bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced immunogenicity using an alphavirus replicon DNA vaccine against human immunodeficiency virus type 1
Authors: Nordström Eva K. L. , Forsell Mattias N. E. , Barnfield Christina , Bonin Eivor , Hanke Tomas , Sundström Magnus , Karlsson Gunilla B. , Liljeström Peter
Published: January 2005

With the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) epidemic expanding at increasing speed, development of a safe and effective vaccine remains a high priority. One of the most central vaccine platforms considered is plasmid DNA. However, high doses of DNA and several immunizations are typically needed to achieve detectable T-cell responses. In this study, a Semliki Forest virus replicon DNA vaccine designed for human clinical trials, DREP.HIVA, encoding an antigen that is currently being used in human trials in the context of a conventional DNA plasmid, pTHr.HIVA, was generated. It was shown that a single immunization of DREP.HIVA stimulated HIV-1-specific T-cell responses in mice, suggesting that the poor immunogenicity of conventional DNA vaccines may be enhanced by using viral replicon-based plasmid systems. The results presented here support the evaluation of Semliki Forest virus replicon DNA vaccines in non-human primates and in clinical studies.
Mutations in Turnip mosaic virus genomes that have adapted to Raphanus sativus
Authors: Tan Zhongyang , Gibbs Adrian J. , Tomitaka Yasuhiro , Sánchez Flora , Ponz Fernando , Ohshima Kazusato
Published: January 2005

The genetic basis for virulence in potyviruses is largely unknown. Earlier studies showed that there are two host types ofTurnip mosaic virus(TuMV); theBrassica/Raphanus(BR)-host type infects bothBrassicaandRaphanussystemically, whereas theBrassica(B)-host type infectsBrassicafully and systemically, but notRaphanus. The genetic basis of this difference has been explored by using the progeny of an infectious clone, p35Tunos; this clone is derived from the UK1 isolate, which is of the B-host type, but rarely infectsRaphanussystemically and then only asymptomatically. Two inocula from one such infection were adapted toRaphanusby passaging, during which the infectivity and concentration of the virions of successive infections increased. The variant genomes in the samples, 16 in total, were sequenced fully. Four of the 39 nucleotide substitutions that were detected among theRaphanus sativus-adapted variant genomes were probably crucial for adaptation, as they were found in several variants with independent passage histories. These four were found in the protein 1 (P1), protein 3 (P3), cylindrical inclusion protein (CI) and genome-liked viral protein (VPg) genes. One of four ‘parallel evolution’ substitutions,3430G→A, resulted in a1100Met→Ile amino acid change in the C terminus of P3. It seems likely that this site is important in the initial stages of adaptation toR. sativus. Other independent substitutions were mostly found in the P3, CI and VPg genes.
Taro vein chlorosis virus: characterization and variability of a new nucleorhabdovirus
Authors: Revill Peter , Trinh Xuan , Dale James , Harding Rob
Published: January 2005

Sequencing of the monopartite RNA genome of a Fijian isolate of Taro vein chlorosis virus (TaVCV) confirmed that it is a definitive rhabdovirus with most similarity to members of the genus Nucleorhabdovirus. The TaVCV 12 020 nt negative-sense RNA genome contained six ORFs in the antigenomic sequence, equivalent to the N, P, 3, M, G and L genes that have been identified in other rhabdoviruses. The putative gene products had highest similarity to those of the nucleorhabdovirus Maize mosaic virus. A characteristic 3′-AAUUCUUUUUGGGUUGU/A-5′ sequence was identified in each of the intergenic regions and the TaVCV leader and trailer sequences comprised 140 and 61 nt, respectively. Assignment of TaVCV to the genus Nucleorhabdovirus was supported by thin-section electron microscopy of TaVCV-infected taro leaves, which identified virions budding from nuclear membranes into the perinuclear space. Variability studies identified high levels of TaVCV sequence diversity. Within the L gene of 20 TaVCV isolates from Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, maximum variability at the nucleotide level was 27·4 %. Within the N gene, maximum variability among 15 isolates at the nucleotide level was 19·3 %. The high level of TaVCV variability observed suggested that the introduction of TaVCV to the Pacific Islands was not a recent occurrence.
Immunostimulatory potential of hepatitis B nucleocapsid preparations: lipopolysaccharide contamination should not be overlooked
Authors: Vanlandschoot Peter , Van Houtte Freya , Ulrichts Peter , Tavernier Jan , Leroux-Roels Geert
Published: January 2005

