bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nursing and the new biology: towards a realist, anti‐reductionist approach to nursing knowledge
Authors: Nairn Stuart 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAs a system of knowledge, nursing has utilized a range of subjects and reconstituted them to reflect the thinking and practice of health care. Often drawn to a holistic model, nursing finds it difficult to resist the reductionist tendencies in biological and medical thinking. In this paper I will propose a relational approach to knowledge that is able to address this issue. The paper argues that biology is not characterized by one stable theory but is often a contentious topic and employs philosophically diverse models in its scientific research. Biology need not be seen as a reductionist science, but reductionism is nonetheless an important current within biological thinking. These reductionist currents can undermine nursing knowledge in four main ways. Firstly, that the conclusions drawn from reductionism go far beyond their data based on an approach that prioritizes biological explanations and eliminates others. Secondly, that the methods employed by biologists are sometimes weak, and the limitations are insufficiently acknowledged. Thirdly, that the assumptions that drive the research agenda are problematic, and finally that uncritical application of these ideas can be potentially disastrous for nursing practice. These issues are explored through an examination of the problems reductionism poses for the issue of gender, mental health, and altruism. I then propose an approach based on critical realism that adopts an anti‐reductionist philosophy that utilizes the conceptual tools of emergence and a relational ontology.
Geographical imaginaries: Articulating the values of geography
Authors: Howie Bill , Lewis Nick 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis paper explores the concept of ‘geographical imaginaries’ in New Zealand geography. It reflects on the genealogy of the concept and on the work it might perform in the world. At a time when the purpose and contribution of geography in schools is under question and the discipline is under severe strain at universities, we ask whether the idea of ‘geographical imaginaries’ offers a conceptual platform for demonstrating the potential for geography to offer meaning in the complex world of 21st‐century New Zealand and whether it will help teachers to foster geographic thought in classrooms. In short, we argue for the merits of working with the idea of geographical imaginaries in classrooms and for utilising it to interrogate accounts of the geographical gaze and its values. This, we argue, offers opportunities to catalyse geographical thought, highlight the potential of thinking geographically, and open up a thinking space in which geography teachers can examine their pedagogy and enhance the purpose of their work. This would provide a platform for building a more imaginative and more politically and culturally relevant geography at school.
Teaching physical geography at university with cartoons and comic strips: Motivation, construction and usage
Authors: Gomez Christopher 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis article presents the cartoons and comic strips that the author draws and has used in his teaching of physical geography at the undergraduate level since 2011. In the context of an image‐based culture, this article discusses the pedagogic goals that cartoons and comic strips fulfil: enhancing learning and creativity, associating pleasure with learning, pushing students to think ‘outside the box’ and relating the students' learning experience to a media framework popular with students. Cartoons and comic strips also answer particular necessities related to the teaching of physical geography. Using characters placed in hypothetical situations, they explain the process of doing geography and being a physical geographer.
