bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physician knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding a widely implemented guideline
Authors: Ward Marcia M. , Vaughn Thomas E. , Uden‐Holman Tanya , Doebbeling Bradley N. , Clarke William R. , Woolson Robert F. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives Although clinical practice guidelines
have been promoted widely, there is considerable concern that physicians have not
incorporated them into their practice. Models suggest that a ‘knowledge–attitude–behaviour’
sequence is important in modifying physician practice patterns. To address this,
we examined physicians’ knowledge of, attitudes towards and compliance with
a widely implemented guideline – the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research
(AHCPR) smoking cessation guideline. Methods A survey was mailed to a random
sample of physicians at 128 veterans health administration facilities, which had
implemented the guideline 2 years previously. Results Completed surveys
were received from 879 physicians (50.3% response rate). Only 26%
of physicians reported receiving a copy or summary of the guideline, 44%
reported little or no familiarity with it, 42% did not know if they agreed
with it, 40% did not know if they complied with it and 46% did not
know if it was effective. However, a high percentage of physicians reported that
they always or usually explain the health risks of smoking (86%) and that
they always or usually suggest that their smoking patients stop (94%). Conclusions In spite of little familiarity with the guideline, the responding physicians reported practice patterns consistent with adherence to it. Knowledge is only one of a spectrum of barriers that affects physician adherence to guidelines. There are numerous opportunities for health care organizations to overcome the barriers to physician adoption of clinical practice guidelines in their day‐to‐day practice.
Risk factors for spinal deformities in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Vågsholm  , Djupvik  
Published: March 2003

AbstractRisk factors for spinal deformities or short tails in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., were examined in a cohort study in Hordaland County of Norway, in which 177 slaughter groups consisting of 5000 salmon were followed from sea water introduction in April 1994 until slaughter in February 1996. If the smolt weight increased from 0.05 to 0.1 kg, the risk of spinal deformities decreased (relative risk, RR = 0.2). An increased period from smolt vaccination to seawater introduction of from 2 to 5 months was associated with an increased risk (RR = 1.6). Salmon reared in fjord sites were at higher risk for spinal deformities (RR = 1.9) than those reared in oceanic sites, possibly due to the larger variation in salinity and temperatures in the fjord sites. Rapidly growing salmon were at lower risk of spinal deformities at slaughter (RR = 0.2), and they were likely to be slaughtered earlier, which could explain the observed lower risk for salmon slaughtered in June (RR = 0.4). Moreover, the findings concerning egg suppliers could indicate a possible role of genetic factors in the aetiology of spinal deformities.
An amoeba associated with gill disease in turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.)
Authors: Leiro  , Paniagua  , Ortega  , Paramá  , Fernández  , Sanmartín  
Published: March 2003

AbstractAn amoeba associated with a severe gill disease affecting farmed turbot, characterized by pronounced hyperplasia of the branchial epithelia and accumulation of mucus between the secondary lamellae, is described for the first time. The amoeba was isolated, cloned and cultured on Bactoagar. Light microscopy showed that trophozoites had a mean length of 12 μm (range 8–20 μm), with a nucleus 3–5 μm in diameter containing a large central nucleolus 1–3 μm in diameter. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria, Golgi bodies, rough endoplasmic reticulum, microfilaments, cytoplasmic microtubules and glycocalyx were similar to those previously reported for the genus Platyamoeba. These and other findings strongly suggest that the amoeba isolated is of the genus Platyamoeba, while its morphometric characteristics suggest that it may represent a new species. This is the first report of a species of the genus Platyamoeba in association with gill disease in turbot.
Characterization of β‐haemolytic Group B Streptococcus agalactiae in cultured seabream, Sparus auratus L., and wild mullet, Liza klunzingeri (Day), in Kuwait
Authors: Evans J J , Klesius P H , Gilbert P M , Shoemaker C A , Al Sarawi M A , Landsberg J , Duremdez R , Al Marzouk A , Al Zenki S 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Streptococcus agalactiae was isolated from cultured gilthead seabream, Sparus auratus L., and diseased wild Klunzinger's mullet, Liza klunzingeri (Day), in Kuwait Bay, Arabian Gulf. Isolates were catalase negative, β‐haemolytic, Gram‐positive cocci and serogroup B. Experimental infectivity trials with mullet and seabream brain isolates in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., caused 100 and 90% mortality, respectively, within 7 days post‐inoculation indicating virulent S. agalactiae as the bacterial pathogen responsible for the epizootic in Kuwait Bay.
How drug therapy can affect, threaten and compromise nutritional status
Authors: White R. , Ashworth A. 
