bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Driving and insulin‐treated diabetes: who knows the rules and recommendations?
Authors: Watson WA , Currie T , Lemon JS , Gold AE 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn the UK the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides statutory regulations and guidance for safe practice for patients with insulin‐treated diabetes and their health professionals. An increased risk of road traffic accidents may be associated with complications such as acute hypoglycaemia, peripheral neuropathy and amputations. Previous studies have assessed patient knowledge and adherence. The aim of this study was to simultaneously assess whether patients and their health professionals are aware of and follow this guidance.An anonymous questionnaire was given to all patients attending a secondary care diabetes clinic over a three‐week period. A second web‐based questionnaire was e‐mailed to primary and secondary care health care professionals (HCPs) involved in diabetes care throughout Grampian.In all, 117 patients with insulin‐treated diabetes completed the questionnaire and 106 HCPs from primary and secondary care completed the web‐based questionnaire. The majority of patients (95%) were aware that they were obliged to inform the DVLA of their insulin treatment and 92% had done so. Only 15% of patients always tested and 24% would never test a blood glucose prior to driving. Ninety‐four percent of patients recognised symptoms of hypoglycaemia most of the time. Only 17% would wait the recommended 45 minutes before driving again after an episode of hypoglycaemia. All HCPs knew that patients are obliged to inform the DVLA of their insulin treatment. Sixty‐two percent of HCPs knew patients should test before every journey. Thirteen percent of HCPs thought it safe to drive with blood glucose <4mmol/L. Eight percent of HCPs did not know that impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia might be a contraindication to driving.Greater availability of information to health professionals about minimising the risks associated with driving and diabetes is required if patients with insulin‐treated diabetes are to become better informed and understand driving regulations and recommendations for safe driving in the UK. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Validation of a new measure of protective footcare behaviour: the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Footcare (NAFF)
Authors: Lincoln NB , Jeffcoate WJ , Ince P , Smith M , Radford KA 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThere are no measures available to document footcare practice among people with diabetes and yet such measures are needed as a surrogate marker in studies designed to determine the effectiveness of footcare education. We have therefore developed such a measure, the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Footcare (NAFF), and have assessed its reliability and validity.A pilot questionnaire was distributed to people with diabetes and healthy controls, before being revised and shortened. The revised version was assessed for internal consistency and reliability.The pilot 51‐item questionnaire was determined in 100 out‐patients with diabetes and 61 healthy controls. The internal consistency was 0.46 in people with diabetes and 0.39 in healthy volunteers. Twenty‐eight items showed significant differences between those with and without diabetes. The internal consistency and test–retest reliability of a revised version were determined in people with diabetes. The measure was further refined to a 29‐item version, which had an internal consistency of 0.53. There was a significant correlation (rs 0.83; p<0.001) and no significant difference (p = 0.85) between scores in the test–retest study. Respondents with neuropathy scored significantly higher than those without (p<0.01).We conclude that the NAFF could act as an outcome measure in the prospective trials which are needed to establish the place of education programmes in clinical practice. The measure could also be used in routine care to identify those whose usual foot care might put their feet at risk of future ulceration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
The use of basal insulin (NPH) compared with pre‐mixed biphasic insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Moisey RS , Jenkins R , Nagi D 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe aim of this retrospective study was to compare glycaemic control and weight gain in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) commenced on basal insulin (BI) or mixed insulin (MI).Subjects had T2DM (mean duration seven years) poorly controlled while treated with oral hypoglycaemic agents. Two hundred patients (BI 131 [65%], MI 69 [35%], median age 60 years [range 30–97]) were investigated. Follow up was over a mean period of 3.8 years.Patients started on BI had a significantly lower HbA1c (mean 10.6% vs 11.1%, p = 0.007) and higher body mass index (31.8kg/m2 vs 29.6, p = 0.005) compared to those on MI. At 3.5 years patients injecting BI were on a lower daily dose of insulin (BI 66.6units vs MI 99.1units, p = 0.02) and a higher proportion were taking metformin (88% vs 62%, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in HbA1c (8.5% vs 8.4%, p = 0.36) at the end of follow up. At 2.5 years subjects injecting BI had less weight gain (BI mean 4.0kg vs MI mean 8.0kg, p = 0.02). At 3.5 years the difference in weight gain was not statistically significant (mean 5.0kg vs 7.8kg, p = 0.20).In our experience BI, used in combination with metformin, is an effective treatment option in patients with T2DM, maintains glycaemic control over long‐term follow up and is associated with less weight gain than MI. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Diabetes education and empowerment: lessons from rural South Africa
