bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phylogenetic analysis of Sciomyzidae (Diptera) and some related genera
Authors: Tóthová Andrea , Rozkošný Rudolf , Knutson Lloyd , Kutty Sujatha Narayanan , Wiegmann Brian M. , Meier Rudolf
Published: November 2012

Sciomyzidae is a family of acalyptrate flies with 546 species in 61 genera that is among the most extensively studied groups of higher Diptera. Most of the known larvae are obligate enemies of Gastropoda. Hundreds of studies published over the past 50 years have resulted in detailed information concerning morphology of adults and immature stages, biology, development, behaviour, phenology and distribution. However, studies of phylogenetic relationships are based almost exclusively on morphological characters of adults, and no comprehensive molecular analysis across the family has been published. Here we fill this void by generating and analysing molecular data for 54 species of Sciomyzidae (22 genera), including Phaeomyiidae (one genus), and seven representative species of five other families of Sciomyzoidea (Coelopidae, Dryomyzidae, Helcomyzidae, Heteromyzidae and Huttoninidae) as outgroups. The reconstruction is based on morphological characters as well as nucleotide sequences for genes from the mitochondrial (12S, 16S, COI, COII, Cytb) and nuclear genome (28S, EF1α). The results are compared with recent morphological analyses. Our analyses support the monophyly of Sciomyzidae + Phaeomyiidae, and place Phaeomyiinae as a unique lineage within Sciomyzidae. A modified classification comprising three subfamilies is proposed. The major subfamily, Sciomyzinae, consists of two monophyletic and well separated groups, the tribes Sciomyzini and Tetanocerini.
One‐year Clinical Prediction in Chinese Ischemic Stroke Patients Using the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc Scores: The China National Stroke Registry
Authors: Li Shu‐Ya , Zhao Xing‐Quan , Wang Chun‐Xue , Liu Li‐Ping , Liu Gai‐Fen , Wang Yi‐long , Wang Yong‐Jun
Published: November 2012

Aims

We investigated whether CHADS2 or CHA2DS2‐VASc scores could be used to predict 1‐year prognosis in stroke recurrence, mortality, and mortality of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

Methods

Patients were selected from a national prospective registry in China. The clinical prediction of the scores was examined using the C statistic. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to analyze the relevant risk factors.

Results

Thousand two hundred and ninety‐seven of 22,216 patients were enrolled in the study. For stroke recurrence rate, the C statistic value was 0.53 (odds ratio [OR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 1.32) for CHADS2 and 0.55 (OR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.24) for CHA2DS2‐VASc; adding baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score to these two scores, the value of C statistic was 0.58 (OR 1.25 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.37) and 0.58 (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.27), respectively.

Conclusions

Both CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores have limitations in predicting the 1‐year prognosis of stroke/TIA patients with NVAF in China. The predictive value of these two scores improved by adding the baseline NIHSS score.
Cold ischemic time is critical in outcomes of expanded criteria donor renal transplantation
Authors: Kim Suh Min , Ahn Sanghyun , Min Sang Il , Park Daedo , Park Taejin , Min Seung Kee , Kim Sang Joon , Ha Jongwon
Published: November 2012

The outcomes of expanded criteria donor (ECD) kidneys have been reported to be inferior compared with standard criteria donor (SCD) kidneys. However, the graft survival rate of ECD is not so inferior to SCD in Korea. The purposes of this study were to compare the outcomes of ECD kidneys with SCD kidneys and identify the influencing factors. We retrospectively studied 143 deceased donor transplants from August 2006 to June 2010. The patients were divided into SCD (n = 117) and ECD (n = 26) by UNOS criteria. The one‐ and three‐yr graft survival rates of SCD and ECD (99.1% and 94.4% vs. 100% and 92.9%, respectively, p = 0.15) were not significantly different between groups. The mean cold ischemic time (CIT) was 3.8 ± 2.2 h. When compared the outcome of ECD kidneys with data reported by Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (OPTN/SRTR) (one‐ and three‐yr graft survival rate: 86.7% and 73.2%), the graft survival rate of our center was superior. In OPTN/SRTR data, transplant with CIT shorter than 11 h was only 20%. The outcomes of ECD grafts are outstanding and comparable with SCD grafts in our center, and the only distinguishing factor is markedly short CIT. Finishing the allocation before organ recovery and immediate operations after recovery could shorten the CIT.
Association of mycophenolic acid dose with efficacy and safety events in kidney transplant patients receiving tacrolimus: an analysis of the Mycophenolic acid Observational REnal transplant registry
Authors: Doria Cataldo , Greenstein Stuart , Narayanan Mohanram , Ueda Kimi , Wiland Anne , McCague Kevin , Sankari Bashir , Chan Laurence
Published: November 2012

Background

Dose‐finding studies for mycophenolic acid (MPA) in tacrolimus‐treated kidney transplant patients are lacking.

Methods

Data from 901de novokidney transplant recipients enrolled in the prospective, non‐interventional Mycophenolic acid Observational REnal (MORE) transplant registry were analyzed according to baseline dailyMPAdose (<2000, 2000 or >2000 mg).

