bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AGEs‐RAGE System Mediates Atrial Structural Remodeling in the Diabetic Rat
Authors: KATO TAKESHI , YAMASHITA TAKESHI , SEKIGUCHI AKIKO , TSUNEDA TAKAYUKI , SAGARA KOUICHI , TAKAMURA MASAYUKI , KANEKO SHUICHI , AIZAWA TADANORI , FU LONG‐TAI 
Published: February 2008

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the independent risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF). Our previous study has indicated that DM causes atrial structural remodeling with intraatrial conduction disturbances. We tested the hypothesis that the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and the receptor for AGE (RAGE), which have been implicated in diabetic complications, are responsible for the atrial structural remodeling. Methods and Results: Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (65 mg/kg i.p.) in 8‐week‐old female Sprague–Dawley rats. When 24 weeks old, their atria were subjected to histology, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The HbA1c value of induced‐DM rats was significantly higher than that of control rats. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed that the atria of diabetic rats showed remarkable structural changes characterized by diffuse interstitial fibrosis with abundant expressions of RAGE and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which findings were also confirmed by Western blotting analysis. This diabetes‐induced atrial fibrosis was remarkably prevented by administration of an inhibitor of AGEs formation, OPB‐9195, along with reduction of CTGF expression. Conclusions: DM promoted atrial structural remodeling via the activation of the AGEs‐RAGE system with upregulating CTGF. The inhibition of AGEs formation could be a novel upstream therapeutic approach for diabetes‐related atrial fibrosis.
Is Defibrillation Testing Still Necessary? A Decision Analysis and Markov Model
Authors: GULA LORNE J. , MASSEL DAVID , KRAHN ANDREW D. , YEE RAYMOND , SKANES ALLAN C. , KLEIN GEORGE J. 
Published: February 2008

Objective: To assess the impact of defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing of implanted cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) on survival. Background: DFT testing is generally performed during implantation of ICDs to assess sensing and termination of ventricular fibrillation. It is common clinical practice to defibrillate ventricular fibrillation twice at an output at least 10 J below the maximum output of the device, providing a 10 J safety margin. However, there are few data regarding impact of DFT testing on outcomes. Methods: Decision analysis and Monte Carlo simulation were used to assess expected outcomes of DFT testing. Survival of a hypothetical cohort of patients was assessed according to two strategies—routine DFT testing at time of ICD implant versus no DFT testing. Assumptions in the model were varied over a range of reasonable values to assess outcomes under a variety of scenarios. Results: Five‐year survival with DFT and no‐DFT strategies were similar at 59.72% and 59.36%, respectively. The results were not sensitive to changing risk estimates for arrhythmia incidence and safety margin. Results of the Monte Carlo simulation were qualitatively similar to the base case scenario and consistent with a small and nonsignificant survival advantage with routine DFT testing. Conclusions: The impact of DFT testing on 5‐year survival in ICD patients, if it exists, is small. Survival appears higher with DFT testing as long as annual risk of lethal arrhythmia or the risk of a narrow safety margin is at least 5%, although the incremental benefit is marginal and 95% confidence intervals cross zero. A prospective randomized study of DFT testing in modern devices is warranted.
Coronary Sinus Side Branches for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Prospective Evaluation of Availability, Implant Success, and Procedural Determinants
Authors: DURAY GABOR Z. , HOHNLOSER STEFAN H. , ISRAEL CARSTEN W. 
Published: February 2008

Introduction:
There are only sparse data concerning individual coronary side branch (CS‐SB) anatomy with respect to LV lead implantation for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
Methods:
In patients (pts) undergoing CRT device implantation, a detailed venogram was obtained, and the CS‐SB of first, second, third, and fourth choices for CS‐lead implantation was defined. Study endpoints included successful LV lead implantation in the first choice CS‐SB, number of CS‐SB potentially available, implantation success in selected CS‐SB, procedural variables, and 6‐month response to CRT.
Results:
CRT defibrillator implantation was attempted in 77 pts. Only 1 suitable CS‐SB was present in 3 (4%), 2 in 20 (26%), 3 in 36 (47%), and 4 CS‐SB in 18 patients (23%). The LV lead was implanted in the first choice CS‐SB in 71% of patients, in the second choice in 16%, in the third choice in 3%. In 4 patients (5%) no LV lead could be implanted. Implant success was similar for different CS‐SB regions (P = ns). Successful LV lead implantation in the CS‐SB of first choice was associated with median fluoroscopy and procedure times of 20 ± 13 and 143 ± 41 minutes. Corresponding times for the CS‐SB of ≥ second choice were 38 ± 21 (P = 0.002) and 179 ± 47 minutes (P = 0.002). Response rate at 6 months was 64% for patients with LV leads in the first target CS‐SB.
Conclusions:
In 70% of patients undergoing CRT device implantation, at least three suitable CS‐SBs are available. Implant success in the CS‐SB of first choice is 71% without significant differences for any particular CS‐SB region.
Context and Contingency in the History of Post World War II Nursing Scholarship in the United States
Authors: Fairman Julie 
Published: February 2008