Can trained volunteers make a difference at mealtimes for older people in hospital? A qualitative study of the views and experience of nurses, patients, relatives and volunteers in the Southampton Mealtime Assistance Study
Authors: Robison Judy , Pilgrim Anna L. , Rood Gemma , Diaper Norma , Elia Marinos , Jackson Alan A. , Cooper Cyrus , Aihie Sayer Avan , Robinson Sian , Roberts Helen C. 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundMalnutrition is common amongst hospitalised older patients and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Poor dietary intake results from factors including acute illness and cognitive impairment but additionally patients may have difficulty managing at mealtimes. Use of volunteers to help at mealtimes is rarely evaluated.ObjectivesTo obtain multiple perspectives on nutritional care of older inpatients, acceptability of trained volunteers and identify important elements of their assistance.DesignA qualitative study 1 year before and after introduction of volunteer mealtime assistants on one ward and parallel comparison with a control ward in a Medicine for Older People department at a UK university hospital.Participants and methodsSemi‐structured interviews and focus groups, in baseline and intervention years, with purposively sampled nursing staff at different levels of seniority; patients or close relatives; and volunteers.ResultsAt baseline staff felt under pressure with insufficient people assisting at mealtimes. Introducing trained volunteers was perceived by staff and patients to improve quality of mealtime care by preparing patients for mealtimes, assisting patients who needed help, and releasing nursing time to assist dysphagic or drowsy patients. There was synergy with other initiatives, notably protected mealtimes. Interviews highlighted the perceived contribution of chronic poor appetite and changes in eating patterns to risk of malnutrition.ConclusionsImproved quality of mealtime care attributed to volunteers’ input has potential to enhance staff morale and patients’/relatives’ confidence. A volunteer mealtime assistance scheme may work best when introduced in context of other changes reflecting commitment to improving nutrition.Implications for practice(i) A mealtime assistance scheme should incorporate training, supervision and support for volunteers; (ii) Good relationships and a sense of teamwork can develop between wards staff and volunteers; (iii) Impact may be maximised in the context of ‘protected mealtimes’.
Biology of advanced uveal melanoma and next steps for clinical therapeutics
Authors: Luke Jason J. , Triozzi Pierre L. , McKenna Kyle C. , Van Meir Erwin G. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Bastian Boris C. , Gutkind J. Silvio , Bowcock Anne M. , Streicher Howard Z. , Patel Poulam M. , Sato Takami , Sossman Jeffery A. , Sznol Mario , Welch Jack , Thurin Magdalena , Selig Sara , Flaherty Keith T. , Carvajal Richard D. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryUveal melanoma is the most common intraocular malignancy although it is a rare subset of all melanomas. Uveal melanoma has distinct biology relative to cutaneous melanoma, with widely divergent patient outcomes. Patients diagnosed with a primary uveal melanoma can be stratified for risk of metastasis by cytogenetics or gene expression profiling, with approximately half of patients developing metastatic disease, predominately hepatic in location, over a 15‐yr period. Historically, no systemic therapy has been associated with a clear clinical benefit for patients with advanced disease, and median survival remains poor. Here, as a joint effort between the Melanoma Research Foundation's ocular melanoma initiative, CURE OM and the National Cancer Institute, the current understanding of the molecular and immunobiology of uveal melanoma is reviewed, and on‐going laboratory research into the disease is highlighted. Finally, recent investigations relevant to clinical management via targeted and immunotherpies are reviewed, and next steps in the development of clinical therapeutics are discussed.
Clinical behavior of Japanese community pharmacists for preventing prescription drug overdose
Authors: Shimane Takuya , Matsumoto Toshihiko , Wada Kiyoshi 
Published: August 2014

AimPrescription drug abuse, including benzodiazepines, is a growing health problem in Japan. This study examined the community pharmacist's clinical behavior regarding patients who overdose on prescribed drugs, and explored the possibility of overdose prevention by community pharmacists.MethodsWe surveyed all registered community pharmacies with dispensing functions (n = 1867) in the Saitama Pharmaceutical Association. An anonymous self‐administered questionnaire was mailed to each pharmacy. Respondents were asked about clinical behavior such as medication counseling and referral to the prescriber if prescription drug overdose was identified.ResultsAmong respondents, 26% of community pharmacists reported clinical experience of working with patients who overdosed on prescribed drugs in the previous year. Half of respondents evaluated their practice such as medication counseling and referral to the prescriber as ‘good’. On multivariate analysis, a ‘poor’ self‐evaluation of referral to the prescriber was significantly associated with the following perceptions: ‘insufficient confidence in communication with prescribers’ (odds ratio [OR], 2.7; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.4–5.3), and ‘to avoid trouble with prescribers’ (OR, 1.7; 95%CI: 1.0–2.7).ConclusionJapanese community pharmacists could prevent prescription drug abuse in their practice, but the pharmacists who have insufficient confidence in communication with prescribers and who are afraid of trouble with a prescriber, reported poor self‐evaluation for referral to the prescribers. All prescribers should understand the importance of referral by community pharmacists, to assist community pharmacists in playing a critical role in prevention of prescription drug abuse.
