bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DspA/E, a type III effector of Erwinia amylovora, is required for early rapid growth in Nicotiana benthamiana and causes NbSGT1‐dependent cell death
Authors: OH CHANG‐SIK , MARTIN GREGORY B. , BEER STEVEN V.
Published: April 2007

DspA/E is a pathogenicity factor of Erwinia amylovora that is translocated into the plant cell cytoplasm through an Hrp type III secretion system. Transient expression of dspA/E in Nicotiana benthamiana or yeast induced cell death, as it does in N. tabacum and apple as described previously. DspA/E‐induced cell death in N. benthamiana was not inhibited by coexpression of AvrPtoB of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, which inhibits programmed cell death (PCD) induced by several other elicitors in plants. Silencing of NbSGT1, the expression of which is required for PCD mediated by several resistance proteins of plants, prevented DspA/E‐induced cell death in N. benthamiana. However, silencing of NbRAR1, or two MAP kinase kinase genes, which are required for PCD associated with many resistance genes in plants, did not prevent cell death induced by DspA/E. Silencing of NbSGT1 also compromised non‐host resistance against E. amylovora. E. amylovora grew rapidly within the first 24 h after infiltration in N. benthamiana, and DspA/E was required for this early rapid growth. However, bacterial cell numbers decreased after 24 h in TRV‐vector‐transformed plants, whereas a dspA/E mutant strain grew to high populations in NbSGT1‐silenced plants. Our results indicate that DspA/E enhances virulence of E. amylovora in N. benthamiana, but the bacteria are then recognized by the plant, resulting in PCD and death of bacterial cells or restriction of bacterial cell growth.
Decompensation of pollen‐induced asthma in two towns with different pollution levels in La Mancha, Spain
Authors: Mur Gimeno P. , Feo Brito F. , Martínez C. , Tobías A. , Suárez L. , Guerra F. , Galindo P. A. , Gómez E.
Published: April 2007

Background
Allergic diseases have increased in industrialized countries and this increase is associated not only with genetic factors but also with lifestyle and environmental factors such as air pollution. Our hypothesis was that asthma in pollen‐allergic patients from two towns with very different pollution levels in La Mancha (Spain) could be affected to a very different degree.

Objective
Our objectives were to assess the risk factors associated with decompensation of pollen‐induced asthma in the two towns and to perform a comparison between the patients from Puertollano (high pollution level) and Ciudad Real (low pollution level) with respect to daily symptoms, medication used and peak‐flow measurements.

Methods
We designed a cohort study with 137 patients (66 from Puertollano and 71 from Ciudad Real), conducted over 3 years (1999–2001) and including two pollen seasons. The two populations presented similar demographic and clinical characteristics. The variables studied included: area of residence, sex, age, smoking status, asthma symptoms and positive prick tests. Clinical decompensation was monitored by symptoms recorded on diary cards, twice daily peak‐flow measurements and the use of protocolized medication.

Results
There was a clinically relevant relationship between the place of residence and clinical decompensation. The risk of clinical decompensation in patients from Puertollano was up to three times higher than that of patients in Ciudad Real (P=0.034). Furthermore, patients from Puertollano and patients with moderate asthma presented more rapid decompensation compared with patients from Ciudad Real (P=0.020) and patients with mild asthma (P=0.049).

Conclusion
In conclusion, pollen‐allergic asthmatics in Puertollano present a poorer clinical course and become decompensated earlier than those from Ciudad Real and it could be due to air pollution.
Vaccinations, infections and antibacterials in the first grass pollen season of life and risk of later hayfever
Authors: Bremner S. A. , Carey I. M. , DeWilde S. , Richards N. , Maier W. C. , Hilton S. R. , Strachan D. P. , Cook D. G.
Published: April 2007

Background
It has been hypothesized that early‐life exposure to vaccinations, infections or antibacterials influence allergic disease development. Concurrent exposure to grass pollens may alter any effect.

Objective
To test the hypothesis that exposure to antibacterials, vaccinations (DTP or MMR) or specific infections during the first grass pollen seasons of life influences the risk of hayfever more than at any other time of the year.

Methods
Nested case–control studies were based on birth cohorts within two large databases of computerized patient records from UK general practices: the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) and Doctors' Independent Network (DIN). Seven thousand ninety‐eight hayfever cases, diagnosed after age 2, were matched to controls for practice, age, sex and follow‐up of control to case ascertainment date. Conditional logistic regression was used to compare exposure by age 1 (age 2 for MMR) inside vs. outside the grass pollen season (May, June, July). Odds ratios (ORs) were pooled across databases.

Results
There were no associations in either database between MMR during vs. outside the grass pollen season and later hayfever. Of 23 infections studied, none were statistically significant; although analyses for the less common conditions were limited by low statistical power. The pooled OR for hayfever comparing exposure to antibacterials only in the grass pollen season with only outside it was 1.20 (95% CI 0.98–1.47) and for DTP was 0.84 (95% CI 0.72–0.98).

