bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of dentition status and oral hygiene in Polish children and adolescents with congenital haemorrhagic diatheses
Authors: Mielnik‐Błaszczak M. 
Published: March 2003

Summary.
Aim. To investigate the dental status and oral cleanliness of a group of patients with haemorrhagic diatheses and to compare these to values for a group of healthy controls. Design. Cross‐sectional study of patients and controls. Methods. The group of patients was made up of 80 children aged 4–18 years. The total included 77 patients with type A or type B haemophilia and three with von Willebrand’s disease. The control group consisted of 80 healthy children of the same age range. A clinical examination was carried out to determine dental status and oral hygiene in the two groups. Results and conclusions. No significant differences were found between the dental status of sick and healthy children. However, worse dental status was seen in children with severe forms of haemophilia A and von Willebrand’s disease compared to other sick children. Oral hygiene status was worse in the sick children than in healthy children.
An oral health promotion programme for nursing caries
Authors: Hamilton F.A. , Davis K.E. , Blinkhorn A.S. 
Published: March 2003

Aim. To evaluate an oral health promotion programme involving health visitors and mothers of 8‐month‐old babies in order to address some of the risk factors associated with nursing caries. Design. Two cross‐sectional studies using postal questionnaires. Sample. A random sample of 250 mothers who had not received the oral health promotion programme and 250 mothers who had received the programme. Setting. The City of Salford. Results. The oral health promotion programme significantly improved mothers recall of advice given by health visitors encouraging the use of a feeder cup, brushing their babies’ teeth with fluoride toothpaste and restricting sugary foods and drinks. Significant improvements were also found in recall of advice regarding the use of sugar‐free medicine and registering babies with a dentist. The programme encouraged a higher proportion of the mothers to bring their children to clinics for a hearing check. Conclusion. A simple oral health promotion programme facilitated by health visitors improved recall of advice and clinic visiting behaviour.
Dyskeratosis congenita: report of a case
Authors: Brown C.L. 
Published: March 2003

Dyskeratosis congenita is a rare multisystem condition involving mainly the ectoderm. It is characterized by a triad of reticular skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy and leukoplakia of mucous membranes. Oral and dental abnormalities may also be present. Complications are a predisposition to malignancy and bone marrow involvement with pancytopenia.The case of a 14‐year‐old girl is described who presented with several of the characteristic systemic features of this condition, together with the following oral features: hypodontia, diminutive maxillary lateral incisors, delayed dental eruption, crowding in the maxillary premolar region, short roots, poor oral hygiene, gingival inflammation and bleeding, alveolar bone loss, caries and a smooth atrophic tongue with leukoplakia. Although this condition is rare, dental surgeons should be aware of the dental abnormalities that exist and the risk of malignant transformation within the areas of leukoplakia.
A quantitative study of the effect of pumicing and etching on the remineralisation of enamel opacities
Authors: Peariasamy K. , Anderson P. , Brook A.H. 
Published: March 2003

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pumicing and acid etching on the remineralisation of enamel opacities using quantitative measure‐ment methods. Methods. Teeth with diffuse opacities were subjected to a treatment sequence of: (a) pumicing for 30–35 seconds (b) etch with 37·5% phosphoric acid for 2 minutes, (c) pumicing for 30–35 seconds and (d) etch for 1 minute, or served as controls. Both groups were then placed in a remineralising solution containing 1·5 mmol/L Ca2+ for 3 weeks. Mineral content changes were measured using contact microradiography and x‐ray microtomography. In addition, the reflectivity of the opacities was monitored with infrared reflectance. Result. The treatment sequence removed 34 ± 4 μm of the surface enamel but no mineral loss was observed in the subsurface layer. The treatment sequence enhanced the formation of a new remineralised surface layer with a mean thickness of 22 ± 3 μm. This new surface layer was less reflective. Conclusion. Pumicing and acid etching can be used as a simple technique for the conservative treatment of enamel opacities.
Cytomegalovirus and cyclosporin‐induced gingival overgrowth in children with liver grafts
Authors: Hosey M.‐T. , Davison S. M. , Gordon G. , Shaw L. , Kelly D. A. 
Published: March 2003