Results

The proportion of patients receiving 2000 and <2000 mg was 77.6% and 19.9% at baseline, 74.5% and 23.3% at month 1, 62.4% and 35.5% at month 3, 48.5% and 50.2% at month 6, and 44.1% and 55.2% at month 12. More patients were maintained on 2000 mg with enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium (EC‐MPS) vs. mycophenolate mofetil (month 6, 52.7% vs. 43.0% [p = 0.02]; month 12, 47.3% vs. 39.4% [p = 0.08]). Multivariate modeling showed no significant effect of baselineMPAdose on 12‐month risk of biopsy‐proven acute rejection, graft loss or estimatedGFR, or on safety events includingMPAdiscontinuation other than a higher rate of gastrointestinal adverse events in patients with an initialMPAdose >2000 mg (p = 0.029) vs. 2000 mg.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that an initialMPAdose of <2000 mg does not compromise 12‐month efficacy in tacrolimus‐treated kidney transplants, but controlled trials are required and the lower threshold forMPAdose remains to be defined.
Alcohol and other drug use, club drug dependence and treatment seeking among lesbian, gay and bisexual young people in Sydney
Authors: Lea Toby , Reynolds Robert , de Wit John
Published: November 2012

Introduction and Aims

Substance use and substance use problems are often more prevalent in same‐sex attracted young people (SSAY), yet little to date has been published about substance use and problems in this population in Australia. This paper aimed to characterise patterns of alcohol use, club drug use and dependence, injecting drug use and engagement with treatment services, comparing lesbians, gay men, bisexual women and bisexual men.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional, online survey was conducted with 572 SSAY in Sydney, aged 18 to 25 years. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test—Consumption questions (AUDIT‐C) assessed hazardous alcohol use, and the Severity of Dependence Scale assessed club drug dependence.

Results

Seventy per cent of respondents had AUDIT‐C scores indicative of hazardous alcohol use, and 29% of respondents had used club drugs in the previous 6 months. Multivariate logistic regression showed that male respondents had a lower odds of hazardous alcohol use (adjusted odds ratio = 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.4–0.9), but a higher odds of recent club drug use (adjusted odds ratio = 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.2–2.7). Methamphetamine dependence was reported among half of respondents who reported use in the previous 6 months. Bisexual women were more likely than other respondents to have sought treatment for alcohol and other drug use, and overall treatment utilisation was low (6%).

Discussion and Conclusions

This study reports high rates of drinking and club drug use, and a possible underutilisation of alcohol and other drug treatment. The findings suggest that SSAY in Sydney may be at a high risk of alcohol‐ and drug‐related harm.
Brain magnetic resonance imaging and motor and intellectual functioning in 86 patients born at term with spastic diplegia
Authors: NUMATA YURIKA , ONUMA AKIRA , KOBAYASHI YASUKO , SATO‐SHIRAI IKUKO , TANAKA SOICHIRO , KOBAYASHI SATORU , WAKUSAWA KEISUKE , INUI TAKEHIKO , KURE SHIGEO , HAGINOYA KAZUHIRO
Published: November 2012

Aim To investigate the association between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns and motor function, epileptic episodes, and IQ or developmental quotient in patients born at term with spastic diplegia.

Method Eighty‐six patients born at term with cerebral palsy (CP) and spastic diplegia (54 males, 32 females; median age 20y, range 7–42y) among 829 patients with CP underwent brain MRI between 1990 and 2008. The MRI and clinical findings were analysed retrospectively. Intellectual disability was classified according to the Enjoji developmental test or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (3rd edition).

Results The median ages at diagnosis of CP, assignment of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, cognitive assessment, and MRI were 2 years (range 5mo–8y), 6 years (2y 8mo–19y), 6 years (1y 4mo–19y), and 7 years (10mo–30y) respectively. MRI included normal findings (41.9%), periventricular leukomalacia, hypomyelination, and porencephaly/periventricular venous infarction. The frequency of patients in GMFCS levels III to V and intellectual disability did not differ between those with normal and abnormal MRI findings. Patients with normal MRI findings had significantly fewer epileptic episodes than those with abnormal ones (p=0.001).

Interpretation Varied MRI findings, as well as the presence of severe motor dysfunction and intellectual disability (despite normal MRI), suggest that patients born at term with spastic diplegia had heterogeneous and unidentified pathophysiology.
Vagus nerve stimulation in children with intractable epilepsy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Robinson Richard ,   on behalf of the European Paediatric VNS Study Group
Published: November 2012

Please also see the Letter on this paper by Klinkenberg on pages195–196 of this issue.
Expression of steroid 5α‐reductase isozymes in prostate of adult rats after environmental stress
Authors: Sánchez Pilar , Torres Jesús M. , Castro Beatriz , Olmo Asunción , del Moral Raimundo G. , Ortega Esperanza
Published: November 2012

