bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An improved method for the identification of areas of endemism using species co‐occurrences
Authors: Giokas Sinos , Sfenthourakis Spyros 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim  To develop a simple method that (1) combines the notions of biotic elements (groups of taxa with ranges significantly more similar to each other than to the ranges of other taxa) and of areas of endemism (AoE, areas of non‐random distributional congruence among taxa), and (2) overcomes the constraints of a previously suggested null model‐based method that cannot deal with disjunctions and is strictly grid‐dependent.Location  We used test data sets from southern Africa and Crete.Methods  First, we used a null‐model approach to detect pairs of species that have a significant degree of co‐occurrence, in order to determine biotic elements. Subsequently, we used a parsimony analysis of endemicity to delineate candidate AoE, and multivariate analysis to define groups of biotic elements on the basis of species interactions (co‐occurrence, mutual exclusion, neutral) using only the species detected in the previous step. We applied this method to the well known data set for Sciobius in southern Africa, as well as to endemic invertebrates of Crete (Greece), in order to evaluate its performance.Results  Our results are very similar to those of previous analyses, and produce meaningful delineation of AoE and biotic elements in both data sets. The method is flexible regarding null models and significance levels, and eliminates noise in the data.Main conclusions  We offer a simple method that provides reasonable identification of both biotic elements and AoE, produces good‐fit statistics, reduces uninformative or junk output, and reduces computational time.
Parsimony analysis of endemicity describes but does not explain: an illustrated critique
Authors: Garzón‐Orduña Ivonne J. , Miranda‐Esquivel Daniel Rafael , Donato Mariano 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim To demonstrate that parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) is not analogous to a cladistic biogeographical analysis.Location We used six data sets from previously published studies from around the world.Methods In order to test the efficiency of PAE in recovering historical relationships among areas, we performed an empirical comparison of nodes recovered with PAE, primary Brooks parsimony analysis (BPA), and an event‐based method using three models (maximum codivergence, reconciled trees, and the default model of thetreefitterprogram) for six data sets. We measured the performance of PAE in recovering historical area relationships by counting the number and examining the content of nodes recovered by PAE and by historical methods. The dispersal/vicariance ratio was calculated to assess the prevalence of dispersal or vicariance in each reconstruction and its relationship to the performance of PAE.Results Our results show that PAE recovers an average of 17.25% of historical nodes. PAE and BPA tend to provide similar results; however, in relation to the event‐based models, PAE performance was poor under all the tested scenarios. Although in some cases PAE reconstructions are more resolved than historical reconstructions, this does not necessarily mean that PAE produces more informative answers. These additional nodes correspond to unsupported statements that are based solely on the distributional data of taxa and not on their phylogenetic history. In other words, these nodes were not found by the historical methods, which take phylogenetics into account. The number of historical nodes recovered using PAE was in general negatively correlated with the dispersal/vicariance ratio.Main conclusions Our results show that PAE is unable to recover historical patterns and therefore does not fit into the current paradigm of historical biogeography. These findings raise doubts regarding conclusions derived from biogeographical studies that interpret PAE trees as area cladograms. We acknowledge that PAE aims to describe but does not explain the current distribution of organisms. It is therefore a useful tool in other biogeographical or ecological analyses for exploring the distribution of taxa or for establishing hypotheses of primary homology between areas.
Differences in health‐related quality of life between older nursing home residents without cognitive impairment and the general population of Norway
Authors: Drageset Jorunn , Natvig Gerd Karin , Eide Geir Egil , Clipp Elizabeth C , Bondevik Margareth , Nortvedt Monica W , Nygaard Harald A 
Published: April 2008

Aim.  To advance the understanding of health‐related quality of life among older nursing home residents by assessing their health‐related quality of life and comparing this with norms from the general population.Methods.  The study used a two‐group cross‐sectional comparative design. The samples comprised 227 nursing home residents aged 65–102 years with at least six months’ residence and a representative population sample of 1137 Norwegian citizens aged 65–102 years. All nursing home residents had a Clinical Dementia Rating Scale score ≥0·5 and were capable of conversing. The respondents provided demographic information and were surveyed using the SF‐36 Health Survey. We used univariate and multivariate linear models to identify possible differences in health‐related quality of life between the nursing home residents and the general population, controlled for age, sex, marital status and education.Results.  After adjustment for age, group, sex, marital status and education, the nursing home residents scored significantly higher on bodily pain and on physical and emotional role limitation and significantly lower on the other SF‐36 subscales, except social functioning, with the largest differences for physical functioning (mean nursing home 23·2 and mean general population 62·9). The general population scores on all subscales generally increased with increasing education but not among the nursing home residents.Conclusions.  The mean SF‐36 scale scores differed markedly between the nursing home residents and the general population, with the nursing home residents generally scoring lower. The association with background variables known to be related to health‐related quality of life differed between the groups. Healthcare professionals should increase attention to health‐related quality of life among nursing home residents, periodically assess health‐related quality of life and consider interventions that may improve health‐related quality of life in older institutionalised populations.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study highlights the role of nurses and other health professionals in ensuring that nursing home residents have opportunities to improve their health‐related quality of life.
Acupressure and meridian massage: combined effects on increasing body weight in premature infants
Authors: Chen Li‐Li , Su Yi‐Chang , Su Chia‐Hsien , Lin Hung‐Chih , Kuo Hsien‐Wen 
Published: April 2008

