bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire among nurses
Authors: Kanste Outi , Miettunen Jouko , Kyngäs Helvi 
Published: December 2006

Abstract Title. Psychometric properties of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire among nurses Aim.  This paper reports a study investigating the psychometric properties of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire among nurses.Background.  Although the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire is one of the most widely used instruments to measure the multifactor leadership theory in organizational sciences, inconsistent research findings have been reported for its psychometric properties. Little is known about these properties.Method.  Data were gathered by postal questionnaires in 2001–2002 with nurses working in different healthcare organizations in Finland. A follow‐up study was performed 1‐year later. The sample consisted of 601 nurses and nurse leaders, and the follow‐up study had 78 respondents. The internal consistency of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire was explored using Cronbach's α coefficient and item‐analysis, and the test–retest reliability using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and intra‐class correlation coefficient (single measure intra‐class correlation coefficient). The factor structure was studied using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.Results.  The internal consistencies of the leadership subscales were satisfactory. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire was fairly stable measured at the 1‐year interval. Although the data fail to support the full nine‐factor model, a reduced set of items from the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire appears to show evidence of the three‐ and six‐factor structures. Exploratory factor analysis showed evidence for the three‐factor structure consisting of three distinctive, yet partly related leadership subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis showed evidence for the six‐factor structure.Conclusion.  The psychometric data suggest that a modified version of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire is a highly suitable instrument to measure multidimensional nursing leadership. Validity and reliability were supported. The results can be used in studies applying the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire.
Junior staffing changes and the temporal ecology of adverse incidents in acute psychiatric wards
Authors: Bowers Len , Jeffery Debra , Simpson Alan , Daly Christina , Warren Jonathan , Nijman Henk 
Published: December 2006

Abstract Title. Junior staffing changes and the temporal ecology of adverse incidents in acute psychiatric wards. Aim.  This paper reports an examination of the relationship between adverse incident rates, the arrival of new junior staff on wards, and days of the week on acute psychiatric wards.Background.  Incidents of violence, absconding and self‐harm in acute inpatient services pose risks to patients and staff. Previous research suggests that the arrival of inexperienced new staff may trigger more adverse incidents. Findings on the relationship between incidents and the weekly routine are inconsistent.Method.  A retrospective analysis was conducted of formally reported incident rates, records of nursing student allocations and junior doctor rotation patterns, using Poisson Regression. Variance between days of the week was explored using contingency table analysis. The data covered 30 months on 17 psychiatric wards, and were collected in 2002–2004.Findings.  The arrival of new and inexperienced staff on the wards was not associated with increases in adverse incident rates. Most types of incidents were less frequent at weekends and midweek. Incident rates were unchanged on ward‐round days, but increased rates were found on the days before and after ward rounds.Conclusion.  Increased patient tension is associated with raised incident rates. It may be possible to reduce incident rates by moderating stimulation in the environment and by mobilizing support for patients during critical periods.
Effects of aquatic exercise on flexibility, strength and aerobic fitness in adults with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee
Authors: Wang Tsae‐Jyy , Belza Basia , Elaine Thompson F. , Whitney Joanne D. , Bennett Kim 
Published: December 2006

Abstract Title. Effects of aquatic exercise on flexibility, strength and aerobic fitness in adults with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. Aim.  This paper reports a study of the effects of aquatic exercise on physical fitness (flexibility, strength and aerobic fitness), self‐reported physical functioning and pain in adults with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.Background.  Osteoarthritis is a common cause of disability and a primary reason for hip and knee joint replacement. Exercise is important for preventing and/or managing the functional limitations associated with joint disease. Aquatic exercise is thought to be beneficial and is often recommended for people with osteoarthritis; however, few studies have examined the effects on people with osteoarthritis, and these have yielded inconsistent results.Methods.  A two‐group randomized controlled trial with a convenience sample was used. Participants were recruited from community sources and randomly assigned to a 12‐week aquatic programme or a non‐exercise control condition. Data for 38 participants were collected at baseline, week 6, and week 12 during 2003 and 2004. Instruments were a standard plastic goniometer, a handheld dynamometer, the 6‐minute walk test, the multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire, and a visual analogue scale for pain.Results.  Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that aquatic exercise statistically significantly improved knee and hip flexibility, strength and aerobic fitness, but had no effect on self‐reported physical functioning and pain. The exercise adherence rate was 81·7%, and no exercise‐related adverse effect was observed or reported.Conclusions.  Beneficial short‐term effects of aquatic exercise were found in adults with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. Although the programme may not offer pain relief or self‐reported improvements in physical functioning, results suggest that aquatic exercise does not worsen the joint condition or result in injury. Nurses engaging in disease management and health promotion for these patients should consider recommending or implementing aquatic classes for patients.
Diversity of flower‐visiting bees in cereal fields: effects of farming system, landscape composition and regional context
Authors: HOLZSCHUH ANDREA , STEFFAN‐DEWENTER INGOLF , KLEIJN DAVID , TSCHARNTKE TEJA 
Published: December 2006

