bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Father’s experiences of involvement in the daily care of their child with developmental disability in a Chinese context
Authors: Huang Yu‐Ping , Chen Shu‐Ling , Tsai Sen‐Wei
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  This study explored Taiwanese fathers’ experience of involvement in the daily care of a child with developmental disability within Chinese culture.

Background.  Most studies on parents’ experiences of having a child with a disability have focused on mothers or mixed fathers’ voices with mothers’. Focussing only on mothers and ignoring fathers may hinder the latter’s engagement with their child’s care and encourage traditional or detached fathering roles.

Design.  A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was applied to explore and interpret fathers’ experience.

Method.  Sixteen fathers were purposively sampled from a medical centre in central Taiwan. All participants were interviewed twice with semi‐structured and in‐depth interviews. All transcripts and journal notes were analysed with the hermeneutic circle to achieve thick descriptions that richly described the meaning of fathers’ experience.

Results.  Analysis of interviews with fathers on their experiences of raising the disabled child at home revealed three shared meanings: keeping hope alive, concerns about quality of medical care and maximising family function.

Conclusions.  Hope for their disabled child’s good outcome and future was highly significant for these fathers, but hope was diminished when their child received poor medical care or their own ability was too poor to care for the disabled child. However, fathers still did not give up working for their children and for the well‐being of their families and society.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses should acknowledge that fathers’ involvement in their disabled child’s care can contribute to the well‐being of both child and family. Also, nurses should educate parents on the best possible ways to help their child. Finally, nurses need to encourage discussions between parents and professionals about their own and the family’s situation to develop a trusting and equal parent–professional relationship, thus alleviating fathers’ concerns and better meeting the child’s care needs.
Family carers' perspectives on post‐school transition of young people with intellectual disabilities with special reference to ethnicity
Authors: Raghavan R. , Pawson N. , Small N.
Published: July 2012

Background  School leavers with intellectual disabilities (ID) often face difficulties in making a smooth transition from school to college, employment or more broadly to adult life. The transition phase is traumatic for the young person with ID and their families as it often results in the loss of friendships, relationships and social networks.

Method  The aim of this study was to explore the family carers' views and experiences on transition from school to college or to adult life with special reference to ethnicity. Forty‐three families (consisting of 16 White British, 24 Pakistani, 2 Bangladeshi and one Black African) were interviewed twice using a semi‐structured interview schedule. The carers were interviewed twice, Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2), T2 being a year later to observe any changes during transition.

Results  The findings indicate that although transition planning occurred it was relatively later in the young person's school life. Parents were often confused about the process and had limited information about future options for their son or daughter. All family carers regardless of ethnicity, reported lack of information about services and expressed a sense of being excluded. South Asian families experienced more problems related to language, information about services, culture and religion.

Conclusions  The majority of families lacked knowledge and awareness of formal services and the transition process. Socio‐economic status, high levels of unemployment and caring for a child with a disability accounted for similar family experiences, regardless of ethnic background. The three key areas relevant for ethnicity are interdependence, religion and assumptions by service providers.
Physical education teachers' attitudes towards children with intellectual disability: the impact of time in service, gender, and previous acquaintance
Authors: Özer D. , Nalbant S. , Aǧlamıș E. , Baran F. , Kaya Samut P. , Aktop A. , Hutzler Y.
Published: July 2012

Background  This study investigated attitudes towards teaching students with intellectual disability (ID) within a representative sample of secondary school physical education (PE) teachers, and to determine the effects of age, gender, teaching experience, and having acquaintance with ID and students with ID on their attitudes.

Methods  Participants were 729 secondary school PE teachers who worked in 81 major cities of Turkey. The Teachers Attitudes towards Children with Intellectual Disability Scale was administered.

Results  The statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant effect on factors and total attitudes scores of gender and having students with ID. Significant effects on factors and total attitudes score were found in teaching experiences and having acquaintance with ID.

Conclusions  It is encouraged to maintain and further develop in‐service education programmes of adapted physical activity for PE teachers.
A case of Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection in a fennec fox (Vulpes zerda)
Authors: Pressanti Charline , Delverdier Maxence , Iriart Xavier , Morcel Frédérique , Cadiergues Marie‐Christine
Published: July 2012

A 2‐year‐old male fennec fox presented with a 4 month history of nonpruritic, crusty skin lesions on the forehead, the pinnae and the tail tip.

Initial investigations, including routine haematology, biochemistry profile, multiple skin scrapings, trichoscopic examination, Wood’s lamp examination and fungal culture, failed to reveal any abnormalities. Histopathological examination of a first set of skin biopsies showed an interface dermatitis pattern, with lymphocyte infiltration in the basal layer, a significant lymphocytic exocytosis and occasional apoptotic basal epidermal keratinocytes; periodic acid Schiff stain did not reveal any fungal elements. On further biopsies, there was a pustular neutrophilic dermatitis, with numerous crusts containing high numbers of arthrospores and fungal hyphae. Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection was confirmed on fungal culture and PCR.

