bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Death, futility, and the proleptic power of narrative ending
Authors: SEACHRIS JOSHUA 
Published: June 2010

AbstractDeath and futility are among a cluster of themes that closely track discussions of life's meaning. Moreover, futility is thought to supervene on naturalistic meta-narratives because ofhowthey will end. While thenatureof naturalistic meta-narrative endings is part of the explanation for concluding that such meta-narratives are cosmically or deeply futile, this explanation is truncated. I argue that the reason the nature of the ending is thought to be normatively important is first anchored in the fact that narrative endingquaending is thought to be normatively important. Indeed, I think futility is often thought to characterize naturalistic meta-narratives because a narrative's ending has significant proleptic power to elicit a wide range of broadly normative human responses on, possibly, emotional, aesthetic, and moral levels towards the narrative as a whole.
Pigmented contact dermatitis due to therapeutic sensitizer as complication of contact immunotherapy in alopecia areata
Authors: INUI Shigeki , NAKAJIMA Takeshi , TODA Naoyuki , ITAMI Satoshi 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPigmentary complication by contact immunotherapy (CI) for alopecia areata (AA) has been reported but its pathophysiology remains unknown. To characterize pigmentary complication by CI and its pathophysiology, we examined the incidence of hyperpigmentation in 186 consecutive patients treated with CI using diphenylcyclopropenone. From clinical data of AA totalis (AAT) or universalis (AAU) patients (n = 78), we studied the correlations between this complication and age, sex, atopic background, duration and treatment responsiveness, duration of CI, final concentration of diphenylcyclopropenone and administration of anti‐histamines by χ2‐test or Mann–Whitney U‐test. Additionally, the histopathology of pigmentation was studied. As a result, 11 (5.91%) of the 186 patients had hyperpigmentation in this series. All of them had AAT or AAU, suggesting that the pigmentation is apt to occur in severe AA. When the AAT or AAU patients with (n = 11) and without hyperpigmentation (n = 67) were compared, those with pigmentation showed poorer responsiveness to CI (P < 0.05) but no significant tendency for other factors. Histopathologically, skin specimens showed lichenoid or vacuolar interface dermatitis with necrotic keratinocytes and dermal melanophages, consistent with pigmented contact dermatitis (PCD). Together, pigmentary complication by CI corresponds to PCD from therapeutic sensitizer, representing clinical indicator of poor responsiveness.
Conversion of viable but nonculturable Vibrio cholerae to the culturable state by co‐culture with eukaryotic cells
Authors: Senoh Mitsutoshi , Ghosh‐Banerjee Jayeeta , Ramamurthy Thandavarayan , Hamabata Takashi , Kurakawa Takashi , Takeda Makoto , Colwell Rita R. , Nair G. Balakrish , Takeda Yoshifumi 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTVBNC Vibrio cholerae O139 VC‐280 obtained by incubation in 1% solution of artificial sea water IO at 4°C for 74 days converted to the culturable state when co‐cultured with CHO cells. Other eukaryotic cell lines, including HT‐29, Caco‐2, T84, HeLa, and Intestine 407, also supported conversion of VBNC cells to the culturable state. Conversion of VBNC V. cholerae O1 N16961 and V. cholerae O139 VC‐280/pG13 to the culturable state, under the same conditions, was also confirmed. When VBNC V. cholerae O139 VC‐280 was incubated in 1% IO at 4°C for up to 91 days, the number of cells converted by co‐culture with CHO cells declined with each additional day of incubation and after 91 days conversion was not observed.
The genome‐wide expression profile of Curcuma longa‐treated cisplatin‐stimulated HEK293 cells
Authors: Sohn Sung‐Hwa , Ko Eunjung , Chung Hwan‐Suck , Lee Eun‐Young , Kim Sung‐Hoon , Shin Minkyu , Hong Moochang , Bae Hyunsu 
Published: June 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • High doses of cisplatin more effectively suppress cancer, but high dose therapy is limited by nephrotoxic side effects, Nephrotoxicity is of critical concern during the early stages of drug development when selecting new drug candidates. Curcuma longa (CL) has been widely used for its anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumour activities and has been taken orally to treat dyspepsia, flatulence and liver and urinary tract disease. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • New information indicated that the mechanism responsible for the effects of CL on HEK 293 cells was closely associated with regulation of the NFκB pathway.• This study confirmed the association of CL with the NFκB pathway.• CL may be an effective therapeutic approach to the alleviation of the progression of renal disease through cell anti‐apoptosis and proliferation that occurs via inhibition of the inflammatory cytokines and the NFκB signaling pathway.AIMThe rhizome of turmeric, Curcuma longa (CL), is a herbal medicine used in many traditional prescriptions. It has previously been shown that CL treatment showed greater than 47% recovery from cisplatin‐induced cell damage in human kidney HEK 293 cells. This study was conducted to evaluate the recovery mechanisms of CL that occur during cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity by examining the genome wide mRNA expression profiles of HEK 293 ‐cells.METHODRecovery mechanisms of CL that occur during cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity were determined by microarray, real‐time PCR, immunofluorescent confocal microscopy and Western blot analysis.RESULTSThe results of microarray analysis and real‐time PCR revealed that NFκB pathway‐related genes and apoptosis‐related genes were down‐regulated in CL‐treated HEK 293 cells. In addition, immunofluorescent confocal microscopy and Western blot analysis revealed that NFκB p65 nuclear translocation was inhibited in CL‐treated HEK 293 cells. Therefore, the mechanism responsible for the effects of CL on HEK 293 cells is closely associated with regulation of the NFκB pathway.CONCLUSIONCL possesses novel therapeutic agents that can be used for the prevention or treatment of cisplatin‐induced renal disorders.
How well can the fatty acid content of lake seston be predicted from its taxonomic composition?
Authors: BEC A. , PERGA M.‐E. , DESVILETTES C. , BOURDIER G. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract1. Results from the few field studies that have tried to relate seston taxonomic and fatty acid (FA) composition suggest that phytoplankton composition only partially explains seston FA composition. However, in these studies, the heterotrophic components of seston (i.e. bacteria and heterotrophic protists) have not been accounted for.2. The general premise of this article was that including the contribution of heterotrophs to seston biomass can improve understanding of the variability in seston FA composition. This was tested for an oligotrophic clearwater lake, in which the taxonomic and FA compositions of seston, fractionated into three size classes, were monitored every 2 weeks over a growth season. The relationship between seston taxonomic and FA composition was studied using canonical correlation analyses.3. Because of their relative richness in branched FA and lack of highly unsaturated FAs (HUFA) compared to autotrophs and other protists, the contribution of bacteria to seston biomass was shown to explain an important part of the differences in FA composition between the different seston size classes. Phytoplankton seasonal succession also affected the FA composition of seston but only for size classes that were dominated by autotrophs.4. The results also indicated that heterotrophic protists such as ciliates and heterotrophic nanoflagellates might substantially influence the seston FA, and especially, HUFA, composition.5. The per cent of variability in seston FA composition that was explained by its taxonomic composition was still relatively low, even when taking account of heterotrophs. Hence, other possible influences, such as phytoplankton species composition, physiological state and the contribution of terrestrial detritus, need investigation.
Ecological responses to nutrients in streams and rivers of the Colorado mountains and foothills
Authors: LEWIS, JR WILLIAM M. , MCCUTCHAN, JR JAMES H. 
Published: June 2010

