bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Education for patients with chronic kidney disease in Taiwan: a prospective repeated measures study
Authors: Yen Miaofen , Huang Jeng‐Jong , Teng Hsiu‐Lan
Published: October 2008

Aim.  To investigate the physical, knowledge and quality of life outcomes of an educational intervention for patients with early stage chronic kidney disease.

Background.  A comprehensive predialysis education care team can be effective in slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease.

Design.  A single group repeated measures design was used to evaluate the effects of the intervention.

Methods.  Participants were recruited through health department community health screen data banks. A predialysis, team‐delivered educational intervention covering renal function health care, dietary management of renal function and the effects of Chinese herb medication on renal function was designed and implemented. Data were collected at baseline, six and 12 months. Study outcomes included physical indicators, knowledge (renal function protection, use of Chinese herbs and renal function and diet) and quality of life. Data were analysed using repeated measure anova to test for change over time in outcome variables.

Results.  Sixty‐six persons participated in this study. The predialysis educational intervention showed significant differences at the three time points in overall knowledge scores, waist–hip ratio, body mass index and global health status. Knowledge measures increased at month 6 and decreased at month 12. The primary indicator of renal function, glomerular filtration rate, remained stable throughout the 12 months of follow‐up, despite the relatively older mean age of study participants.

Conclusion.  A predialysis education care team can provide effective disease‐specific knowledge and may help retard deterioration of renal function in persons with early‐stage chronic kidney disease. The intervention dose may need to be repeated every six months to maintain knowledge effects.

Relevance to clinical practice.  A predialysis educational program with disease‐specific knowledge and information is feasible and may provide positive outcomes for patients. Topics on the uses of Chinese herbs should be included for people who are likely to use alternative therapies.
Iranian version of childbirth self‐efficacy inventory
Authors: Khorsandi Mahboobeh , Ghofranipour Fazllolah , Faghihzadeh Soghrat , Hidarnia Alireza , Akbarzadeh Bagheban Alireza , Aguilar‐Vafaie Maria E
Published: October 2008

Aim.  The primary purpose of this study was to translate the Lowe’s Childbirth Self‐Efficacy Inventory to Persian and to examine the psychometric properties of its Iranian version.

Background.  Self‐efficacy for childbirth has been found to be a factor in a woman’s decision about her choice of delivery and an essential key in coping with labour pain. Creating a valid and reliable questionnaire is necessary to gain a better understanding of the emotional preparation of pregnant women. It is also essential for the development of educational interventions and improving the sense of self‐efficacy during pregnancy.

Design.  Questionnaire translation.

Methods.  The standard ‘forward–backward’ procedure was applied to translate the questionnaire from English into Persian (Iranian language) and then was reviewed by a panel of experts. We used exploratory factor analysis to examine the construct validity of the instrument. To test the reliability, Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was employed. A random sample of 176 pregnant women, attending public prenatal clinics in Tehran, was recruited for participation in the study.

Results.  The results indicated that each subscales of Childbirth Self‐Efficacy Inventory is essentially a unidimensional scale. The results revealed that Iranian pregnant women were able to distinguish between self‐efficacy expectancy and outcome expectancy, but they did not differentiate the active phase of labour from second stage. Religious or spiritual beliefs were found to have an important role in the Iranian version of the Childbirth Self‐Efficacy Inventory.

Conclusion.  This preliminary study of the Iranian version of the Childbirth Self‐Efficacy Inventory showed that it is an acceptable, reliable and valid measure of women’s belief and their confidence in coping with labour pain.

Relevance to clinical practice.  A culturally sensitive, reliable and valid instrument is crucial to better understand the self‐efficacy of childbirth as a basis for developing effective interventions to increase normal childbirth among Iranian pregnant women.
A review of psychosocial needs of breast‐cancer patients and their relatives
Authors: Schmid‐Büchi Silvia , Halfens Ruud JG , Dassen Theo , Van Den Borne Bart
Published: October 2008

Aim.  To identify the psychosocial needs of breast‐cancer patients and their relatives along with factors affecting these needs and to develop a tentative model to guide further research and need assessments in clinical practice.

Background.  Women experiencing breast cancer must deal with the diagnosis of a life‐threatening illness. Treatment and the recovery process can be demanding for patients and their relatives. Need assessment may help clinicians focus on providing appropriate help.

Design.  Literature review.

Method.  Undertaken using electronic databases and specific research terms; 20 articles were identified and analysed.

Results.  The needs identified by patients involve (1) treatment‐related physical and social impairment like fatigue, menopausal symptoms and a changed body image and (2) emotional distress like fear of recurrence, anxiety and depression. Partners need help to protect themselves and the patient from different threats. Women need information to maintain control and manage their illness. Partners want information concerning the patient’s condition and both of them about the prognosis and perspectives. There is a lack of knowledge of relatives’ needs. Mutual familial support, women’s and partners’ health and emotional distress may affect the interaction between the patients and their partners.

