bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stranded on an island: consequences of forest fragmentation for body size variations in an arboreal mammal, the edible dormouse (Glis glis)
Authors: Fietz Joanna , Weis‐Dootz Tanja
Published: February 2012

The island rule states that small mammals isolated on islands have the evolutionary tendency to become larger, while large mammals tend to become smaller. However, the underlying mechanisms and life history consequences of these insular shifts in body size still remain speculative. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an arboreal mammal, the edible dormouse (Glis glis), showed shifts in body size when inhabiting isolated forest fragments. We analysed a data set of 541 individuals captured between 2005 and 2010 in four different forest fragments and one continuous forest, which served as a reference area. Sex, age, body mass, and size of all individuals were known. We used linear mixed‐effect models to investigate whether individuals differed in their body size and mass between forest fragments and continuous forest. Our study revealed that edible dormice inhabiting forest fragments were significantly larger and heavier than individuals in the continuous forest, in accordance with patterns described by the island rule for small mammals. Because edible dormice frequently use nest boxes to rest during the day and to rear offspring, the life history strategies of this rodent can be easily investigated under evolutionary relevant conditions in the field. Thus the edible dormouse represents an excellent model organism for studying the mechanisms underlying shifts in body size as a response to habitat fragmentation and to investigate the consequences of these shifts on their life history strategies.
Enzymes for the biocatalytic production of rare sugars
Authors: Beerens Koen , Desmet Tom , Soetaert Wim
Published: February 2012

Carbohydrates are much more than just a source of energy as they also mediate a variety of recognition processes that are central to human health. As such, saccharides can be applied in the food and pharmaceutical industries to stimulate our immune system (e.g., prebiotics), to control diabetes (e.g., low-calorie sweeteners), or as building blocks for anticancer and antiviral drugs (e.g., l-nucleosides). Unfortunately, only a small number of all possible monosaccharides are found in nature in sufficient amounts to allow their commercial exploitation. Consequently, so-called rare sugars have to be produced by (bio)chemical processes starting from cheap and widely available substrates. Three enzyme classes that can be used for rare sugar production are keto–aldol isomerases, epimerases, and oxidoreductases. In this review, the recent developments in rare sugar production with these biocatalysts are discussed.
Requirement for Pak3 in Rac1‐induced organization of actin and myosin during Drosophila larval wound healing
Authors: Baek Seung Hee , Cho Hae Weon , Kwon Young-Chang , Lee Ji Hyun , Kim Moon Jong , Lee Hyangkyu , Choe Kwang-Min
Published: February 2012

Rho‐family small GTPases regulate epithelial cell sheet migration by organizing actin and myosin during wound healing. Here, we report that Pak3, but not Pak1, is a downstream target protein for Rac1 in wound closure of the Drosophila larval epidermis. Pak3‐deficient larvae failed to close a wound hole and this defect was not rescued by Pak1 expression, indicating differential functions of the two proteins. Pak3 localized to the wound margin, which selectively required Rac1. Pak3‐deficient larvae showed severe defects in actin‐myosin organization at the wound margin and in submarginal cells, which was reminiscent of the phenotypes of Rac1‐deficient larvae. These results suggest that Pak3 specifically mediates Rac1 signaling in organizing actin and myosin during Drosophila epidermal wound healing.
Krüppel‐like factor 4 inhibits the expression of interleukin‐1 beta in lipopolysaccharide‐induced RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Liu Junwen , Yang Tao , Liu Ying , Zhang Huali , Wang Kangkai , Liu Meidong , Chen Guangwen , Xiao Xianzhong
Published: February 2012

RAW264.7 macrophages and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with LPS to determine the expression of KLF4 and release of IL‐1β. A full‐length cDNA or short interference RNA of KLF4 was transfected into RAW264.7 macrophages; the expression and release of IL‐1β were analyzed. The transcription and DNA binding activities of KLF4 to the IL‐1β promoter were detected further. The results showed LPS treatment resulted in the increase of KLF4 level and IL‐1β release; KLF4 overexpression decreased the expression of IL‐1β, while KLF4 inhibition increased the expression of IL‐1β; overexpression of KLF4 promoted the DNA binding activity of KLF4 to the IL‐1β promoter and attenuated the transcription of IL‐1β promoter, indicating an important role of KLF4 in regulating expression of IL‐1β.
Temperatures of the past 2000 years inferred from lake sediments, southwest Yukon Territory, Canada
Authors: Bunbury Joan , Gajewski Konrad
Published: February 2012

Lake sediments from four sites in the southwest Yukon Territory, Canada, provided paleotemperature records for the past 2000 yr. An alpine and a forest site from the southeastern portion of the study area, near Kluane Lake, and another alpine-forest pair of lakes from the Donjek River area located to the northwest yielded chironomid records that were used to provide quantitative estimates of mean July air temperature. Prior to AD 800, the southwest Yukon was relatively cool whereas after AD 800 temperatures were more variable, with warmer conditions between ~ AD 1100 and 1400, cooler conditions during the Little Ice Age (~ AD 1400 to 1850), and warming thereafter. These records compare well with other paleoclimate evidence from the region.
Candidate Genes and Political Behavior
Authors: CHARNEY EVAN , ENGLISH WILLIAM
Published: February 2012

