bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profession, market and class: nurse migration and the remaking of division and disadvantage
Authors: Smith Pam , Mackintosh Maureen
Published: November 2007

Aims and objectives.  This article aims to analyse the part played by successive waves of nurse migration in changing patterns of division and disadvantage within nursing. We argue that migration has in part acted to reinforce disadvantage based on class and gender, race and ethnicity and identify the influence of changes in nursing structure and commercialization of care in these processes.

Background, design and methods.  The historical analysis of division within nursing and the impact of migration are based on secondary sources (literature review) and primary research undertaken by ourselves and colleagues. The paper develops a concept of ‘remaking’ disadvantage drawing on analysis in social history of the interplay between agency and economic position in the ‘making’ of class. It uses the extended case method to focus on the residential care sector, showing how global and national influences operate at the frontline of service delivery.

Results.  We show how social class and gender, race and ethnicity have interacted and are reflected in the division of labour within nursing. We demonstrate how the employment conditions of nurse migrants have reinforced patterns of disadvantage. The case study of the residential care home sector deepens our analysis of intersecting sources of professional disadvantage including aspects of commercialization, in a sector where they have severe effects for vulnerable staff and patients.

Conclusions.  In the UK, migrant professional nurses have repeatedly acted both as a highly valued labour force on whom patients and clients rely and as involuntary contributors to remaking disadvantage. This situation is sustained by the current international labour market and rising commercialization which facilitate nurse migration and the segmentation of care work based on a ‘pecking order’ of specialties that reinforce existing divisions of social class, gender and race within nursing.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Migrant nurses play a key role in the delivery of ‘frontline’ care to patients. The role many currently play reinforces disadvantage within nursing in ways that are problematic for the profession, patients and clients. The recognition and valuing of their skills is critical to the promotion of their own morale which in turn has an impact on their relationship with colleagues and the delivery of patient and client care.
Maternal experiences making a decision about heart surgery for their young children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Lan Shu‐Fan , Mu Pei‐Fan , Hsieh Kai‐Sheng
Published: November 2007

Aim.  The aim of this study was to investigate the essence of the experience of mothers during the decision‐making process when facing their less than three‐year‐old child undergoing heart surgery due to congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods.  In this phenomenological study in Taiwan nine mothers were interviewed in their homes. They were invited to share their experience of family interactions and relationships while facing a decision about their child's heart surgery. The interviews were recorded and transcribed for further analysis according to Colaizzi's phenomenological methodology.

Results.  The essence of the maternal experience themes during the decision‐making process included (i) understanding the surgery step by step, (ii) role pressure, (iii) constructing care‐taking ability, (iv) endeavouring to maintain family functioning while preparing for surgery and (v) deliberate consideration to make the correct decision.

Conclusions.  When parents face their child having CHD and plan heart surgery, the whole family is living through a stressful decision‐making process. According to the results of this study, it is obvious that the caregivers and their whole families experience psychological distress, role reorganization and remodelling of family functioning.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The results of this study provide evidence‐based essential knowledge that will assist the management of such decision‐making processes and help to prepare the child and the family to have confidence in the heart surgery.
The perceptions of Taiwanese families who have children with learning disability
Authors: Chang Mei‐Ying , Hsu Li‐Ling
Published: November 2007

Aims and objectives.  To explore the perceptions of families in Taiwan of living with a child who have learning disability and the parents perspectives on the cultural influences on their spiritual experiences.

Background.  Traditionally, the family is the most important unit of society, family functioning is a key field of interest among helping professionals who provide family interventions.

Design.  This study adopted qualitative research with semi‐structured interviews. The study analysis used content analysis which was a process of identifying, coding and categorizing the themes in the data.

Methods.  Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 117 parents in their homes and were interpreted by using content analysis to extract key conceptual themes from the transcribed interview texts.

Results.  The findings revealed that the perceptions of families with learning disability children were wide‐ranging. The stressors did not occur in a fixed order, they were different in degree and importance from one family to another.

Conclusions.  The results showed that the experience of analysing qualitative data was extremely valuable for parents in that it aided their own understanding of the real‐life experiences of the parents and in coming to know the parents in a richer, more meaningful way. In doing so, nurses need to be aware of their own thoughts and environment without letting it influence others.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The nurse should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the family's culture and be able to show respect for cultural difference to assess and identify culturally acceptable health‐care interventions.
Embodiment of discrimination and overseas nurses’ career progression
Authors: Larsen John Aggergaard
Published: November 2007

Aim and objectives.  To examine empirically and in‐depth how discriminatory attitudes and practices are experienced by overseas nurses and how the discrimination may affect their well‐being and career progression and, furthermore, to apply the theoretical perspective of embodiment in understanding these processes.

