bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity and plasma selenium concentration are reduced in maple syrup urine disease patients during treatment
Authors: Barschak Alethéa G. , Sitta Angela , Deon Marion , Barden Amanda T. , Schmitt Graziela O. , Dutra‐Filho Carlos S. , Wajner Moacir , Vargas Carmen R. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractMaple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an inherited disorder caused by a deficiency of the branched‐chain α‐keto acid dehydrogenase complex activity. In the present study we evaluated selenium levels in plasma from MSUD patients at diagnosis and under treatment and the activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes from treated patients. We verified that MSUD patients present a significant selenium deficiency at diagnosis, which becomes more pronounced during treatment, as well as a decrease of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity during treatment. In contrast, erythrocyte catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were not altered in these patients. Our present results suggest that the reduction of an important antioxidant enzyme activity may be partially involved in the pathomechanisms of this disorder and that plasma selenium levels must be corrected through dietary supplementation in MSUD patients.
Stoma coloproctology nurse specialist: a case study
Authors: Chaney Ursula , Hasson Felicity , Keeney Sinead , Sinclair Marlene , Poulton Brenda , McKenna Hugh P 
Published: May 2007

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this paper is to provide insight into the role of a Stoma Coloproctology Nurse Specialist. This paper presents the findings of an in‐depth case study of a stoma coloproctology nurse specialist employed in one health board area in Northern Ireland. This case study was part of a larger study exploring innovative nursing and midwifery roles in Northern Ireland.Background.  Specialist nursing roles have evolved and developed in response to changing health care needs, patient expectations, changes in professional regulation and government initiatives.Design.  A case study approach was adopted.Method.  Semi‐structured interviews with the post holder (PH), her line manager and the human resource manager were undertaken. Non‐participant observation of the PH's practice was also carried out. Analysis was undertaken on secondary data such as job specification, annual reports and other documentation relating to the post.Results.  Findings illustrate the PH's function and the impact of the role on patient care. Examples of innovative practices relating to providing care, support and guidance for patients and their families were identified; however, limitations to her role were also identified.Conclusions.  The PH provides an invaluable service to patients, demonstrating a positive impact on care. However, the findings suggest the importance of establishing clear role boundaries, which may lead to professional growth and practice development.Relevance to clinical practice.  Although this study provides a valuable insight into the role of a Stoma Coloproctology Nurse Specialist a number of challenges exist, as the CNS role requires policy and appropriate educational preparation to practice at an advanced level. Further research investigating the development of the CNS role in the clinical setting and its relationship to members of the multi‐professional team would be beneficial.
Effectiveness of hand‐washing teaching programs for families of children in paediatric intensive care units
Authors: Chen Yong‐Chuan , Chiang Li‐Chi 
Published: May 2007

Aims.  The authors developed a video‐centred teaching program based on social learning principles to demonstrate hand‐washing technique. A comparison was made between families who viewed the video and families who were taught the same techniques with the aid of an illustrated poster in terms of compliance and improvement in hand‐washing skills.Background.  Nosocomial infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in paediatric intensive care unit patients. Hand hygiene is considered the most important preventive action against hospital‐acquired infections. A number of studies have shown that increased compliance with hand‐washing guidelines for health‐care workers leads to decreases in nosocomial infection rates. Furthermore, recommendations have been made to ensure that parents who visit their children in intensive care units wash their hands first.Study design.  Quasi‐experimental time series. Compliance and accuracy measurements were collected during one to five visits following the initial teaching intervention.Methods.  A total of 123 families, who visited paediatric intensive care units, were recruited and assigned to two groups – one experimental (61 families) and the other a comparison group (62). Participants in the comparison group were taught hand‐washing skills using simple illustrations. A 20‐item hand‐washing checklist was used to examine hand‐washing compliance and accuracy.Results.  No significant differences were noted in terms of demographics between the two groups. Results from a general estimated equation analysis showed that families in the experimental group had higher compliance and accuracy scores at statistically significant levels.Conclusion.  The video‐based teaching program was effective in increasing compliance and accuracy with a hand‐washing policy among families with children in intensive care units.Relevance to clinical practice.  The education program is a simple, low‐cost, low technology intervention for substantially reducing the incidence of nosocomial infection.
Determining if disease management saves money: an introduction to meta‐analysis
Authors: Linden Ariel , Adams John L. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractDisease management (DM) programmes have long been promoted as a major medical cost‐saving mechanism, even though the scant research that exists on the topic has provided conflicting results. In a 2004 literature review, the Congressional Budget Office stated that ‘there is insufficient evidence to conclude that disease management programs can generally reduce the overall cost of health care services’. To address this question more accurately, a meta‐analysis was warranted. Meta‐analysis is the quantitative technique used to pool the results of many studies on the same topic and summarize them statistically. This method is also quite suitable for individual DM firms to assess whether their programmes are effective at the aggregate level. This paper describes the elements of a rigorous meta‐analytic process and discusses potential biases. A hypothetical DM organization is then evaluated with a specific emphasis on medical cost‐savings, simulating a case in which different populations are served, evaluation methodologies are employed, and diseases are managed.