Summary1. Abundance and composition of periphyton and benthic macroinvertebrates were treated as potential nutrient response variables for 74 streams in montane Colorado. The streams ranged from unenriched to mildly enriched with nutrients (N, P).2. The study showed no meaningful relationship between periphyton biomass accumulation and concentrations of total or dissolved forms of nitrogen or phosphorus. Nutrient concentrations were also unrelated to periphyton and macroinvertebrate richness, diversity and community composition. Macroinvertebrate communities did, however, show a strong positive relationship to periphyton abundance.3. A positive response of periphyton biomass to increasing nutrient concentrations has been well documented over large ranges of nutrient concentrations. Our study suggests that the nutrient response is suppressed by other controlling factors on the lower limb of the nutrient response curve (i.e. at low nutrient concentrations); a quantitatively significant response occurs only in excess of a threshold beyond which nutrients become dominant over other controlling factors. This interpretation of the results is consistent with published meta‐analyses showing lack of nutrient response for a high proportion of experimentally enriched periphyton communities, and division of responses between N and P for communities that do show growth in response to enrichment.4. Grazing probably is not the key controlling variable for periphyton in Colorado mountain streams, given that the highest chlorophyll concentrations are associated with the highest abundances of macroinvertebrates. Modelling indicates that the initial amount of periphyton biomass at the start of the growing season, in conjunction with elevation‐related length of the growing season and water temperature, explains most of the variation in periphyton accumulation among these streams, but there is a yet unexplained suppression of periphyton growth rates across all elevations.
Perception of risk factors and DXA T score among at‐risk females of osteoporosis
Authors: Chang Shu F , Yang Rong S , Chung Ue L , Chen Chia M , Cheng Mei H 
Published: June 2010

