bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Women's experiences of early miscarriage: implications for nursing care
Authors: Radford Eleanor J , Hughes Mark 
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectivesTo investigate women's experience of early miscarriage (the first 16 weeks of pregnancy) by reviewing the literature since 1990, identifying and exploring critical themes.BackgroundEarly miscarriage loss accounts for 50,000 inpatient admissions per year in the UK reported in 2010. It can result in anxiety, depression, guilt, emptiness and other features of bereavement.DesignA structured literature review of qualitative literature was undertaken to explore the evidence of women's experience of early miscarriage, and elicit common themes emerging.MethodsA systematic electronic database search was conducted using a range of search engines. Nine papers were identified; four from the UK and one paper each from the USA, Australia, Canada, Israel and Sweden.ResultsFour predominant themes were identified from the experiences of 211 women in the nine studies: ‘What I feel’, ‘Care for me and communicate with me’, ‘Me, my baby and others’ and ‘Help me to cope with the future’.ConclusionsEarly miscarriage is a potentially devastating experience, and the diversity of experiences of women must be reflected in the provision of appropriate and sensitive nursing care.Relevance to clinical practiceThe study demonstrated a significant training need for nurses and midwives to provide women with individualised care.
Experience of pelvic floor muscle exercises among women in Taiwan: a qualitative study of improvement in urinary incontinence and sexuality
Authors: Kao Hsia‐Tzu , Hayter Mark , Hinchliff Sharron , Tsai Chuan‐Hsiu , Hsu Min‐Tao 
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectivesTo gain an in‐depth understanding of women's experiences of performing pelvic floor muscle exercises for urinary incontinence and the impact on their sexuality.BackgroundUrinary incontinence is not a life‐threatening disorder; however, it has been shown to have detrimental effects on quality of life in terms of psychological, social and sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor muscle exercises is the first recommended strategy for managing mild to moderate urinary incontinence as it is noninvasive and cost effective. Pelvic floor muscle exercises reduce incontinence and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which positively affects sexual function in women. Currently, the data are scarce for qualitative literature regarding the subjective experiences of Taiwanese women undergoing pelvic floor muscle exercises and the impact on their urinary incontinence and sexuality.DesignQualitative exploratory study.MethodsSemi‐structured in depth interviews were undertaken with twelve women who had completed a pelvic floor muscle exercises program in Taiwan. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThemes were related to Taiwanese women's initial feelings that urinary incontinence was inevitable and the effects on their sexuality. Three core themes were identified: perceptions of inevitability, developing awareness and gaining control and sexual taboo. Through developing awareness and control of their pelvic floor muscles women expressed improvement in urinary incontinence. Sexual enjoyment, body image, self confidence and sexuality were also enhanced.ConclusionPelvic floor muscle exercises had a positive effect on urinary incontinence and sexuality. The findings demonstrated that sex is a taboo topic for many Taiwanese women. With the sensitive management of pelvic floor muscle exercises programs this issue can be addressed.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study raises awareness of healthcare professionals by identifying how Taiwanese women perceive pelvic floor muscles. The positive impact of pelvic floor muscle exercises upon both urinary incontinence and sexuality within the Taiwanese context are addressed. Nurses may also, with greater confidence initiate discussion of women's sexual concerns as part of managing urinary incontinence.
