bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of the decision‐making process for inpatient hospice admissions
Authors: Eagle Lisanne M. , De Vries Kay
Published: November 2005

Aim.  This paper discusses some of the findings of a qualitative study which described the decision‐making processes that occurred during multidisciplinary meetings when prioritizing hospice inpatient admissions.

Background.  Healthcare rationing and resource allocation have been identified as important but under‐represented issues in the British nursing literature generally, and specifically within the field of palliative care. Little evidence currently exists about the rationing decisions made at a clinical level in hospices or palliative care units.

Method.  Adopting an ethnographic approach, data were collected at three hospice sites from three meetings at each site by observation, tape recording and transcribing of the meeting dialogue and examination of the available documentation from admissions meetings. The data were collected in 2002.

Results.  Factors identified as potentially influential in these decisions included patient diagnosis, symptoms, current location and the stated reason for admission. The person who had assessed the patient's need for admission and whether or not a patient was personally known to a clinician present at the meeting also appeared important. The process seemed complex and incorporated different decision‐making methods. Analysis of the group interactions suggested that these meetings were predominantly medically‐led.

Conclusion.  Palliative care nurses need to examine their beliefs and practices in relation to how hospice inpatient care is prioritized, and develop sound evidence‐based arguments in order to strengthen their role and influence in these important decisions for the benefit of patients. Further research is needed to achieve a greater understanding of these types of decision‐making processes.
The Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales: a valid measure of maternal satisfaction with inpatient postpartum nursing care
Authors: Peterson Wendy E. , Charles Cathy , DiCenso Alba , Sword Wendy
Published: November 2005

Aim.  To test the validity of The Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales as measures of patient satisfaction with nursing care in an inpatient postpartum unit.

Background.  The Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales (Experience of Nursing Care Scale and Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scale) were developed to measure the satisfaction of medical‐surgical inpatients with nursing care.

Methods.  The Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales were administered by interviewers to 189 postpartum women prior to hospital discharge. We tested the construct validity of the scales by making five a priori predictions: mothers who were more satisfied would be more likely to have one nurse caring for them and to recommend the postpartum unit to a friend. We also predicted that the Experience of Nursing Care and Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scales would be positively correlated with each other, with a global question about satisfaction with nursing care, and with a global question about satisfaction with overall postpartum stay.

Results.  Four of the five a priori predictions were supported by the data. The mean Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale scores of mothers who would recommend the unit to a friend were higher (more satisfied) than those who would not (P < 0·001). The Experience of Nursing Care Scale and Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scale were positively and significantly correlated with each other (r = 0·9, P < 0·001). There was a positive and significant correlation between the scales and global ratings of nursing care (Experience Scale r = 0·79, P < 0·001; Satisfaction Scale r = 0·82, P < 0·001) and overall postpartum stay (Experience Scale r = 0·64, P < 0·001; Satisfaction Scale r = 0·68, P < 0·001).

Conclusion:  The Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales are valid measures of maternal satisfaction with inpatient postpartum nursing care.
Development of the Expectations of Filial Piety Scale – Spanish version
Authors: Kao Hsueh‐Fen S. , Travis Shirley S.
Published: November 2005

Aims.  This paper reports the development of the Expectations of Filial Piety Scale for use with Hispanic/Latino parents regarding their expectations of care and support from their adult children.

Background.  Filial piety, a term used to describe a set of family values in relation to parental care and respect, has strong cultural underpinnings. To date, there have been no measures of this construct for use with Hispanic/Latino populations.

Methods.  A convenience sample of 318 Hispanic/Latino adults in North Carolina and Texas in the United States of America completed a brief biographical survey and field‐tested a new Spanish version of the Expectations of Filial Piety Scale in 2003.

Results.  Principal component factor analysis with orthogonal rotation (varimax method) was used to extract four factors, which accounted for 60% of the variance in scale scores. These factors were: I, respect for parents (23·6%); II, honouring parents (12·5%); III, supporting parents (11·9%); and IV, family unity (11·7%). Overall scale reliability was 0·82, with individual factor reliability coefficients ranging from 0·66 to 0·84.

Conclusions.  Increasingly, large numbers of Hispanic/Latino elders will look to their families for support as they reach advanced ages. Culturally relevant translations of family caregiving constructs, such as filial piety, will be essential nursing tools for clinical practice and in developing contemporary family caregiver research agendas.
Community psychiatric nurses and the care co‐ordinator role: squeezed to provide ‘limited nursing’
Authors: Simpson Alan
Published: November 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study illuminating the factors that either facilitate or constrain the ability of community psychiatric nurses, in their role as care co‐ordinators, to meet service users’ and carers’ needs.

Background.  The Care Programme Approach is the key policy underpinning community‐focused mental health services in England, but has been unevenly implemented and is associated with increased inpatient bed use. The care co‐ordinator role is central to the Care Programme Approach and is most often held by community psychiatric nurses, but there has been little research into how this role is performed or how it affects the work of community psychiatric nurses and their ability to meet the needs of service users.

