bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous collagen induction. Scarless skin rejuvenation: fact or fiction?
Authors: Aust M. C. , Reimers K. , Gohritz A. , Jahn S. , Stahl F. , Repenning C. , Scheper T. , Altintas M. A. , Schwaiger N. , Redeker J. , Vogt P. M.
Published: March 2010

Photoageing is generally treated by ablative procedures that injure the epidermis and basement membrane, and lead to fibrosis of the dermis. Percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) therapy is an alternative treatment for photoaged skin that does not result in clinical signs of dermal fibrosis. In this study, the immediate effects of PCI on the skin were assessed, including the systemic inflammatory response and the production and gene expression of transforming growth factor (TGF) isoforms β1, β2 and β3. Eighty rats were split into four groups: group 1 (n = 24; PCI plus skin care); group 2 (n = 24; skin care only); group 3 (n = 24; PCI only) and group 4 (n = 8; controls). Microarray analysis showed that TGF-β3, an essential marker for preventing scarring, was upregulated and expressed for 2 weeks postoperatively. PCI might offer a regenerative therapy to improve skin appearance and quality and to improve or even prevent scarring.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of infantile haemangioendothelioma of the liver: a report of two cases
Authors: Sigamani E. , Iyer V. K. , Agarwala S.
Published: March 2010

E. Sigamani, V. K. Iyer and S. Agarwala

Fine needle aspiration cytology of infantile haemangioendothelioma of the liver: a report of two cases

Background:  Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of infantile haemangioendothelioma of the liver (IHL) has not previously been described because routine use of FNAC is contraindicated due to the risk of bleeding.

Methods and materials:  Two patients presented with progressively increasing right upper quadrant abdominal mass. The index case was a girl aged two and a half years with a large single mass in the right lobe of the liver. The second was a 3‐month‐old girl in whom ultrasonography revealed multiple hypoechoic lesions in the liver. Ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration had been performed on both patients. May‐Grünwald‐Giemsa stained smears from these two patients were reviewed and correlated with histopathology.

Results:  Both aspirates showed predominantly normal hepatocytes and bile ductules amongst which tumour cells were admixed. The latter were oval to spindle‐shaped with scant cytoplasm and wavy, kinked and indented nuclear outlines. The non‐epithelial character of the tumour cells was apparent and helped to rule out hepatoblastoma. One case showed extramedullary haemopoiesis. The diagnosis of IHL was established on subsequent excision in the first case and a wedge biopsy in the second case. CD34 and factor VIII R antigen were positive in the tumour cells.

Conclusion:  Radiological diagnosis of IHL is possible in a majority of cases, but sometimes features may overlap with hepatoblastoma and fine needle aspiration may be performed inadvertently. Characteristic kinked nuclei and intermixed normal liver tissue might suggest IHL in the differential diagnosis of a spindle cell vasoformative tumour.
Pedometric mapping of soil organic matter using a soil map with quantified uncertainty
Authors: Kempen B. , Heuvelink G. B. M. , Brus D. J. , Stoorvogel J. J.
Published: March 2010

This paper compares three models that use soil type information from point observations and a soil map to map the topsoil organic matter content for the province of Drenthe in the Netherlands. The models differ in how the information on soil type is obtained: model 1 uses soil type as depicted on the soil map for calibration and prediction; model 2 uses soil type as observed in the field for calibration and soil type as depicted on the map for prediction; and model 3 uses observed soil type for calibration and a pedometric soil map with quantified uncertainty for prediction. Calibration of the trend on observed soil type resulted in a much stronger predictive relationship between soil organic matter content and soil type than calibration on mapped soil type. Validation with an independent probability sample showed that model 3 out‐performed models 1 and 2 in terms of the mean squared error. However, model 3 over‐estimated the prediction error variance and so was too pessimistic about prediction accuracy. Model 2 performed the worst: it had the largest mean squared error and the prediction error variance was strongly under‐estimated. Thus validation confirmed that calibration on observed soil type is only valid when the uncertainty about soil type at prediction sites is explicitly accounted for by the model. We conclude that whenever information about the uncertainty of the soil map is available and both soil property and soil type are observed at sampling sites, model 3 can be an improvement over the conventional model 1.
Relationships between fish assemblages and habitat characteristics in Iowa’s non‐wadeable rivers
Authors: NEEBLING T. E. , QUIST M. C.
Published: March 2010