‘Paddling upstream’: Fathers’ involvement during pregnancy as described by expectant fathers and mothers
Authors: Widarsson Margareta , Engström Gabriella , Tydén Tanja , Lundberg Pranee , Hammar Lena Marmstål 
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectivesTo describe the perspectives of expectant mothers and fathers on fathers' involvement during pregnancy.BackgroundBecoming a father is a major life event and paternal involvement during pregnancy has a positive influence on the family. However, research into both expectant mothers' and fathers' perspectives on fathers' involvement during pregnancy is relatively scarce.DesignA descriptive qualitative study was used.MethodsThirty expectant parents (20 women and 10 men) were interviewed either as part of one of four focus groups or in an individual interview. Qualitative content analysis was performed on the interview transcripts.ResultsA theme of ‘Paddling upstream’ emerged as an expression of the latent content of the interviews concerning perspectives on fathers' involvement. Five sub‐themes described the manifest content: trying to participate, trying to be understanding, trying to learn, trying to be a calming influence and trying to find a balanced life. Expectant parents suggested several ways to improve fathers' involvement and to meet parents' need for shared involvement.ConclusionExpectant mothers and fathers wanted the father to be more involved in the pregnancy. Although fathers attempted different strategies, they did not always perceive what was expected of them and encountered many barriers as they tried to navigate through this unique experience. The best support for the father was the mother. Expectant parents wanted their healthcare to include the father more thoroughly and to focus on the whole family.Relevance to clinical practicePrenatal care professionals can overcome barriers that prevent paternal involvement. Although fathers are not able to engage in the pregnancy on the same level as the mother, we suggest that their specific needs also be recognised through an increased awareness of gender norms in healthcare.
Characteristics of the relationship that develops from nurse‐caregiver communication during telecare
Authors: Solli Hilde , Hvalvik Sigrun , Bjørk Ida Torunn , Hellesø Ragnhild 
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectivesTo explore the relationship between nurses and caregivers using a web camera and web forum as the communication methods.BackgroundIn Norway and other European countries, there is an increased focus on ageing at home, which is aided by technology, as well as formal and informal care. The literature reveals that caregivers endure physical and mental burdens. With computer‐mediated communication, such as telecare, it is possible for nurses to provide supportive care to caregivers in their homes.DesignAn explorative design using qualitative content analysis.MethodSix nurses and nine caregivers with residential spouses suffering from stroke or dementia were interviewed two times over a six‐month period.ResultsThe nurses responded dynamically to the information they received and helped to empower the individual caregivers and to strengthen the interpersonal relationships between the caregivers. While some participants thought that meeting in a virtual room was close and intimate, others wanted to maintain a certain distance. The participants' altered their roles as the masters and receivers of knowledge and experience; this variation was based on a relationship in which mutual respect for one another and an interest in learning from one another allowed them to work together as partners to demonstrate the system and to follow‐up with new caregivers.ConclusionsThe flexibility of the service allows the possibility of engaging in a close, or to some extent, a more distant relationship, depending on the participants' attitudes towards using this type of service.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses can provide close care, support and information to caregivers who endeavour to master their everyday lives together with their sick spouses. The support seems to help the caregivers cope with their own physical and emotional problems.
Late Miocene Palaeocarya (Engelhardieae: Juglandaceae) from Southwest China and its biogeographic implications
Authors: Meng Hong‐Hu , Su Tao , Huang Yong‐Jiang , Zhu Hai , Zhou Zhe‐Kun 
Published: February 2015

AbstractFossil fruits of Palaeocarya (Juglandaceae) are described from late Miocene sediments of southeastern Yunnan, China. The fruits present a tri‐lobed wing consisting of an intact oblong‐ovate middle lobe and two lateral lobes. The lobes are apically obovate, and have pinnate venation. The middle lobe is thicker at the base and gradually tapers to the apex. The nutlet, located at the base of the winged fruit, is round and hispid, and is subdivided by a septum into two compartments. Based on extensive morphological comparisons to previously documented fossil fruits, we found that the fossil fruits align most closely with members of the genus Palaeocarya, but have a unique combination of characters. Thus, we describe the fossils as a new species, Palaeocarya hispida sp. nov. This species represents an important range expansion for low‐latitude occurrences of Palaeocarya in the late Miocene and therefore substantially improves our understanding of the biogeographic history of the genus. We propose that the wide distribution of Palaeocarya and relatively narrow distributions of close relatives, Engelhardia, Alfaropsis, and Oreomunnea, might be associated with a stepwise cooling and a major ice sheet expansion in the Antarctic and Arctic from the late middle Miocene to early Pliocene. In particular, the climatic oscillations during the Quaternary, such as the last glacial maximum, might have led to a decrease in the geographic distribution of Engelhardieae.
