bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional variation in habitat–occupancy thresholds: a warning for conservation planning
Authors: Rhodes Jonathan R. , Callaghan John G. , McAlpine Clive A. , De Jong Carol , Bowen Michiala E. , Mitchell David L. , Lunney Daniel , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: November 2007

An important target for conservation planning is the minimum amount of habitat needed in a landscape to ensure the persistence of a species. Appropriate targets can be determined by identifying thresholds in the amount of habitat, below which persistence, abundance or occupancy declines rapidly. Although some studies have identified habitat thresholds, we currently have little understanding of the extent to which thresholds vary spatially. This is important for establishing whether we can apply the same planning targets across broad geographical regions.

We quantified habitat–occupancy relationships for the koalaPhascolarctos cinereus(Goldfuss) in three study regions that span much of its geographical range. Standard and piecewise (broken‐stick/segmented) logistic regression were used to model linear and threshold habitat–occupancy relationships. We then used an information‐theoretic approach to test: (1) whether habitat–occupancy relationships were described better by threshold or linear models and (2) where threshold models were better, whether, and to what extent, threshold points varied among study regions.

There was substantially greater support for the threshold than the linear models across a range of habitat qualities and landscape extents. The threshold models generally predicted a rapid decline in occupancy below the threshold points.

Estimated threshold points varied, sometimes substantially, among study regions. This may relate to cross‐regional differences in habitat quality, demographic rates, and land‐use patterns. The role of habitat fragmentation is unclear.

Synthesis and applications. Variation in threshold points among study regions suggests that we should be wary of using thresholds derived in one region for setting conservation planning targets in another. Rather, we should aim to set specific targets for individual locations (and species), while acknowledging the inherent uncertainties in these targets. This has implications for our ability to make general conservation prescriptions for widely distributed species. Future research should aim to develop generic models capable of predicting threshold responses across different landscapes and life‐history characteristics.
Kairomone traps: a tool for monitoring the invasive spruce bark beetle Dendroctonus micans (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) and its specific predator, Rhizophagus grandis (Coleoptera: Monotomidae)
Authors: Meurisse Nicolas , Couillien Daniel , Grégoire Jean‐Claude
Published: November 2007

The Eurasian spruce bark beetle Dendroctonus micans is a major pest of spruce which is expanding its range in France, Turkey, England and Wales. Its monospecific predator Rhizophagus grandis has followed its prey naturally into most areas and since the 1960s has also been mass‐produced and released within newly infested locations. Assessing bark‐beetle presence at previously uninfested sites, or predator establishment after release or natural spread, currently depends on direct observation of D. micans brood chambers. This is a slow and unreliable process because bark‐beetle attacks are solitary, cryptic and occur on living trees. An effective trapping method would thus be most useful.

A synthetic lure for R. grandis was first field‐tested in release–recapture experiments. Release points were surrounded by one or two concentric rings of traps baited with either D. micans larval frass or with a blend of synthetic chemicals. Kairomone‐trapping using the synthetic lure was then tested in the field, monitoring R. grandis in 58 spruce stands in Belgium and France.

In the release–recapture experiments, up to 65% of the released predators were caught within 48 h. Catches with the synthetic lure and with prey frass were not significantly different.

Field‐trapping assays showed R. grandis establishment in 30 stands, including areas where the predator had been introduced artificially. Trapping was unsuccessful at the southern and western limits of D. micans’ range. Combined visual and trapping approaches identified 32 stands containing the predators, with two false negatives with the trapping method, compared to 19 for the visual surveys.

Unexpectedly, male and female D. micans adults were trapped in some cases. The combined approach identified 43 attacked stands, among which there were four false negatives with the trapping method and 11 with the visual surveys.

Synthesis and applications. To our knowledge, this is one of the first cases of using kairomone traps to monitor a predator after releases for biocontrol. Furthermore, because this predator is strictly prey‐specific, this technique also identifies stands colonized by D. micans bark beetles. Following inoculative predator releases, kairomone trapping could be used to survey for D. micans in areas under colonization or in European Union ‘Protected Zones’.
The impact of having a sibling with an intellectual disability: parental perspectives in two disorders
Authors: Mulroy S. , Robertson L. , Aiberti K. , Leonard H. , Bower C.
Published: November 2007

Background  The potential effects on other children when there is a child with intellectual disability (ID) in the family are being increasingly recognized. This study describes the impact of having a sibling with Down syndrome or Rett syndrome using a questionnaire completed by parents.

Methods  The parents of 186 Western Australian children with Down syndrome and 141 Australian girls and women with Rett syndrome participated in the study. Patterns of reporting disadvantages and/or benefits were compared across a number of child and family variables (age, functional ability and birth order of the affected child, number of siblings and number of parents in the family home) and by socio‐economic status as measured by the index of relative socio‐economic disadvantage and by area of residence. Parents' responses to open‐ended questions about the benefits and/or disadvantages for siblings of their child were analysed for themes.

