bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of Begonia Elatior Wilt Disease Caused by Fusarium foetens in France
Authors: Saurat C. , Fourrier C. , Wilson V. , Casset C. , Ioos R.
Published: December 2012

Fusarium foetens is a destructive vascular pathogen on Begonia, mainly on cultivars of Begonia elatior hybrids (Begonia × hiemalis), which has recently been identified in Europe and Northern America (1,3). This Fusarium species has been responsible for severe damage in the begonia flower industry (1) and is listed as an EPPO A2 quarantine pathogen since 2007. In May 2007, wilted potted plants of B. elatior showing chlorotic leaves and basal stem rot were observed in a nursery located in the west of France (La Flèche, Sarthe). Symptomatic foliar and basal stem pieces were plated on a Fusarium semi selective medium, dichloran chloramphenicol peptone agar (DCPA), and on malt agar medium supplemented with 100 ppm chloramphenicol. Homogeneous mycelium of a Fusarium species developed from both types of tissue and on both media, and was transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA) and to spezieller nährstoffarmer agar (SNA) media for morphological examination. Microscope slides were then prepared by pressing gently a clear self-adhesive tape onto the surface covered by mycelium and sporodochia, which was further stained with lactic acid/methylene blue. Typical multiseptate (often three septa), hyaline, slightly curved Fusarium macroconidia 29.2 to 41.8 (32.5) × 3.6 to 4.5 (4.3) μm were collected in sporodochia. In the aerial mycelium, long and short conidiophores with mono- or polyphialidic cells bearing false heads of ellipsoidal microconidia were observed. In addition, a pungent distinctive odor was produced by the mycelium grown on PDA. These features were consistent with F. foetens (2). To support the diagnosis, total DNA was further extracted from the pure culture and a partial region of the translation elongation 1 (tef1) gene was amplified by PCR using EF1-EF2 primer pair (4). Nucleotide sequence was determined and deposited on GenBank (Accession No. JX298790). Analysis of the sequence by BLAST showed that it was 100% identical with all the available F. foetens sequences, which confirmed our morphological diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first official report of F. foetens in France. Since this first detection, F. foetens was again identified in 2010 in another nursery located in the Pays de la Loire on collapsed B. elatior. Approximately 15 to 20% of the Begonia plants showed typical Fusarium wilt symptoms and the infected lots were systematically destroyed. The origin of these infections could not be traced back since the mother plants tested negative. The disease is considered as eradicated in France but causes major economic losses to Begonia growers and marketers in regions where the disease is established (2).

References: (1) H. Huvenne et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 131:705, 2011. (2) H. J. Schroers et al. Mycologia 96:393, 2004. (3) X. L. Tian et al. Plant Dis. 94:1261, 2010. (4) D. Geiser. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 110:473, 2004.
The Impact of the Long-Distance Transport of aBEL1-Like Messenger RNA on Development
Authors: Lin Tian , Sharma Pooja , Gonzalez Daniel H. , Viola Ivana L. , Hannapel David J.
Published: December 2012

BEL1- and KNOTTED1-type proteins are transcription factors from the three-amino-loop-extension superclass that interact in a tandem complex to regulate the expression of target genes. In potato (Solanum tuberosum), StBEL5 and its Knox protein partner regulate tuberization by targeting genes that control growth. RNA movement assays demonstrated that StBEL5 transcripts move through the phloem to stolon tips, the site of tuber induction. StBEL5 messenger RNA originates in the leaf, and its movement to stolons is induced by a short-day photoperiod. Here, we report the movement of StBEL5 RNA to roots correlated with increased growth, changes in morphology, and accumulation of GA2-oxidase1, YUCCA1a, and ISOPENTENYL TRANSFERASE transcripts. Transcription of StBEL5 in leaves is induced by light but insensitive to photoperiod, whereas in stolon tips growing in the dark, promoter activity is enhanced by short days. The heterodimer of StBEL5 and POTH1, a KNOTTED1-type transcription factor, binds to a tandem TTGAC-TTGAC motif that is essential for regulating transcription. The discovery of an inverted tandem motif in the StBEL5 promoter with TTGAC motifs on opposite strands may explain the induction of StBEL5 promoter activity in stolon tips under short days. Using transgenic potato lines, deletion of one of the TTGAC motifs from the StBEL5 promoter results in the reduction of GUS activity in new tubers and roots. Gel-shift assays demonstrate BEL5/POTH1 binding specificity to the motifs present in the StBEL5 promoter and a double tandem motif present in the StGA2-oxidase1 promoter. These results suggest that, in addition to tuberization, the movement of StBEL5 messenger RNA regulates other aspects of vegetative development.
Study of threading dislocation density reduction in AlGaN epilayers by Monte Carlo simulation of high-resolution reciprocal-space maps of a two-layer system
Authors: Lazarev S. , Barchuk M. , Bauer S. , Forghani K. , Holý V. , Scholz F. , Baumbach T.
Published: December 2012

