bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting pest and prey responses to fox control across the landscape using remote cameras
Authors: Towerton Alison L. , Penman Trent D. , Kavanagh Rodney P. , Dickman Christopher R.
Published: July 2011

Context The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a widespread pest in southern Australia and is subject to control over large areas using poison baits to protect both agricultural and ecological assets. Foxes and their prey are often cryptic or in low densities, making it difficult to quantify the efficacy of control programs. Aims We explore the use of remote cameras to estimate the activity and spatial occupancy of foxes and potential mammalian and avian prey species before and after poison baiting in the Goonoo region, central New South Wales. Methods In the first of two studies, we set camera traps at 48 sites in forest and cleared areas, on and off tracks, during autumn 2009. In the second study, we placed camera traps in forest and cleared areas, on tracks only, at 100 sites covering an area of ~441 500 ha during winter 2009. We examined camera-trap rates of all species detected and the activity and site occupancy of a selected subset of species before and after poison baiting. Key results Camera traps indicated greater levels of fox activity on vehicular tracks than off them, with this difference being more marked in forest than in cleared agricultural land. Fox activity and occupancy were greater in agricultural land than in forest, with no effect of baiting detected at the landscape scale. Thirty-five other mammal and bird species were identified from photos, with activity for most being greater on than off tracks. Conclusions No clear effects of fox-baiting were detected on foxes or potential prey species in either study by either activity or occupancy. The lack of a baiting effect may reflect rapid recolonisation by foxes from unbaited areas, as bait placement is generally clustered in agricultural land, or the ready availability of alternative food (lambs or lamb carcasses) in some cleared areas. Implications Our results demonstrate that remote cameras provide a simple means of monitoring changes in fox activity and occupancy at the landscape level, and that these measures have great potential to quantify the success or otherwise of fox-control campaigns on both pest and prey species.
The importance of survey design in distance sampling: field evaluation using domestic sheep
Authors: Porteus Tom A. , Richardson Suzanne M. , Reynolds Jonathan C.
Published: July 2011

Context Sampling methods to estimate animal density require good survey design to ensure assumptions are met and sampling is representative of the survey area. Management decisions are often made based on these estimates. However, without knowledge of true population size it is not possible for wildlife biologists to evaluate how biased the estimates can be if survey design is compromised. Aims Our aims were to use distance sampling to estimate population size for domestic sheep free-ranging within large enclosed areas of hill country and, by comparing estimates against actual numbers, examine how bias and precision are impaired when survey design is compromised. Methods We used both line and point transect sampling to derive estimates of density for sheep on four farms in upland England. In Stage I we used limited effort and different transect types to compromise survey design. In Stage II we increased effort in an attempt to improve on the Stage I estimates. We also examined the influence of a walking observer on sheep behaviour to assess compliance with distance sampling assumptions and to improve the fit of models to the data. Key results Our results show that distance sampling can lead to biased and imprecise density estimates if survey design is poor, particularly when sampling high density and mobile species that respond to observer presence. In Stage I, walked line transects were least biased; point transects were most biased. Increased effort in Stage II reduced the bias in walked line transect estimates. For all estimates, the actual density was within the derived 95% confidence intervals, but some of these spanned a range of over 100 sheep per km2. Conclusions Using a population of known size, we showed that survey design is vitally important in achieving unbiased and precise density estimation using distance sampling. Adequate transect replication reduced the bias considerably within a compromised survey design. Implications Management decisions based on poorly designed surveys must be made with an appropriate understanding of estimate uncertainty. Failure to do this may lead to ineffective management.
Palatability and efficacy of rodent baits for eradicating house mice (Mus musculus) from Gough Island, Tristan da Cunha
Authors: Cuthbert R. J. , Visser P. , Louw H. , Ryan P. G.
Published: July 2011

Context
Introduced house mice (Mus musculus) are a serious predator of seabird chicks at Gough Island, resulting in declining populations of several threatened species. This has prompted the preparation of plans to eradicate mice from Gough and other islands. However, relatively little is known about the palatability and efficacy of rodent baits for house mice, as most studies have focussed on rats (Rattus spp.).

Aims
The study’s aim was to test the palatability of non-toxic forms of two commercially available rodent pellet bait formulations (Pestoff® 20R and Final®) and a new pellet bait formulated specifically for mouse control (Pestoff® 20M) to house mice on Gough Island. We also tested the efficacy of toxic Pestoff 20R and Final pellets containing 20 and 25 ppm of the anticoagulant toxin brodifacoum.

Methods
Five trials with 50 mice housed in individual cages and kept at ambient temperature and light cycles, were undertaken during the year. Palatability of bait pellets was measured over five days and compared with a non-toxic control food (standard ‘rodent pellets’ sourced from a pet food supplier). Toxic bait trials were run for 25 days with bait administered at 1, 2 and 10 g for a 24-h period and at 20 g per day for 72 h.

Key results
All three baits were highly palatable; however, mice showed the greatest preference for Pestoff 20M and 20R, consuming a larger mass of bait. Estimated oral LD50 values of brodifacoum for Gough mice were 0.44 mg kg–1 and the average time to death following exposure was 5.5 days (range 0–16 days). Two mice (~1% of those tested) survived after apparently ingesting doses of brodifacoum estimated to be 5 and 10 times the oral LD50 values, potentially indicating a lower susceptibility to brodifacoum in some individuals, although subsequent exposure at higher doses resulted in mortality.

