bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of copy number variations among diverse cattle breeds
Authors: Liu George E. , Hou Yali , Zhu Bin , Cardone Maria Francesca , Jiang Lu , Cellamare Angelo , Mitra Apratim , Alexander Leeson J. , Coutinho Luiz L. , Dell'Aquila Maria Elena , Gasbarre Lou C. , Lacalandra Gianni , Li Robert W. , Matukumalli Lakshmi K. , Nonneman Dan , Regitano Luciana C. de A. , Smith Tim P.L. , Song Jiuzhou , Sonstegard Tad S. , Van Tassell Curt P. , Ventura Mario , Eichler Evan E. , McDaneld Tara G. , Keele John W.
Published: March 2010

Genomic structural variation is an important and abundant source of genetic and phenotypic variation. Here, we describe the first systematic and genome-wide analysis of copy number variations (CNVs) in modern domesticated cattle using array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The array CGH panel included 90 animals from 11 Bos taurus, three Bos indicus, and three composite breeds for beef, dairy, or dual purpose. We identified over 200 candidate CNV regions (CNVRs) in total and 177 within known chromosomes, which harbor or are adjacent to gains or losses. These 177 high-confidence CNVRs cover 28.1 megabases or ∼1.07% of the genome. Over 50% of the CNVRs (89/177) were found in multiple animals or breeds and analysis revealed breed-specific frequency differences and reflected aspects of the known ancestry of these cattle breeds. Selected CNVs were further validated by independent methods using qPCR and FISH. Approximately 67% of the CNVRs (119/177) completely or partially span cattle genes and 61% of the CNVRs (108/177) directly overlap with segmental duplications. The CNVRs span about 400 annotated cattle genes that are significantly enriched for specific biological functions, such as immunity, lactation, reproduction, and rumination. Multiple gene families, including ULBP, have gone through ruminant lineage-specific gene amplification. We detected and confirmed marked differences in their CNV frequencies across diverse breeds, indicating that some cattle CNVs are likely to arise independently in breeds and contribute to breed differences. Our results provide a valuable resource beyond microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms to explore the full dimension of genetic variability for future cattle genomic research.
Population pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin hydrochloride in paediatric patients with neuropathic and non‐neuropathic bladder
Authors: Tsuda Yasuhiro , Tatami Shinji , Yamamura Norio , Tadayasu Yusuke , Sarashina Akiko , Liesenfeld Karl‐Heinz , Staab Alexander , Schäfer Hans‐Günter , Ieiri Ichiro , Higuchi Shun
Published: March 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

Tamsulosin is available on prescription as a modified release capsule in the US (Flomax®), and in most European countries for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin hydrochloride (HCl) have been extensively studied in adults, but no pharmacokinetic data for paediatrics have been published to date.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

A population pharmacokinetic model of tamsulosin HCl was developed in paediatric patients. Covariate analysis revealed that body weight and α1‐acid glycoprotein influenced both the apparent clearance and the apparent volume of distribution. This study confirms that there is no major difference in the pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin HCl between paediatrics (age range 2–16 years) and adults when the effect of body weight is taken into consideration.

AIMS

The main objective of this study was to characterize the population pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin hydrochloride (HCl) in paediatric patients with neuropathic and non‐neuropathic bladder. A secondary objective was to compare the pharmacokinetics in paediatric patients and adults.

METHODS

Tamsulosin HCl plasma concentrations in 1082 plasma samples from 189 paediatric patients (age range 2–16 years) were analyzed with NONMEM, applying a one compartment model with first‐order absorption. Based on the principles of allometry, body weight was incorporated in the base model, along with fixed allometric exponents. Covariate analysis was performed by means of a stepwise forward inclusion and backward elimination procedure. Simulations based on the final model were used to compare the pharmacokinetics with those in adults.

RESULTS

Beside thepriori‐implemented body weight, only α1‐acid glycoprotein had an effect on both apparent clearance and apparent volume of distribution. No other investigated covariates, including gender, age, race, patient population and concomitant therapy with anti‐cholinergics, significantly affected the pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin HCl (P< 0.001). The results of simulations indicated that the exposure in 12.5 kg paediatric patients was 3.5–4.3 fold higher than that in 70.0 kg adults. After a weight‐based dose administration, the exposure in paediatric patients was comparable with that in healthy adults.

CONCLUSIONS

A population pharmacokinetic model of tamsulosin HCl in paediatric patients was established and it described the data well. There was no major difference in the pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin HCl between paediatric patients (age range 2–16 years) and adults when the effect of body weight was taken into consideration.
Concurrent and construct validation of the short form of the Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency and the Movement‐ABC when administered under field conditions: implications for screening
Authors: Spironello C. , Hay J. , Missiuna C. , Faught B. E. , Cairney J.
Published: March 2010

Rationale  Among the most widely used instruments to assess developmental co‐ordination disorder (DCD) in children are the Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M‐ABC). However, there is little research on agreement between these tests, when administered to children in field‐based settings by trained non‐clinicians.