Abstract  Non‐wadeable river systems are some of the most diverse aquatic ecosystems, but little work has been conducted to quantify the relationships between fish assemblages and habitat characteristics in them. In 2007 and 2008, 21 reaches were sampled on 16 non‐wadeable rivers across Iowa, USA. Fish were sampled in each reach with three different gears, and habitat characteristics (channel morphology, current velocity, instream cover) were measured using standard procedures. Fish assemblages were structured based on drainage basin and reaches and could be categorised as belonging to one of three groups. Reaches in the Missouri River basin group were narrow and had a high proportion of fine substrate. Reaches in the Mississippi River A group were also narrow but had a high proportion of large rocky substrate. Reaches in the Mississippi River B group tended to be wider, deeper and have higher proportions of fine substrate than the other groups. Fish assemblages were closely related to habitat characteristics and reflected differences among the three groups. Results of this study suggest that stream geomorphology may have a substantial influence on fish assemblage structure in large rivers.
Regulation of asymmetric positioning of nuclei by Wnt and Src signaling and its roles in POP‐1/TCF nuclear asymmetry in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sugioka Kenji , Sawa Hitoshi
Published: March 2010

In various polarized cells, positions of nuclei are often off‐center. However, extrinsic signals regulating nuclear off‐centering and its biologic roles remain to be elucidated. In Caenorhabditis elegans, polarity of the EMS cell undergoing asymmetric division is regulated by the MOM‐2/Wnt and MES‐1 signals from its posterior neighbor P2 cell. We show that after divisions of different cells including EMS, the nuclei of the posterior but not anterior daughter cells are anchored to the posterior cell cortex via centrosomes. We also show that this nuclear anchoring is regulated by components of the Wnt pathway and SRC‐1 that functions in MES‐1 signaling. To understand the biologic roles of nuclear anchoring, we analyzed its effects on asymmetric nuclear localization of POP‐1/TCF that is also regulated by Wnt and Src signaling. We found that in mom‐2 mutants where the nuclear anchoring and POP‐1 asymmetry is partially inhibited, the proximity of the nucleus to the cell cortex correlated with POP‐1 asymmetry. Furthermore, in mutants of mom‐2, the defect in the anchoring is clearly correlated with that of asymmetric fate determination. These results suggest that the asymmetric nuclear anchoring functions in asymmetric division by enhancing POP‐1 asymmetry.
Isolation of transcripts from Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte responsive to the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cry3Bb1
Authors: Sayed A. , Wiechman B. , Struewing I. , Smith M. , French W. , Nielsen C. , Bagley M.
Published: March 2010

Crystal (Cry) proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been widely used as a method of insect pest management for several decades. In recent years, a transgenic corn expressing the Cry3Bb1 toxin has been successfully used for protection against corn rootworm larvae (genus Diabrotica). The biological action of the Bt toxin in corn rootworms has not yet been clearly defined. Because development of resistance to Bt by corn rootworms will have huge economic and ecological costs, insight into larval response to Bt toxin is highly desirable. We identified 19 unique transcripts that are differentially expressed in D. virgifera virgifera larvae reared on corn transgenic for Cry3Bb1. Putative identities of these genes were consistent with impacts on metabolism and development. Analysis of highly modulated transcripts resulted in the characterization of genes coding for a member of a cysteine‐rich secretory protein family and a glutamine‐rich membrane protein. A third gene that was isolated encodes a nondescript 132 amino acid protein while a fourth highly modulated transcript could not be further characterized. Expression patterns of these four genes were strikingly different between susceptible and resistant western corn rootworm populations. These genes may provide useful targets for monitoring of Bt exposure patterns and resistance development in pest and non‐target insect populations.
Use of research by nurses during their first two years after graduating
Authors: Forsman Henrietta , Rudman Ann , Gustavsson Petter , Ehrenberg Anna , Wallin Lars
Published: March 2010

forsman h., rudman a., gustavsson p., ehrenberg a. & wallin l. (2010) Use of research by nurses during their first two years after graduating. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(4), 878–890.

Title.  Use of research by nurses during their first two years after graduating.

Aim.  This paper reports on a study of research use among nurses two years after graduation, as well as changes over time in research use in relation to changes in working conditions.

Background.  The demand for evidence‐based practice is widely expressed, and newly graduated nurses should possess the skills to provide high‐quality care based on the best knowledge available. The way in which nurses use research during the first few years after graduating is, however, largely unknown.

Method.  As part of a national longitudinal survey, nurses reported their extent of instrumental, conceptual and persuasive research use in 2006 (n = 1365) and 2007 (n = 1256). Data were analysed cross‐sectionally and prospectively, using variable‐ and pattern‐oriented methods.

Results.  Instrumental research was reported most frequently, on about half of the working shifts. Seven profiles of research use were found, showing structural stability over time when compared with results from year 1. Most typically, nurses maintained the same profile over time; moreover, low users tended to become even lower users. Two years after graduation, 54·9% reported overall low use. Changes in working conditions did not explain the decrease in research use.

