bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low genetic diversity and local adaptive divergence ofDracaena cambodiana(Liliaceae) populations associated with historical population bottlenecks and natural selection: an endangered long‐lived tree endemic to Hainan Island, China
Authors: Zheng D.‐J. , Xie L.‐S. , Zhu J.‐H. , Zhang Z.‐L.
Published: March 2012

Historical population bottlenecks and natural selection have important effects on the current genetic diversity and structure of long‐lived trees.Dracaena cambodianais an endangered, long‐lived tree endemic to Hainan Island, China. Our field investigations showed that only 10 populations remain on Hainan Island and that almost all have been seriously isolated and grow in distinct habitats. A considerable amount of genetic variation at the species level, but little variation at the population level, and a high level of genetic differentiation among the populations with limited gene flow inD. cambodianawere detected using inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses. No significant correlation was found between genetic diversity and actual population size, as the genetic diversities were similar regardless of population size. The Mantel test revealed that there was no correlation between genetic and geographic distances among the 10 populations. The UPGMA, PCoA and Bayesian analyses showed that local adaptive divergence has occurred among theD. cambodianapopulations, which was further supported by habitat‐private fragments. We suggest that the current genetic diversity and population differentiation ofD. cambodianaresulted from historical population bottlenecks and natural selection followed by historical isolation. However, the lack of natural regeneration ofD. cambodianaindicates that former local adaptations with low genetic diversity may have been genetically weak and are unable to adapt to the current ecological environments.
Maternal warming affects early life stages of an invasive thistle
Authors: Zhang R. , Gallagher R. S. , Shea K.
Published: March 2012

Maternal environment can influence plant offspring performance. Understanding maternal environmental effects will help to bridge a key gap in the knowledge of plant life cycles, and provide important insights for species’ responses under climate change. Here we show that maternal warming significantly affected the early life stages of an invasive thistle, Carduus nutans. Seeds produced by plants grown in warmed conditions had higher germination percentages and shorter mean germination times than those produced by plants under ambient conditions; this difference was most evident at suboptimal germination temperatures. Subsequent seedling emergence was also faster with maternal warming, with no cost to seedling emergence percentage and seedling growth. Our results suggest that maternal warming may accelerate the life cycle of this species via enhanced early life‐history stages. These maternal effects on offspring performance, together with the positive responses of the maternal generation, may exacerbate invasions of this species under climate change.
Phosphorus net absorption in dairy cows subjected to abomasal infusion of inorganic phosphorus – a pilot study
Authors: Mogodiniyai Kasmaei K. , Holtenius K.
Published: March 2012

In this pilot study, the effects of phosphorus (P) supply on inorganic phosphorus (Pi) net absorption in dairy cows were investigated. Three non‐lactating, non‐pregnant, rumen‐fistulated Swedish Red breed dairy cows were studied in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Monosodium dihydrogen orthophosphate dihydrate (NaH2PO4*2H2O) was continuously infused into the abomasum for 4 days. The solutions provided 0, 14.4 or 28.8 g Pi/day. Rumen fluid volume and outflow rate were estimated at day four of each experimental period using cobalt‐lithium EDTA as an external marker. Acid insoluble ash in feeds and faecal samples was used to quantify P faecal excretion. Concentrations of Pi in collected samples of rumen fluid, blood, faeces and urine were determined. Pi flow into the small intestine increased (p < 0.05) with Pi infusion. Pi net absorption tended to increase (p = 0.08) but proportion of absorbed Pi tended to decrease (p = 0.08). Urinary Pi excretion was negligible and did not affect P homoeostasis (p = 0.50). There was no change in plasma Pi concentration (p = 0.45) in response to Pi infusion. The increase in total faecal P excretion (p < 0.05) with increasing level of infused Pi was solely because of increased soluble faecal Pi (p < 0.05). It is suggested that at P overfeeding, intestinal Pi net absorption is saturable in dairy cows.
Interaction among planting dates, transgenic maize, seed treatment, corn rootworm damage and grain yield
Authors: Obopile M. , Hammond R. B. , Thomison P. R.
Published: March 2012

A study was conducted from 2006 to 2008 at South Charleston and Wooster, Ohio, USA, to evaluate the potential use of planting dates in combination withBacillus thuringiensistransgenic maize and insecticidal seed treatments to manage the root feeding of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera,Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Three planting dates (early, middle and late), targeting late April/early, mid‐May and early June, respectively, were used. We planted six hybrid treatments consisting of two seed‐treated hybrids with seed treatment, two transgenic hybrids and two untreated hybrids, each set represented by one short and one full season maturity hybrid. When root injury was high, significant lodging and stunted growth were observed on untreated maize and declined when planting was delayed. Root injury by rootworm larval feeding was significantly reduced by later planting maize, that is, early June. The use of transgenic maize and seed treatment also significantly reduced root injury by rootworm larvae. The influence of planting date on grain yield was inconsistent from year to year. Grain yields from short season hybrids were comparable to full season hybrids especially on later plantings. These results showed that the use of a seed treatment and transgenic maize might be beneficial only when rootworm population is high and planting is early.
The evaluation of the clinical effect of topical St Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) in plaque type psoriasis vulgaris: A pilot study
Authors: Najafizadeh Parvaneh , Hashemian Farshad , Mansouri Parvin , Farshi Susan , Surmaghi Mohammadhossein Salehi , Chalangari Reza
Published: March 2012

