bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical deterrent enables a socially parasitic ant to invade multiple hosts
Authors: Martin Stephen J , Jenner Edward A , Drijfhout Falko P
Published: August 2007

Social parasites are involved in a coevolutionary arms race, which drives increasing specialization resulting in a very narrow host range. The
Formicoxenus
ants are a small group of social parasites with a xenobiotic lifestyle.
Formicoxenus quebecensis
and
Formicoxenus provancheri
are highly specialized ants using chemical mimicry to blend into their respective
Myrmica
ant host colonies. However,
Formicoxenus nitidulus
is unique in being able to survive in over 11 different ant host species. We observed that when live or dead
F. nitidulus
adults are seized by their host they are immediately dropped undamaged, despite possessing a cuticular hydrocarbon profile that differs markedly from its host. Hexane extracts of the
F. nitidulus
cuticle made previously acceptable prey items unattractive to their
Formica
host, indicating a chemical deterrent effect. This is the first time that a social parasite has been shown to exploit the generalized deterrence strategy to avoid host aggression over long periods of time. This supports the idea that coevolved and generalist diseases or parasites require fundamentally different defence mechanisms. We suggest that
F. nitidulus
uses its cuticular chemistry, possible alkadienes, as a novel deterrent mechanism to allow it to switch hosts easily and so become a widespread and abundant social parasite.
Negative plant–soil feedbacks may limit persistence of an invasive tree due to rapid accumulation of soil pathogens
Authors: Nijjer Somereet , Rogers William E , Siemann Evan
Published: August 2007

Soil organisms influence plant species coexistence and invasion potential. Plant–soil feedbacks occur when plants change soil community composition such that interactions with that soil community in turn may positively or negatively affect the performance of conspecifics. Theories predict and studies show that invasions may be promoted by stronger negative soil feedbacks for native compared with exotic species. We present a counter-example of a successful invader with strong negative soil feedbacks apparently caused by host-specific, pathogenic soil fungi. Using a feedback experiment in pots, we investigated whether the relative strength of plant–soil feedbacks experienced by a non-native woody invader,Sapium sebiferum, differed from several native tree species by examining their performance in soils collected near conspecifics (‘home soils’) or heterospecifics (‘away soils’) in the introduced range.Sapiumseedlings, but no native seedlings, had lower survival and biomass in its home soils compared with soils of other species (‘negative feedback’). To investigate biotic agents potentially responsible for the observed negative feedbacks, we conducted two additional experiments designed to eliminate different soil taxa (‘rescue experiments’). We found that soil sterilization (pot experiment) or soil fungicide applications (pot and field experiments) restoredSapiumperformance in home soil thereby eliminating the negative feedbacks we observed in the original experiment. Such negative feedbacks apparently mediated by soil fungi could have important effects on persistence of this invader by limitingSapiumseedling success inSapiumdominated forests (home soils) though their weak effects in heterospecific (away) soils suggest a weak role in limiting initial establishment.
Transmission stage investment of malaria parasites in response to in-host competition
Authors: Wargo Andrew R , de Roode Jacobus C , Huijben Silvie , Drew Damien R , Read Andrew F
Published: August 2007

Conspecific competition occurs in a multitude of organisms, particularly in parasites, where several clones are commonly sharing limited resources inside their host. In theory, increased or decreased transmission investment might maximize parasite fitness in the face of competition, but, to our knowledge, this has not been tested experimentally. We developed and used a clone-specific, stage-specific, quantitative PCR protocol to quantify
Plasmodium chabaudi
replication and transmission stage densities in mixed-clone infections. We co-infected mice from two strains with an avirulent and virulent parasite clone and found competitive suppression of in-host (blood-stage) parasite densities and generally corresponding reductions in transmission stage production, with the virulent clone obtaining overall competitive superiority. In response to competitive suppression, there was little evidence of any alteration in transmission stage investment, apart from a small reduction by one of the two clones in one of the two host strains. This alteration did not result in a competitive advantage, although it might have reduced the disadvantage. This study supports much of the current literature, which predicts that conspecific in-host competition will result in a competitive advantage and positive selection for virulent clones and thus the evolution of higher virulence.
New records of Aphyonidae (Teleostei: Ophidiiformes) from the south‐western Atlantic
Authors: Franco M. A. L. , Costa P. A. S. , Braga A. C.
Published: August 2007

During austral summer and winter of 2003, three specimens of Aphyonus gelatinosus and one specimen of Barathronus bicolor (Ophidiiformes: Aphyonidae) were trawled off Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Chorion microstructure for identifying five fish eggs of Apogonidae
Authors: Chen C. H. , Wu C. C. , Shao K. T. , Yang J. S.
Published: August 2007

The chorion microstructure of the eggs of apogonids including Apogon lateralis, A. aureus, A. nitidus, A. cookii and A. guamensis was studied by scanning electron microscopy. In Apogonidae, egg chorion microstructures, especially those in the micropyle region, are useful characters for egg identification.
Sperm velocity in an Alpine whitefish: effects of age, size, condition, fluctuating asymmetry and gonad abnormalities
Authors: Urbach D. , Bittner D. , Lenz T. L. , Bernet D. , Wahli T. , Wedekind C.
Published: August 2007

