bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain Oxidative Metabolism of the Newborn Dog: Correlation between 31P NMR Spectroscopy and Pyridine Nucleotide Redox State
Authors: Mayevsky A. , Nioka S. , Subramanian V. H. , Chance B.
Published: February 2011

The effects of both anoxia and short- and long-term hypoxia on brain oxidative metabolism were studied in newborn dogs. Oxidative metabolism was evaluated by two independent measures: in vivo continuous monitoring of mitochondrial NADH redox state and energy stores as calculated from the phosphocreatine (PCr)/Pi levels measured by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The hemodynamic response to low oxygen supply was further evaluated by measuring the changes in the reflected light intensity at 366 nm (the excitation wavelength for NADH). The animal underwent surgery and was prepared for monitoring of the two signals (NADH and PCr/Pi). It was then placed inside a Phosphoenergetics 260-80 NMR spectrometer magnet with a 31-cm bore. Each animal (1–21 days old) was exposed to short-term anoxia or hypoxia as well as to long-term hypoxia (1–2 h). The results can be summarized as follow: (a) In the normoxic brain, the ratio between PCr and Pi was > 1 (1.2–1.4), while under hypoxia or asphyxia a significant decrease that was correlated to the levels was recorded. (b) A clear correlation was found between the decrease in PCr/Pi values and the increased redox state developed under decreased o2 supply to the brain. (c) Exposing the animal to moderately long-term hypoxia led to a stabilized low-energy state of the brain with a good recovery after rebreathing normal air. (d) Under long-term and severe hypoxia, the microcirculatory autoregulatory mechanism was damaged and massive vasoconstriction was optically recorded simultaneously with a significant decrease in PCr/Pi values. (e) The two techniques used simultaneously were complementary to each other and provided an excellent practical tool for brain energy metabolism evaluation.
Validating putatively cross-dated Callitris tree-ring chronologies using bomb-pulse radiocarbon analysis
Authors: Pearson Stuart , Hua Quan , Allen Kathryn , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: February 2011

Nuclear weapons testing during the 1950s generated an atmospheric pulse of the carbon isotope, 14C. Worldwide, trees growing during that period and in subsequent decades assimilated 14C-enriched CO2, leaving a distinct isotopic signature that can be used to precisely date tree rings. Thirty single-ring samples were extracted for AMS 14C analysis from cores taken from living trees of five different Callitris species [C. endlicheri (Parl.) F.M. Bailey, C. glaucophylla Joy Thomps. & L.A.S. Johnson, C. intratropica Benth., C. preissii Miq., and C. rhomboidea R.Br. ex Rich. & A. Rich] at 13 sites. The ages of individual tree rings were determined by both 14C bomb-pulse dating and cross-dating (based on 20–30 cores from the same site) in order to (1) provide independent verification of tree-ring dates, (2) detect false or missing rings from sites with otherwise good chronologies, and (3) test whether growth rings were annual for cores from sites where cross-dating was not possible. Our approach confirmed dates on chronologies from monsoon tropical sites, provided checked chronologies in subtropical and temperate sites, and improved dating control on arid-zone ring counts. It was found that Callitris are more likely to form regular annual rings when growing in seasonally dry environments than in more arid sites with highly variable precipitation patterns.
Insects facilitate wind pollination in pollen-limited Crateva adansonii (Capparaceae)
Authors: Mangla Yash , Tandon Rajesh
Published: February 2011

Low fruit-set in obligately outbreeding plant species is attributed to a variety of reasons that can be ascertained from reproductive studies. In the present work, the causes of poor natural fruit-set in Crateva adansonii DC. were investigated. Floral biology, the role of wind and insects in pollination and the breeding system of the species were studied in two natural populations for three consecutive seasons (2006–08). The flowers exhibited traits conducive to a mixture of wind and insect pollination (ambophily). Although a variety of insects visited the flowers, they were ineffective in pollinating. Nevertheless, active foraging by the honeybees (Apis dorsata, A. mellifera and A. cerana indica) facilitated enhanced pollen dispersal in the air and resulted in indirect pollination by wind. Airborne pollen grains pollinated the plants only up to 10 m. Fruit-set from open pollination was comparable to wind-pollinated flowers. Supplemental pollination treatments established the occurrence of strong self-incompatibility (SI) (index of SI = 0.14). Spontaneous autogamy was prevented by pronounced herkogamy. Low natural fecundity in C. adansonii is due to pollination failure, pollen limitation (pollen limitation index = 0.98) and the sparse distribution of the conspecifics; partial SI may partly ensure reproductive assurance through geitonogamy. In the absence of a pollinator wind appears to act as a secondary mode of pollination.
Female-biased nectar production in the protandrous, hermaphroditic shrub Salvia hierosolymitana (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Leshem Yehoram , Keasar Tamar , Shmida Avi
Published: February 2011

