bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Another way to divide: the case of anammox bacteria
Authors: Rachel Reinhard
Published: August 2009

Anammox bacteria exhibit remarkable and characteristic metabolic features that enable them to oxidize ammonium under anoxic conditions. Their ultrastructure is complex, with three compartments, comprising paryphoplasm, the riboplasm and the anammoxosome. The latter is surrounded by ladderane lipids, creating a lipid‐surrounded organelle within the riboplasm. In this edition of Molecular Microbiology, van Niftrik and co‐workers present detailed ultrastructural investigations that, together with the analysis of the product of a predicted gene and its localization in ultrathin sections, provide the first hints at the way in which these cells divide.
A LuxRI‐family regulatory system controls excision and transfer of the Mesorhizobium loti strain R7A symbiosis island by activating expression of two conserved hypothetical genes
Authors: Ramsay Joshua P. , Sullivan John T. , Jambari Nuzul , Ortori Catharine A. , Heeb Stephan , Williams Paul , Barrett David A. , Lamont Iain L. , Ronson Clive W.
Published: August 2009

The symbiosis island ICEMlSymR7A of Mesorhizobium loti R7A is an integrative and conjugative element (ICE) that carries genes required for a nitrogen‐fixing symbiosis with Lotus species. ICEMlSymR7A encodes homologues (TraR, TraI1 and TraI2) of proteins that regulate plasmid transfer by quorum sensing in rhizobia and agrobacteria. Introduction of traR cloned on a plasmid induced excision of ICEMlSymR7A in all cells, a 1000‐fold increase in the production of 3‐oxo‐C6‐homoserine lactone (3‐oxo‐C6‐HSL) and a 40‐fold increase in conjugative transfer. These effects were dependent on traI1 but not traI2. Induction of expression from the traI1 and traI2 promoters required the presence of plasmid‐borne traR and either traI1 or 100 pM 3‐oxo‐C6‐HSL, suggesting that traR expression or TraR activity is repressed in wild‐type cells by a mechanism that can be overcome by additional copies of traR. The traI2 gene formed an operon with hypothetical genes msi172 and msi171 that were essential for ICEMlSymR7A excision and transfer. Our data suggest that derepressed TraR in conjunction with TraI1‐synthesized 3‐oxo‐C6‐HSL regulates excision and transfer of ICEMlSymR7A through expression of msi172 and msi171. Homologues of msi172 and msi171 were present on putative ICEs in several α‐proteobacteria, indicating a conserved role in ICE excision and transfer.
Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein: epidemiological variations among field isolates prevalent in India
Authors: Singh J. P. N. , Verma S. , Bhattacharya P. R. , Srivastava N. , Dash A. P. , Biswas S.
Published: August 2009

Objective  To investigate the extent of genetic variations in T‐helper‐cell epitopic regions of circumsporozoite (CS) protein in Plasmodium falciparum field isolates collected from different regions of India at different phases of malaria transmission.

Methods  Genomic DNA was isolated from 507 P. falciparum wild‐parasite isolates obtained from six geographical locations of India at three time points coinciding with malaria transmissions. The T‐helper‐cell epitopic regions were polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified and the products were purified and then sequenced.

Results  Based on sequences, nine variants were found among isolates and they were categorized into nine groups (V‐1 to V‐9), where V‐1 and V‐2 were observed in all three time points (TP). The variants V‐1 to V‐4 in TP‐1; V‐1, V‐2, V‐5 to V‐8 in TP‐2; and V‐1, V‐2, V‐5 and V‐9 in TP‐3 were present and they showed restricted heterogeneity. During peak transmission (TP‐2), parasite populations were more diverse and heterogeneous and the variants regionally unbiased and restricted. However, the alleles of V‐6 and V‐9 in both Th2R and Th3R showed identical sequence variation with those observed in other geographical regions of the world. The remaining seven groups did not show such similarity.

Conclusion  The Th2R and Th3R epitopes are implicated in host immune response to P. falciparum. The polymorphism in these epitopic regions indicates antigenic diversity, which may cause adverse outcome of a subunit vaccine including the CS prototype variant. Therefore, the formulation of a vaccine considering the restricted local repertoire parasite populations may be helpful.
Mycobacterium abscessus infection in solid organ transplant recipients: report of three cases and review of the literature
Authors: Garrison A.P. , Morris M.I. , Doblecki Lewis S. , Smith L. , Cleary T.J. , Procop G.W. , Vincek V. , Rosa‐Cunha I. , Alfonso B. , Burke G.W. , Tzakis A. , Hartstein A.I.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Mycobacterium abscessus is an ubiquitous organism found in the environment. This rapidly growing mycobacterium infrequently causes disease in humans; however, in immunocompromised hosts, disease can range from localized cutaneous lesions to disseminated infection. The organism is resistant to most antimycobacterial drugs and therapy can be limited by drug interactions. The exact incidence of M. abscessus infection among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is unknown; data are only available from previously reported cases in the literature. We describe 3 cases of M. abscessus infection in SOT recipients diagnosed within a 5‐month period. One of the cases followed multi‐visceral transplantation, the first such case to be reported in the literature. An epidemiological investigation did not reveal significant commonalities among the cases, and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA of the case isolates confirmed their non‐identity. All cases improved with antibiotic therapy, most notably with the new glycylcycline, tigecycline, along with surgical intervention in 2 of the cases. In addition, we review features and characteristics of M. abscessus infections in recipients of SOT reported in the literature from 1992 to 2008 and summarize some selected therapeutic concerns and issues related to treatment.
Differential Evolution of Advertisement Call Traits in Dart‐Poison Frogs (Anura: Dendrobatidae)
Authors: Erdtmann Luciana , Amézquita Adolfo
Published: August 2009