The relationship between sperm velocity and individual age, size, body condition and fluctuating asymmetry was investigated in Alpine whitefish Coregonus fatioi. The fish analysed belonged to one among several sympatric whitefish populations of Lake Thun, Switzerland, which are characterized by a high prevalence of gonad alterations. Therefore, sperm velocity data were also tested for a link between gonad deformation and sperm swimming speed. Sperm velocity was significantly lower in larger‐grown individuals and in individuals of higher body condition. As expected, sperm velocity was higher in males with higher levels of fluctuating asymmetry, but it did not significantly vary with male age. Moreover, variation in sperm velocity was found to be significantly higher in individuals showing some types of gonad alterations but it did not significantly correlate with the presence of other types of alterations.
Links between patterns of marine growth and survival of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, L.
Authors: Peyronnet A. , Friedland K. D. , Maoileidigh N. Ó , Manning M. , Poole W. R.
Published: August 2007

The hypothesis that marine survival of Atlantic salmon Salmo Salar is linked to marine growth was explored by using inter‐circuli distances and total numbers of circuli existing on scales from a population monitored over nearly four decades. The results suggest that marine growth controls survival, particularly during the late summer and early winter of the first year at sea. Recruitment is strongly linked to growth, described as the total number of circuli, but not to inter‐circuli distances. This highlights the potential of patterns of circuli number to be considered as proxies for growth. Indications that hatchery populations might be subject to other mortality events, in addition to those experienced by wild populations, are also presented.
Effect of light intensity and eye development on prey capture by larval striped bass Morone saxatilis
Authors: MacIntosh K. E. , Duston J.
Published: August 2007

The efficacy of visual and non‐visual feeding among pelagic striped bass Morone saxatilis larvae adapted to a turbid estuary was determined in the laboratory in clear water. Capture of Artemia salina (density 100 l−1) was significantly affected by the interaction between age of larvae (range: 8–25 days post‐hatch, dph) and light intensity (range: 0–10·6 μmol s−1 m−2 at the water surface). Visual feeding by larvae aged 9–11 dph was highest in dim light (0·086–0·79 μmol s−1 m−2), with fish capturing up to 5 prey larva−1 h−1. As the larvae grew, prey capture in brighter light improved, associated with an increasing proportion of twin cone photoreceptors and improving ability of the retina to light‐ and dark‐adapt. By age >22 dph, mean prey capture was greatest at highest light intensities (0·79 and 10·6 μmol s−1 m−2) exceeding 100 prey larva−1 h−1. Incidence of feeding larvae generally improved as the larvae grew, reaching >80% in all light intensities from 16 dph onwards. The lower threshold for visual feeding, between 0·0084 and 0·03 μmol s−1 m−2, remained constant as the larvae grew, despite an increasing density of rod photoreceptors. Below this threshold, non‐visual feeding was evident at a low rate (<6 prey larva−1 h−1) that was independent of larval age.
The trophic ecology of Atlantic cod: insights from tri‐monthly, localized scales of sampling
Authors: Smith B. E. , Ligenza T. J. , Almeida F. P. , Link J. S.
Published: August 2007

The meso‐scale trophic dynamics of cod Gadus morhua were examined based upon tri‐monthly stomach sample collections from a nearshore, localized (c. 800 km2) region off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, U.S.A. The major objective for this work was to relate any changes in cod diet and amount of food eaten to seasonal variations in prey availability, water temperature and spawning at a spatial scale between broad‐scale and laboratory studies. Results suggested that the type and amount of food eaten by cod was generally consistent throughout a year and repeatable across years. Cod feeding was marked by two periods of increased feeding, corresponding to the arrival of small pelagic fishes in the area. This pelagic migration and subsequent increased feeding by cod occurred during important periods in the life history of cod (e.g. spawning and overwintering). Similar annual patterns in food consumption and diet composition were remarkably consistent over the 2·5 years of the project, suggesting important feeding periods for cod that correspond to environmental and biological events. The diet of cod was composed primarily of several species of forage fishes [e.g. herrings (predominantly Atlantic herring Clupea harengus), sand lance Ammodytes sp. and Atlantic mackerel Scomber scombrus], ophiuroids, Cancer sp. crabs and other small crustaceans. It was inferred that cod exhibited a maintenance diet on local forage fishes and benthic macroinvertebrates, augmenting their diet by seasonally gorge feeding upon migrating pelagic species.
Long distance migration and marine habitation in the tropical Asian catfish, Pangasius krempfi
Authors: Hogan Z. , Baird I. G. , Radtke R. , Vander Zanden M. J.
Published: August 2007