Political scientists are making increasing use of the methodologies of behavior genetics in an attempt to uncover whether or not political behavior is heritable, as well as the specific genotypes that might act as predisposing factors for—or predictors of—political “phenotypes.” Noteworthy among the latter are a series of candidate gene association studies in which researchers claim to have discovered one or two common genetic variants that predict such behaviors as voting and political orientation. We critically examine the candidate gene association study methodology by considering, as a representative example, the recent study by Fowler and Dawes according to which “two genes predict voter turnout.” In addition to demonstrating, on the basis of the data set employed by Fowler and Dawes, that two genes do not predict voter turnout, we consider a number of difficulties, both methodological and genetic, that beset the use of gene association studies, both candidate and genome-wide, in the social and behavioral sciences.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION BY MILLET (PENNISETUM GLAUCUM) AND TARO (COLOCASIA ESCULENTA) GROWN UNDER BAOBAB (ADANSONIA DIGITATA)AND NÉRÉ (PARKIA BIGLOBOSA) IN AN AGROFORESTRY PARKLAND SYSTEM OF BURKINA FASO (WEST AFRICA)
Authors: SANOU JOSIAS , BAYALA JULES , BAZIÉ PAULIN , TEKLEHAIMANOT ZEWGE
Published: February 2012

Photosynthesis and biomass production by millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and taro (Colocasia esculenta) grown under baobab (Adansonia digitata) and néré (Parkia biglobosa) was studied at Nobéré (Burkina Faso) with the aim of optimising parkland systems productivity. Millet yielded the highest biomass under Baobab and the lowest biomass was recorded in the zone close to the tree trunk of néré. In contrast, the biomass of taro was higher in heavy shaded zones under néré and the zone close to baobab's trunk. The two crops showed an increasing trend of photosynthesis rate (PN) from tree trunk to the open area. However, the increase in thePNof taro from tree trunk to the open field was lower compared to that of millet. By increasing its leaf area index (LAI) under shade, taro displayed higher biomass production under tree compared to the open area while an opposite trend was observed in millet. The high millet biomass production under baobab could be explained by light availability and the reduction of temperature under shade compared to the open field. The adaptation of taro to shade by increasing its LAI and thus avoiding drastic reduction inPNunder shade resulted in better biomass production under heavy shade. Therefore, it was concluded that by replacing millet with taro under dense tree crowns the productivity of agroforestry parkland systems could be increased.
WHERE EAST MEETS WEST: SUFISM, CULTURAL RAPPROCHEMENT, AND POLITICS
Authors: Hatina Meir
Published: February 2012

This paper traces the significant role of Sufism in promoting Muslim—Christian dialogue at a time
of growing friction and colonial encroachment. The widening gap in power and wealth between the
Western and Muslim world from the 19th century onward heightened cultural animosity between
the two but also evoked ecumenical efforts to diffuse this contention. One such effort was Islamic
modernism, which promoted a liberal interpretation of scripture and advocated the establishment
of an inclusive polity that would encompass women and religious minorities. Islamic modernism
gained considerable attention in the research literature. By contrast, another important ecumenical
discourse, based on Sufism, which emerged in the early 20th century and was joined by Muslims
and European Christians alike, has remained largely unexplored in the literature. Cairo, Rome,
and Paris constituted the geographical points of convergence of this discourse; the Sufi teachings
of Ibn al-ءArabi (d. 1240) provided its ideological core. Most participants sought to position Sufi
values as a cultural bridge between East and West, although political considerations were also
involved. This paper shows that far from being anachronistic or detached from reality, as some of
its vociferous critics charged, Sufism remained a vital tradition well into modern times. Moreover,
it engendered a lively debate within Western intellectual circles over the role of spirituality in
modern life.
Law and Practice of Conciliation in Nigeria
Authors: Orji Uchenna Jerome
Published: February 2012

This article gives a general overview of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism known as “conciliation” and the legal framework relating to its practice in Nigeria. Using the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Conciliation as a normative framework, the article critically analyses the proposed reforms to the existing legal framework for conciliation in Nigeria which are contained in the Nigerian Federal Arbitration and Conciliation Draft Bill and exposes some of its deficiencies. It also investigates the effect of the statutes of limitation on conciliation proceedings. The article also suggests that the institutionalization of conciliation will enhance its viability as an ADR mechanism in Nigeria.
Problems of Determining the Applicable Tax Laws in Nigeria: Resolving the Dilemma For FIRS and Taxpayers
Authors: Sanni Abiola
Published: February 2012

