bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of host migration, diversity and aquaculture on sea lice threats to Pacific salmon populations
Authors: Krkošek Martin , Gottesfeld Allen , Proctor Bart , Rolston Dave , Carr-Harris Charmaine , Lewis Mark A
Published: October 2007

Animal migrations can affect disease dynamics. One consequence of migration common to marine fish and invertebrates ismigratory allopatry—a period of spatial separation between adult and juvenile hosts, which is caused by host migration and which prevents parasite transmission from adult to juvenile hosts. We studied this characteristic for sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonisandCaligus clemensi) and pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) from one of the Canada's largest salmon stocks. Migratory allopatry protects juvenile salmon fromL. salmonisfor two to three months of early marine life (2–3% prevalence). In contrast, host diversity facilitates access forC. clemensito juvenile salmon (8–20% prevalence) but infections appear ephemeral. Aquaculture can augment host abundance and diversity and increase parasite exposure of wild juvenile fish. An empirically parametrized model shows high sensitivity of salmon populations to increasedL. salmonisexposure, predicting population collapse at one to five motileL. salmonisper juvenile pink salmon. These results characterize parasite threats of salmon aquaculture to wild salmon populations and show how host migration and diversity are important factors affecting parasite transmission in the oceans.
Sex differences in ageing in natural populations of vertebrates
Authors: Clutton-Brock T.H , Isvaran K
Published: October 2007

In many long-lived vertebrates (including humans), adult males have shorter lifespans than adult females, partly as a result of higher annual rates of mortality in males and partly owing to sex differences in the rate of ageing. A probable explanation of the evolution of sex differences in ageing is that, in polygynous species, intense intrasexual competition between males restricts the number of seasons for which individual males are able to breed successfully, weakening selection pressures favouring adult longevity in males relative to females. If this is the case, sex differences in adult longevity and in the onset and rate of senescence should be greater in polygynous species than in monogamous ones and their magnitude should be related to the duration of effective breeding males compared with females. Here, we use data from longitudinal studies of vertebrates to show that reduced longevity in adult males (relative to females) is commonly associated with a more rapid decline in male than female survival with increasing age and is largely confined to polygynous species. The magnitude of sex differences in adult longevity in different species is consistently related to the magnitude of sex differences in the duration of effective breeding, calculated across surviving adults. Our results are consistent with the suggestion that sex differences in senescence in polygynous species are a consequence of weaker selection for longevity in males than females.
Geometry and self-righting of turtles
Authors: Domokos Gábor , Várkonyi Péter L
Published: October 2007

Terrestrial animals with rigid shells face imminent danger when turned upside down. A rich variety of righting strategies of beetle and turtle species have been described, but the exact role of the shell's geometry in righting is so far unknown. These strategies are often based on active mechanisms, e.g. most beetles self-right via motion of their legs or wings; flat, aquatic turtles use their muscular neck to flip back. On the other hand, highly domed, terrestrial turtles with short limbs and necks have virtually no active control: here shape itself may serve as a fundamental tool. Based on field data gathered on a broad spectrum of aquatic and terrestrial turtle species we develop a geometric model of the shell. Inspired by recent mathematical results, we demonstrate that a simple mechanical classification of the model is closely linked to the animals' righting strategy. Specifically, we show that the exact geometry of highly domed terrestrial species is close to optimal for self-righting, and the shell's shape is the predominant factor of their ability to flip back. Our study illustrates how evolution solved a far-from-trivial geometrical problem and equipped some turtles with monostatic shells: beautiful forms, which rarely appear in nature otherwise.
It Takes Two to Talk – The Hanen Program® and families of children with motor disorders: a UK perspective*
Authors: Pennington L. , Thomson K.
Published: October 2007

Background  Speech and language therapy for young children who have motor disorders targets both the children themselves and their parents. Therapy for parents often involves training about communication and how to foster children's development. It Takes Two to Talk – The Hanen Program® for Parents has become popular in the UK, but has not been specifically evaluated for this client group. This study, which was part of a larger investigation of the acceptability and potential effects of the programme on the communication patterns of mothers and their young children with motor disorders, investigated therapists' experiences of providing the training in the National Health Service (NHS) and their views on its effectiveness.

Methods  Four focus groups, which involved 16 speech and language therapists who provide It Takes Two to Talk in NHS Trusts in England, were analysed using qualitative methods.

Results  The themes indicated that therapists perceived the training programme to be effective in helping parents to develop a facilitative communication style. Therapists reported secondary outcomes of positive changes in parents' confidence and in relationships between parents and their children and between parents and therapists. Barriers to the provision and success of the programme were thought to relate to resources, parents' apprehensions about the programme's content and delivery and support from key stakeholders. Barriers were seen to be minimized in services where other members of the healthcare teams actively supported the training programme and where the intervention was integrated as part of a care pathway.