Conclusions.  A tentative family‐based model to guide further research and clinical support is proposed. Further research is needed to determine precisely which psychosocial factors may influence fulfilment of the patients’ and relatives’ needs.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The proposed model may provide a framework for healthcare professionals to evaluate the patients’ and relatives’ met and unmet needs and the real demand for help, to guide care planning, counselling and education.
Gendered attitudes towards sexual relationships among adolescents attending nurse led sexual health clinics in England: a qualitative study
Authors: Hayter Mark , Harrison Christina
Published: October 2008

Aims.  This study aimed to explore gender differences in attitudes towards sexual relationships of adolescent attending nurse led sexual health clinics.

Background.  Nurse led sexual health clinics are at the forefront of promoting adolescent sexual health. To provide sensitive, effective and non‐judgemental care, nurses need to understand the complexities of adolescent sexual behaviour and the social factors that influence sexual relationships.

Design.  A qualitative, exploratory research design was used.

Methods.  Ten focus groups (five male and five female) involving sexual health clinic attendees aged between 14–16 years were conducted. Focus groups were asked to comment on four sexual relationship ‘case studies’. Group discussions were recorded and transcribed. Data were subject to thematic analysis.

Results.  Three themes emerged from the data analysis. ‘Empathy’ reflected how young women were more likely to try to see their partner’s point of view. ‘Complexity’ also reflected that young women were more aware of the complex nature of relationships than were the male participants. ‘Language’ related to how young males used aggressive language in the context of relationships – a feature absent from female participants’ discourse.

Conclusions.  Male and female attitudes clearly differ. Female responses are more complex and empathic because of the more complex nature of the social pressures that sexualise young women. Young males are not as subject to these social forces. Young men are socialised into behaviour that can place females under pressure to have sex – this pressure can include the use of alcohol.

Relevance to clinical practise.  Nurses working in sexual health should attempt to encourage empathic thinking in male clients. Females should be educated to deal with the social pressures they may face from their partners. Practitioners should also recognise the problematic role alcohol can play within sexual relationships.
Evaluation of a primary care nurse case management intervention for chronically ill community dwelling older people
Authors: Schraeder Cheryl , Fraser Cynthia W , Clark Ida , Long Barbara , Shelton Paul , Waldschmidt Valerie , Kucera Christine L , Lanker William K
Published: October 2008

Aim. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of a collaborative primary care nurse case management intervention emphasising collaboration between physicians, nurses and patients, risk identification, comprehensive assessment, collaborative planning, health monitoring, patient education and transitional care on healthcare utilisation and cost for community dwelling chronically ill older persons.

Background. Primary care teams comprised of nurses and primary care physicians have been suggested as a model for providing quality care to the chronically ill, but this type of intervention has not been systematically evaluated.

Design. A non‐randomised, 36 month comparison of two geographically distinct primary care populations was conducted.

Methods. Six hundred and seventy‐seven persons aged 65 and older were determined to be at high‐risk for mortality, functional decline, or increased health service use. The treatment group (n = 400) received the intervention and the comparison group (n = 277) received usual care. Health plan claims files provided data on number of hospitalisations and bed days, emergency department (ED) visits, physician visits and total cost of care.

Results. After adjustment for baseline variables, there were no significant differences between the treatment and comparison group in the percentage of patients hospitalised or ED visits. However, among those hospitalised in the treatment group, the likelihood of being re‐hospitalised was significantly reduced by 34% (p = 0·032). After adjusting for the cost of the intervention, although not statistically significant, the reduced hospital use resulted in cost savings of $106 per patient per month in the treatment group.

Conclusions. The results indicate that a collaborative primary care nurse case management intervention has the potential to be an effective alternative to current primary care delivery system practice.

Relevance to clinical practice. The study suggests that a chronic care intervention emphasising collaboration between physicians, nurses and patients, may be more effective when implemented in integrated provider networks.
Relationship between diagnostic criteria, depressive equivalents and diagnosis of depression among older adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Langlois L. , Martin L.
Published: October 2008

Background  Depression is more common among persons with an intellectual disability (ID) than the general population, and may be expected to increase with age just as in the general population. However, little is known about depression among older adults with ID. The literature has questioned the use of standard diagnostic criteria for depression among both older adults and persons with ID, and behavioural depressive equivalents have been suggested. This study uses the interRAI ID assessment instrument to investigate the relationship between standard diagnostic criteria for depression, depressive equivalents and a diagnosis of depression among older and younger adults with ID in community and institutional settings in Ontario, Canada.

Method  Items in the interRAI ID assessment instrument that were representative of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition (DSM‐IV) criteria and depressive equivalents were examined among persons with ID in institutional (census‐level data) and in community‐based (sample) residential settings. Bivariate logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and a diagnosis of depression. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among those who did not have a diagnosis of depression.

