bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Educating for rural nursing practice
Authors: Kenny Amanda , Duckett Stephen 
Published: December 2004

Background.  Rural hospitals in Australia, as in many countries, face challenges in ensuring that appropriate, quality services are provided.Aims.  The overall aim of this study was to explore the issues that impact on the ability of rural hospitals to provide effective health care.Methods.  We used a qualitative descriptive method and purposive sampling, and conducted interviews in hospitals in rural Victoria, Australia. The data collected enabled major issues that impact on hospital service delivery to be identified. Using thematic analysis, global themes were extracted and organized around a thematic network.Findings.  The workforce was an important theme. Whilst the impact of medical shortages on hospital function has been considered in other studies, little consideration has been given to the rural nursing workforce. The need to maintain an appropriately educated rural nursing workforce emerged as one of the major issues that impact on rural hospital service delivery. In Australia, there has been a great deal of discussion about the educational preparation required for rural nursing practice, with the emphasis on postgraduate study. However, the majority of rural nurses do not have postgraduate qualifications and face significant barriers in obtaining them. Although the vast majority of literature claims that postgraduate preparation is vital for rural nursing practice, this research suggests that the future rural nursing workforce will be recruited from undergraduate courses in regional universities. However, there is a need to include specific theoretical and operational preparation in undergraduate education, to enable nurses to make the transition to rural practice more readily.Conclusions.  Rural nurses are central to the delivery of health services in rural hospitals. Future rural nursing recruitment and retention hinges on ensuring that they have the confidence, knowledge and skills to deliver safe, appropriate and effective care.
Predictors of prostate cancer on repeat prostatic biopsy in men with serum total prostate‐specific antigen between 4.1 and 10 ng/mL
Authors: OKEGAWA TAKATSUGU , KINJO MANAMI , OHTA MASAYA , MIURA ICHIRO , HORIE SHIGEO , NUTAHARA KIKUO , HIGASHIHARA EIJI 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjectives: We determine whether the different molecular forms of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and other PSA variables can predict prostate cancer in men undergoing repeat prostate needle biopsy.Methods: Between 1997 and 2001, repeat biopsy was performed in 97 patients who had undergone prior negative prostate biopsy. The ability of total PSA (tPSA), complexed PSA (cPSA), free PSA (fPSA), free‐to‐total PSA (fPSA/tPSA), free‐to‐complexed PSA (fPSA/cPSA), complexed‐to‐total PSA (cPSA/tPSA), tPSA density (tPSAD), cPSA density (cPSAD), transition zone tPSA density (tPSATZ) and transition zone cPSA density (cPSATZ) was assessed by univariate and multivariate analyzes as well as receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves.Results: Prostate cancer on repeat biopsy was detected in 24% of subjects (23 of 97) who had a negative initial biopsy. The PSA parameters cut‐off to ensure a 96% sensitivity of cancer detection, were 29% using fPSA/tPSA, 32% using fPSA/cPSA, 0.18 ng/mL/cc using tPSATZ and 0.16 ng/mL/cc using cPSATZ. The fPSA/tPSA would have prevented 32% of negative biopsies, the fPSA/cPSA 28%, the tPSATZ 23% and the cPSATZ 30%. ROC curve analysis fPSA/tPSA, fPSA/cPSA ratios, tPSATZ and cPSATZ were significantly better predictors of repeat biopsy results than tPSA or cPSA, but there was no significant difference in the ROC curves among these four PSA parameters. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis these four PSA parameters were significant predictors for cancer detection in the repeat biopsy group (P < 0.001).Conclusion: fPSA/tPSA ratio, fPSA/cPSA ratio, tPSATZ and cPSATZ enhance the specificity of PSA testing compared to tPSA or cPSA when determining which patients should undergo repeat biopsy.