Conclusion.  The results support previous claims of a gap between research and clinical practice. The predominance of overall low users is alarming and requires further research, including investigation of individual and organizational factors, to study their impact on nurses’ research use.
Self‐reported adherence to a therapeutic regimen among patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Lam Lai Wah , Twinn Sheila F. , Chan Sally W.C.
Published: March 2010

lam l.w., twinn s.f. & chan s.w.c. (2010) Self‐reported adherence to a therapeutic regimen among patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(4), 763–773.

Title.  Self‐reported adherence to a therapeutic regimen among patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to examine self‐reported adherence to a therapeutic regimen for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Background.  Studies of patients’ adherence during dialysis have primarily focused on haemodialysis and have frequently yielded inconsistent results, which are attributed to the inconsistent tools used to measure adherence. Levels of adherence to all four components of the therapeutic regimen (i.e. dietary and fluid restrictions, medication, and the dialysis regimen) among patients receiving peritoneal dialysis have not been examined, especially from a patient perspective.

Methods.  A total population sample was used. A cross‐sectional survey was carried out by face‐to‐face interviews in 2005 in one renal clinic in Hong Kong. A total of 173 patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (56% of the total population) participated in the study.

Results.  Patients perceived themselves as more adherent to medication (83%; 95% confidence interval 77–88%) and dialysis (93%; 95% confidence interval 88–96%) prescriptions than to fluid (64%; 95% confidence interval 56–71%) and dietary (38%; 95% confidence interval 30–45%) restrictions. Those who were male, younger or had received dialysis for 1–3 years saw themselves as more non‐adherent compared with other patients.

Conclusion.  Healthcare professionals should take cultural issues into consideration when setting dietary and fluid restriction guidelines. Additional attention and support are required for patients who identify themselves as more non‐adherent. To help patients live with end‐stage renal disease and its treatment, qualitative research is required to understand how they go through the dynamic process of adherence.
Nurse radiographers’ experiences of communication with patients who do not speak the native language
Authors: Fatahi Nabi , Mattsson Bengt , Lundgren Solveig M. , Hellström Mikael
Published: March 2010

fatahi n., mattsson b., lundgren s.m. & hellström m. (2010) Nurse radiographers’ experiences of communication with patients who do not speak the native language. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(4), 774–783.

Title.  Nurse radiographers' experiences of communication with patients who do not speak the native language

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study exploring nurse radiographers’ experiences of examining patients who do not speak the native language.

Background.  The increased number of immigrant patients in Western countries poses a challenge to healthcare staff, as mutual understanding is needed in encounters with patients who do not speak the language of the host country. In particular, little is known about the quality of communication in the setting of radiological examinations, i.e. short encounters with demanding technical and caring components.

Methods.  Three focus group interviews with experienced nurse radiographers (n = 11) were carried out in 2007. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. A qualitative content analysis method was applied to analyse the interview texts.

Findings.  Four main categories emerged in the analysis: modes, needs, quality and improvements of interpreting. The need for an interpreter is strongly associated with the type of examination. For interventional procedures and contrast‐enhanced examinations, a professional interpreter is required to inform the patient and to identify and handle side effects and complications. Friends, relatives, particularly children, and staff as interpreters were not considered ideal as an alternative. Shortage of time and lack of specific knowledge about radiological procedures were identified as problems with professional interpreters. Interpreter training and checklists specific for radiology department routines were suggested, as well as improved nurse radiographers’ education on intercultural communication.

Conclusion.  The need for an interpreter, and the native tongue of the patient, should be clearly stated on the radiology request form, to allow timely scheduling of an interpreter. Intercultural communication in nurse radiographers′ education should be enhanced.
Self‐management and symptom monitoring among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Warwick Melannie , Gallagher Robyn , Chenoweth Lynn , Stein‐Parbury Jane
Published: March 2010

warwick m., gallagher r., chenoweth l. & stein‐parbury j. (2010) Self‐management and symptom monitoring among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(4), 784–793.

Title.  Self‐management and symptom monitoring among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Aims.  To describe self‐management, symptom monitoring and the associated influences among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background.  Optimal self‐management and monitoring of key symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease reduces dyspnoea and preventable hospitalizations.

Method.  A prospective, descriptive survey design was used and data collected from patients with moderate severity chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during home interviews between April 2005 and June 2006. Predictors of self‐management and symptom monitoring were determined by linear regression analyses.

Results.  Patients’ (n = 78) mean age was 73·37 years (sd 7·52); 55·1% were male and 66·7% were married. Most (92·3%) had concurrent illnesses, and 48·7% had been admitted to hospital for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the past 6 months. Self‐management was good to very good, with poorer self‐management predicted by lower self‐efficacy (β = −0·21), a weaker sense of coherence (β = −0·03), and no hospitalization in the past 6 months (β = −05). Symptom monitoring was not ideal, with more than 20% of patients not monitoring any of the key symptoms. More frequent symptom monitoring occurred among participants who were married (β = 5.14) and had more severe disease (β = 0·79).