Conclusion
Although an interaction between early exposure to microbial agents and concurrent grass pollen exposure on hayfever risk seemed plausible, there was little evidence to support it across a range of analyses. However, the effect of DTP though weak deserves further study.
Studies on the interactions between C‐reactive protein and complement proteins
Authors: Bíró Adrienn , Rovó Zita , Papp Diana , Cervenak László , Varga Lilian , Füst George , Thielens Nicole M. , Arlaud Gérard J. , Prohászka Zoltán
Published: April 2007

Several studies have investigated the interactions between C‐reactive protein (CRP) and various complement proteins but none of them took into consideration the different structural forms of CRP. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the different antigenic forms of CRP are able to bind C1q, to trigger activation of the C1 complex and to study the ability of the various CRP forms to bind complement factor H (FH) and C4b‐binding protein (C4BP). Interactions between various CRP forms and complement proteins were analysed in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and surface plasmon resonance tests and activation of the C1 complex was followed in a reconstituted system using purified C1q, C1r and C1s in the presence of C1‐INH. Native, ligand‐unbound CRP activated the classical pathway weakly. After binding to phosphocholine, native CRP bound C1q and significantly activated C1. Native CRP complexed to phosphocholine did not bind the complement regulatory proteins FH and C4BP. After disruption of the pentameric structure of CRP, as achieved by urea‐treatment or by site‐directed mutagenesis, C1q binding and C1 activation further increased and the ability of CRP to bind complement regulatory proteins was revealed. C1q binds to CRP through its globular head domain. The binding sites on CRP for FH and C4BP seemed to be different from that of C1q. In conclusion, in parallel with the increase in the C1‐activating ability of different CRP structural variants, the affinity for complement regulatory proteins also increased, providing the biological basis for limitation of excess complement activation.
Hepatitis B virus core antigen epitopes presented by HLA‐A2 single‐chain trimers induce functional epitope‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses in HLA‐A2·1/Kb transgenic mice
Authors: Zhang Yuxia , Li Shu , Shan Ming , Pan Xuwen , Zhuang Ke , He Lihua , Gould Keith , Tien Po
Published: April 2007

The potency of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses toward core antigen has been shown to affect the outcomes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Since single‐chain trimers (SCT) composed of peptide epitope β2‐microglobulin (β2m) and major histocompatiblity complex (MHC) class I heavy chain covalently linked together in a single molecule have been shown to stimulate efficient CTL responses, we investigated the properties of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A2 SCTs encoding the HBV core antigen (HBcAg) epitopes C18−27 and C107−115. Transfection of NIH‐3T3 cells with pcDNA3.0‐SCT‐C18−27 and SCT‐C107−115 leads to stable presentation of HBcAg epitopes at the cell surface. HLA‐A2.1/Kb transgenic mice vaccinated with the SCT constructs, either as a DNA vaccine alone or followed by a boost with recombinant vaccinia virus, were shown to generate HBcAg‐specific CTL responses by enzyme‐linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT) and in vitro interferon‐γ release experiments. HBcAg‐specific CTLs from vaccinated HLA‐A2.1/Kb transgenic mice were able to inhibit HBV surface and e antigen expression as indicated by HepG2.2.15 cells. Our data indicate that a DNA vaccine encoding a human HLA‐A2 SCT with HBV epitopes can lead to stable, enhanced HBV core antigen presentation, and may be useful for the control of HBV infection in HLA‐A2‐positive HBV carriers.
Evolution of mammalian CD1: marsupial CD1 is not orthologous to the eutherian isoforms and is a pseudogene in the opossum Monodelphis domestica
Authors: Baker Michelle L. , Miller Robert D.
Published: April 2007

CD1 is a member of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I family of proteins that present lipid antigens to T cells and natural killer (NK) T cells; it is found in both eutherian mammals and birds. In eutherians, duplication of the CD1 gene has resulted in multiple isoforms. A marsupial CD1 homologue was identified in a set of expressed sequence tags from the thymus of the bandicoot Isoodon macrourus. Southern blot and genomic sequence analyses revealed that CD1 is a single copy gene in both I. macrourus and a distantly related marsupial, the opossum Monodelphis domestica, which is currently the only marsupial species for which a whole genome sequence is available. We found that the opossum CD1 is located in a genomic region with a high degree of conserved synteny to the chromosomal regions containing human and mouse CD1. A phylogenetic analysis of mammalian CD1 revealed that marsupial CD1 is not orthologous to the eutherian CD1 isoforms, consistent with the latter having emerged by duplication after the separation of marsupials and eutherians 170–180 million years ago. The I. macrourus CD1 gene is actively transcribed and appears to encode a functional protein. In contrast, transcription of the M. domestica CD1 was not detected in any tissue and the predicted CD1 gene sequence contains a number of deletions that appear to render the locus a pseudogene.
Cancer immunoediting from immune surveillance to immune escape
Authors: Kim Ryungsa , Emi Manabu , Tanabe Kazuaki
Published: April 2007

