bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BRITISH DIVISION OF THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF PATHOLOGY
Authors: Underwood J C E , Howat A J , Shepherd N A , Francis N , Harris C
Published: September 2009

Congress Secretariat:
Eurocongres, Jan vanGoyenkade 11, 1075 HP Amsterdam. Tel: +31 20 679 3411; Fax: +31 20 673 7306; e‐mail: iap2002@eurocongres.com http://www.iap2002.com

1–4 July 2003 Joint Meeting with the Pathological Society of GB & Ireland. Bristol, UK

28‐‐29 November 2003 Symposium on Lymphoreticular Disease. London, UK
Transgenic virus resistance in cultivated squash affects pollinator behaviour
Authors: Prendeville Holly R. , Pilson Diana
Published: September 2009

1. Two ecological risks associated with the use of transgenic crops are transgene movement into wild populations and effects on non‐target organisms, such as pollinators. Despite the importance of pollinators, and their contribution to the global food supply, little is known about how they are affected by transgenic crops. Pollinator preferences affect plant mating patterns; thus understanding the effects of transgenic crops on pollinators will aid in understanding transgene movement.

2. Honey bee and squash bee visit number and duration were recorded on conventional and transgenic virus‐resistant squash Cucurbita pepo planted in a randomized block design. Floral characters were measured to explain differences in pollinator behaviour. The effect of Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus infection on pollinator behaviour was also examined.

3. Honey bees visited female conventional flowers more than female transgenic flowers. Conventional flowers were generally larger with more nectar than transgenic flowers, although floral traits did not account for differences in pollinator visitation.

4. Squash bees visited male transgenic flowers more than male conventional flowers; squash bees also spent more time in female transgenic flowers than in female conventional flowers. Transgenic flowers were significantly larger with greater amounts of sweeter nectar and they were present in greater number. Floral traits accounted for some of the variation in pollinator visitation.

5. Squash bee visit number and duration did not differ between virus‐infected and healthy plants, but this may be because pollinator behaviour was observed early in the virus infection.

6. Synthesis and applications. Pollinator behaviour controls patterns of plant mating thus non‐target effects of transgenic resistance, such as those observed here, may influence transgene movement into wild populations. These results suggest that transgenic crops should not be planted within the native range of wild relatives because pleiotropic effects may affect crop‐wild hybridization and transgene introgression into wild populations.
Beginning an action research project to investigate the feasibility of a midwife‐led normal birthing unit in China
Authors: Mander Rosemary , Cheung Ngai Fen , Wang Xiaoli , Fu Wei , Zhu Junghong
Published: September 2009

Aim.  To explore issues arising during preliminary stages of a research project in order to consider the feasibility of a midwife‐led normal birthing unit in mainland China.

Background.  Midwife‐led normal birthing units, as a route to ensuring normality, have become a feature of western maternity care, but are unknown in China.

Design.  Action research, using a qualitative descriptive approach, was performed. Data were collected at meetings, by non‐participant observation and by face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews. Observation was undertaken in the midwife‐led normal birthing unit and a standard care setting. Data analysis was by thematic analysis using constant comparison techniques.

Methods.  In the labour ward of a large general hospital in a major city, stakeholders included midwifery staff, managers, university staff and researchers. Childbearing women proved keen to use this service, but were unable to participate in the planning. The midwife‐led normal birthing unit sought to provide one‐to‐one care in labour and support by a birth companion. Routine interventions were to be avoided.

Results.  The midwives in the midwife‐led normal birthing unit created a more suitable environment for supportive care. The midwives demonstrated high‐quality communication skills. The woman’s choice of position/mobility was limited. Difficulties with staffing were identified.

Conclusions.  The preliminary findings suggest that continuation of the project is feasible. The woman’s role demonstrates passivity. The perception of staff shortage has serious implications.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This action research project suggests that a study of a midwife‐led normal birthing unit in China is feasible, with some attention to staffing issues.
Parents’ experiences of a Family Support Program when a parent has incurable cancer
Authors: Bugge Kari E , Helseth Solvi , Darbyshire Philip
Published: September 2009

Aims and objectives.  The Family Support Program was created to support children and parenting when one of the parents has incurable cancer. We chose a family‐based approach to support parent’s coping and to help families pull together, identify strengths in the family and learn how to seek help.

Background.  Cancer is usually a new experience for young families. In most cases, parents do not have the necessary knowledge about their children’s need for information and support about their parent’s serious illness and impending death.

Design.  A qualitative evaluation study based on data collected through in‐depth interviews focusing on parent’s experiences with the Family Support Program.

Methods.  Participants were patients with incurable cancer and their partners and ex‐partners with children aged between 5–18 years. Thirteen parents were in‐depth interviewed.

Results.  Parents described how the Family Support Program helped them gain greater insight into their children’s thoughts and reactions and into how the situation affected their daily living. Parents reported that conflicts were reduced, they could talk more openly about the situation in the family and that they were shown how to support their children’s coping.

