bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of performance feedback on tracheal suctioning knowledge and skills: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Day Tina , Iles Nicola , Griffiths Peter
Published: May 2009

Title.  Effect of performance feedback on tracheal suctioning knowledge and skills: randomized controlled trial.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to determine whether individualized performance feedback improved nurses’ and physiotherapists’ knowledge and practice of tracheal suctioning.

Background.  Nurses’ knowledge and practice of tracheal suctioning is often deficient. Whilst teaching has been shown to improve suctioning knowledge and practice, this is not sustained over time.

Method.  Ninety‐five qualified healthcare professionals (nurses and physiotherapists) in two acute hospitals were randomly allocated to receive either individualized performance feedback or no additional feedback after a standardized lecture and practical demonstration of tracheal suctioning. Randomization was stratified by profession, seniority and site. Data were collected in 2005 in a clinical setting involving patients and a simulation setting. The outcome measures were knowledge and practice of tracheal suctioning, assessed by self‐completion questionnaire and structured observation.

Results.  In both settings, intervention groups performed statistically significantly better in terms of knowledge (P = 0·014) and practice (P = 0·037) at final follow‐up. Those who received performance feedback had statistically significantly higher knowledge (P = 0·004) and practice (P < 0·01) scores than the control group. For practice, there was also a relationship between professions (P < 0·01), with physiotherapists performing better than nurses overall, and an interaction between group and setting (P < 0·01), with performance feedback showing a stronger positive effect in the simulation setting.

Conclusion.  Retention of knowledge and tracheal suctioning practice is improved when training is followed up by tailored feedback on performance. Further research would shed light on how long such improvements are sustained, and whether the improvements seen in a simulated setting can be generalized to clinical settings.
Quality of life in partners of people with congestive heart failure: gender and involvement in care
Authors: Luttik Marie Louise , Jaarsma Tiny , Lesman Ivonne , Sanderman Robbert , Hagedoorn Mariët
Published: May 2009

Title.  Quality of life in partners of people with congestive heart failure: gender and involvement in care.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to investigate quality of life in partners of people with congestive heart failure in comparison to individuals living with a healthy partner.

Background.  Congestive heart failure is a chronic debilitating disease with severe symptoms and complex treatment. The support of partners is essential in the management of congestive heart failure. Living with a chronic illness generally affects the quality of life of patients and their partners.

Method.  Data were collected using a cross‐sectional, comparative design between October 2002 and February 2005 with 303 partners of people with congestive heart failure. Reference data were collected in 304 age‐ and gender‐matched individuals living with a healthy partner, drawn from the general population. All respondents completed questionnaires at home on quality of life and general well‐being. Analysis of variance was used to analyse the data.

Findings.  Overall, differences in quality of life between partners of people with heart failure and matched controls were small. However, substantial variation in the quality of life of partners was found by exploring the role of gender and involvement in care. Quality of life scores varied strongly for male and female partners who had to perform caregiving tasks. The performance of these caregiving tasks was negatively associated with the quality of life of female partners but not with that of male partners.

Conclusion.  Female partners especially should not be overlooked when they become involved in personal care tasks. Nurses should not be reluctant to involve male partners in caring for women with heart failure.
Chinese Version of the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation: Instrument Development
Authors: Chang Hsiu‐Ju , Lin Chia‐Chin , Chou Kuei‐Ru , Ma Wei‐Fen , Yang Chyn‐Yng
Published: May 2009

Title.  Chinese Version of the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation: Instrument Development.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to develop a Chinese version of the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation Inventory and evaluate its psychometric properties.

Background.  Comprehensive assessment of suicidal behaviour in youths should incorporate both protective factors and risk factors.

Methods.  We recruited 2341 middle‐ and high‐school students for a longitudinal and prospective study, conducted between 2005 and 2007. To assess predictive validity, a convenience sample of 251 of the 2341 students was recruited 1 year later to follow‐up on suicide attempts during the preceding 2 weeks. To evaluate construct validity, a small convenience sample of 94 adolescent inpatients and outpatients was used as a comparison group. Instruments used included the Children’s Depression Inventory, the Self‐Control Schedule, and the Cognitive Triad for Children.

Results.  Cronbach’s α coefficients for the Chinese version of the positive and negative suicide ideation–negative suicide ideation and the Chinese version of the positive and negative suicide ideation–positive ideation were 0·94 and 0·86 respectively. Satisfactory test–retest reliability was evident. Convergent and divergent validities were demonstrated by statistically significant correlations among subscales and the other instruments used. Construct validity was evidenced by statistically significantly different scores on the subscales among the contrasted groups. Subscale scores in the first‐wave study statistically significantly predicted attempted suicide behaviour 1 year later, demonstrating evidence of predictive validity. Factor analysis showed a two‐factor structure.

Conclusion.  The Chinese Version of the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation Inventory may be a reliable and valid instrument to measure the severity of suicidal ideation in adolescents, subject to further research to test the generalizability of the present findings.
Retaining older nurses in primary care and the community
Authors: Storey Claire , Cheater Francine , Ford Jackie , Leese Brenda
Published: May 2009

Title.  Retaining older nurses in primary care and the community.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to examine issues associated with the impact of age on the retention of female primary and community care nurses in the National Health Service in England.