Practice patterns of physiotherapists in the treatment of work‐related back pain
Authors: Poitras Stéphane , Blais Régis , Swaine Bonnie , Rossignol Michel 
Published: May 2007

AbstractRationale and objectives  Although physiotherapists (PTs) are one of the health professionals most involved in the treatment of back pain, their practice patterns have not been well studied. The study objectives were to identify the practice patterns of PTs treating workers suffering from acute/subacute back pain, with and without radiating pain below the knee, and to assess the relationship between these patterns and characteristics of PTs.Methods  PTs working in private clinics in the province of Quebec, Canada were invited to participate. Each PT used a self‐administered questionnaire to record, for each treatment session, treatment objectives, interventions used and education given to two workers with back pain, one without radiating pain (n = 189 PTs) and one with radiating pain (n = 136 PTs). Multiple correspondence analysis with hierarchical classification was used to identify practice patterns of PTs. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between practice patterns and PTs characteristics.Results  For workers without radiating pain, 51.9% of PTs focused their treatment on soft tissue mobilizations/massage and heat, 24.3% focused on the McKenzie approach and related interventions, and 23.8% focused on exercises and function. Similar results were found for workers with radiating pain. Most of the PT characteristics were not related to practice patterns.Conclusions  The practices of PTs appeared to be separated into three distinct patterns. These practice variations suggest that there may be disagreement or uncertainty among PTs in the management of work‐related back pain. The lack of evidence for the majority of interventions used by PTs and the difficulties of integrating evidence into clinical practice may be possible explanations.
Cost‐effectiveness of an electronic medication ordering and administration system in reducing adverse drug events
Authors: Wu Robert C. , Laporte Audrey , Ungar Wendy J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectives  Adverse drug events (ADEs) are common and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Patient safety groups advocate the implementation of electronic medication order entry systems to reduce ADEs. However, these systems are costly, and there are limited data on their effectiveness. We conducted a study to examine the costs of introducing an electronic medication ordering and administration system and its potential impact on reducing ADEs.Methods  An incremental cost‐effectiveness analysis was performed comparing an electronic medication ordering and administration system to the standard system used at a large health care institution over a 10‐year time horizon. Estimates of effect were obtained from the literature. Cost data were obtained from a health care institution in Toronto, Canada.Results  The incremental cost‐effectiveness of the new system was $12 700 (USD) per ADE prevented. The cost‐effectiveness was found to be sensitive to the ADE rate, to the effectiveness of the new system, the cost of the system, and costs due to possible increase in doctor workload.Conclusions  An electronic medication order entry and administration system could improve care by reducing adverse events. Unfortunately there are limited data on effectiveness of these systems at reducing ADEs. Further research is required to determine more precisely the potential economic benefit of this technology.
White on whiteness: becoming radicalized about race
Authors: Gustafson Diana L. 
Published: May 2007

Race difference and whiteness — key elements in the construction of my cultural identity — became a focus of my reflective practice that began over 5 years ago. This article reflects critically on the production of white identity from my social location as a white nurse. My attention focused on two aspects of whiteness: the social location from which I live and learn, and the hegemonic but unmarked discourse that informs the knowledge I read and create as a researcher. My white identity is characterized by four features: the absent presence of whiteness; the need for an oppositional identity; the entitlement of choice and subjectivity; and the denial of a dominant position and relation to the racialized Other. Exploring these features is critically important at this juncture in global and professional history because of the persistence of neoliberalism and the popularity of culturalist approaches to diversity. Examining the process of my radicalization about race simultaneously calls attention to the historiography of ideas about whiteness and race difference and the institutionalization of beliefs and practices about race difference that continuously reproduce racialized identities and inform collective nursing practice and research.
