bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nurses’ perceptions of environmental pressures in relation to their occupational stress
Authors: Su Shu‐Fen , Boore Jennifer , Jenkins Mary , Liu Po‐Erh , Yang Ming‐Jen 
Published: June 2009

Aim.  The aim of this paper was to explore nurses’ stress experiences of working under the current health care system in Tawain (the context) using a qualitative approach.Background.  Although most global health care institutions have been changing in response to the economic contraction, there is a deficit of information in understanding the changes of the ecology of the health care system in Taiwan from nurses’ perspectives.Design.  Grounded theory.Methods.  A grounded theory approach was used to collect the data from a sample of 28 critical care nurses from seven hospitals in Taiwan. Data were analysed using a multi‐step analytic procedure, based on the approaches of Glaser, Chesler and Strauss and Corbin.Findings.  The health care system changes were found to increase critical care nurses’ occupational stress and work dilemmas. For the purpose of this study, the two categories that emerged in the ‘context’ component of the paradigm model are investigated. They were: hospital reorganisation and cultural burden of the nurse’s role.Conclusions.  The findings indicated that hospital organisational changes and people’s own belief of the nurse’s role were recognised as the environmental pressures which increase critical care nurses’ occupational stress. Cultural background may play an important role in influencing nurses’ work atmosphere and their ways of being seen.Relevance to clinical practice.  Critical care nurses perceived that their hospitals were under huge demands due to the changes in health care policies; these had subsequently caused them a high level of occupational stress. Beliefs in the embedded culture were also identified as significant factors in causing nurses’ role stress. These findings could enhance the knowledge of critical care nurses’ occupational stress and identify the most appropriate stress management skills available to them. Findings will add to the understanding of Chinese nurses who may work globally.
6S RNA binding to Eσ70 requires a positively charged surface of σ70 region 4.2
Authors: Klocko Andrew D. , Wassarman Karen M. 
Published: June 2009

Summary6S RNA is a small, non‐coding RNA that interacts with σ70‐RNA polymerase and downregulates transcription at many promoters during stationary phase. When bound to σ70‐RNA polymerase, 6S RNA is engaged in the active site of σ70‐RNA polymerase in a manner similar enough to promoter DNA that the RNA can serve as a template for RNA synthesis. It has been proposed that 6S RNA mimics the conformation of DNA during transcription initiation, suggesting contacts between RNA polymerase and 6S RNA or DNA may be similar. Here we demonstrate that region 4.2 of σ70 is critical for the interaction between 6S RNA and RNA polymerase. We define an expanded binding surface that encompasses positively charged residues throughout the recognition helix of the helix–turn–helix motif in region 4.2, in contrast to DNA binding that is largely focused on the N‐terminal region of this helix. Furthermore, negatively charged residues in region 4.2 weaken binding to 6S RNA but do not similarly affect DNA binding. We propose that the binding sites for promoter DNA and 6S RNA on region 4.2 of σ70 are overlapping but distinct, raising interesting possibilities for how core promoter elements contribute to defining promoters that are sensitive to 6S RNA regulation.
Alternative periplasmic copper‐resistance mechanisms in Gram negative bacteria
Authors: Pontel Lucas B. , Soncini Fernando C. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryBacteria have evolved different systems to tightly control both cytosolic and envelope copper concentration to fulfil their requirements and at the same time, avoid copper toxicity. We have previously demonstrated that, as inEscherichia coli, theSalmonella cuesystem protects the cytosol from copper excess. On the other hand, and even thoughSalmonellalacks the CusCFBA periplasmic copper efflux system, it can support higher copper concentrations thanE. coliunder anaerobic conditions. Here we show that theSalmonella cueregulon is also responsible for the control of copper toxicity in anaerobiosis. We establish that resistance in this condition requires a novel CueR‐controlled gene namedcueP. A ΔcuePmutant is highly susceptible to copper in the absence of oxygen, but shows a faint phenotype in aerobic conditions unless other copper‐resistance genes are also deleted, resembling theE. coliCusCFBA behaviour. Species that contain acuePhomologue under CueR regulation have no functional CusR/CusS‐dependent Cus‐coding operon. Conversely, species that carry a CusR/CusS‐regulatedcusoperon have nocuePhomologues. Even more, we show that the CueR‐controlledcuePexpression increases copper resistance of a Δcus E. coli. We posit that CueP can functionally replace the Cus complex for periplasmic copper resistance, in particular under anaerobic conditions.
