bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Violence against women in intimate relationships: Explanations and suggestions for interventions as perceived by healthcare workers, local leaders, and trusted community members in a northern district of Vietnam
Authors: Jonzon Robert , Dang Vung Nguyen , Ringsberg Karin C. , Krantz Gunilla
Published: November 2007

Aim: This study explored professionals' and trusted community inhabitants' explanations of the violence between intimate partners and their suggestions for preventive activities. It was performed in a rural district in northern Vietnam. Methods: A total of 20 men and 20 women were strategically selected for focus-group discussions and the analyses followed the procedure for qualitative thematic content analysis. Results: It was pointed out that violence against women was not discussed openly in the community and women subjected to violence kept silent and avoided seeking help in order not to reveal what was happening in the family. The informants perceived the violence as an interplay between individual and family-related factors and sociocultural norms and practices where Confucian ideology exerted a strong influence. When it came to prevention, there was a strong belief in educating the people and in enforcing policy and law. Conclusions: As described by the informants, traditional attitudes to gender roles and women's power disadvantage are found to be behind most of the explanations for intimate partner violence. Collaboration between sectors at local level, between the health sector and other bodies, and with community leaders as spokesmen would help to improve openness and reduce society's tolerance of violence against women. The mass media also have an important role to play.
Is moist snuff use associated with excess risk of IHD or stroke? A longitudinal follow-up of snuff users in Sweden
Authors: Haglund Bengt , Eliasson Mats , Stenbeck Magnus , Rosen Måns
Published: November 2007

Background: The potential risks of Swedish moist snuff (snus) are debated and studies have shown diverging results. Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is any excess risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke from snuff use. Methods: The Swedish Survey of Living Conditions from 1988—89 was record-linked to the Swedish Cause of Death Register and the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register to investigate excess mortality and hospitalization from IHD and stroke. A Poisson regression model was used and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for snuff and smoking were calculated controlling for age, physical activity, self-reported health, number of longstanding illnesses, residential area, and socioeconomic position. Results: Among snuff users there were no excess risks of mortality or hospitalization from IHD (IRR 0.8; 0.5—1.2,) or stroke (IRR 1.1; 0.7—1.8), but, as expected, clear excess risks were found for smokers (IRR 1.7; 1.4—2.1 for IHD, and IRR 1.4; 1.0—1.9 for stroke). Conclusions: This study has not shown any excess risk among users of snuff for IHD or stroke. If there is a risk associated with snuff it is evidently much lower than those associated with smoking.
Anomalous Surface Distribution of Glycosyl Phosphatidyl Inositol–anchored Proteins in Neurons Lacking Acid Sphingomyelinase
Authors: Galvan Cristian , Camoletto Paola G. , Cristofani Flavio , Van Veldhoven Paul P. , Ledesma Maria Dolores
Published: November 2007

Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) converts sphingomyelin (SM) into ceramide. Mutations in the ASM gene cause the mental retardation syndrome Niemann Pick type A (NPA), characterized as a lysosomal disorder because of the SM accumulation in these organelles. We here report that neurons from mice lacking ASM (ASMKO) present increased plasma membrane SM levels evident in detergent-resistant membranes. Paralleling this lipidic alteration, GPI-anchored proteins show an aberrant distribution in both axons and dendrites instead of the axonal enrichment observed in neurons from wild-type mice. Trafficking analysis suggests that this is due to defective internalization from dendrites. Increasing the SM content in wild-type neurons mimics these defects, whereas SM reduction in ASMKO neurons prevents their occurrence. Moreover, expression of active RhoA, which membrane attachment is affected by SM accumulation, rescues internalization rates in ASMKO neurons. These data unveil an unexpected role for ASM in neuronal plasma membrane organization and trafficking providing insight on the molecular mechanisms involved. They also suggest that deficiencies in such processes could be key pathological events in NPA disease.
Attendance at Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, frequency of attendance and substance use outcomes after residential treatment for drug dependence: a 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Gossop Michael , Stewart Duncan , Marsden John
Published: November 2007

Aims  This study investigates the relationship between frequency of attendance at Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous (NA/AA) meetings and substance use outcomes after residential treatment of drug dependence. It was predicted that post‐treatment NA/AA attendance would be related to improved substance use outcomes.

Methods  Using a longitudinal, prospective cohort design, interviews were conducted with drug‐dependent clients (n = 142) at intake to residential treatment, and at 1 year, 2 years and 4–5 years follow‐up. Data were collected by structured interviews. All follow‐up interviews were carried out by independent professional interviewers.

Findings  Abstinence from opiates was increased throughout the 5‐year follow‐up period compared to pre‐treatment levels. Clients who attended NA/AA after treatment were more likely to be abstinent from opiates at follow‐up. Abstinence from stimulants increased at follow‐up but (except at 1‐year follow‐up) no additional benefit was found for NA/AA attendance. There was no overall change in alcohol abstinence after treatment but clients who attended NA/AA were more likely to be abstinent from alcohol at all follow‐up points. More frequent NA/AA attenders were more likely to be abstinent from opiates and alcohol when compared both to non‐attenders and to infrequent (less than weekly) attenders.