Results  The majority of parents in the Rett syndrome and Down syndrome groups reported both disadvantages and benefits for siblings. In the Rett syndrome group, families from outer regional areas were the least likely to mention disadvantages and those with a smaller family more likely to note disadvantages. In both groups, more socio‐economically advantaged families were more likely to report disadvantages. In the Down syndrome group, benefits were also more commonly reported by parents who were socio‐economically advantaged, and by larger and two‐parent families. Major disadvantages for siblings centred around parental and personal time constraints, relationships and socializing, restrictions, parental emotion and burden of helping. Major benefits were related to personality characteristics.

Conclusion  Parents identified both benefits and disadvantages to the siblings of their child with either Rett syndrome or Down syndrome. It is important that these findings are incorporated into any discussion around the impact on the family of a child diagnosed with an ID.
Improving memory span in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Conners F. A. , Rosenquist C. J. , Arnett L. , Moore M. S. , Hume L. E.
Published: November 2007

Background  Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by impaired memory span, particularly auditory verbal memory span. Memory span is linked developmentally to several language capabilities, and may be a basic capacity that enables language learning. If children with DS had better memory span, they might benefit more from language intervention. The present study evaluates a home‐based parent‐implemented intervention designed to improve auditory memory span in children with DS.

Method  Sixteen children with DS, age 6–14, completed one or two 3‐month periods of memory training using overt cumulative rehearsal and auditory‐only procedures. Children were divided into two groups. Group 1 completed 3 months of memory training followed by 3 months of visual activities, followed by three more months of memory training. Group 2 had the opposite schedule. Before and after each 3‐month period, children came into the laboratory for memory assessment.

Results  Children improved in training sessions and a small amount on digit span, the primary proximal outcome assessment measure. Digit span improvement was linked to the memory training, as indicated by control comparisons and correlations. Improvement was correlated with language comprehension and verbal working memory, but not with non‐verbal ability, age or home/behavioural variables. No improvement was evident on distal outcome measures (sentence memory and verbal working memory); however, a phonological similarity effect emerged coincidence with memory training, suggesting increased use of phonological codes in memory.

Conclusions  Results suggest that some children with DS can improve their auditory verbal memory span with home‐based rehearsal training, at least in limited ways. Children with good language and verbal working memory skills may be the best candidates for this type of training, even though they may show only small improvements. Still, small improvements in a severely impaired function are noteworthy, and justify further investigation.
Atrial fibrillation: insights from clinical trials and novel treatment options
Authors: Blaauw Y. , Crijns H. J. G. M.
Published: November 2007

Abstract. Blaauw Y, Crijns HJGM (University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands). Atrial fibrillation: insights from clinical trials and novel treatment options (Review).J Intern Med2007;262: 593–614.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common encountered sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice. The last decade the result of large ‘rate’ versus ‘rhythm’ control trials have been published that have changed the current day practise of AF treatment. It has become clear that rate control is at least equally effective as a rhythm control strategy in ameliorating morbidity as well as mortality. Moreover, in each individual patient the risk of thromboembolic events should be assessed and antithrombotic treatment be initiated. There have also been great advances in understanding the mechanisms of AF. Experimental studies showed that as a result of electrical and structural remodelling of the atria, ‘AF begets AF’. Pharmacological prevention of atrial electrical remodelling has been troublesome, but it seems that blockers of the renin angiotensin system, and perhaps statins, may reduce atrial structural remodelling by preventing atrial fibrosis. Clinical studies demonstrated that the pulmonary veins exhibit foci that can act as initiator and perpetuator of the arrhythmia. Isolation of the pulmonary veins using radiofrequency catheter ablation usually abolishes AF. The most promising advances in the pharmacological treatment of AF include atrial specific antiarrhythmic drugs and direct thrombin inhibitors. In the present review we will describe the results of recent experimental studies, discuss the latest clinical trials, and we will focus on novel treatment modalities.
Skills and competencies required by veterinary pharmacologists: a blueprint for graduate education in veterinary pharmacology in North America
Authors: FAJT V. R.
Published: November 2007

This report describes the results of two efforts to gather data on the needs of veterinary pharmacology, whether academic or industrial, to better define the skills and competencies that graduate programs in veterinary pharmacology should endeavor to provide. Data collected from an on‐line survey of the animal health industry were used to develop a workshop at the biennial meeting of the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Lists of skills were developed and categorized, and differences among the skills identified by industry vs. academy were outlined. This report offers a blueprint for graduate education in veterinary pharmacology in terms of the types and details of skills and competencies to better prepare future veterinary pharmacologists.
The role of tropical dry forest as a long‐term barrier to dispersal: a comparative phylogeographical analysis of dry forest tolerant and intolerant frogs
Authors: CRAWFORD ANDREW J. , BERMINGHAM ELDREDGE , CAROLINA POLANÍA S.
Published: November 2007

