bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Describing soil crack formation using elastic–plastic fracture mechanics
Authors: Hallett P. D. , Newson T. A. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryCrack development is predominant in soil structure formation. A number of fracture mechanics models have been applied to soil to describe cracking, but most are not applicable for soil in a wet, plastic state. We address this weakness by applying a new elastic–plastic fracture mechanics approach to describe crack formation in plastic soil. Samples are fractured using a deep‐notch (modified four‐point) bend test, with data on load transmission, sample bending, crack growth, and crack‐mouth opening collected to assess the crack‐tip opening angle (CTOA). CTOA provides a powerful parameter for describing soil cracking since it can be induced by soil shrinkage (an easily measured parameter) and can be used to describe elastic–plastic fracture in numerical approximations, such as finite element modelling. The test variables we studied were the direction of the applied consolidation stress, clay content, and pore water salinity. All samples were formed by consolidating soil slurry one‐dimensionally with a 120‐kPa vertical effective stress. Tests on pure kaolinite showed that the direction of the consolidation stress did not affect CTOA, which was 0.23 ± 0.02 m m−1 for specimens cut both in a horizontal and in a vertical direction to the applied stress. Soil clay content had a marked influence, however, with silica sand:kaolinite mixtures by weight of 20:80 and 40:60 reducing CTOA to 0.14 ± 0.02 m m−1 and 0.12 ± 0.01 m m−1, respectively. These smaller values of CTOA indicate that less strain is required to induce fracture when the amount of clay is less. Salinity (0.5 m NaCl) caused a reduction in the CTOA of pure kaolinite from 0.23 ± 0.02 m m−1 to 0.17 ± 0.03 m m−1.
Respite care for caregivers and people with severe mental illness: literature review
Authors: Jeon Yun‐Hee , Brodaty Henry , Chesterson Jon 
Published: January 2005

Aim. The aim of this study was to review research literature over the past 10 years on respite care for people affected by severe mental illness; and identify key implications for nursing practice in provision of respite care for family caregivers of people with severe mental illness.Background. Family caregivers play an important role in health care, but need regular breaks to maintain their own health and well‐being. Respite care is one of the few services available with a primary focus on supporting family caregivers. In most developed countries the notion of respite care as an extension of the health care service has been embraced, evidenced by a growing body of literature in health and health‐related disciplines.Methods. An initial literature search was undertaken using the key words ‘respite’, ‘short‐term care’, ‘shared care’ and ‘day care’ in major electronic databases for nursing, psychiatry, psychology and sociology literature between 1967 and 2002, identifying 704 articles. Closer examination of the literature from 1993 to 2002 on gaps and trends in respite care for people affected by severe mental illness was conducted. This is discussed in the context of the broader literature, particularly on dementia, where the mainstream research on respite care is found.Results. The majority of family caregiving studies identified a need for greater quality, quantity, variety and flexibility in respite provision, and the literature has remained largely silent in relation to those affected by severe mental illness. There are contradictory findings on outcomes of respite care services and a lack of controlled empirical studies and evaluative research on effectiveness.Conclusions. Respite care is beneficial for caregivers, there is significant unmet need in provision of services for the mentally ill, and greater flexibility and the needs of caregivers should be recognised and addressed.
Smoking among Japanese nursing students: nationwide survey
Authors: Suzuki Kenshu , Ohida Takashi , Yokoyama Eise , Kaneita Yoshitaka , Takemura Shinji 
Published: January 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study estimating the nationwide prevalence of and attitudes towards smoking among Japanese nursing students.Background.  The World Health Organization established ‘World No Tobacco Day’ in 1987, and has been promoting antismoking measures worldwide since then, with annual themes. It has emphasized that health care professionals, including nurses, as role models for healthy living, should not smoke, and that as promoters of health education they should not seem to justify or condone their patients’ smoking. To promote antismoking measures among nurses, it will be necessary to scrutinize the smoking habits and behavior of nursing students and associated factors, and to conduct effective antismoking education and health education before they acquire the smoking habit.Methods.  A cross‐sectional survey was carried out through self‐administered, closed‐ended, structured questionnaires. Questionnaires were mailed to 4169 nursing students at 27 randomly selected vocational nursing schools nationwide. Smoking status, history, and attitudes towards smoking were examined.Results.  Smoking prevalence among female nursing students was 23·5%, which was higher than that among the Japanese general female population aged 20–29 (21·9%). Smoker‐students were significantly more positive toward smoking than non‐smokers in all opinions about health care professionals’ smoking. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that smoking statuses of the people around the participants, dissatisfaction with being a nursing student, and living alone were associated with participants’ smoking behaviour.Conclusions.  The results of the present study suggest an urgent necessity to provide effective antismoking measures for nursing students.
