bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fate of 2 year‐old, hatchery‐reared trout cod Maccullochella macquariensis (Percichthyidae) stocked into two upland rivers
Authors: Ebner B. C. , Thiem J. D. , Lintermans M.
Published: June 2007

Radio‐tracking was used in monitoring the reintroduction of on‐grown 2 year‐old trout cod Maccullochella macquariensis (Percichthyidae) (a nationally endangered freshwater fish) in both a large and small upland river. Thirty‐six radio‐tagged M. macquariensis were stocked into a site in each of the Murrumbidgee and Cotter Rivers (Australian Capital Territory). Restricted dispersal occurred in both rivers, with both samples of M. macquariensis remaining within 5 km of the release site for the duration of the study. Mortality was rapid and 1 month after release 61 and 31% of the sample was alive in the Murrumbidgee and Cotter Rivers, respectively. In the Murrumbidgee River, complete mortality had occurred 6 months after release. An individual survived in the Cotter River until 7 months after release. Predation by cormorants Phalacrocorax spp. and predation or scavenging by the common water rat Hydromys chrysogaster were the probable causes of mortality. Predator‐assisted movement of radio‐tags by cormorants occurred in both groups and had the potential to confound interpretation of active dispersal movements.
Pacific sardine behaviour related to tidal current dynamics in Bahía Magdalena, México
Authors: Robinson C. J. , Gómez‐Aguirre S. , Gómez‐Gutiérrez J.
Published: June 2007

The behaviour, distribution and abundance of the Pacific sardine Sardinops sagax, detected by acoustics, was studied in relation to the pelagic environmental conditions of water temperature, fluorescence and dissolved oxygen concentration induced by tidal currents in Bahía Magdalena, México (24°32′ N; 112°01′ W). Sampling was along an 18 km long transect covering an area inside the bay (mean depth 20 m), the main entrance to the bay (mean depth 35 m), and the continental shelf (mean depth 100 m). The main entrance to the bay was the most dynamic area along the hydrographic transect, where the Pacific sardines tended to aggregate, probably to feed on the phytoplankton accumulated during the receding tide. With the flood tide, a high‐speed tidal current is generated, introducing cool water with low oxygen concentrations into the bay. During the ebb tide, a tidal wave is also formed, but the warm and relatively well oxygenated bay water mass is transported towards the open sea. Acoustic records showed that whatever the tidal current direction (inflow or outflow), no fish schools were detected within the area of more intense tidal current speeds (>120 cm s−1). Visual observations of surface Pacific sardine schools during the flood tide indicate that sardines were out of the transducer signal detection range (<10 m depth), suggesting that Pacific sardines undergo vertical migration, probably to avoid the high water current speed with low dissolved oxygen content. This behaviour may have a relevant effect on the overall hydroacoustic estimation of small pelagic fish abundance in shallower pelagic environments such as this subtropical bay.
Ecological differences between hamlet (Hypoplectrus: Serranidae) colour morphs: between‐morph variation in diet
Authors: Whiteman E. A. , Côté I. M. , Reynolds J. D.
Published: June 2007

Dietary differences between hamlet Hypoplectrus spp. colour morphs were examined in fishes from Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Curacao, Honduras and Belize. Hamlet diet across all countries was characterized by large overlap between most colour morphs in both the proportion and numbers of dietary items consumed, although some differences between morphs were apparent. Indigo hamlets Hypoplectrus indigo were the only morph to consume fishes (blue chromis Chromis cyanea and sunshinefish Chromis insolata) almost exclusively. The sympatric occurrence of other ecologically indistinguishable colour morphs, however, suggests that divergent ecological selection alone cannot explain population divergence in hamlets. Geographical variation in diet was also observed within black Hypoplectrus nigricans and yellowtail Hypoplectrus chlorurus hamlets which may reflect geographical differences in prey availability or differences in prey choice.
Validation of the hepatic portal vein cannulation technique using Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L.
Authors: Eliason E. J. , Kiessling A. , Karlsson A. , Djordjevic B. , Farrell A. P.
Published: June 2007

This study assessed the hepatic portal vein cannulation technique and surgical recovery in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. Haematocrit levels were maintained and blood variables, including cortisol, returned to baseline levels within 1–3 days post‐surgery, indicating that this technique is a viable, useful method to study the digestive physiology of fishes.
Escape latency is size independent in grey mullet
Authors: Turesson H. , Domenici P.
Published: June 2007

Using grey mulletMugil cephalusas a model species, the hypothesis that escape latency increases with body size was tested. Minimum escape latency wasc. 10 ms (mean ±s.d. 18·1 ± 13·7 ms; range 8–72 ms) and was independent of body size.
Diet, growth and recruitment of wild zebrafish in Bangladesh
Authors: Spence R. , Fatema M. K. , Ellis S. , Ahmed Z. F. , Smith C.
Published: June 2007