The elevated incidence of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy is a cause of increasing public health concern in the Western world. The normal and pathological growth of the prostate are both dependent on stimulation by dihydrotestosterone, which is synthesized from circulating testosterone by two 5α‐reductase (5α‐R) isozymes, 5α‐reductase type 1 (5α‐R1) and 5α‐reductase type 2 (5α‐R2). Both isozymes have been implicated in prostate disease. We used quantitative RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively, to quantify mRNA and protein levels of 5α‐R isozymes in the ventral prostate of adult rats under environmental stress conditions analogous to those found in some common workplace situations, i.e. artificial light, excessive heat, and the sensation of immobility in a small space. Transcription and expression levels of both 5α‐R isozymes were significantly higher in environmentally stressed rats than in unstressed rats. Increased 5α‐R isozyme levels may play a role in the development or maintenance of prostate disease. Further research is warranted to explore these effects of environmental stress on human health and their implications for environmental and occupational health policies.
Multiple catalytic activities of Escherichia coli lysyl‐tRNA synthetase (LysU) are dissected by site‐directed mutagenesis
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Boonyalai Nonlawat , Lau Catherine , Thipayang Salinthip , Xu Yuhong , Wright Michael , Miller Andrew D.
Published: November 2012

The heat‐inducible lysyl‐tRNA synthetase from Escherichia coli (LysU; EC6/1/1/6.html) converts ATP to diadenosine tri‐ and tetraphosphates (Ap3A/Ap4A) in the presence of l‐lysine/Mg2+/Zn2+. To understand LysU in more detail, 26 mutants were prepared: six of E264, four of R269 and sixteen mutants by alanine‐scanning of the inner shell/motif 2 loop. In the presence of glycerol and absence of exogenously added Zn2+/l‐lysine, we unexpectedly found that E264K catalysed the production of glycerol‐3‐phosphate, powered by ATP turnover to ADP. E264Q and E264N are also capable of this activity, but all three show little formation of Ap4A/Ap3A under normal conditions (additional Zn2+/l‐lysine/Mg2+). By contrast, wild‐type LysU has a weaker glycerol kinase‐like capability in the absence of Zn2+ and is dominated by Ap4A/Ap3A synthesis in its presence. Kinetic and isothermal titration calorimetry results suggest that E264 is a crucial residue for Zn2+ promotion of Ap4A/Ap3A synthesis. This is consistent with the hypothesis that E264 provides an anchor point for a Zn2+ ion complexed to the active site, with simultaneous coordination to the enzyme bound lysyl‐adenylate intermediate and secondary substrate ATP/ADP. The glycerol kinase‐like activity is uncovered on disruption of this specific coordination.
Molecular modeling of different substrate‐binding modes and their role in penicillin acylase catalysis
Authors: Novikov Fedor N. , Stroganov Oleg V. , Khaliullin Ilyas G. , Panin Nikolay V. , Shapovalova Irina V. , Chilov Ghermes G. , Švedas Vytas K.
Published: November 2012

Molecular modeling was addressed to understand different substrate‐binding modes and clarify the role of two positively charged residues of the penicillin G acylase active site – βR263 and αR145 – in binding of negatively charged substrates. Although the electrostatic contribution to productive substrate binding was dominated by βR263 rather than αR145, it was found that productive binding was not the only possible mode of substrate placement in the active site. Two extra binding modes – nonproductive and preproductive – were located by means of molecular docking and dynamics with binding affinities comparable with the productive one. A unique feature of nonproductive and preproductive complexes was that the substrate's acyl group did not penetrate the hydrophobic pocket, but occupied a patch on the protein interface spanning from βR263 to αR145. Nonproductive and preproductive complexes competed with each other and productive binding mode, giving rise to increased apparent substrate binding. Preproductive complex revealed an ability to switch to a productive one during molecular dynamics simulations, and conformational plasticity of the penicillin G acylase active site was shown to be crucial for that. Nonproductive binding observed at molecular modeling corresponded well with experimentally observed substrate inhibition in penicillin acylase catalysis. By combining estimated free energies of substrate binding in each mode, and accounting for two possible conformations of the penicillin G acylase active site (closed and open) quantitative agreement with experimentally measured KM values was achieved. Calculated near‐attack conformation frequencies from corresponding molecular dynamics simulations were in a quantitative correlation with experimental kcat values and demonstrated adequate application of molecular modeling methods.
Effects of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and nutrients on the plankton community of a deep, tropical reservoir: an enclosure experiment
Authors: ZHAO SHUAI‐YING , SUN YU‐PING , LIN QIU‐QI , HAN BO‐PING
Published: November 2012

1. An in situ enclosure experiment was conducted in a deep reservoir of southern China to examine (i) the effects of a low biomass (4 g wet weight m−3) of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and nutrients on the plankton community and (ii) the response of Daphnia to eutrophication.

2. In the absence of fish, Daphnia galeata dominated the zooplankton community, whereas calanoids were dominant in the fish treatments, followed by D. galeata. Silver carp stocking significantly reduced total zooplankton biomass, and that of D. galeata and Leptodorarichardi, but markedly increased the biomass of smaller cladocerans, copepod nauplii and rotifers. In contrast, nutrient enrichment had no significant effect on the plankton community except for cyclopoids.

