bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concurrent and construct validity of Mediterranean diet scores as assessed by an FFQ
Authors: Benítez-Arciniega Alejandra A , Mendez Michelle A , Baena-Díez Jose M , Rovira Martori Maria-Asunción , Soler Cristina , Marrugat Jaume , Covas Maria-Isabel , Sanz Hector , Llopis Alba , Schröder Helmut 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to assess the concurrent and construct validity of two diet-quality indices, a modified Mediterranean diet score (mMDS) and a Mediterranean-like diet score (MLDS) additionally incorporating unhealthy food choices, as determined by an FFQ.DesignA validation study assessing FFQ intake estimates compared with ten or more unannounced 24 h recalls. Pearson's correlation coefficients, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland–Altman plots and the limits of agreement method were used to assess the between-method agreement of scores. Construct validity was shown using associations between nutrient intakes derived from multiple 24 h recalls and the mMDS and MLDS derived from the FFQ.SettingGerona, Spain.SubjectsA total of 107 consecutively selected participants from a population-based cross-sectional survey.ResultsPearson's correlations for the energy-adjusted mMDS and MLDS compared with multiple recalls were 0·48 and 0·62, respectively. The average FFQ energy-adjusted mMDS and MLDS were 102 % and 98 % of the recall-based mMDS and MLDS estimates, respectively. The FFQ under- and overestimated dietary recall estimates of the energy-adjusted MLDS by 28 % and 25 %, respectively, with slightly wider boundaries for the mMDS (31 % and 34 %). The ICC, which assesses absolute agreement, was similar to Pearson's correlations (mMDS = 0·48 and MLDS = 0·61). The mean differences between methods were similar across the range of average ratings for both scores, indicating the absence of bias. The FFQ-derived mMDS and MLDS correlated in the anticipated directions with intakes of eleven (73·3 %) and thirteen of fifteen nutrients (86·7 %), respectively.ConclusionsThe FFQ provides valid estimates of diet quality as assessed by the mMDS and MLDS.
Age-Dependent Expression of Collagen Receptors and Deformation of Type I Collagen Substrates by Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts
Authors: Wilson Christopher G. , Stone John W. , Fowlkes Vennece , Morales Mary O. , Murphy Catherine J. , Baxter Sarah C. , Goldsmith Edie C. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractLittle is known about how age influences the ways in which cardiac fibroblasts interact with the extracellular matrix. We investigated the deformation of collagen substrates by neonatal and adult rat cardiac fibroblasts in monolayer and three-dimensional (3D) cultures, and quantified the expression of three collagen receptors [discoidin domain receptor (DDR)1, DDR2, and β1 integrin] and the contractile protein alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in these cells. We report that adult fibroblasts contracted 3D collagen substrates significantly less than their neonate counterparts, whereas no differences were observed in monolayer cultures. Adult cells had lower expression of β1 integrin and α-SMA than neonate cultures, and we detected significant correlations between the expression of α-SMA and each of the collagen receptors in neonate cells but not in adult cells. Consistent with recent work demonstrating age-dependent interactions with myocytes, our results indicate that interactions between cardiac fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix change with age.
Quantitative Electron Microscopy of Cellulose Nanofibril Structures from Eucalyptus and Pinus radiata Kraft Pulp Fibers
Authors: Chinga-Carrasco Gary , Yu Yingda , Diserud Ola 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis work comprises the structural characterization of Eucalyptus and Pinus radiata pulp fibers and their corresponding fibrillated materials, based on quantitative electron microscopy techniques. Compared to hardwood fibers, the softwood fibers have a relatively open structure of the fiber wall outer layers. The fibrillation of the fibers was performed mechanically and chemi-mechanically. In the chemi-mechanical process, the pulp fibers were subjected to a TEMPO-mediated oxidation to facilitate the homogenization. Films were made of the fibrillated materials to evaluate some structural properties. The thicknesses and roughnesses of the films were evaluated with standardized methods and with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in backscattered electron imaging mode. Field-emission SEM (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to quantify the nanofibril morphology. In this study, we give additional and significant evidences about the suitability of electron microscopy techniques for quantification of nanofibril structures. In addition, we conclude that standard methods are not suitable for estimating the thickness of films having relatively rough surfaces. The results revealed significant differences with respect to the morphology of the fibrillated material. The differences are due to the starting raw material and to the procedure applied for the fibrillation.