The diet of zebrafish Danio rerio in Bangladesh consisted primarily of zooplankton and insects. Zebrafish was an annual species, with the main period of reproduction commencing just before the onset of the monsoon season. Growth rates varied with age and season, with the period of most rapid growth in early life during the monsoon months.
Influence of morphology and amphibious life‐style on the feeding ecology of the mudskipper Periophthalmus argentilineatus
Authors: Kruitwagen G. , Nagelkerken I. , Lugendo B. R. , Pratap H. B. , Wendelaar Bonga S. E.
Published: June 2007

The potential feeding advantages that are offered to the barred mudskipper Periophthalmus argentilineatus by its amphibious life‐style were investigated. To this end the feeding ecology of these fish, the position they occupy in the mangrove food web and the importance of different morphological factors for their diet were studied. Analysis of gut contents showed that the major component of the barred mudskipper diet changes during growth from small crustaceans (e.g. copepods and amphipods) to polychaetes to mangrove crabs. This dietary shift was found to be facilitated through enlargement of the mouth, as well as elongation of the gut. The use of stable isotope analysis revealed that barred mudskippers had a similar trophic position as other zoobenthivore fish species, but that their diet did not appear to be affected by competition for food with other zoobenthivores. The amphibious habits of the barred mudskipper provide specific advantages to its feeding ecology, such as access to an abundant food source of mangrove crabs, which are mostly inaccessible for other fish species.
New approach to the evaluation of skin color of pigmentary lesions using Skin Tone Color Scale
Authors: KONISHI Natsuko , KAWADA Akira , MORIMOTO Yoshinobu , WATAKE Asami , MATSUDA Hiromasa , OISO Naoki , KAWARA Shigeru
Published: June 2007

Objective methods of measuring skin color are needed to evaluate pigmentary lesions quantitatively. We have developed a new method of measuring skin color using a plastic bar system called the Skin Tone Color Scale based on Munsell's color space system. We have also evaluated the effectiveness of various therapies using this measurement system. Our system was designed to measure skin color in normal skin, pigmentary lesions of solar lentigo, chloasma and ephelides, and postinflammatory pigmentation. Moreover, effectiveness of various therapies for these pigmentary lesions was evaluated. The evaluations made with this system were closely related to physician assessment. This method may be useful in measuring of skin color and evaluating the effectiveness of therapies for pigmentary diseases.
Effects of foot care intervention including nail drilling combined with topical antifungal application in diabetic patients with onychomycosis
Authors: SUMIKAWA Masuko , EGAWA Takako , HONDA Ikumi , YAMAMOTO Yoko , SUMIKAWA Yasuyuki , KUBOTA Minoru
Published: June 2007

We performed periodical foot care intervention including nail drilling combined with topical antifungal application for 6 months or more in 24 diabetic patients with onychomycosis who were not receiving oral antifungals, and evaluated its effects. The type of onychomycosis was superficial white onychomycosis (SWO) in eight patients, and distal‐lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO) in 16. The state of onychomycosis was evaluated according to the Scoring Clinical Index for Onychomycosis (SCIO). Of the eight patients with SWO, none showed aggravation of the onychomycosis state, and two were cured 6 months after the initiation of intervention and two after 1 year (total of four patients, 50%). In the patients with DLSO, the SCIO score was 18.1 ± 6.5 before intervention but significantly decreased to 14.6 ± 6.6 6 months after intervention. In 12 patients who we were able to consecutively follow up for 1 year, the SCIO score also significantly decreased compared with the score before intervention. Thus, foot care intervention including nail drilling combined with topical antifungal application had effects on onychomycosis and achieved cure in some patients with SWO. In addition, intervention increased patients’ awareness of foot care, showing educational effects. Therefore, foot care intervention including nail drilling may be useful.
Paclitaxel‐induced cutaneous lupus erythematosus in patients with serum anti‐SSA/Ro antibody
Authors: ADACHI Atsuko , HORIKAWA Tatsuya
Published: June 2007

Two women (aged 46 and 56 years) developed annular erythema on their sun‐exposed skin, including their forearms and faces, after biweekly i.v. administration of paclitaxel for 3–4 months to treat breast cancer. Both cases showed interface changes of basal keratinocytes and high titers of serum anti‐SSA/Ro antibody. The diagnoses of paclitaxel‐induced cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE) were made because the skin eruptions cleared rapidly within 3 weeks after the paclitaxel treatment was discontinued. Paclitaxel is proposed to be a causative agent that can provoke cutaneous LE.
Case of localized bullous pemphigoid with unique clinical manifestations in the lower legs
Authors: KOHROH Kazuhiro , SUGA Yasushi , MIZUNO Yuki , ISHII Norito , HASHIMOTO Takashi , IKEDA Shigaku
Published: June 2007

