bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land‐use and climate change effects on population size and extinction risk of Andean plants
Authors: FEELEY KENNETH J. , SILMAN MILES R.
Published: February 2010

Andean plant species are predicted to shift their distributions, or ‘migrate,’ upslope in response to future warming. The impacts of these shifts on species' population sizes and their abilities to persist in the face of climate change will depend on many factors including the distribution of individuals within species' ranges, the ability of species to migrate and remain at equilibrium with climate, and patterns of human land‐use. Human land‐use may be especially important in the Andes where anthropogenic activities above tree line may create a hard barrier to upward migrations, imperiling high‐elevation Andean biodiversity. In order to better understand how climate change may impact the Andean biodiversity hotspot, we predict the distributional responses of hundreds of plant species to changes in temperature incorporating population density distributions, migration rates, and patterns of human land‐use. We show that plant species from high Andean forests may increase their population sizes if able to migrate onto the expansive land areas above current tree line. However, if the pace of climate change exceeds species' abilities to migrate, all species will experience large population losses and consequently may face high risk of extinction. Using intermediate migration rates consistent with those observed for the region, most species are still predicted to experience population declines. Under a business‐as‐usual land‐use scenario, we find that all species will experience large population losses regardless of migration rate. The effect of human land‐use is most pronounced for high‐elevation species that switch from predicted increases in population sizes to predicted decreases. The overriding influence of land‐use on the predicted responses of Andean species to climate change can be viewed as encouraging since there is still time to initiate conservation programs that limit disturbances and/or facilitate the upward migration and persistence of Andean plant species.
Faunal evidence for a late quaternary trans‐Antarctic seaway
Authors: BARNES DAVID K. A. , HILLENBRAND CLAUS‐DIETER
Published: February 2010

Collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) would raise global sea level by ∼3.3–5 m. Ice‐sheet models and geological data suggest at least one collapse has happened during the last 1.1 Ma, and some scenarios of future climate change predict a collapse within the next two centuries. A complete WAIS collapse would open shallow seaways across West Antarctica, potentially enabling exchange of animals between West Antarctic seas. We investigated biological evidence for past connectivity between different regions of Antarctica by comparing the composition of modern bryozoan assemblages from the continental margin around Antarctica. Surprisingly, we found most similarity between two areas which are not currently connected – the shelves of the Weddell Sea (WS) and Ross Sea (RS). We evaluated three hypotheses to explain this and conclude that bryozoans most likely dispersed through a trans‐Antarctic seaway that opened in response to a WAIS collapse and connected the WS and RS shelves. These bryozoans must have survived glaciations(s) during subsequent ice ages in refuges, whereas they were wiped out in most other regions of the Antarctic shelf. After the last glacial period, bryozoan assemblages could freely disperse between many of the regions we examined (e.g. Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands), which has allowed recolonization of areas in which bryozoans had been eradicated during the last ice age. For the bryozoans on the WS and RS shelves to be more similar than those which are in close proximity means the trans‐Antarctic seaway may have been as late as the last few interglacials. Current rates of warming are exceptional compared with the near past glacial cycles so our study, the strongest faunal evidence of WAIS collapse during the recent geological past, thus supports predictions of a near future WAIS collapse (with considerable global sea level implications) and resultant future major faunal exchanges.
Enhancement of effector CD8+ T‐cell function by tumour‐associated B7‐H3 and modulation of its counter‐receptor triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell‐like transcript 2 at tumour sites
Authors: Kobori Hiroko , Hashiguchi Masaaki , Piao Jinhua , Kato Moriyuki , Ritprajak Patcharee , Azuma Miyuki
Published: February 2010

B7‐H3 is a B7‐family co‐stimulatory molecule and is broadly expressed on various tissues and immune cells. Transduction of B7‐H3 into some tumours enhances anti‐tumour responses. We have recently found that a triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell‐like transcript 2 (TLT‐2) is a receptor for B7‐H3. Here, we examined the roles of tumour‐associated B7‐H3 and the involvement of TLT‐2 in anti‐tumour immunity. Ovalbumin (OVA)257–264‐specific OT‐I CD8+ T cells exhibited higher cytotoxicity against B7‐H3‐transduced OVA‐expressing tumour cells (B7‐H3/E.G7) in vitro and selectively eliminated B7‐H3/E.G7 cells in vivo. The presence of B7‐H3 on target cells efficiently augmented CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated cytotoxicity against alloantigen or OVA, whereas the presence of B7‐H3 in the priming phase did not affect the induced cytotoxicity. B7‐H3 transduction into five tumour cell lines efficiently reduced their tumorigenicity and regressed growth. Treatment with either anti‐B7‐H3 or anti‐TLT‐2 monoclonal antibody accelerated growth of a tumour that expressed endogenous B7‐H3, suggesting a co‐stimulatory role of the B7‐H3–TLT‐2 pathway. The TLT‐2 was preferentially expressed on CD8+ T cells in regional lymph nodes, but was down‐regulated in tumour‐infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Transduction of TLT‐2 into OT‐I CD8+ T cells enhanced antigen‐specific cytotoxicity against both parental and B7‐H3‐transduced tumour cells. Our results suggest that tumour‐associated B7‐H3 directly augments CD8+ T‐cell effector function, possibly by ligation of TLT‐2 on tumour‐infiltrating CD8+ T cells at the local tumour site.
Lipopolysaccharide induces calcitonin gene‐related peptide in the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line
Authors: Ma Weiya , Dumont Yvan , Vercauteren Freya , Quirion Remi
Published: February 2010

Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is widely distributed and plays important roles in a wide array of biological functions. It is enriched in primary sensory neurons and hence involved in nociception and neurogenic inflammation. Recent studies have shown that CGRP can be produced by immune cells such as monocytes/macrophages following inflammatory stimulation, suggesting a role in innate immunity. However, it is unclear how CGRP is up‐regulated in macrophages and if it plays a role in macrophage functions such as the production of cytokines and chemokines. Using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and multiplex ELISA, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was found to induce CGRP in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. LPS‐induced inflammatory mediators such as nerve growth factor (NGF), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signalling are involved in inducing CGRP, whereas the NGF receptor trkA and CGRP receptor signalling pathways are unexpectedly involved in suppressing LPS‐induced CGRP, which leads to the fine‐tune regulation of CGRP release. Exogenous CGRP and CGRP receptor antagonists, in a concentration‐dependent manner, stimulated, inhibited or had no effect on basal or LPS‐induced release of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, IL‐1β, IL‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α and IL‐10 in RAW macrophages. The ligand‐concentration‐dependent regulation of the production of inflammatory mediators by CGRP receptor signalling is a novel mechanism underlying the stimulating and suppressing role of CGRP in immune and inflammatory responses. Together, our data suggest that monocytes/macrophages are an important source of CGRP. Inflammation‐induced CGRP has a positive or negative reciprocal effect on the production of other pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators. Thereby CGRP plays both facilitating and suppressing roles in immune and inflammatory responses.
Changes in chromatin structure and methylation of the human interleukin‐1β gene during monopoiesis
Authors: Wessels Inga , Fleischer Daniela , Rink Lothar , Uciechowski Peter
Published: February 2010

Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) induces the expression of a variety of proteins responsible for acute inflammation and chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the molecular regulation of IL‐1β expression in myeloid differentiation has not been elucidated. In this study the chromatin structure of the IL‐1β promoter and the impact of methylation on IL‐1β expression in monocytic development were examined. The results revealed that the IL‐1β promoter was inaccessible in undifferentiated promyeloid HL‐60 cells but highly accessible in differentiated monocytic cells which additionally acquired the ability to produce IL‐1β. Accessibilities of differentiated cells were comparable to those of primary monocytes. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation did not affect promoter accessibility in promyeloid and monocytic HL‐60 cells, demonstrating that the chromatin remodelling of the IL‐1β promoter depends on differentiation and not on the transcriptional status of the cell. Demethylation via 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytodine led to the induction of IL‐1β expression in undifferentiated and differentiated cells, which could be increased after LPS stimulation. Our data indicate that the IL‐1β promoter is reorganized into an open poised conformation during monopoiesis being a privilege of mature monocytes but not of the entire myeloid lineage. As a second mechanism, IL‐1β expression is regulated by methylation acting independently of the developmental stage of myeloid cells.
CD38/Cyclic ADP‐ribose System: A New Player for Oxytocin Secretion and Regulation of Social Behaviour
Authors: Salmina A. B. , Lopatina O. , Ekimova M. V. , Mikhutkina S. V. , Higashida H.
Published: February 2010

Oxytocin is important for regulating a number of physiological processes. Disruption of the secretion, metabolism or action of oxytocin results in an impairment of reproductive function, social and sexual behaviours, and stress responses. This review discusses current views on the regulation and autoregulation of oxytocin release in the hypothalamic‐neurohypophysial system, with special focus on the activity of the CD38/cADP‐ribose system as a new component in this regulation. Data from our laboratories indicate that an impairment of this system results in alterations of oxytocin secretion and abnormal social behaviour, thus suggesting new clues that help in our understanding of the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
New insights into the blood‐stage transcriptome of Plasmodium falciparum using RNA‐Seq
Authors: Otto Thomas D. , Wilinski Daniel , Assefa Sammy , Keane Thomas M. , Sarry Louis R. , Böhme Ulrike , Lemieux Jacob , Barrell Bart , Pain Arnab , Berriman Matthew , Newbold Chris , Llinás Manuel
Published: February 2010