The ability to recognise and discriminate between heterospecific and conspecific individuals plays an essential role in mate choice, reproductive isolation and thus species diversification. Many animals discriminate based on advertisement calls, whose evolution may be driven by a variety of forces such as natural selection, sexual selection or stochastic processes. The relative importance of stochastic processes acting on a given trait is usually correlated with its phylogenetic signal. Mate‐recognition signals are complex traits composed of multiple features that could potentially respond independently to evolutionary forces. The advertisement call of anurans is used in species recognition and mate choice. In this study, we estimate the phylogenetic signal for body size and a suite of traits describing the male advertisement call from dart‐poison frogs (Anura: Dendrobatidae). We found a surprisingly high phylogenetic signal for all call traits. In addition, call traits varied in their degree of phylogenetic signal, suggesting that evolutionary forces have been acting differently on different traits. Pulse duration showed the strongest phylogenetic signal. Peak frequency and body size were correlated and presented high phylogenetic signal indicating that the evolution of one trait may be driving or constraining the other. Since most variation in call traits can be explained by the phylogenetic history of the species, we cannot reject the hypothesis that stochastic processes account for significant evolutionary divergence in frog calls.
Influence of Winter Ranging Behaviour on the Social Organization of a Cooperatively Breeding Bird Species, The Apostlebird
Authors: Griesser Michael , Barnaby Jonathan , Schneider Nicole A. , Figenschau Nina , Wright Jonathan , Griffith Simon C. , Kazem Anahita , Russell Andrew F.
Published: August 2009

Most cooperative breeding bird species live in family groups that are formed through the prolonged association of offspring with their parents. Research into cooperative families has in particular investigated the balance between cooperation and conflict over reproductive decisions. As a consequence of this research focus, social interactions among group members outside the breeding season are rarely studied, despite the fact that they are likely to be crucial for social decisions. We investigated the social dynamics and ranging behaviour of the family group living cooperatively breeding apostlebird (Struthidea cinerea) outside the breeding season. Group size changed between, but not within, the seasons, being smaller during the breeding season than in the winter season. This change in group size was a consequence of breeding groups merging after breeding, then splitting again before the next breeding season. While breeding groups used small, non‐overlapping home ranges ( = 113 ha) around the nesting site, during winter groups moved up to 1200 ha ( = 598 ha), and interacted frequently with up to four other winter groups. In particular large groups often joined together during winter and spent up to 50% of their time associating with other large winter groups. This apparent fission‐fusion system facilitated the exchange of group members, offering the possibility to form new breeding coalitions and new groups. The results of this study suggest that behaviour outside the breeding season can be of considerable importance to the social dynamics of both families and cooperative breeding in such systems.
Fixed Rejection Responses to Single and Multiple Experimental Parasitism in TwoFringillaHosts of the Common Cuckoo
Authors: Vikan Johan R. , Stokke Bård G. , Fossøy Frode , Jackson Craig , Huhta Esa , Rutila Jarkko , Moksnes Arne , Røskaft Eivin
Published: August 2009

Previous studies have shown that the tendency to reject parasitic eggs among certain hosts is strongly dependent on the degree of similarity with own eggs, whereas other conditional cues do not affect rejection decisions. This paper examines whether two such hosts, the closely related brambling and chaffinch, show a different tendency to reject parasitic eggs if they are multiply parasitized. Some individuals were experimentally parasitized with both a non‐mimetic and a low–intermediate contrasting egg in the same breeding attempt. The non‐mimetic egg was rejected almost without exception. In chaffinches, the low–intermediate contrasting egg was introduced shortly after rejection of the non‐mimetic egg whereas in bramblings, both eggs were introduced simultaneously. A control group consisted of individuals that were parasitized with one low–intermediate contrasting egg. There was no significant difference in the tendency to reject the low–medium contrasting eggs between the experimental and control group in any of the species, implying that the same acceptance threshold is applied to each parasitic egg independently. Moreover, the rejection rate of non‐mimetic eggs was high (>90%) regardless of whether the egg was introduced alone or together with a low–medium contrasting egg. The results are discussed in relation to recent studies with great reed warblersAcrocephalus arundinaceusthat obtained contrasting results in similar experimental designs. The different degrees of flexibility displayed byFringillaand great reed warbler hosts are likely to reflect differences in both the perception and action component of the recognition system.
Atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of delirium
Authors: Peritogiannis Vaios , Stefanou Ekaterini , Lixouriotis Charalampos , Gkogkos Christos , Rizos Dimitrios V.
Published: August 2009

