bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sublabial, Transseptal, Transsphenoidal Approach to the Pituitary Region Guided by the ACUSTAR I System*
Authors: Burkey Brian B. , Speyer Matthew T. , Maciunas Robert J. , Fitzpatrick J. Michael , Galloway Robert L. , Allen George S. 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVEAdvances in imaging resolution have resulted in superior visualization of intracranial anatomy. Because of the inherent complexity of the surgical exposure of these lesions, intraoperative localizing techniques are required. Currently, C‐arm fluoroscopy provides only two‐dimensional localization for these anatomic structures. The recently described ACUSTAR I system, developed in conjunction with Codman and Shurtleff, Inc. (Randolph, Mass.), is an interactive, image‐guided device that allows three‐dimensional localization with a degree of accuracy previously unattainable. We assessed the clinical utility of the ACUSTAR I system for intraoperative spatial confirmation during transsphenoidal approaches to pituitary lesions.METHODSEight patients underwent transsphenoidal approaches to pituitary lesions with the assistance of the ACUSTAR I system. The spatial relationships were clinically judged intraoperatively by the surgeon and by use of traditional C‐arm fluoroscopy and then were compared with the ACUSTAR I system results.RESULTSIn all eight patients, the ACUSTAR I system correctly displayed the surgical orientation and provided localization to within less than 1 mm. In two patients, this facilitated the redirection of an errant approach. No complications were associated with the use of this image‐guided device.CONCLUSIONSThe ACUSTAR I system is useful in displaying accurate, three‐dimensional anatomic relationships during transsphenoidal approaches to pituitary lesions. This system provides critical information intraoperatively to redirect errant approaches and prevent significant morbidity.
A preliminary study on the effect of lunar cycles on the spawning behaviour of the gilt-head sea bream, Sparus aurata
Authors: Saavedra Margarida , Pousão-Ferreira Pedro 
Published: June 2006

Environmental cues such as photoperiod and water temperature are often used by fish as a sign to begin reproduction. However, even after the reproductive cycle has started there are other signs, such as the moon phase that may affect the number of eggs laid by some fish species. The existence of a moon effect has never been investigated in any fish of the sparid family.In the present study, the effect of moon phase was observed on eggs laid by two Sparus aurata in indoor tanks over a four month period, from January to May, 2003. During this period a peak in eggs laid was observed around the Full Moon. A total of 8644 g and 5653 g of eggs were collected, 4535 g corresponding to the Full Moon and 2882 g to the New Moon.
Exercise science and the development of evidence‐based practice: A “better practices” framework
Authors: Faulkner Guy , Taylor Adrian , Ferrence Roberta , Munro Shelly , Selby Peter 
Published: June 2006

AbstractExercise and sport scientists are increasingly faced with the need to demonstrate that their work is based on a sound evidence base and has an impact on professional practice and policy. This evidence is often derived from systematic reviews of rigorously designed studies such as randomized controlled trials. This paper addresses some of the limitations of the exclusive reliance on such trials and highlights the importance of addressing issues of effectiveness and practical concerns when synthesizing research evidence. The “Better Practices” model is then described in the context of a current project examining exercise and smoking cessation. This model provides one framework for integrating critical reviews of empirical evidence with contextual and practical considerations relevant to organizations interested in the translation of the synthesis into practice. Strengths and weaknesses of the model are discussed regarding its potential consideration and application by exercise and sport scientists.
Interpretive qualitative synthesis in the sport & exercise sciences: The meta‐interpretation approach
Authors: Weed Mike 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the interpretive synthesis of qualitative research in the sport and exercise sciences. The paper discusses the “meta‐interpretation” approach which attempts to maintain an interpretive epistemology congruent with the majority of primary qualitative research. The paper reviews and evaluates eight research methods or approaches that include some form of synthesis and that are and have been widely used in sport, health and exercise research (literature review, systematic review, meta‐analysis, meta‐ethnography, grounded theory, cross‐case comparison, secondary analysis of primary data, and interpretive phenomenological analysis). The key features of each approach are drawn out, and their implications for the meta‐interpretation approach are discussed. The paper then outlines the procedure for meta‐interpretation before concluding with some comments on the functions of synthesis in general and meta‐interpretation in particular.
