bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioural disturbances following Japanese B encephalitis
Authors: Monnet François P. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractClinically, Japanese B encephalitis (JBE) is often overlooked as its occurrence in Western countries is rare. However, its neurological, cognitive and psychiatric sequelae constitute a major public health problem in the Far East where JBE is endemic. European and American subjects may however experience the JBE when returning from a Far East journey. In such cases, misdiagnosis is frequent because of the unawareness of psychiatrists and physicians. The present review, therefore, documents the behavioural and cognitive sequelae of JBE. This reactivates the debate concerning the vaccination against the virus all the more that the literature enlightens the importance of the vaccination for those who undertake frequent and extensive tourist excursions to the Orient but still discusses it for occasional travellers. Following is a case-report of a young western European post-graduate student who has contracted JBE by experiencing an acute febrile delirium during an unusual short stay in South East Asia. Pyramidal syndrome, Parkinsonism and amnesia were the prominent acute deficits. Whereas these faded in great part during convalescence, emotional and behavioural instability associated with affective involvement, obsessive–compulsive symptoms and cognitive impairments appeared. A partial recovery was however obtained with neuroleptics, lithium and following electro-convulsive therapy. Organic personality syndrome was persistent and thereafter constituted the main sequelae syndrome. Hypersomnia and several enuretic episodes persisted.
Increased plasma concentrations of vasopressin, oxytocin, cortisol and the prostaglandin F2α metabolite during labour in the dog
Authors: Olsson K. , Bergström A. , Kindahl H. , Lagerstedt A.‐S. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAim:
This study investigated if the plasma vasopressin concentration increases during labour in the dog and whether the change in vasopressin correlates with that of oxytocin, 15‐ketodihydro‐PGF2α and cortisol.Methods:  Five beagle dogs each delivered three to seven puppies. Blood samples were taken from a catheter inserted into the cephalic vein during labour and by venepuncture during the other periods.Results:  Vasopressin concentration increased from 2 ± 0 pmol L−1 (anoestrus) to 26 ± 11 pmol L−1 at the birth of the first puppy, remained high at the birth of the second puppy and then decreased. Oxytocin increased from 63 ± 5 pmol L−1 (anoestrus) to 166 ± 19 pmol L−1 at the birth of the first puppy and remained elevated throughout labour. The PGF2α metabolite concentration increased from 0.2 ± 0.0 nmol L−1 (anoestrus) to 66 ± 17 nmol L−1 at the birth of the first puppy and remained elevated 1 h after the completion of parturition. The cortisol concentration increased from 49 ± 9 nmol L−1 (anoestrus) to 242 ± 35 nmol L−1 at the birth of the first puppy, remained high during the birth of the second puppy and then declined.Conclusions:  The plasma level of vasopressin was strongly correlated with that of cortisol but less with that of the PGF2α metabolite, and not significantly with the concentration of oxytocin. This indicates that the four hormones play different roles during labour in the dog.
Role of prostaglandins in lipopolysaccharide effects on K+‐induced contractions in rabbit small intestine
Authors: Rebollar E. , Guerrero‐Lindner E. , Arruebo M. P. , Plaza M. A. , Murillo M. D. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAim: The mediators of the pathophysiologcal symptoms of septic shock are not completely understood. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the K+‐induced response of longitudinal segments of rabbit small intestinein vitroand the possible role of prostaglandins.Methods and results: Rabbits were treated with intravenously injected LPS. After 90 min animals were killed and intestinal segments were mounted in an organ bath. Lipopolysaccharide (0.2 μg kg−1) inhibited K+‐induced contractions (60 mm) by 68% in duodenum, 58% in jejunum and 52% in ileum. Indomethacin antagonized LPS actions when injected 15 min before LPS. PGE2reduced K+‐induced contractions, imitating LPS effects. In contrast, contractions induced by K+increased when intestinal segments were incubatedin vitrowith LPS for 90 min. The LPS (0.3 μg mL−1) increased K+‐induced contractions (60 mm) by 46% in duodenum, 63% in jejunum and 85% in ileum. The LPS effect was antagonized by indomethacin at 10−6 min duodenum and jejunum and at 10−8 min ileum. PGE2evoked dose‐dependent contractions when added to the bath in duodenum, jejunum and ileum.Conclusion: These results suggest that effect of LPS on K+‐induced contractions in the rabbit small bowel may be mediated by prostaglandin E2.
Redox regulation of the afferent arteriole and tubuloglomerular feedback
Authors: Wilcox C. S. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractOxidative stress implies an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or a decreased capacity to metabolize them. Superoxide anion (O) can bioinactivate nitric oxide (NO). Therefore, many effects of ROS are manifest as NO deficiency. The afferent arteriole and macula densa cell both contain a full complement of components of nicotine adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase that generates O. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) type 1 or neuronal NOS (nNOS) is expressed in the macula densa and NOS type II or endothelial NOS (eNOS) in the afferent arteriole. Whole animal studies in models of hypertension and oxidative stress demonstrate that metabolism of O by a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic can reduce renal vascular resistance. In vivo studies of single nephron function and in vitro studies with the double‐perfused juxtaglomerular apparatus preparation have shown extensive interaction between O and NO in macula densa to regulate afferent arteriolar tone mediated by the tubuloglomerular feedback response. In vitro studies of rabbits isolated, perfused afferent arterioles have shown a similar interaction in this vessel. These data indicate important roles for O in the macula densa and afferent arterioles to enhance preglomerular resistance in animal models of oxidative stress. As an increase in afferent arteriolar resistance can precede hypertension, oxidative stress could be important in determining the long‐term blood pressure and thereby contribute to hypertension.
Reactive oxygen species and molecular regulation of renal oxygenation
Authors: Zou A.‐P. , Cowley A. W. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractIt has been known since the 1940s that a gradient of renal oxygenation exists in the kidney with the lowest PO2 in the renal inner medulla under physiological conditions. Due to a low PO2 milieu in the renal medulla, the cells in this region are at constant risk of hypoxic injury. Although numerous studies have shown that renal medullary cells adapt well to low PO2, the precise mechanism mediating this adaptive response remains poorly understood. Recently, hypoxia‐induced molecular adaptation in mammalian tissues or cells has been studied extensively and many studies have indicated that the molecular regulation of gene expression is importantly involved. This paper focuses on the role of a transcription factor, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1)‐mediated molecular adaptation and explores the physiological relevance of molecular activation of HIF‐1 and its target genes in the renal medulla. Given that this HIF‐1‐mediated action is associated with local redox status, evidence is presented to indicate that reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially superoxide (O) is importantly involved in HIF‐1‐mediated molecular adaptation in renal medullary cells. O degrades HIF‐1α, an HIF‐1 subunit, by activating ubiquitin‐proteasome and thereby decreases the transcriptional activation of many oxygen‐sensitive genes. This action of O disturbs renal medullary adaptation to low PO2 and produces renal medullary dysfunction, resulting in sodium retention and hypertension. This report also provides evidence indicating the primary source of O, enzymatic pathways for O production and activating mechanism of O production in the kidney. It is concluded that HIF‐1‐mediated molecular adaptation to low PO2 is of importance in the regulation of renal medullary function and that ROS may target this HIF‐1‐mediated medullary adaptation to damage renal function.
Social Capital and the Internet: Evidence from Swiss Panel Data
Authors: Franzen Axel 
Published: November 2003

