bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assisted walking in Malagasy dwarf chamaeleons
Authors: Boistel Renaud , Herrel Anthony , Daghfous Gheylen , Libourel Paul-Antoine , Boller Elodie , Tafforeau Paul , Bels Vincent
Published: May 2010

Chamaeleons are well known for their unique suite of morphological adaptations. Whereas most chamaeleons are arboreal and have long tails, which are used during arboreal acrobatic manoeuvres, Malagasy dwarf chamaeleons (Brookesia) are small terrestrial lizards with relatively short tails. Like other chamaeleons,Brookesiahave grasping feet and use these to hold on to narrow substrates. However, in contrast to other chamaeleons,Brookesiaplace the tail on the substrate when walking on broad substrates, thus improving stability. Using three-dimensional synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast imaging, we demonstrate a set of unique specializations in the tail associated with the use of the tail during locomotion. Additionally, our imaging demonstrates specializations of the inner ear that may allow these animals to detect small accelerations typical of their slow, terrestrial mode of locomotion. These data suggest that the evolution of a terrestrial lifestyle inBrookesiahas gone hand-in-hand with the evolution of a unique mode of locomotion and a suite of morphological adaptations allowing for stable locomotion on a wide array of substrates.
Nectar robbers pollinate flowers with sexual organs hidden within corollas in distylous
Primula secundiflora
(Primulaceae)
Authors: Zhu Xing-Fu , Wan Jin-Peng , Li Qing-Jun
Published: May 2010

Nectar robbers are thought rarely to pollinate flowers, especially those with sexual organs hidden within corollas. In this study, we examined whether robbers pollinate flowers of distylous
Primula secundiflora
. Distylous plants have two floral morphs. Pin flowers have long styles and short stamens, and thrum flowers have short styles and long stamens. Flowers of
P. secundiflora
were commonly robbed by bumble-bees, and robbing holes were always situated between high and low sexual organs for both floral morphs. We observed that pollen grains of pin flowers were removed while thrum flowers received fresh pollen grains immediately after flowers were robbed. We manipulated flowers so that only nectar robbers could visit them. This resulted in 98 per cent of thrum flowers and 6 per cent of pin flowers setting fruit, and seed number per thrum fruit was also significantly higher than per pin fruit. Our findings suggest that nectar robbers transfer pollen from pin flowers to thrum flowers effectively, and consequently increase male fitness of the pin morph and female fitness of the thrum morph. Such asymmetrical pollen flow caused by nectar robbers may act as an important selective agent in floral fitness and evolution of distyly.
Frequency response of lift control inDrosophila
Authors: Graetzel Chauncey F. , Nelson Bradley J. , Fry Steven N.
Published: May 2010

The flight control responses of the fruitfly represent a powerful model system to explore neuromotor control mechanisms, whose system level control properties can be suitably characterized with a frequency response analysis. We characterized the lift response dynamics of tethered flyingDrosophilain presence of vertically oscillating visual patterns, whose oscillation frequency we varied between 0.1 and 13 Hz. We justified these measurements by showing that the amplitude gain and phase response is invariant to the pattern oscillation amplitude and spatial frequency within a broad dynamic range. We also showed that lift responses are largely linear and time invariant (LTI), a necessary condition for a meaningful analysis of frequency responses and a remarkable characteristic given its nonlinear constituents. The flies responded to increasing oscillation frequencies with a roughly linear decrease in response gain, which dropped to background noise levels at about 6 Hz. The phase lag decreased linearly, consistent with a constant reaction delay of 75 ms. Next, we estimated the free-flight response of the fly to generate a Bode diagram of the lift response. The limitation of lift control to frequencies below 6 Hz is explained with inertial body damping, which becomes dominant at higher frequencies. Our work provides the detailed background and techniques that allow optomotor lift responses ofDrosophilato be measured with comparatively simple, affordable and commercially available techniques. The identification of an LTI, pattern velocity dependent, lift control strategy is relevant to the underlying motion computation mechanisms and serves a broader understanding of insects' flight control strategies. The relevance and potential pitfalls of applying system identification techniques in tethered preparations is discussed.
Modelling the relationship between environmental factors, transcriptional genes and deoxynivalenol mycotoxin production by strains of two
Fusarium
species
Authors: Schmidt-Heydt M. , Parra R. , Geisen R. , Magan N.
Published: May 2010

The effect of changes in temperature/water activity (
a
w
) on growth, deoxynivalenol (DON) production and trichothecene gene cluster expression (18 genes) for strains of
Fusarium culmorum
and
Fusarium graminearum
was studied. The expression data for six key transcription genes (
TRI4, TRI5
,
TRI6, TRI10, TRI12
and
TRI13
) were analysed using multiple regression analyses to model the relationship between these various factors for the first time. Changes in
a
w
and temperature significantly (
p
= 0.05) affected growth and DON. Microarray data on expression of these genes were significantly related to DON production for both strains. Multi-regression analysis was done and polynomial models found to best fit the relationship between actual/predicted DON production relative to the expression of these
TRI
genes and environmental factors. This allowed prediction of the amounts of DON produced in two-dimensional contour maps to relate expression of these genes to either
a
w
or temperature. These results suggest complex interactions between gene expression (
TRI
genes), environmental factors and mycotoxin production. This is a powerful tool for understanding the role of these genes in relation to environmental factors and enables more effective targeted control strategies to be developed.
Nonlinear instability in flagellar dynamics: a novel modulation mechanism in sperm migration?
Authors: Gadêlha H. , Gaffney E. A. , Smith D. J. , Kirkman-Brown J. C.
Published: May 2010