Background.  The UK healthcare sector has, in recent years, relied on overseas‐trained professionals to fill up vacancies in nursing and other professions. Research shows that overseas nurses claim that their UK colleagues, managers and patients express discriminatory, racist and xenophobic attitudes.

Design and method.  The paper provides an existential phenomenological analysis of in‐depth interviews with two overseas nurses. The data are drawn from a study of overseas‐trained healthcare workers’ experiences working and living in the UK. The two cases have been purposively selected to provide an illumination and discussion of personal experiences with discrimination, how individuals may respond to these and how their professional career is affected.

Findings.  Discrimination towards migrant workers may, at times, be experienced as ‘blatant racism’ or, in more subtle forms, as ‘aversive racism’. It is demonstrated how such discrimination may impact on the afflicted person's sense of self, suggesting a theoretical model of the embodiment of discrimination. Discrimination not only works at an interpersonal and institutional level, but is a form of ‘symbolic violence’ that may be internalized to affect the person's ‘habitus’; it can be resisted through meaning‐making activity that explains and hence objectifies and embodies the experience in a way that allows individuals to positively influence their situation through agency.

Conclusion.  This article details how social and institutionalized discrimination in the UK healthcare sector may be internalized by overseas workers and affects their professional careers.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The study allows a theoretical reflection on the damage inflicted by discrimination, and it may contribute to the eradication of discriminatory practices and the development of necessary support and monitoring mechanisms.
The quality of written information for parents regarding the management of a febrile convulsion: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Paul Fiona , Jones Martyn C , Hendry Charles , Adair Pauline M
Published: November 2007

Aims and objectives.  To identify whether providing a new information leaflet for parents regarding the management of a febrile convulsion was more effective in comparison with standard leaflets.

Background.  Although information leaflets are frequently recommended within healthcare, their quality is often poor. Furthermore, the evidence regarding the effectiveness of leaflets is inconsistent. Few studies have evaluated the effects of providing leaflets that have been developed to improve their quality. Within the specialty of paediatrics, parents are often unprepared regarding the management of febrile convulsion at home and the provision of supplementary leaflets is recommended, despite limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of this approach. There is also limited evidence regarding whether improving the quality of these leaflets leads to better outcomes, e.g. increasing parents’ behavioural knowledge.

Design.  Double‐blind randomized controlled trial.

Method.  One hundred and twenty‐six parents of children hospitalized due to benign febrile convulsion were recruited (May 2000–February 2002). Seventy‐one parents were randomized to receive the standard care (control leaflet) and 55 parents received the intervention (new leaflet). Data were collected from parents on discharge immediately prior to receiving the intervention and 7–14 days following the intervention via telephone interview.

Results.  Parents who received the new leaflet found this to be more reassuring and easier to understand than parents who received the control leaflet. No differences between groups were identified regarding the primary outcome, i.e. behavioural knowledge and most of the secondary outcomes, e.g. perceived confidence, state anxiety and satisfaction with the leaflet.

Conclusion.  Although this study provides modest support for the effectiveness of providing high‐quality leaflets, further research is required to determine the best methods for optimizing the effectiveness of leaflets provided at hospital discharge.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The quality of leaflets may influence some outcomes, e.g. understanding and reassurance with the written information provided; however, additional strategies to inform parents may be necessary.
Engaging with a new reality: experiences of overseas minority ethnic nurses in the NHS
Authors: Alexis Obrey , Vydelingum Vasso , Robbins Ian
Published: November 2007

Aim and objective.  The purpose of this study was to explore, describe and develop a greater understanding of the experiences of overseas black and minority ethnic nurses in the National Health Service (NHS) in the south of England.

Background.  For the past five decades, the NHS has been recruiting overseas black and minority ethnic nurses from several former British colonies to alleviate the manpower shortages. More recently there has been a shortage of nurses in the labour force and as a result the NHS has once again recruited overseas nurses. Despite this recruitment drive there are limited studies outlining how overseas black and minority nurses have fared in the NHS.

Methods.  This qualitative phenomenological study used four purposeful focus groups and all participants involved were interviewed at a place convenient for them. These all non‐white participants originated from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. Each focus group contained six participants with an overall total of 24 participants involved in the study.

Results.  Following thematic analysis, the findings revealed six themes such as, the devaluation process, concept of self‐blame, discrimination/lack of equal opportunity, concept of invisibility, experiencing fear and benefits of being here. Several overseas nurses felt devalued and indicated that white UK nurses appeared to have placed little trust in them. They stated that both discrimination and lack of equal opportunity were present in the workplace and they also revealed that some white UK nurses were sometimes abusive. As a result they tolerated such behaviour for fear of being thrown out with their families. Despite such negative experiences participants indicated that the experiences gained whilst working in the NHS were useful.