SummaryA lively debate has recently emerged about the consequences of the diffusion of the Internet. While many social scientists emphasize the beneficial economic consequences of the Internet some suspect that it has also disadvantages for users’ social capital. So far the existing empirical evidence concerning the effect on social capital is mainly based on cross‐sectional data and is still contradictory. This study is based on a longitudinal survey conducted in 1998 and 2001 among a random sample of Swiss citizens. It analyzes the determinants of the adoption of the Internet and the consequences for respondents’ personal networks as well as the time they spent socializing with their network. The results show that the Internet was adopted sooner by individuals with high financial, human and social capital. Furthermore, the results suggest that Internet use is not associated with a reduction in respondents’ networks or with the time they spent socializing with friends. Instead the findings suggest that the time users devote to the Internet is taken away from the time they spend on watching television.
Is the sufficiency of discharge instructions related to children's postoperative pain at home after day surgery?
Authors: Kankkunen Päivi , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Pietilä Anna‐Maija , Halonen Pirjo 
Published: November 2003

Background:Parents are expected to alleviate their children's pain at home after day surgery, and the methods of pain alleviation should be taught to the parents by the hospital staff. However, the lack of information related to children's pain alleviation has been pointed out in several studies.Aim:To describe the relationship between the parent‐rated sufficiency of discharge instructions and the postoperative pain behaviours of 1‐ to 6‐year‐old children at home after day surgery.Method:Questionnaires were handed out to mothers (n = 201) and fathers (n = 114) whose child had undergone minor day surgery in 10 Finnish central hospitals. Percentages and cross‐tabulation with chi‐square test were used in data analysis.Ethical issues:The ethical board in each hospital accepted the study. Parental participation was voluntary.Results:The parents considered the discharge instructions to be fairly sufficient, but criticized their content, method of providing and timing. Insufficiency of the instructions was related to children's postoperative pain behaviours at home.Study limitations:The fairly low response rate of this study prevents generalization of the findings to all Finnish parents.Conclusions:Both the content, the methods of providing and the timing of discharge instruction need to be developed in children's day surgery. Special attention should be paid to written instructions, which should be given to the parents prior to the day of the child's surgery. Further research is needed to explore the skills of hospital staff in advising the parents and other factors explaining children's postoperative pain at home.
Supporting biosciences in the nursing curriculum: development and evaluation of an online resource
Authors: Gresty Karen A. , Cotton Deborah R.E. 
Published: November 2003