Conclusion.  As self‐management and symptom monitoring ensure better outcomes among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, health professionals should encourage these behaviours. Involving partners, promoting self‐efficacy and understanding of sense of coherence are helpful in this process.
Nurse or physician: whose recommendation influences the decision to take genetic tests more?
Authors: Barnoy Sivia , Levy Ofra , Bar‐Tal Yoram
Published: March 2010

barnoy s., levy o. & bar‐tal y. (2010) Nurse or physician: whose recommendation influences the decision to take genetic tests more? Journal of Advanced Nursing66(4), 806–813.

Title.  Nurse or physician: whose recommendation influences the decision to take genetic tests more?

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to explore factors influencing the decision to take genetic carrier testing.

Background.  Genetic testing has become a popular means of elucidating the risk of giving birth to a sick/disabled child but what influences prospective parents to take genetic tests or not is unclear.

Methods.  The study was based on a factorial 2 × 2 × 2 within‐between subjects design. The questionnaire presented four scenarios, each illustrating a healthcare worker presenting information on a devastating genetic disease. The variables manipulated were: the health care worker’s expertise (novice vs. expert), the recommender’s role (nurse vs. physician) and type of recommendation (recommendation vs. no recommendation). After each scenario participants were asked their own intention to take the test and their intention to recommend a friend to take the test. Data were collected in 2007.

Results.  Altogether 156 questionnaires were collected. Expert nurses and expert physicians were accorded the same level of compliance. However, a novice physician’s recommendation to take a genetic test was complied with as much as an expert physician’s, whereas a novice nurse’s recommendation was less accepted than that of an expert nurse. When no recommendation was made, more compliance with the nurse was found (i.e. less intention to take the test).

Conclusion.  Genetic information should be presented to the public with caution to avoid over‐testing. For the public to accept a nurse’s recommendation, the nurse has to be perceived as an expert; therefore, expert nurses’ proficiency should be made clear.
Ethnic differences in exercise and leisure time physical activity among midlife women
Authors: Lee Seung Hee , Im Eun‐Ok
Published: March 2010

Lee s.h. & im e.‐o. (2010) Ethnic differences in exercise and leisure time physical activity among midlife women. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(4), 814–827.

Title.  Ethnic differences in exercise and leisure time physical activity among midlife women.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of factors associated with ethnic differences in exercise and leisure time physical activity levels among midlife women.

Background.  Most studies on physical activity have focused mostly on identifying correlates of physical activity. However, ‘ethnicity/race’ as a factor affecting exercise and leisure time physical activity has rarely been considered.

Method.  This study was a secondary analysis of data from a larger Internet study on menopausal symptoms of midlife women from four ethnic groups in the United States of America. A total of 441 women aged 40–60 years were recruited through the Internet from 31 January 2005 to 31 December 2007. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi‐square analysis, analysis of variance and multiple regressions.

Findings.  Non‐Hispanic White people had a statistically significantly higher level of leisure time physical activity than Asian Americans and Hispanics. African Americans reported the lowest level of exercise. Body mass index was inversely associated with exercise among African Americans. Menopausal symptoms were positively associated with exercise among non‐Hispanic White people and African Americans. Employment and number of children had a statistically significantly inverse association with exercise among Asian Americans.

Conclusion.  Correlates of exercise are ethnic‐specific. The dual role situation of working outside and inside their homes is an important factor in explaining the lower participation of exercise among Asian Americans. Health factors influence exercise participation in non‐Hispanic White people, African Americans and Hispanics. Nurses should take into account ethnic diversities when designing physical activity interventions for women.
Professional and cultural conflicts for intensive care nurses
Authors: Høye Sevald , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: March 2010

høye s. & severinsson e. (2010) Professional and cultural conflicts for intensive care nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(4), 858–867.

Title.  Professional and cultural conflicts for intensive care nurses.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study exploring intensive care nurses’ experiences of conflicts related to practical situations when they encounter culturally diverse families of critically ill patients.

Background.  Conflicts can arise in critical care settings as a result of differing cultural and professional values. Nurses and families with diverse cultural backgrounds bring beliefs and understandings to the care situation that can have an impact on the care process. Such families are challenged in their efforts to maintain traditions, while some nurses are not sufficiently culturally aware. A limited number of studies have focused on such conflicts.

Method.  Sixteen critical care nurses took part in multistage focus group interviews conducted from October 2005 to June 2006. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings.  The main theme, ‘conflict between professional nursing practice and family cultural traditions’, was based on three pairs of conflicting themes: ‘culturally based need to participate actively in the care vs. nurses’ professional perceptions of themselves as total care providers’; ‘nurses’ professional obligation to provide comprehensible information vs. culturally based communication difficulties and responses to illness’; and ‘families’ needs for cultural norms and self‐determination vs. nurses’ professional responsibility for the clinical environment’. In addition, each pair of themes contained several sub‐themes.

