bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species diversity and population dynamics of rodents in a farm‐fallow field mosaic system in Central Tanzania
Authors: Makundi Rhodes H. , Massawe Apia W. , Mulungu Loth S. , Katakweba Abdul
Published: September 2009

A Capture‐Mark‐Recapture study was undertaken in Central Tanzania to compare variations in community structure and population dynamics of rodents in two types of habitats. The study was conducted in fallow field mosaic habitat dominated by perennial and annual grasses (grid BEA) and a more heterogeneous habitat (grid BEB) which was previously woodland cleared of most trees with vegetation dominated by shrubs, bushes, scattered trees and perennial grass. The relative abundance of rodents in BEA was: Mastomys natalensis (73.5%) > Aethomys chrysophilus (8.9%) > Gerbilliscus vicina (7.3%) > Arvicanthis neumanni (6.1%) > Acomys spinosissimus (4.1%) and for grid BEB: M. natalensis (67.6%) > G. vicina (11.2%) > A. neumanni (10.3%) > A. chrysophilus (7.6%) > A. spinosissimus (2.9%). Graphiurus sp., Mus minutoides, Saccostomus mearnsi, Lemniscomys striatus and L. griselda were rare and only occasionally trapped in BEB. Spatial variations in population density were non‐significant except for A. chrysophilus. Significant temporal variations within grids were observed, with synchrony of population peaks for some species. The rare species boosted species richness of grid BEB rather artificially, without significantly contributing to higher species diversity. Temporal variations in Simpson’s Diversity indices between grids were non‐significant except for three out of twenty‐one trapping sessions.
Competition between domestic dogs and Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Atickem A. , Bekele A. , Williams S. D.
Published: September 2009

The potential effects of the domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) on the Endangered Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) through exploitative and interference competition were studied in the Web Valley of Bale Mountains national park between November 2001 and February 2003. All dogs were owned in the study area and no feral dogs were reported or observed during the research period. The diet of domestic dogs was dominated by barley husks and human faeces which contributed 45% and 20.7% of the total 382 meals observed during focal watch observations. Analysis of dog faeces provided similar results with barley husks, human faeces and animal carcasses occurring in 86.8%, 21.4% and 19.4% of the 1200 faecal samples analysed. Both focal watch and faecal analyses revealed that rodents contributed only a very small proportion of the diet of dogs accounting for only 4.2% of the focal watch and 2.8% of the faecal analysis of roaming dogs. As Ethiopian wolves fed almost exclusively on rodent year round, no significant exploitative competition between dogs and wolves were assessed. Only small proportion of the domestic dogs roamed in the Ethiopian wolf range and interference competition did not appear to be a serious threat for the Ethiopian wolf.
A new polycythaemia vera‐associated SOCS3 SH2 mutant (SOCS3F136L) cannot regulate erythropoietin responses
Authors: Suessmuth Yvonne , Elliott Joanne , Percy Melanie J. , Inami Mitsuharu , Attal Hila , Harrison Claire N. , Inokuchi Koiti , McMullin Mary‐Frances , Johnston James A.
Published: September 2009

Recently several different JAK2 exon12 mutations have been identified in V617F negative polycythaemia vera (PV) or idiopathic erythrocytosis (IE) patients. The patients present with erythrocytosis, ligand‐independent cell growth and low serum erythropoietin (EPO) levels. Within this group, a deletion of amino acids 542–543 (N542‐E543del) of JAK2 is most prevalent. We have previously shown that in the presence of JAK2V617F, suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) is unable to negatively regulate EPO signalling and proliferation of V617F‐expressing cells. Here we report a PV patient heterozygous for the somatic JAK2N542‐E543del mutation and a previously unreported germline mutation within the SH2 domain of SOCS3 (F136L). Interestingly, the SOCS3F136L mutation was detected in a Japanese myeloproliferative disorder patient cohort at double the frequency of healthy controls. Cells expressing SOCS3F136L had markedly elevated EPO‐induced proliferation and extended EPO‐induced JAK2 phosphorylation. Additionally, compared to wild‐type SOCS3, mutant SOCS3 had an extended half‐life in the presence of JAK2 and JAK2N542‐E543del. Our findings suggest that this loss‐of‐function SOCS3 mutation may have contributed to disease onset by causing deregulated JAK2 signalling in the presence of a constitutively active JAK2N542‐E543del mutant.
ADAM‐mediated amphiregulin shedding and EGFR transactivation
Authors: Kasina S. , Scherle P. A. , Hall C. L. , Macoska J. A.
Published: September 2009

Introduction:  The ectodomain shedding of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands, such as amphiregulin (AREG), by ADAMs (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteases) can be stimulated by G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists. Interactions between the CXCR4 GPCR and the CXCL12 chemokine have been shown to mediate gene transcription and cellular proliferation in non‐transformed and transformed prostate epithelial cells, as well as motility/invasiveness in transformed cells.

