bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural responses to witnessing peer rejection after being socially excluded: fMRI as a window into adolescents' emotional processing
Authors: Masten Carrie L. , Eisenberger Naomi I. , Pfeifer Jennifer H. , Dapretto Mirella
Published: June 2013

During adolescence, concerns about peer rejection and acceptance become increasingly common. Adolescents regularly experience peer rejection firsthand and witness these behaviors among their peers. In the current study, neuroimaging techniques were employed to conduct a preliminary investigation of the affective and cognitive processes involved in witnessing peer acceptance and rejection – specifically when these witnessed events occur in the immediate aftermath of a firsthand experience with rejection. During an fMRI scan, 23 adolescents underwent a simulated experience of firsthand peer rejection. Then, immediately following this experience they watched as another adolescent was ostensibly first accepted and then rejected. Findings indicated that in the immediate aftermath of being rejected by peers, adolescents displayed neural activity consistent with distress when they saw another peer being accepted, and neural activity consistent with emotion regulation and mentalizing (e.g. perspective‐taking) processes when they saw another peer being rejected. Furthermore, individuals displaying a heightened sensitivity to firsthand rejection were more likely to show neural activity consistent with distress when observing a peer being accepted. Findings are discussed in terms of how witnessing others being accepted or rejected relates to adolescents' interpretations of both firsthand and observed experiences with peers. In addition, the potential impact that witnessed events might have on the broader perpetuation of bullying at this age is also considered.
The development of stranger fear in infancy and toddlerhood: normative development, individual differences, antecedents, and outcomes
Authors: Brooker Rebecca J. , Buss Kristin A. , Lemery‐Chalfant Kathryn , Aksan Nazan , Davidson Richard J. , Goldsmith H. Hill
Published: June 2013

Despite implications that stranger fear is an important aspect of developing behavioral inhibition, a known risk factor for anxiety, normative and atypical developmental trajectories of stranger fear across infancy and toddlerhood remain understudied. We used a large, longitudinal data set (N = 1285) including multi‐trait, multi‐method assessments of temperament to examine the normative course of development for stranger fear and to explore the possibility that individual differences exist in trajectories of stranger fear development between 6 and 36 months of age. A latent class growth analysis suggested four different trajectories of stranger fear during this period. Stable, high levels of stranger fear over time were associated with poorer RSA suppression at 6 months of age. Rates of concordance in trajectory‐based class membership for identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins, along with associations between atypical stranger fear development and greater anxiety‐related maternal characteristics, suggested that individual differences in developmental trajectories of stranger fear may be heritable. Importantly, trajectories of stranger fear during infancy and toddlerhood were linked to individual differences in behavioral inhibition, with chronically high levels of stranger fear and sharp increases in stranger fear over time related to greater levels of inhibition than other developmental trajectories.
The effect of early visual deprivation on the development of face detection
Authors: Mondloch Catherine J. , Segalowitz Sidney J. , Lewis Terri L. , Dywan Jane , Le Grand Richard , Maurer Daphne
Published: June 2013

The expertise of adults in face perception is facilitated by their ability to rapidly detect that a stimulus is a face. In two experiments, we examined the role of early visual input in the development of face detection by testing patients who had been treated as infants for bilateral congenital cataract. Experiment 1 indicated that, at age 9 to 20, patients' accuracy and response times on a Mooney face detection task were normal. Experiment 2 revealed that the neural mechanisms underlying face detection in a similar group of adult patients are abnormal: the amplitude of both the P100 and N170 event‐related potential were larger in patients than in visually normal controls, and the extent of augmentation was related to the duration of deprivation. Thus, early visual experience is necessary for the establishment of normal neural networks for face detection; abnormalities at these early processing stages may contribute to the deficits we previously reported in configural face processing for this patient cohort.
The early development of human mirror mechanisms: evidence from electromyographic recordings at 3 and 6 months
Authors: Turati Chiara , Natale Elena , Bolognini Nadia , Senna Irene , Picozzi Marta , Longhi Elena , Cassia Viola Macchi
Published: June 2013

In primates and adult humans direct understanding of others' action is provided by mirror mechanisms matching action observation and action execution (e.g. Casile, Caggiano & Ferrari, 2011). Despite the growing body of evidence detailing the existence of these mechanisms in the adult human brain, their origins and early development are largely unknown. In this study, for the first time, electromyographic (EMG) measures were used to shed light on the emergence of mirror motor mechanisms in infancy. EMG activity was recorded while 6‐ and 3‐month‐old infants watched two videos displaying an agent reaching for, grasping and bringing an object either to the mouth or to the head. Results indicate that the motor system of 6‐month‐olds, but not 3‐month‐olds, was recruited and selectively modulated during observation of the goal‐directed actions, favoring the idea that mirror mechanisms driving action understanding gradually emerge during early development.
Controlled ingestion of kaolinite (5%) modulates enteric nitrergic innervation in rats
Authors: Voinot Florian , Fischer Caroline , Schmidt Camille , Ehret‐Sabatier Laurence , Angel Fabielle
Published: June 2013