Aims.  The aim of this project was to develop and evaluate an online resource designed to improve the biosciences knowledge of preregistration nursing students.Background.  A number of studies have identified lack of biological subject knowledge and anxiety about studying biosciences as serious problems for nursing students. The availability of a contextualized biological information resource prior to and early in their studies might help to reduce this fear and anxiety.Methods.  The project used an action research approach, involving an initial analysis of the extent of the problems with biosciences encountered by our nursing students, followed by the development and evaluation of a biology‐based open learning resource (entitled Headstart) in collaboration with preregistration nursing students and nurse educators.Findings.  The students in this study expressed a high level of concern about studying biology, and perceived this to be the most difficult aspect of their nursing programme (significantly more difficult than nursing practice). A significant correlation was also found between previous level of biological qualification and confidence in passing module tests. Evaluation of the new online resource illustrated the willingness of nursing students to use such a package, and general approval of its content and mode of delivery, despite a number of problems related to computer access and students’ inexperience with information technology.Conclusions.  This project has provided further evidence of the need for additional resources in biosciences for nursing students. It has also illustrated the way in which a targeted online resource has the potential to provide substantial benefits in terms of supporting the nursing curriculum. Whilst further evaluation is needed, the findings suggest that Headstart has the potential to address a number of issues identified both by this study and by previous research in nurse education.
Postregistration genetics education provision for nurses, midwives and health visitors in the UK
Authors: Metcalfe Alison , Burton Hilary 
Published: November 2003

Background.  Rapid advances in genetics following the sequencing of the human genome will progressively reach all aspects of health care. Developments in genetics will increasingly having a significant influence on the work of nurses, midwives and health visitors. Therefore, these practitioners need to understand the impact that genetics will have for their patients and should be able to incorporate this new knowledge into their clinical practice to ensure that they continue to offer holistic care and influence the strategic development of health care. An earlier survey of higher education institutions in the United Kingdom (UK) offering preregistration courses for nurses, midwives and health visitors showed that the teaching of genetics was very limited in most curricula.Aim.  To assess the provision of education on genetics for postregistration and postgraduate nurses, midwives and health visitors in the UK, as these practitioners are mostly likely to influence current health care provision and initiate changes in clinical practice.Method.  A total of 38 higher education institutions from 11 regions were surveyed via telephone or e‐mail, using a semi‐structured interview schedule.Results. The findings showed that the inclusion of genetics in the curriculum was highly variable. A small number of institutions (n = 3) offered courses with whole modules on genetics, whereas 19 of the 38 responding did not include any genetics in their curriculum at a postregistration level.Conclusion.  The findings suggest that there is lack of recognition of the impact genetics is likely to have on health care. It is, therefore, recommended that the profile and relevance of genetics to nurses, midwives and health visitors should be promoted by the major organizations responsible for developing, commissioning and providing health care education.
Patients’ experiences of hip fracture
Authors: Archibald Graeme 
Published: November 2003

Background.  Hip fracture is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, particularly among older people, but there is little information on how individuals experience this.Aims.  This study was conducted to explore the experiences of individuals who had suffered a hip fracture. The aim was not to produce generalizable findings but, rather, to generate a rich description of the experience of incurring and recovering from a hip fracture, to inform nursing practice.Method.  Phenomenological methodology was used. A purposeful sample of five older patients was interviewed, following a stay in a community hospital for rehabilitation after surgical repair of a hip fracture. The unstructured interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed for significant statements and meanings.Findings.  Four major themes emerged: the injury experience, the pain experience, the recovery experience and the disability experience. The injury experience consisted of storytelling, recalling the experience of the injury itself. The pain experience consisted of coping with the pain. The recovery experience involved the operation, beginning the struggle of recovery, and regaining independence. The disability experience consisted of the disability itself, depending on others, and being housebound.Conclusions.  Pain management, meeting psychological and physical needs for nursing care, planning for discharge, and ensuring a reasonable quality of life are areas for nursing care development. Consideration of appropriate settings for rehabilitation is needed and there should be further investigation into improving quality of life after discharge.
Quality of life in adults with congenital ichthyosis
Authors: Gånemo Agneta , Lindholm Christina , Lindberg Magnus , Sjödén Per‐Olow , Vahlquist Anders 
Published: November 2003