Obesity Alters the Peripheral Circadian Clock in the Aorta and Microcirculation
Authors: Nernpermpisooth Nitirut , Qiu Shuiqing , Mintz James D. , Suvitayavat Wisuda , Thirawarapan Suwan , Rudic Daniel R. , Fulton David J. , Stepp David W. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivePerturbation of daily rhythm increases cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to determine whether obesity alters circadian gene expression and microvascular function in lean mice and obese (db/db) mice.MethodsMice were subjected to normal LD or DD to alter circadian rhythm. Metabolic parameters and microvascular vasoreactivity were evaluated. Array studies were conducted in the am and pm cycles to assess the rhythmicity of the entire genomics. Rhythmic expression of specific clock genes (Bmal1, Clock, Npas2, Per1, Per2, and Cry1), clock output genes (dbp), and vascular relaxation‐related genes (eNOS, GTPCH1) were assessed.ResultsObesity was associated with metabolic dysfunction and impaired endothelial dilation in the microvasculature. Circadian rhythm of gene expression was suppressed 80% in both macro‐ and microcirculations of obese mice. Circadian disruption with DD increased fasting serum glucose and HbA1c in obese but not lean mice. Endothelium‐dependent dilation was attenuated in obese mice and in lean mice subjected to DD. Rhythmic expression of per1 and dbp was depressed in obesity. Expression of eNOS expression was suppressed and GTPCH1 lost rhythmic expression both in obesity and by constant darkness.ConclusionThese results suggest that obesity reduces circadian gene expression in concert with impaired endothelial function. The causal relationship remains to be determined.
Acupuncture for posttonsillectomy pain in children: a randomized, controlled study
Authors: Gilbey Peter , Bretler Shlomi , Avraham Yaniv , Sharabi‐Nov Adi , Ibrgimov Sasha , Luder Anthony 
Published: February 2015

SummaryBackgroundSurgeons have searched for the technique or medication that will produce a ‘painless tonsillectomy’; however, this seems to be an impossible goal. Previous studies have shown that perioperative acupuncture may be a useful adjunct for acute postoperative pain and that acupuncture, in addition to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, is effective in adults for the treatment of postoperative swallowing pain after tonsillectomy. Acupuncture has been shown to be safe in children. A retrospective review of acupuncture for posttonsillectomy pain in juvenile patients showed a significantly reduced pain score immediately after treatment.AimTo examine whether acupuncture, in addition to conventional analgesic treatment, will be effective in the treatment of posttonsillectomy pain in children.MethodsWe conducted a randomized, controlled, single‐blinded study comparing conventional postoperative analgesic treatment with the same regime plus acupuncture to assess whether postoperative treatment of children aged 3–12 years undergoing tonsillectomy with acupuncture will reduce pain and to examine possible unwanted effects of this treatment.ResultsSixty children were recruited and randomly divided into a study group and a control group. The results indicate that in the study group, there was less pain, less analgesic drug consumption, and higher patient/parent satisfaction with analgesic treatment scores. No adverse effects were recorded.ConclusionsAcupuncture, in addition to conventional analgesic treatment, is an effective treatment for posttonsillectomy pain. Acupuncture is safe and well received by children and their parents.