We have previously shown that kaolinite slowed down gastric emptying and intestinal transit and induced changes in enteric mechanical activities. As gastric emptying and intestinal transit have been shown to be regulated by nitric oxide (NO), the effect of an imposed ingestion of kaolinite on enteric nitrergic innervation was determined. Kaolinite has also been shown to increase plasmatic levels of leptin. Therefore, the responses of enteric neurons in the presence of leptin after kaolinite ingestion were determined, and a possible role of nitrergic neurons was evaluated in rats using organ bath technique. Our results showed that kaolinite modulates activities of enteric nerves at 14 days of ingestion. Exogenous l‐NNA produced a decrease in nerve stimulation (NS)‐induced relaxation in both jejunum and colon of control groups. At 14 days of kaolinite ingestion, this effect of l‐NNA was significantly reduced only in the jejunum. Although l‐NNA did not affect NS‐induced contraction in jejunum and colon of control animals, it increased the amplitude of the NS‐induced contraction in the colon of rats at 14 days of kaolinite ingestion. Leptin inhibitory effects on ENS in the jejunum were also altered at 14 days of ingestion. These differences were masked in the presence of l‐NNA. Our data give evidence that changes in mechanical activities induced by kaolinite might be due to alterations in inhibitory (nitrergic and/or other) innervation at 14 days of kaolinite ingestion and to modifications of leptin effects on the responses to intramural nerve stimulation.
Soil moisture's underestimated role in climate change impact modelling in low‐energy systems
Authors: le Roux Peter Christiaan , Aalto Juha , Luoto Miska
Published: June 2013

Shifts in precipitation regimes are an inherent component of climate change, but in low‐energy systems are often assumed to be less important than changes in temperature. Because soil moisture is the hydrological variable most proximally linked to plant performance during the growing season in arctic‐alpine habitats, it may offer the most useful perspective on the influence of changes in precipitation on vegetation. Here we quantify the influence of soil moisture for multiple vegetation properties at fine spatial scales, to determine the potential importance of soil moisture under changing climatic conditions. A fine‐scale data set, comprising vascular species cover and field‐quantified ecologically relevant environmental parameters, was analysed to determine the influence of soil moisture relative to other key abiotic predictors. Soil moisture was strongly related to community composition, species richness and the occurrence patterns of individual species, having a similar or greater influence than soil temperature, pH and solar radiation. Soil moisture varied considerably over short distances, and this fine‐scale heterogeneity may contribute to offsetting the ecological impacts of changes in precipitation for species not limited to extreme soil moisture conditions. In conclusion, soil moisture is a key driver of vegetation properties, both at the species and community level, even in this low‐energy system. Soil moisture conditions represent an important mechanism through which changing climatic conditions impact vegetation, and advancing our predictive capability will therefore require a better understanding of how soil moisture mediates the effects of climate change on biota.
In vitrodegradation of grass fructan by equid gastrointestinal digesta
Authors: Ince J. C. , Longland A. C. , Moore‐Colyer M. J. S. , Harris P. A.
Published: June 2013

Laminitis is a debilitating disease of the equid foot and appears to result from altered metabolism due to insulin resistance (IR) or hindgut acidosis. These disorders may be elicited by high intakes of simple sugars or fructans in pasture grasses. The aim was to determinein vitro(i) whether grass fructan is degraded in the equid foregut and (ii) the fermentation kinetics and organic acid production in cultures containing grasses differing in fructan content incubated with an equid hindgut microbial inoculum. When grass fructan was incubated with equid gastric and small intestinal digesta, polymeric fructan was partially degraded to oligo‐fructan. When incubated with small intestinal digesta, but not gastric digesta, there was limited net loss of total fructan (oligomeric + polymeric fructan). WhenLolium perenneof elevated (PRGH) or moderate (PRGL) fructan content was incubated with an equine hindgut microbial inoculum, the rate of fermentation and accumulation of lactate 6 and 9 h post‐inoculation were significantly greater forPRGHthan forPRGL(P < 0·05). This may suggest that grass fructan ingested by grazing horses is incompletely digested in the foregut and passes into the hindgut, resulting in elevated production of lactate, which may indirectly lead to metabolic disorders such as laminitis.
Quality and germination capacity of seed material harvested from an Arrhenatherion meadow
Authors: Haslgrübler P. , Krautzer B. , Blaschka A. , Graiss W. , Pötsch E. M.
Published: June 2013

