bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐4 promotes human CD8+ T cell expression of CCR7
Authors: Seneviratne Suranjith L. , Black Antony P. , Jones Louise , Di Gleria Kati , Bailey Abigail S. , Ogg Graham S. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryDespite strong evidence supporting a pathway of human T cell differentiation characterized by changes in the expression of CCR7, CD28, CD27 and CD62L, few studies have addressed the mechanisms of pathway regulation. Cutaneous lymphocyte‐associated antigen (CLA)‐positive skin‐homing CD8+ T cells expressed significantly elevated levels of activation markers compared with CLA− CD8+ T cells in individuals (n = 27) with cutaneous atopic disease. Despite such an activated phenotype, CLA+ T cells expressed significantly higher levels of CCR7 than a CLA− T cell subset. Interleukin (IL)‐4 was found to dramatically promote CCR7 expression by antigen‐specific CD8+ cells. Furthermore, skin‐homing CD8+ T cells from individuals with severe disease produced significantly less IL‐10 than those derived from mildly affected atopic subjects. Thus in a T‐helper 2 dominated disease, tissue‐specific CD8+ T cells show altered CCR7 expression and cytokine production, which may contribute to continued lymph node homing, antigen presentation and disease. IL‐4 promotes expression of CCR7, a marker linked to existing models of CD8+ T cell differentiation.
Mapping the organizational culture research in nursing: a literature review
Authors: Scott‐Findlay Shannon , Estabrooks Carole A. 
Published: October 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a critical review of nursing organizational culture research studies with the objectives of: (1) reviewing theoretical and methodological characteristics of the studies and (2) drawing inferences specific to the state of knowledge in this field.Background.  Organizational culture is regarded as significant in influencing research use in clinical practice yet it is not understood how culture shapes practitioners’ behaviours. Only one review of this empirical literature in nursing has been completed.Method.  Using selected computerized databases, published nursing research studies in English that examine organizational culture were accessed. Organizational culture studies were categorized using Hatch's three perspectives on organizational culture: (1) modern, (2) symbolic‐interpretive and (3) postmodern. The review was conducted in 2005.Results.  Twenty‐nine studies were in the final data set. Results pointed to variations in cultural definitions and incorporation of organizational sciences theory. In classifying the studies, modern perspectives dominated (n = 22), symbolic‐interpretive approaches were an emerging group (n = 6) and one study was unclassifiable. Our results expand current cultural instrument reviews by pinpointing tools that have been previously overlooked and by identifying ongoing theoretical and methodological challenges for researchers.Conclusion.  An exclusive reliance on modernistic approaches in organizational culture research cannot yield a complete understanding of the phenomenon. Rather, the field could benefit from a variety of cultural approaches. In a similar vein, researchers need to be mindful of the terminology and the unit of analysis they use in their research, as these are the two largest research challenges.
Spatial viability analysis of Amur tigerPanthera tigris altaicain the Russian Far East: the role of protected areas and landscape matrix in population persistence
Authors: CARROLL CARLOS , MIQUELLE DALE G. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe Amur or Siberian tigerPanthera tigris altaicaforms a relatively small and disjunct population of less than 600 individuals in the Russian Far East. Because tigers in this region require large territories to acquire sufficient prey, current strictly protected areas, comprising 3·4% (10 300 km2) of the region, are unlikely to prevent extirpation of the subspecies in the face of expanding forestry and external demand for tiger parts.We used resource selection function models and spatially explicit population models to analyse the distribution and predict the demographic structure of the population to identify policy options that may enhance population viability.A resource selection function model developed from track distribution data predicted that tigers were most likely to occur in lower altitude valley bottoms with Korean pine forest and low human impacts.The results from the spatially explicit population model suggested that current tiger distribution is highly dependent onde factorefugia with low human impacts but without statutory protection, and that small increases in mortality in these areas will result in range fragmentation. Although an expanded reserve network only marginally increases tiger viability under current conditions, it dramatically enhances distribution under potential future scenarios, preventing regional extirpation despite a more hostile landscape matrix.The portion of tiger range most resistant to extirpation connects a large coastal reserve in the central portion of the region with largely unprotected watersheds to the north. A southern block of habitat is also important but more severely threatened with anthropogenic disturbances. The results suggest that preserving source habitat in these two zones and ensuring linkages are retained between blocks of habitat in the north and south will be critical to the survival of the tiger population.Synthesis and applications. Conservation priorities identified in this analysis differ from those suggested by a conservation paradigm focusing only on sustaining and connecting existing protected areas that has been applied to tiger conservation in more developed landscapes with higher prey densities. An alternative paradigm that assesses population viability in a whole‐landscape context and develops priorities for both protected area expansion and increasing survival rates in the landscape matrix may be more appropriate in areas where tigers and other large carnivores coexist with low‐density human populations. Although landscape connectivity merits increased emphasis in conservation planning, identification of landscape linkages should be tied to broad‐scale recommendations resulting from spatial viability analyses in order to prevent misdirection of resources towards protecting corridors that add little to population persistence.