Methods.  A multiple case study of seven sectorised community mental health teams was employed over 2 years using predominantly qualitative methods including participant observation, semi‐structured interviews and document review. The data were collected in one National Health Service trust in south England between 1999 and 2001.

Findings.  Additional duties and responsibilities specifically associated with the care co‐ordinator role and multidisciplinary working, combined with heavy workloads, produced ‘limited nursing’, whereby community psychiatric nurses were unable to provide evidence‐based psychosocial interventions that are recognized to reduce relapse amongst people with severe mental illness.

Conclusions.  The role of the Care Programme Approach care co‐ordinator was not designed to support the provision of psychosocial interventions. Consequently, community psychiatric nurses in the co‐ordinator role are faced with competing demands and are unable to provide the range of structured, evidence‐based interventions required. This may partially account for the increased inpatient bed use associated with the Care Programme Approach.
Expanding the role of the stroke nurse: a pragmatic clinical trial
Authors: Burton Christopher , Gibbon Bernard
Published: November 2005

Aims.  This paper reports a study evaluating whether expanding a specialist nursing role to provide outreach education and support to stroke patients and carers after discharge from hospital is effective in promoting recovery.

Background.  Building therapeutic relationships with patients and carers is a key component of the nursing role in stroke rehabilitation, although this is limited by the constraints of service organization.

Methods.  A pragmatic randomized controlled trial was undertaken. Patients with a diagnosis of stroke were randomized to receive continued support from a stroke nurse (n = 87) or usual care and follow‐up (n = 89) after discharge from hospital. Patients were recruited from two hospitals in the north‐west of England from November 1999 to April 2001. Patient dependence (Barthel Index), general health (Nottingham Health Profile), activities of living (Frenchay Activity of Living Index), depression (Beck Depression Inventory) and carer strain (Carer Strain Index) were assessed at 3 and 12 months after stroke.

Results.  The continued intervention of a stroke nurse after discharge was associated with improved patient perceptions of general health at 12 months (median difference 42·6, P = 0·012), and in particular reduced negative emotional reaction (P = 0·037) and perceived social isolation (P = 0·002). In addition, the intervention reduced carer strain at 3 months (P = 0·045), and reduced deterioration in physical dependence from 3 to 12 months (P = 0·049).

Conclusion.  The provision of continued intervention from a stroke nurse after discharge from hospital, focusing on education and support, has tangible benefits for patients and carers.
Small‐group hypertension health education programme: a process and outcome evaluation
Authors: Leung Cynthia M. , Ho Georgina K.H. , Foong Mary , Ho C. F. , Lee Peter K.K. , Mak Lucy S.P.
Published: November 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study to explore the expectations, attainments and opinions of the participants, the objectives and experiences of nurse facilitators, and the changes in nurse–client relationship after a small‐group hypertension health education programme.

Background.  Effective control of blood pressure among hypertensive patients is essential in the reduction of cerebrovascular‐related morbidity and mortality. A ‘small‐group hypertension education programme’ has been implemented in all general outpatient clinics in Hong Kong since 2000. In order to identify what aspects of the programme were beneficial and how it benefited clients, a process evaluation study was conducted.

Methods.  Following implementation of a small‐group hypertension health education programme, two focus groups were run to collect data from eight nurse facilitators, and individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 16 programme participants. The data were collected in 2001.

Findings.  The findings indicate that both clients and nurses gained a great deal from and enjoyed the process of this health education programme, and their relationships were improved after the programme. About half of the clients reported having adopted health‐enhancing behaviour. The study also revealed discrepancies between the nurses and clients in their perceptions of the objectives of the programme. This indicates that there is a need to clarify the objectives with clients to minimize disappointments from unrealistic expectations.

Conclusion.  There is a need for the nurse facilitators to clarify the goal of the programme as an education group rather than as a support group. Also, needs assessment is suggested before group member recruitment in order to make the group more homogeneous.
Modelling behavioural and fitness consequences of disturbance for geese along their spring flyway
Authors: KLAASSEN MARCEL , BAUER SILKE , MADSEN JESPER , TOMBRE INGUNN
Published: November 2005

For migratory birds the implications of environmental change may be difficult to predict because they use multiple sites during their annual cycle. Moreover, the migrants’ use of these sites may be interdependent. Along the flyway of the Svalbard pink‐footed goose Anser brachyrhynchus population, Norwegian farmers use organized scaring to minimize goose use of their grasslands in spring. We assessed the consequences of this practice for regional site use of pink‐footed geese along their spring migration route.

We used dynamic programming to find the sequence of migratory decisions that maximizes the fitness of female geese during spring migration, assuming scaring impinges on both food‐intake rates and predation risk. The parameterization of the model was based on data gathered from individually marked pink‐footed geese between 1991 and 2003.

The effect of scaring in terms of fitness and site use was most noticeable regarding food‐intake rate. Scaring resulted in a redistribution of geese along the flyway. Furthermore, the outcomes of the modelling exercises were highly dependent on whether or not the geese were omniscient or naive: at moderate scaring levels naive geese were predicted to succumb.

On a qualitative basis there was good correspondence between the predictions from the model and the empirical evidence gathered to date.