Background.  Little is known about why older nurses in the primary and community care workforce leave and what might encourage them to stay.

Methods.  A cross‐sectional survey using a semi‐structured postal questionnaire was carried out during 2005. Responses were received from 485 (61%) district nurses, health visitors, school nurses and practice nurses in five primary care trusts in England. Data were analysed to test for associations.

Results.  Older nurses were more likely than younger ones to report that their role had lived up to expectations (P = 0·001). Issues important for older nurses were feeling valued and being consulted when change was implemented. Important factors encouraging nurses to stay were pension considerations, reduced working hours near retirement, and reduced workload. For those with degree‐level qualifications, enhanced pay was a factor encouraging retention (P = 0·044). Nurses might leave in response to high administrative workloads, problems in combining work and family commitments (P ≤ 0·001), and lack of workplace support (P = 0·029). Retirement and pensions advice was not widely available.

Conclusion.  Since two‐thirds of nurses were generally happy in their role, it is important that the conditions necessary to maintain this level of satisfaction are continued throughout a nurse’s working life. Nurses may all too easily consider leaving prematurely unless policy makers and managers ensure that their working environment reflects the issues nurses consider to be conducive to retention.
Theoretical substruction: establishing links between theory and measurement of military women’s attitudes towards menstrual suppression during military operations
Authors: Trego Lori L.
Published: May 2009

Title.  Theoretical substruction: establishing links between theory and measurement of military women’s attitudes towards menstrual suppression during military operations.

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to establish a theoretical model for the exploration of the phenomenon of menstruation and women’s attitudes towards menstrual suppression during military operations.

Background.  In the emerging field of literature that explores menstruation among military women, there are indications that menstrual symptoms and hygiene are problematic under the circumstances of deployment to military operations. While menstrual suppression may be a solution to problems that women encounter with menstruation during deployment, there is little research exploring the phenomenon.

Data sources.  CINAHL and Medline were used to locate peer reviewed journal papers published from 1977 to 2007. International military reports were obtained through an internet search engine (Google™).

Discussion.  Issues that military women encounter surrounding menstruation during deployment are framed according to components of human ecology and social ecology theories, creating a theoretical model for the study of military women’s menstrual health. Theoretical substruction is then used to evaluate the proposed theoretical and operational systems for measuring military women’s attitudes during deployment. The process of theoretical substruction validates the model and the theoretical integrity of the proposed research on women’s attitudes towards suppression.

Conclusion.  A theory‐based model for women’s health under challenging environmental conditions will enhance the holistic consideration of women’s health issues by care providers. The theoretical model clearly explicates the phenomenon of menstruation during deployment and the theoretical and operational systems are soundly linked in the proposed measurement model of military women’s attitudes towards menstrual suppression.
Influences of context, process and individual differences on nurses’ readiness for change to Magnet status
Authors: Caldwell Steven D. , Roby‐Williams Cathy , Rush Kathy , Ricke‐Kiely Theresa
Published: May 2009

Title.  Influences of context, process and individual differences on nurses’ readiness for change to Magnet status.

Aim.  The aim of this study was to test hypotheses associated with a model which explains individuals’ readiness in early stages of a change.

Background.  In an effort to improve the quality of nursing care, hospitals in the United States of America seek to obtain Magnet recognition. While it is commonly known that Magnet hospitals provide higher quality patient care, little is known about the variability in nurses’ attitudes and behaviour within Magnet hospitals.

Method.  We collected data in 2006 from 310 Registered Nurses to investigate the factors that influence their willingness to embrace the changes necessary for the high levels of excellence accompanying Magnet status. Hierarchical linear modelling was used because the data were multi‐level.

Results.  Both change‐specific context, such as a culture of research exhibited by the manager, and formal education of the nurse moderated the positive influences of the organization’s procedural justice actions. Specifically, procedural justice was stronger when the nurse manager demonstrated a culture of research, and negative effects of low justice were mitigated when nurses had a higher level of formal education.

Conclusion.  Preparing managers beforehand to appreciate and adopt new behaviours associated with a forthcoming organizational change should enhance the success of change practices as new changes are initiated. Moreover, education that exposes employees to the pending realities of their industry, such as nursing research, can play an important role in the development of positive beliefs about changes facing their organizations.
Patient‐centred care and nurses’ health: the role of nurses’ caring orientation
Authors: Drach‐Zahavy Anat
Published: May 2009

Title.  Patient‐centred care and nurses’ health: the role of nurses’ caring orientation.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of the moderating effect of caring orientation on the relationship of patient‐centred care to nurses’ physical and mental health.

Background.  Providing effective patient‐centred care is well‐accepted as an important contributor to a host of patients’ health outcomes. Based on two theoretical perspectives – person–environment fit and emotional labour – I suggest that providing patient‐centred care per se does not potentially harm nurses’ health; the cause is the fit (or non‐fit) of a nurse’s caring orientation and the displayed patient‐centred care behaviours.