The nucleocapsid of hepatitis B virus (HBV) allows insertions of heterologous peptides and even complete proteins. Because of its outstanding capacity to induce B-cell, T-helper and cytotoxic T-cell responses, this structure is considered to be an important instrument for future vaccine development. Most of the evidence for the unique immunogenic qualities of nucleocapsids has been generated in mice, which are not natural hosts of HBV. Moreover, most nucleocapsid preparations used in these studies were produced in a recombinant manner inEscherichia coli. Such preparations have been shown to contain lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Not unexpectedly, it is shown here that contaminating LPS, rather than the nucleocapsid structure itself, is responsible for the activation of human antigen-presenting cells. Careful examination of the literature dealing with the immunogenicity of HBV nucleocapsids suggests that the possible presence of LPS has been largely ignored or underestimated in several studies. This raises doubts on some of the underlying mechanisms that have been proposed to explain the unique immunogenicity of the HBV nucleocapsid.
Structural characterization of SmMn2GeO7 single microcrystals by electron microscopy
Authors: Juarez-Arellano E. A. , Ochoa J. M. , Bucio L. , Reyes-Gasga J. , Orozco E.
Published: January 2005

Single microcrystals of the new compound samarium dimanganese germanium oxide, SmMn2GeO7, were grown using the flux method in a double spherical mirror furnace (DSMF). The micrometric crystals were observed and chemically analysed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The structural characterization and chemical analysis of these crystals were also carried out using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), together with electron-energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). We found that the new quaternary compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with the point group mmm (D
2h
), space group Immm (No. 71) and cell parameters a = 8.30 (10), b = 8.18 (10), c = 8.22 (10) Å and V = 558.76 Å3.
Photo-induced spin-transition: the role of the iron(II) environment distortion
Authors: Marchivie Mathieu , Guionneau Philippe , Létard Jean-François , Chasseau Daniel
Published: January 2005

The [FeL
n
(NCS)2] iron(II) spin-crossover complexes cover a wide range of magnetic behaviour. Owing to the large number of known structural and magnetic data, this series is perfectly adapted to the investigation of the structure–magnetic properties relationship. In this paper we propose a new structural parameter, denoted Θ, which is used to correlate the features of the spin-crossover phenomena with the distortion of the iron environment. In particular, this parameter has shed light on the role of such distortion on the limiting temperature of photo-inscription, known as T(LIESST). A strong dependence of T(LIESST) on Θ is clearly demonstrated. The stronger the distortion the higher the T(LIESST) value. This structure–property dependence represents, for instance, a powerful tool to estimate the highest potential T(LIESST) value for a series of complexes. This limit in the [FeL
n
(NCS)2] series is estimated to be around 120 K, which probably prevents their use in any industrial application.
Temperature effects on the hydrogen-bond patterns in 4-piperidinecarboxylic acid
Authors: Mora Asiloé J. , Avila Edward E. , Delgado Gerzon E. , Fitch Andrew N. , Brunelli Michela
Published: January 2005

A temperature-controlled X-ray powder diffraction experiment, complemented with TGA and DSC analysis, allowed us to follow changes in the molecular conformation and hydrogen-bond patterns of 4-piperidinecarboxylic acid. The presence of three phases is confirmed. Phase 1 represents the monohydrated form of 4-piperidinecarboxylic acid, which exists from room temperature to 359 K, where dehydration occurs. Phase 2 measured at 363 K corresponds to an anhydrous form of the acid. At ca 458 K the onset of a second, more gradual transition is observed, which ends at around 543 K. Phase 3 measured at 543 K is a high-temperature anhydrous form of the acid. The structures of phases 2 and 3 were solved from synchrotron powder diffraction data by simulated annealing using the DASH program and refined by the Rietveld method. The phase changes are accompanied by modification of the hydrogen-bond patterns and of the torsional orientation of the terminal carboxylate group. This group makes a 49° rotation about the C1—C2 bond during the first transition.
Social discount rates for member countries of the European Union
Authors: Evans David J. , Sezer Haluk
Published: January 2005

Purpose

This paper sets out to estimate discount rates for EU members, on a consistent time preference basis, for application in the appraisal of social projects. The value of the discount rate can have an important influence on the allocation of funds between short‐term and long‐term uses.

Design/methodology/approach

A key component of the social discount rate is the elasticity of marginal utility of consumption (e) and it is estimated from OECD data relating to marginal and average rates of income tax. A tax model based on the principle of equal absolute sacrifice of satisfaction is employed.

Findings

The estimated discount rates, based on social time preference, mostly lie in the range 3‐5.5 per cent. The main source of variation in rates is differential growth in per capita consumption. Estimates of e are reasonably consistent and for 15 of the countries they lie in the range 1.3‐1.6.

Research limitations/implications

For more comprehensive tax information, then additional data from each country's tax authority are required. The research on estimates of e and social time preference rates can be extended to cover non‐European countries.

Practical implications

In the interests of a consistent equitable treatment of future generations, member countries of the EU should employ the same methodology in estimating social discount rates.