Arrhenatherion meadows are an endangered type of semi‐natural grassland in Europe, and their conservation and restoration is an important policy objective. Recent research has led to development of techniques for harvesting seed material from regional donor sites and strategies for re‐establishment of species‐rich grassland, but their practical application requires that consumers are guaranteed sufficient seed quality of directly harvested material. Methods for the evaluation of purity, thousand seed weight (TSW) and germination capacity were developed and tested, a pre‐condition to define the optimal seeding rate for this vegetation type (2000–3000 seeds m−2). The assessment was based on seed obtained by two harvesting techniques: on‐site threshing (OST) and seed stripping (SS). Materials from both methods obtained 63% pure seeds. The TSW differed significantly between harvesting methods: the OST provided greater seed weight (1·057 g) than the SS (0·84 g). Two trials were implemented to define criteria for the germination capacity test. Organic growing media obtained the best and most homogenous results in a first comparative germination test. In the second trial, different dormancy‐breaking treatments were compared, each with and without pre‐chilling, namely: addition of potassium nitrate (KNO3), addition of gibberellic acid (GA3) and without addition of chemicals (WA). The germination capacity of the treated variants KNO3, GA3 and pre‐chilling was lower than that for WA. The harvesting method significantly influenced quality and quantity of the seed material, whereas the substrate and dormancy‐breaking treatments had no effect.
Grassland responses to grazing disturbance: plant diversity changes with grazing intensity in a desert steppe
Authors: Deng L. , Sweeney S. , Shangguan Z.‐P.
Published: June 2013

This study quantifies the impact of four different grazing regimes (heavy, moderate, light and ungrazed) on the vegetation dynamics of rangeland ecosystems along the southern boundary area of the Mu Us Desert, China. As the grazing intensities decreased, the soil quality, canopy cover, height, density, above‐ and below‐ground biomass, litter, root/shoot ratio and native plant (Aneurolepidium dasystachys) and grass abundances significantly increased; the above‐ground biomass of grasses increased, but the above‐ground biomass of forbs decreased. Ungrazed grassland has significantly improved from grasslands experiencing three other levels of grazing pressure, especially in the grassland biomass. Species richness increased as the grazing intensity decreased in the grazing grasslands, but peak species richness appeared under moderate and light grazing against lower productivity. Grazing exclusion causes desirable transitions in plant communities of desert steppe rangelands. Therefore, appropriate and efficient grazing exclusion is an available way to counteract local grassland degradation and promote rangeland sustainability.
Assessing population maturity of three perennial grass species: Influence of phenology and tiller demography along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients
Authors: Rossignol N. , Andueza D. , Carrère P. , Cruz P. , Duru M. , Fiorelli J.‐L. , Michaud A. , Plantureux S. , Pottier E. , Baumont R.
Published: June 2013

To assess the whole‐sward maturity, which is a primary concern for grassland managers, we studied three forage grass species with contrasting phenology over a range of climatic conditions among sites. We considered two main issues: (i) How is grass population maturity related to population phenology, and is this relation affected by environmental factors? and (ii) Is the sum of temperatures a good index to describe phenological development under contrasting climates? To explore the role of temperature accumulation in species population development, we described the phenological development of populations of three grass species along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients at eight locations across France. We used a numerical index of tiller development to quantify sward morphological structure and discriminate phenological peak from average maturity. We report that phenological development rates were similar among sites for each species, but required fewer growing degree days to start at higher latitudes and altitudes. However, we found that population maturity and phenological peak differed significantly due to among‐site variability in vegetative tiller percentage in whole‐population biomass. Our results underlined the importance of considering tiller distribution among phenological stages, especially tiller development synchrony, together with phenology to assess sward maturity in semi‐natural permanent grasslands.
Genetic connections among Turkic‐speaking Iranian ethnic groups based on HLA class II gene diversity
Authors: Farjadian S. , Safi S.
Published: June 2013

Iran is a linguistically heterogeneous nation where Persian, Turkic and Arabic are the three main language families spoken. Based on their linguistic properties, Qashqais, Turkmens and Azeris are Turkic‐speaking people. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether any genetic relationship exists among the Turkic‐speaking Iranian subpopulations based on HLA class II gene diversity. HLA‐DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 alleles were identified by PCR‐based methods in 100 Qashqais and 66 Turkmens, and the results were compared with our previously published HLA data for Azeris. Despite a number of allelic and haplotypic similarities, Qashqais, Turkmens and Azeris were not in the same clade of the phylogenetic tree. However, based on the results of principal coordinates analysis, they are grouped together with Kurds and Bakhtiaris. Contrary to their common linguistic features, the Turkic‐speaking people of Iran are closer to other Iranian subpopulations than to the people of Turkey and central Asia. Overall, it seems that linguistic criteria alone are not able to determine the relationships among these populations, and a combination of different kinds of anthropological information should be used to determine their actual phylogenetic relationships.
Gendered Perspectives on Integration Discourses and Measures
Authors: Kofman Eleonore , Saharso Sawitri , Vacchelli Elena
Published: June 2013