Cancer immune surveillance is considered to be an important host protection process to inhibit carcinogenesis and to maintain cellular homeostasis. In the interaction of host and tumour cells, three essential phases have been proposed: elimination, equilibrium and escape, which are designated the ‘three E’s'. Several immune effector cells and secreted cytokines play a critical role in pursuing each process. Nascent transformed cells can initially be eliminated by an innate immune response such as by natural killer cells. During tumour progression, even though an adaptive immune response can be provoked by antigen‐specific T cells, immune selection produces tumour cell variants that lose major histocompatibility complex class I and II antigens and decreases amounts of tumour antigens in the equilibrium phase. Furthermore, tumour‐derived soluble factors facilitate the escape from immune attack, allowing progression and metastasis. In this review, the central roles of effector cells and cytokines in tumour immunity, and the escape mechanisms of tumour cells during tumour progression are discussed.
Malnutrition in hip fracture patients: an intervention study
Authors: Olofsson Birgitta , Stenvall Michael , Lundström Maria , Svensson Olle , Gustafson Yngve
Published: April 2007

Aims.  To investigate whether a nutritional intervention in older women and men with femoral neck fracture had an effect on postoperative complications during hospitalization and on nutritional status at a four‐month follow‐up.

Methods.  The design was a randomized controlled trial. The present study sample consisted of 157 patients aged 70 years and above with femoral neck fracture. The nutritional intervention included, among other things, a nutritional journal to detect nutrition deficiencies and protein‐enriched meals for at least four days postoperatively. Further, at least two nutritional and protein drinks were served each day during the whole hospitalization and other factors that would influence the patient's nutrition were also considered and dealt with. Postoperative complications were registered and patients were assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scale, including body mass index (BMI), on admission and at a four‐month follow‐up.

Results.  Malnutrition was common and low MNA scores were associated with postoperative complications such as delirium and decubitus ulcers. There were significantly fewer days of delirium in the intervention group, seven patients in the intervention group developed decubitus ulcers vs. 14 patients in the control group and the total length of hospitalization was shorter. There were no detectable significant improvements regarding nutritional parameters between the intervention and the control group at the four‐month follow‐up but men improved their mean BMI, body weight and MNA scores in both the intervention and the control groups while women deteriorated in both groups.

Conclusions.  Malnutrition was common among older people with hip fractures admitted to hospital. The nutritional intervention might have contributed to the patients suffering fewer days with delirium, fewer decubitus ulcers and shorter hospitalization but did not improve the long‐term nutritional status, at least not in women.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This nutritional intervention, which was included in a multifactorial multidisciplinary intervention, is inexpensive and relatively easy to implement. It has significant effects on complications but no long‐term effect on nutritional parameters, at least not in women.
Revisiting the concept of malnutrition in older people
Authors: Chen Cheryl Chia‐Hui , Bai Ya‐Ying , Huang Guan‐Hua , Tang Siew Tzuh
Published: April 2007

Aim.  The aim of this study is to revisit the concept of malnutrition in older people, trace the new development and test the use of refined framework with empirical data.

Background.  Malnutrition in older people is a common and significant problem worldwide. Continuing Chen's earlier work in 2001, a refinement was conducted and a prospective study was designed to test the use of this refined framework.

Design.  A cohort study of 114 hospitalized older patients in Northern Taiwan.

Methods.  The sample consists of 114 older patients aged 65 years and older, who were admitted for the cardiac and orthopaedic services at a tertiary 2300‐bed hospital. From March to August 2004, assessed by one trained nurse, participants completed a structured face‐to‐face interview evaluating their age, visual/hearing impairments, oral health, cognitive status, comorbidities, medication use, social economic status, functional status, social support, depressive symptoms and nutritional status within 48 hours of admission. Participants who stayed >5 days were reassessed before discharge (n = 70). The data from admission were the main focus of this report.

Results.  Regression analysis revealed that that more medication taken, female gender, lower functional status (beta = 0·34, P < 0·001) and higher depressive symptoms were independent predictors of poor nutritional status, with the full model accounting for 48·2% of the variance. The result is in‐line with the original theoretical underpinnings and it suggests that this refined framework detailing sub‐concepts and measurable indices appears to fit the empirical data and suitable for clinical use.

Conclusion.  The findings lend support to the use of this framework in managing malnutrition in older people.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses have an essential role in providing care for older people a framework like this would provide a road map guiding the intervention efforts.
Innocent or culpable? Meanings that emergency department nurses ascribe to individual acts of violence
Authors: Luck Lauretta , Jackson Debra , Usher Kim
Published: April 2007

Aims and objectives. The purpose of the study was to explore the meaning(s) that emergency department nurses ascribe to acts of violence from patients, their family and friends and what impact these meaning(s) have upon how they respond to such acts.

Background. Violence in the health sector is of international concern. In high acuity areas such as emergency departments, nurses have an increased risk of violence. The literature further suggests that violence towards nurses in emergency departments is under‐reported.

