bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein glutathionylation increases in the liver of patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Piemonte Fiorella , Petrini Stefania , Gaeta Laura Maria , Tozzi Giulia , Bertini Enrico , Devito Rita , Boldrini Renata , Marcellini Matilde , Ciacco Enzo , Nobili Valerio
Published: August 2007

Background and Aim:  Oxidative stress is an important pathophysiological mechanism in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, where hepatocyte apoptosis is significantly increased correlating with disease severity. Protein glutathionylation occurs as a response to oxidative stress, where an increased concentration of oxidized glutathione modifies post‐translational proteins by thiol disulfide exchange. In this study, we analyzed the protein glutathionylation in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and evaluated a potential association between glutathionylation, fibrosis, and vitamin E treatment.

Methods:  Protein glutathionylation was studied in the livers of 36 children (mean age 12.5 years, range 4–16 years) subdivided into three groups according to their NAFLD activity score (NAS) by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, using a specific monoclonal antibody. In addition, we identified the hepatocyte ultrastructures involved in glutathionylation by immunogold electron microscopy.

Results:  Our findings showed that protein glutathionylation increases in the livers of patients with NAFLD and it is correlated with steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. Its increase appears mainly in nuclei and cytosol of hepatocytes, and it is reversed by antioxidant therapy with reduced fibrosis.

Conclusion:  Protein glutathionylation significantly increases in livers with NAFLD, strongly suggesting that oxidative injury plays a crucial role in this disease. Furthermore, the marked increase of protein glutathionylation, in correlation with collagen VI immunoreactivity, suggests a link between the redox status of hepatic protein thiols and fibrosis.
Hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia may associate with the adenoma–carcinoma transition in colorectal epithelial cells
Authors: Tabuchi Masafumi , Kitayama Joji , Nagawa Hirokazu
Published: August 2007

Background and Aim:  Epidemiological studies have suggested the positive correlation between hyperlipidemia and/or hyperglycemia and colorectal cancer risk.

Methods:  We retrospectively examined the association between fasting blood sugar (BS) or triglycerides (TG) and the presence of colorectal adenoma, carcinoma in situ and invasive cancer in 867 patients who received total colonoscopy by medical health check.

Results:  An increased TG level, but not a BS level, was significantly associated with the increased risk of adenoma, although with non‐independent multivariate analysis. In contrast, an elevated BS level was identified as an independent risk factor for invasive cancer in 93 patients with carcinoma lesions with an odds ratio of 1.74 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Our data suggest that hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia may correlate with the development of adenoma and invasive cancer, respectively. The effectiveness of strict BS control in patients with hypertriglyceridemia for the prevention of the invasive colorectal carcinoma deserves further studies.
Inhibition of hepatitis C virus infection and expression in vitro and in vivo by recombinant adenovirus expressing short hairpin RNA
Authors: Sakamoto Naoya , Tanabe Yoko , Yokota Takanori , Satoh Kenichi , Sekine‐Osajima Yuko , Nakagawa Mina , Itsui Yasuhiro , Tasaka Megumi , Sakurai Yuki , Cheng‐Hsin Chen , Yano Masahiko , Ohkoshi Shogo , Aoyagi Yutaka , Maekawa Shinya , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Kohara Michinori , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: August 2007

Background and Aim:  We have reported previously that synthetic small interfering RNA (siRNA) and DNA‐based siRNA expression vectors efficiently and specifically suppress hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication in vitro. In this study, we investigated the effects of the siRNA targeting HCV‐RNA in vivo.

Methods:  We constructed recombinant retrovirus and adenovirus expressing short hairpin RNA (shRNA), and transfected into replicon‐expressing cells in vitro and transgenic mice in vivo.

Results:  Retroviral transduction of Huh7 cells to express shRNA and subsequent transfection of an HCV replicon into the cells showed that the cells had acquired resistance to HCV replication. Infection of cells expressing the HCV replicon with an adenovirus expressing shRNA resulted in efficient vector delivery and expression of shRNA, leading to suppression of the replicon in the cells by ∼10−3. Intravenous delivery of the adenovirus expressing shRNA into transgenic mice that can be induced to express HCV structural proteins by the Cre/loxP switching system resulted in specific suppression of virus protein synthesis in the liver.

Conclusion:  Taken together, our results support the feasibility of utilizing gene targeting therapy based on siRNA and/or shRNA expression to counteract HCV replication, which might prove valuable in the treatment of hepatitis C.
Functional and morphological alterations in small intestine mucosa of chronic alcoholics
Authors: Bhonchal Sonia , Nain Chander K , Prasad Kaushal K , Nada Ritambhara , Sharma Arun K , Sinha Saroj K , Singh Kartar
Published: August 2007

Background and Aim:  Alcohol‐related diseases constitute the third largest health problem after heart disease and cancer in the world. The objective was to study the effects of chronic alcohol intake on small bowel cellular functions with focus on brush border enzymes, membrane enzymes, cellular enzymes and their relationship with structural changes in small bowel mucosa of chronic alcoholics.