Objectives:  In this report, we investigated the ability of CXCL12 to stimulate amphiregulin ectodomain shedding in non‐transformed and transformed prostate epithelial cells that respond proliferatively to sub‐nanomolar levels of CXCL12 and amphiregulin.

Materials and Methods:  Non‐transformed N15C6 and transformed PC3 prostate epithelial cells were assessed for amphiregulin shedding, ADAM activation, Src phosphorylation and EGFR activation using ELISA, immunoblot, and immunoprecipitation techniques, and for proliferation using cell counting after stimulation with CXCL12 or vehicle.

Results:  The results of these studies identify CXCL12 as a novel inducer of amphiregulin ectodomain shedding and show that both basal and CXCL12‐mediated amphiregulin shedding are ADAM10‐ and Src kinase‐dependent in non‐transformed N15C6 cells. In contrast, amphiregulin shedding is not amplified subsequent to stimulation with exogenous CXCL12, and is not reduced subsequent to metalloprotease‐ or Src kinase‐inhibition, in highly aggressive PC3 prostate cancer cells. These data also show that CXCL12‐mediated cellular proliferation requires EGFR transactivation in a Src‐ and ADAM‐dependent manner in non‐transformed prostate epithelial cells. However, these same mechanisms are dysfunctional in highly transformed prostate cancer cells, which secrete amphiregulin in an autocrine manner that cannot be repressed through metalloprotease‐ or Src kinase inhibition.

Conclusion:  These findings show that non‐transformed and transformed prostate epithelial cells may employ different mechanisms to activate EGFR ligands and thereby utilize the EGFR axis to promote cellular proliferation.
Women's abuse of their children in the context on domestic violence: reflection from women's accounts
Authors: Damant Dominique , Lapierre Simon , Lebossé Catherine , Thibault Sylvie , Lessard Geneviève , Hamelin‐Brabant Louise , Lavergne Chantal , Fortin Andrée
Published: September 2009

This paper draws upon the findings of a study that looked at women's experiences of mothering in the context of co‐occurrence of domestic violence and child abuse, and considers the issue of women's violence towards children – while acknowledging the fact that men are the main perpetrators of violence towards women and children in these families. The paper first explores the relationship between women's victimization and women's violence, and suggests that women's abuse of their children can be seen as a consequence of their own experiences of domestic violence. The findings nonetheless suggest that abused women have agency, and therefore have responsibilities when they chose to use violence towards their children. The paper also considers the feelings of guilt and blame that tend to arise in these circumstances. Implications for research, policy and practice are identified.
Biological control of beech and hornbeam affects species richness via changes in the organic layer, pH and soil moisture characteristics
Authors: Kooijman Anne Mieke , Cammeraat Erik
Published: September 2009

1. Litter quality is an important ecosystem factor, which may affect undergrowth species richness via decomposition and organic layers directly, but also via longer‐term changes in soil pH and moisture. The impact of beech trees with low‐degradable and hornbeam trees with high‐degradable litter on biodiversity and soil characteristics was studied in ancient forests on decalcified marl, a parent material sensitive to changes in pH and clay content, and characteristic of large parts of western Europe.

2. Vegetation analysis clearly separated beech and hornbeam plots, and showed that species richness was consistently lower under beech. Low species richness under beech was associated with low pH, high mass of the organic layer and low soil moisture, which were all interrelated.

3. Development of the organic layer was affected by, not only litter quality, but also by pH levels and soil moisture. Under hornbeam, older organic matter increased from almost zero to 1 kg m−2in drier and more acid soil. Under beech tree litter decay was generally slow, but slowed further in acid soils, where older organic matter amounted to 4 kg m−2.

4. Soil moisture and pH levels were strongly related, possibly due to long‐term soil development. Under hornbeam, which is more palatable to soil organisms, moisture, bulk density, clay content and pH were high. Acidification and clay eluviation may be counteracted by earthworms, which bring base cations and clay particles back to the surface, and stimulate erosion, so that the impermeable, clay‐rich subsoil remains close to the surface. Soils remain base‐rich and moist, which further stimulates litter decay and species richness.

5. The unpalatable beech showed low pH and clay content, and high porosity, air‐filled pore space and depth to the impermeable subsoil. Acidification and clay eluviation may proceed uninhibited, because earthworm activity is low, and erosion limited by protective litter covers. This may lead to drier and more acid soils, which reduce litter decay and species richness even further.

6. Trees with low and high litter quality may thus act as an ecosystem engineer, and not only affect ecosystem functioning via mass of the organic layer, but also via longer‐term changes in soil characteristics, which in turn affect species richness of the understorey.
Festuca campestris alters root morphology and growth in response to simulated grazing and nitrogen form
Authors: McInenly Leslie E. , Merrill Evelyn H. , Cahill James F. , Juma Noorallah G.
Published: September 2009

1.  Large herbivores are known to spatially concentrate and alter the form of nitrogen (N) in grassland systems, which can modify aboveground plant chemical composition and productivity, and result in shifts in grazing pressure in these areas. Root responses to grazing under high N inputs may facilitate these changes, but their responses are less well understood.

