bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of the Long‐Term In Vitro Culture System for Chicken Primordial Germ Cells
Authors: Shiue Y‐L , Tailiu J‐J , Liou J‐F , Lu H‐T , Tai C , Shiau J‐W , Chen L‐R
Published: May 2008

Contents

The objective of this study was to establish the long‐term in vitro culture system for chicken gonadal primordial germ cells (gPGCs). Primitive gonads collected from 5.5‐day‐old chicken embryos were dissociated and explanted onto plates pre‐coated with 0.1% gelatin. Each of the four different conditioned media from proliferating and mitotically inactivated chicken embryonic fibroblast (CEF) cells and murine embryonic fibroblasts (STO cells, CRL‐1053, ATCC, USA), respectively, was supplemented with growth factors and used to support the growth of gPGCs. The result showed that all the conditioned media could promote the growth and colony formation of gPGCs in vitro, in particular the medium conditioned by inactivated CEF cells. The gPGC‐derived colonies maintained in inactivated CEF cells‐conditioned medium up to 281 days were positively stained by periodic acid Schiff reaction and antibodies specific to anti‐SSEA‐1, SSEA‐3, SSEA‐4, integrin α6 and integrin β1. Their capacities of migration via vascular system and taking up residence in the primary gonadal ridge were further demonstrated by transferring to the dorsal aorta of stage 17 recipient embryos. These results suggested that our culture system is able to maintain chicken gPGCs for long‐term in vitro culture without losing their capacity to express pluripotent markers and to integrate into the gonads.
Effects of Straw Volume and Equex‐STM® on Boar Sperm Quality after Cryopreservation
Authors: Buranaamnuay K , Tummaruk P , Singlor J , Rodriguez‐Martinez H , Techakumphu M
Published: May 2008

Contents

The present experiments were designed to study the effect of adding the detergent Equex‐STM® to freezing extender, and of straw volume (0.25 ml vs 0.5 ml), on boar sperm quality after cryopreservation. Three ejaculates from each of four purebred boars (three Landrace and one Yorkshire) were collected and frozen with a lactose‐egg yolk extender containing glycerol with or without 1.5% Equex‐STM®. The extended semen was loaded into either 0.25‐ or 0.5‐ml straws. The straws were placed in liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapour approximately 3 cm above the level of LN2 for 20 min and then were plunged into LN2. Thawing was achieved in warm water at 50°C for 12 s and then was incubated in a 38°C water‐bath for 30 min before evaluating sperm quality. Results showed that the individual motility, viability and acrosomal normal apical ridge (NAR) were improved (p < 0.001) when Equex‐STM® was added to the freezing extender. There was no difference (p = 0.48) in sperm motility between 0.25‐ and 0.5‐ml straws when Equex‐STM® was added. The percentages of viable and of NAR sperm in 0.5‐ml straws were higher than those in 0.25‐ml straws (p = 0.02, p = 0.0003 respectively). The percentages of membrane intact sperm evaluated using the short hypo‐osmotic swelling test were not affected by straw volume or the adding of Equex‐STM® (p > 0.05). The results of these investigations suggested that Equex‐STM® exerts a beneficial effect on the quality of cryopreserved boar semen and this cryopreservation protocol was favourable for a 0.5‐ml straw.
Anisotropy in the representation of direction preferences in cat area 18
Authors: Ribot Jérôme , Tanaka Shigeru , O'Hashi Kazunori , Ajima Ayako
Published: May 2008

Higher visual cortical areas are involved in the perception of complex stimuli, such as the optic flow created by self‐motion. On the other hand, area 18 is thought to extract primitive visual features, feeding higher cortical areas for further processing. In this study, we applied optical imaging of intrinsic signals in the central, lower visual field of cat area 18, and reconstructed direction preference and direction selectivity maps in each hemisphere. We observed a significant overrepresentation of downward and temporal directions, in accordance with previous electrophysiological results. Cardinal orientations were not overrepresented, however. Downward directions were overrepresented at the highest direction selectivity domains. Temporal direction representation, on the other hand, decreased with direction selectivity. Our findings therefore suggest the existence of a neural substrate for the processing of optic flow in cat area 18.
Time‐related changes of metabolic and physicochemical profiles in patients with mechanical ileal neobladders
Authors: Marangella Martino , Formiconi Andrea , Petrarulo Michele , Vitale Corrado , Bardari Franco , D’Urso Leonardo , Muto Giovanni
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To investigate metabolic disturbances, possibly leading to stone disease, in the Camey II technique for creating a urinary reservoir from an intestinal segment.

PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Thirty patients with a Camey II ileal neobladder and 26 controls had metabolic investigations of blood samples, and 24‐h and fasting urine samples, to assess renal function, the risk of stone formation, and bone turnover. The state of saturation with calcium oxalate, uric acid and brushite were calculated using a computer program.