Conclusion.  The Family Support Program met the parents in the study’s needs for more information and support about how to cope with their children during the patient’s terminal illness.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The Family Support Program is described in detail in a manual that makes it easy for other health workers to use the same programme. The Family Support program was in use in outpatient clinics, oncology wards and palliative care units and was provided both from nurses and social workers trained in cancer care. Parent’s in the study would like the Family Support Program to be available to all patients who receive the poor prognosis that their cancer cannot be cured.
Factorial structure of the Chinese version of the 12‐item General Health Questionnaire in adolescents
Authors: Li William HC , Chung Joyce OK , Chui Maureen ML , Chan Polly SL
Published: September 2009

Aims. To evaluate the underlying factor structure of the Chinese version of General Health Questionnaire‐12 using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in Chinese adolescents and find out which factor model proposed by previous empirical research is the best‐fit model.

Background. The 12‐item General Health Questionnaire has been extensively used with adolescents in the West. Yet, it has not been used with adolescents in a Hong Kong Chinese context.

Design. A cross‐sectional study was employed.

Method. Chinese students between the ages of 12–19 from four secondary schools were invited to participate in the study using the multiple‐stage stratified random sampling method during the period from December 2007–February, 2008. The total sample size included in the final analysed was 1883.

Results. The General Health Questionnaire‐12 was found to be internally consistent. The results of exploratory factor analysis showed that there are two factors underlying the General Health Questionnaire‐12. Of nine factor models were tested by means of confirmatory factor analysis, only three factor model: the eight‐item two‐factor model, 12‐item three‐factor model and 10‐item two‐factor model, demonstrated good model fit across all model fit indices.

Conclusion. This study addressed a gap in the literature by evaluating the factorial structure of the Chinese version of General Health Questionnaire‐12 using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in Chinese adolescents. The findings revealed that the eight‐item two‐factor model is the best‐fit model.

Relevance to clinical practice. The adolescent mental health problem is alarming and aggravating and warrants special attention. It is essential for community nurses to differentiate psychological distress in adolescents and to identify those adolescents who are at a higher risk of suffering from mental health problems. The availability of a valid and reliable instrument that measures adolescents’ psychological distress is crucial before any nursing interventions to promote their mental health can be appropriately planned, implemented and evaluated.
Reexamination of ultra‐thin nipple shield use, infant growth and maternal satisfaction
Authors: Chertok Ilana RA
Published: September 2009

Aims and objectives.  The primary objective of the multi‐site, international study was to examine trends in weight gain for term infants breastfed with and without ultra‐thin silicone nipple shields to determine the effect of nipple shield use on infant weight gain over two months. Additionally, the study examined maternal satisfaction with nipple shield use using a structured survey.

Background.  The nipple shield may facilitate successful breastfeeding outcomes when indicated. There has been question regarding infant weight gain with nipple shield use. A published pilot study using within‐subject design indicated no significant difference in infant test weights and maternal prolactin levels when breastfeeding with and without nipple shields. The current study builds and expands upon the pilot study.

Design.  Prospective, multi‐site, non‐randomised, between‐subject study.

Method.  Maternal‐infant dyads (n = 54) who used a nipple shield for breastfeeding were studied.

Results.  Results demonstrate no statistically significant difference in infant weight gain at two weeks, one month and two months between infants who breastfed with and infants who breastfed without a nipple shield. A majority (89·8%) of the women reported a positive experience with nipple shield use and 67·3% of the women reported that the nipple shield helped prevent breastfeeding termination.

Conclusion.  Infant weight gain was similar in maternal‐infant dyads using nipple shields for two months compared to those not using the shields. Maternal positive report of nipple shield use lends to the clinical importance of nipple shield use when appropriately indicated.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nipple shield use may facilitate breastfeeding when clinically indicated in maternal‐infant dyads without risk of decreased infant weight gain.
Impact of some isoenergetic snacks on satiety and next meal intake in healthy adults
Authors: Almiron‐Roig E. , Grathwohl D. , Green H. , Erkner A.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Choosing small portions especially of low energy foods is a standard recommendation for weight management. However, this can result in rapid return of hunger or an increase in the next meal size. Enhancing the satiating capacities of low energy foods may help to overcome these effects. The present study compared the satiating properties of small servings of four low energy foods [465 kJ (111 kcal)] including a drinking yogurt enhanced for satiety.

Methods:  Thirty volunteers attended the laboratory to consume isoenergetic preloads of: a fibre‐enriched drinking yogurt, a regular drinking yogurt, plain crackers, fresh banana; or an isovolumetric serving of water. Satiety was analysed using visual analogue scales, before and every 15 min after consumption for 60 min, when ad libitum food intake was measured.

