bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial scale and divergent patterns of variation in adapted traits in the ocean
Authors: Hice Lyndie A. , Duffy Tara A. , Munch Stephan B. , Conover David O.
Published: March 2012

Ecology Letters (2012)

The geography of adaptive genetic variation is crucial to species conservation yet poorly understood in marine systems. We analyse the spatial scale of genetic variation in traits that broadly display adaptation throughout the range of a highly dispersive marine species. We conducted common garden experiments on the Atlantic silverside, Menidia menidia, from 39 locations along its 3 000 km range thereby mapping genetic variation for growth rate, vertebral number and sex determination. Each trait displayed unique clinal patterns, with significant differences (adaptive or not) occurring over very small distances. Breakpoints in the cline differed among traits, corresponding only partially with presumed eco‐geographical boundaries. Because clinal patterns are unique to each selected character, neutral genes or those coding for a single character cannot serve as proxies for the genetic structure as a whole. Conservation plans designed to protect essential genetic subunits of a species will need to account for such complex spatial structures.
Spanish nurses' credentialing in the 20th century
Authors: Hernández Conesa J.M. , Cayuela Fuentes P.S. , Beneit Montesinos J.V. , González Jurado M.
Published: March 2012

HERNÁNDEZ CONESA J.M., CAYUELA FUENTES P.S., BENEIT MONTESINOS J.V. & GONZÁLEZ JURADO M. (2012) Spanish nurses credentialing in the 20th century. International Nursing Review59, 175–180

Background:  Nurses credentialing as healthcare professionals commenced in Western Europe and in the USA by the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, boosted by the protestant reform movement. In Spain, it started in 1915, during the kingdom of Alfonso XIII (1902–1931). This historical period was marked by great political instability and big flaws in the healthcare delivery system.

Aim:  To describe the regulatory pathway that gave rise to the nursing profession in Spain, through official credentialing and regulation during the first third of the 20th century.

Method:  Documental, historical and regulatory documental research describing and analysing the national legislative sources used to regulate the professional development, as well as the education, training and competencies of the nursing practice in Spain, as compared with the developments in the European and American context.

Conclusions:  Professional development of the nursing profession in Western Europe and in the USA is consolidated during the 20th century as resulting in educational and training enhancement and the establishment of national and international professional bodies. In Spain, the regulatory and legal recognition of the nursing profession come into being in 1915 in response to a request from a female religious congregation.
An Integrative HRM Process Theorization: Beyond Signalling Effects and Mutual Gains
Authors: Ehrnrooth Mats , Björkman Ingmar
Published: March 2012

abstract

How and for whom HRM creates value are key questions in management research. The present study develops and tests an integrative HRM process theorization positing the existence of mutually reinforcing ability–motivation–opportunity, signalling, and identity‐based control mechanisms of the influence of HRM on both employee performance and work intensification. In addition to providing empirical support for the ‘how’ of value creation through HRM, the study contributes to the growing critique of the dominant mutual‐gains perspective, the notion that HRM outcomes are straightforwardly positive for both employers and employees. The integrative theorization also opens up interesting avenues for future research on the individual and organizational performance effects of HRM.
Adaptation, Heritability, and the Emergence of Evolutionary Political Science
Authors: Lopez Anthony C. , McDermott Rose
Published: March 2012

Biological approaches to politics have witnessed the emergence of two major strands of research that are related but quite distinct: an “Adaptationist” approach and a “Heritability” approach. The former explains behavior as the product of complex psychological adaptations designed by natural selection that all humans share, while the latter explains behavior as a consequence of heritable genetic differences between individuals. Importantly, neither approach excludes environmental factors from a causal role in generating behavior. Heritability approaches are more familiar to political scientists, and one well‐known example is behavior genetics, as exemplified in twin study research. However, Adaptationist approaches, such as evolutionary psychology, remain theoretically underdeveloped in political science. We therefore provide a detailed outline of the theoretical framework of evolutionary psychology, and we explore its application toward the study of political behavior—an endeavor we label Evolutionary Political Science.
Conscientious Objection and the Morning‐After Pill
Authors: DEL BÒ CORRADO
Published: March 2012

abstract

The so‐called ‘morning‐after pill’ is a drug that prevents pregnancy if taken no later than 72 hours after presumably fertile sexual intercourse. This article argues against a right of conscientious objection for pharmacists with regard to dispensing this drug. Some arguments that might be advanced in support of this right will be considered and rejected. Section 2 argues that from a philosophical point of view, the most relevant question is not whether the morning‐after pill prevents implantation nor is it whether preventing implantation is tantamount to abortion. Section 3 suggests a more general philosophical question as most pertinent, namely whether and to what extent a pharmacist can justifiably be exempted from dispensing the morning‐after pill when to do so would entail participating in something that goes against his or her deepest moral or religious convictions. Section 4 explains why, within liberal institutions, pharmacists should not have the right to conscientious objection to dispensing the morning‐after pill.
‘Exciting statistics’: the rapid development and promising future of hierarchical models for population ecology
Authors: Halstead B. J. , Wylie G. D. , Coates P. S. , Valcarcel P. , Casazza M. L.
Published: March 2012

