bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of shade on the container index and pupal productivity of the mosquitoesAedes aegyptiandCulex pipiensbreeding in artificial containers
Authors: VEZZANI D. , ALBICÓCCO A. P.
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess whether certain attributes of larval breeding sites are correlated with pupal productivity (i.e. numbers of pupae collected per sampling period), so that these could be used as the focus for control measures to enhance control efficiency. Therefore, the objectives were to identify the months of highest pupal productivity ofAedes aegypti(L.) andCulex pipiensL. (Diptera: Culicidae) in an urban temperate cemetery in Argentina where artificial containers of < 6 L (flower vases) were the predominant breeding habitats, to compare various measures of the productivity of sunlit and shaded containers and to determine whether the composition of the containers affected pupal productivity. Over a period of 9 months, 200 randomly chosen water‐filled containers (100 sunlit and 100 shaded), out of ∼ 3738 containers present (∼ 54% in shade), were examined each month within a cemetery (5 ha) in Buenos Aires (October 2006 to June 2007). In total, 3440 immatures ofCx pipiensand 1974 ofAe. aegyptiwere collected. The larvae : pupae ratio was 10 times greater for the former, indicating that larval mortality was greater forCx pipiens. Both mosquito species showed a higher container index (CI) in shaded than in sunlit containers (Ae. aegypti: 12.8% vs. 6.9% [χ2 = 17.6,P < 0.001];Cx pipiens: 6.3% vs. 1.8% [χ2 = 24,P < 0.001]). However, the number and the density of immatures per infested container and the number of pupae per pupa‐positive container did not differ significantly between sunlit and shaded containers for either species. Therefore, the overall relative productivity of pupae per ha ofAe. aegyptiandCx pipienswas 2.3 and 1.8 times greater, respectively, in shaded than in sunlit areas as a result of the greater CIs of containers in shaded areas. Neither the CI nor the number of immatures per infested container differed significantly among container types of different materials in either lighting condition. The maximum CI and total pupal counts occurred in March forAe. aegyptiand in January and February forCx pipiens. The estimated peak abundance of pupae in the whole cemetery reached a total of ∼ 4388 in the middle of March forAe. aegyptiand ∼ 1059 in the middle of January forCx pipiens. Spearman’s correlations between monthly total productivity and monthly CI were significant atP < 0.001 forAe. aegypti(rs = 0.975) andP < 0.01 forCx pipiens(rs = 0.869). Our findings indicate that the efficacy of control campaigns against the two most important mosquito vectors in temperate Argentina could be improved by targeting containers in shaded areas, with maximum effort during species‐specific times of year when pupal productivity is at its peak.
Species‐specific mitochondrial gene rearrangements in biting midges and vector species identification
Authors: MATSUMOTO Y. , YANASE T. , TSUDA T. , NODA H.
Published: February 2009

Abstract Partial mitochondrial gene sequences of 16 Culicoides species were determined to elucidate phylogenetic relations among species and to develop a molecular identification method for important virus vector species. In addition, the analysis found mitochondrial gene rearrangement in several species. Sequences of the mitochondrial genome region, cox1–trnL2–cox2 (1940–3785 bp) of 16 Culicoides and additional sequences were determined in some species, including whole mitochondrial genome sequences of Culicoides arakawae. Nine species showed common organization in this region, with three genes cox1–trnL2–cox2 and a small or no intergenic region (0–30 bp) between them. The other seven species showed translocation of tRNA and protein‐coding genes and/or insertion of AT‐rich non‐coding sequences (65–1846 bp) between the genes. The varied gene rearrangements among species within a genus is very rare for mitochondrial genome organization. Phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of cox1+cox2 suggest a few clades among Japanese Culicoides species. No relationships between phylogenetic closeness and mitochondrial gene rearrangements were observed. Sequence data were used to establish a polymerase chain reaction tool to distinguish three important vector species from other Culicoides species, for which classification during larval stages is not advanced and identification is difficult.
Immune and genetic aspects of asthma, allergy and parasitic worm infections: evolutionary links
Authors: HOPKIN J.
Published: February 2009

There are important parallels in the immunobiology of allergy and asthma, and of the human host's response to parasitic worms. Th‐2 immune actions with ‘weep and sweep’ mucosal biology are common to both – pathological in the first and protective in the second. Common up‐regulating genetic variants of Th‐2 immunity, notably in IL13 and STAT6, predict increased risk of asthma and allergy, but diminished intensity of infection by Ascaris and Schistosoma. Endemic exposures of humans to parasitic worms may have been one evolutionary force selecting for genetic variants that promote asthma and allergy.
Influence of foliar and systemically applied azadirachtin on host‐plant evaluation behaviour of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci
Authors: WEN JI‐HUI , LIN KE‐JIAN , HOU MAO‐LIN , LU WEI , LI JIA‐WEN
Published: February 2009