Direct evidence of Middle Oligocene extension in the Calabria–Peloritani terrane from co‐seismic faulting: the pseudotachylyte‐bearing shear zones of Palmi (southern Calabria, Italy)
Authors: Grande Antonietta , Di Vincenzo Gianfranco , Prosser Giacomo , Caggianelli Alfredo 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe Variscan crystalline basement of the Calabria–Peloritani terrane (CPT) in southern Italy was partly reworked by ductile and brittle shear zones throughout the Alpine tectonic evolution (from thickening to exhumation). Although evidence of extensional tectonics in the CPT has already been found and roughly constrained to the Oligocene onward, no attempt has ever been made to directly date brittle fault movements. Structural (meso‐ and micro‐scale), kinematic and petrographic analyses and 40Ar–39Ar laser experiments reveal that the pseudotachylyte‐bearing shear zones of the Palmi area in southern Calabria formed in response to extensional shearing ∼33.5 Ma ago and overprinted compressional tectonic structures. Results provide the first direct evidence of Middle Oligocene co‐seismic faulting in the area and confirm the role of extensional tectonics in promoting the Oligocene exhumation of the Calabria basement.
A new dyke intrusion style for the Mount Etna May 2008 eruption modelled through continuous tilt and GPS data
Authors: Aloisi M. , Bonaccorso A. , Cannavò F. , Gambino S. , Mattia M. , Puglisi G. , Boschi E. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAfter a recharge phase that began in 2007, on 13 May 2008, a new eruption started on Mt. Etna volcano. The final intrusion was very fast, accompanied by a violent seismic swarm and marked by ground deformation recorded at permanent tilt and GPS stations. The violence of the eruptive event generated concern that the eruptive fissures might propagate downslope towards populated areas. The ground deformation modelling explains both the mechanism of the intrusion as well as the attempt of the dyke to propagate in the shallower part of the northern sector of the volcano. We show that the 2008 intrusion was characterized by a mechanism, which is new and different to the ones modelled in previous eruptions, following the path of the central conduit in the first part of the intrusion (below 1.6 km) and then breaking off towards the east in the last shallow part.
Prevalence of skin diseases in Iraq: a community based study
Authors: Al Samarai Abdul Ghani Mohamed 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe sought to determine the prevalence of skin diseases in Iraq. Most such studies performed in Iraq have been hospital based. One community based study was performed in the southern area of Iraq but involved only an urban population. Our study was carried out in two Iraqi governorates, Tikrit and Kirkuk, and involved 1545 randomly selected households, 829 from urban areas and 716 from rural areas. The total sample size was 8000 individuals representing a wide range of ages, 3735 (47%) males and 4268 (53%) females.The overall prevalence of skin diseases was 27%. The rate was similar in males (27%) and females (27%), and in rural (28%) compared with urban (26%) areas. Dermatitis was the most common disease category (33%) in the community based population, and skin infections (32%) in the hospital based group. Community and hospital based studies demonstrate that skin diseases represent a major public health problem which may confer significant personal and financial burdens on Iraq.
