bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complementary effects of red clover inclusion in ryegrass–white clover swards for grazing and cutting
Authors: Eriksen J. , Askegaard M. , Søegaard K.
Published: December 2012

Increasing plant species diversity in grasslands may improve productivity and stability of yields. In a field experiment, we investigated the herbage dry‐matter (DM) yield and crude protein content of two‐species swards of perennial ryegrass–white clover (Lolium perenneL.–Trifolium repensL.) and three‐species swards of ryegrass–white clover with red clover (Trifolium pratenseL.). Five different managements represented cutting, grazing and combinations thereof, with different slurry fertilization treatments in 1‐ to 4‐year‐old swards. The three‐species mixture out‐yielded the two‐species mixture in years 1 and 2. Across all 4 years, yields were 8–10% higher in cut swards. Inclusion of red clover increased the yields of clover across the 4 years by 51% without fertilizer and by 90% when fertilized. Responses to slurry fertilization were similar in both mixtures and were mainly independent of sward age. There was a complementary effect over the season and across managements. Red clover dominated in the first and third cuts; white clover dominated in the second and fourth cuts. Red clover dominated in cut swards and white clover in grazed swards. Future prospects of the inclusion of red clover in sown swards are discussed. These may include higher nitrogen‐use efficiency in ruminants, increased soil fertility and improved sward flexibility to cope with changing managements. The findings also suggest positive yield effects of alternating between cutting and grazing within the season or between years.
Potential benefits of reducing medication‐related anticholinergic burden for demented older adults: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Yeh Yen‐Chi , Liu Chien‐Liang , Peng Li‐Ning , Lin Ming‐Hsien , Chen Liang‐Kung
Published: December 2012

Aim

Medication‐related anticholinergic burden is a quality indicator for geriatric pharmacotherapy; however, little is known regarding the benefits of reducing anticholinergic burden for demented patients

Methods

Demented residents in a Veteran Home were enrolled for this study and an educational program was held for primary care physicians providing services at the Veterans Home. Residents were assigned to the intervention group if the primary care team could adhere to the research protocol and the remaining residents were assigned to the reference group receiving conventional care. Anticholinergic burden was estimated by Clinician‐Rated Anticholinergic Score (CR‐ACHS). Healthcare outcomes; for example, hospitalizations, mortality, cognitive and physical function, were compared between groups.

Results

Overall, 53 of the 67 demented residents (mean age 83.4 ± 4.4 years) completed this study. Anticholinergic exposure was found in 38 participants (56.7%) at baseline, in which antipsychotics (n = 29, 76.3%) and antidepressants (n = 19, 50%) were the most common agents. Compared with participants in the reference group, CR‐ACHS was significantly reduced in the intervention group at 12‐week follow up (intervention group vs reference group = 0.5 ± 1.1 vs 1.1 ± 1.3, P = 0.021), whereas the mean Mini‐Mental State Examination and Barthel Index were similar between groups. In contrast, no clinical complication was observed regarding medication adjustments during the study period.

Conclusions

Anticholinergic burden can be successfully and safely reduced through an educational program for primary care physicians, but the benefit of reducing anticholinergic burden remained unclear within the first 12 weeks. Further investigation is required to evaluate the long‐term benefits of reducing anticholinergic burden for demented older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 694–700.
Factors that allow elderly individuals to stay at home with their families using the Japanese long‐term care insurance system
Authors: Oyama Yumiko , Tamiya Nanako , Kashiwagi Masayo , Sato Mikiya , Ohwaki Kazuhiro , Yano Eiji
Published: December 2012

Aim

This study examined the factors that allow elderly individuals to stay at home continuously by considering the roles of the family caregiver, the use of services and characteristics of the elderly individual.

Methods

We analyzed 432 elderly individuals living at home with family. The outcome was that participants remained at home continuously over a 24‐month period. The participants were stratified into two care‐needs levels, and then multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to examine relationships between staying at home and the Japanese version of the Zarit Burden Interview (J‐ZBI), public Long‐term Care Insurance (LTCI) service use, family caregivers' characteristics and elderly peoples' characteristics.

Results

Low scores on the J‐ZBI were related to outcome in both care‐needs subgroups (low care‐needs subgroup: OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.31–3.43, high care‐needs subgroup: OR 5.03; 95% CI 1.04–31.1). Regarding LTCI services, the use of home‐visit nursing (HN) service was related to staying at home continuously in the high care‐needs group (OR 37.39; 95% CI 3.31–879.1).