Abstract The behaviour of female adult Bemisia tabaci is observed for a period of 20 min after initial contact with untreated cucumber leaves, or leaves either foliar or systemically treated with azadirachtin, to determine whether application of azadirachtin affects the host‐evaluation behaviour and whether the behaviour on treated leaves differs between application methods. Application of azadirachtin deters settling of the whiteflies on host plants. The whiteflies probe for shorter duration and less frequently but spend longer and engage more frequently in labial grooming on treated leaves than on untreated leaves. Behavioural transition between probing and other behavioural elements is less common, and that between labial grooming and other behavioural elements more common, on both treated leaves than on untreated leaves. No difference is detected in the host‐evaluation behaviour of B. tabaci between leaves foliar treated and systemically treated with azadirachtin.
The lack of floral synthesis and emission of isoeugenol in Petunia axillaris subsp. parodii is due to a mutation in the isoeugenol synthase gene
Authors: Koeduka Takao , Orlova Irina , Baiga Thomas J. , Noel Joseph P. , Dudareva Natalia , Pichersky Eran
Published: February 2009

Floral scent has been extensively investigated in plants of the South American genus Petunia. Flowers of Petunia integrifolia emit mostly benzaldehyde, while flowers of Petunia axillaris subsp. axillaris emit a mixture of volatile benzenoid and phenylpropanoid compounds that include isoeugenol and eugenol. Flowers of the artificial hybrid Petunia hybrida, a cross between P. integrifolia and P. axillaris, emit a similar spectrum of volatiles as P. axillaris subsp. axillaris. However, the flowers of P. axillaris subsp. parodii emit neither isoeugenol nor eugenol but contain high levels of dihydroconiferyl acetate in the petals, the main scent‐synthesizing and scent‐emitting organs. We recently showed that both isoeugenol and eugenol in P. hybrida are biosynthesized from coniferyl acetate in reactions catalyzed by isoeugenol synthase (PhIGS1) and eugenol synthase (PhEGS1), respectively, via a quinone methide‐like intermediate. Here we show that P. axillaris subsp. parodii has a functional EGS gene that is expressed in flowers, but its IGS gene contains a frame‐shift mutation that renders it inactive. Despite the presence of active EGS enzyme in P. axillaris subsp. parodii, in the absence of IGS activity the coniferyl acetate substrate is converted by an as yet unknown enzyme to dihydroconiferyl acetate. By contrast, suppressing the expression of PhIGS1 in P. hybrida by RNA interference also leads to a decrease in isoeugenol biosynthesis, but instead of the accumulation of dihydroconiferyl acetate, the flowers synthesize higher levels of eugenol.
Seed dispersal by forage harvester and rigid‐tine cultivator in maize
Authors: HEIJTING S , VAN DER WERF W , KROPFF M J
Published: February 2009

Heijting S, van der Werf W & Kropff MJ (2009). Seed dispersal by forage harvester and rigid‐tine cultivator in maize. Weed Research49, 153–163.

Harvest and tillage operations are a major factor in seed dispersal in agricultural crops. We studied the effect of harvesting and cultivation on seed dispersal in continuous maize. A suite of cultivated plant species were used as model weed species to avoid potential sampling problems. Dispersal on the entire field was assessed by counting emerged seedlings in contiguous quadrats. Species that had seeds on the plant at the time of harvest were spread further in the direction of traffic by harvest and cultivation combined than species whose seeds had been placed on the soil surface, as judged by the 50th, 90th and 95th percentiles of the cumulative dispersal distribution. Harvesting alone did not cause this effect. The use of a cultivator after harvesting significantly increased the distance travelled in the driving direction for three species with ripe seeds during harvest. Dispersal distributions resulting from cultivator operations showed long tails, extending over the whole of the sampled area, and they were quite variable. The headlands accumulated plant debris that had been collected and dragged over the field by the cultivator. This study shows how weed biology and its interaction with machinery can facilitate dispersal of plants at the field scale.
CD‐sens: a biological measure of immunological changes stimulated by ASIT
Authors: Nopp A. , Cardell L. O. , Johansson S. G. O. , Öman H.
Published: February 2009

Background:  Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (ASIT) in allergic rhinitis and asthma is the only treatment that effects the long‐term development of these diseases. Basophil allergen threshold sensitivity, CD‐sens, which is a valuable complement to resource‐demanding clinical challenge tests, was used to monitor the initiation of ASIT induced allergen ‘blocking activity’.

Methods:  Patients IgE‐sensitized to timothy (n = 14) or birch (n = 19) pollen were started on conventional (8–16 weeks) or ultra rush ASIT, respectively, and followed by measurements of CD‐sens, allergen binding activity (ABA) and serum IgG4‐ and IgE‐antibody concentrations.

Results:  CD‐sens decreased during the early phase of ASIT‐treatment. In parallel, ABA increased and correlated significantly with the increasing levels of IgG4 antibody concentrations. High dosages of allergen were more effective while mode of dosing up did not seem to matter. No change was seen in basophil reactivity.

Conclusion:  CD‐sens and ABA, in contrast to basophil reactivity, seem to be promising tools to monitor protective immune responses initiated by ASIT.
Ozone exposure and its influence on the worsening of childhood asthma
Authors: Sousa S. I. V. , Alvim‐Ferraz M. C. M. , Martins F. G. , Pereira M. C.
Published: February 2009

Background:  It is well documented that high levels of many airborne pollutants can adversely affect many systems of the human body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the specific impact of ozone (O3) on the worsening of childhood asthma, comparing children living at regions with high and low O3 concentrations (reference site) without the confounding effects of other pollutants.

