bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How do Australian palliative care nurses address existential and spiritual concerns? Facilitators, barriers and strategies
Authors: Keall Robyn , Clayton Josephine M , Butow Phyllis 
Published: February 2014

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the facilitators, barriers and strategies that Australian palliative care nurses identify in providing existential and spiritual care for patients with life‐limiting illnesses.BackgroundPalliative care aims to be holistic, incorporating all domains of personhood, but spiritual/existential domain issues are often undertreated. Lack of time and skills and concerns for what you may uncover hamper care provision.DesignA qualitative study through semistructured interviews.MethodsWe interviewed 20 palliative care nurses from a cross section of area of work, place of work, years of experience, spiritual beliefs and importance of those beliefs within their lives. Questions focused on their current practices of existential and spiritual care, identification of facilitators of, barriers to and strategies for provision of that care. Their responses were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsThe nurses' interviews yielded several themes including development of the nurse–patient relationship (14/20 nurses), good communication skills and examples of questions they use to ‘create openings’ to facilitate care. Barriers were identified as follows: lack of time (11/20 nurses), skills, privacy and fear of what you may uncover, unresolved symptoms and differences in culture or belief. Novel to our study, the nurses offered strategies that included the following: undertaking further education in this area, being self‐aware and ensuring the setting is conducive to in‐depth conversations and interactions and documentation and/or interdisciplinary sharing for continuity of care.ConclusionPalliative care nurses are well placed to provide existential and spiritual care to patients with the primary facilitator being the nurse–patient relationship, the primary barrier being lack of time and the primary strategy being undertaking further education in this area.Relevance to clinical practiceThese findings could be used for nurse‐support programmes, undergraduate or graduate studies or communication workshop for nurses.
Living longer at home: a qualitative study of older clients' and practical nurses' perceptions of home care
Authors: Turjamaa Riitta , Hartikainen Sirpa , Kangasniemi Mari , Pietilä Anna‐Maija 
Published: February 2014

Aims and objectivesTo identify descriptions of older (75+) home care clients and practical nurses regarding the current structure of home care available for older clients and the elements promoting the ability of clients to continue living at home.BackgroundThe ageing population is a major global challenge in social and health care. In many countries, the focus of care for older clients has shifted from institutional care towards a model of home care. Increasing attention has been paid to maximising the resources of older clients and aiming to support their living at home for as long as possible.DesignA descriptive qualitative studyMethodsData were collected from individual interviews by using videotaped home care visits as a tool for stimulated recall interviews. Two groups of participants were interviewed: 14 practical nurses and 23 older clients. Data were analysed by using the inductive content analysis.ResultsBoth participant groups, practical nurses and older home care clients, described home care as organisationally driven, but highlighted the importance of individual encounters. In addition, both groups noted that clients' living at home can be supported by offering individually designed care. Individually designed care refers to showing respect to clients' opinions and promoting their individual resources.ConclusionIn order to be able to promote older home clients' living at home, the provided home care needs to be individually designed and must take into account clients' resources and their perspectives of meaningful and inspirational activities.Relevance to clinical practiceThe information produced by this study can be used to promote older clients' living at home for as long as possible. Therefore, practical nurses are required the ability to recognise older clients' individual resources and design individual care plans accordingly.
Mild Encephalitis/Encephalopathy with Reversible Splenial and Cerebellar Lesions (MERS Type II) in a Patient with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
Authors: Gawlitza Matthias , Hoffmann Karl‐Titus , Lobsien Donald 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe typical form of mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion—called MERS type I—is characterized by a singular, reversible lesion in the midline of the splenium. Very rarely, additional lesions with similar signal characteristics can occur in other brain areas, which is then referred to as MERS type II. We present the case of a patient with a reversible splenial lesion and concomitant reversible cerebellar lesions within the scope of an atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
POPULATION DENSITY IN A CENTRAL‐PLACE SYSTEM
Authors: Papageorgiou Yorgos Y. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe existing empirical literature about polycentric population density has focused on the urban scale, and the alternative models proposed in that context have been justified using heuristic arguments. This paper describes how polycentric density distributions can, in general, be endowed with a theoretical framework which differs from the existing literature with respect to the treatment of centers: instead of assuming that they represent places of work, it assumes they are places that provide goods and services to households. This imposes a hierarchical structure on the model, which allows replacing the set of distances to all centers (typically used in the existing literature as the same explanans irrespectively of location) with a smaller set of distances that corresponds to the number of levels in the hierarchy and varies with location. The central‐place framework used also provides a direct link between a polycentric model and the Clark formula, in the sense that the latter can emerge through a smoothing procedure of the former. Finally, in the context of central places, the scope of related empirical investigations can be extended naturally from the urban to the regional scale. This is the scale of a simple test presented here, which has been specifically included to support the corresponding theoretical arguments about the structure of a polycentric density gradient. The paper concludes with some expected problems and advantages of applying these ideas to the urban scale.
ESTIMATORS OF BINARY SPATIAL AUTOREGRESSIVE MODELS: A MONTE CARLO STUDY
Authors: Calabrese Raffaella , Elkink Johan A. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe goal of this paper is to provide a cohesive description and a critical comparison of the main estimators proposed in the literature for spatial binary choice models. The properties of such estimators are investigated using a theoretical and simulation study, followed by an empirical application. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper that provides a comprehensive Monte Carlo study of the estimators' properties. This simulation study shows that the Gibbs estimator performs best for low spatial autocorrelation, while the recursive importance sampler performs best for high spatial autocorrelation. The same results are obtained by increasing the sample size. Finally, the linearized general method of moments estimator is the fastest algorithm that provides accurate estimates for low spatial autocorrelation and large sample size.
Enzogenol improves diabetes-related metabolic change in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice, a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bang Chae-Young , Choung Se-Young 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Objectives
Dietary use of pine bark extract has been associated with reduced risk of inflammation and diabetes. In this study, we investigated the antidiabetic effects of enzogenol, proanthocyanidins-rich bioflavonoid extract derived from the pine bark of New Zealand Pinus radiata trees, using C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice.

