bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One Week Triple Therapy forHelicobacter pylori:Does High‐dose Clarithromycin Confer Additional Benef it?
Authors: O’connor Humphrey J. , Loane Joseph , Bindel Holger , Bhutta Abdul S. , Cunnane Kevin 
Published: February 2007

Background.Clarithromycin, a new acid stable macrolide antibiotic with proven efficacy againstHelicobacter pylori, has been widely incorporated into eradication regimens but its optimal dosage schedule remains controversial. The standard dose of clarithromycin is 250 mg twice daily.Methods.In a prospective study designed to evaluate the helicobactericidal efficacy, patient acceptability, and ulcer healing efficacy of a triple therapy regimen incorporating high dose clarithromycin, 100 consecutive patients withH. pylori‐positive peptic ulcer received omeprazole 20 mg twice daily in combination with metronidazole 400 mg twice daily and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for seven days.H. pyloristatus was assessed before and at least 4 weeks after therapy by rapid urease test and histology. Adverse events and compliance were assessed by direct questioning.Results.Only two patients failed to attend for repeat endoscopy, leaving 98 evaluable patients. Of these, 94 wereH. pylori‐negative after therapy, giving an intention‐to‐treat eradication rate of 94% (95% confidence interval, 89%–99%). The ulcer healing rate was 92% (86%–98%), and ulcer healing was significantly associated with H. pylori eradication (p < 0.01). Adverse events were reported by 33% of patients of which nausea was the commonest (14%). Noncompliance with therapy was significantly associated withH. pyloritreatment failure (p < 0.001).Conclusions.Seven day triple therapy incorporating high dose clarithromycin effectively eradicatesH. pyloriand heals ulcers, but it is disadvantaged by a relatively high rate of adverse events. In view of these findings and the fact that no direct comparison to date has shown increased efficacy from high dose clarithromycin, we would recommend continued use of low dose clarithromycin when combined with omeprazole and a nitroimidazole.
Cross‐Country Measures for Monitoring Epilepsy Care
Authors: Begley Charles E. , Baker Gus A. , Beghi Ettore , Butler James , Chisholm Daniel , Langfitt John T. , Levy Pierre , Pachlatko Christoph , Wiebe Samuel , Donaldson Karen Lee ,   on behalf of the ILAE Commission on Healthcare Policy
Published: February 2007

Summary:  Purpose: The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Commission on Healthcare Policy in consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO) examined the applicability and usefulness of various measures for monitoring epilepsy healthcare services and systems across countries. The goal is to provide planners and policymakers with tools to analyze the impact of healthcare services and systems and evaluate efforts to improve performance. Methods: Commission members conducted a systematic literature review and consulted with experts to assess the nature, strengths, and limitations of the treatment gap and resource availability measures that are currently used to assess the adequacy of epilepsy care. We also conducted a pilot study to determine the feasibility and applicability of using new measures to assess epilepsy care developed by the WHO including Disability‐Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), responsiveness, and financial fairness. Results: The existing measures that are frequently used to assess the adequacy of epilepsy care focus on structural or process factors whose relationship to outcomes are indirect and may vary across regions. The WHO measures are conceptually superior because of their breadth and connection to articulated and agreed upon outcomes for health systems. However, the WHO measures require data that are not readily available in developing countries and most developed countries as well. Conclusion: The epilepsy field should consider adopting the WHO measures in country assessments of epilepsy burden and healthcare performance whenever data permit. Efforts should be made to develop the data elements to estimate the measures.
Shots for Tots: Louisiana's Infant Immunization Initiative
Authors: Broussard Lisa A. , Blankenship Faye B. 
Published: February 2007

purpose. To describe the “Shots for Tots” immunization initiative, a community‐based approach to overcoming barriers to timely immunizations population. Children in southwest Louisiana, ages 1 month to 5 years, requiring immunizations conclusions. The “Shots for Tots” immunization initiative has been successful in improving immunization rates. practice implications. With the increase in community‐based practice and the resurgence of many vaccine‐preventable diseases, this program can serve as an example to pediatric nurses involved in prevention and primary care in their efforts to improve immunization rates.
Worries of School‐Age Children
Authors: Neff E. Jo Ann , Dale Juanita C. 
Published: February 2007

