bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How to facilitate parents and their premature infant for the transition home
Authors: Broedsgaard A. , Wagner L. 
Published: July 2005

Background:  An intervention programme was carried through in a neonatal intensive care unit at the Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark in 1998/99. It comprised: (1) educational programmes during hospitalization for parents with premature infants; (2) visit and orientation about the neonatal intensive care unit by the family's health visitor; a multidisciplinary and cross‐sector discharge conference; and (3) publication of relevant booklets for parents and health care providers.Aim:  To present the parents’ experiences from this intervention, concerning support and coordination following delivery of a premature infant.Method:  A non‐experimental design and descriptive study. The qualitative methods used were semi‐structured questionnaires and focus group interviews.Findings:  The parents found that most of the intervention initiatives contributed to increased support and met their needs, including contributing to their confidence in caring for their premature infant and its well‐being following discharge. The study contributed to meaningful knowledge about the consequences for parents and premature infants when mother and infant are separated in the beginning of life, mindful of the process of mother–infant bonding.Implications:  Major actions from the intervention programme now form permanent functions in the neonatal intensive care unit as well as in the primary health care sector. The study also confirmed the benefit of the role of the nurse‐coordinator.
Residents’ rights and nurses’ ethics in the Australian nursing home
Authors: Tuckett A. G. 
Published: July 2005

Background: This article is derived from a more extensive review of literature for a qualitative study that explored the meaning of truth‐telling within the care provider – aged resident dyad in high‐level (nursing home) aged care.Aim: This paper describes through the literature, work practices and the culture of the nursing home as promoting instrumental care, therefore prioritizing doing‐for over being‐with. The nursing home, starved of time and staff, silences and isolates the aged care resident in an environment that is, arguably, rarely homelike.Conclusion: The appraisal of the nursing home offered here means that a number of residents’ rights are at risk and care providers (notably registered nurses and the personal care assistants) risk contravening theCode of Ethics for Nurses in Australia.
Viability of probiotic micro‐organisms during storage, postacidification and sensory analysis of fat‐free yogurts with added whey protein concentrate
Authors: ANTUNES ADRIANE E C , CAZETTO TALITA F , BOLINI HELENA M A 
Published: July 2005

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of the addition of whey protein concentrate (WPC) on the viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum and on postacidification throughout the shelf life of fat‐free yogurts, and also to analyse the sensory characteristics of the products. Postacidification was not significantly changed by the addition of WPC, but was decreased by Lactobacillus bulgaricus inoculation. WPC did not influence the viability of the lactic acid bacteria (L. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus), but it improved the growth and survival of the micro‐organisms L. acidophilus and B. longum, especially the former. The panellists did not identify significant differences (P < 0.05) of the yogurts due to the addition of WPC.
Manufacturing, properties and shelf life of labneh: a review
Authors: NSABIMANA CONSOLATE , JIANG BO , KOSSAH RIMA 
Published: July 2005

Labneh is a concentrated yogurt widely produced and consumed in the Middle Eastern countries and Balkans. This review focuses attention on the different manufacturing methods of labneh and its quality in terms of microbiology, rheology, sensory and nutrition. The shelf life of this healthy milk‐derived product is also discussed in this review.
Bioavailability of calcium and physicochemical properties of calcium‐fortified buffalo milk
Authors: RANJAN PRIYA , ARORA SUMIT , SHARMA GHANSHYAM S , SINDHU JAGVEER S , KANSAL VINOD K , SANGWAN RAM B 
Published: July 2005

