bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Euthanasia and physician‐assisted suicide in the Dutch homecare sector: the role of the district nurse
Authors: Van Bruchem‐van de Scheur G.G. , Van Der Arend Arie J.G. , Spreeuwenberg Cor , Huijer Abu‐Saad Huda , Ter Meulen Ruud H.J. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract Title. Euthanasia and physician‐assisted suicide in the Dutch homecare sector: the role of the district nurse Aim.  This paper is a report of the findings of a study into the role of district nurses in euthanasia and physician‐assisted suicide in homecare organizations, conducted as part of a study into the role of nurses in medical end‐of‐life decisions.Background.  Issues concerning legislation and regulation with respect to the role of nurses in euthanasia and physician‐assisted suicide gave the Minister for Health reason to commission a study into the role of nurses in medical end‐of‐life decisions in hospitals, nursing homes and homecare organizations. This is the first quantitative study from the perspective of nurses. Previous quantitative studies were conducted under physicians and information on the role of nurses was obtained indirectly.Method.  A questionnaire was sent in 2003 to 500 district nurses employed in 55 homecare organizations. The absolute response rate was 86·0% and 81·6% (408) could be used for analysis.Results.  In 22·3% of 278 cases, the district nurse was the first with whom patients discussed their request for euthanasia or physician‐assisted suicide. In about half (49·8%) of 267 cases nurses were not involved in the general practitioner's decision‐making process, and in only 13·3% of 264 cases, did they attend the administration of the lethal drugs. District nurses had provided some degree of aftercare to the surviving relatives in 80·3% of 264 cases.Conclusion.  Collaboration between general practitioners and district nurses needs improvement, particularly in relation to decision‐making. Our Dutch data could help nurses in other countries to define their (future) role in euthanasia and physician‐assisted suicide.
Using Nominal Group Technique to investigate the views of people with intellectual disabilities on end‐of‐life care provision
Authors: Tuffrey‐Wijne Irene , Bernal Jane , Butler Gary , Hollins Sheila , Curfs Leopold 
Published: March 2007

Abstract Title. Using Nominal Group Technique to investigate the views of people with intellectual disabilities on end‐of‐life care provision Aim.  This paper is a report of a study using the Nominal Group Technique as a method to elicit the views of people with intellectual disabilities on sensitive issues, in this example end‐of‐life care provision.Background.  Establishing consumer views is essential in providing appropriate end‐of‐life care, yet people with intellectual disabilities have historically been excluded from giving their opinion and participating in research.Methods.  Nominal Group Technique was used in three groups, with a total of 14 participants who had mild and moderate intellectual disabilities. This technique involves four steps: (1) silent generation of ideas, (2) round robin recording of ideas; (3) clarification of ideas and (4) ranking of ideas (voting). Participants were presented with an image of a terminally ill woman (Veronica), and were asked: ‘What do you think people could do to help Veronica?’Findings.  Participants generated a mean of nine individual responses. The highest rankings were given to issues around involvement in one's own care, presence of family and friends, offering activities to the ill person, and physical comfort measures.Conclusion.  People with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities are capable of expressing their views on end‐of‐life care provision, and should be asked to do so. The Nominal Group Technique presents an effective and acceptable methodology in enabling people with intellectual disabilities to generate their views.