Throughout biology, cells and organisms use flagella and cilia to propel fluid and achieve motility. The beating of these organelles, and the corresponding ability to sense, respond to and modulate this beat is central to many processes in health and disease. While the mechanics of flagellum–fluid interaction has been the subject of extensive mathematical studies, these models have been restricted to being geometrically linear or weakly nonlinear, despite the high curvatures observed physiologically. We study the effect of geometrical nonlinearity, focusing on the spermatozoon flagellum. For a wide range of physiologically relevant parameters, the nonlinear model predicts that flagellar compression by the internal forces initiates an effective buckling behaviour, leading to a symmetry-breaking bifurcation that causes profound and complicated changes in the waveform and swimming trajectory, as well as the breakdown of the linear theory. The emergent waveform also induces curved swimming in an otherwise symmetric system, with the swimming trajectory being sensitive to head shape—no signalling or asymmetric forces are required. We conclude that nonlinear models are essential in understanding the flagellar waveform in migratory human sperm; these models will also be invaluable in understanding motile flagella and cilia in other systems.
The attachment strategy of English ivy: a complex mechanism acting on several hierarchical levels
Authors: Melzer Björn , Steinbrecher Tina , Seidel Robin , Kraft Oliver , Schwaiger Ruth , Speck Thomas
Published: May 2010

English ivy (
Hedera helix
L.) is able to grow on vertical substrates such as trees, rocks and house plaster, thereby attaching so firmly to the surface that when removed by force typically whole pieces of the climbing substrate are torn off. The structural details of the attachment process are not yet entirely understood. We studied the attachment process of English ivy in detail and suggest a four-phase process to describe the attachment strategy: (i) initial physical contact, (ii) form closure of the root with the substrate, (iii) chemical adhesion, and (iv) shape changes of the root hairs and form-closure with the substrate. These four phases and their variations play an important role in the attachment to differently structured surfaces. We demonstrate that, in English ivy, different mechanisms work together to allow the plant's attachment to various climbing substrates and reveal the importance of micro-fibril orientation in the root hairs for the attachment based on structural changes at the subcellular level.
Quantitative measures of sexual selection reveal no evidence for sex-role reversal in a sea spider with prolonged paternal care
Authors: Barreto Felipe S. , Avise John C.
Published: May 2010

Taxa in which males alone invest in postzygotic care of offspring are often considered good models for investigating the proffered relationships between sexual selection and mating systems. In the pycnogonid sea spiderPycnogonum stearnsi, males carry large egg masses on their bodies for several weeks, so this species is a plausible candidate for sex-role reversal (greater intensity of sexual selection on females than on males). Here, we couple a microsatellite-based assessment of the mating system in a natural population with formal quantitative measures of genetic fitness to investigate the direction of sexual selection inP. stearnsi. Both sexes proved to be highly polygamous and showed similar standardized variances in reproductive and mating successes. Moreover, the fertility (number of progeny) of males and females appeared to be equally and highly dependent on mate access, as shown by similar Bateman gradients for the two sexes. The absence of sex-role reversal in this population ofP. stearnsiis probably attributable to the fact that males are not limited by brooding space but have evolved an ability to carry large numbers of progeny. Body length was not a good predictor of male mating or reproductive success, so the aim of future studies should be to determine what traits are the targets of sexual selection in this species.
Signal diffusion and the mitigation of social exploitation in pneumococcal competence signalling
Authors: Yang Jungwoo , Evans Benjamin A. , Rozen Daniel E.
Published: May 2010

Quorum sensing (QS) in bacteria is thought to enable populations of cells to coordinately and cooperatively regulate gene expression for traits that confer group benefits. While this view has strong empirical and theoretical support, it is increasingly appreciated that QS under natural conditions may be incapable of monitoring bacterial numbers and, furthermore, that QS is evolutionarily unstable owing to conflicts of interest among competing cells. An alternative hypothesis, termed diffusion sensing (DS), proposes that autoinducer secretion monitors the diffusive properties of the local environment, with benefits that are directly realized by individual cells rather than populations. Here, we test central predictions of this hypothesis using the competence signalling system of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
as our model, which regulates the induction of natural transformation by the secretion and detection of a small diffusible peptide, CSP (competence-stimulating peptide). By experimentally manipulating the diffusive properties of the growth medium, we found that there is no fixed quorum for competence induction. Instead, induction cell density scales with diffusivity. In agreement with QS and DS expectations, we show that the benefit of signal exploitation by mutant cells that can use but not secrete CSP is strongly frequency-dependent. However, we also find that the magnitude of this benefit declines significantly as diffusion is reduced, a result more consistent with the predictions of DS. Together, these data provide strong support for the DS hypothesis for autoinducer response systems. More specifically, our results imply that autonomous rather than group benefits should be sought in order to more completely understand the role and evolution of CSP signalling in pneumococci.
Variation of Herbivore-Induced Volatile Terpenes among Arabidopsis Ecotypes Depends on Allelic Differences and Subcellular Targeting of Two Terpene Synthases, TPS02 and TPS03
Authors: Huang Mengsu , Abel Christian , Sohrabi Reza , Petri Jana , Haupt Ina , Cosimano John , Gershenzon Jonathan , Tholl Dorothea
Published: May 2010

