bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new way of reflecting in nursing: the Peshkin Approach
Authors: Bradbury‐Jones Caroline , Hughes Sarah Michelle , Murphy Wendy , Parry Laura , Sutton Jade
Published: October 2009

Title.  A new way of reflecting in nursing: the Peshkin Approach.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a new approach to reflection in nursing and demonstrates its positive outcomes for student learning in clinical practice.

Background.  Reflection is a popular educational tool in nursing and most traditional reflective models take an incident as the starting point. We have developed a new approach that focuses on subjective thoughts and feelings. We were inspired by the work of Peshkin and his focus on the ‘subjective I’. For this reason, we have termed this new way of reflecting ‘The Peshkin Approach’.

Data sources.  Eight nursing students kept a reflective diary during a 6‐week clinical placement in 2008. The focus was on recording their thoughts and feelings. They analysed the diary entries using a systematic approach. The aim was to identify aspects of their subjectivity influencing them in clinical practice.

Discussion.  Through analysis of journal entries, the students became aware of the subjective I’s that were influencing their experiences. They found the advantages of the approach to be twofold: increased self‐awareness and enhanced learning.

Conclusion.  Maintaining a reflective journal that focuses on subjectivity can enhance the clinical experiences of nursing students. We advocate this new approach as complementary to more traditional forms of reflection and argue for its incorporation into nurse education programmes. In comparison to traditional reflective models that we have used, the Peshkin Approach to Reflection has significant advantages in terms of promoting student learning in clinical practice. We hope the approach can be critiqued and developed further by those interested in enhancing nurse education.
The physiology of predator stress in free‐ranging prey
Authors: Preisser Evan L.
Published: October 2009

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M.J. Sheriff, C.J. Krebs & R. Boonstra (2009)The sensitive hare: sublethal effects of predator stress on reproduction in snowshoe hares.Journal of Animal Ecology,78, 1249–1258.

Ecologists have only begun to understand the physiological mechanisms underlying individual‐ and population‐level responses of prey‐ to predator‐related stress. Sheriff, Krebs and Boonstra advance this field by providing evidence that predator‐induced increases in glucorticoid concentrations in wild female snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) impact both litter size and offspring condition. They hypothesize that the glucocorticoid‐mediated effects on reproduction provides an adaptive benefit: mothers ‘programming’ their offspring to be timid and risk‐averse in high‐risk environments should increase their survival probability. This research illuminates the connection between stress physiology and population‐level changes and demonstrates the surprisingly far‐reaching impact of predation risk.
A multitrophic perspective on functioning and evolution of facilitation in plant communities
Authors: Van Der Putten Wim H.
Published: October 2009

1.Plant facilitation has been studied mostly in the context of plant–plant interactions, whereas multitrophic interactions including those that occur below ground have not yet received much attention. Here, I will discuss how above‐ground and below‐ground natural enemies and their predators influence plant facilitation and its evolution.

2.Specific above‐ground and below‐ground plant enemies and their predators play a major role in structuring the composition and dynamics of plant communities. In successional sequences, above‐ground and below‐ground multitrophic level interactions may tip the balance from competitive to facilitative states and vice versa.

3.Little is known about how above‐ground and below‐ground multitrophic interactions develop along resource or stress gradients and how the outcomes of above‐ground–below‐ground interactions depend on variations in these environmental conditions.

4.Facilitated plants need to fit into the above‐ground–below‐ground multitrophic communities of their facilitators.

5.Little is known also about the evolution of plant facilitation. The observed distance in phylogeny between facilitators and facilitated plants suggests that host‐specific enemies may very well co‐determine which species become facilitated by which facilitators.

6.Further, very little attention has been given to how plant strategies (allelopathy, accumulation of enemies, monopolization of symbionts) may be the result of selection against being facilitative.

7.Synthesis. Plant facilitation cannot be understood without considering a plant’s natural enemies and also its enemies’ enemies. Plant enemies can turn competitive interactions into facilitative interactions, whereas the enemies’ enemies can turn facilitation back into competition. Below‐ground interactions will have longer‐lasting effects on facilitation than those above ground, because many organisms can persist in the soil, even when the host plants have disappeared.
Effects of facilitation on community stability and dynamics: synthesis and future directions
Authors: Butterfield Bradley J.
Published: October 2009

1. New insights into the mechanisms and outcomes of facilitation have led to important advances in our understanding of ecological patterns and processes. However, the effects of facilitation on non‐successional community dynamics have yet to be developed into a general theory.

2. By synthesizing spatial and temporal relationships between biotic interactions and environmental severity, a new model of facilitation‐driven community dynamics is presented that applies to any facilitative mechanism related to abiotic stress or resource limitation.

3. In general, facilitation tends to stabilize community dynamics in moderately severe environments, due to a buffering effect of increased facilitation during more severe periods and enhanced competitive effects in milder conditions. In contrast, a strong negative relationship between environmental severity and facilitative strength in highly severe environments leads to a destabilizing effect of facilitation on community dynamics.