Evidence for local production of antibodies to auto and non‐self antigens in periodontal disease
Authors: Rajapakse PS , Dolby AE 
Published: December 2004

Autoimmune mechanisms may contribute to periodontal disease (PD) pathogenesis; autoantibody to collagentype 1 is produced at the periodontal site and local levels are found to be higher than in serum.Objectives:  To find any evidence of autoimmune destruction in diseased periodontal tissues in patients with periodontitis. The study examines the relationship of antibodies to a self antigen collagen Type 1 and antigens from two periodontal pathogens namely Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and a non‐oral bacterium Bacteroides fragilis (Bf) in disease sites and in serum.Materials and methods:  Granulomatous tissues from periodontally diseased sites and serum samples were obtained from 13 patients (15 sites) undergoing surgical therapy. Tissues were homogenized at 4°C on Tris saline buffer [1 g (5 ml)−1], homogenate was centrifuged and the resultant supernatants were used in assays. Antibody to collagen and Aa, Pg and Bf in tissue eluates and serum were determined by competitive enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and conventional ELISA respectively using an alkaline phosphatase/p‐nitrophenyl phosphate enzyme‐substrate system. Sera from age and sex matched healthy subjects and pooled human serum were used as controls. Antibody (Ab) levels in tissues and serum were standardized by concomitant albumin assay.Results:  Level of antibodies to collagen type 1 in tissue was significantly higher than in serum (P = 0.0001). Antibody levels in tissue to Pg were significantly higher than in serum (P = 0.0271). Ab levels to both Aa and Bf in tissues and serum were not significantly different from each other.Conclusions:  These findings confirm the process of the local production of antibodies to autoantigen namely collagen type‐1 and to bacterial antigens in the granulomatous tissues housed within the periodontal lesions in patients with periodontitis.
Analyses of variable panoramic radiographic characteristics of maxillo‐mandibular fibrous dysplasia in McCune–Albright syndrome
Authors: Akintoye SO , Otis LL , Atkinson JC , Brahim J , Kushner H , Robey PG , Collins MT 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare skeletal disease caused by activating GNAS1 gene mutations often found in association with the McCune–Albright syndrome (MAS). Multiple bones may be affected in FD, including maxilla and mandible. Patients with MAS have different endocrinopathies that can further influence bone metabolism. The purposes of this cross‐sectional study are to characterize FD panoramic radiographic patterns, and to evaluate the effects of age, endocrinopathies and renal phosphate wasting on radiographic characteristics of maxillo‐mandibular FD in MAS.Subjects and methods:  Fifty‐one consecutive MAS patients were screened and panoramic radiographs of 43 patients with craniofacial FD were evaluated and analyzed for FD involvement. Clinical chemistries were evaluated for associations between radiographic patterns and age, endocrinopathies or renal phosphate wasting using Fisher's Exact Test.Results:  Four types of radiographic changes were observed: ground glass (granular/condensed trabeculae), radiolucent (lytic), mixed radiolucent/radio‐opaque (mixed density) or radio‐opaque (sclerotic). Masking or displacement of the maxillary sinus (range: 77.8–86.4%) and mandibular canal (range: 55.6–75.0%) were prevalent in FD sites. Sixty‐three percent of the MAS patients had multiple dysregulated endocrine/metabolic functions, the most common were hyperthyroidism, precocious puberty and renal phosphate wasting. There were no statistically significant associations between radiographic patterns and age, endocrinopathies or renal phosphate wasting.Conclusions:  Maxillo‐mandibular FD images in panoramic radiographs fall within a spectrum of four different patterns. Patients with facial asymmetry and any of these radiographic patterns should be promptly referred for further radiographic tests and endocrine evaluation if MAS is suspected.