purpose. To determine how worrisome some situations are for school‐age children and if parents can identify how worrisome the situation would be for their child design. Descriptive setting. Families' homes participants. 48 school age children (7–11 years old), 40 mothers, 8 fathers main outcome measures. The 27‐item “What Worries You (Your Child) the Most” questionnaire results. For the most part, parents were able to ascertain what would worry their child the most. However, they did underestimate the importance of pets to children as well as adequate family income. There were significant differences in child and parent perceptions of three items ranked among the most worrisome: “being asked to take drugs,”“being in a war,” and “hearing parents quarrel.” Age and gender of children were not significant factors in the distribution of scores. conclusions. Findings indicate that considerable discrepancies can exist between what the parent and the child perceive as worrisome.
Health‐Related, Help‐Seeking Behaviors in Female Mexican‐American Adolescents
Authors: Rew Lynn 
Published: February 2007

purpose. To explore and describe the health‐related, help‐seeking behaviors of young female Mexican‐American adolescents.design. Qualitative exploratory‐descriptive design using focus groups.setting. Community recreation centers.participants. 18 female Mexican‐Americans ages 10–16 years residing in a South Central state.main outcome measures. A demographic information form and semi‐structured interview designed for the study.results. Subjects described two themes of help‐seeking behaviors: seeking help for physical health problems and preventive healthcare from formal sources (i.e., community health clinics, family physicians, and public schools), and seeking help for concerns about pubertal development and pregnancy from informal sources (i.e., their mothers, aunts, sisters, and friends).conclusion. While young, female Hispanic adolescents may seek help from formal sources for preventive healthcare services and physical health problems not related to sexuality, they tend to seek help from informal sources for psychosocial and sexuality issues. Community‐based interventions should be developed that focus on the importance of this pattern of help‐seeking behaviors for young female Hispanics.
Values Influencing Nursing Practice: Responses From Neonatal Nurses
Authors: Raines Deborah A. 
Published: February 2007

purpose. An analysis of narrative comments from neonatal nurses to illustrate the values that motivate behavior in the practice setting. design. A descriptive study using content analysis of written, narrative text data. participants. A self‐selected subsample (N = 97) of a larger random sample of the membership of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN). main outcome measures. The application of philosophical concepts of human relationships, patient need, keeping promises, human dignity, and unrestricting circumstances in the neonatal care setting. results. Individual participants made cognitive choices related to the application of conceptual ideals of the profession to the practice setting. However, there was a lack of congruence between what the individual nurse believes is important or good and the behavior enacted in the practice setting. conclusion. As a discipline, nursing needs to identify and implement strategies that support proactive accountable nursing practice consistent with the philosophical foundation of the profession.
Legal Issues in Nonrelated Infant Adoption: Nursing Implications
Authors: Lobar Sandra L. , Phillips Suzanne , Simunek Linda A. 
Published: February 2007

purpose. To highlight the legal issues surrounding nonrelated infant adoptions population. Parties in the adoption triad—the infant, the biological parent(s), and the adoptive parent(s) conclusions. Current adoption laws have been influenced by a historical stigmatization of adoption by society, states' sovereignty rights, and an individual's constitutional rights. Controversies surrounding nonrelated infant adoptions have highlighted the inadequacies of the present system of adoption laws and regulations. Nurses can take a proactive role in their practice by acquiring a clear understanding of the legal issues surrounding adoption. practice implications. Knowledge about state adoption laws, regulations, and resources, as well as the legal issues surrounding infant adoption, will allow the nurse to take a proactive role in formulating and providing supportive interventions that assist all parties through the process.
Parental Self‐Efficacy and Asthma Self‐Management Skills
Authors: Hanson Jean 
Published: February 2007

Purpose. To determine whether a formal asthma self‐management program and social support using lay health advisors increases parent self‐efficacy in the management of their child's asthma, and whether parent self‐efficacy predicts asthma self‐management skills. DESIGN. Quasi‐experimental with four time points measured over 2 years. PARTICIPANTS. Low‐income, primarily Hispanic parents (N = 303) of children with moderately severe to severe asthma. SETTING. A Southwestern university medical setting in a rural state. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES. Parent self‐efficacy and parent asthma self‐management skill score scales. RESULTS. Parent self‐efficacy increased significantly from baseline, but there were no significant differences between the control and treatment groups. The increase in self‐efficacy was apparent at 6 months, then leveled off. Parent self‐efficacy at either baseline or 12 months did not predict parents' asthma self‐management skill score. CONCLUSIONS. Individual education was just as effective as group education in increasing parental self‐efficacy. Parents felt more comfortable treating asthma episodes than preventing them, thus clinicians need to spend time teaching preventive strategies.
Practice Guidelines for the Assessment of Children With Sickle Cell Pain
Authors: Beyer Judith E. , Platt Alan F. , Kinney Thomas R. , Treadwell Marsha 
Published: February 2007