Originality/value

This paper applies a practical tax‐based approach to the estimation of e for a large number of European countries. The paper will be of interest to academics specialising in welfare economics and to practitioners involved in social project appraisal.
The effects of organizational responses to complaints on satisfaction and loyalty: a study of hotel guests in Northern Cyprus
Authors: Karatepe Osman M. , Ekiz Erdogan H.
Published: January 2005

This study investigates the effects of various organizational responses to complaints on post‐complaint customer behaviors. Specifically, the study investigates the effects of apology, atonement, promptness, facilitation, explanation, attentiveness and effort on complainant satisfaction and loyalty, and the association between satisfaction and loyalty. The study uses a sample of Turkish guests in the Northern Cyprus hotel industry. The hypothesized relationships are tested using LISREL 8.30 through path analysis. Results provide empirical support for ten of the 15 hypotheses examined. The path analysis reveals that apology, explanation, and effort are three organizational response options that exert significant positive effects on complainant satisfaction and loyalty. Empirical findings also suggest that effort appears to be the most influential organizational response affecting satisfaction and loyalty. Discussion of the results, implications, and limitations of the study are also presented.
Optimization of thermal resistance of stacked micro‐channel using genetic algorithms
Authors: Jeevan K. , Quadir G.A. , Seetharamu K.N. , Azid I.A. , Zainal Z.A.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To determine the optimal dimensions for a stacked micro‐channel using the genetic algorithms (GAs) under different flow constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

GA is used as an optimization tool for optimizing the thermal resistance of a stacked micro‐channel under different flow constraints obtained by using the one dimensional (1D) and two dimensional (2D) finite element methods (FEM) and by thermal resistance network model as well (proposed by earlier researcher). The 2D FEM is used to study the effect of two dimensional heat conduction in the micro‐channel material. Some parametric studies are carried out to determine the resulting performance of the stacked micro‐channel. Different number of layers of the stacked micro‐channel is also investigated to study its effect on the minimum thermal resistance.

Findings

The results obtained from the 1D FEM analysis compare well with those obtained from the thermal resistance network model. However, the 2D FEM analysis results in lower thermal resistance and, therefore, the importance of considering the conduction in two dimensions in the micro‐channel is highlighted.

Research limitations/implication

The analysis is valid for constant properties fluid and for steady‐state conditions. The top‐most surfaces as well as the side surfaces of the micro‐channel are considered adiabatic.

Practical implications

The method is very useful for practical design of micro‐channel heat‐sinks.

Originality/value

FEM analyses of stacked micro‐channel can be easily implemented in the optimization procedure for obtaining the dimensions of the stacked micro‐channel heat‐sinks for minimum thermal resistance.
Steady and unsteady thermal analysis of a triple stack cold plate with heat losses
Authors: Lin Beh Shiao , Ooi C.K. , Quadir G.A. , Seetharamu K.N.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To provide some new and additional data for the design of a triple stack cold plate.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed finite element formulation for the triple stack cold plate with and without heat losses from the top and bottom surfaces of the stack is presented to determine its performance under steady as well as unsteady conditions. The effects of the number of unit cells, different heat losses as well as the governing dimensionless parameter, M (involving stack dimension, properties of the stack material and the variation in the heat transfer coefficient) on the performance of the stack are investigated. The detailed formulation of the asymptotic waveform evaluation scheme is also given and applied to determine the transient performance of the stack.

Findings

The methods of analysis described are quite simple to use to determine the steady and unsteady performance of the triple stack cold plate under different operating conditions. The heat losses from the top and bottom surfaces of the stack do affect the maximum temperature of the stack and in such case, the assembled stack should be analysed.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis is limited to an incompressible fluid. The effect of varying mass flow rate of the fluid in the stack passages is also not considered.

Practical implications

New and additional generated data will be helpful in the design of cold plates used in the cooling of electronic components.

Originality/value

The asymptotic waveform evaluation scheme is used for the first time to determine the transient performance of the triple stack cold plate under different operating conditions. The results thus obtained are compared well with those found from the finite element analysis (FEM), but the computational effort and time required in the analysis is much small as compared to those required in the FEM analysis.
Understanding practices at the “ethnic” marketing/entrepreneurship interface: a case study of Kirit Pathak
Authors: Chaudhry Shiv , Crick Dave
Published: January 2005

This paper reports on a case history drawn from a larger investigation that profiled “successful” Asian entrepreneurs in order to encourage future entrepreneurship within the broad Asian community in the UK. Asian entrepreneurs were chosen for the larger study due to their propensity to engage in entrepreneurial activities in the UK in comparison to other ethnic communities. Ten case histories were developed via personal interviews with entrepreneurs in the Asian Eye “Rich‐List” of the 100 wealthiest Asians in the UK and data was supported with information from Web sites, newspapers etc. One case history is presented in this paper in order to explore the richness of the qualitative data and this serves as a learning vehicle for future ethnic businessmen and women working at the marketing/entrepreneurship interface.
Marketing in the social enterprise context: is it entrepreneurial?
Authors: Shaw Eleanor
Published: January 2005

