bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health Promotion in the Practice Setting: Findings from a Review of Clinical Issues
Authors: Whitehead Dean 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTBackground:Many agencies over the last few decades have called for the explicit inclusion and application of health promotion in all aspects of nursing practice. This article reviews the body of empirical (research‐based) and theoretical (conceptual) literature addressing health promotion in nursing clinical practice, to uncover its nature, intention, and impact.Approach:The aim of this review was to identify from the nursing literature what is reported on in relation to health promotion activity, both theoretical and clinical in the practice setting. An extensive review identified that literature pertaining to these issues clustered around the categories of: theorising and conceptualising the meaning and purpose of health promotion in nursing practice, the development and testing of tools and models for practice, and the exploration of attitudes, behaviours, roles and functions of nurses and health professionals in practice.Findings:Against more recent trends in health promotion, the literature shows that broader and wide‐ranging health promotion reform has yet to have universal impact, whereas conventional health education activities remain the mainstay for the majority of “health promotion” activities in nursing practice. Where nurses purport to be conducting “health promotion” they are often conducting behavioural, lifestyle, and risk‐orientated health education. The findings of this review therefore support the notion that much of nursing‐related health practice is firmly located in reactive ill health and disease risk‐specific preventive locations, instead of incorporating and instilling broader societal, economic, ecological, and political dimensions of health promotion. Recommendations for wider reform, developed from personal opinion and supported by the literature, are presented.Conclusions:It is argued that nursing bodies, as well as individual nurses themselves, should seek current health promotion locations in nursing practice, and find effective ways to implement health promotion strategies and, subsequently, equip practitioners with the necessary resources and skills to engage with other health promotion agencies. Future research should be aimed at implementing and evaluating broad health promotion processes.
Vanilloid (Subtype 1) Receptor‐Modulatory Drugs Inhibit [3H]Batrachotoxinin‐A 20‐α‐benzoate Binding to Na+Channels
Authors: Duan Yin , Zheng Jian , Nicholson Russell A. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract: This investigation was conducted to provide further insight into the effects of vanilloid (subtype 1) receptor (VR1) drugs at voltage‐gated sodium channels and examine the potential of this interaction to influence release of neurotransmitters from synaptosomes prepared from mammalian brain. The VR1 modulatory drugs capsaicin, olvanil and capsazepine inhibited the binding of batrachotoxinin‐A 20‐α‐benzoate ([3H]BTX‐B) to receptor site 2 of voltage‐gated sodium channels. All drugs reduced the affinity of radioligand for sodium channels, and capsazepine also decreased the number of [3H]BTX‐B binding sites. In kinetic experiments, no reduction in radioligand association rate was found, but capsaicin, olvanil and capsazepine all enhanced the dissociation rate of [3H]BTX‐B. All drugs inhibited veratridine‐evoked release ofl‐glutamic acid, γ‐amino butyric acid andl‐aspartic acid from synaptosomes; however, their inhibitory effects on transmitter release were much weaker when 35 mM potassium chloride was used to depolarize synaptosomes. The study compounds, in common with other central nervous system depressants, interact with a region on the voltage‐gated sodium channel that permits negative allosteric coupling with receptor site 2 and this mechanism likely accounts for blockade of sodium channel‐activated transmitter release.
Role of Ellagic Acid against Cisplatin‐Induced Nephrotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats
Authors: Ateşşahín Ahmet , Çeríbaşi Ali Osman , Yuce Abdurrauf , Bulmus Özgür , Çikim Gürkan 
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective role of antioxidant treatment with ellagic acid on cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity using biochemical and histopatological approaches. Adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. The control group received 0.9% saline; animals in the ellagic acid group received only ellagic acid (10 mg/kg); animals in the cisplatin group received only cisplatin (7 mg/kg); animals in the cisplatin + ellagic acid group received ellagic acid for 10 days after cisplatin. The effects of ellagic acid on cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity were evaluated by plasma creatinine, urea, sodium and calcium concentrations; kidney tissue malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH peroxidase) and catalase activities and histopatological examinations. Administration of cisplatin to rats induced a marked renal failure, characterized by significant increases in plasma creatinine, urea and calcium concentrations. Cisplatin also induced oxidative stress, as indicated by increased kidney tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde, and reduced activities of GSH peroxidase and catalase. Furthermore, treatment with cisplatin caused a marked tubular necrosis, degeneration and desquamation, luminal cast formation, karyomegaly, tubular dilatation, interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration and inter‐tubular haemorrhagia. Ellagic acid markedly reduced elevated plasma creatinine, urea and calcium levels and counteracted the deleterious effects of cisplatin on oxidative stress markers. In the same way, ellagic acid ameliorated cisplatin‐induced pathological changes including tubular necrosis, degeneration, karyomegaly, tubular dilatation when compared to the cisplatin alone group. These results indicate that the antioxidant ellagic acid might have a protective effect against cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat, but not enough to inhibit cisplatin‐induced renal dysfunction.
Environmental degradation problems in the Heihe River Basin, northwest China
Authors: Qi Shanzhong , Luo Fang 
Published: December 2006