In this case series, ten patients with plaque‐type psoriasis were treated with Hypericum perforatum ointment. The hypericum ointment was applied to one side of each patient's body and the vehicle to the opposite side twice daily for 4 weeks in a single blinded manner. Modified psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores were significantly lowered where the formulated ointment had been applied. In determining PASI scores, three factors, erythema, scaling and thickness, were evaluated; all were significantly lower where the formulated ointment had been applied (P = 0.01, P = 0.004, P = 0.04). Hypericum perforatum ointment applied twice daily may be effective in reducing PASI scores in mild plaque‐type psoriasis, however, further larger studies need be conducted to achieve a more conclusive result.
Leadership through an occupational lens: Celebrating our territory
Authors: Rodger Sylvia
Published: March 2012

This paper addresses key qualities of leadership and describes leadership through an occupational lens. It aims to encourage individuals to identify themselves as leaders wherever they are positioned within organisations or in their professional lives. Leadership vignettes are used to highlight and celebrate how occupational therapy philosophies, as well as our theoretical and practical knowledge assisted these leaders in their current and emerging leadership roles. A number of issues that are affecting us as global citizens, including natural disasters and humanitarian crises in third world contexts are highlighted. The potential for our profession to take a leadership role in these issues is proposed. Finally, there is a call to action for all occupational therapists whatever their professional roles, recommending that all members of the profession embrace leadership opportunities no matter how big or small. In so doing it is argued that leadership will be recognised and celebrated as being very much part of our profession's territory.
In vitro recapitulation of neural development using embryonic stem cells: From neurogenesis to histogenesis
Authors: Muguruma Keiko , Sasai Yoshiki
Published: March 2012

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have been successfully used over the past decade to generate specific types of neuronal cells. In addition to its value for regenerative medicine, ES cell culture also provides versatile experimental systems for analyzing early neural development. These systems are complimentary to conventional animal models, particularly because they allow unique constructive (synthetic) approaches, for example, step‐wise addition of components. Here we review the ability of ES cells to generate not only specific neuronal populations but also functional neural tissues by recapitulating microenvironments in early mammalian development. In particular, we focus on cerebellar neurogenesis from mouse ES cells, and explain the basic ideas for positional information and self‐formation of polarized neuroepithelium. Basic research on developmental signals has fundamentally contributed to substantial progress in stem cell technology. We also discuss how in vitro model systems using ES cells can shed new light on the mechanistic understanding of organogenesis, taking an example of recent progress in self‐organizing histogenesis.
Oophorectomy in children. Who and why: 13‐year experience in a single centre
Authors: Wong Yuen Shan , Tam Yuk Him , Pang Kristine Kit Yi , Mou Jennifer Wai Cheung , Chan Kin Wai , Lee Kim Hung
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Oophorectomy performed in children is extremely uncommon. We aimed to investigate the disease pattern and the association between the underlying pathology and the clinical presentation among those patients who had their ovaries removed in their childhood.

Methods:  A retrospective study was performed on 41 consecutive children who underwent oophorectomy in a tertiary referral centre in the period between June 1995 and May 2008.

Results:  The median age was 11 years, ranged from 11 weeks to 15 years at the time of surgery. The primary presentations were acute lower abdominal pain (n= 20), progressive abdominal distension or abdominal mass (n= 13), chronic abdominal pain (n= 3), irregular menses (n= 1), antenatal diagnosis (n= 3) and incidental finding (n= 1). Ultrasound examination was performed in 31 patients and positive findings of ovarian pathology were found in all but one examination. Twenty cases of ovarian torsion were confirmed intra‐operatively. Patients presenting with acute abdominal pain were more likely to have torsion than other presentations (P < 0.01). Non‐neoplastic conditions and ovarian neoplasms were found in 11 and 30 patients, respectively. The most common neoplasm was mature teratoma (52%). Malignant neoplasms included immature teratoma (n= 3), dysgerminoma (n= 1), mixed dysgerminoma + yolk sac tumour (n= 2), yolk sac tumour (n= 2) and juvenile granulose cell tumour (n= 1). Malignant neoplasms were found to have more chronic presentation and less torsion than benign pathologies (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Although ovarian pathology is uncommon in children, a girl presenting with acute lower abdominal pain or progressive abdominal distension should raise the suspicion and prompt immediate investigation to rule out ovarian torsion or ovarian neoplasms.
Paediatric trainee supervision: Management changes and perceived education value
Authors: van den Boom Mirjam , Pinnock Ralph , Weller Jennifer , Reed Peter , Shulruf Boaz
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Supervision in postgraduate training is an under‐researched area. We measured the amount, type and effect of supervision on patient care and perceived education value in a general paediatric service.