When attacked by insects, plants release mixtures of volatile compounds that are beneficial for direct or indirect defense. Natural variation of volatile emissions frequently occurs between and within plant species, but knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms is limited. We investigated intraspecific differences of volatile emissions induced from rosette leaves of 27 accessions of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) upon treatment with coronalon, a jasmonate mimic eliciting responses similar to those caused by insect feeding. Quantitative variation was found for the emission of the monoterpene (E)-β-ocimene, the sesquiterpene (E,E)-α-farnesene, the irregular homoterpene 4,8,12-trimethyltridecatetra-1,3,7,11-ene, and the benzenoid compound methyl salicylate. Differences in the relative emissions of (E)-β-ocimene and (E,E)-α-farnesene from accession Wassilewskija (Ws), a high-(E)-β-ocimene emitter, and accession Columbia (Col-0), a trace-(E)-β-ocimene emitter, were attributed to allelic variation of two closely related, tandem-duplicated terpene synthase genes, TPS02 and TPS03. The Ws genome contains a functional allele of TPS02 but not of TPS03, while the opposite is the case for Col-0. Recombinant proteins of the functional Ws TPS02 and Col-0 TPS03 genes both showed (E)-β-ocimene and (E,E)-α-farnesene synthase activities. However, differential subcellular compartmentalization of the two enzymes in plastids and the cytosol was found to be responsible for the ecotype-specific differences in (E)-β-ocimene/(E,E)-α-farnesene emission. Expression of the functional TPS02 and TPS03 alleles is induced in leaves by elicitor and insect treatment and occurs constitutively in floral tissues. Our studies show that both pseudogenization in the TPS family and subcellular segregation of functional TPS enzymes control the variation and plasticity of induced volatile emissions in wild plant species.
Analysis of the non‐recombining Y chromosome defines polymorphisms in domestic pig breeds: ancestral bases identified by comparative sequencing
Authors: Cliffe K. M. , Day A. E. , Bagga M. , Siggens K. , Quilter C. R. , Lowden S. , Finlayson H. A. , Palgrave C. J. , Li N. , Huang L. , Blott S. C. , Sargent C. A.
Published: May 2010

Sequences from 20 amplicons representing nine different loci and 11369bp from the short arm of the pig Y chromosome were compared using pools of DNA from different European and Chinese breeds. A total of 33 polymorphic sites were identified, including five indels and 28 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Three high frequency SNPs within the coding regions of SRY were further analysed across 889 males representing 25 European and 25 Asian breeds or Lines, plus a European Line of Meishan. Two haplotypes seen to be associated with ‘European’ or ‘Chinese’ origin in the initial SNP discovery phase were found to be the most common in their respective groups of breeds in a more detailed genotyping study. Two further SRY haplotypes are relatively rare. One was found exclusively within Tamworth, at low frequency in Retinto, and in three Chinese breeds (Huai, Sahwutou and Xiaomeishan). The other uncommon haplotype is found exclusively in Bamajiang, two further Chinese breeds (Hangjiang Black and Longling) and two European rare breeds (Mangalica and Linderödssvin), but appears based on comparison with other suids to represent an ancestral sequence.
The use of digital images to evaluate the interobserver agreement on cervical smear readings in Italian cervical cancer screening
Authors: Tinacci G. , Biggeri A. , Pellegrini A. , Cariaggi M. P. , Schiboni M. L. , Confortini M.
Published: May 2010

G. Tinacci, A. Biggeri, A. Pellegrini, M.P. Cariaggi, M.L. Schiboni and M. Confortini

The use of digital images to evaluate the interobserver agreement on cervical smear readings in Italian cervical cancer screening

Objective:  The aim of this study was to measure interobserver agreement among cytologists on using a set of digital images.

Methods:  A set of 90 selected Papanicolaou‐stained cervical smears were digitalized and the digital images circulated among 117 readers, from laboratories spread across almost all Italian regions. Three representative fields of each smear were displayed at 20× and 40× magnification (overall six images for each case). The diagnoses made by the cytologists who provided the images were taken as target diagnoses.

Results:  The κ values were: very low for the categories atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US), and atypical squamous cells – cannot exclude high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC‐H); poor for the categories atypical glandular cells (AGC), high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and invasive cancer; and fair to good for the categories negative and low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). However, we found a cluster of 42 best concordant readers. The overall κ value and overall weighted κ with the target diagnosis for these 42 readers were 0.45 and 0.66, respectively. This finding is in contrast with the overall κ value and overall weighted κ for the other readers of 0.39 and 0.59, respectively.