Four pediatric patients with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease developed new‐onset diabetes after renal transplantation
Authors: Carter S. A. , Kitching A. R. , Johnstone L. M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractNODAT is increasingly prevalent. Compared with adult recipients, NODAT is less prevalent in pediatric renal transplant recipients; however, some risk factors for its development in young patients have been defined. We report four pediatric renal transplant recipients with ARPKD who developed NODAT. We review the current pediatric NODAT literature and hypothesize that ARPKD may be an additional risk factor for NODAT.
Photodynamic Inactivation of Bacterial and Yeast Biofilms With a Cationic Porphyrin
Authors: Beirão Sandra , Fernandes Sara , Coelho Joel , Faustino Maria A. F. , Tomé João P. C. , Neves Maria G. P. M. S. , Tomé Augusto C. , Almeida Adelaide , Cunha Angela 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe efficiency of 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(1‐methylpyridinium‐4‐yl)porphyrin tetra‐iodide (Tetra‐Py+‐Me) in the photodynamic inactivation of single‐species biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans and mixed biofilms of S. aureus and C. albicans was evaluated. The effect on the extracellular matrix of P. aeruginosa was also assessed. Irradiation with white light up to an energy dose of 64.8 J cm−2 in the presence of 20 μm of Tetra‐Py+‐Me caused significant inactivation in all single‐species biofilms (3–6 log reductions), although the susceptibility was attenuated in relation to planktonic cells. In mixed biofilms, the inactivation of S. aureus was as efficient as in single‐species biofilms but the susceptibility of C. albicans decreased. In P. aeruginosa biofilms, a reduction of 81% in the polysaccharide content of the matrix was observed after treatment with a 20 μm PS concentration and a total light dose of 64.8 J cm−2. The results show that the Tetra‐Py+‐Me causes significant inactivation of the microorganisms, either in biofilms or in the planktonic form, and demonstrate that polysaccharides of the biofilm matrix may be a primary target of photodynamic damage.
Leaf‐shape remodeling: programmed cell death in fistular leaves of Allium fistulosum
Authors: Ni Xi‐Lu , Su Hui , Zhou Ya‐fu , Wang Feng‐Hua , Liu Wen‐Zhe 
Published: August 2014

Some species of Allium in Liliaceae have fistular leaves. The fistular lamina of Allium fistulosum undergoes a process from solid to hollow during development. The aims were to reveal the process of fistular leaf formation involved in programmed cell death (PCD) and to compare the cytological events in the execution of cell death to those in the unusual leaf perforations or plant aerenchyma formation. In this study, light and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the development of fistular leaves and cytological events. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays and gel electrophoresis were used to determine nuclear DNA cleavage during the PCD. The cavity arises in the leaf blade by degradation of specialized cells, the designated pre‐cavity cells, in the center of the leaves. Nuclei of cells within the pre‐cavity site become TUNEL‐positive, indicating that DNA cleavage is an early event. Gel electrophoresis revealed that DNA internucleosomal cleavage occurred resulting in a characteristic DNA ladder. Ultrastructural analysis of cells at the different stages showed disrupted vacuoles, misshapen nuclei with condensed chromatin, degraded cytoplasm and organelles and emergence of secondary vacuoles. The cell walls degraded last, and residue of degraded cell walls aggregated together. These results revealed that PCD plays a critical role in the development of A. fistulosum fistular leaves. The continuous cavity in A. fistulosum leaves resemble the aerenchyma in the pith of some gramineous plants to improve gas exchange.
