bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nurses’ experience of caring for inmate patients
Authors: Weiskopf Constance S. 
Published: February 2005

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to report the findings of a study of the experience of caring for prisoners through examining the everyday experience of nurses’ delivering health care to inmate patients in a correctional setting.Background.  Prisons are most often viewed as places for punishment, while the goals of health and healing, and prevention of diseases in correctional facilities are often neglected. Nurses who deliver health care to prisoners are challenged to do so in a caring relationship that will facilitate their health and healing. The literature on the nature of prison nursing indicates that delivering health care to inmates must be carefully balanced against the need for security, and is affected by factors such as custody staff values, staff education, nursing management, and organizational practices.Method.  In‐depth interviews were carried out with nine Registered Nurses who had been employed in a variety of correctional institutions throughout their careers, and analysed thematically using Colaizzi's phenomenological method.Findings.  Nurses’ caring was experienced as an attempt to negotiate the boundaries between the cultures of custody and caring. Facing complex challenges and a number of limitations on the nurse–patient relationship, nurses strived to find a way to care for their inmate patients. Environmental risk meant that caution and vigilance were essential and these nurses demonstrated courage and persevered for the sake of their inmate patients.Conclusion.  The findings make clear the challenging and frustrating experience of nurses’ caring for inmate patients in restrictive settings. As a result, there are implications for nursing practice, education, and research to assure the best possible health outcomes for inmate patients, the integrity of caring nursing practice, and the safety of both nurses and patients.
Cognitive Continuum Theory in nursing decision‐making
Authors: Cader Raffik , Campbell Steve , Watson Don 
Published: February 2005

Aim. The purpose of this paper is to analyse and evaluate Cognitive Continuum Theory and to provide evidence for its relevance to nurses’ decision‐making.Background. It is critical that theories used in nursing are evaluated to provide an understanding of their aims, concepts and usefulness. With the advent of evidence‐based care, theories on decision‐making have acquired increased significance.Method. The criteria identified by Fawcett's framework has been used to analyse and evaluate Hammond's Cognitive Continuum Theory.Findings. There is empirical evidence to support many of the concepts and propositions of Cognitive Continuum Theory. The theory has been applied to the decision‐making process of many professionals, including medical practitioners and nurses. Existing evidence suggests that Cognitive Continuum Theory can provide the framework to explain decision‐making in nursing.Conclusion. Cognitive Continuum Theory has the potential to make major contributions towards understanding the decision‐making process of nurses in the clinical environment. Knowledge of the theory in nursing practice has become crucial.
Effects of Dietary Cation–Anion Difference on Blood Cortisol and ACTH Levels in Reproducing Ewes
Authors: Espino L. , Suarez M. L. , Santamarina G. , Goicoa A. , Fidalgo L. E. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryFormulation of rations to induce a compensated metabolic acidosis in the post‐partum cow has proved a useful strategy for prevention of milk fever. Such acidification improves the ability of the animal to maintain calcium homeostasis by promoting the absorption of calcium from the intestine and mobilization of calcium from the bone. In humans, an acidogenic diet results in mild metabolic acidosis in association with a state of cortisol excess and this increase in plasma cortisol may increase bone catabolism. The objective of our experiment was to induce acidification by anionic salt supplementation and to study the effects of anionic supplementation on plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels in sheep. Twenty‐seven twin‐bearing sheep were assigned to two experimental groups and a control group, depending on dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) (+272.6, −88.9 and +164.5 mEq/kg DM respectively). Sheep assigned to each dietary treatment received their respective rations beginning 6 weeks pre‐partum and continuing until 12 days post‐partum. Anionic diet induced a non‐respiratory systemic acidosis in association with a mild increase in plasma cortisol concentration without changes in plasma ACTH levels. Our data suggest that the mild hypercortisolism observed in sheep fed the anionic diet may not be an effector for bone resorption induced by anionic salts. A mild hypercortisolism of this magnitude may lead to osteoporosis but this might require many years of adrenal hypersecretion while anionic salts are only used during the last weeks of pregnancy.