Aim. This paper reports a study to investigate the relationships among bone mineral density, demographics, knowledge of osteoporosis, beliefs concerning osteoporosis and preventive behaviours of at‐risk females with family histories of osteoporosis.Background. Strong evidence demonstrates that genetics is a significant determinant of peak bone mass, with a heritability of 50–90%. However, few studies have examined the bone mineral density of at‐risk females with family histories of osteoporosis, particularly in an Asian population.Design. Telephone survey.Methods. The study population (n = 2890) was recruited from a radiology department at a national university medical centre in northern Taiwan during 2005–2006. In total, 886 females completed a questionnaire via the telephone; the participation rate was 30·7%.Results. The bone mineral density of at‐risk females was close to osteopenia status (T score of −1 to −2·49). Most subjects were aware of osteoporosis‐related information; however, few clearly understood osteoporosis. Furthermore, subjects reported difficult implementing strategies to improve bone mineral density. Variation in bone mineral density was correlated with self‐rated health (r = 0·56,p < 0·05), knowledge of osteoporosis (r = 0·66,p < 0·05) and preventive behaviours (r = 0·68,p < 0·05).Conclusions. This study is to examine risk factors associated with bone mineral density of females with family histories of osteoporosis. Early identification of risk factors for osteoporosis and development of prevention programmes are required to halt the increasing in the incidence of osteoporosis and improve the bone mineral density of at‐risk females.Relevance to clinical practice. Nursing care professionals, who emphasise primary, secondary and tertiary prevention with individuals and families, should develop effective prevention strategies for women with family the history of osteoporosis to protect the health of these vulnerable populations at‐risk for osteoporosis.
Perceived aggression towards nurses: study in two Italian health institutions
Authors: Zampieron Alessandra , Galeazzo Marilena , Turra Susanna , Buja Alessandra 
Published: June 2010

Aims.  The goal of the present study was to quantify the perceived aggression towards nurses working in two Italian health care institutions and to verify the hypothesis of an association between the characteristics of aggressors and the type of aggression.Background.  Violence and aggressiveness, particularly aimed at nurses, are a common, but inadequately investigated phenomenon in Italian health care institutions.Design.  A cross‐sectional study.Methods.  The study was performed, studying a sample of 700 nurses (37% of the personnel in 94 units) in two health care institutions in northeast Italy using an anonymous multiple‐choice questionnaire.Results.  Forty‐nine percent of the nurses responded that they had experienced aggression in the previous year, 82% of that was only verbal. This happened more often to female nurses working in the emergency department and in geriatric and psychiatric units. A statistically significant association (p < 0·001) was found between the perception of fatigue, stress and work dissatisfaction and the frequency of aggression. Aggressors were usually patients or their relatives (57%) and were mainly men (66%). Fifty‐three percent of assaulted nurses did not ask for help after the event.Conclusions.  This study confirms the high incidence of perceived, mainly verbal aggression towards nurses.Relevance to clinical practice.  Action to prevent aggressive episodes may include concentrating on job motivation, encouraging participatory leadership and promoting the best possible working conditions. The absence of any systematic event reporting and documentation makes the assaulted workers feel defenceless.
Transitional experiences of women with breast cancer within the first year following diagnosis
Authors: McCann Lisa , Illingworth Nicola , Wengström Yvonne , Hubbard Gill , Kearney Nora 
Published: June 2010

Aims and objectives.  To explore the experiences of 12 women with breast cancer, involved in a large longitudinal qualitative study designed to explore the experiences of people with cancer within the first year following diagnosis.Background.  To understand experiences of breast cancer further as a chronic illness, this study draws on biographically informed and embodied perspectives of chronic illness.Design.  Qualitative, longitudinal study.Method.  Interviews were conducted at three time‐points within the first year following diagnosis with 12 women with breast cancer. Drawing on the constant comparative method, a descriptive and thematic approach to data analysis was adopted. To move beyond the descriptive level, we drew on the concepts of biographical disruption and embodiment to further explore and explain the disruption that was evident in these women’s lives as a result of their diagnosis.Results.  Two key concepts emerged from the data: ‘Identity Transition: moving between health and illness’ and ‘Making the Transition to the Future? Living with breast cancer and moving on’. Identity transition emerged as a result of the changes and adaptations participants were required to make as a result of their diagnosis. Making the transition to the future emerged as a result of the challenges these women faced living with cancer.Conclusions.  This study showed that the longitudinal exploration of the experiences of cancer within the first year following diagnosis provides a vital understanding of the impact cancer can have on one’s identity from the moment of diagnosis onwards.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study has implications for cancer services because it highlights the need for interventions that support people to both successfully manage the experience of cancer diagnosis and treatment and equip themselves with the necessary techniques to negotiate transitions towards the future and living with cancer.
Patient perceptions of helpful communication in the context of advanced cancer
Authors: Stajduhar Kelli I , Thorne Sally E , McGuinness Liza , Kim‐Sing Charmaine 
Published: June 2010