Method.  Data were collected in 2007 with a random sample of 325 registered nurses working in the Israeli public healthcare sector in in‐patient units. Caring orientation, health and control variables were measured via validated questionnaires. Patient‐centred care behaviours were assessed by structured observations.

Results.  The mental health of nurses who exhibited high caring orientation combined with high patient‐centred care, or that of nurses who exhibited low caring orientation combined with low patient‐centred care, was statistically significantly higher in comparison with the mental health of nurses who exhibited incongruent (low/high or high/low) caring orientation and patient‐centred care behaviours. For nurses’ physical health, the findings revealed that providing patient‐centred care was associated with worsened health, and possessing a caring orientation was associated with better health.

Conclusions.  The findings support the hypotheses that were derived from person–environment fit and emotional labour only with regard to mental health. Separate theory needs to be developed on how to maintain nurses’ physical health.
Prosthodontic rehabilitation of hypophosphatasia using dental implants: a review of the literature and two case reports
Authors: LYNCH C. D. , ZIADA H. M. , BUCKLEY L. A. , O’SULLIVAN V. R. , AHERNE T. , AHERNE S.
Published: May 2009

Summary  There are reports in the literature of the various dental features of hypophosphatasia, especially where it affects the deciduous dentition. The descriptions include both the manifestations of the disorder and the subsequent patterns of tooth loss. There are fewer descriptions of the effects of hypophosphatasia on the permanent dentition and little information on the subsequent prosthodontic management of these patients, particularly in relation to the use of dental implants. The aim of this paper was to review the literature on the dental effects of hypophosphatasia, present two cases and describe how one of those patients, a young adult, was successfully rehabilitated using dental implants. That latter patient’s pattern of tooth loss as well as some histological and scanning electron microscopic findings of root cementum from the other case is also described.
Comparative phylogeography of tenebrionid beetles in the Aegean archipelago: the effect of dispersal ability and habitat preference
Authors: PAPADOPOULOU ANNA , ANASTASIOU IOANNIS , KESKIN BEKIR , VOGLER ALFRIED P.
Published: May 2009

Comparative phylogeographical studies in island archipelagos can reveal lineage‐specific differential responses to the geological and climatic history. We analysed patterns of genetic diversity in six codistributed lineages of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) in the central Aegean archipelago which differ in wing development and habitat preferences. A total of 600 specimens from 30 islands and eight adjacent mainland regions were sequenced for mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and nuclear Muscular protein 20. Individual gene genealogies were assessed for the presence of groups that obey an independent coalescent process using a mixed Yule coalescent model. The six focal taxa differed greatly in the number of coalescent groups and depth of lineage subdivision, which was closely mirrored by the degree of geographical structuring. The most severe subdivision at both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA level was found in flightless lineages associated with presumed stable compact‐soil habitats (phrygana, maquis), in contrast to sand‐obligate lineages inhabiting ephemeral coastal areas that displayed greater homogeneity across the archipelago. A winged lineage, although associated with stable habitats, showed no significant phylogenetic or geographical structuring. Patterns of nucleotide diversity and local genetic differentiation, as measured using ΦST and hierarchical amova, were consistent with high levels of ongoing gene flow in the winged taxon; frequent local extinction and island recolonisation for flightless sand‐obligate taxa; and very low gene flow and geographical structure largely defined by the palaeogeographical history of the region in flightless compact‐soil taxa. These results show that differences in dispersal rate, mediated by habitat persistence, greatly influence the levels of phylogeographical subdivision in lineages that are otherwise subjected to the same geological events and palaeoclimatic changes.
Species‐level phylogeographical history of Myricaria plants in the mountain ranges of western China and the origin of M. laxiflora in the Three Gorges mountain region
Authors: LIU YIFEI , WANG YONG , HUANG HONGWEN
Published: May 2009

Myricaria species in China occur mostly in the major high‐altitude mountain areas in and around the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. The one major exception to this is M. laxiflora which is restricted to the Three Gorges mountain region. In this study, we investigate species‐level phylogeographical patterns of Myricaria species in western China and the origin of M. laxiflora. The results show that most chloroplast haplotypes are species‐specific, except for one haplotype which is shared by three widespread species. Higher haplotype diversity within the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau region supports the hypothesis that the Himalayas are the centre of origin for Myricaria. The phylogeny of Myricaria was geographically structured, and an estimated Bayesian chronology suggested the main divergence events occurred during the Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene (~1.46–2.30 million years ago). The overall phylogeographical pattern was characterized by vicariance events and regional demographical expansion, reflecting a major influence of geological and climatic events on the evolution of Myricaria species. Our data suggest that M. laxiflora has an ancient origin, but has experienced recent population expansion through the Three Gorges Valley. The origin of M. laxiflora was estimated to be during the Early Pleistocene but its demographical expansion was more recent at about 0.015 million years ago. This highlights the unique phylogeographical history of the Three Gorges mountain region, and the deep imprint of the watercourse connections of the Yangtze River Valley on the phylogeographical structure of the species in this region.
Supercooling point plasticity during cold storage in the freeze‐tolerant sugarbeet root maggot Tetanops myopaeformis
Authors: RINEHART JOSEPH P. , YOCUM GEORGE D. , CHIRUMAMILLA‐CHAPARA ANITHA , BOETEL MARK A.
Published: May 2009