issues and purpose. Pain is the most frequent and important problem for children with sickle cell disease (SCD), but it has been undertreated and understudied. A multidisciplinary group of healthcare providers, academics, and people with SCD and their families met to (1) examine the pain of vaso‐occlusive events (VOE) in children and adults with SCD and (2) reach consensus about necessary improvements in care. conclusions. Accurate assessment of pain is at the crux of effective care for children with VOE. This requires a trusting interactive relationship among patient, family, and healthcare team. Comprehensive pain assessment is a lifelong process in need of continued updating. practice implications. Children with SCD seek treatment from nurses in many settings. Traditional care has been frustrating to both families and care providers. Children and adolescents with SCD pain would benefit from nursing care that considers patients' perspectives about pain and comfort as key determinants for treatment. A unified approach to pain assessment may be a significant factor in improving pain control.
Dog Bites in Children Treated in a Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Bernardo Lisa Marie , Gardner Mary Jane , O'Connor Joan , Amon Nicole 
Published: February 2007

ISSUES AND PURPOSE.Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death and disability among children. This study sought to describe the characteristics of dog bite injuries to aid in promoting healthy environments for children.DESIGN AND METHODS.This descriptive, retrospective study of one hospital's 1997 emergency department records detailed dog bite injuries to children and adolescents and resultant emergency treatment (N = 204).RESULTS.Children ≤5 years of age accounted for 49% of the injuries. The biting dog's owner was generally a parent or neighbor. Only 2 children received rabies prophylaxis.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.Parents and children need information about safe interactions with dogs, including community leash laws and quarantine guidelines. Nurses should know the procedures for reporting dog bite injuries to local health authorities. Interested nurses can find many opportunities to assist with community safety campaigns.
Low‐Income Mothers' Perceptions of Health in Their Children With Growth Delay
Authors: Reifsnider Elizabeth , Allan Janet , Percy Melanie 
Published: February 2007

ISSUES AND PURPOSE. Parental characteristics are the strongest predictor of poor health for children. This study examined how low‐income mothers of children with growth delay define health for their children, and the behaviors they use to monitor their children's health.DESIGN AND METHODS. Naturalistic design using Kleinman's Explanatory Model approach and interviews with 22 mothers.RESULTS. Mothers consider nutritious food as a primary contributor to their children's health and consider healthy children to be chubby. Other indicators of health include children's energy levels, provision of nutritious food, and physical and mental activity balanced with rest.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. A mother's explanatory model of health for her child can guide health promotion targeted to the mother's beliefs.
Chronic Intestinal Pseudo‐Obstruction: Pediatric Case Presentations and Review of the Literature
Authors: Beth Barr J. Mari 
Published: February 2007

ISSUES AND PURPOSE. Chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (CIP) is a rare condition characterized by small bowel dysmotility. Its effects are severe and disabling in pediatric clients. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of CIP and summarize information useful to pediatric nurses.CONCLUSION. Nursing management of the pediatric client with CIP is challenging, not only in terms of direct care provided to the child, but also in ongoing support and education of the child and family.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Nurses practicing in either inpatient or outpatient settings may encounter children and families dealing with this disorder. Nurses are in a key position to educate others and influence the outcomes of care provided to children with CIP and their families.
Children in Foster Care: A Nursing Perspective on Research, Policy, and Child Health Issues
Authors: Gottesman Mary Margaret 
Published: February 2007

ISSUES AND PURPOSE. To examine the roles of public policy and poverty on the rising number of children in family foster care, and to examine the impact of different types of family foster care on children's well‐being.CONCLUSIONS. Recent changes in welfare legislation increase the likelihood of family poverty, with a subsequent increase in the number of children in out‐of‐home care. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on preventing entry into out‐of‐home care, improving the quality of foster care, and giving children a voice in care decisions.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Nurses have important roles to play in the prevention of family dissolution, the design of healthcare delivery systems for children in foster care, in evaluating and educating all types of foster families, and as advocates in legal and legislative proceedings.
Relationships of Sexual Abuse, Connectedness, and Loneliness to Perceived Well‐Being in Homeless Youth
Authors: Rew Lynn 
Published: February 2007