This paper presents some of the findings to emerge from a qualitative study of social enterprise in the UK. The findings discussed in this paper refer to the marketing activities of social enterprises and consider the extent to which these can be described as “entrepreneurial”. This discussion suggests that while social enterprises do engage in entrepreneurial marketing, the local embeddedness of their activities, their not‐for‐profit orientation and challenges posed by social exclusion impact on their marketing activities.
Mapping protein energy landscapes with amide hydrogen exchange and mass spectrometry: I. A generalized model for a two‐state protein and comparison with experiment
Authors: Xiao Hui , Hoerner Joshua K. , Eyles Stephen J. , Dobo Andras , Voigtman Edward , Mel'čuk Andre I. , Kaltashov Igor A.
Published: January 2005

Protein amide hydrogen exchange (HDX) is a convoluted process, whose kinetics is determined by both dynamics of the protein and the intrinsic exchange rate of labile hydrogen atoms fully exposed to solvent. Both processes are influenced by a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A mathematical formalism initially developed to rationalize exchange kinetics of individual amide hydrogen atoms is now often used to interpret global exchange kinetics (e.g., as measured in HDX MS experiments). One particularly important advantage of HDX MS is direct visualization of various protein states by observing distinct protein ion populations with different levels of isotope labeling under conditions favoring correlated exchange (the so‐called EX1 exchange mechanism). However, mildly denaturing conditions often lead to a situation where the overall HDX kinetics cannot be clearly classified as either EX1 or EX2. The goal of this work is to develop a framework for a generalized exchange model that takes into account multiple processes leading to amide hydrogen exchange, and does not require that the exchange proceed strictly via EX1 or EX2 kinetics. To achieve this goal, we use a probabilistic approach that assigns a transition probability and a residual protection to each equilibrium state of the protein. When applied to a small protein chymotrypsin inhibitor 2, the algorithm allows complex HDX patterns observed experimentally to be modeled with remarkably good fidelity. On the basis of the model we are now in a position to begin to extract quantitative dynamic information from convoluted exchange kinetics.
Specific erythrocyte binding capacity and biological activity of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte binding ligand 1 (EBL‐1)‐derived peptides
Authors: Curtidor Hernando , Rodríguez Luis E. , Ocampo Marisol , López Ramses , García Javier E. , Valbuena John , Vera Ricardo , Puentes Álvaro , Vanegas Magnolia , Patarroyo Manuel E.
Published: January 2005

Erythrocyte binding ligand 1 (EBL‐1) is a member of the ebl multigene family involved in Plasmodium falciparum invasion of erythrocytes. We found that five EBL‐1 high‐activity binding peptides (HABPs) bound specifically to erythrocytes: 29895 (41HKKKSGELNNNKSGILRSTY60), 29903 (201LYECGK‐KIKEMKWICTDNQF220), 29923 (601CNAILGSYADIGDIVRGLDV620), 29924(621WRDINTNKLSEK‐FQKIFMGGY640), and 30018 (2481LEDIINLSKKKKKSINDTSFY2500). We also show that binding was saturable, not sialic acid‐dependent, and that all peptides specifically bound to a 36‐kDa protein on the erythrocyte membrane. The five HABPs inhibited in vitro merozoite invasion depending on the peptide concentration used, suggesting their possible role in the invasion process.
Physicochemical and residue conservation calculations to improve the ranking of protein–protein docking solutions
Authors: Duan Yuhua , Reddy Boojala V.B. , Kaznessis Yiannis N.
Published: January 2005

Many protein–protein docking algorithms generate numerous possible complex structures with only a few of them resembling the native structure. The major challenge is choosing the near‐native structures from the generated set. Recently it has been observed that the density of conserved residue positions is higher at the interface regions of interacting protein surfaces, except for antibody–antigen complexes, where a very low number of conserved positions is observed at the interface regions. In the present study we have used this observation to identify putative interacting regions on the surface of interacting partners. We studied 59 protein complexes, used previously as a benchmark data set for docking investigations. We computed conservation indices of residue positions on the surfaces of interacting proteins using available homologous sequences and used this information to filter out from 56% to 86% of generated docked models, retaining near‐native structures for further evaluation. We used a reverse filter of conservation score to filter out the majority of nonnative antigen–antibody complex structures. For each docked model in the filtered subsets, we relaxed the conformation of the side chains by minimizing the energy with CHARMM, and then calculated the binding free energy using a generalized Born method and solvent‐accessible surface area calculations. Using the free energy along with conservation information and other descriptors used in the literature for ranking docking solutions, such as shape complementarity and pair potentials, we developed a global ranking procedure that significantly improves the docking results by giving top ranks to near‐native complex structures.
Stability of HAMLET—A kinetically trapped α‐lactalbumin oleic acid complex
Authors: Fast Jonas , Mossberg Ann‐Kristin , Svanborg Catharina , Linse Sara
Published: January 2005