Abstract The sugarbeet root maggot Tetanops myopaeformis (Röder) overwinters as a freeze‐tolerant third‐instar larva. Although most larvae are considered to overwinter for only 1 year, some may exhibit prolonged diapause in the field. In the laboratory, they can live for over 5 years using a combination of diapause and post‐diapause quiescence. In the present study, the cold survival strategies of these larvae during storage is investigated by measuring their supercooling points in combination with survival data. Supercooling points (SCPs) change significantly during storage, highlighted by a marked increase in the range of SCPs recorded, although the ability to tolerate freezing is not affected. Additionally, a freezing event ‘re‐focuses’ the SCPs of aged larvae to levels similar to those seen at diapause initiation. This change in SCPs is dependant not only on the initial freezing event, but also on the parameters of the incubation period between freezing events. Finally, the temperatures of larval overwintering microhabitats are monitored during the 2007–2008 boreal winter. The results indicate that, although overwintering larva are physiologically freeze‐tolerant, they may essentially be freeze avoidant during overwintering via microhabitat selection.
SOS1: a new player in the Noonan‐like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome
Authors: Hanna N , Parfait B , Talaat IM , Vidaud M , Elsedfy HH
Published: May 2009

Noonan‐like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome is a rare condition with phenotypic overlap with Noonan syndrome (NS) and cherubism. PTPN11 gene mutations were described in several individuals with this phenotype, and it is recently considered as a variant phenotype of NS. Gain‐of‐function mutations in the SOS1 gene were recently described as the second major cause of NS. Here, we report for the first time the involvement of SOS1 gene in a family with the Noonan‐like/multiple giant cell lesion phenotype.
Novel and recurrent germline LEMD3 mutations causing Buschke–Ollendorff syndrome and osteopoikilosis but not isolated melorheostosis
Authors: Zhang Y , Castori M , Ferranti G , Paradisi M , Wordsworth BP
Published: May 2009

Mutations in the LEMD3 gene were recently incriminated in Buschke–Ollendorff syndrome (BOS) and osteopoikilosis, with or without melorheostosis. The relationship of this gene with isolated sporadic melorheostosis is less clear. We investigated LEMD3 in a two‐generation BOS family showing an extremely variable expression of the disease, in a sporadic patient with skin features of BOS, and in an additional subject with isolated melorheostosis. We identified two different mutations, both resulting in a premature stop codon, in the two cases of BOS. The mutation (c.2564G>A) reported in the familial case is novel, while that observed in the sporadic case (c.1963C>T) has been previously reported in an American woman with osteopoikilosis and melorheostosis who had a family history of isolated osteopoikilosis. The search for mutations in DNA extracted from the peripheral blood, as well as skin and bone biopsies of the patient with melorheostosis failed to identify any pathogenic change. Our results further expand the LEMD3 mutation repertoire, corroborate the extreme interfamilial and intrafamilial clinical variability of LEMD3 mutations, and underline the lack of a clear phenotype–genotype correlation in BOS. The present study supports the general conclusion that LEMD3 mutations do not contribute to isolated sporadic melorheostosis. The genetic or epigenetic influences that are responsible for the development of melorheostosis require further investigation.
A founder TMIE mutation is a frequent cause of hearing loss in southeastern Anatolia
Authors: Sırmacı A , Öztürkmen‐Akay H , Erbek S , İncesulu A , Duman D , Taşır‐Yılmaz S , Özdağ H , Tekin M
Published: May 2009

Using Affymetrix 10K arrays, we searched for regions of homozygosity in 51 Turkish families including at least three members with either congenital or prelingual autosomal recessive non‐syndromic sensorineural hearing loss (ARNSSNHL), and identified four families whose deafness mapped to the DFNB6 locus on 3p21 containing the TMIE gene. Mutation analysis revealed the p.R84W mutation in all four families. Screening of this mutation in 254 families with ARNSSNHL, without GJB2 mutations, revealed four additional affected families. A novel mutation was found in a non‐complementary marriage between a deaf couple who were homozygous for p.R84W and p.W57X, respectively with two affected children who were compound heterozygotes. Six of the TMIE families originated from southeastern Anatolia, making p.R84W a common cause of hearing loss in that region with a relative frequency of 10.3% (95% CI is 2.5–18.1%). The overall prevalence of the p.R84W mutation in ARNSSNHL in Turkey is 2.4% (95% CI is 0.7–4.0%). Genotyping of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms flanking the TMIE gene revealed a conserved haplotype, suggesting a single origin for p.R84W from a common ancestor 1250 years ago (95% CI is 650–2500 years). We conclude that p.R84W could be a common mutation in other Middle Eastern populations and should be included in mutation screening offered to individuals with ARNSSNHL.
Long‐term outcomes of cytomegalovirus infection and disease after lung or heart–lung transplantation with a delayed ganciclovir regimen
Authors: Thomas Lora D. , Milstone Aaron P. , Miller Geraldine G. , Loyd James E. , Stephen Dummer J.
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Background:  Information is limited on long‐term outcomes after preemptive use of ganciclovir to control cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in lung transplantation.

