bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boutique hotels: technology, social media and green practices
Authors: Kleinrichert Denise , Ergul Mehmet , Johnson Colin , Uydaci Mert
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to link consumer use of technology to two very popular themes in the hospitality industry: boutique hotels and environmental responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study focuses on how boutique hotels legitimize their green practices through the use of technology – web sites, social media – to communicate their environmental recognitions to discerning eco‐conscious consumers seeking small lodgings. The authors analyze the type of environmental legitimacy practices used by the boutique hotel segment of the tourism industry, using a variety of international, regional, or trade recognized environmental evaluation assessments to legitimize their boutique hotel green practices. A diverse sample of boutique hotel accommodations in two attractive, but similar international destinations – Istanbul, Turkey and San Francisco, California – are used, through content analysis of hotel web sites.

Findings

San Francisco Bay Area hoteliers, in the majority of instances, used their web sites to illustrate one international standard, LEED certification, for building structure. However, these hoteliers generally reported use of varying regional standards for legitimizing their green practices. Istanbul hoteliers reported on maintaining international standards for legitimizing their green practices, but did not seek specific standards for building structures.

Research limitations/implications

Future research surveys of specific consumer perceptions of their search and experience would prove valuable in terms of destination selection and experience of environmentally‐conscious boutique hotels. Social media and related web sites utilize consumer self‐reporting, which would add additional insight for future research in this area.

Originality/value

The authors' analysis studies the web promotion of two similar geographic tourism destination boutique hotels' use of international versus regional legitimacy of their environmental practices.
Medical evidence in child sexual assault cases
Authors: Lewis Tiffany , Klettke Bianca
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Previous studies suggest that the presence of medical evidence is rare in child sexual assault (CSA) cases, and if present at all, such evidence is unlikely to identify a specific assailant. This study aims to examine the role medical evidence plays in criminal cases of CSA. Specifically, the prevalence of medical evidence in CSA cases, its impact on decisions to prosecute CSA cases, as well as its effect on conviction rates are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted on the impact of medical evidence in criminal child sexual abuse (CSA) cases.

Findings

The results of the review suggest medical evidence increases the likelihood of prosecution; however the impact of medical evidence on conviction rate is equivocal.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of these findings for legal and psychological practice, government policy and future areas for academic research are discussed.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, no other review has systematically examined the role of medical evidence on the prosecution and conviction of CSA cases.
Web 2.0: an assessment of social marketing principles
Authors: Allyson Dooley Jennifer , C. Jones Sandra , Iverson Don
Published: September 2012

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of social marketing principles in Web 2.0 commercial and social marketing campaigns.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review and online search were conducted to document the types of products and behavior change initiatives being marketed on Web 2.0 platforms. Case studies from commercial and social marketing were critically reviewed to determine whether they exhibited one or more of the principles of social marketing.

Findings

– Results demonstrated that social marketers can employ the following social marketing principles to successfully design and implement a Web 2.0 campaign: consumer orientation, behavior change, market segmentation and targeting, mixed methods, exchange and competition.

Originality/value

– The findings present originality and value to social marketers who want to effectively integrate, expand and apply Web 2.0 channels to meet their behavior change goals.
Validation of a cheap and simple nondestructive method for obtaining AFLPs and DNA sequences (mitochondrial and nuclear) in amphibians
Authors: Gallardo C. E. , Correa C. , Morales P. , Sáez P. A. , Pastenes L. , Méndez M. A.
Published: September 2012

The use of nondestructive methods for obtaining DNA from amphibians (e.g. buccal swabs) allows genetic studies to be performed without affecting the survival of the studied individuals. In this study, we compared two methods of nondestructive DNA sampling, buccal swabs and interdigital membrane or toe‐clipping, in several amphibian species of different size: Rhinella spinulosa, R. atacamensis, six species of the genus Telmatobius and Pleurodema thaul. We evaluated the integrity of the DNA extracted by sequencing fragments of mitochondrial and nuclear genes and by generating amplified fragment length polymorphisms markers (AFLPs). In all cases, we obtained an adequate amount of DNA (mean range 55–298 ng/μL). We obtained identical DNA sequences from buccal swab and interdigital membrane/toe‐clip for all individuals. The differences in the coding of AFLP markers between the tissues were similar to those reported for replicas of the same type of sample in similar analyses in other species of amphibians. In conclusion, the use of buccal swabs is a trustworthy and inexpensive method to obtain DNA for mitochondrial and nuclear sequencing and AFLP analyses. Given the types of markers evaluated, buccal swabs may be used for phylogenetic, phylogeographic and population genetic studies, even in small amphibians (<33 mm).
Pathogen Recognition in the Human Female Reproductive Tract: Expression of Intracellular Cytosolic Sensors NOD1, NOD2, RIG‐1, and MDA5 and response to HIV‐1 and Neisseria gonorrhea
Authors: Ghosh Mimi , Shen Zheng , Fahey John V. , Crist Sarah G. , Patel Mickey , Smith Jennifer M. , Wira Charles R.
Published: September 2012

Problem

Expression patterns and regulation of cytosolic pattern recognition receptors (PRR) NOD‐1, NOD‐2, RIG‐1, and MDA5 have not been elucidated in the human female reproductive tract (FRT).

