bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and attitudes about Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A comparison between practicing teachers and undergraduate education students
Authors: Bekle Bruna 
Published: June 2007

The knowledge and attitudes of practicing teachers regarding ADHD were compared with those of undergraduate education students. Key elements of studies of American and Canadian teachers by Jerome, Gordon, and Hustler (1994) and Jerome, Washington, Laine, and Segal (1999) were replicated. Information was gathered about participants’ demographic background (training in ADHD), attitudes towards ADHD, and knowledge about its diagnosis and treatment. Results confirmed the existence of some knowledge gaps, although both practicing teachers and undergraduate education students possessed sound information about ADHD. Misconceptions about ADHD primarily concerned dietary treatment. Attitudes and knowledge were significantly correlated and most participants regarded ADHD as a valid diagnosis with implications for the school setting, and expressed a desire for comprehensive training. Despite similar results for both samples, teachers achieved higher accuracy on knowledge-based questions. These results are discrepant from those of Jerome et al. (1999) who found teachers and students to be similar in factual knowledge. Implications of these findings for curriculum development in academia and in-service teacher training are highlighted.
Quality of life of adolescent males with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Topolski Tari D. , Edwards Todd C. , Patrick Donald L. , Varley Patti , Way Margaret E. , Buesching Don P. 
Published: June 2007

Most psychosocial research on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has focused on deficits in school, family, or behavioral functioning without incorporating perceived quality of life (QoL) or the adolescents’ perspective. The Youth Quality of Life Instrument—Research Version (YQOL-R), was used to assess self-perceived QoL in a community sample of adolescents aged 11—18 years. Fifty-five adolescent males with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD were compared to a group of 107 adolescents with no chronic conditions (NCC) and a group of 52 adolescents with mobility impairments (MI). The adolescents with ADHD reported significantly lower perceived QoL scores, particularly in the Self and Relationship domains, than the NCC group. Their scores were similar to those from the group with MI, a group previously shown to have a substandard QoL. Interventions to improve self-esteem and social interactions might use QoL outcomes in evaluating effectiveness.
The world at our fingertips — How online travel companies can turn clicks into bookings
Authors: Gianforte Greg 
Published: June 2007

Even just a few decades ago, the thought of arranging and booking a major holiday merely by making a couple of quick clicks on a mouse, would have been inconceivable. Now, it is increasingly common both to plan and to book a trip online. But many travel firms are not making the most of these opportunities. Their websites make it difficult for users to find information quickly. These businesses could boost sales by following straightforward best practices regarding design and navigation. Travel companies must learn how to prevent potential customers from giving up on their website, or becoming frustrated at chaotic pre- or post-sales support. The last year has seen a generally unsettled market, hit by terrorism, SARS and an overall economic turndown, resulting in a fiercely competitive arena. In this environment, providing exceptional online end-to-end user experience is not an added extra; it is vital. Failing this, surfing elsewhere online will ultimately lead online customers to ride the waves at someone else’s resort.
Korean inbound tourism to Australia — A study of supply-side deficiencies
Authors: Kim Sang Mu , Prideaux Bruce 
Published: June 2007

This paper discusses the need for supply-side analysis of inbound tourism and argues that reliance on demand-side only projections of market trends is insufficient. The paper discusses the results of a survey of 351 Korean visitors returning from Group Inclusive package holidays to Australia. Visitor characteristics and their reaction to their experiences in Australia were gathered and are assessed. Findings of the survey are analysed from the perspective of identifying and classifying visitor responses to the Australian tourism industry’s supply of visitor goods and services. Deficiencies such as language, transport deficiencies, itinerary construction and shopping are identified and discussed, and possible remedial measures highlighted. Findings indicate that these issues will need to be addressed if Australia’s expectations of continued large annual increases in Korean inbound tourism is to be maintained over the next decade.
The University of California, San Diego, Continuing Medical Education and the Alzheimer's Family Center's School of Dementia Care Training Program for Licensed Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly
Authors: Stehman Jean Mason , Glenner Joy , Neubauer Judi 
Published: June 2007

The provision of appropriate care for dementia patients differs greatly from that required for cognitively normal frail elderly individuals. Appropriate care requires knowledge of the causes, physical and behavioral symptoms of dementia; as well as an understanding of how to deal effectively and compassionately with such individuals -and their families on a day to day basis. Symptoms of dementia are manifested very differently in each patient, so that careful individual assessment is necessary, and development of a plan of care for each person is needed. The smaller residential care facilities for the elderly are ideally suited to implementation of genuinely individualized care. With good training, these small facilities can be real innovators in providing humane and appropriate care for dementia patients who do not require skilled nursing care.
The subjective experience of Alzheimer's disease: The anatomy of an illness as perceived by patients and families
Authors: Cohen Donna 
Published: June 2007