We used a comparative phylogeographical approach to investigate the origins of the disjunct wet forest biota of the Golfo Dulce region along the Pacific slope of Costa Rica. This region is isolated by Pacific dry forests north and south and isolated from Caribbean wet forests by mountains. We studied three sympatric lowland frog species in theCraugastor fitzingerispecies group that prefer wet forest but differ in their response to dry habitats. In dry forest,C. fitzingerican survive along streams whileC. crassidigitusandC. talamancaeare entirely absent. We collected samples from across the ranges of all three species, and obtained mitochondrial DNA sequence data from the COI and cytochromebgenes. We observed significant phylogeographical structure inC. crassidigitusandC. talamancae, but much less inC. fitzingeri, demonstrating that mountain barriers and dry forest habitat have reduced mitochondrial gene flow in the strictly wet‐forest species. Additionally, we discovered that the Golfo Dulce and Central Panama populations ofC. crassidigitusappear to have diverged in the Pliocene or earlier, suggesting that the dry forest separating these populations is old. Our phylogenetic analysis of 12 of approximately 16 species of theC. fitzingerispecies group suggests that the three lowland species are each other's closest relatives. Because of this shared phylogenetic history, we attribute the striking differences in phylogeographical structure to the different ecologies of the frogs. In summary, we find that what appear to be minor differences in the natural history of these three closely related species may profoundly impact the potential for dispersal, range size, and cladogenesis.
The population genomics of hepatitis B virus
Authors: SZMARAGD CAMILLE , BALLOUX FRANÇOIS
Published: November 2007

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is considered as the fifth leading cause of death due to infectious diseases and has a worldwide prevalence. The particular geographical distribution of the eight previously defined genotypes of HBV suggests that the viral population is highly structured. The presence of such population structure is likely to affect the geographical distribution of polymorphisms involved in disease progression. In this study, we determined the structure of the HBV population using a clustering approach based on the observed allele frequencies at the polymorphic loci. We used all full‐genome sequences publicly available and obtained a significant clustering of the HBV population into four main clusters, strongly associated with the current classification into genotypes. One of these main clusters could itself be split into three well‐supported subclusters, highlighting the hierarchical nature of the population differentiation between HBV strains. The extremely clear‐cut subdivision of the HBV population further indicates that recombination in HBV is not as extensive as previously assumed.
The regulatory factor SipA provides a link between NblS and NblR signal transduction pathways in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942
Authors: Salinas Paloma , Ruiz Diego , Cantos Raquel , Lopez‐Redondo Maria Luisa , Marina Alberto , Contreras Asunción
Published: November 2007

Cyanobacteria respond to environmental stress conditions by adjusting its photosynthesis machinery. When subjected to nutrient and high light stress, Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 and other non‐diazotrophic cyanobacteria degrade their phycobilisome, the light‐harvesting complexes for photosynthesis. Phycobilisome degradation requires convergence of multiple signals onto the nblA gene. Despite considerable efforts to identify regulatory proteins involved in acclimation responses, the signal transduction mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. However, we show here that SipA, a protein that binds to the ATP‐binding domain of the histidine kinase NblS, counteracts the function of the response regulator NblR in acclimation to stress, and is also involved in downregulation of the nblA gene. The integrity of the HLR1 element overlapping PnblA‐1 and PnblA‐2 promoters is required for downregulation of the nblA gene. Induction by NblR is strongly dependent on DNA sequences located at least 44 bp upstream transcription initiation from PnblA‐2, and is also hampered by point mutations at HLR1. Genetic evidence of the antagonistic roles of NblR and SipA at regulation of the nblA gene, chlorosis and survival from stress is presented.
Cardiovascular effects of gastric intubation and distension in healthy humans
Authors: Cantù P. , Savojardo D. , Barelli M. V. , Buonamici V. , Bertinieri G. , Penagini R.
Published: November 2007

Abstract Few data exist on the effect of upper gut stimuli on the cardiovascular system. Aim of our study was to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of gastric intubation and distension. Eleven healthy subjects (eight men, aged 21–30 years) were studied and a non‐invasive beat‐to‐beat cardiovascular monitoring system was used. After 15‐min basal recording, a bag catheter was positioned in the proximal stomach and connected to a barostat. Recordings were first performed for 15 min with the bag deflated, then during inflation of air using a 100 mL per 2 min stepwise protocol until epigastric discomfort was reported, and finally for 15 min with the bag inflated at 75% of discomfort volume separed from the preceding period by 10 min with the bag deflated. Presence of the deflated bag catheter significantly increased mean arterial pressure. Stepwise distension progressively increased heart rate and cardiac index, while mean arterial pressure was affected only at discomfort volume. Peripheral resistances and systemic plasma catecholamines were unaffected. During prolonged distension, the effect on heart rate and cardiac index was transient. In conclusion, both gastric intubation and distension alter cardiovascular parameters, but the effect of distension undergoes rapid adaptation. Experimentally induced gastric distension is a valuable stimulus to study viscero‐cardiovascular reflexes and their mechanisms using beat‐to‐beat measurements.
The role of parvalbumin and calbindin D28k in experimental scrapie
Authors: Voigtländer T. , Unterberger U. , Guentchev M. , Schwaller B. , Celio M. R. , Meyer M. , Budka H.
Published: November 2007

