bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of bacterial growth modes on the susceptibility to light‐activated disinfection
Authors: Upadya M. H. , Kishen A. 
Published: August 2010

Upadya MH, Kishen A. Influence of bacterial growth modes on the susceptibility to light‐activated disinfection. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 978–987, 2010.AbstractAim  To evaluate the efficacy of light‐activated disinfection (LAD) using methylene blue (MB) and a non‐coherent light source on gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria in different growth modes. The influence of different photosensitizer (PS) formulations in the MB‐mediated LAD of biofilms was also evaluated.Methodology  Light‐activated disinfection using MB was tested on Enterococcus faecalis in a planktonic suspension, coaggregated suspension and mono‐species biofilms and on Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a planktonic suspension and mono‐species biofilms. Further, the difference in susceptibility of E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa biofilms to LAD with modified PS formulations was assessed by conventional culturing methods and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).Results  Higher energy dose was required for LAD of bacteria in a coaggregated suspension and in biofilm compared to their planktonic counterparts. Biofilm mode of growth offered the greatest resistance to LAD in both the tested strains of pathogens (P < 0.001). Gram‐positive E. faecalis was more susceptible to LAD than the gram‐negative P. aeruginosa, and the use of modified PS formulations was found to enhance the efficacy of LAD to destroy the biofilm (P < 0.001).Conclusions  Bacterial growth modes play a vital role in influencing the susceptibility to LAD in a dose‐dependent manner. The nature of the PS formulation influences the susceptibility of biofilms to LAD.
Cigarette dependence questionnaire: development and psychometric testing with male smokers
Authors: Huang Chih‐Ling , Lin Hsi‐Hui , Wang Hsiu‐Hung 
Published: August 2010

huang c.‐l., lin h.‐h. & wang h.‐h. (2010) Cigarette dependence questionnaire: development and psychometric testing with male smokers.Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(10), 2341–2349.AbstractAim. This paper is a report of a study conducted to develop and test a theoretically derived Cigarette Dependence Questionnaire for adult male smokers.Background. Fagerstrom questionnaires have been used worldwide to assess cigarette dependence. However, these assessments lack any theoretical perspective. A theory‐based approach is needed to ensure valid assessment.Methods. In 2007, an initial pool of 103 Cigarette Dependence Questionnaire items was distributed to 109 adult smokers in Taiwan. Item analysis was conducted to select items for inclusion in the refined scale. The psychometric properties of the Cigarette Dependence Questionnaire were further evaluated 2007–08, when it was administered to 256 respondents and their saliva was collected and analysed for cotinine levels. Criterion validity was established through the Pearson correlation between the scale and saliva cotinine levels. Exploratory factor analysis was used to test construct validity. Reliability was determined with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and a 2‐week test–retest coefficient.Results. The selection of 30 items for seven perspectives was based on item analysis. One factor accounting for 44·9% of the variance emerged from the factor analysis. The factor was named as cigarette dependence. Cigarette Dependence Questionnaire scores were statistically significantly correlated with saliva cotinine levels (r = 0·21,P = 0·01). Cronbach’s alpha was 0·95 and test–retest reliability using an intra‐class correlation was 0·92.Conclusion. The Cigarette Dependence Questionnaire showed sound reliability and validity and could be used by nurses to set up smoking cessation interventions based on assessment of cigarette dependence.
Insomnia Severity Index: psychometric properties with Chinese community‐dwelling older people
Authors: Yu Doris S.F. 
Published: August 2010

