bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antineoplastic activity of honey in an experimental bladder cancer implantation model: In vivo and in vitro studies
Authors: SWELLAM TAREK , MIYANAGA NAOTO , ONOZAWA MIZUKI , HATTORI KAZUNORI , KAWAI KOJI , SHIMAZUI TORU , AKAZA HIDEYUKI 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjectives: The antitumor effect of bee honey against bladder cancer was examined in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Three human bladder cancer cell lines (T24, 253J and RT4) and one murine bladder cancer cell line (MBT‐2) were used in these experiments. In an in vitro study, the antitumor activity was assessed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, TdT‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, 5‐Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling index and flowcytometry (FCM). In the in vivo study, cancer cells were implanted subcutaneously in the abdomens of mice, and the effects were assessed by the tumor growth.Results: In vitro studies revealed significant inhibition of the proliferation of T24 and MBT‐2 cell lines by 1–25% honey and of RT4 and 253J cell lines by 6–25% honey. BrdU labeling index was significantly lower. FCM showed lower S‐phase fraction, as well as absence of aneuploidy compared with control cells. In the in vivo studies, intralesional injection of 6 and 12% honey as well as oral ingestion of honey significantly inhibited tumor growth.Conclusion: Bee honey is an effective agent for inhibiting the growth of T24, RT4, 253J and MBT‐2 bladder cancer cell lines in vitro. It is also effective when administered intralesionally or orally in the MBT‐2 bladder cancer implantation models. Our results are promising, and further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of the antitumor activity of honey.
Possible causes of spatial variability inDiatraea saccharalisFabr. (Lep., Crambidae) and its parasitoid populations in sugarcane fields in Brazil
Authors: Rossi M. N. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract:Based on the large data set stored in some sugarcane mills regarding the biological control programme ofDiatraea saccharalisusing the parasitoidsCotesia flavipesand tachinid flies, the aim of the present study was to determine whether sugarcane varieties, number of cuts and plant ages are major determinants in promoting spatial variability inD. saccharalis,C. flavipesand tachinid fly populations in sugarcane fields in the state of São Paulo (Brazil). The data set used to support this study was provided by the São João and Barra sugarcane mills. Coefficient of variation was adopted as a measure of the spatial variability of population density. Spatial variability was estimated for the total density ofD. saccharalis(parasitized + unparasitized larvae), and also forD. saccharalislarvae parasitized by tachinids and byC. flavipes. Statistical analysis revealed that the spatial variation inD. saccharalispopulations was influenced by the number of cuts and by plant ages in the Barra and São João Mills, respectively. Similar results were obtained forD. saccharalislarvae parasitized by tachinids; however, in the São João Mill, the spatial variability of these populations was also influenced by the different number of varieties. Finally, consideringD. saccharalislarvae parasitized byC. flavipes, no significant regressions with any of the three categories were observed for both sugarcane mills. The multitrophic implications for this agricultural system are also discussed.
Increased expression of the natural killer cell inhibitory receptor CD85j/ILT2 on antigen‐specific effector CD8 T cells and its impact on CD8 T‐cell function
Authors: Ince M. Nedim , Harnisch Brooke , Xu Zhan , Lee Sang‐Kyung , Lange Christoph , Moretta Lorenzo , Lederman Michael , Lieberman Judy 
Published: December 2004