RESULTS

The patients had lower renal clearances than the controls (P < 0.001), with a slight tendency to decrease with time from surgery. Metabolic hyperchloraemic acidosis occurred in 57% of the patients and tended to be worse at lower glomerular filtration rates (P < 0.05). Severe hypocitraturia in both daily and fasting urine was the most striking urinary feature. There was no difference in the other variables. The state of saturation with brushite was slightly higher in patients due to the slightly higher urinary pH. There was a trend to lower bone turnover, involving markers of both resorption and formation, in the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The Camey II technique led to only minor functional or metabolic changes; renal function tended to deteriorate and mild metabolic acidosis was the main feature. Fasting and 24‐h hypocitraturia occurred in most patients, representing a potential threat for calcium stone formation.
Single‐stage dorsal inlay split‐skin graft for salvage anterior urethral reconstruction
Authors: Dalpiaz Orietta , Kerschbaumer Andrea , Pelzer Alexandre , Radmayr Christian , Gozzi Christian , Horninger Wolfgang , Bartsch Georg , Schwentner Christian
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To report our initial experience and extended follow‐up of single‐stage dorsal inlay skin‐graft urethroplasty for salvaging recurrent anterior urethral stricture (AUS), as urethral reconstruction remains a challenge, particularly in patients with recurrent AUS after previous surgery, and a paucity of local skin frequently requires free graft reconstruction techniques.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 27 patients (mean age 48.12 years, range 17–79) with recurrent AUS had a dorsal inlay urethroplasty using extragenital split‐thickness skin grafts. An electrical dermatome was used for graft harvesting. All patients had contraindications for buccal mucosal grafting (e.g. radiotherapy, leukoplakia). The assessment before repair comprised a clinical investigation, urine analysis, uroflowmetry, retrograde and voiding cystogram, urethral ultrasonography and endoscopy. The follow‐up was based on an assessment of flow rate and postvoid residual volume. Success was defined by the absence of symptoms and stable maximum flow rate, while any further instrumentation was considered a failure.

RESULTS

The mean (range) stricture length was 8.35 (3–14) cm. The overall complication rate was 7%, with no complications during surgery. During the mean (range) follow‐up of 32.43 (5–46) months, 25 (93%) of the patients were successfully cured in one operation. Two patients required further treatment for recurrence and fistula. No long‐term complications were noted at the graft donor sites. There was no case of intraurethral hair growth during the extended follow‐up.

CONCLUSION

If there are contraindications for buccal mucosal grafting, a split‐thickness skin can be used for dorsal inlay urethroplasty in recurrent AUS. A well‐vascularized recipient bed on the corpora cavernosa is required for reliable graft take. Intra‐urethral hair growth is avoided by using split‐skin grafts. Although the complication rates are equivalent to those of buccal mucosa, we await the longer follow‐up to assess the ultimate value of this alternative single‐stage technique.
DNA topoisomerase I and IIα expression in penile carcinomas: assessing potential tumour chemosensitivity
Authors: Berney Daniel M. , Stankiewicz Elzbieta , Adlan Ahmed M.A. , Kudahetti Sakunthala , Biedrzycki Olaf J. , Hadway Paul , Watkin Nick , Corbishley Cathy
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To examine the tissue expression of DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I) and IIα (Topo II), to pursue the possibility of future chemotherapy regimens for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (SCCP), as high expression of Topo I might indicate sensitivity to the camptothecins, whereas high Topo II might indicate sensitivity to etoposide.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 73 patients with SCCP were reviewed and then tissue samples microarrayed. These were then stained with immunohistochemistry for Topo I, Topo II and Ki‐67. Tumour stage, grade and type were available.

RESULTS

Topo II showed a strong positive correlation with the proliferation index as measured by Ki‐67 (P < 0.001) but no correlation with Topo I. There were also strong correlations between tumour grade and Ki‐67, and Topo II expression (both P < 0.001). Tumour type was also strongly correlated with Topo II and Ki‐67 expression, with the highest expression in basaloid carcinomas and the lowest in verrucous carcinomas. However, Topo I expression was not correlated with any other tumour variable.

CONCLUSION

The expression of Topo I is grade‐ and type‐independent, and chemotherapy using the camptothecins is unlikely to be effective. The strong positivity of Topo II in high‐grade and basaloid SCCPs suggests that treatment with etoposide or other Topo II ‘poisons’ might be a better target for future clinical trials.
Lymph‐node metastases in intermediate‐risk squamous cell carcinoma of the penis
Authors: Naumann Carsten M. , Alkatout Ibrahim , Al‐Najar Amr , Korda Joanna Beate , Hegele Axel , Bolenz Christian , Ziegler Heiko , Klöppel Günter , Juenemann Klaus‐Peter , Van Der Horst Christof
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the metastatic risk of pT1 G2 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients with pT1 G2 penile SCC and determined their groin status at first presentation, their nodal status after inguinal lymph node dissection and their follow‐up for at least 18 months.

