bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colorectal cancer: presentation and outcome in British South Asians
Authors: Norwood M. G. A. , Mann C. D. , Hemingway D. , Miller A. S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim  Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a lower incidence in patients of South Asian origin compared with British Caucasians. There are however little data available regarding the demographics of these patients, their presentation and outcome. Leicester has a high South Asian immigrant population, and we aim to define any potential differences in presentation, pathogenesis and outcome between our Caucasian and South Asian ethnic groups.Method  All patients of South Asian origin were identified from the Leicester CRC database between June 1998 and April 2007. Data were analysed regarding the patients’ demographics, the presentation and treatment details, tumour characteristics and clinical outcome. Data were compared with Caucasian patients from the same database. Patients from an ethnic background other than South Asia or Caucasians were excluded from analysis.Results  3435 patients were included in the analysis, of which 134 (3.9%) were of South Asian ethnicity. 61.9% of South Asian patients were male compared with 56% of Caucasians. South Asians were significantly younger at presentation (61.4 vs 70.6 years, P < 0.001). South Asian patients had significantly more rectal tumours than their Caucasian counterparts (P = 0.002). South Asian patients were more likely to require initial oncological therapy, and were less likely to have resectional surgery than Caucasians (P = 0.006). Of the patients undergoing resectional surgery, the ASA grade, mode of surgery, tumour characteristics and Dukes’ stage were similar. There was no difference in 5‐year survival between the South Asian and Caucasian patients.Conclusion  Patients of South Asian ethnicity are younger at their age of presentation and have a higher proportion of rectal tumours compared with British Caucasian patients. They are more likely to require initial oncological treatment and are less likely to undergo resectional surgery, therefore suggesting more advanced disease at presentation. Overall 5‐year survival is the similar.
Can elderly patients with colorectal cancer tolerate planned surgical treatment? A practical approach to a common dilemma
Authors: Ugolini G. , Rosati G. , Montroni I. , Zanotti S. , Manaresi A. , Giampaolo L. , Friederike Blume J. , Taffurelli M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim  Analysing the effectiveness of a surgical procedure is mandatory in every modern health‐care system. The aging of the population stresses the need for a good standard of care. This study tests the hypothesis that porthsmouth‐physiologic operative severity score for enumeration of morbidity and mortality (P‐POSSUM) and colorectal‐POSSUM (CR‐POSSUM) would be useful clinical auditing tools in colorectal cancer surgery for aged patients.Method  One hundred and seventy‐seven consecutive patients over 70 years of age underwent emergency or elective surgery from January 2003 to December 2005. Demographic, clinical and surgical information, score systems’ prediction, complications and 30‐day mortality data were prospectively entered in a comprehensive database. The observed over expected morbidity and mortality rate was calculated.Results  Thirty‐day observed mortality was 10.3% (19/177) while P‐POSSUM and CR‐POSSUM expected mortality were, respectively, 11.21% (P = NS) and 13.08% (P = NS). Overall observed morbidity was 42.7%, P‐POSSUM prediction was 59.3% (P = 0.002). Morbidity and mortality data were analysed for specific subgroups of patients (resection and anastomosis/resection and stoma/palliative; emergency/elective).Conclusion  P‐POSSUM and CR‐POSSUM are useful tools to predict mortality in elderly patients. P‐POSSUM significantly overestimated the risk of complications. A more accurate tool for preoperative assessment for aged patients is probably needed to predict the post‐surgical outcome.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in children: equivalent clearance rates to adults is achieved with fewer and lower energy shock waves
Authors: Kurien Abraham , Symons Stephanie , Manohar Thimmegowda , Desai Mahesh 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVETo compare the outcome, safety and efficiency of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) using an electromagnetic lithotripter for upper urinary tract stones in children and adults.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed data over a 5‐year period for patients with solitary, renal and upper ureteric stones measuring <2 cm in whom ESWL was the treatment method. Group A consisted of 44 children (mean [sd] age 5.9 [4.4] years) and group B of 562 adults (mean [sd] age 40.9 [13.1] years). The number and energy of SWs used was not predetermined and was tailored until adequate fragmentation was achieved. Initial stone reassessment was performed at 48 h and monthly thereafter. The number of SWs, intensity of SWs, stone‐free rate, auxiliary procedure rate, re‐treatment rate, complication rate and effectiveness quotient (EQ) were assessed in each group.RESULTSThe stone‐free rate with ESWL was 84% in children and 87% in adults (P = 0.78). The EQ was 77% and 75% in children and adults, respectively (P = 0.56). The mean (sd) number of SWs and energy required per session was 950 (349) and 11.83 (0.48) kV in children and 1262 (454) and 12.36 (0.34) kV in adults (P < 0.001). The re‐treatment, auxiliary procedure and complication rates were similar in both groups.CONCLUSIONESWL is as safe and effective in children as in adults for solitary renal and upper ureteric stones that are <2 cm. Children required significantly fewer and lower energy SWs to achieve equivalent results.