AbstractEnvironmental degradation in the Heihe River Basin of arid northwestern China is discussed in the paper. Under conditions of arid climate and unreasonable human activities, the processes of overuse of water resources by people in the basin have significant effects on the different kinds of environmental degradation, which include water environmental changes, land desertification and salinization, and vegetation degeneration. Furthermore, some proposals for environmental degradation research and control in the study site are put forward.
Perspectives of different parties involved in the selection of capital equipment for sewerage and wastewater‐associated infrastructure investment projects
Authors: Faram M. G. , Saker J. M. , Story V. M. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThis paper presents a study of UK water industry capital equipment selection, focusing in particular on behaviour in relation to sewerage/combined sewer overflow (CSO) and wastewater‐associated investment activities. Valuable new insights into the perspectives of different parties, including water service providers (WSPs), design consultants and construction companies, are provided. Through analysis of over 200 questionnaires, equipment selection is confirmed to be multi‐organisational, with different parties dominating different roles. Among the selection criteria, service and quality are found to be valued as parameters worth paying for. Relationships and sustainability considerations are also found to be important, although views on whether sustainability benefits will be paid for are divided. While interparty alignment of views is generally good, there are occasional discrepancies at the individual water region level. It is suggested that optimisation might derive from recognising the significance of intangible components of the supplier offering, and managing relationships to allow these to be capitalised upon.
Canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca: disease trends in a review of 229 cases
Authors: Sanchez R. F , Innocent G , Mould J , Billson F. M 
Published: December 2006

Objectives:To investigate the disease patterns in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca referred to the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital.Methods:A retrospective study of 229 cases was carried out.Results:There were 44 breeds in the study, with four breeds, English cocker spaniels, cavalier King Charles spaniels, West Highland white terriers and shih‐tzus, making up 58 per cent of the cases. Among these four breeds, two breed‐dependent disease patterns, one chronic and one acute, were identified. English cocker spaniels and West Highland white terriers had a mean age at onset of clinical signs of five years and one month and five years and six months, respectively, with more females affected than males. Clinical signs consisted predominantly of conjunctival hyperaemia and mucopurulent discharge, with a relatively low incidence of ulcerative keratitis. In contrast, cavalier King Charles spaniels and shih‐tzus showed a more acute disease pattern with a biphasic age distribution at 0 to less than two years of age, and four to less than six and six to less than eight years of age, respectively, with more males affected than females and a significantly higher incidence of ulcerative keratitis in some cases resulting in corneal perforation.ClinicalSignificance:The study reveals interbreed differences with respect to sex, age and risk of ulcerative keratitis which have not been detailed previously in a referral population.
Improved survival in a retrospective cohort of 28 dogs with insulinoma
Authors: Polton G. A. , White R. N. , Brearley M. J. , Eastwood J. M. 
Published: December 2006