Health‐related quality of life and post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms in accident and emergency attenders suffering from psychosocial crises: a longitudinal study
Authors: Senneseth Mette , Alsaker Kjersti , Natvig Gerd Karin 
Published: July 2011

senneseth m., alsaker k. & natvig g.k. (2012) Health‐related quality of life and post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms in accident and emergency attenders suffering from psychosocial crises: a longitudinal study. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(2), 402–413.AbstractAims.  This paper is a report of a study of health‐related quality of life and post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms in patients attending an Accident and Emergency department because of psychosocial crises.Background.  Psychosocial crises are commonplace globally, but there is little knowledge about patients attending Accident and Emergency departments because of psychosocial crises.Methods.  Data were collected at an Accident and Emergency department in Norway from September 2008 to June 2009. A total of 99 adults participated in the baseline study and 41 of these participated at 2 months follow‐up. The Short Form‐36 Health Survey and the Post Traumatic Symptom Scale were used to obtain data.Findings.  Participants reported significantly lower scores in all health‐related quality of life domains at baseline compared with the general Norwegian population. The mental health score was two standard deviations below the norm. Health‐related quality of life scores were improved and post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms were reduced after 2 months. High levels of post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms were reported by 78% of the participants at baseline and 59% at follow‐up. Participants with high levels of post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms at follow‐up also reported low health‐related quality of life scores.Conclusion.  This study suggests a need for an acute psychosocial intervention and an opportunity to receive follow‐up support at Accident and Emergency departments.
Developing a survey for assessing preferences in constructivist context‐aware ubiquitous learning environments
Authors: Tsai P.‐S. , Tsai C.‐C. , Hwang G.‐J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis study developed a survey to explore students' preferences in constructivist context‐aware ubiquitous learning environments. A constructivist context‐aware ubiquitous learning (u‐learning) environment survey (CULES) was developed, consisting of eight scales, including ease of use, continuity, relevance, adaptive content, multiple sources, timely guidance, student negotiation, and inquiry learning. The survey responses were gathered from 215 university students from five universities in Taiwan. The students all had actual experience of using u‐learning systems in u‐learning environments. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed that the CULES had high reliability and validity. The structural model revealed that the provision of realistic and close‐to‐real‐life information could enhance students' preferences for timely guidance, student negotiation, and inquiry‐learning activities. In addition, the attainment of inquiry learning is quite challenging when designing u‐learning activities, as it involves the enhancement of the other CULES scales.
Factors influencing dyspepsia‐related consultation: differences between a rural and an urban population
Authors: Mahadeva S. , Yadav H. , Everett S. M. , Goh K.‐L. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground  Dyspepsia is a common, chronic condition but medical consultation rates for symptoms remain variable. We aimed to examine two populations with varied health‐care provision to determine predictive factors for dyspepsia‐related consultation.Methods  A cross‐sectional, population‐based study in both an urban and a rural community within a single Asian country was conducted. Details on dyspepsia‐related consultation rates over a fixed period and independent factors influencing them were identified.Key Results  A total of 4039/5370 (75.2%) adults from representative rural and urban areas in this country agreed to participate in the study. Although mean ages of respondents were similar (40.4 years), the demographics of both populations varied in terms of gender (62.7% female, rural vs 55.7% female, urban, P < 0.0001), marital status (75.4% rural vs 70.5% urban, P = 0.002), ethnicity, (79% Malay rural vs 45.3% Malays urban, P < 0.0001) and socio‐economic status (professional occupation 7.1% rural vs 47.3% urban, P < 0.0001). Dyspepsia‐related consultation rates were found to be higher among rural compared to urban adults (41.4%vs 28.7%, P < 0.0001). Over‐the‐counter medication consumption was higher among urban compared to rural dyspepsia sufferers (n = 157 vs n = 35, P < 0.0001). Following logistic regression, rural population (OR 3.14, 95% CI = 1.65–6.0), low quality of life (OR 1.90, 95% CI = 1.17–3.10), and self‐medication (OR 0.40, 95% CI = 0.25–0.62) were found to independently predict dyspepsia‐related consultation.Conclusions & Inferences  Dyspepsia‐related consultation varied significantly between urban and rural communities. Factors within the rural population, self‐medication practices, and a low quality of life independently influenced dyspepsia‐related consultation.