Conclusions:  As this finding is an estimate of the accuracy of the readers, we can infer that it will be very important to reach this level of concordance for all the participating readers. Future effort will facilitate common experiences in order to improve the reproducibility of diagnostic criteria. Digital images could be the key to reach this aim.
Cervical cytology/histology discrepancy: a 4‐year review of patient outcome
Authors: Moss E. L. , Moran A. , Douce G. , Parkes J. , Todd R. W. , Redman C. W. E.
Published: May 2010

E. L. Moss, A. Moran, G. Douce, J. Parkes, R. W. Todd and C. E. W. Redman

Cervical cytology/histology discrepancy: a 4‐year review of patient outcome

Objective:  To investigate the diagnosis, review and management of women identified as having a cytology/histology discrepancy.

Methods:  A review of all patients diagnosed with a discrepancy between referral smear and cervical histology was performed between January 2003 and December 2004. Cases were followed for a minimum of 4 years and patient management and outcome reviewed.

Results:  A significant discrepancy was identified in 79 cases, 0.1% of all smears (n = 80 926) analysed during the study period. A discrepancy between cytology and histology, obtained from large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ), was confirmed by multidisciplinary review in 42 cases (53.2%). In 37 cases (46.8%) the cytological and/or histological diagnosis was revised; the cytology was significantly more likely than the histology to be amended (chi square P = 0.005), most often because cytology had been overcalled. Of the confirmed discrepancy cases, 33 (78.6%) were due to high‐grade squamous cell or glandular abnormalities on cytology with a negative, inflammatory or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection on histology (HGC/NH). HGC/NH cases were managed by cytological follow‐up in 29 (87.9%), of which 72.4% of the smears were negative when performed at least 6 months post‐excision. During the 4‐year follow‐up period six women with a confirmed HGC/NH underwent a repeat cervical excision (hysterectomy or LLETZ), and of these, HPV effect was seen in two cases but no cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was detected in any of the histological specimens.

Conclusion:  Cytology overcall was responsible for the majority of cytology/histology discrepancies. A confirmed discrepancy is not an indication for a further excisional biopsy but follow‐up is essential because a small percentage of patients may have disease that has been missed.
Assessing effects of flow alteration on macroinvertebrate assemblages in Australian dryland rivers
Authors: CHESSMAN BRUCE C. , JONES HUGH A. , SEARLE NIRVANA K. , GROWNS IVOR O. , PEARSON MARITA R.
Published: May 2010

1. Possible impacts of water‐resource development on assemblages of freshwater macroinvertebrates were investigated in the upper Darling River and some of its tributaries in north‐western New South Wales (Australia), an arid and semi‐arid region of low relief where alteration of river flows has intensified through expansion of irrigated agriculture.

2. Study sites were grouped into four hydrological regimes resulting from impoundment, flow regulation, water abstraction and natural variation, namely (i) intermittent flow with relatively little hydrological alteration from water‐resource development, (ii) intermittent flow with substantial alteration, (iii) near‐perennial flow with substantial alteration but unimpounded and (iv) near‐perennial flow with substantial alteration plus impoundment by weirs that stabilise water levels.

3. Macroinvertebrates were sampled with three methods (a quantitative cylinder sampler, handnet sampling and baited traps) in three periods with differing hydrology (recessional low flow in June 2003, high flow in March 2004 and increasing flow after drought in December 2004).

4. Taxonomic richness, assemblage composition and catch per unit effort of the crayfish Cherax destructor differed significantly among the site groups, but total macroinvertebrate density and the AUSRIVAS O/E (Australian River Assessment System observed‐over‐expected) index did not. The principal spatial differences were between the intermittent and near‐perennial rivers, and apparent effects of water‐resource development and impoundment were more subtle. Temporal differences in richness, abundance and composition were substantial and appeared to be related mainly to variations in discharge and temperature.

5. Current macroinvertebrate‐based methods for assessing the ‘condition’ or ‘health’ of Australian dryland rivers are inadequate. Such assessments might be improved with (i) reference data that take adequate account of antecedent hydrological conditions, (ii) consideration of long‐term taxonomic richness as well as richness on individual sampling occasions, (iii) evaluation of invertebrate population sizes, (iv) analysis of assemblage data by trait composition and (v) adoption of the genus as the default level of taxonomic resolution.
How a bottom‐dweller beats the canopy: inhibition of an aquatic weed (Potamogeton pectinatus) by macroalgae (Chara spp.)
Authors: HIDDING BERT , BREDERVELD ROBERT J. , NOLET BART A.
Published: May 2010

1. Bottom‐dwelling charophytes have been observed to replace canopy‐forming pondweeds within a few years in de‐eutrophied shallow lakes. Competition for bicarbonate (HCO3−) may explain this shift in vegetation dominance but inhibition of pondweeds by Chara spp. through direct competition has not been shown experimentally.

2. We tested whether charophytes inhibited growth of fennel pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus) in the absence of belowground competition by growing plants in pots in mesocosms following a replacement series experimental design. To further understand the role of bicarbonate, we studied main and interactive effects of Chara, light and bicarbonate on P. pectinatus growth in a laboratory study.

3. Early in the mesocosm experiment, high charophyte densities had a negative effect on P. pectinatus cover at a time when bicarbonate levels were low. However, bicarbonate levels eventually converged to low levels in all treatments. At final harvest, both species exhibited lower biomasses at higher densities of conspecific pots, indicating that ultimately intraspecific competition was limiting. In a laboratory study, Chara inhibited P. pectinatus the most under a combination of high light and high bicarbonate concentrations, suggesting that Chara may negatively affect P. pectinatus by acting as a general nutrient sink.