yu d.s.f. (2010) Insomnia Severity Index: psychometric properties with Chinese community‐dwelling older people. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(10), 2350–2359.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a study to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Insomnia Severity Index.Background.  Despite the high prevalence of insomnia in older people and its detrimental impact on well‐being and healthcare costs, this problem is almost always undetected and consequently under‐treated. The Insomnia Severity Index is psychometrically sound in measuring perceived insomnia severity. However, it has had very limited application in non‐White populations.Methods.  An instrument validation study was carried out between October 2008 and April 2009. The Insomnia Severity Index was translated into Chinese using Brislin’s model and administered to a convenience sample of 585 older Chinese people recruited from three community centres for elders. Other instruments were also administered, including the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Geriatric Depression Scale.Results.  Cronbach’s alpha of the Chinese version of the Insomnia Severity Index was 0·81, with item‐to‐total correlations in the range of 0·34–0·67. Construct validity was supported by its moderate relationship with the Chinese Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and sleep efficiency. The Chinese version of the Insomnia Severity Index also indicated more severe level of insomnia in older people who reported depressed mood on the Geriatric Depression Scale. Discriminant validity was supported as the Chinese version of the Insomnia Severity Index could discriminate poorer sleepers from normal sleepers. Exploratory factor analysis identified a two‐factor structure for the Chinese version of the Insomnia Severity Index in measuring the severity and impacts of insomnia on the Chinese older people.Conclusion.  The Chinese version of the Insomnia Severity Index is a culturally‐relevant and psychometrically‐sound instrument for assessing severity and impact of insomnia in Chinese community‐dwelling older people. Nurses can use this tool to assess older people’s perceptions of insomnia.
The HIV Medication Taking Self‐efficacy Scale: psychometric evaluation
Authors: Erlen Judith A. , Cha Eun Seok , Kim Kevin H. , Caruthers Donna , Sereika Susan M. 
Published: August 2010

erlen j.a., cha e.s., kim k.h., caruthers d. & sereika s.m. (2010) The HIV Medication Taking Self‐efficacy Scale: psychometric evaluation. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(11), 2560–2572.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of an examination of the psychometric properties of the HIV Medication Taking Self‐efficacy Scale.Background.  Self‐efficacy is a critically important component of strategies to improve HIV medication‐taking; however, valid and reliable tools for assessing HIV medication‐taking self‐efficacy are limited.Method.  We used a cross‐sectional, correlational design. Between 2003 and 2007, 326 participants were recruited from sites in Pennsylvania and Ohio in the United States of America. Six self‐report questionnaires administered at baseline and 12 weeks later during ‘Improving Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy’ were used to examine the variables of interest. Means and variances, reliability, criterion, and construct validity of the HIV Medication Taking Self‐efficacy Scale were assessed.Findings.  Participants reported high self‐confidence in their ability to carry out specific medication‐related tasks (mean = 8·31) and in the medication’s ability to effect good outcomes (mean = 8·56). The HIV Medication Taking Self‐efficacy Scale and subscales showed excellent reliability (α = 0·93∼0·94). Criterion validity was well‐established by examining the relationships between the HIV Medication Taking Self‐efficacy Scale and selected physiological and psychological factors, and self‐reported medication adherence (r = −0·20∼0·58). A two‐factor model with a correlation between self‐efficacy belief and outcome expectancy fitted the data well (model χ2 = 3871·95, d.f. = 325, P < 001; CFA = 0·96; RMSEA = 0·046).Conclusion.  The HIV Medication Taking Self‐efficacy Scale is a psychometrically sound measure of medication‐taking self‐efficacy for use by researchers and clinicians with people with HIV. The findings offer insight into the development of interventions to promote self‐efficacy and medication adherence in persons with HIV.
Nursing care for patients requesting euthanasia in general hospitals in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Dierckx de Casterlé Bernadette , Denier Yvonne , De Bal Nele , Gastmans Chris 
Published: August 2010