Conclusions.  There is a need for overseas nurses to be treated fairly and with respect particularly in the light of an acute labour shortage of nurses in the NHS. The findings suggest that overseas minority ethnic nurses’ experiences have been mixed, with some positive as well as negative experiences, within a process that devalues them as workers.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This paper highlights a need for a re‐evaluation of equal opportunity policies and proposes more diversity training so as to prepare nurses to cope with an increasingly complex and diverse workforce.
Institutionalized disadvantage: older Ghanaian nurses’ and midwives’ reflections on career progression and stagnation in the NHS
Authors: Henry Leroi
Published: November 2007

Aims and objectives.  This paper explores the perceptions of career progression in the NHS of a group of midwives and nurses trained in Ghana and working in the UK. It draws on semi‐structured interviews with nurses, midwives and managers which were conducted as part of the Researching Equal Opportunities for Overseas trained Health Professionals project (REOH).

Background.  Research into overseas nurses in the UK has tended to focus on their experiences of discrimination in relationships with colleagues, managers and patients. There is limited statistical evidence indicating that migrant nurses experience slower career progression than their UK‐trained counterparts. However, there is little analysis of their experiences and perceptions of the process of career progression or their understandings of the factors that could account for their limited entry into higher grades.

Conclusions.  This paper argues that many Ghanaian nurses and midwives can experience difficulty in progressing into senior positions because of cultural differences and gaps in knowledge. However, this paper indicates that these problems can become institutionalized and entrenched by practices on the ward, particularly support from managers being dispensed as patronage that is not given equally to all. This creates an informal system of promotion to management which is not transparent, is based on subjective and culturally specific criteria and can undermine egalitarian formal procedures and create spaces where discriminatory practices can operate.

Relevance to clinical practice.  These processes can lead to sectors of the workforce becoming demoralized, to the wastage of skills and other resources and problems in staff retention.
Overseas nurses in the National Health Service: a process of deskilling
Authors: O'Brien Terri
Published: November 2007

Aims and objectives.  This paper shows that overseas nurses (OSN) recruited to UK hospital trusts become deskilled in technical aspects of clinical practice.

Background.  Existing research reports that many newly recruited OSN are prevented from using technical skills acquired in training abroad, to the detriment of the National Health Service (NHS) and the concern of the nurses themselves.

Design.  The author conducted case study work in three NHS hospital trusts in the northwest of England. The findings reported are part of a wider investigation into the assimilation1 of OSN from the Philippines, India and Spain into NHS hospitals. Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with members of four groups of actors: managers, OSN, home nurses (HN) and mentors, which were analysed thematically.

Results.  The research confirms the finding that many OSN are prevented from using technical skills in the UK, but also suggests reasons why this is so. The finding of deskilling emerged strongly in all three cases and is singled out for discussion in this paper.

Conclusions.  The experience of OSN highlights ambiguity surrounding the role of the nurse in British hospitals. This arises partly because OSN tend to be recruited to the bottom grades of nursing in the NHS, where their technical skills are underused.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Segmentation within the nursing hierarchy contributes to the conflicting messages and mismatch of expectations experienced by nurses at the ward level, regarding the role of the nurse.
Interrogating the language of integration: the case of internationally recruited nurses
Authors: Raghuram Parvati
Published: November 2007

Aims.  This paper suggested the need to interrogate the notion of ‘integration’ to facilitate the retention of migrant nurses.

Background.  The growth in internationally recruited nurses in the UK's health system has led to a raft of policies that aim to ensure that such nurses are well ‘integrated’ into their ‘new environment’. It is assumed that integration will improve the quality of internationally recruited nurses’ experience in the UK, improve their retention rates and thus improve the quality of health delivery within the UK. However, most of the steps through which integration is sought tend to move between some version of assimilation and ‘respect for difference’.

Contributions.  This paper aimed to add to existing literature on the integration of internationally recruited nurses in the UK by suggesting three steps towards rethinking ‘integration policies’. It suggests the need to recognize migration as only one of the differentiating factors within the nursing sector, to ensure that integration does actually become a two‐way process and to be cognizant of the multiple shapes that racism can take. The first two steps will prevent a slip between integration and assimilation while the last will help rethink any anti‐racist training that may form part of integration policies.

Conclusions.  There are many factors influencing the experiences of internationally recruited nurses and not all of them can be addressed within current integration policies.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Rethinking integration can help improve the experience of internationally recruited nurses.
Managing equality and cultural diversity in the health workforce
Authors: Hunt Beverley
Published: November 2007

Aims.  This article offers practical strategies to managers and others for supporting overseas trained nurses and managing cultural diversity in the health workforce.

Background.  Widespread nursing shortages have led managers to recruit nurses from overseas, mainly from developing countries. This paper draws on evidence from the Researching Equal Opportunities for Internationally Recruited Nurses and Other Health Professionals study reported elsewhere in this issue, which indicates that overseas trained nurses encountered widespread discriminatory practices including an overuse of complaints and grievances against them. The researchers also found that the overseas trained nurses responded to their experiences by using various personal strategies to resist or re‐negotiate and overcome such discriminatory practices.