Conclusions  NA/AA can support and supplement residential addiction treatment as an aftercare resource. In view of the generally poor alcohol use outcomes achieved by drug‐dependent patients after treatment, the improved alcohol outcomes of NA/AA attenders suggests that the effectiveness of existing treatment services may be improved by initiatives that lead to increased involvement and engagement with such groups.
Dry wildebeest carcasses in the African savannah: the utilization of a unique resource
Authors: Wambuguh Oscar
Published: November 2007

Utilization of dry wildebeest carcasses by spotted hyaena in an African savannah setting is investigated. Four transects of varying length (3–10 km) were located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Measuring carcass weight changes biweekly over a period of 9 months monitored hyaena use of dry wildebeest carcasses. Nutrient quality of dry carcasses (skin and bone) and of flesh was analysed in the laboratory using the material collected in the field. Contrary to common expectation, carcass weight change was significantly higher when the migrants were present in the Reserve than when they were absent in all transects monitored. This is thought to indicate greater carcass utilization during periods of relative prey scarcity caused by the migratory herd movements within the Reserve, and perhaps, the territorial nature of spotted hyaenas. Nutrient analysis indicated that dry carcasses contain significant amounts of protein, carbohydrates and minerals, although lacking in fats compared with flesh. The opportunistic nature and evolution of a digestive physiology in this species capable of utilizing dry carcasses appears to have important adaptive value in an environment frequented by thousands of migrant herbivores for short periods every year.
Trade‐offs between melanisation and life‐history traits inHelicoverpa armigera
Authors: MA WEIHUA , CHEN LIZHEN , WANG MO , LI XIANCHUN
Published: November 2007

Abstract1. Previously we established a homozygous melanic strain (JBM) with 16 black pupae spontaneously occurring within a laboratory population (JBW) ofHelicoverpa armigeraand demonstrated that the melanisation is controlled by a single recessive autosomal gene.

2. Data obtained indicate that the melanisation is globally expressed in the pupal and adult stages (except for the body hairs of adults) but not in the egg and larval stages. No differences in body colour can be found between the melanic JBM and the wild‐type JBW strains before the metamorphic pupation moult. After pupation, the JBM pupae gradually blacken, whereas the wild‐type JBW pupae gradually turn brown, indicating that the biosynthetic steps leading to brown pigments are shut off in the JBM strain. In the adult stage, wings are darker and hairs on the abdomen and tergum are lighter in the melanic moths than in the wild‐type individuals.

3. Life‐table experiments reveal that the melanism is associated with slower development in all life stages, smaller body weight, lower mating rate and fecundity, less mating time, and accordingly, lower net reproduction rate and population trend index.

4. Single pair inbreeding and reciprocal crosses show that the mating rate is much lower in the inter‐strain crosses than in the intra‐strain crosses, indicating the presence of mating preference for its own colour morph and the presence to some degree of reproductive isolation between the two colour morphs.
Cytomegalovirus hyperimmunoglobulin: mechanisms in allo‐immune responsein vitro
Authors: Hoetzenecker K. , Hacker S. , Hoetzenecker W. , Sadeghi K. , Sachet M. , Pollreisz A. , Mangold A. , Wliszczak T. , Bielek E. , Muehlbacher F. , Klepetko W. , Ankersmit H. J.
Published: November 2007

Background Cytomegalovirus hyperimmunoglobulin (CMVIg) containing drugs are routinely administered in cardiac transplantation for prophylaxis against CMV disease. Yet little is known about their influence on transplant relevant immune functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CMVIg on cellular immunity inin vitroexperiments and to define their role in tolerance inducing mechanisms.

Materials and methods/results CMVIg reduces proliferation in mixed lymphocyte reactions and anti‐CD3 blastogenesis assays and is related to decreased production of immune modulating cytokines interleukin (IL)‐2, interferonr (IFNγ), IL‐10. This antiproliferative effect is associated with a cell‐cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and induction of apoptosis in CD8+ and natural killer cells. Co‐incubation with CMVIg causes down‐regulation of cell bound immunoglobulin and FcγRIII surface expression on natural killer cells and leads to attenuation of antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity effector functions.

Conclusions We conclude that CMVIg induces immunological features on leukocytesin vitrothat are known to be related to tolerance induction. Our observations extend the current concept of CMVIg as passive CMV prophylaxis to a therapeutic drug compound capable of reducing allogeneic immune response.
Risk management of renal biopsy: 1387 cases over 30 years in a single centre
Authors: Stratta P. , Canavese C. , Marengo M. , Mesiano P. , Besso L. , Quaglia M. , Bergamo D. , Monga G. , Mazzucco G. , Ciccone G.
Published: November 2007

Background  Although renal biopsy is largely employed, even in old patients with systemic diseases, few clinical studies have addressed its risk management. We aimed to obtain a comprehensive assessment of safety/utility ratio of percutaneous renal biopsy.

Patients and methods  Retrospective review of all the 1387 patients who consecutively underwent renal biopsy in a single centre over three decades (1973–2002) was made, with calculation of complications, multivariate logistical analyses to evaluate risk factors of complications, and rate of alteration of clinical hypotheses by pathological diagnosis.

