bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The silent negotiation or how to elicit collective information for group MCDA without excessive discussion
Authors: Pictet Jacques , Bollinger Dominique 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSilent negotiation is a procedure designed to help a group of people elicit collective evaluations or weights to be used in Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). Its main feature relies on the fact that the interaction between the participants is based—during specific phases—on what they do (i.e. moving cards), and not on what they say. This explains the apparent paradox of the procedure name.The silent negotiation might be useful in many situations, particularly when a unique collective result is required and no argument seems able to influence the participants' opinion. A good example is the elicitation of weights for public procurement.The article describes in detail the elicitation of collective weights using the Cards elicitation procedure and the necessary changes to adapt it to: (1) the evaluation of alternatives on a given criterion and (2) various MCDA methods. The different ways to customize the procedure—by adapting the variables such as the number of moves allowed by round—are presented and discussed. Tests and real‐world cases are briefly described. Finally, the main issues related to the silent negotiation are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low plasma uric acid level in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Annanmaki Tua , Muuronen Antti , Murros Kari 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEarlier studies suggest that low plasma uric acid level is a risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD), and that uric acid associates with iron‐binding proteins. We therefore decided to examine plasma uric acid levels and markers of peripheral iron metabolism in PD patients and healthy controls. For the study, 40 patients with PD and 29 controls underwent clinical screening, laboratory testing, and body mass index (BMI) measurement. The average consumption of different foodstuffs and dairy products was estimated. Plasma uric acid level was significantly lower in the patients than in the controls. There were no significant differences in the levels of plasma iron parameters, but plasma uric acid correlated strongly with serum ferritin both in the patient and the control group. The BMI was slightly lower in the patients compared with the controls despite equal daily calorie consumption. Plasma uric acid level is low in patients with PD, which may have implications for both the disease pathogenesis and treatment recommendations. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Inhibition of human recombinant cytochromes P450 CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 bytrans‐resveratrol methyl ethers
Authors: Mikstacka Renata , Przybylska Dorota , Rimando Agnes M. , Baer‐Dubowska Wanda 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCYP1A1 and CYP1B1 are the inducible forms of cytochrome P450 expressed in extrahepatic tissues, which are responsible for the biotransformation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic amines and estradiol to the carcinogenic intermediates. The aim of our research was to determine and compare the inhibitory effect of naturally occurring analogues oftrans‐resveratrol on the catalytic activities of human recombinant CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. Pinostilbene (3,4′‐dihydroxy‐5‐methoxystilbene), desoxyrhapontigenin (3,5‐dihydroxy‐4′‐methoxystilbene), and pterostilbene (3,5‐dimethoxy‐4′‐hydroxystilbene) appeared to be very potent inhibitors of CYP1A1 catalytic activity withKivalues of 0.13, 0.16 and 0.57 μM, respectively. Results from this study indicate thattrans‐resveratrol analogues in which the hydroxy groups are substituted by methoxy groups exhibit a remarkably stronger inhibitory effect towards CYP1A1 in comparison to the parent compound. On the contrary, the potency of pinostilbene, desoxyrhapontigenin and pterostilbene towards CYP1B1 withKivalues of 0.90, 2.06 and 0.91 μM, respectively, was comparable to that of resveratrol. It appears that between these analogues, inhibition of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 catalytic activities does not vary much regardless of the number and position of methylether substitution. The results suggest that thetrans‐resveratrol analogues: pinostilbene, desoxyrhapontigenin and pterostilbene, which occur in some food plants, might be considered as promising chemopreventive agents.
Heme oxygenase induction by cyanidin‐3‐O‐β‐glucoside in cultured human endothelial cells
Authors: Sorrenti Valeria , Mazza Francesco , Campisi Agata , Di Giacomo Claudia , Acquaviva Rosaria , Vanella Luca , Galvano Fabio 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe aim of the present research was to investigate the effect of cyanidin‐3‐O‐β‐glucoside (C3G) on heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS) and dimethylarginine dimethylamino hydrolase‐2 (DDAH‐2) expression in cultured endothelial cells. Different concentrations (0.00625–250 μM) of C3G were tested in order to investigate possible beneficial and harmful effects of C3G. Our data demonstrated that C3G increased the induction of eNOS and HO‐1 in a dose‐dependent manner. Higher concentration (62.5–250 μM) also resulted in increase of isoprostane, cGMP and PGE2 levels and in induction of iNOS with consequent oxidative stress. In conclusion, our data evidence that C3G may exert various protective effects against endothelial dysfunction, whereas potentially harmful effects of C3G appear to be limited to concentrations very difficult to be reached in physiological conditions unless there is abundant oral supplementation.