Conclusions

Alleviation of caregiver' burden was essential for continuous stay at home of elderly people regardless of care‐needs levels. Also, the HN service was founded as the relevant LTCI service factor for staying at home continuously. The HN service use might affect the outcome when we consider the causal relationship. Therefore, the policy for the promotion of HN service use will be important to achieve the ultimate goal of LTCI, which is to allow elderly people to live in their communities for as long as possible. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 764–773.
Efficient nursery plant production of dwarf cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica L.) through mass propagation in liquid culture
Authors: Umami Nafiatul , Gondo Takahiro , Tanaka Hidenori , Rahman Mohammad M. , Akashi Ryo
Published: December 2012

Dwarf cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica L.) was developed as a dwarf mutant through heavy‐ion beam irradiation 7 years ago. The dwarf mutant could be expected to use as a new variety for a cover plant with low maintenance, although it has poor seed fertility. To establish an efficient nursery production system for dwarf cogongrass, we attempted mass propagation of it in liquid culture and investigated the genetic stability of its regenerants. Multiple‐shoot clumps (MSCs) were initiated from apical meristems of dwarf cogongrass on Murashige and Skoog (MS) solid medium supplemented with 0.1 mg L−1 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) and 2.0 mg L−1 benzylaminopurine (BAP). Mass propagation conditions were established from MSCs cultured in MS liquid medium containing 0.05 mg L−1 2,4‐D and 0.5 mg L−1 BAP. The fresh weight of the MSCs per flask increased by more than 16 times in 14 days of liquid culture. Two different sizes of MSCs were produced in liquid culture. When smaller MSCs (<2 mm in diameter) were transferred to half‐strength hormone‐free MS solid medium, plant regeneration occurred at high frequency (93.3%). These tissues showed high regenerative potential with approximately 350 green shoots recovered within 50 days from 60 regenerating clumps. Furthermore, root elongation was vigorous in the regenerants growing in the same medium. Regenerated plants were acclimatized in hydrated Jiffy‐7 pellets for 30 days and then grown in soil as nursery plants. The plant height of regenerants was almost the same as original dwarf cogongrass and significantly lower than the wild type plants (P < 0.01). Analysis of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) banding patterns generated using 10 primer combinations showed no major genetic variations among the regenerated plants and original dwarf cogongrass.
Do soil nutrients mediate competition between grasses and Acacia saplings?
Authors: Tedder Michelle , Morris Craig , Fynn Richard , Kirkman Kevin
Published: December 2012

The structure and composition of savanna vegetation is influenced by resource availability and disturbance. Grasses, a major component of savanna systems, influence the tree‐grass balance by competing with trees for light, water and soil nutrients as well as providing fuel for fires. Overgrazing, and the ensuing decreased grass competition and fire effects resulting from diminished grass vigor and cover, are thought to be major drivers of bush encroachment. To investigate impacts of competition from grass on saplings of Acacia karroo Hayne. and Acacia nilotica (L.). Willd. ex. Del. under high and low soil fertility, six grass species, Aristida junciformis (Trin & Rupr.), Eragrostis capensis (Thunb.) Trin., Hyparrhenia hirta Stapf., Panicum maximum Jacq., Sporobolus africanus (Poir.) Robyns & Tournay and Themeda triandra Forssk., were planted in pots with a tree sapling as the central test species. The major competitive effects experienced by tree saplings were dependent on nutrient level and the identity of the competing grass species (P < 0.001). Aboveground A. karroo was more strongly affected by grass competition under high nutrient conditions, whereas an increase in nutrient level had little effect on the competition between A. nilotica and the grasses (P < 0.001). Acacia karroo was also strongly affected by grass competition belowground; however, the opposite trend was observed for A. nilotica (P < 0.001). Eragrostis capensis was one of the most competitive grass species, reducing sapling aboveground biomass by 85% and 65% under high and low nutrient conditions, respectively, and sapling belowground biomass by 71% on average. Increasing nutrient availability resulted in an increase in competition exerted on A. karroo by all grasses but little to no change for A. nilotica. Changes in savanna composition and structure are thus likely to be influenced by grass species composition and soil nutrient status.
Spatial variability of radioactive cesium fallout on grasslands estimated in various scales
Authors: Tsuiki Mikinori , Maeda Takeki
Published: December 2012

Large releases of radionuclides from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant have resulted in serious radioactive pollution over a wide region over Eastern Japan and the livestock industry has suffered serious damage as a result. In this study, the spatial variability of fallout radioactive cesium (Cs) on two grasslands (a pasture and a meadow) was estimated in various scales and the number of samples needed to determine the mean deposition density of radioactive Cs was calculated. In both grasslands, variances between sampling points were quite large compared with the repeated measurements. Because deposited radioactive Cs levels were higher in the pasture than in the meadow, the mean square of inter‐sampling points and repeated measurements were larger in the pasture than in the meadow. Mean contamination levels of radioactive Cs in the pasture ranged from 143.0 (site AL) to 172.8 kBq m−2 (paddock Z). The coefficients of variation ranged from 4.8 (site D) to 38.7% (whole pasture). Mean contamination levels of radioactive Cs in the meadow ranged from 59.6 (site Q) to 68.3 kBq m−2 (site OL). The coefficients of variation ranged from 4.9 (site R) to 10.2% (whole meadow). Sampling numbers that were necessary to get the mean deposition density of radioactive Cs in the range ±10% with a 95% confidence interval were 57.5 for the pasture and 4.0 for the meadow. The significant relationship between the investigated area and the minimum sampling numbers with an allowable error of ±10% with a 95% confidence interval estimated by bootstrapping showed that 29 samples are necessary to estimate the reliable mean of fallout Cs on 1 ha of the pasture. For the meadow, the number of samples for reliable mean estimation was 1–5, being independent of the investigated area.
ROS‐generating oxidases Nox1 and Nox4 contribute to oncogenic Ras‐induced premature senescence
Authors: Kodama Ryo , Kato Masayoshi , Furuta Shuichi , Ueno Shouta , Zhang Yugen , Matsuno Kuniharu , Yabe‐Nishimura Chihiro , Tanaka Eiji , Kamata Tohru
Published: December 2012

