bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of cohort and socio‐demographic correlates with transitions from alcohol use to disorders and remission in metropolitan China
Authors: Lee Sing , Guo Wan‐Jun , Tsang Adley , He Yan‐Ling , Huang Yue‐Qin , Zhang Ming‐Yuan , Liu Zhao‐Rui , Shen Yu‐Cun , Kessler Ronald C.
Published: May 2009

Aims  To examine socio‐demographic associations of transitions from alcohol use to disorders and of remission from disorders in metropolitan China.

Design and setting  Face‐to‐face interviewing by trained lay‐interviewers on a multi‐staged, clustered sample from the general population of Beijing and Shanghai, China.

Participants  A total of 5201 adults aged 18–70 years and with household registration.

Measurements  World Mental Health version of Composite International Diagnostic Interview.

Findings  Lifetime prevalence estimates for alcohol use, regular use (at least 12 drinks in a year), DSM‐IV abuse and dependence with abuse were 65.4%, 39.5% (60.4% of ever‐drinkers), 4.6% (11.6% of regular users) and 0.9% (20.4% of lifetime alcohol abusers), respectively. These estimates were higher among respondents from the recent cohort; 64.3% and 36.9% respondents with a history of lifetime abuse and dependence respectively had remitted. The number of socio‐demographic associations for the onset of each transitional stage decreased from alcohol use to alcohol dependence. Onset of ever‐use was more common in respondents who were male, 18–50 years of age, with middle education level and never married, but less common among the previously married and students. First onset of regular use among those with ever‐use was more common in respondents who were male, less than 50 years of age and never married, but less common in students. Being male and less than 50 years of age was associated with more alcohol abusers among regular users.

Conclusion  This study was the first to reveal in a Chinese population that qualitatively different risk factors might operate during the different stages of progression from alcohol use to disorders. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying these differences in order to guide prevention programmes.
Maternal vitamin D intake during pregnancy is inversely associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis in 5‐year‐old children
Authors: Erkkola M. , Kaila M. , Nwaru B. I. , Kronberg‐Kippilä C. , Ahonen S. , Nevalainen J. , Veijola R. , Pekkanen J. , Ilonen J. , Simell O. , Knip M. , Virtanen S. M.
Published: May 2009

BackgroundVitamin D is known to have a number of immunological effects and it may play a role in preventing allergic diseases.

ObjectivesTo study the effect of maternal intake of vitamin D during pregnancy on the emergence of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic eczema by the age of 5 years in children with HLA‐DQB1‐conferred susceptibility for type 1 diabetes.

MethodsChildren (1669) participating in the population‐based birth cohort study were followed for asthma, AR, and atopic eczema assessed by validated questionnaire at 5 years. Maternal diet was assessed by a food‐frequency questionnaire.

ResultsThe mean maternal intake of vitamin D was 5.1 (SD 2.6) μg from food and 1.4 (2.6) μg from supplements. Only 32% of the women were taking vitamin D supplements. When adjusted for potential confounders, maternal intake of vitamin D from food was negatively related to risk of asthma [hazard ratio (HR) 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64–0.99] and AR [HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.75–0.97]. Vitamin D supplements alone were not associated with any outcome. Adjustment for maternal intake of other dietary factors did not change the results.

ConclusionMaternal vitamin D intake from foods during pregnancy may be negatively associated with risk of asthma and AR in childhood.
Effector activity of peanut allergens: a critical role for Ara h 2, Ara h 6, and their variants
Authors: Porterfield H. S. , Murray K. S. , Schlichting D. G. , Chen X. , Hansen K. C. , Duncan M. W. , Dreskin S. C.
Published: May 2009

Rationale
An important property of allergens is their ability to cross‐link IgE and activate mast cells and basophils. The effector activity of peanut allergens has not been well characterized.

Methods
Crude extracts of fresh peanut flour were fractionated by gel filtration. Effector function was assayed by measuring degranulation of RBL SX‐38 cells sensitized with IgE from individual sera and from pools of sera of peanut‐allergic donors.

Results
Following gel filtration, 75 ± 7% of the applied protein and 76 ± 16% (n=3) of the applied activity (assayed with a pool of 11 sera) were recovered in the resultant fractions. The majority (85 ± 2%; n=3) of the recovered activity resided in a fraction with a theoretical average molecular weight of ∼20 kDa and a range of 13–25 kDa. When all the individual fractions were recombined, the measured activity was similar to that of the original extract [140 ± 43% when measured with a pool of serum (n=2) and 66 ± 7% when measured with individual sera (n=4)]; when all individual fractions excluding the 20 kDa fraction were recombined, the measured activity was only 8 ± 2% (n=2) of the original extract when assayed with the serum pool and 10 ± 4% (n=3) when assayed with the individual sera. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis of this biologically active fraction revealed >60 protein spots. Analysis of 50 of the most prominent spots by matrix‐assisted laser‐desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and of the full mixture by automated tandem mass spectrometry coupled to online capillary liquid chromatography revealed that >97% of the protein mass consisted of Ara h 2.0101, Ara h 2.0201, Ara h 6 isoforms, and variants of these proteins.