Method:  We designed a structured observation form and questionnaire to document the type, duration and effect of supervision on patient management and perceived education value.

Results:  Most supervision occurred without the paediatrician confirming the trainee's findings. Direct observation of the trainee was rare. Management was changed in 30% of patients seen on the inpatient ward round and in 42% of the patients discussed during the chart reviews but not seen by the paediatrician. Management was changed in 48% of the cases when the paediatrician saw the patient with the trainee in outpatients but in only 21% of patients when the patient was but not seen. Changes made to patient management, understanding and perceived education value, differed between inpatient and out patient settings. There was more impact when the paediatrician saw the patient with the trainee in outpatients; while for inpatients, the opposite was true. Trainees rated the value of the supervision more highly than their supervisors did. Trainees’ comments on what they learnt from their supervisor related almost exclusively to clinical knowledge rather than professional behaviours.

Conclusions:  We observed little evidence of supervisors directly observing trainees and trainees learning professional behaviours. A review of supervisory practices to promote more effective learning is needed. Communicating to paediatricians the value their trainees place on their input could have a positive effect on their engagement in supervision.
Replication of results of genome‐wide association studies on lung cancer susceptibility loci in a Korean population
Authors: BAE EUN YOUNG , LEE SHIN YUP , KANG BONG KYOON , LEE EUN JIN , CHOI YI YOUNG , KANG HYO‐GYOUNG , CHOI JIN EUN , JEON HYO‐SUNG , LEE WON KEE , KAM SHIN , SHIN KYUNG MIN , JIN GUANG , YOO SEUNG SOO , LEE JAEHEE , CHA SEUNG ICK , KIM CHANG HO , JUNG TAE HOON , PARK JAE YONG
Published: March 2012

Background and objective:  Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified the three chromosomal regions, 5p15, 6p21 and 15q25, as being associated with lung cancer risk in European populations. This study was performed to confirm these associations in Korean patients with lung cancer.

Methods:  The genotypes at rs2736100, rs402710, rs401681 and rs31489 at 5p15, rs9295740 at 6p22, which is in extensive linkage disequilibrium with the 6p21 region, as well as rs2036534 and rs6495309 at 15q25, were determined in 1094 patients with lung cancer and 1100 healthy control subjects, who were frequency matched for age and gender.

Results:  The single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) at 5p15 (rs2736100, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.67, P = 0.025; rs402710, aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.69–0.98, P = 0.025; rs401681, aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.69–0.98, P = 0.026) and at 15q25 (rs2036534, aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61–0.93, P = 0.01; rs6495309, aOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.65–1.00, P = 0.052) were significantly associated with lung cancer risk. The magnitude of the effect was similar to that reported in previous studies, and the association was in the same direction. The effect of SNP in the 5p15 region on the risk of lung cancer was significant only for adenocarcinoma. The two SNP in the 15q25 region were significantly associated with lung cancer risk in ever‐smokers and in patients with squamous‐cell carcinoma. However, there was no association between the SNP at 6p22 and lung cancer risk.

Conclusions:  The association between SNP in the 5p15 and 15q25 regions and the risk of lung cancer was confirmed in a Korean population.
Effect of an integrated care programme on re‐hospitalization of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: MOULLEC GRÉGORY , LAVOIE KIM L. , RABHI KHALIL , JULIEN MARCEL , FAVREAU (c) HÉLÈNE , LABRECQUE MANON
Published: March 2012

Background and objective:  Hospital admissions due to exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a major impact on disease progression and costs. We hypothesized that a 1‐year integrated care (IC) programme comprising two components (patient‐centred education + case management) would be effective in preventing COPD‐related hospitalizations.

Methods:  This was a retrospective longitudinal cohort study. Data were retrieved both from an administrative database in the province of Quebec (Canada), and from the medical records at two hospitals in Montreal. One hundred and eighty‐nine COPD patients were randomly selected from registers at these centres, from 2004 to 2006. Patients in the intervention group underwent a programme comprising two components: patient ‐centred education—involving three group sessions of self‐management education that included one motivational interview and instruction in the use of a written action plan; and case management—involving scheduled follow‐up visits with access to a call centre. The intervention group was compared with a group receiving usual care (UC). The main outcome was COPD‐related re‐hospitalizations, with length of hospital stay and emergency department (ED) visits being secondary outcomes.

Results:  Logistic regression analysis with adjustment for covariates showed that there was a lower probability of re‐hospitalization over the follow‐up year in the IC group compared with the UC group (odds ratio 0.44; 95% confidence interval 0.23–0.85). Subgroup analyses revealed that the IC programme prevented more COPD‐related hospitalizations in women compared with men. There were no significant between‐group differences in length of hospital stay or number of ED visits.