Methods:  Pollutant concentrations were monitored and data concerning asthma prevalence were collected through a questionnaire. The studied population consisted of 478 children aged 6–13 years old enrolled in four schools of the municipalities where monitoring was performed. Remote sites were identified with very low concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds and high concentrations of O3.

Results:  The prevalence of wheeze for lifetime period and in the past year was 15.9% and 6.3%, respectively. Asthmatic children were identified when dyspnoea and wheezing were simultaneously mentioned in the absence of upper respiratory infections; according to that, the lifetime prevalence of asthmatic symptoms at the remote sites was 7.1%. The comparison with other previous studies was difficult because the criteria for analysis are not conveniently established.

Conclusion:  The prevalence of childhood asthmatic symptoms was about 4% higher at the high O3 site than at the low O3 site.
Muscle mitochondrial activity increases rapidly after an endotoxin challenge in human volunteers
Authors: FREDRIKSSON K. , FLÄRING U. , GUILLET C. , WERNERMAN J. , ROOYACKERS O.
Published: February 2009

Background: Mitochondrial derangements in muscle of patients suffering from sepsis have been established in several studies and have been related to muscle dysfunction and organ failure. It is not possible to study the early phase of sepsis in patients; therefore, we used a human endotoxaemia model to study the effect of early sepsis on muscle mitochondria.

Methods: Seven healthy male volunteers received a standardised endotoxin challenge. Muscle biopsies were obtained immediately before the challenge, and at 2 and 4 h following the endotoxin challenge. The muscle biopsies were analysed for maximal activities of citrate synthase and complexes I and IV of the respiratory chain. In addition, total and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were analysed. The concentrations of ATP, creatine phosphate and lactate were analysed to assess the cellular energy status. Total and phosphorylated AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK‐P), a key regulator in intracellular energy metabolism, was measured.

Results: Activities of citrate synthase and complex I were significantly increased 2 h after the endotoxin challenge. SOD activities were unaffected by the endotoxin challenge. No changes in ATP, creatine phosphate or lactate were observed. Neither total nor AMPK‐P changed.

Conclusions: An endotoxin challenge given to healthy volunteers rapidly increases mitochondrial enzyme activity in skeletal muscle. The results of this human model indicate that possibly early during sepsis, mitochondrial activity might be increased in contrast to what has been shown in the later phases of sepsis. It is possible that this early activation leads to exhaustion of the mitochondria and a decreased function later during sepsis.
Intra‐operative colloid administration increases the clearance of a post‐operative fluid load
Authors: BORUP T. , HAHN R. G. , HOLTE K. , RAVN L. , KEHLET H.
Published: February 2009

Background: It is unknown whether an intra‐operative colloid infusion alters the dynamics of a crystalloid load administered post‐operatively.

Methods: Ten patients received 12.5 ml/kg of Ringer's lactate over 30 min 1–3 days before and 4 h after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, during which 10 ml/kg of a colloid solution, hydroxyethylstarch (HES 130/0.4), was infused. The total body clearance of the pre‐ and post‐operative test infusions was taken as the ratio between the urinary excretion and the Hb‐derived dilution of venous plasma over 150 min. The plasma clearance of the infused fluid was calculated using volume kinetics based on the plasma dilution alone. The pre‐operative plasma clearance was compared with the post‐operative plasma clearance and patients served as their own control.

Results: The urinary excretion averaged 350 ml for the pre‐operative infusion and 612 ml post‐operatively, which corresponds to 46% and 68% of the pre‐ and post‐operative infusions, respectively. The total body clearance of the crystalloid fluid was 30 ml/min before surgery and 124 ml/min after surgery (P<0.01). The plasma clearance, as obtained from the plasma dilution alone, was 28 and 412 ml/min, respectively. The maximal increase in plasma volume was 410 ml pre‐operatively vs. 220 ml post‐operatively.

Conclusions: Infusion of a colloid solution in combination with a crystalloid during laparoscopic cholecystectomy increased the plasma clearance of a post‐operative crystalloid infusion.
Antifibrinolytic agents reduce tissue plasminogen activator‐mediated neuronal toxicity in vitro
Authors: SUN H.‐Y. , SZLAM F. , LEVY J. H. , CSETE M. E. , TANAKA K. A.
Published: February 2009

Introduction: Serine proteases and their inhibitors play an important role in physiological homeostasis including neuronal activity, hemostasis, and wound healing. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is involved in normal neuronal plasticity and memory formation but can also be neurotoxic. We hypothesized that the serine protease inhibitor aprotinin confers neuronal protection by inhibiting tPA activity.

Methods: Using cultured rat dopaminergic neuroblasts (N27 line), tPA‐induced cytotoxicity was quantitated by an MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay and flow cytometry using propidium iodide DNA staining. The anti‐apoptotic effects of aprotinin and other protease inhibitors were also evaluated using these systems.