SummaryWe investigated whether inhibitory natural killer cell receptor (iNKR) expression contributes to impaired antigen‐specific cytotoxicity and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) production by CD8 T cells during chronic infection. iNKR immunoglobulin‐like transcript‐2 (ILT2/CD85j) is expressed on 40–55% of cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐ and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐specific CD8 T cells in both healthy and HIV‐infected donors. Other iNKRs (CD158a, b1, e1/e2, k, CD94/NKG2A) are expressed on only a small minority of CD8 T cells and are not preferentially expressed on tetramer‐staining virus‐specific cells. In normal donors, ILT2 is expressed largely on perforin+ CD27– effector cells. However, in HIV‐infected donors, only a third of ILT2+ cells are also perforin+. In both normal and HIV‐infected donors, ILT2+ cells are prone to spontaneous apoptosis. Therefore, ILT2 is normally expressed during effector cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (CTL) differentiation, but can also be expressed when effector maturation is incomplete, as in HIV infection. The effect of ILT2 on CD8 cell function was assessed by preincubating effector cells with ILT2 antibody. While blocking ILT2 engagement has no appreciable effect on cytotoxicity, it increases antiviral IFN‐γ production by approximately threefold in both normal and HIV‐infected donors. Thus, ILT2 expression, increased on antiviral CD8 cells in chronic infection, may interfere with protective CD8 T‐cell function by suppressing IFN‐γ production.
Development of an orally infectious Sindbis virus transducing system that efficiently disseminates and expresses green fluorescent protein in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Pierro D. J. , Myles K. M. , Foy B. D. , Beaty B. J. , Olson K. E. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe have constructed an orally infectious Sindbis virus, ME2/5′2J/GFP, that expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the midgut of Aedes aegypti and in other tissues as the virus disseminates. This virus has two unique features that are improvements over the SIN‐based expression systems currently used in mosquitoes. First, a subgenomic RNA promoter and GFP coding sequence is located 5′‐ to the second subgenomic promoter and structural genes of the virus. Second, the E2 glycoprotein gene of TE/5′2J/GFP is replaced with the E2 gene of MRE16 SIN virus. The first feature enhances virus genome stability during virus dissemination from the midgut to other tissues and the second allows efficient virus entry into the midgut epithelial cells and then spread of the virus throughout the mosquito.
Oral lesions and dental caries status in perinatally HIV‐infected children in Northern Thailand
Authors: Pongsiriwet S. , Iamaroon A. , Kanjanavanit S. , Pattanaporn K. , Krisanaprakornkit S. 
Published: December 2004

Summary. Objective. To describe the prevalence of oral lesions and dental caries status in perinatally HIV‐infected children.Design. A cross‐sectional study.Setting. Paediatric HIV outpatient department at the Nakornping Provincial Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand.Patients and methods. Forty children with perinatal HIV infection, from early infancy to 12 years of age, were included in the study. These children were examined for oral lesions and dental caries. A number of children receiving antifungal and antiretroviral (ART) therapy were recorded.Results. The mean DMFT and DMFS scores were both 2·1 (SD = 2·3). The dft and dfs scores were 4·1 (SD = 5·0) and 10·9 (SD = 14·8), respectively. A total of 57·5% of the children had one or more oral lesions. Oral candidiasis and hairy leukoplakia were the most common oral lesions. Only 12·5% of children had received ART. A total of 22·5% of the children had a history of receiving antifungal therapy.Conclusions. Oral lesions and dental caries were relatively high in this study. Consequently, treatment and prevention for oral lesions and dental caries are inevitably required for children with HIV infection in Northern Thailand. Furthermore, ART should be made available for all HIV‐infected children to decrease the prevalence of HIV‐associated oral lesions.
Postnatal quality of life: a pilot study using the Mother‐Generated Index
Authors: Symon Andrew , MacKay Anna , Ruta Danny 
Published: December 2004

Background. Although postnatal morbidity has been well documented in recent years, postnatal quality of life has not been addressed. A newly derived subjective measurement of postnatal quality of life (the Mother‐Generated Index) combines a quantitative and qualitative evaluation. Aims. This part of our pilot study aimed to compare the aspects of their lives nominated by women with low and high quality of life (Primary Index) scores, and to examine the respective importance of these areas. Methods. The Mother‐Generated Index was tested using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Short Form 12, and an established maternal and neonatal physical morbidity index as validators. Four health visitors administered these at 6–8 weeks and 8 months postpartum to 103 women by structured face‐to‐face interviews between June 2000 and March 2001. Data were entered into Epi‐Info, and exported to Microsoft Excel and SPSS for analysis. Results. A wide variety of quality of life aspects were reported, including emotional, social and financial concerns. Tiredness was prevalent in all groups, but other physical problems were rare at 8 months. Mothers with low quality of life (Primary Index) scores at 6–8 weeks and 8 months commonly reported having less personal time. Low scoring areas, which health professionals might consider in greatest need of attention, were often not the ones mothers deemed most important. Limitations. The study involved only 103 participants, and did not assess the degree of support experienced by the mothers. Conclusions. The Mother‐Generated Index helps mothers to identify the areas of their lives which are of most concern to them. This pilot suggests that mothers with high and low quality of life scores have markedly divergent experiences.
Improving the knowledge and skills of psychiatric nurses: efficacy of a staff training programme
Authors: Willetts Lucy , Leff Julian 
Published: December 2004

