bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tyrosinase mutations associated with Siamese and Burmese patterns in the domestic cat (Felis catus)
Authors: Lyons L. A. , Imes D. L. , Rah H. C. , Grahn R. A. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThe Siamese cat has a highly recognized coat colour phenotype that expresses pigment at the extremities of the body, such as the ears, tail and paws. This temperature‐sensitive colouration causes a ‘mask’ on the face and the phenotype is commonly referred to as ‘pointed’. Burmese is an allelic variant that is less temperature‐sensitive, producing more pigment throughout the torso than Siamese. Tyrosinase (TYR) mutations have been suspected to cause these phenotypes because mutations in TYR are associated with similar phenotypes in other species. Linkage and synteny mapping in the cat has indirectly supported TYR as the causative gene for these feline phenotypes. TYR mutations associated with Siamese and Burmese phenotypes are described herein. Over 200 cats were analysed, representing 12 breeds as well as randomly bred cats. The SNP associated with the Siamese phenotype is an exon 2 G > A transition changing glycine to arginine (G302R). The SNP associated with the Burmese phenotype is an exon 1 G > T transversion changing glycine to tryptophan (G227W). The G302R mutation segregated concordantly within a pedigree of Himalayan (pointed) Persians. All cats that had ‘pointed’ or the Burmese coat colour phenotype were homozygous for the corresponding mutations, respectively, suggesting that these phenotypes are a result of the identified mutations or unidentified mutations that are in linkage disequilibrium. Because the same mutations were identified in different breeds with similar phenotypes, the mutations are likely to be identical by descent rather than multiple mutation events occurring at the same site.
Progressing evidence‐based practice: an effective nursing model?
Authors: Tolson Debbie , McAloon Marie , Hotchkiss Rhona , Schofield Irene 
Published: March 2005

Aims.  This paper presents findings from telephone interviews completed with link nurses 2 years into the project to explore how participation progressed achievement of evidence‐based practice where the link nurses worked.Background.  In 2001, an innovative practice development initiative was launched in Scotland. A national network of experienced nurses from across the country was recruited to form the inaugural Community of Practice. This involved describing gerontological nursing, pioneering a nurse‐sensitive methodology to craft care guidance that reflects the agreed practice model, and constructing a virtual college based on a situated learning model.Methods.  A volunteer sample of link nurses took part in telephone interviews exploring experiences of using the virtual college and the extent to which the description of gerontological nursing and the first best practice statement on nutrition had influenced practice.Findings.  Five components (themes) were identified as facilitating the attainment of evidence‐based practice. These focussed on confidence‐building and the positive benefits of achieving vision and clarity for gerontological nursing. Membership of a national Community of Practice afforded status and strengthened sense of professional identity. The inclusive knowledge synthesis methodology used to prepare, pilot and support implementation of the best practice statement was highly valued. Progress towards evidence‐based practice in all affiliated areas was reported. Major challenges for nurses in participating in the virtual college included the absence of a learning‐at‐work culture, lack of time and doubts about the legitimacy of internet‐based learning.Conclusion.  The evaluation indicates the potential merits of e‐practice development, particularly for nurses who feel geographically and professionally isolated or disenchanted with available continuing professional development opportunities. Participation in the virtual college appeared to enrich practice and foster a culture of change.
Cancer patients’ descriptions of their nursing care
Authors: Radwin Laurel E. , Farquhar Stephanie L. , Knowles Michelle N. , Virchick Barbara G. 
Published: March 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study of cancer patients’ descriptions of nurses and nursing care.Background.  Nurses lament their poor representation in the media, and campaigns to improve their portrayal have been initiated. Media portrayal of nurses might be more realistic if patients’ descriptions of nursing care were incorporated.Method.  Qualitative data from an instrument development study were analysed. A total of 461 patients answered the question, ‘In general, how do you feel about nurses?’ The data were analysed by the constant comparative method and grounded theory coding techniques.Findings.  A typology of four concepts reflecting cancer patients’ descriptions of their nursing care emerged from the data. The concepts were: laudable, caring, professional and outcomes. The concept laudable refers to commendable qualities of the nurse and nursing care. Caring refers to the nurse showing compassion, concern and kindness. Professional refers to the nurse as meeting expected standards of knowledge, skill and demeanour. Outcomes refer to the affective, cognitive, or physical effects attributed to nursing care. Both positive and negative instances of the concepts were included in the analysis. Examples of each concept using patients’ own words are given.Conclusions.  These cancer patients held nurses in relatively high esteem. These findings could be disseminated to the public press as an example of what patients’ value about nurses and nursing care. They also could be used in media efforts to recruit and retain nurses.
Meta‐synthesis method for qualitative research: a literature review
Authors: Walsh Denis , Downe Soo 
Published: March 2005

