bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns and controlling factors of species diversity in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Yasuhara Moriaki , Hunt Gene , van Dijken Gert , Arrigo Kevin R. , Cronin Thomas M. , Wollenburg Jutta E.
Published: August 2012

Aim  The Arctic Ocean is one of the last near‐pristine regions on Earth, and, although human activities are expected to impact on Arctic ecosystems, we know very little about baseline patterns of Arctic Ocean biodiversity. This paper aims to describe Arctic Ocean‐wide patterns of benthic biodiversity and to explore factors related to the large‐scale species diversity patterns.

Location  Arctic Ocean.

Methods  We used large ostracode and foraminiferal datasets to describe the biodiversity patterns and applied comprehensive ecological modelling to test the degree to which these patterns are potentially governed by environmental factors, such as temperature, productivity, seasonality, ice cover and others. To test environmental control of the observed diversity patterns, subsets of samples for which all environmental parameters were available were analysed with multiple regression and model averaging.

Results  Well‐known negative latitudinal species diversity gradients (LSDGs) were found in metazoan Ostracoda, but the LSDGs were unimodal with an intermediate maximum with respect to latitude in protozoan foraminifera. Depth species diversity gradients were unimodal, with peaks in diversity shallower than those in other oceans. Our modelling results showed that several factors are significant predictors of diversity, but the significant predictors were different among shallow marine ostracodes, deep‐sea ostracodes and deep‐sea foraminifera.

Main conclusions  On the basis of these Arctic Ocean‐wide comprehensive datasets, we document large‐scale diversity patterns with respect to latitude and depth. Our modelling results suggest that the underlying mechanisms causing these species diversity patterns are unexpectedly complex. The environmental parameters of temperature, surface productivity, seasonality of productivity, salinity and ice cover can all play a role in shaping large‐scale diversity patterns, but their relative importance may depend on the ecological preferences of taxa and the oceanographic context of regions. These results suggest that a multiplicity of variables appear to be related to community structure in this system.
Causes of tree line stability: stem growth, recruitment and mortality rates over 15 years at New Zealand Nothofagus tree lines
Authors: Harsch Melanie A. , Buxton Rowan , Duncan Richard P. , Hulme Philip E. , Wardle Peter , Wilmshurst Janet
Published: August 2012

Aim

Abrupt tree lines are relatively rare world‐wide and are poorly understood. We studied demographic processes at abrupt tree lines to better understand the factors governing their dynamics.

Location

Five Nothofagus‐dominated tree line sites across the South Island, New Zealand.

Methods

All Nothofagus stems at or above the tree line were tagged and their spatial locations and heights recorded on three occasions over 15 years at each site. We estimated rates of stem height growth, recruitment and mortality, and used these data to develop a demographic model to project stem numbers into the future.

Results

Stem numbers had increased above the tree line at most sites over the last 15 years, but with little evidence of tree line advance. Growth, mortality and recruitment rates, modelled as a function of stem size, showed variation through time and among sites. Using a demographic model to project the numbers of stems above tree line 15 years into the future suggests that stem number will continue to increase, but that these tree lines are unlikely to advance at the rate predicted by recent climate warming. Across sites, variation in the rate of change in the number of stems above the tree line was most strongly related to variation in recruitment rates.

Main conclusions

Forest expansion at the abrupt Nothofagus tree line in New Zealand appears to be limited primarily by a lack of recruitment of new stems, which may be due to a paucity of suitable sheltered microsites for seedling establishment. Based on past demographic rates, our results suggest that these tree lines are relatively unresponsive to recent climate warming and are unlikely to show substantial upslope movement if past demographic trends continue.
Multi‐image based method to correct vignetting effect in light microscopy images
Authors: PICCININI F. , LUCARELLI E. , GHERARDI A. , BEVILACQUA A.
Published: August 2012

Vignetting is the radial attenuation effect of the image's brightness intensity from the center of the optical axis to the edges. To perform quantitative image analyses it is mandatory to take into account this effect, intrinsic of the acquisition system. Many image processing steps, such as segmentation and object tracking, are strongly affected by vignetting and the effect becomes particularly evident in mosaicing. The most common approach to compensate the attenuation of the image's brightness intensity is to estimate the vignetting function from a homogeneous reference object, typically an empty field, and to use it to normalize the images acquired under the same microscope set‐up conditions. However, several reasons lead to the use of image‐based methods to estimate the vignetting function from the images themselves. In this work, we propose an effective multi‐image based method suitable for real‐time applications. It is designed to correct vignetting in wide field light microscopy images. The vignetting function is computed stemming from a background built incrementally from the proposed background segmentation algorithm, validated on several manually segmented images. The extensive experiments carried out using cell cultures, histological samples and synthetic images prove that our method almost always yields the best results and in worst cases are comparable to those achieved by using homogeneous reference objects.
The role of dental loss and denture status on clinical signs of temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Sipilä K. , Näpänkangas R. , Könönen M. , Alanen P. , Suominen A. L.
Published: August 2012