Method of study

Primary epithelial cells (EC) isolated from Fallopian tube (FT), endometrium (EM), cervix (Cx), and ectocervix (Ecx) were treated with estradiol, poly(I:C), Neisseria gonorrhea (GC), and HIV‐1. PRR mRNA expressions were analyzed by Real‐time RT‐PCR. Conditioned media were analyzed for IL‐8 by ELISA.

Results

EC from all FRT compartments constitutively expressed NOD1, NOD2, RIG‐1, and MDA5 with highest levels expressed by FT. Stimulation with poly(I:C) resulted in upregulation of NOD2, RIG‐1, and MDA5 in all FRT compartments and correlated with increased secretion of IL‐8, whereas estradiol treatment had no effects. Exposure to GC and HIV‐1 IIIB but not BaL resulted in selective upregulation of NOD2 and MDA5.

Conclusion

PRR are expressed throughout the FRT and differentially regulated by poly(I:C), GC and HIV‐1.
Validation of the modified allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) severity classification in allergic rhinitis children: the PEDRIAL study
Authors: Montoro J. , Del Cuvillo A. , Mullol J. , Molina X. , Bartra J. , Dávila I. , Ferrer M. , Jáuregui I. , Sastre J. , Valero A.
Published: September 2012

Background

A modified allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) (m‐ARIA) criterion to classify the severity of allergic rhinitis (AR) has recently been validated in both treated and untreated adult patients; however, such information in children is lacking. The aim of this study was to validate this m‐ARIA severity criterion, which allows for discrimination between moderate and severe AR, in a large pediatric patient sample population.

Methods

The m‐ARIA classification categorizes AR severity into mild (no affected items), moderate (1–3 affected items), and severe (all four affected items). We applied this modified criterion to untreated AR pediatric patients aged 6–12 years, through an observational, cross‐sectional, and multicenter study. AR symptoms were assessed using the Total Four Symptom Score (T4SS), and the severity was evaluated by both ARIA severity items and visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results

Allergic rhinitis pediatric patients (N = 1269) from 271 centers were included. Among them, 59.5% had intermittent and 40.5% persistent disease; 89.9% had moderate/severe AR using the original ARIA (o‐ARIA) classification and 59.5% had moderate, while 30.5% had severe AR using the m‐ARIA criterion. Using the m‐ARIA, significantly higher T4SS and VAS scores were obtained when comparing severe with moderate AR.

Conclusions

The m‐ARIA severity classification is a useful clinical tool to discriminate moderate from severe AR among untreated pediatric patients.
Retesting for latent tuberculosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with TNF‐α inhibitors
Authors: Papay P. , Primas C. , Eser A. , Novacek G. , Winkler S. , Frantal S. , Angelberger S. , Mikulits A. , Dejaco C. , Kazemi‐Shirazi L. , Vogelsang H. , Reinisch W.
Published: September 2012

Background

Patients treated with TNF‐α inhibitors (TNFi) are at high risk of reactivation of latent tuberculosis (LTB). Prospective studies on monitoring of TB reactivation and/or infection in this risk group are lacking.

Aim

To test the conversion and reversion rate of screening tests for latent TB serial tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon‐γ release assay (IGRA) under ongoing TNFi therapy.

Methods

We retested consecutive patients with IBD receiving TNFi therapy for a minimum of 5 months for LTB using IGRA and TST. A detailed patient history and concomitant therapy were recorded for each subject.

Results

After a median of 34.9 weeks (20.7–177.7), IGRA was retested in 184/227 patients (81.1%; Crohn's disease n = 139, ulcerative colitis n = 45) still under index TNFi. TST was available in 144/184 subjects (78.2%). The majority of patients were TNFi naïve (147/184, 79.9%). In a subgroup of patients who received isoniazid due to diagnosis of latent TB at baseline (n = 32), 6/13 patients (46.2%) with baseline positive IGRA and 3/22 patients (13.6%) with baseline positive TST reverted to negative at retesting. In patients without diagnosis of LTB at baseline no permanent IGRA conversion was observed, but there were 6/144 (4.2%) TST conversions from negative to positive. No single case of TB reactivation or infection was recorded during the observation period.

