bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of selected plants from Turkey
Authors: Kırca Ayşegül , Arslan Esra 
Published: October 2008

SummaryA total of 28 different plants from different regions of Çanakkale, Turkey, were investigated for their antioxidant capacity and total phenol contents to find new potential sources of natural antioxidants. The antioxidant capacity of methanolic extracts prepared from various parts of plants was evaluated by both trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, while the total phenolics were determined using the Folin‐Ciocalteu method. The TEAC values of plant extracts ranged in a large scale from 1472.36 to 17.61 μmol of trolox equivalents per g dry weight (dw), and EC50 values (concentration at which 50% radical scavenging occurred) varied from 0.174 to 42.475 mg dw of plant, while the total phenol content of plant extracts ranged between 117.20 and 1.27 mg of gallic acid equivalents per g dw. There was a positive linear correlation between the TEAC and total phenols of plant materials (r = 0.916). The extracts of Hypericum perforatum, Arbutus andrachne and Paliurus spina‐christii showed higher antioxidant activities (both TEAC and DPPH assays). However, there was no clear relationship between TEAC and EC50 values (r = 0.477) of plant extracts.
The experience of life after burn injury: a new bodily awareness
Authors: Moi Asgjerd Litleré , Vindenes Hallvard Andreas , Gjengedal Eva 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a study to describe the injured body of people who have survived a major burn and seeks to understand the essence of their lived experience.Background.  The burden of a burn‐injured body, including loss of function, altered appearance and psychological distress, can threaten return to preburn state of life and successful return to society.Method.  Fourteen participants (three women and 11 men; mean age 46 years) who had survived a major burn were interviewed in 2005–2006 an average 14 months after injury. A Husserlian phenomenological approach was adopted.Findings.  A new and demanding bodily awareness, disclosing both limitations and potentials, emerged as the essence of the burn survivors’ experience of their injured bodies. This was supported by a descriptive structure of the body as telling a new story, being unfamiliar to watch and sense, vulnerable and in need of protection, more present with a variety of nuisances, having brakes on and resisting habitual actions, as well as being insecure when distrusting own abilities. Participants typically experienced losing the familiarity of their bodies as anonymous and unconsciously at hand for all possible actions in everyday life. Significant others served as buffers, extensions of participants’ injured bodies, reducing obstacles and insecurity in all aspects of life.Conclusion.  The lived experience of people who have sustained a burn injury should be recognized and valued by nurses in all phases of burn care. Nurses have an important role in facilitating the presence and involvement of family and friends in the recovery and rehabilitation of burn survivors.
Zero tolerance of abuse of people with intellectual disabilities: implications for nursing
Authors: Jenkins Robert , Davies Rachel , Northway Ruth 
Published: October 2008

Aims.  This paper explores the concept of ‘zero tolerance’ to abuse in the context of the professional responsibilities of all nurses. The workability of zero tolerance will be considered in light of findings of a study into abuse.Background.  Registered nurses are led to believe that zero tolerance of abuse of patients is the only philosophy consistent with protecting the public. However, the approach of zero tolerance is not without its difficulties. Staff, particularly registered nurses, who come into contact with people with intellectual disabilities have a professional responsibility to prevent and report all forms of abuse.Design.  This study used a multiphase, multimethod approach (literature review, survey and focus groups).Methods.  The results reported here relate to the focus group stage of the study. There were 70 participants in the focus group who worked either as direct care staff with people with intellectual disabilities or as investigators of abuse.Results.  Analysis of recurrent themes indicated that both individual (e.g. a positive value base) and systemic factors (e.g. environment) seemed to have an impact on how staff will respond to abuse.Conclusions.  This study found that a ‘hierarchy of abuse’ existed among staff who worked with people with intellectual disabilities. Individual staff members seemed to be ‘weighing up’ what they perceived as serious abuse before reporting areas of concern. This is in contrast to a philosophy of zero tolerance which registered nurses have to adhere to.Relevance to clinical practice.  There needs to be a consistent approach to abuse and nurses need to have appropriate training in which to gain confidence in their role in preventing, identifying and responding to abuse of patients or clients.
‘It’s easier to talk to a woman’. Aspects of gender in Swedish telenursing
Authors: Höglund Anna T , Holmström Inger 
Published: October 2008

