bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple Sclerosis: A Cure or a Contradiction?
Authors: Kovalchik Stephanie 
Published: March 2011

AbstractMultiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease. An Italian study seems to offer a cure. Small wonder that sufferers are queuing for the operation that it suggests – and that some surgeons are offering to perform it and offer “liberation”– for a fee. But are the hopes and operations justified? As Stephanie Kovalchik reports, a statistical contradiction at the heart of the theory has still to be resolved.
Development of a community care research agenda for Australia
Authors: Lewin Gill , Burton Elissa , Sparrow Pat , Carroll Matthew , Kendig Hal 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to develop a Community Care Research Agenda to give direction to research across community‐based services for older people, for the next 3–5 years.Methods:  This study used a four‐round Delphi method to verify, rate and rank research questions and issues identified by sector stakeholders. Thirty panellists were selected to represent all key stakeholder groups within community care.Results:  The research agenda comprises the 30 questions/topics, in ranked order, considered by the panellists to be of the highest priority. The largest subgroups of issues pertain to approaches to care (30%), program outcomes and effectiveness (13%), funding (10%), and workforce (10%).Conclusion:  Having a National Community Care Research Agenda will provide focus and direction for researchers, service providers and funders in developing and conducting high priority, high value research that can inform improvements in policy and practice in community care for older people.
Promoting the Implementation of Evidence‐Based Practice: A Literature Review Focusing on the Role of Nursing Leadership
Authors: Sandström Boel , Borglin Gunilla , Nilsson Roland , Willman Ania 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:Despite a growing interest in evidence‐based practice (EBP), the implementation into clinical practice of knowledge derived from research has proved to be a cumbersome process. Additionally, the literature seems to present a fragmented picture with research mainly focusing on a few factors of possible importance, among which leadership appears to be one of the more important. Thus, this study aimed to systematically review the literature regarding leadership and its possible influence on the process of implementing EBP.Approach:A literature review was conducted. Electronic database searches were conducted to identify studies on leadership, administrators, managers, implementation, evidence‐based and nursing. The search identified 43 potentially relevant papers, of which 36 were excluded after an appraisal was performed by two independent reviewers. Results were extracted and synthesised into a narrative text.Findings:Seven papers were included in the literature review. The findings can be divided into three major areas: (1) characteristics of the leader, (2) characteristics of the organisation and (3) characteristics of the culture. Our findings indicate that leadership is vital for the process of implementing EBP in nursing and also highlights the possible importance of the organisation and the culture in which the leader operates. These factors together with their characteristics were interpreted to be intrinsic in the creation of a nursing milieu that is open and responsive to the implementation of EBP.Conclusions:Although there seems to be scholarly agreement that leadership is a vital part of the process of implementing EBP, more rigorous research is needed concerning the possible role of the leader. Our findings also indicate that leadership cannot be studied in isolation or without being clearly defined.
Knowledge and Attitudes of Nurses on Pressure Ulcer Prevention: A Cross‐Sectional Multicenter Study in Belgian Hospitals
Authors: Beeckman Dimitri , Defloor Tom , Schoonhoven Lisette , Vanderwee Katrien 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTBackground: Evidence‐based guidelines for pressure ulcer prevention have been developed and promoted by authoritative organizations. However, nonadherence to these guidelines is frequently reported. Negative attitudes and lack of knowledge may act as barriers to using guidelines in clinical practice.Aims: To study the knowledge and attitudes of nurses about pressure ulcer prevention in Belgian hospitals and to explore the correlation between knowledge, attitudes, and the application of adequate prevention.Methods: A cross‐sectional multicenter study was performed in a random sample of 14 Belgian hospitals, representing 207 wards. Out of that group, 94 wards were randomly selected (2105 patients). Clinical observations were performed to assess the adequacy of pressure ulcer prevention and pressure ulcer prevalence. From each participating ward, a random selection of at least five nurses completed an extensively validated knowledge and attitude instrument. In total, 553 nurses participated. A logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between knowledge, attitudes, and the application of adequate prevention.Results: Pressure ulcer prevalence (Category I‐IV) was 13.5% (284/2105). Approximately 30% (625/2105) of the patients were at risk (Bradenscore <17 and/or presence of pressure ulcer). Only 13.9% (87/625) of these patients received fully adequate prevention whilst in bed and when seated. The mean knowledge and attitude scores were 49.7% and 71.3%, respectively. The application of adequate prevention on a nursing ward was significantly correlated with the attitudes of the nurses (OR = 3.07, p = .05). No independent correlation was found between knowledge and the application of adequate prevention (OR = 0.75, p = .71).Conclusions: Knowledge of nurses in Belgian hospitals about the prevention of pressure ulcers is inadequate. The attitudes of nurses toward pressure ulcers are significantly correlated with the application of adequate prevention. No correlation was found between knowledge and the application of adequate prevention.