We report the case of a 71‐year‐old Japanese woman who presented with persistent band‐like erosions in the lower legs. Histological examination suggested subepidermal blister formation. Direct and indirect immunofluorescence studies revealed tissue‐deposited and circulating immunoglobulin G autoantibodies against the basement membrane. Western blotting revealed autoantibodies to BP230, but not to BP180. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed as having a localized type of bullous pemphigoid. We suggest that the unique clinical manifestations in this patient could be attributable to bacterial or fungal infection, and/or mechanical trauma, such as the pressure of her socks.
Ocean climate effects on the relative abundance of short‐finned (Illex illecebrosus) and long‐finned (Loligo pealeii) squid in the northwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: DAWE E. G. , HENDRICKSON L. C. , COLBOURNE E. B. , DRINKWATER K. F. , SHOWELL M. A.
Published: June 2007

An unusually high abundance of long‐finned squid (Loligo pealeii) was observed around southern Newfoundland in August–September 2000. The prevalence of maturing females and mature males, along with the collection of a single viable egg mop, provide the first evidence of spawning of this species at the northern limit of its geographic range of distribution. Northward expansion of the long‐finned squid population may be related to a general warming trend in Newfoundland near‐shore waters. However, trends in size and abundance of short‐finned squid (Illex illecebrosus) suggest that this expansion may also be related to reduced competition. We hypothesize that these two squid species share, to a large extent, a common niche on the eastern USA shelf and that opposing responses to ecosystem variation affect their relative abundance. We address this hypothesis by applying time‐series analysis of species‐specific fishery‐ and survey‐based abundance indices with biologic and environmental input variables. Our models indicate that direct competition is not important, but that variation in atmospheric forcing, as well as latitudinal position of the Shelf‐Slope Front (SSF), are closely related to direct oceanographic processes that exert opposing effects on these two species. While the direct oceanographic mechanisms that regulate year‐class strength remain unknown, we present a hypothesis to account for opposing population responses to oceanographic variation that operates early in the life history of both species. For the oceanic and highly migratory short‐finned squid, variation in the latitudinal position of the SSF is related to efficiency of downstream dispersal by the Gulf Stream and survival of young stages. For the neritic long‐finned squid, variation in local inshore temperature affects the time exposed to intense predation through its effect on rates of embryonic development and growth. The expansion of long‐finned squid population abundance in 2000 was associated with both warm local water temperatures and an unusual eastward displacement of the atmospheric features associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). These conditions may have resulted in an unfavorable oceanic regime for short‐finned squid but a favorable regime for long‐finned squid on the continental shelf as far north as southern Newfoundland.
Geolocation of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) movements in the Gulf of Maine using tidal information
Authors: GRÖGER J. P. , ROUNTREE R. A. , THYGESEN U. H. , JONES D. , MARTINS D. , XU Q. , ROTHSCHILD B. J.
Published: June 2007

Information derived from archival tags (digital storage tags, DSTs) were used to backtrack the migration of 11 tagged Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) during 2001 in Massachusetts Bay, the Gulf of Maine, and Georges Bank. The DST tags continuously recorded time, temperature and depth. To geolocate fish positions during its time at large, we first extracted the tidal signal from the pressure recordings on the DST tags, and then compared the resulting data to data predicted with a Massachusetts Bay tidal model that provided us with geographical coordinates at a given date and time. Using least‐squares criteria within an estimated geographical region of confidence that was constrained by biological and statistical information (e.g. swimming speed, known release and recapture location, and bottom depth) we were able to geolocate the fish. The resultant geolocated migration tracks indicate a large degree of movement of Atlantic cod in the region and an elevated importance of the Great South Channel (GSC) migration corridor between Massachusetts Bay and the western Georges Bank and Nantucket Shoals region. This observation contrasts strongly with inferences of limited movements by Atlantic cod based on conventional tag recapture methods (mean of 1200 km traveled versus 44 km traveled as measured by conventional tagging and geolocation, respectively). This study demonstrates that geolocation methodologies applied to archival tag studies hold great promise of becoming an important new tool for fisheries managers to quantify the movements of fishes. It also points out the need for greater collaboration between fisheries scientists and oceanographers, and particularly for the development of improved tidal models to cover stock regions more accurately and with higher precision.
Quantifying the effects of wind, upwelling, curl, sea surface temperature and sea level height on growth and maturation of a California Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) population
Authors: WELLS BRIAN K. , GRIMES CHURCHILL B. , WALDVOGEL JAMES B.
Published: June 2007

We used retrospective scale growth chronologies and return size and age of female Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) from a northern California, USA, population collected over 22 run years and encompassing 18 complete cohorts to model the effects of oceanographic conditions on growth during ocean residence. Using path analyses and partial least squares regressive approaches, we related growth rate and maturation to seven environmental variables (sea level height, sea surface temperature, upwelling, curl, scalar wind, northerly pseudo‐wind stress and easterly pseudo‐wind stress). During the first year of life, growth was negatively related to summer sea surface temperature, curl and scalar winds, and was positively related to summer upwelling. During the second, third and fourth growth years growth rate was negatively related to sea level height and sea surface temperature, and was positively related to upwelling and curl. The age at maturation and the fork length at which three ocean‐winter fish returned were related to the environment experienced during the spring before the third winter at sea (the year prior return). Faster growth during the year before return led to earlier maturation and larger return size.
Hepatitis delta antigen binds to the clamp of RNA polymerase II and affects transcriptional fidelity
Authors: Yamaguchi Yuki , Mura Takashi , Chanarat Sittinan , Okamoto Sachiko , Handa Hiroshi
Published: June 2007