Design and methods. This study was undertaken in 2005, at a regional Australian Emergency Department with 20 consenting registered nurses. Using an instrumental case study design, both qualitative and quantitative data were generated. Qualitative data were collected using participant observation, semi‐structured interviews, informal field interviews and researcher journaling. Quantitative data of violent events were generated using a structured observational guide. Textual data were analysed thematically and numeric data were analysed using frequency counts. Mixed methods and concurrent data analysis contributed to the rigour of this study.

Findings. Emergency department nurses made judgments about the meaning of violent events according to three factors: (i) perceived personalization of the violence; (ii) presence of mitigating factors; and (iii) the reason for the presentation. The meanings that were ascribed to individual acts of violence informed the responses that nurses initiated.

Conclusions. The findings show that violence towards emergency department nurses is interpreted in a more systematic and complex way than the current definitions of violence make possible. The meanings given to violence were contextually constructed and these ascribed meaning(s) and judgments informed the actions that the nurses took in response to both the act of violence and the agent of violence.

Relevance to clinical practice. Understanding the meaning(s) of violence towards nurses contributes to the discussions surrounding why nurses under‐report violence. Further, these findings bring insights into how nurses can and do, handle violence in the workplace.
Participation of Icelandic nurses in smoking cessation counselling
Authors: Svavarsdóttir Margrét Hrönn , Hallgrímsdóttir Guðfinna
Published: April 2007

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to investigate the participation and knowledge of Icelandic nurses in smoking cessation counselling and to find barriers to smoking interventions by nurses.

Background.  Research has shown that clinical intervention as brief as three minutes can substantially increase smoking cessation success. Several studies have revealed that majority of nurses agree that smoking cessation counselling is within their duties. However, the percentage of nurses who report advising and/or counselling patients remains low.

Design and methods.  An anonymous mail survey of all practicing nurses in Iceland was conducted in September 2004. A self‐administered questionnaire was used, consisting of 74 questions in six sections: asking about smoking behaviour, to advise, to assess/assist/arrange, children and passive smoking, other questions and demographic questions.

Results.  Of 2453 questionnaires, 868 complete questionnaires were returned, giving a 36% response rate. While the majority of nurses ‘asked’ about smoking behaviour, a minority ‘advised’ or ‘assisted’ their clients with smoking cessation. However, if the clients had no smoking‐related symptoms, less than half of the nurses asked about smoking behaviour. Failure to ask and advise clients about the importance of smoking cessation and assisting with smoking cessation correlated (p < 0·001) with several factors, including: lack of time, insufficient knowledge or training and not considered as a part of daily duty. Nurses who smoked were less likely to advise against smoking (p < 0·05).

Conclusions.  Nurses frequently neglect to counsel clients about smoking cessation. Common barriers to the delivery of smoking cessation interventions by nurses include insufficient education and training in smoking cessation therapy.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The number of patients with tobacco‐related illnesses is increasing worldwide. Effective smoking cessation interventions by nurses have the enormous potential of reducing smoking prevalence and improve health.
From competence to capability: a study of nurse practitioners in clinical practice
Authors: Gardner Anne , Hase Stewart , Gardner Glenn , Dunn Sandra V. , Carryer Jenny
Published: April 2007

Aims and objectives.  This research aimed to understand the level and scope of practice of the nurse practitioner in Australia and New Zealand further using a capability framework.

Background.  The original study, from which the present paper was developed, sought to identify competency standards for the extended role of the nurse practitioner in Australia and New Zealand. In doing so the researchers became aware that while competencies described many of the characteristics of the nurse practitioner they did not manage to tell the whole story. In a search of the literature, the concept of capability appeared to provide a potentially useful construct to describe the attributes of the nurse practitioner that went beyond competence.

Design.  A secondary analysis of data obtained from interviews with nurse practitioners working in Australia and New Zealand was undertaken. These data had previously been obtained in a study to identify nurse practitioner competencies. The analysis described in this paper investigated whether or not the components of capability would adequately explain the characteristics of the nurse practitioner.

Methods.  Fifteen nurse practitioners were interviewed from Australia and New Zealand. A secondary (deductive) analysis of interview data using capability as a theoretical framework was conducted.

Results.  The analysis showed that capability and its dimensions is a useful model for describing the advanced level attributes of nurse practitioners. Thus, nurse practitioners described elements of their practice that involved: using their competences in novel and complex situations as well as the familiar; being creative and innovative; knowing how to learn; having a high level of self‐efficacy; and working well in teams.

Conclusions.  This study suggests that both competence and capability need to be considered in understanding the complex role of the nurse practitioner.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The dimensions of capability need to be considered in the education and evaluation of nurse practitioners.
Quality of life concerns and end‐of‐life care preferences of aged persons in long‐term care facilities
Authors: Chan Helen YL , Pang Samantha MC
Published: April 2007

Aims and objectives.  This study aimed at understanding quality of life (QOL) concerns and end‐of‐life care preferences of older people living in long‐term care facilities in Hong Kong.