The fennec fox received oral itraconazole (5 mg/kg once daily for 6 weeks) combined with a miconazole and chlorhexidine shampoo applied on affected areas once weekly, followed with an enilconazole dip. The fox improved dramatically, and a fungal culture performed at 6 weeks was negative. Unfortunately, a few days later the fennec fox developed anorexia, icterus and died.

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of Trichophyton infection in a fennec fox and, although a postmortem examination was not performed, this is possibly the first report of fatal acute liver failure associated with itraconazole in a canid.
Staphylococcal skin disease in livestock
Authors: Foster Aiden P.
Published: July 2012

This review covers cutaneous manifestations of staphylococcal infection in livestock species.

Cattle –  In cattle, staphylococcal infections may present as folliculitis or as impetigo. Both may present as mild forms of a group of conditions loosely termed udder dermatitis, which has various clinical presentations and does not always involve staphylococci.

Goats –  In goats, staphylococcal infection may be secondary to chorioptic mange or contagious pustular dermatitis (parapox virus infection). While Staphylococcus aureus is usually implicated, infection with Staphylococcus chromogenes and Staphylococcus hyicus have also been reported.

Sheep –  Ovine staphylococcal dermatitis typically involves the head. Trauma due to the close contact of heads over feeding troughs and abrasive plants at pasture may be predisposing factors.

Pigs –  In pigs, the most common cause of staphylococcal skin disease is S. hyicus, although other bacteria, including Staphylococcus sciuri, Staphylococcus chromogenes and meticillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), have also been isolated from some cases of greasy pig disease (exudative epidermitis).

Diagnosis –  Routine culture methods are increasingly supplemented by molecular methods to characterize staphylococci.

Management –  As commensal bacteria, staphylococcal skin infection is presumed to develop because of predisposing factors. While topical and systemic therapies can be effective, it is important to control for predisposing factors so that recurrences can be prevented.

Livestock‐associated MRSA –  In recent years, MRSA strains have emerged, particularly in pigs and cattle. While they rarely cause skin disease, they do pose a significant concern for public health authorities. Studies on livestock‐associated MRSA may help to progress our understanding of staphylococci in livestock, especially how they spread between animals and humans.
Reduced ethanol consumption and preference in cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) knockout mice
Authors: Salinas Armando G. , Nguyen Chinh T. Q. , Ahmadi‐Tehrani Dara , Morrisett Richard A.
Published: July 2012

Cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) is a neuropeptide implicated in addiction to drugs of abuse. Several studies have characterized the role of CART in addiction to psychostimulants, but few have examined the role of CART in alcohol use disorders including alcoholism. The current study utilized a CART knockout (KO) mouse model to investigate the role of CART in ethanol appetitive behaviors. A two‐bottle choice, unlimited‐access paradigm was used to compare ethanol appetitive behaviors between CART wild type (WT) and KO mice. The mice were presented with an ethanol solution (3%–21%) and water, each concentration for 4 days, and their consumption was measured daily. Consumption of quinine (bitter) and saccharin (sweet) solutions was measured following the ethanol preference tests. In addition, ethanol metabolism rates and ethanol sensitivity were compared between genotypes. CART KO mice consumed and preferred ethanol less than their WT counterparts in both sexes. This genotype effect could not be attributed to differences in bitter or sweet taste perception or ethanol metabolism rates. There was also no difference in ethanol sensitivity in male mice; however, CART KO female mice showed a greater ethanol sensitivity than the WT females. Taken together, these data demonstrate a role for CART in ethanol appetitive behaviors and as a possible therapeutic drug target for alcoholism and abstinence enhancement.
Comparison of the QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube test with the tuberculin skin test for detecting latent tuberculosis infection prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Moon S.M. , Lee S.‐O. , Choi S.‐H. , Kim Y.S. , Woo J.H. , Yoon D.H. , Suh C. , Kim D.‐Y. , Lee J.‐H. , Lee Je‐H. , Lee K.‐H. , Kim S.‐H.
Published: July 2012

A total of 244 patients including 100 (41%) autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients and 144 (59%) allogeneic HCT recipients were enrolled over a 28‐month period. During the study period, no prophylaxis for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection was administrated. Of these, 201 (82%) had Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) scars or prior histories of BCG vaccination. The tuberculin skin test (TST) and the QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube (QFT‐GIT) test were performed simultaneously in all 244 patients. TST indurations were ≥ 5 mm in 39 of these patients (15%), and in 25 (10%) indurations were ≥ 10 mm. In addition, 40 (16%) had positive QFT‐GIT outcomes, and 34 (14%) indeterminate outcomes. If the 34 patients with indeterminate QFT‐GIT results were excluded from the overall agreement analysis, the agreement between the TST results (induration size ≥ 5 mm) and the QFT‐GIT results in the 210 patients with clear QFT results was poor (κ = 0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.06 to 0.24), as it was for the patients with indurations ≥ 10 mm (κ = 0.15, 95% CI −0.004 to 0.31). During follow up, 2 patients developed TB after HCT. The incidence of TB in the patients with positive QFT‐GIT outcomes was 2.80 per 100 person‐years (95% CI 0.07–15.81), whereas among those with positive TST (≥ 5 mm) results, it was 0 per 100 person‐years (95% CI 0–8.00). However, this finding should be cautiously interpreted because of the relatively short follow up and the fact that the sample size of the study cohort did not have adequate power. In conclusion, our data show that, although the frequencies of positive outcomes in the 2 TB screening tests were similar, the overall agreement between the TST and the QFT‐GIT test was poor, regardless of BCG vaccination history.
Use of different statistical models to predict direct genomic values for productive and functional traits in Italian Holsteins
Authors: Pintus M.A. , Nicolazzi E.L. , Van Kaam J.B.C.H.M. , Biffani S. , Stella A. , Gaspa G. , Dimauro C. , Macciotta N.P.P.
Published: July 2012

