bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutritional screening and assessment tools for older adults: literature review
Authors: Green Sue M. , Watson Roger 
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a literature review to examine the range of published tools available for use by nurses to screen or assess nutritional status of older adults, and the extent to which validity, reliability, sensitivity, specificity and acceptability of the tools has been addressed.Background.  The incidence of malnutrition in older adults is high. One method by which malnutrition or risk of malnutrition can be detected is by the use of nutritional screening or assessment tools.Methods.  A comprehensive literature review methodology was employed. A variety of electronic databases were searched for the period 1982–2002. Search terms incorporating nutrition, screening, validity, reliability and sensitivity and specificity were combined to retrieve relevant literature. In addition, manual searches were conducted and articles retrieved from those listed in key papers. In this paper, nutritional screening or assessment tools are described as tools which use a questionnaire‐type format containing more than one risk factor for malnutrition, and give a quantitative or categorical assessment of risk.Results.  Seventy‐one nutritional tools were located, 21 of which were identified as designated for use with an older population. A wide variety of risk factors for malnutrition are used with the tools, ranging from objective measurements to subjective assessment. Some tools identify an action plan based on the score obtained. Many tools appear not to have been subjected to validity and/or reliability testing but are used clinically.Conclusions.  As malnutrition is present in the older adult population, nutritional assessment and screening tools can be useful to highlight those in need of a nutritional care plan. However, many have not been subjected to evaluation and consequently may not demonstrate sensitivity and/or specificity in clinical use. The decision to use a particular tool should therefore be considered carefully.
Being reborn: the recovery process of postpartum depression in Taiwanese women
Authors: Chen Chung‐Hey , Wang Shing‐Yaw , Chung Ue‐Lin , Tseng Ying‐Fen , Chou Fan‐Hao 
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a qualitative study describing the process of recovery from postpartum depression in Taiwanese women.Methods.  We carried out a study using grounded theory with a purposive sample of 23 postnatally depressed women in 2001–2002. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to screen for severe depression. Women with scores higher than 16 at 6 weeks after childbirth were categorized as having postpartum depression. Only two out of the 23 mothers were being treated for depression at the time. The data were analysed by constant comparative method.Findings.  ‘Being reborn’ was the core concept that emerged from the data on the mothers’ experience of going through postnatal depression, which was a process of descent into near‐death insanity and eventual rebirth. Such postnatally depressed mothers often underwent four stages of coping with the loss of self or loss of former identity and attachment to their new lives as mothers. The four stages were: (1) shattered role identity, (2) feeling trapped and breaking down, (3) struggling for self‐integrity and (4) regaining vitality.Conclusion.  The experience of postpartum depression should be examined within the social and cultural contexts in which it occurs. These Taiwanese data can be used to develop culturally‐sensitive health care. The nursing role is primarily that of reflective listening to help the women adjust to the process of being reborn – an internal process of painful growth represented by motherhood and striving to protect the real self in order to maintain emotional health while negotiating a developmental transition. Preventive interventions might include providing guidance for parenting, counselling of individual mothers, and facilitating the development of support groups.
Surgical hand scrubs in relation to microbial counts: systematic literature review
Authors: Hsieh Hsiu‐Fang , Chiu Hua‐Hsien , Lee Feng‐Ping 
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a systematic review whose objective was to determine the effectiveness of surgical hand scrubs in relation to bacterial growth on the hands of operating room staff members.Background.  Despite the need for surgical hand scrubs, evidence shows that frequent and prolonged use of antiseptics and brushes may damage the skin. Consequently, lesions may appear, become more heavily colonized by microorganisms and increase the risk of transmitting infection to patients. Recommendations about surgical hand scrubs vary widely and their effectiveness in relation to microbial counts is unknown.Method.  A variety of healthcare databases were searched covering the period between January 1990 and December 2004. Based on selection criteria, the abstracts of studies identified were checked to determine whether they fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All studies were assessed as having adequate methodological quality. Using Cochrane Review Manager 4.2 software, weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.Findings.  Three studies were included in this review. Two studies compared the effectiveness of surgical hand scrubs using an alcohol‐based product and a 6‐minute scrub using 4% chlorhexidine gluconate; meta‐analysis showed a statistically significant difference (weighted mean difference = −0·63, 95% confidence intervals = −0·99 to −0·27, P = 0·0006). One study compared the effectiveness of 2‐ and 3‐minute surgical hand scrubs using 4% chlorhexidine gluconate; meta‐analysis showed no difference (weighted mean difference = 0·29, 95% confidence intervals = −0·13 to 0·71, P = 0·18).Conclusion.  Surgical hand scrubs using an alcohol‐based product were more effective than a 6‐minute scrub using 4% chlorhexidine gluconate. There is no evidence to support a 2‐minute surgical hand scrub as being more effective than a 3‐minute one using 4% chlorhexidine gluconate.