Flowering progresses upward along vertical inflorescences in the protandrous dichogamous shrub Salvia hierosolymitana (Boiss.). Flowers’ gender nectar production rates and their vertical distribution were recorded in two populations (northern and central Israel) over 3 years. Female-phase flowers produced significantly more nectar than male-phase flowers and were more abundant at the inflorescences’ base. Thus, nectar availability gradually decreases along inflorescences. Female-biased nectar production can benefit plants by increasing pollinator visits to female-phase flowers, enhancing pollination success when pollen is scarce. In congruence with this hypothesis, the following observations suggest that pollen in S. hierosolymitana may be in short supply: (1) freshly dehisced anthers contained 40% of sterile pollen; (2) pollen counts on female-phase stigmas were low (mean ± s.e. 11.6 ± 1.56); and (3) counts of germinated pollen tubes at the pistils’ base were even lower (5.02 ± 0.54). The nectar gradient along the inflorescence may also be adaptively beneficial in other aspects. Foraging insects that follow this gradient are expected to move from female-phase flowers near the inflorescences’ base, to male-phase flowers closer to the top. Thus, reducing the risk of geitonogamy and promoting outcrossing while moving from male-phase flowers of one individual to female-phase flowers of another.
Development and utilisation of conserved-intron scanning marker in sugarcane
Authors: Khan M. Suhail , Yadav Sonia , Srivastava Sangeeta , Swapna M. , Chandra A. , Singh Ram K.
Published: February 2011

Genetic dissection of economic traits in sugarcane requires sufficiently informative molecular markers that are currently lacking in this highly valued crop. Through comparative analysis of publicly available expressed-sequence data of sugarcane, sorghum and barley, and the whole rice genome-sequence survey, novel functional markers based on conserved-intron scanning primers (CISP) were developed and evaluated in different accessions across various taxonomic ranks of sugarcane. Polymorphism was moderate (55.2%), whereas 94.7% of the markers developed amplified fragments in selected genotypes. Mean polymorphism information content value was 0.582 (range 0.320–0.715), which was comparable to that with genic microsatellite markers (0.52) but lower than that with EST-SSR (0.73). Genetic-similarity coefficient ranged from 0.39 to 0.95, indicating variable levels of divergence depending on the taxonomic rank assessed. Cluster analysis revealed that the genotypes grouped in accordance with the taxonomical classification of sugarcane, with a relatively good support from a Mantel’s test (r = 0.847) and a moderate bootstrap value (65–89%). The CISP markers reported in the present study have potential utility for genetic-diversity analysis and application in sugarcane-breeding programs.
Ciguatera fish poisoning and other seafood intoxication syndromes: A revisit and a review of the existing treatments employed in ciguatera fish poisoning
Authors: Kumar-Roiné Shilpa , Matsui Mariko , Pauillac Serge , Laurent Dominique
Published: February 2011

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is acquired through consumption of tropical reef fishes, contaminated with potent neurotoxins, ciguatoxins (CTXs), produced by benthic dinoflagellate of the Gambierdiscus genus. Both spatially and temporally unpredictable, a tainted fish is impossible to differentiate from an untainted one by appearance, taste, texture or odour. Given the predominance of reef fish in the diet of insular countries, the risk of CFP is ever-present. In the Pacific where the incidence of CFP is the highest, the consequences on public health and socio-economy can be extremely severe. Multidisciplinary in nature, the present review revisits the phenomenon of CFP, covering certain of its aspects, notably the etiology, toxicology, ecotoxicology, pharmacology, pathology and the treatments administrated. These aspects of CFP have been reviewed in relation to other poisoning syndromes: tetrodotoxin poisoning and other dinoflagellates- or
diatoms-associated intoxications such as paralytic (PSP), diarrhetic (DSP), neurotoxic (NSP), amnesic (ASP) and azaspiracid shellfish poisoning (AZP) and palytoxin poisoning.
Based on case reports and bibliographic accounts, a list inventorying the western medicines prescribed to patients suffering from CFP has been established. Within the last two decades, several of the herbal remedies have been evaluated for their efficiencies in in vivo and in a number of in vitro tests, which have also been reviewed herein.
Letter From the NOFSW President
Authors: Dowling Suzanne
Published: February 2011

LLetter from the NOFSW President
History of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work
Authors: Chatfield Guay , Vaughan-Eden Viola , Butters Rob
Published: February 2011

The National Organization of Forensic Social Work (NOFSW) has a long and vibrant history. As indicated in the Bylaws, the objective of NOFSW is the advancement of the practice and education of forensic social work including, but not limited to, the development and delivery of courses of instruction in the area of social work and the law, the development of standards of practice, and the promotion and publication of research all for the purpose of improving and developing the capabilities of its membership, as well as informing the public regarding forensic social workers. This is a brief commentary on the establishment of the organization.
Forensic Social Work Practice Standards: Definition and Specification
Authors: MUNSON CARLTON
Published: February 2011