The recent law revision exercise and tax reform in Nigeria have unwittingly introduced a measure of confusion into determining the applicable tax statute(s). The problem is so bad that, if the opinion of three different experts were sought on the same issue, it is possible that they would purport to be referring to the same law yet cite different sections of different laws. The thrust of this article is to disentangle the associated issues for the proper guidance of taxpayers and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The article posits that the continued use of the Laws of Federation of Nigeria 1990 by FIRS is most inappropriate and illegal, and may open any assessment performed under them to legal challenge. The article advocates for a re-enactment of the Companies Income Tax Act.
Economic and Development Policy-Making in Nigeria
Authors: Ezeani Elimma C
Published: February 2012

The difficulties in effective engagement with the global trade environment, especially given the rules-based system of world trade applicable to member states of the World Trade Organisation, are a constant subject for academic and political discourse, particularly when developing countries are involved. One consideration is however often overlooked: the internal constraints which must be faced in these countries along with their added obligations to comply with modern liberalization processes. This article studies these constraints by identifying the challenges facing one of sub-Saharan Africa's largest economies in constructing a stable legal framework for trade and development, which meets domestic needs and complies with the demands of the global market environment.
Judges without Robes and Judicial Voting in Contexts of Institutional Instability: The Case of Ecuador's Constitutional Court, 1999–2007
Authors: BASABE-SERRANO SANTIAGO
Published: February 2012

This article develops and utilises an ideal point index of judges to explain why they may cast conviction-based votes in contexts of institutional instability. In it, I modify the classic argument that an increase in institutional instability causes a commensurate increase in the likelihood of strategic voting. By instead proposing a curvilinear relationship between these two variables, the article proposes that, irrespective of the term length of the judges, an increase in institutional instability increases the probability of strategic voting only to a given point, after which, paradoxically, a greater degree of job uncertainty tends to favour conviction voting. This scenario provides incentives for the emergence of ‘judges without robes’: attorneys who accept appointments as judges for a limited time, and who use the judicial arena to improve their personal prestige and portfolio of clients who will return to them for future consultation.
Nation, Race, and Language: Discussing transnational identities in colonial Singapore,circa1930
Authors: AI LIN CHUA
Published: February 2012

Around 1930, at a time of rising nationalisms in China and India, English-educated Chinese and Indians in the British colony of Singapore debated with great intensity the issue of national identity. They sought to clarify their own position as members of ethnic communities of immigrant origin, while remaining individuals who identified the territory of British Malaya as their home. Readers' letters published in theMalaya Tribune, an English-medium newspaper founded to serve the interests of Anglophone Asians, questioned prevailing assumptions of how to define a nation from the perspectives of territory, political loyalty, race, and language. Lived circumstances in Malaya proved that being Chinese or Indian could encompass a range of political, cultural, and linguistic characteristics, rather than a homogenous identity as promoted by nationalist movements of the time. Through these debates, Chinese and Indians in Malaya found ways to simultaneously reaffirm their ethnic pride as well as their sense of being ‘Malayan’.
Intimate Interactions: Eurasian family histories in colonial Penang
Authors: WALKER KIRSTY
Published: February 2012

Intimate interactions across ethnic and cultural lines were integral to the archive of memory within Eurasian families in colonial Penang. Through histories of their European and Asian ancestors, Eurasian families inherited a sense of travel and geographical mobility, and complex forms of cultural exchange often shaped their everyday lives. Eurasian family histories provide access to the messy, lived interactions which formed their social and domestic worlds, but they also hint at their limits. The idea of ‘Eurasian’ in colonial Malaya was a contentious one, a site for debate, as it was experienced by different people in different ways. During the interwar period, members of Penang's Eurasian elite attempted to define and discipline the divided Eurasian communities of Malaya, by purifying Eurasian family histories of their unruly diversity. In exploring the Eurasian social world of colonial Penang, this paper aims to delineate the fragility of such processes of interaction and exchange.
Dispersal and predation ofEschweilera ovataseeds in the Atlantic Forest of Southern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: de Souza Vilela Fernanda , Flesher Kevin Michael , Ramalho Mauro
Published: February 2012

A majority of Neotropical rain-forest trees have fruits evolved for animal consumption suggesting that seed-dispersal mutualisms are fundamental interactions structuring these ecosystems (Howe 1986, Howe & Smallwood 1982, van Roosmalen 1985). However, whether frugivores act as seed dispersers or predators of particular plant species is unknown for most tropical trees. Trees of the family Lecythidaceae are widespread in Neotropical rain forests forming an important component of the plant community (Aparecida Lopes 2007, Mori 1990, Moriet al. 2001, Sabatier & Prevost 1990), yet studies of plant–animal interactions are few (Jorge & Peres 2005, Silvius & Fragoso 2003, Trivediet al. 2004). Results suggest that Lecythidaceae trees with zoochoric fruits are principally dispersed by bats, birds, rodents and primates (Prance & Mori 1983), although we know little about animal interactions withEschweileraseeds.
The role of the elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the tree squirrel (Paraxerus cepapi) in marula (Sclerocarya birrea) seed predation, dispersal and germination
Authors: Midgley Jeremy J. , Gallaher Kirsten , Kruger Laurence M.
Published: February 2012