4. If only mature plants have significant facilitative effects, developmental lags may be introduced that decouple environmental fluctuations and community dynamics, decreasing the effects of facilitation on community stability. Additionally, dual regulation of facilitation by environmental and demographic factors decouples abundance from climate and produces periodic local extinctions. In general, the interplay of facilitation and competition produce highly variable dynamics in moderate‐severity environments, whereas qualitatively similar results were found in high‐severity environments regardless of facilitative mechanism or model parameters.

5. Additional variation in community dynamics can be explained by the combination of effect and response functional traits of species within a community. The relative abundance and proportion of species within a community falling into one of four different effect and response categories provide an effective framework for predicting responses to climatic variation and biotic interactions.

6.
Synthesis. Facilitation either increases or decreases community stability in predictable ways as a function of empirically identifiable environmental gradients. Effects of developmental lags, complex controls of facilitative mechanisms and species’ functional traits explain additional variation in community dynamics that can be applied to a broad array of ecosystems in which facilitation occurs.
Parasitic plants as facilitators: more Dryad than Dracula?
Authors: Watson David M.
Published: October 2009

Despite being components of most vegetation types, the community‐level effects of parasitic plants are often ignored. The few studies adopting a broader view have revealed that these plants mediate a series of direct and indirect competitive and facilitative effects on community structure and ecosystem processes.

I summarize findings from the two best‐studied systems: a set of experimental and manipulative studies from northern Sweden and an integrated research programme in southern Australia, both focusing on the most abundant hemiparasite in the region –Bartsia alpina(Orobanchaceae; Lamiales) andAmyema miquelii(Loranthaceae; Santalales), respectively.

Despite broad‐based differences between these regions, their vegetation types and biotic constituents, rates of litter‐fall, litter decomposition, nutrient return and plant growth all increased near the hemiparasites in both cases. This leads to changes in the abundance of other plants and the increased species richness and total biomass reflects an indirect form of facilitation.

In addition to reallocation of nutrients from host tissues, some of the additional nutrients may be excreted by other organisms, such as visiting pollinators, seed dispersers, herbivores and members of below‐ground decomposer communities. Small‐scale heterogeneity in nutrient availability could provide a mechanistic process underlying the role of parasitic plants as keystone resources.

Parasitic plants can be regarded as either malevolent predators (Dracula) or charitable benefactors(Robin Hood), but may be better described as Dryads (Greek deities associated with specific trees, which, in addition to being reliant on their host for their wellbeing, affect nearby trees and visiting animals, rendering the surrounding stand a sacred grove).

Synthesis.The Dryad role may be applicable to a wide range of facilitators, whereby indirect interactions with other organisms affect both hosts and adjacent plants, augmenting direct plant–plant interactions. However, while consistent with both case studies and information from studies of other parasitic plants, this role may be most apparent in low productivity systems. Addition, removal and animal exclosure experiments are highlighted as useful approaches to quantify the community‐level influence of parasitic plants, in addition to dedicated work on the below‐ground influences of parasitic plants.
Do facilitative interactions increase species richness at the entire community level?
Authors: Cavieres Lohengrin A. , Badano Ernesto I.
Published: October 2009

1. Although the consequences of facilitation at individual and population levels are well known, the community‐level consequences of these processes have received much less attention. In particular, the importance of facilitation in determining richness at the entire community level has seldom been evaluated.

2. In this study, we sampled 11 alpine plant communities along the southern Andes in South America, spanning from tropical (25°S) to sub‐antarctic latitudes (55°S). Plant communities were dominated by cushion plants, a particular growth form that acts as a nurse plant for other plant species. Through rarefaction curves, we assessed the effectiveness of community sampling and estimated the number of species present within and outside cushions. Non‐metric Multidimensional Scaling ordinations (NMDS) were used to assess differences between the species assemblages growing within and outside cushions. Finally, samples from cushions and open areas were combined in a single matrix accounting for the difference in cover between both microhabitats, and through rarefaction curves we assessed how many more species are added to the community due to the presence of cushions.

3. Samples taken within cushions always contained more species than equivalent samples from open areas. However, the magnitude of this difference varied among communities. NMDS ordination indicated that cushions generate species assemblages structurally different from those found in open areas. Inclusion of samples from cushion and open areas in synthetic analyses – where differences in cover were accounted for – indicated that the presence of cushions consistently increased species richness at the entire community level. The magnitude of these increases in species richness varied with habitat severity, with lower values at both extremes of the environmental severity gradient.

4.
Synthesis. Facilitative interactions with cushion nurse plants along the high Andes of southern South America changed plant assemblage structure and increased species richness at the entire community level, indicating that facilitative interactions are pivotal in maintaining the diversity of these harsh environments.
Unravelling the nature of postexertional malaise in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: the role of elastase, complement C4a and interleukin‐1β
Authors: Nijs J. , Van Oosterwijck J. , Meeus M. , Lambrecht L. , Metzger K. , Frémont M. , Paul L.
Published: October 2009

Abstract.  Nijs J, Van Oosterwijck J, Meeus M, Lambrecht L, Metzger K, Frémont M, Paul L (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels; University College Antwerp, Antwerp; University Hospital Brussels, Brussels; Private Practice for Internal Medicine, Gent/Aalst; and RED Laboratories N.V., Zellik; Belgium, and University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK). Unravelling the nature of postexertional malaise in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: the role of elastase, complement C4a and interleukin‐1β. J Intern Med 2010; 267: 418–435.