This article focuses on gendered discourses in integration policy and the problems immigrants pose in the reproduction of inequalities in a number of European countries. There has been little consideration of how gender categories operate in relation to broader political discourses around the construction of ‘us’ and ‘them’ and the constitution of national social and political communities and identities. Yet gender issues have become significant in the backlash against multiculturalism and gender and sexual relations have moved to the centre of debates about the necessity to enforce integration, if not assimilation. The first section outlines recent developments in the immigration‐integration nexus in different European states. The second section draws out some of the reasons for the focus on family migration and spouses who are seen as the main importers of the ‘backward’ practices and with ‘doubtful’ parenting practices for future generations of citizens. The third section tackles the shift of current debates about integration of migrant women from the periphery, where they were largely invisible or mere appendages of men, to the centre, where they have acquired in the process a heightened, though not necessarily positive, visibility. Too often, representations of migrant women are based on a homogenised image of uneducated and backward migrants as victims of patriarchal cultures, legitimizing in this way the use of immigration controls to reduce the numbers entering and to tackle broader social issues, as has clearly been the case with forced marriages. Furthermore, the more discourses focus on Muslim women and Islam as inimical to European societies, the more the debate becomes culturalised and marginalises the socio‐economic dimension of integration and the structural inequalities migrants face. Thus pre‐entry tests may have less to do with integration than with a desire to reduce the flow of marriage migrants or to raise their human capital.
Dynamics of immune effector mechanisms during infection with Mycobacterium avium in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Haug Markus , Awuh Jane A. , Steigedal Magnus , Frengen Kojen June , Marstad Anne , Nordrum Ivar S. , Halaas Øyvind , Flo Trude H.
Published: June 2013

Opportunistic infections with non‐tuberculous mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium avium are receiving renewed attention because of increased incidence and difficulties in treatment. As for other mycobacterial infections, a still poorly understood collaboration of different immune effector mechanisms is required to confer protective immunity. Here we have characterized the interplay of innate and adaptive immune effector mechanisms contributing to containment in a mouse infection model using virulent M. avium strain 104 in C57BL/6 mice. M. avium caused chronic infection in mice, as shown by sustained organ bacterial load. In the liver, bacteria were contained in granuloma‐like structures that could be defined morphologically by expression of the antibacterial innate effector protein Lipocalin 2 in the adjoining hepatocytes and infiltrating neutrophils, possibly contributing to containment. Circulatory anti‐mycobacterial antibodies steadily increased throughout infection and were primarily of the IgM isotype. Highest levels of interferon‐γ were found in infected liver, spleen and serum of mice approximately 2 weeks post infection and coincided with a halt in organ bacterial growth. In contrast, expression of tumour necrosis factor was surprisingly low in spleen compared with liver. We did not detect interleukin‐17 in infected organs or M. avium‐specific T helper 17 cells, suggesting a minor role for T helper 17 cells in this model. A transient and relative decrease in regulatory T cell numbers was seen in spleens. This detailed characterization of M. avium infection in C57BL/6 mice may provide a basis for future studies aimed at gaining better insight into mechanisms leading to containment of infections with non‐tuberculous mycobacteria.
Multi‐functional plasmacytoid dendritic cells redistribute to gut tissues during simian immunodeficiency virus infection
Authors: Li Haiying , Gillis Jacqueline , Johnson R. Paul , Reeves R. Keith
Published: June 2013

The objective of this study was to determine the systemic effects of chronic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). pDCs play a critical role in antiviral immunity, but current data are conflicting on whether pDCs inhibit HIV/SIV replication, or, alternatively, contribute to chronic immune activation and disease. Furthermore, previous pDC studies have been complicated by incomplete descriptions of generalized depletion during HIV/SIV infection, and the effects of infection on pDCs outside peripheral blood remain unclear. In scheduled‐sacrifice studies of naive and chronically SIV‐infected rhesus macaques we evaluated the distribution and functionality of pDCs in multiple tissues using surface and intracellular polychromatic flow cytometry. As previously observed, pDCs were reduced in peripheral blood and spleens, but were also depleted in non‐lymphoid organs such as the liver. Interestingly, pDCs accumulated up to fourfold in jejunum, colon and gut‐draining lymph nodes, but not in peripheral lymph nodes. Most unexpectedly, SIV infection induced a multi‐functional interferon‐α, tumour necrosis factor‐α, and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β cytokine secretion phenotype, whereas in normal animals these were generally distinct and separate functions. Herein we show a systemic redistribution of pDCs to gut tissues and gut‐draining lymph nodes during chronic SIV infection, coupled to a novel multi‐functional cytokine‐producing phenotype. While pDC accumulation in the mucosa could aid in virus control, over‐production of cytokines from these cells could also contribute to the increased immune activation in the gut mucosa commonly associated with progressive lentivirus infections.
Counting pandemic deaths: comparing reported numbers of deaths from influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 with estimated excess mortality
Authors: Gran Jon Michael , Kacelnik Oliver , Grjibovski Andrei M. , Aavitsland Preben , Iversen Bjørn G.
Published: June 2013