Results: Treatment of cultured neuroblasts with tPA (10–20 μg/ml) caused a dose‐dependent decrease in cell viability (71.3±2.4 at 10 μg/ml down to 52.7±2.5% at 20 μg/m tPA, 24‐h treatment), which was potentiated in the absence of serum in the culture medium (59.5±6.3% at 10 μg/ml down to 47.9±4.7% at 20 μg/ml). Aprotinin was effective in ameliorating cell death when administered 30 min before tPA exposure as shown by increased cell viability (91.8±0.6% at tPA at 20 μg/ml), but this protection was significantly reduced when aprotinin was administered after tPA. The efficacy of aprotinin as a neuroprotectant was equivalent or superior to other direct tPA antagonist peptides Glu‐Gly‐Arg‐chlormethylketone (EGRck) and Phe‐Pro‐Arg‐chlormethylketone (FPRck) in this setting.

Conclusion: These data suggest that one of the mechanisms of neuroprotection afforded by aprotinin may be inhibition of tPA‐mediated neurotoxicity.
Gastrointestinal symptoms in intensive care patients
Authors: REINTAM A. , PARM P. , KITUS R. , KERN H. , STARKOPF J.
Published: February 2009

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are not uniformly assessed in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and respective data in available literature are insufficient. We aimed to describe the prevalence, risk factors and importance of different GI symptoms.

Methods: We prospectively studied all patients hospitalized to the General ICU of Tartu University Hospital in 2004–2007.

Results: Of 1374 patients, 62 were excluded due to missing data. Seven hundred and seventy‐five (59.1%) patients had at least one GI symptom at least during 1 day of their stay, while 475 (36.2%) suffered from more than one symptom. Absent or abnormal bowel sounds were documented in 542 patients (41.3%), vomiting/regurgitation in 501 (38.2%), high gastric aspirate volume in 298 (22.7%), diarrhoea in 184 (14.0%), bowel distension in 139 (10.6%) and GI bleeding in 97 (7.4%) patients during their ICU stay. Absent or abnormal bowel sounds and GI bleeding were associated with significantly higher mortality. The number of simultaneous GI symptoms was an independent risk factor for ICU mortality. The ICU length of stay and mortality of patients who had two or more GI symptoms simultaneously were significantly higher than in patients with a maximum of one GI symptom.

Conclusion: 
GI symptoms occur frequently in ICU patients. Absence of bowel sounds and GI bleeding are associated with impaired outcome. Prevalence of GI symptoms at the first day in ICU predicts the mortality of the patients.
Good neurological recovery after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and thrombolysis in two old patients with pulmonary embolism
Authors: CAVALLARO F. , SANDRONI C. , BOCCI M. G. , MARANO C.
Published: February 2009

The use of thrombolysis as an emergency treatment for cardiac arrest (CA) due to massive pulmonary embolism (MPE) has been described. However, there are no reports of successful treatment of MPE‐associated CA in patients over 77 years of age. We report two cases of successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation for an MPE‐associated CA in two very old women (87 and 86 years of age). In both cases, typical signs of MPE were documented using emergency echocardiography, which showed an acute right ventricle enlargement and a paradoxical movement of the interventricular septum. Emergency thrombolysis was administered during resuscitation, which lasted 45 and 21 min, respectively. Despite old age and prolonged resuscitation efforts, both patients had good neurological recovery and one of them was alive and neurologically intact 1 year later. Thrombolysis is a potentially useful therapy in MPE‐associated CA. A good neurological outcome can be obtained even in very old patients and after prolonged resuscitation.
The I‐gel®, a single‐use supraglottic airway device with a non‐inflatable cuff and an esophageal vent: an observational study in children
Authors: BEYLACQ L. , BORDES M. , SEMJEN F. , CROS A.‐M.
Published: February 2009

Background: The I‐gel® is a new single‐use supraglottic airway device with a non‐inflatable cuff. It is composed of a thermoplastic elastomer and a soft gel‐like cuff that adapts to the hypopharyngeal anatomy. Like the LMA‐ProSeal, it has an airway tube and a gastric drain tube. Little is known about its efficiency in pediatric anesthesia.

Methods: Fifty children above 30 kg, ASA I–II, undergoing a short‐duration surgery were included in this prospective, observational study. We evaluated ease in inserting the I‐gel®, seal pressure, gastric leak, complications during insertion and removal, ease in inserting the gastric tube and ventilatory parameters during positive pressure ventilation.

Results: All devices were inserted at the first attempt. The mean seal pressure was 25 cmH2O. There was no gastric inflation and gastric tube insertion was achieved in all cases. The results appear similar to those in a previous study concerning laryngeal mask airway in terms of leak pressure and complication rates.