3. Chlorophyta, Cryptophyta and Bacillariophyta were dominant phytoplankton groups during the experiment. Chlorophyta with high growth rates (mainly Chlorella vulgaris in the fish enclosures and Ankyra sp. in the fishless enclosures) eventually dominated the phytoplankton community. Total phytoplankton biomass and the biomass of edible phytoplankton [greatest axial linear dimension (GALD) < 30 μm], Chlorophyta, Cryptophyta, Bacillariophyta and Cyanobacteria showed positive responses to fish stocking, while inedible phytoplankton (GALD ≥ 30 μm) was significantly reduced in the fish enclosures. However, there was no significant effect on the plankton community from the interaction of fish and nutrients.

4. Overall, the impact of fish on the plankton community was much greater than that of nutrients. High total phosphorus concentrations in the control treatment and relatively low temperatures may reduce the importance of nutrient enrichment. These results suggest it is not appropriate to use a low biomass of silver carp to control phytoplankton biomass in warmer, eutrophic fresh waters containing large herbivorous cladocerans.
Tailored tobacco dependence support for mental health patients: a model for inpatient and community services
Authors: Parker Camilla , McNeill Ann , Ratschen Elena
Published: November 2012

Aims

Although smoking prevalence among people with severe mental illness is high, it remains largely unaddressed. This pragmatic pilot project aimed to develop and implement a tailored tobacco dependence service in mental health settings and to assess its impact, as well as barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Design

An integrative service model, spanning acute, rehabilitation and community services, including the design of tailored instruments and referral pathways, delivered by two mental health professionals.

Setting and participants

Four adult acute and two rehabilitation wards (129 beds), and the community recovery team (2038 cases) of the United Kingdom's largest Mental Health Trust.

Measurements

Audit of smoking information in patient notes; service uptake; quit attempts; smoking cessation and reduction; qualitative data on implementation barriers/facilitators.

Findings

A total of 110 patients attended at least one support session: 53 inpatients (23% of inpatient smokers) and 57 community (of unknown number of community smokers, as recording of smoking status is not mandatory). Thirty‐four of these (31%) made a quit attempt; 17 (15%) stopped smoking and 29 (26%) reduced cigarette consumption by up to 50% at the final contact. Barriers to service implementation related to: (i) trust policy, systems and procedures, (ii) staff knowledge and attitudes and (iii) illness‐related factors.

Conclusions

Despite the strong anti‐smoking climate in the United Kingdom, including a law requiring smoke‐free policies in mental health settings, establishing a smoking cessation treatment service for people with mental illness proved difficult, due to complex systemic barriers. However, there is clearly a demand, by patients, for such a service.
Implementation of routine biochemical validation and an ‘opt out’ referral pathway for smoking cessation in pregnancy
Authors: Bauld Linda , Hackshaw Lucy , Ferguson Janet , Coleman Tim , Taylor Gordon , Salway Ruth
Published: November 2012

Aims

To introduce an ‘opt out’ referral pathway for smoking cessation in pregnancy and to compare different methods for identifying pregnant smokers in maternity care.

Design

Pilot study that analysed routine data from maternity and smoking cessation services with biochemical validation of smoking status.

Setting

Dudley and South Birmingham, England.

Participants

A total of 3712 women who entered the referral pathway—1498 in Dudley and 2214 in South Birmingham.

Measurements

Routine monitoring data on smoking at maternity booking, referral to smoking cessation services, number of women who set quit dates set and short‐term (4‐week) self‐report smoking status. Comparison of self‐report, carbon monoxide (CO)‐validated and urinary cotinine‐validated smoking status for a subsample (n = 1492) of women at maternity booking.

Findings

In Dudley 27% of women who entered the opt out referral pathway were identified as smokers following CO testing. Of those referred to the smoking cessation services, 19% reported stopping smoking at 4‐week follow‐up. In South Birmingham 17% were smokers at booking, with 5% of those referred recorded as non‐smokers at 4 weeks. The number of women quitting did not increase during the study when compared with the previous year, despite higher referral rates in both areas. An optimum cut‐off CO measurement of 4 parts per million (p.p.m.) was identified for sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion

The introduction of an opt out referral pathway between maternity and stop smoking services resulted in more women being referred for support to quit but not higher numbers of quitters, suggesting that automatic referral may include women who are not motivated to stop and who may not engage with services. Routine carbon monoxide monitoring introduced as part of a referral pathway should involve a cut‐off of 4 p.p.m. to identify smoking in pregnancy.
Immediate allergic cross‐reactivity to levobupivacaine and ropivacaine
Authors: Calderon A. L. , Diot N. , Benatir F. , Christin F. , Hautin É. , Truc C. , Allaouchiche B. , Boselli E.
Published: November 2012

Allergic reactions to amide local anaesthetic agents are rare. We report the case of a 74‐year‐old man who suffered anaphylaxis, presenting with cardiovascular collapse, immediately after receiving regional anaesthesia on two separate occasions, the first involving the use of levobupivacaine and the second using ropivacaine. Skin testing revealed positive reactions to both levobupivacaine and ropivacaine, and negative reactions to articaine and lidocaine. Severe allergic reactions can be caused by the amide local anaesthetic drugs, levobupivacaine and ropivacaine.
Quantitative analysis of pheromone‐binding protein specificity
Authors: Katti S. , Lokhande N. , González D. , Cassill A. , Renthal R.
Published: November 2012