2.
 We examined biomass, root morphology and demography, and nitrogen pool responses of Festuca campestris Rydb. seedlings grown in pots in an environmental chamber and subject to heavy fertilization with isotopically‐labelled N in a NO3‐N or NH4‐N fertilizer treatment, and to no clipping or clipping to 4 cm twice during the experiment.

3.
 Festuca campestris exhibited re‐growth patterns after defoliation that reflected preferential allocation to aboveground shoots, with percent recovery of shoot biomass twice that of roots. Clipping did not increase the risk of root mortality. Instead, reduced root biomass in clipped plants resulted from slowed elongation and decreased production of new roots. Although roots with smaller diameters and at lower density had a greater risk of root mortality, clipping did not alter the mean root diameter or level of root branching.

4.
 Under high N fertilization, NH4‐N increased the amount of aboveground biomass, ameliorated the effects of clipping on root production and further reduced the risk of root mortality in clipped plants. N‐form had no effect on root morphology.

5.
 While total plant N uptake and the percent utilization of fertilizer were lower in clipped plants, total plant nitrogen accumulated per root biomass (g g−1) at harvest was higher in clipped plants.

6.
 Our findings indicate that where defoliation is coupled with high nitrogen return, Festuca campestris recuperates by increasing nitrogen uptake, shifting production to favour recovery of aboveground biomass, and mitigating carbon losses by decreasing investment in new, actively growing roots. Because application of a more mobile form of nitrogen (NO3‐N) did not alter root morphology, root physiological responses may be most important for re‐growth when nitrogen is not limiting. Root reductions associated with grazing may have a greater impact in locations where grazer‐mediated nitrogen return is spatially decoupled from defoliation.
FLR‐2, the glycoprotein hormone alpha subunit, is involved in the neural control of intestinal functions in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Oishi Akane , Gengyo‐Ando Keiko , Mitani Shohei , Mohri‐Shiomi Akiko , Kimura Koutarou D , Ishihara Takeshi , Katsura Isao
Published: September 2009

The intestine plays an essential role in organism‐wide regulatory networks in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In Caenorhabditis elegans, class 1 flr genes (flr‐1, flr‐3 and flr‐4) act in the intestine and control growth rates and defecation cycle periods, while class 2 flr genes (flr‐2, flr‐5, flr‐6 and flr‐7) are characterized by mutations that suppress the slow growth of class 1 flr mutants. This study revealed that flr‐2 gene controls antibacterial defense and intestinal color, confirming that flr‐2 regulates intestinal functions. flr‐2 encoded the only glycoprotein hormone alpha subunit in C. elegans and was expressed in certain neurons. Furthermore, FLR‐2 bound to another secretory protein GHI‐1, which belongs to a family of lipid‐ and lipopolysaccharide‐binding proteins. A ghi‐1 deletion mutation partially suppressed the short defecation cycle periods of class 1 flr mutants, and this effect was enhanced by flr‐2 mutations. Thus, FLR‐2 acts as a signaling molecule for the neural control of intestinal functions, which is achieved in a functional network involving class 1 and class 2 flr genes as well as ghi‐1. These results are informative to studies of glycoprotein hormone signaling in higher animals.
Associations between PIWI proteins and TDRD1/MTR‐1 are critical for integrated subcellular localization in murine male germ cells
Authors: Kojima Kanako , Kuramochi‐Miyagawa Satomi , Chuma Shinichiro , Tanaka Takashi , Nakatsuji Norio , Kimura Tohru , Nakano Toru
Published: September 2009

The mouse Piwi family proteins (MILI, MIWI and MIWI2) play pivotal roles in spermatogenesis through transcriptional and post‐transcriptional gene regulation. To reveal the molecular functions of these proteins, we investigate the proteins that bind to MILI in adult mouse testes. We found that both MILI and MIWI bind to TDRD1/MTR‐1, which is also an essential protein for spermatogenesis. Co‐immunoprecipitation assays and subcellular localization of the proteins and mutants thereof revealed a complex formation involving MILI, MIWI and TDRD1/MTR‐1. In addition, the subcellular localizations of MILI and TDRD1/MTR‐1 were altered, and chromatoid body formation was impaired in the MIWI‐null round spermatids. These data suggest that the formation of complexes between MILI, MIWI and TDRD1/MTR‐1 is critical for the integrated subcellular localizations of these proteins, and is presumably essential for spermatogenesis.
Maintenance of leaf N controls the photosynthetic CO2 response of grassland species exposed to 9 years of free‐air CO2 enrichment
Authors: CROUS KRISTINE Y. , REICH PETER B. , HUNTER MARK D. , ELLSWORTH DAVID S.
Published: September 2009

