bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochasticity in staged models of epidemics: quantifying the dynamics of whooping cough
Authors: Black Andrew J. , McKane Alan J.
Published: February 2010

Although many stochastic models can accurately capture the qualitative epidemic patterns of many childhood diseases, there is still considerable discussion concerning the basic mechanisms generating these patterns; much of this stems from the use of deterministic models to try to understand stochastic simulations. We argue that a systematic method of analysing models of the spread of childhood diseases is required in order to consistently separate out the effects of demographic stochasticity, external forcing and modelling choices. Such a technique is provided by formulating the models as master equations and using the van Kampen system-size expansion to provide analytical expressions for quantities of interest. We apply this method to the susceptible–exposed–infected–recovered (SEIR) model with distributed exposed and infectious periods and calculate the form that stochastic oscillations take on in terms of the model parameters. With the use of a suitable approximation, we apply the formalism to analyse a model of whooping cough which includes seasonal forcing. This allows us to more accurately interpret the results of simulations and to make a more quantitative assessment of the predictions of the model. We show that the observed dynamics are a result of a macroscopic limit cycle induced by the external forcing and resonant stochastic oscillations about this cycle.
Dynamics of infectious disease transmission by inhalable respiratory droplets
Authors: Stilianakis Nikolaos I. , Drossinos Yannis
Published: February 2010

Transmission of respiratory infectious diseases in humans, for instance influenza, occurs by several modes. Respiratory droplets provide a vector of transmission of an infectious pathogen that may contribute to different transmission modes. An epidemiological model incorporating the dynamics of inhalable respiratory droplets is developed to assess their relevance in the infectious process. Inhalable respiratory droplets are divided into respirable droplets, with droplet diameter less than 10 µm, and inspirable droplets, with diameter in the range 10–100 µm: both droplet classes may be inhaled or settle. Droplet dynamics is determined by their physical properties (size), whereas population dynamics is determined by, among other parameters, the pathogen infectivity and the host contact rates. Three model influenza epidemic scenarios, mediated by different airborne or settled droplet classes, are analysed. The scenarios are distinguished by the characteristic times associated with breathing at contact and with hand-to-face contact. The scenarios suggest that airborne transmission, mediated by respirable droplets, provides the dominant transmission mode in middle and long-term epidemics, whereas inspirable droplets, be they airborne or settled, characterize short-term epidemics with high attack rates. The model neglects close-contact transmission by droplet sprays (direct projection onto facial mucous membranes), retaining close-contact transmission by inspirable droplets.
Five-dimensional crystallography
Authors: Schmidt Marius , Graber Tim , Henning Robert , Srajer Vukica
Published: February 2010

A method for determining a comprehensive chemical kinetic mechanism in macromolecular reactions is presented. The method is based on five-dimensional crystallography, where, in addition to space and time, temperature is also taken into consideration and an analysis based on singular value decomposition is applied. First results of such a time-resolved crystallographic study are presented. Temperature-dependent time-resolved X-ray diffraction measurements were conducted on the newly upgraded BioCARS 14-ID-B beamline at the Advanced Photon Source and aimed at elucidating a comprehensive kinetic mechanism of the photoactive yellow protein photocycle. Extensive time series of crystallographic data were collected at two temperatures, 293 K and 303 K. Relaxation times of the reaction extracted from these time series exhibit measurable differences for the two temperatures, hence demonstrating that five-dimensional crystallography is feasible.
Time-resolved structural studies of protein reaction dynamics: a smorgasbord of X-ray approaches
Authors: Westenhoff Sebastian , Nazarenko Elena , Malmerberg Erik , Davidsson Jan , Katona Gergely , Neutze Richard
Published: February 2010

Proteins undergo conformational changes during their biological function. As such, a high-resolution structure of a protein's resting conformation provides a starting point for elucidating its reaction mechanism, but provides no direct information concerning the protein's conformational dynamics. Several X-ray methods have been developed to elucidate those conformational changes that occur during a protein's reaction, including time-resolved Laue diffraction and intermediate trapping studies on three-dimensional protein crystals, and time-resolved wide-angle X-ray scattering and X-ray absorption studies on proteins in the solution phase. This review emphasizes the scope and limitations of these complementary experimental approaches when seeking to understand protein conformational dynamics. These methods are illustrated using a limited set of examples including myoglobin and haemoglobin in complex with carbon monoxide, the simple light-driven proton pump bacteriorhodopsin, and the superoxide scavenger superoxide reductase. In conclusion, likely future developments of these methods at synchrotron X-ray sources and the potential impact of emerging X-ray free-electron laser facilities are speculated upon.
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition gene signature to predict clinical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Jongmin , Hong Seok Joo , Park Jin Young , Park Jun Ho , Yu Yun‐Suk , Park Sun Young , Lim Eun Kyung , Choi Kwan Yong , Lee Eun Kyu , Paik Seung Sam , Lee Kyeong Geun , Wang Hee Jung , Do In‐Gu , Joh Jae‐Won , Kim Dae Shick ,   on behalf of the Korea Cancer Biomarker Consortium
Published: February 2010