Many pheromones have very low water solubility, posing experimental difficulties for quantitative binding measurements. A new method is presented for determining thermodynamically valid dissociation constants for ligands binding to pheromone‐binding proteins, using β‐cyclodextrin as a solubilizer and transfer agent. The method is applied to LUSH, a Drosophila odorant‐binding protein that binds the pheromone 11‐cis vaccenyl acetate (cVA). Refolding of LUSH expressed in Escherichia coli was assessed by measuring N‐phenyl‐1‐naphthylamine (NPN) binding and Förster resonance energy transfer between LUSH tryptophan 123 (W123) and NPN. Binding of cVA was measured from quenching of W123 fluorescence as a function of cVA concentration. The equilibrium constant for transfer of cVA between β‐cyclodextrin and LUSH was determined from a linked equilibria model. This constant, multiplied by the β‐cyclodextrin‐cVA dissociation constant, gives the LUSH‐cVA dissociation constant: ∼100 nM. It was also found that other ligands quench W123 fluorescence. The LUSH‐ligand dissociation constants were determined to be ∼200 nM for the silk moth pheromone bombykol and ∼90 nM for methyl oleate. The results indicate that the ligand‐binding cavity of LUSH can accommodate a variety ligands with strong binding interactions. Implications of this for the Laughlin, Ha, Jones and Smith model of pheromone reception are discussed.
REVIEW: Reducing the ecological consequences of night‐time light pollution: options and developments
Authors: Gaston Kevin J. , Davies Thomas W. , Bennie Jonathan , Hopkins John
Published: November 2012

Much concern has been expressed about the ecological consequences of night‐time light pollution. This concern is most often focused on the encroachment of artificial light into previously unlit areas of the night‐time environment, but changes in the spectral composition, duration and spatial pattern of light are also recognized as having ecological effects.

Here, we examine the potential consequences for organisms of five management options to reduce night‐time light pollution. These are to (i) prevent areas from being artificially lit; (ii) limit the duration of lighting; (iii) reduce the ‘trespass’ of lighting into areas that are not intended to be lit (including the night sky); (iv) change the intensity of lighting; and (v) change the spectral composition of lighting.

Maintaining and increasing natural unlit areas is likely to be the most effective option for reducing the ecological effects of lighting. However, this will often conflict with other social and economic objectives. Decreasing the duration of lighting will reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, but is unlikely to alleviate many impacts on nocturnal and crepuscular animals, as peak times of demand for lighting frequently coincide with those in the activities of these species. Reducing the trespass of lighting will maintain heterogeneity even in otherwise well‐lit areas, providing dark refuges that mobile animals can exploit. Decreasing the intensity of lighting will reduce energy consumption and limit both skyglow and the area impacted by high‐intensity direct light. Shifts towards ‘whiter’ light are likely to increase the potential range of environmental impacts as light is emitted across a broader range of wavelengths.

Synthesis and applications. The artificial lightscape will change considerably over coming decades with the drive for more cost‐effective low‐carbon street lighting solutions and growth in the artificially lit area. Developing lighting strategies that minimize adverse ecological impacts while balancing the often conflicting requirements of light for human utility, comfort and safety, aesthetic concerns, energy consumption and carbon emission reduction constitute significant future challenges. However, as both lighting technology and understanding of its ecological effects develop, there is potential to identify adaptive solutions that resolve these conflicts.
The Last Glacial Maximum distribution of South African subtropical thicket inferred from community distribution modelling
Authors: Potts Alastair J. , Hedderson Terry A. , Franklin Janet , Cowling Richard M.
Published: November 2012

Aim

Southern Africa lacks the palaeo‐archives needed to infer regional vegetation history. The megadiverse subtropical thicket of South Africa, locally termed the Albany subtropical thicket (AST), is postulated to have experienced severe reductions in range during the Pleistocene glacial periods. Here we test this glacial contraction hypothesis using spatial predictions from climate envelope models to explore the distributions of the AST vegetation subtypes at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).

Location

South Africa.

Methods

We used an ensemble approach to assess the variability of predictions due to the many methodological decisions made during the modelling process. Five sources of uncertainty were included: initial locality data sets, selected climate parameters, statistical methods, LGM global climate models and threshold criteria.

Results

The last three sources of uncertainty contributed significantly to the variation in projected LGM distributions. Nonetheless, estimates of gain, loss and turnover in range between present and past scenarios indicate dramatic range reduction and turnover during the LGM for all AST subtypes. Arid and valley thickets experienced the most severe reductions with an overall decline in elevation and concomitant fragmentation, whereas mesic thicket had a reduced but fairly continuous range.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that the Pleistocene glacial periods saw dramatically reduced distributions of AST subtypes, supporting the glacial contraction hypothesis. Potential LGM refugia were identified and extreme bottlenecks were predicted for species from all AST subtypes during the LGM. Watersheds were also more likely to be strong barriers to gene flow during the LGM due to the retraction of thicket subtypes into basin valleys.
Phytophagous insect community assembly through niche conservatism on oceanic islands
Authors: Hembry David H. , Okamoto Tomoko , McCormack Gerald , Gillespie Rosemary G.
Published: November 2012

Aim

To determine whether a community of phytophagous insects on oceanic islands (the fauna of insects feeding internally on Glochidion trees in south‐eastern Polynesia) was assembled predominantly through niche conservatism or adaptive radiation.