Read the Feature Paper: Bayesian shared frailty models for regional inference about wildlife survival

Commentaries on this Feature Paper: Combining information in hierarchical models improves inferences in population ecology and demographic population analyses; Bayesian shared frailty models for regional inference about wildlife survival; ‘Each site has its own survival probability, but information is borrowed across sites to tell us about survival in each site’: random effects models as means of borrowing strength in survival studies of wild vertebrates
Changes in sense of coherence in old age – a 5‐year follow‐up of the Umeå 85+ study
Authors: Lövheim Hugo , Graneheim Ulla H. , Jonsén Elisabeth , Strandberg Gunilla , Lundman Berit
Published: March 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 13–19

Changes in sense of coherence in old age – a 5‐year follow‐up of the Umeå 85+ study

Objective:  This study aims to describe the changes in sense of coherence (SOC) over time and relate these changes to negative life events among very old people.

Design:  Prospective and longitudinal study.

Subjects:  190 old women and men participated, of whom 56 could be included in the 5‐year follow‐up.

Methods:  The mean SOC score from the first and second data collection were compared using a paired sample t‐test. The relationship between the index of negative life events and the changes on SOC score between the two data collections was investigate using linear regression.

Main outcome measures:  Antonovsky’s SOC scale and an index of negative life events including severe physical and mental diseases, various losses as losses of spouses, cognitive and functional ability.

Result:  For the whole group of subjects (n = 56), the SOC scores was higher (70.1 vs. 73.7, p = 0.029) at the second point measure. The most common negative life events at follow‐up were loss of independence in activities in daily living and decrease in cognitive function. A significant correlation between the index of negative life events and changes in SOC over 5 years was found (p = 0.025). The more negative life events, the more decrease in SOC.

Conclusion:  We concluded that there is a risk of decreased SOC and thereby quality of life when negative life events accumulate among very old people. Nursing interventions might play an important role for maintaining and perhaps strengthening SOC among old people exposed to negative life events.
Early onset of sexual intercourse is an indicator for hazardous lifestyle and problematic life situation
Authors: Makenzius Marlene , Larsson Margareta
Published: March 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 20–26

Early onset of sexual intercourse is an indicator for hazardous lifestyle and problematic life situation

Background:  In public health efforts, knowledge about risk‐groups is important for creating societal conditions to ensure good health on equal terms.

Aim:  To investigate differences in lifestyle and perceived health among 15‐year‐old teenagers with experience of sexual intercourse (self‐defined) and same‐aged teenagers without experience of sexual intercourse.

Methods:  A two‐cluster questionnaire study among 15‐year‐old Swedish students (n = 2170) in 2009/10. Chi‐squared test was used to identify differences between three groups: teenagers who had not had sexual intercourse; teenagers who had had sexual intercourse at age of 14 or younger; and teenagers who had had intercourse at an age of 15.

Results:  Thirty‐two per cent (n = 334) of girls and 31% (n = 324) of boys had had sexual intercourse. Teenagers with experience of sexual intercourse at 15 years or younger used more tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs than same‐aged teenagers without intercourse experience did. Furthermore, teenagers with experience of intercourse, especially those with a debut at 14 year or younger, had less positive school experiences, more involvement in injuries and physical violence, were less (girls) and more (boys) physically active, and perceived a poorer health than teenagers without intercourse experience.

Conclusion:  Sexual intercourse at the age of 15 or younger is an indicator for a hazardous lifestyle and problematic life situation.
A comparison of estimates of relative abundance from a weakly structured mass‐participation bird atlas survey and a robustly designed monitoring scheme
Authors: SZABO JUDIT K. , FULLER RICHARD A. , POSSINGHAM HUGH P.
Published: March 2012

Estimates of population size are frequently used in conservation. Volunteer‐conducted surveys are often the only source of information available, but their reliability is unclear. We compare data from a weakly structured national bird atlas collected by volunteer surveyors free to choose where and when to visit with data from an independent suite of monitoring surveys that used a stratified sampling design. We focus on the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia, a region that has lost most of its native vegetation. Both datasets comprise several thousand 20‐min 2‐ha searches carried out between 1999 and 2007. The atlas dataset reported more species, and covered habitats more comprehensively, but showed greater variability in the temporal and spatial distribution of survey effort. However, after we restricted the atlas dataset to native eucalypt woodlands, reporting rates from the two schemes were very strongly correlated. The structured surveys tended to record more species that are normally detected by call and the unstructured surveys recorded more species using edges and open habitats. Minimum population estimates from the two datasets agreed very well. The strength of concordance depended on whether overflying birds were included, highlighting the importance of distinguishing such records in future surveys. We conclude that appropriate calibration using selected regional surveys, including surveys to estimate absolute densities, can enable volunteer‐collected and weakly structured atlas data to be used to generate robust occupancy and minimum population estimates for many species at a regional scale.
5‐HT1B receptors inhibit glutamate release from primary afferent terminals in rat medullary dorsal horn neurons
Authors: Choi I‐S , Cho J‐H , An C‐H , Jung J‐K , Hur Y‐K , Choi J‐K , Jang I‐S
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although 5‐HT1B receptors are expressed in trigeminal sensory neurons, it is still not known whether these receptors can modulate nociceptive transmission from primary afferents onto medullary dorsal horn neurons.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Primary afferent‐evoked EPSCs were recorded from medullary dorsal horn neurons of rat horizontal brain stem slices using a conventional whole‐cell patch clamp technique under a voltage‐clamp condition.