Studies concerning the role of denture status on in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of tooth loss and denture status with clinical findings of TMD. The data were obtained from 6316 subjects aged ≥30 years from the Finnish Health 2000 Survey. The associations between clinically assessed TMD findings and number of teeth, wearing of removable dentures, need for denture repair and age of the dentures were analysed by means of chi‐square test and logistic regression. Among women after adjusting for age, having fewer teeth or wearing complete dentures associated with restricted maximum interincisal distance and pain on palpation of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and masticatory muscles. After adding education level and depression in the model, the associations between TMJ pain and explanatory variables were weakened. Among men, having a higher number of teeth associated with occurence of TMJ crepitation. Subjective need for repair of dentures and having a denture aged ≥5 years associated with pain on palpation in masticatory muscles among women. Among men, both the objective and subjective need for denture repair and having at least one denture aged ≥5 years or been repaired during the past 5 years associated negatively with the presence of TMJ crepitation. It can be concluded that edentulousness, wearing of complete dentures and poor condition of dentures associate with pain‐related TMD findings among women. Psychosocial factors have a modifying effect on these associations.
Surviving winter: diapause syndrome in the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula in the laboratory, in the field, and under climate change conditions
Authors: MUSOLIN DMITRY L.
Published: August 2012

The southern green stink bug Nezara viridula (L.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) has long attracted attention not only as a serious pest of numerous agricultural crops, but also as a species expanding its range in many parts of the world. Nezara viridula has also been widely used as a model in different experimental studies. The present review focuses on reproductive (i.e. adult) winter diapause, which is the pivotal element of the species' seasonal cycle. Results from numerous field experiments and observations, as well as laboratory ecophysiological investigations conducted during the few last decades, are analyzed and interpreted. Experimental findings are used to describe in detail the dynamics of physiological changes during overwintering. Reproductive diapause in N. viridula is controlled in both sexes by photoperiodic conditions. The induction of diapause is associated with a reversible change of body colour from green or yellow to russet (or brown). The proper timing of adult emergence and the induction of diapause, as well as the size of adults, is vitally important for successful overwintering. Nezara viridula has been shown to respond strongly to the current trend in climate change by shifting the limit of its northern range, particularly in central Japan. Analysis of historic climate data suggests that the environmental conditions during the last few decades have become more favourable for the overwintering survival of N. viridula in many locations in central Japan. This has likely promoted the northward spread of the species. The relationships between reproductive diapause, reversible body colour change, overwintering success and the recent range expansion are analyzed. Perspectives of the range dynamics of the species are discussed in light of further predicted climate change.
Water balance in the sugarbeet root maggot Tetanops myopaeformis, during long‐term low‐temperature storage and after freezing
Authors: YOCUM GEORGE D. , RINEHART JOSEPH P. , BOETEL MARK A.
Published: August 2012

The sugarbeet root maggot Tetanops myopaeformis Röder (Diptera: Ulidiidae) can be stored in moist sand at 4–6 °C for up to 5 years and is freeze‐tolerant. The majority of stored larvae survive in a state of post‐diapause quiescence and the remainder are in a multi‐year diapause. The present study aims to determine larval water content and water loss rates in diapausing and low‐temperature stored larvae. Body water content ranges from 57% to 70.1%. Two distinct groupings of larvae are revealed based on dry weights. The first group consists of the diapausing larvae and larvae stored for 1 year. This group has significantly higher dry weights than the second grouping, which consists of the larvae stored for 2 and 3 years. There are no significant differences within each group. Larval water losses follow a first‐order kinetic relationship with time. Larvae stored for 2 years lose water at a significantly higher rate than diapausing larvae. Larvae exhibit no active water uptake at storage temperatures. A freezing event does not induce a significant decrease in wet weights, nor does it increase larval water loss rates. These results indicate that metabolic water and the microclimate during storage are key factors enabling the long‐term survival of T. myopaeformis larvae during low‐temperature storage, and may provide insights for maintaining other insect species under similar conditions.
Non‐random distribution of euler poles: is plate tectonics subject to rotational effects?
Authors: Vérard Christian , Hochard Cyril , Stampfli Gérard
Published: August 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 467–476, 2012

A full global, physically coherent geodynamical model over 600 Ma has been developed at the University of Lausanne during the past 20 years, based on the PaleoDyn database, compiling information of geodynamical interest. One of the outstanding results, presented herein, is the distribution of Euler poles (axis around which tectonic plates are moving on the Earth’s surface from one reconstruction to another), which are not randomly distributed, but smeared out along a weakly developed girdle. The scattering reflects the tendency of plates to follow a random evolution. However, the distribution along a preferential plane (‘best‐fitted’ plane) suggests a long‐term influence on plate motion. The fact that the poles predominantly lie within the inter‐tropical zone together with the computed net rotation throughout the Phanerozoic indicating a ‘westward drift’, suggest a long‐term influence of rotational effects.
Feline superficial pyoderma: a retrospective study of 52 cases (2001–2011)
Authors: Yu Hui W. , Vogelnest Linda J.
Published: August 2012

Background –  Superficial pyoderma is traditionally considered rare in cats but may be more prevalent than previously reported.

