bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interdisciplinary progress in approaches to address social-ecological and ecocultural systems
Authors: PRETTY JULES 
Published: February 2011

SUMMARYThe emergent human cultures have shaped, and in turn been shaped by, local ecosystems. Yet humanity's intense modification of the environment has resulted in dramatic worldwide declines in natural and cultural capital. Social-ecological systems are becoming more vulnerable through the disruption of livelihoods, governance, institutions, resources and cultural traditions. This paper reviews the environmental sub-disciplines that have emerged to seek solutions for conservation and maintenance of the resilience of social-ecological systems. It shows that a central component is engagement with the knowledges of people within their contexts. Local knowledges of nature (traditional, indigenous, local ecological knowledge and ecoliteracy) are used by place-based cultures to guide actions towards nature. The importance of new engagements between different knowledges is now becoming more widely recognized by scientific institutions. Yet there still exist many false dualisms (for example local knowledge versus science) which tend to emphasize a superiority of one over the other. Ecocultures retain or strive to regain their connections with the environment, and thus improve their own resilience. Revitalization projects offer ways to connect knowledge with action to produce optimal outcomes for both nature and culture, suggesting that systems can be redesigned by emphasis on incorporation of local and traditional knowledge systems.
Okadaic acid-sensitive phosphatase is related to MII/G1 transition in mouse oocytes
Authors: Moride Naoko , Kuwahara Akira , Sutoh Ayako , Tanaka Yu , Mukai Yukari , Yamashita Mizuho , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Yasui Toshiyuki , Irahara Minoru 
Published: February 2011

SummaryIt is reported that okadaic acid (OA)-sensitive phosphatase is related to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/p90rsk activation in mammalian oocytes. OA is also involved in the positive feedback loop between M phase-promoting factor (MPF) and cdc25c inXenopusoocytes during meiotic maturation. However, the effect of phosphatase inhibition by OA on MPF and MAPK activities at the MII/G1 in oocytes remains unknown. The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between OA-sensitive phosphatase and mitosis MII/G1 transition in mouse oocytes. MII-arrested oocytes were, isolated from mice, inseminated and cultured in TYH medium (control group) or TYH medium supplemented with 2.5 μM of OA (OA group). Histone H1 kinase and myelin basic protein (MBP) kinase activities were measured as indicators of MPF and p42 MAPK activities after insemination. Phosphorylation of cdc25c after insemination was analized in OA and control group by western blotting. Seven hours after insemination a pronucleus (PN) was formed in 84.1% (69/85) of oocytes in the control group. However, no PN was formed in oocytes of the OA group (p< 0.001). Although MPF and MAPK activities in the control group significantly decreased at 3, 4, 5, and 7 h after insemination, these decreases were significantly inhibited by OA addition (p< 0.05). Furthermore, OA addition prevented cdc25c dephosphorylation 7 h after insemination. In conclusion, OA-sensitive phosphatase correlates with inactivation of MPF and MAPK, and with the dephosphorylation of cdc25c at the MII/G1 transition in mouse oocytes.
Regulation of an intracellular subtilisin protease activity by a short propeptide sequence through an original combined dual mechanism
Authors: Gamble Michael , Künze Georg , Dodson Eleanor J. , Wilson Keith S. , Jones D. Dafydd 
Published: February 2011

A distinct class of the biologically important subtilisin family of serine proteases functions exclusively within the cell and forms a major component of the
bacilli
degradome. However, the mode and mechanism of posttranslational regulation of intracellular protease activity are unknown. Here we describe the role played by a short N-terminal extension prosequence novel amongst the subtilisins that regulates intracellular subtilisin protease (ISP) activity through two distinct modes: active site blocking and catalytic triad rearrangement. The full-length proenzyme (proISP) is inactive until specific proteolytic processing removes the first 18 amino acids that comprise the N-terminal extension, with processing appearing to be performed by ISP itself. A synthetic peptide corresponding to the N-terminal extension behaves as a mixed noncompetitive inhibitor of active ISP with a
K