Conclusions
The results of this study confirmed that house mice on Gough Island find bait pellets highly palatable and that brodifacoum is an effective toxin with LD50 values and time to death within the same range (0.4 to 0.52 mg kg–1 and 5.2 days) as other studies, indicating no major difference in the susceptibility of Gough mice to this poison.

Implications
We recommend that bait manufacturers produce formulations designed to be attractive to mice and consider the use of higher concentrations of brodifacoum to increase the likelihood of all mice obtaining a toxic dose when small quantities of bait are consumed, although higher toxin concentrations must be balanced against the increased risks to non-target species. Eradication operations targeting mice should undertake more than one bait drop to ensure any individuals surviving the initial drop have access to sufficient toxic bait to cause mortality upon second or subsequent exposure.
Effects of official youth taekwondo competitions on jump and strength performance
Authors: Chiodo Salvatore , Tessitore Antonio , Lupo Corrado , Ammendolia Antonio , Cortis Cristina , Capranica Laura
Published: July 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in athletes’ (7 females, 10 males) motor performances (countermovement jump and handgrip) before and after official youth (13–14 years) taekwondo matches. Exercise load was evaluated by means of the heart rate responses during the match. Independent of round and gender, during the competitions mean heart rate was 187 beats·min−1 (s=11). During the match, the frequency of heart rate responses above 85% of an individual's maximum heart rate was 77% (s=27). Jump performances showed differences for gender (P=0.044; ES = 0.47) and its interaction with session (P=0.045; ES = 0.49). Female athletes’ post‐match countermovement performances were no different from their pre‐match performances (pre and post: 22 cm, s=2), whereas male athletes post‐match performances (28 cm, s=6) were better than their pre‐match performances (25 cm, s=6). Handgrip performances related to the body mass of the athletes showed main effects for session (P=0.017; ES = 0.20) and for gender (P=0.026; ES = 0.47), with no significant interaction. Male athletes showed higher handgrip values (5.8 N·kg−1, s=0.6) than their female counterparts (5.1 N·kg−1, s=0.7). For absolute grip strength performances, values were higher pre‐match (290.3 N, s=61.4) than post‐match (272.4 N, s = 58.3). The heart rate responses indicate that official youth taekwondo competition imposes a high load on athletes. In particular, post‐match decreases in isometric grip strength suggest that coaches should better prepare their very young athletes to prevent reductions in muscle force during fighting. Considering that lower limb power remained unaffected or increased depending on gender, further research in this area is strongly recommended.
Anthropometric characteristics and body composition of Italian national wrestlers
Authors: Zaccagni Luciana
Published: July 2011

The aim of this study was to examine the anthropometric characteristics and body composition of wrestlers from the Italian national team. The study was carried out on a sample of 23 wrestlers (9 females and 14 males) aged 18–33 years. Various anthropometric measurements were performed (weight, height, sitting height, some girths and skinfold thicknesses) and anthropometric indices calculated (body mass index, cormic index, upper arm muscle area, upper arm fat area, and arm fat index). Body composition was assessed and minimum wrestling weight was determined based on a minimum body fat percentage of 5% for males and 12% for females. We undertook comparisons by sex, wrestling style (for males), and weight category. The comparison between men's and women's wrestling corroborated known differences between the sexes; the comparison between wrestling styles stressed the relevance of the cormic index. The most interesting finding of this study was that no female wrestler competed in a lower weight class than her minimum wrestling weight, even if all of them were heavier than values allowed for their weight class. Five of 14 male wrestlers competed in a weight class lower than their minimum wrestling weight, and all of them, except two, were heavier than the uppermost limit of their weight class.
Comparison of treadmill and over‐ground Nordic walking
Authors: Dechman Gail , Appleby Jennifer , Carr Mike , Haire Melanie
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological responses of Nordic walking on a specially designed treadmill and Nordic walking on a level over‐ground surface. Thirteen participants completed three 1‐h Nordic walking training sessions. Following the training sessions, each participant performed two 1600‐m over‐ground Nordic walking trials at a self‐selected pace. Each participant then completed two 1600‐m Nordic walking treadmill trials on a Hammer Nordic Walking XTR Treadmill®, at the mean walking speed of their two over‐ground Nordic walking trials. Breath‐by‐breath analysis of oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O2) and heart rate was performed during each trial. Caloric expenditure was calculated using the [Vdot]O2. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed at the end of each trial. We found no significant differences in physiological variables collected during the two over‐ground Nordic walking trials or the two treadmill Nordic walking trials. Mean walking speed was 106.96±11.49 m · min−1. Mean heart rate during treadmill walking (99±13 beats · min−1) was 22% lower than that during the over‐ground condition (126±17 beats · min−1). Mean [Vdot]O2 and mean caloric expenditure were also lower during treadmill walking (15.18±3.81 ml · min−1 · kg−1, 0.08±0.02 kcal · min−1 · kg−1) than over‐ground walking (24.16±4.89 ml · min−1 · kg−1, 0.12±0.02 kcal · min−1 · kg−1). Analysis of variance demonstrated that all variables were significantly higher during over‐ground Nordic walking (P<0.001). A Mann‐Whitney U‐test demonstrated that the RPE for over‐ground Nordic walking was greater than that for treadmill Nordic walking (P=0.02). Thus over‐ground Nordic walking created a greater physiological stress than treadmill Nordic walking performed at the same speed and distance. The reason for this difference may have been the relatively narrow walking and poling decks on the treadmill, which made it difficult for the participants to place their poles correctly and maintain a consistent walking pattern. This would decrease the contribution of the arm muscles to overall oxygen consumption. In conclusion, the Hammer Nordic Walking XTR Treadmill® does not replicate the physiological stress of over‐ground Nordic walking. Increasing the width of the decks could eliminate the discrepancy.
Experimental investigation and validation of neutral beam current drive for ITER through ITPA Joint Experiments
Authors: Suzuki T. , Akers R.J. , Gates D.A. , Günter S. , Heidbrink W.W. , Hobirk J. , Luce T.C. , Murakami M. , Park J.M. , Turnyanskiy M.
Published: July 2011