Authors: Price C , Shandu D , Gill G 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPatient education is a major part of diabetes treatment, and ideally it should encourage self‐management. This paper explores the introduction of such a system to a remote area of rural South Africa, with high levels of poverty and illiteracy. Empowerment‐based education needs to take into account existing health beliefs, perceived locus of control, and potential barriers to self‐care. Using these principles, as well as awareness of traditional forms of treatment and close community involvement, effective education can be successfully delivered to an often enthusiastic and receptive community of diabetic patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Channelling of SSRIs and SNRIs use in the Tayside population, Scotland
Authors: Wei Li , Chen Ruoling , MacDonald Thomas M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPurposeTo compare the user profiles of the two classes of drug, using the Tayside Medicines Monitoring Unit (MEMO) record‐linkage database.MethodsA cohort study was carried out in the population of Tayside in Scotland. A total of 13 901 selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitor (SSRI) users and 1417 selective norepinephrine re‐uptake inhibitor (SNRI) users were identified during the period of December 2000 to November 2001. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between drug use and patients profiles and a Cox regression model was employed to examine the effect of drug use and mortality outcome.ResultsCompared to SNRI patients, SSRI patients were significantly older (28.8% ≥ 60 year vs. 26.2%), more likely to be female (70.9% vs. 67.8%), had more cardiovascular disease history (10.1% vs. 8.5%), but were less deprived (9.7% in the highest deprivation category vs. 12.4%), had less digestive disease (27.9% vs. 31.0%) and less history of drug overdose hospitalisation (7.2% vs. 11.9%). SNRI patients had more drug switching than SSRI patients (62.0% for recent users, 33.2% for prevalent users vs. 39.1%, 26.1%, respectively). The age‐standardised mortality rates during the follow‐up period until December 2003 were 5.3% for SSRI and 5.9% for SNRI users.ConclusionThere was clear evidence that SSRI and SNRI were used in patient groups with different characteristics. This channelling sometimes favoured an improved mortality outcome and sometimes favoured a worse outcome. Overall there was no mortality difference between the two classes of drugs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliability evaluation of the adapted National Coordinating Council Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) index
Authors: Snyder Rita A. , Abarca Jacob , Meza Jane L. , Rothschild Jeffrey M. , Rizos Albert , Bates David W. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPurposeAdapted National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) Index criteria were used in a study undertaken to evaluate commercial computerized provider order entry (CPOE) system impact on community hospital medication errors. This article describes: (1) adaptation of the Index, (2) classification criteria and processes used to assess the adapted Index, and (3) inter‐rater reliability results.MethodsA random sample of 130 (17%) of 2251 medication safety events (MSEs) were classified based on event type, that is, adverse drug event (ADE) or potential ADE (PADE); preventability, that is, ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ and outcome severity. Event outcome severity was categorized using adapted Index categories E–I (ADEs) and B–D (PADEs). Decision rules were used for rule‐based classification, while an MSE Case Review Panel used judgment‐based classification when decision rules did not apply. Inter‐rater reliability for both classification approaches was assessed with kappa coefficients, percentage agreement, and confidence intervals (CI).ResultsLevel of agreement was substantial for both rule‐based and judgment‐based MSE classification for event type (6 = 0.70–0.90), preventability (6 = 0.67–0.82), and decision rule application (6 = 0.79). Rule‐based agreement for ADE and PADE severity was almost perfect for discrete (6 = 0.83–0.84) and combined (6 = 0.87–0.90) Index categories. Judgment‐based agreement was substantial for discrete (6 = 0.63–0.67) and combined (6 = 0.66–0.84) Index categories.ConclusionsThe adapted Index yielded substantial agreement for event type, preventability, and severity. Adaptation of the Index to support classification of non‐preventable ADEs was an important improvement. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of thermoplastic starch/PLA blends by one‐step reactive extrusion
Authors: Wang Ning , Yu Jiugao , Ma Xiaofei 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn the presence of dicumyl peroxide, the compatibility of thermoplastic dry starch (DTPS)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends, using maleic anhydride (MA) as compatibilizer, was investigated. The plasticization of starch and its compatibilizing modification with PLA was accomplished in a single‐screw extruder by one‐step reactive extrusion. In the presence of MA, the plasticization of starch in DTPS/PLA blends could be improved and homogeneous DTPS/PLA blends could be achieved as observed using scanning electron microscopy. Tensile tests showed that the tensile strength of compatibilized DTPS/PLA blends was about 40.5 MPa higher than that of the original composites. Differential thermal analysis indicated that the glass transition temperature of DTPS and PLA became closer in the presence of MA than the blend without any additions, which suggested the compatibility between DTPS and PLA was improved. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy proved that MA improved the interaction between DTPS and PLA. At the same time, the blend became more thermally stable as shown by thermogravimetric analysis results. A novel decomposition peak at about 450 °C was detected in the compatibilized blend, which was higher than those observed for DTPS and PLA. Finally, a rheological study suggested that MA could improve the fluidity of DTPS/PLA blends. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Supramolecular selectivity of poly(ethylene oxide) in semi‐crystalline polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Zhou Li , Peng Min , Chen Qun , He Peng , Zhu Xinyuan 