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is an RNA virus whose replication and transcription are considered to proceed via RNA‐dependent RNA synthesis by RNA polymerase II (Pol II), and the viral protein called hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg) is essential for these processes. HDAg was previously shown to stimulate Pol II elongation on both DNA and RNA templates in vitro. Here, the mechanism of elongation control by HDAg was investigated because it serves as a prototype of cellular transcription elongation factors and also plays an interesting role in HDV proliferation. With site‐specific photocrosslinking and transcription using reconstituted elongation complexes, evidence is presented that HDAg functionally interacts with the clamp of Pol II, a mobile structure that holds DNA and RNA in place. Strikingly, HDAg not only increases the rate of elongation but also affects the decision of which nucleotide is incorporated. These and our previous findings lead us to propose a model in which HDAg interacts with and loosens the clamp, and thereby accelerates forward translocation of Pol II at the cost of fidelity. By reducing transcriptional fidelity in terms of not only discrimination of incoming nucleotides but also recognition of templates, HDAg may facilitate the unusual RNA‐dependent RNA synthesis by Pol II.
Forest soil CO2 flux: uncovering the contribution and environmental responses of ectomycorrhizas
Authors: HEINEMEYER ANDREAS , HARTLEY IAIN P. , EVANS SAM P. , CARREIRA DE LA FUENTE JOSÉ A. , INESON PHIL
Published: June 2007

Forests play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, being considered an important and continuing carbon sink. However, the response of carbon sequestration in forests to global climate change remains a major uncertainty, with a particularly poor understanding of the origins and environmental responses of soil CO2 efflux. For example, despite their large biomass, the contribution of ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi to forest soil CO2 efflux and responses to changes in environmental drivers has, to date, not been quantified in the field. Their activity is often simplistically included in the ‘autotrophic’ root respiration term. We set up a multiplexed continuous soil respiration measurement system in a young Lodgepole pine forest, using a mycorrhizal mesh collar design, to monitor the three main soil CO2 efflux components: root, extraradical mycorrhizal hyphal, and soil heterotrophic respiration.

Mycorrhizal hyphal respiration increased during the first month after collar insertion and thereafter remained remarkably stable. During autumn the soil CO2 flux components could be divided into ∼60% soil heterotrophic, ∼25% EM hyphal, and ∼15% root fluxes. Thus the extraradical EM mycelium can contribute substantially more to soil CO2 flux than do roots. While EM hyphal respiration responded strongly to reductions in soil moisture and appeared to be highly dependent on assimilate supply, it did not responded directly to changes in soil temperature. It was mainly the soil heterotrophic flux component that caused the commonly observed exponential relationship with temperature. Our results strongly suggest that accurate modelling of soil respiration, particularly in forest ecosystems, needs to explicitly consider the mycorrhizal mycelium and its dynamic response to specific environmental factors. Moreover, we propose that in forest ecosystems the mycorrhizal CO2 flux component represents an overflow ‘CO2 tap’ through which surplus plant carbon may be returned directly to the atmosphere, thus limiting expected carbon sequestration from trees under elevated CO2.
Research priorities for parenting and child health: a Delphi study
Authors: Hauck Yvonne , Kelly Robyn Gail , Fenwick Jennifer
Published: June 2007

Title. Research priorities for parenting and child health: a Delphi study

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to identify research priorities of clinical staff working with families at a Western Australian centre for parenting.

Background.  Australian centres for parenting focus on children's needs while working in partnership with parents, families and their communities. These agencies incorporate primary healthcare strategies in their unique approach with families. Clinicians’ research priorities at these centres have not been explored in an Australian context.

Method.  In 2005, a Delphi study was conducted in which clinicians were asked to provide a list of five important issues relating to care provided to children, parents and their families. Research topics identified were then ranked for their importance to the family and clinicians. Finally, the top 10 research topics were ranked for priority.

Findings.  In round 1, 148 research topics were identified. Thirty‐six topics were removed, due to the availability of existing evidence. Content analysis was used to collapse statements into 26 research questions, which were further classified into seven categories: parenting issues; sleep and settling issues; postnatal depression; evaluation and impact of programmes; staffing issues; centre marketing services and others. Issues relating to sleep and settling and postnatal depression were rated as top research priorities.