Recent advances in high‐throughput sequencing present a new opportunity to deeply probe an organism's transcriptome. In this study, we used Illumina‐based massively parallel sequencing to gain new insight into the transcriptome (RNA‐Seq) of the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Using data collected at seven time points during the intraerythrocytic developmental cycle, we (i) detect novel gene transcripts; (ii) correct hundreds of gene models; (iii) propose alternative splicing events; and (iv) predict 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions. Approximately 70% of the unique sequencing reads map to previously annotated protein‐coding genes. The RNA‐Seq results greatly improve existing annotation of the P. falciparum genome with over 10% of gene models modified. Our data confirm 75% of predicted splice sites and identify 202 new splice sites, including 84 previously uncharacterized alternative splicing events. We also discovered 107 novel transcripts and expression of 38 pseudogenes, with many demonstrating differential expression across the developmental time series. Our RNA‐Seq results correlate well with DNA microarray analysis performed in parallel on the same samples, and provide improved resolution over the microarray‐based method. These data reveal new features of the P. falciparum transcriptional landscape and significantly advance our understanding of the parasite's red blood cell‐stage transcriptome.
Genetic Variance in Cadmium Tolerance and Accumulation in Wheat Materials Differing in Ploidy and Genome at Seedling Stage
Authors: Ci D. , Jiang D. , Wollenweber B. , Dai T. , Jing Q. , Cao W.
Published: February 2010

Cadmium (Cd) tolerance and accumulation in wheat varieties differing in ploidy and genome were investigated at seedling stage under controlled environmental conditions. The wheat varieties included six diploid, eight tetraploid, seven hexaploid and three octoploid species together with wheat relatives containing different genomes. Parameters of growth and photosynthesis were measured and the ratio of a given parameter under Cd treatment to that of the control was referred to as the Cd‐tolerant index of this parameter. Cd concentrations in shoots and roots, Cd accumulation in shoots (SCA) and Cd translocation (ratio of SCA to total Cd accumulation in plants) of the wheat varieties differing in ploidies generally decreased from octoploid to diploid, except for material containing the CCUU genome. It was found that Cd tolerance of these 24 wheat varieties varied with different ploidy and genomes at seedling stage. B and D genomes played a positive role, whereas the R genome played a negative role in Cd tolerance. By contrast, there were no significant differences between ploidies in Cd tolerance based on the observed growth and photosynthesis parameters. Using principal components analysis and cluster analysis, Triticum boeoticum Boiss was found to be the most Cd‐tolerant variety exhibiting low Cd translocation rates, whereas T. aestivum cv. Huixianhong and Jinghui 1 were identified as the most Cd‐sensitive varieties showing also higher Cd translocation rates.
Older peoples' satisfaction with home‐based dialysis
Authors: DERRETT SARAH , DARMODY MARYANN , WILLIAMS SHEILA , RUTHERFORD MERRIN , SCHOLLUM JOHN , WALKER ROB
Published: February 2010

Background:  The proportion of older people receiving dialysis is rapidly increasing. The typical choice for older patients is between home‐based peritoneal dialysis (PD) and clinic‐based haemodialysis (HD). Some centres have been successful in encouraging all patients – including older patients – to have home‐based self‐administered PD or HD.

Aim:  To (i) describe the overall satisfaction with renal services among older patients dialysing, or in training, with HD or PD at home; and (ii) examine the relationship between residential distance from the nephrology unit and satisfaction with home‐based dialysis.

Methods:  Participants were aged 60 years or more; and were either dialysing at home or training for dialysis at home. Two methods of cross‐sectional data collection were used: (i) structured quantitative interviews with all participants; and (ii) qualitative interviews with a selected subgroup.

Results:  Participants comprised 45 patients on dialysis (94% of 48 eligible). Their average age was 68 years. Duration of dialysis averaged 28 months (range 3–150 months). Ratings of ‘very good or excellent’ were reported for dialysis treatment by 40 (89%) patients. Patients on dialysis, despite experiencing frustration with dialysis itself, expressed satisfaction across four categories: staff, information provision, involvement in decision‐making and confidence in managing dialysis. Dissatisfaction was infrequent.

Conclusion:  This pilot study suggests that older patients trained to dialyse at home using PD or HD are highly satisfied with the nephrology service – even when living remote from the nephrology unit. Home‐based dialysis is possible in older patients with levels of comorbidity and disease severity as serious as elsewhere.
3‐Hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors prevent the progression of renal dysfunction in Japanese hypertensive patients
Authors: Kuwabara Masanori , Kubo Toru , Bando Kanji , Hirakawa Yoko , Kitaoka Hiroaki , Nishinaga Masanori , Doi Yoshinori L
Published: February 2010

Aim:  The aim was to determine whether the use of statins prevents the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in hypertensive patients.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed data obtained from hypertensive patients, and subjects with diabetes mellitus and those undergoing hemodialysis were excluded. At total of 227 patients were enrolled (83 men, mean age 73 years) and 90% of the patients were of CKD stage 2 or 3. The patients were divided into two groups: those treated with statins (n = 93) and those not treated with statins (n = 134). Renal function was evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Results:  The statin group and the non‐statin group were similar in age, sex, blood pressure, follow‐up period and prescriptions of antihypertensive medicines. The eGFR in the statin group increased from 62 ± 14 to 66 ± 15 (mL/min per 1.73 m2), whereas it decreased in the non‐statin group from 69 ± 16 to 64 ± 18 (mL/min per 1.73 m2). The annual eGFR improved in the statin group (2.5 ± 6.6 mL/min per 1.73 m2/year), but decreased in the non‐statin group (−3.3 ± 6.6 mL/min per 1.73 m2/year) (P < 0.001). When the patients were divided into two groups by low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels at the second evaluation, annual eGFR improved in the group of LDL to below 100 mg/dL (n = 99) (0.4 ± 7.2 mL/min per 1.73 m2/year), but decreased in the other group (n = 128) (−1.9 ± 7.0 mL/min per 1.73 m2/year) (P = 0.018).