Objectives.  Too vigorous exercise or activity increase frequently triggers postexertional malaise in people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a primary characteristic evident in up to 95% of people with ME/CFS. The present study aimed at examining whether two different types of exercise results in changes in health status, circulating elastase activity, interleukin (IL)‐1β and complement C4a levels.

Design.  Comparative experimental design.

Setting.  University.

Subjects.  Twenty‐two women with ME/CFS and 22 healthy sedentary controls Interventions: participants were subjected to a submaximal exercise (day 8) and a self‐paced, physiologically limited exercise (day 16). Each bout of exercise was preceded and followed by blood sampling, actigraphy and assessment of their health status.

Results.  Both submaximal exercise and self‐paced, physiologically limited exercise resulted in postexertional malaise in people with ME/CFS. However, neither exercise bout altered elastase activity, IL‐1β or complement C4a split product levels in people with ME/CFS or healthy sedentary control subjects (P > 0.05). Postexercise complement C4a level was identified as a clinically important biomarker for postexertional malaise in people with ME/CFS.

Conclusions.  Submaximal exercise as well as self‐paced, physiologically limited exercise triggers postexertional malaise in people with ME/CFS, but neither types of exercise alter acute circulating levels of IL‐1β, complement C4a split product or elastase activity. Further studying of immune alterations in relation to postexertional malaise in people with ME/CFS using multiple measurement points postexercise is required.
The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in HIV‐positive individuals in the UK – trends in HCV testing and the impact of HCV on HIV treatment outcomes
Authors: Turner J. , Bansi L. , Gilson R. , Gazzard B. , Walsh J. , Pillay D. , Orkin C. , Phillips A. , Easterbrook P. , Johnson M. , Porter K. , Schwenk A. , Hill T. , Leen C. , Anderson J. , Fisher M. , Sabin C. ,   on behalf of the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (UK CHIC) Study
Published: October 2009

Summary.  We examined the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among HIV‐positive individuals in the UK, trends in HCV testing and the impact of HCV on HIV treatment outcomes. Trends over time in HCV prevalence were calculated using each patient’s most recent HCV status at the end of each calendar year. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with having a HCV antibody test, and Cox regression was used to determine whether HCV status was associated with the time to experiencing an immunological response to highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART), time to virological response and viral rebound. Of the 31 765 HIV‐positive individuals seen for care between January 1996 and September 2007, 20 365 (64.1%) individuals were tested for HCV, and 1807 (8.9%) had detectable HCV antibody. The proportion of patients in follow‐up ever tested for HCV increased over time, from 782/8505 (9.2%) in 1996 to 14 280/17 872 (79.9%) in 2007. Nine thousand six hundred and sixty‐nine individuals started HAART for the first time in or after January 2000, of whom, 396 (4.1%) were HCV positive. Presence of HCV infection did not affect initial virological response, virological rebound or immunological response. The cumulative prevalence of HCV in the UK CHIC Study is 8.9%. Despite UK guidelines, over 20% of HIV‐positive individuals have not had their HCV status determined by 2007. HCV infection had no impact on HIV virological outcomes or immunological response to HIV treatment. The long‐term impact on morbidity and mortality remain to be determined.
Pathophysiology of colonic causes of chronic constipation
Authors: Dinning P. G. , Smith T. K. , Scott S. M.
Published: October 2009

Abstract  Colonic sensorimotor dysfunction is recognized as the principal pathophysiological mechanism underpinning chronic constipation. This review addresses current understanding derived from both human and animal studies, with particular reference made to methods of investigation.
Trends in preterm births in Flanders, Belgium, from 1991 to 2002
Authors: Keirse Marc J. N. C. , Hanssens Myriam , Devlieger Hugo
Published: October 2009

Changes in the preterm birth rate have been attributed predominantly to increases in multiple pregnancies, associated with advanced maternal age and assisted reproduction, and to obstetric intervention. We examined their contribution to the frequencies of preterm (<37 weeks), very preterm (<32 weeks) and severely preterm (<28 weeks) birth among 700 383 singleton and twin births in Flanders from 1991 to 2002. We examined changes across four 3‐year periods (triennia) with confidence interval [CI] analysis and yearly incremental rates using linear and logistic regression analyses.

Over the 12 years, twin pregnancies increased from 1.5% to 2.0%, averaging 1.6% [95% CI 1.54, 1.66] in 1991–93 and 1.9% [95% CI 1.81, 1.94] in 2000–02 (P < 0.001). The proportion of women aged 35 years or more increased from 6.8% [95% CI 6.69, 6.92] in 1991–93 to 11.3% [95% CI 11.2, 11.5] in 2000–02 (P < 0.001) and those aged under 20 from 1.9% [95% CI 1.81, 1.93] to 2.3% [95% CI 2.26, 2.41] (P < 0.001). Assisted reproduction increased from 2.6% [95% CI 2.48, 2.62] to 4.2% [95% CI 4.11, 4.30] (P < 0.001) and obstetric intervention to end pregnancy from 36.2% [95% CI 36.0, 36.4] to 40.3% [95% CI 40.1, 40.6] (P < 0.001). These increases related to an annual increase of 0.23% in the preterm birth rate from 5.5% [95% CI 5.4, 5.6] in 1991–93 to 7.2% [95% CI 7.1, 7.3] in 2000–02 (P < 0.001). The proportions of very and severely preterm births also increased by nearly a third, but their contribution to the total preterm birth rate remained stable at 15% and 5%, respectively. Odds ratios for the increases per year were 1.035 [95% CI 1.032, 1.038] for preterm birth, 1.024 [95% CI 1.018, 1.031] for very preterm and 1.028 [95% CI 1.017, 1.040] for severely preterm births after adjusting for other changes in the population.