Central and peripheral information source use among rural and remote Registered Nurses
Authors: Kosteniuk Julie G. , D'Arcy Carl , Stewart Norma , Smith Barbara 
Published: May 2006

Aims.  This paper reports a study examining the use of central (colleagues, inservice and newsletters) and peripheral information sources (Internet, library, journal subscriptions and continuing education) among a large sample of rural and remote nurses and explores the factors associated with the use of particular peripheral information sources.Background.  There have been few studies of the specific sources of information accessed by Registered Nurses, particularly rural or remote nurses, and the characteristics of nurses and their organizations that are associated with the use of particular information sources.Methods.  A questionnaire survey was conducted with 3933 Registered Nurses from all regions of rural and remote Canada between October 2001 and July 2002. We used frequencies and cross‐tabulations to describe rates of information use, and forward selection logistic regression with likelihood ratio selection to build the best‐fitting model of the variables that affected the odds of using each peripheral information source.Results.  Nursing colleagues ranked as the information source most frequently used, and the Internet and library ranked lowest. On average, nurses used a statistically significantly greater number of central than peripheral sources. Peripheral information source use was higher among nurses who had access to current information, opportunities to share their knowledge with others, higher education levels, were in positions of authority and worked with healthcare students. The associations between age and geographical location varied according to the peripheral information source under consideration.Conclusions.  The vast majority of rural and remote nurses used at least one peripheral information source to inform their practice. Increasing the number of research sources used by these nurses requires attention to issues of information access in these areas, as well as issues of staff recruitment and retention of staff in under‐serviced rural and remote regions.
Caring for adults with intellectual disabilities: perceived challenges for nurses in accident and emergency units
Authors: Sowney Margaret , Barr Owen G. 
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study exploring the experiences of nurses in accident and emergency units caring for people with intellectual disabilities.Background.  People with intellectual disabilities are increasingly in contact with healthcare professionals in accident and emergency units. Often this contact occurs within the accident and emergency service, an area in which staff care for a diverse range of people. The experiences of people with intellectual disabilities within acute general hospitals in the United Kingdom and internationally has largely been reported as quite negative. Conversely, little is known about the experiences of nurses working in acute general hospitals, nor the exact nature of any challenges they encounter, in providing care to people with intellectual disabilities. This lack of understanding weakens opportunities for nurses to reduce barriers to providing an equitable service for people with intellectual disabilities.Method.  Five focus groups were conducted with 27 accident and emergency nurses from five hospitals in Northern Ireland in the spring of 2004. The data were then coded and recurring themes identified.Findings.  This paper focuses on two themes: lack of knowledge of the nature of intellectual disability and dependence on carers. Whilst these themes have been acknowledged in the existing literature, they have received limited attention and exploration. The experience of fear and vulnerability was considered by participants to be a consequence of their lack of knowledge. The experience of these emotions is viewed as a key factor in nurses’ over‐dependence on patients’ informal carers.Conclusion.  Increased awareness is needed among professionals in accident and emergency units of the abilities and needs of people with intellectual disabilities.