The onset of Alzheimer's disease is insidious and its course progressive. It robs the person-turned-patient of sense and sensibilities and disrupts the lives of victims and family members for years. Over the years I have come to regard individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other devastating chronic illnesses along with their families as modern archetypal figures. Borrowing the words of Oliver Sacks' they are both “warriors and heroes” as well as “victims and martyrs,” whose odyssey of care usually extracts an enormous emotional, physical, and financial toll. Caring for victims of Alzheimer's disease requires what Elaine Brody and Carl Eisdorfer have described as “interminable care” as the death of the mind precedes the death of the body. Inevitably, physical death becomes a reality, and family members have described the long process of watching a loved one die as a “living funeral.” Ethical and moral decisions around care and death with dignity often present deep andprotracted crises. The grieving after death varies a great deal, butfor many family members powerful emotions ranging from guilt to anger and sadness persist long after their relative is gone. Although we have learned a great deal over the last several years, we need to know more about the subjective experience of the dementing illnesses to provide better clinical care and develop ethical standards for clinical decision making.
Improved neuropsychological test scores in Alzheimer 'S disease patients after ecologically sensitive, cognitive interventions: A pilot study
Authors: Frey Lance W. , Leeah Laura , Nelson Naomi , Pirozzolo Francis J. , Mahurin Rick 
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this pilot study was to: • Integrate various cognitive interventions into one program for Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients; • Identify effective interventions; and • Measure cognitive changes over the course of instruction. Five AD patients completed thefive week program. Techniques reflected recent cognitive intervention advances including: • Imagery mnemonics, • Home attention exercises, • Relaxation exercises, and • Weekly clinic instruction. While the participants' ability to master specific techniques varied with dementia severity, all patients showed improvements in certain neurop-sychological tests at week six.
Problems in establishing case definitions for Alzheimer's disease registries
Authors: Brandes Debra A. , Macera Caroline A. , Still Charles N. , Abramson Ruth K. 
Published: June 2007

Case definition, an important component of any patient registry, is particularly problematic for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease that do not have a definitive diagnostic test. Implementation of an effective registry for Alzheimer's disease requires: • Agreement on a set of clinical criteria for diagnosis; • Educational programs to ensure consistent diagnoses and to reduce the social stigma associated with this disease; and • Awareness of the potential use of registries for risk factor analyses and planning for services to encourage timely diagnosis and reporting of cases.
The use of Alprazolam for decreasing problem wandering in geriatric patients
Authors: Szwabo Peggy , Woodward Velva , Grossberg George T. , Shen Winston W. 
Published: June 2007

The effects of wandering behavior have been well identified as a problem in providing care for the cognitively impaired. Wandering behavior takes its toll not only on the patient, but also upon the caregiver who is trying to manage and redirect this behavior. This wandering behavior may precipitate admission to a long term care facility where several residents with wandering behaviors present treatment, management, and staff concerns. The costs to the patient have been in the use of traditionalpharmacological options that have potential side effects and iatrogenicity. The costs to the caregiver are stress, frustration, and time constraints in providing care for others. Though the literature discusses wandering, there are varied definitions. This study attempts to define more precisely which wandering behaviors are perceived as problematic, disruptive and intrusive. Secondly, the study investigates the use of Alprazolam as a less toxic, potentially more effective option for decreasing problem wandering.
Evaluating the functional autonomy of persons with Alzheimer's disease: A tool for observing four activities of daily living
Authors: Gendron Marie , Levesque Louise 
Published: June 2007

The goal of this study was to develop an instrument for evaluating the functional autonomy of demented persons in four ADLs: • Getting dressed; • Getting washed; • Eating; and • Eliminating. Thirteen persons with Alzheimer's disease who were living in care facilities were filmed three times while they were performing the first three ADLs, and observed during the last ADL. Based on these direct observations, the various sequences of tasks required to accomplish each of the ADLs were identified. Criteria for the successful accomplishment of each sequence were established and classifications of both autonomous behaviors and blocking conditions to autonomy were developed. The instrument includes three types of prompts to promote the emergence of potential abilities and provides two autonomy ratings - one of which distinguishes between actual and potential ability level. The prototype was submitted to different experts in the field and tried out on 26 other subjects suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Dividing tasks into sequences appears essential in identifying what subjects can accomplish without help and what they can do after a prompt.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in a nursing home resident
Authors: Woolery William A. 
Published: June 2007