Development of a screening tool in Arabic for respiratory health problems
Authors: Shishani K. 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  The objective of this study was to develop a tool in the Arabic language for screening of respiratory health problems in air polluted areas. This was the first stage in a multistage study.Design:  A descriptive design was utilized.Sample:  One hundred adults aged 18 years or more living in an air polluted area in Jordan were recruited using a convenience sampling technique.Results:  The Respiratory Risk Profile, generated from a synthesis of international epidemiological studies, had excellent reliability coefficients with an internal consistency coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) of 0.92. The strong item–scale correlations (0.48–0.76) showed that all of the items contributed to the measurement of the respiratory symptoms. Construct validity was assessed by a factor analysis, and a two‐factor model had a good fit to the data. The two factors (upper respiratory symptoms and lower respiratory symptoms) explained 50% and 12% of the total variance, respectively.Conclusion:  Approximately half of the study participants (49%) complained of difficulty breathing in the past 3 months. About 10% of the respondents reported that they were currently taking asthma medications. The present psychometric analyses showed that the Respiratory Risk Profile is a valid and reliable screening tool for respiratory health problems in adult populations living in polluted areas.
Hong Kong enrolled nurses' perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care
Authors: Wong K.F. , Lee L.Y.K. , Lee J.K.L. 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  To explore Hong Kong nurses' perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care, and to investigate the relationship between their perceptions and their demographic characteristics.Background:  Many studies suggest that spirituality is the essence of human being and plays an important role in people's lives. Although studies have documented the positive relationship between spiritual care and patients' health outcomes, it has also been shown that the implementation of spiritual care is uncommon in nursing practice. Furthermore, there is little discussion on practising nurses' perception of spirituality and spiritual care in Hong Kong.Methods:  This study adopted a cross‐sectional descriptive design to investigate nurses' perception of spirituality and spiritual care in Hong Kong. A convenience sample of 429 practising enrolled nurses were invited to complete the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS) (response rate 91%).Findings:  Subjects showed satisfactory understanding of spirituality and appreciated providing spiritual care to patients. The mean scores for the SSCRS and its four subscales were greater than half of the maximum score. There were significant differences in the perceptions of spirituality between subjects with different education levels and religious affiliations.Conclusions:  The findings suggest increasing the emphasis of spirituality both in undergraduate education and in continuing‐development levels. Recommendations are also made regarding the implementation of spiritual care in nursing practice. Despite having a convenience sample, the present study has contributed to stimulating awareness and discussion among nurses on spirituality and spiritual care.
Human trafficking of Amerindian women in Guyana: challenges and strategies
Authors: Mantini L. 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  This human‐interest article aims to increase awareness of the root causes of Guyanese Amerindian vulnerability.Background:  In 2000, while working among the Wai Wai, Makushi and Wapishana tribes in the Rupununi, the author made a promise to a tribal Captain never to forget his people. Not only are the Amerindian people remembered, but their plight is being recognized and shared in an effort to end the exploitation of Guyanese Amerindian women. Every year, international humanitarian teams gain permission to provide health care and health education in Amerindian villages in Guyana. Ensuring that international health teams are informed about current Amerindian issues is vital to mission success. Lack of indigenous awareness with regard to human trafficking is evidence that Guyana's trafficking awareness campaign did not effectively reach the interior and therefore, international teams can be instrumental in bringing awareness to those most vulnerable to human traffickers. Improving indigenous and international awareness has the potential to reduce vulnerability, and to reduce the risk of humanitarian teams unknowingly sending silent victims back into a life of forced labour and sexual exploitation.Methods:  Emphasis is placed on discriminatory institutional and cultural factors impacting on young indigenous women increasing the likelihood of exploitation by human traffickers. Policy and service activities are examined to ascertain Guyana's current capacity to address human trafficking and meet the needs of victims.Conclusion:  Building institutional and community capacity, and empowering indigenous peoples to take ownership for individual, family and community awareness and action against human trafficking are important steps to take in reducing vulnerability, ending human rights violations and improving the status of indigenous women.