Determining underlying physiological patterns governing plant productivity and diversity in grasslands are critical to evaluate species responses to future environmental conditions of elevated CO2 and nitrogen (N) deposition. In a 9‐year experiment, N was added to monocultures of seven C3 grassland species exposed to elevated atmospheric CO2 (560 μmol CO2 mol−1) to evaluate how N addition affects CO2 responsiveness in species of contrasting functional groups. Functional groups differed in their responses to elevated CO2 and N treatments. Forb species exhibited strong down‐regulation of leaf Nmass concentrations (−26%) and photosynthetic capacity (−28%) in response to elevated CO2, especially at high N supply, whereas C3 grasses did not. Hence, achieved photosynthetic performance was markedly enhanced for C3 grasses (+68%) in elevated CO2, but not significantly for forbs. Differences in access to soil resources between forbs and grasses may distinguish their responses to elevated CO2 and N addition. Forbs had lesser root biomass, a lower distribution of biomass to roots, and lower specific root length than grasses. Maintenance of leaf N, possibly through increased root foraging in this nutrient‐poor grassland, was necessary to sustain stimulation of photosynthesis under long‐term elevated CO2. Dilution of leaf N and associated photosynthetic down‐regulation in forbs under elevated [CO2], relative to the C3 grasses, illustrates the potential for shifts in species composition and diversity in grassland ecosystems that have significant forb and grass components.
Climate‐growth analysis for a Mexican dry forest tree shows strong impact of sea surface temperatures and predicts future growth declines
Authors: BRIENEN ROEL J. W. , LEBRIJA‐TREJOS EDWIN , ZUIDEMA PIETER A. , MARTÍNEZ‐RAMOS MIGUEL
Published: September 2009

Tropical forests will experience relatively large changes in temperature and rainfall towards the end of this century. Little is known about how tropical trees will respond to these changes. We used tree rings to establish climate‐growth relations of a pioneer tree, Mimosa acantholoba, occurring in tropical dry secondary forests in southern Mexico. The role of large‐scale climatic drivers in determining interannual growth variation was studied by correlating growth to sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, including the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Annual growth varied eightfold over 1970–2007, and was correlated with wet season rainfall (r=0.75). Temperature, cloud cover and solar variation did not affect growth, although these climate variables correlated with growth due to their relations with rainfall. Strong positive correlations between growth and SSTA occurred in the North tropical Atlantic during the first half of the year, and in the Pacific during the second half of the year. The Pacific influence corresponded closely to ENSO‐like influences with negative effects of high SSTA in the eastern Pacific Niño3.4 region on growth due to decreases in rainfall. During El Niño years growth was reduced by 37%. We estimated how growth would be affected by the predicted trend of decreasing rainfall in Central America towards the end of this century. Using rainfall predictions of two sets of climate models, we estimated that growth at the end of this century will be reduced by 12% under a medium (A1B) and 21% under a high (A2) emission scenario. These results suggest that climate change may have repercussions for the carbon sequestration capacity of tropical dry forests in the region.
Current challenges of pharmacovigilance in bleeding disorders: converting the burden to benefit
Authors: LASSILA R. , ARMSTRONG E.
Published: September 2009

Summary.  Safety surveillance studies have proven essential in research and development of new biological therapies for bleeding disorders as well as other diseases. Although product safety regarding HIV, hepatitis, and other blood‐borne infections is currently excellent, potential new infectious agents require continued vigilant monitoring. Inhibitor development is the most common serious side effect of haemophilia replacement therapy. Several aetiological factors associated with inhibitors have been identified, but their true impact is still largely unknown. Moreover, whether plasma‐derived and recombinant factor products differ in their immunogenic profiles is an unresolved issue. Coagulation factor products under development and those currently on the market require uniform, long‐term surveillance. The European Haemophilia Safety Surveillance (EUHASS) project was recently established to meet these goals. The pharmaceutical industry and clinicians face common challenges complying with these requirements. In rare diseases like haemophilia, obtaining adequate patient numbers poses a challenge. Another challenge is a lack of methods for assessing disease severity, a surprising deficiency in the era of modern medical and laboratory technology. National and international registries can be used to gather required safety surveillance information. Simultaneously, clinicians benefit from well‐organized registry data in their daily practice and harmonize the quality of comprehensive haemophilia care by homogeneous follow‐up platforms. Experience with such registries comes, for example, from Europe (PEDNET), the USA (CDC/UDC), the UK (UKHCDO), and Sweden (Malmö). It is important to commit to future pharmacovigilance efforts, aiming at high‐quality safety surveillance programmes at both the pharmaceutical research community and clinical levels.
A weak upward elevational shift in the distributions of breeding birds in the Italian Alps
Authors: Popy Simon , Bordignon Lucio , Prodon Roger
Published: September 2009

Aim  To test whether bird assemblages are shifting upwards in their elevational distribution in synchrony with current climate warming and/or habitat changes.

Location  A gradient of elevation in the Italian Alps (Alta Valsessera, Piedmont).

