bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modifying the red cell surface: towards an ABO‐universal blood supply
Authors: Olsson Martin L. , Clausen Henrik 
Published: October 2007

SummaryEliminating the risk for ABO‐incompatible transfusion errors and simplifying logistics by creating a universal blood inventory is a challenging idea. Goldstein and co‐workers pioneered the field of enzymatic conversion of blood group A and B red blood cells (RBCs) to O (ECO). Using α‐galactosidase from coffee beans to produce B‐ECO RBCs, proof of principle for this revolutionary concept was achieved in clinical trials. However, because this enzyme has poor kinetic properties and low pH optimum the process was not economically viable. Conversion of group A RBCs was only achieved with the weak A2 subgroup with related enzymes having acidic pH optima. More recently, the identification of entirely new families of bacterial exoglycosidases with remarkably improved kinetic properties for cleaving A and B antigens has reinvigorated the field. Enzymatic conversion of groups A, B and AB RBCs with these novel enzymes resulting in ECO RBCs typing as O can now be achieved with low enzyme protein consumption, short incubation times and at neutral pH. Presently, clinical trials evaluating safety and efficacy of ECO RBCs are ongoing. Here, we review the status of the ECO technology, its impact and potential for introduction into clinical component preparation laboratories.
Outreach monitoring service for patients with indolent B‐cell and plasma cell disorders: a UK experience
Authors: Rawstron Andy C. , Jones Richard A. , Ferguson Carol , Hughes Geraint , Selby Pam , Reid Carol , Dalal Surita , Howard Martin , Smith Graeme , Hillmen Peter , Owen Roger G. , Jack Andrew S. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryDisease progression occurs in over 1% of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis and early stage chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients every year therefore regular monitoring is indicated. We assessed the efficacy of an outreach service to replace clinic monitoring using local phlebotomy with central haematologist review of laboratory parameters and symptoms identified by a patient self‐assessment questionnaire. The service was used by 299 patients for 2 years and provided accurate monitoring, improved patient satisfaction, support for primary care and reduced the burden on haematology clinics without an increase in inter‐assessment admissions due to disease progression.
Developmental stress in wild‐living Drosophilids inferred from biometry: metric and meristic traits react differently to heterogeneous environmental conditions
Authors: YASSIN AMIR , ABOU‐YOUSSEF AMIRA Y. , BITNER‐MATHÉ BLANCHE , CAPY PIERRE , DAVID JEAN R. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract1. During their development in natural conditions,Drosophilalarvae and pupae face heterogeneous environmental conditions (HEC). Analysing the morphology of wild‐living adults is a means of evaluating the effects of HEC.2. Two drosophilid species of theZaprionusgenus that recently invaded the Nile delta were investigated, and three metric, size‐related traits, and one meristic trait, the sternopleural bristle number, were measured. Data were compared with those of F1generation reared under favourable laboratory conditions.3. Body size was smaller in nature, but also extremely variable among individuals, with an average coefficient of variation (CV) of 9.1 ± 0.3, against a much lesser value of 2.4 ± 0.1 in laboratory flies. Correlations among size traits were also greater in nature (0.96 ± 0.01) than in the laboratory (0.75 ± 0.04).4. By contrast, sternopleural bristles produced similar results in wild‐living and laboratory flies. In nature, mean numbers were only slightly less than in the laboratory and the CVs were almost identical (10.87 ± 0.70 vs 10.80 ± 0.76).5. Fluctuating asymmetry of sternopleural bristles was also identical in the two kinds of flies, and was not influenced by HEC, indicating a high level of developmental canalisation with respect to HEC.6. The implications of the results for the problems of field heritability and developmental stability are discussed.
