http://www.wileyopenaccess.com/view/journals.html
Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Immunity, Inflammation and Disease is a peer reviewed, open access, interdisciplinary journal, providing rapid publication of cutting-edge research across the broad field of immunology. Immunity, Inflammation and Disease gives rapid consideration to papers in all areas of clinical and basic research
 

Selected Articles - Strokes

1. Physical Fitness Training After Stroke
By Tang, Ada; Eng, Janice J. Physical Therapy. Jan 2014, Vol. 94 Issue 1, p9-13. 5p.
Database: Academic OneFile
Abstract: The article discusses physical fitness interventions for people afflicted by stroke. It cites the components of physical fitness such as cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and endurance. Information is also presented on several research studies that examined the effects of physical fitness training after stroke whose primary review outcomes include case fatality, death, or dependence and disability

2. Relative and Absolute Reliability of a Vertical Numerical Pain Rating Scale Supplemented With a Faces Pain Scale After Stroke
By Li-ling Chuang; Ching-yi Wu; Keh-chung Lin; Ching-ju Hsieh. Physical Therapy. Jan 2014,
Vol. 94 Issue 1, p129-138. 10p.
Database: Academic OneFile
Abstract: Pain is a serious adverse complication after stroke. The combination of a vertical numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) and a faces pain scale (FPS) has been advocated to measure pain after stroke. Objective. This study was conducted to investigate whether an NPRS supplemented with an FPS (NPRS-FPS) would show good test-retest reliability in people with stroke. The relative and absolute reliability of the NPRS-FPS were examined

3. Priming the Brain to Capitalize on Metaplasticity in Stroke Rehabilitation.
By Cassidy, Jessica M.; Gillick, Bernadette T.; Carey, James R.
Physical Therapy. Jan 2014, Vol. 94 Issue 1, p139-150
Database: Academic OneFile
Abstract: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is emerging as a potentially valuable intervention to augment the effects of behavioral therapy for stroke. When used in conjunction with other therapies, rTMS embraces the concept of metaplasticity. Due to homeostatic mechanisms inherent to metaplasticity, interventions known to be in isolation to enhance excitability can interact when applied successively under certain timing conditions and produce enhanced or opposite effects. Similar to "muscular wisdom," with its self-protective mechanisms, there also appears to be "synaptic wisdom" in neural networks with homeostatic processes that prevent over- and under-excitability. These processes have implications for both enhancing and suppressing the excitability effects from behavioral therapy. The purpose of this article is to relate the concept of metaplasticity, as derived from studies in humans who are healthy, to stroke rehabilitation and consider how it can be leveraged to maximize stroke outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] .

4. When blood vessels go wrong, why are we better at treating the heart than the head?
By Whitaker, Phil. New Statesman. 01/11/2013, Vol. 142 Issue 5182, p68-68. 1p
database: Australia/New Zealand Reference Centre
Abstract: The article examines myocardial infarctions (MI) and strokes. The similar pathologies of the two traumas is discussed. Advances in emergency medical treatment of MI and in rehabilitation of stoke patients are discussed. The possible use of thrombolytics drugs in the treatment of stoke is considered, particularly risk factors of such treatment..

Selected articles - Nursing Ethics Journal 

5. Patients’ perspectives on person-centred participation in healthcare: A framework analysis.
By Thórarinsdóttir, Kristín; Kristjánsson, Kristján.
Nursing Ethics. Mar 2014, Vol. 21 Issue 2, p129-147
Abstract: The aim of this article was to critically analyse the concept of person-centred participation in healthcare from patients’ perspectives through a review of qualitative research findings. In accordance with the integrative review method of Broom, data were retrieved from databases, but 60 studies were finally included in the study. The diverse attributes of person-centred participation in healthcare were identified and contrasted with participation that was not person-centred and analysed through framework analysis. Person-centred participation in healthcare was found to be based on patients’ experiences, values, preferences and needs in which respect and equality were central. It manifested itself via three intertwined phases: the human-connection phase, the phase of information processing and the action phase. The results challenge in many aspects earlier concept analyses of patient participation in addition to illuminating patient participation that is not positively valued by patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] .