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. More accurate stratification of patients at risk is necessary to improve its clinical management. As epithelial–mesenchymal transition is critical for the invasiveness and metastasis of human cancers, we investigated expression profiles of 12 genes related to epithelial–mesenchymal transition through a real‐time polymerase chain reaction. From a univariate Cox analysis for a training cohort of 128 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, four candidate genes (E‐cadherin [CDH1], inhibitor of DNA binding 2 [ID2], matrix metalloproteinase 9 [MMP9], and transcription factor 3 [TCF3]) with significant prognostic values were selected to develop a risk score of patient survival. Patients with high risk scores calculated from the four‐gene signature showed significantly shorter overall survival times. Moreover, the multivariate Cox analysis revealed that four‐gene signature (P = 0.0026) and tumor stage (P = 0.0023) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Subsequently, the four‐gene signature was validated in an independent cohort of 231 patients from three institutions, in which high risk score was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival (P = 0.00011) and disease‐free survival (P = 0.00038). When the risk score was entered in a multivariate Cox analysis with tumor stage only, both the risk score (P = 0.0046) and tumor stage (P = 2.6 × 10−9) emerged as independent prognostic factors. In conclusion, we suggest that the proposed gene signature may improve the prediction accuracy for survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients, and complement prognostic assessment based on important clinicopathologic parameters such as tumor stage. (Cancer Sci 2010)
ZAK inhibits human lung cancer cell growth via ERK and JNK activation in an AP‐1‐dependent manner
Authors: Yang Jaw‐Ji , Lee Yi‐Ju , Hung Hsin‐Hung , Tseng Wei‐Pu , Tu Chuan‐Chou , Lee Huei , Wu Wen‐Jun
Published: February 2010

Novel mixed‐lineage kinase protein zipper sterile‐α‐motif kinase (ZAK) was first cloned by our laboratory. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death in the world, including in Taiwan. Here, we wanted to investigate whether ZAK plays a potential role in lung cancer development. First, Western blot analysis results demonstrated that four cell lines expressed high levels of ZAK from among a panel of 10 lung cancer cell lines, and two of three normal lung cells expressed ZAK. ZAK gene expressions were down‐regulated in lung cancers by real‐time PCR analysis. Overexpression of ZAK suppressed cell proliferation in parallel with increased phosphorylated levels of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). In contrast, ZAK silencing cells inhibited the expressions of phosphorylated ERK and JNK without affecting the expression of phosphorylated p38. The effect of the decreased cell growth rate was significantly but incompletely reversed when ZAK‐overexpressing cells were treated with a specific ERK or JNK inhibitor. Moreover, c‐Fos and c‐Jun, the major downstream components of MAPKs, were up‐regulated by ERK and JNK, respectively. When ZAK‐overexpressing cells introduced with c‐Jun RNA interference (RNAi), the activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) transcription activity detected by a secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) assay was suppressed and the decreased cell number was reversed compared with the control RNAi‐treated group. More importantly, ZAK significantly depressed tumor growth in in vivo study. Taken together, results from both in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that the decrease of lung cancer cell proliferation by ZAK may involve the ERK and JNK pathways via an AP‐1 transcription factor. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Infliximab as rescue medication for patients with severe ulcerative/indeterminate colitis refractory to tacrolimus
Authors: HERRLINGER K. R. , BARTHEL D. N. , SCHMIDT K. J. , BÜNING J. , BARTHEL C. S. , WEHKAMP J. , STANGE E. F. , FELLERMANN K.
Published: February 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1036–1041

Background  The calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus and the anti‐TNF‐antibody infliximab are established options in steroid‐refractory ulcerative colitis (UC).

Aim  To evaluate the efficacy of infliximab‐salvage therapy in patients with refractory UC failing to respond to tacrolimus.

Methods  Twenty‐four patients were enrolled in this evaluation. Reasons for tacrolimus therapy were steroid‐refractory disease in 19 patients and steroid‐dependency in five patients. All patients receiving infliximab had tacrolimus‐refractory active disease (Lichtiger score >10) and were treated with 5 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2 and 6 and every 8 weeks thereafter, if tolerated.

Results  Six of 24 patients (25%) achieved remission following infliximab infusion and four of 24 (17%) had an initial response only, but underwent proctocolectomy later because of loss of response (3) or development of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction (1). Fourteen patients (58%) completely failed to respond with 10 undergoing colectomy. Eight patients experienced side effects under infliximab, including two infectious complications (herpes zoster and herpes pneumonia).