Methods:  Duodenal biopsies were obtained by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy of chronic alcoholics having alcoholic liver disease (ALD) with and without cirrhosis. The biopsies were then processed for enzymatic assays to analyze the status of cellular functions. Light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were done to study the morphological alterations. Control group consisted of nonalcoholic gastroesophageal reflux disease patients reporting for routine endoscopy.

Results:  The experimental group consisted of ALD patients which showed significant difference (P < 0.01) in cellular functions when compared with controls. The light microscopy showed partial villous atrophy, increase in lamina propria infiltrate, and intraepithelial lymphocytes as main findings in the alcoholic group. Ultrastructural evaluation revealed changes like widened intercellular junction, distorted microvilli, increased rough endoplasmic reticulum, and increased and dilated mitochondria. The enzyme parameters correlated positively with the mucosal morphology parameters indicating a direct relationship.

Conclusion:  The study brought out the changes in small bowel of chronic alcoholics having ALD at both cellular and subcellular levels which correlated significantly.
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and bacterascites prevalence in asymptomatic cirrhotic outpatients undergoing large‐volume paracentesis
Authors: Castellote José , Girbau Ana , Maisterra Sandra , Charhi Nadia , Ballester Raquel , Xiol Xavier
Published: August 2007

Background and Aim:  Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and bacterascites prevalence in asymptomatic cirrhotic patients on large‐volume paracentesis is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and bacterascites prevalence in a prospective cohort of cirrhotic outpatients following large‐volume paracentesis with low risk of infection.

Methods:  We prospectively studied all large‐volume paracenteses performed in cirrhotic outpatients for 1 year. Patients with fever, abdominal pain, peritonism or hepatic encephalopathy were excluded from the study. The ascitic fluid was analyzed by means of a reagent strip with a colorimetric scale from 0 to 4. A strip test of 0 or 1 was considered negative. In those cases with a reagent strip ≥2, conventional polymorphonuclear count was performed. Ascitic fluid culture was done into blood culture bottles in all cases.

Results:  We performed 204 paracenteses in 40 patients. Nine cases were excluded. Culture‐negative neutrocytic ascites was diagnosed in one case (0.5%), while bacterascites was diagnosed in six out of 195 cases (3%), mainly by gram‐positive cocci.

Conclusion:  The spontaneous bacterial peritonitis prevalence in outpatient cirrhotics with low risk of infection undergoing large‐volume paracentesis is very low. Moreover, the prevalence of bacterascites is low and without clinical consequences. The routine analysis of ascitic fluid may be unnecessary in this clinical setting. Nevertheless, the use of reagent strips is a reasonable alternative due to its accessibility and low cost.
Expression of somatostatin receptor subtype 3 in the gastric mucosa of dyspeptic patients in relation to Helicobacter pylori infection and a family history of gastric cancer
Authors: Stec‐Michalska Krystyna , Peczek Lukasz , Krakowiak Agnieszka , Michalski Blazej , Chojnacki Jan , Knopik‐Dabrowicz Alina , Klupinska Grazyna , Nawrot Barbara
Published: August 2007

Background and Aim:  The cytotoxic activity of Helicobacter pylori contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma. A preliminary study suggested that somatostatin receptor subtype 3 (SSTR3) might play a role in cell apoptosis and the growth of gastric cancer. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of H. pylori infection and a family history of gastric cancer on the expression of SSTR3 in the gastric mucosa of non‐cancer patients with dyspepsia.

Methods:  The expression of the SSTR3 gene in the gastric mucosa of the stomach antrum and corpus of 53 patients was determined by the use of quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  The SSTR3 mRNA level was lower in the H. pylori‐infected patients, as compared to the non‐infected patients, independently of a family history of gastric cancer and stomach topography. The greatest decrease of approximately 40% and 35% (P < 0.05) was observed for the antrum of the H. pylori‐positive patients without and with a family history of gastric cancer, respectively. In the corpus, these differences were much smaller, regardless of a family history of gastric cancer. Interestingly, for H. pylori‐negative patients, the density (at the mRNA level) of the SSTR3 receptor in the antrum was higher than in the corpus mucosa.

Conclusions:  A decrease in the density of SSTR3 (especially in the antrum) in individuals with H. pylori infection and particularly with a family history of gastric cancer may point to an environmental and inherited predisposition in the development of distal gastric cancer.
Etiological spectrum of esophageal varices due to portal hypertension in Indian children: Is it different from the West?
Authors: Poddar Ujjal , Thapa Babu Ram , Rao KL Narsimha , Singh Kartar
Published: August 2007

Background and Aim:  Information about portal hypertension (PHT) in children is meagre. We therefore studied the spectrum and outcome of PHT in children (≤14 years of age) over a period of 9 years.

Methods:  PHT was diagnosed on endoscopy (presence of varices) in 517 cases during the study period. The diagnosis of extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) and Budd–Chiari Syndrome (BCS) were made on the basis of ultrasound examination. Cirrhosis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical, biochemical, ultrasound, and liver biopsy (whenever feasible). Noncirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) and congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) were diagnosed on liver biopsy. Endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) was done in all the patients who presented with variceal bleeding and surgery was performed whenever indicated.

