bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recovering from an acute cardiac event – the relationship between depression and life satisfaction
Authors: Page Karen N , Davidson Patricia , Edward Karen‐leigh , Allen Josh , Cummins Robert A , Thompson David R , Worrall‐Carter Linda 
Published: February 2010

Aims.  This study sought to measure the rates and trajectory of depression over six months following admission for an acute cardiac event and describe the relationship between depression and life satisfaction.Background.  Co‐morbid depression has an impact on cardiac mortality and is associated with the significant impairment of quality of life and well‐being, impairments in psychosocial function, decreased medication adherence and increased morbidity.Design.  This was a descriptive, correlational study.Method.  The study was undertaken at a large public hospital in Melbourne. Participants were asked to complete a survey containing the cardiac depression scale (CDS) and the Personal Well‐being Index.Results.  This study mapped the course of depression over six months of a cohort of patients admitted for an acute cardiac event. Significant levels of depressive symptoms were found, at a level consistent with the literature. A significant correlation between depressive symptoms as measured by the CDS and the Personal Well‐being Index was found.Conclusions.  Depression remains a significant problem following admission for an acute coronary event. The Personal Well‐being Index may be a simple, effective and non‐confrontational initial screening tool for those at risk of depressive symptoms in this population.Relevance to clinical practice.  Despite the known impact of depression on coronary heart disease (CHD), there is limited research describing its trajectory. This study makes a compelling case for the systematic screening for depression in patients with CHD and the importance of the nursing role in identifying at risk individuals.
Nurses’ perspectives on feeding decisions for nursing home residents with advanced dementia
Authors: Lopez Ruth Palan , Amella Elaine J , Mitchell Susan L , Strumpf Neville E 
Published: February 2010

Aim.  To develop a broad understanding of nursing beliefs, knowledge and roles in feeding decisions for nursing home residents with advanced dementia.Background.  Concern is growing about the common use of feeding tubes in nursing home residents with advanced dementia. Nurses can play an important role in providing information and guiding family members through difficult feeding decisions. Little is known about nurses’ perspectives on feeding decisions.Design.  Qualitative descriptive.Methods.  In‐depth semi‐structured interviews of 11 licensed nurses who were experienced in caring for nursing home residents with dementia.Results.  Analysis of the interview transcripts revealed three themes: insufficient empirical information, ambiguous role in feeding decisions and uncertainty about moral agency in decisions about the placement of feeding tubes.Conclusions.  Despite views that family members would benefit from guidance in decisions regarding the placement of feeding tubes, nurses were, nevertheless, reluctant to become involved in these difficult decisions.Relevance to clinical practice.  If nurses are to guide family members in decisions about the use of feeding tubes, they need more education about evidence‐based practice as well as support in exercising their nursing responsibilities.
A controlled, randomised trial comparing single to multiple application lidocaine analgesia in paediatric patients undergoing urethral catheterisation procedures
Authors: Boots Brenda K , Edmundson Elizabeth E 
Published: February 2010

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to evaluate if discomfort levels are statistically significant when two different topical and intraurethral precatheterisation analgesia strategies are used. The primary objective of this research project was to examine methods to decrease pain experienced by paediatric cystogram patients.Background.  Paediatric patients undergoing urinary catheterisations frequently report discomfort. To alleviate catheterisation discomfort in children, some institutions have either used sedation techniques or topical analgesia strategies. Standardisation of topical anaesthetic application prior to paediatric urinary catheterisation has not been demonstrated in the research literature.Design.  A prospective, single‐blind, randomised, controlled trial.Methods.  The trial was performed with infants and children aged two months–eight years. The first group received one application of lidocaine five minutes prior to catheterisation. The control group received two applications, spaced five minutes apart prior to catheterisation. The FLACC pain score, as the primary outcome variable, was assessed at the time of the catheterisation. Secondary outcome variables including pre‐ and postcatheterisation heart rate and parental perception were also measured.Conclusions.  Two hundred children between two months–eight years of age were randomly assigned for study inclusion with 91 patients enrolled into the two application groups and 109 patients into the single application group. No statistically significant differences (p = 0·779) in the mean FLACC pain score at the time of the catheterisation between the intervention (single application) group (mean = 3·30) and the control (two application) group (mean = 3·39), heart rate or parental perceptions were observed.Relevance to clinical practice.  Topical and intraurethral lidocaine analgesia strategies prior to urinary catheterisation provide an important tool in reducing discomfort for paediatric patients undergoing urinary catheterisation procedures. This study confirms that multiple applications of intraurethral lidocaine gel add little additional benefits in reducing discomfort over single intraurethral application techniques.
