bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drug use and pressure ulcers in long‐term care units: do nurse time pressure and unfair management increase the prevalence?
Authors: Pekkarinen Laura , Sinervo Timo , Elovainio Marko , Noro Anja , Finne‐Soveri Harriet 
Published: October 2008

Aims.  This study examined the associations between nurse working conditions (time pressure and perceived unfair management) and quality indicators (prevalence of antianxiety or hypnotic drug use and pressure ulcers) in long‐term care units.Background.  Differences persist across long‐term care facilities in their care processes and resident outcomes even after adjusting for residents’ clinical conditions. Little is known about how nurses’ working conditions influence the quality of care.Design.  Survey.Methods.  Data on working conditions were drawn in 2002 from 724 nurses in 66 long‐term care units that reported quality indicators based on the Resident Assessment Instrument system as measured by Minimum Data Set. Percentage change in the quality indicators from 2002 were estimated using hierarchical multiple regression analyses with adjustments made for the baseline quality indicators (2001) and unit structural factors (unit size and staffing level).Results.  Unit time pressure increased the prevalence of both quality problems (p‐values <0·05). Perceived unfair management was related to increased drug use (p = 0·038).Conclusions.  The findings of this research suggest that quality of care can be improved by enhancing nurse working conditions.Relevance to clinical practice.  Organisational initiatives should be aimed at reducing time pressures and promoting fair managerial procedures that engage all nursing staff in the decision‐making in long‐term care settings.
Patients’ views: improving care for people with fibromyalgia
Authors: Egeli Natasha A , Crooks Valorie A , Matheson Deborah , Ursa Marina , Marchant Elliott 
Published: October 2008

Aim.  The purpose of this research is to provide healthcare professionals with patients’ views on improving care for people with fibromyalgia.Background.  Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that often challenges patients and healthcare professionals. Current literature suggests that the people with fibromyalgia are disempowered by their interactions with physicians. Soliciting patients’ suggestions for improving care can be helpful in identifying weaknesses and strengths in current physician–patient interactions, and in improving future care.Methods.  Forty‐two participants with fibromyalgia submitted written responses to open‐ended questions about their experiences with physicians, and how care could be improved.Results.  Positive interactions with physicians referenced care quality, feelings of respect and patient involvement. Negative interactions included receiving inadequate care, perceiving the physician to be uncaring and lacking knowledge of fibromyalgia.Conclusions.  Unlike most research suggests, the majority of patients with fibromyalgia report having positive interactions with physicians. However, suggestions for improving care are similar throughout the literature, reinforcing the need for supportive care, empathetic listening and increased knowledge of alternative treatments.Relevance to clinical practice.  Patients’ recommendations identified in this study can be implemented by nurses involved in providing supportive care and education to patients with fibromyalgia. Application of patients’ recommendations may facilitate the creation of therapeutic alliances and improve patients’ satisfaction with care.
Italian nurses’ perception of the avoidability of problems affecting older people with multiple chronic diseases
Authors: Saiani Luisa , Viviani Debora , Lenzi Elena , Chissalè Anna , Palese Alvisa 
Published: October 2008

Aims.  The aim of this study was to discover whether problems experienced by older people with multiple chronic diseases were considered to be avoidable from the perspective of nurses.Background.  The concept of avoidability is defined as ‘that which can be avoided’; when something is perceived as avoidable, action is taken ‘to prevent the occurrence’. It is possible that the nurses’ perception on the avoidability of problems in chronically‐ill older people, could have a role in the decisions they make about the most suitable type of care (e.g. therapeutic, preventive) while if they perceive a problem to be unavoidable they adopt palliative interventions. No literature is available on the factors that nurses take into account when judging whether a patient’s problem could be avoided or not, and no nursing diagnosis title includes the concept of an ‘unavoidable’ problem (e.g. unavoidable depression related to nursing home institutionalisation).Design.  A phenomenological method was used to identify and understand the meaning of a human being’s experience by means of direct reporting and interviews.Method.  Participants were forty 40 nurses working in homecare services and nursing homes in Northern Italy.Findings.  Various factors were assumed to make certain problems inescapable, such as the interaction of multiple diseases, older people refusing care and inadequate surveillance. Other problems were judged to be completely or partially avoidable such as aspects relating to families’ reactions (the burden of providing care, family members’ inability to provide adequate care), and to healthcare management dysfunctions (poor exchange of information, limited resources).Conclusion.  The nurses perceived they could only marginally modify the older person’s problems however, they could take action instead to improve the organisational processes, the involvement of family members, and their own skills and sense of purpose.Relevance to clinical practice.  To reflect on unavoidable nursing problems and related factors is important for the potential consequences of clinical judgment on patients and on nursing care and for ethical implications. The factors affecting avoidable or unavoidable problems need strategic and individualised action to develop healthcare plans including the older people themselves, their families, and members of a multidisciplinary team and to provide adequate resources and educational programmes.
Differences in home‐based palliative care service utilisation of people with cancer and non‐cancer conditions
Authors: Kralik Debbie , Anderson Barbara 
Published: October 2008