Additive apportioning of lepidopteran and coleopteran species diversity across spatial and temporal scales in a cool–temperate deciduous forest in Japan
Authors: HIRAO TOSHIHIDE , MURAKAMI MASASHI , KASHIZAKI AKIRA , TANABE SHIN‐ICH 
Published: October 2007

Abstract 1. Forest entomofauna retain high diversity, and examining beta diversity, or species turnover, among assemblages in a forest community is vital to elucidate the source of this diversity.2. Under the DIVERSITAS in Western Pacific and Asia–International Biodiversity Observation Year (DIWPA–IBOY) project for simultaneously documenting biodiversity throughout the Western Pacific and Asian Region, 892 lepidopteran species (51 742 specimens) and 355 coleopteran species (11 633 specimens) were collected in 2001 by light traps in a cool–temperate forest in northern Japan.3. This study evaluated the beta diversity of lepidopteran and coleopteran communities by ecological categories (i.e. trap location, forest strata, sampling days, and months), and assessed the habitat preferences of lepidopteran and coleopteran species.4. anova‐like additive apportioning models were used to quantify the beta diversity among the categories. The models simultaneously provide assessments of whether species distributions are biased in favour of particular habitats.5. Significantly high beta diversity was observed among months for both Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. The category of months corresponded fairly well to the number of specialist species detected in the category, although a remarkably large number of significant specialists in Coleoptera were observed on strata.6. The high beta diversity and number of specialist species among strata in both communities indicate that stratification between canopy and ground, and seasonal variation, played major roles in species composition and the rich entomofauna in the forest. Highly mobile adults were influenced by the vertical spatial scale, as previously suggested for larvae.
What do dung beetles eat?
Authors: HOLTER PETER , SCHOLTZ CLARKE. H. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract1. Most adult coprophagous beetles feed on fresh dung of mammalian herbivores, confining ingestion to small particles with measured maximum diameters from 2–5 to 130 μm, according to body size and kind of beetle. This study explores benefits and costs of selective feeding in a ‘typical’ dung beetle with a maximum diameter of ingested particles (MDIP) of 20 μm.2. Examined dung types (from Danish domestic sheep, cattle and horse, and African wild buffalo, white rhino and elephant) contained 76–89% water. Costs of a 20 μm MDIP were often low, since 69–87% of the total nitrogen in bulk dung other than that of elephant and rhino (40–58%) was available to selective feeders.3. Nitrogen concentrations were high – and C/N ratios low – in most types of bulk dung compared with the average food of terrestrial detritivores or herbivores. Exceptions were elephant and rhino dung with low nitrogen concentrations and high C/N ratios.4. Estimated C/N ratios of 13–39 in bulk dung (sheep–elephant) were decreased by selective feeding to 7.3–12.6 in the ingested material. In assimilated food, ratios are probably only 5–7, as most assimilable nitrogen and carbon may be of microbial origin. If so, the assimilable food contains a surplus of nitrogen relative to carbon.5. The primary advantage of selective feeding, particularly in dung with a high C/N ratio, may be to concentrate assimilable carbon in the ingested food. Effects of changing the MDIP within 20–106 μm are modest, especially in dung with a low C/N ratio.
Testing a parenting programme evaluation tool as a pre‐ and post‐course measure of parenting self‐efficacy
Authors: Bloomfield Linda , Kendall Sally 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTitle.  Testing a parenting programme evaluation tool as a pre‐ and post‐course measure of parenting self‐efficacy Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to measure changes in parenting self‐efficacy after attending a parenting programme and to determine if these changes are maintained over time.Background.  A need for the evaluation of parenting programmes from the perspective of parents who take part has led to the development of a Tool to Measure Parenting Self‐Efficacy. Self‐efficacy, a self‐perception of one’s ability to perform competently and effectively in a particular task or setting, provided the framework for the development of the tool.Methods.  A total of 356 parents took part in the study over 53 parenting programmes in the UK in 2004–2005. Parents completed the evaluation tool as a pre‐ and post‐course measure of parenting self‐efficacy and at 4‐month follow‐up.Findings.  Parenting self‐efficacy increased at the end of the parenting programmes for all scales. The increase from baseline to end of course was maintained for all scales at four month follow‐up and there was a further increase for two scales. Increases in self‐efficacy were found across a range of parenting programmes.Conclusion.  The tool can be used to assess the impact of different types of parenting programmes on parenting self‐efficacy and in research into this topic.