Provision of rehabilitation nursing in long‐term care facilities
Authors: Vähäkangas Pia , Noro Anja , Björkgren Magnus 
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports an investigation into rehabilitation nursing provided in long‐term care settings in Finland, focusing on the amount of time spent with residents, types of rehabilitation nursing provided and resident characteristics associated with rehabilitation nursing.Background.  In long‐term care, nurses have important roles as members of multidisciplinary care teams in the provision of rehabilitation care. Evidence suggests that rehabilitation nursing has a positive impact on maintaining residents’ functional performance. However, there is little information on the patterns and scope of rehabilitation nursing in long‐term care facilities.Methods.  A quantitative, retrospective and cross‐sectional study was designed with the data collected between July and December 2002. Rehabilitation nursing was analysed using the Resident Assessment Instrument used in Finland (n = 5312). The frequency and focus of rehabilitation nursing were presented by mean scores and 95% confidence intervals. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were built to describe the factors associated with rehabilitation nursing. Odds ratios and confidence intervals were derived from these models.Results.  About 64% of residents received some rehabilitation nursing. Residents assessed as having rehabilitation potential received statistically significantly more rehabilitation nursing than others, such as skills practice in transfer, walking and dressing. Resident factors associated with rehabilitation nursing were cognition, activities of daily living, urinary incontinence, instability of health condition, falls, depression and greater social engagement.Conclusion.  Specific resident characteristics and nurses’ views of rehabilitation potential determine the provision of rehabilitation nursing. This information could be useful in both targeting and planning rehabilitation nursing in long‐term care.
The use of factor analysis for ascertaining patterns of psychopathology in children with intellectual disability
Authors: Tonge B. J. , Einfeld S. L. , Krupinski J. , Mackenzie A. , McLaughlin M. , Florio T. , Nunn R. J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe Developmental Behaviour Checklist (DBC) was developed to assess psychopathology in children with intellectual disabilities. A cut–off point between ‘non–cases’ and ‘cases’ was determined by comparison of the total scores with psychiatric clinical assessment. This paper describes a method aimed at determining the types of psychiatric problems in those regarded as ‘cases’. Factor analysis with varimax rotation carried out on a sample of 1093 subjects extracted six faaors. Standardized factor scores were calculated for each subject in a community sample (n= 450), and the only or the dominant positive score was determined for each of the ‘cases’. Over 80% of ‘cases’ could be allotted to one condition. Only a small number had none, or three or more conditions. The same procedure was replicated on a validation sample (n= 448) with even more satisfactory results. Differences in the prevalence of the six conditions by sex, age and level of mental retardation were ascertained. The validity and clinical relevance of this method are discussed.
The effect of the presentation of visual and auditory stimuli on the breathing patterns of two girls with Rett syndrome
Authors: Woodyatt G. C. , Murdoch B. E. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe respiration patterns of individuals with Rett syndrome are known to be dysrhythmic during wakefulness, suggesting cortical involvement of brainstem respiratory control. To investigate this involvement further, the waking breathing patterns of two girls with Rett syndrome were analysed during three phases: a quiet phase, and two phases during which visual and auditory stimuli were presented in controlled intervals. Differences were noted between the two subjects’ respiratory patterns in both the quiet and stimulation phases. The usual quiet respiration patterns became more dysrhythmic for both girls during stimulation, with shortened breathing cycles and lengthened apmoeic pauses for the one subject, and increased numbers of apnoeic pauses and shallower breaths for the other. These results suggest that the cyclical brainstem control of breathing patterns in Rett syndrome may be subject to disruption as a result of cortical influences, including arousal subsequent to the engagement of attention.
Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase, protein and nitrogen in Scots pine seedlings cultivated at different nutrient levels
Authors: Gezelius Kerstin 
Published: May 2006

Seedlings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) of a northern provenance were cultivated in nutrient solution for 10 weeks in a climate chamber. The nutrient solution (renewed by solution exchange) contained 2.5, 10 or 50 mg N I−1. All other essential elements were added in optimal proportion to the nitrogen.Seedlings cultivated at 10 and 50 mg N I−1 were similar with respect to all characteristics studied. Seedlings cultivated at 2.5 mg N I−1 showed a lower growth rate, especially for the shoot, and an altered morphology, with high root:shoot ratios and long, slender roots. The nitrogen concentrations in shoot and needles as well as in whole seedlings were not significantly affected by the nitrogen supply, while the nitrogen concentrations in the roots were somewhat lower at 2.5 mg N I−1.Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.39) activity and the concentrations of carboxylase, total and soluble protein and of chlorophyll in the needles were consistently much lower for seedlings cultivated at 2.5 mg N I−1, than for seedlings grown at higher nutrient levels. A close correlation was observed between activity and concentration of the carboxylase (r=0.95). Carboxylase activity and protein were more sensitive to a low nutrient supply than was chlorophyll.The data show how activity and concentration of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase and the concentrations of soluble and total protein and of chlorophyll in needles of pine seedlings can be negatively affected by the nutrient supply, also when the nitrogen concentrations in the needles are close to those observed at optimal nutrient supply. It is suggested that pine seedlings store assimilated non‐protein nitrogen in the needles when protein synthesis is under restraint. The nitrogen concentration in needles and seedlings could not be used as a measure of the physiological state of the seedlings.
Effects of indoleacetic acid and galactose on the UTP level and UDP‐glucose formation in Avena coleoptile and Vigna epicotyl segments
Authors: Inouhe Masahiro , Yamamoto Ryoichi , Masuda Yoshio 
Published: May 2006

The effects of IAA and galactose on the endogenous levels of UDP‐sugars and nu‐cleotides were compared between a monocotyledon, using coleoptile segments of oat (Avena sativa L. cv. Victory I) and a dicotyledon, using epicotyl segments of azuki bean (Vigna angularis Owhi and Ohashi cv. Takara). The following results were obtained:

Exogenously applied galactose inhibited the IAA‐induced cell elongation of Avena coleoptile segments, but not that of Vigna epicotyl segments.
Galactose was not found in the neutral free sugar and phosphate sugar fractions in the control segments of either Avena or Vigna. Galactose caused a strong increase in the level of Gal‐1‐P but little increase in the level of free galactose in the two plant tissues.
Galactose caused a rapid decrease in the amount of UDP‐glucose and an accumulation of UDP‐galactose in Avena coleoptile segments. Also, galactose caused a decrease in the UTP level but affected the ATP and GTP levels only little, suggesting that galactose inhibits the UDP‐glucose formation by decreasing the UTP level due to a predominant formation of UDP‐galactose.
In Vigna, galactose increased the level of UDP‐galactose to a lesser extent than in Avena, and was virtually without effect on the levels of UDP‐glucose, UTP or other nucleotides.
In the absence of galactose, IAA caused an increase in the levels of UDP‐glucose and UTP in Avena. In Vigna, IAA gave increased levels of UDP‐glucose and UTP in both the presence and absence of galactose. IAA also increased the levels of ATP and GTP in both plants, suggesting that IAA stimulates the UDP‐glucose formation by activating the metabolism of nucleotides and thus increasing the UTP level.

From these results, we conclude that UTP is involved in the IAA action and also in the differential effects of galactose on the UDP‐glucose formation, which is needed for cell wall synthesis and ensuing cell elongation.
Pressure‐volume analyses on shoots ofPicea abiesand leaves ofCoffea libericaat various temperatures
Authors: Gross K. , Pliant‐Nguyen T. 