Conclusion.  The priorities of clinicians working with families provide research direction for this Western Australian centre and potentially other centres in Australia and similar settings elsewhere in the world. The Delphi approach in determining clinicians’ perceptions of relevant research areas may be useful to direct research in other contexts.
Solution‐focused conversations: a new therapeutic strategy in well child health nursing telephone consultations
Authors: Polaschek Linda , Polaschek Nick
Published: June 2007

Title. Solution‐focused conversations: a new therapeutic strategy in well child health nursing telephone consultations

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore well child nurses’ perceptions of outcomes resulting from the use of solution‐focused conversations in their telephone consultations with clients.

Background.  Well child nurses (health visitors) in some services provide a separate telephone consultation service for parents who need immediate advice or are unable to visit the clinic. As well as purely physical issues suggesting infant pathology, these consultations address a range of other concerns relating to parenting and child behaviour. The standard problem‐solving approach used to address physical issues is less effective for various non‐physical concerns, where different communication strategies may be helpful.

Method.  In this qualitative, action‐oriented study, a small group of well child telenurses in New Zealand was introduced to a specific communication strategy, called ‘solution‐focused conversations’, during 2005. They applied this approach in their practice and then reflected together on their experiences in focus groups.

Findings.  The nurses considered that the solution‐focused conversations enabled clients to: recognize the nature of the parenting issue of concern that had motivated their call; identify more effective parenting practices to address specific issues with their child; increase their confidence in their own parenting capabilities.

Conclusion.  This study suggested the value of learning a specific communication strategy for the practice of a group of well child telenurses. Solution‐focused conversation is a suitable approach for the single, relatively short, interactions involved in telephone nursing. Other communication strategies could be appropriate for nurses in different clinical situations.
Use of the male condom by heterosexual adolescents and young people: literature review
Authors: East Leah , Jackson Debra , O'Brien Louise , Peters Kathleen
Published: June 2007

Title. Use of the male condom by heterosexual adolescents and young people: literature review

Aim.  This paper is a report of a literature review to explore issues influencing condom use in heterosexual adolescents and young people.

Background.  Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major international health issue and adolescents and young people are particularly vulnerable. Efforts to address the rapid spread of STIs have largely focused on promoting the use of condoms as a protective ‘safer sex’ measure. However, use of the male condom is still inconsistent and the incidence of STIs continues to increase.

Method.  A search of the literature using EBSCO Host databases was undertaken in 2006, with a focus on women, young people, condoms and STIs. Papers published in English from 1992 to 2006 were sought. Only research papers are included in this review.

Results.  Factors impeding decisions to use protection by young people include lack of knowledge about prevalence of STIs, ambiguity around contraception and safer sex practices, and the difficulty faced by young women in particular in negotiating safer sex. The notion of romantic love confounds the assessment of risk and can render young people, particularly young women, ineffective in negotiating safer sex practices.

Conclusion.  Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable in relation to STIs. There is a need to ensure that accurate messages are delivered about safer sex and contraception to this very vulnerable group. Furthermore, it is important to recognize that romantic love comprises strong emotions that have a role in decision‐making and options for reducing personal‐health risk during sexual activity.
Managing the self: living with an indwelling urinary catheter
Authors: Kralik Debbie , Seymour Lesley , Eastwood Sue , Koch Tina
Published: June 2007

Aims.  This paper reports the findings of a study that aimed to understand the perspectives of community dwelling adults’ who lived with a permanently indwelling urinary catheter.

The objectives of the research were to: reveal the participants’ perspective of living in the community with a permanent indwelling urinary catheter, raise awareness of the experiences of catheterized men and women and to inform community nursing practice.

Background.  Catheter care is a common nursing intervention. Clinical Nurse Consultants (CNCs) with a focus on continence drove this inquiry because it was believed that Community Nurses may underestimate the impact that a permanently indwelling catheter may have on peoples’ lives.

Design.  Structured interviews were undertaken with twelve men and nine women (n = 21), aged between 24 and 82 years and who had a permanently indwelling catheter (either urethral or supra pubic) for longer than six months. Analysis of the interview transcripts was a collaboration between the researchers and clinicians.

Results.  The most significant finding was that participants wanted to learn urinary catheter self‐care as this allowed them to take control and gave relevance to their daily life. Data revealed a learning pattern consisting of seven interrelated themes as people have learned to self‐manage: (i) resisting the intrusion of a catheter, (ii) reckoning with the need for a catheter, (iii) being vigilant for signs of problems, (iv) reconciling between the needs of self and others, (v) reclaiming life, (vi) managing self‐care, and (vii) taking control.

Conclusions.  We do not suggest that people undergo a straightforward path toward catheter self‐care, rather, that the seven interactive themes we have identified may be useful for observation in nursing practice whilst sensitizing nurses to clients' experiences of living with a catheter.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Promoting self‐care of a catheter is not simply about educating clients about their condition or giving them relevant information. It is intrinsically a learning process, observing responses to every day events, such as the identification of the different sounds and sensations that may alert the individual to a full catheter bag, urine that has stopped flowing or signs of impending infection.
Adherence behaviours in Taiwanese children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chang Chi‐Wen , Yeh Chao‐Hsing , Lo Fu‐Sung , Shih Yi‐Li
Published: June 2007

Aims and objective.  To describe the current non‐adherence behaviours of Taiwanese children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Background.  Poor adherence to prescribed protocols of long‐term therapies is a pervasive and costly problem in the care of children with chronic illnesses. Non‐adherence to diabetes mellitus treatment regimens of Taiwanese children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Taiwan has not been well documented.