Background. Working with people with mental illness is very challenging and mental health workers can have a significant impact on the mental status of their patients. Few studies have been published that describe training programmes for this staff group. Aim. This paper aims to describe and evaluate a training programme for generic mental health workers used in the context of a residential unit for ‘difficult to place’ mentally ill patients. Method. The staff training programme was adapted from a previous programme showing good efficacy. It was conducted over 10 sessions and addressed a wide range of issues relating to the management of mentally ill patients, with the use of a variety of teaching methods. Twenty‐nine generic mental health workers participated in the programme. The impact of the programme was examined using a knowledge questionnaire and a semi‐structured questionnaire exploring the range and use of management strategies by staff members. Results. Comparison of pre‐ and post‐training measures indicated that the training programme increased staff knowledge of schizophrenia and the use of certain management skills, in particular, systematic strategies to effect change. This included increased use of structured programmes with patients. Conclusion. The training programme was effective in increasing knowledge and skills of staff and could be used with a variety of psychiatric staff. There are numerous limitations to this study, in particular the poor attendance rates which are likely to have decreased the impact of the programme.
A survey of postnatal debriefing
Authors: Steele Anne‐Marie , Beadle Mary 
Published: December 2004

Background. The evidence for postnatal debriefing generally lacks clarification of what postnatal debriefing constitutes. This is true of the recommendation in the United Kingdom for midwives to undertake ‘active postnatal debriefing’ (Department of Health 1999).Aim. The study aimed to explore current practice and describe the provision of postnatal debriefing in two health regions of England.Methods. A descriptive survey using cohort sampling was undertaken using a self‐report questionnaire which was sent to each maternity unit in the two regions (n = 46). A response rate of 93% (n = 43) was obtained. The questionnaire collected information about the maternity units and their provision of ‘postnatal debriefing’. A list of debriefing descriptors formed the basis of the questionnaire, and comprised activities that various authors had included in their definitions of debriefing.Results. Responses indicated that 38 (88%) of maternity units offered women an opportunity to ‘debrief’ by discussing their experiences of maternity care. The provision of this service fell into three distinct sub‐groups: firstly, those who provided a service which is in keeping with debriefing, however not all the maternity units actually called their service debriefing; secondly, those who provided a service which is fundamental postnatal care, usually called routine postnatal care; thirdly, those who provided a service which was inconsistent and neither debriefing nor postnatal care. This inconsistency was also reflected in the names chosen for the service.Conclusions. The findings of this study support previous claims that confusion about postnatal debriefing continues. Recommendations for practice are made with the intention of promoting a consistent approach; this would also enable further research and evaluation to be conducted.
Using student nurses as teachers in inquiry‐based learning
Authors: Morris David , Turnbull Patricia 
Published: December 2004

