bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of a nurse‐led acupressure programme for stroke patients in China
Authors: Yue Shujin , Jiang Xiaolian , Wong Thomas 
Published: July 2012

Aim and objective.  To examine the effects of a nurse‐led acupressure programme on the recovery of motor function and daily activities of stroke patients.Background.  Stroke is one of the main causes of death and permanent physical disability in the world. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used for the treatment and rehabilitation of people with stroke in China. Physiotherapy or occupational therapy cannot be performed several times a day. Therefore, researchers and healthcare providers have been seeking effective and efficient alternative strategies for the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Acupressure, non‐invasive and widely accessible to any healthcare professionals, is one of the promising alternatives.Methods.  Seventy‐eight stroke patients were recruited and randomly assigned into an intervention or control group, with 39 patients in each. The intervention group received acupressure plus routine care, while the control group received only routine care only. The acupressure treatment was carried out by nurses. Patient’s activities of daily living (ADL) and motor function from both groups were evaluated at the point of recruitment, and at the end of the first and third month after stroke.Results.  The ADL and the Fugl‐Meyer motor scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group at the end of the third month (p < 0·05).Conclusion.  Nurse‐led acupressure programme had positive effects on the recovery of motor function and daily activities of stroke patients. Our study suggests that nurse‐led acupressure programmes play an important role in the recovery of stroke patients.Relevance to clinical practice.  Healthcare providers need to think about alternative care methods including acupressure for the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Acupressure is one of the promising alternatives nursing intervention for stroke patients in practice.
Detection of Neoparamoeba perurans by duplex quantitative Taqman real‐time PCR in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded Atlantic salmonid gill tissues
Authors: Fringuelli E , Gordon A W , Rodger H , Welsh M D , Graham D A 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe development and the application of a quantitative duplex real‐time PCR for the detection of Neoparamoeba perurans and the elongation factor α 1 gene (ELF) of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), are described. A set of primers and probe was designed to amplify a 139‐bp fragment specific to the N. perurans 18S rRNA gene. The test was shown to be very sensitive, being able to detect as little as 13.4 DNA copies per μL corresponding to 0.15 fg of template DNA. In addition, the reaction that detected N. perurans was found to have a high degree of repeatability and reproducibility, to have a linear dynamic range (R2 = 0.999) extending over 5 log10 dilutions and to have a high efficiency (104%). The assay was applied to DNA samples extracted from 48 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) salmon gill tissues showing varying degrees of gill histopathology and amoebic gill disease (AGD)‐type histopathology ranging from absent to severe (each scored 0–3). Neoparamoeba perurans DNA was detected in all the blocks where AGD‐type histopathology was diagnosed microscopically and in 43.6% of the blocks showing signs of gill pathology. The association between parasitic load and gill histopathology and AGD‐type histopathology severity was also investigated. This study also describes the development and the application of a second real‐time PCR for the generic detection of Neoparamoeba spp., Page, 1987. A set of primers and probe conserved among the Neoparamoeba spp. was designed to amplify a 150‐bp fragment within the 18S rRNA gene. Applied to N. perurans‐negative gill tissues, the method was used to exclude the presence of other Neoparamoeba spp. in those blocks where gill pathology was observed microscopically.