Demographic effects of the introduction of steroid contraception in developed countries
Authors: Leridon Henri 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe use of the contraceptive pill increased very rapidly in the 1970s in many developed countries, and fertility almost simultaneously started to decline. We discuss here the possibility of a causal link between these two major changes. We first provide evidence for a relationship between the spread of oral contraceptive use and the change in fertility in many European countries over the last three or four decades. The situation of specific countries is examined more in depth on the basis of available literature. We then review the various theories attempting to explain these trends and see how the family planning variables are treated in these approaches. At the country level, the conclusion is unambiguous: within individual countries, there is no systematic negative correlation between fertility and contraceptive pill use. The development of hormonal contraception cannot be considered as responsible for either starting or the size of the fertility decline. A more subtle chain of causality must be considered, but there is no agreement on a general theory of fertility changes. Most authors, however, agree that the diffusion of modern contraception has certainly contributed to the reduction in the number of unwanted pregnancies and has also facilitated and favoured the adoption of new (more restrictive) norms for the ideal family size.
Child consent and the law: an insight and discussion into the law relating to consent and competence
Authors: Parekh S. A. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground  The law governing consent for children is not very clear. A child can consent to treatment but usually in practice is unable to refuse it. Even if both the child and parents refuse treatment, courts are reluctant to accept this, particularly if it is in the best interest of the child.Discussion  In order to consent to treatment, a child must be competent enough to do so, and this competence is judged usually by a doctor. Children can even consent to contraceptives and abortion if ‘competent’ to do so. This concept perfectly lacks moral, ethical and emotional competence, and judgement of competence is carried out usually purely scientifically by pure science‐orientated objective professionals like doctors. A broad discussion about the issues of children refusing treatment is conducted from the legal, ethical and philosophical point of view. Life‐saving treatment and various other cases are also discussed.Conclusion  There is no right answer to the question. A more holistic approach is needed, and not only doctors but also sociologists, care specialists and even clergymen should be asked to judge competence in a multidisciplinary environment, particularly for contraceptives and abortion. This multidisciplinary working can be extended to other areas in medical law as well particularly in light of changes in medicine. Experience in life should be valued in a decision‐making environment for judging competence. The law in relation to child consent is unclear and requires changes in order to clarify what is perceived as the child’s best interest.
Parental beliefs about the nature of ADHD behaviours and their relationship to referral intentions in preschool children
Authors: Maniadaki K. , Sonuga‐Barke E. , Kakouros E. , Karaba R. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground  Parental beliefs about child problem behaviour have emerged as closely related to referral intentions to mental health services.Methods  This study compared beliefs of severity, impact and advice seeking for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) behaviours of parents whose preschool children present ADHD behaviours with those of parents whose children do not display such behaviours. Both parents of 295 preschoolers, aged 4–6 years, enrolled in kindergartens in Athens, filled in: (i) a questionnaire composed by a vignette describing a hypothetical 5‐year‐old child presenting ADHD symptoms followed by rating scales assessing dimensions of severity, impact and referral intention, and (ii) the ‘Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire’ for screening ADHD behaviours in their own child.Results  Results showed that almost half of the parents who reported ADHD behaviours in their own child replied that they had never met a child exhibiting such behaviours. These parents also perceived such behaviours as being less severe and with less negative family impact than parents who did not report such behaviours in their own child.Conclusions  Parents whose preschool child displays ADHD behaviours tend to perceive them as normal developmental patterns and may suspend the referral of the child. Implications of these findings for early identification of ADHD are discussed.
Unmet health, welfare and educational needs of disabled children in an impoverished South African peri‐urban township
Authors: Saloojee G. , Phohole M. , Saloojee H. , IJsselmuiden C. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground  Childhood disability in South Africa has failed to receive adequate attention from governmental agencies, such as the health, education and social welfare departments, despite there being more than 1 million disabled children in the country. This study sought to assess the unmet rehabilitation, education and welfare needs of disabled children living in a peri‐urban township.Methods  As no register of disabled children existed, snowball sampling was used to recruit a convenience sample of 156 disabled children living in Orange Farm township near Soweto, South Africa. Children’s impairments, their health and educational needs, and the availability and utilization of services were assessed using a structured interview.Results  Few disabled children attended pre‐school (35%) or school (44%). Only a quarter (26%) of children in need of rehabilitation received such services. Children with motor impairments were more likely to receive rehabilitation than those with intellectual impairment (44% vs. 8%, P < 0.0001). Of the 233 assistive devices required, only 64 (28%) had been issued. Less than half (45%) of the children entitled to a social assistance grant were receiving it. Lack of money, limited awareness about available services, and bureaucratic obstacles were the main reasons offered by caregivers for the low utilization of available services and resources.Conclusion  Children with disabilities living in Orange Farm are not enjoying the rights and services to which they are entitled. Innovative, co‐ordinated service delivery strategies, and better‐informed caregivers combined with community recognition of, and support for, the needs of disabled children are required to address these unmet needs.