Aim.  This paper discusses the purpose and stages of meta‐synthesis and the epistemological status of knowledge generated from the technique. Particular attention is paid to exploring the contested areas of the method that remain.Background.  There is a growing interest in meta‐synthesis as a technique for generating new insights and understanding from qualitative health care research. An increasing number of meta‐synthesis papers are appearing in the nursing and midwifery literature.Methods.  Literature on the technique of meta‐synthesis and examples of meta‐synthesis papers were searched and reviewed. A meta‐synthesis exercise was undertaken, and this informed reflection and critique of the method.Findings.  Meta‐synthesis attempts to integrate results from a number of different but inter‐related qualitative studies. The technique has an interpretive, rather than aggregating, intent, in contrast to meta‐analysis of quantitative studies. Examples from the literature indicate that some aspects of the technique are not yet fully established.Conclusion.  Despite the contingent nature of evidence gleaned from meta‐synthesis and current lack of consensus about some of its aspects, meta‐synthesis is an important technique for qualitative researchers and can deepen understanding of the contextual dimensions of health care.
Changes in coagulation‐fibrinolysis marker and neutrophil elastase following the use of tourniquet during total knee arthroplasty and the influence of neutrophil elastase on thromboembolism
Authors: Katsumata S. , Nagashima M. , Kato K. , Tachihara A. , Wauke K. , Saito S. , Jin E. , Kawanami O. , Ogawa R. , Yoshino S. 
Published: March 2005

Background:  To clarify in detail the mechanism underlying the development and exacerbation of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), we focused on the following factors: the thrombin‐antithrombin III complex (TAT), D‐dimer and neutrophil elastase (NE). We basically investigated whether NE played an important role in the development of PTE I a mice model.Methods:  Nineteen rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and six osteoarthritis (OA) patients underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with tourniquet, and 13 RA and 12 OA patients underwent TKA without tourniquet in each group. The blood levels of TAT, D‐dimer and NE were measured before surgery, immediately after and during the days following surgery. For the induction of experimental PTE due to coagulation of platelets, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was administrated, and human NE with ADP was also administrated for the development of DVT and/or PTE.Results:  The rates of increase in the mean TAT, D‐dimer and NE levels in the group with tourniquet were statistically higher than those in the group without tourniquet after surgery. The mortality of the mouse due to PTE increased from 43 to 67% following ADP and human NE administration compared to a single ADP administration. Histological changes of the lungs in the mice receiving NE and ADP injections were characterized by a diffuse and extensive accumulation of platelets and fibrin in alveolar capillaries and other microvessels.Conclusion:  We suggest that during TKA, the use of tourniquet induces local release of a large amount of NE from neutrophils, inducing the development of DVT and/or PTE and their exacerbation.
Efficacy of sufentanil addition to ropivacaine epidural anaesthesia for Caesarean section
Authors: Bachmann‐Mennenga B. , Veit G. , Steinicke B. , Biscoping J. , Heesen M. 
Published: March 2005