Summary

Agri‐environment schemes promote organic farming in an attempt to reduce the negative effects of agricultural intensification on farmland biodiversity and ecosystem services such as pollination. Farming system, landscape context and regional differences may all influence biodiversity, but their relative impact and possible interactions have been little explored.
The study was performed in three regions (150 km apart, 400–500 km2 per region) differing in land use intensity. Within each region, seven pairs of conventionally and organically cultivated wheat fields (mean size 4 ha, 42 study fields) were selected to encompass a gradient from heterogeneous to homogeneous landscapes within a 1‐km radius around each field.
Farming system had the greatest influence on biodiversity. Higher bee diversity, flower cover and diversity of flowering plants were recorded in organic compared with conventional fields. Bee diversity was related both to flower cover and diversity of flowering plants, suggesting plant‐mediated effects of the farming system.
Differences in bee diversity between organic and conventional fields increased with the proportion of arable crops in the surrounding landscape, indicating that processes at the landscape level modified the effectiveness of organic farming in promoting biodiversity. Similar patterns for flower cover and diversity of flowering plants suggested that landscape effects on bee diversity were mainly resource‐mediated. After statistically removing the variance explained by flower parameters, residual bee diversity increased with increasing landscape heterogeneity.
Bee diversity differed between the three regions, but the effects of farming systems and landscape context were independent of regional differences.
Synthesis and applications. Bee diversity in wheat fields was mainly influenced by farming system, but an understanding of local bee diversity needs to incorporate both landscape and regional perspectives. The consistency of the results in three regions provides a reliable basis for management decisions. Agri‐environment schemes that promote organic farming in homogeneous landscapes where there are few remaining flower‐rich habitats could have the highest relative impact. However, while organic farming could help to sustain pollination services by generalist bees in agricultural landscapes, other measures are required to conserve more specialized bee species in semi‐natural habitats.
Being an intensive care nurse related to questions of withholding or withdrawing curative treatment
Authors: Hov Reidun , Hedelin Birgitta , Athlin Elsy 
Published: December 2006

Aims and objectives.  The aim of the study was to acquire a deeper understanding of what it is to be an intensive care nurse in situations related to questions of withholding or withdrawing curative treatment.Background.  Nurses in intensive care units regularly face critically ill patients. Some patients do not benefit from the treatment and die after days or months of apparent pain and suffering. A general trend is that withdrawal of treatment in intensive care units is increasing. Physicians are responsible for decisions concerning medical treatment, but as nurses must carry out physicians’ decisions, they are involved in the consequences.Design and methods.  The research design was qualitative, based on interpretative phenomenology. The study was carried out at an adult intensive care unit in Norway. Data were collected by group interviews inspired by focus group methodology. Fourteen female intensive care nurses participated, divided into two groups. Colaizzi's model was used in the process of analysis.Results.  The analysis revealed four main themes which captured the nurses’ experiences: loneliness in responsibility, alternation between optimism and pessimism, uncertainty – a constant shadow and professional pride despite little formal influence. The essence of being an intensive care nurse in the care of patients when questions were raised concerning curative treatment or not, was understood as ‘being a critical interpreter and a dedicated helper.’Conclusions.  The findings underpin the important role of intensive care nurses in providing care and treatment to patients related to questions of withholding or withdrawing curative treatment.Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings also show the need for physicians, managers and intensive care nurses themselves to recognize the burdens intensive care nurses carry and to appreciate their knowledge as an important contribution in decision making.
A first‐line nurse manager's goal‐profile
Authors: Johansson Gunilla , Pörn Ingmar , Theorell Töres , Gustafsson Barbro 
Published: December 2006