Conclusions

During treatment TNF‐α inhibitors conversion was observed for tuberculin skin test, but not interferon‐γ release assay. As compared with tuberculin skin test, interferon‐γ release assay reverted in nearly half of isoniazid‐treated patients for latent tuberculosis. However, the fact that patients in whom the interferon‐γ release assay test result remained positive did not develop active tuberculosis during follow‐up questions the utility of interferon‐γ release assay as a monitoring tool during chemoprevention.
Family history of alcohol dependence and antidepressant response to an N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate antagonist in bipolar depression
Authors: Luckenbaugh David A , Ibrahim Lobna , Brutsche Nancy , Franco‐Chaves Jose , Mathews Daniel , Marquardt Craig A , Cassarly Christy , Zarate Carlos A
Published: September 2012

Luckenbaugh DA, Ibrahim L, Brutsche N, Franco‐Chaves J, Mathews D, Marquardt CA, Cassarly C, Zarate CA Jr. Family history of alcohol dependence and antidepressant response to an N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate antagonist in bipolar depression. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 880–887. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Objectives:  Both ketamine and ethanol are N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. Ketamine has rapid antidepressant properties in major depressive disorder (MDD) as well as bipolar depression. In individuals with MDD, a positive family history of alcohol dependence (FHP) was associated with greater improvement in depressive symptoms after ketamine administration compared to individuals whose family history of alcohol dependence was negative (FHN). This study investigated whether FHP influences ketamine’s antidepressant and perceptual effects in individuals with bipolar depression.

Methods:  A post hoc analysis was conducted on 33 subjects with DSM–IV bipolar disorder (BD) type I or II depression pooled from two previously published studies. All subjects had undergone a double‐blind, randomized, crossover trial of a single intravenous infusion of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) combined with lithium or valproate therapy. Subjects were rated at baseline; at 40, 80, 120, and 230 min; and at days 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, and 14 post‐infusion. The primary outcome measure was Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores. Patients were categorized as FHP when they reported at least one first‐degree relative with alcohol dependence. Measures of psychosis, dissociation, and dysphoria were also collected.

Results:  After ketamine infusion, subjects with FHP showed significantly greater improvement on MADRS scores than FHN subjects. In addition, patients with FHP had attenuated psychotomimetic and dissociative scores compared to FHN patients.

Conclusions:  FHP appears to predict a more sustained antidepressant response to ketamine in individuals with BD. Family history of alcoholism may be an important consideration in the development of glutamatergic‐based therapies for depression.
siRNA Delivery: From Lipids to Cell‐penetrating Peptides and Their Mimics
Authors: Gooding Matt , Browne Lorcan P. , Quinteiro Filipa M. , Selwood David L.
Published: September 2012

To deliver siRNA for therapeutic use, several hurdles must be addressed. Metabolic degradation must be blocked, and the RNAi cellular machinery is located in the cytoplasm, while double‐stranded siRNA is large, highly charged and impermeable to cell membranes. To date, the solutions to the delivery issues have mostly involved different forms of lipid particle encapsulation. Cell‐penetrating peptides and their mimics or analogues offer a different approach and this is an emerging field with the first in vivo examples now reported. Recent reports point to lipid receptors being involved in the cellular uptake of both types of transporter. This review examines the delivery of siRNA with a focus on cell‐penetrating peptides and their small molecule and oligomeric mimics. The current status of siRNA delivery methods in clinical trials is examined. It now seems that the goal of delivering siRNA therapeutically is achievable but will they form part of a sustainable healthcare portfolio for the future.
The effect of fetal androgen metabolism‐related gene variants on external genitalia virilization in congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Kaupert LC , Lemos‐Marini SHV , De Mello MP , Moreira RP , Brito VN , Jorge AAL , Longui CA , Guerra G , Mendonca BB , Bachega TA
Published: September 2012

The 21‐hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is caused by CYP21A2 mutations resulting in severe or moderate enzymatic impairments. 21OHD females carrying similar genotypes present different degrees of external genitalia virilization, suggesting the influence of other genetic factors. Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the CYP3A7 gene and in its transcription factors, related to fetal 19‐carbon steroid metabolism, could modulate the genital phenotype. To evaluate the influence of the 21OHD genotypes and the CYP3A7, PXR and CAR SNVs on the genital phenotype in 21OHD females. Prader scores were evaluated in 183 patients. The CYP3A7, PXR and CAR SNVs were screened and the 21OHD genotypes were classified according to their severity: severe and moderate groups. Patients with severe genotype showed higher degree of genital virilization (Prader median III, IQR III‐IV) than those with moderate genotype (III, IQR II‐III) (p < 0.001). However, a great overlap was observed between genotype groups. Among all the SNVs tested, only the CAR rs2307424 variant correlated with Prader scores (r2 = 0.253; p = 0.023). The CYP21A2 genotypes influence the severity of genital virilization in 21OHD females. We also suggest that the CAR variant, which results in a poor metabolizer phenotype, could account for a higher degree of external genitalia virilization.
Micronucleus scoring in liver fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Wen C.‐H. , Lin C.‐H. , Tsao S.‐C. , Su Y.‐C. , Tsai M.‐H. , Chai C.‐Y.
Published: September 2012

C.‐H. Wen, C.‐H. Lin, S.‐C. Tsao, Y.‐C. Su, M.‐H. Tsai and C.‐Y. Chai  Micronucleus scoring in liver fine needle aspiration cytology

Objective:  This study evaluated the role of the micronucleus (MN) in liver fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology.