Results  There were no deaths and five major complications, (0·36%). One nephrectomy (0·07%), two surgical revisions (0·1%) and two arterial‐venous fistulae (0·1%). There were also 337 minor bleeding complications (24·2%) (16·4% gross haematuria and 7·8% clinically relevant haematomas needing at least prolonged bed rest). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the risk for complications was significantly increased by systemic autoimmune diseases with odds ratio (OR) 2·06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1·40–3·01, end‐stage kidney/acute‐tubular necrosis (OR 2·96, 95% CI = 1·19–7·30), and prolonged bleeding time test (BTT) (OR 1·87, 95% CI = 1·17–2·83). Among the 1288 cases in which a clinical hypothesis before renal biopsy was recorded, renal pathology changed previous diagnoses in 423/1,288 (32·8%) of cases.

Conclusions  Risk assessment demonstrates that renal biopsy is a useful procedure with a low incidence of serious complications. Platelet function is the only modifiable factor significantly related to bleeding complications, suggesting the need for a more standardized alternative to the BTT. Platelet function should be evaluated to select low‐risk patients for renal biopsy as ‘a day case procedure’, in order to build adequate risk management strategies.
Haemodialysis induces mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis
Authors: Raj D. S. C. , Boivin M. A. , Dominic E. A. , Boyd A. , Roy P. K. , Rihani T. , Tzamaloukas A. H. , Shah V. O. , Moseley P.
Published: November 2007

Background  Mitochondria play a crucial role in the regulation of the endogenous pathways of apoptosis activated by oxidant stress. Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) is a central integration site for pro‐inflammatory signals and oxidative stress.

Materials and methods  Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from eight end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients before haemodialysis (Pre‐HD) and during the last 10 min of HD (End‐HD). A new polysulfone membrane (F70, Fresenius) was used for dialysis. Intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial redox potential (Δψm) and PBMC apoptosis were determined by flow‐cytometry.

Results  Plasma levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) (24·9 ± 7·0 vs. 17·4 ± 5·5 pg dL−1, P < 0·05), IL‐6 soluble receptor (52·2 ± 4·9 vs. 37·6 ± 3·2 ng dL−1, P < 0·02) and IL‐6 gp130 (405·7 ± 41·0 vs. 235·1 ± 38·4 ng dL−1, P < 0·02) were higher end‐HD compared to pre‐HD. IL‐6 secretion by the isolated PBMC (24·0 ± 2·3 vs. 19·3 ± 3·5 pg dL−1, P < 0·02) increased end‐HD. Percentage of lymphocytes exhibiting collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (43·4 ± 4·6% vs. 32·6 ± 2·9%, P < 0·01), apoptosis (33·4 ± 7·1% vs. 23·7 ± 7·7%, P < 0·01), and generation of superoxide (20·7 ± 5·2% vs. 12·5 ± 2·9%, P < 0·02) and hydrogen peroxide (51·1 ± 7·8% vs.38·2 ± 5·9%, P < 0·04) were higher at end‐HD than pre‐HD. NF‐κB activation (3144·1 ± 208·1 vs. 2033·4 ± 454·6 pg well−1, P < 0·02), expression of B‐cell lymphoma protein‐2 (6494·6 ± 1461 vs. 3501·5 ± 796·5 ng mL−1, P < 0·03) and heat shock protein‐70 (9·81 ± 1·47 vs. 6·38 ± 1·0 ng mL−1, P < 0·05) increased during HD.

Conclusions  Intra‐dialytic activation of cytokines, together with impaired mitochondrial function, promotes generation of ROS culminating in augmented PBMC apoptosis. There is concomitant activation of pathways aimed at attenuation of cell stress and apoptosis during HD.
Autonomic cardiovascular regulation in quiescent ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
Authors: Coruzzi P. , Castiglioni P. , Parati G. , Brambilla V. , Brambilla L. , Gualerzi M. , Cademartiri F. , Franzè A. , De Angelis G. , Di Rienzo M. , Di Mario F.
Published: November 2007

Background  In inflammatory bowel diseases, changes in autonomic enteric regulation may also affect neural cardiovascular control. However, while cardiac autonomic modulation has been shown to be impaired in active ulcerative colitis, the occurrence of cardiovascular autonomic alterations, also in the quiescent phase of inflammatory bowel diseases, is still a matter of debate. The aim of our study was thus to explore the features of cardiovascular autonomic regulation in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease during their remission phase.

Materials and methods  Autonomic cardiovascular control was evaluated by time‐ and frequency‐domain indexes of spontaneous heart rate and blood pressure variability and by assessing the baroreflex heart rate control (sequence technique) in 26 patients with ulcerative colitis, in 26 patients with Crohn's disease and in 23 healthy controls.

Results  The groups were matched for age, gender and body mass index. They had similar blood pressure mean levels and variability. By contrast, mean heart rate, its overall variability (standard deviation), and baroreflex sensitivity were lower in ulcerative colitis patients than in controls. Moreover, all indexes related to cardiac vagal control were significantly lower in ulcerative colitis patients with respect not only to controls but also to Crohn's disease patients.