Symbiont communities and host genetic structure of the brain coral Platygyra verweyi, at the outlet of a nuclear power plant and adjacent areas
Authors: KESHAVMURTHY SHASHANK , HSU CHIA‐MIN , KUO CHAO‐YANG , MENG PEI‐JIE , WANG JIH‐TERNG , CHEN CHAOLUN A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn the context of rising seawater temperatures associated with climate change,  the issue of whether coral holobionts deal with this challenge by shuffling their associations with stress‐ and/or heat‐tolerant Symbiodinium, by generating heat‐resistant host genotypes, or both is important for coral survival. In this study, the composition of communities of the endosymbiont Symbiodinium and the population genetics of the coral host Platygyra verweyi were examined in a reef impacted by hot‐water discharged from the outlet of a nuclear power plant in operation in Kenting, Southern Taiwan since 1984. The water at this site is 2.0–3.0 °C warmer than adjacent reefs in summer, which have an average seawater temperature of 29.0 °C. The data were compared with those for the same species at other sites within 12 km of the outlet site. Platygyra verwyei was associated with one or both of Symbiodinium types C3 (heat sensitive) and D1a (heat tolerant) at all sites with the latter being the dominant at the nuclear power plant outlet. The proportion of C3 in populations increased gradually with increasing distance from the hot‐water discharge. Genetic analysis of the Platygyra verweyi host using mitochondrial and nuclear markers showed no genetic differentiation among sites. Changes in the composition of Symbiodinium types associated with P. verweyi among closely located sites in Kenting suggested that this coral might have acclimatized to the constant thermal stress by selective association with heat‐tolerant Symbiodinium types, whereas the role of the host in adaptation was inconclusive.
Mortality of Chagas’ disease in Brazil: spatial patterns and definition of high‐risk areas
Authors: Martins‐Melo Francisco Rogerlândio , Ramos Alberto Novaes , Alencar Carlos Henrique , Lange Wolfram , Heukelbach Jorg 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjective  To describe patterns of spatial distribution of mortality associated with Chagas’ disease in Brazil.Methods  Nationwide study of all deaths in Brazil from 1999 to 2007, where Chagas’ disease was recorded as a cause of death. Data were obtained from the national Mortality Information System of the Ministry of Health. We calculated the mean mortality rate for each municipality of residence in three‐year intervals and the entire period. Empirical Bayes smoothing was used to minimise random variation in mortality rates because of the population size in the municipalities. To evaluate the existence of spatial autocorrelation, global and local Moran’s I indices were used.Results  The nationwide mean mortality rate associated with Chagas’ disease was 3.37/100 000 inhabitants/year, with a maximum of 138.06/100 000 in one municipality. Independently from the statistical approach, spatial analysis identified a large cluster of high risk for mortality by Chagas’ disease, involving nine states in the Central region of Brazil.Conclusion  This study defined geographical priority areas for the management of Chagas’ disease and consequently reducing disease‐associated mortality in Brazil. Different spatial‐analytical approaches can be integrated to provide data for planning, monitoring and evaluating specific intervention measures.
In vitro adhesion of Candida glabrata to denture base acrylic resin modified by glow‐discharge plasma treatment
Authors: Zamperini Camila Andrade , de Lima Carneiro Haline , Rangel Elidiane Cipriano , Cruz Nilson Cristino , Vergani Carlos Eduardo , Machado Ana Lucia 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThis study evaluated the potential of plasma treatments to modify the surface chemistry and hydrophobicity of a denture base acrylic resin to reduce the Candida glabrata adhesion. Specimens (n = 54) with smooth surfaces were made and divided into three groups (n = 18): control – non‐treated; experimental groups – submitted to plasma treatment (Ar/50 W; AAt/130 W). The effects of these treatments on chemical composition and surface topography of the acrylic resin were evaluated. Surface free energy measurements (SFE) were performed after the treatments and after 48 h of immersion in water. For each group, half (n = 9) of the specimens were preconditionated with saliva before the adhesion assay. The number of adhered C. glabrata was evaluated by cell counting after crystal violet staining. The Ar/50 W and AAt/130 W treatments altered the chemistry composition, hydrophobicity and topography of acrylic surface. The Ar/50 W group showed significantly lower C. glabrata adherence than the control group, in the absence of saliva. After preconditioning with saliva, C. glabrata adherence in experimental and control groups did not differ significantly. There were significant changes in the SFE after immersion in water. The results demonstrated that Ar/50 W treated surfaces have potential for reducing C. glabrata adhesion to denture base resins and deserve further investigation, especially to tailor the parameters to prolong the increased wettability.