Administrative practices of health professionals and use of artesunate–amodiaquine by community members for treating uncomplicated malaria in southern Ghana: implications for artemisinin‐based combination therapy deployment
Authors: Kwansa‐Bentum Bethel , Ayi Irene , Suzuki Takashi , Otchere Joseph , Kumagai Takashi , Anyan William K. , Asahi Hiroko , Akao Nobuaki , Wilson Michael D. , Boakye Daniel A. , Ohta Nobuo 
Published: July 2011

SummaryObjective  To investigate the use of artemisinin‐based combination and monotherapy by community members and the administrative practices of health professionals in treating malaria in Ghana.Method  This study is a community‐based cross‐sectional survey in 11 rural and urban areas in southern Ghana. Using the interviewer method, close‐ended questionnaires were administered to community members. Similar questionnaires were also administered in health facilities, community pharmacies and licensed chemical shops.Results  A total of 1085 individuals comprising 959 non‐health professionals and 126 health professionals were interviewed. Fifty‐seven per cent of the community members visit pharmacies/drug stores as the first point of call when they suspect malaria. According to the participating drug sellers, artemether–lumefantrine (AL) is the most prescribed/sold anti‐malarial drug (59.2%), followed by dihydroartemisinin (35%), sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (33.0%) and artesunate‐amodiaquine (AS‐AQ) (27.2%). The majority of customers who visit pharmacies or drug stores without prescription have their anti‐malarial drug selected by the shop attendant; in situations like that, dihydroartemisinin and artesunate monotherapies are sold just as AS‐AQ and AL. Chloroquine is still sold by some drug vendors, 5 years after its proscription.Conclusion  Whereas the use of AS‐AQ and AL are acceptable, the frequent use of dihydroartemisinin and artesunate monotherapy threatens the future of ACTs.
High frequency of OPA1 mutations causing high ADOA prevalence in south‐eastern Sicily, Italy
Authors: Gallus GN , Cardaioli E , Rufa A , Collura M , Da Pozzo P , Pretegiani E , Tumino M , Pavone L , Federico A 
Published: July 2011

Gallus GN, Cardaioli E, Rufa A, Collura M, Da Pozzo P, Pretegiani E, Tumino M, Pavone L, Federico A. High frequency of OPA1 mutations causing high ADOA prevalence in south‐eastern Sicily, Italy.Optic atrophy type 1 (OPA1) gene mutation causes autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA, MIM #165500). Prevalence of ADOA ranges from 1:50,000 in most populations to 1:12,000 in Denmark. Seventy members of nine families were analysed for the presence of OPA1 gene mutations by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing. We identified three OPA1 gene mutations in 48 patients with variable signs of optic atrophy. Two mutations, c.784‐21_784‐22insAluYb8 and c.876_878delTGT, were found in two different families. The third mutation, c.869G>A, was found in 28 patients from seven families. The haplotype analysis data suggested that the c.869G>A mutation is a founder mutation. Our main result suggests a higher ADOA prevalence in south‐eastern Sicily than previously found in Denmark. This is because of not only the founder effect but also to the presence of three different mutations in the geographical area of the study. Our hypothesis is that a combination of social pressure because of blindness and migration factors is involved. In fact, in Siracusa, a provincial capital in south‐eastern Sicily, St. Lucy, the patron saint of the blind was born and died.