Duloxetine compared with placebo for treating women with symptoms of overactive bladder
Authors: Steers William D. , Herschorn Sender , Kreder Karl J. , Moore Kate , Strohbehn Kris , Yalcin Ilker , Bump Richard C. ,   Duloxetine OAB Study Group
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate duloxetine (a serotonin‐noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor) in women with symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), as it has been shown to increase the bladder capacity in an animal model.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 306 women (aged 21–84 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to placebo (153) or duloxetine (80‐mg/day for 4 weeks increased to 120‐mg/day for 8 weeks; 153). Symptoms of OAB were defined as bothersome urinary urgency and/or urge urinary incontinence (UI) for ≥3 months. Participants were also required to have a mean daytime voiding interval (VI) of ≤2 h and urodynamic observations of either detrusor overactivity (DOA) or urgency which limited bladder capacity to <400 mL, both with no stress UI (SUI). The primary efficacy analysis compared the treatment effects on mean change from baseline to endpoint in the mean number of voiding episodes (VE)/24 h. The secondary efficacy analyses compared the treatment effects on the number of UI episodes (IE)/24 h, in the Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaire (I‐QOL) score, and on the mean daytime VI. Safety was assessed with vital signs, adverse event reporting, routine laboratory testing, electrocardiogram, and the measurement of postvoid residual urine volumes (PVR).RESULTSPatients randomized to duloxetine had significant improvements over those randomized to placebo for decreases in VE and IE, for increases in the daytime VI, and for improvements in I‐QOL scores at both doses of duloxetine. Urodynamic studies showed no significant increases in maximum cystometric capacity or in the volume threshold for DOA. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events with duloxetine (nausea, 31%; dry mouth, 16%; dizziness, 14%; constipation, 14%; insomnia, 13%; and fatigue, 11%) were the same as those reported by women with SUI and were significantly more common with duloxetine than placebo. Laboratory assessments, vital signs and electrocardiograms were stable relative to baseline, with no relevant differences detected between groups. There was a significant difference in the change in PVR with duloxetine (<5 mL mean increase) but no patient reported hesitancy or retention.CONCLUSIONIn this trial, duloxetine was better than placebo for treating women with ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ symptoms of OAB associated with DOA or a bladder capacity of <400 mL.
Dysfunctional voiding confirmed by transdermal perineal electromyography, and its effective treatment with baclofen in women with lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover trial
Authors: Xu Danfeng , Qu Chuangyu , Meng Hong , Ren Jizhong , Zhu Youhua , Min Zhilian , Kong Yuele 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVESTo assess the activity of baclofen, a potent γ‐aminobutyric acid‐ergic agonist, against dysfunctional voiding (DV) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a clinical trial, as DV is a leading cause of LUTS in women, but there is no effective treatment.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe conducted a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover trial in 60 women with DV and LUTS between January 2003 and January 2006; patients were randomly assigned either baclofen 10 mg three times daily, then matching placebo for 4 weeks, or matching placebo then baclofen 10 mg three times daily for 4 weeks, separated by a 2‐week washout period. Voiding diaries and multichannel urodynamics (at baseline, 4 and 10 weeks) were used to record the changes of voids/24 h and urodynamic variables. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in voids/24 h, and the TL value (log[T/L]), a new electromyographic variables showing the extent of DV. Efficacy outcomes at 4 and 10 weeks were compared with the baseline data, using a crossover‐designed analysis of variance model.RESULTSThe efficacy analysis of the treatment showed that baclofen was associated with significantly fewer voids/24 h than placebo (mean difference from baseline 5.53 vs 2.70;P = 0.001) and a significant increase in TL (mean difference from baseline −1.78 vs 0.01,P = 0.001). No significant adverse events were reported.CONCLUSIONSA 4‐week course of baclofen significantly reduced the number of voids/24 h and increased the TL value in women with DV confirmed by transdermal perineal electromyography. These encouraging results suggest that baclofen could be used for treating DV in women.
Recent trends in the formulation of permanent waving products for hair
Authors: PURI A. K. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisCurrent trends in the formulation of permanent waving products for hair are discussed in light of recently reported findings on the reactivity of disulphide bond in the hair keratin and theories on the mechanism of permanent waving. Effectiveness of protein and other additives is discussed in detail. Nouvelles tendences dans la formulation des produits pour permanente
Inhalation testing of toiletries in animals
Authors: WELLS ARTHUR BERNARD 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisThe purpose of testing is to establish the safety of ingredients to be handled in the factory and of the products to be used by the consumer. Inhalation tests tend to require much time and are expensive; the number of inhalation tests may be reduced by preliminary measurement of the respirable fraction of an aerosol or powder, by toxicity tests on macrophages in culture, and by instillation of suspensions into the lung via the trachea. Inhalation exposures may be in whole body exposure chambers or the head only may be exposed; the techniques are discussed. The criteria of a satisfactory inhalation test are considered and histological features which should be investigated are reviewed. Tests d'inhalation par les animaux des produits de toilette
U.v. absorbers in sun cosmetics 1978
Authors: LIEM D. H. , HILDERINK L. T. H. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisA comprehensive survey has been carried out to establish which sun‐screen agents are used by the cosmetics industry in Holland. During 1978, some 200 cosmetic sun preparations, composed of forty‐eight brands, were purchased and analysed to determine which u.v. absorbing compounds were present. Most of those found were identified and quantified by means of thin layer chromatography and u.v. spectrometry. A basis for this work was the proposal by the European Cosmetic Manufacturers to produce a positive list of u.v. absorbers. It was felt that by carrying out this survey, some priority could be placed on the most popular materials used by the industry. When comparing those found with the European list of u.v. absorbers 1978, only twenty‐four of the sixty compounds listed could be identified in the samples. The six most frequently used were found to be:

2‐Ethylhexyl.p.methoxycinnamate (nineteen brands).
