bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intensive measurement of nitrous oxide emissions from a corn–soybean–wheat rotation under two contrasting management systems over 5 years
Authors: WAGNER‐RIDDLE CLAUDIA , FURON ADRIANA , MCLAUGHLIN NICOLE L. , LEE IVAN , BARBEAU JOHN , JAYASUNDARA SUSANTHA , PARKIN GARY , Von BERTOLDI PETER , WARLAND JON
Published: June 2007

No‐tillage (NT), a practice that has been shown to increase carbon sequestration in soils, has resulted in contradictory effects on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Moreover, it is not clear how mitigation practices for N2O emission reduction, such as applying nitrogen (N) fertilizer according to soil N reserves and matching the time of application to crop uptake, interact with NT practices. N2O fluxes from two management systems [conventional (CP), and best management practices: NT + reduced fertilizer (BMP)] applied to a corn (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), winter‐wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation in Ontario, Canada, were measured from January 2000 to April 2005, using a micrometeorological method. The superimposition of interannual variability of weather and management resulted in mean monthly N2O fluxes ranging from − 1.9 to 61.3 g N ha−1 day−1. Mean annual N2O emissions over the 5‐year period decreased significantly by 0.79 from 2.19 kg N ha−1 for CP to 1.41 kg N ha−1 for BMP. Growing season (May–October) N2O emissions were reduced on average by 0.16 kg N ha−1 (20% of total reduction), and this decrease only occurred in the corn year of the rotation. Nongrowing season (November–April) emissions, comprised between 30% and 90% of the annual emissions, mostly due to increased N2O fluxes during soil thawing. These emissions were well correlated (r2= 0.90) to the accumulated degree‐hours below 0 °C at 5 cm depth, a measure of duration and intensity of soil freezing. Soil management in BMP (NT) significantly reduced N2O emissions during thaw (80% of total reduction) by reducing soil freezing due to the insulating effects of the larger snow cover plus corn and wheat residue during winter. In conclusion, significant reductions in net greenhouse gas emissions can be obtained when NT is combined with a strategy that matches N application rate and timing to crop needs.
Relationship between plasma cholesterol, von Willebrand factor concentrations, extent of atherosclerosis and antibody titres to heat shock proteins‐60, ‐65 and ‐70 in cholesterol‐fed rabbits
Authors: Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid , Lamb David J. , Tavallaie Shima , Ferns Gordon A. A.
Published: June 2007

Epidemiological studies have shown an association between atherosclerosis, Heat shock protein (Hsp) expression, and Hsp antibody titres. We aimed to investigate the time course of appearance of Hsp‐60, ‐65 and ‐70 antibodies in the cholesterol‐fed rabbit and to relate antibody titres to serum concentrations of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a marker of endothelial injury. Rabbits were fed with 0.25–1.0% cholesterol diet for 13 weeks. Plasma levels of anti Hsp‐60, ‐65 and ‐70 IgG titres, were measured using in‐house enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) together with plasma vWF concentrations. Plasma titres of anti‐Hsp‐60, ‐65 and ‐70 antibodies were all significantly increased by weeks 5, 7 and 9 following commencement of the experimental diet compared with baseline (P < 0.05 for all). In non‐cholesterol‐fed rabbits, plasma levels of anti‐Hsp titres were unchanged over this period. Increased plasma vWF concentrations were also found in the cholesterol‐fed rabbits, reaching a maximum at approximately week 8, and falling thereafter. Furthermore, plasma vWF concentrations at 13 weeks correlated strongly with antibody titres to all three Hsps (r = 0.90, P = 0.002; r = 0.80, P = 0.017; r = 0.86, P = 0.006 for Hsp 60, ‐65 and ‐70 respectively) and titres were also strongly correlated with final plasma cholesterol concentrations in cholesterol‐fed animals (r = 0.95, P = 0.002; r = 0.8, P = 0.001; r = 0.84, P = 0.01 respectively). In cholesterol‐fed rabbits, antibody titres to Hsp‐60, ‐65 and ‐70 appear to rise in association with a marker of endothelial injury, peaking at approximately the same time (8 weeks) after starting a high cholesterol diet.
Modelling the long‐term consequences of crop–wild relative hybridization: a case study using four generations of hybrids
Authors: HOOFTMAN DANNY A. P , JONG MAAIKE J. DE , OOSTERMEIJER J. GERARD B , DEN NIJS HANS (J.) C. M
Published: June 2007

Hybridization between crops and wild relatives seems possible for many crop taxa. Subsequent introgression of crop‐specific traits into wild relatives might lead to the formation of introgressant populations. Until now, few studies have evaluated demographically fitness changes combined with empirically defined heterosis breakdown levels to assess the likelihood of such potential hybrid population formation.

For the establishment of case study data, we produced four generations of hybrids between the predominantly autogamous annuals Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and its wild relative L. serriola, along both the autogamous and backcross pathways. Seeds of parental and hybrid lineages were sown individually in field plots and monitored up to and including seed‐set.