The marula (Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst., Anacardiaceae) has a strongly lignified endocarp or stone which contains several seeds, each of which is within its own locule that is sealed by an individual operculum (Figure 1). The strong casing prevents germination, not by preventing the passage of water to the seeds, but by preventing oxygen from reaching the seeds (von Teichman et al. 1985). It is well known that marula fruits taken from the dung of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana Blumenbach) have more rapid germination than those that have not been eaten by elephants (Dudley 2000, Lewis 1987). This positive impact of elephants on marula germination continues to be considered to be through acid treatment in the digestion system of the elephant (Helm et al. 2011). We hypothesize that the primary mechanism which favours germination is mastication by elephants which physically loosens the opercula, rather than digestive dissolution of the stone. If true, the relevance of this is that only elephants would be the legitimate dispersers of marula seeds, because none of the many other species that are attracted to marula fruits would have jaws powerful enough to loosen the opercula.
Dependence on sunbird pollination for fruit set in three West African montane mistletoe species
Authors: Weston Kerry A. , Chapman Hazel M. , Kelly Dave , Moltchanova Elena V.
Published: February 2012

Theory predicts that not all plant species will be equally affected by disruption to their pollinator mutualisms because traits such as breeding system and mutualism strength can affect their response. We investigated these traits in three species of Afromontane mistletoeGlobimetula braunii,Agelanthus brunneusandA. djurensisin Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, Nigeria, to test whether the traits were reliable indicators of relative reproductive success and could be used to predict relative vulnerability to pollinator loss. For each mistletoe species, insect and bird visitors were identified during a 160–240-min observation period of 4–10 plants and their roles in flower opening and fruit set were investigated using exclusion experiments applied to 250–500 flowers. We found that all three mistletoes are self-compatible but not capable of autonomous self-fertilization. The pollinator assemblage comprised four species of sunbird (Cyanomitrisspp.,Cinnyrisspp.) and a small social wasp (Vespinae). None of the mistletoes requires birds for flower opening:G. brauniiflowers self-opened in the absence of pollinators, whereas insects opened bothAgelanthusspp. Irrespective of flower opening, each mistletoe species requires sunbirds for effective pollination and fruit set. OnlyG. brauniidemonstrated pollen limitation (pollen limitation index = 0.504) which may be an early indication of mutualism breakdown. We suggest that mistletoes be considered as indicators of habitat condition and functioning within Afromontane forest ecosystems.
Stem characteristics and ant body size in a Costa Rican rain forest
Authors: Yanoviak Stephen P. , Silveri Cheryl , Hamm Christopher A. , Solis Manuel
Published: February 2012

Climbing plants provide efficient pathways for ants to access patchy arboreal resources. However, plant stems vary greatly in physical characteristics that are likely to influence ant locomotion. We collected, measured and identified ants foraging on 671 stems of climbing plants at the La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. We applied tuna baits to 70% of the observed stems to attract ants to a broad range of stem sizes. We used these data to examine relationships between relative stem roughness, growth form (herbaceous or woody), stem diameter and the body length of foraging ants representing 58 species. The size of the largest ants found on stems generally increased with stem size up to 3.2 mm diameter, whereas the size of the smallest ants present on stems did not vary with stem diameter. The largest ants in the forest (Paraponera clavata) used small stems (<2.7 mm diameter) only when attracted by baits. Average (± SE) ant body length was larger on woody (5.2 ± 0.32 mm) vs. herbaceous (3.3 ± 0.53 mm) stems, but did not differ between rough and smooth stems within these categories. Ant body-size distribution tended toward unimodality on smooth stems. We conclude that small stem diameter acts as a habitat filter based on ant body size, but only for the largest ants in the forest. The filter effect is reduced when ants are attracted to an artificially high quality resource.
Long-term dynamics of organic matter and elements exported as coarse particulates from two Caribbean montane watersheds
Authors: Heartsill Scalley T. , Scatena F. N. , Moya S. , Lugo A. E.
Published: February 2012