Objectives –  To better characterize superficial pyoderma in cats.

Animals –  Fifty‐two cats from a dermatology referral population over a 10 year period.

Methods –  This study was retrospective. Cases were included if neutrophils and intracellular bacteria were reported from surface cytology of skin lesions. Medical records were reviewed for signalment, historical and clinical data, cytology results, primary skin diagnoses and treatment details.

Results –  Disease prevalence was 20%, with no breed or sex predispositions. The estimated median age of onset was 2 years, affecting 54% of cats by 3 years and 23% after 9 years. Fewer cases presented during winter (15%) compared with other seasons. Skin lesions were typically multifocal, affecting the face (62%), neck (37%), limbs (33%) and ventral abdomen (29%) most commonly. Crusting (83%), alopecia (67%), ulceration/erosion (54%) and erythema (46%) were common lesion types. Pruritus was reported in 92% of cats. Underlying hypersensitivities (confirmed in 60%; suspected in 19%), and atopic dermatitis specifically (confirmed in 48%), were the most frequent primary dermatoses. Cats were treated with a variety of systemic and/or topical antimicrobials. The overall apparent response was considered good in 61% and poor in 27% of cats. Recurrence was confirmed or suspected in 42% of cats.

Conclusions and clinical importance –  Feline superficial pyoderma was more prevalent in this study population than previously reported. Young cats with hypersensitivities and older cats were more commonly affected, and a variety of lesion types and distributions occurred.
Exploring the utility of whole‐exome sequencing as a diagnostic tool in a child with atypical episodic muscle weakness
Authors: Hanchard NA , Murdock DR , Magoulas PL , Bainbridge M , Muzny D , Wu YQ , Wang M , McGuire AL , Lupski JR , Gibbs RA , Brown CW
Published: August 2012

The advent of whole‐exome next‐generation sequencing (WES) has been pivotal for the molecular characterization of Mendelian disease; however, the clinical applicability of WES has remained relatively unexplored. We describe our exploration of WES as a diagnostic tool in a 3½‐year old female patient with a 2‐year history of episodic muscle weakness and paroxysmal dystonia who presented following a previous extensive but unrevealing diagnostic work‐up. WES was performed on the proband and her two parents. Parental exome data was used to filter potential de novo genomic events in the proband and suspected variants were confirmed using di‐deoxy sequencing. WES revealed a de novo non‐synonymous mutation in exon 21 of the calcium channel gene CACNA1S that has been previously reported in a single patient as a rare cause of atypical hypokalemic periodic paralysis. This was unexpected, as the proband's original differential diagnosis had included hypokalemic periodic paralysis, but clinical and laboratory features were equivocal, and standard clinical molecular testing for hypokalemic periodic paralysis and related disorders was negative. This report highlights the potential diagnostic utility of WES in clinical practice, with implications for the approach to similar diagnostic dilemmas in the future.
MLL2 mosaic mutations and intragenic deletion–duplications in patients with Kabuki syndrome
Authors: Banka S , Howard E , Bunstone S , Chandler KE , Kerr B , Lachlan K , McKee S , Mehta SG , Tavares ALT , Tolmie J , Donnai D
Published: August 2012

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare multi‐system disorder that can result in a variety of congenital malformations, typical dysmorphism and variable learning disability. It is caused by MLL2 point mutations in the majority of the cases and, rarely by deletions involving KDM6A. Nearly one third of cases remain unsolved. Here, we expand the known genetic basis of KS by presenting five typical patients with the condition, all of whom have novel MLL2 mutation types– two patients with mosaic small deletions, one with a mosaic whole‐gene deletion, one with a multi‐exon deletion and one with an intragenic multi‐exon duplication. We recommend MLL2 dosage studies for all patients with typical KS, where traditional Sanger sequencing fails to identify mutations. The prevalence of such MLL2 mutations in KS may be comparable with deletions involving KDM6A. These findings may be helpful in understanding the mutational mechanism of MLL2 and the disease mechanism of KS.
Roles of cell walls and intracellular contents in supercooling capability of xylem parenchyma cells of boreal trees
Authors: Kasuga Jun , Endoh Keita , Yoshiba Megumi , Taido Ippei , Arakawa Keita , Uemura Matsuo , Fujikawa Seizo
Published: August 2012