Joint experiments investigating the off-axis neutral beam current drive (NBCD) capability to be utilized for advanced operation scenario development in ITER were conducted in four tokamaks (ASDEX Upgrade (AUG), DIII-D, JT-60U and MAST) through the international tokamak physics activity (ITPA). The following results were obtained in the joint experiments, where the toroidal field, B
t, covered 0.4–3.7 T, the plasma current, I
p, 0.5–1.2 MA, and the beam energy, E
b, 65–350 keV. A current profile broadened by off-axis NBCD was observed in MAST. In DIII-D and JT-60U, the NB driven current profile has been evaluated using motional Stark effect diagnostics and good agreement between the measured and calculated NB driven current profile was observed. In AUG (at low δ ∼ 0.2) and DIII-D, introduction of a fast-ion diffusion coefficient of D
b ∼ 0.3–0.5 m2 s−1 in the calculation gave better agreement at high heating power (5 MW and 7.2 MW, respectively), suggesting anomalous transport of fast ions by turbulence. It was found through these ITPA joint experiments that NBCD related physics quantities reasonably agree with calculations (with D
b = 0–0.5 m2 s−1) in all devices when there is no magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) activity except ELMs. Proximity of measured off-axis beam driven current to the corresponding calculation with D
b = 0 has been discussed for ITER in terms of a theoretically predicted scaling of fast-ion diffusion that depends on E
b/T
e for electrostatic turbulence or βt for electromagnetic turbulence.
DFT Study of Mechanism of Extraction Reaction Between Germylene Carbene (H2Ge=C:) and Its Derivatives and Ethylene Oxide
Authors: Lu Xiu-hui , Che Xin , Li Yong-qing , Wang Zhi-na
Published: July 2011

The mechanism of the oxide extraction reaction between singlet germylene carbene and its derivatives X2Ge=C: (X=H, F, Cl, CH3) and ethylene oxide has been investigated with B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) method. The results show that this kind of reaction has similar mechanism, the shift of 2p lone electron pair of O in ethylene oxide to the 2p unoccupied orbital of C in X2Ge=C: gives a p→p donor-acceptor bond, thereby leading to the formation of intermediate. As the p→p donor-acceptor bond continues to strengthen, that is the C—O bond continues to shorten, the intermediate generates product (P+C2H4) via transition state. It is the substituent electronegativity that mainly affect the extraction reactions. When the substituent electronegativity is greater, the energy barrier is lower, and the reaction rate is greater.
Daily body temperature rhythms persist under the midnight sun but are absent during hibernation in free-living arctic ground squirrels
Authors: Williams Cory T. , Barnes Brian M. , Buck C. Loren
Published: July 2011

In indigenous arctic reindeer and ptarmigan, circadian rhythms are not expressed during the constant light of summer or constant dark of winter, and it has been hypothesized that a seasonal absence of circadian rhythms is common to all vertebrate residents of polar regions. Here, we show that, while free-living arctic ground squirrels do not express circadian rhythms during the heterothermic and pre-emergent euthermic intervals of hibernation, they display entrained daily rhythms of body temperature (
T
b
) throughout their active season, which includes six weeks of constant sun. In winter, ground squirrels are arrhythmic and regulate core body temperatures to within ±0.2°C for up to 18 days during steady-state torpor. In spring, after the use of torpor ends, male but not female ground squirrels, resume euthermic levels of
T
b
in their dark burrows but remain arrhythmic for up to 27 days. However, once activity on the surface begins, both sexes exhibit robust 24 h cycles of body temperature. We suggest that persistence of nycthemeral rhythms through the polar summer enables ground squirrels to minimize thermoregulatory costs. However, the environmental cues (zeitgebers) used to entrain rhythms during the constant light of the arctic summer in these semi-fossorial rodents are unknown.
Perception of male–male competition influences
Drosophila
copulation behaviour even in species where females rarely remate
Authors: Lizé Anne , Doff Rowan J. , Smaller Eve A. , Lewis Zenobia , Hurst Gregory D. D.
Published: July 2011