Activated oncogenes induce premature cellular senescence, a permanent state of proliferative arrest in primary rodent and human fibroblasts. Recent studies suggest that generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is involved in oncogenic Ras‐induced premature senescence. However, the signaling mechanism controlling this oxidant‐mediated irreversible growth arrest is not fully understood. Here, we show that through the Ras/MEK pathway, Ras oncogene up‐regulated the expression of superoxide‐generating oxidases, Nox1 in rat REF52 cells and Nox4 in primary human lung TIG‐3 cells, leading to an increase in intracellular level of ROS. Ablation of Nox1 and Nox4 by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) blocked the RasV12 senescent phenotype including β‐galactosidase activity, growth arrest and accumulation of tumor suppressors such as p53 and p16Ink4a. This suggests that Nox‐generated ROS transduce senescence signals by activating the p53 and p16Ink4a pathway. Furthermore, Nox1 and Nox4 siRNAs inhibited both Ras‐induced DNA damage response and p38MAPK activation, whereas overexpression of Nox1 and Nox4 alone was able to induce senescence. The involvement of Nox1 in Ras‐induced senescence was also confirmed with embryonic fibroblasts derived from Nox1 knockout mice. Together, these findings suggest that Nox1‐ and Nox4‐generated ROS play an important role in Ras‐induced premature senescence, which may involve DNA damage response and p38MAPK signaling pathways.
An exceedingly rare localization of a brown tumor in a hemodialysis patient
Authors: Karagoz Ali , Turkmen Kultigin , Yazici Raziye , Arslan Sevket , Baktık Suleyman , Karanis Meryem Ilkay Eren , Altintepe Lutfullah , Guney Ibrahim
Published: December 2012

Brown tumor, which is seen in the context of hyperparathyroidism, is defined as a uremic bone disease characterized by increased osteoclastic activity and fibroblastic proliferation in the involved bone. In chronic renal failure, there is an excessive parathyroid hormone secretion due to hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and vitamin D deficiency. Brown tumor of the femur, facial bones, mandible, sternum, ribs, and pelvis are rare, whereas, it rarely involves sacrum.

Here, we presented a brown tumor of the sacrum that developed secondary to parathyroid hyperplasia in a patient receiving hemodialysis.
Chronic fondaparinux use in a hemodialysis patient with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia type II and extracorporeal circuit thrombosis—A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Brown Paula , Jay Richard , Fox Andrea , Oliver Matthew
Published: December 2012

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a potentially life‐threatening condition that can develop after exposure to unfractionated or low–molecular‐weight heparins. Treatment options appear to be limited in patients on concurrent intermittent hemodialysis. We report the case of an 88‐year‐old man newly initiated on high‐flux hemodialysis who developed HIT and extracorporeal circuit thrombosis after 3 weeks of exposure to unfractionated heparin. Our patient was successfully treated with fondaparinux 2.5 mg subcutaneously three times per week and citrate during dialysis sessions. Antifactor Xa levels were measured on several occasions while receiving fondaparinux.
Associations among nocturnal sleep, daytime intradialytic sleep, and mortality risk in patients on daytime conventional hemodialysis: US Renal Data System special study data
Authors: Kutner Nancy , Zhang Rebecca , Johansen Kirsten , Bliwise Donald
Published: December 2012

Fragmented nocturnal sleep is commonly reported by patients undergoing daytime conventional hemodialysis (CHD) and may be associated with higher mortality risk. Subjective sleepiness during CHD is also frequently observed. We examined the association of reported sleep fragmentation and nocturnal and daytime (intradialytic) sleep durations with survival in a national cohort of 1440 CHD patients who were interviewed in 2005–2007 in a phone survey conducted by the US Renal Data System. Patient survival was followed through September 30, 2010 in the US Renal Data System. A total of 76% of patients reported that they typically dozed off or slept during their treatment, and intradialytic dozing was especially common among patients whose treatment shift started before 1000 hours. There was a trend for patients who reported dozing during CHD to report nocturnal sleep fragmentation (60.4% vs. 55.1%; P = 0.07). With adjustment for intradialytic sleep and other covariates, nocturnal sleep fragmentation was not associated with survival. Mortality risk was higher for patients who reported sleeping 9 or more hours/night compared with the referent category of nocturnal sleep equal to 6–7 hours (hazard ratio: 1.50 [95% confidence interval: 1.04–2.17]; P = 0.03). Continued investigation of the association of timing and duration of sleep with hemodialysis patient outcomes is warranted.
Feminism and the Islamic Revival: Freedom as a Practice of Belonging
Authors: Weir Allison
Published: December 2012