Effectiveness of the Sitz bath in managing adult patients with anorectal disorders
Authors: LANG Dora S.P. , THO Poh Chi , ANG Emily N.K. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective:  The objective of this review was to critically analyze and systematically review the best evidence related to the effectiveness of the Sitz bath in managing adult patients with anorectal disorders.Methods:  The text terms were established and searched systematically from the relevant databases from 1990 to November 2009 in the English language. The eligible studies that were congruent with the review's inclusion criteria were selected. The selected studies were critically appraised for their methodological validity by two independent reviews and the data were extracted from the studies by using the Joanna Briggs Institute Systems Meta Analysis of Statistical Assessment and Review Instrument. The results were presented in narrative form because statistical pooling was not possible due to clinical heterogeneity.Results:  A total of four randomized controlled trials was included in the review. The use of the Sitz bath had no significant impact on reducing the overall intensity of pain and postoperative pain. Conflicting findings for postdefecation pain were reported. The Sitz bath had no impact on accelerating fissure or wound healing. However, the patients were satisfied with using the Sitz bath and no severe complication was reported.Conclusion:  There was no strong evidence to support the use of the Sitz bath for pain relief and to accelerate fissure or wound healing among adult patients with anorectal disorders. However, the Sitz bath may be prescribed for patients' satisfaction.
Survival strategies of male nurses in rural areas of Japan
Authors: ASAKURA Kyoko , WATANABE Ikue 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  This study seeks to describe the survival strategies of male nurses in Japanese rural areas.Methods:  Interviews were conducted with 12 male nurses who described their occupational experiences. The modified grounded theory approach was used for the data collection and analysis.Results:  The survival strategies of these male nurses can be categorized into four types: (i) giving priority to the achievement of financial security; (ii) agreeing to a dependent relationship with doctors; (iii) maintaining one's male identity through supporting the female nurses; and (iv) making an appeal to the significance of men in the female‐dominated nursing profession.Conclusion:  The survival strategies that were used by the male nurses were subtle, allowing them to influence indirectly both the female nurses and the doctors. These findings contribute to our understanding of the experiences of male nurses, a gendered minority in a female‐dominated workplace, and encourage gender equality in the nursing profession.
Turkish nurses’ level of knowledge regarding implantable port catheter care
Authors: ÖZDEN Dilek , ÇALIŞKAN Nurcan 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge levels of Turkish nurses regarding implantable port catheter care.Methods:  A descriptive method was used inside a university hospital that was located in a Turkish metropolis. The data were collected via a questionnaire that was given to a total of 45 nurses who were employed in the internal medicine clinics where the oncology patients were treated.Results:  In this study, 42.2% of the nurses received in‐service training about the implantable port catheter. It was determined that the mean knowledge point was 15.13 ± 4.78. The difference between the knowledge points of the nurses regarding implantable port catheter care, based on whether or not the nurses had received in‐service training, was statistically significant. Moreover, it was determined that the majority of the nurses did not know where the implantable port catheter is placed, its period of use following implantation, the amount of normal saline to be used for washing the catheter, the special port (Huber) needle, the number of the needle, and the exchange time of these needles.Conclusion:  In this study, there existed significant differences between the scores of the nurses who received in‐service training about the implantable port catheter and the scores of those who did not receive in‐service training. The majority of the nurses who participated in the study were willing to receive in‐service training regarding this subject. Thus, the organization of in‐service training programs and the implementation of care, according to the developed standards and guidelines, are considered as significant for reducing the occurrence of the complications that are related to the use of the implantable port catheter.