Aims: Prion diseases are generally characterized by pronounced neuronal loss. In particular, a subpopulation of inhibitory neurones, characterized by the expression of the calcium‐binding protein parvalbumin (PV), is selectively destroyed early in the course of human and experimental prion diseases. By contrast, nerve cells expressing calbindin D28k (CB), another calcium‐binding protein, as well as PV/CB coexpressing Purkinje cells, are well preserved. Methods: To evaluate, if PV and CB may directly contribute to neuronal vulnerability or resistance against nerve cell death, respectively, we inoculated PV‐ and CB‐deficient mice, and corresponding controls, with 139A scrapie and compared them with regard to incubation times and histological lesion profiles. Results: While survival times were slightly but significantly diminished in CB–/–, but not PV–/– mice, scrapie lesion profiles did not differ between knockout mice and controls. There was a highly significant and selective loss of isolectin B4‐decorated perineuronal nets (which specifically demarcate the extracellular matrix surrounding the ‘PV‐expressing’ subpopulation of cortical interneurones) in scrapie inoculated PV+/+, as well as PV–/– mice. Purkinje cell numbers were not different in CB+/+ and CB–/– mice. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PV expression is a surrogate marker for neurones highly vulnerable in prion diseases, but that the death of these neurones is unrelated to PV expression and thus based on a still unknown pathomechanism. Further studies including the inoculation of mice ectopically (over)expressing CB are necessary to determine whether the shortened survival of CB–/– mice is indeed due to a neuroprotective effect of this molecule.
Induction of Host Protective Th1 Immune Response by Chemokines in Leishmania donovani‐infected BALB/c Mice
Authors: Dey R. , Majumder N. , Majumdar S. Bhattacharyya , Bhattacharjee S. , Banerjee S. , Roy S. , Majumdar S.
Published: November 2007

The resolution from leishmanial infection is dependent on the coordinated interactions between the components of the cell mediated immune system and the activation of T‐cell population into appropriate cytokine production and the activation of macrophages. Earlier reports established that C‐C chemokines particularly macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α and macrophage chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 restrict the parasitic burden via the regulation of impaired protein kinase C (PKC) signalling and induction of free‐radical generation in murine leishmaniasis. This study explored the role of MIP‐1α and MCP‐1 in the induction of T helper 1 (Th1) immune response and suppression of T helper 2 (Th2) response in Leishmania donovani‐infected BALB/c mice. These chemokines induced the known pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐12 secretion and inhibited the secretion of anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β in infected macrophages. Impaired antigen presentation capability of infected macrophages was also restored by the chemokine treatment. C‐C chemokine treatment resulted in reduced levels of mRNA expression of IL‐10, but increased levels of mRNA expression of IL‐12p40, interferon (IFN)‐γ, tumour necrosis factor‐α and inducible nitric oxide synthase in both liver mononuclear cells as well as in splenocytes, reflecting a switch of CD4+ differentiation from Th2 to Th1. Flow cytometric analysis of infected spleen cells suggested that C‐C chemokine treatment enhances the CD4+ T cells to produce increased levels of IFN‐γ. These studies hypothesize a promising immuno‐prophylactic effect of chemokines against leishmaniasis by induction of Th1 cytokine release imparting a long‐term resistance.
Protection of Mice against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection by Immunization with Aqueous Fraction of Triton X‐100‐soluble Cell Wall Proteins
Authors: Jeon B.‐Y. , Kim H.‐J. , Kim S.‐C. , Jo E.‐K. , Park J.‐K. , Paik T.‐H. , Kim S.‐J. , Cho S.‐N.
Published: November 2007

The aqueous fraction of Triton X‐100‐soluble proteins (TSP‐Aq) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell wall was reported to stimulate T‐cell responses in peripheral blood monocytes from tuberculosis (TB) patients and to induce Th1 cytokines, suggesting presence of protective antigens. In this study, therefore, we examined the protective efficacy of TSP‐Aq against M. tuberculosis infection in a mouse model. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with TSP‐Aq or culture filtrate proteins (CFP) mixed with incomplete Freund’s adjuvant or with BCG followed by i.v. challenge with M. tuberculosis H37Rv. TSP‐Aq induced strong interferon‐γ production by spleen cells, and mice immunized with TSP‐Aq antigens gave a significant reduction in M. tuberculosis CFU counts by 1.17–1.32 log10 CFU in the lungs and 1.31–2.08 log10 CFU in the spleen from 6 to 28 weeks. The degree of protection offered by TSP‐Aq was comparable to that of CFP and of the BCG vaccine. The results demonstrated that the TSP‐Aq antigens confer a significant level of protection against the growth of the organism in the lungs and spleen in a mouse model of TB and indicate that TSP contains major protective antigens of M. tuberculosis.
Generation of MUC1‐stimulated Mononuclear Cells using Optimizied Conditions
Authors: Wright S. E. , Khaznadar R. , Wang Z. , Quinlin I. S. , Rewers‐Felkins K. A. , Phillips C. A. , Patel S.
Published: November 2007