High-resolution X-ray diffraction in coplanar and noncoplanar geometries has been used to investigate the influence of an SiNxnano-mask in the reduction of the threading dislocation (TD) density of high-quality AlGaN epitaxial layers grown on sapphire substrates. Our developed model, based on a Monte Carlo method, was applied to the simulation of the reciprocal-space maps of a two-layer system. Good agreement was found between the simulation and the experimental data, leading to an accurate determination of the dislocation densities as a function of the overgrowth layer thickness. The efficiency of the SiNxnano-mask was defined as the ratio of the TD densities in the AlGaN layers below and above the mask. A significant improvement in the AlGaN layer quality was achieved by increasing the overgrowth layer thickness, and a TD density reduction scaling law was established.
The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland: individual visits and investigations can effect system change
Authors: Lyons Donald
Published: December 2012

Purpose

The experience of the individual patient can be an important driver in improving care. This paper seeks to outline the way the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (MWCS) uses individual cases to influence policy makers and service providers.

Design/methodology/approach

Through visiting people, monitoring the use of mental health legislation, giving advice and conducting investigations, the MWCS has concrete examples of influencing significant change. Specific examples demonstrate how this has been achieved.

Findings

With regard to visits: findings from individual visits have resulted in action to improve services and preserve individual rights; in monitoring: services have used monitoring data to change service provision in order to comply with legislation; in investigations: high profile investigations into abuse have resulted in new protective legislation; with regard to advice: collection of advice on difficult legal/ethical/treatment dilemmas have resulted in improved practice guidance.

Research limitations/implications

Individual case examples are not necessarily indicative of general populations. Many factors result in improvement. Actions by the MWCS are not necessarily the only factor.

Practical implications

An organisation that focuses on safeguarding individuals can use its influence to effect service improvement.

Social implications

Bringing individual matters to the attention of policy makers has resulted in legislative and policy change.

Originality/value

Other jurisdictions may wish to consider the value of the Scottish model that is highlighted in the paper.
Australia's ambitions to make a difference in people's lives: the early focus of the new National Mental Health Commission
Authors: Kruk Robyn
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Mental health reform needs to engage leaders across jurisdictions and governments/communities. This paper aims to describe the history leading to the establishment of the Australian National Mental Commission (the Commission) in 2012 and to identify opportunities/challenges in cross jurisdictional/sectoral reform of mental health services.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is based on the observations of the author who has held lead state and national roles prior to leading the Commission. It sets the establishment of the Commission in the broader context of changing community attitudes, strong consumer/carer advocacy, increased financial support for mental health and establishment of state commissions.

Findings

Cross sectoral/jurisdictional reform needs leadership from government heads and central agencies. Risks relate to the need to effectively articulate state and national commissions and challenges accompanying multilateral stakeholders with high and often conflicting expectations, and tensions with other high priority issues that also require alignment between Federal and State leaders and agencies.

Research limitations/implications

There may be potential bias based on the perspective of the narrator, and the benefits of direct experience in multiple jurisdictions.

Practical implications

The paper identifies critical success factors in the establishment/operation of the first national Commission and the establishment of relationships with state commissions, relevant to other cross jurisdictional bodies.

Originality/value

The paper provides an insight into the factors leading to the establishment of the first national Commission and its articulation with state commissions and the early operational challenges facing cross jurisdictional reforms in changing political climates.
New governance, new hope: findings and results of the taskforce to establish a Mental Health Commission for NSW
Authors: Rosenberg Sebastian
Published: December 2012

Purpose

This article aims to describe the process by which the new NSW Government executed its election promise to establish a Mental Health Commission for NSW.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study draws on observations of the author who was expert facilitator to the Taskforce to establish the new NSW Commission. The paper synthesises the work of the Taskforce, the input of a consultation process that engaged more than 2,000 people, through six state‐wide community fora, online survey and other means. In describing the nature of the new NSW Commission, the paper will also reflect on key learnings from the Taskforce's interactions with other mental health commissions, including in New Zealand, Western Australia and Canada.

Findings

Widespread concern about the lack of access to quality mental health care was reflected in broad support for a new Mental Health Commission. Opinions varied about how such a new body could be effective. Strong bipartisan political support is key. Also critical is ensuring the new body has sufficient legislative power and reach.

Research limitations/implications

This paper relies on the observations of a key participant in a reform process. This brings the limitations of potential bias as well as the strength of understanding that is difficult for outsiders to access. The actual impact of the new NSW Mental Health Commission will only become apparent following its 1 July 2012 start‐up.

Practical implications

Many jurisdictions are turning to specialised governance models, such as a Commission, to drive mental health reform. This paper identifies some of the key issues to consider in pursuing this strategy.