Mucosal CD8α+ DC, with a plasmacytoid phenotype, induce differentiation and support function of T cells with regulatory properties
Authors: Bilsborough Janine , George Thaddeus C. , Norment Anne , Viney Joanne L. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryRepetitive stimulation of naïve T cells by immature splenic dendritic cells (DC) can result in the differentiation of T‐cell lines with regulatory properties. In the present study we identified a population of DC in the mucosae that exhibit the plasmacytoid phenotype, secrete interferon‐α (IFN‐α) following stimulation with oligodeoxynucleotides containing certain cytosine‐phosphate‐guanosine (CpG) motifs and can differentiate naïve T cells into cells that exhibit regulatory properties. Although these DC appear to be present in both spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), only CpG‐matured DC from the MLN (but not the spleen) were able to differentiate naïve T cells into T regulatory 1‐like cells with regulatory properties. The activity of these DC failed to sustain robust T‐cell proliferation and thereby enhanced the suppressive efficacy of CD4+ CD25+ T regulatory cells. These DC are the major CD8α+ DC population in the Peyer's patches (PP). Given their significant presence in mucosal tissue, we propose that these DC may provide a mechanistic basis for the homeostatic regulation in the gut by eliciting regulatory cell suppressor function and poorly supporting T helper cell proliferation at a site of high antigenic stimulation like the intestine.
Mitochondrial diversity evaluated by the single strand conformation polymorphism method in African and North American house flies (Musca domesticaL.)
Authors: Marquez J. G. , Krafsur E. S. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSingle strand conformation polymorphisms (SSCPs) provide a convenient and inexpensive method of surveying mitochondrial genetic variation in large samples. We investigated how much variation should be incorporated into such surveys by scoring SSCP variation at eight mitochondrial loci in each of four sub‐Saharan African and four North American house fly (Diptera: Muscidae.) populations. Hierarchical analysis of diversity was performed on haplotype frequencies at each locus and on haplotype frequencies formed by combining haplotypes from two, three, four, five and eight loci. Composite haplotypes at two loci were as informative about population structure as those composed of a greater number of loci. Increasing the number of loci increased diversity estimates within, but not between, populations. Mean composite haplotype diversities (16S2andCOII) were 0.49 ± 0.09 among the African populations and 0.32 ± 0.08 among the North American populations. Only two of 16 haplotypes were shared between continents. Nei's genetic differentiation statistic between populations in continentsGPCwas 0.30 ± 0.06 and mean genetic differentiation between continentsGCTwas 0.39 ± 0.06. We conclude that there has been little detectable gene flow between North America and sub‐Saharan Africa.
Linkage and mapping analysis of a non‐susceptibility gene to densovirus (nsd‐2) in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Ogoyi D. O. , Kadono‐Okuda K. , Eguchi R. , Furuta Y. , Hara W. , Nguu E. K. , Nagayasu K. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractNonsusceptibility to Bombyx mori densovirus type 2 (BmDNV‐2) is controlled by a recessive non‐susceptibility gene, nsd‐2 (non‐susceptibility to DNV‐2) in B. mori. Taking advantage of a lack of crossing over in females, reciprocal backcrossed F1 (BF1) progeny were used for linkage analysis and mapping of nsd‐2 using silkworm strains C124 and 902, which are classified as being highly susceptible and non‐susceptible to DNV‐2, respectively. BF1 larvae were inoculated twice with DNV‐2 virus at the first and second instar stages. DNA was extracted from each of the surviving fifth instar larvae and analysed by RFLP inheritance patterns using probes specific to each of the 28 linkage groups of B. mori. Our results indicated that the non‐susceptibility gene was linked to linkage group 17, since all surviving larvae showed the homozygous profile of strain 902 in their genotype. The other linkage groups showed mixtures of heterozygous and homozygous genotypes, indicating an independent assortment. A linkage map of 30.6 cM was constructed for linkage group 17 with nsd‐2 mapped at 24.5 cM and three closely linked cDNA markers were identified.
Substitution of a non‐retinal phospholipase C in Drosophila phototransduction
Authors: Kim S. , Chen D.‐M. , Zavarella K. , Fourtner C. F. , Stark W. S. , Shortridge R. D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe Drosophila norpA gene encodes at least two subtypes of phospholipase C (PLC), one of which is essential for phototransduction and the other is utilized in signalling pathways other than phototransduction. The two subtypes of norpA‐PLC differ by 14 amino acids that have been proposed as important for the function of PLC in different signalling pathways. The present study aimed to determine whether norpA subtype II enzyme can functionally substitute for the subtype I enzyme in the phototransduction pathway. We found that the non‐retinal norpA‐PLC enzyme can substitute for its retinal counterpart, but that there is a reduced rate of repolarization of photoreceptors following intense light stimuli. This reduced repolarization might be due to the inability of a regulatory component being able to interact with the non‐retinal norpA‐PLC enzyme.
