Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reflexivity, critical qualitative research and emancipation: a Foucauldian perspective.

AIM In this paper, we consider reflexivity, not only as a concept of qualitative validity, but also as a tool used during the research process to achieve the goals of emancipation that are intrinsic to qualitative research conducted within a critical paradigm. BACKGROUND Research conducted from a critical perspective poses two challenges to researchers: validity of the research must be ensured and the emancipatory aims of the research need to be realized and communicated. The traditional view of reflexivity as a means of ensuring validity in qualitative research limits its potential to inform the research process. DATA SOURCES The Medline and CINAHL data bases were searched (1998-2008 inclusive) using keywords such as reflexivity, validity, subjectivity, bias, emancipation, empowerment and disability. In addition, the work of Michel Foucault was examined. DISCUSSION Using the work of the late French philosopher Michel Foucault, we explore how Foucault's 'technologies of the self' can be employed during critical qualitative research to achieve emancipatory changes. Using research conducted with marginalized populations as an example (specifically, individuals with disabilities), we demonstrate the potential for using reflexivity, in a Foucauldian sense, during the research process. CONCLUSION Shifting the traditional view of reflexivity allows researchers to focus on the subtle changes that comprise emancipation (in a Foucauldian sense). As a result, researchers are better able to see, understand and analyse this process in both the participants and themselves.
Microdeletion at 4q21.3 is associated with intellectual disability, dysmorphic facies, hypotonia, and short stature

Chromosomal imbalances are a major cause of intellectual disability (ID) and multiple congenital anomalies. We have clinically and molecularly characterized two patients with chromosome translocations and ID. Using whole genome array CGH analysis, we identified a microdeletion involving 4q21.3, unrelated to the translocations in both patients. We confirmed the 4q21.3 microdeletions using fluorescence in situ hybridization and quantitative genomic PCR. The corresponding deletion boundaries in the patients were further mapped and compared to previously reported 4q21 deletions and the associated clinical features. We determined a common region of deletion overlap that appears unique to ID, short stature, hypotonia, and dysmorphic facial features. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Untersuchungen zur Diagnose und Therapie der felinen infektiösen Peritonitis

Background: Since years, the Rivalta ́s test is routinely used in Europe to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats with effusion. It is inexpensive and easy to perform in private practice. There is, however, only little information about its mode of action and diagnostic value. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of the Rivalta ́s test for diagnosing FIP and to investigate if there are correlations with any effusion or blood variables. Methods: Medical records of 782 cats between 1999 and 2010 were reviewed. Effusion and blood variables were compared between Rivalta-positive and -negative effusions using the Mann Whitney U test and a multivariate analysis. Results: Prevalence of FIP in cats with effusion was 34.6%. The Rivalta ́s test showed a sensitivity of 91.3%, a specificity of 65.5%, a PPV of 58.4%, and a NPV of 93.4% for the diagnosis of FIP. Most important significantly different variables in Rivalta-positive effusions were higher cholesterol and specific gravity, and lower albumin to globulin ratio, as the higher bilirubin in the blood. Conclusions: The Rivalta ́s test in general is an easy and cheap test, but its sensitivity and specificity to diagnose FIP are not as high as previously assumed. If it is, however, performed in young cats or if certain diseases have been ruledout, it is a valuable practice test. It remains unknown which components in effusions lead to a positive Rivalta ́s test, but the positivity is not due to high protein concentrations.
Hypertension Primer: The Essentials of High Blood Pressure

ow in its thoroughly updated Second Edition, the Hypertension Primer is a comprehensive, readable source of state-of-the-art scientific and clinical information on hypertension. The book contains 158 short chapters by distinguished experts that cover every aspect of hypertension and its pathogenesis, epidemiology, impact, and management. The chapters are grouped into three well-organized sections--basic science, population science, and clinical management--and each chapter is cross-referenced to other relevant chapters. Each chapter is easily digestible and begins with a bulleted list of key points
GLYCOGEN CONTENT IN RAT LIVER

Purpose: CT and MR imaging are appropriate modalities for imaging of the liver. Contrast media are used to obtain a greater difference in attenuation and signal intensity, respectively, between normal liver tissue and focal lesions. However, no studies have attempted to determine whether physiological nutritional status of the liver during fasting is of importance for the native signal of normal liver tissue. Material and Methods: Using normal and fasting rats, we performed hepatic CT and MR imaging and glycogen analyses from excised tissue. Results: A significantly higher liver attenuation in normal rats compared to fasting rats was found in CT. In MR images, there was a small but significantly lower liver signal-to-noise ratio in normal rats compared to fasting rats in T1-weighted and proton density-weighted images. Glycogen analyses showed depleted glycogen deposits in fasting rats and a mean glycogen content of 50.1 mg glucose equivalent/g liver tissue in normal rats. Conclusion: In CT, a normal nutritional status increases the native attenuation in normal liver tissue. The changes in attenuation in normal liver tissue correlate well with the additional attenuation of glycogen storage in the hepatocyte. The results indicate that the nutritional status is of less importance in MR imaging.
Long QT, syndactyly, joint contractures, stroke and novel CACNA1C mutation: Expanding the spectrum of Timothy syndrome