Breast cancer risk factors in Korean women: a literature review
Authors: Lee S.‐M. , Park J.‐H. , Park H.‐J. 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  To compile a complete list of risk factors from the Korean breast cancer studies to obtain relevant predictor information essential in developing a predictive model for breast cancer.Background:  Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed female cancer in Korea. However, the breast cancer‐screening rate in Korea is relatively low compared with that in other countries. In order to promote early health screening, there is a need to identify those individuals who are most likely to develop breast cancer by using an accurate predictive model.Methods:  Thirty‐four breast cancer studies were selected from MEDLINE and two Korean literature databases. Two researchers summarized the risk factors and their effects in each article using a checklist.Findings:  Most of the studies were case–control studies conducted after 2000. In 34 articles, a total of 84 risk factors for breast cancer in Korean women were identified; of these, 58 factors were determined as statistically significant factors. The factors identified most often were body mass index, menarche, menopause, family history, pregnancy and delivery, breastfeeding, alcohol use, smoking habits, diet, education and use of oral contraceptives. None of 34 studies looked at stress as a risk factor of which influence on cancer has been reported in other populations.Conclusion:  The next steps will be to construct a questionnaire consisting of relevant variables based on these study results and to develop a predictive model. This would be used to encourage those Koreans who are more likely to develop breast cancer to have early check‐ups.
Factors influencing Chinese undergraduate nursing students' perceptions of the nursing profession
Authors: Zhang M.F. , Petrini M.A. 
Published: August 2008

Background:  In recent years, with the rapid development of nursing in China, the number of undergraduate nursing students has increased significantly. As professional perception has a great influence on the development of nursing students and the future quality of nursing, exploring factors that influence this perception are very important.Aim:  To describe undergraduate nursing students' attitudes towards nursing and to explore if their perceptions of nursing are influenced by demographic characteristics, clinical experience and/or different curriculum designs.Methods:  A cross‐sectional descriptive study was carried out in two nursing schools: one with a traditional curriculum and one that had undertaken curriculum reform. Following institutional approval, 176 (92.6%) of the targeted population of 190 students responded to a demographic questionnaire with two semi‐structured questions and the Attitude Towards the Nursing Profession Scale. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics, t‐test and Spearman correlation analysis.Findings:  No correlations were found between nursing students' attitudes towards nursing and their demographic characteristics. Clinical experience apparently had no impact on nursing students' professional perception. However, the curriculum design appears to play an important role in forming the students' attitudes towards nursing. Significant implications and suggestions for nursing educators and nursing managers are presented.
Australian nurses seize a collaborative model to shape the future with the International Council of Nurses
Authors: Foley E.R. 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  To showcase a successful collaborative model under the International Council of Nurses (ICN) membership models, which enables Australian nurses to more fully participate across all ICN activities.Background:  When ICN approved new models of membership in 2001, Royal College of Nursing, Australia, saw an opportunity for creating greater unity for Australian nursing. The College had established an agreement nationally with the Australian Nursing Federation, the union, to maximize influence on national nursing policy. Flowing from the ICN's objective of inclusivity, a collaborative partnership under the College's membership of ICN was a logical and mutually beneficial next step. Members of the two peak Australian national nursing organizations, together with the profession at large, have favourably received this demonstration of unity. In a time of constant change and uncertainty in professional circles and upheaval in the global community, this collaborative effort by the premier professional and industrial groups has sounded a strong note of stability for working towards a robust future for nursing. With the influence of often‐unknown external forces, it is not always possible to predict what lies ahead for our profession. However, a strong collaborative partnership can better plan for, and have greater influence on, national and international issues.Conclusion:  The College, having taken the unprecedented step of inviting a colleague organization to engage in international level collaboration, encourages other ICN member associations to form similar alliances. A stronger ICN will strengthen nurses' endeavours at the forefront of global health and create an unbeatable force for dealing with the unexpected.
Furthering the development of standardized nursing terminology through an ENP®‐ICNP® cross‐mapping
Authors: Wieteck P. 
Published: August 2008

Purpose:  To examine the completeness and validity of the terms used in ENP® in describing nursing diagnoses using a cross‐mapping to ICNP®.Methods:  The mapping procedure was carried out using the parallel mapping method.Results:  The interrater reliability showed good to very good results. The percentage of agreement of the rating results for the ICNP® phenomenon axes was between 73% and 99%, and the randomly adjusted Cohen's Kappa value was 0.88 on the ICNP® focus axis.Discussion:  The results of the mapping show that both classifications, ENP® and INCP®, are not yet complete for illustrating all aspects of nursing. Both classifications use a large proportion of overlapping terms (75%), and a small proportion of terms (25%) which describe different dimensions of nursing in both ENP® and ICNP®.Conclusion:  The results of the mapping are discussed in consideration of the nurse's perspective. The main focus is on the difference between pre‐combined systems, like ENP®, and post‐combined, like ICNP®, and their implications on the use of nursing classifications in practice for the illustration of the nursing process.