Synthesis and applications. Besides highlighting the importance of learning and changing behaviour in an adaptive fashion, our modelling exercise indicated the potential vulnerability of the geese to abrupt environmental change. In addition, the exercise emphasized the interdependence of site use along the migratory flyway. The model supports the necessity for an integrated flyway management approach. In Norway, discussion is ongoing about the future management of the spring conflict between farming interests and geese. Farmers in north and mid‐Norway have announced that they will expand the scaring campaign if a long‐term solution, including a compensation scheme, is not forthcoming. If scaring on such a large scale is implemented abruptly, it may have severe consequences for the population: management of both the scaring intensity and its geographical extent is urgently required.
Contingent negative variation elicited before jaw and tongue movements
Authors: YOSHIDA K. , IIZUKA T.
Published: November 2005

summary  Contingent negative variation (CNV) is a negative brain potential occurring between two successive stimuli when the first stimulus is a warning and the second stimulus requires a motor response. The CNV is interpreted as an expression of the cognitive processes in preparation for a response directed to a purpose. Using 19 electrodes we recorded CNVs for mouth opening, closing and lateral movements, tongue protrusion and hand extension in 10 healthy subjects. The aim of the study was to examine the motor control mechanism underlying jaw and tongue movements in a cognitive paradigm. The first stimulus (S1) served as a preparatory warning signal for the imperative stimulus (S2) 2 s after the S1. The subject performed the experimental tasks after the S2. The grand average CNVs for jaw and tongue movements showed a bilaterally widespread negativity with the maximum in the vertex region (Cz). The early CNV was identified about 400 ms after the S1 and its amplitude was highest at the midline‐frontal area. The late CNV started approximately 1000 ms after the S1 with the maximum at Cz. The mean amplitude was significantly lower for hand extension than for the other tasks, and significantly higher for lateral movement than for mouth closing, suggesting that the CNV amplitude can be affected by the complexity of the task. The CNV recording may provide a means to study the neuronal activity necessary for the sensorimotor integration of jaw and tongue movements.
The relationship between vertical craniofacial morphology and the sagittal path of mandibular movements
Authors: FARELLA M. , IODICE G. , MICHELOTTI A. , LEONARDI R.
Published: November 2005

summary  The aim was to investigate the relationship between the vertical craniofacial morphology and the sagittal path of mandibular movements. The study was carried out in 40 subjects who were free of temporo‐mandibular disorders. Mandibular movements and maximal jaw opening (MO) were recorded by means of a jaw tracking device. The opening–closing angle (OCA) was defined as the angle between the horizontal plane and the opening–closing path of movements. Vertical craniofacial morphology was assessed on prophile cephalograms by means of the Frankfort Mandibular Plane Angle (MP). The OCA did not differ between males and females (P > 0·05). OCA and MP were negatively correlated (r = −0·62; P < 0·001). MO was significantly greater in males that in females (P < 0·05). MO was negatively correlated to MP (−0·44 < r < −0·49; P < 0·05). The findings suggest that the low‐angle subjects exhibit a more vertical path of the mandibular movements than that of high‐angle subjects. Differences in the sagittal path of jaw movements may be partly ascribed to anatomical factors.
How light source and product shade influence cure depth for a contemporary composite
Authors: SHORTALL A. C.
Published: November 2005

summary  Directly placed light activated resin based composite restorations are becoming increasingly popular for restoring cavities in posterior teeth. Marketing and patient as factors well as operator preference are behind this trend. Achieving adequate depth of cure is critical to the success of these restorations. Recently a number of second generation light emitting diode (LED) light activation units have been marketed and the manufacturer of one of these claims that it is capable of curing in half the time of its predecessor. This study tested that claim using a companion composite from the same manufacturer. The relationship between cure depth, shade changes on curing and opacity were also assessed. Under the limitations of the current investigation the results indicated that the second generation LED unit in question met the manufacturer's claim for halving cure time. Depths of cure approached those of a control halogen unit in half the 40 s radiation time of the latter. For the product tested depth of cure is strongly linked to material opacity.
Quality of communication between dental practitioners and dental technicians for fixed prosthodontics in Ireland
Authors: LYNCH C. D. , ALLEN P. F.
Published: November 2005

summary  The aim of this investigation was to examine the quality of communication between dental practitioners and dental technicians for fixed prosthodontics in Ireland. A pre‐piloted questionnaire was distributed to large commercial laboratories in Ireland. Information was sought relating to the quality of written instructions and use of impression trays and materials for two forms of fixed prosthodontics – full veneer porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal crowns (PFMs), and conventional fixed partial dentures (FPDs). Information was received relating to 241 items (145 PFMs, 96 FPDs). All items were funded privately. Using pre‐determined grading criteria, poor or no written instructions were provided in 55% of cases examined (n = 128). Fifty‐four per cent of master impressions were (n = 129) made using a plastic stock tray. Three‐quarters of written instructions for FPDs (n = 73) did not specify the number of pontics to be included in its design. Despite the existence of various legal and ethical guidelines relating to the prescription and fabrication of fixed prostheses, more than one‐half of the written instructions and master impressions examined in this study were inadequate.
Efficiency of model‐based Bayesian methods for detecting hybrid individuals under different hybridization scenarios and with different numbers of loci
Authors: VÄHÄ JUHA‐PEKKA , PRIMMER CRAIG R.
Published: November 2005