Aim.  To identify home‐based palliative care service utilisation by people with cancer and non‐cancer conditions.Background.  Palliative care knowledge and skill have been derived from working with people with cancer. People with chronic conditions are now referred for home‐based palliative care; however, there has been few studies published that have explored the impact of service utilisation by people with end‐stage chronic conditions.Design.  The Australia‐modified Karnofsky Performance Status (AKPS) scale was calculated for each person upon referral for home‐based palliative care services to determine the functional capacity of the individual at the point of referral. Clients were divided into those with cancer diagnosis and those with non‐cancer diagnosis. Service utilisation of the individual client was determined until separation from the palliative care service. The study was undertaken in 2007.Findings.  The majority of people with cancer (63%) and non‐cancer (71%) were assessed as having an AKPS score between 50–60. Thirty‐one cancer clients (18·7%) and three non‐cancer clients (7·1%) had an AKPS score between 70–90. This suggests that people with cancer are referred to palliative care services earlier than people with non‐cancer conditions. People with non‐cancer conditions were substantially higher users of home‐based palliative care services over a longer period of time.Conclusions.  Home‐based palliative care service utilisation was higher for people with non‐cancer conditions. Cost analysis research is recommended to delineate the actual costs of home‐based palliative care service provision between people with cancer and non‐cancer conditions.Relevance to clinical practice.  There is growing awareness of the need for palliative care services for people with non‐cancer conditions. However, these services are provided for longer periods of time for this client group. Implications for practice are that the palliative care needs of people with non‐cancer conditions may not be met within current palliative care service provision. There may be funding implications for home‐based palliative care services that intend to meet the needs of people at end of life with non‐cancer conditions.
‘I have cystic fibrosis’: an analysis of web‐based disclosures of a chronic illness
Authors: Ravert Russell D , Crowell Toni L 
Published: October 2008

Aim.  This study examined instances where individuals with cystic fibrosis disclosed their illness on the World Wide Web, better understand their experiences and needs across stages of the lifespan.Background.  Disclosing one’s chronic illness is typically done purposefully, so examining those disclosures allows a naturalistic window into individuals’ experiences and needs. This study is unique to Internet‐based studies of chronic illness in that data are not limited to interactions at health‐related websites, but include disclosure instances gathered across a variety of Internet contexts.Design.  Qualitative content analysis with a summative component was used.Method.  A web‐based search engine was used to identify all web pages containing the phrases ‘I have cystic fibrosis’ and ‘I have cf’ (n = 277). Constant comparative analysis methods were used to identify thematic categories of context. Quantitative methods were used to examine age‐related differences in the distribution of those disclosure statements. Findings were interpreted within a framework of Erikson’s lifespan psychosocial theory.Results.  Adolescents (13–18 years) most frequently expressed psychosocial concerns and enlisted social support. Emerging adults (19–25 years) tended to present cystic fibrosis as just one of many self‐characteristics. Adults (>25 years) tended to reach out to support others with cystic fibrosis.Conclusions.  The study identified age‐related differences in the types of illness disclosures found among individuals with cystic fibrosis. It also demonstrated that web‐based research into chronic illness need not be limited to analysis of illness‐specific online communities.Relevance to clinical practice.  Findings suggest that psychosocial interventions for individuals with cystic fibrosis across the lifespan might focus on (a) facilitating social support and incorporating illness into one’s emerging identity among adolescents, (b) supporting emerging adults in presenting and incorporating themselves into larger social networks and (c) partnering with adults who wish to mentor others living with cystic fibrosis.
Implementing feedback cards in core clerkships
Authors: Kogan Jennifer R , Shea Judy A 
Published: October 2008