Design.  Cross‐sectional data were collected from 101 patients who had type 1 diabetes mellitus and were between the ages of 10 and 18 years.

Method.  Five types of adherence behaviours were measured: number of calories consumed per day, frequency of meals, self‐monitoring of blood glucose, amount of time between injections and meals and frequency of exercise.

Results.  Only 25% of patients consumed the ideal daily number of calories (within ±10% of the ideal range), while 48% of patients consumed 10% fewer calories than the suggested ideal daily number of calories. Only 28% of patients consumed the ideal percentage (50–60%) of calories from carbohydrates. Approximately 15% of patients consumed >60% of their calories from carbohydrates and 30% of their calories from fat. Approximately 30% of patients ate their meals 20–40 minutes after injection; some patients ate their meals within 20 minutes after injection (45% in the morning and 33% in the evening). For frequency of meals, most patients (≥90%) ate their regular three meals, three or four times per day; only 18% ate the ideal number of six times per day. For self‐monitoring of blood glucose, most patients (>70%) tested their blood sugar twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening. In terms of frequency of exercise, 48% of patients exercised once per day and 43% of patients did not exercise at all. Only 7% of patients met the good diabetes control of HbA1c < 7%; almost half of the patients had HbA1c > 10%.

Conclusions.  Overall, the patients had poor adherence behaviours in each aspect of diabetes mellitus management and diabetes control total glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was very poor.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Studies are needed to explore factors related to non‐adherence to treatment regimens as well as poor control of diabetes among Taiwanese children with type 1 DM.
Using the Roper, Logan and Tierney Model in care of people with COPD
Authors: Kara Magfiret
Published: June 2007

Aim.  To determine whether the Roper, Logan and Tierney Model of nursing care affects the outcomes of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background.  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a leading chronic health problem throughout the world. Although there are numerous studies on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, no studies have been found regarding patient care with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease investigated from the Roper, Logan and Tierney Model perspective.

Methods.  The study design was an experimental style. The sample consisted of 60 subjects with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were hospitalized in a university hospital in Erzurum, Turkey, in 2001 and randomly selected into control and experimental groups. On admission, the researcher completed a nursing diagnosis form for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for each patient, consisting of demographic characteristics and an assessment nursing diagnosis for each of the patients. Control group patients were treated by routine nursing care while the experimental group patients were treated by nursing care according to the Roper, Logan and Tierney Model. Upon discharge, nursing diagnoses were assessed again in both control and experimental groups.

Results.  Although there was no statistically significant decrease in most nursing diagnoses in the control group, there was a statistically significant decrease in nursing diagnoses in favour of the experimental group.

Conclusion.  This study demonstrated that there were improvements in patient's outcomes in the concept of holistic and individualized nursing care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease according to the Roper, Logan and Tierney model.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings of this study have practical importance for nursing practise. Using the Roper, Logan and Tierney Model in care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may serve as a guide for nurses working with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients to participate patient and her/his family to patient care and to facilitate the effectiveness of patient care.
Migraine and chronic daily headache management: implications for primary care practitioners
Authors: Peters Michele , Vydelingum Vasso , Abu‐Saad Huda Huijer , Dowson Andrew
Published: June 2007

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this paper is to outline the classifications of migraine and chronic daily headaches (i.e. headaches occurring at more than 15 days per month) and briefly describe their epidemiology and management. After outlining the patients’ management behaviours, this review paper discuss the implications for primary care practitioners, including general practitioners and nurses. Finally the paper sets out current resources for headache education for healthcare practitioners.

Background.  There is a scarcity of recent literature about migraine and chronic daily headache in primary care and of the evidence base for best practice. Patients with migraine and headache may see a variety of healthcare professionals and may not always be accessing the best sources of help.

Methods.  Various databases were searched, such as CINAHL, Cochrane, Medline, MedlinePubmed and the BMJ. In addition, manual searches were conducted by following on cited references from papers read.

Results.  The results of the literature reviews were critically read and evaluated by the team and the results are discussed in the critical review presented in this paper.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The paper proposes multidisciplinary working in relation to migraine and headache management in primary healthcare, using an evidence‐based approach that stresses the importance of making the correct diagnosis, patient focused management and appropriate referrals to appropriate agencies to maximize benefits for patients.
The meaning of living with a long‐term disease. To revalue and be revalued
Authors: Lundman Berit , Jansson Leila
Published: June 2007

Aim.  The aim of this study was to describe the meaning of living with a long‐term disease.

Design.  The study had an interpretive, descriptive design.