Results  The results indicate that DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria and depressive equivalents were significantly related to a diagnosis of depression among older and younger adults with ID, and that both types of symptoms were exhibited by a non‐trivial proportion of individuals without a diagnosis of depression.

Conclusions  The depression rating scale embedded in the interRAI ID is helpful in identifying older adults at risk of depression. Contrary to other studies, few significant differences were found in depressive symptoms by age.
Do introduced North American beavers Castor canadensis engineer differently in southern South America? An overview with implications for restoration
Authors: ANDERSON CHRISTOPHER B. , PASTUR GUILLERMO MARTÍNEZ , LENCINAS MARÍA VANESSA , WALLEM PETRA K. , MOORMAN MICHELLE C. , ROSEMOND AMY D.
Published: October 2008

Twenty‐five pairs of North American beavers Castor canadensis Kuhl were introduced to Tierra del Fuego Island in 1946. The population has expanded across the archipelago, arriving at the Chilean mainland by the mid‐1990s. Densities range principally between 0.5–2.05 colonies/km. They have an impact on between 30–50% of stream length and occupy 2–15% of landscape area with impoundments and meadows. Beaver impacts constitute the largest landscape‐level alteration in subantarctic forests since the last ice age.

The colonization pattern, colony densities and impacted area indicate that habitat in the austral archipelago is optimal for beaver invasion, due to low predator pressure and suitable food resources. Nothofagus pumilio forests are particularly appropriate habitat, but a more recent invasion is occurring in adjacent steppe ecosystems. Nonetheless, Nothofagus reproductive strategies are not well adapted to sustain high beaver population levels.

Our assessment shows that at the patch‐scale in stream and riparian ecosystems, the direction and magnitude of exotic beaver impacts are predictable from expectations derived from North American studies, relating ecosystem engineering with underlying ecological mechanisms such as the relationships of habitat heterogeneity and productivity on species richness and ecosystem function.

Based on data from the species' native and exotic range, our ability to predict the effects of beavers is based on: (i) understanding the ecological relationships of its engineering effects on habitat, trophic dynamics and disturbance regimes, and (ii) having an adequate comprehension of the landscape context and natural history of the ecosystem being engineered.

We conclude that beaver eradication strategies and subsequent ecosystem restoration efforts, currently being considered in southern Chile and Argentina, should focus on the ecology of native ecosystems rather than the biology of this invasive species per se. Furthermore, given the nature of the subantarctic landscape, streams will probably respond to restoration efforts more quickly than riparian ecosystems.
Quaternary history of the European roe deer Capreolus capreolus
Authors: SOMMER R. S. , FAHLKE J. M. , SCHMÖLCKE U. , BENECKE N. , ZACHOS F. E.
Published: October 2008

The European roe deer Capreolus capreolus is a typical faunal element of the Holocene. It was already present in Europe at least 600 000 years ago and it has been known from both glacial and interglacial phases since then. With nearly 3000 fossil and subfossil records, it is one of the most frequent mammals in the Late Quaternary.

During the Middle and Late Weichselian Pleniglacial, the distribution of the roe deer was not restricted to the Mediterranean peninsulas but repeatedly reached regions of central Europe. In contrast to that, roe deer records from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 21.0–14.5 ka 14C BP) are largely confined to the Mediterranean peninsulas – with the exception of south‐western France and the surroundings of the Carpathians where several records attest to its occurrence during the LGM.

During the Greenland Interstadial 1 (12.5–10.8 ka 14C BP), the species' distribution extended further north and the roe deer appeared north of the Alps and reached regions of central Germany. This seems to be correlated with the abrupt change to more favourable environmental conditions during this period. It is very likely that the roe deer disappeared north of the Alps during the Younger Dryas cooling (10.8–10.0 ka14C BP). The northern regions of the central European lowlands were recolonized by roe deer during the late Preboreal 9.7–9.5 ka 14C BP for the first time since the Weichselian Glacial.

The combined pattern of genetic data and fossil records of European roe deer suggests several regions in the Iberian peninsula, southern France, Italy and the Balkans as well as in the Carpathians and/or eastern Europe as glacial refugia. It further suggests that C. capreolus might have recolonized most parts of central‐northern Europe out of one or more eastern European (not Balkan) and/or Carpathian refugia. This recolonization wave might have blocked immigration from the traditional Mediterranean areas.
Readiness for self‐directed change in professional behaviours: factorial validation of the Self‐reflection and Insight Scale
Authors: Roberts Chris , Stark Patsy
Published: October 2008

Context  Self‐reflection, the practice of inspecting and evaluating one’s own thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and insight, the ability to understand one’s own thoughts, feelings and behaviour, are central to the self‐regulation of behaviours. The Self‐Reflection and Insight Scale (SRIS) measures three factors in the self‐regulation cycle: need for reflection; engagement in reflection, and insight.

Methods  We used structural equation modelling to undertake a confirmatory factor analysis of the SRIS. We re‐specified our model to analyse all of the data to explain relationships between the SRIS, medical student characteristics, and responses to issues of teaching and learning in professionalism.