Context  Historically, medical students report receiving little formative feedback. Reports of feedback processes are generally limited to a single course or specialty. There is a paucity of research detailing feedback across the core clerkship year.Objectives  We aimed to determine the feasibility of a cross‐clerkship feedback encounter card system, describe the content of feedback requested and received during the core clerkships, and examine student satisfaction with the feedback card system.Methods  Students (n = 127) enrolled in six mandatory clerkships were required to complete feedback cards, twice weekly during inpatient rotations and once weekly during outpatient rotations. Students checked‐off areas in which they wanted to receive feedback and gave the card to a supervisor, who indicated areas in which feedback was provided. Descriptive statistics summarised completeness and feedback content. A two‐factor anova estimated differences between students’ perceptions of feedback usefulness pre‐ and post‐feedback card implementation.Results  A total of 5369 feedback cards were completed in 2006 (78% of the target). Feedback about presentation skills (57% of cards) and fund of knowledge (48% of cards) were most frequently requested. On approximately 80% of the cards, students received feedback in the area(s) they had requested. During each clerkship, students requested feedback in most areas at least once. The mean rating of feedback usefulness was significantly lower after feedback card implementation (mean 3.6, standard deviation [SD] 1.1) than before implementation (mean 3.7, SD 1.0) (F = 11.022, P < 0.001, effect size = − 17).Conclusions  Despite evidence that students received feedback multiple times, satisfaction was low. Research identifying factors that improve satisfaction with feedback during clinical training is needed.
Effect of plot geometry on epidemic velocity of wheat yellow rust
Authors: Sackett K. E. , Mundt C. C. 
Published: October 2008

The size and shape of field plots can impact on both the cost and outcome of epidemiological experiments. In previous studies, epidemic velocity of yellow rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) on wheat (Triticum aestivum) has been examined in long, narrow plots (6·1 m by 73–171 m). The present study compares spread in square, 61 × 61 m plots versus narrow, 6·1 × 61 m plots at two locations. The objective was to test whether plot shape has a substantial impact on spatiotemporal spread of yellow rust. Velocity increased curvilinearly with time for both plot shapes and at both locations. Curves of epidemic velocity versus time were nearly identical in square versus narrow plots in both the upwind and downwind directions. Contrary to expectation based on simulations, the results did not indicate faster disease spread in square plots, though the plot sizes studied may be beyond that at which there is a rapid change of disease increase with increasing plot area. Velocity also increased curvilinearly in all eight compass directions of the square plots. Results indicate that narrow plots, which are substantially less costly than equidimensional plots, may be justified for studying the spatiotemporal spread of wheat yellow rust and other diseases with similar epidemiological characteristics.
Serological and molecular detection of Tomato chlorosis virus and Tomato infectious chlorosis virus in tomato
Authors: Jacquemond M. , Verdin E. , Dalmon A. , Guilbaud L. , Gognalons P. 
Published: October 2008

Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) and Tomato infectious chlorosis virus (TICV) are two criniviruses inducing similar yellowing symptoms in tomato. An approximately 4 kb central region of the genomic RNA2 of French ToCV and TICV isolates was sequenced. TICV, for which no other sequences were available, appeared as a distant species in the genus, being close only to LIYV (Lettuce infectious yellows virus) for some, but not all, proteins. ToCV has more than 98% nucleotide identity with isolates from the US and Spain, and sequencing the CP gene of several isolates collected in different regions in southern France during 2 years suggested a unique origin. Polyclonal antisera were produced using capsid proteins of both viruses expressed in Escherichia coli. DAS‐ELISA assays were developed for routine diagnosis and conditions for preparing samples for an optimized detection were determined. No cross‐reactions were observed. However, some false‐negative results, corresponding to samples giving ELISA readings close to the detection limit were regularly detected, particularly for ToCV (approximately 5% of the samples). A triplex RT‐PCR assay was thus developed, which allowed detection of both viruses in a one‐step protocol. An internal PCR control was included, which in addition showed that it could be used as a control for the entire RT‐PCR procedure. Finally, combining DAS‐ELISA in a first round, and triplex RT‐PCR for doubtful samples, appeared the best way to achieve a reliable diagnosis of these viruses.
Participation of glutathione in the elimination of Porphyromonas gingivalis in vivo
Authors: Kato C. , Mikami M. , Natsuno T. 
Published: October 2008

Introduction:  Glutathione is involved in immune responses such as cell proliferation and bactericidal activity. The aim of this study was to see whether glutathione influences the intraperitoneal elimination of Porphyromonas gingivalis in Fusobacterium nucleatum‐immunized mice.Methods:  Mice were immunized with P. gingivalis or F. nucleatum, and then P. gingivalis was inoculated into the peritoneal cavity of the mice. After various lengths of time, the numbers of bacteria were determined by a colony‐forming assay and by polymerase chain reaction. The effect of glutathione on the elimination of P. gingivalis was explored by changing the intracellular glutathione level. Furthermore, we examined the effects of glutathione on the peritoneal levels of interferon‐γ, a macrophage activator, and of nitrite, a derivative of nitric oxide that acts as an antimicrobial agent when produced by macrophages and neutrophils.Results:  Inoculated P. gingivalis was eliminated more rapidly from F. nucleatum‐immunized mice than from P. gingivalis‐immunized mice. Interferon‐γ levels in peritoneal lavage fluid and glutathione levels in peritoneal exudate cells were higher in F. nucleatum‐immunized mice than in P. gingivalis‐immunized mice. When P. gingivalis‐immunized mice were given glutathione monoethylester (a derivative of glutathione that is converted to glutathione intracellularly through hydrolysis) into the peritoneal cavity, the elimination of P. gingivalis was accelerated. On the other hand, when F. nucleatum‐immunized mice were given l‐buthionine‐[S,R]‐sulfoximine (an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis) into the peritoneal cavity, the elimination of P. gingivalis was suppressed.Conclusion:  In F. nucleatum‐immunized mice, glutathione may have a key role in the defense against P. gingivalis infections.
Biofilm formation and autoinducer‐2 signaling in Streptococcus intermedius: role of thermal and pH factors
Authors: Ahmed N. A. A. M. , Petersen F. C. , Scheie A. Aa. 
Published: October 2008

Background/aim:  Bacteria sense their population density using autoinducer (AI) signaling systems. The AI‐2 signal is thought to mediate communication among and within bacterial species. Streptococcus intermedius is a commensal organism frequently associated with periodontitis and purulent infections. We investigated the role of AI‐2 signaling in S. intermedius biofilm formation under temperatures and pH levels relevant to human physiology.Methods:  Bioluminescence was used to monitor the change in AI‐2 levels at various temperatures. Growth and biofilm formation in S. intermedius and its luxS mutant SI006 were measured at 35, 37, 39, and 41°C and in pH ranging from 5.7 to 7.5. To confirm the role of AI‐2 signals in biofilm formation, the AI‐2 precursor (S)‐4,5‐dihydroxy‐2,3‐pentanedione (DPD) was used to complement SI006 biofilm formation.Results:  S. intermedius AI‐2 signals were detected at all growth temperatures but reached the highest levels at 37°C. SI006 displayed significantly less biofilm formation than S. intermedius wild‐type (WT); however, the role of AI‐2 on biofilm formation was confined to 37°C. DPD supplementation significantly increased SI006 biofilm formation to the S. intermedius WT level. The role of AI‐2 in S. intermedius biofilm formation was not influenced by pH. High temperatures and low pH enhanced biofilm formation in both S. intermedius and its luxS mutant.Conclusions:  High temperature and acidic conditions may favor biofilm formation by S. intermedius. The role of AI‐2 in biofilm formation by S. intermedius, however, varies with physiological temperature changes. These results may assist in understanding possible behavior relative to health and disease.
Colonization of hard and soft surfaces by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans under hydrodynamic conditions
Authors: Sliepen I. , Van Essche M. , Pauwels M. , Van Eldere J. , Hofkens J. , Quirynen M. , Teughels W. 
Published: October 2008