Social implications

Commissions need to have strong engagement with consumers, carers, service providers and the general community. This paper highlights some key issues in building these links.

Originality/value

The work of the Taskforce to Establish a NSW raised a range of issues relevant to any mental health reform process. Given the level of community concern about mental health care, these are important lessons.
National Commissions on mental health in the United States: how many tries to get it right?
Authors: Thompson Kenneth S.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to review the background, history and results of the three Federal Commissions addressing mental illness and health in the United States of America.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a historical review of key articles and commentary.

Findings

Despite significant handicaps, imposed by the structure of government in the United States, the limits of knowledge and conflicts of between stakeholders, the evidence appears to suggest that Federal Commissions have been productive, even when there is little power to enact their recommendations, to the degree that they concentrate knowledge and effort in an advancing but generally quite disjointed field.

Research limitations/implications

The Commissions touch on a vast number of subjects and actions and do so in the context of the moving target of time. Historical review can only capture so much and the likelihood of errors of omission are significant, as is the possibility of errors of commission due to the requirement of interpreting historical evidence.

Social implications

The social implication of this study is that the political effort to create and implement Federal Commissions has been worthwhile. The question now is what kind of entity and political effort will be necessary in the future?

Originality/value

Federal Commissions have had a practical utility in the USA of periodically bringing the field together with a shared agenda. The question is, as behavioral health care increasingly melds into general health, what force will help the field focus on behavioral health initiatives. Will we even need such a force?
Intergenerational practice in the United States: past, present and future
Authors: Henkin Nancy Z. , Butts Donna M.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Intergenerational work has the potential to bring ages, races and cultures together to support policies and practices that help all individuals become productive citizens who use their skills and talents to contribute to the communities in which they live. It can promote values that foster a sense of interdependence, promote lifelong contribution, and increase a recognition of shared fate. Although the number and range of activities is growing, there still is a gap between the promise and the practice of intergenerational work. This article seeks to describe the history of intergenerational practice in the United States, to give examples of successful programs and initiatives, benefits and challenges, and opportunities for further growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The review is based on the authors' combined 50 years of intergenerational practice.

Findings

Intergenerational partnerships, programs and policies that promote reciprocity and interdependence are critical to the well‐being of the nation and the world. The United States has made great strides in bringing generations together to improve the quality of life for all. Much still needs to be done, however, to make this approach “business as usual” and to ensure that people of all ages work together for the common good – particularly in these challenging times.

Originality/value

The article gives an insight into the successes of intergenerational practice in the United States, based on the authors' work in this area.
Older people as grandparents: how public policy needs to broaden its view of older people and the role they play within families
Authors: Wellard Sarah
Published: December 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new perspective on the importance of grandparenting relationships and to highlight the continuing importance of intergenerational exchange across the life course.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on research from diverse fields including child welfare, gerontology and demography and journalistic sources, presenting an evidenced argument of the importance of grandparenting in contemporary families.

Findings

The paper argues that the role of grandparents in family life is becoming more important as a result of demographic changes, and that grandparents offer a huge resource to families. Older people generally find their role as grandparents rewarding and that this contributes to wellbeing and reduced risk of loneliness.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new perspective on the role of older people as grandparents.
Tackling loneliness in older age – why we need action by all ages
Authors: Ferguson Laura
Published: December 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to present and discuss a range of evidence from across the UK and further afield that supports the view that preventing loneliness through action by all ages will ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of older people, and that an asset‐based, cross‐agency movement to creating and maintaining connections in older age could deliver savings to both health and social care in the long term.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a collation of academic research, along with more informal evidence from voluntary sector groups to support an approach to policy and practice that tackles loneliness in older age.

Findings

Drawing on evidence from UK and US research that states the health impact of loneliness, a view of the multi‐layered action required shows that local health bodies, charities and groups as well as neighbours and businesses have crucial parts to play to stop the pernicious hold of loneliness in older age.

Originality/value

The arguments put forward here draw on research undertaken by academic authors but their collation to present a view on how to address the impact of loneliness on health is a relatively recent one.
Work till you drop? A note on the potential and limits of employment adjustment to demographic change
Authors: Gaffney Declan
Published: December 2012

Purpose

How will labour markets adapt to population ageing? The demographic shift to be experienced over coming decades requires some sort of adjustment in working lives to balance increased longevity. But where in the lifecycle should this adjustment take place? It often seems to be assumed that ever‐longer working lives are the only answer: the purpose of this article is to query this assumption and to suggest that there should be a balance of employment and other uses of time across the entire lifecycle.

Design/methodology/approach

The article analyses the impact of increased economic activity on the dependency ratio and it identifies plausible upper bounds to employment objectives by age and gender using international comparative data.

Findings

Increased employment for over‐65s is likely to have limited impact on age dependency ratio: bigger impacts would be expected from the 55‐65 age group and younger women.