All four hybrid generations were phenotypically similar to L. serriola, but survival rates of hybrids in both pathways were significantly higher in early (1st and 2nd) hybrid generations. Combined with higher germination rates, this resulted in higher λs for all hybrid classes, relative to L. serriola. This fitness surplus decreases through the generations, which is interpreted as heterosis breakdown.

These data were entered in a stochastic model. In general, the likelihood of a rapid full displacement of L. serriola at realistic, i.e. low, outcrossing rates seems limited. More likely is the formation of a population containing a wide variety of genotypes with or without L. serriola included.

Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate a simple model for providing likelihood estimates for different scenarios of introgression consequences, with the potential to be used for risk assessment of new crops. When including estimates of heterosis breakdown in our predictions, the speed of displacement of the wild taxon is less dramatic than other modelling attempts suggest. Furthermore, although wild relative displacement is the most likely scenario, other outcomes are possible, including no displacement at all.
Admission decisions following contact with an emergency mental health assessment and intervention service
Authors: Brooker Charlie , Ricketts Thomas , Bennett Simon , Lemme Francesca
Published: June 2007

Aims.  To define the demographic and clinical profile of individuals referred to an emergency mental health assessment team. To identify factors associated with being admitted to inpatient psychiatric services or not admitted following an emergency assessment.

Background.  Crisis resolution and home treatment services are being developed across the UK, targeted towards people with severe mental health problems, who would otherwise require hospitalization. Further information about people presenting to an emergency mental health assessment service may clarify the skills that are required to deliver effective crisis resolution and home treatment services.

Method.  Over a six‐month period referrals to, and admission decisions by, an emergency mental health assessment team were recorded. Measures used were the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale and the Crisis Triage Rating Scale.

Age, sex and postcode data were recorded. Postcode data were used to identify the Townsend Deprivation Index for each individual. Reasons given for the referral were categorized. A preliminary descriptive analysis was performed for all people referred. The Demographic and clinical characteristics of referrals admitted and not admitted were then compared. A multivariate logistic regression was performed in order to investigate the possible impact of demographic and clinical characteristics on admission status.

Results.  A total of 375 individuals were referred. Forty‐eight (12·8%) were admitted. Higher referral rates were significantly associated with more deprived areas of the city. Referrers most frequently identified suicide risk as the reason for referral, followed by deterioration of an existing serious mental health problem. The mean Health of the Nation Outcome Scale score of all people referred was 10·5. Those admitted had a significantly greater mean Health of the Nation Outcome Scale score than those not admitted. The mean Crisis Triage Rating Scale score of all people referred was 11·0. Those admitted had a significantly lower (worse) mean Crisis Triage Rating Scale score than those not admitted. Individuals with lower Crisis Triage Rating Scale scores tended to have a higher (more deprived) Townsend index scores. Crisis Triage Rating Scale and Health of the Nation Outcome Scale scores were significantly negatively correlated.

Conclusions.  Crisis resolution and home treatments need to target areas of greatest deprivation. Social interventions will be important. Presentations related to suicide risk are likely to be common. The Crisis Triage Rating Scale may be a useful brief alternative to Health of the Nation Outcome Scale.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study highlights the valuable role of mental health nurses in frontline emergency mental health care in particular mental health nurses skills in conducting a risk assessment in an emergency.
Effects of the diabetic patients’ perceived social support on their quality‐of‐life
Authors: Göz Fugen , Karaoz Sureyya , Goz Mustafa , Ekız Secıl , Cetın Ibrahım
Published: June 2007

Aim.  The aim of this descriptive study was to determine effects of the diabetic patients’ perceived social support on theirs life qualities.

Background.  Type 2 diabetes and its treatment effects patients’ quality of life. Quality‐of‐life is important for people with diabetes and their health care providers. Social support for diabetic adults has been shown to benefit disease management and adjustment.

Research design.  This research was conducted with 66 type 2 diabetic patients who came for control to the diabetes policlinic between May and June 2003 at diabetes polyclinic in Kocaeli State Hospital of Marmara Region in Turkey. Informed consent was obtained from patients. Data were collected by using the quality‐of‐life scale (SF‐36), perceptional social support scale and the questionnaire prepared by the researchers.

Method.  For the analysis of data, Mann–Whitney U‐test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis have been employed.

Results.  Perceived social support and quality‐of‐life were increased together. Male patients’ and retired patients’ quality life score and perceived social support were high. Meanwhile when educational level was increased, perceived social support and quality‐of‐life were increased. The quality life scores and perceived social support scores were high in patients who living alone and used oral antidiabetic drugs.