Males in many taxa are known to exhibit behavioural plasticity in response to the perceived intensity of sperm competition, reflected in
Drosophila melanogaster
by increased copulation duration following prior exposure to a rival. We tested the prediction that males do not adjust their copulation effort in response to the presence of a competitor in
Drosophila
species where there is little or no sperm competition. Contrary to expectations, male plasticity in copulation duration was found in both
Drosophila subobscura
and
Drosophila acanthoptera
, species in which females rarely remate. These results are discussed in relation to the adaptive basis of plasticity in these species.
What makes an accurate and reliable subject-specific finite element model? A case study of an elephant femur
Authors: Panagiotopoulou O. , Wilshin S. D. , Rayfield E. J. , Shefelbine S. J. , Hutchinson J. R.
Published: July 2011

Finite element modelling is well entrenched in comparative vertebrate biomechanics as a tool to assess the mechanical design of skeletal structures and to better comprehend the complex interaction of their form–function relationships. But what makes a reliable subject-specific finite element model? To approach this question, we here present a set of convergence and sensitivity analyses and a validation study as an example, for finite element analysis (FEA) in general, of ways to ensure a reliable model. We detail how choices of element size, type and material properties in FEA influence the results of simulations. We also present an empirical model for estimating heterogeneous material properties throughout an elephant femur (but of broad applicability to FEA). We then use an
ex vivo
experimental validation test of a cadaveric femur to check our FEA results and find that the heterogeneous model matches the experimental results extremely well, and far better than the homogeneous model. We emphasize how considering heterogeneous material properties in FEA may be critical, so this should become standard practice in comparative FEA studies along with convergence analyses, consideration of element size, type and experimental validation. These steps may be required to obtain accurate models and derive reliable conclusions from them.
Masculine voices signal men's threat potential in forager and industrial societies
Authors: Puts David A. , Apicella Coren L. , Cárdenas Rodrigo A.
Published: July 2011

Humans and many non-human primates exhibit large sexual dimorphisms in vocalizations and vocal anatomy. In humans, same-sex competitors and potential mates attend to acoustic features of male vocalizations, but vocal masculinity especially increases perceptions of physical prowess. Yet, the information content of male vocalizations remains obscure. We therefore examined relationships between sexually dimorphic acoustic properties and men's threat potential. We first introduce a new measure of the structure of vocal formant frequencies, ‘formant position’ (
P
f
), which we show is more sexually dimorphic and more strongly related to height than is the most widely used measure of formant structure, ‘formant dispersion’, in both a US sample and a sample of Hadza foragers from Tanzania. We also show large sexual dimorphisms in the mean fundamental frequency (
F
0
) and the within-utterance standard deviation in
F
0
(
F
0
− s.d.) in both samples. We then explore relationships between these acoustic parameters and men's body size, strength, testosterone and physical aggressiveness. Each acoustic parameter was related to at least one measure of male threat potential. The most dimorphic parameters,
F
0
and
P
f
, were most strongly related to body size in both samples. In the US sample,
F
0
predicted testosterone levels,
P
f
predicted upper body strength and
F
0
− s.d. predicted physical aggressiveness.
Barcoding bias in high-throughput multiplex sequencing of miRNA
Authors: Alon Shahar , Vigneault Francois , Eminaga Seda , Christodoulou Danos C. , Seidman Jonathan G. , Church George M. , Eisenberg Eli
Published: July 2011

Second-generation sequencing is gradually becoming the method of choice for miRNA detection and expression profiling. Given the relatively small number of miRNAs and improvements in DNA sequencing technology, studying miRNA expression profiles of multiple samples in a single flow cell lane becomes feasible. Multiplexing strategies require marking each miRNA library with a DNA barcode. Here we report that barcodes introduced through adapter ligation confer significant bias on miRNA expression profiles. This bias is much higher than the expected Poisson noise and masks significant expression differences between miRNA libraries. This bias can be eliminated by adding barcodes during PCR amplification of libraries. The accuracy of miRNA expression measurement in multiplexed experiments becomes a function of sample number.
Predictors of attempts to stop smoking and their success in adult general population samples: a systematic review
Authors: Vangeli Eleni , Stapleton John , Smit Eline Suzanne , Borland Ron , West Robert
Published: July 2011

Aims  To identify the predictors of attempts to stop smoking and the predictors of quit attempt success in adult general population samples.

Methods  We performed an electronic search of EMBASE, Pubmed, Web of Science, PsychINFO and the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group specialized register for articles that examined, in prospective adult general population samples, predictors of quit attempts and the success of quit attempts. Experts were contacted for knowledge of other relevant studies. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria and results were extracted independently by two researchers.

Results  There was considerable methodological heterogeneity between studies. Motivational factors dominated the prediction of quit attempts, whereas only cigarette dependence consistently predicted success after an attempt had been made. Social grade also appeared to predict success but was only examined in two studies. None of the other socio‐demographic factors consistently predicted making a quit attempt or success.