Timothy syndrome (TS) is an autosomal dominant condition with the constellation of features including prolonged QT interval, hand and foot abnormalities, and mental retardation or autism. Splawski et al. [2004] previously described two phenotypes associated with TS distinguished by two unique and different mutations within the CACNA1C gene. We report on a newborn who presented with prolonged QT interval and associated polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, dysmorphic facial features, syndactyly of the hands and feet, and joint contractures, suggestive of TS. He developed a stroke, subsequent intractable seizures, and was found to have cortical blindness and later profound developmental delay. Initial targeted mutation analysis did not identify either of the previously described TS associated mutations; however, full gene sequencing detected a novel CACNA1C gene mutation (p.Ala1473Gly). The clinical and genetic findings in our case expand both the clinical and molecular knowledge of TS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of turning on skin-bed interface pressures in healthy adults.

AIM This paper is a report of a study of the effects of lateral turning on skin-bed interface pressures in the sacral, trochanteric and buttock regions, and its effectiveness in unloading at-risk tissue. BACKGROUND Minimizing skin-support surface interface pressure is important in pressure ulcer prevention, but the effect of standard patient repositioning on skin interface pressure has not been objectively established. METHODS Data were collected from 15 healthy adults from a university-affiliated hospital. Mapped 24-inch x 24-inch (2304 half-inch sensors) interface pressure profiles were obtained in the supine position, followed by lateral turning with pillow or wedge support and subsequent head-of-bed elevation to 30 degrees . RESULTS Raising the head-of-bed to 30 degrees in the lateral position statistically significantly increased peak interface pressures and total area > or = 32 mmHg. Comparing areas > or = 32 mmHg from all positions, 93% of participants had skin areas with interface pressures > or = 32 mmHg throughout all positions (60 +/- 54 cm(2)), termed 'triple jeopardy areas'. The triple jeopardy area increased statistically significantly with wedges as compared to pillows (153 +/- 99 cm(2) vs. 48 +/- 47 cm(2), P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Standard turning by experienced intensive care unit nurses does not reliably unload all areas of high skin-bed interface pressures. These areas remain at risk for skin breakdown, and help to explain why pressure ulcers occur despite the implementation of standard preventive measures. Support materials for maintaining lateral turned positions can also influence tissue unloading and triple jeopardy areas.
Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-Motor Exam: inter-rater reliability of advanced practice nurse and neurologist assessments.

AIM This paper is a report of a study to establish the inter-rater reliability of advanced practice nurse and neurologist neurological assessments which included ratings with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-Motor Exam. BACKGROUND Around the world, advanced practice nurses are performing tasks once completed only by physicians. To promote consumer and provider confidence, it is important to establish that nurse and physician ratings using assessment tools are similar. In addition in research settings, when different raters are used, establishment of inter-rater reliability for study assessments is needed. METHOD Advanced practice nurses and neurologists independently recorded findings on neurological examinations of 46 participants in a study conducted between August 2007 and January 2008. An intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to estimate overall agreement between the nurse and neurologist ratings. Agreement for individual items measured on a dichotomous scale was assessed by calculating Cohen's kappa. RESULTS There was substantial agreement between advanced practice nurses and neurologists on the mean Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-Motor Exam ratings (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.65) and the U.S. National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set neurological examination ratings of unremarkable findings (kappa = 0.74) and of gait disorder (kappa = 0.73). Moderate agreement (kappa = 0.53) was reached for the rating of whether all Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-Motor Exam items were normal. CONCLUSION These findings are consistent with studies of the inter-rater agreement of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-Motor Exam and support the conduct of neurological assessments by advanced practice nurses.
A phenotype map for 14q32.3 terminal deletions