Buffalo milk was fortified with calcium at the rate of 50 mg calcium/100 ml milk using calcium chloride, calcium lactate and calcium gluconate, and the resulting decrease in pH was restored to its original value by adding disodium phosphate. The maximum heat stability of calcium‐fortified buffalo milk remained slightly lower than that of unfortified milk. Calcium gluconate‐fortified milk had the highest heat stability, bioavailability of calcium, partitioning of calcium in the dissolved state and viscosity, and the least curd tension compared to other fortified milk, without any adverse impact on sensory properties. The bioavailability of calcium and heat stability was lowest in the case of buffalo milk fortified with calcium chloride.
Risk factors for pre‐eclampsia in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: ANORLU Rose I. , IWUALA Nnamdi C. , ODUM Celestine U. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackground:  Pre‐eclampsia is an important cause of maternal mortality. Although there have been many studies worldwide on pre‐eclampsia, not many have come from black Africa.Study design:  A case‐control study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria (the black African nation with the highest population) between February 2001 and August 2002 to determine the risk factors for eclampsia. Information on socio‐demographic characteristics, pre‐pregnancy weight, medical history and previous obstetric history, and level of stress at home and at work was obtained by face‐to‐face interviews.Analysis:  Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for pre‐eclampsia.Results:  One hundred and thirty seven (7.6%) of the 1803 women who delivered during the period had pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia. Of these, 128 (93.4%) were analysed. Ninety‐one (71.1%) women were primigravidae. Age ≤ 19 years was not considered a risk factor. The risk factors that were associated with increased risk of pre‐eclampsia were: nulliparity (OR 4.77; 95% CI 2.90–7.78), stressful work during pregnancy (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.20–3.71), stressful home environment (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.27–3.69), previous pre‐eclampsia (OR 11.68; CI 3.81–37.61), history of chronic hypertension (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.17–6.20), a body weight greater than 80 kg (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.05–3.87); and multiple pregnancy (OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.27–6.13).Conclusions:  Risk factors for pre‐eclampsia among Nigerian women are not different from those that have been reported in other studies. Weight reduction, good control of chronic hypertension, and reduction of stressful conditions at home and in pregnancy could be steps towards the primary prevention of this disorder.
Screening for pre‐eclampsia by using maternal serum inhibin A, activin A, human chorionic gonadotropin, unconjugated estriol, and alpha‐fetoprotein levels and uterine artery Doppler in the second trimester of pregnancy
Authors: AY Emine , KAVAK Zehra Nese , ELTER Koray , GOKASLAN Husnu , PEKIN Tanju 
Published: July 2005

AbstractAims:  To analyse the predictive power of maternal serum inhibin A, activin A, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), unconjugated estriol (uE3), alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels and uterine artery Doppler in the second trimester of pregnancy in screening for pre‐eclampsia.Methods:  Maternal serum inhibin A, activin A, hCG, uE3, and AFP levels and uterine artery Doppler were determined in 178 healthy, pregnant women in the second trimester of pregnancy. Serum samples were collected between the 16th and 18th weeks of gestation, and Doppler investigation was performed between the 24th and 26th weeks of gestation. Receiver operating characteristic curves were created to analyse the predictive powers of the above parameters in screening for pre‐eclampsia. Different combinations also were analysed.Results:  The rate of pre‐eclampsia was 7.9% (14/178). Maternal serum inhibin A, activin A, hCG, AFP levels, the rate of presence of the prediastolic notch and uterine artery resistance index (RI) values in pre‐eclamptic pregnancies were significantly higher than those in healthy pregnancies. Presence of the prediastolic notch, uterine artery RI, maternal serum activin A and inhibin A levels had high predictive efficacy, and each had a sensitivity between 70 and 93% and a specificity between 87% and 98%. The addition of inhibin A or activin A measurement to the Doppler velocimetry improved the specificity to 99–100%.Conclusions:  Maternal serum inhibin A and activin A levels and uterine artery Doppler appear to be useful screening tests during the second trimester for pre‐eclampsia. However, addition of these hormonal markers to Doppler velocimetry only slightly improves the predictive efficacy, which appears clinically insignificant.
Office ultrasound should be the first‐line investigation for confirmation of correct ESSURE placement
Authors: WESTON Gareth , BOWDITCH John 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackground:  Hysteroscopic options for permanent birth control (PBC), such as the ESSURE device, are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to laparoscopic tubal ligation. The success of the technique hinges upon correct device placement within the intramural portion of the fallopian tube.Objective:  To determine the utility of office ultrasound for confirming correct ESSURE PBC device placement at the 3‐month check in a general gynaecology practice.Study population:  The first 99 patients in a single centre following ESSURE PBC device placement.Type of study:  Prospective cohort study.Methods:  Clinical data was reviewed from patient records, both from the time of the initial procedure and from the follow‐up at 3 months. All women underwent an ultrasound at the 3‐month check.Results:  The ESSURE PBC devices were placed successfully in 84.8% of cases. Of those cases with apparently successful placement, office ultrasound alone confirmed correct device placement at the 3‐month check in 94% of cases. Further imaging was needed in only 6% of cases.Discussion:  Office ultrasound performed by the general gynaecologist at the 3‐month check is more convenient for the patient, and is sufficient to confirm ESSURE PBC device placement in the vast majority of cases. We propose that the protocol for ESSURE PBC device follow‐up should be altered to replace X‐ray with ultrasound as the first‐line investigation.
Prevalence of family violence amongst women attending an abortion clinic in New Zealand
Authors: WHITEHEAD Anna , FANSLOW Janet 
Published: July 2005