Methods:  We studied 78 lung recipients who received antithymocyte globulin induction from 1994 to 2000. All patients received six months of oral acyclovir (800 mg TID). This was interrupted three wk post transplantation for a two‐wk course of IV ganciclovir. Additional courses of ganciclovir were administered based on serial virological monitoring. CMV‐mismatched patients (R−D+) also received four doses of CMV immunoglobulin between weeks 2 and 8.

Results:  The one yr cumulative risk of CMV disease was 2% (1/61) in CMV seropositive (R+) patients, but was 37% (6/17) in R−D+ patients (p < 0.0001). Over 4.3 yr of follow‐up, patients with CMV infection developed more chronic graft dysfunction caused by bronchiolitis obliterans or bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome than patients without CMV infection (p = 0.012). This effect was also apparent in the subgroup of R+ recipients (p = 0.043). Acute rejection and overall survival were not associated with CMV infection.

Conclusions:  The use of prophylactic acyclovir and short preemptive courses of ganciclovir effectively controlled CMV disease in R+ patients, but was a relative failure in R−D+ patients. CMV infection was significantly associated with chronic graft dysfunction, even in R+ recipients who had good control of CMV symptoms.
Pre‐transplant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with a lower recurrence after liver transplantation
Authors: Lao Oliver B. , Weissman Jennifer , Perkins James D.
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Background:  Hepatic transplantation has been advocated as an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We seek to determine if pre‐transplant therapies can reduce post‐transplant recurrence.

Methods:  We conducted a retrospective review of prospective data in patients undergoing transplantation for HCC 2001–2006. Patients were followed for recurrence every six months with abdominal computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Logistic regression analyzed recipient factors such as prior treatment for HCC, donor, operative, and tumor factors in comparing patients developing HCC recurrence with those without recurrence.

Results:  During the study period, we performed 124 hepatic transplants for HCC [age: 55 ± 7.6 yr; 104 (85%) male, 81 (66%) white, and 32 (26%) Asian]. Recurrence was found in nine at a mean of 2.6 yr follow‐up. Thirty‐three patients (27%) had pre‐transplant treatment (radiofrequency ablation, transarterial chemoembolization or percutaneous ethanol injection). Univariable logistic regression identified nine factors [body mass index, Asian race, hepatitis B, prior HCC therapy, alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score, bilirubin, and international normalized ratio] predictive of HCC recurrence at a level of p < 0.1. Multiple logistic regression analysis of six of the nine selected factors demonstrated AFP level >1000, calculated pre‐transplant MELD score <14, and the lack of any pre‐transplant treatment were significantly associated with recurrence of HCC. No patient with prior HCC therapy had recurrence.

Conclusions:  In patients with HCC awaiting hepatic transplantation, there is a reduced rate of recurrence of HCC if tumors are pre‐treated with liver‐directed therapy. By treating HCC tumors with any type of treatment prior to transplant, we can significantly reduce the odds of HCC recurrence after transplant.
The CD3Z 844 T>A polymorphism within the 3′‐UTR of CD3Z confers increased risk of incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Warchoł T. , Piotrowski P. , Lianeri M. , Cieślak D. , Wudarski M. , Hrycaj P. , Łącki J. K , Jagodziński P. P.
Published: May 2009

Recently, a family‐based association analysis showed that the haplotype carrying a low expression of the variant CD3Z 844 T>A (rs1052231) polymorphism located in the 3′‐untranslated region of CD3Z predisposes to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) incidence. We analyzed the prevalence of the CD3Z 844 T>A polymorphism in SLE patients (n = 152) and controls (n = 304) in Poland. We observed that women with the CD3Z AA and CD3Z AT genotypes exhibited a 1.845‐fold increased risk of SLE [95% confidence intervals (95% CI) = 1.222–2.787, P = 0.0038]. However, we did not find an increased risk for the homozygous CD3Z AA genotype (odds ratio = 1.204, 95% CI = 0.2838–5.108, P = 1.0000). This observation confers that genetic factors causing a decreased level of CD3‐ζ in T cells may predispose to SLE incidence.
A haplotype HLA‐A*3201 – B*0702 – Cw*07 with a new HLA‐C allelic variant closely related to HLA‐Cw*0702 found in a Caucasian patient suffering from leukaemia
Authors: Brixner V. , Martin H. , Seidl C. , Seifried E.
Published: May 2009

The novel allele human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐Cw*0746 differs from HLA‐Cw*070101 by three nucleotide exchanges at codons 45 and 66 in exon 2 and at codon 99 in exon 3.
Identification of the novel allele HLA‐DRB1*150205 by polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐based typing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Zhu F.‐M. , Zhang W. , He J. , Yan L.‐X.
Published: May 2009