KEY RESULTS CP93129, a selective 5‐HT1B receptor agonist, reversibly and concentration‐dependently decreased the amplitude of glutamatergic EPSCs and increased the paired‐pulse ratio. In addition, CP93129 reduced the frequency of spontaneous miniature EPSCs without affecting the current amplitude. The CP93129‐induced inhibition of EPSCs was significantly occluded by GR55562, a 5‐HT1B/1D receptor antagonist, but not LY310762, a 5‐HT1D receptor antagonist. Sumatriptan, an anti‐migraine drug, also decreased EPSC amplitude, and this effect was partially blocked by either GR55562 or LY310762. On the other hand, primary afferent‐evoked EPSCs were mediated by the Ca2+ influx passing through both presynaptic N‐type and P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels. The CP93129‐induced inhibition of EPSCs was significantly occluded by ω‐conotoxin GVIA, an N‐type Ca2+ channel blocker.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The present results suggest that the activation of presynaptic 5‐HT1B receptors reduces glutamate release from primary afferent terminals onto medullary dorsal horn neurons, and that 5‐HT1B receptors could be, at the very least, a potential target for the treatment of pain from orofacial tissues.

LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Connor, pp. 353–355 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2012.01963.x
The Drunken Self: The Five‐Factor Model as an Organizational Framework for Characterizing Perceptions of One's Own Drunkenness
Authors: Winograd Rachel P. , Littlefield Andrew K. , Martinez Julia , Sher Kenneth J.
Published: March 2012

Background

Existing literature supports the use of the five‐factor model (FFM) personality dimensions (i.e., Neuroticism, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Intellect, and Conscientiousness) as a comprehensive representation of mood, affect, and behavior. This study evaluated the use of the FFM as an organizational framework for understanding self‐reported perceptions of drunkenness (i.e., mood, affect, and behavior associated with alcohol intoxication).

Methods

Cross‐sectional data were obtained through an online survey of college student drinkers (N = 988; 50% male, 85% white, mean age = 18.2) in an Introductory Psychology course at a large, mid‐western university. Participants reported on their perceptions of their sober and drunk “personalities” by rating items from Goldberg's International Personality Item Pool.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis showed that sober and drunk personality structures fit the data equally well. On average, differences between perceived drunken and sober personality were pervasive; each of the 5 factors differed as a function of drunk versus sober state with perceived drunken personality associated with (in order of effect size) less conscientiousness, less intellect, less agreeableness, more extraversion, and less neuroticism. These general patterns varied by sex and drinking pattern.

Conclusions

Findings support the use of the FFM as a framework for organizing self‐reported perceptions of global changes in “personality” that occur under intoxication.
Effect of a Disease‐Specific Advance Care Planning Intervention on End‐of‐Life Care
Authors: Kirchhoff Karin T. , Hammes Bernard J. , Kehl Karen A. , Briggs Linda A. , Brown Roger L.
Published: March 2012

Objectives

To compare patient preferences for end‐of‐life care with care received at the end of life.

Design

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with individuals with congestive heart failure or end‐stage renal disease and their surrogates who were randomized to receive patient‐centered advance care planning (PC‐ACP) or usual care.

Setting

Two centers in Wisconsin with associated clinics and dialysis units.

Participants

Of the 313 individuals and their surrogates who completed entry data, 110 died.

Intervention

During PC‐ACP, the trained facilitator assessed individual and surrogate understanding of and experiences with the illness, provided information about disease‐specific treatment options and their benefits and burden, assisted in documentation of treatment preferences, and assisted the surrogates in understanding the patient's preferences and the surrogate's role.

Measurements

Preferences were documented and compared with care received at the end of life according to surrogate interviews or medical charts.

Results

Patients (74%) frequently continued to make their own decisions about care to the end. The experimental group had fewer (1/62) cases in which patients' wishes about cardiopulmonary resuscitation were not met than in the control group (6/48) but not significantly so. Significantly more experimental patients withdrew from dialysis than controls.

Conclusion

Patients and their surrogates were generally willing to discuss preferences with a trained facilitator. Most patients received the care they desired at end of life or altered their preferences to be in accord with the care they could receive. A larger sample with surrogate decision‐makers is needed to detect significant differences.
Potentially Avoidable Hospitalizations of Dually Eligible Medicare and Medicaid Beneficiaries from Nursing Facility and Home‐ and Community‐Based Services Waiver Programs
Authors: Walsh Edith G. , Wiener Joshua M. , Haber Susan , Bragg Arnold , Freiman Marc , Ouslander Joseph G.
Published: March 2012

Objectives

Beneficiaries dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid are of increasing interest because of their clinical complexity and high costs. The objective of this study was to examine the incidence, costs, and factors associated with potentially avoidable hospitalizations (PAH) in this population.