AbstractAims:  To measure the prevalence of family violence reported by women seeking a termination of pregnancy (TOP).Methods:  A cross sectional survey involving consecutive women at one Health Waikato abortion clinic. Participants completed a self‐administered questionnaire in private counselling rooms.Results:  Sixty‐two of the 125 women invited to participate did so (response rate: 49.6%). The reported lifetime prevalence of physical or sexual abuse was 50.8%. The reported lifetime prevalence of physical abuse was 43.3% and that of sexual abuse was 32.2%. The reported prevalence of physical abuse within the last year was 13.3%, and of sexual abuse within the last year was 8.5%. Of women reporting a lifetime history of physical abuse, 69% reported that her partner was the perpetrator/one of the perpetrators of abuse.Conclusions:  The study demonstrated a high prevalence of family violence amongst women attending an abortion clinic. Consideration should be given to screening for family violence in abortion clinics in New Zealand. Screening should be accompanied by the provision of appropriate information and support for women with family violence issues.
VITAMIN D IN HEALTH AND DISEASE: Vitamin D and the Epidemiology of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Schwartz Gary G. 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTMortality rates from prostate cancer are significantly higher among African Americans than Caucasian Americans and are inversely related to the availability of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These findings support the hypothesis, originally proposed in 1990, that prostate cancer may be caused by vitamin D deficiency. In 1992, specific receptors for 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] were demonstrated in human prostate cells. We and others have shown that 1,25(OH)2D exerts prodifferentiating, antiproliferative, and antimetastatic effects on these cells. In 1998 we demonstrated that normal prostate cells express 1α‐hydroxylase and synthesize their own 1,25(OH)2D. Thus, 1,25(OH)2D is an autocrine hormone in the prostate. The consensus emerging from analytic epidemiologic studies is that low levels of UV radiation/vitamin D are indeed associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in individual men. The evolution of our understanding of the role of vitamin D in the epidemiology of prostate cancer parallels our understanding of the role of vitamin D in the epidemiology of rickets. In both diseases, ecologic observations about UV radiation preceded experimental observations and were subsequently validated by them.
VITAMIN D IN HEALTH AND DISEASE: Beyond Minerals and Parathyroid Hormone: Role of Active Vitamin D in End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Wolf Myles , Thadhani Ravi 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTSecondary hyperparathyroidism is a common complication of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) that is often treated with activated forms of intravenous vitamin D. The natural course and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients is punctuated by episodes of hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and increased calcium‐phosphate product, which in previous studies were linked to increased mortality. Historically these episodes have been attributed to vitamin D, leading some authorities to favor decreased vitamin D use. However, the studies that examined the impact of mineral levels and parathyroid hormone (PTH) on survival did not consistently account for vitamin D therapy itself on hemodialysis patient survival. The current review examines in detail two recent large‐scale studies of hemodialysis patients: one that demonstrated a survival advantage of paricalcitol over calcitriol and a second that demonstrated a significant survival advantage of any intravenous vitamin D formulation versus none. In both studies, the effects were independent of mineral and PTH levels, suggesting “nontraditional” actions of vitamin D contributed to the observed survival advantage. Several of these nontraditional actions are reviewed with an emphasis on those that might impact hemodialysis outcomes.
VITAMIN D IN HEALTH AND DISEASE: The Role of Vitamin D in Vascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wolisi Godwin O. , Moe Sharon M. 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTVascular calcification is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Disorders of mineral metabolism are likely involved in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification. Calcitriol and its analogs are effective in suppressing parathyroid hormone levels in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and CKD, but experimental studies demonstrate that these drugs can act directly on vascular smooth muscle cells. In some in vitro studies and in animal models of CKD, calcitriol has induced vascular calcification. Newer analogs of vitamin D appear to be less likely to induce vascular calcification, although published data are scarce. However, there is really no clear evidence in dialysis patients that calcitriol or analog administration is directly responsible for the induction of vascular calcification. However, indirectly, by oversuppression of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and induction of a low‐turnover bone disease state, or by increased calcium‐phosphorus product, the administration of calcitriol or its analogs may contribute to vascular calcification in patients with CKD. However, prospective randomized trials in CKD patients are necessary to fully understand the impact of calcitriol and analog therapy on vascular calcification.
Usefulness of Seismocardiography for the Diagnosis of Ischemia in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Korzeniowska‐Kubacka Iwona , Bilińska Maria , Piotrowicz Ryszard 
Published: July 2005