Delirium is common in all medical settings. Atypical antipsychotics are increasingly used for the management of delirium symptomatology but their effectiveness has not been systematically studied. The aim of the present study was therefore to provide an up‐to‐date review on the use of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of delirium. A search was conducted of the databases of MEDLINE, PsycINFO and EMBASE from 1997 to 2008 for English‐language articles using the key words ‘delirium’ and the names of all the atypical antipsychotics. A total of 23 studies were used for this review. Fifteen of the studies were single‐agent trials. Four studies were comparison trials, including one double‐blind trial, and four studies were retrospective, including three comparison studies. All studies reported improvement of delirium symptomatology after the administration of atypical antipsychotics. No study included a placebo group. Other limitations included sample heterogeneity, small sample size, different rating scales for delirium, and lack of adequate controls. The improvement in delirium was observed within a few days after treatment initiation and the doses given were relatively low. Atypical antipsychotics were well tolerated, but safety was not evaluated systematically. Atypical antipsychotics appear to be effective and safe in symptomatic treatment of delirium but the evidence is limited and inconclusive. There are no double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies assessing the efficacy and safety of these agents in delirium. Further research is needed with well‐designed studies.
Prevalence of i.v. thiopental use in psychiatric emergency settings in Japan
Authors: Hatta Kotaro , Nakamura Mitsuru , Yoshida Kenichi , Hamakawa Hiroshi , Wakejima Toru , Nishimura Takao , Kawabata Toshitaka , Hirata Toyoaki , Usui Chie , Sawa Yutaka
Published: August 2009

Aim:  Because i.v. barbiturates such as thiopental carry the risk of apnea and laryngeal spasm in asthmatic patients, reducing the use of barbiturate in emergency situations is important. The purpose of the present study was therefore to investigate the prevalence of i.v. thiopental as a choice of sedation in behavioral emergency settings, we conducted a cross‐sectional multicenter study.

Methods:  Psychiatric emergency departments of seven hospitals were studied during a 4‐month period. Patients with a score >15 on the Excited Component of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS‐EC) who received i.v. medication were included in the study. Drugs were chosen according to the Japanese guidelines, in which the first injection was either haloperidol or benzodiazepine in accordance with clinical requirements. A second injection, which was the opposite drug to the first injection was administered as needed. Only when excitement obviously increased following the first injection, which was considered uncontrollable without thiopental according to expert experience, was thiopental given as a second injection. A total of 137 patients were included. The mean age was 40.4 years (SD 13.1), and the rate of male gender, drug‐naïve, and F2 (schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders) on the ICD‐10 were 48.9%, 29.9%, and 65.7%, respectively.

Results:  The rate of patients treated with thiopental as a second injection was 8.0% (n = 11). All of the first injections in patients treated with thiopental were not haloperidol but benzodiazepines (P = 0.0072).

Conclusion:  Because this multicenter study has an epidemiological character, the prevalence of i.v. thiopental use in psychiatric emergency settings in Japan is considered to be 8.0%.
Effect of age and gender on schizotypal personality traits in the normal population
Authors: Bora Emre , Baysan Arabaci Leyla
Published: August 2009

Aim:  There is some evidence that age and gender influence expression of schizotypal traits in the normal population. One important limitation of previous studies, however, is the restricted age range of subjects. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the effect of gender and age on schizotypal personality features.

Methods:  A total of 1024 participants aged between 16 and 90 were assessed using the schizotypal personality questionnaire. The effect of gender and age on schizotypal features was investigated. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the factor structure of the scale in different age groups.

Results:  Male subjects scored higher than women in negative and disorganized‐like symptoms. Female subjects scored significantly in social anxiety and odd belief subscales. Younger participants significantlyscored higher in reference, odd belief, unusual perceptual experiences, odd behavior and odd speech subscales. While decreases in schizotypy scores were gradual for most of the scales, increased disorganization in female subjects was restricted to late adolescence. Confirmatory factor analysis of the data supported modified versions of the Raine three‐factor model across all age groups.