RESULTS

Four of the 20 patients had a clinically positive groin; three of these were found to have lymph node metastases. Among the 16 patients with a clinically negative groin, one of five who had surgical lymph node staging had lymph node metastases. During surveillance six of 11 patients developed lymph node metastases. There was lymphovascular invasion in three of 10 patients with lymph node metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

As the metastatic risk of pT1 G2 penile SCC was 50% in this series of patients, and 44% in those with an initially negative groin, surgical staging of inguinal lymph nodes is recommended in patients with pT1 G2 penile SCC.
Prognostic factors in a prospective series of papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Gontero Paolo , Ceratti Giovanni , Guglielmetti Sandro , Andorno Antonella , Terrone Carlo , Bonvini Daniele , Faggiano Fabrizio , Tizzani Alessandro , Frea Bruno , Valente Guido
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively assess the clinical outcome of a series of papillary renal cell carcinomas (PRCCs) to identify possible prognostic clinical variables and tumour markers, as previous retrospective series of PRCC do not provide unanimous results on the prognostic utility of clinicopathological variables.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty‐six patients with PRCC (median follow‐up 40 months) diagnosed in one institution from 1989 to 2002 were prospectively followed until May 2006. The pathology was reviewed, the PRCC subtyped (type 1 and 2) and immunohistochemistry assessed for MIB‐1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD31 and c‐met oncogenic protein, by a referee pathologist. Prognostic values were estimated by fitting a Cox model.

RESULTS

The 5‐year survival rate was 49.5%; type 2 histology was predominant and was almost significant in the univariate analysis. Stage and MIB‐1 were significant prognostic factors only in the univariate model, while the Cox model identified only the Fuhrman grade as an independent predictor of survival (hazard ratio 3.054; P = 0.007). MET expression, CD31 and VEGF had no prognostic utility.

CONCLUSION

These patients with PRCC followed prospectively fared worse than in previously reported series. The Fuhrman grade was the sole independent predictor of survival.
Urinary nerve growth factor level could be a biomarker in the differential diagnosis of mixed urinary incontinence in women
Authors: Liu Hsin‐Tzu , Chancellor Michael B. , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVES

To measure urinary nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder symptoms (OAB) and to assess whether urinary NGF levels can be a biomarker of detrusor overactivity (DO) in women with mixed urinary incontinence.

PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Urinary NGF levels were measured in 38 women with urodynamic SUI (USI) with OAB, in 26 with urodynamic DO but no SUI, in 21 with persistent USI after anti‐incontinence surgery, in 15 with de novo DO, and in 31 normal control subjects. All participants had a video‐urodynamic study for the differential diagnosis of the underlying causes of UI. Urinary NGF levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and were compared among all subgroups, and corrected using urinary creatinine (Cr) levels.

RESULTS

The mean (sem) urinary NGF/Cr levels were low both in controls, at 0.06 (0.004) and in women with pure USI, at 0.056 (0.037) (P = 0.108). The NGF/Cr levels were significantly higher in women with mixed USI and DO, at 1.00 (0.244), than in controls (P < 0.001) and those with pure USI (P = 0.006), but were similar to the levels in women with pure DO, at 0.58 (0.17) (P = 0.058). The NGF/Cr levels were undetectable in women with persistent USI but were significantly higher in those with de novo DO, at 2.39 (0.90), after anti‐incontinence surgery than in controls and those with USI. A urinary NGF/Cr level of >0.05 was found in 9% of women with USI, 77% with DO, 81% with mixed USI and DO, and 80% with de novo DO.

CONCLUSION

The urinary NGF level could be a potential biomarker of DO in women with mixed UI.
Twice‐daily variable insulin regimens: proportions of insulin types have little impact on glycaemic control in primary school‐aged children
Authors: McDonnell C. M. , Donath S. M. , Werther G. A. , Cameron F. J.
Published: May 2008

Aim  To ascertain the relationship between glycaemic outcome and proportions and timing of insulin admixture in a cohort of primary school‐aged children who were receiving insulin in a twice‐daily regimen.

Methods  Children aged 4–10 years with Type 1 diabetes of > 2 years duration and on twice‐daily variable insulin regimens were eligible for inclusion in this study, which took place over a 12‐month period. Characteristics of insulin regimen [total daily dose (TDD), proportion of total daily dose given in the morning and proportion of the TDD given as intermediate‐acting insulin] were compared with parameters of glycaemia including glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and continuous glucose monitoring measures (mean glucose, per cent time in various glycaemic ranges, and intra‐ and inter‐day glycaemic variation).

Results  Forty‐nine children completed the study. Participants were all prepubertal at the start of the study and representative of the local diabetes population aged 4–10 years (mean age 8.2 years, mean duration of diabetes 3.5 years, mean HbA1c 8.1%). The mean TDD was 0.9 units/kg/day (range 0.6–1.3). The TDD, percentage of TDD given as intermediate‐acting insulin and the percentage of TDD given as the morning dose were not associated with HbA1c, mean continuous glucose monitoring system glucose, per cent time in various glycaemic ranges or intra‐ and inter‐day glycaemic variation.