2‐Phenylbenzimidazole.5‐sulphonic acid (eleven brands).
2‐Ethoxyethyl.p.methoxycinnamate (nine brands).
3 (4′Methylbenzylidene)D,D,L‐camphor (seven brands).
3‐Benzylidene.D,L‐camphor (six brands).
2‐Hydroxy.4‐methoxy.benzophenone (six brands).

Usage levels varied from 0.4% up to 6.8%. Twenty‐two products used a combination of two, and four products a combination of three sun‐screens. Les filtres u.v. dans les produits anti‐solaires 1978
Cosmetics considered in the context of physical attractiveness: a review
Authors: GRAHAM JEAN ANN , JOUHAR A. J. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisThis review demonstrates the importance of outward appearance (especially of the face and head) in physical attractiveness and describes the methodology and results of objective experiments which assess interpersonal attraction, others' perceptions of the physically attractive and self‐perception.It shows that, although cosmetics have been used, inter alia, to manipulate physical attractiveness in some of these experiments, there are little data showing benefit of cosmetics per se to the individual.Consequently, the review is a first step in designing objective studies to test the hypothesis that cosmetics are of demonstrable benefit to the user. Les produits cosmetiques et l'attrait physique
The application of high pressure liquid chromatography to product and raw material quality assurance
Authors: SMITH M. H. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisFollowing a brief description of high performance liquid chromatography (H.P.L.C.) some applications of the technique to the toiletry industry are described and compared with other, more traditional, analytical methods which are available.The choice of H.P.L.C. components available to the analyst is considered. Les applications de la chromatographie liquid à haute pression (H.P.L.C.) au contrôle des matiéres premières et des produits finis
Solubilisation micellaire de corticoides par des surfactifs non ioniques
Authors: MOËS‐HENSCHEL V. , JAMINET F. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisL'étude de la solubilisation micellaire de trois glucocorticoïdes topiques, la Dexaméthasone, le 21 – acétate de Fluprednylidène et le 17 – valérate de Bétaméthasone, par des tensio ‐actifs non ioniques du type éthers de polyoxyéthylèneglycol (BRIJR) a été réalisée à l'aide de la méthode de mesure des solubilités. Les résultats obtenus permettent de supposer que la solubilisation a surtout lieu à l'intérieur des micelles. D'autre part, le calcul des rapports de solubilité, R, en fonction du pourcentage de tensio – actif a permis de déterminer la capacité de liaison des surfactifs étudiés pour les trois stéroïdes. Cette valeur est une constante, ce qui indique que l'interaction est indépendante de la concentration en tensio – actif.Dans le cas de la Dexaméthasone, les méthodes de dialyse d'équilibre et de dialyse différentielle ont aussi été employées afin de déterminer si l'interaction existant entre les surfactifs et le stéroïde est également indépendante de la concentration en stéroïde libre. Les résultats obtenus permettent de conclure que l'interaction peut être exprimée par un coefficient de partage entre les micelles et la phase aqueuse. Micellar solubilisation of corticoids by nonionic surfactants. SummaryThe availaibility of a drug in the presence of surfactants depends on the amount of free drug in solution. In previous work (1), we tried to measure the amount of free corticoïds (Dexamethasone, Fluprednylidene 21 – acetate and Betamethasone 17 – valerate) in topical preparations containing various amounts of non‐ionic surfactants (ethers of polyoxyethyleneglycol.With this aim, experiments have been carried out to characterise the nature of the interaction between these drugs and the surfactants. We have studied the micellar solubilisation of the three steroïds by means of solubility measurements. From the results obtained, we have calculated the solubilising capacities of surfactants expressed on molar basis and we can assume that solubilisation probably takes place in the inner part of micelles.Calculations of solubility ratios (R) as a function of the percentage of surfactant enable determination of a binding capacity of the surfactants for the drugs. This value is a constant independent of the concentration of the surfactants. If the distribution law is obeyed, the interaction can also be expressed by a partition coefficient calculated from the results of the solubility measurements. To verify whether the distribution law really applies and if the interaction is independent of the amount of free drug in solution, we have employed, for Dexamethasone, the methods of equilibrium and differential dialysis.