Mucin is a glycoprotein found on the surface of cell membranes of adenocarcinomas. The purpose of these studies was to generate MUC1 multiple tandem repeat (VNTR)‐stimulated mononuclear cells (M1SMC). We first determined the optimal conditions to influence the immune response. In these studies, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), from patients with adenocarcinomas, were stimulated by different numbers of M1SMC stimulations, various concentrations of MUC1 peptide, washing of PBMC prior to stimulation and days in culture, to determine the optimal conditions to influence the immune response. The results of this study indicate that the mononuclear cells (MC) stimulated twice 1 week apart with MUC1 VNTR1 produced a greater specific killing of the breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 than the 0, 1, 3 or 4 weekly stimulations. The optimal molarity for inducing cytotoxicity and cytokines (granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, gamma‐interferon and interleukin‐10) was 45 × 10−8 m (1 μg/ml); except for tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐alpha which was 22 × 10−8 m (0.5 μg/ml). The unwashed MC were superior to washing them with Ficoll–Hypaque. The optimal number of days in culture for cytotoxicity and cytokine production was after two stimulations (i.e. after day 7). Optimum conditions for generation of M1SMC identified in these studies were two stimulations with peptide, concentration of 45 × 10−8 m (1 μg/ml) peptide, unwashed cells, and after two stimulations or after 8 days in culture. M1SMC were generated from multiple patients with breast cancer which lysed adenocarcinoma cells.
Engineering oilseeds to produce nutritional fatty acids
Authors: Damude Howard G. , Kinney Anthony J.
Published: November 2007

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that regular consumption of foods rich in omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids has multiple positive health benefits. The fats and oils from marine fish contain high contents of these beneficial fatty acids but increased consumer demand has also increased strain on the ability of the world’s fisheries to meet demand from wild capture. Many consumers are choosing fish oil supplements or are eating foods that have been complemented with fish oils instead of consuming fish directly. However, removing undesirable odors, flavors and contaminants is expensive. In contrast, oils derived from land plants such as soybean are inexpensive and contaminant free. Recent strides in plant molecular biology now allow the engineering of oilseeds for the production of novel fats and oils, including those synthesized by complex, multigene biosynthetic pathways such as the omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Given the potential benefits to the environment with regards to overfishing and the health prospects of increased consumption of these healthy fatty acids, producing these fatty acids in oilseeds is a desirable and worthy goal. In this review, we will describe the recent advances in this field along with some of the technical hurdles encountered thus far.
Allometry of diving capacities: ectothermy vs. endothermy
Authors: BRISCHOUX F. , BONNET X. , COOK T. R. , SHINE R.
Published: November 2007

Body mass positively influences diving capacities in air‐breathing vertebrates and has been identified as a key determinant for the evolution of diving. Our review on the relationship between body mass and dive duration (a major parameter of dive performances) encompassed for the first time a wide diversity of air‐breathing vertebrates. We included a substantial number of nonavian and nonmammalian diving species belonging to various independent lineages (sea snakes, iguana, turtles and crocodiles). Our analyses suggest that the widely accepted size dependency of dive duration applies with significantly less force in ectotherms compared with endotherms; notably we failed to detect any effect of body mass in ectotherms. We hypothesize that the absence of tight physiological links between body mass and respiratory demands documented in ectotherms blurred our ability to detect the expected correlation. Further exploration of the evolution of diving physiology may well necessitate adopting novel perspectives to encompass both ectothermic and endothermic modes.
Barn swallow chicks beg more loudly when broodmates are unrelated
Authors: BONCORAGLIO G. , SAINO N.
Published: November 2007

Parents of a variety of animal species distribute critical resources among their offspring according to the intensity of begging displays. Kin selection theory predicts that offspring behave more selfishly in monopolizing parental care as relatedness with competitors declines. We cross‐fostered two eggs between barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) clutches and compared the loudness of begging between mixed and control broods under normal feeding conditions and after a period of food deprivation. Begging loudness was higher in mixed broods under normal but not poor feeding conditions. Survival was reduced in mixed than control broods. Call features varied according to parentage, possibly serving as a cue for self‐referent phenotype matching in mixed broods. This is the first evidence within a vertebrate species that competitive behaviour among broodmates depends on their relatedness. Thus, kin recognition and relatedness may be important determinants of communication among family members, care allocation and offspring viability in barn swallows.
A comparison between desert and Mediterranean antlion populations: differences in life history and morphology
Authors: SCHARF I. , FILIN I. , GOLAN M. , BUCHSHTAV M. , SUBACH A. , OVADIA O.
Published: November 2007