Conclusion:  Lipid‐lowering intervention with statins inhibits the progression of CKD in hypertensive patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010; 10: 219–224.
Coexistent intramedullary spinal cord and choroidal metastases in ovarian cancer
Authors: Kodama Michiko , Kawaguchi Haruna , Komoto Yoshiko , Takemura Masahiko
Published: February 2010

Involvement of intramedullary spinal cord and the choroid by ovarian cancer is rare, and coexistence of metastases at these sites is extremely rare and has never been reported. This condition rapidly progresses to a neurological emergency; however, an efficient standard treatment method is not available for this rare condition. The case presented herein is of a female patient with stage II, poorly differentiated serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary. She presented with blindness and other neurologic complaints during the course of treatment for a recurrence at 50 months after the primary surgical treatment for the tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed intramedullary spinal cord metastasis and choroidal metastasis, coexisting with multiple brain metastases and intra‐abdominal lesions. Neurological emergency was prevented by administering whole‐brain irradiation therapy followed by systemic chemotherapy. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, may offer good palliation for such unusual metastases of ovarian cancer.
Monochorionic twins with the same blood karyotype of 46,XY/47,XYY but different phenotypes
Authors: Wuttikonsammakit Piyawadee , Tanawattanacharoen Somchai , Uerpairojkit Boonchai
Published: February 2010

We report the case of a 13‐year‐old woman who was pregnant with phenotypically discordant monochorionic twins: one with cystic hygroma and hydrops, the other one normal. Fetal blood sampling was performed by intrahepatic blood collection for karyotyping of both fetuses, revealing the same genotype of 46,XY/47,XYY in 2:1 proportion. Phenotypic discordance in monozygotic twins can have various causes, such as placental vascular anatomy, differences in allocation of the number of blastomeres or genetic postzygotic events.
Long‐term outcome, including pregnancy rate, recurrence rate and ovarian reserve, after laparoscopic laser ablation surgery in infertile women with endometrioma
Authors: Shimizu Yoshihiko , Takashima Akiko , Takahashi Kentaro , Kita Nobuyuki , Fujiwara Mutsuko , Murakami Takashi
Published: February 2010

Aim:  To retrospectively assess the long‐term outcome, including pregnancy rate, recurrence rate and ovarian reserve, after laser ablation surgery in infertile women with endometrioma.

Methods:  From March 1997 to June 2007, 45 subfertile women underwent ablation surgery with a potassium‐titanyl‐phosphate laser for ovarian endometrioma. These patients were reviewed retrospectively.

Results:  Of the 45 women, 22 became pregnant spontaneously. Among the 23 women who did not become pregnant after more than 6 months postoperatively, 16 elected to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF), 12 of them became pregnant. The remaining 11 women did not become pregnant. Eleven women had recurrence detected by ultrasound. The mean number of oocytes retrieved per cycle during IVF was 7.3 ± 3.6 and 4.6 ± 2.7 from the ovary treated by ablation surgery and the contralateral ovary, respectively.

Conclusion:  The overall long‐term pregnancy rate (combining spontaneous pregnancy and IVF) after laparoscopic ablation surgery for endometrioma was 75.6%. Surgery did not have any adverse effect on the ovarian reserve during subsequent IVF.
Brain transcranial direct current stimulation modulates motor excitability in mice
Authors: Cambiaghi Marco , Velikova Svetla , Gonzalez‐Rosa Javier J. , Cursi Marco , Comi Giancarlo , Leocani Letizia
Published: February 2010

Shortly after the application of weak transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the animal and human brain, changes in corticospinal excitability, which mainly depend on polarity, duration and current density of the stimulation protocol, have been reported. In humans, anodal tDCS has been reported to enhance motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial brain stimulation while cathodal tDCS has been shown to decrease them. Here we investigated the effects produced by tDCS on mice motor cortex. MEPs evoked by transcranial electric stimulation were recorded from forelimbs of 12 C57BL/6 mice, under sevofluorane anaesthesia, before and after (0, 5 and 10 min) anodal and cathodal tDCS (tDCS duration 10 min). With respect to sham condition stimulation (anaesthesia), MEP size was significantly increased immediately after anodal tDCS, and was reduced after cathodal tDCS (∼20% vs. sham). Both effects declined towards basal levels in the following 10 min. Although the site and mechanisms of action of tDCS need to be more clearly identified, the directionality of effects of tDCS on mice MEPs is consistent with previous findings in humans. The feasibility of tDCS in mice suggests the potential applicability of this technique to assess the potential therapeutic options of brain polarization in animal models of neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases.
The role of the dopamine transporter DAT1 genotype on the neural correlates of cognitive flexibility
Authors: Garcia‐Garcia M. , Barceló F. , Clemente I. C. , Escera C.
Published: February 2010