Masseter muscle tension and chewing ability in older persons
Authors: Ohara Yuki , Hirano Hirohiko , Watanabe Yutaka , Edahiro Ayako , Sato Emiko , Shinkai Shoji , Yoshida Hiroto , Mataki Shiro 
Published: July 2012

Aim:  Mastication is an important function to maintain, not only for oral health, but also for quality of life. An easy‐to‐use method to evaluate the chewing ability of elderly people in any environment is necessary. Few studies have discussed the effectiveness of the masseter muscle by palpation. The purpose of this study was to clarify the availability of masseter muscle tension assessment methods by investigating its relationship with oral health status, and comparing it with other methods of assessing chewing ability.Methods:  This cross‐sectional study was carried out with 547 community‐dwelling elderly subjects (246 men and 301 women; mean age 73.8 ± 6.2 years) who participated in a comprehensive annual geriatric health examination in 2010 at Kusatsu, Gunma, Japan. Chewing ability was evaluated by masseter muscle tension palpation, differences of masseter muscle thickness, occlusal force, self‐reported chewing ability, and the number of remaining and functional teeth. Masseter muscle thickness was measured by ultrasonography.Results:  Masseter muscle thickness and occlusal force showed significant differences between males and females. The strength of masseter muscle tension palpation was significantly associated with men's occlusal force, masseter muscle thickness, the number of remaining and functional teeth, and self‐reported chewing ability (P < 0.05). Female participants showed a significant association with occlusal force, masseter muscle thickness, the number of remaining teeth, and self‐reported chewing ability and results of palpation (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  These results showed that the palpation of masseter muscle tension is a reliable and easy‐to‐use method to evaluate the chewing ability of elderly people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 372–377.
Evaluation of the distance between Schwalbe’s line and the anterior lens capsule as a parameter for the correction of ultrasound biomicroscopic values of the canine iridocorneal angle
Authors: Kawata Manabu , Hasegawa Takashi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjective To determine whether the distance between Schwalbe’s line (the peripheral termination of Descemet’s membrane, i.e., the borderline between the cornea and sclera) and the anterior lens capsule (SLD) is an applicable parameter for correcting raw ultrasound biomicroscopic values of the canine iridocorneal angle (ICA) and to establish a comparative system for the ICA values in different canine breeds with varied body sizes/weights.Animal studied The dogs were divided into four groups based on body weight (BW): <4 kg, 4–8 kg, 8–20 kg, and >20 kg, and 180 normotensive eyes were studied.Procedures The ICA microstructure was examined by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) using 40‐MHz probes in dogs with or without anesthesia/sedation. Linear regression analysis and correlation coefficients were evaluated between SLD or SLD2and UBM measurements; subsequently, noncorrected and SLD‐corrected UBM values were statistically assessed.Results Significant linear correlations were detected between SLD and the ciliary cleft width, the minimum distance between the angle recess and the scleral venous plexus, and the scleral thickness. Positive linear correlations were also demonstrated between SLD2and the ciliary cleft area as well as the scleral venous plexus area. Raw UBM measurements were corrected by using a ratio with SLD on the distance or SLD2on the area. Although noncorrected UBM measurements increased with canine BW, SLD‐corrected UBM values remained similar with no significant statistical differences in any of the dogs.Conclusions Correction with SLD would be clinically useful for comparing UBM measurements of the ICA in dogs with different body sizes/weights.