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DRB1*150205 shows one nucleotide difference from HLA‐DRB1*150201 at position 357 in exon 2 from A to G and does not result in an amino acid changes.
Sequence of a novel HLA‐A2 allele in a haematopoietic stem cell donor of the international registry
Authors: Kervaire B. , Schmidt A. H. , Villard J. , Tiercy J.‐M.
Published: May 2009

We report here the sequence of a new human leucocyte antigen‐A2 allele, A*9251, identified in a volunteer haematopoietic stem cell donor of the international registry. A*9251 differs from A*02010101 by two nucleotides at codons 113–114, resulting in a single His>Asp substitution at codon 114.
Study of the effects of salicylic acid on soybean mitochondrial lipids and respiratory properties using the alternative oxidase as a stress‐reporter protein
Authors: Matos Ana Rita , Mendes Ana Teresa , Scotti‐Campos Paula , Arrabaça João Daniel
Published: May 2009

Biotic and abiotic stresses can lead to modifications in the lipid composition of cell membranes. Although mitochondria appear to be implicated in stress responses, little is known about the membrane lipid changes that occur in these organelles in plants. Besides cytochromecoxidase, plant mitochondria have an alternative oxidase (AOX) that accepts electrons directly from ubiquinol, dissipating energy as heat. AOX upregulation occurs under a variety of stresses and its induction by salicylic acid (SA) has been observed in different plant species. AOX was also suggested to be used as a functional marker for cell reprogramming under stress. In the present study, we have used etiolated soybean (Glycine max(L.) Merr. cv Cresir) seedlings to study the effects of SA treatment on the lipid composition and the respiratory properties of hypocotyl mitochondria. AOX expression was studied in detail, as a reporter protein, to evaluate whether modifications in mitochondrial energy metabolism were occurring. In mitochondria extracted from SA‐treated seedlings, AOX capacity and protein contents increased. BothAOX1andAOX2btranscripts accumulated in response to SA, but with different kinetics. A reduction in external NADH oxidation capacity was observed, whereas succinate respiration remained unchanged. The phospholipid composition of mitochondria remained similar in control and SA‐treated plants, but a reduction in the relative amount of linolenic acid was observed in phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and cardiolipin. The possible causes of the fatty acid modifications observed, and the implications for mitochondrial metabolism are discussed.
Small‐scale spatial dynamics of vegetation in a grazed Uruguayan grassland
Authors: TEXEIRA MARCOS , ALTESOR ALICE
Published: May 2009

We explored the small‐scale plant species mobility in a subhumid native grassland subjected to grazing by cattle in south‐western Uruguay. We established four permanent plots of 40 × 40 cm, divided in 16 × 16 cells. In each cell, the presence of species was seasonally recorded for 2 years and annually recorded for 4 years. By nesting the cells, we studied the mobility at different scales, from 6.25 cm2 to 400 cm2. At each scale we measured species richness, cumulative richness and the turnover rates of the dominant species. We found that the cumulative species richness was an increasing power function, with higher accumulation rates with smaller spatial scale. Although species richness showed seasonal fluctuations, the mean species richness was constant during the study period. We detected significant spatio‐temporal variability in mobility patterns among species. Certain species showed a high capacity to colonize new sites, whereas other species rotate among sites that they previously occupied. Grazed communities in Uruguayan Campos are structured as a dense matrix of perennials grasses and forbs, where vegetative propagation is the main form of growth of the species. The small‐scale dynamics and the high variability in the mobility characteristics could be linked with the diversity of growth forms and spatial strategies of the species in this community. We believe that a high degree of small‐scale spatial dynamics contribute to explain the species coexistence and the apparent stability of communities at local scales.
Invasion by Rattus rattus into native coastal forests of south‐eastern Australia: are native small mammals at risk?
Authors: STOKES VICKI L. , BANKS PETER B. , PECH ROGER P. , WILLIAMS RICHARD L.
Published: May 2009

The black rat, Rattus rattus, is an alien rodent in Australian ecosystems where niche overlap with native small mammals may lead to competition for resources and displacement of native species. In coastal habitats surrounding Jervis Bay in south‐eastern Australia, R. rattus co‐occurs with the native bush rat, Rattus fuscipes, and brown antechinus, Antechinus stuartii. Relative distributions and abundances, and fine‐scale space use suggest invasive and native rodents compete for use of space and habitat. Such competitive interactions were not evident between R. rattus and native A. stuartii, which was negatively influenced more by disturbance to habitat. Differences in rodent communities between spatially separate forests forming the northern and southern peninsulas of Jervis Bay potentially reflect symmetrical competition and differences in competitive outcomes. In southern forests, R. rattus was largely restricted to patches of disturbed forest associated with campgrounds. Competitive interference by native rodent populations inhabiting surrounding intact forests may have so far limited R. rattus colonization of these areas. In northern forests, R. rattus was the predominant rodent irrespective of disturbance, while populations of R. fuscipes were unusually low seemingly due to poor juvenile recruitment. Native individuals avoided areas frequented by adult R. rattus and given that species did not partition use of microhabitats, R. rattus most likely precluded R. fuscipes from suitable habitat and in doing so limited native populations. We discuss how natural disturbance of habitat and human activity have potentially facilitated successful invasion by R. rattus of the northern forests. Studies that manipulate rodent populations are required to support these interpretations of observed patterns.
Densities of polychaetes in habitat fragments depend on the surrounding matrix but not the complexity of the remaining fragment
Authors: COLE VICTORIA J.
Published: May 2009