Design

Retrospective study of hospitalizations.

Setting

Hospitalizations from nursing facilities (NF) including Medicare and Medicaid‐covered stays, and Medicaid Home and Community‐Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs.

Participants

Dually eligible individuals who received Medicare skilled nursing facility (SNF) or Medicaid NF services or HCBS waiver services in 2005.

Interventions

None.

Measurements

Potentially avoidable hospitalizations were defined by an expert panel that identified conditions and associated Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs) which can often be prevented or safely and effectively managed without hospitalization.

Results

More than one‐third of the population was hospitalized at least once, totaling almost 1 million hospitalizations. The admitting DRG for 382,846 (39%) admissions were identified as PAH. PAH rates varied considerably among states, and blacks had a higher rate and costs for PAH than whites. Five conditions (pneumonia, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, dehydration, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma) were responsible for 78% of the PAH. The total Medicare costs for these hospitalizations were $3 billion, but only $463 million for Medicaid. A sensitivity analysis, assuming that 20%–60% of these hospitalizations could be prevented, revealed that between 77,000 and 260,000 hospitalizations and between $625 million and $1.9 billion in expenditures could be avoided annually in this population.

Conclusion

Potentially avoidable hospitalizations are common and costly in the dually eligible population. New initiatives are needed to reduce PAH in this population as they are costly and can adversely affect function and quality of life.
Connective tissue grafts in conjunction with implants installed immediately into extraction sockets. An experimental study in dogs
Authors: Caneva Marco , Botticelli Daniele , Viganò Paolo , Morelli Fabrizio , Rea Massimiliano , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: March 2012

Aim

To evaluate the influence of a sub‐epithelial connective tissue graft placed at the buccal aspect of implants installed immediately after tooth extraction on the dimensional changes of hard and soft tissues.

Materials and Methods

In six Labrador dogs a bilateral partial‐ thickness dissection was made buccal to the second mandibular premolar. At the lingual aspect, full‐thickness flaps were elevated. The teeth were extracted and implants installed immediately into the distal socket. A connective tissue graft was obtained from the palate and applied to the buccal aspect of the test sites, whereas contra‐laterally, no graft was applied. The flaps were sutured to allow a non‐submerged installation. After 4 months of healing, the animals were sacrificed, ground sections were obtained and histomorphometric analyses were performed.

Results

After 4 months of healing, all implants were integrated (n = 6). Both at the test and at the control sites bone resorption occurred: 1.6 mm and 2.1 mm, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. The coronal aspect of the peri‐implant soft tissue was wider and located more coronally at the test compared with the control sites. The differences were statistically significant.

Conclusions

The application of a connective tissue graft placed at the buccal aspect of the bony wall at implants installed immediately after tooth extraction yielded a minimal preservation of the hard tissues. The peri‐implant mucosa, however, was significantly thicker and more coronally positioned at the test compared with the control sites.
Cutaneomucosal venous malformations are linked to the TIE2 mutation in a large Chinese family
Authors: Shu Wei , Lin Youkun , Hua Rong , Luo Yanyan , He Na , Fang Ling , Tan Jianqiang , Lu Junjia , Hu Zihua , Yuan Zhigang
Published: March 2012

Mutations in TIE2/TEK gene have been identified as the major cause for cutaneomucosal venous malformations (VMCM) that were previously reported to occur in Caucasian families. We report here for the first time a Chinese VMCM family of 19 affected individuals in five generations with multiple vascular lesions on their oral mucosa and extremities. Histological analyses showed that the lesions comprised of irregular vascular spaces with a continuous layer of endothelial cells and variable smooth muscle cells. Although these VMCM characters were consistent with those in Caucasian families, difference was observed in hyperplastic SMC layer and vascular walls. Haplotype analyses and DNA sequencing indicated that both the mutation‐associated haplotype and a R849W (c.2545C>T) change of the TIE2 gene cosegregated perfectly with the VMCM phenotype. This result suggested that, like those in Caucasian families, the R849W mutation in TIE2 could be one of the major causes for VMCM in Asian families.
The Expressions of CD200 and CD200R Molecules on Myeloid and Lymphoid Dendritic Cells in Pre‐Eclampsia and Normal Pregnancy
Authors: Darmochwal‐Kolarz Dorota A. , Kludka‐Sternik Magdalena , Chmielewski Tomasz , Kolarz Bogdan , Rolinski Jacek , Leszczynska‐Gorzelak Bozena , Oleszczuk Jan
Published: March 2012

Problem

The purpose of our study was to test the hypothesis that the expressions of CD200 and CD200R tolerance molecules are increased on peripheral blood dendritic cells (DCs) in normal pregnancy and decreased on peripheral blood DCs in pre‐eclampsia.