Aim.  The aim of this case study was to acquire understanding concerning the first‐line nurse manager's goal‐profile, i.e. prioritization of goals in her work as a first‐line nurse manager, through use of an action‐theoretic and confirmatory theory.Background.  The first‐line nurse manager's pivotal role regarding quality of care and development in relation to on‐going changes in the health care sector is stressed by many researchers and the transition from nurse to manager is described as a demanding challenge for the first‐line nurse manager.Methods.  The case study described in this paper concerns a first‐line nurse manager in an actual working environment in care of older people. Data collection comprised interviews, observations, a job description and policy documents. A hermeneutic interpretation was used for data analysis.Results.  The results showed that the first‐line nurse manager had three goals in her goal‐profile, in the following order of priority: (i) a nurse goal that she had strongly accepted and in which she had excellent control, (ii) an administrator goal that she had accepted and in which she had control, (iii) a leadership goal that she had not accepted and in which she did not have control. Both the administrator and leadership goals were based on her job description, but the nurse goal was a personally chosen goal based on her own self‐relation/goal‐fulfilment.Conclusion.  The first‐line nurse manager's prioritized self‐identity, based on successful realization of goals in her goal‐profile, was decisive in the manifestation of her work.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study contributes to a new understanding of the first‐line nurse manager's self‐identity related to work in terms of goal acceptance and goal control of prioritized goals. This action‐theoretic approach could be a valuable ‘key’ for understanding leadership (or lack of leadership) in clinical practice.
A review of the literature on atrial fibrillation: rate reversion or control?
Authors: Lee Geraldine 
Published: December 2006

Aims.  The aim of this paper is to review the current literature describing the aetiology of atrial fibrillation and to examine the evidence for rate reversion and rate control.Background.  Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly seen arrhythmia within the clinical setting. Treatment depends on severity of symptoms, which are predominantly palpitations and shortness of breath. The primary complications from atrial fibrillation are thrombo‐embolic events (such as a pulmonary embolus or stroke).Objectives and methods.  A comprehensive literature review on atrial fibrillation, rate reversion and rate control was undertaken to examine the incidence of atrial fibrillation, to review research on management of atrial fibrillation and to determine if rate reversion was superior to rate control in the treatment of atrial fibrillation.Results.  Many studies have been carried out to determine the best treatment for this condition. The choices are currently pharmacological and electrical cardioversion in conjunction with anticoagulant therapy. Drug therapies are not without their problems, especially toxicity and the need for close clinical monitoring. Transaesophageal echocardiography has been used to establish the presence of left atrial thrombi and aims to reduce the anticoagulation time and reduce the risk of thrombo‐embolic events. A randomized comparative study of transaesophageal echocardiography and conventional anticoagulation therapy prior to cardioversion demonstrated statistically significant reduction in haemorrhagic events and a shorter time to cardioversion in those in the transaesophageal echocardiography group compared with the conventional group. For those with persistent atrial fibrillation, surgery is an option with valve repair or replacement carried out in conjunction with a bi‐atrial surgical ablation.Conclusions.  The management of atrial fibrillation is dependent on many factors and to date there are no proven clinical rationale for rate control or reversion.Relevance to clinical practice.  Atrial fibrillation requires immediate attention in order to avoid thrombo‐embolic complications and the use of transaesophageal echocardiography and conventional anticoagulation therapy can significantly reduce these complications.
Health promotion model for childhood violence prevention and exposure
Authors: Skybo Theresa , Polivka Barbara 
Published: December 2006

Aims and objectives.  To discuss the Health Promotion Model for Violence Prevention and Exposure and intervention strategies for implementation.Background.  Violence causes physical and psychosocial harm to children. Because little collaboration exists between specialties in the USA, a model that incorporates both a public health and psychosocial approach is needed to assess the risk for exposure to violence and the effects of violence as well as developing prevention strategies. Prevention and intervention includes primary, secondary and tertiary levels that focus on either the community or individual. However, primary and secondary prevention, such as anticipatory guidance and screening, can be implemented by both community and primary care nurses.Methods.  A review of the literature and on‐line resources focusing on children's exposure to violence provided the basis for discussion of the commonalities and differences between the public health and psychosocial approach to assessing, preventing and intervening with children exposed to violence. This discussion led to the development of the proposed model.Conclusions.  This model can identify more children at risk for social, physical and psychological harm because of exposure to violence. Implementing prevention or treatment interventions can decrease the impact of violence on children.Relevance to clinical practice.  This model can be implemented by public health, psychiatric and primary care nurses by incorporating the model into the well‐child exam, school screenings and after‐school programs. Collaboration between specialties will increase referrals for participation in anti‐violence programs or treatment interventions.
A systematic review of topical skin care in aged care facilities
Authors: Hodgkinson Brent , Nay Rhonda , Wilson Jacinda 
Published: December 2006