Conclusions.  If perceived social support and quality‐of‐life were increased together, it means social support increases quality‐of‐life. That is why nurses must try to plan some strategies for increase social support of patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Assessment of social support of type 2 diabetic patients may assist in determining individualized goals and strategies. Enhanced social support in diabetes self‐management may subsequently improve metabolic control, self‐management and psychosocial adjustment to diabetes.
Supplementary nurse prescribing for patients with skin conditions: a national questionnaire survey
Authors: Carey Nicola , Courtenay Molly , Burke Joanna
Published: June 2007

Aim.  To examine the prescribing practices of supplementary nurse prescribers (working in both primary and secondary care) who prescribe medicines for patients with skin conditions and the factors that facilitate or inhibit this mode of prescribing.

Background.  Nurses work in a variety of roles, with varying levels of expertise, are involved in the treatment management of a broad range of skin diseases. Skin conditions are those for which independent nurse prescribers prescribe most frequently. The role of the nurse, limitations of the formulary and inter‐professional relationships influence the prescribing practices of these nurses. There is no evidence currently available examining the impact and activity of supplementary nurse prescribing for patients with skin conditions.

Methods.  A convenient sample of 580 nurses who prescribed for skin conditions and were qualified supplementary nurse prescriber, self‐completed a written questionnaire.

Results.  Five hundred and twenty (89·7%) nurses were based in primary care and worked in general practice. Four hundred and thirty‐six (75%) held a degree level qualification or higher, 41 (7%) had specialist dermatology training and 512 (88·3%) had more than 10 years postregistration nursing experience. Supplementary prescribing was used by a minority of nurses. Nurses who had specialist dermatology training used this mode of prescribing most frequently. Doctor and pharmacists lack of understanding of supplementary prescribing, lack of peer support and clinical management plans prevented the implementation of this mode of prescribing.

Conclusions.  Supplementary prescribing is used by a minority of nurses to treat skin conditions. A number of factors prevent nurses from using this mode of prescribing including lack of specialist training and lack of support in practice.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Specialist dermatology training, an understanding of supplementary prescribing by the members of the healthcare team, and support in practice are required if supplementary prescribing is to be implemented effectively for the treatment of skin conditions.
Determining the political influence of nurses who work in the field of hepatitis C: a Delphi survey
Authors: McKeown Clare , Gibson Faith
Published: June 2007

Aim.  The principle aim of this study was to determine the political influence and the professional profile of nurses who work in the field of hepatitis C.

Background.  Hepatitis C has emerged as a major public health problem. Its growing impact on health services has led to the development and expansion of a range of specialist nursing roles in hepatitis C. The professional group has never been profiled in the current political and social context, although many nurses traverse patient, organizational and strategic levels of practice and service development.

Design.  A multi‐centre survey design using the Delphi technique was undertaken to gain consensus. A total of 160 nurses who work in the field of hepatitis C, were invited to participate. The target population was located from 90 sites across the United Kingdom. Data collection comprised two questionnaire rounds. Final sample included 40 participants in round 1 and 34 in round 2.

Findings.  The results showed strong consensus on the necessity of structural and policy changes at national and regional levels and nurses’ inclusion within that process. Of note was the need for policy group representation and engagement in the commissioning agenda. Overall, the findings demonstrate that most nurses have advanced contextual understanding of the issues. There is evidence of political activities and nursing influence at local and regional levels. This is less evident at national level, where there is only a core of active members.

Conclusion.  These findings reveal nurses to be operating and thinking strategically without referencing their activities as political. Nurses should be more focused in translating strategic thinking into political activities. This should be coordinated and supported through the Hepatitis Nurse Specialist Forum to ensure nurses become increasingly visible in driving services forward at policy level.

Relevance to practice.  Successive governments have failed to address the serious structural problems in resource allocation, lack of public awareness and policy direction. This is where patient, organizational and strategy levels interface in hepatitis C because policy affects patients and organizations, patient level care affects policy direction and nurses can influence all three.
Strategies in caring for women with postpartum psychosis – an interview study with psychiatric nurses
Authors: Engqvist Inger , Nilsson Agneta , Nilsson Kerstin , Sjöström Björn
Published: June 2007

Aim and objective. The aim of this study was to explore strategies in caring for women with postpartum psychosis used by nurses.

Background. The most serious type of psychiatric illness in connection with childbirth is postpartum psychosis. Nearly two in 1000 newly delivered women are stricken by postpartum psychosis. Most of these patients need psychiatric care to recover. While earlier studies point to the need for psychiatric care, knowledge of specific nursing strategies in caring for postpartum psychosis patients remains limited.

Methods. Interviews with 10 experienced psychiatric nurses were carried out, transcribed verbatim and an inductive content analysis was made.

Result. The main strategies for care found in this study were: (i) To create a patient–nurse relationship and (ii) To apply nursing therapeutic interventions. Presence, continuity and nurse‐patient partnership contributed to create a relationship and incorporate the rest of the care team. To satisfy the patients’ basic needs and feeling of security was the foundation of the nursing therapeutic interventions. Confirmation and giving hope were also used as nursing therapeutics as well as information to the patient and her relatives about her illness.