Methods  We used data from two recent atlas surveys performed on a 1 × 1 km grid at an 11‐year interval (1992–94 and 2003–05). We modelled the elevational gradient of avifaunal composition, using a sample‐based approach, in an effort to detect evidence for an upward elevational shift of bird zonation. Changes in species richness were controlled for. The results from this analysis were compared with those obtained using a species‐based approach. Changes in climate and landscape between the two surveys were assessed using local meteorological data and Corine Land Cover maps, respectively.

Results  We detected small avifaunal changes between the two surveys: (1) mean elevations increased for the majority of species, but the average change was not significantly different from zero; (2) the species richness increased, but this was mainly due to an increase in sampling effort; and (3) a change in species composition was detected, which was at the limit of significance and corresponded on average to a 29‐m upward elevational shift in the distribution of the avifauna. The shift was the same for open land and forest bird communities. During the same period, the mean temperature increased by c. 1 °C in the area, and a slight trend towards vegetation closure by woody plants was detected.

Main conclusions  The use of fine‐scale breeding bird atlases in mountainous regions, together with ordination methods, provides a sensitive tool to test and measure elevational shifts in species ranges, but the results have to be interpreted carefully. In our case, the observed elevational shift in the distributions of the avifauna cannot unambiguously be attributed to climate warming. This shift is smaller than expected from the regional increase in temperature, which raises the question of how closely bird distributions match climate change.
Therapeutic relationships in day surgery: a grounded theory study
Authors: Mottram Anne
Published: September 2009

Aim.  To explore patients’ experiences of day surgery.

Background.  Therapeutic relationships are considered to be a core dimension of nursing care. However, in modern health care with short hospital stays the formation of these relationships may be impeded. A major theme to emerge from this study was the development of therapeutic relationships in the day surgery setting.

Design.  The Glaserian method of Grounded Theory was used.

Methodology.  Semi‐structured interviews with 145 patients took place from 2004–2006 in two‐day surgery units in the UK. Analysis involved transcriptions of interviews and memos. Lists of key words and phrases were made and constantly compared until core categories emerged.

Results.  Patients spoke highly of the relationships they developed with nurses during their stay in the day surgery unit. Analysis of the data revealed the core category of therapeutic relationships and four sub core categories: ‘presence’, ‘extra special’, ‘befriending’ and ‘comfort‐giving.’

Conclusion.  This paper adds to the growing body of literature which demonstrates that therapeutic relationships can be developed within the short stay arena of health care: routine interactions which may not be considered to be significant by nurses may be of importance to patients. The patients in this study felt supported, comforted and befriended by day surgery nurses. However a minority of patients were disappointed with the nursing staffs’ lack of interpersonal responses to their needs.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Anecdotal evidence suggests that personnel working within day surgery are not always aware of their therapeutic potential. Therefore raising awareness of this through research generated from patients’ experiences might encourage nurses to further realise their capabilities in this fundamental area of nursing.
Instructive messages from Chinese nurses’ stories of caring for SARS patients
Authors: Liu Huaping , Liehr Patricia
Published: September 2009

Aim.  To identify instructive messages to guide nursing practice in future epidemics by examining the stories of Chinese nurses who cared for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients.

Background.  Mainland China had three outbreaks of SARS between November 2002–May 2004 and suffered the greatest impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most of the nursing‐related literature about SARS has been reported from other countries. Researchers expect that global infections, like SARS, will persist and escalate in the future. It is important to access the guidance from nurses who cared for SARS patients in China and to uncover instructive messages which can be useful when facing global infections in the future.

Design.  Descriptive exploratory qualitative study of six Chinese nurses.

Methods.  Data were collected in 2003, within the three months following the nurses’ quarantine necessitated by caring for SARS patients. Conventional content analysis was done using a cyberspace method of data analysis, where the geographically distant researchers conducted most phases of analysis through email communication.

Results.  Chinese nurses faced personal challenge, focused on the essence of care and experienced self‐growth while caring for SARS patients. They cited structured support, meaningful disease‐related information and sensitivity to the importance of a collaborative spirit as factors which enabled their caring nursing practice.

Conclusions.  These instructive messages come from China, where the SARS epidemic inflicted an unparalleled health impact. The messages give voice to the Chinese nursing experience and when synthesised with reports from other international nurses, they enable specific direction to enhance potential for a well‐prepared nursing workforce and quality patient care in future epidemics.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The preparation of a knowledgeable, cared‐for nursing workforce promises optimal outcomes with the emergence of the next global infection.
Recruitment, retention and representation of nurses: an historical perspective
Authors: Kirby Stephanie
Published: September 2009

Aims and objectives. To demonstrate how an appreciation of the history of nursing can help towards an understanding of present problems and provide signposts for the future and to consider the recruitment of nurses in the context of their social and economic status past and present.