Conclusions  Infliximab offers a therapeutic option as rescue therapy in about a quarter of patients with active UC after failing to respond to tacrolimus. This benefit has to be weighed against the risks of infectious complications.
Monitoring sedation in the critically ill child
Authors: Lamas A. , López‐Herce J.
Published: February 2010

Sedation is an essential part of the management of the critically ill child, and its monitoring must be individualised and continuous in order to adjust drug doses according to the clinical state. There is no ideal method for evaluating sedation in the critically ill child. Haemodynamic variables have not been found to be useful. Clinical scales are useful when sedation is moderate, but are limited by their subjective nature, the use of stimuli, and the impossibility of evaluating profoundly sedated patients or those receiving neuromuscular blocking drugs; in addition, many of these scales have not been evaluated in children. The COMFORT scale is the most appropriate, as it was designed and validated for critically ill children requiring mechanical ventilation. Electroencephalography‐derived methods permit continuous monitoring, provide an early indication of changes in the level of sedation, and facilitate a rapid adjustment of medication. However, these methods were designed and validated for patients under anaesthesia and their results cannot be fully extrapolated to the critically ill patient; in addition, some of them have not been validated in small children and there is still little experience in critically ill children. The main indications for the use of these methods are in patients with deep sedation and/or neuromuscular blockade. The bispectral index is the most widely used method at the present time. Analysis and comparison of the efficacy of the different methods for evaluating sedation in the critically ill child is required.
Towards an agronomic assessment of N2O emissions: a case study for arable crops
Authors: Van Groenigen J. W. , Velthof G. L. , Oenema O. , Van Groenigen K. J. , Van Kessel C.
Published: February 2010

Agricultural soils are the main anthropogenic source of nitrous oxide (N2O), largely because of nitrogen (N) fertilizer use. Commonly, N2O emissions are expressed as a function of N application rate. This suggests that smaller fertilizer applications always lead to smaller N2O emissions. Here we argue that, because of global demand for agricultural products, agronomic conditions should be included when assessing N2O emissions. Expressing N2O emissions in relation to crop productivity (expressed as above‐ground N uptake: ‘yield‐scaled N2O emissions') can express the N2O efficiency of a cropping system. We show how conventional relationships between N application rate, N uptake and N2O emissions can result in minimal yield‐scaled N2O emissions at intermediate fertilizer‐N rates. Key findings of a meta‐analysis on yield‐scaled N2O emissions by non‐leguminous annual crops (19 independent studies and 147 data points) revealed that yield‐scaled N2O emissions were smallest (8.4 g N2O‐N kg−1N uptake) at application rates of approximately 180–190 kg N ha−1 and increased sharply after that (26.8 g N2O‐N kg−1 N uptake at 301 kg N ha−1). If the above‐ground N surplus was equal to or smaller than zero, yield‐scaled N2O emissions remained stable and relatively small. At an N surplus of 90 kg N ha−1 yield‐scaled emissions increased threefold. Furthermore, a negative relation between N use efficiency and yield‐scaled N2O emissions was found. Therefore, we argue that agricultural management practices to reduce N2O emissions should focus on optimizing fertilizer‐N use efficiency under median rates of N input, rather than on minimizing N application rates.
Associations between over‐winter survival and resting metabolic rate in juvenile North American red squirrels
Authors: Larivée Meghan L. , Boutin Stan , Speakman John R. , McAdam Andrew G. , Humphries Murray M.
Published: February 2010

1. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) varies considerably among and within species. Two central questions in physiological ecology are whether values of RMR are repeatable and whether an association exists between RMR and fitness.

2. First, we investigated the repeatability of RMR in food hoarding, juvenile, North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Erxleben). Second, we explored links between RMR and survival. A low RMR may enhance survival if it reduces winter expenditure costs and/or allows more energy to be allocated towards autumn food hoarding. Alternately, a high RMR may enhance survival if it enables juveniles to hoard more food by increasing the throughput of energy available for investment in hoarding activities.

3. Resting metabolic rate adjusted for body mass, was repeatable in both males and females (r = 0·77) over a short‐term (mean 24·3 days) but only among females (r = 0·72) over a long‐term interval (mean 192 days).

4. Heavier juveniles and those with a lower RMR relative to their body mass were more likely to survive over‐winter. Multiple selection models found significant selection for a decreased RMR (β′ = −0·56 ± 0·16) and increased mass (β′ = 0·69 ± 0·17). Survivors also tended to have more food stored within their hoard.

5. A low RMR relative to body mass and large body mass may have allowed individuals to minimize the expenditure costs related to a larger body mass, while maximizing thermal inertia.
Expression of lrwd1 in mouse testis and its centrosomal localization
Authors: Teng Yen‐Ni , Liao Ming‐Hui , Lin Yang‐Ben , Kuo Pao‐Lin , Kuo Ting‐Yi
Published: February 2010