Conclusions:  An IC programme combining self‐management education and case‐management can decrease rates of COPD‐related hospitalizations, particularly among women.
Management trends, angioembolization performance and multiorgan injury indicators of renal trauma from Japanese administrative claims database
Authors: Sugihara Toru , Yasunaga Hideo , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Enomoto Yutaka , Kume Haruki , Ohe Kazuhiko , Matsuda Shinya , Homma Yukio
Published: March 2012

Objectives:  To show the characteristics and therapeutic trends of renal trauma in Japan using a nationwide database.

Methods:  All renal trauma cases from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database during 6 months of each year from 2006 to 2008 were included in the analysis. The following variables were considered: demographics, ambulance use, comorbid trauma, interventions, mechanism of injury and the Abbreviated Injury Scale. Patients were divided into two groups by trauma range: limited to rib, abdomen and pelvis (group A) or more extended (including supradiaphragmatic regions or lower extremities; group B). Rib fracture impact was assessed as a predictor of comorbid organ trauma. The incidences of angioembolization failure and nephrectomy were also evaluated.

Results:  A total of 1505 renal trauma cases (1014 and 491 in groups A and B, respectively) were identified. Comorbid trauma in the liver, spleen and lumbar/pelvic fractures were 7.4%, 5.6% and 5.1% in group A and 24.0%, 11.2% and 17.5% in group B, respectively. The rates of angioembolization (and its failure proportion), nephrectomy, transfusion and mortality were 7.9% (12.5%), 3.3%, 15.6% and 1.1% in group A, and 17.1% (11.9%), 2.6%, 28.3% and 8.1% in group B, respectively. Risks of coincident traumas in the liver, spleen and pelvic fracture were 2.23, 2.35 and 2.72 times higher if a rib fracture was observed. The incidences of renal trauma and nephrectomy (per 100 000 person‐years) were estimated as 2.06 and 0.063, respectively.

Conclusions:  Angioembolization failure is not rare, and nephrectomy is an important last resort. Patients with comorbid rib fracture should be explored for coincident traumas.
Damping of intraocular pressure fluctuations
Authors: Cringle Stephen J , Yu Dao‐Yi
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background:  There is increasing evidence that relatively rapid spikes in intraocular pressure may contribute to axonal damage in glaucoma. The present study seeks to quantify the ability of a compressible damping element (a simple air bubble) to reduce intraocular pressure fluctuations induced by a known change in intraocular fluid volume.

Methods:  A mathematical model describing the damping of intraocular pressure increases for a given infusion volume was developed and compared with experimental data obtained from isolated pig eyes. A damping element (100 µL to 2 mL of air) was added to the system, and the effect on the induced intraocular pressure change for a given infusion volume was assessed.

Results:  The introduction of the damping element reduced the intraocular pressure change in a volume‐dependent manner consistent with the mathematical modelling. The maximum bubble size tested (2 mL) dampened the intraocular pressure change by an average of 63.5 ± 8.7% at a baseline pressure close to 20 mmHg. Close agreement was seen between the mathematical model and the experimental data.

Conclusion:  Mathematical modelling and experiments in isolated pig eyes demonstrated that the addition of a damping element in the form of a compressible air bubble is capable of significantly reducing induced intraocular pressure spikes.
Determination of coefficients of crack tip asymptotic fields by an element‐free Galerkin scaled boundary method
Authors: HE Y. Q. , YANG H. T. , DEEKS A. J.
Published: March 2012

This study applies a new scaled boundary element‐free Galerkin (EFG) method to determine the coefficients of the Williams’ series expansion for the elastic crack tip asymptotic stress field. Scaled boundary methods can calculate the coefficients of Williams’ series without any special crack tip treatment. Unlike the conventional scaled boundary finite element method, in this paper an EFG approach is used in the circumferential direction of the scaled boundary model. The EFG method offers high accuracy, rapid convergence and smooth stress solutions without post‐processing, and no mesh generation is required. The proposed method is verified through numerical examples comparing the new approach with analytical, reference and conventional scaled boundary FEM solutions, and results are obtained which indicate that the new approach converges even more rapidly than the conventional scaled boundary finite element method.
Subthalamic nucleus stimulation restores the efferent cortical drive to muscle in parallel to functional motor improvement
Authors: Weiss Daniel , Breit Sorin , Hoppe Julia , Hauser Ann‐Kathrin , Freudenstein Dirk , Krüger Rejko , Sauseng Paul , Govindan Rathinaswamy B. , Gerloff Christian
Published: March 2012