Conclusion: Because the I‐gel® has a very good insertion success rate and very few complications, it seems to be an efficient and safe device for pediatric airway management.
Scandinavian Clinical practice guidelines for therapeutic hypothermia and post‐resuscitation care after cardiac arrest
Authors: CASTRÉN M. , SILFVAST T. , RUBERTSSON S. , NISKANEN M. , VALSSON F. , WANSCHER M. , SUNDE K. ,   (Task Force on Scandinavian Therapeutic Hypothermia Guidelines, Clinical Practice Committee Scandinavian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive care Medicine)
Published: February 2009

Background and aim: Sudden cardiac arrest survivors suffer from ischaemic brain injury that may lead to poor neurological outcome and death. The reperfusion injury that occurs is associated with damaging biochemical reactions, which are suppressed by mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH). In several studies MTH has been proven to be safe, with few complications and improved survival, and is recommended by the International Liaison of Committee on Resuscitation. The aim of this paper is to recommend clinical practice guidelines for MTH treatment after cardiac arrest from the Scandinavian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (SSAI).

Methods: Relevant studies were identified after two consensus meetings of the SSAI Task Force on Therapeutic Hypothermia (SSAITFTH) and via literature search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Medline. Evidence was assessed and consensus opinion was used when high‐grade evidence (Grade of Recommendation, GOR) was unavailable. A management strategy was developed as a consensus from the evidence and the protocols in the participating countries.

Results and conclusion: Although proven beneficial only for patients with initial ventricular fibrillation (GOR A), the SSAITFTH also recommend MTH after restored spontaneous circulation, if active treatment is chosen, in patients with initial pulseless electrical activity and asystole (GOR D). Normal ethical considerations, premorbid status, total anoxia time and general condition should decide whether active treatment is required or not. MTH should be part of a standardized treatment protocol, and initiated as early as possible after indication and treatment have been decided (GOR E). There is insufficient evidence to make definitive recommendations among techniques to induce MTH, and we do not know the optimal target temperature, duration of cooling and rewarming time. New studies are needed to address the question as to how MTH affects, for example, prognostic factors.
The relationship between physical performance and self‐perception in children with and without cerebral palsy
Authors: Ziebell Melanie , Imms Christine , Froude Elspeth H. , McCoy Anne , Galea Mary
Published: February 2009

Aim:  This study examined the relationship between physical performance and perceived self‐competence and global self‐worth in children with and without spastic diplegia.

Method:  A matched‐pairs design, including eight children with spastic diplegia and eight typically developing children, was used to compare the children's performance and to examine relationships. Children aged 7 to 11 years were assessed to determine their gross and fine motor abilities and they completed a modified version of the Harter Self‐Perception Profile for Children.

Results:  Children with diplegia performed at lower levels in all gross and fine motor assessments compared with children without diplegia. Self‐perception was lower in children with diplegia in fine motor competence (
P
 = 0.03) and global self‐worth (
P
 = 0.05). Clinically important differences (> 10%) in gross motor and athletic competence were also found. Positive correlations between physical performance assessments and some self‐perception domains were present, although strength and direction of relationships differed for each group in some instances.

Conclusion:  This small study found that in addition to having reduced physical skills, children with spastic diplegia may experience a less positive global self‐worth than typically developing children. These findings are in contrast to some previous research. Future research should examine the hypothesised relationship more definitively to determine whether improvement in physical skills results in a higher level of self‐competence and consequently a higher global self‐worth. This might further justify interventions aimed at improving fine and gross motor skills of children with cerebral palsy. Clinicians should be mindful of addressing both physical issues and self‐worth with clients.
Analysis of the mitochondrial genome, transcripts, and electron transport activity in the dinoflagellateAlexandrium catenella(Gonyaulacales, Dinophyceae)
Authors: Kamikawa Ryoma , Nishimura Hiroshi , Sako Yoshihiko
Published: February 2009

The mitochondrial (mt) genomes of dinoflagellates are not completely sequenced due to frequent recombination events resulting in a shortage of information about the dinoflagellate mt genome. To obtain a large amount of information, we characterized 14 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fragments of more than 27 kb of the mt genome of the toxic dinoflagellateAlexandrium catenellaWhedonetKofoid (Balech) using thecobandcox1genes, the only identified functional mt genes ofA. catenellaexcluding rRNA fragments. The mt PCR clones encode multiple copies of cytochromeb(cob) and cytochromecoxidase subunit 1 (cox1) bearing several types of 5′ or 3′ sequences, and two rRNA fragments showing sequence similarity with a large subunit (LSU) rRNA D fragment and LSU RNA2 of apicomplexa. Each mt PCR clone showed different gene arrangements and intergenic sequences suggesting multiple contexts in the mt genome ofA. catenellaand frequent homologous recombinations. Reverse transcription PCR analysis suggested some types of the multiple copies ofcobandcox1genes are likely non‐transcriptional. Further,A. catenellamt mRNAs lacked in‐frame termination codons and a canonical initiation codon, excluding an ‘atg’ codon incobmRNA. However, we successfully detected the activity of the electron transport proteins suggesting mt translation requires no canonical initiation and termination codons.
Fine structure and 18S rDNA phylogeny of a marine araphid pennate diatom Plagiostriata goreensis gen. et sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta)
Authors: Sato Shinya , Matsumoto Satoko , Medlin Linda K.
Published: February 2009