Detailed molecular‐cytogenetic studies combined with thorough clinical characterization are needed to establish genotype–phenotype correlations for specific chromosome deletion syndromes. Although many patients with subtelomeric deletions have been reported, the phenotype maps for many of the corresponding syndromes, including the terminal deletion 14q syndrome, are only slowly emerging. Here, we report on five patients with terminal partial monosomy of 14q32.3 and characteristic features of terminal deletion 14q syndrome. Four of the patients carry de novo terminal deletions of 14q, three of which have not yet been reported. One patient carries an unbalanced translocation der(14)t(9;14)(q34.3;q32.3). Minimum deletion sizes as determined by molecular karyotyping and FISH are 5.82, 5.56, 4.17, 3.54, and 3.29 Mb, respectively. Based on our findings and a comprehensive review of the literature, we refine the phenotype map for typical clinical findings of the terminal deletion 14q syndrome (i.e., intellectual disability/developmental delay, muscular hypotonia, postnatal growth retardation, microcephaly, congenital heart defects, genitourinary malformations, ocular coloboma, and several dysmorphic signs). Combining this phenotype map with benign copy‐number variation data available from the Database of Genomic Variants, we propose a small region critical for certain features of the terminal deletion 14q syndrome which contains only seven RefSeq genes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efecto patogénico del nematodo parásito Romanomermis iyengari (Nematoda: Mermithidae) en larvas del mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) en condiciones de laboratorio en el Estado de Oaxaca, México

Laboratory tests with waters from Aedes aegypti Linneaus (1762) breeding places were made to determine the pathogenic effect of the mermithid nematode Romanomermis iyengari Welch 1964 in mosquito larvae of this species. According to the results obtained, the administration of a dosage of 10:1 (10 preparasitics per mosquito larvae) showed levels of parasitism of 90, 93, 91, and 85% in mosquito larvae in the I, II, III, and IV stage, respectively. With the highest dosage of 20:1 (20 preparasitics per mosquito larvae) there were obtained levels of parasitism with values of 98, 97, 93 and 89% among larvae in the I, II, III, and IV stage, respectively. Generally, the values of the physical and chemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, oxygen, and chlorides calculated in these waters did not affect apparently the infective capacity of the preparasitics of R. iyengari.
Computer- and web-based interventions to increase preadolescent and adolescent physical activity: a systematic review.

AIM This review examined evidence regarding computer- or web-based interventions to increase preadolescent and adolescent physical activity. BACKGROUND Today's youth are less active and more overweight than their counterparts from 25 years ago. Overweight youth tend to become overweight adults with weight-related maladies, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Interventions to increase physical activity that reach a large audience are needed. Computer- and web-based physical activity interventions are an appealing means to influence physical activity in preadolescents and adolescents. However, their effectiveness must be determined. DATA SOURCES The following electronic databases were searched for studies published from 1998 through 2010: CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, SportDISCUS and Proquest. REVIEW METHODS A systemic review was conducted. Fourteen randomized control trials or quasi-experimental studies were reviewed to: (1) determine the effect of computer- or web-based interventions on increasing physical activity and/or improving body mass index, weight, percent body fat or waist circumference as a result of increasing physical activity; and (2) examine if additional components associated with these interventions increased success. RESULTS Although most interventions demonstrated statistically significant increases in physical activity or positive health changes related to physical activity, findings were small or short-lived. The value of conducting the interventions at school, using a theory or model as a framework, and supplementing with individual tailoring and parental involvement, is discussed. CONCLUSION Computer- and web-based interventions can promote physical activity among preadolescents and adolescents, particularly in schools. However, further efforts are needed to sustain positive changes.
Vigour and dedication in nursing professionals: towards a better understanding of work engagement.

AIM This paper analyses the association between nurses' individual characteristics, job features and work engagement. BACKGROUND Current shortage of nurses and turnover justify more research efforts on job satisfaction. Closely associated with job satisfaction is work engagement, a construct which is composed of vigour, dedication and absorption, and requires more empirical evidence supporting its relevance. Most of the studies focus on organizational features, while reducing the relevance of individual characteristics. METHOD Survey data for this descriptive, correlational study were collected over a 7-month period (2006-2007) from a convenience sample of 412 Nurses. Measures utilized were the Work Engagement Survey, the General Health Questionnaire, and an ad hoc survey. RESULTS Concerning psychiatric morbidity, 49% nurses met criteria for somatic symptoms, 65.5% met criteria for anxiety and insomnia, 4.6% met criteria for social dysfunction and 10% met criteria for severe depression. There were no effects for length of service or professional category. Nurse managers scored significantly higher in several job stressors compared with other groups. Concerning engagement, 33% of the nurses experienced high dedication, 20.4% experienced high vigour and 36.7% experienced high absorption. Predictors of vigour and dedication were satisfaction with job position, higher quality of working life, lower social dysfunction and lower stress associated with patient care. CONCLUSIONS Strategies to promote work engagement should be implemented. More attention should be paid to job environments to guarantee job satisfaction. Organizational strategies to reduce the stress associated with patients' care, and initiatives to improve social and communication skills are also required for nurses to experience vigour and dedication.
Surviving the wait: defining support while awaiting breast cancer surgery.