Cognitive flexibility, the ability to adapt goal‐oriented behaviour in response to changing environmental demands, varies widely amongst individuals, yet its underlying neural mechanisms are not fully understood. Neuropharmacological and human clinical studies have suggested a critical role for striatal dopaminergic function mediated by the dopamine transporter (DAT). The present study aimed at revealing the role of the DAT in the individual brain response stereotypy underlying cognitive flexibility. A task‐switching protocol was administered to a sample divided according to the presence or absence of the 9‐repeat (9R) allele of the DAT1 polymorphism, while registering behavioural and electrophysiological novelty‐P3 responses. The absence of the 9R (higher gene expression) is related to less striatal DA availability. Individuals lacking the 9R (9R−) showed specific response time (RT) increases for sensory change and task‐set reconfiguration, as well as brain modulations not observed in participants with the 9R allele (9R+), suggesting that task performance of the former group depended on immediate local context. In contrast, individuals displaying high striatal DA showed larger RT costs than 9R− individuals to any sensory change, with no further increase for task‐set reconfiguration, and a larger early positive brain response irrespective of the task condition, probably reflecting larger inhibition of any previous interference as well as stronger activation of the current task set. However, the polymorphic groups did not differ in their mean RTs in trials requiring task‐set reconfiguration. This distinct stereotypy of cerebral responses reveals different patterns of cognitive control according to the DAT1 gene polymorphism.
Global marine primary production constrains fisheries catches
Authors: Chassot Emmanuel , Bonhommeau Sylvain , Dulvy Nicholas K. , Mélin Frédéric , Watson Reg , Gascuel Didier , Le Pape Olivier
Published: February 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 495–505

Primary production must constrain the amount of fish and invertebrates available to expanding fisheries; however the degree of limitation has only been demonstrated at regional scales to date. Here we show that phytoplanktonic primary production, estimated from an ocean‐colour satellite (SeaWiFS), is related to global fisheries catches at the scale of Large Marine Ecosystems, while accounting for temperature and ecological factors such as ecosystem size and type, species richness, animal body size, and the degree and nature of fisheries exploitation. Indeed we show that global fisheries catches since 1950 have been increasingly constrained by the amount of primary production. The primary production appropriated by current global fisheries is 17–112% higher than that appropriated by sustainable fisheries. Global primary production appears to be declining, in some part due to climate variability and change, with consequences for the near future fisheries catches.
Caregiving appraisal of family caregivers for older stroke patients in Korea
Authors: Lee J. , Yoo M.S. , Jung D.
Published: February 2010

LEE J., YOO M.S. & JUNG D. (2010) Caregiving appraisal of family caregivers for older stroke patients in Korea. International Nursing Review57, 107–112

Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to caregiving appraisal for family caregivers of older stroke patients in Korea.

Method:  A descriptive, cross‐sectional survey of a sample of 242 family caregivers (95.7% response rate) was conducted in Korea from 1 January 2005 to 4 January 2007. Data were collected from outpatient stroke centres at three hospitals and two home health agencies located in Seoul, the capital city of Korea, its suburban area of Kyunggi‐do, and the rural areas Gyeongsangbuk‐do and Chungcheongbuk‐do. The questionnaire was self‐administered. spss 13.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used to perform frequency, percentage, mean standard deviation, t‐test or analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation calculations.

Results:  Caregiving appraisal was statistically different based on the caregiver's location of residency and the relationship between the caregiver and the recipient. The caregivers who resided in urban areas reported higher scores of caregiving appraisal compared with those who resided in rural areas. With regard to the caregiver–recipient relationship, spouses reported the highest caregiving distress status, followed by daughters‐in‐law, sons and, finally, daughters. In addition, caregiving distress significantly correlated with age (r = 0.151, P = 0.022), the number of caregiving hours per week (r = 0.198, P = 0.003) and filial obligations (r = 0.336, P = 0.000).

Discussion:  The study results helped to better understand the caregiving process of Korean family caregivers. The data emphasized the importance of examining the expression of cultural roles and individual values on the caregivers' quality of life in diverse cultures. The knowledge gained from this study will be utilized to develop culture‐specific interventions and social policies to directly support Korean family caregivers and to indirectly support stroke patients.
Patient safety: a literative review on the impact of nursing empowerment, leadership and collaboration
Authors: Richardson A. , Storr J.
Published: February 2010

RICHARDSON A. & STORR J. (2010) Patient safety: a literative review on the impact of nursing empowerment, leadership and collaboration. International Nursing Review57, 12–21

Background:  Nurses are ideally placed to drive the safety and quality agenda within health care because of their unique proximity to patients. There have been some attempts to look at the links between nursing care and quality outcomes, but relatively little on the connection between nursing and patient safety. Therefore, exploring the evidence on this issue was indicated, excluding links to nurse staffing and environment.

Aims:  The aim of this study was to identify to what extent and in what way nursing leadership, collaboration and empowerment can have a demonstrable impact on patient safety.