Conclusion. The conclusion of the study is that strategies used by nurses are a combination of general and psychiatric nursing approaches but the specificity in caring knowledge for caring patients with postpartum psychosis requires further development.

Relevance to clinical practice. The result of the study indicates that it is important to organize patient care for postpartum psychosis with continuity and consistency and to support the nurse to create a relationship and therapeutic intervention with the patient. The present study shows the importance of further developing specific nursing theories that can be applied when caring for patients with postpartum psychosis. It also shows the need for further pedagogical education for mental health nurses.
‘It was not chest pain really, I can't explain it!’ An exploratory study on the nature of symptoms experienced by women during their myocardial infarction
Authors: Albarran John W , Clarke Brenda A , Crawford Jenny
Published: June 2007

Aims and objectives.  This study sought to explore the presenting nature of cardiac symptoms as experienced by women diagnosed with a myocardial infarction. The objectives were to use the participants’ own words to gain a detailed understanding of how they perceived their evolving symptoms.

Background.  Women with coronary heart disease tend to delay seeking help despite experiencing symptoms. The classic hallmarks used to diagnose a myocardial infarction have been based on research primarily involving white middle‐aged men with a focus on specific descriptions of chest pain. Whether these hallmarks apply to women in the same way as they apply to men is an area of increasing contention.

Design.  Using a purposive sample, a qualitative design was used to investigate the nature of cardiac symptoms experienced by women prior to and at the time of their myocardial infarction.

Method.  Twelve women participated in semi‐structured in‐depth tape‐recorded interviews conducted while they were in hospital.

Results.  Three interlinking themes emerged, which reflect a changing dynamic status in health, mediated by the perceived threat of individual symptoms. These included gradual awareness, not having pain in the chest and reactions to symptoms.

Conclusions.  It would appear that symptom presentation and distribution amongst women may not follow the pattern traditionally associated with current understanding of a ‘typical’ myocardial infarction. These differences together with perceptions about their cardiac symptoms may influence their health‐seeking behaviours.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Women with a myocardial infarction may present with non‐specific chest symptoms, which are difficult to interpret or recognize by patients and health professionals alike. Skill in recording history and in performing a comprehensive assessment of initial and current symptoms will enable nurses to identify women with a differential diagnosis of chest pain readily. Additionally, to increase awareness of coronary heart disease, nurses must use any opportunity to educate women of all age groups.
An RCT of adherence therapy for people with schizophrenia in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Maneesakorn Suparpit , Robson Deborah , Gournay Kevin , Gray Richard
Published: June 2007

Aim.  The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effectiveness of adherence therapy‐a brief intervention based on compliance therapy and motivational interviewing techniques‐in a sample of people with schizophrenia in Thailand.

Background.  Poor adherence is problematic, but knowledge about how to improve medication adherence is limited. Studies focusing on the effects of interventions used to improve adherence have produced inconsistent outcomes and have been mainly conducted in western countries.

Methods.  An exploratory single blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Thirty‐two patients with schizophrenia were randomly allocated to receive eight weekly sessions of adherence therapy or continue with their treatment as usual. Patients were assessed at baseline and after nine weeks. The primary outcome was overall psychotic symptoms. Secondary outcomes were general functioning, attitude towards and satisfaction with antipsychotic medication and medication side effects.

Results.  The findings of this study indicated that patients who received adherence therapy significantly improved in overall psychotic symptoms, attitude towards and satisfaction with medication compared with treatment as usual but no significant difference was found in general functioning or side effects compared with treatment as usual.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Adherence therapy has a positive impact on patients’ psychiatric symptoms, attitude towards and satisfaction with medication. Nurses can effectively deliver adherence therapy following intensive training.
A study of the efficiency and convenience of an advanced portable Wound Measurement System (VISITRAKTM)
Authors: Sugama Junko , Matsui Yuko , Sanada Hiromi , Konya Chizuko , Okuwa Mayumi , Kitagawa Atsuko
Published: June 2007

Aims and objectives.  A reduction of pressure ulcer wound area is one of the most important indicators of wound healing. A wound measurement system (VISITRAKTM), which calculates the area based on simple tracings of wounds, has been developed as a practical tool for assessing wound area at the bedside. However, its accuracy has remained to be clarified in a clinical setting. This study aimed to clarify the clinical accuracy of the VISITRAK system.

Design.  A descriptive correlational study.

Methods.  Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of wound measuring techniques were calculated using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) from 10 pressure ulcers. Concurrent validity was assessed, using 30 pressure ulcers, by comparing VISITRAK and digital planimetry. Assessment times for VISITRAK and digital planimetry were also compared for clinical practicality.

Results.  The VISITRAK reliability results showed high (0·99) ICC values. For validity, a correlation coefficient between VISITRAK and digital planimetry was 0·99. The median time to take a measurement with VISITRAK was significantly shorter than that required for digital planimetry.