Glucosamine inhibits LPS‐induced COX‐2 and iNOS expression in mouse macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) by inhibition of p38‐MAP kinase and transcription factor NF‐κB
Authors: Rafi Mohamed M. , Yadav Prem N. , Rossi Andrea O. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractGlucosamine supplements are very promising nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents widely used for the treatment of arthritis in animals and humans. In this study, we have proposed the molecular mechanism underlying the anti‐inflammatory properties of glucosamine hydrochloride (GLN) using mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7). Treatment with GLN inhibited LPS‐stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production. Western blotting and RT‐PCR analysis showed that GLN treatment decreased LPS‐induced inducible nitric‐oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) protein and mRNA expression in RAW 264.7 cells, respectively. To further elucidate the mechanism of inhibitory effect of GLN, we studied the LPS‐induced phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (pp44/42 and pp38). Our results clearly indicated that GLN treatment resulted in a reduction of pp38, whereas activation of p44/42 was not affected. In addition, LPS‐induced activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) DNA binding suggests an inhibitory effect of GLN. These results indicate that GLN suppresses the LPS‐induced production of NO, expression of iNOS and COX‐2 by inhibiting NF‐κB activation and phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase.
Guidelines for the application of arima models in time series
Authors: Jensen Louise 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTime series analysis has been suggested as a valuable approach to evaluating the effectiveness of nursing interventions. Time series analysis techniques provide the tools for analyzing unique behavioral fluctuations through time and a framework for predicting future changes in the individual. Because of its newness, time series modeling has not been used widely in nursing research, but it can provide information about processes in nursing practice. Despite the utility of the interrupted time series design, a number of problems frequently arise in view of the practical and inferential difficulties in conducting interrupted time series research. The inherent limitations of time series analysis procedures are discussed in application to research problems.
How age conditions the relationship between climacteric status and health symptoms in African American women
Authors: Jackson Beryl B. , Taylor Jerome , Pyngolil Mariamma 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the relationship between climacteric status and health symptoms across age cohorts in 522 African American women aged 25–75. Data were collected through home interviews and subjected to hierarchical regression analyses. In the overall sample a direct relationship was found between climacteric status and physical health symptoms but not mental health symptoms. A direct relationship between climacteric status and both physical and mental health symptoms. A direct relationship between climacteric status and both physical and mental health symptoms was found for the younger age cohort 25–34. There was a direct relationship between climacteric status and physical health symptoms but not mental health symptoms for the 35–44 age cohort. The relationship between climacteric status and physical and mental health symptoms held despite controls for education, income, marital status, and body mass.
Potential indicators of insufficient milk supply syndrome
Authors: Hill Pamela D. , Aldag Jean 
Published: April 2007

AbstractInsufficient milk supply syndrome is a complex phenomenon that has not been adequately investigated. Insufficient milk supply (IMS) is a major reason reported by mothers for early termination of breast‐feeding in both developed and developing countries. Using the IMS conceptual framework by Hill and Humenick (1989), a survey was conducted to determine which set of predictors distinguished between mothers who reported an inadequate supply of breast milk (n = 100) from those who reported an adequate supply of milk (n = 284) during the first 8 weeks postpartum. Factor analysis suggested that Potential Determinant factors Maternal Confidence, Paternal Support, Maternal Health, Mother‐in‐Law Disapproval, and Infant Birthweight accounted for 56.7% of the variance while Potential Indicator factors Baby Behavior, Solid Foods, and Formula accounted for 70.4% of the variance. Using discriminant analysis, factors Maternal Confidence, Maternal Health, Mother‐in‐Law Disapproval, Baby Behavior, Solid Foods, and Formula predicted 78.04% of the cases accurately. The Potential Indicator factors alone predicted 76.58% of the cases accurately. These findings suggest that the IMS model is valid but additional variables may need to be considered.
Families of children with developmental disabilities: An examination of family hardiness
Authors: Failla Salva , Jones Linda Corson 
Published: April 2007

AbstractUsing the Typology Model of Adjustment and Adaptation, a family stress model, relationships among family hardiness, family stressors, family appraisal, coping, social support, and satisfaction with family functioning were examined in a sample of 57 families of children with developmental disabilities. Family hardiness was associated with family appraisal, social support, parental coping related to maintaining family integration, and satisfaction with family functioning. Higher satisfaction with family functioning was correlated with coping‐integration, network support, functional support, and hardiness. Lower satisfaction with family functioning was associated with higher family stressor scores, social support loss, and increased parental age. Over 42% of the variance in family functioning was accounted for by family hardiness, functional support, family stressors, and parental age. The results highlight the value of continued investigations of hardiness in families.