One of the main issues in genomic selection was the huge unbalance between number of markers and phenotypes available. In this work, principal component analysis is used to reduce the number of predictors for calculating direct genomic breeding values (DGV) for production and functional traits. 2093 Italian Holstein bulls were genotyped with the 54 K Illumina beadchip, and 39 555 SNP markers were retained after data editing. Principal Components (PC) were extracted from SNP matrix, and 15 207 PC explaining 99% of the original variance were retained and used as predictors. Bulls born before 2001 were included in the reference population, younger animals in the test population. A BLUP model was used to estimate the effect of principal component on deregressed proof (DRPF) for 35 traits and results were compared to those obtained by using SNP genotypes as predictors either with BLUP or with Bayes_A models. Correlations between DGV and DRPF did not substantially differ among the three methods except for milk fat content. The lowest prediction bias was obtained for the method based on the use of principal component. Regression coefficients of DRPF on DGV were lower than one for the approach based on the use of PC and higher than one for the other two methods. The use of PC as predictors resulted in a large reduction of number of predictors (approximately 38%) and of computational time that was approximately 2% of the time needed to estimate SNP effects with the other two methods. Accuracies of genomic predictions were in most of cases only slightly higher than those of the traditional pedigree index, probably due to the limited size of the considered population.
Serum nitric oxide synthase activity is a novel predictor of impaired vasorelaxation in rats
Authors: Chan Enoch , Chan Janet Yuen‐Yan , Wu Jian‐Hong , Wan Chun‐Wai , Leung George Pak‐Heng , Lee Simon Ming‐Yuen , Kwan Yiu‐Wa , Chan Shun‐Wan
Published: July 2012

It is well documented that both acetylcholine (ACh)‐evoked arterial relaxation and brachial artery flow‐mediated vasodilatation are blunted in hypercholesterolaemic patients. However, there are no simple diagnostic methods to detect the pathology of blood vessels of patients.

To establish the use of serum nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity as a diagnostic parameter for impaired vasorelaxation, animals with different levels of vascular healthiness were made by feeding Sprague–Dawley rats a normal diet, a high‐cholesterol diet (HCD) or an HCD supplemented with 10 mg/kg per day, p.o., simvastatin, a cholesterol‐lowering drug, for 30 days. Serum total cholesterol levels, serum NOS activity and ACh‐induced vasorelaxation of the isolated aorta were determined at the end of the experiment.

Consumption of HCD for 30 days resulted in an increase in serum total cholesterol, attenuated ACh‐induced nitric oxide/endothelium‐dependent aortic relaxation and decreased NOS activity. Concomitant administration of simvastatin lowered the elevated blood cholesterol levels with complete reversal of the attenuated ACh‐induced aortic relaxation and serum NOS activity. An attempt was made to correlate serum NOS activity and the magnitude of ACh‐elicited vascular relaxation among the different groups. A positive correlation (r = 0.8329; P < 0.001; n = 30) was found between serum NOS activity and vascular relaxation.

This finding is a good foundation for the development of a simple and low‐cost alternative for diagnosing vascular diseases and evaluating the effectiveness of drugs on the vascular system in patients.
Portal hypertension in nodular regenerative hyperplasia: A mixed bag!
Authors: Duseja Ajay , Chawla Yogesh
Published: July 2012

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2012; 27: 1336–1340.
Lactulose in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy: New evidence for an old modality
Authors: Jia Ji‐Dong
Published: July 2012

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2012; 27: 1329–1335.
Getting most out of SpyGlass cholangio‐pancreatoscopy: How and when?
Authors: Nguyen Nam Q
Published: July 2012

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2012; 27: 1371–1376.
Are statisticians cold‐blooded bosses? a new perspective on the ‘old’ concept of statistical population
Authors: Lu Yonggang , Henning Kevin S. S.
Published: July 2012

Spurred by recent writings regarding statistical pragmatism, we propose a simple, practical approach to introducing students to a new style of statistical thinking that models nature through the lens of data‐generating processes, not populations.
Impact of the WTO on Agricultural and Food Policies
Authors: Swinnen Johan , Olper Alessandro , Vandemoortele Thijs
Published: July 2012

Most studies on the impact of WTO agreements on policies are ex ante simulations or focus on trade effects. We estimate ex post the impact of the WTO on agricultural policies, including both the total transfers by the policies and the policy instruments used, in particular their market distortions. We use OECD data on total support and instrument choice in agricultural policy. Our empirical analysis provides evidence that the WTO did not cause a significant reduction in the total amount of support to agriculture but that it caused a significant shift from distortionary to less distortionary instruments.
Finitely Repeated Voluntary Provision of a Public Good
Authors: KLUMPP TILMAN
Published: July 2012