Conclusions.  Based on our results, VISITRAK was found to have high intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability and high validity.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The short measurement time with the VISITRAK system, and the ability to use it at the bedside, make it a useful, convenient device for clinical use.
Consensus and diversity: an action research study designed to analyse the roles of a group of mental health consultant nurses
Authors: Jinks Annette M , Chalder Gill
Published: June 2007

Aim.  The purpose of this action research study was to enable a group of mental health consultant nurses in the UK to map the scope and dimensions of their roles. This initial benchmarking exercise is a precursor to the development of plans for role improvement and evaluation.

Background.  There is a growing body of literature that addresses advanced nursing practice roles. There is, however, no international agreement on what constitutes an advanced practice role. A few countries have addressed the statutory requirements governing such roles. Consultant nurses’ roles in the UK are relatively new innovations that aim to enhance care. However, only a few investigations have evaluated the dimensions and impact of these roles.

Methods.  The study was framed by use of action research as a form of self‐reflective enquiry. Initial data were generated through use of four focus group discussions, which were held with a group of consultant nurses employed predominately at a mental health National Health Service Trust. Five structured confirmatory questionnaires developed from the focus group data were also administered.

Findings.  Analysis of the focus group data gave five themes, 71 categories and 271 items that were used to inform development of the questionnaires. Responses to the questionnaire showed that 61% (n = 166) of the items had non‐consensus responses. It was found there was most consensus relating to leadership theme with 63% (n = 19) items having consensus responses. Least agreement was found in the education theme where there was <15% (n = 5) agreement to individual items.

Conclusions.  The study demonstrated complexity and variety in how the consultant nurses’ roles in the UK are being developed.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The potential for consultant nurse roles to enhance patient care is tremendous. This study provides initial indicators, which the practitioners involved, can use to plot future developments and changes to their roles.
Skin testing technique and precision in stinging insect allergy
Authors: Corallino Massimo , Nico Andrea , Kourtis Georgios , Caiaffa Maria Filomena , Macchia Luigi
Published: June 2007

Aim.  We report on quantitative analysis of skin tests in patients undergoing Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy. The need for accuracy, coupled with a sound manual technique, in performing this procedure is emphasized. Involuntary errors may occur and pose serious problems with interpretation of results. A revealing example is reported and the strategy devised to analyse the flaws and overcome the resulting problems is presented and discussed.

Background.  Skin testing plays a key role in the diagnosis of most allergic disease and in the assessment of allergen immunotherapy. Particularly, insect sting allergy requires implementation of complex and demanding skin testing protocols and a competent nursing practice.

Methods.  Sixteen patients were tested before starting the immunotherapy and after three years of treatment. Cutaneous response (expected to decline, following immunotherapy) was assessed as: (i) allergen‐elicited wheal areas; (ii) ratios between allergen‐elicited wheal areas and homologous histamine (positive controls) wheal areas.

Results.  By using allergen‐elicited areas, the paradoxical result was obtained that skin reactivity had increased instead of decreasing, upon immunotherapy. Histamine response analysis suggested that this paradox might rather be the result of a technical flaw. Analysis of written notes of routine clinical meetings revealed that an important manual flaw had been detected (and corrected) some years earlier, affecting the results of the baseline testing (viz. the allergen was injected deeper in the skin, yielding a weaker response). Skin reactivity evaluation in terms of allergen–histamine ratio confirmed this interpretation, as, when the baseline ratios were compared with the three years immunotherapy ratios, a distinct decline in skin reactivity was detected, as expected.

Conclusions.  Skin testing in insect sting allergy is a conceptually and manually complex procedure, which should be subjected to systematic quality control assessment, like a laboratory procedure. The personnel involved in the performance of this procedure should receive appropriate and extensive training.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Diagnosis of allergic diseases and monitoring of immunotherapy largely rely on impeccable skin testing technique.
Adults with mild intellectual disabilities: can their reading comprehension ability be improved?
Authors: Van Den Bos K. P. , Nakken H. , Nicolay P. G. , Van Houten E. J.
Published: June 2007

Background  Adults with a mild intellectual disability (ID) often show poor decoding and reading comprehension skills. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of teaching text comprehension strategies to these adults. Specific research goals were to determine (1) the effects of two instruction conditions, i.e. strategy instruction to individuals and strategy instruction in small groups in a reciprocal teaching context; (2) intervention programme effects on specific strategy tests (so‐called direct effects), and possible differences between strategies; (3) (long‐term) transfer effects of the programme on general reading comprehension ability; and (4) the regression of general text comprehension by the variables of technical reading, IQ, reading comprehension of sentences (RCS), and pretest and posttest scores on the strategies taught.

Methods  In total, 38 adults (age range 20–72 years; mean age of 36 years) with ID participated in the study. IQs ranged from 45 to 69 with a mean IQ of 58. The intervention programme involved 15 weekly lessons of 1 h each, taught during 3 months. Blocks of lessons included each of Brown and Palincsar’s strategies of summarizing, questioning, clarifying and predicting, as participants read and studied narrative and expository texts.