Objectives:To determine the survival times for a cohort of dogs with insulinoma and to describe the impact of medical therapy both in non‐surgical cases and in surgical cases following relapse.Methods:A retrospective study of dogs with insulinoma is presented. The Kaplan‐Meier method is used to evaluate the survival characteristics of this population.Results:Twenty‐eight dogs were included in the study. The median survival time for all dogs was 547 days. Nineteen patients underwent partial pancreatectomy. The median survival time for this group was 785 days and for those subsequently receiving prednisolone therapy on relapse it was 1316 days. Perioperative complications are discussed.ClinicalSignificance:Survival times in this study exceed those in other studies published previously. In part, this is explained by an improved remission duration following surgery compared with previous reports. More striking though is the longevity of patients following institution of medical therapy. These data give strong objective support to the role of medical therapy in the management of canine insulinoma, including following relapse after surgically induced remission.
Efficacy and safety of cefovecin (Convenia™) for the treatment of urinary tract infections in dogs
Authors: Passmore C. A. , Sherington J. , Stegemann M. R. 
Published: December 2006

Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of cefovecin (ConveniaTM; Pfizer Animal Health) in the treatment of urinary tract infections in dogs. Methods: A multi‐centre, blinded, randomised study was conducted in 129 dogs with urinary tract infections. Cephalexin (RilexineTM) administered twice daily at 15 mg/kg bodyweight orally for 14 days was compared with a single, subcutaneous injection of cefovecin (ConveniaTM) in dogs. The primary efficacy parameter assessed was bacterial elimination of the pretreatment uropathogen. Results: One hundred and twenty‐nine dogs were included in efficacy assessments. Escherichia coli was eliminated in 90·5 per cent of cefovecin‐treated dogs compared with 52·9 per cent of cephalexin‐treated dogs (P=0·0004). Overall cure rates for dogs with Escherichia coli infections were 79·1 per cent for cefovecin and 36·4 per cent for cephalexin‐treated dogs (P=0·0003). There were no suspected adverse drug reactions attributed to treatment with cefovecin or cephalexin. Clinical Significance: Cefovecin was shown to be an effective and safe treatment for urinary tract infections.
Multiplex Assay for Simultaneous Measurement of Antibodies to Multiple
Plasmodium falciparum
Antigens
Authors: Fouda Genevieve G. , Leke Rose F. G. , Long Carole , Druilhe Pierre , Zhou Ainong , Taylor Diane Wallace , Johnson Armead H. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

Antibodies to
Plasmodium falciparum
are classically measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Although highly sensitive, this technique is labor-intensive when large numbers of samples must be screened against multiple antigens. The suspension array technology (SAT) might be an alterative to ELISA, as it allows measurement of antibodies against multiple antigens simultaneously with a small volume of sample. This study sought to adapt the new SAT multiplex system for measuring antibodies against nine malarial vaccine candidate antigens, including recombinant proteins from two variants of merozoite surface protein 1, two variants of apical merozoite antigen 1, erythrocyte binding antigen 175, merozoite surface protein 3, and peptides from the circumsporozoite protein, ring erythrocyte surface antigen, and liver-stage antigen 1. Various concentrations of the antigens were coupled to microspheres with different spectral addresses, and plasma samples from Cameroonian adults were screened by SAT in mono- and multiplex formats and by ELISA. Optimal amounts of protein required to perform the SAT assay were 10- to 100-fold less than that needed for ELISA. Excellent agreement was found between the single and multiplex formats (
R
≥ 0.96), even when two variants of the same antigen were used. The multiplex assay was rapid, reproducible, required less than 1 μl of plasma, and had a good correlation with ELISA. Thus, SAT provides an important new tool for studying the immune response to malaria rapidly and efficiently in large populations, even when the amount of plasma available is limited, e.g., in studies of neonates or finger-prick blood.
Bovine Immune Response to Shiga-Toxigenic
Escherichia coli
O157:H7
Authors: Hoffman Mark A. , Menge Christian , Casey Thomas A. , Laegreid William , Bosworth Brad T. , Dean-Nystrom Evelyn A. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