The stability toward thermal and urea denaturation was measured for HAMLET (human α‐lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells) and α‐lactalbumin, using circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as differential scanning calorimetry. Under all conditions examined, HAMLET appears to have the same or lower stability than α‐lactalbumin. The largest difference is seen for thermal denaturation of the calcium free (apo) forms, where the temperature at the transition midpoint is 15°C lower for apo HAMLET than for apo α‐lactalbumin. The difference becomes progressively smaller as the calcium concentration increases. Denaturation of HAMLET was found to be irreversible. Samples of HAMLET that have been renatured after denaturation have lost the specific biological activity toward tumor cells. Three lines of evidence indicate that HAMLET is a kinetic trap: (1) It has lower stability than α‐lactalbumin, although it is a complex of α‐lactalbumin and oleic acid; (2) its denaturation is irreversible and HAMLET is lost after denaturation; (3) formation of HAMLET requires a specific conversion protocol.
Expression of andic properties in soils from Galicia (NW Spain) under forest and agricultural use
Authors: Verde J. R. , Camps Arbestain M. , Macías F.
Published: January 2005

The organic matter (OM) of soils with andic properties has long been considered highly stable because of the presence of Al–humus complexes and sorption of organic ligands onto amorphous compounds. In this study, we characterized soils under different land use regimes located within an amphibolitic massif close to Santiago de Compostela (Spain), where soils with andic properties are present. Slash and burn agriculture was a common practice in the area until the second half of the 20th century. Thereafter, modern agriculture was progressively introduced into the area (AGR soils), and the rest of the land was either reforested or abandoned (FOR soils). We found that the mean organic C content of AGR soils (48.7 g kg−1) was ∼ 50% that of FOR soils (94.2 g kg−1). Mean soil pH was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in the AGR than in the FOR soils (4.95 compared with 4.63), which is attributed to liming and Ca‐phosphate fertilization of the former. Mean concentrations of the Al forms studied (extractable with CuCl2, sodium pyrophosphate, ammonium oxalate, or NaOH) were significantly smaller (P < 0.01) in AGR (1.4, 4.9, 9.3, 11.0 g kg−1, respectively) than in FOR soils (3.9, 10.2, 16.5, 17.9 g kg−1, respectively). The results show the vulnerability of the OM and Al–humus complexes in these soils to modern agricultural practices, which has led to the attenuation – and in some cases even the disappearance – of andic soil properties in a relatively short time (< 30 years) following changes in land use/management. We propose the inclusion of the formative element ‘andic’ in the criteria for the definition of Umbrisol subunits; this would avoid the abrupt discontinuity observed in the current World Reference Base classification.
Soil organic carbon and its sorptive preservation in central Germany
Authors: Wiseman C. L. S. , Püttmann W.
Published: January 2005

Soils are increasingly viewed as a potential sink for atmospheric carbon. However, their use to meet CO2 emission reductions is problematic for there are knowledge gaps regarding the mechanisms involved in the sequestration of organic carbon (OC). There is evidence which suggests that OC concentrations are controlled by the mineralogy and related specific surface area (SSA) of a given soil. The goal of this study was to examine the importance of sorptive mechanisms on OC stabilization. The objectives were (i) to determine the SSA, clay mineralogy and dithionite‐ and oxalate‐extractable Fe and Al concentrations of several soils, and (ii) to analyse how these variables are related to OC concentrations. Five soils were sampled and analysed: two Umbrisols, a Stagnic Acrisol, an Anthrosol/Vertisol/Gleysol‐Chernozem and a Gleysol (FAO terminology), all located in Hesse, Germany. Oxalate‐extractable Fe and Al were found to be the best predictors of OC concentrations in the soils examined. Specific surface area correlated significantly with the OC content of the B and C horizons of one Umbrisol and the entire profile of the Anthrosol/Vertisol/Gleysol‐Chernozem. The relationship between SSA and OC concentrations is likely to be restricted to certain soils and might be a product of the sorptive capacity of Fe and Al oxides. We can assume that the available mineral surface area on oxides is a limiting factor in terms of a soil's capacity to sequester organic carbon. As such, attention should be paid to soil mineralogy and how this might limit the use of soils as a sink for atmospheric CO2.
Short‐term effects of management on the soil structure in a deep tilled hardened volcanic‐ash soil (cangahua) in Ecuador
Authors: Podwojewski P. , Germain N.
Published: January 2005

In the Ecuadorian Cordillera, the hardened volcanic ashes (cangahuas) account for 15% of the cultivated area. The soil resulting from the fragmentation of these materials, generally by heavy machinery, shows an apparent stable millimetric structure. However, this new structure is highly susceptible to disintegration under rain, because it contains no organic matter and little clay, and the material itself is readily eroded in consequence.

We studied the evolution of soil aggregate stability in two factorial experiments during five cultivation cycles with two kinds of soil preparation and five fertilization treatments. The aggregate stability was not influenced by either kind of soil preparation, nor by large additions of cattle manure (80 t ha−1) or green manure (10 t ha−1), nor by growing a perennial grass. The variation in the aggregate stability seemed to depend on the components inherited from the original volcanic material: in the plots with larger clay content, and with swelling clay minerals, the aggregates were less stable than those composed of isometric fine silt particles.
Risk factors for chronic insomnia following hospitalization
Authors: Griffiths Maree F. , Peerson Anita
Published: January 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study whose purpose was to determine whether there is an increase in the incidence of chronic insomnia following hospitalization and, if so, to identify patients at risk.

