bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial haplotypes reveal a strong genetic structure for three Indian sheep breeds
Authors: Pardeshi V. C. , Kadoo N. Y. , Sainani M. N. , Meadows J. R. S. , Kijas J. W. , Gupta V. S.
Published: August 2007

This survey represents the first characterization of mitochondrial DNA diversity within three breeds of Indian sheep (two strains of the Deccani breed, as well as the Bannur and Garole breeds) from different geographic regions and with divergent phenotypic characteristics. A 1061‐bp fragment of the mitochondrial genome spanning the control region, a portion of the 12S rRNA gene and the complete phenyl tRNA gene, was sequenced from 73 animals and compared with the corresponding published sequence from European and Asian breeds and the European Mouflon (Ovis musimon). Analysis of all 156 sequences revealed 73 haplotypes, 52 of which belonged to the Indian breeds. The three Indian breeds had no haplotypes in common, but one Indian haplotype was shared with European and other Asian breeds. The highest nucleotide and haplotype diversity was observed in the Bannur breed (0.00355 and 0.981 respectively), while the minimum was in the Sangamneri strain of the Deccani breed (0.00167 and 0.882 respectively). All 52 Indian haplotypes belonged to mitochondrial lineage A. Therefore, these Indian sheep are distinct from other Asian and European breeds studied so far. The relationships among the haplotypes showed strong breed structure and almost no introgression among these Indian breeds, consistent with Indian sheep husbandry, which discourages genetic exchange between breeds. These results have implications for the conservation of India's ovine biodiversity and suggest a common origin for the breeds investigated.
Development of the Oxford ankle foot questionnaire: finding out how children are affected by foot and ankle problems
Authors: Morris C. , Liabo K. , Wright P. , Fitzpatrick R.
Published: August 2007

Background  A large number of children are affected by foot and ankle problems owing to congenital deformities, clinical syndromes, neuromuscular conditions or trauma. This study aimed to identify how children's lives are affected by foot and ankle problems from the child's perspective as the first stage in developing a family‐assessed instrument.

Methods  This was a qualitative study using focus groups involving children with a variety of foot and ankle problems aged 5–7, 8–11 and 12–15 years, and separate concurrent groups for their parents. The focus groups were child‐centred and involved creative activities; there were two main exercises. The first activity involved agreeing or disagreeing with several statements about children with foot and ankle problems; the second activity explored a typical ‘day in the life’ of a child with a foot or ankle problem. All the groups were audio‐recorded and transcribed; grounded theory and comparative content analysis were used to identify and code themes participants reported as important.

Results  The groups ran successfully with children in all ages. Consistent themes identified by all groups were; (i) specific activities that were more difficult; (ii) physical symptoms; (iii) reduced participation in certain life situations; and (iv) self‐consciousness. There were few differences in the issues raised by each age group although the life situations children encounter tend to become more complex as they get older; there is also the difficulty of negotiating a larger school campus at senior compared with junior school. There were no differences in the issues raised by children and their parents.

Conclusions  Focus groups involving creative child‐centred activities were used successfully to elicit children's experience of their health problems. In addition to expected activity limitations and physical symptoms some children with foot or ankle problems endure participation restrictions and self‐consciousness that are exacerbated by the behaviour of other people or their environment, particularly at school. The findings of this study informed the development of a questionnaire to measure how severely children are affected by foot or ankle problems from the child's perspective.
Reliability of assessing the sensory perception of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: a case study
Authors: Vlaskamp C. , Cuppen‐Fonteine H.
Published: August 2007

Background  This study describes preliminary stages of developing a checklist to enable practitioners to determine the behavioural responses of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities to sensory stimuli. Reliability of currently used checklists is low, with a focus on the child's sensory integration instead of perception.

Methods  The inter‐rater reliability of a checklist was determined, and adjustments were made to improve reliability.

Results  Strikingly, the reliability decreased for all components after adjustment. The effect of a smaller item pool was ruled out. The effect of familiarity of teachers as raters was examined.

Conclusions  Results show that teachers who know a child well could interpret that child's behaviour more accurately than persons who were unfamiliar with the child. However, reliability of the checklist remains a problem.
Trends in cerebral palsy among infants of very low birth weight (<1500 g) or born prematurely (<32 weeks) in 16 European centres: a database study
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: August 2007

.
 
Platt M. J.,
Cans C.,
Johnson A.,
Surman G.,
Topp M.,
Torrioli M. G. &
Krageloh‐Mann I.
(
2007
)

,
369
,
43
–
50
.

Background  The risk of cerebral palsy, the commonest physical disability of children in western Europe, is higher in infants of very low birth weight (VLBW) – those born weighing less than 1500 g – and those from multiple pregnancies than in infants of normal birth weight. An increasing proportion of infants from both of these groups survive into childhood. This paper describes changes in the frequency and distribution of cerebral palsy by sex and neurological sub‐type in infants with a birth weight below 1000 g and from 1000 to1499 g in the period 1980–1996.