Caecal Impaction and Chronic Intestinal Pseudo‐Obstruction in a Dog
Authors: Eastwood J. M. , McInnes E. F. , White R. N. , Elwood C. M. , Stock G. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryA 10‐year‐old female neutered cross‐breed dog presented with a 4‐month history of chronic intermittent diarrhoea and vomiting. Abdominal ultrasound showed dilated loops of small intestine and a suspected faecolith. Exploratory surgery revealed a caecal impaction and a typhlectomy was performed. Histopathological examination of caecal and full thickness small intestine sections demonstrated atrophy of smooth muscle fibres as well as an influx of plasma cells, lymphocytes and macrophages, and mild lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic enteritis. This combination of caecal impaction and chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction has not been reported previously in the dog.
Histopathological Evaluation of Treatment with Chondroitin Sulphate for Osteoarthritis Induced by Continuous Immobilization in Rabbits
Authors: Torelli S. R. , Rahal S. C. , Volpi R. S. , Sequeira J. L. , Grassioto I. Q. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate histologically the action of chondroitin sulphate in osteoarthritis experimentally induced by continuous immobilization. Fourteen young female Norfolk rabbits aged 2.5–3 months at the beginning of the experiment were divided into two equitable groups submitted to immobilization of the right knee for a period of 12 weeks. The treated group received 1.0 ml/animal/s.c. of 12% chondroitin sulphate, once a week for 12 weeks, and the untreated group did not receive any treatment. Two additional animals were not submitted to knee immobilization (sham group). Microscopical examination of knee preparations stained with haematoxylin–eosin and Masson trichrome showed lesions of both joints in treated and untreated groups, with no significant difference between the scores obtained for the right and left knees. Examination of preparations stained with picrosirius red showed collagen fibre alignment and misalignment in the right and left knees of the animals of all groups, but statistic analysis could not be performed. It was not possible to differentiate the proteoglycan concentration between limbs or groups (treated and untreated) by safranin O or toluidine blue staining. It was possible to conclude that the chondroitin sulphate was not able to reduce the histological changes induced by this osteoarthritis experimental model.
Abomasal Cannulation in the Milk‐fed Calf Using a 7 mm Polyurethane Tube
Authors: Ahmed A. F. , Constable P. D. , McCallister M. M. , Misk N. A. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe main objective of this study was to develop a simple and effective surgical technique for abomasal cannulation in neonatal calves. General anaesthesia was induced in 12, 3‐day‐old male dairy calves and a polyurethane cannula surgically implanted in the abomasal body (n = 12) and pyloric antrum (n = 6) through a right paracostal incision. Fifteen cannulae remainedin situfrom day 3 to 34 of life (mean: 29 days), and three cannulae were extruded 13–14 days after placement. Calves were clinically healthy and gained weight during the study. Cannulae were well tolerated by the calves and abomasal contents did not leak from the cannula sites. Necropsy examination revealed firm adhesions between the abomasum and parietal peritoneum at the cannula sites with no evidence of leakage or peritonitis. We conclude that surgical placement of polyurethane tubes designed for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy provided a useful method for cannulation of the abomasum of neonatal calves. The cannulation technique can be used for experimental studies, as well as for nutritional and fluid support of sick calves that cannot be managed by oral treatment.
Detection of Group A Rotavirus Strains Circulating in Calves in Tunisia
Authors: Fodha I. , Boumaiza A. , Chouikha A. , Dewar J. , Armah G. , Geyer A. , Trabelsi A. , Steele A. D. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryFaecal samples were collected from 89 dairy calves to determine the prevalence of rotavirus infection in Tunisia and the genomic diversity of bovine rotavirus strains. After screening of all faecal samples by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, rotavirus strains were analysed by RNA polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and characterized antigenically by monoclonal antibodies to the VP6 subgroup. The VP7 genotype was determined by nested RT‐PCR. Of the 89 calves tested, 27 (30%) were positive for rotavirus antigen. Four different long electrophoretypes were identified. All VP6 typeable strains carried the subgroup I specificity. G8 genotype was the most prevalent, but G6 and mixed strains G(6 + 8) were also detected.