Creation of a multidisciplinary, evidence based, clinical guideline for the assessment, investigation and management of acute diabetes related foot complications
Authors: Wraight P. R. , Lawrence S. M. , Campbell D. A. , Colman P. G. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAims To design a multidisciplinary, evidenced‐based, clinical guideline for the assessment, investigation and management of inpatients with acute diabetes related foot complications.Methods A systematic search of both published (identified by searching all major electronic databases and hand searching key journals) and unpublished literature (derived from national and internationally recognized experts) identified 266 articles specific to diabetes related foot complications. Of these, 126 (47%) were assessed to be methodologically sound and clinically relevant. A narrative summary with the articles tabulated according to their level of evidence was prepared. A multidisciplinary expert group of health professionals, with a known interest and recognized expertise in diabetes related foot complications, was established to assess the evidence.Results The multidisciplinary expert group used the identified literature and clinical experience to create a comprehensive, evidence‐based, clinical guideline for the assessment, investigation and management of acute diabetes related foot complications. Included within the guideline is a novel, diabetes specific classification system, which codes for the presence/absence and severity of the four principle causative factors (Neuropathy, Vascular compromise, Ulceration and Infection) in the development of acute diabetes related foot complications.Conclusion Through the creation and implementation of this evidence‐based clinical guideline, specific for acute diabetes related foot complications, it is hoped that health professionals will be better equipped to make informed decisions for this patient population. This may benefit the individual and health system through reductions in amputation rate, length of hospital stay and health expenditure.
Increasing body weight predicts the earlier onset of insulin‐dependant diabetes in childhood: testing the ‘accelerator hypothesis’ (2)
Authors: Betts P. , Mulligan J. , Ward P. , Smith B. , Wilkin T. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAims and methods  It has recently been hypothesized that weight gain in childhood accelerates the onset of Type 1 diabetes, as well as increasing its risk, and that Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes may be one and the same disorder of insulin resistance. An explanation is needed for the rising incidence of childhood diabetes and, to test the Accelerator Hypothesis, we examined the anthropometric measurements recorded from birth in 168 young people presenting with Type 1 diabetes between 1980 and 2002. Pre‐onset as well as peri‐ and post‐onset measurements of height and weight were available, and waist circumference was recorded at various intervals after onset.Results  The mean birth weight of the children and their height, weight and body mass index (BMI) at diagnosis lay close to the population mean. However, pre‐onset and post‐onset BMI were both well above the population mean, were closely correlated with each other (r = 0.79, P < 0.001) and (inversely) with age at onset (r = −0.30, P < 0.001). A significant correlation was also found between BMI standard deviation scores (sds) and year of diagnosis (r = 0.27, P < 0.001) and, importantly, waist circumference sds in the children with Type 1 diabetes was found to be substantially greater than average for the population [boys: +0.96 (sd 1.04), girls: +1.30 (sd 0.89)].Conclusions  The data suggest that children with Type 1 diabetes have become progressively heavier at diagnosis over the past 20 years, and that the heavier child develops it earlier. Waist circumference, a proxy for visceral fat mass and insulin resistance, is substantially greater in children with Type 1 diabetes. Weight centile crossing appears to be an important environmental accelerator which may contribute to or account for the striking increase in both Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes in childhood. A reduction of body weight and improved lifestyle might reverse this trend in both types of diabetes.