Focus on psychometrics. Factor comparison across studies
Authors: Teel Cynthia , Verran Joyce A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe need to compare the results of factor analysis across studies has become more necessary as substantive and instrumentation studies are replicated across populations. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of four procedures, which utilize factor loadings, to compare factors across studies when the same design and variables are applied to different populations. The techniques described are the Salient Variable Similarity Index (S), the Coefficient of Congruence (CC); the Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r); and, Confirmatory Factor Analysis using latent variable modeling procedures (EQS). The disagreement over use of comparison procedures using factor loadings and those using factor scores is briefly described.
Development of a health habits scale
Authors: Williams Robert L. , Thomas Sandra P. , Young Damaris O. , Jozwiak John J. , Hector Mark A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe present study is based on the assumption that health habits assessment can make a significant contribution to our understanding of physical and psychological well‐being. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop an easily administered, conceptually sound, and psychometrically adequate health habits scale for use in nursing and health research. A self‐report scale consisting of 5 positive health items and 5 negative items was administered initially to a sample of more than 1500 American adults. Subsamples of this group were used in various psychometric evaluations of the scale. A second sample of more than 700 college and noncollege adults also completed the new health habits scale and a number of additional inventories thought to be related conceptually to the new scale. In general, the health scale showed high content validity, good agreement between self‐ and other‐ratings, strong test—retest reliability, and consistent evidence of concurrent and divergent validity. The strengths of the scale are its inclusion of both disease‐preventive and health‐promoting behaviors, its brevity, and its psychometric development.
Focus on psychometrics. Aspects of item analysis
Authors: Ferketich Sandra 
Published: April 2007

AbstractDuring the course of instrument development, investigators are faced with the challenge of developing a psychometrically sound instrument that has a minimal number of items or components. Although instrument developers may encounter specific problems in relation to different types of tests, there are three areas of concern that are frequently encountered. These concerns relate to (a) instrument length, (b) scale homogeneity, and (c) instrument sensitivity. The purpose of this article is to discuss selected aspects of item analysis in relationship to these three commonly encountered and interrelated areas of concern.
Seeking normalcy: The experience of coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Keller Colleen 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to describe the experience of coronary artery bypass surgery (CAB) from the patient's perspective. A grounded theory method was used to explore the postoperative experiences of eight men and one woman following CAB surgery. The major process individuals engaged in following CAB surgery was seeking normalcy which involved three conceptual stages: surviving, restoring, and being fixed. Some individuals sought other explanations for the symptoms accompanying heart disease. An understanding of patient experiences regarding the nature of cardiovascular disease through the experience of surgery regimens may contribute to the assessment and intervention strategies used by health care providers in the postoperative care of these patients.
Releasing restraints: Providing safe care for the elderly
Authors: Morse Janice M. , McHutchion Edna 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo examine the behavioral effects of releasing restraints and the feasibility of caring for patients considered at risk if unrestrained, two patients were continuously videotaped using surveillance cameras for 1 week with and 1 week without restraints. The videotapes were coded and analyzed using nonparametric and parametric statistics. In Patient #1, motor behavioral changes with a decrease of restless behaviors, as well as changes in sleeping position, were observed. There were no changes in verbal behavior. For Patient #2, no changes in motor or verbal behavior were observed. Nursing care showed a nonsignificant decrease in nursing care time and an increase in the number of nursing contacts. The implications of the findings and the use of videotapes as a method for collecting observational data in the clinical area are discussed.
Nurse burnout: Work related and demographic factors as culprits
Authors: Robinson Sharon E. , Roth Sari L. , Keim Jeanmarie , Levenson Minita , Flentje Jane R. , Bashor Kathy 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis study was an examination of the combined ability of perceived work environment, demographic, and work‐related variables to predict burnout among 314 nurses at a large metropolitan hospital. The three dimensions of burnout measured were emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. High work pressure and low work involvement and supervisor support predicted emotional exhaustion. Task orientation, work pressure, work involvement, and age predicted both depersonalization and personal accomplishment. Burnout among nurses on each of the three work shifts also was examined. Results are discussed from the perspective of how to decrease or to prevent burnout among nurses.
Comparison of patient‐controlled and nurse‐controlled antiemetic therapy in patients receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Edwards Jody Nerhood , Herman Joanne , Wallace Beth Kraley , Pavy Michael D. , Harrison‐Pavy Joan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this quasi‐experimental pilot study was to compare the effect of patient‐controlled (PCAE) and nurse administered (NCAE) antiemetic therapy for controlling chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in patients receiving moderate emetogenic chemotherapy. Twenty subjects were randomly assigned to either the PCAE group who received IV antiemetic medication via a patient‐controlled pump or the NCAE group who received antiemetic medication via nurse administered minibags. Nausea, vomiting, sedation, and drug consumption were measured. There was no difference in nausea scores between the two groups. Subjects in the PCAE group consumed significantly less medication than subjects in the NCAE group.