DNA Immunization Against Very Virulent Infectious Bursal Disease Virus with VP2‐4‐3 Gene and Chicken IL‐6 Gene
Authors: Sun J. H. , Yan Y. X. , Jiang J. , Lu P. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe present study was to investigate the feasibility and efficiency of the DNA vaccine to protect chickens against very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) infection. A plasmid DNA carrying VP2‐4‐3 genes of vvIBDV SH95 and a plasmid DNA carrying chicken interleukin‐6 (ChIL‐6) genes were constructed and designated as pALTER‐MAX‐VP2‐4‐3 and pALTER‐MAX‐ChIL‐6 respectively. Several DNA vaccination experiments were performed: 1‐week‐old chickens were intramuscularly injected with only plasmid pcDNA3‐VP2, pALTER‐MAX‐VP2‐4‐3 or mixture with pALTER‐MAX‐ChIL‐6. The chickens at 4 weeks old were orally inoculated with vvIBDV SH95. The results showed that immunization with the mixture of pALTER‐MAX‐VP2‐4‐3 and pALTER‐MAX‐ChIL‐6 three times conferred protection for 90% of chickens. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibody titres in chickens immunized together with pALTER‐MAX‐ChIL‐6 were higher than those immunized simply with plasmid pcDNA3‐VP2 or pALTER‐MAX‐VP2‐4‐3. IBDV was not detected in the bursa of the protected chickens at 8 days after challenge by RT‐PCR. The results indicate that protection against vvIBDV can be achieved by using the VP2‐4‐3 gene of vvIBDV as a DNA vaccine. Furthermore, the simultaneous injection of ChIL‐6 plasmid significantly increased the protection after challenge with the very virulent strain.
PCR‐based Detection of Genes encoding Virulence Determinants in Staphylococcus aureus from Birds
Authors: El‐Sayed A. , Alber J. , Lämmler C. , Bönner B. , Huhn A. , Kaleta E. F. , Zschöck M. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe present study was designed to comparatively investigate 19 Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from specimens of 19 different birds during routine microbiological diagnostics. The S. aureus strains were characterized genotypically by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using 62 different oligonucleotide primers amplifying genes encoding staphylococcal cell surface proteins, exoproteins and two classes of the accessory gene regulator agr. All 19 investigated S. aureus were positive for the gene segment encoding a S. aureus‐specific part of the 23S rRNA, the genes encoding thermostable nuclease (nuc), clumping factor (clfA) and coagulase (coa) and the gene segments encoding the Xr‐repetitive region and the immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐binding region of protein A (spa). In addition, all tested strains were positive for the genes hla and fnbA and negative for the genes seb, sec, sed, see, sej, tst, eta and etb. The remaining genes, including sbi, hlb, fnbB, ebpS, cna (domains A and B), cap5, cap8, set1, agr class I, agr class II, sea, seg, seh and sei were detected in a variable number of isolates. The presented data give an overview on the distribution of virulence determinants of S. aureus strains isolated from birds. This might be useful to understand the role of these virulence determinants in bird infections.
Low‐grade metamorphism in the Palaeozoic sequences of the Townsville hinterland, northeastern Australia*
Authors: Brime C. , Talent J. A. , Mawson R. 