Results  Results indicated no significant difference between group and individual instruction conditions. Second, direct programme effects – as determined by posttest–pretest contrasts for strategy tests – were substantial, except for the questioning strategy. Third, even more substantial was the transfer effect to general text comprehension. Moreover, the results on this test were well maintained at a follow‐up test. Finally, the variance of general reading comprehension ability was best explained by the test of RCS, and only moderately by the strategies trained.

Conclusion  The presently used intervention programme provides a good starting point for adults with ID to become better readers.
The tales of two geckos: does dispersal prevent extinction in recently fragmented populations?
Authors: HOEHN M. , SARRE S. D. , HENLE K.
Published: June 2007

Although habitat loss and fragmentation threaten species throughout the world and are a major threat to biodiversity, it is apparent that some species are at greater risk of extinction in fragmented landscapes than others. Identification of these species and the characteristics that make them sensitive to habitat fragmentation has important implications for conservation management. Here, we present a comparative study of the population genetic structure of two arboreal gecko species (Oedura reticulataandGehyra variegata) in fragmented and continuous woodlands. The species differ in their level of persistence in remnant vegetation patches (the former exhibiting a higher extinction rate than the latter). Previous demographic and modelling studies of these two species have suggested that their difference in persistence levels may be due, in part, to differences in dispersal abilities withG. variegataexpected to have higher dispersal rates thanO. reticulata. We tested this hypothesis and genotyped a total of 345O. reticulatafrom 12 sites and 353G. variegatafrom 13 sites at nine microsatellite loci. We showed thatO. reticulataexhibits elevated levels of structure (FST = 0.102 vs. 0.044), lower levels of genetic diversity (HE = 0.79 vs. 0.88), and fewer misassignments (20% vs. 30%) than similarly fragmented populations ofG. variegata, while all these parameters were fairly similar for the two species in the continuous forest populations (FST = 0.003 vs. 0.004,HE = 0.89 vs. 0.89, misassignments: 58% vs. 53%, respectively). For both species, genetic structure was higher and genetic diversity was lower among fragmented populations than among those in the nature reserves. In addition, assignment tests and spatial autocorrelation revealed that small distances of about 500 m through fragmented landscapes are a barrier toO. reticulatabut not forG. variegata. These data support our hypothesis thatG. variegatadisperse more readily and more frequently thanO. reticulataand that dispersal and habitat specialization are critical factors in the persistence of species in habitat remnants.
Mix and match — hybridization reveals hidden complexity in seal breeding behaviour
Authors: AMOS WILLIAM
Published: June 2007

Not so long ago, mammalian breeding systems were seen as dominated by males fighting each other for the right to mate with passive females. Genetic parentage analysis has been instrumental in changing this view and exposing the key role of female choice. Some of the most interesting discoveries have emerged from work on seals, where extreme polygyny is common but females often seem to have a bigger say than was previously thought. A remarkable case in question involves Macquarie Island, where three species of fur seal recently formed a mixed breeding colony (). Here, the true colours of both sexes lie unusually exposed, because classical models predict that males of the biggest species will dominate the beach and force females of smaller species to conceive mainly hybrid pups. In a fascinating paper in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Lancaster and colleagues () show that females are not this naïve. Although happy to gain protection for most of the season by sitting in the territory of one of the largest males, regardless of whether he is the same species, females almost always conceive to one of their own kind. The females do this, not because any hybrid male offspring they conceive will be sickly and fail to hold good territories, but because females who pup in their hybrid son's territories will be disproportionately likely to mate elsewhere. Hybrid males seem physically fit but sexually unattractive!
Studies on colicin B translocation: FepA is gated by TonB
Authors: Devanathan Surendranathan , Postle Kathleen
Published: June 2007

Colicin B is a 55 kDa dumbbell‐shaped protein toxin that uses the TonB system (outer membrane transporter, FepA, and three cytoplasmic membrane proteins TonB/ExbB/ExbD) to enter and kill Escherichia coli. FepA is a 22‐stranded β‐barrel with its lumen filled by an amino‐terminal globular domain containing an N‐terminal semiconserved region, known as the TonB box, to which TonB binds. To investigate the mechanism of colicin B translocation across the outer membrane, we engineered cysteine (Cys) substitutions in the globular domain of FepA. Colicin B caused increased exposure to biotin maleimide labelling of all Cys substitutions, but to different degrees, with TonB as well as the FepA TonB box required for all increases. Because of the large increases in exposure for Cys residues from T13 to T51, we conclude that colicin B is translocated through the lumen of FepA, rather than along the lipid–barrel interface or through another protein. Part of the FepA globular domain (residues V91–V142) proved relatively refractory to labelling, indicating either that the relevant Cys residues were sequestered by an unknown protein or that a significant portion of the FepA globular domain remained inside the barrel, requiring concomitant conformational rearrangement of colicin B during its translocation. Unexpectedly, TonB was also required for colicin‐induced exposure of the FepA TonB box, suggesting that TonB binds FepA at a different site prior to interaction with the TonB box.
Chemical and amino acid composition of colostrum and mature milk differ only slightly in mink (Mustela vison)
Authors: Fink R. , Rasmussen A. , Tauson A.‐H.
Published: June 2007