Biogenically engineered habitats are constantly changing in space and time, resulting in changes to the landscape and the ecology of associated taxa. Using patchily distributed biogenic habitats on intertidal rocky shores the influences of different aspects of the landscape were investigated, that is, the surrounding matrix and the habitat itself. Experiments to test the effect of the matrix were carried out by transplanting assemblages in artificial habitats from one type of biogenically engineered matrix (created by the tubeworm Galeolaria caespitosa) to another (created by the oyster Saccostrea glomerata). Change to the surrounding matrix resulted in the densities of polychaete worms in central fragments of habitat changing to become more similar to their new surroundings. To test how the habitat influenced predator–prey interactions, polychaetes were transplanted from a complex habitat (created by the turfing alga Corallina officinalis) to less complex habitat (created by the tubeworm G. caespitosa), with or without the presence of the predatory polychaete, Perinereis amblyodonta. This experiment also tested the influence of habitat replacement on densities of polychaetes, regardless of any new interactions between species. Despite coralline turf being a much more complex habitat than Galeolaria, P. amblyodonta successfully preyed on other species of polychaetes in both habitats. Furthermore, in the absence of P. amblyodonta, survival of polychaetes did not differ between the habitats. These types of experiments will be useful for testing similar hypotheses in different landscapes and will assist in gaining a more general understanding of habitat modification.
Occasional intraguild predation structuring small mammal assemblages: the marsupial Didelphis aurita in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil
Authors: MOURA MAÍRA C. , VIEIRA MARCUS V. , CERQUEIRA RUI
Published: May 2009

The didelphid marsupial, Didelphis aurita, is suggested as an intraguild predator and as key‐species in small mammal assemblages of the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The field experiments required to test this hypothesis are complex to implement, but the recent revival of regression methods offers a viable alternative. Here we use the dynamic and static regression methods to determine the importance of D. aurita as a competitor and intraguild predator. Capture–recapture data from two localities in the Rio de Janeiro State were used, Garrafão (municipality of Guapimirim), a coastal forest of the Serra do Mar, and Barra de Maricá, a costal sand dune vegetation. Population and microhabitat variables were monitored from April 1997 to April 2003 in Garrafão, and from January 1986 to July 1990 in Barra de Maricá. Microhabitat variables were related to Canopy, Plant, Litter and Rock covers, Obstruction from 0 to 1.5 m, and Number of logs. Exploitation competition was tested by the dynamic method, which models the effects of D. aurita on the per capita growth rate of a species. Interference by predation or competition was tested by the static method, where the abundance of D. aurita at trap stations was regressed against the abundance of other small mammals, after removal of any variation associated with microhabitat factors. Exploitation competition was not detected, but the interference of D. aurita was pervasive, affecting all small mammals studied in the two localities. The clear avoidance of D. aurita by all small mammals tested in two localities of different physiognomies indicates that it functions as an intraguild predator, even if actual predation by D. aurita is an occasional event.
Do virus‐resistant plants pose a threat to non‐target ecosystems? I. Evidence from an Australian pathosystem based on glasshouse challenge experiments
Authors: GODFREE ROBERT C. , WOODS MATTHEW J. , LOPEZ‐LAVALLE AUGUSTO BECERRA , BROADHURST LINDA M. , THRALL PETER H. , YOUNG ANDREW G.
Published: May 2009

One key environmental risk associated with the release of novel disease‐resistant plants is the potential for non‐target host populations to acquire resistance genes and undergo enemy release, leading to damage to associated native plant populations in high conservation‐value ecosystems. Unfortunately, the dynamics of most natural pathosystems are poorly understood, and risk assessment of disease‐resistant plants remains a challenge. Here we describe the first stage of a multi‐tiered risk assessment strategy aimed at quantifying potential ecological release in a model pathosystem (the weedy pasture species Trifolium repens infected with Clover yellow vein virus; ClYVV) in order to assess the level of risk posed by genetically modified and conventionally bred disease‐resistant host genotypes to non‐target plant communities in south‐eastern Australia. Glasshouse inoculation and growth experiments using 14 ClYVV isolates and 20 wild T. repens lines collected from high conservation‐value montane grassland and woodland communities show that viral infection reduces the survival and growth of host plants by on average 10–50%. However, T. repens lines exhibited variable levels of resistance and tolerance to virus infection and ClYVV isolates differed in infectivity and aggressiveness, with grassland isolates having a greater pathogenic effect on associated host plants than woodland isolates. We conclude that ClYVV potentially plays an important role in limiting the size of T. repens populations in some at‐risk non‐target ecosystems and that second‐tier field experiments are required to adequately quantify the risk associated with the commercial release of V‐R T. repens genotypes in Australia.
Ecohydrological effects of grazing‐induced degradation in the Patagonian Monte, Argentina
Authors: BISIGATO ALEJANDRO JORGE , LAPHITZ RITA MARÍA LOPEZ
Published: May 2009