Methods  A group of 16 European centres, Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe, agreed on a standard definition of cerebral palsy and an inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data for children with cerebral palsy born in the years 1980–1996 were pooled. The data were analysed to describe the distribution and prevalence of cerebral palsy in VLBW infants. Prevalence trends were expressed as both per 1000 live births and per 1000 neonatal survivors.

Findings  There were 1575 VLBW infants born with cerebral palsy; 414 (26%) were of birth weight less than 1000 g, and 317 (20%) were from multiple pregnancies. One thousand four hundred twenty‐six (94%) had spastic cerebral palsy, which was unilateral (hemiplegic) in 336 (24%). The birth prevalence fell from 60.6 (99% CI 37.8–91.4) per 1000 liveborn VLBW infants in 1980 to 39.5 (28.6–53.0) per 1000 VLBW infants in 1996. This decline was related to a reduction in the frequency of bilateral spastic cerebral palsy among infants of birth weight 1000–1499 g. The frequency of cerebral palsy was higher in male than in female babies in the group of birth weight 1000–1499 g [61.0 (53.8–68.2) vs. 49.5 (42.8–56.2) per 1000 live births; P = 0·0025], but not in the group of birth weight below 1000 g.

Interpretation  These data from a large population base provide evidence that the prevalence of cerebral palsy in children of birth weight less than 1500 g has fallen, which has important implications for parents, health services and society.
Effects of mute swan grazing on a keystone macrophyte
Authors: O’HARE MATTHEW T. , STILLMAN RICHARD A. , MCDONNELL JO , WOOD LAURA R.
Published: August 2007

1. This study describes the early summer foraging behaviour of mute swans (Cygnus olor) on the River Frome, a highly productive chalk stream in southern England in which Ranunculus penicillatus pseudofluitans is the dominant macrophyte.

2. A daily maximum of 41 ± 2.5 swans were present along the 1.1 km study reach during the study period (late May to the end of June). The river was the primary feeding habitat. Feeding activity on the river at dawn and dusk was much lower than during daylight, but we cannot rule out the possibility that swans fed during the hours of darkness.

3. The effects of herbivory on R. pseudofluitans biomass and morphology were quantified. Biomass was lower in grazed areas and swans grazed selectively on leaves in preference to stems. A lower proportion of stems from grazed areas possessed intact stem apices and flowering of the plant was reduced in grazed areas.

4. A model, based on the swans’ daily consumption, was used to predict the grazing pressure of swans on R. pseudofluitans. The model accurately predicted the number of bird days supported by the study site, only if grazing was assumed to severely reduce R. pseudofluitans growth. The proportion of the initial R. pseudofluitans biomass consumed by a fixed number of swans was predicted to be greater when the habitat area was smaller, initial R. pseudofluitans biomass was lower and R. pseudofluitans was of lower food value.

5. We concluded that the flux of N and P through the study reach was largely unaffected by swan activity. The quality of R. pseudofluitans mesohabitat (the plant as habitat for invertebrates and fish) was significantly reduced by grazing which also indirectly contributed to reduced roughness (Manning's n) and by inference water depth. Wetted habitat area for fish and invertebrates would also be lowered over the summer period as a consequence of the reduction in water depth. It was estimated that, while grazing, an individual swan may eat the same mass of invertebrates per day as a 300‐g trout.

6. There is a need to manage the conflict between mute swans and the keystone macrophyte, R. pseudofluitans, in chalk streams, and the modelling approach used here offers a potentially useful tool for this purpose.
When is stream invertebrate drift catastrophic? The role of hydraulics and sediment transport in initiating drift during flood events
Authors: GIBBINS CHRIS , VERICAT DAMIÀ , BATALLA RAMON J.
Published: August 2007

1. The term ‘catastrophic drift’ is used to describe the large‐scale displacement of invertebrates that occurs during periods of increased river discharge. However, the physical processes that lead to animals entering the water column at such times remain poorly understood. Specifically, the hypothesis that the movement of bed sediments during floods triggers a large increase in drift has lacked a rigorous field test.

2. Using a portable flume, the hydraulic conditions and rates of bedload transport associated with small, frequent floods were createdin situwithin a reach of a gravel bed river. Experiments focussed on the patches of fine sediment which are the dominant source of bed material transported during small floods. The flume produced near bed velocities of up to 2 m s−1over the patches, increasing shear stress, initiating sediment transport and causing invertebrates to enter the drift.

3. The total number of individuals lost from the bed, as well as the taxonomic composition of the drift, were influenced strongly by shear stress and bedload. The rate of loss from the bed was low at shear stresses <9 dynes cm−2(0–4 individuals min−1from the 0.5 m2flume bed area). Once shear stress exceeded 9 dynes cm−2, the threshold that resulted in consistent bedload transport from the patches, the rate of loss of animals increased to a maximum of 56 individuals min−1. When bedload transport rates were at their highest, the taxonomic composition of the drift was more similar to the benthos than it was to the drift observed when bed material was stable.