Conclusions  The information from this study may assist service providers in the marketing, planning and delivery of new intervention methods, to ensure that they are seen as valuable and acceptable by parents.
The influence of temperature and fine‐scale resource distribution on resource sharing and domination in an ant community
Authors: STRINGER LLOYD D. , HAYWOOD JOHN , LESTER PHILIP J.
Published: October 2007

Abstract1. In order to coexist in sympatry, subordinate species must somehow obtain resources that dominant taxa may generally control. This study examines the response of an ant community to fine‐scale variation in resource distribution, as a mechanism enabling resource acquisition by subordinates in the presence of dominant taxa. Food (6 g) was portioned as one, eight, or 64 items in a 0.4‐m2area, centred on nests ofMonomorium sydneyenseForel, considered the most dominant ant in the area. This ant is a newly established exotic species in our study site of Tauranga, New Zealand.

2. As the number of food items increased, a significant increase in the number of species utilising the food was observed, associated with an increase in the non‐utilised proportion of food items.

3. The changing occupation rates of food items byM. sydneyenseand three other species were modelled against soil surface temperature and the varying dispersion rates of the food resource. Significant main effects of food density, site, species, and temperature were observed on the probability of food being occupied by a species. However, there were also significant interaction effects, making it impossible to interpret the main effects in isolation.Monomorium sydneyensedominated a smaller proportion of resources in trials with increased resource distribution and cooler temperatures, allowing more species to access resources.

4. There was considerable variation between species in their responses to variation in temperature and food distribution. Although most species were able to respond to increasing resource dispersion, species that were in low abundance apparently could not. However, even species that could respond to increasing resource dispersion were limited in the number of resources they could secure.
A comparison of nuclear and cytoplasmic genetic effects on sperm competitiveness and female remating in a seed beetle
Authors: DOWLING D. K. , FRIBERG U. , ARNQVIST G.
Published: October 2007

It is widely assumed that male sperm competitiveness evolves adaptively. However, recent studies have found a cytoplasmic genetic component to phenotypic variation in some sperm traits presumed important in sperm competition. As cytoplasmic genes are maternally transmitted, they cannot respond to selection on sperm and this constraint may affect the scope in which sperm competitiveness can evolve adaptively. We examined nuclear and cytoplasmic genetic contributions to sperm competitiveness, using populations of Callosobruchus maculatus carrying orthogonal combinations of nuclear and cytoplasmic lineages. Our design also enabled us to examine genetic contributions to female remating. We found that sperm competitiveness and remating are primarily encoded by nuclear genes. In particular, a male’s sperm competitiveness phenotype was contingent on an interaction between the competing male genotypes. Furthermore, cytoplasmic effects were detected on remating but not sperm competitiveness, suggesting that cytoplasmic genes do not generally play a profound evolutionary role in sperm competition.
Host plant and latitude‐related diapause variation in Rhagoletis pomonella: a test for multifaceted life history adaptation on different stages of diapause development
Authors: DAMBROSKI H. R. , FEDER J. L.
Published: October 2007

Variation in the overwintering pupal diapause of Rhagoletis pomonella appears to adapt sympatric populations of the fly to seasonal differences in the fruiting times of their host plants, generating ecological reproductive isolation. Here, we investigate what aspects of diapause development are differentially affected (1) by comparing the propensities of apple vs. hawthorn‐infesting host races of R. pomonella to forgo an initially deep diapause and directly develop into adults, and (2) by determining the chronological order that R. pomonella races and sibling species break diapause and eclose when reared under standardized environmental conditions. The results imply that factors affecting initial diapause depth (and/or differential mortality during the prewintering period) and those determining the timing of diapause termination or rates of post‐diapause development are both under differential selection and are to some degree genetically uncoupled in flies. The modular nature of diapause life history adaptation in Rhagoletis suggests that phenology may involve multiple genetic changes and represent a stronger ecological barrier separating phytophagous specialists than is generally appreciated.
Health‐related quality of life and sexual function in women with stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder
Authors: Oh Seung‐June , Ku Ja Hyeon , Choo Myung‐Soo , Yun Jong Min , Kim Duk Yoon , Park Won‐Hee
Published: October 2007

Background:  We evaluated the impact of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder (OAB) on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and sexual function.

Methods:  A total of 245 women (SUI; n = 123 and OAB; n = 122) from 21 to 79 years old (mean 50.4) were included in the primary analyses. To obtain HRQOL and sexual function assessments, patients were asked to fill in the ‘Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS)’ and the ‘Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF‐36)’ questionnaires.

Results:  Of the eight domains in the SF‐36 questionnaire, only ‘general health’ was significantly different between the groups. Patients with SUI had a better general health than those with OAB (P = 0.016). When comparing the BFLUTS scores in the two groups, the score for ‘BFLUTS‐filling symptoms’ was higher in the OAB group (P = 0.002) but that for ‘BFLUTS‐incontinence symptoms’ was higher in the SUI group (P < 0.001). The score for ‘BFLUTS‐sex’ was higher in the SUI group than in the OAB group but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.096). Of the 169 patients who had a sex life, the SUI group had experienced pain (P = 0.033) and leakage (P = 0.056) more frequently during intercourse than the OAB group.