Grounded theory: a methodological spiral from positivism to postmodernism
Authors: Mills Jane , Chapman Ysanne , Bonner Ann , Francis Karen 
Published: March 2007

Abstract Title. Grounded theory: a methodological spiral from positivism to postmodernism Aim.  Our aim in this paper is to explain a methodological/methods package devised to incorporate situational and social world mapping with frame analysis, based on a grounded theory study of Australian rural nurses’ experiences of mentoring.Background.  Situational analysis, as conceived by Adele Clarke, shifts the research methodology of grounded theory from being located within a postpositivist paradigm to a postmodern paradigm. Clarke uses three types of maps during this process: situational, social world and positional, in combination with discourse analysis.Method.  During our grounded theory study, the process of concurrent interview data generation and analysis incorporated situational and social world mapping techniques. An outcome of this was our increased awareness of how outside actors influenced participants in their constructions of mentoring.In our attempts to use Clarke's methodological package, however, it became apparent that our constructivist beliefs about human agency could not be reconciled with the postmodern project of discourse analysis. We then turned to the literature on symbolic interactionism and adopted frame analysis as a method to examine the literature on rural nursing and mentoring as secondary form of data.Findings.  While we found situational and social world mapping very useful, we were less successful in using positional maps. In retrospect, we would argue that collective action framing provides an alternative to analysing such positions in the literature. This is particularly so for researchers who locate themselves within a constructivist paradigm, and who are therefore unwilling to reject the notion of human agency and the ability of individuals to shape their world in some way.Conclusion.  Our example of using this package of situational and social worlds mapping with frame analysis is intended to assist other researchers to locate participants more transparently in the social worlds that they negotiate in their everyday practice.
Emergence of pathogenic betanodaviruses belonging to the SJNNV genogroup in farmed fish species from the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Cutrín J M , Dopazo C P , Thiéry R , Leao P , Olveira J G , Barja J L , Bandín I 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBetanodaviruses are the causative agents of viral nervous necrosis (VNN) or viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER) in cultured marine fish. Based on the RNA2 gene fish nodaviruses have been traditionally classified into four different genotypes and recently a fifth genotype has been proposed. This study presents sequencing data of 24 new nodaviruses obtained from three different fish species: sea bass, Dicentrarchux labrax (L.), sea bream, Sparus aurata L., and Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis Kaup, cultured in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). Sequence analysis was performed on the T4 region (388 nt) of the coat protein gene. In addition, phylogenetic analysis, according to maximum parsimony and neighbour‐joining methods, was performed using these sequences and other nucleotide sequences available in the databases or in the literature. Results obtained indicate that all these new nodaviruses should be classified into the striped jack nervous necrosis virus (SJNNV) genotype. This finding suggests that SJNNV genotype is emerging in the Iberian Peninsula and could easily spread throughout the Mediterranean, representing a serious threat to the fish farming industry.
Evaluation of the link between gyrodactylosis and streptococcosis of Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus(L.)
Authors: Xu D‐H , Shoemaker C A , Klesius P H 
Published: March 2007

AbstractStreptococcus iniaeandGyrodactylus niloticusare two common pathogens of cultured Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus. We studied concurrent infection of tilapia byG. niloticusandS. iniaeand evaluated whether parasitism in tilapia withGyrodactylusincreased susceptibility and mortality following immersion infection withS. iniae. Results showed that death mainly occurred in fish withG. niloticusand challenged withS. iniae(G–S group). The accumulative mortality (42.2%) was significantly higher in the G–S group than in fish not infected by the parasite (6.7%), but exposed toS. iniae. Bacteriological examination revealedS. iniaefrom ≥92% of dead or moribund fish challenged withS. iniae.Gyrodactylusnot only damaged fish epithelium and provided entry for invasive bacteria but also was found to harbour viable cells ofS. iniaefor 24 and 72 h.Streptococcus iniaewas isolated from 60% and 40% ofG. niloticuscollected from fish infected by intraperitoneal injection or immersion, respectively, at 24 h post‐challenge. The present study confirms that parasitism of tilapia byG. niloticusincreased host mortality following exposure to the bacterial pathogenS. iniae.