dierckx de casterlé b., denier y., de bal n. & gastmans c. (2010) Nursing care for patients requesting euthanasia in general hospitals in Flanders, Belgium. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(11), 2410–2420.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a study exploring nurses’ involvement in the care process for mentally competent, terminally ill patients requesting euthanasia in general hospitals in Flanders, Belgium.Background.  International literature shows that nurses are involved in the care process surrounding euthanasia, regardless of the legal status of euthanasia in the country being studied. However, their actual involvement remains unclear.Methods.  A grounded theory approach was used. Data were collected over a 20‐month period in 2005 and 2006, using individual in‐depth interviews. The sample included 18 Registered Nurses employed in nine general hospitals geographically spread over the five provinces of Flanders, Belgium.Results.  The care process for patients requesting euthanasia is complex and dynamic, consisting of several stages. Major themes characterized nurses’ involvement: being on the alert for a euthanasia request; open and active listening; multidisciplinary team cooperation and analysis of the group dynamics; continuously providing maximum palliative care; multi‐tasking; organizing and directing the euthanasia; and finally, providing support for the family, colleagues and oneself.Conclusion.  Nurses make a unique and indispensable contribution to making the euthanasia care process a good care process. This has to do with their specific form of knowledge, expertise and responsibilities, and their willingness to personally, continually and fully care for the patients requesting euthanasia and for their relatives.
Turnover and trends in butterfly communities on two British tidal islands: stochastic influences and deterministic factors
Authors: Dennis Roger L. H. , Dapporto Leonardo , Sparks Tim H. , Williams Steven R. , Greatorex‐Davies J. Nick , Asher Jim , Roy David B. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractAim  Community trends were investigated for two small islands and two local mainland butterfly communities within the UK over a period of 20–30 years.Location  Hilbre Island off the Wirral Peninsula at 53.33° N, 3.10° W; Lindisfarne, an island off the Northumberland coast at 56.41° N, 1.48° W; Leighton Moss at 54.08° N, 2.26° W; Wyre Forest at 52.23° N, 2.14° W, UK.Methods  Butterfly species data were collected on Hilbre and two mainland sites (Leighton Moss and Wyre Forest) from 1983 to 2006, and on Lindisfarne from 1977 to 2006, as part of the National Habitat Survey, the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme and ‘Butterflies for the New Millennium Atlas’ recording. Matrices of associations (Sokal and Michener’s matching coefficient SSM; resemblance coefficient) were computed between years and subject to non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and Mantel tests. The pattern of extinctions and colonizations at sites were examined, their heterogeneity tested by applying a Friedman test to fractional incidences for the same years. Regression analysis (multiple regression and logit regression) was used to relate butterfly numbers and incidences to climate variables, time and previous records.Results  Significant community trends based on population counts and species’ incidences were found for all four sites. There was a significant climatic signal for Hilbre; although this was not apparent for the remaining sites, significant associations occurred between records for a number of species and climatic variables at all sites. Substantial turnover of species on the islands was inversely related to numbers of records for species but not to their conspicuousness to recorders.Main conclusions  We argue that time trends are widespread in butterfly communities, even for relatively short periods; they are largely generated by stochastic influences rather than by more substantive factors such as climate change. Potential biases in surveying and recording history are shown to be unlikely. A clear climate signal was found only for the small Hilbre Island, for which there was also evidence for the significant influence of colonization capability of individual source species. We conclude that for many species, small islands will be sinks or pseudosinks and their ‘populations’ vulnerable to small changes in source–sink dynamics.
Student experiences in learning person‐centred care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease as perceived by nursing students and supervising nurses
Authors: Skaalvik Mari W , Normann Hans Ketil , Henriksen Nils 
Published: August 2010

Aims and objectives.  The aims and objectives of this paper are to illuminate and discuss the experiences and perceptions of nursing students and supervising nurses regarding the students’ learning of person‐ centred care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease in a teaching nursing home. This information is then used to develop recommendations as to how student learning could be improved.Background.  The clinical experiences of nursing students are an important part of learning person‐centred care. Caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease may cause frustration, sadness, fear and empathy. Person‐centred care can be learned in clinical practice.Design.  A qualitative study.Methods.  The study was performed in 2006 using field work with field notes and qualitative interviews with seven‐fifth‐semester nursing students and six supervising nurses.Results.  This study determined the variation in the perceptions of nursing students and supervising nurses with regards to the students’ expertise in caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The nursing students experienced limited learning regarding person‐centred approaches in caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. However, the supervising nurses perceived the teaching nursing home as a site representing multiple learning opportunities in this area.Conclusions.  Nursing students perceived limited learning outcomes because they did not observe or experience systematic person‐centred approaches in caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It is important that measures of quality improvements in the care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease are communicated and demonstrated for nursing students working in clinical practices in a teaching nursing home.Relevance to clinical practice.  Introduction of person‐centred approaches is vital regarding learning outcomes for nursing students caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Literature review: should antipyretic therapies routinely be administered to patient fever?
Authors: Carey Jane V 
Published: August 2010