A synthesis of catch data from southern Laos and life‐history information indicate that adult Pangasius krempfi, an important Asian catfish, migrates up the Mekong River from the South China Sea in Vietnam past Cambodia, arriving in southern Laos each year in May. Strontium concentrations in the otoliths of river‐caught P. krempfi are, on average, three to four times higher than the levels of strontium in the otoliths of related freshwater species, indicating marine and estuary habitation for fish caught in southern Laos. Pangasius krempfi muscle tissue samples from the same fish also exhibit stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) values characteristic of marine environments. The results of this investigation support the conclusion that P. krempfi is anadromous, spending a part of its life at sea and in the brackish water of the Mekong Delta before returning to spawn in fresh water. The fish travels at least 720 km to the Khone Falls in southern Laos, and possibly further. Spawning probably occurs in fresh water from June to August at which time young fish move down the Mekong River to the Mekong Delta. The data answer a previously unresolved question (the long‐distance migratory behaviour of P. krempfi) and have important implications for the management and conservation of Mekong River fishes.
Historical changes in juvenile southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii growth rates based on otolith measurements
Authors: Farley J. H. , Gunn J. S.
Published: August 2007

Suspected historic changes in juvenile southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii growth rates were investigated using otolith increment width data. Four hundred and ninety otoliths were selected from fish estimated to be between 1 and 41 years‐old. The distance between the first five annuli were measured on the otoliths, giving estimates of otolith growth for age classes 1+ to 4+ years for fish spawned from the early 1960s to mid 1990s. The data showed that growth rates of juveniles (age 1+ and 2+ years) started to increase at around 1979–1980, and that growth continued to increase throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Lee’s phenomenon was not observed in the data. Correlation tests did not reveal clear relationships between annual otolith growth and regional environmental variables such as sea surface temperature or Southern Oscillation Index. The increase in otolith growth, however, was consistent with juvenile growth estimates obtained from other sources, and correlated with large‐scale trends in population size and environmental conditions.
Successful shoreline spawning of rainbow trout in two Canadian alpine lakes
Authors: Northcote T. G. , Bull C. J.
Published: August 2007

Successful shoreline spawning of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss has occurred for several decadal periods without hatchery stocking in Joe and Harry Lakes, two small (5–6 ha) alpine waters at >2000 m elevation in south‐central British Columbia. Redds are most concentrated near groundwater inflows, in Joe Lake mainly on sand and gravel, in Harry Lake mainly over rocks and boulders.
Twenty‐year trends in fatal injuries to very young children: the persistence of racial disparities
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: August 2007

.
 
Pressley J. C.,
Barlow B.,
Kendig T. &
Paneth‐Pollak R.
(
2007
)

,
119
,
e875
–
84
.

Objective  Mortality trends across modifiable injury mechanisms may reflect how well effective injury prevention efforts are penetrating high‐risk populations. This study examined all‐cause, unintentional and intentional injury‐related mortality in children who were aged 0–4 years for evidence of and to quantify racial disparities by injury mechanism.

Methods  Injury analyses used national vital statistics data from 1 January 1981 to 31 December 2003 that were available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rate calculations and chi‐squared test for trends (Mantel extension) used data that were collapsed into 3‐year intervals to produce cell sizes with stable estimates. Percentage change for mortality rate ratios used the earliest (1981–1983) and the latest (2001–2003) study periods for black, American Indian/Alaskan Native and Asian/Pacific Islander children, with white children as the comparison group.

Results  All‐cause injury rates declined during the study period, but current mortality ratios for all‐cause injury remained higher in black and American Indian/Alaskan Native children and lower in Asian/Pacific Islander children compared with white children. Trend analyses within racial groups demonstrated significant improvements in all groups for unintentional but not intentional injury. Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native children had higher injury risk as a result of residential fire, suffocation, poisoning, falls, motor vehicle traffic and firearms. Disparities narrowed for residential fire, pedestrian and poisoning, and widened for motor vehicle occupant, unspecified motor vehicle and suffocation for black and American Indian/Alaskan Native children.

Conclusions  These findings identify injury areas in which disparities narrowed, improvement occurred with maintenance or widening of disparities, and little or no progress was evident. This study further suggests specific mechanisms whereby new strategies and approaches to address areas that are recalcitrant to improvement in absolute rates and/or narrowing of disparities are needed, and where increased dissemination of proven efficacious injury prevention efforts to high‐risk populations are indicated.
Beyond Munchausen syndrome by proxy: identification and treatment of child abuse in a medical setting
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: August 2007

.
 
Stirling J. &
(
2007
)

,
119
,
1026
–
30
.
 
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2007–0563.
Diagnosing abuse: a systematic review of torn frenum and intra‐oral injuries
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: August 2007

.
 
Maguire S. A.,
Hunter B.,
Hunter L. M.,
Sibert J.,
Mann M. K. &
Kemp A. M.
(
2007
)

,
ePub(ePub): ePub.
 
DOI: 10.1136/adc.2006.113001.

Objective  A torn labial frenum is widely regarded as ‘pathognomonic’ of abuse. We systematically reviewed the evidence for this, and to define other intra‐oral injuries found in physical abuse.

Methods  An all‐language literature search of primary studies, conference abstracts and references from 1950 to June 2006. Each study underwent independent reviews by two of 31 reviewers, drawn from paediatrics and paediatric or forensic dentistry. Standardized critical appraisal and data extraction were performed. Studies were ranked by study design and confirmation of abuse.