Conclusion:  Psychological changes related to adolescence and better social adaptation as a result of life experience might contribute to the age‐ and gender‐related differences in schizotypy.
Do inefficient selfing and inbreeding depression challenge the persistence of the rare Dianthus guliae Janka (Caryophyllaceae)? Influence of reproductive traits on a plant's proneness to extinction
Authors: GARGANO DOMENICO , GULLO TERESA , BERNARDO LILIANA
Published: August 2009

The yellow carnation Dianthus guliae Janka is a rare endemic of the Italian peninsula. As numerous extinctions have occurred in the past, very few populations are still present. Two years of field surveys revealed high mortality and an absence of recruitment in the southernmost populations of this species. Work in a botanical garden, under semi‐natural conditions, revealed the occurrence of proterandrous hermaphroditism and self‐compatibility. The durable flower lifespan, the competitive effects among flowers and the different outcomes from spontaneous and hand‐performed pollinations (with both self‐ and cross‐pollen) suggested low pollination rates in the experimental stand. Pollinator exclusion experiments revealed a low frequency of delayed autonomous selfing, suggesting that self‐fertilization in D. guliae relies mainly on facilitated selfing and geitonogamy. Studies of inbreeding depression during the early life‐history stages revealed significant differences between selfed and crossed progenies in terms of seed mass, germination rates, developmental vigour and mortality rates. Therefore, when pollen delivery is scarce, the plant may fail reproductive assurance via autonomous selfing. The influence of inbreeding depression contributes to a further reduction in recruitment chances in very small D. guliae populations. Experimental reintroductions are urgent to avoid local extinction at the southern periphery of its range.
Functional significance of the dark central floret of Daucus carota (Apiaceae) L.; is it an insect mimic?
Authors: GOULSON DAVID , MCGUIRE KATE , MUNRO EMMA E. , ADAMSON SUSAN , COLLIAR LOUISE , PARK KIRSTY J. , TINSLEY MATTHEW C. , GILBURN ANDRE S.
Published: August 2009

In Daucus carota L. (Apiaceae) the florets comprising the central umbellet of inflorescences are usually pink or dark purple, presenting a marked contrast to the surrounding umbellets, which are generally white. The number of dark florets varies, and some inflorescences have no dark florets. It has been proposed that the dark florets function as an insect mimic, and in so doing serve to attract insects to the flower. In contrast, other authors, Darwin included, suggest that they are functionally redundant. The present study examined whether the dark florets attract insects, and also whether this effect can be replicated by replacing these florets with an insect. At the study site in Portugal the predominant insect visitor was the beetle Anthrenus verbasci L. (Dermestidae), which is similar in size and shape to the dark florets. Large inflorescences and those with more dark florets attracted more beetles than small inflorescences and those with fewer or no dark florets. Inflorescences with the dark florets removed attracted fewer beetles visitors compared with intact inflorescences. Inflorescences in which the dark florets were replaced with one or a cluster of five dead, freeze‐killed A. verbasci attracted more beetles than inflorescences from which the dark florets had been removed. Replacement of the dark florets with a relatively large Meloid beetle resulted in the attraction of markedly fewer A. verbasci. We conclude that the dark florets can act as an insect attractant for some insect groups by acting as an insect mimic, and that they are adaptive, in contrast to the speculations of Darwin.
Reproductive biology of Cyrtopodium punctatum in situ: implications for conservation of an endangered Florida orchid
Authors: DUTRA DANIELA , KANE MICHAEL E. , ADAMS CARRIE REINHARDT , RICHARDSON LARRY
Published: August 2009

Cyrtopodium punctatum (Linnaeus) Lindley is an endangered epiphytic orchid restricted in the USA to southern Florida. This species has been extensively collected from the wild since the early 1900s, and today only a few plants remain in protected areas. As part of a conservation plan, a reproductive biology study was conducted to better understand the ecology of this species in Florida. Cyrtopodium punctatum relies on a deceit pollination system using aromatic compounds to attract pollinators. Nine aromatic compounds were identified as components of the fragrance of C. punctatum inflorescences, including two compounds that are known to be Euglossine bee attractants. However, this group of bees is not native to Florida. Of the four bee species observed to visit C. punctatum flowers in the present study, carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) are likely to be the main pollinators. Pollination experiments demonstrated that C. puntatum is self‐compatible, but requires a pollinator and thus does not exhibit spontaneous autogamy. In addition, the rates of fruit set were significantly higher for flowers that were outcrossed (xenogamy) than for those that were self‐crossed. Thus, the species has evolved a degree of incompatibility. Examples of natural pollination and fruit set were observed during the present study (2007–2008), but the rates of reproduction were modest as a consequence of the low plant numbers and possible changes in insect densities as a result of anthropogenic influences.
How does flowering magnitude affect seed survival in Shorea pilosa (Dipterocarpaceae) at the predispersal stage in Malaysia?
Authors: TOKUMOTO YUJI , MATSUSHITA MICHINARI , TAMAKI ICHIRO , SAKAI SHOKO , NAKAGAWA MICHIKO
Published: August 2009

General flowering (GF), a supra‐annual, irregular fluctuation in flowering and seeding at the community level, is a phenomenon unique to the tropical rainforests of South‐East Asia. To test the animal pollination and predator satiation hypotheses, which are the main hypotheses that attempt to explain the ultimate cause of GF, we conducted a bagging experiment after the flowering of Shorea pilosa (Dipterocarpaceae). Seed survival at the predispersal stage was divided into two stages (1–30 days and > 30 days after flowering) and we compared the results between treatments and between GF and non‐GF periods using a survival analysis. Survival during the GF period at both stages was significantly higher than during non‐GF periods, suggesting that both hypotheses were supported and that synchronous flowering with GF benefits the reproductive success of S. pilosa.
Floral abnormalities in Jatropha tanjorensis Ellis & Saroja (Euphorbiaceae): a natural interspecific sterile hybrid
Authors: SAHAI KANAK , KUMAR SUSHEEL , RAWAT KRISHNA K.
Published: August 2009