Purpose:

To examine the context for the development of nursing scholarship post World War II.
Methods:

Historiographical analysis of the social, political, and cultural context of nursing scholarship in the postwar period, with an understanding of how this context shaped nursing scholarship.
Findings:

The development of nursing scholarship was influenced by three contextual strands: Nurses' use of experiential clinical knowledge to situate practice questions in the changing clinical care milieu of the 1950s to the 1970s; The development of an intellectual genealogy through new educational opportunities at the baccalaureate and graduate level from the 1960s to the 1980s that provided the foundation for reintegrating practice and education; and the creation of a growing cadre of nurse scholars and their political influence on the relationship between power, knowledge, and clinical practice. These formulations are critical for understanding how scholarship changed over time and help us understand contemporary clinical practice, its authority structure, how it helps us define a body of knowledge from which practice proceeds, and then, how it responds to public demands.
Conclusions

: Nursing scholarship is nested in a particular social, political, economic, and cultural context. This context also determines how and why it is generated, debated, and used. Its production does not always follow a rational, logical pattern. Nursing knowledge development is influenced as much by the political underpinnings of health care as it is by social, economic, cultural, and scientific foundations.
Couple Decision Making and Use of Cultural Scripts in Malawi
Authors: Mbweza Ellen , Norr Kathleen F. , McElmurry Beverly 
Published: February 2008

Purpose: To examine the decision‐making processes of husband and wife dyads in matrilineal and patrilineal marriage traditions of Malawi in the areas of money, food, pregnancy, contraception, and sexual relations.
Methods: Qualitative grounded theory using simultaneous interviews of 60 husbands and wives (30 couples). Data were analyzed according to the guidelines of simultaneous data collection and analysis. The analysis resulted in development of core categories and categories of decision‐making process. Data matrixes were used to identify similarities and differences within couples and across cases.
Findings: Most couples reported using a mix of final decision‐making approaches: husband‐dominated, wife‐dominated, and shared. Gender based and nongender based cultural scripts provided rationales for their approaches to decision making. Gender based cultural scripts (husband‐dominant and wife‐dominant) were used to justify decision‐making approaches. Non‐gender based cultural scripts (communicating openly, maintaining harmony, and children's welfare) supported shared decision making. Gender based cultural scripts were used in decision making more often among couples from the district with a patrilineal marriage tradition and where the husband had less than secondary school education and was not formally employed.
Conclusions: Nongender based cultural scripts to encourage shared decision making can be used in designing culturally tailored reproductive health interventions for couples.
Clinical Relevance: Nurses who work with women and families should be aware of the variations that occur in actual couple decision‐making approaches. Shared decision making can be used to encourage the involvement of men in reproductive health programs.
Expanding the Comfort of Postmastectomy Patients Using the Papilla Gown
Authors: Cho Ho Soon Michelle , Paek Jae Un , Davis Gail , Fedric Tara 
Published: February 2008

Purpose

: To determine whether the Papilla Gown designed specifically to meet the needs of postmastectomy patients with a closed drainage system in place is more comfortable than is a typical hospital gown.
Background

: The closed wound drainage system used for breast cancer patients immediately following mastectomy requires external drainage tubes that connect to a pouch. The pins that are usually used to attach the drains to a patient's gown create problems. The Papilla Gown® (Papilla is the Latin term for breast) was designed with safety pouches for supporting the drains.
Methods

: A convenience sample of 13 postmastectomy patients participated in this preliminary study of the gown's use. Participants were taught how to properly wear the typical hospital gown and Papilla Gown before surgery. Patients were discharged with the gowns and two questionnaires that were to be returned approximately 1 week following surgery. Thirteen of the 38 (34%) who agreed to participate submitted usable forms. The Wilcoxon signed‐ranks test was used for comparing the comfort scores of the Papilla with the hospital gown.
Findings

: Participants reported significantly higher scores (p<.003) for the Papilla Gown on all of Comfort Questionnaire's 10 items, except one (p=.337) related to fear of pulling out the drainage tubes. Specifically, patients felt more comfortable about their appearance in the gowns, their ability to move, and the support of the drainage tubes.
Conclusion