Results:  Causes of PHT included EHPVO in 54%, cirrhosis in 39%, CHF in 3%, NCPF in 2%, and BCS in 2%. Of these, 279 (54%) patients presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and this group comprised of EHPVO in 85%, cirrhosis in 10%, CHF in 2.5%, NCPF in 2%, and BCS in 1%. Bleeding was the presenting feature in 85% of EHPVO cases and in 13% of cirrhosis cases. In EHPVO cases, variceal eradication was achieved in 95% of cases with a mean 5 ± 2.4 EST sessions. Surgery was required in 24 cases of EHPVO. Mortality due to bleeding was 1.7% in EHPVO and 30% in cirrhosis.

Conclusions:  EHPVO and cirrhosis are the two major causes of PHT in children. However, predominant cause of variceal bleeding is EHPVO. EST is an effective method of treatment in EHPVO.
Detection of gene point mutation in paraffin sections using in situ loop‐mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: Ikeda Satoshi , Takabe Kazuhiko , Inagaki Masaharu , Funakoshi Naoya , Suzuki Keiko
Published: August 2007

For pathological diagnoses, visualization of genetic status using routine tissue sections is important to determine the relationships between histopathological findings and genetic alterations. Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has been reported to have high levels of specificity and amplification efficiency. An in situ LAMP method was used, along with an amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) to directly detect a specific point mutation, L858R, which is a mutation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), useful for the prediction of the effects of the anti‐lung cancer drug gefitinib. The investigation was done using two types of cultured cells as well as paraffin‐sectioned specimens collected from 26 cases of surgically resected lung cancer. Twelve of the specimens had an L858R mutation and in situ LAMP showed reactions in the nuclei of all cancer cells present in those. Such reactions were also shown on in situ LAMP in three of the remaining 14 cases that were without the L858R mutation. In addition, a few cases showed responses in the nuclei of bronchial epithelium cells located in non‐cancerous areas in the vicinity of a positive tumor, which suggested that the mutation had already occurred in the tumorigenic early stage. It is concluded that the present method is useful for pathological and genetic diagnoses.
Clinicopathological findings in fulminant‐type pneumococcal infection: Report of three autopsy cases
Authors: Tajiri Takuma , Tate Genshu , Enosawa Tetsuji , Akita Hidetaka , Ohike Nobuyuki , Masunaga Atsuko , Kunimura Toshiaki , Mitsuya Toshiyuki , Morohoshi Toshio
Published: August 2007

Reported herein are three autopsy cases of fulminant‐type pneumococcal sepsis with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) resulting in death within a few days of onset of symptoms. Two of the three patients had previously had a splenectomy because of a hematological disorder. None of the patients had received pneumococcal vaccination. On post‐mortem every organ had congestion as well as bleeding. Interestingly, severe inflammation of the alveoli was absent despite the sepsis. The cause of death was rapidly progressive pneumococcal sepsis leading to DIC and circulatory failure, which appeared to cause pulmonary congestion and hemorrhage without pneumonia. It is important to understand the pathogenesis of fulminant‐type pneumococcal infection because it is life‐threatening for compromised hosts.
Enteritis necroticans ‘pigbel’ in a Japanese diabetic adult
Authors: Matsuda Tomomichi , Okada Yuji , Inagi Eiji , Tanabe Yasushi , Shimizu Yozo , Nagashima Kazuo , Sakurai Jun , Nagahama Masahiro , Tanaka Shinya
Published: August 2007

Enteritis necroticans ‘pigbel’ is caused by Clostridium perfringens type C but has rarely been reported in developed countries. A 50‐year‐old Japanese man with untreated diabetes mellitus (DM) presented with diarrhea and abdominal pain. Intraoperative endoscopic and macroscopic examination disclosed segmental annular mucosal lesions characteristic of clostridial enteritis. Clostridial infection type C was verified on pathological, and immunohistochemical analysis. Although rare, the disease is likely to be underdiagnosed. Hence, the pathology and immunohistochemistry of segmental enteritis with annular mucosal lesions should be examined to establish a diagnosis of enteritis necroticans even in mildly affected patients, and especially those with DM.
Effect of single and multi‐joint lower extremity muscle strength on the functional capacity and ADL/IADL status in Japanese community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Azegami Masako , Ohira Masayoshi , Miyoshi Kei , Kobayashi Chise , Hongo Minoru , Yanagihashi Ryuya , Sadoyama Tsugutake
Published: August 2007

Abstract  Forty‐seven community‐dwelling older adults aged >70 years participated in this Japanese cross‐sectional study to determine the relationship between the isometric lower extremity muscle strength measured during knee extension (KE) in single‐joint and total leg extension (TLE) in multi‐joint tasks, physical performance tests, and functional status. The physical performance was determined by KE and TLE muscle strength, walking capacity, and balance performance tests, while the functional status was evaluated by interview using basic activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) tools. The results indicated that the TLE muscle strength was significantly related to all the other performance tests, while the KE muscle strength was not correlated with the balance test. Also, the bilateral TLE muscle strength was significantly associated with IADL status compared with the KE muscle strength. In conclusion, multi‐joint muscle strength testing might be superior to single‐joint muscle strength testing for the screening of the functional impairments of older adults.
Coping strategies and predictors of general well‐being in women with breast cancer in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Li Jingzhi , Lambert Vickie A.
Published: August 2007