Background

During the wave 1 of the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, Norway appeared to be suffering from high mortality rates. However, by the end of the pandemic, it was widely reported that the number of deaths were much lower than previous years.

Objectives

The mortality burden from influenza is often assessed by two different approaches: counting influenza‐certified deaths and estimating the mortality burden using models. The purpose of this study is to compare the number of reported deaths with results from two different models for estimating excess mortality during the pandemic in Norway. Additionally, mortality estimates for the pandemic season are compared with non‐pandemic influenza seasons.

Methods

Numbers on reported influenza A(N1h1)pdm09 deaths are gived by the Cause of Death Registry at Statistics Norway and an ad hoc registry at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Overall and Pnemumonia and Influenza certified mortality is modeled using Poission regression, adjusting for levels of reported influenza‐like illness and seasonal and year‐to‐year variation.

Results and conclusions

Modelling results suggest that the excess mortality in older age groups is considerably lower during the pandemic than non‐pandemic seasons, but there are indications of an excess beyond what was reported during the pandemic. This highlights the benefits of both methods and the importance of explaining where these numbers come from.
Glutamatergic and GABAergic energy metabolism measured in the rat brain by 13C NMR spectroscopy at 14.1 T
Authors: Duarte João M. N. , Gruetter Rolf
Published: June 2013

Energy metabolism supports both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission processes. This study investigated the specific contribution of astrocytic metabolism to γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) synthesis and inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission that remained to be ilucidated in vivo. Therefore, we measured 13C incorporation into brain metabolites by dynamic 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 14.1 T in rats under α‐chloralose anaesthesia during infusion of [1,6‐13C]glucose. The enhanced sensitivity at 14.1 T allowed to quantify incorporation of 13C into the three aliphatic carbons of GABA non‐invasively. Metabolic fluxes were determined with a mathematical model of brain metabolism comprising glial, glutamatergic and GABAergic compartments. GABA synthesis rate was 0.11 ± 0.01 μmol/g/min. GABA‐glutamine cycle was 0.053 ± 0.003 μmol/g/min and accounted for 22 ± 1% of total neurotransmitter cycling between neurons and glia. Cerebral glucose oxidation was 0.47 ± 0.02 μmol/g/min, of which 35 ± 1% and 7 ± 1% was diverted to the glutamatergic and GABAergic tricarboxylic acid cycles, respectively. The remaining fraction of glucose oxidation was in glia, where 12 ± 1% of the TCA cycle flux was dedicated to oxidation of GABA. 16 ± 2% of glutamine synthesis was provided to GABAergic neurons. We conclude that substantial metabolic activity occurs in GABAergic neurons and that glial metabolism supports both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in the living rat brain.

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We performed 13C NMR spectroscopy in vivo at high magnetic field (14.1 T) upon administration of [1,6‐13C]glucose. This allowed to measure 13C incorporation into the three aliphatic carbons of GABA in the rat brain, in addition to those of glutamate, glutamine and aspartate. These data were then modelled to determine fluxes of energy metabolism in GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons and glial cells.
Endothelial nitric oxide deficiency promotes Alzheimer's disease pathology
Authors: Austin Susan A. , Santhanam Anantha V. , Hinton David J. , Choi Doo‐Sup , Katusic Zvonimir S.
Published: June 2013

Aging and the presence of cerebrovascular disease are associated with increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease. A common feature of aging and cerebrovascular disease is decreased endothelial nitric oxide (NO). We studied the effect of a loss of endothelium derived NO on amyloid precursor protein (APP) related phenotype in late middle aged (LMA) (14–15 month) endothelial nitric oxide synthase deficient (eNOS−/−) mice. APP, β‐site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE) 1, and amyloid beta (Aβ) levels were significantly higher in the brains of LMA eNOS−/− mice as compared with LMA wild‐type controls. APP and Aβ1‐40 were increased in hippocampal tissue of eNOS−/− mice as compared with wild‐type mice. LMA eNOS−/− mice displayed an increased inflammatory phenotype as compared with LMA wild‐type mice. Importantly, LMA eNOS−/− mice performed worse in a radial arm maze test of spatial learning and memory as compared with LMA wild‐type mice. These data suggest that chronic loss of endothelial NO may be an important contributor to both Aβ related pathology and cognitive decline.