Conclusions  Insulin proportions in twice‐daily, variable insulin regimens are not associated with any short‐ or medium‐term glycaemic outcomes.
Profile of a fishery collapse: why mariculture failed to save the large yellow croaker
Authors: Liu Min , De Mitcheson Yvonne Sadovy
Published: May 2008

The large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), endemic to East Asia was once one of the three top commercial marine fishes of China PR. Heavily exploited since the 1950s, wild stocks were so severely depleted by the 1980s that most individuals subsequently sold originated from hatcheries. After peaking at about 200 000 tonnes in the mid‐1970s, catches of the croaker in China PR declined by over 90% within just 2 decades; according to most decline criteria this would categorize the croaker as “threatened” and management measures, including restocking, were developed. The extensive government‐sponsored mariculture program introduced to address food supply and overfishing in the 1980s, particularly of the croaker, was one of the earliest for marine finfish, not only in China PR, a nation with a rich and highly successful history in aquaculture, but globally. In this first, in‐depth, profile of a key fishery and early mariculture development, we integrate ecological and biological information with the fishing, management, mariculture and economic history to trace the collapse of wild stocks and assess why management and mariculture did not result in wild stock recovery. Evidence strongly suggests that a combination of heavy exploitation of spawning and over‐wintering aggregations, poor management and overfishing pressure were major factors in stock declines, with contributions from pollution, habitat degradation and marine ecosystem shift. Although the croaker proved a highly successful mariculture candidate, with approximately 70 000 tonnes produced in 2005, the highest of any marine fish cultured in China PR, mariculture and restocking have failed to restore croaker stocks and may have, inadvertently, led to biodiversity losses. The detailed history of the croaker is a sobering reminder that successful mariculture, albeit important for food production and livelihoods, is not necessarily a solution to overfishing, and moreover, may have compromised fishery recovery by competing for funds, attention, space, and maybe genetic resources.
Relations of Parenting and Temperament to Chinese Children’s Experience of Negative Life Events, Coping Efficacy, and Externalizing Problems
Authors: Zhou Qing , Wang Yun , Deng Xianli , Eisenberg Nancy , Wolchik Sharlene A. , Tein Jenn‐Yun
Published: May 2008

The relations of parenting and temperament (effortful control and anger/frustration) to children’s externalizing problems were examined in a 3.8‐year longitudinal study of 425 native Chinese children (6–9 years) from Beijing. Children’s experience of negative life events and coping efficacy were examined as mediators in the parenting‐ and temperament‐externalizing relations. Parents reported on their own parenting. Parents and teachers rated temperament. Children reported on negative life events and coping efficacy. Parents, teachers, children, or peers rated children’s externalizing problems. Authoritative and authoritarian parenting and anger/frustration uniquely predicted externalizing problems. The relation between authoritarian parenting and externalizing was mediated by children’s coping efficacy and negative school events. The results suggest there is some cross‐cultural universality in the developmental pathways for externalizing problems.
Attentional Learning and Flexible Induction: How Mundane Mechanisms Give Rise to Smart Behaviors
Authors: Sloutsky Vladimir M. , Fisher Anna V.
Published: May 2008

Young children often exhibit flexible behaviors relying on different kinds of information in different situations. This flexibility has been traditionally attributed to conceptual knowledge. Reported research demonstrates that flexibility can be acquired implicitly and it does not require conceptual knowledge. In Experiment 1, 4‐ to 5‐year‐olds successfully learned different context‐predictor contingencies and subsequently flexibly relied on different predictors in different contexts. Experiments 2A and 2B indicated that flexible generalization stems from implicit attentional learning rather than from rule discovery, and Experiment 3 pointed to very limited strategic control over generalization behaviors in 4‐ to 5‐year‐olds. These findings indicate that mundane mechanisms grounded in associative and attentional learning may give rise to smart flexible behaviors.
Measures of Classroom Quality in Prekindergarten and Children’s Development of Academic, Language, and Social Skills
Authors: Mashburn Andrew J. , Pianta Robert C. , Hamre Bridget K. , Downer Jason T. , Barbarin Oscar A. , Bryant Donna , Burchinal Margaret , Early Diane M. , Howes Carollee
Published: May 2008

This study examined development of academic, language, and social skills among 4‐year‐olds in publicly supported prekindergarten (pre‐K) programs in relation to 3 methods of measuring pre‐K quality, which are as follows: (a) adherence to 9 standards of quality related to program infrastructure and design, (b) observations of the overall quality of classroom environments, and (c) observations of teachers’ emotional and instructional interactions with children in classrooms. Participants were 2,439 children enrolled in 671 pre‐K classrooms in 11 states. Adjusting for prior skill levels, child and family characteristics, program characteristics, and state, teachers’ instructional interactions predicted academic and language skills and teachers’ emotional interactions predicted teacher‐reported social skills. Findings suggest that policies, program development, and professional development efforts that improve teacher–child interactions can facilitate children’s school readiness.
The effects of different intensity levels of background noise on dichotic listening to consonant‐vowel syllables
Authors: SEQUEIRA SARAH DOS SANTOS , SPECHT KARSTEN , HÄMÄLÄINEN HEIKKI , HUGDAHL KENNETH
Published: May 2008