Accurate detection of offspring resulting from hybridization between individuals of distinct populations has a range of applications in conservation and population genetics. We assessed the hybrid identification efficiency of two methods (implemented in the structure and newhybrids programs) which are tailored to identifying hybrid individuals but use different approaches. Simulated first‐ and second‐generation hybrids were used to assess the performance of these two methods in detecting recent hybridization under scenarios with different levels of genetic divergence and varying numbers of loci. Despite the different approaches of the methods, the hybrid detection efficiency was generally similar and neither of the two methods outperformed the other in all scenarios assessed. Interestingly, hybrid detection efficiency was only minimally affected by whether reference population allele frequency information was included or not. In terms of genotyping effort, efficient detection of F1 hybrid individuals requires the use of 12 or 24 loci with pairwise FST between hybridizing parental populations of 0.21 or 0.12, respectively. While achievable, these locus numbers are nevertheless higher than the number of loci currently commonly applied in population genetic studies. The method of structure seemed to be less sensitive to the proportion of hybrids included in the sample, while newhybrids seemed to perform slightly better when individuals from both backcross and F1 hybrid classes were present in the sample. However, separating backcrosses from purebred parental individuals requires a considerable genotyping effort (at least 48 loci), even when divergence between parental populations is high.
Assessment of visceral sensitivity using radio telemetry in a rat model of maternal separation
Authors: Welting O. , van den Wijngaard R. M. , de Jonge W. J. , Holman R. , Boeckxstaens G. E.
Published: November 2005

Abstract Stress plays an important role in the development of visceral hypersensitivity, a key mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of the irritable bowel syndrome. Visceral sensitivity in rats is generally assessed under restrain conditions. To avoid this potential stress factor, we developed a model using implanted radio telemetry for remote measurement of the visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distention (CRD). Ten days after implantation of a radio telemetry transmitter and EMG electrodes, visceral sensitivity was evaluated by applying a standardized distension protocol (1, 1.5 and 2 mL) on three different days. In a second series, visceral sensitivity was assessed in maternally separated rats before, directly after and at 6 and 24 h after water avoidance (WA) stress. CRD resulted in a reproducible VMR response on the three different study days. In separated but not in non‐handled rats, WA significantly increased visceral sensitivity at 6 h (P = 0.006) and 24 h (P = 0.004) after WA. Our results show that radio telemetry is a reliable and well tolerated new tool for evaluating visceral sensitivity in rats. These data further confirm that maternal separation is a good model for evaluating the mechanisms underlying visceral hypersensitivity.
Oesophageal wall stress and muscle hypertrophy in high amplitude oesophageal contractions§
Authors: Puckett J. L. , Bhalla V. , Liu J. , Kassab G. , Mittal R. K.
Published: November 2005

Abstract  Excessive wall stress is a known stimulus for muscle growth. We recently reported a thickened muscularis propria in patients with high amplitude oesophageal contractions (HAEC). The goal of this study was to determine oesophageal wall stress in normal subjects and patients with HAEC. A manometry catheter equipped with a high frequency ultrasound (US) transducer was used to record pressure and US images simultaneously in 10 healthy subjects and 11 patients with HAEC. Recordings were obtained at 2 and 10 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter during water swallows. The changes in circumferential wall stress during oesophageal contraction in both groups are relatively small because of an increase in the wall thickness‐to‐radius ratio during contraction. Patients show a greater muscle thickness than normal subjects at rest and at the peak of contraction. The wall stress in patients is elevated at the 2 cm but not at the 10‐cm level as compared to normal subjects. Wall strain is not different between the two groups. Increase in wall thickness during oesophageal contraction maintains low wall stress. A greater wall stress in patients with HAEC may be a stimulus for the increased wall thickness.
Motility disorder in experimentally obstructed intestine: relationship between muscularis inflammation and disruption of the ICC network
Authors: Won K‐j. , Suzuki T. , Hori M. , Ozaki H.
Published: November 2005

Abstract  We designed a model of small intestinal obstruction in rats to investigate changes in intestinal contractility associated with the immunologically activated components in the tunica muscularis. Although histochemical study did not reveal any typical inflammatory signs such as leucocyte infiltration in the distended intestinal regions of model rats 2–3 weeks after surgical induction of intestinal obstruction, the number of ED2‐positive macrophages appeared to be increased in the tunica muscularis. Expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α mRNA was also significantly increased, and the level of CD14 was also increased significantly in the tunica muscularis. Functional studies of distended intestinal muscle segments showed a marked decrease in absolute force stimulated by a cholinergic agent. In addition, the number of spontaneous rhythmic contractions was also reduced in the distended intestinal regions of the obstructed intestine, and this decrease was associated with a reduction in the number of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), as revealed by Kit‐like immunoreactivity. These results suggest that, under the pro‐inflammatory conditions of the tunica muscularis associated with intestinal obstruction, the release of bioactive substances, possibly from activated resident macrophages, may affect smooth muscle contractility. Furthermore, under these conditions, both the number and the function of neighbouring ICC may also be affected.
Enterochromaffin cell hyperplasia and decreased serotonin transporter in a mouse model of postinfectious bowel dysfunction
Authors: Wheatcroft J. , Wakelin D. , Smith A. , Mahoney C. R. , Mawe G. , Spiller R.
Published: November 2005

Abstract  Patients with postinfective irritable bowel syndrome and Trichinella spiralis‐infected mice share many features including visceral hypersensitivity and disordered motility. We assessed enterochromaffin (EC) numbers and serotonin transporter (SERT) using National Institute of Health (NIH) female mice studied for up to 56 days post‐T. spiralis infection. The effects of steroid treatment and the T‐cell dependence of the observed responses were assessed by infection of hydrocortisone‐treated or T‐cell receptor knock out [TCR (β×δ) KO] animals. Enterochromaffin cell density in uninfected animals increased from duodenum 10.0 cells mm−2 (5.9–41.0) to colon 61.8. (46.3–162) cells mm−2P < 0.0001. Infection increased duodenal and jejunal counts which rose to 37.3 (22–57.7) cells mm−2 and 50.6 (7–110.8) cells mm−2, respectively, at day 14. Infection significantly reduced jejunal SERT expression, with luminance values falling from 61.0 (45.1–98.3) to a nadir of 11.6 (0–36.0) units at day 9, P < 0.001. Specific deficiencies in all T cells reduced EC hyperplasia and abrogated infection‐induced mastocytosis. Thus infection induced inflammation increases EC numbers, as has been reported in PI‐IBS, and reduces SERT. This may increase mucosal 5HT availability and contribute to the clinical presentation of PI‐IBS.
Blockade of CTLA‐4 Promotes Airway Inflammation in Naive Mice Exposed to Aerosolized Allergen but Fails to Prevent Inhalation Tolerance
Authors: Alenmyr L. , Matheu V. , Uller L. , Greiff L. , Malm‐Erjefält M. , Ljunggren H.‐G. , Persson C. G. A. , Korsgren M.
Published: November 2005

In subjects not developing allergy, inhalation of nonpathogenic protein antigens causes no harm and is associated with tolerance induction. Repeated exposure to aerosolized ovalbumin (OVA) likewise does not evoke airway inflammation and induces inhalation tolerance in experimental animals. The present study explored the role of the inhibitory T‐cell receptor CTLA‐4, in preventing inflammation and in establishing inhalation tolerance in response to a protein antigen. Naive BALB/c mice were injected intraperitoneally with anti‐CTLA‐4 monoclonal antibody or control immunoglobulin G (IgG) and exposed daily to aerosolized saline or OVA over 10 or 20 consecutive days. OVA‐specific IgE levels and the inflammatory response in airway tissues were assessed 2 days after last exposure. The OVA‐specific IgE response was also evaluated in mice subjected to a subsequent immunogenic OVA challenge 18 days after last aerosol exposure. Additional mice were made tolerant by 10 days of OVA aerosol exposure and were then subjected to an immunogenic OVA challenge combined with CTLA‐4 blockade or control IgG treatment. Repeated inhalation of aerosolized OVA alone did not cause a pulmonary inflammatory response. In contrast, 10 days of OVA exposure combined with blockade of CTLA‐4 led to development of eosinophilic lung infiltrates, BAL fluid eosinophilia, goblet cell hyperplasia and increased OVA‐specific IgE. By 20 days of OVA exposure and blockade of CTLA‐4, the inflammatory response remained. Mice exposed to aerosolized OVA for 10 days exhibited greatly reduced OVA‐specific IgE responses to subsequent immunogenic OVA challenge. Blockade of CTLA‐4 during the period of OVA aerosol exposure did not prevent this suppression of the OVA‐specific IgE response. Neither did blockade of CTLA‐4 during immunogenic OVA challenge alter the allergen‐specific IgE response. Our results indicate that in vivo blockade of CTLA‐4 modulates the initial immune response to a protein antigen allowing the development of allergen‐induced airway inflammation in naive mice. However, this initial exaggerated immune response is followed by the induction of inhalation tolerance, demonstrating that CTLA‐4 signalling is not decisive in this process. Our findings also show that once inhalation tolerance is established it may not be disrupted by blockade of CTLA‐4.
A molecular phylogenetic study of armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)
Authors: Morse Geoffrey E. , Normark Benjamin B.
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  Armoured scale insects are economically important parasites of woody plants and grasses. They are promising subjects for the evolutionary study of physiology (no complete gut), genetics (chimerism, paternal genome elimination, frequent parthenogenesis) and coevolution (with host plants, parasitoids, Septobasidium fungi, endosymbiotic bacteria). Little phylogenetic work has been accomplished with armoured scales, and uncertainty surrounds their classification. Here, we report the phylogenetic results of Bayesian and parsimony analyses of 705 base pairs of Elongation Factor 1α and 660 base pairs of 28S from eighty‐nine species of armoured scale insects, representing forty‐seven genera and five tribes in the subfamilies Diaspidinae and Aspidiotinae, together with two outgroups. 28S was aligned based on a secondary structural model. Our results broadly corroborate the major features of the existing classification, although we do not find perfect monophyly of any of the traditionally recognized subfamilies or tribes. The subfamily Aspidiotinae is paraphyletic with respect to the subfamily Diaspidinae. Diaspidinae consists of two main clades that only roughly correspond to the tribes Lepidosaphidini and Diaspidini. Diaspidini is nearly monophyletic, except that it includes a single aspidiotine species. Other members of the tribe Aspidiotini form a clade, except that the clade includes a single species of Leucaspidini and excludes Maskellia and Pseudaonidia. Our results weakly support the hypothesis that the most recent common ancestor of the Diaspididae had adult females that were permanently enclosed within the derm of the second instar (the pupillarial habit) and had diploid adult males that eliminated their paternal genomes during spermatogenesis (late paternal genome elimination).
Morphology of male genitalia in lice and their relatives and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Yoshizawa Kazunori , Johnson Kevin P.
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  Lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) have long been considered to compose a monophyletic group of insects on the basis of external morphological characteristics. However, a recent phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA sequences suggested that ‘Phthiraptera’ have arisen twice within the order Psocoptera (booklice and barklice). The external features of lice are highly specialized to a parasitic lifestyle, and convergence may be frequent for such characters. To provide a further test between traditional and recent molecular‐based phylogenetic hypotheses, a phylogenetic analysis of lice and relatives based on morphological characters that are independent from the selective pressures of a parasitic lifestyle is needed. Here, we examined the morphology of the male phallic organ in lice and relatives (‘Psocoptera’: suborders Troctomorpha and Psocomorpha) and detected some novel modifications that were stable within each group and useful for higher level phylogenetic reconstruction. Phylogenetic analysis based on these characters provided a concordant result with the 18S‐based phylogeny. In particular, the apomorphic presence of articulations between the basal plate, mesomere and ventral plate (= sclerite on the permanently everted endophallus) is observed consistently throughout the psocid families Pachytroctidae and Liposcelididae and the louse suborder Amblycera, providing support for a clade composed of these three groups, although possible homoplasy was detected in some Ischnocera. This is the first study to provide morphological support for the polyphyly of lice.
Hospital admission with neonatal sepsis and development of atopic disease: Is there a link?
Authors: Kopp Matthias Volkmar , Semmler Steffi , Ihorst Gabriele , Berner Reinhard , Forster Johannes
Published: November 2005