Background.  The consequences of difficulty sleeping in hospital have received scant attention from clinicians or researchers. Implicit in this lack of interest is the assumption that difficulty in sleeping is a transient reaction to hospitalization that will resolve on discharge, an assumption not empirically supported. It has been argued that in susceptible people this type of temporary disruption to sleep can be the catalyst for the development of chronic insomnia.

Method.  Established sleep and depression rating instruments were used to monitor the sleep of 57 cardiac and 29 orthopaedic patients after elective surgery (n = 86), recruited through a hospital preadmission clinic.

Results.  Preadmission chronic insomnia of 10% was consistent with general population prevalence estimates of 6–12%. Three months after discharge the incidence had almost doubled to 19%. Sixty‐one per cent of this variance could be explained by hyperarousal, sleep hygiene issues, and dysfunctional cognitions about sleep. Depression was found to be a salient predictor but not an independent risk factor. Age, sex, and hospital‐related data, such as score for difficulty sleeping in hospital, proved to be statistically insignificant.

Conclusions.  The results support the role of hyperarousal and dysfunctional sleep attitudes and behaviours as stronger predictors of chronic insomnia than patient demographics or environmental issues. Given that most of the patients were ambivalent about how they slept in hospital, with high satisfaction (71%) in the presence of significant disruption (63%), preadmission sleep education given to these patients prior to admission potentially contributed to the development of more realistic expectations of the quality of in‐hospital sleep.
Non‐somatic effects of patient aggression on nurses: a systematic review
Authors: Needham Ian , Abderhalden Christopher , Halfens Ruud J.G. , Fischer Joachim E. , Dassen Theo
Published: January 2005

Aim.  This paper describes a systematic review of the predominant non‐somatic effects of patient assault on nurses.

Background.  Patient aggression towards nurses is a longstanding problem in most nursing domains. Although reports on the consequences of physical aggression are more numerous, the non‐physical effects create much suffering.

Method.  A systematic review of literature from 1983 to May 2003 was conducted using the Medline, CINAHL, PsychINFO and PSYINDEX databases. Articles from international journals in English or German and reporting at least three non‐somatic responses to patient aggression were included.

Findings.  The electronic search produced 6616 articles. After application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 25 texts from eight countries and four domains of nursing remained. Twenty‐eight main effects were found, and these were categorized using a system suggested by Lanza and including bio‐physiological, emotional, cognitive, and social dimensions. The predominant responses were anger, fear or anxiety, post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms, guilt, self‐blame, and shame. These main effects occurred across most countries and nursing domains.

Conclusion.  Despite differing countries, cultures, research designs and settings, nurses’ responses to patient aggression are similar. Standardized questionnaires could help improve estimations of the real prevalence of non‐somatic effects. Given the suffering caused by non‐somatic effects, research should be aimed at preventing patient aggression and at developing better ways to prepare nurses to cope with this problem.
Changes in community nursing in Australia: 1995–2000
Authors: Kemp Lynn A. , Harris Elizabeth , Comino Elizabeth J.
Published: January 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study whose aim was to examine the congruence between community nurses’ perceptions and the realities of changes in their work.

Background.  There have been increasing challenges to the delivery of community nursing services in Australia over the past decade. Acute care sector changes and the recent focus on health promotion, prevention, early identification and intervention adds pressure and creates tensions for community nurses, which are well‐documented in the literature. There is, however, a lack of empirical evidence of actual changes in community nurses’ workloads and the focus of their work. Validation of nurses’ perceptions would enable them to have a stronger voice in the future development of community health care.

Methods.  Four sources of data were used: community health client administrative data 1995–2000; occasions of service data 1995–2000; staffing numbers 1998–2001; and interviews with 14 community nurses in late 2001.

Results.  Documentary evidence shows that there has been a large increase in the number of adult clients, and all clients are increasingly receiving a shorter, more intensive, clinically focussed service and are then discharged from care, rather than receiving a lower intensity service over a longer period of time. Staffing numbers have not increased to match this higher acuity and intensity. These changes were echoed by the nurses, who reported that expanded acute care roles were impacting on their workload and resulting in a loss of holistic primary health care focus. There has been a lack of leadership and proactive planning by community nurses in response to these changes.