i

of 1 μM. The structure of the processed form has been determined at 2.6 Å resolution and compared with that of the full-length protein, in which the N-terminal extension binds back over the active site. Unique to ISP, a conserved proline introduces a backbone kink that shifts the scissile bond beyond reach of the catalytic serine and in addition the catalytic triad is disrupted. In the processed form, access to the active site is unblocked by removal of the N-terminal extension and the catalytic triad rearranges to a functional conformation. These studies provide a new molecular insight concerning the mechanisms by which subtilisins and protease activity as a whole, especially within the confines of a cell, can be regulated.
Genetics of the association between intelligence and nicotine dependence: a study of male Swedish twins
Authors: Modig Karin , Silventoinen Karri , Tynelius Per , Kaprio Jaakko , Rasmussen Finn 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTAims  Previous studies have found inverse associations between intelligence quotient (IQ) and cigarette smoking, but the causal pathways linking IQ with smoking status and nicotine dependence (ND) are not well understood. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between IQ and ND using a genetically informative twin design to detect whether any association is because of shared genetic or environmental factors.Design  A population‐based twin cohort with IQ measured in adolescence and ND later in life, analysed by classical twin modeling based on linear structural equations.Setting  Swedish national registry data.Participants  A total of 5040 male twins born 1951–84.Measurements  IQ was measured at military conscription at a mean age of 18 years. ND was self‐reported at the ages of 22–57 years using the Fagerström Test for ND scale (FTND). Both cigarette smoking and Swedish snus use were analysed.Findings  Both IQ and ND showed moderate heritability (0.58 and 0.39, respectively). The heritability of ND was similar for cigarette smoking and snus use. The phenotypic correlation between IQ and ND was weak: −0.11 (−0.16, −0.06) for total ND. Bivariate analysis revealed that this correlation was mainly because of genetic factors, but still the genetic correlation between IQ and ND from cigarette smoking was only −0.24.Conclusions  Nicotine dependence, as measured by the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, shows moderate heritability in both smokers and snus users but is only weakly associated with intelligence quotient; common genetic factors underlying nicotine dependence and intelligence quotient probably account for little of the observed association between smoking and intelligence quotient.
The effect of decontamination procedures on the pharmacodynamics of venlafaxine in overdose
Authors: Kumar Venkata V. Pavan , Isbister Geoffrey K. , Duffull Stephen B. 
Published: February 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Single dose activated charcoal increases the clearance of venlafaxine in overdose. Combination of single dose activated charcoal and whole bowel irrigation decreases bioavailability of venlafaxine in overdose.• There is an increased risk of seizures, a potential for cardiac toxicity and a higher rate of fatalities with venlafaxine overdose than other newer antidepressants. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • Single dose activated charcoal and combination of single dose activated charcoal and whole bowel irrigation decreases the probability of seizures that are caused by overdose of venlafaxine.AIMS To investigate the relationship between decontamination procedures and seizure events caused by venlafaxine overdose and to estimate the time at which 90% of patients would have had their first seizure in the presence and absence of decontamination.METHODS Data were collected from 319 patients who took an overdose of venlafaxine on 436 occasions. Seizures occurred on 24 of 436 occasions (5%). Patients received one of single dose activated charcoal (SDAC), whole bowel irrigation (WBI), a combination of either (SDAC/WBI) or no decontamination. Logistic regression and time to event analysis were used to investigate the influence of dose and decontamination on the probability of seizures and time to 90% (t90) of seizure, respectively.RESULTS A linear logistic regression model described the data. Simulation from the model showed that the probability of seizure was 0.05 (0.03–0.08), 0.19 (0.09–0.35) and 0.75 (0.30–0.96) at 1000, 5000 and 10 000 mg, respectively (median and 95% credible interval). At the mean dose of 2100 mg the odds ratios (OR) in the presence of SDAC, WBI and SDAC/WBI were 0.48 (0.25–0.89), 0.71 (0.35–1.22) and 0.25 (0.08–0.62), respectively. A modified Gompertz model described the time to seizure events. Simulations from the Gompertz model showed that the t90 values for first seizure was 26 h and was not affected by dose or decontamination procedure.CONCLUSION SDAC/WBI provided greater benefits than the sum of the independent effects of SDAC and WBI. Patients should be observed for at least 24 h for seizures based on the dose and risk of seizure occurring.
A theoretical framework of caring in the Chinese context: a grounded theory study
Authors: Meng Meng , Xiuwei Zhang , Anli Jiang 
Published: February 2011