Water‐limited ecosystems have undergone rapid change as a consequence of changing land use and climate. The consequences of these changes on soil quality and vegetation dynamics have been documented in different regions of the world. In contrast, their effects on soil water, the most limiting resource in these environments, have received less attention, although in recent years increasing efforts have been made to relate grazing, soil water and vegetation functioning. In this paper, we present the results of field observations of plant phenology and soil water content carried out during two successive years at four sites along a degradation gradient caused by grazing in the Patagonian Monte, Argentina. We also developed a simplified soil water balance model to evaluate how changes in plant cover could affect water balance. Our field observations showed that the soil water content in the soil layer where roots of grasses are abundant (0–25 cm) was higher and the growing cycles were longer in degraded than in preserved sites. Similarly, our modelling approach showed that the deep soil (depth > 10 cm) was wetter in the degraded than in the preserved situation. Simulation also suggested a switch from transpiration to a direct evaporation dominance of water losses with degradation. Although reductions in plant cover related to grazing degradation were associated with a decrease in annual transpiration, the simulated soil water loss by transpiration was higher during summer in the degraded than in the well preserved situation. Thus, our field observations seem to be a consequence of ecohydrological changes causing an accumulation of water in the soil profile during the cold season and its transpiration during summer. In conclusion, our results showed that changes in plant cover caused by grazing disturbance can alter the soil water balance, which in turn can affect vegetation function.
Associations between vascular calcification, arterial stiffness and bone mineral density in chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Aoki Akiko , Kojima Fumiko , Uchida Keiko , Tanaka Yoshiko , Nitta Kosaku
Published: May 2009

Aim:  The aim of our study was to examine the associations between vascular calcification, arterial stiffness and bone mineral density (BMD) in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods:  The study subjects were 83 (70 men and 13 women) HD patients. All patients had computed tomography (CT) to determine aortic calcification index (ACI), pulse wave velocity (PWV) using a volume‐plethysmographic apparatus, and BMD estimated by digital image processing (DIP).

Results:  Patients, 84.3% male, 38.6% diabetic, had a mean age of 59.3 ± 11.2 years. In univariate linear regression analysis, ACI correlated positively with age (r = 0.586, P < 0.0001), dialysis vintage (r = 0.47, P = 0.002), pulse pressure (r = 0.311, P = 0.004), C‐reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.226, P = 0.0397) and PWV (r = 0.422, P < 0.0001). There was no significant association between ACI and serum markers of mineral metabolism. There was also a positive association between PWV and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.0004) or pulse pressure (P < 0.0001), and a trend towards greater PWV with increasing age (r = 0.494). In multivariate regression analysis only increasing age, pulse pressure, serum levels of albumin and CRP were significantly associated with ACI and PWV. Mean BMD on DIP was 2.7 ± 0.4 mmAL. ACI was inversely correlated with BMD (r = −0.234, P = 0.0331).

Conclusions:  Vascular calcification is closely associated with arterial stiffness in HD patients. BMD is inversely correlated with ACI, suggesting that measurement of hand BMD by DIP is a useful tool for assessment of renal bone disease in these patients.
The functions of sleep
Authors: Franken Paul , Kopp Caroline , Landolt Hans‐Peter , Lüthi Anita
Published: May 2009

Here we report on The Satellite Symposium on Sleep Function that was held in Lausanne during 6th FENS forum and brought together neuroscientists from basic and clinical sleep research. We illustrate the principal questions that arose during this interdisciplinary gathering and introduce the contents of nine review articles on aspects of sleep that are contained in this Special Issue of the European Journal of Neuroscience.
Nine decades of decreasing phenotypic variability in Atlantic cod
Authors: Olsen Esben Moland , Carlson Stephanie M. , Gjøsæter Jakob , Stenseth Nils Chr.
Published: May 2009

Changes in phenotypic variability in natural populations have received little attention in comparison with changes in mean trait values. This is unfortunate because trait diversity may influence adaptive evolutionary change and population stability. We combine two unique data sets to illuminate complex trait changes in Atlantic cod along the Norwegian Skagerrak coast: (i) an annual beach seine survey starting in 1919, monitoring juvenile body size and abundance and (ii) capture–mark–recapture data from which we estimated selection on juvenile body size and growth. We demonstrate that the variability of juvenile size has been steadily decreasing across nine decades, with no evidence for a similar trend in mean size. We also report that small, slow‐growing fish as well as large, fast‐growing fish are selected against. Together, these results suggest long‐term stabilizing selection acting on Atlantic cod, and emphasize the need for further studies evaluating the full complexity of trait changes in wild populations.