A marine araphid pennate diatom Plagiostriata goreensis is described from the sand grains of Goree Island, Dakar, Republic of Senegal, based on observations of fine structure of its frustule. The most striking feature of the species is its striation, which is angled at approximately 60° across the robust sternum. The other defining features of the species are its one highly reduced rimoportula and apical pores located at both ends of the valve margin. In the 18S rDNA phylogeny, the species appears as a member of a ‘small‐celled clade’ of araphid pennate diatoms that consist of Nanofrustulum, Opephora and Staurosira. The results of the phylogenetic analyses suggest that the distinct characters of the diatom; namely, oblique striae and apical pores, may have been acquired independently. However, it remains unclear whether the rimoportula of P. goreensis is a reduced state or P. goreensis acquired its morphologically curious rimoportula independently after the loss of an ancient rimoportula at the root of the small‐celled clade.
Review: Seaweed tissue culture as applied to biotechnology: Problems, achievements and prospects
Authors: Baweja Pooja , Sahoo Dinabandhu , García‐Jiménez Pilar , Robaina Rafael R.
Published: February 2009

Advances have been made in cell and tissue culture of seaweeds to define a unique branch ofin vitrotechniques; however, they are lagging far behind those of land plants and have limited applications. Explants can be cultivated axenically in enriched or artificial seawater culture media, and regeneration and even callus formation are achieved. In this state of the art technique, seaweed tissue culture may be already useful for certain biotechnological applications, such as clonal propagation of seed material for mariculture. Nevertheless, the absolute control of growth and development as it is exerted in higher plant tissue culture is lacking, and it is required for more complex biotechnological applications in seaweeds. Definitively, we need appropriate cells (competent cells) to induce growth with the most effective chemical regulators in culture medium adjusted towards the addition of carbon sources. Still, free cells and protoplast isolation and regeneration in marine seaweeds constitute the most developed topic in seaweed tissue culture. The regulation of growth and development of seaweed free cell and protoplast cultures may sustain a purposeful use of techniques in the era of genomic applications.
Improvement in the fatigue strength of chromium electroplated AISI 4340 steel by shot peening
Authors: VOORWALD H. J. C. , SILVA M. P. , COSTA M. Y. P. , CIOFFI M. O. H.
Published: February 2009

In landing gear, an important mechanical component for high responsible applications, wear and corrosion control is currently accomplished by chrome plating or hard anodising. However, some problems are associated with these operations. Experimental results have also shown that chrome‐plated specimens have fatigue strength lower than those of uncoated parts, attributed to high residual tensile stress and microcracks density contained into the coating. Under fatigue conditions these microcracks propagate and will cross the interface coating‐substrate and penetrate base metal without impediment. Shot peening is a surface process used to improve fatigue strength of metal components due to compressive residual stresses induced in the surface layers of the material, making the nucleation and propagation of fatigue cracks difficult. This investigation is concerned with analysis of the shot peening influence on the rotating bending fatigue strength of hard chromium electroplated AISI 4340 steel. Specimens were submitted to shot peening treatment with steel and ceramic shots and, in both cases, experimental results show increase in the fatigue life of AISI 4340 steel hard chromium electroplated, up to level of base metal without chromium. Peening using ceramic shot resulted in lower scatter in rotating bending fatigue data than steel shots.
Determination of the mixed‐mode fracture energy of elastomeric structural adhesives: evaluation of debonding buckling in fibre–metal hybrid laminates
Authors: SUÁREZ J. C. , LÓPEZ F. , MIGUEL S. , PINILLA P. , HERREROS M. A.
Published: February 2009

Fibre–metal hybrid laminates combine layers of metal with laminates made of composites – polymeric matrix reinforced with glass‐fibre woven fabric. Interface behaviour plays a fundamental role in the overall properties of the hybrid material, especially in the failure mode by debonding buckling of the outermost metal layer. A proper measurement of adhesive fracture energy is required so as to avoid this early failure mechanism during bending. Tapered double cantilever beam test and dissimilar mixed‐mode bending test have been used in obtaining mode I and II contributions to the adhesive fracture energy. Data reduction for elastomeric adhesives has been modified in order to account for the variation in compliance during the test due to nonlinear behaviour of the material.
Trophic links between fermenters and methanogens in a moderately acidic fen soil
Authors: Wüst Pia K. , Horn Marcus A. , Drake Harold L.
Published: February 2009