Abstract  The presence of breast cancer has been a great challenge to women's health for decades. However, limited information exists about how Chinese women with breast cancer cope with the stressors of the illness and which factors predict their sense of general well‐being. Therefore, the purposes of this study of women with breast cancer from the People's Republic of China were to identify the coping strategies being used and to identify which demographic characteristics and coping strategies were the best predictors of general well‐being. The sample consisted of 100 newly diagnosed women with breast cancer, located within one city in the People's Republic of China. Each woman completed three paper‐and‐pencil questionnaires that measured demographics, coping strategies, and general well‐being. The findings indicated planning, positive reframing, and self‐distraction were the most commonly used coping strategies. The best predictors of general well‐being were employment status and the coping method, self‐blame.
Iranian nurses' perceptions of theoretical knowledge transfer into clinical practice: A grounded theory approach
Authors: Cheraghi Mohammad Ali , Salasli Mahvash , Ahmadi Fazlollah
Published: August 2007

Abstract  Since nursing education was transferred to universities in Iran, the public and health administrators have criticized Iranian nurses because of poor‐quality patient care. It seems that nurses are not able to transfer the taught theoretical knowledge in academia into practice. This paper attempts to provide an insider view of why the taught theoretical knowledge in academia might be difficult to enact in the clinical setting. Using the grounded theory approach, individual in‐depth interviews and participant observation were undertaken with a purposive and theoretical sample of 26 participants in Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. The findings showed that, in spite of increased academic input into nursing education, clinical behaviors in both the education and practice settings were perceived as “traditional routine‐based”.
Response surfaces for the combined effects of heat shock and smoke on germination of 16 species forming soil seed banks in south‐east Australia
Authors: THOMAS PAUL B. , MORRIS E. CHARLES , AULD TONY D.
Published: August 2007

Abstract  There is limited understanding of how fire‐related cues such as heat shock and smoke can combine to affect the germination response of seeds from fire‐prone vegetation because combinations of multiple levels of both cues have rarely been investigated. Germination response surfaces were determined for the combination of heat shock and smoke by applying factorial combinations of temperature (up to 100°C) and aerosol smoke (0–20 min) to 16 species that form soil seed banks in the Sydney region of south‐eastern Australia. Duplicate populations of three species were also examined to assess the constancy of a species response surface. Of the 19 populations examined, 16 showed a germination response to both the fire cues, which combined interactively in 14 populations, and independently in two. No population responded only to a single cue; however, seeds of 11 populations responded to heat in the absence of smoke, and nine responded to smoke in the absence of heat. Heat applied in the absence of smoke negatively affected germination in seven populations, either progressively as temperature increased, or above a set temperature. Negative germination responses over part of the temperature range were fully reversed at higher temperatures for unsmoked seeds of four populations (curvilinear heat response). Smoke effects were most frequently positive over all or part of the range of durations used, and when combined with heat frequently fully or partially reversed negative heat effects. Three populations required the obligatory combination of smoke and heat. A novel response to the cues was observed for three species, with smoke reversing negative heat effects at 75°C, being supplanted by a positive heat response of unsmoked seed at 100°C. The response surface for duplicate populations of two of the three species examined was variable. Heat shock and smoke frequently combined to affect germination, in both positive and negative ways. Consequently, to gain an accurate assessment of the response of seeds to fires, an experimental design that samples within the potential response zones of germination cues is essential.
Establishment of native perennial shrubs in an agricultural landscape
Authors: WONG NATHAN K. , DORROUGH JOSH , HIRTH JEFF R. , MORGAN JOHN W. , O'BRIEN ERIS
Published: August 2007

Abstract  Native vegetation has been destroyed or dramatically modified throughout agricultural regions of southern Australia. Extensive restoration of native perennial vegetation is likely to be crucial in these areas for the persistence of native plant and animal species, to ameliorate dryland salinity and soil degradation, and to maintain long‐term agricultural production. The long‐term resilience of these systems will be dependent on the ability of key functional taxa, such as perennial shrubs, to recruit and persist. In this study, we examine the factors limiting establishment of two perennial shrubs in formerly cropped land, the rare Maireana rohrlachii and the common Maireana decalvans. Field and laboratory observations suggest that establishment of both species is not limited by life‐history traits following cultivation. Both species established and persisted under varying levels of plant competition. Similarities existed between species in their initial germination rates. Weak differences were found between species in the growth and survival rates under different levels of competition. The main difference between the two species was in the decline of germinability of fruits with increasing fruit age. From the data, it is difficult to determine what factors limit the establishment of perennial shrubs in these landscapes. The main hypothesis that can be advanced is that establishment of shrub species appears to be limited by propagule availability and this is likely to be a function of past and present grazing management rather than cultivation per se. Further investigation of these land‐use practices may give greater insight into the factors affecting the establishment of this life form across these landscapes.
Regrowth capacity in relation to defence strategy in Stipa clarazii and Stipa trichotoma, native to semiarid Argentina
Authors: DISTEL ROBERTO A. , MORETTO ALICIA S. , DIDONÉ NILDA G.
Published: August 2007