Molecular evolutionary analyses of mariners and other transposable elements in fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Krieger M. J. B. , Ross K. G. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractScreens of a library of genomic DNA made during a recent study of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta revealed the presence of three distinct types of transposable elements (TEs). Two of the recovered sequences showed a high similarity to long‐terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons, while the third showed a high homology to mariner elements. To investigate the distribution and relationships of mariners in related ants, we PCR‐amplified these elements from additional Solenopsis species. Phylogenetic analyses showed that they form a single group within the mauritiana subfamily that is part of a larger clade derived from hymenopteran species. We also present partial sequence data for the two LTR‐retrotransposons and describe their phylogenetic affinities.
Microbiological assessment of saliva from children subsequent to atraumatic restorative treatment (ART)
Authors: Carvalho C. K. S. , Bezerra A. C. B. 
Published: December 2004

Summary. Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate mutans streptococci (MS) in the saliva following use of the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) technique.Methods. Sixteen 5–7‐year‐old children had restorations using the ART technique and employing FUJI IX glass‐ionomer cement as the restorative material. Decayed tissue was manually excavated without local anaesthesia, being careful to avoid discomfort. Saliva was collected for microbiological assessment using Kit Caritest MS before treatment, one week, four weeks and one year after ART was used. The procedure for saliva collection, incubation, storage, and comparative reading of MS counts followed the manufacturer's instructions. The data were statistically analysed, using non‐parametric tests (Wilcoxon Signed Ranks and Sign Test) at a significance level of 0·05.Results. The results showed a significant reduction of MS levels in saliva when comparing the results before treatment with those obtained one week (95·95%; P = 0·003), four weeks (93·27%; P = 0·000) and one year (95·56%; P = 0·002) after ART.Conclusions. It is concluded from the results that the ART technique proved satisfactory and appeared to have produced a significant and sustained reduction in levels of MS. These results need to be confirmed in a larger study.
Oral health status in relation to ethnicity of children in the Municipality of Copenhagen, Denmark
Authors: Sundby A. , Petersen P. E. 
Published: December 2004

Summary. Approximately 25% of children under the age of 18 in the Municipality of Copenhagen have a non‐Danish ethnic background, and it is suspected that there may be major inequalities in oral health as a result.Objectives. The objectives of this study were to describe the occurrence of dental caries in different ethnic minorities, and to analyse whether the dental caries experience of the children may be affected by cultural and behavioural differences.Materials and methods. The study was conducted in Copenhagen as a cross‐sectional investigation of 794 children, aged 3 and 5 years old (preschool), 7 years old (Grade 1) and 15 years old (Grade 9). Children of Danish, Turkish, Pakistani, Albanian, Somali and Arabian backgrounds were selected by convenience sampling. Epidemiological data were retrieved from the Danish Recording System for the Public Dental Health Services (SCOR) and sociological data were collected by postal questionnaires.Results. Marked differences in dental caries prevalence were observed when different ethnic minorities were compared to Danish children. These were most prominent for the primary dentition. At age 7, 53% of the Danish and 84% of the Albanian children were affected by dental caries, the mean caries experience was 3·5 dmfs (decayed, missed and filled surfaces) and 13·8 dmfs, respectively. Caries in incisors and/or smooth surfaces was observed in 10% of the Danish children and 48% of the Albanian children. There were cultural differences in dental attendance and self‐care practices of children and parents. These socio‐behavioural factors may help to explain the differences in dental caries prevalence and severity.Conclusions. Development of appropriate oral health promotion strategies is urgently needed to improve oral health behaviour and attitudes of parents and children of ethnic minorities. Preventive programs should be organized at local community level in close collaboration with key persons of ethnic minority societies.