Background. In the twenty‐first century, nursing has been subject to the gaze of the press and commentators evoking a lost golden age. A golden age when wonderful care was given by ideal young women and standards were upheld by matrons. History demonstrates that recruitment to nursing and their education has been the subject of comment by press and public through the twentieth century.

Design. Sources consulted: Newspaper articles commentating on contemporary nursing, secondary works on history of nursing, archival sources, government reports and historical journals and oral histories.

Methods. Analysis of archival sources and oral sources. Interrogating them against the historiography and building up the interconnectedness of what they reveal.

Results. Flawed but nevertheless influential reports led to a misrepresentation of nursing based on misconceptions rather than on evidence. The blame was laid, unfairly, on the system of nurse education and senior nurses. What lay at the heart of the recruitment crises was that demand for registered nurses exceeded supply.

Conclusion. Commentators then as now tried to find simplistic answers rather than consider a range of factors contributing to the shortage of nursing.

Implications for contemporary practice/relevance to clinical practice. Nursing continues to compete in an overcrowded labour market. New approaches to recruitment have, contrary to popular perception, been successful in attracting outside its traditional labour pool. Having an awareness of the influences that have shaped the present can help nurses respond to polemic and misinformed opinion.
‘The geriatric hospital felt like a backwater’: aspects of older people’s nursing in Britain, 1955–1980
Authors: Brooks Jane
Published: September 2009

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this article is to examine the experiences of ward‐level nurses who cared for older people in general hospitals between 1955–1980.

Background.  There is very little published on the history of older adult nursing and no recent material from the United Kingdom. There are, however, the works of Cecily Hunter in Australia and Erica Roberts in Canada. It is the intention of this study to contribute to this important area of research.

Design.  This is an oral history project in which 20 nurses who had worked on older adults ward between 1955–1980 were interviewed.

Methods.  All the interviews were taped, transcribed and data‐themed. Ethical clearance for the project was obtained from the University Ethics Committee and all participants were anonymised.

Results.  Many of the nurses found the experience very difficult, though there were exceptions. Several participants had worked on older adults ward during their training and then had never wanted to return. Most described a paucity of resources and longevity of staff on the wards.

Conclusions.  Using the sociological theory of Erving Goffman, this article introduces a novel method of understanding nursing history, although his ideas have been used in medical history. The value of his theories for this study is in the identification of nurses as being part of the same system as the patients themselves.

Implications for contemporary policy, research and/or practice.  For nurses to care effectively for their patients, nurses themselves must be valued. Subordination and regimentation tend to dehumanise the carers which, in turn, dehumanises the cared for.
A challenge to nursing: an historical review of intellectual disability nursing in the UK and Ireland
Authors: Sweeney John , Mitchell Duncan
Published: September 2009

Aims.  The aim of this paper is to provide an account of the early development of what was originally known as ‘mental deficiency’ nursing in the UK and Ireland.

Background.  After a brief review of research literature, it analyses key issues behind the development of a workforce positioned on the margins of nursing in the two jurisdictions through a comparative discussion of similarities and differences.

Design.  The paper draws on two doctoral studies that examined the development of intellectual disability nursing using an historiographical design.

Methods.  Primary sources consulted included records of nursing regulatory bodies, national archives, Royal College of Psychiatrists, archives, nursing journals, individual institutional records in both jurisdictions.

Results.  In both countries, psychiatrists established early training programmes for nurses, although a nursing model was adopted to meet service needs in the 1950s.

Conclusions.  However, the way in which this branch of nursing developed laid the foundation for tensions as to whether it is appropriately located within the discipline of nursing. Ireland’s colonial past and postcolonial position, the role of the church, welfare systems and diverse socio‐political drivers for change represent key differences between the two jurisdictions.

Implications.  What eventually became known as learning or intellectual disability nursing poses a continued challenge for the profession as a whole in regard to its breadth, role and focus in working with marginalised groups in society. The paper considers the risks for UK and Irish intellectual disability nurses for marginalisation in nursing should they forge closer links to other disciplines concerned with common threads of disability, education or social care.
‘I am willing to take the risk’: politics, policy and the translation of the hospice ideal
Authors: Buck Joy
Published: September 2009

Aims.  To analyse the processes by which the hospice concept was translated into a reimbursable model of care in the USA and what was gained and what was lost in translation.

Background.  Existing scholarship of the modern hospice movement typically focuses on the contributions of physicians to its inception and development. However, very little is known about the multifaceted role of nurses in the development of hospice care and the impact of Medicare policy on contemporary hospice care in the USA.

Design.  Primary data were collected and interpreted using a blended social/policy history framework.

Methods.  Archival data were drawn from the papers of individuals and organisations integral to the American hospice movement; Congressional testimony; and, primary and secondary research data and reports. Interviews with key individuals were taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed for emergent patterns, themes and subthemes. These were then contextualised within historiographical framework of twentieth century healthcare reforms.