Conclusions  Population‐level studies from a number of countries show that past quit attempts and measures of motivation to stop are highly predictive of quit attempts, whereas only measures of dependence are consistently predictive of success of those attempts. Gender, age and marital status and educational level are not related consistently to quit attempts or quit success across countries.
New anticoagulants: how to deal with treatment failure and bleeding complications
Authors: Kazmi Rashid S. , Lwaleed Bashir A.
Published: July 2011

Conventional anticoagulants have proven efficacy in the management of thromboembolism. Their adverse effects and a narrow therapeutic window, necessitating regular need for monitoring, however, have long been an incentive for the development of safer anticoagulants without compromising efficacy. Over the last decade or so several new parenteral and oral anticoagulants have been launched with efficacy comparable with conventional agents. From fondaparinux to its long acting derivative idraparinux, and the factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban to the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran, the advent of new anticoagulants is radically changing anticoagulation. For conventional anticoagulants, despite their shortcomings, effective methods of reversing their anticoagulant effects exist. Moreover, strategies to deal with the occurrence of fresh thrombotic events in the face of therapeutic anticoagulation with the conventional agents have also been addressed. Nevertheless, for the new anticoagulants, the optimal management of these complications remains unknown. This review explores these issues in the light of current evidence.
Living with children who have coeliac disease: a parental perspective
Authors: Cederborg A.‐C. , Hultman E. , Magnusson K. F.
Published: July 2011

Background  This study explores how a child's coeliac disease (CD) influences the daily life of families because such knowledge can enhance the understanding of how to support family adjustment to a gluten‐free diet (GFD).

Methods  We used an interpretative phenomenological approach, interviewing 20 parents of 14 children diagnosed with CD about their individual thoughts and beliefs.

Results  Once parents know, especially when their children are young, they seem to have the capacity to rapidly adapt to GFD, mainly because they notice how quickly their children recover. Parents may have problems controlling how staff at daycare and at school complies with their information about a GFD.

Conclusions  To ensure that children with CD are given a GFD at daycare and school, it is necessary for municipalities to educate staff about the disease and to give them the prerequisites for serving a GFD. There is also a need of early identification of children who may have CD. When parents express their worries, not just at the hospital but also at the well‐baby clinic and primary care units, supporting treatment could prevent children from suffering from inappropriate food.
Rapid light‐induced shifts in opsin expression: finding new opsins, discerning mechanisms of change, and implications for visual sensitivity
Authors: FULLER REBECCA C. , CLARICOATES KRISTIN M.
Published: July 2011

Light‐induced shifts in cone frequency and opsin expression occur in many aquatic species. Yet little is known about how quickly animals can alter opsin expression and, thereby, track their visual environments. Similarly, little is known about whether adult animals can alter opsin expression or whether shifts in opsin expression are limited to critical developmental windows. We took adult wild‐caught bluefin killifish (Lucania goodei) from three different lighting environments (spring, swamp and variable), placed them under two different lighting treatments (clear vs. tea‐stained water) and monitored opsin expression over 4 weeks. We measured opsin expression for five previously described opsins (SWS1, SWS2B, SWS2A, RH2‐1 and LWS) as well as RH2‐2 which we discovered via 454 sequencing. We used two different metrics of opsin expression. We measured expression of each opsin relative to a housekeeping gene and the proportional expression of each opsin relative to the total pool of opsins. Population and lighting environment had large effects on opsin expression which were present at the earliest time points indicating rapid shifts in expression. The two measures of expression produced radically different patterns. Proportional measures indicated large effects of light on SWS1 expression, whereas relative measures indicated no such effect. Instead, light had large effects on the relative expression of SWS2B, RH2‐2, RH2‐1 and LWS. We suggest that proportional measures of opsin expression are best for making inferences about colour vision, but that measures relative to a housekeeping gene are better for making conclusions about which opsins are differentially regulated.
Parental perceptions and dietary adherence in children with seafood allergy
Authors: Ng Ian E. , Turner Paul J. , Kemp Andrew S. , Campbell Dianne E.
Published: July 2011

To cite this article: Ng IE, Turner PJ, Kemp AS, Campbell DE. Parental perceptions and dietary adherence in children with seafood allergy. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 720–728.

Background:  Allergy to seafood (fish, mollusc and crustacean) is increasing and is now a leading cause of food anaphylaxis, but there is only limited data on the impact of seafood allergy on affected children and their families.

Methods:  We assessed dietary adherence and perceptions of seafood allergy amongst the parents of 94 children presenting to a specialist allergy clinic with proven seafood allergy, by means of a postal questionnaire and cross‐referencing the data obtained to clinical records.

Results:  One‐quarter of parents were unable to correctly recall the dietary advice provided. Nonetheless 89% of parents implemented a safe diet, but over half followed a more stringent elimination than that recommended. One‐fifth of the children had subsequent allergic reactions to seafood after diagnosis, and these were generally a result of accidental rather than intentional exposure or cross‐contamination. Provision of an adrenaline auto‐injector device was associated with increased adherence to dietary advice. Oral food challenges had a beneficial effect on parental perceptions and were helpful to parents in managing their child’s allergy.

