bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Root responses along a subambient to elevated CO2gradient in a C3–C4grassland
Authors: ANDERSON LAUREL J. , DERNER JUSTIN D. , POLLEY H. WAYNE , GORDON WENDY S. , EISSENSTAT DAVID M. , JACKSON ROBERT B.
Published: May 2009

Atmospheric CO2(Ca) concentration has increased significantly during the last 20 000 years, and is projected to double this century. Despite the importance of belowground processes in the global carbon cycle, community‐level and single species root responses to risingCaare not well understood. We measured net community root biomass over 3 years using ingrowth cores in a natural C3–C4grassland exposed to a gradient ofCafrom preglacial to future levels (230–550 μmol mol−1). Root windows and minirhizotron tubes were installed below naturally occurring stands of the C4perennial grassBothriochloa ischaemumand its roots were measured for respiration, carbohydrate concentration, specific root length (SRL), production, and lifespan over 2 years. Community root biomass increased significantly (P<0.05) withCaover initial conditions, with linear or curvilinear responses depending on sample date. In contrast,B. ischaemumproduced significantly more roots at subambient than elevatedCain minirhizotrons. The lifespan of roots with five or more neighboring roots in minirhizotron windows decreased significantly at highCa, suggesting that after dense root growth depletes soil resource patches, plants with carbon surpluses readily shed these roots. Root respiration inB. ischaemumshowed a curvilinear response toCaunder moist conditions in June 2000, with the lowest rates atCa<300 μmol mol−1and peak activity at 450 μmol mol−1in a quadratic model.B. ischaemumroots at subambientCahad higher SRLs and slightly higher carbohydrate concentrations than those at higherCa, which may be related to drier soils at lowCa. Our data emphasize that belowground responses of plant communities toCacan be quite different from those of the individual species, and suggest that complex interactions between and among roots and their immediate soil environment influence the responses of root physiology and lifespan to changingCa.
Marshland conversion to cropland in northeast China from 1950 to 2000 reduced the greenhouse effect
Authors: HUANG YAO , SUN WENJUAN , ZHANG WEN , YU YONGQIANG , SU YANHUA , SONG CHANGCHUN
Published: May 2009

It has been well recognized that converting wetlands to cropland results in loss of soil organic carbon (SOC), while less attention was paid to concomitant changes in methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Using datasets from the literature and field measurements, we investigated loss of SOC and emissions of CH4 and N2O due to marshland conversion in northeast China. Analysis of the documented crop cultivation area indicated that 2.91 Mha of marshland were converted to cropland over the period 1950–2000. Marshland conversion resulted in SOC loss of ∼240 Tg and introduced ∼1.4 Tg CH4 and ∼138 Gg N2O emissions in the cropland, while CH4 emissions reduced greatly in the marshland, cumulatively ∼28 Tg over the 50 years. Taking into account the loss of SOC and emissions of CH4 and N2O, the global warming potential (GWP) at a 20‐year time horizon was estimated to be ∼180 Tg CO2_eq. yr−1 in the 1950s and ∼120 Tg CO2_eq. yr−1 in the 1990s, with a ∼33% reduction. When calculated at 100‐year time horizon, the GWP was ∼73 Tg CO2 _eq. yr−1 in the 1950s and ∼58 Tg CO2_eq. yr−1 in the 1990s, with a ∼21% reduction. It was concluded that marshland conversion to cropland in northeast China reduced the greenhouse effect as far as GWP is concerned. This reduction was attributed to a substantial decrease in CH4 emissions from the marshland. An extended inference is that the declining growth rate of atmospheric CH4 since the 1980s might be related to global loss of wetlands, but this connection needs to be confirmed.
Reproductive interference determines persistence and exclusion in species interactions
Authors: Kishi Shigeki , Nishida Takayoshi , Tsubaki Yoshitaka
Published: May 2009

1. Reproductive interference is a negative interspecific sexual interaction that adversely affects the fitness of males and females during reproductive process. Theoretical studies suggest that because reproductive interference is characterized by positive frequency dependence it is far more likely to cause species exclusion than the density dependence of resource competition. However, the respective contributions of resource competition and reproductive interference to species exclusion, which have been frequently observed in many competition studies, remain unclear.

2. We show that reproductive interference is a far more critical cause of species exclusion than resource competition in the competition between Callosobruchus bean weevil species. In competition experiments over several generations, we manipulated the initial relative abundance of the adzuki bean beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis, and the southern cowpea beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus. When the initial adult ratio of C. chinensis : C. maculatus were 6 : 2 and 4 : 4, C. chinensis excluded C. maculatus. However, when C. maculatus was four times more abundant than C. chinensis at the start, we observed the opposite outcome.

3. A behavioural experiment using adults of the two species revealed asymmetric reproductive interference. The fecundity and longevity of C. maculatus females, but not those of C. chinensis females, decreased when the females were kept with heterospecific males. Fecundities of females of both species decreased as the number of heterospecific males increased. In contrast, resource competition at the larval stage resulted in higher survival of C. maculatus than of C. chinensis.