Results:  The yogurts and the banana were more satiating than water and crackers (P < 0.001 for yogurts and banana versus crackers and water). Only the fibre‐enriched yogurt produced higher satiety scores than crackers at 60 min (P < 0.05). Mean ± SD consumption at next meal was: fibre‐enriched yogurt 2050 ± 787 kJ (490 ± 188 kcal); regular yogurt 2071 ± 575 kJ (495 ± 137 kcal); bananas 2178 ± 603 kJ (520 ± 144 kcal); crackers 2232 ± 590 kJ (533 ± 141 kcal); water 2519 ± 741 kJ (602 ± 177 kcal); (yogurts versus water: P = 0.001; bananas versus water: P = 0.013; crackers versus water: P = 0.064), demonstrating accurate energy compensation for the yogurts only.

Conclusions:  Although there were no significant differences between the different foods’ satiating capacity, a trend for the following ranking was found: fibre‐enriched yogurt > regular yogurt > banana > crackers > water. Overall, the fibre‐enriched drinking yogurt tended to be more satiating than the other foods.
Frequent consumption of certain fast foods may be associated with an enhanced preference for salt taste
Authors: Kim G. H. , Lee H. M.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Excessive exposure to high‐salt foods may change the taste perception, which results in the overconsumption of sodium. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of liking or frequent eating of high‐salt food on salt taste perception among schoolchildren.

Methods:  The detection threshold of sodium chloride (NaCl) and the preferred salinity of beansprout soup were determined and were used to represent the salt taste acuity and preference, respectively, of 70 Koreans aged 12–13 years. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding food preferences or frequency of eating certain high‐salt Korean dishes, Westernised fast foods and commercially‐prepared foods, as well as various food groups. The significance of differences in taste perceptions was assessed in relation to the reported liking, and frequency of eating, high‐salt foods. In addition, the correlation between taste perception and the liking or frequency of eating fast foods was also assessed.

Results:  The participants who reported a liking for soup/stew had significantly higher thresholds for NaCl (P = 0.029), and frequent users of fast‐food restaurants showed a preference for significantly saltier soup (P = 0.010). The preferred salinity was associated significantly with a high preference for pizza (r = 0.282, P = 0.018) or hamburgers (r = 0.305, P = 0.010) and the frequent consumption of pork cutlets (r = 0.239, P = 0.046) or hamburgers (r = 0.461, P = 0.010).

Conclusions:  The results obtained in the present study suggest that the frequent consumption of certain fast foods by young teenagers may be associated with an increased preference for salt taste. This study provides basic information for use in devising education programmes in evidence‐based nutrition to reduce salt intake.
Daily Rhythms of Spike Coding in the Rat Supraoptic Nucleus
Authors: Bhumbra G. S. , Lombardelli S. , Gonzalez J. A. , Parsy K. S. , Dyball R. E. J.
Published: September 2009

Novel measures of coding based on interspike intervals were used to characterise the rhythms of single unit activity in the supraoptic nucleus during the day/night cycle in urethane‐anaesthetised rats in vivo. Both continuously firing and phasic cells showed significant (P < 0.001) diurnal rhythms of spike frequency and in the irregularity of firing, as quantified by the log interval entropy (ENT). Comparison of rhythms in log interval ENT showed that the amplitude of the rhythms was greater for the continuously firing cells than for the phasic cells (P = 0.002). Rhythms persisted after hypertonic stimulation or pinealectomy and both treatments reduced the amplitude significantly only for the continuously firing cell group. By contrast, the mesor (i.e. mid‐point of the rhythm) was reduced only for the phasic cell group. A similar analysis applied to the activity of cells of the suprachiasmatic nucleus showed that, after pinealectomy, there was a significant rhythm in ENT (P < 0.001) but not firing rate; however, the amplitude of the rhythm in ENT was attenuated (P = 0.047). Diurnal changes in the electrical activity of supraoptic cells are consistent with previously reported circadian changes in magnocellular neuropeptide release. Differences between continuous and phasic cell groups in the effects of osmotic stimulation on rhythmic activity indicate that the two cell types differ in their coding of osmolality and zeitgeber time information. The different effects of pinealectomy on the supraoptic and suprachiasmatic nuclei suggest that removal of endogenous melatonin unmasks a difference in circadian coding between the two nuclei.
Community psychiatric nursing in the Netherlands: a survey of a thriving but threatened profession
Authors: KOEKKOEK B. , VAN MEIJEL B. , SCHENE A. , HUTSCHEMAEKERS G.
Published: September 2009

Accessible summary

Community psychiatric nursing is a widespread nursing differentiation across the world.

In spite of their large numbers, Dutch community psychiatric nurses (CPNs) have contributed little to the literature.

Community psychiatric nursing has developed within the typical Dutch system of strictly separated hospital‐based and community‐based psychiatric care.

The autonomous position of CPNs is challenged by increasing evidence‐based practice and specialization in both nursing and mental health care.

An increased focus on research and evidence‐based practice is necessary to maintain the merits of the community‐based psychiatric nursing approach.