Conclusion.  Nurses need to negotiate with culturally diverse family members to address conflicts. In their encounters with such families, they should establish a balance between ethnocentricity and cultural sensitivity. An implication for practice is to increase nurses’ competence in assessment of diversity.
Factors affecting the career development of male nurses: a structural equation model
Authors: Lou Jiunn‐Horng , Yu Hsing‐Yi , Chen Sheng‐Hwang
Published: March 2010

lou j.‐h., yu h.‐y. & chen s‐h. (2010) Factors affecting the career development of male nurses: a structural equation model. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(4), 900–910.

Title.  Factors affecting the career development of male nurses: a structural equation model.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to test a theory of the relations of emotional labour and professional empowerment to nursing career development.

Background.  Nurses are required to show high emotional labour, but this can bring about excessive pressure and emotional exhaustion. Male nurses usually perceive societal expectations in line with a more traditionally masculine role. Greater professional empowerment might assist them in attaining promotion and career success.

Method.  The study had a cross‐sectional correlational design. Data were collected in 2007 using a mailed questionnaire. We used a database published by the National Union of Nurses’ Associations, Republic of China, to find medical care institutions at which male nurses were working. A convenience sample of male nurses (308) working at clinical nursing centres completed the mailed questionnaires.

Result.  Emotional labour was not statistically significantly related to nursing career development, but was statistically significantly related to professional empowerment. Professional empowerment was statistically significantly related to nursing career development. Professional empowerment a mediating factor in the influence of emotional labour on nursing career development. We found that 75% of the variance in nursing career development could be explained by emotional labour and professional empowerment.

Conclusion.  The expected result, that emotional labour has a direct effect on nursing career development, was not supported by the analyses. Emotional labour has only an indirect effect on nursing career development. Professional empowerment was directly linked to nursing career development. Male nurses who perceived higher professional empowerment had better career development.
Learning mechanisms to limit medication administration errors
Authors: Drach‐Zahavy Anat , Pud Dorit
Published: March 2010

drach‐zahavy a. & pud d. (2010) Learning mechanisms to limit medication administration errors. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(4), 794–805.

Title.  Learning mechanisms to limit medication administration errors.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to identify and test the effectiveness of learning mechanisms applied by the nursing staff of hospital wards as a means of limiting medication administration errors.

Background.  Since the influential report `To Err Is Human', research has emphasized the role of team learning in reducing medication administration errors. Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanisms underlying team learning.

Method.  Thirty‐two hospital wards were randomly recruited. Data were collected during 2006 in Israel by a multi‐method (observations, interviews and administrative data), multi‐source (head nurses, bedside nurses) approach. Medication administration error was defined as any deviation from procedures, policies and/or best practices for medication administration, and was identified using semi‐structured observations of nurses administering medication. Organizational learning was measured using semi‐structured interviews with head nurses, and the previous year’s reported medication administration errors were assessed using administrative data.

Results.  The interview data revealed four learning mechanism patterns employed in an attempt to learn from medication administration errors: integrated, non‐integrated, supervisory and patchy learning. Regression analysis results demonstrated that whereas the integrated pattern of learning mechanisms was associated with decreased errors, the non‐integrated pattern was associated with increased errors. Supervisory and patchy learning mechanisms were not associated with errors.

Conclusion.  Superior learning mechanisms are those that represent the whole cycle of team learning, are enacted by nurses who administer medications to patients, and emphasize a system approach to data analysis instead of analysis of individual cases.
The influence of vegetation type, soil properties and precipitation on the composition of soil mite and microbial communities at the landscape scale
Authors: Nielsen Uffe N. , Osler Graham H. R. , Campbell Colin D. , Burslem David F. R. P. , van der Wal René
Published: March 2010

Aim We used a landscape‐scale study of birch invasion onto heather moorland to determine the consistency of changes in vegetation type and soil properties and in the community composition of five soil organism groups. Our aim was to determine whether the degree to which soil organisms respond to natural changes and/or induced changes (e.g. changes in land‐use type and climate) in habitat is consistent across trophic and taxonomic groups in the context of conservation policies for birch woodland and heather moorland.

Location Mainland Scotland.

Methods We sampled mesostigmatid mites, oribatid mites, fungi, bacteria and archaea in adjacent patches of birch woodland (dominated byBetula pubescens) and heather moorland (dominated byCalluna vulgaris) at 12 sites for which annual rainfall ranged between 713 and 2251 mm. Differences in community composition were visualized using non‐metric multidimensional scaling based on Bray–Curtis dissimilarities. The factors contributing to differences between habitats within sites were explored using general linear models and those among sites using redundancy analysis.