Results  Nineteen of 154 studies reviewed were included, representing 591 children. There were no comparative studies of accidental and abusive torn labial frenum to enable a probability of abuse to be determined. Nine studies documented abusive torn labial frena in 27 children; 22 were less than 5 years old and 24 fatally abused. Only a direct blow to the face was substantiated as a mechanism of injury. Two studies noted accidentally torn labial frena, both from intubation. Abusive intra‐oral injuries were widely distributed to the lips, gums, tongue and palate, and included fractures, intrusion and extraction of the dentition, bites and contusions.

Conclusions  Current literature does not support the diagnosis of abuse based on a torn labial frenum in isolation. The intra‐oral hard and soft tissue should be examined in all suspected abuse cases and a dental opinion sought where abnormalities are found.
Below‐ground hydraulic conductance is a function of environmental conditions and tree size in Scots pine
Authors: MARTÍNEZ‐VILALTA J. , KORAKAKI E. , VANDERKLEIN D. , MENCUCCINI M.
Published: August 2007

Variations in water tension in a transpiring tree cause elastic changes in stem diameter. To better understand the dynamics of these variations, stem diameter changes and sap flow rates were monitored simultaneously in trees from two Scots pine chronosequences in Scotland.

Tree below‐ground hydraulic conductance (kbg) was estimated from the relationship between leaf‐specific sap flow rates and the difference between stem and soil water potentials estimated from diameter variations in the stem.

In a given tree, kbg varied both within and among days, with conductance increasing as a function of sap flow and evaporative demand. These patterns could be explained in terms of a composite model of root water transport and possible changes in the gating of aquaporins.

We interpreted these trends of increasing kbg with evaporative demand as a mechanism to enhance the ability of trees to control leaf water potential and keep it within physiologically acceptable limits, with potential implications for our general understanding of plant water relations, and for the estimation and modelling of ecosystem water fluxes.

Across trees, kbg declined with increasing tree age/size, but the proportional contribution of below‐ground to whole‐tree hydraulic resistance also declined. This is consistent with an increase in below‐ground carbon allocation in old/tall trees and a partial acclimation of tall trees to hydraulic limitations. It is argued that these trends have to be considered when discussing the importance of tree height for water transport and growth.
Lymphangiogenesis in myocardial remodelling after infarction
Authors: Ishikawa Y , Akishima‐Fukasawa Y , Ito K , Akasaka Y , Tanaka M , Shimokawa R , Kimura‐Matsumoto M , Morita H , Sato S , Kamata I , Ishii T
Published: August 2007

Aims:  The lymphatic system is involved in fluid homeostasis of the cardiac interstitium, but lymphangiogenesis in myocardial remodelling has not previously been examined histopathologically. The aim was to investigate by D2‐40 immunohistochemistry the sequential changes in lymphatic distribution in the process of myocardial remodelling after myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods and results:  Myocardial tissues in various phases of healing after MI were obtained from 40 autopsied hearts. D2‐40+ lymphatic vessel density (LD) and CD34+ blood vessel density (BD) in the lesion were determined. BD decreased with advance of myocardial necrosis, subsequently increased at the early stage of granulation and thereafter decreased with the progression of scar formation. In contrast, lymphatic vessels were not detected in lesions with coagulation necrosis, and newly formed lymphatics first appeared in the early stages of granulation. A subsequent increase in LD was demonstrated in the late stages of granulation, and lymphatics remained up to the scar phase. Vascular endothelial growth factor‐C was consistently expressed in viable cardiomyocytes around the lesion in all of these stages.

Conclusion:  In myocardial remodelling after MI, lymphangiogenesis lags behind blood vessel angiogenesis; newly formed lymphatics may be involved mainly in the maturation of fibrosis and scar formation through the drainage of excessive proteins and fluid.
Prognostic significance of p53 gene mutations and protein overexpression in localized gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Ryu M H , Kang Y K , Jang S J , Kim T W , Lee H , Kim J S , Park Y H , Lee S S , Ryoo B Y , Chang H M , Lee J L , Yook J H , Kim B S , Lee J S
Published: August 2007

Aims:  Mutation of c‐kit is a relatively early event in the tumorigenesis of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). The aim was to determine the prognostic significance of p53 alterations as an additional genetic change in GISTs.

Methods and results:  We reviewed 125 patients with localized GISTs subjected to complete resection between 1990 and 2002. Mutational analyses of c‐kit exons 9, 11, 13 and 17, p53 exons 4–8 and immunohistochemistry for p53 protein were conducted using paraffin‐embedded tissues. Alterations of p53 were observed in 50 patients (40.0%). Based on the National Institutes of Health’s risk category, p53 alterations were noted more frequently in the higher risk categories (P = 0.041). With a median follow‐up of 56.5 months (range: 2.3–126.8), 5‐year relapse‐free survival (RFS) rates were 61.7% without p53 alterations, compared with only 40.2% with p53 alterations (P = 0.009). Multivariate analysis indicated that p53 alterations comprised an independent, poor prognostic factor for RFS, in addition to c‐kit mutations, large size, a high mitotic count and non‐gastric primary sites.