Originality/value

The article brings comparative evidence to bear on labour market implications of population ageing.
Preventing lost generations: using intergenerational work to help young people
Authors: Frankland Richard , Conder Stephanie
Published: December 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to determine whether the coming together of old and young people, who live in some of the most deprived areas of the country, needs to happen naturally to form genuine relationships, with their invaluable, knock‐on implications on the local community. It also aims to look at the value to young people of using community centres to host youth work activities, so that intergenerational relationship building can be repeated in localised settings to help prevent the loss of a generation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws upon the experiences of youth workers in Prospex, a youth charity in Islington, London, UK.

Findings

The paper looks at a gardening project on a social housing estate that brought together the manpower of disadvantaged young people and the wisdom and experience of an older person, and the knock on, almost accidental, effect that this had within the local community by bringing together the generations in other resultant scenarios.

Research limitations/implications

The research is anecdotal.

Practical implications

The paper provides anecdotal evidence of the benefits to both young and old people who are brought together within their social housing community to work together.

Originality/value

This paper shows the community benefits of young and old people working together on projects.
Primary repair of obstetric uterine rupture can be safely undertaken by non‐specialist clinicians in rural Ethiopia: a case series of 386 women
Authors: Alemayehu W , Ballard K , Wright J
Published: December 2012

We report 386 consecutive cases of uterine rupture over a 10‐year period, revealing a case fatality rate of 4.8%, which is significantly less than the 16–37% fatality rate published in the literature. Primary uterine repair, which was carried out by non‐specialised doctors in 43% of cases, was the treatment for 98% of women, and appears to be simple and effective. The main predictor of death from uterine rupture was a treatment delay of more than 12 hours from the presumed time of rupture (OR 7.7; 95% CI 1.02–58.4).
National project seeking to improve pain management in the emergency department setting: Findings from the NHMRC‐NICS National Pain Management Initiative
Authors: Doherty Steven , Knott Jonathan , Bennetts Scott , Jazayeri Mitra , Huckson Sue
Published: December 2012

Objectives

The National Pain Management Initiative was established by the National Institute of Clinical Studies to improve analgesic practice across Australian EDs.

Methods

A barrier analysis provided information to better implement changes in analgesic practice. A working party was established and developed a multifaceted intervention strategy and clinical indicators. An online data collection system was developed and sites collected data at three monthly intervals for 18 months. A stepped‐wedge design was chosen to manage the number of hospitals involved. Clinical indicators included documentation of pain score, time to analgesia, appropriate use of parenteral narcotics and effectiveness of analgesia for severe pain.

Results

A total of 16 627 patient datasets were entered from 45 metropolitan and regional hospitals. There was an increase from 41% to 64% in documented pain score (difference in proportions 23%, 95% confidence interval: 20–26) and median time to analgesia fell from 61 min (interquartile range: 23–122) to 41 min (interquartile range: 15–95). Appropriate parenteral narcotic use was over 90% for all time points combined. For all patients with severe pain there was no significant change in the proportion with a documented reduction of pain within 1 h of presentation.

Conclusion

Significant improvements in documentation of pain score and time to analgesia were demonstrated through a national project of targeted improvement. Parenteral narcotic use has a high level of adherence to recommended practice. An improvement in the effectiveness of analgesia in severe pain has not been clearly demonstrated in this study.
The role of vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis in breast cancer
Authors: Bener Abdulbari , El Ayoubi Hanadi R.
Published: December 2012

Aim

Epidemiological studies suggest an association between vitamin D and calcium intake and breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the association of breast cancer with vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis according to menopausal status and to examine vitamin D and bone mineral density (BMD) levels in breast cancer patients.

Methods

This was an observational cohort hospital‐based study. It included 635 patients with breast cancer. Socio‐demographic information, type of consanguinity, menopause status, medical history, lifestyle habits, dietary intake, BMD measurements and vitamin D levels were collected. Descriptive and univariate analyses were performed.

Results

Of the studied patients, 36.1% were Qataris, 63.9% non‐Qatari Arabs, 40% premenopausal women, 20.9% university graduates and 37.2% housewives. Overall, 31.8% of breast cancer women were affected with osteopenia/osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency (10.7% vs. 7.9%) and severe vitamin D insufficiency (39.2% vs. 32.5%) were higher in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women (P < 0.001). Low physical activity (< 30 min/day) was observed among vitamin D deficient (46.8%) and osteoporotic (45%) women. Dietary intake of vitamin D was significantly lower in vitamin D deficient women; these included dairy products (33.1%), milk (38.6%), seafood (39.6%), (P < 0.001) and for osteoporotic women, dairy products (46%), calcium (21.3%), milk (36.1%), yoghurt (37.6%), cheese (37.6%) and sea food (34.7%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The present study findings revealed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis in breast cancer patients. Also, the dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium was significantly lower in breast cancer women.
Hollow futures? Tree decline, lag effects and hollow‐dependent species
Authors: Manning A. D. , Gibbons P. , Fischer J. , Oliver D. L. , Lindenmayer D. B.
Published: December 2012