Conclusions:  Seafood allergy has a significant adverse effect on anxiety and stress in the families of affected children. Parental recall of dietary advice is variable and many tend to impose more stringent dietary avoidance than that recommended. Despite this, subsequent accidental reactions are common. Thus, the avoidance of seafood in children may be more difficult than often presumed.
Prevention of asthma in genetically susceptible children: A multifaceted intervention trial focussed on feasibility in general practice
Authors: Maas Tanja , Dompeling Edward , Muris Jean W. M. , Wesseling Geertjan , Knottnerus J. André , van Schayck Onno C. P.
Published: July 2011

To cite this article: Maas T, Dompeling E, Muris JWM, Wesseling G, Knottnerus JA, van Schayck OCP. Prevention of asthma in genetically susceptible children: A multifaceted intervention trial focussed on feasibility in general practice. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011: 22: 794–802.

Background:  Although the effectiveness of the multifaceted allergen‐reducing interventions for the prevention of asthma in susceptible children was showed to be proven, the feasibility was not clear.

Methods:  The research question of the PREVention of asthma in susceptible children (PREVASC) trial was focused on the assessment of the effectiveness and feasibility of a multifaceted intervention on the prevention of allergic asthma in general practice. The effectiveness and feasibility of an intervention aimed at the simultaneous reduction in the environmental exposures to inhalant‐ and food allergens in susceptible children was investigated. A total of 476 children susceptible for developing asthma were initially included during pregnancy and were randomly divided over an intervention group of n = 222 children whose parents were offered a multifaceted environmental exposure–reducing intervention. Controls (n = 221) received usual care. The main outcome was ‘diagnosis of allergic asthma at age 6’.

Results:  A significant reduction in inhalant allergen exposure levels of house dust mite [(Der p1), p = 0.043], cat [(Fel d1), p = 0.037], and dog [(Can f1), p = 0.012] was reached. Significantly more intervention group children started using cow’s milk and solids after the age of 6 months (p ≤ 0.001). No statistical difference, however, was reached between groups on the duration of breast‐feeding (p = 0.635) and the reduction in smoke exposure (p = 0829). At age 6, the intervention had no influence on the development of main outcome allergic asthma (OR = 1.010 (CI 0.580–1.758).

Conclusion:  Other primary preventive asthma‐reducing interventions were shown to be effective in reducing the occurrence of asthma for at least the first 7–8 yr of life. The multifaceted PREVASC allergic asthma primary preventive intervention was effective in reducing the exposure to inhalant and food allergens, but was not feasible for the parents. A lack of sufficient room for improvement focus on stimulating adherence seemed to be involved. It is suggested that a multifaceted environmental exposure–reducing intervention may have to be adapted to the personal circumstances of patients at baseline.
Asthma symptoms and medication in the PIAMA birth cohort: Evidence for under and overtreatment
Authors: Caudri Daan , Wijga Alet H. , Smit Henriette A. , Koppelman Gerard H. , Kerkhof Marjan , Hoekstra Maarten O. , Brunekreef Bert , de Jongste Johan C.
Published: July 2011

To cite this article: Caudri D, Wijga AH, Smit HA, Koppelman GH, Kerkhof M, Hoekstra MO, Brunekreef B, de Jongste JC. Asthma symptoms and medication in the PIAMA birth cohort: Evidence for under and overtreatment. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 652–659.

Objective:  Under and overtreatment of asthma may be a serious problem especially in young children, but the evidence is scarce and no longitudinal data are available. Our aim was to investigate whether inhaled medication use in young children was in agreement with asthma symptoms at the age of 2–8 yr.

Methods:  Data were used from the ‘Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy’ birth cohort, consisting of 3963 children born in the Netherlands. Between age 2 and 8 yr, children were followed up using annual postal questionnaires. Age‐specific prevalences of asthma symptoms were assessed and compared with reported use of inhaled bronchodilators and/or corticosteroids.

Results:  The proportion of current wheeze decreased with age. About a third of ‘current wheezers’ did not use any inhaled medication during the years in which symptoms were reported. At 8 yr, 30% of children with reported ‘severe current asthma symptoms’ were not using inhaled corticosteroids. On the other hand, up to 50% of children with inhaled corticosteroids for at least 2 yr did not report any wheezing during those 2 yr.

Conclusion:  The proportion of symptomatic children without appropriate treatment was substantial throughout childhood, even when parents reported prolonged or severe symptoms. Treatment of asymptomatic children with inhaled corticosteroids increased with age and accounted for up to a third of all inhaled steroid use at 8 yr. These findings suggest that under and overtreatment of asthma in children was common.
Black nurse in white space? Rethinking the in/visibility of race within the Australian nursing workplace
Authors: Mapedzahama Virginia , Rudge Trudy , West Sandra , Perron Amelie
Published: July 2011

MAPEDZAHAMA V, RUDGE T, WEST S and PERRON A. Nursing Inquiry 2012; 19: 153–164 [Epub ahead of print]

Black nurse in white space? Rethinking the in/visibility of race within the Australian nursing workplace