Jatropha tanjorensis, an interspecific hybrid between Jatropha curcas and Jatropha gossypifolia, is reported to be a sterile hybrid, which has drastically limited its natural propagation. To determine the probability of existing sterility, floral biology was carried out in 30 trees of six accessions during 2007–2008. The results were explored in terms of morphological and anatomical details of floral abnormality. Although unisex flowers are a characteristic feature of the genus, unusual bisexual flowers with pseudostamens or staminodes were also present. Petalody of the stamen was frequently observed in most of the floral samples. Anther lobes were flat, cordate, fibrous, and some had one or more callus‐like structures and contained a few sterile pollen grains. In polypistillody, pistils were irregular in shape and position or were fused with the staminodes. Frequently occurring forms of these floral abnormalities as well as unusual hermaphrodity were highly responsible for the sterility of J. tanjorensis.
Effects of temperature and storage length on seed germination and the effects of light conditions on seedling establishment with respect to seed size in Ligularia virgaurea
Authors: WANG MAN‐TANG , LU NING‐NA , ZHAO ZHI‐GANG
Published: August 2009

Ligularia virgaurea is widely distributed in the alpine meadows of the eastern Qinghai‐Tibet plateau. We studied the effects of temperature and seed storage length on seed germination in a laboratory experiment, the effects of seed mass and light intensity on seed emergence in a pot experiment, and the effect of meadow disturbance intensity on seed emergence in a field experiment. Our results showed that seeds of L. virgaurea germinated well under a wide range of temperatures. Germination percentage decreased with increased seed storage length. When seeds were stored for either 6 or 12 months the germination percentage increased with decreasing temperature. The emergence percentage of large seeds was higher than that of small seeds. Seedling survival of large seeds was greater than that of small seeds in 75% and 50% of natural irradiance. Large seeds of L. virgaurea were more successful colonizers in the alpine meadows. Seeds of L. virgaurea germinated in both disturbed meadows and non‐disturbed meadows, but seed emergence and seedling establishment were higher in the disturbed meadows, that is, disturbance could facilitate the recruitment and establishment of L. virgaurea.
13: Lycoris sanguinea Maxim. (Amaryllidaceae)
Authors: KAWANO SHOICHI
Published: August 2009

The life‐history characteristics of Lycoris sanguinea Maxim., a bulbous perennial of the Amaryllidaceae, are described here. Its geographical range is in the warm‐temperate to cool‐temperate zone of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, Japan, extending further to the Korean Peninsula and China. Its growth form and seasonality are very unique, that is, the productive and reproductive phases are separate, which has been observed in other Lycoris species as well. In late March to mid‐April for approximately 2 months, only radical leaves appear above ground; these leaves wither and disappear in late April to early May when the canopy of the deciduous trees casts heavy shade on the ground layer; then, in mid‐ to late‐July when the forest floor becomes even darker, only scapes appear above ground, with two to six orange‐red flowers borne on the umbels, occasionally forming large clumps here and there on the forest floor. Lycoris sanguinea is a typical insect‐pollinated polycarpic perennial that is pollinated by small bees, such as Amegilla florae, and small butterflies, such as Thymelicus leoninus leoninus and Thymelicus sylvaticus sylvaticus. The seed output per plant is not very high, and 6–20 black spherical seeds, each approximately 6 mm in size, are produced.
Doppler guided haemorrhoidal arterial ligation with recto‐anal‐repair (RAR) for the treatment of advanced haemorrhoidal disease
Authors: Walega P. , Krokowicz P. , Romaniszyn M. , Kenig J. , Sałówka J. , Nowakowski M. , Herman R. M. , Nowak W.
Published: August 2009

Objective  A modification of Doppler guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation (DGHAL) to include the addition of recto‐anal repair is reported. Preliminary results of function and safety of third and fourth degree haemorrhoidals are given.

Method  Thirty patients underwent DGHAL combined with recto‐anal‐repair (RAR). Each had rectal examination, anorectal manometry and Quality of Life assessment before and 3 months after the procedure.

Results  Twenty‐nine patients were included in the final analysis. There were three (10.34%) patients of intra‐operative and one (3.45%) of postoperative bleeding. Three months after RAR (17.24%) patients with minor residual mucosal prolapse were detected, three (10.34%) patients reported residual symptoms. There was no case of recurrent bleeding. Anal manometry at 3 months after RAR was significantly lower than before the procedure (P < 0.05). One (3.45%) patient reported occasional soiling 3 months after RAR.