We performed a transplant experiment to compare the life histories and morphologies of five geographically representative antlionMyrmeleon hyalinuspopulations along a sharp climatic gradient, from a Mediterranean climate in Israel’s north to a desert climate in the south. Larvae were raised in two environmental chambers simulating Mediterranean and desert climates to investigate the extent to which the different populations exhibit phenotypic plasticity. Along the north‐to‐south climatic gradient, we observed a gradient in body mass prior to pupation and in pupation rate. Mediterranean populations suffered higher mortality rate when exposed to desert conditions, whereas the mortality rate of desert populations was consistent between Mediterranean and desert conditions. Our results regarding body mass, pupation rate and mortality rate suggest that Mediterranean populations had a more flexible response compared with desert populations. An analysis of digital photographs was used to measure population morphological differences, which were usually indicative of a decrease in trait size along the north‐to‐south gradient. We show how climatic gradients translate into phenotypic differences in an antlion population and provide a morphometric tool to distinguish between instar stages.
Comparative study in stingless bees (Meliponini) demonstrates that nest entrance size predicts traffic and defensivity
Authors: COUVILLON M. J. , WENSELEERS T. , IMPERATRIZ‐FONSECA V. L. , NOGUEIRA‐NETO P. , RATNIEKS F. L. W.
Published: November 2007

Stingless bees (Meliponini) construct their own species‐specific nest entrance. The size of this entrance is under conflicting selective pressures. Smaller entrances are easier to defend; however, a larger entrance accommodates heavier forager traffic. Using a comparative approach with 26 species of stingless bees, we show that species with greater foraging traffic have significantly larger entrances. Such a strong correlation between relative entrance area and traffic across the different species strongly suggests a trade‐off between traffic and security. Additionally, we report on a significant trend for higher forager traffic to be associated with more guards and for those guards to be more aggressive. Finally, we discuss the nest entrance ofPartamona, known in Brazil as boca de sapo, or toad mouth, which has a wide outer entrance but a narrow inner entrance. This extraordinary design allows these bees to finesse the defensivity/traffic trade‐off.
A biochemical quality study of a pharmaceutically licenced coagulation active plasma (Octaplas®) thawed by the SAHARA‐III dry tempering system compared to the regular use of a water bath
Authors: Heger A. , Römisch J. , Svae T.‐E.
Published: November 2007

Background and Objectives  The most common way to thaw frozen coagulation‐active plasma products for transfusion is the use of a water bath with good circulation at 30–37 °C. The aim of this study was to perform an extensive biochemical characterization of the pharmaceutically licenced solvent/detergent‐treated plasma, Octaplas®, thawed using the SAHARA‐III dry tempering system from the company Sarstedt GmbH, Austria. A regular water bath was used in parallel for comparison.

Materials and Methods  Six batches Octaplas® with different blood groups were thawed in a water bath or using the SAHARA‐III dry tempering system in parallel. Thawed plasma was investigated on screening tests for blood coagulation, as well as on the activities of important coagulation factors and protease inhibitors. In addition, markers of activated coagulation and fibrinolysis were tested and von Willebrand factor multimeric analysis was performed.

Results  There were neither significant differences in the blood coagulation parameters, coagulation factors, protease inhibitors, nor of markers of activated coagulation and fibrinolysis when Octaplas® thawed by the two different methods was tested. The von Willebrand factor analyses showed no influence on the overall profile of the multimeric pattern when using the SAHARA‐III dry tempering system.

Conclusion  Octaplas® can be thawed using the SAHARA‐III dry tempering system without any negative influences on the demonstrated quality of this product. The SAHARA‐III dry tempering system enables standardized thawing and warming procedure. Furthermore, tempering of Octaplas® in the emergency unit or operating theatre, where no water baths can be utilized, is safe and can be fully endorsed.
A case study of occupational therapy managers in NSW: Roles, responsibilities and work satisfaction
Authors: Gamble Jane E. , Lincoln Michelle , Adamson Barbara
Published: November 2007

Background:  Job satisfaction has been shown to affect levels of staff retention and productivity, but few studies have been conducted on the work of occupational therapy managers and their job satisfaction. This study explores the roles and responsibilities of occupational therapy managers who are clinician‐managers or manager‐administrators, and sources of their work satisfaction.

Methods:  A collective case study involved telephone interviews with 16 occupational therapy managers. Semistructured interview questions were based on an earlier discussion with a separate group of occupational therapy managers. Interview transcripts were analysed for emerging themes.

Results:  There were no clear differences in the roles and responsibilities of the two types of managers (manager‐administrators and clinician‐managers); however, manager‐administrators tended to be responsible for larger numbers of staff. Managers reported that taking a clinical caseload is often at their own discretion. A common challenge for managers is the balancing of priorities as a clinician and a manager. Managing people was a common source of joy and sometimes a source of frustration. Mediating between staff and senior management and the need for budget control and efficiencies was an important aspect of managers’ work, as was their autonomy to make decisions.