The mouse leucine‐rich repeats and WD repeat domain containing 1 (lrwd1) gene is located on chromosome 5qG2 and spans over 13 kilobases. It encodes a novel protein of 648‐amino acid protein that shares 78.3% amino acid sequence identity with the human LRWD1 protein. We used an oligopeptide as immunogen to generate an anti‐lrwd1 antibody in rabbits. Both Northern and Western blot results indicated that the expression of lrwd1 is testis specific. Immunostaining of mouse testis sections detected high levels of lrwd1 signals in the cytoplasm of primary spermatocytes to mature spermatozoa and much weaker signals in spermatogonia. On mature spermatozoa, the anti‐lrwd1 antibody stained strongly the connection region between the head and the neck where the centrosome is located. Additional immunostaining and immunoprecipitation showed colocalization and interaction between lrwd1 and γ‐tubulin respectively, implicating lrwd1 as a candidate centrosomal protein. These results suggest that lrwd1 may play an important role in spermatogenesis.
Empirical evidence of the relationship between parental and child dental fear: a structured review and meta‐analysis
Authors: THEMESSL‐HUBER MARKUS , FREEMAN RUTH , HUMPHRIS GERRY , MacGILLIVRAY STEVE , TERZI NATHALIE
Published: February 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 83–101

Background.  The relationship between parental and child dental fear has been studied for over a century. During this time, the concept of dental fear as well as methodological approaches to studying dental fear in children have evolved considerably.

Aim.  To provide an overview of the published empirical evidence on the link between parental and child dental fear.

Design.  A structured literature review and meta‐analysis.

Results.  Forty‐three experimental studies from across the six continents were included in the review. The studies ranged widely with respect to research design, methods used, age of children included, and the reported link between parental and child dental fear. The majority of studies confirmed a relationship between parental and child dental fear. This relationship is most evident in children aged 8 and under. A meta‐analysis of the available data also confirmed an association between parental and child dental fear.

Conclusion.  The narrative synthesis as well as the meta‐analysis demonstrate a significant relationship between parental and child dental fear, particularly in children 8 years and younger.
Pathologic paediatric conditions associated with a compromised airway
Authors: BAKER SUHER , PARICO LIA
Published: February 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 102–111

Purpose.  The purpose was to describe pathologic paediatric conditions associated with airway compromise adversely affecting dental treatment with sedation and general anaesthesia.

Methods.  A review of available literature was completed, identifying pathologic paediatric conditions predisposing to airway compromise.

Results.  Airway‐related deaths are uncommon, but respiratory complication represents the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality during the administration of general anaesthesia. Differences in anatomy and physiology of the paediatric and adult airway contribute to the child’s predisposition to rapid development of airway compromise and respiratory failure; juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spine injury, morbid obesity, and prematurity represent only a few conditions contributing to potential airway compromise of which the paediatric clinician needs to be aware. In all cases, thorough physical examination prior to treatment is mandated to affect a positive treatment outcome.

Conclusions.  Successful management of children and adolescents with a compromised airway begins with identification of the problem through a detailed medical history and physical examination. Due to the likely fragile nature of many of these patients, and possibility of concomitant medical conditions affecting airway management, dental treatment needs necessitating pharmacological management are best treated in a controlled setting such as the operating room, where a patent airway can be maintained.
Mutans streptococci colonization associates with the occupation of caretaker, a practise‐based study
Authors: MEURMAN PIA , PIENIHÄKKINEN KAISU , ERIKSSON ANNA‐LEENA , ALANEN PENTTI
Published: February 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 144–150

Background.  The early mutans streptococci (MS) bacteria colonization is connected to early childhood caries. The aim of this study is to examine associations between the MS‐colonization and background factors in young children, in order to enhance the oral health program in a low caries prevalence community.

Subjects and Design.  An age cohort of 512 children was screened for MS in the oral biofilm at the age of 18 months. The caretakers were, using a structured form, interviewed of demographical factors and habits connected to oral health: antibiotic treatments, child’s appetite, frequency of night feeding, use of sugary products or drinks, and maternal xylitol use. The associations were evaluated with logistic regression analysis.

Results.  Mutans streptococci colonization was significantly associated with both the occupation of the caretaker and the non‐Finnish background.

Conclusion.  The early MS‐colonization, in preschool children, strongly associates with the socioeconomic status of the family.
Implications of gluten exposure period, CD clinical forms, and HLA typing in the association between celiac disease and dental enamel defects in children. A case–control study
Authors: MAJORANA ALESSANDRA , BARDELLINI ELENA , RAVELLI ALBERTO , PLEBANI ALESSANDRO , POLIMENI ANTONELLA , CAMPUS GUGLIELMO
Published: February 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 119–124

Background.  The association between coeliac disease (CD) and dental enamel defects (DED) is well known.

Aim.  The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of DED in children with CD and to specifically find the association of DED and gluten exposure period, CD clinical forms, HLA class II haplotype.

Design.  This study was designed as a matched case–control study: 250 children were enrolled (125 coeliac children – 79 female and 46 male, 7.2 ± 2.8 years and 125 healthy children). Data about age at CD diagnosis, CD clinical form, and HLA haplotype were recorded.

Results.  Dental enamel defects were detected in 58 coeliac subjects (46.4%) against seven (5.6%) controls (P < 0.005). We found an association between DED and gluten exposure period, as among CD subjects the mean age at CD diagnosis was significantly (P = 0.0004) higher in the group with DED (3.41 ± 1.27) than without DED (1.26 ± 0.7). DED resulted more frequent (100%) in atypical and silent CD forms than in the typical one (30.93%). The presence of HLA DR 52‐53 and DQ7antigens significantly increased the risk of DED (P = 0.0017) in coeliac children.