Results  The factorial validity of a modified SRIS showed all items loading significantly on their expected factors, with a good fit to the data. Each subscale had good internal reliability (> 0.8). There was a strong relationship between the need for reflection and engagement in reflection (r = 0.77). Insight was related to need for reflection (0.22) and age (0.21), but not to the process of engaging in reflection (0.06).

Conclusions  Validation of the SRIS provides researchers with a new instrument with which to measure and investigate the processes of self‐reflection and insight in the context of students’ self‐regulation of their professionalism. Insight is related to the motive or need for reflection, but the process of reflection does not lead to insight. Attending to feelings is an important and integral aspect of self‐reflection and insight. Effective strategies are needed to develop students’ insight as they reflect on their professionalism.
Focus group study of student physiotherapists’ perceptions of reflection
Authors: Roche Aisling , Coote Susan
Published: October 2008

Context  The reflective practice module in the physiotherapy programme at the University of Limerick, Ireland represents the first incidence of the inclusion of such a module within physiotherapy curricula in Ireland. However, research examining the contribution of reflection as a means of learning is limited, particularly from the student perspective.

Objectives  This study sought to explore students’ perceptions of reflection and its potential contribution to their development before and after the module.

Methods  A qualitative research methodology using focus groups was employed to evaluate physiotherapy undergraduate students’ perceptions of the module. Three focus groups were held in total. Two were held with Year 3 students, before and after their reflective practice module, respectively, to examine any changes in their perceptions of reflection. A third was held with Year 4 students to determine their perceptions after both the module and subsequent clinical placements. Sessions were audiotaped, transcribed and subjected to in‐depth thematic analysis to resolve the significant themes that emerged from the data.

Results  Students reported a more advanced level of reflective ability post‐module completion. They perceived personal and professional benefits to practising reflection and recognised these skills as strategies with which they could continue to facilitate their professional development. For students, time constraints in the clinical setting represented a barrier to reflection.

Conclusions  Students support inclusion of the module in their training, acknowledging its role in improving their confidence and clinical reasoning, and facilitating continuing professional development. Further studies are required to generalise these findings to a wider population.
Possible role of the adhesin ace and collagen adherence in conveying resistance to disinfectants on Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Kayaoglu G. , Erten H. , Ørstavik D.
Published: October 2008

Introduction:  This study aimed to evaluate whether the presence of the ace gene and Ace‐mediated binding to collagen confers on Enterococcus faecalis resistance against common endodontic disinfectants.

Methods:  Isogenic strains of E. faecalis: OG1RF (wild‐type) and TX5256 (ace insertion mutant of OG1RF) were grown in brain–heart infusion broth at 46°C overnight. Standardized bacterial suspensions were pretreated for 1 h either with acid‐soluble collagen or acidified phosphate‐buffered saline (ac‐PBS). Bacteria were challenged with chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), iodine potassium‐iodide (IKI), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]. Samples were removed at 1, 3, and 6 h, and cultured on Todd–Hewitt agar plates. Colonies were counted, the absolute values were log transformed, and the data were statistically analyzed using Fisher’s least significant differences test and t‐test.

Results:  OG1RF was more resistant than TX5256 to IKI, NaOCl, and Ca(OH)2 (P < 0.05). Collagen‐exposed OG1RF was more resistant than the ac‐PBS‐pretreated OG1RF against CHX at 3 h and against IKI at 1 h (P < 0.05); no significant difference was found against NaOCl. As expected, the ace mutant strain, TX5256, pretreated with collagen or ac‐PBS did not differ significantly in viability when challenged with CHX, IKI, and NaOCl. An unexpected result was found for Ca(OH)2: collagen‐pretreated OG1RF and TX5256 were both more susceptible than ac‐PBS‐pretreated OG1RF and TX5256, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  The presence of the ace gene confers resistance against IKI, NaOCl, and Ca(OH)2 on E. faecalis. Exposure to collagen makes the wild‐type bacterium more resistant against CHX and IKI; however, exposure to collagen apparently decreases resistance to Ca(OH)2.
Differential effects of five Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans strains on gingival epithelial cells
Authors: Shimada T. , Sugano N. , Nishihara R. , Suzuki K. , Tanaka H. , Ito K.
Published: October 2008

Introduction:  We investigated gingival epithelial cell proliferation and expression of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) in response to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes a, b, and c.

Methods:  Human gingival cells (Ca9‐22) were cultured in bacterial extracts prepared from five strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans: ATCC 43717 (serotype a); ATCC 29524, ATCC 29522, and ATCC 43718 (all serotype b); and ATCC 43719 (serotype c).

Results:  In bacterial extracts of ATCC 29522, cell growth was significantly impaired, while the expression of IL‐8 and ICAM‐1 was significantly increased. The level of induction in response to the other strains was minimal.