Infantile Granular Parakeratosis: Cytologic Examination of Superficial Scrapings as an Aid to Diagnosis
Authors: Akkaya A. Deniz , Oram Yasemin , Aydın Özlem 
Published: February 2015

AbstractGranular parakeratosis (GP) is a benign disorder of keratinization presenting with unilateral or bilateral red to brown hyperkeratotic plaques and papules at the intertriginous areas. The first pediatric case of GP was reported in 2002, and only a few cases have been reported since. Although the exact etiology of GP is unknown, it is thought that certain environmental factors compromise the epidermal barrier and lead to proliferation and altered maturation of the epidermis in predisposed individuals. The histopathology is diagnostic and reveals parakeratosis together with retention of keratohyalin granules within a disproportionately thickened stratum corneum and usually the preservation of stratum granulosum. Herein we report seven cases of infantile GP, six of which also had atopic dermatitis. Cytologic examination confirmed our clinical diagnosis by demonstrating the retention of keratohyalin granules and preservation of the nuclei from the superficial scrapings of the lesions, which we propose as a novel diagnostic technique. In all seven cases the lesions developed after the overuse of topical products and resolved with avoidance of their excessive use. We propose that atopic skin may be more prone to develop GP because the epidermal barrier is disrupted, resulting in the enhanced transepidermal penetration of topical products. In conclusion, GP should be included in the differential diagnosis of diaper area eruptions, especially in atopic children. Cytologic examination of superficial scrapings of the lesions can easily confirm the diagnosis of GP.
Congenital Lupus with Multiorgan Involvement: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Padilla‐España Laura , Díaz Cabrera Rocio , Del Boz Javier , Lozano Calero Carmen 
Published: February 2015

AbstractNeonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is an autoimmune disease caused by transplacental antibodies that can damage fetal tissue and cause various findings. With the exception of congenital heart block, which can be easily recognized at birth because of neonatal cardiac monitoring during the delivery and immediately after birth, most cases of NLE are recognized within days to weeks of life, but fewer than 10 cases with findings present at birth have been reported. We report the case of a newborn with extensive cutaneous eruption at the time of birth and multisystemic involvement, including hematologic, respiratory, hepatic, and neurologic involvement.
Fibrous Hamartoma of Infancy: A Firm Plaque Presenting with Hypertrichosis and Hyperhidrosis
Authors: Melnick Laura , Berger Emily M. , Elenitsas Rosalie , Chachkin Samuel , Treat James R. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractFibrous hamartoma of infancy (FHI) is a rare, benign, soft tissue tumor. The lesion's clinical resemblance to more aggressive soft tissue tumors of childhood makes histologic diagnosis paramount. We report a unique presentation of a FHI associated with localized hypertrichosis and hyperhidrosis.
IgA nephropathy in a girl with mitochondrial disease
Authors: Nishida Masashi , Morimoto Masafumi , Ohno Kunihiko , Hamaoka Kenji 
Published: February 2015

AbstractMitochondrial renal disease is one of the important causes of end‐stage renal disease in children and its incidence may be underestimated. We here describe the case of a 13‐year‐old girl who was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease (MD) accompanied by IgA nephropathy (IgAN). She presented with persistent proteinuria, short stature, and hearing defect, and her younger sister had the same symptoms. Renal biopsy indicated mild focal segmental mesangial proliferation with dominant mesangial IgA deposition on immunofluorescence. Electron microscopy showed marked proliferation of abnormal mitochondria in the proximal tubular cells. Enzyme activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I and IV in cultured skin fibroblasts was significantly decreased. This case indicated the possible co‐occurrence of IgAN and MD. Underlying MD should be considered in patients with urine abnormalities, especially in those with multiple organ involvement.