Background: Seismocardiography (SCG) is a useful method for the detection of exercise‐induced changes in cardiac muscle contractility which may occur during myocardial ischemia. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of SCG with electrocardiographic exercise test (ETT) for diagnosis of ischemia in patients with angiographically proved coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Seventy‐seven male patients with CAD without myocardial infarction (MI), mean age 51 ± 9 years, were subjected to SCG and ETT. A gender‐matched control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers aged 34 ± 7 years. SCG was done simultaneously with resting supine 12‐lead electrocardiography before and immediately after a symptom‐limited ETT. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) of SCG were compared with ETT. Moreover, the diagnostic accuracy of both the methods was compared, with coronary angiography being the reference for the analysis. Results: SCG was more sensitive (61.1% vs 44.2%, P < 0.05) and accurate (70% vs 61%, P < 0.05) method for detecting ischemia caused by coronary stenosis ≥50%, at least in one coronary artery compared to the ETT. However, ETT had better specificity than SCG (82.4% vs 76%, P < 0.05). The PPV and NPV of SCG were significantly better than those obtained with ETT (77.9% vs 76%, P < 0.05 and 63.4% vs 53.8%, P < 0.05, respectively). Moreover, the concordant results of SCG and ETT improved the diagnostic accuracy of both methods. Conclusions: SCG appeared to be more sensitive for detecting ischemia caused by more than ≥50% stenosis of the main coronary artery compared to an electrocardiographic stress test. SCG was a useful ETT adjunct for selecting patients requiring coronary angiography.
Response of the ECG to Short‐Term Diuresis in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Madias John E. , Song Jessica , White C. Michael , Kalus James S. , Kluger Jeffrey 
Published: July 2005