The supercooling capability of xylem parenchyma cells (XPCs) in boreal hardwood species differs depending not only on species, but also season. In this study, the roles of cell walls and intracellular contents in supercooling capability of XPCs were examined in three boreal hardwood species, Japanese beech, katsura tree and mulberry, whose supercooling capability differs largely depending on species and season. XPCs in these species harvested in winter and summer were treated by rapid freezing and thawing (RFT samples) or by RFT with further washing (RFTW samples) to remove intracellular contents from XPCs in order to examine the roles of cell walls in supercooling. RFT samples were also treated with glucose solution (RFTG samples) to examine roles of intracellular contents in supercooling. The supercooling capabilities of these samples were examined by differential thermal analysis after ultrastructural observation of XPCs by a cryo‐scanning electron microscope to confirm effects of the above treatments. XPCs in RFTW samples showed a large reduction in supercooling capability to similar temperatures regardless of species or season. On the other hand, XPCs in RFTG samples showed a large increase in supercooling capability to similar temperatures regardless of species or season. These results indicate that although cell walls have an important role in maintenance of supercooling, change in supercooling capability of XPCs is induced by change in intracellular contents, but not by change in cell wall properties.
Responses of photosynthetic properties and chloroplast ultrastructure of Bryum argenteum from a desert biological soil crust to elevated ultraviolet‐B radiation
Authors: Hui Rong , Li Xinrong , Chen Cuiyun , Zhao Xin , Jia Rongliang , Liu Lichao , Wei Yongping
Published: August 2012

Our understanding of plant responses to enhanced ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiation has improved over recent decades. However, research on cryptogams is scarce and it remains controversial whether UV‐B radiation causes changes in physiology related to photosynthesis. To investigate the effects of supplementary UV‐B radiation on photosynthesis and chloroplast ultrastructure in Bryum argenteum Hedw., specimens were cultured for 10 days under four UV‐B treatments (2.75, 3.08, 3.25 and 3.41 W m–2), simulating depletion of 0% (control), 6%, 9% and 12% of stratospheric ozone at the latitude of Shapotou, a temperate desert area of northwest China. Analyses showed malondialdehyde content significantly increased, whereas chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters and Chl contents decreased with increased UV‐B intensity. These results corresponded with changes in thylakoid protein complexes and chloroplast ultrastructure. Overall, enhanced UV‐B radiation leads to significant decreases in photosynthetic function and serious destruction of the chloroplast ultrastructure of B. argenteum. The degree of negative influences increased with the intensity of UV‐B radiation. These results may not only provide a potential mechanism for supplemental UV‐B effects on photosynthesis of moss crust, but also establish a theoretical basis for further studies of adaptation and response mechanisms of desert ecosystems under future ozone depletion.
Alfentanil and patient‐controlled propofol sedation – facilitate gynaecological outpatient surgery with increased risk of respiratory events
Authors: NILSSON A. , NILSSON L. , USTAAL E. , SJÖBERG F.
Published: August 2012

Background

Widespread use of patient‐controlled sedation (PCS) demands simplicity and a predictable outcome. We evaluated patients’ safety and ease of use of PCS for gynaecological outpatient procedures.

Methods

In a prospective double‐blind study, 165 patients were randomized to use propofol or propofol with alfentanil as PCS combined with local anaesthetic for pain control. Data on cardiopulmonary function, consciousness, and need for interventions were collected at baseline and every fifth minute. The surgeons’ evaluation of the ease and the duration of the procedure were recorded.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐five patients used PCS for the entire procedure, 76 patients propofol, and 79 patients propofol/alfentanil. Fifteen procedures in the propofol group were limited or could not be done, compared with four in the propofol/alfentanil group (P = 0.02). The duration of surgery was not affected. The addition of alfentanil affected respiratory function compared with the propofol group: five patients compared with none were manually ventilated (P = 0.03), and two thirds, compared with a quarter, were given supplementary oxygen as their saturation decreased below 90% (P < 0.001). Overall cardiovascular stability was maintained. The propofol group had deeper conscious sedation as measured by the bispectral index (P = 0.03), but all patients could be roused. In the propofol/alfentanil group, five patients became apnoeic and could not be roused.

Conclusions

PCS using propofol alone supports patients’ safety, as the addition of alfentanil increased the need for specific interventions to maintain respiratory stability. However, alfentanil increases the feasibility of the procedure, as complementary doses of propofol were not required.
Viscoelastic and aggregometric point‐of‐care testing in patients with septic shock – cross‐links between inflammation and haemostasis
Authors: BRENNER T. , SCHMIDT K. , DELANG M. , MEHRABI A. , BRUCKNER T. , LICHTENSTERN C. , MARTIN E. , WEIGAND M. A. , HOFER S.
Published: August 2012

Background

In the pathogenesis of sepsis, inflammation‐induced changes in coagulation play a pivotal role.

Methods

In total, 90 patients (30 patients with septic shock, 30 surgical patients following major abdominal surgery and 30 healthy volunteers) were enrolled. Blood samples from patients with septic shock were collected at the time of sepsis diagnosis as well as 24 h, 4 days, 7 days, 14 days and 28 days later. Samples from surgical patients with a post‐surgical inflammatory response were collected three times (before surgery, immediately after surgery and 24 h after surgery) and once from healthy volunteers. Thromboelastometry (ROTEM
®), as well as whole blood impedance aggregometry (Multiplate®) were performed. Additionally, plasma concentrations of interleukin‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits.