Tree hollows are a critical breeding resource for many organisms globally. Where hollow‐bearing trees are in decline, population limitation can be a serious conservation issue. A particular problem in addressing hollow limitation is the long time that hollows take to form. This means there can be a significant lag time between detecting a species' population decline and arresting the lack of hollows through reducing tree mortality and increasing regeneration. Once underway, declines of hollow‐dependent species therefore can be difficult to halt. It is imperative that we identify and anticipate such future problems before they occur, and implement conservation action in advance. In this study, we use a novel application of an established modelling method to explore this issue and illustrate an ‘early warning’ approach, focusing on a case study of the vulnerable superb parrot Polytelis swainsonii from south‐eastern Australia. The species is dependent on hollow‐bearing trees for nesting that have a very long generation time (> 120 years). Potential nest trees for the superb parrot are on a trajectory of decline. We modelled the future hollow resource for this species under different management scenarios including: (a) business‐as‐usual – that is, no further specific conservation action; (b) and (c) waiting until considerable further reductions (90 and 70%) in hollows before implementing conservation actions to redress loss of hollows; and (d) implementing enhanced conservation actions now to redress loss of hollows. We found that all scenarios except (d), ‘conservation action now’, resulted in substantial declines in potential nest trees, and came at significant opportunity cost in terms of reducing tree mortality and increasing tree regeneration. Delaying conservation action will greatly increase the long‐term risk of extinction of hollow‐dependent species such as the superb parrot. Predicting and slowing the decline in available hollows by early intervention and restoration management is critical, even where hollow‐dependent species populations may appear to be secure in the short‐term.
Cat's claw creeper leaf‐mining jewel beetle Hylaeogena jureceki Obenberger (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), a host‐specific biological control agent for Dolichandra unguis‐cati (Bignoniaceae) in Australia
Authors: Dhileepan Kunjithapatham , Taylor Dianne B J , Lockett Catherine , Treviño Mariano
Published: December 2012

Cat's claw creeper, Dolichandra unguis‐cati (L.) L.G. Lohman (syn: Macfadyena unguis‐cati (L.) A.H. Gentry) (Bignoniaceae), a major environmental weed in Queensland and New South Wales, is a Weed of National Significance and an approved target for biological control. A leaf‐mining jewel beetle, Hylaeogena jureceki Obenberger (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), first collected in 2002 from D. unguis‐cati in Brazil and Argentina, was imported from South Africa into a quarantine facility in Brisbane in 2009 for host‐specificity testing. H. jureceki adults chew holes in leaves and lay eggs on leaf margins and the emerging larvae mine within the leaves of D. unguis‐cati. The generation time (egg to adult) of H. jureceki under quarantine conditions was 55.4 ± 0.2 days. Host‐specificity trials conducted in Australia on 38 plant species from 11 families supplement and support South African studies which indicated that H. jureceki is highly host‐specific and does not pose a risk to any non‐target plant species in Australia. In no‐choice tests, adults survived significantly longer (>32 weeks) on D. unguis‐cati than on non‐target test plant species (<3 weeks). Oviposition occurred on D. unguis‐cati and one non‐target test plant species, Citharexylum spinosum (Verbenaceae), but no larval development occurred on the latter species. In choice tests involving D. unguis‐cati, C. spinosum and Avicennia marina (Avicenniaceae), feeding and oviposition were evident only on D. unguis‐cati. The insect was approved for field release in Australia in May 2012.
Ecology of a typical West African Sudanian savannah rodent community
Authors: Bâ Khalilou , Kane Mamadou , Gauthier Philippe , Granjon Laurent
Published: December 2012

The small‐mammal community of a typical Sudanian savannah area of south‐eastern Senegal was studied by way of intensive sampling at the beginning (July) and at the end (November) of the rainy season. A total of 5931 trapnights and 200 pitfallnights yielded 767 small mammals, including 757 rodents of 12 species, as well as a few shrews and hedgehogs. Accumulation curve indicated that the rodent community was well sampled. Murine rodents were far more numerous than gerbilline rodents, and among them, Mastomys erythroleucus was the dominant species, being caught in high numbers in all habitats. Arvicanthis niloticus and Praomys daltoni were also abundant, followed by Mastomys natalensis and Gerbilliscus guineae. Abundances were high at the beginning of the rainy season when reproductive activity was low in all species. At the end of the rainy season, murine rodents were actively involved in reproduction, while gerbilline rodents were at their lowest density. Significant changes in relative abundance among habitats (including human dwellings) were observed between periods in some species, suggesting seasonal trends in habitat preferences. This may help species coexistence in this species‐rich rodent community, in an area likely to be submitted to significant habitat alterations in the years to come.
Overweight and obesity in pregnancy: The evidence–practice gap in staff knowledge, attitudes and practices
Authors: Wilkinson Shelley A. , Stapleton Helen
Published: December 2012

Background

Statewide (Queensland) Clinical Guidelines reflecting current best practice have recently become available for the management of pregnancy‐related obesity. However, dissemination of guidelines alone do not change practice.