Conclusion:  Both SUI and OAB have a detrimental impact on patient HRQOL in Korean women. In addition, our findings suggest that women with SUI had more frequently experienced pain during intercourse and coital incontinence than those with OAB.
Preventive effect of risedronate on bone loss in men receiving androgen‐deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Ishizaka Kazuhiro , Machida Tatsuya , Kobayashi Shuichiro , Kanbe Naoko , Kitahara Satoshi , Yoshida Ken‐Ichiro
Published: October 2007

Aim: Androgen‐deprivation therapy for prostate cancer decreases bone mineral density and increases the risk of fracture. The effect of risedronate, a potent third‐generation oral bisphosphonate, on bone loss during androgen deprivation therapy was investigated.

Methods: Sixty‐one prostate cancer patients with a mean age (±SD) of 79 ± 6 years who had received androgen deprivation therapy for 42 ± 29 months were enrolled, and were treated with 2.5 mg of risedronate daily for six months. Bone mineral density was measured at the femoral neck, lumbar spine, and ultradistal radius by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. The percent change of bone mineral density after treatment with risedronate was calculated as the primary efficacy variable. Urinary N‐telopeptide of type I collagen was measured as a bone resorption marker.

Results: Bone mineral density remained stable in the femoral neck and radius during risedronate therapy. In contrast, the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine showed a significant increase from 1069 ± 488 mg/cm2−1112 ± 497 mg/cm2(P < 0.001), representing a gain of 4.9 ± 8.9%. Urinary N‐telopeptide of type I collagen decreased significantly (P < 0.001) after three months of risedronate treatment.

Conclusions: Risedronate could prevent and reverse bone loss in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer by inhibiting bone resorption.
Farm‐scale assessment of movement patterns and colonization dynamics of the grain aphid in arable crops and hedgerows
Authors: Vialatte Aude , Plantegenest Manuel , Simon Jean‐Christophe , Dedryver Charles‐Antoine
Published: October 2007

1 Integrated management of crop pests requires the identification of the appropriate spatial scale at which colonization processes occurs. We assessed, by coupling demographic and genetic methods, the relative contribution of local and transient migrants of the grain aphidSitobion avenaeto wheat field colonization in spring.

2 We examined, during two consecutive years, the daily colonization of wheat by aphid migrants and compared this with daily aphid flight monitored by a local 12.2‐m suction trap. The genetic profiles of aphids landing on crops were compared with those of both flying aphids caught by the suction trap and local populations from arable crops and hedgerows.

3 In the first year, we observed: (i) a strong correlation between aphids colonizing the crop and those moving within the crop and a close genetic similarity between aphids from these samples and (ii) a high level of genetic differentiation between these aphids and populations from local cereals and field margins. In the second year, the number of migrants recorded on the wheat was three‐fold higher than in the previous year, and less correlated with that recorded by the suction trap. This was associated with a lack of genetic differentiation between all samples.

4 This variation in the colonization processes resulted mainly in an abrupt increase in abundance of genotypes from local over‐wintering sites in 2004. This suggests that, despite the long range dispersal potential of the grain aphid, outbreak risks could be mainly determined at a local scale, encouraging the design of relatively small management units.
An exponential growth model with decreasing r captures bottom‐up effects on the population growth of Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Costamagna A. C. , Van Der Werf W. , Bianchi F. J. J. A. , Landis D. A.
Published: October 2007

1 There is ample evidence that the life history and population dynamics of aphids are closely linked to plant phenology. Based on life table studies, it has been proposed that the growth of aphid populations could be modeled with an exponential growth model, with r decreasing linearly with time. This model has never been tested under field conditions.

2 The soybean aphid Aphis glycines is a new invasive pest to soybean production in the U.S.A. In the present study, we present five datasets on the growth of colonies of A. glycines, monitored during population growth and decline under predator‐free conditions in three soybean fields, from 2003 to 2006.

3 We demonstrate that an exponential growth model, with r decreasing linearly with time, gives a much better description of A. glycines dynamics for all datasets (R2 = 0.94–0.99) than the exponential (R2 = 0.42–0.98) or logistic growth models (R2 = 0.77–0.99). Furthermore, it is shown by cross‐validation that the exponential model with decreasing r can be used to make population predictions, as shown by the coefficient of prediction, ranging from 0.55 to 0.97. An improved fit of the model was obtained using both aphid () and soybean () degree‐days scales, indicating temperature effects on the phenological time scale for the decrease in r.

