bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional stability of stream‐dwelling microbial decomposers exposed to copper and zinc stress
Authors: DUARTE SOFIA , PASCOAL CLÁUDIA , CÁSSIO FERNANDA 
Published: March 2009

Summary1. We investigated the resistance of aquatic microbial decomposers to Cu and Zn stress and their ability to recover after release from metal exposure, by examining leaf mass loss, fungal reproduction and microbial biomass and diversity.2. Alder leaves, colonised in a reference stream, were exposed in microcosms to copper (Cu) or zinc (Zn), alone or in mixtures, with metals added together or sequentially (at day 0 or after 10 days). After 20 days, half of the microcosms were released from metals.3. Leaf mass loss and fungal reproduction were reduced in most metal treatments, and the structure of fungal and bacterial communities was altered as indicated by identification of conidia and DNA fingerprinting based on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Metals reduced the biomass of bacteria, but not that of fungi.4. After release from metal stress, the structure of fungal communities became similar to that of control, and a recovery of microbial activity seemed to occur as shown by the lack of differences in leaf mass loss, bacterial biomass and fungal reproduction between control and metal treatments.
Medication errors in an intensive care unit
Authors: Bohomol Elena , Ramos Lais Helena , D’Innocenzo Maria 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTitle.  Medication errors in an intensive care unit. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to investigating the incidence types and causes of medication errors (MEs) and the consequences for patients.Background.  Medication errors are a common problem in hospitals around the world, including those in Brazil.Method.  An exploratory, quantitative survey design was used and 44 adult inpatients were studied over a 30‐day period in 2006. Three different methods were employed: anonymous self‐reports, staff interviews and review of patient prescriptions.Findings.  A total of 305 MEs was observed. The mean (sd) number was 6·9 (6·8) per patient. The numbers of MEs per day differed statistically significantly between the two groups with length of stay in the intensive care unit of <1 week and more than 1 week, respectively, with mean (sd) of 0·4 (0·38) vs. 0·73 (0·39) The most frequent types were: omission (71·1%), wrong time of administration (11·5%), and prescribing errors (4·6%). The main causes were: medication not available in the hospital (41%); pharmacy stocking and delivery problems (16·3%); transcription errors (11%). No death was directly related to any ME.Conclusion.  There is a need to develop a culture of safety and quality in patient care. An understanding of the profile of ME types and frequencies in an institution is fundamental to raise awareness and implement measures to avoid them. Structural and procedural changes in hospital organization, with a focus on the efficacy, efficiency, and effectiveness of the medication system are needed to reduce MEs.
Qualitative case study methodology in nursing research: an integrative review
Authors: Anthony Susan , Jack Susan 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTitle.  Qualitative case study methodology in nursing research: an integrative review. Aim.  This paper is a report of an integrative review conducted to critically analyse the contemporary use of qualitative case study methodology in nursing research.Background.  Increasing complexity in health care and increasing use of case study in nursing research support the need for current examination of this methodology.Data sources.  In 2007, a search for case study research (published 2005–2007) indexed in the CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Sociological Abstracts and SCOPUS databases was conducted. A sample of 42 case study research papers met the inclusion criteria.Methods.  Whittemore and Knafl’s integrative review method guided the analysis.Results.  Confusion exists about the name, nature and use of case study. This methodology, including terminology and concepts, is often invisible in qualitative study titles and abstracts. Case study is an exclusive methodology and an adjunct to exploring particular aspects of phenomena under investigation in larger or mixed‐methods studies. A high quality of case study exists in nursing research.Conclusion.  Judicious selection and diligent application of literature review methods promote the development of nursing science. Case study is becoming entrenched in the nursing research lexicon as a well‐accepted methodology for studying phenomena in health and social care, and its growing use warrants continued appraisal to promote nursing knowledge development. Attention to all case study elements, process and publication is important in promoting authenticity, methodological quality and visibility.
