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Peer-reviewed Literature (peer-reviewed + literature)
Selected AbstractsThe health, social care and housing needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older people: a review of the literatureHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 6 2009Samia Addis MSc Abstract This paper reports the findings of a literature review of the health, social care and housing needs of older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) adults undertaken in 2006 for the Welsh Assembly Government. Peer-reviewed literature was identified through database searches of BNI, PubMed, CINAHL, DARE, ASSIA and PsychInfo. Follow-up searches were conducted using references to key papers and journals as well as specific authors who had published key papers. A total of 187 papers or chapters were retrieved, of which 66 were included in the study; major themes were identified and the findings synthesised using a meta-narrative approach. The main themes that emerged from the review were isolation, health behaviours, mental health and sexual health behaviours. The literature indicates that the health, social care and housing needs of LGBT older people is influenced by a number of forms of discrimination which may impact upon the provision of, access to and take up of health, social care and housing services. Understanding of the health, social care and housing needs of older LGBT people is limited and research in this area is scarce. The research which exists has been criticised for using small samples and for tending to exclude participants from less affluent backgrounds. The focus of research tends to be on gay men and lesbians; consequently, the needs of bisexual and transgender people remain largely unknown. Additionally, research which does exist tends to focus on a narrow range of health issues, often related to the health needs of younger LGBT people. Discrimination in various forms has a major impact on needs and experiences, leading to marginalisation of LGBT people both in the provision of health and social care services and neglect of these groups in public health research. [source] Assessing the impact of transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics on fungal phytopathologyMOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2009KAR-CHUN TAN SUMMARY Peer-reviewed literature is today littered with exciting new tools and techniques that are being used in all areas of biology and medicine. Transcriptomics, proteomics and, more recently, metabolomics are three of these techniques that have impacted on fungal plant pathology. Used individually, each of these techniques can generate a plethora of data that could occupy a laboratory for years. When used in combination, they have the potential to comprehensively dissect a system at the transcriptional and translational level. Transcriptomics, or quantitative gene expression profiling, is arguably the most familiar to researchers in the field of fungal plant pathology. Microarrays have been the primary technique for the last decade, but others are now emerging. Proteomics has also been exploited by the fungal phytopathogen community, but perhaps not to its potential. A lack of genome sequence information has frustrated proteomics researchers and has largely contributed to this technique not fulfilling its potential. The coming of the genome sequencing era has partially alleviated this problem. Metabolomics is the most recent of these techniques to emerge and is concerned with the non-targeted profiling of all metabolites in a given system. Metabolomics studies on fungal plant pathogens are only just beginning to appear, although its potential to dissect many facets of the pathogen and disease will see its popularity increase quickly. This review assesses the impact of transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics on fungal plant pathology over the last decade and discusses their futures. Each of the techniques is described briefly with further reading recommended. Key examples highlighting the application of these technologies to fungal plant pathogens are also reviewed. [source] TEMPERATURE PROXY RECORDS COVERING THE LAST TWO MILLENNIA: A TABULAR AND VISUAL OVERVIEWGEOGRAFISKA ANNALER SERIES A: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2009FREDRIK CHARPENTIER LJUNGQVIST ABSTRACT. Proxy data are our only source of knowledge of temperature variability in the period prior to instrumental temperature measurements. Until recently, very few quantitative palaeotemperature records extended back a millennium or more, but the number is now increasing. Here, the first systematic survey is presented, with graphic representations, of most quantitative temperature proxy data records covering the last two millennia that have been published in the peer-reviewed literature. In total, 71 series are presented together with basic essential information on each record. This overview will hopefully assist future palaeoclimatic research by facilitating an orientation among available palaeotemperature records and thus reduce the risk of missing less well-known proxy series. The records show an amplitude between maximum and minimum temperatures during the past two millennia on centennial timescales ranging from c. 0.5 to 4°C and averaging c. 1.5,2°C for both high and low latitudes, although these variations are not always occurring synchronous. Both the Medieval Warm Period, the Little Ice Age and the 20th century warming are clearly visible in most records, whereas the Roman Warm Period and the Dark Age Cold Period are less clearly discernible. [source] Does size matter for dispersal distance?GLOBAL ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2007David G. Jenkins ABSTRACT Aim, The aim of this study is to answer the questions: (1) do small organisms