Results.  Nurses were central to the inception and development of hospice care in the United States. While they were intricately involved with most aspects of the hospice movement and helped to frame the policy debate, they were ultimately unable to wholly determine national policy or extend their influence beyond their own circles.

Conclusions.  The standardisation of hospice care in the USA served to improve the quality of care for many dying patients and their families. Yet, it also served to reinforce a false dichotomy between care for the living and care for the dying. As a result, the integration of palliative care concepts into standard clinical nursing practice remains problematic.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study illuminates the socio‐political complexities that shape health policy and the subsequent impact on nursing practice. Its findings have broad implications for contemporary palliative care initiatives regardless of locale.
‘When the city is a great field hospital’: the influenza pandemic of 1918 and the New York city nursing response
Authors: Keeling Arlene W
Published: September 2009

Aims and objectives.  To describe and analyse the nurses’ role in responding to the influenza epidemic in New York City in 1918.

Background.  Today the world is facing the threat of pandemic avian influenza and there is renewed interest in lessons learned from the influenza pandemic of 1918, one of the deadliest disease outbreaks recorded in history. Much of the published history has been written from a medical or military perspective. No comprehensive account of nursing’s role has been written.

Design.  A social history framework was used.

Methods.  Traditional historical methods were used for data collection, data immersion, the development of a chronology and themes. Critical analysis of social, political and economic context was also done. Primary sources included the Lillian D. Wald papers at the New York Public Library, newspapers, journal articles and other archival data.

Results.  In 1918, New York City nurses provided care to thousands of patients. They did so with minimal federal support, relying on local community agencies to establish makeshift hospitals and provide soup kitchens. The Henry Street Visiting Nurses, assisted by numerous social agencies and Red Cross volunteers, visited patients in their homes and provided them with the only treatment there was: nursing care.

Conclusions.  In 1918, immediate cooperation among a previously established network of nursing and other social organisations and prompt cooperation with the American Red Cross and the United States Public Health Service was essential to New York City’s response to the crisis.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Should an influenza pandemic occur today, as many as a billion people could fall ill. Shortages of antiviral drugs, the speed with which the pandemic could occur and its widespread effects are such that nursing, public health and medical professionals will need to rely on local personnel and supplies. Immediate cooperation and collaboration among federal, state and local organizations will be essential to the response.
Conflict and costs when reforming nursing: the introduction of Nightingale nursing in Australia and Canada
Authors: Godden Judith , Helmstadter Carol
Published: September 2009

Aims and objectives. To examine the financial impact of Nightingale nursing in the mid‐19th century; to identify any long‐term implications of this financial impact on nursing.

Background. Previous research into the transformation of mid‐19th century hospitals has suggested the importance of economic issues. We explore this issue from the perspective of the introduction of trained, Nightingale‐style nursing.

Design. Historical methodology.

Methods. We use two examples, in Sydney (Australia) and Montreal (Canada), where there was a distinct break between older‐style nursing and implementing of Nightingale nursing. We searched all relevant primary sources for data relating to on‐going salary costs and staffing numbers.

Findings. We found runs of data to demonstrate the huge increase in staff numbers and salary expenses around the time of the introduction of Nightingale nursing at Sydney and Montreal General Hospitals. The one instance of declining costs was at Sydney Hospital during 1873–84. There, the salary expenditure on the bedside nurses fell as nursing probationers (students) undertook the bulk of the nursing.

Discussion and conclusions. The data available for Sydney and Montreal Hospitals supports the argument that Nightingale nursing and the demands of more effective medicine entailed a major jump in hospital costs. Given its expense, it is not surprising that conflict inevitably accompanied the introduction of Nightingale nursing. On the evidence of Sydney, a solution was found in hospital‐based training schools with relatively poorly paid probationers. An on‐going problem was that these schools functioned to contain nursing costs as much as to provide nursing instruction.

Implications for contemporary policy. While further study is needed, the two examples presented here suggest that nursing instruction in the past was a significant solution to the problem of increased hospital costs. An awareness of past solutions to on‐going problems may prevent similar sacrifice of nurses in our contemporary hospital crisis.
Supporting or sabotaging the surgeon’s efforts: portrayals of the surgical nurse’s role in preventing wound sepsis, 1895–1935
Authors: Wood Pamela J
Published: September 2009

Aims and objectives.  To examine the surgical nurse’s role in preventing wound sepsis (infection) and how this was portrayed in nursing literature in the pre‐antibiotic period, 1895–1935.

Background.  While the history of infection control in general has been researched for the mid‐20th century, more detailed research is needed of the pre‐antibiotic period, specifically of the surgical nurse’s role in preventing wound sepsis. Closer examination is also warranted of the way the nurse’s role was perceived in specific practice areas, such as surgeons’ views of the surgical nurse’s role.

Design.  Historical research.

Methods.  Analysis of historical British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand nursing journals and British and Australian surgical nursing textbooks.