Psychiatric morbidity and health outcome in Type 1 diabetes – perspectives from a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Northam E. A. , Matthews L. K. , Anderson P. J. , Cameron F. J. , Werther G. A. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAims  To describe psychiatric status and relationship to metabolic control in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes studied prospectively from diagnosis.Methods  Adolescents (n = 41) completed a self‐report measure of psychiatric status 10 years after disease onset. Metabolic control information was recorded prospectively from diagnosis. The rate and type of psychiatric disorder were determined and the relationship between mental health status and metabolic control history examined.Results  Thirty‐seven per cent of the adolescents met criteria for a DSM‐IV psychiatric disorder, two to three times higher than community levels of psychiatric morbidity. Females were significantly more likely to receive a diagnoses (χ2 = 4.98, P < 0.05). Two thirds of participants had experienced at least one serious hypoglycaemic episode and one third had a history of chronic poor metabolic control. DSM‐IV diagnoses were present in half of those with a history of chronic poor control, one third of the hypoglycaemia group and one quarter of well controlled participants. Adolescents with a current Mood (t = −2.83, P < 0. 01), Anxiety (t = −3.77, P = 0.001) or Behaviour (t = 2.56, P < 0.05) disorder and those with a history of poorly controlled diabetes (F (2,29) = 5.4, P = 0.01) had higher externalizing behaviour problem scores at diagnosis than those without current disorder.Conclusions  Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes are at high risk for psychiatric disorder. Poorly controlled diabetes over the first 10 years of illness was associated with pre‐existing behaviour problems at diagnosis and there was a trend for an association with current psychiatric status.
In‐hospital breast feeding rates among women with gestational diabetes and pregestational Type 2 diabetes in South Auckland
Authors: Simmons D. , Conroy C. , Thompson C. F. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAim  To describe the uptake of breast feeding in mothers with either Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes (GDM) in a hospital serving a multiethnic community in South Auckland, New Zealand.Research design and methods  A retrospective study of all women attending the Diabetes in Pregnancy clinic over a 4‐year period was undertaken: 30 women had Type 2 diabetes and 373 GDM.Results  Compared with mothers with GDM, mothers with Type 2 diabetes were less likely to breast feed in any way as the first feed (41.4% vs. 68.0%, P = 0.011) or at discharge (69.0% vs. 84.0%, P = 0.039). In the combined group, there were no differences in uptake of breast feeding by ethnicity, age, parity, body mass index, smoking or antenatal glycaemia, use of insulin or presence of hypertension. Breast feeding on discharge was associated with a higher APGAR score, breast feeding as the first feed (78.2% vs. 19.4%, P < 0.001) and lower rates of delivery by Caesarean section (17.0% vs. 31.8%, P = 0.006). Logistic regression showed breast feeding as the first feed, the major determinant for breast feeding on discharge.Conclusions  Factors delaying breast feeding as the first feed are the major determinant of breast feeding on discharge. Strategies to increase breast feeding as the first feed among women with Type 2 diabetes, and those having a Caesarean section, may be useful in increasing the uptake of breast feeding in the longer term.
Glycaemic and insulin responses of six traditional Sudanese carbohydrate‐rich meals in subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Abdelgadir M. , Abbas M. , Järvi A. , Elbagir M. , Eltom M. , Berne C. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAims  The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of six Sudanese traditional carbohydrate‐rich meals on glucose and insulin responses and to formulate appropriate dietary guidelines based on glycaemic excursions of traditional foods.Methods  On six occasions with 1‐week intervals, 10 Type 2 diabetic subjects consumed six Sudanese traditional carbohydrate‐rich meals. The following meals were tested and also analysed for their composition: wheat gorasa (pancakes), sorghum kisra (flat bread) and sorghum acida (porridge), millet kisra and millet acida and maize acida. Blood samples were collected before and after meal ingestion at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 min and analysed for plasma glucose and plasma insulin and incremental areas under the curves (AUC) were calculated.Results  A significant variation in AUC for glucose and insulin responses were found between meals, the over all differences in incremental AUCs between the six meals were significant for both plasma glucose (P = 0.0092) and insulin (P = 0.0001). The 2‐h glucose values were 10.5 ± 2.7 for sorghum flatbread, 9.5 ± 3.1 for sorghum porridge, 10.3 ± 3.4 for millet flatbread, 10.6 ± 3.6 for millet porridge, 11.4 ± 2.7 for maize porridge and 8.7 ± 2.4 for the wheat pancakes. The comparison between the AUCs of the meals showed that millet acida (porridge) followed by wheat gorasa (pancakes) displayed significantly lower post‐prandial glucose and insulin responses, whereas maize acida induced a higher post‐prandial glucose and insulin response.Conclusions  The comparison of glycaemic and insulin responses to six traditional Sudanese meals show differences of clinical importance, and could form a basis for dietary advice to diabetic subjects in Sudan and countries sharing similar food traditions.