meng m., xiuwei z. & anli j. (2011) A theoretical framework of caring in the Chinese context: a grounded theory study. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(7), 1523–1536.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a study describing the components of nurse caring in the Chinese cultural context.Background.  The expressions, dimensions and patterns of caring vary in different cultures. Caring is deeply embedded in the Chinese culture and nurses are told to care for patients as if they were related by blood. However, to put caring in a professional and practical context, it must extend meaning with a deeper philosophical inspiration that is transcendent and described to guide nursing practices.Methods.  A grounded theory research design and the Delphi method were adopted. First, a total of 16 individual non‐structured interviews were conducted with noted scholars on nursing education, clinical nursing, nursing administration, medical education and the humanities between January 2006 and June 2007. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using constant comparative data analysis. Secondly, 20 experts with the same inclusion criteria were recruited to conduct a two‐round Delphi study to enrich and validate the theoretical framework of caring. Experts were asked to score 0 = disagree or 1 = agree for each listed item and its description in a scale. Consensus was considered when 90% or more agreement was reached. Data were collected from May 2007 to February 2009 and calculated for the agreement rates using spss version 11.0.Results.  Four attributes of caring including attitude of caring, knowledge of caring, ability of caring and perceptions of caring were determined, along with 8 associated subcategories and 22 statements. Among them, caring attitude is central for presenting care in daily practice. Professional knowledge of nursing, the humanities and social science give the basic theoretical guidance for nurses to exhibit caring behaviour. In the education process, perceptions of giving and receiving care are the key factors for cultivating care.Conclusions.  The framework could be interpreted as a list of teaching objectives and could contribute to the further development of an integrated approach for teaching care in nursing curricula. It would also be beneficial for applying and evaluating care in the practice of clinical nursing and nursing education in the Chinese culture.
Improving family–staff relationships in assisted living facilities: the views of family
Authors: Bauer Michael , Nay Rhonda 
Published: February 2011

bauer m. & nay r. (2011) Improving family–staff relationships in assisted living facilities: the views of family. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(6), 1232–1241.AbstractAims.  This article is a report of a study of the key influences on family–staff collaboration in low level residential aged care (assisted living) facilities in Australia as seen by the family carers of residents.Background.  Collaboration with the willing family is widely acknowledged to be important in the care of the older person. Previous work in nursing homes has shown that staff‐family relationships are often ambiguous. Relatively little is known about the issue of staff‐family relationships in assisted living facilities.Methods.  Using qualitative methodology twelve family carers from five assisted living facilities were interviewed and transcripts analysed thematically. Data were collected in 2006/2007.Results.  Four factors important to the establishment and maintenance of collaborative staff–family relationships were identified: comfort, communication, consultation and confidence.Conclusion.  Low level care facilities need to create environments that are conducive to the establishment and maintenance of constructive staff‐family relationships. A number of practice considerations for care staff to foster relationship‐centred care with the family in these types of facilities are presented.
Community vs. institutional elders’ evaluations of and preferences for yoga exercises
Authors: Chen Kuei‐Min , Wang Hsiu‐Hung , Li Chun‐Huw , Chen Ming‐Hsien 
Published: February 2011

Aims.  To evaluate and compare the appropriateness of the Silver Yoga exercise programme for community and institutional elders and to determine their preferences towards yoga exercises.Background.  Yoga has been used to promote the health of elders. The Silver Yoga was developed to accommodate the physical tolerance and body flexibility of elders and applied to community and institutional elders with positive health promotion benefits.Design.  Descriptive design with quantitative programme evaluation and semi‐structured interviews.Method.  A convenience sample of 97 participants (64 community elders; 33 institutional elders) was interviewed individually after six months of Silver Yoga exercises. Participants rated the level of difficulty, acceptability, feasibility and helpfulness of the Silver Yoga programme (four phases: warm‐up, hatha yoga, relaxation and guided‐imagery meditation) and the abdominal breathing technique, based on a 10‐point Cantril ladder scale. Further, participants expressed their preferences of yoga exercises based on four open‐ended questions.Results.  The programme was fairly acceptable, feasible and helpful for community and institutional elders (means ranged from 8·33–9·70). The warm‐up, relaxation, guided‐imagery meditation and abdominal breathing are fairly easy to follow and perform (means ranged from 0·20–0·94). However, the postures in hatha yoga phase were relatively challenging but still manageable for the institutional elders (mean = 1·97, SD 2·33). Further, community elders preferred to practise yoga 61–90 minutes everyday in a group of 11–20, while the institutional elders preferred to practise yoga 31–60 minutes three times per week, in a group of <10.Conclusions.  The Silver Yoga exercise programme is acceptable, feasible, helpful and manageable for community and institutional elders. However, different exercise protocols, such as practice intensity and group size, could be applied to different older populations.Relevance to clinical practice.  The Silver Yoga exercise programme could be applied to both community and institutional elders to promote their health.
Birthgiving women’s feelings and perceptions of quality of intrapartal care: a nationwide Swedish cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wilde‐Larsson Bodil , Sandin‐Bojö Ann‐Kristin , Starrin Bengt , Larsson Gerry 
Published: February 2011