Social work practice is coming under increased scrutiny due to increased statutory regulation of practice and promotion of evidence-based practice (EBP). The social work profession has gen-erated minimal, generic practice standards that are not well-suitedto modern, specialized practice in social work. Forensic social work is a specialty that is vulnerable to misapplication of generic, minimal practice standards to highly complex clinical situations forensic practitioners face in routine practice. This article defines the various levels of performance expectations (standard of care, practice standards, professional ethics, generally accepted practice,practice guidelines, practice protocols, and best practices) in rankorder based on the degree of mandated performance. Issues facedin developing concise and precise performance expectations areexplored. The articles concludes with a preliminary generic model of forensic social work practice standards.
Attitudes Toward the Treatment of Sex Offenders: A SEM Analysis
Authors: Chruch Wesley T. , Sun Fei , Li Xiao
Published: February 2011

Evidence suggests that public attitudes toward sex offenders are often complex, which is partly due to the lack of sophisticated measures that capture different dimensions of individual attitudes. This article examined public attitudes toward sex offenders and their specificattitudes toward sex offender treatment using 2 validated attitudinal scales among a group of 316 psychology students at a southern public university. Structural equation modeling (SEM) method wasused to test the relation between the general attitude and treatment specific attitude. Findings indicated an acceptable model fit with thedata (e.g., CFI¼.95, SRMR¼.07, and RMSEA¼.06). Attitudes toward sex offenders and the level of concern for victims are significantly related to individual attitudes toward the treatment of sexoffenders. Females were found to hold less negative attitudes towardsex offenders than males. The implications of the findings in relationto policy and program development are discussed.
High levels of HCV core+1 antibodies in HCV patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Dalagiorgou G. , Vassilaki N. , Foka P. , Boumlic A. , Kakkanas A. , Kochlios E. , Khalili S. , Aslanoglou E. , Veletza S. , Orfanoudakis G. , Vassilopoulos D. , Hadziyannis S. J. , Koskinas J. , Mavromara P.
Published: February 2011

The core region of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome possesses an overlapping ORF that has been shown to encode a protein, known as the alternate reading frame protein (ARFP), F or core+1. The biological role of this protein remains elusive, as it appears to be non-essential for virus replication. However, a number of independent studies have shown that the ARFP/F/core+1 protein elicits humoral and cellular immune responses in HCV-infected individuals and interacts with important cellular proteins. To assess the significance of the core+1 humoral response in HCV-infected patients, we examined the prevalence of anti-core+1 antibodies in sera from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in comparison with chronically HCV-infected individuals without HCC. We produced two HCV core+1 histidine-tagged recombinant proteins for genotypes 1a (aa 11–160) and 1b (aa 11–144), as well as a non-tagged highly purified recombinant core+1/S protein (aa 85–144) of HCV-1b. Using an in-house ELISA, we tested the prevalence of core+1 antibodies in 45 patients with HCC in comparison with 47 chronically HCV-infected patients without HCC and 77 negative-control sera. More than 50 % of the serum samples from HCC patients reacted with all core+1 antigens, whereas <26 % of the sera from the non-HCC HCV-infected individuals tested positive. No core+1-specific reactivity was detected in any of the control samples. In conclusion, the high occurrence of anti-core+1 antibodies in the serum of HCC patients suggests a role for the ARFP/F/core+1 protein in the pathogenesis of HCC.
Influence of the 5′-proximal elements of the 5′-untranslated region of classical swine fever virus on translation and replication
Authors: Xiao Ming , Wang Yujing , Zhu Zailing , Ding Chengli , Yu Jialin , Wan Lingzhu , Chen Jun
Published: February 2011

The 5′-terminal sequence spanning nt 1–29 of the 5′-untranslated region of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) forms a 5′-proximal stem–loop structure known as domain Ia. Deletions and replacement mutations were performed to examine the role of this domain. Deletion of the 5′-proximal nucleotides and disruption of the stem–loop structure greatly increased internal ribosome entry site-mediated translation but abolished the replication of the replicons. Internal deletions resulting in a change in the size of the loop of domain Ia, and even removal of the entire domain, did not substantially change the translation activity, but reduced the replication of CSFV replicons provided the replicons contained the extreme 5′-GUAU terminal sequence. Internal replacements leading to a change in the nucleotide sequence of the loop did not alter the translation and replication activities of the CSFV RNA replicon, and did not influence the rescue of viruses and growth characteristics of new viruses. These results may be important for our understanding of the regulation of translation, replication and encapsidation in CSFV and other positive-sense RNA viruses.
Novel structural protein in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus encoded by an alternative ORF5 present in all arteriviruses
Authors: Johnson Craig R. , Griggs Theodor F. , Gnanandarajah Josephine , Murtaugh Michael P.
Published: February 2011