Aim.  This systematic review aimed to evaluate the best available evidence regarding the effectiveness of topical skin care interventions for residents of aged care facilities.Introduction.  Natural changes to skin, as well as increased predisposition to pressure sores and incontinence, means residents of aged care facilities readily require topical skin care. A range of interventions exist that aim to maintain or improve the integrity of skin of older adults.Methods.  Pubmed, Embase, Current Contents, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library databases were searched, as well as Health Technology Assessment websites up to April 2003. Systematic reviews and randomized or non‐randomized controlled trials were evaluated for quality and data were independently extracted by two reviewers.Results.  The effectiveness of topical skin interventions was variable and dependent on the skin condition being treated. Studies examined the effectiveness of washing products on incontinence irritated skin. Disposable bodyworns may prevent deterioration of skin condition better than non‐disposable underpads or bodyworns. Clinisan, a no‐rinse cleanser may reduce the incidence of incontinence associated pressure ulcers when compared with soap and water.Conclusion.  In general the quality of evidence for interventions to improve or maintain the skin condition in the older person was poor and more research in this area is needed.Relevance to Clinical Practice.  Skin care is a major issue for nurses working with older people. On the basis of this review no clear recommendations can be made. This lack of strong evidence for nurses to base effective practice decisions is problematic. However, the ‘best’ evidence suggests that disposable bodyworns are a good investment in the fight against skin deterioration. No rinse cleansers are to be preferred over soap and the use of the bag bath appears to be a useful practice to reduce the risk of dry skin (a risk factor for breaches in skin integrity).
Foetal Experience: Lifelong Consequences
Authors: Matthews Stephen G 
Published: December 2006

SummaryModification of the foetal environment has lifelong consequences for endocrine function and behaviour. Maternal stress through activation of the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal axis can lead to increased anxiety levels and stress reactivity in offspring. Furthermore, these effects can pass across generations. The race is now on to understand the mechanisms involved and to find ways to prevent or reverse the effects of an ‘adverse’ early environment in human populations.
Multilocus genealogies reveal multiple cryptic species and biogeographical complexity in the California turret spiderAntrodiaetus riversi(Mygalomorphae, Antrodiaetidae)
Authors: STARRETT JAMES , HEDIN MARSHAL 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAntrodiaetus riversi(Araneae, Antrodiaetidae) is a dispersal‐limited, habitat specialized mygalomorph spider species endemic to mesic woodlands of northern and central California. This species occupies a disjunct distribution, with populations in the Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges, separated by the inhospitable Central Valley. Previous studies of morphological and allozyme variation have suggested that these populations may constitute cryptic species. We investigated the phylogeography ofA. riversiusing both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences, collected for a comprehensive population sample. These data reveal the presence of at least five species in theA. riversicomplex — these species are deeply diverged, and genealogically exclusive in both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Each of these species is characterized by extreme population subdivision and deep phylogeographical structuring, consistent with minimal gene flow across the dissected Californian landscape. Three species are restricted to the Coast Ranges, one to high altitudes of the central Sierran Nevada, and one species is found in both ranges. These species have allopatric distributions, although species parapatry is hypothesized to occur in several areas. Species diversification appears to have pulsed in the Late Miocene/Early Pliocene, a timing consistent with biogeographical reconstructions for many Californian taxa, and a time of turbulent geological activity in the region.
Genome‐based discovery, structure prediction and functional analysis of cyclic lipopeptide antibiotics in Pseudomonas species
Authors: de Bruijn Irene , de Kock Maarten J. D. , Yang Meng , de Waard Pieter , van Beek Teris A. , Raaijmakers Jos M. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryAnalysis of microbial genome sequences have revealed numerous genes involved in antibiotic biosynthesis. In Pseudomonads, several gene clusters encoding non‐ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) were predicted to be involved in the synthesis of cyclic lipopeptide (CLP) antibiotics. Most of these predictions, however, are untested and the association between genome sequence and biological function of the predicted metabolite is lacking. Here we report the genome‐based identification of previously unknown CLP gene clusters in plant pathogenic Pseudomonas syringae strains B728a and DC3000 and in plant beneficial Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0‐1 and SBW25. For P. fluorescens SBW25, a model strain in studying bacterial evolution and adaptation, the structure of the CLP with a predicted 9‐amino acid peptide moiety was confirmed by chemical analyses. Mutagenesis confirmed that the three identified NRPS genes are essential for CLP synthesis in strain SBW25. CLP production was shown to play a key role in motility, biofilm formation and in activity of SBW25 against zoospores of Phytophthora infestans. This is the first time that an antimicrobial metabolite is identified from strain SBW25. The results indicate that genome mining may enable the discovery of unknown gene clusters and traits that are highly relevant in the lifestyle of plant beneficial and plant pathogenic bacteria.