Aims and objectives.  To determine whether the practices of routinely treating fever with antipyretic medications or physical cooling methods are supported by the literature.Background.  Fever is one of the commonest symptoms presented to caregivers. Previous research suggests that treating fever with antipyretic medications or physical cooling methods is often routine practice. This article considers that fever and the febrile response may have been preserved through evolution because of its advantage for host defences and that fever may have an adaptive value. It is questioned whether the administration of antipyretic therapies could prolong the duration of illness, as interventions to lower body temperature are acting against the body’s natural response to infection.Design.  Literature review.Method.  Electronic databases and the Internet were searched, supplemented by citation tracking. Articles were eligible if the participants studied had received pharmacological or physical cooling interventions to reduce their body temperature during fever. The interventions were evaluated in regard to whether they prolonged duration of illness.Results.  Results were inconsistent. None of the studies found that antipyretic therapies reduced duration of illness in patients with fever. Evidence suggests that antipyretic therapies do not reduce the duration of illness, but can prolong it.Conclusions.  The evidence on which to base recommendations for practice is weak but does not support the current practice of administering antipyretic therapies routinely to patients with fever. Physical cooling methods alone should never be used. Nurses should assess patients with fever on an individualised basis and use antipyretic therapies selectively.Relevance to clinical practice.  The administration of antipyretics to patients with fever is an important issue, and nurses are at the forefront of decision‐making. Evidence‐based care delivery is expected by the NMC. A protocol to assist decision‐making when caring for patients with pyrexia is suggested.
Decibel levels and noise generators on four medical/surgical nursing units
Authors: Pope Diana 
Published: August 2010

Aims and objectives.  The study was designed to determine daytime decibel levels on the hospital’s four medical/surgical nursing units, daytime decibel levels in patient rooms in corresponding nursing units, whether the nursing unit noise levels differed and to identify what generated noise on those units.Background.  Nurses are responsible for components of patients’ physical environments, particularly those that promote patient safety and well‐being. Numerous studies have linked hospital noise to negative physiological outcomes for both patients and staff. However, decisions related to managing patient acoustic environments continue to rely on nursing judgment, rather than objective evidence.Design.  Non‐human subject, observational/descriptive design.Method.  Using noise dosimeters, weekday day shift decibel levels were measured on four nursing units, sequentially. Measures were made continuously over 12 hours, in three patient rooms and over five minutes every 45 minutes, at the corresponding nurses’ station. Noise generators were documented at the nurses’ station.Results.  Nursing units had average measured sound levels of 62·2, 63·3, 61·7 and 64·6 decibels, respectively, and were not significantly different from one another (p = 0·07). Nurses’ designation of ‘quiet’, ‘typical’ and ‘noisy’ patient rooms was not consistently confirmed by the measured decibel levels. The range of minimum to maximum decibel levels was significantly greater in patient rooms than the nurses’ station (54·4 versus 27·7 decibels, p < 0·01), and on average, more than 12 noise generators were identified during any one‐five‐minute study period.Conclusions.  Patient care areas in today’s hospitals are as noisy as a busy office. Nursing judgment is not sufficient to make informed decisions directed towards controlling inpatients’ acoustic environment. Standards applied across studies to measure and characterise acoustic environments are urgently needed.Relevance to clinical practice.  Objective measures, not nursing judgment alone, are required to assess acoustic environments and to direct interventions that improve them.
Analysis of pelvic floor musculature function during pregnancy and postpartum: a cohort study
Authors: De Souza Caroci Adriana , Riesco Maria Luiza Gonzalez , Da Silva Sousa Wesllanny , Cotrim Ana Carolina , Sena Edinéia Maria , Rocha Nelly Lima , Fontes Cintia Najara Caroci 
Published: August 2010