6. Suffering related to dignity among patients at a psychiatric hospital.
By Skorpen, Frode; Thorsen, Arlene A; Forsberg, Christina; Rehnsfeldt, Arne W.
Nursing Ethics. Mar 2014, Vol. 21 Issue 2, p148-162. 15p.
Abstract: This article discusses dignity from a Q-methodological study among patients at a psychiatrichospital. The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the subjective experiences of patients in a psychiatric hospital with respect to dignity. A Q-sample of 51 statements was developed. A total of 15 participants ranked these statements from those they most agreed with to those they most disagreed with. Post-interviews were also conducted. Principal Component Factor Analysis and varimax rotation followed by hand rotation produced the clearest results. Four different viewpoints emerged: being met as equal human being, experience of dignity despite suffering, suffering due to inferior feelings and suffering and fighting for one’s own dignity. There seem to be variations in those with dignity-promoting experiences in Viewpoint 1 and to some extent in Viewpoint 2, to those with dignity-inhibiting experiences in Viewpoints 3 and 4. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] .

7. Patients’ experiences in the aftermath of suicidal crises.
By Vatne, May; Nåden, Dagfinn. Nursing Ethics. Mar 2014, Vol. 21 Issue 2, p163-175. 13p.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of being suicidal and the encounter with healthcare personnel. The research question was, ‘How did the suicidal patient experience the encounter with healthcare personnel?’ Data were collected, analysed and interpreted using a hermeneutic approach. Qualitative research interviews were used to collect data. Participants included 10 people: 4 women and 6 men aged 21–52 years. With the exception of one person, they had all experienced one or more suicide attempts. The study requires ethical considerations in planning and interviews as well as in the analysis process. Through a thematic analysis, three key themes emerged: (a) experiencing and not experiencing openness and trust, (b) being met and not met by someone who addresses the matter and (c) being met on equal terms versus being humiliated. Results in this study may indicate a lack of willingness and courage to listen to what the suicidal person says and to trust him or her. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] .

8. Undignified care: Violation of patient dignity in involuntary psychiatric hospital care from a nurse’s perspective.
By: Gustafsson, Lena-Karin; Wigerblad, Åse; Lindwall, Lillemor. Nursing Ethics. Mar 2014, Vol. 21 Issue 2, p176-186
Abstract: Patient dignity in involuntary psychiatric hospital care is a complex yet central phenomenon. Research is needed on the concept of dignity’s specific contextual attributes since nurses are responsible for providing dignified care in psychiatric care. The aim was to describe nurses’ experiences of violation of patient dignity in clinical caring situations in involuntary psychiatric hospital care. A qualitative design with a hermeneutic approach was used to analyze and interpret data collected from group interviews. Findings reveal seven tentative themes of nurses’ experiences of violations of patient dignity: patients not taken seriously, patients ignored, patients uncovered and exposed, patients physically violated, patients becoming the victims of others’ superiority, patients being betrayed, and patients being predefined. Understanding the contextual experiences of nurses can shed light on the care of patients in involuntary psychiatric hospital care. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] .

9. End-of-life experiences and expectations of Africans in Australia: Cultural implications for palliative and hospice care.
By Hiruy, Kiros; Mwanri, Lillian. Nursing Ethics. Mar 2014, Vol. 21 Issue 2, p187-197. 11p
Abstract: The ageing and frail migrants who are at the end of life are an increasing share of migrants living in Australia. However, within such populations, information about end-of-life experiences is limited, particularly among Africans. This article provides some insights into the sociocultural end-of-life experiences of Africans in Australia and their interaction with the health services in general and end-of-life care in particular. It provides points for discussion to consider an ethical framework that include Afro-communitarian ethical principles to enhance the capacity of current health services to provide culturally appropriate and ethical care. This article contributes to our knowledge regarding the provision of culturally appropriate and ethical care to African patients and their families by enabling the learning of health service providers to improve the competence of palliative care systems and professionals in Australia. Additionally, it initiates the discussion to highlight the importance of paying sufficient attention to a diverse range of factors including the migration history when providing palliative and hospice care for patients from African migrant populations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] .

10. Nurse Activism in the newborn intensive care unit: Actions in response to an ethical dilemma.
By Settle, Peggy Doyle. Nursing Ethics. Mar2014, Vol. 21 Issue 2, p198-209. 12p
Abstract: Nurses working in a newborn intensive care unit report that treatment decision disagreements for infants in their care may lead to ethical dilemmas involving all health-care providers. Applying Rest’s Four-Component Model of Moral Action as the theoretical framework, this study examined the responses of 224 newborn intensive care unit nurses to the Nurses Ethical Involvement Survey. The three most frequent actions selected were as follows: talking with other nurses, talking with doctors, and requesting a team meeting. The multiple regression analysis indicates that newborn intensive care unit nurses with greater concern for the ethical aspects of clinical practice (p = .001) and an increased perception of their ability to influence ethical decision making (p = .018) were more likely to display Nurse Activism. Future research is necessary to identify other factors leading to and inhibiting Nurse Activism as these findings explained just 8.5% of the variance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] .