In heterotrophic streams the retention and export of coarse particulate organic matter and associated elements are fundamental biogeochemical processes that influence water quality, food webs and the structural complexity of forested headwater streams. Nevertheless, few studies have documented the quantity and quality of exported organic matter over multiple years and under a range of conditions that includes both droughts and hurricanes. This study quantifies the export of coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM, > 12.7 mm), over 18 y in two headwater streams in north-east Puerto Rico. Daily exports ranged from 0 to over 170 g ha−1 d−1 and averaged 7.39 g ha−1 d−1, with similar amounts coming from leaves (3.5 g ha−1 d−1) and wood (3.2 g ha−1 d−1). Export of coarse particulate organic carbon was 3.0 g ha−1 d−1 which constitutes only 1.32% of carbon exports. Most litter falling into the streams was processed in place as only 2.3% of the leaf litter falling directly into these perennial channels was exported as CPOM. On average, 6 wk y−1 had no exports while events transporting more than 10 g ha−1 d−1 occurred every 2.8 mo. Instead of a single annual pulse as observed in deciduous systems, there were annual peaks in CPOM exports during May and September and less export during the drier period from December to February. Ratios of C:N in the exported material were highest in the driest month and lowest during rainy months, while leaf fluxes for nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium were highest in rainy months and lowest during February. Although median daily exports and exports during low- and base-flow periods were similar before and after Hugo, after 16 y exports during moderate- and high-flow periods were still less than those in the 2 y prior to the hurricane. Our observations indicate a system with high rates of internal processing that quickly returns to median daily conditions following hurricanes but requires several decades for storm-flow exports to return to pre-disturbance conditions and indicates that the long-term pattern of CPOM export is associated with the level of maturity of watershed vegetation.
Coping with herbivory at the juvenile stage: responses to defoliation and stem browsing in the African savanna tree Colophospermum mopane
Authors: Hartnett David C. , Ott Jacqueline P. , Sebes Kathryn , Ditlhogo Marks K.
Published: February 2012

Responses of plants to herbivory are dependent on the type of damage and the ontogenetic stage of the plant. We compared the effects of stem pruning and defoliation on seedlings of Colophospermum mopane, an ecologically important tree species widely distributed in southern Africa. The growth of 160 greenhouse-grown juveniles were measured for 6-mo after germination and then 6-mo after treatments including 50% defoliation, 100% defoliation, 50% stem pruning and controls. Pruning resulted in 30% reductions in total leaf area, height and biomass. Partial defoliation resulted in 30% reductions in total leaf area and plant biomass. However, complete defoliation resulted in a 30% increase in biomass production, a doubling in leaf and lateral branch number, a 45% reduction in leaf size, and no change in total leaf area. Thus, completely defoliated seedlings showed greater performance than those that were only partially defoliated, indicating that C. mopane has become adapted to the chronic and severe defoliation inflicted by Imbrasia belina caterpillars. Comparison of our results with other studies indicates that C. mopane seedlings are less herbivory-tolerant than adults and that pruning has more negative effects than defoliation. Thus, seedling browsers may constrain recruitment in C. mopane, influencing its population dynamics and abundance.
Leaf nutritional quality as a predictor of primate biomass: further evidence of an ecological anomaly within prosimian communities in Madagascar
Authors: Simmen Bruno , Tarnaud Laurent , Hladik Annette
Published: February 2012

The correlation between the biomass of forest primates and a chemical index of the average nutritional quality of leaves in tropical forests has been repeatedly documented since 1990. We tested the role played by protein : fibre on lemur biomass in a gallery forest in southern Madagascar. Plant species abundance was determined based on transect censuses. We calculated an average ratio of protein-to-fibre in leaves and an abundance-weighted ratio, i.e. the mean weighted by the basal area of tree species, to be compared with the figures available for other forest ecosystems in Madagascar and a number of anthropoid habitats. Lemur densities were evaluated through compilation of previous studies made from prior to 1975 and up until 2011 based on strip censuses and/or identification of all groups supplemented with new censuses. A high mean ratio of protein to fibre (> 0.4) supports high folivore biomass at 390 kg km−2(reaching 630 kg km−2in the closed-canopy forest area) compared with primate communities in other Malagasy forests (protein : fibre: < 0.5; folivore biomass: < 440 kg km−2), as predicted. However, the data corroborate the finding that the total biomass of lemur communities as well as the biomass of folivorous lemur species are low compared with those of African and Asian primate communities for a given protein : fibre ratio. Tree diversity and leaf production do not consistently explain this pattern. In contrast, the extinction of large folivorous lemurs during the past two millennia presumably allowed too little time for smaller-sized species to evolve equally effective morphological and physiological specializations for processing a large range of fibrous foods.
Rationale and design of the NO-PARTY trial: near-zero fluoroscopic exposure during catheter ablation of supraventricular arrhythmias in young patients
Authors: Casella Michela , Dello Russo Antonio , Pelargonio Gemma , Bongiorni Maria Grazia , Del Greco Maurizio , Piacenti Marcello , Andreassi Maria Grazia , Santangeli Pasquale , Bartoletti Stefano , Moltrasio Massimo , Fassini Gaetano , Marini Massimiliano , Di Cori Andrea , Di Biase Luigi , Fiorentini Cesare , Zecchi Paolo , Natale Andrea , Picano Eugenio , Tondo Claudio
Published: February 2012

Introduction

Radiofrequency catheter ablation is the mainstay of therapy for supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. Conventional radiofrequency catheter ablation requires the use of fluoroscopy, thus exposing patients to ionising radiation. The feasibility and safety of non-fluoroscopic radiofrequency catheter ablation has been recently reported in a wide range of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias using the EnSite NavX™ mapping system. The NO-PARTY is a multi-centre, randomised controlled trial designed to test the hypothesis that catheter ablation of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias guided by the EnSite NavX™ mapping system results in a clinically significant reduction in exposure to ionising radiation compared with conventional catheter ablation.