Methods:  Histological features of 75 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), of which 25 were well differentiated, 37 moderately differentiated and 13 poorly differentiated, and 58 benign hepatic lesions (total, 133 cases) were correlated with MN expression observed in FNA smears reported as benign (n = 40), atypical (n = 14), suspicious (n = 30) and malignant (n = 49).

Results:  Stepwise increases in the MN score (0.4 ± 0.6, 1.2 ± 1.3, 6.3 ± 4.2 and 14.3 ± 8.8) correlated with the degree of cytological abnormality: benign, atypia, suspicious and malignant, respectively. The mean MN scores for well‐, moderately and poorly differentiated HCC were 5.4 ± 2.2, 11.5 ± 4.5 and 24.9 ± 9.1, respectively, which was significantly different between malignant and suspicious (P < 0.0001), between suspicious and atypical (P = 0.008) but not between atypical and benign. The MN scores differed significantly between all degrees of differentiation of HCC and between the HCC and benign hepatic lesions (P < 0.0001). High sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of liver FNA for diagnosing HCC (96%, 98%, and 96%, respectively) were obtained at a cutoff of three for the MN score.

Conclusions:  The MN score is an effective HCC biomarker and has a good potential use as an ancillary tool for diagnosing HCC using FNA cytology.
What issues matter most to people with multiple myeloma and how well are we measuring them? A systematic review of quality of life tools
Authors: Osborne Thomas R. , Ramsenthaler Christina , Siegert Richard J. , Edmonds Polly M. , Schey Stephen  A. , Higginson Irene J.
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Treatment advances in multiple myeloma have increased expected survival from months to years for some patients. Alongside improved survival emerges a need to better understand and measure health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), both in research and clinical settings.

Objectives

(i) Identify HRQOL tools validated for use in myeloma; (ii) identify issues important to HRQOL from the point of view of patients with myeloma; (iii) describe the measurement properties of each HRQOL tool; (iv) evaluate the content validity of HRQOL tools in terms of their ability to capture all issues important to patients and (v) explore the suitability of each HRQOL tool for use in different settings.

Method

Systematic literature review of six databases with no limits by date or language.

Results

Thirty‐nine studies reported validation of 13 HRQOL instruments. Seven studies identified issues important to HRQOL from the patients' perspective. No instrument was comprehensive to all issues important to patients. The EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 and MY24 have undergone the most comprehensive psychometric validation. Most validation occurred in trial patients and not clinically representative groups. No studies evaluated clinical utility of tools alongside routine practice.

Conclusion

The best existing HRQOL tools are designed predominantly for use in research. Reliable, valid and responsive tools exist for this purpose, but may miss issues important to patients. The design of HRQOL measures should be guided by intended utility, whether for research or clinical practice, and further validation of HRQOL tools in clinically representative groups is needed. Development and validation of HRQOL tools for clinical use may be of value.
Impacts of a half century of sea‐level rise and development on an endangered mammal
Authors: Schmidt Jason A. , McCleery Robert , Seavey Jennifer R. , Cameron Devitt Susan E. , Schmidt Paige M.
Published: September 2012

The extraordinary growth of human populations and development in coastal areas over the last half century has eliminated and degraded coastal habitats and threatened the persistence of associated wildlife. Moreover, human‐induced sea‐level rise (SLR) is projected to further eliminate and alter the same coastal ecosystems, especially low‐lying regions. Whereas habitat loss and wildlife population declines from development are well documented, contemporary SLR has not yet been implicated in declines of coastal faunal populations. In addition, the projection of severe synergistic impacts from the combination of development and SLR is well described, yet the scientific literature offers little empirical evidence of the influence of these forces on coastal wildlife. Analysis of aerial photographs from 1959 to 2006 provided evidence of a 64% net loss of the endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbit's (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri; LKMR) habitat, the majority due to SLR (>48%). Furthermore, there was a strong negative relationship between the proportion of development per island and the amount of new habitat formed. Islands with modest development (less than 8% of land area) saw formation of new areas of marsh vegetation suitable for rabbits, whereas islands with 8% or more of their lands developed between 1959 and 2006 saw little to no addition of LKMR habitat. Only 8% of habitat loss was directly due to conversion to impervious surfaces, indicating that the greatest threats from development were indirect, including blocking of the inland migration of habitat triggered by SLR. Our results were consistent with an ongoing squeeze of coastal ecosystems between rising seas and development as a threat to LKMR habitat, which raises concern for a wide variety of coastal species. Our results provide evidence that SLR has become a contemporary conservation concern, one that is exacerbated by development, and expected to increase in magnitude as ocean waters continue to rise.
Can a thermally tolerant symbiont improve the future of Caribbean coral reefs?
Authors: Ortiz Juan Carlos , González‐Rivero Manuel , Mumby Peter J.
Published: September 2012