Conclusions.  Our results confirmed a possible correlation between HLA antigens and DED.
Trends in paediatric dental caries by poverty status in the United States, 1988–1994 and 1999–2004
Authors: DYE BRUCE A. , AREVALO OSCAR , VARGAS CLEMENCIA M.
Published: February 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 132–143

Background.  Recent reports have suggested that dental caries among some young children is increasing in the United States.

Aim.  To describe changes in paediatric caries prevalence by poverty status in the United States.

Design.  National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data for children aged 2–11 years for 1988–1994 and 1999–2004 were used.

Results.  Caries in the primary dentition increased among poor and non‐poor boys aged 2–8 years (45–53% and 23–31%, respectively) and among non‐poor boys aged 2–5 years (13–21%) from 1988–1994 to 1999–2004. Caries experience also increased on buccal‐lingual, mesio‐distal, and occlusal primary dental surfaces among poor children aged 2–8 years and this increase may be attributed to an increase in the number of dental surfaces restored. In the mixed dentition, caries remains relatively unchanged. Caries continues to decline in the permanent dentition for many children, but is increasing among poor non‐Hispanic whites aged 6–8 years (8–22%) and poor Mexican‐Americans aged 9–11 years (38–55%).

Conclusions.  For many older children, caries continues to decline or remain unchanged. Nevertheless, for a subgroup of younger children, caries is increasing and this increase is impacting some traditionally low‐risk groups of children.
Dendritic network structure constrains metacommunity properties in riverine ecosystems
Authors: Brown B. L. , Swan C. M.
Published: February 2010

1. Increasingly, ecologists conceptualize local communities as connected to a regional species pool rather than as isolated entities. By this paradigm, community structure is determined through the relative strengths of dispersal‐driven regional effects and local environmental factors. However, despite explicit incorporation of dispersal, metacommunity models and frameworks often fail to capture the realities of natural systems by not accounting for the configuration of space within which organisms disperse. This shortcoming may be of particular consequence in riverine networks which consist of linearly ‐arranged, hierarchical, branching habitat elements. Our goal was to understand how constraints of network connectivity in riverine systems change the relative importance of local vs. regional factors in structuring communities.

2. We hypothesized that communities in more isolated headwaters of riverine networks would be structured by local forces, while mainstem sections would be structured by both local and regional processes. We examined these hypotheses using a spatially explicit regional analysis of riverine macroinvertebrate communities, focusing on change in community similarity with distance between local communities [i.e., distance‐decay relationships; (DDRs)], and the change in environmental similarity with distance. Strong DDRs frequently indicate dispersal‐driven dynamics.

3. There was no evidence of a DDR in headwater communities, supporting our hypothesis that dispersal is a weak structuring force. Furthermore, a positive relationship between community similarity and environmental similarity supported dynamics driven by local environmental factors (i.e., species sorting). In mainstem habitats, significant DDRs and community × environment similarity relationships suggested both dispersal‐driven and environmental constraints on local community structure (i.e., mass effects).

4. We used species traits to compare communities characterized by low vs. high dispersal taxa. In headwaters, neither strength nor mode (in‐network vs. out of network) of dispersal changed our results. However, outcomes in mainstems changed substantially with both dispersal mode and strength, further supporting the hypothesis that regional forces drive community dynamics in mainstems.

5. Our findings demonstrate that the balance of local and regional effects changes depending on location within riverine network with local (environmental) factors dictating community structure in headwaters, and regional (dispersal driven) forces dominating in mainstems.
Religiosity influences on bereavement adjustments of older widows in Taiwan
Authors: Shih Shaw‐Nin , Turale Sue , Shih Fu‐Jin , Tsai Jen‐Chen
Published: February 2010

Aims.  To describe difficulties encountered by older widows in Taiwan and the impact of intrinsic or extrinsic religiosity on their coping strategies during early widowhood.

Background.  There is very limited information about how Taiwan’s widows cope with their bereavement and no studies reporting the relationship between religious beliefs and healthy adjustment during this distressing period.

Design.  Between‐method qualitative and quantitative triangulation was used. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and transcribed data were analysed by critical thematic analysis.

Results.  Twenty women in Taiwan, >65 years old, (mean = 72·95) were interviewed within three years of being widowed. There were two informant groups: those with intrinsic religious beliefs and those with extrinsic religious beliefs. They all reported intrapersonal and interpersonal problems. Several major coping strategies arose: ‘practising positive or negative attitudes for adaptation’; ‘using person‐focused actions’; and ‘taking the initiative or passively seeking help from others or helping others’. Informants with intrinsic religious beliefs reported fewer coping problems by holding positive attitudes and taking multiple actions for adaptation. The extrinsic religious group had more negative adaptation attitudes, such as withdrawal and low self‐esteem and practised less faith religious activities in worshipping ancestors, experiencing fatalism and using divination. They reported more coping problems than the intrinsic religious group.