4. Our results suggest that Chara growth can reduce bicarbonate levels, delaying but not preventing a P. pectinatus growth pulse. Given the recorded inhibition under ample bicarbonate supply, Chara’s ability to act as nutrient sink may contribute to the decline of P. pectinatus under Chara recovery in shallow lakes.
Metabolic cold adaptation and developmental plasticity in metabolic rates among species in the Fundulus notatus species complex
Authors: Schaefer Jacob , Walters Ashley
Published: May 2010

1. In ectotherms, temperature and body size are the most influential and well studied variables affecting metabolic rate. Understanding mechanisms driving the evolution of metabolic rates is crucial to broader ecological theory. The metabolic cold adaptation hypothesis (MCA) makes predictions about the evolution of ectotherm metabolic rates and temperature‐metabolic rate reaction norms.

2. We examined intra and interspecific patterns in metabolic rate among populations in the Fundulus notatus species group (F. notatus, F. olivaceus and F. euryzonus). We ask if patterns of intra and interspecific variability in metabolic rate are consistent with the MCA and if metabolic rates in general are developmentally plastic.

3. Support for the MCA was mixed among intra and interspecific tests. The northern population of F. olivaceus had increased metabolic rate and no difference in temperature sensitivity (slope of temperature‐metabolic rate reaction norm). Northern populations of F. notatus had lower temperature sensitivity and no difference in overall metabolic rate. The southern coastal drainage endemic (F. euryzonus) had intermediate metabolic rates compared to southern populations of the other two more broadly distributed species. Metabolic rates were also developmentally plastic. Adults reared at warmer temperatures had lower metabolic rates after accounting for body size and temperature.

4. Differences in thermal regimes explain some variability in metabolic rates among populations consistent with MCA. However, interspecific comparisons are not consistent with MCA and are likely influenced by species differences in ecology and life history strategies.
Towards comprehensive care in transition for young people with haemophilia
Authors: BREAKEY V. R. , BLANCHETTE V. S. , BOLTON‐MAGGS P. H. B.
Published: May 2010

Summary.  In the last two decades, the transition from paediatric to adult care has received increasing attention. Health care professionals have become more aware of the unique needs of adolescents and young adults with chronic illnesses and efforts have been made to support youth through this challenging time of change. For patients with haemophilia and their families, there is little evidence regarding best practice for transition of care. We reviewed the transition literature and current guidelines for transition for patients with haemophilia. We advocate that comprehensive haemophilia care includes a conscientious approach to transition of care that should start in early adolescence and be developmentally sensitive. In considering the needs of patients and parents, we must engage both paediatric and adult health care providers to make the transfer smooth and ensure the best care possible during this time.
Infection control in clinical placements: experiences of nursing and midwifery students
Authors: Ward Deborah J.
Published: May 2010

ward d.j. (2010) Infection control in clinical placements: experiences of nursing and midwifery students. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(7), 1533–1542.

Title.  Infection control in clinical placements: experiences of nursing and midwifery students.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of the experiences of nursing and midwifery students in relation to infection control in their clinical placements and how these affect their learning.

Background.  Compliance with infection control precautions has been found to be low in many areas. Reasons for non‐compliance include factors relevant to nursing and midwifery students, such as lack of knowledge and lack of a positive role model. However, there is little in the literature about how students experience infection control in placements and how this affects their own practice.

Methods.  Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken in 2009 with 40 nursing and midwifery students. Analysis of transcripts was by Framework analysis.

Findings.  Students identified practices that they had observed and benchmarked these against what they had been taught at university and what was demonstrated by staff perceived as positive role models. Observing inappropriate practice affected student practice both positively and negatively. Students were reluctant to report poor practice due to fear of failing placements and not wanting to be identified negatively by staff. Students believed that practice supported by theory was important to provide them with a rationale for their activities and to support any complaints that they had.

Conclusion.  Poor practice in clinical placements can have a negative impact on student learning and practice and may therefore have implications for the practice of future nurses and midwives. In order to maintain patient safety, there needs to be more support for students who wish to identify poor practice.
Health checks in primary care for adults with intellectual disabilities: how extensive should they be?
Authors: Chauhan U. , Kontopantelis E. , Campbell S. , Jarrett H. , Lester H.
Published: May 2010

Background Routine health checks have gained prominence as a way of detecting unmet need in primary care for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and general practitioners are being incentivised in the UK to carry out health checks for many conditions through an incentivisation scheme known as the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). However, little is known about the data being routinely recorded in such health checks in relation to people with ID as practices are currently only incentivised to keep a register of people with ID. The aim of this study was to explore the additional value of a health check for people with ID compared with standard care provided through the current QOF structure.

Methods Representative practices were recruited using a stratified sampling approach in four primary care trusts to carry out health checks over a 6‐month period. The extracted data were divided into two aggregated informational domains for the purpose of multilevel regression analysis: ‘ID‐specific’ (containing data on visual assessment, hearing assessment, behaviour assessment, bladder function, bowel function and feeding assessment) and financially incentivised QOF targets (blood pressure, smoking status, ethnicity, body mass index, urine analysis and carer details) which are incentivised processes.