The aim of this paper is to describe and analyse the Dutch community psychiatric nursing profession. In spite of their large numbers, estimated at 2900, Dutch community psychiatric nurses (CPNs) have contributed little to the international literature. The history of the profession reveals a relatively isolated development, resulting in few connections with nursing and mental healthcare research. Because of various developments in these fields, CPNs appear under threat. A survey design was used to administer a 43‐item electronic questionnaire, which yielded a response rate of 40%. The Dutch CPN has a mean age of 48 years, works about 32 h per week and has over 20 years of nursing experience. The Dutch CPN has a caseload of 48 patients, often participates in clinical intervision and hardly works according to evidence‐based methods. Dutch community psychiatric nursing is, paradoxically, both thriving and threatened. CPNs seek to maintain a model that pays attention to both social needs and explanations, and to psychiatric diagnoses. This broad orientation may be considered essential to nursing. However, it is also a huge drawback as CPNs have not succeeded to clearly articulate what their profession adds to the care and treatment of psychiatric patients.
Contribution of AmyA, an extracellular α‐glucan degrading enzyme, to group A streptococcal host–pathogen interaction
Authors: Shelburne III Samuel A. , Keith David B. , Davenport Michael T. , Beres Stephen B. , Carroll Ronan K. , Musser James M.
Published: September 2009

α‐Glucans such as starch and glycogen are abundant in the human oropharynx, the main site of group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection. However, the role in pathogenesis of GAS extracellular α‐glucan binding and degrading enzymes is unknown. The serotype M1 GAS genome encodes two extracellular proteins putatively involved in α‐glucan binding and degradation; pulA encodes a cell wall anchored pullulanase and amyA encodes a freely secreted putative cyclomaltodextrin α‐glucanotransferase. Genetic inactivation of amyA, but not pulA, abolished GAS α‐glucan degradation. The ΔamyA strain had a slower rate of translocation across human pharyngeal epithelial cells. Consistent with this finding, the ΔamyA strain was less virulent following mouse mucosal challenge. Recombinant AmyA degraded α‐glucans into β‐cyclomaltodextrins that reduced pharyngeal cell transepithelial resistance, providing a physiologic explanation for the observed transepithelial migration phenotype. Higher amyA transcript levels were present in serotype M1 GAS strains causing invasive infection compared with strains causing pharyngitis. GAS proliferation in a defined α‐glucan‐containing medium was dependent on the presence of human salivary α‐amylase. These data delineate the molecular mechanisms by which α‐glucan degradation contributes to GAS host–pathogen interaction, including how GAS uses human salivary α‐amylase for its own metabolic benefit.
Platelet‐specific alloantigens and antibodies in Tunisian women after three or more pregnancies
Authors: Skouri H. , Gandouz R. , Kraiem I. , Dridi H. , Bibi M. , Khairi H. , Jemmali M. , Bierling P.
Published: September 2009

summary.

Pregnancy may allow alloimmunization against human platelet antigens (HPA), which can lead to neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT). The specificities of alloantibodies are closely related to the distribution of the HPA systems. A total of 281 Tunisian multiparous women (mean number of pregnancies: 4.5) were phenotyped for the HPA‐1, ‐3 and ‐5 systems, by monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA). We searched for antibodies against HPA‐1a, HPA‐3a, HPA‐5b and HPA‐5a in HPA‐1b1b, HPA‐3b3b, HPA‐5a5a and HPA‐5b5b individuals, respectively. The gene frequencies were: 0·83 for HPA‐1a, 0·17 for HPA‐1b, 0·78 for HPA‐3a, 0·22 for HPA‐3b, 0·82 for HPA‐5a and 0·18 for HPA‐5b. Anti‐HPA‐5b antibodies were present in eight sera and anti‐HPA‐3a antibodies were present in one serum. The anti‐HPA‐5b system is the most frequently involved in platelet alloimmunization in Tunisian multiparous women. However, prospective trials are required to confirm this result and to determine the exact frequencies and clinical relevance of platelet alloantibodies in pregnant Tunisian women.
Frequency of Val1016Ile mutation in the voltage‐gated sodium channel gene of Aedes aegypti Brazilian populations
Authors: Martins Ademir Jesus , Lima José Bento Pereira , Peixoto Alexandre Afranio , Valle Denise
Published: September 2009

One of the major insect pyrethroid resistance mechanisms affects its target site, the voltage‐gated sodium channel (Nav). In Aedes aegypti, the Val1016Ile substitution of the AaNav gene is associated to resistance in several Latin American countries. Genotyping of susceptible and resistant mosquitoes from seven Brazilian localities detected the 1016Ile mutation in five populations with a higher frequency of this substitution in resistant specimens in all cases. Furthermore, analysis of nine additional field populations revealed that five also presented the 1016Ile mutation. Our data suggest a recent dissemination and involvement of this substitution with pyrethroid resistance in Brazil.
Underdiagnosis of acute rheumatic fever in primary care settings in a developing country
Authors: Parks Tom , Kado Joseph , Colquhoun Samantha , Carapetis Jonathan , Steer Andrew
Published: September 2009

Objectives  To determine the incidence rate, characterize the clinical features and assess the diagnostic evaluation of children presenting with features of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) at two clinics in a region of Fiji where rheumatic heart disease is known to be endemic.