Conclusions:  Occupational therapy managers assume responsibilities consistent with clinician managers across disciplines. The main sources of work satisfaction related to people management particularly when staff were working effectively as a team and there was respect from senior management. Further research will confirm whether there are no obvious differences between clinician‐manager and manager‐administrators, and whether there are clear differences in work‐related frustration across sectors.
Occupational therapy services for adult neurological clients in Queensland and therapists’ use of telehealth to provide services
Authors: Hoffmann Tammy , Cantoni Nicola
Published: November 2007

Background/Aim:  Occupational therapy is an important component of neurological rehabilitation. Clients in rural areas have fewer opportunities to receive rehabilitation than those in metropolitan areas. Telehealth is a potential method of closing these gaps in service delivery, although research into telehealth applications for neurological rehabilitation is extremely limited. To assist in the development of appropriate telehealth applications, this study aimed to identify the nature of occupational therapy services for neurological rehabilitation in areas of Queensland other than the capital city of Brisbane, the barriers to service delivery, and the current uses of various information and communication technologies among occupational therapists.

Methods:  A self‐administered questionnaire was sent to occupational therapists working in adult neurological rehabilitation in all areas of Queensland other than the capital city of Brisbane. Contact details were obtained from OT AUSTRALIA Queensland.

Results:  Responses were received from 39 eligible participants. The client's home was the most frequent setting in which participants saw clients. Home visits and modifications, equipment prescription, client/family education, and activities of daily living assessment and retraining were the most common interventions provided by participants. Frequently identified barriers to service provision included travelling distance to clients, large workloads and limited resources. Telephone, email, fax, the Internet and videoconferencing were available in most workplaces. Few participants used the Internet or videoconferencing for purposes other than continuing professional development.

Conclusions:  Home‐based assessment and intervention appear to be frequent components of occupational therapy practice among therapists working in neurological rehabilitation. The use of telehealth to provide direct home‐based client services is currently limited, but should be explored as a possible solution to overcome some of the identified barriers to occupational therapy service provision for clients with neurological conditions in rural and remote areas.
An analysis of the demarcation problem in science and its application to therapeutic touch theory
Authors: Newbold David , Roberts Julia
Published: November 2007

This paper analyses the demarcation problem from the perspective of four philosophers: Popper, Kuhn, Lakatos and Feyerabend. To Popper, pseudoscience uses induction to generate theories, and only performs experiments to seek to verify them. To Popper, falsifiability is what determines the scientific status of a theory. Taking a historical approach, Kuhn observed that scientists did not follow Popper's rule, and might ignore falsifying data, unless overwhelming. To Kuhn, puzzle‐solving within a paradigm is science. Lakatos attempted to resolve this debate, by suggesting history shows that science occurs in research programmes, competing according to how progressive they are. The leading idea of a programme could evolve, driven by its heuristic to make predictions that can be supported by evidence. Feyerabend claimed that Lakatos was selective in his examples, and the whole history of science shows there is no universal rule of scientific method, and imposing one on the scientific community impedes progress. These positions are used in turn, to examine the scientific status of therapeutic touch theory. The paper concludes that imposing a single rule of method can impede progress, in the face of multiple epistemologies, and the choice of scientific approach should be a pragmatic one based on the aims of the programme.
Invisible partners: The Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps pathway to the Malayan Emergency
Authors: McLeod Margaret , Francis Karen
Published: November 2007

This paper highlights the role of women from the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps who served in the Malayan Emergency. The British administrators of Malaya declared an Emergency in 1948 in response to threats posed by Chinese Communist Terrorists. Australia was slow to support Britain, but in 1955 Australian ground troops, accompanied by six Army nurses were deployed to Malaya. The nurses worked in British Military Hospitals, continuing the traditions of their antecedents; yet their contributions remain hidden from view. The exact number of Australian nurses who served in the Emergency is unknown, because of the poor record‐keeping of the Southeast Asian conflicts. However, it is estimated that 33 Australian Army nurses served in Malaya from 1955, with some continuing their service into the early 1960s. The experiences of four of these nurses are revealed in this paper: they are no longer invisible partners.
The importance of the patient–clinician relationship in adherence to antiretroviral medication
Authors: Molassiotis Alex , Morris Kate , Trueman Ian
Published: November 2007

The aim of the study was to assess dimensions of the patient–clinician relationship in relation to adherence with antiretroviral medication in a sample of HIV patients. This was a correlational evaluation, using a cross‐sectional design. Thirty‐eight HIV patients in two UK HIV units provided complete data. Analysis suggested that the elements of the patient–clinician relationship contributing to adherence with medication were the patient perception of being valued and respected by the clinician, the patients' ability to initiate discussions about the treatment, empowerment and level of trust placed in the nurse. The latter, and the time since starting antiretroviral treatment, were the only two variables that could predict adherence in a regression model, explaining 41% of the variance in adherence. Building trusted relationships with the patients and investing in educational and communication techniques to improve the therapeutic relationship could strongly contribute to HIV patients to maintaining high adherence rates.
Nurses' attitudes to single checking medications: Before and after its use
Authors: O'Connell Bev , Crawford Sharyn , Tull Andrea , Gaskin Cadeyrn J
Published: November 2007