Background:  This prospective double‐blind trial evaluated the effect of sufentanil addition to epidural ropivacaine for elective Caesarean section.Methods:  Sixty healthy parturients were randomly assigned to receive an initial dose of 90 mg of plain ropivacaine, or 90 mg of ropivacaine plus 10 or 20 µg of sufentanil (n = 20 each). Before surgery, if necessary, additional epidural ropivacaine was injected. Primary outcome parameter was time to achieve sensory block at T4.Results:  Time to reach the sensory block was remarkably reduced (P < 0.001 each) by addition of 10 or 20 µg of sufentanil (21 ± 8 min, 15 ± 5 min, 11 ± 4 min in the plain ropivacaine, the 10‐ and 20‐µg sufentanil groups, respectively) whereas the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at delivery were significantly reduced (P = 0.028) only by 20 µg of sufentanil (32 ± 35 mm in the plain ropivacaine vs. 9 ± 19 mm in the 20‐µg sufentanil groups). The total dose of ropivacaine was significantly lower (P = 0.005) in patients receiving 20 µg of sufentanil (100.5 ± 15.0 mg) compared with those treated with plain ropivacaine (118.5 ± 17.3 mg). The incidence of maternal side‐effects (hypotension, bradycardia, nausea, vomiting, shivering, pruritus) and neonatal outcome [APGAR score, neurologic and adaptive capacity (NAC) score, umbilical cord blood‐gas values] did not differ between the groups.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that addition of 20 µg of sufentanil improved the epidural anaesthesia with ropivacaine 0.75% for Caesarean section.
Pathogenicity of threePhytophthoraspp. causing late seedling rot ofQuercus ilexssp.ballota
Authors: Sánchez M. E. , Andicoberry S. , Trapero A. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryWithin a research project on quality of plants for forestation of agricultural lands, we studied the aetiology of a late seedling rot affecting holm oak (Quercus ilexssp.ballota) in two forest nurseries in southern Spain. Major disease symptoms were foliage wilting and necrosis of feeder roots.Phytophthora cinnamomi,Phytophthora cryptogeaandPhytophthora drechsleriwere isolated from necrotic roots of holm oaks. Selected isolates of the threePhytophthoraspecies were pathogenic toQuercus ilexssp.ballotaandQuercus suberseedlings in artificial inoculations. Soil flooding conditions were essential for infection and root rot development. There was no host specificity among the species, the isolates ofP. cinnamomibeing the most virulent in all inoculated plants. In these inoculations,Q. ilexssp.ballotaplants were more susceptible than those ofQ. suber. This work is the first report ofP. cinnamomi,P. drechsleriandP. cryptogeaaffectingQ. ilexssp.ballotain forest nurseries.
Biological control of Heterobasidion annosum on Pinus pinea by Phlebiopsis gigantea
Authors: Annesi T. , Curcio G. , D'Amico L. , Motta E. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThe efficacy of a native isolate of Phlebiopsis gigantea in protecting the stumps of Pinus pinea against spore infection by Heterobasidion annosum s.str. was investigated. In preliminary tests carried out in stem pieces of P. pinea in confined environment, the efficacy of the isolate was compared with Rotstop®, the commercial formulation prepared from a north European P. gigantea strain. Both showed a fully protective effect against artificial inoculation of H. annosum. Moreover, in stump treatment experiments carried out in a coastal P. pinea forest close to Rome, the native P. gigantea was effective against heavy airborne inoculum of H. annosum. Some natural infection by P. gigantea occurred in the stumps, but it was unable to control the pathogen. Random amplified microsatellite analysis allowed to recognize the presence of different P. gigantea strains in the forest.
Respiratory illness during winter: A cohort study of urban children from temperate Australia
Authors: Lambert SB , O'Grady KF , Gabriel SH , Nolan TM 
Published: March 2005