4 Our model suggests important bottom‐up control of A. glycines population growth, which may interact with other mortality factors. The generality and potential applications of these results are discussed.
Long‐term functional and morphological effects of transcatheter arterial embolization of traumatic renal vascular injury
Authors: Mohsen Tarek , El‐Assmy Ahmed , El‐Diasty Tarek
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long‐term morphological and functional outcome of superselective transarterial embolization (TAE) for treating traumatic renal vascular injury.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The surgical records of 124 patients with traumatic renal vascular injury managed by TAE between 1990 and 2004 were reviewed, of whom 81 completed a long‐ term follow‐up and were included in the final analysis. Patients were followed using serum creatinine levels, grey‐scale ultrasonography, intravenous urography (IVU) and radioisotopic renography using 99mTc‐mercapto‐acetyl triglycine (MAG3) and 99mTc‐dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA).

RESULTS

Embolization resulted in the cessation of haematuria in all patients but two (97.5%). At 3 months, serum creatinine levels increased in four of nine patients with a solitary kidney, but only one of them required haemodialysis. After a mean follow‐up of 4.6 years, IVU showed a normal calyceal configuration in 70% of renal units, pyelonephritic changes in 26% and no dye excretion in 4%. DMSA scans showed no evidence of photopenic areas in 17 renal units (21%). The mean (sd) percentage of DMSA uptake by the corresponding kidney improved from 24 (9)% at the 3‐month scans to 32 (10)% at the last follow‐up scan (P < 0.001). Using MAG3, the mean (sd) glomerular filtration rate improved significantly from 26 (11) mL/min at the 3‐month scan to 32 (9) mL/min at the last follow‐up (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Superselective TAE is safe and effective for traumatic renal vascular injury. The short‐term deleterious effects were more pronounced in patients with a solitary kidney. The long‐term follow‐up showed functional and morphological improvements in the embolized renal units.
Efficacy of low‐dose dexamethasone in castration‐refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Venkitaraman Ramachandran , Thomas Karen , Huddart Robert A. , Horwich Alan , Dearnaley David P. , Parker Chris C.
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response rate and duration of PSA response to dexamethasone in patients with castration‐refractory prostate cancer (CRPC), as corticosteroids are frequently used as second‐line hormonal treatment of CRPC and there is little published evidence concerning the efficacy of low‐dose dexamethasone in this setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 102 patients with progressive CRPC received oral dexamethasone (0.5 mg daily) between January 2003 and October 2006. The median pretreatment PSA level was 83 ng/mL. The main endpoint was the PSA response rate according to the PSA Working Group criteria.

RESULTS

In all, 50 patients (49%) had a confirmed PSA response. The median (range) time to PSA progression for the entire cohort was 7.4 (1–28) months. In responders, the median duration of the PSA response was 11.6 (1–24) months.

CONCLUSION

Low‐dose dexamethasone has significant activity in CRPC. Subject to validation with more clinically meaningful endpoints, dexamethasone could become the corticosteroid of choice in the management of CRPC, and its potential for use in combination with novel agents should be explored.
Acute pyelonephritis: comparison of diagnosis with computed tomography and contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography
Authors: Mitterberger Michael , Pinggera Germar M. , Colleselli Daniela , Bartsch Georg , Strasser Hannes , Steppan Ilona , Pallwein Leo , Friedrich Aigner , Gradl Johann , Frauscher Ferdinand
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (US) with the contrast pulse‐sequence (CPS) technique for detecting renal parenchymal changes in acute pyelonephritis (APN), compared with contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) as the reference standard.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We examined 100 patients (82 women, 18 men; mean age 30.2 years, range 18–67); children (those aged <18 years) were excluded from the study. All patients had clinical symptoms suggestive of APN. For the US a Sequoia 512 (Acuson, Mountain View, CA, USA) unit including CadenceTM CPS technology, with a 6C2 probe, was used. A bolus of a 2.4‐mL US contrast agent SonoVue (Bracco, Milan, Italy) was injected. For CT a multislice 16‐row unit was used (Sensation 16, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany), at a table speed of 2.5 mm/s and a slice thickness of 3 mm; 100 mL of intravenous iodinated contrast agent (flow 3 mL/s) was injected.

RESULTS

On contrast CT, 84 patients (84%) had renal parenchymal changes suggestive of APN; on contrast US, 82 of the 84 (98%) showed renal parenchymal changes, and APN was correctly diagnosed. Seventy‐six patients (90%) had unilateral and eight (10%) had bilateral APN, and in two (2%) with APN the diagnosis could not be confirmed by US/CPS (false‐negative). No false‐positive findings were detected on US/CPS, which had a sensitivity of 98%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 89%.