Published: March 2003

Background and aims This article reviews the published literature on the mechanisms by which drugs alter nutrient intake and the interactions between drugs and nutrients. We aimed to examine evidence of nutrient deficiencies caused by drug therapy, to indicate groups of ‘at‐risk’ patients and suggestions made for practical methods of detection and intervention.Methods Information was retrieved from a MEDLINE search of English language literature from 1963 to January 1999. Search terms included nutrient, deficiencies and interactions. Additional references were obtained from cross‐referencing related review articles and from pharmacology textbooks relating to interactions and side‐effects of drugs. All drugs are referred to by their generic names.Results Drugs can reduce nutrient intake in several ways and can be broadly classified as: (i) drugs that reduce oral intake; (ii) drugs that alter nutrient absorption and (iii) drugs that affect nutrient metabolism. In this review the mechanisms by which drugs can alter nutritional status are discussed, with specific examples of drug therapy and associated symptoms of deficiencies.Conclusions Patients at high risk of experiencing the effects of drug‐induced nutrient deficiencies are the elderly and chronically ill. Recommendations made for methods of intervention include counselling and annotations on drug prescriptions.
Children's perceptions of who controls their food
Authors: Robinson S. 
Published: March 2003

Background The purpose of this study was to explore children's perceptions of who controlled the quality and quantity of their food during the week.Methods Semi structured interviews were carried out with 98 9‐year‐old children. The children were asked to describe who chose what they ate during a typical week day. They were also asked about who decided how much they ate.Results The children thought that adults had a high degree of control over their food. They frequently reported that either they were allowed to choose from a selection provided by an adult, or that an adult chose their food without consultation. Many children reported that adults were very influential in determining how much food they ate.Conclusions Although the children thought that adults imposed control upon their food choices, it is argued that children have more choice about their food than at any time in history. The children's perceptions highlight the need for planned dietary change to acknowledge the various influences which can affect choices of children's food.
A comparison of household food availability in 11 countries
Authors: Byrd‐Bredbenner C. , Lagiou P. , Trichopoulou A. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To identify intercountry food intake patterns, we compared the household food availability data collected by the Nationwide Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) in the United States and the Household Budget Surveys (HBS) from 10 European countries that participated in the DAta Food NEtworking (DAFNE) project, namely Belgium, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom.Methodology The DAFNE project harmonized European household food availability data by clarifying which food items were included in each country's HBS, and then defining comparable food categories among countries. NFCS household data were harmonized with the HBS data by applying the same procedures used in the DAFNE project.Results The results presented in this paper reveal a number of similarities and differences in household food availability among 11 nations. In nearly all countries studied, red meat was available in greater quantities than poultry and seafood combined. Most countries favoured bread and rolls over other types of grain products, had a low to moderate availability of seafood and legumes, had a moderate amount of sugar available, and consumed approximately two‐thirds or more of fruits and vegetables in a fresh form. Milk availability tended to be inversely correlated with cheese availability. Only in Mediterranean households was vegetable oil, namely olive oil, the primary type of added lipid available. While the data presented in this paper can do much to improve our understanding of food availability in US and European households, it is important to remember that these data do not include foods purchased and consumed away from home.Applications Despite the limitations of household food availability data, the results presented in this paper can help health professionals develop a more international perspective.
Do dietitians feel that they have had adequate training in behaviour change methods?
Authors: Rapoport L. , Perry K. Nicholson 
Published: March 2003

Aim To investigate dietitians’ perceived adequacy of pre‐ and postregistration training in a range of behaviour change techniques, current main approach to dietary treatment and perceived usefulness of future training in five core behaviour change modalities.Method A questionnaire was designed and distributed to all dietitians registered in the BDA membership base (n = 4202).Results Three hundred and ninety‐four questionnaires were returned. The majority of these respondents had obtained their degree since 1982 (77%), since when courses were more likely to have contained a psychological component. Despite the fact that facilitating dietary behaviour change is a key dietetic role, respondents felt that they had not received adequate training in behaviour change skills in their dietetic training. Training was perceived to be most satisfactory in active listening skills, but this was perceived as barely adequate. Training was perceived as particularly poor in: applying theories of cognitive and behavioural therapy (CBT); motivational techniques; group work skills; and in both theory and skills of relapse prevention. Although 40% of respondents reported receiving explicitly psychologically based training, skills‐based training (mainly counselling) was reported by only 25% and was limited by being mainly short 1‐ or 2‐day courses. Overall, where further training was obtained it was perceived to be more adequate than that reported within preregistration dietetic training.Conclusion Respondents felt that they had not received adequate training in behaviour change skills in their dietetic training. The application of CBT, motivational techniques and relapse prevention was perceived as particularly deficient in training and the majority of respondents felt that future training would be useful or very useful. In the current health service climate, where evidence‐based practice is crucial for all practitioners with the emphasis on improved quality of care with measurable outcomes, research must be funded and undertaken to support attempts to improve dietitians’ effectiveness as behaviour change agents.