Carers’ and nurses’ appraisals of needs of nursing home placement for frail older in Norway
Authors: Fjelltun Aud‐Mari Sohini , Henriksen Nils , Norberg Astrid , Gilje Fredricka , Normann Hans Ketil 
Published: April 2009

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this paper was to explore carers’ and nurses’ appraisals concerning if and when nursing home placement for frail older people awaiting placement was needed and to illuminate ethical issues involved in decisions regarding nursing home placement.Background.  Requesting nursing home placement can be a complicated decision for carers, causing feelings of failure, anxiety and guilt. After the necessity of nursing home care is determined, the names of the older people are put on waiting lists. While waiting, home health care provides support services. Even with this care, many of the older people and their carers face difficult life situations.Design.  This is a descriptive and comparative cross‐sectional study using qualitative methods.Methods.  The convenience sample (n = 36) comprised 11 carers of older people on a nursing home placement waiting list in Norway and 11 nurses caring for these older people. Every one willingly participated in interviews that were transcribed and analysed by qualitative content analysis.Results.  Various similarities and differences between nurses’ and carers’ appraisals were found. Complex ethical issues of justice, equality, autonomy, beneficence and justifiability in nursing were involved in decision making concerning nursing home placement. Four categories constructed were: ‘appraising nursing home to be the level of care needed’, ‘appraising the older people as able to continue living at home’, ‘being ambivalent about nursing home placement’ and ‘being sceptical about use of coercion regarding nursing home placement’.Conclusions.  Not all of the older people awaiting nursing home placements could be placed in nursing homes when beds became available. The situations were complex and involved ethical issues.Relevance to clinical practice.  Despite insufficient resources in home health care, providing appropriate support for older people and their carers means that nurses have to consider individual concerns in each situation, cooperate with carers, respect their appraisals of needs and argue for the timely nursing home placement of older people.
Obesity: attitudes of undergraduate student nurses and registered nurses
Authors: Poon Man‐Yuk , Tarrant Marie 
Published: April 2009

Aim.  To investigate undergraduate student nurses’ and registered nurses’ attitudes towards obese persons and towards the management of obese patients.Background.  Obesity is a global public health problem. Escalating rates of overweight and obesity are also taking a toll in Asian countries that have historically had much lower rates. Despite the growing prevalence of obesity worldwide, studies show that nurses and other health professionals hold negative attitudes towards obese people, which may affect the care of obese patients.Design.  Cross‐sectional study.Methods.  A self‐administered questionnaire was completed by 352 undergraduate student nurses and 198 registered nurses. The questionnaire consisted of the Fat Phobia Scale, the Attitudes Toward Obese Adult Patients Scale and a demographic profile. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and student’s t‐tests.Results.  Overall mean scores on the Fat Phobia Scale (3·53 SD 0·47) indicated average levels of fat phobia and mean scores on the Attitudes Toward Obese Adult Patients scale (2·64 SD 0·51) indicated neutral attitudes towards obese patients. Registered nurses had significantly higher levels of fat phobia and more negative attitudes than did student nurses. The majority of participants perceived that obese people liked food, overate and were shapeless, slow and unattractive. Additionally, over one‐half of participants believed that obese adults should be put on a diet while in hospital.Conclusions.  Results of this study show that both registered nurses and student nurses have negative perceptions of obesity and are unlikely to attribute positive characteristics to obese individuals. That registered nurses hold more negative attitudes towards obese person is cause for concern.Relevance to clinical practice.  Given the increasing prevalence of obesity and the disproportionate number of obese persons affected by many health conditions, current and future nurses should have positive professional attitudes towards obese individuals. Obesity needs to more be adequately addressed, both in basic nursing education programs and in continuing professional education for practising nurses.