Aims and objectives. Based on a secondary analysis of data from a large qualitative study on cancer care communication, we address the question: what do patients with advanced cancer identify as helpful in their communication encounters with health care providers?Background. Communication is of critical importance to the care of patients with advanced cancer. A better understanding of what such patients identify as helpful in their communication encounters with nurses and other health care providers seems critical to creating evidence‐informed recommendations for best practices.Design. Secondary analysis of qualitative interview data.Methods. Data from 18 participants interviewed individually and 16 focus group participants, with advanced cancer in the palliative phase of care. Interpretive description methodology informed data collection and analysis.Results. Findings suggest four key elements are critically important to consider in communications with patients in an advanced or palliative phase – respecting the importance of time, demonstrating caring, acknowledging fear and balancing hope and honesty in the provision of information.Conclusions. Communication is an important element in the provision of advanced cancer care.Relevance to clinical practice. Findings emphasise the complex meanings inherent in cancer care communication and identify central themes that are fundamental to effective cancer care communication.
Implementation of a guideline for pressure ulcer prevention in home care: pretest–post‐test study
Authors: Paquay Louis , Verstraete Sabine , Wouters Renild , Buntinx Frank , Vanderwee Katrien , Defloor Tom , Van Gansbeke Hendrik 
Published: June 2010

Aims and objectives.  To investigate the effect of the implementation of a patient and family education programme for pressure ulcer prevention in an organisation for home care nursing on guideline adherence and on prevalence and severity of pressure ulcers and to examine the determining factors for the application of measures for pressure ulcer prevention.Background.  Quality improvement programmes in pressure ulcer prevention are not always successful.Design.  Implementation study using a pretest–post‐test design. Data were collected in three probability samples. The first post‐test data collection was held after six months, the second after 18 months.Method.  Statistical analysis was used, comparing the pretest sample and the second post‐test sample.Results.  After 18 months, the proportion of subjects with adherent measures had increased from 10·4–13·9%, the proportion of subjects with non‐adherent measures decreased from 45·7–36·0%, the proportion of subjects without pressure ulcer prevention increased from 43·9–50·1% (p < 0·0001, Chi‐square test). Sub‐analysis revealed that a positive change in guideline adherence was observed principally in the group at risk. Better process‐of‐care indicators were associated by lower pressure ulcer prevalence and less severe skin lesions. The nurses’ judgement of a patient risk status was the most important factor for applying preventive measures. Furthermore, application of pressure ulcer prevention was determined by higher age (from the age category of 70–79 years), higher dependency for the activities of daily living, higher than baseline mobility score and the presence of a pressure ulcer.Conclusions.  Guideline adherence in pressure ulcer prevention changed significantly after implementation of the education programme. There might have been inconsistencies in the nurses’ risk judgement.Relevance to clinical practice.  Quality of pressure ulcer prevention improved, but several items for improvement remain. Adaptation of risk assessment procedures is needed.
Starting a care improvement journey: focusing on the essentials of bedside nursing care in an Australian teaching hospital
Authors: Clarke Tracy , Kelleher Michaela , Fairbrother Greg 
Published: June 2010

Aims and objectives.  To evaluate and improve patient assessment practices, care practices, recognition of patient deterioration and communication in the acute ward environment.Background.  A growing recognition of patient safety‐related concerns in acute hospitals, a nursing shortage and a reduction in availability of skill and experience levels at the bedside led a group of clinicians to explore the issues that impacted on patient care at a ward level within their organisation.Design.  Multimethod practice development study. This paper reports phase one of concept development.Method.  A practice review was conducted using clinical audit processes that examined practice and documentation in relation to patient assessment parameters and care planning, specifically identifying whether changes in clinical parameters were identified and acted on.Results.  Results highlighted a clear discrepancy between the care that was identified on the nursing care plan and the care the patient was receiving. Actions as a result of the disappointing audit results included changes to education programmes, strategies to improve critical discussion regarding clinical practices and the development of assessable domains of nursing care that were relevant and realistic to ward‐based nurses.Conclusion.  The results enabled the identification of eight domains of care and associated care outcomes that target strategies for care improvement. Emancipatory practice development methodology will be used to further progress this work and ensure successful implementation into clinical units.Relevance to clinical practice.  This paper examines the critical discussions, audit processes and actions that took place, leading to the development of care outcomes for nurses.