Workforce issues in nursing in Queensland: 2001 and 2004
Authors: Hegney Desley , Eley Robert , Plank Ashley , Buikstra Elizabeth , Parker Victoria 
Published: October 2006

Aims and objectives.  The aim of the study was to identify the factors having an impact upon nursing work and to use the results to inform strategic planning of the Queensland Nurses Union.Background.  In 2001 and 2004, a study was undertaken to gather data on the level of satisfaction of nurses with their working life. This paper reports the 2004 results on workload, skill mix, remuneration and morale. Where applicable, the results are compared with 2001 data.Methods.  A questionnaire was mailed to 3000 Assistants‐in‐Nursing, Enrolled and Registered Nurses in October 2004. All participants were members of the Queensland Nurses Union. The results are reported in three sectors – public, private and aged care. A total of 1349 nurses responded to the survey, a response rate of 45%.Results.  Nurses in the 2004 study believed: their workload was heavy; their skills and experience poorly rewarded; work stress was high; morale was perceived to be poor and, similar to 2001, deteriorating; the skill mix was often inadequate; and the majority of nurses were unable to complete their work in the time available. Nursing morale was found to be associated with autonomy, workplace equipment, workplace safety, teamwork, work stress, the physical demand of nursing work, workload, rewards for skills and experience, career prospects, status of nursing and remuneration.Conclusions.  Overall the findings of the study are consistent with those determined by the 2001 survey.Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings of this study indicate the importance of factors such as workplace autonomy, teamwork, the levels of workplace stress, workload and remuneration on nursing morale. The data also indicate that workplace safety and workplace morale are linked. These findings provide information for policy makers and nurse managers on areas that need to be addressed to retain nurses within aged care, acute hospital and community nursing.
An insight into the unrest phenomena at the Campi Flegrei caldera from Vp and Vp/Vs tomography
Authors: Chiarabba Claudio , Moretti Milena 
Published: October 2006

AbstractHigh resolution Vp and Vp/Vs tomography of the Campi Flegrei caldera is obtained using active and passive seismic data. We find a continuous ring of high Vp anomaly that defines the caldera rim associated to the last collapse. A sharp Vp/Vs decrease is observed between 2 and 4 km depth, suggesting the absence of magmatic fluids and the presence of rock volumes with over‐pressured gas within the source region of uplift. Atmospheric water penetrating within the caldera and deep CO2 fluids are presumably heated by a magmatic body located at depth greater than 4 km nested within the limestone layer. Along the fractures bordering the shallow high Vp rim, deep gas and CO2 fluids up‐raise and are released in the Pozzuoli solfatara. We hypothesize that the past unrest episode is more likely due to pressure changes within the shallow geothermal reservoir located at the top of the magma intrusion.