AIM This paper is a report of a descriptive study of the common meanings, shared experiences and practices of social support of women within the days between breast cancer diagnosis and treatment initiation. BACKGROUND Support needs, types of social support and support outcomes during and after breast cancer treatment have been explored worldwide. However, to promote women's psychological wellbeing it is essential to understand how women define support in the highly stressful period initially following diagnosis. METHODS Secondary analysis of narrative texts using interpretive phenomenology from 18 women in the Midwestern United States newly diagnosed with breast cancer who were interviewed in 2005 for a study of women's pretreatment thought processes. FINDINGS 'Surviving the wait for surgery by balancing support needs to maintain a hopeful outlook' was the overarching pattern linking six other related themes: (1) controlling access to information for self and to others, (2) knowing which supportive network members to access, (3) controlling anxiety through distraction to maintain hope while waiting, (4) being in good hands and comfortable with decision (provider support), (5) protecting others through concealment and being strong to maintain hope and (6) accepting care from others vs. maintaining a nurturing role. CONCLUSION Implications for nurses working with women in the days following breast cancer diagnosis include assessing women's definitions and availability of support; respecting varied needs for informational support; providing a supportive clinical environment; educating clinicians, family and friends regarding unsupportive responses within the cultural context and validating women's control and balancing of support needs.
Introductory Papers: PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF STRAIN VARIATION IN RELATION TO PHARMACOLOGICAL TESTING

THE control of variation in animal experimentation particularly in the field of bioassay and pharmacological screening is perhaps one of the principal problems confronting the industrial pharmacologist. The application of statistical procedures and design to problems of toxicity and bioassay by Trevan (1927) and Gaddum (1933) pointed the way to refinements in experimental method thereby improving the accuracy of the tests. Further advances in bioassay procedure resulted from the classical research of Fisher who used statistical methods to determine precisely the variation due to different factors within the experiment and then by appropriate design, considering each factor, limited the variation to a minimum. With a view to reducing variation still further a number of industrial laboratories concentrated on the production of inbred lines in the hope that more constant and uniform responses would be obtained. This largely became established practice although little experimental evidence was brought forward to support the belief. Mather (1946) subsequently observed that Fl hybrids gave more uniform responses and were generally more vigorous than either of the parent inbred strains. These observations were largely overlooked until McLaren and Michie (1954) and Biggers and Claringbold (1954) independently re-discovered this phenomenon. Biggers, McLaren and Michie (1961) feel in general that the Fl hybrid is the most satisfactory laboratory animal. Chai (1960) has put forward an opposing viewpoint stating that “For the assay of a given substance, the choice of assay animaleither inbred or an F1 hybrid-cannot be made in advance ; it has to be based on existing data or determined experimentally”. Brown (1961a, b) has lent additional experimental evidence to support this. Environmental conditions, however, also play a vital part in biological assay. Chance has carried out extensive investigations into the effects of altering the environmental conditions. These investigations have been admirably summarised by Russell and Burch (1959). Finally in this respect mention must be made of the work of the Laboratory Animals Centre under the direction of Dr. Lane-Petter and of the Animal Technicians Association who have done so much to improve the general quality and health of the laboratory animals. Without a healthy robust animal all experimental work involving animals, whether pharmacological or bacteriological, can be rendered virtually worthless. Differences in the physiological response of various strains of mice have been clearly recognised. Elizabeth Russell (1955) in an excellent review of the “Significance of Physiological Pattern of Animal Strains in
How much teamwork exists between nurses and junior doctors in the intensive care unit?

AIMS The aim of this study was to measure the degree of similarity of attitudes on collaboration between nurses and junior doctors (known as residents in the United States) in the ICU. BACKGROUND Existing research shows that nurses and physicians view the amount of teamwork they experience in the ICU differently though the attitudes of junior doctors and critical care nurses on collaboration remain unknown. METHODS Thirty-one nurses and 46 junior doctors completed a modified version of the Baggs Collaboration and Satisfaction about Care Decisions instrument during 2006-2007 in a 24 bed medical/surgical ICU in the northeastern United States. Score responses of nurses and junior doctors were compared with the Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney) rank-sum test. RESULTS/FINDINGS Nurses consistently gave more negative responses on every survey question than junior doctors. While nurses said that the amount of collaboration was inadequate, junior doctors were satisfied and views between groups were most divergent (P < 0.01) on questions about overall satisfaction with team decisions. CONCLUSIONS Nurses and junior doctors held very different views on the amount of collaborative teamwork that occurs in the ICU. Junior doctors' views are similar to those of more experienced physicians observed in previous studies.