Results A total of 651 patients with ID were identified in 27 practices. Only nine practices undertook a health check on 92 of their patients with ID. Significant differences were found in the recorded information, between those who underwent a health check and those who did not (P < 0.001, χ2 = 56.3). In the group that had health check, recorded information was on average higher for the ‘QOF targets’ domain, compared with the ‘ID‐specific’ domain, by 58.7% (95% CI: 54.1, 63.3,P < 0.001).

Conclusions If incentives are to be used as a method for improving care for people with ID through health checks a more targeted approach focused on ID‐specific health issues might be more appropriate than an extensive health check.
A comparison of intellectual assessments over video conferencing and in‐person for individuals with ID: preliminary data
Authors: Temple V. , Drummond C. , Valiquette S. , Jozsvai E.
Published: May 2010

Background  Video conferencing (VC) technology has great potential to increase accessibility to healthcare services for those living in rural or underserved communities. Previous studies have had some success in validating a small number of psychological tests for VC administration; however, VC has not been investigated for use with persons with intellectual disabilities (ID). A comparison of test results for two well known and widely used assessment instruments was undertaken to establish if scores for VC administration would differ significantly from in‐person assessments.

Method  Nineteen individuals with ID aged 23–63 were assessed once in‐person and once over VC using the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) and the Beery‐Buktenica Test of Visual‐Motor Integration (VMI).

Results  Highly similar results were found for test scores. Full‐scale IQ on the WASI and standard scores for the VMI were found to be very stable across the two administration conditions, with a mean difference of less than one IQ point/standard score.

Conclusion  Video conferencing administration does not appear to alter test results significantly for overall score on a brief intelligence test or a test of visual‐motor integration.
Flexibility in the Foraging Behavior of Blue Tits in Response to Short‐Term Manipulations of Brood Size
Authors: García‐Navas Vicente , Sanz Juan José
Published: May 2010

Previous work suggests that short‐term changes in feeding rate are usually produced by the parent‐offspring interaction. However, few studies have properly tested this assumption. In this study, we attempt to explore the short‐term consequences of daily (within‐pair) brood size manipulations (reduced, original, and enlarged) on feeding behavior (provisioning rates, prey size, and prey type) of Mediterranean blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus. Total provisioning rates were lowest when broods were reduced in size and greatest when broods were enlarged. Mean prey size was also affected by the brood size changes: parents tended to bring larger prey when confronted with low brood demand reinforcing the view that a trade‐off exists between minimizing foraging time and maximizing food quantity. Such differences in feeding frequencies and the load sizes delivered may be explained by changes in the parents’ foraging tactic. Increase of brood size compelled parents to work harder and be less selective in prey choice; we found that stressed birds with a high level of feeding responsibility (hungry nestlings) opted to concentrate on more readily available food items (Tortricids). On the other hand, their immediate reaction when faced with a low level of feeding responsibility was to decrease this prey type in the diet, so that the percentage of other preys (Noctuids) in the diet increased. There was no intersexual difference in the way in which parents responded to the manipulation. In sum, our results revealed a flexibility in foraging strategies of blue tits to cope with changing scenarios, which supports the idea that provisioning behavior is largely governed by nestling demand.
Rectovaginal Constriction in Jersey Cattle
Authors: Troyer D. , Leipold H.W.
Published: May 2010

This study identified and analysed differences between 3 Jersey cows with recto vaginal constriction and 3 normal Jersey animals. Microscopic studies did not any reveal differences in the connective tissue content in the viscera but did show differences in the perineal and head regions.

Fibroblasts from affected and normal individual animals were grown in vitro and were not markedly different when examined microscopically.

Rektovaginale Konstriktion bei Jersey‐Kühen II. Lichtmikroskopische Untersuchungen an Geweben und Zellkulturen

An je 3 normalen bzw. an RVC erkrankten Jersey‐Kühen wurden Unterschiede identifiziert und analysiert. Die mikroskopischen Untersuchungen ergaben im Gehalt an Bindegewebe in den Eingeweiden keine Unterschiede, wohl aber in der Perineal‐ und in der Kopfregion.

Fibroblasten von normalen und erkrankten Tieren ließen in der Zellkultur keine auffälligen mikroskopischen Unterschiede erkennen.

Constriction rectovaginale chez des vaches Jersey II. Recherches au microscope optique sur des tissus et des cultures cellulaires

Des différences ont été identifiées et analysées chez 3 vaches Jersey normales et 3 vaches atteintes de constriction rectovaginale (RVC). Les recherches microscopiques n'ont donné aucune différence pour le taux de tissu conjonctif dans les viscères, mais une différence a été constatée dans la région périnéale et de la tête.

Des fibroblastes d'animaux normaux et malades n'ont fait apparaître aucune différence dans les cultures cellulaires.

La constricción rectovaginal en el ganado vacuno Jersey II. Estudios in vitro con el microscopio óptico de los tejidos y cultivos celulares

En cada vez 3 vacas Jersey normales y enfermas de CRV, se identificaron y analizaron las desigualdades. Los estudios microscópicos no arrojaron diferencias en el tejido conectivo de las vísceras, más si en las regiones perineal y cefálica.