: The newly designed Papilla Gown shows promise for meeting the purpose of increasing the comfort of postmastectomy patients with closed drainage systems.
Clinical Relevance

: The Papilla Gown was designed to address the comfort, mobility, and body image issues that patients face during the first week following a mastectomy, when they are dealing with such issues as the cancer diagnosis, loss of a breast, and managing drainage tubes. Preliminary results show that nurses can improve patient satisfaction by providing clothing that is comfortable, attractive, and supports the drainage system in place during this critical time.
Computer‐Mediated Support Group Intervention for Parents
Authors: Bragadóttir Helga 
Published: February 2008

Purpose

: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a computer‐mediated support group (CMSG) intervention for parents whose children had been diagnosed with cancer.
Design and Methods

: An evaluative one‐group, before‐and‐after research design. A CMSG, an unstructured listserve group where participants used their E‐mail for communication, was conducted over a 4‐month period. Participation in the CMSG was offered to parents in Iceland whose children had completed cancer treatment in the past 5 years. Outcome measures were done: before the intervention (Time 1), after 2 months of intervention (Time 2) and after 4 months of intervention (Time 3) when the project ended. Measures included: demographic and background variables; health related vulnerability factors of parents: anxiety, depression, somatization, and stress; perceived mutual support; and use of the CMSG. Data were collected from November 2002 to June 2003. Twenty‐one of 58 eligible parents participated in the study, with 71% retention rate for both post‐tests.
Findings

: Mothers' depression decreased significantly from Time 2 to Time 3 (p<.03). Fathers' anxiety decreased significantly from Time 1 to Time 3 (p<.01). Fathers' stress decreased significantly from Time 2 to Time 3 (p<.02). To some extent, mothers and fathers perceived mutual support from participating in the CMSG. Both mothers and fathers used the CMSG by reading messages. Messages were primarily written by mothers.
Conclusions

:
Study findings support further development of CMSGs for parents whose children have been diagnosed with cancer.
Clinical Relevance

: Using computer technology for support is particularly useful for dispersed populations and groups that have restrictions on their time. Computer‐mediated support groups have been shown to be a valuable addition to, or substitute for, a traditional face‐to‐face mutual support group and might suit both genders equally.
Job Satisfaction and Acculturation Among Filipino Registered Nurses
Authors: Ea Emerson E. , Griffin Mary Quinn , L'Eplattenier Nora , Fitzpatrick Joyce J. 
Published: February 2008

Purpose

: To determine the (a) levels of acculturation and job satisfaction, (b) relationship between acculturation and job satisfaction, and (c) effects of select sociodemographic variables in predicting job satisfaction among Filipino RNs educated in the Philippines who are working in the US.
Design

: Descriptive correlational. A convenience sample of Filipino RNs (N=96) present during the PNAA Eastern Regional Conference in Baltimore, MD was conducted.
Methods

: A survey was conducted using A Short Acculturation Scale for Filipino Americans (ASASFA) to measure acculturation, Part B of the Index of Work Satisfaction Scale (IWS) to assess job satisfaction, and a participant demographic questionnaire. Data were analyzed using A Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis.
Findings

: Participants had a moderate level of job satisfaction that was positively correlated to a level of acculturation that was closer to American than to Filipino culture. Furthermore, age, length of U.S. residency, and acculturation significantly predicted perception of job satisfaction among this group of Filipino RNs.
Conclusions

: Job satisfaction among Filipino nurses is related to acculturation and select sociodemographic variables. Further research to determine how best to improve acculturation may lead to improved retention rates of Filipino nurses in countries to which they have migrated.
Uncertainty in Breast, Prostate, and Colorectal Cancer: Implications for Supportive Care
Authors: Shaha Maya , Cox Carol L. , Talman Kirsi , Kelly Daniel 
Published: February 2008

Purpose:

The aim of this paper was to identify and explore the literature for key aspects of uncertainty experienced by patients who have been diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer.
Organizing Construct

: Throughout the cancer journey important decisions are made about treatments, symptom control, and supportive care and many approaches have been adopted to examine coping and uncertainty associated with a cancer diagnosis. Uncertainty and its associated attributes, such as stress or anxiety, fluctuate across the disease trajectory. To appreciate the changing nature of uncertainty one should consider its effect on specific patient groups by considering the available evidence.
Methods

: A comprehensive literature search that was focused on reviews and studies about uncertainty in cancer patients was conducted in PubMed and CINAHL. In total, 40 articles were identified that indicated uncertainty in patients with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer, although the emphasis in each differed according to the nature and treatment of the disease.
Findings