We report nurses' attitudes towards the single checking of medications before and after the implementation of this procedure in an acute health‐care setting. Data from a pre‐implementation survey confirmed that some nurses held strong views against single checking. Following this survey, the hospital's medication administration policy was revised, a single checking resource manual was developed, 1–2 h nurse education sessions were held, the competencies of nurses to single check and to administer medications were assessed, and single checking was successfully piloted before hospital‐wide implementation. Data from a survey conducted 18 months after the implementation indicated that nurses welcomed the single checking medication procedure, felt more confident using single checking and perceived that it made them more accountable for administering medications. The findings provide evidence that nurses' attitudes to single checking change remarkably in favour of its use with education and experience using this procedure.
Contributing to a culture of learning: A Mentor Development and Support Project for Australian rural nurses
Authors: Mills Jane , Lennon Donna , Francis Karen
Published: November 2007

Mentoring in rural and remote nursing receives little attention in the literature, even though it is emerging in Australia as a popular strategy to improve the retention of staff. The Association for Australian Rural Nurses established a 2‐year Mentor Development and Support Project in 2003 with the aim of promoting mentoring among rural and remote nurses. During the life of the project, 101 such nurses attended Mentor Development Workshops. This project demonstrated that training is an important prerequisite for rural and remote nurses who are planning to enter a mentoring relationship. Participant evaluation showed an increase in mentoring knowledge and skills and a subsequent rise in confidence about undertaking the role. Participants also believed that their increased capacity to mentor was reflected in their workplaces, contributing to a positive culture of learning.
Peroxiredoxin I protects gastric mucosa from oxidative injury induced by H. pylori infection
Authors: Sato Daisuke , Yanaka Akinori , Shibahara Takeshi , Matsui Hirofumi , Nakahara Akira , Yanagawa Toru , Warabi Eiji , Ishii Tetsuro , Hyodo Ichinosuke
Published: November 2007

Background and Aim:  Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection enhances the production of reactive oxygen species and peroxynitrite, thereby resulting in oxidative tissue damage. In this study, we examined the role of peroxiredoxin I (Prx I), a stress‐induced antioxidant enzyme, in protecting gastric mucosa from H. pylori‐induced gastric mucosal injury.

Methods:  Wild type (Prx I+/+) and Prx I‐deficient type (Prx I–/–) mice were maintained for 2 to 12 months with or without infection of H. pylori, Sydney strain‐1. Gastric mucosal expression of Prx I was assessed by immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemistry. The degree of gastritis was evaluated by the updated Sydney system and by mucosal levels of inflammatory cytokines (MIP‐2, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α). Oxidative DNA injury and apoptosis were analyzed by mucosal level of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine, and the number of apoptotic cells stained with a single‐stranded DNA antibody, respectively.

Results:  H. pylori infection upregulated gastric mucosal Prx I expression in the Prx I+/+ but not the Prx I–/– mice. H. pylori infection also induced more severe gastritis and a more prominent increase in MIP level, more marked oxidative DNA injury, and apoptosis in the Prx I–/– than the Prx I+/+ mice. In the absence of H. pylori infection, no changes were demonstrated in gastric mucosa in either the Prx I+/+ or the Prx I−/− mice.

Conclusion:  These data suggest that H. pylori infection upregulates gastric mucosal Prx I expression, and further, that Prx I plays an important role in gastric mucosal protection against oxidative injury induced by H. pylori infection.
Effect of a thrombin receptor (protease‐activated receptor 1,PAR‐1) gene polymorphism in chronic hepatitis C liver fibrosis
Authors: Martinelli Ana , Knapp Susanne , Anstee Quentin , Worku Mulugeta , Tommasi Anna , Zucoloto Sergio , Goldin Robert , Thursz Mark
Published: November 2007

Background and Aim: Tissue injury leads to activation of coagulation and generation of thrombin. Inhibition of thrombin receptor protease‐activated receptor 1 (PAR‐1) has been shown to reduce liver fibrosis in animals. This study aimed to evaluate the effect ofPAR‐1gene polymorphism on rate of liver fibrosis (RF) in chronic hepatitis C.

Methods: Polymorphisms studied: C > T transition 1426 bp upstream of translation start site (‐1426C/T), 13 bp repeat of preceding ‐506 5′‐CGGCCGCGGGAAG‐3′ sequence (‐506I/D), and A > T transversion in intervening sequence (IVS) 14 bp upstream of exon‐2 start site (IVS‐14A/T). A total of 287 European and 90 Brazilian patients were studied.

Results: 1426C/T polymorphism: There was a trend to higher RF in patients with the TT genotype (P = 0.06) and an association between genotype CC and slow fibrosis (P = 0.03) in Europeans. In males, RF was significantly higher in those with the TT genotype compared to CT (P = 0.003) and CC (P = 0.007). There was a significant association between TT and fast fibrosis (P = 0.04). This was confirmed in an independent cohort of Brazilians where RF was higher in TT than in CC (P = 0.03). Analysis of ‐506I/D showed no difference in RF and distribution of slow/fast fibrosis among different genotypes in both populations. Analysis of IVS‐14A/T showed no difference between genotypes.

Conclusion: In conclusion, these findings suggest that PAR‐1 receptor polymorphisms influence the progression of liver fibrosis.