Adaptive functioning and depressive symptoms in school‐aged children
Authors: Chang Hsiu‐Ju , Zauszniewski Jaclene A. , Heinzer Marjorie M. , Musil Carol M. , Tsai Wen‐Che 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTitle.  Adaptive functioning and depressive symptoms in school‐aged children Aim.  This paper is a report of a secondary data analysis to the hypothesis that a child’s resourcefulness moderates the relationships between the primary female caregiver’s variables (depressive symptoms and learned resourcefulness) and the child’s outcomes (depressive symptoms and adaptive functioning).Background.  School‐aged children between 10 and 12 years of age are at an important stage of development characterized by dramatic biological and psychosocial challenges. Maladaptive functioning and depressive symptoms increase markedly in this stage. To prevent long‐term effects of depressive symptoms and impaired adaptive functioning, identifying moderators of the relationship between stress and these mental health indicators is critical.Methods.  A secondary analysis was conducted in 2004 using the data obtained in 2000 from a community‐based sample of 122 school students aged 10–12 years and their primary female caregivers in four suburban public schools in Northeastern Ohio. Instruments included the Self‐Control Schedule, Beck Depression Inventory, the Children’s version of the Self‐Control Schedule, the Children’s Community Living Skills Scale, and the Children’s Depression Inventory.Findings.  Children’s resourcefulness significantly moderated the relationship between their female caregiver’s depressive symptoms and their own adaptive functioning (P < 0·01). Children’s resourcefulness had a statistically significant impact on depressive symptoms and adaptive functioning (P < 0·001).Conclusion.  The key to reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing adaptive functioning among middle school children is to build their resourcefulness skills, especially in children whose female caregivers are depressed. This is an important role for school nurses.
Changes in the preceptor role: re‐visiting preceptors’ perceptions of benefits, rewards, support and commitment to the role
Authors: Hyrkäs Kristiina , Shoemaker Martha 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTitle.  Changes in the preceptor role: re‐visiting preceptors’ perceptions of benefits, rewards, support and commitment to the role Aim.  This is a report of a study to explore the relationships between preceptors’ perceptions of benefits, rewards, support and commitment to the preceptor role.Background.  The preceptorship model is widely used in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education. Preceptor relationships provide students with reality based and skills‐oriented learning experiences and are useful for familiarizing newly hired nurses with clinical settings, hospital policies, procedures and routines.Method.  Two sub‐groups of 82 preceptors were recruited: (A) those in an ongoing preceptorship with undergraduate students and (B) those working with newly hired nurses. Four questionnaires were used: the Preceptor’s Perceptions of Benefits and Rewards Scale, the Preceptor’s Perceptions of Support Scale, the Commitment to the Preceptor Role Scale and a demographic information sheet. The data were collected in November 2004 and April–May 2005.Findings.  The findings parallel those reported in the earlier studies, but also reveal interesting differences between the two sub‐groups. A positive correlation was found between preceptors working with nursing students and perceptions of support. In this sub‐group, perceptions of support increased with years of nursing experience, time since graduation, and age. The preceptors had higher perceptions of the benefits and rewards than reported in earlier studies, but perceptions about support were lower in comparison with findings from an earlier Canadian study. Commitment to the role remained high.Conclusion.  The preceptor role is undergoing changes associated with many factors, including workplace, type of nursing, and preceptees’ varying learning needs. Awareness of the importance of this role and ongoing support are critical to its future success.