“Bubble hair,” a report of two cases
Authors: Mehregan Darius R. , Sayoc Lisa , Ramos Daisy , Misra‐Higgins Indira 
Published: October 2006

Case 1A 20‐year‐old woman presented with a patchy area of hair loss in the occipital scalp area. The patient's hair care included the use of a blow dryer. Microscopic evaluation of a gentle hair pull revealed vacuolization of the hair shafts. The hair shafts were enlarged in the areas of vacuolization. There was no evidence of dermatophyte hyphae on examination with KOH technique. A diagnosis of bubble hair was made. The patient's alopecia improved with gentle hair care and discontinuation of blow drying. At 1‐year follow‐up, there was no evidence of residual alopecia.Case 2A 42‐year‐old woman presented with diffuse hair loss and increased hair fragility (Fig. 1). The patient had a history of blow drying her hair with the heat set on the “high” setting on a daily basis. She also reported holding the blow dryer close to her scalp. Examination of her hair shafts revealed multiple areas of vacuolization of the hair shafts (Fig. 2). Examination with KOH technique showed no evidence of dermatophyte hyphae. The patient was instructed to discontinue the use of high heat in her hair care regimen. At 1‐year follow‐up, the patient's alopecia had improved.A 42‐year‐old woman with diffuse thinning and increased fragility of the hairimageHair shafts reveal large irregular vacuoles on direct microscopic enduration (unstained × 10 objective)image
Melanoma arising in a hairy nevus spilus
Authors: Zeren‐Bilgin İlgül , Gür Serhat , Aydın Oya , Ermete Murat 
Published: October 2006

AbstractCutaneous melanoma may develop de novo on normal skin or in contiguity with a potential melanocytic precursor. We report a 45‐year‐old man who presented with a recently developed nodule in a previously stable congenital nevus. Physical examination revealed a 10 × 18‐cm lesion with speckled lentiginous pigmentation and terminal hairs on the lower back. A 2 × 2‐cm suspicious nodule in the lesion was noted by the patient 2 months earlier. Histopathological evaluation of the nevus and the suspicious nodule revealed the characteristics of a melanocytic nevus and melanoma, respectively. It was interesting for the authors to observe terminal hairs in a lesion that was clinically ‘speckled lentiginous’ in appearance. This case report is a reminder that there may be great variation in the clinical appearance of nevus spilus, and thus dermatologists must be aware of these lesions as potential precursors of malignant melanoma.
Effects of intrathecal bupivacaine in conjunction with hypothermia on neuronal protection against transient spinal cord ischemia in rats
Authors: Lee J.‐R. , Han S.‐M. , Leem J.‐G. , Hwang S.‐J. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  Excitotoxic neuronal injury from ischemia may be reduced by local anesthetics. We investigated the neuroprotective effects of intrathecally administered bupivacaine and hypothermia in a rat model of transient spinal cord ischemia.Methods:  PE‐10 intrathecal catheter‐implanted male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: normothermia (NT) and hypothermia (HT) groups (given 15 μl of normal saline) and bupivacaine (B) and bupivacaine–hypothermia (BHT) groups (given 15 μl of 0.5% bupivacaine). Transient spinal cord ischemia was induced by inflation of a 2F Fogarty catheter placed in the aortic arch for 12 min. The rectal temperature was maintained at 37.0 ± 0.5 °C for the NT and B groups, and at 34.5 ± 0.5 °C for the HT and BHT groups. Motor and sensory deficit scores were assessed 2 and 24 h after reperfusion. Lumbar spinal cords were harvested for histopathology and immunoreactivity of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70).Results:  After reperfusion, the motor and sensory deficit scores of the NT group were significantly higher than those of the HT (P < 0.05) and BHT (P < 0.001) groups. Significant differences were evident in the motor and sensory deficit scores between the HT and BHT groups at 24 h (P < 0.05). Neuronal cell death and immunoreactivity of HSP70 were frequently observed in the NT and BT groups, but not in the HT and BHT groups.Conclusions:  These results collectively suggest that intrathecal bupivacaine does not provide neuroprotection during normothermic transient spinal cord ischemia in rats, but enhances the neuroprotective effects of hypothermia.