This paper theoretically explores the voluntary provision of a public good when either one of the following holds: (i) agents’ utility is the sum of their monetary earnings and a nonmaterial component, or (ii) agents’ exhibit satisficing behavior. We show that a small degree of either nonmaterial payoffs or satisficing behavior can generate large contributions in a finitely repeated game, even if the incentive to free‐ride on others’ contributions calls for negligible public good provision in the static game. The equilibrium is characterized by a sharp decline in contributions toward the end of the game. Several comparative results regarding group size and technology are consistent with laboratory data obtained in experimental studies. The model also predicts the restart effect observed in previous experiments.
Fundraising and Optimal Policy Rules
Authors: MUNGAN MURAT C. , YÖRÜK BARIŞ K.
Published: July 2012

This  paper develops a simple spatial model of fundraising, in which charities select a target population to solicit donations. First, we show that in a competitive charity market without any intervention, the number of charities in the market and/or the overall net funds raised by charities may be suboptimal. Next, we analyze whether a social planner can prevent such shortcomings and show that a regulatory mechanism can be designed to achieve socially desirable outcomes. In contrast to the previous literature, our model does not necessarily produce monopoly as the optimal market structure. We show that if fixed costs associated with establishing charities are sufficiently low, then the optimal market structure is not a monopoly. Given the importance of the trade‐off between the volume and variety of charitable services, we argue that this result may be of particular interest to policy makers.
Coalitional Colonel Blotto Games with Application to the Economics of Alliances
Authors: KOVENOCK DAN , ROBERSON BRIAN
Published: July 2012

In Borel’s Colonel Blotto game two players simultaneously allocate their respective endowments of a resource acrossnbattlefields, the higher allocation wins each battlefield, and players maximize the number of battlefields won. Here we examine two players who may form an alliance before separately competing in two disjoint Colonel Blotto games against a common adversary. Despite a lack of common interests, unilateral transfers—in a direction consistent with the exploitation hypothesis—arise for a range of parameter configurations. Such transfers alter the adversary’s strategy and the combination of the direct and strategic effects benefits both allies.
Reputation, Social Identity and Social Conflict
Authors: SMITH JOHN
Published: July 2012

We interpret the psychology literature on social identity and examine its implications. We model a population of agents from two exogenous and well defined social groups. Agents are randomly matched to play a reduced‐form bargaining game. We show that this struggle for resources drives a conflict through the rational destruction of surplus. We assume that the population contains both rational players and behavioral players. Behavioral players aggressively discriminate against members of the other social group. The existence and specification of the behavioral player is motivated by the social identity literature. For rational players, group membership has no payoff‐relevant consequences. We show that rational players can contribute to the conflict by aggressively discriminating and that this behavior is consistent with existing empirical evidence. Our paper relates to the empirical literature which finds that social heterogeneity tends to be increasing in economic variables which we interpret as indicating inefficiency. We provide an explanation that, as social groups compete for surplus, disagreement and inefficiency can result. Our work also relates to the social conflict literature, which examines the relationship between macro level factors such as unemployment and civil disturbances. This literature finds that the amount of social conflict tends to be increasing in the inequitability of the environment.
THE CLASSICAL CONFUCIAN POSITION ON THE LEGITIMATE USE OF MILITARY FORCE
Authors: Twiss Sumner B. , Chan Jonathan
Published: July 2012

Focusing on the thought of Mencius and Xunzi, this essay reconstructs and examines the classical Confucian position on the legitimate use of military force. It begins by sketching historically important political concepts, such as types of political leaders, politics of the kingly way versus politics of the hegemonic way, and the controversial role of lords‐protector. It then moves on to explore Confucian criteria for justifying resort to the use of force, giving special attention to undertaking punitive expeditions to interdict and punish aggression and tyranny. Following this discussion, the essay then attends to important Confucian moral constraints on how military force is properly employed, including prohibitions on attacking the defenseless, indiscriminate slaughter of enemy forces, destruction of civilian infrastructure, prisoner abuse, and non‐consensual annexation of territory. The essay concludes by first discussing an illustrative case from Mencius and then comparing its reconstruction of the Confucian position to those offered by other scholars.
WEAPONS ARE NOTHING BUT OMINOUS INSTRUMENTS: The Daodejing's View on War and Peace
Authors: Zhang Ellen Y.
Published: July 2012

The Daodejing (DDJ) is an ancient Chinese text traditionally taken as a representative Daoist classic expressing a distinctive philosophy from the Warring States Period (403–221 BCE). This essay explicates the ethical dimensions of the DDJ paying attention to issues related to war and peace. The discussion consists of four parts: (1) “naturalness” as an onto‐cosmological argument for a philosophy of harmony, balance, and peace; (2) war as a sign of the disruption of the natural pattern of things initiated by the proliferation of desire; (3) defensive war and appropriate war conduct required when one has to be involved in warfare; and (4) the natural and spontaneous way of living that would prevent war from happening in the first place. This essay attempts to show that what makes the DDJ different from other military texts, or what is called the “art of war corpus” in China is that the discourse of war and warfare in the DDJ is presented via its unique understanding of peace at the personal and social levels. The DDJ is meant to be an inquiry into an effective method to prevent war from happening amid a world full of selfish interests and excessive desires. It proposes that peace is not only a condition in which there is freedom from war and overt violence, but a state of harmony that marks human life and its betterment.
FORGIVENESS WITHOUT GOD?
Authors: Pettigrove Glen
Published: July 2012