Human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infective dermatitis emerging in adulthood
Authors: Maragno Luciana , Casseb Jorge , Fukumori Ligia Maria I. , Sotto Mirian Nacagami , Duarte Alberto José da Silva , Festa‐Neto Cyro , Sanches José Antônio 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  Infective dermatitis (ID) is a rare dermatologic condition of childhood that has been linked to human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1).Objective  To analyze the clinical and laboratory features associated with adult‐onset ID linked to HTLV‐1.Methods  From December 1995 to December 2007, four patients with ID were followed in the dermatology outpatient clinic of the “Hospital das Clínicas” of the University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil. Epidemiologic data were collected and dermatologic examination was performed. Patients were submitted to histopathologic, hematologic, virologic, and immunologic investigations.Results  All patients had a diagnosis of ID according to previously established criteria, despite being adults. HTLV‐1 infection was demonstrated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting assays, and polymerase chain reaction. The male to female ratio was 1 : 3 and the median age at diagnosis was 42 years. The cutaneous manifestations were erythematous, scaly, and crusted lesions in all patients, and ichthyosis in three of the four cases. Histopathologic study showed lymphocytic epidermotropism in two cases. The median proviral load was 281 copies/10,000 peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Immunodeficiency was not observed in any case. The therapies used were antimicrobials, corticosteroids, and phototherapy.Conclusions  Although many authors have considered ID to be a form of childhood dermatitis, we have described four cases that fulfilled the major criteria for ID, except for onset in adulthood.
Metabolic extract of Fusarium oxysporum induces histopathologic alterations and apoptosis in the skin of Wistar rats
Authors: Marangon Aline Vansan , Svidzinski Terezinha Inez Estivalet , Salci Tânia Pereira , Meurer Rosalva , Da Cruz Fernandes Marilda , Hernandes Luzmarina 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  Most patients with Fusarium infection present with affection of the tegumentary system, with the presence of necrotic and/or inflammatory lesions associated with pain.Aim  To evaluate the effect of the intradermal application of a metabolic extract of Fusarium oxysporum in the skin of Wistar rats.Methods  The extract was obtained from fungal cultivation in Czapek‐Dox medium. It was sterilized by filtration through a Millipore membrane, and injected (0.5 mg/mL) intradermally into the skin of rats, which were killed 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after inoculation. Skin specimens were placed in paraffin and stained using hematoxylin and eosin, and toluidine blue, for the evaluation of the inflammatory response, and Sirius red for the quantification of collagen. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated UTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) was used for the identification of apoptosis. Tissue reactions were graded and compared over time and compartment.Results  The inflammatory reaction reached a peak at 12 h for both the dermis and subcutaneous region, being graded as moderate and moderate to severe, respectively. There was an influx of granulocytes, lymphocytes, and macrophages. A significant increase in the number of mast cells, as well as the presence of hyperemic vessels and apoptotic bodies, was observed. There was TUNEL staining in keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, muscles, and in the cells of the inflammatory infiltrate. There was a significant decrease in the area occupied by collagen after 12 h.Conclusions  The extract induced histopathologic alterations in the skin, probably as a result of the presence of active toxic metabolites.
Leprosy coinfection with kala‐azar
Authors: Rijal Arpana , Rijal Suman , Bhandari Sanjib 
Published: June 2009

AbstractLeprosy and visceral leishmanias are endemic in Nepal and are both major public health problems. Two patients of visceral leishmaniasis developed leprosy during the course of the disease. Leprosy and visceral leishmaniasis share a similar immunological spectrum and can occur concomitantly in endemic regions.