Adverse effects and appetite suppression associated with particle beam therapy in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: OGAMA Norimasa , SUZUKI Sumie 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  This purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the appetite and various factors that are associated with particle beam therapy, including the adverse effects of radiation, dry‐mouth period, analgesic medication use, frequency of oral care, and participants' characteristics, in 121 patients with head and neck cancer.Methods:  A path analysis was used to evaluate the causal relationship of the factors that affected the participants' appetite.Results:  At a cumulative dose of 40 GyE, the factors that impacted the participants' appetite included xerostomia, oral mucositis, age, frequency of oral care, and analgesic medication use. At a cumulative dose of 50 GyE, the factors that affected the participants' appetite were xerostomia, sensitivity to taste, oral mucositis, dry‐mouth period (in the morning), frequency of oral care, number of artificial teeth, and analgesic medication use. The results indicate that interventions to avoid appetite suppression during particle beam therapy will differ according to a radiation schedule of 40 GyE, compared to 50 GyE.Conclusions:  These results are important to consider when deciding how best to maintain the dietary intake of patients who are receiving particle beam therapy.
Cosmic density field reconstruction from Lyα forest data
Authors: Gallerani S. , Kitaura F. S. , Ferrara A. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
We present a novel, fast method to recover the density field through the statistics of the transmitted flux in high-redshift quasar absorption spectra. The proposed technique requires the computation of the probability distribution function of the transmitted flux (PF) in the Lyαforest region and, as a sole assumption, the knowledge of the probability distribution function of the matter density field (PΔ). We show that the probability density conservation of the flux and matter density unveils a flux–density (F–Δ) relation which can be used to invert the Lyαforest without any assumption on the physical properties of the intergalactic medium. We test our inversion method atz= 3through the following steps: (i) simulation of a sample of synthetic spectra for whichPΔis known; (ii) computation ofPF; and (iii) inversion of the Lyαforest through theF–Δrelation. Our technique, when applied to only 10 observed spectra characterized by a signal-to-noise ratio≥100, provides an exquisite (relative errorεΔ≲ 12per cent in≳50 per cent of the pixels) reconstruction of the density field in≳90 per cent of the line of sight. We finally discuss strengths and limitations of the method.
MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF BIVALVE MOLLUSKS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Authors: MORENO ROLDÁN ELENA , RODRÍGUEZ ELENA ESPIGARES , VICENTE CARMEN NAVARRO , NAVAJAS MILAGROS FERNÁNDEZ‐CREHUET , ABRIL OBDULIA MORENO 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTWe studied 127 samples of bivalve mollusks (Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis; smooth clam, Callista chione; grooved carpet‐shell clam, Tapes decussatus; and striped venus clam, Chamelea gallina) obtained in the winter and spring of 2009 from retail fish and shellfish vendors in Granada, Spain. Samples were analyzed (raw and after steaming) to determine the prevalence of Escherichia coli, mesophilic aerobes, Staphylococcus aureus and the disease‐causing microorganisms Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. E. coli was found in 25% of raw samples and 4% of cooked samples. Aerobes were found in 89% of raw samples (more than 1,000 cfu/g), and S. aureus was found in 37.0%. Only one raw sample was positive for V. parahaemolyticus. The percentage of positive findings was fourfold as high in the spring sample as in the winter sample. Contamination was most frequent in the smooth clam, and samples obtained on Mondays were more frequently contaminated than those obtained on other days of the week.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSCurrent Spanish legislation establishes that all bivalve mollusks intended for commercial sale and human consumption must be treated at a detoxification center. The application of detoxification is of fundamental importance because it constitutes a barrier against the transmission of bacterial and viral diseases of aquatic origin. We analyzed possible differences in contamination parameters in this type of shellfish, indicated characteristics that may be affected by alterations in quality, and discussed the potential effects of these alterations on human health.