Published: February 2005

The transition from diagenesis to low‐grade metamorphism for the Ordovician − Early Carboniferous sequences of the Burdekin and Clarke River Basins and the Broken River − Camel Creek region is characterised by b‐cell dimension and Kübler Index (KI = illite crystallinity) of K‐white micas, clay‐mineral assemblages and conodont colour alteration index (CAI). Data indicate that: (i) there is a regional metamorphic pattern characterised by anchizonal conditions, with consistently higher grade in the Camel Creek region (or Subprovince); (ii) anomalies are explicable in terms of location relative to areas of differing intensity of deformation (e.g. the Ruxton Formation) and inferred greater depth of burial (e.g. southern versus northern outcrop tracts of Quinton Formation); (iii) the regional pattern in the Broken River − Gray Creek area shows general alignment with the regional grain; (iv) there is a generalised north to south increase in CAI for the Broken River region (‘Top Hut’ to Broken River, <4 to >6), with higher values towards the Montgomery Range intrusions; (v) in the Burdekin Basin, there are higher CAI values north of Mt Podge and ‘Star’, and lower values (<4) in the southern part of the basin (‘Fletcher View’ to ‘Fanning River’); (vi) variation of both KI and CAI mean values through the stratigraphical sequence illustrates the existence of three metamorphic sequences, all possibly connected with interludes of orogenic activity: during the interval end‐Ordovician − earliest Silurian (early Llandovery), earliest Devonian (mid‐Lochkovian, broadly eurekaensis–delta Zones) and Middle Devonian (mid/late Givetian, broadly between the Middle varcus Subzone and the hermanni Zone); (vii) the relationship of KI data to CAI data from the Townsville hinterland indicates that the range of CAI values inferred for the anchizone should be enlarged to include CAI values of up to 6; and (viii) the average values of the K‐white mica b‐cell dimension is consistent with low–intermediate pressure–temperature metamorphic facies conditions. Distribution of the cumulative curves for the three areas indicates that metamorphism in the Camel Creek Region pelites took place under higher pressure conditions than in Broken River region or the Burdekin Basin.
Obesity increases the risk of development of atherosclerosis in elderly type 2 diabetic patients*
Authors: Wakabayashi Ichiro , Masuda Hiroshi 
Published: February 2005

Background:  Obesity has been suggested to have no effect on the rates of mortality from cerebro‐ and cardiovascular diseases in the elderly. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether obesity influences atherosclerotic risk factors in elderly diabetic patients.Methods:  The relationships between body mass index (BMI) and representative atherosclerotic risk factors were investigated using data from patients with type 2 diabetes who were aged from 65 to 91 years (mean ± standard deviation, 72.3 ± 5.2 years).Results:  BMI significantly correlated with systolic and diastolic arterial pressures and serum triglyceride, uric acid and sialic acid levels. BMI also showed significant negative correlations with duration of diabetes and serum HDL cholesterol levels. Multiple regression analysis using BMI as a target variable and age, sex, duration of diabetes, mean arterial pressure, serum uric acid and triglyceride as explanatory variables showed that BMI significantly correlated with arterial pressure and serum triglyceride level (R = 0.459). After adjustment for history of drug therapy for each disease (hypertension, dyslipidemia or hyperuricemia), BMI also significantly correlated with arterial pressure, serum triglyceride, HDL cholesterol and uric acid levels. In the subjects with BMI of 25 or over, the mean levels of systolic and diastolic arterial pressures, serum triglyceride and sialic acid were higher and the mean level of serum HDL cholesterol was lower, after adjustment for age and sex, than those in the subjects with BMI below 22.Conclusion:  These results suggest that obesity is related to arterial pressure, blood lipid and uric acid levels and increases the risk of development of atheroclerosis in elderly diabetic patients.
Relation of hypertension and glucose tolerance impairment in elderly people to the development of arteriosclerosis: Investigation using pulse wave velocity*
Authors: Isobe Takeshi , Saitoh Shigeyuki , Takagi Satoru , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Ohhata Junichi , Takeuchi Hiroshi , Chiba Yu , Katoh Nobuo , Fujiwara Tadashi , Akasaka Hiroshi , Shimamoto Kazuaki 
Published: February 2005

Background:  The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation between the combination of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and arteriosclerosis using pulse wave velocity (PWV).Methods:  The subjects were 186 men over the age of 60 years (mean age: 68.8 ± 5.8 years). PWV, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL cholesterol were measured in all subjects. The subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of FBS level: a normal group (FBS < 110 mg/dL), an impaired fasting glucose group (110 ≤ FBS < 126 mg/dL) and a diabetes mellitus group (FBS ≥ 126 mg/dL or taking antidiabetics). The subjects were also divided into two groups on the basis of blood pressure level: a hypertension (HT) group (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg or taking antihypertensives) and a normotension group (other subjects).Results:  PWV showed positive correlations with SBP and FBS (r = 0.499 and r = 0.300, respectively). In all three groups classified by FBS level, PWV was higher in subjects with HT than in subjects with normotension (P < 0.01 in all three groups). In the HT group, PWV had already increased at the stage of impaired fasting glucose and was significantly higher in the diabetes mellitus group than in the normal FBS group (P = 0.002). In multiple regression analysis using PWV as a dependent variable, SBP and FBS were selected as independent variables.Conclusions:  Even in the elderly, strict control of blood pressure and blood sugar level may be necessary in order to prevent the development of arteriosclerotic diseases.