Conclusions  Cardiac vagal control is impaired in quiescent ulcerative colitis only, and not in Crohn's disease, while in both bowel diseases vascular control appears preserved. Since cardiovagal modulation seems related to anti‐inflammatory mechanisms, the reduced parasympathetic cardiac regulation in apparently quiescent ulcerative colitis suggests that such systemic derangement is accompanied by local subclinical inflammations, even in the absence of clinically active inflammatory processes.
Effect of residual vanadyl ions on the spectroscopic analysis of humic acids: a multivariate approach
Authors: Novotny E. H. , Knicker H. , Martin‐Neto L. , Azeredo R. B. V. , Hayes M. H. B.
Published: November 2007

In a study of the vanadyl (VO2+)‐humic acids system, the residual vanadyl ion suppressed fluorescence and specific electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and NMR signals. In the case of NMR, the proton rotating frame relaxation times (T1ρH) indicate that this suppression is due to an inefficient H‐C cross polarization, which is a consequence of a shortening of T1ρH. Principal components analysis (PCA) facilitated the isolation of the effect of the VO2+ ion and indicated that the organic free radical signal was due to at least two paramagnetic centres and that the VO2+ ion preferentially suppressed the species whose electronic density is delocalized over O atoms (greater g‐factor). Additionally, the newly obtained variables (principal components – PC) indicated that, as the result of the more intense tillage a relative increase occurred in the accumulation of: (i) recalcitrant structures; (ii) lignin and long‐chain alkyl structures; and (iii) organic free radicals with smaller g‐factors.
Development of fish‐based assessment method for the ecological status of rivers in the Baltic region
Authors: VIRBICKAS T. , KESMINAS V.
Published: November 2007

Abstract  A fish‐based assessment method for determining the ecological status of rivers in the southern part of the Baltic region was developed, classifying fish assemblages of near natural sites, and testing the response of a wide range of fish metrics to human pressure. However, the potential for developing a statistically robust method was limited because of insufficient data and the impact of fishery exploitation. A combination of expert judgement, historical data and spatially based methods were needed to establish reference conditions and classification criteria for fish metrics. The final list of metrics (6–9 metrics per six different river types) comprises five ecological guilds (feeding, overall tolerance, habitat, migration and spawning strategy) and three sentinel (dominant) species (Salmo trutta L., Cottus gobio L. and Alburnoides bipunctatus [Bloch]). The method tends to underscore the ecological status of specific river types because the selected metrics probably do not account for all possible variability in fish community response to degradation, as some community‐specific characteristics were poorly or not represented. Exploitation pressure might have considerable effects on functionality of fish metrics. Results suggest that the method needs modification to account for these limitations.
Evaluation of the European Fish Index: false‐positive and false‐negative error rate to detect disturbance and consistency with alternative fish indices
Authors: QUATAERT P. , BREINE J. , SIMOENS I.
Published: November 2007

Abstract  An important requirement for meeting obligations under the European Water Framework Directive is the development of a fish‐based index that is able to predict the ecological status of surface waters, and particularly be able to distinguish between (nearly) pristine and disturbed conditions. The European Fish Index (EFI), based on the concept of the Index of Biological Integrity, was developed alongside alternative models such as the Spatially Based Method on a European level (SBM‐EU), for this purpose. A critical issue about these models is that they are simple to use but are able to predict whether a site is disturbed with a high degree of precision. From this perspective, two prediction errors need to be small: falsely declaring a site disturbed when it is not (false‐positive error; FP) and wrongly classifying a disturbed site as undisturbed (false‐negative error, FN). For the EFI, the overall FP rate was 22% and the FN rate was 19%. The performance was better for the SBM‐EU method with a smaller FP rate of 7% and an FN rate of 20%, but the EFI is preferred because, with only marginal loss of precision, it is far less complex. The EFI consists of a single model based on 10 fish metrics, while the SBM‐EU comprises 12 models covering 49 metrics. Comparison of the EFI with existing national or regional fish‐based assessment methods found major discrepancies that make intercalibration between these methods impractical.
Classification and assessment of degradation in European running waters
Authors: DEGERMAN E. , BEIER U. , BREINE J. , MELCHER A. , QUATAERT P. , ROGERS C. , ROSET N. , SIMOENS I.
Published: November 2007

Abstract  A pan‐European, classification of the extent of environmental degradation from chemical, physical and biological pressures on fish communities as a precursor to assess the ecological status of running waters based on fish is proposed. Twenty‐four potential pressures acting on fish communities at three different spatial scales (river basin, segment and site) were identified and class boundaries for high, good, moderate, poor and bad status, based on existing data and/or expert judgement, were defined. Four pressures (hydrological regime, morphological conditions, toxic or acid conditions, nutrients and organic load) were found to describe the majority of degradation at a specific site and these were combined into a single pressure variable to describe impact at each location. Principal Component Analysis showed that the four variables were correlated with other physical and chemical variables not included in the combined pressure variable. However, biological pressures, e.g. introduction of fish, and longitudinal connectivity were not well correlated, suggesting that two dimensions of human impact on stream fish were poorly accounted for. Low‐resolution Geographical Information Systems (GIS) data (1 km grid) on land use and population density correlated well with the four chosen pressures, suggesting it is possible to use standardised GIS data to aid pre‐classification of stream degradation.
Fish assemblages in European Western Highlands and Western Plains: a type‐specific approach to assess ecological quality of running waters
Authors: GRENOUILLET G. , ROSET N. , GOFFAUX D. , BREINE J. , SIMOENS I. , DE LEEUW J. J. , KESTEMONT P.
Published: November 2007