Method.  Eight persons aged between 55–79 years with different diagnoses were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using a phenomenological‐hermeneutic method.

Findings.  The findings are presented in five themes and eleven subthemes. The theme ‘Loss and uncertainty threaten everyday order’ deals with the difficulties to sustain the goals and the ingrained order of daily living. The theme ‘Learning one's capacity and living accordingly’ concerns perceptions of the values of the outside world related to what is seen as normal, worthy or right. The theme ‘Maintaining fellowship and belonging’ sheds light on specific values in human interaction. The theme ‘Having a source of strength’ describes the need for confirmation and support when being put aside and suffering as a consequence. The theme ‘Building anew’ means that people with long‐term diseases have the ability to live life in accordance with their own wishes, goals and values.

Conclusions.  The interpretation of the text as a whole was that in the participants, long‐term disease brought about a revaluation of the self and of prevailing values, and a sense of being revalued by the world.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study may help to gain a deeper insight into the complexity of living life with a long‐term disease, and to the process of integrate the demands of the disease into daily life.
A health protection model for Hispanic adults with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Latham Christine L , Calvillo Evelyn
Published: June 2007

Aims.  The Hispanic Health Protection Model (HHPM) was designed to assist practitioners’ systematic assessment of Hispanic people to establish baselines and evaluate the success of early diabetes treatment. This article provides the research basis of the HHPM and related assessment tools.

Background.  The treatment of diabetes incorporates lifestyle change, and this adjustment is particularly important to follow with vulnerable groups. One such group is the Hispanic population, since the impact of diabetes is greatest on economically disadvantaged segments of this population, who suffer disproportionately higher Type 2 diabetes prevalence and higher levels of morbidity and mortality as compared with other populations. Traditional Hispanic health beliefs are often in conflict with Western medicine, so the adjustments to the lifestyle demands of this disease need to be evaluated.

Methods.  To understand this discrepancy fully in patient outcomes, a culturally sensitive assessment framework was developed based on health protection theories and research with Hispanic people with diabetes and, based on this framework, assessment tools were translated for use during interviews with low literacy, Spanish‐speaking patients.

Conclusions.  The HHPM translated measures of premorbid lifestyle, health beliefs, support, self‐efficacy, quality of life, knowledge of diabetes, and physiological parameters can be used during consecutive clinic visits during the first six months of therapy to map the success of patients’ understanding of and psychological adjustment to diabetes.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The HHPM is a culturally‐relevant, systematic, and holistic approach to assessing adjustment of Hispanic people to a new diagnosis of diabetes, including their psychological, cognitive, and physiological outcomes. Using this type of systematic approach will allow practitioners to target barriers to therapy, such as a lack of self‐efficacy or incomplete knowledge of the disease and its treatment in a strategic manner to improve patient success in managing the complex lifestyle changes of diabetes mellitus.
Comparison of four antibiotics with indigenous marine Bacillus spp. in controlling pathogenic bacteria from shrimp and Artemia
Authors: Banerjee S , Devaraja T N , Shariff M , Yusoff F M
Published: June 2007

Use of antibiotics for the control of bacterial diseases in shrimp culture has caused several adverse impacts to the industry. This has resulted in the search for alternative environment friendly approaches to overcome bacterial infections. This study was conducted to investigate the use of beneficial bacteria as an alternative to antibiotics. Ten pathogenic bacterial species isolated from shrimp, Penaeus monodon, and Artemia cysts were tested for susceptibility to indigenous marine Bacillus subtilis AB65, Bacillus pumilus AB58, Bacillus licheniformis AB69 and compared with oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol, gentamicin and bacitracin, which are common antibiotics used in Asian aquaculture. The Bacillus spp. were isolated from the local marine environment for bioremediation use in shrimp hatcheries and were proven to reduce total ammonium nitrogen. The pathogenic bacterial isolates were 90% susceptible to B. subtilis AB65, 70% susceptible to B. pumilus AB58 and B. licheniformis AB69 and 100% susceptible to oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol and gentamicin but only 40% to bacitracin. Two representative isolates of the vibrio group, Vibrio alginolyticus VaM11 and Vibrio parahaemolyticus VpM1, when tested for competitive exclusion by a common broth method using the marine Bacillus spp., showed decreased viable counts from 108 to 102 cfu mL−1. The results suggest that the action of the marine bacteria appears to be significant in protecting the host shrimp against pathogenic bacteria. In addition to the alternative use of antibiotics, the selected marine bacteria had additional bioremediation properties of reducing ammonia.
Identification of B‐cell epitopes on the betanodavirus capsid protein
Authors: Costa J Z , Adams A , Bron J E , Thompson K D , Starkey W G , Richards R H
Published: June 2007