Aim.  To compare the measurements of women’s pelvic floor musculature strength (PFMS) during pregnancy and postpartum period.Background.  Pregnancy and childbirth can have an influence on the muscles and pelvic floor and can cause morbidities of women’s genito‐urinary tract.Design.  A prospective cohort study.Methods.  There were included 226 primigravidae women, attended by community health services in the city of Itapecerica da Serra, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The participants were followed in four stages: (1) within 12 weeks of pregnancy; (2) between 36–40 weeks of pregnancy; (3) within 48 hours after childbirth; (4) 42‐60 days after childbirth. Data were collected from February 2007–August 2008. The pelvic floor musculature strength was evaluated by perineometry and digital vaginal palpation in stages 1, 2 and 4. The final sample included 110 women who completed all four stages of the study.Results.  The pelvic floor musculature strength of the women did not change significantly during pregnancy or after delivery (anova: p = 0·78). In all three examined stages, a low‐intensity pelvic floor musculature strength was prevalent (in mmHg: stage 1 = 15·9; stage 2 = 15·2, stage 4 = 14·7), with scores from 0–3 on the Oxford scale. The pelvic floor musculature strength did not differ in relation to maternal age, skin colour, conjugal status, dyspareunia, stool characteristics, type of delivery, or conditions of the perineum. An interaction between maternal nutritional state and newborn’s weight may affect the pelvic floor musculature strength (manova: p = 0·04).Conclusion.  Pregnancy and childbirth did not reduce significantly pelvic floor musculature strength. The perineometry and digital vaginal palpation used to assess the pelvic floor musculature strength were well accepted by the women.Relevance to clinical practice.  In clinical practice, digital vaginal palpation is effective for supporting the diagnosis of urinary, intestinal and sexual dysfunctions. Perineometry use is particularly important together with the performance of perineal exercises with biofeedback in the treatment these disorders.
‘Cool friends’: an evaluation of a community befriending programme for young people with cystic fibrosis
Authors: MacDonald Kath , Greggans Alison 
Published: August 2010

Aim.  To evaluate the impact of a community youth befriending programme on a group of young people with chronic illness and their carers.Background.  Befriending is said to be highly valued by those who are befriended, improving self‐esteem and offering opportunities for increasing skills and social activities.Design.  A qualitative longitudinal pilot study of young people with cystic fibrosis, their carers, their befrienders and other personnel, closely involved with the families.Methods.  Seventeen participants were interviewed over one‐year to explore their experiences of befriending. Ten of these were either befriendees (aged 8–18 years) or their parents. Half of these families were interviewed twice; once at the beginning of the befriending relationship and another at one year later. Seven other personnel, closely involved with the young people, were interviewed; two play therapists and two education liaison personnel. A focus group was also held with three befrienders. This range of data sought to reveal a wide perspective on the impact of befriending.Results.  Befriending was seen as a good thing by all parties involved. It offered a distraction from illness, respite for carers and helped young people to raise issues of personal importance. Befriending was challenging for the befrienders given the diagnosis of this group of befriendees. Negative experiences could result if pairs are poorly matched or if befrienders are not committed to the process. Exit strategies were not addressed.Conclusion.  Sustainable befriending relationships are dependent on commitment from both parties and transparency about the expected practices and processes from the beginning to the end of the relationship.Relevance to practice.  The evidence that is available in support of befriending is mixed. To date this is the first study in relation to people with cystic fibrosis and will add to the body of knowledge of befriending in young people with a life‐threatening chronic illness.