4. These results suggest that the positive frequency‐dependent effect of reproductive interference resulted in species exclusion, depending on the initial population ratio of the two species, and the asymmetry of the interference resulted in C. chinensis being dominant in this study, as in previous studies. Classical competition studies should be reviewed in light of this evidence for reproductive interference.
Quantifying the genetic component of phenotypic variation in unpedigreed wild plants: tailoring genomic scan for within‐population use
Authors: HERRERA C. M. , BAZAGA P.
Published: May 2009

The study of adaptive genetic variation in natural populations is central to evolutionary biology. Quantitative genetics methods, however, are hardly applicable to long‐lived organisms, and current knowledge on adaptive genetic variation in wild plants mostly refers to annuals and short‐lived perennials. Studies on long‐lived species are essential to explore possible life‐history correlates of genetic variation, selection, and trait heritability. In this paper, we propose a method based on molecular markers to quantify the genetic basis of individual phenotypic differences in wild plants under natural conditions. Rather than focusing on inferring individual relatedness to estimate the heritability of phenotypic traits, we directly estimate the proportion of observed phenotypic variance that is statistically accounted for by genotypic differences between individuals. This is achieved by (i) identifying loci that are correlated across individuals with the phenotypic trait of interest by means of an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)‐based explorative genomic scan, and (ii) fitting multiple regression and linear random effect models to estimate the effects of genotype, environment and genotype × environment on phenotypes. We apply this method to estimate genotypic and environmental effects on cumulative maternal fecundity in a wild population of the long‐livedViola cazorlensismonitored for 20 years. Results show that between 56–63% (depending on estimation method) of phenotypic variance in fecundity is accounted for by genotypic differences in 11 AFLP loci that are significantly related to fecundity. Genotype × environment effects accounted for 38% of fecundity variance, which may help to explain the unexpectedly high levels of genetic variance for fecundity found.
Receptor‐mediated activation of gastric vagal afferents by glucagon‐like peptide‐1 in the rat
Authors: Bucinskaite V. , Tolessa T. , Pedersen J. , Rydqvist B. , Zerihun L. , Holst J. J. , Hellström P. M.
Published: May 2009

Abstract  The vagus nerve plays a role in mediating effects of the two glucagon‐like peptides GLP‐1 and GLP‐2 on gastrointestinal growth, functions and eating behaviour. To obtain electrophysiological and molecular evidence for the contribution of afferent pathways in chemoreception from the gastrointestinal tract, afferent mass activity in the ventral gastric branch of the vagus nerve and gene expression of GLP‐1 receptors and GLP‐2 receptors in the nodose ganglion were examined in Sprague–Dawley rats. Intravenous administration of GLP‐1 (30–1000 pmol kg−1), reaching high physiological plasma concentrations, increased vagal afferent mass activity peaking (13–52% above basal level, P < 0.05) 3–5 min after injection. Repeated administration of GLP‐1 (1000 pmol kg−1; five times, 15 min intervals) elicited similar responses. Pretreatment with GLP‐1 receptor antagonist exendin(9‐39)amide (500 pmol kg−1) abolished the GLP‐1 response to doses 30–300 pmol kg−1 but had no effect on the vagal response to gastric distension. For comparison, GLP‐2 (1000 pmol kg−1) had no effect on vagal afferent activity. Vagal chemoreception of GLP‐1 is supported by expression of the GLP‐1 receptor gene in the nodose ganglion. However, the GLP‐2 receptor was also expressed. To conclude, our results show that peripherally administered GLP‐1, differently from GLP‐2, activates vagal afferents, with no evidence of desensitisation. The GLP‐1 effect was blocked by exendin(9‐39)amide, suggesting that GLP‐1 receptors on vagal afferent nerves mediate sensory input from the gastrointestinal tract or pancreas; either directly or indirectly via the release of another mediator. GLP‐2 receptors appear not be functionally expressed on vagal afferents.
Scale for measuring self‐recoverability in daily life for people with schizophrenia
Authors: Takamatsu Toko , Hashimoto Takeshi , Taira Masaru , Fukutake Masaaki , Maeda Kiyoshi
Published: May 2009

Aim:  A new scale has been developed to assess the self‐recoverability in the daily life of people with schizophrenia. Self‐recoverability in daily life includes coping with stress events and taking care of one's mental and physical health. The new scale, called Self‐Recoverability in Daily Life (SRDL), is a semi‐structured instrument with 10 items. The aim of the present study was therefore to test the scale accordingly.

Methods:  A total of 57 subjects who were outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder as defined by DSM‐IV, were enrolled in the study. The SRDL scale was assessed with four other scales: the World Health Organization Quality Of Life (WHO‐QOL)‐26, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for health state, the Drug‐Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale (DIEPSS) and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS).

Results:  The mean total score of the SRDL scale was positively correlated with both the WHO‐QOL‐26 and VAS, while the SRDL scale was negatively correlated with the BPRS total score.