Nutritional status and health outcomes for older people with dementia living in institutions
Authors: Lou Meei‐Fang , Dai Yu‐Tzu , Huang Guey‐Shiun , Yu Po‐Jui 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTitle.  Nutritional status and health outcomes for older people with dementia living in institutions Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to determine changes over a 3‐month period among older people with dementia living in long‐term care settings, related to: (1) changes in body mass index, and (2) health outcomes and associated factors.Background.  Nutritional deficiencies are common problems among older people, but frequently unrecognized, both in long‐term care settings and in the community.Method.  A cross‐sectional design with repeated measures of body weights and medical record reviews was adopted. The study was conducted in 2003 in two long‐term care facilities for older people with dementia in Taiwan. Fifty‐five residents participated in the study.Results.  Eighteen percent of the residents were under‐nourished (body mass index <18·5). There was a trend toward decreasing body mass index over the 3‐month study period. Residents with low body mass index tended to need assistance at mealtimes. Nineteen residents, many receiving naso‐gastric tube‐feeding, experienced adverse health events during the study period. Dependency in eating was the major factor differentiating residents with normal or low body mass index values, and also in distinguishing those who experienced adverse health outcomes.Conclusion.  Assessment of eating ability, mode of feeding and measurement of body weight can be used by nurses in long‐term care settings for early identification of the nutritional status of older people with dementia.
Perceived Maternal Parenting Self‐Efficacy (PMP S‐E) tool: development and validation with mothers of hospitalized preterm neonates
Authors: Barnes Christopher R. , Adamson‐Macedo Elvidina N. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTitle. Perceived Maternal Parenting Self‐Efficacy (PMP S‐E) tool: development and validation with mothers of hospitalized preterm neonatesAim. This paper is a report of a study to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Perceived Maternal Parenting Self‐Efficacy tool.Background. Mothers’ perceptions of their ability to parent (maternal parenting self‐efficacy) is a critical mechanism guiding their interactions with their preterm newborns. A robust measure is needed which can measure mothers’ perceptions of their ability to understand and care for their hospitalized preterm neonates as well as being sensitive to the various levels and tasks in parenting.Methods. Using a mixed sampling methodology (convenience or randomized cluster control trial) 165 relatively healthy and hospitalized mother‐preterm infant dyads were recruited in 2003–2005 from two intensive care neonatal units in the United Kingdom (UK). Mothers were recruited within the first 28 days after giving birth to a preterm baby. The Perceived Maternal Parenting Self‐Efficacy tool, which is made up of 20 items representing four theorized subscales, was tested for reliability and validity.Results. Internal consistency reliability of the Perceived Maternal Parenting Self‐Efficacy tool was 0·91, external/test‐retest reliability was 0·96,P < 0·01. Divergent validity using the Maternal Self‐Report Inventory wasrs = 0·4,P < 0·05 and using the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale wasrs = 0·31,P < 0·01.Conclusion. The Perceived Maternal Parenting Self‐Efficacy tool is a psychometrically robust, reliable and valid measure of parenting self‐efficacy in mothers of relatively healthy hospitalized preterm neonates. Although application outside the UK will require further cross‐cultural validation, the tool has the potential to provide healthcare professionals with a reliable method of identifying mothers of preterm hospitalized babies who are in need of further support.
Primary care nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and own body size in relation to obesity management
Authors: Brown Ian , Thompson Joanne 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTitle.  Primary care nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and own body size in relation to obesity management Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore primary care nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and perceptions of own body size in relation to giving advice about obesity.Background.  Primary care nurses have a key role in the management of obesity. Their responses to the stigma of obesity and the effects of their own body size in this context have not been investigated.Methods.  A purposive sample of 15 primary care nurses of markedly different body size were interviewed in a qualitative study undertaken in 2006 in the north of England.Findings.  Participants were aware of obesity stigma and this, among other factors, contributed to perceptions of obesity as being a sensitive issue to discuss. Communication tactics were employed in managing the sensitivity, with emphasis placed on maintaining good rapport. Participants took care to avoid stereotypes in presenting their beliefs about obesity, which were complex and in some respects ambivalent. They were conscious of their own body size in interactions with patients. A slim build appeared to amplify sensitivities surrounding obesity and add concerns about appearing to lack empathy or authentic experience. Those with a large body size made a virtue of their perceived greater empathy and experience, but had concerns about being poor role models. Self‐disclosure techniques oriented to demonstrating personal understanding and rapport were employed to manage impressions made by body size.Conclusion.  It is important to consider the effects of own body size in educating nurses, and further research should investigate its effects on patient outcomes.