Method of study

Thirty‐three patients with pre‐eclampsia, 38 normal pregnant women, and 10 healthy non‐pregnant women were included in the study. Dendritic cells were isolated from peripheral blood, stained with monoclonal antibodies against blood dendritic cell antigens as well as CD200 and CD200R antigens, and estimated using flow cytometry.

Results

The expressions of CD200 and CD200R molecules on CD1c+ myeloid and BDCA‐2+ lymphoid DCs in the first trimester of normal pregnancy were significantly higher when compared to the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle. The expressions of CD200 molecule on CD1c+ myeloid DCs were significantly lower in the third trimester of normal pregnancy when compared to the second trimester. The expressions of CD200R molecule on CD1c+ myeloid DCs and BDCA‐2+ lymphoid DCs did not differ in pre‐eclampsia and healthy third trimester pregnant women. However, the expressions of CD200 molecule on CD1c+ myeloid and BDCA‐2+ lymphoid DCs were significantly higher in pre‐eclampsia when compared to the healthy third trimester pregnant women.

Conclusion

The results suggest increased tolerogenic properties of myeloid and lymphoid DCs in normal human pregnancy. Moreover, they suggest a decrease in tolerogenic properties of DCs before delivery. It seems possible that higher expressions of CD200 molecule on CD1c+ myeloid and BDCA‐2+ lymphoid DCs in pre‐eclampsia may constitute the tolerogenic mechanism secondary to the pro‐inflammatory response that is observed in this syndrome.
Osteopontin and symmetric dimethylarginine plasma levels in solitary functioning kidney in children
Authors: Taranta‐Janusz Katarzyna , Wasilewska Anna , Stypułkowska Justyna , Sutuła Małgorzata
Published: March 2012

Aim:  The present study aimed to examine whether plasma osteopontin (pOPN) and symmetric dimethylarginine (pSDMA) are useful biomarkers of renal dysfunction in children with solitary functioning kidney (SFK).

Methods:  We measured circulating pOPN and pSDMA in 51 patients with SFK and no other urinary defects. Patients were subdivided into two groups: primary SFK (pSFK) – unilateral renal agenesis (URA), and secondary SFK (sSFK) – unilateral nephrectomy. The control group (C) contained 21 healthy children, with mean age 9.92 ± 4.85 years. Immunoenzymatic ELISA commercial kits were used to measure pOPN and pSDMA concentrations.

Results:  Plasma osteopontin and pSDMA levels in children with SFK were higher than those in healthy participants (p < 0.05). There was no difference in pOPN and pSDMA concentrations between patients with pSFK and those with sSFK (p > 0.05). Receiver operator characteristic analyses performed to define the diagnostic efficiency of serum creatinine, pOPN and pSDMA in identifying children with Ccr < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 among all examined children revealed no differences between all three AUCs (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:  Increased pOPN and pSDMA levels were observed in children with SFK. Both pOPN and pSDMA correlated with eGFR; however, the sensitivity and specificity of those markers were not better than those of creatinine.
Identifying tropical Ecuadorian Andean trees from inter‐crown pixel distributions in hyperspatial aerial imagery
Authors: Peck Mika , Mariscal Ana , Padbury Martin , Cane Tim , Kniveton Dominic , Chinchero Miguel Angel
Published: March 2012

Question

Identification of tropical tree species from low‐cost, very high‐resolution (VHR) proximal canopy remote sensing imagery has great potential for improving our understanding of tropical forest ecology. We investigated whether inter‐crown pixel information from VHR imagery could be used for taxonomic identification of trees and characterization of successional stages of tropical Andean mountain forest.

Location

Santa Lucia cloud forest reserve, NW Ecuadorian Andes.

Methods

We gathered digital camera imagery (0.05‐m spatial resolution), using a remote‐controlled helicopter platform, from primary and secondary forest and identified visible crowns to species before extracting digital crown samples (2‐m radius). Using an object‐based approach, histogram descriptors and diversity metrics of pixel intensity in red, green and blue (RGB) bands were calculated for crowns, and patterns in similarity explored using ordination. Predictive models were developed and validated using four decision tree models (CHIAD, Exhaustive CHIAD, CRT and QUEST).

Results

Aerial imagery represented 54% of families, 53% of genera and 56% of species sampled from the ground. Ordination (redundancy analysis) confirmed that inherent continuities, based on crown metrics, correlated with traditional species, genus and family groupings (P < 0.05). Data were best described by histogram means in the green band. The best predictive model (CRT) generated a 47% probability of correct species identification for 41 species – with similar success at genus and family level. Predictive ability was highly species‐specific, ranging from zero for some taxa to 93% for Cecropia gabrielis Cuatrec.