Conclusion  Recto‐anal‐repair is safe in treating third and fourth degree haemorrhoids with no major complications and low rate of residual disease.
Stretch independent regulation of prostaglandin E2production within the isolated guinea‐pig lamina propria
Authors: Nile Christopher J. , De Vente Jan , Gillespie James I.
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

To use an isolated preparation of the guinea‐pig bladder lamina propria (LP) to investigate the effects of adenosine tri‐phosphate (ATP) and nitric oxide (NO) on the release of prostaglandin E2(PGE2).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The bladders of female guinea‐pigs (200–400 g) were isolated and opened to expose the urothelial surface. The LP was dissected free of the underlying detrusor muscle and cut into strips from the dome to base. Strips were then incubated in Krebs buffer at 37 °C. Each tissue piece was then exposed to the stable ATP analogue, BzATP, and a NO donor, diethylamine‐NONOate (DEANO), and the effect on PGE2output into the supernatant determined using the ParameterTMPGE2enzyme immunoassay kit (R & D Systems, Abingdon, UK). Experiments were repeated in the presence of purinergic receptor and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, COX I and COX II, antagonists. The cellular location of COX I, COX II and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) within the bladder LP was also determined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

PGE2production was significantly increased by BzATP. Antagonist studies showed the purinergic stimulation involved both P2X and P2Y receptors. The BzATP response was inhibited by the COX inhibitor indomethacin (COX I >COX II) but not by DUP 697 (COX II >COX I). Thus, BzATP stimulation occurs because of COX I stimulation. NO had no effect on PGE2production over the initial 10 min of an exposure. However, PGE2output was increased 100 min after exposure to the NO donor. In the presence of NO, the BzATP stimulation was abolished. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the location of COX I to the basal and inner intermediate urothelial layers and to cells within the diffuse layer of LP interstitial cells. In addition, nNOS was also located in the basal urothelial layers whilst COX II was found in the interstitial cell layers.

CONCLUSIONS

There is complex interaction between ATP and NO to modulate PGE2release from the bladder LP in the un‐stretched preparation. Such interactions suggest a complex interrelationship of signals derived from this region of the bladder wall. The importance of these interactions in relation to the physiology of the LP remains to be determined.
Evaluating the effect of childbirth education class: a mixed‐method study
Authors: Lee Linda Y.K. , Holroyd Eleanor
Published: August 2009

Aim:  To examine Chinese women's satisfaction with and the perceived effect of childbirth education class on their labour experience.

Background:  Attending childbirth education classes is a common activity for pregnant women. Nonetheless, evidence reveals that evaluation of the effects of childbirth education classes is inconsistent. Moreover, women's perceived effect of these classes has not been systematically examined.

Methods:  This two‐phase study adopted a mixed‐method design with Donadedian's model as the theoretical framework. In Phase One, a random sample of 40 Chinese women was invited to complete a questionnaire after attending a childbirth education class. The questionnaire was focused on their satisfaction with specific aspects of the class. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize participants’ response. In Phase Two, six of the original 40 women were purposively selected for a semi‐structured interview pertaining to the perceived effect of the childbirth education class on their labour experience. Thematic analysis was conducted on the interview data.

Findings:  The participants expressed overall satisfaction with the class. The area that satisfied them the most was the performance of the midwife. The areas that satisfied them the least were the date, length, size and time of the class. Three themes emerged from the interview data, namely, ‘learning about labour’, ‘contributing to a smooth labour process’ and ‘coping with uncertainty and handling anxiety.

Conclusion:  This study supports using a mixed‐method approach to evaluate client education activity, and highlights the importance of cultivating positive coping measures among the Chinese women after attending childbirth education class when facing childbirth‐related anxiety.
Lessons from eleven primary health care nursing innovations in New Zealand
Authors: Nelson K. , Wright T. , Connor M. , Buckley S. , Cumming J.
Published: August 2009

Introduction:  In New Zealand in 2003, 11 primary health care (PHC) nursing innovation projects and an evaluation of the initiative were funded by the Ministry of Health to develop and explore the ways new models of nursing practice could help address health inequalities and contribute to PHC.

Design and Methods:  A research‐and‐development approach was used in the evaluation. Data were gathered from interviews with national stakeholders, workshops with personnel from all projects, visits to each project site and case studies of four projects. Analysis involved assessing each project individually as well as the projects as a whole.

Context:  The initiative was one of many international and local PHC developments in this period designed to reduce health inequalities and improve patient care and health outcomes.

Findings:  Each project was developed from a different starting point; was located in different parts of the health system; and had different levels of funding. Some were principally focused on leading nursing development; others focused on developing nursing practice. Each involved influencing or providing nursing services, nurse education, leadership and service integration. Most projects progressed well, but some had limited success.

Lessons:  Lessons are on many levels, and include those related to: developing successful innovation; the importance of nursing leadership; developing the nursing workforce; and advancing nursing practice.