Conclusion:  Our results indicate that the five strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans have distinct effects on the abilities of human gingival epithelial cells to proliferate and to produce proinflammatory factors.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans adhesion inhibited in a flow cell
Authors: Sliepen I. , Hofkens J. , Van Essche M. , Quirynen M. , Teughels W.
Published: October 2008

Introduction:  Microbial interactions are considered important in the adhesion process of pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity. This study addressed the hypothesis that a streptococcal biofilm influences the hard tissue colonization by the periodontopathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans under hydrodynamic conditions.

Methods:  The colonization of a green‐fluorescent‐protein‐labelled A. actinomycetemcomitans strain on surfaces coated with a streptococcal biofilm, was monitored in real time using a confocal laser scanning microscope‐mounted flow cell. Culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction data were obtained in parallel from a Modified Robbins Device.

Results:  Colonization of A. actinomycetemcomitans was inhibited by the four tested streptococci (Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus cristatus, Streptococcus salivarius, and Streptococcus mitis). The most inhibiting species was S. sanguinis.

Conclusion:  These results confirmed the hypothesis that some bacterial species influence A. actinomycetemcomitans colonization of hard surfaces in vitro under hydrodynamic conditions.
Sodium fluoride and chlorhexidine effect in the inhibition of mutans streptococci in children with dental caries: a randomized, double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Lobo P. L. D. , De Carvalho C. B. M. , Fonseca S. G. C. , De Castro R. S. L. , Monteiro A. J. , Fonteles M. C. , Fonteles C. S. R.
Published: October 2008

Objective:  We aimed to compare the effect of sodium fluoride and chlorhexidine on salivary levels of mutans streptococci (MS), in a double‐blind, randomized clinical trial.

Methods:  Thirty‐five healthy volunteers, aged 4–8 years, with at least one active carious lesion and no previous history of allergies were selected to participate in the study. A gel formulation containing either 1.23% sodium fluoride or 1% chlorhexidine was topically administered to the dentition every 24 h for 6 consecutive days. Salivary MS levels were measured at baseline (D1) and on the 6th (D6), 15th (D15), and 30th (D30) days. For microbiological analysis, Mitis Salivarius‐Bacitracin agar medium was used.

Results:  Difference between treatments was only verified on D6. On the last day of treatment 1% chlorhexidine gel was significantly more effective than fluoride (P = 0.0000). The use of sodium fluoride did not cause a statistically significant variation in salivary MS levels throughout the duration of the study. Following treatment, a subsequent increase in MS counts between D6 and D15 (P = 0.0001) was observed with chlorhexidine.

Conclusion:  A 6‐day treatment with a 1% chlorhexidine gel was effective in reducing salivary MS; there was a significant MS increase once treatment was suspended. The use of 1.23% sodium fluoride under the same regimen was not able to reduce salivary MS levels. Our results suggest repeated treatment with 1% chlorhexidine as a means for maintaining low salivary MS levels in children with dental caries.
Phenotypic and genotypic identification of Candida dubliniensis from subgingival sites in immunocompetent subjects in Argentina
Authors: Jewtuchowicz V. M. , Mujica M. T. , Brusca M. I. , Sordelli N. , Malzone M. C. , Pola S. J. , Iovannitti C. A. , Rosa A. C.
Published: October 2008

Introduction:  It is generally recognized that Candida dubliniensis is commonly found in immunocompromised patients, such as those with advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection, at sites of periodontal disease. Since there are no data available for Argentina, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of and to identify C. dubliniensis in periodontal pockets from immunocompetent subjects living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, through a comparison of phenotypic and molecular assays.

Methods:  Yeasts recovered from subgingival plaque samples were studied for 180 immunocompetent non‐smoking patients with periodontal disease. Yeasts were identified by conventional mycological methods and by specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Fluconazole and voriconazole susceptibility studies were performed in keeping with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.

Results:  Among 76 yeasts isolated, C. dubliniensis comprised 10.5% (n = 8; 95% confidence interval 4.7–19.7), which corresponded to 4.4% of patients studied (8/180). C. albicans was the most frequently isolated species of yeast. A great majority of C. dubliniensis isolates was susceptible with only one isolate resistant to both antifungals.

Conclusion:  Micromorphology on Staib agar was the phenotypic method that was most concordant with PCR and it was useful for selecting presumptive C. dubliniensis. This is the first report to use PCR to identify C. dubliniensis in subgingival fluid from immunocompetent individuals with periodontal disease in Argentina. On the basis of the findings presented here, we confirm that C. dubliniensis can colonize periodontal pockets of immunocompetent patients with periodontal disease.
Stability of Sweet Potato Cultivars to Alternaria Leaf and Stem Blight Disease
Authors: Osiru Moses Omongin , Olanya Modesto Ocen , Adipala Ekwamu , Lemaga Berga , Kapinga Regina
Published: October 2008