Background: Increase in the amplitude of electrocardiogram (ECG) QRS complexes has been observed in patients treated for heart failure (HF), but the underlying mechanism has not been delineated. Also, correlation of augmentation of the QRS potentials with loss of weight has been noted in patients recovering from anasarca of varying etiology, or after hemodialysis. We assessed the effect of diuresis‐based fluid loss in patients treated for HF on the amplitude of ECG QRS complexes. Methods: This is a cohort study based on ECG and other data from a previously published investigation of patients with HF conducted at a university affiliated hospital, which used new measurements and analysis, performed by a totally blinded investigator based at another institution. Twenty‐one patients (10 men) aged 70.5 ± 12.7 years, 13 with ischemic, and 8 with nonischemic cardiomyopathy, were admitted to the hospital for management of exacerbated HF and were observed for 48 hours. The patients received diuresis, and had routine laboratory testing, documentation of the net fluid lost, and recording of ECGs prior to the initiation of therapy and at 24 and 48 hours. Percent change (%Δ) over the course of observation in the sums of the amplitude of QRS complexes from 12 leads (ΣQRS12), 6‐limb leads (ΣQRS6), and leads 1 + 2 (ΣQRS2) in mm of standard ECGs were correlated with net fluid loss corrected for admission weight in mL/kg. Results: Fluid loss amounted to 3204.9 ± 1399.5 mL in the course of 40 ± 23 hours of diuresis. ΣQRS12 was 160.9 ± 42.3 mm before and 170.0 ± 50.7 mm after diuresis (P = 0. 024). Percent change in ΣQRS12, ΣQRS6, and ΣQRS2 correlated well with the net fluid loss (r =−0.70, −0.82, −0.61, and P = 0.002, 0.0005, 0.001) correspondingly. Conclusion: Changes in sums of the amplitude of QRS complexes of the standard ECG correlates well with net fluid loss in response to short‐term diuresis in patients with HF. Change in the ΣQRS12, ΣQRS6, and ΣQRS2 from ECGs before and after diuresis can be used as an easily obtainable and universally available bedside index of the net fluid loss experienced by bedridden patients with HF undergoing therapy.
Clinical, Genetic, and Electrophysiologic Characteristics of a New Pas‐Domain HERG Mutation (M124R) Causing Long QT Syndrome
Authors: Shushi Liat , Kerem Batsheva , Goldmit Maya , Peretz Asher , Attali Bernard , Medina Aron , Towbin Jeffrey A. , Kurokawa Junko , Kass Robert S. , Benhorin Jesaia 
Published: July 2005

Objectives: To describe the clinical, genetic, and electrophysiologic characteristics of a new PAS‐domain HERG mutation (M124R) that has been identified in a single large Jewish family with Long QT syndrome (LQTS). Background: Many previously reported HERG mutations causing LQTS are located either in the C‐terminus, or in the pore region. Relatively fewer clinical data are available on N‐terminus (PAS‐domain) mutation carriers. Methods: Clinical data were available in 76 family members (aged 1–93 years, 69 alive) over 18 years of follow‐up, while electrocardiographic data were available in 57, and genetic data in 45 family members. Cellular electrophysiology was assessed in transfected Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique. Results: Thirty‐six family members were phenotypically categorized as nonaffected, 3 as equivocal, and 20 as affected. Mean QTc was 410 ± 23, 440 ± 10, and 498 ± 41 ms, respectively, in these three subgroups. Eight out of 20 affected family members were symptomatic: five had only syncope, two had aborted cardiac arrest, and one sudden death. Genetic analyses identified the M124R point mutation in all affected members tested (n = 16), while all those tested with nonaffected (n = 26) and equivocal (n = 3) phenotype did not carry the mutation. The M124R mutation reduced the HERG tail‐current density by 65%, significantly accelerated the deactivation kinetics, and caused a negative shift in the voltage dependence of activation. Conclusions: A new PAS‐domain HERG mutation (M124R) was identified as causing LQTS in a large Jewish family, with high penetrance and frequent disease‐related symptoms. This mutation markedly decreased the tail‐current density and accelerated the deactivation kinetics of the HERG channel in transfected CHO cells.