Entrepreneurial nurses and midwives in the United Kingdom: an integrative review
Authors: Drennan Vari , Davis Kathy , Goodman Claire , Humphrey Charlotte , Locke Rachel , Mark Annabelle , Murray Susan F. , Traynor Michael 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTitle.  Entrepreneurial nurses and midwives in the United Kingdom: an integrative review Aim.  This paper is a report of an integrative literature review to investigate: (a) the extent of entrepreneurial activity by nurses, midwives and health visitors in the United Kingdom and (b) the factors that influenced these activities.Background.  Internationally, social and commercial entrepreneurial activity is regarded as important for economic growth and social cohesion.Methods.  Seventeen bibliographic databases were searched using single and combined search terms: ‘entrepreneur$’, ‘business’, ‘private practice’, ‘self‐employ$’, ‘intrapreneur$’‘social enterprise$’‘mutuals’, ‘collectives’, ‘co‐op’ and ‘social capital’ which were related to a second layer of terms ‘Nurs$’, ‘Midwi$’, ‘Visit$’. ‘Entrepreneur$’ Private Midwi$, Independent Midwi$, and ‘nursing workforce’. In addition, hand searches of non‐indexed journals and grey literature searches were completed. The following inclusion criteria were: (a) describing nurses, midwife and/or health visitor entrepreneurship (b) undertaken in the UK, and (c) reported between January 1996 and December 2005.Results.  Of 154 items included only three were empirical studies; the remainder were narrative accounts. While quality of these accounts cannot be verified, they provide as complete an account as possible in this under‐researched area. The numbers of nurses, midwives and health visitors acting entrepreneurially were very small and mirror international evidence. A categorization of entrepreneurial activity was inductively constructed by employment status and product offered. ‘Push’ and ‘pull’ influencing factors varied between types of entrepreneurial activity.Conclusion.  Empirical investigation into the extent to which nurses and midwives respond to calls for greater entrepreneurialism should take account of the complex interplay of contextual factors (e.g. healthcare legislation), professional and managerial experience and demographic factors.
Randomized trial of essential oils to reduce perioperative patient anxiety: feasibility study
Authors: Stirling Laura , Raab Gillian , Alder Elizabeth M. , Robertson Fiona 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTitle.  Randomized trial of essential oils to reduce perioperative patient anxiety: feasibility study Aim.  This paper is a report of a feasibility study to examine the effectiveness of essential oils in reducing anxiety in thoracic patients awaiting the results of investigative and staging surgery.Background.  Patient anxiety is expected during the perioperative period. Anxiety places the patient at greater risk of adverse clinical outcomes. Nurses are limited in therapeutic options that can be used to address anxiety in the limited time available. Complementary therapies have been tested for therapeutic benefit but the evidence is weak.Method.  Patients admitted to a thoracic unit for bronchoscopy/mediastinoscopy in 2005 and 2006 were invited to participate in this double‐blind controlled trial and randomized to receive study oil (A), neutral oil (B) or no intervention (C). Intervention was controlled by the patient at home after the procedure. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to measure baseline and periodic anxiety status (days 3, 21).Findings.  Of the 142 patients approached to participate, 71 (50%) agreed to take part. There were high and fluctuating levels of perioperative anxiety in the thoracic patient group, but no evidence that this was reduced by the absorption and inhalation of essential oils.Conclusion.  The study did not provide evidence that the essential oils could reduce anxiety in this group of patients. Both recruitment rates and compliance rates were lower than anticipated. Logistic factors in the setting of diagnostic process for an acute condition may have contributed to these results. More stable settings would be better suited to evaluating such interventions.