Method  Ten of 75 schools participating in a larger study were randomly selected. All children in grade 4 (n= 340) in each of these schools were assessed at the same time using both the BOTMP‐SF and the M‐ABC in May of 2005. The order of tests was balanced, with an average gap in time between tests of 10–15 min. All tests were administered by trained research assistants.

Results  The correlation between tests was moderate (r= 0.50, P < 0.01). Kappas were low at the fifth (k= 0.19) and 15th (k= 0.29) percentile cut‐points, which are generally used to identify cases of DCD. Re‐analysis using the relative improvement over chance (RIOC) statistic, however, revealed slightly better agreement at both cut‐points (fifth percentile, RIOC = 0.29; 15th percentile, RIOC = 0.47). Children who scored as probable for DCD on both motor tests, as well as on only the BOTMP‐SF, had higher body mass index, poorer physical fitness and lower levels of teacher‐reported physical ability than those positive for DCD on the M‐ABC only or those who scored negatively on both tests.

Discussion  In general, the agreement between tests, even after adjustment for RIOC, was poor. Children identified with poor motor competence by both tests or by the BOTMP‐SF only are at particular risk for poor physical fitness, overweight/obesity and physical inactivity. It appears that each assessment measures different dimensions of motor ability but that under field‐based conditions the M‐ABC may be less useful when applied by non‐clinicians.
The association of maternal food intake and infants' and toddlers' food intake
Authors: Hart C. N. , Raynor H. A. , Jelalian E. , Drotar D.
Published: March 2010

Background  Young children's first experiences with food may influence development of food preferences and lifelong eating habits. However, little is known about what factors are associated with the development of eating behaviours in infants and toddlers. Studies with older children and adolescents suggest that parental food intake is associated with children's food intake. The purpose of the present paper is to determine whether this association starts even earlier during infancy and toddlerhood.

Methods  A convenience sample of n= 98 primarily African American mothers of children 6–18 months old completed questionnaires, including questions on their own and their young child's food intake. Mothers completed questions while waiting to be seen by their child's primary care provider.

Results  Per maternal report, children consumed fruit 2.45 (1.79) times, vegetables 1.63 (1.51) times and snack foods 2.22 (2.49) times each day. Infants' and toddlers' fruit (r= 0.54, P < 0.001), vegetable (r= 0.42, P < 0.001) and snack food (r= 0.37, P < 0.001) intake were significantly associated with maternal intake of each of these foods, respectively. These significant associations remained even after controlling for additional study variables.

Conclusion  Even at very young ages, maternal food intake is an important correlate of children's food intake. Taken together with findings documenting significant snack food consumption in this age group, findings suggest that development of prevention and intervention programmes to enhance healthy eating behaviours need to start very early, perhaps just prior to children being introduced to complementary foods.
Child involvement in the paediatric consultation: a qualitative study of children and carers' views
Authors: Taylor S. , Haase‐Casanovas S. , Weaver T. , Kidd J. , Garralda E. M.
Published: March 2010

Background  This study aimed to investigate child and carers' attitudes towards child involvement in paediatric consultations.

Methods  Semi‐structured qualitative interviews explored child and carers' attitudes towards child involvement at different stages of the paediatric consultation process. Twenty families (21 children, 17 mothers and 5 fathers) were interviewed following a paediatric (index) consultation in two UK paediatric inpatient and outpatient departments.

Results  All but one family felt the child should be involved at some stage of the consultation process but the desired extent and nature of involvement depended on child, family and illness characteristics, as well as on the stages of the consultation. During history gathering, some parents and children felt it was the decision and responsibility of the parent to facilitate communication between the child and the doctor. Others expected the doctor to decide when and how to facilitate this process. At diagnosis the desired amount of information given to the child increased with increasing maturity in the child. Some felt making a diagnosis should be a collaborative process; others felt it was solely the domain of the doctor. In discussing and making a treatment plan, some children wanted to be given the choice of being involved and some wanted their parents to be responsible for implementing the plan. Some families with a seriously ill child, however, wanted the burden of involvement in the management plan taken away from them.

Conclusions  Families vary in their views about involvement of children in paediatric consultations in a way that may be unique to each child, family and illness. Moreover, different views were expressed about involvement in each stage of the consultative process and in management of the child's health. The challenge for doctors is to determine the level of involvement and information exchange favoured by a particular parent and child. Good practice recommendations emerging from the analysis are described.
Plant and veterinary disease diagnosis: a generic approach to the development of field tools for rapid decision making?
Authors: King D. P. , Ferris N. P. , Tomlinson J. A. , Boonham N.
Published: March 2010