Of the many forgiveness‐related questions that she takes up in her novels, the one with which Iris Murdoch wrestles most often is the question, “Is forgiveness possible without God?” The aim of this essay is to show, in the first instance, why the question Murdoch persistently raises is a question worth asking. Alongside this primary aim stands a secondary one, which is to consider how one might glean moral insights from the Christian tradition even if one does not (any longer) endorse its theological commitments.
GEORGES BATAILLE'S MYSTICAL CRUELTY
Authors: Bush Stephen S.
Published: July 2012

In this reply to Kent Brintnall's response to my essay on Georges Bataille and the ethics of ecstasy, I explore two primary questions: whether instrumentalization is inherently violent and non‐instrumentalization is inherently non‐violent, and whether there is a way to intervene in the world that avoids both “apathetic disengagement” and domination. I endorse the view that instrumentalization can be good as well as bad, and I suggest that it is possible to strive to intervene in the world without striving to master it. I make reference to Sarah Coakley as a Christian theologian who advances particular practices that aim for non‐dominating intervention in theworld.
‘Cosmeceuticals’. Of men, science and laws…
Authors: Saint‐Leger D.
Published: July 2012

Synopsis

Through the hybrid term ‘Cosmeceuticals’, the present paper aims at reviewing some scientific and legal sources of ambiguities or uncertainties that, in many regulatory cases, added confusions to the respective roles of drugs and cosmetics. The origins of such questions, likely arose from new anti‐ageing claims from the cosmetic industry in the late 80s which faced a rather old regulatory backdrop. Based on the analysis of some legal statements and scientific facts from a 2012 vision, this review tentatively aims at re‐defining the respective roles of these two branches that both fill the two vital needs of humans, ‘being’ and ‘well‐being’.
Differences between objective efficacy and perceived efficacy in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis treated with either botulinum toxin or endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy
Authors: Álvarez M.A. , Ruano J. , Gómez F.J. , Casas E. , Baamonde C. , Salvatierra A. , Moreno J.C.
Published: July 2012

Background  Moderate to severe palmar hyperhidrosis can disturb people’s work and social and emotional lives. Botulinum toxin and sympathectomy are currently considered the most effective treatment options but few studies have analysed the concordance between efficacy and patient satisfaction in comparisons of these two types of treatments.

Objective  To assess the relation between efficacy and the satisfaction of patients with palmar hyperhidrosis treated with either botulinum toxin or endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

Material and methods  This retrospective, observational study included all patients treated with either botulinum toxin or endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy in a single reference hospital in 2005–2010. Information was obtained from computerized medical records and a telephone survey about patients’ educational and socio‐economic level, awareness of treatment options, pre‐ and post‐treatment severity of palmar hyperhidrosis, satisfaction and associated side effects. Predictors of efficacy and patient satisfaction with each treatment were analysed with ordinal and multinomial logistic regression models.

Results  Patients who underwent sympathectomy had more severe palmar hyperhidrosis but efficacy and patient satisfaction were greater compared with patients given botulinum toxin. The severity of the compensatory palmar hyperhidrosis was predictive of less satisfaction after sympathectomy. In the group treated with botulinum toxin, low socio‐economic status, lack of information about treatment options, fewer sessions and a shorter anhidrotic effect were associated with less satisfaction.

Conclusion  In studies of expectations regarding the outcome of palmar hyperhidrosis treatment, doctors should consider the factors that determine patient satisfaction in relation to the treatment options.
Predation by domestic cats in rural areas of central Poland: an assessment based on two methods
Authors: Krauze‐Gryz D. , Gryz J. , Goszczyński J.
Published: July 2012

Studies of cat trophic behaviour can be based on collections of the prey brought home or the prey eaten by cats (i.e. analyses of scat/gut contents). Both methods involve biases with respect to palatability, prey size and assessment of hunting rates. Furthermore, these methods are often used on different groups of cats (i.e. house‐based vs. feral), thus results are difficult to compare. In the present study, cats from the same area (rural areas in central Poland) were studied by both methods: prey brought home and prey eaten (scat and gut analyses). Both methods identified mammals as the most frequent prey (followed by birds). However, differences occurred in the percentages of the four main vertebrate groups brought home versus eaten by cats: reptiles tended to be brought home, whereas amphibians tended to be eaten. No such difference was found for birds and mammals. Second, the relative proportions of presumably more palatable and presumably less palatable prey differed. The relative proportions of mice and voles (the latter eaten more frequently) and the relative proportions of soricomorphs and rodents (the latter eaten more frequently) were different. Finally, small prey items (i.e. invertebrates) were recorded incompletely for the brought‐home method. Overall, the prey‐brought‐home method underrepresented small prey and underestimated the predation rate for cats, whereas the prey‐eaten method was less likely to record unpalatable prey. We thus recommend to combine these two methods to obtain fuller and truer assessment of cat predation.
Cranial size and shape variation in mainland and island populations of the quokka
Authors: Dawson R. , Milne N.
Published: July 2012