Abstract  Plants can defend themselves against herbivores by either avoiding or tolerating herbivory. Since avoidance mechanisms divert resources to other than growth processes, it could be expected a lower regrowth capacity in species that avoid herbivory than in species that tolerate herbivory, particularly under competition for resources. We tested this hypothesis by quantifying the regrowth of a grazing‐avoidant (Stipa trichotoma Nees, synonymous Nasella trichotoma (Nees) Hackel ex Arechav.) and a grazing‐tolerant (Stipa clarazii Ball, synonymous Nasella clarazii (Ball) Barkworth) grass species native to semiarid Argentina, when growing either singly or in pairs (one individual of each species) under repeated defoliation in field conditions. Twenty pairs of plants were selected in an area codominated by both species. Plants were protected by a 60 cm‐diameter exclosure, in which the rest of the vegetation had been removed. The same procedure was followed with 20 single plants of each species. The same plants were clipped four times in 1996 and 1998 and five times in 1997. The response variable was the cumulative regrowth per plant at the end of each year. The regrowth was analysed for neutral detergent fibre and nitrogen content. Cumulative regrowth of S. clarazii was higher, similar, or lower than the cumulative regrowth of S. trichotoma in 1996, 1997, and 1998, respectively. Regrowth was reduced by interspecific competition, although there was no interaction between species and growing conditions (single or in pairs). Neutral detergent fibre content was consistently higher, whereas nitrogen content was consistently lower, in S. trichotoma than in S. clarazii. Collectively, our results did not support the hypothesis of higher regrowth capacity in the grazing‐tolerant species than in the grazing‐avoidant species. Further, our findings suggest herbivore tolerance is a previously unappreciated trait of S. trichotoma.
Habitat structure is more important than vegetation composition for local‐level management of native terrestrial reptile and small mammal species living in urban remnants: A case study from Brisbane, Australia
Authors: GARDEN JENNI G. , MCALPINE CLIVE A. , POSSINGHAM HUGH P. , JONES DARRYL N.
Published: August 2007

Abstract  As urban areas continue to expand and replace natural and agricultural landscapes, the ability to manage and conserve native wildlife within urban environments is becoming increasingly important. To do so we first need to understand species' responses to local‐level habitat attributes in order to inform the decision‐making process and on‐ground conservation actions. Patterns in the occurrence of native terrestrial reptile and small mammal species in 59 sites located in remnant urban habitat fragments of Brisbane City were assessed against local‐level environmental characteristics of each site. Cluster analysis, multidimensional scaling ordination, and principal axis correlation were used to investigate relationships between species' occurrences and environmental characteristics. Native reptiles were most strongly associated with the presence of termite mounds, a high amount of fallen woody material, and a moderate amount of weed cover. Native small mammals were most strongly associated with the presence of grass trees (Xanthorrhoea spp.), and both reptiles and small mammals were negatively influenced by increased soil compaction. Significant floristic characteristics were considered to be important as structural, rather than compositional, habitat elements. Therefore, habitat structure, rather than vegetation composition, appears to be most important for determining native, terrestrial reptile and small mammal species assemblages in urban forest fragments. We discuss the management implications in relation to human disturbances and local‐level management of urban remnants.
Linear roadside remnants: Their influence on den‐use, home range and mating system in bobucks (Trichosurus cunninghami)
Authors: MARTIN JENNIFER K. , HANDASYDE KATHRINE A. , TAYLOR ANDREA C.
Published: August 2007

Abstract  Forest clearance results in a marked change in the dispersion of resources such as food and shelter: from a relatively continuous distribution, to patches and strips of remnant habitat set in a more or less inhospitable matrix. Such changes in the patterns of resource dispersion have the potential to strongly influence the dynamics of social and mating systems of resident animal populations. We studied the den‐use patterns, home range characteristics and mating system of a population of bobucks, Trichosurus cunninghami (Marsupialia: Phalangeridae), permanently resident in linear roadside strips of vegetation in north‐eastern Victoria, Australia in order to gain a greater understanding of the impacts of occupying linear roadside habitats on the behavioural ecology of arboreal marsupials. We radio‐tracked 11 adult females and six adult males and collected 2126 diurnal fixes (mean 125/individual) and 1044 nocturnal fixes (mean 61/individual). Males used significantly more den‐trees (mean 16.5 ± 1.5 den‐trees/individual) than females (mean 7.4 ± 0.6 den‐trees/individual) and had home ranges more than twice the size of those of females (male mean 5.1 ± 0.8 ha, female mean 2.1 ± 0.3 ha). On average, each male's home range overlapped with those of three females; there was little intrasexual home range overlap in either sex. Genetic parentage analysis of all young sampled during the study (n = 22) established that only males that overlapped in home range with females had sired those females' young. All but one male in the study sired multiple young in each of the years they were recorded breeding. These behavioural and genetic data indicate that the roadside population was polygynous, in contrast to the socially monogamous bobuck population we studied in a neighbouring forest patch. These differences in behaviour may reflect patterns of resource distribution in the two habitats.
Mass regulation in response to predation risk can indicate population declines
Authors: MacLeod Ross , Lind Johan , Clark Jacquie , Cresswell Will
Published: August 2007