4. Absolute rates of bedload transport created by the manipulations were extremely low (<7 g m−1 s−1) and typical of those measured during small, frequent floods. Events of this magnitude do not break up the armour layer across the reach as a whole and so exposed patches of fine sediment are the principal source of bedload material. Consequently, discharge events not considered as disturbances in geomorphic terms may initiate frequent episodes of so‐called ‘catastrophic drift’ from patches of stream bed.
An oxygen‐mediated positive feedback between elevated carbon dioxide and soil organic matter decomposition in a simulated anaerobic wetland
Authors: WOLF AMELIA A. , DRAKE BERT G. , ERICKSON JOHN E. , MEGONIGAL J. PATRICK
Published: August 2007

We examined the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on soil carbon decomposition in an experimental anaerobic wetland system. Pots containing either bare C4‐derived soil or the C3 sedge Scirpus olneyi planted in C4‐derived soil were incubated in greenhouse chambers at either ambient or twice‐ambient atmospheric CO2. We measured CO2 flux from each pot, quantified soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization using δ13C, and determined root and shoot biomass. SOM mineralization increased in response to elevated CO2 by 83–218% (P<0.0001). In addition, soil redox potential was significantly and positively correlated with root biomass (P= 0.003). Our results (1) show that there is a positive feedback between elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations and wetland SOM decomposition and (2) suggest that this process is mediated by the release of oxygen from the roots of wetland plants. Because this feedback may occur in any wetland system, including peatlands, these results suggest a limitation on the size of the carbon sink presented by anaerobic wetland soils in a future elevated‐CO2 atmosphere.
Soil organic carbon stocks in China and changes from 1980s to 2000s
Authors: XIE ZUBIN , ZHU JIANGUO , LIU GANG , CADISCH GEORG , HASEGAWA TOSHIHIRO , CHEN CHUNMEI , SUN HUIFENG , TANG HAOYAN , ZENG QING
Published: August 2007

The estimation of the size and changes of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks is of great importance for decision makers to adopt proper measures to protect soils and to develop strategies for mitigation of greenhouse gases. In this paper, soil data from the Second State Soil Survey of China (SSSSC) conducted in the early 1980s and data published in the last 5 years were used to estimate the size of SOC stocks over the whole profile and their changes in China in last 20 years. Soils were identified as paddy, upland, forest, grassland or waste‐land soils and an improved soil bulk density estimation method was used to estimate missing bulk density data. In the early 1980s, total SOC stocks were estimated at 89.61 Pg (1 Pg=103 Tg=1015 g) in China's 870.94 Mha terrestrial areas covered by 2473 soil series. In the paddy, upland, forest and grassland soils the respective total SOC stocks were 2.91 Pg on 29.87 Mha, 10.07 Pg on 125.89 Mha, 34.23 Pg on 249.32 Mha and 37.71 Pg on 278.51 Mha, respectively. The SOC density of the surface layer ranged from 3.5 Mg ha−1 in Gray Desery grassland soils to 252.6 Mg ha−1 in Mountain Meadow forest soils. The average area‐weighted total SOC density in paddy soils (97.6 Mg ha−1) was higher than that in upland soils (80 Mg ha−1). Soils under forest (137.3 Mg ha−1) had a similar average area‐weighted total SOC density as those under grassland (135.4 Mg ha−1). The annual estimated SOC accumulation rates in farmland and forest soils in the last 20 years were 23.61 and 11.72 Tg, respectively, leading to increases of 0.472 and 0.234 Pg SOC in farmland and forest areas, respectively. In contrast, SOC under grassland declined by 3.56 Pg due to the grassland degradation over this period. The resulting estimated net SOC loss in China's soils over the last 20 years was 2.86 Pg. The documented SOC accumulation in farmland and forest soils could thus not compensate for the loss of SOC in grassland soils in the last 20 years. There were, however, large regional differences: Soils in China's South and Eastern parts acted mainly as C sinks, increasing their average topsoil SOC by 132 and 145 Tg, respectively. In contrast, in the Northwest, Northeast, Inner Mongolia and Tibet significant losses of 1.38, 0.21, 0.49 and 1.01 Pg of SOC, respectively, were estimated over the last 20 years. These results highlight the importance to take measures to protect grassland and to improve management practices to increase C sequestration in farmland and forest soils.
Earlier onset of the spring phytoplankton bloom in lakes of the temperate zone in a warmer climate
Authors: PEETERS FRANK , STRAILE DIETMAR , LORKE ANDREAS , LIVINGSTONE DAVID M.
Published: August 2007

The decoupling of trophic interactions is potentially one of the most severe consequences of climate warming. In lakes and oceans the timing of phytoplankton blooms affects competition within the plankton community as well as food–web interactions with zooplankton and fish. Using Upper Lake Constance as an example, we present a model‐based analysis that predicts that in a future warmer climate, the onset of the spring phytoplankton bloom will occur earlier in the year than it does at present. This is a result of the earlier occurrence of the transition from strong to weak vertical mixing in spring, and of the associated earlier onset of stratification. According to our simulations a shift in the timing of phytoplankton growth resulting from a consistently warmer climate will exceed that resulting from a single unusually warm year. The numerical simulations are complemented by a statistical analysis of long‐term data from Upper Lake Constance which demonstrates that oligotrophication has a negligible effect on the timing of phytoplankton growth in spring and that an early onset of the spring phytoplankton bloom is associated with high air temperatures and low wind speeds.
Biomarker‐assisted diagnosis of ovarian, cervical and pulmonary small cell carcinomas: the role of TTF‐1, WT‐1 and HPV analysis
Authors: Carlson J W , Nucci M R , Brodsky J , Crum C P , Hirsch M S
Published: August 2007

Aims:  Small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcaemic‐type (SCCOH) is morphologically similar to small cell carcinomas from other sites. The aims of this study were to (i) determine if a biomarker panel would distinguish small cell carcinomas of the ovary, cervix (SCCCx) and lung (SCCLu) and (ii) potentially determine the histogenesis of SCCOH.