Methods  We reviewed 5 years (2003–2008) of primary care records from 15 841 patients aged 4–20 years using a pre‐determined case definition for ARF; and we reviewed detailed clinical data from 944 cases with features of possible ARF.

Results  The crude incidence of first episodes of definite ARF in this setting among patients aged 4–20 years was 24.9 per 100 000 person‐years. Joint involvement suggestive of a potential first presentation of ARF but not sufficient for a definite retrospective diagnosis was documented in a further 94 records. There were another 514 cases of joint involvement less suggestive of ARF and 316 cases of unexplained fever with no evidence of localized infection. Patients presenting with potential features of ARF seldom had a diagnostic evaluation sufficient to exclude its diagnosis.

Conclusions  The incidence of ARF at these clinics is nearly twice that reported in a local hospital‐based study, but it is likely to under‐represent the actual number of cases presenting to primary care. There is a need for better surveillance for ARF and to develop simple and practical approaches to diagnosing ARF in primary care in low‐resource settings.
Analysis of waiting times on Irish renal transplant list
Authors: Phelan P.J. , O’Kelly P. , O’Neill D. , Little D. , Hickey D. , Keogan M. , Walshe J. , Magee C. , Conlon P.J.
Published: September 2009

Phelan PJ, O’Kelly P, O’Neill D, Little D, Hickey D, Keogan M, Walshe J, Magee C, Conlon PJ. Analysis of waiting times on Irish renal transplant list. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 381–385. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Introduction:  A number of recipient variables have been identified which influence waiting list times for a renal allograft. The aim of this study was to evaluate these factors in the Irish population.

Methods:  We examined patients accepted onto the transplant list from January 1, 2000 until December 31, 2005. Inclusion criteria were adults listed for kidney only, deceased donor transplants. We included patients previously transplanted. Patients were censored, but still included in the analysis, if they died while on the list, permanently withdrew from the list or if they were not transplanted at the time of the study.

Results:  There were a total of 984 patients accepted onto the waiting list during the study period, of which 745 of these were transplanted. Factors significantly associated with longer waiting times included age above 50 yr, blood group O and high peak panel reactive antibodies level. Gender and patient body mass index were not associated with longer waiting times.

Conclusion:  We have identified factors associated with a longer waiting time on the Irish cadaveric renal transplant list. This information can help our patients make informed decisions regarding likely waiting times and the merits of living related transplantation.
From kissing to belly stridulation: comparative analysis reveals surprising diversity, rapid evolution, and much homoplasy in the mating behaviour of 27 species of sepsid flies (Diptera: Sepsidae)
Authors: PUNIAMOORTHY N. , ISMAIL M. R. B. , TAN D. S. H. , MEIER R.
Published: September 2009

Our understanding of how fast mating behaviour evolves in insects is rather poor due to a lack of comparative studies among insect groups for which phylogenetic relationships are known. Here, we present a detailed study of the mating behaviour of 27 species of Sepsidae (Diptera) for which a well‐resolved and supported phylogeny is available. We demonstrate that mating behaviour is extremely diverse in sepsids with each species having its own mating profile. We define 32 behavioural characters and document them with video clips. Based on sister species comparisons, we provide several examples where mating behaviour evolves faster than all sexually dimorphic morphological traits. Mapping the behaviours onto the molecular tree reveals much homoplasy, comparable to that observed for third positions of mitochondrial protein‐encoding genes. A partitioned Bremer support (PBS) analysis reveals conflict between the molecular and behavioural data, but behavioural characters have higher PBS values per parsimony‐informative character than DNA sequence characters.
Manifold aspects of specificity in a nematode–bacterium mutualism
Authors: Chapuis É. , Emelianoff V. , Paulmier V. , Le Brun N. , Pagès S. , Sicard M. , Ferdy J.‐B.
Published: September 2009

Coevolution in mutualistic symbiosis can yield, because the interacting partners share common interests, to coadaptation: hosts perform better when associated with symbionts of their own locality than with others coming from more distant places. However, as the two partners of a symbiosis might also experience conflicts over part of their life cycle, coadaptation might not occur for all life‐history traits. We investigated this issue in symbiotic systems where nematodes (Steinernema) and bacteria (Xenorhabdus) reproduce in insects they have both contributed to kill. Newborn infective juveniles (IJs) that carry bacteria in their intestine then disperse from the insect cadaver in search of a new host to infect. We ran experiments where nematodes coinfect insects with bacteria that differ from their native symbiont. In both Steinernema carpocapsae/Xenorhabdus nematophila and Steinernema feltiae/Xenorhabdus bovienii symbioses, we detected an overall specificity which favours the hypothesis of a fine‐tuned co‐adaptation process. However, we also found that the life‐history traits involved in specificity strongly differ between the two model systems: when associated with strains that differ too much from their native symbionts, S. carpocapsae has low parasitic success, whereas S. feltiae has low survival in dispersal stage.
Pattern, process and geographic modes of speciation
Authors: FITZPATRICK B. M. , FORDYCE J. A. , GAVRILETS S.
Published: September 2009