Rapid and accurate diagnostic tests make an important contribution to programmes to monitor and eradicate infectious diseases that impact animal and plant health. Using foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) and sudden oak death as examples, this review outlines recent progress to develop new field tools for detection of the infectious agents that cause high‐impact livestock and plant diseases. The principal driver for this work is to develop tools that can be used locally to assist in decision making. Advances in this area have developed simple‐to‐use lateral‐flow devices for the detection of FMD virus and the genus Phytophthora (including Phytophthora ramorum, the causal agent of sudden oak death and the related pathogen P. kernoviae), as well as new hardware platforms to allow PCR testing for these agents by non‐specialists in the field. Although developed for different diseases, the user requirements for rapid diagnostic tools for FMD and sudden oak death share many similarities. Using generic solutions to these challenging problems, it is now possible to imagine a new paradigm for how the collection and testing of samples to monitor the spread of important livestock and plant diseases might be achieved.
Diagnostic methods for phytopathogenic bacteria of stone fruits and nuts in COST 873
Authors: Janse J. D.
Published: March 2010

Different diagnostic methods used or developed in the EU‐COST2 873 project ‘Bacterial diseases of stone fruits and nuts’ are presented. The methods concern detection and identification of the plant pathogenic bacteria Xylella fastidiosa (EPPO A1 list), Xanthomonas arboricola pv corylina, X.a. pv. pruni, Pseudomonas syringae pv. persicae (A2 list pathogens), Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Brenneria nigrifluens and B. rubrifaciens, P. amygdali, P. avellanae, P.s. pv. avii, P.s. pv. morsprunorum, P.s. pv. syringae, X.a. pv. juglandis. Furthermore, a recently described xanthomonas species (proposed name X. translucens pv. pistachiae), causing a new disease on pistachio, viz. Pistachio decline, in Australia and the recently renamed Xanthomonas citri pv. mangiferaeindicae on mango are included. The methods range from classical ones such as nutritional tests, use of (semi‐)selective media, PCR, fatty acid analysis, serology and pathogenicity tests as well as (more) modern ones such as free flow capillary electrophoresis, real‐time PCR, rep‐PCR, fAFLP and sequencing of open reading frames (ORFs) and/or housekeeping genes such as gyrB and rpoD. The usefulness of these methods are outlined and reference made to publications where they were successfully used. Development of useful (molecular) tools are also indicated. Whole genome sequencing has been performed for Pantoea agglomerans (a relevant biocontrol agent) by the Swiss laboratory and initiated for X. a. pv. pruni by the French laboratory in cooperation with the Swiss and Italian laboratories and development of a microarray test has been initiated by the Swiss laboratory, Details of meetings and training programmes throughout the region are elaborated.
DNA barcoding: a new module in New Zealand’s plant biosecurity diagnostic toolbox
Authors: Armstrong K.
Published: March 2010

Molecular methods for identification of high risk pests and pathogens have been employed for more than a decade to supplement standard diagnostic protocols. However, as the volume of traded goods continues to increase so does the breadth of taxa that diagnosticians need to deal with. Keeping pace by introducing more molecular tests that are typically species‐group specific is not an efficient way to progress. Since 2005 classical DNA barcoding using cytochrome oxidase I sequence has been employed routinely in New Zealand for the highest risk insect species (fruit flies and lymantriid moths). Subsequently a broader range of pests have been considered. Case studies are presented here for three important lepidopteran pests, Lymantria mathura (pink gypsy moth), Conogethes punctiferalis (yellow peach moth) and Hyphantria cunea (fall web worm), as well as a trial to identify miscellaneous border interceptions. While the data support the effectiveness of DNA barcoding for border diagnostics, they also raise issues around cryptic species identification and potential species discovery that could impact on operational biosecurity systems.
EPPO Workshop on Comparative Assessment in the framework of substitution: a summary of the conclusions and recommendations
Authors: Sunley R. , Van Opstal N.
Published: March 2010

This review is a reflection of the main conclusions and recommendations of the Workshop on Comparative Assessment (CA) in the framework of substitution, and provides a basis for the development of guidance for CA. A total of 61 participants from 17 EPPO countries considered the technical issues that will need to be addressed in the context of CA under the proposed new European Regulation for the placing of plant protection products (PPPs) on the market. Technical recommendations were made, particularly in the areas of efficacy, resistance, minor uses and economic considerations to be taken into account for the development of guidance for CA. To support and facilitate CA, EPPO were assigned to: develop a new Standard to define the general procedures and a scheme for approaching CA; to revise EPPO Standard PP1/213(2) Resistance risk analysis to include decision support for CA and to support the efficacy data requirements through the continuation of the work on extrapolation tables for minor uses.
EPPO database on diagnostic expertise: http://dc.eppo.org
Authors: Roy A. S. , Petter F. , Griessinger D.
Published: March 2010