Combined effects of girdling and leaf removal on fluorescence characteristic of Alhagi sparsifolia leaf senescence
Authors: Tang G. , Li X. , Lin L. , Guo H. , Li L. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPlant senescence is largely influenced by carbohydrate content. In order to investigate the impact of carbohydrate content on leaf senescence and photosystem II (PSII) during the senescence process, phloem girdling (PG), leaf removal (LR) and a combination of phloem girdling and leaf removal (GR) were performed on Alhagi sparsifolia (Fabaceae) at the end of the growing season. The results showed that during senescence, leaf soluble sugar content, starch content, the energy absorbed by the unit reaction centre (ABS/RC) increased; whereas, leaf photosynthetic rate, photosynthetic pigment content, maximum photochemical efficiency (φPo) and energy used by the acceptor site in electron transfer (ETo/RC) decreased. The degree of change was PG> GR> CK (control)> LR. The results of the present work implied that phloem girdling (PG) significantly accelerated leaf senescence, and that single leaf removal (LR) slightly delayed leaf senescence; although leaf removal significantly delayed the senescence process on the girdled leaf (GR). Natural or delayed senescence only slightly inhibited the acceptor site of PSII and did not damage the donor site of PSII. On the other hand, induced senescence not only damaged the donor site of PSII (e.g. oxygen‐evolving complex), but also significantly inhibited the acceptor site of PSII. In addition, leaf senescence led to an increase in the energy absorbed by the unit reaction centre (ABS/RC), which subsequently resulted in increasing excitation pressure in the reaction centre (DIo/RC), as well as additional saved Car for absorbing residual light energy and quenching reactive oxygen species during senescence.
Local climate explains degree of seed dormancy in Hypericum elodes L. (Hypericaceae)
Authors: Carta A. , Probert R. , Puglia G. , Peruzzi L. , Bedini G. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractSeed dormancy and germination characteristics may vary within species in response to several factors. Knowledge of such variation is crucial to understand plant evolution and adaptation to environmental changes. We examined the correlation of climate and population genetic differentiation (ISSR) with primary seed dormancy and germination behaviour in populations of the Atlantic–European soft‐water pool specialist Hypericum elodes. Primary dormancy was measured by analysing seed germination response of fresh seeds and after various periods of cold stratification. Laboratory germination experiments revealed that the single most important factor for promoting germination was cold stratification prior to placing at the germination temperature. However, in agreement with their weaker primary dormancy, the seeds germinated well when fresh, and the benefit of cold stratification was more relaxed for the southern populations. Seeds of all populations demonstrated a near absolute requirement for a light and alternating temperature regime in order to germinate. The promoting effect of alternating temperatures was particularly effective at warm temperatures (mean 20 °C) but not at cool temperatures. Whilst seed germination requirements were similar among populations, the degree of primary dormancy varied considerably and was not associated with population genetic differentiation. Primary dormancy degree was instead associated with local climate: higher temperature in summer and rainfall in winter predicted weak and rapid loss of dormancy. These results suggest that seed maturation environment may play a substantial role in explaining the degree of dormancy in H. elodes, highlighting that physiological dormancy can be modulated by local climate.
Congenital Abnormality of the Vagina Complicated by Haemato‐Pyocolpos in a 1‐Year Labrador Retriever
Authors: Alonge S , Romussi S , Grieco V , Luvoni GC 
Published: February 2015

ContentsA 1‐year‐old female Labrador retriever was referred with a few days history of haematic‐like vulvar discharge. Physical examination, vaginal inspection and palpation did not reveal any remarkable finding. Transabdominal ultrasound showed echogenic fluid accumulation in the vagina suggesting haemato‐pyocolpos. An exploratory laparotomy was performed: a well‐delimited ectasic vagina was identified. Ovariohysterectomy and partial vaginectomy and vaginoplasty were performed to spay the bitch and to remove the ectasic vagina. Post‐operative recovery and 12‐month follow‐up were uneventful. Clinical, morphological and histological findings were consistent with a congenital abnormality of the muscular layer of the vagina complicated by haemato‐pyocolpos. The disorganization of the vaginaltunica muscularismay have acted aslocus minoris resistentiaein the vaginal wall. The organ was dilated and atonic due to the gradual accumulation of physiological fluids complicated by an overgrowth of genital bacteria. This congenital disorder has to be taken into account as differential diagnosis of haemato‐pyocolpos with vaginal discharge in young bitches.