Dexpanthenol pastille and benzydamine hydrochloride spray for the prevention of post‐operative sore throat
Authors: Gulhas N. , Canpolat H. , Cicek M. , Yologlu S. , Togal T. , Durmus M. , Ozcan Ersoy M. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of dexpanthenol pastille and benzydamine hydrochloride spray on the prevention of a sore throat.Methods:  One hundred and eighty patients undergoing general anaesthesia, who were ASA I–II and with their ages ranging between 15 and 70 years, were randomly allocated to three groups, each consisting of 60 patients. For group B, four puffs of benzydamine hydrochloride were sprayed into the mouth initially 30 min before the operation and repeatedly 5 min before anaesthesia induction. For group D, two pastilles of dexpanthenol were administered orally to be sucked 30 min before the operation. For group P, four puffs of distilled water were sprayed into the mouth initially 30 min before the operation. Post‐operatively, patients were evaluated for a sore throat for the duration of 24 h.Results:  The incidence of a sore throat was significantly lower for group D when compared with group B and group P. The incidence of a sore throat was similar for group B and group P. According to the sore throat grading system, the number of patients experiencing no complaints was significantly higher for group D when compared with group B and group P. The number of patients achieving moderate scores was significantly higher for group B when compared with group D.Conclusion:  The administration of 200 mg of dexpanthenol prophylactically before endotracheal intubation is effective in the prevention of post‐operative sore throat.
Inhibitory effect of gabapentin onN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors expressed inXenopusoocytes
Authors: Hara K. , Sata T. 
Published: October 2006

Background: Gabapentin (GBP) is a prescription drug used for the treatment of neuropathic and post‐operative pain. However, the mechanism by which it exerts its analgesic action is not well understood. Because intrathecal administration of GBP has been shown to exert antinociceptive effects in animal studies, we hypothesized that the spinal cord may be a plausible action site.Methods: We examined the effects of GBP on neurotransmitter‐gated ion channels and G protein‐coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels distributed in the spinal cord and involved in pain modulation. Recombinant human NR1/NR2AN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA), α1β2γ2Sγ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) or α1glycine receptors, or GIRK1/GIRK2 channels were expressed inXenopus laevisoocytes and the effects of GBP (0.1–1000 μM) on them were assessed using a two‐electrode, voltage‐clamp system.Results: GABAAand glycine receptors and GIRK channels were not affected by GBP, even at the highest concentrations. Conversely, NMDA receptors were inhibited by GBP in a concentration‐dependent manner, with significant inhibition observed at 10 μM. At 30 μM, GBP inhibited the glutamate‐concentration response curve without changing the half‐maximal effective concentration or the Hill coefficient, indicating a non‐competitive inhibition. Glycine decreased the inhibitory effect in a concentration‐dependent manner.Conclusions: These findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of GBP on NMDA receptors may play an important role in the antinociceptive property of GBP; however, it does not appear that GABAAand glycine receptors or GIRK channels contribute to the pharmacological properties of GBP.
Portable microscopic cell counter for the determination of residual leucocytes in blood components
Authors: Bae S. Y. , Lee C. H. , Kim J. S. , Lim C. S. , Lee C. K. , Lee K. N. , Park G. H. , Hur D. S. , Chung C. , Chang J. K. 
Published: October 2006

Background and Objectives  The accurate determination of residual white blood cell (WBC) in blood components is of considerable clinical importance, and a variety of methods have been devised for the counting of low levels of residual WBC. In this study, we evaluated the performance of microscopic cell counter with microchannel plastic chip (C‐reader‘) with regard to its ability to quantify WBC in WBC‐reduced red cell concentrates.Materials and Methods  In order to quantify residual WBC with the microscopic cell counter, WBC‐reduced red cell concentrate was stained using propidium iodide. Three studies were performed: linearity, precision and correlation compared to those of manual Nageotte chamber counting and automatic flow cytometric methods.Results  Dilution experiments, conducted over a range of 0·7–712 WBC/µl, showed a linearity of r2 > 0·999, with coefficient of variation values of ≤ 15·6% and accuracy of 93·8% over all tested ranges. In comparison with the Nageotte chamber counting and flow cytometric methods, the correlation coefficients were r2 > 0·995. The detection limit of this method was 0·24 WBC/µl. Total analysis time per sample was approximately 5 min.Conclusion  The microscopic cell counter for residual WBC counting was determined to be efficient at the level of currently defined standards, with acceptable precision and accuracy. This method may prove useful for the quality assurance and control of WBC‐depleted blood products.