Results The communities of all groups differed between habitats within sites, but only the oribatid mites and fungi differed consistently between habitats across sites. Within sites, dissimilarity in fungal communities was positively related to the difference inC. vulgariscover between habitats, whereas dissimilarities in bacteria and archaea were positively related to differences in soil pH and C:N ratio between habitats, respectively.

Main conclusions The influence of vegetation type and soil properties differed between groups of soil organisms, albeit in a predictable manner, across the 12 sites. Organisms directly associated with plants (fungi), and organisms with microhabitat and resource preferences (Oribatida) were strongly responsive to changes in habitat type. The response of organisms not directly associated with plants (bacteria, archaea) depended on differences in soil properties, while organisms with less clear microhabitat and resource preferences (Mesostigmata) were not strongly responsive to either vegetation type or soil properties. These results show that it is possible to predict the impact of habitat change on specific soil organisms depending on their ecology. Moreover, the community composition of all groups was related to variation in precipitation within the study area, which shows that external factors, such as those caused by climate change, can have a direct effect on belowground communities.
The relative importance of geography and ecology in species diversification: evidence from a tropical marine intertidal snail (Nerita)
Authors: Frey Melissa A.
Published: March 2010

Aim  In this study, I examined the relative contributions of geography and ecology to species diversification within the genus Nerita, a prominent clade of marine snails that is widely distributed across the tropics and intertidal habitats. Specifically, I tested whether geographical patterns of speciation correspond primarily to allopatric or sympatric models, and whether habitat transitions have played a major role in species diversification.

Location  Indo‐West Pacific, eastern Pacific, Atlantic, tropical marine intertidal.

Methods  I used a previously reconstructed molecular phylogeny of Nerita as a framework to assess the relative importance of geographical and ecological factors in species diversification. To evaluate whether recently diverged clades exhibit patterns consistent with allopatric or sympatric speciation, I mapped the geo‐graphical distribution of each species onto the species‐level phylogeny, and examined the relationship between range overlap and time since divergence using age–range correlation analyses. To determine the relative contribution of habitat transitions to divergence, I traced shifts in intertidal substrate affinity and vertical zonation across the phylogeny using parsimony, and implemented randomization tests to evaluate the resulting patterns of ecological change.

Results  Within the majority of Nerita clades examined, age–range correlation analysis yielded a low intercept and a positive slope, similar to that expected under allopatric speciation. Approximately 75% of sister species pairs have maintained allopatric distributions; whereas more distantly related sister taxa often exhibited complete or nearly complete geographical overlap. In contrast, only 19% of sister species occupy distinct habitats. For both substrate and zonation, habitat transitions failed to concentrate towards either the tips or the root of the phylogeny. Instead, habitat shifts have occurred throughout the history of Nerita, with a general transition from the lower and mid‐littoral towards the upper and supra‐littoral zones, and multiple independent shifts from hard (rock) to softer substrates (mangrove, mud and sand).

Main conclusions  Both geography and ecology appear to have influenced diversification in Nerita, but to different extents. Geography seems to play a principal role, with allopatric speciation driving the majority of Nerita divergences. Habitat transitions appear insignificant in shaping the early and recent history of speciation, and promoting successive diversification in Nerita; however, shifts may have been important for respective divergences (i.e. those that correspond to the transitions) and enhancing diversity throughout the clade.
Rhizobial hitchhikers from Down Under: invasional meltdown in a plant–bacteria mutualism?
Authors: Rodríguez‐Echeverría Susana
Published: March 2010

Aim  This study analysed the diversity and identity of the rhizobial symbionts of co‐existing exotic and native legumes in a coastal dune ecosystem invaded by Acacia longifolia.

Location  An invaded coastal dune ecosystem in Portugal and reference bradyrhizobial strains from the Iberian Peninsula and other locations.

Methods  Symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing bacteria were isolated from root nodules of plants of the Australian invasive Acacia longifolia and the European natives Cytisus grandiflorus, Cytisus scoparius and Ulex europaeus. Total DNA of each isolate was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the primer BOX A1R. Subsequent PCR‐sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer region and the nifD and nodA genes were performed for all different strains.

Results  The four plant species analysed were nodulated by bacteria from three different Bradyrhizobium lineages, although most of the isolates belonged to the Bradyrhizobium japonicum lineage sensu lato. Ninety‐five per cent of the bradyrhizobia isolated from A. longifolia, C. grandiflorus and U. europaeus in the invaded ecosystem had nifD and nodA genes of Australian origin. Seven isolates obtained in this study define a new distinctive nifD group of Bradyrhizobium from western and Mediterranean Europe.