Conclusions
Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 account for the majority of the effector activity found in a crude peanut extract.
Behavioural and growth differences between experienced and naïve populations of a native crayfish in the presence of invasive rusty crayfish
Authors: HAYES NICOLE M. , BUTKAS KATRINA J. , OLDEN JULIAN D. , JAKE VANDER ZANDEN M.
Published: May 2009

1. Species invasions are a leading threat to native species and ecosystems. How populations of native species respond to the presence of invasive species will ultimately determine their long‐term persistence.

2. In this study, we capitalise on a unique opportunity to compare the behaviour and growth of naïve and experienced virile crayfish (Orconectes virilis Hagen) populations in the presence of invasive rusty crayfish (O. rusticus Girard). In behavioural trials, experienced O. virilis (coexisted with O. rusticus for >30 years) showed more aggressive behaviour than their naïve counterparts. Naïve O. virilis retreated from aggressive interactions with O. rusticus 38% more often than experienced O. virilis. Experienced O. virilis spent 39% more time occupying shelter than naïve O. virilis.

3. There were also differences in O. rusticus behaviour: O. rusticus spent 24% more time occupying shelter with naïve O. virilis relative to experienced O. virilis.

4. In field mesocosm experiments with O. rusticus, naïve O. virilis declined in body mass by 1% while experienced O. virilis’ body mass increased by 6%, thus highlighting the potential population‐level implications of the previously observed behavioural effects.

5. Our work demonstrates significant behaviour and growth differences between naïve and experienced O. virilis in the presence of invasive O. rusticus. Whether this difference is the result of phenotypic plasticity or evolution by natural selection remains to be determined. Either way, this area of inquiry has implications for managing native populations and species in an increasingly invaded world.
Direct interpretation of 2D potential fields for deep structures by means of the quasi‐singular points method
Authors: Elysseieva I.S. , Pašteka R.
Published: May 2009

The founder of the Russian school of direct interpretation of potential fields (with minimal prior geological‐geophysical information) was V.M. Berezkin, who introduced the operator of total normalized gradient for the 2D interpretation of profile gravity data sets. This operator was successfully applied in searches of hydrocarbon reservoirs. The further development of this approach (the so‐called quasi‐singular points method) has allowed solution also to various structural problems, using mathematical criteria for the transition from extremes of total normalized gradient fields to coordinates of anomalous sources. The main numerical evaluation strategy is based on stabilized downward continuation of field derivatives and specific use of the filtration properties of Fourier series approximation. The characteristic properties of the quasi‐singular points method are: 1) presentation of a more general total normalized gradient function through additional parameters (derivative order m, form of smoothing function Q, number of Fourier coefficients N* with maximal N), optimum values being chosen during a peak‐spectrum analysis of the interpreted function; 2) calculation of the set of total normalized gradient fields for various values of N*/N, representing coordinate systems {x,N*/N} as an ‘axes tree’ of extrema, where each 2D total normalized gradient field is representationally compressed in a 1D line, permitting a) immediate overview of the positions of the axes in all variants of the calculated fields and b) reduction of the retained information, as required in subsequent interpretation; 3) development of two criteria for transition from extrema of total normalized gradient fields to the coordinates of anomaly sources. The quasi‐singular points method is intended for tracing limiting gently‐sloping boundaries, if their micro‐relief features are sources of the interpreted anomaly but sub‐vertical contacts may also be traced. The method has been tested in delineating various geological structures. One of the most challenging, successfully achieved, was tracing of the Moho discontinuity and study of the upper mantle, using only Bouguer anomaly data along interpretation profiles. This is attested in an example of two regional profiles intersecting the European part of Russia. The central part of one of them coincides with the results from a deep seismic profile.
Modelling and modal analysis of seismic vibrator baseplate
Authors: Wei Zhouhong
Published: May 2009

The vibroseis method must be extended to its limits as the search for oil and gas continues on land. To successfully improve vibroseis data quality, it is crucial to evaluate each element in the vibroseis data acquisition system and ensure that the contribution from each element is successful. Vibroseis systems depend greatly upon the ability of vibrators to generate synchronous, repeatable ground‐force sweeps over a broad frequency range. This requires that the reaction mass and the baseplate of the vibrator move as rigid bodies. However, rigid‐body motion is not completely true for high‐ frequency vibrations, especially for the vibrator baseplate. In order to accurately understand the motion of the vibrator baseplate, a finite element analysis model of the vibrator baseplate and the coupled ground has been developed. This model is useful for simulating the vibrator baseplate dynamics, evaluating the impact of the baseplate on the coupled ground and vibrator baseplate design. Model data demonstrate that the vibrator baseplate and its stilt structure are subject to six significant resonant frequencies in the range of 10–80 Hz. Due to the low rigidity of the baseplate, the baseplate stilt structure experiences severe rocking motions at lower frequencies and the baseplate pad experiences severe flexing motions at higher frequencies. Flexing motions cause partial decoupling, which gives rise to increased levels of harmonic distortion and less useable signal energy. In general, the baseplate pad suffers more bending and flexing motions at high frequencies than low frequencies, leading less efficiency in transmitting the useable energy into the ground.
Putting the ‘theory’ back into grounded theory: guidelines for grounded theory studies in information systems
Authors: Urquhart Cathy , Lehmann Hans , Myers Michael D.
Published: May 2009