Summary.  Objective. To determine whether cytomegalovirus (CMV) is associated with gingival overgrowth in paediatric liver graft recipients treated with cyclosporin.Study design. Thirty‐four children, 25 of whom were under 5 years of age, who had undergone liver transplantation, were examined. An Index of Severity of Gingival Overgrowth was used to measure the prevalence and severity of the gingival overgrowth. The trough cyclosporin level was recorded and the CMV status of the patient matched to the dental findings. The association between the severity of gingival overgrowth and CMV infection was examined using the contingency coefficient. An anova was used to assess the association between the circulating trough cyclosporin concentration and the severity of gingival overgrowth. Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to examine the association between the duration of exposure to cyclosporin and the severity of gingival overgrowth.Results. There was a significant inverse association between the duration of exposure to cyclosporin and the severity of gingival overgrowth. There was no relationship between the trough cyclosporin concentration and the severity of gingival overgrowth. There was no association between CMV and gingival overgrowth.Conclusion. Gingival overgrowth was related to the duration of cyclosporin therapy but was neither more prevalent nor more severe in subjects who were CMV seropositive.
Development of basic nursing education in China and Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Sally , Wong Frances 
Published: March 2003

Development of basic nursing education in China and Hong Kong Hong Kong returned to the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China in July 1997. In the past, Hong Kong has been greatly influenced by the British system of nurses’ training, which was very different from that in mainland China. As Hong Kong is now a part of China again, there is an increased opportunity for the exchange of experience and ideas among nurse educators. The First China–Hong Kong Nursing Education Conference has provided opportunities for the authors to gain a deeper understanding of the development of nursing education in China and Hong Kong. The authors believe that it is also important for China and Hong Kong to increase networking with the international nursing community. This paper has been written largely based on the information gathered from papers presented in the Conference and the discussion with nurse educators who attended the Conference, together with a review of literature. This paper focuses on comparing the history and present development of basic nursing education in both places. The future direction for the development of nursing education in these two places will also be discussed.
Gender and perceived nurse caring in nurse–patient dyads
Authors: Ekstrom David N. 
Published: March 2003

Gender and perceived nurse caring in nurse–patient dyadsThe effect of nurse gender on nurse and patient perceptions of nurse caring was explored. Members of nurse–patient dyads (N = 145), equally distributed among the four possible gender combinations, completed matching forms of the Caring Questionnaire immediately following a shift. Perceptions of nurse caring that actually occurred during the preceding shift, as well as usual preferences about nurse caring, were measured. Results of two‐factorANOVASshowed no significant differences in actual caring according to nurse gender from either the nurse or the patient perspective. Expectations of certain nurse caring behaviours, however, were significantly lower for male nurses from both nurse and patient perspectives. The results suggest implications for nursing practice, education and further research.
Verbal communication: what do critical care nurses say to their unconscious or sedated patients?
Authors: Elliott Rosalind , Wright Lucie 
Published: March 2003

Verbal communication: what do critical care nurses say to their unconscious or sedated patients? The importance of using verbal communication in the care of critically ill patients has long been known. Both qualitative and quantitative studies have presented evidence of the benefits of effective communication. This non‐participant observational study aimed to explore how much and what types of verbal communication critical care nurses use when caring for unconscious or sedated patients. Sixteen critical care nurses were observed in 4‐hour episodes and their verbal communication was transcribed and timed at source. Seven categories of verbal communication and a ‘core concept’ emerged on analysis of the raw data. Medical investigations/interventions performed on the patients increased the amount of communication used. The participants in this study were found to use a greater variety and amount of verbal communication than participants in other studies. The findings of this study highlight the need for formal support systems and continued education for nurses about the benefits of verbal communication.
Learning to listen: serendipitous outcomes of a research training experience
Authors: Chambers‐Evans Jane , Stelling Joan , Godin Maryse 
Published: March 2003

Learning to listen: serendipitous outcomes of a research training experienceExperience gained in a qualitative research‐training project led a group of clinical nurse specialists to discover the value of using research interview strategies in their clinical work. Clinical interviews, designed to garner data sufficient to decide on interventions, narrow the focus of the interviewer to information deemed relevant to that end. Research interview strategies involve a temporary suspension of the search for intervention, encourage a full description of the respondent’s story and experience, and emphasise really listening to that story. In this case it is the respondent who decides what the story is and what information is relevant. This leads the interviewer to a fuller understanding of the context and perceptions of the respondent. The understanding and knowledge thus obtained comprise a better foundation for devising interventions which are individualised and specific to the individual and family.
The quality of life of cancer patients participating in phase I clinical trials using SEIQoL‐DW
Authors: Campbell Sophia , Whyte Fiona 
Published: March 2003