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an arterivirus that emerged in the late 1980s in both Europe and North America as the causative agent of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), now the most important disease of swine worldwide. Despite extensive characterization of PRRSV proteins by direct analysis and comparison with other arteriviruses, determinants of virulence, pathogenesis and protective immune recognition remain poorly understood. Thus, we hypothesized that additional ORFs are present in the PRRSV genome that may contribute to its biological properties, and so we screened highly purified virions of strain VR2332, the prototype type 2 PRRSV, for evidence of novel polypeptides. A 51 aa polypeptide was discovered that is encoded by an alternative ORF of the subgenomic mRNA encoding the major envelope glycoprotein, GP5, and which is incorporated into virions. The protein, referred to as ORF5a protein, is expressed in infected cells, and pigs infected with PRRSV express anti-ORF5a protein antibodies. A similar ORF is present as an alternative reading frame in all PRRSV subgenomic RNA5 genes and in all other arteriviruses, suggesting that this ORF5a protein plays a significant role in arterivirology. Its discovery also provides a new potential target for immunological and pharmacological intervention in PRRS.
BENT UPPERMOST INTERNODE1Encodes the Class II Formin FH5 Crucial for Actin Organization and Rice Development
Authors: Yang Weibing , Ren Sulin , Zhang Xiaoming , Gao Mingjun , Ye Shenghai , Qi Yongbin , Zheng Yiyan , Wang Juan , Zeng Longjun , Li Qun , Huang Shanjin , He Zuhua
Published: February 2011

The actin cytoskeleton is an important regulator of cell expansion and morphogenesis in plants. However, the molecular mechanisms linking the actin cytoskeleton to these processes remain largely unknown. Here, we report the functional analysis of rice (Oryza sativa) FH5  /BENT UPPERMOST INTERNODE1 (BUI1), which encodes a formin-type actin nucleation factor and affects cell expansion and plant morphogenesis in rice. The bui1 mutant displayed pleiotropic phenotypes, including bent uppermost internode, dwarfism, wavy panicle rachis, and enhanced gravitropic response. Cytological observation indicated that the growth defects of bui1 were caused mainly by inhibition of cell expansion. Map-based cloning revealed that BUI1 encodes the class II formin FH5. FH5 contains a phosphatase tensin-like domain at its amino terminus and two highly conserved formin-homology domains, FH1 and FH2. In vitro biochemical analyses indicated that FH5 is capable of nucleating actin assembly from free or profilin-bound monomeric actin. FH5 also interacts with the barbed end of actin filaments and prevents the addition and loss of actin subunits from the same end. Interestingly, the FH2 domain of FH5 could bundle actin filaments directly and stabilize actin filaments in vitro. Consistent with these in vitro biochemical activities of FH5/BUI1, the amount of filamentous actin decreased, and the longitudinal actin cables almost disappeared in bui1 cells. The FH2 or FH1FH2 domains of FH5 could also bind to and bundle microtubules in vitro. Thus, our study identified a rice formin protein that regulates de novo actin nucleation and spatial organization of the actin filaments, which are important for proper cell expansion and rice morphogenesis.
Drug violations and aviation accidents: findings from the US mandatory drug testing programs
Authors: Li Guohua , Baker Susan P. , Zhao Qi , Brady Joanne E. , Lang Barbara H. , Rebok George W. , DiMaggio Charles
Published: February 2011

Aims  To assess the role of drug violations in aviation accidents.

Design  Case–control analysis.

Setting  Commercial aviation in the United States.

Participants  Aviation employees who were tested for drugs during 1995–2005 under the post‐accident testing program (cases, n = 4977) or under the random testing program (controls, n = 1 129 922).

Measurements  Point prevalence of drug violations, odds ratio of accident involvement and attributable risk in the population. A drug violation was defined as a confirmed positive test for marijuana (≥50 ng/ml), cocaine (≥300 ng/ml), amphetamines (≥1000 ng/ml), opiates (≥2000 ng/ml) or phencyclidine (≥25 ng/ml).

Findings  The prevalence of drug violations was 0.64% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62–0.65%] in random drug tests and 1.82% (95% CI: 1.47–2.24%) in post‐accident tests. The odds of accident involvement for employees who tested positive for drugs was almost three times the odds for those who tested negative (odds ratio 2.90, 95% CI: 2.35–3.57), with an estimated attributable risk of 1.2%. Marijuana accounted for 67.3% of the illicit drugs detected. The proportion of illicit drugs represented by amphetamines increased progressively during the study period, from 3.4% in 1995 to 10.3% in 2005 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions  Use of illicit drugs by aviation employees is associated with a significantly increased risk of accident involvement. Due to the very low prevalence, drug violations contribute to only a small fraction of aviation accidents.
Adherence to national guidelines for initiation of antiretroviral regimens in HIV patients: a Danish nationwide study
Authors: Petersen Tonny S. , Andersen Stig E. , Gerstoft January , Thorsteinsson Kristina , Larsen Carsten S. , Pedersen Gitte , Pedersen Court , Obel Niels
Published: February 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• National guidelines for start of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) in HIV infected patients are available in many Western world countries. However the impact of the guidelines on clinical practice is poorly documented.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Adherence to the starting criteria for HAART and the choice of treatment regimen in the guidelines exceeded 90%.

