bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale be used in patients with schizophrenia?
Authors: Allan Richard , Martin Colin R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRationale, aims, objectives  The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was developed explicitly for use in non‐psychotic populations, yet is routinely used for screening patients with psychotic illness. The utility of the HADS as a screening instrument for use in patients with schizophrenia was investigated.Method  Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted on the HADS to determine its psychometric properties in 100 patients with a primary ICD‐10 diagnosis of schizophrenia.Results  Three distinct factors were identified within the HADS. Support was found for the clinical use of the HADS anxiety subscale to assess anxiety in patients with schizophrenia; however, evidence was also found that the HADS depression subscale may not be a unidimensional measure of depression in this clinical group.Conclusions  Caution should be used when using the HADS depression subscale in this clinical group. The direction of future research in this area is indicated, in particular comparison of HADS anxiety and depression measures to determine further the validity or otherwise of these subscale domains.
Extreme regression models for characterizing high‐cost patients
Authors: Gregori Dario , Petrinco Michele , Barbati Giulia , Bo Simona , Desideri Alessandro , Zanetti Roberto , Merletti Franco , Pagano Eva 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective  Healthcare cost distribution generally presents a high level of skewness, with a relatively small number of subjects accounting for a large portion of healthcare expenditures. Information on factors that predict high expenditures is of interest in healthcare planning. The aim of this paper was to inspect the behaviour of extreme regression (ER) models.Methods  We performed a simple simulation study, based on the LogNormal distribution, to assess the performance of ER in the special cases of heterogeneity and strong asymmetry of the cost variable. We then discussed the application of ER models to the analysis of three data sets of diabetes, lung cancer and myocardial infarction patients.Results  The ER showed to be able to cope fairly well with skewed distribution but under the condition that all observations have strictly positive costs.Conclusion  The main advantage of the ER model is to unify these approaches in a unique framework, where the estimation of the cut‐offs and the production of the prediction rules are performed simultaneously for a continuous response variable. The final model can thus be analysed at any desiderate quantile of the cost distribution, avoiding the need of pre‐specifying any cut‐off.
Limited value of physical examinations in upper respiratory illness: account of personal experience and survey of doctors’ views
Authors: Kiderman A. , Dratva D. , Ever‐Hadani P. , Cohen R. , Brezis M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMedical tradition considers a physical examination (PE) an essential part of the clinical encounter. In real medical practice, however, a full PE may not be necessary when the diagnosis is clear after anamnesis and general impression. We assessed the value of PEs in 500 diagnoses of upper respiratory infection (URI) and the attitudes of 123 doctors regarding the utility of PEs in virtual cases.Methods  Computerized files of consecutive cases with a diagnosis of URI over 8 months in two practices were reviewed and correlation studies between the extent of PE and clinical outcomes were performed. In addition, doctors’ attitudes and declarations about PEs were compared.Results  Five hundred paediatric and adult patients were included. Less than one‐fifth underwent a full PE. More patients who underwent a full PE returned because they still felt unwell or their parents felt they were unwell. Fewer doctors declared actually having performed PEs than supported giving one in two virtual cases of URI. Specialized doctors were less inclined to perform PEs than doctors without a specialization.Conclusions  Our study suggests that in many cases presenting as URI, doctors may conduct limited PEs or even omit them entirely.