Women’s readiness to follow milk product consumption recommendations: design and evaluation of a ‘stage of change’ algorithm
Authors: Gulliver P. , Horwath C. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo investigate readiness to follow milk product consumption recommendations in two random samples of New Zealand women, using an algorithm designed and evaluated to assess the stage of change construct of the Transtheoretical Model.ProtocolWomen were classified according to stage of readiness to perform two goal behaviours: consumption of two or four servings of milk products per day. Stage classification, as determined by the algorithm, was evaluated by estimating mean calcium intake in each stage using a validated food frequency questionnaire. This was undertaken in two independent samples of women randomly selected from the electoral rolls of two cities in New Zealand’s South Island.ResultsOver 60% of women were classified as maintaining an intake of two servings of milk products per day. Of those women not meeting the goal of two servings per day, 73% had no intention of increasing their consumption. Over 80% of women were in the precontemplation stage for consuming four servings of milk products per day. Mean calcium intakes were significantly higher in women classified in action and maintenance stages than in preaction stages of change for both goal behaviours.ConclusionOf those women not currently meeting the recommendation for two servings of milk products per day, most are in precontemplation, a stage characterized by resistance to change. Use of the staging algorithm developed in this study makes possible the classification of women according to their readiness to change, and thus the provision of appropriate stage‐tailored advice.
The involvement, understanding and attitudes of dietitians towards research and audit
Authors: Harrison J. A. , Brady A. M. , Kulinskaya E. 
Published: March 2003

AimTo investigate the involvement of dietitians in research and audit and to assess their understanding of and attitudes towards these activities.MethodsA postal questionnaire was used to investigate the knowledge, attitude towards and involvement in research and audit of State Registered Dietitians practising in the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.ResultsA response rate of 64% was achieved. Few respondents (15%) were currently involved in research, although more (65%) were currently involved in audit. Involvement in audit rose significantly with increasing grade and managerial responsibility. Dietitians qualifying more recently were more likely to believe that their college training prepared them to undertake research, but felt less confident about undertaking audit. Experience of audit made respondents more confident about auditing their work and improved their belief that they understood audit terminology. Higher grade dietitians were more likely to see audit as an important part of their role than were their more junior colleagues. Understanding of the terms ‘research’ and ‘audit’ was poor, although 48% of respondents identified the link between the two activities. Perceived constraints to involvement in research and audit were identified.ConclusionThe present level of involvement of dietitians in research and audit activities falls below that recommended in the BDA’s (1997a) National Professional Standards for Dietitians Practising in Healthcare. This study identifies factors that influence dietitians’ involvement in, understanding of and attitudes towards research and audit and recommends ways of increasing their involvement in these activities.
Is there a relationship between the food intakes of Scottish 5½−8½‐year‐olds and those of their mothers?
Authors: Longbottom P. J. , Wrieden W. L. , Pine C. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  Recent reports have highlighted certain aspects of the diets of children and adults in Scotland today that are a cause for concern. If there are significant associations between family members in food choice and thus in nutrient intakes, this may be important in the aetiology and prevention of diseases relating to dietary risk factors.Aim  To compare the food intake of Scottish children aged 5½−8½ years with that of their mothers.Methods  As part of a larger study, data on food intakes were obtained from 4‐day weighed food records for 36 Scottish children (12 boys and 24 girls), aged 5½−8½ years, who had participated in the 1992/1993 National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS), and their mothers.Results  Compared with their mothers, children had higher median densities [weight (g) of foods per 4.2 MJ (1000 kcal)] of snack foods including fruit, bread and confectionery and lower median densities of meat and meat products, fish, potatoes and vegetables. Positive, significant correlations between children and mothers were found for median densities of bread (r = 0.360, P < 0.05), fruit (r = 0.735, P < 0.001) and potatoes (r = 0.572, P < 0.001) and also for chips (r = 0.651, P < 0.001) and chocolate confectionery (r = 0.368, P < 0.05), the latter two being foods that should be reduced in the average Scottish diet.Conclusions  Children's intakes of snack foods were correlated with that of their mothers emphasizing the need for change at a family level if current guidelines on diet are to be implemented.