• Intravenous drug users were more likely to start HAART at a later time after fulfilling the starting criteria and starting an alternative regimen.

• More than a third of the patients initiated HAART as a part of a clinical trial from 1998 to 2000.

AIM To determine the adherence to the national guidelines for start of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) in HIV infected patients.

METHODS We used a Danish nationwide cohort of HIV infected patients to calculate the fraction of patients who in the period 1997–2006 started HAART according to the guidelines from The Danish Society of Infectious Diseases. We used Kaplan‐Meier tables to estimate time from fulfilling the criteria for start of HAART to initiation of the treatment. Cox regression and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for delayed initiation of treatment and chance of being included in clinical trials.

RESULTS The study included 3223 patients, 74% of whom initiated HAART in the study period. Ninety‐four% fulfilled the criteria for start of HAART, with minor differences over calendar periods. Ninety‐four% initiated a recommended regimen or were included in a clinical trial. Intravenous drug use predicted initiation of a non‐recommended regimen and delay in start of HAART, while non‐Caucasians were less likely to be included in clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS In a Western world setting, the adherence to national guidelines for start of HAART can be high. We suggest that simplicity of the guidelines, centralization of treatment and involvement of local clinicians in the development of guidelines are of major importance for high adherence to treatment guidelines.
Complementary and alternative therapy (CAT) use and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART): current evidence in the literature, 2000–2009
Authors: Hoogbruin Amandah
Published: February 2011

Aim and objective.  To determine current evidence about the use of complementary and alternative medicine in the context of highly active antiretroviral therapy. The following objectives included identifying the risks and benefits of using complementary and alternative medicine when living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and taking such medications.

Background.  In Canada and the USA, HIV/AIDS service organisations recognise that people affected or infected by HIV are increasingly choosing to use complementary and alternative medicine to cope with this disease. These same organisations advocate for increased access to complementary and alternative medicine and more information about the safe use of complementary and alternative medicine to make informed decisions. Based on the increased integral use of complementary and alternative medicine and conventional medicine in Canada and the USA, the literature review was limited to these two countries.

Design.  Systematic review.

Method.  Available full‐text abstracts published in English from 2000–2009 were retrieved by electronic searches of selected databases, including the websites of Health Canada and American National Center for Complementary and Alternate Medicine (NCCAM). Forty studies were examined and were categorised by referring to the NCCAM (2007) four types of complementary and alternative medicine.

Results.  Insufficient evidence exists to support the use of a particular complementary and alternate therapy to enhance the management of HIV disease.

Conclusion.  Decisions about using complementary and alternative medicine in conjunction with highly active antiretroviral therapy are often poorly informed. Safety risks and potential drug interactions are frequently ignored as people who use highly active antiretroviral therapy prefer to focus on the physical and mental benefits of using selected complementary and alternate therapies to promote their quality of life.

Relevance to clinical practice.  As life expectancy increases, from the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy, it is important for health professionals like nurses to be knowledgeable about the prevention, assessment and treatment of HIV symptoms and treatment side effects. Given the increased trend of using complementary and alternative medicine by the general population, it is also important to understand the appropriate use of complementary and alternative medicine for symptom management in HIV/AIDS care.
Selection and efficacy of self‐management strategies for dysmenorrhea in young Taiwanese women
Authors: Cheng Han‐Fu , Lin Yu‐Hua
Published: February 2011

Aims.  This study investigates the selection and efficacy of various strategies employed by young Taiwanese women in the self‐management of dysmenorrhea.

Background.  Dysmenorrhea is the common gynaecological problem in reproductive‐aged women. In the past, non‐specific treatments such as heat and exercise were found to be less effective. Current therapies for dysmenorrhea include prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors and herbal remedies.

Design.  Descriptive survey.

Method.  The researcher‐designed questionnaire listed common strategies used in Taiwan to self‐manage dysmenorrhea. Content validity was applied for the determination of content items in measures. The total reliability of menstrual distress questionnaire was 0·95, menstrual symptoms questionnaire was 0·92 and coping strategies questionnaire was 0·94. The participants were asked to indicate if they used any of the methods over the past 12 months and, if so, if they were effective. Chi‐square test comparisons were used to analyse the data collected.

Results.  Of the 616 individuals who completed the questionnaire, 570 reported experiencing dysmenorrhea at least once in the past year. Of these, 180 reported dysmenorrhea at every period and were categorised as Group I. The remaining 390 women were classified as Group II. Women in Group I used all of the listed strategies more frequently; however, they benefited less from all therapies except paracetamol. The most effective strategies in both groups were found to be paracetamol and Dang‐Qui‐Shao‐Ya‐San.