Published: May 2007

AbstractSemi‐crystalline polymer nanocomposites were prepared using successive meltings and recrystallizations techniques by intercalation of small guest molecules such as 4‐chlorotoluene (PCT), 4‐bromotoluene (PBT) and 1,4‐dibromobenzene (PDBB) into poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) crystals. Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction experimental results show that supramolecular selectivity exists for the PEO–PDBB/PBT ternary system, while there is no supramolecular selectivity for PEO–PCT/PBT ternary nanocomposites. The interactions between PEO chains and small guest molecules have an important influence on the polymer conformation, which results in the dramatic difference in intercalation behavior. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Photoinduced surface relief structures formed on polymer films doped with photochromic spiropyrans
Authors: Ubukata Takashi , Takahashi Koji , Yokoyama Yasushi 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPoly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films containing photochromic spiropyran (SP) derivatives with an alkyl chain produced surface relief structures upon photoirradiation. The material moved from the dark to the irradiated part by the light longer than 350 nm from a high‐pressure mercury lamp. This is the first example that the surface relief structures are formed on a polymer film containing a photochromic compound that is not an azobenzene‐related compound. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of a nanosize copolymer of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene with diclofenac and characterization
Authors: Manisankar P. , Vedhi C. , Selvanathan G. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractCopolymer of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and diclofenac (DCF) was synthesized by chemical oxidation using FeCl3 in neutral medium. The copolymer exhibited good solubility in many organic solvents. The UV‐vis spectrum of the copolymer revealed the presence of benzenoid and polaron or bipolaron state. Random distribution of the monomers in the copolymer was proposed based on the reactivity ratios of the monomers determined using Fineman‐Ross and Kelen‐Tudos methods. The rate of the copolymerization depended on the first power of each monomer. The FTIR spectrum showed the presence of hydrogen bonded N‐H, quinone type structure of thiophene ring and C‐Cl bond in the copolymer. Linear variation of anodic peak current at 560 mV in the cyclic voltammogram of copolymer thin film with scan rate indicated the adherence of electroactive copolymer. When the applied potential increased from −600 to 1000 mV, the color of the copolymer changed from neutral yellow to brown and to violet medium showing multicolor electrochromic behaviour. XRD results revealed crystallite copolymer with size 87 nm. SEM analysis confirmed uniform crystalline nature of the copolymer. The TGA, DTA and DSC studies suggested good thermal stability of the copolymer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2787–2796, 2007
Computational evaluation of radical ring‐opening polymerization
Authors: Ochiai Bungo , Endo Takeshi 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe tendencies of ring‐opening processes in radical ring‐opening polymerizations were evaluated by AM1 and PM3 semi‐empirical calculations and 6‐31G*‐level calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP models. Sixteen cyclic monomers bearing vinyl or exomethylene groups were categorized into ring‐opening and no‐ring‐opening monomers by the evaluation of the differences of the internal energies and the lengths of the cleaving bonds between the ground states of the initial radicals and the activated states in the ring‐opening processes. Although the semi‐empirical calculations not parameterized to radical reactions resulted in the moderate categorization of the ring‐opening monomers, the DFT calculation clearly distinguished the ring‐opening and no‐ring‐opening monomers. The ring‐opening tendencies were also evaluated with the changes in the internal energies throughout the ring‐opening processes, but this method could not group the ring‐opening and no‐ring‐opening monomers clearly. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2827–2834, 2007
The cognitive effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in early stage breast cancer: a prospective study