Methods.  A research workshop was held in June 2005 at the midpoint of the Researching Equal Opportunities for Internationally Recruited Nurses and Other Health Professionals study. Twenty‐five participants attended the workshop. They were the Researching Equal Opportunities for Internationally Recruited Nurses and Other Health Professionals study researchers, advisory group members, including the author of this paper and other researchers in the field of migration. The overall aim of the workshop was to share emerging research data from the Researching Equal Opportunities for Internationally Recruited Nurses and Other Health Professionals and related studies. The final session of the workshop on which this paper is based, was facilitated by the author, with the specific aim of asking the participants to discuss and determine the challenges to managers when managing a culturally diverse workforce. The discussion yielded four main themes collated by the author from which a framework of strategies to facilitate equality and cultural diversity management of the healthcare workers may be developed. The four themes are: assumptions and expectations; education and training to include cultural sensitivity, equality and human rights; performance management; and transparent human resource management processes.

Conclusion.  Managing a racially and culturally diverse workforce is complex and challenging for managers. There are no ready‐made tools to show them how to do so. Achieving effective management of a culturally diverse workforce comes from an intrinsic motivation to develop the cultural competence to engage with them.

Implications for practice.  This article, together with others in this special issue, provides a springboard for moving this agenda on. It offers managers a framework of themes, which they can draw on to develop their own best practice for managing racial equality and cultural diversity in the health workforce.
Morphogenesis of koi herpesvirus observed by electron microscopy
Authors: Miwa S , Ito T , Sano M
Published: November 2007

Koi herpesvirus (KHV or cyprinid herpesvirus 3) was inoculated onto three fish cell lines derived from carp, Cyprinus carpio L., and the process of virion formation observed with electron microscopy. Essentially, similar features of virus particles were observed in all three cell lines. The nucleus of infected cells was characterized by margination of chromatin and often contained many capsids of about 110 nm in diameter with varying morphology. The morphological variation of the capsids was very similar to that of mammalian herpesviruses. Some capsids protruded from the inner nuclear membrane, and others, with envelopes, were located in the perinuclear space between the inner and outer nuclear membrane, suggesting budding of capsids at the inner nuclear membrane. Naked capsids and envelopment of capsids by budding into vesicles were also observed in the cytoplasm. Mature, enveloped virions 170–200 nm in diameter were seen in cytoplasmic vesicles or outside the cell. These observations suggest KHV virions mature through a complex morphological pathway including two distinct envelopments, which have been found only in herpesviruses. These observations support the inclusion of KHV in the family Herpesviridae.
Clinical and inflammatory effects of galvano‐ceramic and metal‐ceramic crowns on periodontal tissues
Authors: WEISHAUPT P. , BERNIMOULIN J.‐P. , LANGE K.‐P. , ROTHE S. , NAUMANN M. , HÄGEWALD S.
Published: November 2007

Summary  Prosthetic crowns made by galvano‐forming are considered to be highly biocompatible and aesthetic restorations. Therefore, they represent an alternative crown‐system to conventional metal‐ceramic crowns in replacing lost tooth structure. However, there are few data available on clinical and biochemical effects of galvano‐ceramic crowns on periodontal tissues. The purpose of this controlled study was to test the impact of galvano‐ceramic crowns and metal‐ceramic crowns on clinical and inflammatory responses of periodontal tissues. A prospective, blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted. Galvano‐ceramic crowns and metal‐ceramic crowns were placed in 52 periodontally healthy patients in split‐mouth design. Clinical parameters (gingival index, plaque index, probing depths and recessions) were recorded from six sites per tooth. Initial tissue alteration was accessed analysing the gingival crevicular fluid flow rate and IgG concentration in gingival crevicular fluid. After 24 months, 34 patients could be re‐evaluated. All crowns were in adequate function and obvious clinical inflammation was rarely observed. After 24 months of follow‐up, gingival tissues adjacent to galvano‐ceramic crowns showed significantly less signs of clinical and inflammatory responses according to plaque index (P = 0·004), gingival index (P < 0·001), gingival crevicular fluid flow rate (P = 0·012) and IgG (P = 0·002). Data were also analyzed for buccal and oral sites separately. Gingival tissues adjacent to metal‐ceramic crowns showed significantly increased clinical and inflammatory values for plaque index (P = 0·005), gingival index (P = 0·008), gingival crevicular fluid flow rate (P = 0·006), IgG (P = 0·007) at oral sites compared to galvano‐ceramic crowns. Our data suggest a stabilizing effect of galvano‐ceramic crowns on periodontal tissues over time.
Dental restorations for oral rehabilitation – testing of laboratory properties versus clinical performance for clinical decision making*
Authors: BAYNE S. C.
Published: November 2007