Methods
After 1-week acclimation period, the db/db mice were divided into vehicle-treated, Enzogenol-treated (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg; EZ) and positive control (tea polyphenol 50 mg/kg; TPP) groups.

Key findings
The administration of EZ improved the glucose tolerance and lowered the glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C), insulin and glucagon levels in blood. Interestingly, EZ and TPP treatments resulted in reduced hepatic free fatty acid, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in db/db mice. EZ and TPP treatments significantly elevated hepatic AMPK activity, and the expression of proteins related to glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism, such as glucokinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α and long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase protein level with a simultaneous reduction of glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase protein expression. In addition, the EZ administration groups had an increased hepatic glycogen synthase expression in db/db mice.

Conclusions
These results suggest that EZ may be beneficial in improving insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetic mice by enhancing the glucose and lipids metabolism.
Melatonin inhibits MUC5AC production via suppression of MAPK signaling in human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Shin In‐Sik , Park Ji‐Won , Shin Na‐Rae , Jeon Chan‐Mi , Kwon Ok‐Kyoung , Lee Mee‐Young , Kim Hui‐Seong , Kim Jong‐Choon , Oh Sei‐Ryang , Ahn Kyung‐Seop 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMucus acts as a primary defense system in the airway against various stimuli. However, excess mucus production causes a reduction in lung function via limitation of the airflow in the airway of patients suffering from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, we evaluated the effects of melatonin on the production of MUC5AC, a major constituent of the mucin that is secreted from the airway, using epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐stimulated NCI‐H292 cells, a human mucoepidermoid carcinoma cell line, and an ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced asthma murine model. Melatonin treatment significantly reduced the mRNA and protein levels of MUC5AC and reduced interleukin (IL)‐6 production in EGF‐stimulated H292 cells. Melatonin markedly decreased the phosphorylation of MAPKs, including ERK1/2, JNK, and p‐38, induced by EGF stimulation. These findings were consistent with the results using MAPK inhibitors. Particularly, co‐treatment with melatonin and a MAPK inhibitor more effectively suppressed MAPK phosphorylation than treatment with a MAPK inhibitor alone, which resulted in a reduction in MUC5AC expression. In the asthma murine model, melatonin‐treated mice exhibited a marked reduction in MUC5AC expression in the airway compared with the OVA‐induced mice. These reductions were accompanied by reductions in proinflammatory cytokine production and inflammatory cell infiltration. Collectively, these findings indicate that melatonin effectively inhibits MUC5AC expression. These effects may be closely associated with the inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation. Furthermore, our study suggests that melatonin could represent a potential therapeutic for chronic airway diseases, such as asthma and COPD.
Social climate of acute old age psychiatry inpatient units: staff perceptions within the context of patient aggression
Authors: McCann T. , Baird J. , Muir‐Cochrane E. C. 
Published: February 2014