Location

The islands of south‐eastern Polynesia (southern Cook, Austral, Society, Tuamotu‐Gambier and Marquesas archipelagos) in the Cook Islands and French Polynesia.

Methods

Internally feeding insects were collected as larvae from 23 endemic species of Glochidion (Euphorbiaceae s.l., Phyllanthaceae: Phyllanthus s.l.) trees on 20 islands in south‐eastern Polynesia, reared and identified. Rearing records were compared with host records previously known from the literature and museum collections of closely related taxa in Asia and Australasia.

Results

Ninety per cent of insect specimens collected fall into five taxa previously known to attack Glochidion in Asia and Australasia (≥ 6000 km distant), indicating a strong role for niche conservatism in the assembly of this community. Three of these taxa, two seed‐feeding moths (Gracillariidae: Epicephala; Tortricidae: Tritopterna) and a leaf‐mining moth (Gracillariidae: Diphtheroptila) are only known from Phyllanthaceae or Euphorbiaceae s.l. on continents. Two more taxa, another leaf‐mining moth (Gracillariidae: Caloptilia) and a leaf‐rolling moth (Tortricidae: Dudua), contain many species known only from Phyllanthaceae on continents, and are also very likely to represent examples of niche conservatism. Conversely, many numerically dominant insect taxa known from Glochidion on continents (such as parasitoid Hymenoptera) are not reported from south‐eastern Polynesia. This indicates that the insular community represents a subset of those taxa from the continental community, consistent with the well‐established Pacific diversity gradient.

Main conclusions

These findings indicate that niche conservatism can play an important role in the assembly of phytophagous insect communities on oceanic islands, despite the constraints that specialization might be expected to pose on successful establishment. As a result of this niche conservatism, these communities may represent less species‐rich versions of continental tropical communities rather than non‐analogue insular ecosystems.
Violence in the nursing workplace – a descriptive correlational study in a public hospital
Authors: Chen Kang‐Pan , Ku Yan‐Chiou , Yang Hsiu‐Fan
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectives.  To explore the prevalence, types and sources of violence in the nursing workplace and to assess the factors related to violence.

Background.  Workplace violence in nursing is not a new phenomenon; in recent years, much more attention has been paid to the issue in Taiwan. Few studies, however, have investigated the overall distribution of violence and the reasons for not reporting these incidents in nursing workplaces.

Design.  This descriptive, correlational study used structured questionnaires to collecting information about workplace violence experienced by nurses over the last year.

Methods.  Nurses (n = 880) working in a public hospital in southern Taiwan were invited to complete the questionnaires, with a response rate of 89·9%.

Results.  Nurses working in outpatient units and emergency rooms experienced more frequent violence than those on surgical wards and intensive care units.

Conclusion.  These findings provide evidence of workplace violence in hospitals and may aid hospital and nursing administration to reduce and control violence.

Relevance to nursing practice.  These results provide evidence in relation to the importance of effective communication training to nurses and will assist hospital administrations in establishing higher‐quality, healthy workplace environments.
Impact of action cues, self‐efficacy and perceived barriers on daily foot exam practice in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Chin Yen‐Fan , Huang Tzu‐Ting , Hsu Brend Ray‐Sea
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectives

To identify the effects of health belief model factors on daily foot‐exam practice among diabetes mellitus patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Background

Daily foot exams are one of the most important self‐care behaviours that prevent the occurrence of diabetic foot ulcers and subsequent amputation. Although daily foot exams were under‐practiced in patients with peripheral neuropathy, few studies have explored modifiable social‐psychological factors related to daily foot exams.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey was used to collect the data.

Methods

A total of 277 patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy were recruited from two hospitals in northern Taiwan. The Family APGAR and Diabetic Foot Ulcer Health Belief Scale (DFUHBS) were used to measure family support and health belief factors respectively. Data on foot‐exam practice, perceived self‐efficacy and action cues were collected through the use of structured questionnaires. The data were analysed using logistic regression.

Result

The regression model revealed that select action cues (recommendations from family, friends, or health professionals), perceived self‐efficacy and perceived barriers interactively influenced the participants' daily foot‐exam practice.

Conclusion

Factors related to daily foot‐exam practice were identified. Specifically, action cues played a significant role in motivating daily foot‐exam practice in this group.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study recognises modifiable factors that influence the daily foot‐exam practice of patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. Using the findings of this study, health professionals can design interventions that aim to modify the above factors as a means to promote daily foot‐exam practice.
Parental self‐efficacy and its measurement – an evaluation of a parental self‐efficacy measurement scale
Authors: Purssell Edward , While Alison
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectives

To field test a parental self‐efficacy scale regarding its acceptability and feasibility and to describe parental self‐efficacy in a convenience sample of parents with children aged 6 years old or less.

Background

Self‐care within families is increasingly emphasised in health policy as a means of maximising healthcare resources. This study reports the field testing of a scale designed to measure parental self‐efficacy.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey of parents of children aged 6 years old or less.