This article presents an analysis of data from a critical qualitative study with 14 skilled black African migrant nurses, which document their experiences of nurse‐to‐nurse racism and racial prejudice in Australian nursing workplaces. Racism generally and nurse‐to‐nurse racism specifically, continues to be under‐researched in explorations of these workplaces; when racism is researched, the focus is nurse‐to‐patient racism and racial prejudice. Similarly, research on the experiences of migrant nurses from a variety of ethnicities in Australia has tended to neglect their experiences of the social dynamics of the workplace, thus reinforcing their racialisation. When racialised, the migrant nurse becomes ‘the problem’ through a focus on English language competency and ensuing communication barriers. This paper applies Essed’s framework of ‘everyday racism’ to theorise narratives of racism by black African migrant nurses in Australia. In so doing, it not only brings to the fore silenced discussions of nurse‐to‐nurse racism in Australia, but also exposes the subtle, mundane nature of contemporary racism. For this reason, while the data we present must be read within their context, that is, the Australian nursing workplace, it has significance for advancing a critical analysis of racialised minority groups’ experiences of racism within seemingly ‘race‐less’ nursing workplaces internationally.
Tenascin‐C is expressed in abdominal aortic aneurysm tissue with an active degradation process
Authors: Kimura Taizo , Yoshimura Koichi , Aoki Hiroki , Imanaka‐Yoshida Kyoko , Yoshida Toshimichi , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Morikage Noriyasu , Endo Hisako , Hamano Kimikazu , Imaizumi Tsutomu , Hiroe Michiaki , Aonuma Kazutaka , Matsuzaki Masunori
Published: July 2011

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common disease caused by segmental weakening of the aortic walls and progressive aortic dilation leading to the eventual rupture of the aorta. Currently no biomarkers have been established to indicate the disease status of AAA. Tenascin‐C (TN‐C) is a matricellular protein that is synthesized under pathological conditions. In the current study, we related TN‐C expression to the clinical course and the histopathology of AAA to investigate whether the pattern of TN‐C expression could indicate the status of AAA. We found that TN‐C and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 were highly expressed in human AAA. In individual human AAA TN‐C deposition associated with the tissue destruction, overlapped mainly with the smooth muscle actin‐positive cells, and showed a pattern distinct from macrophages and MMP‐9. In the mouse model of AAA high TN‐C expression was associated with rapid expansion of the AAA diameter. Histological analysis revealed that TN‐C was produced mainly by vascular smooth muscle cells and was deposited in the medial layer of the aorta during tissue inflammation and excessive destructive activities. Our findings suggest that TN‐C may be a useful biomarker for indicating the pathological status of smooth muscle cells and interstitial cells in AAA.
Renal thrombotic microangiopathy associated with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Mii Akiko , Shimizu Akira , Kaneko Tomohiro , Fujita Emiko , Fukui Megumi , Fujino Teppei , Utsumi Kouichi , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Tajika Kenji , Tsuchiya Shin‐ichi , Iino Yasuhiko , Katayama Yasuo , Fukuda Yuh
Published: July 2011

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a major complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In this study, we examined the clinical and pathologic features of 2 patients and 5 autopsy cases with HSCT‐associated renal TMA to clarify the association between graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) and renal TMA. The median interval between HSCT and renal biopsy or autopsy was 7 months (range 3–42 months). Clinically, acute and chronic GVHD occurred in 7 and 4 patients, respectively. Clinical evidence for TMA was detected in 2 patients, while chronic kidney disease developed in all patients. The main histopathological findings were diffuse endothelial injury in glomeruli, peritubular capillaries (PTCs), and small arteries. In addition, all cases showed glomerulitis, renal tubulitis, and peritubular capillaritis with infiltration of CD3+ T cells and TIA‐1+ cytotoxic cells, suggesting that GVHD occurred during the development of TMA. Diffuse and patchy C4d deposition was noted in glomerular capillaries and PTCs, respectively, in 2 biopsy and 2 autopsy cases, suggesting the involvement of antibody‐mediated renal endothelial injury in more than 50% of renal TMA cases. In conclusion, the kidney is a potential target of chronic GVHD that may induce the development of HSCT‐associated TMA. Importantly, some cases are associated with chronic humoral GVHD.
How the genetics of lung cancer may overlap with COPD
Authors: YOUNG ROBERT P. , HOPKINS RAEWYN J.
Published: July 2011

Over the last 30 years, epidemiological studies have shown that COPD is the single most important risk factor for lung cancer after smoking exposure. Recent genetic studies using genome‐wide approaches suggest that the genetic risk factors predisposing smokers to COPD and lung cancer may overlap. The genes identified by these studies suggest that this overlapping genetic susceptibility may be mediated through receptors expressed on the bronchial epithelium that implicate molecular pathways underlying both COPD and lung cancer. Furthermore, it appears that aberrant inflammatory and/or immune‐modulatory pathways leading to excess matrix metalloproteinases, growth factors and airway remodelling in COPD may also be promoting malignant transformation of the bronchial epithelium. The process linking inflammation, remodelling and cancer formation is called epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. There are several clinical implications arising from the COPD–lung cancer overlap. First, if COPD is a precursor disease to lung cancer then efforts to prevent COPD, might be even more important. Second, if drugs targeting the overlapping molecular pathways can be identified, chemoprevention that reduce the propensity to COPD and lung cancer is an attractive option. Finally, if low‐dose computerized tomography can identify treatable lung cancer, gene‐based tests of susceptibility might help identify those smokers who should undergo radiological screening.
Neonatal correlates of adverse outcomes in very low‐birthweight infants in the NICU Network
Authors: Kono Yumi , Mishina Jun , Yonemoto Naohiro , Kusuda Satoshi , Fujimura Masanori ,   for the NICU Network, Japan
Published: July 2011

Background:  The aim of the present study was to explore the relationships among neonatal morbidity, interventions and death or adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in very low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants.