Results.  Between 1895–1935 skilled surgical nurses were valued as ‘supporters’ of the surgeon’s heroic efforts, acting as diligent ‘scrubbers’ and vigilant ‘sentries’ to guard patients from microbial attack, yet tended to be blamed as ‘saboteurs’ and ‘slovens’ when wound sepsis occurred. The most noticeable changes in knowledge and practice related to greater use of sterilised dressing materials, less reliance on unnecessarily strong antiseptics, and less intensive methods in preparing surgical materials.

Conclusions.  Although the literature related the nurse’s role to the surgeon rather than the patient, interpreting it merely as a subservient relationship would ignore the more complex portrayals evident in the literature. Surgeons looked for support rather than subservience, and a conscientious approach rather than obedience.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This historical research shows nurses both the enduring nature of aspects of clinical knowledge and practice as well as the slow process of change in others. It reminds nurses of the danger of infection, the constant vigilance required and the measures needed when practising without antibiotics.
Bottom lines: the influence of government funding on 20th century district nursing practice in Australia
Authors: Madsen Wendy
Published: September 2009

Aims and objectives.  To investigate the impact of past government policy and legislation on the practice of district nursing in Australia.

Background.  Nurses have historically been politically passive and have not engaged in the political processes of policy development. However, legislation can have profound impacts on the daily work of nurses as demonstrated in this paper.

Design.  Historical analysis.

Methods.  The archival records of six district nursing services in Australia were analysed within the political, social and economic context of the 20th century, with particular focus on the 1950s and 1970s.

Results.  Two pieces of Federal legislation passed in 1956 and 1973, respectively, had critical effects on the work of district nurses. Both resulted in significant expansion of district nursing in Australia; neither was formulated with input from district nursing services. However, together these acts shifted district nursing from being a voluntary, charity based activity to one that was greatly controlled by government.

Conclusions.  Greater government funding allowed district nursing to expand beyond the capacity possible when funding was locally based, but with government funding came other restrictions related to accountability processes and expectations regarding services provided, and these had profound effects on nursing practice, including excess workloads to the point of unsafe practice.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses need to engage with the political processes associated with government policy formulation and implementation if they are to avoid placing themselves and their clients in vulnerable situations as a result of government decisions.
Nursing in a therapeutic community: the Fulbourn experience, 1955–1985
Authors: Adams John
Published: September 2009

Aim. To explore the role of the mental health nurse in wards run on therapeutic community principles in one English provincial hospital.

Background. Under a pioneering Medical Superintendent, the restrictive regime for patients with mental health problems in Fulbourn Hospital was replaced by a new commitment to ‘social therapy’. Ward doors were unlocked, patients were encouraged to undertake work‐based activities and finally the wards were reorganised on ‘therapeutic community’ principles.

Design. This study used oral history methods to supplement evidence from published sources. A total of 27 oral history interviews were conducted between 2003–2008 and these data were analysed in the context of documentary material from local archives.

Results. The establishment of wards at Fulbourn run on therapeutic community lines posed considerable challenges to the customary working practices of their mental health nurses. The two themes highlighted in this paper were the symbolic meaning of the abandonment of nursing uniforms in favour of casual clothing and the hospital authorities’ preparedness to accept the risks associated with implementing the philosophy of the therapeutic community.

Conclusions. Oral history has a unique role to play in recording the detailed aspects of nursing practice which are often difficult to reconstruct from documentary sources alone.

Relevance to clinical practice. Nurses played a key role in the transformation of the therapeutic milieu of Fulbourn Hospital and their experiences have relevance to current debates in mental health care.
Biogeography of the livebearing fishPoecilia gilliiin Costa Rica: are phylogeographical breaks congruent with fish community boundaries?
Authors: LEE JARED B. , JOHNSON JERALD B.
Published: September 2009

One of the original goals of phylogeography was to use genetic data to identify historical events that might contribute to breaks among communities. In this study, we examine the phylogeography of a common livebearing fish (Poecilia gillii) from Costa Rica. Our goal was to determine if phylogeographical breaks in this species were congruent with previously defined boundaries among four fish community provinces. We hypothesized that if abiotic factors influence both community boundaries and genetic structuring inP. gilliithen we might find four clades within our focal species that were geographically separated along community boundary lines. Similarly, we expected to find most of the genetic variation inP. gilliipartitioned among these four geographical regions. We generated DNA sequence data (mitochondrial cytochromeband nuclear S7 small ribosomal subunit) for 260 individuals from 42 populations distributed across Costa Rica. We analysed these data using phylogenetic (parsimony and likelihood) and coalescent approaches to estimate phylogenetic relationships among haplotypes, patterns of gene flow and effective population size.Contrary to our expectations, we did not find four monophyletic groups that mapped cleanly to our geographical community provinces. However, one of our clades was restricted to a single province, suggesting that common earth history events could be responsible for both genetic structuring inP. gilliiand fish community composition in this area. However, our results show a complex pattern of gene flow throughout other regions in Costa Rica where genetic structuring is not predicted by community province boundaries.