Methods

The study will randomise 210 patients undergoing catheter ablation of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias to either a conventional ablation technique or one guided by the EnSite NavX™ mapping system. The primary end-point is the reduction of the radiation dose to the patient. Secondary end-points include procedural success, reduction of the radiation dose to the operator, and a cost-effectiveness analysis. In a subgroup of patients, we will also evaluate the radiobiological effectiveness of dose reduction by assessing acute chromosomal DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Conclusions

NO-PARTY will determine whether radiofrequency catheter ablation of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias guided by the EnSite NavX™ mapping system is a suitable and cost-effective approach to achieve a clinically significant reduction in ionising radiation exposure for both patient and operator.
Impact of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on paediatric Human Immunodeficiency Virus-associated left ventricular dysfunction within the Johannesburg teaching hospital complex
Authors: Pepeta Lungile , Cilliers Antoinette M.
Published: February 2012

Objective

To analyse the outcome of children with left ventricular dysfunction placed on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy.

Method

This study is a retrospective review of records of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-positive children with left ventricular dysfunction. Demographic data were collected. Left ventricular fractional shortening, CD4 percentage, viral load, and nutritional status were compared before and during antiretroviral therapy.

Results

We reviewed the records of 34 Human Immunodeficiency Virus-positive children with left ventricular dysfunction. In all, 18 patients received antiretroviral therapy (group one) and 16 were antiretroviral therapy naive (group two). The median age of group one at initial visit was 94 months, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1. Of those, 17 children showed improved left ventricular function on treatment, with an increase in fractional shortening (median: 17–33.5%; p less than 0.0001). There was no significant statistical difference between the groups regarding initial fractional shortening. In group one, the CD4 percentage improved (median: 12% to 30.5%; p less than 0.0001), with viral load suppression (median: 24,900 copies per millilitre to less than 25 copies per millilitre; p less than 0.0001). There was weight gain in group one (median z-score: −1.70 to −1.32; p equal to 0.0083). Proper statistical analysis in group two was not possible because of poor follow-up of patients.

Conclusion

The findings are in keeping with other reports that have shown improvement in left ventricular function in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus-associated cardiomyopathy treated with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. Recovery of myocardial function is associated with improvement in immunological and nutritional statuses.
Is myocardial performance index useful in differential diagnosis of moderate and severe hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy? A serial Doppler echocardiographic evaluation
Authors: Karaarslan Sevim , Alp Hayrullah , Baysal Tamer , Çimen Derya , Örs Rahmi , Oran Bülent
Published: February 2012

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of myocardial performance index as an additive criterion to Sarnat criteria in differential diagnosis of newborn babies with moderate and severe hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy.

Methods

Our study group included 50 healthy term newborn babies and 20 newborn babies with hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy. The 20 newborn babies with hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy were scored using Sarnat grades. Left and right ventricular functions were determined on the first day and thereafter in the 1, 3–4, 6–7, and 11–12 months of life by M-Mode and pulsed Doppler.

Results

Myocardial performance indexes of the left ventricle were significantly higher in the severe hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy group than in the control group during the first, second, and third analyses (p = 0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.02, respectively) and only during the first analysis (p = 0.01) in the moderate hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy group. In addition, the myocardial performance indexes of the right ventricle were significantly higher during the first, second, and third analyses in both severe and moderate hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy groups than in the control group (p = 0.01, all). Hypoxia-induced alterations last longer in the right ventricle than in the left ventricle in the moderate group, as during the second and third analyses myocardial performance index continues to be higher than the control group.

Conclusion

Myocardial performance indexes for the left and right ventricles were significantly higher in both severe and moderate hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy groups than in the control group during the first analysis, and myocardial performance index greater than or equal to 0.5 can be used in order to distinguish moderate and severe hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy babies according to Sarnat grades as a discriminative additive criterion.
Free Recall Memory Performance after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Sheldon Signy , Macdonald R. Loch , Schweizer Tom A.
Published: February 2012

Memory deficits for survivors of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are common, however, the nature of these deficits is not well understood. In this study, 24 patients with SAH and matched control participants were asked to study six lists containing words from four different categories. For half the lists, the categories were presented together (organized lists). For the remaining lists, the related words were presented randomly to maximize the use of executive processes such as strategy and organization (unorganized lists). Across adjoining lists, there was overlap in the types of categories given, done to promote intrusions. Compared to control participants, SAH patients recalled a similar number of words for the organized lists, but significantly fewer words for the unorganized lists. SAH patients also reported more intrusions than their matched counterparts. Separating patients into anterior communicating artery ruptures (ACoA) and ruptures in other regions, there was a recall deficit only for the unorganized list for those with ACoA ruptures and deficits across both list types for other rupture locations. These results suggest that memory impairment following SAH is likely driven by impairment in the executive components of memory, particularly for those with ACoA ruptures. Such findings may help direct future cognitive-therapeutic programs. (JINS, 2012, 18, 334–342)
The role of radiotherapy for large and locally advanced non-melanoma skin carcinoma
Authors: Matthiesen Chance , Forest Christina , Thompson J. Spencer , Ahmad Salahuddin , Herman Terence , Bogardus Carl
Published: February 2012

Background: The role of radiotherapy for large and locally advanced non-melanoma skin cancer is unclear. In this report, we aimed to review our institutional experience with patients treated with radiation therapy for T2–T4 NMSC and analyze outcomes.