NT‐proBNP in normoalbuminuric patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Andersen N. H. , Poulsen S. H. , Knudsen S. T. , Heickendorff L. , Mogensen C. E. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractObjective  To examine levels of NT‐proBNP and its relation to hypertension, as well as diastolic function in normoalbuminuric patients with Type 2 diabetes.Research design and methods  The study comprised 60 Type 2 diabetic patients without albuminuria. Thirty patients were normotensive and 30 had hypertension. Exclusion criteria were cardiac symptoms and an ejection fraction < 55%. Thirty age‐ and sex‐matched normal subjects served as controls. Diastolic dysfunction was assessed with echocardiography, by means of mitral inflow and colour M‐Mode flow propagation recordings.Results  Overall NT‐proBNP was significantly elevated in the Type 2 diabetes group, compared with the controls [54.5 pg/ml (5–162) vs. 32.7 pg/ml (5–74.3) P = 0.02]. NT‐proBNP was significantly higher among hypertensive patients compared with both normotensive patients and controls but no difference was found between the normotensive patients and the controls [58.0 pg/ml (8.5–162), P < 0.05 vs. 50.8 pg/ml (5–131) P = 0.4]. Patients with concentric and eccentric hypertrophy had significantly higher NT‐proBNP levels compared with the control group [81.0 pg/ml (5–147), P < 0.001 and 66.8 pg/ml (42–128), P < 0.001], whereas patients with left ventricular remodelling (enlarged relative wall diameter but normal left ventricular mass) were comparable with the control group [42.3 pg/ml (8.3–142) P = 0.55]. Patients with left atrial enlargement also had incremental NT‐proBNP values. NT‐proBNP was only moderately correlated to age (r = 0.33, P < 0.05) and left ventricular diastolic diameter (r = 0.41, P < 0.05), but unrelated to diastolic function.Conclusions  NT‐proBNP is significantly increased in hypertensive, normoalbuminuric patients with Type 2 diabetes. These findings were related to left ventricular hypertrophy and increased left atrial and ventricular diameters.
Cutaneous Tumors as the Initial Presentation of Non‐T, Non‐B, Nonmyeloid CD4+ CD56+ Hematolymphoid Malignancy in an Adolescent Boy
Authors: Fass Jonathan , Tichy Elizabeth H. , Kraus Eric W. , Herrick Jennifer L. , Ehsan Aamir , Peterson Joe , Grimwood Ronald E. 
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  We describe a 14‐year‐old Hispanic boy who presented with a 2‐month history of enlarging plum‐colored cutaneous tumors on his face, trunk, and proximal extremities. Histopathologic examination showed nodular infiltrates of malignant mononuclear cells extending from the superficial dermis to the deep subcutis. Immunohistochemical staining of the biopsy specimen and flow cytometry studies on a bone marrow aspirate revealed a CD4+, CD56+ hematolymphoid tumor that was negative for all other myeloid and lymphoid markers. Based on this information, the patient was diagnosed with the recently described, rare non‐T, non‐B, nonmyeloid CD4+ CD56+ hematolymphoid malignancy. To our knowledge, this is the youngest patient reported in the literature.
Atopic Dermatitis Exclusively Localized on Nipples and Areolas
Authors: Laura Amato , Samantha Berti , Caterina Chiarini , Paolo Fabbri 
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  We present an 11‐year‐old girl, with celiac disease, and a 9‐ month history of itchy and erythemato‐edematous lesions with vesicles and exudation on her nipples and areolas. No other lesions or signs of scratching were present on her face or folds. She had no specific lesions of atopic dermatitis in typical sites nor in other body surface during her life. Patch tests showed a positive reaction to nickel and thimerosal that was not significantly related to the clinical appearance.This presentation documents the clinical relevance of atopic dermatitis minor diagnostic criteria. We discuss the importance of nipple eczema in AD and its differential diagnosis.
Treatment of Multiple Trichoepitheliomas with Topical Imiquimod and Tretinoin
Authors: Urquhart Jean Liu , Weston William L. 