Measuring mealtime difficulties: eating, feeding and meal behaviours in older adults with dementia
Authors: Aselage Melissa B 
Published: February 2010

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this integrative review is to examine the instruments currently available for clinical use specifically to assess mealtime difficulties, a concept subsuming the domains of eating, feeding and meal behaviours in older adults with dementia; and to determine the quality and practicality of those instruments for use in clinical practice.Background.  Dementia is a leading cause of death globally and the 5th leading cause of death in the USA for adults over 65. Nutritional status is vital to well‐being, therefore, instruments to measure eating, feeding and meal behaviours are important. Instruments measuring these behaviours can be used to plan effective interventions to alleviate the behaviours and improve oral intake.Design.  Integrative review.Method.  Database searches of EBSCOHost, PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, AgeLine and HaPI using various keyword combinations related to meal, eating and feeding behaviours in dementia as well as keywords related to instruments, scales or measurement. Abstracts and articles were analysed to identify instruments used in research and clinically to measure eating, feeding and meal behaviours in dementia.Results.  Twelve observational instruments were identified and organised into categories of eating, feeding and meal behaviours for older adults with dementia. Instruments were described by concepts measured.Conclusions.  The majority of instruments identified do not report adequate psychometric testing in the literature. One instrument is identified reporting extensive testing for reliability and validity and has been recommended for clinical practice – The Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia (EdFED) scale.Relevance to clinical practice.  The EdFED has been identified as a valid and reliable instrument for measuring feeding difficulties and is available for use in clinical practice. In using the EdFED, interventions can be planned to monitor feeding difficulties and promote nutritional status of older adults with dementia.
Paediatric nurses' understanding of the process and procedure of double‐checking medications
Authors: Dickinson Annette , McCall Elaine , Twomey Bernadette , James Natalie 
Published: February 2010

Aims and objectives.  To understand paediatric nurses’ understanding and practice regarding double‐checking medication and identify facilitators and barriers to the process of independent double‐checking (IDC).Background.  A system of double‐checking medications has been proposed as a way of minimising medication error particularly in situations involving high‐risk medications, complex processes such as calculating doses, or high‐risk patient populations such as infants and children. While recommendations have been made in support of IDC in paediatric settings little is known about nursing practice and the facilitators and barriers to this process.Design.  A descriptive qualitative design was used.Methods.  Data were collected via three focus group interviews. Six to seven paediatric nurses participated in homogenous groups based on level of practice. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Conclusions.  This study demonstrates that, while IDC is accepted and promoted as best practice in a paediatric setting, there is a lack of clarity as to what this means. This study supports other studies in relation to the influence of workload, distraction and environmental factors on the administration process but highlights the need for more research in relation to the impact of the power dynamic between junior and senior nurses. The issue of automaticity has been unexplored in relation to nursing practice but this study indicates that this may have an important influence on how care is delivered to patients.Relevance to clinical practice.  While the focus of this study was in the paediatric setting, the findings have relevance to other settings and population groups. The adoption of IDC in health care settings must have in place: policy and guidelines that clearly define the process of checking, educational support, an environment that supports peer critique and review, well‐designed medication areas and accessible resources to support drug administration.