Overall, the data show, first, marked increases in the frequency of known contributors to the preterm birth rate, including twin pregnancies, advanced maternal age, assisted reproduction and obstetric intervention. Second, the preterm birth rate further increased significantly within subgroups of women with one or more of these characteristics. Third, the preterm birth rate also rose, from 4.4% [95% CI 4.2, 4.5] in 1991–93 to 5.6% [95% CI 5.5, 5.8] in 2000–02 (P < 0.001), in women with none of these contributing factors. This indicates that changes in the frequency of these known predictors are insufficient to explain the steady increase in preterm, very preterm and severely preterm births over more than a decade.
Association of allergic patients’ phenotypes with IgE reactivity to recombinant pollen marker allergens
Authors: Twardosz‐Kropfmüller A. , Singh M. B. , Niederberger V. , Horak F. , Kraft D. , Spitzauer S. , Valenta R. , Swoboda I.
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Twardosz‐Kropfmüller A, Singh MB, Niederberger V, Horak F, Kraft D, Spitzauer S, Valenta R, Swoboda I. Association of allergic patients’ phenotypes with IgE reactivity to recombinant pollen marker allergens. Allergy 2010; 65: 296–303.

Background:  During the last decade allergen molecules from several allergen sources have been produced by recombinant DNA technology. The aim of this study was to investigate whether IgE reactivity to recombinant pollen allergens with broad and narrow cross‐reactivity is associated with clinical phenotypes of allergic sensitization.

Methods:  Serum IgE reactivity to a panel of six recombinant birch and grass pollen allergens was measured by ELISA in pollen sensitized patients from Central Europe to define groups of patients with exclusive IgE reactivity to rBet v 1, with exclusive reactivity to major grass pollen allergens (rPhl p 1, rPhl p 2, rPhl p 5) and with IgE reactivity to cross‐reactive pollen allergens (rBet v 2, rPhl p 7). Patients’ clinical phenotypes were recorded. IgE responses to tree, grass and weed pollen as well as plant food extracts were evaluated in vitro by CAP‐FEIA and clinical sensitivities were confirmed in vivo by skin prick testing.

Results:  IgE reactivity to the recombinant major birch pollen allergen, rBet v 1, was associated with sensitization to pollen from birch, taxonomically related trees and to certain plant‐derived food. Reactivity to the recombinant timothy grass pollen allergens, rPhl p 1, rPhl p 2, rPhl p 5, indicated sensitization to pollen from grasses. Patients reacting with the highly cross‐reactive allergen rPhl p 7 were polysensitized to pollen from unrelated trees, grasses and weeds and rBet v 2‐positive patients were polysensitized to pollen and plant‐derived food from unrelated plants.

Conclusions:  IgE reactivity to recombinant marker allergens is associated with clinical phenotypes of allergic sensitization and may be useful for the selection of treatment strategies.
Detection of herpetic viruses in gingival crevicular fluid of patients suffering from periodontal diseases: prevalence and effect of treatment
Authors: Grenier G. , Gagnon G. , Grenier D.
Published: October 2009

Background/Aim:  Although the role of bacteria in the etiology of periodontitis is well established, it has been suggested that herpetic viruses could contribute to the initiation and progression of this disease. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples obtained from periodontally healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis patients. In addition, the effect of periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing) on the persistence of herpetic viruses was evaluated in a sub‐group of patients suffering from chronic periodontitis.

Methods:  The presence of viruses in GCF samples was assessed by a nested PCR amplification technique. The persistence of viruses in periodontal sites was evaluated following a scaling and root planing therapy.

Results:  A statistically significant higher prevalence of HCMV was observed in periodontitis patients as compared to healthy control subjects (35 vs. 8%, respectively; P = 0.0377). A trend for a higher prevalence of HSV was also noted in the periodontitis group, in comparison with healthy control subjects. In addition, a higher prevalence of HCMV was associated with deep periodontal pockets in subjects suffering from periodontitis. In the sub‐group of periodontitis patients, periodontal therapy resulted in the elimination (HCMV and EBV) or reduction (HSV) of the herpetic viruses.

Conclusions:  This study showed that the prevalence of HCMV and HSV viruses in GCF is higher in patients suffering from periodontitis compared to periodontally healthy subjects, and that the prevalence of HCMV is higher in deep periodontal pockets. It also brought evidences that periodontal therapy may be associated with virus elimination in diseased sites.
Genetic diversity and toxic activity of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans isolates
Authors: Kawamoto D. , Ando E. S. , Longo P. L. , Nunes A. C. R. , Wikström M. , Mayer M. P. A.
Published: October 2009

Introduction:  Very little is known of the diversity and expression of virulence factors of serotypes of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Toxic activity on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and cdt and ltx genotyping were evaluated in A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes.