Pathological synchronization in large‐scale motor networks constitutes a pathophysiological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Corticomuscular synchronization in PD is pronounced in lower frequency bands (< 10 Hz), whereas efficient cortical motor integration in healthy persons is driven in the beta frequency range. Electroencephalogram and electromyogram recordings at rest and during an isometric precision grip task were performed in four perioperative sessions in 10 patients with PD undergoing subthalamic nucleus deep‐brain stimulation: (i) 1 day before (D0); (ii) 1 day after (D1); (iii) 8 days after implantation of macroelectrodes with stimulation off (D8StimOff); and (iv) on (D8StimOn). Analyses of coherence and phase delays were performed in order to challenge the effects of microlesion and stimulation on corticomuscular coherence (CMC). Additionally, local field potentials recorded from the subthalamic nucleus on D1 allowed comprehensive mapping of motor‐related synchronization in subthalamocortical and cerebromuscular networks. Motor performance improved at D8StimOn compared with D0 and D8StimOff paralleled by a reduction of muscular activity and CMC in the theta band (3.9–7.8 Hz) and by an increase of CMC in the low‐beta band (13.7–19.5 Hz). Efferent motor cortical drives to muscle presented mainly below 10 Hz on D8StimOff that were suppressed on D8StimOn and occurred on higher frequencies from 13 to 45 Hz. On D1, coherence of the high‐beta band (20.5–30.2 Hz) increased during movement compared with rest in subthalamomuscular and corticomuscular projections, whereas it was attenuated in subcorticocortical projections. The present findings lend further support to the concept of pathological network synchronization in PD that is beneficially modulated by stimulation.
Variable host phenology does not pose a barrier to invasive weevils in a northern hardwood forest
Authors: Coyle David R. , Mattson William J. , Jordan Michelle S. , Raffa Kenneth F.
Published: March 2012

A suite of invasive weevils has established in hardwood forests of the North American Great Lakes Region. We quantified patterns of host availability and the capacity of adults to succeed in a system with high host variability both within and between seasons in Michigan, U.S.A.

We quantified phenological development of foliage on three host species [sugar maple, Acer saccharum Marshall; ironwood, Ostrya virginiana (Mill.) K. Koch; and raspberry, Rubus spp.]. We estimated adult abundance using emergence traps and sweep net sampling over 3 years, and compared field host associations with laboratory choice assays.

Host plant phenology varied among species, between years, and in their interactions. The four most common weevils, Phyllobius oblongus (L.), Polydrusus sericeus (Schaller), Barypeithes pellucidus (Boheman) and Sciaphilus asperatus (Bonsdorff), emerged in early to mid‐June, in approximately that order. After emergence, each species showed evidence of host preference based on their abundances on foliage. Overall, P. oblongus and B. pellucidus were most prevalent on sugar maple, P. sericeus was most prevalent on ironwood, and S. asperatus was relatively evenly distributed. Laboratory choice tests with P. oblongus and P. sericeus confirmed these preferences.

These four invasive species comprised over 99% of all 12 845 weevils obtained, suggesting displacement of native species. The optimal sampling methods varied among weevil species.

These invasive weevils contend with the highly variable conditions of their environment, and also potential phenological asynchrony, via relatively late emergence, even at the cost of lower host quality. Annual variation is greater for numbers of adults than larvae, suggesting that mortality of late instars or pupae is particularly important.
The design of the liraglutide clinical trial programme
Authors: Nauck M. A.
Published: March 2012

Liraglutide is a once‐daily human glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). It has been prospectively investigated in a series of multinational, randomised, controlled phase 3 trials (the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes programme), as well as in an additional direct head‐to‐head study with sitagliptin. These trials were designed to clarify the use and safety of liraglutide in clinical practice across the treatment continuum of T2D, and consequently involved a large number and diverse range of patients. These studies also included active comparisons against antidiabetic agents including metformin, rosiglitazone, glimepiride, insulin glargine, exenatide and sitagliptin, and therefore have helped to examine clinical differences and similarities between liraglutide and these commonly used agents.
Educational preparation for maternal, child and family health nurses in Australia
Authors: Kruske S. , Grant J.
Published: March 2012

KRUSKE S. & GRANT J. (2012) Educational preparation for maternal, child and family health nurses in Australia. International Nursing Review59, 200–207

Aim:  The study aims to map and critique the current postgraduate educational nursing programmes offered to nurses and midwives in maternal, child and family health in Australia.

Background:  Nursing specialties that focus on the early years of child health and development are based on international recognition of the developmental needs of the growing infant and of the social, health and economic consequences of failing to support families to raise their children in optimal environments. Little is known whether the educational programmes that prepare maternal, child and family health nurses (MCFHNs) for practice in Australia have kept up with new knowledge and understanding of the early years of life.

Methods:  A survey of all maternal, child and family health education programmes offered in Australia was undertaken.

Findings:  Marked variations in course titles, length, content, clinical exposure and award exist across the 12 institutions offering such programmes in Australia. Many institutions provide inadequate preparation in some of the core skills required of the workforce.