In her book, Politics of Piety: The Islamic Revival and the Feminist Subject, Saba Mahmood analyzes the practices of the women in the mosque movement in Cairo, Egypt. Mahmood argues that in order to recognize the participants as agents, we need to question the assumption that agency entails resistance to norms; moreover, we need to question the feminist allegiance to an unquestioned ideal of freedom. In this paper, I argue that rather than giving up the ideal of freedom, we can explore the possibility that there are different conceptions of freedom, and that the agency of the women in the mosque movement can be understood through a conception of freedom as a practice of connection, or belonging. I develop this alternative paradigm through discussions of four conceptions of freedom: Foucault's theory of agency as self‐creation, positive freedom, communitarian freedom, and freedom as resistance.
The Divine Horizon: Rethinking Political Community in Luce Irigaray's “Divine Women”
Authors: Hinton Peta
Published: December 2012

The question of the transcendent, that which operates above and beyond the material stuff of the world, remains an enduring one for feminism, bound up as it is with the foundations of feminism's corporeal politics and the definition of its political subject. With the specificity of the situated and meaningful body grounding feminist politics, the universal and neutral status of the speaking subject has been diagnosed as masculine, and unable to properly account for sexed differences. On this basis, political community, collectivity forged along the lines of a common identity, is considered important in the realization of feminist political goals, yet is also problematic in view of its reliance upon a universal category of identity through which to motivate for political change. Acknowledging these tensions, this paper revisits Luce Irigaray's essay “Divine Women” to suggest that in her rethinking of the divine as a shared horizon through which women can potentially achieve autonomy, the nature of the transcendent, the universal, and the identity of the feminine are also reconfigured in surprising ways. In a specific address to the dilemma of political community, Irigaray makes available a notion of the divine that is already differently inhabited.
Predator‐avoidance behaviour in a nocturnal petrel exposed to a novel predator
Authors: Miles Will T. S. , Parsons Matt , Close Andrew J. , Luxmoore Richard , Furness Robert W.
Published: December 2012

Many species of bird recognize acoustic and visual cues given by their predators and have complex defence adaptations to reduce predation risk. Recognition of threats posed by specific predators and specialized anti‐predation behaviours are common. In this study we investigated predator recognition and anti‐predation behaviours in a pelagic seabird,Leach'sStorm‐petrelOceanodroma leucorhoa, at a site where predation risk fromGreatSkuasStercorarius skuais exceptionally high. Leach's Storm‐petrels breed in burrows and come on land only at night. Counter‐predator adaptations were investigated correlatively in relation to changing natural light levels at night, and experimentally in relation to nocturnal visual and acoustic signals fromGreatSkuas. Colony attendance byLeach's Storm‐petrels was attuned to changes in light conditions at night and was highest when nights were darkest. This behaviour is likely to reduce predation risk on land; however, specific recognition ofGreatSkuas and specialized defence behaviours were not found.Leach's Storm‐petrels, in particular apparently non‐breeding individuals, were entirely naïve to the threat posed byGreatSkuas and were captured easily in a variety of different ways, on the ground and in the air. Lack of specialized behavioural adaptations inLeach's Storm‐petrels againstGreatSkuas may be because spatial overlap of breeding distributions of these species appears to be a rare and recent phenomenon.
Two new parrot species (Psittaciformes) from the early Pliocene of Langebaanweg, South Africa, and their palaeoecological implications
Authors: Manegold Albrecht
Published: December 2012

Two new parrot species (Psittaciformes) are described from the early Pliocene Varswater Formation at Langebaanweg, South Africa, an area where no parrots currently are found. A coracoid, humeri, ulnae, carpometacarpi, tibiotarsi and tarsometatarsi of at least four individuals are assigned to a new species of lovebird Agapornis. Additional tarsometatarsi of at least five individuals including a nestling are referred to a new genus and species of Psittacinae, a taxon endemic to Africa comprising the extant genera Poicephalus and Psittacus. Both species form the as yet earliest geological record of parrots in Africa and document the early diversification of the taxa Agapornis and Psittacinae. Evidence for parrots in general, and a putative graminivorous species of lovebird in particular, indicates that woodlands as well as grasslands were present at Langebaanweg during the early Pliocene, which is consistent with current hypotheses on the palaeoenvironment at and around this site.
Applications of thermal imaging in avian science
Authors: McCafferty Dominic J.
Published: December 2012

Thermal imaging, or infrared thermography, has been used in avian science since the 1960s. More than 30 species of birds, ranging in size from passerines to ratites, have been studied using this technology. The main strength of this technique is that it is a non‐invasive and non‐contact method of measuring surface temperature. Its limitations and measurement errors are well understood and suitable protocols have been developed for a variety of experimental settings. Thermal imaging has been used most successfully for research on the thermal physiology of captive species, including poultry. In comparison with work on mammals, thermal imaging has been less used for population counts, other than for some large bird species. However, more recently it has shown greater success for detection of flight paths and migration. The increasing availability and reduced cost of thermal imaging systems is likely to lead to further application of this technology in studies of avian welfare, disease monitoring, energetics, behaviour and population monitoring.
Wetland use by brood‐rearing female ducks in a boreal forest landscape: the importance of food and habitat
Authors: Nummi Petri , Paasivaara Antti , Suhonen Sari , Pöysä Hannu
Published: December 2012