Methods:  Subjects were infants with birthweight ≤1500 g who were cared for in the tertiary neonatal intensive care units in Japan. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of neonatal factors for death or cerebral palsy (CP) and death or developmental delay (developmental quotient <70 or delay judged by physicians) at 3 years of age after adjusting for biological and prenatal variables.

Results:  Of the 3104 subjects, 257 died and 1826 were evaluated at 3 years of age. Cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL; OR, 23.9; 95%CI: 11.0–51.7), gastrointestinal perforation (OR, 8.5; 95%CI: 2.8–25.4), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grade 3 or 4 (OR, 3.1; 95%CI: 1.3–7.2) and sepsis (OR, 2.6; 95%CI: 1.4–4.8) were neonatal factors significantly associated with an increased risk of death or CP. Significant correlates with death or developmental delay were cystic PVL (OR, 7.9; 95%CI: 3.7–16.8), gastrointestinal perforation (OR, 6.3; 95%CI: 1.9–20.8), sepsis (OR, 2.8; 95%CI: 1.6–4.8), IVH grade 3 or 4 (OR, 2.6; 95%CI: 1.2–5.7), chronic lung disease at 36 weeks of corrected gestational age (OR, 1.6; 95%CI: 1.1–2.4) and treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP; OR, 1.5; 95%CI: 1.0–2.3).

Conclusion:  Cystic PVL, gastrointestinal perforation, IVH and sepsis correlated with both death or CP and death or developmental delay in VLBW infants. Chronic lung disease at 36 weeks and treatment for ROP were associated with death or developmental delay, but not with death or CP.
Metabolic syndrome, impaired fasting glucose and obesity, as predictors of incident diabetes in 14 120 hypertensive patients of ASCOT‐BPLA: comparison of their relative predictability using a novel approach
Authors: Gupta A. K. , Prieto‐Merino D. , Dahlöf B. , Sever P. S. , Poulter N. R. ,   on behalf of the ASCOT Investigators
Published: July 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 941–947 (2011)

Aims  To evaluate, in hypertensive patients, whether the metabolic syndrome is a better predictor of new‐onset diabetes compared with impaired fasting glucose, obesity or its other individual components alone, or collectively.

Methods  Cox models were developed to assess the risk of new‐onset diabetes associated with the metabolic syndrome after adjusting for a priori confounders (age, sex, ethnicity and concomitant use of non‐cardiovascular medications), its individual components and other determinants of new‐onset diabetes. Area under receiver operator curves using the metabolic syndrome or models of impaired fasting glucose were compared, and the ability of these models to correctly identify those who (after 5‐years of follow‐up) would or would not develop diabetes was assessed.

Results  The metabolic syndrome adjusted for a priori confounders and its individual components, and further adjusted for other determinants, was associated with significantly increased risk of new‐onset diabetes [1.19 (1.00–1.40), P = 0.05 and 1.22 (1.03–1.44), P = 0.02, respectively]. The discriminative ability of the metabolic syndrome model [area under receiver operating curve: 0.764 (0.750–0.778)] was significantly better than the model of impaired fasting glucose [0.742 (0.727–0.757)] (P < 0.001). The metabolic syndrome correctly allocates the risk of new‐onset diabetes in a significantly higher proportion of patients (62.3%) than impaired fasting glucose status (37.7%) (P < 0.001). The presence of both the metabolic syndrome and impaired fasting glucose were associated with an approximately 9‐fold (7.47–10.45) increased risk of new‐onset diabetes. Among normoglycaemic patients, the metabolic syndrome was also associated with significantly increased risk of new‐onset diabetes, after adjusting for BMI and a priori confounders [1.66 (1.29–2.13)].

Conclusions  Both impaired fasting glucose and the metabolic syndrome predict the risk of new‐onset diabetes; however, the metabolic syndrome is a better predictor than impaired fasting glucose in assigning the risk of new‐onset diabetes in hypertensive patients, and among those with normoglycaemia.
Takacs–Fiksel Method for Stationary Marked Gibbs Point Processes
Authors: COEURJOLLY JEAN‐FRANOIS , DEREUDRE DAVID , DROUILHET RÉMY , LAVANCIER FRÉDÉRIC
Published: July 2011

Abstract.  This article studies a method to estimate the parameters governing the distribution of a stationary marked Gibbs point process. This procedure, known as the Takacs–Fiksel method, is based on the estimation of the left and right hand sides of the Georgii–Nguyen–Zessin formula and leads to a family of estimators due to the possible choices of test functions. We propose several examples illustrating the interest and flexibility of this procedure. We also provide sufficient conditions based on the model and the test functions to derive asymptotic properties (consistency and asymptotic normality) of the resulting estimator. The different assumptions are discussed for exponential family models and for a large class of test functions. A short simulation study is proposed to assess the correctness of the methodology and the asymptotic results.