Authors: Stewart Angela , Collins Barbara , Mackenzie Joyce , Tomiak Eva , Verma Shailendra , Bielajew Catherine 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPurpose: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the cognitive effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in post‐menopausal breast cancer patients.Patients and methods: Breast cancer patients scheduled to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (n= 61) completed comprehensive cognitive testing before and after treatment. A control group of women receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy (n= 51) was tested at comparable intervals.Results: Mean scores for both patient groups were within the normal range relative to published norms on all cognitive tests at both time points, and generally inclined or stayed the same from baseline to retest in both groups. However, in an analysis of individual change scores, the chemotherapy patients were 3.3 times more likely than the hormonal patients to show reliable cognitive decline (31 and 12%, respectively). Chemotherapy subjects showing decline were less educated and had higher baseline depression scores than their counterparts who did not decline. Working memory was the cognitive domain most vulnerable to the effects of chemotherapy.Conclusion: These data support previous findings of a subtle negative influence of chemotherapy on cognitive function in a subgroup of breast cancer patients. The results are discussed in terms of the importance of study design. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing pre‐death grief in cancer caregivers using the Marwit–Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory (MM‐CGI)
Authors: Marwit Samuel J. , Chibnall John T. , Dougherty Rebecca , Jenkins Chrystal , Shawgo Jenifer 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe Marwit–Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory (MM‐CGI) was developed and initially validated with caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease, and subsequently evaluated with caregivers of persons with brain injury. The present study examined MM‐CGI psychometric and validity properties in 75 caregivers of persons with cancer. As with previous studies, high internal consistency reliability of MM‐CGI Total Grief and subscale scores (Personal Sacrifice and Burden, Heartfelt Sadness and Longing, and Worry and Felt Isolation) was demonstrated. Construct validity of the subscale scores was supported by differential associations with other caregiver measures of depression, strain, well‐being, and family support. Based on these preliminary results, the MM‐CGI appears useful for assessing pre‐death grief in caregivers of persons with cancer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exhaled nitric oxide after a single dose of intramuscular triamcinolone in children with difficult to control asthma
Authors: Panickar Jayachandran R , Bhatnagar Neha , Grigg Jonathan 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn a previous study, we reported that intramuscular (IM) triamcinolone improves symptoms in children with difficult asthma. In 2005, we revised our difficult asthma protocol to include assessment of airway inflammation, both directly using sputum induction and indirectly by measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO). In this retrospective review, we aimed to describe (i) the changes in eNO and symptoms after a single 60 mg dose of IM triamcinolone and (ii) the changes in inflammatory markers in the subgroup with non‐eosinophilic asthma (i.e., an induced sputum eosinophil differential count <2.0%). Seven children received IM triamcinolone during the study period. In all children, symptom scores fell in the week following the IM injection (P < 0.01 vs. the pre‐treatment week), and remained reduced for up to 6 weeks. eNO also fell within a week after IM therapy (P < 0.01), and remained reduced for up to 4 weeks. Non‐eosinophilic asthma was definitively identified in three children, and in this group, eNO and symptoms fell after the IM injection. We conclude that IM triamcinolone therapy reduces both eNO and symptoms for up to 4 weeks in children with difficult asthma. Our data provide preliminary evidence that IM triamcinolone is an effective anti‐inflammatory therapy in children with induced sputum non‐eosinophilic asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:573–578. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is wheezing associated with decreased sleep quality in Sri Lankan children? A questionnaire study
Authors: Verhulst S. L. , Vekemans K. , Ho E. , Aerts L. , Jacobs S. , De Backer L. A. , Dhanapala H. , Perera P. , De Backer W. A. , Desager K. N. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAimTo investigate the association between wheezing and impaired sleep in Sri Lankan children, aged 6–12 years; and, to report the prevalence of asthma‐related symptoms in these subjects.MethodsThe International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and a separate sleep questionnaire were completed.ResultsOf 800 originally distributed questionnaires, 652 were analyzed. Wheezing was present in 89 children (14%). Within this group, 66% reported wheezing in the last 12 months. Wheezing children had a significantly higher presence of snoring, restless sleep, nocturnal awakenings and daytime tiredness. Wheezing was found to be independently associated with restless sleep (odds ratio (OR) = 2.4). There was no association between wheezing and difficulties falling asleep, nocturnal awakenings, apneas, and daytime sleepiness and tiredness. After adjusting for possible confounders, the following significant associations were present: snoring and apneas (OR = 1.6), chronic rhinitis and apneas (OR = 1.6), snoring and restless sleep (OR = 3.2), chronic rhinitis and restless sleep (OR = 2.1), and hayfever and daytime tiredness (OR = 4.3). Wheezing was related to an increased risk of snoring (OR = 2.8) and subjects with chronic rhinitis had also an increased risk of snoring (OR = 1.7), adjusting for possible confounders.ConclusionThe sleep of wheezing children was impaired compared with their non‐wheezing peers, resulting in an increased prevalence of daytime tiredness. Upper airway symptoms, such as chronic rhinitis or hayfever, should be carefully considered in these children, as they might be responsible for these sleep problems. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:579–583. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.