Estimating nurses' workload using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination in Japan
Authors: Kamijo Y. , Kanda K. 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  To examine the methods used to estimate nurse staffing levels in acute care settings with Diagnosis Related Groups, which in Japan are called the Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC).Methods:  For estimating staffing requirements, the study used four DPC groups: (1) acute or recurrent myocardial infarction (AMI) with stenting, (2) angina pectoris with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), (3) sub‐arachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) with clipping surgery, and (4) cerebral infarction with carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Registered nurses with more than 3‐year nursing experience in nine university hospitals in the Tokyo metropolitan area completed self‐report questionnaires in order to obtain nursing care time and care intensity per each DPC. The concordance rate was measured by Kendall's coefficient of concordance. The relationship between the care time and the care intensity was examined by a time series graph per DPC. Care intensity consisted of professional judgement, mental effort for helping patients, professional skill, physical effort for providing activities of daily living support, and nurse stress, based on the Hsiao and colleagues' model of resource‐based relative value scale.Results:  Twenty‐five nurses in nine university hospitals answered for a hypothetical typical patient with AMI and with CABG, and 28 nurses in nine university hospitals answered for a hypothetical typical patient with SAH and with CEA. Kendall's coefficient of concordance was 0.896 for AMI, 0.855 for CABG, 0.848 for SAH, 0.854 for CEA. The time series data of the care time and the care intensity items showed different patterns for each DPC.Conclusion:  The DPC for cardiovascular and cerebral surgical procedures can be used for estimating nurses' workload.
The impact of the use of response pad system on the learning of secondary school physics concepts: A Singapore quasi‐experiment study
Authors: Mun Wong Kin , Hew Khe Foon , Cheung Wing Sum 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAlthough a number of researchers have examined response pad systems (RPSs) in higher education, there has been very little research at the K‐12 level. This paper investigated the impact of using an RPS in the learning of physics concepts in a secondary school in Singapore. Two classes (n = 35 students in each class) of secondary five students participated in this study. One of the classes used an RPS while the other did not. Both classes completed a pretest and a posttest which tested the students in the application of the physics concepts taught. Results suggested that the class that used an RPS performed better in the posttest compared to the class that did not use the system. In addition, we explored the teacher and students' perceptions of using the RPS.
A novel presenilin 2 mutation (V393M) in early‐onset dementia with profound language impairment
Authors: Lindquist S. G. , Hasholt L. , Bahl J. M. C. , Heegaard N. H. H. , Andersen B. B. , Nørremølle A. , Stokholm J. , Schwartz M. , Batbayli M. , Laursen H. , Pardossi‐Piquard R. , Chen F. , St George‐Hyslop P. , Waldemar G. , Nielsen J. E. 
Published: August 2008

Background:  Mutations in the Presenilin 2 gene (PSEN2) are rare causes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Pathogenic mutations in the genes associated with autosomal dominant inherited AD have been shown to alter processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) resulting in a relative increase of the amount of Aβ42 peptide.Methods and results:  We present a patient with neuropathologically confirmed early‐onset AD characterized by profound language impairment. The patient was heterozygous for a novel missense mutation in exon 11 of the PSEN2 gene leading to a predicted amino acid substitution from valine to methionine in position 393, a conserved residue. However, in vitro expression of PSEN2 V393M cDNA did not result in detectable increase of the secreted Aβ42/40 peptide ratio. The mutation was not found in 384 control individuals tested.Conclusions:  The possible pathogenic nature of the mutation is not clarified. We discuss the limitations of functional PSEN2 studies and the challenges associated with genetic counselling of family members at risk.
Use of three‐dimensional kinematic analysis following upper limb botulinum toxin A for children with hemiplegia
Authors: Mackey A. H. , Miller F. , Walt S. E. , Waugh M.‐C. , Stott N. S. 
Published: August 2008

Background and purpose:  To examine whether three‐dimensional (3‐D) kinematic analysis can detect changes in upper limb tasks (reach and hand‐to‐mouth) in children with hemiplegia, following upper limb botulinum toxin A injections.Methods:  Ten children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (7 males, 3 females, aged 9–17 years). Subjects received botulinum toxin A (Botox) injections into elbow forearm muscles combined with 6 weeks of occupational therapy. Participants completed a 3‐D kinematic analysis of two upper limb tasks, Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function and modified Ashworth scores measured at baseline, 2, 6 and 12 weeks post‐injection.Results:  Post‐injections, elbow flexor muscle tone was reduced for 12 weeks (p < 0.05). Group differences in active range of motion during 3‐D analysis tasks could not be demonstrated at any time post‐intervention. However, individual analyses found that at 2 weeks post‐injection, three subjects had >15 degrees increases in active elbow extension and six subjects showed an increase of >25 degrees in forearm supination during performance of the reach and hand‐to‐mouth tasks, respectively.Conclusions:  3‐D kinematics can detect changes in active movements during functional tasks following botulinum toxin A injections, suggesting this could be a potential objective outcome measure in a clinical trial.