CONCLUSION

CPS/US is accurate for detecting parenchymal changes in APN; it is very sensitive and specific, and allows small renal parenchymal changes to be detected with no radiation exposure.
Diabetic neuropathy is closely associated with arterial stiffening and thickness in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yokoyama H. , Yokota Y. , Tada J. , Kanno S.
Published: October 2007

Aims  Interaction of vascular and metabolic factors appears to contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of arterial stiffening and thickness on diabetic neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  In 294 patients with Type 2 diabetes, neuropathy was assessed by four components: the presence of neuropathic symptoms, the absence of ankle tendon reflexes, perception of vibration scores and heart rate variation. We measured intima‐media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries to assess arterial thickening, and brachial–ankle pulse‐wave velocity (PWV) and brachial pulse pressure (PP) which reflect arterial stiffening.

Results  Diabetic neuropathy, defined as ≥ two of the four components, was significantly associated with age, duration, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, PP, hypertension, retinopathy, urinary albumin excretion rate, nephropathy stages, PWV and IMT. PWV and PP were significantly associated with neuropathy independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that PWV, retinopathy, age, and HbA1c, were significant independent determinants of neuropathy.

Conclusions  The present cross‐sectional study indicates that markers for vascular wall properties such as PWV, IMT and PP are significantly associated with diabetic neuropathy. PWV and PP are significant determinants of neuropathy independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Multifactorial intervention to inhibit progression of the atherosclerotic process may slow progression of neuropathy.
Usefulness of a new indicator test for the diagnosis of peripheral and autonomic neuropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liatis S. , Marinou K. , Tentolouris N. , Pagoni S. , Katsilambros N.
Published: October 2007

Aims  The aim of the present study was to assess the performance of a new indicator test (NIT), based on the measurement of sweat production after exposure to dermal foot perspiration, in the diagnosis of both peripheral sensorimotor polyneuropathy (PSN) and autonomic neuropathy in patients with diabetes.

Methods  One hundred and seventeen diabetic patients were examined. PSN was assessed using the neuropathy symptoms score, the neuropathy disability score and the vibration perception threshold. Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) was assessed using the battery of the four classical standardized tests proposed by Ewing et al., Diabetes Care 1985; 8: 491–498. Sudomotor dysfunction was assessed using the NIT.

Results  Fifty patients (42.7%) had PSN and 44 patients (37.6%) had CAN. Of the 50 patients with PSN, 43 had a positive NIT (sensitivity 86%) and, out of the 67 patients without PSN, a negative NIT was obtained in 45 patients (specificity 67%). The positive and the negative predictive value of the NIT in detecting PSN were 66.2 and 86.5%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of NIT in detecting CAN was 59.1 and 46.5%, respectively. In the case of severe CAN, the sensitivity was increased to 80.9% and the specificity to 50%.

Conclusions  The NIT has good sensitivity and negative predictive value for diagnosis of PSN and can be used as a screening method for detection of this complication in patients with diabetes. In addition, the test has a low sensitivity for detection of autonomic neuropathy in patients with milder forms of CAN.
Uterine artery embolisation or hysterectomy for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids: a cost‐utility analysis of the HOPEFUL study
Authors: Wu O , Briggs A , Dutton S , Hirst A , Maresh M , Nicholson A , McPherson K
Published: October 2007

Objectives  To evaluate the relative cost‐effectiveness of uterine artery embolisation (UAE) and hysterectomy in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids from the perspective of the UK NHS.

Design  Cost‐utility analysis.

Setting  Eighteen UK NHS hospital trusts.

Population or sample  Women who underwent UAE (n= 649; average follow up of 8.6 years) or hysterectomy (n= 459; average follow up of 4.6 years) for the treatments of symptomatic fibroids.

Methods  A probabilistic decision model was carried out based on data from a large comparative cohort and the literature. The two interventions were evaluated over the time horizon from the initial procedure to menopause. Extensive sensitivity analysis was carried out to test model assumptions and parameter uncertainties.

Main outcome measures  Costs of procedures and complications and quality of life expressed as quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs).

Results  Overall, UAE was associated with lower mean cost (£2536 versus £3282) and a small reduction in quality of life (8.203 versus 8.241 QALYs) when compared with hysterectomy. However, when the quality of life associated with the conservation of the uterus was incorporated in the model, UAE was shown to be the dominant strategy—lower costs and greater QALYs.

Conclusions  UAE is a less expensive option to the health service compared with hysterectomy, even when the costs of repeat procedures and associated complications are factored in. The quality of life implications in the short term are also predicted to favour UAE; however, this advantage may be eroded over time as women undergo additional procedures to deal with recurrent fibroids. Given the hysterectomy is the current standard treatment for symptomatic fibroids, offering women UAE as an alternative treatment for fibroids is likely to be highly cost‐effective for those women who prefer uterus‐conserving treatment.
A UK multicentre retrospective cohort study comparing hysterectomy and uterine artery embolisation for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids (HOPEFUL study): main results on medium‐term safety and efficacy
Authors: Dutton S , Hirst A , McPherson K , Nicholson T , Maresh M
Published: October 2007

Objectives  Comparison of medium‐term safety and efficacy of hysterectomy and uterine artery embolisation (UAE) for symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Design  Multicentre retrospective cohort.