Conclusion.  Community health care in Australia is shifting from primary to short‐term clinical care. Greater opportunities for community nurses to engage proactively in defining and promoting their role in the health care system are needed in order to ensure an appropriate balance of acute clinical and holistic primary health care in the community.
Effects of nateglinide on myocardial microvascular reactivity in Type 2 diabetes mellitus – a randomized study using positron emission tomography
Authors: Bengel F. M. , Abletshauser C. , Neverve J. , Schnell O. , Nekolla S. G. , Standl E. , Schwaiger M.
Published: January 2005

Aims  To evaluate effects of the oral antidiabetic insulinotropic agent nateglinide on myocardial blood flow (MBF) and microvascular reactivity in Type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods  Forty‐seven Type 2 diabetic patients were randomly assigned 2 : 1 to nateglinide 120 mg (t.i.d., n = 33) or placebo (n = 14). At baseline and after 16 weeks of treatment, MBF was quantified using positron emission tomography with N‐13 ammonia at rest, during endothelial‐dependent stimulation by cold pressor test and during adenosine‐mediated vasodilation. Additional blood samples were taken to assess glycaemic control and lipid profile.

Results  MBF at rest and during adenosine did not change during the study. The percentage of flow increase from rest during cold pressor test did not improve significantly in the nateglinide group vs. placebo (from 26.1 ± 37.2% to 29.1 ± 27.8% between week 0 to week 16 for nateglinide vs. 14.9 ± 37.1% to 18.1 ± 28.4% for placebo; P = 0.07 for nateglinide when adjusted for higher baseline values). Nateglinide decreased HbA1c by 0.4% (from 7.6 ± 0.9% to 7.2 ± 1.3%) compared to an increase of 0.5% in the placebo group (from 7.9 ± 0.8% to 8.4 ± 1.7%; P = 0.02 for nateglinide). No differences between the two groups were observed in insulin levels and lipid status.

Conclusions  Nateglinide neither improved, nor impaired myocardial blood flow in Type 2 diabetic patients. Potential effects on endothelial‐dependent myocardial blood flow remain to be investigated further. Positron emission tomography is a sensitive approach to assess the effects of therapeutic agents on myocardial blood flow in patients with diabetes.
Unchanged incidence of diabetic nephropathy in Type 1 diabetes: a nation‐wide study in Iceland
Authors: Tryggvason G. , Indridason O. S. , Thorsson A. V. , Hreidarsson A. B. , Palsson R.
Published: January 2005

Aims  Diabetic nephropathy is an uncommon cause of end‐stage renal disease in Iceland in contrast to most industrialized countries. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of diabetic nephropathy in Iceland.

Methods  All patients diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in Iceland before 1992 were studied retrospectively. Patients diagnosed before age 30, who were insulin dependent from the onset, were defined as having Type 1 diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy was defined as persistent proteinuria measured with a dipstick test (Albustix) on three consecutive clinic visits at least 2 months apart. Patients were followed to the end of year 1998, to their last recorded outpatient visit, or until death. The cumulative incidence of diabetic nephropathy was calculated with the Kaplan–Meier method and presented according to the duration of diabetes divided into 5‐year intervals.

Results  A total of 343 patients with Type 1 diabetes were identified. The mean follow‐up period was 20.2 ± 11.4 (mean ± sd) years. Only 9.3% of patients were lost to follow‐up. Sixty‐five patients developed diabetic nephropathy. The cumulative incidence was 22.6% at 20 years and levelled off at 40.3% after approximately 35 years of diabetes duration. No significant changes in cumulative incidence were observed over time. Mean glycated haemoglobin was 8.4% in patients with proteinuria and 7.8% in a group of patients without proteinuria that was matched for age, gender and duration of diabetes (P = 0.04).

Conclusions  The cumulative incidence of diabetic nephropathy in Iceland is comparable with previously reported cumulative incidence rates and has remained unchanged. Glycaemic control was significantly better in patients without proteinuria.
Interclinician variation in diabetes foot assessment— a national lottery?
Authors: Thompson L. , Nester C. , Stuart L. , Wiles P.
Published: January 2005

Aim  The aim was to evaluate variation among clinicians in the outcome of assessments of foot health status and risk status in patients with diabetes.

Methods  Seventeen clinicians assessed three patients with diabetes using a standardized assessment form and risk classification system.

Results  There was variation among clinicians in all aspects of the assessment; recording basic demographic information; taking a medical history; vascular and neurological assessments. Variation was also evident in the risk categories allocated to each of the three patients.

Conclusions  As a consequence of the variation among clinicians in the foot assessment the same patient would have received different care pathways to monitor and manage their foot health depending upon which clinician undertook their initial assessment. We therefore recommend that more attention is placed on training for objective clinical testing, at both pre‐ and postgraduate levels.
Insulin treatment and cardiovascular disease; friend or foe? A point of view
Authors: Muis M. J. , Bots M. L. , Grobbee D. E. , Stolk R. P.
Published: January 2005

Background Several observational studies have shown that higher insulin levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. If higher endogenous insulin levels are causally related to cardiovascular disease, one might expect an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients treated with insulin, as this results in high circulating insulin levels. Such risk elevation might counteract the benefits of tight glucose control. Our objective was to explore the relationship between insulin therapy and cardiovascular disease in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus using information from available literature.