Practical nurses in elder care and changes in Finnish society – a biographical study
Authors: Paasivaara Leena , Nikkonen Merja , Backman Kaisa , Isola Arja 
Published: December 2004

Background.  Substantial changes in the socio‐economic circumstances in Finnish society over the past century have resulted in major changes in the case of older people, and in the status of nursing staff who care for them. Aim.  The purpose of this study was to describe and analyse the work of practical nurses in elder care through the experiences and life cycles of two practical nurses with a long working experience. Methods.  The data consisted of oral biographical narratives produced by the two nurses in repeated interviews. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Findings.  The following chronological stages and periods of the work of the informants emerged as the core themes of elder care: (1) Collective institutionalized care in the 1950s−1970s: The lowest caste in training, obedient subordinates, undemanding service and routine work; (2) Elderly orientated institutionalized care in the 1980s and 1990s: From subordination to co‐operation as an experienced nurse, recognizing the specific qualities of the elderly; (3) Prospects of elder care from the 1990s onwards: Returning to custodial care? Conclusions.  The themes are related to the more general changes that have taken place in Finnish society and health care. The future prospects of practical nurses seem challenging because the principles of social work and health care in Finnish society have shifted from institutionalization towards community care. As a consequence, practical nurses are required to have higher qualifications.
Creativity: a refinement of the concept for nursing practice
Authors: Fasnacht Patsy H. 
Published: December 2004

Aims.  This paper seeks to remove some of the ambiguity surrounding the conceptual meaning of creativity using techniques of concept refinement to advance the concept. Background.  Creativity is an essential component of nursing practice that occurs daily in nurse's interactions with clients, families and other nurses. Failure to acknowledge and encourage creativity in beginning nurses may hinder future development and innovations in nursing practice and in nursing science. In order to promote the development of creativity it is first necessary to clarify and refine the concept as it applies to nursing. Design/methods.
A comprehensive review of a variety of computer and online databases resulted in thousands of articles on creativity between the years 1966 and 1999. The final sample (
n
= 48) was obtained using both stratified random and purposive sampling techniques. A content analysis of the literature was conducted using methods identified by Morse and illustrated in the work of Hupcey
et al . Having determined the concept to be partially mature, the concept was advanced using techniques of concept refinement. Findings.  Content analysis of the literature yielded three differing definitions for creativity: revelation, birth and reincarnation. Creativity occurs in the presence of intrinsic motivation and a nurturing environment. While value is often used to identify whether a product is creative, the value of the product cannot determine whether the process has occurred. The product produced determines evidence of the process of creativity. Limitations.
Limitations of this investigation are the use of secondary sources and the relatively small sample size (
n  = 48). Conclusions.  Refinement of the concept of creativity indicates that it is a process that may be developed and influenced by the environment and is recognized by the product produced. Further investigation is needed to explore methods and techniques for developing creativity in nursing.
Australian nurses' and midwives' knowledge of computers and their attitudes to using them in their practice
Authors: Webster Joan , Davis James , Holt Victoria , Stallan Glenys , New Karen , Yegdich Tania 
Published: December 2004

Background.  The introduction of a new information retrieval system for the use of health service staff at a large tertiary referral hospital provided an excellent opportunity for nurses to make greater use of evidence to inform their practice. However, the extent to which nurses were able to access the resource was unknown. Aim.  The aim of the study was to obtain this information and to test nurses' knowledge of computers and their attitudes to using them in their practice. Methods.
During October 2001 a computer use questionnaire was attached to the pay advice slips of all nursing staff at the Royal Brisbane and Royal Women's Hospital (
n  = 1708). Staff were asked to return their completed questionnaire in a preaddressed return envelope. To encourage this, a prize (a Gold Class cinema pass for two) was offered. Results.  Of the 1708 questionnaires distributed, 590 were returned, giving a 34·5% response rate. Computer use was influenced by education, nursing seniority, age, and length of time in the service and, to a lesser extent, gender. Conclusions.  Information from the study has assisted planners and educators to identify clusters of nurses to target for interventions in this area. Results will also be used to assess the success of any interventions.