Setting  18 UK NHS hospital trusts.

Participants  Four hundred and fifty nine women who had hysterectomy within a national audit during 12 months from October 1994 (VALUE study) (average follow up of 8.6 years) and 649 women receiving UAE from 1996 to 2002 (average follow up of 4.6 years).

Methods  Clinical data from existing hospital records and patient completed postal questionnaires.

Main outcome measures  Complication rates, side effects of embolisation, satisfaction with treatment, relief from symptoms and requirement for further fibroid treatment.

Results  Fewer complications were experienced by women receiving UAE (19 versus 26% hysterectomy, P= 0.001), the adjusted odds ratio for UAE versus hysterectomy was 0.48 (95% CI 0.26–0.89). One‐third of women undergoing UAE experienced anticipated general side effects associated with the procedure. More women in the hysterectomy cohort reported relief from fibroid symptoms (95 versus 85%, P < 0.0001) and feeling better (96 versus 84%, P < 0.0001), but only 85% would recommend the treatment to a friend compared with 91% in the UAE arm (P= 0.007). There was a 23% (95% CI 19–27%) chance of requiring further treatment for fibroids after UAE. Twenty‐seven women who had had UAE reported 37 pregnancies after treatment resulting in 19 live births.

Conclusions  UAE results in fewer complications than hysterectomy. Side effects after embolisation should be anticipated, and almost one‐quarter of women having UAE were likely to require further treatment for fibroid symptoms. Both treatments appear to be safe and effective over the medium term, and the choice of treatment may be a matter of personal preference for each individual woman.
Current access to health information in Zambia: a survey of selected health institutions
Authors: Hoppenbrouwer Joost , Kanyengo Christine Wamunyima
Published: October 2007

Objective:  To assess the current situation of access to information by health staff at selected central, provincial, district hospitals and health centres in Zambia.

Methods:  Government and non‐governmental institutions were visited in the Lusaka Urban District and nine rural districts in the North‐Western, Western and Central Provinces of Zambia in 2001. Thirty interviews were held with provincial and district health directors, medical doctors, nurses and clinical officers in district hospitals and rural and urban health centres. In 2006, a follow‐up visit was undertaken to the health centres in the Lusaka Urban District in Lusaka Province and the Sesheke District in the Western Province.

Results:  There is limited access to health information for health workers in Zambia. In hospitals and health centres, where there is access, it is usually provided in an ad hoc manner without a central policy from the government. In all the places visited, there was also an overwhelming expressed need for different types of information relating to the professional or personal needs of health care workers.

Conclusions:  The study found that access to information was very poor. There were some excellent examples of local initiatives showing that, even under difficult financial and infrastructural circumstances, it was feasible to improve health workers’ access to information by using low technology, information access initiatives. These existing local initiatives deserve to be scaled up, while new initiatives should be adopted to improve access to information in a much more structured way. Of paramount importance is the formulation and implementation of an information policy that will guarantee the provision of health information to Zambian health workers.
Analysis of behavioural responding across multiple instructional conditions for a child with childhood disintegrative disorder
Authors: Carter Stacy L. , Wheeler John J.
Published: October 2007

The effects of multiple instructional conditions on self‐injury/aggression and on‐task behaviours were assessed with a 9‐year‐old boy diagnosed with childhood disintegrative disorder. Behavioural responses were assessed as part of an educational evaluation to determine the occurrence of target behaviours in relation to varying degrees of educational support. Self‐injury/aggression and task engagement were assessed across baseline conditions and instructional conditions involving pre‐session access to preferred items, followed by systematic presentation of work tasks with contingent reinforcement and auditory cueing. Results indicated an increase in task engagement and a decrease in the target behaviours from baseline across subsequent conditions. This study lends support for directly assessing the efficacy of specific potential instructional support as a means of developing individualised treatment packages for learners with childhood disintegrative disorder.
What is literacy for students with severe learning difficulties? Exploring conventional and inclusive literacy
Authors: Lacey Penny , Layton Lyn , Miller Carol , Goldbart Juliet , Lawson Hazel
Published: October 2007