In theory, survival rates and consequent population status might be predictable from instantaneous behavioural measures of how animals prioritize foraging vs. avoiding predation. We show, for the 30 most common small bird species ringed in the UK, that one quarter respond to higher predation risk as if it is mass‐dependent and lose mass. Half respond to predation risk as if it only interrupts their foraging and gain mass thus avoiding consequent increased starvation risk from reduced foraging time. These mass responses to higher predation risk are correlated with population and conservation status both within and between species (and independently of foraging habitat, foraging guild, sociality index and size) over the last 30 years in Britain, with mass loss being associated with declining populations and mass gain with increasing populations. If individuals show an interrupted foraging response to higher predation risk, they are likely to be experiencing a high quality foraging environment that should lead to higher survival. Whereas individuals that show a mass‐dependent foraging response are likely to be in lower quality foraging environments, leading to relatively lower survival.
Species abundance distributions: moving beyond single prediction theories to integration within an ecological framework
Authors: McGill Brian J. , Etienne Rampal S. , Gray John S. , Alonso David , Anderson Marti J. , Benecha Habtamu Kassa , Dornelas Maria , Enquist Brian J. , Green Jessica L. , He Fangliang , Hurlbert Allen H. , Magurran Anne E. , Marquet Pablo A. , Maurer Brian A. , Ostling Annette , Soykan Candan U. , Ugland Karl I. , White Ethan P.
Published: August 2007

Species abundance distributions (SADs) follow one of ecology’s oldest and most universal laws – every community shows a hollow curve or hyperbolic shape on a histogram with many rare species and just a few common species. Here, we review theoretical, empirical and statistical developments in the study of SADs. Several key points emerge. (i) Literally dozens of models have been proposed to explain the hollow curve. Unfortunately, very few models are ever rejected, primarily because few theories make any predictions beyond the hollow‐curve SAD itself. (ii) Interesting work has been performed both empirically and theoretically, which goes beyond the hollow‐curve prediction to provide a rich variety of information about how SADs behave. These include the study of SADs along environmental gradients and theories that integrate SADs with other biodiversity patterns. Central to this body of work is an effort to move beyond treating the SAD in isolation and to integrate the SAD into its ecological context to enable making many predictions. (iii) Moving forward will entail understanding how sampling and scale affect SADs and developing statistical tools for describing and comparing SADs. We are optimistic that SADs can provide significant insights into basic and applied ecological science.
Fungal rDNA signatures in coronary atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Ott Stephan J. , El Mokhtari Nour Eddine , Rehman Ateequr , Rosenstiel Philip , Hellmig Stephan , Kühbacher Tanja , Lins Markus , Simon Rüdiger , Schreiber Stefan
Published: August 2007

Bacterial DNA has been found in coronary plaques and it has therefore been concluded that bacteria may play a role as trigger factors in the chronic inflammatory process underlying coronary atherosclerosis. However, the microbial spectrum is complex and it is not known whether microorganisms other than bacteria are involved in coronary disease. Fungal 18S rDNA signatures were systematically investigated in atherosclerotic tissue obtained through catheter‐based atherectomy of 38 patients and controls (unaffected coronary arteries) using clone libraries, denaturating gradient gel analysis (DGGE), in situ hybridization and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Fungal DNA was found in 35 of 38 (92.11%) coronary heart disease patients by either polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with universal primers or in situ hybridization analysis (n = 5), but not in any control sample. In a clone library with more than 350 sequenced clones from pooled patient DNA, an overall richness of 19 different fungal phylotypes could be observed. Fungal profiles of coronary heart disease patients obtained by DGGE analysis showed a median richness of fungal species of 5 (range from 2 to 9) with a high interindividual variability (mean similarity 18.83%). For the first time, the presence of fungal components in atherosclerotic plaques has been demonstrated. Coronary atheromatous plaques harbour diverse and variable fungal communities suggesting a polymicrobial contribution to the chronic inflammatory aetiology.
Comparative growth in the postnatal skull of the extant North American turtlePseudemys texana(Testudinoidea: Emydidae)
Authors: Bever Gabe S.
Published: August 2007

Bever, G.S. 2007. Comparative growth in the postnatal skull of the extant North American turtlePseudemys texana(Testudinoidea: Emydidae). —Acta Zoologica(Stockholm)88: 000–000