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to assess the body weight gain of combined acupressure and meridian massage in premature infants.Background.  Each year in Taiwan, 8–10% of newborns are delivered prematurely. Effective postnatal care is essential to ensure the healthy development of premature infants. Massage therapy has been administered to facilitate weight gain in the neonatal unit. The evidence‐based findings in previous studies did not include acupressure or meridian massage.Design.  A double‐blind clinical trial was conducted in a medical centre in central Taiwan.Methods.  Forty subjects were randomised into two groups. The 20 subjects in the experimental group were given a standard procedure of acupressure at Zhongwan, Zusanli, Yongquan, abdominal rubbing, spleen and stomach meridian massage, and kneading the points along the spine of the bladder meridian. These treatments were administered for 15 minutes per session, one hour before meals, three times daily over 10 days. The control group, also consisting of 20 subjects, underwent routine care and was observed. The infants’ body weights and the volume of milk ingested were measured and recorded daily.Results.  The daily average weight gain of the infants in the experimental group was 32·7 g (SD = 8·1) compared with 27·3 g (SD = 7·7) in the control group. While in the first week there was no significant difference in weight gain between the two groups; in the second week, the weight gain observed in the experimental group was significantly higher than that observed in the control group.Conclusions.  An experimental trial established the effects of using acupressure and meridian massage on increasing body weight in premature infants. Acupressure and meridian massage have a significant effect on weight gain in premature infants.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses could be trained in acupressure and meridian massage techniques to provide more effective level of clinical care for premature infants.
Predicting child abuse and neglect: ethical, theoretical and methodological challenges
Authors: Taylor Julie , Baldwin Norma , Spencer Nick 
Published: April 2008

Aims. This paper explores the ethical, theoretical and methodological implications of predictive testing in studies of child abuse, neglect and harm.Background. The use of screening instruments to make predictions about children who may later be abused, neglected or at risk of exclusion is promoted in research and policy. The recent UK Action Plan on Social Exclusion suggests that health visitors and community midwives should be trained to use these tools in practice.Method. Position paper.Conclusions. The accuracy of screening instruments to identify children who will be abused or neglected has not been established. Even if the theoretical and methodological challenges of predictive instruments could be overcome, the ethical implications of their use are very difficult for nurses and midwives.Relevance to clinical practice. Nurses, midwives and health visitors require high levels of awareness of risk factors in working with children and families. We have a responsibility to reach professional judgements about risks of harm for individuals. This is best performed through improving skills in working with parents and carers to identify those factors which may impede their ability to offer safe developmental care to their children.
A systematic review of the use of hydrocolloids in the treatment of pressure ulcers
Authors: Heyneman Alexander , Beele Hilde , Vanderwee Katrien , Defloor Tom 
Published: April 2008

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this systematic literature review was to describe the current evidence in the field of pressure ulcer treatment with hydrocolloids and to give recommendations for clinical practice and further research.Background.  Pressure ulcers are a common problem in clinical practice and generate substantial expense. A wide range of dressings is available but little is known about the effect on pressure ulcer healing.Methods.  A Cochrane‐based search strategy was used in four databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), manuals and reference lists. Randomised controlled trials on the treatment of pressure ulcers with hydrocolloids, as defined by the British National Formulary, were systematically included and analysed.Results.  Twenty‐nine publications, dealing with 28 different studies, met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Hydrocolloids were most frequently used on pressure ulcers grade 2–3. Concerning the healing of the pressure ulcer, hydrocolloids are more effective than gauze dressings for the reduction of the wound dimensions. The absorption capacity, the time needed for dressing changes, the pain during dressing changes and the side‐effects were significantly in favour of hydrocolloids if compared to gauze dressings. Based on the available cost‐effectiveness data, hydrocolloids seemed to be less expensive compared with collagen‐, saline‐ and povidine‐soaked gauze but more expensive compared to hydrogel, polyurethane foam and collagenase.Conclusions.  This review demonstrates that hydrocolloids are to be preferred to gauze dressings in the treatment of pressure ulcers. Additional research is needed to confirm these results.Relevance to clinical practice.  Based on the studies included in this review, hydrocolloids are frequently used in the treatment of grade 2 and 3 pressure ulcers and are more effective and less expensive than gauze dressings. Compared with alginates, polyurethane dressings, less‐contact layers, topical enzymes and biosynthetic dressings, hydrocolloids are less effective.
A critical literature review exploring the challenges of delivering effective palliative care to older people with dementia
Authors: Birch Deborah , Draper Jan 
Published: April 2008