The detrimental effect of climate change induced bleaching on Caribbean coral reefs has been widely documented in recent decades. Several studies have suggested that increases in the abundance of thermally tolerant endosymbionts may ameliorate the effect of climate change on reefs. Symbionts that confer tolerance to temperature also reduce the growth rate of their coral host. Here, we show, using a spatial ecosystem model, that an increment in the abundance of a thermally tolerant endosymbiont (D1a) is unlikely to ensure the persistence of Caribbean reefs, or to reduce their rate of decline, due to the concomitant reduction in growth rate under current thermal stress predictive scenarios. Furthermore, our results suggest that given the documented vital rates of D1a‐dominated corals, increasing dominance of D1a in coral hosts may have a detrimental effect by reducing the resilience of Caribbean reefs, and preventing their long‐term recovery. This is because Caribbean ecosystems appear to be highly sensitive to changes in the somatic growth rate of corals. Alternative outcomes might be expected in systems with different community‐level dynamics such as reefs in the Indo‐Pacific, where the ecological costs of reduced growth rate might be far smaller.
2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate inflammatory effects in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Di Nisio C. , Zara S. , Cataldi A. , di Giacomo V.
Published: September 2012

Aim

To investigate the inflammatory response in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) treated with a relatively low 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) concentration by studying reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) gene expression, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release.

Methodology

Cultured HGFs were exposed to 3 mmol L−1 HEMA for 0, 24 or 96 h. ROS production was investigated by flow cytometry; TNF‐α and COX‐2 gene expression was determined by RT‐PCR, and prostaglandin E2 production was detected by an enzyme immunoassay.

Results

After 24‐ or 96‐h HEMA incubation, ROS levels were approximately eightfold and elevenfold higher than controls, whilst COX‐2 gene expression was approximately twofold or fourfold higher than controls, respectively. Twenty‐four‐hour exposure enhanced TNF‐α mRNA levels by approximately 66%, whilst after 96‐h incubation, TNF‐α gene expression was fivefold higher than controls. Ninety‐six‐hour HEMA treatment increased PGE2 concentration in the culture medium by around 17% compared with controls.

Conclusions

2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate treatment (3 mmol L−1) induced an inflammatory response in HGFs modulated by ROS production, as well as by the increase in TNF‐α and COX‐2 gene expression and by PGE2 release.
The role of hyperiid parasites as a trophic link between jellyfish and fishes
Authors: Riascos J. M. , Vergara M. , Fajardo J. , Villegas V. , Pacheco A. S.
Published: September 2012

The trophic interactions between the scyphozoan medusa Chrysaora plocamia and the palm ruff Seriolella violacea were investigated off northern Chile and showed that large numbers of hyperiid amphipods parasitizing the medusa may channel energy back to the fishes, which feed on the parasites. The biomass of hyperiids eaten by the fish was a function of the biomass of hyperiids parasitizing the medusa. This temporally available food supply may enhance fish recruitment. The large number of hyperiids parasitizing diverse jellyfish species represents a missing trophic link in current efforts to understand the effects of jellyfish blooms on marine food webs.
Spotlight on the Design of European Audit Committees: A Comparative Descriptive Study
Authors: Böhm Falko , Bollen Laury H. , Hassink Harold F.
Published: September 2012

In this study we shed light on the design of audit committees in continental Europe by analysing the contents of the Eighth EU Company Law Directive, European codes of governance, and corporate audit committee charters. Our results show substantial cross‐national differences in the scope of responsibilities to be addressed by audit committees, in the competences required of committee members, and the proportion of independent committee members. The extent of differentiation comes as a surprise in light of prevailing pressures for isomorphism in the design of audit committees. A closer analysis of publicly available audit committee charters shows that compulsory disclosure requirements can increase the effectiveness of coercive isomorphism, but, consistent with prior literature, can also increase the percentage of unoriginal content in corporate documents. Our results contribute to the scant knowledge about audit committees outside the Anglo‐Saxon domain and inform practice about implementing audit committee design standards in the EU.
The potential of NIR spectroscopy to predict soil texture and mineralogy in Cerrado Latosols
Authors: Vendrame P. R. S. , Marchão R. L. , Brunet D. , Becquer T.
Published: September 2012