Conclusion:  The SRDL scale may be useful for assessing living skills in the daily life of people with schizophrenia.
Association between neuropeptide Y gene and its receptor Y1 gene and methamphetamine dependence
Authors: Okahisa Yuko , Ujike Hiroshi , Kotaka Tatsuya , Morita Yukitaka , Kodama Masafumi , Inada Toshiya , Yamada Mitsuhiko , Iwata Nakao , Iyo Masaomi , Sora Ichiro , Ozaki Norio , Kuroda Shigetoshi
Published: May 2009

Aims: Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36‐amino acid peptide that is widely distributed in the brain, adrenal medulla, and sympathetic nervous system. Several lines of evidence suggest a possible involvement of the NPY system in the physiological effects of several classes of abused substances including alcohol, phencyclidine, cocaine, and marijuana and in endogenous psychosis. Accordingly, it was hypothesized that the NPY system may also be involved in methamphetamine dependence or psychosis.

Methods: The single nucleotide polymorphisms rs16147 of theNPYgene (−485C>T) and rs7687423 of the NPY receptor Y1 (NPY1R) gene were analyzed in 222 patients with methamphetamine dependence and psychosis and 288 age‐ and gender‐matched controls.

Results: Genotypic distribution of theNPY1Rgene showed a significant association with methamphetamine dependence and psychosis (P = 0.04), whereas theNPYgene had no significant association with them.

Conclusion: It is possible that genetic variants of theNPY1Rgene affect the NPY‐NPY receptor type Y1 signaling system in the brain, which may result in susceptibility to methamphetamine dependence or the development of methamphetamine psychosis, but the present findings need to be confirmed on replication.
Relationship between depressive mood and chronotype in healthy subjects
Authors: Hidalgo Maria Paz , Caumo Wolnei , Posser Michele , Coccaro Sônia Beatriz , Camozzato Ana Luiza , Chaves Márcia Lorena Fagundes
Published: May 2009

Aim:  The endogenous circadian clock generates daily variations of physiological and behavior functions such as the endogenous interindividual component (morningness/eveningness preferences). Also, mood disorders are associated with a breakdown in the organization of ultradian rhythm. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to assessed the association between chronotype and the level of depressive symptoms in a healthy sample population. Furthermore, the components of the depression scale that best discriminate the chronotypes were determined.

Methods:  This cross‐sectional study involved 200 volunteers, aged 18–99 years, 118 women and 82 men. The instruments were the Montgomery–Äsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Morningness/Eveningness Questionnaire, the Self‐Reporting Questionnaire‐20, and the future self‐perception questionnaire.

Results:  Logistic regression showed that subjects with the eveningness chronotype had a higher chance of reporting more severe depressive symptoms compared to morning‐ and intermediate‐chronotypes, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.83 and 5.01, respectively. Other independent cofactors associated with a higher level of depressive symptoms were female gender (OR, 3.36), minor psychiatric disorders (OR, 3.70) and low future self‐perception (OR, 3.11). Younger age, however, was associated with a lower level of depressive symptoms (OR, 0.97). The questions in the MADRS that presented higher discriminate coefficients among chronotypes were those related to sadness, inner tension, sleep reduction and pessimism.

Conclusion:  Identification of an association between evening typology and depressive symptoms in healthy samples may be useful in further investigation of circadian typology and the course of depressive disease.
Multi‐dimensional discriminative factors for Internet addiction among adolescents regarding gender and age
Authors: Yen Cheng‐Fang , Ko Chih‐Hung , Yen Ju‐Yu , Chang Yu‐Ping , Cheng Chung‐Ping
Published: May 2009

Aims:  The aim of the present study was to examine the discriminative effects of sociodemographic, individual, family, peers, and school life factors on Internet addiction in Taiwanese adolescents.

Methods:  A total of 8941 adolescents were recruited and completed the questionnaires. Multi‐dimensional discriminative factors for Internet addiction were examined using chi‐squared automatic interaction detection for gender and sex.

Results:  Depression and low family monitoring were the discriminative factors for Internet addiction in all four gender‐ and age‐specified groups of adolescents. Low connectedness to school, high family conflict, having friends with habitual alcohol drinking, and living in rural areas also had discriminative effects on adolescent Internet addiction in adolescents of different gender and age.

Conclusions:  Multi‐dimensional factors were able to discriminate between those adolescents with and without Internet addiction. It is suggested that parents and health and educational professionals monitor the Internet‐using behaviors of adolescents who have the factors discriminating for Internet addiction identified in the present study.
Comorbidity of cardiovascular diseases with mood and anxiety disorder: A population based 4‐year study
Authors: Huang Kai‐Lin , Su Tung‐Ping , Chen Tzeng‐Ji , Chou Yuan‐Hwa , Bai Ya‐Mei
Published: May 2009

Aims:  Accumulating evidence from Caucasian patients has shown that depression, bipolar and anxiety disorders are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), but reports in the Asian population are limited, and age effect is rarely investigated. This population‐based study was carried out to examine and compare the CVD comorbidities among patients with mood and anxiety disorders in different age groups.

Method:  A 4‐year cross‐sectional survey was carried out using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 2000 to 2003.