Conclusion:  The establishment of minimum standards for the education of MCFHNs across Australia is required. This study also highlights the need for further research around the scope of practice of MCFHNs, and the role of midwives who are not nurses, in this specialty area.
Job satisfaction of nurses in a Saudi Arabian university teaching hospital: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: AL‐Dossary R. , Vail J. , Macfarlane F.
Published: March 2012

AL‐DOSSARY R., VAIL J. & MACFARLANE F. (2012) Job satisfaction of nurses in a Saudi Arabian university teaching hospital: a cross‐sectional study. International Nursing Review59, 424–430

Background:  Saudi Arabia is developing very fast in all disciplines, especially in nursing and health. Only about five studies between 1990 and 2010 have been undertaken in Saudi Arabia concerning factors influencing job satisfaction of nurses, although a body of knowledge exists globally.

Aim:  The purpose of this research was to measure nurses' job satisfaction in Saudi Arabia in a university teaching hospital and to determine the influencing factors.

Methods:  A quantitative, cross sectional method, self‐administered questionnaire was used for this study. A systematic sample of N = 189 nurses was used to collect data. The SPSS version 16.0. was used to analyze the data. An independent t‐test and one‐way analysis of variance were used to test hypotheses concerning different groups, and correlation tests (the Pearson's and Spearman's rank tests) were used to examine relationships between variables.

Results:  Overall, nurses were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with their jobs. However, nurses indicated satisfaction with supervision, co‐workers and nature of work. The sources of dissatisfaction were with subscales such as pay, fringe benefits, contingent rewards and operating conditions.

Conclusion:  These findings indicate that there is a need to increase nurses' salaries and bonuses for extra duties. More training programmes and further education also should be encouraged for all nurses. Therefore, it is imperative that nursing managers and policy makers in Saudi Arabia consider these findings to improve nurses' job satisfaction.
Impact of breast cancer patients' awareness on attendance at screening
Authors: Shieh S.‐H. , Chen H.‐C. , Tsai W.‐C. , Kuo S.‐Y. , Tsai Y.‐F. , Lu C.‐H.
Published: March 2012

SHIEH S.‐H., CHEN H.‐C., TSAI W.‐C., KUO S.‐Y., TSAI Y.‐F. & LU C.‐H. (2012) Impact of breast cancer patients' awareness on attendance at screening. International Nursing Review59, 353–361

Aim:  The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of breast cancer awareness on the attendance for screening among women with breast cancer prior to diagnoses of breast cancer.

Background:  Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in Taiwan and its incidence rate continues to increase. However, screening for breast cancer is still not common even if the incidence rate has topped the list from 2003 to 2010.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted among women diagnosed with breast cancer. Subjects (535 women) were recruited from two medical centres in central Taiwan. Information on attendance for breast cancer screening was collected by self‐report. Chi‐square test and logistic regression were utilized to analyse the relationships between awareness of breast cancer and attendance at screening.

Findings:  The results indicated that pre‐diagnostic awareness of ‘the concept of early treatment relating to higher cure rate’[odds ratio (OR): 4.09; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12–14.9], ‘various breast cancer screening methods’ (OR:3.00; 95% CI: 1.23–7.30), ‘the coverage of breast cancer screening programme in the National Health Insurance’ (OR:1.76; 95% CI: 1.03–3.02) and ‘breast self‐examination after each menstrual cycle’ (OR:3.42; 95% CI: 1.99–5.87) were all significantly associated with the screening procedures performed.

Conclusions:  Findings of this study indicated that particular attention should be paid towards enhancement of women's knowledge for prevention and early detection of breast cancer through educational efforts by nurse professionals, medical institutions and/or civil organizations.
Transformation of Mexican lime with an intron‐hairpin construct expressing untranslatable versions of the genes coding for the three silencing suppressors of Citrus tristeza virus confers complete resistance to the virus
Authors: Soler Nuria , Plomer Montserrat , Fagoaga Carmen , Moreno Pedro , Navarro Luis , Flores Ricardo , Peña Leandro
Published: March 2012

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), the causal agent of the most devastating viral disease of citrus, has evolved three silencing suppressor proteins acting at intra‐ (p23 and p20) and/or intercellular level (p20 and p25) to overcome host antiviral defence. Previously, we showed that Mexican lime transformed with an intron‐hairpin construct including part of the gene p23 and the adjacent 3′ untranslated region displays partial resistance to CTV, with a fraction of the propagations from some transgenic lines remaining uninfected. Here, we transformed Mexican lime with an intron‐hairpin vector carrying full‐length, untranslatable versions of the genes p25, p20 and p23 from CTV strain T36 to silence the expression of these critical genes in CTV‐infected cells. Three transgenic lines presented complete resistance to viral infection, with all their propagations remaining symptomless and virus‐free after graft inoculation with CTV‐T36, either in the nontransgenic rootstock or in the transgenic scion. Accumulation of transgene‐derived siRNAs was necessary but not sufficient for CTV resistance. Inoculation with a divergent CTV strain led to partially breaking the resistance, thus showing the role of sequence identity in the underlying mechanism. Our results are a step forward to developing transgenic resistance to CTV and also show that targeting simultaneously by RNA interference (RNAi) the three viral silencing suppressors appears critical for this purpose, although the involvement of concurrent RNAi mechanisms cannot be excluded.
Consumer response to healthy eating, physical activity and weight‐related recommendations: a systematic review
Authors: Boylan S. , Louie J. C. Y. , Gill T. P.
Published: March 2012