Trophic links between fermentation and methanogenesis of soil derived from a methane‐emitting, moderately acidic temperate fen (pH 4.5) were investigated. Initial CO2:CH4 production ratios in anoxic microcosms indicated that methanogenesis was concomitant to other terminal anaerobic processes. Methane production in anoxic microcosms at in situ pH was stimulated by supplemental H2–CO2, formate or methanol; supplemental acetate did not stimulate methanogenesis. Supplemental H2–CO2, formate or methanol also stimulated the formation of acetate, indicating that the fen harbours moderately acid‐tolerant acetogens. Supplemental monosaccharides (glucose, N‐acetylglucosamine and xylose) stimulated the production of CO2, H2, acetate and other fermentation products when methanogenesis was inhibited with 2‐bromoethane sulfonate 20 mM. Glucose stimulated methanogenesis in the absence of BES. Upper soil depths yielded higher anaerobic activities and also higher numbers of cells. Detected archaeal 16S rRNA genes were indicative of H2–CO2‐ and formate‐consuming methanogens (Methanomicrobiaceae), obligate acetoclastic methanogens (Methanosaetaceae) and crenarchaeotes (groups I.1a, I.1c and I.3). Molecular analyses of partial sequences of 16S rRNA genes revealed the presence of Acidobacteria, Nitrospirales, Clamydiales, Clostridiales, Alpha‐, Gamma‐, Deltaproteobacteria and Cyanobacteria. These collective results suggest that this moderately acidic fen harbours phylogenetically diverse, moderately acid tolerant fermenters (both facultative aerobes and obligate anaerobes) that are trophically linked to methanogenesis.
Vascular considerations for stapled haemorrhoidopexy
Authors: Aigner F. , Bonatti H. , Peer S. , Conrad F. , Fritsch H. , Margreiter R. , Gruber H.
Published: February 2009

Objective  Modern haemorrhoidectomy techniques aim to interrupt arterial blood supply to the hypertrophied piles. The aim of this study was to investigate morphological and physiological alterations in the terminal branches of the superior rectal artery (SRA) in patients with haemorrhoidal disease treated by stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH) using noninvasive transperineal ultrasound.

Method  Thirty‐seven consecutive patients (14 women, 23 men; median age 52, range 30–77 years) who underwent SH for treatment of grade III haemorrhoids were scanned by transperineal colour Doppler ultrasound at baseline, 4 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Seventeen healthy volunteers served as the control group (nine women, eight men; median age 24, range 18–72 years). Calibre and arterial flow velocity (AFV) of the terminal branches of the SRA were measured.

Results  Baseline measurements significantly differed between patients and the control group (median calibre 2, range 0.9–3.6 mm, vs 1, range 0.6–1.2 mm, and median AFV 24, range 10–65 cm/s, vs 12, range 5–21 cm/s, P < 0.0001). Postoperative follow‐up showed no significant alterations in the physiological parameters. Patients with a higher recurrence rate of haemorrhoidal disease had higher baseline AFV values.

Conclusion  Stapled haemorrhoidopexy does not reduce arterial inflow in the feeding vessels of the anorectal vascular plexus. Preoperative ultrasound may serve as a tool for assessing vascularization status in haemorrhoidal disease and is useful in deciding whether patients should undergo SH or, for individuals with high AFV, whether conventional haemorrhoidectomy might be the better choice.
Work climate perception and turnover intention among Korean hospital staff
Authors: Hwang J.‐I. , Chang H.
Published: February 2009

Aim:  To examine the impact of work climate perception (WCP) on turnover intention among public hospital personnel in Korea.

Background:  With increased competition and high staff turnover in hospitals, managers focus on human resource management. Positive work climate is considered as a strategy to retain valued staff, but previous studies have shown occupationally different relationships between turnover intention and work environment characteristics as perceived by staff.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey was conducted of employees (n = 852) in four public hospitals in Korea to gather information about WCP, intention to leave and demographics. The work climate was measured by 32 items categorized into 13 factors in five dimensions. For each occupation, logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the significant factors of WCP that influenced turnover intention.

Findings:  Positive WCP inversely influenced turnover intention. For all occupations, the most significant factor was ‘workgroup friendliness and warmth’ (OR = 0.01–0.21). For the nursing group, an additional significant factor was ‘adherence to job standard’ (OR = 0.63). In contrast, there were different significant factors for other hospital staff: ‘workgroup esprit de corps’ (OR = 0.16) and ‘role clarity’ (OR = 0.19) for physicians, ‘adherence to job standard’ (OR = 3.08) and ‘role adaptation’ (OR = 2.23) for paramedicals, and ‘flexibility and innovation’ (OR = 0.14) and ‘interdepartmental cooperation’ (OR = 0.19) for administrators.

Conclusions:  Nurses with perceptions of work climate emphasizing ‘workgroup friendliness and warmth’ and ‘adherence to job standard’ had lower turnover intention. Physicians, paramedicals and administrators have different WCPs. To retain qualified personnel, hospitals should focus on human relations, maintaining a consideration for occupation‐specific characteristics.
The nursing workforce in Kuwait to the year 2020
Authors: Al‐Jarallah K.F. , Moussa M.A.A. , Hakeem S.K. , Al‐Khanfar F.K.
Published: February 2009

Background:  The study addresses the supply and demand for nurses in Kuwait in the light of emerging variables such as increasing population, economic growth, changes in healthcare strategies and expansion of healthcare facilities.

Objective:  To project the future demand for nurses in Kuwait for the years 2007–2020 based on the period 1994–2006.

Methods:  Population projections were derived using the average annual natural increase rate of the 1994–2006 populations. The future demand for nurses was projected using the average nurse to population ratios for the years 1994–2006.

Findings:  The number of Kuwaiti indigenous nurses is declining at an average decrement rate of 3.3% per annum. There is a gap between the numbers of native and migrant nurses, which will be wider with time. In 2006, native nurses constituted only 6.6% of the nursing workforce; this affects the quality of provided health care owing to language, religions and socio‐cultural barriers between foreign nurses and patients.