Methods:  A search of electronic databases was undertaken from 1998 to 2008. One thousand seven hundred eighty‐eight titles and abstracts were retrieved, and the full text of 65 relevant papers was obtained and reviewed. Data extraction was undertaken if papers met the following inclusion criteria: a measure of impact from a study or audit, patient safety and nursing focused, and identified one of the following issues (leadership, advocacy, interdisciplinary working, empowerment and collaboration). Eleven papers were selected and critically reviewed.

Finding:  Of the 11 papers, 7 were undertaken in the USA, 2 in Canada, 1 in the UK and 1 in Iceland. Selected papers comprised of one systematic review, one cohort study, four qualitative studies, three cross‐sectional studies, one survey and an evaluation. The quality of papers was variable and provided limited evidence of impact or effectiveness in terms of nurses directly influencing patient safety.

Conclusion:  Gaps currently exist in relation to knowledge on the extent and nature of the role of nurses in patient safety improvement. Considerable work is required before comprehensive solutions can be further developed. Huge potential exists for improvement through nursing empowerment, leadership and the development of tools to strengthen and support nurses' influential role in the quality and safety movement; therefore, the need for investment into well‐designed research studies to address these gaps is obvious, required and timely.
Registered nurses' medication management of the elderly in aged care facilities
Authors: Lim L.M. , Chiu L.H. , Dohrmann J. , Tan K.‐L.
Published: February 2010

LIM L.M., CHIU L.H., DOHRMANN J. & TAN K.‐L. (2010) Registered nurses' medication management of the elderly in aged care facilities. International Nursing Review57, 98–106

Background:  Data on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) showed a rising trend in the elderly over 65 years using multiple medications.

Aim:  To identify registered nurses' (RNs) knowledge of medication management and ADRs in the elderly in aged care facilities; evaluate an education programme to increase pharmacology knowledge and prevent ADRs in the elderly; and develop a learning programme with a view to extending provision, if successful.

Method:  This exploratory study used a non‐randomized pre‐ and post‐test one group quasi‐experimental design without comparators. It comprised a 23‐item knowledge‐based test questionnaire, one‐hour teaching session and a self‐directed learning package. The volunteer sample was RNs from residential aged care facilities, involved in medication management. Participants sat a pre‐test immediately before the education, and post‐test 4 weeks later (same questionnaire). Participants' perceptions obtained.

Findings:  Pre‐test sample n = 58, post‐test n = 40, attrition rate of 31%. Using Microsoft Excel 2000, descriptive statistical data analysis of overall pre‐ and post‐test incorrect responses showed: pre‐test proportion of incorrect responses = 0.40; post‐test proportion of incorrect responses = 0.27; Z‐test comparing pre‐ and post‐tests scores of incorrect responses = 6.55 and one‐sided P‐value = 2.8E‐11 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion and implications:  Pre‐test showed knowledge deficits in medication management and ADRs in the elderly; post‐test showed statistically significant improvement in RNs' knowledge. It highlighted a need for continuing professional education. Further studies are required on a larger sample of RNs in other aged care facilities, and on the clinical impact of education by investigating nursing practice and elderly residents' outcomes.
A qualitative study of women in polygynous marriages
Authors: Tabi M.M. , Doster C. , Cheney T.
Published: February 2010

TABI M.M., DOSTER C. & CHENEY T. (2010) A qualitative study of women in polygynous marriages. International Nursing Review57, 121–127

Purpose:  Polygyny, the practice of taking more than one wife at the same time is a common practice in several countries including Africa. This study, conducted in Ghana, West Africa, investigated married women's experiences in polygyny and their ways of coping.

Methods:  Using exploratory qualitative methodology, data were collected from 15 married women who consented to in‐depth interviews. The study was conducted in the summer of 2005 with approval from an institutional review board and permission from community leaders from the study site.

Findings:  Three themes emerged from the study: infertility, co‐wives' relationships and ways of coping. The findings indicated that infertility was the number one reason that women allowed for co‐wives in their marriages because this was necessary to protect the marriage rather than divorce. Unhappiness, loneliness, sense of competition and jealousy, and lack of intimacy with the spouse were identified as disadvantages of polygyny. The perceived advantages of polygyny included sharing of house chores and child rearing. The women's ways of coping included the use of religion, faith and a strong sisterly bond formed with the co‐wives. Though the majority of the women disapproved of polygyny unions, divorce was not an option.

Conclusion:  These findings have implications for nursing and policy‐makers. Nurses can provide education and implement programmes that teach coping mechanisms and stress management. Policy‐makers should be made aware of the implications of polygynous marriages on women's health and well‐being. There is the need to conduct more research to investigate the effects of polygyny on women's mental health and the need to develop programmes to support women.
Job satisfaction amongst Dutch nurse anaesthetists: the influence of emotions on events
Authors: Meeusen V. , Van Dam K. , Van Zundert A. , Knape J.
Published: February 2010

MEEUSEN V., VAN DAM K., VAN ZUNDERT A. & KNAPE J. (2010) Job satisfaction amongst Dutch nurse anaesthetists: the influence of emotions on events. International Nursing Review57, 85–91

Background:  An ageing population, combined with a shortage of health‐care professionals, can result in a decrease in the capacity of health‐care systems. Therefore, it is important to explore possible solutions for this problem. By finding methods to increase job satisfaction, it may be possible to retain employees within their profession. In this study, we examined events, their influence on emotions and, consequently, the effect of these emotions on job satisfaction. We attempted to answer the question: Which events and emotions influence job satisfaction?