Near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) has been accepted as a fast method to evaluate various soil constituents. However, very few studies have used NIRS as a predictor of the textural and mineralogical content of tropical soils. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential use of NIRS as a tool for assessment of diverse soil properties, with specific attention to the prediction of properties related to the mineralogy of a wide range of Latosols from the Cerrado region of central Brazil. The reflectance of the soil samples, 148 in total, taken from 0.0 to 0.2 and 0.6 to 0.8‐m depth, was determined in the near‐infrared region between 1100 and 2500 nm at 2‐nm intervals with a NIRS spectrophotometer. Our results show that for soil sampling corresponding to a large‐scale map and taking into account the variability of Latosols over a wide region, NIRS can predict most of the mineralogical properties of the Latosols accurately. Near‐infrared spectroscopy did not predict most of the physico‐chemical characteristics of soils accurately, in particular those that are largely dependent on agricultural practice, such as pH or CEC. However, the main characteristics that correspond to soil constituents (organic matter and clay content) were relatively well predicted.
Oral exposure to methylmercury modifies the prostatic microenvironment in adult rats
Authors: da Silva Daniela A. Fossato , Barbosa Fernando , Scarano Wellerson R.
Published: September 2012

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant that is highly toxic to the central nervous system. As its effects on male reproductive system are poorly understood, this study was carried out to analyse the effects of MeHg on the rat prostate. To evaluate the MeHg toxicity on ventral prostate, three groups of adult male Wistar rats received oral doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg MeHg, respectively, on a daily basis for 14 days. A fourth group was used as a control. The prostate weight was decreased in rats treated orally with 0.5 mg/kg MeHg compared to controls. Also, Hg concentration increased significantly in the prostate after treatments. There were reductions in serum testosterone levels and androgen receptor immunoreactivity in animals receiving 3.0 mg MeHg/kg. The stereological data showed changes in the prostatic epithelial, stromal and luminal compartments which varied according to the different doses. Histopathological alterations, such as chronic inflammation, stratified epithelial hyperplasia and epithelial inflammatory reactive atypia, were observed in the 0.5 mg/kg MeHg‐treated group. Epithelial atrophy was observed in the 3.0 mg/kg MeHg‐treated group. In conclusion, the MeHg affects prostatic homoeostasis resulting in histopathological changes that may be relevant in the pathogenesis of prostatic disease.
Heterotopic mineralization (ossification or calcification) in tendinopathy or following surgical tendon trauma
Authors: O'Brien Etienne J. O. , Frank Cyril B. , Shrive Nigel G. , Hallgrímsson Benedikt , Hart David A.
Published: September 2012

Heterotopic tendon mineralization (ossification or calcification), which may be a feature of tendinopathy or which may develop following surgical trauma (repair or graft harvest), has not received much attention. The purpose of this article is to review the prevalence, mechanisms and consequences of heterotopic tendon mineralization and to identify the gaps in our current understanding. We focus on endochondral heterotopic ossification and draw on knowledge of the mechanisms of this process in other tissues and conditions. Finally, we introduce a novel murineAchilles tendon needle injury model, which will enable us to further study the mechanisms and biomechanical consequences of tendon mineralization.
A physiological analogy of the niche for projecting the potential distribution of plants
Authors: Higgins Steven I. , O’Hara Robert B. , Bykova Olga , Cramer Michael D. , Chuine Isabelle , Gerstner Eva‐Maria , Hickler Thomas , Morin Xavier , Kearney Michael R. , Midgley Guy F. , Scheiter Simon
Published: September 2012

Aim  To develop a physiologically based model of the plant niche for use in species distribution modelling.

Location  Europe.

Methods  We link the Thornley transport resistance (TTR) model with functions which describe how the TTR’s model parameters are influenced by abiotic environmental factors. The TTR model considers how carbon and nutrient uptake, and the allocation of these assimilates, influence growth. We use indirect statistical methods to estimate the model parameters from a high resolution data set on tree distribution for 22 European tree species.

Results  We infer, from distribution data and abiotic forcing data, the physiological niche dimensions of 22 European tree species. We found that the model fits were reasonable (AUC: 0.79–0.964). The projected distributions were characterized by a false positive rate of 0.19 and a false negative rate 0.12. The fitted models are used to generate projections of the environmental factors that limit the range boundaries of the study species.

Main conclusions  We show that physiological models can be used to derive physiological niche dimensions from species distribution data. Future work should focus on including prior information on physiological rates into the parameter estimation process. Application of the TTR model to species distribution modelling suggests new avenues for establishing explicit links between distribution and physiology, and for generating hypotheses about how ecophysiological processes influence the distribution of plants.
Nutrition education and counselling practices in mother and child health clinics: study amongst nurses
Authors: Ilmonen Johanna , Isolauri Erika , Laitinen Kirsi
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives.  To investigate current nutrition counselling practices, knowledge of nutrition and the need for nutrition education by nurses in mother and child health clinics.