Over the past decade, there has been increasing interest in the use of grounded theory in information systems research. Grounded theory is a qualitative research method that seeks to develop theory that is grounded in data systematically gathered and analysed. The purpose of this paper is to suggest guidelines for grounded theory studies in information systems. Our guidelines are based on a framework for theorizing in grounded theory studies that focuses on conceptualization and theory scope. Our hope is that the guidelines will help to raise the quality and aspirations of grounded theory studies in information systems.
Missed nursing care: a concept analysis
Authors: Kalisch Beatrice J. , Landstrom Gay L. , Hinshaw Ada Sue
Published: May 2009

Title.  Missed nursing care: a concept analysis.

Aim.  This paper is a report of the analysis of the concept of missed nursing care.

Background.  According to patient safety literature, missed nursing care is an error of omission. This concept has been conspicuously absent in quality and patient safety literature, with individual aspects of nursing care left undone given only occasional mention.

Method.  An 8‐step method of concept analysis – select concept, determine purpose, identify uses, define attributes, identify model case, describe related and contrary cases, identify antecedents and consequences and define empirical referents – was used to examine the concept of missed nursing care. The sources for the analysis were identified by systematic searches of the World Wide Web, MEDLINE, CINAHL and reference lists of related journal articles with a timeline of 1970 to April 2008.

Findings.  Missed nursing care, conceptualized within the Missed Nursing Care Model, is defined as any aspect of required patient care that is omitted (either in part or in whole) or delayed. Various attribute categories reported by nurses in acute care settings contribute to missed nursing care: (1) antecedents that catalyse the need for a decision about priorities; (2) elements of the nursing process and (3) internal perceptions and values of the nurse. Multiple elements in the nursing environment and internal to nurses influence whether needed nursing care is provided.

Conclusion.  Missed care as conceptualized within the Missed Care Model is a universal phenomenon. The concept is expected to occur across all cultures and countries, thus being international in scope.
Metabolomic analysis reveals a common pattern of metabolic re‐programming during invasion of three host plant species by Magnaporthe grisea
Authors: Parker David , Beckmann Manfred , Zubair Hassan , Enot David P. , Caracuel‐Rios Zaira , Overy David P. , Snowdon Stuart , Talbot Nicholas J. , Draper John
Published: May 2009

The mechanisms by which biotrophic and hemi‐biotrophic fungal pathogens simultaneously subdue plant defences and sequester host nutrients are poorly understood. Using metabolite fingerprinting, we show that Magnaporthe grisea, the causal agent of rice blast disease, dynamically re‐programmes host metabolism during plant colonization. Identical patterns of metabolic change occurred during M. grisea infections in barley, rice and Brachypodium distachyon. Targeted metabolite profiling by GC‐MS confirmed the modulation of a conserved set of metabolites. In pre‐symptomatic tissues, malate and polyamines accumulated, rather than being utilized to generate defensive reactive oxygen species, and the levels of metabolites associated with amelioration of redox stress in various cellular compartments increased dramatically. The activity of NADP‐malic enzyme and generation of reactive oxygen species were localized to pathogen penetration sites, and both appeared to be suppressed in compatible interactions. Early diversion of the shikimate pathway to produce quinate was observed, as well as accumulation of non‐polymerized lignin precursors. These data are consistent with modulation of defensive phenylpropanoid metabolism by M. grisea and the inability of susceptible hosts to mount a hypersensitive reaction or produce lignified papillae (both involving reactive oxygen species) to restrict pathogen invasion. Rapid proliferation of M. grisea hyphae in plant tissue after 3 days was associated with accelerated nutrient acquisition and utilization by the pathogen. Conversion of photoassimilate into mannitol and glycerol for carbon sequestration and osmolyte production appear to drive hyphal growth. Taken together, our results suggest that fungal pathogens deploy a common metabolic re‐programming strategy in diverse host species to suppress plant defence and colonize plant tissue.
The HD‐ZIP IV transcription factor OCL4 is necessary for trichome patterning and anther development in maize
Authors: Vernoud Vanessa , Laigle Guillaume , Rozier Frédérique , Meeley Robert B. , Perez Pascual , Rogowsky Peter M.
Published: May 2009