Main conclusions  These results reveal the introduction of exotic bacteria with the invasive plant species, their persistence in the new geographical area and the nodulation of native legumes by rhizobia containing exotic symbiotic genes. The disruption of native mutualisms and the mutual facilitation of the invasive spread of the introduced plant and bradyrhizobia could constitute the first report of an invasional meltdown documented for a plant–bacteria mutualism.
Understanding the role of species dynamics in abundance–occupancy relationships
Authors: Buckley Hannah L. , Freckleton Robert P.
Published: March 2010

1. The positive interspecific abundance–occupancy relationship (AOR) is a ubiquitous, but highly variable ecological pattern. Understanding this variation is a key challenge for community ecologists and little progress has been made using ecological trait data to predict variation in abundance and occupancy.

2. We used a data set from vascular plants in New Zealand South Island tussock grasslands measured at a landscape scale over 25 years to analyse AORs within a single habitat type.

3. We firstly modelled the interspecific relationship between abundance and occupancy across species. We then measured the deviations in the slopes of the abundance–occupancy relationship for individual species from this overall interspecific relationship and related these slope deviations to data on species’ life‐history and ecological traits.

4. Highly invasive species that increased their ranges and abundances during the 25‐year study period had significantly steeper slopes in abundance–occupancy space than the interspecific relationship although species with increased dispersal ability did not. Those species that were clonal showed significantly shallower slopes suggesting that clonality causes species to respond more slowly in occupancy than abundance to changes in their environment.

5. Synthesis. These results show that considering the population dynamics of individual species allows us to relate species’ traits to their trajectory over time in abundance–occupancy space and thus can lead to a better understanding of the variation and scatter around the interspecific abundance–occupancy pattern.
Use of the ketogenic diet and dietary practices in the UK
Authors: Lord K. , Magrath G.
Published: March 2010

Background:  In 2000, a survey showed that use of the ketogenic diet as a treatment for intractable epilepsy in the UK was low. Subsequently, the number of medical publications supporting its efficacy has increased and demand from parents for this treatment has also increased. This survey was undertaken to determine whether there had been an increase in the use of the ketogenic diet and the necessary resources to provide it.

Methods:  A survey of paediatric dietitians in the UK was undertaken. Data were collected on their experience of implementing a ketogenic diet, the type of diet used, patient caseloads, other members of the care team, the process for initiation of the diet and funding.

Results:  Twenty‐eight hospitals offered the ketogenic diet treatment with a total of 152 patients. The caseload per dietitian ranged from 1–36 patients. The classical diet was prescribed for 74% cases. The majority of patients began the diet as outpatients. Six dietitians were specifically funded to provide the treatment. Fifty more dietitians had experience of implementing the diet but currently had no patients. The reasons given for this were no referrals, no funding or not working with patients with epilepsy.

Conclusions:  The number of patients on the ketogenic diet had increased since 2000. However, numbers remained low and the main reasons given were the lack of referrals and a lack of funding. Recommendations are made to improve the dietetic and funding resources available so that an efficacious treatment for intractable epilepsy of childhood can be made more widely available.
Influence of adherence to the national guidance on nutrition screening and dietitian referral on clinical outcomes of those requiring parenteral nutrition
Authors: Vincent R. P. , Goo C. H. , Wu P. F. , Delaney H. L. , Le Roux C. W.
Published: March 2010

Background:  National guidance in the UK on nutrition support suggests that all patients should be screened on initial admission to hospital and, where appropriate, be referred to a healthcare professional. The present study aimed to investigate whether initial nutrition screening influenced the outcome of patients who received parenteral nutrition (PN).

Methods:  Data were prospectively evaluated on 100 consecutive patients referred to the multidisciplinary PN team in a teaching hospital. Information was obtained from medical notes, electronic patient records, completed PN prescription charts, dietetic record cards and nursing care plans. Patients who were treatable by nutritional supplements or enteral nutrition were not included. Patients were divided into two groups: guidance compliant and guidance noncompliant, in order to compare outcome measures such as the duration of PN treatment, total number of PN bags used per patient and length of hospital stay. Comparison of data between the two groups was carried out using either the independent samples t‐test or the Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results:  There was no difference in outcome measures between the guidance compliant and noncompliant groups. Patients in the guidance noncompliant group were more likely to be in general (77%) than critical wards (23%). Patients who were in the guidance compliant group received nutrition support earlier.