Results:  An average total of 1 031 557 patients with mood and anxiety disorders were enrolled as study participants, including 76 430 cases of major depressive disorder, 41 557 cases of bipolar disorder, and 913 570 cases of anxiety disorder. When compared with the insured population without mood or anxiety disorders (average 21 356 304 people), the average relative risk (RR) of developing ischemic heart disease and hypertensive disorders in 1 031 557 study participants was 2.0 and 2.05, respectively. The highest RR was found in the age group under 20 years (RR = 4.74 and 4.08, respectively), and the lowest RR in the age group equal to or older than 65 years (RR = 0.47 and 0.58, respectively).

Conclusions:  Taiwanese patients with mood and anxiety disorders experience high cardiovascular morbidity, especially patients with anxiety disorders. Age acted as an important modifier variable that influenced the relationship between mood, anxiety disorder and CVD. This study highlights the need for future research in different age groups, in order to elucidate the causality and the trajectory of developing CVD among patients with mental disorders.
Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage due to 5‐nitroimidazole treatment
Authors: UYAR Meral , ELBEK Osman , BAYRAM Nazan , EKIZ ŞUle , BAKIR Kemal , DIKENSOY ÖNer
Published: May 2009

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is indicated by the presence of red blood cells, fibrin and haemosiderin deposits in the lung parenchyma. We present a case of DAH in a 25‐year‐old male following 5‐nitroimidazole treatment. The first episode of haemoptysis occurred following metronidazole treatment 10 months previously. The second episode of haemoptysis occurred following ornidazole treatment 10 days before admission. During his first admission, the patients haemoglobin concentration decreased to 40 g/L. The CXR was normal, whereas high resolution CT of the lungs revealed a diffuse acinonodular pattern. Serological tests for connective tissue diseases were negative. The haemorrhagic appearance of the BAL fluid obtained during fibreoptic bronchoscopy was consistent with DAH. Microbiological analysis of the BAL fluid showed no evidence for bacterial or mycobacterial infection. Haemosiderin laden macrophages were detected in BAL fluid and lung biopsy specimens. DAH due to use of 5‐nitroimidazole was diagnosed on the basis of the patient's previous history and complete recovery following treatment with corticosteroid. This is the first reported case of DAH due to use of 5‐nitroimidazole. Physicians should be aware of this side‐effect when prescribing this group of drugs to patients.
Patients with mild‐to‐moderate asthma may develop clinically significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: TSUDA Yasunari , NOGUCHI Toshiyuki , MOCHIZUKI Hideaki , MAKINO Fumihiko , NANJO Yuta , SAWABE Motoji , TAKAHASHI Hideki
Published: May 2009

Background and objective:  Little is known about the aetiology and clinical characteristics of COPD among people who have never smoked.

Methods:  A case–control study was conducted to describe the potential risk factors for clinically significant COPD among smokers and people who had never smoked. Medical record reviews and scoring of high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings were performed in patients with clinically significant COPD (defined as having post‐bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.7 and FEV1 < 60% of the predicted values). Pathological analyses were performed in some patients following autopsy.

Results:  Among the 9493 subjects screened, 424 (4.5%) were diagnosed with clinically significant COPD. Forty‐nine (11.6% of clinically significant COPD) were never smokers (NSCOPD), and a comparative group of 98 smoking patients with COPD was randomly selected (SMCOPD). NSCOPD was characterized by predominantly female sex (87.8%) and a high prevalence of physician‐diagnosed asthma (61.2%). Similar levels of reduction in %FEV1 and %FEF25–75% were found in NSCOPD and SMCOPD, but there were higher %DLCO values and fewer low attenuation areas on HRCT in NSCOPD. More than half of the NSCOPD patients without a history of asthma had features of asthma. More than one‐third of NSCOPD patients with an asthma history had never had a severe attack. At autopsy, both NSCOPD and SMCOPD showed wall thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration in small airways, and the number of CD4+‐T cells was increased in NSCOPD.

Conclusion:  In elderly Japanese, COPD among never smokers is largely attributable to asthma. Airflow limitation in NSCOPD results from small airway disease (airway predominant phenotype) rather than parenchymal destruction (emphysematous phenotype).
HIV‐associated opportunistic pneumonias
Authors: HUANG Laurence , CROTHERS Kristina
Published: May 2009

Among the HIV‐associated pulmonary complications, opportunistic pneumonias are major causes of morbidity and mortality. The spectrum of HIV‐associated opportunistic pneumonias is broad and includes bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic pneumonias. Bacterial pneumonia is the most frequent opportunistic pneumonia in the United States and Western Europe while tuberculosis is the dominant pathogen in sub‐Saharan Africa. With the use of combination antiretroviral therapy and prophylaxis, the incidence of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) has declined. Nevertheless, PCP continues to occur in persons who are unaware of their HIV infection, those who fail to access medical care, and those who fail to adhere to antiretroviral therapy or prophylaxis. Although pneumonias due to Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum, Coccidioides immitis, cytomegalovirus and Toxoplasma gondii are less frequent, their presence in the lung is often indicative of disseminated disease and is associated with significant mortality.
Peak flow rate is the best predictor of acute urinary retention following prostate brachytherapy: Our experience and literature review
Authors: Ikeda Tetsuhiro , Shinohara Katsuto
Published: May 2009

Objectives:  We prospectively investigated risk factors for acute urinary retention (AUR) following transperineal radioactive seed implantation for prostate cancer.