Effects of wounding and fungal infection with Armillaria ostoyae in three conifer species. I. Host response to abiotic wounding in non‐infected roots
Authors: Cleary M. R. , van der Kamp B. J. , Morrison D. J. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryA parallel investigation to characterize host reactions involved in wound repair following abiotic injury and challenge with Armillaria ostoyae in three conifer species (Douglas‐fir, western hemlock and western redcedar) was conducted in the southern Interior of British Columbia. In this study, we characterize wound healing in roots following freezing injuries to the bark. Five weeks following wounding, all conifers developed lignified impervious tissue (IT) around killed tissue, and a necrophylactic periderm (NP) formed internally abutting IT, although IT was difficult to discern in western redcedar. Phellogen restoration in the secondary phloem of some western hemlock roots was retarded around large clusters of sclereids. Displacement of phloem fibre cells occurred in western redcedar but did not appear to delay NP formation. In roots exhibiting expansion of necrosis to the vascular cambium, callus tissue was evident at the margin of the wound. Novel host reactions in western redcedar involving induced rhytidome formation and the formation of traumatic phloem resin ducts are described.
Epidemiological and clinico‐mycological profile of fungal wound infection from largest burn centre in Asia
Authors: Capoor Malini R. , Gupta Sonal , Sarabahi Sujata , Mishra Anshumali , Tiwari Vinay Kumar , Aggarwal Pushpa 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThe current study was conducted to know the incidence, predisposing factors, spectrum, clinical profile and antifungal susceptibility (AFS) of fungal wound infection (FWI) in burn patients. Of a total of 71 patients, 20 (28.2%) emerged with the diagnosis of FWI. Fungal pathogens in this study were Candida tropicalis (14%), Candida parapsilosis (5.6%), Aspergillus niger (2.8%) and one each of Candida albicans (1.4%), Candida glabrata (1.4%), Syncephalestrum (1.4%) and Fusarium solani (1.4%). All patients with mould infections expired before the mycological culture results could be conveyed to clinicians. Of the yeasts isolated in the study, one each of C. tropicalis and C. albicans showed cross‐resistance to azoles. All the moulds were susceptible to amphotericin B. This study depicted that fungal invasion is associated with a high mortality, burn size 30–60% and high incidence of inhalational injury. Fungal invasion was detected on an average of 14 days after injury. Association of use of four classes of drugs – aminoglycosides, imipenem, vancomycin and third generation cephalosporins and use of total parenteral nutrition was observed. Expedient laboratory diagnosis of FWI and appropriate systemic antifungal therapy guided by AFS may improve outcome for severely injured burn victims.
Living with an adult family member using advanced medical technology at home
Authors: Fex Angelika , Flensner Gullvi , Ek Anna‐Christina , Söderhamn Olle 
Published: July 2011

FEX A, FLENSNER G, EK A‐C and SÖDERHAMN O. Nursing Inquiry 2011; 18: 336–347 Living with an adult family member using advanced medical technology at homeAn increased number of chronically ill adults perform self‐care while using different sorts of advanced medical technology at home. This hermeneutical study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of living with an adult family member using advanced medical technology at home. Eleven next of kin to adults performing self‐care at home, either using long‐term oxygen from a cylinder or ventilator, or performing peritoneal or haemodialysis, were interviewed. The qualitative interviews were analysed using a Gadamerian methodology. The main interpretation explained the meaning as rhythmical patterns of connectedness versus separation, and of sorrow versus reconciliation. Dependence on others was shown in the need for support from healthcare professionals and significant others. In conclusion, next of kin took considerable responsibility for dependent‐care. All next of kin were positive to the idea of bringing the technology home, even though their own needs receded into the background, while focusing on the best for the patient. The results were discussed in relation to dependent‐care and transition, which may have an influence on the self‐care of next of kin and patients. The study revealed a need for further nursing attention to next of kin in this context.