Cutaneous fungal infections in the United States: Analysis of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), 1995–2004
Authors: Panackal Anil A. , Halpern Elkan F. , Watson Alice J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  Dermatophyte infections lead to high costs and differentially affect certain groups. Previous population studies have been limited in size, duration, and representativeness.Methods  Using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) (1995–2004), a cross‐sectional analysis of ambulatory visits in the USA was performed. Outpatients presenting with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM)‐coded diagnoses of tinea unguium, tinea corporis/manuum, tinea pedis, tinea capitis, and tinea cruris were identified. Trends, descriptive epidemiology, and point prevalence estimates for these conditions were determined using stratification and standardization.Results  There was an estimated average of 4,124,038 ± 202,977 annual visits for dermatophytoses during the study period. Tinea unguium, tinea corporis, tinea pedis, tinea capitis, and tinea cruris represented 23.2%, 20.4%, 18.8%, 15.0%, and 8.4%, respectively, of such infections; 71.6% of tinea unguium visits occurred among those older than 45 years. Tinea capitis was significantly more common among the black than the white population (prevalence odds ratio = 12.4; 95% confidence interval, 9.9–15.7). Ineffective treatment of tinea pedis, tinea corporis, and tinea cruris with polyenes, such as nystatin, commonly occurred.Conclusions  Improved healthcare provider education is needed to ensure judicious antidermatophyte drug management. Further studies, including proven diagnoses via fungal microscopy and culture, are needed to explain the prevalence discrepancy of tinea capitis among black children and tinea unguium in older adults, focusing on preventable risk factors.
Tumor lysis syndrome after transcatheter arterial infusion of cisplatin and embolization therapy for liver metastases of melanoma
Authors: Nakamura Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Hori Enmi , Furuta Junichi , Ishii Yoshiyuki , Takahashi Takenori , Kawachi Yasuhiro , Otsuka Fujio 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is rare in the treatment of solid tumors, but it may occur in myelolymphoproliferative diseases.Methods  A 58‐year‐old man with bulky metastatic melanoma of the liver was treated with transcatheter arterial infusion of cisplatin and embolization therapy. The patient developed classic signs of TLS within 24 h of chemotherapy, including acute renal failure.Results  The patient was treated with aggressive hydration, allopurinol, and repeated hemodialysis. He gradually improved and his biochemical markers returned to normal.Conclusion  TLS is an uncommon, but potentially life‐threatening, complication in melanoma and other solid tumors. It is important for oncologists to recognize this complication and prevent its development if bulky metastatic disease and several pre‐existing risk factors, such as multiple and bulky liver metastases, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and hyperuricemia, are present.
Social environment affects the life history tactic of a phoretic mite
Authors: NEHRING V. , MÜLLER J. K. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPhoretic animals use their hosts for travelling to habitat patches suitable for reproduction. Some species, such as the mite Poecilochirus carabi, are phoretic as juveniles and cannot leave their habitat once they reach adulthood. Previous work has shown that mites exercise choice over the habitat in which they will mature and reproduce based on abiotic parameters, but it is hitherto unknown whether their social environment influences this choice. By manipulating the composition of their conspecific company we show that P. carabi perform the adult moult in the presence of prospective mating partners only. Furthermore, juvenile male mites do not moult in the presence of an adult competitor. Recently‐moulted males are severely disadvantaged in fighting, so such delayed moulting may allow juveniles to increase their chances of surviving and reproducing. Our results clearly demonstrate a strong influence of the social environment on a phoretic’s habitat choice and life history.
The common patterns of nature
Authors: FRANK S. A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe typically observe large‐scale outcomes that arise from the interactions of many hidden, small‐scale processes. Examples include age of disease onset, rates of amino acid substitutions and composition of ecological communities. The macroscopic patterns in each problem often vary around a characteristic shape that can be generated by neutral processes. A neutral generative model assumes that each microscopic process follows unbiased or random stochastic fluctuations: random connections of network nodes; amino acid substitutions with no effect on fitness; species that arise or disappear from communities randomly. These neutral generative models often match common patterns of nature. In this paper, I present the theoretical background by which we can understand why these neutral generative models are so successful. I show where the classic patterns come from, such as the Poisson pattern, the normal or Gaussian pattern and many others. Each classic pattern was often discovered by a simple neutral generative model. The neutral patterns share a special characteristic: they describe the patterns of nature that follow from simple constraints on information. For example, any aggregation of processes that preserves information only about the mean and variance attracts to the Gaussian pattern; any aggregation that preserves information only about the mean attracts to the exponential pattern; any aggregation that preserves information only about the geometric mean attracts to the power law pattern. I present a simple and consistent informational framework of the common patterns of nature based on the method of maximum entropy. This framework shows that each neutral generative model is a special case that helps to discover a particular set of informational constraints; those informational constraints define a much wider domain of non‐neutral generative processes that attract to the same neutral pattern.