Conclusions

From the crown metrics tested, we found the mean pixel intensity in the green band was most effective in predicting species and species grouping of tropical mountain trees. This metric integrates species‐specific differences in leaf density of crowns and reflectance in the green waveband. High predictive success for indicators of primary (Cornus peruviana J.F. Macbr.) and secondary forest (Cecropia gabrielis Cuatrec.) shows that VHR imagery can be used to identify species from pixel information to provide ecological information on successional status. Further research is needed to develop pattern and textural metrics specifically for hyperspatial digital imagery to identify tree species from crown imagery in diverse tropical forests.
The associations between feeding difficulties and behaviours and dietary patterns at 2 years of age: the ALSPAC cohort
Authors: Northstone Kate , Emmett Pauline
Published: March 2012

Little is known about the dietary patterns of toddlers. This period of life is important for forming good dietary habits later in life. Using dietary data collected via food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at 2 years of age, we examined the dietary patterns of children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Principal component analysis was performed for 9599 children and three patterns were extracted: ‘family foods’ associated with traditional British family foods such as meat, fish, puddings, potatoes and vegetables; ‘sweet and easy’ associated with foods high in sugar (sweets, chocolate, fizzy drinks, flavoured milks) and foods requiring little preparation (crisps, potatoes, baked beans, peas, soup); ‘health conscious’ associated with fruit, vegetables, eggs, nuts and juices. We found clear associations between dietary pattern scores and socio‐demographic variables, with maternal education being the most important. Higher levels of education were associated with higher scores on both the ‘family foods’ and the ‘health conscious’ patterns, and decreased scores on the ‘sweet and easy’ pattern. Relationships were evident between dietary pattern scores and various feeding difficulties and behaviours. Notably, children who were introduced late to lumpy (chewy) solids (after 9 months) scored lower on both the ‘family foods’ and the ‘health conscious’ patterns. Further analyses are required to determine the temporal relationship between perceived feeding difficulties and behaviours, and it will be important to assess the contribution of the age of introduction to lumpy solids to these relationships.
Relationship between the nutritional status of breastfeeding Mayan mothers and their infants in Guatemala
Authors: Frojo Gianfranco A. , Rogers Nathaniel G. , Mazariegos Manolo , Keenan John , Jolly Pauline
Published: March 2012

A case–control study was conducted to determine the association between maternal height and infant length‐for‐age, and to evaluate how this association is modified by either maternal or infant nutritional status. We hypothesised that maternal excess caloric intake [measured as body mass index (BMI)] would increase the association, while infant nutrition (measured in main meals consumed in addition to breastfeeding) will diminish the effect. Mother and infant pairs in Chimaltenango, Guatemala, were measured for anthropometric values and nutritional status, and mothers were interviewed to elicit nutritional and socio‐economic information. Infant length was converted into z‐scores based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) standards. Odds ratios (ORs), associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) were calculated. Cases were infants below 2 z‐scores of the WHO's length‐for‐age, while controls were infants within the −2 to 2 z‐score range. Cases (n = 84) had an increased odds (OR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.57–5.74) of being born to a stunted mother (below 145 cm) when compared with controls (n = 85). When adjusted for potential confounders, the OR decreased to 2.55 (95% CI: 1.30–5.02). Negative RERI values were produced for the joint exposure of maternal BMI ≥ 25 and maternal stuntedness (RERI: −0.96), as well as for the joint exposure of maternal stuntedness and infant nutrition (RERI: −2.27). Our results confirm that maternal stuntedness is a significant contributor to infant stuntedness; however, this association is modified negligibly by maternal nutritional status and significantly by infant nutritional status, each in a protective manner.
Association between reactive oxygen metabolites and paraoxonase 1 activity during a physical activity increase intervention with older Japanese people
Authors: Kotani Kazuhiko , Caccavello Russell , Mutou Takako , Yamada Toshiyuki , Taniguchi Nobuyuki , Gugliucci Alejandro
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Considering the beneficial effects of physical activity on health and disease in older people, the aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in reactive oxygen metabolites and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity during an intervention period on increased physical activity among older people.

Methods:  Serum diacron reactive oxygen metabolites (d‐ROMs), PON1 activity and cardiometabolic variables were measured in 43 asymptomatic Japanese volunteers (18 men/25 women, mean age 68.9 years) in the pre‐ and post‐phase of a 6‐month intervention program aiming at a mild but sustained increase in physical activity.

Results:  While the d‐ROMs and PON1 activity levels were not significantly altered after the intervention, there was an inverse correlation between percentage changes of d‐ROMs and PON1 activity during this intervention period. Multiple regression analysis revealed their significant and inverse correlation as independent of percentage changes of the other cardiometabolic variables (β=−0.3, P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  The inverse d‐ROMs‐PON1 relationship may indicate the value of concurrent measurement of these two components of oxidation–antioxidation balance when studying the effects of physical activity in an older population. Further studies are necessary to confirm the observed relationship.
Nicorandil: from ulcer to fistula into adjacent organs
Authors: Trechot Philippe , Petitpain Nadine , Guy Claire , Pinzano Astrid , Javot Lucie , Schmutz Jean Luc , Marie Béatrice , Barbaud Annick
Published: March 2012