Aim.  This paper considers the challenges of delivering effective palliative care to older people with dementia and the possible strategies to overcome barriers to end‐of‐life care in these patients.Background.  In UK alone, approximately 100 000 people with dementia die each year and as the number of older people increases, dementia is set to become even more prevalent. Dementia is a progressive terminal illness for which there is currently no cure. Patients dying with dementia have significant health‐care needs and in recent years it has been recognised that palliative care should be made available to everyone regardless of diagnosis, as this improves comfort and quality of life. Despite this, patients dying with dementia are often still not given access to palliative care services.Method.  A review of English language literature published after 1996 to the present day relating to older people with dementia during the terminal phase of their illness.Results.  Twenty‐nine articles met inclusion criteria for the review. Most originated from North America and UK and were mostly quantitative in nature. Four key themes were identified: difficulties associated with diagnosing the terminal phase of the illness (prognostication); issues relating to communication; medical interventions; and the appropriateness of palliative care intervention.Conclusions.  This review reinforces the importance of providing appropriate palliative care to individuals suffering from end‐stage dementia and identifies some of the barriers to extending such specialist palliative care provision.Relevance to practice.  There is an urgent need to improve palliative care provision for older people with end‐stage dementia and, in addition, more research is required on the needs of patients entering the terminal phase of dementia to assist the allocation of appropriate resources and training to ensure quality and equality in the provision of end‐of‐life care.
Differences in prevalence of pressure ulcers between the Netherlands and Germany – associations between risk, prevention and occurrence of pressure ulcers in hospitals and nursing homes
Authors: Tannen Antje , Dassen Theo , Halfens Ruud 
Published: April 2008

Aim.  This study compares pressure ulcer prevalence and prevention activities in nursing homes and hospitals within two European countries.Background.  Over three years stable differences have been found between the Netherlands (NL) and Germany (GER) with higher pressure ulcer rates in the NL. As previous analyses have shown, the differences cannot be entirely explained by differences in the population’s vulnerability to pressure ulcers because they still remain after risk adjustment. Therefore, the differences in prevalence must be caused by other factors. The purpose of this study is to analyse if any potential differences in preventive activities can account for the varying occurrence of pressure ulcers.Method.  In both countries, nation‐wide surveys were conducted annually using the same standardised questionnaires. Trained nurses examined all consenting patients of the voluntarily participating facilities. This examination included a skin assessment of the entire body. Data regarding risk factors, prevention and details about wounds were then collected.Results.  In‐patients of 29 German (n = 2531) and 71 Dutch (n = 10 098) nursing homes and 39 German (n = 8515) and 60 Dutch (n = 10 237) hospitals were investigated. The use of pressure‐reducing devices was more common in the NL than in GER, but all other interventions were more frequently provided to German risk patients than to their Dutch counterparts. The pressure ulcer prevalence was significantly higher in the Dutch sample. After adjusting for gender, age, Braden Score and prevention, the probability of having a pressure ulcer was 8·1 times higher for Dutch nursing home residents than for German residents.Conclusion.  Some of the variance in pressure ulcer prevalence between the two countries can be explained by varying pressure ulcer prevention. However, some remarkable differences still remain unexplained.Relevance to clinical practice.  The extent of pressure ulcer prevention, especially repositioning and nutrition intervention provided to patients at risk, is not in accordance with international guidelines.
Nursing competence 10 years on: fit for practice and purpose yet?
Authors: Bradshaw Ann , Merriman Clair 
Published: April 2008