Background.  Nutrition counselling of young families offers a tangible means to implement preventive measures for lifestyle‐related chronic diseases. Nurses in health clinics are at prime position to execute this preventive work, which demands knowledge of current nutrition research as well as skill in counselling. Knowledge is limited regarding the current nutrition counselling practices of nurses and their needs in improving counselling.

Design.  Descriptive questionnaire survey.

Methods.  A questionnaire was formulated and sent to nurses in mother and child health clinics (n = 650) nationwide via e‐mail links using a computerised program. Non‐respondents were re‐contacted twice, the final response rate being 50% (n = 327).

Results.  Nurses considered nutrition counselling an important but challenging task in the clinics. In addition to promotion of health, they had counselled clients in the management of various disorders ranging from constipation to coeliac disease. Variability was noted in the extent to which nurses had adopted nutrition guidelines. As means to improve counselling, better collaboration with both families and healthcare professionals and an increase in resources, including time available for counselling, up‐to‐date educational material and clinical guidelines, as well as increased education in nutrition were suggested.

Conclusions.  The results demonstrated a need and a readiness amongst nurses to develop nutrition counselling in health clinics. Given the health benefits presumably deriving from nutrition counselling, investments in operational counselling, comprising advancement of both knowledge and skills in the health clinics, are clearly warranted.

Relevance to clinical practices.  The findings provide important insights into the current clinical practice in health clinics and can be exploited in designing nutrition counselling and in‐service training.
Adolescents’ perceptions of music therapy following spinal fusion surgery
Authors: Kleiber Charmaine , Adamek Mary S
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives.  To explore adolescents’ memories about music therapy after spinal fusion surgery and their recommendations for future patients.

Background.  Spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is one of the most painful surgeries performed. Music therapy is shown to decrease postoperative pain in children after minor surgery. In preparation for developing a preoperative information program, we interviewed adolescents who had spinal fusion and postoperative music therapy to find out what they remembered and what they recommended for future patients.

Methods.  Eight adolescents who had spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were interviewed about their experiences. For this qualitative study, the investigators independently used thematic analysis techniques to formulate interpretive themes. Together they discussed their ideas and assigned overall meanings to the information.

Results.  The eight participants were 13–17 years of age and had surgery between 2–24 months previously. The overarching themes identified from the interviews were relaxation and pain perception, choice and control, therapist interaction and preoperative information. Participants stated that music therapy helped with mental relaxation and distraction from pain. It was important to be able to choose the type of music for the therapy and to use self‐control to focus on the positive. Their recommendation was that future patients should be provided with information preoperatively about music therapy and pain management. Participants recommended a combination of auditory and visual information, especially the experiences of previous patients who had spinal fusion and music therapy.

Conclusion.  Music provided live at the bedside by a music therapist was remembered vividly and positively by most of the participants.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The presence of a music therapist providing patient‐selected music at the bedside is important. Methods to introduce adolescents to music therapy and how to use music for relaxation should be developed and tested.
Caregivers’ lived experience of assisted feeding
Authors: Martinsen Bente , Norlyk Annelise
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to explore caregivers’ experience of assisted feeding.

Background

Assisted feeding presupposes a technical and creative coordination of the behaviour of the caregiver and the person who needs assistance. To achieve this, the two parties must be able to perceive and interpret each other's verbal and non‐verbal behaviour and respond.

Design

A qualitative approach using in‐depth semi‐structured interviews conducted with caregivers was used.

Methods

Twelve caregivers with different educational background (nurses and care assistants) were interviewed during 2010. Transcriptions of interviews were analysed using the phenomenological guidelines by Dahlberg and colleagues.

Results

The essence of assisted feeding among caregivers was identified to be a healing activity creating a basis for recovery. The constituents of the essence were as follows: with simulated calmness, with the nutritional aspect in mind, with relatives as source and resource, with work experiences and personal preferences as reference points and with inconsistent reactions to patient behaviours.

Conclusion

When performing assisted feeding, caregivers adjust their care to the individual patient drawing on their personal knowledge and empathy. They mainly focus on the nutritional aspect of assisted feeding but also take their own beliefs and societal norms around eating into consideration. There seems to be a tension between the importance caregivers assign to the nutritional aspect of assisted feeding and the low status this task holds, not only in the hierarchy of hospital activities but also among caregivers.

Relevance to clinical practice

An overriding guideline for assisted feeding should be formulated, so that the activity will be less dependent on the individual caregiver's personal beliefs, time pressure and the character of the surroundings.
Individual support planning: perceptions and expectations of people with intellectual disabilities in the Netherlands
Authors: Herps M. A. , Buntinx W. H. E. , Curfs L. M. G.
Published: September 2012

Background  According to Dutch jurisdiction, individual support plans (ISP) should register the mutual agreements between a person with intellectual disabilities (ID) and a professional service organisation with respect to the support that will be provided. In planning for support, active involvement of both parties is necessary. The current study focuses on the perceptions and experiences of Dutch persons with ID with respect to their involvement in their ISP.