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Cardiovascular risk factors are associated with increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A common feature of these risk factors is decreased endothelial nitric oxide (NO). We observed, in mice deficient in endothelial nitric oxide synthase, increased amyloid precursor protein (APP), β‐site APP cleaving enzyme 1, amyloid beta levels, microglial activation, and impaired spatial memory. This suggests chronic loss of endothelial NO may be an important contributor to the pathogenesis of sporadic AD.
Exploring staff diabetes medication knowledge and practices in regional residential care: triangulation study
Authors: Wellard Sally Jane , Rasmussen Bodil , Savage Sally , Dunning Trisha
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

This study is drawn from a larger project that aimed to identify the staffing and organisational factors influencing the quality of diabetes care for older people living in residential care in regional Victoria, Australia. The focus of the current study is on medication management for residents with diabetes.

Background

With a continuous rise in diabetes in the population, there is an associated increase in the prevalence of diabetes in aged care residential settings. However, there is little specific guidance on how to manage diabetes in older people living in institutional settings who experience multiple concurrent chronic conditions.

Design

A triangulation strategy consisting of three phases.

Methods

A one‐shot cross‐sectional survey (n = 68) focus group interviews and a case file audit (n = 20). Data were collected between May 2009–January 2010.

Findings

Staff knowledge of diabetes and its contemporary medication management was found to be suboptimal. Challenges to managing residents with diabetes included limited time, resident characteristics and communication systems. Additionally, the variability in medical support available to residents and a high level of polypharmacy added to the complexity of medication management of resident.

Conclusions

The current study suggests administering medicine to residents in aged care settings is difficult and has potentially serious medical, professional and economic consequences. Limitations to staff knowledge of contemporary diabetes care and medications potentially place residents with diabetes at risk of receiving less than optimal diabetes care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Providing evidence‐based guidelines about diabetes care in residential care settings is essential to achieve acceptable outcomes and increase the quality of life for residents in public aged care. Continuing education programs in diabetes care specifically related to medication must be provided to all health professionals and encompass scope of practice.
Religion and self‐management of Thai Buddhist and Muslim women with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lundberg Pranee C , Thrakul Supunnee
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To report of a qualitative study of how religion affects the self‐management of Thai Buddhist and Muslim women with type 2 diabetes.

Background

The importance of diabetes self‐management is well recognised. However, research on such self‐management in Thailand is scarce, in particular on the influence of religion on the self‐management of Thai Buddhist and Muslim women with type 2 diabetes.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted.

Methods

Purposive convenience sampling was used, and 48 women, 19 Buddhist and 29 Muslim, aged from 28–80 years, participated. Data were collected in 2008–09 and analysed by use of manifest and latent content analysis.

Results

Four themes of the influence of religion on the self‐management among Thai women with type 2 diabetes emerged: religion – a way of coping with diabetes, spiritual practice – a help for disease control, spiritual practice – an effort to struggle with everyday life, and support from family – a cultural practice.

Conclusions

The Buddhist and Muslim women had self‐management capabilities that were often related to their religions. However, many of them had poor control of their blood sugar levels and needed assistance.

Relevance to clinical practice

Reference to religion and spiritual practice can be an effective means of helping diabetes patients better manage their disease and change their lifestyles. Furthermore, family and economic and social environments should be taken into account both in care and in interventions aimed at helping patients cope and empowering them to control their disease.
Implications for school nursing through interprofessional education and practice
Authors: Lam Winsome , Chan Engle A , Yeung Kit SS
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore the interprofessional collaboration between nursing and social work professionals in their delivery of health services for schoolchildren.

Background

Interprofessional education has long been recommended as a way to meet the need for effective collaboration in school health service with a view to improving the quality of health care. No local study in Hong Kong has looked specifically at how nursing and social work professionals carry out school health services through interprofessional education and practice. Therefore, an examination was conducted of collaboration on a community‐based school caring project.

Design

A qualitative design was employed, using semi‐structured interviews, field observation and field debriefing.

Methods

Seven nursing students and five social work students were recruited and interviewed in 2011. The transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified: (1) early identification of children's needs through interprofessional collaboration for health promotion, (2) prompt referral for schoolchildren in need, and (3) comprehensive planning and implementation of school health service.