Phylogeography of the fire‐bellied toadsBombina: independent Pleistocene histories inferred from mitochondrial genomes
Authors: HOFMAN SEBASTIAN , SPOLSKY CHRISTINA , UZZELL THOMAS , COGĂLNICEANU DAN , BABIK WIESŁAW , SZYMURA JACEK M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe fire‐bellied toadsBombina bombinaandBombina variegata,interbreed in a long, narrow zone maintained by a balance between selection and dispersal. Hybridization takes place between local, genetically differentiated groups. To quantify divergence between these groups and reconstruct their history and demography, we analysed nucleotide variation at the mitochondrial cytochromebgene (1096 bp) in 364 individuals from 156 sites representing the entire range of both species. Three distinct clades with high sequence divergence (K2P = 8–11%) were distinguished. One clade groupedB. bombinahaplotypes; the two other clades groupedB. variegatahaplotypes. OneB. variegataclade included only Carpathian individuals; the other representedB. variegatafrom the southwestern parts of its distribution: Southern and Western Europe (Balkano–Western lineage), Apennines, and the Rhodope Mountains. Differentiation between the Carpathian and Balkano–Western lineages,K2P ∼8%, approached interspecific divergence. Deep divergence among EuropeanBombinalineages suggests their preglacial origin, and implies long and largely independent evolutionary histories of the species. Multiple glacial refugia were identified in the lowlands adjoining the Black Sea, in the Carpathians, in the Balkans, and in the Apennines. The results of the nested clade and demographic analyses suggest drastic reductions of population sizes during the last glacial period, and significant demographic growth related to postglacial colonization. Inferred history, supported by fossil evidence, demonstrates thatBombinaranges underwent repeated contractions and expansions. Geographical concordance between morphology, allozymes, and mtDNA shows that previous episodes of interspecific hybridization have left no detectable mtDNA introgression. Either the admixed populations went extinct, or selection against hybrids hindered mtDNA gene flow in ancient hybrid zones.
Influence of different dietary calcium levels on the digestibility of Ca, Mg and P in Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni)
Authors: Liesegang A. , Hatt J.‐M. , Wanner M. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryCalcium and phosphorus are very important minerals in reptile nutrition, but many diets are still not balanced. To achieve optimal growth, including a healthy skeleton and a strong shell, a well‐balanced supply with these minerals is prerequisite. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the apparent digestibility in Hermann's tortoises of diets with different calcium levels with special emphasis on the digestibility of minerals. Eight adult Hermann's tortoises of the veterinary faculty in Zurich were used. The animals were housed indoors at a mean temperature between 23 °C and 26 °C. The animals were fed a diet, which consisted of vegetables, herbs and different supplementation of calcium carbonate. Daily faecal samples of all tortoises were collected from day 8 to day 12. A proximate analysis was performed and the HCl‐insoluble ash was used as an indigestible natural indicator (marker) for the determination of the apparent digestibility of minerals. The calcium content of the mixed feedstuffs of diet I was 0.64% on a dry matter basis, and the Ca:P ratio in the food was 3:1. In diet II the Ca content was 1.29% on a dry matter basis, and the Ca:P ratio in the food was 6:1. The digestibility of Ca in diet I was 57%. The other examined minerals, Mg and P, had a digestibility of 46% and 58% respectively. In diet II the digestibility of Ca was 79%, of Mg 52% and of P 52%. The results of this study indicated, that higher Ca concentrations in the diet led to an increased apparent digestibility of Ca and Mg.
Evaluation of diabetes determinants in woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha)
Authors: Ange‐van Heugten K. D. , Burns R. , Verstegen M. W. A. , Jansen W. L. , Ferket P. R. , Van Heugten E. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryWoolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha) are a threatened specie in the wild with limited successful management in captivity due to diagnosed hypertension and suspected diabetic conditions. Six woolly monkeys with known hypertension problems were tested to determine if diabetes mellitus and current daily diet are underlying links to health problems for the captive population of this species. Blood and urine were collected and serum was analysed for fructosamine, glucose, glycated haemoglobin, insulin, triacylglycerides, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐Chol) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐Chol) while urine was tested for glucose concentrations. Diet disappearance was determined for 3 days prior to blood collection and nutrient content was calculated using Zoo Diet Analysis computer program. Serum analyses were within normal ranges (fructosamine (139–242 μmol/l), glucose (2.22–4.78 mmol/l), glycated haemoglobin (3.52–4.73%), insulin (6.2–13.0 μU/ml), triacylglycerides (0.38–3.4 mmol/l), total cholesterol (2.5–5.1 mmol/l), HDL‐Chol (0.4–1.6 mmol/l) and LDL‐Chol (1.8–3.4 mmol/l)). Urine glucose concentrations were below the detection limit. Diets were not limiting in starch and total sugars and were similar in non‐starch polysaccharides. Potential dietary deficiencies were noted for vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and selenium. When compared with the available primate reference ranges, the results do not indicate problems with diabetes mellitus or with glucose metabolism and therefore they are not causes of the diagnosed hypertension. Further research to ascertain the true cause of health related problems and the role of dietary factors is needed.