It has previously been shown that the right ear advantage in dichotic listening to consonant‐vowel syllables is affected if a background noise is presented at the same time as the dichotic stimuli. What is not known is, however, if there is also an effect of varying the intensity level of the background noise. We therefore presented conversation or traffic noise background noise simultaneously with the dichotic syllable stimuli to healthy adult subjects. The intensity of the background noises varied between 50–65 dB in steps of 5 dB. The results showed that the right ear correct reports decreased, while left ear correct reports increased as a consequence of increasing background noise intensity. The effects were also stronger for the right ear, and for the traffic background noise condition, particularly at the two highest intensity levels. The results are discussed in terms of alertness and attentional mechanisms.
CITY OF WOMEN, CITY OF FOREIGN MEN: WORKING SPACES AND RE‐WORKING IDENTITIES AMONG FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN BANGKOK'S TOURIST ZONE
Authors: Askew Marc
Published: May 2008

In this paper I propose that spatially‐informed and agency‐centred treatments of prostitution as a practice can fruitfully highlight the moral and symbolic economies operating in the lives of women as they engage and disengage with prostitution in the tourist sex trade zones of Bangkok. By reexamining and re‐contextualising the practices of prostitution in terms of interacting spatial/socio‐cultural fields, we can gain more useful insights than heretofore obtained through a mono‐dimensional political economy or gender‐culture framework. We must accept that women sex workers are part of the geography of socio‐economic transformation, responding to the centralisation and expansion of key sectors of the Thai economy. I conceptualise this broader geography as involving “oscillation” between urban and rural “places” (which represent key “fields” of value), and at the level of the city (and the tourist leisure infrastructure) as “movement” between different work sites and “arenas” of identity formation. Within this complex of circulation and engagement, women strategise to maximise what may be described as survival and status resources (conversion of income into cultural capital) aiming towards recovery of meaningful self‐identity.
TOURISM, GLOBALISATION AND CRITICAL SECURITY IN MYANMAR AND THAILAND
Authors: Parnwell Michael J.G.
Published: May 2008

This paper seeks to articulate recent debates on globalisation and critical security with the process and local impact of international tourism development in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma). It argues that, although tourism is an important manifestation of the globalisation phenomenon, its impact on host societies is very much dependent upon the influence of local institutions and actors. Hence, the enquiry will focus principally upon the “global‐local interface”. The impact of tourism is viewed within the “new security” framework which involves broadening the notion of security beyond its traditional focus on military issues and inter‐state relations into such realms as economic, environmental and societal security with a strong emphasis on sub‐national situations. Using empirical examples of forced labour and human rights in Myanmar, the HIV/AIDS crisis and societal insecurity in Thailand and Myanmar, and the environmental impact of golf tourism in Thailand and elsewhere, the paper attempts to show how the perceived macro‐level benefits of active tourism promotion are frequently traded off against significant, and occasionally severe, negative local security impacts. How such a situation occurs will be the principal focus of this investigation.
A SIMPLIFIED, ‘BENCHMARK’, STOCK‐FLOW CONSISTENT POST‐KEYNESIAN GROWTH MODEL
Authors: Dos Santos Claudio H. , Zezza Gennaro
Published: May 2008

Despite being arguably one of the most active areas of research in heterodox macroeconomics, the study of the dynamic properties of stock‐flow consistent (SFC) growth models of financially sophisticated economies is still in its first steps. This paper attempts to offer a contribution to this line of research by presenting a simplified SFC Post‐Keynesian growth model with well‐defined dynamic properties and using it to shed light on the merits and limitations of the current heterodox SFC literature.
Two‐Step Testing in Employee Selection: Is score inflation a problem?
Authors: Nye Christopher D. , Do Ben‐Roy , Drasgow Fritz , Fine Saul
Published: May 2008

Unproctored Internet testing in employee selection has become increasingly popular over the past few years. However, there is a concern that cheating during unproctored administrations may influence the test results in terms of score inflation. The current research attempts to determine the extent of cheating on an unproctored Internet test of perceptual speed by analyzing data from a parallel version of the test administered in a proctored setting. Among a sample of 856 job applicants from nine European countries, there was no evidence that cheating occurred. In fact, evidence of an effect operating in the opposite direction was obtained. These results indicate that the use of unproctored Internet testing is appropriate for this type of test.
Do Cross‐Cultural Values Affect Multisource Feedback Dynamics? The Case of High Power Distance and Collectivism in Two Latin American Countries
Authors: Varela Otmar E. , Premeaux Sonya F.
Published: May 2008

In this investigation we report results of a study designed to test the effect of cross‐cultural values on multisource feedback (MSF). With the participation of a sample of 501 managers from Venezuela and Colombia, two collectivistic and high power distance countries, results of the study indicate that cultural values distort the evaluations involved in MSF systems. Specifically, unlike reports of studies conducted in individualistic and low power distance environments, we found that (a) peers are the least discrepant source of information, (b) subordinates tend to provide the highest evaluations across feedback sources, and (c) there is an excessive emphasis on people‐oriented behaviors. Results are discussed in light of the conflict between our findings and those in existing literature. The practical implications of MSF in multi‐cultural workplaces are addressed.
Selecting for Creativity and Innovation: The relationship between the innovation potential indicator and the team selection inventory
Authors: Burch Giles St J. , Pavelis Christos , Port Rebecca L.
Published: May 2008