The quality of life of cancer patients participating in phase I clinical trials using SEIQoL‐DW The nature of phase I clinical trials in cancer patients raises many ethical issues. An area of major importance is the quality of life (QoL) of these patients. However, there is limited information available concerning the impact of phase I clinical trials on the QoL of patients with cancer. The primary aim of this study was to examine the QoL of cancer patients participating in phase I clinical trials. A descriptive triangulation approach was employed. The secondary aim was to determine the acceptability of the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life — Direct Weighting (SEIQoL‐DW) within this group of patients. SEIQoL‐DW is a relatively new tool which investigates the areas identified by individual patients as important to their QoL. Cancer patients (n=15) participating in phase I clinical trials were interviewed using the SEIQoL‐DW tool. During this interview patients nominated the areas of life important to them and rated their relative weighting and current status. Cues nominated were described and results analysed using non‐parametric statistical tests. The results showed that health and family were particularly important to patients in relation to their QoL. The importance of an individualized approach in the measurement of QoL was evident. SEIQoL‐DW was found to be acceptable and practical to use in cancer patients participating in phase I clinical trials. Recommendations for practice were drawn and suggestions made for further research.
Beliefs about health and illness essential for self‐care practice: a comparison of migrant Yugoslavian and Swedish diabetic females
Authors: Hjelm Katarina , Nyberg Per , Isacsson Åke , Apelqvist Jan 
Published: March 2003

Beliefs about health and illness essential for self‐care practice: a comparison of migrant Yugoslavian and Swedish diabetic females In a multicultural society the frequency of contact with migrant diabetic individuals will increase, as well as the need for knowledge about their beliefs about health and illness, which have rarely been studied. The aim of the present study was to explore beliefs about health and illness among migrant Yugoslavian and Swedish diabetic subjects that might affect their self‐reported self‐care practices and care‐seeking behaviours. The study design was explorative, and a purposive sampling procedure was used. Fifteen females born in Sweden and 13 in former Yugoslavia, aged 33–73 years, with previously known diabetes mellitus were recruited from primary health care centres in southern Sweden. Median time of residence in Sweden was 5 years (range 2–30 years). Eight of the Yugoslavians had their diabetes diagnosed in Sweden. Focus‐group interviews including scenarios of common problems related to diabetes mellitus were held. Yugoslavian females in general gave less tangible examples concerning beliefs about health and illness. Yugoslavians were orientated towards feelings related to their migratory experiences, enjoyed life by making deviations from dietary advice and retaining former traditions, and were less inclined towards self‐monitoring and preventive foot care. They also expressed a passive role, depending on health care personnel, and discussed the influence of supernatural forces. Swedes expressed themselves in terms of medicine and a healthy lifestyle, took active part in their self‐care and let self‐monitoring guide their actions. Self‐care was mainly practised to restore health when ill in both groups, and when help was needed it was sought in the professional sector (nurse or physician). Yugoslavians expressed higher confidence in physicians and used more natural cure medicine, side by side with biomedicine, while Swedes more frequently used alternative medicine. Demonstrated dissimilarities illustrate that beliefs about health and illness differ between migrant Yugoslavian and Swedish diabetic individuals, and are essential for self‐care practice and care‐seeking behaviour and must be considered when planning diabetes care.
Assessing educational effectiveness: the impact of a specialist course on the delivery of care
Authors: Jordan Sue , Coleman Mick , Hardy Billy , Hughes David 
Published: March 2003

Assessing educational effectiveness: the impact of a specialist course on the delivery of care An exploratory study was undertaken in South Wales to assess the changes in clinical practice brought about by a specialized pharmacology module designed for Community Mental Health Nurses (CMHNs), in our institution. The respondents were the seven CMHNs who completed the course in 1997 and returned to clinical practice, and seven CMHN comparators, matched on the basis of work experience and location. In order to assess the impact of the module, the practice, attitudes and knowledge of the respondents were investigated before and after the course and 6 months later, using semistructured interviews, nonparticipant observation and questionnaires. The three data sets were analysed using the constant‐comparative method, and relevant themes were identified and refined. While we obtained some objective measures of positive educational impact, these should be considered in relation to contextual and confounding variables. Both reported and observed behaviours indicated that the main benefit from the course was increased awareness and monitoring of the side‐effects of medication. Respondents had not implemented change uniformly; several factors determined how they modified working practices, including service pressures and the support of colleagues.
Altered body image: a fear‐avoidance model of psycho‐social difficulties following disfigurement
Authors: Newell Rob J. 
Published: March 2003