The disjunct distribution of the quokka enabled this study to investigate cranial morphological variation in relation to insularity and latitude. Crania from mainland locations in south‐westernAustralia and from two islands were examined. Thirty‐eight three‐dimensional homologous landmarks were digitized on 110 quokka crania. The landmark data were first subjected to generalizedProcrustes Analysis, followed by principal components analysis. General linear regression was used to test whether quokka cranial size obeys the Island rule andBergmann's rule. Crania from the islands were found to be smaller than crania from the adjacent mainland. Crania of quokkas from cooler climates (higher latitudes) were larger than those from warmer climates (lower latitudes), and this trend was observed in both mainland and island samples. Multivariate regression of the combined principal components on the independent variable, latitude, showed shape of the snout of quokkas from cooler southern climates tended to be relatively longer and narrower than those from further north. General linear regressions was also used to ensure that latitude was significantly influencing shape (principal components) independent of age, sex and whether the crania were from the mainland or island populations. Results showed that 40.2% of cranial shape variation was significantly related to latitude, irrespective of age, sex and population type. The variation in size and shape of the quokka crania appears to reflect the eco‐geographic variation within the distribution of the species.
Essential oils from medicinal and aromatic plants: a review of the gastroprotective and ulcer‐healing activities
Authors: Rozza Ariane Leite , Pellizzon Cláudia Helena
Published: July 2012

Gastric ulcer is an excoriated area of the gastric mucosa. It is among the predominant gastrointestinal chronic diseases. The essential oils represent an important part of the traditional pharmacopoeia in many countries and have been successfully used for gastroprotection and ulcer healing. Thus, this review presents the experimental activity of essential oils traditionally used in the gastric ulcer prevention and treatment, considering their families, part of the plant studied, bioassays, and their mechanisms of gastroprotection and ulcer healing, with the aim of stimulating novel studies in the search for a new phytomedicine to treat gastric diseases.
Involvement of monoaminergic system in the antidepressant‐like effect of riparin I from Aniba riparia (Nees) Mez (Lauraceae) in mice
Authors: de Sousa Francisca Cléa Florenço , Oliveira Iris Cristina Maia , Silva Maria Izabel Gomes , de Melo Carla Thiciane Vasconcelos , Santiago Vívian Romero , de Castro Chaves Raquell , Fernandes Mariana Lima , Gutierrez Stanley Juan Chaves , Vasconcelos Silvânia Maria Mendes , Macêdo Danielle Silveira , Filho José Maria Barbosa
Published: July 2012

In past studies conducted by our group, riparin I (rip I) isolated from the green fruit of Aniba riparia presented antianxiety effects in mice, while its analogs rip II and III showed anxiolytic and antidepressant‐like actions. This time around, we investigated a possible antidepressant activity of rip I using the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) as predictive tests for antidepressant activity in rodents. In addition, the involvement of the monoaminergic system in this effect was also assessed. rip I was acutely administered by intraperitoneal (i.p.) and oral (p.o) routes to male mice at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg. Results showed that rip I at both tested doses and administration routes produced a significant decrease in immobility time in FST and TST. The pretreatment of mice with prazosin (1 mg/kg, i.p., an α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist), yohimbine (1 mg/kg, i.p., an α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist), SCH23390 (15 μg/kg, i.p., a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist), sulpiride (50 mg/kg, i.p., a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist), p‐chlorophenylalanine (100 mg/kg, an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis) or ritanserin (4 mg/kg, a serotonin 5‐HT2a/2c receptor antagonist) blocked the anti‐immobility effects elicited by rip I (50 mg/kg, p.o.) in the FST. Taken together, results indicate that rip I produces significant antidepressant‐like activity in the FST and TST, and this effect seems to be dependent on its interaction with noradrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems.
Isobolographic analysis of interaction between nisoxetine‐ and mepivacaine‐induced spinal blockades in rats
Authors: Leung Yuk‐Man , Chu Chin‐Chen , Kuo Chang‐Shin , Chen Yu‐Wen , Hung Ching‐Hsia , Wang Jhi‐Joung
Published: July 2012