Nicorandil is an original vasodilatator used to control angina by decreasing cardiac preload and afterload. Since 1997, many reports of single or multiple nicorandil‐induced ulcerations have been published. To date, eight cases of nicorandil‐induced fistula into adjacent organs have been described. The pathogeneses of nicorandil‐induced ulceration and fistula into adjacent organs are not yet elucidated. The two main hepatic biotransformation pathways of nicorandil are denitration and reduction of the alkyl chain leading to nicotinamide and niconitic acid which merge into the endogenous pool of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/phosphate. This merging which is known as saturable, may contribute to a slow and abnormal distribution of nicotinamide and nicotinic acid out of the endogenous pool. Under these special conditions, providing these two molecules in situ, nicotinic acid associated with nicotinamide may ulcerate rather recent or maintained trauma. Ulcers and fistulae induced by nicorandil heal after withdrawal. Surgical intervention is unnecessary and inappropriate as it is ineffective and exacerbates morbidity. All practitioners should be correctly informed about these serious but preventable nicorandil side effects, which mostly occur in the elderly and fragile population. In the absence of corrective measures, withdrawal of this original and active drug should be considered.
Resisting resistance: Practical decision tools for choosing antimicrobials safely
Authors: Hannigan Norma S. , Tolman Deanna R. , Larson Elaine L.
Published: March 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to provide, in a concise format, information about evidence‐based decision‐making strategies and support tools available for appropriate antimicrobial prescribing. A brief review of the current status of antimicrobial resistance, prescribing practices of nurse practitioners (NPs), and factors associated with inappropriate prescribing practices is included to further explicate the need for such support tools.

Data sources: Journal articles, Internet websites, reference texts.

Conclusions: Many microorganisms have developed resistance to previously standard treatments, and resistant strains continue to emerge. One factor associated with increasing resistance is inappropriate or overprescribing of antimicrobials sometimes related to lack of easy accessibility to clinical decision‐making tools. Some practical evidence‐based tools and decision‐making strategies are presented here to foster making optimal antimicrobial choices in clinical practice.

Implications for practice: Evidence‐based decision‐making strategies and tools can be used at the point of care to maximize appropriate antimicrobial prescribing by NPs.
Relationships between lifestyle, health behaviors, and health status outcomes for underserved adults
Authors: Alverson Elise M. , Kessler Theresa A.
Published: March 2012

Purpose: To examine the relationships between lifestyle, health behaviors, and health status for underserved adults.

Data sources: A convenience sample of 84 adults responded to a questionnaire on lifestyle, health behaviors, health indices, and health status. Health status was measured by the 12‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐12).

Conclusions: The majority of the sample was white, female, ranged in age from 19 to 64 years, and had an annual income range of $0–$25,000. Lifestyle factors reported included smoking (44%), consuming alcohol (59%), using street drugs previously (43%), exercising regularly (45%), and having adequate sleep (M= 7.16 h). Sixty‐five percent engaged in at least one screening behavior during the past 12 months and used at least one prescription medication. Data for health indices demonstrated subjects had at least one current symptom (89%), at least one current medical condition (72%), and a body mass index classified as overweight (48%). No significant relationships were found between lifestyle and health status. Findings indicated health indices rather than lifestyle were related to health status.

Implications for practice: Findings provided selective support for the links between lifestyle, health behaviors, and health status. Nurses can use the results as a basis for future assessments and interventions with underserved adults.
FRAX® counseling for bone health behavior change in women 50 years of age and older
Authors: Dunniway Diane L. , Camune Barbara , Baldwin Kathleen , Crane James K.
Published: March 2012

Abstract  Purpose: To evaluate the use of FRAX® (Fracture risk assessment tool) for changes in bone health risk factors and treatment decision‐making.

Data Sources: A convenience sample of seventeen women, 50 years and older, English‐speaking, generally healthy, with the ability to perform weight‐bearing exercise, presenting for a DXA scan in a Midwestern city between August 2009 and November 2009, and not already being treated for osteoporosis or osteopenia. Self‐administered diet and exercise questionnaires were completed by participants, followed by individual counseling related to FRAX® absolute risk and NOF guidelines. Questionnaires were repeated at approximately three months later, along with a short survey regarding the information's impact.

Conclusions: FRAX® increased a participant's perception of future risk for osteoporosis and desire to change bone health habits. About 50% actually made changes in calcium and vitamin D consumption and weight‐bearing exercise. FRAX® could not be applied to those with osteopenia of the spine only; and a variety of bone health risk factors not covered by FRAX® were identified.

Implications for Practice: The FRAX® risk assessment tool can be useful to motivate clients to change bone health behavior. However, it has limitations in its use as a tool for whether or not to prescribe bisphosphonates.
Gender differences in risky sexual behavior among urban adolescents exposed to violence
Authors: Collins Fantasia Heidi , Sutherland Melissa A. , Kelly‐Weeder Susan
Published: March 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use an ecological lens to explore gender differences in risky sexual behavior among urban adolescents exposed to violence.

Data Sources: This was a secondary analysis of data from a larger behavioral intervention trial that targeted drinking behaviors among adolescents. Data from a total of 2,560 male and female urban adolescents between the ages of 14 and 21 were analyzed for personal, interpersonal, and community exposure to violence and risky sexual behavior.