In vitro characterization of Inocutis jamaicensis and experimental inoculation of Eucalyptus globulus standing trees
Authors: Lupo S. , Pérez A. , Martínez S. , Simeto S. , Rivas F. , Bettucci L. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryLesions of variable size, associated with the hymenomycete Inocutis jamaicensis, a white‐rot fungus, have been observed on the stems of Eucalyptus globulus trees in Uruguay. The aim of this study was to evaluate some ecophysiological characteristics of I. jamaicensis and assess its ability to colonize E. globulus trees of two different seed origins (Geeveston and Jeeralang) and the clone, 334‐1‐AR, obtained by micropropagation (ENCE, Spain). The growth of an I. jamaicensis isolate (MVHC11379) was evaluated at 25°C in a medium with a water potential of 0 (Ψ = 0). The growth rate did not vary significantly with a growth medium pH of between 4 and 7. I. jamaicensis showed no growth at either 5 or 37°C at any pH or Ψ tested. Weight loss of heartwood and sapwood of different plant provenances inoculated with I. jamaicensis under laboratory conditions was evaluated, and significant differences observed. Lignin‐modifying enzyme activity was evaluated in culture medium with or without E. globulus sawdust as substrate or inducer. Laccase activity was observed with sawdust and manganese peroxidase activity with and without sawdust. Only slight activity of aryl‐alcohol oxidase and lignin peroxidase was detected without sawdust. Experimental inoculation with I. jamaicensis of 3‐year‐old Geeveston and Jeeralang, and of 4‐year‐old 334‐1‐AR stems, resulted in successful fungal colonization of 56% of the 334‐1‐AR, 50% of Geeveston and 25% of Jeeralang trees. Only the heartwood was decayed. In 334‐1‐AR, the rotted wood was delimited by a reaction zone. Wood characteristics and the ability of I. jamaicensis to overcome the chemical reactions in the tree could partially explain differences in susceptibility to the fungus among provenances observed under natural and laboratory conditions.
An in vitro method for screening Colletotrichum gloeosporioides as a biological control agent for western hemlock dwarf mistletoe
Authors: Askew S. E. , Shamoun S. F. , Van Der Kamp B. J. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryAn in vitro system using detached western hemlock branches infected with dwarf mistletoe was developed to screen the virulence of five isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, a hyperparasite of dwarf mistletoe shoots and berries. Detached branches infected with dwarf mistletoe were placed in nutrient‐saturated rock‐wool blocks and mistletoe shoots were inoculated with a conidial suspension of C. gloeosporioides. One month after inoculation, lesions on mistletoe stems and berries were well developed. Infection levels for individual isolates varied from 40% to 60% of shoots and 60% to 80% of berries. Significant differences were found between the isolates and control (p = 0.02 and 0.001, respectively) while no differences were noted between the isolates for both the shoots and berries. Parallel inoculation of mistletoe shoots detached from hemlock branches on moist filter paper and in rock‐wool blocks failed because these shoots deteriorated rapidly, fragmenting into segments within a week. This in vitro test may provide an alternative method for rapid screening of potentially virulent C. gloeosporioides isolates.
Comparison of endoscopic findings with symptom assessment systems (FSSG and QUEST) for gastroesophageal reflux disease in Japanese centres
Authors: Danjo Akiko , Yamaguchi Kanako , Fujimoto Kazuma , Saitoh Toshihito , Inamori Masahiko , Ando Takashi , Shimatani Tomohiko , Adachi Kyoichi , Kinjo Fukunori , Kuribayashi Shiko , Mitsufuji Shoji , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Koyama Shigeki , Akiyama Junichi , Takagi Atsushi , Manabe Noriaki , Miwa Hiroto , Shimoyama Yasuyuki , Kusano Motoyasu 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  We compared endoscopic findings of the frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG), a written questionnaire developed in Japan, to that for the questionnaire for the diagnosis of reflux esophagitis (QUEST) for the diagnosis of reflux esophagitis.Methods:  We registered 475 patients with untreated symptoms of upper abdominal pain (male/female: 252/223, average age 52.4 ± 17.8 years). Subjects were assessed first with the FSSG and QUEST questionnaires, then by endoscopy, before allocation to a gastric ulcer (GU), duodenal ulcer (DU), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or functional dyspepsia (FD) group.Results:  On the basis of the endoscopic findings the diagnoses for the 475 subjects were as follows: FD 52.2%, DU 7.6%, GU 7.8%, and GERD 32.4% (Grade M 10.1%, Grade A + B 20.2%, Grade C + D 2.3%). There was no difference between the FSSG and QUEST in sensitivity, specificity or accuracy for any condition. The FSSG score rose with increasing endoscopic severity of GERD, but there was no correlation between the QUEST score and endoscopic severity. The FSSG total score was inferior to QUEST in terms of distinguishing GERD from other conditions, but when only the questions relating to reflux symptoms were used, the FSSG was able to distinguish GERD from other conditions as well as QUEST.Conclusions:  The FSSG score reflects the severity of the endoscopic findings of GERD.