Methods:   We collected data on events and emotions, and their effects on job satisfaction, amongst Dutch nurse anaesthetists. Participants (n = 314) were asked to complete two questionnaires about events, emotions and job satisfaction at two different times during an average working day.

Results:   One hundred thirty‐two nurse anaesthetists from 24 Dutch hospitals participated. Both positive and negative events were significant in the development of positive and negative emotions at the end of the working day. Positive emotions at the end of the working day contributed significantly to job satisfaction. Negative emotions did not have a significant effect on job satisfaction.

Conclusions:   The mediating role of positive emotions in relation to positive and negative events should be taken into account in managing job satisfaction amongst Dutch nurse anaesthetists. Further research is necessary to determine whether the relationship between events and emotions provides a foundation for developing a more positive working atmosphere, and also to explore how hospitals can trigger positive emotions to increase job satisfaction.
Bibliometric review of references of nursing research papers during the decade 1994–2003 in Turkey
Authors: Ergul S. , Ardahan M. , Temel A.B. , Yıldırım B.Ö.
Published: February 2010

ERGUL, S., ARDAHAN, M., TEMEL, A.B. & YILDIRIM, B.Ö. (2010) Bibliometric review of references of nursing research papers during the decade 1994–2003 in Turkey. International Nursing Review57, 49–55

Aim:  To identify important information on the state of academic nursing and the characteristics of academic nursing publications in Turkey.

Methods:  The study consists of retrospective bibliometric research. The selected sample of the research consisted of six Turkish nursing journals published between 1994–2003 from a total population of ten journals. Seventy‐four issues of these six journals were included and 825 research papers were analysed. A series of classic bibliometric indexes were used.

Results:  The average number of references per scientific paper is 16.19 [±standard deviation (SD) 8.56]. The changes in the number of references taken from journals over time do not show strong fluctuations but were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The average number of references per paper is 17.71 (±SD 8.09) for research papers, while it is 14.50 (±SD 8.76) for reviews. The Price's index is 23.8% and the insularity index is 31.8%.

Conclusions:  The number of references used for papers has been increasing in recent years. The use of journals within references is high while the use of books is low. The Price's index tendency is decreasing. The high insularity index observed in the articles may be considered as a negative indicator of nursing journals in Turkey.
Psycho‐social factors affecting elders' maltreatment in long‐term care facilities
Authors: Natan M. Ben , Lowenstein A. , Eisikovits Z.
Published: February 2010

Natan M.B., Lowenstein A. & Eisikovits Z. (2010) Psycho‐social Factors Affecting Elders' Maltreatment in Long‐term Care Facilities. International Nursing Review57, 113–120

Aim:  To examine and analyse major variables affecting maltreatment of elderly nursing home residents. The study was based on two theoretical paradigms: the theoretical model for predicting causes of maltreatment of elderly residents developed by Pillemer, and the Theory of Reasoned Action developed by Ajzen & Fishbein.

Methods:  The study employed a correlational quantitative method. The research population consisted of the staff of 22 nursing homes in Israel. Six hundred questionnaires were distributed in these facilities and 510 were completed and returned (85%). In addition, 24 questionnaires were distributed among directors of the facilities and 22 were returned (91.6%).

Findings:  Slightly more than half of the staff sampled reported abuse of elderly residents over the past year, as manifested in one or more of types of maltreatment. The total number of various types of maltreatment reported was 513. About two‐thirds of the cases were incidents of neglect. Seventy per cent of respondents reported that they had been present at incidents in which another staff member abused an elderly resident in one or more types of maltreatment, and in such situations mental abuse and mental neglect were the most prevalent forms of maltreatment.

Conclusion and Recommendations:  This is the first study to examine elder maltreatment in the long‐term care population of Israel. The research findings produce an expanded and improved research model investigating elder maltreatment in long‐term nursing homes.
Giving birth: the voices of Armenian women
Authors: Amoros Z.U. , Callister L.C. , Sarkisyan K.
Published: February 2010

AMOROS Z.U., CALLISTER L.C. & SARKISYAN K. (2010) Giving birth: the voices of Armenian women. International Nursing Review57, 135–141

Purpose and study design:  The purposes of this qualitative descriptive study were to describe the perceptions of Armenian childbearing women about the meaning of giving birth and to conduct an outcomes evaluation of the Erebuni Women's Wellness Center.

Method:  Fifteen women who had given birth to healthy term infants during the past 8 months and who received health‐care services at the Erebuni Medical Center, Yerevan, Armenia participated in audiotaped interviews. Questions were asked about the meaning of their childbirth experience and their satisfaction with their health care.

Results:  Themes included the meaning of giving birth within the Armenian sociocultural context, enriching the family perspective across generations of Armenian families and receiving supportive quality health care.