Summary  At the outset, the categories of physical, chemical, mechanical, biological and clinical properties of biomaterials are reviewed in terms of their definitions and relevant examples. Clinical performance for restorative materials is considered in terms of five crucial categories of factors (operator, design, materials, site and patient). Clinical performance assessment in actual clinical trials is described in terms of United States Public Health Service (USPHS) and modified USPHS categories of ratings collected from direct observations. Clinical failure analysis is characterized using reverse s‐shaped curves to summarize longevity (failure or success) and clinical longevity for 50% failures (CL50) is defined. Actual practice effectiveness is demonstrated as being approximately one‐half of clinical trial efficacy. Types of restorative dental material clinical trials are contrasted (longitudinal versus cross‐sectional, short‐term versus long‐term, university‐based versus practice‐based research networks). Poor correlations between laboratory test values and clinical performance are explained. The need for risk assessment is emphasized. Evidence‐based dentistry is defined in terms of available published information and precautions. At this point, the evidence base for clinical performance of biomaterials is scant.
Determinants of excessive daytime sleepiness in a French community‐dwelling elderly population
Authors: TSUNO NORIFUMI , JAUSSENT ISABELLE , DAUVILLIERS YVES , TOUCHON JACQUES , RITCHIE KAREN , BESSET ALAIN
Published: November 2007

Epidemiological studies have suggested that excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is associated with depression, but the association between EDS and other psychiatric disorders has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of EDS with a wide range of psychiatric disorders and health‐related conditions in the elderly population. Two thousand two hundred and fifty‐nine non‐institutionalised persons aged 65‐years and over randomly recruited from the Montpellier district, France, completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Psychiatric status was assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and demographic and other health information was obtained. This cross‐sectional study was conducted from March 1999 to February 2001. Men were significantly more likely to report EDS (ESS score>10) compared with women (12.0% versus 6.0% respectively). EDS was significantly associated in univariate analyses with chronic diseases, early awakening, snoring, severity of depression and lifetime prevalence of manic and hypomanic episodes. A multivariate analysis revealed that the lifetime prevalence of manic and hypomanic episodes, snoring and gender (male) were independently associated with EDS. No independent association with other psychiatric disorders was found.
Electroencephalographic arousals during sleep do not alter the pressor response to Cheyne–Stokes respiration in subjects with chronic heart failure
Authors: WILLSON GRANT N. , GRUNSTEIN RONALD R. , KIRJAVAINEN TURKKA , YOUNG IVEN H. , PIPER AMANDA J. , SULLIVAN COLIN E. , WILCOX IAN
Published: November 2007

This study examined the influence of electroencephalographic (EEG) arousal on the magnitude and morphology of the pressor response to Cheyne–Stokes respiration (CSR) in subjects with congestive heart failure (CHF). Thirteen subjects with stable CHF (left ventricular ejection fraction, 26 ± 7%) and CSR (apnea–hypopnea index 52 ± 15 h−1) underwent overnight polysomnography with beat‐to‐beat measurement of systemic arterial blood pressure (BP). CSR events were divided into those with or without an EEG arousal defined according to the criteria of the American Sleep Disorders Association. The pressor response was quantified in terms of the delta BP change (difference between the minimum BP during apnea and maximum BP during hyperpnea). Changes in the morphology of the pressor response were assessed by subdividing individual respiratory events into six periods (three during apnea: A1, A2, A3; and three during hyperpnea: H1, H2, H3). Considerable fluctuations in BP and heart rate (HR) were observed across the CSR cycle (delta mean BP 20.2 ± 6.5 mmHg). The presence of an EEG arousal did not alter the amplitude of fluctuations in BP. Mean blood pressure (MBP) increased 21.0 ± 7.5 mmHg with arousal versus 19.3 ± 5.8 mmHg without arousal (NS). A repeated measures ANOVA showed no significant interaction between the presence of arousal and the proportional change in mean BP across the six periods, indicating that an EEG arousal had no effect on the morphology of MBP change during CSR [F(5,60) = 1.44, P = 0.22]. This study showed that EEG‐defined arousal does not amplify the pressor response to CSR in CHF.
Children’s sleep and adjustment: the moderating role of vagal regulation
Authors: EL‐SHEIKH MONA , ERATH STEPHEN A. , KELLER PEGGY S.
Published: November 2007