Conclusions:  Alterations in p53 were more commonly observed in localized GISTs at higher risk of relapse. This suggests that they are significant as an independent, poor prognostic factor.
Individual patterns of habitat and nest‐site use by hosts promote transgenerational transmission of avian brood parasitism status
Authors: HOOVER JEFFREY P. , HAUBER MARK E.
Published: August 2007

Brood parasitic birds impose variable fitness costs upon their hosts by causing the partial or complete loss of the hosts’ own brood. Growing evidence from multiple avian host–parasite taxa indicates that exposure of individual hosts to parasitism is not necessarily random and varies with habitat use, nest‐site selection, age or other phenotypic attributes. For instance, nonrandom patterns of brood parasitism had similar evolutionary consequences to those of limited horizontal transmission of parasites and pathogens across space and time and altered the dynamics of both population productivity and co‐evolutionary interactions of hosts and parasites.

We report that brood parasitism status of hosts of brown‐headed cowbirdsMolothrus ateris also transmitted across generations in individually colour‐banded female prothonotary warblersProtonotaria citrea. Warbler daughters were more likely to share their mothers’ parasitism status when showing natal philopatry at the scale of habitat patch. Females never bred in their natal nestboxes but daughters of parasitized mothers had shorter natal dispersal distances than daughters of nonparasitized mothers. Daughters of parasitized mothers were more likely to use nestboxes that had been parasitized by cowbirds in both the previous and current years.

Although difficult to document in avian systems, different propensities of vertical transmission of parasitism status within host lineages will have critical implications both for the evolution of parasite tolerance in hosts and, if found to be mediated by lineages of parasites themselves, for the difference in virulence between such extremes as the nestmate‐tolerant and nestmate‐eliminator strategies of different avian brood parasite species.
Experimental evidence for the effects of dung beetle functional group richness and composition on ecosystem function in a tropical forest
Authors: SLADE ELEANOR M. , MANN DARREN J. , VILLANUEVA JEROME F. , LEWIS OWEN T.
Published: August 2007

Much of the literature on the relationship between species richness or functional group richness and measures of ecosystem function focuses on a restricted set of ecosystem function measures and taxonomic groups. Few such studies have been carried out under realistic levels of diversity in the field, particularly in high diversity ecosystems such as tropical forests.

We used exclusion experiments to study the effects of dung beetle functional group richness and composition on two interlinked and functionally important ecological processes, dung removal and secondary seed dispersal, in evergreen tropical forest in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

Overall, both dung and seed removal increased with dung beetle functional group richness. However, levels of ecosystem functioning were idiosyncratic depending on the identity of the functional groups present, indicating an important role for functional group composition. There was no evidence for interference or competition among functional groups.

We found strong evidence for overyielding and transgressive overyielding, suggesting complementarity or facilitation among functional groups. Not all mixtures showed transgressive overyielding, so that complementarity was restricted to particular functional group combinations.

Beetles in a single functional group (large nocturnal tunnellers) had a disproportionate influence on measures of ecosystem function: in their absence dung removal is reduced by approximately 75%. However, a full complement of functional groups is required to maximize ecosystem functioning.

This study highlights the importance of both functional group identity and species composition in determining the ecosystem consequences of extinctions or altered patterns in the relative abundance of species.
The significance of ratios of detritus types and micro‐organism productivity to competitive interactions between aquatic insect detritivores
Authors: YEE DONALD A. , KAUFMAN MICHAEL G. , JULIANO STEVEN A.
Published: August 2007

Investigations of competitive interactions emphasize non‐detrital resources, even though detritus is a major component of most food webs. Studies of competing species focus usually on single resource types, although consumers in nature are likely to encounter mixtures of resource types that may affect whether competition results in exclusion or coexistence.

The invasive mosquitoAedes albopictusis capable of excluding the native mosquitoOchlerotatus triseriatusin competition for single detritus types in laboratory and field microcosms. In this study, we used nine ratios of two detritus types (animal and leaf) common in natural containers to test whether detritus ratios affect the outcome of competition.

Under intraspecific and interspecific competition,A. albopictusattained higher survival and estimated population growth rate than didO. triseriatus. Unlike past studies, both species had positive growth and high adult survival, with little evidence of competitive effects, under one resource ratio (10 : 1 ratio of leaf : animal detritus) regardless of mosquito densities, suggesting potential coexistence.

Path analysis showed that densities of larvae had negative effects on population growth forO. triseriatusbut not forA. albopictus, indicating competitive superiority ofA. albopictus. Population growth of both species was affected strongly by the direct paths from animal (positive) and leaf (negative) detritus, and the indirect effect of leaf detritus via bacterial production (positive).