The relationship between maternal confidence and mother–infant behaviors in premature infants
Authors: Zahr Lina Kurdahi 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between maternal confidence in mothers of premature infants, maternal behaviors and skills, and infant temperament. The relationship between certain prenatal and background variables and maternal confidence also was assessed. The sample consisted of 49 mother‐infant pairs from low socioeconomic backgrounds who were followed for 8 months. Maternal behaviors were assessed in the neonatal intensive care unit and during 4‐ and 8‐month follow‐up visits at home. Infant temperament was assessed using the Bates Infant Characteristics Questionnaire. The results revealed that maternal confidence was related to education, income, and parity as well as the presence and severity of intraventricular bleed. There was no relationship between observed maternal behaviors and skills and perceived confidence by mothers. Maternal confidence was related to infant temperament ratings.
Patient intensity for nursing index: The measurement model
Authors: Soeken Karen L. , Prescott Patricia A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractOne part of the psychometric evaluation of the Patient Intensity for Nursing Index (PINI), a new measure of nursing intensity, is reported. The PINI has four interrelated components: (a) severity of illness, (b) dependency, (c) complexity of care, and (d) time. Taken together, the 10 items that make up these four components comprise the multidimensional construct of nursing intensity. Using the factor analytic approach and a model specification search, the measurement model for the Patient Intensity for Nursing Index was identified. The structure consists of Dependency, Severity, and Complexity with time (hours of nursing care) loading on each factor. When results were cross‐validated using data from four other hospitals, support emerged for a consistent pattern of factor loadings. The loadings themselves, however, are only partially invariant. Further examination of the relationship between severity and time is suggested and areas for future research are identified.
Effects of psychological well‐being, physical status, and social support on oxygen‐dependent copd patients' level of functioning
Authors: Lee Ruth N. F. , Graydon Jane E. , Ross Eleanor 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThirty oxygen‐dependent patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) participated in a descriptive correlational study in which investigators examined the relationship between oxygen‐dependent COPD patients' psychological well‐being, physical status, social support, and level of functioning. Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) theory of psychological stress and coping was used to guide the study. Using multiple regression analysis, physical symptoms had the most predictive power in relation to the level of functioning, accounting for 44.3% of the variance. Among the symptoms, dyspnea had the greatest influence on functioning.
Cognitive–perceptual factors associated with antiepileptic medication compliance
Authors: Diiorio Colleen , Faherty Barbara , Manteuffel Brigitte 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine if selected cognitive–perceptual variables discriminated between individuals who complied with antiepileptic medication therapy and those who did not. Individuals attending an epilepsy clinic and meeting specified criteria were asked to participate. Data from 64 individuals—39 who were classified as compliant and 25 noncompliant—were analyzed using discriminant analysis. The findings revealed that intimacy/assistance, social integration/affirmation of worth, unpredictability, and ambiguity were helpful in discriminating compliant from noncompliant individuals.
The use of botanicals for health purposes by members of a prepaid health plan
Authors: Brown Julia S. , Marcy Shirley A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractInterviews were conducted with 100 adults (27 men, 73 women) enrolled in a prepaid medical health plan to investigate their use of botanical remedies. They were asked which of 50 listed herbs they or members of their families had used for health purposes and with what effect; which of 60 listed health problems they had treated with home remedies; and what additional home remedies or alternative health care resources they had used. Over 100 different home remedies were identified, with most considered effective. Individual respondents used from 0 to 33 herbal and plant remedies (Md = 7), some of which have toxic properties. A remedy was reported for almost every health problem listed. Substances most frequently used were aloe vera, honey, peppermint, garlic, eucalyptus, and rose hips; health problems most frequently treated were burns, colds, indigestion, insect bites, insomnia, rashes. Persons who were married, from larger households, of higher socioeconomic status, who had consulted alternative healers, or who had patronized health food stores tended to use home remedies more than their counterparts. Implications for further evaluation of self‐care practices are discussed.
Relationship of hardiness and current life events to perceived health in rural adults
Authors: Lee Helen J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this descriptive study was to examine the relationship of hardiness and current life events to perceived health in rural adults. Instruments used included Kobasa's (1982) Hardiness Scale, SRLE (Holmes & Rahe, 1967), and Engel's (1984) Perceived Health Status. Study results were based on 162 participants responding to a mailed questionnaire. The typical respondent was a 55‐year‐old married male who lived on a farm or ranch. Participants with higher levels of hardiness demonstrated a better perception of their mental and social health but not physical health. The study findings did not support the buffering effects of hardiness in the presence of greater amounts of stress.