Conclusion.  Widows in Taiwan have different coping problems and strategies in postbereavement adjustment, affected by their different religious beliefs systems. More research is required to establish the generalisabilty of these findings.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Widows in Taiwan need to be assessed for their religious belief systems and how this affects their ability to cope during bereavement. Clinicians should actively provide grief support and encourage new methods of social adaptation, especially with widows with extrinsic religious beliefs who may have less self‐esteem and negative adaptation behaviours.
Gender differences in physical activity and its determinants in rural adults in Korea
Authors: Kim Hyun Kyung , Kim Mi Ja , Park Chang Gi , Kim Hyeon Ok
Published: February 2010

Aim.  This study aimed to examine gender differences in physical activity and its determinants among rural adults in Korea.

Background.  Only limited studies exist that examined gender differences in physical activity in Korean adults. Major determinants for physical activity such as self‐efficacy, benefits and barriers have been studied, but little is known about their gender differences. Nurses promoting and teaching adults to increase physical activity need data for evidence‐based practice.

Design.  A cross‐sectional descriptive design was used.

Method.  Participants were 481 adults living in a rural area of Korea. The physical activity status, exercise self‐efficacy, benefits, barriers and sociodemographics were compared between men and women. Descriptive statistics, t‐test and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis.

Results.  The physical activity status, perceived self‐efficacy and benefits of physical activity in women were significantly lower than those of men. For men, only self‐efficacy was statistically significant in explaining recommended physical activity as well as physical activity participation. However, for women, benefits and barriers as well as self‐efficacy significantly explained their participation of physical activity, but not the recommended physical activity. Unlike men, women’s physical activity was significantly associated with sociodemographic factors.

Conclusion.  Gender differences found in this study should be the basis for evidence‐based nursing practice. Tailored nursing interventions based on gender would improve physical activity of rural adults in Korea and beyond.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses providing care for rural adults should know the gender differences in the determinants of physical activity and provide gender‐specific interventions to improve their physical activity.
The HRQoL of Chinese patients undergoing haemodialysis
Authors: Yu Hui‐Dan , Petrini Marcia A
Published: February 2010

Background.  With the transition from infectious disease and acute illness to chronic disease and degenerative illness as leading causes of death, health‐related quality of life has become an important aspect in assessing the burden of chronic disease. The quality of life of haemodialysis patients has been studied extensively; however, very limited research using exploratory descriptive design has been carried out in this area in China.

Objective.  The aim of this study was to explore health‐related quality of life of end‐stage renal disease patients undergoing haemodialysis in China.

Design.  This study used the qualitative research design approach.

Method.  A semi‐structured, in‐depth interview was conducted with 16 haemodialysis patients in two hospitals using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method to transcribe and analyse the data.

Results.  The results of this study showed that dialysis patients show improvement in physical competence, but they also experienced emotional instability and psychological distress, financial burdens, inadequate disease knowledge and less social support which influenced their quality of life.

Conclusion.  To optimise the patients undergoing dialysis health‐related quality of life, support of psycho‐social‐economical aspects should be enhanced.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Health care providers should give haemodialysis patients thorough health education, individualised psychological and emotional intervention and adequate social support to optimise health‐related quality of life.
Patients’ recovery after critical illness at early follow‐up
Authors: Kelly Michelle A , McKinley Sharon
Published: February 2010

Aim.  To determine the quality of life, particularly physical function, of intensive care survivors during the early recovery process.

Background.  Survivors of critical illness face ongoing challenges after discharge from the intensive care unit and on returning home. Knowledge about health issues during early phases of recovery after hospital discharge is emerging, yet still limited.

Design.  Descriptive study where the former critically ill patients completed instruments on general health and quality of life (SF‐36) in the first six months of recovery.

Methods.  Participants responded to the SF‐36 questionnaire and questions about problems, one to six months after intensive care, either face‐to‐face or by telephone.

Results.  Thirty‐nine participants had a mean age of 60 years; of them, 59% were men and had been in intensive care for 1–69 days (median = 5). Most participants (69%) rated their health as good or fair, but 54% rated general health as worse than a year ago. Mean quality of life scores for all scales ranged from 25–65·5%, with particularly low scores for Role‐Physical (25) and Pain (45·1). Half the participants reported difficulty with mobility, sleep and concentration, and 72% that their responsibilities at home had changed. No relationships were found between SF‐36 scores and admission diagnosis, gender, age or length of intensive care stay.