Herbicidal effect of a combination of oxygenic terpenoids on Echinochloa crus‐galli
Authors: HE H B , WANG H B , FANG C X , LIN Y Y , ZENG C M , WU L Z , GUO W C , LIN W X 
Published: February 2009

He HB, Wang HB, Fang CX, Lin YY, Zeng CM, Wu LZ, Guo WC & Lin WX (2009). Herbicidal effect of a combination of oxygenic terpenoids on Echinochloa crus‐galli. Weed Research49, 183–192.SummaryOne objective of allelopathy research is to identify new allelochemicals that can serve as potential reduced‐risk herbicides, thereby reducing the use of synthetic herbicides for weed control. Five oxygenic terpenoids, namely (−)‐carveol, (+)‐carvone, (−)‐menthone, (−)‐carvyl acetate and (+)‐cedrol, were previously identified compounds or their analogues. The optimum combination of the five terpenoids was determined by orthogonal rotatable central composite design for five variables and five concentration levels in the glasshouse. In hydroponic experiments, the optimum combination significantly inhibited root length, plant height and plant dry weight of Echinochloa crus‐galli, causing a considerable decline in the superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities in the root and leaves of E. crus‐galli. In paddy soil experiments, the mixture was highly effective in suppressing E. crus‐galli development in monoculture and grown with rice. However, the mixture was not harmful to the two rice accessions. Oxygenic terpenoids that show high inhibitory effects at low concentrations may be promising herbicidal candidates.
High levels of grass pollen inside European dairy farms: a role for the allergy‐protective effects of environment?
Authors: Sudre B. , Vacheyrou M. , Braun‐Fahrländer C. , Normand A.‐C. , Waser M. , Reboux G. , Ruffaldi P. , Von Mutius E. , Piarroux R. ,   the PASTURE study group
Published: February 2009

Background:  There is evidence of an allergy protective effect in children raised on farm. It has been assumed that microbial exposure may confer this protection. However in farm, little attention has been given to the pollen level and to concomitant microbiological exposure, and indoor pollen concentrations have never been precisely quantified.Methods:  The kinetics of pollen in dairy farms have been studied in a pilot study (n = 9), and exposure in a sub‐sample of the ongoing European birth cohort PASTURE (n = 106). Measurements of viable microorganisms and pollen were performed in air samples. To identify factors that modulate the pollen concentration multivariate regression analyses were run.Results:  Indoor pollen (95% of Poaceae fragments and grains) were significantly higher in winter than in summer (P = 0.001) and ranged between 858 to 11 265 counts/m3 during feeding in winter, thus exceeding typical outdoor levels during the pollen season. Geometric mean in French farms was significantly higher than in German and Swiss farms (7 534, 992 and 1 079 count/m3, respectively). The presence of a ventilation system and loose housing systems significantly reduced indoor pollen levels. This pollen concentration rise after feeding was accompanied by an increase in fungal and actinomycetal levels, whereas the concentration of bacteria was not associated with feeding.Conclusions:  Farmers and their children who attend cowsheds during the feeding sessions are exposed perennially to high pollen concentrations. It might be speculated that the combined permanent exposure to microbes from livestock and grass pollen may initiate tolerance in children living on a farm.
Recombinant factor VIIa and fibrinogen display additive effect during in vitro haemodilution with crystalloids
Authors: FENGER‐ERIKSEN C. , TØNNESEN E. , INGERSLEV J. , SØRENSEN B. 
Published: February 2009

Background: Major blood loss requires fluid resuscitation for maintaining hemodynamic stability. Excessive volume infusions predispose to dilutional coagulopathy through loss, consumption and dilution of cells and proteins involved in haemostasis. Further treatment with fibrinogen concentrate and/or recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) may be initiated, although the haemostatic effects in a situation with haemodilution are not fully detailed. The present study evaluates haemostatic effect of fibrinogen and rFVIIa and their combination in an in vitro model of haemodiluted whole blood with two commonly used crystalloids.Methods: Eight healthy, male volunteers were enrolled. Outcome variables were clot initiation, propagation and strength assessed by thrombelastographic parameters: clotting time, clot formation time, maximum velocity, time until maximum velocity, maximum clot firmness evaluated at dilution levels of 0% (control), 10%, 30% and 50% with isotonic saline and Ringer's lactate in a model of tissue factor‐activated whole blood. Fibrinogen and rFVIIa were additional final reaction concentrations, reflecting commonly used clinically therapeutic dosages.Results: Dose‐dependent coagulopathy developed following haemodilution with isotonic saline and Ringer's lactate, characterised by a prolonged clot initiation, reduced clot propagation and reduced clot strength. Fibrinogen improved clot strength and propagation phase while rFVIIa shortened clot initiation, both with a positive dose dependency.Conclusions: The combination of fibrinogen and rFVIIa displays an additive effect and improves overall in vitro whole blood clot formation in a model of in vitro crystalloid‐induced haemodilution.