To determine differences in chemical composition between colostrum and mature milk in mink, milk samples were collected from 12 dams as close to the end of parturition as possible (n = 12), and at 24 h (n = 3), 48 h (n = 3) and 1 week (n = 12) postpartum. The milk samples were analysed for dry matter (DM), ash, crude protein, fat, carbohydrate, and amino acid composition. The DM content was higher (p < 0.05) in milk sampled at parturition than at 24 and 48 h postpartum. Also, the crude protein content decreased (p < 0.05) after the first 24 h postpartum. However, the fat, carbohydrate and ash contents did not change (p > 0.05) during the first week of lactation. The proportion of essential amino acids tended to decrease during the first 24 h postpartum. During the first week of lactation, the phenylalanine and tyrosine contents decreased while the cysteine content increased. However, in general, the differences between colostrum and mature milk were less pronounced in the mink than in many other species. Thus, colostrum seems to be of little importance in the mink in conferring passive immunity and hence for kit survival.
Body composition and selected blood parameters in mice fed a combination of fibre and conjugated linoleic acid
Authors: Javadi M. , Geelen M. J. H. , Everts H. , Lemmens A. G. , Beynen A. C.
Published: June 2007

Feeding mice conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces body fat. Soluble fibre decreases apparent lipid digestibility. The objective of the present study was to examine whether a combination of dietary CLA and soluble fibre would further decrease the proportion of body fat than a diet with CLA alone. Therefore, we fed mice diets with CLA and different amounts of Nutrim®, containing 10% soluble fibre. CLA was added to the control diet at the expense of high oleic acid sunflower oil (HOSF) component and Nutrim® was added at the expense of an isoenergetic combination of starch, dextrose and cellulose. The diets were fed for 28 days. Weight gain after 28 days was less in CLA‐fed animals than in HOSF‐fed animals. Both CLA and Nutrim® increased the body water content. CLA reduced total body fat and epidydymal fat but Nutrim® did not. No interaction of CLA and fibre was detected. We, therefore, must conclude that under the present experimental conditions dietary CLA and fibre do not interact to reduce body fat deposition.
Individual response of growing pigs to sulphur amino acid intake
Authors: Heger J. , Křížová L. , Šustala M. , Nitrayová S. , Patráš P. , Hampel D.
Published: June 2007

Two N balance experiments were conducted to study the individual response of growing pigs to limiting amino acid (AA) intake. Series of fifteen diets with increasing concentration of sulphur amino acids (SAA, Expt 1) or methionine in the presence of excess cystine (Expt 2) were fed sequentially to nine pigs during a 15‐day experimental period. The concentration of the AA under test ranged from 50% to 140% of the requirement while other essential AA were given in a 25% excess relative to the limiting AA. N retention was related to the limiting AA intake using rectilinear and curvilinear models. In Expt 1, the quadratic‐plateau model fitted the individual data significantly better (p = 0.01) than the linear‐plateau model. No difference was found between the two models in Expt. 2, presumably due to the sparing effect of excess cystine on methionine utilization. Exponential, saturation kinetics or four‐parameter logistic models fitted to data for all pigs showed that their goodness of fit was similar to those of quadratic‐plateau or linear‐plateau models. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between individual plateau values for N retention within each experiment while the slopes of the regression lines did not significantly differ either in Expt 1 (p = 0.07) or Expt 2 (p = 0.45). There was a positive correlation between the slope and plateau values of the linear‐plateau model in Expt 1 (r = 0.74, p = 0.02) but no significant correlation was found in Expt 2 (r = −0.48, p = 0.13). Marginal efficiencies of SAA and methionine utilization derived from the linear‐plateau model were 0.43 and 0.65 respectively. Based on linear‐plateau and quadratic‐plateau models, daily requirements of SAA and methionine for a 50 kg pig were estimated to be 13.0 and 5.9 g and 14.3 and 6.1 g respectively.
Quantification of enterobacteriaceae in faeces of captive black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) in relation to dietary tannin supplementation
Authors: Clauss M. , Wittenbrink M. M. , Castell J. C. , Kienzle E. , Dierenfeld E. S. , Flach E. J. , Macgregor S. K. , Hoppe T. , Hummel J. , Streich W. J. , Hatt J.‐M.
Published: June 2007