Conclusions: Violence has an impact on sexual risk. For females, carrying a weapon (p= 0.020) and feeling safe in intimate relationships (p= 0.029) were individual correlates of risky sexual behavior, while for males, race/ethnicity (p= 0.019) and being in a physical fight (p= 0.001) were significant correlates of risky sexual behavior.

Implications for Practice: Risky sexual behavior among adolescents may lead to negative reproductive health outcomes. Nurse practitioners are in an excellent position to affect change in this population through their frequent contact with adolescents in a variety of community and school‐based venues. Nurse practitioners are also well‐prepared to identify at‐risk adolescents and provide them with individualized care, education, and support.
Respiratory tract versus cloacal sampling of migratory ducks for influenza A viruses: are both ends relevant?
Authors: Krauss Scott , Pryor Sydney Paul , Raven Garnet , Danner Angela , Kayali Ghazi , Webby Richard J. , Webster Robert G.
Published: March 2012

Please cite this paper as: Krauss et al. (2012) Respiratory tract versus cloacal sampling of migratory ducks for influenza A viruses: are both ends relevant? Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: .

Background  Early studies in dabbling ducks showed that cloacal swabs yielded a larger number of avian influenza virus (AIV) isolates than did respiratory tract swabs. Historically, AIV surveillance has been performed by collecting cloacal or environmental fecal samples only. Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus emerged in 1996 and replicated to higher titers in the respiratory rather than the gastrointestinal tract of ducks, prompting the collection of respiratory samples in addition to cloacal swabs from wild birds. Studies confirmed that some virus subtypes, especially H9 and highly pathogenic H5, are shed primarily through the respiratory tract and may not be detected in cloacal swabs.

Objectives  To examine prevalence and subtype differences for AIV isolates from cloacal or respiratory swabs of wild ducks and to determine whether individual respiratory tract samples should be included in AIV surveillance studies in wild birds.

Methods  Individual respiratory tract and cloacal swabs were collected from each of 1036 wild ducks in Alberta, Canada, during the month of August from 2007 to 2010 in an ongoing surveillance study. Virus isolation in eggs and subtype identification by antigenic and molecular methods were performed.

Results and conclusions  Respiratory tract and cloacal swabs yielded ten influenza virus HA subtypes representing 28 HA–NA combinations. Three HA–NA subtype combinations were found exclusively in respiratory tract samples. Only four HA subtypes (H1, H3, H4, and H7) were recovered from respiratory samples, but respiratory shedding was associated with the dominance of 1 year’s subtype. Might respiratory shedding provide a risk assessment indicator?
The Effectiveness of PREP with Lower‐Income Racial/Ethnic Minority Couples
Authors: Owen Jesse , Quirk Kelley , Bergen Carrie , Inch Leslie J. , France Tiffany
Published: March 2012

The current study examined the effectiveness of the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) with lower‐income and racial/ethnic minority (African American and Latino/a) couples. Additionally, we tested whether relationship outcomes varied based on the delivery format (i.e., group format vs. couple format). The sample included 321 unmarried couples expecting a child or who have a child 3 month old or younger. The couples participated in 16 hr of PREP via a group or a couple format over the course of 2–3 months. Couples relationship quality was assessed prior to and directly after the program. The results showed that men and women demonstrated significant gains in their communication skills, relationship functioning, friendship, dedication, and relationship confidence. Couples who participated in PREP via the couple format had better outcomes on three of the seven relational outcomes as compared to couples who participated in PREP via the group format.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for the Potentilla core group (Rosaceae) using 454 sequencing
Authors: DOBEŠ CH. , SCHEFFKNECHT S.
Published: March 2012

Microsatellites are valuable markers for the analysis of genetic diversity, linkage mapping or genotyping. The limited availability of microsatellites for the genus Potentilla (Rosaceae) stipulated the isolation of markers from a representative (Potentilla pusilla Host) of the Potentilla core group that constitutes the most species‐rich evolutionary lineage within the genus. Thousand four hundred and seventy‐six simple sequence repeat (SSR) containing candidate sequences were isolated from a single‐type line using 454 sequencing. Seventy‐four functional microsatellite markers were developed from 200 sequences selected for suitable priming sites flanking microsatellite repeats referring to a 37% primer‐to‐marker conversion ratio. Seventy‐two markers were polymorphic. These numbers confirm the increased efficiency of pyrosequencing over traditional isolation techniques in the development of microsatellites. Amplification primer sequences and the sequences of corresponding target fragments are provided for all functional markers, and molecular polymorphisms estimated for four accessions of P. pusilla and among seven core group species represented by 14 individuals are reported. Cross‐species transferability ranged between 86.4% and 97.3% among the studied taxa, and 57, 11 and six of the selected primer pairs amplified fragments of expected size and number in seven, six and five of the species, respectively. Reproducibility of the molecular phenotypes was 97.0%, which was inferred using a replicate sample of P. pusilla.