In 2004, the EPPO Council expressed profound concerns about the decreasing expertise in plant protection and declared a state of emergency for Plant Health (‘Madeira declaration’). As diagnostics is one of the scientific fields which are vital for sustaining sound plant health policies, a questionnaire was launched and all EPPO member countries were asked to provide information about their diagnostic expertise, focusing on regulated pests or pests which may present a risk to the EPPO region. In 2006, results of the questionnaire were analysed and compiled by the EPPO Secretariat into a new database. This database now contains detailed information (contact addresses, quality programmes, and accreditations) for 80 diagnostic laboratories from 28 EPPO member countries. More than 500 experts are now registered with details about their diagnostic expertise (pests diagnosed and methods used). The EPPO database on diagnostic expertise can be freely accessed on the Internet: http://dc.eppo.org.
Arm Exercise Promotion Scale: instrument validation
Authors: Cheng Sue‐Yueh , Tu Shih‐Hsin , Yang Ya‐Ling , Chen Ching‐Shyang , Liao Yuan‐Mei , Hsiang Chao‐Ying , Chen Ching‐Min
Published: March 2010

cheng s.‐y., tu s.‐h., yang y.‐l., chen c.‐s., liao y.‐m., hsiang c.‐y. & chen c.‐m. (2010) Arm exercise promotion scale: instrument validation. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(5), 1142–1150.

Title.  Arm exercise promotion scale: instrument validation.

Aim.  This paper is a report of psychometric testing of the Arm Exercise Promotion Scale.

Background.  Patients with breast cancer having mastectomy are taught postoperative arm exercises during hospitalization; however, clinical observations suggest that patients infrequently practise them. It is important to develop an instrument that can be easily applied to evaluate women’s motivation for arm exercises.

Method.  An instrument validation design with a cross‐sectional survey was conducted during 2008–09. The previously developed 15‐item Likert‐type Arm Exercise Promotion Scale was further tested for test–retest reliability, internal consistency reliability, theoretically supported construct validity, and concurrent validity. A total of 94 patients with breast cancer were recruited to the study.

Results.  The Arm Exercise Promotion Scale has satisfactory internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha 0·88) and a test–retest reliability of 0·90. Three theoretically supported factors were abstracted by principal component analysis: perceived benefits, learning support and situational support. These factors were inter‐correlated and statistically significantly correlated with arm exercise behaviour, indicating concurrent and construct validity.

Conclusion.  There is strong evidence to further support the Arm Exercise Promotion Scale as a valid instrument in assessing factors which promote arm exercises with patients with breast cancer. Future longitudinal clinical studies using this scale could add knowledge about the experiences of carrying out arm exercises in patients with breast cancer across time.
Effects of antenatal education on maternal prenatal and postpartum adaptation
Authors: Serçekuş Pınar , Mete Samiye
Published: March 2010

serçekuş p. & mete s. (2010) Effects of antenatal education on maternal prenatal and postpartum adaptation. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(5), 999–1010.

Title.  Effects of antenatal education on maternal prenatal and postpartum adaptation.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of the effects of antenatal education on prenatal and postpartum adaptation in a Turkish context.

Background.  Although there have been a number of studies on the effects of antenatal education on pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood, the evidence of its effectiveness is limited and equivocal. There is insufficient evidence regarding the effects of antenatal education on prenatal and postpartum adaptation and whether individual or group education is more beneficial.

Methods.  A Roy Adaptation Model‐based quasi‐experimental study with 120 nulliparous women was conducted between 2006 and 2008. Two experimental groups received either group education or individual education; the control group received standard care. Data were collected using a demographical data form and Lederman’s prenatal and postpartum self‐evaluation questionnaires.

Findings.  While there were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of prenatal adaptation, no difference was found in postpartum adaptation. Post hoc analysis showed that women in the experimental groups (individual and group education) were better adapted in the prenatal period compared with those in the control group.

Conclusion.  Roy’s adaptation model may be useful as a guide in prenatal adaptation programmes. Group antenatal education might be preferred over individual education because it is less costly.
Multifaceted ergonomic intervention programme for community nurses: pilot study
Authors: Szeto Grace Pui Yuk , Law Ka Yee , Lee Edwin , Lau Titanic , Chan Shuk Ying , Law Sheung‐Wai
Published: March 2010

szeto g.p.y., law k.y., lee e., lau t., chan s.y. & law s.‐w. (2010) Multifaceted ergonomic intervention programme for community nurses: pilot study. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(5), 1022–1034.

Title.  Multifaceted ergonomic intervention programme for community nurses: pilot study.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a pilot study conducted to investigate the effect of a tailor‐made ergonomic intervention programme for community nurses.

Background.  The nursing profession is known to be a high risk group for work‐related musculoskeletal disorders. Community nurses are at risk as they have to travel to patients’ homes and work in varied environments daily. Their occupational risk factors are unique and intervention strategies need to be specially designed to address these issues.

Method.  The study was conducted from August 2007 to September 2008 in Hong Kong with community nurses from three hospitals. The intervention group (n = 14) received a multi‐faceted ergonomic intervention programme over an 8‐week period, with group training, onsite individual training, equipment modification, exercise programme, typing and computer workstation advice. The control group (n = 12) received no interventions. Both groups had baseline and follow‐up assessments, which included musculoskeletal symptoms, perceived risk factors and functional outcome and physical mobility measures.