Methods:  A total of 273 consecutive patients underwent transperineal ultrasound‐guided prostate brachytherapy for clinical T1c–T3b prostate cancer. Preoperative factors included age; International Prostate Symptom score; planimetric prostate and transition volumes (TZV) measured by transrectal ultrasound; peak flow rate; post‐void residual urine; neoadjuvant hormone therapy; use of pelvic radiation; and T stage. Intra‐ and postoperative factors included the number of seeds and needles.

Results:  Ten patients (3.6%) showed AUR requiring catheterization. Among preoperative factors, age, International Prostate Symptom score, planimetric prostate volume, planimetric prostate volume and radiation therapy (RT) were not significantly correlated with AUR. PFR (P = 0.012) and PVR (P = 0.020) of patients having AUR were significantly higher than those not having AUR. Mean TZV was also significantly higher (P = 0.038) in the AUR group univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that PFR is the only independent predictor of AUR (P = 0.030).

Conclusion:  On univariate analysis, PFR, PVR and TZV were found to be statistically significant predictors of AUR following seed implantation. According to multivariate analysis, only PFR was confirmed to be a significant predictor.
Tissue Resonance Interaction Method (TRIMprob) has the potential to be used alongside the recognized tests in the screening protocols for prostate cancer
Authors: Gokce Ozgur , Sanli Oner , Salmaslioglu Artur , Tunaci Atadan , Ozsoy Cavit , Ozcan Faruk
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the magnetic induction technique with a nonlinear tunable oscillator (the Tissue Resonance Interaction Method [TRIMprob]) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (CaP). Overall, 148 men were split into two groups (patients at risk of CaP [Group 1] and controls [Group 2]) and evaluated with the TRIMprob. Group 1 consisted of 100 patients (mean age: 63.8 ± 7.2 years) with elevated prostate‐specific antigen (>4 ng/mL) levels and/or abnormal digital rectal examination. Eleven patients (Group 2a, mean age: 59.5 ± 7.3) with previously biopsy‐proven CaP served as positive controls. In addition, 37 voluntary men (Group 2b, mean age: 39.8 ± 10.4) with normal prostate‐specific antigen and digital rectal examination without lower urinary tract symptoms served as negative controls. Non‐linear resonance was analyzed at 465 MHz and a cut‐off value of 40 units was detected as the resonance value for the best threshold to distinguish benign conditions from CaP after transrectal ultrasonography‐guided biopsy with a standard 10–12 core technique in Group 1. Mean resonance values (±standard deviation) with the TRIMprob examination for patients in Groups 1 and 2b were 36.72 ± 22.35 and 73.64 ± 10.06, respectively, whereas for patients in Group 2a, it was 13.73 ± 12.12 (P < 0.01). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the TRIMprob using the study cohort of Group 1 were found as 76%, 61.3%, 39.6% and 88.5%, respectively. Despite some technical limitations, the non‐invasive TRIMprob examination may have a role in screening protocols for CaP.
Gemcitabine and capecitabine chemotherapy in Japanese patients with immunotherapy‐resistant renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Soga Norihito , Yamada Yasushi , Nishikawa Kouhei , Hasegawa Yoshihiro , Kise Hideaki , Arima Kiminobu , Sugimura Yoshiki
Published: May 2009

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of combined gemcitabine and capecitabine (Gca) chemotherapy in patients with advanced renal cell cancer after immunotherapy failure. Nine patients were enrolled in this trial. Gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) was injected on days 1 and 8, followed by oral administration of capecitabine (1660 mg/m2) on days 1–14. The response rate was 11%, with a partial response in one patient (11%), stable disease in five patients (56%) and disease progression in three patients (33%). Grade 3–4 neutropenia was observed in one patient (11%) and thrombocytopenia in two patients (22%). The quality of life (QOL) questionnaire scales showed no significant changes induced by chemotherapy. The median progression‐free survival was 4 months with an overall 1‐year survival rate of 78%. Gemcitabine and capecitabine chemotherapy can be safely administered as second‐line therapy in renal cell cancer patients, maintaining QOL baseline parameters.
Is urethritis accompanied by seminal vesiculitis?
Authors: Furuya Ryoji , Takahashi Satoshi , Furuya Seiji , Saitoh Nobuhito , Ogura Hiroshi , Kurimura Yuichiro , Tsukamoto Taiji
Published: May 2009

Objective:  To determine whether urethritis is accompanied by seminal vesiculitis using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) imaging.

Methods:  Fifty‐six male patients (mean age 31.6 ± 8.7 years) with urethritis were included in the study. As a control group, we also considered 34 healthy volunteers (mean age 21.3 ± 1.8 years). The two groups were evaluated by the nucleic acid amplification test and imaging studies using TRUS.