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  An 11‐year‐old white girl presented multiple flesh‐colored dome‐shaped papules on the forehead, nose, scalp, and posterior neck. The lesions had been present for 2 years and were asymptomatic. Family history was negative for skin diseases. A skin biopsy specimen revealed histopathology consistent with trichoepitheliomas. Treatment of multiple trichoepitheliomas is usually difficult. Methods reported in the literature include laser treatment, surgery, cryotherapy, electrodessication, and radiation. The parents were concerned about the risk of scarring and wanted to pursue a nonscarring treatment. The patient was initially treated with topical imiquimod three times a week. She progressively increased the frequency of application to twice daily and added topical tretinoin gel once daily to her regimen for more resistant lesions. After 3 years of treatment, the patient experienced ≈80% clearing of lesions without scarring. The advantage of using this nonsurgical treatment is no scarring, painless, and no need for other invasive procedures such as injection of local anesthetic.
Characterization of complement receptor 1 domains for prevention of complement‐mediated red cell destruction
Authors: Mqadmi Amina , Abdullah Yazan , Yazdanbakhsh Karina 
Published: January 2005

BACKGROUND:  Complement activation resulting in intravascular hemolysis can cause transfusion‐associated mortality. We recently showed that a recombinant soluble form of complement receptor 1 (CR1) effectively reduces complement‐mediated red blood cell (RBC) destruction in vitro and more importantly prolongs the survival of transfused human RBCs in mice. To determine CR1‐active sites that prevent RBC destruction, structure‐function analysis of its extracellular 1930‐amino‐acid domain has been performed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Several CR1‐truncated soluble proteins were prepared and tested for their ability to prevent complement‐mediated RBC destruction in vitro and in mice.RESULTS:  A 250‐amino‐acid region in CR1 that possesses antihemolytic activity and is effective in prolonging survival of transfused RBCs in vivo was identified. Mutation of two critical residues (D109N and E116K) in this 250‐amino‐acid domain, previously shown to improve complement‐inhibitory functions of CR1 derivatives, resulted in a more potent inhibition of complement activation in vitro. In vivo, however, the activity of mutant proteins was comparable to the wild‐type molecules.CONCLUSION:  Our structure‐function studies have characterized smaller CR1‐based complement inhibitors for future development of structure‐derived transfusion therapeutics. Our studies underscore the importance of testing CR1 inhibitors in vivo.
Large‐volume leukapheresis yields more viable CD34+ cells and colony‐forming units than normal‐volume leukapheresis, especially in patients who mobilize low numbers of CD34+ cells
Authors: Abrahamsen J.F. , Stamnesfet S. , Liseth K. , Hervig T. , Bruserud O. 
Published: January 2005

BACKGROUND:  Large‐volume leukapheresis (LVL) differs from normal‐volume leukapheresis (NVL) by increased blood flow and altered anticoagulation regimen. LVL is now regarded as a safe procedure for collection of peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs), but it is not known whether the procedure will alter CD34+ cell quality or will be useful for patients who mobilize few CD34+ cells into peripheral blood.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  The results from 82 LVL and 125 NVL (4.0‐5.3 and 2.7‐3.5 times the patients’ blood volumes processed, respectively) were retrospec‐tively analyzed in altogether 112 consecutive patients with malignant diseases.RESULTS:  The LVL yielded significantly more CD34+ cells (4.2 × 106 vs. 3.1 × 106/kg, p = 0.006, all patients; and 1.8 × 106 vs. 1.3 × 106/kg, p = 0.004, bad mobilizers) and significantly higher colony‐forming units (77 × 104 vs. 33 × 104/kg; all patients and 33 × 104 vs. 20 × 104/kg, p < 0.001, both groups). Significantly fewer leukapheresis procedures were required to obtain 2 × 106 CD34+ cells per kg (one vs. two, p = 0.001, all patients; and two vs. three, p = 0.009, bad mobilizers). No significant differences in CD34+ cell viability and time to hematologic recovery were observed between the patients who received PBPCs harvested by NVL and LVL.CONCLUSION:  Although a median platelet loss of 36 percent can be expected, LVL can be recommended as the standard apheresis method for PBPC collections in patients with malignant diseases. LVL is particularly useful in patients who mobilize a low number of CD34+ cells into the peripheral blood.