Background.  Previous studies about the QOL of residents in long‐term care facilities were often from a qualitative perspective, because it could yield an in‐depth description of the experience. Quantitative studies in this area were not only scarce, but also less specific in capturing the concerns of this vulnerable group. Their forethought about their care planning was also overlooked.

Design and method.  We successfully interviewed 287 older residents from 10 long‐term care homes using the modified Quality‐of‐Life Concerns in the End of Life Questionnaire (QOLC‐E) in a cross‐sectional survey.

Results.  The mean (SD) ages of the frail and non‐frail groups were 83·8 (6·74) and 82·35 (5·82) respectively. The majority of them were female and widowed. Existential distress, value of life and food‐related concerns were the least desirable QOL concerns in both groups. Considerable numbers were uncertain about their end‐of‐life care preferences and they preferred their physician to be their surrogate.

Conclusion.  The older residents had similar QOL concerns as patients with terminal or advanced diseases. Most of the older residents welcomed discussion about death and dying but had not planned for their end‐of‐life care and had a high regard for their physicians’ authority.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The results reveal the major QOL concerns among the older residents living in long‐term care facilities. This study, which is an initial step in profiling the older people's end‐of‐life care preferences, also shed light on how to formulate advance care planning in long‐term care facilities.
Co‐occurrence based assessment of habitat generalists and specialists: a new approach for the measurement of niche width
Authors: FRIDLEY JASON D. , VANDERMAST DAVID B. , KUPPINGER DANE M. , MANTHEY MICHAEL , PEET ROBERT K.
Published: April 2007

Much ecological theory is based on the characterization of ecological habits of species as ‘generalist’ or ‘specialist’, but standard measures for placing species along a generalist‐specialist gradient do not exist.

We introduce a method for quantifying habitat specialization (i.e. relative niche widths) using species co‐occurrence data. Generalists should co‐occur with many species, whereas specialists should co‐occur with relatively few species, given equal plot occurrences. We quantify this concept using a generalist‐specialist metric (θ) derived from a beta diversity statistic.

We evaluate the ability of our generalist‐specialist metric to correctly rank species according to simulated (known) niche widths. Our technique is generally robust to a wide variety of niche distribution structures and sampling designs, but surveys strongly biased toward certain habitats can undermine the ability of θ to accurately describe niche widths for underrepresented species.

We apply our technique to three spatially nested surveys of the large woody flora (> 1 cm d.b.h.) of the south‐eastern USA. For each dataset we rank the generalist‐specialist tendencies of all species of non‐trivial occurrences, including 113 species across the Southeast, 71 species of southern Appalachian forests, and 44 species of the 6800‐ha Joyce Kilmer‐Slickrock Wilderness Area (NC and TN, USA).

Rankings of species’θ‐values were generally consistent among datasets of different spatial extent. Generalist species (e.g. Ilex opaca, Ulmus rubra, Morus rubra, Prunus serotina, Acer rubrum) were often those with large geographical ranges, particularly for θ‐values from the largest dataset, and overall were more likely to be bird‐dispersed, deciduous, and shade tolerant. South‐eastern specialist species (e.g. Taxodium spp., Abies fraseri, Quercus laevis, Pinus pungens, Pinus palustris) were those associated with stressful or unusual conditions, such as a long duration of flooding, high fire frequency, or extreme cold or dry climates.

Our study demonstrates that increasingly available, large‐survey datasets can contribute niche‐related species information in the absence of detailed environmental or habitat measurements. Applications include new assessments of relationships between species traits, ecological and environmental tolerances, and species packing in different assemblages.
A biocompatibility study of a reinforced acrylic‐based hybrid denture composite resin with polyhedraloligosilsesquioxane
Authors: KIM S. K. , HEO S. J. , KOAK J. Y. , LEE J. H. , LEE Y. M. , CHUNG D. J. , LEE J. I. , HONG S. D.
Published: April 2007

Summary  Acrylic‐based denture materials have several common weak points, such as shrinkage after curing, lack of strength and toxicity. In order to solve these problems, we adapted a hybrid system using acrylic polymer and polyhedraloligosilsesquioxane (POSS). The aim of the study was to investigate the biocompatibility of a reinforced acrylic‐based hybrid denture composite resin with POSS. Specimens of a novel polymeric denture base resin, in which POSS was used to partially replace the commonly used base monomer, were fabricated. In order to examine changes in biocompatibility with time, fresh specimens, along with specimens soaked in distilled water for 24 and 72 h were fabricated. Three other types of acrylic denture base resins were used to prepare the resin specimens. Biocompatibility (as measured by a metabolic assay, an agar overlay test, and a mutagenesis assay) of the composites was tested. The metabolic and mutagenesis assays were conducted with pure culture medium as a control. In this study, the reinforced acrylic‐based hybrid denture composite resin with POSS showed improved biocompatibility and lower mutagenicity than the control. Statistical examinations showed the cell metabolic activity of the novel polymeric denture base resin in the 72‐h immersion case as having almost the same inclination as the control. We hope that these results might aid in the development of a reinforced acrylic‐based denture resin.
Trialling of the Partnership in Coping system
Authors: JUBB‐SHANLEY M. , SHANLEY E.
Published: April 2007