The tradition of classifying cases of speciation into discrete geographic categories (allopatric, parapatric and sympatric) fuelled decades of fruitful research and debate. Not surprisingly, as the science has become more sophisticated, this simplistic taxonomy has become increasingly obsolete. Geographic patterns are now reasonably well understood. Sister species are rarely sympatric, implying that sympatric speciation, it its most general sense, is rare. However, sympatric speciation, even in its most restricted population genetic sense, is possible. Several case studies have demonstrated that divergence has occurred in nature without geographic barriers to gene flow. Obviously, different sets of criteria for sympatric speciation will lead to different numbers of qualifying cases. But changing the rules of nomenclature to make ‘sympatric speciation’ more or less common does not constitute scientific progress. Advances in the study of speciation have come from studies of the processes that constrain or promote divergence, and how they are affected by geography.
Ascites and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: An Asian perspective
Authors: Lee Jung Min , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Ahn Sang Hoon
Published: September 2009

Ascites is the most common complication of liver cirrhosis, and it develops as a consequence of portal hypertension and splanchnic vasodilatation. Depending on severity, management of ascites consists of diverse strategy, including dietary sodium restriction, diuretic therapy, repeated large‐volume paracentesis with albumin infusion, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and liver transplantation. Recently, advances in medical therapy have been made with satavaptan, a V2 receptor antagonist, vasoconstrictors, such as clonidine, midodrine, or terlipressin, and other categories of drugs, including docarpamine and Chinese herbs. These drugs may serve as useful adjuncts to conventional diuretics in the management of ascites. Besides ascites itself, serious complications, such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and hepatorenal syndrome, frequently ensue in decompensated cirrhosis. SBP develops from the translocation of bacteria from the intestine, and successful management with early diagnosis and treatment with proper prevention in patients of high risk is necessary. In summary, ascites is a starting point for more serious complications in liver cirrhosis. Although liver transplantation is the fundamental treatment, it is not always feasible, and consequently various means of treatment should be used. Further study, particularly in Asia where hepatitis B virus‐related cirrhosis is predominant, is warranted to improve the clinical outcome.
Spatial density‐dependent parasitism and specificity in the robber flyMallophora ruficauda(Diptera: Asilidae)
Authors: CASTELO MARCELA K. , CORLEY JUAN C.
Published: September 2009

The density‐dependence in parasitism by the robber flyMallophora ruficauda(Diptera: Asilidae) on scarab beetle larvae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) populations was studied in the present research.Mallophora ruficaudais a pestiferous species common in the open grasslands of the Pampas region of South America. Adults are predators of insects and larvae are solitary parasitoids of third instar larvae of several species of scarab beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). In contrast with most studied host‐parasitoid interactions, host searching byM. ruficaudais carried out by both larvae and adults. Typically, robber fly females lay eggs on tall grasses from where larvae drop to the ground, and attack hosts which are buried in the soil. We carried out our study at two spatial scales close to 14 apiaries located in the provinces of Buenos Aires and Entre Ríos (Argentina). We found that parasitism is density‐independent at the larger spatial scale and inversely density‐dependent at the smaller one. We also found thatM. ruficaudaselectsCyclocephala signaticollisamong several scarab beetle species. Specificity is observed both at large and small spatial scales. We discuss the implications of both host specificity and host searching behaviour on the observed parasitism patterns.
Bottom‐up effects on a plant‐endophage‐parasitoid system: The role of flower‐head size and chemistry
Authors: DIAS ANDRÉ T. C. , TRIGO JOSÉ ROBERTO , LEWINSOHN THOMAS M.
Published: September 2009

The effects of water and nutrient addition on a trophic chain were studied in a plant‐endophage‐parasitoid system comprised of insects associated with flower heads of Chromolaena squalida (Asteraceae). Nine species of endophages associated with C. squalida flower heads were found, belonging to two families of Diptera – Tephritidae (Cecidochares sp1, Cecidochares sp2, Xanthaciura biocellata, X. chrysura, X. sp. and Neomyopites sp.) and Agromyzidae (Melanagromyza sp.), and two families of Coleoptera – Apionidae (Apion sp.) and Anthicidae (Anthicidae sp.). A factorial field experiment with water and nutrient addition showed that resource availability can affect the developmental process of flower heads. Fertilization increased flower‐head diameter and nitrogen and alkaloid concentrations. Although nutrient availability affected the size and chemistry of flower heads, endophage species did not respond consistently to the experimental treatments. This is contrary to other studies where endophages showed preference for larger flower heads. Thus, the plant vigour hypothesis was not corroborated for our study system. Our results also showed that coupled responses of plants to resource availability (i.e. tissue nutritional quality and investment in growth of the structure that serves as shelter for endophages) can represent distinct kinds of indirect interactions with opposing effects on the herbivore‐parasitoid interaction.
Vulnerability of an Australian anuran tadpole assemblage to the toxic eggs of the invasive cane toad (Bufo marinus)
Authors: CROSSLAND MICHAEL R. , SHINE RICHARD
Published: September 2009