Although nisoxetine has been shown to elicit cutaneous (peripheral) anesthesia, spinal (central) anesthesia with nisoxetine was not exposed. The aim of this study was to examine spinal anesthesia of nisoxetine and its influence on the antinociceptive action of mepivacaine. We compared nisoxetine with an established local anesthetic mepivacaine for spinal anesthesia after rats were intrathecally injected with drugs. The drugs were spinally administered alone as well as in combination, and their potencies were compared via dose–response curves and isobolographic analysis. We showed that nisoxetine, as well as mepivacaine elicited spinal anesthesia in dose‐dependent manners. On a 50% effective dose (ED50) basis, the spinal block effect of nisoxetine in motor function, proprioception, and nociception [0.99 (0.91–1.10), 0.85 (0.76–0.95), 0.82 (0.74–0.89)] was more potent (P < 0.05) than that of mepivacaine [1.28 (1.21–1.34), 1.14 (1.07–1.22), 0.99 (0.93–1.05)], respectively. Furthermore, the nociceptive/sensory blockade (ED50) was greater than the motor blockade in both nisoxetine and mepivacaine groups (P < 0.05). Saline group (vehicle) produced no spinal anesthesia. Coadministration of nisoxetine with mepivacaine displayed an additive effect. Our data reported nisoxetine produced significant anesthesia at spinal level, and additive interaction with the local anesthetic, mepivacaine. Intrathecal nisoxetine elicited more potent spinal anesthesia than mepivacaine.
[Dmt1]N/OFQ(1–13)‐NH2: a potent nociceptin/orphanin FQ and opioid receptor universal agonist
Authors: Molinari S , Camarda V , Rizzi A , Marzola G , Salvadori S , Marzola E , Molinari P , McDonald J , Ko MC , Lambert DG , Calo' G , Guerrini R
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose

Intrathecally (i.t.) administered nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) evokes antinociceptive effects in rodents. Recent studies in monkeys demonstrated that i.t. co‐application of N/OFQ and morphine elicits synergistic antinociceptive actions suggesting mixed N/OFQ peptide (NOP) and μ opioid receptor agonists as innovative spinal analgesics. Thus, novel N/OFQ related peptides were synthesized in order to identify and pharmacologically characterize a mixed NOP/ μ opioid receptor agonist.

Experimental Approach

The following in vitro assays were used: calcium mobilization in cells expressing the human NOP or classical opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins, receptor and [35S]‐GTPγS binding, [35S]‐GTPγS binding in rat spinal cord membranes, guinea pig ileum bioassay. In vivo experiments were performed in monkeys using the tail withdrawal assay.

Key Results

From calcium mobilization studies [Dmt1]N/OFQ(1–13)‐NH2 was selected as the most potent and least selective compound. The mixed NOP/opioid full agonist activity and high affinity of [Dmt1]N/OFQ(1–13)‐NH2 was confirmed at human recombinant receptors in receptor binding, calcium mobilization and/or [35S]‐GTPγS binding studies, at rat spinal cord receptors in [35S]‐GTPγS binding experiments, and at guinea pig receptors inhibiting neurogenic contractions in the ileum. In vivo in the tail withdrawal assay in monkeys i.t. [Dmt1]N/OFQ(1–13)‐NH2 was able to elicit robust and long‐lasting antinociceptive effects.

Conclusions and Implications

Collectively, these results demonstrate that [Dmt1]N/OFQ(1–13)‐NH2 behaves as NOP/opioid receptor universal agonist and substantiate the suggestion that such mixed ligands are worthy of development as innovative spinal analgesics.
Employee Assistance Program Services for Alcohol and Other Drug Problems: Implications for Increased Identification and Engagement in Treatment
Authors: Jacobson Jodi M. , Sacco Paul
Published: July 2012

Background: Fourteen million U.S. workers meet the diagnostic criteria for substance dependence, costing millions in lost productivity. Prior research suggests that employees who follow through with their Employee Assistance Program's (EAP) recommendations are more likely to participate and remain engaged in alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment programs. This study identified rates of lifetime EAP service use for AOD problems and compared adults who reported using EAP services for AOD problems with those who used services other than EAP. Methods: Researchers analyzed a subset of participants from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions who reported having received help for an AOD problem (NESARC, 2001–2002). Statistical analyses tested for differences in sociodemographic variables, lifetime mental health and substance abuse disorders, and health disability between EAP services users and users of other types of services. Results: Among adults who sought services for AOD problems (n= 2,272), 7.58% (n= 166) reported using EAP services for these problems at some point during their lives. Major depressive disorder (lifetime), a drug use disorder (lifetime), and Black race/ethnicity were associated with a greater likelihood that someone would seek EAP services for help with their AOD problem. Conclusions: Results provide a foundation for researchers to understand who uses EAP services for AOD problems. Health and mental health professionals should increase their knowledge of EAP services to improve continuity of care for employees with AOD problems. EAPs are in a unique position to reach out to vulnerable employees in the workplace and engage them in treatment. (Am J Addict 2012;00:1–8)
Evaluating Perceived Benefits of Ecoregional Assessments
Authors: BOTTRILL MADELEINE C. , MILLS MORENA , PRESSEY ROBERT L. , GAME EDWARD T. , GROVES CRAIG
Published: July 2012