This article describes a study carried out to investigate the relationship between individual scores on the Innovation Potential Indicator (IPI), a measure of individual innovation behaviors for use in personnel selection, and the Team Selection Inventory (TSI), an individual‐level measure of a person's preferred team‐working climate for innovation. Results from a sample of 142 Greek employees found that the Motivation to Change scale of the IPI positively correlated with all of the TSI scales, and that the Adaptation scale positively correlated with the TSI's Vision and Task Orientation scales. Findings are discussed.
Black Skin Dermatology Online, from the project to the website: a needed collaboration between North and South
Authors: Ezzedine K , Amiel A , Vereecken P , Simonart T , Schietse B , Seymons K , Ndiaye BS , Leemput C van de , Stevens A , De Weert J , Lambert J , Heenen M
Published: May 2008

Background  Whereas teledermatology is an emerging discipline, to date, no teledermatology service has been developed, which is specifically dedicated to black skins.

Objectives  To create and develop a teledermatology service that provides a complete range of communication, information, telediagnosis and teaching services.

Methods  A multilingual clinical description of the lesion was provided for each photograph using a five‐level disease classification from the 10th revised International Classification of Diseases. In parallel, a usability study to assess and improve the functionality of the platform was also conducted.

Results  A web prototype has been developed which integrates image acquisition, submission, clinical description, translation as well as validation, security and data protection aspects and almost 2000 images were obtained from which 600 have been integrated in the ‘store and forward’ telemedicine system (http://www.black‐skin.org). Initial usability tests with native French medical students show good perceived usefulness, perceived usability and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80 and 0.84).

Conclusion  The Black Skin project (North and South collaboration project) offers possibilities for continuous medical education (pedagogical cases), teleteaching (educational quiz) or asking for a second opinion (‘Ask a specialist’ item).
Quality of life and socioeconomic factors in Polish patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kulczycka L , Sysa‐Jedrzejowska A. , Zalewska‐Janowska A. , Miniszewska J. , Robak E.
Published: May 2008

Objective  To determinate health related quality of life (HRQoL) in SLE patients and correlate it with socioeconomic factors.

Methods  The study was conducted on 83 SLE patients who fulfilled at least 4 out of 11 ACR criteria. HRQoL was measured by SF‐36. Socioeconomic data were collected from the patients at the time of filling‐up SF‐36 questionnaire.

Results  SLE patients presented decreased HRQoL. Duration of the disease, as well as age of the patients, had an influence on it. Patients who lived in the villages obtained lower results than those from the cities. More educated patients assessed their HRQoL as higher. Surprisingly, patients who described their social conditions as worse presented better quality of life. There was a statistically significant correlations between HRQoL and socioeconomic factors.
Attitudes towards people with mental illness: a cross‐sectional study among nursing staff in psychiatric and somatic care
Authors: Björkman Tommy , Angelman Therese , Jönsson Malin
Published: May 2008

Stigma and discrimination have been identified as important obstacles to the integration of people with mental illness in society. In efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination, health professionals play an important role as they have frequent contact with and responsibility for treatment and rehabilitation of consumers. The aim of the present study was to investigate attitudes towards mental illness and people with mental illness among nursing staff working in psychiatric or somatic care. The sample consisted of 120 registered or assistant nurses who were interviewed about intimacy with mental illness and attitudes about seven different mental illnesses. The results showed that nursing staff in somatic care, to a higher degree than nursing staff in mental health, reported more negative attitudes with regard to people with schizophrenia as being more dangerous and unpredictable. In contrast, professional experience, intimacy with mental illness and type of care organization were found to be more associated with attitudes to specific mental illnesses concerning the prospect of improvement with treatment and the prospect of recovery. In conclusion, attitudes among nursing staff are in several respects comparable with public opinions about mental illness and mentally ill persons. In order to elucidate if negative attitudes about dangerousness and unpredictability of persons with specific mental illnesses are associated with realistic experiences or with prejudices further studies with a qualitative design are suggested.
Effects of COPD self‐care management education at a nurse‐led primary health care clinic
Authors: Efraimsson Eva Österlund , Hillervik Charlotte , Ehrenberg Anna
Published: May 2008