Critical appraisal of rigour in interpretive phenomenological nursing research
Authors: De Witt Lorna , Ploeg Jenny 
Published: June 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a critical review of published nursing research for expressions of rigour in interpretive phenomenology, and a new framework of rigour specific to this methodology is proposed.Background.  The rigour of interpretive phenomenology is an important nursing research methods issue that has direct implications for the legitimacy of nursing science. The use of a generic set of qualitative criteria of rigour for interpretive phenomenological studies is problematic because it is philosophically inconsistent with the methodology and creates obstacles to full expression of rigour in such studies.Methods.  A critical review was conducted of the published theoretical interpretive phenomenological nursing literature from 1994 to 2004 and the expressions of rigour in this literature identified. We used three sources to inform the derivation of a proposed framework of expressions of rigour for interpretive phenomenology: the phenomenological scholar van Manen, the theoretical interpretive phenomenological nursing literature, and Madison's criteria of rigour for hermeneutic phenomenology.Findings.  The nursing literature reveals a broad range of criteria for judging the rigour of interpretive phenomenological research. The proposed framework for evaluating rigour in this kind of research contains the following five expressions: balanced integration, openness, concreteness, resonance, and actualization. Balanced integration refers to the intertwining of philosophical concepts in the study methods and findings and a balance between the voices of study participants and the philosophical explanation. Openness is related to a systematic, explicit process of accounting for the multiple decisions made throughout the study process. Concreteness relates to usefulness for practice of study findings. Resonance encompasses the experiential or felt effect of reading study findings upon the reader. Finally, actualization refers to the future realization of the resonance of study findings.Conclusion.  Adoption of this or similar frameworks of expressions of rigour could help to preserve the integrity and legitimacy of interpretive phenomenological nursing research.
Adopting a personal digital assistant system: application of Lewin's change theory
Authors: Lee Ting‐Ting 
Published: June 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study exploring nurses’ perceptions of adopting an information system using handheld computers (personal digital assistants) in their daily practice.Background.  Handheld computers have recently been used in nursing information systems for patient care, but few studies have explored their impact on users. By understanding clinicians’ experiences of using this technology, strategies can be implemented to smooth the change process in adopting their use, thus achieving optimal patient outcomes.Method.  A descriptive, exploratory approach was used to study nurses’ perceptions of using personal digital assistants as part of a hospital information system. A purposive sample of 15 nurses participated in one‐to‐one, in‐depth interviews from February to March 2004. Nurses’ perceptions of the adoption process were analysed using Lewin's force field theory of change as a framework.Findings.  Nurses initially resisted using the personal digital assistant system (unfreezing stage), then came around to using it (moving stage), and finally adopted the system in their daily practice (re‐freezing stage). However, an anticipatory stage also occurred and this could serve as a feedback mechanism to improve the system for current and future use.Conclusion.  Educational programmes should be provided and strategic planning should be done in the early stage of implementing a policy to adopt new technology. In addition, the adoption process and learning period could be shortened by improving the system's content design. During this transition stage, dual charting should be used as a backup only for a limited time to avoid adding extra work to nurses’ already heavy workload. Finally, the concept of confidentiality should be reinforced and stressed early in the educational programme to protect patient data, which can easily be accessed in computerized systems.
Using narrative pedagogy: learning and practising interpretive thinking
Authors: Ironside Pamela M. 
Published: June 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a hermeneutic study undertaken to explicate students’ experiences in educational courses in which teachers enact Narrative Pedagogy.Background.  International interest in developing and implementing discipline‐specific pedagogies is becoming commonplace as teachers respond to the challenges of preparing students for contemporary practice. Lifeworld Pedagogy, developed in Scandinavia, and Narrative Pedagogy, developed in the United States of America, Canada and New Zealand, are two approaches developed from nursing research for nursing education that provide teachers with research‐based alternatives to conventional pedagogy. Further research is needed, however, that addresses how new pedagogies are experienced in schools of nursing.Method.  Teachers and students from 22 schools of nursing in the United States of America were interviewed over a 4‐year period between 2002 and 2005. Using interpretive phenomenology as the philosophical background and Heideggerian hermeneutics as the method, accounts from 52 participants were analysed by a research team.Findings.  The theme Learning and Practising Interpretive Thinking reveals how reform is occurring in schools of nursing that use Narrative Pedagogy. It documents how Narrative Pedagogy helps students challenge their assumptions and think through and interpret situations they encounter from multiple perspectives. Findings suggest that by focusing teachers’ and students’ attention on thinking and interpreting as communal experiences, interpretive pedagogies such as Narrative Pedagogy engage teachers and students in pooling their wisdom, challenging their preconceptions, envisioning new possibilities for providing care and engaging with others to ensure patient‐centred care and safety.Conclusion.  By documenting students’ experiences in courses in which Narrative Pedagogy is used, this study provides teachers with research‐based evidence to guide their pedagogical decisions. It extends international efforts to develop discipline‐specific pedagogies and offers a practical, student‐centred approach teachers can use to enhance students’ thinking.