Correlation between symptoms, chest radiographs, pulmonary function tests and severity of emphysema on autopsy lungs in elderly patients
Authors: Motegi Takashi , Kida Kozui , Kudoh Shoji 
Published: February 2005

Background:  In general, the clinical features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the elderly are complicated, frequently resulting in undiagnosed disorders. It would be convenient if simple parameters to screen for the disease were developed. The present study investigated the pathological–clinical inter‐relationships in emphysema.Methods:  A total of 121 cases were graded by severity of emphysema into five groups according to the panel grid system. Grades were then compared with various clinical parameters including the severity of respiratory symptoms, characteristics of physical examination, measurements on chest radiographs and airflow obstruction on pulmonary function tests.Results:  The mean age of patients was 77.1, and 71 cases (58.7%) were male. The severity distribution was as follows: no emphysema 20 (16.5%), and the four grades, ranging from mild to severe, were 65 (53.7%) grade I, 16 (13.2%) grade II, 13 (10.7%) grade III and seven (5.9%) cases were grade IV. Both smoking history (pack‐year) and body mass index were significantly correlated with emphysema severity. In addition, both respiratory symptoms and airflow obstruction were sharply and significantly increased in groups III + IV compared with groups I + II. On plain chest radiograph, the ratio of lung length to body height was significantly correlated with the severity of emphysema (P < 0.01).Conclusions:  We conclude that both respiratory symptoms and airflow obstruction are inter‐related and demarcate mild emphysema from that showing more than moderate severity. The number of cigarette pack‐years, loss of body weight and increased lung length on plain chest radiography might be useful indicators for speculated emphysema severity.
Urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase activity predicts development of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Okazaki Kyoji , Oba Kenzo , Nakano Hiroshi , Suzuki Tatsuya 
Published: February 2005

Background:  Urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG) has been suggested as a marker for diabetic nephropathy. A prospective study has therefore been performed to compare albuminuria and urinary NAG activities in type 2 diabetic patients.Methods:  Forty‐one patients (23 men and 18 women) with type 2 diabetes between 40 and 78 years of age were selected for a 5‐year follow‐up study. The urinary activities of NAG to creatinine ratios (NAG index) and albumin to creatinine ratios (albumin index) were measured in random spot urine samples. All patients were normoalbuminuric (albumin index < 30 mg/g Cr) at the beginning of the study. The mean NAG indexes and albumin indexes were calculated yearly.Results:  During the observation period, 15 patients developed diabetic nephropathy (albumin index ≥ 30 mg/g Cr). Significantly higher mean NAG index and albumin index were found at the beginning of the study in patients who later developed diabetic nephropathy in comparison with those who did not (5.5 ± 2.0 vs 10.6 ± 4.2 U/g Cr, 11.0 ± 5.0 vs 17.8 ± 5.7 mg/g Cr, respectively). A gradual increase of the NAG index was found during the study in both patients who developed diabetic nephropathy and those who did not. On multiple logistic regression analysis, the NAG index at the beginning of the study was an independent predictor for the development of diabetic nephropathy.Conclusions:  These results suggest that the NAG index may serve as an early functional indicator of diabetic nephropathy.