Conclusion

The strength of collaborative work between nursing and social work professionals is that it helps to identify and address these complex health needs of children. Healthcare providers are hence able to develop a fuller understanding of children's problems, which in turn enables them to provide appropriate and effective health promotion interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice

The development of interprofessional education for school health services should be envisaged by the local higher educational institute and policy makers to reduce children's risk‐taking behaviours and promote their health and well‐being. Health educators and health policy makers can better understand how interprofessional education and collaboration can promote children health service for regional and national policy and practice.
Certified nursing assistants’ perception of pain in people with dementia: a hermeneutic enquiry in dementia care practice
Authors: Karlsson Christina , Sidenvall Birgitta , Bergh Ingrid , Ernsth‐Bravell Marie
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To interpret certified nursing assistants’ perception of pain in people with dementia in nursing care practice.

Background

Detection and understanding of pain in people with dementia remains a challenge due to their difficulty in verbalising their pain. Nursing assistants provide daily nursing care and therefore play a vital role in pain detection. Nevertheless, pain research from the nursing assistants’ perspective is sparse.

Design

A qualitative approach within the interpretive tradition was adopted.

Methods

Individual interviews with twelve certified nursing assistants, all working in dementia care, were conducted and interpreted using philosophical hermeneutics.

Results

Nursing assistants’ perception of pain is on three levels. Each level consists of a theme. The first theme ‘Being in the facing phase’ refers to the initial perception of the person's expressions. The second theme ‘Being in the reflecting phase’ means ability to reflect more deeply on one's perception, together with other colleagues and next of kins. The third theme ‘Being in the acting phase’ means perception arising from preventive and protective care focusing on contributing to well‐being. The themes served as a basis for comprehensive understanding, where perception of pain arises from closeness, compassion and dialogue based on personhood, accompanied by professional knowledge of pain and dementia.

Conclusion

Nursing assistants’ perception of pain is based on ethical concerns and on their own subjective pain experiences rather than on medical skills. Their perception derives from fundamental values that are important aspects of nursing care. Interdisciplinary solidarity may strengthen cooperation amongst CNAs and RNs to achieve best pain management practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

Attention to nursing assistants’ perception of pain needs to be highlighted when they are front‐line staff and have developed important pain detection skills. Their skills are essential complements and must be used in the development of pain management in dementia care practice.
The prescribing practices of nurses who care for patients with skin conditions: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Carey Nicola , Courtenay Molly , Stenner Karen
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore the practice of nurses who prescribe medication for patients with skin conditions.

Background

Nurses have lead roles in dermatology services. In the United Kingdom, nurses in primary care frequently prescribe medicines for skin conditions, but there are concerns about role preparation and access to continuing professional development. The prescribing practices of nurse independent supplementary prescribers who care for patients with skin conditions are under‐researched.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

An online questionnaire was used to survey 186 nurses who prescribed for skin conditions from May–July 2010. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests.

Results

The majority worked in primary care (78%) and general practice (111, 59·7%). Twenty (10·8%) had specialist modules (at diploma, degree or master's level), 104 (55·9%) had dermatology training (e.g. study days), 44 (23·7%) had no training, and a further 18 (9·6%) did not respond. Oral antibiotics, topical antifungal and antibacterial drugs were frequently prescribed. Nurses with specialist dermatology training used their qualification in a greater number of ways, prescribed the broadest range of products and prescribed more items per week. Over 70% reporting on continuing professional development had been able to access it.

Conclusions

A large number of nurses in primary care prescribe medicines for skin conditions and are involved in medicines management activities. Lack of specialist dermatology training is a concern and associated with lower prescribing–related activities. Access to dermatology training and continuing professional development are required to support nurse development in this area of practice and maximise benefits.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurse prescribers' involvement in medicines management activities has important implications in terms of improving access to services, efficiency and cost savings. To maximise their contribution, improved provision of specialist dermatology training is required. This will be of interest to education providers and service planners in the UK and countries around the world.
Five‐year results of a prospective randomised controlled clinical trial of posterior computer‐aided design–computer‐aided manufacturing ZrSiO4‐ceramic crowns
Authors: Passia N. , Stampf S. , Strub J. R.
Published: June 2013

The aim of this prospective randomised controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical outcome of shrinkage‐free ZrSiO4‐ceramic full‐coverage crowns on premolars and molars in comparison with conventional gold crowns over a 5‐year period. Two hundred and twenty‐three patients were included and randomly divided into two treatment groups. One hundred and twenty‐three patients were restored with 123 ZrSiO4‐ceramic crowns, and 100 patients received 100 gold crowns, which served as the control. All crowns were conventionally cemented with glass–ionomer cement. After an observation period of 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months, the survival probability (Kaplan–Meier) for the shrinkage‐free ZrSiO4‐ceramic crowns was 98·3%, 92·0%, 84·7%, 79% and 73·2% and for the gold crowns, 99%, 97·9%, 95·7%, 94·6% and 92·3%, respectively. The difference between the test and control group was statistically significant (P = 0·0027). The gold crowns showed a better marginal integrity with less marginal discoloration than the ceramic crowns. The most common failure in the ceramic crown group was fracture of the crown. The 60‐month results of this prospective randomised controlled clinical trial suggest that the use of these shrinkage‐free ZrSiO4‐ceramic crowns in posterior tooth restorations cannot be recommended.
Parents Differentiate Between Their Personal Values and Their Socialization Values: The Role of Adolescents' Values
Authors: Benish‐Weisman Maya , Levy Sigal , Knafo Ariel
Published: June 2013