Face recognition and emotion perception in boys with fragile‐X syndrome
Authors: Bouras N. , Turk J. , Cornish K. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTwo independent and complementary studies were conducted to assess the ability of boys with fragile‐X syndrome to recognize facial and emotional expressions. Both studies failed to find any specific deficits associated with fragile‐X syndrome. The performance of the test group was comparable to the level of subjects with intellectual disability and subjects of average cognitive development matched for intellectual ability. This suggests that chronological age and intellectual level are unlikely to explain the findings. The results are discussed in the context of the controversy surrounding the relationship between autism and fragile‐X syndrome. The findings are consistent with fragile‐X individuals having a profile of social, communicatory and ritualistic disturbances, which in some ways may differ from those found in individuals who have more typical autistic spectrum disorders.
conference report: Mental health and intellectual disability: an international perspective
Authors: Bouras N. , Holland A. J. , Koot H. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe present paper reports on the inaugural meeting of the Mental Health Special Interest Research Group (SIRG) of the International Association for the Scientific study of Intellectual disability which was held at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, UK, in March 1998. The meeting was organized in conjunction with the Ninth Annual SIRG on ageing and intellectual disability. Representatives from North America, several European and Scandinavian countries, Australia, and Israel attended. Two broad themes had been determined prior to the meeting: ‘Improving the detection of mental health problems’ and ‘Research strategies for identifying risk factors for mental health problems’. In the presentations and subsequent discussions, it was apparent that there were extrenely diverse perspectives both across and within the different countries represented. Not only were individuals' experiences very different, but most strikingly, the theoretical frameworks were very diverse. This was partly a function of there being understandable differences in perspectives across disciplines, but at its most marked, there were fundamental differences in the way both intellectual disability and mental health were conceptualized.
Assessment of the convergent validity of the Questions About Behavioral Function scale with analogue functional analysis and the Motivation Assessment Scale
Authors: Paclawskyj, T. R. , Matson, J. L. , Rush, K. S. , Smalls Y. , Vollmer T. R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe present study examined the convergent validity of the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) scale, a behavioural checklist for assessing variables maintaining aberrant behaviour, with analogue functional analyses and the Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS). The two checklists were more highly correlated with each other than either checklist with results from the analogue sessions, and the QABF was more highly correlated with analogue sessions than the MAS. Using analogue sessions, the experimenters failed to ascertain behavioural function for a number of subjects because the behaviour problems in question were low frequency/high intensity and failed to appear during the course of the analysis, pointing out a limitation of this technology. These findings, taken together with recent research outlining the psychometric properties of the QABF, seem to support the use of the QABF in a hierarchical model of functional analysis. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Mental health of primary family caregivers with children with intellectual disability who receive a home care programme
Authors: Shu B.‐C. , Lung F.‐W. , Huang C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground The aims of the present study were to describe the change in mental health over time in a group of family caregivers with a child with intellectual disability (ID) and to explore the effect of a home care service on the psychological well‐being of the caregiver.Methods The authors identified children with ID who received home care services in the southern part of Taiwan. A total of 46 primary family caregivers (age range = 21–65 years) were recruited for the present study. The study design was a quasi‐experimental follow‐up analysis. The children with ID and their families regularly received home‐based care. The 12‐item version of the Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ) was used to evaluate the subjects’ mental health at three time points: (1) baseline, (2) 3 months and (3) 9 months. The validity and reliability of the CHQ have been tested in Taiwan. The Generalized Estimating Equation was used to conduct longitudinal data analyses.Results The authors found that the family caregivers showed a significant improvement in their mental health by month 9.Conclusions The preliminary findings of this study accredit the effect of home care services and suggest that home care services are necessary for family caregivers.
Measuring staff support in services for people with intellectual disability: the Staff Support and Satisfaction Questionnaire, Version 2
Authors: Harris P. , Rose J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Social support is an important determinant of well‐being, including the stress experienced within the work setting.Methods The present paper reports on the development of the Staff Support and Satisfaction Questionnaire (3SQ), from a previously published measure: the Staff Support Questionnaire. The 3SQ was piloted with 21 health professionals and examined for evidence of test–retest reliability with 24 staff. Data on internal reliability were collected on three occasions from a total sample of 177 staff. The validity of the 3SQ was examined in four studies with a total of 238 staff by testing it against validated measures of psychological well‐being.Results The data showed that the total scale had a high level of test–retest reliability
(rs = 0.82, P < 0.001) and consistently high internal reliability. Three out of the four validity studies showed statistically significant inverse relationships between the total scale and measures of psychological well‐being. The weakest link was the ‘Supportive People’ subscale.Conclusions The reliability and validity studies suggest that the psychometric properties of the 3SQ are generally robust, except for the ‘Supportive People’ subscale, which should be interpreted with caution.