The role of suspected or confirmed neonatal sepsis in modifying the risk of atopic disease during childhood was assessed. Children with early‐onset neonatal sepsis were identified from a cohort of neonates, hospitalized between 1990 and 1995. Of 196 individuals, 140 were recruited (71.4%). Pre‐ and postnatal history was ascertained from neonatal medical records. Based on clinical symptoms and a positive blood culture or at least three of initially defined laboratory or bacteriological criteria, they were stratified in either confirmed neonatal sepsis (CS) or suspected sepsis (SS) group. A control group (C) comprised children who were never hospitalized during infancy (n = 696). Primary end‐point was the development of atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis during childhood (mean age 8.4 yr, range 5.7–12.4). CS and SS children had a higher prevalence of atopic dermatitis (CS 15.7%, SS 21.4%) compared with controls (C 5.2%, p < 0.001). Similarly, children with SS (7.1%), but not with CS (4.3%) had significantly more often a doctor's diagnosis of bronchial asthma compared to controls (1.9%, p = 0.02). No difference in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was observed (CS 4.3%, SS 10%, C 8.3%). After adjusting for parental history of atopic disease and demographic factors, no significant difference for the risk to develop atopic dermatitis, asthma or allergic rhinitis among the groups was calculated in children with normal birth weight (>2500 g). Our data failed to show a possible link between hospital admission with SS and development of atopic disease.
Occupational asthma in apprentice adolescent car painters
Authors: Eifan Aarif Omar , Derman Orhan , Kanbur Nuray , Sekerel Bulent Enis , Kutluk Tezer
Published: November 2005

Occupational asthma (OA) is one of the leading causes of pulmonary diseases and has been extensively studied in adults. Childhood employment, a significant problem in many developing countries, should be studied to determine and evaluate its effects on psychosocial and lung health. In order to investigate the presence of work‐related asthma‐like symptoms and OA in apprentice adolescent car painters, 72 adolescents between the ages of 15–20 yr studying in Vocational Training Centres of Ankara were investigated using questionnaire, pulmonary function test (PFT), serial peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements and methacholine inhalation tests. As a control group, 72 adolescents studying in Industrial and Commercial Training Centres located in the same environment were investigated with questionnaire and PFT. Almost 50% of the study group had work‐related asthma‐like symptoms for which occupational dermatitis history was predictive [odds ratio: 2.9 (1.026–8.13) (95% confidence interval)]. Seventeen of 22 with serial PEF measurements showed a variability of ≥20% and three (4.2%) of 12 tested with methacholine inhalation test had a PC20≤8 mg/ml, which led to the diagnosis of OA. There was no statistically significant difference between study and control groups in terms of PFT. In conclusion, the high prevalence of work‐related asthma‐like symptoms among adolescent car painters clearly indicates the need for routine follow‐up of adolescent workers for lung health.
The evolution of host preference in allopatric vs. parapatric populations of Timema cristinae walking-sticks
Authors: Nosil P. , Sandoval C. P. , Crespi B. J.
Published: November 2005