ISSUES AND PURPOSE. To describe respondents' perceptions of connectedness, loneliness, and well‐being; and to explore relationships among these variables.DESIGN AND METHOD. Survey data from 96 participants, focus group interviews with 32 participants, and 10 individual interviews were analyzed.RESULTS. Sixty percent of the sample reported sexual abuse, which was significantly related to loneliness and inversely related to connectedness and perceived well‐being. Subjects felt lonely and disconnected. They perceived their well‐being in terms of current health status.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. High rates of sexual abuse, lack of connectedness, and loneliness may help to explain poor perceived well‐being in homeless youth.
Identifying Risk Factors for Maternal Depression in Families of Adolescents With Epilepsy
Authors: Shore Cheryl P. , Austin Joan K. , Huster Gertrude A. , Dunn David W. 
Published: February 2007

ISSUES AND PURPOSE. To investigate factors associated with depressive symptoms in mothers of children with chronic seizure disorders.DESIGN AND METHODS. A cross‐sectional correlational design was used with a sample of 115 mother‐child dyads in families where the child had chronic epilepsy.RESULTS. A three‐factor model consisting of family income, satisfaction with family relationships, and presence of child behavior problems explained 32% of the variance in maternal depressive symptoms.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Childhood epilepsy has a negative effect on the mother's mood in many families. Child behavior problems were found to be the strongest predictor of maternal depressive symptoms. Assessing for behavior problems and maternal depression should become a routine part of the family nursing assessment.
A Portable Well Point Sampler for Plume Tracking
Authors: Kerfoot William B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractFor regions of shallow ground water, a shallow well point sampler can provide cost‐effective sampling of contaminant plumes. A miniature well point sampler allows rapid sampling of ground water down to a maximum depth of 12 feet below grade. A high ratio of striking force to cross‐sectional area of the shaft enables the well point to penetrate soils grading from silt through sand to fine gravel. Three slot sizes have proved satisfactory for the slotted well point. For fine gravel through silty sand, a receiver flask serving as a silt trap with a hand pump can withdraw water samples. For silt or clay, a special shielded point is used to expose a porous screen upon withdrawal of the shaft. The points can be left imbedded in the strata and a vacuum drawn to recover a sample under saturated or unsaturated conditions.Such a sampler has been shown to be effective in tracing plumes from individual on‐site septic systems and hazardous waste sites. The text describes a simple procedure for plume analysis and description of the extent of dewatered strata near the point based upon different sample volumes. The probe has been used with conductivity meters and fluorometers for profiling subsurface plumes. A cost comparison is shown between monitoring well installation and the portable well point for varying sample frequency and depth.
Some Observations on Field Experiences With Monitor Wells
Authors: Hunkin Geoffrey G. , Reed Thomas A. , Brand Gregory N. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn recent years we have seen major advances in the variety and quality of ground water sampling instrumentation, in almost every case involving increases in sensitivity of one or more orders of magnitude. Software number‐crunching ability brings us the capability of running sophisticated mathematical and statistical programs, while modern analytical chemistry routinely makes determinations of metals, organics and radioactive elements accurate in the parts per billion range.The construction of sample points rarely supports these levels of precision. The well is the basic sampling machine for the ground water industry and its ability to produce a truly representative sample underpins all data and conclusions. Regardless of the type of instrumentation employed, a sample point that cannot be shown to be truly representative and that fails to provide a series of reliable samples over the long term–let us say 25 years minimum–is a negative investment.In the authors’professional sampling work, it has been observed that, wherever it is possible to improve the quality of the ground water sample point, a reduction in the measured level of pollutant elements in the sample is found and the confidence level improves. Volatile organic values are the sole exception to this observed reduction in concentration, the reason being that sample point and method improvements capture the fully representative water sample, thus reducing volatile losses.It is not possible to address all hydrogeologic environments and sampling methods in this review. Instead, features were selected that had been found to be important in commercial, high‐precision, water quality sampling in Western U.S. environments. In this area, water movement is slow and little or no exchange of water occurs between wells and the surrounding aquifer without artificial stimulation. Water quality stabilization requires multiple casing volume evacuations in wells ranging to 1,000 feet deep. High‐volume pumping or mechanized bailing is an economic requirement. Dedicated installations cannot supply the volume of water required for comprehensive analytical programs.It is the nature of these sources, as well as practical recommendations for corrective action, that will be addressed in this article.Any attempted improvement in utilization of data by mathematical processing or statistical treatment will be inadequate because:

Samplings are infrequent and often accumulate at rates of only two or four sample suites per year. Seasonal variations may obscure evidence of passage of a low‐intensity pollution front and some years may elapse before the true situation becomes apparent from statistical analyses. By such time, the problem pollutant may have escaped from the treatment area.
Powerful biases occur due to the failure of the sample point to eliminate false contributions to the sample from sources other than the natural environment or a pollution source, most frequently originating in casing materials and annular seal leakage.