Accessible summary
A positive ward social climate or atmosphere can help prevent aggression and improve patient outcomes in old age psychiatry inpatient settings.
The study of staff perceptions of social climate took place in three old age psychiatry inpatient units in Melbourne, Australia.
Clinical staff respondents, comprising mainly mental health nurses, perceived the social climate of the units was generally positive, though there were some concerns about patient and staff safety.
Respondents held a less favourable view of how patients cared about each other but a more favourable disposition about how staff cared about patients.
AbstractPatient aggression occurs in old age psychiatry and is contrary to their recovery and to the well‐being of staff. A favourable social climate can contribute to a reduction in aggression. The aim of this study was to examine the perceptions of clinical staff about the social climate of acute old age psychiatry inpatient units. Eighty‐five clinicians were recruited from these facilities. They completed a survey questionnaire about the social climate or ward atmosphere of inpatient units. The findings showed that, to some extent, respondents' perceived patient cohesion and mutual support were evident, units were perceived somewhat positively as safe environments for patients and staff, and the ward climate helped meet patients' therapeutic needs. Overall, clinicians were somewhat positive about the social climate of the units, and this has implications for the perception of aggression in old age psychiatry inpatient settings. As there is a direct relationship between social climate and aggression, clinicians should consider adopting a broad‐based, person‐centred approach to the promotion of a favourable social climate in old age psychiatry inpatient settings.
Obesity in show cats
Authors: Corbee R. J. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObesity is an important disease with a high prevalence in cats. Because obesity is related to several other diseases, it is important to identify the population at risk. Several risk factors for obesity have been described in the literature. A higher incidence of obesity in certain cat breeds has been suggested. The aim of this study was to determine whether obesity occurs more often in certain breeds. The second aim was to relate the increased prevalence of obesity in certain breeds to the official standards of that breed. To this end, 268 cats of 22 different breeds investigated by determining their body condition score (BCS) on a nine‐point scale by inspection and palpation, at two different cat shows. Overall, 45.5% of the show cats had a BCS > 5, and 4.5% of the show cats had a BCS > 7. There were significant differences between breeds, which could be related to the breed standards. Most overweight and obese cats were in the neutered group. It warrants firm discussions with breeders and cat show judges to come to different interpretations of the standards in order to prevent overweight conditions in certain breeds from being the standard of beauty. Neutering predisposes for obesity and requires early nutritional intervention to prevent obese conditions.
A retrospective evaluation of doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy for dogs with right atrial masses and pericardial effusion
Authors: Ghaffari S. , Pelio D. C. , Lange A. J. , Arndt J. W. , Chretin J. D. , Fiocchi S. C. , Bianco D. , Nakamura R. K. 
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVETo report the outcome of doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy as the sole treatment for dogs with echocardiographically identified right atrial masses and pericardial effusion.METHODSA retrospective study of case records of dogs with right atrial masses treated with doxorubicin. Dogs were excluded from the study if they had any type of surgery performed such as pericardiectomy or right atrial mass resection, or if their chemotherapy protocol did not include doxorubicin. The data collected included signalment, history, physical examination findings, diagnostic test results and long‐term survival.RESULTSDogs with right atrial masses and pericardial effusion that received doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy alone had a median survival of 139 · 5 days (range 2 to 302 days). Chemotherapy side effects were frequent but mild.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEDoxorubicin‐based chemotherapy alone appears to be a viable treatment option for dogs with echocardiographically identified right atrial masses and pericardial effusion.
Sexual Dysfunctions and Sexual Quality of Life in Men with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Lew-Starowicz Michal , Rola Rafal 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most frequent diseases of the central nervous system and usually occurs at the age when people would be expected to be in the prime of their sexual lives. Clinicians working in this field commonly concentrate on the classical neurological deficits and often overlook symptoms that seriously affect the quality of life, such as sexual dysfunction (SD). Sexual functioning of MS patients remains poorly understood.

Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of SDs, their relationship with demographic factors, and sexual quality of life in men with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods
Sixty-seven patients from the National Multiple Sclerosis Center were interviewed, completed the questionnaires, and underwent neurological assessment.

Main Outcome Measures
Primary outcome measures included the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire (SQoL), and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Results
The most common complaints were erectile dysfunction (52.9%), decreased sexual desire (26.8%), and difficulties in reaching orgasm (23.1%) or ejaculation (17.9%). The severity of SD had a clear impact on sexual quality of life, especially in the domains of erectile function and intercourse satisfaction. However, neither IIEF nor SQoL scores were correlated with age, time since onset of MS symptoms, or EDSS scores. Only 6% of the patients had ever discussed their concerns with a medical professional or undergone sexual therapy.