Divergent habitat preferences can contribute to speciation, as has been observed for host-plant preferences in phytophagous insects. Geographic variation in host preference can provide insight into the causes of preference evolution. For example, selection against maladaptive host-switching occurs only when multiple hosts are available in the local environment and can result in greater divergence in regions with multiple vs. a single host. Conversely, costs of finding a suitable host can select for preference even in populations using a single host. Some populations of Timema cristinae occur in regions with only one host-plant species present (in allopatry, surrounded by unsuitable hosts) whereas others occur in regions with two host-plant species adjacent to one another (in parapatry). Here, we use host choice and reciprocal-rearing experiments to document genetic divergence in host preference among 33 populations of T. cristinae. Populations feeding on Ceanothus exhibited a stronger preference for Ceanothus than did populations feeding on Adenostoma. Both allopatric and parapatric pairs of populations using the different hosts exhibited divergent host preferences, but the degree of divergence tended to be greater between allopatric pairs. Thus, gene flow between parapatric populations apparently constrains divergence. Host preferences led to levels of premating isolation between populations using alternate hosts that were comparable in magnitude to previously documented premating isolation caused by natural and sexual selection against migrants between hosts. Our findings demonstrate how gene flow and different forms of selection interact to determine the magnitude of reproductive isolation observed in nature.
Seasonal and spatial mortality patterns of holm oak seedlings in a reforested soil infected with Phytophthora cinnamomi
Authors: Rodríguez‐Molina M. C. , Blanco‐Santos A. , Palo‐Núñez E. J. , Torres‐Vila L. M. , Torres‐Álvarez E. , Suárez‐de‐la‐Cámara M. A.
Published: November 2005

The viability of 1‐year‐old holm oak (Quercus ilex) seedlings in a soil naturally infected with Phytophthora cinnamomi was studied during 2 consecutive years in a plot located in south‐western Spain. In both years, total mortality during autumn and winter was not noticeable (<2.1%). In spring, mortality levels were higher (8.3–4.6%), especially the first year. A steep increase in total mortality occurred in summer, both in the first (11.4%) and second (24.2%) year, but mortality attributable to P. cinnamomi was 1.9 and 7.6%, respectively. Thus, 2 years after planting, total cumulative mortality was 43.4%, and that attributable to P. cinnamomi 9.6% (i.e. 22.1% of total mortality). Fungus‐derived mortality followed a spatially aggregated pattern in the reforestation plot, suggesting a clustered distribution of the inoculum in the soil. Furthermore, mortality by P. cinnamomi was also associated with nearness of infected adult trees in the plot. Results obtained are discussed in the framework of seasonal water deficit, P. cinnamomi damage, weed competition and sanitation techniques to be used in declined holm oak stands in Spain.
Anatomical and cellular responses of Pinus monticola stem tissues to invasion by Cronartium ribicola
Authors: Hudgins J. W. , McDonald G. I. , Zambino P. J. , Klopfenstein N. B. , Franceschi V. R.
Published: November 2005

White pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) causes extensive damage to white pines and their associated ecosystems across North America. The anatomical and cellular characteristics of C. ribicola colonization in Pinus monticola branch and stem tissues were studied as a basis for understanding host tree reactions that may be related to resistance. Samples examined showed typical fusiform swelling and some had produced aecia. The reaction of phloem and xylem tissues was compared with non‐infected tissue using light and electron microscopy. Cortical parenchyma and phloem polyphenolic parenchyma cells underwent mitotic division, cell swelling, and ca sixfold greater accumulation of phenolic compounds in colonized vs. control stems. In the cortex and secondary phloem, haustoria were common in parenchymatous cells, and hyphae were abundant in the intercellular spaces, but cell death was rare, unless aecia had ruptured the stem cortex. Hyphae were also common in xylem rays, tracheids and between tracheids. Disease‐induced changes in the cambial zone included development of cambium‐derived xylem traumatic resin ducts. Results demonstrate that diverse host defence responses were activated in the bark of apparently susceptible trees, but lack of mechanical damage by C. ribicola to the phenol‐containing host cells and the resin duct system allowed extensive colonization and development of aecia despite elicitation of these stem defences. Interactions between P. monticola and C. ribicola are discussed and compared with other conifer–fungus pathosystems.
The effect of partial unilateral ureteral obstruction release and allopurinol on the renal malondialdehyde and glutathione levels
Authors: SINIK ZAFER , TURAN TAHIR , DEMIR SULEYMAN , YILMAZ UMIT , SERT SELAHATTIN , AYBEK ZAFER
Published: November 2005

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether relief of partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (PUUO) with or without antioxidant drug affect renal tissue malonedialdehyde (MDA) and glutathion (GSH) levels.