Results.  The intervention group showed statistically significantly improved symptom scores and neck and upper limb functional outcomes at postintervention. The control group showed no change in symptom or functional outcomes.

Conclusion.  A multifaceted intervention programme may be more effective than interventions that mainly focus on ergonomic training and could be considered by community or home care nursing groups in other countries. The programme was based on risk assessment and may be a useful reference for other nursing groups in other countries.
The legitimacy of rest: conditions for the relief of burden in advanced dementia care‐giving
Authors: De La Cuesta‐Benjumea Carmen
Published: March 2010

de la cuesta‐benjumea c. (2010) The legitimacy of rest: conditions for the relief of burden in advanced dementia care‐giving. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(5), 988–998.

Title.  The legitimacy of rest: conditions for the relief of burden in advanced dementia care‐giving.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to identify the conditions that favour the relief of the burden of female caregivers of relatives with advanced dementia.

Background.  Respite services are a response to caregivers’ needs for rest. Although they are wanted and needed services, caregivers do not always have access to or use them. The need for a caregiver‐centred approach to relieving the burden of care is a conclusion which respite researchers are increasingly reaching.

Method.  Grounded theory was chosen as the research strategy. Twenty‐two female primary caregivers of relatives with advanced dementia participated in semi‐structured interviews between November 2006 and May 2008 in Spain. Data collection was guided by the emergent analysis and ceased when no more relevant variations in the categories were found.

Findings.  While having a rest is legislated as a right in civil and religious laws in family care in Spain, it should meet certain conditions that in the caregiver’s eyes legitimate it. In the present study these were: (i) when there is no abandonment, (ii) when others are not harmed, (iii) when having a rest is obligatory and (iv) when having a rest is acknowledged.

Conclusion.  Many caregivers experience ambivalence over accepting respite. Nurses should assess caregivers’ situations and promote context‐specific interventions and a relief of burden free from guilt. Exploration of the conditions that favour the relief of burden within other cultural and caregiver groups is recommended.
Nurses’ practices in pharmacotherapy and their association with educational level
Authors: Dilles Tinne , Stichele Robert Vander , Van Rompaey Bart , Van Bortel Lucas , Elseviers Monique
Published: March 2010

dilles t., stichele r.v., van rompaey b., van bortel l. & elseviers m. (2010) Nurses’ practices in pharmacotherapy and their association with educational level.Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(5), 1072–1079.

Title. Nurses’ practices in pharmacotherapy and their association with educational level.

Aim. This paper is a report of a study of the association between educational level and nurses’ practices in pharmacotherapeutic activities in three clinical settings.

Background. The preparation and administration of medication are at the core of nursing practice, and nurses’ involvement in pharmacotherapy is essential to medication safety. Nursing strategies to improve patient adherence to treatment and to identify adverse drug reactions have been described, but nurses’ practice patterns in monitoring adherence and adverse drug reactions remain undocumented.

Methods. A cross‐sectional correlational survey design was used. Data were collected between 2005 and 2007. Each year, the focus was on a different setting. Nurses were selected by convenience sampling: 260 worked in nursing homes, 82 in community care services and 1070 in hospitals. Questions focused on the provision of medication information, observation of patient medication adherence and identification of adverse drug reactions during the preceding month.

Results. Involvement in providing drug information varied considerably, from 50% among hospital nurses to 82% among nurses in community care services. Statistically significantly fewer nurses observed non‐adherence in hospitals (50%) than in the other settings (about 80%). Between 40% and 49% of the nurses had observed an adverse drug reaction. Nurses’ information‐seeking behaviour and problem responses also varied according to setting. Bachelor’s degree holders were 35% more likely than diploma holders to have observed an adverse drug reaction.

Conclusion. Nurses assume considerable pharmacotherapeutic responsibilities. Practice patterns are codetermined by the healthcare setting and nurses’ educational level.
The lived experience of moving forward for clients with spinal cord injury: a Parse research method study
Authors: Chen Hsiao‐Yu
Published: March 2010

chen h.‐y. (2010) The lived experience of moving forward for clients with spinal cord injury: a Parse research method study. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(5), 1132–1141.

Title.  The lived experience of moving forward for clients with spinal cord injury: a Parse research method study.

Aim.  This study is a report of a theory of Humanbecoming‐guided study of the lived experience of moving forward among people with spinal cord injury.

Background.  Most people with spinal cord injuries take a long time to recover and return to their previous life activities. Moving forward is connected with the choices people make about what is important, what to do, and how to live life in ways they value. Parse’s Theory of Humanbecoming is a human science theory, and its overall aims are to improve the quality of life for clients and their families.

Method.  The Parse research method was used to explore the lived experience of moving forward for 15 clients with spinal cord injuries recruited from two Spinal Injury Associations in Taiwan in 2007. Data were collected and analysed through the processes of participant selection, dialogical engagement, extraction‐synthesis and heuristic interpretation, as proposed by Parse.