Abstract  After typological pre‐classification of 398 calibration sites, fish‐based metric models were used to predict the impact of human activities on river quality in European Western Highlands and Western Plains ecoregions. Calibration sites were grouped into six assemblage types and according to their geomorphology; test sites were assigned to their corresponding assemblage type. Five anthropogenic variables were used to describe the impact level of each site and stepwise discriminant analysis was performed to: (i) avoid redundancy between metrics; (ii) examine how selected metrics discriminated impact classes and (iii) predict ecological status for each site of the given fish type. Globally, this approach predicted the impact class correctly for 64% of sites. The difference between observed and predicted impact was more than one class for only 2.5% of the sites. When validating this approach with an independent data set, differences between observed and predicted impact values never exceeded 2 impact classes, but these differences varied in size among countries.
Biological traits of stream macroinvertebrates from a semi‐arid catchment: patterns along complex environmental gradients
Authors: DÍAZ ANDRÉS MELLADO , ALONSO MARIA LUISA SUÁREZ , GUTIÉRREZ MARIA ROSARIO VIDAL‐ABARCA
Published: November 2007

1. The relationships between biological traits of macroinvertebrates and environmental characteristics were investigated in streams with contrasting physical, chemical or landscape level attributes. We used an ordination technique, RLQ analysis, which links an environmental table (R) with traits table (Q) through an abundance table (L) to investigate the relationship between habitat characteristics and biological traits.

2. A major environmental axis explaining the distribution of species and their distinctive biological features was obtained. This axis included variables of anthropogenic pressure (agricultural and urban uses) and natural variability (climatic and geologic) that are strongly intercorrelated in the study area, with a clear spatial component.

3. The attributes of species from frequently disturbed systems (small size, multivoltinism, diapause, ovoviviparity, etc.) were associated with semi‐arid areas whereas traits common in more stable and favourable environments (large body size, semi‐voltinism, isolated eggs, etc.) were found in upland forested areas.

4. The natural climatic variation was proposed as a disturbance axis of a theoretical habitat templet (driven by the intense hydrological disturbances typical of semi‐arid streams), while anthropogenic pressure (mainly intensive agriculture) and high salinity, a natural consequence of geology, was proposed as an adversity axis. Different life‐histories associated with contrasting environmental features were superimposed in this habitat templet.

5. The ecological–evolutionary scenario in which stream macroinvertebrates have evolved and by which their communities are organized, is closely linked to disturbance, environmental harshness and human pressure.
Neuropilin‐1 expression identifies a subset of regulatory T cells in human lymph nodes that is modulated by preoperative chemoradiation therapy in cervical cancer
Authors: Battaglia Alessandra , Buzzonetti Alexia , Monego Giovanni , Peri Laura , Ferrandina Gabriella , Fanfani Francesco , Scambia Giovanni , Fattorossi Andrea
Published: November 2007

We examined the phenotype and function of CD4+ T cells expressing the semaphorin III receptor neuropilin‐1 (Nrp1) in human lymph nodes and peripheral blood. In lymph nodes, Nrp1 identified a small regulatory CD4+ CD25high T‐cell subpopulation (Nrp1+ Treg) that expressed higher levels of Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) message and protein than Nrp1− Treg, and various molecular markers of activated Treg, i.e. CD45RO, human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR and glucocorticoid‐induced tumour necrosis factor receptor (GITR). Similarly to conventional Treg, Nrp1+ Treg proliferated poorly in vitro, and exerted contact‐dependent in vitro suppression of T‐cell proliferation and cytokine secretion. However, Nrp1+ Treg were more efficient than Nrp1− Treg at inducing suppression. Nrp1 was also expressed on a small subpopulation of CD25int and CD25− CD4+ T cells that expressed more Foxp3, CD45RO, HLA‐DR and GITR than their Nrp1− counterparts. In contrast, in peripheral blood Nrp1 identified a minor CD4+ T‐cell subset that did not display the phenotypic features of Treg lacking Foxp3 expression and marginally expressing CD25. Hence, the function of Nrp1+ CD4+ T cells seemingly depends on their anatomical location. In a previous report, we proposed that Treg may curb the anti‐tumour T‐cell response in cervical cancer. We show here that Treg and Nrp1+ Treg levels dropped in the tumour‐draining lymph nodes of patients with cervical cancer following preoperative chemoradiotherapy in a direct relationship with the reduction of tumour mass, suggesting that suppressor cell elimination facilitated the generation of T cells mediating the destruction of the neoplastic cells left behind after cytotoxic therapy.
Effects of complement regulators bound to Escherichia coli K1 and Group B Streptococcus on the interaction with host cells
Authors: Maruvada Ravi , Blom Anna M. , Prasadarao Nemani V.
Published: November 2007