Aim

To systematically assess evidence–practice gap in the multidisciplinary management of overweight and obesity (ow/ob) in pregnancy to inform an intervention to facilitate translating obesity guidelines into practice in a tertiary maternity service.

Materials and Methods

An online survey, available over a three‐week period (May–June 2011), was disseminated to obstetric, midwifery and allied health staff. Outcomes of interest included a 15‐point guideline adherence score, knowledge of guideline content, advice given, knowledge of obesity–pregnancy‐related complications, previous training and referral patterns.

Results

Eighty‐four staff completed surveys (57% response rate). Widespread discordance with the guideline was noted. The majority (88.1%) reported overweight/obesity (ow/ob) as an important/very important general obstetric issue, most correctly identified associated complications. However, only 32.1% were aware of existing guidelines, with only half correctly identifying BMI categories for ow/ob. Compliance with referral recommendations varied; 20% of staff considered referral ‘was not their job’.

Conclusions

Staff are aware of negative outcomes associated with maternal ow/ob, although few are fully compliant with referral guidelines or provide advice in line with recommendations. These findings will be categorised using implementation of science methodological frameworks, and effective behaviour change interventions will be constructed to facilitate translation of this important guideline into practice.
What is the risk for parametrial involvement in women with early‐stage cervical cancer with tumour <20 mm and with negative sentinel lymph nodes?
Authors: Klat Jaroslav , Sevcik Libor , Simetka Ondrej , Graf Petar , Dvorackova Jana , Kraft Otakar
Published: December 2012

Aims

To evaluate the incidence of parametrial involvement in women with early‐stage cervical cancer with tumour <20 mm and with negative sentinel lymph nodes (SLN).

Methods

We reviewed the cases of all women who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy with SLN biopsy for invasive cervical cancer between April 2004 and December 2009. Parametrial involvement was defined as direct extension, nodal disease or spread through vascular channels.

Results

From the 204 women who underwent radical surgery with SLN biopsy, 63 (FIGO stage IA2‐10, IB1‐53) met the inclusion criteria: tumour <20 mm in the largest diameter regardless of the depth of stromal invasion (less or more than half stromal invasion) and negative sentinel lymph nodes. Median age was 44.3 years (range 24–72). Lymph–vascular space invasion was present in 25 women. The histology identified squamous carcinoma in 50 women, adenocarcinoma in 11 women and adenosquamous carcinoma in two women. Tumour grade 1 occurred in 41, grade 2 in 16 and grade 3 in 6 of the cases. No parametrial involvement was observed. The false negative rate of SLN biopsy was 0%.

Conclusion

No parametrial involvement was observed in women with early‐stage cervical cancer with tumour <20 mm in diameter and negative sentinel lymph nodes regardless of the presence of lymph–vascular space invasion, histology subtype and grade of the tumour. Radical removal of the parametrium in this low‐risk group is questionable.
How can a stereotype inconsistency bias be encouraged in communication?
Authors: Simpson Ain , Kashima Yoshihisa
Published: December 2012

This study aimed to investigate what conditions can lead to a bias for communicating stereotype inconsistent (SI) information, relative to stereotype consistent (SC) information. Sixty‐three undergraduate university students (22 males, 41 females; Mage = 21.25) read a story about an Arab man who exhibited characteristics consistent and inconsistent with the stereotype of Arab men. The story was transmitted through 21 three‐person communication chains; each participant rewrote the story from memory for the next person in the chain to read, with only the first participant in each chain reading the original story. As hypothesized, when a surprising category conjunction was formed by pairing the primary stereotype (Arab men) with a secondary stereotype of a contradictory nature (kindergarten teachers), SC information was circulated less than SI information. This was also the case when a causal explanation was provided that accounted for the unexpected SI information. Findings indicate the potential of techniques that elicit cognitive elaboration of SI information to encourage an SI bias in communication, and show promise for exploring ways to reduce the impact of negative stereotypical information in the long term.
Applications of consensus methods in the improvement of care of paediatric patients: a step forward from a ‘good guess’
Authors: Tammela O
Published: December 2012

Efforts to improve the safety and quantification of iatrogenic harm in children are necessary in paediatric practice and health care. Consensus methods are a systematic means to resolve inconsistencies in scientific information. The items to be assessed are scored and/or ranked and consensus is sought in successive rounds. The aim here is to review features of the Delphi process and the nominal group technique and their use in paediatric patients.