Results:  The nucleic acid amplification test could identify 15 patients (26.8%) with gonococcal urethritis (five had accompanying chlamydial urethritis), 32 (57.1%) with chlamydial urethritis, and nine (16.1%) with nongonococcal and nonchlamydial urethritis. The mean anteroposterior diameter of the bilateral seminal vesicles was significantly longer in the urethritis group than in the controls (12.9 ± 3.3 mm vs 11.0 ± 2.0 mm, P = 0.004). The incidence of dilatation or cystic changes of seminal vesicles was significantly higher in the urethritis group than in the controls (dilatation: 30% vs 9%, P = 0.019; cystic change: 39% vs 12%, P = 0.007). There was no significant difference in the incidence of dilatation or cystic changes of seminal vesicles between gonococcal urethritis and chlamydial urethritis.

Conclusions:  Patients with urethritis are likely to have accompanying seminal vesiculitis. This suggests a close interrelationship among urethritis, seminal vesiculitis and epididymitis.
Sexual problems and associated help‐seeking behavior patterns: Results of a population‐based survey in France
Authors: Buvat Jacques , Glasser Dale , Neves Raimundo Celestino Silva , Duarte Fernanda Gross , Gingell Clive , Moreira Jr Edson Duarte
Published: May 2009

Objectives:  To report the sexual activity, the prevalence of sexual problems and related help‐seeking behavior among adults in France.

Methods:  A telephone survey was conducted in 2001 and 2002. Interviews were based on a standardized questionnaire including demographic details, overall health, relationships, and sexual behaviors, attitudes and beliefs.

Results:  A total of 1500 individuals (750 men, 750 women) aged 40 to 80 years completed the survey. Eighty‐one percent of men and 65% of women had engaged in sexual intercourse during the 12 months preceding the interview. Premature ejaculation (16%) and erectile dysfunction (15%) were the most frequently reported sexual problems among men. Lack of sexual interest (21%) and a lack of sexual pleasure (18%) were the most frequently reported ones among women. Only 10% of men and 8% of women had been asked by a doctor about possible sexual problems during a routine visit in the last 3 years.

Conclusions:  Many middle aged and older men and women in France report continued sexual interest and activity. Although a number of sexual problems are seen in this population, only a minority of individuals seek medical help for these disorders. This is largely due to believing that the problem is not serious, not being bothered by the problem, and/or a lack of awareness of available treatments.
Distribution of Roseobacter RCA and SAR11 lineages and distinct bacterial communities from the subtropics to the Southern Ocean
Authors: Giebel Helge‐Ansgar , Brinkhoff Thorsten , Zwisler Walter , Selje Natascha , Simon Meinhard
Published: May 2009

We assessed the composition of the bacterioplankton in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean in austral fall and winter and in New Zealand coastal waters in summer. The various water masses between the subtropics/Agulhas–Benguela boundary region and the Antarctic coastal current exhibited distinct bacterioplankton communities with the highest richness in the polar frontal region, as shown by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of 16S rRNA gene fragments. The SAR11 clade and the Roseobacter clade‐affiliated (RCA) cluster were quantified by real‐time quantitative PCR. SAR11 was detected in all samples analysed from subtropical waters to the coastal current and to depths of > 1000 m. In fall and winter, this clade constituted < 3% to 48% and 4–28% of total bacterial 16S rRNA genes respectively, with highest fractions in subtropical to polar frontal regions. The RCA cluster was only present in New Zealand coastal surface waters not exceeding 17°C, in the Agulhas–Benguela boundary region (visited only during the winter cruise), in subantarctic waters and in the Southern Ocean. In fall, this cluster constituted up to 36% of total bacterial 16S rRNA genes with highest fractions in the Antarctic coastal current and outnumbered the SAR11 clade at most stations in the polar frontal region and further south. In winter, the RCA cluster constituted lower proportions than the SAR11 clade and did not exceed 8% of total bacterial 16S rRNA genes. In fall, the RCA cluster exhibited significant positive correlations with latitude and ammonium concentrations and negative correlations with concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, and for near‐surface samples also with chlorophyll a, biomass production of heterotrophic prokaryotes and glucose turnover rates. The findings show that the various water masses between the subtropics and the Antarctic coastal current harbour distinct bacterioplankton communities. They further indicate that the RCA cluster, despite the narrow sequence similarity of > 98% of its 16S rRNA gene, is an abundant component of the heterotrophic bacterioplankton in the Southern Ocean, in particular in its coldest regions.
Immune suppression in the honey bee (Apis mellifera) following infection by Nosema ceranae (Microsporidia)
Authors: Antúnez Karina , Martín‐Hernández Raquel , Prieto Lourdes , Meana Aránzazu , Zunino Pablo , Higes Mariano
Published: May 2009

Two microsporidia species have been shown to infect Apis mellifera, Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae. This work present evidence that N. ceranae infection significantly suppresses the honey bee immune response, although this effect was not observed following infection with N. apis. Immune suppression would also increase susceptibility to other bee pathogens and senescence. Despite the importance of both Nosema species in honey bee health, there is no information about their effect on the bees' immune system and present results can explain the different virulence between both microsporida infecting honeybees.
Unemployed Individuals' Work Values and Job Flexibility: An Explanation from Expectancy‐Value Theory and Self‐Determination Theory
Authors: Van den Broeck Anja , Vansteenkiste Maarten , Lens Willy , De Witte Hans
Published: May 2009

Changes in the contemporary labour market have resulted in an increasing demand for flexibility in the work context. The present research examines the associations between unemployed individuals' work values and their attitudes towards job flexibility. Consistent with Expectancy‐Value Theory, results showed that the general concept of employment value was positively related to all measured types of flexibility, that is, training flexibility, pay flexibility, the flexibility to accept an undemanding job, and the flexibility to accept a job for which one is over‐qualified. In line with Self‐Determination Theory, holding an intrinsic work value orientation related positively to training and pay flexibility, whereas extrinsic work value orientation was negatively related to these two types of flexibility. Overall, these results indicate that not only the degree of employment value but also the content of unemployed individuals' work value orientations matter in understanding their job flexibility.