Assessing concurrent patterns of environmental niche and morphological evolution among species of horned lizards (Phrynosoma)
Authors: LUXBACHER A. M. , KNOUFT J. H. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe prediction that variation in species morphology is related to environmental features has long been of interest to ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Many studies have demonstrated strong associations between morphological traits and local habitat characteristics, but few have considered the extent to which morphological traits may be associated with environmental features across broad geographic areas. Here, we use morphological, environmental and phylogenetic data compiled fromPhrynosomaspecies to examine morphological and climatic variation across the geographic ranges of these species in an evolutionary context. We find significant phylogenetic signal in species’ environmental niches, but not in morphological traits. Furthermore, we demonstrate a significant correlation between species’ environmental niches and morphological traits when phylogenetic history is accounted for in the analysis. Our results suggest the importance of climatic variables in influencing morphological variation among species, and have implications for understanding how species distributions are constrained by environmental variation.
Structural Development of Finnish Universities: Achieving Competitiveness and Academic Excellence
Authors: Tirronen Jarkko , Nokkala Terhi 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis paper discusses strategic instruments that are used to enhance the competitiveness of Finnish universities in the context of globalisation, internationalisation and commercialisation of research and education. The Finnish higher education system is currently undergoing a major policy reform, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of Finnish universities through structural development. This article focuses specifically on three themes of structural development: institutional cooperation and mergers between universities; stratification and differentiation; and changes in governance and leadership. Three ongoing projects are used as illustrations.
Sexual Offending Theories and Offenders with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Keeling Jenny A. , Rose John L. , Beech Anthony R. 
Published: June 2009

Background  There have been limited theoretical developments with respect to sexual offending by people with intellectual disabilities [Lindsay (2005) Mental Retardation, Vol. 43, pp. 428–441], especially when compared with the development of theories for mainstream sexual offenders. This paper aims at examining a range of theories in their application to sexual offenders with an intellectual disability.Method and Results  Three levels of theory are discussed. These include multifactor theories, discussed in the light of a recent model proposed by Lindsay for sexual offenders with intellectual disabilities, as well as single‐factor theories associated with socio‐affective functioning and an offence process theory, the self‐regulation model of relapse prevention. Finally, a recent theoretical development called the ‘integrated theory of sexual offending’ (ITSO) is discussed and applied to sexual offenders with intellectual disabilities. This theory combines theories from all three levels in an effort to provide a comprehensive explanation of the aetiology and maintenance of sexual offending.Conclusion  Theories at all three levels, as well as the ITSO, appear to have relevance to sexual offenders with intellectual disabilities. Some tentative suggestions are made for future research to assist in the application of theory to this client group. It is argued that a more complete understanding of theory in relation to this client group will lead to the development of more effective intervention programmes.
The Prevalence and Severity of Physical Mobility Limitations in Older Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Cleaver Shaun , Ouellette‐Kuntz Hélène , Hunter Duncan 
Published: June 2009

Background  The population of older adults with intellectual disabilities is growing, creating new challenges for individuals, families and service providers. Although there has been increased research into the ageing process for adults with intellectual disabilities, there is little focused research investigating physical mobility.Materials and Methods  A proxy‐response telephone survey was conducted to establish the prevalence and severity of mobility limitations among adults with intellectual disabilities, aged 45 years and over, using validated instruments to quantify mobility in a representative population‐based sample.Results  Surveys were completed for 128 people. Mobility limitations were common, but the prevalence varied depending on the definition of mobility limitation. The prevalence of limitations was greater among females than males, but no clear age trend was seen.Conclusions  The common nature of mobility limitations among the growing population of older adults with intellectual disabilities has implications for service providers and policy‐makers.