Alternaria leaf petiole and stem blight is an economically important disease of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus L.) in tropical and sub‐tropical environments. Published research on cultivar resistance to the sweet potato disease is limited. To evaluate cultivar reaction and stability to the disease, multi‐location and replicated experiments were established in 12 environments in Uganda. Disease severity (area under disease progress curves – AUDPC), and cultivar root yield were also assessed. Significant differences (P < 0.001) in AUDPC were detected among cultivars. Mean AUDPC ranged from 46.3 (Araka Red) to 78.4 (New Kawogo) across locations and seasons and the genotypes Araka Red and Tanzania had the lowest disease values. The location and season effects accounted for 67.1% and 7.5% of the total variance of AUDPC recorded among cultivars. The ranking of cultivars based on predicted AUDPC from Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interactive model (AMMI) showed that the NASPOT 1, the susceptible check, and New Kawogo were most susceptible to the disease in 11 of the 12 environments. Low and stable disease was consistently recorded and predicted on NASPOT 3 and the landrace cultivars Tanzania, Dimbuca, and Araka Red across environments. These results suggest that landrace cultivars had relative stability to the disease and wide adaptation across environments. These results suggest that AMMI statistical model and other multivariate techniques can be utilized for prediction of Alternaria disease stability in these locations.
Temporal Relationships and Repeatability of Follicle Diameters and Hormone Concentrations within Individuals in Mares
Authors: Jacob JC , Gastal EL , Gastal MO , Carvalho GR , Beg MA , Ginther OJ
Published: October 2008

Contents

Data were collected daily from 23 mares during two consecutive interovulatory intervals (IOIs). Several significant (p < 0.05) new observations on temporal relationships were made. The FSH increase that begins before ovulation temporarily plateaued on the day of discharge of follicular fluid into the peritoneal cavity in association with ovulation. During the declining portion of the pre‐ovulatory oestradiol surge, an abrupt reduction in the rate of decrease occurred in synchrony with the peak of the LH surge and is consistent with a negative effect of LH on oestradiol. Repeatability within mares was based on the following positive and significant correlations between the two IOIs: (i) length of the interval between ovulations and between ovulation and the beginning of follicle deviation; (ii) diameter of the pre‐ovulatory follicle on days ‐3 to ‐1; (iii) number of follicles in diameter classes of 2–5 mm (correlation for 22/23 days of the IOI), 5.1–10 mm (18/23 days), 10.1–15 mm (12/23 days) and 15.1–20 mm (12/23 days) and (iv) concentrations of FSH (18/23 days) and LH (22/23 days). The greatest repeatability for the follicle‐diameter classes occurred in the 2–5 mm class, and thereafter the repeatability progressively decreased as the diameters for the classes increased. Results demonstrated measurable repeatability within mares for several end points between consecutive IOIs.
Stimulation by cochlear implant in unilaterally deaf rats reverses the decrease of inhibitory transmission in the inferior colliculus
Authors: Argence Meritxell , Vassias Isabelle , Kerhuel Lubin , Vidal Pierre‐Paul , De Waele Catherine
Published: October 2008

In the last decade, numerous studies have investigated synaptic transmission changes in various auditory nuclei after unilateral cochlear injury. However, few data are available concerning the potential effect of electrical stimulation of the deafferented auditory nerve on the inhibitory neurotransmission in these nuclei. We report here for the first time the effect of chronic electrical stimulation of the deafferented auditory nerve on α1 subunit of the glycinergic receptor (GlyRα1) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)67 expression in the central nucleus of inferior colliculus (CIC). Adult rats were unilaterally cochleectomized by intracochlear neomycin sulphate injection. Fifteen days later, the ipsilateral auditory nerve was chronically stimulated either 4, 8 or 22 h daily, for 5 days using intracochlear bipolar electrodes. GlyRα1 and GAD67 mRNA and protein were quantified in the CIC using in situ hybridization and immunohistofluorescence methods. Our data showed that as after surgical ablation, GlyRα1 and GAD67 expression were strongly decreased in the contralateral CIC after unilateral chemical cochleectomy. Most importantly, these postlesional down‐modulations were significantly reversed by chronic electrical stimulation of the deafferented auditory nerve. This recovery, however, did not persist for more than 5 days after the cessation of the deafferented auditory nerve electrical stimulation. Thus, downregulations of GlyRα1 and GAD67 may be involved both in the increased excitability observed in the CIC after unilateral deafness and consequently in the tinnitus frequently observed in unilateral adult deaf patients. Electrical stimulation of the deafferented auditory nerve in patients may be a potential new approach for treating tinnitus with unilateral hearing loss.
Systematics, biogeography and evolution of the endemic Hemidactylus geckos (Reptilia, Squamata, Gekkonidae) of the Cape Verde Islands: based on morphology and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences
Authors: Arnold E. N. , Vasconcelos R. , Harris D. J. , Mateo J. A. , Carranza S.
Published: October 2008