Comparison of closed loop vs. manual administration of propofol using the Bispectral index in cardiac surgery
Authors: AGARWAL J. , PURI G. D. , MATHEW P. J 
Published: February 2009

Background: In recent years, electroencephalographic indices of anaesthetic depth have facilitated automated anaesthesia delivery systems. Such closed‐loop control of anaesthesia has been described in various surgical settings in ASA I–II patients (1–4), but not in open heart surgery characterized by haemodynamic instability and higher risk of intra‐operative awareness. Therefore, a newly developed closed‐loop anaesthesia delivery system (CLADS) to regulate propofol infusion by the Bispectral index (BIS) was compared with manual control during open heart surgery.Methods: Forty‐four adult ASA II–III patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled. The study participants were randomized to two groups: the CLADS group received propofol delivered by the CLADS, while in the manual group, propofol delivery was adjusted manually. The depth of anaesthesia was titrated to a target BIS of 50 in both the groups.Results: During induction, the CLADS group required lower doses of propofol (P<0.001), resulting in lesser overshoots of BIS (P<0.001) and mean arterial blood pressure (P=0.004). Subsequently, BIS was maintained within ± 10 of the target for a significantly longer time in the CLADS group (P=0.01). The parameters of performance assessment, median absolute performance error (P=0.01), wobble (P=0.04) and divergence (P<0.001), were all significantly better in the CLADS group. Haemodynamic stability was better in the CLADS group and the requirement of phenylephrine in the pre‐cardiopulmonary bypass period as well as the cumulative dose of phenylephrine used were significantly higher in the manual group.Conclusion: The automated delivery of propofol using CLADS was safe, efficient and performed better than manual administration in open heart surgery.
Characterization of the crustose red alga Peyssonnelia japonica (Rhodophyta, Gigartinales) and its taxonomic relationship with Peyssonnelia boudouresquei based on morphological and molecular data
Authors: Kato Aki , Guimarães Silvia M. P. B. , Kawai Hiroshi , Masuda Michio 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARYThe vegetative and reproductive morphology of the crustose red alga Peyssonnelia japonica (Segawa) Yoneshigue was re‐examined based on the holotype specimen and recent collections from various localities in Japan, including the type locality, and Hawaii. This species is characterized by the following features: thallus with appressed margins, perithallial filaments arising from the entire upper surface of each hypothallial cell (the Peyssonnelia rubra‐type), easily separable perithallial filaments in a gelatinous matrix, hypothallial filaments arranged in parallel rows, unicellular rhizoids, hypobasal calcification, gonimoblasts derived mainly from connecting filaments, and spermatangia produced in a series of whorls comprised of one to four paired spermatangia surrounding each central cell (the Peyssonnelia dubyi‐type). In addition to these features, the dimensions of the vegetative and reproductive structures of Peyssonnelia boudouresquei Yoneshigue described from Brazil were consistent with those of P. japonica. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using partial 26S rDNA, rbcL, and cox2‐3 spacer DNA sequences also supported the monophyly of P. japonica (from 16 localities in Japan and one locality in Hawaii) and P. boudouresquei (from two localities in Brazil). Therefore, P. boudouresquei may be a taxonomic synonym of P. japonica. However, considering the relatively high sequence divergences between the two taxa (2.1–2.5% in partial 26S rDNA, 5.9–6.7% in rbcL, and 5.8–6.7% in cox2‐3 spacer), and the relatively limited geographic sampling ranges, we reserve the taxonomic conclusion until further morphological and genetic data of the specimens from other geographic areas connecting Japan and Brazil become available.