Children’s vagal tone and vagal suppression were examined as moderators of associations between children’s sleep disruptions and adjustment problems. A relatively large sample (n = 167) of boys and girls who ranged in age between 8 and 9 years participated with their parents. Sleep was examined via actigraphy in the child’s home for seven consecutive days. Children’s vagal tone was examined during baseline conditions, and their vagal suppression was assessed in response to an inter‐adult argument. In comparison with children exhibiting higher levels of vagal tone, those with lower vagal tone were at increased risk of externalizing problems, depression symptoms and higher body mass index associated with increased sleep disruptions (i.e. lower Sleep Efficiency, increased Wake Minutes and fewer Sleep Minutes). Thus, lower vagal tone functioned as a vulnerability factor for adjustment problems in the context of sleep problems. A higher level of vagal suppression to the inter‐adult argument functioned as a protective factor against externalizing behaviors otherwise associated with increased Wake Minutes and reduced Sleep Efficiency. Findings demonstrating the moderating role of vagal functioning in the context of sleep disruptions are novel, and highlight the importance of individual differences in children’s physiological regulation for sleep and adjustment.
Multiple mating strategies explain unexpected genetic mixing of New Zealand fur seals with two congenerics in a recently recolonized population
Authors: LANCASTER MELANIE L. , GOLDSWORTHY SIMON D. , SUNNUCKS PAUL
Published: November 2007

Human impacts on natural systems can cause local population extinctions, which may promote redistribution of taxa and secondary contact between divergent lineages. In mammalian populations that have mating systems shaped by polygyny and sexual selection, the potential for hybridization to ensue and persist depends on individual and demographic factors. At Macquarie Island, a recently formed fur seal population is comprised of both sexes of breeding Antarctic (Arctocephalus gazella) and subantarctic (A. tropicalis) fur seals, and an itinerant collection of male New Zealand fur seals (A. forsteri), presumed to be non‐breeders due to their absence from principle breeding areas. The mating system of the three species is described as resource‐defence polygyny: males defend beach territories containing breeding females for exclusive mating rights. A recent genetic study identified a high level of hybridization in the population (17–30%), unexpectedly involving all three species. This study examined the source of involvement in breeding by A. forsteri with respect to mating strategies operating in the population. Ninety‐five (10%) pups born from 1992 to 2003 were genetically identified as New Zealand hybrids. Most resulted from reproduction within territories by New Zealand hybrids of both sexes, although some were conceived extra‐territorially, indicating that males successfully utilize strategies other than territory holding to achieve paternities. Female reproductive status influenced mating partner and mating location, and females without pups were more likely to conceive extra‐territorially and with A. forsteri males. This study illustrates an important consequence of low heterospecific discrimination in a sympatric population of long‐lived mammals.
Effects and mechanisms of vaginal electrical stimulation on gastric tone in dogs
Authors: Song G.‐q. , Hou X. , Zhu H. , Chen J. D. Z.
Published: November 2007