Conclusion

The Delphi process and the nominal group technique are also applicable in paediatric age groups. They offer a useful choice in the selection of safety and quality improvement measures and tools.
Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of losmapimod following a single intravenous or oral dose in healthy volunteers
Authors: Barbour April M. , Sarov‐Blat Lea , Cai Gengqian , Fossler Michael J. , Sprecher Dennis L. , Graggaber Johann , McGeoch Adam T. , Maison Jo , Cheriyan Joseph
Published: December 2012

Aims

The purpose of this study was to establish safety and tolerability of a single intravenous (IV) infusion of a p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitor, losmapimod, to obtain therapeutic levels rapidly for a potential acute coronary syndrome indication. Pharmacokinetics (PK) following IV dosing were characterized, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships between losmapimod and phosphorylated heat shock protein 27 (pHSP27) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein were explored.

Methods

Healthy volunteers received 1 mg losmapimod IV over 15 min (n = 4) or 3 mg IV over 15 min followed by a washout period and then 15 mg orally (PO; n = 12). Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by noncompartmental methods. The PK/PD relationships were explored using modelling and simulation.

Results

There were no deaths, nonfatal serious adverse events or adverse events leading to withdrawal. Headache was the only adverse event reported more than once (n = 3 following oral dosing). Following 3 mg IV and 15 mg PO, Cmax was 59.4 and 45.9 μg l−1 and AUC0–∞ was 171.1 and 528.0 μg h l−1, respectively. Absolute oral bioavailability was 0.62 [90% confidence interval (CI) 0.56, 0.68]. Following 3 mg IV and 15 mg PO, maximal reductions in pHSP27 were 44% (95% CI 38%, 50%) and 55% (95% CI 50%, 59%) occurring at 30 min and 4 h, respectively. There was a 17% decrease (95% CI 9%, 24%) in high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein 24 h following oral dosing. A direct‐link maximal inhibitory effect model related plasma concentrations to pHSP27 concentrations.

Conclusions

A single IV infusion of losmapimod in healthy volunteers was safe and well tolerated, and may potentially serve as an initial loading dose in acute coronary syndrome as rapid exposure is achieved.
Elastic three‐dimensional poly (ε‐caprolactone) nanofibre scaffold enhances migration, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Rampichová M. , Chvojka J. , Buzgo M. , Prosecká E. , Mikeš P. , Vysloužilová L. , Tvrdík D. , Kochová P. , Gregor T. , Lukáš D. , Amler E.
Published: December 2012

Objectives

We prepared 3D poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibre scaffolds and tested their use for seeding, proliferation, differentiation and migration of mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs).

Materials and methods

3D nanofibres were prepared using a special collector for common electrospinning; simultaneously, a 2D PCL nanofibre layer was prepared using a classic plain collector. Both scaffolds were seeded with MSCs and biologically tested. MSC adhesion, migration, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were investigated.

Results

The 3D PCL scaffold was characterized by having better biomechanical properties, namely greater elasticity and resistance against stress and strain, thus this scaffold will be able to find broad applications in tissue engineering. Clearly, while nanofibre layers of the 2D scaffold prevented MSCs from migrating through the conformation, cells infiltrated freely through the 3D scaffold. MSC adhesion to the 3D nanofibre PCL layer was also statistically more common than to the 2D scaffold (P < 0.05), and proliferation and viability of MSCs 2 or 3 weeks post‐seeding, were also greater on the 3D scaffold. In addition, the 3D PCL scaffold was also characterized by displaying enhanced MSC osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusions

We draw the conclusion that all positive effects observed using the 3D PCL nanofibre scaffold are related to the larger fibre surface area available to the cells. Thus, the proposed 3D structure of the nanofibre layer will find a wide array of applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Is lower IQ in children with epilepsy due to lower parental IQ? A controlled comparison study
Authors: WALKER NATALIE M , JACKSON DAREN C , DABBS KEVIN , JONES JANA E , HSU DAVID A , STAFSTROM CARL E , SHETH RAJ D , KOEHN MONICA A , SEIDENBERG MICHAEL , HERMANN BRUCE P
Published: December 2012

Aim  The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between parent and child Full‐scale IQ (FSIQ) in children with epilepsy and in typically developing comparison children and to examine parent–child IQ differences by epilepsy characteristics.

Method  The study participants were 97 children (50 males, 47 females; age range 8–18y; mean age 12y 3mo, SD 3y1mo) with recent‐onset epilepsy including idiopathic generalized (n=43) and idiopathic localization‐related epilepsies (n=54); 69 healthy comparison children (38 females, 31 males; age range 8–18y; mean age 12y 8mo, SD 3y 2mo), and one biological parent per child. All participants were administered the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI). FSIQ was compared in children with epilepsy and typically developing children; FSIQ was compared in the parents of typically developing children and the parents of participants with epilepsy; parent–child FSIQ differences were compared between the groups.