Field sampling established that detritus entered real tree holes in ratios similar to those in our experiment, suggesting that natural variation in detritus ratios may influence local coexistence of these species. Seasonal variation in ratios of plant and animal detritus indicated that temporal as well as spatial variation in inputs may be important for potential coexistence.
Effects of a nationwide programme: interventions to reduce perceived barriers to collaboration and to increase structural one‐on‐one contact
Authors: Heideman Jantien , Laurant Miranda , Verhaak Peter , Wensing Michel , Grol Richard
Published: August 2007

Objective  To describe the implementation of a nationwide programme and to determine the effects of specific quality improvement (QI) interventions within this programme on perceived barriers to collaboration between general practitioner (GPs) and mental health professionals and frequency of structural one‐on‐one contact regarding individual patients.

Methods  The implementation of regional QI‐interventions, perceived barriers to collaboration, and frequency of structural one‐on‐one contact, were assessed in a cohort study involving two surveys (2001 and 2003) among a random sample of 2757 GPs.

Results  1336 and 1358 GPs returned baseline and follow‐up questionnaires respectively. Most of the interventions were only offered to a minority of GPs. Less than 25% of GPs that had been offered interventions actually participated. The frequency of structural one‐on‐one contact with mental health professionals did not change, but barriers to collaboration decreased between 2001 and 2003. For GPs who actually participated in interactive small group meetings or in intervention in which mental health professionals were integrated in general practice, a reduction of perceived barriers could be observed as well as an increase in the frequency of structural one‐on‐one contact.

Conclusion  Interventions that could be characterized as interactive small group meetings as well as interventions that involved the integration of mental health professionals in general practice led to a reduction of perceived barriers as well as an increase in the frequency of structural one‐on‐one contact. These findings add to the knowledge of which interventions have an effect on the collaboration between different health care providers.
Overall self‐rated health as an outcome indicator in primary care
Authors: Rohrer James E. , Arif Ahmed , Denison Anne , Young Rodney , Adamson Steve
Published: August 2007

Rationale, aims and objectives  The ultimate goal of health care systems is to improve overall health from the patient’s point of view. However, overall self‐rated health is not routinely monitored as a performance indicator. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using a measure normally employed in community health surveys as a quality indicator in primary care clinics.

Methods  In order to do so, we conducted a cross‐sectional survey of community medicine patients treated in five clinics in Amarillo, Texas to test the theory that, in primary care patients, a single‐item measure of self‐rated health is significantly related to the usual risk factors found in community health surveys (environmental factors, demographic characteristics and health behaviours).

Results  Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, race, frequent mental distress, current smoking and health confidence were independently related to the odds of reporting good health.

Conclusion  Our results support using a single‐item measure of self‐rated health in primary care. Our data also suggest that encouragement of health confidence would appear to be in the best interests of patients.
Virus isolation vs RT‐PCR: which method is more successful in detecting VHSV and IHNV in fish tissue sampled under field conditions?
Authors: Knüsel R , Bergmann S M , Einer‐Jensen K , Casey J , Segner H , Wahli T
Published: August 2007

This study compared the results of reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and traditional virus isolation on cell culture in detection of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) and infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV). RT‐PCR was used for 172 tissue sample pools (total of 859 fish) originating from a field survey on the occurrence of VHSV and IHNV in farmed and wild salmonids in Switzerland. These samples represented all sites with fish that were either identified as virus‐positive by means of virus isolation (three sites, four positive tissue sample pools) and/or demonstrated positive anti‐VHSV‐antibody titres (83 sites, 121 positive blood samples) in a serum plaque neutralization test (SPNT). The RT‐PCR technique confirmed the four VHSV‐positive tissue sample pools detected by virus isolation and additionally identified one VHSV‐positive sample that showed positive anti‐VHSV‐AB titres, but was negative in virus isolation. With IHNV, RT‐PCR detected two positive samples not identified by virus isolation while in these fish the SPNT result had been questionable. One of the IHNV‐positive samples represents the first detection of IHNV‐RNA in wild brown trout in Switzerland. Compared to SPNT, the RT‐PCR method detected, as with virus isolation, a much lower number of positive cases; reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. Our results indicate that RT‐PCR can not only be successfully applied in field surveys, but may also be slightly more sensitive than virus isolation. However, in a titration experiment under laboratory conditions, the sensitivity of RT‐PCR was not significantly higher when compared with virus isolation.
Pancreas disease in farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), in Norway
Authors: Taksdal T , Olsen A B , Bjerkås I , Hjortaas M J , Dannevig B H , Graham D A , McLoughlin M F
Published: August 2007

The present paper describes, for the first time, clinical signs and pathological findings of pancreas disease (PD) in farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), in sea water in Norway. Similarities and differences with reports of PD from Ireland and Scotland are discussed. Samples of 68 rainbow trout from disease outbreaks on 14 farms and from 155 Atlantic salmon from outbreaks on 20 farms collected from 1996 to 2004 were included in the present study. The histopathological findings of PD in Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout in sea water were similar. Acute PD, characterized by acute necrosis of exocrine pancreatic tissues, was detected in nine Atlantic salmon and three rainbow trout. Salmonid alphavirus (SAV) was identified in acute pancreatic necroses by immunohistochemistry. Most fish showed severe loss of exocrine pancreatic tissue combined with chronic myositis. Myocarditis was often but not consistently found. Kidneys from 40% and 64% of the rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon, respectively, had cells along the sinusoids that were packed with cytoplasmic eosinophilic granules. These cells resembled hypertrophied endothelial cells or elongated mast cell analogues. Histochemical staining properties and electron microscopy of these cells are presented. SAV was identified by RT‐PCR and neutralizing antibodies against SAV were detected in blood samples.
Alphavirus infections in salmonids – a review
Authors: McLoughlin M F , Graham D A
Published: August 2007