Journal - Table of Contents

11. From International Journal of Nursing Practice, February 2014

Research Papers
11A. Nurse practitioner prescribing practice in Australia: Confidence in aspects of medication management (pages 1–7)
11B. Women's decision satisfaction and psychological distress following early breast cancer treatment: a treatment decision support role for nurses (pages 8–16)
11C. The role of intrinsic motivation in a group of low vision patients participating in a self-management programme to enhance self-efficacy and quality of life (pages 17–24)
11D. Preparing the future nurses for nursing research: A creative teaching strategy for RN-to-BSN students (pages 25–31)
11E. The inter-rater reliability test of the modified Morse Fall Scale among patients ≥ 55 years old in an acute care hospital in Singapore (pages 32–38)
11F. Are we ready for personalized cancer risk management? The view from breast-care providers (pages 39–45) i
11G. Hand hygiene compliance among the nursing staff in freestanding nursing homes in Taiwan: A preliminary study (pages 46–52)
11H. Practice nurses and cervical screening: A two-country review (pages 53–59)
11I. Evidence-based practice for pain management for cancer patients in an acute care setting (pages 60–69)
11J. Reporting and methodological quality of systematic reviews or meta-analyses in nursing field in China
11K. Predicting nurses' turnover intentions by demographic characteristics, perception of health, quality of work attitudes (pages 79–88)
11L. The effect of long-term care and follow-up on complications in patients with external fixators (pages 89–96)
11M. Antecedents to the integration process for recovery in older patients and spouses after a cardiovascular procedure (pages 97–105)
11N. Prevention of functional decline in older hospitalized patients: Nurses should play a key role in safe and adequate care (pages 106–113)

Conferences

12. IQPC’s 3rd Annual Hospital Efficiency and Quality Asia Summit 2014
Date: 1 & 2 of July 2014
Venue: Sydney
More information: http://www.hospitalefficiencyquality-asia.com/

13. 3rd Annual Reducing Avoidable Pressure Injuries Conference 
Prevention of pressure injuries in Australia.
Date: 8 - 9 September 2014
Venue: Novotel Melbourne on Collins
More information: https://www.healthcareconferences.com.au/healthcare-conferences/healthcare/reducing avoidable-pressure-injuries-conference

14. New Zealand College of Midwives
13th Biennial National Conference
Date: 29-31 August 2014
Venue: Claudelands, Hamilton
http://www.midwife.org.nz/resources-events/nzcom-conference/

15. NZMA Rotorua GP CME 2014
General Practice Conference & Medical Exhibition
Date: 12-15 June 2014
Venue: Energy Events Centre, Rotorua
http://www.gpcme.co.nz/

News - National

16. New Releases - Statistics New Zealand
Flexibility and security in employment: Findings from the 2012 Survey of Working Life
This report presents findings, mainly from the 2012 Survey of Working Life, on non-standard employment, job security, and job flexibility in New Zealand’s labour market. The survey is a rich source of information on the employment conditions, working arrangements, and job quality of employed New Zealanders. Topics it covers include the different forms of temporary work, length of job tenure, employees’ perceptions of job security, and flexible working arrangements.
http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/income-and-work/employment_and_unemployment/flexibility-security-employment.aspx

17. Swine flu outbreak in Hawke's Bay
ODT - 25 Mar 2014
Eight cases of swine flu (H1N1) have struck Hawkes Bay since February. Three patients are in intensive care and one in a coma. The outbreak follows 2009's H1N1 epidemic, during which 780,000 New Zealanders were infected with the virus. It is a waiting game for one woman as she watches for positive symptoms to emerge from her sedated, ventilated and unconscious twin, diagnosed and a victim of the H1N1 virus outbreak.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/296404/swine-flu-outbreak-hawkes-bay

18. Rugby star's stroke scare sounds alert
NZ Herald - Friday Mar 28, 2014
A person suspected of suffering a stroke should not even drive a car, never mind play a game of rugby, a stroke expert says. It comes as it was revealed Blues star Piri Weepu played three games for the Super Rugby side after a stroke that was diagnosed as a migraine
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11227764

News - International

19. Fears that hospitals are covering up death rates
The Telegraph
New data triggers fears that hospitals are 'fiddling the figures' on hospital deaths by increasing the number of deaths recorded as 'palliative' - classed as expected because a patient was terminally ill
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10728189/Fears-that-hospitals-are-covering-up-death-rates.html

20. Greens push laws to ban superior GP services for private health patients
The Age - March 27, 2014
http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/greens-push-laws-to-ban-superior-gp-services-forprivate-health-patients-20140327-35lhq.html