disperse farther than large, or vice versa; and (2) does the observed pattern differ for passive and active dispersers? These questions are central to several themes in biogeography (including microbial biogeography), macroecology, metacommunity ecology and conservation biology. Location, The meta-analysis was conducted using published data collected worldwide. Methods, We collected and analysed 795 data values in the peer-reviewed literature for direct observations of both maximal dispersal distance and mass of the dispersing organisms (e.g. seeds, not trees). Analysed taxa ranged in size from bacteria to whales. We applied macroecology analyses based on null models (using Monte Carlo randomizations) to test patterns relative to specific hypotheses. Results, Collected dispersal distance and mass data spanned 9 and 21 orders of magnitude, respectively. Active dispersers dispersed significantly farther (P < 0.001) and were significantly greater in mass (P < 0.001) than passive dispersers. Overall, size matters: larger active dispersers attained greater maximum observed dispersal distances than smaller active dispersers. In contrast, passive-disperser distances were random with respect to propagule mass, but not uniformly random, in part due to sparse data available for tiny propagules. Conclusions, Size is important to maximal dispersal distance for active dispersers, but not for passive dispersers. Claims that microbes disperse widely cannot be tested by current data based on direct observations of dispersal: indirect approaches will need to be applied. Distance,mass relationships should contribute to a resolution of neutral and niche-based metacommunity theories by helping scale expectations for dispersal limitation. Also, distance,mass relationships should inform analyses of latitudinal species richness and conservation biology topics such as fragmentation, umbrella species and taxonomic homogenization. [source] Alzheimer's Disease: Current Pharmacotherapy in the Context of Patient and Family NeedsJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 5s2 2003David S. Geldmacher MD The objective of this paper is to review current evidence and treatment patterns for pharmacotherapy in Alzheimer's disease (AD), with an emphasis on outcomes considered important to patients and families. The sources for the information are the peer-reviewed literature, Food and Drug Administration-approved package labeling for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), expert opinions expressed at the First Annual Dementia Congress, and clinical experience. Three AChEI agents are in routine use in the United States. They are considered part of the standard of care for patients with mild-to-moderate AD. There are differences in metabolism, pharmacokinetics, side effects, and ease of use that may influence the prescriber's choice of agent and dosage. The three approved agents have similar outcomes in cognition and global clinician ratings of effectiveness in double-blind placebo controlled trials. Persistent therapy with effective doses of AChEIs is associated with reduced risk for, or delayed, nursing home placement, which is a stated priority of AD caregivers. Agents from this class of drugs have also been shown to be associated with statistically significant preservation of daily function and benefits in treatment of adverse behaviors in AD. Numerous additional choices are available to the clinician for pharmacotherapy of adverse behaviors. Community-based psychoeducational support is also of value to caregivers. [source] Attitudes of health sciences faculty members towards interprofessional teamwork and educationMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 9 2007Vernon R Curran Objectives, Faculty attitudes are believed to be a barrier to successful implementation of interprofessional education (IPE) initiatives within academic health sciences settings. The purpose of this study was to examine specific attributes of faculty members, which might relate to attitudes towards IPE and interprofessional teamwork. Methods, A survey was distributed to all faculty members in the medicine, nursing, pharmacy and social work programmes at our institution. Respondents were asked to rate their attitudes towards interprofessional health care teams, IPE and interprofessional learning in an academic setting using scales adopted from the peer-reviewed literature. Information on the characteristics of the respondents was also collected, including data on gender, prior experience with IPE, age and years of practice experience. Results, A total response rate of 63.0% was achieved. Medicine faculty members reported significantly lower mean scores (P < 0.05) than nursing faculty on attitudes towards IPE, interprofessional teams and interprofessional learning in the academic setting. Female faculty and faculty who reported prior experience in IPE reported significantly higher mean scores (P < 0.05). Neither age, years of practice experience nor experience as a health professional educator appeared to be related to overall attitudinal responses towards IPE or interprofessional teamwork. Conclusions, The findings have implications for both the advancement of IPE within academic institutions and strategies to promote faculty development initiatives. In terms of IPE evaluation, the findings also highlight the importance of measuring baseline attitudinal constructs as part of systematic evaluative activities when introducing new IPE initiatives within academic settings. [source] A review of evaluation outcomes of web-based continuing medical educationMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 6 2005Vernon R Curran Introduction, The Internet and worldwide web have expanded opportunities for the provision of a flexible, convenient and interactive form of continuing medical education (CME). Larger numbers of doctors are accessing and using the Internet to locate and seek medical information. It has been suggested that a significant proportion of this usage is directly related to questions that arise from patient care. A variety of Internet technologies are being used to provide both asynchronous and synchronous forms of web-based CME. Various models for designing and facilitating web-based CME learning have also been reported. The purpose of this study was to examine the nature and characteristics of the web-based CME evaluative outcomes reported in the peer-reviewed literature. Methods, A search of Medline was undertaken and the level of evaluative outcomes reported was categorised using Kirkpatrick's model for levels of summative evaluation. Results, The results of this analysis revealed that the majority of evaluative research on web-based CME is based on participant satisfaction data. There was limited research demonstrating performance change in clinical practices and there were no studies reported in the literature that demonstrated that web-based CME was effective in influencing patient or health outcomes. Discussion, The findings suggest an important need to examine in greater detail the nature and characteristics of those web-based learning technologies, environments and systems which are most effective in enhancing practice change and ultimately impacting patient and health outcomes. This is particularly important as the Internet grows in popularity as a medium for knowledge transfer. [source] Development of EuroFIR-BASIS , a composition and biological effects database for plant-based bioactive compoundsNUTRITION BULLETIN, Issue 1 2008L. Black Summary Bioactive compounds, such as those derived from plant foods, are of growing interest to the scientific community and food industry because of their putative health-promoting properties. Increasing evidence reports beneficial effects of bioactive compounds, particularly against cancers, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. EuroFIR-BASIS (BioActive Substances in Food Information System) is a unique online database that collates international research on the composition and biological effects of plant-based bioactive compounds into a single, comprehensive reference resource. EuroFIR-BASIS covers multiple compound classes and 330 major European food plants with data sourced from quality-assessed, peer-reviewed literature. The database is internet-deployed to ensure widespread accessibility and facilitates searches against a number of different variables. EuroFIR-BASIS is intended for use by a wide audience, including scientists, researchers, epidemiologists, food regulatory authorities and product developers in the food industry. The database has been designed to accommodate continual expansion as research develops to ensure that it remains a current and useable resource. [source] The 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans: foundation of US nutrition policyNUTRITION BULLETIN, Issue 3 2000Rachel K. Johnson Summary The Dietary Guidelines for Americans form the foundation of US federal nutrition policy. The Food Guide Pyramid, the most widely distributed and best-recognised nutrition education tool ever produced in the US, is based partially on the Dietary Guidelines. In addition, every federal nutrition programme in the United States uses the Dietary Guidelines as part of their nutrition standards. Federal law requires that the guidelines be reviewed every five years. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee was charged with answering the question, ,what should Americans eat to be healthy?' After rigorously reviewing the scientific, peer-reviewed literature the committee recommended a new set of guidelines for the year 2000. The guidelines are intended for healthy children (ages 2 years and older) and generally healthy adults of any age. The guidelines were expanded from seven in 1995 to ten in 2000. The 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are; (1) aim for a healthy weight; (2) be physically active each day; (3) let the pyramid guide your food choices; (4) eat a variety of grains daily, especially whole grains; (5) eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily; (6) keep foods safe to eat; (7) choose a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat; (8) choose beverages and foods that moderate your intake of sugars; (9) choose and prepare foods with less salt; and (10) if you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation. [source] Kikuchi Fujimoto lymphadenitis: Case report and literature reviewAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2003Giuseppe Famularo Abstract We describe a young woman with two severe episodes of Kikuchi Fujimoto disease occurring 16 years apart. Both episodes were proven by biopsy, and on the second occasion the patient remained dependent on high-dose prednisone for more than 6 months in order to control inflammation and achieve a reduction in cervical lymph node size. The second lymph node biopsy showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis in addition to the typical features of Kikuchi Fujimoto disease, but, even though the clinical interpretation of this finding was unclear, we documented no clinical or laboratory evidence of the development of other serious systemic disease over 20 years of follow-up. Kikuchi Fujimoto disease is considered a disorder with a self-limited course and a favorable outcome. However, on the basis of our experience with this patient and data from peer-reviewed literature, we suggest that this generally accepted postulate should be revised. Am. J. Hematol. 