The paper describes the results of a preliminary trial of a system of mental health nursing, the Partnership in Coping system, based on the subjective experiences of the participating mental health nurses and service users. The community mental health study involved action research, with data being collected through individual interviews and focus groups. Data analysis, using thematic content analysis, resulted in the emergence of two main dimensions. These dimensions are centred around a shift in responsibility from the service to the service user, and the authentication and clarification of the roles of the nurse and the service user.
Mental health triage: towards a model for nursing practice
Authors: SANDS N.
Published: April 2007

Mental health triage/duty services play a pivotal role in the current framework for mental health service delivery in Victoria and other states of Australia. Australia is not alone in its increasing reliance on mental health triage as a model of psychiatric service provision; at a global level, there appears to be an emerging trend to utilize mental health triage services staffed by nurses as a cost‐effective means of providing mental health care to large populations. At present, nurses comprise the greater proportion of the mental health triage workforce in Victoria and, as such, are performing the majority of point‐of‐entry mental health assessment across the state. Although mental health triage/duty services have been operational for nearly a decade in some regional healthcare sectors of Victoria, there is little local or international research on the topic, and therefore a paucity of established theory to inform and guide mental health triage practice and professional development. The discussion in this paper draws on the findings and recommendations of PhD research into mental health triage nursing in Victoria, to raise discussion on the need to develop theoretical models to inform and guide nursing practice. The paper concludes by presenting a provisional model for mental health triage nursing practice.
Expressed emotion and burnout: the experience of staff caring for men with learning disability and psychosis in a medium secure setting
Authors: DENNIS A. M. , LEACH C.
Published: April 2007

This study examines the level of expressed emotion (EE) and burnout in staff caring for people with learning disabilities on a medium secure unit. The study aims to develop a baseline measure of EE and burnout in staff on the unit to be used for future service evaluation and to underpin interventions in the developing service based on psychosocial interventions. Ten staff participated in an audiotaped interview and completed a questionnaire. The Five Minute Speech Sample and Maslach Burnout Inventory were completed. High EE was evident in 31% of responses based on critical comments and negative relationships. Expressed emotion was higher in male staff and in Health Care Support Workers. No staff met all components for high burnout, but low personal accomplishment, high emotional exhaustion and high depersonalization were evident for some staff. There is evidence of high EE and some elements of high burnout within the staff team. A significant relationship was found between the level of high EE and the depersonalization element of burnout.
Developing services for the carers of young adults with early‐onset psychosis – implementing evidence‐based practice on psycho‐educational family intervention
Authors: SIN J. , MOONE N. , NEWELL J.
Published: April 2007

This paper describes a series of practice and service development initiatives to incorporate the family‐inclusive approach into the newly established Early Intervention in Psychosis Service in Berkshire, England. Following a local study on carers' experiences and needs from those who cared for a young adult with a first‐episode psychosis (FEP), a series of flexible services for this group of carers has been developed incorporating the much‐researched psycho‐educational family interventions. The findings of our local phenomenological study on the carers for young adults with FEP clearly specified the unique needs of this group of carers and that well‐established approaches in family work and carers support facilities may have to be adapted to meet such needs. This paper reports the service development process through which a series of specially designed carers' services were set up for carers caring for a young adult with FEP. These services were developed to address carers' needs for knowledge, skills and support to cope with their caring roles and situation, from the stressful beginning of a potentially long caring journey.
Stigmatization by nurses against schizophrenia in Turkey: a questionnaire survey
Authors: KUKULU K. , ERGÜN G.
Published: April 2007

Individuals who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia face discrimination, exclusion and stigmatization by society. Nurses who work on psychiatric wards frequently face individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia throughout their careers. This study was conducted for the purpose of evaluating nurses' opinions about individuals who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. A total of 543 nurses working on the psychiatric wards of 27 university hospitals (164), six training and research hospitals (21) and six psychiatric hospitals (358) in Turkey completed the questionnaire. The majority of the nurses stated that schizophrenia is caused by social problems, that they would be able to work with someone who has schizophrenia, that they would not be able to marry someone with schizophrenia, that they would not be bothered by having a neighbour with schizophrenia, that schizophrenia cannot be completely cured, that it can be improved with psychotherapy, that schizophrenic patients are aggressive and that medications used to treat schizophrenia have serious side effects and are addictive. It is important for nurses to avoid stigmatizing patients in order to promote a therapeutic environment – particularly on the wards – and also to improve individual awareness and perceptions in society.
Replicability and stability of the multidimensional model of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in late pregnancy
Authors: JOMEEN J. , MARTIN C. R.
Published: April 2007