Methods: Seventy patients and 85 lesions were reviewed who received radiotherapy. Fifty-six lesions (65.9%) were untreated, 17 (20.0%) recurrent, and 12 (14.1%) post-operative. Forty-three (50.6%) were staged T2, 20 (23.5%) T3, and 22 (25.9%) T4. Median follow-up was 20 months.

Results: Thirty-nine living patients (59.0%) had no evidence of disease, of which 35 (89.7%) required no therapy following radiotherapy. Twenty-seven patients (41.0%) died, of which 10 deaths were attributed to disease progression. Achievement of complete response (CR) to all therapy and radiotherapy alone was, respectively, 95.3% and 86% for T2, 70% and 65% for T3, and 68.2% and 59.1% for T4. Statistically significant factors for CR included basal cell histology (p = 0.005) and tumour stage T2 (0.01).

Conclusions: Radiotherapy for T2–T4 NMSC is effective. Basal cell histology and T2 are statistically favoured to achieve CR to radiotherapy alone.
Selecting indicators for international benchmarking of radiotherapy centres
Authors: van Lent W.A.M. , de Beer R.D. , van Triest B. , van Harten W.H.
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Benchmarking can be used to improve hospital performance. It is however not easy to develop a concise and meaningful set of indicators on aspects related to operations management. We developed an indicator set for managers and evaluated its use in an international benchmark of radiotherapy centres. The indicator set assessed the efficiency, patient-centeredness and timeliness of the services delivered.

Methods: We identified possible indicators from literature and professionals. Stakeholders’ feedback helped to produce a shortlist of indicators. For this indicator set, data were obtained in a pilot that included four European radiotherapy centres. With these data, the indicators were evaluated on definition clarity, data availability, reliability and discriminative value.

Results: Literature produced a gross list of 81 indicators. Based on stakeholder feedback, 33 indicators were selected and evaluated in the benchmark. Six negatively evaluated indicators were adapted, together with eight positively evaluated indicators 14 indicators seemed feasible. Examples of indicators concerned utilisation, waiting times, patient satisfaction and risk analysis.

Conclusions: This study provides a pragmatic indicator development process for international benchmarks on operations management. The presented indicators showed to be feasible for use in international benchmarking of radiotherapy centres. The pilot identified attainable performance levels and provided leads for improvements.
Heightened vulnerabilities and better care for all: Disability and end-of-life care
Authors: Stienstra Deborah , D'Aubin April , Derksen Jim
Published: February 2012

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which vulnerability was present or heightened as a result of either disability or end-of-life policies, or both, when people with disabilities face end of life.

Method:

People with disabilities and policy makers from four Canadian provinces and at the federal level were interviewed or participated in focus groups to identify interactions between disability policies and end-of-life policies. Relevant policy documents in each jurisdiction were also analyzed. Key theme analysis was used on transcripts and policy documents. Fact sheets identifying five key issues were developed and shared in the four provinces with policy makers and people with disabilities.

Results:

Examples of heightened vulnerability are evident in discontinuity from formal healthcare providers with knowledge of conditions and impairments, separation from informal care providers and support systems, and lack of coordination with and gaps in disability-related supports. When policies seek to increase the dignity, autonomy, and capacity of all individuals, including those who experience heightened vulnerability, they can mitigate or lessen some of the vulnerability.

Significance of results:

Specific policies addressing access to community-based palliative care, coordination between long-standing formal care providers and new care providers, and support and respect for informal care providers, can redress these heightened vulnerabilities. The interactions between disability and end-of-life policies can be used to create inclusive end-of-life policies, resulting in better end-of-life care for all people, including people with disabilities.
“In pain waiting to die”: Everyday understandings of suffering
Authors: Schwartz Karen D. , Lutfiyya Zana Marie
Published: February 2012

Objective:

The notion of “suffering” is understood in very different ways in a variety of contexts. In palliative care, the relief and prevention of suffering is considered to be a fundamental goal (Pastrana et al., 2008). However, the avoidance of suffering has also been used as an argument by those campaigning for the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide (Finlay, 2009). In reflecting upon suffering in these two contexts, we were intrigued by Finlay's (2009) contention that to laypeople, the phrase “‘unbearable suffering’ conjures up images of patients on their deathbeds wracked with uncontrolled pain” (p. 1841).