Isotope analysis as a natural reaction probe to determine mechanisms of biodegradation of 1,2‐dichloroethane
Authors: Hirschorn Sarah K. , Dinglasan‐Panlilio M. Joyce , Edwards Elizabeth A. , Lacrampe‐Couloume Georges , Sherwood Lollar Barbara 
Published: March 2007

Summary1,2‐Dichloroethane (1,2‐DCA), a chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon, is a well‐known groundwater contaminant. In this study, fractionation of stable carbon isotope values of 1,2‐DCA during biodegradation was used as a novel reaction probe to provide information about the mechanism of 1,2‐DCA biodegradation under both aerobic (O2‐reducing) and anaerobic (NO3‐reducing) conditions. Under O2‐reducing conditions, an isotopic enrichment value (ε) of −25.8 ± 1.1‰ (±95% confidence intervals) was measured for the enrichment culture. Under NO3‐reducing conditions, an ε‐value of −25.8 ± 3.5‰ was measured. The microbial culture produced isotopic enrichment values (ε) that are not only large and reproducible, but also are the same whether O2 or NO3 was used as an electron acceptor. Combining data measured under both O2‐ and NO3‐reducing conditions, an isotopic enrichment value (ε) of −25.8 ± 1.6‰ is measured for the microbial culture during 1,2‐DCA degradation. The ε‐value can be converted into a kinetic isotope effect (KIE) value to relate the observed isotopic fractionation to the mechanism of degradation. This KIE value (1.05) is consistent with degradation via hydrolytic dehalogenation under both electron‐accepting conditions. This study demonstrates the added value of compound‐specific isotope analysis not only as a technique to verify the occurrence and extent of biodegradation in the field, but also as a natural reaction probe to provide insight into the enzymatic mechanism of contaminant degradation.
Fungal transformations of uranium oxides
Authors: Fomina M. , Charnock J. M. , Hillier S. , Alvarez R. , Gadd G. M. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe biogeochemical activities of free‐living and symbiotic fungi must be acknowledged in attempts to understand uranium cycling and dispersal in the environment. Although the near‐surface geochemistry of uranium is very complex and a wide variety of mineral phases is known, uranium trioxide (UO3) and triuranium octaoxide (U3O8) can be used as well characterized models in the study of biotransformations. We have used a complex methodological approach involving advanced solid state speciation and scanning electron microscopy to study the ability of saprotrophic, ericoid and ectomycorrhizal fungi to transform these model oxides. This study has revealed that fungi exhibit a high uranium oxide tolerance, and possess the ability to solubilize UO3 and U3O8 and to accumulate uranium within the mycelium to over 80 mg (g dry weight)−1 biomass. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy of uranium speciation within the biomass showed that in most of the fungi the uranyl ion was coordinated to phosphate ligands, but in ectomycorrhizal fungi mixed phosphate/carboxylate coordination was observed. Abundant uranium precipitates associated with phosphorus were found in the mycelium and encrusted the hyphae. Some of the fungi caused the biomineralization of well‐crystallized uranyl phosphate minerals of the meta‐autunite group. This is the first experimental evidence for fungal transformations of uranium solids and the production of secondary mycogenic uranium minerals.
Report on the IASO Stock Conference 2006: early and lifelong environmental epigenomic programming of metabolic syndrome, obesity and type II diabetes
Authors: Junien C. , Nathanielsz P. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryNow that analysis of the organization of the human genome sequence is reaching completion, studies of the finely tuned chromatin epigenetic networks, DNA methylation and histone modifications, are required to determine how the same DNA sequence generates different cells, lineages and organs, i.e. the phenotype. Maternal nutrition, behaviour and metabolic disturbances as well as other environmental factors have been shown to have major effects on these epigenetic processes, potentially affecting the predisposition of offspring to obesity and related adult disorders. The March 2006 Stock Conference considered the latest evidence from studies in the field of obesity and other related areas that elucidate mechanisms by which the environment can modify gene expression and the resulting individual phenotype. Presentations included evaluation of the molecular basis of epigenetic memory and the nature of relevant sequence targets, windows of susceptibility, and maternal dietary and behavioural factors that determine epigenetic changes. Imprinted genes, age and tissue‐related exposures, transgenerational and potential interventions were also discussed. In summary, it is clear that epigenetic alterations can no longer be ignored in evaluations of the causes of obesity and its associated disorders. There is a need for systematic large‐scale epigenetic studies of obesity, employing appropriate strategies and techniques and appropriately chosen environmental factors in critical spatio‐temporal windows.
Patient satisfaction after removal of skin lesions
Authors: Rissin Y , Fodor L , Ishach H , Oded R , Ramon Y , Ullmann Y 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground  Removal of skin lesions is one of the most common surgical procedures, with the number increasing progressively since the 1980s.Objective  We tried to evaluate the satisfaction level of patients after removal of skin lesions and to identify the factors influencing it.Study design  The study group consisted of 138 patients who had skin lesions removed by shaving or primary excision and closure. They were evaluated 1 year after the procedure. Two questionnaires were completed independently by the patient and the surgeon.Results  The main indication for the procedure was suspicion of malignancy, functional disturbance, or aesthetic reason. The satisfaction level (general and specific areas) for patients who had a malignant tumour removed was similar to those who had a benign tumour removed. Females were less satisfied than males (P = 0.05). Younger people were less satisfied with the aesthetic results (P = 0.007). Patients who had at least one significant side‐effect were less satisfied than those who did not mention any side‐effects (P = 0.038). The higher the level of patient satisfaction, the higher the level of surgeon satisfaction (P = 0.012).Conclusion  Skin lesions removal, although considered to be a minor procedure, leaves scars that sometimes disturb the patient. According to our study, the most prevalent population for dissatisfaction is females and young males.
Langerhans cell sarcoma in a patient who underwent transplantation
Authors: Diaz‐Sarrio C , Salvatella‐Danés N , Castro‐Forns M , Nadal A 
Published: March 2007

AbstractLangerhans cell sarcoma is a rare, aggressive tumour that may metastasize to many organs, likely leading to death of the patient within 1 year. We present the first case described in the literature in a patient who underwent transplantation.
Striae gravidarum: associated factors
Authors: Ghasemi A , Gorouhi F , Rashighi‐Firoozabadi M , Jafarian S , Firooz A 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground  Striae gravidarum (SG) is the most common change in connective tissue of pregnant women and may cause cosmetic concerns.Objectives  To determine the frequency of SG in Iranian pregnant women and its possible associations with the characteristics of themselves and their newborns.Methods  One hundred and eighteen primigravid pregnant women were included in this prospective observational study at their first prenatal visit, among them 114 completed the study and gave birth.Results  One hundred (87.7%) of 114 women developed SG with a mean Davey's score of 4.04 ± 2.47. The mean gestational age at which SG first appeared was 27.57 ± 5.38 weeks. Family history of SG in mother, baseline and delivery body mass index, greatest abdominal and hip girths, newborn weight, height and head circumference were significantly associated with the presence of SG. All of these factors were also correlated with Davey's score.Conclusion  Genetic and physical risk factors may be involved in the development of SG in primigravid women.
Mammary and extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Kanitakis J 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPaget's disease is an intra‐epidermal adenocarcinoma seen over the nipple/areola (mammary Paget's disease) or in extramammary body zones, such as the anogenital and perineal skin and the axilla. Mammary and extramammary Paget's disease share many common clinicopathological features but also show several differences, namely, with regard to pathogenesis and association with underlying malignancies. Indeed, mammary Paget's disease is as a rule associated with an underlying breast carcinoma whereas association of extramammary Paget's disease with underlying (skin or visceral) malignancies occurs much less frequently. We review here the main clinicopathological and therapeutic features of mammary and extramammary Paget's disease.