Objective:  To examine the epidemiology and burden of respiratory illness during winter in urban children from temperate Australia. Methods:  We conducted a cohort study of healthy Melbourne children, aged from 12 to 71 months. Parents kept a daily respiratory symptom diary and recorded resource use when an influenza‐like illness (ILI) occurred. Results:  One‐hundred and eighteen children had 137 ILI episodes over 12 weeks for a rate of 0.53 ILI episodes per child‐month (95% CI 0.44–0.61). Risk factors for ILI included younger age, fewer people residing in the household, structured exposure to other children outside the home, and a higher household income. Episodes had a mean duration of 10.4 days with 64 visits to a general practitioner (46.7 GP visits per 100 episodes), 27 antibiotic courses prescribed (19.7 antibiotic courses per 100 episodes), and three overnight hospitalizations (2.2 admissions per 100 episodes). Parents reported an average of 11.7 h excess time spent caring for a child per episode. Conclusions:  Respiratory illnesses are a common and largely neglected cause of illness in Australian children. Pathogen‐specific data are required to better assess the likely impact of available and developing vaccines and other treatment options.
Systematic review of day‐case laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication
Authors: Ng Raphael , Mullin Emma J. , Maddern Guy J. 
Published: March 2005

Background:  Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is increasingly being performed on a day‐case basis. The aim of the present paper was to systematically review published data on day‐case or ambulatory laparoscopic fundoplication and discuss the differing criteria for patient selection, postoperative management and patient outcomes presented in each series.Methods:  An optimally sensitive search strategy of subject headings and text words were used and the databases used included MEDLINE, PubMed and the Cochrane Library. All databases were searched from 1 January 1994 onwards.Results:  A total of seven papers were included in the present review, of which six were prospective single‐cohort studies. Overall, there was large heterogeneity among the studies but with similar complication and readmission rates.Conclusions:  Short‐term outcomes for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in terms of complications and readmission rates are comparable to inpatient procedures. However there is a paucity of published data.
Takayasu arteritis: clinical features and management: report of 272 cases
Authors: Mwipatayi Bibombe P. , Jeffery Peter C. , Beningfield Steve J. , Matley Philip J. , Naidoo Naid G. , Kalla Abdullah A , Kahn Del 
Published: March 2005

Background:  Takayasu's arteritis is a condition of unknown aetiology with an unpredictable natural history. Most of the literature available has originated from Asia, with a few contributions from Africa where the pattern of the disease may be different. This is a single institution's experience review.Methods:  Data were obtained retrospectively from the angiographic and medical records of patients treated at Groote Schuur Hospital over the period 1952−2002. The criteria for inclusion were those proposed by the Aortitis Syndrome Research Committee of Japan and the American College of Rheumatology.Results:  Two hundred and seventy‐two patients were identified. The mean age at presentation was 25 years (range 14−66 years) and 75% were female. Only 8% were Caucasian. Hypertension was the most common presentation (77%) and was usually a consequence of renal artery stenosis or aortic coarctation. Cardiac failure was the most common problem. Cerebrovascular symptoms were recorded in 20%. Convincing evidence of tuberculosis was present in 20%. The entire aorta was involved in 70% of cases. Thirty per cent had aortic bifurcation involvement. Occlusions were noted in 93% and aneurysms in 46%. Vascular reconstruction was performed on 115 occasions in 99 patients, with an operative mortality of 4%. Cardiac failure was the usual cause of death. One hundred and six patients (39%) were followed for a minimum of 5 years. No further progression of disease was noted in 70 patients.Conclusion:  The natural history and prognosis of Takayasu's arteritis still remain poorly defined.
Clinical utility of a de‐functioning loop ileostomy
Authors: Platell Cameron , Barwood Nigel , Makin Gregory 
Published: March 2005