Predictors of ischaemic heart disease in a Malaysian population with the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Yeow T. P. , Khir A. S. , Ismail A. A.‐S. , Ismail I. S. , Kamarul Imran M. , Khalid B. A. K. , Kamaruddin N. A. , Azwany Y. N. , Mustafa N. , Osman A. , Md Isa S. H. , Bebakar W. M. W. , Nazaimoon W. M. W. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAims  Cardiovascular disease is the foremost cause of mortality in Malaysia but little is known about the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its associations with other known cardiovascular risk markers. We undertook a population‐based study to examine these.Methods  For the study, 4341 subjects were selected using a multistage stratified sampling method. Subjects were interviewed for personal and past medical history. Biomedical markers and anthropometric indices were measured. The metabolic syndrome was defined using the harmonized criteria. The associations between the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk markers, including high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, microalbuminuria and HbA1c were examined.Results  The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 42.5%. Subjects with the metabolic syndrome are significantly more likely to have higher BMI (> 25 kg/m2), HbA1c [≥ 42 mmol/mol (6.0%)], LDL (≥ 2.6 mmol/l), elevated albumin:creatinine ratio (> 2.5 μg/mmol creatinine for men, 3.5 μg/mmol creatinine for women) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (> 3 mg/l); odds ratio 5.48, 6.14, 1.44, 3.68 and 1.84, respectively, P < 0.001. The presence of an elevated albumin:creatinine ratio and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein are strong predictors for the presence of a higher number of positive criteria of the metabolic syndrome. HbA1c > 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) is associated with increased relative risk of elevated albumin:creatinine ratio, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and LDL (relative risk 3.10, 2.46 and 1.65 respectively, P < 0.001).Conclusions  We confirmed the high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Malaysia. Our study revealed a strong relationship between risk markers of elevated BMI, HbA1c, LDL, albumin:creatinine ratio and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein with the presence of the metabolic syndrome, putting them at a statistically high risk for cardiovascular mortality.
Psychological consequences of bullying for hospital and aged care nurses
Authors: Rodwell J. , Demir D. 
Published: July 2012

RODWELL J. & DEMIR D. (2012) Psychological consequences of bullying for hospital and aged care nurses. International Nursing ReviewAim:  This study examines the psychological consequences of workplace bullying by negative affectivity (NA) and demographics for hospital and aged care nurses.Introduction/Background:  Nurses are particularly vulnerable to workplace bullying, with suggestions that oppressed group behaviours may play a role. Bullying is a potent stressor that can negatively impact psychological well‐being, which, with NA and demographics, may be important in understanding the consequences of nurse bullying. Such factors are yet to be examined together across different nursing contexts.Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted across hospital and aged care nurses working within a medium to large Australian healthcare organization in October 2009. The sample comprised 233 (29.1%) hospital and 208 (43.8%) aged care nurses. Analyses of covariance were used to evaluate the data.Results:  For hospital nurses, psychological distress was noted as an impact of bullying, while depression was the impact for aged care nurses. Full‐time aged care nurses reporting bullying had higher psychological distress scores, compared with part‐time workers in the same area. NA was a significant covariate across both outcomes in both contexts.Discussion/Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that bullying has detrimental consequences for the mental health of nurses in both hospital and aged care contexts. The results support the suggestion that nurses are an oppressed group at high risk of bullying, confirm the intrinsic nature of NA to the bullying process, and highlight the importance of employment type for aged care nurses. Given the shortage of nurses, managers need to give higher priority to addressing workplace bullying and implementing zero tolerance policies.
Borders Redrawn: Measuring the Statistical Creation of International Trade
Authors: Cuaresma Jesus Crespo , Roser Max 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn this note, we quantify how much of the increase in the volume of international trade that took place since 1945 is attributed to the reclassification of within‐country trade to international trade owing to changes in national boundaries. We do so by imposing the territorial delimitations corresponding to 1946 to the current trade flow data, thus quantifying the volume of international trade that would not have been labelled international given national boundaries right after the end of World War II. Our results show that the effect of ‘boundary redrawing’ corresponds roughly to 1 per cent of the total volume of international trade. If colonial trade had been statistically considered to be within‐country (within‐empire) trade instead of international trade, the independence of colonies would have raised this effect to approximately 3 per cent of total trade.