Los fibroblastos de los animales normales y enfermos no permitieron reconocer in vitro, en el cultivo celular, ninguna diferencia microscópica que saltase a la vista.
Rectovaginal Constriction in Jersey Cattle
Authors: Troyer D. , Minocha H. , Leipold H. W.
Published: May 2010

The hydroxyproline content of the tissues of three‐year‐old and five‐year‐old Jersey cattle with rectovaginal constriction (RVC) and of normal and carrier cows, and also affected and normal five‐year‐old and five‐year‐old animals was measured. There were no significant differences in tissue hydroxyproline levels between affected, carrier, and normal animals.

Rektovaginale Konstriktion bei Jerseykühen III. Hydroxyprolinspiegel in Geweben

Untersuchungen über den Hydroxyprolingehalt in den Geweben von dreijährigen und fünfjährigen Jerseykühen ergaben keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen Tieren mit klinischer Manifestation einer rektovaginalen Konstriktion, Trägertieren und normalen Tieren.

Constricción rectovaginal en vacas Jersey III. Niveles de hidroxiprolina en los tejidos

Los estudios sobre el contenido de hidroxiprolina en los tejidos de vacas Jersey de tres y cinco años de edad no revelaron ninguna diferencia significante entre los animales con una manifestación clínica de constricción rectovaginal (CRV), los portadores y los normales.
Cells of Sow Mammary Secretions
Authors: Schollenberger A. , Degorski A. , Frymus T. , Schollenberger Ada
Published: May 2010

The morphology and differential counts of the cells in sow's colostrum and milk were ascertained. Mean values of the total cell count for colostrum and milk were 1.06 + 0.79 and 1.57 + 0.94 × 109 cells/l, respectively. There was no linear correlation between the time of lactation and the total cell number. Six cell types were identified in the secretions: neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, epithelial cells and anucleate cells. Besides the predominance of neutrophils, the prevalence of numerous epithelial cells and anucleate cells appeared to be an important feature of sow's mammary secretion.

Zellen im Milchdrüsensekret des Schweines I. Morphologie und Differentialzählung während der Laktation

Die Untersuchungen betreffen die Morphologie und die Differentialzählung der Zellen im Kolostrum und in der Milch von Sauen. Die durchschnittlichen Gesamtzahlen betrugen im Kolostrum 1,06 + 0,79 × 109 und in der Milch 1,57 + 0,94 × 109 Zellen pro Liter. Zwischen dem Laktationsstadium und der Gesamtzellzahl bestand keine lineare Korrelation. In den Sekreten konnten 6 Zellarten identifiziert werden: Neutrophile, Eosinophile, Lymphozyten, Makrophagen, Epithelzellen und kernlose Zellen. Abgesehen von der Dominanz der Neutrophilen scheint das Vorkommen von zahlreichen Epithelzellen und kernlosen Zellen ein wesentliches Charakteristikum der Milchdrüsensekrete der Sau zu sein.

Cellules dans la sécrétion lactée de la truie I. Morphologie et comptage différentiel pendant la lactation

Les recherches ont porté sur la morphologie et le comptage différentiel des cellules dans le colostrum et le lait de truies. Le nombre total moyen des cellules fut de 1,06 + 0,79 × 109 par litre dans le colostrum et de 1,57 + 0,94 × 109 par litre dans le lait. Il n'y a pas eu de corrélation linéaire entre le stade de lactation et le nombre total des cellules.

Six sortes de cellules ont pu être identifiées dans les sécrétions: neutrophils, éosinophiles, lymphocytes, macrophages, cellules épithéliales et cellules sans noyaux. Mis‐à‐part la prédominance des neutrophiles, la présence de nombreuses cellules épithéliales et de cellules sans noyaux semble être une caractéristique essentielle de la sécrétion lactée de la truie.

Células de las secreciones mamarias de cerdas I. Morfología y recuento diferencial durante la lactación

Los estudios se refieren a la morfología y al recuento celular diferencial en el calostro y en la leche de cerdas. Las cuantías totales medias importaron en el calostro 1,06 + 0,79 × 109 y en la leche 1,57 + 0,94 × 109 células por litro. No existía ninguna correlación lineal entre el estadio de lactación y el número de células totales. En las excreciones se pudieron identificar los 6 tipos celulares siguientes: neutrófilos, eosinófilos, linfocitos, macrófagos, células epiteliales y células anucleadas. Aparte de la dominancia de los neutrófilos, parece ser que la presencia de numerosas células epiteliales y células anucleadas es una característica esencial de la secreción mamaria de la cerda.
Rectovaginal Constriction in Jersey Cattle
Authors: Troyer D. , Cash W. , Leipold H. W.
Published: May 2010

Electromyographic studies on Jersey cattle with rectovaginal constriction (RVC) revealed no significant differences in the duration of the recorded action potentials between control, carrier, and affected individuals. There was however a significant difference in amplitude between affected and carrier individuals compared with normal ones; this suggests a possible method for the detection of heterozygous animals.