Methods:  Forty‐one A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates were analysed for CHO cell growth inhibition. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reactions specific to the ltx promoter region, serotype‐specific and cdt region and by sequencing of cdtB.

Results:  cdtABC was detected in 40 strains. Analysis of the cdtA upstream region revealed 10 cdt genotypes. Toxicity to CHO cells was detected for 92.7% of the isolates; however, no correlation between the toxic activity and the cdt genotype was detected. Serotype c was more prevalent among Brazilian samples (68.0%). Four serotype b isolates from subjects with aggressive periodontitis were associated with high leukotoxin production and exhibited moderate to strong toxic activity in CHO cells, but were classified in different cdt genotypes. High levels of toxicity in CHO cells were not associated with a particular serotype; 57.1% of serotype a isolates presented low toxicity to CHO cells whereas the highly toxic strains belonged to serotypes b and c. Sequencing of cdtB revealed a single nucleotide polymorphism of amino acid 281 but this was not related to the toxic activity in CHO cells.

Conclusion:  Differences in prevalence of the low and highly cytotoxic strains among serotypes reinforce the hypothesis that serotype b and c isolates of A. actinomycetemcomitans are more virulent than serotype a strains.
Manipulation of alternative oxidase can influence salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Smith Chevaun Anne , Melino Vanessa Jane , Sweetman Crystal , Soole Kathleen Lydia
Published: October 2009

The growth and development of plants can be limited by environmental stresses such as salinity. It has been suggested that the non‐phosphorylating alternative respiratory pathway in plants, mediated by the NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [NAD(P)H DH] and alternative oxidase (AOX), is important during environmental stresses. The involvement of this alternative pathway in a stress response may be linked to its capacity to uncouple carbon metabolism from adenylate control and/or the minimization of the formation of destructive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Salinity stress is a widespread, adverse environmental stress, which leads to an ionic imbalance, hyperosmotic stress and oxidative stress, the latter being the result of ROS formation. In this study, we show that salinity stress of Arabidopsis thaliana plants resulted in the formation of ROS, increased levels of Na+ in both the shoot and the root and an increase in transcription of Ataox1a, Atndb2 and Atndb4 genes, indicating the formation of an abridged non‐phosphorylating electron transport chain in response to salinity stress. Furthermore, plants constitutively over‐expressing Ataox1a, with increased AOX capacity, showed lower ROS formation, 30–40% improved growth rates and lower shoot Na+ content compared with controls, when grown under salinity stress conditions. Thus, more active AOX in roots and shoots can improve the salt tolerance of Arabidopsis as defined by its ability to grow more effectively in the presence of NaCl, and maintain lower shoot Na+ content. AOX does have an important role in stress adaptation in plants, and these results provide some validation of the hypothesis that AOX can play a critical role in cell re‐programming under salinity stress.
Male Performance and Body Size Affect Female Re‐Mating Occurrence in the Orb‐Web Spider Leucauge mariana (Araneae, Tetragnathidae)
Authors: Aisenberg Anita
Published: October 2009

Females can affect male probabilities of paternity success through behavioural, morphological and/or physiological processes occurring during or after copulation. These processes under female‐control include the acceptance or rejection of mating attempts by subsequent males. Leucauge mariana is an orb weaving spider that shows male mate guarding of penultimate females, male–male competition on female webs and copulatory plugs, suggesting a polyandric mating system. The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether male behaviour during courtship and copulation in L. mariana relate with female re‐mating decisions. Forty‐three virgin females were exposed to up to three males until they mated. In 24 cases, the copulatory plug was absent after mating and females were exposed the next day to up to three other males. Eighteen females accepted a second mating. Relatively larger females were more receptive to second matings and were more likely to copulate if the second male was smaller. Longer duration of female tapping and abdominal bobbing during courtship, and first copulations with less short insertions and more flubs, were associated with increased female acceptance to second matings. The results indicate cryptic female choice on male courtship and copulatory performance and suggest female‐control over the determination of male mating success in this spider species.
On the competitiveness of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera damage abatement strategies in Hungary: a bio‐economic approach
Authors: Dillen K. , Mitchell P. D. , Tollens E.
Published: October 2009

Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte or western corn rootworm (WCR) is a major pest of cultivated maize, Zea mays L., introduced into Europe in 1992. Since then, the beetle spread through Central Europe, leading to a continuous pest population in 11 European countries. This article presents an economic assessment of different damage abatement strategies against this invasive species in the Hungarian maize sector. A bio‐economic model, using Monte Carlo sampling, estimates the potential damage from WCR under no control and the value created by Bt maize, seed treatment, soil insecticides and cultural control. At the same time, potential market shares for the different damage abatement options under perfect information are deducted. The potential damages under a no control scenario are estimated at €176/ha for grain maize farmers on average, which points out the need for well‐designed damage abatement strategies. For land‐constrained farmers cultural control is a valuable damage abatement strategy, being the optimal choice in 69% of the cases. In monoculture Bt maize is the best option as it creates the highest value in 78% of the cases. However, as Bt maize active against WCR is not deregulated in the European Union, soil insecticides in 54% of the cases and seed treatment in 46% of the cases are the rational choices. As the value created by Bt maize is positive, not deregulating Bt maize in Hungary leads to benefits foregone ranging from €16/ha for land‐constrained grain farmers to €49/ha in the case of silage maize under monoculture. Finally, the results of the sensitivity analysis can be used to develop a multi‐criteria tool to aid farmers in applying the appropriate damage abatement strategy. This could decrease the dependency of farmers on scouting techniques and economic thresholds of WCR presence.
Saprophagous insect larvae,Drosophila melanogaster, profit from increased species richness in beneficial microbes
Authors: Rohlfs M. , Kürschner L.
Published: October 2009

Female fruit flies,Drosophila melanogaster, lay their eggs on decaying plant material. Foraging fly larvae strongly depend on the availability of dietary microbes, such as yeasts, to reach the adult stage. In contrast, strong interference competition with filamentous fungi can cause high mortality amongDrosophilalarvae. Given that many insects are known for employing beneficial microbes to combat antagonistic ones, we hypothesized that fly larvae engaged in competition with the noxious mouldAspergillus nidulansbenefit from the presence of dietary yeast species, especially when they are associated with increasingly species rich yeast communities (ranging from one to six yeast species per community). On a nutrient‐limited fruit substrate infested withA. nidulans, both larval survival and development time were positively affected by more diverse yeast communities. On a mould‐free fruit substrate, merely larval development but not survival was found to be affected by increasing species richness of dietary yeasts. Not only yeast diversity had an effect onD. melanogasterlife‐history traits, but also the identity of the yeast combinations. These findings demonstrate the importance of the structure and diversity of microbial communities in mutualistic animal–microbe interactions.
Hydrodistension under local anesthesia for patients with suspected painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis: Safety, diagnostic potential and therapeutic efficacy
Authors: Aihara Kinue , Hirayama Akihide , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Yoshida Kastunori , Hirao Yoshihiko
Published: October 2009

Objectives:  To evaluate the safety, diagnostic potential and therapeutic efficacy of cystoscopy with hydrodistension under local anesthesia in patients with suspected painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC).

Methods:  Thirty‐six patients with frequency, urgency or bladder pain for ≥6 months and an average voided volume of <200 mL were enrolled in the study. Hydrodistension was carried out 10 min after instillation of 10 mL of 4% lidocaine. The instilled saline volume for hydrodistension was determined based on each patient's level of tolerance of urinary sensation and symptoms.

Results:  Overall, 30 patients (median age 54 years, range 25–76) were evaluated. The median instilled saline volume was 450 mL (250 to 580 mL). No patients were admitted to hospital due to adverse events associated with hydrodistension. Glomerulation was found in 23 patients and two had Hunner's ulcers. Therapeutic efficacy at one month after hydrodistension was shown in 21/30 patients (71%). A median efficacy period of 20 ± 3.7 weeks was determined by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Factors with an independent influence on therapeutic efficacy of hydrodistension were not identified, but patients with an instilled volume greater than the median volume had significantly longer efficacy periods (P < 0.022).

Conclusions:  Cystoscopy with hydrodistension under local anesthesia provides a simple and safe method for differential diagnosis and has some therapeutic efficacy in patients with suspected PBS/IC.
Effects of fasudil, a Rho‐kinase inhibitor, on contraction of pig bladder tissues with or without urothelium
Authors: Tatsumiya Katsuhisa , Yamanishi Tomonori , Watanabe Miho , Masuda Akinori , Mizuno Tomoya , Kamai Takao , Yoshida Ken‐Ichiro
Published: October 2009

Objectives: To investigate the effects of fasudil, a Rho‐associated serine‐threonine protein kinase inhibitor, on contraction of the pig urinary bladder tissues with or without urothelium.

Methods: Cumulative concentration‐response curves (CRCs) to carbachol were obtained with and without 3–10 µM fasudil. Drug effects were evaluated in detrusor with and without urothelium. Inhibitory responses to fasudil were also examined in tissues precontracted with KCl and carbachol, and in response to electrical field stimulation, in pig bladder with and without urothelium.

Results: In detrusor without urothelium, maximum contraction (Emax) decreased after administration of fasudil at 3 or 10 µmol/L (bothP < 0.01), or 30 µmol/L (72.5 ± 7.43%, 58.4 ± 8.04% and 68.4 ± 9.6%, respectively, of the first curve). In detrusor with urothelium, Emaxdecreased significantly (allP < 0.05) after the addition of 3, 10 or 30 µmol/L of fasudil (84.9 ± 6.7%, 67.9 ± 5.2% and 35.2 ± 4.1%, respectively). In tissues precontracted with 80 mmol/L KCl or 100 µmol/L carbachol, tension after administration of fasudil (1 nmol/L to 100 µmol/L) decreased (by approximately 40%), only after administration of fasudil at high concentration (>1 µmol/L), in detrusor both with and without urothelium. In tissues with and without urothelium, responses to electrical field stimulation at 1–50 Hz decreased significantly in a concentration‐dependent manner after addition of fasudil (3 to 30 µmol/L).