Escherichia coli K1 and Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are the most common bacteria that cause meningitis during the neonatal period. Complement, the first line of defence in the host, acts on these bacteria to opsonize with various components of complement for subsequent presentation to phagocytes. To counteract these opsonization effects, E. coli and GBS bind to the complement regulators C4 binding protein and Factor H, respectively. Nonetheless, the deposition of complement components on these two bacteria from neonatal serum and their effect on the host cell interaction is unclear. Here we demonstrated that the deposition of complement proteins from adult serum prevented the invasion of E. coli into human brain microvascular endothelial cells, whereas the invasion of GBS was enhanced. In contrast, treatment with cord serum had no effect on the invasion of both these bacteria. We also examined the effect of the deposited complement proteins on phagocytosis using THP‐1 cells and THP‐1 cells differentiated into macrophages. Escherichia coli treated with adult serum neither attached nor entered these cells, whereas GBS was phagocytosed and survived efficiently. We further demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of complement proteins is the result of the bound complement inhibitors C4b‐binding protein, in the case of E. coli, and Factor H, in the case of GBS. Taken together, these results suggest that E. coli and GBS utilize contrasting mechanisms of complement‐mediated interactions with their target cells for successful establishment of disease.
Wheat, barley and oat waste: a comparative and critical presentation of methods and potential uses of treated waste
Authors: Arvanitoyannis Ioannis S. , Tserkezou Persefoni
Published: November 2007

Wheat waste stands for one of the most important cereals both in view of its nutritive value and its high waste volume, although the latter is not considered among the most polluting source of wastes. However, it is of great importance to optimise the conversion of wheat, barley and oat waste into useful materials such as biomass, biogas/biofuel, animal feed and composting. Advantages and disadvantages and effectiveness per method (incineration, combustion, composting) are summarised by means of six comprehensive tables and six figures. It appears that the method with the greatest potential is the one aiming at conversion of wheat waste into biomass or biogas in view of the energy problems and the extended pollution of the environment due to release of carbon dioxide.
Quality assessment of whole and gutted sardines (Sardina pilchardus) stored in ice
Authors: Erkan Nuray , Özden Özkan
Published: November 2007

The quality and shelf life of whole ungutted and gutted sardines (Sardina pilchardus) stored in ice were studied. The changes in the fish were investigated by sensory assessments, chemical analyses and microbiological analyses. The sensory scores of uneviscerated and gutted sardines stored in ice at +4 °C were 7 days. The chemical indicators of spoilage, total volatile basic nitrogen and trimethylamine values of gutted sardine increased very slowly, whereas for whole ungutted samples higher values were obtained reaching a final value of 15.03–29.23 mg per 100 g and 2.36–4.16 mg per 100 g, respectively (day 9). Peroxide and thiobarbituric acid values remained lower for whole ungutted sardine samples until day 9 of storage, whereas for gutted fish were higher. The level of histamine exceeded the legal limit in whole ungutted sardine after 7 days of storage in ice, during which sardines were rejected by the sensory panel. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria count, H2S‐producing bacteria, sulphide reducing anaerobe Clostridias, Enterobacteriaceae count of whole ungutted sardine samples are higher than gutted sardine samples during the storage. Psychrotrophic bacteria counts of the two groups were not different. The limits of microbiological data were not exceeded throughout the storage in both the groups’ samples.
Production, purification and thermal characterisation of invertase from a newly isolated Fusarium sp. under solid‐state fermentation
Authors: Shaheen Iram , Bhatti Haq Nawaz , Ashraf Tallat
Published: November 2007

Production of invertase employing a newly isolated Fusarium sp. under solid‐state fermentation was optimised. Different process parameters were optimised. The maximum enzyme activity under optimum conditions was 47.23 ± 2.12 U gds−1 with nitrogen additives. The enzyme was purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, diethylaminoethyl cellulose ion‐exchange chromatography and Sephadex gel filtration. This protocol gave 20.25‐fold purification and 5.53% recovery. The optimum pH and temperature for activity were 5.0 and 50 °C. The Km and Vmax values for the enzyme were 8.33 mm and 21.48 μmol min−1, respectively. A detailed kinetic study of thermal inactivation has been carried out. Enthalpy of activation (ΔH*) decreased when entropy (ΔS*) of activation increased at higher temperatures. Moreover, free energy of denaturation (ΔG*) increased at higher temperature making the enzyme thermally stable. A possible explanation for the thermal inactivation of invertase at higher temperatures is also discussed.
Glucoamylases production of Aspergillus niger in solid state fermentation using a continuous counter‐current reactor
Authors: Varzakas Theodoros H. , Roussos Sevastianos , Arvanitoyannis Ioannis S.
Published: November 2007