The invasion of cane toads (Bufo marinus) across tropical Australia has fatally poisoned many native predators; the most frequent victims may be tadpoles of native frogs, which die when they consume the toxic eggs of the toads. Field studies have documented high and species‐specific mortality of tadpoles following toad spawning. To clarify the determinants of tadpole vulnerability, we conducted 1593 laboratory trials in which single tadpoles were exposed to 10 toad eggs, either with or without an alternative food source (lettuce). At least some tadpoles within all 15 species tested consumed toad eggs. Interspecific variance in survival rates (from 0 to >70%) was driven by feeding responses not by physiological tolerance to toxins: almost all native tadpoles that consumed eggs died rapidly. Tadpole mortality was decreased by the presence of an alternative food source in four species, increased in two species, and not affected in seven species. In three of four taxa where we tested both small (early‐stage) and large (late‐stage) tadpoles, both mean survival rates and the effects of alternative food on survival shifted with tadpole body size. Trials with one species (Limnodynastes convexiusculus) showed no significant inter‐clutch variation in feeding responses or tolerance to toxins. Overall, our data show that cane toad eggs are highly toxic to native anuran tadpoles, but that whether or not a tadpole is killed by encountering toad eggs depends upon a complex interaction between the native anuran's species, its body size, and whether or not alternative food was present. In nature, larval vulnerability also depends upon the seasonal timing and location of spawning events, and habitat selection and foraging patterns of the tadpoles. Our results highlight the complexity of vulnerability determinants, and identify ecological factors (rather than physiology or feeding behaviour) as the primary determinants of cane toad impact on native tadpoles.
A qualitative exploration of communication within the community mental health team
Authors: Donnison Jenny , Thompson Andrew R. , Turpin Graham
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  This qualitative study sought to explore conceptual models employed by community mental health team (CMHT) staff in the care of their clients and how CMHT clinicians communicated with one another, particularly in relation to complex clinical work. The qualitative method of interpretive phenomenological analysis was used, and semistructured in‐depth interviews with seven UK CMHT clinicians were conducted and analyzed. Four themes were evident in the data and showed that clinicians face complex and competing demands and draw on a range of therapeutic models in their work. It was also clear that much discussion centred primarily on pragmatic issues and lacked conceptual depth. The results underline the complex and challenging nature of CMHT work and suggest that a more systematic approach to interdisciplinary training within teams could be beneficial in increasing clinicians' knowledge, skills, and their understanding of the conceptual models used across different disciplines.
Caregiver experience in mental illness: A perspective from a rural community in South Africa
Authors: Mavundla Thandisizwe R. , Toth Ferenc , Mphelane Makua L.
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT: After the democratization of South Africa in 1994, the health‐care system was reorganized in accordance with the primary health‐care philosophy advocated by the World Health Organization. This was accompanied by a process of deinstitutionalization of mental health‐care services, which has led families to become the main providers of care to individuals with mental illness. This study explores the experiences of informal family caregivers of persons with mental illness in a rural area in South Africa. Data were collected through eight individual semistructured interviews of informal caregivers who cared for relatives with mental illness and collect medications monthly at a community clinic in the Makhuduthamaga local municipality in Limpopo, South Africa. A qualitative research design was used, which was explorative, descriptive, and contextual. The data analysis revealed four major themes: (i) experiences of providing for physiological/physical needs; (ii) experiences of providing for emotional needs; (iii) experiences of providing for security needs; and (iv) experiences associated with the medical health‐care programme. The study revealed that the experiences of family caregivers were conceptualized negatively, although the interview questions were intentionally neutral. This is believed to be due to the cultural explanatory models of mental illness prevalent in this region of South Africa. It is suggested that to increase compliance with medication, reduce relapse, and mitigate stigma associated mental illness, medical professionals need to incorporate aspects of cultural explanatory models into their explanations of the causes of illness.
Regulation of kinesin light chain 1 level correlates with the development of morphine reward in the mouse brain
Authors: Bilecki Wiktor , Wawrzczak‐Bargiela Agnieszka , Przewłocki Ryszard
Published: September 2009

Persistent changes that take place during the development of opioid addiction are thought to be due to reorganization of synaptic connections in relevant brain circuits. This neuronal plasticity requires trafficking of signaling molecules that are controlled by kinesins. In neurons, kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1) acts as the primary regulator of kinesin action. We observed that KLC1 was enriched in sub‐cortical regions of the brain in C57Bl/6J mice. KLC1 expression was especially enriched in the striatum, hippocampus and amygdala, which are known to be involved in opioid addiction. Our study revealed that conditioning of C57Bl/6J mice with morphine elevated KLC1 levels in the amygdala, frontal cortex and hippocampus, but not in the striatum. Further study revealed that alterations in KLC1 protein levels in the studied brain regions correlated with the expression of morphine‐induced conditioned place preference. In the cortex, hippocampus and amygdala, KLC1 co‐localized with calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), suggesting that KLC1 was present in the cell bodies and dendrites of pyramidal neurons. Our findings indicate that KLC1, a molecule involved in dendritic and axonal transport in the brain, is affected during chronic morphine treatment and may be involved in the development of opioid addiction.
Neuroanatomical correlates of impaired decision‐making and facial emotion recognition in early Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ibarretxe‐Bilbao Naroa , Junque Carme , Tolosa Eduardo , Marti Maria‐Jose , Valldeoriola Francesc , Bargallo Nuria , Zarei Mojtaba
Published: September 2009