Conclusions.  These survivors of critical illness and hospitalisation in an intensive care unit perceive their general health to be good despite experiencing significant physical limitations and disturbed sleep during recovery.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Knowledge of issues in these early phases of recovery and discussion and resolution of patient problems could normalise the experience for the patient and help to facilitate better quality of life.
The transversus abdominis plane block: a valuable option for postoperative analgesia? A topical review
Authors: PETERSEN P. L. , MATHIESEN O. , TORUP H. , DAHL J. B.
Published: February 2010

The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a newly described peripheral block involving the nerves of the anterior abdominal wall. The block has been developed for post‐operative pain control after gynaecologic and abdominal surgery. The initial technique described the lumbar triangle of Petit as the landmark used to access the TAP in order to facilitate the deposition of local anaesthetic solution in the neurovascular plane. Other techniques include ultrasound‐guided access to the neurovascular plane via the mid‐axillary line between the iliac crest and the costal margin, and a subcostal access termed the ‘oblique subcostal’ access. A systematic search of the literature identified a total of seven randomized clinical trials investigating the effect of TAP block on post‐operative pain, including a total of 364 patients, of whom 180 received TAP blockade. The surgical procedures included large bowel resection with a midline abdominal incision, caesarean delivery via the Pfannenstiel incision, abdominal hysterectomy via a transverse lower abdominal wall incision, open appendectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Overall, the results are encouraging and most studies have demonstrated clinically significant reductions of post‐operative opioid requirements and pain, as well as some effects on opioid‐related side effects (sedation and post‐operative nausea and vomiting). Further studies are warranted to support the findings of the primary published trials and to establish general recommendations for the use of a TAP block.
Testing the effect of routine fungicide application on ectomycorrhiza formation on Pinus halepensis seedlings in a nursery
Authors: Carrillo C. , Diaz G. , Honrubia M.
Published: February 2010

The fungicides benomyl, captan, hymexazol, iprodione, propamocarb hydrochloride and thiram were applied in a combined schedule to Pinus halepensis seedlings grown under nursery conditions to study their effect on mycorrhiza formation and plant growth. The inoculated fungi Pisolithus tinctorius (strains 3SR and Mx) and Lactarius deliciosus formed mycorrhizas when fungicides were applied. However, fungicide application led to a significant decrease of mycorrhizal plants with Pisolithus tinctorius strain 3SR (from 62% without fungicides to 35% with fungicides). This effect could be attributed to a direct effect of fungicides on mycelial growth. The morphometric and nutritional parameters were very similar in plants treated with or without fungicides, and no differences on sanitary status of plants were noted. The use of preventive fungicide treatments in plant production, which may have a harmful effect on the environment, is therefore questioned.
Effect of Drought Stress on Yield and Quality of Maize/Sunflower and Maize/Sorghum Intercrops for Biogas Production
Authors: Schittenhelm S.
Published: February 2010

Intercropping represents an alternative to maize (Zea mays L.) monoculture to provide substrate for agricultural biogas production. Maize was intercropped with either sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) or forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] to determine the effect of seasonal water supply on yield and quality of the above‐ground biomass as a fermentation substrate. The two intercrop partners were grown in alternating double rows at plant available soil water levels of 60–80 %, 40–50 % and 15–30 % under a foil tunnel during the years 2006 and 2007 at Braunschweig, Germany. Although the intercrop dry matter yields in each year increased with increasing soil moisture, the partner crops responded quite differently. While maize produced significantly greater biomass under high rather than low water supply in each year, forage sorghum exhibited a significant yield response only in 2006, and sunflower in none of the 2 years. Despite greatly different soil moisture contents, the contribution of sorghum to the intercrop dry matter yield was similar, averaging 43 % in 2006 and 40 % in 2007. Under conditions of moderate and no drought stress, sunflower had a dry matter yield proportion of roughly one‐third in both years. In the severe drought treatment, however, sunflower contributed 37 % in 2006 and 54 % in 2007 to the total intercrop dry matter yield. The comparatively good performance of sunflower under conditions of low water supply is attributable to a fast early growth, which allows this crop to exploit the residual winter soil moisture. While the calculated methane‐producing potential of the maize/sorghum intercrop was not affected by the level of water supply, the maize/sunflower intercrop in 2006 had a higher theoretically attainable specific methane yield under low and medium than under high water supply. Nevertheless, the effect of water regime on substrate composition within the intercrops was small in comparison with the large differences between the intercrops.
Endobronchial polyp in a neonate
Authors: Popat Himanshu P , Sinn John , Cooper Peter
Published: February 2010

Respiratory distress in the neonate with collapse/hyperinflation of the lung can be because of a number of causes, which includes extraluminal, parenchymal and endobronchial lesions. Endobronchial tumour and polyps as the cause of collapse/hyperinflation in newborns are quite rare. We report a case of preterm newborn with respiratory distress secondary to endobronchial inflammatory granuloma and discuss the relevant issues in diagnosis and management.
Three siblings with self‐resolving congenital hyperthyrotropinaemia secondary to thyrotropin receptor blocking antibodies
Authors: Azzopardi Peter , Forrester Mike , Ehtisham Sarah
Published: February 2010