The pepscan procedure was used to identify betanodavirus B‐cell epitopes recognized by neutralizing mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and serum samples obtained from sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, naturally infected with betanodavirus. Pepscan was performed with a panel of thirty‐four 12‐mer synthetic peptides that mimicked the entire betanodavirus capsid protein. Sea bass serum samples reacted strongly with three regions of the capsid protein comprising amino acid residues 1–32, 91–162 and 181–212. The latter region was also recognized by neutralizing MAbs and coincided with a region of high antigenic propensity identified by an antigen prediction algorithm. These data suggest that a region of the betanodavirus capsid protein spanning amino acid residues 181–212 may represent a neutralization domain that could potentially be used to inform the development of nodavirus vaccines and immunodiagnostic reagents.
Erythrocytic inclusion body syndrome virus in wild Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Rodger H D
Published: June 2007

An investigation was undertaken to establish aspects of the epizootiology of erythrocytic inclusion bodies in wild Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in Scotland. From 1992 to 1995, adult and juvenile salmon, from Scottish rivers, were screened for the presence of erythrocytic inclusion bodies and haematological parameters measured. The nature of the inclusion bodies was assessed through transmission electron microscopy, negative‐staining and blood smear‐staining techniques and was demonstrated to be viral in origin with characteristics similar to a member of the family Togaviridae. Specifically, these were a viral genome of single‐stranded RNA, spherical virion morphology with an icosahedral core, average size of 70 nm and a buoyant density of 1.15–1.20 g cm−3. The cytoplasmic inclusions were either large, single inclusions (1–2 μm) or smaller multiple inclusions (0.5–1 μm). A total of 4.2% (n = 48) and 27.7% (n = 213) of the parr and adult salmon, respectively, were positive for the presence of the inclusions. The intensity of the inclusions, when present, varied from light in parr to moderate and heavy in adults, when graded according to the number of inclusions per field of view. Neither haematological variations nor clinical disease was associated with the presence or absence of viral inclusions.
IgE Enhances Specific Antibody and T‐cell Responses in Mice Overexpressing CD23
Authors: Carlsson F. , Hjelm F. , Conrad D. H. , Heyman B.
Published: June 2007

Abstract IgE administered with its specific antigen in vivo induces enhanced proliferation of specific T cells as well as enhanced production of specific antibodies. Both effects are dependent on the low‐affinity receptor for IgE (CD23) and the underlying mechanism is thought to be increased antigen presentation following uptake of IgE/antigen complexes via CD23+ B cells. By contrast, CD23 negatively regulates antibody responses to antigens administered with alum, i.e. without IgE. This effect has been observed as low IgG1 and IgE responses in transgenic mice overexpressing CD23 (CD23Tg). The present study was designed to test whether IgE could enhance antibody and T‐cell responses in CD23Tg animals or whether CD23’s downregulatory effect precludes IgE‐mediated enhancement. IgE‐anti‐TNP administered with OVA‐TNP enhances the OVA‐specific antibody responses in wild‐type (wt) and CD23Tg mice equally well. Interestingly, the total magnitude of antibody responses to IgE + OVA‐TNP and to uncomplexed OVA‐TNP, as well as to sheep erythrocytes and keyhole limpet haemocyanine, were lower in the CD23Tg mice. IgE induced proliferation of OVA‐specific CD4+ T cells to the same degree in wt and CD23Tg mice. The effect on T cells was dependent on CD23+ B cells as demonstrated in in vitro proliferation assays. In conclusion, CD23 does indeed have dual immunoregulatory effects in the same animal. The receptor mediates enhancement of antibody and T‐cell responses to IgE‐complexed antigen, most likely via increased presentation of complexed antigen, while it negatively regulates the total antibody response to a variety of antigens.
T Cells from Multiple Sclerosis Patients Recognize Multiple Epitopes on Self‐IgG
Authors: Hestvik A. L. K. , Vartdal F. , Fredriksen A. B. , Thompson K. M. , Kvale E. O. , Skorstad G. , Bogen B. , Holmoy T.
Published: June 2007

Abstract The highly diversified variable regions of immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules contain immunogenic determinants denoted idiotopes. We have previously reported that T cells from multiple sclerosis (MS) patients recognize IgG from autologous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and mapped a T‐cell epitope to an IgG idiotope. To test the ability of CSF IgG molecules to elicit a broad polyclonal T‐cell response in MS, we have analysed T‐cell responses in the blood and CSF against idiotope peptides spanning complementarity determining region (CDR) 3 and somatic mutations within the variable regions of monoclonal CSF IgG. Consistent with a diversified idiotope‐specific T‐cell repertoire, CD4+ T cells from both patients recognized several idiotope peptides presented by HLA‐DR molecules. Mutations were critical for T‐cell recognition, as T cells specific for a mutated CDR1 peptide did not recognize corresponding germline‐encoded peptides. One T‐cell clone recognized both an idiotope peptide and the B‐cell clone expressing this idiotope, compatible with endogenous processing and presentation of this idiotope by B cells. These results suggest that mutated CSF IgG from MS patients carry several T‐cell epitopes, which could mediate intrathecal IgG production and inflammation in MS through idiotope‐driven T–B‐cell collaboration.