Atrial fibrillation following subconjunctival injection of mydricaine number 02
Authors: Keembiyage Ranasiri D , Raymond Grant L , Newland Henry S 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMydricaine is a mydriatic agent used as a subconjunctival injection to maintain perioperative mydriasis. The drug consists of a mixture of 1.3 mg atropine sulphate, 0.12 mg adrenaline and 8.4 mg procaine hydrochloride in a single vial of 0.4 mL. It is common practice to use mydricaine injections during vitreoretinal surgery in the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Even though the drug is used widely in many vitreoretinal centres, mydricaine is not listed in the British National Formulary nor Monthly Index of Medical Specialities. Therefore, case reports provide the main forum for reporting side‐effects.
Dexmedetomidine for the treatment of postanesthesia shivering in children
Authors: BLAINE EASLEY R. , BRADY KENNETH M. , TOBIAS JOSEPH D. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackground:  Shivering is a common postanesthesia adverse event with multiple etiologies and multiple suggested prophylactic and abortive treatment regimens. Dexmedetomidine, a centrally acting α2‐adrenergic agonist, has been used as a sedative agent and is known to reduce the shivering threshold. We hypothesized that children with postanesthesia shivering would reduce shivering behavior following a single bolus dose of dexmedetomidine.Methods:  Dexmedetomidine was administered in a prospective, open‐label fashion. The anesthesia management was uniform consisting of maintenance inhaled anesthesia (sevoflurane) and the intraoperative administration of fentanyl (1–2 μg·kg−1) plus a regional anesthetic technique (either a neuraxial or peripheral block) for postoperative analgesia. Criteria for treatment included: (i) shivering, (ii) successful extubation, and (iii) no other complaint/indication of pain. All children who met the criteria were treated with a single intravenous bolus dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg·kg−1) over 3–5 min. Following the completion of drug administration, shivering activity was recorded every minute (up to 10 min) with any adverse effects or complaints. The efficacy of shivering reduction at 5 min in this cohort is compared with previous reports from the literature of the efficacy of clonidine and meperidine.Results:  Twenty‐four children ranging in age from 7 to 16 years (11.5 ± 2.5 years) were treated. All children had a cessation of shivering behavior within 5 min following the completion of dexmedetomidine administration. The onset of effect was 3.5 ± 0.9 min. No adverse effects were observed. No shivering behavior recurred.Conclusions: This study demonstrates the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in the treatment of postanesthesia shivering.
Influence of boreal forest succession and dead wood qualities on saproxylic beetles
Authors: Jacobs Joshua M. , Spence John R. , Langor David W. 
Published: October 2006

Abstract1 Saproxylic insects, a functional group dominated by beetles, are dependent on dead or moribund trees as habitat elements.2 Although there are few studies of saproxylic insects from the North American boreal zone, European studies demonstrate that forest harvest can lead to a biologically significant decrease in saproxylic beetle diversity.3 We studied saproxylic beetles in the North American boreal mixedwood forest using flight intercept traps established on naturally dead and girdled trembling aspen and spruce trees along a successional gradient of undisturbed stands from deciduous to coniferous overstory trees.4 Composition and diversity of beetle assemblages differed among forest successional types.5 Snag age class was an important determinant of composition for saproxylic beetle assemblages.6 Multivariate regression analysis of these data indicated that saproxylic beetles are responding to changes in coarse woody debris, and not to the relative densities of canopy tree species, although these variables are strongly correlated.7 Coarse woody debris management should be a primary concern in forest management plans seeking to conserve saproxylic organisms and the critical ecosystem functions (i.e. nutrient cycling) in which they participate.