Computerized tomographic finding of saddle pulmonary embolism is associated with high mortality in cancer patients
Authors: Yusuf S. W. , Gladish G. , Lenihan D. J. , Lei X. , Durand J.‐B. , Swafford J. , Daher I. N. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground: Large pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with high mortality in cancer patients. Several risk stratification methods have been used in PE setting. While computer‐assisted tomography (CT) is now the preferred diagnostic modality for PE, its prognostic value is not well established.Methods: A retrospective study of patients discharged from our centre between 2000 and 2006 with a PE diagnosis identified 52 patients with thrombus in the main pulmonary artery or the right or left branch. Clinical, echocardiographic and CT data were reviewed; vital status was determined 1 month and 1 year after index event. Patients were divided into saddle (defined as main pulmonary artery thrombus) and non‐saddle PE. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to predict vital status, with patient age and CT parameters as predictors.Results: Eighteen out of 52 patients were found to have a saddle PE. No significant difference was found between the group characteristics, although saddle PE patients were more likely to receive thrombolytic therapy (27.8% vs 2.9%, P = 0.02) and have an echocardiogram within 30 days of PE (61.1% vs 29.4%, P = 0.03). Overall mortality at 1 month was 9.6% with no difference between groups. At 1 year, mortality rates in saddle PE were significantly higher (83.3% vs 41.2%, P = 0.004). Presence of saddle PE was associated with an odds ratio of death within 1 year of 7.41 (95% confidence interval: 1.75–31.46, P = 0.007).Conclusion: The relatively simple distinction of saddle versus non‐saddle PE by CT findings may provide a straightforward method for risk stratification, and remains useful up to 1 year after the index event.
Evaluation of fatigue life of aluminium alloy wheels under bending loads
Authors: RAJU P. RAMAMURTY , SATYANARAYANA B. , RAMJI K. , BABU K. SURESH 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the details of S–N curve for aluminium alloy (Al) A356.2‐T6 and fatigue life of alloy wheels under bending load of cornering fatigue test (CFT). Development of S–N curve has been carried out by conducting rotary bending fatigue test at different stress levels as per Standards IS 5075. The rotary bending fatigue test has been performed under constant amplitude fatigue loading. The CFT of the wheel in normal driving mode has been carried out as per the procedure given in Japanese Industrial Standard Disc Wheels (JIS D_4103). It has been observed from the test that the cracks are initiated at the spoke and hub joining area closer to spanner hole on the front face of the wheel. Fatigue life of the alloy wheel has been predicted by finite element analysis (FEA), simulating the realistic test conditions. From finite element analysis, it has been observed that the maximum stress occurs at the mounting face of the wheel. Further, it has been observed that there is significant difference between the computed fatigue life and experimental value. Parametric study has been carried out for reliable fatigue life estimation and proposed an appropriate safety factor for fatigue life estimation under rotary bending test.
Impact and tensile properties of ferrite–martensite dual‐phase steels
Authors: ISFAHANI T. DALALLI , SHAFYEI A. , SHARIFI H. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTThe effect of martensite morphology on the impact and tensile properties of dual phase steels with a 0.25 volume fraction of martensite (Vm) under different heat treatments was investigated. These treatments are direct quenching (DQ) and step quenching (SQ) that result in different microstructures and mechanical properties. To process dual phase steels, a low carbon manganese steel was used. At first the banding present in the initial steel was eliminated, then the two different heat treatments were applied. To reach a 0.25 volume fraction of martensite a variation of intercritical annealing temperatures was adopted for both treatments that allowed the evolution of different volume fraction of martensite. Phase analysis showed that an intercritical temperature of 725 °C (between A3, A1) gives the desired 0.25 Vm of martensite. A comparison of impact, tensile and ductile–brittle transition temperature (DBTT) indicates that the microstructure of the direct treatment has a better toughness. The DBTT for the DQ and SQ treatment is −49 and −6 °C, respectively.