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare neurodegenerative disease. Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States. The onsetof CJD is often heralded by behavioral changes, depression, and amnesia. Progressive dementia and myoclonus (often in response to sensory stimuli) invariably occur. It is important to evaluate all new nursing home residents who have an admitting diagnosis of dementia. Dementia in the elderly is not always caused by Alzheimer's disease. This report identifies a rare cause of dementia in an elderly woman.
Activities of daily living and cognitive levels of function in dementia
Authors: Thralow Joan Ungerecht , Rueter Mary Jo Schaubach 
Published: June 2007

The number of progressive dementia patients being caredfor in long term institutions is increasing. As medical science continues to search for answers to treatment and cure, caregivers continue to struggle with managing cares and promoting patient dignity. Evaluation and identification of individual patient cognitive assets and limitations is essential in planning patient cares. The purpose of this study is to describe two tools, used in a team aproach, to facilitate managing basic daily cares. The study compares the scoring of the two tools indicating a substantial relationship between the two instruments and suggests that the Cognitive Performance Test (CPT) and the Self Care Performance Test (SCPT) rate behavior and task performance in a consistently similar manner. The results suggest that the scales are an accurate predictor of demented patients cognitive abilities and limitations and can facilitate designing nursng care plans. The CPT(which can be given in about 20 minutes) can be completed upon admission, the test score shared with nursing and the SCPT can guide plans of care. Cares planned in this manner are likely to allow the patients independence in performing those cares they are capable of and not frustrating them by expecting them to perform skills they have lost. This study focuses on patients in the later stages of progressive dementia. Fifty-eight subjects were rated using the two tools. Fifty-one of the 58 subjects in the study received a rating level offour or lower. (Allen 's levels of rating progressive dementia with level six being normalfunctioning.) Patient scores for both the CPT and the SCPT are based on observance of performance and do not require verbal responses and therefore lower level dementia patients can be more reliably rated.
Perceptions of job satisfaction in a long term care facility: A comparison between a dedicated Alzbeimer's unit and non-Alzheimer's units
Authors: Hays Antoinette M. , Dowling-Williams Theresa 
Published: June 2007

The way the caring environment meets the needs of its staff is influential in achieving job satisfaction. Given the current issues in recruitment and retention of nursing staff in long-term care, knowledge of those factors which influence job satisfaction is of great importance. This study examined factors associated with job satisfaction of nursing staff on a Dedicated Alzheimer's Unit, Special Care Units (SCU's) compared to staff on traditional Nursing Home Units, or using the Stamps and Piedmont Index of Work Satisfaction. The factors of pay, autonomy task requirement, organizational policies, interaction and professional status were examined in their relationship to total job satisfaction between the two groups. Professional and paraprofessional nursing staff were surveved. Of a total of 125 surveys, 61 LWS's were analyzed utilizing univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics. Differences in factors influencing satisfaction were also examined among caregivers (i.e. professional vs. nonprofessional staff). Staff working on the Alzheimer's Unit had significantly higher total LWS scores than did staff working on traditional units (p<.001). In particular the factors of professional status, interaction and organizational policies were rated significantly higher by Alzheimer's Unit staff as these influenced job satisfaction. Clearly, the results support further research into factors influencing satisfaction of nursing staff in long term care and serve (is a useful guide for development of programs to recruit and retain nursing staff in nursing home settings. Results also encourage further research into factors which influence successful implementation and management of staff development iln the specialized area of Alzheimer's care.
Breakaway: A social supplement to caregivers' support groups
Authors: Forde O. Ted , Pearlman Sholom 
Published: June 2007

The objective of the Breakaway program is to thwart negative influences of social isolation in caregivers by involving them with peers who share similar burdens. A simple developmental model brings informal groups together monthly for dinners, cultural entertainment, excursions, and other convivial diversions in the empathetic company of others with similar emotional and social pressures. Breakaway is designed to supplement the clinical and emotional assistance provided by the usual support groups. Resultant improvements in interest,joie de vivre, demeanor, personal esteem, depression, and other aspects of social isolation have been observed. The Breakaway program may be of significant benefit-to participating caregivers who seek relief from the social isolation and other psychosocial burdens associated with constantly caring for the homebound or chronically ill.
Caring for a relative with Alzheimer's disease: The experience of African-American and Caucasian caregivers
Authors: Loukissa D. , Farran C. J. , Graham K. L. 
Published: June 2007

Existing research on caregiving and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has focused primarily on Caucasian family caregivers with considerably less information focused on African-American family caregivers. The purpose of this study was to explore African-American caregivers’ perception of caregiving and related care issues. A total of 34-caregivers (the majority being African-American) from the metropolitan area of Chicago, who cared for a close relative with AD at home, participated in five focus groups. Four major themes emerged from the qualitative data analysis: •Understanding the illness; •Dealing with the impaired family member; •Dealing with others and the impact of the disease; and •Adopting a management philosophy. Recommendations are made for future family education and outreach efforts for African-American caregivers, as well as for clinicians and researchers.
Disruptive behaviors in individuals with Alzheimer's disease: A behavioral approach
Authors: Boucher Louisette A. 
Published: June 2007