Although cattle develop humoral immune responses to Shiga-toxigenic (Stx
+
)
Escherichia coli
O157:H7, infections often result in long-term shedding of these human pathogenic bacteria. The objective of this study was to compare humoral and cellular immune responses to Stx
+
and Stx
−
E. coli
O157:H7. Three groups of calves were inoculated intrarumenally, twice in a 3-week interval, with different strains of
E. coli
: a Stx2-producing
E. coli
O157:H7 strain (Stx2
+
O157), a Shiga toxin-negative
E. coli
O157:H7 strain (Stx
−
O157), or a nonpathogenic
E. coli
strain (control). Fecal shedding of Stx2
+
O157 was significantly higher than that of Stx
−
O157 or the control. Three weeks after the second inoculation, all calves were challenged with Stx2
+
O157. Following the challenge, levels of fecal shedding of Stx2
+
O157 were similar in all three groups. Both groups inoculated with an O157 strain developed antibodies to O157 LPS. Calves initially inoculated with Stx
−
O157, but not those inoculated with Stx2
+
O157, developed statistically significant lymphoproliferative responses to heat-killed Stx2
+
O157. These results provide evidence that infections with STEC can suppress the development of specific cellular immune responses in cattle, a finding that will need to be addressed in designing vaccines against
E. coli
O157:H7 infections in cattle.
Development of Novel Immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, and IgM Enzyme Immunoassays Based on Recombinant Puumala and Dobrava Hantavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins
Authors: Meisel Helga , Wolbert Anne , Razanskiene Ausra , Marg Andreas , Kazaks Andris , Sasnauskas Kestutis , Pauli Georg , Ulrich Rainer , Krüger Detlev H. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

Human infections with Asian and European hantaviruses can result in hemorrhagic fever with renal syndromes of differing severities characterized by renal dysfunction and sometimes by pulmonary symptoms. For the serological detection of human infections by hantaviruses relevant for Europe, we developed monoclonal antibody capture immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) based on yeast-expressed nucleocapsid proteins of Puumala and Dobrava hantaviruses. Moreover, for diagnosis of acute infections, μ-capture IgM ELISAs were established with nucleocapsid proteins expressed in
Drosophila melanogaster
Schneider S2 cells. The cutoff values of the ELISAs were determined by investigation of up to 500 human anti-hantavirus-negative serum samples. The specificities of the Puumala and Dobrava virus-specific IgM, IgA, and IgG ELISAs were found to be 100%. The sensitivities of these ELISAs were determined to be 100% with panels of characterized anti-Puumala or anti-Dobrava virus-positive human serum samples. In most cases, Puumala and Dobrava virus infections could be differentiated by ELISA reactivity alone, i.e., endpoint titration with homologous and heterologous antigens.
Diagnosis of Paracoccidioidomycosis by Detection of Antigen and Antibody in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluids
Authors: Marques-da-Silva Silvia Helena , Colombo Arnaldo Lopes , Blotta Maria Heloisa Souza Lima , Queiroz-Telles Flávio , Balthazar Alípio Barbosa , Lopes José Daniel , de Camargo Zoilo Pires 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic infection caused by the fungus
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
and is believed to be the leading cause of fungal pulmonary infection. In this study, we used an inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to diagnose pulmonary PCM based on the detection of 43-kDa and 70-kDa molecules in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. The results were compared with results obtained by classical methods for antibody detection.
Use of the Immunodominant 18-Kilodalton Small Heat Shock Protein as a Serological Marker for Exposure to
Mycobacterium ulcerans
Authors: Diaz Diana , Döbeli Heinz , Yeboah-Manu Dorothy , Mensah-Quainoo Ernestina , Friedlein Arno , Soder Nicole , Rondini Simona , Bodmer Thomas , Pluschke Gerd 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