L'évolution actuelle du marché de l'emploi a provoqué une demande croissante de flexibilité dans le domaine du travail. On étudie dans cette recherche les liens qui existent entre les valeurs professionnelles de chômeurs et leurs attitudes envers la flexibilité. Dans la ligne de la théorie expectation‐valence, les résultats montrent que le concept général de valence de l'emploi est relié positivement à toutes les mesures de la flexibilité, c'est‐à‐dire la flexibilité de la formation, du salaire et de l'acceptation d'un poste sans intérêt ou sous‐qualifié. En accord avec la théorie de l'autodétermination, le fait d'accorder une valeur intrinsèque au travail entretient une corrélation positive avec la flexibilité de la formation et du salaire, tandis que la valeur extrinsèque est en relation négative avec ces deux aspects de la flexibilité. En somme, ces résultats indiquent que chez les chômeurs non seulement le niveau de la valence de l'emploi, mais aussi le contenu des valeurs relatives au travail permettent de comprendre leur flexibilité.
Swedish student nurses' knowledge of health statutes: a descriptive survey
Authors: Kapborg I.D. , Berterö C.M.
Published: May 2009

Background:  The nurse's function, no matter the working area, is guided by ethical approaches, grounded in science and well‐tried experiences, and has to be conducted according to national laws, statutes and instructions.

Aim:  To survey newly graduated Swedish nurses' knowledge about current statutes and laws that govern their healthcare system.

Method:  A questionnaire was developed from facts in relevant statutes and laws presented and used in the nursing education programmes. Following a pilot study testing the items, a 20‐item questionnaire, with mostly open‐ended questions, was distributed to student nurses in the last semester of their nursing education programme before graduation.

Results:  One hundred and seventy‐eight participants answered the questionnaire (response rate 59%). Only 29% of responses on all questions showed correct knowledge about the different statutes and laws that regulate their work as nurses. The best knowledge was found in the area of documentation (range 35–86%) and in the area of information (range 16–54%) on group scores.

Conclusion:  This survey concerning novice nurses' knowledge about statutes and laws showed great deficiencies. It was surprising to find that, on existing demands regarding nurses delegating medical tasks, not a single respondent presented a correct answer. Evidence‐based knowledge was difficult to recognize. Nurses will be more conscious of their own limitations and more prepared to meet the reality of practice if there is emphasis on relevant statutes and laws during their education.
Pregnant women's knowledge and attitudes about stem cells and cord blood banking
Authors: Dinç H. , Şahin N.H.
Published: May 2009

Aim:  This study was to determine pregnant women's knowledge and attitudes towards stem cells and cord blood banking in Istanbul, Turkey.

Background:  Stem cell research is one of the most important and, at the same time, the most controversial topics of science and technology today. Nurses need to understand stem cell research so they can enter the debate on this issue. They can become important sources of information in order to help parents understand the issues.

Methods:  This exploratory descriptive study was conducted in two antenatal outpatient clinics in Istanbul. The sample consisted of 334 pregnant women during routine prenatal visits. Data were collected in interviews by using an interview form developed by the researchers according to the literature. The form included demographic characteristics of participants and 20 questions about stem cells, storing cord blood and banking and 10 independent attitude statements.

Results:  The majority of the participants had a lack of knowledge about stem cells and cord blood banking and wanted more information. Before pregnancy, they received some information through the media (newspaper, Internet, television, etc.), but unintentionally. It was determined that they wanted information before becoming pregnant, more from their obstetrician but also from nurses and midwives. The majority also wanted to store their infants' cord blood and stated that they would be more likely to choose a public cord blood bank.

Conclusion:  Those giving ante‐ and perinatal care need to offer accurate and scientific counselling services on this subject to parents who need to be informed.
Nurse–patient communication barriers in Iranian nursing
Authors: Anoosheh M. , Zarkhah S. , Faghihzadeh S. , Vaismoradi M.
Published: May 2009

Background:  Providing effective communication with patients is an essential aspect of nursing care. Understanding the barriers that inhibit nurse–patient communication can provide an opportunity to eliminate them.

Aim:  To investigate nurse–patient and environment‐related communication barriers perceived by patients and nurses in Iranian nursing.

Methods:  A descriptive survey was carried out in three randomly selected educational hospitals in a large urban city in Iran. Data were collected by questionnaire; the study sample consisted of 61 patients and 75 nurses. Participants were asked to rate the importance of each communication barriers item. Finally, data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and to compare the perceived importance of communication barriers between patients and nurses, item means were calculated and the t‐test for independent samples was applied.