Results

Thromboelastometry lysis index was shown to be a reliable biomarker for septic shock. Furthermore, in septic patients with overt disseminated intravascular coagulation, thromboelastometry revealed signs indicating a hypocoagulable status, whereas patients without overt disseminated intravascular coagulation were found to be hypercoagulable. Platelet aggregation capability, as assessed by whole blood impedance aggregometry, was significantly reduced in septic patients with overt disseminated intravascular coagulation, whereas it was comparable with healthy volunteers and in septic patients without overt disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Conclusion

Viscoelastic and aggregometric point‐of‐care testing was shown to be potentially useful for bedside diagnosis of sepsis. Moreover, viscoelastic and aggregometric point‐of‐care testing was able to determine the phase of septic coagulopathy (hypercoagulability vs. hypocoagulability) and therefore identified patients at high risk for overt disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Cryptic recombination in the ever‐young sex chromosomes of Hylid frogs
Authors: Guerrero R. F. , Kirkpatrick M. , Perrin N.
Published: August 2012

Sex chromosomes are expected to evolve suppressed recombination, which leads to degeneration of the Y and heteromorphism between the X and Y. Some sex chromosomes remain homomorphic, however, and the factors that prevent degeneration of the Y in these cases are not well understood. The homomorphic sex chromosomes of the European tree frogs (Hyla spp.) present an interesting paradox. Recombination in males has never been observed in crossing experiments, but molecular data are suggestive of occasional recombination between the X and Y. The hypothesis that these sex chromosomes recombine has not been tested statistically, however, nor has the X‐Y recombination rate been estimated. Here, we use approximate Bayesian computation coupled with coalescent simulations of sex chromosomes to quantify X‐Y recombination rate from existent data. We find that microsatellite data from H. arborea, H. intermedia and H. molleri support a recombination rate between X and Y that is significantly different from zero. We estimate that rate to be approximately 105 times smaller than that between X chromosomes. Our findings support the notion that very low recombination rate may be sufficient to maintain homomorphism in sex chromosomes.
Spatial sorting may explain evolutionary dynamics of wing polymorphism in pygmy grasshoppers
Authors: Berggren H. , Tinnert J. , Forsman A.
Published: August 2012

Wing polymorphism in insects provides a good model system for investigating evolutionary dynamics and population divergence in dispersal‐enhancing traits. This study investigates the contribution of divergent selection, trade‐offs, behaviour and spatial sorting to the evolutionary dynamics of wing polymorphism in the pygmy grasshopperTetrix subulata(Tetrigidae:Orthoptera). We use data for > 2800 wild‐caught individuals from 13 populations and demonstrate that the incidence of the long‐winged (macropterous) morph is higher and changes faster between years in disturbed habitats characterized by succession than in stable habitats. Common garden and mother‐offspring resemblance studies indicate that variation among populations and families is genetically determined and not influenced to any important degree by developmental plasticity in response to maternal condition, rearing density or individual growth rate. Performance trials show that only the macropterous morph is capable of flight and that propensity to fly differs according to environment.Mark–recapture data reveal no difference in the distance moved between free‐ranging long‐ and short‐winged individuals. There is no consistent difference across populations and years in number of hatchlings produced by long‐ and shorter‐winged females. Our findings suggest that the variable frequency of the long‐winged morph among and within pygmy grasshopper populations may reflect evolutionary modifications driven by spatial sorting due to phenotype‐ and habitat type–dependent emigration and immigration.
Incidence and outcome of early Candida peritonitis after liver and pancreas transplantation
Authors: Bartoletti Michele , Cervera Carlos , Hoyo Irma , Linares Laura , Sanclemente Gemma , Bosch Jordi , Marco Francesc , Cofán Federico , Ricart María José , Navasa Miquel , Moreno Asunción
Published: August 2012

Candida peritonitis is a potentially life‐threatening infection after abdominal transplantation, although there is scant information regarding its incidence and outcome. We analysed the incidence rate and outcome of Candida peritonitis in 717 liver or pancreas transplant recipients. Five cases of Candida peritonitis were diagnosed, representing the second most frequent cause of invasive fungal infection in the cohort. The incidence rate of Candida peritonitis during the first 30 days after transplantation was 6.5 cases/10 000 transplant days in pancreas recipients and 1.2 cases/10 000 transplant days in liver recipients (P = 0.035). Four of the five patients received an echinocandin in combination with other antifungal. All patients were alive and with good graft function at 1‐year follow‐up. In our series, Candida peritonitis in liver and pancreas transplant recipients was not uncommon and had a good prognosis.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis caused by over the counter eyedrops
Authors: Byrom Lisa , Zappala Tania , Muir Jim
Published: August 2012