Among the genes controlling the differentiation and maintenance of epidermal cell fate are members of the HD‐ZIP IV class family of plant‐specific transcription factors, most of which are specifically expressed in the epidermis of tissues. Here, we report the functional analysis of the maize HD‐ZIP IV gene OCL4 (outer cell layer 4) via the phenotypic analysis of two insertional mutants, and of OCL4‐RNAi transgenic plants. In all three materials, the macrohairs, one of the three types of trichomes present on adult maize leaf blades, developed ectopically at the margin of juvenile and adult leaves. Consistent with this phenotype, OCL4 is expressed in the epidermis of the leaf blade, with a maximum at the margin of young leaf primordia. Expression of OCL4 in the model plant Arabidopsis under the control of the GLABRA2 (GL2) promoter, a member of the Arabidopsis HD‐ZIP IV family involved in trichome differentiation, did not complement the gl2‐1 mutant, but instead aggravated its phenotype. The construct also caused a glabrous appearance of rosette leaves in transformed control plants of the Ler ecotype, suggesting that OCL4 inhibits trichome development both in maize and Arabidopsis. Furthermore, insertional mutants showed a partial male sterility that is likely to result from the presence of an extra subepidermal cell layer with endothecium characteristics in the anther wall. Interestingly, the epidermis‐specific OCL4 expression in immature anthers was restricted to the region of the anther locule where the extra cell layer differentiated. Taken together these results suggest that OCL4 inhibits trichome development and influences division and/or differentiation of the anther cell wall.
Defect in non‐yellow coloring 3, an α/β hydrolase‐fold family protein, causes a stay‐green phenotype during leaf senescence in rice
Authors: Morita Ryouhei , Sato Yutaka , Masuda Yu , Nishimura Minoru , Kusaba Makoto
Published: May 2009

Chlorophyll degradation is an important phenomenon in the senescence process. It is necessary for the degradation of certain chlorophyll–protein complexes and thylakoid membranes during leaf senescence. Mutants retaining greenness during leaf senescence are known as ‘stay‐green’ mutants. Non‐functional type stay‐green mutants, which possess defects in chlorophyll degradation, retain greenness but not leaf functionality during senescence. Here, we report a new stay‐green mutant in rice, nyc3. nyc3 retained a higher chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b content than the wild‐type but showed a decrease in other senescence parameters during dark incubation, suggesting that it is a non‐functional stay‐green mutant. In addition, a small amount of pheophytin a, a chlorophyll a‐derivative without Mg2+ ions in its tetrapyrrole ring, accumulated in the senescent leaves of nyc3. nyc3 shows a similar but weaker phenotype to stay green (sgr), another non‐functional stay‐green mutant in rice. The chlorophyll content of nyc3 sgr double mutants at the late stage of leaf senescence was also similar to that of sgr. Linkage analysis revealed that NYC3 is located near the centromere region of chromosome 6. Map‐based cloning of genes near the centromere is very difficult because of the low recombination rate; however, we overcame this problem by using ionizing radiation‐induced mutant alleles harboring deletions of hundreds of kilobases. Thus, it was revealed that NYC3 encodes a plastid‐localizing α/β hydrolase‐fold family protein with an esterase/lipase motif. The possible function of NYC3 in the regulation of chlorophyll degradation is discussed.
Relationship of Birth Weight with the Size, Number and Proportion of Fibres in the Pig Semitendinosus Muscle
Authors: Tristán F. , Rivero M. A. , Albors O. L. , Ramis G. , Vázquez J. M. , Martínez M. , Martínez J. S. , Gil F.
Published: May 2009

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between body weight and the size, number and proportion of muscle fibre types in the pig semitendinosus muscle at birth. Based on weight at birth, 68 specimens selected from 21 different litters from the same farm were allotted in two equal groups (G1 and G2). G1 included 34 piglets ≤1.1 kg and G2 34 pigs ≥2 kg. Fifteen piglets per group were killed at birth and the remaining 19 piglets in each group were reared until weaning (21 days) and post‐weaning (67 days). The weight and total cross‐sectional area of the semitendinosus muscle were recorded at birth. Then, type I and type II fibres from the superficial portion of the muscle were identified according to histochemistry and immunohistochemistry techniques and percentages, average size of each fibre type, and the total number of muscle fibres were estimated by morphometry. Birth weight in G1 was 54.74% lower than that in G2. Correspondingly, the total cross‐sectional area of the semitendinosus, as well as the size and number of muscle fibres, was significantly lower in G1 (P < 0.001). Weight at birth still influenced weights at weaning and post‐weaning, hence it was 43.17% and 28.38% lower respectively in G1. It is concluded that pig weight at birth is associated with muscle cellularity of the semitendinosus muscle of pig, which may influence the postnatal muscle growth and final size of muscle fibres and meat quality.
Anti‐Predator Signals as Advertisements: Evidence in White‐Throated Magpie‐Jays
Authors: Ellis Jesse M. S.
Published: May 2009