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a widely used screening tool for post‐natal depression (PND). Recent factor analytic investigations of the EPDS have suggested the instrument may be useful in the prediction of PND as the instrument appears to be multidimensional, thus facilitating sub‐scale development for this purpose. The psychometric properties of the EPDS were evaluated in women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Confirmatory factor analyses found support for the multidimensionality of the instrument; however, there was clear variability in model fit to data suggesting previous reports of the stability of the underlying factor structure of this instrument may be over‐optimistic. The potential for development of the EPDS as a predictive screening measure of PND is likely to be optimistic because of variability in the factor structure of the instrument over the course of pregnancy and in the post‐natal period.
Mitochondrial DNA phylogeography and mating compatibility reveal marked genetic structuring and speciation in the NE Atlantic bryozoan Celleporella hyalina
Authors: GÓMEZ AFRICA , HUGHES ROGER N. , WRIGHT PETER J. , CARVALHO GARY R. , LUNT DAVID H.
Published: April 2007

The marine bryozoan Celleporella hyalina is a species complex composed of many highly divergent and mostly allopatric genetic lineages that are reproductively isolated but share a remarkably similar morphology. One such lineage commonly encrusts macroalgae throughout the NE Atlantic coast. To explore the processes leading to geographical diversification, reproductive isolation and speciation in this taxon, we (i) investigated NE Atlantic C. hyalina mitochondrial DNA phylogeography, and (ii) used breeding trials between geographical isolates to ascertain reproductive isolation. We find that haplotype diversity is geographically variable and there is a strong population structure, with significant isolation by distance. NE Atlantic C. hyalina is structured into two main parapatric lineages that appear to have had independent Pleistocene histories. Range expansions have resulted in two contact zones in Spain and W Ireland. Lineage 1 is found from Ireland to Spain and has low haplotype diversity, with closely related haplotypes, suggesting a recent population expansion into the Irish Sea, S Ireland, S England and Spain. Lineage 2 is found from Iceland to Spain and has high haplotype diversity. Complete reproductive isolation was found between some geographical isolates representing both lineages, whereas it was incomplete or asymmetric between others, suggesting these latter phylogeographical groups probably represent incipient species. The phylogeographical distribution of NE Atlantic C. hyalina does not fall easily into a pattern of southern refugia, and we discuss likely differences between terrestrial and marine system responses to Pleistocene glacial cycles.
Combined drought and episodic freezing effects on seedlings of low‐ and high‐elevation subspecies of sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)
Authors: Lambrecht Susan C. , Shattuck Anne K. , Loik Michael E.
Published: April 2007

Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is a dominant shrub throughout much of the arid western United States. Several recognized subspecies differ in physiology, morphology and in their distribution in relation to soil water availability. While several studies have compared mature individuals of these subspecies, there is little information on seedling physiological tolerance to physical stresses. Understanding seedling physiology is essential for predicting how species may respond to changes in temperature and precipitation regimes. Our objective was to examine the drought and freezing tolerance of seedlings of two A.tridentata subspecies: ssp. tridentata, which is found in low‐elevation dry sites, and ssp. vaseyana, found in higher, moister sites. We examined growth, gas exchange and quantum yield of chlorophyll a fluorescence from photosystem II (PSII) for seedlings grown in a greenhouse and exposed to two different levels of moisture availability in combination with a simulated growing season freezing event. We found that ssp. tridentata possessed several drought‐tolerant characteristics, such as rapid growth rates, thick leaves and low stomatal conductance. Both subspecies shared similar physiological tolerance to the low‐moisture treatment but experienced relatively more stress under the freezing treatment. Subspecies vaseyana was more sensitive to freezing when grown with low soil moisture, resulting in reduced stomatal conductance and PSII quantum yield. In contrast, the low‐soil moisture treatment did not increase the susceptibility of ssp. tridentata to freezing. These results demonstrate that drought tolerance may be an important trait for seedlings of A.tridentata, but stress because of freezing damage of seedlings may limit the distribution of the species.
Stroke volume variation during hemorrhage and after fluid loading: impact of different tidal volumes
Authors: Renner J. , Cavus E. , Meybohm P. , Tonner P. , Steinfath M. , Scholz J. , Lutter G. , Bein B.
Published: April 2007

Background:  Previous studies have shown that stroke volume variation (SVV) may be used to assess preload and fluid responsiveness. It is currently under debate, if SVV reliably displays changes in preload during ventilation with clinically used tidal volumes. This study was designed to evaluate whether the predictive value of SVV depends on the tidal volume applied particularly during acute changes of preload.

Methods:  We studied 14 anesthetized pigs (35 ± 2 kg) during changing tidal volumes (5, 10 and 15 ml/kg) at normovolemia (BL), after removal of 500 cc of blood (Hypo) and after retransfusion plus additional 500 cc 6% hydroxyethyl starch (Hyper). SVV was recorded continuously, and global end‐diastolic volume (GEDV) was obtained by transpulmonary thermodilution at each experimental stage.

Results:  GEDV changed significantly comparing the different experimental stages (P < 0.0001). During ventilation with 5 ml/kg, SVV did not change significantly at the different loading conditions. In contrast, during ventilation with both 10 and 15 ml/kg, SVV changed significantly comparing hemorrhage to fluid loading. However, at 15 ml/kg SVV was above the recommended value throughout the experiment.