This paper arises from research into inclusive literacy for pupils with severe learning difficulties who do not learn to read and write conventionally. The ultimate aim of the study was to seek out examples of good practice in teaching and learning literacy that includes students with severe learning difficulties and disseminate them as widely as possible. Thirty‐five schools were visited and observations made in 122 lessons. Sixty‐one teachers were interviewed and their paperwork examined. Ten focus groups and five ‘expert witnesses’ were consulted, alongside desk‐based research designed to locate ‘good practice’. Teachers used a mixture of conventional (e.g., texts) and non‐conventional (e.g., pictures, film and oral) media, although more observations were made of conventional literacy teaching (e.g., phonic work) than of non‐conventional (e.g., filmmaking). Results from the research suggest that few students with severe learning difficulties are likely to learn to read and write conventionally (i.e., read for pleasure, work and study) and teachers may be relying too much on teaching traditional literacy to them. It may be useful to explore teaching and learning around alternative media such as still and moving images, live theatre and storytelling, digital technology and the arts. Although some teachers are making good use of these media, the potential of these media for providing inclusive literacy experiences could be further developed.
SEN inclusion and pupil achievement in English schools
Authors: Farrell Peter , Dyson Alan , Polat Filiz , Hutcheson Graeme , Gallannaugh Frances
Published: October 2007

This paper presents and discusses the key findings from a study funded by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) that explored the relationship between achievement and inclusion in mainstream schools in England. Overall the results indicate that, although there is a small statistical relationship between inclusion and academic achievement, this is unlikely to impact on a school's overall performance. This is partly because of the large degree of variation among schools, suggesting that there are other factors within a school's make up rather than its degree of inclusivity which impact on the average achievements of its pupils. This was confirmed by the findings from a number of case study visits. The overall conclusion from the study is that mainstream schools need not be concerned about the potentially negative impact on the overall academic achievements of their pupils through including pupils with special educational needs (SEN) in their schools.
Direct binding of α‐actinin enhances TRPP3 channel activity
Authors: Li Qiang , Dai Xiao‐Qing , Shen Patrick Y. , Wu Yuliang , Long Wentong , Chen Carl X. , Hussain Zahir , Wang Shaohua , Chen Xing‐Zhen
Published: October 2007

Transient receptor potential (TRP) polycystin 2 and 3 (TRPP2 and 3) are homologous members of the TRP superfamily of cation channels but have different physiological functions. TRPP2 is part of a flow sensor, and is defective in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and implicated in left–right asymmetry development. TRPP3 is reported to implicate in sour tasting in bipolar cells of taste buds of the tongue and in the regulation of pH‐sensitive action potential in neurons surrounding the central canal of spinal cord. TRPP3 is present in both excitable and non‐excitable cells in various tissues, such as retina, brain, heart, testis, and kidney, but its common and cell type‐specific functional characteristics remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated physical and functional interactions between TRPP3 and α‐actinin, an actin‐bundling protein known to regulate several types of ion channels. We employed planer lipid bilayer electrophysiology system to study the function of TRPP3 channel that was affinity‐purified from Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. Upon reconstitution in bilayer, TRPP3 exhibited cation channel activities that were substantially augmented by α‐actinin. The TRPP3‐α‐actinin association was documented by co‐immunoprecipitation using native cells and tissues, yeast two‐hybrid, and in vitro binding assays. Further, TRPP3 was abundantly present in mouse brain where it associates with α‐actinin‐2. Taken together, α‐actinin not only attaches TRPP3 to the cytoskeleton but also up‐regulates TRPP3 channel function. It remains to be determined whether the TRPP3‐α‐actinin interaction is relevant to acid sensing and other functions in neuronal and non‐neuronal cells.
Predicting Contraceptive Behavior in India Using Attitude Theories1
Authors: Kulkarni Mrinmoyi
Published: October 2007

This study examined the performance of the theory of reasoned action (TRA), the theory of planned behavior (TPB), and the unified theory of behavior (UTB) in predicting contraceptive use behavior among low‐income urban Indian women. Participants were 150 low‐income urban Indian women who were surveyed using a questionnaire designed to measure the constructs used by these theories. A combined etic–emic methodology was employed in the questionnaire design. The constructs of mastery and descriptive norm were investigated as predictors of contraceptive intention and behavior. The mentioned models indicated predictive utility for the low‐income sample, with the UTB faring better than the TRA or the TPB in predicting contraceptive use.
Interactive Effects of Proactive and Reactive Service Recovery Strategies: The Case of Rapport and Compensation1
Authors: Worsfold Kate , Worsfold Jennifer , Bradley Graham
Published: October 2007

Researchers have recently investigated the efficacy of different strategies for recovery from service failure. This paper reports 2 studies that test the effects of a reactive (compensation) and a proactive recovery strategy (establishing prior rapport between service provider and customer). These strategies, plus aspects of the service problem, were manipulated using written scenarios. Consistent with predictions based on justice theory and the service recovery literature, customer evaluations were more favorable following high rapport, high compensation, minor service failures, and nonfinancial losses. Rapport and compensation interacted in a manner consistent with the fair process effect, although this interaction varied with failure severity and the dependent variable studied. The research underscores the importance of relationship building in the management of service failures.
Using Past Performance, Proxy Efficacy, and Academic Self‐Efficacy to Predict College Performance
Authors: Elias Steven M. , MacDonald Scott
Published: October 2007