: Uncertainty was found to comprise three main themes: uncertainty because of limited or lack of information, uncertainty concerning the course and treatment choices related to the disease, and uncertainty related to everyday life and coping with the disease.
Conclusions

: Uncertainty influences patients' experiences of their cancer and their coping. Whilst it might be impossible to avoid uncertainty entirely, its negative effects might be ameliorated by understanding patients' specific needs along the disease trajectory of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer.
A Nursing‐Specific Model of EPR Documentation: Organizational and Professional Requirements
Authors: Von Krogh Gunn , Nåden Dagfinn 
Published: February 2008

Purpose:

To present the Norwegian documentation KPO model (quality assurance, problem solving, and caring). To present the requirements and multiple electronic patient record (EPR) functions the model is designed to address.
Methods:

The model's professional substance, a conceptual framework for nursing practice is developed by examining, reorganizing, and completing existing frameworks. The model's methodology, an information management system, is developed using an expert group. Both model elements were clinically tested over a period of 1 year.
Results:

The model is designed for nursing documentation in step with statutory, organizational, and professional requirements. Complete documentation is arranged for by incorporating the Nursing Minimum Data Set. A systematic and comprehensive documentation is arranged for by establishing categories as provided in the model's framework domains. Consistent documentation is arranged for by incorporating NANDA‐I Nursing Diagnoses, Nursing Intervention Classification, and Nursing Outcome Classification.
Conclusions:

The model can be used as a tool in cooperation with vendors to ensure the interests of the nursing profession is met when developing EPR solutions in healthcare.
Clinical Relevance:

The model can provide clinicians with a framework for documentation in step with legal and organizational requirements and at the same time retain the ability to record all aspects of clinical nursing.
Household Composition and Fatal Unintentional Injuries Related to Child Maltreatment
Authors: Schnitzer Patricia G. , Ewigman Bernard G. 
Published: February 2008

Purpose

: To determine if household composition is an independent risk factor for fatal unintentional injuries related to child maltreatment.
Design

: A population‐based, case‐control study using data from the Missouri Child Fatality Review Program for 1992–1999.
Methods

: Children under age five who died during the 8‐year study period were eligible for study. Cases were defined as children who died of an unintentional injury that occurred when a parent or other adult caregiver: (a) was not present, (b) was present but not capable of protecting the child, (c) placed the child in an unsafe sleep environment, or (d) failed to use legally mandated safety devices. Controls were randomly selected from children who died of natural causes. Household composition was classified based on relationship of the adults living in the household to the deceased child. The five household composition categories were households with: (a) two biologic parents and no other adults, (b) one biologic parent and no other adults, (c) one or two biologic parents and another adult relative, (d) stepparents or foster parents, and (e) one or two biologic parents and another unrelated adult. Logistic regression analyses were conducted and odds ratios estimating the risk of maltreatment‐related unintentional death associated with each household category compared to the reference households: those with two biologic parents and no other adults.
Findings

: Three hundred eighty children met the case definition. Children residing within households with adults unrelated to them had nearly six times the risk of dying of maltreatment‐related unintentional injury (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.9; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.9–17.6). Children residing with step or foster parents and those living with other, related adults were also at increased risk of maltreatment death (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0–6.5; and aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0–4.5, respectively). Risk was not elevated for children in households with a single biologic parent and no other adults in residence.
Conclusions

: Young children residing in households with unrelated adults, step‐parents, or foster parents are at increased risk of fatal unintentional injury related to maltreatment. Nurses can use the findings of this study to facilitate injury prevention by identifying families at risk for fatal unintentional injuries and providing these families with targeted education or referral.
Negative Perfectionism: Examining Negative Excessive Behavior in the Workplace
Authors: Leonard Nancy H. , Harvey Michael 
Published: February 2008

The present paper explores the concept of negative perfectionism in the workplace. Negative perfectionism is unremitting and compulsive behavior in the process of striving to meet one's goals. We proposed that 4 types of negative or excessive behavior result from negative perfectionism in organizational settings: compulsive behavior, neurotic behavior, imposter behavior, and narcissistic behavior. Self‐concept‐based motivation theory was used as a framework for understanding how inaccuracies or inconsistencies between the evaluation of one's behavior in the workplace (goal‐setting behavior) and the type of feedback cues to which one decides to attend (feedback‐seeking behavior) might lead to these types of negative or excessive behaviors. Personal and managerial implications of negative perfectionism in organizational settings are discussed.
. . . when personal characteristics grate harmfully on others or significantly derail the success of the persons themselves, psychologists regard them not just as personality traits, but as personality disorders.—Miller (1998)