Methods and results:  Nine ovarian small cell carcinomas (seven hypercalcaemic type; two pulmonary type), eight SCCCx and 22 SCCLu were immunostained for thyroid transcription factor (TTF)‐1, WT‐1, p16, cKIT and OCT3/4; a subset of cases were tested for human papillomavirus (HPV). WT‐1 was diffusely positive in 6/7 SSCOH versus two of 33 other small cell carcinomas (P ≤ 0.001). TTF‐1 was diffusely positive in 20/22 SCCLu and 1/8 SCCCx, and negative in all SCCOH. p16 and cKIT demonstrated variable patterns of immunoreactivity in all cases. HPV was identified in 5/6 SCCCx; SCCOH and SCCLu were negative for HPV.

Conclusions:  Combined staining with WT‐1 and TTF‐1 will distinguish SCCOH from SCCLu and SCCCx with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 97%. HPV is specific for tumours of cervical origin, but p16 immunohistochemistry is not useful for this purpose. The presence of diffuse WT‐1 supports a Müllerian origin for SCCOH, whereas the absence of cKIT and OCT3/4 argues against a germ cell origin.
Sea‐level changes, river capture and the evolution of populations of the Eastern Cape and fiery redfins (Pseudobarbus afer and Pseudobarbus phlegethon, Cyprinidae) across multiple river systems in South Africa
Authors: Swartz Ernst R. , Skelton Paul H. , Bloomer Paulette
Published: August 2007

Aim  The phylogeography of the two closely related species Pseudobarbus afer and Pseudobarbus phlegethon was investigated to assess the association of evolutionary processes, inferred from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variation, with hypothetical palaeoriver systems and other climatic and landscape changes.

Location  One western and several southern river systems in South Africa.

Methods  We sampled known populations and confirmed known distribution gaps. This was followed by an assessment of mtDNA control region sequence variation for 31 localities across 17 river systems across the range of the species complex. A map of possible offshore drainage patterns during the last major regression event was constructed based on bathymetry and geological studies.

Results  The genetic distinction of four major lineages of P. afer strongly correspond with proposed palaeoriver systems. However, a western ‘Forest’ lineage, is widespread across two such proposed systems and is closely related to P. phlegethon on the west coast of South Africa. Both the ‘Krom’ and ‘St Francis’ lineages were identified in the single palaeoriver system proposed for St Francis Bay. A fourth ‘Mandela’ lineage is restricted to the one or two palaeoriver systems proposed for Nelson Mandela Bay. Four minor lineages were identified within the Forest lineage and two within the Mandela lineage.

Main conclusions  The close relationship between P. phlegethon and the Forest lineage of P. afer can only be explained by a series of river captures. We suggest the Gourits River system as a historical link that could account for this relationship. On the south coast, lower sea levels than at present allowed confluence between currently isolated river systems, offering opportunities for dispersal among these populations. At present, isolation between different river systems rather than dispersal appears to have a dominant influence on mtDNA diversity.
Ecological niches and potential geographical distributions of Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) and Natal fruit fly (Ceratitis rosa)
Authors: De Meyer M. , Robertson M. P. , Peterson A. T. , Mansell M. W.
Published: August 2007

Aim  To predict and compare potential geographical distributions of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) and Natal fruit fly (Ceratitis rosa).

Location  Africa, southern Europe, and worldwide.

Methods  Two correlative ecological niche modelling techniques, genetic algorithm for rule‐set prediction (GARP) and a technique based on principal components analysis (PCA), were used to predict distributions of the two fly species using distribution records and a set of environmental predictor variables.

Results  The two species appear to have broadly similar potential ranges in Africa and southern Europe, with much of sub‐Saharan Africa and Madagascar predicted as highly suitable. The drier regions of Africa (central and western regions of southern Africa and Sahelian zone) were identified as being less suitable for C. rosa than for C. capitata. Overall, the proportion of the region predicted to be highly suitable is larger for C. capitata than for C. rosa under both techniques, suggesting that C. capitata may be tolerant of a wider range of climatic conditions than C. rosa. Worldwide, tropical and subtropical regions are highlighted as highly suitable for both species. Differences in overlap of predictions from the two models for these species were observed. An evaluation using independent records from the adventive range for C. capitata and comparison with other predictions suggest that GARP models offer more accurate predictions than PCA models.