Investigation of fracture characterizations of functionally graded materials
Authors: YAO X. F. , LIU D. L. , XU H. M. , YEH H. Y. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTIn this paper, the mode I crack problem of functionally gradient materials (FGMs) with the gradient direction parallel to the crack is discussed, and the differences of stress distribution between the gradient materials and the homogeneous materials are analyzed. It is shown that a mode I crack problem of FGMs with the gradient direction parallel to the crack direction can become a mixed‐mode crack problem. In FGMs, the crack initiation angles are determined by the fracture toughness gradient, elastic modulus and crack mode. If the gradient coefficients are small, the crack initiation angles in FGMs are the same as those in homogeneous materials. If the elastic modulus gradient is large, the principal stress terms without the gradient coefficients can be ignored in obtaining the crack initiation angle. In this study, all the above results are generalized to the mixed‐mode crack problems with arbitrary angle between the gradient direction and the crack direction.
Factors associated with quality of life of Brazilian older adults
Authors: Paskulin L. , Vianna L. , Molzahn A.E. 
Published: February 2009

Objective:  The objective of the study was to explore factors associated with quality of life (QoL) of Brazilian community‐dwelling older adults.Methods:  This was a descriptive exploratory cross‐sectional study. Data were collected through a household survey. A random sample of 288 older adults from Porto Alegre, Brazil participated in the study. A demographic and health data sheet, the OARS activities of daily living (ADL) scale and the WHOQOL‐BREF were administered.Results and Discussion:  The mean age of participants was 71.2 years (SD = 7.5) and 67.4% were female. Using multiple linear regression analysis, with overall QoL as the dependent variable, perceived health status, education level, engagement in physical activity, medical conditions, age group and use of primary health care were significant associated factors. With physical QoL as the dependent variable, significant factors included: perceived health status, medical conditions, education, physical activities and dependence in ADL; with social QoL as the dependent variable, only age group and paid work were significant. In relation to environmental QoL, education and perceived health were significant factors.Conclusions:  The results illustrate the complexity of factors influencing QoL. With a better understanding of these factors, it is possible to plan appropriate health interventions.
International perspectives on workplace bullying among nurses: a review
Authors: Johnson S.L. 
Published: February 2009

Purpose:  This article examines the nursing literature on workplace bullying with the aim of reaching a better understanding of the phenomenon.Background:  Workplace bullying occurs in many occupations and workplaces, including nursing.Methods:  The following databases were used for the literature review: CINAHL, PubMed, Pro Quest and EBSCO host. Only articles in English were used. Articles from outside the nursing literature were also examined to gain a broader understanding of workplace bullying.Findings:  Workplace bullying is more than a simple conflict between two individuals. It is a complex phenomenon that can only be understood through an examination of social, individual and organizational factors. Workplace bullying has been shown to impact the physical and psychological health of victims, as well as their performance at work. Workplace bullying impacts the organization through decreased productivity, increased sick time and employee attrition.Conclusions:  More nurse‐specific research is needed in this area. Research needs to be conducted in a systematic and uniform manner so that generalizations across studies can be made. The ultimate goal of this research should be to generate an understanding of this phenomenon so that solutions can be found.
The effects of a nursing smoking cessation intervention on military students in Turkey
Authors: Ergul S. , Temel A.B. 
Published: February 2009

Aim:  This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a nursing smoking cessation intervention based on the Transtheoretical Model of change on a sample of military students.Methods:  The quasi‐experimental and longitudinal designs were used with a sample of 36 smokers from a Turkish air force school of higher education system. Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews conducted in 1 December 2004–30 June 2005 at pre‐intervention and at each follow‐up.Results:  At the end of the programme, the mean scores related to the perceived ‘cons’ of smoking increased significantly (P < 0.05). The students' self‐efficacy mean scores increased significantly (P < 0.01). The students' stages of change before and after the programme were significant (P < 0.01). The mean number of cigarettes smoked per day before the programme was 14.8 (SD = 5.9) and after the programme was 9.6 (SD = 6.4) at the 6‐month follow‐up (P < 0.05). The quit rate was 8.3% at the 6‐month follow‐up.Conclusions:  The interventions by the nurses in the smoking cessation programme were effective, resulting in a positive change in attitude and behaviour that would support the students' smoking cessation and the process of cessation.