Conclusions: Fasudil seems to provoke relaxation of the bladder detrusor via both urothelium‐dependent and independent pathways.
BK virus nephropathy: Clinical experience in a university hospital in Japan
Authors: Takayama Tatsuya , Ito Toshiki , Suzuki Kazuo , Ushiyama Tomomi , Horii Toshinobu , Miura Katsutoshi , Ozono Seiichiro
Published: October 2009

Objectives:  To review the medical records of patients with BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) following kidney transplantation in our institution.

Methods:  We screened patients for decoy cells using urine cytology, assessed serum creatinine levels, and conducted a graft biopsy, as well as assessed the presence of plasma BK virus DNA by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The treatment of BKVN was based on the decreased use of immunosuppressants.

Results:  Overall, six male patients were studied (mean age 40.8 years, range 18–58; mean donor age 45.2 years, range 15–67). A positive urine cytology screen led to the subsequent detection of plasma BK virus DNA in the five patients with urine cytology results positive for decoy cells. In the four patients in whom plasma BK virus DNA was detected, a maximum value of DNA of ≥10 000 copies/mL was observed. Time elapsed from transplantation to BKVN diagnosis ranged from 3 to 62 months. Although the two cadaver grafts were lost, the loss was not due to any effects directly associated with BKVN. The other four grafts are still functioning with a mean creatinine level of 1.8 mg/dL. Most of the patients with BKVN were regarded as being in a state of heightened immunosuppression. BK virus transition to blood was prevented in one patient.

Conclusions:  Early diagnosis of BKV infection with reduction of immunosuppression may potentially counter BK viremia and retard progression of BKV nephropathy. Decoy cell screening by urine cytology as well as plasma BK virus DNA screening should be considered in addition to the required graft biopsy in kidney transplant recipients, particularly in those with impaired graft function.
The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus is a neuroanatomical substrate for the inhibition of palatable food intake by neuropeptide S
Authors: Fedeli Amalia , Braconi Simone , Economidou Daina , Cannella Nazzareno , Kallupi Marsida , Guerrini Remo , Calò Girolamo , Cifani Carlo , Massi Maurizio , Ciccocioppo Roberto
Published: October 2009

Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a recently discovered neurotransmitter that binds to its cognate G‐protein coupled receptor, NPSR. Previous studies have shown that central administration of this peptide induces anxiolytic‐like effects, promotes arousal and inhibits feeding in the same dose range. In the present study, we sought to investigate further the unique physiopharmacological profile of the NPS system by characterizing its effects on palatable food consumption in rats and comparing it with the effect of the classical anxiolytic benzodiazepine midazolam. The results demonstrated that midazolam (5.0 or 10.0 mg/kg) increases palatable food consumption, while intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of NPS markedly reduces it. The anorectic effect of NPS (0.1–1.0 nmol per rat, ICV) was prevented by ICV pretreatment with the NPSR antagonist [d‐Cys(tBU)5]NPS (20.0–60.0 nmol per rat). Pretreatment with the nonselective corticotrophin‐releasing factor receptor (CRF) antagonist alpha‐helical CRF 9–41 (6.25 and 12.5 nmol per rat) completely reversed the hypophagic action of CRF (0.4 nmol per rat, ICV) but did not prevent the anorectic effect of ICV NPS (1.0 nmol per rat). Brain site‐specific microinjection experiments revealed that NPS markedly inhibits palatable food intake if administered into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). A similar but smaller and shorter lasting reduction of feeding was observed following intra‐lateral hypothalamus administration, whereas no effect was observed following injection into the central amygdala. The present study demonstrates that NPS evokes a potent inhibition of palatable food consumption and that the PVN is an important site of action for its effect.
Prolactin‐releasing peptide effects in the rat brain are mediated through the Neuropeptide FF receptor
Authors: Ma Li , MacTavish David , Simonin Frédéric , Bourguignon Jean‐Jacques , Watanabe Takeshi , Jhamandas Jack H.
Published: October 2009

Prolactin‐releasing peptide (PrRP), an RF amide peptide present in the brain, generates a wide variety of centrally generated autonomic responses, including increases in arterial blood pressure and heart rate. The identity of the receptor mediating the effects of PrRP is unknown. In addition to GPR10, which is its putative endogenous receptor, PrRP demonstrates a high binding affinity for Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) receptors, specifically the NPFF2 receptor. In the present study, we examined whether the central cardiovascular effects of PrRP in the intact animal and its cellular effects on parvocellular paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons are mediated via NPFF receptors. In conscious rats, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) PrRP caused an increase in arterial blood pressure and heart rate, which was blocked with RF9, a specific NPFF receptor antagonist. These PrRP‐evoked cardiovascular effects were preserved in the Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat strain, in which the GRP10 receptor gene was mutated. In rat brain slices, whole‐cell patch clamp recordings of parvocellular paraventricular nucleus neurons show PrRP caused a decrease in evoked and miniature GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs), effects that were antagonized by RF9, but not neuropeptide Y, a putative GPR10 receptor antagonist. The effects of PrRP on IPSCs in OLETF rats were similar to those in wild‐type rats. Both in vivo and in vitro data strongly suggest that certain PrRP effects in the brain are expressed via NPFF receptors, probably NPFF2, rather than the GPR10 receptor. These observations may assume clinical relevance as RF amide peptides such NPFF and PrRP become therapeutic targets for a variety of autonomically related disorders.
The relative roles of kinship and reciprocity in explaining primate altruism
Authors: Schino Gabriele , Aureli Filippo
Published: October 2009

Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the evolution of altruistic behaviours. Their relative roles in explaining actual cases of animal altruism are, however, unclear. In particular, while kin selection is widely believed to have a pervasive influence on animal behaviour, reciprocity is generally thought to be rare. Despite this general agreement, there has been no direct test comparing the relative roles of kinship and reciprocity in explaining animal altruism. In this paper, we report on the results of such a test based on a meta‐analysis of allogrooming in primates, grooming being probably the most common altruistic behaviour among mammals. In direct contrast to the prevailing view, reciprocity played a much larger role than kinship in explaining primate allogrooming. These results point to a more significant role of reciprocity in the evolution of animal altruism than is generally acknowledged.

Ecology Letters(2010) 13: 45–50
Conversion in transanal stapling techniques for haemorrhoids and anorectal prolapse
Authors: Schwandner O.
Published: October 2009

Aim  It was the aim of this single‐surgeon series to assess the role of conversion in transanal stapling to techniques and to identify potential factors predictive of conversion.

Method  The details of all consecutive patients who were planned for a stapled approach were prospectively recorded in a PC database. Stapling techniques (PPH03, PPH01 and ContourTranstar) were indicated for haemorrhoidal disease and internal rectal prolapse. ‘Conversion’ from a stapled approach was defined as an unplanned change of the surgical method to a nonstapled, traditional technique, related to indication, anatomy and technical factors. The primary outcomes were whether the procedure was performed using a stapling device only, or whether the procedure was converted. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate multiple variables as potential risk factors for conversion.

Results  In a 2‐year period (May 2006–May 2008), 258 patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent transanal surgery scheduled as a stapled approach. In these 258 patients, 246 procedures were completed as a stapled procedure [that stapled haemorrhoidopexy, n = 148; stapled mucosectomy, n = 52; stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) with PPH01, n = 38; and STARR with ContourTranstar, n = 8], giving a completion rate of 95.4%. However, 12 procedures were converted to conventional surgery (including traditional haemorrhoidectomy and the Delorme procedure), giving a conversion rate of 4.6%. The reasons for conversion were related to anatomy and to clinical findings (nonreducible haemorrhoidal prolapse), to new clinical findings not detected preoperatively (proctitis, anal fistula) and to a technical inability to insert the circular anal dilatator because of a deep anal canal. Neither univariate nor multivariate analysis identified any factor to be specifically associated with the risk of conversion.

Conclusion  In the era of transanal stapling procedures for haemorrhoids and anorectal prolapse, the majority of procedures can be performed using stapled techniques if strict criteria of indication and patient selection are respected. However, the current study identified a 4.6% conversion rate to traditional treatment, which has an impact on informed consent and requires the surgeon to be familiar with conventional anorectal procedures.
Hexylaminolaevulinate fluorescence cystoscopy in patients previously treated with intravesical bacille Calmette‐Guérin
Authors: Ray Eleanor R. , Chatterton Kathryn , Khan M. Shamim , Chandra Ashish , Thomas Kay , Dasgupta Prokar , O’Brien Tim S.
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Diagnosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To determine if hexylaminolaevulinate fluorescence cystoscopy (HAL‐FC) has the potential to improve the diagnosis of bladder cancer in patients who have been treated with bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients scheduled for rigid cystoscopy after BCG therapy were recruited prospectively between April 2005 and February 2006. Patients received HAL (HexvixTM, PhotoCure ASA, Oslo, Norway) and the D‐light system (Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) was used to detect fluorescence. The bladder was mapped and biopsies taken under white light and then using HAL‐FC. The main outcome was the frequency and nature of additional pathology detected by HAL‐FC. Twenty‐seven patients (21 men and six women; median age 70 years, range 49–82) underwent 32 HAL‐FC.

RESULTS

Recurrent bladder cancer was detected in 11 of the 32 (34%) examinations. HAL‐FC detected additional pathology in five of the 27 (19%) patients. In two of these cases the additional pathology was clinically significant (one pT4G3 intraprostatic transitional cell carcinoma and one intravesical pT1G2 + carcinoma in situ), whereas in three cases the pathology was hyperplasia/dysplasia. Overall, the false‐positive biopsy rate with HAL‐FC was 63%. In the presence of positive voided urine cytology six of eight patients had recurrent bladder tumour and the false‐positive biopsy rate was only 34%. Urine cytology was positive in four of five of the patients in whom additional pathology was detected by HAL‐FC.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically significant occult pathology can be detected using HAL‐FC after BCG therapy, but in <10% of cases. The rate of false‐positive biopsies is high but in our hands appears to be lower than with white‐light guided biopsies after BCG. Our pragmatic approach is to use HAL‐FC after BCG when clinical suspicion is high, and when the preoperative voided urine cytology is positive.