Strong evidence linking poor diet and lack of physical activity to risk of obesity and related chronic disease has supported the development and promotion of guidelines to improve population health. Still, obesity continues to escalate as a major health concern, and so the impact of weight‐related guidelines on behaviour is unclear. The aim of this review was to examine consumer response to weight‐related guidelines. A systematic literature search was performed using Medline, PsycInfo, ProQuest Central and additional searches using Google and reference lists. Of the 1,765 articles identified, 46 relevant titles were included. Most studies examined attitudes towards content, source, tailoring and comprehension of dietary guidelines. Many respondents reported that guidelines were confusing, and that simple, clear, specific, realistic, and in some cases, tailored guidelines are required. Recognition of guidelines did not signify understanding nor did perceived credibility of a source guarantee utilization of guidelines. There was a lack of studies assessing: the impact of guidelines on behaviour; responses to physical activity guidelines; responses among males and studies undertaken in developing countries. Further research is needed, in particular regarding responses to physical activity guidelines and guidelines in different populations. Communication professionals should assist health professionals in the development of accurate and effective weight‐related guidelines.
Optimal Reserves in the Franc Zone: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Nana Davies Charles
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  This paper aims at assessing the optimal reserves in franc zone countries (FZC). First, an EMP crisis index of the cross exchange rate between the CFAF and the USD is constructed and its frequency is computed in a sample of eleven countries over the period 1980–2003. Subsequently, the estimated crisis probability is fed into a calibrated model economy of FZC to compute the optimal reserves to output ratio. We find that actual reserves are mostly lower than the implied optimal reserves.
Determinants of Well‐being and Poverty Changes in Cameroon: 2001–2007
Authors: Epo Boniface Ngah , Baye Francis Menjo
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  This paper identifies and decomposes sources that explain household economic well‐being in Cameroon. It uses the 2001 and 2007 Cameroon Household Consumption Surveys, synthetic variables constructed by the multiple correspondence analysis and econometric approaches that correct for potential endogeneity and unobserved heterogeneity in a step‐wise manner and simultaneously. Sources of well‐being that explain poverty are then decomposed into growth and redistribution components. Variables that significantly explain household economic well‐being are education, health, household size, fraction of active household members, working in the formal sector and area of residence. Decomposition analysis shows that the growth components largely account for changes in deprivation in terms of each regressed‐income source. With the exception of the income source education, redistribution components slowed down progress in alleviating shortfall in other regressed‐income sources. These results have implications for public interventions that affect education and health for all, labour market participation and infrastructure development.
Community‐driven Development: A Viable Approach to Poverty Reduction in Rural Burkina Faso
Authors: Bado Niamboue
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Various efforts by national governments, non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) and international donors have shown limited success in reducing poverty in sub‐Saharan Africa. As a result, poverty is still persistent in most households especially in rural areas. The persistence of poverty on the continent can be in part attributed to the top‐down approach to development adopted by various poverty alleviation programs. This paper focuses on poverty reduction programs in Burkina Faso and argues that a community‐driven approach to development and poverty reduction has the potential of lifting rural populations out of poverty trap.
Non‐compliance with the Minimum Wage Law when Completely New Minimum Wage Laws Are Established: The Case of South Africa
Authors: Yamada Hiroyuki
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Using the case of South Africa, we study compliance with the minimum wage law when completely new minimum wage levels are established. By even the best estimate, the compliance rate in South Africa would not exceed 40 per cent for the agricultural sector and 30 per cent for the domestic worker sector. The compliance rates by subpopulation groups reveal that the compliance rate is low where the cost to comply with the minimum wage law is high, implying that government inspections are not done where they are likely to have the highest payoff. However, if the government tries to enforce the policy more strictly, the poor/less skilled would be adversely affected.
Sources of Real Exchange Rate Volatility in Africa: The Case of ECOWAS*
Authors: Désiré Adom Assandé , Mahbub Morshed A.K.M. , Sharma Subhash C.
Published: March 2012

Abstract: This study examines the impact of (real) demand shocks, (aggregate) supply shocks, and monetary shocks on real exchange rates in 13 West African countries. We observe that the real demand shocks explain most of the fluctuations in real exchange rates in all these countries. Accordingly, policymakers should adopt a careful demand management strategy by controlling government expenditure and taxes.
Refining the Concept of Political Will: A Gender Perspective
Authors: Doldor Elena , Anderson Deirdre , Vinnicombe Susan
Published: March 2012