Malnutrition in hospitalised neurological patients approximately doubles in 10 days of hospitalisation
Authors: Hafsteinsdóttir Thóra B , Mosselman Machteld , Schoneveld Coby , Riedstra Yvette D , Kruitwagen Cas LJJ 
Published: February 2010

Aims and objectives.  To measure the nutritional status of neurological patients during admission and after 10 days, with a special focus on those with malnutrition and those at risk of malnutrition, and to measure the association of clinical variables and nutritional status, which may be important for the early detection of patients at risk of malnutrition.Background.  Studies have shown high prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalised patients and recommend structured screening and nutritional intervention for these patients. There is a lack of information concerning the nutritional status of neurological patients.Design.  A prospective descriptive study.Method.  Neurological patients (n = 196) were included from departments of neurology and neurosurgery in Dutch university hospital. Nutritional status was measured with the Mini Nutritional Assessment and functional status with the Barthel Index and the Rankin Scale at admission to the hospital and after 10 days.Result.  Of the patients, 34% were at risk of malnutrition, 7% were malnourished, whereas 59% of the patients were well nourished according to the MNA. After 10 days, 57% were at risk of malnutrition, 22% were malnourished and 21% were well nourished. The total group of patients malnourished and at risk of malnutrition was 41% at admission, which had grown to 79% in 10 days. Significant association was found between various clinical variables and nutritional status.Conclusions.  A large group of neurological patients is malnourished and at risk of malnutrition during hospital admission, and the nutritional status of most patients worsens in 10 days. Various clinical variables may be of importance in detecting malnourished patients.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses need to observe the symptoms of malnutrition and provide evidence‐based nutritional interventions to these patients. Improved education of nurses and good collaboration between the professionals and the facilitation of hospital management is essential to improve nutritional care of neurological patients.
Social capital, empowerment and educational change: a scenario of permeation of one‐to‐one technology in school
Authors: Li S.C. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe standard model of technology diffusion argues that changing teachers' perceptions and epistemological beliefs about the value of an innovation is conducive to successful implementation. It is believed that teachers' receptiveness to technology and a re‐conceptualization of its role in teaching and learning can drive the development of new pedagogies and curricula and eventually, bring about a new learning experience. In this paper, we argued that changing teachers' conceptions does not necessarily effect change in their practices and student learning. The results of our case study indicated that the impetus for change comes from the social capital and informal social forces in the school, and that parental support, permeation of technology in student learning and teacher empowerment are pivotal to the success of the implementation.
Maternal HIV seroconversion at delivery without transmission
Authors: Goldwater Paul N , Bhatia Vineesh , Cooper Celia 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA case of HIV seroconversion associated with high viral load occurring at or near delivery is described. The management of the case in terms of prevention of mother‐to‐child‐transmission is described and discussed in terms of the published literature and guidelines. From this instructive case a constructive strategy for delivery and immediate post‐natal care is derived.
A STOCHASTIC ORDERING FOR RANDOM VARIABLES WITH APPLICATIONS
Authors: López‐Díaz Miguel 
Published: February 2010

SummaryA new univariate stochastic ordering is introduced. Some characterization results for such an ordering are stated. It is proved that the ordering is an integral stochastic ordering, obtaining a maximal generator. By means of this generator, the main properties of the ordering are deduced. A method for introducing univariate stochastic orderings, suggested by the new ordering, is analysed. Relationships with other stochastic orderings are also developed. To conclude, an example of an application of the new ordering to the field of medicine is proposed.
ESTIMATION OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN A DEMONSTRATION
Authors: Yip Paul S. F. , Watson Ray , Chan K. S. , Lau Eric H. Y. , Chen Feng , Xu Ying , Xi Liqun , Cheung Derek Y. T. , Ip Brian Y. T. , Liu Danping 
Published: February 2010

SummaryIt is of interest to estimate the size of a crowd in a demonstration. We propose a practical method to obtain an estimate of the size of the crowd and its standard error. This method has been implemented in practice and, compared with other counting methods, is found to be more efficient, more timely and have less scope for bias. The method described in this paper was motivated by the annual 1 July demonstrations in Hong Kong, and data from the 2006 demonstration are used as an example of the proposed method.