Aim. The aim was to explore the relationships between the feelings of women who give birth and several birth‐related care conditions, the womens’ socio‐demographic background, personality and perceptions of the quality of intrapartum care.Background. Childbirth is a highly significant emotional event for women and it is an explicit goal that each woman should have a positive childbirth experience.Design. The nationwide study is cross‐sectional and was conducted at Swedish maternity units over two months in 2007.Methods. The study group consisted of 739 women (63% response rate). A dimensionality analysis of six emotion items was performed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Non‐parametric tests and generalised linear mixed effects model analyses were used to study relationships and to make subgroup comparisons.Results. In the SEM analysis, a positive and a negative feeling factor were identified. Strong associations between the feeling factors and the womens’ perceptions of the quality of care were found, particularly in regard to the so‐called identity‐oriented approach of the midwives and other health professionals. In addition, a higher intensity of negative feelings was associated with a personality pattern characterised by extraversion, emotional instability and lower degree of conscientiousness, a lower level of education and having had delivery through Caesarean section.Conclusions. The positive and negative feelings of women who give birth strongly covary with the women’s perception of the quality of their intrapartum care. This pertains in particular to information issues, the midwives showing commitment, empathy and respect, being present during labour and allowing the women to actively participate as much as they want to.Relevance to clinical practice. Subgroup differences indicate that midwives should pay increased attention to childbearing women who have primary school education only, a lower emotional stability and/or deliver through Caesarean section.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of relaxation therapy for patients receiving joint replacement surgery
Authors: Lin Pi‐Chu 
Published: February 2011

Aim and objective.  To examine the effect of relaxation therapy on reducing patient anxiety and pain before and after total joint replacement.Background.  Despite the use of analgesics, patients may feel anxiety and pain before and after surgery, delaying their recovery.Design.  An experimental control group pretest–post‐test quasi‐experimental design was employed.Method.  Subjects (n = 93) recruited from a medical centre in Taipei, Taiwan, from November 2006–March 2007 were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 45) and control (n = 48) groups. Subjects in the experimental group received relaxation therapy from the day before surgery to the third postoperative day. Researchers helped participants listen to a breath relaxation and guided imagery tape for 20 minutes daily. A pain and anxiety scale questionnaire, the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire, blood pressure and heart rate were monitored before and after intervention.Results.  The average age of the 93 patients was 71·0 (SD 11·1) years. The least pain severity scores in the experimental were lower than those in the control group (p < 0·05) but both experienced the same level of worst or average pain (p > 0·05). The mean difference in the pain score before and after intervention in the experimental group on the pre‐op day (t = 2·675, p = 0·009) and post‐op day one (t = 3·059, p = 0·003) was greater than that in the control group (0·48 SD 0·94 vs. 0·10 SD 0·30 and 0·93 SD 1·46 vs. 0·20 SD 0·71, respectively). The two groups differed significantly in systolic blood pressure (F = 6·750, p < 0·05) but not in mean blood pressure, heart rate, or State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory scores (p > 0·05). Patients reported that relaxation therapy helped them relax and promoted sleep.Conclusion.  Relaxation therapy could complement analgesics to help postoperative patients better manage pain and anxiety.Relevance to clinical practice.  Clinical practice should include complementary relaxation therapy to alleviate pain and anxiety in patients with joint replacement.
The SLC6A4 VNTR genotype determines transcription factor binding and epigenetic variation of this gene in response to cocaine in vitro
Authors: Vasiliou Sylvia A. , Ali Fahad R. , Haddley Kate , Cardoso M. Cristina , Bubb Vivien J. , Quinn John P. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTWe demonstrated that the genotype of the variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) in the linked polymorphic region (LPR) of the 5′ promoter and in the intron 2 (Stin2) transcriptional regulatory domains of the serotonin transporter SLC6A4 gene determined its promoter interactions with transcription factors and co‐activators in response to cocaine in the JAr cell line. The LPR variants contain 14 (short, s) or 16 (long, l) copies of a 22–23 bp repeat element, whereas the Stin2 VNTR exists as three variants containing 9, 10 or 12 copies of a 16–17 bp repeat. We observed a differential effect of cocaine on the association of the promoter with the transcription factor CTCF, which bound to both LPR alleles prior to cocaine exposure but only to the l‐allele following exposure. Significantly, this differential effect of cocaine was correlated with the binding of the transcriptional regulator MeCP2 specifically to the s‐allele and recruiting the histone deacetylase complex (HDAC). Concurrently, cocaine increased the association of positive histone marks over the SLC6A4 gene locus. At the Stin2 domain, we lost binding of the transcription factor YB‐1, while CTCF remained bound. Our biochemical data are consistent with differential reporter gene activity directed by the individual or dual domains in response to cocaine in an Epstein–Barr virus‐based episome model of stable transfections. These observations suggest that exposure of JAr cells to cocaine may result in differential binding of transcription factors and activators based on a specific genotype that might alter epigenetic parameters affecting gene expression after the initial challenge.