Findings.  The core concepts found were confronting difficulties, going on and finding self‐value and confidence, and co‐creating successes amid opportunities and restrictions. Thus, the structure of the lived experience of moving forward is confronting difficulties, going on and finding self‐value and confidence to affirm one’s self while co‐creating successes amid opportunities and restrictions.

Conclusion.  This study contributes to nursing theory‐guided knowledge development from a humanbecoming perspective on the experience of moving forward among clients with spinal cord injury, and informs rehabilitation nurses who use the Humanbecoming theory as a guide to practice to promote moving forward.
Changes in skin mucus of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., after exposure to water with a high bacterial load
Authors: Van Der Marel M , Caspari N , Neuhaus H , Meyer W , Enss M‐L , Steinhagen D
Published: March 2010

Water in aquaculture systems may contain a high load of microorganisms. Reduction in overall bacterial tank water load improves fish health and growth parameters. In this study, the effect of an increase of overall bacterial load in tank water on carp skin mucus was assessed. Intracellular and released high molecular weight glycoproteins (HMGs) of carp skin mucus were analysed for changes using histological, histochemical and biochemical techniques. Increase of bacterial load did not induce obvious clinical responses in carp, but the skin of exposed carp responded quickly. The amount of skin mucus HMGs isolated increased as well as their total glycosylation. An increased goblet cell number was observed for all carbohydrate stainings, but most clearly for acidic glycoconjugates. A change in the terminal presence of some sugars was also seen. After the initial response of carp, an adaptation to the higher bacterial load in the water appeared to occur as mucins had a higher glycosylation. The changes observed suggest that these skin mucus adaptations are part of a primary defence mechanism of mucosal epithelia, even at a low pathogenic pressure.
First description of atypical furunculosis in freshwater farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in Chile
Authors: Godoy M , Gherardelli V , Heisinger A , Fernández J , Olmos P , Ovalle L , Ilardi P , Avendaño‐Herrera R
Published: March 2010

We report the first isolation, identification and characterization of a group of Chilean strains of atypical Aeromonas salmonicida isolated from freshwater farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar. Affected fish showed superficial ulcers and pale liver with or without petechial haemorrhages. Outbreaks of the disease occurred in two farms in the south of Chile about 2200 km apart. Five strains were isolated in pure culture and identified by serological assays and immunofluorescence tests as belonging to Aeromonas salmonicida. Although the bacterial isolates were phenotypically homogeneous, minor differences with the reference strain A. salmonicida subsp. salmonicida ATCC 33658 were noted. Three specific primer sets and partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing allowed the identification of the Chilean isolates as atypical A. salmonicida, with A. salmonicida subsp. achromogenes and A. salmonicida subsp. masoucida as their closest relatives (100% sequence similarity). Molecular typing indicated that the atypical isolates belong to two genetic groups that were associated with the geographical origin.
Evaluation of executive functioning in people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Willner P. , Bailey R. , Parry R. , Dymond S.
Published: March 2010

Background  Executive functioning (EF) is an important concept in cognitive psychology that has rarely been studied in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). The aim of this study was to examine the validity of two test batteries and the structure of EF in this client group.

Methods  We administered the children's version of the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS‐C) and the Cambridge Executive Functioning Assessment (CEFA) for people with ID, to 40 participants who attended day centres for people with mild to moderate learning disabilities [mean full‐scale intelligence quotient (IQ) = 59]. The BADS‐C consists of six EF subtests while the CEFA contains eight EF (including two executive memory) subtests and four memory subtests. IQ and receptive language ability were also assessed. The results were subjected to principal components analysis, and regression analysis was used to examine the relationship of the ensuing factors to other cognitive variables.

Results  Scores on both sets of EF tests were only weakly related to receptive language ability, and even more weakly related to IQ. Scores on the BADS‐C were substantially lower than predicted from the published norms for people in higher IQ ranges, and many participants scored zero on three of the six subtests. This potential floor effect was less evident with scores on the CEFA. Principal components analyses produced one usable factor for the BADS‐C, and two factors for the CEFA that differed in both the extent of involvement of working memory and the predominant sensory modality. A combined analysis of the subtests retained from both analyses produced three factors that related uniquely to aspects of IQ and memory.