Calls and displays elicited by predators usually function as alarms or to inform predators of their detection. However, predator encounters may afford some individuals the opportunity to demonstrate quality or signal their availability. Here, I report on a class of vocal signals produced in predator‐elicited displays that share many characteristics with sexually selected song. White‐throated magpie‐jays (Calocitta formosa) display at low‐threat predators while producing ‘loud display calls’ (LDCs). I use this term because the calls occur primarily in two display contexts (see below) though occasionally in other contexts as well. Such calls and displays are primarily produced by males, and also occur in one other context, at dawn. Playback experiments showed that despite being elicited by predators, males were more likely than females to respond to LDCs, and more likely to respond when their mate was fertile. Over 134 different call types were produced in over 200 displays by 34 males; the largest minimum repertoire size was 67. Presentations of taxidermic raptor mounts elicited some LDCs, but fewer calls and lower diversity than at dawn or in predator approach displays. The male bias and high diversity suggest that LDCs are an outcome of intersexual selection, while their elicitation by predators suggests an alarm function. I propose that male magpie‐jays use predator encounters as opportunities to advertise their presence and availability as mates; they use LDCs as songs. Such a communication system seems to have been favored by the unusual social system of magpie‐jays, in which female groups defend territories and males have little opportunity to defend resources for mate attraction, forcing them to advertise when females are paying the most attention, during predator encounters.
What Does Mutual Grooming Tell Us About Why Chimpanzees Groom?
Authors: Fedurek Pawel , Dunbar Robin I. M. ,   for the British Academy Centenary Research Project
Published: May 2009

Grooming might be a resource that is offered in exchange for some benefit (e.g. access to a feeding site or coalitionary support) or it might be a mechanism for building and servicing social relationships, whose function, in turn, is to facilitate the exchange of resources and services. Bi‐directional (or simultaneous mutual) grooming is unusually common among chimpanzees (though rare in other primates) and we suggest that this might be because it is an especially strong indicator of social bonding. Because the bonding role of bi‐directional grooming offers substantially different predictions from the interpretation offered by the models based on reciprocal altruism (RA), we use a critical tests methodology (i.e. tests that unequivocally support one hypothesis at the expense of the other) to differentiate between the bonding and RA hypotheses. We use data on the dynamics of grooming interactions from a captive group of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) to show that dominant individuals tolerated the individuals with whom they performed bi‐directional grooming more than they did those who typically provided them unidirectional grooming. Dominants rejected and terminated grooming sessions more often with the individuals who provided them with mostly unidirectional grooming than with those with whom they groomed bi‐directionally. In addition, animals engaged in bi‐directional grooming more often with both relatives and those with whom they were often in proximity. These results support the bonding model of mutually reciprocated grooming at the expense of the RA model, and suggest that, at least in chimpanzees, simultaneous mutual grooming may play a particularly important role in social bonding.
Who is Calling? Intraspecific Call Variation in the Aromobatid Frog Allobates femoralis
Authors: Gasser Herbert , Amézquita Adolfo , Hödl Walter
Published: May 2009

Many territorial species respond less aggressively to familiar neighbours than to unfamiliar floating strangers based on individual differences in acoustic signals. This form of social recognition, termed neighbour–stranger discrimination (NSD) or dear‐enemy phenomenon has been reported so far from three anuran species. To investigate the potential of auditory signal features to convey information on sender’s identity, we determined patterns of within‐male and between‐male variability in the advertisement call of the aromobatid frog Allobates femoralis. We examined 285 calls from 19 males to assess those call properties showing sufficient and reliable inter‐individual differences to function as possible recognition cues. Beside calls per call bout and call rate, all other examined call properties were more variable among males than within males. Generally, temporal call features showed higher between‐ and within‐male variability ratios than spectral properties and contributed mostly to distinguish individual males in the discriminant‐function analysis. Mean classification success of 64.9% correctly assigned calls to individual males is mainly attributable to three temporal call properties (duration of note 1 and 4, note repetition rate). Altogether, our results suggest that there is sufficient variation in the advertisement call to discriminate statistically among individual males. However, assessed call differences between A. femoralis males were rather small, suggesting that potential NSD might be based either on a combination of call features or even on the whole pattern of individual call variation instead on single call properties. Habituation–discrimination experiments in the field using modified playback signals to test for differential behavioural responses are required to confirm this hypothesis.
Response of BITS (a benthic index based on taxonomic sufficiency) to water and sedimentary variables and comparison with other indices in three Adriatic lagoons
Authors: Munari Cristina , Manini Elena , Pusceddu Antonio , Danovaro Roberto , Mistri Michele
Published: May 2009

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD, 2000/60/EC) recommends the development of biotic indices for assessing the ecological quality status of water bodies. The Benthic Index based on Taxonomic Sufficiency (BITS) was specifically developed for lagoonal systems, according to the tolerant/opportunistic approach. Macrobenthic data, variables indicative of eutrophication and variables indicative of sedimentary organic matter quality were collected during 18 surveys carried out between 2004 and 2005 in three Adriatic coastal lagoons (Venice Lagoon, Sacca di Goro, Lesina Lagoon). The relationship between environmental variables and biotic indices (AMBI, BENTIX, BITS, BOPA and FINE) was tested using multivariate analyses. Indices based on species classification level appeared to relate better with the variables describing organic matter quality, whereas BITS, which is based on family classification level, seemed related to eutrophication indicative variables, such as sulphide, ammonium, dissolved oxygen and orthophosphate concentrations. The BITS approach reduces the costs associated with sorting and identification of organisms. Providing a rapid assessment of ecological quality, and producing an ecologically relevant classification, BITS seems a promising tool for monitoring programs of Adriatic lagoonal ecosystems. Its sensitivity in reflecting the field conditions elsewhere, however, remains to be assessed.
Histological and Immunohistochemical Characterization of Equine Anovulatory Haemorrhagic Follicles (AHFs)
Authors: Ellenberger C , Müller K , Schoon H‐A , Wilsher S , Allen WR
Published: May 2009