Conclusions.  Paracetamol and Dang‐Qui‐Shao‐Ya‐San are the most effective strategies in relieving dysmenorrhea in young Taiwanese women, while other less effective strategies are used more frequently.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Identification of the most effective therapies for dysmenorrhea among commonly used strategies will help women choose the right therapy for them. As some young, inexperienced women might take two or more medications simultaneously because of ineffectiveness, thus increasing the risk of adverse effects, this study is of critical importance in promoting the safe use of medication for self‐management of dysmenorrhea.
Iranian version of Form B of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales among the youth
Authors: Moshki Mahdi , Ghofranipour Fazlollah
Published: February 2011

Aims.  The purpose of this study was to translate the Form B of Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales into Persian and then to measure its psychometric characteristics among the Iranian youth.

Background.  The Health Locus of Control is regarded as an effective variable in developing health behaviours, clinical capacities and in determining health problems. Many studies have been conducted on Form B in the world, which have led to valuable results in health behaviours, health outcomes and health cares.

Design.  Questionnaire survey.

Methods.  Undergraduate students (n = 448) participated in this study. The reliability of the scale was calculated through three methods of estimating reliability, namely, test–retest, parallel forms and Cronbach’s alpha. To calculate the validity of the scale, we used content, concurrent, construct and predictive methods.

Results.  We determined the content validity of the scale by forward and backward‐translating each item from English into Persian. The concurrent validity of the questionnaire was estimated as acceptable. To determine the predictive validity, the relationship between Form B and health status was used, an action that showed that health status correlated positively with Internal but negatively with Chance and did not correlate with Powerful others Health Locus of Control. The exploratory factor analysis indicated that the factor structure of the translated scale was quite similar to that of the original one. The internal consistency ranged from 0·69–0·72 and parallel forms reliability indices ranged from 0·70–0·72 for its subscales.

Conclusion.  The results indicated that psychometric characteristics of the Iranian version of Form B were estimated acceptable among the youth.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings will assist professional health educators and nurses to develop educational interventions that should be designed to support and strengthen students’ abilities so that they could recognise, understand and predict health behaviours.
Oligonucleotides stimulate genomic alterations of Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Bryan Andrew , Swanson Michele S.
Published: February 2011

Genetic variation generates diversity in all kingdoms of life. The corresponding mechanisms can also be harnessed for laboratory studies of fundamental cellular processes. Here we report that oligonucleotides (oligos) generate mutations on the Legionella pneumophila chromosome by a mechanism that requires homologous DNA, but not RecA, RadA or any known phage recombinase. Instead we propose that DNA replication contributes, as oligo‐induced mutagenesis required ≥ 21 nucleotides of homology, was strand‐dependent, and was most efficient in exponential phase. Mutagenesis did not require canonical 5′ phosphate or 3′ hydroxyl groups, but the primosomal protein PriA and DNA Pol I contributed. After electroporation, oligos stimulated excision of 2.1 kb of chromosomal DNA or insertion of 18 bp, and non‐homologous flanking sequences were also processed. We exploited this endogenous activity to generate chromosomal deletions and to insert an epitope into a chromosomal coding sequence. Compared with Escherichia coli, L. pneumophila encodes fewer canonical single‐stranded exonucleases, and the frequency of mutagenesis increased substantially when either its RecJ and ExoVII nucleases were inactivated or the oligos modified by nuclease‐resistant bases. In addition to genetic engineering, oligo‐induced mutagenesis may have evolutionary implications as a mechanism to incorporate divergent DNA sequences with only short regions of homology.
Oxygen consumption of the aquatic leaf beetles Macroplea mutica and Macroplea appendiculata is low and not influenced by salinity
Authors: KÖLSCH GREGOR , KRAUSE ALMUT
Published: February 2011

Leaf beetles of the genus Macroplea live permanently under water. Species‐specific preferences for either freshwater or brackish water are available in the literature. To detect potential physiological differences, the oxygen consumption of Macroplea mutica and Macroplea appendiculata from habitats with differing salinities is measured at two different salinities (0 and 10). The specific oxygen consumption does not depend on oxygen saturation of the water (values in the approximate range of 25–100% occur during the experiments). There is no difference between species or sampling locations. Similarly, the salinity during the measurements does not affect the oxygen consumption of the beetles, either when compared as salinity per se (0 versus 10), or when classified as home salinity or atypical salinity. Comparisons with other chrysomelid beetles and aquatic insects (using available published data) reveal that the two Macroplea species have relatively low metabolic rates. This finding is discussed in the light of activity patterns and morphology, especially the reduction of flight muscles, which comprise a highly metabolically active tissue.
Cross‐national analysis of the risk factors of child malnutrition among children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS in sub‐Saharan Africa: evidence from the DHS
Authors: Magadi Monica A.
Published: February 2011

Objective  To examine the risk factors of malnutrition among children whose mothers are infected with HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods  Multilevel logistic regression models applied to Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data collected during 2003–2008 from 18 countries in SSA, where the DHS included HIV test data for adults of reproductive age.