The first alphavirus to be isolated from fish was recorded in 1995 with the isolation of salmon pancreas disease virus from Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in Ireland. Subsequently, the closely related sleeping disease virus was isolated from rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), in France. More recently Norwegian salmonid alphavirus (SAV) has been isolated from marine phase production of Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout in Norway. These three viruses are closely related and are now considered to represent three subtypes of SAV, a new member of the genus Alphavirus within the family Togaviridae. SAVs are recognized as serious pathogens of farmed Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout in Europe. This paper aims to draw together both historical and current knowledge of the diseases caused by SAVs, the viruses, their diagnosis and control, and to discuss the differential diagnosis of similar pathologies seen in cardiomyopathy syndrome and heart and skeletal muscle inflammation of Atlantic salmon.
Do tooth gaps matter? Evaluation of self‐assessments: a pilot study
Authors: TROVIK T. A. , BERGE T. I.
Published: August 2007

Summary  This study aimed to test the hypothesis stating no difference in number of teeth or tooth gaps counted by the dentist or the patient. The sample consisted of 49 randomly selected regular patients and their dentists (response rate 10%, 53% males). Mean age of the patients was 53·6 ± 11·9 years. The mean number of teeth was 26·5, 20/49 reported tooth gaps (excluding second and third molars) and 12/20 had visible gaps. The calculation of patients’ detection of gaps showed a sensitivity = 79%, specificity = 96% and a positive predictive value of 95%. The patients reported more teeth in the maxilla and fewer teeth in the mandible compared with their dentists. More teeth were misdiagnosed as the number of teeth increased in the mandible. Patients reported more gaps than dentists in both jaws (NS); an average of 0·04, 0·18 and 0·22 misdiagnosed gaps in the maxilla, mandible and for both jaws respectively. Agreement on tooth present/missing in the maxilla was 91·3% (±9·82) and in the mandible 88·2% (±10·44). Correlation between self‐report and dentist’s report of the number of teeth present and the number of gaps in the maxilla was (Pearson’s r) 0·94 and 0·83. One person with self‐perceived visible gaps and five persons with non‐visible gaps were recommended treatment; two persons agreed about a treatment need. Self‐assessments of tooth gaps show limited but acceptable sensitivity and excellent specificity. No significant differences in tooth counting were found when comparing self‐reports and dentists’ reports. The study should be tried on a larger scale.
Diagnostic sub‐types, psychological distress and psychosocial dysfunction in southern Chinese people with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: LEE L. T. K. , YEUNG R. W. K. , WONG M. C. M. , MCMILLAN A. S.
Published: August 2007

Summary  The study aimed to assess the distribution of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) sub‐types, psychological distress and psychosocial dysfunction in southern Chinese people seeking treatment for TMD using Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) and investigate potential cross‐cultural differences in sub‐type prevalence and psychosocial impact. Eighty‐seven consecutive patients (77 females; 10 males) with a mean age of 39·3 years (s.d. 12·8) newly referred to the specialist TMD clinic at the Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong over a 20‐month period took part in the study. RDC/TMD history questionnaire and clinical assessment data were used to derive Axis I and II findings. Group I muscle disorders were the most common and found in 57·5% of patients. Group II (disc displacement) disorders were found in 42·5% and 47·1% of the right and left temporomandibular joints (TMJ) respectively. Group III disorders (arthralgia/arthrosis/arthritis) were revealed in 19·5% and 23·0% of right and left TMJ’s respectively. In the Axis II assessment, 42·5% of patients had moderate/severe depression scores, 59·7% had moderate/severe somatization scores and based on graded chronic pain scores 15·0% had psychosocial dysfunction (grade III and IV). While acknowledging the small sample size, the distribution of RDC/TMD Axis I and II diagnoses was fairly similar in Chinese TMD patients compared with Western and other Asian patient groups. However, in Chinese patients, myofascial pain with limited jaw opening and TMJ disc displacement with reduction were more common and a significant number experienced psychological distress and psychosocial dysfunction. The findings have implications for the management of TMD in Chinese people.
Audit on inpatient prescription writing guidelines
Authors: KRIPALANI M. , BADANAPURAM R. , BELL A.
Published: August 2007

Medication errors are a fairly common occurrence. Drug prescription errors maybe largely preventable. There is a lack of minimum national guidelines for prescriptions. The aim of this study is to see if there is a reduction in prescription errors after introduction of trust guidelines. Data were collected from inpatient drug cards with regard to the trust guidelines on prescription writing and completing the audit cycle after a period of 12 months. A refresher was provided after the initial survey. All cards were scanned on the same day. There was an absence of allergic information in 40% drug cards which improved slightly the second time around. This study indicates that a national prescription writing guidelines should be introduced and adopted.
Patient‐centred care in acute psychiatric admission units: reality or rhetoric?
Authors: O'DONOVAN A.
Published: August 2007