Total nail ablation for onychodystrophy with optimized gauze–phenol application
Authors: Becerro de Bengoa Vallejo R , Losa Iglesias ME , Alou Cervera L , Sevillano Fernández D , Prieto Prieto J 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground  Nail disorders are frequent among the geriatric population and unfortunately, repeat avulsion procedures often result in complications.Objective  To utilize a phenol‐based total matricectomy technique for permanent nail ablation and evaluate its effectiveness.Methods  We performed total nail ablation on 34 toenails of the hallux (30 patients) with a gauze–phenol application technique and evaluated the degree of pain reported by the patient 12 months postoperatively compared with the preoperative stage. Furthermore, we evaluated the patients’ satisfaction with the final cosmetic appearance as well as their satisfaction with the overall procedure.Results  All patients reported ‘too much’ or ‘severe’ pain prior to surgery and 94.11% reported ‘no pain’ 12 months post‐surgery. A vast majority of the patients (82.35%) felt pleased with the cosmetic results and all patients reported that they were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘strongly satisfied’ with the procedure when interviewed at their 12 month follow‐up examination.Limitations  There were a limited number of participants in this study across an extensive timeframe.Conclusion  Phenol‐based total nail ablation with specific gauze application is safe, inexpensive and has a high rate of patient satisfaction.
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis‐like lesions in patients with mycosis fungoides: a new adverse effect of phototherapy
Authors: Friedland R , David M , Feinmesser M , Fenig‐Nakar S , Hodak E 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is a common pigmentary disorder, the aetiology and pathogenesis of which are largely unknown. The appearance of IGH‐like lesions during phototherapy has been reported previously in only one patient.Objective To describe the clinical and histological features of phototherapy‐induced IGH‐like lesions, their relation to ultraviolet dosimetry and the course of this eruption in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF).Methods The files of all patients with MF who underwent phototherapy in our centre from 1992 to 2008 were searched to identify those in whom IGH‐like lesions appeared during treatment.Results Among 87 patients with early‐stage MF who underwent phototherapy, seven acquired IGH‐like lesions during monotherapy with narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB; four patients) or psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA; three patients). All but one had a light complexion. The lesions appeared in areas exposed to ultraviolet light, and not exclusively on the skin previously involved by the disease. The mean number of exposures until appearance of the lesions was 92 for NB‐UVB and 137 for PUVA. Biopsy study showed a decreased number of melanocytes. Phototherapy was discontinued in four patients, of whom three showed a partial or complete disappearance of the IGH‐lesions. The other three patients are still receiving phototherapy, with no change in their IGH‐like lesions.Conclusions Phototherapy may induce an eruption bearing similar clinical and histopathological features to IGH. The eruption is rare, appears to emerge only after prolonged therapy and seems to be reversible upon discontinuation of phototherapy. IGH‐like eruption should be added to the list of side‐effects of phototherapy.