Expertise in video game playing is associated with reduced valence‐concordant emotional expressivity
Authors: Weinreich André , Strobach Tilo , Schubert Torsten 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn carefully selected groups of video game playing (VGP) experts and nonexperts, we examined valence‐concordant emotional expressivity. We measured electromyographic (EMG) activity over the corrugator supercilii muscle while participants viewed pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant pictures. Potential group differences concerning valence‐concordant expressivity may arise from differences concerning the participants' emotional reactivity. To control for such differences, we concomitantly measured skin conductance response (SCR) and, in a separate affect misattribution procedure (AMP), valence transfer from the same set of stimuli. Importantly, we found attenuated valence‐concordant EMG activity over the corrugator supercilii muscle in VGP experts compared to nonexperts, but no differences were evident concerning SCR or valence transfer in the AMP. The findings suggest that expertise in VGP is particularly associated with reduced valence‐concordant emotional expressivity.
Seroepidemiology of human T‐cell lymphotropic virus among Iranian adult thalassemic patients
Authors: Keshvari M. , Hajibeigi B. , Azarkeivan A. , Keyvani H. , Behnava B. , Saiedi Hosseini S. Y. , Sharafi H. , Alavian S. M. 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYBackgroundA large number of transfusion‐dependent thalassemic patients is at a substantial risk for transfusion‐transmitted infections. Human T‐cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is a blood‐borne pathogen and can be transmitted via cellular products. We aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of HTLV in transfusion‐dependent thalassemic patients referred to Tehran Adult Thalassemia Clinic.MethodsFrom 2008 to 2010, 257 transfusion‐dependent thalassemic patients who referred to Tehran Adult Thalassemia Clinic were enrolled. The seroprevalence of HTLV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV were assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Also, the samples with positive result for anti‐HTLVAb (by ELISA) were reassessed using Western blot for HTLV.ResultsAmong the 257 transfusion‐dependent thalassemic patients who were tested for anti‐HTLVAb, 29 (11·3%, 95%CI = 7·8–15.6%) were found to be anti‐HTLVAb positive by ELISA and Western blot. No case was detected to be HBsAg positive, whereas 16% had HBV seroconversion criteria, and more than 95% had anti‐HBsAb in their sera. Also, 103 (40·1%) patients were HCV seropositive, 13 (5·1%) patients of which were co‐infected with HCV/HTLV. Among the HTLV‐infected patients, 44·8% were co‐infected with HCV, whereas 39·5% of HTLV‐seronegative individuals were HCV mono‐infected (P > 0·05).ConclusionThis study showed that transfusion‐dependent thalassemic patients were in higher risk for transmission of different blood‐borne pathogens such as HTLV. The screening of HTLV in Iranian blood donors is recommended.
Plerixafor is effective given either preemptively or as a rescue strategy in poor stem cell mobilizing patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Cheng Jian , Schmitt Michael , Wuchter Patrick , Buss Eike C. , Witzens‐Harig Mathias , Neben Kai , Hundemer Michael , Hillengass Jens , Alexi Renate , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Chen Bao‐an , Ho Anthony D. , Schmitt Anita 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundHarvest of more than one CD34+ stem cell transplant has become the standard, to ensure the option for a second autologous transplantation in patients with relapsed or progressive multiple myeloma (MM). Additional administration of the CXCR‐4 inhibitor plerixafor has been shown to increase the efficiency of CD34+ stem cell harvest. However, the algorithm when to apply plerixafor is still under debate.Study Design and MethodsIn this retrospective study, 46 MM patients were categorized into four groups according to their CD34+ stem cell count in peripheral blood (PB) and mobilization with or without plerixafor: Group A comprised poor mobilizers with CD34+ cell counts of fewer than 20 × 106/L in PB. Group B included inadequate mobilizers with CD34+ cell counts of 20 × 106/L or more in PB and a low CD34+ stem cell yield in the first leukapheresis session. Patients receiving plerixafor preemptively (Group A1) and as a rescue strategy (Group B1) were compared to patients continuing stem cell collection with granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor alone (Groups A2 and B2).ResultsIn both, the preemptive and the rescue settings, plerixafor enhanced the CD34+ stem cell yield significantly. Poor mobilization and administration of plerixafor was not associated with delayed engraftment.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that administration of plerixafor is safe and effective and facilitates a significantly higher CD34+ stem cell harvest. Based on the presented data, we propose an algorithm for the use of plerixafor for CD34+ stem cell mobilization and harvesting in poor mobilizing myeloma patients.