Published: May 2006

Shoots from two ecologically different evergreen tree species,Picea abies(L.) Karst andCoffea libericaHiern, were used to carry out pressure volume (PV) measurements at 5–35°C. For this purpose a pressure chamber was equipped with thermoelectric temperature regulation. The non‐linear sections of the resultant PV curves were sigmoidal for both species, with recognizable points of inflexion. These points, at around ψ= 1.12 MPa and relative water content (RWC) = 88.5% forPiceaand at ψ= 0.92 MPa and RWC = 95.5% forCoffea, were characterised by a temporary increase in the resistance to water flow of the entire shoot (R5).The maximum value of the bulk modulus of elasticity (ɛ max) was also in the region of the point of inflexion. This value was considerably higher inCoffeathan inPicea. The osmotic pressures at full water saturation (π0) and at turgor loss point (πp) showed a clear temperature dependence between 15 and 35°C differing only slightly from the theoretically expected situation. At 25°C these values were 1.72 and 2.48 MPa. respectively, forPiceaand 1.58 and 1.87 MPa. respectively, forCoffea. The turgor loss point occurred at 76–77% RWC inPiceaand at 86% RWC inCoffea, the proportion of apoplastic water varied between 22 and 25% inPiceabut was only 9–10% inCoffea. The ecological differences between the two species are reflected in their temperature dependence for R5, which was much steeper forCoffeathan forPicea. The energy of activation for the water conductance of the whole shoots was 13.0–14.4 kJ mol−1inPiceaand about 23 kJ mol−1inCoffea.
Serine metabolism in legume nodules: Purification and properties of phosphoserine aminotransferase
Authors: Reynolds Paul H. S. , Hine Anna , Rodber Karen 
Published: May 2006

Enzymes involved in serine metabolism were compared in the plant cytosol fraction of root nodules from soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr., cv. Amsoy] and lupin [Lupinus angustifolius L., cv. Uniharvest]. Soybean nodules are ureide exporters and have a serine requirement in the synthesis of these compounds, whereas lupin nodules are amide transporters and do not have a serine requirement in asparagine synthesis. Specific activities were measured for phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT; EC 2.6.1.52) and phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.95), as representative activities of the ‘phosphorylated’ pathway, and for serine‐pyruvate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.51), and glycerate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.29), as representative activities of the ‘non‐phosphorylated’ pathway. Phosphorylated pathway enzyme levels were higher in soybean nodules. During nodule development nonphosphorylated pathway activities fell in soybean nodules, whereas in lupin nodules the specific activities of these enzymes increased. These data are consistent with roles for the phosphorylated and non‐phosphorylated pathways in serine anabolism and catabolism, respectively.PSAT was purified 250‐fold from soybean nodules. The enzyme showed linear reaction kinetics and was unaffected by serine. It had a molecular weight of 85 kDa, high specificity for its substrates and an optimum pH between pH 7.5 and 9. These results are discussed in relation to regulation of carbon supply to purine biosynthesis in ureide biogenesis in soybean root nodules.
Osmoregulation and role of nitrate during regrowth after cutting of ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
Authors: Ourry Alain , Gonzalez Boris , Boucaud Jean 
Published: May 2006

The osmotic role of nitrate during aftermath growth of Lolium perenne L. cv. Réveille was investigated. Plants were grown from seed in a controlled environment using a liquid medium with 1.0 mM NH4NO3 as nitrogen source.Eight‐week‐old plants were cut 4.0 cm above the root system and then harvested over a 14‐day period of regrowth on the same initial nutrient solution, except that nitrate was 15N labelled. Throughout the experimental period, nitrate storage and reduction in roots were low. In stubble and especially in leaves, nitrate accumulated during the first 6 days of regrowth whereas nitrate reduction mainly occurred after this period. Analyses of carbohydrate, chloride and potassium contents in stubble and leaves showed that the accumulation of nitrate osmotically compensated for the decrease in soluble sugars during the first 6 days of regrowth.The cumulative osmotic potential of sugars, chloride and nitrate in differently treated plants was studied in stubble and leaves. Compared with uncut plants, the lower carbohydrate concentrations found in cut plants regrowing on 1.0 mM NH4NO3 were compensated for by an accumulation of nitrate. During aftermath growth on low nitrogen nutrition (0.2 mM NH4NO3), chloride replaced nitrate, supporting the proposed osmotic function of nitrate.It is concluded that nitrate is involved in the osmotic adjustment of ryegrass during regrowth after cutting.