Conclusion:  The funding of the innovative projects enabled nurses to pioneer developments. Such funding is important, as it paves the way for change and provides an opportunity for reflection and new learnings.
Professionalism: the major factor influencing job satisfaction among Korean and Chinese nurses
Authors: Hwang J.‐I. , Lou F. , Han S.S. , Cao F. , Kim W.O. , Li P.
Published: August 2009

Background:  The nursing shortage has become an internationally important issue. Nurses' professionalism and job satisfaction have been recognized as strong factors influencing their turnover. As international interchanges in nursing education are growing between Korea and China, understanding the commonalities and differences in factors associated with job satisfaction is critical to improving nurses' job retention.

Aim:  To compare the factors influencing job satisfaction among Korean and Chinese nurses.

Method:  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted. The participants were comprised of 693 nurses at three general hospitals in Jinan, People's Republic of China and 593 nurses at two general hospitals in Seoul, Korea. A questionnaire was designed to measure the nurses' professionalism and job satisfaction. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors related to job satisfaction.

Results:  Professionalism was the common factor influencing job satisfaction in Korean and Chinese nurses. Professionalism was positively related to job satisfaction in both groups. Additional factors associated with job satisfaction were demographics and job characteristics such as age, job position and department of work, which were significant only in Korean nurses.

Conclusions:  Professionalism was the most important factor influencing job satisfaction in both Korean and Chinese nurses. Enhancing nursing professionalism is recommended as a common strategy to improve nurses' job retention across different healthcare systems.
Spanish primary health care nurses who are smokers: this influence on the therapeutic relationship
Authors: González S. , Bennasar M. , Pericàs J. , Seguí P. , De Pedro J.
Published: August 2009

Aim: To identify the perception of Primary Health Care (PHC) female nurses in the Balearic Islands in Spain who are smokers, regarding the suitability of their anti‐smoking therapeutic relationships with their clients. Also, to identify what factors they consider may determine why nurses smoke less in PHC than in specialized care (SC).

Background: Backed by the signing of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), a new Anti‐Smoking law has been in force in Spain since 2006. This legislation limits the places where tobacco may be consumed. PHC nurses, because of their professional abilities, their number and their direct contact with society on all accounts – both health‐ and illness‐wise – and also because of the proven efficacy of their interventions in the fight against the smoking habit, are called upon to play an important role against the smoking habit in the 21st century.

Method: A qualitative study using a semi‐structured interview with 15 PHC female nurses who are smokers.

Findings: Regarding the therapeutic relationship, basically two attitudes are adopted: first, blaming themselves and feeling uncomfortable and inadequate to be able to help someone to give up smoking or, second, considering themselves to be in an optimum situation in which to be able to help by sharing their addiction and thereby understanding and empathizing much more with clients. PHC nurses believe they smoke less than SC nurses as a result of a greater degree of awareness.

Conclusion: We would suggest that SC nurses should acquire a more relevant role in the fight against the smoking habit. In light of their capacity, commitment and efficacy, we believe there is a case for total autonomy as far as their role as therapists in breaking smoking habits is concerned.
Parent's adherence to children's home‐accident preventive measures
Authors: Tsoumakas K. , Dousis E. , Mavridi F. , Gremou A. , Matziou V.
Published: August 2009

Aim:  To investigate parents' knowledge and practice of preventive measures concerning children's home accidents, as well as the factors affecting adherence.

Background:  Injuries at home constitute the majority of accidental injuries in children aged <6 years old, sometimes with devastating consequences for the child's well‐being. Research has concentrated on locating the risk factors and on evaluating the effectiveness of the injury‐prevention programmes, but only a few studies have focused on parental knowledge and the application of preventive measures and on how the basic risk factors correlate with parental adherence.

Methods:  This was a descriptive study. A sample of 900 parents of children aged 0–6 years, who were guests of kindergartens and day nurseries of the Prefecture of Attica, Greece, and that were randomized geographically by region. Data were collected with an anonymous questionnaire between September 2006 and July 2007.

Results:  Half of the parents had inadequate adherence to the application of preventive measures for children's accidents at home, while nearly half claimed an information deficit. Accident incidence was 36% lower than when parents claimed to adhere to preventive measures. Higher adherence had fathers of low educational level (P = 0.001), families who had ≤2 bedroom residences (P = 0.001), families who remained in block of flats (P = 0.010) as well as families who had a child with chronic illness (P = 0.012). The study concerns an urban population and does not include parents who lack a sufficient knowledge of the Greek language.

Conclusion:  Parental adherence is of primary importance for decreasing home‐accident incidence. Parental education and the adherence gap needs further investigation so as to improve parental application of preventive measures.
Blood pressure, height, weight and body mass index of primary school students in a low socio‐economic district in Turkey
Authors: Bayat M. , Erdem E. , Barık Ö. , Başer M. , Taşcı S.
Published: August 2009

Aim:  This study was conducted to evaluate the growth and blood pressure measurements of the students.

Background:  School health services are important to evaluate, protect and to improve the health status of the students. This study was conducted to evaluate the growth and blood pressure measurements of the students who were registered in a primary school with low socio‐economic level in Kayseri Province in Türkiye between 1 April 2004 and 30 May 2004. The data were collected using questionnaire and health‐screening forms.