Introduction:  Oral bacteria must attach to hard and soft tissues to colonize the oral cavity in the presence of a variety of forces caused by shear and flow. In vitro models mimicking this dynamic process are indispensable to study factors that might interfere with the first step towards infection. For extrapolation purposes the comparability between the dynamics of colonization on hard vs. soft surfaces needs to be evaluated.Methods:  The colonization of glass and epithelial cell surfaces by the periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was followed in time with two flow cell models: a modified Robbins device (MRD) and an in situ image analysis system.Results:  The number of A. actinomycetemcomitans recovered from the soft surfaces in the MRD experiments was higher than on glass. The amount of bacteria on the hard surfaces kept increasing with time, while on soft surfaces saturation was reached. The microscope‐mounted flow cell allowed real‐time in situ monitoring of the colonization process of both surfaces.Conclusion:  These experimental models may have a great contribution to make in the development of new treatment approaches for periodontal diseases. Colonization by A. actinomycetemcomitans could be studied under flow conditions and its dynamics showed important surface‐dependent characteristics.
Barley mutants with enhanced level of resistance to Swedish isolates of Bipolaris sorokiniana, casual agent of spot blotch
Authors: Persson M. , Rasmussen M. , Falk A. , Dixelius C. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractSpot blotch, caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, has become an increasingly important disease on barley in Sweden. In order to enhance our knowledge of this disease, eight Swedish B. sorokiniana isolates were assessed for their virulence pathotype on 30 barley genotypes including eight lines of mutant origin, designated B. sorokiniana tolerant (bst). A leaf screen assay revealed the presence of virulence groups 1 and 7 in Sweden. Several mutant genotypes demonstrated enhanced resistance responses (P = 0.0001), of which bst1:3 had the lowest leaf scoring value to the most virulent isolate, Swe2 (virulence group 7). To evaluate the host root responses, two contrasting isolates Swe2 and Swe4 (virulence group 7 and 1) were used to inoculate a set of eight differential lines, including four promising mutant lines from the leaf screen. Mutant bst1:6 was significantly less susceptible (P = 0.001) compared with the other barley genotypes tested, independent of the two isolates used. Mutants bst1, bst1:3 and bst1:4, which displayed less or no spots, are also considered promising genotypes for further breeding attempts.
Expression of the Orexigenic Peptide Ghrelin and the Type 1a Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor in Sheep Oocytes and Pre‐implantation Embryos Produced In Vitro
Authors: Du C , Li H , Cao G , Xilingaowa  , Wang C , Li C 
Published: October 2008

ContentsRecent studies have implicated the peripheral actions of ghrelin in reproductive tissues. Here, we provide evidence that both ghrelin and its receptor GHSR‐1a (the type 1a growth hormone secretagogue receptor) are expressed at both mRNA and protein levels in sheep oocytes and pre‐implantation embryos produced in vitro. Real‐time RT‐PCR experiments confirmed that ghrelin mRNA levels varied depending on developmental stage, with the highest expression in metaphase II (MII) oocytes, higher expression at the 2‐cell stage, and minimal expression in germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes, 4‐ and 8‐cell stages, and in the blastocyst. The levels of GHSR‐1a mRNA decreased from GV to MII, increased immediately at the 2‐cell stage and then remained stable until the blastocyst stage. Ghrelin protein was detected mainly in the cytoplasm close to the plasma membrane in both inner cell mass and trophectoderm cells, while GHSR‐1a protein was most abundant in the plasma membrane. In conclusion, the presence of the ghrelin signalling system within the sheep oocytes and pre‐implantation embryos opens up the possibility of a potential regulatory role of this novel molecule in reproductive function.