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is disabling, with symptoms such as chronic cough, phlegm, wheezing, shortness of breath and increased infections of the respiratory passage. The aim was to examine the effects of a structured educational intervention programme at a nurse‐led primary health care clinic (PHCC) on quality of life (QoL), knowledge about COPD and smoking cessation in patients with COPD. This study had an experimental design in which 52 patients with COPD from a Swedish primary care setting were randomized into two groups (intervention or control). Both groups received standard care but patients in the intervention group were also offered two visits to a nurse specialized in COPD care. The purpose of the visits was to increase the patients’ self‐care ability and their knowledge about COPD. The study was approved by the local Research Ethics Committee. Data were collected using two questionnaires, one pertaining to knowledge about COPD and smoking habits and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, addressing how QoL was affected by the patients’ respiratory symptoms. The intervention and control groups answered both questionnaires on their first and last visits to the PHCC. A statistically significant increase was noted in the intervention group on QoL, the number of patients who stopped smoking and patients’ knowledge about COPD at the follow‐up, 3–5 months after intervention. However, a confounding factor may have been that one of the researchers (Eva Österlund Efraimsson), as a nurse in the PHCC, performed the intervention. This implies that patients were in a dependent relationship which may have affected the responses in a favourable direction. Our findings show that conventional care alone did not have an effect on patients’ QoL and smoking habits. Instead, the evidence suggests that a structured programme with self‐care education is needed to motivate patients for life‐style changes.
Comparisons of different instruments to measure blues and to predict depressive symptoms 2 months postpartum: a study of new mothers and fathers
Authors: Edhborg Maigun
Published: May 2008

The aim of the study was to investigate ‘blues’ during the first week postpartum in new mothers and fathers and to compare different instruments for measuring blues, as well as their ability to predict depressive symptoms at 2 months. Parents were informed while at the maternity clinic about the study and asked to independently answer questions for 5 days during the first week on the Blues Questionnaire, a VAS questionnaire and on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 1 week and 2 months. Of the parents who initially agreed to participate in the study 171 (38%) of the mothers and 133 (31%) of the fathers returned all questionnaires completely filled‐out after the first week, and of these, 155 mothers and 113 fathers also completed the EPDS at 2 months. The results showed that mothers experienced more blues than fathers, and that mothers’ blues peaked on day 3, while fathers’ peaked on day 1 after the delivery‐day. The Blues Questionnaire and the VAS subscale ‘depressed mood’ identified more women as having blues (64% and 52%, respectively) during the first week over the EPDS (24%), but the EPDS identified women with the highest scores on the Blues Questionnaire. At 2 months, 19 (12%) of the mothers, and one father scored 10 or more on the EPDS. All these women, except for one, had experienced severe blues according to the Blues Questionnaire, the first week. Regression analyses showed that the Blues Questionnaire subscale ‘depression’ was the best predictor for a high EPDS score at 2 months in mothers, while the subscales ‘primary blues’, ‘hypersensitivity’ and ‘despondency’ best predicted depressive symptoms in fathers. Our results indicate that the EPDS could be a valuable instrument to measure ‘blues’, as EPDS seemed to indicate women with the highest risk for depressive symptoms.
The managerial and development issues of nurses and midwives in new roles
Authors: McKenna Hugh , Richey Roberta , Keeney Sinead , Hasson Felicity , Poulton Brenda , Sinclair Marlene
Published: May 2008

Rationale: The number of innovative roles in nursing and midwifery has expanded considerably; however, the evidence base for the introduction of these roles is limited.

Aim: This study aimed to identify the managerial and developmental issues affecting those in innovative roles.

Methodological design: A self‐completion postal questionnaire was distributed to all innovative role holders in Northern Ireland, 450 responses were analysed. This survey was the second phase of a larger investigation into innovative roles in nursing and midwifery.

Instrument: The questionnaire that had been developed for the ‘Exploring New Roles in Practice’ project was adapted for use in this study.

Ethical issues: The explanatory letter sent to potential participants clearly detailed that informed consent was assumed on receipt of a completed questionnaire and gave contact details for the research team. The confidentiality and anonymity of responses were assured.

Results: Most participants (65%) stated that their innovative role had commenced since the year 2000. There was evidence of preparation for these roles including the development of job descriptions and protocols. Nevertheless, there were issues noted relating to resource allocation and replacement when the role holder was absent. The importance of role evaluation was highlighted, with some participants noting their role had not been assessed since its inception. Support provided by managers and colleagues was key to ensuring role effectiveness. Participants reported high levels of job satisfaction.

Limitations: Innovative role holders were identified by managers in their employing organization: therefore the research team could not verify that all existing innovative roles were included in the study. Innovative roles in private and voluntary sectors were not included.

Conclusions: The evolution of innovative nursing and midwifery roles has been considerable worldwide and they engender job satisfaction to those occupants them. Results support international literature showing that adequate support, especially from administrators, is significant to ensuring the success of new roles. Furthermore, the careful planning for innovative role development and evaluation are important in ensuring the role is effective.
Reliability and validity of the Norwegian WHOQOL‐OLD module
Authors: Halvorsrud Liv , Kalfoss Mary , Diseth Åge
Published: May 2008