Aims and objectives.  This paper examines how nurses are prepared to be clinically competent and safe at registration, so that they are fit for practice and purpose. It follows up two papers on competence published in 1997 and 1998 and investigates subsequent developments.Background.  In 1979, major changes in nursing affected nurse education and preparation for competence. In the following two decades, it became clear that nurses lacked clinical skills. This paper examines subsequent changes and asks the question whether this crucial shortcoming has now been remedied. This paper considers the background and context of change in nursing and nurse education in the 1980s. It looks at the new ideology, to prepare the ‘knowledgeable doer’ and examines the consequences of the change on nursing competency from the 1990s to the present day.Methods.  This is a position paper. Professional policy documents from the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting, United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting and Nursing and Midwifery Council, government reports and legislation on nursing and relevant nursing literature are examined and critically analysed and conclusions drawn.Conclusions.  From 1923–1977, mandatory nursing syllabuses set by the General Nursing Council of England and Wales required the registered nurse to have acquired certain specific clinical skills. These were rigorously tested to an explicit standard set by the General Nursing Council before a nurse was awarded state registration. Twenty‐five years later, the loss of this system for ensuring this competence and the implications of this loss, have been widely recognised. As a result, many nurse training institutions have introduced clinical skills laboratories, simulation of practice and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination. However, to the authors’ surprise and contrary to their initial expectations, the Nursing and Midwifery Council has not made these systems uniform or mandatory and so still has no way of ensuring all nurse training is producing safe nurses in the United Kingdom. The authors conclude that the untested educational ideology that brought root and branch change to nurse training in 1983 and which failed to produce nurses ‘fit for practice and purpose’ may still prevail.Relevance to clinical practice.  The present paper demonstrates that United Kingdom nurse training still has no uniform and mandatory system in place to ensure, as far as is possible, that all registered nurses are clinically competent and safe to practice.
Just how male are male nurses..?
Authors: Loughrey Mark 
Published: April 2008

Aim.  The aim of the present research study was to elucidate, quantitatively, the gender role perceptions of male nurses in Ireland.Background.  Caring, women and the female gender role are all historically and fiercely synonymous. However, not all carers are women. For instance, male nurses also assume caring roles. What we do not know is how these men actually relate to their own gender role. Is it possible that because of their immersion in a stereotypically caring career they actually occupy the female gender role?Design.  A quantitative non‐experimental descriptive design was adopted.Method.  Short‐form Bem sex role inventory was mailed to a random sample of 250 male registered general nurses in Ireland to ascertain whether they perceived themselves to occupy the male or female gender role.Results.  One hundred and four men completed the inventory. Overall, the sample identified with more female than male gender norms. Specifically, 78 respondents identified themselves as adhering to more female gender role norms than male gender role norms, whereas 21 respondents identified more strongly with male gender role norms. Five respondents identified equally with both gender roles.Conclusion.  This study quantitatively elucidates the gender perceptions of male nurses in Ireland for the first time.Relevance to clinical practice.  Adherence to the female gender role may be an important prerequisite to caring. If this is true, then this study supports the notion that many male nurses occupy this gender role. However, adoption of facets of the female gender role may not be unique to male nurses. Many men may occupy this role and perhaps resultantly be attracted to or well‐suited to caring careers. Attracting such men may help in solving the recruitment and retention issues that surround caring careers. Furthermore, the attraction of more men to caring careers may subside the stigma for the minority of men already in such careers.
Development and psychometric evaluation of workplace psychologically violent behaviours instrument
Authors: Dilek Yildirim , Aytolan Yildirim 
Published: April 2008

Aim.  To develop an instrument to determine nurses’ perceptions of psychologically violent behaviours that they are exposed to in the workplace.Background.  According to Leymann, psychological terror or mobbing in work life involves hostile and unethical communication, which is directed in a systematic way towards one individual who, due to mobbing, is pushed into a helpless and defenceless position, and being held there by means of continuing mobbing activities.Design.  Survey.Methods.  Because nurses who work in hospitals are generally the principle victims of physical, emotional and verbal violence due to the nature of their work environment, the research sample comprised 476 hospital nurses. Data were collected via self‐administered questionnaires.Results.  The instrument to determine the perception of workplace psychologically violent behaviours contains 33 items and four factors (individual’s isolation from work, attack on professional status, attack on personality and direct attack). All items have shown statistically significant correlation (p < 0·01); the instrument’s total Cronbach’s α internal consistency coefficient was found to be 0·93.Conclusions.  The findings show that the instrument’s validity and reliability are within the limits of an acceptable level and that it is an instrument that will encourage more studies on this subject.Relevance to practice.  Defining the psychological pressure that nurses are exposed to in the workplace and determining its negative effects on the victim of workplace psychological pressure and on the institution will make it possible to protect individuals and the institution from psychological violence with both individual and institutional practices.