Habitat use by birds may be related to single or interacting effects of habitat characteristics, food resources and predators, but little is known about factors affecting habitat use by wetland species in boreal ecosystems. We surveyed brood‐rearing females and ducklings of four common boreal duck species to assess the effects of habitat structure and food resources on the use of wetlands by brood‐rearing ducks. Although wetland use by duck broods was related to habitat structure and food abundance, their relative importance varied among duck species. For theCommonGoldeneyeBucephala clangula, a diving duck, aquatic invertebrates and large emerging insects were the most important factors associated with wetland use.CommonTealAnas creccabroods were observed more often on wetlands with greaterDipteran emergence, whereas inMallardAnas platyrhynchosboth habitat structure and large emerging insects were important. The occurrence ofEurasianWigeonAnas penelopebroods was related to emergingDiptera and habitat structure but the associations were not strong. The varying habitat and food requirements of common duck species could influence the success of wetland management programmes, and consideration of these factors may be particularly important for initiatives aimed at harvested species or species of conservation concern.
Oral hygiene and dental caries in 5‐ to 6‐year‐old children in Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Hashim R , Williams S , Thomson WM
Published: December 2012

Objective

To investigate the association between oral hygiene and dental caries in young children in the Emirate of Ajman, United Arab Emirates.

Methods

A one‐stage cluster sample was used to randomly select children. Clinical examinations were conducted by a single examiner. Parents completed questionnaires seeking information on child and family characteristics, dietary habits and oral hygiene practices.

Results

The total number of children sampled was 1297. Dental examination and questionnaire data were obtained for 1036 (79.9%). Frequency of eating per day and snack consumption level were both significantly associated with plaque score. Children who brushed their teeth more often had lower plaque scores. The observed association between mean plaque score and mean decayed, missing, filled teeth suggests that children with high plaque scores are more likely to experience caries.

Conclusions

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste was under‐utilized in Ajman. Tooth brushing therefore needs better promotion and reinforcement.
A Comparative Study of Purification Routes for As2Se3 Chalcogenide Glass
Authors: Danto Sylvain , Thompson Daniel , Wachtel Peter , Musgraves Jonathan D. , Richardson Kathleen , Giroire Baptiste
Published: December 2012

Chalcogenide glasses have been widely studied due to their extraordinary transparency in the mid‐infrared region. Their transparency, combined with tailorable thermo‐mechanical properties, makes them ideal candidates for various optic applications. Extrinsic impurities within the glass matrix can impede their integration in components where low optical loss is a requirement. Additionally, chalcogenide materials typically exhibit low mechanical strength due to the comparatively weaker average bond strength of constituents. Here, we report findings of efforts to explore various purification methods on As2Se3 glasses to improve their optical and mechanical properties. These methods involve oxides removal by thermal treatment of the reagents, and addition of AlCl3 impurity‐getters in the melt followed by distillation. We show that these techniques yield very effective results on the removal of hydroxyls, water, and oxide impurities. We also observe a recurrent increase in the Se‐H vibrational band, with the concentration of the Se‐H species escalating to several tens‐of‐ppm, depending on the purification method. These increases are associated with the preferential dissociation of hydrogen‐containing species. Investigations of the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of the glass were compared as a function of purification method, and the influence of impurity content on these material attributes is presented.
Topological Model for the Viscosity of Multicomponent Glass‐Forming Liquids
Authors: Mauro John C. , Ellison Adam J. , Allan Douglas C. , Smedskjaer Morten M.
Published: December 2012

Topological constraint theory holds the key to understanding the temperature and composition dependence of the dynamics of glass‐forming liquids. Unfortunately, existing analytical models currently do not apply to multicomponent industrial glasses. Moreover, models that are strictly empirical in nature fail to provide insight into the underlying physical trends and cannot extrapolate beyond the compositional ranges used for fitting of their parameters. In this paper, we present a phenomenological model offering an improved description of the composition and temperature dependence of the shear viscosity of multicomponent liquids. The model has a clear physical foundation based on the temperature dependence of the network constraints with only two empirical fitting parameters per oxide component. The model predicts the isokom temperatures of 7141 viscosity measurements for 760 different compositions with a root‐mean‐square error of only 6.55 K.
Spread of different rhinovirus B genotypes in hospitalized children in Spain
Authors: Cuevas María Teresa , Molinero Mar , Pozo Francisco , Calvo Cristina , García‐García Maria Luz , Reyes Noelia , Ledesma Juan , Casas Inmaculada
Published: December 2012

Please cite this paper as: Cuevas et al. (2013) Spread of different rhinovirus B genotypes in hospitalized children in Spain. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(5), 623–628.

Human Rhinovirus (HRV) classification is an evolving process. New genotypes have been described within HRV‐A and HRV‐C species, but only one has been accepted related to HRV‐B. From 2003 to 2010, a total of 3987 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were taken from pediatric patients admitted to the Severo Ochoa Hospital in Madrid (Spain). After viral analysis, 949 (23·8%) tested positive to HRV. A random selection of 397 (42%) positive samples showed that 39 (9·8%) were HRV‐B. The sequencing of partial VP4/VP2 coding region revealed the spread of 13 of 25 defined HRV‐B serotypes and three putative new genotypes. Such results remark the high diversity of HRV‐B.
Preoperative patient teaching: the practice and perceptions among surgical ward nurses
Authors: Lee Chi‐Kong , Lee Iris F‐K
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives

To explore the consistency between the perceptions and actual practice of preoperative patient teaching and also the factors affecting the provision of teaching from the perspective of nurses working in surgical wards.