Method:

This article explores how suffering is used and understood in an “everyday” discourse, by analyzing comments posted to a website debating assisted suicide in the context of the Canadian case of Sue Rodriguez.

Results:

Using a broad social approach to discourse analysis (Tonkiss, 2004), three themes emerged in our analysis: (1) when people suffer, (2) how people are understood to suffer, and (3) how suffering should be dealt with. We also examined what was not said in this discussion: there was little consideration of the more holistic goals of palliative care and how suffering might be understood and managed in ways other than within the frame of assisted suicide.

Significance of results:

Paying attention to the everyday discourse of suffering is important because, as members of society, we all play a role in negotiating the meaning of suffering. Such meaning has a significant impact upon patients and palliative care professionals alike.
Palliative care for vulnerable populations
Authors: Stienstra Deborah , Chochinov Harvey Max
Published: February 2012

Objective:

The purpose of this article is to identify how inclusive and accessible palliative care can be achieved for all, including those labelled as vulnerable populations.

Method:

Drawing on a review of existing literature as well the research of the Vulnerable Persons and End-of-Life New Emerging Team (VP-NET), this article reflects on what changes can be made within palliative care to make it more inclusive.

Results:

Experiences of marginalization often result, intentionally or unintentionally, in differential treatment in healthcare. This increased vulnerability may result from attitudes of healthcare providers or from barriers as a result of “normal” care practices and policies that may exclude or stigmatize certain populations. This may include identifying when palliative care is necessary, who receives palliative care and where, and what is necessary to complement palliative care.

Significance of results:

Inclusive and accessible palliative care can become possible through building on the existing strengths in palliative care, as well as addressing existing barriers. This may include treating the whole person and that person's support team, including paid support workers, as part of the unit of care. It involves ensuring physically accessible hospice and palliative care locations, as well as thinking creatively about how to include those excluded in traditional locations. Inclusive palliative care also ensures coordination with other care services. Addressing the barriers to access, and inclusion of those who have been excluded within existing palliative care services, will ensure better palliative and end-of-life care for everyone.
Art therapy for terminal cancer patients in a hospice palliative care unit in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Ming-Hwai , Moh Shwu-Lan , Kuo Yu-Cheng , Wu Pin-Yuan , Lin Chiung-Ling , Tsai Mei-Hui , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Hwang Shinn-Jang
Published: February 2012

Objective:

Even though terminal cancer patients receive help from a hospice palliative care team, they have to suffer the pressure of death with deteriorating conditions. This study aims to evaluate the effect of art therapy for these terminal cancer patients.

Method:

The patients involved were terminal cancer patients who were under the care of team members, which included physicians, nurses, social workers, clergy, art therapists, and volunteers in a hospice palliative care unit in Taiwan. The art therapy in our study took the form of visual fine art appreciation and hands-on painting. The effects of the art therapy were evaluated according to patients' feelings, cognitions, and behaviors.

Results:

There were 177 patients (105 males and 72 females; mean age: 65.4 ±15.8 years) in the study. Each patient received a mean of 2.9 ± 2.0 sessions of the art therapy and produced a mean of 1.8 ± 2.6 pieces of art. During the therapy, most patients described their feelings well, and created art works attentively. Patients expressed these feelings through image appreciation and hands-on painting, among which the landscape was the most common scene in their art. After the therapy, the mean score of patients' artistic expressions (one point to each category: perception of beauty, art appreciation, creativity, hands-on artwork, and the engagement of creating artwork regularly) was 4.0 ± 0.7, significantly higher than the score before therapy (2.2 ± 1.4, p < 0.05). During the therapy, 70% of patients felt much or very much relaxed in their emotional state and 53.1% of patients felt much or very much better physically.

Significance of results:

Terminal cancer patients in a hospice palliative care unit in Taiwan may benefit from art therapy through visual art appreciation and hands-on creative artwork.
Imaging equatorial spread F irregularities with the São Luís coherent backscatter radar interferometer
Authors: Rodrigues F. S. , Moraes A. O. , de Paula E. R.
Published: February 2012

We present new results of a study of the interferometric coherent backscatter radar imaging technique applied to São Luís observations made on the night of 1 December 2005. The range‐time‐intensity (RTI) map of the observations shows echoes occurring near theF region peak and topside heights followed by echoing layers confined to bottomside F region heights. Analyses of the measurements made on this night allowed us to investigate the ability of the São Luís radar interferometer to provide information about the morphology of the scattering structures responsible for different types of equatorial spread Fechoing layers. Results show that topside echoes were produced by a vertically elongated, horizontally narrow scattering channel of irregularities associated with a large‐scale plasma depletion (“bubble”) as evidenced by colocated GPS scintillation measurements. Bottomside echoes were caused by structured, eastward drifting scattering regions with limited vertical development. Bottom‐type echoes, on the other hand, were detected at heights below the minimum altitude of the bottomside echoes and were caused by an undifferentiated scattering region. Our imaging results are discussed in light of current equatorial spreadFtheories and previous higher‐resolution imaging observations made at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory.