopy is unique in this regard and we therefore believe that this new imaging technology will contribute to better ED practice.