Altered body image: a fear avoidance model of psycho‐social difficulties following disfigurement Altered body image is a potential and actual source of considerable distress, particularly following facial disfigurement, and social functioning is reported as a major area of difficulty by sufferers. However, the area of facial disfigurement has received comparatively little attention from researchers in health care. Two current models of disturbed body image are examined, and it is contended that both require development in order to be of use in responding to the difficulties experienced by disfigured people. A fear‐avoidance model of exaggerated pain perception, which has clear treatment implications, is described, and it is shown how this model may be modified to offer a framework for the understanding and treatment of the psycho‐social difficulties of disfigured people. In particular, it is suggested that the avoidance present following disfigurement is phobic in nature, and special attention is given to the roles of avoidance and confrontation in mediating these difficulties. Implications for intervention and the shortcomings of the model are described.
Modes of relating in a caring conversation: a research synthesis on presence, touch and listening
Authors: Fredriksson Lennart 
Published: March 2003

Modes of relating in a caring conversation: a research synthesis on presence, touch and listeningThe purpose of this qualitative research synthesis was to develop an ontological and theoretical understanding ofpresence,touchandlisteningin a caring conversation. The material consisted of 28 articles published between 1989 and 1997 in caring and nursing journals. The examination was based on a qualitative research synthesis approach applied to each concept separately. The synthesis was summed up in a model encompassing two modes of relating in a caring conversation: a connection with high intersubjectivity and a contact with limited intersubjectivity. In a connection the nurse is listening, using caring and connective touch and is present as ‘being with’ the patient. In a contact, the nurse is hearing, using task orientated touch and is present as ‘being there’ for the patient. A connection is grounded in a mutual receiving which allows a high degree of intersubjectivity. The nurse and the patient are not only present to each other as roles but also as unique persons. Contact is grounded in the attentive attitude of the nurse and in the fact that the nurse and the patient are relying on roles which allow a limited intersubjectivity. The model provides a point of departure for clinical discussions among nurses as well as areas for further research in the field of nurse–patient communication.
A comparison of three strategies for risk‐adjustment of outcomes for AIDS patients hospitalized for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
Authors: Bakken Suzanne , Dolter Kathryn J. , Holzemer William L. 
Published: March 2003

A comparison of three strategies for risk‐adjustment of outcomes for AIDS patients hospitalized for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia Background: The need for risk‐adjustment of patient outcomes has been driven by the competitive health care market and the subsequent increase in comparative outcome reporting among health care institutions, among managed care plans, and among individual providers for some procedures (e.g. coronary artery bypass graft surgery). However, if the outcomes reported do not take into account patient characteristics that can be considered dimensions of risk for poor clinical outcomes or increased utilization of services, there is the possibility that inaccurate conclusions will be drawn about the quality of care provided. Objective: The specific purpose of this study was to examine the ability of four measures, APACHE III — acute physiology scale, Quality Audit Marker — ambulation score, Quality Audit Marker — self‐care ability score, and Nursing Severity Index, to predict mortality and hospital length of stay in a convenience sample of 140 males with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Methods: The study utilized a descriptive, longitudinal design. Results: APACHE III — acute physiology scale (P = 0·006, odds ratio = 1·40), and Quality Audit Marker — ambulation (P = 0·037, odds ratio = 0·50), were significant predictors of hospital mortality and the APACHE III — acute physiology scale was also a predictor of mortality within 3 (P = 0·004, odds ratio = 1·13) and 6 months (P = 0·009, odds ratio = 1·10) following hospitalization. Only Quality Audit Marker — ambulation (P = 0·0001) was a significant predictor of length of stay. Conclusions: The findings of this study confirm the findings of other investigators that measures of acute clinical stability and functional status have utility as risk‐adjustment approaches for the outcomes of mortality and length of stay. Further research is needed that compares the utility of generic vs. disease‐specific measures for prediction of outcomes in HIV/AIDS.
Equipoise: an appropriate standard for ethical review of nursing research?
Authors: Olsen Douglas P. 
Published: March 2003

Equipoise: an appropriate standard for ethical review of nursing research? When using control‐group methodologies, the provision of different forms of treatment, which may vary in efficacy, to similar groups of research subjects must be ethically justified. The conventional justification is the existence of a state of clinical equipoise, defined as a lack of consensus among the expert community on the relative efficacy of the treatments. Control groups are justified when the profession does not know which treatment confers more benefit; otherwise, the provision of treatment known to be less effective than other available treatment is unethical. The concept of equipoise was developed to justify clinical trials of medical interventions. Equipoise has proven a durable standard in studies of interventions that confer benefit regardless of the subject’s perception. However, equipoise does not apply when a substantive benefit is conferred by the subject’s perception. In psychosocial interventions, a subject’s experience of the intervention confers benefit and is used to evaluate benefit. Therefore the subject is in a valid position to prefer one treatment over the other and equipoise does not apply.