Postnatal growth is one of the many aspects of developmental morphology that remains distinctly understudied in reptiles. Variation and ontogenetic scaling within the skull of the extant emydid turtle,Pseudemys texanais described based on 25 continuous characters. Results indicate that skull shape in this species changes little during postnatal growth relative to the only cryptodire taxa for which comparable datasets are available (Apalone feroxandSternotherus odoratus). This relative lack of change results in the paedomorphic retention of a largely juvenile appearance in the adult form ofP. texana. The skulls of males and females, despite the presence of distinct sexual dimorphism in size, grow with similar scaling patterns, and the few observed differences appear to reflect alteration of the male growth trajectory. Comparisons withA. feroxandS. odoratusreveal a number of similarities and differences that are here interpreted within a phylogenetic context. These preliminary hypotheses constitute predictive statements that phylogenetically bracket the majority of extant cryptodire species and provide baseline comparative data that are necessary for the future recognition of apomorphic transformations. Plasticity of ontogenetic scaling as a response to the homeostatic needs and behaviour of individuals commonly is evoked as a limitation of ontogenetic scaling as a means to inform phylogenetic studies. These evocations are largely unfounded considering that variability itself can evolve and thus be phylogenetically informative.
Patient expectation and satisfaction with nursing care in Turkey: a literature review
Authors: Özsoy S. A. , Özgür G. , Durmaz Akyol A.
Published: August 2007

Background:  Patient satisfaction is used as an important indicator of care quality and is frequently included in healthcare planning and evaluation. This study presents a review of research on patient expectation and satisfaction with nursing care in Turkey.

Aim:  To review the national literature on patient expectations and satisfaction with nursing care.

Methods:  The researchers reviewed 3089 articles of which 27 were discussed in detail. Of these 3089 articles, 1812 were from all issues of 14 Turkish nursing journals which have been published in the last 50 years, and 1277 articles were from 24 nursing congress and symposium books.

Results:  The results of this study are divided into two categories: expectations concerning ‘nursing care’, and ‘satisfaction with nursing care’. The findings show that there exist conceptual and philosophic deficiencies in the approaches to patient satisfaction and that there is a need to use standardized instruments to study and assess patient satisfaction in the future.

Conclusion:  Over the last 20 years, studies of patient expectation and satisfaction with nursing care have been gaining high importance, but it is also noticed that in a national and philosophical approach the studies are not based on clearly defined concepts. Moreover, it has been concluded that there is a need for valid and reliable tools in the evaluation of satisfaction.
The struggle to develop nursing research in Turkey
Authors: Özsoy S.A.
Published: August 2007

Background:  Little is known internationally about nursing research in Turkey. The development of nursing research would, however, provide a distinctive perspective on health needs and service provision. To understand the development of nursing research in Turkey, the development of nursing research in other countries might be analysed.

Aim:  To describe the development of nursing research and education in Turkey in a European context.

Findings:  The evolution of nursing research in Europe is discussed and the importance of setting nursing research priorities described. Different countries in the world are then examined for the development of nursing research and priorities. Finally, the development of nursing education, nursing research and priorities in Turkey are analysed and discussed in the context of the political and social background.

Conclusion:  The development of Turkish nursing research may still be insufficient in relation to the development of nursing research in Europe, but it is following global developments. Over the past years, there has been an increased interest in nursing research and Turkish nurses work hard to produce work for international publication.
Reaching across the pond: a global exchange between health systems
Authors: Ganske K. , Zerull L. , Guinn C. , Dowling G. , Tagnesi K.
Published: August 2007

Aim:  This article describes a unique programme begun in 2001 through a partnership between the historic St Bartholomew’s Hospital and the London National Health Service Trust, in London, England and Valley Health in Winchester, Virginia, USA. Dubbed the RN International Exchange Program, selected registered nurses have the opportunity to experience first‐hand healthcare delivery in another country and participate in a creative way of expanding knowledge about nursing.

Background:  Professional nurses are persistent in seeking new ways to enhance nursing practice and improve patient care. This happens in several ways, including academic study, research, continuing education and dialogue with other healthcare professionals. One method to advance nursing practice is through the sharing of knowledge between nurses, both at home and across the globe.

Conclusion:  Participating nurses see this type of global educational opportunity as a once‐in‐a‐lifetime experience that could never be duplicated in the traditional classroom setting.
Developing locally based research capacity in Uganda
Authors: Marshall‐Lucette S. , Corbett K. , Lartey N. , Opio D. , Bikaitwoha M. Everd
Published: August 2007

Aim:  To describe an educational project to enhance local research capacity within Hospice Africa Uganda, a Uganda‐wide community‐based palliative care organization.

Background:  This project emerged from a British Council Higher Education Links Scheme involving stakeholder British and Ugandan higher education institutions. The paper describes the project in relation to the remit of the British Council, the Ugandan context and the specifics of this exploratory project. The aim of the project was to build on the pre‐existing local research capacity.

Findings:  The lessons learnt and the participatory approach adopted for meeting the challenges of teaching/learning that emerged from this project are described in relation to the local interprofessional, organizational, socio‐economic and socio‐cultural contexts.