This work presents the continuous production of fungal biomass and glucoamylase by solid state fermentation (SSF) in a counter‐current reactor adapted for this purpose. Pre‐germinated conidia of Aspergillus niger were used as an inoculum, and sugarcane bagasse, embedded with a nutritive solution, was the solid support. The solids residence time distribution (RTD) was carried out by feeding one impule of blue‐coloured humidified bagasse and its RTD was fixed at 20 h. This study demonstrated that the values of the measured parameters (pH, moisture, biomass, glucoamylases production) were similar to those reported for batch SSF using the same solid support and micro‐organism. A marked increase in biomass occurred from the progressive compartment (from compartment 1 to 9) into the reactor and the enzyme production was important (40 IU g−1 dry exit solids). No mycelium damage or sporulation was observed by microscopy analysis. The above results confirmed that the continuous production of enzymes by SSF under no sterile conditions was successful. Inoculation with pre‐germinated conidia shortened the processing time and allowed control of the age of the mycelium in each compartment. Aeration was accomplished by natural convection and moisture content had to be controlled. This process can be applied to the continuous production of fungal biomass and metabolites in SSF with industrial applications using environmental‐friendly biotechnology.
On humans and wildlife in Mediterranean islands
Authors: Blondel Jacques
Published: November 2007

Aim  To investigate the effects of human‐induced landscape changes in Mediterranean islands on the ecological and evolutionary responses of bird communities and populations. The combination of mass extinction of large mammals and massive deforestation by humans was hypothesized to produce new selection regimes to which organisms were likely to respond. Habitat selection and niche breadth have been investigated at the scale of species, and phenotypic variation at the scale of local populations.

Location  The study was carried out along habitat gradients and in habitat mosaics at different spatial scales on the island of Corsica and in areas of similar size and structure in continental France.

Methods  Two sets of gradients have been used for investigating habitat selection and niche breadth: gradients of altitude, and gradients of vegetation structure. Population studies focused on the blue tit, Cyanistes caeruleus. Large samples of breeding attempts by this species in 10 habitats provided detailed data on phenotypic variation of fitness‐related traits both on Corsica and on the mainland.

Results  The extent of niche space used by birds differed substantially depending on which habitat gradient was considered. Many species have been found to contract their habitat niche along the elevation gradient on Corsica compared with the mainland, whereas all species in the vegetation gradient broadened their niche on the island. Breeding patterns of the blue tit differed considerably depending on whether they settle in deciduous oaks (Quercus humilis) or in evergreen sclerophyllous oaks (Quercus ilex). Phenotypic variation of breeding traits was much higher on the island, where more populations were correctly timed for the best breeding period than on the mainland, a pattern that is likely to result from lower dispersal of organisms on the island.

Main conclusions  The differences in observed niche breadth between the two series of habitat gradients is explained both by the species‐specific ecology of the species and the human‐induced environmental history of Corsica. Large‐scale landscape changes provided new opportunities for island colonization by non‐forest species, which are isolated as small, ‘fugitive’ local populations. In both gradients, forest species that are typical components of the Corsican bird fauna definitely expanded their niche and occupied a wider range of habitats on Corsica than on the mainland. At the population scale, landscapes included habitat patches with contrasted selection regimes, which resulted in high phenotypic variation for many fitness‐related traits. Reduced dispersal of birds on the island resulted in a much higher degree of local differentiation on Corsica than on the mainland.
Staphylococcus aureus: a review of the literature
Authors: GOULD DINAH , CHAMBERLAINE ANGELA
Published: November 2007

Staphylococcus aureus has a long association with nosocomial infection. Problems date from the 1950s, although methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) did not emerge until the following decade.

Initially the pathogenicity of antibiotic‐resistant strains was underestimated, and is still sometimes questioned, but today most authorities consider MRSA a serious threat, especially given current preoccupation with cost‐effectiveness within the health service: nosocomial infection is associated with increased expenditure and may be regarded as a hallmark of indifferent nursing and medical care.

This review documents the emergence of MRSA and recognition of the ensuing problems throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, with suggestions for nursing activities which could contribute towards improved control.

Lessons learnt during outbreaks are seen to be of value, but there is also a need for staff at ward level to review routine practice continually so that awareness of activities likely to result in cross‐infection is maintained. The use of protective clothing emerges as less important than handwashing, which may be periodically audited to maintain standards.
The value of reflective practice for nursing
Authors: JOHNS CHRISTOPHER
Published: November 2007

This paper notes the dawning of reflective practice on the horizon of nursing practice and sets out to explore its value for nursing.

Central to this value is the potential of reflective practice to enable practitioners to develop clinical expertise towards achieving desirable and effective practice and, through collaborative research, the development of a valid disciplinary knowledge grounded in practitioners' personal knowledge.
A hermeneutic analysis of the lived experiences of associate nurses
Authors: SELLARN SUZANNE , MACLEOD JOAN
Published: November 2007

In order to understand better the role of associate nurse in the primary nursing model, narratives from associate nurses were analysed using hermeneutic approach.

Major themes in the narratives included: connecting with patients, collaborating with other nurses, and making decisions.

Associate nurses were found to define their practice as ‘primary’ in terms of their contributions to patient care and being a responsible professional.

A better understanding of the associate role in clinical practice can enhance patient care and professional relationships.