Many patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) demonstrate disruptive behaviors that are distressing to themselves and to their caregivers. This article will examine how to use a behavioral approach to help manage such behaviors. The approach is based on four steps involving the clinician and the caregiver: • Analysis of the behavior • Identification of behavioral strategies • Choice and implementation of a behavioral intervention • Evaluation followed by modification of the plan as required. A synopsis of available behavioral strategies are included here to help the clinician discuss alternatives with caregivers.
Subclavian-to-Carotid Transposition for Coronary-Subclavian Steal Syndrome
Authors: Elmore James R. 
Published: June 2007

The recurrence of myocardial ischemia has been well described to occur when a proximal subclavian artery stenosis develops in patients who have had coronary revascularization based on an internal mammary artery. Carotid-to-subclavian bypass distal to the mammary artery has been the traditional vascular reconstruction for these patients. Other interventions in the literature have included aorta-subclavian bypass, axilloaxillary bypass, and subclavian angioplasty or stent placement. This case report describes the use of a subclavian-to-carotid transposition for the treatment of a patient with symptomatic coronary-subclavian steal syndrome. A 56-year-old man was admitted with unstable angina. Eleven years previously he had undergone coronary revascularization with a left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to the left anterior descending artery and a vein graft to the right coronary artery. Cardiac catheterization at this time revealed a 90% stenosis in the midbody of the vein graft and a 90% stenosis of the proximal left subclavian artery with a 40 mm Hg gradient. The LIMA graft had no intrinsic abnormality. Atherectomy of the vein graft stenosis was performed with a 30% residual stenosis. The patient then underwent a subclavian-tocarotid transposition with a temporary shunt. The shunt was placed from the proximal common carotid to the distal subclavian to allow retrograde perfusion of the LIMA during occlusion of the subclavian artery. Transposition was performed with carotid occlusion in standard fashion. Follow-up angiography and duplex ultrasound confirmed a widely patent transposition. The patient remains asymptomatic 5 years later. The use of a subclavian-to-carotid transposition for treatment of the coronary-subclavian steal syndrome successfully corrected this patient's cardiac symptoms. Advantages of transposition over other forms of subclavian revascularization include (1) an all-autogenous reconstruction, (2) a single anastomosis, (3) proven long-term durability, and (4) subcutaneous surgical exposure. The main disadvantage of this technique is the potential need for a temporary shunt during occlusion of the proximal subclavian artery. Patients with retrograde flow in the LIMA could have the procedure performed without a shunt. The widespread use of subclavian angioplasty does not appear to be justified in these patients owing to recurrent stenoses after angioplasty as compared to the excellent long-term patency rates for subclavian-to-carotid transpositions.
Results of Carotid Endarterectomy Performed with Preoperative Duplex Ultrasound Assessment Alone
Authors: Melissano Germano , Castellano Renata , Zucca Roberto , Chiesa Roberto 
Published: June 2007

Contrast injection cerebral angiography has been considered for several decades the “gold-standard” technique for diagnosis and operative planning of carotid disease. More recently, however, an increasing number of institutions are using duplex ultrasound as the single independent preoperative test. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of the utilization of duplex ultrasonography as the only preoperative test on the outcome of the procedure. Between 1993 and 1996, the authors performed 1,149 carotid procedures. Duplex ultrasound as the only preoperative test was employed with increasing frequency in a total of 728 cases. In 1995 and 1996, a cerebral arteriogram was performed only if duplex ultrasound was technically inadequate or questionable or showed an atypical pattern of disease. During the 4 years analyzed in this study, the number of the procedures increased from 165 in 1993 to 412 in 1996. The thirty-day mortality rate was 0.43%, and neurologic morbidity was 1.65%. According to the year in which the procedure was performed, the mortality/morbidity rates were 1.2/2.4 in 1993, 0.52/2.08 in 1994, 0.26/1.57 in 1995, and 0.24/1.21 in 1996. Indication to perform an arteriogram became very selective in 1995. Regardless of these changes in the diagnostic work-up, some degree of reduction in both 30day mortality and neurologic morbidity was recorded. Considering a cost of 724 European Currency Units (ECU) per arteriogram, 527,072 ECU were saved in this period. In the last 4 years, duplex ultrasound has replaced arteriography as the first-choice technique for preoperative assessment of carotid disease at the authors' institution. There was definitely no detrimental effect on the clinical results that, on the contrary, improved during the same period. This policy has allowed a significant reduction in the cost of the procedure and has most likely prevented several arteriography-related complications. The authors recommend this policy to all institutions in which accurate duplex ultrasound is available.