Discussion and clinical implications:  This research is an example of an international collaborative work conducted with the American International Health Alliance (AIHA) who established women's wellness centres in Eastern Europe in conjunction with United States Agency for International Development. Outcomes data is very important in order to ensure the quality of health care provided. Clinical personnel found evaluative data were helpful in improving services to women and newborns. Because of dramatic socioeconomic situation in Armenia and many changes that have happened in their health care over the past 18 years, it is important to document the outcomes of AIHA partnership programmes in improving the health of childbearing women and their families. Listening to the voices of Armenian childbearing women is essential to guide health‐care initiatives.
A critical review of the nursing shortage in Malaysia
Authors: Barnett T. , Namasivayam P. , Narudin D.A.A.
Published: February 2010

BARNETT T., NAMASIVAYAM P. & NARUDIN D.A.A. (2010) A critical review of the nursing shortage in Malaysia. International Nursing Review57, 32–39

Objective:  This paper describes and critically reviews steps taken to address the nursing workforce shortage in Malaysia.

Background:  To address the shortage and to build health care capacity, Malaysia has more than doubled its nursing workforce over the past decade, primarily through an increase in the domestic supply of new graduates.

Methods:  Government reports, policy documents and ministerial statements were sourced from the Ministry of Health Malaysia website and reviewed and analysed in the context of the scholarly literature published about the health care workforce in Malaysia and more generally about the global nursing shortage.

Results:  An escalation in student numbers and the unprecedented number of new graduates entering the workforce has been associated with other impacts that have been responded to symptomatically rather than through workplace reform. Whilst growing the domestic supply of nurses is a critical key strategy to address workforce shortages, steps should also be taken to address structural and other problems of the workplace to support both new graduates and the retention of more experienced staff.

Conclusion:  Nursing shortages should not be tackled by increasing the supply of new graduates alone. The creation of a safe and supportive work environment is important to the long‐term success of current measures taken to grow the workforce and retain nurses within the Malaysian health care system.
Italian–Moldovan international nurse migration: rendering visible the loss of human capital
Authors: Palese A. , Cristea E. , Mesaglio M. , Stempovscaia E.
Published: February 2010

PALESE A., CRISTEA E., MESAGLIO M. & STEMPOVSCAIA E. (2010) Italian–Moldovan international nurse migration: rendering visible the loss of human capital. International Nursing Review57, 64–69

Aim:  To describe the process of the migration of Moldovan nurses to Italy.

Background:  Formerly a part of the Soviet Union, the Republic of Moldova gained independence in 1991. Currently, there are 25 848 nurses (60.6 per 10 000 inhabitants) working mainly in the public health system. Each year, around 2000 nurses leave the country in search of better working conditions and a better quality of life.

Methods:  A longitudinal study design was adopted (2006–2007). In the first phase, we contacted all known nurses living in Moldova and their available colleagues following a snowball sampling strategy. Inclusion criteria were nurses who had decided to migrate to Italy and had already prepared the migration documents and/or were awaiting their departure. In the second phase, we interviewed the same sample of nurses on arrival in Italy.

Findings:  After one year, only 25 nurses out of the 110 initially interviewed (22.7%) had arrived in Italy; none were working as nurses. The cost of the migration process incurred by each nurse was around 3278 euros, and the waiting time from the decision to leave until arrival was around 24 months.

Conclusions:  All Moldovan nurses involved in this study, once they arrived in Italy, ceased to exist from an official perspective. Policy and recommendations need to be developed to ensure the integration of Moldovan‐educated nurses into the health‐care system and to monitor the amount of human capital (in terms of care drain, brain drain and youth drain) that this process risks wasting.
A biogeographic model of fire regimes in Australia: current and future implications
Authors: Bradstock R. A.
Published: February 2010

Aim  Patterns of fire regimes across Australia exhibit biogeographic variation in response to four processes. Variations in area burned and fire frequency result from differences in the rates of ‘switching’ of biomass growth, availability to burn, fire weather and ignition. Therefore differing processes limit fire (i.e. the lowest rate of switching) in differing ecosystems. Current and future trends in fire frequency were explored on this basis.

Location  Case studies of forests (cool temperate to tropical) and woodlands (temperate to arid) were examined. These represent a broad range of Australian biomes and current fire regimes.

Methods  Information on the four processes was applied to each case study and the potential minimum length of interfire interval was predicted and compared to current trends. The potential effects of global change on the processes were then assessed and future trends in fire regimes were predicted.

Results  Variations in fire regimes are primarily related to fluctuations in available moisture and dominance by either woody or herbaceous plant cover. Fire in woodland communities (dry climates) is limited by growth of herbaceous fuels (biomass), whereas in forests (wet climates) limitation is by fuel moisture (availability to burn) and fire weather. Increasing dryness in woodland communities will decrease potential fire frequency, while the opposite applies in forests. In the tropics, both forms of limitation are weak due to the annual wet/dry climate. Future change may therefore be constrained.

Main conclusions  Increasing dryness may diminish fire activity over much of Australia (dominance of dry woodlands), though increases may occur in temperate forests. Elevated CO2 effects may confound or reinforce these trends. The prognosis for the future fire regime in Australia is therefore uncertain.