Contents

Anovulatory haemorrhagic follicles (AHFs) are often the reason for ovulation failure in the mare. As the underlying factors that lead to AHF development are not well understood, it was of interest to investigate the vascularization of AHFs compared with normal follicles and corpora lutea (controls). In the present study, the ovarian cell populations investigated immunohistochemically included granulosa and luteal cells as well as various vascular structures. None of these cell types showed differences in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) between control ovaries containing normal follicles and corpora lutea and ovaries with AHFs. In contrast, a considerable reduction in the proportion of Flk‐1‐expressing cells, together with a decreased intensity of staining, was apparent in the AHFs. This greatly reduced expression of Flk‐1 in the luteinized cells and the vascular structures of AHFs may lead to a distinct decrease in the potential pro‐angiogenic activity of VEGF‐A in these structures compared with the situation in normal follicles and corpora lutea. Furthermore, the authors suspect that the distinct expression of angiopoietin2 and VEGF‐A seen in the cells within the inner fibrous layers of the AHFs was caused by hypoxia resulting from deficient vascularization, as suggested by the irregularity of the capillaries present in the luteinized wall of the AHF. In addition, whereas LH‐receptor (LH‐R) expression occurred uniformly in all stages of development of the corpora lutea in normal control ovaries, there was highly variable labelling for LH‐R in all the AHFs examined, thereby indicating a possible numerical deficiency of LH‐receptors in AHFs. The authors concluded that, despite the apparent expression of sufficient VEGF‐A in the AHFs allows ovulation and corpus luteum formation, a relative lack of receptor, Flk‐1, effects the pro‐angiogenic activity of VEGF‐A which could be a reason for ovulation failure associated with AHF formation.
Effect of eCG or eCG Plus hCG on Oestrus Expression and Ovulation in Prepubertal Gilts
Authors: Manjarin R , Cassar G , Sprecher DJ , Friendship RM , Dominguez JC , Kirkwood RN
Published: May 2009

Contents

To meet weekly breeding targets, it is occasionally necessary to inject exogenous gonadotrophins to induce oestrus in prepubertal gilts. However, the gilt oestrus response to equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) either alone or in combination with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) can be unpredictable. The objective of the present study was to examine possible reasons for this unpredictability. Prepubertal gilts (90 kg and 153 days of age, n = 109) received an injection of either 600 IU eCG or a combination of 400 IU eCG and 200 IU hCG (PG600), or were non‐injected controls, and were then exposed to a mature boar for 15 min daily for 7 days for oestrus detection. At the time of injection, real‐time ultrasound revealed that the gilt ovaries had primarily 1–2 mm follicles. Blood samples were obtained at time of hormone injection (day 0) and at days 3, 7 and 10 for assay of serum progesterone concentrations. The oestrus responses by 7 days were15.5%, 73.3% and 0%, for eCG, PG600, and control gilts, respectively (p < 0.001). The oestrus response improved (p < 0.05) with increasing body weight. Based on circulating progesterone levels, all oestrous gilts ovulated except for four of the PG600 gilts. Failure to express oestrus in PG600 gilts was not associated with a premature rise in progesterone.
Effect of hCG in the Presence of hCG Antibodies on the Follicle, Hormone Concentrations, and Oocyte in Mares
Authors: Siddiqui MAR , Gastal EL , Gastal MO , Beg MA , Ginther OJ
Published: May 2009

Contents

Follicle blood flow, follicular‐fluid and plasma hormone concentrations, and oocyte quality were studied 30 h after an ovulation‐inducing hCG treatment when the pre‐ovulatory follicle was 32 mm. Mares were grouped as positive (n = 16) and negative (n = 44) for hCG antibodies before the experimental hCG treatment. Percentage of the follicle wall with blood flow signals was less (p < 0.05) in the antibody positive group than in the negative group. The concentrations of follicular‐fluid oestradiol and free IGF1, and plasma oestradiol were greater (p < 0.001), and follicular‐fluid progesterone (p < 0.001) and plasma LH (p < 0.02) were less in the antibody‐positive group than in the negative group. For recovered oocytes at 30 h (n = 37), the antibody‐positive group had fewer (p < 0.001) mature (MII) oocytes than the antibody‐negative group. Results were attributable to highly effective neutralization of the hCG in the antibody‐positive group.
In their own words: nurses’ discourses of cleanliness from the Rehoboth Mission
Authors: Lagerwey Mary D
Published: May 2009