It has been suggested that patient‐centred care be adopted as the primary method of mental health service delivery. This approach has been widely described in the literature and various frameworks for its delivery have been developed; however, many lack evaluation at present. The primary aim of this study was to gain an understanding of psychiatric nursing practice with people who self‐harm using a qualitative descriptive approach. One of its objectives was to explore psychiatric nurses' approach and philosophical underpinnings to care. A sample of eight psychiatric nurses from two acute psychiatric admission units in Ireland was gained through convenience sampling. Data were collected through in‐depth semi‐structured interviews and analysed using a combination of content and theme analysis. Barker's Tidal Model was being utilized as the basis of nursing practice in both units. This paper presents one of the themes that emerged from the findings on the concept of patient‐centred care, and how this translated in the use of the Tidal Model.
Collective inquiry: understanding the essence of best practice construction in mental health
Authors: BARRY K. J.
Published: August 2007

Delivering quality services has become a committed aspiration of mental health services over the past decade. Service planners look to validated care models to give guidance on what constitutes best practice. While there are many different views of what is ‘best’, there is a growing acknowledgement that services need to listen to the experiences of a network of frontline stakeholders in order to create quality mental health services. This paper describes an exploratory study within a regional mental health service that aimed to understand the meaning and enactment of best practice from the perspectives of a representative sample of service users and providers. A number of themes emerged as important and include the inherent value placed on consistent familial style relationships between service user and provider. This was deemed pivotal to the provision of expertise, good clinical decision‐making, choice and collaboration. The study also highlighted stakeholder preference for autonomy and openness to inquiry into developing practice. In deconstructing the meaning of best practice, the study prompts a closer consideration of how best practice is created and suggests a view of best practice as a fluid dialogic process that is co‐constructed by its participants in ongoing dialogic communication and reflection.
Thoracic morphology of adults of Derodontidae and Nosodendridae and its phylogenetic implications (Coleoptera)
Authors: GE SI‐QIN , BEUTEL ROLF G. , YANG XING‐KE
Published: August 2007

AbstractExternal and internal structures of the thorax of six adult representatives of the families Derodontidae and Nosodendridae were examined. A detailed description of the skeleton and musculature is presented forDerodontus maculatusandNosodendronsp. Phylogenetically relevant characters are discussed and analysed cladistically. A basal origin of Derodontidae within Polyphaga and a sister‐group relationship between this suborder and the remaining Coleoptera are not supported. Muscular and skeletal features of Derodontidae are largely consistent with the typical polyphagan pattern and the group is characterized by many specialized features. Previous references to the family as ‘primitive’ are unjustified. The absence of a firm connection between the meso‐ and metaventrite is a secondary feature, as seen in Scirtoidea and some members of Leiodidae. The contact of the metanepisternum with the mesocoxal cavity is probably also an autapomorphic condition. Two derived muscular features are shared by Derodontidae and Nosodendridae, and several muscle losses are shared by these two families and Scirtoidea and Dascillidae. The monophyly of Derodontidae and a sister‐group relationship betweenPeltasticaand the remaining genera are confirmed.LaricobiusandNothoderodontusare probably sister groups.Nosodendronis characterized by several autapomorphic features. Whether the flight musculature is reduced in all members of Nosodendridae is unclear.
Systematics and biology of the endemic water scavenger beetles of Hawaii (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae, Hydrophilini)
Authors: SHORT ANDREW E. Z. , LIEBHERR JAMES K.
Published: August 2007

Abstract Recent field surveys in the Hawaiian Islands have revealed an adaptive radiation of endemic water scavenger beetles (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae). Phylogenetic analysis based on 55 adult morphological characters affirms that this endemic hydrophilid fauna is a monophyletic clade that incorporates the first well‐supported transformation from an aquatic to terrestrial way of life within any lineage of the subfamily Hydrophilinae. The clade is prescribed to the genus Limnoxenus Motschulsky, where described members were previously placed. Five new species are described: L. waialeale sp.n. (Kauai), L. kauaiensis sp.n. (Kauai), L. oahuensis sp.n. (Oahu), L. punctatostriatus sp.n. (Kauai) and L. namolokama sp.n. (Kauai). Lectotypes are designated for the two previously described species L. semicylindricus (Eschscholtz) and L. nesiticus (Sharp). The Hawaiian lineage is a component of a larger clade that also includes the remaining four species of Limnoxenus from Europe, South Africa, and Australia, plus the monotypic genera Limnocyclus Balfour‐Browne of New Caledonia and Hydramara Knisch of South America. The majority of the Hawaiian species exhibit vestigial wings, an extremely unusual condition in aquatic beetles. No other island‐endemic members of the Hydrophilinae are known to be flightless, suggesting insularity per se is not responsible for this condition. L. nesiticus of Oahu has not been collected during the past 106 years, suggesting that it has been lost to anthropogenically mediated extinction.