Effects of the Etna Uphill Ultramarathon on Energy Cost and Mechanics of Running
Authors: Lazzer Stefano , Salvadego Desy , Taboga Paolo , Rejc Enrico , Giovanelli Nicola , di Prampero Pietro E. 
Published: August 2014

Purpose:To investigate the effects of an extreme uphill marathon on the mechanical parameters that are likely to affect the energy cost of running (Cr).Methods:Eleven runners (27–59 y) participated in the Etna SuperMarathon (43 km, 0–3063 m above sea level). Anthropometric characteristics, maximal explosive power of the lower limb (Pmax), and maximal oxygen uptake were determined before the competition. In addition, before and immediately after the race, Cr, contact (tc) and aerial (ta) times, step frequency (f), and running velocity were measured at constant self-selected speed. Then, peak vertical ground-reaction force (Fmax), vertical downward displacement of the center of mass (Δz), leg-length change (ΔL), and vertical (kvert) and leg (kleg) stiffness were calculated.Results:A direct relationship between Cr, measured before the race, and race time was shown (r = .61, P < .001). Cr increased significantly at the end of the race by 8.7%. Immediately after the race, the subjects showed significantly lower ta (–58.6%), f (–11.3%), Fmax (–17.6%), kvert (–45.6%), and kleg (–42.3%) and higher tc (+28.6%), Δz (+52.9%), and ΔL (+44.5%) than before the race. The increase of Cr was associated with a decrement in Fmax (r = –.45), kvert (r = –.44), and kleg (r = –.51). Finally, an inverse relationship between Pmax measured before the race and ΔCr during race was found (r = –.52).Conclusions:Lower Cr was related with better performance, and athletes characterized by the greater Pmax showed lower increases in Cr during the race. This suggests that specific power training of the lower limbs may lead to better performance in ultraendurance running competition.
A Systematic Review of Reporting of Rehabilitation in Articular-Cartilage-Repair Studies of Third-Generation Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in the Knee
Authors: Bright Philip , Hambly Karen 
Published: August 2014

Context:Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a tissue-engineered surgical technique initially developed for articular cartilage repair of isolated chondral lesions of the knee. Third-generation techniques (ACI3) are now available that deliver autologous cultured chondrocytes into the defect using cell scaffolds. The successful outcomes of these techniques have some dependency on presurgical and postsurgical patient rehabilitation.Objectives:To determine if the standard of reporting for rehabilitation has improved in ACI3 studies; previous reviews in this field recommended describing the detail of this rehabilitation and patient compliance as integral elements.Evidence Acquisition:A computerized search was performed in March 2013. Criteria for inclusion were any studies that evaluated or described the process of ACI3 in the knee and subsequent rehabilitation. The modified Coleman Methodology Score (CMS) was used to rate the standard of reporting of rehabilitation and surgical procedures; review articles were also evaluated for quality using the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT). Mean scores, odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and Mann-Whitney U statistics were calculated.Evidence Synthesis:An improvement in mean CMS was seen compared with previous reviews, but rehabilitation reporting scores were lower than their surgical equivalent; significant association was seen between studies with rehabilitator involvement and high scores in the individual CMS rehabilitation element. Predominant SORT scores of 2A indicated medium strength of recommendation.Conclusions:The CMS provides a general overview of methodological quality, but a more specialized tool to report on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the rehabilitation process would help raise the standards. It is recommended that rehabilitation therapists be included as key members of research teams and be involved in the design, implementation, and reporting of future studies.