Decision‐making and recognition of emotions are often impaired in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the amygdala are critical structures subserving these functions. This study was designed to test whether there are any structural changes in these areas that might explain the impairment of decision‐making and recognition of facial emotions in early PD. We used the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and the Ekman 60 faces test which are sensitive to the integrity of OFC and amygdala dysfunctions in 24 early PD patients and 24 controls. High‐resolution structural magnetic resonance images (MRI) were also obtained. Group analysis using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) showed significant and corrected (P < 0.05 FEW‐small volume correction) gray matter (GM) loss in the right amygdala and bilaterally in the OFC in PD patients. Volumetric analyses were also performed but did not yield significant differences between groups. Left lateral GM volume in OFC showed a slight correlation with the IGT, and bilateral OFC GM was strongly correlated with Ekman test performance in PD patients. We conclude that: (i) impairment in decision‐making and recognition of facial emotions occurs at the early stages of PD, (ii) these neuropsychological deficits are accompanied by degeneration of OFC and amygdala, and (iii) bilateral OFC reductions are associated with impaired recognition of emotions, and GM volume loss in left lateral OFC is related to decision‐making impairment in PD.
Activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors enhances a slow calcium‐dependent potassium conductance and reduces the firing of stratum oriens interneurons
Authors: Griguoli Marilena , Scuri Rossana , Ragozzino Davide , Cherubini Enrico
Published: September 2009

A large variety of distinct locally connected GABAergic cells are present in the hippocampus. By releasing GABA into principal cells and interneurons, they exert a powerful control on neuronal excitability and are responsible for network oscillations crucial for information processing in the brain. Here, whole‐cell patch clamp recordings in current and voltage clamp mode were used to study the functional role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on the firing properties of stratum oriens interneurons in hippocampal slices from transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein in a subpopulation of GABAergic cells containing somatostatin (GIN mice). Unexpectedly, activation of nAChRs by nicotine or endogenously released acetylcholine strongly enhanced spike frequency adaptation. This effect was blocked by apamin, suggesting the involvement of small calcium‐dependent potassium channels (SK channels). Nicotine‐induced reduction in firing frequency was dependent on intracellular calcium rise through calcium‐permeable nAChRs and voltage‐dependent calcium channels activated by the depolarizing action of nicotine. Calcium imaging experiments directly showed that nicotine effects on firing rate were correlated with large increases in intracellular calcium. Furthermore, blocking ryanodine receptors with ryanodine or sarcoplasmic–endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase with thapsygargin or cyclopiazonic acid fully prevented the effects of nicotine, suggesting that mobilization of calcium from the internal stores contributed to the observed effects. By regulating cell firing, cholinergic signalling through nAChRs would be instrumental for fine‐tuning the output of stratum oriens interneurons and correlated activity at the network level.
A delay in radical nephroureterectomy can lead to upstaging
Authors: Waldert Matthias , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Raman Jay D. , Remzi Mesut , Isbarn Hendrik , Lotan Yair , Capitanio Umberto , Bensalah Karim , Marberger Michael J. , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between the delay from diagnosis of upper‐tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) to radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), and the pathological features and outcomes, as the decision to proceed to RNU for an individual patient is complex.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The records of 187 patients who had RNU were reviewed; the interval from diagnosis to RNU was analysed as both a continuous (months) and categorical variable (<3 vs ≥3 months). Logistic regression and survival analyses were used to evaluate the association between time from diagnosis to RNU with pathological characteristics and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The median time from diagnosis to RNU was 45 days (interquartile range 68). A delay from diagnosis to RNU analysed as a continuous variable was associated with advanced stage, higher grade, previous endoscopic procedure, tumour necrosis, infiltrative tumour architecture, and lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.034), but not disease recurrence or cancer‐specific mortality. In the subgroup of patients (90, 48.1%) who had muscle‐invasive disease (≥pT2) a longer delay from diagnosis to RNU as a continuous variable was associated with advanced stage (P = 0.030), higher grade (P = 0.014), infiltrative tumour architecture (P = 0.044), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.034), disease recurrence (P = 0.02), and cancer‐specific mortality (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that a delay in the interval from diagnosis to RNU is associated with more advanced disease stage. These findings might have important implications for trial design in the ongoing evaluation of neoadjuvant regimens. Timely consideration of definitive treatment for patients with high‐risk UTUC is of high importance. Further studies are necessary to validate these hypothesis‐generating findings.