Further research into the philosophical nature of primary nursing is suggested.
Improving stroke care through action research
Authors: GIBBON BERNARD , LITTLE VICKI
Published: November 2007

Stroke accounts for ∼20% of beds occupied on general medical wards yet nurses felt inadequately prepared to participate fully in the interdisciplinary approach to stroke rehabilitation.

An action research project was established to improve stroke care and rehabilitation in a general medical ward.

Results indicate a correlation between knowledge and attitudes: the greater the nurse's understanding the more positive the nurse is towards nursing involvement in rehabilitation.

It was concluded that nurses have a vital part to play in the rehabilitation of stroke patients and that their contribution can be enhanced through greater understanding.

Further research is needed to determine the effects of greater nursing involvement in terms of quality of patient recovery and length of patient stay.
Standardized assessment for elderly people (SAFE) — a feasibility study in district nursing
Authors: ROSS FIONA M. , BOWER PETER
Published: November 2007

Summary

Current policy requires systematic and comprehensive assessment of elderly people. Few standardized tools exist for assessment.

This paper is in two parts. First it reports on the SAFE assessment measures agreed by a multidisciplinary working party initiated by the Royal College of Physicians and the British Geriatrics Society in 1992.

The second part reports the findings of a feasibility study of SAFE in district nursing practice. The outcomes examined were the proportion of patients with completed assessments, the time taken to carry out the assessments, acceptability to the patient, carer and district nurse, and the training required.

The findings show that SAFE is a practical and acceptable set of instruments in the assessment of elderly people by district nurses, but that further refinement is desirable.
The description of levels in nursing degrees: an illustration and analysis of the variations
Authors: JAMES CHRIS , REDFERN LIZ
Published: November 2007

Summary

This study has analysed the level descriptors of Higher Award degree programmes offered by a random sample of 15 colleges of nursing and midwifery in England.

The analysis revealed a wide variation in the way each level (1, 2, 3 and M) had been denned.

The variation occurred in a range of different ways. The main categories of variation were: the style of the descriptor; the features denned by the descriptor; the use of descriptors in the cognitive domain; the use of dimensions of professional knowledge and practice such as autonomy and reflective practice; and progression between the levels.

The context of the study is described and the implications of the study and possible ways forward are discussed.
The experiences of Chinese family members of terminally ill patients – a qualitative study
Authors: Wong Ming‐San , Chan Sally Wai‐Chi
Published: November 2007

Aim.  To describe and understand the experiences of Chinese family members of terminally ill patients during the end of life process in a palliative care unit.

Background.  Palliative care aims to provide care to dying patients and their family members. Skillful interventions are necessary to help family members cope with the impending death of the patient and maintain their emotional equilibrium. Hence, it is important to understand the experiences of family members of palliative care.

Design.  A phenomenological study was conducted. Data were collected by semi‐structured interviews. We interviewed a purposive sample of 20 family members of terminally ill patients in a palliative care unit in Hong Kong. The data were analysed following Colaizzi's phenomenological methodology.

Results.  Family members experienced anticipatory grief, with reactions that included anger, unease, sadness and helplessness. This was particularly acute when the patient was first admitted to the palliative care unit. However, the family members quickly accepted the reality and committed themselves to the care of the patient, seeking informational and emotional support from the nurses. The families wanted to be assured that the patient had been offered good care and suffered no pain. It was considered important to be with the patient during the dying process.

Conclusion.  This study demonstrated that Chinese family members were committed to the care of the patients in the palliative care unit. Cultural beliefs played a part in influencing family emotions and concerns.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study offers a direction for family interventions that acknowledge the reactions of family members to the admission of a patient to a palliative care unit. It highlights that families need active informational and emotional support from nurses.
Parents’ and nurses’ attitudes to family‐centred care: an Irish perspective
Authors: Hughes Mary
Published: November 2007

Aims and objectives.  To examine the attitudes of parents and nurses to the model of care delivery on an in‐patient children's unit in a regional general hospital.

Background.  A review of the literature uncovered research studies relevant to the area under investigation, in addition to many discussion articles.

Method.  This descriptive survey of parents’ and nurses’ attitudes regarding the implementation and practice of a partnership approach to care was undertaken in 2003 on a children's unit in an Irish regional general hospital. The survey consisted of a self‐designed questionnaire, which was posted to the sample. The scoring system for the questionnaire format was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 11.0). The sample consisted of parents (n = 100) and nursing staff (n = 44) from the children's unit.

Results.  the findings did not suggest major differences between the attitudes of the two groups on the care delivery on the unit. The outcomes of the study showed that, while both parents and nurses viewed family‐centred care as appropriate, there were differences between what parents and nurses saw as their roles on the unit. Both groups acknowledged the overall philosophy of care and commented on the actual application of a family‐centred, partnership approach to care in practice on the unit.

Conclusions.  Both groups agreed that there was a need for improvement of the facilities for resident parents on the unit.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings of the research could act as a catalyst for change and development of the service and service providers. It is hoped that it will also contribute to the improved satisfaction of the service provided to sick children and their families by parents and by the nurses who provide the care.