Free‐ranging browsing herbivores ingest a range of secondary plant compounds, such as tannins, with their natural diet. As many of these substances have been shown to have antibacterial properties, it could be speculated that a lack of such compounds in captive zoo diets could favour the growth of potentially pathogenic intestinal bacteria. The effect of a supplementation of a conventional diet (N, consisting mainly of grass hay and/or lucerne hay and pelleted compound feeds) fed to eight captive black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis) from three zoological institutions with either tannic acid (T), a source of hydrolysable tannins, or quebracho (Q), a source of condensed tannins, was investigated. The number of faecal colony forming units (CFU) of Enterobactericeae was determined by colony count of dilution series from fresh faeces applied to MacConkey agar plates. Tannins were added to the diets at approximately 5–15 g/kg dry matter, depending on the varying intake of roughage and compound feeds by the animals. There was no difference in the number of CFU between diets N (95.0 × 105 ± 225.3 × 105/g fresh faeces) and T (164.3 × 105 ± 225.1 × 105/g fresh faeces); in contrast, diet Q led to a significant reduction in CFU (4.3 × 105 ± 6.5 × 105/g fresh faeces) compared with the other diets. These findings suggest that condensed tannins could have the potential to reduce the number of potentially pathogenic intestinal bacteria, and that the deliberate inclusion of tannin sources in the diets of captive wild animals should be further investigated. The fact that tannic acid, shown to have antibacterial effects in various in vitro studies, did not have an effect in this study, emphasizes that the relevance of tannin supplementation for intestinal health must be verified in vivo.
Nutrient digestibility and energy value of sheep rations differing in protein level, main protein source and non‐forage fibre source
Authors: Milis Ch. , Liamadis D.
Published: June 2007

Two in vivo digestion trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of diet's crude protein (CP) level, N degradability, and non‐forage fibre source (NFFS) on nutrient digestibility and energy value of sheep rations. In each trial, rams were fed four isocaloric and isofibrous rations, differing in main protein and/or NFFS source. At the first trial, mean CP/metabolizable energy (ME) ratio of the diets was 17 g/MJ ME and at the second trial, 13 g/MJ ME. At both trials, the first ration contained cotton seed cake (CSC) and wheat bran (WB), the second CSC and corn gluten feed (CGF), the third corn gluten meal (CGM) and WB and the fourth CGM and CGF. Data of both trials were analysed in common as 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experimental design. Low N degradability (CGM) had positive effect on CP, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility of the ration. Those results suggest that an increase in rumen undegradable protein (RUP) content does not negatively affect nutrient digestibility of sheep rations. Corn gluten feed significantly elevated crude fibre (CF) digestibility, in comparison with WB. Rations having high CP/ME ratio had higher digestibility of CP in comparison with those having low CP/ME ratio; the opposite was true for ether extract, CF, NDF and ADF digestibilities. CP level × N degradability interaction negatively affected energy value of the rations that had high CP level and high N degradability. Former suggest that when CP content is high then N degradability should be low otherwise ration's ME is negatively affected. CP digestibility and coefficient q of the rations containing WB and having high N degradability (N degradability × NFFS interaction) were the lowest suggesting that the combination of CSC and WB negatively affected CP digestibility and energy value of the ration. This could be explained by a reduced microbial CP synthesis, or lower RUP digestibility or both.
Cavernous nerve graft reconstruction using an autologous nerve guide to restore potency
Authors: Fujioka Masaki , Tasaki Isao , Kitamura Riko , Yakabe Aya , Hayashi Mikio , Matsuya Fukuzo , Miyaguchi Taishi , Tsuruta Junji
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To present our experience of cavernous nerve graft reconstruction, using an autologous nerve vein‐guide technique, to restore potency.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prostate cancers frequently require radical resection involving one or both cavernous nerves that usually results in erectile dysfunction; nerve grafting has been used to restore erectile function, but clinical results are unsatisfactory owing to inadequate surgical techniques. In all, eight patients with prostate cancer who required radical resection involving one cavernous nerve had sural nerve grafting, with two or three sutures using the autologous vein‐guide technique, in our unit between 2004 and 2005. Because of the difficulty of performing microsurgical manoeuvres deep within the pelvic cavity, the nerve anastomosis might be unsatisfactory.

RESULTS

Seven of the eight patients had spontaneous erectile activity after grafting and six of these patients were able to have intercourse.

CONCLUSION

Sural nerve grafting using the autologous vein‐guide technique is simple, has minimal morbidity, and yields good outcomes.
Time(lessness): Buddhist perspectives and end‐of‐life
Authors: Bruce Anne
Published: June 2007

Abstract  The perception of time shifts as patients enter hospice care. As a complex, socially determined construct, time plays a significant role in end‐of‐life care. Drawing on Buddhist and Western perspectives, conceptualizations of linear and cyclical time are discussed alongside notions of time as interplay of embodied experience and concept. Buddhist understandings of self as patterns of relating and the theory of ‘dependent origination’ are introduced. Implications for understanding death, dying and end‐of‐life care within these differing perspectives are considered. These explorations contribute to the growing dialogue in nursing between Buddhist and Western traditions.