Rektovaginale Konstriktion bei Jersey‐Kühen

V. Elektromyographische Untersuchungen am äußeren Afterschließmuskel

Elektromyographische Untersuchungen an Jersey‐Kühen mit rektovaginaler Konstriktion (RVC) ergaben bezüglich der Dauer der registrierten Aktionspotentiale keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen Kontrolltieren, Trägertieren und Tieren mit klinisch manifester RVC. Dagegen bestanden signifikante Unterschiede in der Amplitude zwischen RVC bzw. Trägertieren und normalen Tieren. Heterozygote Tiere können möglicherweise mit dieser Methode entdeckt werden.
Die Osmotische Resistenz der Erythrozyten von Kühen
Authors: Binder J.‐P. , Mathois H.
Published: May 2010

Die Angabe, bei welcher Kochsalz‐Konzentration die Hälfte der Erythrozyten hämolysiert werden (H50), ist als Maß der osmotischen Resistenz zweckmäßiger als die Minimal‐ und Maximalresistenz. Bei 80 gesunden Kühen wurde für die H50 ein Normalbereich von 0,488 bis 0,712% NaCl (x̄+ 2 s) gemessen, wobei im ersten Trächtigkeitsdrittel und nach der Geburt die durchschnittlichen Werte etwas niedriger waren.

The Osmotic Resistance of Cow‐Erythrocytes

The expression of the measure of osmotic resistance of erythrocytes by that value of sodium chloride concentration which haemolyses 50% of the erythrocytes present in the sample (H50), is of more use than the minimal and the maximal resistance. Measurements in 80 healthy cows showed a range of normal values between 0,488 and 0,712 percent NaCl, based on + 2 s, the average values were lower during the first third of pregnancy and post partum.

La résistance osmotique des érythrocytes de vaches

La donné d'une concentration de NaCl pour une hémolyse de la moitié des érythrocytes (H50) est une mesure plus valable de la résistance osmotique que la résistance minimale et maximale. On a mesuré une norme de 0,488 à 0,712% NaCl (x̄ + 2 s) pour H 50 chez 80 vaches en bonne santé, les valeurs moyennes étant un peu abaissées dans le premier tiers de la gestation et après la mise‐bas.

La resistencia osmótica de los eritrocitos de vacas

El dato, a qué concentración de cloruro sódico es hemolizada la mitad de los eritrocitos (H50) presentes en las muestras, es como medida de la resistencia osmótica más procedente que la resistencia mínima y la máxima. En 80 vacas sanas se midieron para la H50 unos límites de valores normales desde 0,488 hasta 0,712 por ciento de C1Na (x̄ + 2 s), siendo algo menores los valores medios durante el primer tercio de gestación y después del parto.
Effect of Normal and Neutropenic Dog Sera on Nucleic Acids of Rat Bone Marrow Cells in vitro*
Authors: Montes G. A. , Islas A. S. , Ocharan E. , Correa J. A. , Rudolph W. G.
Published: May 2010

The effect of normal and neutropenic dog sera (induced by an antineutrophil serum) on 14C‐formate, 3H‐uridine and 3H‐thymidine incorporation by the nucleic acids of rat bone marrow cells was studied in vitro.

Bone marrow cell suspensions were incubated in enriched media and nucleic acids were determined by classical colorimetric methods, or nucleoproteins were precipitated and recovered on a micro fibre glass filter and the radioactivity measured in a scintillation counter.

The results showed that the colony‐stimulating factor present in the neutropenic dog serum induced an early synthesis of RNA and DNA in the rat bone marrow cells cultured in vitro. The effect was inhibited when actinomycin D was present in the culture. In addition, the neutropenic dog serum was unable to stimulate haem synthesis in vitro.

The normal dog sera showed different levels of colony‐stimulating activity, expressed as 14C‐formate incorporation and they were inversely related to the number of circulating neutrophils.

Beeinflussung der Nucleinsäuren von Rattenknochenmarkzellen in vitro durch Serum von normalen Hunden sowie von Hunden mit Neutropenie

Der Einfluß von Serum normaler Hunde und von Hunden mit Neutropenie (durch Neutrophilen‐Antiserum induziert) auf den Einbau von 14C‐Format, 3H‐Uridin und 3H‐Thymidin in Nucleinsäuren wurde in vitro an Rattenknochenmarkzellen untersucht.

Knochenmarkzellsuspensionen wurden in mit Serum angereicherten Medien inkubiert. Die Nucleinsäuren wurden mit klassischen photometrischen Methoden bestimmt, die Nucleoproteine wurden zur Bestimmung der Radioaktivität im Szintillationszähler präzipiert und auf Mikro‐Fiberglasfiltern zurückgewonnen.

Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß der im Serum der Hunde mit Neutropenie vorhandene “colony‐stimulating factor” die RNA‐ und DNA‐Synthese in den in vitro kultivierten Knochenmarkzellen rasch induzierte. Der Effekt wurde bei Anwesenheit von Actinomycin D im Kulturmedium gehemmt. Ferner wurde die Haem‐Synthese in vitro durch Serum von Neutropenie‐Hunden nicht stimuliert.

Das Serum von normalen Hunden zeigte in unterschiedlichem Maße eine als 14C‐Format‐Einbau bestimmte “colony‐stimulating activity”, die sich reziprok zur Zahl der neutrophilen Granulozyten in der betreffenden Blutprobe verhielt.