Background

Preoperative teaching is beneficial to surgical patients in alleviating their anxiety and promoting their postoperative recovery. Despite the leading role in patient teaching by nurses, sparse studies have been addressed the consistency between nurses' perceptions and their actual practice of preoperative teaching in surgical wards.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey.

Method

Data were collected by using self‐reported preoperative teaching questionnaires together with nurse demographic data sheets. Sampling setting was an acute public hospital and all nurses working in surgical wards (n = 100) were approached in the study.

Results

A total of 86 nurses returned the questionnaires. ‘Details of anaesthesia’ was the most prominent preoperative teaching component rated by nurses although their major teaching was pertained to ‘preoperative preparation’. In addition, oral explanation was reported as the most prevalent way of information delivery and internet was the least preferred method. Discrepancies between nurses' perceptions and actual practice were found in this study. Moreover, nurses' time availability, language barriers and tight operation schedules were perceived as top factors affecting the provision of preoperative teaching. Furthermore, nurses' satisfaction with such patient teaching was significantly associated with their professional training and their daily workload in the clinical setting.

Conclusions

Preoperative patient teaching was not fully achieved by nurses in this study, and the results highlighted the conflicting issues related to the implementation process that could be resolved by means of proper planning and management in clinical practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

Healthcare organisations and nurse managers should periodically review the existing clinical resources so that sufficient preoperative teaching strategies can be provided. Nurses' perceptions and satisfaction towards preoperative teaching can be compared with those of the patients in further studies so that the insights for developing an effective preoperative teaching programme can be more comprehensive.
Assessment of genetic and pheromonal diversity of the Cydia strobilella species complex (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: SVENSSON GLENN P. , WANG HONG‐LEI , LASSANCE JEAN‐MARC , ANDERBRANT OLLE , CHEN GUO‐FA , GREGORSSON BERIT , GUERTIN CLAUDE , HARALA EEVAMARIA , JIRLE ERLING V. , LIBLIKAS ILME , PETKO VLADIMIR , ROQUES ALAIN , ROSENBERG OLLE , STRONG WARD , VOOLMA KALJO , YLIOJA TIINA , WANG YAN‐JUN , ZHOU XIAO‐MING , LÖFSTEDT CHRISTER
Published: December 2012

Combining pheromone trapping and genetic analyses can be useful when trying to resolve complexes of closely related insect taxa that are difficult to distinguish based on morphological characters. Nearctic and Palearctic populations of the spruce seed moth, Cydia strobilella L., have been considered taxonomically synonymous since 1983, but more recent work revealing distinct sex pheromones for Canadian and Swedish moths suggest that populations in the two regions belong to different species. In order to test this hypothesis, we performed field trapping using different pheromone lures at ten sites in North America, Europe and Asia, and reconstructed phylogenetic relationships among trapped moths using mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase subunit I) and nuclear (elongation factor 1 alpha) DNA sequence data. Trapping data and tree topologies for both genes revealed distinct pherotypes in North America and Eurasia. A genetically distinct population from China was investigated further with respect to its sex pheromone. Electrophysiological data indicated that Chinese females produce a deviant ratio of the sex pheromone components (dienic acetates) compared to Swedish females. However, trapping experiments in both areas revealed a similar broad response profile in males to a wide range of acetate ratios, and these populations should be considered taxonomically synonymous. A previous suggestion of an agonistic effect on the attraction of C. strobilella males in Sweden when adding the corresponding alcohols to the binary acetate blend was also tested in Sweden as well as in China, with no observed effect on attraction of males. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the great potential of using pheromone trapping as a tool for identification and delimitation of taxa within cryptic species complexes. Based on our data, Nearctic and Palearctic populations of C. strobilella should be considered different species, and C. youngana Kearfott stat. rev. is resurrected here as valid name for North American populations, which was the case before the revision in 1983.
Extended hemangioma from pharynx to esophagus that could be misdiagnosed as an esophageal varix on endoscopy
Authors: Won Jong Won , Lee Hyun Woong , Yoon Kyu Hyun , Yang Suh Yoon , Moon In Seok , Lee Tae Jin
Published: December 2012