Background:  The de‐functioning loop ileostomy was introduced as a technique to create a manageable stoma that would divert the faecal stream from a more distal anastomosis in order to reduce the consequences of any anastomotic leakage. The value of de‐functioning stomas is currently being challenged. The purpose of the present study was to review the clinical utility of performing a de‐functioning loop ileostomy in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.Methods:  A review was undertaken of a prospective colorectal database maintained at Fremantle Hospital. All end‐points were defined prior to the collection of data. The study reviewed the indications and type of surgery performed. The main end‐points included (i) the prevalence and management of anastomotic leaks at the primary surgery; (ii) unplanned readmissions prior to stoma closure; and (iii) the mortality, reoperation rate, and morbidity associated with closure of the stoma.Results:  The study involved 233 patients of mean age 58 years (range 15−89 years) and a male : female ratio of 1.1:1. The majority of patients were undergoing elective surgery (82%) for colorectal neoplasia (71%). The commonest surgical procedure was an ultra‐low anterior resection (62%). At the initial surgery, 16 patients (7.0%) developed anastomotic leaks, but only two (0.9%) required reoperation. Eleven patients (4.8%) required 12 unplanned readmissions prior to stoma closure. At closure (n = 230), there were no postoperative deaths, one patient developed an ileal anastomotic leak that was managed with antibiotics, and five patients (2.2%) required reoperation within 30 days of surgery.Conclusion:  De‐functioning loop ileostomy was found to be associated with a relatively low morbidity and no mortality.
Postoperative methemoglobinemia with associated G‐6‐P‐D deficiency in infant cardiac surgery – enigmas in diagnosis and management
Authors: Maddali Madan Mohan , Fahr Jutta 
Published: March 2005

SummaryMethemoglobinemia could cloud a turbulent postoperative course in infant cardiac surgery by interfering with the diagnosis of various critical conditions. Issues surrounding the treatment with methylene blue in the presence of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G‐6‐P‐D) deficiency are highlighted.
Sevoflurane and epileptiform EEG changes
Authors: CONSTANT ISABELLE , SEEMAN ROBERT , MURAT ISABELLE 
Published: March 2005

SummarySevoflurane has become the volatile agent of choice for inhalation induction of anesthesia. Hemodynamic stability and lack of respiratory irritation have justified its rapid extension to pediatric inhalation induction. The epileptogenic potential of sevoflurane has been suspected since the first case reports of abnormal movements in children without a history of epilepsy. The objectives of this short review are to: (i) analyze clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) features supporting epileptogenic activity of sevoflurane, (ii) identify factors which may modulate that activity, and (iii) suggest guidelines of clinical practice to limit expression of this epileptiform phenomenon, which has thus far unknown morbidity. The use of sevoflurane may be associated with cortical epileptiform EEG signs, usually without clinical manifestation. No lasting neurological or EEG sequelae have been described thus far, and the potential morbidity of this epileptogenic effect is unknown. The use of sevoflurane in children, with its remarkable cardiovascular profile, should include a number of precautions. Among them, the limitation of the depth of anesthesia is essential. The wide use of cerebral function monitoring (the most simple being the EEG), may permit optimization of sevoflurane dose and avoidance of burst suppression and major epileptiform signs in fragile subjects, notably the very young and the very old.
Argatroban for anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass in an infant
Authors: DYKE PETER C. , RUSSO PIERANTONIO , MUREEBE LEILA , RUSSO JOANNE , TOBIAS JOSEPH D. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryHeparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a rare, but potentially life‐threatening complication of heparin therapy. In patients with HIT, alternative means of anticoagulation are necessary. The authors present an infant with HIT who required anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass for tricuspid valve excision in the treatment of bacterial endocarditis. The direct thrombin inhibitor, argatroban, was successfully used. Previous reports regarding the use of argatroban and other nonheparin anticoagulants for anticoagulation are reviewed and suggestions regarding argatroban dosing in infants are presented.
Anesthesia for cleft lip surgery in a child with Seckel syndrome – a case report
Authors: RAJAMANI ARVIND , KAMAT VIJAYLAKSHMI , MURTHY JYOTSNA , HUSSAIN SYED ALTAF 
Published: March 2005

SummaryWe describe the anesthetic management of a 5‐year‐old girl diagnosed with Seckel syndrome, for cleft lip surgery. The syndrome is characterized by severe intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation with proportional dwarfism, typical beak‐like triangular nose, and mental retardation, accounting for its various synonyms such as bird‐headed dwarfism, microcephalic primordial dwarfism, nanocephalic dwarfism and Seckel‐type dwarfism.