This study examined the ability of prior academic performance, proxy efficacy, and academic self‐efficacy to predict college academic performance. Participants (N = 202) completed a modified version of the Teacher Collective Efficacy scale (Goddard, 2001), the Academic Self‐Efficacy scale (Elias & Loomis, 2000), and a demographic questionnaire. Prior performance was predictive of both academic self‐efficacy beliefs and college performance. Hierarchical regression analysis indicates that academic self‐efficacy beliefs explain a significant amount of unique variance beyond past performance in predicting college performance. Proxy efficacy did serve as a predictor of student academic self‐efficacy, but did not serve as a predictor of college performance. Implications for instructors, as well as for future research, are discussed.
Influence in the Ivory Tower: Examining the Appropriate Use of Social Power in the University Classroom
Authors: Elias Steven M.
Published: October 2007

A study was conducted to determine how appropriate university students feel it is for professors to use varying bases of social power as a means of influence. Participants (n = 91) completed a modified version of the Interpersonal Power Inventory (Raven, Schwarzwald, & Koslowsky, 1998) and a demographic questionnaire. Students rated the use of soft power as significantly more appropriate than harsh power. Repeated‐measures ANOVA indicated that informational and expert power were thought to be the most appropriate bases for professors to use, and a gender effect was observed such that female students rated the use of social power in the classroom as significantly less appropriate than did male students. Implications for university instructors and other power holders are discussed.
The Impact of Personality and Team Context on the Relationship Between Workplace Injustice and Counterproductive Work Behavior
Authors: Flaherty Shane , Moss Simon A.
Published: October 2007

This study ascertains whether the impact of workplace injustice on counterproductive work behavior is moderated by personality and team context. A sample of 131 public‐service employees completed a questionnaire that assessed the extent to which they receive distributive, procedural, and interactional justice. Furthermore, team commitment, coworker satisfaction, and Big Five personality traits were assessed. Finally, respondents estimated the frequency with which they and their colleagues engage in counterproductive behaviors. Procedural, distributive, and interactional injustice all provoked counterproductive behaviors. The effect of justice on these destructive acts diminished when team commitment was elevated, coworker satisfaction was limited, agreeableness was pronounced, and neuroticism was reduced. The findings confirm that vulnerability amplifies the impact of injustice, but interdependence can diminish this effect.
Perceptions of Sexual Assault: The Expression of Gender Differences and the Impact of Target Alcohol Consumption1
Authors: Klippenstine Marc A. , Schuller Regina A. , Wall Ann‐Marie
Published: October 2007

This research examined the impact of defendant/complainant alcohol consumption and prior sexual history evidence on mock jurors' evaluations of a sexual assault trial. Participants (N = 196) were provided with a simulated trial in which the beverage consumption of both targets and the sexual history between them was manipulated. The results displayed a complex interplay between target beverage consumption and gender of participant. Typically observed gender effects—that is, women, compared to men, were more supportive of the complainant and less supportive of the defendant—was contingent upon target beverage consumption. Depending on how aggressive participants perceived the defendant to be, women were more sympathetic to the complainant, with this being contingent upon complainants' and defendants' beverage consumption.
The Effect of Contact on Attitudes Toward Old Order Amish1
Authors: McGuigan William M. , Scholl Carol
Published: October 2007

This investigation was guided by social categorization theory and the contact hypothesis. A convenience sample of 89 adults provided survey data to test the hypothesis that non‐Amish individuals who shared more contact with Old Order Amish would report more positive attitudes (less attitudinal bias) toward the Amish than would individuals who shared less contact. Blockwise hierarchical regression analysis showed that after controlling for demographic factors and known correlates of attitudinal bias, deep (but not superficial) contact was significantly related to positive attitudes toward the Amish. Deep contact and need for cognition explained 29.4% of the variance in attitudes that non‐Amish people held toward Old Order Amish. Application of these findings, suggestions for future research, and study limitations are discussed.
Interaction Effects in the Theory of Planned Behavior: The Interplay of Self‐Identity and Past Behavior
Authors: Smith Joanne R. , Terry Deborah J. , Manstead Antony S. R. , Louis Winnifred R. , Kotterman Diana , Wolfs Jacqueline
Published: October 2007

This research used a revised theory of planned behavior (TPB) model, which incorporated self‐identity and past behavior—and the interaction between these constructs—in order to improve the model's predictive power in relation to consumer behavior (purchasing one's preferred beer). At Time 1, respondents (N = 108) completed measures of attitudes, perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, self‐identity, past behavior, and intentions. Behavior was assessed 1 week later. All predictors were positively related to intentions. Self‐identity and past behavior interacted to influence intentions: Self‐identity had a stronger influence on intentions at low, rather than high, levels of past behavior. Intentions and past behavior were predictive of Time 2 behavior. These findings emphasize the need to consider identity issues in the TPB.