A total of 1854 bp of mitochondrial DNA (669 bp of cytochrome b (cyt b) and 386 bp of 12S rRNA), and 804 bp of a nuclear gene (RAG2) were investigated in endemic Hemidactylus from eight Cape Verde Islands, and used to explore their phylogeny, biogeography and evolution. Maximum‐likelihood, maximum‐parsimony and Bayesian analyses based on mtDNA revealed four well‐supported clades with uncorrected genetic divergences of 7.8–12.4% in the cyt b plus 12S rRNA genes, which were also supported by nuclear DNA. A population from the southern island of Fogo is the most divergent in both molecules and morphology and is described as Hemidactylus lopezjuradoi sp. n., and the populations on Sal and Boavista are also assigned species status as H. boavistensis. Although divergent in their DNA, the clade on S. Nicolau and that in the north‐western islands are morphologically similar and both are assigned to H. bouvieri for the present. Hemidactylus b. razoensis from Raso is genetically similar to H. b. bouvieri and differs only in its smaller body size. A molecular clock suggests that the ancestor of the endemic Hemidactylus of the Cape Verde Islands colonized the archipelago approximately 10 ± 2.48 Mya, perhaps reaching the north‐eastern islands first. The H. lopezjuradoi lineage separated soon after, and the north‐western islands were colonized progressively but slowly, S. Nicolau probably being reached first, then S. Vicente and islands on the same bank, and finally Sto. Antão, which is likely to have been colonized less than 1 Mya. Hemidactylus boavistensis is abundant on the arid islands where it occurs, but H. bouvieri appears to have been uncommon at least since it was described 130 years ago, and the same may be true of H. lopezjuradoi sp. n. The impact of introduced H. angulatus and H. mabouia on the endemic Hemidactylus of the Cape Verde Islands is not clear, but the discovery of substantial genetic diversity in endemic Cape Verde Hemidactylus means that the conservation requirements of the group should be reassessed.
Integration of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy and cystectomy in the treatment of muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Milowsky Matthew I. , Stadler Walter M. , Bajorin Dean F.
Published: October 2008

Bladder cancer is a potentially curable malignancy but for those patients who present with or develop muscle‐invasive disease, there is a high risk of metastases and cancer‐related death. The treatment of patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer uses a multimodal approach, including radical cystectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection and perioperative chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant cisplatin combination chemotherapy has a modest survival benefit, with those patients achieving a complete pathological response after chemotherapy having the best outcome. Adjuvant chemotherapy, although less well substantiated, is a reasonable option for patients with extravesical disease or lymph node involvement after cystectomy. Perioperative chemotherapy is substantially underused despite the level‐1 evidence showing a survival benefit. Ongoing research will focus on individualized patient care, with biomarkers to predict a pathological complete response and the development of novel targeted therapies.
Preschoolers continue to trust a more accurate informant 1 week after exposure to accuracy information
Authors: Corriveau Kathleen , Harris Paul L.
Published: October 2008

To determine whether children retain a preference for a previously accurate informant only in the short term or for long‐term use, 3‐ and 4‐year‐old children were tested in two experiments. In both experiments, children were given accuracy information about two informants and were subsequently tested for their selective trust in the two informants (Experiment 1: immediately, 1 day and 1 week later; Experiment 2: immediately, 4 days and 1 week later). Both age groups preferred to trust the accurate informant not only immediately after receiving accuracy information but also at subsequent time‐points. Children who were immediately able to explicitly identify the accurate informant were significantly more likely to seek and accept information from her 1 week later. However, even when they had not been asked to explicitly identify the accurate informant both age groups still maintained their preference for her. Thus, by 3 years of age, children spontaneously choose a previously accurate informant up to 1 week after exposure to information regarding her accuracy.
Early gesture selectively predicts later language learning
Authors: Rowe Meredith L. , Goldin‐Meadow Susan
Published: October 2008

The gestures children produce predict the early stages of spoken language development. Here we ask whether gesture is a global predictor of language learning, or whether particular gestures predict particular language outcomes. We observed 52 children interacting with their caregivers at home, and found that gesture use at 18 months selectively predicted lexical versus syntactic skills at 42 months, even with early child speech controlled. Specifically, number of different meanings conveyed in gesture at 18 months predicted vocabulary at 42 months, but number of gesture+speech combinations did not. In contrast, number of gesture+speech combinations, particularly those conveying sentence‐like ideas, produced at 18 months predicted sentence complexity at 42 months, but meanings conveyed in gesture did not. We can thus predict particular milestones in vocabulary and sentence complexity at age by watching how children move their hands two years earlier.
Quantitative competencies in infancy
Authors: Cordes Sara , Brannon Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2008

We review recently published papers that have contributed to our understanding of how the preverbal infant represents number, area and time. We review evidence that infants rely on two distinct systems to represent number nonverbally and highlight the similarities in the ratio‐dependent discrimination of number, time and area. Contrary to earlier assertions that continuous dimensions are more salient (and thus more discriminable) to the infant than numerosity, we argue that the opposite conclusion is better supported by the data. The preverbal infant may be better able to extract numerosity than continuous variables from arrays of discrete items.
Another Reason to Support Marriage? Turnout and the Decline of Marriage in Britain
Authors: Denver David
Published: October 2008