Aim.  To describe and explore gender aspects in telenursing as experienced by Swedish telenurses.Background.  Telenurses at call centres in Sweden offer triage recommendations and self‐care advice to the general public over the telephone, on a wide range of health problems. The demands on telenurses are multifaceted and competence is needed in many fields such as nursing, pharmacology, psychology and communication. Previous studies have shown that telenurses encounter many ethical dilemmas and that some of these are to do with gender related issues. Most telenurses, as well as most callers, are women. It is, therefore, reasonable to believe that gender plays an important role in the work of telenurses.Design.  Descriptive and explorative qualitative design.Methods.  A purposive sample of 12 female telenurses in Sweden participated in in‐depth interviews twice during 2004–2005. The transcribed interviews were analysed inductively with a stepwise thematic method.Results.  Five themes emerged from the interviews, namely: female subordination in the family, disrespect in dialogue with female nurses, distrust in fathers’ competence, reluctant male callers and woman‐to‐woman connection.Conclusions.  Gender construction and cultural gender norms seem to be at work in the encounter between Swedish telenurses and callers. Questions of power relations, the picture of the mother/woman as the primary carer for small children and distrusting men in their parental role were particularly highlighted.Relevance to clinical practice.  Telenurses should be aware of the risk of stereotyping their dialogues with callers in a way that seems to fit better with female callers’ ways of communicating. Clinical supervision based on reflective practice and peer reviews of calls might diminish this risk. Telenurses also need more training in handling overt or covert power messages based on male superiority.
The self‐efficacy model of medication adherence in chronic mental illness
Authors: McCann Terence V , Clark Eileen , Lu Sai 
Published: October 2008

Aim.  In this position paper, the self‐efficacy model of medication adherence in chronic mental illness is presented, and its application to antipsychotic medication adherence is considered.Background.  Poor adherence to antipsychotic medications is common in chronic mental illness. Major implications of this are relapse and re‐hospitalisation. Several conceptual frameworks have been developed about adherence and, in some instances, have been incorporated in medication taking studies, but have resulted in inconsistent outcomes.Method.  This paper draws on a review of literature from databases to inform the development of the self‐efficacy model of medication adherence. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed from primary and secondary research questions.Results.  The model places the person with chronic mental illness as an active participant central to the process of medication taking. It has three components: core factors, contextual influences and a continuum. The factors comprise a central factor, self‐efficacy and four interrelated supporting influences: perceived medication efficacy; access to, and relationships with, health professionals; significant other support and supported living circumstances. The factors are affected by three broad contextual influences – personal issues, medication side‐effects and complexity, and social stigma – which affect the way individuals take their medications. A continuum exists between adherence and non‐adherence.Conclusion.  The model positions service users at the heart of adherence by giving prominence to self‐efficacy, medication efficacy and to immediate social, psychological and environmental supports. Further work is needed to validate, refine and extend the model.Relevance to clinical practice.  For practitioners involved in prescribing and medication management in people with chronic mental illness, the model provides a theoretical framework to strengthen adherence. It highlights the need to consider broader influences on medication taking. Moreover, it places the person with chronic mental illness as an active participant at the centre of strategies to enhance adherence.
A systematic review of trend studies of women seeking termination of pregnancy
Authors: Abigail Wendy , Power Charmaine 
Published: October 2008

Aims and objectives.  This article reports a systematic review of trend studies (1995–2006) which answers five questions: What are the patterns of:

Age of women seeking termination of pregnancy;
First ever pregnancy ending in a termination;
Contraception usage at the time of conception;
Contraception chosen immediately postoperatively; and
Referral sources to termination of pregnancy services.

Background.  Fertility patterns are changing and there is evidence to indicate that the numbers of older women conceiving for the first time are increasing. At the same time, there are new methods of contraception widely available. Little is known about the implications of these changes on termination patterns.Design.  An extensive electronic search of databases such as CINAHL, MEDLINE® In‐Process (OVID) and was conducted from January 1995–June 2006 for trend studies in pregnancy terminations.Methods.  Articles chosen were based on trend studies greater than five years, contained primary quantitative research and official government statistical reports.Results.  Results of the search showed age that was unable to be compared because of the many variations in measurements and time periods, and there was only limited research worldwide of trends in contraception at the time of conception in relation to a termination of pregnancy. Additionally, there were no studies worldwide in the past 11 years, which specifically examined trends in the characteristics of the number of first‐ever pregnancies which ended in a termination, contraception choices postoperative to a termination of pregnancy, or referral source to a termination of pregnancy provider.Conclusion.  Little is reported in the literature on trends in the five characteristics related to pregnancy termination.Relevance to clinical practice.  Evidence about the changing patterns of women seeking pregnancy termination is needed to inform policy and practice, and to ensure that health promotion strategies are underpinned by accurate information that reflects the needs of the populations of women in relation to their reproductive health.
The qualitative evaluation of a suicide prevention and management programme by general nurses
Authors: Chan Sally Wai‐chi , Chien Wai‐tong , Tso Steve 
Published: October 2008

Aim.  To evaluate the effect of an education programme on nurses’ knowledge, attitude and competence on suicide prevention and management for patients with suicide attempt or ideation and their family members; and to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the programme from the participants’ perspectives.Background.  Providing care for patients with suicidal ideation or after suicidal acts in general hospitals often poses particular challenges for general nurses. Education programme may help these nurses acquire appropriate attitude, knowledge and competence in suicide prevention and intervention.Design.  An 18‐hour education programme on suicide prevention and management was developed based on needs analysis and literature and was provided to the study group. Fifty‐four registered general nurses from the medical and surgical units of two general hospitals completed the education programme. Focus groups were used for process (n = 24) and outcome evaluation (n = 18).Results.  Findings suggested that the education intervention had benefited the participants by improving their attitude, confidence and professional skills in responding to patients with suicidal intent.Conclusion.  Barriers in the practice environment influenced nurses’ abilities to give optimal care to this group of patients and their family members.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study identified the essential content in an education intervention for prevention and management of suicide by frontline nurses and helped to understand the difficulties that nurses’ encountered in practice.
Investigating the health profile of Macau Chinese
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Zhu Ming Xia 
Published: October 2008

Aim.  To identify the health profile of a group of older people in Macau.Background.  People were concerned about their current health status, and Macau people are placing increasing importance on their health.Methods.  A descriptive survey was conducted during the period July and August 2004 in six parishes in Macau; 1836 older people aged 60–98 completed a structured questionnaire.Results.  Cluster analysis revealed three profiles within five main factors: physical, functional, mental, social and nutritional, and demographic.Conclusions.  Our data describing older people’s health status can be structured into a profile reflecting the characteristics of the population under study. Healthcare professionals will be able to apply these health profiles to develop interventions that improve this population’s health and daily functioning, and broaden their social network.Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings will assist healthcare professionals or nurse practitioners by creating health profiles that they can use to develop interventions to improve the health of older Chinese in Macau.
Interviewing people with chronic illness about sexuality: an adaptation of the PLISSIT model
Authors: Mercer Brenda 
Published: October 2008

Aims and objectives.  The author will draw on relevant research and her personal experience as someone who lives with a chronic illness to identify the challenges that are inherent in research interviews regarding sexuality in chronic illness.Background.  Although sexuality in chronic illness has become a significant body of research in the field of chronic illness, particularly in the field of cancer, there are few guidelines available to assist researchers in interviewing people about such an intimate and sensitive topic.Conclusions.  The PLISSIT model used in clinical counselling could be adapted to be used by researchers in interviews about sexuality. With this model a researcher can cover in‐depth interview on this individual’s sexuality and sexual health. Also, with the use of the PLISSIT model as a research tool, many of the past myths concerning sexuality and sexual health can be exposed and changed.Relevance to clinical practice.  The adaptation of the PLISSIT counselling model to an interviewing model can contribute to researchers feeling more confident with participants when interviewing them concerning their sexuality and sexual health. It may illicit more appropriate responses from individuals concerning their sexuality and sexual health.
Reassurance seeking and depression in adults with mild intellectual disability
Authors: Hartley S. L. , Lickel A. Hayes , MacLean Jr W. E. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackground  Adults with intellectual disability (ID) experience a high prevalence of depression. Yet, little research has investigated interpersonal processes related to depression in this population. In the general population, depressed persons behave in ways that elicit negative and rejecting reactions from others. In particular, excessive reassurance seeking, defined as excessively and persistently seeking assurance from others that one is lovable and worthy, indirectly contributes to depressive symptoms through evoking negative and rejecting social interactions. We examined the relation between excessive reassurance seeking, negative and rejecting social interactions and depression in adults with mild ID.Method  Eighty‐seven adults with mild ID and staff completed the Glasgow Depression Scale for people with a Learning Disorder and the Reassurance‐Seeking Scale. In addition, adults with mild ID reported on their experience of negative social interactions, and staff rated their relative preference to interact with the adult with mild ID. A meditational model of the indirect effect of excessive reassurance seeking on depressive symptoms via negative and rejecting social interactions was tested.Results  Excessive reassurance seeking was positively related to depressive symptoms. Negative and rejecting interactions partially mediated the relation between excessive reassurance seeking and depressive symptoms.Conclusions  Findings identify an important interpersonal process in depression. Efforts to educate staff and adults with mild ID about excessive reassurance seeking and ways to alter it may be useful in treating depression.
Reliable RT‐PCR detection of Apple stem pitting virus in pome fruits and its association with quince fruit deformation disease
Authors: Mathioudakis M. M. , Maliogka V. I. , Dovas C. I. , Paunović S. , Katis N. I. 
Published: October 2008