Background.  Traditionally, teaching in nurse education colleges and universities in the United Kingdom (UK) has relied substantially on didactic, large group, teacher‐led approaches. Emerging literature identifies a shift towards student‐centred learning in a variety of formats, such as problem‐ and enquiry‐based learning. These approaches require students to take greater responsibility for both their own learning and that of others. Internationally, and in a number of academic educational disciplines, use of peer‐assisted learning, supplemental instruction and peer tutoring as curriculum initiatives has aided improvement in student retention and academic performance. There is, however, a paucity of literature exploring the use of undergraduate student nurses as peer teachers.Aim.  To explore the viability of using student nurses as teachers in an inquiry‐based nursing curriculum and to ascertain the value students place on this teaching and learning method.Method.  The first phase of the study involved observation of ‘parallel resource sessions’: teacher‐led sessions that addressed a theoretical component of the curriculum. In the second phase, student feedback of these sessions to their peers was observed. This was followed by focus group interviews (with a total of 240 participants), which were analysed using thematic analysis.Findings.  The findings suggest that student nurses were uncomfortable with being used as teachers, often questioned the intrinsic worth of this approach as a developmental tool, and considered the responsibility for teaching the content of parallel resource sessions to lie with nurse educators.Conclusion.  Nurse educators must continue to explore innovative approaches to improve both student nurses’ experience and their fitness for practice. The strategy of using student nurses as teachers may be appropriate in some circumstances but requires further research, considerable support and continual evaluation.
Infant feeding attitudes of expectant parents: breastfeeding and formula feeding
Authors: Shaker Iolanda , Scott Jane A. , Reid Margaret 
Published: December 2004

Background.  Research has indicated that parental attitudes are strong predictors of choice of infant feeding. Identification and understanding of the infant feeding attitudes of mothers and their social networks should be an early step in the design and implementation of breastfeeding interventions.Aim.  To compare the infant feeding attitudes of parents of breastfed infants with those of parents of formula fed infants.Methods.  A survey was carried out with a convenience sample of pregnant women (gestational age 8–12 weeks) attending three maternity clinics in Scotland in 2000. Expectant mothers and their partners (n = 108 couples) completed the 17 item Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale. Demographic information was collected by face‐to‐face interview and the method of feeding at discharge from hospital was obtained from medical records.Results.  Parents of breastfed infants had more positive attitudes towards breastfeeding than parents of formula fed infants, and were more knowledgeable about the health benefits and nutritional superiority of breastfeeding. Fathers of both breastfed and formula fed infants were more likely than their partners to disapprove of women breastfeeding in public. Parents considered their chosen method of feeding to be the more convenient alternative. Mothers of formula fed infants were more likely to think that women who occasionally drink alcohol should not breastfeed.Conclusion.  Parents of formula fed infants had several misconceptions about breastfeeding. Use of the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale could help health professionals identify and address these in infant feeding discussions in the early antenatal period. Efforts should be made to include fathers in these infant‐feeding discussions.
Mature women's experiences of preregistration nurse education
Authors: Kevern Jennifer , Webb Christine 
Published: December 2004

Background.  The government of the United Kingdom is encouraging more flexible recruitment strategies to overcome the shortage of qualified nurses. Mature women returning to education, often after completing their families, are a major target, but there has been little evaluation of their experiences as higher education students of nursing.Aim.  The aim of the study was to follow‐up a previous quantitative study of mature women students’ outcomes on preregistration diploma courses in order to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, and consider ways in which their needs might be addressed.Methods.  Five focus groups were conducted in one higher education institution, and data were analysed using thematic analysis, assisted by the ‘spike’ feature of Word for Windows.Findings.  Three major themes were identified: ‘Didn't know what to expect’, ‘Reality shock’ and ‘Learning the game’. Subthemes of ‘Learning the game’ were ‘Academic study’, ‘Practice placements and shift work’, ‘Managing the effect of course workload on domestic roles’, ‘Personal growth and changing relationships’, and ‘Support systems and friendships’.Conclusions.  The findings are discussed in relation to reports of women's experiences in higher education in general. We conclude that the situation and needs of mature women preregistration nursing students are such that fundamental curriculum redesign is needed so that they can participate in higher education in ways that allow integration of their family and student lives, and permit them to benefit from the higher education experience in the same ways as younger students. The study is limited by its local nature, but the findings mirror those of other work, giving reassurance of its wider applicability. Recommendations are made for changes in the philosophy and organization of future programmes to improve their appropriateness and acceptability to mature women nursing students.
The idea of nursing science
Authors: Winters Janice , Ballou Kathryn A. 
Published: December 2004