While it is well established that proximity to wetlands is a risk factor for contracting Buruli ulcer, it is not clear what proportion of a population living in an area where the etiologic agent,
Mycobacterium ulcerans
, is endemic is actually exposed to this disease. Immunological cross-reactivity among mycobacterial species complicates the development of a specific serological test. Among immunodominant proteins recognized by a panel of anti-
M. ulcerans
monoclonal antibodies, the
M. ulcerans
homologue of the
M. leprae
18-kDa small heat shock protein (shsp) was identified. Since this shsp has no homologues in
M. bovis
and
M. tuberculosis
, we evaluated its use as a target antigen for a serological test. Anti-18-kDa shsp antibodies were frequently found in the sera of Buruli ulcer patients and of healthy household contacts but rarely found in controls from regions where the infection is not endemic. The results indicate that only a small proportion of
M. ulcerans
-infected individuals contract the clinical disease.
Clostridium perfringens
Antigens Recognized by Broiler Chickens Immune to Necrotic Enteritis
Authors: Kulkarni R. R. , Parreira V. R. , Sharif S. , Prescott J. F. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

Little is known about immunity to necrotic enteritis (NE) in chickens. A recent study of broiler chickens showed that protection against NE was associated with infection-immunization with virulent but not with avirulent
Clostridium perfringens
.In the current study, six secreted antigenic proteins unique to virulent
C. perfringens
that reacted to serum antibodies from immune birds were identified by mass spectrophotometry; three of these proteins are part of the VirR-VirS regulon.
Use of Internally Controlled Real-Time Genome Amplification for Detection of Variola Virus and Other Orthopoxviruses Infecting Humans
Authors: Fedele C. G. , Negredo A. , Molero F. , Sánchez-Seco M. P. , Tenorio A. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

Smallpox, once a devastating disease caused by
Variola virus
, a member of the
Orthopoxvirus
genus, was eradicated in 1980. However, the importance of variola virus infections has been stressed widely in the last few years, particularly following recent social events in the world. Today, variola virus is considered to be one of the most significant agents with potential use as a biological weapon. In this study we developed an internally controlled real-time PCR assay for rapid detection and simultaneous differentiation of variola virus from other orthopoxviruses. The assay is based on TaqMan 3′-minor groove binder (MGB) chemistry and uses generic primers, designed in highly conserved genomic regions of the
crmB
gene, and three TaqMan MGB probes designed to identify orthopoxviruses, variola virus, and an internal control. The results obtained suggest that the assay is rapid, sensitive, specific, and suitable for the generic detection of orthopoxviruses and the identification of variola virus and avoids false-negative results in a single reaction tube.
Neurologic Disease in Captive Lions (Panthera leo) with Low-Titer Lion Lentivirus Infection
Authors: Brennan Greg , Podell Michael D. , Wack Raymund , Kraft Susan , Troyer Jennifer L. , Bielefeldt-Ohmann Helle , VandeWoude Sue 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTLion lentivirus (LLV; also known as feline immunodeficiency virus of lion,Panthera leo[FIVPle]) is present in free-ranging and captive lion populations at a seroprevalence of up to 100%; however, clinical signs are rarely reported. LLV displays up to 25% interclade sequence diversity, suggesting that it has been in the lion population for some time and may be significantly host adapted. Three captive lions diagnosed with LLV infection displayed lymphocyte subset alterations and progressive behavioral, locomotor, and neuroanatomic abnormalities. No evidence of infection with other potential neuropathogens was found. Antemortem electrodiagnostics and radiologic imaging indicated a diagnosis consistent with lentiviral neuropathy. PCR was used to determine a partial lentiviral genomic sequence and to quantify the proviral burden in eight postmortem tissue specimens. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the virus was consistent with the LLV detected in other captive and free-ranging lions. Despite progressive neurologic signs, the proviral load in tissues, including several regions of the brain, was low; furthermore, gross and histopathologic changes in the brain were minimal. These findings suggest that the symptoms in these animals resulted from nonspecific encephalopathy, similar to human immunodeficiency virus, FIV, and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) neuropathies, rather than a direct effect of active viral replication. The association of neuropathy and lymphocyte subset alterations with chronic LLV infection suggests that long-term LLV infection can have detrimental effects for the host, including death. This is similar to reports of aged sootey mangabeys dying from diseases typically associated with end-stage SIV infection and indicates areas for further research of lentiviral infections of seemingly adapted natural hosts, including mechanisms of host control and viral adaptation.