We present a case of a 15‐year‐old boy who developed toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) from sulfacetamide eyedrops. He presented with conjunctival injection and an erythematous rash that rapidly progressed to epidermal necrosis of over 30% of his body. A skin biopsy revealed an acute lichenoid reaction pattern consistent with TEN. After 22 days in hospital, he was left with significant scarring to his eyes, mouth and anogenital areas. An extensive search for an infective aetiology was negative. Previously exposed to bactrim tablets, he used Bleph‐10 eyedrops 3 days before admission to hospital. The patient had a strong family history of sulphur allergy. The onset of TEN after topical administration of medication has been reported rarely in the literature. This case highlights the need for a thorough medication history that includes topical preparations.
Time trends and risk factors for rhinoconjunctivitis in New Zealand children: An International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) survey
Authors: Moyes Chris D , Clayton Tadd , Pearce Neil , Asher M Innes , Ellwood Philippa , Mackay Richard , Mitchell Ed , Pattemore Philip , Stewart Alistair W , Crane Julian
Published: August 2012

Aim:  To investigate prevalence, time trends and factors associated with rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis not related to acute infections in New Zealand.

Methods:  The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) surveyed children aged 6–7 and 13–14 years for symptoms of these conditions. Five New Zealand centres were surveyed on two occasions (Phase One and Phase Three) 8–10 years apart. In Phase Three, questions were included on environmental factors, which might be associated with rhinoconjunctivitis. We report findings related to symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis among 24 190 New Zealand children.

Results:  Symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis in the past year were reported in 11.4% of 6‐ to 7‐year‐old children and 18% of 13‐ to 14‐year‐old adolescents in Phase Three compared with 9.5 and 19.1%, respectively, in Phase One. Severe symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis were reported in 0.5% of children and 0.8% of adolescents. Current symptoms were more common in males at 6–7 years and in females of 13–14 years, and Māori and Pacific Island ethnic groups had higher prevalence compared with those of European descent, especially in the older age group. For immigrant children, there was a very strong positive relationship between symptoms and length of time resident in New Zealand, supporting the probable importance of environmental factors. A positive association was found between symptoms and use of paracetamol in infancy or in the last year, and weaker associations were noted for antibiotic use, exercise, and regular pasta ingestion.

Conclusions:  Further study of environmental factors is recommended.
Effects of post‐discharge telephone calls on the rate of emergency department visits in paediatric patients
Authors: Yang Chen , Chen Chung‐Ming
Published: August 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of post‐discharge telephone calls on the rate of emergency department (ED) visits within 3 days following hospitalisation in paediatric patients.

Methods:  Patients hospitalised on the Paediatric Service from May 2008 through December 2008 were included in the intervention group and patients hospitalised from May 2007 through December 2007 were included in the control group. Within 3 days of hospital discharge, nurse practitioners attempted daily to contact caregivers in the intervention group and asked children conditions and provided health information.

Results:  There were 643 patients in the intervention group and 642 patients in the control group, respectively. Characteristics of the intervention and control groups were similar with respect to age, sex and days of hospitalisation. Ninety‐two per cent of patients in the intervention group received a telephone call from a nurse practitioner within 3 days of hospital discharge. Significantly fewer patients in the intervention group (3 patients, 0.47%) had a subsequent visit to the ED within 3 days of hospital discharge than in the control group (11 patients, 1.71%) (P= 0.034).

Conclusions:  Telephone follow‐up is an effective way of providing health information, managing remaining symptoms, recognising complications, advising patients of medical alternatives and giving reassurance; this may reduce unnecessary patient ED visits.
Supervisory needs of research doctoral students in a university teaching hospital setting
Authors: Caldwell Patrina HY , Oldmeadow Wendy , Jones Cheryl A
Published: August 2012

Background/Hypothesis:  Teaching hospitals affiliated with universities are now common sites for research higher degree supervision. We hypothesised that the hospital environment poses unique challenges to supervision compared with the traditional university research institute setting.

Aims:  This study aimed to identify and rank important supervision issues in a clinical setting from the students' perspective.

Methods:  Using the Delphi method to explore issues and facilitate consensus, small group discussions were conducted with 10 research doctoral students from a tertiary teaching hospital.

Results:  We identified supervision issues that are unique to the hospital‐based context. These include the demands placed on supervisors combining clinical and supervisory roles, the challenges of academic medical/scientific writing and career issues for students who are already established in their professions. Other issues identified, common to all doctoral students, include differing expectations between students and supervisors (with students wanting support for their career plans, training in research skills and increasing autonomy and responsibility), supervisor access, quality and frequency of meetings, lack of training in writing and dealing with conflicts.

Conclusion:  Our research identified that postgraduate students of supervisors who combine clinical and supervisory roles report significant issues with supervision, some of which are unique to the clinical setting. Clinician researchers who supervise postgraduate students need to balance clinical and supervisory responsibilities, identify and negotiate student expectations early in candidature and provide career counselling to students who are already highly experienced. Furthermore, clinician supervisors should undertake postgraduate supervisor training programme tailored to the hospital setting to better support their students.
Reduction in late‐onset sepsis on relocating a neonatal intensive care nursery
Authors: Jones Alicia Rose , Kuschel Carl , Jacobs Susan , Doyle Lex W
Published: August 2012

Aims:  The aims of this study were to compare rates of late‐onset sepsis (LOS) in very preterm or very low birthweight infants before and after relocation to a new nursery and to determine risk factors for LOS.