Chlorine Stabilizer T‐128 Enhances Efficacy of Chlorine against Cross‐Contamination by E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella in Fresh‐Cut Lettuce Processing
Authors: Nou Xiangwu , Luo Yaguang , Hollar LaVonda , Yang Yang , Feng Hao , Millner Patricia , Shelton Daniel 
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  During fresh‐cut produce processing, organic materials released from cut tissues can rapidly react with free chlorine in the wash solution, leading to the potential survival of foodborne bacterial pathogens, and cross‐contamination when the free chlorine is depleted. A reported chlorine stabilizer, T‐128, has been developed to address this problem. In this study, we evaluated the ability of T‐128 to stabilize free chlorine in wash solutions in the presence of high organic loads generated by the addition of lettuce extract or soil. Under conditions used in this study, T‐128 significantly (P < 0.001) decreased the rate of free chlorine depletion at the presence of soil. T‐128 also slightly decreased the rate of free chlorine depletion caused by the addition of lettuce extract in wash solution. Application of T‐128 significantly reduced the survival of bacterial pathogens in wash solutions with high organic loads and significantly reduced the potential of cross‐contamination, when contaminated and uncontaminated produce were washed together. However, T‐128 did not enhance the efficacy of chlorinated wash solutions for microbial reduction on contaminated iceberg lettuce. Evaluation of several produce quality parameters, including overall visual appearance, package headspace O2 and CO2 composition, and lettuce electrolyte leakage, during 15 d of storage indicated that iceberg lettuce quality and shelf life were not negatively impacted by washing fresh‐cut lettuce in chlorine solutions containing 0.1% T‐128.Practical Application:  Reported chlorine stabilizer is shown to enhance chlorine efficacy against potential bacterial cross‐contamination in the presence of high organic loads without compromising product quality and shelf life.
Evidence of Cell‐Associated Proteinases from Virgibacillus sp. SK33 Isolated from Fish Sauce Fermentation
Authors: Sinsuwan Sornchai , Rodtong Sureelak , Yongsawatdigul Jirawat 
Published: March 2011

Abstract: Cell‐associated proteinases from Virgibacillus sp. SK33 isolated from fish sauce fermentation were extracted and characterized. Proteinases were effectively released when washed cells were incubated in 0.3 mg/mL lysozyme in 50 mM Tris‐maleate (pH 7) at 37 °C for 2 h. Major cell‐associated proteinases exhibited molecular mass of 17, 32, and 65 kDa, but only a 32‐kDa proteinase showed strong amidolytic activity toward Suc‐Ala‐Ala‐Pro‐Phe‐AMC. Activity of all cell‐associated proteinases was completely inhibited by phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, indicating a characteristic of serine proteinase. In addition, a 65‐kDa serine proteinase was also inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, implying a metal‐dependent characteristic. Optimum activity toward a synthetic peptide substrate was at 50 °C and pH 8 and 11. Proteinases with molecular mass of 17 and 32 kDa exhibited caseinolytic activity at 25% NaCl and activity based on a synthetic peptide substrate increased with NaCl concentrations up to 25%, suggesting their role in hydrolyzing proteins at high salt concentrations. This is the first report of liberated cell‐associated proteinases from a moderate halophile, Virgibacillus sp.Practical Application: The cell‐associated proteinases could be extracted from Virgibacillus sp. SK 33 using lysozyme. The extracted enzyme could be applied to hydrolyze food proteins at NaCl content as high as 25%. In addition, this study demonstrated that not only extracellular but also cell‐associated proteinases are key factors contributing to protein‐degrading ability at high salt environment of Virgibacillus sp. SK 33.