Background.  In response to the question of the idea of nursing as a legitimate science, Edwards (1999) claims that it does not qualify as a legitimate science. He bases his claim on the assumption that legitimate science must be empirical. Edwards defends his claim based on the lack of consensus and development in nursing philosophy during the past 40 years and, as he describes it, the lack of ends (or truth) of nursing science.Aim.  The aim of this response is to refute Edwards’ conclusion. The basis for this refutation is twofold. First, legitimate science includes both empirical and non‐empirical scientific methods. Second, evidence of development of a nursing school of philosophical thought is found in the nursing literature.Discussion.  Empirical science is only one mode of inquiry in nursing. Philosophical and non‐empirical methodologies are gaining increasing importance as modes of scientific inquiry. I therefore contend that nursing would be better served to continue applying an offensive effort into integrating all applicable modes of scientific inquiry into the discipline.
Salutogenesis as a framework for child protection: literature review
Authors: Taylor Julie S. 
Published: December 2004

Aim. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of salutogenesis in work relating to child protection.Methods. A systematic review to explore the links between parenting, social factors and failure to thrive was carried out using 17 CD ROM and online databases using keywords in appropriate medical subject headings (MeSH terms) and Boolean operators refined for the studies. The salutogenic framework was then used as a way of clarifying what benefit particular research findings may have in identifying and using factors which can be associated with protection, safety and well being of children. Cross‐referencing the evidence from the systematic review against Antonovsky's generalized resistance resources created a salutogenic matrix.Findings. Four factors in the systematic review were found crucially important: parent factors; parenting factors; child factors; and social factors. However, it is probable that these are useful within all child protection research and the evidence gathered in particular cases (here failure to thrive) could be plotted against each factor. Application of a salutogenic framework to the results was further illuminating and has utility for both systematic review methodology and other child protection explorations. The matrix created a warp and weft effect that identified gaps in current evidence and practice and was able to disentangle some of the complexities inherent within failure to thrive situations. By beginning to shed understanding on such processes, the concept of salutogenesis added further depth and rigour to the analysis.Conclusions. The concept of salutogenesis is widely used in some areas of nursing practice and research, and can also be regarded as a theoretical tool that has potential in child care and protection research, development and practice. The paper also illustrates the importance of a sound theoretical framework in ensuring depth and rigour in analyses of literature review findings.
Unique effect of tetrapentylammonium ions on sympathetic transmission in rat vas deferens
Authors: Huang Y. , Lau C. W. 
Published: December 2004

Summary

Effects of tetrapentylammonium ions (TPA+) on contractile responses induced by electric field stimulation and by exogenous agonist such as noradrenaline, ATP and high K+ were examined in the isolated epididymal half of the rat vas deferens.
The electrically evoked monophasic contractions (0.5 Hz, 1 ms pulse duration, 40 V) were potentiated by TPA+ at low concentrations (1–3 μM) and inhibited by TPA+ at a concentration greater than 10 μM.
TPA+ (0.3‐3 μM) potentiated the contractile responses induced by noradrenaline and ATP, whilst, TPA+ (10 μM) concentration‐dependently reduced the agonist‐induced contractions.
TPA+ (0.3 μM) potentiated 30 mM K+ ‐Induced phasic contraction which was inhibited by pretreatment with α,β‐methylene ATP (3 μM) and prazosin (3 μM).
TPA+ (10‐300 μM) reduced the contractions induced by 100 mM extracellular K+ while TBA+ and TEA+ had no effect.
The present results show that TPA+ at low concentrations may act at prejunctional nerve membranes to enhance release of contractile transmitters and act as a putative K+ channel blocker at postjunctional membranes to increase muscle contractility in rat vas deferens; whilst at high concentrations TPA+ mainly acts on smooth muscle probably as a non‐selective relaxant against the agonist‐induced contraction probably through inhibition of Ca2+ influx; this inhibitory effect appears unique for TPA+ since TEA+ and TBA+ did not induce muscle relaxation.