Main conclusions  This study suggests that these species have broadly similar potential distributions worldwide (based on climate), although the potential distribution appears to be broader for C. capitata than for C. rosa. Ceratitis capitata has become invasive throughout the world, whereas C. rosa has not, despite both species having broadly similar potential distributions. Further research into the biology of these species and their ability to overcome barriers is necessary to explain this difference, and to better understand invasion risk.
Estimation and prediction system for multi‐state disease process: application to analysis of organized screening regime
Authors: Chang Chi‐Ming , Lin Wen‐Chou , Kuo Hsu‐Sung , Yen Ming‐Fang , Chen Tony Hsiu‐Hsi
Published: August 2007

Rationale, aims and objectives  The disease progression of cancer and non‐malignant chronic disease often involve a multi‐state transition. However, estimation of parameters and prediction regarding the multi‐state disease process are complex. This study aimed to develop an estimation and prediction system with a computer‐assisted software using SAS/SCL as a platform to predict the risk of any outcome arising from the underlying multi‐state process with or without the incorporation of individual characteristics.

Method  The computer‐aided system is first constructed following the theoretical framework of stochastic process. The functions provided in this software include model specification, formulation of likelihood function, parameter estimation, model validation and model prediction. An example of breast cancer screening for a high‐risk group in Taiwan was used to demonstrate the usefulness of this software.

Results  The natural history of breast cancer of a three‐state disease process has been demonstrated. Two suspected risk factors, late age at first full‐term pregnancy and obesity, were considered by the form of the proportional hazard model. Formulation of intensity matrix, likelihood function, assignment of initial values, and parameter constraint and estimation were successfully demonstrated in model specification. Model validation suggested a good fit of the constructed model. The application of model prediction enables one to project the effectiveness of organized screening by different inter‐screening intervals from a policy level or from an individual basis.

Conclusions  A computer‐aided estimation and prediction system for multi‐state disease process was developed and demonstrated. This system can be applied to data with the property of multi‐state transitions in association with events or disease.
A model to analyse costs and benefit of intensified diabetic foot care in Austria
Authors: Habacher Wolfgang , Rakovac Ivo , Görzer Evelyn , Haas Waltraud , Gfrerer Robert J. , Wach Paul , Pieber Thomas R.
Published: August 2007

Rationale, aims and objectives  The diabetic foot is a common late complication among diabetic patients and due to its consequences an important financial burden for society. Intensified treatment has proved to reduce amputation rates, but in Austria so far no data have been available about financial implications and long‐term effects of intensified treatment. The objective was to retrieve cost data for intensified treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and to estimate the long‐term outcome.

Methods  A retrospective data analysis of 119 ulcers was done to get outcomes and costs for intensified treatment in a specialized outpatient hospital department in an Austrian setting. One‐year results were categorized according to the San Antonio wound classification. Using a Markov model upon these data, long‐term outcomes and costs for intensified treatment and for standard care were calculated.

Results  Costs for intensified treatment until healing vary from €1071 (range: 99–4089) per case to €7844 (range: 104–25 615) depending on the lesion’s grade. One‐year healing rates are 85.2% for grade A and 71.7%, 84.6% and 33.3% for the grades B, C and D respectively. The model‐based comparison for treatment costs shows a cost reduction of 29.8% per patient year in grade A ulcerations and 49.7% in grade D for intensified versus standard treatment due to lower amputation rates.

Conclusions  These results are the first cost data for diabetic foot care in Austria and demonstrate the advantages of intensified care over standard care in terms of patient‐oriented outcome and financial impact pleading for the implementation of specialized foot care facilities and referral guidelines to standardize and improve treatment.
A reply to Kevin Gournay's 'Schizophrenia: a review of the contemporary literature and implications for mental health nursing theory, practice and education’
Authors: DAWSON P. J.
Published: August 2007

Mental health nurses are being increasingly encouraged to move to a more biologically oriented approach. Authors such as Professor Gournay promulgate the myth that biological psychiatry will soon be able to provide an unambiguous model of the nature of mental disorder. A closer examination of some of the biological research identified by Gournay as moving us closer to this ideal reveals, however, the confused and unconvincing nature of the results so far achieved. In the light of this it seems premature to be advocating wholesale acceptance of the biological model by nursing. Nurses should be made aware of the investigations of the biologists, but, unless they are equipped with the necessary intellectual tools to place such investigations in context, they will continue to be susceptible to the rhetoric of proselytisers such as Gournay.
Measuring outcomes in the treatment of alcohol dependency
Authors: BOOTH P. G. , MURPHY D.
Published: August 2007

The selective promotion of clinical services which have proven effectiveness is a movement that is gaining momentum within healthcare. Outcome evaluation in treatment services for alcohol dependency is given as an example of the methodological issues associated with the establishment of clinical efficacy. It is argued that the adoption of clear protocols for assessment, treatment and outcome are a prerequisite of the process. There are costs associated with in‐house follow‐up studies but the benefits of feedback are evident for patients and for staff providing their care. Although exposing service providers (and commissioners) to the possibility of negative feedback, outcome evaluation in the treatment of alcohol dependency should be an integral part of provision. The principle of systematic assessment of efficacy applies to healthcare provision generally and should include management, teaching, purchasing and policymaking.
The patient's daily activities in acute psychiatric care
Authors: LEPOLA I. , VANHANEN L.
Published: August 2007

The patient's daily activities in acute psychiatric care

This study is part of a research project entitled:‘Towards patient‐focused nursing on an acute psychiatric ward’. The aim of the project is to describe the changes taking place in nursing activities during a research project. This paper is a qualitative analysis of the patient's daily activities in acute psychiatric care. The data were collected by observing, selectively, seven patients for 61 h. The constant comparative method was used in data analysis. On the basis of the data analysis, the categories listed below were identified.