Abstract  Electrical stimulation of one part of the gut may have beneficial or adverse effects on another region. We hypothesized that electrical stimulation of a visceral organ in one system might have an effect on another visceral organ system. That is, disorders of one system may be treated by interventions of another system and this may lead to a more convenient or less invasive therapies in some cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of vaginal electrical stimulation (VES) with different parameters on gastric tone and gastric slow waves in conscious dogs. Seven dogs were studied in two experiments. Experiment 1 was to study effects of VES on gastric tone and slow waves. Experiment 2 was performed in two sessions (long pulse VES plus guanethidine and VES with trains of long pulse plus guanethidine) to study involvements of possible sympathetic mechanisms. The results of our experiments were: (i) VES increased the gastric volume in a dose‐dependent manner with the increase of stimulation frequency, amplitude or pulse width; (ii) VES had no effects on gastric slow waves; (iii) the inhibitory effect of VES with long pulses or trains of long pulses on gastric tone was abolished by guanethidine; and (iv) few or mild symptoms were noted with stimulation. VES decreases proximal gastric tone in an energy‐dependent manner without affecting gastric slow waves. The inhibitory effect of VES is mediated by a sympathetic pathway. Hypertensive gastric tone might be treated using electrical stimulation of the vagina which is minimally invasive.
Sensitivity of wild and genetic sexing strain Ceratitis capitata to high‐temperature disinfestation of Valencia oranges
Authors: Economopoulos A. P. , Konsolaki M. , Roditaki M.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  The purpose of this research was to investigate post‐harvest heat treatment of Valencia oranges as an effective disinfestation protocol (fast, no fruit damage) for the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Forced high‐temperature air was applied under the following conditions: (a) exposure to air temperature of 56°C, for fast increase of temperature in the interior of the fruit, (b) reduction in air temperature to 47°C when the fruit centre reached 47°C and (c) maintenance of fruits in the chamber for another 30 min. Relative humidity in the treatment chamber was kept between 50% and 65% during treatment. Forced air at 47°C applied for 30 min on eggs before hatch or late third instar larvae (the most heat‐tolerant stages) resulted in complete kill. Egg and larval sensitivity to high temperature differed between a wild strain and a laboratory genetic‐sexing strain based on white pupa mutation. In this strain males emerge from brown pupae and females from white pupae. In particular, mature eggs from the wild strain were significantly more temperature resistant than eggs from the laboratory strain. Exposure of Valencia oranges of a diameter of 7–7.5 cm to 56°C forced air for about 86 and 99 min was required to increase temperature to 47°C at 1.5 cm depth and the fruit centre respectively. Treated oranges showed no substantial peel or interior deterioration, or change in colour and taste when kept at 25°C and 50–60% RH for a period of up to 1 month following treatment. Treatment in 1% O2 atmosphere, produced by flushing of CO2 into the treatment chamber, resulted in about 1°C reduction in killing temperature and faster increase in temperature inside the fruit to a lethal level.
Variations in parasitism in sympatric populations of three invasive leaf miners
Authors: Girardoz S. , Volter L. , Tomov R. , Quicke D. L. J. , Kenis M.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Parasitism was investigated in sympatric populations of three invasive gracillariid leaf miners in Europe, Cameraria ohridella, Phyllonorycter robiniella and Phyllonorycter platani to test the hypotheses that C. ohridella is less heavily parasitized by native parasitoids and attacked by fewer species than the two other invasive species. In all regions investigated, C. ohridella showed a lower parasitism rate, and its parasitoid complex was poorer in species than those of either Phyllonorycter spp. Comparisons were made between sympatric populations of C. ohridella on its main host tree, Aesculus hippocastanum, and an occasional host, Acer pseudoplatanus. Parasitism rates were similarly low and composed of the same parasitoid species on both trees. In contrast, a sympatric population of Phyllonorycter geniculella, a native species mining A. pseudoplatanus, was heavily parasitized by a totally different parasitoid complex. These results suggest that the low parasitism in C. ohridella by native polyphagous leaf miner parasitoids is due neither to its host tree, nor to a problem of synchronization between the phenology of the pest and that of its parasitoids. Instead, it probably results from the inability of the native parasitoids to locate, attack, or develop on a new host that does not have any native congener in Europe.
Lepidopteran cereal stemborers and associated natural enemies on maize and wild grass hosts in Cameroon
Authors: Ndemah R. , Schulthess F. , Le Rü B. , Bame I.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  In Cameroon, the noctuid Busseola fusca is the most important pest of maize. The braconid Cotesia sesamiae, which is the most common larval parasitoid of noctuid stemborers in eastern Africa, was absent on B. fusca attacking maize. Thus, it is planned to introduce several strains of the parasitoid from Kenya. Pre‐release surveys were undertaken in major maize growing areas to catalogue stemborer species, and larval and pupal parasitoids on maize and four wild host plant species. On maize, B. fusca was the predominant borer in all ecozones except for the lowland coastal forest, usually accounting for 60–99%, followed by the pyralid Eldana saccharina in the forest zone and the crambid Chilo sp. in the mid‐altitudes. Contrary to what was reported before, the noctuid Poeonoma serrata– and not B. fusca– was the predominant borer on elephant grass, constituting 70–96% of all borers. On wild sorghum in the forest zone, the noctuid Sesamia poephaga was the most abundant species, while on Panicum sp., Chilo sp. predominated. On Setaria megaphylla in the forest zone, Chilo sp. was the most abundant species followed by Busseola quadrata. Busseola fusca was scarce on all wild grass species, indicating that previous reports on the predominance of this pest species on wild host plants were the result of misidentifications. Three tachinid and 16 hymenopteran parasitoids were obtained, most of them from B. fusca and P. serrata, on maize and Pennisetum purpureum respectively. C. sesamiae was scarce and never recovered from B. fusca on maize. In view of the new findings, acceptability and suitability studies involving the different stemborer species identified from wild plant hosts are required to determine if they will form a reproductive sink or perennate C. sesamiae populations during the off‐season when maize is scarce and B. fusca is diapausing.
Host instar and host plant effects on Aphidius colemani
Authors: Martinou A. F. , Wright D. J.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  The effect of Myzus persicae age (I–IV instar nymphs) on parasitism by Aphidus colemani was investigated in choice experiments with either aubergine (Solanum melongena L.) or pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as the aphid host plant species. Aphidius colemani could develop successfully to the mummy stage in all ages of aphid tested, on both pepper and aubergine plants. The greatest proportion of parasitoid mummies was found with II and III aphid instars on pepper and on I, II and III aphid instars on aubergine. On aubergine, I instar nymphs were also parasitized to an appreciable degree. Successful parasitism of IV instar nymphs was consistently low on both crops. The potential implications of host plant effects on the effectiveness of A. colemani as a biological control agent are discussed.
Winter dormancy of the pine sawyer Monochamus galloprovincialis (Col., Cerambycidae) in Portugal
Authors: Naves P. M. , De Sousa E. M. , Quartau J. A.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  The pine sawyer Monochamus galloprovincialis is the vector of the introduced pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Portugal and has a fixed univoltine life cycle, overwintering as larvae inside the wood. We investigated the possibility of the existence of a phase of winter dormancy affecting the larvae, its induction and termination under controlled conditions and its incidence and termination in the field. In the laboratory, the majority of the newly hatched larvae which were maintained at a constant temperature of 23°C and different photoperiods became dormant in <70 days. Part of the population completed dormancy and reassumed development until adult emergence at the constant temperature, without the need for a chilling period. Although no critical photoperiod for dormancy maintenance or termination could be determined, dormancy termination was more frequent for larvae experiencing changes on daylength duration. In the field, dormancy incidence grew progressively from a minimum of 26% in October to a maximum of 100% in April, and dormancy appeared to be completed only during late winter. The results suggest that M. galloprovincialis larvae underwent an obligatory dormancy associated with the last larval instar, which conforms to the general definition of diapause, although presenting some affinities with oligopause. The role of this dormancy on the regulation of the pine sawyer’s seasonal development and the number of generations is discussed.
The effect of autopolyploidy on biomass production in homozygous lines of Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea
Authors: Abel S. , Becker H. C.
Published: November 2007