Conclusions:  The supply of indigenous nurses in Kuwait should be increased in order to deliver effective nursing care with shared culture and language in the modern healthcare system of Kuwait. This can be achieved through an improvement in recruitment and retention of indigenous nurses and nursing students.
Issues, challenges and vision for the future of the nursing profession in Sri Lanka: a review
Authors: Jayasekara R.S.
Published: February 2009

Background:  Reviewing the current situation and future development of nursing profession in Sri Lanka enables one to understand not only the nature of its successes and problems, but more importantly, in what way plans for the future will impact on the profession.

Aim:  To explore the issues and challenges concerning nursing regulation, administration, services and education in Sri Lanka and how they will impact on developing nursing professionalism.

Methods:  A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and CINAHL limited to articles in the English and Sinhala languages published between 1976 and November 2007. The reference lists of all identified reports and articles were searched for additional studies. Personal communication, unpublished reports and government records and websites were also used to obtain information on nursing service, regulation, administration and education in Sri Lanka. Hand searching of relevant Sri Lankan journals and government reports was undertaken to reveal any additional literature.

Conclusion:  The Sri Lankan nursing profession is being very tardy in asserting its professional status in the health sector. There has been minimal effort to improve the standards of nursing services and education, mainly because of inadequate and disjointed involvement of those who are responsible for improving the health services in Sri Lanka. However, nursing services and education in Sri Lanka are being scrutinized as nurses today show more concern about their professional roles, education and status.
Nursing keypal exchange: an effective acculturation strategy to prepare for an international experience
Authors: Maas‐Garcia Lillian
Published: February 2009

Aim:  The aim of this paper is to provide arguments for incorporating keypal exchanges prior to an international exchange.

Background:  At Rotterdam University of Applied Science in the Netherlands, the Master's in Advanced Nursing Practice Program/Nurse Practitioner Program focuses on the role of the nurse practitioner and places emphasis on internationalization within the curriculum. The students must complete a short‐term immersion experience to the USA during the 2‐year programme.

Conclusion:  An effective teaching strategy to acculturate students to the American culture, healthcare and nursing system differences was utilized by incorporating keypal communication within the international preparation programme.
Barriers to kidney transplants in Indonesia: a literature review
Authors: Bennett P.N. , Hany A.
Published: February 2009

Background:  People living with chronic kidney disease will require renal dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life. Although Indonesia has a developing healthcare industry, Indonesia's kidney transplant rates are lower than comparable nations.

Purpose:  To explore the healthcare literature to identify barriers to kidney transplants in particular in relation to Indonesia.

Methods:  Healthcare databases were searched (CINAHL, Medline, EBSCOhostEJS, Blackwell Synergy, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar and Proquest 5000) using the search terms: transplant, kidney disease, renal, dialysis, haemodialysis, Indonesia and nursing. The search was limited to English and Indonesian language data sources from 1997 to 2007. Reference lists of salient academic articles were hand searched.

Results:  The results of our search identified six articles that met our criteria. Costs are the major barrier to kidney transplant in Indonesia, followed by cultural beliefs, perception of the law, lack of information and lack of infrastructure. In addition, kidney disease prevention strategies are required.

Conclusions:  There are many complex socio‐economic, geographical, legal, cultural and religious factors that contribute to low kidney transplant rates in Indonesia. Although an increase in transplantation rates will require strategies from various agencies, healthcare professionals, including nurses, can play a role in overcoming some barriers. Community education programmes, improving their own education levels and by increasing empowerment in nursing we may contribute to improved kidney transplant rates in Indonesia.
Building capacity for nurse‐led research
Authors: Edwards N. , Webber J. , Mill J. , Kahwa E. , Roelofs S.
Published: February 2009

Aim:  To discuss factors that have influenced the development of research capacity among nurses in lower and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Background:  Concerned health scientists have addressed the importance of building research capacity among health professionals. Strengthening capacity specifically among LMIC nurses has been infrequently discussed. Without the requisite educational preparation or an enabling environment for research, nurses are unlikely to either demand research capacity‐building opportunities or initiate research examining nursing practice and health system challenges.

Methods:  A scan was conducted of nine internationally funded research capacity‐building initiatives to identify programme targeting and the proportion of nurse trainees. A literature review examined graduate and post‐graduate training opportunities for LMIC nurses, and barriers and enablers to nurses' involvement in research. Informal consultations were held with nurse leaders in 15 LMICs and leaders of eight LMIC nursing organizations.

Findings:  The scan found a generic targeting of health professionals with a very low percentage of nurse trainees. Programmes specifically targeting nurses did attract and prepare a significant number of nurses. Factors limiting nurses' involvement in research include hierarchies of power among disciplines, scarce resources, a lack of graduate and post‐graduate education opportunities, few senior mentors, and prolonged underfunding of nursing research.

Conclusions:  Fully engaging LMIC nurses in health services research may yield pragmatic and evidence‐informed service delivery and policy recommendations. Investments in supports for nursing research capacity may enrich global health policy effectiveness and improve quality of care.