Molecular diversity of deep short‐axon cells of the rat main olfactory bulb
Authors: Eyre Mark D. , Kerti Katalin , Nusser Zoltan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractLocal circuit GABAergic interneurons comprise the most diverse cell populations of neuronal networks. Interneurons have been characterized and categorized based on their axo‐somato‐dendritic morphologies, neurochemical content, intrinsic electrical properties and their firing in relation to in‐vivo population activity. Great advances in our understanding of their roles have been facilitated by their selective identification. Recently, we have described three major subtypes of deep short‐axon cells (dSACs) of the main olfactory bulb (MOB) based on their axo‐dendritic distributions and synaptic connectivity. Here, we investigated whether dSACs also display pronounced molecular diversity and whether distinct dSAC subtypes selectively express certain molecules. Multiple immunofluorescent labeling revealed that the most commonly used molecular markers of dSACs (e.g. vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, calbindin and nitric oxide synthase) label only very small subpopulations (< 7%). In contrast, voltage‐gated potassium channel subunits Kv2.1, Kv3.1b, Kv4.3 and the GABAA receptor α1 subunit are present in 70–95% of dSACs without showing any dSAC subtype‐selective expression. However, metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1α mainly labels dSACs that project to the glomerular layer (GL‐dSAC subtype) and comprise ∼20% of the total dSAC population. Analysing these molecular markers with stereological methods, we estimated the total number of dSACs in the entire MOB to be ∼13 500, which is around a quarter of the number of mitral cells. Our results demonstrate a large molecular heterogeneity of dSACs and reveal a unique neurochemical marker for one dSAC subtype. Based on our results, dSAC subtype‐specific genetic modifications will allow us to decipher the role of GL‐dSACs in shaping the dynamic activity of the MOB network.
Abnormal screening glucose challenge test in pregnancy and future risk of diabetes in young women
Authors: Retnakaran R. , Shah B. R. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAims  Pregnant women commonly undergo screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using a 50‐g glucose challenge test (GCT), followed by a diagnostic oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in those women in whom the GCT is abnormal. Although it has long been recognized that GDM is associated with subsequent Type 2 diabetes, it has recently emerged that any degree of abnormal antepartum glucose homeostasis predicts an increased risk of postpartum glucose intolerance. Thus, in this context, we sought to determine whether women who have a pregnancy complicated by an abnormal GCT, but who do not have GDM, are at increased risk of subsequent diabetes, compared with their peers with an abnormal GCT.Methods  A population‐based, retrospective cohort study was conducted. Women referred for an antepartum OGTT indicative of an abnormal GCT (n = 15 381), but without GDM, were matched (for age, region, socioeconomic status, and year of delivery) with up to four other women without such referral (n = 61 237). The two cohorts were followed over a median 6.4 years for the development of diabetes.Results  The rate of incident diabetes was 5.04 cases per 1000 person‐years in the cohort of women who underwent an antepartum OGTT, compared with 1.74 cases per 1000 person‐years in women without an OGTT. The hazard ratio for subsequent diabetes in women with an antepartum OGTT was 2.56 (95% confidence interval 2.28, 2.87) (P < 0.0001).Conclusions  Even in the absence of GDM, abnormal screening GCT in pregnancy is associated with an increased future risk of diabetes in young women.