Conclusions  The CEFA is suitable for use with people with mild to moderate learning disabilities, whereas the BADS‐C is at the lower limit of usability with this client group. The lower‐than‐expected scores observed on the BADS‐C may indicate that people known to learning disability services may be more impaired than people of comparable IQ not known to services. The structure of EF seen in people with IDs closely resembles a model of EF in the general population that has received a broad level of support.
Host range of an invasive moth, Phyllonorycter leucographella
Authors: Walczak U. , Baraniak E. , Jerzak E.
Published: March 2010

We examined the host range of an invasive small moth, Phyllonorycter leucographella in two plant collections in Poland. A total of 248 species, varieties and cultivars of the subfamily Maloideae were sampled. We found that only 75 of them were attacked by Ph. leucographella. As many as 68 novel host plants are reported for the first time. However, the infestation of these plants is usually much lower than its primary host, Pyracantha coccinea.
microRNA expression alteration after arsenic trioxide treatment in HepG‐2 cells
Authors: Meng Xian‐Zhi , Zheng Tong‐Sen , Chen Xi , Wang Jia‐Bei , Zhang Wei‐Hui , Pan Shang‐Ha , Jiang Hong‐Chi , Liu Lian‐Xin
Published: March 2010

Background and Aim:  More and more microRNA (miRNA) are found to be involved in tumor genesis and progress. Arsenic trioxide has been an effective chemotherapeutic drug in cancer therapy for many years. In this study, we aimed to find the miRNA involved in the mechanisms of arsenic trioxide treatment in cancer therapy.

Methods:  We detected the expression profile of miRNA by miRNA microarray and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability assay, flow cytometry analysis, prediction of miRNA targets, Western blot analysis and luciferase reporter assay were carried out to determine the role of one selected miRNA, namely mir‐29a, in affecting the biological behaviors of HepG‐2 cells.

Results:  Among the 677 human miRNA in the microarray, five miRNA were upregulated and four were downregulated in HepG‐2 cells treated with arsenic trioxide compared to their controls. If only changes above two folds were considered, four miRNA were identified, namely miR‐24, miR‐29a, miR‐30a and miR‐210, which were all upregulated. Among them, miR‐29a showed a positive therapeutic effect in liver cancer cells by inhibiting cell growth and inducing cell apoptosis, and PPM1D was confirmed to be the target gene of miR‐29a. Furthermore, a synergy effect was detected between miR‐29a and arsenic trioxide.

Conclusions:  Arsenic trioxide altered miRNA expression profile in HepG‐2 cells. Among the altered miRNA, miR‐29a seemed to take a role in the mechanism of arsenic trioxide in liver cancer therapy. The synergy effect between miR‐29a and arsenic trioxide may offer this drug a new chance in cancer therapy by decreasing its dose and toxic side‐effects.
Large‐scale distribution and activity patterns of an extremely low‐light‐adapted population of green sulfur bacteria in the Black Sea
Authors: Marschall Evelyn , Jogler Mareike , Henßge Uta , Overmann Jörg
Published: March 2010

The Black Sea chemocline represents the largest extant habitat of anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria and harbours a monospecific population of Chlorobium phylotype BS‐1. High‐sensitivity measurements of underwater irradiance and sulfide revealed that the optical properties of the overlying water column were similar across the Black Sea basin, whereas the vertical profiles of sulfide varied strongly between sampling sites and caused a dome‐shaped three‐dimensional distribution of the green sulfur bacteria. In the centres of the western and eastern basins the population of BS‐1 reached upward to depths of 80 and 95 m, respectively, but were detected only at 145 m depth close to the shelf. Using highly concentrated chemocline samples from the centres of the western and eastern basins, the cells were found to be capable of anoxygenic photosynthesis under in situ light conditions and exhibited a photosynthesis–irradiance curve similar to low‐light‐adapted laboratory cultures of Chlorobium BS‐1. Application of a highly specific RT‐qPCR method which targets the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rrn operon of BS‐1 demonstrated that only cells at the central station are physiologically active in contrast to those at the Black Sea periphery. Based on the detection of ITS‐DNA sequences in the flocculent surface layer of deep‐sea sediments across the Black Sea, the population of BS‐1 has occupied the major part of the basin for the last decade. The continued presence of intact but non‐growing BS‐1 cells at the periphery of the Black Sea indicates that the cells can survive long‐distant transport and exhibit unusually low maintenance energy requirements. According to laboratory measurements, Chlorobium BS‐1 has a maintenance energy requirement of ∼1.6–4.9·10−15 kJ cell−1 day−1 which is the lowest value determined for any bacterial culture so far. Chlorobium BS‐1 thus is particularly well adapted to survival under the extreme low‐light conditions of the Black Sea, and can be used as a laboratory model to elucidate general cellular mechanisms of long‐term starvation survival. Because of its adaptation to extreme low‐light marine environments, Chlorobium BS‐1 also represents a suitable indicator for palaeoceanography studies of deep photic zone anoxia in ancient oceans.
Docetaxel reintroduction in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant docetaxel‐sensitive prostate cancer: a retrospective multicentre study
Authors: Eymard Jean‐Christophe , Oudard Stéphane , Gravis Gwenaelle , Ferrero Jean‐Marc , Theodore Christine , Joly Florence , Priou Frank , Krakowski Ivan , Zannetti Alain , Thill Laurence , Beuzeboc Philippe
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential benefit of reintroducing docetaxel chemotherapy in patients with progressive metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who had initially responded to first‐line docetaxel‐based regimen.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Records were evaluated retrospectively from French patients with mCRPC who had been included in seven controlled clinical studies of docetaxel as first‐line treatment. We identified patients who were confirmed as responders to first‐line treatment, discontinued for reasons other than disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, and who received further docetaxel chemotherapy for disease progression. The primary objective was to assess efficacy in terms of the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response after resuming a docetaxel‐based chemotherapy. Secondary objectives were overall survival and tolerance.