Abstract: The outcomes of systematic conservation planning (process of assessing, implementing, and managing conservation areas) are rarely reported or measured formally. A lack of consistent or rigorous evaluation in conservation planning has fueled debate about the extent to which conservation assessment (identification, design, and prioritization of potential conservation areas) ultimately influences actions on the ground. We interviewed staff members of a nongovernmental organization, who were involved in 5 ecoregional assessments across North and South America and the Asia‐Pacific region. We conducted 17 semistructured interviews with open and closed questions about the perceived purpose, outputs, and outcomes of the ecoregional assessments in which respondents were involved. Using qualitative data collected from those interviews, we investigated the types and frequency of benefits perceived to have emerged from the ecoregional assessments and explored factors that might facilitate or constrain the flow of benefits. Some benefits reflected the intended purpose of ecoregional assessments. Other benefits included improvements in social interactions, attitudes, and institutional knowledge. Our results suggest the latter types of benefits enable ultimate benefits of assessments, such as guiding investments by institutional partners. Our results also showed a clear divergence between the respondents’ expectations and perceived outcomes of implementation of conservation actions arising from ecoregional assessments. Our findings suggest the need for both a broader perspective on the contribution of assessments to planning goals and further evaluation of conservation assessments.
Securing the Demographic and Genetic Future of Tuatara through Assisted Colonization
Authors: MILLER KIMBERLY A. , MILLER HILARY C. , MOORE JENNIFER A. , MITCHELL NICOLA J. , CREE ALISON , ALLENDORF FRED W. , SARRE STEPHEN D. , KEALL SUSAN N. , NELSON NICOLA J.
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  Climate change poses a particular threat to species with fragmented distributions and little or no capacity to migrate. Assisted colonization, moving species into regions where they have not previously occurred, aims to establish populations where they are expected to survive as climatic envelopes shift. However, adaptation to the source environment may affect whether species successfully establish in new regions. Assisted colonization has spurred debate among conservation biologists and ecologists over whether the potential benefits to the threatened species outweigh the potential disruption to recipient communities. In our opinion, the debate has been distracted by controversial examples, rather than cases where assisted colonization may be a viable strategy. We present a strategic plan for the assisted migration of tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), an endemic New Zealand reptile. The plan includes use of extant populations as reference points for comparisons with assisted‐colonization populations with respect to demography, phenotypic plasticity, and phenology; optimization of genetic variation; research to fill knowledge gaps; consideration of host and recipient communities; and inclusion of stakeholders in the planning stage. When strategically planned and monitored, assisted colonization could meet conservation and research goals and ultimately result in the establishment of long‐term sustainable populations capable of persisting during rapid changes in climate.
Massive Intravascular Hemolysis with Mechanical Rheolytic Thrombectomy of a Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Carrera Louis A. , Reddy Rachita , Pamoukian Vicken N. , Michelis Michael F. , DeVita Maria V. , Rosenstock Jordan
Published: July 2012

A 57‐year‐old man with chronic kidney disease stage 5 presented for ambulatory evaluation of his arteriovenous fistula. He underwent rheolytic thrombectomy with tissue plasminogen activator infusion, angioplasty, and brachial artery stenting under local sedation. His immediate postoperative course was complicated by hypotension, cardiac dysrhythmias and hyperkalemia requiring emergent hemodialysis, due to severe intravascular hemolysis. This case illustrates that mechanical thrombectomy can cause clinically significant intravascular hemolysis, thus careful postoperative monitoring is recommended.
Political Astuteness of Baccalaureate Nursing Students Following an Active Learning Experience in Health Policy
Authors: Byrd Mary E. , Costello Joanne , Gremel Kathleen , Schwager Jeanne , Blanchette Lynn , Malloy Thomas E.
Published: July 2012

Objectives

To describe changes in political astuteness after baccalaureate nursing student participation in a series of public policy learning activities.

Design and Sample

This one‐group pretest/posttest design included 300 undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the public/community health nursing course. Data collection occurred each semester beginning spring 2008 and ending summer 2011.

Measures

The Political Astuteness Inventory (PAI) was used to compare levels of political astuteness and to identify conceptual factors contributing to political involvement prior to and at the completion of the public policy learning activities.

Intervention

The public policy learning activities were a central clinical component of the senior level public/community health nursing course. These activities included information sessions at the State Department of Health and State House, a legislative assignment, and a public policy group project.

Results

After participating in the public policy learning activities, students' political astuteness mean scores significantly increased (p = .000). Participation in professional organizations and knowledge of the legislative and policy processes significantly predicted posttest political involvement (p = .000).

Conclusion

The PAI was a useful outcome measure for the public policy activities. Active learning experiences in public policy can increase the knowledge and skills that future nurses need to influence public policy.
Predicting Douglas‐fir Sapling Mortality Following Prescribed Fire in an Encroached Grassland
Authors: Engber Eamon A. , Varner J. Morgan
Published: July 2012

Tree encroachment in fire‐maintained woodlands and grasslands is a major management concern, yet little information exists regarding the mechanisms of small tree mortality following prescribed burns. We sought to clarify the relative importance of tree size and fire‐induced injury in the post‐fire mortality of encroaching Douglas‐fir trees and to compare results with an existing mortality model for larger Douglas‐fir trees. Crown injury to small Douglas‐fir trees was a significant explanatory variable in post‐fire mortality models, with results suggesting a 20% threshold in crown scorch. Crown injury was strongly related to bole injury, and delayed mortality was important as we documented new mortality 20 months post‐burn. Mortality models for large Douglas‐fir tend to over‐predict small tree mortality, underscoring the need to better understand the mechanisms of fire‐caused mortality for small, encroaching trees.