Spirituality at the beginning of life
Authors: Hall Jennifer 
Published: June 2006

Aim.  The aim of this paper was to explore the issues surrounding the spirit of the unborn child.Background.  Pregnancy and birth have been recognised to have a spiritual nature by women and health professionals caring for them. Midwives and nurses are expected to have a holistic approach to care. I suggest that for care to be truly holistic exploration is required of the spiritual nature of the unborn fetus.Methods.  Historical, philosophical and religious views of the spirit of the fetus, are explored as well as those of women. Investigation was made of views of the timing of ‘ensoulment’.Results.  The review demonstrates the value women place on the sacredness of pregnancy and birth, and that the spiritual nature of the unborn should be recognised.Conclusion.  This paper shows that the views and values women have of pregnancy and birth and the powerful, spiritual relationship they have with the unborn, indicates that further discussion and research needs to be carried out in this area.Relevance to clinical practice.  It is recommended that all who work with women who are pregnant should recognise the spiritual nature of the unborn when carrying out care.
Every person matters: enabling spirituality education for nurses
Authors: Stern Julian , James Sarah 
Published: June 2006

Aims and objectives.  This paper aims to identify how the statutory requirements relating to spirituality in nurse education can be supported in preservice and in‐service education, in the context of inter‐professional working implied by every child matters (Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Every Child Matters: Change for Children. DfES, Nottingham DfES 2004a; Every Child Matters: Change for Children in Health Services. Department of Health, London 2004).Background.  The basis for this paper is an exploration of the current requirements relating to spirituality in nursing and the consequent requirements for training and education clarified in part through a consideration of parallel policies on spirituality in school education. Inter‐professional work, for example, across health, social care and education professions, has a long history in nursing and the changes brought about by the every child matters policy initiative have given such inter‐professional work a considerable boost. That policy change has encouraged consideration, in this article, of some common issues arising in nursing and school education professions.Method.  This paper consists of a critical review of current and in‐coming statutory requirements related to spirituality, nursing and nurse education, and a synthetic review of definitions of and approaches to meeting spiritual needs.Conclusion.  The emergent relational framework for considering spirituality in nurse education acknowledges the ambiguity of spirituality and treats that ambiguity as in some ways enabling rather than constraining.Relevance to clinical practice.  It is not simply that nurse practice will be likely to change with respect to children. Every person will, in the terminology of the policy, ‘matter’: there is significant urgency to consideration of effective education and training provision.
Bystander mouth‐to‐mouth ventilation and regurgitation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: VIRKKUNEN I. , KUJALA S. , RYYNÄNEN S. , VUORI A. , PETTILÄ V. , YLI‐HANKALA A. , SILFVAST T. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract.Objectives.  To determine whether there is an association between bystander mouth‐to‐mouth ventilation and regurgitation in prehospital cardiac arrest patients.Design.  Prospectively conducted observational study.Setting.  Data were collected from patients treated by the emergency medical service (EMS) systems in three middle‐sized or large Finnish urban communities, the Tampere District EMS and the physician‐staffed Helicopter EMSs in the Helsinki and Turku areas in southern Finland.Subjects.  The study population consisted of 529 consecutive prehospital cardiac arrest patients with attempted resuscitation. Exclusion criteria were cardiac arrest due to trauma or drug overdose.Main outcome measures.  Regurgitation in prehospital cardiac arrest patients documented by EMS personnel on the scene.Results.  Regurgitation occurred in a fourth of patients. Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with mouth‐to‐mouth ventilation was associated with a significantly increased risk of regurgitation compared with no CPR (P < 0.013) and CPR without ventilations (P < 0.01).Conclusions.  The mode and role of bystander CPR in cardiac arrest needs to be further evaluated.