There is robust evidence, spanning more than 30 years, that people who are married turn out to vote in greater proportions than do those who are single, separated, divorced or live with a partner. The difference generally persists even when age and other social characteristics are taken into account. Previous explanations for this phenomenon have focused on differential access to local and national networks that encourage voting but it appears that this approach no longer fits the facts. Arguably, married people (and the widowed) are more attuned to traditional values, including a sense of civic duty, than are those with other domestic arrangements.
Supply or Demand? Women Candidates and the Liberal Democrats
Authors: Evans Elizabeth
Published: October 2008

The numerical under-representation of women in Westminster is a source of particular embarrassment for the Liberal Democrats who claim to fight for equality of opportunity for all. This article addresses the current situation within the Liberal Democrats through empirical analysis of qualitative and quantitative research. It identifies recruitment, political culture and thoughts on positive action as the key themes in relation to the question of supply and demand, drawing on ideas from feminism and the wider field of political science. In so doing it tackles substantive questions surrounding the party's commitment to increasing its number of women MPs.
Corporate Governance and Cash Holdings: Listed New Economy versus Old Economy Firms
Authors: Chen Yenn‐Ru
Published: October 2008

Manuscript Type: Empirical

Research Question/Issue: This study examines the impact of corporate governance on the cash‐holding policies of firms with different investment opportunities. It is difficult to determine the optimal level of cash holdings for “listed new economy” firms (firms in the computer, software, Internet, telecommunications, or networking industries), which require large amounts of capital for investment opportunities with high return potential. Unlike in “old economy” firms, for which investment opportunities are relatively limited, corporate governance in listed new economy firms may create shareholder protections that make investors willing to accept higher levels of corporate cash holdings.

Research Findings/Results: By examining American Standard and Poor 1,500 companies, the evidence shows that CEO ownership and board independence affect the cash holdings in listed new economy and old economy firms differently. Specifically, higher managerial cash holdings tend to reduce cash holdings in old economy firms and higher board independence tend to increase cash holdings in listed new economy firms.

Theoretical Implications: This study provides empirical support for the association between agency theory and cash theories. Given different firm characteristics, the impact of corporate governance on cash holdings verifies the implication of agency theory in explaining corporate cash policy.

Practical Implications: While firms in new economy industries may be eager for more flexible governance codes in order to maintain the freedom of decision making, the evidence from this study suggests that establishing effective governance mechanisms may, in turn, effectively enlarge the degree of freedom for these firms to make timely business decisions.
Actions, Words, and Numbers
Authors: Andres Michael , Olivier Etienne , Badets Arnaud
Published: October 2008

Recent findings in neuroscience challenge the view that the motor system is exclusively dedicated to the control of actions, and it has been suggested that it may contribute critically to conceptual processes such as those involved in language and number representation. The aim of this review is to address this issue by illustrating some interactions between the motor system and the processing of words and numbers. First, we detail functional brain imaging studies suggesting that motor circuits may be recruited to represent the meaning of action-related words. Second, we summarize a series of experiments demonstrating some interference between the size of grip used to grasp objects and the magnitude processing of words or numbers. Third, we report data suggestive of a common representation of numbers and finger movements in the adult brain, a possible trace of the finger-counting strategies used in childhood. Altogether, these studies indicate that the motor system interacts with several aspects of word and number representations. Future research should determine whether these findings reflect a causal role of the motor system in the organization of semantic knowledge.
Recognition Memory, Familiarity, and Déjà vu Experiences
Authors: Cleary Anne M.
Published: October 2008

Déjà vu occurs when one feels as though a situation is familiar, despite evidence that the situation could not have been experienced before. Until recently, the topic of déjà vu remained largely outside of the realm of mainstream scientific investigation. However, interest in investigating the nature of déjà vu is growing among researchers of cognitive processes. In some cases, déjà vu may be understood within the context of research on human recognition memory. Specifically, déjà vu may sometimes result from familiarity-based recognition, or recognition that is based on feelings of familiarity that occur without identification of their source.
MPs' Expenditure and General Election Campaigns: Do Incumbents Benefit from Contacting their Constituents?
Authors: Johnston Ron , Pattie Charles
Published: October 2008

Most studies of the impact of local campaign expenditure on British election results have found that expenditure by incumbents has less of an effect on the outcome than does that by challengers. Some argue that this, in part, reflects an underestimate of how much is spent by incumbents because it excludes their expenditure under various parliamentary allowances which facilitates contacts between MPs and their constituents. Data on spending under those allowances are now available and are used here to evaluate its impact at the 2005 general election in England. The analyses show that only expenditure by Conservative MPs had any impact on their re-election chances.