1 The core category of the patient's daily activities was‘being a patient’.

2 Being a patient mainly consisted of being alone without meaningful activities.

3 Participating in the daily routines of the ward consisted of being alone while being together with others.

4 Being together was initiated by either the patient or the nurse. The aim of being together was to satisfy the acute basic needs of the patients.

5 Being together on the initiative of the nurse meant participating in the daily routines of the ward.

Because the data were collected by observation, no insight into the patients’desires, expectations and thoughts could be presented. The findings challenged the nursing staff to develop a more therapeutic daily routine in acute psychiatric care. It was also of importance to change the patients’meaningless existence into a meaningful participation in the daily activities on the ward.
Monitoring the outcome of case management and community care: the care programme approach support system (CPASS)
Authors: BOWERS L.
Published: August 2007

Monitoring the outcome of case management and community care: the care programme approach support system (CPASS)

This study reports the findings of an audit of community care outcomes, for the seriously mentally ill, in one health district in the UK. An innovative community care and case management system for this client group was introduced in 1993. As part of that organizational change, data were collected continuously on the severity of client problems. A satisfaction survey of a random sample of clients and carers has now also been completed. This report is thus able to compare feedback on service performance using two methodologies. As both the problem rating scales and the satisfaction surveys were designed specifically to cover the same 12 domains of client problems, data from both can be integrated easily. The 12 domains also structure the assessment tools used by nurses and social workers, and form the basis of minimum standard specifications of community care provision. Selected data from the audits are presented, and the utility of these results for further local service developments are assessed. The methodology used can be recommended as a means of continuous audit of joint services for those with serious and enduring mental health problems.
A descriptive study of multidisciplinary mental health staff moving to the community: the demographic and educational issues
Authors: BUGGE C. , SMITH L. N. , SHANLEY E.
Published: August 2007

A descriptive study of multidisciplinary mental health staff moving to the community: the demographic and educational issues

Mental health care philosophy has moved from the containment of patients within institutions to the integration of clients within the community.‘Caring for People’(a Department of Health report) and the subsequent legislation enshrined the philosophical shift in law. Previous policy reports had indicated that staff required training to move from a hospital‐based service to a community‐based service, but did not propose content, and no systematic study of the needs of mental health staff has been carried out. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the skill and information needs of a group of multidisciplinary staff in preparation for the movement from hospital to community settings. The study design was a descriptive survey sampling of a total multidisciplinary population in Scotland. Data were collected using questionnaires and semistructured interviews with a small volunteer subsample of respondents. This paper presents the first set of study findings related to the demographic and educational issues. Differences between hospital and community staff and between health care assistants and qualified staff are demonstrated for demographic and educational factors. Proposals are made for managers, professionals, educators and researchers.
Expanding roles within mental health legislation: an opportunity for professional growth or a missed opportunity?
Authors: HURLEY J. , LINSLEY P.
Published: August 2007

This paper aims to highlight both the necessity, and the way forward for mental health nursing to integrate proposed legislative roles into practice. Argued is that community mental health nursing, historically absent from active participation within mental health law in the UK, is faced with new and demanding roles under proposed changes to the 1983 Mental Health Act of England and Wales. While supporting multidisciplinary training for such roles, the imperative of incorporating nursing specific values into consequent training programs is addressed through the offered educative framework. This framework explores the issues of power, ethics, legislative thematics and application to contemporary service structures.
The construct validity of a self‐report questionnaire focusing on health promotion interventions in mental health services
Authors: SVEDBERG P. , SVENSSON B. , ARVIDSSON B. , HANSSON L.
Published: August 2007

Health promotion has become a widespread concept, although little empirical research as to its importance and outcome has been performed in the mental health field. The aim of the present study was to investigate the construct validity of a newly developed Health Promotion Intervention Questionnaire, intended to measure patients' subjectively experienced health‐promoting interventions within mental health services. A total of 135 participants responded to the questionnaire and to validation measures assessing psychiatric symptoms, empowerment, helping alliance and satisfaction with care. Bivariate correlations showed that overall perceived health‐promoting interventions were positively correlated to, helping alliance, client satisfaction with care and empowerment. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the strongest relationship was found between perceived health promotion intervention and helping alliance. In conclusion, the construct validity of the scale was satisfactory, except for one of its subscales where further investigations are needed.
Changing lake dynamics and sequence stratigraphy of synrift lacustrine strata in a half‐graben: an example from the Triassic Ischigualasto–Villa Unión Basin, Argentina
Authors: MELCHOR RICARDO NÉSTOR
Published: August 2007