Materials and methods: A total of 25 rats were used in this PUUO study. Partial unilateral ureteral obstruction was created by the burial of the upper one‐third of the left ureter in the psoas muscle. The rats were sacrificed on 28th day following PUUO. Relief of the obstruction was performed twenty minutes before sacrifice by cutting the proximal ureter in reperfusion group. 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal allopurinol was administered 20 minutes before relief of obstruction in the antioxidant group. Renal tissue MDA and GSH levels were measured in both kidneys.

Results: At the end of the study 5, 7 and 7 rats could only be interpreted in sham, reperfusion and antioxidant groups, respectively. While the mean left and right renal MDA and GSH levels were statistically different from each other in reperfusion group (P < 0.001), there were no significant differences in the sham (P > 0.05) and antioxidant (P > 0.05) group. Both the mean sham group left and right renal tissue MDA or GSH levels were significantly different from reperfusion group, but only the mean sham group left renal tissue MDA and right renal tissue GSH levels were not statistically different from antioxidant group (P < 0.05). The mean left or right renal MDA and GSH tissue levels of the antioxidant group were statistically different from reperfusion group (P < 0.05) except for the right renal tissue GSH level (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Partial unilateral ureteral obstruction leads to oxidative injury by relief of obstruction in both kidneys. The antioxidant allopurinol has a beneficial effect on renal MDA and GSH levels in both kidneys.
Extensive biopsy using a combined transperineal and transrectal approach to improve prostate cancer detection
Authors: WATANABE MASAMI , HAYASHI TOSHIHIDE , TSUSHIMA TOMOYASU , IRIE SHIN , KANESHIGE TETSUZO , KUMON HIROMI
Published: November 2005

Purpose: Previous studies have indicated that 6‐core transrectal prostate biopsy misses a considerable number of cancers. We performed an extensive biopsy protocol of 12‐core sampling using both transperineal and transrectal approaches to determine the impact on the cancer detection rate.

Materials and methods: We prospectively evaluated 402 men who underwent 6‐core transperineal and 6‐core transrectal biopsies simultaneously due to abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) and/or elevated prostate‐speciﬁc antigen (PSA) levels of 4.0 ng/mL or greater. Using the transperineal approach we obtained four cores from the bilateral peripheral zone targeting the lateral and parasagittal areas and two cores from the bilateral transition zone. The following transrectal biopsy was performed traditionally. We compared cancer detection rate between the extended 12‐core procedure and conventional 6‐core transperineal and transrectal groups in terms of total PSA and DRE ﬁndings.

Results: Using the extensive combined method, prostate cancer was detected in 195 cases (48.5%) and the detection rate signiﬁcantly increased 7.2% and 8.5% compared to the transperineal and transrectal groups, respectively. According to PSA levels and DRE ﬁndings, the cancer detection rate by the combined method was signiﬁcantly improved in patients with PSA levels of 4–10 ng/mL and negative DRE: 10.3% and 11.6% compared to the transperineal and transrectal groups, respectively.

Conclusions: The extensive 12‐core method signiﬁcantly improved the overall cancer detection rate and was especially efﬁcient for men with PSA levels of 4–10 ng/mL accompanied by a negative DRE ﬁnding.
Impact of radical perineal prostatectomy on urinary continence and quality of life: A longitudinal study of Japanese patients
Authors: MATSUBARA AKIO , YASUMOTO HIROAKI , MUTAGUCHI KAZUAKI , MITA KOJI , TEISHIMA JUN , SEKI MITSUHIRO , KAJIWARA MITSURU , KATO MASAO , SHIGETA MASANOBU , USUI TSUGURU
Published: November 2005

Aim: We used self‐completed questionnaires to obtain a longitudinal assessment of urinary continence and urinary, bowel, and sexual domain‐related quality of life (QOL) in Japanese patients undergoing radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP).

Methods: A total of 41 Japanese patients with a median age of 69 years who underwent RPP between February 2002 and February 2004 were included in the study. We measured QOL by the University of California, Los Angeles, Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA‐PCI) and assessed urinary continence on the basis of three different deﬁnitions of continence. The International Prostate Symptom Score (I‐PSS) was also included to evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Results: When urinary continence was deﬁned as none, one, or two protective pads per day, 100%, 73%, 94%, 97%, or 100% of the patients were continent before, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after, RPP, respectively. When it was deﬁned as total control or occasional dribbling, the corresponding values were 97%, 70%, 84%, 94%, and 97%. Urinary function returned to the preoperative baseline level by 6 months postoperatively and scores for urinary bother had signiﬁcantly surpassed the baseline by 12 months (P = 0.043). The I‐PSS was signiﬁcantly improved (P = 0.014), with a mean 4.7‐unit decrease. Sexual function worsened signiﬁcantly after surgery, and its recovery was less favorable. No signiﬁcant change was observed in scores for bowel function or bowel bother.

Conclusions: The majority of patients who undergo RPP rapidly regain urinary continence and QOL within 3–6 months. RPP has a favorable impact on LUTS.