Thyrotropin receptor blocking antibodies are a rare cause of hyperthyrotropinaemia and more rarely of congenital hypothyroidism. We report a case of hyperthyrotropinaemia but normal thyroid hormone in the newborn of a mother with hypothyroidism treated with thyroxine. Two older siblings had similar high thyrotropin and normal thyroid function in the newborn period which did not require hormone treatment and resolved spontaneously. Demonstration of thyrotropin receptor antibodies in the child confirmed our diagnosis. Our case was not treated with thyroid replacement hormone and has remained biochemically euthyroid, with thyrotropin levels returning to normal over a period of months.
Diabetes empowerment related to Pender's Health Promotion Model: A meta‐synthesis
Authors: Ho Agnes Yin Kwan , Berggren Ingela , Dahlborg‐Lyckhage Elisabeth
Published: February 2010

Diabetes self‐management is a challenge for both clients and health‐care professionals. Empowerment plays a vital role in helping clients to achieve successful self‐management. This study adopted a meta‐ethnographic approach. Nine qualitative studies were synthesized in order to contribute to a deeper understanding of what clients perceive as being important in an effective empowerment strategy for diabetes self‐management. Four central metaphors that influenced empowerment were identified: trust in nurses' competence and awareness, striving for control, a desire to share experiences, and nurses' attitudes and ability to personalize. The lines‐of‐argument synthesis suggested the need for an evaluation system to appraise clients' diabetes knowledge, health beliefs, and negative emotions, as well as the outcome of interventions. Based on Pender's Health Promotion Model, this study emphasizes the fact that health‐care professionals need to understand and address modifiable behavior‐specific variables. The study suggests that an effective empowerment strategy would be to use activity‐related affect, as well as interpersonal and situational influences, as a means of facilitating and enhancing clients' health‐promoting behaviors.
Role of the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens in reinstating methamphetamine seeking
Authors: Rocha Angelica , Kalivas Peter W.
Published: February 2010

Although the involvement of the medial prefrontal cortex projection to the nucleus accumbens in the reinstatement of cocaine seeking has been well studied, it is not known if this projection plays a similar role in the reinstatement of cue‐ and methamphetamine‐induced drug seeking in animals extinguished from methamphetamine self‐administration. Accordingly, following extinction from long‐access methamphetamine self‐administration, rats were bilaterally microinjected with either a combination of the GABA agonists baclofen/muscimol or vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid) into the infralimbic or prelimbic subcompartments of the medial prefrontal cortex or into the shell or core subcompartments of the nucleus accumbens. Similar to cocaine seeking, inactivation of either the prelimbic cortex or accumbens core eliminated cue‐ and methamphetamine‐induced reinstatement, and inactivation of neither the infralimbic cortex nor shell subcompartments inhibited methamphetamine‐induced drug seeking. However, in contrast to previous reports with cocaine, cue‐induced reinstatement of methamphetamine seeking was inhibited by inactivation of the infralimbic cortex. In conclusion, although a primary role in reinstated drug seeking by the prelimbic and the accumbens core is similar between cocaine and methamphetamine, the recruitment of the infralimbic cortex by conditioned cues differs between these two psychostimulant drugs.
Are You in This Country? How “Local” Social Relations Can Limit the “Globalisation” of Customer Services Supply Chains
Authors: Coyle Angela
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  The relocation of thousands of call centre and back office jobs from the UK to subcontractors in India in the early 2000s led to extensive speculation that the “globalisation” and “jobs flight” of service work was underway. Yet as this article illustrates some call centre customer services do not easily transfer to different local, social and cultural contexts. Call centre operations are embedded in local social relations and taken for granted skills that are difficult to reproduce outside of the locality which has produced them. Nevertheless the spatial dispersal of work can be as much a political process as it is an economic one. This article, which follows the journey of 1000 call centre jobs from the UK to India, illuminates how subcontracting service work “offshore” can facilitate a transformation of the employment relation and an escape from a difficult to discipline labour force.
Geographers Mobilize: A Network‐Diffusion Analysis of the Campaign to Free Ghazi‐Walid Falah1
Authors: De Socio Mark
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  In summer 2006, Professor Ghazi‐Walid Falah, a political geographer and editor‐in‐chief of the journal Arab World Geographer, was arrested by Israeli police after taking photographs of rural landscapes in Northern Galilee. Falah was subsequently held for 23 days, incommunicado, and without charge. An international campaign to “Free Ghazi” was launched by his family, friends and colleagues, largely over academic listservs and other media. Utilizing social network analysis and contextualizing the campaign within structures of telecommunications technologies, the purpose of this paper is to assess the various factors that contributed to the campaign's coalescence, its rapid development, and its global reach.
ON THE CHANGE POINT OF THE MEAN RESIDUAL LIFE OF SERIES AND PARALLEL SYSTEMS
Authors: Shen Yan , Xie Min , Tang Loon Ching
Published: February 2010

This paper considers the mean residual life in series and parallel systems with independent and identically distributed components and obtains relationships between the change points of the mean residual life of systems and that of their components. Compared with the change point for single components, should it exists, the change point for a series system occurs later. For a parallel system, however, the change point is located before that for the components, if it exists at all. Moreover, for both types of systems, the distance between the change points of the mean residual life for systems and for components increases with the number of components. These results are helpful in the determination of optimal burn‐in time and related decision making in reliability analysis.