Well‐exposed Triassic rift strata from the Ischigualasto–Villa Unión Basin (NW Argentina) include a 80 to ca 515 m thick lacustrine‐dominated package that can be correlated across a half‐graben using key stratigraphic surfaces (sequence boundaries, lacustrine flooding surfaces and forced regressive surfaces). The characteristics of the synrift lacustrine fill in different parts of the half‐graben have been examined and the mechanisms controlling sedimentation inferred. A variety of sedimentary environments are recognized including; volcaniclastic floodplain, mildly saline lake and playa lake, offshore lacustrine, delta front to fluvial‐dominated and wave‐dominated deltas, distributary and fluvial channel, and interdistributary bay. The succession can be divided into four stratigraphic sequences (SS1 to SS4), the oldest of which (SS1) contains volcaniclastic, fluvial and saline lake deposits; it is thickest close to the western border fault zone, reflecting more rapid subsidence here. Accommodation exceeded sediment and water input during SS1. The second and third sequences (SS2 and SS3) mark the onset of widespread lacustrine sedimentation, reflecting a balance between accommodation creation and water and sediment fluxes. Sequences SS2 and SS3 are represented by offshore meromictic lacustrine and deltaic deposits, the latter mostly sourced from the flexural and southern axial margins of the half‐graben. The presence of stacked parasequences bound by lacustrine flooding surfaces is related to climatically induced lake‐level fluctuations superimposed on variable rates of subsidence on the controlling rift border fault zone. The youngest sequence (SS4) is represented by the deposits of littoral lacustrine and shallow shelf deltas distinguished by a change in lithofacies, palaeocurrents and sandstone composition, suggesting a switch in sediment supply to the footwall margin to the NW. The change in the sediment source is related to reduced footwall uplift, the possible presence of a relay ramp and/or supply from a captured antecedent drainage network. During SS4, the rate of creation of accommodation was exceeded by the sediment and water discharge. The stratigraphic evolution of lacustrine strata in the half‐graben was mainly controlled by tectonic processes, including subsidence rate and the growth and evolution of the border fault zone, but changing climate (inducing changes in water balance and lake level) and autocyclic processes (delta lobe switching) were also important.
Phloem‐based resistance to green peach aphid is controlled by Arabidopsis PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4 without its signaling partner ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1
Authors: Pegadaraju Venkatramana , Louis Joe , Singh Vijay , Reese John C. , Bautor Jaqueline , Feys Bart J. , Cook Graeme , Parker Jane E. , Shah Jyoti
Published: August 2007

Green peach aphid (GPA) Myzus persicae (Sülzer) is a phloem‐feeding insect with an exceptionally wide host range. Previously, it has been shown that Arabidopsis thaliana PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4 (PAD4), which is expressed at elevated levels in response to GPA infestation, is required for resistance to GPA in the Arabidopsis accession Columbia. We demonstrate here that the role of PAD4 in the response to GPA is conserved in Arabidopsis accessions Wassilewskija and Landsberg erecta. Electrical monitoring of aphid feeding behavior revealed that PAD4 modulates a phloem‐based defense mechanism against GPA. GPA spends more time actively feeding from the sieve elements of pad4 mutants than from wild‐type plants, and less time feeding on transgenic plants in which PAD4 is ectopically expressed. The activity of PAD4 in limiting phloem sap uptake serves as a deterrent in host‐plant choice, and restricts aphid population size. In Arabidopsis defense against pathogens, all known PAD4 functions require its signaling and stabilizing partner EDS1 (ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1). Bioassays with eds1 mutants alone or in combination with pad4 and with plants conditionally expressing PAD4 under the control of a dexamethasone‐inducible promoter reveal that PAD4‐modulated defense against GPA does not involve EDS1. Thus, a PAD4 mode of action that is uncoupled from EDS1 determines the extent of aphid feeding in the phloem.
Why do some apheresis donors donate blood just once?
Authors: Ringwald J. , Lange N. , Rabe C. , Zimmermann R. , Strasser E. , Hendelmeier M. , Strobel J. , Eckstein R.
Published: August 2007

Background and Objectives  More knowledge about the reasons for non‐return of blood donors (BD) would enable blood donation services (BDS) to improve the efficacy of recruitment and retention programmes. We interviewed returning (RBD) and non‐returning apheresis BDs (NRBD) of our university hospital‐based BDS.

Materials and Methods  A questionnaire was sent to 1218 individuals who passed the initial health check with no more than one subsequent blood donation. A similar questionnaire was answered by 235 randomly incoming RBDs. We asked for age, sex, profession, education level, motives to donate blood and, if applicable, reasons for non‐return. These data were compared between NRBDs and RBDs and were analysed in relationship to the reasons for non‐return.

Results  We received 267 answered questionnaires (21·9%). As 32 individuals indicated that they had been permanently deferred and 47 BDs had donated blood elsewhere, 188 NRBDs remained for further analysis. We found more women than men among NRBDs. Medical professions were less likely to return than students and trainees. Individuals motivated by personal experience, remuneration or a free health check were more likely to return than others. Whereas logistic reasons were of highest relevance for non‐return in general, women indicated anxiety of blood donation as reason for non‐return more often than men.