In Brassica species contradictory results on the effect of polyploidization on vegetative biomass production have been reported. This might result from the fact that the level of heterozygosity in diploid and tetraploid lines as a major factor of plant performance in Brassicas is often disregarded. Therefore in this study autotetraploid lines were developed from seven completely homozygous lines of B. rapa and B. oleracea in order to analyse the unconfounded effect of polyploidy on vegetative biomass production of young plants. The tetraploid lines yielded 2–64% less than the corresponding diploid lines and there was no significant effect of the ploidy level on the dry matter content. These results indicate that the direct effect of polyploidization in B. rapa and B. oleracea is negative while in some other studies this negative effect could be compensated by a higher level of heterosis in tetraploid populations compared to their diploid reference populations.
Pulmonary actinomycosis and skin sinuses
Authors: Lee Jimmy Kok Foo
Published: November 2007

Abstract: A 12‐year old girl presented with an unusual problem of recurrent discharging multiple skin sinuses on her right anterior and posterior chest wall for a year. There was ipsilateral lower lobe pneumonia and imaging showed multiple abscesses in her lower back muscles bilaterally. A purulent fluid was aspirated from her back muscles and the histology examination showed sulphur granules with gram positive branched filaments. She responded well to the treatment for actinomycosis with penicillin and doxycycline.
Involvement of spinal motor neurons in parkin‐positive autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism
Authors: Sasaki Shoichi , Shirata Akiko , Yamane Kiyomi , Iwata Makoto
Published: November 2007

We intensively examined the spinal cord of an autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism (ARJP) female patient with a homozygous exon 3 deletion in the parkin gene, anticipating a possible involvement of anterior horn neurons. Although the clinical features of the patient were consistent with parkinsonism as a result of parkin mutation, her tendon reflex was abolished in the lower limbs. This feature was in contrast with hyperreflexia, usually found in previous reports of ARJP. Histologically, on the level of the cervical, thoracic, and sacral spinal cord, anterior horn neurons were well preserved and normal. However, the lumbar spinal cord exhibited many swellings of proximal axons (spheroids) and degenerative changes in the somata of the large anterior horn neurons such as central chromatolysis, cystatin C‐negative small eosinophilic inclusions, and eosinophilic Lewy body‐like inclusions. Ultrastructurally, accumulations of neurofilaments and abnormal structures, such as inclusion bodies similar to skein‐like inclusions and disorganized rough endoplasmic reticulum, were observed in the somata and neuronal processes. Lewy body‐like inclusions in this study were positively immunostained for both α‐synuclein and ubiquitin that closely resemble Lewy bodies, but are different from Lewy body‐like inclusions negatively immunostained for α‐synuclein in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These findings suggest that eosinophilic inclusions that closely resemble Lewy bodies may be formed in the spinal motor neurons of ARJP patients with parkin mutations and the motor neurons of these patients may be vulnerable to neurodegeneration.
Diagnosis of limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy 2A by immunohistochemical techniques
Authors: Kolski Hanna K. , Hawkins Cynthia , Zatz Mayana , De Paula Flavia , Biggar Doug , Alman Ben , Vajsar Jiri
Published: November 2007

The Western blot technique is currently the standard detection method for suspected limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) 2A (calpainopathy). This is the first report in the English literature of the successful application of immunohistochemical techniques to support a diagnosis of LGMD 2A. This approach is straightforward and appears to be reasonably specific. We propose that immunohistochemical methods should be re‐evaluated for the screening of undiagnosed patients with suspected LGMD 2A.