Methods

Subjects were recruited through a parenting internet website (n = 84) and local parenting and community organisations (n = 68) and asked to complete a questionnaire containing the scale. Data collection took place between January and August 2011.

Results

The scale, previously validated with an expert panel of professionals, gathered information about parental self‐efficacy when administered either directly or through an on‐line data collection portal, although there were more missing data when administered via the Internet. Although convenience and self‐selecting samples precluded parameter estimation, areas of concern highlighted were difficulties differentiating children with serious illnesses and the use of the Personal Child Health Record. Use of the Internet was widespread, as was use of community pharmacists and nursery staff.

Conclusion

Although the primary purpose was not to collect specific data, the data indicated the continuing concern of parents regarding serious illness and where additional investment may be required to meet parental needs and expectations.

Relevance to clinical practice

The previously validated scale can be used to collect information about parental self‐efficacy either through a paper questionnaire or the Internet. Although there was slightly more missing data from the Internet version, the ease of its administration makes this an attractive option. Parents generally reported high levels of self‐efficacy and satisfaction with services; however, the scale was able to identify areas where further investment might be useful.
Emergency healthcare experiences of women living with intimate partner violence
Authors: Reisenhofer Sonia , Seibold Carmel
Published: November 2012

Aim and objectives

To explore healthcare experiences of Australian women living with intimate partner violence (IPV) and consider how these influence their understanding of IPV and sense of self.

Background

Despite international campaigns condemning violence against women, IPV remains a worldwide problem and recent Australian community attitudes demonstrate ongoing beliefs condemning women in abusive relationships. Women experiencing IPV are over‐represented in healthcare‐seeking populations; however, they are rarely identified as experiencing abuse and are often not provided care directed towards achieving ongoing safety. While women seek empathetic healthcare, disclosure of abuse often results in being judged negatively or blamed.

Design

A grounded theory study drawing on Clarke's (Sage Publications, London, 2005) analytic approach of situational analysis.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews conducted with seven women. Data was analysed using nvivo 8 software within a Situational Analysis framework.

Results

Four major categories were identified: Accessing healthcare: challenges and barriers; Care women need vs. care women receive; Discourses of IPV and constructions of self; and Acknowledging IPV: moving on and re‐constructing self. Women faced significant challenges in accessing emergency healthcare and healthcare then often lacked empathy. Women created an understanding of self from a world dominated by an abusive partner and needed assistance re‐labelling their experiences as IPV. Healthcare professionals who provided empathetic care were instrumental in assisting this process, enhancing women's abilities to explore options for limiting abuse and assisting them to enhance their self‐efficacy and reconstruct a positive sense of self.

Conclusions

Healthcare is one of the few avenues women living with IPV have to receive emotional and physical support. Healthcare that ignores psychosocial issues further damages women's sense of self.

Relevance to clinical practice

Women require timely information and empathetic support from healthcare professionals to assist them in understanding and labelling their experiences as IPV. This enhances women's ability to feel deserving of, and ideally achieve, a life without violence.
Development and validation of an instrument to measure the burden experienced by community health volunteers
Authors: Gau Yueh‐Mei , Buettner Petra , Usher Kim , Stewart Lee
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectives

To develop and validate a scale to measure the burden experienced by community health volunteers.

Background

Research demonstrates the burden experienced by informal carers is substantial. There is no available information about the burden placed on community health volunteers, nor is there a scale developed for the purpose of measuring their burden.

Design

An instrument development and psychometric analysis study was undertaken.

Methods

Exploratory principal component factor analysis was applied to investigate the internal structure of the new scale.

Results

The initial item pool derived from literature review and experts resulted in 44 items linked to volunteer burden. The final scale includes 20 items with a content validity index of 0·86 and Cronbach's alpha for test (0·82) and retest (0·77). The reliability coefficient of the test–retest results was 0·63 [95%‐confidence interval = (0·44, 0·77)]. Principal component analysis identified five underlying factors: Factor 1 items are related to personal and family matters; factor 2 items are related to administrative issues; factor 3 items concern the community support; factor 4 items are related to organisational matters; and factor 5 items concern issues of adequate health promotion delivery.

Conclusion

The 20 item instrument designed to measure the burden on community health volunteers in Taiwan showed good internal consistency, content validity and construct validity. The findings infer that the scale may be an effective measure of the burden experienced by community health volunteers. Further testing of this scale within other countries that make use of community health volunteers is required to confirm the results.