Conclusions:  In this animal model, SVV was not sensitive to acute changes in preload during ventilation with a tidal volume of 5 ml/kg. Moreover, ventilation with high tidal volume may suggest volume loading even after sufficient volume resuscitation.
Does the pre‐ischaemic administration of sevoflurane reduce myocardial stunning? A porcine experimental model
Authors: Aagaard S. , Larsen J. R. , Berg J. S. , Sloth E. , Hasenkam J. M.
Published: April 2007

Background:  In a porcine model, the cardioprotective effect of sevoflurane was studied with regard to the preservation of myocardial contractility (myocardial stunning) after a myocardial ischaemic insult.

Methods:  Twenty‐seven pigs were randomized to receive either a dual 4% sevoflurane inhalation period as a supplement to pentobarbital anaesthesia or pentobarbital anaesthesia only before a 15‐min ischaemic insult on the left anterior descending coronary artery. The ischaemic period was followed by 180 min of reperfusion. Myocardial contractility was assessed by myocardial sonomicrometry.

Results:  A significant difference was found between the sevoflurane group and the control group at 5 min of reperfusion. However, subsequently, there was no overall difference between the two groups.

Conclusion:  Sevoflurane administered as a pre‐ischaemic bolus does not provide long‐term improvement of the myocardial contractility. However, it can be speculated that sevoflurane may induce an early improvement in contractility.
Association of Fertility with Numbers of Antral Follicles within a Follicular Wave During the Oestrous Cycle in Beef Cattle
Authors: Starbuck‐Clemmer MJ , Hernandez‐Fonseca H , Ahmad N , Seidel G , Inskeep EK
Published: April 2007

Contents

The association between conception rate at first service and numbers of follicles developed during a follicular wave was examined in 102 suckled beef cows and 14 heifers. Follicular development was monitored using ultrasonography for either two (trial 1) or three (trial 2) consecutive oestrous cycles (pre‐breeding, breeding and post‐breeding equivalent). Animals were examined on alternate days from day 6 after first oestrus (day 0) until ovulation and from day 6 after insemination until next ovulation or day 24 of pregnancy and were observed for oestrus twice daily and inseminated artificially at either the second (trial 1) or third oestrus (trial 2). Cows were classified as having two or three waves of follicular development for each oestrous cycle. Numbers of follicles ≥4 mm per wave were determined, and based on the maximum diameter they attained, were classified as small (4–6 mm), medium (7–10 mm) or large (≥11 mm) follicles. Total numbers of follicles, and primarily numbers of small and medium follicles, were affected by trial and within trial by cow, oestrous cycle and follicular wave. Heifers had more small and total numbers of follicles, but fewer large follicles than cows in trial 1 (p < 0.05). The average number of antral follicles per wave in the breeding cycle or post‐breeding period did not affect conception rates, which averaged 84%. Repeatability of the total numbers of antral follicles between and among oestrous cycles and follicular waves ranged from 0.01 to 0.97. In conclusion, fertility was not affected by the numbers of antral follicles ≥4 mm in diameter in a single follicular wave.
Effects of Cryopreservation on Bull Spermatozoa Distribution in Morphometrically Distinct Subpopulations
Authors: Rubio‐Guillén J , González D , Garde JJ , Esteso MC , Fernández‐Santos MR , Rodríguez‐Gíl JE , Madrid‐Bury N , Quintero‐Moreno A
Published: April 2007

Contents

Assisted sperm morphometry analysis (ASMA) was used in this study to determine the effects of cryopreservation on bull spermatozoa distribution in morphometrically distinct subpopulations. Ejaculates were collected from five bulls and were divided. One portion was diluted at 30°C in a skim milk–egg yolk medium, containing glycerol. A microscope slide was prepared from single extended sperm samples prior to freezing. The remainder of each sample was frozen in nitrogen vapours. After thawing, sperm smears were prepared as described above. All slides were air dried and stained with Hemacolor. The sperm‐head dimensions for a minimum of 200 sperm heads were analysed from each sample by means of the Sperm‐Class Analyser® (SCA), and the mean measurements recorded. Our results showed that applying the ASMA technology and multivariate cluster analyses, it was possible to determine that three separate subpopulations of spermatozoa with different morphometric characteristics coexist in bull ejaculates (large, average and small spermatozoa). The mean values of each sperm head dimension among the three subpopulations of spermatozoa were significantly different (p < 0.001). Besides, there were significant (p < 0.001) differences in the distribution of these three sperm subpopulations between fresh and thawed samples. Thus, the percentage of representation of the subpopulation that includes those spermatozoa whose dimensions are the biggest, decreased from 52.06% in extended fresh samples to 15.51% in the thawed ones. Contrarily, the percent of representation of the subpopulation containing the smallest spermatozoa, increased from 8.70% in extended fresh samples to 34.04% in the thawed ones. In conclusion, the present study confirms the heterogeneity of sperm head dimensions in bull semen, heterogeneity that vary through the cryopreservation procedure.