The Y402H variant of complement factor H is associated with age‐related macular degeneration but not with diabetic retinal disease in the Go‐DARTS study
Authors: Doney A. S. F. , Leese G. P. , Olson J. , Morris A. D. , Palmer C. N. A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAims  The Y402H variant of complement factor H (CFH) is associated with risk of age‐related macular degeneration (ARMD). In common with ARMD, diabetic retinal disease also appears to involve complement activation. The aim was to investigate the impact of Y402H on both retinal pathologies in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) undergoing systematic eye screening.Methods  Patients with T2DM (n = 2350) were genotyped for the CFH Y402H variant. The association of genotype with retinal disease was determined in both retrospective and prospective models.Results  The retrospective study demonstrated that the HH genotype was associated with an age‐adjusted odds ratio of 7.4 for ARMD (P = 2.9 × 10−11). In a longitudinal study in the disease‐free cohort, the age‐adjusted hazard ratio was 2.8 (P = 2.4 × 10−7). The life‐time hazard ratio was 3.4 (P = 2.1 × 10−16). We found no association of Y402H with development of referable diabetic retinal disease.Conclusion  The ARMD‐associated Y402H variant in CFH does not appear to be associated with diabetic retinal disease, although complement activation is involved in the pathoaetiology of both conditions.
Statistical Issues in the Assessment of Health Outcomes in Children: A Methodological Review
Authors: Lancaster Gillian A. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe lack of outcome measures that are validated for use on children limits the effectiveness and generalizability of paediatric health care interventions. Statistical epidemiology is a broad concept encompassing a wide range of useful techniques for use in child health outcome assessment and development. However, the range of techniques that are available is often confusing and prohibits their adoption. In the paper an overview of methodology is provided within the paediatric context. It is demonstrated that in many cases assessment can be performed relatively straightforwardly by using standard statistical techniques, although sometimes more sophisticated techniques are required. Examples of both physiological and questionnaire-based outcomes are given. The usefulness of these techniques is highlighted for achieving specific objectives and ultimately for achieving methodological rigour in clinical outcome studies that are performed in the paediatric population.
Using Relative Utility Curves to Evaluate Risk Prediction
Authors: Baker Stuart G. , Cook Nancy R. , Vickers Andrew , Kramer Barnett S. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryBecause many medical decisions are based on risk prediction models that are constructed from medical history and results of tests, the evaluation of these prediction models is important. This paper makes five contributions to this evaluation: the relative utility curve which gauges the potential for better prediction in terms of utilities, without the need for a reference level for one utility, while providing a sensitivity analysis for misspecification of utilities, the relevant region, which is the set of values of prediction performance that are consistent with the recommended treatment status in the absence of prediction, the test threshold, which is the minimum number of tests that would be traded for a true positive prediction in order for the expected utility to be non-negative, the evaluation of two-stage predictions that reduce test costs and connections between various measures of performance of prediction. An application involving the risk of cardiovascular disease is discussed.
Dopaminergic treatment is associated with decreased body weight in patients with Parkinson’s disease and dyskinesias
Authors: Bachmann C. G. , Zapf A. , Brunner E. , Trenkwalder C. 
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  Several studies suggested that patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) showed a too low body weight when compared with age‐matched, healthy subjects. We aimed to investigate whether PD patients with dyskinesias display body weight alterations and to observe any correlations between medication and other putative determinants.Methods:  Charts of 166 PD patients with fluctuations and dyskinesias, admitted within 6 months to a German movement disorders clinic, were investigated for body mass index (BMI), age at onset, disease duration, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor score, eating coordination and medication.Results:  Analysis showed that 4.2% of PD patients were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), 46.4% were normal (BMI > 18.5–25 kg/m2), 33.7% were overweight (BMI > 25–30 kg/m2), 15.7% were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). Daily levodopa dosage per kg and total dopaminergic dosage per kg body weight were negatively correlated with BMI. Overall, patients’ BMI had not significantly changed within 2 years of follow‐up.Conclusions:  In sum, advanced PD patients showed a reduced BMI when compared with a control population obtained from an age‐matched group taken from a survey of the German Federal Office for Statistics. Our findings indicate that patients with a lower BMI received a higher cumulative levodopa dosage and that levodopa may be responsible for weight loss in PD.