Results  Across countries in SSA, the risk of malnutrition among children whose mothers are infected with HIV is particularly high among children aged one, boys, multiple/twin births, those who were smaller than average at birth, or whose mothers had no education, or in poorest or single parent households. Although these risk factors generally apply to all children from the same communities, the higher risk of child malnutrition among those in the poorest households is amplified among children whose mothers are infected with HIV. Also, while in general children who are breastfed for up to 6 months are significantly less likely to be malnourished than those who were never breastfed; the benefit of breastfeeding is not evident among children whose mothers are infected with HIV.

Conclusion  Contextual community/country HIV prevalences show interesting patterns: the risk of malnutrition among children whose mothers are infected with HIV is lower in countries with higher HIV prevalence. These findings have important implications for interventions to address malnutrition among children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS in the SSA region.
No evidence for general condition‐dependence of structural plumage colour in blue tits: an experiment
Authors: PETERS A. , KURVERS R. H. J. M. , ROBERTS M. L. , DELHEY K.
Published: February 2011

Condition‐dependence is a central but contentious tenet of evolutionary theories on the maintenance of ornamental traits, and this is particularly true for structural plumage colour. By providing diets of different nutritional quality to moulting male and female blue tits, we experimentally manipulated general condition within the natural range, avoiding deprivation or stressful treatments. We measured reflectance of the structural‐coloured UV/blue crown, a sexually selected trait in males, and the white cheek, a nonpigmented structural colour, directly after moult and again during the following spring mating season. We employed a variety of colour indices, based on spectral shape and avian visual models but, despite significant variation in condition and coloration, found no evidence for condition‐dependence of UV/blue or white plumage colour during either season. These and previously published results suggest that structural colour might be sensitive to stress, rather than reduced body condition, during moult.
Knowing the occasion of a peaceful death in intensive care units in Thailand
Authors: Kongsuwan Waraporn , Locsin Rozzano C. , Schoenhofer Savina O.
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study was to describe how nurses know the occasion of a peaceful death. The data were generated from individual in‐depth interviews with ten nurses who practised in adult intensive care units in the southern region of Thailand. Using a content analysis method, four processes of knowing the occasion of a peaceful death were isolated. They were visual knowing, technological knowing, intuitive knowing, and relational knowing. The clinical implications of these processes provide opportunities for nurses to practise the best end‐of‐life care during a critical time in a patient's life. This study also strengthens cross‐cultural nursing during end‐of‐life care in high‐technology settings, such as the intensive care unit.
Critical incidents and mortality reporting in pediatric anesthesia: the Australian experience
Authors: Ragg Philip
Published: February 2011

Since 1960, the collection and analysis of mortality data for anesthesia in Australia has been of significant benefit to practising anesthetists. These figures include pediatric deaths which fortunately have been rare and often inevitable because of severe underlying disease and patient risk factors.

The reporting of critical incidents and serious morbidity, on the other hand, has been far less impressive. Only one state in Australia, Victoria, currently has a committee that collects morbidity data and, as this reporting is voluntary, is likely to under‐represent the true numbers of critical events. There is no specific pediatric morbidity database in Australia so much of this discussion will be regarding overall anesthesia critical event reporting which includes pediatrics as a subset.
Experiments in Cross‐Scalar Labour Organizing: Reflections on Trade Union‐Building Work in Aceh after the 2004 Tsunami
Authors: Ford Michele , Dibley Thushara
Published: February 2011

Abstract:  As part of the post‐tsunami reconstruction effort in Aceh, international labour movement organizations “jumped scale” in an attempt to revitalize a moribund local labour movement. This article provides a close analysis of the four internationally sponsored trade union building projects undertaken as part of that process. This unique intervention sheds light on the crucial role of local context and the extent to which the principles of international solidarity and the pragmatics of trade union diplomacy are mediated through money, institutions, individuals and day‐to‐day activities. The Aceh case underscores the importance of contingency and the agency of individuals in shaping an international intervention of this kind. In doing so it demonstrates how circuits of labour activism can be affected by constraints and opportunities unrelated to trade union politics or the relations of production.
Deriving the Right to Water from the Right to Life, Liberty and Security of the Person: Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Aboriginal Communities in Canada
Authors: Harnum James
Published: February 2011

Regardless of whether or not there is a free‐standing human right to water, the breadth of constitutional guarantees such as the right to life may allow for a water right to be derived from other more commonly recognized fundamental rights. This article examines the question of whether a right to safe drinking water can be derived from the right to life, liberty and security of the person that is protected in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. By examining the situation of Aboriginal communities in Canada and the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court of Canada, it appears that a right to water may, in certain circumstances, be derived from other fundamental human rights.
Annual Research Review: Transgenic mouse models of childhood‐onset psychiatric disorders
Authors: Robertson Holly R. , Feng Guoping
Published: February 2011