Conclusions
SD is highly prevalent but commonly overlooked in MS patients and has a significant impact on their sexual quality of life. The data support a multifactorial etiology of SD in MS. More focus on SD and use of appropriate screening tools in clinical practice with MS patients are recommended.
Atrial Fibrillation Cycle Length and Atrial Size in Horses with and without Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Electrical Cardioversion
Authors: De Clercq D. , Decloedt A. , Sys S.U. , Verheyen T. , Van Der Vekens N. , van Loon G. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) cycle length (CL) and atrial size have been used in humans to characterize electrical and structural remodeling to predict outcome of cardioversion ofAFand risk forAFrecurrence (rAF).HypothesisAtrial fibrillation cycle length can be determined in horses withAF, andAFCLand atrial size are related to risk forrAF.AnimalsEighteen horses with naturally occurringAFthat were successfully converted to sinus rhythm (SR) by transvenous electrical cardioversion (TVEC).MethodsProspective study. Horses with severe valvular regurgitation, left atrial enlargement, or that required sedation for catheter placement were excluded. In all horses intra‐atrial electrograms were recorded and estimatedAFduration and echocardiographic parameters were determined beforeTVEC. The follow‐up time was 1 year afterTVEC.ResultsAtrial fibrillation cycle length could be determined in all horses. TheAFCLand the shortest 5th percentile (p5)AFCLin horses withrAF(n = 6 or 33%) were (mean ± SD) 157 ± 28 and 134 ± 24 milliseconds, respectively, and in those maintainingSR(n = 12 or 67%) 166 ± 13 and 141 ± 13 milliseconds, respectively. Significant parameters to predictrAFwere (1) the ratios of the p5AFCLto the left atrium (LA) sizes corrected to the size of aorta (AO) and (2)LAsizes corrected to the size ofAO.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceBeforeTVEC, assessment ofLAsize and atrial electrophysiologic characteristics might help to identify horses at increased risk forAFrecurrence.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Potential Therapeutic Targets in Canine Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Campos M. , Ducatelle R. , Kooistra H.S. , Rutteman G. , Duchateau L. , Polis I. , Daminet S. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundThyroid carcinoma is a common endocrine tumor in the dog. Local invasive growth frequently precludes surgical excision and, in up to 38% of dogs, the tumor has already metastasized by the time of diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to investigate new treatment modalities that may be useful for the large number of dogs with inoperable tumors or metastatic disease.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo investigate the immunohistochemical expression of potential therapeutic targets in canine thyroid tumors.Animals74 dogs with thyroid neoplasia.MethodsImmunohistochemistry was performed for thyroglobulin, calcitonin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), p53, cycloxygenase‐2 (cox‐2), and P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp).ResultsFifty‐four (73%) tumors were classified as follicular cell thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) and 20 (27%) as medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs). Eighty percent of FTCs and all MTCs had a high percentage (76–100%) of neoplastic cells immunopositive for VEGF. Thirteen percent of FTCs and 50% of MTCs expressed cox‐2. Seven percent of FTCs and 70% of MTCs expressed P‐gp. No tumor was immunopositive for p53 expression. Expression of VEGF (P = .034), cox‐2 (P = .013), and P‐gp (P < .001) was significantly higher in MTCs compared to FTCs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceVEGF is a potential therapeutic target in both FTC and MTC in dogs. Cox‐2 and P‐gp may be useful molecular targets in canine MTC.
“Cos he's my favourite character!” A children's rights approach to the use of popular culture in teaching literacy
Authors: Dunn Jill , Niens Ulrike , McMillan Dorothy 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe current educational climate of concern for children's achievement in literacy has resulted in a plethora of policies aimed at raising standards. Considerable research has been carried out in the field of popular culture and its potential for motivating and engaging children in literacy learning. However, there has been little research on children's views on this issue. This study was influenced both by the changing perceptions of childhood and by Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. A variety of participatory methods was used to gather views from children and a Children's Research Advisory Group was also asked to assist with developing the research methods and interpreting the data. The results show that when children are given a choice, popular culture features strongly in what they would like to write about. All children demonstrated their diverse knowledge and enjoyment of a wide range of popular culture. This small‐scale study provides valuable insights into children's views on the use of popular culture for the teaching of writing and raises challenging questions for policy and practice in the continuous quest for a meaningful curriculum for contemporary children, which will ultimately raise standards in literacy.