Giant hemangioma in the neck and head is an uncommon vascular neoplasm and has an unpredictable clinical behavior. We report a hemangioma that extended from the pharynx to the esophagus that could have been misdiagnosed as an esophageal varix. A 42‐year‐old man with dilated varices‐like vessels on his esophagus that were incidentally detected by endoscopy was referred to our hospital for further evaluation. On re‐examined endoscopy, multiple vascular dilatations were noted in the pharynx, expanding into the esophagogastric junction. These dilatations looked like esophageal varices that are found in patients with liver cirrhosis. There was no significant abnormality, including liver cirrhosis, on the abdomino‐pelvic computed tomography scan. On the endoscopic esophageal biopsy, dilatedsubmucosal blood vessels were diagnosed as hemangioma. In consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist for evaluation of the risk of hemangioma, it was determined that the hemangioma was not dangerous to the patient as long as it did not cause hoarseness, dyspnea or dysphagia. We planned regular 6‐month follow ups. We report a case of extended hemangioma that could possibly have been misdiagnosed as an esophageal varix on endoscopy. Even if head and neck hemangioma is uncommon, careful consideration during endoscopy is required to avoid the misdiagnosis of varices or hemangioma.
Integrated Planning of Supply Chain Networks and Multimodal Transportation Infrastructure Expansion: Model Development and Application to the Biofuel Industry
Authors: Hajibabai Leila , Ouyang Yanfeng
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  As the biofuel industry continues to expand, the construction of new biorefinery facilities induces a huge amount of biomass feedstock shipment from supply points to the refineries and biofuel shipment to the consumption locations, which increases traffic demand in the transportation network and contributes to additional congestion (especially in the neighborhood of the refineries). Hence, it is beneficial to form public‐private partnerships to simultaneously consider transportation network expansion and biofuel supply chain design to mitigate congestion. This article presents an integrated mathematical model for biofuel supply chain design where the near‐optimum number and location of biorefinery facilities, the near‐optimal routing of biomass and biofuel shipments, and possible highway/railroad capacity expansion are determined. The objective is to minimize the total cost for biorefinery construction, transportation infrastructure expansion, and transportation delay (for both biomass/biofuel shipment and public travel) under congestion. A genetic algorithm framework (with embedded Lagrangian relaxation and traffic assignment algorithms) is developed to solve the optimization model, and an empirical case study for the state of Illinois is conducted with realistic biofuel production data. The computational results show that the proposed solution approach is able to solve the problem efficiently. Various managerial insights are also drawn. It shall be noted that although this article focuses on the booming biofuel industry, the model and solution techniques are suitable for a number of application contexts that simultaneously involve network traffic equilibrium, infrastructure expansion, and facility location choices (which determine the origin/destination of multi‐commodity flow).
Homeward bound: factors affecting homing ability in a polymorphic lizard
Authors: Scali S. , Sacchi R. , Azzusi M. , Daverio S. , Oppedisano T. , Mangiacotti M.
Published: December 2012

Colour polymorphism is a widespread phenomenon among reptiles and is often associated with alternative physiological and behavioural strategies, including dispersal and movement patterns. To test the homing ability of Podarcis muralis and look for morph‐specific responses, we conducted a translocation experiment in two areas of Northern Italy during 2009 and 2010. The first study area was a wall surrounding a city park with a linear and simplified habitat structure; the second one was an archaeological park in a natural area, including stone walls remains, grasses and woods. Lizards of both sexes (203 and 288 for site, respectively) were translocated at 50–200 m distances using cloth bags to block lizard sight. Podarcis muralis were able to return home as 56.7% of translocated individuals in the first site and 35.1% of translocated individuals in the second site successfully returned to their home range. The homing ability decreased with increasing distances, whereas body size positively affected homing behaviour, probably depending on the territoriality of adult lizards. More interestingly, homing performance differed among colour morphs, as yellow lizards of both sexes had significantly better homing skill than other morphs.
Lynx prey selection for age and sex classes of roe deer varies with season
Authors: Mejlgaard T. , Loe L. E. , Odden J. , Linnell J. D. C. , Nilsen E. B.
Published: December 2012

Predator selectivity for age and sex classes has large implications for their impact on prey populations. We examined whether the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx selects specific sex and age categories of roe deer Capreolus capreolus, and if this selection pattern differs between summer and winter. Data on sex and age of 194 roe deer killed by 44 VHF‐ and GPS‐marked lynx were collected in southern Norway from 1995 to 2010. The sex and age distribution of the roe deer population was estimated using demographic parameters estimated from radio‐collared roe deer in the study area. We found that lynx selection differed between summer and winter. In both seasons, lynx selected adult roe deer of both sexes. In summer, there was a clear selection against yearlings, but in winter, lynx selected male yearlings. Compared with the availability, fawns of both sexes were under‐represented during summer. Male and female lynx did not differ in their prey selection, but yearling lynx tended to kill a larger proportion of roe deer fawns than older lynx. We argue that seasonal differences in behaviour, activity and habitat use by roe deer may explain this variation in lynx selection patterns, supporting the view that prey selection is affected by the life cycle stage of both the predators and the prey.
Increasing Charitable Giving: What Can We Learn from Economics?*
Authors: Smith Sarah
Published: December 2012

There is growing policy interest in charitable giving in the UK. As part of its Big Society agenda, the current government is keen to encourage a higher level of donations, highlighting new technologies, new social norms and tax incentives as potential mechanisms for raising giving. In the 2012 Budget, however, the Chancellor also proposed limiting tax relief on donations to £50,000, sparking an intense discussion about the effectiveness and desirability of tax incentives for major donors. This paper brings together recent evidence relevant to the ongoing policy debates.
Dynamic Linkages among Budget Deficits, Interest Rates and the Stock Market*
Authors: Laopodis Nikiforos T.
Published: December 2012

This paper examines the dynamic linkages among the federal budget deficit, interest rates and the stock market for the United States from 1960 to 2006. The empirical strategy includes vector autoregression (VAR) and Granger causality analyses. The results suggest that budget deficits negatively impact upon stock returns, which implies a violation of the Ricardian Equivalence Proposition. Further analysis shows a higher sensitivity of stock returns to corporate taxes than to public spending. Finally, it is shown that although taxes are relevant for corporate profits in the short run, budget deficits are important for the stock market in the long run.
The use of canine‐specific albumin in dogs with septic peritonitis
Authors: Craft Elise M. , Powell Lisa L.
Published: December 2012

Objective

To assess changes in serum albumin concentration (ALB), colloid osmotic pressure (COP), and Doppler blood pressure (DBP) following transfusion of 5% lyophilized canine‐specific albumin (CSA) in hypoalbuminemic dogs following surgical source control for septic peritonitis.