How age influences unravelling morphology of annular lamellae – a study of interfibre cohesivity in the lumbar disc
Authors: Schollum Meredith L. , Robertson Peter A. , Broom Neil D. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAlthough age‐ and degeneration‐related changes in the morphology and biochemistry of the annulus fibrosus have been extensively reported, studies of tensile strength changes show only a weak correlation with maturity. Given that the disc is a tissue system in which significant levels of deformation occur with normal physiological loading, there may be structure‐related properties that provide a better indicator of the influence of ageing on its function. This study is a morphological investigation of lamellar interfibre cohesivity with respect to maturity. Anterior segments of ovine lumbar discs in two age groups were cut at one of two section angles to generate intralamellar and interlamellar slices. These slices of hydrated annular tissue were subjected separately to microtensile and swelling forces, and examined using differential interference contrast microscopy. There were distinct differences in microstructural responses to transverse extension between the immature and mature intralamellar slices. The immature tissue exhibited a diffuse expansion of the array to form a fine fibrous net. In contrast, the mature tissue displayed a discontinuous expansion with the development of clefts and localized fibre buckling. A difference was also observed in the free‐swelling response; the immature slices remained planar, whereas the cropped lamellar fibres in the mature slices exhibited a folded, buckled morphology. Morphological evidence from these experiments infers differences in fibre cohesivity between the immature and mature tissues, consistent with biochemical and histological studies. More extreme levels of deformation in the mature tissue could result in discontinuous opening of the fibrous arrays, which might have the potential to lead to cleft formation. These clefts may, in turn, provide micropaths through which nuclear material could extrude. Importantly, with many animal studies carried out on immature discs, the results here suggest that some caution is required with respect to extrapolating annular behaviour beyond this age group.
Nuclear factor‐κB activation regulates cyclooxygenase‐2 induction in human astrocytes in response to CXCL12: role in neuronal toxicity
Authors: Álvarez Susana , Blanco Almudena , Fresno Manuel , Muñoz‐Fernández MªÁngeles 
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 772–783.AbstractNeurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders are commonly associated with local chemokine release. In other way, emerging data indicate that the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), one of the major prostaglandins produced in the brain, play a central role in several pathological diseases. In this study, we investigated the relationship between CXCL12, cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 and PGE2 in human brain cells. CXCL12 induced COX‐2 and secretion of PGE2 in a dose‐dependent manner in human astrocytes. This induction was abolished by treatment with pertussis toxin and AMD3100, confirming the role of CXCR4 signaling. The nuclear factor‐κB involvement was confirmed by using pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, and with transient transfection assays. Over‐expression of inhibitory proteins of nuclear factor‐κB abrogated COX‐2 induction, and CXCL12 induced p65/relA translocation. Culture supernatants from CXCL12‐treated astrocytes reduced viability of neuroblastoma cells, and COX inhibitors abrogated this toxicity. Therefore, the relationship between chemokines and PGs could differentially influence the pathogenic network responsible for neurodegeneration.
Evidence for two conductive pathways in P2X7 receptor: differences in modulation and selectivity
Authors: Alloisio Susanna , Di Garbo Angelo , Barbieri Raffaella , Bozzo Luigi , Ferroni Stefano , Nobile Mario 
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 796–806.AbstractThe P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is an ATP‐gated cation channel whose biophysical properties remain to be unravelled unequivocally. Its activity is modulated by divalent cations and organic messengers such as arachidonic acid (AA). In this study, we analysed the differential modulation of magnesium (Mg2+) and AA on P2X7R by measuring whole‐cell currents and intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and Na+ ([Na+]i) dynamics in HEK293 cells stably expressing full‐length P2X7R and in cells endowed with the P2X7R variant lacking the entire C‐terminus tail (trP2X7R), which is thought to control the pore activation. AA induced a robust potentiation of the P2X7R‐ and trP2X7R‐mediated [Ca2+]i rise but did not affect the ionic currents in both conditions. Extracellular Mg2+ reduced the P2X7R‐ and trP2X7R‐mediated [Ca2+]i rise in a dose‐dependent manner through a competitive mechanism. The modulation of the magnitude of the P2X7R‐mediated ionic current and [Na+]i rise were strongly dependent on Mg2+ concentration but occurred in a non‐competitive manner. In contrast, in cells expressing the trP2X7R, the small ionic currents and [Na+]i signals were totally insensitive to Mg2+. Collectively, these results support the tenet of a functional structure of P2X7R possessing at least two distinct conductive pathways one for Ca2+ and another for monovalent ions, with the latter which depends on the presence of the receptor C‐terminus.