Results  FSIQ was lower in children with epilepsy than in comparison children (p<0.001). FSIQ of parents of children with epilepsy did not differ from the FSIQ of the parents of typically developing children. Children with epilepsy had significantly lower FSIQ than their parents (p<0.001), whereas comparison children did not. The parent–child IQ difference was significantly higher in the group with epilepsy than the comparison group (p=0.043). Epilepsy characteristics were not related to parent–child IQ difference.

Interpretation  Parent–child IQ difference appears to be a marker of epilepsy impact independent of familial IQ, epilepsy syndrome, and clinical seizure features. This marker is evident early in the course of idiopathic epilepsies and can be tracked over time.
Does the Bayley‐III Motor Scale at 2 years predict motor outcome at 4 years in very preterm children?
Authors: Spittle Alicia J , Spencer‐Smith Megan M , Eeles Abbey L , Lee Katherine J , Lorefice Lucy E , Anderson Peter J , Doyle Lex W
Published: December 2012

Aim

To assess the predictive validity of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development – Third Edition (Bayley‐III) for later motor outcome.

Method

Ninety‐six infants (49 males, 47 females) born at less than 30 weeks' gestation admitted to two tertiary hospitals in Melbourne, Australia, were assessed with the Bayley‐III Motor Scale at 2 years' corrected age and were classified as suspect or definite motor impairment if they scored less than −1 or −2 standard deviations respectively, relative to the test mean. At 4 years' corrected age, children completed Movement Assessment Battery for Children – Second Edition (MABC‐2); for the total motor score, cut‐offs of not more than the 15th were used to classify motor development and cut‐offs of not more than the 15th centile were classified as having a significant movement difficulty.

Results

Of the 96 children assessed at both ages, at 2 years 9% had suspect and 4% had definite motor impairment; however, by 4 years, rates had increased to 22% and 19% respectively. The specificity of the Bayley‐III for motor impairments for later motor outcome was excellent (ranging from 94 to 100% for cerebral palsy [CP] and 97 to 100% for motor impairment), although the sensitivity was low (ranging from 67 to 83% for CP and 18 to 37% for motor impairment); many children with later impairment were not identified by the Bayley‐III.

Interpretation

The Bayley‐III Motor Scale at 2 years underestimates later rates of motor impairment, particularly in the absence of CP at 4 years on the MABC‐2 total motor score in children born at less than 30 weeks' gestational age.
Emigration, Finite Changes and Wage Inequality
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Kar Saibal , Marjit Sugata
Published: December 2012

This article shows that large outmigration of labor leads to finite changes in the structure of production at source. We argue that sectors may vanish as they cannot pay higher wages consequent to emigration. We also inquire whether emigration of one type of labor hurts the other non‐emigrating type in this setup. Various situations when real incomes of the emigrating and the non‐emigrating types do not move together are demonstrated. This generalizes some of the existing results in the literature. In particular, emigration can lead to a drastic change in the degree of inequality depending on which of the sectors survive in the postemigration regime.
Red‐foliaged apples affect the establishment, growth, and development of the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana
Authors: Markwick Ngaire P. , Poulton Joanne , Espley Richard V. , Rowan Daryl D. , McGhie Tony K. , Wadasinghe Gnanaseela , Wohlers Mark , Jia Yilin , Allan Andrew C.
Published: December 2012

Anthocyanins have diverse roles in plant reproduction and in response to both abiotic and biotic stress. By over‐expressing the apple MYB transcription factor, MYB10, we have generated apple trees, Malus × domestica Borkh. (Rosaceae), with highly pigmented red foliage due to the presence of high concentrations of cyanidin‐based anthocyanins. In this study, we investigated the impact of the high anthocyanic apple leaves on the behaviour, feeding, and life cycle parameters of the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a widespread herbivorous pest of apples. Behaviour of 1‐ to 3‐day‐old larvae towards red anthocyanin‐rich and green apple leaves was studied in choice and no‐choice trials, and survival, growth, and development of larvae feeding on red and green apple leaves from the neonate to pupation were compared. First‐instar E. postvittana showed a statistically significant preference for green over red leaves from three transgenic red apple lines and a preference for the less red old leaves over the bright red new leaves. This was significantly different from their behaviour towards wild type green leaves, where new leaves were selected over old. In complete darkness, first‐instar E. postvittana showed no significant preference for the green leaves, indicating that visual cues were important. Although larval survival was not greatly affected by feeding on the red foliage, larval growth and development were significantly affected by feeding on leaves from some of the transgenic red apple lines. Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis of leaf phenolics showed that both anthocyanins and quercetin glycosides were significantly raised in the red transgenic lines compared with wild types.