Findings:  It was determined that the average age was 9.77 ± 2.41 in girls and 10.16 ± 14.70 in boys. It was observed that the average height was 137.95 ± 14.70 cm, and the average weight was 33.07 ± 10.08 kg for all students. The girls between 10 years and 12 years old had a better average body mass index (kg/m2) (BMI) compared with boys. Boys between 6 years and 9 years old had a better BMI than the girls. The difference between the groups was considered statistically important (P = 0.006 and P = 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, 4.9% of the students were underweight and 2.2% of the students were obese. It was thought that there was a positive correlation among height, weight, BMI, age and the blood pressure values; and as BMI and age increased, so did the blood pressure value.

Conclusion:  Cooperation and dialogue need to be established among the school directorate, the families and the students to promote and encourage proper growth development and nutrition of the students within the school health services.
David Hare's Fictional Politics
Authors: FIELDING STEVEN
Published: August 2009

David Hare is Britain's leading political dramatist. His Gethsemane premiered in November 2008, amidst anticipation that the play would ‘crucify’ New Labour. Gethsemane is in fact one of a number of fictionalisations of New Labour produced since 1997. These works have generally held up the party under Tony Blair's leadership to unmitigated criticism. Gethsemane certainly took Blair's premiership to task. However, despite increasing popular cynicism about Westminster politicians, Hare also suggested that politics remains a potential means through which honourable ends might still be achieved. However, already primed by the prevailing hostility to New Labour encouraged by earlier fictionalisations, few of those who reviewed Gethsemane noted Hare's tentative message of hope.
The Ethnic Employment and Income Gap in Sweden: Is Skill or Labor Market Discrimination the Explanation?*
Authors: Nordin Martin , Rooth Dan‐Olof
Published: August 2009

This study uses a cognitive test score, the Swedish Military Enlistment test taken at age 18, to identify whether the ethnic employment and income gap in Sweden is caused by a pre‐market skill gap and/or ethnic discrimination. The employment gap and income gap are estimated for males born in Sweden with different ethnic backgrounds: their parents were born in Sweden or in southern Europe or outside Europe. Controlling for the cognitive test score does not affect the ethnic employment gap, and for incomes the ethnic income gap almost disappears.
Indirect versus Direct Constraints in Markets with Vertical Integration
Authors: Inderst Roman , Valletti Tommaso
Published: August 2009

For an assessment of market power on the wholesale (or merchant) market in the presence of vertically integrated firms, we analyze the interaction of direct constraints, arising from competition on the wholesale market, and of indirect constraints, arising from substitution on the retail market. A vertically integrated firm that still participates in the merchant market exerts both direct and indirect constraints. We analyze the factors that determine the importance of indirect constraints. We find that, in contrast to a common presumption, indirect constraints are sometimes more powerful than direct constraints. We furthermore analyze the incentives of integrated firms to still participate in the merchant market, provided that this is technologically feasible.
Bargaining over a Common Good with Private Information*
Authors: Lindahl Therese , Johannesson Magnus
Published: August 2009

Consider two agents who make sequential claims on a common good, receiving their respective claims only if these are compatible. We let the first mover be privately informed about the size of the good. Conventional theory predicts multiple equilibria, and the intuitive criterion predicts that the first player claims the entire good. Our experimental results reject the intuitive criterion. Private information reduces the claim and the profit of the first mover. However, we cannot reject that the subjects play according to a perfect Bayesian equilibrium (PBE). Most subjects play according to a PBE, and almost all successful coordination occurs at the even split.
Separating the dead: the ritual transformation of affinal exchange in central Flores
Authors: Forth Gregory
Published: August 2009

In central Flores, local people represent obligatory exchanges of objects at funerals as signalling a cessation of relations between affinally related groups, thus contradicting a well‐established local principle whereby affinal relationships transcend the lives of individual participants. Illuminating this contrast is a mortuary context that comprises rites emphasizing separation and a particularly negative view of the dead to the exclusion of a more positive representation of relations between the dead and the living expressed in religious ideology. However, as a purely ethnographic analysis cannot actually resolve the contradiction, consideration is given to cognitivist perspectives, and especially approaches focusing on counterintuitive features of ritual and religious representations that contradict ordinary understandings of things.

Les populations du centre de l'île de Florès représentent les échanges obligatoires d'objets lors des funérailles comme le signal de cessation de relations entre des groupes liés par affinité, en contradiction avec un principe local bien établi selon lequel les relations d'affinité survivent aux personnes concernées. Cette opposition est éclairée par un contexte mortuaire comprenant des rites qui mettent l'accent sur la séparation et sur une vision singulièrement négative des morts, excluant la représentation plus positive des liens entre les morts et les vivants qu'exprimerait l'idéologie religieuse. Une analyse purement ethnographique ne suffit cependant pas à résoudre cette contradiction, et il faut donc recourir à une perspective cognitiviste, et en particulier à des approches axées sur les aspects apparemment contre‐intuitifs du rituel et sur les représentations religieuses qui contredisent l'entendement habituel des choses.