This study focuses on the differentiation process, involving the emergence of a distinction between parents' own personal values and their socialization values (the values they want their children to adopt), and on the contribution of children's values to their parents' socialization values. Measures of personal and socialization values were administrated to 603 Israeli adolescents and their parents. As we hypothesized, parents differentiate between their personal values and their socialization values. Moreover, adolescents' values had a specific contribution to their parents' socialization values. These findings provide new support to the notion that the socialization process should be considered as the result of the interaction between parents and their adolescent children rather than as a unidirectional process affected by parents alone.
Family Violence, Bullying, Fighting, and Substance Use Among Adolescents: A Longitudinal Mediational Model
Authors: Espelage Dorothy L. , Low Sabina , Rao Mrinalini A. , Hong Jun S. , Little Todd D.
Published: June 2013

Social interaction learning theory provides a framework for understanding the potential overlap among adolescent problem behaviors such as family violence, aggression, and substance use. The current study assessed the longitudinal, reciprocal relations among family violence, bullying perpetration, fighting perpetration, and adolescent substance use using a sample of 1,232 students from four Midwestern middle schools. Students completed measures on family dynamics, bullying and fighting behaviors, and alcohol and drug use three times over 18 months. Structural equation modeling results indicated that bullying and fighting perpetration mediated the link between family violence and substance use only for males, but not for females. For females, family violence at Wave 1 was related to greater substance use at Wave 3.
Comparative digestibility of low‐quality grass hay by two breeds of cattle differing in mature live weight
Authors: Lourenço A. L. , Dias‐da‐Silva A. , Santos A. S. , Rodrigues M. A. M. , Cone J. W. , Ferreira L. M. M.
Published: June 2013

The digestive capacity of the Portuguese native breed of Barrosão cattle and the Holstein–Friesian breed was measured when fed meadow hay (72–74 g CP and 641–671 g NDF/kg dry matter), offered either alone or supplemented with soya bean meal (150 g/kg dry matter), at maintenance level. Four mature cows of each breed were used. Average initial live weight (LW) was 457 and 635 kg for the Barrosão and the Holstein–Friesian cows respectively. The organic matter digestibility (OMD) of the meadow hay was higher in Holstein–Friesian than in Barrosão cows (p < 0.08) whether supplemented or not. The neutral detergent fibre digestibility of the hay was also higher in Holstein–Frisian when the hay was fed alone (p < 0.08). The soya bean meal supplementation increased the OMD and the NDFD digestibility of the total diet (p < 0.05), but not the OMD digestibility of the hay (p > 0.05). The results obtained in this study suggest a higher ability to digest fibre in the large dairy breed than in the small native breed. This suggestion is also supported by previous findings with sheep breeds largely differing in mature live weight.
Survival in low light: photosynthesis and growth of a red alga in relation to measured in situ irradiance
Authors: Pritchard Daniel W. , Hurd Catriona L. , Beardall John , Hepburn Christopher D.
Published: June 2013

Reduced light availability for benthic primary producers as a result of anthropogenic activities may be an important driver of change in coastal seas. However, our knowledge of the minimum light requirements for benthic macroalgae limits our understanding of how these changes may affect primary productivity and the functioning of coastal ecosystems. This knowledge gap is particularly acute in deeper water, where the impacts of increased light attenuation will be most severe. We examined the minimum light requirements of Anotrichium crinitum, which dominates near the maximum depth limit for macroalgae throughout New Zealand and Southern Australia, and is a functional analog of rhodophyte macroalgae in temperate low‐light (deep‐water) habitats throughout the world. These data show that A. crinitum is a shade‐adapted seaweed with modest light requirements for the initiation of net photosynthesis (1.49–2.25 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1) and growth (0.12–0.19 mol photons · m−2 · d−1). A. crinitum maintains high photosynthetic efficiency and pigment content and a low C:N ratio throughout the year and can maintain biomass under sub‐compensation (critical) light levels for at least 5 d. Nevertheless, in situ photon flux is less than the minimum light requirement for A. crinitum on at least 103 d per annum and is rarely sufficient to saturate growth. These findings reinforce the importance of understanding the physiological response of macroalgae at the extremes of environmental gradients and highlight the need to establish minimum thresholds that modification of the subtidal light environment should not cross.