Childhood‐onset psychiatric disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), mood disorders, obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSD), and schizophrenia (SZ), affect many school‐age children, leading to a lower quality of life, including difficulties in school and personal relationships that persist into adulthood. Currently, the causes of these psychiatric disorders are poorly understood, resulting in difficulty diagnosing affected children, and insufficient treatment options. Family and twin studies implicate a genetic contribution for ADHD, ASD, mood disorders, OCSD, and SZ. Identification of candidate genes and chromosomal regions associated with a particular disorder provide targets for directed research, and understanding how these genes influence the disease state will provide valuable insights for improving the diagnosis and treatment of children with psychiatric disorders. Transgenic mouse models are one important approach in the study of human diseases, allowing for the use of a variety of experimental approaches to dissect the contribution of a specific chromosomal or genetic abnormality in human disorders. While it is impossible to model an entire psychiatric disorder in a single mouse model, these models can be extremely valuable in dissecting out the specific role of a gene, pathway, neuron subtype, or brain region in a particular abnormal behavior. In this review we discuss existing transgenic mouse models for childhood‐onset psychiatric disorders. We compare the strength and weakness of various transgenic mouse models proposed for each of the common childhood‐onset psychiatric disorders, and discuss future directions for the study of these disorders using cutting‐edge genetic tools.
Spectacle prescribing II: practitioner experience is linked to the likelihood of suggesting a partial prescription
Authors: Howell‐Duffy Chris , Scally Andrew J , Elliott David B
Published: February 2011

Citation information: Howell‐Duffy C, Scally AJ & Elliott DB. Spectacle Prescribing II: Practitioner experience is linked to the likelihood of suggesting a partial prescription. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 155–167. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2010.00803.x

Purpose:  A follow up study to investigate whether UK optometrists partially prescribe significant changes in refractive correction to assist patient adaption and whether various aspects of practitioner profiles are linked to the nature of these prescribing decisions.

Method:  A case scenario type questionnaire was distributed by post and via the internet to UK optometrists. Five case scenarios were described that included information on patient age, symptoms, habitual refractive correction (if any), subjective refraction and any other relevant clinical information. In each case respondents were asked to indicate and justify what refractive correction they would prescribe.

Results:  A total of 592 questionnaires were completed. Between 41% and 84% prescribed the subjective refraction result depending on the scenario. The likelihood of partial prescribing increased by 34% for every 10 years following qualification and thus after a typical 40 year career, respondents were now over three times more likely to partially prescribe. There were no other links with the propensity to partially prescribe.

Conclusion:  The subjective refraction result exerted a strong hold on the reported prescribing outcome, particularly for newly qualified optometrists. Partial prescribing was increasingly proposed the greater the number of years the respondent had been qualified. This suggests that with increasing exposure to patients who return dissatisfied with their spectacles, a greater appreciation of partial prescribing is gained. This link seems to be an important finding that provides significant support for the prescribing rules suggested by textbooks, which are not yet supported by research evidence.
A novel instrument for logging nearwork distance
Authors: Leung Tsz‐wing , Flitcroft Daniel I , Wallman Josh , Lee Tat Hing , Zheng Yongping , Lam Carly Siu‐yin , Kee Chea‐su
Published: February 2011

Citation information: Leung T‐W, Flitcroft DI, Wallman J, Lee TH, Zheng Y, Lam CS‐Y & Kee C‐S. A novel instrument for logging nearwork distance. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 137–144. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2010.00814.x

Purpose:  To validate a novel ultrasonic sensor for logging reading distances. In addition, this device was used to compare the habitual reading distances between low and high myopes.

Methods:  First, the stability and sensitivity of the ultrasonic device were determined by repeated measures using artificial targets. Then, thirty Hong Kong Chinese (20–30 years) were recruited, of whom fifteen were considered to be high myopes (mean ± S.D. = −8.7 ± 0.5 D) and 15 to be low to non‐myopes (mean ± S.D. = −2.0 ± 0.2 D). Each subject read a newspaper with their habitual visual aid continuously for 10 min in two sessions at their preferred working distance(s). The reading distances were recorded continuously using a novel nearwork analyzer. The modal working distance was considered as the ‘habitual’ reading distance. In addition, habitual reading distance was reported orally by each subject.

Results:  The nearwork analyzer gave accurate and repeatable measurements over a range of distances and angles. Using this instrument, high myopes were found to have a significantly shorter reading distance than low myopes or non‐myopes (mean ± S.D. = 35.9 ± 9.8 cm vs 50.9 ± 24.8 cm; two‐sample t‐test, p = 0.04, df = 18). The reading distances reported orally by the subjects were not correlated with those recorded by the nearwork analyzer.

Conclusions:  The nearwork analyzer was found to be an effective tool for measuring nearwork reading distance in a small group of emmetropic and myopic adults over a 10 min interval. Differences between the reading distance between high myopes and low/non‐myopes was detected by the device. Further study is needed to determine if a closer working distance is a cause or effect of myopia development.