The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Norwegian WHOQOL‐OLD six‐facet, 24‐item module designed for assessing generic quality of life cross‐culturally among the elderly. Using quota‐stratified sampling defined on the basis of sex, age and geographical representation, 401 respondents were drawn from Statistics Norway and completed postal surveys. An additional 89 elderly completed personal interviews. Correlation and multivariate analyses partly confirmed the relevance of individual items and facets in both groups. All items correlated significantly higher with their original facets, although almost half of these items correlated with other facets in both groups. Multiple regression analysis of the module and two overall questions (dependent variables) showed that three facets made significant contributions to overall health, with Social Participation (B = 0.09) contributing most strongly in the postal‐group. In the interview‐group, only Social Participation (B = 0.20) was found to make a significant contribution, and this was in relation to overall health satisfaction. When the WHOQOL‐BREF total score was considered as the dependent variable, different facets contributed significantly in both groups. Exploratory factor analysis of the WHOQOL‐OLD in the combined group of both postal and interview samples, resulted in a five‐factor solution (eigenvalues >1) explaining 65% of the cumulative variance in five of the six originally operationalized facets. The most conceptually clear facets were Death and Dying and Sensory Abilities. Further, confirmatory factor analyses in the combined group demonstrated a model with good fit, but with high covariance between the factors. Acceptable internal consistency was shown except for the Past, Present and Future Activities in both groups. Since construct validity was only partially confirmed, exploration of the scale’s conceptual validity needs further testing in Norwegian and international samples.
Sheltered housing compared to independent housing in the community
Authors: Van Bilsen Pascalle M.A. , Hamers Jan P.H. , Groot Wim , Spreeuwenberg Cor
Published: May 2008

Background: With elderly people desiring to live independently as long as possible, traditional homes for the elderly are increasingly being transformed into sheltered accommodations. In order to assess the importance of housing for frail elderly people, elderly people at risk for institutionalization were studied in two living conditions: sheltered accommodation and living independently in the community.

Methods: A total of 317 elderly people at risk for institutionalization [91 men and 240 women, mean age = 83.3 (SD = 6.0)] were interviewed using a structured questionnaire with questions regarding home care and social service use, quality of life, subjective well‐being, life satisfaction, autonomy, functional status, feelings of insecurity and loneliness.

Results: Exactly 56.5% of the respondents were living in sheltered accommodation (n = 179) and 43.5% (n = 138) were living in regular houses. Although both groups were similar in demographic details and functional status, those in sheltered accommodation had a higher perceived autonomy, sense of security and quality of life. No differences were found with regard to subjective well‐being or feelings of loneliness. Elderly people in regular houses needed more hours of housekeeping assistance. Those in sheltered accommodation participated more frequently in services like social activities and social restaurants, but made less use of day care facilities.

Conclusions: Affordable, decent and suitable noninstitutional housing with service provision play a vital role in the lives of elderly people. Compared with independent living in the community, sheltered accommodations provide added value. Sheltered housing should therefore be an integral part of long‐term care policy.
A pilgrimage on the road to understanding of life in experiences of cancer and burnout syndrome
Authors: Rehnsfeldt Arne , Arman Maria
Published: May 2008

The preunderstanding for this study is that progression of a person’s suffering can be seen as movement from unbearable to the bearable. This study aims to examine the development of understanding of life in people with cancer and burnout syndrome in relation to nursing care. Our method entailed clinical application research in the design and collection of data, which consisted of qualitative interviews with 16 former patients in conventional and anthroposophic health care; nine with cancer diagnoses and seven with burnout syndrome. The main theme of our findings is ‘a pilgrimage on the road to understanding of life’. The pilgrimage is the person’s own inner decision to reach new insights and meaning. When suffering from cancer, the struggle is related to threat of death, while persons with burnout syndrome struggle with a threatening nothingness. Walking alone on the pilgrimage without being met in an understanding of life creates increased suffering, while having a companion on the pilgrimage was seen as adding dignity to the suffering human being. The implications for nursing care are that even patients with burnout syndrome need a caring hermeneutic dialogue, where time and space is shared with a caregiver during the pilgrimage.
Aging‐related changes in astrocytes in the rat retina: imbalance between cell proliferation and cell death reduces astrocyte availability
Authors: Mansour Hussein , Chamberlain Coral G. , Weible II Michael W. , Hughes Suzanne , Chu Yi , Chan‐Ling Tailoi
Published: May 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in astrocyte density, morphology, proliferation and apoptosis occurring in the central nervous system during physiological aging. Astrocytes in retinal whole‐mount preparations from Wistar rats aged 3 (young adult) to 25 months (aged) were investigated qualitatively and quantitatively following immunofluorohistochemistry. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100 and Pax2 were used to identify astrocytes, and blood vessels were localized usingGriffonia simplicifolia isolectin B4. Cell proliferation was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and cell death by TUNEL‐labelling and immunolocalization of the apoptosis markers active caspase 3 and endonuclease G. The density and total number of parenchymal astrocytes in the retina increased between 3 and 9 months of age but decreased markedly between 9 and 12 months. Proliferation of astrocytes was detected at 3 months but virtually ceased beyond that age, whereas the proportion of astrocytes that were TUNEL positive and relative expression of active caspase 3 and endonuclease G increased progressively with aging. In addition, in aged retinas astrocytes exhibited gliosis‐like morphology and loss of Pax2 reactivity. A small population of Pax2+/GFAP−cells was detected in both young adult and aged retinas. The reduction in the availability of astrocytes in aged retinas and other aging‐related changes reported here may have a significant impact on the ability of astrocytes to maintain homeostasis and support neuronal function in old age.