Conclusion  Reducing women's anxiety of blood donation, reminding medical professions more intensively on blood donation and appealing to personal experience or a free health check may be the most promising approaches to increase BDs’ return rates.
Whole‐body protein turnover and nitrogen balance in growing pigs supplied with an antibiotic feed additive (Avilamycin)
Authors: Roth F. X. , Gotterbarm G. G. , Windisch W. , Kirchgessner M.
Published: August 2007

Introduction  Antibiotic feed additives like Avilamycin (Maxus®) exert a well‐documented stimulatory effect on growth rate and feed efficiency in pig production (reviewed by, e.g., Roth and Kirchgessner 1990; Kamphues and Meyer 1992). The benefits to production performance seem to originate mainly from an enhanced gain of body protein as has been demonstrated in nitrogen balance trials with piglets and fattening pigs (Roth and Kirchgessner 1993a,b; Windisch et al. 1998). However, the primary mode of action of antibiotic feed additives is not clarified completely. The growth‐stimulating effect is assumed to originate from an enhanced absorptive capacity of the digestive tract for essential nutrients due to an improved microbial ecosystem in the gut (reviewed by, e.g., Greife and Berschauer 1988). However, metabolic effects may contribute to the higher protein accretion capacity also, as for example a reduced immune defense stress at the small intestine for example (discussed by, e.g., Schole et al. 1985). In order to elucidate possible metabolic effects of antibiotic feed additives it was the aim of the present study to combine a nitrogen balance experiment on Avilamycin‐treated growing pigs with measurements on whole‐body protein turnover.
A metabolism cage for quantitative urine collection and accurate measurement of water balance in adult cats (Felis catus)
Authors: Hendriks By W. H. , Wamberg S. , Tarttelin M. F.
Published: August 2007

Introduction  Metabolism cages play a pivotal role in nutritional science as they are often used in experiments to determine nutrient requirements of animals, dietary nutrient digestibilities, endogenous excretions, glomerular filtration rates, mineral balance, 24‐h urinary excretion rates, etc. Such cages are a convenient way to obtain accurate data on the amount and frequency of excreta produced by animals. The accuracy of the procedures and equipment used for the measurement of excreta production, however, is often neglected, casting doubt on the results obtained. Recently, Wamberg et al. (1996b) showed that the recovery of urine collection from mink (Mustela vison) housed in a standard metabolism cage ranged from 68 to 88% in the fed state and 62–78% in the fasted state. This magnitude of under‐collection of urine will have a significant impact on data where quantitative urine collection is paramount, such as endogenous urinary excretions, and 24‐h urinary excretion rates. The main reason for the incomplete collection of urine in mink was attributed to the cross‐contamination of faeces with urine (Wamberg et al. 1996b).

The domestic cat is a strict carnivore and has been noted to excrete relatively concentrated urine (Chew 1965; Anderson 1982). Under‐collection of urine, therefore, has a major impact on the measurement of excretion rates of urinary constituents and any subsequent derived data. The cat, furthermore, has been noted for oliguria, anuria and spraying of urine while held in metabolism cages (Worden et al. 1960; Klatt et al. 1975; Matandos and Franz 1980; Russo et al. 1986), making the domestic cat a difficult animal from which to collect excreta quantitatively.

The main objective of this study was to validate quantitative urine collection from cats housed in specially designed metabolism cages fitted with a urine/faeces collection system when fed a nutritionally balanced diet and in the feed‐restricted state. Furthermore, the accuracy of water balance measurements using the metabolism cages and urine/faeces collection system was assessed in adult cats.
Urinary pseudouridine excretion in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Shingfield K. J. , Offer N. W.
Published: August 2007

Introduction  A number of systems based on metabolizable protein, such as that adopted in the UK (Agricultural and Food Research Council 1992) have been developed to improve the accuracy of protein rationing for ruminants. Quantification of microbial protein synthesis in the rumen is a fundamental requirement of all such systems. In the UK system, microbial protein supply is predicted from an estimate of fermentable metabolizable energy intake, using a correction for the effects of level of feeding on the energetic efficiency of microbial protein synthesis. Use of such an approach is however subject to considerable error due to large variations in the energetic efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (Agricultural Research Council 1984). Consequently there is an urgent requirement for an on‐farm diagnostic marker of microbial protein supply as a basis for adjusting diets to maximize efficiency of dietary nitrogen utilization by dairy cows (Dewhurst et al. 1996). Urinary purine derivative excretion has been proposed as a noninvasive index of microbial protein supply in ruminant animals (Topps and Elliot 1965). Use of this microbial marker is based on the assumption that purines entering the duodenum are essentially microbial in origin (McAllan 1982), and that following metabolism, their derivatives are quantitatively recovered in the urine (Chen et al. 1990; Verbic et al. 1990). Purine metabolites excreted in ruminant urine are primarily derived from the metabolism of absorbed purines, but as a consequence of tissue adenosine triphosphate and nucleic acid turnover, a proportion of purine bases are not salvaged and re‐utilized, but enter catabolic pathways, constituting an endogenous loss.