Conclusion:  Local knowledge gained through participatory engagement and collaborative working within Uganda is relevant and useful for current and future UK–Ugandan higher education partnerships.
Diabetes knowledge and glycemic control among Chinese people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: He X. , Wharrad H.J.
Published: August 2007

Background:  Diabetes self‐management education (DSME) is a key component of effective glycemic control and an important part of clinical diabetes management. The effects of DSME in China have not been investigated.

Objectives:  To identify factors that could enhance the quality of Chinese DSME programmes. The relationship between patients’ diabetes knowledge and their glycemic control was explored.

Methods:  A non‐experimental cross‐sectional study was undertaken in a large Shanghai hospital in China. Forty inpatients and 60 outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited. A Chinese version of the Diabetes Knowledge Scale was used to assess subjects’ diabetes knowledge and collect demographic data and HbA1c levels.

Results:  The mean diabetes knowledge scores among Chinese with type 2 diabetes was 22.1 ± 3.76 out of a possible 30 marks. There was no difference in overall diabetes knowledge in people with HbA1c <7%, indicating good control and those with HbA1c ≥7%, indicating suboptimal glycemic control (t = −0.811, P = 0.419). However, there were differences in scores between the two groups for some specific questions on sick day management and food substitution. Moreover, sociodemographic characteristics such as age and occupation were significantly correlated with diabetes knowledge; age was negatively correlated with diabetes knowledge and white‐collar workers had the highest mean knowledge score and housewives the lowest.

Conclusion:  Sociodemographic characteristics need to be considered when developing diabetes self‐management programmes for Chinese people with type 2 diabetes.
Note on audit fee premiums to client size and industry specialization
Authors: Carson Elizabeth , Fargher Neil
Published: August 2007

This research note examines the impact of client size on the estimation of audit fee premiums in the Australian market for audit services. Previous research suggests that higher audit fees are expected for both larger clients and for industry specialization. We find that in the Australian market for audit services, the fee premium attributed to industry specialist audit firms is concentrated in the audit fees paid by the largest clients in each industry. One reason for higher fees paid by larger clients is the demand for additional audit services. We find higher fees for companies cross‐listed on US exchanges. We also find that fee premiums to auditors that are city‐industry leaders are strongly related to client size.
BROWNLEE J. KIRKPATRICK, 1919–2007
Authors: Benthall Jonathan
Published: August 2007

Brownlee Jean Kirkpatrick, librarian and bibliographer: born Grahamstown, South Africa, 27 January 1919; died Broadstairs, Kent, 24 May 2007. (The following was written by the former director of the Royal Anthropological Institute as an address for her memorial service, held at St John's Church, Notting Hill Gate, London, on 3 July 2007. Ed.)
Differences in Anglo and Asian Australians' explicit and implicit prejudice and the attenuation of their implicit in‐group bias
Authors: McGrane Joshua A. , White Fiona A.
Published: August 2007

Research has shown that not only are minority groups capable of possessing implicit and explicit prejudice but that the study of their attitudes provides unique insight into the nature of prejudice. The current study found that in an Australian context, Asian participants displayed significantly less implicit prejudice and significantly greater explicit prejudice than their Anglo counterparts. This finding provided further evidence of the dissociation of explicit and implicit attitudes, specifically in regard to their predication. In addition, the attenuation of the implicit prejudice of both the Anglo majority and Asian minority group members was investigated. Brief exposure to positive out‐group exemplars was found to attenuate the implicit bias of Asian but not Anglo participants, suggesting that this technique may be contingent upon more fundamental prejudice‐reducing measures and providing further support that the undermining of implicit biases requires long‐term, effortful processes.
Economic cost of environmental flows in an unregulated river system*
Authors: Jones Randall , Crean Jason , Aluwihare Parakrama , Letcher Rebecca
Published: August 2007

This paper applies a stochastic dynamic programming framework, incorporating links to hydrological and biophysical models, to assess the economic costs of environmental flows in an unregulated river system in the Namoi Valley of northern New South Wales, Australia. Structural adjustment decisions are included in the model to account for farmer responses to changes in environmental flows through the introduction of a water sharing plan. The results of the analysis indicate that the proposed level of environmental flows reduces water extractions by around 6 per cent, and imposes an opportunity cost of less than 1 per cent in terms of reduced net income over a 20‐year period.
Media Violence and Social Neuroscience
Authors: Carnagey Nicholas L. , Anderson Craig A. , Bartholow Bruce D.
Published: August 2007

Decades of research have demonstrated that exposure to violence on television can cause increases in aggression. The recent emergence of violent video games has raised new questions regarding the effects of violent media. The General Aggression Model (GAM) predicts that exposure to violent media increases aggressive behavior through one of three primary pathways (arousal, cognitions, and affect). Past psychophysiological research has supported GAM but has been limited to examining arousal-related variables. Recent advances in social neuroscience have opened the door to investigations of exposure to violent media on cognitive and affective components and their neurocognitive underpinnings. Neuroscience tools have the potential to provide answers to the new questions posed by recent advances in media technology.