Methods:  The study was undertaken at The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, which relocated to a new site in June 2008. Infants with birthweight <1500 g or <32 weeks' gestation, born between July and December 2007 (n= 149) and July and December 2008 (n= 152) were included. Each septic episode was identified from blood cultures taken from patients >48 h after birth and was categorised as definite, probable, uncertain or no sepsis.

Results:  Overall, 117 infants had 218 septic episodes. The proportion of infants with clinical LOS decreased from 29.5% in 2007 to 22.4% in 2008 after the relocation, although this was not statistically significant. There was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the severity (definite LOS = most severe) of sepsis in 2008 compared with 2007, and in rates of coagulase‐negative staphylococcal LOS. Significant risk factors for LOS were: lower birthweight (g; mean −351, 95% confidence interval (CI) −446, −256); lower gestational age (weeks; mean −2.3, 95% CI −2.8, −1.7) and presence of a percutaneous inserted central catheter (odds ratio (OR) 2.56, 95% CI 1.03, 6.67).

Conclusions:  There was a significant reduction in the severity of LOS in very preterm and/or very low birthweight infants that correlated with the relocation from the old to new nursery. Smaller and more immature infants with percutaneous central catheters were more at risk.
Nonlinear model for estimating respiratory volume based on thoracoabdominal breathing movements
Authors: RAOUFY MOHAMMAD REZA , HAJIZADEH SOHRAB , GHARIBZADEH SHAHRIAR , MANI ALI R. , EFTEKHARI PARIVASH , MASJEDI MOHAMMAD REZA
Published: August 2012

Background and objective:  Respiratory inductive plethysmography is a non‐invasive technique for measuring respiratory function. However, there are challenges associated with using linear methods for calibration of respiratory inductive plethysmography. In this study, we developed two nonlinear models, artificial neural network and adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system, to estimate respiratory volume based on thoracoabdominal movements, and compared these models with routine linear approaches, including qualitative diagnostic calibration and multiple linear regression.

Methods:  Recordings of spirometry volume and respiratory inductive plethysmography were obtained for 10 normal subjects and 10 asthmatic patients, during asynchronous breathing for 7 min. The first 5 min of recording were used to develop the models; the remaining data were used for subsequent validation of the results.

Results:  The results from the nonlinear models fitted the spirometry volume curve significantly better than those obtained by linear methods, particularly during asynchrony (P < 0.05). On a breath‐by‐breath analysis, estimates of tidal volume, total cycle time and sigh values using the artificial neural network model were accurate by comparison with qualitative diagnostic calibration. In contrast to the artificial neural network model, there was a significant correlation between values for thoracoabdominal asynchrony and increased error of qualitative diagnostic calibration (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  These results indicate that the nonlinear methods can be adapted to closely simulate variable conditions and used to study the patterns of volume changes during normal and asynchronous breathing.
Haemodynamic effects of non‐invasive ventilation in patients with obesity‐hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: CASTRO‐AÑÓN OLALLA , GOLPE RAFAEL , PÉREZ‐DE‐LLANO LUIS A. , LÓPEZ GONZÁLEZ MARÍA JESÚS , ESCALONA VELASQUEZ EDGAR J. , PÉREZ FERNÁNDEZ RUTH , TESTA FERNÁNDEZ ANA , GONZÁLEZ QUINTELA ARTURO
Published: August 2012

Background and objective:  Although it has been reported that pulmonary hypertension is more frequent in patients with obesity‐hypoventilation syndrome than in patients with ‘pure’ obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, little is known about the haemodynamic repercussions of this entity. The aim was to describe the haemodynamic status, as assessed by echocardiography and 6‐min walk test (6MWT), of patients with a newly diagnosed, most severe form of obesity‐hypoventilation syndrome, and to evaluate the impact of non‐invasive ventilation in these patients.

Methods:  A prospective, descriptive, and single‐centre follow‐up study was conducted. At baseline, patients underwent echocardiography, spirometry, static lung volume measurement, 6MWT, overnight pulse‐oximetry and polygraphic recording. Changes in echocardiography and 6MWT were assessed after 6 months of non‐invasive ventilation. Right ventricular overload was defined on the basis of right ventricular dilatation, hypokinesis, paradoxical septal motion and/or pulmonary hypertension.

Results:  Thirty patients (20 women; mean age 69 ± 11) were tested. The percentage of patients with right ventricular overload did not change significantly after non‐invasive ventilation (43.3–41.6%; P = 0.24). In patients with right ventricular overload at diagnosis, pulmonary artery systolic pressure decreased significantly at six months (58 ± 11 to 44 ± 12 mm Hg; P = 0.014), and mean distance on 6MWT increased from 350 ± 110 to 426 ± 78 m (P = 0.006), without significant changes in body mass index.