Novel Photofunctional Multicomponent Rare Earth (Eu3+, Tb3+, Sm3+ and Dy3+) Hybrids with Double Cross‐linking Siloxane Covalently Bonding SiO2/ZnS Nanocomposite
Authors: Yan Bing , Zhao Yan , Li Ya‐Juan 
Published: March 2011

AbstractZinc sulfide (ZnS) quantum dot is modified with 3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) to obtain MPTMS functionalized SiO2/ZnS nanocomposite. Novel rare earth/inorganic/organic hybrid materials are prepared by using 3‐(triethoxysilyl)‐propyl isocyanate (TESPIC) as an organic bridge molecule that can both coordinate to rare earth ions (Eu3+, Tb3+, Sm3+ and Dy3+) and form an inorganic Si–O–Si network with SiO2/ZnS nanocomposite after cohydrolysis and copolycondensation through a sol‐gel process. These multicomponent hybrids with double cross‐linking siloxane (TESPIC‐MPTMS) covalently bonding SiO2/ZnS and assistant ligands (Phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline, Bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridyl) are characterized and especially the photoluminescence properties of them are studied in detail. The luminescent spectra of the hybrids show the dominant excitation of TESPIC‐MPTMS‐SiO2/ZnS unit and the unique emission of rare earth ions, suggesting that TESPIC‐MPTMS‐SiO2/ZnS unit behaves as the main energy donor and effective energy transfer take place between it and rare earth ions. Besides, the luminescent performance of Bipy‐RE‐TESPIC‐MPTM‐SiO2/ZnS hybrids are superior to that of Phen‐RE‐TESPIC‐MPTMS‐SiO2/ZnS ones (RE=Eu, Tb, Sm, Dy), which reveals that Bipy or Phen only act as structural ligand within the hybrid systems.
Management of juvenile ossifying fibroma of the mandible in a patient with Apert syndrome: a case report
Authors: Pattni N. , Sidhu K.K. , Rodd H.D. , Speight P.M. , Yates J.M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractJuvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF) is an uncommon craniofacial fibro‐osseous lesion distinguished by its locally aggressive behaviour and high recurrence rate. We report a unique case of a JOF of the anterior mandible in a patient with Apert syndrome. The clinical, radiological and histopathological features, along with management strategies of this distinct clinical entity are discussed.
The frequency of the equine cerebellar abiotrophy mutation in non‐Arabian horse breeds
Authors: BRAULT L. S. , PENEDO M. C. T. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study: A putative mutation causative of cerebellar abiotrophy (CA), a genetic defect found almost exclusively in Arabian horses, was recently identified.Objectives and hypothesis: To investigate the presence of the CA mutation in breeds other than Arabian and ascertain whether the mutation had been introduced into these breeds by Arabian ancestry. The CA mutation is present in breeds of horses with Arabian ancestry.Methods: Allele‐specific PCR was used to genotype 1845 non‐Arabian horses for the CA mutation. For those breeds in which at least one carrier was identified, an additional 266 horses were genotyped to determine the frequency of the CA allele. Cerebellar abiotrophy carriers were further genotyped for a haplotype segregating with CA in Arabians.Results: At least one CA carrier was identified in 3 breeds and the frequency of the CA allele calculated: Bashkir Curly Horses (2.8%), Trakehners (0.68%) and Welsh ponies (0.33%). Based on pedigree and haplotype analysis, CA was introduced into these breeds by Arabian ancestry. The Trakehner and Welsh pony carriers were at least half‐Arabian, while the Bashkir Curly horses appeared to have had the CA allele introduced by a single Arabian stallion used for developing the breed in the 1960s.Conclusions: The CA mutation is present in breeds of horses that allow crossbreeding with Arabian horses and in breeds that have used Arabians as foundation stock during their development.Potential relevance: Breeds that allow registration of horses with Arabian ancestry should have any Arabian breeding stock tested for the mutation and breeds descended from Arabian ancestry should pursue genetic testing of breeding stock to prevent the occurrence of affected foals.