Conclusions:  Compliance with the national guidance in the UK on screening did not improve outcomes in patients requiring parenteral nutrition in this cohort. Initial nutrition screening prior to PN administration warrants further investigation to ensure value is added to patient care.
Efficacy of dietary treatments for epilepsy
Authors: Neal E. G. , Cross J. H.
Published: March 2010

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high fat, restricted carbohydrate regime that has been used as a treatment for seizures since the 1920s, when it was designed to induce a similar metabolic response to fasting. A modification of this early classical version of the KD was introduced in the 1970s using medium chain triglycerides as an alternative fat source. More recently, two alternative, less‐restrictive dietary treatments have been developed: the modified Atkins diet and the low glycaemic index diet. There are many case reports and observational studies reporting successful use of the KD, and a growing number of studies reporting similar success with the modified Atkins protocol. A recent randomised controlled trial has shown a significant benefit of the KD compared to no change in treatment. The use of these dietary therapies in the UK is supported by literature evidence, although often is limited by a lack of resources; increasing awareness and knowledge is fundamental to ensure availability for those individuals with intractable epilepsy who may benefit from them.
Season‐related variation in dietary recalls used in a paediatric population
Authors: Yannakoulia M. , Drichoutis A. C. , Kontogianni M. D. , Magkanari F.
Published: March 2010

Background:  The effect of seasonality in estimating population mean nutrient intake using a single dietary recall has not been fully explored. The present study aimed to evaluate variation in energy and nutrient intake using a single 24‐h recall between two seasons (spring/summer and autumn/winter) in a sample of children and adolescents.

Methods:  A randomly selected subgroup (n = 623) of a representative sample of 3–18‐year‐old Greek children and adolescents was used in the present analysis. Information on participants’ socio‐demographic characteristics, body weight/height and dietary intake were collected through telephone interviews. Dietary assessment was based on two 24‐h recalls (the first during the spring/summer season and the second 6 months later, during autumn/winter season).

Results:  Reported daily energy intake in spring/summer was 344 ± 130 kJ (82 ± 31 kcal) higher compared to the one in autumn/winter after adjusting for potential confounders (P = 0.008). However, the contribution of the macronutrients to the total energy intake was not statistically different between the two periods and the same was also true for vitamin C and calcium. The results remained unchanged after excluding low energy reporters.

Conclusions:  The use of a second 24‐h recall in a different season of the year does not confer additional information with regard to a population assessment of macronutrient contribution to the total energy intake in paediatric samples; its use appears to be justified in the light of a more accurate assessment of energy intake.
The current and future role of the dietetic support worker
Authors: Le Cornu K. A. , Halliday D. A. , Swift L. , Ferris L. A. , Gatiss G. A.
Published: March 2010

Background:  The role of the dietetic support worker (DSW) was developed to provide cost‐effective support to dietetic services in the National Health Service (NHS). However, there is little evidence about how the role is perceived or the impact of the introduction of Agenda for Change in 2004 (a guide to pay terms and conditions for NHS staff) on role definition. The present study aimed to gather evidence from DSWs and dietitians on the current role of the DSW to help inform the future development of the role.

Methods:  A questionnaire survey was conducted on DSWs and dietitians in 10 trusts in the East of England. Issues included qualifications, experience, training, satisfaction with Agenda for Change, supervision and responsibility. Themes were further explored by semi‐structured telephone interviews conducted on a subsample.

Results:  Eighteen out of 24 DSWs and 62 out of 98 dietitians responded to the questionnaire. The role of the DSW is highly valued by dietitians. Over three‐quarters of DSWs and over 90% of dietitians agree that the employment of DSWs improved the working lives of dietitians. Only 50% of DSWs were happy with their Agenda for Change banding, although this did not adversely affect their job satisfaction. Both groups saw the role of the DSW becoming more specialised, despite concerns about access to appropriate training and the lack of a structured career pathway.

Conclusions:  This study identified issues relating to the future development of the role of the DSW from the viewpoint of DSWs and dietetic assistants.
Distinct roles for Caf1, Ccr4, Edc3 and CutA in the co‐ordination of transcript deadenylation, decapping and P‐body formation in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Morozov Igor Y. , Jones Meriel G. , Spiller Dave G. , Rigden Daniel J. , Dattenböck Christoph , Novotny Rene , Strauss Joseph , Caddick Mark X.
Published: March 2010

Transcript degradation is a key step in gene regulation. In eukaryotes, mRNA decay is generally initiated by removal of the poly(A) tail mediated by the Ccr4–Caf1–Not complex. Deadenylated transcripts are then rapidly degraded, primarily via the decapping‐dependent pathway. Components of this pathway can be localized into highly dynamic cytoplasmic foci, the mRNA processing (P)‐bodies. We have undertaken confocal fluorescence microscopy to monitor P‐bodies in Aspergillus nidulans. As in other organisms a dynamic shift in P‐body formation occurs in response to diverse physiological signals. Significantly, both this cellular response and the signalled degradation of specific transcripts are dependent on the nuclease activity of Caf1 but not Ccr4. P‐body formation is disrupted in A. nidulans strains deleted for Edc3, an enhancer of decapping, or CutA, which encodes a nucleotidyltransferase that triggers mRNA decapping by the addition of a CUCU tag to the poly(A) tail. As with ΔcutA, Δedc3 led to reduced rates of transcript degradation. These data link P‐bodies to both the optimization and regulation of transcript degradation.