Summary of comment Several experimental studies in animals and humans support the presence of a harmful effect of insulin on the vascular endothelium. In prospective follow‐up studies increased insulin dosage was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, although confounding by indication could not be excluded. Randomized controlled trials in diabetic patients, comparing conventional with intensive glucose‐lowering treatment, although showing a reduction in microvascular disease, showed no significant difference in the incidence of cardiovascular disease. The results with respect to exposure to insulin are, however, difficult to interpret due to insufficient information on exposure to insulin levels as well as confounding by glycaemic control and body mass index. In addition, these studies were not designed to address the question whether higher insulin use relates to increased cardiovascular risk.

Conclusion Published research provides conflicting evidence as to whether exposure to high levels of exogenous insulin in diabetes mellitus affects the risk of cardiovascular disease. The currently available studies have a number of serious methodological restraints that limit accurate interpretation and conclusions in this area.
‘Disappearing diabetes’—resolution of apparent Type 1 diabetes in a patient with AIDS and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
Authors: Evans E. M. , Nye F. , Beeching N. J. , Gill G. V.
Published: January 2005

A 30‐year‐old African female with established acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and no history of diabetes, presented in severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Blood pH was 6.96, serum bicarbonate 5 mmol/l, plasma glucose (PG) 33.0 mmol/l, and urine heavily positive for ketones. She responded to standard treatment and was established on twice‐daily subcutaneous insulin. Four months later her insulin was stopped because of hypoglycaemic attacks on small doses. A glucose tolerance test (GTT) at 6 months postdiagnosis was normal (fasting PG 4.4 mmol/l and 2 h PG 7.5 mmol/l), and at 12 months random PG was 4.1 mmol/l and HbA1c 4.3%. The onset of her apparent Type 1 diabetes coincided with an HIV‐associated cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, and a reversible ‘CMV insulitis’ may be an explanation. Alternatively, the patient may have had what has recently been described as ‘atypical diabetes’ in African or Afro‐Caribbean diabetic patients. Here resolution of diabetes may occur after presentation, though complete return to normoglycaemia after true DKA is very unusual.
Effects of Widespread Fish Introductions on Paedomorphic Newts in Europe
Authors: DENOEL MATHIEU , DZUKIC GEORG , KALEZIC MILOS L.
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  As a result of factors such as global warming, habitat destruction, and species introduction, amphibians are declining worldwide. No one, however, has analyzed the status of polymorphic amphibian species at a national or continental scale, although some local reports exist. Our aim was to report on the loss of intraspecific heterochrony as a loss to diversity in determining the consequences of fish stocking on European populations of paedomorphic newts. Paedomorphosis is a polymorphism in which larval traits are retained in the adult stage. We surveyed 39 paedomorphic populations of the alpine (
 Triturus alpestris) and palmate (T. helveticus) newts, all but one of which initially occupied fishless ponds and lakes in France, Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Greece. Exotic fishes were found in 44% of the studied aquatic habitats, with a 100% presence in Montenegro. At all sites paedomorphs disappeared and metamorphs declined. Only fish explained these population changes because alternative factors such as drying were not significant. More catastrophically, fish introductions occurred in habitats known to support the largest populations of newts and even some endemic subspecies. If management and legislative measures are not taken to stop fish stocking, protect paedomorphs as conservation units at national and international levels, and restore natural habitats, all the largest paedomorphic populations may disappear in the near future. Their disappearance would represent a loss of one of the rare, fascinating examples of intraspecific heterochrony.
Structure and Operation of a Bushmeat Commodity Chain in Southwestern Ghana
Authors: COWLISHAW GUY , MENDELSON SAMANTHA , ROWCLIFFE J. MARCUS
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  The bushmeat trade is perceived as a major threat to wild animal populations in the tropics. Little is known of how the trade is organized, however, or of the actors involved in it, impeding the development of effective conservation policy. We investigated the structure and operation of a bushmeat commodity chain in West Africa that supplies a typical urban market, the city of Takoradi in southwestern Ghana. Data were collected from January through February 2000, describing 2430 bushmeat transactions encompassing 17 different taxa from 70 different actors, through a combination of direct observation and semistructured interviews. Five different types of actor traded along the commodity chain: commercial hunters, farmer hunters, wholesalers, market traders, and chopbar (cafe) owners. Bushmeat was traded freely among all these actors, although the primary trade route for terrestrial mammals was from commercial hunters via wholesalers to chopbars. In contrast, invertebrates were only traded by farmer hunters, market traders, and chopbars. Wholesalers captured the largest per capita share of the market (4% of all sales were handled by each wholesaler), whereas the most important vendors were chopbars, which as a group made 85% of all bushmeat sales to the public. Variation in the price of bushmeat was largely explained by transport costs and taste preferences. Transport costs were most significant for hunters and greatest on long journeys involving large loads. Nevertheless, hunters obtained the greatest income per kilogram of bushmeat sold of all actor groups. Our results suggest that there is no single best entry point along the bushmeat commodity chain for conservation intervention. On the contrary, the successful monitoring and management of the bushmeat trade is likely to require a multiactor approach that encompasses most or all actor groups.