Determinants of incident chronic kidney disease and progression in a cohort of HIV‐infected persons with unrestricted access to health care
Authors: Ganesan A , Krantz EM , Huppler Hullsiek K , Riddle MS , Weintrob AC , Lalani T , Okulicz JF , Landrum M , Agan B , Whitman TJ , Ross MJ , Crum‐Cianflone NF ,   the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program HIV/STI Working Group
Published: July 2012

ObjectivesAs socioeconomic factors may impact the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), we evaluated the incidence and risk factors of incident CKD among an HIV‐infected cohort with universal access to health care and minimal injecting drug use (IDU).MethodsIncident CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filteration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 for ≥ 90 days. eGFR was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equation. Rates were calculated per 1000 person‐years (PY). Associations with outcomes were assessed using two separate Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for baseline and time‐updated covariates.ResultsAmong 3360 participants [median age 29 years; 92% male; 44% African American (AA)] contributing 23 091 PY of follow‐up, 116 developed incident CKD [5.0/1000 PY; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.2–6.0/1000 PY]. The median first eGFR value was 97.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 [interquartile range (IQR) 85.3–110.1 mL/min/1.73 m2]. Baseline factors associated with CKD included older age, lower CD4 count at HIV diagnosis [compared with CD4 count ≥ 500 cells/μL, hazard ratio (HR) 2.1 (95% CI 1.2–3.8) for CD4 count 350–499 cells/μL; HR 3.6 (95% CI 2.0–6.3) for CD4 count 201–349 cells/μL; HR 4.3 (95% CI 2.0–9.4) for CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/μL], and HIV diagnosis in the pre‐highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. In the time‐updated model, low nadir CD4 counts, diabetes, hepatitis B, hypertension and less HAART use were also associated with CKD. AA ethnicity was not associated with incident CKD in either model.ConclusionsThe low incidence of CKD and the lack of association with ethnicity observed in this study may in part be attributable to unique features of our cohort such as younger age, early HIV diagnosis, minimal IDU, and unrestricted access to care. Lower baseline CD4 counts were significantly associated with incident CKD, suggesting early HIV diagnosis and timely introduction of HAART may reduce the burden of CKD.
Integrating research, monitoring and management into an adaptive management framework to achieve effective conservation outcomes
Authors: Walsh J. C. , Wilson K. A. , Benshemesh J. , Possingham H. P. 
Published: July 2012

Read the Feature Paper: Unexpected outcomes of invasive predator control: the importance of evaluating conservation management actionsCommentaries on this Feature Paper:Unexpected outcomes of invasive predator control; Evidence, models, conservation programs and limits to management
Chronic pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms in adults with spastic bilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: VAN DER SLOT WILMA M A , NIEUWENHUIJSEN CHANNAH , VAN DEN BERG‐EMONS RITA J G , BERGEN MICHAEL P , HILBERINK SANDER R , STAM HENK J , ROEBROECK MARIJ E 
Published: July 2012

Aim  To investigate the prevalence and co‐occurrence of chronic pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms in adults with spastic bilateral cerebral palsy (SBCP) and explore associations of chronic pain and fatigue with depressive symptoms and daily functioning.Method  Fifty‐six adults with SBCP without severe cognitive impairment participated (35 males, 21 females; mean age 36y 5mo, SD 5y 10mo; Gross Motor Function Classification System level I [13], II [28], III [11], IV [4]). Chronic pain (>3mo), severity and nature of fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale; Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory), and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) were assessed. Associations were explored using multivariable logistic regression analyses.Results  The study sample had a higher prevalence of chronic pain (75% vs 39%; p<0.001), mean fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale, 4.4 [SD 1.3] vs 2.9 [SD 1.1]; p<0.001), and prevalence of depressive symptoms (25% vs 12%; p=0.004) than Dutch healthy reference samples. Chronic pain and severe fatigue co‐occurred in 34% and in combination with depressive symptoms in 16% of the participants. Severity of fatigue was associated with depressive symptoms (OR 3.38; p<0.01). Chronic pain and fatigue were not associated with limitations in daily functioning.Interpretation  These findings suggest that adults with SBCP are severely affected by chronic pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms, in addition to their spastic paresis.