74:60,63, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Occupational risk in health care and research,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2003Daniela Vecchio MS Abstract Background Working in the health care and research sectors has been linked to various hazards. Methods Studies published in the peer-reviewed literature that are pertinent to the exposures or diseases relevant to these fields were reviewed. Results The most important exposures include infectious agents, formaldehyde, anesthetic agents, antineoplastic drugs, and ethylene oxide. The best-documented evidence is that of infectious risk primarily among clinical personnel. Monitoring studies of persons occupationally exposed to anesthetics clearly demonstrate behavioral effects, possible risk of reproductive problems, as well as cytogenetic effects of unknown significance. The latter two impairments are also observed among those exposed to antineoplastic drugs and ethylene oxide. Exposure to formaldehyde appears to be associated with nasopharyngeal tumors. Whereas increased risk of cancer of certain sites, particularly the brain and lymphohematopoietic system, is found among research and health care personnel, no specific exposure has been linked to these neoplasms. Conclusions Although some results are inconsistent, continued environmental and biological monitoring will allow better assessment of exposures and of implemented protection measures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:369,397, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Quality assurance in medical and public health genetics services: A systematic review,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS, Issue 3 2009Ann F. Chou Abstract As genetic services grow in scope, issues of quality assessment in genetic services are emerging. These efforts are well developed for molecular and cytogenetic testing and laboratories, and newborn screening programs, but assessing quality in clinical services has lagged, perhaps owing to the small work force and the recent evolution from a few large training programs to multiple training sites. We surveyed the English language, peer-reviewed literature to summarize the knowledge-base of quality assessment of genetics services, organized into the tripartite categories of the Donabedian model of "structure," "process," and "outcome." MEDLINE searches from 1990 to July 2008, yielded 2,143 articles that addressed both "medical/genetic screening and counseling" and "quality indicators, control, and assurance." Of the 2,143 titles, 131 articles were extracted for in-depth analysis, and 55 were included in this review. Twenty-nine articles focused on structure, 19 on process, and seven on outcomes. Our review underscored the urgent need for a coherent model that will provide health care organizations with tools to assess, report, monitor, and improve quality. The structure, process, and outcomes domains that make up the quality framework provide a comprehensive lens through which to examine quality in medical genetics. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,SURGERY: Surgical Treatment of Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome: Outcome Assessment Derived from a Postoperative QuestionnaireTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2006Andrew T. Goldstein MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) is the most common pathology in women with sexual pain. Surgery for VVS was first described in 1981. Despite apparently high surgical success rates, most review articles suggest that surgery should be used only "as a last resort." Risks of complications such as bleeding, scarring, and recurrence of symptoms are often used to justify these cautionary statements. However, there are little data in the peer-reviewed literature to justify this cautionary statement. Aims., To determine patient satisfaction with vulvar vestibulectomy for VVS and the rate of complications with this procedure. Methods., Women who underwent a complete vulvar vestibulectomy with vaginal advancement by one of three different surgeons were contacted via telephone by an independent researcher between 12 and 72 months after surgery. Main Outcome Measures., The primary outcome measurement of surgical success was overall patient satisfaction with surgery. Additional secondary outcome measurements included improvement in dyspareunia, changes in coital frequency, and occurrence of surgical complications. Results., In total, 134 women underwent surgery in a 5-year period. An independent research assistant was able to contact 106 women, and 104 agreed to participate in the study. Mean duration since surgery was 26 months. A total of 97 women (93%) were satisfied, or very satisfied, with the outcome of their surgery. Only three patients (3%) reported persistently worse symptoms after surgery and only seven (7%) reported permanent recurrence of any symptoms after surgery. Prior to surgery, 72% of the women were completely apareunic; however, after surgery, only 11% were unable to have intercourse. Discussion., In this cohort of patients, there was a high degree of satisfaction with surgery for VVS. In addition, the risks of complications with this procedure were low, and most complications were transient and the risk of recurrence after surgery was also found to be low. Goldstein AT, Klingman D, Christopher K, Johnson C, and Marinoff SC. Surgical treatment of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome: Outcome assessment derived from a postoperative questionnaire. J Sex Med 2006;3:923,931. [source] The COST 723 ActionTHE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, Issue S2 2007W. A. Lahoz Abstract An overview is provided of the COST 723 Action, ,Data Exploitation and Modelling of the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere'. The three working groups are introduced and a summary of Action activities within them is provided. The achievements of the Action are: three international workshops; the LAUTLOS humidity measurement campaign; dedicated meetings to discuss the quality of upper troposphere/lower stratosphere ozone and humidity measurements; two journal special issues; more than 90 papers in the peer-reviewed literature; one international summer school; and a successor COST Action which builds on COST 723. The recommendations made are: for COST to continue to support the short-term scientific missions instrument, as they are perceived to be value for money; to encourage the use of COST money to increase links between COST Actions and other scientific communities; and for the COST secretariat to recommend that Actions consider a summer school instead of a final workshop or meeting. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society [source] The health of Australian baby boomersAUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING, Issue 1 2010Nancy Humpel The large baby boomer cohort is beginning to reach retirement age. This paper reviews recent Australian literature on baby boomers' health and health behaviours. Databases were searched for peer-reviewed literature and the Internet for online studies and reports. The boomers can expect an increased life span compared to those in later life now. Boomers' health behavioural risks include physical inactivity, low vegetable consumption, obesity and rising medical risk due to increasing prevalence of diabetes. Their health will impact on workforce participation and retirement timing. There is substantial scope for health improvement and consequent quality of life as boomers age. However, little is known about health decision-making, inequalities between social groups and health information sources. Future research can yield a better understanding of the health trajectories of baby boomers in order to plan for health and service needs for an ageing Australia. [source] Australian baby boomers' expectations and plans for their old ageAUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING, Issue 1 2006Susan Quine The ageing of Australia's 5.5 million baby boomers (born 1946,1965) will significantly change Australian society, yet it is unclear what is known about the expectations and plans of this cohort for their retirement and old age. This paper provides a first step by reviewing the Australian literature, focusing on the areas of health, housing, work and income, and responsibility. Information from the peer-reviewed literature and the Internet published during 1996,2005 was reviewed. One hundred ninety-five Australian references were retrieved, of which only 94 were relevant. The review identified that, despite agreement about the significance of baby boomer's ageing, empirical work directly addressing the research topics was rare. In particular, there was little coverage of baby boomers' ascription of responsibility for their welfare in older age. If policies are to be effective, empirical research obtaining information directly from baby boomers is required to fill the gaps identified through this review. [source] Feedstock handling and processing effects on biochemical conversion to biofuelsBIOFUELS, BIOPRODUCTS AND BIOREFINING, Issue 5 2010Daniel Inman Abstract Abating the dependence of the United States on foreign oil by reducing oil consumption and increasing biofuels usage will have far-reaching global effects. These include reduced greenhouse gas emissions and an increased demand for biofuel feedstocks. To support this increased demand, cellulosic feedstock production and conversion to biofuels (e.g. ethanol, butanol) is being aggressively researched. Thus far, research has primarily focused on optimizing feedstock production and ethanol conversion, with less attention given to the feedstock supply chain required to meet cost, quality, and quantity goals. This supply chain comprises a series of unit operations from feedstock harvest to feeding the conversion process. Our objectives in this review are (i) to summarize the peer-reviewed literature on harvest-to-reactor throat variables affecting feedstock composition and conversion to ethanol; (ii) to identify knowledge gaps; and (iii) to recommend future steps. © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [source] 4421: The fundamentals of visual acuity measurementACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010CM CHISHOLM Purpose To provide the background to the symposium on visual acuity and its measurement Methods The parameters employed to quantify visual performance will be defined. Commonly used measurement techniques ranging from traditional letter charts to psychophysical computer-based programmes, will be described and compared, with reference to the peer-reviewed literature in this area. The issues of accuracy and repeatability will be considered in the context of the clinical setting and scientific studies. Results Letter charts are most commonly employed to assess visual performance because of their ease of use for both the patient and assessor, but they suffer from design limitations. Psychophysical procedures are more flexible and can improve repeatability, but are time consuming and fatigue can start to play a part. Such techniques are generally more suited to the research environment. High contrast visual acuity measurement can give a misleading impression regarding the quality of vision. This is particularly the case for subjects with impaired optical quality relating to an increase in intraocular light scatter and/or increased higher order aberrations. Assessment in the contrast domain is essential to build up a fuller picture. Conclusion The assessment of visual quality requires an understanding of test design and limitations. The method used should be chosen to suit the aims of the work and partly depends on whether it is taking place in a clinical practice setting or as part of a research study. [source] | |||||||||||||