Background.  Little is known about the quality of life of people with congenital and generalized skin diseases. Describing life history and quality of life from an individual perspective could increase understanding of living with generalized congenital ichthyosis for nursing staff and others.Aim.  The aim of our study was to illustrate how middle‐aged and older people with lamellar ichthyosis or epidermolytic hyperkeratosis describe the effects of their disease on their quality of life.Methods.  Six women and four men aged 56–80 years participated. A global clinical assessment of the severity of the disease was performed. The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) questionnaire was used to investigate quality of life. Participants were interviewed face‐to‐face about childhood and adulthood experiences of living with a skin disease. Interview data were analysed using content analysis.Results.  Interview data were assigned to two categories, childhood and adulthood, and organized under 16 themes. All interviewees reported that their skin disease had affected them negatively to varying degrees during their entire lives, and that the most problematic period was childhood. Coping strategies used during childhood were hiding of the skin and developing shyness. There were no correlations between objective signs of ichthyosis and the NHP scores.Conclusions.  Congenital ichthyosis appears to affect several aspects of life negatively, and it is hoped that an understanding of the effects of the disease will lead to more efficient nursing care.
Rigour and grounded theory research
Authors: Chiovitti Rosalina F. , Piran Niva 
Published: November 2003

Background.  Grounded theory methodology is a suitable qualitative research approach for clinical inquiry into nursing practice, leading to theory development in nursing. Given the variations in, and subjectivity attached to, the manner in which qualitative research is carried out, it is important for researchers to explain the process of how a theory about a nursing phenomenon was generated. Similarly, when grounded theory research reports are reviewed for clinical use, nurses need to look for researchers’ explanations of their inquiry process.Aim.  The focus of this article is to discuss the practical application of grounded theory procedures as they relate to rigour.Method.  Reflecting on examples from a grounded theory research study, we suggest eight methods of research practice to delineate further Beck's schema for ensuring, credibility, auditability and fittingness, which are all components of rigour.Findings.  The eight methods of research practice used to enhance rigour in the course of conducting a grounded theory research study were: (1) let participants guide the inquiry process; (2) check the theoretical construction generated against participants’ meanings of the phenomenon; (3) use participants’ actual words in the theory; (4) articulate the researcher's personal views and insights about the phenomenon explored; (5) specify the criteria built into the researcher's thinking; (6) specify how and why participants in the study were selected; (7) delineate the scope of the research; and (8) describe how the literature relates to each category which emerged in the theory.Conclusions.  The eight methods of research practice should be of use to those in nursing research, management, practice and education in enhancing rigour during the research process and for critiquing published grounded theory research reports.
Frequency of HFE gene mutations in Iranian beta‐thalassaemia minor patients
Authors: Jazayeri Maryam , Bakayev Valery , Adibi Peyman , Rad Farhad Haghighi , Zakeri Hamid , Kalantar Ebrahim , Zali Mohammad Reza 
Published: November 2003

Abstract: Objectives: Beta‐thalassaemia minor (BTM) alone does not lead to iron overload, however, some gene modifiers and acquired causes are reported. When it is inherited together with a mutation in the HFE (HLA‐H) gene associated with hereditary haemochromatosis, iron overload may ensue. To analyse the relationship between iron status and HFE mutations in Iranian BTM patients, we compared the frequency of the C282Y and H63D HFE mutations and ferritin level in a group of BTM patients from the National Thalassaemia Transfusion and Care Centre with that of healthy individuals.Patients and methods: Ninety‐three (56 females) documented BTM cases and 104 (54 females) controls were enrolled in the study. Serum ferritin level was measured in all subjects by immuno‐radiometric assay and HFE genotypes were determined using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR‐amplified HFE gene fragment.Results: Eighteen (19.4%) BTM patients vs. 12 (11.5%) controls were H63D heterozygotes, while there were three (3.2%) cases and three (2.9%) controls with H63D homozygosity. All three C282Y mutations were found in BMT patients with one of them being a compound heterozygote. A significant difference was observed in the total number of HFE mutations in favour of BTM patients over the controls (P < 0.05, OR = 2.064). The H63D and C282Y allele frequencies were 12.9 and 1.61 in patients and 8.65 and 0 in controls, respectively. The mean ferritin level in cases with HFE mutations showed no significant difference from that of the patients without mutations (P > 0.05).Conclusions: Our results suggest that HFE mutations C282Y and H63D are more frequent in Iranian BTM patients than in the normal population, causing no significant changes in serum ferritin level.