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Changing Concepts (changing + concept)
Selected AbstractsPathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of neuromyelitis optica: Changing concept of an old diseaseCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL NEUROIMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Zsolt Illes Abstract The concept of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) has changed considerably during the past few years. The identification of autoantibodies in the sera generated against the water channel aquaporin 4 (AQP4) has increased the specificity of diagnosis and modified guidelines. A pathogenic role of anti-AQP4 antibodies has recently been indicated; they evoke the pathological and clinical hallmarks of the disease on transfer and cause necrosis of astrocytes expressing AQP4. The diagnosis of NMO is based on clinical, neuroimaging and serological criteria. Early therapy preventing relapses is mandatory, because neurological impairment accumulated during relapses is the main cause of permanent disability. In a number of cases defined as NMO spectrum diseases, the clinical manifestation is spatially limited. Such events of separate myelitis or relapsing/bilateral optic neuritis challenge diagnosis and might delay proper therapy. Here, current concepts of diagnosis and treatment of NMO and NMO spectrum diseases are summarized. Diagnostic and treatment decisions in different clinical situations are shown by discussion of cases. (Clin. Exp. Neuroimmunol. doi: 10.1111/j.1759-1961.2010.00011.x, 2010) [source] Changing concepts of bladder regenerationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 8 2007Akihiro Kanematsu Abstract: During the last decade, there has been a dramatic increase in studies aimed at regeneration of the urinary bladder. Many studies employed animal-derived or synthetic materials as grafts for experimental bladder augmentation models, with or without additional measures to promote regeneration, such as autologous cell transplantation or growth factor loading. However, in spite of encouraging results in several reports, few methodologies have shown proven definitive clinical utility. One major problem in these studies is the lack of a clear distinction between native and regenerated bladder in total bladder function after augmentation. Another crucial problem is the absorption and shrinkage of larger grafts, which may result from insufficient vascular supply and smooth muscle regeneration. In contrast, researchers have recently attempted to establish alternative regenerative strategies for treating bladder diseases, and have employed far more diverse approaches according to the various pathological conditions to be treated. For total replacement of the bladder after cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer, urothelium-covered neobladder with non-urinary tract backbone remains a viable choice. In addition, functional bladder diseases such as urinary incontinence, weak detrusor, or non-compliant fibrotic bladder have also been major targets for many leading research groups in this field. These conditions are studied much more from different therapeutic standpoints, aiming at the prevention or reversal of pathological conditions in muscle remodeling or neural control. Such altered research direction would inevitably lead to less surgically based basic biological research, and also would include a far wider spectrum of adult and pediatric bladder diseases, from overactive bladder to dysfunctional voiding. [source] Changing concepts in familial mediterranean fever: Is it possible to have an autosomal-recessive disease with only one mutation?ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 6 2009Seza Özen No abstract is available for this article. [source] A concept analysis of palliative care in the United StatesJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 2 2004Salimah H. Meghani RN MSN CRNP Purpose., The purpose of this analysis is to trace the evolution of the concept of palliative in the United States, explicate its meanings, and draw comparisons with other related concepts such as hospice care and terminal care. Methods., Rodgers' evolutionary method was used as an organizing framework for the concept analysis. Data were collected from a review of CINAHL, MEDLINE, CANCERLIT, PsycINFO and Sociological Abstracts databases using ,palliative care' and ,United States' as keywords. Articles written in the English language, with an abstract, published between 1965 and 2003 were considered. Data were synthesized to identify attributes, antecedents and consequences of palliative care. Findings., There has been a significant evolution in understanding of the palliative care concept in the United States over the last few decades, which has resulted in the emergence of new models of palliative care. Four attributes of the current palliative care concept were identified: (1) total, active and individualized patient care, (2) support for the family, (3) interdisciplinary teamwork and (4) effective communication. Results reinforce that cure and palliation are not mutually exclusive categories. Conclusions., The scope of palliative care has evolved to include a wide range of patient populations who may not be appropriately termed ,dying' but for whom alleviation of suffering and improvement of quality of life may be very relevant goals. The ultimate success of the new models of palliative care will eventually rest upon the commitment of health professionals to recognize and integrate the changing concept of palliative care into everyday practice. [source] The Transformation of the Educational Semantic within a Changing Society: A Study of the Westernization of Modern Chinese Education1JOURNAL OF HISTORICAL SOCIOLOGY, Issue 4 2009MEIYAO WU In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the process of westernization of Chinese education , of the Chinese educational "system", was marked by ongoing conflicts between traditional Chinese and modern western culture. This paper looks at the process by which, within the larger context of the "world-society," educational thought was constituted or reconstituted (regenerated) in modern China, thus taking on a more hybrid form. My analysis is guided by a Luhmannian approach which focuses on the distinction between the educational system and its environment, and on the changing concept of "education" throughout an important period in the history of modern China. I will try to analyze the historical description of the distinction between traditional Chinese and modern Western educational ideas. [source] The early Renaissance personification of Time and changing concepts of temporalityRENAISSANCE STUDIES, Issue 3 2000S. Cohen First page of article [source] | |||||||||||||