In their own words: nurses’ discourses of cleanliness from the Rehoboth Mission

For nurses of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, cleanliness was often seen as a virtue next to godliness. For missionary nurses, this analogy took on multiple meanings. This study focuses on discourses of cleanliness at one site of missionary nursing in the early twentieth century: the Rehoboth Mission and its hospital, which provided health‐care to the Navajo in the southwestern USA from 1903 to 1965. Data sources included denominational publications, institutional records, correspondence, questionnaires and interviews of the Dutch–American missionary nurses who practiced at the Rehoboth Mission. Discourse analysis was conducted on references to cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation in these texts. Secondary discourses of embodiment in daily practice, initiation and assimilation, caring, ignorance, environmental factors and gendered work were identified and analyzed. The study interrogates the whiteness of the nurses’ dominant culture and sheds light on nurses’ relationships with normative discursive frames that reflect and perpetuate inequalities, discredit non‐dominant practices, and leave little room for competing discourses. It also illustrates a blurring of religion and health‐care, and the need for a reflective and informed stance as a basis for cultural competence.
Institutionalised isolation: tuberculosis nursing at Westwood Sanatorium, Queensland, Australia 1919–55
Authors: Kirby Stephanie , Madsen Wendy
Published: May 2009

From the mid nineteenth to mid twentieth century sanatoria loomed large in the popular consciousness as the space for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). A review of the historiography of sanatoria at the beginning of this paper shows that the nursing contribution to the care of TB patients is at best ignored and at worst attracts negative comment. Added to this TB nursing was not viewed as prestigious by contemporaries, leading to problems attracting recruits. Using a case study approach based on surviving archival material, this paper sets out to provide a glimpse of the work of TB nurses in a rural sanatorium at Westwood, Queensland, Australia. For the nurses geographical isolation was compounded by professional stagnation, which created a working environment influenced by friction and discord among the staff. It reveals how despite this, nurses coped with working in hostile conditions, to make the long stay of their patients, separated from their families and familiar life style more bearable.
Dying at home: nursing of the critically and terminally ill in private care in Germany around 1900
Authors: Nolte Karen
Published: May 2009

Over the last twenty years, ‘palliative care’ has evolved as a special nursing field in Germany. Its historic roots are seen in the hospices of the Middle Ages or in the hospice movement of the twentieth century. Actually, there are numerous everyday sources to be found about this subject from the nineteenth century. The article at hand deals with the history of nursing the terminally ill and dying in domestic care in the nineteenth century. Taking care of and nursing the dying was part of everyday routine in the nursing care as practiced by the deaconesses and sisters in those days. Mit der Seelenpflege bei den unheilbar Kranken und Sterbenden schufen die Kaiserswerther Diakonissen sich einen von Ärzten unabhängigen Kompetenzbereich. Meine Analysen zur Privatpflege zeigen jedoch darüber hinaus, dass die in ihrer Aufmerksamkeit auf das Mutterhaus ausgerichteten Diakonissen auch in Leibespflege sehr viel unabhängiger von den Ärzten zu agieren schienen als die freien Krankenschwestern. The article takes a look not only at the actual nursing activities but also at the relationship between the sisters and their patients and their relatives and the family doctor. On the basis of the recorded letters which the nurses wrote to the deaconess motherhouse in Kaiserswerth, it is also possible to analyze how the deaconesses communicated and reflected their actions at the deathbed.
In vivo confocal microscopy of the bulbar conjunctiva
Authors: Efron Nathan , Al‐Dossari Munira , Pritchard Nicola
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background:  The aim of this work is to develop a more complete qualitative and quantitative understanding of the in vivo histology of the human bulbar conjunctiva.

Methods:  Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) was used to observe and measure morphological characteristics of the bulbar conjunctiva of 11 healthy human volunteer subjects.

Results:  The superficial epithelial layer of the bulbar conjunctiva is seen as a mass of small cell nuclei. Cell borders are sometimes visible. The light grey borders of basal epithelial cells are clearly visible, but nuclei can not be seen. The conjunctival stroma is comprised of a dense meshwork of white fibres, through which traverse blood vessels containing cellular elements. Orifices at the epithelial surface may represent goblet cells that have opened and expelled their contents. Goblet cells are also observed in the deeper epithelial layers, as well as conjunctival microcysts and mature forms of Langerhans cells. The bulbar conjunctiva has a mean thickness of 32.9 ± 1.1 µm, and a superficial and basal epithelial cell density of 2212 ± 782 and 2368 ± 741 cells/mm2, respectively. Overall goblet and mature Langerhans cell densities are 111 ± 58 and 23 ± 25 cells/mm2, respectively.

Conclusions:  LSCM is a powerful technique for studying the human bulbar conjunctiva in vivo and quantifying key aspects of cell morphology. The observations presented here may serve as a useful marker against which changes in conjunctival morphology due to disease, surgery, drug therapy or contact lens wear can be assessed.
Accessory levator muscle slips of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle
Authors: Yalcin Bulent , Hurmeric Volkan , Loukas Marios , Tubbs R Shane , Ozan Hasan
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background:  Accessory levator muscle slips may be associated with congenital eyelid retraction or blepharoptosis. Nevertheless, congenital retraction of the upper eyelid is a poorly defined entity about which little is known. Because of the clinical importance of the accessory levator muscle slip of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, this study aimed to describe the morphological appearance of this variation in human adult orbits.