In this study a spot nested RT‐PCR assay was developed for the detection of Apple stem pitting virus (ASPV). A one step RT‐PCR for the generic detection of foveaviruses using degenerate primers that target a conserved region of the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene was followed by a nested PCR that amplifies a 312 bp ASPV specific product. The method is rapid, simple and displays high sensitivity and broad detection range, overcoming the virus molecular variability. The optimum sampling conditions for reliable virus detection were also investigated. ASPV was detected throughout the year in different plant tissues of affected trees, thus the method could be used for routine screening and in certification schemes of pome fruits. ASPV was detected in quince orchards in Greece in all trees that were tested, showing a fruit deformation disorder. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of amplicons generated by RT‐PCR from plant tissue affected with the deformation disease indicated that the agent responsible was a variant of ASPV.
Quantitative resistance to symptomless growth of Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape)
Authors: Huang Y. J. , Pirie E. J. , Evans N. , Delourme R. , King G. J. , Fitt B. D. L. 
Published: October 2008

Quantitative resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans in Brassica napus was investigated in field and controlled environments using cultivars Darmor (with quantitative resistance) and Eurol (without quantitative resistance). In field experiments, numbers of phoma leaf spot lesions in autumn/winter and severity of stem canker the following summer were assessed in three growing seasons. There were no differences between Darmor and Eurol in number of leaf lesions in autumn/winter. However, stem cankers were less severe on Darmor than Eurol at harvest the following summer. In controlled‐environment experiments, development of leaf lesions at different temperatures (5–25°C) and wetness durations (12–72 h) was investigated using ascospore inoculum; symptomless growth of L. maculans along leaf petioles towards the stem was quantified using quantitative PCR and visualized using GFP‐expressing L. maculans; growth of L. maculans within stem tissues was investigated using GFP‐expressing L. maculans. There were more leaf lesions on Darmor than Eurol, although there was no difference between Darmor and Eurol in L. maculans incubation period. There were no differences between Darmor and Eurol in either distance grown by L. maculans along leaf petioles towards the stem or quantity of L. maculans DNA in leaf petioles, but L. maculans colonized stem tissues less extensively on Darmor than Eurol. It was concluded that quantitative resistance to L. maculans operates during colonization of B. napus stems by the pathogen.
OXIDATIVE STRESS 3 is a chromatin‐associated factor involved in tolerance to heavy metals and oxidative stress
Authors: Blanvillain Robert , Kim Jong Heon , Wu Shimei , Lima Amparo , Ow David W. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryA cDNA expression library from Brassica juncea was introduced into the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe to select for transformants tolerant to cadmium. Transformants expressing OXIDATIVE STRESS 3 (OXS3) or OXS3‐Like cDNA exhibited enhanced tolerance to a range of metals and oxidizing chemicals. OXS3 belongs to a family of proteins that share a highly conserved domain corresponding to a putative N‐acetyltransferase or thioltransferase catalytic site. Mutations within this conserved domain abolished the ability of Arabidopsis thaliana OXS3 to enhance stress tolerance in S. pombe, indicating a role in stress tolerance for the presumptive catalytic domain. A stress‐sensitive mutant of AtOXS3 and enhanced tolerance of overexpression lines support the role of OXS3 in stress tolerance. The expression of tagged B. juncea and A. thaliana OXS3 proteins in plant cells revealed a subnuclear speckling pattern related to the nucleosome in discrete parts of the chromatin. It is possible that OXS3 might act as a chromatin remodeling factor for the stress response.
A toolbox and procedural notes for characterizing novel zinc finger nucleases for genome editing in plant cells
Authors: Tovkach Andriy , Zeevi Vardit , Tzfira Tzvi 
Published: October 2008

SummaryThe induction of double‐strand breaks (DSBs) in plant genomes can lead to increased homologous recombination or site‐specific mutagenesis at the repair site. This phenomenon has the potential for use in gene targeting applications in plant cells upon the induction of site‐specific genomic DSBs using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs). Zinc finger nucleases are artificial restriction enzymes, custom‐designed to cleave a specific DNA sequence. The tools and methods for ZFN assembly and validation could potentially boost their application for plant gene targeting. Here we report on the design of biochemical and in planta methods for the analysis of newly designed ZFNs. Cloning begins with de novo assembly of the DNA‐binding regions of new ZFNs from overlapping oligonucleotides containing modified helices responsible for DNA‐triplet recognition, and the fusion of the DNA‐binding domain with a FokI endonuclease domain in a dedicated plant expression cassette. Following the transfer of fully assembled ZFNs into Escherichia coli expression vectors, bacterial lysates were found to be most suitable for in vitro digestion analysis of palindromic target sequences. A set of three in planta activity assays was also developed to confirm the nucleic acid digestion activity of ZFNs in plant cells. The assays are based on the reconstruction of GUS expression following transient or stable delivery of a mutated uidA and ZFN‐expressing cassettes into target plants cells. Our tools and assays offer cloning flexibility and simple assembly of tested ZFNs and their corresponding target sites into Agrobacterium tumefaciens binary plasmids, allowing efficient implementation of ZFN‐validation assays in planta.