Design

Prospective randomized clinical trial November 2009 – November 2010.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Fourteen client‐owned dogs with hypoalbuminemia (<27 g/L [2.7 g/dL]) following surgical source control for septic peritonitis.

Interventions

Dogs were randomized to clinician‐directed therapy (CDT) and CSA groups. Dogs enrolled in the CSA group received 800 mg/kg of CSA within 24 hours following surgical intervention.

Measurements and Main Results

At enrollment, ALB, COP, and DBP were not different between groups. ALB, COP, and DBP were significantly increased in the CSA group 2 hours following completion of the transfusion compared with the CDT group (P= 0.0234, 0.0078, 0.0156, respectively). In comparison to the CDT group, there was a significant change in ALB in the CSA group 24 hours after transfusion (P= 0.0039), but no difference in COP (P= 0.3914) or DBP (P= 0.5145). ALB was significantly higher in the CSA group at 24 hours compared with the CDT group (P= 0.0367) At the time of death or discharge, there was no difference between groups regarding ALB, COP, or DBP, but an association between ALB and survival was identified (P= 0.0273). One dog experienced tachypnea during transfusion of CSA; this dog died of unknown respiratory causes 120 hours after transfusion.

Conclusions

The administration of CSA in dogs with septic peritonitis results in an increase in ALB, COP, and DBP 2 hours after administration. An increase in ALB persisted at 24 hours compared with a CDT group. Administration of this product was not associated with owner‐reported delayed adverse events in this population of dogs.
QT Prolongation, Torsade de Pointes, Myocardial Ischemia From Coronary Vasospasm, and Headache Medications. Part 1: Review of Serotonergic Cardiac Adverse Events With a Triptan Case
Authors: Stillman Mark J. , Tepper Stewart , Tepper Deborah E. , Cho Leslie
Published: December 2012

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine)1B/1D agonists are vasoconstrictors that can affect coronary and cerebral arteries. Retrosternal chest, arm, and jaw pain following triptan use is generally attributed to “triptan sensations” and dismissed as noncardiac. However, triptans narrow normal coronary arteries and occasionally trigger vasospasm. They are contraindicated in atherosclerotic vascular disease.

Part 1 of this review examines the relationship of medications used in migraine with the likelihood of causing vasospasm or vasoconstriction, and the triggering of cardiac arrhythmias. We report an illustrative case of polymorphic ventricular tachyarrhythmia, electrocardiogram changes consistent with cardiac ischemia, and acquired corrected QT interval lengthening following oral sumatriptan in a 53‐year‐old migraineur without risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). Extensive evaluation revealed insignificant single coronary vessel atherosclerosis and coronary artery vasospasm on ergonovine challenge. The report highlights the hidden risk that may underlie a “triptan sensation” and the possible association of the vasospastic features of Raynaud's phenomenon, migraine headaches, and coronary vasospasm.

Part 1 discusses the risks for Torsade de Pointes, vasospasm, and ischemia, with a review and discussion of case reports of triptan‐associated cardiovascular events in migraineurs with and without CAD risk factors or documented CAD; of the epidemiology and studies of triptans, vasospasm, and cardiovascular morbidity; and of the relationship of variant angina, migraine, and vasospastic disease. In the second part of this review, headache medications and their propensity for corrected QT prolongation will be summarized.
Equine Articular Synovial Cysts: 16 Cases
Authors: Lacourt Mathieu , MacDonald Melinda , Rossier Yves , Laverty Sheila
Published: December 2012

Objective

To report the clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of equine patients with articular synovial cysts.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Horses (n = 16) with articular synovial cysts.

Methods

Horses diagnosed with articular synovial cysts (1988–2009) at 2 veterinary teaching hospitals were studied. Signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic methods and treatment were retrieved and telephone follow‐up was obtained.

Results

Sixteen horses with articular synovial cysts were identified. Lameness was the reason for referral in most (n = 9) horses. Diagnosis was based on a combination of palpation and imaging studies, including radiography, ultrasonography and/or arthrography. Excision of the cyst was performed in 8 horses. Outcome was available for 4 surgically and 2 conservatively treated horses. Lameness resolved in 3 horses treated surgically and the 4th died for unrelated reasons. The 2 conservatively treated horses performed satisfactorily for the rest of their career.

Conclusions

Equine articular synovial cysts are rare and can be associated with lameness. The cysts had a synovial lining in all horses where it was assessed. Surgical excision may be successful in resolving the lameness and allowing selected horses to return to work.