Conclusions:  Right ventricular overload is a frequent finding in patients with the most severe form of obesity‐hypoventilation syndrome. Treatment with non‐invasive ventilation is associated with a decrease in pulmonary artery systolic pressure at six months and an increase in the distance covered during the 6MWT.
Adjusting membrane lipids under salt stress: the case of the moderate halophilic organism Halobacillus halophilus
Authors: Lopalco Patrizia , Angelini Roberto , Lobasso Simona , Köcher Saskia , Thompson Melanie , Müller Volker , Corcelli Angela
Published: August 2012

The lipid composition of Halobacillus halophilus was investigated by combined thin‐layer chromatography and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry analyses of the total lipid extract. Main polar lipids were found to be sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol, while cardiolipin was a minor lipid together with phosphatidic acid, alanyl‐phosphatidylglycerol and two not yet fully identified lipid components. In addition the analyses of residual lipids, associated with denatured proteins after the lipid extraction, revealed the presence of significant amounts of cardiolipin, indicating that it is a not readily extractable phospholipid. Post decay source mass spectrometry analyses allowed the determination of acyl chains of main lipid components. On increasing the culture medium salinity, an increase in the shorter chains and the presence of chain unsaturations were observed. These changes in the lipid core structures might compensate for the increase in packing and rigidity of phospholipid and sulfoglycolipid polar heads in high‐salt medium, therefore contributing to the homeostasis of membrane fluidity and permeability in salt stress conditions.
Strategies for health education in North American immigrant populations
Authors: Zou P. , Parry M.
Published: August 2012

ZOU P. & PARRY M. (2012) Strategies for health education in North American immigrant populations. International Nursing Review

Aim:  This article is intended to stimulate critical thinking about barriers and strategies related to health education for immigrant populations. Its rationale is to promote an understanding and appreciation for the individuality and diversity of immigrant beliefs, values and culture, and how these contribute to health education through nursing practice, research and theory.

Background:  Since 2005, over 1 250 000 immigrants annually have obtained legal permanent residence in North America [over 1 million annually in the United States of America (USA) and over 250 000 annually in Canada].

The Problem:  While a broad immigration policy leads to population growth, cultural change and ethnic diversity, migration impacts immigrants' health status. In North America, the ‘healthy immigrant effect’, whereby immigrants generally tend to be healthier than individuals born in host countries, steadily declines after immigration.

Methods:  Immigration statistics and reports on literacy and learning were sourced from official websites in Canada and the USA. These were reviewed and discussed in the context of scholarly published literature on health literacy, health education and health promotion.

Opportunities:  Promoting health in immigrant populations is difficult due to cultural, linguistic, health literacy and socio‐economic barriers. Cultural sensitivity, careful inquiry and comprehensive knowledge of immigrants' social circumstances are essential to every health education programme.

Conclusion:  Strategies for immigrant health education must be technologically diverse, involve partnerships with multidisciplinary professionals, elicit active community participation, and facilitate language transfer and interpretation. Future research must continue to explore these barriers and strategies, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
Landscape planning for the future: using fossil records to independently validate bioclimatic envelope models for economically valuable tree species in Europe
Authors: Macias‐Fauria Marc , Willis Katherine J.
Published: August 2012

Aim

Bioclimatic envelope models (BEMs) for seven economically important tree species in Europe were independently validated using a hindcasting approach and fossil pollen records spanning the last 1000 years, including the Medieval Warm Period (MWP), the Little Ice Age (LIA) and the 20th century (PRES). The aim was to determine the accuracy of combining BEMs and palaeoecological data to predict continental‐scale changes in distribution, and the availability of fossil data to hindcast economically important species.

Location

Europe, 11 °W–33 °E, 33–72 °N.

Methods

Eight types of BEMs were implemented in this study, covering most state‐of‐the‐art modelling techniques. Present and palaeoclimatic data were obtained from the atmosphere–ocean global circulation model ECHO‐G. The last millennium was divided into three climatically distinct periods: the MWP (ad 900–1300), the LIA (ad 1600–1850) and PRES (ad 1900–2000). Models were calibrated for each period and validated with climatic and pollen data from the remaining periods. Successfully validated models were projected onto a 1° European grid.

Results

BEMs were successfully validated with independent data. The average area under the curve statistic showed strong model performance, indicating: (1) the strength of BEMs for modelling current and future distributions and, (2) the potential of fossil pollen records to undertake these approaches. European‐scale 1°‐ gridded maps of probability of occurrence largely agreed with observed 20th‐century distributions for most taxa, allowing the construction of past modelled species distributions.

Main conclusions

Results suggest a high potential for BEMs to be used to model future species distributions, and highlight the importance of palaeoecological data to independently validate these models, taking into account the scales at which these data operate. Although valid, BEMs showed poorer performance with heavily managed species and/or those growing in heterogeneous terrain or with discontinuous distributions. The last millennium in Europe was characterized by an increase in woody crop species and a decline of forest species, suggesting increasing land use by humans.