Methods:  This study was undertaken in 60 orbits of 30 embalmed adult human cadavers, 17 men and 13 women, between the ages of 38 and 87 years at death. All cadavers were embalmed in 4% formalin solution.

Results:  Three accessory levator muscle slips of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle were identified. One of these arose laterally from the origin of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. At its anterior end, it divided into two parts, the main superior and a smaller inferior accessory. The second had an accessory levator fibromuscular slip. It arose medially from the origin of the levator palpebrae superioris and lost its muscular character after a short course. The third arose from the origin of the levator palpebrae superioris as a thin flat muscle.

Conclusions:  Although many variations of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle have been reported in fetuses, investigation and demonstration of these may be more important in children and adults for ophthalmic surgery. We believe that detailed knowledge regarding the morphological appearance of an accessory levator muscle slip of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle may be useful for successful outcomes in ophthalmic surgery.
Effect of the Japanese preventive‐care version of the Minimum Data Set – Home Care on the health‐related behaviors of community‐dwelling, frail older adults and skills of preventive‐care managers: A quasi‐experimental study conducted in Japan
Authors: Igarashi Ayumi , Yamada Yukari , Ikegami Naoki , Yamamoto‐Mitani Noriko
Published: May 2009

Aim: To determine whether the Japanese preventive‐care version of the Minimum Data Set‐Home Care improves the health‐related behaviors of older adults and the skills of preventive‐care managers.

Methods: Municipal preventive‐care managers were instructed on the use of the Japanese preventive‐care version of the Minimum Data Set – Home Care and asked to employ it in their interactions with clients during the intervention period (intervention group). The health‐related behaviors of older adults (maintenance of self‐care and consumption of a balanced diet) were assessed by self‐rating methods. The skills of the preventive‐care managers were assessed by considering the number of and variations in the needs of the clients, as reflected in the care plans formulated by the managers.

Results: The clients' self‐care levels were higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05). A greater number of needs, as reflected in the care plans, were noted in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the variation in the assessed needs was greater in the former than in the latter.

Conclusion: This study suggests that the Japanese preventive‐care version of the Minimum Data Set – Home Care may improve the skills of preventive‐care managers, and consequently, the health‐related behaviors of frail older clients.
Quality of life and its relation to sociodemographic factors among elderly people living in Tehran
Authors: Abbasimoghadam Mohammad Ali , Dabiran Soheila , Safdari Reza , Djafarian Kurosh
Published: May 2009

Aim:  The objective of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) and its relation to sociodemographic factors among elderly living in Tehran.

Methods:  A descriptive/correlational study was conducted. The sample consisted of 5600 people aged 60 years or older from 11 districts of Tehran. QOL was measured with the 36‐item short form questionnaire.

Results:  QOL was positively associated with education levels, having previous state jobs and being employees, and negatively associated with smoking and having disease. Compared to men, women had lower scores for overall QOL and its dimensions.

Conclusion:  Sociodemographic inequalities, smoking and having diseases should be the main targets for improving the QOL in the elderly population.
Arachidonic acid potently inhibits both postsynaptic‐type Kv4.2 and presynaptic‐type Kv1.4 IA potassium channels
Authors: Angelova Plamena R. , Müller Wolfgang S.
Published: May 2009

Arachidonic acid (AA) is a free fatty acid membrane‐permeable second messenger that is liberated from cell membranes via receptor‐ and Ca2+‐dependent events. We have shown previously that extremely low [AA]i (1 pm) inhibits the postsynaptic voltage‐gated K+ current (IA) in hippocampal neurons. This inhibition is blocked by some antioxidants. The somatodendritic IA is mediated by Kv4.2 gene products, whereas presynaptic IA is mediated by Kv1.4 channel subunits. To address the interaction of AA with these α‐subunits we studied the modulation of A‐currents in human embryonic kidney 293 cells transfected with either Kv1.4 or Kv4.2 rat cDNA, using whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recording. For both currents 1 pm [AA]i inhibited the conductance by > 50%. In addition, AA shifted the voltage dependence of inactivation by −9 (Kv1.4) and +6 mV (Kv4.2), respectively. Intracellular co‐application of Trolox C (10 μm), an antioxidant vitamin E derivative, only slowed the effects of AA on amplitude. Notably, Trolox C shifted the voltage dependence of activation of Kv1.4‐mediated IA by −32 mV. Extracellular Trolox for > 15 min inhibited the AA effects on IA amplitudes as well as the effect of intracellular Trolox on the voltage dependence of activation of Kv1.4‐mediated IA. Extracellular Trolox further shifted the voltage dependence of activation for Kv4.2 by +33 mV. In conclusion, the inhibition of maximal amplitude of Kv4.2 channels by AA can explain the inhibition of somatodendritic IA in hippocampal neurons, whereas the negative shift in the voltage dependence of inactivation apparently depends on other neuronal channel subunits. Both AA and Trolox potently modulate Kv1.4 and Kv4.2 channel α‐subunits, thereby presumably tuning presynaptic transmitter release and postsynaptic somatodendritic excitability in synaptic transmission and plasticity.