While politics are known to be prevalent at managerial levels, there is currently little insight into what drives managers to engage in organizational politics and whether there are gender differences in this respect. In the current study we explore the concept of political will by using a qualitative approach based on 14 semi‐structured interviews with managers (five men and nine women) in a global semiconductor company. We identify key dimensions of managerial political will consisting of three attitudinal ambivalences: functional, ethical and emotional. We also examine gender differences along these dimensions and discuss managers' political will in the context of a masculine organizational setting. We conclude by discussing the theoretical and practical implications of the findings and further research directions.
Syndromic Surveillance of Influenza-Like Illness in Scotland During the Influenza A H1N1v Pandemic and Beyond
Authors: Kavanagh Kimberley , Robertson Chris , Murdoch Heather , Crooks George , McMenamin Jim
Published: March 2012

Syndromic surveillance refers to the rapid monitoring of syndromic data to highlight and follow outbreaks of infectious diseases, increasing situational awareness. Such systems are based on statistical models to described routinely collected health data. We describe a working exception reporting system that is currently used in Scotland to monitor calls received by the National Health Service telephone helpline NHS24. We demonstrate the utility of the system to describe the time series data from NHS24 both at an aggregated Scotland level and at the individual health board level for two case-studies: firstly during the initial phase of the 2009 influenza A H1N1v outbreak and secondly for the emergence of seasonal influenza in each winter season from 2006–2007 and 2010–2011. In particular, we focus on a localized cluster of infection in the Highland health board and the ability of the system to highlight this outbreak. Caveats of the system, including the effect of media reporting of the pandemic on the results and the associated statistical issues, are discussed. We discuss the adaptability and timeliness of the system and how this continues to form part of a suite of surveillance used to give early warnings to public health decision makers.
A Gender‐Just Peace? Exploring the Post‐Dayton Peace Process in Bosnia
Authors: Björkdahl Annika
Published: March 2012

This article is rooted in the understanding that global ideas of liberal democratic peace and the gendered dynamics of peacebuilding need to be confronted. The aim is to explore the challenges of localizing liberal democratic peace by exploring efforts such as those undertaken by women’s organizations in Bosnia‐Herzegovina to promote a gender‐just peace. The Dayton Peace Accord was the new “social contract” that set the standard for postwar societies. The gendered hierarchies built into this peace and the absence of women in the peace process created a “peace gap” that was gendered despite the fact that gender empowerment has become a standard tool in international peacebuilding. The post‐Dayton peace process was characterized by a conservative backlash which has become a hallmark of women’s postwar experience.
Exploring the Important Role of Organizational Factors in IT Business Value: Taking a Contingency Perspective on the Resource‐Based View
Authors: Wiengarten Frank , Humphreys Paul , Cao Guangming , McHugh Marie
Published: March 2012

Despite the importance to researchers and practitioners of how information technology (IT) contributes to organizational performance, there is an ongoing debate about the extent of IT business value (ITBV) and how to measure ITBV. Recently, a number of researchers have applied resource‐based view (RBV) and contingency theory to investigating ITBV, with mixed results. Researchers have started to recognize that ITBV is closely associated with the synergies created from IT and a variety of complementary organizational factors, which might be an alternative way to explain these mixed results. Through a review of the literature, this paper assesses the current level of knowledge in ITBV research. It identifies that significant progress has been made in the research domain, but that in‐depth inquiry into ITBV is still needed. Based on RBV and contingency theory, a research framework has been developed. The framework suggests that firms might be able to gain significant performance improvements if IT resources are in alignment with additional organizational factors (i.e. organizational strategy, organizational process, organizational culture, organizational structure). The authors believe that this framework will be valuable in assisting researchers and practitioners in understanding the complex ITBV process.
The magnesium inhibition and arrested phagosome hypotheses: new perspectives on the evolution and ecology of Symbiodinium symbioses
Authors: Malcolm Hill , April Hill
Published: March 2012

Zooxanthella symbioses are arguably the most important ecological interaction on coral reefs because they energetically subsidize the entire community, and enhance the calcification process that provides structure for all other organisms. While we have developed a detailed understanding of the diversity among and within the Symbiodinium clades, we currently lack a mechanistic explanation for which factors favoured zooxanthella invasion of the intracellular habitat in heterotrophic hosts, and for what molecular mechanisms permit residence within the cell. We propose two hypotheses that explain important evolutionary and ecological features of zooxanthella symbioses. The magnesium inhibition hypothesis (MIH) states that increases in the Mg/Ca ratio in sea water that occurred over the last 100 million years created a situation where Mg2+ inhibited Ca2+ transport to zooxanthellae. The MIH predicts, among other things, that the intracellular niche was invaded as a response to this abiotic stressor. The arrested phagosome hypothesis (APH) states that Symbiodinium spp. mimic host cell endosomal digestive machinery via the symbiosome to appear like digesting prey through perpetual release of zooxanthella‐derived compounds. The APH represents a subtle but important distinction from previous hypotheses regarding interactions between symbiont and host at the cellular level. The APH predicts that symbionts tune rates of material release to match expectations of host cellular machinery. An outcome of the APH is that intra‐host residence time becomes a vital parameter to consider. Both hypotheses shift control of the symbiosis away from the host, and instead focus attention on the niche requirements of Symbiodinium spp.