RESULTS

Of the 148 patients who responded to first‐line docetaxel, 50 received further therapy with docetaxel and were analysed. The median (range) response duration to first‐line docetaxel was 10.3 (4.6–45.7) months and the median docetaxel‐free interval was 18.4 (5.0–46.7) months. Docetaxel was reintroduced as second‐line therapy in 52% of patients and as further lines in 48%. After docetaxel reintroduction, 24 patients (48%) had a 50% decrease in PSA level (95% confidence interval, CI, 34.1–61.8%). The median (95% CI) overall survival from docetaxel reintroduction was 16 (13–20) months. Re‐treatment was well tolerated (6% of grade 3–4 haemotoxicity).

CONCLUSION

Docetaxel reintroduction appears to be effective, with favourable tolerance profiles, in patients with mCRPC having responded to first‐line docetaxel, and should be prospectively assessed in clinical trials against alternative therapies or investigational agents given alone or in combination, to define further management.
Capital Flight Repatriation: Investigation of its Potential Gains for Sub‐Saharan African Countries*
Authors: Fofack Hippolyte , Ndikumana Léonce
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  Despite the substantial recent increase in capital flows to sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), the sub‐continent remains largely marginalized in financial globalization and chronically dependent on official development aid. The current debate on resource mobilization for development financing in Africa has overlooked the problem of capital flight, which constitutes an important untapped source of funds. This paper argues that repatriation of flight capital deserves more attention on economic as well as moral grounds. On the moral side, the argument is that a large proportion of the capital flight legitimately belongs to the African people and therefore must be restituted to the legitimate claimants. The economic argument is that repatriation of flight capital will contribute to propelling the sub‐continent on a higher sustainable growth path while preserving its financial stability and independence and without mortgaging the welfare of its future generations through external borrowing. The anticipated gains from capital repatriation are large. In particular, this paper estimates that if only a quarter of the stock of capital flight was repatriated to SSA, the sub‐continent would go from trailing to leading other developing regions in terms of domestic investment. The paper proposes some strategies for inducing capital flight repatriation, but cautions that the success of this program is contingent on a strong political will on the part of African and Western governments and effective coordination and cooperation at the global level.
Do International Remittances Affect Poverty in Africa?*
Authors: Anyanwu John C. , Erhijakpor Andrew E.O.
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  International remittances flowing into developing countries are attracting increasing attention because of their rising volume and their impact on recipient countries. This paper uses a panel data set on poverty and international remittances for African countries to examine the impact of international remittances on poverty reduction in 33 African countries over the period 1990–2005. We find that international remittances—defined as the share of remittances in country GDP—reduce the level, depth, and severity of poverty in Africa. But the size of the poverty reduction depends on how poverty is being measured. After instrumenting for the possible endogeneity of international remittances, we find that a 10 percent increase in official international remittances as a share of GDP leads to a 2.9 percent decline in the poverty headcount or the share of people living in poverty. Also, the more sensitive poverty measures—the poverty gap (poverty depth) and squared poverty gap (poverty severity)—suggest that international remittances will have a similar impact on poverty reduction. The point estimates for the poverty gap and squared poverty gap suggest that a 10 percent increase in the share of international remittances will lead to a 2.9 percent and 2.8 percent decline, respectively, in the depth and severity of poverty in African countries. Regardless of the measure of poverty used as the dependent variable, income inequality (Gini index) has a positive and significant coefficient, indicating that greater inequality is associated with higher poverty in African countries, much in conformity with the literature. Similar results were obtained for trade openness. In the same vein, per capita income has a negative and significant effect on each measure of poverty used in the study. Our results also show that inflation rates positively and significantly affect poverty incidence, depth and severity in Africa. In all three poverty measures, the dummy variable for sub‐Saharan Africa is strongly positive, and strongly negative for North Africa. The policy implications of these results are discussed.
Trade Intensity and Business Cycle Synchronicity in Africa
Authors: Tapsoba Sampawende Jules‐Armand
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  Business cycle synchronicity, which is the key requirement for sharing a common currency, is not particularly strong within the prospective African monetary unions. However, this parameter is not irrevocably fixed and may be endogeneous vis‐à‐vis the integration process. For example, trade may increase the similarity of economic disturbances. This paper tests such an effect among the 53 African countries from 1965 to 2004. The estimated results suggest that trade intensity increases the synchronization of business cycles in the African context. The magnitude of the ‘endogeneity effect’ is, however, smaller than similar estimates among industrial countries.