Method  Data were gathered through semi‐structured interviews with 61 people with mild to moderate ID. Participants were recruited in 23 Dutch service provider organisations. A systematic qualitative analysis was performed on the interview transcripts.

Results  Although persons with ID are present at their ISP meeting, active client involvement in developing, executing and evaluating the ISP is not common practice. Issues of accessibility and lack of control over the process and content of ISP hamper effective involvement of people with ID.

Conclusions  The study raises questions concerning ISP practices in the Netherlands. The question needs to be addressed as to how to facilitate active involvement of people with ID in planning for support. The results further suggest that support organisations perceive an ISP rather as a formal document to comply with bureaucratic rules than as an instrument of empowerment to enhance control of persons with ID over their own lives.
Responsivity to criminogenic need in forensic intellectual disability services
Authors: Lindsay W. R. , Holland A. J. , Carson D. , Taylor J. L. , O'Brien G. , Steptoe L. , Wheeler J.
Published: September 2012

Background  Research has shown for some time that addressing criminogenic need is one of the crucial aspects of reducing reoffending in all types of offenders. Criminogenic need such as anger or inappropriate sexual interest is considered to be crucial in the commission of the offence. The aim of the present study is to investigate the extent to which forensic services address the needs of those accepted into services.

Method  This study reviews the treatment for 197 offenders with intellectual disability accepted into a range of services. Participants' case files were examined to ascertain the extent to which need was addressed through recognised therapies. A standard pro forma was used on which we had established good reliability across four research assistants.

Results  The most frequently referred problems were violence and sexual offending. Specialist forensic intellectual disability community services were significantly more likely to provide treatment specifically designed to address index behaviours when compared to generic community services and secure services.

Conclusions  Various possible explanations of these findings are explored including staffing levels, diagnosed mental illness, expertise of staff and clarity of purpose in services.
Patient and provider views on the use of medical services by women with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Wilkinson J. , Dreyfus D. , Bowen D. , Bokhour B.
Published: September 2012

Background  People with intellectual disabilities (ID) receive primary care in community‐based practices and are encouraged to participate in the physician–patient relationship. However, the nature of this participation is not known.

Methods  Qualitative data were analysed to obtain perspectives from patients and providers regarding clinic visits. Patient participants were recruited from community organisations, while physician participants were recruited from emails and phone calls to local and regional practices and a national and regional list serve. Analysis methods derived from grounded theory were used.

Results  Twenty‐seven women with ID and 22 family physicians were interviewed. Themes important to both groups included time, how the support worker should be used in the encounter and the nature of the physician–patient relationship. Patients expressed frustration at how little time they spent with their physician, and wished that physicians would speak directly to them instead of to their support worker. Physicians felt that patients with ID took too much time, and said that they preferred communicating with the support worker. The interviews also revealed unconscious biases about people with ID.

Conclusions  Patient participation is encouraged for people with ID, but is limited because of both physician and patient factors. Greater awareness of these factors may improve care for patients with ID.
Dissecting molecular stress networks: identifying nodes of divergence between life‐history phenotypes
Authors: Schwartz Tonia S. , Bronikowski Anne M.
Published: September 2012

The complex molecular network that underlies physiological stress response is comprised of nodes (proteins, metabolites, mRNAs, etc.) whose connections span cells, tissues and organs. Variable nodes are points in the network upon which natural selection may act. Thus, identifying variable nodes will reveal how this molecular stress network may evolve among populations in different habitats and how it might impact life‐history evolution. Here, we use physiological and genetic assays to test whether laboratory‐born juveniles from natural populations of garter snakes (Thamnophis elegans), which have diverged in their life‐history phenotypes, vary concomitantly at candidate nodes of the stress response network, (i) under unstressed conditions and (ii) in response to an induced stress. We found that two common measures of stress (plasma corticosterone and liver gene expression of heat shock proteins) increased under stress in both life‐history phenotypes. In contrast, the phenotypes diverged at four nodes both under unstressed conditions and in response to stress: circulating levels of reactive oxygen species (superoxide, H2O2); liver gene expression of GPX1 and erythrocyte DNA damage. Additionally, allele frequencies for SOD2 diverge from neutral markers, suggesting diversifying selection on SOD2 alleles. This study supports the hypothesis that these life‐history phenotypes have diverged at the molecular level in how they respond to stress, particularly in nodes regulating oxidative stress. Furthermore, the differences between the life‐history phenotypes were more pronounced in females. We discuss the responses to stress in the context of the associated life‐history phenotype and the evolutionary pressures thought to be responsible for divergence between the phenotypes.