Morbidly obese patients and lifestyle change: constructing ethical selves
Authors: Knutsen Ingrid Ruud , Terragni Laura , Foss Christina 
Published: July 2011

KNUTSEN IR, TERRAGNI L and FOSS C. Nursing Inquiry 2011; 18: 348–358 Morbidly obese patients and lifestyle change: constructing ethical selvesIn contemporary societies, bodily size is an important part of individuals’ self‐representation. As the number of persons clinically diagnosed as morbidly obese increases, programmes are developed to make people reduce weight by changing their lifestyle, and for some, by bariatric surgery. This article presents findings from interviews with 12 participants undergoing a prerequisite course prior to bariatric surgery that is intended both as a preparation for further (surgical) treatment and as a tool to empower individuals regarding lifestyle changes. In this study, we investigate how power operates by looking at how the participants position themselves throughout the course. Findings reveal how participants construct their ability to act in line with norms of lifestyle change. They do this by positioning themselves as both included group members and as ‘morally’ acceptable individuals. Despite some resistance, the participants tend to glide into the role of ‘good patients’ acting in compliance with the aims of the course in their hope and striving for new positions as ‘normal‐sized’. The intention in the course is to empower individuals towards lifestyle changes. The findings provide a basis to question whether these kinds of courses create new forms of compliance and dependency.
Promoting the health of Europeans in a rapidly changing world: a historical study of the implementation of World Health Organisation policies by the Nursing and Midwifery Unit, European Regional Office, 1970–2003
Authors: Hallett Christine , Wagner Lis 
Published: July 2011

HALLETT C and WAGNER L. Nursing Inquiry 2011; 18: 359–368 Promoting the health of Europeans in a rapidly changing world: a historical study of the implementation of World Health Organisation policies by the Nursing and Midwifery Unit, European Regional Office, 1970–2003The World Health Organisation (WHO) was inaugurated in 1948. Formed in a period of post‐war devastation, WHO aimed to develop and meet goals that would rebuild the health of shattered populations. The historical study reported here examined the work of the Nursing and Midwifery Unit (NMU) of WHO’s European Regional Office during the later part of the twentieth century. The study examined archive sources lodged at the NMU archive. The sources included manuscripts relating to important NMU initiatives, reports and papers published by WHO, and a range of secondary sources. The study identified three main driving forces in the work of the NMU of the European Regional Office of WHO. One of the strongest of these was a drive to develop and promote the nursing profession within the countries of the European Region. The second was the promulgation and implementation of the positive public health strategies of WHO, particularly its ‘38 Targets for Health for All by the Year 2000’. The third focussed on securing equity across the European continent and on promoting the development of the nursing professions in poorer and less‐developed countries. The study concludes that the nursing professions in European states grew in strength and influence, and that the health of populations improved throughout the continent between 1970 and 2003. It discusses the extent to which the role of the NMU in these advances may have been significant.
Effect of temperature and dark pretreatment on the germination of three species of Jamesonia (Pteridaceae, Polypodiopsida)
Authors: GABRIEL Y GALÁN JOSE MARÍA , MIGLIARO GIULIANA , LAHOZ‐BELTRÁ RAFAEL 
Published: July 2011

AbstractTo study the influence of temperature on the germination ability of three species of Jamesonia (Jamesonia imbricata, Jamesonia scammaniae and Jamesonia rotundifolia), spores were cultured at 10°C, 15°C and 20°C. A temperature of 15°C was selected as representative of the natural annual average temperature of the paramo environment that Jamesonia species inhabit. In addition, a dark pretreatment of 2 days was tested to verify if germination was enhanced. The results indicated that germination of Jamesonia, considering the three species as a whole, is affected by temperature, but is independent of the dark treatment. All species showed higher and faster germination at 20°C, and exhibited a threshold minimum temperature around 10°C, below which germination is avoided or extremely low and delayed. This could suggest that spore germination in Jamesonia is adapted to establish gametophyte populations during frost‐free periods.