Results:  Similarities and differences between the two groups were identified. According to nurses' views, ‘heavy nursing workload’, ‘hard nursing tasks’ and ‘lack of welfare facilities for nurses’ were the main communication barriers. From patients' views, ‘unfamiliarity of nurses with dialect’, ‘having contagious diseases’ and ‘sex differences between nurses and patients’ were determined as the main communication barriers. The shared communication barriers were ‘age difference’, ‘social class difference’ and ‘having contagious diseases’.

Conclusion:  It can be concluded that nursing managers and healthcare system planners should focus on eliminating or modifying the barriers stated by the two groups, particularly the shared ones. It is suggested that understanding the cultural aspects of nurse–patient communication barriers in various contexts can help nurses.

Limitations:  The study relied on self‐report by a limited sample of nurses and patients. The responses should now be tested by a larger sample and then by empirical research into actual practice in order to test whether the nurses' and patients' perceived ideas of communication barriers are substantiated.
Internationally educated nurses: profiling workforce diversity
Authors: Blythe Jennifer , Baumann Andrea
Published: May 2009

Aim:  Nurses with diverse educational and cultural backgrounds are likely to adapt differently to new workforces. The aim of this study was to provide a profile of nurses educated in different countries who are employed in a major settlement jurisdiction.

Background:  Despite difficulties in measuring its magnitude, it is evident that nurse migration has increased as a result of globalization. Major destinations for internationally educated nurses (IENs) include the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia and the Gulf States. Chief donor countries include the Philippines, India and other South Asian countries. Half of all IENs registered in Canada work in the province of Ontario.

Methods:  Published literature and secondary data were used to profile cohorts of nurses educated in different countries who are employed in the Ontario workforce.

Findings:  Statistics available on IENs in Ontario reveal a largely urban settlement pattern. There are major differences among IEN cohorts in terms of age, gender, work status, and type and place of employment.

Discussion and conclusions:  Although IENs resident in Ontario could not be quantified, a relatively detailed description of IENs in the workforce was possible. Comparison of nurse cohorts indicated that generalizations about IENs should be made with caution. Changes in regulatory conditions have a significant effect on IEN employment. Difficulties associated with international educational and regulatory differences illustrate the need to create global nursing standards. Further investigation of differences in workforce profiles should provide insights leading to improved utilization of IENs.
Is the grass any greener? Canada to United States of America nurse migration
Authors: McGillis Hall L. , Pink G.H. , Jones C.B. , Leatt P. , Gates M. , Peterson J.
Published: May 2009

Aim:  Little or no attempt has been made to determine why nurses leave Canada, remain outside of Canada, or under what circumstances might return to Canada. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of Canadian‐educated registered nurses working in the USA.

Data sources:  Data for this study include the 1996, 2000 and 2004 USA National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses and reports from the same time period from the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

Findings:  This research demonstrates that full‐time work opportunities and the potential for ongoing education are key factors that contribute to the migration of Canadian nurses to the USA. In addition, Canada appears to be losing baccalaureate‐prepared nurses to the USA.

Discussion:  These findings underscore how health care policy decisions such as workforce retention strategies can have a direct influence on the nursing workforce. Policy emphasis should be on providing incentives for Canadian‐educated nurses to stay in Canada, and obtain full‐time work while continuing to develop professionally.

Conclusion:  Findings from this study provide policy leaders with important information regarding employment options of interest to migrating nurses.

Study limitations:  This study describes and contrasts nurses in the data set, thus providing information on the context of nurse migration from Canada to the USA. Data utilized in this study are cross‐sectional in nature, thus the opportunity to follow individual nurses over time was not possible.
Childhood obesity: current literature, policy and implications for practice
Authors: Ben‐Sefer E. , Ben‐Natan M. , Ehrenfeld M.
Published: May 2009

The problem:  In most of the industrialized world, a childhood obesity epidemic is evident, with the numbers rising each year.

Purpose:  To discuss the current literature in relation to childhood obesity and to provide health practitioners, especially nurses, with the fundamental knowledge that is imperative in the recognition of children who are at risk and thereby tailor appropriate interventions.

Method:  Databases that were accessed for current literature included CINAHL, Science Direct and ProQuest. Keywords used in the search included obesity, childhood, health, relevant national statistics, policy and health risks. The literature was confined to the past 10 years with emphasis on the past 5 years. The 50 most pertinent papers from a variety of countries were chosen, and 35 papers that represented key areas of relevance were selected as the basis of this article. This selection of papers dictated the key areas of discussion such as the acknowledged factors in childhood obesity.

Findings:  Although childhood obesity may be related to specific cultural and national circumstances, universal themes emerged from the literature review. These include social factors, exercise, advertising, public policy and the importance of partnerships in policy.

Conclusion:  Any country that has a high rate or increasing rate of childhood obesity must acknowledge core factors that contribute to this serious health problem. Furthermore, public policy and community partnerships that include all health professionals have a responsibility in the prevention of childhood obesity. This can be implemented through education, research and advocacy of all nurses involved with children and families.