Relevance to clinical practice

As volunteers play an important role in supporting the work of community health nurses, the new scale provides a means for nurses to assess volunteers' level of burden and develop interventions as required.
Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) to detect HER2 gene amplification in breast and gastric cancer: Comparison with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
Authors: Kiyose Shinichiro , Igarashi Hisaki , Nagura Kiyoko , Kamo Takaharu , Kawane Kazunori , Mori Hiroki , Ozawa Takachika , Maeda Matsuyoshi , Konno Keisuke , Hoshino Hideaki , Konno Hiroyuki , Ogura Hiroyuki , Shinmura Kazuya , Hattori Naohiko , Sugimura Haruhiko
Published: November 2012

The chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) assay, designed to detect the amplification of the HER2 gene in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) breast cancer (BC) and gastric cancer (GC) tissue specimens, was evaluated in 125 FFPE BC cases and 198 FFPE GC cases for which the HER2 status had been predetermined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In the 125 BC cases and the 198 gastric cases, we found a very good concordance (98.4% and 99.0%, respectively) between CISH and FISH. In particular, we evaluated the polysomy cases, as these cases often have ambiguous treatment options in clinical practice. The polysomy of chromosome 17 was defined as the presence of three or more CEP17 signals in at least 10% of the tumor cells. In the 50 BC cases and 54 GC cases displaying chromosome 17 polysomy, the concordance between FISH and CISH was 98.0% and 98.1%, respectively. These results indicate that CISH could provide an accurate and practical alternative to FISH for the clinical diagnosis of HER2 gene amplification in FFPE BC and FFPE GC samples.
Speech and language therapy/pathology: perspectives on a gendered profession
Authors: Litosseliti Lia , Leadbeater Claire
Published: November 2012

Background

The speech and language therapy/pathology (SLT/SLP) profession is characterized by extreme ‘occupational sex segregation’, a term used to refer to persistently male‐ or female‐dominated professions. Men make up only 2.5% of all SLTs in the UK, and a similar imbalance is found in other countries. Despite calls to increase diversity in the allied health professions more generally, research into the reasons for occupational sex segregation and gender as a potential key factor remains scarce.

Aims

This study aims to explore the potential role of gender/gendered discourses in people's decision to pursue a career in SLT/SLP. It seeks to illustrate how gendered assumptions/expectations/discourses continue to construct SLT as a ‘gendered’ profession, and to make some recommendations in this area for SLT recruitment and practice.

Methods & Procedures

The study adopted a qualitative design which elicited research participants’ views, knowledge and experiences (in their own words) in relation to the research questions. Data collection involved two iterative phases: a preliminary data phase—which involved semi‐structured interviews with newly qualified SLT graduates and practising SLTs, and the completion of questionnaires by undergraduate SLTs—and a main/focus group phase. In the focus group phase reported in this paper, six focus groups in total were held with SLTs, teachers of SLT, and careers advisors in London, UK. The data were analysed qualitatively using grounded theory principles, thematic analysis and discourse analysis.

Outcomes & Results

The findings extend our knowledge and understanding of gender as a parameter of people's motivations and perceptions, which can influence their choice of career (e.g. as regards pay and flexibility). The findings also show that discourses around women as carers, nurturers and communicators constitute key ways through which the SLT profession continues to be constructed as ‘women's work’. The topic of structural gender inequalities in the profession was also discussed in the data. Some recommendations for change, with implications for SLT recruitment and practice, were made by the participants themselves.

Conclusions & Implications

Gender imbalance in SLT needs to be researched further in order to help address inequalities, re‐evaluate professional practices and develop service delivery in the profession. This area also needs to be researched via analysis that goes beyond gender distribution in numerical terms to consider the complex perceptions or discourses around gender and work. Cross‐disciplinary and comparative perspectives in future research would also be fruitful.
The Godless Congress of 1938: Christian Fears About Communism in Great Britain*
Authors: Edwards Ben
Published: November 2012

In September 1938, the World Union of Freethinkers held a conference in London. Fascistant Protestants and many Catholic intellectuals and clerics called the event the “Godless Congress,” and they viewed it as a part of a communist attack on Christianity in Britain and wanted it to be banned. Mainstream Protestants were also provoked by the conference, but most believed that the congress provided Christianity with an opportunity to re‐assert itself. These varied but substantial reactions show that many Christians were ready and able to defend publicly their Christian faith against what they saw as atheistic communism.
Pathways and Management of Phosphorus in Urban Areas
Authors: Kalmykova Yuliya , Harder Robin , Borgestedt Helena , Svanäng Ingela
Published: November 2012

Due to the finite nature of mineral phosphorus reserves, effective management of anthropogenic phosphorus flows is currently under investigation by the international research community. This article emphasizes the importance of urban phosphorus flows, which are often marginalized due to the greater magnitude of agricultural phosphorus flows. A study on phosphorus flows in Gothenburg, Sweden, points out the potential role of solid waste in nutrient management, as the amounts of phosphorus in solid waste and in wastewater were found to be equal. Importation of food commodities accounts for 50% of the total inflow of phosphorus, and food waste is a major contributor of phosphorus to solid waste. The results suggest that solid waste incineration residues represent a large underestimated sink of phosphorus. Focusing on wastewater as the sole source of recovered phosphorus is not sufficient. The Swedish national goal on phosphorus recycling, which is limited to sewage sludge, targets only a part of the total phosphorus flow that can potentially be recovered. In contrast to previous studies, agricultural flows in Gothenburg were marginal compared to flows related to the urban waste management infrastructure. We emphasize the need for debate on preferable routes for disposal of waste with a high phosphorus content. Both recovery potential and usefulness of the recovered product for agricultural purposes have to be considered. Impacts of five waste management strategies on phosphorus flows were evaluated: incineration of all the waste, comprehensive food waste separation, installation of kitchen grinders, urine diversion, and separation of blackwater and food waste.